I Tried 10 “Unkillable” Houseplants to See Which Ones I Could Actually Keep Alive (Worst to Best)
My quest for a green thumb started with a so-called “unkillable” fern, which shriveled and died if I so much as looked at it funny; it was the worst, a true drama queen. The most surprisingly successful plant, the undisputed champion of my neglect, was the snake plant. I watered it maybe once a month and it not only survived, it thrived, sprouting new leaves like it was a professional. It was less like a plant and more like a piece of living sculpture, proving that the best roommate is often the one who asks for nothing.
Ranking the Most Overrated and Useful Smart Home Gadgets (Worst to Best)
My smart home experiment had some real duds. The most overrated and useless gadget was a smart refrigerator that could tell me the weather but not if I was out of milk; it was like a butler who could only tell jokes. The most useful and game-changing gadget, however, was a simple set of smart plugs. The peace of mind from being able to check from my office that I’d turned off my hair straightener was priceless. It was a small, cheap device that solved a real, anxiety-inducing problem, making it the quiet hero of my smart home.
I Assembled Furniture From IKEA, Wayfair, and Amazon: My Frustration Ranked (Worst to Best)
My flat-pack furniture journey was a trial by Allen key. The absolute worst was a cheap desk from Amazon, with instructions in broken English and a bag of screws that were all the wrong size; it was like a puzzle with missing pieces and a guide written in another language. The undisputed champion was IKEA. With its wordless, picture-perfect instructions and perfectly sorted hardware, the assembly process was a smooth, logical, and almost meditative experience. It proved that good design isn’t just about how a thing looks, but how it makes you feel while building it.
Ranking the Best and Worst DIY Home Improvement Projects for Beginners (Worst to Best)
My DIY adventures taught me some hard lessons. The absolute worst project for a beginner is anything involving plumbing. My attempt to change a faucet resulted in a geyser in my kitchen and a panicked call to a professional. It was a humbling and expensive disaster. The best, most rewarding, and foolproof DIY project, however, was painting a single accent wall. For a small cost and a few hours of work, it completely transformed the entire room, providing a massive, confidence-boosting impact with almost zero risk. It’s the perfect first step into the world of DIY.
I Compared 5 Different Cordless Vacuums on Pet Hair and Battery Life (Worst to Best)
My battle against pet hair had a clear winner. The worst cordless vacuum was a weak, flimsy machine whose battery died in ten minutes and choked on a single tuft of fur; it was like trying to fight a blizzard with a dustpan. The best vacuum, however, was a true game-changer. With its powerful suction and a battery that lasted for my whole apartment, it made the mountains of pet hair vanish. It wasn’t just a cleaning tool; it was a magic wand that brought a sense of calm and order back to my fur-covered life.
Ranking the Most Common and Costly Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (Worst to Best)
Buying my first home was a learning experience. The most common and costly mistake anyone can make is falling in love with a house and waiving the inspection to win a bidding war. This is like marrying someone without ever having a real conversation; you might discover catastrophic problems later. The best and most important decision I made was getting pre-approved for a loan before I started looking. This gave me a realistic, iron-clad budget, turning me from a hopeful dreamer into a serious, confident buyer who knew exactly what I could afford.
I Tried 10 Different “Viral” Cleaning Hacks From Social Media: The Failures Ranked (Worst to Best)
My viral cleaning hack experiment was a messy one. The worst and most spectacular fail was the hack that suggested cleaning a burnt pan by boiling a popular soda in it; this just created a sticky, caramelized nightmare that was even harder to clean. The absolute best and most magical hack, however, was using a simple squeegee to remove pet hair from my carpets and rugs. The sheer amount of embedded fur it pulled up was both horrifying and deeply satisfying, proving that the most effective solutions are often the simplest and most unexpected.
Ranking the Best and Worst Paint Brands for Coverage and Durability (Worst to Best)
My painting projects have taught me that not all paint is created equal. The worst brand was a cheap, big-box store paint that was thin and watery, requiring four agonizing coats to cover a simple beige wall; it was like trying to paint with skim milk. The best paint, a premium brand, was thick, rich, and creamy. It covered a dark blue wall in a single, beautiful coat, saving me hours of work and a ton of frustration. It proved that paying a little more upfront for quality paint is the best investment you can make.
I Tried to Grow Vegetables in My Backyard for a Season: The Harvest Ranked (Worst to Best)
My first vegetable garden was a story of triumph and tragedy. The worst and most heartbreaking failure was my battle with squash bugs, which turned my beautiful zucchini plants into a withered graveyard overnight. The absolute best and most joyful success, however, was my single cherry tomato plant. It grew into a massive, unruly beast that produced an endless supply of the sweetest, most delicious tomatoes I have ever tasted. The simple act of picking a sun-warmed tomato off the vine and eating it right there was a moment of pure, summery magic.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Pests (and How to Get Rid of Them) (Worst to Best)
My home has been invaded by many annoying pests. The absolute worst and most maddening are the tiny fruit flies that appear out of nowhere and multiply into an unstoppable cloud. They are like glitter; you can never truly get rid of them all. The most effective and satisfying solution was not a fancy spray, but a simple trap: a small bowl of apple cider vinegar with a single drop of dish soap. Watching them flock to their doom was a small but deeply gratifying victory in the ongoing war against tiny intruders.
I Compared the Experience of Renting an Apartment vs. Owning a Home for a Year (Worst to Best)
My year-long comparison of renting vs. owning was a tale of two lifestyles. The worst part of owning was the terrifying moment my water heater exploded, leaving me with a huge, unexpected bill. The best part of owning, however, was the freedom to paint the walls, plant a garden, and truly make the space my own. Renting was the opposite: the best part was the carefree feeling of knowing that a broken appliance was just a phone call away, but the worst part was the constant feeling of living in a temporary, borrowed space.
Ranking the Most Important and Useless Tools for a Basic Home Toolkit (Worst to Best)
Building my first toolkit, I learned some tools are more essential than others. The most useless tool I own is a fancy, multi-bit screwdriver with a dozen tiny, easy-to-lose pieces. The most important and heroic tools in my box are a good, solid hammer, a reliable tape measure, and a set of Allen keys (because, IKEA). But the undisputed champion is a high-quality cordless drill. It has saved me hours of frustrating work, hung every picture on my walls, and made me feel like a capable, powerful DIY-er. It is the true king of the toolkit.
I Tried 5 Different Methods for Organizing My Messy Garage: The Aftermath Ranked (Worst to Best)
My garage was a zone of chaos. The worst organizational method was simply buying a bunch of plastic bins without a plan, which just turned my piles of junk into slightly neater piles of junk inside boxes. The absolute best and most transformative method, however, was installing a simple, sturdy set of shelves along one wall. Getting everything off the floor and into a designated, visible spot was like turning on a light in a dark room. It didn’t just organize the space; it fundamentally changed how I could use it.
Ranking the Best and Worst Scents for Your Home (According to Guests) (Worst to Best)
My informal poll of guests revealed some strong opinions on home fragrance. The worst scent, by a landslide, was an overpowering, artificial “vanilla cookie” plug-in that one friend described as “aggressively sweet.” The best and most universally loved scent, however, was the simple, clean smell of fresh lemons and rosemary, which I created by simmering them in a pot of water on the stove before guests arrived. It didn’t smell like I was trying to cover something up; it just smelled fresh, natural, and genuinely welcoming.
I Compared the Cost and Effort of a DIY Kitchen Renovation vs. Hiring a Contractor (Worst to Best)
My kitchen renovation was a major decision. The idea of a DIY renovation was tempting, but the reality was a nightmare of watching endless YouTube tutorials, making costly mistakes, and living in a dusty, half-finished construction zone for months. The best decision I made was hiring a good contractor. While it was more expensive upfront, they finished the job in a fraction of the time, the quality was flawless, and the sheer relief of not having to manage the project myself was worth every single penny. It was an investment in a beautiful kitchen and my own sanity.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Electrical Mistakes People Make at Home (Worst to Best)
When it comes to home electricity, some mistakes are scarier than others. A common but dangerous mistake is overloading a power strip with too many high-wattage appliances, creating a serious fire hazard. The most common and dangerous mistake of all, however, is trying to do your own electrical work without knowing what you’re doing, like changing an outlet without turning off the power at the breaker. Electricity is not a hobby; it’s an invisible, powerful force that demands respect. It’s the one area of DIY where a mistake can be your last.
I Tested 10 Different Weed Killers on My Overgrown Lawn (Worst to Best)
My war on weeds had a clear winner and a clear loser. The worst weed killer was a “natural” one that smelled like vinegar and did absolutely nothing; the weeds seemed to laugh at it. The absolute best and most satisfying weed killer was a selective herbicide that was specifically designed to kill broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. Watching the dandelions wither and die within a few days while my lawn remained green and healthy felt like a targeted, surgical strike in the battle for my backyard.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Save Money on Your Utility Bills (Worst to Best)
Trying to lower my utility bills, I learned some tricks are better than others. The worst and least effective way is to obsess over unplugging every little appliance, which saves mere pennies a month. The best and most impactful way to save money, however, was to invest in a smart thermostat. It learned my schedule and automatically adjusted the temperature, saving me a significant amount on my heating and cooling bills without me having to think about it. It was a simple, one-time change that provided a big, consistent payoff.
I Tried to Declutter My Entire House in One Weekend Using the KonMari Method (Worst to Best)
My KonMari weekend was an emotional and physical marathon. The worst part was the initial “clothes mountain” piled on my bed; the sheer volume of stuff I owned was overwhelming and a little shameful. The absolute best and most magical moment, however, was at the end of the weekend, standing in my newly organized, clutter-free space. The feeling of lightness and calm was profound. It wasn’t just my house that was decluttered; it was my mind. The process was brutal, but the resulting peace and serenity were absolutely worth it.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Things About Dealing With Landlords (Worst to Best)
Renting has its own unique set of frustrations. A common one is the annual, unexplainable rent increase. More frustrating is the slow, dismissive response to a maintenance request, leaving you with a leaky faucet for weeks. The most frustrating thing about dealing with landlords, however, is the feeling of powerlessness during the move-out process. The nit-picky deductions from your security deposit for things that were normal wear and tear can feel like an unjust, final insult after years of paying rent on time.
I Compared the Brightness and Longevity of 5 Different Brands of LED Light Bulbs (Worst to Best)
My LED light bulb test illuminated a clear difference. The worst was a cheap, off-brand bulb that had a harsh, blue-ish light and started flickering after just a few months. The best bulb, however, was from a reputable brand. It cast a warm, pleasant light that was indistinguishable from an old incandescent bulb, and it has been shining brightly for years without any issues. It was a simple reminder that for items you use every single day, it’s worth paying a little more for a quality product that will last.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Aspects of Home Security (Worst to Best)
When it comes to home security, we often focus on the wrong things. The most overlooked but important aspect is not a fancy alarm system, but simple visibility and deterrence. The best and cheapest security upgrades I made were installing motion-activated floodlights and trimming the bushes around my windows. A well-lit home with nowhere for a burglar to hide is a much less appealing target. It’s a simple, low-tech solution that can be more effective than the most expensive high-tech gadget.
I Tried to Build a Raised Garden Bed From Scratch: My Splinters Ranked (Worst to Best)
My first attempt at building a raised garden bed was a lesson in carpentry. The worst part was trying to make straight cuts with a handsaw, which resulted in a series of wobbly, uneven boards and a handful of splinters. The best and most triumphant moment, however, was screwing in that final screw and seeing my creation, however imperfect, standing on its own. Filling it with soil and planting my first seeds in a structure I had built with my own two hands was an incredibly proud and satisfying feeling.
Ranking the Best and Worst Flooring Options for Pets and Kids (Worst to Best)
My flooring has been through a battle with my dog and kids. The absolute worst flooring choice is wall-to-wall carpeting; it’s a magnet for stains, smells, and pet hair, and it’s impossible to truly get clean. The absolute best and most bulletproof flooring option, however, has been luxury vinyl plank. It’s completely waterproof, scratch-resistant, and incredibly easy to clean. It has survived muddy paws, spilled juice, and dragged toys without a single mark, making it the undisputed champion for a busy, chaotic, and happy home.
I Compared 5 Different Brands of “All-Purpose” Cleaners to See What They Can’t Clean (Worst to Best)
My all-purpose cleaner test revealed that the “all” is a bit of an exaggeration. The worst cleaner struggled with simple grease on my stovetop and left a streaky residue on my windows. The best all-purpose cleaner was a true workhorse, cutting through kitchen grime and leaving my counters sparkling. However, none of them could tackle the tough, baked-on grime in my oven or the hard-water stains in my shower. The lesson was that a good all-purpose cleaner is essential for daily messes, but for the really tough jobs, you still need a specialized tool.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Noises a House Can Make (and What They Mean) (Worst to Best)
A house has a language of annoying noises. A common but less severe noise is the creak of a floorboard. A more alarming noise is a loud bang from your water heater, which could indicate a serious sediment buildup. The most common and maddening noise, however, is the slow, rhythmic “drip…drip…drip” of a leaky faucet in the middle of the night. It’s a tiny sound that can feel like a form of psychological torture, and it’s a constant, audible reminder of a problem you need to fix.
I Tried to Compost in My Tiny Apartment for a Month: The Smell Ranked (Worst to Best)
My apartment composting experiment was an olfactory adventure. The worst part was the first week, when I got the ratio of “greens” to “browns” wrong and my compost bin turned into a slimy, foul-smelling mess. It was a true disaster. The best part, after I corrected my mistake, was the surprising lack of smell and the incredible satisfaction of seeing my food scraps turn into rich, dark, earthy-smelling soil. It was a magical, miniature science experiment that significantly reduced my trash and created free, nutrient-rich food for my houseplants.
Ranking the Best and Worst Investments for Increasing Your Home’s Resale Value (Worst to Best)
When it comes to home improvements, not all investments pay off. The worst investment for resale value is often a highly personalized, expensive project like installing a swimming pool, which many buyers see as a liability. The absolute best and most reliable investments are the simple, cosmetic ones. A fresh coat of neutral paint, refinishing your hardwood floors, and a minor kitchen or bathroom update will give you the most bang for your buck. These projects have a broad appeal and create a fantastic first impression, which is the key to a quick and profitable sale.
I Compared the Experience of Living in the City vs. the Suburbs vs. the Countryside (Worst to Best)
My living experiment showed that “best” is a matter of personal taste. For me, the worst was the deep countryside. While beautiful, the isolation and the long drives for basic necessities were a real challenge. The city was a thrilling whirlwind of energy and convenience, but the constant noise and lack of space were draining. The best fit for me was the suburbs. It offered the perfect balance of a quiet, peaceful neighborhood with its own small community, while still being just a short train ride away from the excitement of the city.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Things About Moving (Worst to Best)
Moving is a universally stressful experience. A common frustration is the sheer physical exhaustion of packing and unpacking endless boxes. More frustrating is the moment you realize you’ve packed something you desperately need in a box labeled “miscellaneous.” The most frustrating thing about moving, however, is dealing with the internet company. The endless phone calls, the missed appointments, and the feeling of being completely disconnected from the world for the first few days in your new home is a uniquely modern form of torture.
I Tested 5 Different “Smart” Thermostats to See if They Actually Save Money (Worst to Best)
My smart thermostat test had a clear financial winner. The worst “smart” thermostat was a model with a confusing interface that was so hard to program, I ended up using it like a regular thermostat, saving no money at all. The best smart thermostat, however, was one that truly learned my habits. It automatically turned down the heat when I left and warmed the house up just before I got home. The seamless, automatic adjustments resulted in a noticeable drop in my energy bill, proving that a truly smart device can save you money without you even thinking about it.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners (Worst to Best)
Homeownership is a constant battle against entropy. An often-overlooked task is cleaning your refrigerator coils, which can improve its efficiency and lifespan. More important is regularly cleaning your gutters to prevent water damage. The most important and consistently overlooked maintenance task, however, is changing the filter in your furnace or air conditioner. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, driving up your energy bills and leading to costly repairs. It’s a simple, five-minute task that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
I Tried to Host a Dinner Party in My Small Living Space: My Stress Levels Ranked (Worst to Best)
Hosting a dinner party in my tiny apartment was a stressful but rewarding challenge. The worst part was the cooking; with my limited counter space, it felt like a chaotic game of Tetris with hot pans and chopping boards. The best and most surprising part, however, was the atmosphere. The small space forced everyone to be close together, which created an incredibly warm, intimate, and lively vibe that would have been lost in a larger room. It proved that a great party is about the people, not the square footage.
Ranking the Best and Worst Housewarming Gifts to Give (and Receive) (Worst to Best)
A good housewarming gift should be helpful, not a burden. The worst gifts are the highly specific, decorative items that might not fit the new homeowner’s style, like a weird piece of art that they now feel obligated to display. The absolute best and most thoughtful housewarming gifts are the ones that are both beautiful and practical. A high-quality scented candle, a nice bottle of olive oil, a live plant, or even a gift card to a local hardware store are all things that will be genuinely used and appreciated during the chaotic time of setting up a new home.
I Compared the Water Pressure of 5 Different “High-Pressure” Shower Heads (Worst to Best)
My quest for a better shower had a clear winner. The worst “high-pressure” shower head was a complete lie, delivering a weak, misty spray that was even worse than my old one. The best shower head, however, was a true game-changer. It transformed my shower from a disappointing drizzle into a powerful, invigorating blast of water that made my morning routine feel like a luxury spa experience. It was a simple, inexpensive upgrade that has dramatically improved my quality of life every single day.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Fire Hazards in the Home (Worst to Best)
When it comes to fire safety, awareness is key. A common but dangerous hazard is leaving candles unattended. A more serious hazard is the buildup of lint in your dryer vent, which is highly flammable and a leading cause of house fires. The most common and dangerous fire hazard in the modern home, however, is unattended cooking. A moment of distraction while you have a hot pan on the stove is all it takes for a devastating fire to start. It’s a simple, everyday activity that demands your full attention.
I Tried to Create a “Zen” Space in My Home Following Feng Shui Principles (Worst to Best)
My attempt to create a “Zen” space was a lesson in intention. The worst and least effective part was obsessing over the complicated rules and diagrams of the “bagua map,” which just made me more stressed. The best and most impactful change I made was simply decluttering the space, allowing for a clear and easy flow of movement, and adding a single, healthy plant. The feeling of calm didn’t come from a magic formula; it came from creating a simple, clean, and organized environment that was a pleasure to be in.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Deal With Noisy Neighbors (Worst to Best)
Noisy neighbors can be a nightmare. The absolute worst way to deal with them is through passive-aggressive acts, like banging on the wall, which only escalates the tension. The absolute best and most effective way to deal with noisy neighbors, however, is a direct, polite, and calm conversation. Most of the time, they are simply unaware of how much the sound is traveling. A friendly, face-to-face chat can solve the problem in a way that preserves the peace and your sanity, which is a much better outcome than an ongoing war.
I Compared the Cost and Quality of Professional Carpet Cleaning vs. a Rental Machine (Worst to Best)
My carpet cleaning showdown had a clear victor. The rental machine was cheaper, but it was a huge hassle to transport, and it left my carpets damp for days with a faint, musty smell. The professional cleaners, while more expensive, were a completely different story. They were in and out in an hour, their powerful equipment pulled out an unbelievable amount of dirt, and my carpets were dry in a few hours and looked and smelled brand new. The professional results were so much better that it was absolutely worth the extra cost.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating HOA Rules (Worst to Best)
Living in an HOA can be a mixed bag of rules. A common but frustrating rule is the restriction on what color you can paint your front door. More frustrating are the strict rules about how you can landscape your own yard. The most frustrating and often nonsensical HOA rule, however, is the “trash can” rule. The strict regulations about how many hours before and after pickup your trash can can be visible from the street can feel like a petty and unnecessary level of micromanagement over your own home.
I Tested 10 Different “Magic” Stain Removers on My Oldest Stains (Worst to Best)
My battle with old stains had a surprising hero. The worst “magic” removers were the ones that promised to remove everything but did absolutely nothing to an old coffee stain on my favorite shirt. The absolute best and most effective stain remover, however, was not a fancy spray but a simple paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This cheap, homemade solution miraculously lifted a set-in red wine stain that I had given up on years ago, proving that the most powerful cleaning solutions are often hiding right in your own cabinets.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Features of a Good Mattress (Worst to Best)
When mattress shopping, we often focus on the wrong things. The most overlooked but important feature is edge support; a mattress with weak edges will make you feel like you’re about to roll off. More important than the firmness level is the mattress’s ability to isolate motion, especially if you share a bed. The most important feature of all, however, is simply finding a mattress with a generous trial period. Your body needs time to adjust, and the only way to truly know if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it for several weeks.
I Tried to Winterize My Home Myself for the First time: My Mistakes Ranked (Worst to Best)
My first attempt at winterizing my home was a cold lesson. My biggest and most useless mistake was putting that thin plastic film over my windows, which was a huge hassle and did almost nothing to stop the drafts. The best and most effective thing I did was to buy a few cheap tubes of caulk and seal all the small cracks around my windows and door frames. It was an easy, inexpensive task that made a huge, noticeable difference in how warm my house felt, proving that stopping the small leaks can have the biggest impact.
Ranking the Best and Worst Interior Design Trends of the 21st Century (Worst to Best)
My home has been a victim of some questionable design trends. The absolute worst was the “modern farmhouse” obsession with putting inspirational word art like “Live, Laugh, Love” on every wall. The best and most timeless trend, however, has been the rise of “Japandi,” a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian function. The focus on natural materials, clean lines, and uncluttered spaces creates a sense of calm and serenity that will never go out of style. It’s not just a trend; it’s a philosophy for a more peaceful home.
I Compared the Performance of 5 Different Air Purifiers During Allergy Season (Worst to Best)
My allergy season air purifier test had a clear winner. The worst purifier was a small, cheap model that just seemed to move the dusty air around my room without actually cleaning it. The best air purifier, however, was a model with a true HEPA filter. The difference was night and day. I woke up with clear sinuses for the first time in weeks, and I could literally see the amount of dust and pollen it had trapped in the filter. It was a powerful and invisible shield that made my home a true sanctuary from my allergies.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Things About Sharing a Bathroom (Worst to Best)
Sharing a bathroom is a true test of any relationship. A common annoyance is finding the toilet paper roll empty. More frustrating is the mess of hair left in the shower drain. The most common and annoying thing about sharing a bathroom, however, is the battle over the sink and counter space. The clutter of products and the lack of a designated spot for your own things can turn a simple morning routine into a frustrating and cramped game of Tetris.
I Tried to Build a Piece of Flatpack Furniture Without Looking at the Instructions (Worst to Best)
My no-instructions furniture build was a monument to my own hubris. My initial, confident attempt to assemble a simple bookshelf quickly devolved into a confusing pile of mismatched parts and a growing sense of dread. The worst part was getting halfway through, only to realize I had put a crucial piece on backwards, forcing me to undo all my work. The best and most humbling moment was finally swallowing my pride, opening the instructions, and finishing the job in ten minutes. It was a powerful lesson that sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is admit you need help.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Qualities to Look for in a Neighborhood (Worst to Best)
When choosing a neighborhood, we often focus on the wrong things. The most overlooked but important quality is the simple, practical stuff: Is there good cell service? How is the water pressure? Are there sidewalks? These small, daily details can have a huge impact on your quality of life. The most important quality of all, however, is the sense of community. A neighborhood with friendly, engaged neighbors and a welcoming vibe is a priceless asset that can turn a simple house into a true home.
I Compared the Softness and Absorbency of 5 Different Brands of Luxury Towels (Worst to Best)
My luxury towel test revealed a clear winner. The worst towel, despite its high price, was surprisingly rough and seemed to just push the water around on my skin instead of absorbing it. The absolute best and most luxurious towel, however, was made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton. It was incredibly soft and plush, and it was so absorbent that it dried me off almost instantly. Stepping out of the shower and wrapping myself in that towel felt like a daily, five-star hotel experience, a small luxury that was absolutely worth it.
Ranking the Most Impactful and Overrated “Dream Home” Features (Worst to Best)
My “dream home” list has changed over time. The most overrated feature, for me, is a huge, formal dining room that would only get used twice a year. The most impactful and truly “dreamy” feature, however, is a simple, well-designed mudroom or entryway. Having a dedicated, organized space to take off your shoes, hang your coat, and drop your keys brings an incredible sense of order and calm to the entire house. It’s not a glamorous feature, but it’s one that solves a real, daily problem, which is the true definition of a dream.