Consumer Corner

5 Resilient Flooring Trends for Spring Remodeling Season

Published

3 years ago

April 8, 2023

Rebecca Washington

(Family Features) If the idea of a spring remodel brings equal parts intrigue and dread, starting with your flooring can make the process more appealing. For example, sustainable, resilient flooring comes in a variety of options to both your budget and personal style.

Resilient flooring is a durable type of flooring that includes rubber, linoleum, cork, luxury vinyl tile or sheet vinyl, among others. Increasingly popular in homes across the country, resilient flooring options from Beautifully Responsible partners are designed with indoor air quality and other important performance factors in mind, but they’re also built to stand up to the rigors of everyday life.

Consider these five home flooring trends for 2023 to help you create a tailored space at home and take the next step by visiting the Design Inspiration section of beautifullyresponsible.com to explore real-world design examples.

1. Classic Hardwood with a Resilient Twist

Ideal for kitchens, dining rooms, hallways and home offices, hardwood designs create a timeless foundation for your home with the ability to evolve with your tastes. When you go the resilient flooring route, you’ll find design options for everything from dramatic walnut to stately mahogany. Plus, options like luxury vinyl tile and plank are modular, making installation a little easier for DIYers.

2. Modern, Stone-Look Flooring

When it comes to resilient home flooring, stone style designs don’t just look sturdy, they’re durable, too. For example, slate-inspired tiles can add effortless class and character to high-traffic rooms that are cleaned often, such as dining rooms and mudrooms.

Stone-look resilient flooring also gives your floors a stronger ability to adapt to rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, which often see fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Rigid-core flooring, for example, is one of the fastest growing categories of resilient flooring due to its comfort, durability and ability to resist water.

3. Large Format Tiles

Functional rooms like the kitchen are often the heart of the home where people meet to share the adventures of their days. They also often see a lot of dirt, moisture and accidental spills. However, resilient home flooring installations are resistant to scratches and stains, ideal for homes with small children and pets. Plus, they are easy to clean without the need for harsh chemicals and there’s no grout to maintain. Many resilient flooring options are also available in water-resistant or waterproof varieties.

An option such as large-format tile, including the sheet vinyl category of resilient flooring, can also create the illusion of space in basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms and other areas, making them appear more expansive.

4. Statement Designs

Just like a statement piece ties together the perfect outfit, a statement floor can make an impressive focal point in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, laundry room or mudroom. With statement designs from Beautifully Responsible partners, the possibilities are nearly endless with a variety of styles such as Bohemian, Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Zen, Scandinavian and more that can appeal to homeowners with different tastes and preferences. Resilient flooring types like luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl are also available with textured surfaces to make an additional statement.

5. Cozy Spaces

If you’ve found a perfect statement rug, resilient flooring can create an ideal foundation underneath in family rooms, bedrooms, hallways or basements. Many resilient floors are built to provide comfort underfoot, absorb sound and make spaces accessible for all levels of mobility. Also look for third-party labels such as FloorScore to identify solutions for protecting the air quality in your home.

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SOURCE:
Beautifully Responsible

Author

Rebecca Washington
Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington
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Automotive

Nissan’s New Strategy: Innovation Meets Consolidation in a Changing Auto Market

Nissan’s New Strategy: Nissan is reshaping its lineup with fewer models, more hybrid technology, and smarter vehicles. Here’s what’s staying, what’s changing, and what it means for drivers.

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Rod Washington

Nissan’s New Strategy

As the global auto industry pivots toward electrification and smarter technology, Nissan is taking a more measured approach—introducing new innovations while trimming its lineup to focus on core models that drive sales and long-term value.

🚗 A Leaner, More Focused Nissan

In recent years, Nissan has begun reshaping its global strategy, reducing the total number of models while strengthening key vehicles across major segments. The goal is clear: prioritize profitability, streamline production, and invest in technology where it matters most.

Rather than flooding the market with new nameplates, Nissan is concentrating on a smaller, more competitive lineup—particularly in high-demand categories like SUVs and crossovers.

Nissan’s New Strategy Explained: Fewer Cars, More Hybrids, Smarter SUVs

🔋 Innovation Where It Counts

Hybrid Technology Takes Center Stage

One of Nissan’s most important developments is its e-POWER hybrid system, which is set to debut more broadly in the U.S., particularly in the next-generation Nissan Rogue.

Unlike traditional hybrids, e-POWER uses a gasoline engine solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are driven by an electric motor. The result is a driving experience that feels closer to an EV—without requiring a charging station.

This technology reflects a growing industry reality: while electric vehicles are expanding, hybrids are emerging as a practical bridge for many consumers.

EV Evolution, Not Explosion

Nissan isn’t abandoning electric vehicles—it’s refining its approach.

The iconic Nissan LEAF is expected to return in a redesigned, crossover-style format, aimed at improving range, comfort, and mainstream appeal. However, Nissan is avoiding an aggressive all-electric push in favor of a balanced portfolio that includes gas, hybrid, and EV options.

Smarter Vehicles Through AI

Another key pillar of Nissan’s future is AI-assisted driving technology. The company plans to integrate advanced driver assistance and semi-autonomous features into a majority of its vehicles over the next several years.

These systems are designed to enhance:

Safety
Driver awareness
In-car connectivity

While less visible than a new engine or redesign, this shift could become one of Nissan’s most impactful long-term innovations.

🚙 The Core Lineup: What’s Staying

Nissan’s future lineup is built around a group of proven, high-demand models that continue to evolve with new technology and features.

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SUVs and Crossovers (The Backbone)

Nissan Kicks – Entry-level, affordable, and recently redesigned
Nissan Rogue – The brand’s best-seller and innovation leader
Nissan Pathfinder – Family-focused with growing tech upgrades
Nissan Armada – Large SUV with premium and performance appeal

These vehicles form a complete SUV ladder, covering nearly every price point and lifestyle.

Sedans (Reduced but Relevant)

Nissan Sentra – Recently updated and positioned as the primary sedan
Nissan Altima – Still available, though its long-term future is less certain

As consumer demand shifts toward SUVs, Nissan is scaling back—but not eliminating—its sedan offerings.

Trucks and Performance Models

Nissan Frontier – A key player in the midsize truck segment
Nissan Titan – Still present, but facing stiff competition
Nissan Z – A modern revival of Nissan’s performance heritage
Nissan GT-R – Nearing the end of its lifecycle, with a successor anticipated

These models help maintain Nissan’s identity beyond everyday transportation.

⚠️ Models Being Phased Out or Reevaluated

Not every vehicle is making the cut.

The Nissan Versa is being discontinued after 2025
The Nissan Ariya is seeing strategy adjustments depending on market demand
Some low-volume global models are being eliminated as part of a broader consolidation effort

This reflects a broader industry shift: automakers are prioritizing efficiency and profitability over sheer volume.

🔍 The Role of the Nissan Kicks

One standout in this transition is the Nissan Kicks, which represents Nissan’s practical, value-driven approach.

Recently redesigned, the Kicks offers:

Modern infotainment and safety features
Improved comfort and available all-wheel drive
Strong fuel efficiency at an affordable price point

While it doesn’t showcase cutting-edge hybrid or EV technology, it plays a crucial role as an entry-level gateway into the Nissan brand.

🧭 Industry Context: Why This Shift Matters

Nissan’s strategy mirrors broader trends shaping the automotive industry:

EV adoption is growing—but unevenly
Hybrids are gaining traction as a transitional solution
SUV demand continues to dominate global markets
Cost control and profitability are now top priorities

By focusing on fewer, stronger models, Nissan aims to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

🧾 Bottom Line

Nissan is not simply cutting models—it’s redefining its identity.

✔️ Investing in hybrid technology, AI, and core SUVs
✔️ Maintaining key sedans, trucks, and performance vehicles
❌ Eliminating underperforming and low-demand models

The result is a lineup that is leaner, more technologically advanced, and better aligned with today’s market demands.

Sources

Consumer Corner

An Overlooked Detail That Can Make or Break Your Outdoor Space

From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy lounge seating and thoughtfully designed landscaping, outdoor living upgrades have become some of the most sought-after renovations for today’s homeowners. There’s one detail, though, that’s surprisingly often overlooked: heat.

Published

3 days ago

April 23, 2026

Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy lounge seating and thoughtfully designed landscaping, outdoor living upgrades have become some of the most sought-after renovations for today’s homeowners. There’s one detail, though, that’s surprisingly often overlooked: heat.

Though backyards, patios and decks are increasingly expected to function as extensions of interior living spaces, rather than occasional warm-weather escapes, nearly 92% of respondents in a survey of more than 2,000 homeowners conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Bromic Heating, a global leader in premium infrared outdoor heating appliances, said their outdoor areas have untapped potential, suggesting it could play a bigger role in daily life than it does today.

Homeowners are prioritizing furniture, lighting and fire features when planning for their outdoor spaces, with just 23% of homeowners ranking outdoor heating as a top priority. Despite this, 67% of survey respondents confirmed heating would have the biggest impact on extending outdoor usage – especially in the evenings when the sun sets and temperatures drop.

Many homeowners don’t think about outdoor heating until after their space is finished and they are left in the cold. To simplify the planning of outdoor living spaces and ensure invisible features like heating are considered as early as the visible elements, Bromic offers a complimentary design service alongside its best-in-class product portfolio that gives homeowners unmatched flexibility to create inspired spaces.

End-to-end support ensures an optimized layout, proper installation and alignment with your budget and design aesthetic. Whether classic or contemporary, built-in and freestanding heating options are designed to complement the existing architecture and provide performance that can extend memorable outdoor moments from season to season.

Explore these outdoor heating solutions and experience the complete portfolio at bromic.com.

Contemporary Design with Illuminating Elegance

The built-in and freestanding Eclipse Smart-Heat Collection seamlessly blends sculptural elegance with dual functionality, combining 2,900 watts of radiant heat and dimmable LED ambient light. Its standout features include a sleek circular design and ceramic-glass face to bring a modern, luxurious touch to any space.

Seamless Integration with Effortless Harmony

The Platinum Smart-Heat Collection, available in electric, marine and gas models, is crafted in premium stainless steel with a sleek ceramic-glass face – bringing refined design and unmatched performance to environments ranging from private patios and coastal residences to luxury vessels.

From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy lounge seating and thoughtfully designed landscaping, outdoor living upgrades have become some of the most sought-after renovations for today’s homeowners. There’s one detail, though, that’s surprisingly often overlooked: heat.

Distinctive Form with Powerful Impact

Available in electric, gas, built-in and freestanding models, the Tungsten Smart-Heat Collection pairs lasting performance with timeless style. Crafted from durable 304-grade stainless steel and finished with a signature honeycomb mesh face, the design blends enduring strength with contemporary elegance for any outdoor setting.

Intelligent Design for Meaningful Connections

17861 E detail embed5 Achieve precise control of your outdoor heating experience with Affinity Smart-Heat Controls, which offer 1% incremental adjustments and compatibility with most home or building automation systems. Easily program timers and zones to maintain the ideal temperature and atmosphere in any outdoor setting.

Experience customizable control including:

Timer and schedule settings
Heater grouping within zones and multiple sites
Voice control integration
Connection with home automation or building management systems

SOURCE:

Bromic Heating

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

home improvement

A Healthier, Greener Home: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2026

Daily News Staff

A Healthier, Greener Home: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks

(Feature Impact) Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean filling your cabinets with harsh chemicals or single-use cleaning products. In fact, some of the most effective solutions may already be in your pantry.

By swapping a few everyday products for simple, eco-friendly solutions, you can clean effectively, save money and make your home a little greener. If you’re looking to reduce waste, cut back on toxins and simplify your cleaning routine, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon can deliver results while also being safer for your home – and the environment.

Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner

Instead of buying multiple cleaners for different surfaces, try a DIY solution that works in many areas of the home. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water and 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice – such as lemon, lavender or tea tree – then use it on countertops, sinks, glass and other surfaces to curb grease and grime. Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone like granite or marble, however, as its acidity can cause damage.

Let Baking Soda Do the Scrubbing

One of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaners around, baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps lift stains without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto sinks, bathtubs, cookware, stovetops or tile grout then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth for a sparkling clean finish.

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Freshen Carpets Naturally

Carpets and rugs can trap odors, but a DIY deodorizer made of 1 cup baking soda and 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice can replace chemical sprays and keep floor surfaces smelling fresh. Just sprinkle across the carpet, let sit for 15-20 minutes then vacuum.

Use Lemon to Cut Grease and Stains

Lemon juice is a powerful natural cleaner due to its acidity and antibacterial properties. It can leave behind a fresh scent when used to clean cutting boards, remove soap scum and water spots or deodorize garbage disposals. For stubborn grime, mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste that can tackle tough surface stains.

Naturally Deodorize Drains

If your kitchen sink smells unpleasant, skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain then add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz a few minutes then flush with hot water to help loosen buildup while neutralizing odors.

Polish Stainless Steel with Pantry Staples

Remove grimy fingerprints and give stainless steel appliances a streak-free shine with a simple mixture of 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Find more DIY, eco-friendly cleaning tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock