Consumer Corner
Comforting Color: Fill your home with balance and hope
Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) In the world of design, what’s old inevitably becomes new again, and a similar pattern is inspiring today’s on-trend color palettes for home decor. The latest styles reflect reviving and comforting colors influenced by heritage and romance, lending to a look that is familiar in an individualistic way.
With more people living their everyday, working lives at home, many homeowners are discovering the contentment that comes with slowing down. Often that means looking to the past to find comfort for moving forward.
Nostalgia serves as an emotional tool that delivers deep-rooted serenity and powerful healing properties. Looking to the past is often beneficial during times of uncertainty and can be an opportunity to bring styles and practices back to the present to create an appreciation of the past.
Whether living through the romance of rural lifestyles, the comfort of home or the nostalgia from far-off times, some of today’s most beloved design aesthetics celebrate the past, present and future while bringing balance, hope and comfort for you and your family to embrace.
Timeless Color
Using color to evoke feelings and emotions is hardly new but combining a carefully curated color palette with other design elements can allow you to create a look that pays homage to the past while breathing new life into your living space.
Reimagining classic, familiar tones allows you to achieve a design motif that is equal parts reminiscent and refreshing.
“The Vintage Homestead Color Collection offers an effortless look that reveals the importance of being hopeful to find stability and balance,” said Ashley Banbury, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams senior color designer. “Our 2023 Color Collection of the Year revives elements from the past that are perfectly paired with vintage, comfortable and classic colors.”
Blending Past and Present
Striking a balance between old and new can take many forms, as these styles show:
- Heritage Revival: An interest in reviving the past is evident in design trends like a remerging appreciation of antiques and vintage elements, such oversized furniture and traditional shapes. To capture this style, your design should focus on contrasting old and new for a mix-and-match look. Ultimately, the aesthetic is a look that feels simultaneously individualistic and curated.
A cohesive color scheme can allow the various elements to stand on their own while working in harmony for an intentional design. For example, the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2023 Color Collection of the Year includes a combination of familiar tones that have been thoughtfully curated by design experts who borrow color and design concepts from the past for a hopeful future and a sense of belonging. Hues like Poetry Plum and Hot Cocoa evoke warmth and depth, while moderate shades like Restrained Gold and Glamour offer fresh ways to incorporate mid-range neutrals. Meanwhile, soft tones like Natural Linen and Cool Beige offer subtle color for lighter, brighter spaces. - Mixing and Matching of Eras:A new take on retro design is emerging in which eras are blended and new and old furnishing work side by side. To get this look, you’ll craft a space that marries historical and contemporary design, celebrating both the old and new. To design for longevity, incorporate pieces that are ambiguous in era and stand the test of time.
- Vintage Homestead:Reviving design elements from the past with mixed patterns, classic shapes and vintage decor adds up to comfortable and comforting design. With this trend, prints and patterns encompass a range of styles, reinforcing how interiors connect to fashion. Mixing classic elegance with sleek vintage shapes is refining the concept of polished comfort. To achieve the look, curate pieces in heritage shapes and patterns, along with retro accents. Be sure to incorporate vintage lighting and glass, as well.
A versatile color choice like Darkroom, the 2023 Color of the Year from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, is an alluring shade that is classic enough for heritage interiors but also modernly retro for a throwback-inspired aesthetic. It’s a neutral perfect for creating an eclectic yet modern look inside and out. Indoors, use it on the walls to offset more earthy brown and taupe tones in your furnishings and textiles.
Get inspired to combine the past with the present for a comforting design that’s all your own at hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com.
Crafting a Conservatory
Today’s homeowners are also increasingly interested in biophilic design and bringing the outdoors in, which prompts a conservatory aesthetic in home design. To achieve the look, design your space to make maximum use of natural light in creative ways. Incorporate large potted trees and statement plants that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
SOURCE:
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
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toys and kids electronics
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers: Basic Fun! and Hasbro Bring D&D to Gen Alpha in July 2026
Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a collectible action figure line aimed at kids aged 5 to 8, debuting in July 2026. Designed to foster imagination and storytelling, these customizable figures will feature blind packing and include a D20 die, creating an engaging experience for young adventurers.
Basic Fun! is rolling a natural 20 on nostalgia-meets-next-gen play.
In a Feb. 10, 2026 announcement, the global toy company revealed a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro (through Wizards of the Coast) to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a new collectible action figure line built specifically to introduce Gen Alpha to the world of D&D. The line is expected to hit major toy retailers worldwide in July 2026, targeting kids ages 5 to 8.
What is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers?
Questers is Basic Fun!’s take on translating the spirit of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™ into something tactile, collectible, and kid-friendly—without losing the fantasy DNA longtime fans recognize.
The pitch is straightforward: imagination-led play, world-building, and storytelling—packaged in a format that matches how kids play today: personalization, discovery, and surprise.
Questers is also positioned as a bridge between generations. It’s designed not only for kids discovering fantasy for the first time, but also for fan parents looking for a hands-on way to share D&D’s creatures, heroes, and archetypes with their children.
Built for collecting, customizing, and creating stories
Basic Fun! says the Questers line will feature three collectible scales:
- Creatures
- Adventurers
- Monsters
Each figure will be:
- Blind-packed (surprise-style collectibles)
- Fully buildable
- Designed with interchangeable parts so kids can mix, match, and customize
And the D&D tie-in isn’t just a logo on the box. Each figure will come with:
- A D20 die
- A storystarter prompt to encourage kids to create adventures with their collection
That combination—collectability + customization + storytelling prompts—signals exactly what the brand is aiming for: repeat play that feels different every time.
Why D&D, and why now?
D&D’s cultural footprint has been expanding across entertainment, publishing, and digital platforms, and the press release points to a clear shift: Gen Alpha gravitates toward play patterns rooted in personalization, discovery, and world-building.
Questers is designed to meet that moment by turning D&D’s iconic fantasy elements into a “discovery-driven” toy experience—one that doesn’t require reading a rulebook, building a character sheet, or learning game mechanics to start having fun.
In other words: it’s D&D energy, scaled to the toy aisle.
What the companies are saying
Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!, framed Questers as an on-ramp into the franchise:
- Approachable, creative, and fun for young adventurers
- A meaningful way for fan parents to share a universe they already love
Kara Kenna, Franchise Creative Director for D&D at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the “hands-on” fantasy exploration angle—positioning Questers as a way for kids to engage imagination and play in a physical format.
Release timing and what to watch for
The big headline for retailers and parents: Questers debuts in July 2026, with a worldwide rollout planned at major toy retailers.
What to watch for as the launch gets closer:
- Character/creature reveals (and how deep they go into classic D&D lore)
- Price points and pack formats (single packs vs. multipacks)
- How the “storystarter” system works across the different scales
- Whether the line ties into broader D&D content (books, digital, or entertainment releases)
The takeaway
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers is shaping up to be a smart, modern entry point into fantasy play—one that blends classic D&D storytelling with today’s collectible toy trends.
For longtime fans, it’s another sign that D&D’s influence keeps widening. For kids, it’s a new way to build heroes, mash up monsters, roll a D20, and start telling stories—no dungeon master required.
Source: Basic Fun! press release distributed via PRNews
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Consumer Corner
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
Planning a home remodel involves defining goals, setting a budget, gathering inspiration, planning a timeline, selecting a contractor, finalizing design choices, and preparing the home. A clear plan helps manage costs and expectations, allowing for a smoother renovation process while minimizing stress for the household.
Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
(Family Features) Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay on budget and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Consider these steps to get the process started:
- Define your goals
Decide what you’re looking to accomplish with your remodel, whether it’s improved functionality, updated style, higher resale value or a combination. Make a simple list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” so you can prioritize upgrades if costs start to climb too high.
- Set a realistic budget
Determine how much you’re comfortable spending then add a cushion of 10-20% for additional material costs and any surprises behind walls or under floors. Get rough price ranges for materials and labor, which allows you to adjust the scope of your project before the work begins, if necessary, instead of mid-project.
- Gather ideas and inspiration
Collect photos, paint colors and product ideas in a single place, such as a digital folder or photo album on your smartphone. Pay attention to recurring themes in your inspiration – such as cabinetry, flooring and fixture styles and colors – so it’s easier to choose finishes when the time comes.
- Lay out the project timeline
Think about the best time for your household to live through construction, especially if kitchens or bathrooms will be out of commission during the renovation. Talk with potential contractors about timing for each phase so you can plan for temporary living arrangements, if necessary.
- Choose the right construction crew
Interview a variety of potential contractors, being sure to ask for references and verify licenses and insurance. Once you’ve narrowed your list, request written estimates that include labor and material costs, timelines and payment schedules so expectations are clear before choosing a service provider and signing an agreement.
- Finalize design details and materials
Make as many design decisions as possible before demolition, including choosing fixtures, appliances, flooring, tile, paint, hardware and other details. Ordering key items early can help avoid delays and keep the project on schedule once work begins.
- Prep your home and family
Before construction begins, clear areas where work will be completed of furniture and decor, covering anything that cannot be moved out of the room with plastic sheeting. So everyone knows what to expect while your home is in transition, talk with family members about the impending noise and dust, and make necessary schedule changes to avoid interrupting work.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more resources and home renovation guidance.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Consumer Corner
Clorox to Buy GOJO Industries, Maker of Purell, in $2.25B Deal
Clorox Company has announced its acquisition of GOJO Industries, known for Purell®, for $2.25 billion. This move strengthens Clorox’s health and hygiene division, expanding its market presence. The deal is expected to yield tax benefits, operational synergies, and capitalizes on Purell’s brand trust while maintaining GOJO’s operations in Ohio.
OAKLAND, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2026) — The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire GOJO Industries, the Ohio-based skin health and hygiene company best known for Purell®, in a deal valued at $2.25 billion in cash. Clorox said the transaction includes anticipated tax benefits of about $330 million, putting the net purchase price at roughly $1.92 billion.
The move expands Clorox’s health and hygiene footprint beyond surface disinfection and cleaning into skin hygiene, adding one of the most recognizable brands in hand sanitizer to its portfolio of household and professional products.
Why Clorox wants GOJO (and Purell)
Clorox framed the acquisition as a strategic fit that strengthens its Health and Wellness segment and supports its broader IGNITE strategy, which is aimed at delivering more consistent and profitable growth.
GOJO brings scale and stability: the company, founded in 1946 by Goldie and Jerry Lippman, has grown to nearly $800 million in annual sales and has delivered mid-single-digit growth, including a three-year CAGR of 5%, according to Clorox.
A key part of GOJO’s business is its entrenched presence in the professional channel. Clorox said more than 80% of GOJO revenue comes through a broad network of B2B distributors, supported by an installed base of roughly 20 million soap and sanitizer dispensers—a setup that drives recurring demand for refills and ongoing usage in workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and other institutions.
Purell, meanwhile, is positioned as the headline asset: Clorox said the brand holds the #1 share in hand sanitizer across both B2B and retail channels.
Executive perspective: “Virtually synonymous with skin hygiene”
Clorox Chair and CEO Linda Rendle emphasized Purell’s brand trust and GOJO’s innovation track record, calling the deal “a compelling acquisition” that scales what Clorox describes as its fastest-growing and most profitable segment.
“GOJO’s deep commitment to innovation and delivering superior value in skin hygiene has built Purell into one of the most trusted names in homes, healthcare facilities, schools and businesses around the world,” Rendle said, adding that the brand is “virtually synonymous with skin hygiene.”
GOJO President and CEO Carey Jaros described the announcement as “a momentous day,” pointing to shared mission alignment and the opportunity to accelerate Purell’s retail growth with Clorox’s consumer brand-building and distribution strength. She also noted GOJO will remain based in Ohio, preserving the company’s Northeast Ohio roots and legacy.
What Clorox says changes (and what doesn’t)
Clorox laid out several expected benefits:
- Portfolio expansion in health and hygiene, with a stronger presence across both consumer and institutional channels
- Exposure to “attractive category tailwinds,” where brand trust matters
- A push to accelerate Purell’s retail growth using Clorox’s retailer relationships, marketing, and distribution
- A stronger combined B2B platform, pairing GOJO’s commercial, manufacturing, R&D, and regulatory capabilities with Clorox’s scale
- Continued GOJO operations in Ohio, with integration designed to benefit customers across channels
Financial expectations: synergies, accretion, and debt financing
Clorox said the deal is expected to add a recurring revenue stream and stable earnings base, and to support its long-term 3% to 5% sales growth target.
The company also expects at least $50 million in run-rate cost synergies and said the acquisition should be:
- Neutral to adjusted EBITDA margin in year one, but accretive after synergies are realized
- Neutral to adjusted EPS in year one, and accretive in year two
Clorox plans to fund the purchase primarily through debt financing. The transaction is expected to close before the end of Clorox’s fiscal year 2026, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
What it could mean for consumers
For everyday shoppers, the most visible impact may be how aggressively Purell expands across retail shelves and product formats. Clorox is signaling it wants to apply its playbook—brand-building, consumer-led innovation, and distribution scale—to grow Purell beyond its already-dominant position.
At the same time, GOJO’s dispenser footprint and B2B relationships give Clorox a deeper, stickier presence in professional environments—places where hygiene purchasing is often recurring, contract-driven, and less volatile than consumer demand.
What’s next
Clorox said it will host a live webcast to discuss the transaction with Rendle and CFO Luc Bellet, and noted an additional analyst Q&A webcast is scheduled for Feb. 3 tied to its second-quarter financial results.
Related External Links
- PR Newswire (source distribution)
- The Clorox Company — Official Website
- Clorox Investor Relations (press releases & filings)
- GOJO Industries — Official Website
- Purell — Official Website
- SEC EDGAR (search Clorox filings: CLX)
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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