Consumer Corner

How to Improve Your Home’s Look with Wallpaper

Published

1 year ago

July 16, 2023

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) To understand the mood of a room, look no further than its walls. Wallpaper can add instant texture and flair, and today’s DIY-friendly options make it easy to create inspired spaces with little fuss.

The key to successful wallpapering is in the preparation. Clean, dry walls are a must, and any holes or cracks should be filled and sanded. To avoid paste that absorbs into porous surfaces, take time to apply a light, even coat of primer before beginning.

Choose a corner or space behind a door as your starting point. Mark your starting point using a level to draw a vertical line from floor to ceiling. Next, cut a length of wallpaper several inches longer than the height of your wall from the baseboard to ceiling.

Apply paste or activate the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to fully cover or dampen the paper surface; dry spots may result in unsightly bubbles.

Begin smoothing the paper onto the wall using the vertical line as a guide. Begin at the ceiling and smooth using a brush or plastic smoothing tool. If you encounter wrinkles or bubbles, gently lift the paper and smooth, relaying the paper as you go.

With each strip, you should end with several inches above the ceiling joint and below the baseboard line. Ensure the paper has firmly adhered top to bottom then trim using a sharp blade. Smooth each seam as you go.

Continue this process around the room, aligning your paper pattern as needed. If it isn’t possible to completely match the pattern, focus on the middle third of the wall, which is most likely to be at eye level.

To maneuver corners, cut a slit in the paper overhanging the ceiling and floor. This allows the paper to lay flat for a smoother finish.

When you round back to your starting point, overlap your original strip of paper with the final strip. Make a single cut for a clean, crisp seam. Gently wipe away excess adhesive from the trim and seams.

To prevent rips and ripples, allow paper to dry completely – at least overnight – before replacing furniture and hanging artwork to complete your space.

Find more easy home improvement tips and ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
Family Features

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Consumer Corner

On-Trend Ways to Refresh Your House in 2025: 3 trends for improving home design and function

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Whether you’re looking to simply refresh your living space or planning a major home renovation, staying current with design trends not only enhances comfort and style but also boosts your house’s value.

As modern home design continues to evolve, trends are increasingly shifting toward long-term movements focused on versatility, sustainability and innovation. By embracing these elements in your 2025 updates, with these ideas from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products – a leader throughout North America in innovation, design and production of high-quality, low-maintenance exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more – you can ensure your living space remains stylish and functional for years to come.

Incorporate Versatile Design Elements
Because homeowners’ tastes are continuously evolving, it’s important to take an adaptable design approach when creating unique and harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces. Using products that offer exceptional design versatility, including siding, trim, stone, roofing and other exterior elements, can allow your upgrades to transcend fleeting trends and maintain their relevance and appeal over time.

Similarly, homebuyers are moving away from cookie-cutter designs, seeking bold aesthetics that enhance curb appeal and distinguish their homes from others on the block. This shift toward personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes requires mixing textures, finishes and colors to transform both exteriors and interiors to create visually dynamic and unique looks. Blending materials like brick with vinyl siding, stone with wood or modern siding with rustic stone veneer can add depth and character to facades.

Choose Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
Homeowners are increasingly focused on sustainable and eco-friendly home designs to reduce their environmental impact, save on energy costs and create healthier living spaces. Complementing this trend, biophilic design is also gaining momentum as it seeks to strengthen the connection between indoor environments and nature. This approach goes beyond simply adding greenery, focusing on the use of natural light, improved ventilation and materials that mimic organic patterns and textures. Features like large windows, living walls and the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, have become popular choices, blending sustainability with a deeper connection to the natural world.

Eco-friendly materials that use fewer raw materials, generate smaller carbon footprints and conserve water play a vital role in sustainable design and are in high demand. For example, reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are popular choices due to their reduced environmental impact. Innovative products can also help reduce energy consumption like US Tile Clay Roofing, which is naturally reflective, 100% recyclable and, when paired with a cool roof system, can save homeowners up to 22% per year on heating and cooling costs compared to a standard composition asphalt shingle roof.

Seek Functional, Innovative Solutions
Driven by the evolving needs of homeowners, modular and easy-install systems, like panelized stone siding, are gaining popularity due to their ability to simplify installation while mimicking traditional materials such as stone or wood. These functional systems save time and can empower homeowners to tackle projects themselves.

In addition, the rising frequency of severe weather events is increasing demand for smart, weather-resistant materials that enhance homes’ aesthetic appeal and offer superior protection against extreme conditions. An option like Versetta Stone, which delivers the authentic look and feel of stone in an easy-to-install panelized format, offers wind resistance up to 110 miles per hour and carries a Class A fire rating. The stone siding features a tongue-and-groove system for perfect spacing, has a built-in rainscreen and can be installed almost anywhere using screws or nails without additional footings for support.

Find more home design trends and inspiration at WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.

SOURCE:
Westlake Royal Building Products

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

EDIFIER Proudly Announces New True Wireless Earbuds – NeoDots

Published

3 days ago

October 11, 2024

Daily News Staff

RICHMOND, BC /PRNewswire/ — Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the NeoDots True Wireless earbuds featuring a hybrid driver unit combined with a digital signal processor for the optimum in sound quality.

Hybrid Driver Units (Balanced Armature and 10mm dynamic drivers) combine with digital signal processing and active crossover to deliver superior and balanced sound with high resolution and low distortion and extends the noise cancellation depth to -48dB.

The combination of dynamic drivers and balanced armature drivers in audio equipment allows a broad frequency response, where dynamic drivers effectively manage low frequencies, delivering deep and rich bass, whilst the balanced armature drivers handle mid and high frequencies ensuring clear and detailed treble. This synergy results in a well-rounded sound profile that enhances the listening experience across different music genres and audio content.

The digital signal processor (DSP) enhances audio quality by optimizing balance and clarity, while the active crossover efficiently divides the audio signal into distinct frequency bands—sending low frequencies to the dynamic driver and mid/high frequencies to the balanced armature (BA) driver. This dual-driver arrangement gives superior sound quality, offering improved clarity, detail, and an overall balanced listening experience.

Premium Quality Sound
Experience exceptional audio performance with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. The hybrid driver units, which include balanced armature and 10mm dynamic drivers, work in tandem with advanced digital signal processing and an active crossover to deliver superior sound quality. Additionally, support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs ensures a versatile and accurate listening experience across various devices.

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Advanced noise cancelling technology enhances the listening experience by extending the depth of noise cancellation to -48dB thus minimizing unwanted ambient sounds. With multiple noise cancellation modes available, you can easily adapt to different scenarios, ensuring optimal audio clarity whether you’re in a busy, noisy city, or a quiet home environment.

Powerful Battery Life
Enjoy up to 17 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an impressive total of 56 hours when utilizing the charging case. A 15-minute charge provides an additional 5 hours of use.

Crystal Clear Calls
AI algorithms enhance the performance of earbuds by focusing on specific sound sources, like a user’s voice, while filtering out background noise. This results in clearer and more accurate audio during hands-free calls, ensuring that conversations are easily intelligible even in noisy environments.

Bluetooth v5.4
Bluetooth® V5.4 enhances seamless audio streaming with a stable connection and its multipoint connection feature enables users to effortlessly switch between music, videos and calls on two devices simultaneously, making it convenient for multitasking and enhancing the overall user experience.

Low Latency Gaming Experience
The 80ms low latency audio in gaming mode ensures that sound effects and in-game actions are synchronized in real time, providing a more immersive and responsive gaming experience. This minimal delay allows gamers to react swiftly to audio cues, enhancing gameplay and overall performance during competitive scenarios.

Easy To Use
Featuring a press control design to avoid accidental touch and with wearing detection, the earbuds pause music when taken off and resume playback when put on.

Compatible with EDIFIER ConneX app for additional functions: personalize control settings, customize your EQ, and more.

Price & Availability: The Edifier NeoDots is available for $129.99 on Amazon.com.

About Edifier:

Edifier specializes in the design and manufacture of premium audio solutions that showcase technological innovation and design excellence. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Edifier delivers outstanding sound experience through a wide range of audio systems for personal entertainment and professional use. Renowned for its award-winning design philosophy, expertise and innovation in acoustic technology, and superior manufacturing standards, Edifier is one of today’s leading innovators of audio electronics.

More information about Edifier is available online at www.edifier.com.

SOURCE Edifier

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Automotive

The 2025 Ford Expedition: A Bold New Era for Families on the Move

Published

7 days ago

October 8, 2024

Mark Bennett

2025 Ford Expedition

Dearborn, Mich., Oct. 3, 2024 – The all-new 2025 Ford Expedition is more than just an upgrade—it’s a full transformation. Specifically designed for today’s active families, the reimagined Expedition now offers enhanced space, cutting-edge technology, unmatched versatility, and superior capability. A standout addition to the lineup is the first-ever Ford Expedition TREMOR®, designed for those who seek adventure off the beaten path.

A Technological Revolution

At the heart of the all-new Expedition is the innovative Ford Digital Experience, which turns the cabin into a seamless, family-friendly command center. Families will enjoy the benefits of a new 24-inch panoramic digital display complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity. This technology-driven approach ensures that every member of the family stays connected, entertained, and informed, whether you’re on a cross-town errand or a cross-country road trip.

Introducing the Expedition TREMOR

For families craving off-road excitement, the Expedition TREMOR is the most capable version yet, boasting features like four-wheel drive, underbody shielding, massive 33-inch all-terrain tires, and best-in-class ground clearance. With advanced off-road technology, including an electronic locking rear differential, it is engineered to tackle everything from rocky trails to muddy paths with confidence.

Designed for Versatility

The revamped design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about practicality. The new Ford Split Gate tailgate system is a game-changer, turning the rear vehicle space into a vibrant communal area with options to configure seating or create a table-like setup—perfect for tailgating or camping trips. Meanwhile, the innovative sliding front center console ensures easy storage access for those in the front and second rows, making this SUV as versatile inside as it is out.

Engine Power and Capability

Under the hood, the Expedition offers a robust selection of powertrains. Standard models come with a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, churning out 400 horsepower. For those who seek extra muscle, the TREMOR and Platinum models feature a high-output version of the same engine, delivering a thrilling 440 horsepower. This power ensures that no family adventure needs to be compromised.

Advanced Safety and Driving Assistance

Safety and ease of driving take center stage with Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, now available on nearly 90% of the lineup. This sophisticated system enhances safety and reduces driving fatigue, especially on long family journeys. The feature provides access to innovative technologies like Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning, allowing for smoother, safer trips.

Entertainment and Connectivity

With Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity available for up to 10 devices, and Google Play apps integrated into the driving experience, the Expedition ensures that entertainment is always at your fingertips. Whether streaming the latest movies during a rest stop or navigating with Google Maps, the Expedition is truly an extension of your digital world.

Family-Friendly Features

Understanding the demands of modern family life, Ford has introduced thoughtful conveniences such as the new Digital Device Holder, which effortlessly secures tablets or phones, keeping them accessible during trips.

Order and Availability

Eager families can place their orders starting October 24, 2024, with the 2025 Expedition expected to arrive in showrooms by Spring 2025. Designed with input from real customers, the all-new Ford Expedition is ready to accompany families on adventures near and far, bringing more comfort, capability, and joy to every journey.

For those looking to explore further, more detailed specifications and availability can be found on Ford’s official site, ensuring you’re ready to embark on your next family adventure with the best that modern automotive engineering has to offer.

Learn More about the 2025 Ford Expedition here: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/10/03/all-new-ford-expedition-fully-redesigned-for-families-with-big-l.html

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