(Family Features) For most homeowners, their house’s exterior is a reflection of them, which makes it important to ensure its curb appeal is up to par. While there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your home, these ideas can leave a lasting impression. Choose the Right Plants Opt for a mix of evergreen shrubs, perennials and seasonal flowers that provide continuous color visual interest. For example, billowy trees can add height and movement while ground cover plants and shrubs can fill in spaces and prevent weeds. Incorporate Stonework Hardscaping elements such as walkways, retaining walls and stone borders – as well as natural stone or stone veneer – can significantly enhance the structure and aesthetic of your front yard. Even if changing your home’s facade isn’t in your plans, natural stone, paver or brick sidewalks or landscape rings can be incorporated to complement its architectural style. Update Lighting Not only does outdoor lighting enhance safety and security, it can be used to highlight key features and create a welcoming ambiance after dark. Consider adding lighting to (or replacing fixtures around) your driveway, walkways and entryway to guide visitors and use spotlights to draw attention to architectural details, trees and garden beds. Give It a Fresh Coat of Paint One of the first projects that comes to mind for many homeowners looking to improve curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint can make a striking difference. However, if a full-scale paint job isn’t in the budget, refreshing the trim, bannisters and railings, gutters or other accent pieces can still help provide fresh pops of color. Find more ideas to improve your home’s curb appeal at eLivingtoday.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock   SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

(Family Features) A well-designed bathroom can offer more than daily functionality – it can serve as a relaxing retreat where comfort meets personal style. With a few thoughtful updates, you can bring a renewed sense of calm and sophistication to one of the home’s most-used spaces. If you’re considering a bathroom refresh, explore these expert ideas to help easily transform your space. Refresh with a Sophisticated Palette Start with a clean slate. A fresh coat of paint in a soft, neutral hue provides timeless elegance and flexibility, allowing your fixtures and finishes to shine. Alternatively, create a focal point with a bold color or refined texture to anchor the room with personality – an easy first step in a luxury bathroom remodel. Simple material swaps can bring new energy to your space. These versatile elements can evolve with your style while maintaining a refined look. Upgrade to Thoughtful Luxury True luxury lies in the details and in daily rituals. Consider design-forward upgrades that elevate both comfort and hygiene. A one-piece bidet toilet delivers a spa-like experience through smart technology and minimalist design, making it a standout smart toilet option. “WASHLET+ one-piece bidet toilets have become one of my go-to upgrades,” said Alena Capra, CMKBD, host of “SoFlo Home Project.” “They’re beautifully designed, surprisingly easy to install and instantly elevate a bathroom’s comfort and style. The S7 and S7A WASHLET+ models feature a sleek, one-piece design and are the perfect blend of smart tech and timeless design, especially for homeowners prepping for summer guests.” Features such as warm-water cleansing, heated seats, air dryers and built-in deodorizers can transform everyday routines into spa-like experiences. Some premium models with these innovations are now available through independent showrooms’ “Buy More, Save More” promotion, making it easier to upgrade multiple bathrooms while embracing comfort and sustainability. Refine the Finishing Touches Modernize your space by replacing outdated hardware with elevated styles. Brushed metal or matte black finishes offer a contemporary edge while luxurious showerheads and touchless faucets enhance both innovative function and visual appeal. Clarify with Purposeful Lighting A well-designed bathroom deserves lighting that both flatters and functions. Layered lighting such as dimmable sconces, task-specific fixtures and ambient sources adds visual depth and supports everything from morning routines to nighttime relaxation. Maximize Utility with Integrated Design Keep your space feeling serene and uncluttered with discreet storage solutions. Built-in cabinetry, recessed niches and custom shelving maintain visual harmony while keeping essentials within reach. Consider toe-kick drawers or mirrored cabinets for added functionality with style. With small but intentional updates, your bathroom can become a peaceful space that reflects your personal style and enhances everyday living. For more design inspiration and to explore a full range of luxury bathroom innovations, visit TOTOUSA.com. SOURCE: TOTO

A Michigan startup backed by Jeff Bezos is challenging the luxury EV market with a no-frills approach that’s capturing nationwide attention

When most people think of electric vehicles, images of Tesla’s sleek Model S or Ford’s high-tech Lightning come to mind – along with their premium price tags. But Slate Auto, a Troy, Michigan-based startup, is taking a radically different approach that’s got 100,000 Americans reaching for their wallets.

The Anti-Luxury EV

Slate’s electric pickup truck starts at just $25,000 to $27,500, making it one of the most affordable EVs ever announced. But here’s the catch – and the genius – behind their strategy: they’re stripping away everything that typically drives up EV costs.

No paint. No stereo system. No touchscreens. Not even power windows.

“We’re building the truck that America actually needs, not the one Silicon Valley thinks we want,” the company’s approach suggests, though they let their product speak for itself.

Backed by Billions, Built for the Masses

Despite its bare-bones approach, Slate Auto isn’t a garage startup. The company has secured approximately $700 million in funding from heavyweights investors including Jeff Bezos, Mark Walter, and Thomas Tull. This financial backing gives them the resources to challenge established automakers while maintaining their commitment to affordability.

The company plans to manufacture their trucks at a former Donnelly factory in Warsaw, Indiana, with production expected to begin in late 2026.

Market Response: 100,000 and Counting

Within just two weeks of opening reservations, Slate collected 100,000 orders at $50 each – generating $5 million in immediate revenue and demonstrating significant pent-up demand for affordable electric vehicles.

This response suggests that while the automotive industry has been focused on premium EVs loaded with features, there’s a massive market of consumers who simply want reliable, affordable electric transportation.

The Customization Philosophy

Slate’s minimalist approach isn’t just about cost-cutting – it’s about empowerment. By delivering a basic platform, they’re enabling customers to customize their trucks according to their specific needs and budgets. Want paint? Add it yourself or have it done locally. Need a sound system? Install exactly what you want.

This philosophy extends the vehicle’s lifecycle, as second and third owners can continue customizing and upgrading, potentially increasing long-term customer satisfaction and resale value.

What This Means for the EV Market

Slate Auto’s approach represents a fundamental shift in EV strategy. While competitors race to add more features, screens, and luxury appointments, Slate is proving that sometimes less really is more.

For communities like Phoenix, where transportation costs significantly impact family budgets, a $25,000 electric truck could be transformative. Small businesses, contractors, and everyday families who’ve been priced out of the EV market suddenly have an entry point.

Slate Auto: Looking Ahead

As Slate moves toward their 2026 production timeline, they face the typical challenges of any automotive startup: scaling manufacturing, maintaining quality, and delivering on promises. However, their reservation numbers suggest they’ve identified a genuine market need that established automakers have overlooked.

The success or failure of Slate’s minimalist approach could reshape how the entire industry thinks about electric vehicles. Are consumers really demanding luxury features, or do they just want affordable, reliable electric transportation?

We’ll be following Slate Auto’s progress closely as they work toward production, bringing you updates on this potentially game-changing approach to electric vehicles.—STM Daily News will continue covering Slate Auto’s development and the broader evolution of affordable electric vehicles. Have thoughts on Slate’s approach? We’d love to hear from our readers about what features matter most in an electric vehicle.

Source: Slate Auto

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