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

(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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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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