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RTA Kitchen Cabinets Color Trends this Year

Published on March 24, 2021

Spring is just upon us, and you know what this means: it’s time to give your kitchen a do-over. RTA cabinets are very popular, as they are easy to install – but this still begs the question of what colors you should use. What are some popular colors that you may go for? This article should give you a few ideas on colors that are popular this year.

Navy Blue

Navy blue cabinets have started gaining popularity since 2019 – and they are still holding strong throughout 2021. Interior designer Amy Carman adds this in regard to the navy blue color: “It’s very timeless, and it weathers design trends very well. It’s a strong color, but we also consider it a neutral color. You get the crispness but you’re going with a deeper color.” Paired with hardware made of brass, it can certainly give your kitchen a makeover.

Hunter Green

Various shades of green are popular this year, but what we see more and more often nowadays is hunter green. Reminiscent of navy blue, it brings certain elegance while giving you a natural vibe. Plus, due to the fact that it’s also a color present in nature, it works well with woody brown colors and off-white. Plus, if you have yellow accents in the kitchen, hunter green will make those colors pop.

Turquoise

People are looking to add splashes of color in their kitchen this year, particularly since they are spending more and more time indoors. Turquoise brings a lot of joy and light into an area, making it a favorite choice when you want to send away the gloom. Plus, if you are looking for tranquility, and you want to drive the stress away as you are cooking, this soft shade can help you enjoy more of your kitchen activity.

White

White has always been popular, and it will likely keep being popular in the years to come. Nowadays, increasingly more people are buying white cabinets, as they provide that impression of more space. “White cabinets are great for giving you that fresh clean minimal look but are also a great backdrop for layering up color and texture,” says Sarah Davies from Floella Interiors.

Gray

Gray cabinets have an elegant and classic look, which is probably why they never really went out of style. 2021 is already here, and they are still going strong. Different shared of gray may be used here, according to your preferences. The latest trends use lacquered white walls with metallic gray cabinets, as this mix gives off a more modern look. Plus, it offers you more freedom of choice when it comes to decorating your kitchen.

Black

Did you think that black will go away, now that people are looking for more colorful options, too? Well, think again. Black RTA kitchen cabinets make a statement, which is why more and more people are going for this shade. They also have an elegance that is hard to ignore, and they are very popular among modern bachelor kitchens. Mixed with some silver or white tones in the kitchen, the whole aspect will look very cool and cozy.

Red

Red is also a very popular choice this year, due to its ability to make a statement. As Hayley Simmons of Magnet says, “homeowners will be looking to experiment and introduce new bolder shades that bring their kitchen to life.” Here, red is an option because it works to enhance our moods and make us feel better about ourselves. Deep red is likely the most popular choice, but there are various shades that you may try out – from deeper and darker tones of red to the light and pale kinds. The size of your kitchen will also play a role, as smaller kitchens often work better with lighter shades.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, the year 2021 will likely see a surge in color. Bright shades of blue, red, and green may adorn our RTA cabinets, as people are looking for a new source of joy. At the same time, they are not ready to let go of the simplicity of monochrome colors. In the end, it all depends on your personal preferences and needs. Contact RTA Cabinet Supply for more details. Be sure to choose well and figure out exactly what you need. The kitchen is a central part of any home. Research well and happy kitchen shopping.

Is There Any Difference Between Cacti and Succulents?

Published on March 24, 2021

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People who have no experience with plants, and especially with succulents, generally cannot recognize the true difference between them and cacti. Most people might jusr say that the difference is obvious to everyone and that some have leaves and others thorns. And that is true, but does one exclude the other? If you think about it, some cacti even have flowers on their areolas, leaves, etc.

Mixing these two terms is common. However, you will best understand their individual meaning if you understand how they are related. Most people see these terms as separate but quite related groups of plants. They actually are, but it is much more complex than that. To learn a little more about them, keep reading the text and discover all the details. In the following text, we will try to present you the clearest possible connection between these plants as well as their individual characteristics.

Relationship between cactus and succulent

Both types of plants have something special that sets them apart from all the others, and that is their ability to survive. As you know, they need extremely little water. This is because they have the ability to accumulate fluid that they use later as reserves. In this way, they can never dry out, but even a large amount of water can harm them. Therefore, growers of these plants recommend that they be watered infrequently. However, it is not only because of this that plants are extremely capable.

They can survive high temperatures and do not need supplementation. Additional nutrients are certainly desirable, but it is enough for the plant to consume them once a year (spring or summer). Keep in mind that they still come from a harsh environment. And because of that, they are inactive in winter in order to survive the low temperatures in the desert. Their extremely unusual structure makes them very popular. That is why they are one of the favorite forms of decoration used to beautify the interior and exterior.

The difference between a cactus and a succulent

When we look at cacti on one side and succulents on the other, we can notice several important things. Cacti are a family that comes from a wider category of succulents. The biggest difference is in the thorns, because all cacti have thorns unlike succulents. So, from the physical and appearance, we can conclude what kind of plants it is. And that’s exactly the best way to differentiate them from each other. However, when you think a little better about their appearance, you will realize that some have leaves, while others do not.

This physical characteristic changes a lot, especially the place of accumulation of fluids. Cacti store water reserves in the root mainly while succulents retain fluid in the leaves. They are just the main indicator when something is wrong with the plant as well as an indicator of dehydration or too much water. The leaves are extremely dense due to their primary function. You will notice that the leaves of succulents look very strange and magical and rarely leave them indifferent. There is a difference in survival because they come from different backgrounds.

Cacti

Now that the differences between cactus and succulents are clear to you, let’s define these two terms a little better. It is almost impossible not to recognize them. Thorns, which are the main reason for their popularity, contribute to its specificity. In addition, we must not ignore this fact for a moment, because of which we can get hurt. They are considered a subcategory of the succulent group. They range from tall and skinny to short and round. They are also the most beautiful decorative plants and people around the world even have their own collections of small cacti.

Numerous species of cacti bloom only once a year, and sometimes they do not bloom. That is why they are considered a reward. There is an opinion that they will bloom only if you reward them with boundless love. Domesticated cacti can be your best friends in the house, and if they bloom, believe me, they will be the most beautiful decorations in homes.

Succulents

These plants do not have thorns and are distinguished by that. However, there are a few more things that make this plant unique. They have a fleshy appearance, and this is precisely because of its leaves in which water accumulates. The larger the number of leaves, the more water the succulents need, because the plant has a higher capacity. Their skin is also very thick and not permeable to water. The root is not deep at all and is very close to the surface, but it is also widespread in order to collect as much water as possible. While some cacti may have only areolas, flowers and more, succulents are limited. They can’t have thorns.

Situations in which the appearance of succulents and cacti can deceive you

Many people wonder why some succulents and cacti look almost identical. Also numerous shops, like SucculentMarket, are selling both, so it is natural to thing that they are same. This mainly refers to plants such as Aloe, Haworthia, Agave … The reason for the doubts is precisely their visual characteristics. And it has cylindrical shapes and spines. So many may think they are genetically related, but they are not. What happened here? There has been a convergent evolution. Thus, these two genetically unrelated plants developed the same traits. This often happens in animals as well, so it is widely present in nature.

This phenomenon is mainly a consequence of the environment in which both species develop, because the conditions are very comparable. For example, succulents that face external conditions as well as cacti naturally acquire their characteristics in order to be able to cope with difficult conditions. By that we mean the same cylindrical shape that gives them the ability to cope with drought and everything else that comes with it. Sometimes the similarity is so great that it is difficult for an expert to distinguish them. So don’t be surprised if you sometimes get confused in a situation like this.

Conclusion:

When we compare these plants, we are more inclined to find common things and that makes it difficult for us to distinguish them. This is a completely normal phenomenon since they function almost identically. However, when we take a closer look at their physical appearance and take into account their characteristics, we can conclude one thing. The main difference between succulents and cacti is the following … All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. We hope we’ve been able to help you find the answer to your question.

6 Things to Consider Before Buying Countertop Oven

Published on March 3, 2021

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It’s pretty difficult to live in the modern age without a countertop oven. Sometimes we need to prepare meals as fast as possible due to our schedule being so tight, and this is where countertop ovens start to shine. The best thing about them? They are not expensive, they don’t take a lot of space and most importantly, there are tons of choices available on the market. But is this a downside as well? Well… kind of?

Due to the market being so saturated with electronics, kitchen appliances and other similar products, it’s sometimes overwhelming for the average person to choose the right product. Thankfully, in today’s article we’ll make that a lot easier for you. Willing to learn more? Now’s the right time to do so. Let’s take a look.

1. Do you have enough space for the oven?

Although these things can be really space-efficient, compact and well-looking, not every kitchen can handle one of them. If you need to do complete remodeling of your countertop area just to fit this one in your kitchen, maybe the effort is not worth it. Either that, or you’ve been eyeing a different model that’s slightly larger and doesn’t fit in your determined space for the oven. The first and most important thing whatsoever is to take the necessary measures. Use this information to prevent making the wrong type of purchase.

Remember that the countertop oven needs a little bit more room for the cables, and some centimeters to simply “breathe”, so it doesn’t need to be stuck and fit in a “slot” that’s exactly as large as the oven itself. The people working at the store will help you with this.

2. Are you going to use it on a daily basis?

Before you purchase anything, especially a kitchen appliance, you need to ask yourself whether you’re going to use it regularly or just every once in a while. If it’s the latter, you might want to think twice about purchasing. It’s not the cheapest investment you can do, and although these things are really useful and time-saving, they’re not for everyone. But, this is just some common logic that you need to apply before purchasing any item for your home.

If you are a fan of baking, grilling or toasting your food, then you are making the right decision purchasing one of these things for your kitchen. And, these things are a lot healthier than microwaves for example, since they use steam mechanisms to cook the food instead.

3. Keep the cord length in mind before buying

Countertop ovens don’t have really large cables, and the reason for this is to ensure safety. So, you need to plan these things ahead before purchasing. If you don’t have an electric plug somewhere close, you may have some troubles connecting the oven. You’ll either have to purchase an extension cable or you’ll have to get a model with a larger cable, which may be difficult to find. Nothing too serious that should prevent you from buying. It’s just something to consider before you rush out your decision and then come home just to get disappointed. If you are interested in taking a look at a few models, and determining which one may be the best choice for your kitchen, Piecorps.com is a website where you can learn more as well as take a look at some examples with prices included.

4. Check the reputation of the brand and do proper research

As I said above, you are not paying a small price for this kitchen appliance, so the most important thing you as a customer need to do is do proper research on the brand and the exact model you’re looking to purchase.

More expensive brands usually mean better quality, but that’s not always like that, and you should know it if you are willing to save some money on your countertop oven purchase. Researching some of the “underdog” brands is also a good idea, since they are usually trying their best to provide best quality and longest warranties. The best way to do this is by reading customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot. However, avoid reading official reviews on the main brand’s website because they usually filter out the negative products.

The best way to get an honest opinion about a certain countertop oven model is by asking someone who already has one for a while. As for features and functions, we’re going to talk about that in the following part.

5. Shortlist the models based on their functions and features

Not every countertop oven comes with the same features. Some are more modern and automated, but they cost a lot of money. The real question here is, do you really need all those fancy features? Are you a dedicated cook? Or you’re just looking to casually prepare a lunch for you and your friends every now and then. Smart timers and all those fancy things will add up to the price, and there’s no doubt that they make your life easier, but do you need them? Start shortlisting based on this and you’ll have a much better time narrowing down the list.

6. Is the warranty solid enough for the price of the product?

Last but not least, warranty is important, and if you are buying a very expensive countertop oven you should make sure that the warranty is also good enough. You don’t want to pay a thousand dollars for something that’s covered only two or so months by the manufacturer. This is why we mentioned checking the “underdog” brands since they almost always give best warranties to attract new customers and make a name for themselves out in the market.

Conclusion

Exposing your food to radiation is definitely not the most appealing thing to those who care a lot about health and well-being. This is where countertop ovens come into play as they are the much needed healthier version of microwaves. In today’s article we listed the six most important things you need to consider before purchasing a countertop oven. Thank you for reading.

6 Tips and Tricks for Decorating Your Outdoor Space

Published on February 26, 2021

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Whether your outdoor space is merely large enough to be considered a place at all or you have access to a large alfresco space the truth is that you can reshape it to fit your wants and needs and make it one of your favorite places in your household. When it comes to transforming your outdoor space into something convenient and pleasant there are certain tips and tricks related to decorating you would want to try out in order to make the most out of your efforts. Therefore, read the following lines and carefully assert all the options before implementing them to either your backyard or your cozy porch. You will learn how to modify your existing space and upgrade it to a version that you and your family will be the most satisfied with.

Choose a Carpet

Whether you are aware of it or not, carpets can do wonders to all kinds of different spaces, outdoor areas included. Since most of us thought of rugs to be an item of the interior design arsenal, the truth is there are tapestries crafted especially for outdoor use. On the other hand, if your outdoor space is covered and protected from precipitations, you might want to use an indoor rug instead. Any other way, you would want to opt for an outdoor carpet since they are made to endure the challenges of being kept outside and would adorn your alfresco area for longer. When it comes to design, the choice depends solely on you, but what you should bear in mind is that the ones with darker shades are much easier to maintain. Making a rug a part of your outdoor setting will raise the standards of your space and enable you to modify it furthermore.

The Lighting

When it comes to the lighting the only limitation you might face is that of your imagination. Namely, choosing the right lighting for your outdoor area can help you completely change the vibe of the space. You can combine different types to set an adequate mood and use various designs to highlight or even play down a certain segment. Nowadays, light adjustments are getting more and more popular so you might implement this type of illumination to your alfresco area and manipulate the lighting level depending on the time of day or your current mood. The variations are numerous so you might choose between string lights, chandeliers, ceiling lights, garden lamps, or any other variation you consider appropriate for your setting.

Outdoor Furniture

Nothing affects the looks of your alfresco area as the furniture, but when it comes to the selection of certain pieces the things are a little bit different from the picking of indoor elements. Namely, you would want to search for pieces that will both match the design of your exterior and be quality enough to serve its outdoor purpose. That implies it is composed out of quality materials crafted to enable your furniture to withstand the weather but also to provide you with style and comfort. Apart from you will seek quality, you will have to either adapt the furniture to other elements of your outdoor area or vice versa. Instead of fantasizing and visualizing possible solutions visit remarkablefurniture.com.au and learn more about what qualities an outdoor furniture set should have and how you can utilize different models and match it with your space.

The Plants

In order to make your outdoor space more attractive and raise its natural appeal, you can always call the local flower shop for assistance. If you are experienced in flower growing, you will know how to grow the plants and if you are not that skillful you can always ask for a piece of advice from a florist. The plants in your surroundings generally rise the vibe so you might want to think of making your alfresco area greener. Again, your boundaries are within your creativity but do bear in mind that plants are living beings and would require your attention in order to give you something in return. Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of people spending fortunes on beautiful specimens only to leave them unattended for weeks or even months and we all know how that story ends. Therefore, pick the plants you can devote to so they can devote themselves to making your outdoor space more vibrant.

The Pillows

If you are looking to make your outdoor area cozier, think about buying some pillows and arranging them all over the place. The selection is huge, so you can pick the thing you want according to your wants and needs. When it comes to comfort, you might want to take into account the large lazy-bags, which basically pillow only as large as a standard chair, solely much more comfortable. When we talk about standard pillows, you can choose whatever material and design you consider appropriate and even make them yourself if you do not encounter models that suit your setting. If tailoring your own pillows is too much for you, you can always hire a local tailor and present them with your ideas.

Mirrors

Just because mirrors are mostly used as interior elements, it does not mean that you cannot make use of them as a part of your external decoration. Mirrors can work wonders with any type of space because, by mere reflecting, they create an illusion and expand the area in the eyes of the beholder. On the other hand, having a mirror as a part of your alfresco setting shall reflect not only the image of the one looking at it but also the style and class of the owners.

You might be thinking of the aforementioned tips and tricks for decorating your outdoor space as too good to be true or even unrealistic, but the truth is that you can do wonders if you invest a little effort and dedicate yourself to the goal completely. Spending time outside will never be the same when you see what you can do with your two bare hands supported by some creativity. In order to make the most out of your venture consult this article as much as you need and use the suggestions you consider will make the biggest difference and shape your alfresco area to your standards.

6 Ways To Make Your New Apartment Feel Like Home

Published on February 24, 2021

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If you’ve just bought or moved into a new apartment it might take some time to get used it. Of course, you cannot feel as if you belong there the moment you walk through those doors, but you can do a lot about accelerating this process where you will feel at home.

Whether this is choosing the furniture you love, meeting the neighbors, or focusing on details inside your apartment, you can start right away! And we are going to help you out:

1. Buy Furniture You Love

One of the most important things is to buy furniture that you will love. The first segment you need to look is the quality and right after it is the comfort. The best thing would be to find all of this at a suitable price, but we will leave the budgeting to you.

If you don’t like the furniture in your home, you will never get used to the idea that you live here and you will feel anxious all the time and that’s something you need to avoid. Our homes need to create that safe haven for us and therefore, it is important to create a soothing atmosphere with no stress level whatsoever. And proper furniture helps.

2. Focus on Small Stuff

Once you’ve opted for all the big pieces of furniture such as bed, tables, cabinets and chairs, you will move on to some smaller things including lamps, picture frames, scented candles and some other decorative items.

At first, you might feel that these are unnecessary, but in reality, these are the things that will make your home – home. Creating an area with images of your family and friends, decorating the bedroom with that beautiful lamp where you can adjust the brightness are all the details that are necessary.

3. Make the place green

One of the things that will definitely spark up your new apartment is adding plants and flowers to it. If you have a balcony, it might be a perfect place to put them there and bayareacablerailing.com created a list of plants that will make it more beautiful.

Not only will your balcony be gorgeous, but you will also create an oasis in the middle of the city. For people in the apartments, not having a yard can be tricky, but the balcony is a good replacement.

As for which plants you choose, that depends on you – all you have to ask yourself is what do you like? In case you’re into cacti, go for it – but you can also opt for wildflowers, holly, violets…Anything comes into play here. Not only can you use decorative flowers and plants, but you can also plant basil, oregano, mint, or parsley. You can put those to use later!

But keep in mind this:

You will need to water the plants – and some are just easier to maintain than others. If you’re leaving your apartment for a couple of days, make sure you ask your neighbor to water them so that they don’t die.

The plants will definitely shed new light to your apartment. And speaking of light!

4. Make Your Apartment Bright!

The more windows your apartment has, the better – you will enjoy it much more. You don’t have a lot say when buildings are built, but you can choose the apartment which isn’t looking at the wall of the opposite building and where you don’t see sun during the day.

That may mean setting for a building which is slightly outside the city center, but again – this boils down to everyone’s preferences. If location is the most important thing to you forget about a good view and sun-bathed rooms (in a majority of cases).

5. Keep Your Home Office Separated

With the covid pandemic underway, many people are forced to work from their apartments. Not all of the apartments come with a large number of rooms and in some, whole families live in two or three rooms. That can be stressful at times, but if possible, try to keep your home office as detached as possible.

Having to sleep and work in the same room can be difficult, especially for someone who’s not used to working from home. Therefore, create a home office in a separate room, or put your desk in the living room and decorate that corner in a more office-like manner.

Usually, we connect our bedrooms with relaxation and rest and having our office squeezed in there isn’t the wisest choice. Having at least a separate corner will help you feel more at home when you finish working!

6. Cook At Home

One of the best ways to feel comfortable in your new apartment is to get that kitchen dirty! Cooking at home has so many benefits than eating out. First of all, you’ll eat much healthier. You’ll usually buy fruit, vegetable and in combination with meat, fish and eggs, that’s all you need really.

The combination of meals you can prepare just out of a couple of groceries is stunning. Secondly, why not learn how to cook? Trying to prepare new meals all the time (and failing occasionally) is the beauty of cooking.

Last but not least, you will always have food in your fridge or in the oven. Is there anything better than a meal waiting for you after a long day at work?

Conclusion

How to make your new apartment feel like home? We believe that the answer lies in the points we mentioned above. Having a comfortable bed, a hot meal is already enough to make you feel great at your new apartment. Add some greenery to it and make sure you have a bright and spacious apartment (no matter how large it is) and you have a winning combination.

It may take some time to put this in order, but after a few months, everything will be top-notch – and if you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood and the city as well, that will change soon. You will slowly get used to it to a point where you will be able to say “Yes, this is my home!”

What’s the Best Fridge for the Least Problems?

Published on February 23, 2021

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Buying a refrigerator can be an overwhelming task because there are numerous things you need to put into consideration. The unit’s price, features, warranties, model number, and size are just a few of the things you need to keep in mind when purchasing a new fridge. But there is a way you can by-pass all these and just buy a fridge – no scratching your head about what features the unit has and how it can meet your needs. Just go by brand! I mean, everyone buys an iPhone because they know Apple is a trustworthy brand, right?

Searching for the best fridge for the least problems is one way to find reliable units that will serve you for years to come, and you will not need to go overdrive researching the best model fridge in the market.

Going for the model with the least problems will also reduce the operation and maintenance cost and save on repair costs.

So today, I have taken the liberty to compile a shortlist of the most reliable refrigerator brands collected by BreezerFreezer.com.

The 7 popular brands, dominate the lion’s market share. Buying from these brands is almost a guarantee that your refrigerator will not have any problems along the way.

Here are places to buy the best fridge for the least problems:

1. General Electric

GE brand is known for manufacturing a wide range of home appliances, including fridges. Their refrigerators come in different styles, designs, and prices. This brand is one of the best on the market for durability, which is a good thing because you typically put in a lot of capital in a fridge.

Durability is one thing you look for in a new refrigerator because you don’t want a model that will need constant repairs.

Whether you are looking for a fridge with a bottom freezer, top freezer, French door, or side-by-side doors, General Electric has got you covered.

Moreover, GE is loved by consumers due to its affordable appliances compared to premium options from its competition.

The fridge’s French door line is the most pricey, though they come with a myriad of features such as advanced water filtration (excellent if you live in a city), drop-down trays, etc. Keurig dispenser brewer.

2. LG

Life’s Good is a familiar household brand, especially for electronics such as speakers, mobile devices, and TVs. However, LG is known for its reliable kitchen appliances with hi-tech features like:

built-in ice makers for creating ice spheres for that bar-quality cocktails.
Wi-Fi enabled screens to allow users to monitor what is in the refrigerator without opening the door; and Keurig coffee maker.

With these cool features, it is easy for one to assume that LG is just for high-end products. However, this brand also manufactures simple, affordable refrigerators that anyone can afford. This does not mean that they sacrifice quality for affordability. Their reasonably priced units still feature innovative designs, excellent functionality, efficient cooling, and some hi-tech features.

The best low-priced LG refrigerator with great features is the LG LMXS28596D. It has a state of the art features and cutting-edge beauty.

3. Samsung

Samsung is another well-known brand that dominates the market with its wide range of consumer electronics products such as mobile devices, smartwatches, TVs, speakers, and headphones. When it comes to premium household appliances, Samsung is also a leader in the market, and you can get yourself a super-glossy, highly functional smart fridge.

The brand has an array of collections, with the most stunning models being the Samsung Family Hub. The Family Hub features luxurious yet reasonably priced refrigerators with fitted smart home hubs. This means you can shop for food, manage your calendar, and see if you can monitor your front door for strangers.

They are also designed to include various styles, such as French door and side-by-side models featuring up to four doors.

In addition to transforming your home into a smart home, this refrigerator can also keep your fruits and veggies fresh, dispense ice and filtered water, and top it all. It comes with cutting-edge finishes.

4. Whirlpool

Consumers love this brand for its durable and quality refrigerators. Some households swear by Whirlpool refrigerators as they tend to last longer compared to other brands. It also designs its fridges into French door, top freezer, bottom freezer, and side-by-side setups.

Whirlpool units tend to be affordable, even the fanciest ones. All of their appliances are certified energy-efficient.

Suppose you are looking for a competitively priced fridge with cool features. In that case, I recommend the Whirlpool WRF555SDFZ model, which comes with an ergonomic design and features, including a factory-fitted ice maker.

5. Frigidaire

This brand has been around for quite some time now and is currently one of the most reliable and trusted refrigerators brands. Despite the saturated household appliance market, Frigidaire remains a preferred brand for many consumers who are drawn to its storied reputation.

Refrigerators from this brand are certified energy-efficient, reliable, reasonably priced, low maintenance, and long-lasting. The design is also aesthetic and the wide range of features that their line of fridge comes with.

Frigidaire fridges’ most outstanding features include ice and water filtration, adjustable shelving, smudge-proof stainless steel, and French doors.

6. Maytag

If what you are after are reliability and space, don’t look any further than a Maytag refrigerator. The fridge’s collection comes with massive doors, lots of space, and adjustable storage, making them ideal for large families or commercial kitchens. Among the configurations include a bottom freezer, top freezer, side-by-side refrigerators as well as counter-depth models.

Most of them also feature professional-like, curved door handles. One of the bestseller units is the Maytag MRT118FFFH, which features a standard white exterior and smart digital controls, and a top freezer configuration.

7. Danby

Danby fridges are known for being budget-friendly with a plethora of features and functionalities. In addition, Danby also sells appliances such as microwaves, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

The brand’s perfect for small kitchens or space-savvy spaces. One of Danby’s refrigerators’ most raved-about features includes easy-to-use controls and design, adjustable shelving, and a spacious interior.

6 Tips for Choosing Energy Efficient Windows for Your Home

Published on February 19, 2021

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Nowadays, when renovating and upgrading their homes, people want to go with top-notch energy-efficient technology. Besides making their homes more comfortable, it can also help them cut down expenses and save money. Naturally, the biggest benefit of it is to reduce the carbon footprint, and therefore, protect the environment.

In this article, we will focus on energy-efficient windows. After all, these are an essential part of your property, meaning that you have to be careful when choosing them. If you are thinking about investing in these, keep on reading because we will provide you with some tips.

Think about the frame

It may seem odd that this is one of the first things you have to consider since the frame is a small portion of the overall surface, but it can really make a difference. Up until recently, wood was the most popular choice, but the truth is that there are better options today. For example, wood requires a lot of maintenance since weather conditions can have a hazardous effect on it. Durability is probably one of your top requirements, so you may want to go with a material that can be easily maintained and that, at the same time, will last you for many years to come. The best part is that now you can choose the design and finish according to your liking, so it will be very easy to create something that matches the overall appearance of your home.

Learn about different types

The next thing you have to think about is the type of window. You know what we are talking about, right? You can choose between tilt-and-turn, casement, sliding, double-hung, and so on. When considering these, people usually think about the appearance and convenience, but you also have to learn about the air seals.

From the insulation point of view, you should go with windows that swing instead of slide. Why? Well, when you close these, you push them into weatherstripping, meaning that they seal better, which gives them a significant advantage when it comes to insulation and energy efficiency.

Inquire about the glass

Naturally, the most important feature of an energy-efficient window is the glass, and nowadays, you have a couple of options. Dual-pane type has become a standard since it can significantly reduce the amount of heat that the glass lets through, that is, it can lower the U-factor.

Next, if you want to go a step further, you can choose to add a third pane and get a triple-pane glass. As you can assume, this glass can take the energy efficiency feature to a whole new level, but the truth is that it can be quite costly, so not many people decide to invest in it. Finally, there is another trick manufacturer use. They add inert argon gas between the panes to further increase the window’s insulation property.

Go with low-E glass

Depending on the company you choose, you may be restricted when it comes to frames and window types, but there is one thing all companies have in common – they offer a wide range of different films and coatings. When considering this, our advice is to go with the low-E glass since it reflects the energy and heat while, at the same time, it enables light to pass through. What’s more, it even restricts the UV rays that enter your home. As you know, the UV rays can damage objects that are exposed to it directly, so the vibrant color of your couch or rug can fade after a longer period of time.

Energy efficiency label

If you want to be certain that you are making the right investment and that you won’t be throwing your money down the drain, you should only investigate options that are approved by the professionals. In addition, you also have to understand these recommendations. These windows are created for different areas and weather conditions, so you should consider these factors before making the decision. Also, you have to think about the topography of your area as well as the number of windows to get the best results.

Installation

Let’s be honest, proper installation is important regardless of the upgrade you are making to your home. If an item isn’t installed correctly, not only will it not function as it should, but the fact is that it can cause further damage. This is especially true when it comes to windows. First of all, the main reason for investing in these is to benefit from their energy efficiency feature and reduce monthly expenses. Well, if you don’t go with a reputable company, the chances are that you won’t see any of these benefits. Due to this reason, you should visit klarfonster.se and investigate not only the products they offer but learn details about the installation process.

Moreover, if the windows aren’t placed correctly, you may face the problems of leaks and water damage. Is it even necessary to explain how serious these can be? Plus, if you don’t act immediately, there is always a risk of black mold, which is a whole new issue that can take a lot of time, effort, and money to resolve.

Don’t go with the cheapest option

We understand that home renovation is not only a lengthy but also a very expensive process. Obviously, you should set a budget and make sure not to exceed it to avoid the trouble of spending more than you can afford. However, at the same time, you shouldn’t always choose the least expensive items on the market. If you find an offer that seems too good to be true, well, it probably is, which means that there may be numerous downsides and defects to those items. Even though the initial cost is low, it probably means that you will have to do a lot of repairs in the future.

Wrapping up

To conclude, when looking for new windows, you have to do thorough research, not only to understand what your home needs, but also to find those that meet all of your requirements. Finally, you have to professionals that can guarantee for their product, and at the same time, that can provide you with top-notch service.

6 Tips for Protecting Foreign Assets In Estate Planning

Published on February 18, 2021February 19, 2021

House

Estate planning makes sense if you want to protect your assets for the benefit of your family. You can include anything, even real estate or land outside of your own country. But when you have property on foreign soil, it becomes a bit more complicated. You have to think about taxes and how your beneficiaries can possess property away from where they are. Thankfully, as long as you have these tips to consider, you can keep your foreign property safe.

1. Avoid Double Taxation

When the foreign property ownership is transferred, realize that there is the risk of getting double taxation: by the US and by the country where the property is situated. The US has tax treaties with the following countries: Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Greece, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and South Africa.

If the decedent is a non-citizen but has properties in any of the countries mentioned, the respective governments can tax these properties. If the asset is taxable by the deceased’s land, let’s say the US, then the US government must grant credit to the property to cover foreign taxes. Property tax will apply only on assets that are in the decedent’s own country of residence.

To avoid getting taxed twice, you may want to explore two options on active and passive foreign incomes: the OECD Tax Treaty Model and the UN Tax Treaty Model. Also, if you’re going to start a business overseas, study the different incorporation types first to find out which can apply to your business model. For guidance on estate planning and foreign property, check out www.milehighestateplanning.com.

2. Steer Away From Fraudulent Conveyance

A property transfer is fraudulent when you intend to avoid creditors right away when filing for bankruptcy. In preparing for estate planning, the asset should be placed in a trust years earlier so that creditors won’t be able to take it away. You could run into legal troubles if you’re lying to individuals or institutions you owe money from. Examples of this are as follows:

If the ownership was transferred to someone else, but you’re still using the property
If you intentionally failed to disclose the information about the property
The property was sold for less than the original market value
If you’re unable to pay what you owe after transferring the property
Asset transfer to immediate family members or a close friend
Conducting an uncommon way of transferring assets

3. Hire Local Professional Assistance

You must seek an attorney where the asset or property is located. They’ll be able to help you navigate the country’s laws on tax and estate planning. Some countries are not familiar with or recognize legal documents such as trusts. If the government finds that the transfer is initiated through a will created in the United States, you could be looking at higher taxes.

A local attorney would also be helpful when you need to purchase property or sell it. For example, buying a property in the Caribbean is not an easy task if you don’t know how the laws operate. If you can’t leave your country for some reason, do your research to find the best lawyer to handle the purchase for you.

4. Use An International Will

If you want to avoid tax implications and other legal confusions, consider an international will for foreign assets. The will created under the governing laws of your property’s location will pursue its provisions and grant the property according to its own intestacy laws. Countries that recognize the Uniform International Wills Act include the following necessities when drafting wills:

There should be an existing will in writing
The drafted will must be witnessed by two people, all pages signed by the testator under the authorization of an attorney, if prepared in the US
The transfer or the distribution in a will must be by one person only
The attorney must accompany the will with an attesting certificate with the indication that it was drafted in accordance with the Act.

5. Disclose Foreign Assets To Your Attorney

Working closely with an estate planner means divulging all information on your foreign assets. It’s essential to include them in the planning of your estate—especially involving matters such as the heirs or designated persons who will manage it at the time of your passing. At the same time, your attorney will help you find out about the laws applicable, as well as tax implications. Keep in mind that all of your assets count in asset planning, even if they are offshore. This will ensure that your property will be transferred to the right person.

6. Place Assets Under Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT)

Spouses with non-US citizenship and living in a foreign country may take the marital deduction on estate taxes as long as the foreign property is placed in a QDOT. It protects your assets for your surviving spouse who is not a US citizen so that they don’t have to pay property taxes, which won’t be possible under common taxation laws. It’s essential to comply first with all requirements to maintain the validity of the QDOT. It’s also important to note that the QDOT has limits and only defers paying estate tax until the non-US spouse’s passing.

7. Place Property Under International Trust

When you have an offshore property, you can place it under the protection of an international trust against the reach of creditors. It works the same way as a local trust, where you hold control over it for the sake of your beneficiaries.

An international trust provides a barrier to your foreign assets to make them out of reach of US law as judges don’t hold jurisdiction over foreign entities. But the protection only applies to Nevis, Belize, Isle of Man, and the Cook Islands—economically and politically stable locations.

The mentioned locations are also defendant-friendly. In the Cook Islands, creditors must prove that the defendant did the transfer to defraud them. At Nevis, creditors must put a deposit of USD$25,000 first before filing a lawsuit against a trust.

In Conclusion

Your foreign property or business is among the many assets you worked hard for. To protect them, they must be included in the estate planning, and to be awarded to the person you trust eventually. You may also ask for assistance from your estate planner to find a local attorney where your property is located. Both can work together to make sure your goals are fulfilled.

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