Your morning commute just got a lot shorter. Working remotely has become a permanent solution for many of us over the past few years. If you live in a home with a backyard, one solution is to create an outdoor office. Credit: John Merkl If your shed holds outdoor equipment, look for ways tooptimize your garage or basement storageto store those items. Regardless of how big yourbackyard officeis, there are a few additional factors to consider....

Learn the ins and outs of central vacuum systems, including the pros and cons. What Makes a Central Vacuum System Different? For those unfamiliar with central vac systems, picture the vacuums at a self-serve car wash. Credit:Getty Images / Klubovy The suction is delivered through a series of pipes with fittings, allowing each hose to attach. The motor and canister of a central vacuum system are much like that of an ordinary vacuum....

In French, “chiffonade” means “made of rags.” Using proper knife techniques can enhance flavor. Chopping herbs finely increases their surface area, releasing more flavor into your dish. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul You pronounce “chiffonade” likeshif-uh-nahdorshif-uh-neyd;both are acceptable. Cutting an herb or greens into a chiffonade is attractive and helps release flavor. The technique also makesquick work of chopping. OurGrilled Eggplant Tartinesrecipe includes basil and is a delicious way to try your chiffonade cut skills....

Learn the benefits and disadvantages of having a crawl space in your home. This keeps moisture to a minimum, preventing mold growth andimproving the air quality. This can be a sign of further moisture issues down the road. Credit:Getty Images / Double_Vision Passively Vented Passively vented crawl spaces are like actively vented crawl spaces without the fans. They rely on natural airflow through the vents to improve the air quality and prevent mold growth....

The plot thickens when you add in other elements like the crisper drawer. What Is a Refrigerator Crisper Drawer? A refrigerator is an appliance that generates a dry, cool environment. Credit:Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images Crisper drawers are different from the rest of the refrigerator because they foster a humid environment by restricting airflow. If there are no prefs, the drawer is considered a high-humidity crisper drawer, Hill says. From there, you might sort your fruit and vegetable stock accordingly....

Learn the pros and cons of a gable roof, plus how it compares to other popular roof styles. Getty Images / 1000ways A gable roof is a popular roof design that is used with mostarchitectural styles. Plus, the simple design sheds water easily and provides more attic space than most other roof styles. Credit:Getty Images / 1000ways What Is a Gable Roof? Variations of Gable Roofs Within the larger genre of gable roofs are numerous variations....

Update the look of your garage with this innovative option. It’s important to stay on top of cleaning and maintenance to keep the garage andgarage doorlooking great. One of the problems homeowners often run into with garage doors is peeling or chipped paint. Credit:irina88w / Getty Images The paint is intended to protect the garage from moisture, reducing the risk of wood rot or rust. Use this guide to learn more about garage door wrap....

Learn more about this organization staple, plus how to use one to tidy your home. I’ll admit that I didn’t always love lazy Susans. When used properly, a lazy Susan can be a game-changer in getting and keeping a home organized. Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff Reaching for something on a deep or high shelf suddenly becomes effortless. Jefferson’s daughter was said to complain about being the last to be served at the dinner table....

What Is a Murphy Table? If youre familiar with aMurphy bed, the concept of a Murphy table is similar. Essentially, its a table that folds up in the wall when not in use. Credit:Ann VanderWiel Wilde Murphy tables can fold up into the wall nearly completely orprovide additional storagewith cabinet-like details. This is particularly helpful for desk and dining table use. These are all important factors to consider before getting started on your project....

A rimless toilet is a hygienic, easier-to-clean toilet option. A rimless toilet is a hygienic, easier-to-clean option. What Is a Rimless Toilet? Credit:Getty Images / denizunlusu Dont worry: it still has a seat. Theyre Easier to Clean If you dreadcleaning the toilet,this is for you. A rimless toilet is strikingly simple to clean compared to a standard toilet. If youve evercleaned a toilet, you know the most difficult place to clean is beneath the rim....

We to use this to perk up pesto! One of the most versatile of all? Spicy, peppery arugula. Credit:Brie Goldman Read on to get the answer to what is arugula? What Is Arugula? Look for arugula that is bright and vibrant green in color. It should emit a clean, peppery scent Steer clear of leaves that look yellow or wilted. What Does Arugula Taste Like? Arugula is one ingredient that makes its presence known....

The design industry’s latest ‘it’ fabric is simultaneously cozy and sophisticated. Featuring a nubby texture made from thick loops of yarn, the material seamlessly blends style and comfort. How To Pronounce “Boucle” Boucle is a French word that is pronounced. Credit:Kristen Prahl / Getty Images What Is Boucle? What gives boucle its characteristic nubby texture is the way the yarn is formed into loops. Why Is Boucle Popular Right Now? Credit:Meredith Corporation...

Theres no scotch whisky in the recipe, so whats up with the name? Youre usually presented with a spectrum of options to bake with,melt, or enjoy by the handful. Youre probably well-versed in the world ofwhite chocolateand milk or darkchocolate. Credit:Getty Images / LumenSt What is Butterscotch? How Did Butterscotch Get Its Name? Yes, theres butter in the recipe. But whats up with the -scotch portion of the name? What Makes Butterscotch Different From Caramel, Toffee, and Dulce de Leche?...