How To Make a Replacement Leaf For Your Dining Room Table

Open the table to determine leaf measurements

Open the table to its full capacity, then measure the width of the table and the opening between its two halves. Your leaf should match the width of the table and be 1-1/2- to 2-in. narrower than the table opening. For example, if your table opens 24-in. wide (like ours), make your leaf 22-1/2-in. wide at the biggest to ensure there is enough room to slide the leaf in and out with ease.

Assemble the slats

With the dimensions of your leaf determined:

• Cut the slats (A, B, and C) to width. Leave them an inch or two long, so you can make clean end cuts after they’ve been glued together.
• Using a biscuit joiner to cut corresponding slots for #10 wood biscuits in each slat (A, B, and C) of the table leaf.
• Once biscuit slots have been cut, dry fit the slats (A, B, and C) together to ensure the biscuits line up.
• After the dry fit, glue up the middle slat section of the leaf (A, B, and C). Use clamps to ensure a tight fit and prevent curling. Don’t stress if the ends don’t line up perfectly; you will be able to cut them flush to exact dimensions after the glue is dry.
• Once the biscuit joints have dried, unclamp the glued-up slats and clean up excess glue and squeeze out. Test-fit the slats in the actual table and mark where to trim the ends of the slats.
• Trim the slat ends (A, B, and C) to their final length.

Attach end caps

Using a biscuit joiner, attach the end caps (D) to both ends of the slat section (A, B, and C) that has already been assembled. Mark for biscuits, cut the biscuit slots, dry-fit, and glue up with plenty of clamps.

When clamping the end caps (D) in place, be sure not to apply too much pressure, as the end caps (D) may rise, creating an uneven surface. Use as many clamps as needed to ensure the slats (A, B, and C) and endcaps (D) stay flat as they are glued up.

Transfer dowel locations

On most tables, dowels are used to index the leaf in place and ensure it doesn’t move during use. Start by ensuring the top surface of the glued-up slats (A, B, and C) and endcaps (D) panel is flush with the table surface. If it’s not, shim it up.

Then, use dowel centers and a colored wax pencil to transfer the exact placement of the dowel pins on both sides of your table to your new leaf.  Drill holes for new dowels where you have marked, keeping in mind that they won’t be centered if you are building your leaf with thinner lumber than the actual table top, like we are. Be very careful to drill in at the correct angle to avoid misalignment.

Attach apron

Place the leaf in the table and lock it in place with the dowel pins.  Mark out the placement of the apron (E) on the leaf so it lines up and mirrors the apron on the table. Attach the top edge of the apron (E) to the underside of the endcap (D) with 1/4-in. dowels using dowel centers. Glue, clamp and allow to dry.

Attach the edge detail

Most tables have an edge detail that is simply routed along the edge of the table top. For this table, there was actually a molding piece with a 30-degree bevel attached to the sides of it, which we needed to match. Using a track saw to ensure a straight line, cut a 30-degree bevel on your trim piece (F) to match the existing table. Then, dial in its width at the table saw and cut it to length at the miter saw. Stain it to match and attach it to the edge of the end cap (E) on both ends of the leaf with glue and a 23-gauge nail gun so it aligns with the bevel on the rest of the table.

Finishing touches

Once all pieces have been put together, touch up any holes with wood filler and stain.  Apply at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane to the entire leaf, sanding between coats. The golden tone of an oil-based sealer will help achieve a better color match between the new drop leaf and an older table.

FAQ

How wide is a leaf for a table?

Additional extendable table leaves are usually available in 12-in. and 18-in. lengths.  Often used in pairs and based on the capacity of your table, you may use one or two leaves at a time.

What is a butterfly leaf dining table?

A butterfly leaf table folds into itself and tucks under the tabletop when stored away. The name “butterfly leaf” is derived from the look of the leaf, which is made of two pieces that fold open in half when being used. This design eliminates the need for additional storage for separate leaves and allows the table to expand quickly for more seating.

Why is a table extender called a leaf?

Early versions of a table extender looked like plant leaves when folded down, also known as drop leaves. The name then came to be used for any flat, removable table extender. Easier to use the term “table leaf” than “table extender.”

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Clean Your Car’s Cup Holders in 30 Minutes or Less With This 5-Step Guide

Empty the cup holders

Clear away any cups and loose trash from the cup holders. If you have a cup holder insert or a cup holder separator, remove them as well.

Vacuum

Vacuum the inside and area around the outside of the cup holders of any leftover small trash, crumbs, dirt, etc. If you have a cup holder lid, close it and vacuum the tight edges around it to get any dirt or crumbs that may have gotten wedged in the cracks.

Use a cleaning gel

Use a car cleaning gel as a follow-up after vacuuming to pick up dirt or crumbs that the vacuum could not. Form it into a ball and roll it around in the cup holder, periodically squeezing it at the edges and corners to get hard-to-reach debris. The gel comes sticky, so any little particle of dirt or debris will get picked up.  A great thing about the cleaning gel is that you can reuse it a few times before throwing it out. Just fold over the dirty side until you get a nice, clean smooth surface, and it’s ready to be used again.

Scrub them clean

Spray an interior car cleaner inside the cup holder. Use a soft-bristle boar’s hair brush combined with a microfiber towel to scrub the inside and outside of the cup holder. Be sure to scrub deep inside the cracks and corners. For cup holders with inserts or separators, use the brush to remove caked-on grime, then wipe with a microfiber towel and cleaning solution.

Once the car cup holders have been scrubbed, wipe them down with a clean microfiber towel. To get into those cracks and corners, use your fingernail or a plastic credit card to push the towel into them to clean up any leftover cleaner.

Apply interior protectant and reinstall inserts

Spray an even layer of interior car protectant onto a clean microfiber towel. Apply the protectant to the cup holders, ensuring it is evenly distributed on the inside and outside of the cup holders and the cup holder inserts. Wipe away any excess protectant. Reinstall any cup holder inserts after the protectant is dry.

The interior protectant is great as it adds a clean, shiny finish and helps protect your interior from UV damage. Over time, without protection, UV rays can discolor your interior and may cause it to crack, leading to repairs and headaches.

FAQ

What should I not clean a car interior with?

There are several things you should never use to clean your car’s interior, including dish soap, bleach, glass cleaner and other household cleaners. The harsh chemicals and abrasive properties of these cleaners will eventually damage your car’s interior surfaces. Stick to products specifically made for cars, as they’ve been tested and are proven to protect your interior.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for car interior?

No. Avoid using Dawn dish soap for any car cleaning, inside or out. Dish soap breaks down grease and oil, and when applied to a vehicle’s interior surfaces and may strip the protective layer, causing it to dry out, crack and fade the color. Avoid at all costs.

Are car cup holder inserts worth it?

Car cup holder inserts help reduce mess, prevent rattling, and secure smaller drinks. The low cost of these products makes them appealing (at least to try) for people who want to make their cup holders more useful or keep them cleaner.

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Phil Saw His Shadow: Tips to Survive 6 More Weeks of Winter

It’s Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. According to folklore, this means we’re in for another six weeks of winter. And with the giant storms that have been battering huge swaths of the United States recently, this verdict probably isn’t much of a surprise. But since there’s nothing we can do about it, why not make the best of these last six weeks of winter? From prepping for extreme weather to taking up fun hobbies, we’ve got several ideas to keep you occupied until the first day of spring.

Restock Your Winter Supplies Now

Don’t wait for the next storm announcement to restock on any winter supplies you might be running low on. Take inventory and set aside time to get anything you’re running low on like low temperature windshield washer fluid and ice melt.

If your local stores are out of ice melt, Projects Editor Ethan O’Donnell, has an alternative: water softener salt. He admits that it’s not quite as effective, since the pebbles are larger than traditional ice melt, But it’ll get the job done and might even save you a few bucks in the process.

Recharge Your Devices

Take some time to make sure all of your important devices and winter tools are recharged. Power banks, snowblowers, electric shovel batteries…you get the picture. Making sure everything is fully charged now means you’ll have a jump start on preparing for the next storm or cleaning up the next snowfall.

Get a Space Heater

If you don’t already have one, you should look into getting a space heater. Six more weeks of wintry weather more than warrants it. If you already have a space heater, check that it’s still in working order. And if you own an older model, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient option so you don’t raise your energy bills too much while staying warm.

Try Out Some Hobbies With Your Kids

If the weather threatens a snowstorm, or if it’s simply to cold to go outside, try taking up a new hobby. If you’ve got children, see if there’s a hobby you can learn with them. You can start small. Learning to knit or crochet is a fun way to keep your hands busy while making useful items. If small isn’t your speed however, fear not. You can jump straight to the big stuff and pick something like a large woodworking project to work on instead.

Lay the Groundwork for Spring Plans

Got an idea for a new vegetable garden? Planning a renovation? Just hoping to change up something about your space? True, you may need to wait until spring to actually break ground on these projects. But now’s a great time to get started on the plans. Figure out what each step is going to entail, and estimate costs as well as what kinds of building materials you’ll need to stock up on. This way, you can jump right into your project the moment the weather allows.

Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning

In a similar vein, get some of your spring cleaning out of the way now so that you have less to do once the weather actually turns. Whether it’s taking on a new organizational project or just starting to sort through your items to make “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” piles, anything you do now makes the actual spring workload a lot lighter.

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The Department of Transportation Wants AI to Write the Rules of the Road Now

It feels like every time I turn around, there’s a new artificial intelligence (AI) company trying desperately to sell me their product. Even when I’m not navigating around scams, the generic slop that generative AI puts out clogs up my experience. And I’m not alone in this. While many people online have repeatedly asked for ways to turn off or entirely remove AI from their experience, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it is set to use AI to start writing regulations going forward.

How Does the DOT Use AI?

Late last year, the DOT updated its Artificial Intelligence Activities page to reflect the ways it’s already incorporating AI into its workflow. They claim to be trying to enable “the safe integration of AI into the transportation system,” and refer to it as “a foundational technology in many automated driving systems and unmanned aircraft systems.” They’re also hoping to integrate it into “conventional aircraft systems as well as traffic management operations across modes.”

Their activities page also looked at how they claim to want to adopt in “internal operations, research, and citizen-facing services.” To this end, the DOT reportedly “has focused investments in the application of AI” in order to improve “the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes and research” for things like:

• generative AI
• natural language processing
• computer vision
• machine learning-based predictive analytics

Where Do AI Written Regulations Fit into This?

In an article for ProPublica, Jesse Coburn observed that the DOT’s general counsel, Gregory Zerzan, “appeared interested mainly in the quantity of regulations that AI could produce, not their quality.” He cited Zerzan as saying, “We don’t need the perfect rule on XYZ. We don’t even need a very good rule on XYZ,” but rather that “we want good enough.”

If that sounds alarming to you, you’re not alone. Coburn reports that “these developments have alarmed some at DOT.” For those unfamiliar with just how big the DOT’s sphere of influence is, Coburn explains that their rules impact “virtually every facet of transportation safety.” According to him, their regulations “keep airplanes in the sky, prevent gas pipelines from exploding and stop freight trains carrying toxic chemicals from skidding off the rails.”

Offloading the creation of these regulations to “a nascent technology notorious for making mistakes” seems nonsensical, but according to Coburn the DOT is doing this to increase the speed at which they can roll out new regulations. Ordinarily, it can take months or even years to draft, revise, and publish regulations, he explains. “But,” he says, “with DOT’s version of Google Gemini, employees could generate a proposed rule in a matter of minutes or even seconds.”

Sources

• U.S. DOT Artificial Intelligence Activities, U.S. department of Transportation, 2025.
• Government by AI? Trump Administration Plans to Write Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence, ProPublica, 2026.

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Why Your Security Alarm Keeps Going Off for No Reason

From mistaken phone alerts to unnecessary police responses, security camera false alarms are more than just annoying; they can also be dangerous. Too many false alerts turn your security system into the boy who cried wolf, and we all know how that story ends. You start dismissing alerts, potentially missing a genuine threat on your property. The good news is that security camera false alarms are often preventable, and the first step is understanding what causes them. Below, we break down the most common reasons false alarms occur and how to fix them, with expert tips from two home security professionals.

How Do Home Security Systems Detect Intruders?

Security cameras rely on sensors and software to detect motion within their field of view. When sufficient movement is detected, the system may activate recording, send an alert or trigger an audible alarm, depending on your setup. Many systems use passive infrared (PIR) sensors or pixel-based motion detection to identify movement. Increasingly, AI technology works alongside these methods to classify activity as people, pets or vehicles and reduce false alarms.

Faulty installation

“False alarms are usually caused by improper installation,” Randy Atlas of Atlas Safety and Security Designs says. This can be due to sensors that are poorly positioned or set with high sensitivity. Poorly positioned cameras will pick up street traffic, while a high sensitivity setting may trigger an alert every time your dog walks through the yard.

How to fix: “To reduce the likelihood of this happening, you can use pet-immune motion sensors, adjust sensitivity settings to better match the environment and avoid positioning cameras directly toward busy streets or driveways where frequent movement can set off unnecessary alarms,” Jimmy Lin, Vice President of Product Management at ADT, says.

Low batteries

Wireless systems rely on batteries to operate, which require frequent checking and replacement and can cause false alarms. “Low or failing batteries can cause sensors to behave inconsistently, including sending intermittent signals or losing stable communication with the system. Most systems provide low-battery alerts in advance, but ignoring those warnings can increase the likelihood of false alarms,” Lin says.

How to fix: Set calendar reminders to check system batteries and consider switching to a hardwired system. “Homeowners with wired home security systems may have an advantage since they don’t need to worry about changing batteries,” Lin says.

Limited sensors

Outdated or inexpensive security cameras may only rely on a single sensor type to monitor changes and trigger alerts. These systems are more prone to detection errors as it’s not verified by multiple sensors for accuracy.

How to fix: To prevent false alarms, use dual-sensor cameras that require both to be triggered in order for an alarm condition to be activated, Atlas says.

Electromagnetic interference

Disrupted Wi-Fi signals can trigger a false alarm on a wireless security camera. “Electromagnetic interference, specifically radio frequency interference, can disrupt communication between wireless security devices, which may lead to system trouble alerts or unexpected behavior,” Lin says, including false alarms.

How to fix:

Consider updating outdated security cameras, as “modern security systems, including those from ADT, are built with multiple layers of protection,” Lin says. “That includes having multiple radios and cellular backups, so alarms can still function even if Wi-Fi is disrupted.”

Outdated firmware

Security camera manufacturers offer firmware updates as they improve sensor detection algorithms. Failing to keep up with these updates leaves your system working at less than optimal performance and can lead to false alarms. Updates also patch bugs in the system, which can lead to malfunctions if not addressed.

How to fix:

Initiate system updates when available, as “regular firmware and encryption updates help guard against evolving threats,” Lin says.

Dirty lens

Dust and dirt are especially problematic for camera sensors and lenses. “Dust, insects or debris inside detectors, may further increase the chances of false alerts,” Lin says. Dirt blocks the view of high-resolution cameras, while trapped insects flying near or inside the lens housing can trigger a motion-activated response.

How to fix: Clean exterior security cameras monthly. Power down the unit, then gently clean the camera lens with a lens cleaning solution and microfiber cloth.

Weather

Extreme weather, especially windstorms, can create excessive movement in trees and shrubs, or blow leaves and debris, causing a security camera false alarm. “While the weather can occasionally contribute to false alerts from security cameras, these situations are relatively rare,” Lin says.

How to fix: Lower the camera’s sensitivity settings if you know a major weather event is approaching or angle the camera away from any nearby branches. “If a homeowner experiences repeated issues, it’s worth having the system professionally inspected to rule out environmental interference,” Lin says.

FAQ

Is there a limit to how many false alarms I can have?

For security systems monitored by outside agencies, you may receive one false alarm without a fine, but policies vary widely by city and county. Expect to pay between $75 and $250 for false alarms that trigger a police response.

How often should I be testing my system to prevent false alarms?

“You should test your system every time you make changes such as adding devices, updating Wi-Fi or repositioning sensors. Routine testing helps confirm that devices are communicating properly and that alerts and monitoring are functioning as expected,” Lin says.

About the Experts

• Jimmy Lin is Vice President of Product Management at ADT, a leading home security company.
• Randy Atlas is the owner of Atlas Safety and Security Designs, as well as a nationally recognized expert in security design and crime prevention. He holds a Doctorate in Criminology and is a Certified Protection Professional.

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The Real Pros and Cons of Starting a Neighborhood Watch

When thieves started stealing catalytic converters from Corey English’s community, his neighborhood watch group’s observations helped police launch a successful sting operation. Theirs is just one of many success stories from the more than 25,000 watch groups in the United Sates. However, some neighborhood watch groups backfire and actually make their communities less safe.

“I’ve seen cases turn into neighbor-on-neighbor encounters, when good-intentioned people take matters into their own hands instead of calling law enforcement,” says personal injury attorney Joshua Branch. “Assault charges and civil lawsuits are no joke when things escalate poorly.”

If you’re interested in starting a neighborhood watch, it’s vital to properly train members. Here’s more about the pros and cons of neighborhood watches, plus best practices for setting them up for success.

What Is a Neighborhood Watch?

A neighborhood watch is a group of residents who work together to help prevent crime by monitoring and reporting suspicious activities to local law enforcement.

“When they’re run with care, consistency and respect, neighborhood watches work,” says English, who is a veteran of the security industry. “Crime decreases, communication improves and trust grows. But more than anything, people feel connected.”

Are Neighborhood Watches Legal Everywhere?

Mostly, but regulations vary from state to state and city to city. In general, as long as the group’s actions are limited to observing and reporting, they are legal.

“Residents can always observe what’s happening around them and call for help,” says English. “What they cannot do is stop people, detain them or use force. The moment a watch crosses into that territory, it stops being legal and starts becoming dangerous.”

Pros and Cons of Neighborhood Watch?

Pros

• Improved neighborhood safety
• Community trust and cooperation
• Better neighborhood communication

Cons

• Discrimination
• Vigilantism
• Physical harm
• Legal liabilities, especially from excessive use of force, battery and false imprisonment.

“Poorly run neighborhood watches can cause real harm,” says English, especially if they’re led by people trying to play hero or who are driven by fear. “Innocent people can be unfairly targeted. A watch should make everyone safer, not make people feel watched.”

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch

• Speak to your neighbors to gauge their interest.
• Choose a coordinator.
• Choose a block captain (or leader) with experience in law enforcement, or someone who’s lived in the neighborhood for years. “They recognize patterns, routines and subtle changes,” says English.
• Meet with local police to obtain guidance on legal boundaries, training, and best practices.
• Invite community members to a meeting to inform them and include them in the watch.
• Continue to meet consistently, like on the first Monday of the month, but not too often to burn people out.
• Continue coordinating with the police and, ideally, with the local government.
• Keep community members involved to promote inclusion. A small neighborhood newsletter is a good way to keep everyone informed, says English.
• Choose communication tools, such as group texts, email lists or neighborhood apps, like Citizen.

“And it’s not just about crime,” says English. “We talk about everyday quality-of-life issues, too, like burned-out streetlights, broken sprinkler heads, graffiti and even skunks and coyotes. These things affect how safe and livable a neighborhood feels, and when they’re shared, they get addressed faster.”

Training Best Practices for Neighborhood Watch

Training is essential for everyone’s safety. That includes emphasizing the cardinal rules: “Observe, don’t engage. Report, don’t pursue,” says English. Training should also include how to:

• Be observant and understand what truly suspicious behavior looks like.
• Document what’s seen in detail.
• Record notes in a statistics log that is shared with the police.
• Know when to call 911 vs. the non-emergency line.
• Avoid letting fear or bias drive decisions.
• Understand and explicitly stay within legal boundaries.

“It’s easy to accidentally cross that delicate line between being watchful and becoming a vigilante, and no confrontation is ever worth the criminal charges or lawsuit that will potentially follow,” says Branch. “Blocking someone in, following them too closely, touching them or making threats can result in legal liability.”

FAQ

Do neighborhood watches need to coordinate with the police?

Yes. Coordinating with the police is critical for everyone’s safety, and it reduces liability issues, establishes a clear channel of communication and increases the likelihood that watch reports will be taken seriously, says Branch.

Can renters start or lead a watch?

Yes, but it’s a good idea for renters to coordinate with property management or owners, to let them know what they’re doing. “Safety isn’t tied to homeownership,” says English. “It’s tied to caring about where you live.”

How effective are neighborhood watches actually?

When members of the watch are active and diligent with reporting unusual occurrences, they can be very effective. “Criminals tend to avoid neighborhoods where people pay attention,” says English. Plus, “Communication improves, neighbors feel connected instead of isolated and small issues get flagged before they grow into serious problems.”

On the flip side, “If it’s a group set up under the pretense of being a neighborhood watch who are just vigilantes patrolling the streets, this can actually be a detriment to the program,” says Marcus Skeen, a security solutions expert.

For more information on neighborhood watches, consult the National Neighborhood Watch organization.

About the Experts

• Corey English is a 28-year veteran of the security industry and serves as senior vice president of strategic relations for GSG Protective Services. He is also actively involved in his local neighborhood watch.
• Joshua Branch is the founder and personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, where he focuses on public safety and crime prevention.
• Marcus Skeen is CEO of WGS Group, which specializes in security solutions in California and Nevada. He has over 20 years of experience in the security industry.

Sources

• Robert Tsigler is the founder and lead attorney of the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler PLLC.

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Over-Decluttering Doesn’t Make Your Home Look Tidy— It Just Makes It Look Sterile

For the most part, I try not to judge anyone’s personal home decor preferences. After all, at the end of the day, it’s really just subjective. What might be more functional or preferred by my family and me isn’t a one-size-fits-all all style that’s perfect for everyone else. However, when it comes to design trends, I think the motivation behind following them may be misguided. Styling your home the same way you saw someone online do it doesn’t make sense if it isn’t the right fit for you and your needs.

One style that has really gone overboard is over-decluttering. Eliminating clutter is far from a new phenomenon. Designers like Marie Kondo have been telling you for years to embrace a minimalist home. Recently, I’ve noticed many homes are going to extremes. There’s even a name for it: maximal minimalism.

Here’s why I think more people need to shy away from an over-decluttered home.

Why Extreme Decluttering Can Actually Be Impractical

Extreme decluttering always looks good online. I get why people like it. In real life, though, it mostly just irritates me.

The more stripped back a space gets, the more effort it can take to keep it that way. That calm, empty look only really works in still photography and if nothing is happening in the house. Once people actually live there with work, eating, hanging out, etc., it starts to feel like this place you spend so much of your time and income to be in isn’t actually yours at all.

I think we’ve all been in a home like that (maybe even our own at times) where everything is overly tidy and organized, and it feels like we’re in a hotel lobby.

And maybe this is just me, but those spaces can feel oddly cold. No books lying around. No half-finished things. Nothing that hints at taste or history. They don’t really feel tidy so much as unfinished.

I don’t want my house to look perfect. I just want it to feel like someone actually lives there. I’d recommend you try the same for your home, too.

The Emotional Cost of Removing Personality From a Home

I don’t want my house to feel careful. I don’t want to feel like I have to watch where people sit or what they touch. I’ve been in places that look great on paper, but you’re weirdly aware of everything around you. The furniture, the surfaces, the fact that you’re supposed to behave a certain way. It’s not relaxing.

When I first became a parent, the toy pile in the living room really bothered me. It kept showing up no matter what I did. I tried baskets, bins, and moving it out of sight. It felt messy, like I was slowly losing control of the space. But those things that used to bother me just don’t anymore.

What feels off now is when everything personal disappears.

If you’re wondering whether your home is too decluttered, I’d suggest taking a few seconds to look around and ask yourself if there are any signs it’s YOUR home. How many family photos are on the wall? What about souvenirs from your favorite vacation? Family heirlooms?

Sometimes I think the easiest way to tell if a home’s gone too far is to look around and ask whether there’s any proof it belongs to someone.

What a Balanced Approach Looks Like

Social media, our friends, families, and neighbors are a huge influence on how we think our home should look. If you’re like me and spend many nights doom-scrolling Pinterest or Instagram, you’re probably seeing someone else’s home when it’s been perfectly posed for a photo-op. It isn’t what it looks like while actually lived in.

And other people’s homes you see for visits? Well, if they’re anything like me, they probably did a quick speed clean before they had guests over.

Trying to keep your home at all times, what someone else’s looks like at its best, isn’t an attainable goal. Decluttering for the sake of decluttering and trying to replicate someone else’s space often means stripping away personality, comfort, and practicality just to match an aesthetic that was never meant to be permanent.

I strive to find a balanced approach to making my home homely without being cluttered. That means letting some of the kid’ toys live in the living room, but also making a concerted effort to pick them up and put them back in their baskets at the end of the day. It’s having artwork and personal items on the wall, but leaving space to breathe so the few items that are up there show just how important they are.

What it boils down to is creating a space that supports your life and reflects who you are and how you live. And not being guilty of following a trend that isn’t really that cool anyway.

RELATED:

• 7 Signs You’re Over-Decorating
• 18 Cheap Decor Ideas That Look Expensive
• 14 Traditional-Style Home Decor Ideas That are Still Cool

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