The Size of Your Kitchen Island Might Be Ruining Your Kitchen — Here’s How to Tell

Kitchen islands are a statement feature of a home. Unfortunately, sometimes that statement is simply, “Look how enormous my kitchen island is.”

One trend I’ve noticed of late, particularly in new builds, is over-the-top islands that are sometimes almost the size of a literal body of land in the ocean. I recently stayed in a vacation rental that had an island so large I think it might have actually been bigger than the studio I lived in during college.

There’s no reason for an island to be that big, especially if it has empty or unneeded cabinets, blind cabinets you can’t even access because of the configuration or size, takes away valuable space for something else in the kitchen, makes it harder to move around, or puts the center of the countertop out of reach.

So, if you’re planning a kitchen remodel, are looking at buying a new build, or just wondering whether your current island is doing your kitchen any favors, here are some things to keep in mind about your next island.

Is Your Kitchen Best Suited for an Island, Peninsula, or Neither?

I love kitchen islands. In fact, one of my favorite projects my wife and I have completed was a DIY kitchen island with custom end storage. However, not all kitchens are suited for one. That can be because of space constraints, layout, traffic flow, appliance placement, or something else. Sometimes a peninsula or no island at all is actually the best use of your space.

So, how do you know if your kitchen is best suited for an island, peninsula, or neither?

Start with how you actually use the kitchen. An island works best when there is enough room to comfortably move around all sides without interfering with cabinets, appliances, doorways, or the main path through the room. If adding one means squeezing through narrow walkways or constantly walking around an obstacle, it probably isn’t helping.

A peninsula can offer many of the same benefits, including extra counter space, seating, and storage, without requiring clearance on four sides. In smaller or narrower kitchens, that can make much better use of the available square footage.

And sometimes the answer is neither. Leaving the center of the kitchen open can give you more room to move, make cabinets and appliances easier to access, and keep a smaller kitchen from feeling crowded.

How to Figure Out What Sized Island Works In Your Kitchen

If you do opt for an island, there are a few things to keep in mind when designing your kitchen layout.

According to Emily LaMarque, founder and principal of Emily LaMarque Design Studio, homeowners should plan for at least 42 inches between an island and the surrounding cabinets, though 48 inches provides more comfortable circulation.

The island’s dimensions can also affect the countertop budget. Larger islands may require more than one slab, which can introduce seams and substantially increase material costs.

LaMarque also recommends planning utilities early. Any water, gas, or electrical lines serving the island need to be accounted for before the floor is finished. Cabinet access deserves the same attention. Back-to-back cabinets can add storage, but depending on the layout, some areas along the sides of the island may become difficult to reach.

Also, don’t forget to consider what is happening above the island.

“Pendant or recessed lighting can be great, but placing a range on the island can mean a ventilation hood floating above the island and blocking sightlines,” LaMarque says.

When a Bigger Kitchen Island Starts Working Against You

So, what are the red flags that your kitchen island is too big?

“A kitchen island is too big for the space when it’s too cumbersome to move and navigate around, when appliances and cabinets encroach on it when they are open, when it cuts off circulation and creates pinch points in the flow, and when you can’t easily reach across it,” LaMarque says. “If the oven, dishwasher, or refrigerator doors are open, another person should be able to pass easily around them.”

An oversized island doesn’t just create a layout issue. It can also be hard to clean or, if you’re still in the building stage, difficult and expensive to design around.

“Oversized islands are notoriously hard to clean in the center,” LaMarque says. “Finding slabs large enough to fit across oversized islands is another problem – be prepared to have at least one seam. Oversized islands with multiple slabs carry massive weight which needs to be structurally considered.”

Yes, islands are great. And if you’re a fan of them like me, I strongly encourage you to consider adding one to your home.

Islands can be a great transition for an open concept floorplan, add extra prep space and storage, or create a casual place for people to sit. Just make sure it works for your space.

But like any project, do what you want and what works for your home and family. Don’t design a house for resale value or what the next homeowner may or may not want, but what you’ll enjoy using every day.

Sources

Emily LaMarque, founder and principal of Emily LaMarque Design Studio

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Think You Know DIY Brands? Try Guessing These Blurry Logos

  

Mystery Logo #1

This familiar logo launched all the way back in 1905, along with the brand’s iconic slogan. Replacing the original “chameleon” logo, which was designed by one of the company’s two founders, the new logo was one of the first to establish a brand identity and seek to tell a story, not just sell a product. It was designed by George Ford, an ad man from Cleveland, Ohio, which is also the home of this 160-year-old company. At the time, the iconic sideways globe, red paint and Cover the Earth slogan symbolized the reach the company hoped to achieve, and with more than 5,000 stores worldwide, it’s clear they succeeded.

Answer: Sherwin-Williams

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/in-this-photo-illustration-the-sherwin-williams-company-news-photo/1233624132

Mystery Logo #2

Here’s another Ohio company popular with DIYers, though this one started much more recently, in 1994. The idea for the product came during a trip to Indonesia, when the company’s founder noticed locals making teak furniture with a particularly strong adhesive. The brand and its iconic logo immediately conjures strength, as does its slogan: For the Toughest Jobs on Earth. The Cincinnati-based company now sells tape and other adhesives alongside its familiar and famous glue, and its muscular simian mascot is immediately recognizable.

Answer: Gorilla Glue

https://gorillatough.com/pro-tips

Mystery Logo #3

This might be one of the most recognizable logos in history, though we’ve been debating what this smiling character actually is since 1958. The company behind the logo wanted to convey to the public that their product cleaned “like magic,” according to a New York Times obituary of the person who created it. And what conveys magic in a bottle more than a genie? Yep, you heard it here: Procter & Gamble’s famous cleaning pal is a genie, not a sailor or whatever other strapping, earring-wearing persona you may have guessed over the years. Fun fact: He almost had a nose ring!

Answer: Mr. Clean

https://www.mrclean.com/en-us/about-mr-clean

Mystery Logo #4

Where would we be without this DIY and home improvement juggernaut? No cute characters here; this famous logo has a utilitarian vibe in keeping with the company’s no-nonsense, do-it-yourself ethos. In the late 1970s, when this company was founded in Georgia, several designs were discussed and discarded before the marketing team landed on a plain square stamped with the company name on an upward slant. The idea was to evoke freight shipping crates, and the logo’s bright background color, which can also be seen on the warehouse giant’s friendly employees, was chosen to simulate activity. One step inside these stores and you can see the choice was the correct one.

Answer: Home Depot

https://corporate.homedepot.com/media/home-depot-logojpg

Mystery Logo #5

This logo depicts a real person, 9-year-old Michael E. Brady, who was a neighbor of the man commissioned to design the logo. The company dates back to 1907 and started as a subsidiary of the National Lead Company, now called NL Industries. As you can probably guess, the product contained lead—at least until 1978, when it was banned. But the company is still going strong (and was bought in 1980 by another company on this list), and the same child adorns every can to this day. Oh, one final hint: The boy was Irish, not another European nationality that, if I said it, would give away the entire answer.

Answer: Dutch Boy

https://www.dutchboy.com/en/about-us

Mystery Logo #6

Logos don’t have to be particularly flashy to be memorable. The solid, dependable design of this popular home improvement brand’s masthead has gone through many changes since North Wilkesboro Hardware started in 1921—but every single one is instantly recognizable. The founder, whose name preceded the store name, partnered with his brother-in-law Carl Buchan in the 1940s, and that’s about the time the logo started to take shape. At first, it was simply the founder’s name in solid block letters with Thousands Do … You Should Too underneath. Buchan bought out his brother-in-law in 1952 but kept the original owner’s name, which can still be seen on the bright blue house logo that we know today.

Answer: Lowe’s

https://corporate.lowes.com/

Mystery Logo #7

Henry Ford had a hand in this company’s founding. In 1918, he asked tool and die maker A.H. Petersen to manufacture a light, portable power drill so that workers on the assembly lines of the Ford Motor Company could use it with one hand. In the 1920s, the company was bought and rebranded as the name we know today, and the logo was set soon after—and has barely changed since. Featuring the name of the company in white against a bright red background, the trademark lightning bolt that underlines the company name—which also happens to be the name of a good-sized Midwestern city—is a nod to the company’s dominance in the electric power tool industry.

Answer: Milwaukee Tool

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/

Mystery Logo #8

This brand’s logo is synonymous with strength, and it hasn’t changed for nearly 160 years. The company it represents is even older than that though: It started in 1846 in the kitchen of the company’s co-founder, John Dwight, when he and Dr. Austin Church started packaging a powerful yet gentle cleaner and all-around useful household product. When Church retired, his son James came on board and brought the logo with him from his other company, the Vulcan Spice Company. If you’re not up on your Roman mythology, Vulcan was the god of fire who, with his mighty hammer and anvil, forged the weapons of the ancients. Did you guess it yet? Just look in your fridge or cupboard for a hint.

Answer: Arm & Hammer

https://www.armandhammer.com/en/about-us

Mystery Logo #9

Electricians will get this one right away because this tool brand is synonymous with quality and has been since 1857. The familiar logo came a little bit later, in the early 1900s, when the electrification of the U.S. was in its infancy. Featuring a lineman atop an electrical pole, this brand logo can be found on everything from pliers and screwdrivers to tape measures, fish tapes and circuit tracers. The company also has an entire line of occupational protective gear, toolboxes and just about everything else a tradesperson could need.

Answer: Klein Tools

https://www.kleintools.com/content/logos

Mystery Logo #10

Here’s a tough one! This logo is known as an “armature in a circle,” and if you can get this without looking it up, you officially win the quiz and the day. It was designed in 1918 by the company’s chief engineer, Gottlob Honold, who modeled it after the armature in a magneto ignition device. If that doesn’t help (totally understandable), a magneto is a type of electrical generator and the armature is what moves through the magnetic field to induce voltage. It also kind of looks like a double-sided mushroom. However you picture it, this logo was trademarked in 1919 and has been stamped on power tools, measuring devices, spark plugs and (spoiler alert) dishwashers ever since.

Answer: Bosch

https://www.bosch.com/stories/creation-of-the-bosch-logo/

Sources:

Sherwin-Williams: “History”

Gorilla Glue: “Our Story”

New York Times: “Richard Black, 92, Artist Who Conjured ‘Mr. Clean,’ Dies”

Home Depot: “Before the Orange Sign: Building the Home Depot Brand”

Brittanica: “Home Depot”

Dutch Boy: “About Us”

Lowe’s: “Our History”

Milwaukee Tool: “History of Milwaukee Tool”

Arm & Hammer: “About Us”

Klein Tools: “History”

Alloy Artifacts: “Klein Tools”

Bosch: “Armature in a circle”

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The Best and Worst Cities for Biking in 2026 — Is Yours on the List?

Biking is great exercise, an environmentally friendly choice for transportation, an affordable way to get around, and a recreational activity. Unfortunately, bike safety concerns can discourage people from riding. One block may have a protected lane or quiet side street, while the next puts cyclists beside faster traffic with little separation.

Separate analyses from PeopleForBikes and ConsumerAffairs offer two ways to look at biking in U.S. cities. PeopleForBikes evaluates bike-network quality, while ConsumerAffairs examines cyclist fatalities.

Learn which large U.S. cities stand out for bikeability and cyclist fatality risk.

Highest-Rated Large U.S. Cities for Biking

These are the five highest-rated large U.S. cities in the 2026 PeopleForBikes City Ratings:

1. Brooklyn, New York
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
3. Seattle, Washington
4. Queens, New York
5. San Francisco, California

PeopleForBikes says higher-rated communities tend to have connected, low-stress infrastructure, including protected bike lanes, off-street paths, and quieter streets. Brooklyn and Queens appear separately because the ratings treat New York City’s five boroughs individually to account for differences in their bike networks.

“A city’s score represents how well its bike network connects people to jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, recreation, and other everyday destinations,” according to PeopleForBikes.

Cities With the Highest Cyclist Fatality Risk

ConsumerAffairs ranked these five cities as having the highest cyclist fatality risk:

1. Stockton, California
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Tampa, Florida
4. Sacramento, California
5. Tucson, Arizona

ConsumerAffairs found that cyclist danger can stem from several factors, including limited bike infrastructure, aggressive or reckless driving, and road designs that prioritize faster vehicle traffic. Its analysis also found that some of the highest-risk cities are clustered in California and the Sun Belt, while other cities reported no cyclist fatalities during the same year.

“Reckless drivers, high speed limits and crumbling — or absent — infrastructure can all contribute to a hostile environment for those trying to walk, run or roll in a city. But the responsibility is shared by the vehicles on the road, too,” according to ConsumerAffairs’ report.

What the Rankings Actually Measure

PeopleForBikes and ConsumerAffairs measure different parts of cycling conditions, so the rankings shouldn’t be read as direct opposites. PeopleForBikes uses its Bicycle Network Analysis to examine how well low-stress routes connect riders with everyday destinations.

ConsumerAffairs uses National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fatal-crash data to compare cyclist fatality rates among the 100 most populous metropolitan areas.

A city can have a strong, connected bike network and still experience serious crashes, while a place with fewer cyclist deaths may have gaps in its bike infrastructure. Street design, network continuity, traffic conditions, and driver behavior can all affect what riders encounter on a particular trip.

“Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you; anticipate what others may do, before they do it,” according to the NHTSA. “This is defensive driving—the quicker you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid a potential crash.”

Sources

• PeopleForBikes, “2026’s Best Places to Bike”
• PeopleForBikes, “2026 City Ratings Methodology Updates: What Is Changing and Why It Matters”
• ConsumerAffairs, “Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians and Cyclists 2026”
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)”
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Bicycle Safety”

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Can You Trust AI When It Comes to Pet Stain Removal? Experts Weigh In

AI is being pushed as a miracle tool that can answer questions and solve problems quickly, but there’s a problem: It can’t fact-check its answers. So, can you really trust the results? Is it really safe to take AI’s answers at face value? In AI vs Expert, we compare AI’s suggestions to advice from real experts in the field.

It’s happened to the best of us. Your beloved furry friend had an accident on the carpet, and you’re not sure what the best way to clean it is. Sure, you probably know to start by blotting the area to soak up the liquid, but do you know the best way to remove pet stains? And if you don’t, can you trust AI to give you the answers? We looked into what AI had to say and then checked with cleaning experts to get the scoop on what it got right, what it got wrong, and the important information it left out.

What Does AI Say About Pet Stain Removal?

We looked at the answers from two LLMs about pet stain removal: Google AI overview and ChatGPT.

Google AI Overview

Google AI overview (aka Gemini) suggested using a mixture of “1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap,” a recipe it claims came from the American Kennel Club. According to the summary, you just need to apply this mixture to the stain, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then blot.

The step-by-step instructions that it generated include other recipes. In these expanded steps, it calls for a first round of equal parts “distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.” Once you’ve thoroughly saturated the stain, it says you need to apply a coating of baking soda and let it sit overnight and then vacuum the residue.

The AI suggests a mixture of “1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup of blue liquid  dish soap (like Dawn).” You’re supposed to spray this mixture over the affected area, “work it in with a clean brush,” and then blot dry with paper towels.

It also included a warning against using ammonia-based cleaners, but according to the sources Gemini pulled from, there’s a chance the ammonia cleaners will attract your pet back to the same spot.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT’s recommended enzymatic cleaners. It did recommend baking soda after the fact to help with odor and a mixture of “1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup warm water, 2 teaspoons dish soap” to help with discoloration. But outside of that, it primarily focused on suggesting products. It included the same warning about ammonia-based cleaners as the Google AI overview.

Initial Issues

While the advice both of these LLMs gave isn’t necessarily dangerous, it is incomplete and inaccurate. For example, the recipe the Google AI overview gave doesn’t match the one on the American Kennel Club site it claims to have pulled from. Rather, it’s a combination of the different recipes listed on that site. Also, while both LLMs advised against ammonia, neither gave any warning about bleach, which can damage your carpet and create toxic gas.

There’s also the issue that the LLMs are trying to sell products. ChatGPT was all too happy to list out machines and products available for purchase, both cleaning solutions and extraction vacuums. While those will help with the job, you can find the specific instructions for any of these products on their packaging, meaning the LLM didn’t provide any extra information. Given that accidents happen from time to time, it’s a safe bet that most pet owners already have at least one of these on hand, rendering the ChatGPT query moot.

What Do the Experts Say About Pet Stain Removal?

Next, we spoke to two experts in the cleaning world, Bruce Vance from Town and Country Cleaning Services and Leslie Riechert, a cleaning expert and author of The Joy of Cleaning, to find out how they’d handle pet stain removal and what they thought about the LLMs’ answers.

Bruce Vance

Your main issue with pet stains is the uric acid, Vance explains. As that oxidizes, it turns to an alkaline, uric salt. He says that the Google AI overview suggestion “isn’t the best possible choice” for dealing with these. He does agree that blotting is the first step if it’s fresh, and that liquid dish soap and water can be useful here, while white vinegar is better if the stain is dry.

However, absolutely do not scrub! Vance says that if you choose to scrub the carpet, you’ll bloom the fibers. This means you’ve wrecked the twists of the carpet material, and at that point, there’s no option aside from a carpet patch. While ChatGPT also advised to avoid rubbing, it only mentioned the possibility of spreading the stain and neglected to mention the carpet damage.

If your carpet is older nylon, it was most likely acid dyed, meaning the color is on the outside of the fibers. When the old urine becomes more alkaline, it can change the dyes’ color, and that discoloration isn’t something that can be cleaned. Newer carpets are solution-dyed, with the color in the fiber itself, so this is less of an issue. But as a general rule, when you’re picking a cleaning solution, avoid going with something too high on the pH scale.

Vance generally prefers to use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner. Working for a cleaning service, he has access to a higher concentration than the typical 3% solution you’ll find at the drug store. You can still try that, but at 3%, “it’s a little weak.” Look for 8-12% hydrogen peroxide, as that is strong enough to work well, while still being accessible to people outside the industry.

If you’d prefer to use a spotting agent, Vance says to look for one with the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval because the CRI has “set out standards for cleaners to make sure they’re efficient and work better than just using water.” He also warns against buying a spotting agent that boasts about having something like Teflon or Scotchguard. “They’re great at protecting your carpet,” he explains, “but if you don’t get the whole spot out, you’ve just sealed it in.”

Vance says he can’t confirm the LLMs’ statements that using ammonia-based cleaners can draw your pets back to the spot. However, he says you don’t want to use it most of the time anyway because that’s just using one alkaline product on another. It won’t neutralize anything. He adds that you should not use bleach ever. Bleach and ammonia combined will make mustard gas and you’ll be in danger due to the fumes. He also cautions against mixing bleach with other acids, as you’ll create chlorine gas.

Leslie Riechert

Riechert also grounds her answers in science. “A fresh urine accident has bacteria in it. You want to flush out and dilute the spot,” she begins. She recommends blotting with paper towels until they come up dry, “then spray the area with water. Keep diluting until there’s no trace of yellow.”

Riechert then suggests an enzyme cleaner, which will continue to eat the bacteria as long as the area remains damp. She recommends that you “cover with the enzyme cleaner and a damp cloth. This will let the cleaner work as long as possible and get rid of the bacteria.” She likes enzyme cleaners so much because they “stay dormant in the fabric once they dry. Once they get wet again, they are reactivated and start eating the bacteria. This is great if you have a pet that keeps revisiting a certain spot.”

When it comes to older stains, she reaches for white vinegar to help remove the smell. “After treating with the vinegar, you can flush the area with water,” she says. She does like hydrogen peroxide, but she saves it for “stubborn stains” because it won’t entirely remove the urine on its own. Riechert also vehemently says you should “never use bleach on urine spots.”

Key Takeaways

All things considered, cleaning up pet stains is a relatively low-stakes situation, but that doesn’t mean that the AI shortcomings should be overlooked. If these shortcomings exist here, they’ll likely be worse in higher-stakes situations. The experts, on the other hand, were clear, well-researched, and made sure to include important safety information.

Chemical Mixing

The most dangerous issue here was the failure of both LLMs to provide clear and complete safety warnings about mixing chemicals. Both of our experts were quick to warn against using bleach because of it’s ability to make mustard gas when mixed with something like ammonia. The LLMs, on the other hand, just gave a yet-to-be confirmed claim that ammonia cleaners would cause further pet accidents. Someone who only used AI and didn’t remember their chemistry classes could easily hurt themself.

Sales

As a general rule, I am distrustful of advice that comes with marketing. Whether or not the advice is good, there’s a conflict of interest and therefore a risk that the products offered aren’t the best for the job but rather the ones that will pay the most to the person or entity recommending them. Both experts mentioned types of cleaners but neither tried to sell me any. Meanwhile, the LLMs were eager to suggest product for me to buy.

Incomplete Answers

Both the experts explained what they liked to use and why their options worked. Vance also gave extra advice about how to avoid carpet damage as much as possible, while Riechert talked at length about how different cleaners work to eliminate the bacteria. The LLMs left safety warnings out, mixed recipes, and failed to give complete instructions for how to protect your carpet.

About the Experts

• Bruce Vance is a cleaning expert with Town and Country Cleaning Services.
• Leslie Riechert is a cleaning expert and author of The Joy of Cleaning. You can find her on her website,  Green Cleaning Coach.

Related

• How To Get Rid of Pet Hair in Your Home
• 5 Tips for Getting Dog Smell Out of Your House
• How To Clean a Dog Bed

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Can You Really Drive and Not Remember It? The Truth About Highway Hypnosis

Some drives feel like they can be done blindfolded. Not literally, of course. But for many people, the experience is familiar: drivers can pull into the driveway after a familiar trip and realize the last several miles are hard to remember. The drive itself was a blur.

This is often referred to as “highway hypnosis” or “road trance.” Researchers say it tends to happen on monotonous or familiar roads, where repeated scenery and routine driving can cause attention and alertness to drop.

Learn what highway hypnosis is, if it’s real, what causes it, when there’s reason for concern, and how drivers can be more attentive.

What Is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis is when a driver remains awake but may have little memory of a stretch of road afterward. It can happen during repetitive drives, like daily commutes or a straight highway with steady speeds and little changing scenery.

According to Cleveland Clinic, “People normally describe highway hypnosis as either they arrived at their destination and they don’t remember how they got there, or they’re further along in their route than they thought they were and they don’t know how they got so far.”

There isn’t a standard test or legal definition for highway hypnosis in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies long, repetitive drives as one situation that can contribute to fatigue.

Highway hypnosis and drowsy driving aren’t the same thing, but monotonous roads can contribute to both. Research on road hypnosis has found that drivers can continue driving normally while reacting more slowly than they would in a fully attentive state.

How To Prevent Highway Hypnosis and Warning Signs

It can be hard to notice highway hypnosis as a driver due to the reduced awareness that comes with it. However, there are some signs to look for.

Highway hypnosis can cause a driver to lose track of time or have trouble remembering a recent stretch of the trip. Drivers can reduce the chance of slipping into automatic driving by continuing to check mirrors, paying increased attention to road markers like road signs, looking farther ahead, and regularly bringing their focus back to surrounding traffic and changing road conditions. “Anything that keeps you in the here and now can help with highway hypnosis,” the Cleveland Clinic states.

Lane drifting, hitting a rumble strip, struggling to keep the eyes open, or fighting to stay awake indicate drowsiness, not zoning out. Those signs could mean it’s time to take a break and rest.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy.”

Drivers who begin feeling sleepy should stop somewhere safe rather than relying on an open window or other tricks to stay awake. Caffeine may temporarily improve alertness, but it doesn’t replace sleep. NHTSA warns that coffee or energy drinks alone may provide only a short-term boost, particularly when a driver is seriously sleep-deprived.

Safety is always the first priority on the road, and drivers who notice their attention slipping should find a safe place to stop rather than trying to push through it.

Sources

• National Library of Medicine, “Research on Recognition of Road Hypnosis in the Typical Monotonous Scene”
• Cleveland Clinic, “Highway Hypnosis Is Just Around the Bend”
• NHTSA, “Drowsy Driving”

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What You’re Really Paying For When You Buy Premium Paint

Anyone who’s ever ordered from a paint counter has probably faced the same paint quality question: good, better, or best?

You wouldn’t be alone if you didn’t know what to say and ended up panic ordering. Deciding between budget, mid-tier, and premium quality paint isn’t usually an obvious choice or something most people have been taught to differentiate.

While higher-priced paint promises better performance, do the differences really matter enough to justify the extra cost? Learn from experts about what tends to change between paint tiers, when to upgrade, and when it’s ok to save.

What Changes Between Paint Quality Tiers

Of course, each paint brand will tell shoppers it sells great paint, and its most expensive version will generally promise the best performance.

Experts agree that within the same brand, moving up a tier usually buys added performance, though the exact benefits depend on the product. For instance, higher-end products may offer better hide, smoother application, easier cleaning, stronger stain resistance, or better exterior performance.

Lowe’s recommends comparing factors such as sheen, durability, and how a room will be used when choosing a paint.

“Premium paints lie flatter as they dry,” says Michael Murray, founder and CEO of Textbook Painting. “This reduces roller stipple and brush marks to leave a smoother, professional finish.”

Premium Paint Isn’t Necessary Everywhere

According to experts, premium paint generally makes the most sense on surfaces that need to withstand more wear like walls that are touched or cleaned often, and exterior paint that is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

Choose mid-tier paint as a practical middle ground for projects where the cheapest option feels too basic but premium performance isn’t necessary. Areas where using a lower quality paint would be less concerning include ceilings, closets, and other low-traffic spaces.

“Budget tier is generally good for low traffic or low visibility rooms,” says Jake Cervilla, owner of Interland Design.

Compare the Product, Not Just the Price

A “good, better, best” system, or an equivalent version of it, helps simplify the decision process for shoppers. The tier name alone doesn’t explain everything, so shoppers who are still unsure should talk to a store representative or manager for recommendations.

“They are very good at going over the different levels and what you actually are looking for,” says Cervilla. “It can be intimidating looking over a giant product list so dont be afraid to ask questions. Many times you dont need the premium platinum tier but you will get a benefit using a higher end paint than the basic or mid tiers depending on your situation.”

Remember, paint quality tiers do make a difference. However, price isn’t always the best indicator of what you should get. So the next time you’re at the paint aisle you’ll know that “better” isn’t always the better choice.

Sources

Interviewed source

Michael Murray, founder and CEO of Textbook Painting
Jake Cervilla, owner of Interland Design

Other primary sources

Lowe’s, “Interior Paint Buying Guide”

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The DIY Upgrades That Actually Mattered When We Sold Our Fixer-Upper

When my wife and I first started renovating our fixer-upper, we thought we knew exactly what would make the biggest impact when it came time to put it back on the market. And while many of the big-ticket updates were important, they weren’t always what buyers commented on, remembered, or what increased our home’s value.

Looking back, a few changes made our home more complete and functional and ended up being the biggest selling points. Some were major renovations, others were surprisingly simple, but all of them made our lives better while living in the home and helped buyers picture themselves living there, too.

Improved Floor Plan

The biggest overhaul in our fixer-upper was removing the walls separating our kitchen, dining room, and living room. It completely changed the floor plan of our home, making it feel larger and function more naturally. As soon as you walked in through the front door, you could see straight through to the backyard and across the main living area of the home.

New bathrooms, kitchens, and other room modifications are easy to imagine, but it’s much more difficult to envision a home’s potential when it comes to removing or adding walls.

Not every home is designed in a way that’s conducive to an open floor plan, and that’s not everyone’s ideal home layout anyway. But if you’re planning a full gut job on your fixer-upper, the first thing you should keep in mind is the home’s layout and whether there’s a way to improve it.

Added Storage

Everyone needs more storage. Everyone.

Single households. Families of eight. Downsizers. First-time homeowners.

You get it. Prospective buyers will immediately walk in and start mentally unpacking, wondering where they’ll put the linens, Christmas decorations, camping gear, knick-knacks, and everything else they own.

A home with little to no storage can be an automatic dealbreaker for many buyers. And while there’s only so much you can do with the closet space you have, there are ways to get creative and add more storage.

In our dining area, we built a custom dining bench that added much-needed storage in a home that was seriously lacking it.

We also created DIY built-in shelves in our playroom to keep all of our kids’ toys and crafts organized.

Think about storage when updating your home, because the next homeowners will be thinking about it, too.

The Little Things

The old adage is that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but it doesn’t always take a major renovation to sell your house.

One of the most common things we heard from prospective buyers was praise for the little gadgets and upgrades we made that ended up being big selling points. For instance, we added a bottle rinser we got off Amazon to our kitchen, which was easy to install and made our sink feel fancy.

And in our living room, we built a DIY frame for our TV that was a beginner-friendly project but still felt like a high-end design feature.

Other cool additions include pop-up outlets in countertops, pull-out trash and recycling bins, smart light switches or dimmers, and a built-in charging drawer or hidden charging station. Those things might seem small, but they could be the “cool” addition a buyer loves and can’t stop thinking about.

What They Didn’t Care About (And What I’d Do Differently)

If I were starting the fixer-upper process over again, whether it was this home or another, there are a few things I’d spend less time and money on and stress less over.

Prospective buyers didn’t appreciate the expensive finishes that I agonized over. Those details helped create a cohesive look that fit our home’s vibe, but they certainly weren’t what sold our home or what brought anyone back for a second tour.

Also, not every project has the same return on investment for time and money. Even though we almost entirely DIYed our outdoor kitchen, it was still an expensive project that didn’t bring back the same value we put into it. And the time spent improving the curb appeal was extensive, but the return wasn’t on the same level as some of the other projects we completed inside the home.

However, that doesn’t mean I regret those projects. They made me happy while we lived there.

If your goal is maximizing resale value, research which projects will recoup the most in your area. But at the end of the day, buyers aren’t just shopping for a house. They’re imagining what life will be like living there.

The renovations that helped us sell weren’t necessarily the flashiest or most expensive, but the ones that made our home easier to live in. Projects that made our home brighter, improved its flow, added storage, felt unique, and made it move-in ready.

If a project makes your daily life better, odds are the next owner will appreciate it, too.

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Those Mysterious Black Tubes on the Road Have an Important Job

Just about every driver has driven across what looks like a pair of black rubber hoses stretched across the pavement. But do you know what those are actually for?

They aren’t abandoned construction material or speed-enforcement equipment put in by law enforcement. Transportation departments and local governments use them to collect information about how vehicles are using a road.

Learn how the tubes work, what data they’re collecting, who is collecting the data, and what drivers need to know before driving over them.

What the Black Tubes Measure and How They Work

Those black tubes, often called “pneumatic road tubes,” connect to a small counter positioned nearby that tracks when vehicle axles pass over them. When a vehicle rolls over a tube, the tire compresses it and sends a change in air pressure toward the counter.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) describes pneumatic road tubes as a common option for short-term traffic counts and vehicle classification.

“Road tube sensors are usually low cost and simple to maintain,” according to the FHWA. “Sensor manufacturers often supply software packages to assist with data analysis.”

Crews may install one tube or several in different configurations depending on what they want to measure. A single tube can record axle hits that agencies use to estimate traffic volume. Two tubes can provide more information, including vehicle speed and direction. The spacing between axle hits can also help the equipment classify different types of vehicles.

The tubes don’t track other vehicle or driver information like license plates, vehicle make and model, driver identity, or photographs. Crews can also install and remove the portable equipment fairly easily once the data collection period has ended.

Why Transportation Agencies Use Them

Road tubes are used by transportation agencies across the United States, and each agency may collect the data for different planning or traffic studies.

For instance, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities uses traffic counters to collect information that helps with transportation planning. Local governments may use the same equipment while reviewing neighborhood traffic. The City of Chandler, Arizona, includes road-tube sensors among the tools it uses to study traffic volume and speed.

The data gives civil engineers a clearer picture of how a road is being used when they’re working on planning or safety reviews.

What Drivers Should Do When They See Them

If installed correctly, drivers have no reason to worry about pneumatic road tubes other than perhaps the slight sound or bump when going over them. The tubes are designed to sit across travel lanes while vehicles pass over them without interrupting normal traffic.

Drivers should follow normal road rules and shouldn’t brake suddenly or try to drive around the tubes. So the next time those black tubes appear across the road, they’re likely helping a transportation agency understand how traffic is moving through the area.

Sources

Federal Highway Administration, “Pneumatic Road Tube”
Federal Highway Administration, “Traffic Monitoring Guidebook, Chapter 4”
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, “Traffic Counters”
City of Chandler, Arizona, “Traffic Volumes and Calming Measures”
Town of Abington, Massachusetts, “Traffic Counter Notice”

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The Coolest Castle to Visit in Every State

Alabama: Wesleyan Hall (Built 1856)

Saying your university has a castle would be pretty cool. Built in the 1850s, Wesleyan Hall on the University of North Alabama campus in Florence, Alabama, is quite the sight to see.

Alaska: Hatcher Pass Castle (Built 1970)

Tucked into the mountains near Hatcher Pass, this private stone castle looks like it belongs in the Scottish Highlands and stands out against Alaska’s rugged landscape.

Arizona: Mystery Castle (Built 1930)

Built from stone, adobe, automobile parts, and other salvaged materials, Mystery Castle remains one of the Southwest’s most unusual homes and has become one of Phoenix’s best-known landmarks.

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Arkansas: Quigley’s Castle (Built 1943)

Known as “The Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” this home features walls decorated with thousands of pressed flowers and native stones collected by its owner.

California: Hearst Castle (Built 1919)

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is famous for its lavish rooms, world-class art collection, and the spectacular Neptune Pool.

Colorado: Bishop Castle (Built 1969)

This towering handmade castle includes soaring stone towers, winding staircases, stained glass, and even a massive steel dragon perched above the entrance.

Connecticut: Gillette Castle (Built 1919)

Actor William Gillette, who designed and built the home, lived in the castle for nearly 20 years before his death in 1937. It is now part of Gillette Castle State Park.

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Delaware: Castle Hall (Built 1851)

Delaware does not have authentic medieval military castles. However, it is home to Castle Hall in Wilmington, a Gothic Revival residence built in the 1850s. Now more than 170 years old, it is one of Delaware’s most notable examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

Florida: Disney World’s Cinderella Castle (Built 1971)

Standing at the center of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the country and serves as the symbol of Walt Disney World. Consider a trip to nearby Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios (if you’re prepared for an expensive vacation).

Georgia: Old Georgia State Capitol (Built 1807)

With Gothic towers and castle-like battlements, this former state capitol looks more like a fortress than a government building and now sits on the Georgia Military College campus.

Hawaii: Iolani Palace (Built 1882)

Although it is technically a palace, not a castle, Iolani Palace in Honolulu is definitely one of the coolest structures in the state. After restoration, it reopened to the public in 1978.

Idaho: Schweitzer Castle & Château de Melusine (Built 1999)

Inspired by European castles, this hilltop estate overlooks the forests of northern Idaho with stone towers, steep roofs, and sweeping mountain views.

Illinois: Old Main (Built 1899)

Its limestone towers, Gothic details, and castle-like appearance have made Old Main one of the most recognizable buildings on the Eastern Illinois University campus.

Indiana: Clayshire Castle (Built 1999)

Built at the end of the millennium, Clayshire Castle in Bowling Green is one of the newest castles you’ll find. The 10,000-square-foot structure is designed to resemble a medieval English castle and welcomes overnight guests seeking a unique stay complete with turrets and stone walls.

Iowa: Ida Grove

You can’t beat “Castletown USA.” Seriously, that’s the motto for Ida Grove, Iowa thanks to its collection of castle-inspired buildings, towers, bridges, and parks scattered throughout town.

Kansas: Coronado Heights (Built 1936)

This small stone castle sits atop one of central Kansas’ highest hills and offers panoramic views of the surrounding prairie.

Kentucky: Kentucky Castle (Built 1969)

Located in Versailles, just outside of the capital Lexington, Kentucky Castle, also called Castle Post, Martin Castle, or Versailles Castle, was sold in 2023 and primarily serves as a bed and breakfast and hosts special events.

Louisiana: Old State Capitol (Built 1852)

Completed in 1852, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge features Gothic towers that earned it the nickname “The Castle on the River.”

Maine: Norumbega Castle (Built 1889)

Overlooking Penobscot Bay, this granite castle now operates as a boutique inn while preserving many of its original architectural details.

Maryland: Maryvale Castle (Built 1916)

Modeled after England’s Warwick Castle, this impressive stone building now serves as the centerpiece of the Maryvale Preparatory School campus.

Massachusetts: Winnekenni Castle (Built 1875)

Built from locally gathered stone, Winnekenni Castle overlooks a scenic lake and hosts concerts, weddings, and community events on its grounds.

Michigan: Castle Museum (Built 1898)

Originally built in 1898 as Saginaw’s post office, the Castle Museum features Romanesque architecture with castle-like towers.

Minnesota: Glensheen Mansion (Built 1908)

Its grand stone exterior, sprawling lakeside setting, and famous history have made Glensheen one of Minnesota’s most visited historic homes.

Mississippi: Pierce Castle (Built 2008)

Complete with towers, thick stone walls, and medieval-inspired architecture, this privately owned home looks centuries older than it really is.

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Missouri: Sky High Castle (Built 1930)

Hidden among the Ozarks, this European-inspired stone castle remains one of Missouri’s most distinctive private homes.

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Montana: Castle Museum and Carriage House (Built 1892)

Originally a Victorian mansion, the building now preserves local history while showcasing its castle-inspired architecture.

Nebraska: Joslyn Castle (Built 1903)

Completed in Omaha in 1903, Joslyn Castle stands as one of the Great Plains’ best-known Scottish Baronial homes.

Nevada: Stoke’s Castle (Built 1897)

Inspired by an Italian medieval tower, this three-story stone landmark rises unexpectedly above Nevada’s high desert landscape.

New Hampshire: Searles Castle (Built 1915)

This granite estate resembles a European fortress and now serves as one of New England’s most recognizable wedding venues.

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New Jersey: Kip’s Castle (Built 1902)

Perched above the New York City skyline, Kip’s Castle offers sweeping views along with its distinctive Norman-style architecture.

New Mexico: Montezuma Castle (Built 1886)

Built in 1886 as a luxury hotel, Montezuma Castle near Las Vegas, New Mexico, features striking Victorian architecture and castle-like towers.

New York: Boldt Castle (Built 1900)

George C. Boldt, whom the structure is named after, began building Boldt Castle on Heart Island in 1900. Today it’s one of the country’s most recognizable castle estates.

North Carolina: Biltmore Estate (Built 1895)

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville remains America’s largest privately owned home with French Renaissance château design. It features 250 rooms, formal gardens, and architecture inspired by the grand châteaux of France.

North Dakota: Enchanted Castle (Built 2012)

This castle isn’t even old enough to vote. This medieval-themed hotel welcomes guests traveling the Enchanted Highway, one of the state’s most popular roadside attractions.

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Ohio: Squire’s Castle (Built 1897)

Feargus B. Squire built this stone gatekeeper’s house in 1897 within what is now the North Chagrin Reservation.

Oklahoma: The Holy City of the Wichitas (Built 1935)

Built from local granite, this hilltop complex recreates biblical Jerusalem with stone walls, towers, and castle-like architecture.

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Oregon: Canterbury Castle (Built 1931)

With stone walls, hidden passageways, and medieval-inspired details, Canterbury Castle remains one of Portland’s most unusual historic homes.

Pennsylvania: Fonthill Castle (Built 1912)

The castle contains more than 40 rooms filled with handcrafted ceramic tiles, artwork, and collections created by Henry Mercer.

Rhode Island: Ochre Court (Built 1892)

Modeled after a French château, Ochre Court overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and ranks among Newport’s grandest Gilded Age mansions.

South Carolina: Atalaya Castle (Built 1933)

This castle served as the winter home and studio of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and Archer Huntington. Today, its 30 rooms surround a central courtyard where sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington created many of her famous works.

South Dakota: Valtiroty Shiloh’s Tabernacle (Built 1981)

Its stone towers, castle walls, and handcrafted details make this one of South Dakota’s most unexpected roadside landmarks.

Tennessee: Castle Gwynn (Built 1980)

Built as a faithful recreation of a 12th-century Welsh castle, it opens to visitors during the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival.

Newman’s Castle, Bellville, TX. Pixel 3a XL.
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Texas: Newman Castle (Built 2000)

Complete with a moat, drawbridge, dungeon, and chapel, this hand-built castle offers tours that feel straight out of the Middle Ages.

Utah: The Castle (Natural Formation)

Unlike other manmade structures on this list, The Castle in Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County is a towering sandstone formation that naturally resembles a medieval fortress.

Vermont: Wilson Castle (Built 1867)

Located in Proctor, Wilson Castle blends Victorian, Dutch Neo-Renaissance, Scottish Baronial, and Romanesque architecture. IWith 32 rooms, stained glass windows, secret passageways, and ornate woodwork, Wilson Castle feels like stepping into another era.

Virginia: Bacon’s Castle (Built 1665)

The oldest castle on this list, Bacon’s Castle ranks among the oldest surviving brick homes in North America. It features rare Jacobean architecture and original details from the 17th century.

Washington: Thornewood Castle (Built 1908)

Thornewood Castle, located near Tacoma in Lakewood, incorporates centuries-old English materials shipped across the Atlantic. Seriously. Builders shipped bricks, oak paneling, and other materials from a 400-year-old English manor to create this remarkable estate.

West Virginia: West Virginia Penitentiary (Built 1876)

Far from being a royal palace in practice, its towering stone walls and Gothic architecture make the former prison look more like a medieval fortress than a correctional facility.

Wisconsin: Pabst Mansion (Built 1892)

Built for brewing magnate Frederick Pabst, the mansion showcases ornate woodwork, grand staircases, and castle-inspired architecture.

I didn’t know we had a Castle — Castle in Wyoming (Bedford, WY, US)
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Wyoming: Bedford Castle

If you’re in the market for a castle, here’s your opportunity. Bedford Castle in Bedford, Wyoming currently listed for sale for just under $10 million. What a bargain! It includes soaring towers, handcrafted interiors, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

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