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Veronica Sparks

Veronica Sparks

Contributor

Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s been published by Angi, Homesteading Suburbia, and CinemaBlend, and she loves to curl up with a cup of tea and read the classics.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Square floor drain surrounded by tile

How to clean your basement floor drain and prevent problems

Smelly or clogged basement floor drain? Here's how to clean it out the right way so you can keep your home in great shape from top to bottom.
Media room basement with dark gray walls

8 stylish design tips for rooms without windows to brighten your space

With a combination of thoughtful lighting, illusion-creating decor, and strategic upgrades, you can bring brightness and style to the most tucked-away corners.
Tulips in a border flower bed

How to plant flowers in 6 steps for a gorgeous garden

Learning how to garden is a rewarding experience. With these six simple steps, you can up your flower game and bring your curb appeal to the next level.
Neatly folded and stacked linens

How to fold a fitted sheet effortlessly (no frustration)

Folding a fitted sheet might take a bit of practice, but with these simple steps, you can achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free result every time.
Home with manicured lawn

The top spring lawn care tips every homeowner needs

A lush, green yard doesn’t just happen overnight, but with a little time, effort, and a solid spring lawn care plan, your lawn can become the envy of the neighborhood.
Single-family home with curved walkway and large tree in front yard

10 yard cleanup tips that will make your life simpler

Discover 10 simple and effective yard cleanup tips to revive your overgrown outdoor space. Learn how to create a beautiful oasis for your family to enjoy.
Spring fireplace mantel decor for farm house style

11 fresh spring decorating ideas for your home

With just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn your home into a spring-inspired sanctuary that feels fresh, bright, and full of life.
Family pretending to sing with cleaning equipment

6 tips to make dreaded spring cleaning chores easier

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to feel like never-ending punishment. With the right approach and a few helpful tools, you can handle even the most hated chores.
Decorative basket of eggs with spring branch centerpiece. Easter decor ideas

Transform your home with these 10 Easter decor ideas

Decorating for Easter doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top. With a few creative touches, you can transform your home into a springtime sanctuary.
Butter yellow entryway with bench

Butter yellow is having a moment — how to use it in home design

If you’ve been on the fence about adding a little more color to your life, let butter yellow be your invitation to brighten things up — one warm hue at a time.
Stone fireplace with natural decor

Nature-inspired homes sell for $12,500 more, new Zillow research finds

Homes with nature-inspired design features like soapstone and white oak sell for up to $12.5K more, according to new Zillow research.
Apartment with accent wall

The apartment decor trends renters are looking for in 2025

Discover the top 2025 apartment decor trends renters are loving, from smart tech to cozy minimalism. Upgrade your space with these must-have styles.
man remodeling kitchen cabinets

Data reveals: 2025’s top cities for home improvement costs

Discover 2025’s best and worst U.S. cities for home improvement based on costs, contractor access, and DIY trends. See where your city ranks!
Dragon tree on a windowsill with copper watering can

How to prune your Dracaena marginata for healthy growth

Dracaena marginata plants often get too tall for an indoor space. Follow this dragon tree pruning guide so yours stays healthy and manageable.
Hydro Systems Lido Stone Grey

Transform your bathroom with Hydro Systems’ new custom color bathtubs

Hydro Systems now offers custom color bathtubs, blending luxury, wellness & design with endless color options to personalize your bathroom retreat.
Shower with a glass door

No more streaks: How to clean glass shower doors effectively

It's tough to get your shower door sparkling without leaving behind the dreaded streaks. Here's how to clean glass shower doors the streak-free way!
Woman using sand paper to sand wood

How to remove stain from wood: Follow these easy steps

Learn how to remove stain from wood with sanding, chemical strippers, and household solutions. Get step-by-step tips for a flawless wood finish.
Couple sitting on couch covered in plastic with bucket catching roof leak. How to find a roof leak

How to find a roof leak before it causes damage

Learn how to find a roof leak early to prevent costly damage. Spot warning signs, inspect your roof, and take action before it's too late.
Bathroom with aqua vanity

How to paint bathroom cabinets like a pro

Learn how to paint bathroom cabinets like a pro with this easy step-by-step guide. Get a smooth, lasting finish and refresh your space today.
Natural laundry detergent cup and towels

Homemade laundry detergent: 3 things to remember for safe washing

Does homemade laundry detergent really work? Read on to find out how effective DIY soap is, how to make it, and the pros and cons of using it.
Clear glass containers of baking soda and vinegar in laundry area

Baking soda and vinegar: How to use them in your laundry routine

Baking soda and vinegar in laundry? Here's everything you need to know about using these household items in your loads for a fresh wardrobe every time.
Beachside balcony door with sliding door window treatments

7 stylish sliding door window treatments to try

Discover stylish sliding door window treatments that enhance privacy, light control, and decor. From drapes to blinds, find the perfect fit for your home.
Bare mattress close up.

How to store a mattress: Tips for keeping it in good shape

Learn how to store a mattress the right way to prevent mold, odors, and damage. Follow these expert tips to keep it fresh and in top shape.
Front porch with wall lantern lighting

Which exterior door type is best for your home?

Explore the best exterior door types for style, security, and energy efficiency. Learn about materials, finishes, and more to find your perfect door.
Three white towels folded in a modern laundry room

Do you know how often to wash towels? Here’s the answer

Wondering how often to wash towels? Learn the best washing schedule for bath, hand, and kitchen towels to keep them fresh, clean, and free of bacteria.
Dinner table setup

Tips for creating a flawless dinner table setup

Creating the perfect formal dinner table setup is all about attention to detail, from selecting the right dinnerware and flatware to choosing elegant linens.
Squirrel sitting on stone pillar in a garden. How to keep squirrels out of potted plants

How to keep squirrels out of potted plants and protect your landscaping

With a little effort, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, undisturbed garden without worrying about mischievous squirrels digging through your soil.
Stovetop and oven in kitchen

This nontoxic oven-cleaning trick beats baking soda — here’s how

Not into using messing baking soda in your oven? Try these oven-cleaning tips instead and get a pristine kitchen without the hassle.
A woman cleaning windows with spray and a rag

How to clean windows streak free: Tips and tricks

Learn how to clean windows inside and out with these expert tips. Get streak-free glass with easy techniques and the best homemade cleaning solutions.
White and blue kitchen cabinets

PVC kitchen cabinets: Pros, cons, and what to know before buying

Are PVC kitchen cabinets right for your home? Here's your handy guide to the pros and cons of PVC cabinets so you can make the right choice.
Simple and elegant boutique-style bedroom

8 simple bedroom decor ideas for a calm and cozy retreat

Create a cozy retreat with these simple bedroom decor ideas! Transform your space with soft lighting, cozy bedding, and clutter-free storage.
White wall with white strip of electrical outlets

Water in an electrical outlet: A fire risk? What you need to understand

We know that water and electricity don’t mix safely, but can water in an electrical outlet start a fire in your home? Here's what you should know.
Modern farmhouse living room with a blue sofa

Living room vs. family room: What’s the difference?

While the living room offers a polished, guest-friendly space, the family room provides a relaxed and comfortable environment for everyday life.
White ceramic bathtub

How to clean a bathtub: Simple steps for a spotless shine

Learn how to clean a bathtub with these simple steps to remove soap scum, stains, and grime, keeping your tub spotless and fresh with minimal effort.
Person in sneakers standing on parquet floors

How to fix squeaky floors quickly and easily

Learn how to fix squeaky floors fast with simple DIY solutions for hardwood, carpet, and stairs. Say goodbye to annoying creaks for good!
Orange couch in retro midcentury modern living room design

Bringing back the ’70s: How to nail that retro interior design look

Love the retro vibe? Discover how to nail the interior design '70s look with earthy colors, bold patterns, and groovy decor trends.
Man using a sponge on a wall

How to clean walls without damaging the paint or finish

By understanding your wall's paint type and following a step-by-step process, you can safely remove dirt, stains, and smudges without causing damage.
Tank water heater in a home's utility room

How to flush a water heater: Keep yours running smoothly

Learning how to flush a water heater is an essential skill for any homeowner. Regular maintenance improves your water heater’s efficiency and saves you money.
Man cleaning kitchen counter

How to remove stains from a butcher block countertop

With a few easy cleaning solutions that you can whip up from household items, you can banish stains and keep your butcher block countertop looking brand new.
Backyard with hardscaping features like deck, stone steps, and retaining wall

10 hardscaping ideas to elevate your backyard design

Incorporating hardscaping into your backyard design can completely transform your outdoor space, making it more functional, visually appealing, and enjoyable.
Man using a roller to paint the ceiling

How to paint a ceiling cleanly — no mess, no stress

Learning how to paint a ceiling the right way may seem like a tough task to tackle. But with the right precautions, tools, and techniques, it’s an easy job.
Close-up of rustic wood surface with window and lights in background

How to unwarp wood and bring your furniture back to life

Once the damage is done, can warped wood be straightened? We’ll walk you through why wood warps and some methods for how to unwarp wood.
rinsing out stain on blue fabric

How to remove detergent stains from clothes: This is the no-fail way

Don't ruin your wardrobe. Follow these tips for how to remove detergent stains from your clothes so you can keep them fresh and clean.
Basement with blue walls.

How to heat a basement: From budget friendly to total reno

Is your basement too cold to be livable? Here are all the pros and cons of the most popular basement heating options available.
Textured wall

6 wall texture techniques to transform your home

Explore wall texture techniques to elevate your home decor. From knockdown to Venetian plaster, find the perfect style to add depth and character.
Bone china on white fabric next to a book

Bone china vs. porcelain: Understanding the distinctions

What are the benefits of bone china vs. porcelain? We have the down-low on the differences between these elegant ceramics.
Couple posing with paint rollers in front of painted white wall

When to choose an eggshell paint finish: 7 ideal scenarios

Not sure what paint finish is right for your painting project? These are all the times you should choose that eggshell paint.
A woman organizing and moving boxes

Swedish death cleaning: Why and how it can declutter your life

Discover how Swedish death cleaning can help you declutter, simplify, and create a stress-free home. You'll be able to cherish what truly matters.
Detailed window frame

What are double-glazed windows? A guide to energy-efficient glass

Discover the benefits of double-glazed windows. Boost energy efficiency, reduce noise, and add value to your home with this smart upgrade.
Person smelling something bad in the kitchen

The truth behind the rotten egg smell in your home

The rotten egg smell in your house is not just unpleasant — it’s often a sign of an underlying issue. Understanding the cause is key to resolving the smell.