For plant containers, it doesn’t get more classic than a terracotta pot. This orange-brown clay has been a favorite among plant lovers for ages because of its durability, accessibility and aesthetic. However, because of their widespread popularity and availability some may consider a terracotta pot to be a boring or “basic” choice. While tastes differ from one plant owner to the next, there are actually some benefits to using terracotta pots completely aside from their looks. We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks.

Terracotta Pot Pros

Indoor & Outdoor Use - Terra cotta is a common choice for outdoor container gardening and keeping indoor plants. This is because of the material’s excellent durability and the wide variety of shapes and sizes of containers available.

Highly Porous - Terracotta pots allow both moisture and air to pass through the walls. This helps wick away excess water from the soil that could cause fungus or root rot. It also makes them an ideal container for succulents, cacti and other plants that prefer drier soil.

Affordable - One of the key reasons for the popularity of terracotta pots is how inexpensive they are. Even in very large sizes you will typically spend far less on a terracotta container than you would on one made of ceramic or other materials. They are also frequently available at second-hand stores for an even lower price point and just as useful as when brand new.

Easy to Customize - Terracotta pots are easy to customize in a variety of ways. You can paint them to change the color and finish and their naturally matte surface makes them easy to write on with a permanent marker for quick labeling. If you are not a fan of the color or if you need to match other decor, it’s easy to paint and repaint terracotta pots to make them unique.

Terracotta Pot Cons

Changes Watering Schedule - The highly porous nature of terra cotta as a material is both a blessing and a curse. Depending on the type of plant inside the pot, the extremely efficient moisture-absorption may not be a benefit. For plants that need regular watering, a terracotta pot will require you to adjust your watering schedule. If you change a plant from one pot into another, you’ll have to change your watering habits accordingly—either water more often for terra cotta or less often for less porous materials.

However, as long as you know your plant’s specific needs and check soil moisture regularly, this shouldn’t cause too much of a problem. As mentioned above, terracotta pots are convenient for succulents and cacti that have greater risk of root rot or other damage caused from over-watering.

Not Cold-Resistant - Another thing to keep in mind about terracotta pots is your climate. If you’re using terra cotta containers outdoors, be very careful in cold weather. Some plants can survive frost and below-freezing temperatures, but the same can’t be said for their pots. Terra cotta can crack in the cold, making them less viable an option in climate zones with harsh winters. To mitigate this, you can always bring your plants indoors for the winter or even just the coldest nights. This will help the plants stay alive and keep the pots in good working condition.

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The right decor can make a big difference in even a small space. When designing for a small bathroom, every choice counts. Your bathroom is a place where you should feel relaxed and refreshed, no matter how small it is. With the right design choices, you can make every day a spa day at home. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Add Luxury With Gold Accents

For an instant upgrade to your bathroom ambiance, try swapping out your fixtures with gold replacements. Gold details will add a bit of sparkle and transform the space into a luxurious getaway. While replacing fixtures requires some plumbing know-how, other accents like drawer and cabinet pulls are quick and simple to swap out for gilded upgrades.

Try a Bathtub Caddy

There’s nothing more luxurious than a relaxing bath with all the essentials within reach. There are a variety of styles to choose from with shower caddies from reclaimed wood to vintage metal to shining lucite. A bath caddy will give you a place to put your favorite book, drinking glass or extra bath bubbles in easy luxurious reach.

Bring in Plants for a Touch of Nature

Adding live plants to your bathroom will make it more tranquil and purify the air at the same time. Try lush, moisture-loving plants like trailing philodendrons, fluffy ferns or prayer plants. For lower-maintenance plantlife, add succulents to a sunny window or display air plants in decorative holders.

Choose the Right Candles

Scented candles are a classic addition to any spa atmosphere. Choose earthy, relaxing smells like lavender or eucalyptus or go for refreshing citrus and cucumber. If you prefer unscented candles, you can still achieve the same relaxing ambiance without the extra fragrance. For a safer option, opt for battery-powered faux candles. These will create warm, flickering light with no heat or fire danger.

Work With Chic Dispensers

Try putting your hand soap, lotion and other bath products into reusable matching dispensers. Clear glass is a classic choice or you can opt for chic ceramic. Upgrading to fancy dispensers instead of using the original containers will make your bathroom more streamlined and enhance the spa-like feel.

Consider a Towel Upgrade

Towels are one of the most important elements in the comfort of your bathroom. If you’re using old towels, consider replacing them with newer, fluffier options in calming colors or clean white. Matching towels and other bathroom linens will instantly transport you to a luxury hotel or weekend spa.

If your bathroom is not at the top of your interior design priority list, consider making time to give it a spa makeover. With these simple changes, you can have your own private spa at home whenever you need to get away.

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Plants have been used to make medicine for centuries, but some stand out above the rest for their many healing properties. Some plants make teas or, with aloe, their leaves broken open and the gooey ooze used as a balm. From aiding in digestion to soothing burns and insect bites, these houseplants are known for their healing properties. Fortunately, most are deceptively easy to grow indoors as houseplants. 

Sage

This easy-to-grow herb has a range of health properties. Mostly it’s an anti-everything: anti-microbial, antioxidant, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. As a result, it may reduce swelling and help prevent infection. As an antioxidant, it helps fight off the free radicals that cause chronic diseases such as cancer. 

The next time you walk past a tiny sage plant in a four-inch pot at the nursery, you might bring it home to live on the windowsill of a south- or west-facing window. 

Ginger

You can grow ginger simply by bringing a root home from the supermarket and plopping it into a pot filled with soil. It will eventually sprout roots if kept in the right conditions. Pick a bumpy piece of ginger and soak it overnight in water. Cut the root into smaller pieces and plant them in a tall, deep container. Keep them warm and moist, and you should soon have sprouts. Once you have your very own ginger plant, you can use it for many things, including:

• Soothing nausea and motion sickness

• Curing upset stomach

• Reducing inflammation 

• Decreasing arthritis pain

• Preventing cancer

To harvest your ginger plant, simply cut a fresh piece from the root when needed and return the rest to the soil. 

Basil

Basil is an herb used in pasta sauces, pestos and more. It adds a zesty element to your dishes and can give your health a nice boost. Basil is best known for its healthy components which include vitamins A and C, manganese, iron and the good fatty acid. Use it as an antioxidant or antiseptic. Basil can also help relieve gas, soothe your cough and lessen nausea. As a houseplant, it’s a good option to have on hand. It’s also attractive and easy to grow. Basil prefers at least six hours of sun daily and needs regular watering. 

If you’ve been thinking about starting a few plants indoors, consider planting ones that have health-driven properties. The ones listed here all have culinary value, and they’re all useful in multiple other ways. And if you enjoy outdoor gardening, you can expand your inventory of medicinal plants.

As always, if you decide to use these plants for any health benefits, be sure to check with your doctor or other medical professional before consuming any new herb or plant for its healing properties.

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Today, home staging is a thriving bicoastal industry making inroads everywhere across the United States, with companies devoted both to renting furnishings and doing the actual staging.

There’s a reason for all this interest. Staging sells homes faster and attracts more buyer interest.

Some Tips for Artful Staging

Though functionality is key, you also want to follow basic design principles when staging your home. 

Paint Walls

Neutral colors appeal to most people, as do rooms that are well-lit. If shade or orientation is blocking the sun, invest in light bulbs that mimic natural lighting. The higher on the Kelvin rating scale, the more you’ll achieve a daylight look.

Float Your Furnishings

Floating means pulling your seating arrangements into the center of the room to create the illusion of a cozy gathering space. An area rug helps to complete this illusion. 

Decorate with Cameras in Mind

Most prospective buyers who enter your house are going to have already seen the pictures online. This is perhaps the best reason to avoid visual clutter. Spaces that are sleek and minimal look larger and more inviting in photos.

Don’t Neglect Curb Appeal

Your landscaping should be freshly maintained, with no dead or dying plants. Make sure that your gutters are clear and the front of the house has been power-washed, especially window sills. The approach creates a strong first impression that excites buyer interest in the house.

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