Need a home refresh but don’t want to spend big bucks? Rearranging furniture is a simple, wallet-friendly way to transform your space. Our surroundings are vital to our happiness and productivity, after all. So if you want to bring new energy to your home without the expense of a renovation, consider moving around some furniture. But you don’t need to move a lot; here’s how to refresh your space by moving just one piece of furniture.

Improve Functionality

To begin, find a room you feel needs a fresh look. If you choose your living room, for example, make note of all the furniture and decor in the room. Is there anything that seems in the way? Having too much furniture in one space can make one feel crowded. Interior designer Emily Henderson explains, “For example, if you enter a room and immediately walk into the back of an armchair, it’s going to make the space feel closed off and have a bad flow.” 

Try moving an armchair from one side of the room to another. This can create a wider walkway and make everything more accessible. Remember to focus on the function of a room. In a living room, one of the key purposes is socialization, so putting sitting chairs too far apart can dissuade conversation and hinder the use of the room. Keep your eye on the prize: functionality and balance.

Enhance Aesthetics

A room’s aesthetics are also important. Accent pieces are some of the easiest and most effective swaps. Instead of buying a new rug to replace the one you’re bored with, try swapping your living room area rug with the one from your bedroom. Wall decor is another effective swap. See if you can consolidate wall art from a few rooms to create a unique portrait wall. Or, swap a portrait from your living room with a mirror from the guest room to make the space feel bigger. Putting old decor in a new space gives it a second life.

Define a Focal Point

Another way to enhance aesthetics is to define a room’s focal point. This can be a large piece of furniture, such as a bed or dining table, or an aspect of the room, such as a fireplace or a large window. Is there something throwing the focal point off balance? For example, a large bookshelf on one side of a fireplace and nothing on the other will detract from the fireplace and make the room feel off-balance. Try moving the shelf to another room instead.

Peaceful Sleep

Not many people consider moving their beds — some might have it against the same wall for decades. However, your bed’s location can set the tone for the entire room, so placing it in a comfortable and functional area is essential. There are a few tips and tricks for arranging your bedroom and picking the best location for your bed. Good feng shui says the bed should be south-facing, but that might not be possible in some home layouts. Instead, aim for a wall that doesn’t directly face the door. This type of layout can be psychologically distressing because it’s a primal instinct that doors and windows are “dangerous.” For optimal peace and serenity, choose a wall parallel to the door.

A Better View

It’s essential to look at the big picture in a living space. Sometimes, that means looking beyond the space. At first glance, your sitting area might seem at its most functional layout. The couch has access to the coffee table and provides a wide walkway. But your arrangement might not be living up to its full potential. Sit down in every seat around your home and admire the view. Is there any room to rearrange for better scenery? This might mean rotating your couch 90 degrees so you face the window instead of the side door — but that little bit of work will pay dividends in relaxation and happiness.

Deep Clean and Declutter

Not only will you have a new perspective on your space and a boosted mood, but during the process, you’ll be able to multitask and get a few other things done. Rearranging is an excellent time to deep-clean the room you’re focusing on. Getting to dust bunnies, stains, and hard-to-reach places is easier when you’re moving furniture around. This is also an excellent opportunity to declutter your space. For example, if you’re moving a bookshelf from one end of the room to another, why not consolidate the items on the shelf? Not only will your newly renovated space look great, but it will also be sparkling clean, and you’ll love it even more.

Coffee is essential to many of our morning routines. Skipping this sacred ritual would render some of us useless. Imagine the disappointment of taking that coveted first sip, only to be greeted with a bitter, undrinkable brew — yuck. Don’t dump your mug just yet. Instead, head to the pantry. Don’t reach for the sugar, and not the creamer, either. Grab the salt. That’s right. Salt is a surprising hack that can improve the flavor of coffee and decrease bitterness. But how does it work, and does it taste too salty? Curious coffee drinkers can find these answers and more below.

Banish Bitterness 

For centuries, salt has been a secret ingredient in coffee, particularly in Northern Europe and East Asia, to improve its flavor profile. Even during World War II, U.S. Navy sailors added salt to their bitter ship coffee to make it palatable. This age-old practice, endorsed by modern chefs and food experts, continues to be a game-changer in the world of coffee.

The number one reason to add salt to your coffee is to balance out its flavor. After all, salt enhances the taste of food, so why not try it in your coffee? Salt cuts through bitterness, which can be especially beneficial if you’re using stale or burnt coffee beans. As the sodium ions reach your tongue, they bind with sodium receptors, blocking the brain from receiving the bitter flavor. Instead, the ions amplify other flavors, such as sweetness, nuttiness, or fruitiness. And don’t worry — your coffee won’t taste briny if you don’t overdo the added salt.

How Much Is Too Much?

When trying this hack, remember that a little goes a long way. Add just a pinch of salt to a regular cup of coffee. (For those wondering, a pinch is about one-sixteenth of a teaspoon.) Any type of salt works, including kosher, table, and sea salt. Some might have a stronger flavor than others, so use it sparingly and taste test before adding more.

Television personality and food expert Alton Brown adds salt to his coffee grounds before he brews it. He prefers kosher salt to “knock off some of the bitter edge.” If you’re adding salt to an entire pot of coffee like Alton, he recommends using one-quarter of a teaspoon of salt per six tablespoons of grounds. He adds, “That isn’t really enough to taste, but it’ll do the trick.”

The Versatility of Salted Coffee

The salt hack works with all types of coffee, including cold brew and espresso drinks. One TikTok coffee influencer, Noah Stern, famous for his coffee recipes, often uses salt in at-home recipes, including his salted white chocolate mocha, in which the salt is added directly into the espresso. He also includes salt in his traditional Greek frappe recipe, adding a small dash before whipping it together. “The salt neutralizes the bitterness in the coffee, making it smoother and less sharp.” One common theme prevails in all successful salted coffee recipes: Don’t overdo it — usually, a pinch is more than enough.

While adding salt to your coffee can significantly enhance its flavor, it’s important to note that those conscious about their sodium intake should use this hack sparingly.

Alternative Add-Ins

Many coffee drinkers use sugar or creamer to add sweetness and mask bitterness, but other add-ins can work just as well. Fat, such as dairy or plant-based milk, ice cream, and even butter, can help. Spices, such as cinnamon (the most popular choice), nutmeg, cloves, or ginger, are also effective. Another addition to consider is citrus, which might sound odd but is very popular in Europe, especially in Italy, where an espresso and lemon juice is called an espresso romano.

More Ways to Improve Bitter Coffee

If adding salt or other flavorings isn’t conducive to your diet or personal tastes, there are different ways to reduce bitterness and improve the flavor profile of black coffee. One option to consider is brewing weaker coffee. This sounds unappealing, we know, but adding less coffee (or more water) will result in weaker coffee, which, in turn, is less bitter. This method might not be everyone’s cup of tea (or, erm, coffee), but for some, it’s an easy fix.

Another recommendation is to pay attention to the type of coffee beans you use. There are two main types of beans: Arabica and Robusta. If you find your coffee too bitter, opt for Arabica coffee beans, which are milder and more forgiving than Robusta beans. Additionally, if you grind your coffee beans at home (especially for espresso), use a coarser grind setting to improve the flavor. A coarser grind results in less extraction, which means it is less bitter. Remember, everyone’s taste preferences are different, and you might find that a combination of these suggestions works best for your brew.

The fact that color trends come and go isn’t news. In the 1920s, jewel tones dominated; in the 1940s, patriotic reds and blues were popular. Avocado green and harvest gold are forever branded as earthy hues of the 1970s. Color changes tend to arrive faster now, with popular colors marching out annually thanks to paint and design companies’ “color of the year” selections. And this year is no different.

Soft shades of blue are particularly fashionable for 2024 — like Sherwin-Williams’ breezy “Upward” and Valspar’s calming “Renew Blue.” However, Benjamin Moore’s ethereal “Blue Nova” may be the most popular. This dusty, powdery blue-violet is meant to inspire feelings of adventure and curiosity and was even unveiled with the help of aerospace company Blue Origin. Incorporating pops of this color into your home isn’t hard — it’s everywhere, from bed sheets to rugs and even candles. Launch your home into the wild blue yonder with these Blue Nova-inspired home goods.

_{Prices are accurate as of July 22, 2024. Subject to change. All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Better Report may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.}

Martha Stewart Cotton Bath Towel Set

This six-piece bath towel set includes two washcloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels in a strikingly similar shade of blue. Made from 100% cotton, they’re absorbent, quick-drying, and fade-resistant, which means you can continue enjoying the 2024 color of the year well into 2025 (and beyond).

Godinger Stemless Wine Glasses

At 17-ounces each, these European-made wine glasses are equal parts useful and on-trend. Made from lead-free crystal, the four-pack is also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, with a sleek, stemless design that won’t go out of style anytime soon.

Linen Upholstered Platform Bed Frame

Blue Nova is meant to inspire you to seek out new adventures, so why not start in your dreams? This platform bed frame features a tufted headboard and matching foot panel in blue linen. It assembles in less than 15 minutes and comes with birchwood slats, so you can skip the box spring and just add your mattress for a fast pop of bedroom color.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer in Blue Salt

KitchenAid’s own color of the year — “Blue Salt” — is similar to Benjamin Moore’s powdery blue selection depending on how you see it. The pearl finish creates a “living color” that softly shifts throughout the day with lighting changes. Like all standard KitchenAid mixers, this version has a stainless steel bowl, wire whip, two beaters, a dough hook, and a pouring shield to keep ingredients from flinging all over that beautiful blue finish.

Threshold Cotton Tablecloth

Tablecloths are an easy (and cost-effective) way to add color trends to your home without a major overhaul or investment. Target’s popular Threshold line offers up a versatile blue in both round and rectangular shapes. Plus, they’re made with no-fuss 100% cotton that’s easily machine washable.

Amazon Basics Microfiber Bed Sheet Set

While Amazon may use the name “Dutch Blue,” these sheets are a close match to the color of the year. This sheet set is made from polyester microfiber for durability, and includes two pillowcases along with the flat and fitted sheets. Available in five sizes from twin to king, the 14-inch deep pockets can fit nearly any mattress.

Our Place Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

Nonstick pans from Our Place are made without PFAS and other toxic chemicals and brighten up your kitchen with the “Blue Salt” shade. Compatible with all stovetops, this ceramic nonstick skillet is also oven-safe up to 450 degrees and can be used to braise, fry, sauté, and even steam veggies with the included steamer basket.

Hand-Braided Jute Rug

Jute area rugs are stain-resistant and shed-free, making them an easy-care option. This version from Rugs.com comes in a variety of sizes, including runners, round, oval, and rectangular area rugs. While it’s described as navy blue, the hue is light enough to pass for Blue Nova, giving your floors a trendy upgrade.

Yankee Candle Black Tea & Lemon Signature Candle

Small touches of color can come in unexpected places, like this signature scent from Yankee Candle. The purple-blue soy wax has notes of black tea, vanilla, and lemon for a clean and refreshing smell. The large jar candles include two cotton wicks for even burning that lasts more than 60 hours.

Glad Storage Baskets with Lids

Even the more utilitarian items in our homes can benefit from a change of color. This storage basket set is versatile enough to be used anywhere, tucked away in a hall closet or showing off its textured design in open shelving. The lidded containers are stackable and easy to wipe clean, and with a 4.7-gallon capacity, they can hold everything from bathroom items to mementos from your latest adventures.

From backyards to ballparks, hot dogs are a summertime staple. It doesn’t matter if you prefer all-beef or a vegetarian alternative — summer doesn’t truly begin until you take a bite of your favorite hot dog with mustard or ketchup. But at some point, people began sprucing up hot dogs with untraditional toppings such as avocado, blue cheese dressing, and crushed potato chips. Some adventurous eaters even top their hot dogs with peanut butter. Yes — peanut butter. Don’t let this odd mix of flavors deter you; hot dogs and peanut butter go together just like peas and carrots. Frankly, we think you’d really like it too, and here’s why.

The Versatility of Peanut Butter

Hot dogs aside, mixing peanut sauce with meat is a centuries-old culinary tradition, especially popular in Southeast Asian cooking. Peanut sauce first took off in Indonesia sometime around the 16th century after the legume was brought to the region by Iberian merchants. Over the years that followed, peanuts made their way into Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine and are also used in various chutneys throughout India.

Here in America, peanut sauce may not be as commonly served alongside savory dishes, but that’s not to say it’s unheard of. One example is in Minneapolis, a city known for its regional Juicy Lucy burger — a stuffed cheeseburger. Various establishments sell PB&J variants of this delicacy stuffed with peanut butter and topped with jam. Given the success of peanut butter in all of these cuisine styles, it should come as no surprise that it pairs just as well with hot dogs.

Our Review

When we heard about this trend, we knew we had to try it ourselves. We took an all-beef hot dog and a delicious brand of chunky peanut butter — you can always use creamy peanut butter if that’s your preference. After cooking the dog on the stovetop, we slathered it in a generous helping of peanut butter, and the results were a big hit.

From a texture perspective, the peanut chunks added a nice crunchy element to the hot dog. You’ll still notice a textural difference if you opt to go the creamy peanut butter route instead, a more unctuous and decadent bite. The heat emanating from the meat melted the peanut butter in a way that created a richer, smoother, and gooier sauce than any standard mustard or ketchup.

Flavorwise, the peanut butter taste was far from overwhelming. It also cut through the smoky flavor of the beef itself and created a more balanced flavor profile. This is great news if you’re not much of a fan of hot dog flavor on its own. We’ll concede that if you’re not a peanut fan, then this may not be for you, and you should certainly steer clear if you have peanut allergies. But if you like peanuts, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well the beef and peanut flavors play off each other, as well as the more interesting and complex texture than traditional dogs.

Other Benefits of Peanut Butter

If you’re not convinced about the texture or taste, there are dietary benefits to swapping out traditional condiments for peanut butter. Remember that most ketchups contain loads of sugar, and aren’t ideal for those looking to keep blood sugar levels low. Mustard also has a biting, vinegary flavor that isn’t for everyone, especially some children. Peanut butter solves both problems, as it’s lower in sugar and has a more neutral flavor.

Peanut butter also provides increased levels of protein, fiber, and healthy fats compared to traditional hot dog condiments lacking nutritional value. It also has essential vitamins like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and more. Just like anything else, be sure to use peanut butter in moderation.

Further Ingredients Worth Adding

If you like peanut butter on your hot dog, there are ways to elevate the flavor even further. For a little sweetness, consider adding your favorite jelly to create a PB&J dog. You can also transform the dish into a Thai-inspired hot dog — add sriracha and fresh jalapeños for some kick, cilantro for a herby flavor, and fried garlic for crunch. Peanut butter also pairs excellently with salty and crunchy bacon, so fry up some strips and sprinkly them over the hot dog.