The Lomi Kitchen Composter featured in this story is currently $100 off for Amazon Prime Day. For more editor-vetted deals worth scoring during the 48-hour sale, check out our full guide to the best things to buy.

As a seasoned gardener and plant parent, I fully understand the inescapable truth that compost is the best way to feed your soil. So I have two systems set up in my suburban Atlanta yard: a tumbler and a stationary bin. The only bummer about creating your own soil, though, is that traditional composting takes months. So when I saw the ads for the Pela Lomi Kitchen Composter claiming it can transform kitchen scraps into compost in just hours, needless to say, I was skeptical. I pored over online reviews and comments from real users and still wasn’t convinced. I had to try this thing for myself. 

When it arrived, I was immediately impressed with the 100% recyclable packaging. Better yet, all the packing materials can be put in the Lomi—even the bioplastic protective covering. Aside from the composter itself, the box was filled with activated charcoal for the filters and Lomi Pods, the brand’s proprietary blend of probiotics that improves the speed of decomposition while reducing odor. A step-by-step manual shows you how to load the filters and provides a concise list of the dos and don’ts of composting. I was ready to get started. 

Lomi has three cycles, and each one gives food waste a perfectly balanced mix of moisture, warmth, and oxygen levels needed to create compost, which helps speed up the natural decomposition process. The Eco Express mode gives the fastest results while using the least energy. It runs for three to five hours, and a Lomi Pod is unnecessary. However, this mode produces immature compost and should be put in a green bin or added to a larger compost bin to finish processing. The Approved mode breaks down only Lomi-approved bioplastics, runs for five to eight hours, and requires a Lomi Pod. Lastly, the longest cycle, Grow mode, runs for about 16 to 20 hours. It uses low heat to help preserve the beneficial microbes from the Lomi Pod. All the compost produced by the Lomi can be added to indoor or outdoor plants at a rate of 1 part Lomi compost to 10 parts soil. 

So does Lomi really work? Yes. It does exactly what it claims to do: reduce the volume of your waste by up to 90 percent. It accepts most food scraps, leftovers, trimmings from houseplants, and paper. The entire process occurs in the compost bucket, avoiding transfer to a larger heap. I tried all three modes, and at the end of each one, the waste I added to the Lomi was transformed into something that resembled dirt, so I fed it to my houseplants. So far, they seem happy and are growing well. 

One thing to note: You can’t just add anything to the bin. Composting is all about the right mix of browns and greens to create a well-balanced result. I did one cycle with leftovers and some shredded paper, not really paying attention to the balance. The result was a gooey mess that I eventually had to scrape out. (Thank goodness Lomi’s bucket is dishwasher-safe!) Lomi makes it really easy to get the balance right, as long as you follow the recommendations.

More for the pro column: I like that the setup is extremely easy—it’s basically plug-and-go. The machine is sleek and has a simple user interface, so it looks great on the kitchen counter. The process is practically dummyproof. 

There are really only two things I’d change about it. First and foremost, it’s expensive. The Lomi retails for $499, not including the cost of the replacement filters and Pods. (However, the price is comparable to its competitors.) Although this con isn’t a deal breaker, it’s loud while running. It is similar to a noisy dishwasher and makes squeaky and grinding noises periodically. I found it distracting, and it was hard to fall asleep when I ran it on the Grow mode. Then again, it really does make usable soil, well, overnight. 

$100 Off Lomi Kitchen Composter

Lomi Kitchen Composter, Pela ($399 was $499)

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The post I Tested a Countertop Composter That Makes Ready-to-Use Soil Literally Overnight appeared first on domino.

Back in 2019, Krystal Persaud and her husband were living in a 400-something-square-foot apartment on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. While the space was small, it had one seriously redeeming quality: really big windows. The natural light was ideal for keeping houseplants happy, but Persaud, who was working as a toy designer at the time, wanted to get more out of her space. She wanted energy. “I had a big aha moment,” says Persaud. “You think that a solar panel has to be outside on a roof at a perfect angle to work. It’s really just not true at all.” After some serious tinkering, she designed a 13-by-10-inch solar panel that can hang in a window via a suction cup hook and, after 10 hours of sunlight, can power up any USB-connected device. 

While there were other portable solar panels on the market at the time Persaud launched her company, Grouphug, most of them are made for camping—and look like it. Persaud guesses that Grouphug’s solar charger likely only saves you $5 to $10 on your utility bill, but she sees it more as an introduction to renewable energy. The panel makes it possible for renters, apartment dwellers, and really anyone on a budget to harness the sun’s power. “It’s a baby step into solar that people can adopt in minutes,” says Persaud. 

When Persaud and her husband moved from the Lower East Side to a railroad-style rental in Brooklyn, she began experimenting with even larger panels. The venture was once again sparked by a personal need: There were zero places to plug in a TV or a charger in the middle of the apartment, so she leaned a 3-by-4-foot panel in a window that could juice up a portable battery that could then power a fan or a laptop. “I was doing a ton of little experiments like that just to see how much power you could get from a window,” she says. 

Grouphug Window Solar Charger

So far, Grouphug hasn’t released any XL versions—first, Persaud hopes to replenish its currently out-of-stock inventory within the next three months. In the meantime, she’s focused on Wildgrid, a platform she cofounded that primarily serves as an educational resource on energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy. There are also rebate calculators, product recommendations, and a directory of experts and contractors on the website. “We’re really just trying to show energy efficiency in a new light…that it can be fun and sexy and easy,” says Persaud. 

If you’re hoping to secure a portable solar panel ASAP, Persaud notes she’s also a big fan of BioLite, a company aiming to provide 20 million people with access to clean energy by 2025. And while Goal Zero’s panels are similarly designed for off-the-grid living, Persaud has used its batteries for many of her makeshift apartment setups. 

Hopefully, the next time someone tells you it looks like you got some sun, they’re talking about your fully charged phone battery.

Shop Other Portable Solar Panels

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BioLite SolarPanel 5+ 2.0 With Onboard Battery, REI ($100)

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Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel, REI ($60)

The post Attention, Renters: You Don’t Need Access to a Roof to Benefit From Solar Power appeared first on domino.

The smart showerheads featured in this story are currently up to 29% off for Memorial Day weekend. For more editor-vetted holidays deals, check out our full guide.

I have never been one to relish in long, steamy showers—I get bored too quickly. Plus my New York City rental’s showerhead left a lot to be desired in the pressure department, not to mention it always sprayed a little too far to the left, leaving me to huddle against the side wall to get the best angle. And yet I still was curious about how much water I was using, even during my sad, short bathing routine—and obviously I craved something a little less, well, rental. Enter Hai’s bluetooth showerhead. 

The thing that immediately makes the Hai different from the other DTC showerheads out there is all of its techy details. The Bluetooth-enabled sprayer connects to an app that tells you how much water you’re using, how long your showers last, and (my favorite) when the water is the perfect temp—a scalding 105 for me—so you can know exactly when to hop in. 

If you’re wondering why you’d ever want an app for such a quotidian task, tracking your water usage is a great way to manage your environmental impact. For starters, the Hai is available in two water-pressure options: 2.5 gallons per minute and 1.8 gallons per minute, the latter meeting the U.S.’s strictest water standards, which some states require. 

Once I synced it to my phone—it will send you notifications with weekly summaries of water usage, average temperature, and time spent—the app sparked my competitive nature. I now challenge myself to get in and out as efficiently as possible—it’s become a fun little game. When I started using the Hai, I noticed I was taking 20-minute-long showers, which added up to a little over 36 gallons of water per shower. But since I started tracking, I’ve gone down to just 9 minutes and 13 gallons. No multiple karaokes of Taylor Swift’s 10-minute “All Too Well” here! 

Don’t worry, you don’t need to bring your phone in the bath with you. A handy light in the middle of the handle will turn green when you’re in the clear for gallons of water used and the shower is fully heated (if you choose, you can have it text you when it’s ready to go), but the light turns yellow, and then red, when you’re nearing the cap of the recommended limit of 20 gallons. Luckily the app tracks based on individual shower, not by day or week. So both of my roommates (and I) can have a shower without the angry red light shining down on each of us for using too much water in a single day.

Recently, Hai introduced a new feature: the Fuse, an attachment that connects to the base of the showerhead and, along with dissolvable tablets, infuses your water with one of three scents (named Energy Boost, Relax, and Repair), each meant to provide aromatherapy while you bathe. A friend tried one out—Relax, a calming mix of lavender and sandalwood—and said while she wouldn’t infuse every day (one tablet equals one shower, so they can go quickly), the subtle scent added oomph to her shower, much like hanging eucalyptus in there. The Energy Boost one even has caffeine and mandarin in it to awaken the groggiest of morning people.

Installing the Hai took about five minutes, though I was a little bummed that, unlike other DTC models, it doesn’t come with its own tools. But to be honest, removing my original showerhead was the hardest part of the process, next to choosing what color to get among the six options. (Ultimately, I went with pastel blue to match my towels.) 

One thing to note: If, like me, your shower lacks storage, maybe opt for a corner shelf to hold your shampoo and conditioner—the tube can get in the way of a caddy that hangs from the pipe. 

At $250, it’s on the pricier side, but knowing I can uninstall and take it with me from move to move helps justify the cost (not to mention it’s currently on sale for Memorial Day weekend). Plus how often do you get to coordinate your bathroom fixtures with your favorite hand towels?

Infusions Smart Showerhead in Persimmon, Hai ($198 was $249)

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Fuse, Hai ($50)

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Relax Infusion, Hai ($30)

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The post This Smart Showerhead Cuts Water Usage—And It’s $50 Off for Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on domino.

Thirty steps from architect Alexander McGee’s South Africa home, at the bottom of a rocky hillside surrounded by cypress trees and strongly scented buchus, is a small wood cabin tucked into the scrub. The house overlooks Muizenberg, one of Cape Town’s best-known surfing spots—a view that can be enjoyed from the roughly 390-square-foot interior, thanks to a generous window seat. The roof is topped with solar panels that provide enough power for the cabin and the main house. But you won’t spot any gutters: McGee wanted to be able to watch the rain run off the roof from any angle. “We’re spoiled in South Africa with some of the most naturally beautiful sites found anywhere in the world,” says McGee. “As an architect, I view it as my responsibility to demonstrate an alternate solution to settling in these environments.”

Initially, the house was an experiment: How well and how fast could he craft a house in a remote location? Key to this was building the whole place off-site in a warehouse where McGee and his team could tinker around with the details and make modifications before taking it apart and reassembling it on his property. The materials were everything. 

Instead of using traditional brick and mortar, McGee turned to lightweight cross-laminated timber (CLT), which offers great sound and thermal insulation, generates almost no waste during the construction process, and requires a small team for install. “Some view it as the building industry’s only savior in achieving a near carbon-neutral footprint,” shares McGee. Once he and his crew had returned to his land to actually put the home together, it took less than three weeks. 

Going with a 45-degree pitched roof with large eaves not only made the tiny cabin a closer match to McGee’s main house, it offered space for a standing mezzanine level, accessed by a retractable ladder. “Even though the bed does not have a base, the elevated nature of it makes you feel incredibly safe. It is almost nestlike,” says McGee. While the architect imagined that the space would function as a show home for his business, Anima Homes, where he creates similar tiny homes that have the flexibility to be tailored to their environment, McGee and his family have barely been able to use it. Ever since they listed the place on Airbnb, it’s been steadily booked. 

Luckily for visitors, there is plenty of storage. Right when they walk in, they’re greeted by a Wawa wood surfboard, handcrafted in Muizenberg, followed by tons of hanging space for clothes. Behind the wardrobe lives all of the solar-power inverters and batteries that allow the structure to run off-grid. McGee prioritized salvaged materials wherever possible: The cedar shelving in the bathroom came straight from a scrap yard, while the reclaimed travertine sink in the kitchen was a steal from a stonemason friend. As for the trim around the windows, those pieces came directly from McGee’s house (they’re remnants from an old piece of furniture). 

When McGee and his family aren’t hosting Airbnb guests, they’re patiently awaiting the arrival of another visitor: eagle-owls. “When I first moved here, there was a pair that nested in the palm trees adjacent to our property,” he says. In an effort to create a welcoming habitat, he added built-in owl boxes to the exterior (in addition to bat roosts). “Sadly, the owls haven’t come back yet,” he admits, ‘but the door is always open for them.”

The Goods

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Basis Table, Hoop Furniture ($454)

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A Certain Place II, Zarah Cassim ($547)

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MŪ191 Chair, Muvek (price upon request)

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Escarpment Couch, Pedersen + Lennard ($2,112)

The post This Tiny Cabin Overlooking the Cape Town Surf Was Assembled in Under 3 Weeks appeared first on domino.

Did you know cardboard could kill weeds for you? It’s just one gardening practice that Alessandro Vitale, a Londoner by way of Italy with a lifelong passion for growing things, champions in his new book, Rebel Gardening: A Beginner’s Handbook to Creating an Organic Urban Garden, for both its regenerative benefits and novice friendliness.

“In modern society, I feel like growing your own food and trying to be self-sustaining is the ultimate act of rebellion!” Vitale writes—hence the book title. It’s also something that can be taken on by anyone, anywhere, he argues, including in a tiny front yard or on an apartment balcony. Vitale should know: His rental’s 26-by-16-foot garden produces enough fruits and vegetables that he doesn’t have to shop for them anymore, and that’s without the help of chemical fertilizers or tilling the soil.

“I soon learned that using chemicals in the garden not only kills a whole range of insects without distinguishing between good and bad but also makes plants weaker,” he notes. In the excerpt, below, Vitale breaks down his hands-off approach.

Rebel Gardening: A Beginner’s Handbook to Organic Urban Gardening by Alessandro Vitale, Amazon ($22)

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As an organic gardener, you can use a variety of strategies in the garden to work with nature and help your plants develop without upsetting the system, while also encouraging natural biodiversity of insects and microbes. Here, I will introduce you to the three main areas of gardening expertise that have together created Rebel Gardening. I have picked parts, techniques, and philosophies from each and combined them to apply them in my garden. Together, they have allowed me to create a place where I can connect and feel at one with Pachamama (Mother Earth).

No-Dig Gardening

One of my main inspirations and gardening heroes is Charles Dowding, who taught me all I know about a method called No-Dig Gardening, where the principles focus on not disrupting the life within the soil.

As Charles says: “There are billions of microorganisms, known as the soil food web, down there, and they create microscopic pathways to transport water and nutrients. It’s those pathways that increase soil’s ability to drain excess water, while also retaining a proper moisture level.” Basically, this method is all about minimizing disturbance of your garden to encourage the soil web to thrive. Any disturbance of your garden forces soil into a recovery period, which affects the natural balance in the ecosystem, and that lack of balance creates good conditions for weeds to take hold.

I have visited Charles’s farm, Homeacres, in Somerset, U.K., many times, and you can see the proof of this method by looking at the pathways in between his garden beds. They are weed-free and drain extremely well even after heavy rains.

Here, I show how to turn any disused space into a garden ready to thrive by first establishing weed-free pathways, then raised beds where you will grow your plants.

Creating Weed-Free Pathways

To apply this method to your growing space, if you have a lawn or weeds all over the ground, just put a layer of cardboard on top of it, making sure that the cardboard doesn’t have any tape on it (if you’ve reused a delivery box, like me, for example!). Ink should be fine, as in most cases it is vegetable ink on brown cardboard and not shiny as it often is with bits of plastic. 

The cardboard acts as light exclusion for weeds on the ground, which will slowly die. The weed will decompose in a few months and the roots of the plants planted over it will just penetrate the cardboard and feed on the nutrient-rich substrate underneath. When you apply the cardboard, if you add two pieces or more, make sure to overlap them so you don’t leave gaps. If you don’t have any weeds and your soil is almost clean, you don’t need cardboard!

Also, make sure to create an edge around your garden beds so you don’t risk weeds coming back on top of the beds. You can top up this edge two to three times and you won’t need to remove the cardboard as it will just decompose in about two to three months.

Add a Raised Bed

You can now place a DIY raised bed on top of the layer of cardboard.

1. Begin by adding a layer of less-decomposed compost (see Note, below), which is less mature and less rich in nutrients, to a raised bed. Alternatively, you could add a mix of mushroom compost, mature horse manure and/or store-bought compost.
2. Add another layer of well-matured compost, tamping it down by walking over it to make sure it’s firm. While walking on it, you won’t have to worry about compaction because the soil is strong enough to support the construction.
3. You could also top up with a thin layer of topsoil if needed.
4. Remove the raised bed sides once the compost has settled to prevent slugs from hiding in the pocket of air that is created between the compost and the sides.
5. In roughly six to eight months, the compost level in your raised bed will fall because microorganisms eat organic waste and excrete nutrients into the soil.
6. At the beginning of each growing season, spread a thin coating of compost over the entire raised bed to provide new organic matter for the microorganisms and protect them.

The compost is organic matter that is always disintegrating, and micro- and macroorganisms are eating it and excreting more nutrients than they would otherwise if you had disturbed and disrupted these creatures’ activities and the natural balance. 

Note: If you don’t have less decomposed compost, you can use mature compost. All you have to do is add compost to your raised beds once a year, and that’s all.

The soil will also increase the moisture retention capabilities so you won’t have to water as much as in normal garden beds. The beauty of this method is that you can start planting your plants straightaway and start growing your own food as soon as you make your garden bed.

From Rebel Gardening: A Beginner’s Handbook to Organic Urban Gardening, © 2023 by Alessandro Vitale. Reproduced by permission of Watkins. All rights reserved.

The post No-Dig Gardening Is as Low-Maintenance as It Sounds—And It’s Good for the Earth, Too appeared first on domino.

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Designers and landscape architects often rely on solar string lights to add a soft, ambient glow to any outdoor space. And you can, too. With the right luminary, your backyard can quickly transform into an alfresco dining destination. Once you’ve placed a string’s stake in the ground somewhere that gets a decent amount of direct sunlight, you can hang these glowing accessories pretty much anywhere, whether that’s draped from a tree canopy or between the pickets of a fence, since you won’t be limited to the proximity of a power outlet. No matter if you are after simple and streamlined or in need of something a bit more high-tech with changeable colors and timers, our list of the best solar string lights offers up options to suit everyone’s style.

Our Favorites

• Best overall: Brightech Glow Hanging Solar LED String Lights 
• Best smart: Avatar Controls Solar Powered String Lights
• Best candle: West Elm Rectangular Solar String Lights
• Best value: Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar LED String Lights 
• Best mini: Mainstays 50-Count Mini Solar String Lights 
• Best paper: Bawoo Solar Garden Lantern String Lights
• Best metal: Allsop Copper & Silver Solar String Lights

Best Overall: Brightech Glow Hanging Solar LED String Lights 

Glow Hanging Solar LED String Lights, Brightech ($69)

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Length: 28 feet | Hours: 5–6 | Bulb spacing: 1.6 feet  

Why we chose it: Glass and brass come together for an elevated take on the standard outdoor-safe string lights. 

As soon as the sun disappears behind city buildings or your neighbor’s house, these oversize Edison-like bulbs automatically turn on after dark, transforming any outdoor area into a party-ready space. While most string lights often feature bulkier silhouettes, this set from Brightech keeps things toned down with mid-century modern sockets and a thin black wire, lending a less distracting appearance during the day. And while looks matter, these lights are ones you can rely on, too: They’re resistant against the elements like rain and wind, and their long-lasting durability is backed by the brand’s five-year warranty. 

Best Smart: Avatar Controls Solar Powered String Lights

Length: 48 feet | Hours: Varies | Bulb spacing: N/A

Solar Powered String Lights, Avatar Controls ($35 was $45)

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Why we chose it: A fully customizable look backed by 2,000-plus positive reviews.

These remote- and app-controlled solar string lights offer up the choice of a classic, warm-white glow, or a completely customizable look from different choices limited only by the color wheel. Though it isn’t the only setting you can personalize. Users can also dim things down from an intensity of 0 to 100, determine daily timers, or sync one of the 20 different light patterns up with their music. Plus there are a few specifically geared toward the holidays—and by November 1, you can change your spooky front porch Halloween setup simply by altering the colors, without having to take everything down to replace it with Christmas lights.

Best Candle: West Elm Rectangular Solar String Lights

Rectangular Solar String Lights, West Elm ($105)

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Length: N/A | Hours: About 5 | Bulb spacing: N/A  

Why we chose it: For an industrial illumination, go with a flame-shape bulb encased in metal.  

We picture these caged lights fitting in anywhere, whether they hang from a wood pergola or above a pebble-lined patio. The candle-shaped bulb offers a modern update on the railroad-style lantern, and it’s sure to add a dramatic flair to your dining scene. You’ll probably want to stock up on a few sets, though, as only 10 come in each pack.

Best Value: Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar LED String Lights 

Ambiance Pro Solar LED String Lights, Brightech ($28 was $30)

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Length: 27 feet | Hours: 5–6 | Bulb spacing: 20 inches 

Why we chose it: For less than $30, you can enjoy commercial-grade lights. 

These lights (also by Brightech) check all the element-friendly boxes. With a commercial-grade weatherproof guarantee, they can stay outside all year long—no need to bring them down every time a storm brews—and be put to use from summer to winter, enduring up to 50-mile-per-hour winds, rain, snow, and sleet. 

These impossible-to-shatter bulbs offer a classic globe shape that provides a soft, warm white glow (though the brightness will largely depend on how much sun the panel can soak up throughout the day). Hang them from a tent or pergola, or simply clip them on to a vertical surface that needs a little brightening.  

Best Mini: Mainstays 50-Count Mini Solar String Lights 

50-Count Solar Powered Outdoor LED Mini String Lights, Mainstays ($11)

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Length: 17.5 feet | Hours: 8 | Bulb spacing: N/A 

Why we chose it: Wrap these teeny-tiny twinkles around everything. 

If you want to do more with your solar lights than just hang them, wrap these mini string lights around the legs of a dining table, the rails of deck stairs, the beams of an arch, or the trunk (and branches!) of trees. The latter is a particularly perfect fit since the brown wire blends in with bark; you’ll definitely want to invest in multiple strands for optimal coverage, though—thankfully these are super-affordable. You won’t spend more than $12 for close to 17 feet of 50 lights. 

Best Paper: Bawoo Solar Garden Lantern String Lights

Bawoo Solar Garden Paper Lantern String Lights, Amazon ($20)

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Length: 20 feet | Hours: 6–8 | Bulb spacing: 5 inches  

Why we chose it: Not all string lights are plastic. 

With these nylon lanterns that only look like paper, you don’t have to worry about strong winds ripping through your whole hanging fleet. Thirty lights are perfectly spaced out (about 5 inches in between) along an extra-long wire that’s thin and discreet. And while we love the simple white, tap the button attached to this set’s solar stake to toggle between two light modes—a warm, neutral glow or colorful assortment. “I love these! They are strung along my deck railing and stay lit for hours. They’ve survived heavy rain, hail, and winds that destroyed a table,” one reviewer writes. And while “pretty indestructible,” other comments warn to be gentle during the assembly process.

Best Metal: Allsop Copper and Silver Solar String Lights

Copper and Silver Solar String Lights, Allsop ($44)

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Length: 15 feet | Hours: Up to 12 | Bulb spacing: 12 inches

Why we chose it: Moroccan-inspired, star-punched metal gives these lights instant charm.

String up these weather-resistant steel lanterns and prepare to be instantly transported to the streets of Morocco. Direct sunlight charges the LED bulbs via a solar panel, which allows them to throw off a coppery or silvery glimmer for up to 12 hours. Each strand of 10 perforated lights casts a glow in the shape of small stars; activate the setting that makes them blink and create the illusion of a starry night sky on your porch or patio. Reviewers share that they “get many compliments on these lights” and “are a very nice addition to our deck.” While weather resistant, avoid exposing these beauties to moisture or rain for long periods of time.

We Also Like

Edison Bulb Solar String Lights, Pottery Barn ($69)

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Solar Metal Lantern String LIghts, Kinna ($24)

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Dimmable White Solar Lights, YLXS ($64)

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216-Inch Solar Globe String Lights, Wayfair ($37 was $48)

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How We Chose These Products

The best solar string lights never let sunshine go to waste and won’t get tattered after a thunderstorm. Your dinner parties can go on for hours, from sunset to sunrise, in any season, thanks to this durable mood lighting. We made sure our picks went beyond the standard chunky black cables, focusing on design-forward picks that can easily be strung along your balcony fence or even the tree limbs in your backyard. Each product on our list provides a minimum of five hours of glow and won’t require direct-only rays to light up come evening. 

Our Shopping Checklist

Style and Shape

The most popular bulb shape for solar string lights comes in the form of globes or an Edison, but those aren’t the only silhouettes you’ll come across. Other options available include a rounded pear or oversize tubular silhouette, as well as different takes on even smaller hexagonal, candle, or fairy lights. String lights, for the most part, are small in size, as they’re tethered together by a main line and can’t be too heavy to sag. Aside from the bulb design—and choosing between frosted, clear, white, or colors—the socket can help make your string lights a decorative fixture. For instance, our list doesn’t only consist of white or standard black (most common when it comes to weather-resistant wires). There are also brass-, copper-, and silver-colored encasings that caught our eye, and even a few that make the string lights feel more like a bunch of floating pendant lamps. 

Brightness and Color Temperature

Aside from a bulb’s overall look, the whole purpose of this product is to illuminate and add a bit of ambience to an outdoor area. Solar lights are best suited for string lights since, in most cases, they don’t put out enough lumens to be path or stair lights—the more lumens, the brighter. As Julia Discroll of Katherine Field and Associates previously told us when talking about the best outdoor solar lights, “Most have a maximum battery life that’s based on brightness (eight hours of light at the brightest setting when fully charged), but it’s not at the same level of hardwired landscaping lighting.” The latter is typically able to deliver 300 lumens of light, whereas solar lights average out at about 30. 

Weather Resistance

Since the best solar string lights require sunlight as their main source of power, these fixtures are designed to be hung outside. That means they’ll need to be durable enough to survive a rain or hail storm. Most common materials include vinyl, rubber, and plastic, but to make sure these are safe to leave outside, you’ll likely need to look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating higher than 44. These two digits stand for what your lights are protected against; the higher the number, the more they can endure, from solid objects like dust and debris to water drips, jets, spray, splashes, and more. Of course, this number also varies greatly depending on where you install them. For instance, it becomes less of a concern if you’re hanging up solar string lights from a covered ceiling rather than an open deck or patio.  

Wire Length 

Because these lights are solar powered, you won’t be as restricted by cord length, at least in proximity to an outlet. You’ll still want something long enough to loop or weave, and most size options range from 25 to 60 feet. If you want to figure out exactly what you need, measure the total length that the wire should stretch across, and add 2 feet or more (we wager you won’t be hanging these as taut as can be, but will instead allow for a soft dip in between destinations). Our advice: Buy more than you think you need, then return whatever is extra. 

Ask Domino

Q: How long will outdoor solar string lights last? 

This really depends on the product you choose. While solar lights rely on the sun to operate—often an endless supply of energy—solar panels aren’t effective for long periods of time. You’ll likely only get two years or so out of the lights before they fail to glow anew.

Q: Where is the best place to put the panels for solar string lights? 

All solar string lights come with a panel that captures energy used to power them up. You’ll want to be strategic about placement, ensuring it’s in enough direct sunlight to work come nightfall. If not, yours may not illuminate fully. 

Q: Why do my solar string lights turn on automatically? 

Most solar lights come with a manual switch, though they could be left on if you’d like the light to glow once dusk has arrived. The string lights’ solar panel is equipped with a sensor that absorbs sun during the day and then channels all that power to your bulbs.

The Last Word

The best solar string lights are safe to hang up outdoors, giving consistently bright light for five hours or more (i.e., all evening). The decorative accessory can be hung anywhere as the finishing touch to your backyard or balcony. As long as you have the sun shining on them, you’ll have light. 

The post Giving Your Outdoor Space a Glow-Up Is as Easy as Adding the Best Solar String Lights appeared first on domino.

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

If you’re considering adding a set of bamboo sheets to your bedding rotation, we’re here to cheer you on. There are serious perks to bamboo. First of all, it’s naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic—a win for anyone with sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema. Bamboo sheets can be super-breathable and moisture wicking, too, since they absorb more water (ahem, sweat) than even cotton does. Whether you overheat in the night, need a gentle set of sheets to soothe irritable skin, or simply are ready for something new, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested the best bamboo sheets and have narrowed down your options to the five sets we think are worth your hard-earned money and precious hours of shut-eye.

“For me, sheets are like clothing: They’re intensely personal,” says designer Nate Berkus, who knows a thing or two about the importance of getting good sleep. (He is a dad of two little ones and just released a sleep collection with Beautyrest.) If you’re new to bamboo sheets, Berkus suggests starting small. “You could buy a pillowcase first; then you’ll know for certain that what you’re sleeping on is something that you love.”

Or if you’re like us and always tempted to try out anything new, you won’t regret going all in with the whole set, and you’ll probably want a second one ready in the linen closet. We do. Scroll on for our Domino-tested and -approved picks for the best bamboo sheets.

Our Favorites

• Best cooling: Ettitude Signature Sateen Sheet Set
• Best colors: Sunday Citizen Premium Bamboo Sheet Set
• Best luxury: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
• Best soft-to-the-touch: Oasis Fine Linens Bamboo Sheet Set
• Best budget: Quince Organic Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set 
• Best cotton-bamboo blend: The Company Store Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set

Best Cooling: Ettitude Signature Sateen Sheet Set

Queen Sateen Sheets, Ettitude ($229)

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Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Return policy: Within 30 days, store credit for returns up to 60 days | Care: Machine-wash cold

Why we chose it: These supremely soft sheets sleep as cool as they claim.

After hearing whispers about Ettitude’s Signature Sateen sheets and their next-level softness, staff writer (and self-professed hot sleeper) Kenya Foy couldn’t resist trying the brand out for herself. A few months’ worth of sweat-free sleeps later, and she can confidently confirm the brand’s claims—these linens feel as smooth as silk. Plus, they offer all the usual benefits of bamboo: they’re hypoallergenic and cooling, which went a long way towards keeping Foy comfortable and dry throughout the night. Other reviewers echo her sentiments, writing, “It’s such a treat to have super soft, comfy sheets to cover up with each night. They do wrinkle pretty easily but I like the lived-in look…and will only buy Ettitude from now on.”

There are a couple of caveats, however, worth mentioning. For starters, Foy wouldn’t describe her set as taut-fitting as the standard. These provide a little extra wiggle room, though not to the point of looking sloppy or sliding off the mattress. Foy also noted some minor piling after several washes, but the problem seemed to resolve itself after she switched over to air-drying only.

Best Colors: Sunday Citizen Premium Bamboo Fitted Sheet

Premium Bamboo Fitted Sheet, Queen, Sunday Citizen ($100)

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Sizes: Queen and king | Return policy: Within 90 days | Care: Machine-wash cold

Why we chose it: The array of soft, soothing color options are easy on your (tired) eyes. 

These Sunday Citizen fitted sheets check all the boxes: They’re wildly soft, breathable even on the hottest of nights, and ultra-gentle for sensitive skin. They have one advantage that the other selections on this list don’t, though. Whereas those brands mostly stick to neutrals, Sunday Citizen offers an array of calming colors that cast a relaxing glow on your bedroom. There’s no going wrong colorwise, but we’re partial to the calming blush hue. Another feature we love? Their sets are top sheet-optional. So whether you’re firmly on Team Flat Sheet or somehow kick it to the bottom of the bed every night, you have the choice to include it in your set or not. 

Best Luxury: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Bamboo Sheet Set, Queen, Cozy Earth ($295 was $369)

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Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king | Return policy: Within 100 days | Care: Machine-wash cold

Why we chose it: Oprah Winfrey calls them “the softest ever,” and we agree.

Our tester piggybacks on Oprah Winfrey’s enthusiasm for these bamboo sheets from Cozy Earth, noting their butterlike softness. Their cooling capability is no joke either, even when put to the test during the first steamy nights of summer. Before you even take as much as a nap on them, though, you’ll be impressed by the charming (and practical!) tote bag the set is packaged in. That makes them especially perfect to travel with or gift to a luxury-loving friend. You’ll pay a pretty penny for this set, but when taken care of properly, they should last you at least a decade. If they don’t, they’re covered by Cozy Earth’s warranty. 

Best Soft-to-the-Touch: Oasis Fine Linens Bamboo Sheet Set

Bamboo Sheet Set, Oasis Fine Linens ($129)

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Sizes: Full, queen, king, and California king | Return policy: Within 30 days | Care: Machine-wash cold

Why we chose it: These aren’t made of cashmere, but they sure do feel like it.  

Not wanting to get out of bed because your sheets are too soft? That’s a good problem our tester ran into. (Whether or not your boss buys that excuse is another thing.) They’re that soft. Before snuggling up in this set, admire the reusable linen pouch they arrive in, which makes them easy to store and easier yet to give as a gift. For all the pillow-top devotees out there, you’ll be pleased to know these are deep-pocket–friendly, fitting thick mattresses up to 22 inches tall. Whether you’re seeking sheets that are gentle on sensitive skin, cooling for hot nights, or simply soft, these sheets have got you covered. 

Best Budget: Quince Organic Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set

Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set, Quince ($109 was $229)

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Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king | Return policy: Within 365 days | Care: Machine-wash cold

Why we chose it: We won’t blame you if you’re tricked into thinking this set is made of silk.

This set of Quince sheets veers so far into the silky-soft realm that it would be easy to confuse them for actual silk. They’re not, though. This set, which gets a serious thumbs-up from our tester, boasts all the benefits of bamboo sheets (like being hypoallergenic and having temperature-regulating abilities) with the luxurious feeling of silk. Win-win. Note: Our tester warns that the sheets are a bit wrinkly upon first opening, but you can combat that with a gentle wash and by taking them out of the dryer immediately. 

Best Cotton-Bamboo Blend: The Company Store Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set

Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set, Queen, The Company Store ($146 was $209)

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Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king | Return policy: Within 90 days | Care: Machine-wash cold

Why we chose it: Enjoy the breathability of cotton and the softness of bamboo in one sheet set. 

If you’re not ready to let go of a long-standing cotton sheets habit—we understand!—compromise with this soft-as-can-be cotton-bamboo blend. Our tester attests to their butteriness, which gets even softer after a few washes and more than a few nights’ rest. There’s a five-star-hotel–like luxury to these sheets. (Minus the room service, but plus the comforts of home.) They are smooth without being slippery and somehow always look and feel fresh, if you’re procrastinating doing laundry. 

How We Chose These Products

We would never underestimate the power of sleep. We’d never underestimate the power of a good sheet set either. Knowing those two are closely connected, we thoughtfully tested these bamboo sheets to give you our honest opinion on the best sets. They all had to come from reputable brands, include a reasonable return policy, and be ultra-easy to care for. An Oprah endorsement doesn’t hurt either. 

Our Shopping Checklist

Material and Weave

We read the material makeup of these sets carefully. Bamboo sets are often made of rayon, viscose, or Lyocell, all of which are derived from bamboo fibers, and we wanted to represent each of these options. Don’t overlook the weave either. A sateen weave has a silky feel with a slight sheen and is tough at resisting wrinkles. A percale weave, on the other hand, is more wrinkle-prone but offers a crisp, lightweight feel some prefer. 

Breathability

One of the biggest perks of bamboo is its top-notch breathability, and our picks had to live up to this standard. They also had to be moisture wicking for the hot sleepers among us. So long, night sweats!

Ease of Care

Even though bamboo is more delicate than, say, cotton, the care for each of these sets is supereasy: Machine-wash them with cold water, then gently tumble dry. As long as you keep them away from a hot washing or drying cycle, they should serve you well for years to come.

Ask Domino

Q: What are bamboo sheets made from?

At the heart of bamboo sheets is, of course, bamboo. The stalks are harvested into small pieces, processed into a pulp, and then put through a chemical process to become yarn. Not all bamboo sheets are created equal, though. The full makeup of bamboo sheets varies widely by brand and often includes Lyocell, rayon, or viscose that are all derived from bamboo fibers. 

Q: Are bamboo sheets eco-friendly?

The eco-friendliness of bamboo sheets is a touchy topic. Bamboo itself is considered sustainable, since it grows quickly, doesn’t require fertilizer, and self-regenerates from its own roots. But there’s more to the story.

“Even though bamboo is considered a green option, the most commonly used methods for manufacturing bamboo sheets include processes and products that can have an outsize environmental impact,” says Byron Golub, director of product and merchandising for bedding company Saatva. “Think: chemical-laden wastewater.” That process? Not so eco-friendly. So it’s important to always do your homework. 

Q: Are bamboo sheets cooling?

Yes! Bamboo sheets’ ability to keep you cool is one of its biggest advantages over other fabrics. On average, bamboo sheets stay two or three degrees cooler than cotton sheets throughout the night. They’re quick to wick away moisture, too, so no more sweaty bedhead in the morning. 

Q: How do I wash and care for bamboo sheets? 

Always refer to the care instructions for the specific sheets you buy. If you’ve lost or cut out the tag, scan the brand’s website—you should find care recommendations there. In general, most bamboo sheets are machine washable in cold water; you can tumble dry on a gentle cycle. When cared for properly, bamboo sheets can stay in tip-top shape for up to 15 years. 

The Last Word

As much as we love cotton and linen bedding, there are serious upsides to bamboo sheets: They are ideal for sensitive skin, keep you cool at night, and are silky soft, to boot. Our advice? Make room in your linen closet for a set of each. 

The post Slip Into the Best Bamboo Sheets for Sweet—Not Sweaty—Dreams appeared first on domino.

Rushing the decorating process mostly leads to impersonal panic buys and, with that, regret, returns, and more stuff in our landfills. As the pros advise time and time again, it’s best to decorate slowly. Meander your local flea market, scour eBay late into the night, keep your eyes open for garage sale signs. As British art director and designer Emily Henson argues in her new book, Create: Creativity Before Consumption, you’ll end up with both a truer reflection of who you are and a healthier planet.

“Consuming less and shopping more consciously may be a slower way of decorating, but it is thrilling when you succeed in achieving the look you love while often spending less in the process,” she writes. For the ultimate inspiration, look no further than Henson’s tour of a couple’s reimagined post office on England’s Kent coast, excerpted below.

Who: Karone Pack-Lum and Jon Agrippa

What: A post office and sorting depot dating from 1910; 1,895 square feet 

Where: Kent coast

Buying three floors of a 1910 post office and sorting depot in need of redevelopment was not what Karone Pack-Lum and Jon Agrippa had in mind when they decided to leave London and move to the Kent coast. They originally had their sights set on a big old brick house, but the sale fell through. When they heard about this property through word of mouth—it wasn’t even listed—they immediately recognized an exciting opportunity: good bones, a unique building, a great location, and a creative challenge. 

Self-described die-hard Londoners, the couple previously lived in East London; Jon working in fashion and Karone in interiors. But they were tiring of city life and craved a more peaceful lifestyle that didn’t revolve around paying the mortgage. Their seaside life is a far cry from their fast-paced city days. Jon is now a personal trainer and Karone designs jewelry while taking on the occasional interior design project.

Once they’d found the property in this up-and-coming coastal town, they struggled to find builders who could carry out work within their budget. The section of the sorting depot they bought hadn’t been developed like the rest of the building—in fact it was nothing but a shell. There was no electric, gas supply, or even stairs connecting the three floors. The lower level—now the main living area—had been a loading bay and had two huge openings in the walls, as big as the Crittall-style windows that now fill that space. The upper floor, where the main bedroom now sits, was a warren of staff rooms and toilets, with a gaping hole in the floor where a chute dropped down to the basement level.

At first sight the house looks luxe, and certainly money has been spent here. But much of the budget went into the structural changes necessary to convert the building from a mail sorting depot into a home. The couple moved in once the major structural changes were complete, but the decorative work is an ongoing process. Karone and Jon sought cost-effective ways of achieving the look they desired and worked with existing finishes and flooring wherever possible. Many of the walls are finished with bare plaster, a look they love and that has the added bonus of saving on a hefty painting bill. The kitchen was built from moisture-resistant MDF and left unpainted, which was intended as a temporary cost-effective solution to tide them over until they build their “real” kitchen. However, they have grown to love it and may simply update it with a green marble work surface in the future. 

Most of the lighting and furnishings are secondhand, bought at house clearances, on eBay, or from salvage yards. Even the luxurious bathtub was found on eBay, and many other items that look like pricey designer pieces were discovered through diligent searching. Karone claims that it is possible to get deals on almost everything if you’re willing to look around: “It is truly amazing the amount of stuff that is ripped out and thrown away.”

Five Minutes With Karone and Jon

Do you have a decorating/design philosophy?
We like to work with the space using a limited color palette, then adding texture.

What’s the most important thing for you at home? 
Loving where you live is key.

Where do you shop for your home? 
We like scouring online auctions, e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and also salvage and house clearances.

Describe one of your favorite creative solutions to a challenge you faced with your home. 
The whole build was a creative solution. We had many people, such as the architect, builders, and numerous others, convinced that we could not achieve our goal on the budget we had—hey, what did they know!

Do you prefer to stay in one property for a long time, or do you like moving or even reinventing your home frequently? 
We tend to stay put.

Is there something you haven’t done to your home yet and would like to? 
There is definitely a list of both cosmetic and essential jobs that we are working our way through.

Create. Creativity Before Consumption by Emily Henson, Amazon ($35)

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Reprinted with permission from Create: Creativity Before Consumption by Emily Henson. Photography by Catherine Gratwicke © Ryland Peters & Small 2022. Published by Ryland Peters & Small.

The post Their First Home Purchase Fell Through—Then This Couple Bought a Post Office appeared first on domino.

Between the mountains of research and getting quotes from specialized pros, investing in energy-efficient home upgrades can be exhausting. Sometimes we wish it were as fun as shopping for home decor—and now it is. IKEA, everyone’s favorite Swedish retailer, has recently partnered with solar technology and energy services provider SunPower Corp. to help encourage its shoppers to make the switch to renewable resources. 

The catch? Right now the service is only available to IKEA Family loyalty members living in select locations across California, but fingers crossed it will expand nationwide soon. Essentially, if you spot a designated solar kiosk at a participating store, you can get connected with a SunPower adviser who will guide you through the four different packages (each one includes various combinations of solar, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging). Finally, switching to a more eco-friendly and affordable (in the long run!) lifestyle seems easier than putting together a Billy bookcase. 

Even if you’re not one of the lucky Golden State residents, you can still make some positive changes to your space. We’ve listed a few favorite IKEA products that will scratch your sustainability itch for the time being. 

The Water-Saving Attachment

Åbäken Mist Nozzle, IKEA ($6)

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You no longer have to completely swap out your faucet in order to spare your water bill. IKEA’s new Abacken nozzle (launching this October) twists on to any existing sink spout, and you can toggle between mist or spray modes that use less H2O (ahem, 95 percent less!) than most traditional systems. Did we mention it’s only $6?

The Upcycled Drapes

Bengta Blackout Curtain, IKEA ($12)

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The Bengta blackout curtains are crafted from 34 half-liter PET bottles and can be cut to the length of your window with no hemming or sewing needed—the laminated fabric doesn’t shred. 

The Feel-Good Light 

Mojna Hemma Pendant Lamp, IKEA ($40)

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Made from recycled plastic and renewable viscose, the Mojna pendant kamp is IKEA’s answer to reducing its polyester consumption. The fixture’s diffused glow (it comes with an LED bulb) makes it ideal to hang over a dining table or bed for added softness.

The Reusable Food Jar

Korken Jar, IKEA ($4)

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If you’ve ever wanted your pantry to look like it’s been touched by Marie Kondo, getting a Korken jar is the first step. Everything from coffee grounds to rice can be housed inside the airtight vessel. So long, single-use baggies.

The All-Natural Mattress Topper

Tistedal Mattress Topper, IKEA ($350)

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Say goodbye to artificial foam fillers and down feathers with IKEA’s 100 percent cotton pick. The topper is wrapped in uncolored and unbleached linen, while the interior is made up of an organic latex that will ensure you remain comfortable through every twist and turn. This sustainable option definitely has us sleeping easier.

The post IKEA’s Newest Collab Could Save You a Ton on Your Energy Bill appeared first on domino.

Historically, pinewood has conjured one of two thoughts: way-too-orange kitchen cabinets from the ’90s or Christmas garland. Because it’s so inexpensive—typically starting at $5 per square foot compared to $8 for popular oak—consumers equate the material with low quality. However, the wood type, known for its knotty grain and widespread availability, doesn’t deserve the bad rep it’s been given—and a recent visit to Finland for the Habitare trade show and Helsinki Design Week indicates that designers are starting to use the material in new ways. Even Leanne Ford crafted her first-ever office furniture out of pine for Crate & Barrel earlier this year. 

In Finland, the overlooked wood has long been beloved for its sustainable nature. “Pine trees are notoriously fast growing, so it’s a better option than slower (aka less renewable) trees like cedar or maple,” says Miklu Silvanto, creative director of furniture brand Vaarnii. And when sanded down and left in its natural state (no orange tint here!), the wood boasts a cool, earthy tone. Still have doubts? We’ve rounded up our favorite new pine pieces, plus some interior inspo, that might sway you. 

The Functional Built-Ins

In order to carve out designated zones in her sprawling Los Angeles loft, stylist Bronte Athearn constructed a 12-by-8-foot pine bookshelf that runs the length of the space. Now for just $500, everything from fireplace logs to her trailing fish-hook plants are off the floor.

The Sculptural Side Table

Kuru Night Table, Atso Kurri

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Named after the Finnish word for “valley,“ fledgling furniture designer Atso Kurri’s Kuru nightstand is simple in construction (every detail is made of pine) yet striking in its silhouette—great for both minimalists and maximalists alike. 

The Statement Pendant Light

1003 Hans Pendant by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Vaarnii, Finnish Design Shop ($1,116)

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Vaarnii’s 1003 Hans pendant light looks light as air, but it’s actually solid wood; thin strips of pine covered in pine veneer make up the tiered shape. Micro-slits between each piece ensure an ambient amber glow that is never too harsh. 

The Versatile Credenza

Haldeman Pine Wood Credenza by Leanne Ford, Crate & Barrel ($2,199)

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With 12 drawers (!) of storage space for your office supplies, a growing tableware collection, or even clothing, Leanne Ford’s Haldeman sideboard is a workhorse. And adorned only with a lacquer top coat and cutout finger pulls, it’s proudly all about the pine.

The Retro Paneling

There’s no need to relegate pine just to accents. If you’re feeling bold, take a note from Malia Mau’s Topanga, California, home and go all out in one space. The wall-to-wall paneling in the jewelry designer’s studio instantly adds warmth to the concrete floors. 

The post The 1990s Called—It Wants You to Know This “Cheap” Wood Is Back appeared first on domino.