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About

Sara is a homeowner in Austin, TX. She specializes in residential solar energy, particularly in regards to what states are doing to make solar affordable and in how homeowners can easily understand the costs and terms associated with installing solar panels. Sara is also Modernize’s home design expert, weighing in on everything from flooring choices to making small bathrooms and kitchens functional to picking siding and porch décor. Since becoming a homeowner, she has had two separate pipes burst, experienced a hard freeze and was without water or power for a week, and lived through several hurricanes. She values making home maintenance and care as easy as possible. Sara eagerly awaits the day colored appliances become affordable – she hates stainless steel.

Explore Sara Kendall's Articles

A frameless shower with brushed nickel accents and large, beige horizontal-lay tile walls

Bathroom

Frameless vs. Framed Shower Doors: Which Is Better?

Whether you’re renovating your whole bathroom or just remodeling your shower, upgrading your shower door can make a big difference to the look and feel of your space. In this blog, we’ll cover the differences and the pros and cons between two popular styles: frameless vs framed shower doors. Let’s take a look at what…

Moody black-framed walk-in shower in bathroom with additional black elements

Bathroom

The Rise of Black Framed Showers: Why You May Want One

In recent years, the trend in bathroom design has seen a significant shift towards the bold. Black framed showers have emerged as a standout feature. This trend, gaining momentum since the early 2010s, has transformed bathrooms into statements of style. But what is it about black framed showers that has captured the imagination of homeowners,…

Wall mounted freestanding tub faucet

Bathroom

Freestanding Tub Faucet Options

A freestanding tub gives you the unique opportunity to choose between different faucet types and placements. From the tub itself to the wall to the floor, here are your freestanding tub faucet options! Some of these options may require plumbing adjustments. Be sure to talk to a contractor about any changes needed for different faucet…

Best freestanding tub for two

Bathroom

6 Types of Freestanding Tubs

A freestanding tub is simply a bathtub that stands on its own. Soaking tubs, clawfoot tubs, and many other popular bathtubs fall into this category. There are several types of freestanding tubs, and many design choices included within each type. Here is a general overview of what’s available when it comes to types of freestanding…

A close-up image of a person applying window sealant to the exterior trim of a window

Windows

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Window Sealants for Every Need

Windows are an integral part of your home’s overall energy efficiency and weatherproofing. Choosing the best window sealant is crucial for ensuring that any cracks, air gaps, or other problems are solved quickly, so conditioned air stays where you want it, and the outside elements stay outside. This guide will help you understand the different…

A close-up photo of a white kitchen sink with small, white double-hung windows above it

Windows

Double-Hung vs. Sliding Windows: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Home

Looking for a window type with lots of ventilation and flexibility on how much air flow you’re letting through? Then you should explore the pros and cons of double-hung vs sliding windows. Each type offers good air flow, but your choice will likely come down to window cost and the amount of wall space you…

White sliding window above a bathtub

Windows

Casement vs. Sliding Windows: Which is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right windows for your home is crucial. Windows play a significant role in aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. If you’re trying to decide between casement vs sliding windows, then chances are you need a window that lets in lots of light and ventilation. So how do you make the final choice? In this…

Single-hung windows in a living room

Windows

Muntins vs Mullions: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking to refurbish your windows or considering options for replacement windows, you might have come across the terms ‘muntins’ and ‘mullions.’ While they might seem interchangeable, knowing the difference between muntins vs mullions is key to making informed decisions about your window’s design, function, and historical authenticity. What Are Muntins and Mullions? Muntins…

Single-hung window in a home

Windows

Muntins for Windows: The What and the Why

When shopping for windows, you will have to decide if you want a full frame of uninterrupted glass or muntins. Muntins for windows are the lines you see that divide (or at least appear to divide) the window into individual lites. For an unimpeded view, avoid divided frames when installing different window styles. On the…