1. Buy Peony Buds Peonies will last longest when bought or harvested while they’re still in bud form. Don’t be afraid to gently touch the buds before buying—if they’re soft (think the texture of a marshmallow), that means they’re close to opening. Avoid ones that feel hard like a marble because they may not be developed enough to open once picked. Buds aren’t always pretty, and slight deformities—like little brown spots—are normal....
1. Change Tiles and Flooring Switching up the shape, size, design, or color of tiles can improve both function and style in a bathroom. To get the most bang for your buck, consider materials that are durable and water/heat resistant. Because safety is important in bathrooms, consider adding textured tiles that prevent slips and falls. Extra grouting can help to resist mold, humidity, and stains. Another major upgrade is radiant-heated flooring....
“The Regency period can be regarded as one of the most colorful and exciting periods of interior design,” says Karina Lameraner, former creative stylist for online interior design service Modsy. Decorative arts flourished during this era, and the homes of the aristocracy, like that of the wealthy Bridgerton family, featured opulent furnishings, detailed textiles, and striking color schemes, Lameraner says. Many grand Regency-era homes also featured impressive staircases, highly decorative wall treatments, and intricate metalwork by artful craftsmen....
Once I noticed it, it was hard to ignore. And since I’m always looking for ways to reduce my carbon footprint (like eating less meat and always using a reusable shopping bag), I looked into ways to celebrate the holiday more sustainably. Google reports that over the last five years, searches for “how to be more environmentally friendly” have peaked around Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, which suggests others are looking for ways to make their holiday celebrations more earth-friendly too....
1. Keep It Cohesive Don’t be deceived by the good looks. Soft gray (Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter) on the custom built-ins and Pietra Cardosa stone flooring inset with quartz banding is only the face of hardworking perimeter storage and heated floors. A lantern chandelier gives the mudroom main-entry status. Limiting colors to grays and whites keeps the look uncluttered. “The mix of hard and soft, glossy and matte, and scale in patterns creates visual interest without relying on color,” Amanda says....
1. Don’t Put Off Your Plant Shopping Independent garden centers in some regions of the country are reporting that customers, excited for the new gardening season, are purchasing colorful annuals and vegetable plants about 3 weeks earlier than they have in the past. This early buying spree is creating a shortage during the traditional spring plant shopping window. So even if you are in a region that could still get some late frosts, it’s a good idea to buy the plants you want now and protect them from cold spells....
See our one-can pumpkin plan! Discover more luscious pumpkin desserts here.
You’re going to be pleasantly surprised by these healthy restaurant food ideas that taste just as good as your favorite dishes (think creamy Alfredo pasta and Asian chicken wraps) with a fraction of the calories and fat. Enjoy one of these healthy restaurant meals for dinner tonight. Theirs: 860 calories41 g fat Ours: 407 calories13 g fat Theirs: 710 calories27 g fat Ours: 258 calories4 g fat Theirs: 1,220 calories 76 g fat...
If you’re in the market for an inflatable pool, you’ll discover many stylish options that will help you turn a patch of grass into a cool and relaxing oasis. (The cheap plastic pools we played in as kids aren’t the only thing out there!) Here are some of our favorite inflatable pool picks, starting at just $27. Price at time of publish: $90 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $94 Price at time of publish: $215 Price at time of publish: $49 Price at time of publish: $86
1. A Sturdy Coat Rack When guests come to visit, don’t just throw their coats onto the bed or the back of the sofa. Store them in style on a standing or hanging coat rack. This entryway coat rack is mounted above a bench, creating the perfect spot for removing coats, hats, bags, scarves, and other everyday items. Keep baskets or bins tucked away nearby to serve as a catch-all for odds and ends....
In general, the glazed ceramic tiles are white and measure twice as wide as they are tall, but subway tile is readily available in a variety of sizes and materials. This type of tile creates a clean, classic look that blends well with a wide range of decorating styles, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and cottage aesthetics. The overall effect can hinge on how you arrange and install the subway tile....
1. Choose Breathable Fabrics Trying to sleep in heat can be unbearable. To help you stay cool at night, opt for breathable fabrics on your bed. Strip away any heavy blankets, pillows, or duvets, and replace them with lightweight cotton or bamboo bedding. You can also find cooling pillows and sheets that help regulate temperature to keep you cool in bed. Choose similar breathable fabrics for your pajamas. 2. Take a Cool Shower Need to cool down ASAP?...
We have fun and festive activities that range from sweet to spooky, so you can choose which traditions to start for kids of all age levels. Our favorite thing about starting new traditions is that you can continue them year after year—and then your kids will continue them with their families later on, too. Buy It: 36-Pack Halloween Bags ($11, Walmart)
Buy It: Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cup ($4, Walmart)
1. Wasting Space (and Steps) Even in big kitchens, create a compact step-saving work core. You don’t want to walk a mile to make a meal, or even worse, generate dead space within the room. Pick areas that will work hard during meal prep, dining, and family time. A breakfast nook, for example, is the perfect way to add style without sacrificing too many steps. Our Favorite Breakfast Nook Ideas...
Virtually decorate your tree See more ideas for handmade trim
