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Banquettes are appealing in homes for the same reasons some people prefer booths in restaurants. They provide more privacy and intimacy than stand-alone tables and chairs. Besides the standard restaurant booth setup, banquette design options include U shapes, L shapes, semicircles, and hybrids that combine bench seats and chairs. Although box seats work especially well in recessed areas, you can build a banquette flush against a wall. Check out our planning tips for designing an attractive, functional banquette....

Watering Indoor Citrus Trees Overwatering is the number one killer of citrus. The soil needs to dry out between deep waterings: A moisture meter ($15, The Home Depot) should read three fully inserted in the soil. When your plant needs more hydration, drench its soil until water runs from the pot’s drainage hole. Suction up any water in the saucer with a turkey baster to prevent a soggy bottom and root rot....

Plant Lavender in Well-Drained Alkaline Soil Most herbs grow best in well-drained soil that easily allows water to pass through it. Lavender might be the most particular in its need for good drainage! Lavender roots need many spaces between soil particles to breathe and grow, so it is well suited to sandy or rocky soil. If your garden has heavy clay soil that retains moisture, lavender roots simply rot and die....

Supplies Required Wheelbarrow or large plastic tubRubber glovesFace maskPortland cementPerlite or vermiculiteSphagnum peat mossPolypropylene fiber (available online or building supply retailers)Mold of your choiceSheet plastic or plastic garbage bagsDowelsKnife or chiselWire brush Step 1: Create Mixture In a wheelbarrow or tub, while wearing rubber gloves and a face mask, mix 2 parts portland cement, 3 parts perlite or vermiculite, 3 parts sphagnum peat moss (sift or break up clumps with your hands), and a handful of polypropylene fiber, which helps strengthen the planter....

How to Make a Pumpkin Planter Supplies Needed Faux or real pumpkinKnifePlastic garbage bagDrillSmall rocksPotting soilAssorted seasonal plants Step-by-Step Directions With a few supplies and these how-to instructions, you can create your own fall pumpkin decoration. Fill your pumpkin craft with your favorite fresh or dried flowers. Once you have the materials, you should be able to complete the project in about 30 minutes. Step 1: Prepare Your Pumpkin The first thing to do is choose your pumpkin: Look for a large fresh pumpkin, or pick up a faux orange pumpkin ($31, Funkins)....

When choosing plants for your wall planter, look for types of succulents that will stay relatively small to best fill the heart shape. We used various types of Echeveria, Dischidia, and Haworthia cooperi, along with other succulents found at our local garden center to create a multi-textured and colorful arrangement. The trick to creating this stunning display is to prep your succulents at least a day before you start this project—these plants need a little time to develop scabs where the stems are cut....

In a well-ventilated area (or outside), spray the frames with your choice of spray paint, letting dry between coats.

From simple to ornate, the right area rug can either blend into the background or become the room’s focal point. Laying down a new rug is also an easy way to give your living space a quick refresh. Simply decide which rug size best fits your space, then choose a color and pattern that complements the pieces you already have. To help inspire your own living space, we’re sharing our favorite living room rug ideas....

Buy It: Sugar in the Raw Turbinado Sugar ($4, Target) Buy It: Good & Gather Freeze-Dried Strawberries ($8, Target)

1. Thrifted Furniture Keep your potting needs in one spot by transforming an old cabinet, hutch, or buffet. Pots, watering cans, and other supplies are displayed on the open shelves of this vintage piece. The bottom has ample space to store larger items like soil. Try attaching hooks to the side to hang gardening tools. 2. Glass Jars Need to store small but still be able to see what’s inside at a glance?...

1. Use Various Types of Closet Storage The key to a successful small walk-in closet is to utilize a variety of storage types. Apart from the usual hanging rods, consider using open cubbies, baskets, plastic bins, and cabinet storage units to store different types of clothing and accessories. As a general rule, most clothing, shoes, and extras like purses can be stored out in the open to make outfit planning easier....

Editor’s Tip: Red, which symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture, was the launching point for our color scheme. Warm shades of tangerine, peach, and pink create a soft look overall. Test Kitchen Tip: Use a wok ($40, Williams Sonoma) to get this fried rice extra crispy. Test Kitchen Tip: Make this Chinese New Year recipe up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

The long, narrow space can make it tough to create one seating area, so the homeowner created two “mini rooms” with seating options at the front and the back of the space. Test Garden Tip: Using tall container gardens as a screen can help separate spaces feel even more like distinct rooms. Mixing patio paver materials is an effective way to make an impact. Here, stone chips transition to pea gravel, which then transition to flagstone....

Buy It: Fluted Cake Pan ($13, Walmart) Test Kitchen Tip: No piping bag? Simply add melted chocolate to a plastic storage bag and snip off the tip.

Watch: How to Make Meatballs

Test Kitchen Tip: If blood oranges aren’t available, substitute regular oranges for an equally delicious citrus-packed sweet. Buy It: Nordic Ware Bundt Pan ($38, Target)

Learn More About Kousa Dogwood Note: This plant can be invasive in some areas; check local restrictions before planting it. Learn More About Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick Learn More About Junipers Discover More Wonderful Evergreens Learn About Other Hinoki Cypress Varieties Get Tips for Landscaping with Evergreens Learn More About Astilbe Learn More About Hosta Learn More About Ajuga Discover Other Top Groundcovers Learn More About Lavender Learn More About Daylilies...

Bonus: Add Herbs to Complement Your Tomatoes Here’s a hint: Remove excess side branches by pinching them off at the main stem before they grow 6 inches long.

Editor’s Tip: They freeze well, too.

Buy It: Cuisinart Stick Blender ($40, Target)