I’ve always thought using fake grass at home was super tacky. And I would never choose it over a real, lush lawn—after all, what makes sense for a mini-golf course looks downright strange on a residential property. Its green color looks obviously artificial, it feels scratchy underfoot, and on hot days it will give off that … Read more
As a design editor (and a Type-A person), I consider myself pretty organized. I feel at peace when everything is in its place at home. But every home has its skeletons, and for me, it’s my linen closet. It’s my job to test bedding, bath towels, and all kinds of sleep essentials, which means that my closet … Read more
Designing a home that supports your well-being can make a real difference in your health and daily life—but feeling your best depends on more than what’s inside your walls. It’s hard to truly relax in your at-home sauna or enjoy a peaceful soak in the tub if your surroundings are stressful. Everything from air quality and public safety to … Read more
Selling a home often comes with plenty of stress. Even in a strong real estate market, the days before your home hits the market can feel overwhelming, filled with deep cleaning, last-minute repairs, and reviewing your budget—especially since preparing a home for sale usually requires spending money on updates that can help it sell for more. But … Read more
Caterpillars may look harmless, but in large numbers they can strip leaves, ruin flowers, and damage fruit before you realize there’s a problem. While many caterpillars are fine in small numbers—eventually becoming moths and butterflies infestations can quickly cause visible damage, especially on young plants and seedlings with fewer reserves to recover. The good news is … Read more
The flooring in your home plays a major role in shaping its overall style and atmosphere. Hardwood floors pair beautifully with traditional, cottagecore, and midcentury modern spaces, while tile can bring out a warm Mediterranean feel. Concrete, on the other hand, delivers a clean, contemporary edge. Of course, authentic hardwood, tile, and concrete can be expensive, making them … Read more
While decorating your home is a great way to flex your creative muscle, finding the pieces that look and feel perfect can be more challenging than most people may want to admit. It’s your home, it should feel like a reflection of you—so, why does the couch you picked out look a bit off? And why didn’t … Read more
Sometimes, a design trend that looks absolutely stunning on your Pinterest board doesn’t translate quite so seamlessly into everyday life. It’s easy to fall for a beautiful image online, but real homes have real-world needs. Take oversized shower “rooms” for example. They may look sleek and spa-like, yet they can leave you shivering in a drafty bathroom. … Read more
Outdoor design is no different from indoor design: You should incorporate what you want and love, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Still, there’s something to be said for maintaining a unified palette, not just throwing together a bunch of random elements. There are also a few popular backyard upgrades that may … Read more
travelism//Getty Images Key Points It can be frustrating trying to fit your big design dreams into small spaces. Limited square footage can sometimes feel like it’s forcing you to settle instead of designing to your highest aspirations. While there’s no magic wand to instantly increase your space, you shouldn’t feel like you’re crammed by clutter or living … Read more