AAlves / Getty Images You’ve likely used an extension cord before, but did you do so safely? You may not have realized, but there are several common extension cord mistakes people make everyday. “At worst, it overheats, melts the insulation, and starts a fire.” AAlves / Getty Images Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Cornforth explains that overloading extension cords is a common mistake, often due to people’s lack of knowledge....

With so many options to choose from, you may wonder the best place to start. Keep reading to see which five colors made the list. Want more design inspiration? Design byMicah Abbananto/ Photography by KTM Interiors “With these colors, architecture looks softer and more natural.” Kropovinsky notes that greens also complement wood and stone elements that may be present. “[Black houses] are still gaining popularity. Kate Marker Interiors Not a completely dark house yet, but a combination of dark with another color,” Juzenaite says....

Ashley Webb The exterior facade of your home is what truly makes its first impression. We called on four experts to narrow down the trends and share theexterior home palettesthey are loving right now. Want more design inspiration? Ashley Webb Nancy Barnett, principal and founder ofNancy Lane Interiors, agrees. It’s a winning combination that’s sure to have strangers knocking to ask for the color details. It’s a winning combination that’s sure to have strangers knocking to ask for the color details....

But lucky for us all, theres a lot to love about acozier aesthetic for the fall. With this in mind, we tapped into a few of our favorite design pros. Heres what they had to say about the top five design trends they’re loving for fall. Heather Peterson Design/ Photo by Josh Grubbs Meet the Expert Want more design inspiration? These are beautiful for all rooms, but sheespecially loves them in the kitchen....

Gardening pros are already shifting their focus to the season’s must-have plants. Ahead, two garden experts share five plants they’re bookmarking for theirfall gardens. Want more gardening tips? R A Kearton / Getty Images Melanie Rekola of Melanie Rekola Landscape Design, says. During the springtime, it will produce flowers so you gain a long-term interest in these plants. As autumn progresses, the husk peels back, revealing the orange berries. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova...

Let’s jump right in! Want more gardening tips? Smooth Aster Smooth asteris a delightful light blue and lavender-colored plant that thrives in the fall season. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Pretty soon your garden will be bursting with these delightful periwinkle blooms. These beauties will alsoattract bees and butterfliesto your garden or pots in your yard. Salvia is actually in the mint family, which means it produces incredibly aromatic leaves....

Meet the Expert Are Climbing Vines Bad for Your Home? Below are some of the fast-growing vines commonly grown on homes that can cause damage if they get overgrown. Want more gardening tips? Grace Cary / Getty Images Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) can grow up to 35 feet high and is very difficult to eradicate. It’s considered a problematic invasive by many horticulturists in the Northeast United States. However, it can be difficult to tell them apart....

Holly shrubs and trees are truly iconic plants. Here are 5 common types of holly shrubs for your landscape. It can occasionally grow to 15-feet. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova To ensure berry production, provide a ‘Blue Prince’ as a pollinator. Unlike ‘Blue Princess’, this bush bears black-colored berries. Also, like ‘Hetz’, it bears tiny leaves and black-colored berries. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova But the similarities end there. It can grow 10 feet high, with a spread of only 2 to 3 feet....

Keep reading to learn more about each option that they’re currently loving below. Want more design inspiration? Reclaimed Hardwood Floors Willing to spend a bit more on flooring? Claire Thompson Design/ Photo byAndrew Welch Designers share their favorite way to take a hardwood style to the next level. Thompson explains how the reclaimed option is always her go-to when sourcing if it aligns with the budget. “Plus, a reclaimed floor adds instant history and character to a new build place....

Instead, get the look with a porcelain tile that is much lower maintenance, Cloud suggests. Vostok / Getty Images Want more design inspiration? She notes that carpets can easily pick up odors and show stains. Elana Designs/ Photo byPeak Visuals Plus, what happens if you tire of a carpet color and it’s all over your home? Stick to area rugs instead, which you might always swap out as desired. Instead, Cloud and her clients keep longevity top of mind as they evaluate possible flooring options....

It might just save you from ripping out and replacing a floor in just a few years. Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio agrees. In terms of wood floor style, theres another classic making a comeback:Parquet. Elizabeth Ryan Interiors/ Photo bySarah Linden Photography However, well see more contemporary renditions of it. Want more design inspiration? Kelly also explains how people are prioritizing durability alongside a cohesive flow throughout the home....

Want more gardening tips? In 2023, Emily Lucas started her cut flower garden as a healing hobby. Those with smaller spaces, like me, are making the most of containers andraised beds. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova TheEnglish cottage gardenstyle is here to stay, Lucas says. There is a growing number of cut flower growers using regenerative practices and plastic and foam-free flower arrangements. @linenandsagecutflowers/ Instagram @linenandsagecutflowers/ Instagram Clive Nichols / Getty Images...

CASE Architects & Remodelers When was the last time youpainted your front door? Meet the Expert Want more design inspiration? This oftentimes means sticking with traditional wood hues in a variety of shadesa safe, yet impactful choice. CASE Architects & Remodelers “These options will add warmth and a natural touch to your entryway.” Earthy Tones Not feeling the color brown? Some that will reign supreme this year includeblues and greens, Asdourian states....