So, what exactly makes a bathroom layout bad? Instead, aim to make a beautiful vanity, mirror, or freestanding tub the focal point. Want more design inspiration? Charbonneau Interiors Zagrodnik concurs and recommends at least 30 inches of space around key fixtures. This is certainly something to keep in mind when shopping for new fixtures. If doors collide when open, it also can disrupt flow and induce frustration. Desiree Burns Interiors...

Annie Downing Interiors/ Photo byLindsay Brown Ever wish you had the design-savvy eye of an interior designer? Well, youre in luck. We cant grant youallthe know-how of a professional, but we can give you an insider’s take. Annie Downing Interiors/ Photo byLindsay Brown Read on for their thoughts, then look at your own spaces with fresh, interior designer-like eyes. Does your art look ridiculously small on your otherwise undecorated wall?...

Paint pros say that this is a job to leave to the experts. Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Door Knobs and Handles Styles definitely change over time, and from person to person. Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images Yesterdays shiny gold knob might not appeal to todays popular muted looks. Paint isnt going to adhere well to a metal object with a high sheen. These fixtures constant exposure to hand sweat can also easily compromise the quality of any cover-up you try....

Home Consultant We all love the idea of a soothing, pared-back lifestyle. But, turning your living space intothe stuff of minimalist dreamstakesa lotof work. “At the beginning of the year, turn all your hangers backward,” Bassett says. Home Consultant “Once you wear an item and rehang, turn it the right way. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? “Decorating is much when every item you have is something you love.” Finding Lovely...

Desiree Burns Interiors Bathrooms are clutter collectors, and there are a few reasons why this tends to happen. Your daily foundation and mascara can stay, but some products should besafely stored elsewhere. Saltman notes that specialty makeup items that you use infrequently should be kept out to extend their life. Desiree Burns Interiors Stay on top of expiration dates, too! Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The best spot for these items is the kitchen....

What Do Plants Need to Grow? Nutrients can come from fertilizers, soil and, in some cases, air. Light All plants need some amount of light to survive. Elena Zaretskaya / Getty Images Light is the energy source used to convert carbon dioxide into food. Different plants grow best in various types of light and both amount and intensity are important. Light also affects temperature.Give houseplantsnatural lightby placing them in or close to a window or in a bright room....

Here, three professional organizers share five factors that immediately suggest a living room is messy. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Kristina Pinkerton, a professional organizer and the founder of Organizing Huntsville, explains. zoranm / Getty Images Pinkerton will often notice when a living room features too many small pieces of furniture in particular. “Its difficult to know where to focus when theres so much going on.” Perri Kersh, a professional organizer and the founder of Neat Freak, shares similar sentiments....

Here, they chime in with the top things they immediately notice when setting foot inside a messy bedroom. Meet the Expert Clothes on the Floor Many messy bedrooms are cluttered with clothing. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Mark Leary / Getty Images As piles grow larger and larger, organizers can’t miss them. Trash Some people end up with piles of trash in the bedroom, too. “One more piece of paper on the desk doesnt make a difference to them,” she says....

As a result, be sure to go beyond the bare minimum whenselecting furniturefor your patio. What are the best ways to encourage guests to stay and relax a bit longer? The designer recommends adding a seating area meant for lounging, a hanging chair, or a built-in bench. Thomas Bullock / Getty Images Want more design inspiration? Lerner explains how a patio without good lighting is just wasted square footage at night....

If yourfall containersare looking more faded than festive, don’t worrythere’s hope. Want more gardening tips? A variety of textures, colors, heights, plant types, and growth habits are your best bet. Carmen Hauser / Getty Images “Gardeners should choose the correct size container to accommodate plants' root systems,” says Sons. Without adequate space, plants can become overcrowded and compete for nutrients from the soil. They could also become potbound, limiting growth and contributing to a dull, lackluster appearance....

Wondering what to avoid as you prep your space for the season? Want more design inspiration? Judge encourages people to look at their surroundings to select hues that either complement or contrast what is nearby. jimkruger / Getty Images Candles are an excellent choice, too, adds Sara Hillery, the founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design. “Inexpensive furniture tends to have flaking paint and fading colors within a year of sitting outside....

She recommends breaking up the swath of green by planting a few trees or adding decorative pieces. If in-ground landscaping isnt feasible, consider adding planters. Want more design inspiration? Patricia Marroquin / Getty Images Nothing makes a home and yard feel emptier than having no blooms," Janney says. Take into account the tree species as well. As trees are also habitats, theyll attract birds and other wildlife into the yard....

That fall, I did a deep dive into finding effective tips for keeping those sneaky squash bugs away. Do Squash Bugs Come Back Every Year? Want more gardening tips? Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 However, sanitizing your garden in the fall helps avoid squash bug problems. Here’s what to do. Instead, bag infested plants and throw them in the trash or burn them. Squash bug.Getty Images / PhotoLibrary / Dr....