These are the six patio features designers say you should avoid for a functional and stylish space. Meet the Expert Want more design inspiration? Instead, designers agreed that smaller sets andmodular furnitureare more aesthetically pleasing and practical. Eirasophie / Getty Images However, designers caution against using rugs that arent designed to withstand the elements on your patio. Consider how much youll save by investing in the quality option upfront rather than consistently replacing lower-quality rugs....

This means weaving in elements including rugs, upholstered outdoor furniture, and even portable lighting, Browning says. After all, by no means do you solely have to contain gatherings in your main indoor living spaces. “The goal is to create an inviting, vacation-like atmosphere right at home.” Mackenzie Collier Interiors/ Photo byJason Roehner It’s easy to get the look simply by making a few key purchases, Judge adds. Judge explains how homeowners are incorporating striped umbrellas, colorful cushions, and vintage-inspired outdoor accessories throughout their space....

This is why when you find one stink bug, there are usually more nearby. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Gather dish soap, water, a spray bottle, and a vacuum to get rid of stink bugs. Linda Raymond / Getty Images Youll need mouse or rat traps and bait to get rid ofmiceand rats. Tip Squirrels may be more difficult to get rid of in your home. If noise and lights don’t draw them out, contact a pest control expert to solve the issue....

Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography A designer-worthy interior doesnt have to break the bank. In fact, many designers know the value ofa thrifted findall too well. When shopping for dressers secondhand, Beuerlein recommends doing a few pre-purchase checks. Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography Want more design inspiration? Dining Chairs Designers are also always on the hunt fordining chairsat thrift stores. Our entire set of eight dining chairs is thrifted," she says....

While this alone isnt a surprising fact, we recently wondered if professional cleaners feel the same way. As it turns out, they do! Pro cleaner Galia Ivanova agrees thatcleaning the grout between tilesis the absolute worst. Nanci Santos / Getty Images The grout constantly gets dirty again in no time, and forget perfection. Its a frustrating process to get anything close to ideal results. The tiny spaces make it so time-consuming and frustrating to get them truly clean....

These are tiny hopping beetles that can quickly take over and munch through foliage. They burrow into yourgarden’s soil in the falland are most active in the spring months. “These pests can quickly decimate cabbage plants if not managed properly.” The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky Watermelons are members of theCucurbitaceaefamily, alongside cucumbers and pumpkins. “Squash can be a struggle due tosquash bugsand vine borers,” Spoonemore shares. “These often require vigilant monitoring and intervention to keep under control....

Gladiathor / Getty Images It’s an interior designer’s job to stay on top of thelatest home trends. But it’s not their job to love all of them. Here’s what they had to say. Gladiathor / Getty Images White kitchensshow every mark and stain, and many durable white worktops fall short over time, says Gilby. Want more design inspiration? Gilby likes the look of open shelving, but always prefers to combine it with closed cabinetry....

KhongkitWiriyachan / Getty Images Decorating your home can be fun but can also feel daunting and confusing. According to interior designers, here are six common home decor items that you really dont need. Designers agree that excessive piles of throw pillows on couches and beds are a no-no. KhongkitWiriyachan / Getty Images Five million pillows on your bed look silly and unobtainable. Keep it minimal withjust a few throw pillowson your couch or bed....

Want more gardening tips? While many plants can grow in pots, their growth is limited by the size of their growing container. Try out determinate tomatoes, bush-key in cucumbers and beans, or compact flowers like pansies to start. Tatiana Buzmakova / Getty Images These spacious containers come in a range of sizes and they drain well. However, they should always be kept on plastic trays or in tubs to avoid leaks and water spills....

Read on for all the best tips and tricks according to the experts. But consider more than just thecabinet paint color. Murphy likes to go with an eggshell or semi-gloss sheen depending on the room’s style. Design byEmily Henderson/ Photo by Kaitlin Green The color she used in the interior space above was an eggshell sheen. Even properly painted cabinets will show wear and lots of life happens in the kitchen," she says....

To learn more expert-backed tips for scoring amazing finds,check out our full guide here. The Spruce / Grace Canaan Theres no shortage of reasons to thrift home decor. In addition to being more sustainable, shopping secondhand is typically more cost-effective than shopping new. Design byHaus of Meeshie/ Photo by Aaron Snyder The downside is that bargains are increasingly hard to come by. This means, dont get discouraged by an off day....

However, there can often be complications if not done properly. We asked pros to share their best tips to know before bringing any curb furniture back home. Solid-wood construction and wood-veneered items are typically more salvageable than laminated particleboard items. jrcaldwell / Getty Images It may seem insignificant but check the dimensions against all of your homes doorways. Finally, if you dont think the piece is worth saving, consider snagging the hardware for repurposing....

“I love adding plate hangers and hanging plates on backsplashes or over ranges,” she says. Place one on your counter or island so that you’re not always relying on harsh overhead lighting. Paint the Floors If you have hardwood floors in the kitchen, consider painting them. Desiree Burns Interiors Janak personally loves doing this to add more personality. The designer recommends opting for a unique shape or an accent metal finish....