Planting and maintaininga thriving gardenisnt all knowledge and natural instinctsthere can be an element of luck, too. Your plants success can be out of control with influences like rain, wind, and other weather. But fortunately, one elements can be managed to a certain extent: water. The Spruce / Jenica Currie Theyre all either easily avoidable or easily fixable. This often comes down to misreading the planting instructions. If youre manually watering your plants, you’re free to cut back....

Your room can handle up to between six- and nine-inch tall crown moldings if you have very tall ceilings. Want more design inspiration? It’s also important to do thoughtful assessment of what your home is and what it needs. Ekaterina Demidova / Getty Images Trim styles often have a historical context. “It takes skill to deviate from the norm with clarity and intention,” Williamson says. “Anything that feels jarring becomes a statement and thats not always a good thing....

In case you missed it,sustainability is in this year, and unsustainable gardening practices are out. If youre new to eco-friendly and sustainable gardening, it can be hard to know where to start. We spoke to two gardening experts to discover what practices can help homeowners be more sustainable in their gardens. rbkomar / Getty Images According to the pros, here are six ways to be more sustainable in your garden this year....

The Spruce / Ana Cadena Suede shoes can be a stylish addition to any outfit. Read on to see what common household ingredients can clean your suede shoes without suede cleaner. [This method] helps break down dirt without soaking the suede, Roviello says. The Spruce / Ana Cadena Simply dip a cloth in the mixture and dab it gently on the suedes stain. Let it dry completely. Then, brush the suede to fluff it back up....

Sofa tables though are just as deserving because of their versatility, especially inopen-plan living spaces. A sofa console table could be just the decorative and functional piece your living room needs. It can provide extra storage, a surface for lighting, and for decorative pieces. Ashley Montgomery Design Read on for some tips and styling ideas to get the most out of your sofa console table. Want more design inspiration? This is because an odd number of items looks more natural and balanced than even numbers....

This will cause the fibers to relax and the area rug will begin flattening itself. Many methods for flattening an area rug require no tools or materials. Additional supplies, if necessary, may already be found in your home. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald If that happens, your next step depends on how the corners curl. If they curl upward, fold them slightly under and leave them alone for a day or two....

Self-adhesive hooks come in various sizes that can hold different amounts of weight. Instead of using nails and a hammer to attach it, consider using a fishing line. Inexpensive and usually green, it will blend in seamlessly with the garland. The Spruce / Marty Baldwin Similar to the floral wire, zip ties are a great way to attach your garland to the wall. Best Methods for Hanging a Garland by Location Not all garland hanging sites are created equal....

Cleardesign1 / Getty Images One of the most common ways to extend the pool season is toheat your pool. If you decide to have a heated pool this can be accomplished in several different ways. Solar Solar power is one of the cheapest ways to heat your pool. Cleardesign1 / Getty Images The solar method works best if your pool receives an abundance of sun throughout the day. Electric Heaters Electric heaters are newer to the pool scene....

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Labeling clothes can be useful for a lot of different reasons. As children head off to camp for the first time, labeling clothes can help prevent mix-ups with bunkmates. College kids can verify their clothing is identifiable when they head to thecommunal laundry room. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida But labeling clothing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Keep reading to learn aboutpermanent, temporary, and cost-effective ways to label your belongings....

Design byBecca Interiors If you’re a small space dweller, you know every square foot counts. Interior designer Kathy Kuo says to look no further than the natural light pouring in through the windows. “Playing with light to your advantage will make a small room feel airier and more inviting.” Design byBecca Interiors Want more design inspiration? “Curtains will instantly elevate an entire space,” she says. Brexton Cole Interiors Becca Interiors...

The Spruce / Candra Huff Older homes are prized for their charm and character. However, not everything in an older home can stand the test of time. Here are her top tips for making an older space feel fresh and functional while keeping its soul intact. Whittney Parkinson Design Khurana says they keep the history alive, grounding the modern touches you add throughout your space. Want more design inspiration? When I update kitchens and bathrooms, I avoid doing a full overhaul unless necessary," she says....

When the paint ispeelingon a house, many homeowners opt for replacing it withfiber-cement sidingor covering it withvinyl siding. In that case, removing the paint is your best option. Home testing kits are available or you’ve got the option to call in a local testing company. Marlene Bocast / EyeEm / Getty Images High heat causes acrylic-latex paint to soften, making it easy to peel away with a putty knife. But its disadvantages far outweigh its advantages....

As weease into spring cleaning season, now is a great time to tackle a sofa refresh. And finally, before replacing your covers, give your seat cushions a good plumping. This should help to circulate the smell out of existence. krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images Warning Be careful to avoid leaving any covers in direct sunlight so they dont bleach or fade. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? This is especially true if the scent is triggered by an animal....