Want more design inspiration? One of my biggest icks has to bekitchen clutter," Heinasuo says. “Countertops packed with visible appliances instantly make the room feel much less clean.” Anastasia Babenko / Getty Images Giant kitchen islands are my number one dislike," he says. “They are tacky, showy, and not at all usefulyour kitchen is not a cocktail bar. If you do already have one, think about how you might make it more dual-purpose and approachable....

Mowing the lawn in the same pattern every time also wears out the grass in the tire tracks. This leads to bare spots in which weeds will quickly grow. Reseeding those spots has only limited success because new grass wont grow well in compacted soil. phototropic / Getty Images The sun exposure also plays a role in how intense the pattern looks atdifferent times of the day. The intensity of the lawn stripes also depends on the length of the cut....

Want more design inspiration? “Anything more and it starts to feel very confusing, undirected, and thoughtless.” She recommends being consistent throughout your home, regardless of size. tulcarion/ Getty Images So while natural light is sufficient during the day,more intentional lightingat night is also key. A mantel that’s crowded with vases or a shelf that’s stuffed with knick-knacks is equally distracting. So it’s important to get proportions correct, which often means pulling out the measuring tape....

Overwatering Yellowing leaves on hardy geraniums are a sign of too much water. To prevent overwatering, ensure to plant in well-draining garden soil, or in containers with large drainage holes. Underwatering Because geraniums are drought-tolerant, yellow leaves from underwatering are less likely. Tunatura / Getty Images It usually only occurs in extended dry periods. In underwatered plants, leaf edges and tips turn yellow first. Rather than waiting for that to happen, water when the top 1 inch of soil is feels dry....

How to Fix Thermostats and Keep Your HVAC Running Properly Is your thermostat not working? But things can go awry. Here are a few common reasons thermostats fail and how you could remedy them. smusselm / Getty Images First, ensure the power switch is fully engaged. If it is, then remove the cover and replace the battery. If this doesn’t do the trick, look for a tripped breaker. Most basic thermostats include a heating connection, cooling connection, and fan connection....

We’ve rounded up the perfect partners for peppers to make companion planting effortless. What Is Companion Planting? Carrots also attract beneficial insects for peppers like ladybugs and lacewings. The Spruce / Autumn Wood Cilantro attracts beneficial insects while also repelling pests like spider mites and aphids. Vibrant African or French marigolds are great for discouraging pests such as nematodes, squash bugs, and whiteflies. The bursts of color attracts pollinators and add a decorative look to the vegetable garden....

With the help of garden experts, weve rounded up the seven best companion plants for tomatillos. Meet the Expert Want more gardening tips? If you love pesto like he does, Weiss recommends that you plant Genovese basil as a tomatillo companion. Marti157900 / Getty Images Basil alsoattractsbeneficial insects, says Lucie Bradley, a gardener at Easy Garden Irrigation. Duplicate growing conditions when growing basil with tomatillos, adds Bradley. Both plants will need sufficient space to grow....

Design byEmily Henderson/ Photo By Kaitlin Green Countertopsaren’t something to overlook. And while durability is a key factor, you also don’t want your kitchen to look outdated. We turned to design experts to find out which fun and new countertoptrendsthey are expecting to see in 2024. Design byEmily Henderson/ Photo By Kaitlin Green These finishes offer a softer look and feel, and they can add color to any kitchen. So its kind of like extending the use of it....

Countertops forbathroomsneed to be waterproof, easy to clean, affordable, durable, and of course, attractive. A fewbathroomcountertops hit those marks. Laminate, quartz, solid surface, tile, and stone are the most viable countertop choices. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Countertops that are available in-stock are unified pieces that can be cut and fit by anyone. Laminate countertops work well in guest bathrooms or powder rooms. A variety of styles is available, some of which are nearly indistinguishable from natural stone slabs....

The Spruce / Ellen Lindner We all get stains on our clothes. Unfortunately, some stains just won’t come out. A leading culprit is a splatter fromchlorine bleachthat removes the color from most fabrics. The Spruce / Ellen Lindner On the opposite end,permanent inkfrom a marker orhighlighteris almost impossible to remove unless it is treated immediately. If the item is expensive business wear, consider visiting a professional seamstress ordry cleanerfor suggestions....

Here are a few elements that have worked for me. Add More Light Lights4Fun Im based in London, which is known for its gray and gloom. Unless, of course, youadd more light. The Spruce / Olivia Inman My current fave?Rechargeable lampsand spotlights in places that arent naturally near an outlet. Fresh, preserved, or even fauxabouquet of flowersfeels like a little burst of optimism that spring will return. Plus, they add a splash of color when the sky is looking particularly overcast....

Klein has determined effective ways todivvy up responsibilitiesamong her loved ones. “Establish and agree on chores, clean-up schedules, and item ownership as appropriate,” Klein says. On that note, be mindful of where you’re storing particular items in your space. Charlie Interior Design “It’s a team effort that keeps the kitchen tidy without feeling overwhelming,” she says. This practice will prevent you from overbuying or leaving key items behind. jcjgphotography / Getty Images...

Fromdecluttering kitchenstocurating cozy living rooms, organizing pros know how to get their homes picture-perfect for guests. Curious what tasks are atop their to-do lists? As a bonus, a clutter-free your doorstep makes it easy to add holiday decorations if you desire. Maryna Terletska / Getty Images A boot tray for those wet boots adds another functional, yet homey touch to your entryway. asks Karianne Wood, interior stylist and author of Thistlewood Farms....