7 Golden Rules for Mixing and Matching Patterns That Designers Swear By

Surely, their expert eye could avoid any pattern-clashing catastrophe. Want more design inspiration? Jenny Williamson, principal designer atWest Rose Design, explains. Design byTyler Karu/ Photo by Erin Little On the flip side, she loves pairing these types of soft blankets with buttery leather furnishings and accents. Williamson advises first deciding upon your color palette and then sourcing patterns in the same or complementary tonal ranges. By utilizing a consistent color scheme, the pattern-on-pattern look will more easily come together, she notes....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 150 words · Faith Oconnor

7 Golden Tips for Keeping Your Guests Cool During Outdoor Gatherings

From backyard barbecues to garden parties, the best part of summer is spending time outside. You should have ample water around so people can replenish the water that leaves their bodies through sweat. Plus, drinking water can help you cool down by regulating your body temperature. MelanieMaya / Getty Images you’re free to even hand out little handheld fanslike an accordion hand fanto guests when they arrive. Once the sun drops a bit, the temperatures will, too....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 209 words · William Becker

7 Hacks Pros Always Use to Fake a Clean Home

Taylor recommends prioritizing cleaning the bathroom and kitchen since those will be the main spaces guests will be in. Another approach is to cater yourcleanup strategyto the crowd you’re hosting. “Tidy up those areas first.” Erin Williamson Design Ready to kick things off? Taylor recommendsprioritizing the sinkand toilet and advises giving each a wipe down. available for your guest to use. Desiree Burns Interiors Save that major shower or tub scrub for another day when you have more time....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 118 words · Erin Thomas

7 Hacks to Keep Your College Student Organized All Semester, According to Parents

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? She says for her sons first year of college,inexpensive, multifunctional organizerswere usually their favorites. In her sons case, they found clear toiletry bags were major time and space-savers. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly We had grooming essentials in one, and first aid in another, Gatts says. Being able to see everything makes getting ready so much easier. Thats why Beuerlein is a huge fan ofvertical storage space....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 153 words · Jessica Tucker

7 Hard-to-Kill Houseplants Fit for Beginners, Straight From Plant Pros

“They’re perfect for almost any home.” Want more gardening tips? Those are pothos, snake plants, andZanzibar Gems. Yulia Naumenko / Getty Images However, they can get dusty. Their care requirements are simplejust be sure to change out their water every three or four weeks. Knight says all you have to do is gently roll them between your fingers. Leticia Almeida / The Spruce This reshapes them and they can continue growing in their happy watery home....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Michael Graham

7 Herbs That Can Survive the Winter So You Can Keep Harvesting, According to a Gardener

Jasenka Arbanas / Getty Images Many perennial and biennial herbs live throughout the winter, despite freezing temperatures. These include some “Mediterranean” herbs, which you may not immediately think of as being cold-hardy. But certain herbs have developed adaptions that do make them more winter-resistant. Jasenka Arbanas / Getty Images Having small leaves is one example: a smaller leaf presents a smaller surface area to the elements. Learn about seven Mediterranean herbs tough enough to get through winter unscathed....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 263 words · Aaron Simon

7 Holiday Decorating Trends You'll See Everywhere This Season, According to Etsy

That doesnt mean there arent trends to follow, though. A charming, whimsical, and nostalgic aesthetic, the brand describes this look as cottagecores baking-loving sister. Opt for warm tones, cozy textures, foraged decor, and vintage pieces. Design byBlythe Interiors/ Photo by Natalia Robert These different elements complement each other to create a lived-in, rustic space, she says. That traditional, old-school aesthetic is what ‘grandpa chic’ is all about." This trend is perfect for anyone looking to lean into all things bright and pink this winter....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 303 words · Gregory Burns

7 Home Decor Pieces Designers Aren't Buying in 2025—And You Shouldn't Either

Abitare New year, new home: that’s our motto every year. But this year, in 2025, we really want to live it to its fullest. Here are seven items our pros say they are leaving behind in 2025 and what they’re buying instead. Abitare “Items that scream ‘micro-trend’ are a no-go. “These items date quickly and can make a space feel tired after just a season.” Similar to overly trendy pieces, Brophy says fast furniture is also out for 2025....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 310 words · Clayton Barron

7 Home Decor Pieces Your Room Should Always Have, According to Our Prop Stylists

In the example above, Wanek scattered gold accents throughout to tie together thisArt Decoscene. Bowls are also both seasonal-friendly and season-proof at the same time. Statement Lighting It goes without saying that ample light goes a long way when enhancing your decor. The Spruce / Jacob Fox Above, Ghazali used a wicker statement pendant light to bring texture to this cozylake house-inspiredscene. “I love to use statement lighting to add interest in a room,” Ghazali says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 205 words · Michelle Jones

7 Home Items Design Pros Never Forget to Buy During Major Sales

Most often, she turns to Crate and Barrel and West Elm to shop for these items. Owning a matching set of dinnerware will also make hosting a breeze and help you create stunning tablescapes. “A good purchase price helps offset the cost of the fabric and reupholstery labor,” she says. Jenn Cameron Interiors/ Photo byStephanie Fielek Look for pieces with great bones that will be sure to stand the test of time....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 138 words · Raymond Torres

7 Household Items You Didn't Know You Could Use for Seed Starting

Svetlana Repnitskaya / Getty Images Starting seeds is an exciting time. According to professional gardeners, here are seven household items you’re able to use for seed-starting. Want more gardening tips? Svetlana Repnitskaya / Getty Images Paper cups can start various seedlings but are incredibly convenient for larger seedlings that need a sturdy container. Short Cardboard Boxes Coykendall also recommends utilizing cardboard boxes for seed starting. Look for short and wide boxes to batch-start many seedlings at once....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 285 words · Karla Wilson

7 Household Items You Should Replace Way More Often, Decluttering Experts Say

Tocco recommends replacing your towels if they are looking stained or overly worn. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Those looking for a longer-lasting solution may wish to turn to silicone scrubbers, Tocco adds. SolStock / Getty Images If you haven’t gotten new ones in a couple of years, make an effort to do so. Flat pillows, she says make for a tired and worn out-looking home. Flat pillows are going to be less comfortable to sleep on or lean against, too....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 102 words · Taylor Johnson

7 Houseplants Minimalists Never Grow (and Never Will)

But houseplants have their own agenda, and some are anything but minimal. Plants can spread, drop leaves, expand to gigantic sizes, or look loud and unappealing. How do houseplants fit inminimalist home design? franz12 / Getty Images We spoke to simplicity and organizing experts to learn the types of houseplants minimalists never grow. The constant cleanup becomes a daily burden that contradicts a simplified lifestyle, Palmer says. For minimalists who value clean lines and uncluttered spaces, avoid string of pearls....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 380 words · Haley Sanford