Ordering samples ahead of time will pay dividends in the long run. Want more design inspiration? “Textures, scale, colors, and lighting can all dramatically affect the ambiance of the space.” Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images Kersten explains how lighting can help you achieve a spa-like feeling. It’s important to consider accessibility if you plan to stay in your home for a while. Gordon explains how a lack of storage space can make abathroom feel disorganized and cluttered....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. This handy tool makes those hard-to-reachtree branches easily prunable. The Spruce Not all pole saws are operated the same way or are the same height. Manual vs. Electric: Which to Choose? Before buying a pole saw, decide if manual or electric is right for you. PHOTO: Amazon Popular Features Many pole saws come equipped with special features to make trimming easier....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. lean on a tomato fertilizer to give established plants a huge boost. The Spruce If you are anorganic gardener, choosea fertilizer typethat features organic ingredients like fish or bone meal. Other formulas use synthetic ingredients to promote growth. Also, take note if the formulas are fast- or slow-acting before purchasing. PHOTO: Amazon This granular fertilizer (granules you sprinkle on the ground) isideal for growing tomatoesin the groundor containers....

Ivan Pantic / Getty Images Theres a lot to think about when you prepare to move into your dorm. Here’s everything Toombs shared about making a small, shared space look cuteand feel organized. When looking for furniture for a dorm room, remember less is more, Toombs says. Ivan Pantic / Getty Images This is also why Toombs says to look for benches andottomans with internal storage.These are a definite space-saving must-have....

Maite Granda Everybody loves a little visual symmetryit’s just human nature. In fact, making use of a corner could free up a bit of usable space on either wall. Want more design inspiration? Maite Granda Try placing the TV screen to one side andadding objects or decorto the opposite side. These objects in combination with the spaces architectural symmetry should help balance out the wall visually. Better yet, consider blending the flat screen TV in with amixed-frame gallery wallas shown here....

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Taking care ofhousehold laundrycan be overwhelming if you let it pile up. Here are nine easyorganizational tips and hacksfor how to keep up with laundry. Learning to institute the one-touch rule will help you conquer the laundry pile more quickly than any other tip. The Spruce / Leticia Almeida If you wear something and it needs to go in the hamper, put it there immediately....

But how do you know which decorative accents are stunning and storied and which are dated and drab? They hold the homes natural wear and innate character, which tells a unique part of the homes story. Not to mention, the quality of historic materials is often superior to many current options, Jefferys says. Laura Brophy Interiors Want more design inspiration? Elements like crown moldings and baseboards will only highlight your homes historic craftsmanship....

Purple-leaved trees and shrubs are one option. Over the years, manycultivarsof trees and shrubs have been developed to fill this need. Warning Barberries are invasive plants, and they feature sharp thorns. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Pair them with lime-green plants for an especially eye-catching display. These are dense shrubs with thorns, so be careful when planting in a yard where children will play. Crabapples (Malus sp.) The Spruce Crabapple treeswill add color to the garden in all seasons with their flowers, fruits, and leaves....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Swapping out outdoor cushions is one of our favorite budget-friendly ways torefresh your patio furnitureand upgrade your space. The Spruce Most outdoor cushions are designed to resist fading in the sun, water damage, and mold and mildew. This increases their longevity, so they’ll look like new for years. The tufted design adds dimension to the pillows and gives them a classic appeal....

Yana Tatevosian / Getty Images With spring on the horizon, its time to wake up the garden. Some plants do better when added to the garden as seeds instead. To confirm which plants to never buy as seedlings, we chatted with gardening experts. Yana Tatevosian / Getty Images Meet the Expert Want more gardening tips? Carrots Carrots are highly productive vegetables when directly sown in the garden from seed. In fact, they do better this way....

It’s important to know which plant varieties to avoid to prevent such outcomes. If you have a dog, take extra caution with the followingtrendy houseplants. Popular philodendron varieties include the heartleaf philodendron, philodendron ‘Brasil’, andphilodendron ‘Micans,‘among others. The Spruce / Almar Creative While Philodendronvarieties are harmless to the touch, they are toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested. Symptoms of philodendron poisoning include oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing, and excessive drooling....

Cathie Hong Folding laundry on your bed or your couch can get cramped and messy, fast. Add a laundry folding table to your existing laundry room to make life easier. Read on for smart ideas for incorporating a table cohesively into your space. Cathie Hong Standalone Table Kate Marker Interiors Renovations can get expensive. It can be any table, reallya small dining table, a coffee table, etc. If you have a big family who goes through lots of laundry, this is essential....

These orchid varieties are often ruby red. Pink Orchids Pink orchids are a tried-and-true option, with lots of common varieties bearing pink hues. White Orchids White orchidsare elegant and delicate, often seen added to bouquets and vases. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Over time, growers have developed blue orchids around the world that can now be grown anywhere. Purple Orchids Purple orchids are showy, fragrant, and elegant. They’re sure to standout among your houseplant collection....