It’s almost summer, also known as spend-every-possible-second-outside season. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space at home, don’t just drag your beach chairs out of the basement and call it a day. Terraces, patios, backyards — they all become additional rooms when the weather is right. And just like inside, a thoughtfully designed space that matches your style will reward you every time you fire up the grill, sit outside to read, or nap in the shade.

There are times in life when “home” is decidedly in flux. Maybe you’re moving, living the digital nomad life, or trying different styles before committing to your forever design. Whatever the reason, buying furniture — and then lugging it around from home to home — might not be high on your to-do list. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for low-quality items or miss out on your favorite trends.

When we finally start to get a peek of spring, the itch to refresh our space soon follows. The new season’s fresh scents and happy hues inspire us to zhuzh things up a bit: a bright throw pillow here, a fresh floral print there. It’s fun to infuse our homes with subtle updates that make us smile and celebrate warmer, sunnier days.We asked interior stylist Tanika Rottura how she’d welcome the seasonal shift into her space.

There’s no better feeling than the first spring day when it’s finally warm enough to open the windows. It makes us want to capture that fresh-air feeling in our decor, too. But you don’t have to go all out: Small tweaks like peppier colors, brighter lighting, and warm-weather scents are all you need to transform your space’s mood for the season ahead.We asked Monica Chavez, who’s known for her clever DIYs, how she’d welcome the seasonal shift into her space.

The transition from winter to spring is a joyful one: After months of gray and cold, the days get longer, the birds start singing, and the air fills with the sweet scent of new growth. And we get eager to bring this invigorating energy home. With a few small tweaks and touches, our spaces can take on all the color and dynamism of the season, giving us the feeling of a fresh start every day.We asked DIY maven Ursula Carmona how she’d welcome the seasonal shift into her space.

Picture it: It’s early spring, and the season’s first flowers are blooming. The air is warm but still a little crisp, with a tranquil, fragrant breeze. We’d love to hang out in this idyllic scene all day long, but since that’s not exactly practical, we’re settling for the next best thing: bringing this serene, sweet-smelling seasonal vibe into our decor.

While spring slowly reveals itself bud by bud and bloom by bloom, there’s always that one moment in the season where it just “clicks.” It’s that feeling that makes you want to leap into a brighter, breezier style moment as soon as possible. Which doesn’t have to be a major change!

We’ve all gotten heart-eyes-emoji for an expensive real estate listing. Maybe it features your dream gourmet kitchen, city view, or poolside cabana. (Or hey, all three!) It’s way out of your price range — like, way out — but you mentally save it to your “If I win the lottery” folder. Well, it’s time to find those dreams a home for real.

Finding the right mattress can feel like dating: You can kiss a lot of frogs on your way to the perfect match. Firm or soft? Spring or foam? Side or back sleeper? Well, Tuft & Needle just launched a new mattress that answers those questions handily: All of the above. The new Mint Hybrid is, quite simply, The One.

It's a matter of quality.

Name: Andreea Gaul, husband Bryan, daughter Alina, Marlo (German shepherd), Louie (corgi), Penelope (cat)Location: Charleston, SCSize: 2,600 square feetType of Home: Single FamilyYears Lived In: 6 months, ownedWhen lifestyle content creator Andreea Gaul and her husband, Bryan, moved from Chicago to Charleston, they were shocked at the amount of space they could get for their money. And they needed it!

Name: Camille, husband Jack, and son EastonLocation: AtlantaSize: 2,250 square feetType of home: TownhomeYears lived in: 1.5 years (owned)Camille Dobbins-Jackson’s very first DIY didn’t just change her home — it changed her whole career. She wanted to create a show-stopping foyer in the airy Atlanta townhome she shares with her husband and son: complete with new moulding, elegant lighting, and a museum-style gallery of family portraits.

Finding your own style can be tricky enough, let alone adding someone else’s into the mix. But when we’re sharing a space — be it with roommates, significant others, or family members — that’s exactly what we have to do. While mixing modern with traditional or boho with industrial may sound like mixing oil and water, there’s a way to do it that lets everyone feel at home. And it can actually be fun, too.

Our interior styles are always evolving — that’s half the fun of decorating! We’re constantly tweaking our decor to create a home that feels ever more ours. And while we love it when a guest compliments our efforts, like an area rug or accent chair, that’s not our favorite part. Our favorite part is getting to say, “You won’t believe the deal I got on this.” Enter Overstock.com.

This article is sponsored by Ring. All prices and savings listed in this post are as of publication and could change.There’s so much I love about living alone: decorating how I want, not hesitating to bring home yet another houseplant, never having to remind a roommate again to unload the dishwasher. But while living alone helps me feel more confident, more empowered, and more myself, it can also feel a little vulnerable sometimes.

There’s nothing like getting that big idea for a room makeover or DIY. Your mind is swimming with inspiration, ideas, and daydreams about your brand-new space. You think, “So many possibilities!” And then you think, “So. Many. Possibilities.”Don’t panic: When you’re dreaming big, the first step is always the hardest.

You can accomplish a lot in eight weeks — even a whole room renovation. That’s the spirit of the One Room Challenge®, a two-month event that encourages designers and DIYers of all experience levels to tackle that big room redo of their dreams. We’ve been following three participants along the way, from the full-of-ideas beginning to the what-was-I-thinking? middle. Now, it’s time to see the results of all their hard work.

There’s a secret step hidden in every big DIY project: not quitting. The beginning and end are a blast, with their fresh energy and job-well-done satisfaction. It’s the middle — where your room is still a mess, and you’re not sure you chose the right furniture, and why did you start this project anyway? — that can get sticky. These three designers are in the middle right now.

The holidays are about family, togetherness, and memories. They’re also a little bit about being the house that everybody wants to stay at. We kid, but there is something special about waking up to a home full of loved ones. So we want to make our houseguests feel extra welcome, with a comfortable guest room full of thoughtful touches to help them settle in.

We’re convinced that the first person to say “Work smarter, not harder,” was talking about cleaning. Of course, there’s a time and place for a roll-up-your-sleeves, crank-up-the-tunes deep clean. But keeping your home tidy day-to-day is all about efficiency: shortcuts and multitasking tricks to help your home feel clean even when it’s not, per se, spotless.

Pets love routine, and the holidays are anything but. Suddenly there are new house guests, an ornate tree in the living room, and a Santa hat they’re expected to don for family photos. Amidst all the (human) activity, it can be easy to forget that your pets, and their messes, might need a little extra attention this time of year. No worries: With some simple prep and cleaning tricks, everyone in your house can enjoy the season.

When you’re getting dinner on the table, there’s one step that often gets put off until the last minute: setting it. As prime entertaining season approaches, we challenge you to start by setting the table — and to go all out. (In fact, a common tip we hear among our favorite entertaining experts is to set the table the night before the party. It won’t get lost in the day-of chaos, and you’ll know that every part of the meal has its place.

There are few big-ticket items that withstand the test of time and look amazing in your home for decades. Even fewer that double as conversation starters and instant, interactive icebreakers at those holiday parties. In fact, we can only think of one: a piano.You might not have a piano yourself, but we bet your parents or grandparents did. Pianos used to be staples and centerpieces of the home — part statement piece, part at-the-ready entertainment.

An eye-catching floral mural welcomes visitors to Mother’s Pantry in Inkster, MI, offering a preview of the positive spirit inside: As the area’s only client choice food pantry, they allow clients to shop like a grocery store, selecting items to suit their families’ dietary needs. Supporting its community’s health is a critical mission for Mother’s Pantry, and one its staff and volunteers take seriously.

Name: Bianca JadeLocation: Brooklyn, NYSize: 2,813 sqftType of home: BrownstoneYears lived in: 1 year, rentingWhether she’s reporting on the latest fitness trends, sharing skincare secrets, or posting pics of her amazing nail art, wellness expert and TV host Bianca Jade is always on the move. So she needs her Brooklyn home — a gorgeously restored brownstone full of natural light and warm wood details — to be a place of calm and relaxation.

Name: Lisa Hayim, MS, RD, and Evan Shlofmitz, D.O.Location: North Shore Long Island, NYType of home: Single-family homeYears lived in: 2 yearsLisa Hayim is the real-talk friend we all need when it comes to wellness. A registered dietician, yoga instructor, recipe developer, wellness pro, and mom-to-be, she’s just as concerned about what goes into her body as she is about the space around her.

When we were kids, there were few places as exciting as the library. We spent hours wandering the stacks and discovering stories that stuck with us into adulthood. And the library at Philadelphia’s Henry H. Houston School has been providing that magical experience since the 1920s!The K-8 school has long been an inclusive and diverse place for students and their families, with a vibrant academic and social community.

We’re willing to bet you won’t find more smiling faces anywhere in Houston than BenCheri’ Educational Center. Since 2014, this community hub has offered local youth tutoring, mentoring, and after-school programming. From elementary school to high school, ABCs to financial literacy, BenCheri’ supports students with the knowledge they need to succeed. But the organization offers so much more than education.

Of all the perks our dream kitchen would have, what we’d put at the top of the list might surprise you: a beautiful, well-designed sink. Why? Because the sink is the heart of your kitchen’s workflow: From prep to cooking to clean-up, if your kitchen sink doesn’t function well, you’ll be frustrated every time you use it. The antidote to all that frustration is BLANCO, maker of ergonomic, durable, and totally gorgeous sinks, faucets, and accessories.

With its cozy loft vibe and big windows full of SoCal sunshine, JQ International is already a lively meeting spot for Jewish LGBTQ+ folks in Los Angeles. “J Club” — as it’s affectionately known — is the place to be for Pride events, youth group meetings, and casual drop-in hangs. It’s also an important hub for educational, mental health, and community-focused events: a safe space where queer Jewish people can feel comfortable and supported.

Nature is inspiring a lot of interior design right now, and the reason is simple: The colors of the natural world offer respite from work, life, and whatever’s on your mind. They can turn your home into a serene haven from everyday stress. So to highlight the warm, grounding power of these hues, we created a color palette layered with desert shades of mauve, bronze, and clay. Meet Earthy Pleasures.

When you think about improving your kitchen, it makes sense to start with the spot where you spend the most time — and we bet that’s not where you think. We’re talking about a gold mine of amazing upgrade potential that’s hiding in plain sight: your sink. A whopping 60 percent of our time in the kitchen is spent at the sink. (Just ask whoever in your house is on dishes duty tonight.

Name: Hilton CarterLocation: Baltimore, MDSize: 3,200 square feetType of home: American ColonialYears lived in: 1, ownedAs Apartment Therapy’s Plant Therapist, Hilton Carter is the first person we turn to when our snake plants are looking sad or our pothos needs propagating. His deep knowledge about all things green, his fresh sense of style, and his warm, you-can-do-this attitude have helped many a plant-filled home flourish. Including his own.

Name: Kate ArendsLocation: St. Paul, MinnesotaSize: 5,500 square feetType of home: Colonial ramblerYears lived in: 2, ownedWhether she’s transforming her kitchen, styling effortlessly chic outfits, or fielding questions about relationships and parenting, Kate Arends lives up to the name of her popular design and lifestyle company: Wit & Delight. Like your friend who always thrifts the coolest finds, Kate adds her relaxed and irreverent style to everything she touches.

Relaxing in nature is one of the most serene activities you can do — except maybe for relaxing in a home inspired by the calming power of the great outdoors. Sound soothing? We think so too. That’s why we designed a paint palette of rich greens and organic accent colors. Together, these hues create a soft, grounded look that feels like a quiet walk through the forest. Meet Verdant Vanitas.

Subtlety is nice, but this year we’re more into style that shouts a bit. For those who don’t shy away from color, we created a paint palette that will add a little shine and sparkle to your home. Full of lush jewel tones and vibrant pastels, it’s like a treasure chest of baubles — a.k.a. the perfect accessory. Meet the color palette we’ve named Crown Jewels.

Lush and organic decor, full of natural materials and rounded shapes, is having a moment. We’re bringing the trend into high-def with a paint palette that plays off its most captivating colors: verdant greens, sunset pinks and oranges, and soft neutrals. Together, they’re a combination of energetic and calm that makes any day — and any room — feel breezy and inviting. Meet the color palette we’re calling Mint Julep.

When you’re a renter, it can be challenging to make your home a true expression of yourself. But Cyn Moreno has a knack for adding personality to any home. She created a bright and utterly distinct apartment by focusing on DIYs that add individuality to her Los Angeles rental — without putting her security deposit at risk. And she teaches others how to do the same. “If you’re an apartment dweller, you have so many limitations on what you can do,” Cyn says.

Our design styles are always evolving, but perhaps most of all in our mid-twenties. That’s when we start to look around at the random furniture, family hand-me-downs, and sidewalk scores we’ve gathered since our first apartments and say to ourselves: “Huh?”Samantha was ready to swap her assortment of furniture for new pieces that felt more cohesive and sophisticated.

We don’t believe in rules when it comes to design, but we do believe in some tried-and-true principles that have never let us down. And if you feel like your space needs a little extra something to feel complete, they just might help you get there.That was the case for the cozy Chicago apartment that Samantha shares with her roommate. The home had so many great elements — exposed brick! natural light!

A delicious home-cooked meal is one of life’s greatest joys. And though Samantha and her roommate had a modern and bright kitchen in their Chicago apartment, one important ingredient was missing: a place to eat.With a small open-concept kitchen and living area, they usually ate meals on the sofa. And they didn’t do much entertaining, since there wasn’t a good spot for friends to gather. So Samantha set out to make their kitchen and dining area more functional.

We’ve all been there: that moment in your twenties when you feel like an adult, but your home feels like a mishmash of everything you’ve thrifted, inherited from your parents, and rescued from the sidewalk. It’s not quite a dorm room, but it’s not not.That’s how Samantha and her roommate felt about their Chicago apartment. “Our furniture style could best be described as ‘nonexistent,'” she says.

Studio apartments aren’t big on space, but that doesn’t mean they’re short on possibility. When Peggy and Anthony found their alcove studio in Queens, NYC, they knew they had enough room for exactly what they wanted: a cozy, stylish space where they could work from home, entertain friends, and unwind together.The trick was to design their new home in a way that created distinct mini “rooms” (walls not required).