Newsletters

Kimber Watson

    10 Slim Console Tables That Are Perfect for Small Spaces
    Convinced you can't fit a table in your tiny entryway? These 10 slim console tables might change your mind.
    Sarah Lyon
    Nov 3, 2022
    Is Your House Making You Sick? 5 Ways to Purify Home Air Naturally
    Would it shock you to know that the air you’re breathing indoors can be up to 5 times worse than the air outside? Neglecting the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis can result in illness, allergies, asthma, and frequent headaches, and it can even be harmful to your digestive system! But you don’t have to settle for poor air quality. Here are five simple, ways for you to naturally purify the air in your home without purchasing an expensive air purifier.
    Kimber Watson
    Sep 15, 2022
    How To Make a Feeder for Ladybugs to Attract Them to Your Garden
    image:87e4276c5c2d2a599f0e91caff9f4a9449392dcb w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" Last week, I showed you how you can make natural pesticides for your plants. While these sprays pose less risk than the toxic ones, they also rid your plant of beneficial insects like the ladybug.
    Kimber Watson
    Sep 14, 2022
    Paint Color Portfolio: Coral Bathrooms
    Coral can be defined as a reddish yellow, pinkish yellow or a light yellowish red. It’s similar in shade to salmon and tangerine, with the former having a stronger pink undertone and the latter, a stronger orange. Coral is often associated with colors suited for a Caribbean beach house or tropical decor, but with the variety of tones, this bold yet warm color is quite easy to pull off in many spaces.
    Kimber Watson
    Jul 17, 2020
    DIY Fire Pit Ideas for Backyard Entertaining
    Backyard fire pits are a welcome addition to almost any yard, big or small. They provide light when it’s dark out, warmth on cool nights, a place for the kiddos to roast marshmallows, and the perfect ambiance for sharing cocktails among friends. I spent a year hunting down a vintage Preway fireplace, but had I not been lucky enough to find one, I surely would have gone the DIY route. Here are 10 ideas for creating an outdoor fire pit — from the super cheap to the DIY extraordinaire.
    Kimber Watson
    Jul 17, 2020
    Garden Visit: Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens
    A few weeks ago (with advice from Houzz), I delved into things you can do now to help ready your garden for spring. And of course, one thing you can do is gather inspiration for your 2014 gardening plans! It’s only fair that I heed my own advice, so I decided to take a short bike ride to our local conservatory — a great way to spend some time escaping from the cold weather.
    Kimber Watson
    Jul 16, 2020
    Budget Garden Inspiration: 5 Modest and Lovely Courtyards
    I’ll admit, when I think of courtyard gardens, I naturally think of sprawling estates with hidden outdoor rooms, bordered by perfectly manicured boxwood hedges boasting a grand urn water fountain. Perhaps I’ve been watching too much Downton Abbey, but courtyards aren’t just unattainable outdoor spaces limited to the wealthy.
    Kimber Watson
    Jul 16, 2020
    How To Repair Chipped China
    image:07f97cac69cd192ded508ff0f52c9499aeece4c1 w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" I love delicate porcelain. Plates, bowls, vases — I’ve even started collecting pieces from White Forest Pottery, much to my wallet’s chagrin. What I don’t love are the moments right after you accidentally chip one of your prized possessions.
    Kimber Watson
    May 11, 2020
    Before & After: Kimber’s Air Plant Weekend Project
    Yesterday I explained the basics of how to care for air plants and then I showed you how certain species’ forms lend themselves best to different types of containers. Today I will walk you through the super simple steps I used to turn a vase sea sponge into an unique vessel in which you can hang your air plant (yes, it’s a natural dried sea sponge that is shaped like a vase!).
    Kimber Watson
    Apr 14, 2020
    How To Propagate Cacti & Succulents
    Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies, but it can also be expensive when you start buying lots of plants and pots. What if you could double, triple, even quadruple the number of plants you currently have without spending a dime? If you have a little bit of time on your hands, along with a lot of patience, you can do just that. Let’s dig into cacti and succulent propagation!
    Kimber Watson
    Mar 11, 2020
    The Best of Vertical Gardening: Inspiration, DIY, & Resources
    Last year I talked about design dilemmas common with the quintessential rectangular urban yard, and space (or should I say, lack thereof), is usually at the top of the list. From inspiration to DIYs, tips on products available on the market and where to source them — this post will surely have you dreaming up new ways to best utilize a small footprint in the garden. TOP ROW: Inspiration Look! Living Canopy on a Tiny Balcony Dwell On Design: Vertical Gardens Look!
    Kimber Watson
    Mar 11, 2020
    Go for the Gold: 15 Gold Leaf DIY Projects
    The extreme cold temperatures gripping much of the country this winter have many of us going a little stir crazy (yes, I am hands down one of them!). Fortunately, the Winter Olympics are right around the corner, which will at least offer up some entertainment in my self-imposed house confinement. In the spirit of the Olympics, here are 15 gold-medal worthy DIY projects to try your hand at while taking in a few skiing or figure skating events. 1. Gold Leafed Ikea Desk Hack from Style Me Pretty.
    Kimber Watson
    Mar 11, 2020
    How To Repot an Orchid
    There is nothing more satisfying than watching an orchid send out its flowering spike — knowing that when you see the glorious blooms, it was you that helped it thrive to do so. And while we’ve shown you how to repot your houseplants before, orchids, well they’re a different sort of breed. Unlike your typical houseplant, potting orchids in soil will lead to root rot and one dead plant! Orchids are either terrestrial or epiphytic.
    Kimber Watson
    Jan 16, 2020
    Elizabeth and Daniel’s Bright, Bold & Narrow Rowhome
    Name: Elizabeth and Daniel, Georgia the dog and Edmond the catLocation: Hampden — Baltimore, MarylandSize: 900 square feet (mostly in length, not width!)Years lived in: almost 2 We were first introduced to Elizabeth and Daniel’s home when they entered our Room for Color Contest back in October. It was such a visual treat we contacted them with hopes that they would allow us to peak into the rest of their digs.
    Kimber Watson
    Jun 5, 2019
    How To Make a Succulent Kissing Ball
    image:21b471511fb5b183822c55c0296c8f78213faebe w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" Succulents are all the rage these days, which means they’re popping up everywhere. In funky containers, concrete planters, wreaths, even bridal bouquets. But as cool as they are — they often come with a hefty price tag — which is why I decided to make my own.
    Kimber Watson
    May 18, 2019
    How To Mount a Staghorn Fern
    It’s ok, go ahead and laugh… and then get your mind out of the gutter. But if rare, unusual statement plants cause your heart to flutter, then the Platycerium is for you. This tutorial will show you how to mount your stag to a piece of wood, then properly care for your new living art! Like orchids, the staghorn fern (Platycerium) is an epiphyte, which means they do not require soil to grow but attach to and gain nutrients from other plants, while not harming the host plant.
    Kimber Watson
    May 7, 2019
    Five Trees Suitable for Small Spaces
    I’m always on the lookout for trees that are interesting yet appropriate for my small urban garden. Not every tree thrives by having their roots crammed into a tight space or container. Instead of making an impulse buy — only to see your latest find in a sad state of disarray months down the road — it’s always wise to do a little research. Here are a few suggestions that are perfect candidates for confined spaces.
    Kimber Watson
    May 5, 2019
    Turn Your Photos Into Watercolors: Waterlogue
    Let me introduce you to my latest app obsession, Waterlogue. It’s a cool new app that lets you transform boring old photos from your phone into handsome watercolor images — and it’s very user-friendly, with an attractive interface. If you’re familiar with Instagram, you’ll have no problem becoming quickly acquainted with Waterlogue.
    Kimber Watson
    May 4, 2019
    Smart Products to Keep Plants Hydrated & Healthy
    Houseplants have many benefits, from purifying the air to adding color, texture, and interest to the home. They can also provide much needed winter therapy for those of us that garden in climates not suitable for year-round gardening. Here’s an array of products designed to help you give optimal care to your beloved plants, regardless of the color of your thumb. 2. Haw’s Indoor Watering Can, Williams Sonoma, $89.95.
    Kimber Watson
    May 4, 2019
    What Are the Small Brown Bugs on My Houseplants? Dealing With Scale Pests
    Notice the raised, brown growth on my Sago Palm. This is an example of scale. I’m currently dealing with a really sticky problem — yes, pun intended! — and anybody that has discovered one of their houseplants has a case of scale knows exactly what I’m talking about. While you may think scale is only attacking your plants, think again. Yes, it is first and foremost a plant pest, but this little creature can also wreak havoc on your home. So what exactly is scale?
    Kimber Watson
    May 4, 2019
    Why Organic Fabrics Are Worth the Money
    Many of us spend extra time and money sourcing organic foods. Yet if you polled those same people, I imagine you would find the majority don’t think twice about organic fabrics. So what’s the big deal, you might ask? It’s intuitive to be concerned about whether fruits and vegetables have been treated with chemicals or preservatives, but fabrics? Is this taking the organic aspect too far? Are organic fabrics worth it?
    Kimber Watson
    May 4, 2019
    Time-Saving Tip: How To Quickly Dry a Load of Laundry
    Doing laundry is a time-consuming and never-ending chore. But since it is a necessary evil, the only solution is to find ways to make the job easier and faster. This summer, I seem to be doing laundry more frequently, with smaller loads, and yet those smaller loads seem to take as much time to dry as my larger loads, even when set to the same exact settings. Boggled by this reoccurring conundrum, I asked my grandmother for her sage advice.
    Kimber Watson
    May 4, 2019
    Fall Gardening Tip: Save, Don’t Discard, Your Chrysanthemums!
    Well before fall even arrives, garden centers, big-box and grocery stores already have their shelves stocked with an abundance of chrysanthemums. And if you were one of those individuals quick to get a jump on decorating for the harvest season, then you’re probably living with some pretty sad looking mums right about now. So what should you be doing with all those mums that are past their prime?
    Kimber Watson
    May 4, 2019
    Quick Fix: A Cheap & Easy Solution for Slamming Doors
    I’ll admit to it. Every now and then in the heat of the moment, I’ve been know to slam the occasional door. So perhaps when this tip showed up in my inbox from my S.O., it wasn’t so much as a tip, but a hint. In an effort to keep the peace, literally, I’m going to give this quick tip a whirl.
    Kimber Watson
    Nov 10, 2014
    Porch Pizzazz: Halloween & Thanksgiving Outdoor Decorating Ideas
    Before all those ghost and goblins come knocking on your door, could your front entry use a little sprucing up for fall? Whether you like to decorate with the natural elements of a fall harvest or add a little spook factor with a Halloween display, here are 10 stylish front entries to inspire your own. 1. Isn’t this just the quaintest house for trick or treating? The assortment of multicolored pumpkins that line the walkway make a statement by sheer numbers.
    Kimber Watson
    Oct 10, 2014
    Garden Design Classics: The Armillary Sphere
    Armillary spheres (sometimes referred to as armillary sundials) are a common decorative ornament in many gardens but can most often be spotted in the traditional English garden. Today’s armillary spheres, used as simply a decorative feature instead of a scientific instrument. are primarily fabricated of metal, and have become much more streamlined compared to their ancient counterparts. So what exactly is an armillary sphere, you might wonder?
    Kimber Watson
    Jun 13, 2014
    Decorating on a Budget: 20 Tips from the Pros
    A couple of months back, I gathered some tips from the pros for ways to round off an unfinished room. It seemed to hit a chord with our readers, leading to many commenters weighing in on their favorite piece of advice or offering up their own tips that have worked for them. Since we’re focusing on reining in our budgets this month, lets see what insightful pointers the masters can offer up when it comes to bargain decorating! From Emily Henderson: Love something? Buy just one.
    Kimber Watson
    Jun 3, 2014
    Before & After: A Dramatic Small Space Makeover… and What Makes it Work
    Anthony D’Argenzio’s one-bedroom East Village apartment, featured in Lonny Magazine, is my idea of the perfect small space. But it wasn’t always so — the apartment recently got a huge overhaul. Pictured above is the place pre-makeover. The ornately styled furniture, all shoehorned into the living room, made this small space feel even tighter. I think you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised by this little apartment’s big transformation.
    Kimber Watson
    Apr 3, 2014
    Finishing Touches for an Unfinished Room: Tips from the Pros
    I don’t remember where I read it or exactly when I read it, but it had to be well over five years ago. Nevertheless, that one little sentence of advice is still stuck in my head to this day. It went something like, “if your room doesn’t feel finished, add a touch of black”. It’s such a simple suggestion, easy for any novice to try out, and it got me thinking. What other tricks do the pros have up their sleeves?
    Kimber Watson
    Mar 27, 2014
    How To: Cut & Install FLOR Carpet Tiles
    After years of perusing FLOR’s catalog and website, I finally bit the bullet and ordered the carpet tiles for my entryway and kitchen. The Problem: I have gone through about five different rugs in my entryway. With one pitiful rug pad and two overly-welcoming dogs that rush the front door every time they hear a noise — I was forever straightening, fixing and flattening the front rug.
    Kimber Watson
    Jun 16, 2011
    Enough with the Mess Already! Non-shedding Doormats
    I’ve finally come to the conclusion that not all doormats are created equal. While the $10 coir doormat from Target seemed like a good idea at the time, the cheap price tag should have also clued me into the kind of quality I’d be getting.
    Kimber Watson
    Oct 21, 2010