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5 Things You Shouldn’t Do with Fabric Softener

Fabric softener can be beneficial—but here are a few ways NOT to use it.

Ashley Abramson

Sep 28, 2022

You Can Remove Any Blood Stain in 4 Simple Steps

The first step is: don't panic. The cleaning process isn’t as bad as you think.

Ashley Abramson

Sep 28, 2022

Window Sill Extender Ideas for Maximizing Every Inch of Space

Windowsills are usually nothing more than a space for plants or forgotten tchotchkes, but they provide plenty of opportunity, especially if you can find a way to make them larger. Windowsill extenders may sound like a funky contraption, but they enable you to make more out of the smallest ledges.This can be as simple as scooting a bench or shelf in front of a window or extending your space outside through the use of a window flower box.

Melissa Epifano

Sep 28, 2022

This Weekend: Practice This Money-Saving Mindset & Reap Rewards for Years

We regularly share clever hacks and methods to make do with less. All that is well and good, but I keep returning to this one basic, everyday way to save hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars in the kitchen. And it’s so very simple. Clean Your Cookware: Help return your pots and pans to their former glory with these tips and techniques.

Dabney Frake

Sep 28, 2022

It Smells Funny in Here: Your Guide to Eliminating Common Home Odors

Bookmark this for later so you'll always know how to take on bad smells from the source.

Brittney Morgan

Sep 28, 2022

What To Do When Your Home is Not Up to Sniff

The ultimate guide to de-stinking your home and making it smell amazing

Brittney Morgan

Sep 28, 2022

This Weekend: The Dreaded Task We All Have To Do Sooner or Later

This weekend, tackle one of your home's scariest spots.

Shifrah Combiths

Sep 28, 2022

How To Clean an Old Porcelain Enamel Bathtub or Sink

Years of use or neglect can make for one discolored and dingy tub or sink. Here are a few tips to keep the porcelain on your antique fixture looking next-to-new.

Ashley Poskin

Sep 27, 2022

How To Make Homemade Bubble Bath

Soaking in a nice hot tub of bubbles at the end of the day is a small luxury that can make a big difference. If you make your own, you can choose what scents you want to soak in, and you have the advantage of knowing exactly what’s going on your skin. Also, it can a lot cheaper and just as luxurious as the fancy kinds. The key to a successful homemade bubble bath is to get a good mix of essential oils and the right amount of bubbles.

Laure Joliet

Sep 27, 2022

How To Stop Your Bedroom From Making You Sick

If your sleeping space is dusty, stuffy, or generally unclean, how can you expect to stay well?

Stephanie Kinnear

Sep 27, 2022

Take a Break: 5 Phone-Free Zones at Home

A new year, a new opportunity to start and master habits that will add to your overall well-being. One small, kind-of weird habit you could work on this month to master for this year? Not using your smart phone in certain spots in the home. We’ve seen in recent years a backlash on smart phone usage in certain public areas — whip your cell phone out and start Facebooking during a friendly dinner and you’ll probably get chastised.

Adrienne Breaux

Sep 26, 2022

You Should Put a Bowl of Vinegar in Your Dishwasher—Here’s Why

White vinegar is the darling of homemade cleaning supplies.

Shifrah Combiths

Sep 24, 2022

5 Greasy, Grimy Things You Can Clean With Fabuloso Cleaner

Even if Fabuloso is the staple of your cleaning routine, there are probably a few tricks you didn't know you could try.

Ashley Abramson

Sep 24, 2022

How To Remove Pet Hair From Furniture, Floors, and More

We've got some smart and simple ways to remove pet hair from furniture, floors, clothes and more.

Dabney Frake

Sep 22, 2022

How To Clean Bathtub Jets with Basic Household Ingredients

There’s nothing quite like sitting down for a relaxing bath only to find water with floating black flecks, hair, and who-knows-what-else. Unfortunately, if you’re the owner of a jetted bathtub, this lament may seem all-too-common given that the crevices of the jets tend to collect gunk that is hard to clean by hand. But there are some simple ways to keep those jets clean using basic household ingredients. Fill the tub until the jets are covered by 2-3 inches of hot water.

Carolyn Purnell

Sep 22, 2022

How To Clean Burnt Pots & Scorched Pans

If you've ever experienced the pain of a burnt frying pan, I bring good news!

Sarah Starkey

Sep 22, 2022

How To Clean Electric Stove Burners

Does your pot frequently runneth over? If you’re part of the regularly-sets-off-the-smoke-alarm-while-cooking-dinner club, chances are your stove burners are in desperate need of attention. To get a really good, deep-down, clean-clean, you’ll need to actually remove the burners from the stove and use some good old-fashioned elbow grease. While technically you can turn your burners all the way up and have the food burn off, this method is much more effective.

Ashley Poskin

Sep 22, 2022

3 Unsanitary Ways to Store a Toothbrush

They're not really deserving of a prime display on the vanity. But where your toothbrush ends up when you're done brushing does kinda matter.

Ashley Poskin

Sep 21, 2022

How To Make a Bed at Home Like a 5-Star Hotel

Hotel bed sleep is the greatest sleep, and it's not just because you can crank the AC without worrying about your electric bill. But what's the secret formula to a 5-star bed?

Arlyn Hernandez

Sep 21, 2022

So Long, Popcorn Ceilings: 8 Transformative Overhead Architectural Hacks

So, your rental apartment or newly-built home didn’t come with coffered ceilings or pressed tin tiles? Set your sights above that unsightly popcorn or drop ceilings you’ve been dealt. All eight of these ceiling hacks will lend architectural interest to a boring room—whether you channel intricate European plasterwork or rustic exposed wood beams is entirely up to you. Give the impression of dramatic crown molding with a painted ceiling that extends about a foot down the wall.

Katie Holdefehr

Sep 21, 2022

How to Remove Condensation from Inside Your Phone

Our phones come with us everywhere —including some places where it might be a little too humid, oops. Even if you come out of a self-induced gadget sauna with a working phone, you might still get stuck with a little condensation inside the screen or camera lens. Here’s how to get moisture out of your iPhone camera without opening up your phone. There’s an easy fix for killing the condensation without taking apart your phone (and voiding your warranty!).

Taryn Williford

Sep 21, 2022

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Enter for a Chance to Win: A Beautiful, Fully Customized Kitchen Sink Upgrade

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.

Courtney Balestier

Sep 21, 2022

10 Simple Things to Make You Happier At Home

It's amazing how a few tweaks to our daily habits can become a catalyst for meaningful, positive change.

Jackie Ashton

Sep 20, 2022

Before & After: Cookbook Display Goes Front-Facing

My kitchen is spacious by city apartment standards, but really lacks in storage. While an inexpensive tower shelf stored my cookbooks just fine, I found that I wasn’t particularly inspired to use them, and the positioning partially blocked doorway. So I decided to break out my favorites and display them with some reverence… by facing them forward. You may have already spied these cookbook shelves in my January Cure party post.

Tara Bellucci

Sep 20, 2022

Wondering What to Do with Old Towels and Sheets? Here Are 10 Smart Ideas

We recently took stock of our linen closet and realized that half of the storage space was taken up by sheet sets and towels that we simply don’t use. Some are very old and worn out, and some just never seem to make it into our weekly linen rotation. Of course, we didn’t want to throw them out, so it got us thinking about recycling options.Use old sheets and blankets to make new ironing board pads and covers, like those featured on A Beautiful Mess.

Cambria Bold

Sep 20, 2022

How to Shop for a Forever Home With Aging in Place in Mind

Here are questions to ask and features to seek out.

Ellen Ryan

Sep 20, 2022

How to Never Feel Lonely When You’re Alone at Home

When you find yourself with zero plans and just stretched out on the couch, it can feel super easy to slip into a rut of boredom. To side-step that scenario, we created a list of 11 super fun and pro-active things you can do with your free evening. If you don’t want to spend your time getting lost in a Netflix black hole, some of these suggestions might help you embrace your time alone and love the next couple of hours with your own company.

Marlen Komar

Sep 19, 2022

9 Tiny Entryways with Seriously Big Organization Ideas

These teeny spaces are chock full of inspiration.

Erin Johnson

Sep 19, 2022

Your iPhone Has a Setting That Makes It Declutter Itself

Life

Prepare to magically have more phone storage.

Ashley Abramson

Sep 19, 2022

11 of the Coziest Living Room Ideas to Steal from IKEA

We all want our living rooms to reflect the very best version of ourselves, but we also want them to be a haven to relax in at the end of the day. These rooms do just that.

Karen Marsala

Sep 19, 2022

6 Stylish Vertical Blind Alternatives

No, vertical blinds are not your only option for sliding glass doors.

Caroline Biggs

Sep 19, 2022

15 Chic Black Houses That’ll Make You Want to Come to the Dark Side

Feast your eyes on these deliciously dramatic exteriors.

Melissa Epifano

Sep 19, 2022

Bathroom Basics: Stocking Your First Home

When it comes to stocking your first home, it’s easy to see why the bathroom could be an afterthought. After all, you’ve got furniture to add to your living room, and pots and pans and tons of tools and appliances to purchase for your kitchen. But bathroom essentials are every bit as important as the things you’ll need for other rooms of your home. Remember, not only will you use your bathroom multiple times a day, any guests that come to your house may use it as well.

Catrin Morris

Sep 19, 2022

What is Peacock Blue? Plus, 8 Decor Ideas For Your Home

If you're searching for something new and a little more exciting, and you're into navy, then a peacock blue shade may be where it's at for you.

Danielle Blundell

Sep 17, 2022

I Just Moved Into an Apartment with White Floors and This Slim Vacuum Has Been My Lifesaver

The best vacuum I've ever used.

Stella Totino

Sep 16, 2022

19 Exercises You Can Literally Do Without Leaving Your Bed

Life

Introducing the workout of our dreams.

Diana Kelly

Sep 16, 2022

Tips for Making a Fan More Effective

I don’t have air conditioning. Most of the time, my apartment, which is on the bottom floor, stays cool. But then there are those nights that are almost unbearable, and I break out the fan. Easy, right? Set it up, so it blows directly on your face. Uh, not so much. Luckily there are some tricks you can use a fan to help make it more effective.Since heat rises, the coolest air in your home will be hovering around floor level.

Abby Stone

Sep 16, 2022

Diatomaceous Earth Is The All-Natural Way to Save Your House (and Plants!) From Pests

It's the chemical-free way to combat spider mites, aphids, silverfish, ants, roaches (and more of your other favorite bugs) at home.

Rebecca Straus

Sep 16, 2022

Partner

Before & After: An LGBTQ+ Community Center Shines Even Brighter After a Colorful Paint Job

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.

Courtney Balestier

Sep 16, 2022

The Best Modern Camelback Sofas You Can Buy Right Now

Add a little spice to your layout today.

Sarah M. Vazquez

Sep 16, 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

Why Paint Color Matching Doesn’t Always Work

Here's what you didn't know.

Dana McMahan

Sep 15, 2022

The Weird, Free Trick to Make Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Stronger and Healthier

It sounds bizarre, but it totally works.

Molly Williams

Sep 15, 2022

How To Paint Windowsills & Window Trim

Repainting my windowsill made it onto my to-do list during the January Cure, and I decided to tackle it this past weekend. After a couple of hours of scraping and painting, my windowsill looks good as new.

Kate Legere

Sep 15, 2022

How To Patch a Hole in Drywall or Plaster Walls

Repairing medium to larger-sized holes in plaster and drywall isn’t quite as difficult as one might think. Wall and ceiling repair patches made from fiberglass and perforated aluminum are excellent solutions that help to get the job done in just a few simple steps. Did I forget to mention how easy they are to use? So easy. Upon moving into our new (very old) home, we noticed that almost every wall had a dent or large hole in it from constant contact with a door knob.

Ashley Poskin

Sep 15, 2022

5 Under-the-Radar Perks of the IKEA Family Card

There's a lot to love about IKEA But one perk you're probably overlooking is the store's loyalty card.

Brigitt Earley

Sep 15, 2022

Steal This Decorating Idea From Your Grandparents’ Living Room

Time for a second look.

Dabney Frake

Sep 15, 2022

Partner

This Earthy Paint Palette Will Make Your Home Significantly Calmer

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.

Courtney Balestier

Sep 15, 2022

How To Make a Feeder for Ladybugs to Attract Them to Your Garden

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. Unlike most pesky bugs you want to purge from your garden, ladybugs pose no harm and are beneficial to your plants by feasting on a few of your plant’s nemeses such as aphids, mealybugs, leaf hoppers, scales, and mites.

Kimber Watson

Sep 14, 2022

The Difference Between Parlor Palm, Areca Palm, and All Those Other Palms

So you’re in the market for something tropical to make your home feel bright and beachy all year round. A palm sounds like it would fit the bill, but which one?

Rebecca Straus

Sep 14, 2022

What Nobody Tells You About Trendy Sliding Barn Doors

Read up before you install one of these.

Dana McMahan

Sep 14, 2022

Creepy Carnivorous Plants Actually Make Great Houseplants

Meet Audrey III, IV, V and VI.

Rebecca Straus

Sep 14, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About Shiplap

You keep hearing about it; find out what everyone's talking about.

Nancy Mitchell

Sep 14, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About How to Grow Indoor Grass

Out of all the cool houseplants, useful herbs, and indoor trees available, grass isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking to fill your indoor spaces with living greenery. But even though this type of plant is usually related to backyards and landscaping, grass makes for a great indoor container garden option that can be both decorative and useful and is quite easy to grow.

Melissa Epifano

Sep 14, 2022

Want White Countertops? Here Are Your Best Bets

Pros and cons for these trendy surfaces.

Tess Wilson

Sep 14, 2022

The Best Etsy Shops For Scoring Great Bedding

Hint: Etsy is a really good place to find linen!

Kelsie Schrader

Sep 14, 2022

How To Hang Plants From Your Ceiling in Less than 20 Minutes

Hanging a planter is an easy 10- to 15-minute DIY project—here's the best way it do it, with a few tips and tricks thrown in for good measure.

Molly Williams

Sep 13, 2022

What No One Thinks to Ask About Those Cute Backyard Sheds

Here's what you need to know, before you start building.

Dana McMahan

Sep 13, 2022

DIY Project Test Lab Results: We Tried 3 Vinyl Upholstery Spray Paints and Here’s What Happened

So what’s the deal with vinyl spray paint: does it work, or is it a waste of time? I put three different paints to the test on three of the exact same chairs and was pretty surprised with the results. Hint: as it turns out, vinyl and fabric spray paint can actually work! There are some pretty impressive Before & Afters floating around of old, ugly vinyl furniture having been given new life with paint.

Ashley Poskin

Sep 13, 2022

8 Houseplants You Can Move Outside Now That It's Warm

Some of your houseplants are just as eager for outside time as you are. Here's how to do it right.

Erin Johnson

Sep 13, 2022

6 Black Ceiling Ideas That Totally Work

Black tends to be a bit of a polarizing color for interiors: we’ve written about black walls, black bathrooms, black bedrooms, and each time the response is either love or hate. But what about… black on the ceiling?When it comes to black ceilings, some may immediately think of a cave, while others see this dark hue above and feel warm and cozy vibes. Regardless of your opinion, we’ve curated a few of our favorite black ceilings that you’re sure to love.

Nancy Mitchell

Sep 12, 2022

Charcoal Briquettes for the Smelly Home

Just like a charcoal water filter, charcoal briquettes can be used to absorb moisture and remove odor from the air in your home. You may know that you can use charcoal to remove fridge odors, but they also work in other rooms. We’ve found them particularly helpful for “old apartment smell” if you’re in an old building or moist smells in basement-level units.As for how to distribute them, you can simply lay a few out in a metal tray.

Regina Yunghans

Sep 9, 2022

I Raided My Pantry to Make 4 Wood Stains, and Found a Surprising Favorite

Green Week

Yes, I'm giving you permission to play with your food.

Megan Baker Detloff

Sep 9, 2022

Partner

Kate Arends Filled Her St. Paul Home with Playful Twists on Traditional Decor

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.

Courtney Balestier

Sep 9, 2022

This Sleek, Splurgy Stovetop Kettle Challenged My Loyalty to My Beloved Electric Model

It's one stunning investment piece!

Erin Cavoto

Sep 9, 2022

Yes, You Can Paint Your Popcorn Ceiling—Here's How

You don't have to remove it to improve it.

Kelly Dawson

Sep 9, 2022

How to Plump Up an Old, Saggy Sofa for Around $40

Get more mileage out of your well-loved basics.