9 Habits Of People Who Always Have A Clean Home

How to have guests over without going on a crazy cleaning spree beforehand. So what’s the secret tokeeping things clean? Tidy Up as You Go Did you try on two or three outfits before picking your outfit? Credit: KidStock / Getty Images Use a few pans to preparebreakfast? Clean it up and put it all away before you move on. Wipe Down Surfaces A quick wipe-down can do wonders. Credit:LAUREY W....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 230 words · Maria Rubio

9 Heat-Tolerant Plants Perfect For Container Gardening, According To An Expert

Rejane Parker, Director of Gardens at The Vine inSt. Rejane Parkeris heat-tolerant plant expert and the Director of Garden atThe Vinein St. Simons Island, Georgia. We phoned a pro on the ground to be certain. Credit: G.N. van der Zee/Getty Images It also blooms, producing a pretty yellow color at the end of each long stalk. When planting, Parker recommends using sturdy gloves as the leaf tipsand even rootscan be very sharp....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Stephanie Abbott

9 Herbs That Grow Well In Shade

Getty Images Herbsadd textural interest and fragrance to the garden and culinary enhancement to our kitchen. Cilantro Cilantro is a cool-season, short-lived annual herb that enjoys shade as Southern summer temperatures rise. The form is similar to parsley, and the leaves have a citrusy and slightly peppery flavor. Credit:Getty Images That’s not bad because the seeds, when dried, are commonly known ascoriander. Well suited forcooler growing zones, it does well in all soil types in partial shade....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 411 words · William Beck Jr.

9 Holiday Etiquette Tips All Southerners Should Know

To monogram or not to monogram? That is certainly not the case. Otherwise, it’s a bit, dare we say, tacky. Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Design: Kathleen Varner Nobody is interested in seeing your new iPad, diamond earrings, or Louis Vuitton bag. Holiday Party Invitation Etiquette Its a busy time of year. Hosts will understand if you have other commitments. Credit: Photo by Beth Dreiling Hontzas Whether youre confirming your presence or absence,verify to RSVPby the deadline....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 254 words · Lisa Chavez

9 Home Decor Items You Should Always Buy Secondhand

When to say no to new. Theres something about a housefilled with treasuresthat brings a little something extra. Minnesota-based interior designer Bria Hammel says to skip the upholstery if buying vintage. Credit:Getty Images Austin-based designer Laura Pankonien agrees. But what about thepieces that you should neverbuy new? Meet The Experts Getty Images Why Should You Buy Secondhand Decor? Credit:Getty Images/Massimo Ravera Antiques, generally, are 100-plus years old. Dont be afraid to negotiatemost antique stores are willing to meet you in the middle....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 352 words · Ashley Foster DDS

9 Home Decorating Trends We Hope Never Come Back

Wed be happy if these decor trends never saw the light of day again. Robert Peterson; Styling: Francis Bailey Home and fashion trends will always come and go. ten years down the road. Losing a side wall in the kitchen almost doubled its size, allowing much more wiggle room in the revamped space.Credit:Robert Peterson; Styling: Francis Bailey These are nine home decor styles we (and Southern designers) hope never come back around....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 232 words · Karen Wright

9 Home Design Choices That Decorators Would Never Put In Their Own Houses

Consider avoiding these particular faux pas. HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH For designers, home is more than just a retreat. Its a creative playground, a testing ground for new ideas, and a space to refine their aesthetic. Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH Its where they push boundaries, explore their passions, and perfect the details that define their style. But even the most daring designers agree: Some choices are simply designfaux pas....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 388 words · Nathaniel Vaughn

9 Home Trends Designers Can't Wait To Say Goodbye To In 2025

…and what theyre looking forward to in the coming year. “I think there is greater acceptance of varying design aesthetics these days, says St. Louis designerAmy Studebaker. Im relieved to see that the industry is recognizing that many trends will cycle through in a reinvented way. Credit:ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; STYLING: MATTHEW GLEASON; INTERIOR DESIGN: MICHELLE MENTZER It reduces the pressure many people feel when designing or decorating their home. Heres what other designers are saying of trends theyre ready to trash....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 230 words · Michael Coffey

9 Home Trends That We're Still Seeing Everywhere Since Summer, According To Designers

Get inspired by the latest interior design and decor ideas for summer 2024. Wondering what design styles will reign supreme this year? Bring on the brights and botanicals! Credit:LAUREY W. GLENN As for caning, my mind immediately goes to Dior Maison’s Rattan Cannage Provence trays and accessories!" This trend, which seamlessly integrates natural elements into interior spaces, is gaining traction. Ginger Curtis Matti Gresham Quiet Luxury Quiet luxury is truly a less is more, understated elegance....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 128 words · Tammy Martinez

9 Items You Should Actually Store In The Freezer, According To Chefs

Keep these foods and drinks on ice to preserve their freshness and flavor for months longer. This includes classic stone-groundSouthern gritsas well as whole grains like barley, farro, oats, and sorghum. (It can also keep the healthy fats in the germ of these grains from going rancid.) Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox At cool temperatures, the starch molecules in bread crystallize, leading to a stale texture more quickly. Store nuts in the freezer to prevent their oils from going rancid, Gangeri says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 287 words · Nathan Hudson

9 Items You Shouldn't Store In The Refrigerator Door, According To Pros

Plus, three things that are safe to store there. It also helps to keep the door closed as much as possible. With that in mind, certain foods should never be stored in the refrigerator door. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Molly Gordonis a chef and culinary expert in Charleston, South Carolina. Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox What Temperature Should Your Refrigerator Be? you could monitor your fridge’s temperature by using an appliance thermometer inside....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 324 words · Kimberly Miller MD

9 Living Room Layout Ideas We Love

Position your space for success with these smart moves. Instead, the pros advise beginning with the floor plan. Their unique silhouettes and different upholstery choices prevent it from feeling cloyingly matchy-matchy. Cooper chose a performance velvet for the 20-foot banquette. “It’s so big you don’t want to have to re-cover it,” she says. An equally sturdy fabric adorns the chairs in the breakfast nook where dogs Biggie and Ivy hold court....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 172 words · Angela Rodriguez

9 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Tomato Plants

When tomato plants are in season, you want the best fruits possible. Hoorayspringtime means it is finally time toplant tomatoes! You’ll thank us later. Credit: Robbie Caponetto Defer gratification now, and you’ll get lots more tomatoes later. As an option, pinch off any flowers or fruit before planting. Check for Insects Keep an eye out for whiteflies in particular. Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson, Infested plants are basically non-salvageable. Lightly brush the foliage of any new plant before you buy....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 327 words · Kevin Copeland