Advice Archive | August 2023 | Homes and Gardens

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August 31st
- 6 places you didn't know you needed a mirror in your home – for a bigger, brighter, better space
- I live in a broken-plan apartment – these are all the open-plan layouts I have tried and regretted
- How to pick dinnerware to match any occasion – three features to focus on
- When to cut back Shasta daisies – for healthy plants and plenty of flowers
- I grew these edible tubers for chefs – here is my tip for when to harvest Jerusalem artichokes
- 5 colors you should never paint a small living room – designers warn us to steer clear of these 'shrinking' hues
August 30th
- How to clean up after a dinner party – 7 swift steps to restore order
- 5 reasons why stamped concrete is the must-have modern material that your home desires
- Should a rug be darker than the flooring? Interior designers decide on what looks best
- How to choose a tablecloth – expert tips for acing the size, color, and material
- How to host a dinner party if you don’t have a dining room
- When to fertilize fruit trees to ensure you have healthy plants and bumper crops
- Best flowers to sow in the fall – 16 beautiful blooms to start now for a spectacular display
August 29th
- How to dry waterlogged items – 7 quick tips to save belongings after flooding
- Items you should never store in a kitchen drawer – according to home organizing pros
- When should I prune lavender? The experts share their timing tips
- Colors that go with yellow – 7 perfect partners for the sunniest of shades
- How interior designers organize laundry rooms
August 28th
- When to cut back coneflowers for thriving blooms – is it better to do it in late fall or early spring?
- 5 quick and easy DIY garden watering system ideas to make by repurposing everyday household items
- Should kitchen islands be darker than cabinets? Design experts answer the debate
- How to make a laundry room quieter – tips and tricks from the experts
- Is it good luck to catch leaves? Spiritualists say it is the best way to start fall
- Designer Profile: Fettle
- 5 'quiet luxury' bathrooms that look expensive, timeless, and anything but boring
August 27th
- When to prune fruit trees? Experts reveal the best timings for healthy growth
- When to harvest winter squash – and store them properly for months of produce
- What colors go with navy blue? 7 combinations with this timeless shade
- Fall tree care – 5 expert tips for preparing backyard trees for winter
- How to clean a carpet without a machine – 5 quick methods for a thorough refresh
- When to cut back bleeding hearts – prepare shade-loving dicentra for winter
August 26th
- What is a gel mattress? Your expert guide
- When to transplant peonies – what is the best time to move these precious plants?
- 11 dream kitchen upgrades homeowners always come to regret, according to experts
- Should you ever replace doors with curtains? I say yes, and asked designers when to make the switch
- 6 area rug mistakes to avoid – and expert advice on how to get them just right
- Colors that go with orange – 7 perfect matches for this bold bright
- How to stop glassware from scratching – 5 methods to keep glasses crystal clear
- 5 signs you're sleeping on a bad mattress − how to spot the red flags
- 5 colors to decorate with if you're over 'quiet luxury' but still want your home to look rich
August 25th
- When to harvest pears – expert advice on spotting signs of readiness, not ripeness
- 5 common gallery wall mistakes designers warn to always avoid – to create the chicest of displays
- How to style a dining table when not in use – 6 designer solutions to fill space
- 10 ways to organize a kid’s room – so it stays neat and tidy
- How to propagate coleus – tips to grow new plants from cuttings or seed
- What colors go with beige? 6 color combinations designers always turn to for this warming neutral
August 24th
- How to get rid of boxelder bugs from your home
- 5 small entryway layout mistakes to avoid at all costs, according to interior designers
- 8 kid’s bedroom storage ideas – to tame toys, clothes, books and more
- How I choose the right stone for every project – and how it inspires my interior design
- How to propagate hoya – for more of these flowering houseplants
- How to harvest coriander seeds – to use in cooking, or to sow for new plants in your garden
- Where to put a dining table if you don’t have a dining room – interior designers share their thoughts
August 23rd
- What is replacing carpet? 5 more on-trend ways to cover your floors
- How to organize glassware – to make hosting smooth sailing
- Can Halloween pumpkins be eaten? The lowdown on consuming these fruits
- How to store flatware – 4 solutions to stop scratches
- Why are my hostas turning yellow? The reasons and solutions explained
August 22nd
- How to organize necklaces – 7 stylish storage options to prevent tangling
- Should you buy a vintage coffee grinder? Tips from antique dealers
- How to prune avocado trees – top tips for healthy houseplants
- When and how to pick a pineapple – 3 signs that show the ‘test of patience’ may be over
- 5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators
August 21st
- A chocolatier's advice on how to make the perfect mocha
- Designer Profile: David Samuel Ko
- Cleaning non-negotiables – the three tasks I do every day to prevent overwhelm
- 'As an interior designer, these are the 6 tricks I use for designing for children'
- Designer Profile: Gideon Mendelson
- 6 fig growing mistakes to avoid for sweet and squishy fruit perfection
- 5 entryway color schemes that will make you feel happier at home in an instant
- Does lavender attract wealth? This fragrant plant could be the secret to prosperity, say Feng Shui experts
August 20th
- How to choose chair upholstery – a fabric expert guides us through the options
- How to declutter a home office – 9 rules organizing experts swear by
- The color game – and how I balance a home’s façade and interior decor with nature
- Which house plants reduce stress? These 8 will relieve anxiety and help you relax, say experts
- 5 questions to ask yourself when organizing your home, according to pros
- How to clean when feeling overwhelmed – 11 ways to spruce up your space without the stress
- Will a backyard pool add value to your home? The experts weigh in
August 19th
- How to organize an attic when you downsize – tips and tricks from the experts
- When to cut back calla lilies – 3 signs for healthier, longer-lasting blooms
- How to organize a small guest room – to keep it functional and spacious
- How to store glassware – 8 aesthetic and practical storage options to keep glasses scratch-free
- Should your medicine cabinet be in the bathroom or kitchen?
- Harvesting summer squash – how and when to pick for the best crop
- 5 underbed organizing mistakes –according to professional home organizers
- How to kill yellow jackets – expert advice on banishing stinging insects
August 18th
- You're probably burning your candles wrong – here’s how to fix the 11 most common mistakes
- Should I deadhead yarrow? Gardening experts share their knowhow for more blooms
- What is meadowscaping? And why this 'new' garden trend is so valuable
- What to do with candles in a heatwave – expert advice to stop them melting
- What is the best time of year to declutter? Professional organizers' favorite season for a sort out
- How to combine a home office and guest room – for a multi-functional hosting space
August 17th
- How to organize toys in a small living room – to maintain a fun, functional and fabulous space
- What is the difference between decluttering, tidying, and organizing? And which does your home need most?
- Nursery storage ideas – 9 ways to create a calm and clutter-free space
- How to organize a bar cart – 7 steps for an efficient, tidy and aesthetically pleasing drinks' trolley
- How to clean high gloss cabinets to make them shine – and 4 ways to prevent smears and marks
- Does an inset kitchen add value to your home? Experts give the facts
- How to deadhead marigolds – in 3 easy steps
August 16th
- 6 things making your living room look cluttered, according to pro organizers
- Candle care guide: expert tips for longer-lasting candles
- 5 kitchen countertops that never go out of style – timeless choices to suit any homeowner
- How to get rid of musty basement smells – 6 ways to combat odors and their causes
- How to keep lupines blooming – simple ways to encourage extra flowers
- How to prune red hot pokers – according to gardening experts
- What color curtains make a room look cozier? Interior designers have their say
August 15th
- 6 kitchen flooring design tips to make your room look bigger
- 6 things that made my new rented apartment feel more homey
- Does rosemary repel mosquitoes? This culinary delight is full of surprises
- How to harvest peony seeds – and sow new plants for your garden
- How to propagate rhododendron – expert ways to cultivate new plants
- How can I make a sunroom look expensive? 5 luxury upgrades to increase value and style
August 14th
- How to overcome decision fatigue – decluttering tricks to make everyday life less exhausting
- How to remove limescale from taps – 3 expert methods for gleaming faucets
- Why you should try the ‘hunter' method for tackling household chores
- 3 ways my organizing style has changed through the years
- 5 things I did to transform my pantry – from chaotic mess to organized haven
- Best coneflower varieties – 15 pretty echinaceas for versatile daisy planting
- What colors make a room feel unhappy? Experts say these 5 colors are ruining your mood and harming your health
- How to propagate polka dot plants
August 13th
- Designer Profile: Chloé Nègre
- 11 small living room design rules – I use these to enhance tight spaces
- Designer profile: Ashley DeLapp
- 5 entryway organizing mistakes making your home less warm and inviting for guests
- Are inset kitchens more expensive? Kitchen planners explain the ins and outs
- Outdated kitchen color trends – 5 colors to avoid in 2025, and what to use instead
- Do backyard pools need to be fenced? The experts weigh in
- How to grow and care for oxalis – expert tips for false shamrocks
- When and how to fertilize pumpkins – expert tips for growing bigger and brighter crops
- How to propagate bougainvillea – 2 expert methods to try
- Why are my cucumbers turning yellow? 7 reasons fruits are the wrong color and how to fix it
August 12th
- 5 guest room storage mistakes making the room less warm and inviting
- How to propagate lucky bamboo – grow new plants for your home
- The best curtain color to make a small room look bigger – according to interior designers
- 7 ways you might be over-cleaning your home – according to the experts
- 5 entryway mistakes we all make – and how designers suggest we avoid them
- How to organize a kitchen with too much stuff – 10 ways to achieve a clutter-free cooking space
- How to create a wildflower front yard – 5 steps for a vibrant and eco-friendly entrance
- 10 of the best plants to cover a shed – inspirational ideas to make planting (not timber) the focus of attention
- (redirected) How to design a coffee station – in 5 easy steps from kitchen experts
August 11th
- The dinnerware color mistake entertaining experts say we should avoid making
- Designer Profile: Nicole Hirsch
- Designer Profile: Megan Evans
- 5 living room layout mistakes – and how we should be doing it, according to interior designers
- 9 ways to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning – revealed by experts
- 5 mistakes to avoid when organizing a bathroom cabinet – experts have these warnings
- Hoya plant care – and how to grow this pretty house plant
- Wood paneled walls can upgrade the soul of any space – these are my 3 steps to specifying them successfully
- How to grow honeydew melons from seed – for a great crop
August 10th
- 6 simple furniture ideas that make your home look more expensive – and stylish
- Why you should try the 12-12-12 decluttering method
- Awkward bathroom shapes – 7 expert solutions and ideas for odd layouts
- 5 ways I design a minimalist bathroom – that's beautiful and never bland
- Feng Shui specialists reveal which fragrances will boost your home's 'chi' and happiness
- Pelargonium cuttings – how to propagate bedding geraniums
- 5 places organizers declutter daily – and why you should too
- How to grow thyme indoors – expert tips for flourishing herbs in a sunny window
- How many colors should you have in a home? Designers reveal how to choose the optimum color scheme
- How to harvest coneflower seeds – for more fabulous flowers next year
August 9th
- Designer Profile: Katherine Mendez at ODA
- What is an orthopedic mattress? Your expert guide
- 3 ways I style with natural materials in a home – and how it can create a restful mood
- Why are my hydrangeas wilting? The answers and the solutions from the experts
- How to declutter a pantry – 3 steps for a sleek and organized food storage space
- Do coffee grounds keep bugs away? Experts have the answers
- Are olive trees drought-tolerant? Experts reveal the resilience of olives – and how to have the best watering regime
- How to propagate lupines – expert advice on making new plants
August 8th
- Should your living room and kitchen style match? Designers weigh in on whether cohesive or contrasting is best
- When to pick cayenne peppers – experts explain the signs that tell you they're ripe
- How to propagate string of turtles – for more of these popular, trailing houseplants
- 6 colors that will transform your bathroom into a happier space
- 8 items you shouldn't store in your closet, according to pro organizers
- The 3 lessons I've learned about layering pattern on pattern – and how you can do it yourself
- How to make an uncomfortable mattress more comfy – 6 tips from a mattress tester
- How to deadhead phlox – for neater plants and an extra flush of flowers
- Best climbing plants for arches – 10 easy ideas to help you create a beautiful garden feature
- When and how to harvest leeks – for a long crop of perfect stems
- Deadheading lupines – why to do it and the technique to use
August 7th
- Things people with nice-smelling family rooms do – 4 tips that every host should know
- An interiors therapist shares the 5 steps to take so you never have to do a 'big declutter' again
- Should your kitchen cabinet color match your wall color? Interior designers weigh in
- 6 vegetable harvesting mistakes to avoid if you want the yummiest yields
- How to clean a dining room – the 5 simple steps to follow, according to cleaners
- How to grow rudbeckia – tips for endless summer to fall flowers
- Why are my pumpkin leaves turning yellow? The usual suspects and how to fix the common problem
August 6th
- How to deadhead lantana – to extend blooming and stop plants spreading
- Living room furniture arranging mistakes – 7 ways to avoid bad layouts in the main room
- How to harvest Swiss chard – this two-way cropping method will keep the leaves coming
- How to clean a pool filter – top tips for cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth designs
- When to harvest gourds to make attractive ornaments
- 5 things people with nice-smelling dorms always do – an ex-student speaks
- 6 entryway paint colors going out of style for 2024 – and the shades to use instead
August 5th
- How to make a living room lighter – an interior designer's 10 tips for a creating brighter space
- Why is my philodendron turning yellow? The causes and how to put a stop to it
- 10 minimalist decor ideas – learn how to embrace minimalism while still having a home filled with character
- 5 best colors to paint a small bedroom – and a few of them will surprise you, but experts agree
- 6 things people with nice-smelling laundry rooms always do
- How to grow and care for a magnolia tree – an expert guide
- When to cut new grass – experts explain the timings that boost growth
- Why is my deck paint peeling? Experts pinpoint the problems – and the solutions
- Sofa arranging mistakes – 7 layouts that are not creating a relaxing environment in your living room
- How to grow chives – enjoy success with these multipurpose herbs both outdoors and indoors
- How to remove limescale from shower glass
August 4th
- How to make a bedroom darker – 8 ways to invite the dark side into your boudoir
- When to fertilize Bermuda grass – pro advice for a healthy lawn
- Experts say these 6 products will get rid of dog odor in your house
- 8 things people with nice-smelling mudrooms always do
- 5 outdated bedroom storage trends that designers say you should ditch – and what to use instead
- 10 space-enhancing small bedroom decor rules I always use – to maximize decor and character
- Why are my money tree leaves turning yellow? Experts share the explanations and the cures
- We asked a kitchen designer 5 questions about designing a bold colored kitchen – this is what he advises
August 3rd
- How to propagate a money tree – expert advice on growing new plants
- Should I use handles or knobs on kitchen cabinets?
- Small living room layout rules – 8 things to consider that experts swear by
- How to grow dill from cuttings – 4 simple but unconventional steps from experts
- How often should you clean your oven? Cleaning experts offer this advice
- Can you fit an island into a galley kitchen? Interior design experts share their advice
- How to prune weigela – top gardening tips to get it right
- How often should you clean your washing machine?
- 7 things people with nice-smelling entryways always do
- Why are my squash leaves turning yellow? 5 reasons your plants could be showing signs of stress or damage
- 7 signs it’s time to declutter your home – here's how the experts get it right
August 2nd
- Decluttering experts swear by the 'move out' method – I've tried it and it really works
- Why can’t I buy incandescent bulbs?
- Is it time to switch your coffee to matcha? Dieticians on the matcha vs coffee debate
- How to deadhead Shasta daisies – to keep these cheerful perennials blooming for longer
- Harvesting lemon cucumbers – when and how to pick this fresh-tasting fruit
- What are the best bathroom color combinations? 5 designer-approved pairings to try
- How to propagate aloe – for more of these stunning succulents
- Dahlia pests – the best natural solutions as recommended by experts
- 8 things people with nice-smelling kitchens always do – according to professional cleaners
August 1st
- Why are my geranium leaves turning yellow? Reasons and expert remedies
- How to propagate a ZZ plant – 3 easy ways to grow 'plant pups' at no extra cost
- These are the 7 most calming entryway colors – to create a serene welcome to your home
- Why is my cactus turning brown? The reasons explained – and ways to avoid it from happening
- Why are my impatiens leaves turning yellow? The answer – plus ways to keep them healthy
- How to clean gravel – simple steps to smarten up driveways and yards
- What color is replacing Gen Z yellow? Trend forecasters make their predictions
- Why is my fern turning brown? 6 reasons fronds show distress and how to fix them