The Spruce Ideas, Tips & Guides

As trends often go, what’s old is new again, and the garden is no exception. Romantic and whimsical gardens are back in style, along with many classic blooms like roses, hydrangeas, and 2024’s “it” flower—the peony. 

As the spring and summer sun arrives, it’s easy to dream of the fun you’ll have in your yard, from the barbecues and the cookouts to the cozy cocktail parties on the patio. But where there’s warmth, one very unpleasant and uninvited guest often swarms: mosquitos. 

If you’re looking to update the flooring in your home—whether with a simple area rug or a full swath of hardwood or ceramic tile—don’t do so without first reviewing the potential missteps that may seem minor but can set back a flooring project or even larger home improvement goals if overlooked.

Instead of filling your medicine cabinet to the brim, think about the types of bathroom items that you can house under the sink instead to save some space. While not everything belongs under the sink, there are many products that you can safely store there, experts say.

Whether you're planting blooms for bouquets or fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy this summer, one thing is certain: you won't be the only one interested in what's growing. Garden pests will like the look of your new plants just as much as you do.

Recently, I realized our outdoor area leaves much to be desired. We live in a city, which means we’re lucky to have any outdoor space at all, but as far as urban balconies go, it’s pretty bare bones in the character department. 

Want to show a little love to your local bees with an easy-care lawn? You don’t have to keep bees to create an environment that helps them thrive. Bee lawns are a great way to improve the look and care of your yard while also helping bees.

When you think about white kitchen appliances, chances are you’re transported back to the kitchens of the 1990s. If you’re picturing outdated kitchens with yellowing fridges, you aren’t alone. But it’s 2024 and white kitchen appliances are back with a completely new look that’s so chic—yes, really!

It's that time of year when we're summer dreaming, especially about our summer gardens. Choosing which starters and seeds to invest in can be a bit overwhelming, no matter how seasoned you are at it.

Even if your vacuum cleaner has served you well for many years, all appliances have an expiration date and aren't meant to last forever. So how do you know for sure that yours is on its last leg?

As much as we love a beautiful garden full of lush greenery, it’s hard to deny that starting a garden and buying plants can start adding up in price.

If you don't have a green thumb, are in an environment that’s hard on plants, or are just tired of gardening, you might want to look into a garden that isn’t alive at all. Rock gardens are trending (especially in hot, desert planting zones) as a way to design your garden with little or no greenery required. 

There are certain points of contention in interior design: maximalist or minimalist, vintage or new, carpet or hardwood floors? Another question that seems to garner polarizing opinions: if headboards are really needed in the bedroom.

Once you’ve planted your grass and watched it grow into a beautiful lawn (such a proud moment) the next step is figuring out the best way to maintain your lawn. Watering is a key component of this, which means lawn watering mistakes are also one of the most common headaches.

Up until this year, my backyard was all about function. But as summer approaches and our garden comes to life, the need to decorate outdoors and make our patio a more welcoming place to spend every sunny day has begun to blossom.

Not everyone has the fortune of living in their ultimate dream home the first time around, and even if they do, their tastes and needs may change over time. So, it’s more likely that homeowners will find elements and spaces in and around the house that they feel can be improved and updated.

Appliances tend to be the last thing we think about when we’re cleaning our home, but that also means they end up collecting the most dirt, dust, and grime—all as we continue to cook with them.

Let's face it: even if you're totally on top of your regular laundry schedule, you may not be taking the time to wash items that go beyond the basic essentials, which generally include sheets, clothing, dish towels, and the like.

ICYMI, sustainability is in this year, and unsustainable gardening practices are out. Not only are sustainable gardening practices more eco-friendly, but they are also more affordable and result in a low-maintenance and ecologically balanced landscape.

Towels are a household item that certainly get plenty of use each and every day, and with that, you may be wondering if it's time to replace your set of go-tos.

Small bathrooms don’t have to pose a design dilemma. Although they may be short on space, a small bathroom can encourage you to get extra creative, flexing style and function in interesting new ways.

We’re always excited to learn about trendy gardening styles and techniques, and recently, one piqued my interest. With a name like “chaos gardening,” how can you not be instantly curious?

If you're looking to fake a clean home in a short amount of time because you have guests coming over soon—look no further.

Renovating your home is a rollercoaster—between deciding where to splurge and where to save, remembering every project that needs doing, and picking a room to start with, there are so many factors to consider.

When tackling a major organization project like a bedroom clean out, it can be tempting to immediately part ways with anything that you don't anticipate you'll use again. You may feel compelled to do so to free up space as you continue to sort and feel as though you're making some tangible progress in the space.

The exterior facade of your home is what truly makes its first impression. Homes are often set in the same cookie-cutter designs and palettes, so it’s easy to ignore the exterior and jump straight to the inner walls of your abode.

I've lived in my rental apartment for three years, and a few months ago, I finally received my landlord's permission to decorate.

I'm that person—the one who has no problem giving the silent treatment to the stack of dishes piling up in my sink. Cold, globby textures and grimy water gross me out to no end, so any tool out there that can speed up the process and get it over with is a win in my eyes.

As the warm weather season approaches, we asked professional gardeners and landscapers to weigh in with their insights regarding the hottest landscaping looks of the year. From creating shade gardens to mixing in darker foliage, these trends will elevate your outdoor space.

Out of all the rooms in a home, a kitchen can be one of the hardest to declutter. Since kitchens are the hubs of most homes, it’s easy for clutter to accumulate over time.

Aside from the dryer itself, dryer sheets make doing laundry that much easier—they are basically liquid fabric softeners in sheet form. Both add softness, remove static, and imbue your dry clothes with a hint of fragrance.

If you’ve ever laid mulch only to watch it wash away mere days later, then you know the deep frustration it causes.

It's no secret that lighting can make or break a room, and one of our favorite ambient lighting options is wall sconces, especially for bedrooms—any bedroom with a bed flanked by two beautiful wall lights is instantly elevated from drab to fab.

Spring brings with it plenty of joy and growth: blooming flowers, blossoming buds, and happy, vibrant green leaves sprouting from previously bare trees. But it also brings with it a battle, one we often face with stubborn weeds that seem to sprout up overnight, invading our gardens, sidewalks, and driveways. They can be difficult to prevent, seemingly impossible to keep, and challenging to keep at bay.

Mother's Day is just around the corner and it's time to show your mom just how much you appreciate her. If gift-giving isn't your strong suit, you're not alone—moms can be really hard to shop for. How can you convey all the love you have for her in a simple gift? Every year I find myself scratching my head at what to get my mother, and I'm constantly in competition with myself and my siblings.

As spring and summer approach, bringing the outside in through our home decor starts to feel very appealing. And as we've been filling our homes with floral bouquets and scrolling for the perfect seasonal pieces of home decor, a certain shell-like motif keeps popping up.