May 2008

Between friends

May is the month when I'd like to be everywhere at once: a thousand miles away to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom, on campus with my daughter for spring recitals, in the garden splitting hostas, out with fellow staffers working on a Habitat for Humanity home.

JOIN OUR RECIPE CHALLENGE

Celebrate Spring with Fresh Inspiration from BHG.com!

Change of Vase

Change of Vase Beautiful blooms in a useful container make a gift that's pretty and practical-- just like Mom.

Best Case Scenario

Update your bedding instantly with pillowcases. Turn the page for more dreamy selections-- for as little as $22.

Apricot

Apricot colors hit the sweet spot. Sun-kissed and cheerful, they fill any room with warmth and light.

Fitting Room

Space-saving function and classic good looks reign in this 735-saqare-foot home.

Sunny Delight

Jump-start summer. This makeover lets a sparse porch bask in summery hues, using a mix of wicker standards and modern pieces plus affordable decorating tricks.

Double Space

One small room can function as two with a little planning and savvy storage pieces. Designer Stephen Saint-Onge turns an uninspiring space into a hardworking office by day and welcoming guest room by night.

FAST FACELIFTS

What's the quickest, easiest way to spark up a room? We asked designers around the country for their best tips.

Photo Ready

Pull your family photographs together into three easy, gallery-worthy displays.

1 Sun Country

Part of a master suite addition to an old home, this bathroom features classic designs-- from the sunlight-soaked freestanding tub to creams wainscoting-- that blend seamlessly with the original architecture.

2 Modern Classic

3 Refreshing Nature

A roomy glass-framed corner shower and a natural palette of materials transform a 5x5-foot bathroom into a relaxing spa retreat.

What's New for Baths

Check out these eight product trends for ways to add style and convenience.

Cool Savings

With summers trending hotter and budgets getting tighter, can you keep your cool? Here's how to reduce your home energy bills in the warm-weather months.

Clean Getaway

Mop up a disorderly cleaning supplies closet with a few easy additions.

Show Stopper

Pretty fabrics, smart storage, and inventive painting create a lovely bedroom for one special girl.

All-Summer-Color Garden

Hummingbird Butterfly Garden

True Blue

A gardener lets her favorite colors rule in a landscape of blue and white.

Pot Some Pizzazz

Follow these container recipes for high-impact garden looks that require less maintenance than flowerbeds.

Perfume in Bloom

A lilac expert shares his secrets for getting the most from these fragrant favorites.

SPRING FOR SUMMER BULBS

ANNUAL BEST BETS

Dial 811 before you start any digging project to have underground utility lines--such as phone, cable, or electricity--marked at no charge...

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

Border Bling

Just five easy-to-grow plants in this garden plan make a big splash in the landscape.

Every Last Drop

Creating a beautiful, water-wise garden is easier than you think. Just think in 3's.

Spirit of Cinco

On May 5th, the Rallo family celebrates their Mexican culture and heritage with a simple afternoon fiesta. Borrow their ideas for your own high-color, low-stress party.

Get a Handle On It

Whether you're hitting the streets or heading to the beach, tote along a tote that's functional and unforgettable.

Saving Time for the Soul

This busy single mom found the time to do the things that matter most by asking herself big questions.

Curb Spending, Find Cash

Looking to make a major purchase but not sure where to find the money? Our new columnist helps you uncover ways to save $500 to $2,000.

Open Invitation

A FLORIDA GRANDMOTHER OF SIX FINDS THAT THE BEST-LAID FLOOR PLANS ENTICE FREQUENT VISITS.

Home Stretch

THIS CAREFULLY CRAFTED 900-SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION PERFECTLY SUITS A FAMILY AT WORK OR PLAY.

Flowers Aflutter

A FAMILY'S LOVE OF NATURE TAKES FLIGHT IN A SUBURBAN BUTTERFLY GARDEN.

I Did It!

"I turned my garage-- and a lot of the stuff I was storing in it-- into a nice room."