June 2008

Between friends

Right now, I'm the proud guardian of almost 500 mail bins filled with entries to our 2008 Home Improvement Challenge. And because I'm a judge, I'm not allowed to take even the smallest peek at a single one until the official judging a few weeks from now.

THREE WAYS TO ENJOY SUMMER

We'd love to know...

Make the most of summer with Sizzling ideas from BHG.com!

Ship Shape

These easy, thrifty ideas go a nautical mile toward breezy summer style.

Table for Three?

STYLEMAKER

WHERE Uptown Country, Dallas. BACKGROUND Owner Jenny Grumbles sells one-of-a-kind creations she makes with her mother, Fran Holley.

ALL ABOUT COLOR

Yellow is the eternal optimist, whether it's playing the vibrant attention-getting star of a room or the warm and welcoming supporting role.

Open Country

Attention to detail and pared-down decor give this house a sophisticated farmhouse feel.

Over Easy

This dated breakfast room desperately needed a wake-up call. Enter contributing editor Stephen Saint-Onge, who pumped up the color and the furniture for more energy and function.

Summer Breeze

A few touches of ocean blue and natural texture ease summer comfort into your rooms.

Hidden Assets

Save space with a well-placed washer and dryer that tuck away until laundry day.

Shift Change

Strategically moving the sink and fridge allows a tired kitchen to become a top performer.

Natural Blend

The latest kitchen components make it easy to go green in style. We proved it with the mix of materials featured in our traveling Living Green home exhibit.

Point of View

Good design, simple materials, and tried-and-true plants come together in a family-friendly yard with great eye appeal.

Nature Study

In need of more living space, a family adds a room-- in their garden.

Shady Characters

The fancy foliage of caladiums brings glowing color to shade gardens all summer long.

Curb Appeal

A cottage garden overflows with color from parking strip to porch.

TRUE BLUE

THE KNEES HAVE IT

HOT POT

MIX, MATCH, BUY

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

INSTANT BUCKET

FOLIAGE FOUNTAIN

Coneflower Power

Constant Color

Fired Up!

Summer is here! Time to get out of the kitchen and onto the patio. Use these tips to find a hot new grill that's right for you-- plus a super-stocked rolling prep station.

Daring Do

Remember that I'll-try-anything spirit you had as a girl? It's still there, waiting to be set free.

Shore Thing

SPLASHES OF BRIGHT COLOR, LIVELY SEASIDE PRINTS, AND PRACTICAL MATERIALS PUT A BEACH-LOVING FAMILY AT EASE.

English Accent

OVERFLOWING, FLOWERY BORDERS COMPLETE THE PICTURE OF AN ENGLISH COTTAGE.

It Pays to Go Green

15 ways an Austin, Texas, family saves money, time, and energy in a new house that's environmentally friendly inside and out.

Shirt & Sweet

On the Same Page

Families are closer-- and safer-- when parents understand the online world their kids live in.

Play It Safe

Cool clothes and gear to outfit your kids for a fun, protected summer.

I Did It!