August 2008

Between friends

from time to time, people ask me how we find all the inspiring homes and gardens we feature each month. The answer is that we go looking for them, with the help of more than 50 field editors across the country.

Beat the heat with cool ideas from BHG.com!

Postcard from New Orleans

Refresher Course

Refresher Course Chill out this summer with a no-fuss porch party where cool rules the decor.

On a Roll

On a Roll Tea carts that move from room to outdoor room serve up style with ease.

STYLEMAKER

Anna Maria Horner's playful lifestyle weaves its way into her vibrant fabric designs (and her popular blog). The active mother of five kicks it into overdrive this fall with her book Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing, out in October; a new fabric collection and sewing patterns; plus holiday additions to her needlepoint pillows and hand-hooked rugs.

Denim blues

Denim blues are easy, comfortable colors to live with, just like your favorite pair of jeans.

Northern Light

Simple upgrades brighten a dated Minnesota bungalow.

Working Class

For designer Michele Hughes Hayes, going to work means commuting down the hall to her most-loved room.

No Small Task

This compact kitchen is also a dining room, laundry center, and-- thanks to floating shelves-- a showcase for vintage pottery.

Portion Control

End the cold war with your jam-packed fridge by enlisting these sorting strategies.

A New Order

Disorganized "stuff" made this living room worthy of only a walkthrough. Contributing editor Stephen Saint-Onge pared it down and redecorated to make it cozy-- on a budget.

Recycle, Reimagine

Budget-minded design brings bold looks to a modest backyard.

Level Best

Sometimes the way to deal with a steep hill is to remove it.

SMART SOAKER

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

OPEN UP

SUPER TOOL

FULL BLAST

Cilantro lovers must wait for cooler weather to sow seeds for a fall crop...

Shadow Partners

Eye-catching plant combos take this shade garden from boring to beautiful.

10 Ways to Dress Down

Why not live in a living room-- really live, the kick-off-your-shoes kind of living

Refresh-mint

refresh-mint GROW A FRUITY OR SPICY TWIST ON THE WORLD'S FAVORITE FLAVOR-- MINT.

All formality aside

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET IN THIS RELAXED FAMILY HOME WHERE EVERY ROOM IS MEANT TO BE USED-- AND IS-- BY EVERYONE, EVERY DAY.

Forever Young

The fountain of youth is a way of living, not a secret place of legend.

Sweet Send-Offs

Send your kids off to college with hugs, and avoid those going-away fights.

I Did It!