February 2012

Winter awakenings

Surprisingly, the long, cold weeks of late winter are often when I do the best thinking about my home. The holiday season has a way of helping me see it in a new light: the way everyone hangs out in the tiny den with the big chairs; the guest room that's a touch too spare; the power of a single orchid to breathe life into a room. Post-holidays, when things get back to a normal pace, those observations have a way of turning into inspirations, and then projects.

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What do you do when one of your rooms needs a quick refresh?

I just got the November issue, and it's time to renew my subscription. As with many others, we have been making deep cuts in our budget. I realized as I curled up with this wonderful issue and a cup of tea how much I love this magazine!

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More ideas from BHG.com!

Test colors before you paint-- without picking up a paintbrush! Our new tool will help you find the perfect shade for your walls. This tool does it all: Get color tips from our editors, share with your friends on Facebook, and get ideas from other BHG.com readers.

Brrrr-ing it on!

Wintry mixers

Sure it's chilly, but why hibernate when there are so many great ways to "wintertain"? (That's right, we're not afraid to coin a phrase.) Try these ideas for your next big indoor get-together.

Hold the phone!

Dial up another "there's-an-app-for-that" moment. You might be surprised by what you can control with a tap on your touch pad.

Sweet Somethings

New takes on goodies, cards, and flowers will melt a few hearts this Valentine's Day.

In Real Life

Years of inspiration collected from magazines lead to a decisive update of this contemporary home.

Aquamarine

If blue is your signature hue, may we suggest a new take? A hint of green is of-the-moment, yet completely livable.

Character Development

Love this bedroom's sunny disposition? Let it show you 10 ways to pack a room with personality.

Making It Personal

A few easy changes and one-of-a-kind finds go a long way toward making a suburban house a charming home.

Stock Exchange

Out with the dull, in with the renewed. See how to trade up from a standard-fare kitchen with a few easy change-outs.

Kitchen Cover-Up

It's a manageable do-it-yourself project if you're patient. Be sure to allow enough time to complete a series of steps (clean, sand, degloss, prime, and paint). And let the primer and paint dry fully between coats. Expect to spend 3 to 7 days painting a medium-size kitchen. Here's how to make sure you get the best results.

A Shade Brighter

Bulbs and early perennials bring a burst of color before the greens of summer take hold.

Singular Sensations

Catch the first breath of spring with pots of early perennials and bulbs.

Shear Genius

for shade and fruit trees, and for most summer-blooming trees and shrubs. Structural flaws are more visible when branches are bare. Plus, dormant pruning is healthy-- pests and diseases aren't around to cause trouble.

3 Early-Bird Blooms

These flowers are the first to say so long to winter.

WELCOME WILDLIFE

Win a garden room!

Blushing jewel

Heat your feet

Pooch kicks

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Northern rites

Steer clear

Fan fare

February Favorites

Gadgets, tools, and accessories recommended by our experts.

Word Play

Creative labeling turns everyday treats into Valentine's Day delights perfect for sharing at school or work.

I Did It!