June 2019

LOOK UP

As I write this, it's the first warm day of spring (we work three months in advance in the magazine business), and it's safe to say, this is finally the weekend you want to be outside all day. My Des Moines neighbors, who, like me, have been hibernating all winter, have come out of their houses to rake and clear up from the deep snow mounds and ice slicks that lingered in the shade until a couple of weeks ago. The kids next door reenact Minecraft (I think) with shrieks of battle and faux injury. There's the sound of a lawnmower-- even though I don't think the grass is high enough to cut-- and I'm truly beginning to feel the promise of summer.

IS YOUR YARD A WINNER?

Plant your plate

Hummingbird Garden

Win a mower

QUICK FIXES, BIG IMPACT

OBSESSED WITH JUICY FRUITS

Punchy, graphic, and a little bit nostalgic, these pieces reflect everything summer should be: sunny, playful, and-- especially in the case of melamine and paper plates-- carefree.

CANDY COMBOS

Take a cue from the local sweet shop and mix candy-inspired hues. To keep your room from looking like Willy Wonka's factory, pick only one or two colors to start, then add small doses of hues within each of those color families.

BRIGHT ideas

A tiny cottage in Southern California lives a lot larger thanks to a light and airy makeover that blends carefree boho style with glam-forward personality.

Mix MASTER

Like interior designer Alys Protzman herself, the porch on her North Carolina home is full of Southern charm. But it isn't defined by a single style: Global details and pieces from various eras come together for a blend that is easygoing and warm.

Oh, those Solar-powered SUMMER NIGHTS

DREAM schemes

If choosing an exterior paint scheme sounds like the theme of a scary movie, we're here to help you write a happy ending. Color pro Jennifer Oft shares seven no-fail combos with lasting appeal.

HIT THE DECK

A DIY blogger imagined so much more than the ordinary 10x10-foot deck that came with her family's home near Richmond, VA. With vision and lots of carpentry help from her handy husband, Aniko Levai created a split-level outdoor getaway that draws her family of four (and her neighbors) to the backyard for much of the summer.

Best FACE forward

In Charleston, window boxes are an art form in themselves. We asked local design pros for their tips.

I did it!

A couple who loves to travel poured their creative energy into revamping a camper, outfitting it with home-away-frorm-home amenities for special family vacations.

WE SAY TOMATO

IT'S PRIME TIME FOR SUMMER'S FAVORITE VEGETABLE (OR FRUIT, TO BE TECHNICAL). THE UPDATE ON WHAT TO KNOW AND HOW TO GROW.

FINDING WABI-SABI

Beauty in imperfection. Everything gets better with age. Appreciation for simplicity and the things you already have. Sound refreshing? This Japanese way of living comes with full permission to be flawed.

Modern OASIS

A mix of clean lines and an exuberant approach to planting are the path to tranquility in this Portland, OR, backyard.

Swimsuits & SANGRIA

Big-batch drinks, make-ahead snacks, and tropical decor set the scene for a summer party that's about as stressful to throw as sipping sangria on the patio.

The RIPPLE EFFECT

Jessica Swaney has always been a collector at heart, but it was her years as a home-goods buyer that taught her the power of one-of-a-kind treasures. In her Raleigh, NC, home, each room started with one standout find and evolved from there.

NEW ROMANTIC

FLOWERS CLIMB THE FENCES, SPILL ONTO PATHS, AND SCENT THE AIR. THIS FRESH TAKE ON A COTTAGE GARDEN HOLDS (ALMOST) NOTHING BACK.

Rest & refresh

What's keeping you up at night? We help you tackle some of the most common sleep problems so you your partner, and your kids all wake up on the right side of the bed.

LET'S EXERCISE

Working in activity every day is key to keeping your furry family members fit and healthy. We've got ideas for everyone to bust a move.

1940 CUTTING GARDENS

From asters to zinnias, homegrown flowers boost both beds and bouquets.