October 2020

CLEAN SWEEP

I've always been more a fan of fall cleaning rather than the traditional spring version. After a busy summer of traveling and a hectic schedule of social events outdoors, I liked the idea of going back inside for the cozy holiday season with a clean house. That was before. This year things are different. I spent this past summer much closer to home, with less socializing and general running around.

Pumpkin-picking tricks

Heirloom Fragrant Peony Trio

HEARTY FALL DINNERS

Win $25,000

FRIGHT NIGHT

Dust off the cauldron and tune up your broom. This month, we're adding a playfully spooky touch to our Halloween decorations and treats.

WELL-KEPT

TAKING UP A NEW HOBBY

In this month's Book Club, our editors dive into books that inspire us to pick up a new skill, including basket weaving, fermenting, and ikebana flower arranging.

SPICE TONES

Just as warming spices like paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric enhance the flavor of a dish, their corresponding colors dial up the coziness of a room. Remember, color looks stronger on walls than it does on paint chips, so choose the intensity based on how much light your room gets.

Ghostly glow

Your house will be the talk of the block when you conjure up a spooky scene for Halloween night All it takes are a few DIY tricks.

Kitchen evolution

Time definitely changes things. One do-it-yourselfer has the kitchen to prove it. A major remodel checked all the boxes for years until she realized the kitchen wasn't "her" anymore. Solution: a style facelift. What she kept may surprise you.

The great kitchen cleanup

Your top-to-bottom, inside-out, behind-the-refrigerator-and-all checklist to get your kitchen ready for its busy season.

HEIRLOOM PEONIES

Suite smarts

Designer Jennifer Stagg revamped the bathroom in her 1970 home with calming colors, a spacious tub, and materials that look splurgy but save big-time.

I did it!

In this bedroom, a multipurpose half-wall never sleeps. It's a decorative backdrop, mounting spot for sconces, and display area all in one.

ALLIUMS

Plant these perennials now, and you'll be rewarded with a pretty parade of flowers from next spring through summer.

The long game

INSTALL WINDOWS HERE. KNOCK DOWN A WALL THERE. THIS MINNEAPOLIS COUPLE SHOWS THAT THOUGH IT TAKES PATIENCE TO LET A PROJECT UNFOLD, THE END RESULT FEELS RIGHT AT HOME.

PAINTERLY PUMPKINS

PUT DOWN THE CARVING KNIFE. WE'RE USING PAINTBRUSHES, STRAWS, AND A LITTLE ELECTRICAL TAPE TO DECORATE THIS YEAR'S CROP.

ZONED FOR FUN

A Southern California family stretches the limits of their small front yard, designing spaces to relax, gather, and play.

Let's be FRIENDS

Careful introductions are key to peaceful pet relationships. Following these strategies will help limit the amount of fur that flies.

RON FINLEY

TRANSFORMING URBAN PARKWAYS INTO NOURISHING LANDSCAPES WITH STRAIGHT-TALK ADVICE.