May 2020

Screen TIME

Armed with a paintbrush and a tireless DIY attitude, interior designer Amy Spearing turned her builder-grade back porch into a stylish indoor-outdoor room.

'Bushel and Berry Baby Cakes'

Life/ask ...

Q "How can I arrange my pantry so it stays organized even after grocery shopping?"

GREAT COVER-UPS

What do cooks, gardeners, and anyone who dives into messy projects have in common? The need for a functional, well-made apron. A few experts share their favorites.

Wood works

Bucking the trend in painted kitchen cabinets? We asked four experts for wall colors that will put your wood finish in the best possible light.

Good connections

Open-plan houses are great for family togetherness, but it takes a few decorating tricks to make a single space work for lounging, dining, and cooking.

IN GOOD TASTE

WHEN TWO RESTAURANT PROS APPLY THEIR EXPERTISE TO A HOME RENOVATION, BLENDING DAILY EFFICIENCY WITH STAY-AWHILE COMFORT IS THE SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE.

Take it outside

Ever notice how any activity seems more exciting under blue skies and sunshine? Enjoy the great outdoors with the whole family this summer by trying one-- or all-- of these budget-friendly, every-age adventures.

I did it!

A weekend Netflix binge inspired this plant-obsessed blogger to get off the couch and create an artsy display wall of greenery from a handful of wooden dowels.

Small & mighty

In her urban garden, a plant-lover makes every inch count through a balance of discipline and exuberance.

The dirt

Goodbye weeds! Pro tips to keep them from gaining ground

THE SPLENDOR OF DAHLIAS

TONI TIPTON-MARTIN

We can't resist a good story, and Toni Tipton-Martin's Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking is filled with them. We talked with the culinary journalist about the new book, her best-loved kitchen tools, and the power of storytelling.

Cats decoded

Oh, those mysterious felines. Their behaviors may seem curious, but there's almost always an explanation.

THE PEONY COLLECTOR

WITH 1,000 PLANTS AND COUNTING, THIS IOWA GARDENER SHARES WHAT SHE HAS LEARNED ABOUT CARING FOR THE MOST ROMANTIC OF FLOWERS.

EDIBLE WINDOW BOX

This summer fry a new kind of raised bed-- one that puts fresh ingredients right outside your window. Here's what you'll need.

Vases & flowers PERFECT PAIRS

How do you turn a bunch of supermarket flowers into an arrangement? It starts with choosing the right vase for your bouquet. A sprig of supplementary greenery here, a deceptively easy styling trick there, and you've got it. No florist required.

TO MOM, WITH LOVE

I'm always looking for a Mother's Day gift that's unexpected and particularly personal. I recently found an old snapshot of the home where we lived when I was a kid, and I'm having it turned into an art print from Minted for my mom.

First time's a charm

A renovation novice embraced what worked in her kitchen, reserving her budget for the switches, rehabs, and additions with major impact.

30-minute chicken dinners

DIY utensil wrap

THE SLOW LANE

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved grocery shopping. I don't understand why some people dislike it so much. They subscribe to a meal-plan kit or order their weekly shopping online --anything to avoid entering a store, Not me. Some days grocery shopping is almost like my meditation.

AMERICA'S BEST FRONT YARD

Win a vacation