September 2020

HOME BASE

What does the umpire say when a player slides successfully into home plate@f0 Safe. That's the way I've been feeling these days as I open the front door and drop my keys on the entry table. It's not because I'm terrified of leaving my house since the lockdown. I'm writing this in early July, and at this point I'm fairly used to bobbing and weaving down the sidewalk, washing my hands, and wearing masks.

PROJECT JOY BH&G

Heirloom Fragrant Peony Trio

Win $25,000

STRESS-FREE HOME

DIY Concrete Fire Bowl

GROWN-UP RAINBOWS

MADE IN THE SHADE

We gave five designers and makers a white linen lampshade and asked them to transform if in their signature style. The catch: Use only materials they had on hand.

UPGRADE THE EVERYDAY

I've always used my "fancy" dishes, even for my morning toast, above. And now that we've all been at home more than ever, it seems especially true that this is the time to enjoy them. Why save the special plates for company or holidays? I'm encouraging you to pull out your grandma's china, even if it's for dinner with the kids on a Tuesday night or a midday pick-me-up. Beautiful things are made for using.

RAILROAD STRIPES

Scaled up and knocked sideways, stripes set the stage for family fun in this California game room by interior designer Mark D. Sikes.

FRONT DOORS

If your home's first impression leans closer to ho-hum than "welcome home!" it might be time for the easiest curb appeal boost on the block: painting the front door. Cool blues and greens, bright pinks and yellows, or fiery reds and oranges-- choose a color and apply it confidently with our tips on the following pages.

No place like home

Wallpaper entrepreneur Elizabeth Rees updated a 19th-century Victorian in her hometown with lots of paint and, yes, a few sheets of wallpaper. Proving you can go home again-- no ruby slippers required.

In the zone

Organizing wizzes and new Netflix costars Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin show us the small, everyday steps we can take to conquer our decluttering goals.

HEIRLOOM PEONIES

User friendly

The story of four people, two pets, and one space that works as a mudroom, laundry, and backup pantry-- plus keeps the dog from eating all the cat's food.

I did it!

We had a hunch you have been faking advantage of more time at home this year by learning new skills and expressing your creativity. Boy, were we right. Check out this roundup of #BHGProjecfJoy ideas and inspiration from Instagram.

Notes from a pocket-size garden

Through multiple apartment moves, a New York City gardener learns to grow roots and find refuge in plants wherever she lands.

STRONG ON STYLE

A STYLIST WHO PRETTIES UP OTHER PEOPLE'S HOMES FOR A LIVING (INCLUDING MANY YOU SEE IN BH&G) SWINGS OPEN THE DOORS TO HER OWN. COME ON IN TO DISCOVER HER SECRETS.

Family ties

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD HAND-ME-DOWN? ESPECIALLY WHEN IT INCLUDES A FIREPLACE, ORIGINAL MOLDINGS, AND TONS OF CHILDHOOD MEMORIES. WITH A LITTLE PAINT AND SOME FRESH NEW FURNITURE, GRANDMA'S HOUSE FITS JUST RIGHT.

Back to his roots

A YOUNG GARDEN DESIGNER RETURNS HOME TO CREATE A FLOWER-FILLED SANCTUARY FOR HIS PARENTS (AND POLLINATORS TOO).

PROJECT JOY BH&G

Like making homemade pesto or roasting a chicken, cooking a pot of dried beans is one of those cooking projects that is easier than you think-- and yields big dividends. In this case, super-creamy beans and a rich, flavorful cooking liguid that Joe Yonan considers liguid gold.

Seventy percent of people use payment apps, such as PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Zelle, or Google Pay

47% of homeowners have refinanced their mortgages

September 13 NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

Let's go back to school

After a spring semester when many kids learned remotely the upcoming school year is likely to look a little different. We asked educators and experts how to get kids back into a routine and succeed in the year ahead-- whatever it holds.

Adjusting to change

Between quarantines and remote work and school, schedules have been through a lot lately, and that can be hard for animals. Ease the transition with these strategies.

EILEEN FISHER

PROVING THAT FASHION CAN BE SOPHISTICATED, COMFORTABLE, AND SUSTAINABLE.