May 2022

Selective FOCUS

I’m about to embark on a big renovation on the new (very old) house I bought a year ago, so I have research to do and choices to make: Like should I get an induction cooktop instead of my beloved gas? Or how should I future-proof the HVAC system to accommodate changing technologies and climate?

PEPPER HARROW

Win $25,000

100 Years of Home Trends

Grow Your Own Bouquet

TIME FOR RHUBARB

Mom’s the word

Mother’s Day is May 8-- the perfect excuse to kick off a season of appreciation for the women who have shaped us. We’re putting thoughtfulness on full display, with sweet ideas sure to please your mom, your friends, and-- don’t forget-- yourself.

DIY MASTERPIECE

A silhouette is a classic gift easily made by tracing the profile of a photo or shadow, cutting it out, and framing it. Instant heirloom!

MOTHER'S DAY Requests

THROWBACK

From the start, we’ve had a lot of women (and moms) in our editorial ranks. So come the second Sunday in May, you can trust that our advice is well-tested.

SET THE TABLE

May has many events to celebrate-- including the arrival of May itself. We’re making it a goal to gather (safely) with friends and family, preferably around tables as beautiful as this one by Austinbased artist Erin Donahue Tice.

Mars or Affiliates

Retrofit

An exterior facelift in black and white celebrates-- rather than hides-- the 1970s Tudor Revival character of this Midwest house. Thanks to the color scheme, this home is ready for its close-up.

ARTFUL WAYS WITH papier-mâché

Don’t toss those newspapers. Upcycle them into one-of-c-kind home accessories using this old-school crafting technique.

A designer's PLAYGROUND

First-time homeownership is a lot like first love: Interior designer meets house; house meets new owner; a mood board is drawn; euphoria ensues. Designer Angela Belt shares the renovating secrets her first house revealed to her.

Banish the basic

Designer Emily Henderson wants you to know that even if your house was built cookie-cutter, it doesn’t have to stay that way. In her new book, she shares tricks for a custom look for less.

COSMOS

No experience required: A sunny spot and a package of seeds are all you need to grow summer’s happiest flower.

I did it!

A ho-hum patio outside this Memphis homeowner’s sunroom window became a little oasis after she popped the lids on a few gallons of exterior paint and applied some DIY know-how.

HEAVEN Scent

NO FLOWER ANNOUNCES SPRING’S ARRIVAL QUITE LIKE FLUFFY, ULTRAFRAGRANT LILACS. AND HAPPILY FOR GARDENERS, THE SHRUBS ARE ONE OF THE LEAST DEMANDING PLANTS AROUND.

WITH A FRESH EYE

AFTER MOVING HIS FAMILY TO HIS OKLAHOMA HOMETOWN, AN INTERIOR DESIGNER WELCOMES THEIR 1918 HOME TO A NEW ERA, QUIETING ITS TRADITIONAL DETAILING WHILE BRINGING TOGETHER THE MIX OF LOOKS THEY LOVE.

Bite-size gardens

We all know we should eat more fruits and veggies-- but we can decorate with them too! These pretty, edible plants add star power to containers.

Welcome home

Considering adding a furry family member? Here’s what to think about before you take the plunge.

LINDA VATER

FLATTENING THE LEARNING CURVE FOR GROWING STYLISH GARDENS WITH REAL-LIFE LESSONS AND COMMONSENSE ADVICE.

So you want to buy a house...

Focus the hunt

Finding the right place is the most difficult step in the home buying process. Keep these things in mind to help hone your search.

12 Things TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Working with a licensed pro to compare homes, negotiate an offer, and navigate myriad specifics and paperwork will save you time and ease your mind. Consider these points.

Let’s talk money

Before you start comparing houses, find a lender who can work with your financial situation and offer the most mortgage options. Five things to keep in mind:

Checklists

Moving into or out of a home can be chaotic. Make sure these tasks are on your "don't-forget" list.

Our first home

Last year, Jacob and his fiancée, Victoria, video producers living in a New York City apartment, decided to move to the New Jersey suburbs. They wanted a yard for gardening, a guest room, garage, and space to work from home.