July/August 2025

Summer Mode

ONE OF THE THINGS I love most about summertime is the feeling that everything slows down a bit, that we loosen up and shift into a more relaxed gear.

High-End, Low-Spend

Sweepstakes Win $25K

Comfy & Clean

2025's Drink of Summer

Bucolic BEAUTY

We're smitten with this English-inspired garden where layered perennials come together like artwork-- creating a space that balances order with a touch of wild romanticism.

Gone Fishing

Playful fish motifs in splashy hues and whimsical shapes are bringing that easygoing summertime mood in with the tide.

TAKE 5 Will Travel FOR FOOD

Pack your bags-- and your appetite. From tart cherries to fiery chiles, these straight-from-the-farm foods across the country are well worth building a trip around.

Woven Shades

"My dog loves to fetch...

Easy Does It

Fresher Fridge

Red, White & Chic

Add some flair to your backyard Fourth of July gathering with easy but elegant recipes and elevated tabletop ideas from caterer and entertaining pro Stephanie Nass.

Trending Exterior PAINT COLORS

If you've ever doubted the power of paint, consider the story of "The House on Willow Bend," a legend in Texas-based Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) agent Shannon Greer's circles. Neglected for 50 years, the home's once bright blue exterior was literally fading into the background before a fresh coat of greige brought it back to life-- sparking a same-day offer at its open house. Paint can transform a house into a home, and an on-point color sells.

Coreopsis

New colors and forms will have you taking a second look at this classic summer flower.

Rooted IN PLACE

Perennial plantings, reclaimed materials, and modern comforts come together for a timeless garden that's a perfect match for a historic home.

A Purr-fect Perch

Add a catio to your patio, and your domesticated feline will feel like a jungle cat. It's the trendy outdoor living space designed to keep your pet happy and safe.

The Slow-Down Place

A designer and her family push the reset button on a dated lake house-- and their lives-- as they enjoy summers on the water filled with peace, quiet and family fun.

Tried & TRUE

A gardener puts years of hard-won planting lessons to the test in his California backyard.

SWEEPSTAKES RULES

Feeling SALTY

Shopping for salt isn't quite what it used to be. With so many new options, how do you decide? Our guide can help you navigate the choices.

Walk This Way

You can have fashion and function. Each of these shoes gives a good dose of support and style.

In the Know

News and notes to boost your well-being

Peter Som

The fashion designer is jumping into the culinary world with a new cookbook of inventively delicious dishes. He shares his summer entertaining strategies.