There's nothing more frustrating than opening the dryer to find your bed sheets twisted into a giant ball, trapping every towel, pillowcase, and T-shirt inside. It's a common laundry annoyance, but according to experts, it's also one of the easiest problems to prevent.

The solution comes down to a few simple tweaks, from shaking out your sheets before they go in the dryer to adding dryer balls and using a lower heat setting to reduce tangling as the fabric tumbles.

Here, they share the seven simple steps that make washing and drying bed linen easier than ever.

1. Always Shake Your Sheets Out Before They Go into the Dryer

'If there’s one laundry complaint I hear all the time, it’s, “Why do my sheets always come out of the dryer in one giant ball?”' says Rechelle Balanzat, Laundry Expert and Founder and CEO of Juliette, an NYC-based premium laundry service. 'It happens more often than people think, and it doesn’t just make your laundry frustrating; it also keeps parts of your sheets damp, creates more wrinkles, and can even make your dryer work harder than it needs to.'

The easiest fix? Giving your sheets a quick shake before putting them in your dryer.

'This is my number one recommendation because it’s so simple and it really works,' she explains. 'Giving your sheets a good shake helps release any twists that formed during the wash cycle, so they have a better chance of tumbling freely instead of wrapping around themselves.'

And, as Alicia Sokolowski, Cleaning and Laundry Expert and President and Co-CEO of AspenClean, adds, 'By having separated sheets, this provides more airflow throughout the dryer, making it less likely that the sheets will wrap around one another.'

That added airflow also means your sheets dry quicker, helping, in turn, to cut energy bills at the same time.

2. Use Dryer Balls to Separate Fabrics

Next, advises Rechelle, you should be using dryer balls. 'I recommend dryer balls to just about everyone,' she says. 'They help separate the fabric as the dryer turns, which keeps sheets from clumping together. As a bonus, they can shorten drying time, soften fabrics naturally, and help reduce wrinkles without using dryer sheets.'

In terms of how many you'll need, Alicia shares that you should use three dryer balls, such as the Evriholder 100% Wool Dryer Balls, available at Walmart, for a small or medium load, and up to six for a larger load, assuming the drum isn't overloaded.

And, if you're interested in the tennis ball vs dryer ball debate, it's always worth investing in the real thing rather than risk introducing potential toxins into your laundry routine.

3. Choose a Lower Heat Setting

'Many people think higher heat means faster drying, but that’s not always the case,' warns Rechelle. 'I recommend using a medium or low heat setting because it gives the sheets more time to tumble freely instead of tightening up and sticking together. It’s also much gentler on your bedding and helps it last longer.'

Therefore, if you've invested in some of the best luxury bed sheets (our favorites are from Matouk, available at Nordstrom), you can rest assured that they won't end up pilling and damaged.

4. Stop the Dryer Halfway Through the Cycle

To avoid any tumble dryer mistakes when drying bed sheets, Alicia recommends starting the dryer, waiting about 15 to 20 minutes, and then pausing the cycle.

'Take out the sheets and unravel any tangling that might have started,' she says. 'Shake each piece out and then return all the bedding loosely to the dryer and continue the cycle. This method helps break up a ball before the inner layers remain trapped and damp for the remainder of the cycle.'

As Rechelle adds, 'It's a small step that can save you from finding damp sheets at the end of the cycle.'

5. Dry Sheets Separately from Towels and Heavier Items

'This is one mistake I see all the time,' shares Rechelle. 'Towels and heavier fabrics tend to wrap around lightweight sheets, making them ball up. I always recommend drying sheets on their own or with other lightweight bedding whenever possible.'

Additionally, says Alicia, make sure you're not overloading your dryer, either, which is another probable reason why your sheets are balling up, your dryer is getting too hot, and your laundry smells damp.

'In order for sheets to completely dry, they need to have space to lift and unfold, and dry as the dryer drum spins,' she explains.

6. Take Bed Sheets Out the Dryer as Soon as They’re Dry

Always promptly remove your bed sheets from the dryer as soon as they're dry to prevent them from balling up, which is a simple way to make laundry smell better, too.

'Once the dryer stops, don’t let your sheets sit inside for an hour,' advises Rechelle. 'Removing them promptly helps prevent wrinkles from setting in and keeps them looking much fresher.'

7. Keep a Wrinkle-Release Spray on Hand

Finally, adds Rechelle, 'If your sheets still have a few wrinkles, I recommend a quick mist of wrinkle-release spray,' such as the Downy Wrinkle Releaser, available at Walmart.

'Smooth the fabric with your hands, or toss the sheets back into the dryer on low heat for a few minutes. It’s an easy trick when you want your bed to look crisp without ironing.'

What to Shop

Shop from a selection of laundry and tumble drying essentials below, all of which are top-rated by customers or have been tested by us here at Homes & Gardens firsthand.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'My biggest piece of advice is to focus on airflow,' concludes Rechelle. 'When your sheets have enough room to move and aren’t wrapped around themselves, they’ll dry more evenly, wrinkle less, and come out of the dryer the way they’re supposed to: Soft, fresh, and ready to go right on the bed.'

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Lots of glorious fruits are ready for harvesting in August. Plums, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more are ripe for picking. It is also time to prune these fruit trees to keep them healthy and productive for next year.

Stone fruits are pruned in summer rather than winter to avoid fungal and bacterial diseases that can ravage them. August is a prime time to prune these fruit trees after harvesting the fruits. This month is also when you need to give any trained fruits in your garden their summer prune.

Knowing when to prune fruit trees ensures they stay strong and give you great yields year after year. It is also vital to use sharp, clean pruning tools for any work; this four-piece pruning set at Walmart includes pruning shears, loppers, and a pruning saw for fruit tree trimming. Here, we look at some of the best fruit trees to prune in August, along with professional trimming tips to help your trees thrive.

1. Cherry

Understanding when and how to prune a cherry tree keeps it physically fit. Many fruit trees are pruned in winter, but both sweet and sour cherry trees are pruned after harvesting. This is to prevent silver leaf and canker.

The troublesome fungi are more prevalent in fall and winter and get into the wood through wounds. Trimming cherries (and other stone fruits) in summer ensures fewer spores are around and the pruning wounds seal quickly.

When you grow a cherry tree, regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape and a good balance of fruiting wood and younger branches. Always start by removing dead, diseased, and damaged branches, as well as crossing stems or shoots growing inwards.

Sweet cherries fruit on older wood, so prune out some of the oldest branches (you may need a pruning saw, like this one at Amazon, for larger wood) and shorten any new shoots.

Sour cherries fruit on the previous year’s growth. Here, it is beneficial to cut back shoots to stimulate new growth and prevent fruit appearing at the end of long branches.

2. Apricot

Established trees should be pruned in summer after you harvest the apricots. It can make August an ideal time in many regions. As apricots are highly susceptible to silver leaf and canker, summer pruning prevents disease and encourages a good crop next year.

Apricots fruit and flower best on one- to three-year-old wood. When you grow an apricot tree, a summer prune gives it good time to produce new wood to carry buds for next year.

When pruning an apricot tree, start by removing dead, diseased, and damaged wood with pruning shears or loppers. Then remove unproductive branches over four years old to have a productive mix of one-, two, and three-year-old wood.

Pruning out any congested areas or branches growing towards the center of the tree helps to open the canopy and improve light and air circulation – key factors for good fruit. A set of extendable loppers (like these at The Home Depot) can help you get into trickier spots higher in the canopy.

But don’t get carried away; it would be a tree pruning mistake to remove more than 25% of the branches in one go.

3. Peach

After you harvest peaches each summer, there is a window for pruning a peach tree to keep it healthy and productive. Peaches (and nectarines) fruit on the previous season’s wood. It makes replacement pruning in summer valuable to get a supply of new wood to replace old fruited branches.

A summer prune when you grow and care for a peach helps control the size and shape of the tree. It also encourages the peach tree to flower and fruit lower down, rather than just high up in the canopy – which is what happens if they aren’t regularly pruned.

Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, any crossing or inward-facing stems, and vertical water shoots. A sharp pair of pruning shears, like these Felco F2 pruners at Amazon, are ideal for smaller stems and water shoots.

Also look to open up congested growth in the center of the canopy to boost air circulation and light penetration. Light needs to reach lower branches to ripen the fruit, and a lack of airflow puts the tree at risk of fungal disease.

4. Plum

As with others on this list, summer is recommended for pruning established plum trees to reduce the risk of silver leaf or bacterial canker infection.

It is better to prune plum trees lightly each year, rather than cutting heavily. This keeps them healthy and productive season after season. If you want a plum tree to fruit well, it can usually be done with a few selective pruning cuts each summer.

Start by removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Then look at pruning out branches that didn’t fruit this year and ones growing inward or crossing. Removing those and thinning branches in dense areas to open up a congested canopy is often enough each summer.

However, if you need to control the tree's size, the remaining branches can be reduced by up to 20 per cent. Aim to create an open, goblet shape.

Also remove any suckers growing from the base of the tree to prevent them diverting energy away from the main trunk. Use a pair of pruning shears or loppers, like these PowerGear bypass loppers at Walmart.

5. Trained Fruit

Trained fruit trees, such as espaliers, fans, or cordons, need a summer prune to cut back growth, help the fruits to ripen, and encourage the development of future buds. If you grow espalier apple or pear trees or fan-trained fruit trees, put trimming on your summer gardening checklist.

Pome fruits (apples and pears) simply need any side shoots growing from the main arms to be cut back to three or four leaves. This lets in light and encourages fruiting spurs for future years. Trim further shoots coming off the side shoots back to one leaf.

Stone fruits (peaches, apricots, cherries, or plums) need new shoots cut back to six or seven leaves in summer. After the fruits are picked, these are pruned again to two or three leaves to encourage new wood to carry fruit.

Always use sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts. A small handheld blade sharpener like this on Amazon can be an important tool in your bag to sharpen pruning shears or other tools with straight blades.

Shop Pruning Tools for Fruit Trees:

Another summer job with fruit trees is thinning the fruit. Lots have a natural drop in June, but sometimes need additional help. Thinning fruit trees makes a difference, as it ensures the tree can ripen all the fruit fully and prevents branches snapping under the weight of the crop.

It also helps ensure you have a crop next year, as some fruit trees (especially apples and pears) will often have a small or no crop after a high-yielding season.

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It may only be August, but IKEA’s new fall 2026 collection – and the two pumpkin-scented candles I've already burned through – say autumn is officially here. This year, the storage is richer, the spooks more stylish, and the tabletop decidedly more Arts and Crafts than ever.

For fall with a capital F, look no further than HÖSTAGILLE, a feel-good lineup of all our decorating vices: wreaths of fiery foliage, picnic blanket-worthy placemats, and candelabras to dish some dinnertime drama. Meanwhile, boo! Halloween has definitely arrived by way of KUSTFYR, which, in true blue lagom fashion, is more charming than chilling. Cartoon bats, cats, and ghosts bring a touch of mischief to the front door, dining table, and backyard.

New furniture forays, with one notable exception (the low-slung green inflatable PS 2026 Chair, which looks like Le Corbusier took a trip to the moon), borrow all the charm of antiques. Framed fronts, profiled edges, and brass-effect handles make the FÅGELFJÄLLET bedroom series feel refreshingly rich for the Swedish retailer.

Nostalgic bed linens follow suit. Expect deep green duvet covers scattered with wildflowers, alongside reversible striped cotton-jute cushions that add warmth and texture in equal measure. Still, if there’s one collection destined to move the needle, it’s VARPTROSS, whose airy bamboo slats appear across pendants, sconces, table lights, and floor lamps, casting an ambery glow that makes every corner – and everyone – look better.

If summer was the season for stripping back, IKEA’s fall 2026 collection is a reunion with character. These are the 24 fall decor pieces I’m eyeing as a style editor.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Plants that endlessly perform for next-to-no effort must top every gardener's wish list, and Sedum 'Autumn Joy' beats them all.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (or Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude') is the low maintenance perennial set to dominate 2026. 'This is as low maintenance as one can get,' says plant expert Laura Coggan. 'Quite literally, watering, fertilizing, and good fertile soil can make this plant flop. This plants thrives on neglect and poor soil,' she adds.

Here, our experts share exactly how to grow this sedum. From getting to know this perennial's growing habits, its soil likes and dislikes, to the best companion plants to pair it with, you will soon be clamouring to squeeze it into every pot and border. Take a look at Amazon for live Sedum plants and start planning your super-smart, yet low-effort yard.

Why Grow Sedum 'Autumn Joy'?

Loved by landscape architects, floral designers and nature-lovers alike, sedum 'Autumn Joy' has to be one of the most rewarding and longest-flowering perennials to grow. Filling borders and pots with their sturdy blue, gray stems and glaucous leaves, they break into tight, flattened flowerheads come late July which remain intact through to winter.

'Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – now often labeled Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' – forms its flowerheads on succulent, upright stems that don't collapse or brown off the way most late-season perennials do,' explains Laura.

'Instead of the petals dropping and the plant looking spent, the whole flower cluster dries in place on the stem, moving through a color sequence: pale green buds in summer, to pink, to rust-red, to a dark cocoa brown by winter. Because the dried heads stay structurally intact rather than turning to mush, there's no unsightly stage that needs tidying up,' she explains.

A long-lived and largely disease-free perennial, sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a perennial to plant once and ignore. It produces fresh growth from the base each spring, which quickly forms a neat mounded shape around 24" in height and spread.

'This plant also holds its shape well in a pot without staking, which matters for anyone wanting low-fuss structure on a patio,' Laura adds.

It's Also Good for Pollinators

A stalwart of many wildlife gardens, this sedum variety is irresistible to pollinators and migratory butterflies. 'The flat-topped flower clusters – technically corymbs – are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies specifically because they bloom from August into October,' says Laura.

'A period when many earlier-flowering perennials have already finished, leaving a nectar gap. The flat, plate-like flower structure also gives pollinators an easy surface to land and forage on, rather than requiring them to cling to a tubular or pendant bloom,' she adds.

Supporting both long and short-tongued solitary bees, honeybees, hoverflies and wasps, it is an invaluable late nectar source, and a brilliant move towards creating an eco-friendly garden.

One of the best small pollinator plants, make a statement by filling a planter or two, framing an entrance path or peppered along the edge of a driveway. Buying sedum bare roots – such these from Eden Brothers – is often a cheaper way to buy multiple plants.

How to Use Sedum 'Autumn Joy' In Your Yard

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' looks stunning filling an entire border on it's own, woven between contrasting shrubs and herbaceous perennials or as a tactile statement in a gravel garden or dry bed.

'In borders, Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' pairs naturally with ornamental grasses, asters, and other late-summer and fall perennials. The fleshy grey-green foliage also contrasts nicely with fine-textured neighbors earlier in the season,' Laura explains.

Yarrow, cosmos, veronica and Russian sage all work beautifully alongside sedum's rounded, gray-blue foliage, providing a delicate contrast. Coneflower, the towering pink clusters of Joe-Pye Weed and deep dusky rose tones of Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' (which you can find seeds of at Botanical Interests) enhance Sedum's changing tones.

Not solely for borders, sedum is also a brilliant low-maintenance plant for pots, as Laura explains. 'In containers, its succulent nature makes it genuinely drought-tolerant, so it tolerates being missed on a watering round in a way that thirstier patio plants won't.'

What to Shop

There are plenty of other plants to never deadhead you can grow in your yard. This includes hydrangeas and nigella, which both produce beautiful seedheads for fall and winter interest.

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As one of the most influential style couples, Victoria and David Beckham naturally bring their signature flair into the bedroom. Their dark wooden retreat offers the quiet luxury of a boutique hotel, yet it feels uniquely personal – a character brought to life through curated wall art.

When selecting bedroom art, it is vital to consider how your chosen pieces affect your mood, especially in a space dedicated to rest and quiet reflection. As light and seasons shift throughout 2026, updating your walls with meaningful imagery can subtly alter the feel of your sanctuary.

Victoria embraces this personal touch by displaying framed photographs of herself and David directly above their bed. It's the most intimate way to decorate with art in your home.

Shop the Victoria-Inspired Bedroom Edit

Intimate photos offer a level of personal connection that off-the-shelf artwork simply cannot match. A survey commissioned by Fujifilm highlighted the 'profound impact photography has on emotional well-being' – with more than three in four respondents agreeing that looking at old photos brings feelings of happiness and calm.

Furthermore, 81% of participants noted that displaying pictures at home boosted their happiness, while 80% felt that framed photos of family and friends made a house feel more like 'home.'

Creating this inviting atmosphere is essential across your living space, but a relaxing bedroom is the best place to start. Recreating the look is simple: choose treasured photos of loved ones and place them in appropriately sized frames around the room. While hanging frames above the bed works effortlessly for Victoria, Neil Ayton, founder of Mountary Framing, advises keeping your local environment in mind.

'Depending on where you live, frames over the bed can be contentious. On the earthquake-prone West Coast, frames over the bed are a no-no. But in more seismically stable locations, frames over the bed give a perfect location for a wide frame,' he explains.

Beyond personal portraits, Neil suggests incorporating landscapes – such as sunlit summer horizons or nature scenes that carry sentimental meaning.

'In our work, we see a lot of naturescape photography over the bed. The width of the bed is perfect for a nice naturescape,' he notes. 'The exact frame choice is dependent on the client's taste and personality, but popular options now include warm natural woods and white wood frames that don’t distract from the artwork.'

Choosing warm woods or crisp white frames is an easy way to welcome seasonal warmth into your decor in 2026, giving you the refined ambiance of a luxury hotel alongside all the comfort of home.

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Clematis wilt is a devastating fungal disease that strikes plants in summer. It primarily targets large-flowered clematis and blocks the movement of water, causing stems to blacken and die within 48 hours.

When you grow clematis, you need to know the signs of clematis wilt. The disease can be confused for other issues, but when clematis wilt is present, you want to cut back infected stems quickly to stop it spreading. The good news is that a healthy clematis can recover and send up new shoots.

The best way to avoid clematis wilt is to keep plants healthy or plant wilt-resistant varieties like Clematis montana (you can get a live Clematis montana Rubens plant at Donahues Clematis). Here, two clematis experts reveal the signs of clematis wilt you need to know, along with their tips for preventing and treating wilt.

What Causes Clematis Wilt

Clematis wilt is a condition caused predominantly by a fungus known as Calophoma clematidina. However, other factors can cause healthy clematis to wilt over the season.

Starting with the fungal clematis wilt. This is a dramatic disease that causes otherwise healthy-looking clematis to collapse quickly. It can be individual shoots, sections of shoots, or the entire plant that wilts.

The fungus gets into the plant through a cut, abrasion, or insect bite. It blocks the uptake of water and nutrients, causing the affected stems to collapse. It can strike plants in the ground or clematis growing in pots.

Certain types of clematis are more susceptible to the disease. Linda Beutler, Curator at the Rogerson Clematis Garden, explains how genetics impact which plants are susceptible to clematis wilt.

‘Clematis patens, a large-flowered species from China and naturalized in Japan, is the weak link,’ she claims. ‘This means that hybrids from it (often called early-flowering large-flowered hybrids) are susceptible to wilt.’

However, not all large-flowering varieties are vulnerable, as it depends which plants they have been bred with.

‘Other clematis species used in hybridization, such as Clematis lanuginosa and viticella (which were combined to create Clematis ‘Jackmanii’), are highly wilt-resistant,’ adds Linda. ‘If they collapse, the reason is usually a traumatic injury.’

You can get a Jackmanii Clematis at Burpee for large purple flowers

Small-flowering varieties are less at risk of clematis wilt, while non-climbing clematis will not get the wilt disease. On top of type influencing risk, so does environment. The fungus that causes clematis wilt prefers humid climates, and otherwise susceptible clematis can be unaffected in low-humidity areas.

‘If a clematis develops wilt, it is usually the environment that was the cause,’ claims Kathy Donahue Nass from Donahue's Greenhouse, a specialist clematis nursery. ‘This can be a time of wet, cloudy weather, and the plant would have to have a crack in a stem where the fungus can enter.’

As mentioned earlier, a clematis can wilt in summer without the fungus being culpable. ‘In addition to airborne fungal diseases, clematis may collapse from irregular watering, slug and snail damage to stems, horizontal stems breaking when trained upright, and stress from being heavily fertilized when they are about to flower,’ says Linda.

The Signs of Clematis Wilt

To treat or prevent clematis wilt, it pays first to know the right symptoms to look out for. It allows you to recognize when you are dealing with clematis wilt, or when your plant is suffering from another issue.

The symptoms appear when the plant is vigorously growing. Kathy Donahue Nass claims it often starts when the plant is in full bloom. ‘You will notice a stem turning black at the bottom of the plant and then quickly moving up that stem, turning the whole stem black,’ she adds.

The stem dies and wilts because the fungus is obstructing the vascular system. It can take only 24 to 48 hours for a vine to go from looking healthy to drying out and wilting.

‘The clematis may look like it needs water. It does! But the fungal disease is blocking water movement,’ adds Linda Beutler. ‘Within days the whole plant will be limp from top to bottom, with the foliage going gray before drying up.’

Other symptoms commonly seen in clematis are often mistaken for wilt. For example. drought stress can cause wilt, but the plants will also have sunburned patches and crispy brown clematis leaves, rather than black stems.

How to Treat Clematis Wilt

The safest approach to suspected clematis wilt is to cut back all affected stems. It is important to clean up the debris, bag it, and destroy it, and to wipe down your pruning tools with bleach or alcohol wipes (get alcohol wipes at Walmart) to destroy any fungal spores on them.

‘Give the cut-back plant some organic rose and flower food and water it in,’ recommends Linda. ‘Because true clematis wilt disease fungus is airborne, removing affected top growth, fertilizing, and keeping the plant sufficiently watered should have you seeing fresh new growth in 30-45 days on average.’

You can get an all-in-one rose and flower care feed at Amazon to use for fertilizing clematis.

If your clematis has succumbed to wilt in previous years, Kathy Donahue Nass recommends using a fungicide in the spring as a preventative measure.

‘Some good choices are Daconil (get Daconil fungicide on Amazon), Ortho All Purpose Fungicide or Neem Oil. Any fungicide that is recommended for roses can be used on clematis,’ she says.

‘Apply on the foliage and drench the roots. Do the same application 6-7 weeks later. If the plant still turns black and dies back, chances are you won’t be able to salvage the plant.’

If your clematis regularly gets hit by wilt, consider discarding it and trying an alternative shrub or a more resistant cultivar.

Some of the best clematis for glorious blooms without the fear of wilt include Clematis montana (get a live ‘Moongate Mocha’ Clematis montana at Amazon), Clematis macropetala, or Clematis viticella.

How to Prevent Clematis Wilt

The best way to prevent clematis wilt is to keep your plants healthy and stress-free. This includes keeping them well-watered to avoid drought stress, protecting them from wind, tying them in well to prevent damage that creates entry points for the fungus, and planting susceptible varieties deeply.

‘Generally, all large-flowered hybrids should be buried three or so inches deeper than they were in the pot you bought it in,’ advises Linda Beutler.

‘Burying the lowest nodes is like insurance that healthy growth points are dormant below the soil to produce new crowns and vines should anything traumatic happen to the above-ground growth, be it a collapse due to wilt disease or a spouse with an over-active string-trimmer.’

Mulching clematis plants also helps keep the soil moist and cool during the summer. Baking roots dry out quickly, and pests are more attracted to stressed-out clematis. Consider putting a 2-3 inch layer of pine bark mulch like this at Lowe’s around the plant.

When you have a clematis that you adore, you can easily get more for free by taking cuttings. You can take softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in the fall to propagate clematis plants. Perfect if you want new plants or to gift a clematis to a friend, family, or neighbor.

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Summer is the ideal time to head out on a bike ride or spend the afternoon gardening, but if your garage is a cluttered mess, getting out the front door or into your backyard can often feel like more trouble than it's worth. And as we head into fall and things go back into storage, the clutter only gets worse.

When it comes to organizing this typically chaotic space, I've found that hanging solutions − just like Rubbermaid's FastTrack Garage 12-Piece Steel Multipurpose Storage Rail System, available at Lowe's − help to maximize the space and make the most of vertical storage.

It's a simple, cost-effective way to organize a garage once and for all.

Of all items in a garage, bicycle storage ideas for sheds tend to pose the most problems. As bikes are such bulky, heavy, and cumbersome items, the last thing you'll want is an equally awkward storage system to match. Instead, the Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage 12-Piece Steel Multipurpose Storage Rail System, available at Lowe's, makes it effortlessly easy to organize a garage with too much stuff.

Equipped with rails, hooks, and more, it's conveniently designed to grow as life changes − simply add more accessories to the FastTrack Rail as and when you need it for a tailored fit to different storage needs. Featuring a heavy-duty steel construction, the storage system is capable of withstanding up to 1,750 pounds, so it's a reliable option for storing other heavy items, like organizing DIY tools, machinery and shovels, as well as bikes. Each locking hook can support up to 50 pounds, meaning you can safely hang them up off the ground without having to worry about them falling off.

This 12-piece set includes three 48-inch FastTrack rails, three cooler hooks, two multi-purpose hooks, two utility hooks, and two ladder hooks. It's also available in sizes from 32 to 84 inches, and in sets of one to 24 pieces, though many of these are currently out of stock, proving the popularity of this storage system.

If you're not up to scratch with the essential DIY skills every homeowner should know, the FastTrack Storage Rail System is also effortlessly easy to install.

'Super easy to install and versatile,' assures Matt alongside a five-star review on the Lowe's site. 'It’s very convenient that there are so many different hangers available for this rack system.'

Another similar review from Scottie adds, 'Sturdy and versatile. Love the system. Versatile enough to fit and install, and looks clean enough for the garage or the laundry room in the house. Ample hooks are included to hang everything from a 40-pound mountain bike to a stroller to yard tools.'

With this storage rail, paired with the golden rules for a clutter-free garage, this usually disordered space will be transformed from chaotic to calm in next to no time.

More to Shop

Whether you're decluttering a garage or looking to organize a garage when you downsize, shop from a curated selection of essentials below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

For some celebrity inspiration, Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's bike storage turns a bicycle into an entryway showpiece.

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Of all the unofficial fresh starts during the year – New Year's, spring cleaning, the first summer weekend – back-to-school season is the one that truly motivates me to reset my home. I think part of that is because the start of the school year still feels like a new beginning, no matter how old you get. When I was actually in school, that energy went into a new haircut and fresh supplies. Now, as the parent of three school-aged kids, it goes into getting the house ready for back-to-school.

When I say 'reset my house', I don't mean top-to-bottom. The areas I focus on are the ones that are most important as soon as school starts: the kids' rooms, the kitchen, and the entryway and exit points of our home. These are the spaces that take the most daily traffic, and the ones that make the biggest difference when they're running smoothly.

I've gotten this reset down to a solid routine over the years, so there is a certain list of tasks I do as summer starts to wind down. If you're feeling a similar energy this year, here's a list of the simple, effective ways I've found to reset a family home for back-to-school.

Take Inventory and Declutter

Also called: out with the old, in with the new. Before I order any new clothes, gear, or backpacks, I go through what we have to see what we actually need. While I'm doing this organizing, I'll save whatever is in good shape and still fits the child it's supposed to, and I get rid of or pass on anything that doesn't.

Once I have a pile of things I know are staying, I then go in and see what we need. This process helps with ensuring that I don't overbuy, but also that I don't forget something or simply assume my kids have enough clothes because their drawers look full, only to find out five minutes before the bus comes that all the clothes in those drawers are actually too small.

I also do this process with things like sports equipment, the school and art supplies my kids use for homework (markers, printer paper, glue), and the lunch/snack containers.

Make Summer Spaces Feel School-Ready

I always declutter/take inventory first because it gives me more time to order what I need, and the decluttering naturally helps with my next step: resetting. I like to focus on the spaces we use most to make them more functional for the school year.

In the summer, for example, our mudroom is packed with things like swim goggles, life preservers, and fishing gear. Once school starts, it'll need to house not just backpacks, but fall sports equipment too. The kids' desks, which are generally covered in Legos and art projects by August, need to become homework stations again.

So, right before school starts, I pack away everything from one season and get it ready for the new one.

Reset the Kitchen

In the kitchen, a few small changes make a big difference once the school-year routine kicks in.

First, I do a pantry sweep. I throw out anything that's expired, consolidate half-empty bags and boxes, and take stock of what we can actually fit in there before I start bulk-buying snacks. I then stock a shelf that my kids can reach with things like crackers, nut butter, fruit pouches, and pretzels so they can grab their school snack and help themselves when they get home.

Another thing that helps: making a list of each child's favorite lunch snacks, which I hang on the inside of the pantry door. Preferred snacks change from child to child and year to year, and a list helps me remember the details so I don't end up with a pantry full of snacks that only one of my kids will eat.

Lastly, I reorganize our 'lunch-making station', which is where we keep the lunchboxes and containers that go in them. I wipe it out and make sure all the containers and water bottles have tops, and I put name labels on any bottles or containers that need it.

Create a System

The final step in my back-to-school reset is to try to systematize the way we flow through our house and where my kids put important items. I don't go overboard with this because I find that if a system is too complicated, no one uses or remembers it.

What I do do is this:

• Put a label with each kid's name over a hook in our coat closet, so they know where they should hang their backpack at the end of the day.
• Put a basket under the bench in our entryway for the kids to put their school shoes in whenever they get home, so they know where they are when they leave in the morning.
• Put a tray on the kitchen counter, where they empty their school folder each day with homework, reminders and library books.

Those small steps help us get out the door in the morning because everyone (theoretically) knows where their things are.

My Back-to-School Favorites

Even if you only get to one or two of these things before the first day, it'll help. Back-to-school is hectic no matter what, but knowing where the backpacks go and having usable markers for homework means one less thing to trip you up as you're heading into the first weeks.

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Trees are often the first plants we think of when trying to cool a garden, but they are not always practical for small spaces. Many trees also take many years to establish. Vines, on the other hand, can transform a fence, wall or pergola in just a few seasons, creating shade and protection where you need it most.

Creating a green canopy means that instead of allowing brick, timber or paving to absorb the full force of the sun, a curtain of foliage acts like a natural absorbent and provides garden shade. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of leaves intercept sunlight while also releasing moisture into the air through transpiration, helping to create a cooler, more comfortable microclimate around patios, windows and seating areas.

I have always loved growing climbers because they make such rapid progress. One spring, you are tying in a few spindly shoots; before long, they have transformed an otherwise harsh wall or bare pergola. I saw this first-hand in Tuscany, where we trained several young wisterias (like this American wisteria from Amazon) over a metal pergola. Today, four summers later, what had once been an exposed walkway has become a cool, green tunnel, filled with dappled light. Here, I talk through seven other options to use.

1. Plumbago

Cape plumbago is another vine that will always remind me of Tuscany, where we trained it against the warm stone walls of the old villa. It is not a true climber like wisteria or climbing roses, so you will need to tie in the stems to wires or a trellis as they grow.

Live plumbago plants can be ordered via Amazon.

Native to southern Africa, Plumbago auriculata is naturally adapted to hot, sunny conditions and is hardy in US zone 8 and above. It performs best in full sun, where it will produce clouds of delicate sky-blue flowers for months on end.

During its first growing season, water regularly while it establishes. Once settled, however, plumbago becomes impressively drought-tolerant. It also attracts butterflies and other pollinators, making it every bit as valuable for wildlife as it is for cooling a sunny wall or creating welcome shade around a patio.

2. Virginia Creeper

If your priority is covering a hot wall or fence as quickly as possible, it is hard to beat Virginia creeper. Native to eastern and central North America, this vigorous deciduous climber grows rapidly using self-clinging tendrils, creating a dense curtain of foliage that can dramatically reduce the amount of sunshine reaching brick, timber, or concrete surfaces.

Hardy in US zones 3 to 9, Virginia creeper, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is wonderfully adaptable, thriving in full sun, partial shade or even full shade. During summer, the five-fingered green leaves provide cooling shade, before turning spectacular shades of crimson, orange and scarlet in fall.

One word of caution: this is an exceptionally vigorous climber that can easily exceed 30 or even 40 feet. If you aim to cloak a wall or fence, that rapid growth is a real advantage. Just be prepared to prune it every other year or so to keep it within bounds – these long-handled bypass pruners from Amazon can make this easier.

Live Virginia creeper plants can be ordered from Amazon now.

3. Star Jasmine

Star jasmine is one of those climbers I have recommended time and again. When I worked as a maintenance gardener in London, it seemed to feature in almost every beautiful garden I cared for, and with good reason. Once established, it needs very little attention, yet every late spring and early summer it is covered in masses of waxy white flowers with the most wonderful perfume.

Star jasmine plants are available to order at Plant Addicts.

Despite the name, Trachelospermum jasminoides is not actually a true jasmine. Native to eastern and southeastern Asia, it is an evergreen woody climber that thrives in US zones 8 to 10, growing happily in full sun or dappled shade. The glossy foliage creates an attractive green curtain over walls, fences, or pergolas, helping to shade hard surfaces throughout the year.

It is also one of the few climbers I would happily grow in a container. Learning how to grow star jasmine in pots is surprisingly straightforward; just be sure to choose a large container, use free-draining compost, and provide sturdy wires or a trellis for support.

4. Boston Ivy

If you want to cool a sunny wall in the shortest possible time, Boston ivy (or Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is one of the fastest climbers you can grow. Hardy from US zone 4, this vigorous deciduous vine is, rather confusingly, not native to North America, but instead to Japan, Korea and China.

Its remarkable growth rate makes it ideal for covering large expanses of wall or fence, using tiny adhesive pads to cling directly to brick, stone and masonry without the need for wires or a trellis.

Throughout summer, the glossy green foliage forms a dense living curtain that shades walls from intense sunshine, helping to reduce heat build-up before turning wonderful shades of crimson and scarlet in fall.

One word of caution, however. Boston ivy is considered an invasive plant in some parts of North America, so always check with your local government office before planting. It also has a habit of finding its way beneath gutters, rooflines, and around windows if left alone for too long.

I would recommend pruning once or twice a year to keep it within bounds and thinking carefully before growing it on painted walls, as those adhesive pads can make removal difficult.

Live Boston ivy plants can be ordered from Amazon.

5. 'The Generous Gardener' Rose

I could have picked any number of climbing roses for this list, but 'The Generous Gardener' is perhaps the ultimate romantic choice. Trained over the porch or the front door, the glossy foliage provides welcome shade through summer.

For the ultimate cottage garden combination, I would underplant or weave a purple clematis through the stems, creating a rather dreamy pairing of pink and violet flowers.

Bred by David Austin and hardy to US zone 5, this repeat-flowering pale-pink climbing rose will reach around 15 feet in the right conditions. It performs best in full sun, although gardeners in warmer southern states can happily grow it in a little afternoon shade.

Prepare the soil well before planting and mulch each spring with compost or well-rotted manure. Remember, roses are hungry plants.

Deadheading spent flowers will encourage repeat blooms from midsummer well into fall, while the glossy foliage creates a leafy screen that helps cool areas throughout the season.

Heirloom pink climbing roses are available via Walmart.

6. Chilean Potato Vine

I have grown the popular Chilean potato vine cultivar Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' myself, and it never failed to impress, racing up walls and trellises with clusters of violet-blue, star-shaped flowers with bright golden centres for much of the summer. If you prefer a softer look, Solanum laxum 'Album' produces the same elegant display, but in bright white.

Native to Chile and Peru, this evergreen or semi-evergreen climber thrives in US hardiness zone 9 and above, performing best in full sun and fertile, free-draining soil. It can reach 20 feet or more, making it ideal for cooling sunny walls in a relatively short space of time.

One word of caution: this is a vigorous plant that benefits from an annual prune (with these Felco F2 pruning shears from Lowe's) after flowering to keep it within bounds. It is also a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, and all parts are considered poisonous if ingested, so I would think twice before planting it where curious children or pets regularly play.

7. Evergreen Clematis

If you want year-round coverage, evergreen clematis are some of the easiest climbers to grow. Unlike many clematis that disappear entirely over winter, Clematis armandii retains its long, glossy, lance-shaped leaves throughout the year, making it one of the best climbers for screening a sunny wall or softening the front of your home.

Hardy in zones 6 to 9, it grows happily in full sun or part sun, part shade, eventually reaching around 20 feet once established.

In my experience, it can be a little slow to get going during the first year or two, but patience is rewarded. And, by early to mid-spring, the evergreen foliage is joined by clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Plant Addicts has a range of live clematis plants in different colors available to order now.

What to Shop

If you are not ready to plant a permanent climber, try an annual vine instead. Morning glory, Ipomoea tricolor, or nasturtiums are both fast-growing options that will quickly fill a trellis or pergola with foliage and colorful blooms, creating welcome shade through the hottest weeks of summer.

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Home bars were once a luxury, found in only the most extravagant of houses. Though their look may vary, areas of the home that turn entertaining into a destination, like coffee stations and bars, are increasingly prioritized by homeowners to make their houses into sites of experience. Khloé Kardashian knows exactly how it's done.

The socialite's home bar is one of the most striking features of her custom-built Hidden Hills home. Designed by Clements Design and Waldo Fernandez, the elegant entertaining space exudes pure luxury and light. It features tall marble shelves for glassware, a narrow window for natural light, and arches that blend effortlessly with the rest of the room, creating a conversation with the house. It embodies the philosophy homeowners are increasingly embracing, where the home is a jumping-off point for hosting.

Whether you're designing a small home bar or a full-blown hotel-level escape, Khloé's look is worthwhile inspiration.

With Google data showing that searches for ‘home bar design’ have surged by 80%, bars like Khloé's are emerging as a major interior design trend. To help you tap in, Homes & Gardens started by curating an edit of items inspired by those we see in Khloé's bar. Then, we spoke with design experts about how they've seen the approach to bars evolve, and how anyone can emulate it.

Recreate Khloé's Look at Home

Laura Townsend, Design Manager at Magnet, calls this shift towards entertaining the rise of the ‘Ritual Kitchen,' whereby homeowners are creating dedicated zones for coffee and wine.

This shift is in part due to budgetary constraints, where people are being more intentional with their space at home. Laura states: 'With handcrafted coffees regularly costing more than £4 ($6) and cocktails often exceeding £10 ($14), recreating those experiences at home can quickly become an investment that pays for itself.'

Furthermore, as Khloe's bar demonstrates, people are more interested in bespoke experiences, and at-home entertaining caters to this customization. 'Entertaining at home allows you to curate every detail, from the materials and lighting to the color palette and styling, creating a space that feels uniquely yours, whether your aesthetic leans towards understated minimalism or bold, Art Deco-inspired design,' explains Laura.

The form your home bar or coffee station takes can also be customized based on available space. Laura advises: 'For those with smaller kitchens, or who favour versatility, a standalone cabinet, portable bar cart or trolley offers a stylishly flexible solution, where you can tuck them away behind a curtain or “skirt”.'

Ritual and experience are a huge part of how we live in our homes, and our design should reflect this. If you like to entertain, a fabulous home bar is a great place to start.

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If the heat of the summer has you longing for cool autumn days, you’re not alone. I’ve been dreaming of just that – from the brisk air to the amber foliage and the coziness that comes with the changing seasons. And Crate & Barrel’s newly released collection has me yearning for an English autumn specifically.

Drawing inspiration from the quaint beauty of the Cotswolds, Crate & Barrel’s fall 2026 collection is as charming as it is transportive. Layered floral motifs and soft yet deep autumnal tones whisk you away to the English countryside. The collection sure feels like fall, but not in a predictable or trend-driven way. Instead, it’s timeless, refreshingly elegant, and full of heritage charm.

There’s a strong emphasis on texture within the collection – from the velvety ribbed surface of the Bowen Pillow to the intricately carved molding of the Witney Nightstand. It’s a detail that, like color, can make a home feel more cozy, warm, and inviting. Coupled with the collection’s quality craftsmanship, these tactile elements can give your home a sense of timelessness, character, and enduring appeal as we head into the colder months.

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Kitchen countertops have one of the toughest jobs in the house. They’re expected to handle hot pans, resist scratches, chips, and dings, survive spills ranging from red wine to turmeric, and look good in the process.

Unlike paint colors or cabinet hardware, kitchen countertops aren't something you can change on a whim, so the pressure to nail it first time is high. To add to the fun and games, there are dozens of options available, each claiming to be tougher, easier to maintain, or more luxurious than the last.

In truth, there isn’t a single surface that excels in every category. Some are virtually indestructible but come with a higher price tag. Others develop character over time, rewarding homeowners who don’t mind a little upkeep. Even the most popular materials have their weak spots.

That’s why durability and maintenance make such a useful first filter. Before comparing colors, veining or edge profiles, think about how your kitchen is used. Family homes, keen cooks and frequent entertainers place very different demands on a countertop than a kitchen that’s more of a coffee stop on your way out for lunch.

To help narrow the field, we’ve ranked the most popular countertop materials based on how they perform in real homes, weighing up everything from stain and heat resistance to maintenance requirements, longevity, value and everyday usability.

Whether you’re designing your forever kitchen, renovating on a budget or simply looking for a surface that can cope with whatever life throws at it, this guide will help you find the countertop that’s best suited to the way you live.

What Does ‘Low-Maintenance’ Actually Mean?

‘When a client asks for low-maintenance countertops, they’re really asking for easy day-to-day cleaning, strong durability, and a surface that stays beautiful without constant upkeep, especially if they have a busy lifestyle,’ says Brittany Farinas, creative director, House of One.

But despite how often the phrase is used, ‘low maintenance’ doesn’t literally mean bulletproof, and no countertop material is entirely immune to wear and tear. Instead, it’s a balance of several performance factors. Some materials resist stains brilliantly but need protecting from hot pans. Others can handle heat yet require occasional sealing to keep them looking their best. The trick is understanding which qualities matter most for the way you cook, clean, and live.

Before diving into our rankings, here’s what designers consider when assessing whether a countertop is genuinely low-maintenance.

The 6 Qualities That Define a Low-Maintenance Countertop

1. Stain Resistance: From coffee and olive oil to tomato sauce and red wine, kitchen countertops are constantly at risk of spills. Non-porous materials prevent liquids from soaking into the surface, making them much easier to wipe clean. More porous materials can stain if spills are left to sit, or the protective sealer has worn away.

2. Scratch resistance: Daily life is hard on countertops. Sliding ceramic dishes, dragging small appliances, or setting down cast-iron cookware can all leave marks over time. Highly scratch-resistant surfaces tend to retain their appearance for longer, although chopping boards are still recommended regardless of the material. To protect your knife blades, as well as your surfaces.

3. Heat resistance: Heat resistance is often misunderstood. While many natural stone countertops cope well with everyday heat, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should place a piping-hot pan directly onto the surface. Repeated exposure can affect sealers, resin repairs, or the finish, while engineered materials such as quartz are more vulnerable to very high temperatures because of the resin used in their construction. A trivet or board is always the safest option.

4. Sealing requirements: Some countertop materials need sealing every year or two to help protect against stains and moisture, while others never require sealing at all. If you’d rather not add another maintenance task to your chore list, this is one of the first things to check before choosing a material.

5. Repairability: Accidents happen, whether it’s a chipped edge, a dropped pan or an unexpected scratch. Some materials can be repaired, sanded or refinished with little evidence of damage, while others are much harder, and often more expensive, to restore once marked.

6. Long-term appearance: Some countertops are prized for looking almost identical years after installation. Others gradually develop a patina that tells the story of a busy life in the kitchen. Neither is inherently better; it’s simply a question of whether you prefer a surface that stays looking new or one that gains character with age.

‘Clients are often surprised by the idea that 'low maintenance' still means routine care, such as using the right cleaners and following the recommended care guidance for their specific finish,’ says Brittany. Ultimately, the most durable countertop isn’t the one that’s impossible to damage, because that doesn’t exist. It’s the one whose strengths match your lifestyle, whether that’s surviving a hectic family kitchen, standing up to enthusiastic home cooking or requiring as little upkeep as possible.

The 9 Most Durable Kitchen Countertop Materials

1. Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain has quickly become the benchmark for durable, low-maintenance countertops. Originally developed for commercial buildings, it is exceptionally hardwearing, resisting scratches, stains, heat and UV rays better than any other countertop surface.

Porcelain’s biggest advantage is that it’s completely non-porous, so it won’t absorb spills, harbor bacteria or require sealing. It also comes in an ever-growing range of finishes, convincingly mimicking marble, quartzite, concrete and even timber.

You’ll often see porcelain grouped with ultra-compact and sintered stone surfaces, like Dekton and Neolith. Although they’re not technically the same as porcelain, they’re all premium materials with very similar durability and performance.

Pros:

• Outstanding scratch, stain and heat resistance
• Never needs sealing
• UV resistant, so it won’t fade in sunny kitchens or outdoor spaces
• Hygienic, easy-to-clean surface
• Huge choice of realistic stone-look finishes

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Exposed edges can chip if hit by heavy cookware
• Requires skilled fabrication and installation
• Repairs can be difficult to disguise

Maintenance and durability

‘Porcelain and similar materials like sintered stone and ultra-compact stone are about as low maintenance as countertops get,’ says Ben Hawkswell, senior designer, Roundhouse. ‘Spills wipe away easily, and there’s no need for periodic sealing, specialist cleaning products or stressing over hot pans.’

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $60-$200 per square foot installed. While it’s one of the more expensive options, its durability and minimal upkeep can make it excellent long-term value.

Best for

Busy family kitchens, keen cooks, indoor-outdoor spaces, and anyone looking for a countertop that combines luxury looks with everyday practicality.

2. Quartz Countertops

If porcelain is the performance champion, quartz is the dependable all-rounder. Made from natural quartz combined with resins and pigments, it’s engineered to deliver the look of stone with fewer maintenance demands.

Because it’s non-porous, quartz won’t absorb everyday spills or require sealing, making it one of the easiest countertop materials to live with. It also comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, from subtle marble-look veining to contemporary concrete finishes, offering plenty of design flexibility. Design quality does vary, and if you’ve got cutouts and edge profiles on show, it’s worth paying more for full-body pattern (where any vein effects run right through the material) rather than surface-printed designs.

Pros:

• Non-porous and stain resistant
• No sealing required
• Decent scratch resistance
• Wide choice of colors, patterns and finishes
• Consistent appearance from slab to slab

Cons:

• Less heat-resistant than natural stone
• Prolonged direct sunlight can cause discoloration
• Not suitable for outdoor kitchens
• Premium designs can be expensive

Maintenance and durability

Quartz earns its reputation as a low-maintenance favorite because it asks very little of homeowners. Everyday cleaning is as simple as warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, while its non-porous surface resists staining from common kitchen spills.

Its main weakness is heat. The resin used to bind the material can be damaged by very hot cookware, so manufacturers recommend always using a trivet or heat pad.

‘Another common misconception is that quartz is completely scratch-proof. It’s actually scratch-resistant, which is an important distinction, especially if you have kids who think the countertop doubles as a cutting board,’ adds Janelle Patton, principal designer and owner, Lark Interiors.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $50-$120 per square foot installed. Quartz sits firmly in the mid-to-premium price bracket, but its durability, easy upkeep and broad design appeal continue to make it one of the most popular countertop choices.

Best for

Busy households, keen entertainers, and homeowners who want the look of natural stone with minimal maintenance.

3. Quartzite Countertops

‘Quartzite is a great alternative for clients who want natural movement, veining and a softer, more organic feel, but with less maintenance,’ says Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO, Urbanology Designs. Often mistaken for quartz, quartzite is actually a natural stone formed when sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure, creating an exceptionally hard surface that is heat-resistant and won’t fade in direct sunlight. The trade-off is that, like most natural stones, it does need occasional sealing to help prevent stains.

Pros:

• Extremely hard and scratch resistant
• Excellent heat resistance
• UV stable, so suitable for outdoor kitchens
• Unique natural veining and color variation
• Adds a luxurious, high-end feel

Cons:

• Requires periodic sealing
• Premium price point
• Patterns and colors vary from slab to slab
• Some softer varieties need more care than others

Maintenance and durability

Quartzite stands up brilliantly to the demands of everyday cooking. ‘Most people assume quartzite is more fragile than quartz when it’s actually not. It handles heat beautifully, whereas quartz can scorch if you’re not careful,’ says Ginger. Regular sealing helps stop oils, wine and other liquids from penetrating the stone, but beyond that, maintenance is straightforward with mild soap and water. ‘My honest take is if you want a surface that feels like a piece of art and you don’t mind a little maintenance, go quartzite. If low-maintenance consistency is your priority, quartz is a good option,’ she adds.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $70-$200 per square foot installed, depending on the rarity of the stone and fabrication requirements. It’s one of the more expensive countertop materials, but its combination of longevity and natural beauty makes it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

Best for

Luxury kitchens, keen cooks, natural stone lovers, and anyone who wants dramatic veining without choosing marble.

4. Granite Countertops

Granite may have lost a little of the spotlight to quartz and porcelain in recent years, but it’s still one of the hardest-working natural countertop materials you can buy. Formed from igneous rock, it’s incredibly tough, highly heat-resistant, and, with the right care, can last for decades.

‘One of the biggest misconceptions is that granite only comes in dark, heavily speckled patterns. Today’s granite selections include an incredible range of lighter colors, soft neutrals, and elegant veining that appeal to a wide variety of design aesthetics,’ says Stephanie Cole, lead designer, Habitar Design.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and scratch resistant
• Excellent heat resistance
• Every slab is unique
• Wide choice of colors and finishes
• Can last for decades with proper care

Cons:

• Needs periodic sealing
• Heavy, requiring robust cabinetry and professional installation
• Natural variation means slabs can differ significantly
• Some premium stones can be expensive

Maintenance and durability

‘Granite is incredibly durable and highly heat-resistant, making it an ideal surface for hardworking kitchens,’ says Stephanie. Once sealed, it resists everyday spills well, while its natural hardness makes it highly resistant to scratches and chips. While it copes exceptionally well with heat, using trivets is still recommended to help protect both the stone and its sealer.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $50-$150 per square foot installed. Prices vary widely depending on the rarity of the stone, but granite remains a solid long-term investment thanks to its durability, longevity and enduring appeal.

Best for

Busy kitchens, enthusiastic cooks, homeowners who love natural stone, and anyone looking for a countertop that combines character with everyday durability.

5. Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops, like Corian and HIMACS, are often overlooked in favor of stone-look materials, but they offer one of the best maintenance stories in the business. Made from acrylic or polyester resins blended with minerals and pigments, solid surface is non-porous, seamless-looking, and highly adaptable.

Its big advantage is repairability. While solid surface can scratch slightly more easily than quartz, granite or porcelain, most minor marks can be sanded out, and joins are usually far less visible than with stone. It can also be formed into integrated sinks and backsplashes, creating a clean, uninterrupted surface with fewer places for grime to gather.

Pros:

• Non-porous and hygienic
• No sealing required
• Scratches can often be sanded out
• Seamless-looking joins
• Can be shaped into integrated sinks and backsplashes

Cons:

• Scratch-resistant, not proof
• Vulnerable to scorching from hot pans
• Can look less natural than real stone
• Fabrication can be expensive

Maintenance and durability

‘Solid surface is completely homogeneous and non-porous, which added to seamless joining, means bacteria, viruses and molds cannot proliferate,’ says Martin Saxby of HIMACS. ‘It resists staining, and day-to-day cleaning is straightforward with standard household products, while tougher marks can usually be removed with more intensive methods.’ Its main weakness is heat, so trivets are essential, especially beside ranges and ovens.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $50–$120 per square foot installed. It isn’t always the cheapest option, but its seamless finish, easy maintenance, and repairability can make it strong value in modern kitchens.

Best for

Contemporary kitchens, integrated sinks, utility spaces, family kitchens, and anyone who wants a sleek, low-fuss surface that can be refreshed rather than replaced.

6. Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone doesn’t try to stay looking brand new, and that’s exactly why so many designers love it. This natural stone develops a rich patina over time, giving kitchens a relaxed, lived-in feel that’s difficult to replicate with engineered materials.

‘I love soapstone for its soft, natural look, rich veining, and timeless character,’ says Ariana Lovato, founder and principal designer, Honeycomb Interiors. ‘Unlike marble, soapstone is non-porous, making it highly durable and resistant to stains, heat, and everyday wear.’ While its softer surface is more prone to scratches and dents than harder stones, many marks can be sanded away or simply become part of its character.

Pros:

• Naturally non-porous, so no sealing required
• Excellent heat resistance
• Most scratches can be sanded out
• Develops a beautiful natural patina
• Resistant to stains and acids

Cons:

• Softer than many other countertop materials
• Limited color palette, typically gray, green and charcoal tones
• Requires occasional mineral oil if you want to enhance its color
• Can dent if struck by heavy objects

Maintenance and durability

Soapstone is remarkably easy to live with. Everyday spills wipe away easily, and because the stone is non-porous, it won’t absorb liquids or harbor bacteria. Although scratches are inevitable, they’re often easy to minimize with light sanding, and many homeowners prefer to let the surface age naturally. ‘It’s a great fit for those who love a timeless, slightly imperfect look and don’t mind that the surface will show signs of use and life,’ adds Ariana.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $70-$120 per square foot installed. While it’s a premium natural stone, its longevity and straightforward maintenance make it an appealing alternative to granite or marble.

Best for

Avid cooks, traditional and farmhouse kitchens, and homeowners who appreciate natural materials that gain character with age.

7. Laminate Countertops

If you haven’t looked at laminate countertops in a while, you may be in for a surprise. Advances in printing technology mean today’s high-pressure laminate (HPL) surfaces can convincingly mimic marble, quartz, concrete and wood, offering designer looks at a fraction of the price.

While laminate can’t compete with stone for longevity, good-quality HPL is impressively hard-wearing and easy to maintain. Its non-porous surface resists everyday stains and never needs sealing, making it a practical choice for busy households. ‘Laminate comes in such a fantastic array of colors and has an amazing ability to curve. We love exploring ways to push its sculptural side on kitchen counters,’ adds Mardi Doherty, co-founder of Studio Doherty.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• No sealing required
• Easy to clean
• Huge choice of colors, patterns and finishes
• Lightweight and relatively quick to install

Cons:

• Less resistant to heat and scratches than stone
• Can chip along exposed edges
• Deep scratches and burns are difficult to repair
• Lower resale appeal than premium materials

Maintenance and durability

High-pressure laminate is refreshingly easy to care for, needing little more than a soft cloth and mild cleaner to keep it looking its best. However, it doesn’t tolerate excessive heat or sharp impacts particularly well, so trivets and chopping boards are essential. While wear is inevitable over time, a good-quality HPL countertop can still provide decades of reliable everyday use.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $20–$60 per square foot installed. Laminate remains one of the most affordable countertop materials on the market, and modern HPL products offer excellent value for homeowners who want an attractive, low-maintenance surface without the premium price tag. Avoid insanely cheap laminates; it’s best to pay a little more for reputable brands that use quality adhesives and offer decent warranties.

Best for

Budget-friendly remodels, rental properties, laundry rooms, first homes, and anyone looking for a stylish, easy-care countertop that doesn’t stretch the budget.

8. Marble Countertops

‘In a plastic-forward world, it’s really satisfying to choose natural materials, and I just love the way marble looks and feels,’ says Shivani Vyas, associate principal, The Selective Design. ‘It’s also really versatile; you can find marble in warm ivory, beige, taupe, gray, charcoal, blush pink, or even blush hues.’

So why isn’t it higher in our rankings? Simply because marble demands more from its owner than most other materials. Primarily composed of carbon carbonate, it’s more susceptible to scratches, stains and etching from acidic foods like lemon juice, vinegar and wine. For many designers, though, that’s part of its charm rather than a flaw. ‘I always encourage clients to honestly think about how they live. If a small etch mark or stain is going to cause stress, skip marble,’ says Shivani. ‘For me, the etching is all part of the stone’s story.’

Pros:

• Timeless natural beauty
• Every slab is unique
• Excellent heat resistance
• Adds a luxurious feel and can enhance resale appeal
• Develops character over time

Cons:

• Requires periodic sealing
• Prone to etching from acidic foods
• Softer than many natural stones
• Can stain or scratch more easily than other premium materials

Maintenance and durability

Promptly wiping up spills and resealing the surface when needed will help keep it looking its best, but a little patina is almost inevitable in a hardworking kitchen. While marble handles heat well, it’s still wise to use trivets. ‘Bar Keepers Friend can work wonders on many natural stones, including marble, and there are excellent professional-grade sealers available that help protect more delicate materials,’ adds Emily Hodge, owner and principal designer of Emily Hodge Design.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $70–$200+ per square foot installed, depending on the variety and rarity of the stone. Although it’s one of the more expensive options, marble’s enduring appeal means it’s often viewed as a worthwhile investment in high-end homes.

Best for

Luxury kitchens, passionate bakers, homeowners who appreciate natural patina, and anyone prepared to trade a little extra maintenance for one of the most beautiful countertop materials available.

9. Butcher Block Countertops

Wood countertops bring something no other material can quite match: warmth (visual and physical). You get none of the banging and clashing experiences when moving pans and plates on a stone surface, and it’s kinder on arms when eating, too.

‘With its distinct grain, varying tones and natural warmth, wood introduces plenty of character,’ says interior designer Eloise Pfeiffer, Pfeiffer Design. ‘Popular species include oak, iroko and walnut, but you can opt for nearly any species of wood that’s been treated properly for a kitchen environment.’

The trade-off is that wood requires more care than any other countertop in our ranking. Without regular oiling or a protective finish, it can dry out, stain or warp, while standing water and hot pans can leave lasting marks. The good news is scratches, dents, and burns can be sanded out, and the wood brought back to new. Most wood countertops are made of end-grain (aka butcher block) or multistave boards rather than wide planks, mainly because it solves warping issues and creates a more robust surface.

Pros:

• Warm, natural appearance
• Can be sanded and refinished
• Suitable for a wide range of kitchen styles
• Often more affordable than premium stone

Cons:

• Requires regular oiling or maintenance
• Prone to scratches, dents and stains
• Vulnerable to moisture if neglected
• Hot pans will scorch the surface

Maintenance and durability

‘Wood will warp or rot if exposed to high levels of moisture, especially around a sink, for example – so ensure you wipe up any spills or surface water as soon as possible to avoid this happening,’ adds Eloise. ‘Otherwise, for daily maintenance, simply wipe the countertop with a damp cloth to clean it.’ Keeping up with routine oiling (at least annually) or refinishing will help prolong their life.

Cost and value

Expect to pay around $40–$100 per square foot installed, depending on the timber species and construction. Although maintenance should be factored in, wood offers a distinctive look that’s difficult to replicate with other materials.

Best for

Farmhouse and cottage kitchens, traditional homes, islands and breakfast bars, and homeowners who value natural character over a pristine finish.

The Case for High-Maintenance Countertops

Not every countertop material can score highly for durability and low maintenance, but that doesn’t stop designers from recommending them. ‘Nothing compares to the beauty of natural stone. Every slab features distinct veining and coloring forged by nature. We embrace the patina a natural countertop develops over its lifetime, etches and all, and think the extra TLC required is more than worth it,’ says Michelle Vassallo, principal at MV Architects.

Concrete is perhaps the best example. It creates a beautifully sculptural, bespoke surface that can be cast to almost any size or shape, but it needs sealing and may develop fine hairline cracks as it ages. Copper and brass countertops are another niche favorite, but their soft surface scratches easily and acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar and tomatoes can temporarily lighten the metal, leaving lighter splodges that gradually darken again as the surface re-oxidizes. ’It is beautiful, but stains and patinas immediately. It is a living finish, and you will just have to accept that it will never look the way it does when it is first installed,’ explains Katie Jackson, interior design director at Jackson Platt.

Tile countertops have also enjoyed something of a revival. Available in everything from handmade Zellige to colorful ceramics, they can create wonderfully individual kitchens. The downside is grout lines require more cleaning than a continuous slab, making them less practical for keen cooks.

‘The countertop material homeowners most often regret choosing is probably white marble, but only because they didn’t realize how it would wear, stain and evolve over time, and they don’t like that lived-in look,’ says Michael Patrick, principal of BarnesVanze Architects. ‘Ultimately, less durable options are not the right choice for someone who wants a pristine countertop year after year.’

The Hidden Factors That Affect Countertop Durability

Choosing the right countertop material is only half the story. Even the toughest porcelain or granite slab can chip, crack, or disappoint if it’s poorly fabricated or incorrectly installed. That’s why designers spend just as much time thinking about edge profiles, seam placement and fabrication details as they do choosing the material itself.

‘Restoration experts will tell you that countertops often fail at stress points, not across the open field of the slab. So, the details you need to pay most attention to are seam placement, radius at inside corners, cutout clearances, continuous support, and heat/expansion allowances around appliances,’ explains Terri Brien, owner and principal designer, Terri Brien Interiors. Get these decisions right, and almost any countertop will perform better for longer.

Fabrication quality: The quality of the fabrication has a huge impact on how a countertop performs over time. Precision cutting, polishing and finishing help reduce weak points around sink cut-outs, cooktops and corners, while accurately aligned seams create a cleaner, stronger installation. This is one area where experience really matters. A skilled fabricator can make a modestly priced material look exceptional, while poor workmanship can undermine even the most luxurious slab.

Thickness: Does thicker mean stronger? Not necessarily. ‘Thickness helps, but it is not an automatic durability answer, explains Terri. ‘3cm-thick material is often more forgiving than 2cm, especially with overhangs, but poor support can eventually undermine either. A thinner slab on a properly engineered substrate may perform better than a thicker slab installed over uneven cabinets or unsupported openings and overhangs.’ Unnecessarily thick stone can place additional strain on cabinetry and may require extra structural support.

Edge profiles: Your choice of edge profile isn’t just about aesthetics, it can also influence how well a countertop stands up to everyday knocks. ‘Edge profiles don’t have to be purely decorative, they can also be impact management,’ says Terri. ‘A crisp square edge may look clean, but it is less forgiving. A slight radius, bevel, or pencil round helps distribute impact and reduces chipping.’ This is particularly worth considering if you have young children or a busy family kitchen where bumps and knocks are inevitable.

Cut-outs: ‘Cutouts are often where many countertops become vulnerable. Sink, cooktop, faucet, and outlet openings should never be treated like simple holes,’ explains Terri. ‘They need radiused corners, proper clearances, and softened/chamfered top and bottom edges.’ This is important with any material but even more so when using the increasingly popular porcelain slab. ‘Dekton’s guide recommends chamfering cutout edges and using minimum radii at inside corners,’ she adds.

Seams and joins: Every seam is a potential weak point, so fewer is generally better. Large-format slabs can minimize joins, while careful seam placement makes them less noticeable and less vulnerable to daily wear. Designers position seams away from sinks, cooktops, and high-use prep areas wherever possible.

Your daily habits matter more than you think

The biggest causes of countertop damage usually have little to do with the material itself. Terri Brien offers the following advice:

Never sit or stand on countertops, particularly overhangs. Small, invisible fissures can cause stone to crack under concentrated weight.

Always use trivets or hot pads, even on materials marketed as heat resistant. Prolonged heat can discolor or yellow some engineered surfaces over time.

Avoid dragging abrasive items such as ceramic cookware, cast iron pans, or small appliances across the surface, and never cut directly on the countertop.

Skip harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. They can strip protective sealers from natural stone, leaving it vulnerable to staining and etching. Use a cleaner designed specifically for natural stone instead.

Reseal natural stone every one to two years to maintain its resistance to stains and everyday wear.

Keep the area around sinks as dry as possible. Wipe away standing water, dry seams and caulk lines.

Avoid leaving wet dish mats or cutting boards on surfaces, as trapped moisture can encourage mineral oxidation and cause rust-colored spots in some natural stones.

FAQs

What is the most durable kitchen countertop material?

If you’re looking for the toughest all-round performer, porcelain is our top pick. ‘It is highly resistant to heat, stains, and scratches, making it ideal for busy kitchens where surfaces need to perform as well as they look. Its non-porous surface is also hygienic, easy to clean, and requires no sealing,’ says Simon Boocock, managing director, CRL Stone.

That said, the 'best' kitchen countertop ideas still depend on your priorities. Quartz is a close second if low maintenance is your main concern, while quartzite and granite offer the beauty of natural stone with excellent durability. If you prefer a surface that can be repaired rather than replaced, solid surface materials such as Corian and butcher block timber are also worth considering.

No countertop is completely indestructible but choosing a material that suits the way you cook and live will have a far greater impact on its longevity than chasing the hardest surface available.

Which countertop material adds the most value to a home?

Well-designed kitchens sell homes, and countertops play a big part in that first impression. While no single material guarantees a higher resale value, premium surfaces tend to be viewed more favorably by buyers.

Natural stones such as quartzite, granite, and marble continue to carry strong luxury appeal, while high-quality quartz has become one of the most desirable choices thanks to its combination of durability, low maintenance, and contemporary styling. Porcelain is also gaining popularity in high-end remodels, although it’s still less familiar to some buyers.

What is the easiest countertop material to maintain?

For most homeowners, porcelain and quartz are the easiest countertop materials to live with. Both are non-porous, so they resist stains and don’t require regular sealing, while everyday cleaning usually involves nothing more than warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth.

If heat resistance is high on your list of priorities, porcelain has the edge because it tolerates high temperatures better than quartz. If you’re after a consistent appearance with an enormous choice of colors and patterns, quartz remains one of the most versatile options.

‘The biggest mistake I see is clients choosing a material solely because it is perceived to be durable or low maintenance, rather than selecting something unique and design-centric,’ adds Emily Hodge. ’Often, they end up replacing it later with the stone they wanted from the beginning.’

Still weighing up your options? Our guides to the best kitchen cabinet colors, kitchen backsplash ideas and kitchen sink materials will help you create a kitchen that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

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I don't know about you, but my household generates a lot of cardboard – from packaging, deliveries, and the general everyday rubbish we seem to accumulate. Rather than chucking it in the recycling bin, I always save it for my garden. Whenever I'm mulching, composting, or preparing a new raised bed, I head straight to my cardboard stash.

It's one of the easiest ways to have an eco-friendly garden because cardboard has so many helpful uses in the yard. It's great at suppressing weeds, you can use it as a 'brown' material in your compost bin (you can pick up plain cardboard from Walmart if your compost needs a top-up), and you can even make plant pots out of cardboard.

But this sustainable trick does come with a word of warning. You should avoid any treated cardboard, any with a glossy or painted finish, and pieces that have sticky labels or are heavily inked. These either won't break down or could leach harmful chemicals into your garden's soil. Here, garden experts share their favorite ways to repurpose cardboard in the garden.

1. Add Cardboard to Your Compost

If you make your own compost, you'll know the struggle (especially in spring and summer) of finding enough material to maintain the 3:1 brown-green ratio. With so many fresh trimmings and grass clippings making up the greens, there isn't so much woody brown material to source from the yard this season.

This is where cardboard comes in, offering the perfect brown material to top up your compost pile.

'Cardboard makes an excellent carbon source for composting when it is clean and untreated. Shred plain brown corrugated cardboard into small pieces and mix it with nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps or fresh grass clippings. It improves airflow and helps maintain the carbon-to-nitrogen balance needed for decomposition,' says Lauren Click, founder of Let's Go Compost.

But some cardboard finds itself on the list of things you should never compost, Lauren warns.

'Avoid composting cardboard with plastic windows, waterproof coatings, heavy inks, glitter, metallic finishes, or food packaging designed to resist grease or moisture.'

'Some food-contact packaging has historically contained PFAS ('forever chemicals'), and many coated papers and labels can introduce plastics or other contaminants into finished compost. When in doubt, leave it out,' she advises.

2. Use Cardboard for Mulch

This has been one of the easiest and most effective ways I've used cardboard in my own garden – using cardboard as mulching sheets.

More specifically, I've placed sheets of cardboard on my beds to suppress weeds and stop grass growing through. A bonus is that as it breaks down, it adds carbon to the soil, feeding microbes and worms and improving soil structure.

'A lot of people use some type of landscape fabric or weed barrier product, but I don’t recommend it, especially in garden beds. It can work for a while, but then dirt and old mulch just build up on it or through it,' says Tyler Mainka.

'Weeds root right into the fabric and get nearly impossible to pull. But the main issue is that the fabric will start blocking water from flowing through it over time and break into small pieces of plastic eventually. Cardboard doesn't last forever, but that's the point. It breaks down, adds some plant matter to the soil and is usually free.'

He adds: 'We cut down tall weeds first and remove any seed heads; after that we wet the ground and lay the cardboard down. Put it down in a formation where it's covering all the grass and overlapping 3-4" at the edges of each piece (gaps will allow pockets for weeds to grow through).

'Water it again, then cover it right away with 3-4" of bark mulch (like this brown mulch from Lowe's) or wood chips. This keeps the cardboard from blowing away and helps block weeds,' Tyler advises.

You can actually purchase cardboard sheets from Amazon, designed for mulching in this way. Take care not to place cardboard directly against the base of plants, as it can lock in excessive moisture and limit airflow, causing fungal diseases and rot.

'Don't forget to remove all packing tape, staples, plastic shipping labels, and any glossy or waxed coatings,' Lauren Click adds. This staple remover tool from Amazon might be handy.

3. Make Fun Plant Pots

If you want to be a little more creative with your leftover cardboard, use it to make DIY cardboard plant pots. It's a fun way to repurpose it while creating plastic-free pots for your plants.

This is best used for annuals, seedlings, or plants you want to have on show in drier months (cardboard pots being rained on excessively won't maintain their structural integrity for very long).

In fact, you can also use a cardboard plant pot as an alternative to plantable seedling pots (like these from Burpee), so you can avoid transplant shock for your most fragile plants.

Cardboard toilet roll tubes are perfect for this, as they're bottomless and will allow roots to easily find their way into the ground.

The reason cardboard works well as a material for plant pots is because it's breathable and will allow airflow to roots.

Just remember this isn't a permanent solution for your plants, but it is an easy, non-toxic gardening swap to make your own seed trays or display your favorite seasonal annuals.

4. Use It as a Potting Mat

Another way I regularly repurpose cardboard in the garden is by using it as a potting mat to keep my patio tidy when potting up containers and even houseplants.

Just like this IKEA potting mat, you can use a cardboard sheet as your work surface, catching any wayward compost so it doesn't cause a big clean-up job.

This is a good solution for the indoor garden, too, keeping your living room floor clean when working with houseplants.

The best bit is, you can reuse it over and over again.

To take it one step further, I gently bend the edges of the cardboard sheet upwards to create a lip. Not only does this keep the compost contained, but it also makes it easy to pour leftover soil back into the compost bag afterwards, saving on wasted resources.

5. Create a Bug Hotel

If you want to make a bug hotel, recycled cardboard is one of the best materials to use.

You can use a cardboard box to house all the different elements of your bug hotel (like in the photo above), as well as use it to form the structure.

Alternatively, if you have thinner cardboard to work with, cut long pieces and roll them into small tubes. You can then use them to fill a waterproof container (like this plastic food box from Walmart) to create the ultimate haven for beneficial insects, with lots of nooks for nesting and shelter.

Even if you have an existing mason bee house (like this beautiful hexagonal wooden one from Amazon), these DIY cardboard tubes can be used to refresh it.

6. Make a No-Dig Bed

Cardboard is a crucial material in no-dig gardening and setting up a no-dig garden bed.

Like using cardboard as a mulching sheet, you lay it down on bare ground to temporarily suppress weeds and grass. You should thoroughly water it so it then starts to break down. You then add a thick layer (4-6") of compost on top.

Over time, this creates a planting bed without having disturbed the soil beneath, maintaining (and even improving) healthy soil structure. Though you can often plant into it in the first year, if your compost level is sufficient.

Just watch out for no-dig gardening mistakes that may set your efforts back.

I was fortunate enough to spend a day at the homestead of no-dig pioneer Charles Dowding – read his top tips for composting and no-dig.

7. Use It to Protect Tree Trunks

Another clever way to repurpose cardboard in the garden is by using it for winter protection. More specifically, you can use it to guard tree trunks, protecting them from pests and damage.

In winter especially, tree trunks are susceptible to wildlife damage, including mice, voles, rabbits, and deer, which chew on bark when other food sources are extremely scarce.

Likewise, sunscald can happen, where the bark and cambium tissue die from rapid winter temperature shifts on cold, sunny days.

You can use a long, wide cardboard box to fashion a temporary tree guard that creates a physical barrier. It works much the same as the tree guards you can purchase on Amazon.

However, be aware that cardboard retains moisture and, if consistently wet, may attract pests. For this reason, it shouldn't sit directly up against the tree bark and should be replaced when it becomes soggy and warps.

Our guide to protecting trees from winter weather has more insight you may find useful.

What to Shop

Cardboard isn't the only thing you can repurpose in the garden. You can also reuse old planters to make beautiful garden features and even to aid pest control. Or, reuse old pavers to add characterful details to your yard.

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Some homes take years to earn their character. This one simply skipped the waiting. Although this grand Georgian home in Ridgeland, Mississippi, was built from the ground up, you'd be forgiven for assuming it had been lovingly added to over generations. That's no happy accident.

Having worked with her clients on two previous homes, designer Claire Thompson resisted the temptation to start from scratch. Instead, she reimagined cherished upholstery and artwork, layering them with European and American antiques, beautifully patinated natural materials, and classic architectural details to create a house that feels collected rather than newly decorated.

'The goal was not to start over completely, but to thoughtfully rework familiar pieces into the home,' Claire says. 'We wanted every room to feel as though it had evolved over time rather than being furnished all at once.' The result is a family home that's undeniably grand yet refreshingly unpretentious.

While Claire already understood her clients' aesthetic, for this project the family wanted a home that felt rooted from day one – timeless architecture, generous proportions, and elegant enough for entertaining, yet practical enough for family life. It was a vision that demanded careful collaboration from the outset. Working alongside architect Juan Deleon, Pierce Jordan of Shane & Pierce, and the homeowner, who was also the builder, Claire was able to refine every detail as the home took shape, ensuring the interiors and architecture evolved hand in hand.

Just as influential was the setting itself. The home sits within Greenwood Plantation, an idyllic neighborhood developed by the homeowner's father with plenty of mature trees, generous lots, and thoughtfully designed homes. Rather than competing with its surroundings, Claire wanted the house to feel as though it had always belonged there, drawing on classic Georgian architecture, structured landscaping, and natural materials to create a sense of permanence from the moment you arrive.

'The architecture, structured landscaping, reclaimed materials, and outdoor living spaces all work together to give the property a connection to its surroundings,' Claire explains. 'Greenwood Plantation offers a rare balance of privacy, natural beauty, and architectural continuity, all of which played an important role in shaping the living experience for the homeowners.'

The home's sense of character comes down to careful layering rather than grand gestures. Instead of filling every room with statement pieces, Claire built depth gradually, pairing familiar upholstery with European and American antiques, textured rugs, and collected artwork and accessories.

'We often think of this process as creating the right balance between polish and grit,' she explains. 'The newer pieces bring comfort and structure, while the antiques and collected objects introduce character, irregularity, and soul. That layering helped us create rooms that feel classic and elevated without becoming rigid or overly decorated.'

That same approach extends to the materials themselves. Belgian oak flooring grounds each room with warmth, while natural stone in the entry and marble countertops in the kitchen were chosen knowing they'll soften and develop character with everyday use. Rather than chasing flawless finishes, Claire embraced materials that tell their own story over time. 'We are naturally drawn to earthy, organic materials and warm, grounded palettes, and this home offered the perfect opportunity to lean fully into that approach,' she adds.

For all its soaring ceilings, symmetry, and beautifully crafted millwork, there's remarkably little about this home that feels formal. Rather than relying on bold color or ornate decoration, Claire allowed texture and materiality to do the heavy lifting. 'The foundation of the interiors is rich and neutral, with layered shades of cream, camel, taupe, brown, and soft plaster tones,' Claire says. 'These quieter colors create a sense of warmth and continuity from room to room. We then introduced warm jewel tones in select spaces to add depth, personality, and visual interest. The overall palette feels enveloping and sophisticated, but still very comfortable and approachable.'

Equally as considered is the way the home is arranged. 'The floor plan was carefully considered to create a natural sense of movement throughout the home. The interior spaces flow easily with one another, and the backyard was designed to feel like a true extension of the house rather than a separate destination,' Claire explains. 'The layout works beautifully for entertaining because the larger public spaces flow together, allowing guests to move comfortably between the interiors, outdoor living areas, and pool. At the same time, there are more intimate rooms and quiet corners that support the family’s day-to-day life.'

First impressions matter. Here, traditional checkerboard stone flooring immediately lends a sense of grandeur, while crisp Georgian-inspired paneling and delicate dentil molding establish the architectural language that carries throughout the house. 'The foyer best captures the spirit of the home,' Claire says. 'Standing there and looking from the formal living room toward the lounge, you immediately understand the balance we were trying to achieve. There is a strong sense of scale and architectural presence, but there is also warmth, softness, and an immediate invitation to settle in,' she adds.

The symmetry of the architecture may be classically Georgian, but there's nothing stiff about this living room. Instead of relying on statement colors or oversized furniture, Claire lets the quieter elements do the heavy lifting. Sink-in linen sofas are piled with floral and velvet cushions, antique paintings lean into the home's collected character, and every finish feels softened by time rather than polished to perfection. 'We wanted every room to feel elevated but approachable,' Claire says. 'The formal living room is often where guests gather first, so it was important that it felt welcoming from the moment you sat down. Layering antiques with comfortable upholstery helped strike that balance between refinement and ease.'

After the restrained palette of the adjoining spaces, Claire introduces a whisper of pattern in the dining room with a delicate botanical wallpaper that feels romantic rather than traditional. 'We wanted the interiors to feel elegant and enduring, but never precious or overly formal,' she adds. Bathed in natural light, she lets texture do the talking here, pairing slipcovered dining chairs with an antique table, elegant mirrors, and a weathered rug that immediately makes the room feel lived-in.

Just beyond the dining room, a discreet home bar reinforces the family's easy-going approach to entertaining. Rather than closing the host away in a separate space, it sits neatly between the dining and living rooms, allowing conversation to flow as easily as the drinks. It's a slightly moody addition to the scheme, with blue-gray limewashed plaster walls and statement stone, but one that speaks volumes about how thoughtfully the house was planned around hosting.

Having layered antiques, texture and rich materials throughout the home's social spaces, Claire takes a more restrained approach in the primary bedroom. And the result is just as inviting. Beneath a lofty vaulted ceiling, soft neutrals replace stronger contrasts, while tactile linens, tailored upholstery and warm timber create a sense of quiet luxury that feels perfectly suited to the slower pace of the room. 'Although the architecture has a sense of grandeur, the rooms are refined, but they are also designed to be lived in, enjoyed, and used every day,' she adds.

Even the primary bathroom refuses to feel polished. Rather than relying solely on marble and stone, Claire softened the space with the kind of decor you'd expect to find elsewhere in the house – an antique side chair, a petite Queen Anne table, vintage artwork, and a cozy rug. 'The balance between old and new was essential. Antiques brought patina and character, while the more modern pieces kept the interiors feeling fresh and current,' she explains.

Stepping outside, the design story doesn't end at the back door. Framed by towering mature trees and generous lawns, the pool house was conceived as an extension of the main home rather than a separate destination – somewhere family and friends could drift in and out without ever feeling like they'd left the ease of the family home behind. Although more relaxed in mood, it follows a very similar design DNA.

If the main kitchen feels polished and elegant, the pool house kitchen embraces something altogether more rustic. Wrapped in warm timber paneling, complete with a reclaimed workbench at its center, it has the character of a country scullery – it's less about showstopping finishes and more about honest materials that only improve with age. Painted earthy green cabinetry, unlacquered brass, and a generous farmhouse sink sit comfortably against the grained wood, while the workbench introduces charm that simply can't be manufactured.

Timber paneling continues in the lounge area while reclaimed ceiling beams and a stone fireplace stone walls wrap the space in warmth, creating an atmosphere that feels closer to a mountain retreat than a summer house. It's a space designed for slowing down after a swim, curling up by the fire on cooler evenings, or gathering with friends long after dinner has finished.

Even the pool house bathroom has its own distinct identity. This space embraces a moodier palette, with glossy toffee-colored tiles wrapping the shower in sun-baked tones. It's a bold departure from the lighter rooms elsewhere in the property, yet it never feels out of step with the overall design.

By resisting the urge to begin with a blank slate, Claire has created something that many new builds struggle to achieve: genuine character. It's a house that already feels settled into its surroundings, where antiques sit comfortably beside contemporary pieces, natural materials will only become more beautiful with time, and every room feels as though it has earned its place.

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At a glance, Joanna Gaines's glasshouse looks entirely conventional. Set on her farm in Waco, Texas, the vintage structure comprises brick flooring, climbing greenery framing the ironwork, and terra-cotta pots alongside her chickens. However, with the addition of a wooden table, the designer has tapped into a trend that I've increasingly observed among celebrities: She's created a space for entertaining.

Most greenhouses are treated as purely utilitarian outposts – dedicated strictly to planting and growing. However, just as David and Victoria Beckham did on their Cotswolds estate, Joanna turned her space into an extension of her dining room. As a result, we're rethinking how we use our own garden spaces.

And while it remains unclear whether Joanna has actually hosted dinner parties inside her greenhouse, the presence of the antique table is inspiration enough.

Shop the Joanna Gaines-Inspired Vintage Greenhouse Edit

As interior designers explain, Joanna's space prompts a shift in perspective. It suggests that a greenhouse can serve just as easily for hospitality as it does as a nursery for plants.

'What makes this greenhouse so compelling isn’t simply that it’s filled with plants, but that it was designed to be lived in,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'The addition of a table transforms it from a functional growing space into an extension of the home, creating a destination for gathering, conversation, entertaining, and quiet reflection.'

By bringing lifestyle elements out into her garden, Joanna encourages us to think about how we use spaces that are additional to our main home. We can't all have a glasshouse as spacious as hers, but we can still use smaller structures to host more intimate gatherings, even if it's just tea for two.

'Surrounded by natural light, lush greenery, and the rhythms of the seasons, even an ordinary meal or cup of coffee becomes a restorative experience,' Nina adds. 'It’s a beautiful example of biophilic garden design, where nature isn’t just something we admire through a window, but something we immerse ourselves in, allowing the space to nourish relationships, support well-being, and encourage us to slow down and savor the moment.'

The greenhouse stands as a celebration of Joanna’s design philosophy. She's taken a traditionally functional room and filled it with character and a reason to entertain in an extraordinary way.

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With the holidays still months away, your Christmas cactus may not be top of mind. But August is one of the most important months in its growing cycle. While your plant is focused on producing new stems rather than flower buds, the care you provide now will have a direct impact on how well it blooms later in the year.

Whether your Christmas cactus spends the summer indoors or you've moved it outside to enjoy the warmer weather, now is the perfect time to fine-tune your Christmas cactus care routine. A few small adjustments in August can help your plant stay healthy through late summer and set it up for a spectacular display of blooms when the holiday season arrives.

1. Water Consistently, But Let the Soil Dry Slightly

Unlike desert cacti, Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera) are native to the humid rainforests of southeastern Brazil, where they naturally grow on trees rather than in dry, sandy soil. During August, your plant is still actively growing, so it appreciates consistent moisture.

Knowing how to water a Christmas cactus is key at this stage. Water thoroughly when the top inch of potting mix feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away completely. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as overly wet soil can lead to root rot.

If you’re unsure when to water, a moisture meter can help take the guesswork out of your routine. The VIVOSUN Plant Moisture Meter Light and pH Tester from The Home Depot lets you check soil moisture levels before watering, helping prevent overwatering.

If your Christmas cactus needs repotting after flowering, a well-draining mix can help support healthy roots. The Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix from Amazon is designed to improve drainage and is a useful option for cacti and succulents.

For many U.S. gardeners, August also brings high temperatures and air-conditioned homes, which can affect how quickly potting mix dries. Rather than watering on a fixed schedule, check the soil regularly and adjust as needed.

2. Fertilize Before Bud Formation Begins

Late summer is typically the last chance to feed your Christmas cactus before it begins transitioning toward its flowering cycle. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to four weeks while the plant is actively growing. Once flower buds begin to form in early fall, stop fertilizing so the plant can direct its energy toward blooming rather than producing new foliage.

A gentle, balanced fertilizer can help support healthy stems and encourage stronger growth before the blooming season begins. The Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food from The Home Depot is an easy-to-use liquid option that can be diluted and added during your regular watering routine. For a more organic approach, the Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food from Amazon provides a slow, steady source of nutrients to support houseplants through the growing season.

Avoid overfeeding your Christmas cactus, as too much fertilizer can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. The goal in August is to give your plant the nutrients it needs now, while allowing it to naturally shift its focus toward producing holiday blooms later in the year.

3. Give It Bright, Indirect Light

Christmas cacti thrive in bright, indirect light, so where to place a Christmas cactus matters. An east-facing window is often ideal, while south- or west-facing windows may need a sheer curtain to protect leaves from harsh afternoon sun.

If you've moved your Christmas cactus outdoors for summer, keep it in a shaded or partially shaded spot and bring it indoors before temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C).

As fall approaches, light becomes key for blooming. The Christmas cactus in the dark method involves giving your plant around 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night to encourage flower buds to form. If your home lacks suitable light, the GE Full Spectrum LED Grow Light from Amazon can help supplement daytime light while keeping its nighttime routine consistent.

4. Resist the Urge to Repot

If your Christmas cactus looks healthy, August isn't the time to give it a larger container. These plants tend to bloom best when they are slightly root-bound, and disturbing the roots too close to flowering season can interrupt bud production.

However, if you’re wondering when to repot a Christmas cactus, it’s usually best to wait until after the plant has finished blooming. Only repot sooner if roots are growing through the drainage holes or the potting mix has broken down and is no longer draining well.

5. Prepare for the Blooming Season

Although flower buds usually begin forming in early fall, August is the perfect time to prepare. Christmas cacti need approximately 12 to 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night, along with cooler nighttime temperatures, to trigger blooming.

As summer comes to an end, decide where your plant will spend the fall and avoid moving it once buds begin to develop, as sudden changes in light, temperature, or humidity can cause buds to drop.

If your home is naturally bright in the evenings, the simple Aokrean Grow Lights for Indoor Plants from Amazon can help provide consistent daytime light while allowing you to control the plant’s essential dark period.

Your Christmas cactus may not be putting on its holiday display just yet, but August is when it is quietly preparing for the months ahead. By watering carefully, feeding while it is actively growing, providing plenty of bright, indirect light, and avoiding unnecessary repotting, you’ll give your plant the best chance of rewarding you with vibrant blooms when the holiday season arrives.

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We might be heading into August, but much of the US is still battling extreme temperatures. It can make getting a comfortable night's sleep more difficult than ever.

Switching to lightweight linens is an obvious way to keep cool, but for sleepers who prefer a little weight on them when sleeping, even in a heatwave, a 2.5 tog duvet insert offers a brilliant alternative.

Not only is IKEA's BLÅNEPETA Duvet Insert cool to the touch and moisture-wicking − it's also just $69.99. It's the perfect pick for keeping a bed cool in summer.

Heavy, heat-trapping bedding might be one of the things that are making your bedroom hotter, but the BLÅNEPETA Duvet Insert, available at IKEA, is anything but.

Infused with lyocell fibers in both the fabric and the fill, it feels cool and refreshing, and works to effectively absorb and redirect moisture away from your body as you sleep to keep you both dry and comfortably cozy.

When paired with a set of the best cooling sheets (our favorite is the ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set) it's a simple, budget-friendly way to ensure better sleep, even throughout the enduring summer heatwaves.

It's also conveniently machine-washable, making it all the easier to stick to the correct spring and summer bedding washing frequency and wash, dry, and care for your duvet insert regularly.

With an average rating of 4.4 stars on the IKEA site, the reviews, which praise the BLÅNEPETA Duvet Insert for warm weather, speak for themselves.

'Just the right weight,' says Lauren. 'This is the second Blånepeta duvet we have purchased in a month − the weight is perfect to have a great summer sleep.'

Another, from Demetria, commends it as 'perfect.' 'We’ve recently changed up our bedding to the Scandinavian Sleep Method where we each have our own Twin duvet with cover instead of one large duvet and a flat sheet,' they explain. 'As such, we needed new options for seasonal change. These are super cool to the touch, [and] provide exactly the right amount of comfort and weight on warmer nights. Really happy with our decision.'

A final standout review from Joanne refers to it as a 'game changer,' elaborating enthusiastically, 'This has improved my quality of life dramatically. I absolutely love the way it keeps me cool while I sleep.'

If you've been struggling to sleep well this summer, don't delay in making the switch. Even better, pick up a second for cooling a guest bedroom at the same time, and a cooling mattress topper or pad to go with it.

More to Shop

From the best Amazon cooling sheets for layering your bed for summer to pillows that work to actively draw heat and moisture away from your neck, shop from a Sleep Editor-approved selection of summer sleeping essentials below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication, and refer to Queen sizes where applicable.

This affordable IKEA pillow is giving shoppers their 'best sleep in years,' and costs just $3.49.

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Midsummer is a time when rich bounties are coming from the vegetable garden. August is also a perfect time to sow vegetables that will provide glorious harvests through fall and potentially into winter. Here we look at some fantastic vegetables to sow in August.

Crops like lettuce, carrots, turnips, arugula, kohlrabi, and oriental leaves germinate and grow quickly in the late-summer sunshine. They can easily fill empty spaces left by crops you have already picked and keep your plot productive late into the year.

When planting a second crop in vegetable garden beds or raised beds, it is important to supplement the soil with additional nutrients. Add some compost, balanced fertilizer, or chicken manure pellets (like these on Amazon) to ensure your new crops have the nutrients they need to thrive. Add some of our vegetables to sow in August to be enjoying homegrown harvests within weeks.

Carrots

August is the last window to plant carrots for a homegrown crop of succulent roots. Sowing carrots in August can give you a fall crop from October.

When growing carrots outside, pick smaller, fast-growing varieties, such as ‘Early Nantes’, ‘Short n Sweet’, or ‘Parisian’. These speedier carrots produce shorter or round roots, but they go from sowing to harvesting in 12-18 weeks.

Weed, prepare, and rake the soil to a fine tilth beforehand. Sow carrot seeds thinly in shallow drills. I water the drills before sowing the seeds to help get them off to a strong start. Keep the soil consistently moist after sowing, as carrot seeds won’t germinate if the soil dries out fully.

Be careful thinning seedlings to avoid carrot fly (you can cover the crop with insect netting to stop the pests, such as this mesh netting at Walmart). Come late fall, you can cover the crop with fleece or straw to protect them against the early frosts.

Get ‘Short n Sweet’ carrot seeds at Burpee

Get ‘Parisian’ carrot seeds at True Leaf Market

Turnips

Turnips are never seen as the most glamorous root crops, but they have always been a staple in my plots. They are fast-growing vegetables ready in 6-10 weeks from sowing and a great choice for filling gaps in the kitchen garden. Or, you can get a quick crop of baby turnips between other slower-growing vegetables.

You can get yellow, white, or purple-topped varieties of turnips. I always tend to pick the white-skinned varieties, such as these silky sweet turnip seeds at Burpee, at home, but grew lots of purple-topped turnips (usually these purple top white globe seeds at True Leaf Market) for chefs during my time as a specialist kitchen gardener.

Always directly sow seeds outdoors when growing turnips. They don’t like root disturbance, so won’t react well to being started indoors and transplanted. Sow the seeds thinly into a half-inch deep drill, cover them, and keep moist. Thin the seedlings to six inches apart.

Kohlrabi

This unique vegetable may look like a spaceship from a sci-fi movie, but it is a delicious, versatile crop becoming increasingly popular in modern vegetable gardens. Kohlrabi is a brassica that comes in purple or white forms and produces a swollen base. It can be eaten raw or roasted, steamed, or sautéed.

Sow kohlrabi seeds into half-inch deep drills and keep the ground moist. The seeds tend to germinate quickly and need to be thinned to six inches apart. It is recommended to cover the crop with netting to protect against pests such as cabbage white butterflies, caterpillars, and loppers.

Kohlrabi takes 50-70 days to develop and is ready when the swollen stems are 3-4 inches in diameter. The best size for texture and flavor is to harvest kohlrabi when the crop is larger than a golf ball but not as big as a tennis ball. When kohlrabi gets too large, it turns woody and loses the sweet flavor.

Get White Vienna kohlrabi seeds at Amazon

Get Purple Vienna kohlrabi seeds at Burpee

Lettuce

A wide variety of lettuce seeds can be sown in August to provide you with harvests into fall and early winter.

After the summer peak begins to wind down, cool-weather crops can thrive, especially when you plant lettuce in a shady spot or cover it with shade cloth (you can get 55% shade cloth at Walmart) to protect it during hot periods.

Sow seeds a few inches apart in half-inch drills, keep them moist, and then thin the seedlings to 6-12 inches apart. Any exact distance will depend on the variety, so refer to the seed packets for guidance.

Slugs and snails are notorious for nibbling on lettuce seedlings as they germinate, so cover plants with cloches or place rough surfaces or beer traps (get beer traps for snails and slugs at Amazon) around your crops.

You can start harvesting cut-and-come-again lettuces once the leaves are large enough to use. And they will continue to provide pickings well into fall.

This lettuce seed collection at Amazon features 10 different varieties of lettuce, many of which can be planted in August for fall harvests.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a hardy thoroughbred for the vegetable garden. A sowing in August first provides you with harvests of tasty baby leaves in fall. Plus the vegetable can overwinter outdoors with ease. It means you can enjoy harvests of Swiss chard leaves throughout winter and into spring.

I really enjoy growing Swiss chard. I always love the ‘Bright Lights’ variety as it adds a rainbow of colorful leaves to the vegetable garden. And this year I am also growing ‘Fordhook Giant’ and am impressed by the size of the leaves (I know, the giant in the name should’ve given it away).

Get Bright Light Swiss chard seeds at Burpee

Get Fordhook Giant Swiss chard seeds at Burpee

Plant Swiss chard seeds thinly (at least four inches apart) in drills that are an inch deep. Keep them consistently moist, and thin seedlings to 18 inches apart so the plants have room to reach full size and don’t suffer from fungal issues caused by poor air circulation.

Oriental Greens

Oriental greens are great vegetables to sow in August as they can provide flavorful harvests to perk up plates in fall.

Whether it is mizuna or mustard greens for peppery leaves or bok choy (get baby choi bok choy seeds at Botanical Interests) and tatsoi for sweet, earthy tones, these crops can be eaten raw or cooked in a wide variety of dishes.

I have always found mizuna a reliable performer, and these Mizuna Red Streaks seeds at True Leaf Market can go from sowing to cropping in 45 days. And I’ve always enjoyed the darker, textured leaves of some mustards, which stand out in the garden. A good example is these Red Giant mustard seeds at Burpee.

Not only are they easy-growing and attractive, but you can pick these two above as cut-and-come-again vegetables.

Oriental greens are cool-weather crops suited to sowing in late summer or early fall. They can successfully grow in raised beds or containers, making them perfect for fall harvests in smaller spaces.

Fill any pot, planter, or windowbox with a well-draining potting mix, like this organic potting mix at Walmart, and sow the seeds directly into the soil.

Radish

August is a great time for growing radishes, primarily as there are three different types you can sow this month.

Many gardeners often stick to planting salad radishes. But August is an opportunity to broaden your horizons, as it is also time for both oriental varieties, known as daikon or mooli, and winter radishes.

The classic salad radishes, such as ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘Early Scarlet Globe’ and ‘French Breakfast ’ (get French Breakfast seeds at Burpee), can be sown and will be ready to harvest in less than a month. Sow them into drills and thin the seedlings to 4-6 inches apart.

Asian radishes are also fast-growing and take 7-8 weeks from sowing to harvesting. Sow the seeds thinly and thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. You can get Daikon radish seeds at Amazon.

Finally, winter radishes are larger than the salad types and take longer to grow. Sow them into drills in August and thin them to 6-8 inches apart. These types will be ready to harvest in late fall or winter.

This collection of radish seeds at Amazon has five varieties of summer radishes, plus Black Spanish round winter radish.

It is also not too late to plant flowers this month to add color and interest to the garden later in the fall. Our guide to flowers to sow in August includes fast-growing blooms, such as calendula, sweet alyssum, and viola, that will give you beautiful flowers this year.

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Old pavers can become stepping stones, pot stands, wildlife features, and even a cool resting place for pets. Reusing them saves money, reduces waste, and gives a backyard the sort of settled character that new materials spend years attempting to acquire.

Before beginning, scrub each slab (you might need a stiff-bristled scrubbing brush, like this from Amazon), inspect it closely, and reserve only the sturdy ones for any garden idea that is weight-bearing or underfoot. You should also be aware of those with crumbling concrete, sharp edges, or old chemical stains. Though, a paver with a hairline crack may still be charming in a planted corner.

There is a particular pleasure in letting plants wander around old stone, and paving planting is a wonderfully relaxed way to blur the line between hardscaping and greenery. Here, we talk through how to get this look with several ways to reuse pavers in the garden.

How to Decide Which Pavers Are Worth Saving

Not every old slab deserves a second act. I have hauled more than one 'perfectly usable' paver across a yard only to discover it lacks any structural integrity. Be brisk. If a slab is deeply fractured, flakes under pressure, has exposed reinforcement, or is contaminated with paint, oil, or unknown chemicals, dispose of it responsibly rather than attempting an optimistic rescue.

For the rest, a stiff brush, water, and a little patience go a long way. Let them dry fully, then sort them by thickness and condition. The largest, flattest pavers are ideal for paths and tables; smaller pieces make handsome edging or supports.

Wear gloves and eye protection when handling broken concrete or ceramic, and use a rubber mallet rather than brute force if a slab needs settling into place.

A long spirit level from Amazon and a rubber mallet from Ace Hardware are modest investments that prevent the rather undignified experience of a paver see-sawing beneath your morning coffee. Good sustainable garden landscaping begins with using what is already on site, but it also means using it safely.

1. Make a Stepping Stone Path

The simplest transformation is often the most convincing: lay mismatched pavers as an informal route through a lawn, gravel area, or loose planting.

Unevenly sized slabs look especially handsome here. Instead of pretending they are a pristine showroom patio, let them become a meandering invitation to walk through the garden.

I prefer to set stepping stones in a rhythm that feels natural rather than military. Place the slabs where a normal stride lands, then adjust before digging. It is much easier to shuffle a paver with your foot than to relocate it after an afternoon of excavation and a minor personal feud with the soil.

For lawn, dig each stone down so its upper surface sits just below the grass line; mower blades and ankles will thank you.

In a dry, sunny border, sink pavers into compacted gravel and allow creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) or blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) to soften the gaps. These low growers lend a path the welcome appearance of having been there since the house acquired its first disgruntled owner.

A narrow band of decorative gravel from Walmart helps drainage and creates a neat contrast around the stone.

For further inspiration, these Japanese-inspired garden path ideas show just how poetic a few well-placed stepping stones can be.

2. Give Containers a Proper Stage

Pavers are excellent pot stands, particularly where a cluster of containers needs a little elevation and a great deal more presence. One slab beneath a large terracotta pot creates a deliberate focal point; two matching pavers can support a low plank to make a simple plant bench. Suddenly the collection of pots by the back door looks curated rather than unintentionally accumulated.

This is especially useful on a patio where drainage stains are becoming a visual nuisance. Raise containers slightly on terracotta pot feet from Amazon with the paver acting as the solid, grounding base. Pots drain better, surfaces stay cleaner, and the whole composition gains height.

Choose plants according to the light rather than your current emotional attachment to a dramatic specimen.

In full sun, rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and sedums (Hylotelephium spp.) are happy companions for warm stone in many temperate zones. In shade, try Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) or coral bells (Heuchera spp.), whose foliage makes even a sober gray paver look rather glamorous.

Arranging pots at different heights is one of the easiest container tricks to borrow, and it makes a small space feel designed rather than merely occupied.

3. Create a Gravel Path Edge

If you have several narrow or broken pavers, use them as a low edge along a gravel path or planting bed. Lay them upright, partially buried, or flat in a repeating line. Their job is not to shout 'Look at me!' but to keep gravel where it belongs, which is a surprisingly civilized contribution.

A paver edge also gives loose, naturalistic planting a point of definition. It creates that useful little pause between exuberance and chaos. I rather like a line of weathered concrete beside silver-leaved plants such as lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) and Russian sage (Salvia yangii): soft foliage, hard edge, everyone behaving themselves beautifully.

For a curved route, use smaller fragments and vary the joints; for a formal path, select the most regular pieces and align them carefully with a level. Add landscape edging from Ace Hardware behind the pavers if you need extra reinforcement, then top up with gravel.

The best garden edging ideas make the practical detail feel intentional. Reclaimed slabs are particularly good at this because their irregularities read as patina, which is the design-world’s polite term for 'not quite matching.'

4. Build a Garden Shelf

A pair of sturdy pavers can form the supports for a simple shelf: set them upright or stack them securely at either end, then span them with a weather-resistant board or another wide slab. Position it beside a potting area, outdoor grill, or sunny wall, and it will earn its keep immediately.

Use it for seed trays, a watering can, or a display of herbs. A row of basil (Ocimum basilicum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and chives (Allium schoenoprasum) becomes far more appealing when lifted closer to hand level, particularly when you are cooking and feeling theatrically Mediterranean.

Safety matters here. Only use intact, level pavers on firm ground, and do not stack them precariously or create a tall structure. A low shelf is useful; a homemade leaning tower of Pisa beside the patio door is less so.

I have found that the most successful garden storage is the sort that quietly becomes part of the view. A few handsome weatherproof storage baskets from Amazon beneath the shelf can corral gloves and twine, while the top remains a useful landing place for pots.

The principles of an organized potting bench are less about perfection than making gardening feel easy enough to do on a Tuesday evening.

5. Make a Wildlife Watering Station

One sound paver can be the base for a shallow water dish or bird bath, making an unobtrusive wildlife stop in a border or near shrubs. Set the slab level on compacted soil or gravel, place a shallow bowl on top, and add a few pebbles so insects and small birds have a secure way in and out.

Keep the water fresh, scrub the dish regularly, and place it away from dense ground cover where cats may lurk with villainous intent. A little dappled shade helps keep water cooler, but avoid a spot that is permanently gloomy and difficult for birds to see.

A shallow bird bath from Amazon or a wide ceramic saucer works beautifully, and the paver prevents it from sinking into soft soil. Plant nearby with nectar-rich species such as bee balm (Monarda didyma), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), or catmint (Nepeta spp.) for a small but lively corner.

The key lessons in bird bath ideas are reassuringly simple: a stable base, shallow water, and a safe approach.

5. Give Your Pets a Cool Resting Spot

A spare paver or ceramic tile can offer pets a cooler place to lie during hot weather. Place it in permanent shade, not merely wherever the shade happens to fall in the afternoon, on level ground where it will not wobble. The slab should remain cool to the touch before you encourage an animal to use it; if it feels warm to your hand, it is not a cooling station.

This is a lovely little addition beneath a covered porch, dense tree canopy, or shaded side yard, particularly for dogs who regard a sunny patio as their personal frying pan. Keep a bowl of fresh water nearby, but do not assume stone alone protects a pet from heat. Bring animals indoors during dangerous temperatures and contact a veterinarian if they show signs of heat stress.

For an additional option, a pet cooling mat from Amazon can sit alongside the shaded paver. The slab offers a durable, low-maintenance surface; the mat gives you something portable for travel or hotter days.

7. Use Fragments in Your Planting

Finally, do not discard every imperfect piece. Broken pavers make excellent mulch-free details around the bases of drought-tolerant plants, especially in sunny, well-drained gardens.

Arrange the fragments loosely among gravel around agaves (Agave spp.), Sempervivum spp,, or ornamental oregano (Origanum laevigatum). They conserve a little moisture, suppress some weeds, and make the planting look embedded in the landscape rather than newly unpacked.

Avoid burying stems or trapping moisture around plants that dislike wet crowns. Give every piece room, and resist the temptation to turn the bed into a mosaic unless that is genuinely your intention. There is a fine line between relaxed Mediterranean charm and the aftermath of a patio-related incident.

Old pavers reward this light touch. They do not need to be restored to factory freshness or made to match. Their worn faces, softened corners, and accidental differences are exactly what give a garden depth. In my experience, the best reused materials look less like a project and more like they had the good manners to belong there all along.

What to Shop

As well as repurposing old pavers in the garden, it is also possible to reuse old planters in the garden, even if they're broken into multiple pieces. This includes using them to create a cascading succulent display and using fragments for pest control around your crops.

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My body melted when I lay on the Avocado Down Mattress Topper, and I thought, "This is how I want to go to sleep every night." The down and feather blended topper made me want to gather snacks, books, and movies, and hunker down for the weekend in bed.

I’ve been testing mattresses, toppers, bedding, and pillows for the past five years, so I’m well-versed in all things sleep. The Avocado Down Mattress Topper certainly isn’t the first down product I’ve tested, but it was definitely the most luxurious, as it aided in softening my mattress and resulted in a temperature regulated sleep.

Here, I’ll share everything you need to know about the materials, comfort, support, breathability, motion isolation, and edge support of this topper. The premium price tag means it would be a pretty sweet treat for the bedroom. However, if you can't justify shelling out so much cash, our guide on choosing the best mattress topper might be helpful.

The Avocado Down Mattress Topper Review − One-Minute Verdict

Sleeping on the Avocado Down Mattress Topper for 30 nights was a luxurious experience. The down and feather blend was airy and breathable, and added some additional softening and comfort to my supportive mattress.

The flexible design doesn't really contribute to spinal alignment, motion isolation, or edge support, though. For that, you'll need to go with memory foam toppers such as the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt Topper or latex toppers like the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper.

However, if you want to soften your medium-to-firm mattress and feel like you’re sleeping on a luxury hotel bed, the Avocado Down Mattress Topper is a top choice.

Specifications: Avocado Down Mattress Topper

Unboxing and First Impressions: Avocado Down Mattress Topper

The King-size Avocado Down Mattress Topper arrived folded in a clear plastic bag. No off-gassing or smells were present when I removed the topper from the packaging. I placed it on my bed without any assistance in a few minutes.

Straps along the corners kept the mattress topper from shifting during the testing period. I originally placed the topper on a nine-inch-tall PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress and later tried it on the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress, which had a built-in pillowtop, resulting in a 14-inch height.

The straps on the topper were stretched to their maximum with the 14-inch mattress, which is why I suggest it for mattresses that are nine to 12 inches tall.

What's It Like to Sleep On the Avocado Down Mattress Topper?

Pressure relief: Comprised of white duck down and feathers, the Avocado Down Mattress Topper isn’t designed to keep your hips aligned or offer back support like the Nolah Mattress Topper. Instead, this soft, airy, fluffy, and cloud-like topper is a better choice for those who wish to add some softness to a medium or firm mattress. With a three out of 10 on the firmness scale, it's no surprise that my body sank into the topper. It coddled me in its comforting and cozy embrace, though I wouldn't say it offered any significant pressure relief.

Thermoregulation: Down typically adapts to body temperature and is supposed to keep you warm in the colder months and comfortable in the summer. The Avocado Down Mattress Topper is considerably breathable and airy, so I experienced a mostly neutral sleep experience while testing it during June and July in Texas. There were a few nights where I grew slightly warm, but I’m going to attribute that to over 100-degree days, night temperatures in the high 80s, a thick comforter, and an air conditioner that struggles to keep my historic home (that lacks insulation) cool. If you sleep especially hot or use thicker bedding, you may want to pair the topper with cooling sheets and/or invest in a mattress that has great airflow or cooling properties.

Motion Isolation: Unlike mattress toppers made of latex or memory foam, a down topper such as this one lacks any density to contribute to motion isolation. The materials are placed in an organic cotton shell that's loose and flexible, making it look like a very thick comforter.

Because of that, I placed an empty water glass in the center of the topper, and it angled nearly 45 degrees. Any movement on the topper caused it to topple over – which is why I forwent filling it with water. I probably would’ve spilled the glass just trying to set it on the topper.

While I usually sleep alone in my bed, my sister helped me to test out the motion isolation of the topper. I didn’t feel her move positions in the middle of the night; however, I think that had more to do with the fact that my mattress possesses phenomenal motion isolation.

If you need a topper with superb motion isolation capabilities, go for the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper instead.

Edge support: Like with motion isolation, you won't find any form of edge support with the Avocado Down Mattress Topper. When I placed a 15 lb dumbbell on the edge, the topper dipped to the mattress. The topper won't cause you to slip off the mattress, but it’s not going to do much of anything to prevent you from falling off either.

Weight bearing: When I placed a 15-lb. weight in the center of the mattress, it dipped all the way to the mattress beneath. The topper recovered slightly when the weight was removed, but it required fluffing to return to its full height.

Materials: The Avocado Down Mattress Topper has a 400-thread organic cotton shell that holds 650-fill-power of 75% white duck down blended with 25% feathers. The internal baffle design (the square stitching) prevents the down from shifting, while a 200-thread-count organic cotton twill gusset on the bottom helps the topper last longer. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Responsible Down Standard certifications indicate that this topper is toxic-free and that the down was obtained humanely.

Although down and feather products are popular, I must admit that after the first week of use, some of the feathers and down poked through the organic cotton shell and subsequently poked me when I moved positions.

I also experienced a stuffy nose during the testing period, but I can’t guarantee it was from the topper. Living in a historic house during the summer tends to increase my allergies regardless, so it’s unclear whether or not I’m sensitive to the down or not, but I wanted to mention it nonetheless.

Price: The Avocado Down Mattress Topper is fairly expensive; however, in line with other mattress brands of the same name recognition and caliber. I’m not surprised by the price considering the materials are organic and come with sustainability certifications. I’d rather pay this price for a topper that is well designed, breathable, and comfortable, and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and one year warranty.

Who Would the Avocado Down Mattress Topper Suit?

• Luxury sleepers: Avocado suggests their Down Mattress Topper for people who want to elevate their sleep experience to something that feels luxurious and plush – and they’ve succeeded. This high-priced topper is exactly what you’d expect to experience from a bed at a luxury hotel.
• Hot Sleepers: As a breathable and airy mattress topper, you'll enjoy a temperature neutral or cool night's sleep with this topper. Plus, in the winter, it'll keep you warm on cold nights.
• Those with medium to firm mattresses: The Avocado Down Mattress Topper is best suited to those with firm to medium-firm mattresses and are looking for a topper that adds some additional softness. The Coop Retreat Mattress Topper and the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper do the same but have more support thanks to their memory foam and latex filling.
• All sleepers: Any sleep style will benefit from the comfort of the Avocado Down Mattress Topper as long as the mattress beneath the topper offers the kind of support, motion isolation, and edge support they need.

My Verdict

If your mattress has the support, breathability, and motion isolation capabilities you need, and you're only looking to elevate your sleep experience to something that feels like nightly pampering, buy the Avocado Down Mattress Topper.

It may lack the density to relieve pressure or isolate motion, but the down and feather blend and organic cotton shell mean it has great airflow and breathability. Best of all, the cloud-like feel will lull you to sleep night after night.

More to Shop

Below, you can shop the selection of tried-and-tested mattress toppers that have been recommended throughout this review.

Pair your topper with one of the best mattresses for optimal results.

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When extreme heat hits, houseplants can really suffer. If you don't keep up with watering more frequently, they'll quickly droop, crisp up, and even drop leaves. But it can be time-consuming, especially if you're busy with summer plans. That's where an automatic houseplant irrigation system comes in – and no, it's not an expensive piece of tech.

I wish I had found this device sooner to water my houseplants without all the guesswork. This Amazon houseplant drip irrigation system automatically releases just the right amount of water into your plant's soil, so they'll never be over- or underwatered again. It's perfect for moisture lovers like calatheas, ferns, and peace lilies in particular, which tend to have the most dramatic reactions to drought.

Not to mention, this neat device is just $31.99. It has a 4.2-star rating, and shoppers say, 'It basically takes care of the plants for me. Once you set it up, it waters automatically on a schedule, and it’s surprisingly reliable.' So, if you're struggling to keep your houseplants happy this summer, this might be the upgrade you need.

Why Shoppers Love It

Summer houseplant care can be tricky to keep on top of, especially when it comes to ensuring your thirstiest tropical indoor plants are sufficiently watered. That's why having something like the Amazon houseplant drip irrigation system in place is handy.

'Works well. Long-lasting battery. Easy setup. More than enough tubing and tees to extend to multiple planters,' one five-star reviewer writes.

This system is designed for up to 15 pots at one time, so it's ideal for a large indoor garden and even an outdoor container garden.

'The kit comes with a ton of tubing and connectors, so you can customize the setup however you want,' one shopper writes. 'I’ve got multiple pots on my balcony, and the water pressure is strong enough to reach all of them without any issues.'

The listing describes that one charge will last for around 30 days, perfect for watering houseplants while on vacation.

You can also determine how often it needs refilling by using a chosen vessel for your reservoir. For example, you could use this large glass bowl from Walmart. There's also a helpful guide to determine how many gallons of water you need for a certain number of days.

As for durability, one reviewer reveals, '[It] has worked well for a couple of years and seems like it will work well for more.

'Water flow, timer, adjustments, durability, etc., everything checks out,' they add.

There is also an option to use smart watering, where the device adjusts water delivery based on your plant's soil moisture. This certainly gives it an advantage over other irrigation tools, like self-watering globes (such as these from IKEA), which can't be controlled so much.

There are a couple of things to note about this Amazon houseplant drip irrigation system, however.

It seems a few shoppers have experienced the tubes becoming clogged when first used, though there is an easy fix. 'Once everything is connected, flush the line into a cup the first time until all the air bubbles are gone,' one person suggests.

Likewise, it seems some careful positioning is needed for smooth operation.

'Be sure to keep the watering device itself physically higher than the water source. If the watering device is below the level of the water source, you will siphon all of the water from your water source and end up with a mess,' one reviewer shares.

Nevertheless, it seems shoppers are really happy with the overall functionality of this product, especially considering it's very affordable at $31.99.

'It actually works quite well for the price that was paid,' one person says.

'Build quality is great and the water pressure is high enough for a long distance. It has been almost a year and no leaks at all,' another writes.

What to Shop

Watch out for other common indoor plant mistakes this summer. For example, particularly sensitive plants should be kept out of intense afternoon sunlight, as it can cause leaf scorch and damage foliage.

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Loved for its beautiful late-afternoon and evening light, the golden hour is a perfect time to kick back and enjoy your garden. With the sun setting low in the sky, certain plants come alive, especially when highlighted or backlit in the golden hour's warm glow.

To discover how golden hour blooms are influencing contemporary garden design, I spoke with two experts to learn which plants work best and how to position them for maximum effect.

Whether you are looking to replant a border to make the most of the evening's last rays or contemplating a complete garden redesign, some careful consideration is required to get the best from it. From playing with texture to creating zones, these backyard ideas will give you all manner of designs to implement at home.

Why is the Golden Hour Influencing Garden Design?

To discover why the golden hour is currently having such a resurgence and impact on garden design, I chatted with Jessica Mercer, Horticulturist at Plant Addicts.

She says: ‘The golden hour is influencing garden design because people are thinking more about how the garden looks when they are home to enjoy it. Late afternoon and evening light makes warm colors look richer.

'Backlighting gives grasses, seedheads, and golden foliage a glowing edge. Instead of choosing plants just by bloom color, gardeners are also considering how the plant catches light.’

How to Position Plants for the Best Golden Hour Display

When it comes to positioning plants to best catch the golden hour, you need not worry, as even a few carefully placed plants can be effective.

Jessica advises: ‘Homeowners should place golden hour plants where the late-day sun can hit them from the side or behind. Watch the garden for a few evenings and notice where the sun falls around 5 to 7 p.m. That is where the golden-hour effect will be strongest. Good placement options include a west-facing border, the edge of a patio, a garden path, or the far side of an outdoor seating area.'

Further to this, Caroline Ervin, landscape designer, recommends: ‘Plant perennials where they will catch the late-day western sun and arrange them in masses or large swaths. Repeat throughout the garden for cohesiveness, adding continuity and harmony in the garden, all of which are soothing, especially at the end of a long day.’

No matter which golden hour blooms you decide to grow, you will want to be able to sit and appreciate them from a comfortable seating area. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunset, the allen + roth by POLYWOOD Oakport Adirondack Chair is available to purchase from Lowe's.

Best Plants to Catch the Golden Hour

When deciding which plants to grow to catch the magical golden hour, Caroline suggests: ‘Ornamental grasses, plants with interesting textures in the foliage, and plants with warm colors of oranges and yellows will appear more vibrant in the late afternoon sunlight.’

From warm, rich tones to translucent petals and airy seedheads, here is a selection that looks especially striking in the evening light.

1. Little Bluestem

Commonly known as beard grass or little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium is a tough, native grass that provides standout color and looks especially good when highlighted by the warm evening light.

Thriving in full sun and a well-drained soil, its fine blades and feathery seed heads look magnificent when back- or side-lit and are perfect for the current see-through planting trend.

Reaching a height of 3-4 feet and suitable for growing in USDA zones 3-8, the purple-tipped foliage of little bluestem ‘Standing Ovation’, available from Plant Addicts, will add dramatic impact and movement to borders and containers.

2. Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is recommended by Caroline, as its ‘leaves and seedheads are airy and textural, moving softly in a slight breeze, and catch the sun’s rays'.

Adored for its colorful foliage, this perennial switch grass produces blue-green new growth, which turns a deep red-purple over the season. Furthermore, pink-red feathery seedheads gracefully float above the foliage in late summer.

A tough native grass, it is considered cold-hardy down to USDA zone 4 and grows to around 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

'Shenandoah' switch grass is available to purchase from Nature Hills.

3. Black-eyed Susan

The long-lasting, radiant yellow and orange petals of Rudbeckia, which glow intensely in late-afternoon sunlight, make it an ideal golden hour bloom.

A late-season and pollinator-friendly perennial, black-eyed Susan is a great choice for enjoying the golden hour well into the fall and encouraging bees and butterflies. Thriving in full sun, it looks particularly impressive when planted in drifts or en masse in a border.

Growing to around 18 inches tall and suitable for growing in USDA zones 3-8, 'American Gold Rush' black-eyed Susan is available to purchase from Plant Addicts.

4. Giant Hyssop

Another golden hour bloom suggested by Caroline is Agastache 'Coral', as its warm tones 'appear more intensely colored when bathed in the golden light of the late day sun'.

Growing to around 18 inches tall, Agastache 'Kudos Coral' is an ideal plant for the front of a border or a container. It produces coral-pink, trumpet-like blooms from June to August that glow warmly during the golden hour and is suitable for growing in zones 5-10.

When deciding on a container for golden hour blooms, Corten steel, with its warm orange-brown patina, can be a great choice. Furthermore, being tough and low-maintenance means it can be left out even in the harshest winters. Corten steel trough planters are available to purchase on Amazon.

5. Privet

For a shrub that dazzles in the low evening sun, Jessica proposes Ligustrum sinense 'Sunshine'. Producing small golden-yellow leaves, which are intensified by the setting sun, it is ideal for a west-facing boundary or mass planting.

A sun-loving evergreen shrub, it requires well-drained soil to flourish and is well suited to hardiness zones 6-10. Over time, this privet shrub can grow to 3-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

'Sunshine' Ligustrum is available to purchase from Plant Addicts.

6. Lamb's Ear

Other plants Caroline recommends considering for the golden hour are those 'with textural foliage like Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear), which really pop when backlit by the sun'.

A mat-forming and low-growing perennial, Lamb's ear develops large velvety gray leaves that you cannot help but run your hand across and spikes of purple flowers. A perfect perennial for a sensory garden, it is also a solid choice for ground cover or a cottage garden.

Lamb's Ear 'Silver Carpet' Starter Plugs are available to purchase from Walmart.

As the last rays of the evening sun fall below the horizon, you may find that you require extra lighting to guide you back indoors. For gardens where hardwired lighting is not an option, solar and rechargeable lights can be invaluable. You can purchase rechargeable lanterns from Target.

7. Honesty

Adored for its purple flowers and stunning seed heads that add interest over winter, honesty (Lunaria) is an ideal golden hour biennial. Blooming from around May to June, it then develops seed pods that, once their outer casings peel away, reveal translucent, papery discs that shimmer in the low evening sun.

Thriving in both full sun and partial shade, honesty seeds can be sown from April until July for young plants that will bloom the following year.

You can purchase Honesty seeds from True Leaf Market.

Spending more time outdoors this time of year, especially in the evening when the temperatures cool slightly, is one of the joys of summer. From relaxing and watching the sunset and your golden hour blooms come to life to entertaining friends and family, it can feel like a world away from the winter months.

However, to enjoy these summer evenings, you will want somewhere comfortable to sit, which even just a bench can provide. But why not make the most of it and create a stylish outdoor area to maximize alfresco living this summer?

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There's a reason Tuscany has become so romanticized over the years. Picturesque rolling hills, rich history, and impressive architecture, not to mention the wine and regional cuisine, all make it a destination worthy of the grandest bucket list.

But there's one other hallmark of central Italian culture that is inspiring homes all over the States: Tuscan kitchens. Collected, slightly rustic, and designed as a place to gather and cook communally rather than a picture-perfect room, it's a kitchen style that really resonates with a more personalized, lived-in home.

But the traditional Tuscan kitchen has seen a few updates since the early 2000s when it last served as a pillar of inspiration, both to suit modern-day lifestyles and to feel more authentic in homes of different ages, sizes, and styles. Here's how to get this emerging kitchen trend right in 2026.

While we talk a lot about the aesthetics of different kitchen ideas, Tuscan kitchens are just as much about emotions as they are visual design elements. They feel homey, warm, and inviting – they're never overly styled or curated.

'The appeal of a Tuscan kitchen directly relates to how it makes you feel. The kitchen naturally becomes the heart of the home, so when designing this space, it's not about creating a room that feels perfect; it is about creating a room that feels collected, as though it has evolved and is filled with pieces and materials that tell a story,' explains interior designer Katharine Pooley.

'This style celebrates the beauty of imperfection. The open timber beams, terracotta floors, aged metals and hand-finished surfaces all have a sense of permanence and authenticity, and these materials become more beautiful with age, developing a patina and character that cannot be replicated.'

It's also about the connection to our outdoor spaces. This year, more than ever before, homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces, whether it's lounging, dining, or cooking, creating outdoor rooms that function as extensions of our homes. And it's an ethos long valued in Tuscan homes.

'The appeal of a Tuscan kitchen lies in the way it brings cooking and social life together. Rooted in the Mediterranean tradition, it is conceived as the heart of the home: a place for preparing food, welcoming guests and spending time with family. In a traditional Tuscan country house, this experience is not confined to a single room,' says Manfredi Conforzi, Commercial Director at Officine Gullo.

'The main kitchen is often complemented by outdoor cooking areas, aperitivo bars and smaller kitchenettes serving different parts of the property, creating a natural continuity between indoor and outdoor living, everyday rituals and entertaining.'

While the feeling and atmosphere have remained the same, a few design details have evolved to feel a bit more refined and aligned with today's homes. 'The modern Tuscan kitchen is a refined interpretation of the style, but the essence really remains the same – natural materials and warmth, as well as features that stand the test of time,' Katharine notes.

'Italian design has always been quite architectural rather than ornate, and this is carried through here with beautiful tactile materials used in thoughtful ways: marble countertops, softly aged timber for open shelving, hand-finished plaster across the walls, wrought iron structures, terracotta flooring and natural stone tiles,' explains Katharine of the modern Tuscan-inspired kitchen she designed, pictured above.

The kitchen colors and materials introduced to Tuscan kitchens are changing slightly. A more colorful approach, though still very much tied to the natural landscape, is becoming increasingly popular. 'Rather than the darker woods and heavier finishes often associated with the early 2000s, today's Tuscan kitchens are lighter and more serene, with warm creams, soft beige, ochre, muted terracotta and pastel tones,' says Katharine.

Manfredi has also noticed new materials being used. 'Brushed and burnished metals add depth and refinement when paired with veined marble, richly textured woods and earthy colors inspired by the Tuscan landscape. These materials are not simply decorative: their natural variations and the way they age over time give the kitchen an individual and lasting character.'

These differences are less about changing what a Tuscan kitchen looks and feels like and more about subtle switches that feel more balanced and timeless. The warmth and natural materials are still very much at the heart of these spaces, but as Katharine notes, there's a more restrained approach.

'There is also a greater emphasis on restraint in new Tuscan-style kitchens. Bespoke kitchen cabinetry, beautifully proportioned islands, integrated shelving and subtle iron details create a more timeless aesthetic,' she explains. 'Traditional elements such as copper cookware and handmade ceramics are still celebrated, but are used sparingly. Technology has also become much more discreet, with appliances seamlessly integrated.'

The return of the Tuscan kitchen says so much more about where we are going with these spaces; it goes beyond just a trendy aesthetic. As well as the cooking space itself, the revival reflects the lifestyle shifts many people are making towards slower living and a greater emphasis on community and social spaces.

'The Tuscan kitchen responds to this desire through a timeless heritage rather than a passing aesthetic trend,' Manfredi concludes. 'Its appeal lies in the balance between beauty and practicality, as well as in the sense of permanence conveyed by authentic materials and objects made with care.'

The Tuscan Kitchen Edit

With a careful blend of timeless design details, natural materials, and an inviting, people-focused atmosphere, you can bring the essence of a Tuscan kitchen into almost any home. Whether you bring in terracotta flooring, collected accessories, or emphasize the connection between your indoor and outdoor kitchen ideas, it's clear this approach to interiors is here to stay.

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Zinc and metal planters have long been a staple of timeless garden design, valued for their understated finishes and ability to complement most container gardens. Be it a weathered zinc bucket overflowing with lavender, a sleek powder-coated planter box framing an entrance, or a galvanized trough filled with seasonal blooms, these versatile containers bring structure and character to patios, pathways, and borders.

While traditional zinc remains the benchmark, today's metal planters offer a wider choice of finishes with the same enduring appeal. For a heritage-inspired statement, A Place In The Garden's Windsor Planter is a standout option, while Agriframe's Zinc Metal Planter offers a classic, understated design that works equally as well beside a doorway or garden path. For more contemporary styles, West Elm's Streamline Metal Planter delivers clean, architectural lines that work beautifully in modern outdoor spaces.

One of the reasons zinc and metal planters have remained so popular is their versatility. They look equally at home in formal gardens, cottage planting schemes, or contemporary courtyards, complementing everything from clipped topiary to overflowing annuals and herbs. Galvanized steel and zinc are also among the most practical choices for outdoor containers. Naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, they're built to withstand years of outdoor use while developing a beautiful weathered finish that adds to their character over time.

We've rounded up 16 of the best designs below, with options to suit every style, space and budget.

No matter which planter you end up adding to your patio, it's important to read up on container gardening mistakes to avoid. This includes getting watering right (especially in dry, hot weather when potted plants dry out quickly).

And if you're starting to think ahead, you can plan which fall flowers for pots to add to your new containers.

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The cleverest design ideas are often the ones you barely notice. Hidden inside this 1930s Rationalist apartment in Milan, what looks like a feature wall is actually cleverly concealed storage. A mirrored volume hides a home bar while bouncing light through the home. Even an awkward structural pillar has been transformed into something both beautiful and useful. Together, these three 'micro-architectures' completely transform the way this home is experienced, proving that sometimes it's the quietest design decisions that have the biggest impact.

Designed by Milan-based Francesco Gennaro and Giorgia Rossi of Moitié Studio, the renovation transforms what was once a dark, compartmentalised apartment into a light-filled family house. 'When I first entered,' Francesco recalls, 'I immediately understood that it was not about imposing a mark, but about freeing the space'. Rather than layering in bold new statements, the duo focused on restraint, restoring flow, and creating a series of thoughtful architectural moments that reveal themselves gradually as you move through the home.

For all its beautiful bones, the apartment wasn't exactly putting its best foot forward. Years of alterations had left it swathed in a blanket of gray, while a rigid entrance hall, a cumbersome structural pillar, and a beam cutting across the generous windows all interrupted the flow of the home. The original parquet survived only in fragments, and a dated marble entrance felt disconnected from the elegant proportions of the rest of the apartment. Yet beneath it all, the home's heritage remained remarkably intact.

For Francesco and Giorgia, that meant resisting the temptation to start from scratch. Instead, awkward architectural constraints became opportunities: the intrusive pillar was absorbed into bespoke cabinetry and existing details were carefully restored. 'We are very interested in working through analogies,' explains Giorgia Rossi. 'Taking an existing detail and allowing it to migrate elsewhere, just as the masters of the twentieth century did – capable of creating cultured, sophisticated interiors that were never rigid.' That philosophy can be felt throughout.

The original floor has been painstakingly restored and extended to reconnect every room, contemporary interventions resolve the apartment's trickiest challenges, and a soft palette of creamy off-whites allows light to travel through the space.

The owners' brief was refreshingly simple, but there was one request that shaped every decision that followed. Having spent years living in London, their former city became 'an emotional reference' for the project – 'a balance between classicism and lived experience' rather than a literal design blueprint.

'The clients, a finance-oriented family with two children, had requests that were essential yet crystal clear: fewer partitions, more openness, a warm and light palette capable of giving character to the space discreetly,' they explain.

What was once a series of disconnected spaces now feels open, calm and intuitive, encouraging you to move naturally from one room to the next. Opening up the apartment could easily have left it feeling too open, but Moitié Studio has struck exactly the right balance. Rather than relying on walls, the designers use joinery, mirrored surfaces, and furniture to define each zone, allowing the living and dining areas to flow naturally into one another. Creamy off-whites soften the architecture, while warm walnut, brushed brass, and tactile textiles add depth to the color scheme of the home.

Throughout the apartment, practical features are treated as part of the architecture rather than something to disguise. Moitié Studio focused on what they call 'three micro-architectures' that reshaped the way the apartment is experienced. 'A large curved volume that welcomes and defines both entrance and living room; an existing structural pillar was absorbed into the design and transformed into storage; and finally, a reflective volume that closes and expands the space, introducing depth and light,' they explain of the challenges they had to overcome.

What first appears to be a beautifully paneled feature wall is actually a run of floor-to-ceiling storage filled with books, ceramics and collected objects that bring warmth and personality to the living room. Finished by a silk-wrapped curved wall, this living room facade reveals 'traces of life.' Paired with moss-green velvet seating, a marble coffee table and layers of texture, it's a lesson in how to make practical storage feel every bit as considered as the rest of the scheme. 'Opposite, the conversation area becomes a manifesto of measured comfort,' they add.

The final architectural transformation is perhaps the subtlest, yet arguably the most impactful. A full-height volume clad in extra-clear, bevelled mirror discreetly conceals a walnut home bar and the entrance to the private rooms on the other side, while simultaneously bouncing light deeper into the apartment and exaggerating its sense of scale. 'Everything is designed according to aesthetics and functionality,' they add.

The kitchen is refreshingly liveable. Bespoke cabinetry is painted in the same soft, creamy tones found throughout the apartment, while warm walnut furniture stops the space from feeling overly pristine. A striking Calacatta Viola portal and matching backsplash provide just enough contrast 'filtered through an unmistakably contemporary sensibility'. Inspired by the timeless character of London's classic kitchens, it's elegant without trying too hard – a room designed for lingering over coffee just as much as cooking dinner.

The home's restrained approach continues into the bathrooms, although each takes on its own distinct personality. Working in collaboration with marble specialist Extraform, the larger family bathroom feels bright, calm, and almost spa-like, while the second bathroom embraces a moodier palette, enveloping the walls and ceiling in a rich olive green that instantly changes the atmosphere. Like the rest of the home, they're spaces where thoughtful architecture quietly takes center stage.

The beauty of this Milanese apartment isn't that it relies on one dramatic design moment. Instead, it's the accumulation of thoughtful yet striking decisions – a mirrored wall, a curved volume that conceals storage, a structural pillar reimagined as bespoke joinery – that transforms the way the home is lived in. It's proof that the most successful renovations aren't always the ones that shout the loudest.

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The summer break is winding down, and with it the chaos of having the whole family under one roof all day. But the start of the school year doesn't necessarily mean a return to a clutter-free home.

Before long, shoes, backpacks, permission slips, newsletters, and homework begin piling up on every surface around the house. That's where smart entryway organization can make all the difference.

The Japanese-inspired Marie Kondo collection at The Container Store provides everything you need to keep messy paperwork neat and tame the back-to-school chaos as soon as it comes through the door.

Organizing paperwork at home can be a nightmare when children leave things in bags or drop them on any available surface and forget about them.

The key to organizing these important documents is to create entryway drop zones. While these are usually used for bags and shoes, having an easily accessible file system for children to empty any paperwork from their bag as they get in gives everything a clear anchor point. You can then sift through everything at once, taking note of newsletters, ensuring homework is complete, and recycling any junk.

The chic, Shoji-inspired collection from Marie Kondo's collaboration with The Container Store makes it easy to create stylish drop zones, bringing a touch of Japanese minimalism to your entryway. The chic designs blend seamlessly with existing decor, helping you stay organized without disrupting the look and feel of your home, while the open tops make them simple and intuitive for even the youngest child to use, helping to introduce children to chores and routines.

Shop the Collection

Below, I've rounded up my favorite picks from the collection for a clutter-free entryway that lasts the whole school year and beyond.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for more permanent upgrades to minimize clutter in the long term? Consider these back-to-school mudroom upgrades.

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In 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono resided at Tittenhurst Park, a 72-acre Georgian estate located in Berkshire, South East England. While the property is widely celebrated as the backdrop for the Imagine album, its interiors, or more specifically, its shelving, delivered a masterclass in architectural practicality.

Chief among its design successes was the estate's custom library: An installation of white built-in shelving that utilized every available inch of vertical storage space.

Rather than relying on freestanding bookshelves that leave underutilized gaps above, the shelving was fitted directly against the wall, stretching upward to meet the crown molding.

The unit framed adjacent doorways seamlessly, creating deep, accessible storage for John's (inevitable) extensive collection of vinyls and books without taking up valuable floor space. It remains a prime case study in how bespoke joinery can convert dead space into something functional.

Shop the Lennon-Inspired Shelving Edit

These design principles date back to 1971, but that doesn't make them any less formative to our storage ideas today. In fact, as experts explain, leveraging full wall height is one of the most effective ways to expand functional square footage and refine a room's flow.

'One of the things I love most about design is turning challenges into opportunities. As both a designer and a realtor, I know how much value clever design adds to a home, not just in resale value but also in day-to-day living. Especially in smaller houses or apartments, every inch counts. One of the most common mistakes I see is ignoring vertical space,' comments Eric Bramlett, the owner of Bramlett Real Estate.

'Often, people pack drawers and stuff cabinets, but they forget that there’s often a whole wall’s worth of room just waiting to be used.'

Another significant benefit of following John's example is improved organization.

'When everything has its place, you don’t waste time digging through drawers or shifting things around to find what you need. It streamlines your routine. Plus, it just feels good to walk into a space that works for you, instead of against you,' Eric says.

'If you’re struggling with a cramped or cluttered space, take a look at your walls; there’s probably a lot more space there than you realize.'

At Tittenhurst Park, combining deep lower bays for record albums with higher tiers accessed via a step ladder proved that high-density storage can look effortless. When built-ins are designed to integrate directly with a room's shape and size, it continues to change everything, even 55 years on.

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If 2020's cottagecore obsession is going anywhere, it’s right outside your door. In 2026, the patio has become an unlikely home for ruffles, faded florals, and lace that, until recently, had absolutely no business being outdoors.

LoveShackFancy’s outdoor Pottery Barn collaboration is setting the scene for a garden party gone right with whimsically sun-bleached wicker, aged acrylic goblets, and outdoor pillows echoing every flourish from the brand’s dresses. Business & Pleasure & Co., meanwhile, has turned UV protection into something resembling an antique parasol, pairing an ivory eyelet-inspired shade with its signature fringe. Even Walmart is joining in: Erin Vogelpohl’s My Texas House collection scatters gingham, scallops, and buoyant baby blues, giving stone-cold pavings a welcome softness.

Some trends fade. This one just wandered into the garden. Ahead, 20 ways to bring the cottagecore trend al fresco.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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In many ways, my New York City studio apartment is a perfect space. It’s in a quiet building on a quiet street, it has tall ceilings and large windows, and its separate kitchen makes it feel so much bigger than it actually is. That said, there is one major downside – my apartment has hardly any storage.

Okay, there are a few cabinets in the kitchen and deep windowsills (if you can even count that as a storage idea), but otherwise, there’s no defined space to put clothes, shoes, handbags, books, and other miscellaneous objects. I thought about buying a rolling rack, but I quickly shot down that idea because I'm self-aware enough to know that it would always look messy. I even considered hunting for an antique armoire at the local flea market – another idea I dismissed because I knew it would be impossible to get a piece like that up my three flights of stairs.

After a few weeks of tirelessly searching for practical, functional, and good-looking storage for my small space, I finally came across the winner: IKEA’s PAX Wardrobe.

For my storage-less apartment, the PAX Wardrobe is a heaven-sent furnishing – giving me ample space for not only clothes and shoes, but for everything else that's been in need of a proper home, too. It makes sense for storage-deficient small bedrooms and shoebox-style apartments, but regardless of the size of your home, this wardrobe can effectively organize the space.

I see it working wonders in a mudroom – providing organization for hats, gloves, coats, and any other outdoor gear that usually gets tossed about. Since it's sold with several drawers, I'd recommend assigning drawers to family members so they know exactly where to stash their belongings when they enter the house. And since this wardrobe features a slide-out mirror, you can easily check your outfit before heading out the door.

What makes the PAX Wardrobe so desirable is that it's customizable – almost like you're getting a custom-made closet designed specifically for your space. It's sold in two sizes and three different colors. It'll ship with the frame, two doors, and interior elements that you can determine how to install – depending on your space's needs. And since it ships unassembled, you don't have to worry about mathematically angling it through your home before finding its resting spot.

I plan on making my PAX Wardrobe look less like a flat-pack furnishing and more like a bespoke piece by refashioning both its interior and exterior with design-driven details. If you want to do the same, shop my styling picks below.

How I'd Style IKEA's PAX Wardrobe

IKEA's PAX Wardrobe is one of the most practical solutions I've come across for adding a closet that looks custom without the custom price tag. It's sold with lots of interior features that you can install to your liking, and it can fit so much – from hanging shirts and folded pants to shoes, accessories, home supplies, or whatever else you need. Plus, you can even incorporate your own elements (like my suggestions above) to make it feel custom-made.

Sure, this wardrobe unit is an investment, but it's much cheaper than commissioning bespoke joinery, and I'm convinced it's totally worth it.

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Scent is a very important element of interior design. Fragrances introduced through diffusers, candles, and room sprays can alter a room's mood and energy and paint a picture of the people who live there. That's why Role Model swears by a home fragrance that is creative and bright: Salt & Stone's Bergamot and Hinoki Candle.

The singer recently announced a partnership with the Gen-Z-darling brand, revealing his picks for the best candle and bodycare in the process.

From Santal & Vetiver deodorant to Black Rose & Oud Body Mist, Tucker Pillsbury is practically a walking signature scent. His selection of fragrances highlights how, just like you would layer smells on your body or pick them for a specific mood, it's possible to do the same in your home.

For instance, the Bergamot notes in Role Model's candle pick are favored among home fragrance aficionados for their impacts on brain function.

Fragrance expert Charles Farris explains: 'Bergamot offers a unique combination of freshness and warmth, a scent that can significantly improve the workspace atmosphere. Its distinctive citrus fragrance elevates mood and alleviates stress, creating an environment that fosters creativity and productivity.'

Combined with the woody notes of hinoki, Role Model's pick is even more complex and stimulating than traditional mood-boosting aromas like bergamot might be on their own.

If you work from home and are looking for a fragrance to improve your productivity, Role Model's choice is a great pick. Charles states: 'Bergamot sets the stage for enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills through the power of theta waves in the brain, which are vital for any professional setting.'

These benefits are reminiscent of the way using certain colors in our home may impact our moods or sleep, coming together to transform our experience of the design. It turns home into a multi-dimensional sensory experience that goes beyond aesthetics.

Choosing the right scent for your home is highly influenced by personal preference, but knowing the picks of people we admire never hurts. Here are some of the wonderful-smelling candles that a few of our favorite celebrities use in their own homes.

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August is an excellent month to plant heat-tolerant perennials, ornamental grasses, and late-blooming flowers, provided you water them deeply while they establish. Choose plants with immediate presence such as coneflower, black-eyed Susan, sedum, and salvia, and your backyard can look more abundant now while gaining structure and color for fall.

The trick is to plant early in the day, prepare generous planting holes, and keep the root balls reliably moist for their first few weeks. August gardening is less a sprint than a campaign conducted with a hose.

A few strategic additions can transform the whole scene, particularly when considered alongside these backyard ideas for creating an outdoor space that looks considered rather than merely busy.

1. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflower is the superhero of the late summer garden. It is one of the best things to plant in August in USDA Zones 3–9, offering cheerful daisy flowers in purple, pink, coral, orange, yellow, and white, just when some borders have begun to look a little emotionally exhausted.

Choose nursery-grown plants rather than seed at this point in the season. A clump of ‘Magnus’ or ‘White Swan’ coneflowers will make an immediate difference, then settle in to become more generous each year. Their raised central cones also age beautifully, becoming sculptural seedheads for birds if you can resist tidying everything away.

Plant in full sun and free-draining soil, water deeply every few days in dry weather, and mulch around, not against, the crowns. I have learned, mainly by watching young plants collapse in a hot spell, that regular soaking is far better than a daily sprinkle.

For a long season of flowers, combine coneflowers with the plants that thrive on neglect in a heatwave. You can find healthy 'Magnus Purple' coneflower plants at Nature Hills.

2. Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile)

If your garden has a sunny spot where the soil is poor or dry, plant upright sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile). Often still sold as Sedum spectabile, it is one of those pleasingly unfussy perennials that looks good from late summer into winter.

Varieties such as ‘Autumn Joy’ begin with greenish flower buds, turn pink, then deepen to rusty red as fall approaches. The flowers hold their heads high above sturdy, succulent foliage and are magnets for late-flying pollinators. In Zones 3–9, this is a plant that earns its keep without requiring a supervisory committee.

You can get an Autumn Joy Sedum at Nature Hills

August is a fine time to introduce container-grown sedum, although plants will establish best if you can give them a thorough drink at planting and again whenever the top few inches of soil dry out. Avoid rich, damp ground.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

There are moments when subtlety is overrated, and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) is one of them. Its golden petals and dark central cone bring exactly the kind of sunny confidence that a border needs in August, particularly after a punishing run of hot weather.

‘Goldsturm’ is the classic choice: dependable, long-flowering, and generally hardy in Zones 3–9. You can get a Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan at Nature Hills.

Plant it in full sun, allowing enough room for eventual spread, and pair it with blue or purple companions such as Russian sage (Salvia yangii) or catmint (Nepeta). The combination has all the charm of a late-summer meadow, without requiring one to own a scythe or a shepherd’s crook.

I particularly like placing black-eyed Susans behind lower mounds of foliage, where their flowers can bob above the planting rather than line up like soldiers on parade. Keep them watered while newly planted, then deadhead regularly if you want to prolong the performance.

A sharp pair of Okatsune secateurs from Amazon makes light work of spent stems; this guide on deadheading flowers will help you make the right cuts.

4. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

Perennial salvia (Salvia nemorosa) is one of the great bargains of the flower border: elegant spires, aromatic leaves, and a willingness to bloom again after a trim. It is a particularly good answer to what to plant in August for gardeners in Zones 4–9, where cooler nights may be on the horizon but summer has not quite packed its bags.

Look for compact varieties such as ‘Caradonna’ or ‘May Night’, or try blue sage (Salvia farinacea) in warmer areas. Their violet-blue flowers make a handsome counterpoint to yellows and oranges, and bees regard them as something between an all-inclusive resort and a pilgrimage site.

Plant salvia in sunny, well-drained soil, and water it carefully until fresh growth appears. Once its first flush of flowers has faded, cut the spent stems back to a set of leaves, and it may produce another round before frost.

There is something deeply satisfying about persuading a plant to make a second effort. For more detail on repeat flowering, learn whether you should deadhead salvia.

'White Profusion' Salvia available at Plant Addicts adds a splash of calm to any border.

5. Ornamental Grasses

Flowers may get the applause, but ornamental grasses hold the whole production together. August is ideal for planting well-grown grasses in the temperate zones, especially where you want immediate height, texture, and some elegant movement in a breeze.

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’), available from Plant Addicts, is a reliable vertical accent in Zones 4–9. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) brings softer, airy plumes and handsome fall color in Zones 4–9, while muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) produces its famous pink haze in warmer Zones 6–10.

Plant grasses where low evening light can pass through them. They will turn a perfectly ordinary Tuesday in September into something almost cinematic. Water consistently for the first month, especially if temperatures remain high, then leave the dry seedheads standing through winter for structure and wildlife.

6. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana (Lantana camara) is for gardeners whose pots have become a little weary by August, which is to say, almost all of us. Its clustered flowers arrive in sherbet shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple, and it tolerates summer heat with an almost suspicious degree of good humor.

In Zones 9–11, lantana can be a perennial shrub. Elsewhere, treat it as a brilliant annual for containers and sunny borders. It thrives in heat, needs excellent drainage, and attracts butterflies in abundance. Choose a compact cultivar for pots, and use a container with generous drainage holes.

Refresh tired potting soil with compost, plant at the same depth as the nursery pot, and water in well. I would not overfeed lantana: too much fertilizer can result in a great deal of leaf and rather less floral theatrics.

For containers that remain attractive through fall, pair lantana with trailing sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) and heed this advice on how to water container plants correctly.

Browse colorful container-ready lantana plants at Amazon.

7. Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

For a quieter, more poetic August planting, Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis) is hard to beat. Its pink or white flowers hover on wiry stems above handsome foliage, bringing grace to a partly shaded bed just as summer begins to loosen its grip.

Hardy in Zones 4–8, Japanese anemones prefer moist but well-drained soil and are best suited to a sheltered position out of blasting afternoon sun. They may take a season to settle, but their late-summer and early-fall flowering is worth the wait.

You can get a September Charm Japanese Anemone at Nature Hills for silvery-pink blooms in late summer and fall.

Plant them in soil enriched with compost, water regularly during their first season, and give them a little room. They have the pleasantly subversive habit of spreading once happy, so this is not a plant for a precious, tightly choreographed border.

To prepare new beds properly, this guide to fall gardening jobs is a useful next step. Stock up on compost from Ace Hardware before planting.

8. Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) from Plant Addicts is the grand finale plant. Its purple, pink, or blue flowers arrive when much of the garden is beginning to contemplate retirement, and they offer late nectar to butterflies and bees. For smaller spaces, look for compact cultivars such as ‘Purple Dome’.

Most asters are hardy in Zones 3–8 and thrive in sun with reasonably moist soil. Planting in August gives container-grown specimens time to begin rooting before fall, but do not let them dry out. A generous mulch will keep the soil cooler, conserve moisture, and make the whole area look as though someone competent has been in charge.

There is still scope to sow flower seeds in August. If you want a late dose of color come fall, or are thinking more long-term about blooms next year, our guide to flowers to sow in August contains a bit of both. You can discover some great flowers to sow, along with detailed sowing information to help you get brilliant blooms to enjoy.

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Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' estate in Belton, Missouri, has never felt traditional. However, while its interiors always felt architecturally modern and sleekly designed, the patio is where you should be taking notes for 2027.

On their turf-grid patio, large-format concrete pavers are arranged in a geometric layout separated by rows of green. The result is incredibly high-contrast. It pairs beautifully with the home's glass facade and the surrounding grounds, laying the groundwork for what is set to be a leading hardscaping trend in 2027.

'The turf-grid layout pays homage to a significant evolution in how we approach modern garden and landscape design,' says Tenielle Jordison, Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, who always has her eye on upcoming garden trends.

'For years, high-end patios have relied on monolithic slabs of stone or concrete, which often felt cold and visually detached from the lawn. However, by interrupting solid pavers with grass, Patrick and Brittany have demonstrated how to soften heavy structural elements while keeping a contemporary edge.'

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Alongside its regimented, architectural nature, Tenielle explains that the 'grass-ribbon technique' will elevate this aesthetic further for the year ahead.

'As we look toward 2027, this same grass-ribbon technique will surely define luxury outdoor spaces. Beyond its graphic aesthetic, the design provides distinct practical benefits, improving natural water drainage and reducing surface heat retention compared to traditional stone,' she says.

'It offers a tailored, resort-level framework that brings the feeling of modern architecture outdoors. It's a reminder of just how stunning concrete can be.'

While Patrick and Brittany have acres to experiment with, their look is just as replicable in small gardens. In such compact spaces, the secret is adjusting the proportion of paver to greenery.

Using fewer, larger-format slabs framed by tight turf ribbons will draw your eye outward along the diagonal lines. This should trick the eye into perceiving more space while maintaining the same sleek feeling as their estate.

No matter your thoughts on such a regimented design, one thing is clear – Patrick Mahomes just set the new gold standard for high-end patio hardscaping.

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Tomato leaf curl is a common problem during the growing season and a sign that your plants are not happy. It is typically a physiological response to a lack of moisture, nutrients, or temperature, but sometimes can be caused by pests.

Gardeners want a smooth process when growing tomatoes, from sowing or planting to picking the ripe fruits at harvest time. Tomato leaves curling may send a shiver down the spine, but it does not mean it is time to panic. There are quick, simple changes you can make to keep your tomato plants happy.

Tomato leaf curl typically affects the oldest foliage first, and these affected leaves are best removed with sharp pruning tools (such as these Felco F2 pruning shears at Amazon) to keep the plant healthy. At the first sign of curling, consider it a call to action. Here we look at the four most common causes of tomato leaf curl, along with easy fixes to address the issue and preserve your tomato crop.

1. Watering

Tomatoes prefer consistently moist soil throughout the season. A lack of water can cause plants to curl their foliage as they try to conserve moisture, especially during warmer periods. Drying out is especially risky when you grow tomatoes in pots.

At the other end of the scale, overwatering can also cause leaf curl. In addition to curling, yellowing tomato leaves is another tell-tale sign of excess moisture in the soil.

Consistency is key when watering tomatoes. This includes regularly checking the moisture levels and deep watering rather than a little-and-often approach.

One effective way to achieve this consistency is to use a soil moisture meter to check the moisture levels beneath the surface. A meter like this soil moisture meter on Amazon can provide quick readings to help you confidently determine when to water plants.

Such an approach ensures evenness and can help alleviate blossom-end rot affecting the fruits.

Mulching around plants is also a recommended method for retaining moisture in the soil and preventing it from drying out too quickly. The best materials for mulching tomato plants include bark, compost, or straw. You can get bags of pine bark mulch at Lowe's.

2. Temperature

Tomatoes are known to thrive in warmth and sun. However, there can be too much of a good thing.

The plants get stressed when temperatures go over 90°F. This causes them to curl their leaves to conserve water. Reducing the surface area means less transpiration, as the plant tries to hold onto the moisture it has.

It can be an issue if you are growing tomatoes in warmer climates or plant them in a greenhouse that can heat up over summer.

In hotter climates, it can be beneficial to plant tomatoes in a spot that gets afternoon shade to protect them from the scorching temperatures. Or you can cover plants from intense sunlight with shade cloth, such as this 50% shade cloth at Amazon.

If you grow tomatoes in buckets, pots, or grow bags, move them out of direct sunlight during a heatwave to prevent leaves from curling.

Tomato leaf curl can also be caused by cold, too. If temperatures drop below 54°F, the leaves can curl inwards as a protective measure. To prevent this, don’t plant tomatoes outdoors too early. And always harden off plants to get them accustomed to outdoor temperatures.

If you are growing tomatoes in windy sites, giving them a protected spot is beneficial, as cold winds can scorch the edges of leaves and cause them to curl.

3. Nutrition

Tomatoes are hungry plants that require lots of nutrients to grow and produce fruit throughout the season. If they don’t get the essential nutrients they need, the leaves start to curl as a result.

Fertilizing tomatoes is a vital task for healthy plants and bumper yields. The trick is to start with a balanced fertilizer (such as this organic all-purpose plant food at Burpee) and switch to a feed higher in phosphorus and potassium (like this tomato booster at Walmart) once the plants start flowering.

You don’t want to give tomato plants too much nitrogen. Plants with an excess of nitrogen produce too much foliage, making it unsustainable for the plant to support all this lush growth. So the leaves curl.

Regular feeding avoids issues linked to a lack of certain nutrients. For example, a deficiency of potassium or phosphorus can result in stunted growth or curling leaves.

Use a liquid tomato feed once flowering begins and feed plants every two or three weeks until late summer. Such products are fast-acting and deliver nutrients quickly to plants, but need to be applied often to be most effective.

There are also opportunities to make your own tomato fertilizer, such as a comfrey tea or nettle feed.

4. Pest or Disease

Tomato leaf curl is often the result of environmental stress, but not always. Tomato pests can cause the issue, particularly aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, and broad mites, which all suck sap from leaves and stems.

Small sap-sucking summer pests like these can be squashed between your finger and thumb, removed from the plant with a jet of water, or sprayed with insecticidal soap (like this ready-to-use insecticidal soap at Walmart).

A way to avoid pest problems is to use tomato companion plants, which can repel pests or attract beneficial natural predators. The likes of marigolds or chives can deter many pests, while sweet alyssum and dill can draw in predators to feast on pests and protect your plants.

Pests also bring the risk of spreading tomato diseases. And leaf spot, mosaic virus, and tomato yellow leaf curl virus all have leaf curl among their symptoms. Unfortunately, such viral diseases need plants to be removed to prevent any spread.

It is advisable to look for disease-resistant tomato varieties when planning which types to grow to mitigate the potential risks during the season. For example, these ‘Bodacious’ tomato seeds from Burpee are disease-resistant and produce large, round fruits.

What to Shop

FAQs

How Do You Tell if Tomatoes Are Overwatered?

When it comes to how much water tomato plants need, they generally need about an inch or two of water weekly. However, this can vary depending on the weather, rainfall, and whether the plants are in the ground, raised beds, or containers.

Overwatered tomato plants can wilt, droop, and have yellow leaves. In addition, the fruit can crack or split, and there may be green mold on the soil surface due to excess moisture.

Tomato leaves curling is frustrating, but so is a plant that flowers but doesn’t fruit. If your tomato plants are not fruiting, it is usually due to blossom drop, where the flowers fall before being pollinated.

Blossom-end drop can be caused by temperatures too high or too low. Or it can be due to a lack of pollinators. If you want to hand-pollinate plants to get fruit, you can move pollen with cotton swabs or a toothbrush, or try the tomato tapping trick and shake plants to distribute pollen from flower to flower

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After a long day, I want to make dinner with as little fuss as possible. One of my biggest kitchen frustrations is a dull knife that crushes my food rather than slicing it, dragging out simple prep and turning it into a chore.

Even the best chef's knives lose their edge over time, regardless of how much they cost or what cutting board you use. A knife sharpener is an essential every home cook should have in their kitchen.

I like to keep things simple, which is why this pull-through knife sharpener from Amazon has earned a permanent place in my utensil drawer. It restores a keen edge in minutes, doesn't require practice, and keeps my everyday knives cutting cleanly.

It is impossible to avoid dulling your best kitchen knives. No matter how often you use them, they will eventually go blunt. While you can replace them entirely, it is far more economical (and environmentally friendly) to sharpen kitchen knives instead.

'Sharp knives are safe knives,' explains Jesse Jeznach, Executive Chef at the IRONS Restaurant and Bar at Hilton Mystic. 'Dull knives are much more likely to slide around while you are using them, making it much more likely to slip and have an unfortunate accident, and being dull can leave you with a far worse cut than a sharp knife will.

'Sharp knives also do less damage to the items you are cutting, leaving you with crisp, clean cuts, whereas a dull knife can crush or bruise your meats and vegetables.'

The resulting meal prep is slicker, easier, and creates better-tasting, textured food.

A pull-through knife sharpener from Amazon is the easiest way to sharpen knives. It is admittedly not the best for very expensive knives, as they remove more metal than a manual sharpener might, but it requires the least amount of skill and patience, making it ideal for everyday home cooks such as myself. The base suctions onto the surface of your counter, and you pull the blade through one of the set holes to shave away metal and achieve a sharp edge.

It's quick, affordable, and offers consistent results. It's a game-changer when I am stuck trying to saw through an onion, and I simply would not be without one to hand.

What Else to Shop

Looking to elevate your food prep? I've rounded up some of the best knife sets, sharpeners, and care tools to keep your blades in peak condition and make everyday cooking faster, safer, and more enjoyable.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your knives taken care of, brush up on how to clean and care for every type of cookware to make the whole cooking experience easier.

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You might think the main choices you need to make for your kitchen cabinets center around color, style, and storage, but there's another very important detail that should never be overlooked: the material.

Both functionality and aesthetics need to be considered when choosing kitchen cabinets, and the material you select will impact the durability, cost, and overall look of your design. Even if you don't plan to leave the material unpainted, it still dictates how your kitchen cabinet ideas will look and how long they'll last.

If you're in the process of designing a kitchen, these are the main cabinet materials you need to know about to make an informed decision, what they are good for, and which designers say are your best choice.

Solid Wood

Solid wood kitchen cabinets are considered one of the best material options because they are both hardwearing and look good over long periods of time. This includes oak, walnut, and cherry – solid wood cabinets are a single cut of wood, rather than different pieces being manufactured together.

'Solid wood cabinets have a timeless quality that is difficult to replicate. They offer exceptional durability, can often be refinished multiple times throughout their lifespan, and develop a beautiful patina as they age. For custom homes and heritage-inspired projects, they provide a level of authenticity and craftsmanship that many homeowners appreciate,' explains interior designer Kimberly Oxford.

'One of the greatest advantages of solid wood is the level of customization it allows. Details such as tambour doors, fluting, and other decorative profiles can be CNC-machined directly into the wood and then sanded and stained as one continuous surface. This creates a seamless, richly detailed finish that simply cannot be achieved with veneers or MDF.'

Oak is often favored for kitchen cabinets, offering a sturdy construction, beautiful grain, and easy customization. It takes different stains really well, so you can create a wooden kitchen perfectly tailored to your style and home's architecture.

'White oak remains one of my most specified species because its quiet, linear grain complements both traditional and contemporary architecture, while accepting stain beautifully,' Kimberly explains.

Oak kitchen cabinets are thick and heavy, so they can withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining their appearance through regular use. If you choose oak cabinets, they are likely to last for decades.

Solid wood appeals in kitchens of every size and style – the way the solid oak cabinetry reads will depend on the type of cut used to create the doors. 'The cut of the wood is often just as important as the species itself,' Kimberly agrees.

'Rift-sawn and quarter-sawn white oak create a much quieter, more architectural grain, while plain-sawn boards have greater movement and character. Selecting the right cut can dramatically influence whether cabinetry feels modern, classic, or rustic.'

Burl Wood

Burl wood kitchen cabinets certainly make a statement, which is why they are appearing in this year's kitchen trends. In many ways, it's a sustainable option, as it's made from trees that are twisted, deformed, injured, or diseased, which is what gives the wood a unique finish. These trees would not be used for other solid wood cabinets.

The appeal of this material is the twists, knots, and unique grain that the deformities create. According to Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter Rottmayer of Hommeboys Interiors, a texturally rich material like burl wood is an ideal choice for streamlined kitchen cabinetry because it adds visual interest and depth to the space.

While burl is a solid wood option, it's actually better as a kitchen cabinet material when it's adapted into a veneer. Burl wood is usually very heavy, more so than your oak or walnut options, and it's more prone to cracking and warping in its solid form. Veneer still offers the unique profile, but creates a longer-lasting and lighter door that's far easier to use.

Burl wood is also a more expensive option, and because it's chosen for aesthetic reasons rather than many of the more practical ones that make oak a winning choice, a veneer approach becomes far more favorable.

'Our clients are coming to us wanting spaces that are very personal and material forward, possibly a bit of fatigue from the washed-out, algorithm-fueled aesthetic that's consumed design for the past decade or so,' interior designer Nicholas Potts explains. 'What we love about a burl veneer is that each piece is singular, no tree (and no burl) is ever alike, and it provides an opportunity for a one-of-a-kind space.'

Wood Veneer

Veneer kitchen cabinets are a hybrid between natural wood and man-made materials. They are made by taking a very thin slice of solid wood and bonding it to an engineered material, such as plywood or MDF. It's a more affordable option than oak that still gives a natural look.

Veneered kitchen cabinets are often confused with synthetic materials widely available at more budget retailers, but it's distinguished by the use of solid wood. And it's a kitchen cabinet material that is more durable and practical than you might think.

'Despite assumptions from some customers, veneers are made from real timber logs and are not to be confused with faux-veneer laminates. They are applied to MDF similarly to laminates but are treated with an oil or lacquered finish to provide protection against moisture and bring out the natural features of the wood,' Fiona Ginnett, Co-Founder at Holte, explains.

MDF

MDF has become one of the most-used kitchen cabinet materials in recent years, adapted to blend the integrity of natural products with reinforced synthetic materials to increase strength and offer a more affordable alternative to solid wood.

'MDF (or Medium Density Fibreboard) is an engineered board made from wood pulp and set with phenol resins. We have found that MDF is more stable than ply, and when laminated, it is the perfect material for maintaining structure and form,' explains Fiona, who adds that certain types of MDF are better suited to kitchen cabinetry.

'We use MDF, moisture-resistant MDF, and Valchromat, which is an evolved, FSC-accredited engineered board from Portugal made from raw pine pulp and impregnated with resins and pressed. Valchromat is denser than MDF, with built-in moisture resistance and a higher mechanical strength.'

The key consideration you need to make with MDF kitchen cabinets is the limitations of their use. It needs to be treated and edged sufficiently to withstand water and wear typical of a busy cooking space. There are also aesthetic restraints that might make MDF less suitable for your design.

'The trade-off is that MDF isn't intended for exposed natural wood finishes, cannot be refinished like solid wood, and is more susceptible to damage if exposed to prolonged moisture. For that reason, I typically pair MDF painted doors with plywood cabinet boxes to achieve the best balance of beauty, durability, and longevity,' Kimberly adds.

Plywood

If there's one kitchen cabinet material that divides opinions, it's plywood. Another engineered option, it's made by gluing lots of thin sheets of wood together and alternating the grain to increase its strength, then pressing it together under high heat. However, not all plywood is made equal, nor are they all sufficient for kitchen cabinetry.

'We used Birch ply for many of our projects during the early years of Holte. However, as we grew in experience and our quality control became more sophisticated, we found that ply was unviable for use in kitchens,' Fiona warns. 'We found issues like warping and bowing from moisture content, inconsistent grain, knots and streaks in the grain, and voids in the edging and plugs used to fill holes.'

The key to successful plywood kitchens is to choose sheets that have been specifically made for furniture use, and that have been finished and protected to a high standard. 'One of the reasons I regularly specify furniture-grade plywood is that it offers an outstanding balance of durability and performance without adding unnecessary weight,' says Kimberly, adding that the increased cost is something to consider.

'Furniture-grade plywood is more expensive than alternatives such as particleboard, and because it is made from natural wood veneers, the edges require finishing or edge banding for a refined appearance. However, for clients making a long-term investment in their home, I believe the added durability and structural integrity are well worth it.'

Painted

Anyone who prefers a colorful kitchen will probably have considered painted cabinets. Even muted tones bring a different energy than natural wood or stained finishes. But getting them right is a bit more complex than you might think.

Painted kitchen cabinets are usually made from wood (maple is particularly popular) or MDF. Solid wood can be easily sanded for a smooth finish, or if you want to change the color at a later stage. There's also the added appeal of solid wood kitchen cabinets, as previously mentioned. With MDF, it's all about the finish.

'Because MDF has no natural grain, it creates an exceptionally smooth painted finish and is less prone to the seasonal expansion and contraction that can cause joints to telegraph through paint on solid wood doors. That's why many high-end custom cabinet makers use MDF for painted door and drawer fronts,' says Kimberly.

Despite the current trends for DIY painted cabinets, designers recommend leaving it to the professionals. 'Whether the cabinetry is finished by the manufacturer or custom sprayed in a spray booth, the quality of the finish is significantly higher than what can typically be achieved on site,' Kimberly explains.

'Professional cabinet finishes are applied using specialized spray equipment and commercial-grade coatings in controlled environments that minimize dust, regulate temperature and humidity, and allow the finish to properly cure. The result is a smoother, more consistent finish with greater resistance to chipping, staining, moisture, grease, cleaning products, and everyday wear.'

Laminate

If you're designing a kitchen on a budget, laminate can offer a more affordable cabinet material. It's made by sandwiching a wood center, usually MDF or plywood, between layers of plastic or resin, which is what gives it its smooth, shiny finish. While this makes them really easy to clean, laminate kitchen cabinets are nowhere near as hardwearing as other materials.

Standard laminate kitchen cabinets are notoriously hard to fix if any cracks, chips, or dents occur, and if water sits on them for too long, damage is inevitable. However, some laminates have been created with cabinetry in mind.

'High-pressure laminates are made by fusing multiple layers of paper under extreme heat and pressure. Well-made HPLs are extremely durable, offer excellent water and scratch resistance, and tend to be cheaper than veneers. The variety in laminate colors and tones can appeal to customers looking for a cleaner, more modern look,' Fiona explains.

Laminate is a good option if you are designing to a smaller budget or as a short-term solution before a larger renovation, but for longevity and a more high-end look, some of the more durable and hardwearing materials are generally a better choice.

The right kitchen cabinet material should last for years to come. It's about choosing something that is not only durable, but fits your design style and budget. It's a structural part of your kitchen that needs to support your countertops, so take all of these things into consideration when making your selection.

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For self-taught ceramicist, gardener, and photographer Frances Palmer, flowers and pottery are inseparable. Her beloved Connecticut garden is central to her craft, where she grows thousands of cut flowers that inspire her exquisite handmade vessels.

These two passions first intertwined when Frances moved into her home 32 years ago. Her six-acre plot quickly filled up with cut flower garden beds that overflow with a rainbow of blooms every year. Overlooking the garden from her studio window, she shapes her vases for the seasonal arrangements she plans to create.

Now, her garden is an ever-changing floral tapestry where she's free to experiment. Spring bulbs give way to summer dahlias, while late-season blooms ensure the garden continues to evolve into fall. It's become far more than a place to grow plants – the garden is somewhere Frances studies silhouettes and colors; it's an extension of her studio.

Where to Begin?

When my family moved into this home 32 years ago, we had six acres to work with.

Not necessarily knowing how it would all come together, I began by marking out a 50-foot round garden. It's a fenced, secluded space with four 16-square-foot beds inside.

It's shadier and cooler than other areas of the property, making it the perfect place to grow dahlias. We also have roses and shade plants growing around the perimeter.

Our second garden finds itself on an old tennis court, completely transformed with 30 raised beds.

This spot receives a lot of sun almost all day long, ideal conditions for my David Austin roses, native plants, perennials, and, of course, more dahlias.

I run the tennis court garden on a drip irrigation system, which helps support the plants through the heat of summer and makes watering far less time-consuming.

It's a really great spot for pollinators. We have four beehives on the tennis court, and native bees also love the flowers. I love sitting on the picnic bench there and watching the honeybees fly in and out of the hives with so much energy.

The fruit orchard has also been a delightful addition. We grow apples, pears, plums, nectarines, peaches, apricots, quinces, and medlars.

It's also the most challenging of the gardens. No matter how I try to protect the trees, the squirrels and birds always seem to find a way to enjoy the harvest first.

But I have had more success with my potted citrus tree collection, including Meyer lemons, Buddha’s hand, yuzu, and mandarin, which spend winter in the greenhouse.

Each one of these garden spaces leaves me feeling happy and full of wonder. It's amazing to see empty beds come to life as the plants grow and pour out of them.

My Craft is Guided By the Seasons

I don't find myself drawn to one particular area in the garden when looking for inspiration because different flowers bloom at different times of the year.

Rather, I am inspired by the flowers as they come along and create vessels to accompany them. I capture those transitions by taking photos of my seasonal arrangements.

You'll find me experiencing this seasonality first-hand, too, waking up early to water the roses and citrus trees even before the bees are up, usually just as it gets light after sunrise.

Sitting at the pottery wheel in my first-floor studio is also one of my favorite ways to view the garden, looking out over the orchard and tennis court raised beds.

Over time, the relationship between the garden and my pottery has become a conversation between the flowers and the vessels that hold them.

I often make pieces to accommodate something that's in bloom, whether it's a tall, narrow pot for a lily stem or a tulipiere for tulips and dahlias.

The flowers and ceramics continually inspire each other.

I love all of the blooms that have found a place in my garden, but the tulips, dahlias, roses, bearded irises, and lilies are particular favorites.

I'm also especially fond of the plants I've received as gifts from friends. Every time one comes into bloom, I'm reminded of the person who gave it to me and the memory it carries. To me, those are the very best gifts.

This is Where I Find Peace

This garden is my sanctuary. Whenever life feels hectic, spending time here helps me slow down and reset. That said, keeping it looking its best is no small task.

There always seems to be something that needs doing, whether it's deadheading spent blooms, pruning shrubs (I rarely venture outside without a pair of garden clippers in hand), fertilizing, or staking top-heavy plants. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it's a labor of love – and one I'm grateful to have.

Even in winter, when the flowers have faded and the borders are resting, I still love looking out across the garden. It may be quieter, but there's beauty in that stillness. It's a season for reflection, planning, and appreciating the landscape in an entirely different way.

The Joy Is in the Journey

The relationship between my garden and my pottery continues to evolve. It feels like a constant conversation between the two — vessels created for flowers, and flowers that inspire new vessels in return. Each shapes the other, creating a connection that grows and changes with the seasons.

But perhaps the greatest lesson gardening has taught me is patience. Gardens cannot be rushed; they develop slowly over time, shaped by nature, care, and countless small decisions. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself too, accepting that every gardener experiences setbacks alongside the successes.

Above all, gardening is about enjoying the journey. There will always be something new to learn, something unexpected to discover, and each season brings its own surprises. The joy is in watching it all unfold.

Frances’ book, Life with Flowers (available on Amazon), offers a deeper insight into how she plans seasonal blooms to arrange and photograph in her own ceramics, exploring the thoughtful relationship between gardening, flower arranging, and pottery.

Garden Diaries is our series where we share inspiring stories of designing and cultivating a stunning garden space. We explore how creatives, designers and tastemakers have grown a deeply personal space, inviting creativity, learning and happiness in their gardens, and how they live in these spaces.

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If you struggle to keep houseplants alive because you can't seem to get watering right, you might want to swap soil for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA).

It's an alternative potting mix for houseplants that has increasingly become popular for easier watering. Essentially, it's expanded clay balls that have air pockets which are able to retain moisture while providing plenty of airflow and drainage – pretty ideal for growing tropical indoor plants. By using it instead of soil, your plant's roots are less likely to rot and you won't have to water so often.

Though it isn't as easy as chucking a bag of LECA (which you can buy on Amazon) in your plant's pot. LECA isn't as nutrient-rich as standard houseplant potting soil, so it's rather used in a semi-hydroponic set-up, along with a special fertilizer to support growth. That's why it also isn't a reliable option for all houseplants. Here, we explain all you need to know about using LECA in your indoor garden.

What is LECA?

LECA is made by heating clay at a high temperature, resulting in it expanding into lightweight porous balls.

They can be used to grow many plants instead of houseplant potting mix (which you can pick up at Walmart) because they provide plenty of moisture, airflow, and drainage.

The best part is they retain moisture and gradually release it, a bit like a sponge. This makes it much easier to avoid the indoor plant mistake of overwatering or underwatering your plants.

This moisture management and airflow also helps to deter houseplant pests like fungus gnats, which thrive in oversaturated soil.

Overall, it's a great pick for tropical plants that love consistent moisture and hate drying out, but are also susceptible to root rot and dislike excessive water.

In particular, many people have been successfully using LECA on orchids, monsteras, anthuriums, philodendrons, and alocasia.

But it isn't as simple as swapping for soil. There is a particular method to use LECA correctly.

How to Use LECA

To use LECA properly, there are a few steps to follow. Simply swapping soil for LECA won't provide enough nutrients for your plants to grow healthily.

That's why the typical set-up is semi-hydroponic, i.e., a plant sitting in LECA balls with a small reservoir below. In the reservoir, hydroponic feed (like this from Amazon) provides the essential plant nutrients needed.

The clay balls then soak up moisture from the reservoir and release it to the plant roots in a capillary action.

1. The first thing to do is get your LECA clay balls (also available at Walmart) and wash them to remove the dust. You also want to soak them thoroughly before planting.
2. You should then remove your houseplant from its current soil, gently brushing away any soil on its roots. You want to remove as much as possible, as it can be a source of rot once in the LECA.
3. Plant your houseplant in a self-watering plant pot (like these green ones from Amazon) using the LECA. You may need to add extra LECA to secure it in place.
4. Fill the bottom reservoir compartment with water and a hydroponic fertilizer (like this from Walmart), following manufacturer instructions for strength.
5. Monitor your plant. There may be an adjustment period where your plant may droop slightly. It will perk back up as it settles into its new home. You should then keep the reservoir topped up with water and feed as needed.

Something to be aware of: The successful use of LECA requires you to balance the nutrient levels correctly.

Too little can cause a deficiency, resulting in discoloring foliage and a general decline of your plant's health. Too much can cause a salt build-up and burn the roots.

It's worth looking into the needs of your specific plant to get the balance right, as well as regularly flushing your plant's roots with clean water to prevent a mineral build-up.

That's why it isn't a reliable choice for hungry plants that need a consistent source of nutrients. Likewise, it isn't a good choice for plants that prefer a drier environment, like succulents and cacti.

What to Shop

Another low-effort way to keep your tropical houseplants happy is by placing them in a bathroom or using a pebble humidity tray (like this from Amazon) to increase humidity for indoor plants.

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White kitchens are the ultimate blank canvas, which is why the countertop can ultimately make or break the scheme. The right work surface can add warmth, depth, texture and personality and prevent it from looking too stark or sterile. Increasingly, designers are favoring characterful stones that age beautifully, choosing distinctive veining and layered finishes to introduce personality without sacrificing longevity.

‘White kitchens have evolved considerably over the past decade – rather than feeling crisp or clinical, today's best examples are layered, tactile and full of warmth,’ says Venetia Rudebeck, co-founder of Studio Vero.

‘We tend to think of white cabinetry as the architectural backdrop of the room, allowing the materials around it to do the storytelling. A beautifully selected stone for your kitchen countertop can completely transform the atmosphere of the space while ensuring the kitchen remains timeless rather than trend-led.’

We asked leading designers to showcase their favorite kitchen worktop pairings to elevate white kitchen schemes, ranging from classic marbles and warm timber finishes to high-tech porcelain and smart stone-look designs.

Marble

Marble countertops remain one of the most versatile and enduring material choices for elegant white kitchens, because they introduce movement, softness, and natural variation. Italian Carrara marbles such as Statuario, Calacatta, and Arabescato are classic pairings for white kitchens, especially for those looking for a luxe yet layered white-on-white aesthetic – a popular look in traditional, transitional, and European-inspired kitchens. However, beautiful green, pink, and honey-hued marbles are also becoming popular kitchen countertop trends, providing a subtle touch of color that can be carried through elsewhere in the scheme.

For this project, Studio Vero paired the white cabinetry with Arabescato Verde marble across both the worktops and backsplash. ‘Rather than tightly bookmatching the slabs, we allowed the veining to flow naturally, celebrating the individuality of the stone,’ explains Venetia. ‘We wanted it to feel expressive and organic, bringing softness, movement and depth to an otherwise restrained palette.’

Practically, the choice of stone should reflect how the kitchen will be used as much as how it will look. ‘Polished marble is great for reflecting light and is usually more stain-resistant than honed marble, so it’s a popular choice for worktops,’ reveals Oliver Webb, director at Cullifords. ‘Honed marble doesn’t tend to show up scratches as much as polished marble though and develops a beautiful patina over time, creating a time-worn look that pairs well with materials like living brass and natural timber.’

Marble is pretty porous, meaning it's more susceptible to scuffs and stains. Acidic substances such as lemon juice and vinegar can be troublesome, so it’s important to wipe up any spills straight away to avoid staining.

Porcelain

If you’re after a statement kitchen island worktop with a waterfall edge in a white kitchen, this is where porcelain countertops come into their own, as ideally you want to choose a material where the entire design looks like it’s made from one continuous slab. ‘This is difficult to do with marble, granite, or any other material that contains natural veining as a mismatched pattern will ruin the cascading effect,’ explains Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone. ‘Porcelain, however, can provide that continuity and make it look like it's one single piece.’

In this kitchen by Blakes London, the white cabinetry acts as a calm, neutral backdrop to the statement island. ‘Keeping the cabinetry understated allows those elements to really come to the fore,’ says lead designer Annie Burrows. ‘In this project, the long island with integrated green leather banquette seating was always intended to be the focal point within this beautiful period home. By pairing it with simple white cabinetry, we created a sense of balance, allowing the dramatic veining of the Verde Porcelain worktop to become the star of the space without the overall design feeling overwhelming.’

For busy households, porcelain makes a popular choice of surface. Annie points out that it's incredibly durable, more resistant to stains than a natural alternative and requires less maintenance compared to many natural stones. While no surface is completely immune to marks, choosing a porcelain with a bold, heavily patterned design can be especially forgiving, helping to disguise the occasional spill or everyday wear while still delivering plenty of visual impact.

Wood

Wooden worktops are not only a great way to add instant character and warmth to a white kitchen, but they’re also a designer’s top choice when working with more modest budgets. Introducing timber alongside more premium surfaces, such as marble, creates a more layered and considered interior, while also keeping costs down.

In this deVOL kitchen, traditional shaker cabinetry in Damask – a cool white with slightly grayish tones – is paired with a rich and glossy bespoke hardwood surface on the island, with classic Carrara marble running around the perimeter of the kitchen. ‘We wanted the room to feel more like a living space than just a kitchen and the wood certainly helps to soften and help this look,’ says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL.

‘Wood is a little underrated and often seen as a difficult choice, but I have never understood the worry with wood,’ adds Helen. ‘For me it is warm and tactile, it’s easy to keep supple and nourished with a little regular care, and in return it gives you an ever-changing patina that gets better and better over time.'

'White kitchens have a timeless appeal, but introducing a butcher block work surface is one of my favorite ways to add warmth, texture, and a sense of everyday livability,' adds Kimberley Harrison, Kimberley Harrison Interiors. 'In this project, we paired warm white cabinetry with a substantial butcher block island to create a natural focal point that feels welcoming rather than overly formal.'

From a design perspective, Kimberley says timber provides a beautiful contrast against white cabinetry while complementing a wide range of architectural styles, from classic farmhouse to clean-lined transitional interiors. 'The natural grain introduces depth and character that stone simply can't replicate, bringing an organic element that keeps an all-white kitchen from feeling flat or sterile,' she adds.

Engineered Stone

‘Engineered stone like quartz is one of my favorite pairings with white cabinetry to create a seamless white-on-white scheme,’ says Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens. ‘Set against white cabinetry, it creates an almost monolithic look where the eye just glides across the space, amplifying light and giving that fresh, calm, uncluttered feel.’

What Jayne especially loves about using quartz is the element of control you have with it. ‘With natural stone you're at the mercy of the block, whereas engineered stone lets you specify an even, consistent surface with no surprises,’ she says. ‘In a pared-back scheme, where there's nowhere to hide, that uniformity keeps the look crisp and intentional rather than busy.’

Man-made stone surfaces like quartz also open up creative possibilities – a waterfall end or thick mitred edge can add presence to a white kitchen, while a matching backsplash carries that seamless white up the wall. ‘Even in an all-white palette, subtle shifts in texture and finish stop it feeling flat and give it real depth,’ adds Jayne.

While quartz is highly resistant to staining and doesn't need sealing, it’s still best to steer clear of harsh or abrasive cleaners and scourers, which can dull the finish over time. Jayne also notes that a honed finish can be a little more forgiving with fingerprints and water marks than a high polish, especially with bright white worktops.

Whether you’re looking to achieve a clean, minimal aesthetic or prefer a more traditional kitchen style, the advice from the designers is always the same – to prioritize natural variation, warmth and layered materials such as wood and natural stone, as these are the elements designers consistently return to regardless of changing trends.

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Even the most recognizable design icons have their limits. For decades, the IKEA BILLY bookcase has been a cult-favorite presence in homes, yet interior designer Bobby Berk has put the classic on his 'skip list'.

While flat-pack storage serves a practical purpose, Bobby has suggested that overly familiar staples can easily flatten a room, depriving a space of character and depth.

In a recent edit published on his blog, the Queer Eye designer said that creating a sophisticated home requires looking past viral trends. Rather than relying on conventional favorites, Bobby highlights the IKEA pieces that will not date – offering tactile richness and tailored silhouettes. His top picks include the DEJSA Table Lamp and FRÖSET Chair, both of which are available at IKEA. They're among the best IKEA pieces that look so much more expensive than they are.

Ahead – nine Bobby-approved IKEA finds that he wants you to bring home.

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For years I decorated in a very narrow register. Stone, linen, plaster, wood. Warm whites and warm neutrals and the occasional black. I told myself it was about longevity. About letting the architecture speak. About not chasing trends.

Some of that was true. But some of it was fear.

The fear is specific. It's the fear of being wrong. Color commits you to something. A sage green kitchen is a decision you will live with for a decade. An ochre wall in a dining room announces a point of view. Beige doesn't do that. Beige is safe in exactly the way that makes a room forgettable.

Growing up between Tehran and Beverly Hills, then spending years in France, I moved through places that each had a distinct and confident visual language.

Persian interiors don't treat colour as decoration. They treat it as structure. The tile, the carpet, the wall all participate in the same argument. Color isn't an accent. It's the logic of the room.

Then I entered the world of interiors as a profession, where the dominant aesthetic for most of my career has been a studied neutrality. White walls. Objects placed with intention. The assumption that the quieter a room, the more sophisticated the eye behind it.

I absorbed all of it. For a long time, I reproduced it faithfully.

The shift happened slowly. I started noticing that the rooms I found most interesting, the ones I kept coming back to in my own references, were not the quiet ones. They were the rooms that had made a decision and committed to it. A deep terracotta that ran from floor to ceiling. A library lacquered in forest green. A bedroom where the entire scheme came from a single textile that someone had loved enough to build a room around. Those rooms had something the beige rooms didn't. They had a position.

I also started noticing it in my own decisions. Every time there were two directions, I chose the quieter one, not because it was better, but because it was safer.

The honest version of that is: I was protecting myself. A room that commits to nothing can't be wrong. A room with a strong point of view can be disagreed with. I was choosing rooms that couldn't be argued with over rooms that said something.

That's not design. That's hedging.

What changed practically was that I started treating colour the way I treat proportion. As a structural decision, not a decorative one. Color doesn't sit on top of a room. It determines how the room reads, how large or intimate it feels, what time of day it belongs to, what it asks of the furniture placed inside it. Restraint where restraint is correct. Commitment where commitment is required.

Where decorating is heading, I think, is back toward that. The appetite for beige and linen and quiet luxury has been enormous for the last decade. It's not over. But I'm seeing a tiredness with it in the projects coming to me now. Clients who come in saying they want something calm and end up choosing the boldest direction we put in front of them, because calm and interesting are not the same thing and they know it.

Colour is the braver choice. Not because it's difficult to execute, but because it requires you to have a position and defend it. You have to know what you want the room to feel like and commit to producing that feeling even when the safer version is right there.

I still use restraint. I still believe most rooms benefit from discipline and that the quieter something is, the more carefully it needs to be considered. But I no longer confuse discipline with avoidance.

The projects I'm most proud of are the ones where the safer direction was available, and we didn't take it.

Interior designer Nina Takesh is one of Homes & Gardens' Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.

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Roses are at their peak blooming during the summer months – it is a time of celebration for rose lovers. It is also when aphids are active on roses and accumulating quickly. Thankfully, if you see them, there are some quick fixes to rid this rose pest so you don't lose out on flowers.

Aphids are a common sight when growing roses, with the sap-sucking pests attracted to fresh growth. They aren’t always hugely problematic, but can multiply quickly in the warm months, and you don’t want a small infestation to become a big problem. There are easy ways to tackle aphids that make an immediate difference (like using this insecticidal soap spray from Amazon), as well as longer-term thinking to control them as part of a natural, wildlife-friendly garden.

I spoke to a rose expert about the best ways to tackle aphids on roses. Here, he reveals two five-minute tasks that can stop numbers from building, as well as how to use companion planting and interplanting to prevent aphid populations from building up each season.

Why You Get Aphids on Roses

Roses attract several aphid species, with the most common being Macrosiphum rosae, the rose aphid. These rose pests are small, soft-bodied insects that come in a range of colors, including green, deep pink, or brown.

They are spring and summer garden pests that feed on new plant growth and produce a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew. Gardeners need to start checking for aphids from early spring onwards, as the pests are attracted to the fresh sap that roses produce.

Rose aphids can overwinter as eggs on the plants and hatch in spring. Large colonies develop quickly as the season progresses, often reaching their densest in July, when the roses are flowering.

Potential Issues With Aphids on Roses

Aphids congregate on leaves, stems, and flowers, often in large numbers. The pests have piercing mouthparts that suck sap from the plants. This stresses the plant and removes water and nutrients.

However, the good news is the sight of aphids on roses needn’t be a reason to panic. What is important is good management to prevent a major infestation occurring.

Aphids on roses can impact the foliage, which can curl or turn yellow. The honeydew the pests secrete also causes sooty mold. This common rose disease is a black fungal coating on leaves that impacts photosynthesis and can ultimately affect growth.

Liam Beddall, Head Rosarian at David Austin Roses, explains that aphids do affect roses, but are not usually a ‘significant issue’ when they are growing in a mixed garden, and the aphids are controlled.

While aphids on roses can be a nuisance, a shrub can often still flower while hosting some pests.

‘Aphids suck the sap from the fresh new growth, and over time, if there is no management, they can stunt growth and make the roses look unsightly,’ says Liam. ‘But it rarely reaches a severe stage when roses are planted amongst plants that attract lots of beneficial insects.’

‘They are particularly troublesome at the start of the season when the new growth on roses emerges, and the aphids are attracted to the sap, but as the season warms up and the beneficial insect numbers start to increase, aphids rarely become a big problem in a mixed garden setting,’ adds the rose expert.

‘Just remove the worst of them so you can enjoy your roses, and leave some to feed the beneficials in the food chain.’

It is advisable to check roses regularly in spring and summer for the signs of aphids. Look over the shoots, buds, and undersides of leaves, and keep your eyes peeled for black sooty mold or ants, which are attracted to the honeydew.

How to Get Rid of Aphids on Roses

When you spot aphids on roses, it is best to act quickly to prevent an infestation from getting out of control. Thankfully, there are several simple ways to get rid of aphids that offer quick results.

Liam Beddall suggests two really easy ways to deal with small colonies of aphids and stop numbers from multiplying quickly. He says: ‘If numbers start to build, brush them off with your finger and thumb or blast them off with a hose pipe.’

It won’t sound glamorous, but you can put on a pair of gloves (get gardening gloves at Amazon) and squash small colonies of aphids between your finger and thumb. Or, as also suggested by Liam, a strong spray of water from a garden hose to areas where aphids congregate is enough to knock them off the plant.

Companion planting and interplanting roses are also a fantastic way to introduce natural predators that eat aphids. Having more insect predators and birds in the garden helps keep pest populations at a manageable level, without needing to use pesticides.

Liam highlights ladybugs (get live ladybugs at Amazon), hoverfly larvae, earwigs, and beetles as the top aphid predators, and recommends planting yarrow, cosmos, penstemon, marigolds, alyssum, and fennel to attract the most beneficial wildlife.

‘For birds, get yourself a shepherd’s hook bird feeder and move it around the garden next to your roses that have the most aphids; you will attract birds to your garden, and while they are there, they can feed on the aphids,’ he adds. You can get a 92-inch double shepherd’s hook bird feeder at Walmart.

Organic gardening approaches such as companion planting are always the best natural way to deal with aphids on roses. Aphids can be a worrying sight, but a natural, thriving garden can be enough to control them.

Alternatively, for a quick fix, there are organic products to control aphids on roses. You can use insecticidal soap (get a bottle of ready-to-use insecticidal soap at Walmart), neem oil, or a DIY aphid spray made of soap, garlic, or essential oils to combat aphids.

However, all of these must be used with care to avoid damaging any beneficial insects or pollinators in your garden.

Shop Flowers to Attract Aphid Predators

The summer can be challenging for both roses and gardeners. For the best flowers all season long, our guide to summer rose care highlights how to keep your plants blooming for longer during the warmest months.

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You've survived the summer break, but now the back-to-school rush is looming, and any hope of slow, stress-free mornings is starting to slip away.

It doesn't have to be that way. One of the biggest morning bottlenecks is getting everyone dressed, which is why these $24 Amazon packing cubes can make such a difference. Simply plan outfits, pack each day's clothes into a separate cube, and place them somewhere your child can easily reach.

It's a simple trick to organize a kid's room that encourages independence, cuts down on decision-making, and helps everyone get out the door a little faster.

This unconventional organizing method is simple. At the start of each week, select dress-code-friendly outfits for your child and pack each, with the appropriate extras such as hair ties, socks, etc., into the cubes. The weekday labels make them easy to arrange on a shelf or in a basket for your child to grab each morning.

The method is an easy way to encourage independence once your child is old enough to dress themselves, and can be a fantastic way to introduce your child to chores. The task can improve fine motor skills, help introduce routine, and offer a sense of autonomy.

These small accomplishments start the day with a sense of achievement. This, in turn, can help start the day in a better mood.

What Else to Shop

There is more to solving the rush than organizing your kids room for back-to-school success. These organizers are perfect for creating organized zones throughout your home to make the school run simpler for you all.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for some more permanent upgrades to beat the morning rush? Consider these back-to-school mudroom upgrades.

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We all want to be outside in summer, enjoying our backyards in all their hard-earned glory, whether that means pottering in the borders, cutting flowers for the house or maybe just unwinding on the patio with a cool drink as the day winds down. Yet, when temperatures soar, even the loveliest yard can become uncomfortably hot, particularly if it is dominated by paving, walls or other hard landscaping that absorbs and radiates heat.

Fortunately, some plants can help cool a garden in summer. Trees, shrubs and climbers naturally create cooler garden microclimates by casting shade, softening hard surfaces and releasing moisture into the air through transpiration. As water evaporates from leaves, it gently cools the surrounding air, while dense foliage reduces the amount of heat reflected from patios, paths and walls. Combined, these effects can make a noticeable difference, particularly around seating areas.

There is also something psychological about being surrounded by greenery, I think. Colorful blooms, large leaves, dappled shade and swaying branches somehow make a space feel cooler, calmer and more inviting than bare paving ever could. So, if you want to prepare your yard for future heatwaves, these are seven of the best fast-growing cooling plants to add to your plot, including some native species, like sugar maple, with live plants available to order from Amazon now.

1. Southern Magnolia

If you garden in the South, southern magnolia, or Magnolia grandiflora, is a great option for adding shade to your plot.

Hardy down to zone 7, this evergreen eventually forms a broad canopy of large, glossy leaves that blocks strong sunlight and helps reduce the heat reaching patios, herbaceous borders and lawns below.

In summer, rather large creamy-white flowers appear, but even out of bloom, the dense evergreen foliage brings valuable year-round structure and shelter.

Southern magnolia performs best in full sun or part shade, thriving with regular moisture in well-draining soil. Growing approximately two feet per year, if left alone, they can eventually reach 60 to 80 feet tall. Smaller cultivars, however, are better suited to compact yards. Try something like this 'Little Gem' variety sold via Amazon.

You can explore more plants that will naturally make your patio feel cooler in the heat in our separate piece.

2. Sugar Maple

For gardeners in cooler regions, the sugar maple, or Acer saccharum, is a magnificent native shade tree. Hardy in US zones 3 to 8, it occurs naturally across much of eastern North America and thrives in deep, fertile, well-draining soil.

Sugar maple live plants are sold via Walmart.

Its familiar lobed leaves form a generous canopy, creating dappled shade rather than plunging the yard into complete darkness. I particularly like the way the foliage shifts and rustles in the breeze, casting moving patterns of light across the ground below. And, if you are looking for fall color, the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red by October.

Once settled, specimens should put on two to three feet per year, establishing steadily and ultimately providing substantial summer shelter.

3. Tulip Tree

If not for its wonderful name, grow the tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, for its unusual foliage and lofty summer canopy. Hardy in US zones 4 to 9, this native tree grows naturally across eastern North America, from southern Canada towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Its glossy, four-lobed leaves have an almost square-shaped appearance, making the tree easy to identify. Mature specimens also produce flowers in greenish yellow.

Live tulip trees can be ordered from Perfect Plants via Amazon.

Tulip trees grow quickly when planted in deep, moist and fertile soil. Full sun is best, although they will tolerate a little partial shade. Their broad, spreading branches provide welcome cover during summer. Ideal if you're looking for plants to cool an outdoor seating area.

4. Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle, or Lagerstroemia indica, is an excellent choice for cooling a patio without making the space feel dark.

Hardy in US zones 6 to 10, it develops a naturally airy canopy that filters strong sunlight and creates dappled shade. And, what's more, crepe myrtles are remarkably fast-growing, with some varieties putting on four feet or more per year.

Native to eastern Asia, crepe myrtle produces generous clusters of flowers in pink, purple, red or white, often blooming for weeks during the hottest part of summer.

Plant it in full sun for the strongest flowering, ideally in free-draining soil. As with other leafy shrubs and trees, its foliage releases water vapor through transpiration, which can gently cool the surrounding air. Birds may also feed on the seeds held within the woody capsules once they dry and split in fall.

Live crepe myrtle plants can be ordered from Amazon.

5. Oakleaf Hydrangea

Oakleaf hydrangea, or Hydrangea quercifolia, earns its place in any yard for both its cooling foliage and remarkable seasonal display. Hardy in US zones 5 to 9, it is native to the southeastern United States and produces large, deeply lobed leaves that help shade the soil and reduce heat around paths and seating areas. When happy, it should grow around two feet or more each year.

Oakleaf hydrangea live plants are available via Walmart.

I once grew oakleaf hydrangeas along a garden path in Tuscany, beneath an old mulberry tree. The combination of overhead shade and lush foliage made the whole area feel noticeably cooler and more sheltered.

Water regularly while plants establish, then mulch around the roots to conserve moisture and support strong, leafy growth.

6. Star Jasmine

Star jasmine, or Trachelospermum jasminoides, is one of my go-to climbers for softening hot walls, fences and pergolas. Hardy in US zones 8 to 10, it produces glossy, dark green evergreen leaves and clusters of intensely fragrant white flowers during summer.

Train it over an arbor or seating area and its foliage will filter direct sunlight, creating natural shade below.

Star jasmine grows well in full sun or partial shade, although a little afternoon protection is useful in very hot climates. It might take a year or two to get going, but once settled, it is tough, dependable and should put on three feet or more each year (be sure to train whippy growth). It may be widely used by gardeners and designers, but in my experience, it is popular for very good reason.

Star jasmine live plants can be ordered online via Amazon.

7. Wisteria

Few plants transform a sunny pergola or arbor quite like wisteria. Once established, its vigorous stems quickly provide leafy overhead cover, while cascades of fragrant flowers bring color and scent to summer seating areas.

For a North American native, choose American wisteria, Wisteria frutescens, available via Amazon. Hardy in US zones 5 to 9, it is generally less aggressive than Chinese wisteria, Wisteria sinensis, or Japanese wisteria, Wisteria floribunda. Both Asian species are fast-growing, but can spread rapidly and are considered invasive in several states, so always check with your local extension office before planting.

Tie these fast-growing cooling plants in regularly and prune twice yearly: once in summer to control growth and again in winter to encourage flowering.

Lastly, remember fast-spreading ground cover plants that shade exposed soil, slowing moisture loss in your yard. Something like monkey grass or creeping phlox should do the trick.

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Pendants, pathways, and wall lights – oh my. Even one tiny patio can call for three different categories of outdoor lighting: pathway lights to lead guests to the door, sconces to frame the entryway, and a pendant overhead to cast a warm glow across dinner. If you’d rather buy all of your garden lighting in one place – and skip the month-plus lead times – Amazon has you covered.

It’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but what it does have is an abundance of timeless staples that have this style editor's approval: carriage-style lanterns, playful barn lights, solid brass pathway stakes, and faux rattan pendants you’ll still love by next summer, and the summer after that. Plenty are solar, too.

I fell down a rabbit hole of more than 50,000 Amazon outdoor lighting options. These are the 32 I’d recommend to anyone looking to elevate their patio quick and without spending a fortune.

Best Outdoor Portable Lighting on Amazon

Best Outdoor Wall Lighting on Amazon

Best Outdoor Pendant Lighting on Amazon

Best Outdoor Path Lighting on Amazon

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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There is one thing I’m always trying to find more of in my small kitchen: counter space. Between preparing meals, setting down groceries, and dealing with the inevitable pile of dishes, even a few inches of extra room can make the whole space feel more functional.

That’s why I was immediately drawn to IKEA’s LILLHAVET multifunctional dish rack. At just $19.99, this compact kitchen organizer is designed to fit over the sink or sit on the countertop with its removable draining tray, giving you more flexibility than a traditional dish rack.

It may look like a simple kitchen essential, but its clever, space-saving design makes washing up feel a little less chaotic – especially if you want to declutter kitchen countertops or have a small kitchen with limited countertop space.

A Clever Way to Use Sink Space

Most dish racks take up a surprising amount of room. Once you add dinner plates, glasses, mugs, and cutlery, they can quickly dominate a countertop – and that is particularly frustrating in a small kitchen where every surface needs to work hard.

The LILLHAVET dish rack offers a more flexible alternative and is replacing the traditional dish rack. You can place it directly over the sink so water drips straight into the basin, or use it on the countertop with the included draining tray underneath.

That over-the-sink design is what makes it especially useful. Instead of losing valuable prep space to a bulky dish drainer, you can make use of an area that would otherwise sit empty.

The rack is also narrow enough to fit comfortably beside a sink without overwhelming the countertop. Measuring approximately 18¾ inches long and 6¾ inches wide, it has a slim profile but still holds up to five plates at once.

Despite its compact size, the LILLHAVET is designed to accommodate more than just plates. Its metal rack provides slots for dinnerware, while the removable plastic section can hold cutlery and collect excess water.

I particularly like that the design keeps different items separated. Plates can stand upright rather than being stacked in a pile, while glasses and mugs can be placed alongside them. This allows more air to circulate around each item, helping everything dry more efficiently.

The rack is made from steel with a protective coating designed to help prevent rust, while the draining tray and cutlery holder are made from polypropylene plastic containing at least 20% recycled material.

It also comes in a dark anthracite finish, which gives it a more streamlined, modern appearance than the shiny chrome dish racks that can make a kitchen counter look cluttered.

The Flexible Design Makes It Ideal for Small Kitchens

The LILLHAVET’s biggest advantage is that it can adapt to the way you use your kitchen. If you need as much countertop space as possible, place the rack over the sink and allow water to drain directly into the basin. If your sink is too small or you prefer to keep the rack beside it, use the included draining tray to protect the countertop.

The individual pieces can also be separated, which gives you more options when you have a larger load of dishes. You could use the metal rack for plates and place the draining tray elsewhere for glasses or mugs.

That flexibility makes this feel less like a basic dish rack and more like a small kitchen workstation. IKEA also designed the LILLHAVET to be combined with other accessories in the same collection, allowing you to create a more organized setup around the sink.

A Simple Upgrade for a More Organized Kitchen

Kitchen organization does not always require a major renovation or a complicated storage system. Sometimes, the most useful upgrades are the small, inexpensive additions that make everyday tasks easier.

The LILLHAVET dish rack helps keep wet dishes contained, frees up countertop space, and makes better use of the area around the sink. Its compact footprint also makes it a practical choice for apartments, studio kitchens, dorms, or any home with limited countertop space.

Of course, it is designed for smaller dish loads rather than a full family’s worth of washing up. If you regularly wash large pots, pans, and multiple place settings by hand, you may need additional drying space. But for everyday dishes – or as a compact secondary drying rack – its slim design is a smart solution.

If the LILLHAVET isn't the perfect match for your space, there are plenty of other well-designed dish racks worth considering. Here are a few of my favorite alternatives.

Shop Alternative Dish Racks

For Joon Loloi, a new collection is so much more than an array of new furniture, rugs, and decor. Rather, it's an invitation to take a step further into the brand's world – a world in which vintage-inspired silhouettes pull you in, moody and grounding color palettes keep you hooked, and a modern eclectic aesthetic leaves you wanting more.

The brand's newly released fall 2026 collection is our latest glimpse into the idyllic, characterful world of Joon Loloi. Stocked with everything from rugs and pillows to accent chairs and trays, the collection taps into classic fall decor, but sets itself apart with its chic and timeless nature.

According to Cyrus Loloi, the brand's co-founder, this collection 'sits between vintage-inspired and 'traditional with a twist,' he explains. It nails transitional style with cool and effortless elegance, setting a foundation for interiors that feel layered and collected, but nonetheless fresh and elevated for modern living.

The collection's rich colors and intricate patterns are captivating at first glance, and it's these details that make the range feel so on-theme for fall. That said, nothing looks overly predictable or expected. 'The palette decisively leans into saturated hues,' Cyrus explains. Think rich browns that are grounding and enveloping, soft green shades that are equal parts expressive and inviting, and even deep red tones that look close to a shade of red wine.

As for pattern, you'll find some of the tapestry-inspired scenes – a Joon Loloi staple – as well as reworked heritage plaids (like the red mix on the Brian Pillow), vibrant floral scenes (I could get lost in the floral display of the Chase Ottoman), and even a fresh take on animal print (the zebra-printed Mara Tray is a must-have).

Though hundreds of pieces make up the collection, 'the unifying thread is 'layers of texture,' Cyrus notes. 'This is expressed through dimensional fabrics, a considered variety of natural materials, and nuanced finishes.'

While there are some familiar features within the collection, new shapes and silhouettes give it a fresh and modern edge. According to Cyrus, there's a 'pronounced shift towards rounded and curved forms' – a detail that we've seen take over living room trends this year. Like the sinuous frame of the Luca Chair or even the large, cylindrical legs of the Kieran Coffee Table, these organic shapes add 'visual weight and a distinct point of view,' Cyrus says.

And where there are modern touches, there is also a hint of traditional flair – a juxtaposition that makes this collection (and nearly every other Joon Loloi drop) so desirable.

There's so much to love from this collection – from decor that can make your home feel more cozy for fall to furniture that can become a grounding staple in your interior scheme. It's a tasteful and considered blend of traditional-meets-modern pieces that ooze with warmth, character, and timeless appeal.

'The intention is to build environments that feel intentional, cohesive, and collected over time,' Cyrus tells me. 'We love that the palette this season includes patterns, colors, and textures that easily mix with one another, allowing the customer to create spaces that speak to their personal style.'

If you're eager to make your home feel like it belongs in the world of Joon Loloi, then shop the highlights of the fall 2026 collection below.

Shop Joon Loloi's Fall 2026 Collection