Learn the dining room layout and setup mistakes to avoid when hosting or entertaining. To understand what makes a dining roomwork for entertaining, two experts are sharing their expertise. Alison Cheperdakis an author, attorney, and certified etiquette coach at Elevate Etiquette. Credit:Josh Grubbs Aleka Shunkis a content creator and founder of Aleka’s Get-Together. Too-Bright Lighting The level of lighting in a space can impact how relaxed we feel. “Think about your favorite upscale restaurants,” Shunk says....

Upgrade your space with these stylish DIY fireplace mantel ideas. A DIY mantelpiece can play a major role in theoverall fireplace aesthetic. Plus you’ll find a few helpful installation tips to pull off the project yourself. Credit: Josh Grubbs DIY Fireplace Mantel Ideas Ready to craft a newfocal point for your living room? Use these DIY fireplace mantel ideas for inspiration. DIY Floating Mantel Floating mantels are mounted above the fireplace like a shelf without any visible legs or brackets....

With the right Easter cactus care, your plant will produce plenty of flowers. What Is an Easter Cactus? If your plant receives even a little light in the evening, it may not bloom as well. Credit:KanPhotos / Getty Images Like the long nights of winter, this period of chilling helps to trigger Easter cactus flowers. However,pruning holiday cactiimmediately after they finish flowering can also increase blooming the following year. Since Easter cacti grow relatively slowly, they usually dont need major pruning or reshaping....

These bonsai tree types are easy to care for, indoors and outside. And some are more suitable for either outdoor or indoor bonsai. Learn the ins and outs of caring for bonsai with one of these easy-to-grow plants. Credit:Carson Downing But even beginners can successfullycreate their own bonsaiwith the right tree and a few simple techniques. The best bonsai species to grow outdoors year-round are likely growing in your local area....

Protect trees from deer browsing with these techniques, tools, and plant choices. Ackerman Gruber While ornamental and edible gardens are prime targets,deer can also do major damageto trees. Deer also damage trees in other ways. Credit:Ackerman Gruber And they definitely like to munch foliage, particularly evergreens in winter and deciduous trees in spring. Typically, deer browse on branches less than 1 inch in diameter. Deer are creatures of habit and can be persistent in their browsing once they find a situation they like....

Don’t have space for a home office? A doorless coat closet is the perfect spot for a streamlined office area. All you need is a computer, chair, and countertop to serve as a desk. Mounted shelves hold books, magazines, and other supplies. Look Up In a small space such as anentryway, vertical storage is key. This doorless closet-turned-cubby uses a storage shelf to keep shoes out of the way. Hooks mounted on a stylish wallpaper treatment are perfect for hanging backpacks, purses, and jackets....

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Matt Armendariz Long before she became an actress, Eva Longoria found creative fulfillment through cooking. Eva has indulged her love of food and explored her Mexican roots as host of CNN’sSearching for Mexico. Credit:Matt Armendariz The experience was so transformative, it inspired her to write a new cookbook,My Mexican Kitchen. We asked her which ingredients she swears by. Grant Webster...

Try these strategies to keep your deliveries safe from porch pirates this holiday season. One of the easiest ways to prevent package theft is to retrieve your item as soon as its delivered. Most delivery services offer tracking information that keeps you updated on your packages progress until it reaches your door. Credit: andresr / Getty Images Some companies will even send you alerts when the delivery vehicle is within a few stops of your house....

Industry pros share their best tips for incorporating the versatile, timeless finish into any space. Black decor is like the little black dress of interior design. Courtesy of Farrow & Ball It’sa neutral shadethat pairs effortlessly with any color, validating its versatility. Credit:Courtesy of Farrow & Ball To learn why matte black specifically is popular right now, we reached out to the design experts. Read on for inspiration on how to elevate your home with matte black decor....

Mid-tone blues, warm grays, and colorful trim are creating serene and sophisticated home exteriors this year. Dramatic all-black exteriors, like those painted withBlack-HC-190, have been popular in creating the drenched effect. Suggested Exterior Paint Color:Temptation 1609, Benjamin Moore Courtesy of Valspar 2. Credit:Courtesy of Benjamin Moore The simple color harmony grounds the home, says Kim. Suggested Exterior Paint Color:Encore 8002-45G, Valspar Courtesy of Behr 3. Warm Grays Grays have been consistently trending for exteriors, but the tried-and-true hue is taking a tonal shift....

And since anexterior paint jobcan last up to 15 years, it’s important to get the color right. With its beige undertone, the crowd-pleasing shade is essentially a lightened-up version of taupe. The soft shade has subtle green undertones that shine when framed by trees and greenery. Credit: Laurie Black Green Smoke No. This green-blue looks particularly stunning on exteriors with weathered brick or stonework. Use it on shutters, trim, and the front door for a naturally eye-pleasing combination....

From timeless styles to modern prints, these fabric trends are both beautiful and versatile. So, stay tuned as we explore the latest fabrics that are shaping interiors. Julie Soefer 1. Credit:KIM CORNELISON Classic Stripes Striped prints are really making waves in home decor this year. Thanks to their versatility and enduring charm, this classic pattern has been a staple in furnishings for centuries. The fabric choice can change the aesthetic of a space, too....

Create an inviting entrance with DIY autumn decor projects that reflect the colors and textures of the season. Your front door is the first thing guests see when they approach your home. Embrace fall door decorations that feature brilliantly colored leaves, Indian corn, pumpkins, andother natural elements. Credit: Jason Donnelly These creative ideas use unexpected elements to deliver stunning autumn curbside appeal. Rustic Fall Door Decor Pair itemscollected from flea marketswith natural elements to outfit your front door withfarmhouse-style fall decor....