Stools pulled up to an island provide space for casual dining and invite conversations with the cook. When two cooks will work simultaneously in the space, 48-inch widths are preferred. You could also position a lower or higher add-on table at the island’s outer end. Credit: Greg Scheidemann Amplify interest by usingvarying finishes or countertop surfacesto differentiate one tier from another visually. Barstools fit underneath 42- to 46-inch-high breakfast bars, and counter stools work with standard 36-inch-high island tops....

What size should your patio be? Our planning tips are here to guide you through the patio sizing process. We have ideas for planning, testing the site, utilizing space, and more. Start Simple Get started with a sketch. Assign each activity to a different part of the patio. Perhaps one corner of the family dining space could serve as a secluded retreat. Often just moving a chair can make a small part of a larger area feel more secluded....

We’ll take you through the many types of steaks available at the supermarket. Take a look, and you’ll become a steak expert in no time. Full of rich, beefy flavor, sirloin steak is one of the more inexpensive types of steaks. Credit:Andy Lyons When cut into cubes, sirloin steak is also great for quick-cooking kabobs. See more onhow to cook a tri-tip steak. Smaller versions of porterhouse steaks are known as T-bone steaks....

Use these tips to find the best paint colors and finishes to complement the wood furniture around your home. Stains and finishes can range from natural wood tolight blondeto rich mahogany. These neutral hues play an important role in a room’s overall color scheme. Credit:BHG / Sarah Crowley BHG / Sarah Crowley 1. Over time, wood furnishings might also acquire a rich patina that gives the surface depth and complexity....

Your paint decisions aren’t quite finished once you’ve selected the perfect wall color. Molding or trim helps define a room’s style, adding architectural character and dimension to the walls. These essential elements present an opportunity toinject fresh colorinto a room or emphasize certain features. Credit: Carson Downing Within a room, paint all of the trim the same unless you wish to emphasize elements. Before investing in enough paint for the job, buy a quart and test it on a poster board....

You dont necessarily have to follow design theories orthe color wheelto create a successful combination. The most important consideration is finding a color palette that feels right to you. Then base your paint colors on those elements. Credit: Kim Cornelison Here are some ideas on how to narrow down your color choices. Pull out specific shades within the design and apply them to your decorating choices. Pay attention to the proportions of each shade to recreate a similarly balancedinterior colorscheme....

If your dining space is limited, abanquette seating arrangementis a great option for gathering and eating. What is banquette seating? A banquette is a space-saving dining room table and seating option. Credit: Lincoln Barbour It typically involves built-in bench-like seating running against a wall (or walls) with a freestanding table. Banquette seating is idealfor small kitchens, large families, and interiors in need of savvy storage solutions. Existingwindow seatscan also be transformed into banquette seating....

Choose the best black paint colors with tips from interior designers and paint professionals. Black used to be one of the least popular picks at the paint store. However, homeowners and designers alike are beginning to see the potential of this once-contentious color. Credit: David Tsay Black is now stepping into the light asa trendy paint colorthat delivers drama and striking modern style. Black paint colors have also emerged as ago-to choice in bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more....

Every plant needs light to thrive, but the necessary amount can vary dramatically. Ergo, grow lights. What’s the Difference Between Regular Bulbs and Grow Lights? Credit: Peter Krumhardt Therefore, regular light bulbs are not recommended as a light source for growing indoor plants. Thebest grow lightsgenerally depend on the plants you’re growing and the size of your space. Narrower tubes are the most efficient fluorescent bulbsthey produce more brightness using less surface area....

This allows for quick and comfortable access to the sauna no matter how bad the weather is. Outdoor Home Saunas Outdoor home saunas are popularadditions to patiosand outdoor spaces. This will require you to hire an electrician, which costs between$300and$800. Credit:Getty Images / Ordasi Tatyjana Many indoor saunas require a floor drain, especially if they create steam during heating. Steam saunas may also require a water supply for steam creation....

The best mulch nourishes and protects your soil and plantswhile giving your landscaping a fresh look. Remember these tips as youplant your gardenthroughout the year, especially if youadd new bedsor landscaping. Best Mulch Benefits There are some advantages toadding mulch to your garden. Credit: Marty Baldwin While an even layer of mulch is ideal,don’t overdo it. The best depth for a mulch layer is 2-4 inches. Check on your mulch again when late fall rolls around, and reapply if needed....

The right grass can make your lawn care easier and your landscaping greener. Use our guide to help you find the best pop in for your yard. With all the choices, how do you decide which bang out of grass is the best? Here’s some straightforward advice for picking the suitable grass for your landscape. St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and zoysiagrass are the most common. Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and Kentucky bluegrass also are grown in the Transition Zone....

But I’m not alone in my appreciation of this magnificent tree. This guide will help you find the right types of oak trees to grow in your own yard. Guy Sternbergis the co-founder of Starhill Forest Arboretum in Illinois and author of several books about trees. Credit:Bob Stefko He’s also the founding president of the International Oak Society. Its hard to ignore them as a significant part of any landscape....