If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Ty Pennington, most known for hostingExtreme Makeover Home Edition, checks both boxes. Keep the space clean. Credit:Ty Pennington Take off your shoes. Don’t drag sand in from the beach.Wash the dishesthat are in the sink. Walking into a clean space makes you feel more comfortable. Care about people and their safety. There are many things you’re free to do to make your home comfortable....

It’s hiding out at Costco, Target, and Walmart. From Left: Sara Lee. Neilson Barnard / Staff / Getty Images. Credit:From Left: Sara Lee. Neilson Barnard / Staff / Getty Images. Everyone has their go-to way to customize agrilled cheesewhether it’sspreading on jamor adding your favorite veggies. (Why havent we been using grilled halloumi all along, by the way?!) TheCheesy Goodness episodeof the duos podcast focuses solely on a topic that always makes us melt....

Blankets offer a much-needed layer ofcozy warmthand can make us feel protected and secure. Depending on the temperature in the room, some blanketsare better at retaining warmthor repelling moisture. Also, some blankets can be bothersome for people with sensitive skin. Credit: Jacob Fox Synthetic fibers may be irritating, while natural fabrics have the potential to be itchy. How do you know what kind of blanket to buy? Should you go withgoose downor a synthetic alternative?...

Rain gutters shouldnt be an afterthought. Our guide to gutters will help you choose the right style to keep your roof in good working order. Edmund Barr When designing and maintaining a home, gutters might seem like an afterthought. Credit:Edmund Barr But they are integral to keeping water and snow away from your roof, attic, and foundation. Although they might seem like a small part of your house, they are vital for protecting its structure....

Start here before heading to the grocery store. Easterits one of the holidays when supermarkets fill their meat cases with hams of all types and sizes. Even if you have your plan down to a science, weve got some new ideas to inspire you. Credit: Blaine Moats Here’s a complete guide to the types of ham. Most hams you’ll find made in the United States are city hams. They are wet-cured and made by soaking the meat in a saltwater solution or injecting them with a brine....

A humidifier can help with dry skin and respiratory issues. Here’s how to pick the right one for you. It’s one of the best solutions for adding moisture indoors, especially during colder months. Credit: Jacob Fox However, choosing the wrong humidifier can lead to potential health issues and the growth of mold. The most common types of humidifiers are cool or warm mist and evaporative, steam, or ultrasonic units. Cool-Mist Humidifiers...

Find the right style for your space. But as you search for lamps, the options can feel endless. To start, a lamp has a base and a shade. Credit:Brie Goldman; Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek The harp is what holds your lampshade above your bulb. Finials can be as basic as a brass sphere or as ultra-funky as a pineapple. Best for:Classic, traditional controls. Credit:Brie Goldman. Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek Best for:Classic, traditional spaces....

Choosing the right jot down of paint and finish is just asif not moreimportant thanpicking a paint color. Paint comes in several finishes, each serving a different purpose. Buying the correct jot down of paint for your project prevents you from having to redo it later. Credit:Brie Goldman So before youput that brush on the wall, be sure you have the right finish for the job. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you should probably know to get it right the first time....

You might think of the humble radish as a mere salad sidekick. This spring, we invite you to take a closer look at this snappyyet often overlookedgem of a root. Food Styling: Greg Luna Youre familiar with common red radishes and perhaps others like Easter egg and watermelon. Credit:Jacob Fox. Food Styling: Greg Luna Here are a few types of radishes to seek out at farmers markets or try growing at home....

Unsure which hood to buy for your cooktop? Here’s a quick guide to kitchen ventilation options and factors to consider. Annie Schlechter Kitchens can get smoky, smelly, and hot. Credit:Annie Schlechter Proper ventilation allows comfortable use of your kitchen, regardless of whats on the menu. Range hoods are integral to common kitchen ventilation systems. They work toremove smoke, airborne grease, and heat from cooktops. Credit:Laurie Black They can also enhance the aesthetic of your space by adding a dramatic focal point....

Shopping for a new sink? This guide covers the most common sink materials and the considerations to make for each. It typically only requires soap and water to clean, so stainless steel is fairly easy to maintain. Credit:BHG/Adelyn Duchala This material also shows more water spots and smudges more easily than other sink types. Porcelain Sharing some similarities with fireclay, porcelain is also a non-porous and low-maintenance sink material. Porcelain can also be molded around a metal core, like steel or iron, for extra durability....

Accentuate the architecture of multiple windows by suspending a narrow panel between each pane. For abay windowthat projects beyond the room’s footprint, simply mount the rod on the foreground wall. For a more formal, decorative statement, add an angular valance pleated to mimic sophisticated jabots. Or for a more laid-back effect, top panels with a flouncy scalloped valance. For spaces requiring a touch of privacy, layer sheers beneath the decorative swags....

How are you celebrating Derby Day? We have all the Kentucky Derby party ideas to make your celebration a winner. The first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby. Credit: Greg Scheidemann Mix up a deliciousmint julepand use our bestparty-planning tipsto throw the ultimate Derby Day celebration. Vintage silver serving pieces and abig bouquetofpink rosesbring elegance and charm to your celebration. Kentucky Derby Day food can be part of the party decorations....