“As we were faced with a new set of challenges in 2021, home continued to serve as the place where we could safely land and express ourselves,” said Ryan Turf, president of CB2, in a press release. “Our 2022 Next in Design Report aims to inspire your design journey and help embrace your creative individuality along the way.” Based on insights from industry experts, product merchants, and more than 1,000 interior designers from CB2’s design trade program, the report details how concepts like nature, nostalgia, and craftsmanship will inspire our design choices this year....

“The improvement cost must be below a certain amount, which changes from year to year and is determined by your income level, or it must meet specific criteria that qualify as a tax-deductible expense,” says Dana Ronald, CEO of tax relief company Tax Crisis Institute. When executing a home upgrade that might be tax-deductible, make sure you keep track of all important documents and payments. “You want to keep good records for any improvements made to your home,” advises Kemberley Washington, tax analyst for Forbes Advisor....

With a few watermelon tricks from the National Watermelon Promotion Board and Lee Wroten, vice president of Global Produce Sales in Lakeland, Florida, you’ll know how to pick a perfect watermelon that’s brimming with sweetness and juice. The next time you head to the grocery store or farmers market, keep the four S’s in mind. They’ll help you learn how to pick a ripe watermelon with the best flavor....

Buy It: Nonstick Doughnut Pan ($17, Williams Sonoma) Test Kitchen Tip: Leftover sugared pepitas are delicious as a snack or on salads, muffins, and cheesecake.

2. Verbena Another spreading plant and annual for containers, verbena is known for its “cascading” factor—whether trailing over pots, baskets, or retaining walls. Clusters of mini blooms typically come in white, pink, or purple. These blooms, which make a great accent plant, are a no-fail option for warm, dry conditions and do well in almost any pot. 3. Sweet Potato Vine Purple and lime green are the classic colors of this almost-can’t-kill-it-trailing vine....

“It’s not typical birds-on-a-wire bath bars anymore,” says Lauren Lovett, product director, Hinkley. “We’re seeing unique sconces between and alongside mirrors.” And that’s just the start. “People are making their bathrooms as close to a spa as their wallets will allow,” says Tim Stumm, creative director, Z-Lite Lighting. To embrace luxury living as well as function, incorporate bathroom lighting that accommodates daily needs while helping you achieve that spa-like atmosphere....

1. Control the mess. It’s easier to stop messes from happening than deal with them later. Reduce what gets dirty by leaving shoes at the door, limiting food to the kitchen and dining room, and assigning craft projects to one spot. Make sure all family members know the rules and follow them. Restricting messy activities to specific areas means you’ll have fewer spots to clean later. 2. Sneak in cleaning tasks....

However, even if you regularly enjoy products like these or have grown the plant in your garden, you might not realize how amazing this herb really is. These lavender facts will make you appreciate this gorgeous and valuable plant even more! 1. Lavender Has Many Uses The name lavender originates from the Latin verb “lavare,” which means “to wash.” Its word origin holds true in the ways that we use lavender today....

1. There are thousands of types of dahlias There are 30 species and over 20,000 cultivars of dahlias. Those cultivars are categorized based on size, flower pattern, and how they resemble other flowers (like waterlilies, anemones, and cactus blooms). The large decorative types and cactus types are among the most popular, and many varieties are used in cut flower gardens. 2. Dahlias were originally classified as a vegetable Dahlias are named after 18th-century Swedish botanist Anders Dahl....

Try one of these subway tile looks for your bathroom. See more bathroom tile designs for showers. How to give your bathroom lighting a spa-like feel. Learn the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile.

The wide range of blues offers a wealth of cabinet color options, so it’s important to consider the other design elements in your kitchen to help you make the best choice. Blue kitchen cabinetry should complement the other surfaces and accent colors in your space, as well as reflect the kitchen’s overall style. Here are a few kitchens that beautifully showcase blue cabinets in varying shades alongside a thoughtful selection of materials....

1. Send an Invitation Make this picnic extra special by sending her an invitation to join you for lunch. Craft your own paper invite and include a heartfelt Mother’s Day quote, or repurpose one of our last-minute printable Mother’s Day cards into a pretty invitation. 3. Bring a Basket The key to a good picnic is a cute-yet-functional picnic basket to hold your sandwiches, chips, and cookies. If you’ll be traveling to a park or beach, be sure to choose a sturdy basket with a lid that securely closes....

1. Refrigerator Coils Dusty condenser coils make your fridge work harder, making it less energy-efficient and shortening its life span. (There goes your ice cream budget.) Note that some refrigerators require special DIY cleaning techniques; others should be cleaned by a professional. Refer to the owner’s manual before you begin. When to Clean Complete this cleaning task twice a year; more often if you have pets. What to Do Find the coils....

1. Stick to Seasonal Produce It’s a safe bet you’ll find better prices on strawberries or tomatoes in the summer rather than the middle of winter. Aim to plan your meals around whatever vegetables and fruits are in season. This way, you can rely on enjoying fresh, flavorful dishes without spending more money. McDowell recommends buying local from your farmers market when possible to find great deals while also supporting local businesses....

1. Establish a Connection Between The Street And Your Front Porch From overgrown shrubs to a hidden walkway, too often the pathway to a home is difficult to find or navigate. The very first thing you can do to boost your front porch’s curb appeal is to clearly articulate the way to your home’s entrance. Hardscaping or other structures such as arbors can help designate an entrance, as can strategically-placed planters that direct traffic....

Test Kitchen Tip: Avoid the dreaded “avocado hand” injury by using our tips for cutting avocados with ease. Buy It: Genuine Mexican Manual Guacamole Salsa Maker Volcanic Lava Rock Stone Molcajete ($40, Walmart)

Price at time of publish: $19 Price at time of publish: $8 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $7 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $15

1. Under or overwatering seedlings. Because they’re just developing their roots, newly planted seeds and young seedlings require a steady supply of moisture—don’t let them dry out! Water seedbeds lightly every morning, and check them again in the evening. If a dry crust forms on the soil surface, it can be difficult for new seeds to germinate. And if a germinating seed dries out, it may die. On the other hand don’t let the soil get too soggy; overwatering a seedbed can promote diseases such as damping off, a fungus that kills young seedlings....