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Flowering from late January through to May, daffodils, also known widely as narcissi, are well worth including in your plot. Faithfully flowering year after year, they will also readily multiply if happy with their spot. This combined with their pest resistant and easy-going nature, makes them a treasured garden hero and – what’s more – there are plenty of beautiful variations to choose from. If you plant daffodil bulbs, from exquisite miniatures and delicate multi stemmed flowers to unmistakable stately golden trumpets, it’s easy to plan a continuous seasonal display....

Having lush, green grass is integral to most people’s garden ideas, but whether you are after how to plant grass seed from scratch, or trying to fill in patchy areas to make a lawn green and thick, you need to time it just right. ‘With the rise in prices of grass seed over recent years, it is critical to maximize your success when timing planting,’ says Adam Gore, horticulture agent for Clemson University Cooperative Extension (opens in new tab)....

Nothing quite beats a home-grown strawberry, and as they are simple to plant and look after, growing these tasty fruits is a great way of getting children interested in gardening. A crucial factor in how to grow strawberries is knowing when to plant strawberry varieties to suit your local climate and growing conditions. Get it right, and you could be picking your own within a matter of months. When to plant strawberries When to plant strawberries...

When it comes to organizing toys and effective toy storage ideas, less is more. Not just for the sake of keeping your home neat and tidy, but also for your child’s play – after all, there’s nothing like clutter to cramp creativity. There’s no such thing as an ‘ideal number’, and we’re certainly not saying get rid of all, or even most. But if it’s an inspirational play space you’re after, decluttering toys is the best place to start....

Few would deny the pleasure of a refreshing dip on a sweltering hot day. Vigorous swimming is well know for developing full body fitness à la Michael Phelps, and even the gentlest of strokes can be meditative and relaxing. A pool makes a glamorous addition your home – the perfect spot for a summer party or afternoon with family and friends. But a new swimming pool also needs a glorious pool house to accompany it....

See more inspiring house tours in our Spaces section See some of the world’s best homes – beautiful properties from around the globe The property The property Although it is only ten minutes from the heart of Bath, this mellow, Victorian rectory feels as tranquil as a country house. It is therefore surprising to learn that the homeowner’s never planned to move here. ‘We’d been happy living in a smaller townhouse in the centre of Bath, but one day I spotted this house online and decided to visit,’ says the owner....

A lot goes into nesting and making your space as cozy and warm as possible. And though things like blankets and pillows and snuggly pajamas are the most obvious additions, an equally important but often overlooked aspect is lighting. Lighting has the power to transform and elevate your space within seconds. Here are a few of our favorite Anthropologie lighting fixtures – from their fantastic, trend-led winter collection (as you would expect)....

Alongside their visual and culinary appeal, the fragrance of scented herbs can have an impact on our emotional wellbeing, too. For instance, lavender is believed to help relieve stress and promote relaxation, while uplifting, fresh mint is used to improve focus. Versatile plants, there are aromatic herbs for most growing conditions and so there are many ways to include them in your garden ideas – whether that is among ornamental plants in beds and borders, planted in a dedicated herb garden, lining pathways or filling containers....

If you’re someone who’s starting to notice that one-too-many kitchen nightmares are recurring on your watch? It most definitely is a result of problematic tools – more specifically, a problematic knife. See, unlike when you reach for a spoon or a fork (that are bound to give you the same result no matter which one you use), knives are in a league of their own. Are you looking to use a knife for slicing, dicing, or carving?...

Pick cooler shades to make a south-facing space feel positively serene, and warmer tones for east- or north-facing living rooms to keep the space feeling welcoming, and you’ll be spot on. Plus if you’re looking for living room ideas (opens in new tab) that are calming, even in the busiest of households, this is the color to choose. ‘Blue is a surprisingly versatile color that can work all around the house’, says Kathryn Lloyd, color specialist at Crown Design Studio (opens in new tab)....

Because cool tones aren’t overpowering – in fact, decorating with blue will often make a room feel like it is receding – room color ideas in these shades often help a small room appear to have more space, which can make them a great choice also for bathrooms and narrow hallways. Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George (opens in new tab), says of blue room ideas, ‘Cool blues and deep navy tones promote calmness and are the perfect choice for your living room, bedroom or guest room – typically spaces that you go to for escape and respite....

The Café brand is known for making stunning kitchen appliances that work as well as they look. In February 2022, Café introduced the Café Couture Oven with Air Fry, and I was excited to see if it would continue the tradition of effortlessly combining form and function among the best countertop toaster ovens. I tested the appliance for several days, making some of my favorite dishes. I have also had the opportunity to review the Café Affeto Automatic Espresso Machine and also the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker....

The bulk of a feather pillow and its weight when wet might also make you wonder if it can be safely washed in a machine, or if there are other methods you should use to keep it hygienic. We’ve put together a complete guide to answer your questions about cleaning feather pillows so you can include them among your laundry room ideas. Can you wash a feather pillow? Can you wash a feather pillow?...