ArcaMax

As the temperature outside rises, the annual quest for a cooler home begins — but without spending a fortune on our utility bills.

Try incorporating these home-cooling design moves. By swapping out heavy textiles for airy fabrics and setting up effective cross-ventilation, you can create a cooler house without touching the thermostat. Here’...Read more

Outdoor umbrellas pull double duty to keep us dry from rain and shaded from the sun. However, dirt, tree sap and bird droppings can accumulate over time, and your colorful umbrella shading the patio table or deck can be one of the last things to get a good power wash. It might never seem like a good time to pull down an outdoor umbrella and give...Read more

Keeping plants alive is one thing, but knowing exactly when (and more importantly how) to repot a plant requires a whole new level of indoor gardening know-how. The right gardening tools are required, of course, but it turns out you don’t necessarily need a green thumb in order to properly repot your most hard-earned indoor houseplants.

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Ceiling fans create cooling breezes that can make a stuffy room feel pleasantly comfortable. But as they rotate through the air, the blades can collect a ton of dust, dirt, pollen and other small particles. Depending on where it’s located, your fan might also gather greasy or sticky buildup over time, which can cause dust to cling even more. ...Read more

Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. With a spacious table and comfortable chairs, a basic stone patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination. Outfit a porch with a wicker sofa and classic rocking chair, both topped with plush cushions, and it can quickly become a second family room during the...Read more

Outdoor rugs are a low-maintenance, cost-efficient way to beautify any outdoor living space. But if neglected, outdoor rugs can accumulate grimy buildup over time.

Most people remember to wipe down tables and chairs when hosting a backyard play date, garden party or barbecue. But chances are your colorful rug gets no love.

Outdoor rugs, ...Read more

Everything in your home needs a good deep-clean on a regular basis, but are there certain items in your home that you’re cleaning too often? While there’s nothing wrong with ensuring that your home is a safe, clean space, we thought it might be helpful to point out a few items that don’t need a deep-clean as often as you may think.

Plus, ...Read more

Practicing sustainable habits isn’t just good for the environment; it can also help you save on energy costs and create less waste. Cutting back on water, electricity, gas and disposable items are easy ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. Use our checklist to assess your cooking and cleanup habits, and discover how being greener will ...Read more

The start of spring is the perfect opportunity to hit refresh on your home. It’s the time to clear a winter’s worth of dust and polish some of those often-overlooked surfaces, such as windows, light fixtures and walls. But beyond typical spring-cleaning tasks, the new season can also serve as your cue to clear out clutter and start over with...Read more

You’re not just imagining it: Pollen allergy season gets worse every year. Hotter temps translate to more potent pollen, which comes from trees, grasses, flowers and weeds, for a longer period of time. Ragweed, birch, sagebrush, cedar and oak are some of the most common pollen allergens. And while you can’t do much to control the weather, ...Read more

You know that ultra-fresh, citrus-kissed scent that greets you when you walk into the lobby of a luxury hotel? Do you ever wish your home could smell like that and start looking into how to make your house smell good? You may fantasize about your home having a signature scent that makes it feel like a clean, safe sanctuary, but life (and reality...Read more

As “green” cleaning becomes increasingly popular, more and more eco-friendly products are lining the shelves at retailers. Not only are they better for the environment, but cleaning products sans harsh chemicals and fragrances are also safer to use around children and pets, as well as anyone in your household with sensitive skin (or a ...Read more

Refreshing furniture can be a quick, DIY-friendly process that gives new life to an old piece. With just a few hours of work, you can easily transform secondhand scores or hand-me-down furniture to fit your style and needs. The process typically involves adding a fresh coat of paint or stain for new color, texture or shine. Although painting ...Read more