ArcaMax

Starting a garden is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Plant fragrant florals or start a vegetable garden (or both!), and everyone can benefit from getting their hands a little dirty. But if you’re new to gardening, it can be difficult to know where to start. These steps will help you get started from scratch, but if you have ...Read more

Ready to get your garden growing this spring? You probably have a few plants, flowers, and vegetables in mind. Perhaps you’re considering perennials such as rosemary, ferns, or lavender. But is this the right time of year to plant them? What is the best time for planting perennials, and what are the ways to ensure your beautiful plants thrive?...Read more

While you may have enjoyed taking a break from lawn care during the winter, spring is the season to turn your attention back to your yard. Your efforts now will largely determine if you have a lush, green, healthy lawn in the summer — or, if your lawn will be a telltale sign that you didn’t provide the level of loving care required for it to...Read more

Getting organized can both boost productivity and create a soothing environment. When we live with less and have systems for our stuff, complete with labels, daily tasks become easier and more efficient. Plus, an organized space simply feels calming, which is something we can all benefit from after spending more time at home.

However, ...Read more

Think of your indoor and outdoor plants a little bit like Goldilocks: They need a just-right potting mix or soil to help them really thrive. And although the words “potting mix” and “potting soil” are used often interchangeably, they refer to different products with different uses — and using the wrong one can impact how well your ...Read more

Let’s get something straight: There’s nothing wrong with choosing a paint color you love, even if it doesn’t top the paint color charts. In fact, choosing a color that doesn’t speak to you might just be the most cringe-worthy of mistakes, says Michelle Bray, owner of Five Star Painting.

Instead, some of the most problematic paint color ...Read more

Out with cozy winter neutrals and in with the fresh colors and patterns of spring. As you tackle your spring cleaning checklist, you might be tempted to refresh your space as well — but buying new decor for each season can get pricey. Instead of going on a spending spree for new spring decor, swap out smaller accent pieces to make your space ...Read more

Sometimes it’s obvious when you’re cleaning something incorrectly. Other times, it’s not — until something happens, like damage to your home or even sickness. The good news? Often, fixing the bad habit just saves you time and money. This is what to look out for in your own cleaning routine.

1. Using too many cleaning products

According...Read more

There is often a lot of talk surrounding spring cleaning, but many tips and guides don’t mention an important first step: decluttering. After all, if you fail to declutter your home first, your hard work scrubbing won’t be as effective. Too much unnecessary stuff makes it harder to clean around, and can hide dust, dirt, or, worse — mold ...Read more

Carpets are a common feature in most homes. They make a room feel cozy while adding texture and warmth. However, dirt, dust, and allergens thrive in carpets. Regular vacuuming removes surface debris, but only deep cleaning can eliminate bacteria and nasty stains. So, how often should you clean your carpets?

The answer depends on several factors...Read more

Countertops are one of the most important features of a kitchen. Whether you go with marble, granite, or engineered stone, they truly make or break your kitchen in terms of style. While reviving old cabinets really just requires a fresh coat of paint (plus a little prep work), it feels like when you have old countertops you’re basically stuck....Read more