Testing for colorfastness is simple and can be done using items you already have in your home. Getty Images / Kyryl Gorlov If you’ve ever read an article about the basics of doing laundry or watched an instructional Laundry 101 video, you’ve probably heard the term “colorfast"—and figured it has something to do with fabric dyes. But what exactly is colorfastness, and how do you test for...

These types of drought-tolerant grass will handle dry conditions with ease. Edward Gohlich One of the most demanding elements of our landscapes is the lawn, especially when it comes to watering. By using drought-tolerant grass in your lawn, you can dial back the watering requirements, which is an especially important goal in dry regions.Most drought-tolerant grasses don’t form a lush carpet...

Maybe every family member has a different yard use in mind. Maybe your own wish list is long. Or maybe you just want a backyard that feels cozy for a few while welcoming to many. Resourceful designers can accommodate multiple uses in a single flexible design without creating a crammed-in feel, as...

When the mercury rises, houses without air conditioning can get stuffy and uncomfortable, making it difficult to relax, eat or sleep. Even if you have air conditioning, you may want to save energy and use it sparingly. Try these tricks to cool down your rooms during summer....

Based on new data from Redfin, U.S. builders obtained permits to construct 13 multifamily housing units for every 10,000 people in the U.S. so far this year, down nearly 30% from an average of 18 during the same periods in 2021-2023.  Multifamily building permits have dwindled not because they're harder to get, but because builders are seeking fewer of them. Here are two reasons builders are seeking fewer...

In 2023, following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the spreads between the 30-year mortgage and 10-year yield were at their worst, leading to new cycle highs. This meant mortgage rates were significantly higher than average. However, this year, we’re seeing a different trend with the spreads: they’re improving, and mortgage rates are trending better as a result, even with the 10-year yield still...

Chore lists aren't just for kids! Our free checklist makes accomplishing household chores a breeze. Better Homes & Gardens/Margot Cavin There are plenty of reasons why it pays to lay out your daily, weekly, and monthly plans for the home front. Not only can it help you stay on top of tasks rather than feeling like they’re always getting away from you, but it can also make it much easier to...

Line your iced coffee cups with melted chocolate and freeze for a fun, delicious twist on your favorite latte. Radu Bighian / Getty Images There’s no shortage of iced coffee drinks you can choose from to give you a much needed caffeine boost during these hot days. Maybe you make a homemade cold brew for your first-thing-in-the-morning java jolt, or grab a drink to go from your favorite local...

Pinkoween this year, anyone? HomeGoods Not to scare you, but spooky season is upon us. Now, we know what you’re thinking: It’s July, much of the country is in the midst of a brutal heat wave, and we’re so far away from fall that Halloween is nothing more than a jack-o'-lantern floating off in the distance. Well, that’s not quite true—at least not at HomeGoods.The holiday may be more than...

The classic material is back with a contemporary twist. Joyelle West If the Nancy Meyers aesthetic has made you nostalgic for classic '90s decorating trends, we have good news for you: Wicker is officially back. While you probably associate the material with the 1990s, it's actually been associated with interior design since the Roman Empire. It waned in popularity post-WWII as modernism became...