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Hydrogen Peroxide Precautions in the Laundry Never mix hydrogen peroxide with household ammonia, chlorine bleach, or vinegar in a closed container. Dangerous gases can form. You’re also wasting money if you use hydrogen peroxide and chlorine bleach in the same wash load. Combining the two won’t double the whiteness of dingy laundry. The sodium hypochlorite of the chlorine bleach is a much more potent oxidant and will immediately break down the hydrogen peroxide into just plain water....

Here are five points to consider when lighting an office for your home workspace. In general, it’s best to have natural light in front of or next to work surfaces and computer screens to avoid glare and maximize your outside views. You can also position your workstation facing north or south so that the sunlight doesn’t throw a shadow at any point in the day. To accommodate varying levels of brightness during the day, solar shades soften and reduce the heat without compromising the light and view....

“My motto for decorating is ’live outside the lines,’ which is all about embracing color,” Quinn explains. “When it comes to creating a fun and vibrant space filled with summery colors, cohesion and balance are key.” With this in mind, we turned to a few more of our favorite designers and color experts to ask them for their top pics for trending colors this sunny season. “Pairing a burnt orange with more muted tones, whites, or creams creates a really beautiful, summertime vibe,” Jane says....

Entertainment centers are centerpieces that get plenty of visual attention, especially if you’re watching a movie, so it’s important that they look their best. The options for designing and decorating your entertainment center are practically limitless. Add a festive garland to celebrate the holidays or a floral arrangement to keep things looking (and smelling) fresh. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of variations to choose from. Here’s some inspiration....

Putting Up Greenery Too Early Sure, you’re probably super excited to deck the halls with plenty of time before your big holiday bash. But this putting up live greenery is one instance in which the early bird doesn’t get the worm. Greenery is quick to dry out, after all. “Buy and place greenery garlands the day before or day of the party so that it is all looking fresh,” suggests Anne Hepfer, designer and author of MOOD....

To make a rock salt humidifier, you’ll need a large bag of rock salt (also sometimes referred to as sodium chloride) and two 5-gallon buckets. You should be able to find both at a hardware store. Here’s how to make it: Though baking soda is a great option for a dehumidifier, it only works in a small area. You may find some success with using it in a larger room, but this method is ideal for a smaller space, like a cabinet....

As a stylist and a mom, when I’m planning a kid’s room, I have some very definite ideas about what I want to see. I want to create a space that is whimsical, magical, and taps into a child’s imagination. I also want a space with a design aesthetic sophisticated enough that I like to be in the room as much as my child does. The iconic Bubble chair, and the 6 offshoots that it’s inspired certainly fit the bill for a piece that my child and I can appreciate together....

Impure Soil “One thing we don’t think about ’throwing away’ is our compromised soil," says Nick Cutsumpas, the person behind @FarmerNick. “Of course, soil can be amended if it is not ideal for the plant, but sometimes it is best to completely remove soil that might be infested with pests or have some kind of disease, fungal infection, or bacteria.” Instead of spreading these things, you should definitely start from scratch....

Reasons Why an Azalea Might Not Flower It is a shame when azaleas fail to flower well because these bushes can be spectacular when in bloom. A type that many gardeners especially like is the Stewartstonian azalea. Be prepared to do a little research, because there are a number of potential problems to consider when trying to account for why azaleas fail to bloom; you will learn about them below. If you’ve already tested and adjusted your soil since azaleas are acid-loving plants, then here are six other factors to check:...

Don’t Stick to One Type of Finish “To me, rooms or spaces that use the exact same finish on all of the metals can appear too one dimensional or flat,” designer Shannon Claire Smith said. “Mixing metals and tones can give the space depth and interest.” Designer Cynthia Vallance agreed. “Mixing metals is a must have when I approach any room and creates the ‘ah-ha’ moment,” she noted. In general, too much matching is a designer faux paus....

One important advantage that drywall offers is the presence of tapered edges on the long sides of drywall sheets. When joined together, these edges form a shallow recess for drywall tape and joint compound that allows for invisible finished joints. The different drywall options are often known by their color, and it’s important to choose the right type for your project. Below, learn about seven different types of drywall and their uses for projects at home....

Given that designers spend their days and nights selecting all kinds of pieces for themselves and their clients, we wanted to know: Which trends are they ready to see go, and why? Read on for the seven furniture trends that top designers are ready to say goodbye to—some of their answers may surprise you! Mid-Century Modern Pieces Whether or not you’re ready to tuck that slat bench or Eames chair into storage is up to you, but some designers are eager to wave goodbye to all things MCM....

First up was transforming the library at the top of the stairs. “We chose bold colors for different shelves—it became a focal point,” she said. “She also matched it with a stark artwork that repeats the same colors.” And Maydan couldn’t be happier with the results of the project. “We love the use of color in the house,” she shared. “It makes the house unique, interesting, and befitting a large family with four girls that loves to host....

Bed frames come in seven main types to address style, space, and budget needs. Regardless of which type you choose, keep in mind that you’ll need to select a bed frame that matches the size of your mattress. Here, learn more about the purpose, materials, and cost of each type of bed frame so you can choose the best option. Usually constructed of sturdy metal, a frame-only bed is designed to support a box spring and mattress without any extra components....

Here are eight jewelry storage ideas to keep your pieces organized. Consider keeping more than one ring holder around your house where you need them most, such as by the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, and on your bedroom nightstand. You’ll never panic over a misplaced ring again. DIY Clay Cactus Ring Dish from Lovely Indeed Simply screw one or more thin strips of wood into the wall, and then attach several small hooks to the wood on which you can hang necklaces and bracelets....

1. Using Only Dark Woods and Muted Neutrals According to Renee Eurdolian, Interior Design Expert and Buyer at rental furniture service Fernish, one common mistake that people make is “thinking midcentury modern only means dark wood and muted neutrals.” Rather, Eurdolian notes, it’s more than ok to incorporate a bit of vibrance into one’s design. “Although brown, gray, and white tones are a big part of the MCM style, equally important are colorful accents such as orange, mustard yellow, red, shades of green, etc....

Yard and garden tools should be stored outdoors, where they are most likely to be needed, but be kept out of the way safely and neatly. The good news is that smarter yard tool or gardening tool storage won’t require buying a new piece of equipment to organize your other equipment: Many outdoor storage solutions involve items probably already hanging around at home or in the yard. Organizing tools is helpful in that it helps you keep a handle on what you have and where it is, so you don’t end up buying tools you don’t need....

Right out of the box, the Adora PlayTime Baby Doll was a huge hit with both my 3-year-old daughter and my 6-year-old son. Each thought the Little Prince version we selected was adorable and immediately went about building him his own place to sleep (or “snug” in the words of the children’s television series Abby Hatcher) so he’d be cozy in his new home. They also both found the baby powder scent pleasing and thought the frog-embroidered onesie a perfect match....

Note: As with any new cleaner, it’s best to test it in an inconspicuous area first.