how to: add style to your home

Is your home just crying for a makeover? Whether you're looking to do a total redecorating job, need help merging your styles, or just want to give a room a little pick-me-up, you're in the right place with our expert decorating advice. Choosing your decor style can be tricky territory for newlyweds, especially if you've never lived together and your home styles aren't entirely in sync. But even if you've been sharing your space for a while, choosing your decor style means incorporating both of your needs. So where to begin? If you're starting from scratch or looking to redecorate, you need to think big. Luckily, we've got expert decorating advice on key rooms, from 5 tips for a luxurious living room to 6 secrets for a sexy bedroom. Have a question about more specific home styles? You'll find stylish solutions to all your questions, from best bedding options to doing over your bathroom. Or do you just want ideas for easy (and inexpensive!) decor fixes? Spice up your living space with our tips on budget bedroom makeovers, easy decor tricks, and displaying photos and art. We've also tracked down fabulous decor finds to suit all different home styles, including shabby-chic favorites, decor picks on a budget, and colorful kitchen accents. And check out style how-tos on everything from dressing up your mantel and arranging your coffee table with flair to creating beautiful blooming arrangements and using feng shui. With our expert decorating advice, choosing your decor style is simple.

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How to Plant a Low Maintenance Garden

Let’s start this one off with a quick riddle: Q: How did the gardener get a low-maintenance garden? A: He planted low-maintenance plants! Sounds simple, but that’s really the best advice we can offer. (Plus, it really is that simple.) It’s important to remember, though, there’s no such thing as a no maintenance garden. Sorry, but they just don’t exist. Any garden project you take on will require some amount of care and work. There are some ways to make it easier, though.

Nix the delicates

Fragile plants like garden phlox, hollyhocks, and delphiniums, though beautiful when blooming, need extra care and protection from diseases as well as special soil. In other words, a no-go if you’re looking for low-maintenance.

Skip the aggressive perennials

While plants like bee balm, yarrow, and plum poppy are beautiful, their creeping stems tend to take over gardens and require constant pruning and dividing to keep them contained. No, thank you.

Choose small plants

Dwarf and slow-growing plants like roses, heather, dwarf spruce, and compact boxwood are great options. You won’t have to trim them as often (if at all) to keep them from overgrowing and ruining your view.

Know your zone

Make sure you pick plants that are suited to your climate zone. Not certain exactly which zone you’re located in? No problem. Check out our guide to help you figure it out.

-- Paula Kashtan

Oct 06, 2010

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