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Getty Fresh flowers are a speedy way to brighten any space in your home. But take the time to avoid the mistakes that diminish your bouquet's staying power. 1. Going overboard choosing blooms We're all for creativity, but if you're unsure of your eye for arranging, keep it simple. "Try choosing flowers in a single color," says Eric Buterbaugh, chief floral designer at The Bouqs. "I think they're more sophisticated and visually powerful. You don't have to overthink it." 2. Not putting your flowers in water ASAP Don't plop your bouquet on the counter and then go off to answer a dozen emails. "It's important to hydrate your flowers immediately to preserve their integrity," says Valerie Ghitelman, floral merchandising director at 1-800-Flowers. 3. Cutting the stems straight across "Stems should be cut at an angle with a sharp clean pair of clippers," says Ghitelman. "It provides a wider surface for water to trave...

Since Pinterest is the place people go to for inspiration, when a paint colors starts trending, you better believe you'll see it in homes everywhere for the next year — or more. That's exactly what's happening to Sherwin Williams' Stardew right now, which is a calming, muted gray hue with blue and green undertones. No spa appointment? No prob. Relax with the August Color of the Month instead. 💆 #august #homedecor #colorinspiration #interiordesign #spa A post shared by SherwinWilliams (@sherwinwilliams) on Aug 1, 2017 at 2:33pm PDT The brand describes it as a combination of summer warmth and country cool. If you want to embrace it in a charming farmhouse way, a la Joanna Gaines, pair this shade with rustic wood, whitewashed furnishings and cast iron details. For a modern take, look for metallic finishes, shag throw rugs (we recommend in white) and glass surfaces. If you don't want to dive in head first with paint just yet, we recommend testing out t...

Singer-songwriter Holly Williams (the granddaughter of Hank Williams) curated a perfect mix of prized possessions and antique finds. Paul Costello All in the Genes When Holly Williams and her husband, Chris Coleman, a musician and artist, began house hunting in 2011, they faced a challenge: They loved the openness of their downtown Nashville loft but craved the charm of a historic home. "One night, I had a dream that we'd find an airy, historic place with a double fireplace, so the moment we spotted this one connecting the kitchen and dining area, we knew we'd found our home." Using a mix of carefully chosen pieces, neutral colors, and treasured family keepsakes, Holly transformed her Nashville home into a timeless space. And when you come from country royalty, those heirlooms — and the stories they tell—can be true showstoppers. Paul Costello Dining Room While there's no questioning the root of Holly's musical talents, it's her mother's family — a ...

Getty Christmas is an ancient celebration, heaped in literally centuries of tradition. But some of our seasonal favorites have surprising origins. Read on and have a happy holiday season! 1 It wasn't always on December 25. Getty Though Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, there is no mention of December 25 in the Bible. (Most historians believe he was actually born in the spring.) It wasn't chosen as the official holiday until the 3rd century. Some argue that the date was picked because it coincided with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, celebrating agricultural god Saturn with partying and gift-giving. 2 Thank Prince Albert for your tree. Getty Hulton Archive Another Christmas tradition stemming from Saturnalia was the Christmas tree: During the winter solstice, branches served as a reminder of spring — and became the root of our Christmas tree. The Germans are credited with first bringing evergreens into their homes and decorating them, a tradition which made it...

Getty 1. You don't replace your washcloths or loofah. Unfortunately, both are breeding grounds for bacteria. You should only use a washcloth three or four times before throwing it in the laundry. And to make sure it's really clean, wash it in hot water. That will also eliminate any leftover musty smells that are caused from body oil and soap buildup. You should also toss your loofah or poufs every three to four weeks. 2. You exfoliate every day. You might think that daily exfoliation is the best way to remove dirt buildup and oil. But it's not. Over-scrubbing can actually cause your skin to become oiler, and therefore trap more dirt and bacteria. Instead, use a gentle scrub just a few days a week, or even better, once a week and at night. 3. You wash your hair without combing it first. To avoid breakage, give your hair a quick comb through before showering. This helps you avoid tangles and damage later. And if your hair is prone to tangles, use a wide-tooth comb after...

Eric Piasecki CHRISTINE PITTEL: Wow. There's nothing old-fashioned about this New York apartment. You've taken traditional, pretty, colorful decorating and given it a new edge. KATIE RIDDER: It's a spectacular space — a new condo in an old warehouse building in the West Village. The front door opens into a normal entry and then you step into a huge, double-height living room. It feels like a loft, and the young couple who live here wanted something urban and modern. What does that mean to you? Well, I didn't show them anything floral. Actually, I did manage to slip in a few, but they had to be graphic. No faded English chintz. And they wanted a restricted color palette. You call this restricted? The living room is basically blues, with hits of red. And also green, yellow, orange, chocolate brown, gold… You know me, with all my color and pattern. I think this room is fairly neutral, but I realize that nobody else would probably feel that way. I love a soaring s...

Hi Sugarplum/Samantha Brook/Town & Country As we say goodbye to the beautiful interiors, sweet floral arrangements,and breathtaking landscapes that captured our hearts in 2015, feast your eyes on the photos you double tapped the most. (And don't forget to follow us @housebeautiful, too!) 1 Master Makeover Spotted: One of our favorite (so colorful!) spaces from #oneroomchallenge. 👏🏻 @cassiesugarplum #hbcolor #regram (Photo: @sothentheysayblog) A post shared by House Beautiful (@housebeautiful) on Nov 14, 2015 at 8:54am PST We were delighted by so many of the projects that appeared in Calling it Home's fall One Room Challenge — especially Hi Sugarplum's powerful living room makeover. 2 Paris Pride All of you everywhere are in our hearts and thoughts... #paris #united (regram: @elledecor) A post shared by House Beautiful (@housebeautiful) on Nov 14, 2015 at 4:43pm PST We stood united after the massacre in Paris — and still stand united today....

Getty The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition many families look forward to each year. Here's how it all began – and how it's changed since it was first introduced. Getty The very first parade back in 1924 featured animals borrowed from the Central Park zoo (think elephants, monkeys, camels, bears — you name it). It was was organized by a group of Macy's employees who dressed up and were a part of the parade along with other floats and entertainment (including Santa Claus). Getty Live animals stopped being used in the parade after 1926. The balloons we know and love today replaced them, starting with an inflatable Felix the Cat, a toy soldier, dragon, and elephant. Getty The first balloons were designed by a Good Housekeeping illustrator, Tony Starg. Getty The first person to ever be "ballooned" was performer Eddie Cantor. The balloons used to be intentionally released post-parade, with specific valves even being introduced in 1929 so they cou...