Better Homes and Gardens May 2023

YOU MIGHT THINK THAT AS EDITOR OF THIS MAGAZINE, I would be great at interior design. Well, turns out, I’m not. But I do know a good room when I see it, and along with our talented editors, I enjoy looking through hundreds of submissions each year to find the best projects to feature on our pages. I can’t always describe what helps a house or an apartment make the cut, but usually it comes down to two things: Does the design have a point of view stylistically? And does the person who designed it—be they amateur or professional—have an eye? When I was at dearly departed House & Garden magazine back in the day, I worked for an editor who showed me how to be what we called a sittings…

If you’re seeking inspiration and know-how for updating your yard, we’re here to help. No matter the size, shape, or hardiness Zone of your space, BHG.com has free garden plans created by landscape pros to set you up for success. Transform a sunny pathway with an eye-catching three-season border designed by “plantfluencer” Nick Cutsumpas (check out more from Nick, page 122). Or make over a partially shady spot, above, with easy-care, summer-blooming perennials and an inviting bench. Scan the smart code to access the free downloadable PDF and step-by-step instructions for this plan and to browse other designs to find a fit for your yard. Tap here for the free garden plan. On Trend Color Forecast Check out the six shades experts are predicting will be the hottest colors for 2023. Spoiler alert: Mother…

The Dream List Layers on layers of pattern are key to the room’s alluring effect, Thornton says. Conventional design rules dictate that you combine a large floral print with a small graphic one, but here she applied diminutive florals atop even more diminutive florals. “It’s a less contrived look and more collected,” the designer says. And forget about matching all those patterns: Rosy wine hues and touches of blue unify the graphic elements on the walls, table, seating, and pillows. The lush, overstuffed approach continues on the table, in the mix of colored glass, loose floral arrangements, and mismatched table linens that take you to far-off places in spirit. For more of Summer Thornton’s unpredictable interiors, check out her book, Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli). Low Commitment BIG LOOK The drape of a richly patterned…

May days call for creative ways to sweeten spring occasions. Sequin Strands All that glitters is gold—or silver, or pink, or any favorite color combo. Use metallic thread to string together an array of metallic sequins (jumbo ones come prepunched for $3.50 a bag at Michaels). Tie onto packages to add a little glitz. No need to tape down the strands; let them move to catch the light. Bubble Tags Customize your toppers to suit the gift: a baby pic for the grad, confetti for a wedding shower, etc. 1 SPECIAL PHOTO Gift tag now, desk accessory later. Glue a photo to cardstock, then use the ornament to trace around the photo, and cut out the circle. Write a message on the cardstock and fit to the ornament’s inner rim. The paper tension may hold it…

Born in Spain in the 1990s, Basque-style cheesecake started appearing on American restaurant menus in the early 2000s and has made a social media splash over the last year or two. Unlike its New York-style cousin, this burnt cheesecake, as it’s sometimes known, has no crust and is baked at high heat, yielding a rustic, nearly charred exterior and an ultra-creamy center. It’s both impressive and delightfully forgiving. Triple-Citrus Basque Cheesecake HANDS ON 30 min. TOTAL TIME 1 hr. 35 min., includes cooling time 1⅓ cups sugar1½ tsp. lemon zest1½ tsp. lime zest3 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature1 8-oz. carton mascarpone cheese, room temperature6 eggs, room temperature1¼ cups heavy cream, room temperature1 Tbsp. Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur or fresh orange juice1 tsp. salt1 tsp. vanillaSea salt flakes (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 425°F.…

PHOTOS: (CANDLE, PILLOW) KELSEY HANSEN, (GLASS, ICE SCOOP) CARSON DOWNING…