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If these signs aren’t enough of a clue that you have an infestation, you may spot their tracks on damp ground or their dark-colored, cylindrical-shaped droppings. And you may have been woken by their nightly noises, which in turn will have no doubt woken your dog, and perhaps the whole neighborhood. So, how do you get rid of raccoons? ‘There are methods you can use that will kill raccoons, however, unlike when you are getting rid of mice, whose numbers can multiply alarmingly quickly, we would advise a humane approach that’s more about removal or deterrence,’ says Homes & Gardens’ Gardens Editor Rachel Crow....

Of course, once you’ve learnt how to make a composter, then the next step is how to make compost – this will help you to create rich compost for your garden, helping you to save money and realise your sustainable garden ideas. ‘While it may not seem like it, food waste can contribute significantly to carbon emissions – six percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food loss and waste....

A simple combination of mineral dust and water, plaster is a material that has been used for centuries, enjoying a rich history in the world of decorative arts, sculpture and architecture. While plaster was once standard in most homes, in recent years it has been replaced by drywall or plasterboard. Today most projects will be finished with drywall and then ‘skimmed’ with a thin layer of plaster to create a totally smooth surface....

Some jobs around the home will need a professional with experience and expertize. Others can be done yourself. This not only saves money but can also save time too, as you can simply get on with it without having to wait for a plumber to be free. Replacing faucet washers is one of those tasks. It is also worth knowing how to unclog a toilet without a plunger and how to fix a leaky faucet by yourself – and how to prevent such problems from occurring....

Of course, it may be the case that you are repairing rather than removing a popcorn ceiling, or matching up an existing textured ceiling to a plain section of drywall or plaster. Whatever the situation, remember that learning how to texture a ceiling is very different from simply painting one, so a certain amount of time and patience is required in order to complete the project effectively. Below, we offer expert advice about the best way to tackle the task....

Blossoming in the 1970s, the industrial décor trend came to prominence when it became popular to transform warehouses, factories and mills into living spaces. These abandoned spaces were converted into urban havens. This is a look that celebrates practicality, imperfections and wear and tear. Materials such as exposed brickwork, concrete and tarnished metals allowed world’s best interior designers to explore new textures, colors and forms. In the last few decades, the interior design trend has increased in popularity tenfold....

Whilst there are several bedroom Feng Shui rules to follow, finding the right Feng Shui bed placement is considered one of the most important principles in designing a space. After all, the bed is the place you spend most of your time – in fact, the average person spends around one-third of their life in bed. Learn more about the best Feng Shui bedroom layout and where you align your bed with this expert’s advice....

While it is hard to single out one of Joanna’s successes, there is one theme at the root of them all, and that is interior design. The designer’s home decor ideas are amongst the most sought-after in the industry, so when Joanna Gaines sat down with H&G, we had to choose our questions carefully. The top of our agenda? Decorating with neutrals, naturally. How Joanna Gaines uses neutrals to change her home through the seasons While our minds are inevitably focused on fall decorating ideas (and moving slowly to Christmas decor ideas), we were keen to hear how Joanna Gaines styles her neutral-hued home through the changing seasons....

The property, now considered one of the world’s best homes, went on the market in June for $1.795 million and recently sold for $1.85 million. The home was built to Cash’s exact specifications after he purchased the land to create an idyllic secluded sanctuary for his wife and three daughters. Here, we take a tour of the property. Johnny Cash’s home in California The heart of the home features a spacious family room, still decorated in a traditional ‘Johnny’ style with country motifs....

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and you can be spoilt for choice with kitchen layouts and formation options when starting out on a project. The key is to take things slowly, and think carefully about how you use and move within the space. Also consider how you see your family might use the room in the future. It may be all about food prep now. But down the line, it may need to double as place to finish homework, a ’teaching area’ where your kids learn to bake, or a sophisticated entertaining spot....

As everyday spaces which are in constant use, kitchens have a high level of footfall – a durable kitchen rug can help protect hard floors as well as to cushion from sounds, making for a an overall calmer and homely environment. Whether you’re designing a new kitchen or looking for quick kitchen ideas to update your space, rugs are an easy way to instantly lift the mood of the space plus there are a huge array available....

There’s no denying that kitchen ideas need to be practical, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish, too. Your existing cabinetry and appliances will usually influence the room’s decor, yet how you style your kitchen’s walls can enhance the space, too. ‘The kitchen wall is an imposing part of any kitchen, so it needs to be beautiful, but it must be hardy. There is no getting around it, it’s going to get a bashing,’ says Rodrigo Moreno Masey, director at Moreno Masey (opens in new tab)....

If you’re wondering where to start, these 10 ideas for landscaping around trees are sure to spark inspiration. Landscaping around trees Whether you’re looking to add landscaping interest around large trees – such as some of the best trees for privacy and screening – or simply want to add color to trees grown in pots, there are so many options. These are our favorite ideas for landscaping around trees....

Of course, the day is also about remembering the men and women who gave their lives for our country, so a proper tribute incorporates patriotic motifs and all-American red, white, and blue. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 Memorial Day decorating ideas that celebrate both summertime and the good ol’ U.S.A., whether you’re looking for a way to dress up your front porch, you’re hosting a fancy garden party, or you’ve thrown together a last-minute neighborhood barbecue....

With busy modern lives, homeowners are now more aware of their decorating choices and aim to find a balance between streamlined minimalism and luxurious comfort for their kitchen ideas. But what is minimalist kitchen design, you ask? Minimalist kitchens are rooted in the principle of ridding this multi-functional space of unnecessary clutter. It is also about harnessing the power of a ‘clean’ space that features only a few meaningful, cherished items that spark joy – and usefulness....

In this busy modern world, having a restful sanctuary to return to has never been more important, so it’s no wonder that homeowners are turning to the principles of minimalism and creating pared-back spaces perfect for switching off and unwinding. But what is minimalist design, you ask? Minimalism itself is rooted in the principle of ridding your home of clutter. It is about harnessing the power of a ‘clean’ space that is limited to just a handful of key pieces and meaningful items....

Modern heritage style is characterized by floral wallpapers and fabrics, traditional wall paneling, and historic paint colors combined with more modern artwork, contemporary crafts and all the comforts you would expect from today’s homes. This is sustainable interior design at its best, relying on upcycled, recycled, vintage and antique finds, rather than new furniture. Best of all, it’s inviting, easy to live in and full of personality, and personal touches....

Now renovated, and furnished with a mix of investment and high-street buys, plus vintage finds and upcycled pieces, the country cottage is one of the world’s best homes. This simple, unassuming property was in dire need of renovation, and its original features had been woefully neglected, but owners Gayle and Paul felt strongly that the bones of the place had to be restored properly before they could even start to think about decorating it....

This is where traditional decorating ideas from LA-based interior designer Jen Dallas are useful, and really adaptable for all house styles. ‘Living in an old house holds layers of time passing. The way houses were constructed years ago was very different then how a new house is constructed today,’ says Jen. ‘The examples of the different layers are: the way an old wood floor is worn in one place over the other; the use of moulding and the wear of the small nicks and cracks; the rubbed-off finish on the door knobs....

Like with all nursery ideas, it’s important to consider how the home organization ideas you put in place will grow with them. It is always useful to try and incorporate as many storage ideas as possible. Babies themselves might not take up a lot of space, but their stuff certainly does, and will do for the foreseeable future, too. Assigning everything a home will mean you can find items easily, whatever time of day it is....