“Most reach-in closets are about 2 feet deep, so a shallow desk can slide right in,” says professional organizer Kay Patterson. “Some fun wallpaper or cute desk decor will make the space more inviting.” The basic setup requires a desktop surface, storage, and a chair or stool, which can all easily fit inside a reach-in bedroom closet or a linen closet in the hallway. At the end of the day, simply close the closet doors to conceal your workstation and keep your home looking clutter-free....

To help sort through these questions, we asked renovation industry experts to share guidance on how to create a home improvement project budget. Research, ask questions, and plan, plan, plan. The more time and energy you put into researching and planning your improvement project at the outset, the less likely you are to face unexpected costs that were left out. The extra bit of effort you expend early on can also help avert any project hold-ups....

How to Clean a Waffle Maker Before you begin, note that you should never use any tools or utensils with sharp edges, scouring pads, or hard-bristled brushes that could scratch and destroy the surface of the waffle machine. What You’ll Need Paper towelsSoft-bristle brushRubber spatulaSponge or dishclothDish detergent Step 1: Review the manual. Referring to the owner’s manual will help you determine the best way to clean your waffle maker, and eliminate a lot of the guesswork to ensure you don’t damage your appliance....

What Clothes Can I Dry? As a general rule of thumb, the clothing items you launder in a permanent-press or regular cycle in the washing machine can also be dried in the clothes dryer. But it’s always best to check the clothing care label. You especially don’t want to machine-dry anything that should be washed by hand. When in doubt, hang-dry clothes on a clothes-drying rack. This option saves money on fuel bills, extends the longevity of clothes, and reduces concerns about ruining specific clothing....

It’s not just hotels where bed bugs now lurk. Summer camps, college dorms, apartment complexes, theaters, and secondhand furnishings are just a few other hideouts. So with all this news, it’s no wonder you want to know how to avoid bed bugs. The best place to start is to learn how to identify bed bugs and where to look for them. How to Identify Bed Bugs IDs, please! Adult bed bugs look similar in size and appearance to an apple seed but are rusty red in color....

Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Harmful? Numerous stink bug species are native to the United States, but brown marmorated stink bugs originated in Asia. They made their way to the U.S. in the 1990s and were first discovered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1998. Since their arrival, they’ve spread across the country at a rapid rate, and have been spotted in nearly every state. They don’t have many natural predators in North America, so their population has exploded in the 20-plus years since they arrived....

What Are Mealybugs? Mealybugs are tiny, oval-shape insects related to scale (another plant pest), but they have soft bodies instead of a hard shell like scale does. Look for them in hard-to-reach spaces, such as the points where leaves meet stems and the undersides of leaves. Some mealybugs also hide in soil and on roots, making them more challenging to spot. These insects are most attracted to citrus trees and tropical plants such as fiddle leaf figs and hibiscus, but they’re not too picky....

It sounds as though you have a slime mold growing on your wood mulch. I’m guessing that the lawn and new plants have been heavily watered (probably to help the sod), because this slime mold generally develops when moisture is plentiful. There’s not much you need to do except cut back on the moisture a bit. Luckily, the fungus won’t harm anything, and it will disappear on its own when the weather warms up and dries out....

How to Grow a Citronella Plant A member of the scented geranium family of plants, citronella plant is often stocked alongside the herbs in the garden center. Sometimes it will even be labeled as a mosquito plant. Look for a plant that has healthy, deep green leaves. Then, gently remove the plant from the container and take a peek at the roots. The roots should be bright white and just beginning to reach the edges of the container....

When you install a new vent in a bathroom, it’s a hefty task, but it can be done by homeowners with experience in siding, roofing, and electrical work. Below, we show you how to safely get the job done. If you can, run the duct straight out through a wall. Or go up into the attic, over, and out through the soffit. If there’s no room above, the best solution may be a special vent fan that you can mount on the wall....

If you live in an area with freezing winters and the hose bib pipe will enter a heated space, buy a long-stem, frost-free hose bib, which shuts the water off inside rather than outside. If you live in a warm climate, simply connect the pipe to a standard hose bib. If the hose bib will attach to a sprinkler system, install a hose bib with an antisiphon device, which prevents water from backing up into the house and possibly contaminating your household water....

How to Make a Floating Canvas Frame Make your favorite art even more beautiful with this DIY frame. Before you begin, make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies. Supplies Needed 1/4-inch sanded plywood sheet, 3-4 inches larger than the dimensions of your artwork1 x 3-inch lumber (amount will vary based on artwork)Table SawMiter sawWood glueClampsSmall panel nailsHammerPaintbrushesStainStaining ragPainters tapePaintRuler or measuring tapePencilLevelDrillScrewsAdhesive hook-and-loop tape Step-by-Step Instructions You can build this canvas frame in an afternoon....

How to Transform a Planter Into a Spooky Halloween Decoration Supplied Needed 14 foam pipe insulation tubesScissors or box cuttersBattery-operated tea light candleMarkerRopeUrn planterSandBlack spanish mossHot-glue gunBlack hot glue Step-by-Step Directions This inexpensive Halloween decoration comes together in just minutes. Display it on a covered porch or inside by the fireplace. Step 1: Prep the Tubes Use scissors or a box cutter to cut foam pipe insulation tubes to multiple 24- to 32-inch lengths....

If you’re looking for the best options for how to marinate chicken, our Test Kitchen pros swear by these two options: A dry marinadeA wet marinade This guide for how to marinate chicken explains when to choose one or the other, how to make both, plus we’re sharing some essential food safety tips that will help keep you and your family safe. (First things first, if you’re washing your raw chicken, please stop!...

Find inspiration. Look for walk-in shower ideas in shelter magazines and at bath showrooms and home centers. Meet with a bathroom designer or construction professional to discuss your project, firm up goals, and solicit bids if needed. Be space-savvy. When planning a walk-in shower, make sure there will be a minimum of 32 inches between the shower and the room’s other fixtures. Walk-in showers should supply at least 36x36 inches of space per person, so double that amount if two people will be using the shower at one time....

Although there are plenty of indulgences available, especially on the secret menu, quite a few beverages are lower in calories to help you enjoy a guilt-free treat. There are several java drinks on this list, but for those who prefer other caffeinated beverages, there’s a variety of low-calorie teas. (And no, not just your basic English breakfast. Some of them are infused with delicious flavorings such as blackberry and lemonade....

Outdoor egg chairs are available in various sizes, shapes, colors, and textures so you can select the one that best suits your backyard and your style. These swinging seats are made of rattan, wood, and wicker, and come in oval, diamond, and teardrop shapes. Depending on your setup, you can choose a hanging chair or one that includes a stand. When reviewing outdoor egg chairs, we considered ease of assembly, durability, and value....

Download this porch railing template. Not ready to splurge on a new door? A fresh coat of paint or an above-the-garage pergola are also noteworthy upgrades. Browse Gorgeous Garage Doors

Buy It: Eppicotispai Ravioli Starter Set, $70, Sur La Table Test Kitchen Tip: Chill this classic ravioli filling as you prepare the dough so it’s easier to stuff your pasta. Test Kitchen Tip: If you prefer pumpkin to butternut, substitute an equal amount of that winter squash for an equally excellent pumpkin ravioli filling. Homemade ravioli filling pairing: Sausage Ravioli Filling Homemade ravioli filling pairing: Mushroom Ravioli Filling Homemade ravioli filling pairing: Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling Homemade ravioli filling pairing: Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling Test Kitchen Tip: Freeze this tasty tomato sauce in quarter-cup portions in an airtight container, so you can defrost and toss with your favorite homemade ravioli any time of year....