Articles by Laura Gaskill

Take advantage of the long days and warmer weather with fresh laundry drying in the summer breeze, cool salads for dinner, and (if you’re feeling ambitious) a big garage clean-out. And with three food-related national days — Ice Cream Sandwich Day, Watermelon Day and Root Beer Float Day — on the…

Whether you’ve been wanting to carve out more time for exercise, writing, meditation, creativity or something else, getting up a bit earlier to make progress toward your goal is a positive way to start the day. The key is to think of your morning routine as bonus time — not counted among…

Whether it’s hosting a game night or savoring a perfect heirloom tomato, keep things simple this weekend and enjoy activities that capture the essence of summer. These six “could-dos” — which include just a couple of small tasks — can help you make the most of your weekend.

Whether you call it an in-law unit, a granny cottage or a studio shed, having a detached bonus living space on your property can be beneficial in more ways than one. A stand-alone structure ​can serve ​as a home office​, ​hous​e​ grandparents ​(or teenagers who need extra space) or ​be rented out to…

Whether you are hoping to conserve water, cut down on time spent weeding and mowing, or just want to make the most of your outdoor space, these 10 backyards prove that low maintenance doesn’t have to mean boring. They get it right with a party-ready bocce ball court, alfresco dining areas…

For a well-rounded weekend, consider checking a small task and then indulging in one of summer’s pure pleasures. You might find a satisfying balance by oiling your chopping board and then celebrating National Hammock…

From treasure hunting at one of the country’s largest and most beloved antiques fairs to hanging up a porch swing or eating alfresco, here’s your weekend lineup of “could-dos” to make the most of your time off. Read our eight ideas, then let us know in the Comments what’s on your weekend…

It’s summer — the birds are singing, the pool is calling and there’s a tall iced tea with your name on it. The last place you probably want to be is stuck in the laundry room with a mountain of sandy towels and grass-stained shorts. Read on for eight ways to make your laundry load a bit lighter, so you…

Gray and its neighbor greige have become go-to hues for many designers, homeowners and stagers in recent years, and with good reason: These neutrals are subtle, sophisticated and have wide appeal. But if you’re getting a little greige fatigue, consider…