Clockwise from top left: Brush, waste basket, steamer, step stool, detergent, shelf unit all from Clean Slate

Like breakfast in bed or a first class-ticket, a clean house is the ultimate luxury. While it requires a bit more effort than other indulgences, it's almost always worth the trouble- and thanks to smart companies, it's increasingly easier to accomplish. To wit: Crate & Barrel's newly launched Clean Slate, a curated collection of cleaning and organizing products, ranging from lavender-scented fine fabric wash to chrome-and-wood storage shelves. We asked Sandy Hausner, who guided the launch of the brand, to share her tried-and-true cleaning tips.

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1. Every house needs a great dust brush:Look for one made with a natural fiber-over time it will build up an electrostatic charge that collects dust easily. The hairs should be dense, flexible, and soft, and if you clean it with baby shampoo it'll last forever.

2. A garbage can is an element in your interior too: Think of the style as well as the functionality. Choose a heavy

I recently tried my hand at making beeswax candles for the first time and have since made two more batches - I'm hooked! I've been researching other candle making techniques, too, because DIY candles make amazing gifts and favors in addition to adding a whole lot of ambiance to your home. I think you should join me on my candle adventures! (Hint: It's so much easier than you think!) Want to get started? Click through for 7 ways to make your own candles!

-By Cyd Converse

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Rocking Gnome Homes This was such a fun project because I was able to involve my 4-year-old with every step of of the process. We spent the morning at our favorite exploring park and gathered stones together, carefully choosing the very best ones to bring home. Then, instead of cleaning the dirt off by myself, I filled up a tub with warm, soapy water, and the two of us sat outside in the sunshine and scrubbed our rocks clean with old toothbrushes. He thought that was the funniest thing in the world, by the way. Rocks don't have teeth! After our rocks dried off, we painted rocks together and turned them into these sweet little gnome homes. Once they were completed, it was fun to find special places in the garden to place the tiny gnome homes.

Supplies
Small rocks, cleaned and dry
Acrylic paint
Permanent marker
Spray on varnish

Related: 13 delightful dwellings for fairies and gnomes

Directions

1.Start with a clean, dry stone. Place the rock on a flat surface to see how it sits and the best

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It's picnic season! You used to just have to use towels or old blankets to lay out lunch under the sun, but there have been a ton of gorgeous picnic blankets in stores recently that are specifically made for that purpose. If you're still looking for the perfect one for your family's style, check the 7 best blankets our there:

-By Liz Stanley

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Since we moved a couple of months ago, one of my primary focuses has been working on kids room decor ideas for the kiddos. As I work to outfit their room without breaking the bank, I've become obsessed with how a few simple projects can take a room from pretty cute to over-the-top kidtastic. In my latest hunt for inspiration, I rounded up 7 awesome ideas for kids rooms that I thought you'd love, too. From funky pillows to colorful wall art and cozy little blankets, there's something here for every crafting skill level.

-By Cyd Converse

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