Jesse Szewczyk (pronounced chef-check) has worked in professional kitchens since he was a kid so he’s gotten used to the way things are done. Because cooks need to work quickly, all kitchens follow a highly regimented organizational system that is easy to follow and supports the fast pace. As a writer for BuzzFeed Tasty, Szewczyk no longer works in kitchens but he still uses what he learned to keep his home kitchen neat. “Restaurant chefs know how to work cleanly and efficiently, and I try to use those same techniques at home,” says Szewczyk. “My roommate thinks I’m a neat freak, but in my mind, my kitchen is my workspace.”

Maximalism is in. This year’s home trends are all about colorful furnishings, whimsical patterns, and eighties-era designs. There’s no one online who embraces the style more than Elsie Larson of the popular lifestyle blog, A Beautiful Mess. Scroll through and you’ll find unique designs that mix playfulness and quirk with just the right amount of practicality. “I definitely subscribe to the ‘love what you love’ mentality,” says Larson. She tells us how to experiment with new trends without breaking the bank.

Safely cleaning electronics is tricky, but not cleaning them can cause serious issues. Besides the fact that some of your devices are likely carrying more germs than a toilet seat, enough dust, dirt or ear wax can disrupt proper functioning of your devices. You don’t need to purchase a bunch of expensive wipes, canned air, or UV lights to get them clean. In most cases, some water, alcohol, soap, and a microfiber cloth can get all of your devices clean.

Walk down the streets of New York during February or August and you’ll likely see at least a few pieces of furniture left on the curb for some lucky treasure hunter or to degrade in the rain. Since stores like Ikea and Target started offering attractive home furnishings for cheap, it's gotten easier to indulge in trendy designs just as it's gotten less costly to throw things out when you get bored of them. With the growing interest in sustainability, it was inevitable that services would make furniture and decor available for rent.

Built-in microwaves look so much nicer than countertop or over-the-range microwaves because they are designed to fit into cabinetry rather than stick out like a sore thumb. They are, however, a pretty big commitment and are typically more expensive, so it’s important to choose the right one. Consider how the aesthetic will fit into a kitchen’s design, which way the door should open, what kind of features will support your cooking, and whether or not the microwave is a reliable piece of machinery. To help you make these decisions, here are seven of the best built-in microwaves.

The days of only using a microwave to make popcorn or heat TV dinners is long gone. You can now buy models that convection-bake, roast, broil, even grill. Take these countertop units, for instance. They are all reliable, attractive and easy to use. But each is designed with a different user in mind.

There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a microwave, especially if you plan on installing it over the range in your kitchen. An attractive design and easy-to-use control panel are essential, and an effective vent is a must. The following microwaves all have different features, including keep-warm functions, automatic vents and removable racks for bi-level cooking. And always remember to consider the space constraints of your cabinets when you’re selecting a microwave; not all of these models will have the same fit.

Making homemade dog treats is a simple way to show your dog you care. Whether you're giving them a biscuit for following commands or just want to spread the love, creating your own homemade treat is easier than you might think. All it takes is seven ingredients to make about five dozen—making enough for every dog in your neighborhood, or for one very good boy or girl.

We talk about scrubbing down counters and washing the sheets all day long, but we tend to forget a really important part of making a house a home: keeping the air clean. It's important for both our physical and mental health, especially for those who are highly sensitive to odor. Factoring air pollution into your cleaning routine can make life at home so much more pleasant. Using true HEPA filters in your air conditioner unit, vacuuming regularly, and opening the windows when the weather is good can all help reduceallergens and airborne bacteria.

Cats first started living with humans in Cyprus about 5,000 years ago, but it wasn't until the 1800s that man started to purposefully breed different kinds of cats. Since then, they have mostly lived in a gray area between feral and domesticated. Teresa Keiger is an all-breed judge for the Cat Fancier's Association and she believes that the public perception of cats as aloof or unfriendly is based on a time before they were socialized and trained for life indoors. While some might need less attention than others, the disposition of a cat differs dramatically from breed to breed: While some are happy to spend the day on their own (as long as you commit your evenings to play and snuggles), others want to spend so much time with their humans that they will literally follow you into the shower.

Though always a delightful one, finding the perfect pet for you isn't as easy a venture as it may seem. You shouldn't just pick the one with the best puppy dog eyes or the one with the snuggliest fur. Gina DiNardo, the executive secretary of the American Kennel Club, stresses how important it is to consider one's lifestyle before inviting a new family member into your home. While every dog is unique, they will all demonstrate at least some characteristics that are typical of their breed.

Selecting the doors or windows for your home may not seem like the most exciting part of a renovation, but there's a surprising variety of treatments to choose from. One popular option that can add a bit of interest to your project is a traditional beveled glass. You're probably accustomed to seeing the feature used for mirrors, but beveled glass can also be used for windows, tabletops, and doors. The style has tapered edges that accentuate the frame and give the piece an old-world elegance.