Inside the Dream Home

The Boston Design Center's second annual Dream Home, on view through July 31, has fanciful touches yet still feels down to earth.

Liven up the garden

After spending, oh, the past six months cloistered in your lovely, if claustrophobia-inducing, little home, nothing can keep you from getting out and digging in the dirt this weekend. Here are a few of our favorite new gardening tools.

Doing the bare minimum

Michael George's minimalist bouquets typically feature masses of a single type of flower, with the stems all cut to the same length and the flower heads tightly packed into a dome. He's a headliner at the Museum of Fine Art's Art in Bloom.

Accessories for a French-style home

Boston has seen a brasserie boom in the past couple of years (think Gaslight and La Voile). This warm, comfortable French vibe can be had at home with a few well-chosen pieces and accessories.

Furniture to lighten the mood

It appears that furniture manufacturers have been studying Jonathan Adler's book "My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living." In the book, Adler espouses the benefits of using bold color to turn sour moods into sunshine.

Oprah's go-to guy knows his chic

Colin Cowie, the host of "Everyday Elegance," shares some tips on entertaining, hospitality, and living the good life. The interior design consultant and event planner has a client list that includes Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez.

Ready for Earth Day? This guy is.

April 22 is the 38th Earth Day since its world-wide founding in 1970. Check out our guide with things to do on Earth Day, tips for going green, and more.

Garden makeovers

Accent your backyard, terrace or garden.

• Higher grounds
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• Backbay rooftop gardens

• Treasure hunting
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• More fun to look at P-town

• The perfect window box
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• Garden checklist

Trendsetter

She's bringing the goods home

Jill Goldberg, owner of chic South End home store Hudson, thought one store was rough. How about now that she recently unveiled a second location in her hometown of Wellesley? "I'm killing myself!"

Hearty blooms brighten cool days

Summery flowers like petunias and geraniums are no match for the chill of early spring. But intrepid gardeners know that some colorful offerings can handle the chilly weather - even a surprise dusting of April snow.

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