The Crane Manor archive

The Journal

Interiors, gardens, kitchens, technology, maintenance, and thoughtful ideas for a more beautiful and functional home.

Home Care

Check structural, electrical, gas, floodwater, mold, and food hazards in the safest order when returning home after a hurricane.

Outdoor Living

Store patio cushions in a small space by cleaning and drying them, compressing only when appropriate, and using vertical or hidden storage.

Interiors

A living room walkway should usually be 30 to 36 inches wide. Learn when to allow more space and how to measure around furniture.

Home Care

Rain can reveal hidden moisture, mold, drains, soil odors, and ventilation issues. Learn how to identify the source and when to call a professional.

Bed & Bath

Learn how to choose the best bedding color for a guest room using comfort, style, room size, and practical design considerations.

Interiors

Make a small living room feel larger by rearranging furniture, improving sightlines, reducing visual clutter, and using light more effectively.

Bed & Bath

Store extra bed linens clean, dry, organized, and easy to identify with breathable containers, sensible folding, and the right location.

Home Care

Dust returning overnight usually points to airborne particles, cleaning technique, fabrics, outdoor air, pets, or an HVAC filtration issue.

Home Care

Mold on houseplant soil usually points to excess moisture. Learn what causes it, how to remove it, and when your plant needs more help.

Home Care

A rotten-egg smell from a garbage disposal often comes from trapped food, a dirty splash guard, drain buildup, or a plumbing vent problem.

Smart Home

You can place an air purifier behind a sofa only if its intake and outlet remain unobstructed. Learn how much clearance and airflow matter.

Home Care

A dripping bathroom exhaust fan usually signals condensation, a blocked vent, or an exterior leak. Learn how to identify the cause and fix it.