We recently asked interior designer Steve Gunderson to fill us in on what’s hot, fun, and exciting in design right now. Here’s what tickling his fancy this month.

This month’s Nevada EcoNet tip: come learn about how to live “green” at Eco-Nights!

With warmer weather, it’s time for projects such as staining or re-staining the wood in your house. If this is on your to-do list, keep in mind that many oil-based wood stains emit toxic levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to harm the environment and, potentially, people’s health.

When you’re about to toss a pair of lace-up shoes, salvage the laces first. You can reuse them in countless ways—essentially in any situation where you’d use string. Wash the shoelaces first in hot water and soap. Use a little bleach for what-were-once-white laces.

Summer surrounds in full force; it’s time to dip in the lakes while soaking sun or enjoying a poolside sip with great reads and tunes. After sunning and swimming, and prior to a savory BBQ, enjoy your refreshing shower in a space that’s meant for true rejuvenation.

Have you ever planted something in your garden, only to find that it does a little bit too well, and spreads to take over the entire bed? A friend once gave me some lamb’s ear, Stachys byzantina, which I planted in a bed that borders my lawn. The plants grew well, expanded to fill the area, and produced pretty pink blooms. Once the bed was full, however, the lamb’s ear kept expanding. Now I pull pesky sprouts out of my lawn each year. However, it does very well with a minimum amount of effort and water, and the sprouts are fairly easy to pull, so I’m not ready to get rid of it yet.

One of Nevada’s most infamous plants is cheatgrass. It has increased fire hazards throughout the Great Basin and forever changed millions of acres of Western rangelands.

The cast of subtle candlelight always enhances the ambiance of any room. What you put your candles in or on can further contribute to the look. And whatever look you’re going for, you can certainly find; the options are plenty! Here’s a selection of some favorites found around our area.

1, 2, 8, 10—A variety of options, courtesy of magazine staff.

3–6, 11—Bamboo tea light holders from Cost Plus World Market, Reno. Price range: $4.99–$9.99

7, 9—Uniquely whimsical tapered candlestick holders from Paper Moon, Reno. Prices: $42.00; $103.50

12—Natural polished stone candle holder from The Melting Pot World Emporium, Reno. Price: $12.50

It’s a typical design dilemma: an aging bathroom with dated cupboards, old plumbing and light fixtures, and drab walls. And the perfect design fix? It may surprise you.

The perfect hamburger patty is a tricky thing. Forming that perfectly round shape, achieving that unvarying thickness and using just the right amount of meat can be all but impossible, especially when you’re making half a dozen or more. Enter the hamburger patty press.