Surviving summer in a literal terracotta hell
I honestly didn't think I was creating a terracotta hell when I started my backyard renovation last spring. At the time, I was obsessed with that Mediterranean villa look—you know the one, with the sun-drenched orange tiles, the rustic clay pots, and that warm, earthy glow that looks so good in photos. I spent weeks picking out the perfect shade of burnt sienna and hauling heavy clay planters from the garden center. But as soon as July hit and the thermometer climbed past ninety, I realized I'd made a massive mistake. ...