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Fall is one of the most popular times to go antique shopping.Design pros share the antiques to stock up on for the fall season before they sell out.There’s something about fall that always makes us want to start anew. When we were kids, we’d rush to various stores to pick up fresh school supplies and sneakers for the year ahead. But now? You can likely find us auditing an antique store to find pieces that can give our homes a new, yet time-honored, flair for all.”I always go by the motto: if you love it and think it will work in your home, then go for it,” explains Will Hunt Lewis, owner of Hunt & Bloom, a shop in Houston, Texas. Beauty might lie in the eye of the beholder, but there are some categories that never fail to be hot commodities once fall rolls around. Ahead, Lewis and other antiquities insiders share the items to stock up on for fall before they sell out.Seasonal Serveware Kit PeltierNow that grilling season’s over, it’s time to host a dinner party indoors—and stock up on autumnal accoutrements. “We always see sales of vintage and antique plates and platters pick up as fall approaches,” Lewis explains. “People are preparing for seasonal gatherings and are looking for great pieces to use not only as beautiful decorations but also as unique, storied serving pieces.”While serveware can give your dinner party a multi-sensory spin, they can double as decor. “We are also seeing a huge rise in curated tablescapes and mixing older pieces with new,” Lewis adds.Timeless SilverwareArina_Bogachyova//Getty ImagesAnother way to elevate your next dinner party? Silverware. “Tabletop is a perennial best-seller, especially whimsical or conversation-starting pieces,” says Noel Fahden, vice president of global merchandising of Chairish. “This year, we’ve seen a surge in silver, particularly large sets of flatware and animal-inspired designs like snails, swans, and Arthur Court–style creatures.”Pro tip: If you see a large batch of the same flatware, buy them. According to Fahden, sets that accommodate 15 or more people “vanishes quickly.”Classic CabinetsDEA / G. CIGOLINI//Getty ImagesIf you’re going to be stocking up on new plates and flatware, you’ll need somewhere to put them. Fittingly, Fahden says larger items like dining room furniture and china cabinets are popular come fall. Bonus points if your pieces boast a rich history. “Hand-painted Chinoiserie and Swedish Gustavian [are] experiencing an uptick in value,” she adds. “They’re one-of-a-kind and buyers want them in place before guests arrive.”Statement LightingAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesLooking for a bright idea? Consider this your time to snag some illuminating fixtures. “After months of outdoor activity, people retreat back indoors and want their homes to feel warm, layered, and holiday-ready,” Fahden says. “Shorter days mean a craving for light, while the upcoming calendar of gatherings pushes hosts to elevate their entertaining spaces.”It’s important to find a fixture that fits your space, Fahden says sculptural chandeliers, Murano pieces, and matching pairs of lamps “almost always sell fast.”Time-Honored “Final Touches”Roberto Machado Noa//Getty ImagesThe devil might lie in the details, but Fahden says those smaller add-ons are in-demand once the colder months kick in. “We’re seeing shoppers pay more for ‘finishing touch’ items that instantly complete a room,” she says, noting that mirrors, fireplace accessories, ottomans, and footstools are bestsellers. And, as falls slowly turns into winter, shoppers will start to focus more on party-read pieces. “Decorative tabletop and accent items — think glassware, match strikers, ice buckets, trays, and even holiday ornaments — tend to command premiums as we head into the entertaining season,” she notes.Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More
Remember when it seemed like everyone was arranging their bookshelves in rainbow order? While this technique is still popular, some professional organizers say it’s actually not the best approach for a number of reasons. Below, some experts explain why you should stop color-coding your bookshelves and share alternative ways to keep your collection in order. Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers, feels that the color-coded book display method is no longer in style. “A generation ago, when arranging books by color first became a thing, it was a fresh, fun look,” Zaslow says. “These days, the visual aspect of color-blocked books seems as dated as avocado Formica kitchen countertops and it doesn’t have visual appeal going for it.”Related StoryEven back when rainbow bookshelves were initially all the rage, though, Zaslow still didn’t understand the hype from a practical perspective. “As an organizer, I thought it made no sense, since, unlike sweaters or LEGO pieces, no one retrieves books based on their color,” she reflects. “The point of organizing is to make things easy to find.” Kendra Littlejohn of Organized by Kendra, shares this view. “Color-coding looks stunning in photos, but in real life, it can become overwhelming,” she says. “When you arrange by color, finding a book can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Color-coding books prioritizes aesthetics over function, and for many, that defeats the purpose of organizing.”borchee//Getty ImagesAlternative Styling ApproachesWhat are the best ways to arrange books to easily find what you need and make sure your shelves look their best? Organizers share their go-to methods below. Sort by Author or Category Nancy Meck, founder of Meck Organizing, is a proponent of this method. “Why would you want to take the extra step of trying to remember what color the edge is to hunt it down on a shelf? Sorting them instead by author or category favors using them for their content, not their look,” she says. Sort by Subcategory If most of your books fall within one particular category, it never hurts to get a bit more granular. “I learned a lot when I helped a reverend organize her office in the church,” Zaslow says. “To me, all the books fell into the category of religion, but with her specialized knowledge, she divided them into groupings including liturgy, theology, scripture, biblical history, and more.” Sort by SizeAnother idea is to simply organize your books by size. “Arrange larger or taller books together so you can adjust shelving and maximize space,” suggests Lisa Malone, founder of InHome Boutique Spaces. As a general rule, larger, heavier books should go on the bottom shelves.Sort by FormatMalone is also a proponent of separating paperbacks from hardcovers. This approach yields “a cleaner, more balanced look,” she says. You don’t have to worry about your paperbacks being crammed between bulky hardcovers, and you’ll even maximize shelf space. bymuratdeniz//Getty ImagesA Few Things to ConsiderAt the end of the day, if you’re debating between styling books in color order or not displaying them at all, then by all means, go with a rainbow look. “The worst way to arrange them is piled up and forgotten in the bottom of a box in the attic or other storage space,” Meck says. “Use them or lose them!”Additionally, Littlejohn adds, you can still bring some color-coded organizing into the mix if you so choose. “If you love the visual satisfaction of color, you can still incorporate it within categories or as an accent on one shelf rather than the entire collection,” she says. More Organizing TipsSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More
Users took to Reddit to share their favorite “lazy cleaning hacks.”One user’s response about their shower-cleaning trick is bringing in tons of positive comments among homeowners. Read on for the genius tip involving just one household staple. If there’s anything worse than cleaning the toilet, it’s cleaning the shower. Scrubbing the grout and tiles, wiping the tub, and cleaning the glass shower door just takes a lot of time and effort. Not to mention, it gets dirty again pretty quickly, especially if there are multiple people using it on the daily. While it’s definitely a dreaded chore, cleaning the shower is, of course, an essential aspect of maintaining a tidy home. Luckily, one Reddit user may have found the quickest, simplest solution to getting the job done at a much quicker pace, and it involves only one household staple you probably already have. The Simple Shower-Cleaning HackAfter one Reddit user took to r/CleaningTips with a request for homeowners’ best “lazy cleaning hacks,” people were ready to share the most useful ways they work smarter, not harder around the house. “I have dish soap in the shower,” wrote @BBrea101. “On days when I’m deep conditioning my hair, I wash the walls off with dish soap and rinse with the shower head. When the shower is turned off, I squeegee the walls and tub to help remove soap scum from the walls. The dish soap works great to help break down soap scum, and I have silky hair.” The best tool? A soap brush scrubber pre-filled with dishwashing liquid. More Cleaning TipsWhat Other Reddit Users Have to Say Apparently, tons of other homeowners have come to the same solution, claiming dishwashing liquid works wonders on all surfaces. Others took to the thread to express their gratitude for sharing the simple trick. “This is genius and I am incorporating this into my life immediately,” wrote one user. Another even shared a different tool she uses: “I keep a magic eraser in the shower for the same reason. If it’s going to be an extra long shower, I might as well wash it down too.””I do this too and actually do clean my shower MUCH more frequently because of it,” wrote another.vitapix//Getty ImagesBeyond Reddit, plenty of TikTok creators have gotten in on the hack. While most people are in support, there are a few users who are a bit more skeptical. “I wish I could, but showers are my time to just… enjoy the water. It’s like a ritual and cleaning doesn’t fit that,” wrote one TikTok user. “I tried this but I’m literally too lazy,” wrote another. The VerdictIf you have a shower routine that involves deep conditioning or hair masks, you might be a prime candidate for the dish soap shower hack. Why not put those five or 10 free minutes to use and get the chore done? That being said, fully deep cleaning the shower will probably take a little more effort. Our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab recommend squeegeeing glass shower doors on a daily basis and applying a vinegar solution once a week.Still, users on Reddit and TikTok swear by the quick trick. So be honest: Would you bring dishwashing liquid into the shower? Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. More
Shrinking clothes in the laundry is a common issue, leaving people wondering if there’s a way to get them back to their original size. Our Good Housekeeping Institute cleaning expert reveals the answer, plus ways to avoid shrinkage in the first place.When it comes to laundry, simply failing to read a care label or running a load at the wrong temperature can be all it takes to damage a piece of clothing. I’ve accidentally dyed one of my favorite white t-shirts pink, snagged a sweater, and worst of all: shrunken a pair of pants that once fit just right.After digging online, I found a few “hacks” involving warm water and conditioner and even products dedicated to the process of unshrinking. Before deciding if any of the methods or products were worth it, I consulted the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director, Carolyn Forté. Read on to learn more about what causes clothes to shrink, whether they can be restored to their original size, and tips to avoid shrinkage in the first place. What causes clothes to shrink?While you don’t have to worry too much about certain materials shrinking (think synthetics like polyester and spandex), there are others that are unfortunately pretty prone to shrinkage—especially fabrics with natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. When these fabrics go through the washer and dryer and experience high heat and forceful tumbling, their fibers can tighten up. Related StoryCan you unshrink clothes?Ekaterina Goncharova//Getty ImagesThere are few methods online that claim to unshrink clothes. The most popular involves soaking fabrics in lukewarm water and conditioner, then stretching the clothing back to its original size and letting it air dry. While that sounds easy enough, our GHI experts don’t necessarily recommend it. “We have never found any of the recommended methods to be successful,” says Forté. Our GHI Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab has even tested a product meant for unshrinking, and while it worked the first time, the clothing shrunk again after washing. While this may not be the best news, there are still expert-approved ways you can avoid shrinkage altogether in the future. Tips to avoid shrinkageAccidentally shrinking a piece or two of clothing is a universal experience. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can apply moving forward to prevent it from happening again. Check tags and follow instructions: Reading the care label will provide you with essential information about the type of fabric used and which wash cycle is recommended. This is one of the simplest ways to avoid shrinkage, so don’t skip this step!Wash in cold water: Cold water is more gentle on fabrics than hot water. It can help prevent color bleeding, shrinking, and damage to fibers. Air dry or dry on low heat: Heat can cause certain fibers to contract, leading to shrinkage. Avoid the dryer all together to avoid damaging shrinkage-prone fabrics. Hang them out to air dry instead, or use low heat. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle: Avoid unnecessary agitation by hand washing certain pieces of clothing or choosing a delicate cycle. More Laundry TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. More
Autumn is officially here, and if you’re still putting the finishing touches on your fall home decor, some interior designers say there are two rules to keep on your radar. First, don’t make such obvious design choices, and second, never veer too far away from your standard color palette or style preferences when selecting autumnal decor.“When it comes to fall decorating, I’d love to see people move away from the overly literal seasonal clichés, like piles of pumpkins, hay, and an abundance of orange everything,” says Mia Johnson, the founder of Mia Johnson Home. “Those items can feel predictable and don’t always translate well in a more elevated interior.” Related StoryDesigner Courtney Aleksa agrees. “You don’t need to be so literal with your decor but instead want to create the feeling and mood of the fall season,” explains the founder of Aleksa Interiors. Rather than adding a pumpkin-shaped pillow, for example, try setting out a wool or mohair pillow or throw, she offers. “Opt for autumnal tones or warm neutrals that will enhance and elevate your existing decor rather than compete with it.”In the same vein as not going too literal in your interpretation of autumn, you also shouldn’t view the fall season as a time to completely overlook your usual preferences. “Seasonal decorations should feel like an extension of your personal style; no need to add boucle throw pillows or pops of orange if you don’t naturally gravitate toward them,” says Jen Kolb, the founder of Jen Kolb Interiors. TShum//Getty ImagesMelissa Fields, founder of Shades of Gray Design, shares this sentiment. “This season is so much more than orange and black,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to weave in colors that are unexpected but still give those cozy, fall vibes.” Instead of going for typical fall-like hues or materials, try thinking outside the box a bit. For example, Kolb says, “You might consider a nubbier linen or a smooth velvet in camel or sage.” Other great fall hues to weave into your space include burgundy, crimson, mustard, and scarlet, just to name a few. Believe it or not, even the foliage around you can serve as design inspiration! Alexandr Kolesnikov//Getty ImagesYou can even apply the above philosophy to choosing seasonal fragrances for the home, Kolb adds. Not a fan of pumpkin? No worries—she recommends burning a spicy or woodsy scent instead if that’s more your vibe. In short, don’t feel pressure to deviate too much from your general design style for the fall season. Consider selecting fall decor that can be showcased for several months on hand. Spending a bit more time up front picking out pieces that make your heart sing, rather than grabbing the nearest handful of orange decor, will be worth it in the long run! Related StoriesSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More
As fall approaches, designers suggest shifting focus towards creating a warm, inviting interior.Here, design pros share their top vintage fall decorating trends, plus how to pull them off. You’re not imagining it: The start of fall is one of the best times of the year to think about design. “Because we’re spending more time indoors, it makes sense that we shift our focus to creating warm spaces,” says content creator Joanna Hawley-McBride. As the rush of summer fun gives way to a slower pace, suddenly all the details you’re surrounded by need to feel as comfortable as a crackling fire on a long night. You don’t want light layers and bright colors right now. You’re craving something deeper, and that’s why vintage styles can be so appealing. “Vintage pieces have a way of carrying a lived-in comfort that’s especially appealing this time of year,” says Rachel Robinson, architect and founding partner of Dunham Robinson. “They add history, texture, and a sense of permanence that helps a room feel instantly more inviting.”Nevertheless, it can be overwhelming to seek out vintage pieces to add to your home, and if you don’t know where to start, you might be shopping through winter. That’s why we asked four professionals to share their tips for curating a vintage-inspired fall palette, so that you can take in this time of year with its signature feeling of calm. Read on to get their advice. Embrace ShagSuchada Tansirimas//Getty ImagesSasha Basso, the designer behind Capiz Studio, says that incorporating vintage pieces into your home should be a year-long pursuit, but fall is a particularly good time to hone in on one decade in particular: the 1970s. Given its midcentury modern sensibilities of warm woods and natural shades, this era lends itself to the feel of fall effortlessly. And if you’re looking for one specific throwback material, Basso recommends one surprising pick—shag.“I know that people immediately think of bad rugs and Austin Powers when they hear the word ‘shag,’ but hear me out,” she says. “For fall, there’s nothing cozier than pieces that are warm, rich, and fluffy, but do everything in moderation. You can fully lean into this trend using a high-pile rug, or take it in small doses with a pillow or upholstered footstool in a similar texture.” Want to score some bonus points? Follow Basso’s lead and try shag in a shade that’s saturated in the leaf-peeping colors of the season. Related StoryWarm Up WickerAleksandr Zubkov//Getty ImagesWhile it may seem as though wicker is for summer only, designer Heather Peterson would suggest expanding its resume into fall. “It has a warmth and texture that works great year-round and in many climates, as long as you keep the shapes structured,” she says. Stick to dark finishes overall—that’ll steer clear of beachier associations—and if you’re adding furniture pieces to your design, cushions with a textured finish like velvet or boucle will enhance those snuggle-up vibes. Pick Out WalnutAfter years of clients choosing lighter woods like white oak, Robinson has noticed that darker walnut finishes for furniture and cabinetry are making a strong comeback, and this pick is perfect for fall. “It feels both retro and timeless,” she says. “Walnut has an earthy depth that instantly adds coziness. Even small accents—a walnut side table, shelving, or a vintage credenza—can shift a space toward something more intimate.” As a runner up, Robinson also mentions that pine is a worthwhile texture for the longer nights of fall. Those natural knots look so comfortably lived-in. Seek Out Pottery Richard Drury//Getty ImagesAs you cruise the aisles hunting for cozy accessories, pay close attention to pottery. “There is an earthiness to clay and the glaze colors tend to work with an autumn palette,” Peterson says. She would look for items like handmade vases, cups, or catchalls for easy finds, but also would consider updating a vignette with a ceramic lamp base. “Of course pottery is a broad category and utterly timeless, but certain styles come in waves. Hand-thrown, irregular pieces were popular in the 1970s, and it has been fun to see the recent resurgence.”Layer Wool Textiles Anastasiia Krivenok//Getty ImagesIt’s no surprise that blankets will once again meet style and functional needs at home for fall, and Robinson suggests finding some in a material that never goes out of style: wool. “There’s something perennial about wool throws in tartans and checks when the weather cools. They speak to tradition while still feeling versatile,” she says. You can layer these blankets on sofa arms and backs, while also searching for like-minded pillows in coordinating or contrasting shades. The more patterns, the better. Hang Art With Personality One of the easiest ways to make your home feel more grounded is to find enduring art, even ones that feel more tongue-in-cheek. Hawley-McBride says that if you come across this specific find, don’t pass it up. “Vintage paint-by-numbers artwork is making a comeback,” she notes. “While antique oil paintings remain timeless, this kitschy style brings a playful, nostalgic touch that fits right into today’s cottagecore and cabincore aesthetics.” You can add them to a gallery wall above a walnut credenza accented with pottery, and you’ll ace this vintage fall style.Related StoriesKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications. More
1Buying bed-in-a-bagsgerenme//Getty ImagesYou might be tempted to snag a good bed-in-the-bag deal, but designer Laura Tribbett of Outline Interiors warns against this. Sticking to the same pattern for your duvet, shams, and throw pillows makes your bedroom setup lack personality. “Something I learned early on in my career is to dress your bed the way you might dress yourself,” Tribett says. “The bedding is such a big opportunity for interest and pattern—have fun with it! A classic white duvet cover, colorful shams, a statement lumbar pillow, and a cozy throw at the foot of the bed is my favorite formula for a chic bed moment.”RELATED: Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Bedding Awards2Purchasing a matching bedroom setProCreators//Getty ImagesTo prevent your bedroom from having a showroom effect, combine furniture styles rather than settling for matching sets.”Depending on your storage needs in a bedroom, I like to mix finishes between the bedside tables and a possible dresser or chest,” Tribbett says. “There are so many great options now for furniture finishes—mixing wood, lacquered linen, wrapped leather, lacquer, mirrored looks, etc. There is no excuse for everything to be in the same finish.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Skimping on the rug sizeimaginima//Getty ImagesRugs are one of the easiest ways to add warmth and coziness to a bedroom. Just be certain it’s the right size for your bed and nightstands, Tribbett says. “You always want to make sure there is a substantial rug underfoot on either side of the bed, and at the foot,” she says. “Universal tip with rugs: always go bigger than you think.”RELATED: Here’s What You Should ALWAYS Do Before Buying a Rug4Skipping window treatmentsJason Finn//Getty ImagesWindow treatments might not be top of mind for some people, but they shouldn’t be. They provide the chance to introduce pattern, color, and texture into your space. “Bare windows can make a bedroom feel unfinished and less restful,” says Kerith Flynn of Margali & Flynn Designs. “Proper drapery or shades not only add softness and texture but also control light for better sleep. Window treatments are a must in your bedroom to completely finish the room and tie everything together.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Not using a headboardJohner Images//Getty ImagesIt’s not always easy to find the right bed, but it’s crucial to choose the style wisely, as it sets the foundation for your bedroom.”Select a headboard, at least, but it’s best to have an entire bed with side rails and a foot. This is not the piece of furniture to skip, as it is the focal point of the room,” says Lindsay Olson of Lulu Designs. RELATED: 14 Best Bed Frames, According to Experts6Installing harsh overhead lightingSimonSkafar//Getty ImagesDesign pros like to layer lighting in a space, especially in the bedroom. Rather than relying on an overhead fixture, incorporate multiple light sources to create a soothing ambience. “Nothing kills a cozy atmosphere faster than a single bright ceiling light,” says Flynn. “Bedrooms benefit from layers of soft lighting like sconces, table lamps, and dimmable fixtures.” RELATED: 22 Best Table Lamps to Make Your Space ShineAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Trying too many design trendsKatarzynaBialasiewicz//Getty ImagesIt can be fun to experiment with design trends, but there’s no reason why you should feel pressure to try every single one you come across. Practice restraint as much as possible. “Bedrooms aren’t ideal for quick-fix trends that might age poorly,” Flynn says. “Avoid bold wall decals, neon signage, or ‘fast fashion’ furniture. Instead, invest in timeless foundational pieces.”8Choosing the wrong nightstands Carlina Teteris//Getty ImagesWhether you need a spot to rest a book, a glass of water, or jewelry, nightstands are an important part of a bedroom setup. When shopping for the best style, designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors recommends paying attention to scale. “A nightstand that’s too small in relation to the bed can make the entire vignette look out of sorts and out of proportion. Beds typically take center stage in a room, and should be paired with nightstands that are appropriately scaled. For king-size beds, we usually like for nightstands to be at least 28” wide—anything less can feel weak in relation,” Macuga says.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Forgetting an extra place to sitben-bryant//Getty ImagesIf you have the space, an upholstered chair is a nice addition to a bedroom. “It creates a place to sit that isn’t the bed, a spot to read, or have a quiet cup of tea,” says Erickson. “It’s a small detail that makes the room feel more considered and complete.”RELATED: I’m a Home Editor — I Am Obsessed With These Comfortable Chairs10Overlooking personal touches lucop//Getty ImagesLike any other space in your home, your bedroom should showcase your personality. You don’t have to go overboard with your decor choices either. Just be thoughtful about it. “Framed art, books, or textiles that tell your story make it feel warm and lived-in. Your bedroom is your personal oasis and should be styled as such with picture frames and personal mementos,” says Flynn. Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More
