Aurelia Butler

1Book BinsCrafting CheerfullyPut leftover boxes to good use with this DIY book bin craft. All you have to do is cover the box with construction paper and clear packing tape. You can also add a book series logo or write your own design on the front for added personalization. This craft is also a fun way to help kids stay organized and may even encourage more reading. Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »2Pipe Cleaner SpiderA Sparkle of Genius3Origami HeartsAlice and LoisWhether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or your kids just want to practice their cutting and folding skills, these simple paper hearts are an easy way to get them interested in origami crafts. With just thick paper, scissors and their two hands, kids will be able to transform the colored paper of their choice into a cute decorative heart. Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Bedroom Door SignCrafting CheerfullyWith a small chalkboard, watercolor paint and some ribbon, kids can have fun decorating a sign to hang outside their bedroom door. The best part? They can change their message as often as they want so that the craft lives on even after the main work is completed. SHOP MINI CHALKBOARDSGet the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »5Rock PaintingCrafty Little GnomeRock painting is a simple, fun project that combines outdoor activity with crafting. Plus, kids can have complete creative control over what they paint on their rocks. Whether it’s a cartoon face or a design of some sort, their rock painting can be put to display in the garden or indoors. Get the tutorial at Crafty Little Gnome »6Minion PencilsKid Friendly Things to DoIf your kids love the “Despicable Me” franchise, these minion pencils are the perfect craft for them. With pencils, googly eyes and foam paper, create your own mischievious minion. Draw on facial expressions with a black Sharpie and voila – writing just got more fun. Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Styrofoam Cup CrabsCrafts by AmandaPerfect for a beach day, these styrofoam cup crabs are easy to make and require little materials. Paint a cup the color of your choice, cut some pipe cleaners for legs and add googly eyes up top. Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »8Branch Spider Web WreathMike GartenPreparing for Halloween? Try out this wreath made from spider webbing and twigs! Have your kids gather some sticks, cutting or breaking them so that they are between five and ten inches long. Assist them in cutting a wreath shape out of cardboard. It should be around twelve inches in diameter with a five-inch circle cut out from the inside. Hot glue the twigs to the wreath, layering them so that they fill up all of the space on the cardboard. After drying, stretch spider webbing around and tuck in a few fake spiders with hot glue. SHOP SPIDER WEBBING9Embellished Bow Mike GartenHere’s a quick way to take a basic straw basket to the next level! Kids can embellish bows with iron-on patches and stenciled monograms. Help them create their own bows using a 3″ wired ribbon or purchase a large one to design. Then, use fabric glue to attach the decorative patches. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Monster Windsocks Crafts by Amanda11Paper FlowersMike GartenThey’ll enjoy making these colorful paper flowers to decorate their bedrooms. They’ll first fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Have them fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist it around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.SHOP CUPCAKE LINERS12Paper Bag Kite Typically SimpleSpring is the perfect time to fly a kite. Luckily, kids can make their own with paper lunch bags. Let them embellish the bags with stickers, washi tape, paint and any other accessories. Then, work on attaching the yarn and streamers so the kite will be ready to fly. Get the tutorial at Typically Simple »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Carrot Treat Cones Mike GatenEaster may have passed, but that doesn’t mean this carrot treat cone craft should too! To make, you’ll need to print out our carrot template. Then gather the essentials: coffee filters, orange paper, double-stick tape, green craft paint, twine, a clothespin, a wire hanger, paper towel and scissors.Steps:Mix a few drops of green craft paint with water until it reaches the consistency of milk. Soak coffee filters in the paint mixture until fully saturated (you can do this simultaneously).Squeeze out excess paint and lay the filters flat to dry on paper towels or hang them from a hanger with a clip or clothespin. Download our template and trace it onto orange paper.Cut out and roll the template into a cone shape, adhering the sides with double stick tape. Cut out the center of the painted coffee filters.Attach the remaining paper to the inside edge of the cone with double-stick tape. Fill the “carrot” cone with small treats and tie twine around the top to close.14Dinosaur Nightlife Terrarium Crafts by Amanda15Clay Crab Necklace Hello WonderfulAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Cardboard SunsThe House That Lars Built17Paint Marker Candles Mike GartenGrab some paint markers (or acrylic paint) and watch them draw flowers, swirls and all sorts of cool shapes and designs on taper candles. Use a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove any lint and debris before starting. SHOP TAPER CANDLES18Toilet Paper Frog The Best Ideas for KidsYou’re sure to have these supplies in your kid’s craft box. Grab those discarded toilet paper rolls for kids to paint and turn into frogs. Then, have them transform paper plates into lily pads. Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Painted Baskets Mike GatenIt doesn’t get more simple than this: Kids can spend time outdoors painting the wood strips of plain wooden baskets to carry their toys in and out of the house. SHOP ACRYLIC PAINT20Pool Noodle Boats The Best Ideas for KidsMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ new color of the year is here, and there’s a special guest star involved!Inspired by the societal shift toward more leisurely living, the paint brand has announced Quietude as its 2025 Color of the Year, a cool green featured in their wider collection of the year, Naturally Refined. These 10 soft, luxurious hues are meant to be incorporated into any space, whether that’s the living room, office setup or your home’s exterior. “Not only are the colors in Naturally Refined accessible with creamy neutrals and muted greens, yellows and oranges, but they also help DIYers achieve an effortless elegance that makes their home feel peaceful and inviting,” says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.While neutrals have always been on trend because of their versatility, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams believes we’re taking a step back from more traditional whites and grays and moving towards warm, softened colors — think muted greens, yellows and oranges — that are still easy to integrate into any home. “The soft and timeless hues in the collection inspire a sense of quiet luxury and comfort through color and can be incorporated in endless ways throughout both indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Banbury.See More of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color CollectionOpen GalleryThe best part? You can actually see how these colors would look in your own home, thanks to the brand’s latest collaboration with Venus Williams’ design platform Palazzo, an AI-powered home visualization tool founded by the tennis champion alongside Raffi Holzer and Edward Lando. “Visualization in home design is a game-changer, and our partnership with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams will allow us to push boundaries and set a new standard in this space,” says Williams on Palazzo’s site. As the exclusive paint partner for the platform, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams has launched their 2025 Color Collection of the Year, Quietude included, on Palazzo. The collection’s range of soft colors is the perfect start for consumers who are over the whites, grays and blacks but aren’t necessarily ready to paint their living room an overly bold shade. Now, consumers can test out any color from the collection in any room of their home. Interested in a neutral chocolate or a rusty orange? Play around with Nutshell or Spiced Cider. And if you don’t love it, wipe it away with the push of a button and try something new. The possibilities are endless.”Palazzo is all about the story of home, and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams is about the story of color, combining these two things together made a lot of sense from a mission standpoint for both our companies,” says Stephanie Seril, head of marketing and growth at Palazzo.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More

✔️ Capacity: When choosing an indoor herb garden, consider how many herbs you want to grow and whether you’d like to experiment with other greens (like lettuce). Indoor herb gardens can grow as few as three plants to over 30. Keep in mind that the more herbs you want to grow, the bigger the device and the more space it takes up. ✔️ Dimensions: Indoor herb gardens come in a variety of sizes from a three-pot windowsill size to large growing systems that are over 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Make sure to check the dimensions of the herb grower to ensure it will fit in your space. ✔️ Variety of herbs/vegetables: Many indoor herb gardens can grow other produce such as lettuce or fruit, so if you want to grow more than just herbs, you may want to opt for a larger device. Also, be sure to check the type of pods available for each garden since some garden kits are only compatible with their own pods. ✔️ Self-watering: Some indoor herb gardens have timers to automatically water according to a schedule, while others require manual watering. If you’re the type to forget to water your plants, you’ll want to invest in an automatic machine. ✔️ Lighting: Window herb planters are a simple, affordable option, but maybe don’t include a grow light — which means, you’ll need to consider sunlight conditions in your home. Some herb gardens feature lighting that can manually switch on and off, while others have self-timers that operate according to schedule.✔️ Buying seeds and pods: Some indoor herb gardens require the use of the brand’s seeds or pods and for others, you can buy your own seeds. If the brand requires its own seeds or pods, be sure they have the herbs you want. More

Installing wooden fences, decks or siding can cost a small fortune (especially with lumber prices still sky-high) — which is why homeowners need these exterior features to last a long time. Enter wood stains, such as Benjamin Moore Woodluxe® line, which coat and protect outdoor wooden structures from the elements while enhancing the natural grain. In addition to preserving the integrity of the material and shielding boards from sun damage and frost, stains keep porches, fences and backyard chairs alike looking beautiful. But that protection doesn’t last forever, so applying a coat of stain should be a regular home-maintenance task, just like HVAC servicing or inspecting your roof. And selecting the right product for your job starts with understanding the different types on the market. So to help break down popular formulations and transparencies, we spoke to some experts.Benjamin MooreThe Components of StainStains consist of pigments or dyes suspended in a solvent. “The solvent gets the stain onto the wood, and then it evaporates,” says Caleb Roth, a Nashville-based stain expert and podcast host. Different types of stains utilize different solvents, such as water (more environmentally friendly) and chemicals like benzene and denatured alcohol.Then there’s the pigments, often made of iron oxide: Think of them as suntan lotion, says Roth. “If you have a little bit of pigment, it’s like SPF 10. If you have a lot of pigment, like in a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain, it’s going to be SPF 200. Generally, the more pigment a stain has, the longer life it’s going to have,” he says. Stain formulations also include a binder (such as resin), which helps the pigment adhere to the wood, and additives that serve other purposes including protecting wood from water damage.Benjamin Moore(SIDING) French Canvas OC-41, Element Guard, Low Lustre; (DOORS) Silhouette AF-655, Element Guard, Low Lustre; (TRIM) French Canvas OC-41, Element Guard, Soft Gloss; (PORCH CEILING) Hazy Skies OC-48, Element Guard, Flat; (COLUMN) French Canvas OC-41, Element Guard, Soft Gloss; (DECK) Leather Saddle Brown 2100-20, Woodluxe, WB Semi-Transparent Pick Your BaseWood stains come in three different formula types: Water-based, oil-based and hybrid. Typically, water-based stains are film-forming, “meaning that rather than going into the wood, they sit on top of the wood,” explains Roth. “They’re similar to paint in that they create a layer over the wood surface.” This is also one of their downsides: Since wood expands and contracts over time, film-forming stains are more prone to cracks that allow water to get inside, where it can create mold or start to rot the wood. On the plus side, water-based stains are a more environmentally friendly option. And they offer more color options, says Brian Shaunfield, a Charlotte, NC based hardware store manager. “They also dry within a few hours and clean up easily with soap and water.”Oil-based stains, on the other hand, penetrate deep into the wood and protect it from the inside out. “It’s sort of replacing the natural oils that are in the tree,” Roth says. “When you cut the tree down, there’s lots of natural oils there that dry out. And so if we can put oil back into the wood, the wood lasts longer and looks better.” Oil-based stains also tend to be more durable and let the wood breathe—meaning if water does enter a board, it can wick itself through, preventing water damage and warping. However, they are messier and trickier to apply, and take longer to dry. They require using chemicals for clean-up and are higher in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them less environmentally friendly. If you’re going with an oil-based stain, Roth stresses the importance of looking for one with “low-VOC” on the label. Benjamin MooreFind Your Finish“Choose a level of transparency based on the look and protection you want,” says Shaunfield. Clear stains have, as you’d expect, zero color and let the wood’s beautiful natural grain take center stage, but they usually need to be applied annually — especially in four-season climates or harsh winters. While it does add protection against water and UV light, this option allows your wood to turn gray naturally for that coveted weathered look. Roth says clear stains are especially great if you are working with red cedar: “You can achieve that silvery look that everybody loves.” One tiny notch further on the color scale are transparent wood stains, which, according to Shaunfield, “have a slight tint and provide more protection than clear stains.” Semi-transparent stains are a bit more pigmented and work well for new or old wood. These types should be reapplied every two or three years. And semi-solid stains have even more pigmentation. “They work really well if you still want to see some wood grain, but maybe you’ve got really old wood or some mismatched boards,” says Roth. Finally, solid stains have rich color, hide most of the wood’s natural color and grain — so don’t use them on something made from beautiful or exotic hardwoods — and are a good option for seriously weathered boards. “They cover in a similar fashion to paint, and are best for fencing and outdoor furniture,” says Shaunfield. One more thing to keep in mind is that exterior stain colors are either pre-tinted or tintable. Pre-tinted ones are ready to use in traditional shades of brown, while the tintable options are available in natural colors as well as fun options like green and blue. Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe stains conveniently come in oil- and water-bases, four opacities and thousands of rich colors — so that no matter your project, you can find a stain that matches your needs. More

If you’ve beautifully decorated every corner of your home, but left your refrigerator — well, the inside of your refrigerator we should say — out of the equation, you’re missing out. At least that’s what many people who have discovered “fridgescaping” seem to think. With fridgescaping, instead of just putting their weekly food haul away, social media users are taking the time to curate it into an impressive display. Sure, it’s aesthetically more appealing, but some argue that organizing their refrigerator this way makes it easier for them to grab what they need — not to mention, the process itself sparks joy. What is fridgescaping?Although the term has grown popular recently (the hashtag has garnered thousands of views across TikTok and Instagram) it’s not a new concept. Blogger Kathy Perdue of Good Life of Design coined the term in 2010 as a play on tablescaping. “Why not put your everyday food items in pretty containers and have something pretty to look at when you open the door?” she wrote on her blog at the time. Now, however, “pretty containers” are just one step in the process. Today’s fridgescapers focus on arranging produce in a mix of stylish wicker baskets, patterned dishes and glass storage. Household essentials, like milk, eggs and butter, get transferred into decorative pitchers, storage trays and antique butter dishes. And beyond creative food storage, fridgescaping might involve fresh flower arrangements and unexpected home decor accessories, like small picture frames, vintage sculptures and ornate trays. Related Story”I’ve been able to turn a task that’s usually very mundane into something that I genuinely enjoy. Thanks to the maximalist that I am, it’s slowly turned into something bigger and bigger,” says Lynzi Judish, known as @lynziliving online, who has turned fridgescaping into an entire series, even experimenting with different themes (think an “enchanted forest” them or a look inspired by the film Practical Magic.) Lynzi LivingJudish has been experimenting with fridge themes, including one inspired by the hit Netflix show Bridgerton, which she’s dubbed “Fridgerton.” Is fridgescaping worth a try?If you’re looking for an easy way to romanticize your daily life and keep your kitchen organized, give the trend a try! It might take up a little bit of extra time, but fridgescaping can help you keep track of the contents inside your fridge. “Historically, I’ve definitely let food go to waste in my refrigerator, because I have forgotten about it altogether,” Judish says. “With this process, I see every single thing in my refrigerator, and it’s made me more excited about meal planning. I never realized how often I’m in and out of the refrigerator until I started fridgescaping.” Things to keep in mindNot all decorative containers are food safe. Antique storage items, like glass pitchers and metal bowls, may contain traces of lead. You can try investing in lead test kits.Some produce stays fresh longer in store-bought containers. “I love the idea of transferring ingredients to another container because it can help you understand how much you have of something and remind you to consume it, but food often comes packaged in containers that help extend their shelf-life,” says Nicole Papantoniou, the director of Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab. “The key is to keep things within eyesight so you’re constantly reminded about what you should eat before it goes bad.”It takes a conscious effort to maintain the aesthetic — from the whole household. Juddish says, “I worry about women trying this with kids or a husband that isn’t on board and feeling frustrated that the refrigerator doesn’t stay as beautiful as expected.” Get inspired with some fridgescaping decor below:Related Stories Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Whether on a four-inch beam at the Olympic Games or at home with her husband and kids, Shawn Johnson East has perfected the art of balance – and her design choices are no exception. Like all parents, the Olympic gold medalist has come to terms with the fact that a family-friendly abode cannot always be saved from unexpected messes. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t still be sophisticated. Collaborating with Wayfair in the retailer’s latest installment of their “House to Home” series, Johnson East opens the door to her Nashville home and shares how she finds both function and style in her furniture and decor. With a mix of neutral colors, textured upholstery and patterned rugs, she has transformed her home into a stylish yet functional haven that reflects her family’s lifestyle. The former Olympic champion is bringing those family-friendly finds to you through her new Wayfair home collection, which is available to shop now.SHOP THE COLLECTION“Everything beforehand didn’t feel like a reflection of our family, character or personality, and now it feels warm, welcoming and homey,” says Johnson East in Wayfair’s “House to Home” series. Shop the Shawn Johnson East x Wayfair CollaborationLike many families, the heart of Johnson East’s home is the kitchen. In order to make it more functional, she brought in a large table with ample chairs for hosting. When it came to designing the dining room, Johnson East wanted a more casual setup. By taking away her traditional dining table, she converted the room into a cozy, quiet space with comfortable seating where her family could relax. Browse through the Olympian’s contemporary Nashville home below.Although we all know her for her gymnastics career, Johnson East now takes pride in being a wife and mom of three. Like many families with young children, building a home that works for everyone can be a difficult task.See Shawn Johnson East’s Nashville Home TransformationOpen Gallery “We have toddlers who are constantly coloring on everything, so I wanted it to feel like a space you could truly live in and use, and you didn’t have to tippy-toe around,” says Johnson East.If you’re looking for a practical yet modern home refresh that works for everyone, the Shawn Johnson East x Wayfair collection consists of family-friendly favorites for every room in the house. Plus, there are tons of items on sale. Go ahead and shop while there’s still time!Related Stories Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More

When it comes to our favorite clothes, many of us are extra careful loading the washing machine. Checking tags, separating colors and choosing the right temperature are all great laundry practices to follow. But if you’re just using your machine to wash clothes and linen, you’re making a big mistake. Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab have uncovered a few surprising items that can actually be safely washed in your machine — along with the best cycle, temperature and settings to use for each. Whether your reusable grocery bags have begun to look a bit ragged or your favorite white sneakers are showing signs of wear, we’re here to help. Read on for detailed instructions on how to safely wash items that you may have previously considered non-washer safe, ensuring they come out of the machine clean and intact. Just remember to always follow any care label instructions that come with the item. 1. Shower Curtain LinersLaura MillarLike most things in your home, shower curtain liners need a good cleaning every once in a while. Whether you’ve tried soaking and scrubbing your liner, spraying it with a homemade cleaning spray or even replacing it all together, we’re here to tell you that there’s an easier way. “Select a warm, delicate cycle or for very dirty liners a hot, short cycle adding in some bleach (for clear or white liners) and some old towels for scrubbing action,” says Forté. “At the end of the cycle, place the liner in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes to remove excess moisture so you can carry it back to the bathroom without dripping. Do not leave the dryer unattended with the liner inside. Re-hang the liner to smooth it out and finish drying.”Related Stories2. Reusable Grocery BagsThere are lots of different types of reusable grocery bags, so before washing, just be sure to take note of the fabric. “For bags made totally of washable fabric, turn them inside out and wash them in warm water on a gentle or normal cycle depending on the construction. If safe, tumble dry them on low or hang them to air dry,” says Forté.3. Canvas ShoesLaura MillarAlmost everyone has had a light-colored pair of canvas shoes they wish they were a bit more careful with. But when it comes to cleaning, canvas shoes can actually be thrown in the washer as long as they’re in a mesh bag.”Slip out any removable insoles and hand wash them separately. Put shoes into a mesh bag and wash them in warm water on a gentle cycle,” says Forté. “Air dry or, if safe, tumble dry low. Some dryers have a rack for drying items, like shoes, without tumbling.”Related Story4. Oven Mitts and PotholdersLaura MillarOven mitts and potholders are especially susceptible to food stains, and while that’s expected given their role in the kitchen, that doesn’t mean they have to stay dirty permanently. If you notice your oven mitts have been doing a little extra work lately, take them for a spin in the washer.Forté recommends washing them in warm water on a normal or gentle cycle. Then, tumble dry them on low. However, if your oven mitts are torn or have any holes where the padding is exposed, it’s best to hand wash them.5. PillowsWhile we all wash our pillowcases, sometimes our pillows need a little extra love, too. Luckily, most pillows can be pretty easily washed if they’re made with down, down alternative or shredded foam filling. Just make sure to remember to fluff and turn them as you dry. “Wash on a gentle or bulky bedding cycle with an extra rinse added in” says Forté. “Tumble dry low with dryer balls, fluffing and turning them often.”However, stear clear of washing any pillows made with solid foam.Related Story6. Plush Toys Laura MillarWhile many don’t think to wash their kids’ toys out of fear of damaging them, it’s actually totally safe as long as you follow the correct steps. “​​Place toys in a pillowcase or mesh bag and wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle,” recommends Forté. “Fluff or reshape them and air dry or, if safe, tumble dry low.” If your child’s toys are are torn, have decorative trims, are not colorfast or are especially old or valuable, avoid machine washing them.7. Bathtub MatsAlthough you may be washing your bath mat, you may not be washing the one that goes inside your tub.Using a gentle cycle in warm to hot water is the key to washing your bathtub mat. Once it’s done in the wash, air dry your mat. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

1. Look for a neutral silhouette.Transitional style often gets a bad rap for being unexciting, but the flip side — and the reason it always remains so popular — is that it’s supremely versatile. A sofa like the StyleWell Winnick in Oyster Beige, with its clean lines and simple arm and cushion shapes, will work in any room and play nicely with just about any other furniture you place around it. So if you decide to redo your mid-century modern living room to reflect your new love of, say, farmhouse style — this baby will roll with it.2. Opt for subtle design details.If you’re absolutely sure that you’ll never grow tired of a certain look — like a classic rolled arm — you can indulge your desire for iconic details and still have a piece that will age gracefully by staying away from exaggerated versions. The gently rolled arms on the StyleWell Briarwood Classic Rolled-Arm in Sand Beige make the stylistic point without shouting “English country house”— which in turn means it can work in any house.3. Consider leather (real or faux).It’s a classic for a reason. Leather looks right on an ultra-modern stainless steel-framed sofa, and on a traditional button-tufted Chesterfield. You’ll also have a piece that easily coordinates with any color scheme. The mid-century-leaning StyleWell Goodwin Square Arm in caramel faux leather is flexible enough to suit minimalist living rooms and traditional, men’s-club-style dens alike.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4. Take dimensions into account.It goes without saying that you should never buy a sofa you don’t find comfortable — but remember that length, height and depth have design implications as well. In particular, pay attention to the floor-to-seat measurement, which in sofas can be as short as 15 inches and sometimes as tall as 28 or 29. The former makes for a low-slung look that really works best in super-casual or very contemporary rooms. The latter might be a little more versatile visually, but it can be hard to find coordinating chairs and tables that look appropriate with that height. All the options shown here from The Home Depot — including this subtly modern StyleWell Doherty Flared-Arm — measure between 18 and 20 inches from floor to seat, a nice middle ground.5. A word about durability.No, this isn’t a design tip, but if you’re going to the trouble to choose a sofa that will feel stylish for years, then you also want it to last for years. This upholstered version of the StyleWell Goodwin is covered in a microfiber fabric that looks and feels luxurious but can stand up to some pretty serious wear and tear. Opting for synthetic blends or other high-performance fabrics over mohair, silk and the like can extend your sofa’s lifespan significantly.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More