Aurelia Butler

As a home editor that lives in an one-bedroom apartment, I often put decluttering methods to the test—especially if they seem easy. I recently heard about the concept of “house hushing,” also known as “hushing the house,” and couldn’t wait to see what pro organizers thought of the seemingly controversial decluttering method. I reached out to three organizing experts and gave it a try in my living room, specifically my lift-top coffee table that’s slowly become a catchall for things around my house. What Is House Hushing?House hushing is a decluttering method that involves removing all non-essential items from a space and letting it sit empty for 24 hours. You then reintroduce items with intention, and donate, throw away, or relocate any that don’t belong. The “hush” allows time to process which items truly serve a purpose or spark comfort. “I’d describe house hushing as backwards decluttering. Instead of asking, ‘what should I get rid of,’ you’re starting from zero and asking yourself, ‘what deserves to earn its way back into this space?'” says Shira Gill, professional organizer and author of three organizing books, including the recently published LifeStyled. “It’s like hitting the reset button, but with curated intention.” How to Try It: Start small.Clearing out an entire room can be time-consuming and feel overwhelming, so the pros say to start small. Think a bedroom closet, nightstand, kitchen counters, entryway table, or the corner of a room. I decided to tackle my lift-top coffee table, which has slowly become cluttered with board games, loose papers, and random items, like loose change. “I suggest trying one space at a time, focusing on most used areas, like a living or dining area,” says Gill. “House hushing is incredibly effective for these high-traffic spaces where clutter accumulates quickly and you’ve lost sight of what you actually need.”Alyssa GautieriBefore: My coffee table contained a mix of items. Alyssa GautieriDuring: I pulled everything out and cleaned the entire coffee table.Establish a temporary holding space.Designate a room or spot where everything will live for 24 hours. I decided it would be easiest to leave everything stacked up in the corner of my living room while my space was “hushed.” This was the part I was nervous about; it felt a little like relocating the clutter somewhere else—but turns out, there’s a method to the madness. Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, says house hushing can be a great way to give your brain some breathing room. “The magic happens when items leave their usual context. That sweater you never reach for suddenly looks completely different when it’s sitting in a pile in the guest bedroom instead of hanging in your closet. The method provides a fresh perspective on whether you gravitate toward the item or if it’s just been taking up space.”While the space is completely empty, “take photos before and after to see the visual difference, and pay attention to how the space makes you feel,” says Kenika Williams, founder of Tidied By K. After I fully cleared my coffee table, I was able to vacuum out crumbs, wipe everything down, and let it air out for the day—which felt freeing. Mindfully return only what serves a clear purpose. “Ask yourself, ‘Would I bring this into my home today if I didn’t already own it?’ and only return items that get a clear yes,” says Gill. I quickly sorted everything into two piles on my living room rug: Return and Not-Return. Everything that I regularly use—mostly board games and lighters for my candles—was returned to the coffee table (after 24 hours, of course).Items in my not-return pile included random coffee table books, old batteries, spare changes, and board games I haven’t played in ages. I bagged up the books and board games for donation, plan to bring the old batteries to my local Home Depot for recycling, and put the spare change in my wallet. “The key: Immediately donate, trash, or relocate everything that doesn’t make it back. Don’t let those homeless items linger,” adds Gill. The Verdict:All three pro organizers agreed: House hushing can be an effective way to declutter. Overall, I found the method helpful, and although I was initially annoyed about leaving my items out of place, the 24-hour “hush” encouraged me to purge things that I normally would have found a place for. According to the pros, the method can work best for people who get stuck when trying to declutter item by item, offering a way to open a blind eye to our own clutter. “It’s particularly powerful for people who struggle with letting go—starting from zero makes you prove why something deserves space in your home,” says Gill. Alyssa GautieriAfter: Everything that didn’t make it back into my coffee table.Alyssa GautieriAfter: My coffee table is clutter-free.As for whether she’d recommend the method, Williams says, “To a degree, yes. I see value in creating space—literally and mentally—to reassess how a room functions. Temporarily clearing everything out helps you notice how you feel in the space without the noise of excess stuff.”However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all method, and the pros all expressed similar concerns: It can feel overwhelming to empty an entire room. “For families or those working with limited space, clearing out complete areas can disrupt daily life and create logistical challenges around where to temporarily ‘hold’ everything,” says Kinsella, who suggests scaling the approach down to manageable areas, like a single cabinet, drawer, or closet. More Ways to Declutter Your HomeAlyssa 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

1Tarragon by Sherwin-WilliamsDesign: Inside Stories; Photo: Eric LuceroIf you’re not afraid to make a statement, this pick is for you. “This deep blue-green strikes the perfect balance between boldness and warmth, making it an ideal hue for fall,” says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories. “Its richness adds depth and sophistication, while its earthy undertones create a sense of comfort that feels right at home with the season’s natural textures and golden light.” GET THE COLOR2Ashwood Moss by Benjamin MooreDesign: Becky Shea; Photo: Sean LitchfieldNot only has Shea settled on this deep green for clients’ homes—she’s used it throughout her space, too. “It’s a deep, moody green that can appear almost black or gray depending on the time of day. I think dark, saturated colors like this are ideal for autumn—they create a sense of warmth, intimacy, and seasonal elegance.”GET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Bancha by Farrow & Ball Katie Davis Design; Photo: Kerry Kirk Designer Katie Davis counts Farrow & Ball’s Bancha as one of her all-time favorite greens. “It’s bold enough to make a statement but still really livable. It has warmth, depth, and just enough sheen to feel polished. I love how it shifts throughout the day, from an earthy olive in the morning to something richer and more dramatic in the evening.”GET THE COLOR4Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore Design: Lauren Saab; Photo: Becca Pierson, Becca Lea PhotographyIf you’re not a fan of moody shades, go for this soft, inviting greige, which can work in just about any room. Designer Lauren Saab especially loves the shade for kitchen cabinets or trim. “Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream captures the quiet side of fall. It feels like the space between seasons, soft and layered with warmth. The soft greige tone looks beautiful next to fall textures like wood, leather, and stone, and it gives a room that sense of comfort the season is known for,” she says. GET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Wellfleet Limewash by Portola PaintsDesign: Jessica Nicastro; Photo: Michael P. H. CliffordThis saturated hue pairs well with fall-appropriate browns and rusts, according to designer Jessica Nicastro. “It adds depth without feeling too heavy, making it a great choice for a cozy fall refresh.” GET THE COLOR6Night Owl by Sherwin-Williams Design: Kate Hartman Interiors; Styling: Tawney Waldo; Photo: Chris LukerDark green captures the beauty of the fall season, and Colorado-based designer Kate Hartman recommends Night Owl from Sherwin-Williams. “The look of a rich, dark green room that captures the spirit of fall—pulling the earthy tones of changing leaves and crisp landscapes indoors. This shade feels grounding and sophisticated, pairing beautifully with everything from gleaming brass accents that echo autumn’s golden light to a moodier mix of matte blacks and warm, chocolatey browns for a cocooning, fireside feel,” Hartman says. GET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Mouse’s Back by Farrow & BallDesign: Becky Shea; Photo: Sean Litchfield“I love this color in general, but it really speaks to me in the autumn,” says designer Becky Shea of the neutral Farrow & Ball pick used for this bathroom’s upper wall. She’s especially drawn to its chameleon-like nature. “Depending on the light, it can read a bit brown or even slightly green, which gives it a richness and depth that feels cozy and grounded for fall,” she says. GET THE COLOR8Interior Velvet Finish Paint in Color 166 by JH Wall PaintsDesign: Jacqueline Goncalves; Photo: Michael P. H. CliffordTo make a statement in an entryway, designer Jacqueline Gonçalves of Mokṣa Studio opted for this terracotta shade, which she says is pulled from hand-painted floor tiles. “When rolled in a crosshatch technique and layered with a brushed finish, the paint builds a tactile, medium texture that feels organic and alive. Though reminiscent of autumn’s burnt-orange leaves, the hue’s rich earthiness transcends seasonality; introducing the worldly, soulful spaces beyond.” GET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Shelter Limewash by Portola Paints Design: Jacqueline Goncalves; Photo: Michael P. H. CliffordA green limewash finish creates a calming ambience in this guest bedroom designed by Gonçalves.“The limewash creates a suede-like, softly mottled texture that invites serenity and a sense of retreat from the city’s pace. Its softly textured finish and muted green hue bring a grounded sense of calm—warm in winter, cooling in summer. I love green for this quality—its ability to balance and restore, no matter the season.” GET THE COLOR10Vert de Terre by Farrow & Ball Design: Barrow Interiors; Photo: Katie CharlotteNot too “heavy or predictable” is the best way to describe Farrow & Ball’s Vert de Terre, according to Suzanne Barrow of Barrow Interiors. “Vert De Terre means ‘green of the earth,’ and it lives up to that name. It’s a muted, mossy green with a hint of gray, which echoes the natural palette of fall—think lichen, sage leaves, and fading foliage. This connection to nature gives spaces a grounded, calm energy that feels right as the weather cools,” she says. GET THE COLORMonique 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 BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

The next time you’re setting your table for a dinner party, stop worrying about everything being so matchy-matchy. After all, there’s beauty in a perfectly imperfect table filled with coordinating yet different serving pieces. Take, for example, the tablescape Corey Damen Jenkins weaved into the stunning dining room he recently designed for the 2025 Kips Bay Showhouse in New York City. Upon careful inspection, you won’t find a matching wine glass in sight! You’ll notice that the wine glasses the designer set out, while all crystal, are different shapes and sizes—what fun! Related StoryAs an avid thrifter who constantly notices uneven quantities of beautiful glassware at all kinds of shops—think three gorgeous wine goblets or one funky martini glass, for instance—I very much appreciate Jenkins’ approach. No longer will I have to leave promising pieces behind because they’re not part of a standard set of four, six, or eight. Jenkins’ design decision proves that a mismatched dinner table can look even more chic than your standard setup. What’s more stylish than displaying some of your favorite pieces you’ve collected over time? In an era where it’s all too easy to turn to a big-box store and fill your space with the same glassware and dishes as everyone else on the block, I’m all for the individuality that Jenkins’ tablescape embodies. Courtesy of TuckernuckWhile Jenkins chose a more subtle variety of mismatched pieces, you can embrace a more obvious approach. Keep in mind, though, that you don’t want to go totally rogue here when setting out mismatched glassware, as your table might appear a little distracting. How to Steal the LookFollow these simple tips to make your mismatched tabletop shine:Aim for one general color scheme. Whether you go for all reds or greens and blues, pick one palette to tie your tablescape together to ensure it looks cohesive, not chaotic. Stick to a single material. Jenkins used various types of crystal glasses on his tabletop for an elegant, cohesive look. However, you can pick any other option that suits your style. Honor one specific aesthetic. Whether that’s Art Deco or sleek and contemporary, it’s your call! Focusing on one design style or period is wise in order to achieve a coordinated setup. Hit the thrift store —and beyond. Thrift stores are an excellent place to find charming pieces of glassware at affordable prices. Be sure to check eBay, Etsy, and even Facebook Marketplace, too. You’ll come across all types of pretty glasses both new and old on these sites, all the while paying much less than retail value. Plus, you’ll be giving pre-loved glasses new life—what could be better?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

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Wondering how to fold a fitted sheet like a pro? The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has you covered with this tried-and-true method. If you’re like most people, you probably partially fold your sheet, get frustrated, and then roll the rest of it into a ball. The issues with that approach are that your sheets get wrinkled and are harder to organize. But we’re here with a frustration-free folding method that will save your sanity and your linen closet. Our fiber scientists test hundreds of bed sheets, which means we’re constantly folding fitted sheets to keep our Lab organized. So we have plenty of experience to back up our recommendations here. Our method takes less than a minute, and all you really need is a flat surface like a table, counter, or bed. Here’s how to make it happen: Pro tip: We recommend folding your sheet right after it comes out of the dryer to avoid creases that form when it sits crumpled up.Step 1: Hold the sheetPlace your hands in the corners with the long side of the sheet going across your body and the top side of the fabric facing you.Step 2: Tuck the cornersTake one corner in your hand and tuck it into the other. Repeat the tuck on the opposite side. Now your sheet is folded in half.Step 3: Repeat the tuckWith your hands in the corners again, repeat the tuck one more time so that all four corners are now folded into each other.Step 4: Lay the sheet downPlace the sheet on a flat surface like a table, countertop, or bed. You should see a C-shape in the fabric. Step 5: Fold in thirdsFold the edges from the outside in, smoothing the fabric as you go. Fold in thirds again from the other direction. Flip it over, and you’re done! Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Few things ruin a day quite like an ink stain. But luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab has tried basically every stain-removal method out there, so we know how to get ink out of clothes. As a left-handed person, I’m constantly getting ink smudges on my hands and sleeves as I write. Whether you’re dealing with a little smudge or a whole pen that leaked in your pocket, these three methods will help you get ink stains out of your favorite clothes. While it’s generally easier to get fresh stains out, these DIY methods work even on dried and set-in stains. Want more cleaning tips? Sign up for Good Housekeeping’s FREE pop-up spring cleaning newsletter! Keep reading for the most effective ways to get ink stains out of clothes. How to Remove Ink With Rubbing AlcoholThis simple method works best on fresh ink stains — especially the oil-based pigments in ballpoint pen ink, but you may see success using rubbing alcohol to remove permanent marker ink. As with any stain, the quicker you get to it, the easier it will be to remove. Keep in mind: Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so keep it away from open flames and launder all garments throughly after treating. What You’ll Need: Flush the stain with rubbing alcohol. If it’s a small stain, place a paper towel under the stain and use an eyedropper to apply rubbing alcohol onto the stain. For a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. Blot the stain with a clean paper towel. Continue sponging and blotting the stain until no further ink is released from the fabric.Rinse and apply a pre-wash stain remover. Rinse under cool water, apply a pre-wash stain remover and wash the garment on the hottest setting with a bleach that’s safe for the fabric — opt for a color-safe formula for colored clothes. Check that the ink stain is completely removed. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above one more time or until the ink is gone. Toss the item into the dryer only after the ink is completely gone. How to Remove Ink With AmmoniaAmmonia helps break down the dye molecules in ink, making them easier to rinse out with water. Try this method on ballpoint or felt-tip ink for the best results.What You’ll Need: Hot waterAmmoniaStain-removing laundry detergent Rinse the stain under cold water. Flush out as much of the ink as you can.Soak garment in a mixture of hot water, bleach-free laundry detergent and ammonia. Fill a basin with hot water and pour in a bleach-free, liquid laundry detergent (like one of our top-tested detergents) and a few splashes of ammonia. Stir the solution and immerse the garment. Give the stain a rub with your fingers, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Allow stubborn stains to soak overnight, giving it a rub every so often.Rinse and wash the garment as usual. When the stain is gone or lightened as much as possible, rinse the garment. Wash as usual, either by hand or in the washing machine. As with any stain, don’t put the garment in the dryer until you are certain the stain is completely removed. How to Remove Ink With Nail Polish RemoverIf you’re in a pinch, reach for nail polish remover to remove fresh ink stains. Similar to rubbing alcohol, acetone-based nail polish removers help break down pigment. Keep in mind: Acetone is a powerful solvent, so don’t submerge clothing in the product.What You’ll NeedBlot the stain. Apply a few drops of acetone-based nail polish remover to a clean cloth or cotton ball, then gently blot the stain. Take your time blotting the stain until it begins to lift — don’t rub or the stain may spread.Rinse the garment, then wash it on a regular cycle. Run the garment under cool water to remove the acetone. If the stain is still visible, apply a pre-wash stain remover. Wash the garment as usual in the hottest setting that’s safe for the fabric.Can you get ink out of clothes after drying?If you’ve realized a garment fresh out of the dryer has an ink stain or you’ve let a fresh stain sit a bit too long, you may not be completely out of luck. If the methods above don’t completely remove the set-in stain, turn to stronger commercial stain removers. Pro tip: Before trying a stain remover for the first time or using one on a new garment, test it in a hidden spot before applying it to the stain. If you don’t see any color change or damage, it’s safe to proceed. Try one of the best laundry stain removers, according to Good Housekeeping Institute testing. Best Overall Stain RemoverCarbona Laundry Stain Scrubber Best for Set StainsShout Advanced with Scrubber BrushNow 15% OffBest for Pre-SoakingOxiClean Stain Remover PowderCan you use other DIY methods to get ink out of clothes?Over the years, hairspray has earned a reputation for removing ink stains because of the alcohol in its formula. However, many of today’s sprays contain less alcohol, so they aren’t as effective on ink stains as older formulas may have been. Plus, you still have to deal with removing the sticky hairspray residue. Other DIY methods you may have seen touted as effective ink removers include vinegar, toothpaste and even hand sanitizer. Though the alcohol in hand sanitizer may budge it a bit (as will most other DIY methods containing alcohol), we’ve never found any of these alternatives to be effective. Does rubbing alcohol damage clothes? Rubbing alcohol in small amounts should not cause damage to most fabrics. As with any store-bought or other DIY stain remover, you should test it on a small hidden spot before using it on the visible part of any garment. Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More