Aurelia Butler

The 90/90 decluttering rule states to get rid of any item you haven’t used in the last 90 days and won’t use in the next 90 days.I spoke to organizers about whether the rule is effective and used their advice to try it out myself. Read on for my honest take on the decluttering method.There are some areas of the house that tend to become hotspots for clutter over time. For me, that’s my junk drawer, nightstand, and hallway closet. Whenever I don’t know where to put something, it magically ends up in one of those three places. And the worst part is, it gets hidden in all the clutter and I wind up forgetting it’s even there. That’s where certain organizational methods can come in handy. As a home editor, I’ve tried plenty (the 30-second rule and the 10-10 decluttering method are a couple of my favorites). Most recently, I took on the 90/90 decluttering rule while organizing my nightstand drawer, and, surprisingly, it helped me get through the space without feeling overwhelmed. What Is the 90/90 Rule? Made popular by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the method suggests getting rid of any item you haven’t used in last 90 days and won’t use in the next 90 days. “The 90/90 rule is simple, catchy, and easy to remember, which makes it appealing in a world where decision fatigue is real. When you’re standing in front of an overflowing closet or garage, the idea of a clear rule can feel like relief, or a welcomed boundary for your mind,” says organizer Holly Blakey of Breathing Room. However, it might not be for everyone. Blakey suggests using it as a tool rather than a hard verdict, especially when it comes to sentimental items or seasonal products. When used this way, the method can help homeowners really reflect on what they need versus what they’re just holding onto. “We have become overwhelmed with clutter, both physical and digital. People are really yearning for a detox, and using this rule is really helpful in creating that simplicity in your home,” says organizer Emily Mass of Spaces by Emily. Pro Tips to ConsiderWhile the 90/90 rule can be a helpful, simpler way to think about decluttering, that doesn’t mean it can’t feel overwhelming. Pro organizers share their tips and tricks to keep in mind while taking on the method. Westend61//Getty Images✔️ Start small: “Instead of trying to apply it to your entire home, begin with one drawer, one shelf, or one category. Success in a small space builds momentum without overwhelm,” says Blakey. ✔️ Schedule it: “I like to tell my clients to set a physical date on their calendar in their phone to revisit items they think they might want to declutter. Creating a habit out of it also helps you evaluate items you’re bringing into your home,” says Mass. ✔️ Reflect: “If you find yourself holding on tightly, pause and ask: ‘Is this item giving me peace, or is it adding weight?’ Sometimes the 90/90 rule surfaces the deeper feelings we have about our stuff: guilt, fear, or attachment. Naming those feelings creates room for grace,” says Blakey. ✔️ Celebrate an organized space: “Don’t focus only on what’s leaving. Notice how much lighter the room feels, how much easier it is to find what you need, and how your nervous system responds to less clutter,” says Blakey. More Organizing TipsMy ExperienceTo try the 90/90 rule, I started small, working through my nightstand drawer. I tend to throw instruction manuals, miscellaneous wires, and other random items I don’t need right away in my nightstand so it’s out of sight, out of mind. But whenever I open it up to find something I actually need, I get overwhelmed. Laura MillarI started by taking everything out of the drawer and then going through each item, asking myself the same two questions: Have I used this item in the last 90 days? Will I use this item in the next 90 days? If I couldn’t say yes to at least one of those two questions, I put it in a pile to either donate or get rid of for good. After tossing a few items—a couple old wires, an instruction manual, an empty pill bottle, and more—I was able to reorganize my drawer in a way that felt much less overwhelming. I also moved a few hair clips and headbands I had lazily left in my nightstand into my bathroom instead. Laura MillarI only organized a small space in my bedroom, but the 90/90 rule helped me reflect on what I actually needed, what I never used, and what didn’t actually belong in that space in the first place. While I’m not sure it’s applicable to all items in my home, I plan to keep this method in my toolbox when I need to make hard decisions on what’s worth keeping. 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

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These days, homeowners are drawn to modern spaces that still feel rooted in history.Designers Barry and Jordan of The Brownstone Boys coined this new style ‘Modern Heritage.’Read on for more about the latest interior design style, plus how to take part. Lately, designers and homeowners alike have been embracing pieces rooted in history—think antique mirrors, vintage glassware, and more. Retro design trends have taken over interiors, yet there isn’t just one specific style or decade that people keep coming back to. It’s a combination of different eras, all mixed within a home that somehow still feels modern. To learn more about what homeowners are truly craving in their spaces, we asked 15+ pro designers what interior design style or trend will be most popular in 2026, and the majority had a pretty similar answer. People want spaces that pay homage to the past yet still embrace a modern way of living.Designers Barry and Jordan of The Brownstone Boys even coined a name for the new style: Modern Heritage. “Think restored woodwork paired with a contemporary sofa, or antique lighting alongside playful wallpaper. People want spaces that feel rooted in history but lived for today—designs that feel both personal and enduring,” says Barry and Jordan. Ahead, we discuss what modern heritage really is, why it’s so popular, and tips for taking part, all according to interior designers who have seen this new style come to life. What Is Modern Heritage?As mentioned above, modern heritage pairs the old with the new for a more personal, collected space. “It’s all about honoring the past while designing for how people actually live today. It’s a balance of preservation and play, keeping the architectural soul of a space intact but layering it with contemporary comfort, expressive color, and personality,” says The Brownstone Boys. Frank Frances StudioAnd it’s not just Barry and Jordan who have noticed this style come to life recently. Other designers agree, too. Designer Betty Ann Gilrain of Betty Ann Gilrain Studio says this style has actually been alive for quite some time, but now, homeowners have easier access to the heritage pieces they need to pull it off. “It has always been in style going back decades! Partly because of the love of so many different design eras and not wanting to be siloed into just one, but also because there are more ways to source vintage and antique pieces than ever before online with retailers like 1st Dibs and Chairish,” says Gilrain. Heather Ison PhotographyGilrain paired these vintage Delft blue plates she found on Etsy with modern furniture for a space that reflects modern heritage. Photo by: Heather Ison PhotographyFor designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake, modern heritage encourages homeowners to create a home that doesn’t look like anyone else’s—a highly personal space that tells their own story. “As an interior designer, it’s great to see more makers creating these unique pieces, whether it’s furniture, ceramics, or lighting. I think this is more than a trend; it’s a style of design that connects people to their surroundings and reflects who they are at home,” says Damour. How to Get Involved According to designers, modern heritage is a style with real staying power. “After years of minimalism and ‘one-look’ interiors, people want to celebrate imperfection, craftsmanship, and history again. Modern heritage isn’t about replicating the past, it’s about carrying it forward. Because of that flexibility and emotional connection, we believe it’s here to stay,” says The Brownstone Boys. Phil MansfieldLuckily, there are plenty of ways to get involved if you haven’t already began to embrace modern heritage. Whip out any heirlooms that have been passed down to you, go for a trip to the thrift store, or simply identify the areas of your home that tell a story. Here are a few tips from pro designers to get started. ✔️ Preserve original features: “Keep the trim, moldings, or tile that tell your home’s story and let them become the foundation for your design,” says Barry and Jordan.✔️ Lean into what you have: “I love that my grandmother’s brass base lamp was handed down to me, originally feeling out of place in a more modern space until I added a fun, block-print linen pleated shade,” says Gilrain.✔️ Layer thoughtfully: “Pair an antique mirror with a modern light fixture, or a streamlined sofa with vintage art. It’s about balance, not matching,” says Barry and Jordan.✔️ Add color and pattern with confidence: “Rich, unexpected hues (like moss green or oxblood) and statement wallpapers bring warmth and depth that make a space feel lived-in, not just decorated,” says Barry and Jordan.✔️ Search Facebook Marketplace and Etsy: Both are treasure troves of old and new. You must be willing to do some digging, though,” says Gilrain. Related StoriesLaura 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

Benjamin Moore officially announced its 2026 Color of the Year. Silhouette (AF-655) is a mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal.Ahead, the brand explains the color choice, diving deeper into the renewed appreciation for the brown color family. Benjamin Moore has announced its 2026 Color of the Year: Silhouette (AF-655). The popular paint brand describes the shade as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal.”Courtesy of Benjamin MooreWhile the connection between fashion and interiors has always been quite strong when it comes to color trends, Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore, says this year’s color choice in particular was inspired by a “renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes” along with the resurgence of timeless pieces and rising popularity of the brown color family. The result? A sophisticated dark espresso with notes of charcoal that has real staying power beyond 2026. “Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional,” says Magno.The shade is refined yet distinct, according to the brand, a bold take on a classic neutral—a step away from the brand’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, which was a bit more vibrant (and described by the brand as “quietly colorful”). In 2026, there’s a shift towards colors that are more versatile and sophisticated, specifically ones in the brown color family that can be paired with both pale shades and darker hues. Courtesy of Benjamin MooreWhile Silhouette on its own is a more elegant, neutral choice, Benjamin Moore has also released its 2026 Color Trends palette, and there are plenty of enchanting pastels—like Batik and First Crush—and moody midtones—like Narragansett Green—to pair with the dark espresso brown. According to the brand, these seven complementary hues were carefully chosen for their ability to easily layer on top of one another for a “graceful balance.” Courtesy of Benjamin MooreCourtesy of Benjamin MooreWhile homeowners have definitely been experimenting with bright, bold color and wallpaper choices recently, there’s no denying the staying power of a dark, classic neutral. Plus, when paired with a couple more lively tones from Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends palette, homeowners can still achieve that vibrance in a more approachable way. Related StoriesLaura 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

Only a few years ago, it seemed like the formal dining room was a thing of the past. With life becoming less formal and on-the-go meals more common, the space suddenly felt obsolete. But just when it looked like the formal dining room was really over, the pandemic happened and shifted our view of gathering. “The pandemic reminded us how special it is to gather and share meals at home,” says Paulina Hospod, president of New York City-based Aha Interiors. Instead of having a quick bite at the kitchen island, dining felt intentional and social again—a designated dining space became more appealing. “A formal dining room brings back that sense of occasion and connection,” Hospod says. However, it’s not just the pandemic that brought on the comeback of the formal dining room. “After years of casual, open-concept living, there’s a renewed appreciation for spaces that feel special and set apart—places where families can gather, slow down, and celebrate everyday meals and holidays alike,” says Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Houston’s Marian Louise Design. To get an industry insider perspective on the topic, we asked interior designers from across the country to weigh in. The consensus is that the formal dining room is officially back — and it’s a great place to add character and showcase your personal style.Rayon RichardsDesign by Aha Interiors“Designers like myself love the formal dining room for the chance to add drama, make a statement, and add personality through lighting, color, and texture,” Meacham says. She shares that the space allows for beautiful design moments that set it apart from the rest of the home, whether that’s achieved through a dramatic light fixture, elegant furnishings, or a bold wall treatment. Visually setting the room apart doesn’t just make for a fun design statement, it highlights the room’s function as a designated dining space. “In a world of casual living, these rooms offer a dedicated setting for special occasions, fostering connection and celebration,” says Brittany Farinas, creative director of the Miami-based House of One. This has a surprising impact on the way we dine. “To me, being in a dedicated formal dining room slows down the pace of a meal and invites you to stay and socialize for a while without distractions from all of the other spaces around you,” says Alex Thies, owner and creative director of Adelyn Charles Interiors in Bonita Springs, Florida. Instead of rushing through meals or being distracted by the sound of a running dishwasher, a defined dining space allows you to truly enjoy the moment with those around you. “It keeps everyday clutter and kitchen activity separate, creating a calm, polished atmosphere for hosting and family dinners,” Meacham says.ELLEN RENEEDesign by Marian Louise DesignIn addition to reminding us of the importance of gathering over a meal, the pandemic affected the way many of us live in our homes. “Just as the pandemic shifted people to working more from home, it also made people put more time and effort into their homes and therefore want to entertain in their homes again once they were able to,” Thies says. While the formal dining room serves as a space for entertaining, making memories, and enjoying everyday and holiday meals, Farinas points out another benefit—“It adds value to your home.” When considering your home’s resale value, a formal dining room can be a big draw for buyers and get you more for your home.So the question is, is a formal dining room worth it? For Hospod, it’s worth having as long as it’s actually used—and not just twice a year for holidays. “It should function as an extension of the kitchen, whether it’s open or closed off, and feel like a natural part of daily life,” she says.Blaine Jonathan PhotographyDesign by Adelyn Charles InteriorsA key reason why the formal dining room came close to being a thing of the past is that it often felt too stuffy and precious. Designers say striking the right balance between style and comfort is key for today’s formal dining rooms. “To make a formal dining room feel practical and inviting rather than precious, focus on comfort, versatility, and warmth,” Meacham says. Her advice is to choose upholstered or cushioned chairs that encourage lingering, layer soft lighting for an inviting ambience, and mix refined pieces with relaxed textures. Speaking of seating, take Thies’ advice and keep durability in mind. “Use performance fabrics that hold up to wear and tear so your guests don’t have to worry about spilling their wine,” the designer says. To complete the space, Meacham says, “A beautiful rug and a few personal touches help the room feel lived-in and loved, not reserved only for special occasions.” Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.  More

Want to keep tabs of the hottest decorating trends? That magic lies in a careful balance between embracing the latest and greatest fads—and also looking out for what’s to come. After all, trends come and go faster than you can say, “zellige tiles.” However, as we creep closer to 2026, we can’t help but wonder what’s next. Which design details are poised to be all the rage in the year to come? Fortunately, Zillow just released its 2026 Home Trends Report—and our personal spaces are about to become a lot more fun.Zillow might be a real-estate platform, but the company argues the listings you see online are a strong indicator of what buyers want. “Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts,” Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, said in a press statement. “When we see a sharp increase in certain features being mentioned in listings on Zillow, whether it’s spa-inspired bathrooms, or bespoke artisan craftsmanship, it’s a clear signal that these details are capturing buyers’ attention right now and hint at what’s next in home design.”AsiaVision//Getty ImagesSo what do buyers want in their comes? Color—and lots of it. The report found mentions of color-drenching are up 149 percent in Zillow listings. While the designers have long loved covering an entire room in a single hue, Pendleton say this trend is a welcomed break from “minimalist, all-neutral interiors.” “It’s a way for people to tell a story with their spaces and infuse personality back into the home,” she tells Good Housekeeping. “We’ve also seen this rise alongside social media inspiration; bold, cohesive rooms photograph beautifully and feel elevated yet approachable.” Zillow also found more mentions of artisan craftsmanship (21 percent), vintage accents (17 percent), and touches of whimsy (15 percent)—showing a seismic shift toward maximalist territory. In fact, the report shows that more affluent features like juice stations and marble sinks are being traded in for cozier, more personable features like reading nooks. “The rise in reading nooks reflects a broader desire for slower moments and mindful design that supports rest, hobbies, or analog activities,” says Pendleton, who notes an interest in reading nooks has increased by 48 percent. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesIn addition to the rise of reading nooks—which Pendleton says is possible to incorporate in a smaller space—Zillow is noticing an increase of golf simulators and pickleball courts. “Homes are evolving into multi-dimensional spaces that blend work, wellness, play, and self-expression,” Pendleton tells Good Housekeeping. “Buyers want these features too, and even in today’s affordability-stretched market, they’re willing to pay more to have them.” Zillow research finds homes with a golf simulator can sell for 1.4 percent more, while homes with a batting cage go for 1.7 percent more. Whether you opt for color or cozy up with a good book, one thing’s for sure: Come 2026, things are going to get personal in your pad. “Homeowners are embracing personalized spaces and treating their homes as creative canvases,” Pendleton says. “The result is a deeper emotional connection to home as a sanctuary, a social hub, and a reflection of personal identity.”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

I remember the first time I saw the Father of the Bride movies. A friend’s mom rented these ‘90s classics for us while we were still in that decade, either enjoying a weekend or a day off from elementary school, and plopped us in front of the TV while she worked. In the intervening years, I always felt comforted by re-runs. The storylines still charm, the jokes perpetually land, and the sets remain beautiful. And in the midst of the nervous hijinks supplied by Steve Martin and Martin Short, Diane Keaton always embodies a warm calm. Keaton, who passed away on October 11 at the age of 79, had the type of storied career that becomes intertwined with personal memories and cultural touchstones. For Nancy Meyers aficionados like me, who can quote from the Father of the Bride movies and Something’s Gotta Give with ease, Keaton exemplified the daydream of living and dressing stylishly—as if both could be timeless and effortless at once. Because she made it all look so good, these films became synonymous with an enduring style trend I reference regularly (while wearing a turtleneck, of course). Silver Screen Collection//Getty ImagesDiane Keaton starring alongside Woody Allen in the 1975 comedy, Love and Death. I’ve also admired Keaton for the work she pursued in her private life. She spent many years preserving historic Los Angeles architecture, a challenge in a city that prioritizes new everything, and became an interior designer in her own right through this process. Her sensibilities don’t line up perfectly to the big-screen settings she was most associated with, but nevertheless, they have staying power. Here are four design lessons that I’ll continue to remember. Rely on a Black-and-White Palette Much of Keaton’s interiors make the most of a classic pairing: black and white. She used this duo to highlight architectural features, like a wall of windows in a midcentury modern home built by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, but she also picked it for smaller counterparts like dinnerware in her collaboration with Hudson Grace. The takeaway? A black-and-white color scheme can be trusted no matter the backdrop, and has a way of feeling familiar yet sophisticated (not unlike Keaton herself). And if you need one more shade in the mix, Keaton would’ve likely recommended red. Dave Benett//Getty ImagesThe Academy Award-winning actress at the 2023 Ralph Lauren New York Fashion Week show. Incorporate Texture With Exposed BrickPerhaps the most striking detail of the industrial farmhouse she featured in The House That Pinterest Built, the 2017 book about the home she constructed from the ground up, is its exposed brick facade. Sure, there’s white-painted brick on the inside—which follows Nancy Meyers’s style more closely—but Keaton preferred to leave the exterior brick as is. Follow her lead and lean into this material’s cozy texture. The same thing goes for wood beams, particularly in her preferred Spanish colonial builds: the more rustic and moody, the better.The House That Pinterest BuiltUse Scale to Add PlayfulnessKeaton’s designs often feel as symmetrical as a pair of suspenders. But she tended to have one recurring accessory that could be viewed as a surprising smirk: oversized lighting. The address in The House That Pinterest Built is filled with rows of large pendants, as is the historic Tucson home she bought in 2018, among others. Keaton could have put it like this: If the rest of a room’s design is minimal, then large pendants can be the star. Spell It Out in Words Keaton loved using lettering, either to spell out exacting words like “California,” which she did in her industrial farmhouse, or to add wit to a set of cocktail napkins. It’s a confident foil to more traditional artwork, and one that’s as versatile as the rest of the choices on this list. And when it comes to Keaton as a creative force, using letters also makes sense. She did have a way with words, after all. 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