Aurelia Butler

Defined by simple lines, neutral colors and an overall lack of visual clutter, minimalist design has dominated interiors in recent years. Think all-white kitchens with marble countertops, muted bedrooms with off-white bedding and neutral living rooms with cream sofas and minimal wall decor. But while certain elements of minimalism are timeless (clean lines and neutral colors will always have their place in home design, for instance), we’ve noticed that more and more interior designers are nixing the sparse style. Instead, we’re seeing joyful, bright and personalized styles taking over the design world in 2024.Catch Up on the LingoWhy are designers straying from minimalism? “Minimalist interiors can often feel stiff or museum-like,” says Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms. “The colors — cool grieges, blacks and stark white — used in these spaces can feel cold.””Minimalism makes it hard to create different zones and spaces — and they aren’t very emotional spaces,” adds interior designer Lucinda Sanford. “Today, clients seem to be more open to interiors that look like they can be touched, appreciating designs that can add their own personality to.”Astrid Templier”A house really needs to give people joy and be inviting,” says Sanford, who embellished this dining room with patterned wallpaper, retro dining chairs and colorful artwork.The designers we spoke to say renters and homeowners alike are craving old-world charm through antiques, reupholstery and handcrafted decor — all of which happen to be environmentally friendly choices, too. Another reason for the death of minimalism? The impact COVID-19 had on home design. “People were in their homes so much that the mindset shifted to really investing in our spaces,” says Storms. “Even when people started traveling again and returning to the office, the idea of a comfortable home remained.”In place of minimalism, what interior styles are trending?As the desire for personalized spaces filled with color, texture and unique details grows, homeowners are embracing maximalist, eclectic and vintage home styles. That translates to mismatched furniture sets, moody paint colors, natural woods and vibrant patterns. “Clients are looking for more adult spaces when it comes to entertaining,” says Storms. “Places that have design and style, but that your kids can also live in without worry. People also crave homes that reflect themselves. They want to mix in treasures from travels and relatives.”Brian WetzelEclectic interiors, typically a combination of old and new pieces, have a way of evoking creativity and comfort, whether through vibrant colors or surprising accents. “This style allows you to break the rules and mix contemporary clean lines with more traditional elements,” says Storms. As for why homeowners are trading neutrals for saturated hues, Storms emphasizes that “color evokes emotion within people.” She adds, “When you surround yourself with color, whether it’s bright or moody, you instantly have a reaction — happiness, comfort, serenity.” Related StoriesAlyssa 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

Many sources of air pollution are pretty easy to discern: We can see or smell smog, vehicle exhaust fumes, or cigarette smoke around us. But there’s very little to signal harmful pollutants inside the home — and unfortunately, that’s often where the quality of the air you breathe can be the worst.According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is at least five times worse on average than outside air — and it can be as much as 100 times worse. And since, as the EPA has also estimated, we spend as much as 90% of our time inside, that compromised air has the potential lead to a whole host of health issues, ranging from allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose to headaches, asthma, respiratory infections and, alarmingly, even heart disease and cancer.Clearly, it’s a problem to tackle from all sides. Here are a few good ways to start.Help your HVAC work betterChanging your air filters is one of those tasks many homeowners perform infrequently (or not at all), so it’s no wonder “dirty filter” is high on the list of reasons for an HVAC service call. Clean, unclogged filters can make an appreciable difference in the quality of the air in your home and — no small bonus — also help your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.Courtesy of TraneIdeally, you should change the filters in your home’s furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers and the like each and every season. One way to make this a set-it-and-forget-it part of your home-maintenance routine is Trane FilterTime: When you sign up for the subscription service, you just let the company know what size filters you need and set up a three-month (or whatever you prefer) delivery frequency. The arrival of fresh Trane filters on your doorstep becomes your automatic cue to change them out.Courtesy of TraneTurn to technologyA whole-house air cleaner or purifier can remove harmful substances from, as the name suggests, all the air circulating in your home. This makes it a more efficient solution to what experts refer to as poor IAQ (indoor air quality) than individual room filters. The CleanEffects Whole Home Air Cleaner from Trane, for example, can remove up to 99.98% of unwanted airborne pollutants with filters refined enough to capture particles as small as 0.3 micron. Installing one will help reduce the presence of dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease and even certain bacteria and viruses.And in independent testing, Trane CleanEffects was found to meet benchmark standards that earned it the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s asthma & allergy friendly certification — the first whole-home filtration system to meet the standards, which are based on the latest research in health issues and indoor air pollution.Control your home’s humidityCourtesy of TraneOne simple habit that will help maintain a healthy indoor humidity level of between 30 and 50 percent is regularly running your exhaust fans. Switch them on before you shower and leave them running for at least 20 minutes after to help thwart mold and mildew, two common airborne allergens. Also, consider installing a smart thermostat like the Trane UX360. You can access it from your smartphone, making both monitoring and adjusting super-convenient. And not only can the UX360 control indoor temperature — with the addition of Trane’s whole-house dehumidifier, it also provides enhanced dehumidification to keep your home at optimal levels. The result: You’ll not only feel comfortable — you’ll be confident that your IAQ is improved as well. More

With the right technique, there’s no easier, faster or more affordable way to apply paint evenly than with a spray can. And getting the knack can be a breeze, when you start with just a few simple tips. The secret — as with so many things — is matching the tool and technique with the task at hand.Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know.Rust-oleumBe prepared. Top tip: Be sure to work in a well-ventilated spot, such as outdoors or in an open garage. Then pick your personal protection like a safety mask, gloves or eye protection. Guard your space by putting down a drop cloth, a tarp, plastic sheeting or cardboard. Work clean. Prep the surface by scraping off loose old paint, sanding down rough areas and using a wire brush to remove any rust. Wash with soapy water, rinse with fresh water and wipe down with a lint-free cloth to get the last traces of dirt. Make sure to let your item dry before starting to paint. And of course, protect any areas you don’t want painted with masking tape.Shake it. Give the can a vigorous shakeup-and-down until you hear the mixing ball rattle inside, then continue shaking for one minute. As your work progresses, pause from time to time to shake some more.Rust-oleumDial up.The key to getting a beautiful application is to match the pattern and volume of spray to the job. That’s why Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust with Custom 5-in-1 Spray is such a handy choice: Each setting is optimized for a different task. The #1 High Output setting delivers more paint with more power, so you can cover large areas quickly. Expert Tip: Before spraying, turn the dial to your chosen setting and test on an inconspicuous area or scrap to get comfortable with each of the spray patterns before working on the project.Start smart. The #2 Standard setting is a general-purpose one that serves as a good starting point for any project. It delivers a moderate amount of paint, which makes it especially well suited to medium-size areas. And as you see how the paint is going on, you can always switch to a more specialized setting that better suits what you’re doing.No drips. The #3 Low Output setting reduces the volume of flow, so you can apply paint precisely onto detailed surfaces without pooling or running. This setting is also handy for edges and other fine details. Another bonus: Since it applies paint less rapidly, you’ll have better control over the application.Caleb CoppolaGo with the flow.Long slats are best painted with the band of spray produced by the #4 Vertical Fan. Move the can back and forth evenly from about 10 to 12 inches above the surface to create a smooth coat. For vertical slats, the #5 Horizontal Fan setting makes it easy to apply a consistent coat with an up-and-down motion.Check your work.After you’ve given your project a nice, even coat, go back and touch up any spots you missed with the #3 Low Output setting.Do it again. For a flawless paint job, resist the urge to lay down a single, thick coat, and instead build up gradually by applying multiple thin ones, waiting a few minutes between each. The can’s label will tell you how long to wait in between. For Stops Rust, apply your thin coats within an hour or wait 48 hours for one coat to dry fully before reapplying. In extreme temperatures and humid conditions, drying times may be affected.Give it a whirl.And the last step is … enjoy your creation! And look forward to the next one. Jeff Wise is a journalist specializing in aviation, adventure, and psychology and was recently featured in the Netflix documentary “MH370: The Plane That Disappeared.” He lives north of New York City and for fun flies gliders and single-engine airplanes. More

Dracaena plants are a favorite among indoor plant lovers for a reason. These tropical beauties are widely available, easy to care for and add a bit of exotic flair to any home. “Dracaena make great houseplants,” plant expert and consultant Mariah Harman tells GoodHousekeeping.com. Whether you’re new to plant parenting or have perfected your green thumb, dracaena care is fun and easy to master.There are dozens of species to choose from, ranging from large houseplants to even taller indoor trees, each with its own unique look and charm. You might like the Dracaena marginata, often called the dragon tree, or perhaps you’ll prefer the popular Dracaena fragrans, known as the corn plant. No matter which type of dracaena you pick, they’re all pretty low-maintenance and will effortlessly brighten up your space. Plus, they’re one of the most popular houseplants that purify air. We’ll cover everything you need to know about how to care for dracaena, including the best light, soil, water, humidity and temperature for your plants. We’ll also discuss common issues like wilted leaves and how to handle pests. You’ll have all the tips and tricks to keep your dracaena healthy and happy—and you might just feel inspired to add even more greenery to your home. (Good thing it’s so easy to buy houseplants online!)Dracaena OverviewDracaena plants are native to Africa, Asia and Central America. While there are hundreds of species, they come in two main varieties: trees and succulent shrubs. The tree variants can thrive outdoors in certain parts of the United States, but the shrub varieties are most popular and perfect for indoor environments. These plants belong to the asparagus family and are known for their spiky, colorful foliage, with leaves that can be green, reddish-brown or pale pink.Dracaenas became popular houseplants not just for their striking appearance, but also for their impressive air-purifying properties. A NASA study, conducted in 1989, discovered that certain dracaena plants help eliminate toxins like benzene, carbon dioxide and formaldehyde from indoor air. Dwi cahyono//Getty ImagesBest USDA Zones for DracaenaDracaena plants are versatile and can adapt relatively well to different growing conditions. While they’re typically considered indoor plants in the U.S., some species can be planted outdoors in the right climate.If you live in USDA Zones 10 to 12, you can grow dracaenas outside year-round. These warm, frost-free areas, like southern Florida and southern California, have the perfect climates for dracaena to thrive. They can grow much larger outdoors—often as tall as 20 feet—so don’t be surprised if your dracaena turns into a full tree.When choosing a location to plant dracaena, pick a spot with partial shade. If your dracaena gets direct sunlight, try to make sure it’s in the morning to avoid the harsh afternoon rays that can scorch the leaves. The soil in the area should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 to help prevent root rot and keep your plant healthy.How to Care for Dracaena PlantsSunlight Dracaenas can handle lower light conditions, but it’s not ideal long-term. “They truly thrive in bright, indirect light,” says Harman. “A sunny window with sheer curtains or blinds is a great location.” If your dracaena gets too much light, the leaves might scorch and turn brown. On the other hand, too little light can make the leaves pale and droopy.SoilFor healthy dracaena plants, use a well-draining soil mix. Harman recommends a chunky soil mix with a coco coir base, mixed with plenty of perlite, bark and pumice for drainage. This setup helps prevent root rot, which is a common problem if the roots sit in water too long.Mariana Pryimachuk//Getty ImagesWaterRather than sticking to a strict watering schedule, check your plant every 7 to 10 days to see if the soil has dried out. “Use your fingers to feel the soil,” Harman says. “If it’s dry down to the first knuckle, it’s time to water.” Every time you water your dracaena, you’ll want to see the water flow through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This is how you know that the entire plant has received enough water.Humidity and TemperatureDracaena can thrive in typical household temperatures, between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. “Avoid placing dracaena near any drafty doors or windows and keep them out of reach from the air conditioner or heaters,” Harman says. “The extreme temperatures can cause plant shock.”Because they’re tropical plants, they love moisture—so Harman suggests maintaining a humidity level between 40-60%. You can do this by adding a humidifier to your space, lightly misting your dracaena with a spray bottle, keeping your plant in the bathroom or even just grouping plants together. Types of Dracaena PlantsWhile there are hundreds of species of dracaena, a much smaller number are actually regularly used as houseplants. Nearly all of these plants are low-maintenance and air-purifying, so picking the perfect dracaena for your home really comes down to style, space and personal preference. Here are some popular types of dracaena:Dracaena Marginata: Also known as the dragon tree, this variety is popular for its thin, sword-like leaves. It’s a great option if you want a taller plant that doesn’t take up much floor space.Dracaena Fragrans: Typically referred to as the corn plant, this variety has broad, green leaves with yellow or white stripes. It’s a sturdy plant that can grow pretty tall, making it perfect for filling empty corners or making a statement in your living room.Happy window//Getty ImagesAlso known as the corn plant, dracaena fragrans, can grow anywhere between four to six feet tall in containers. Dracaena Trifasciata: Widely known as the snake plant, this variety is famous for its upright, pointy leaves with green and yellow variegation. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and can tolerate pretty much anything—from low light to irregular watering—making it perfect for first-time plant owners. Dracaena Reflexa: This type of dracaena is loved for its bushy appearance and glossy, tropical leaves. It’s shorter and fuller than other varieties, so it can sit nicely on tabletops or shelves.Dracaena Sanderiana: Often called lucky bamboo, this type is usually sold in water but can also do well in soil. Its straight, thin stalks and small leaves allow it to fit in with smaller spaces or minimalist decor.Shop Dracaena Plants to Purify Your HomeLarge Dracaena Marginata TreeNow 72% OffCredit: The SillDracaena Golden Heart PlantLive Snake PlantNow 12% OffLarge Dracaena Lemon LimeCommon Problems With Dracaena PlantsPestsDracaenas can attract pests like spider mites, mealybugs and thrips. “Dusting the leaves often with a damp microfiber cloth will help keep your dracaena pest-free,” Harman says. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your plants can prevent these issues from getting out of control.Yellow LeavesYellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. Make sure you’re letting the soil dry out completely between waterings and always keep the plant in a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.Brown TipsBrown tips can mean the plant is getting too much light. It could also be a cry for distilled water, especially if your tap water is hard. Dracaena plants are sensitive to fluorides; try using filtered water a few times a month to see if that helps.Droopy LeavesDroopy, wilted leaves often signal too little light or too much water. Check your plant’s light exposure and moisture levels, and let the soil dry out before watering again. This could also indicate a lack of proper nutrients, which can be remedied with fresh soil or added fertilizer.Scorched LeavesToo much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Move your dracaena to a spot with even less indirect light or use a sheer curtain to block some of the sun’s rays.Fungal IssuesIf the soil stays too wet, your dracaena could develop fungal leaf spots. Similar to yellowing leaves, this is a reminder to avoid overwatering and ensure your pot has good drainage.Dracaena FAQCan dracaena plants be kept outside? “Depending on where you live, you can keep a Dracaena outdoors,” Harman says. “You may need to acclimate the plant to the new environment by placing it outdoors for short periods of time and gradually increasing until they can stay outside full time.”If you live outside USDA Zones 10 to 12, you can still let your dracaena enjoy the outdoors during warmer months. Place it in a shaded spot on your patio or balcony and bring it inside when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.Should I cut the brown tips off my dracaena plant?”It doesn’t harm or help the plant to prune the brown tips, but it does tend to look better if you do,” Harman says. It’s best to prune your plant during active growing periods, like spring or summer. Make sure to wash your shears with hot soap and water before trimming to avoid any bacteria from affecting the plant. Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news. More

1Carve Out a Small SpacePolina Pigulevsky PhotographyTurn an awkward arched alcove into a sleek coffee station, just as designer Whitney Spinks of 27 South Home Group does here with bright white cabinetry and glossy subway tile. Natural wood shelves add a bit of warmth. 2Install a Rail SystemSara Liggoria-Tramp3Hang a Cabinet SkirtMost Lovely ThingsRevamp a bar cart by hanging a sink skirt or hemmed fabric curtain, creating a hidden space to conceal large coffee machines, glassware or bags of beans. See more at Most Lovely Things »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Set Aside Space in a Butler’s PantryALLISON CORONA5Stock Up a Bar CartA Beautiful MessWhether you’re designing a coffee bar for the home or office, stock up essentials for every preference. This office coffee cart includes machines for coffee, espresso and French press coffee, as well as a variety of sweeteners and syrups.See more at A Beautiful Mess »SHOP BAR CART6Build a Custom ShelfDesign by Velinda Hellen; Photo by Sara Ligorria-TrampAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Hide Away EssentialsHeidi Harris8Upcycle a Dated SideboardThe Home I CreateThis blogger gives a white sideboard a makeover by spray painting it — along with the hardware — black. Now, this black coffee station creates contrast in a white interior. See more at The Home I Create »9Delegate Counter SpacePolina Pigulevsky PhotographyYou don’t need a large or fancy set up, just as long you dedicate a space for brewing your cup of joe. Take inspiration from designers Natalie Beach and Chuck Womack Kitchen Envy and tuck large coffee machines under floating shelves. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Swap Decor SeasonallySarah Joy BlogLet your coffee station make a seasonal statement. Think florals for spring/summer, pumpkins for fall and evergreens for winter. Invest in a wooden mug tree and change the mugs on display every few months. See more at Sarah Joy Blog »11Source Vintage FurnitureTatertots and Jello12Build a Beverage NookMargaret RajicInspired by the timelessness of English kitchens, designer Kate Marker dreamed up this gorgeous pantry cabinet. Open the stately doors to reveal a mug collection, then use the Native Trails Malibu sink to easily prep your morning coffee. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Mix Cabinet ColorsChristopher StarkWhereas the rest of this modern kitchen has pastel blue cabinets, the coffee bar cabinet stands out with wood cabinetry and glass panels. Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors fills the see-through cabinet with modern white mugs and a stunning espresso machine. 14Display Mugs Using Hooks@forthehomeLocated in the corner of a home office, this antique console table houses a high-tech coffee maker, alongside a trendy lamp and lush houseplant. Above, Christine Higgs of @forthehome uses gold rods with S-hooks to hang coffee mugs, utensils, tea towels and a few decorative items. SHOP S-HOOKS15Designate a Space in the KitchenAbigail Jackson PhotographyWhether you have a spacious kitchen or separate butler’s pantry, reserve a dedicated area for coffee supplies. Liz Goldberg, founder of CAROLYNLEONA, also adds a wine fridge, so this setup can effortlessly transition from day to night.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Consider a Bold Backsplash David Patterson17Bring the Coffee Bar Into the OfficeChristopher Dibble18Convert a ClosetLaurey GlennHere, interior designer Ashley Gilbreath converted a closet into a stylish coffee bar. The built-in shelves are perfect for storing mugs, stirrers and coffee grounds, while the decorative curtain helps hide storage and extra supplies.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Tuck Everything AwaySara Tramp-LigorriaHidden behind beautiful Ross Alan reclaimed lumber cladding, this coffee and tea bar is equipped with a collection of mugs, a tea pot, cold brew maker and most notability, a coffee maker. The doors tuck in, so you can put away your coffee station when the afternoon rolls around. See more at Style by Emily Henderson »20Add Floating ShelvesLove Create CelebrateAlyssa 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.Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1Feng Shui Plant Money TreeProsPossible to braid young money trees at home Air-purifyingConsSensitive to overwatering Native to Central and South America, the money tree, also known as pachira aquatic, grows between six and eight feet tall indoors. They are considered one of the best Feng Shui plants for good energy and wealth, and have shiny green leaves that symbolize the five elements of balance: earth, fire, water, wind and metal.RELATED: How to Care for Your Money Tree to Help It Bring You All the Luck3Great Tall Plant for Beginners Marginata Cane Dragon TreeCredit: Lively Root ProsThrives in a variety of light conditionsDrought-tolerant ConsToxic to petsAlso known as the dracaena marginata, these ornamental houseplants have slim candelabra-shaped trunks and spiky leaves with hints of red. Indoors, they’ll grow to about six feet tall, making them striking additions to your greenery collection. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Colorful Houseplant Hawaiian Ti PlantCredit: Fast Growing TreesProsAdapts to different conditionsGrows up to 10 feet high ConsLeaves may show less color variation in low lightAs the Hawaiian ti plant grows, you’ll notice the bottom leaves starting to drop — resembling a more tree-like structure that’s just as eye-catching as when it arrived. They’re known for bringing good luck and are perfect to grow in sun-filled spaces. 5Great for Indoors and Outdoors Alocasia DawnCredit: Nature’s Way Farms ProsStriking leaf color pattern ConsGrow slowlyToxic when ingested by pets and toddlers Great for displaying on the patio, porch or indoor garden, alocasia dawns have large heart-shaped leaves. You’ll find that the green and white tones are unique and come in multiple patterns and variations. When fully grown, they can reach three to five feet tall, so they’re sure to stand out wherever they are placed. 6Full Plant for Open Spaces Cat PalmCredit: Bloomscape ProsSafe for petsDrought-tolerantConsMay require pruningAs they age, cat palms get fuller and bushier. You can place the lush plant in your office, living room or any space that provides bright but indirect light. When kept indoors, they’ll grow up to three feet tall. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Perfect for Coffee FanaticsArabica Coffee Shrub PlantProsProduces coffee beans within 3 – 5 yearsConsBeans can be toxic to humans and pets if ingestedNeeds ample waterWith bright, indirect light, this plant can flourish indoors. Its rich green, glossy leaves are full of visual appeal and once it begins to flower indoors, you might mistake its fragrance for jasmine. Keep in mind that it can grow anywhere from up to 4-6′ tall indoors and they can take up to five years to produce coffee beans.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below12Striking Houseplant for any Room Large Fiddle Leaf Fig TreeCredit: The Sill ProsRequires infrequent watering Grows slowlyConsNot suitable for dark homes and apartments Keep this tall plant in a space where it’ll receive tons of indirect sunlight — next to a large, sunny window with a sheer curtain, for example. The fiddle leaf will flourish in stable temperatures and is ideal for a bedroom or bathroom. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Graceful HouseplantLarge Majesty PalmNow 39% OffCredit: The Sill ProsSafe for petsAdapts to different conditionsConsLeaves may turn yellow if overwateredWith their long feathery fronds that arch in the form of a crown, it’s no wonder this palm is known as majesty. They thrive in bright, indirect light and require watering every one to two weeks. Use a potting mix with proper drainage and a plant mister to boost humidity. With the right care, it’ll grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall.14Air-Purifying Plant for the Bedroom Snake Plant ProsProduces oxygen at night Beginner-friendly ConsToxic to petsAlso known as the sansevieria plant, snake plants have sword-like leaves that’ll make gorgeous additions to modern decor. Although they grow well in indirect sunlight, they can withstand full sun and low light. They’re ideal for the bedroom, since the tall branches produce oxygen at night.RELATED: How to Grow and Care for a Snake Plant15Ideal for Narrow SpacesCordyline HarlequinProsDrought-tolerantThrives indoors and outdoorsConsToxic to cats and dogsAdd a pop of color to any space (especially narrow areas) with this easy-to-care-for plant, which has striped, leather-like leaves. It can thrive both indoors and outdoors with partial sun and regular watering (only when the soil is dry). Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17For a Tropical VibeEmerald Isle AlocasiaProsAdds a tropical flair to any spaceAbility to handle sun and shadeConsToxic when ingestedEnjoy the beauty of this plant’s glossy, tropical-looking leaves in a container indoors. While it’s versatile enough to tolerate both sunny and shady environments, it will thrive best if outdoor conditions (humidity and, ideally, bright light) are recreated indoors. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Low-Light Plant ZZ Plant Now 21% OffCredit: The Sill ProsTolerates low, indirect sunlight Frequent watering not required ConsToxic to pets Air-purifying ZZ plants are popular for their ability to thrive in many different conditions. They have waxy green leaves and large, potato-like rhizomes that store water underneath the soil. Keep them in medium to bright, indirect sunlight, like by a south-facing window, for proper growth. Mariah 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. 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

When purchasing a grow light, consider these points in order to properly raise and care for your houseplants:✔️ Types of plants: Whether you’re growing plants indoors or outdoors, not all plants can be treated equally. Some need more intense light, some need less light, some need different colors, etc. Before purchasing lights, you should research the plant you want to buy to make sure you can properly care for it before you take it home with you. For additional information, browse our gardening section to learn how to handle different types of plants.✔️ Micromoles: This is a unit of measurement that describes the amount of light that falls on an area over a period of time. When it comes to plants, micromoles are a good way of understanding the amount of light that is needed for photosynthesis to occur. One micromole is equivalent to 1 million photons of light per second that is capable of being absorbed for photosynthesis. Plants have different requirements, so check to see how much light your plant needs to make sure the light you buy for it will be the appropriate amount. Most lights you purchase will tell you the number of micromoles of light it will produce.✔️ PPF and PPFD: PPF stands for photosynthetic photon flux, and PPFD stands for photosynthetic photon flux density. Think of these values as the amount of light energy that is able to provide any form of benefit to your plant. These numbers are great for people who want to know the exact value their light can provide and thus optimize their plants’ growth and survivability. It’s also easy to understand in terms of what value is best. The higher the number, the better the light is at promoting any form of plant growth, while the lower the number does the opposite. While it isn’t necessarily bad to have a lower number, it’s simply important to know that if your plant requires a certain amount of light, this is a great way to determine how much energy a light can provide.✔️ Bulb shapes and sizes: Not all bulbs are the same. They won’t all fit in the same lamp. Make sure to verify the size of a bulb before purchasing it to ensure you have an appropriate fixture to add it to. This isn’t just for bulbs either. Some lights can be up to two to three feet long, and if you don’t have the space for a light like that, we wouldn’t recommend purchasing one. It’s also important to know the wattage of the bulb you are added, as well as the sizing of the socket you are using. If you purchase a bulb with too high of a wattage, you risk the chance of burning out your socket, and potentially melting or even causing a fire! The majority of sockets usually tell you what wattage they can handle on the socket itself, so make sure to take a peek before purchasing a bulb.✔️ Heat: Depending on the bulb or light system you purchase, it could produce a decent amount of heat. Though that may work in some scenarios that require it, basic houseplants do not need excessive heat to grow. In fact, having a powerful bulb that produces extra heat could actually damage the plant entirely. See which light types below are more likely to produce heat and which are less likely to do so. More