Aurelia Butler

1Halloween decorCrispin la valiente//Getty ImagesAs you’re decorating, take a moment to sort through Halloween items. “I decorate with what I love, and anything I don’t use goes straight into the donation pile,” says Nichole Gehman of Organize by Designe. “This keeps my bins under control, makes space for something new, and ensures I’m only holding onto what truly makes me happy.” Halloween decor in good condition can be donated to thrift stores, like Goodwill, or a local community center. 2Fall and winter clothingSnapper//Getty Images”October is an ideal month to reassess your wardrobe,” says Violetta Elezovic of VS Organized Interiors. “Go through your fall and winter clothing and let go of anything that no longer fits, feels comfortable, or matches your current style.” You should also sort through coats, boots, and accessories—toss anything in bad shape and donate the rest. RELATED: Here’s Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Halloween costumesAndrey Sayfutdinov//Getty ImagesTake stock of costumes that no longer fit or won’t get worn this year, and bring them to a donation center as soon as possible. “When you donate within the season, your items don’t end up in the trash—they actually get used,” says Gehman. “Schools, theaters, or neighbors can put them to good use this year instead of letting them sit in storage until next year.”4Old towels and linensOsvaldo Maldonado//Getty ImagesWith holiday visits on the horizon, it’s important to prepare guest spaces—one example being fresh linens and towels. “It’s a perfect opportunity to inspect your linens and towels,” says Hubbard. “Discard any that are old, ripped, stained, or excessively worn; nobody wants to offer guests items that they themselves wouldn’t use.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Wire hangersraden yogana//Getty ImagesWhile you’re swapping your closet for fall, take stock of your hangers. “Wire hangers are thin and can cause stretch marks on clothes over time,” says Maeve Richmond, founder of Maeve’s Method. “They also tend to cause unsightly bunch-ups in our closets, or cause clothing to hang at funny angles, so if you have any in your closet pull them, recycle the metal, and swap them out for your favorite more permanent wooden, velvet, or plastic hanger.”6Holiday decorAnastasiia Krivenok//Getty ImagesIt’s the ideal time to sift through your Christmas decor. You’ll know what items you don’t need to buy this year and have time to replace anything broken. “Picture this: you gather your loved ones to hang the twinkling lights and adorn your home with festive cheer, only to discover that half the lights have burnt out and the garland looks worse for wear,” says Hubbard. “It’s disheartening to find yourself unprepared when you want to create joyful memories.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Expired pantry itemsDana Hoff//Getty ImagesDeclutter your pantry ahead of the holiday season, starting with expired food items and seasonings. “As you start planning holiday meals, take stock of your pantry,” says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers. “Toss any ingredients that are past their prime. You may find that you already have cans of cranberry sauce that are still good and more nutmeg than you’ll use in a lifetime of baking.” 8Freezer itemsAbu Hanifah//Getty ImagesClear our the freezer, too—think summer sauces and freezer pops that have been neglected. “We can always use more fridge space come Thanksgiving, whether you’re cooking, meal prepping, or bringing home leftovers in containers,” says Gehman.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Kids’ toysCavan Images//Getty Images10Old papers and flyersGrace Cary//Getty ImagesFrom election mail and fall event flyers to back-to-school announcements, stray papers have likely accumulated throughout the house. “October is a great reset point for paper clutter,” says Gehman. “Parents can take this one step further and purge your kids’ yearly memorabilia folders of their artwork and paperwork for the school year so far.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Summer gearConstantin Levcenco//Getty ImagesFall has officially arrived, so give your summer items a quick sort before putting everything into storage. “October is the perfect time to declutter any summer-related items you didn’t use or don’t plan to use next year—think beach gear, outdoor toys, and worn-out sandals,” says Suzi Guraj of VS Organized Interiors 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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

A space heater can keep you warm and cozy all winter long, but it can also lead to a serious home fire if not used properly. In fact, space heaters are the most dangerous type of home heating equipment, causing 1,700 blazes per year and an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.Our safety experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute only recommend space heaters with built-in safety features, including an automatic shut-off in case of overheating or a sensor that will turn the unit off if it tips over. It’s also important to make sure any space heater you buy carries a third-party safety certification from UL or ETL. That said, even the safest, most reliable space heater on the market won’t protect you from fire hazard if you don’t use it properly. And one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not following the 3-foot rule.What is the 3-foot rule?This safety rule refers to the distance that a space heater, or any heat-generating appliance or electronic, must be from combustible materials, things like curtains, furniture, and bedding. That’s because flammable items that are closer than three feet could potentially ignite from the intense heat coming off a space heater. Safety experts also recommend maintaining a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around space heaters, as well as fire pits, wood-burning stoves, and the like.More space heater tipsAlways turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep for the night.Place the space heater on a flat, stable surface; our experts recommend floors over a table or other elevated surface.Never use a space heater in a workshop or garage that contains paint, gasoline, or other hazardous material.Don’t use extension cords or power strips with a space heater, as this can result in overheating; instead, plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.Make sure your home is equipped with functional smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Dreo Atom 316 DR-HSH006 Space HeaterNow 10% OffCredit: DreoVornado VHEAT Vintage Metal HeaterCredit: VornadoGood Housekeeping Ceramic Tower Space Heater Credit: Good HousekeepingLasko Ellipse Ceramic HeaterCredit: LaskoMore AdviceHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

When bringing a bathroom’s design into the modern era, the opportunities to add personalized touches heat up. For some, this is a chance to use bold colors in a small footprint, while others may see it as a chance to finally get the serene, spa-like look of their dreams. The most popular palettes may be up for debate, but one thing is definitely in the majority: Bathroom renovators are taking the benefits of today’s luxuries literally, and installing heated floors. According to a recent report by The National Kitchen and Bath Association and CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals, heated floors are the top request for clients interested in smart home technology (at 56 percent), followed by other similar details like heated towel bars and steam showers. The report’s respondents completed a renovation in the last two years, and overwhelmingly stated that smart technology was a worthwhile investment in homeowners’ projects (at 75 percent). Rachel Robinson, architect and founding partner at Dunham Robinson, says the findings match up with her current work. Related Story“We’re definitely seeing more and more clients ask for heated bathroom floors—and it makes perfect sense. The systems have gotten easier to install and more reliable, but I think the bigger story is how much people are leaning into wellness and comfort at home,” Robinson says. “It’s one of those ‘once you have it, you’ll never go back’ features.”If you’re planning an upcoming bathroom renovation and you’re curious about heated floors, read on for four insights to consider before making the investment. Mint Images//Getty ImagesThey Make Winter a Little EasierLina Galvao, the designer behind Curated Nest Interiors, has noted that clients who request heated floors don’t just do it for the high-end feel. It’s also a way to be more energy-efficient if you live in cold climates. “They provide a nice even source of heat, and since heat rises, they can warm up a space uniformly,” she says. “That’s not always the case with traditional HVAC systems.” Galvao adds that energy efficiency often goes hand-in-hand with stretching a budget as much as possible, too. “If they are changing out the whole floor, they might as well take the opportunity to install heated floors,” she adds. They’re Best in Larger Spaces with Bigger Budgets Heated floors won’t be as noticeable in, say, a powder bathroom versus a primary bathroom. That’s because there usually isn’t enough surface area to feel a difference, plus, it’s more likely that you’ll be barefoot in bathrooms near your bed. Robinson suggests keeping this in mind as you figure out where to install heated floors, since planning is key. “The subfloor has to be prepped properly, and you’ll need an electrician to connect it to a dedicated thermostat,” she says. “Because the system lives beneath the finished flooring, you really want to commit to it before tile or stone goes down. Done right, though, it’s low-maintenance and lasts for years.”And given that heated floors are best installed in larger bathrooms that are undergoing a gut renovation, Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design, says they’re ideal for budgets that are at least $40,000. “The average cost for installing total electric radiant floors in a 200-square-foot area ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, not including labor,” she notes. imaginima//Getty ImagesThey’re Ideal for Natural Stone To really feel the heat, you’ll want to pick a flooring option that, well, tends to run cold. “Natural stone, especially marble, is my personal favorite for heated floors as it has excellent thermal conductivity properties,” Pochiro says. Besides marble, Robinson would consider porcelain or soapstone. “We’ve also used terrazzo in projects where clients wanted a seamless, modern look,” she notes. “The key is choosing a material that complements the heat rather than insulates against it.”They Should Be Installed By Professionals While the installation may be relatively easy to complete, it doesn’t come without risks. “For especially large bathrooms, you’ll want to confirm that the electrical load can handle the system,” says designer Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio. Pochiro strongly recommends working with licensed and insured contractors to minimize any problems (like only noticing a cut power line after tiling is installed—yikes!) and testing the system before any tiling gets underway. “Otherwise, the burden of resolving such issues could fall on the homeowner,” she notes. After all, heated floors are supposed to be a luxury, not a headache. More Flooring TipsKelly 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

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Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular sites for second-hand shopping. Designer Breanna Young shares the one hack she swears by to find exactly what she wants every time. Read on for her #1 tip, plus a few of her favorite finds. Facebook Marketplace has become one of the most popular second-hand shopping hubs in the online space. Whether you’re hunting for a small kitchen appliance or a full-sized sectional, the site is a go-to for homeowners hoping to find all their favorite items for a discount—and designers are loving it, too. Breanna Young, a Brooklyn-based designer and content creator, swears by the site, and she’s even found a few major pieces of furniture for her loft in just a few scrolls. The key? Notifications.”I always do my research beforehand and look up exactly what I want within my mood board. Then I will search that and make a notification for it. That way, I always get what I want,” says Young. Read on for how to set up effective notifications on Facebook Marketplace, plus a few of Young’s favorite finds in her Brooklyn apartment. How to Find EXACTLY What You WantAlthough you might not even know about setting up notifications on Facebook Marketplace, the process actually only takes a minute. Follow these three simple steps and repeat for all the items you’re on the hunt for. Step 1: Search for a specific item. Step 2: Tap the bookmark button in the top left corner, and save your search by clicking the blue “Save” button.Courtesy of Breanna YoungStep 3: Make sure “Search Saved” appears and wait for the notification next time your item is available. That’s it!More Marketplace TipsFacebook Marketplace FindsUsing the above technique, Young has been able to score tons of high-quality furniture and decor for a discounted price.Wall SconcesAlthough the specific make and model of these West Elm wall sconces are now discontinued, Young was able to find them on the site. Courtesy of Breanna YoungCourtesy of Breanna Young”This wall sconce adds a mid-century modern touch to any room. I found two for $80 on Facebook Marketplace from someone moving the same day and installed them above each side of our nightstand area in our bedroom,” says Young. “I later found a two-pronged sconce of the same make and added it above our office area for the flexibility of each ‘co-worker’ sharing the desk.”Tiered Bar ConsoleYoung was able to find the tiered bar console that went viral on her TikTok for over half off on Facebook Marketplace. She styled it with antique-inspired glassware, cozy lighting, and a record player. “I found this tiered bar console for 60% off on Facebook Marketplace. I wanted this exact bar console, but I didn’t want to pay the price of buying it in-store, so I set a saved search notification for it. Sure enough, a few days later, someone posted it! I was the first person to reach out, and we picked it up that evening. It’s now one of my favorite pieces,” says Young.Ladder ShelvesAfter transforming a pair of ladder shelves she found on the site with just a few coats of paint and some contact paper, Young now uses them to frame her television set.Courtesy of Breanna Young”These are usually sold in pairs on Facebook Marketplace. I found a great deal of two for $120. Then, I up-cycled them by painting the edge of the wooden shelves black to match the black frames and adding wood contact paper to the top of each shelf that matches the stain found throughout the apartment,” says Young.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

Megan Lally and Ken Schroeder, the owners of this Lake Michigan home, weren’t necessarily looking for a second residence, but when the opportunity arose to buy on the same lake Schroeder grew up visiting, they didn’t let the property’s original decor deter them. They hired designer Diana Wagenbach, founder of Studio W Interiors, and embarked on a full renovation. “The homeowners were clear from the start that they wanted this lake house to feel like an effortless retreat—relaxed, timeless, and easy to live in,” Wagenbach says. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the designer created a soft color palette that reflects the natural tones of the water and sky for a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. “Sandy beiges, warm taupes, and off-whites echo the shoreline, while black accents and darker woods provide grounding,” Wagenbach explains. Lally shares that the designer coined the term “beachy, not beachy”. “As a lake home, it’s not quite on a beach, but I wanted the vibes of an elevated beach home,” she says. Explore More Home ToursTo allow the stunning lake views to shine, Wagenbach chose furnishings with low, clean lines and kept large-scale art minimal and tonal. Texture became a critical design element; “Linen, bouclé, woven grasses, and honed stone all add layers of depth without introducing unnecessary pattern,” Wagenbach says. The family’s personal connection to the lake made the project especially fun for the designer. The home is now where Lally, Schroeder, and their kids, Charlie and Jack, spend long weekends and summers, and where they host extended family, entertain friends, and unwind from busy city life. Step inside the Lake Michigan home to see how Wagenbach transformed an outdated property with a challenging layout into a restful oasis and hub for connection.Living RoomThe vision for the living room was to create an inviting hub for the family that’s cozy enough for everyday use, yet polished enough for entertaining. Wagenbach says every design decision was about livability. “This is their second home, so we wanted it to feel like a retreat without being precious,” the designer shares. “We have small children and host people in wet bathing suits, so the style had to be comforting and eye-catching, but also not feel like a museum,” Lally adds.Because durability was non-negotiable for the homeowners, Wagenbach says every surface and fabric had to be able to withstand wet feet, sandy towels, and constant use without sacrificing style. Case in point: the sectional. It anchors the space and offers ample seating, but it’s designed with durability in mind: “The sectional is upholstered in a performance fabric so the kids can curl up after swimming without worry.”The main challenge here was incorporating a generous amount of seating without blocking the stunning lake views. “We solved this with low-profile furniture and a thoughtful layout that directs the eye outward,” Wagenbach explains. To add visual interest without distracting from the views or overwhelming the living room’s serene palette, the designer brought in a mix of linens, woven accents, and natural woods. Dining NookWerner Straube“The dining nook was designed to feel cozy and connected to the kitchen while also maximizing every inch of space,” Wagenbach says. Working with a smaller footprint meant every design choice had to be intentional. Using a built-in banquette and rounded forms, she made the space feel open and airy rather than cramped. The repetition of curved edges through the banquette, table, and ottomans juxtaposes the linear nature of the corner, creating a relaxed atmosphere. “The rounded banquette softens the architecture and provides casual dining with views in both directions,” Wagenbach explains. KitchenWerner Straube The designer’s goal was to create a kitchen that is both highly functional and beautiful. “The palette of soft taupes and natural wood tones keeps the room warm and timeless, while the oversized island offers plenty of prep space and a central gathering spot,” she says. Wagenbach paired Glidden’s So Sublime on the cabinetry with two-inch square Zellige tiles on the backsplash and range hood for a playful, textural moment. The kitchen footprint was somewhat tight, so to accommodate enough seating for both family meals and entertaining, Wagenbach used a built-in banquette—”It maximized function without adding visual clutter.” SunroomWerner StraubeGiven the sunroom’s incredible lake views, the design was all about framing the water. “I envisioned a light, airy retreat for morning coffee or relaxed afternoons,” Wagenbach says. To get there, several structural changes needed to be made. “When we bought the house, there was a wall and sliding glass door that stood in between the kitchen and the sunroom—that wall was blocking the most beautiful view of the lake,” Lally shares. The wall came down and it opened up the entire space. To make sure the furnishings didn’t interrupt the architecture or block the views, Wagenbach floated the seating arrangement and chose pieces that are scaled low to keep the sightlines. A warm wood ceiling adds intimacy and echoes the wide plank wood flooring throughout the home. The sunroom ended up being Lally’s favorite space in the home and she says it’s especially inviting in the mornings when the sun rises and fills the space with a warm glow. “That room is a magnet for warm cups of coffee and long conversations—the idyllic setting for a weekend getaway,” Lally says. Primary BedroomWerner StraubeThe primary bedroom was designed to be a true retreat. “The palette is tonal and calming, with soft layers of texture to create a cocoon-like feel,” Wagenbach says. Every element in the room, from the bedding and art to the wall-mounted sconces, was thoughtfully chosen to support rest and relaxation. The room’s sloped ceilings created tricky proportions, so the designer selected low-profile furnishings and streamlined the overall design to enhance the sense of space and serenity.Bunk RoomWerner StraubeBuilt-in bunks are a great way to maximize space while creating a sense of coziness and playfulness. “The bunk room was designed with both function and fun in mind—a place where kids and guests could comfortably sleep while still feeling connected to the relaxed, lakefront vibe of the home,” Wagenbach says. Her biggest challenge was fitting ample sleeping space into a relatively compact footprint. “By keeping the palette light, using streamlined built-ins, and incorporating playful but restrained details, we created a room that feels airy, functional, and still aligned with the home’s overall aesthetic,” she says. Wagenbach chose durable fabrics and layered bedding to keep things practical yet inviting, created contrast with Sherwin-Williams’ Charcoal Blue on the built-in bunk and added warmth with tongue-and-groove white oak on the ceiling.Guest BedroomsWerner StraubeMaximizing space was one of the homeowners’ top priorities with this renovation. “They love to entertain, so creating as many comfortable beds as possible was essential,” Wagenbach shares. For the guest rooms, the designer’s aim was to keep things simple, inviting, and consistent with the rest of the home. “Each bedroom was designed to feel warm and welcoming, but also unique—some tailored more toward adults with a serene, refined vibe, and others geared toward kids and cousins with playful, durable touches,” Wagenbach says. To achieve a cohesive feel throughout multiple guest spaces, the designer focused on clean lines, comfortable beds, a balance of light neutrals with grounding darker accents and slight shifts in tone and texture. Basement BarWerner StraubeThe basement bar creates an element of surprise, as its moody vibe juxtaposes the light and airy upstairs spaces. “I leaned into darker cabinetry, stone, and bold lighting to give it a sense of intimacy and sophistication—a space for evening cocktails or casual entertaining after a day on the lake,” Wagenbach says. Basements can often feel closed-in and purely utilitarian, but this space feels intentional, elevated, and gives the home another layer of personality. To turn it into a destination within the home, Wagenbach used high-impact finishes—Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal on the cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and a pair of statement pendant lights.Reflecting on the lake home’s stunning transformation, Lally says, “We feel transported every time we walk in—isn’t that the magical power of a well-designed home!?” She shares that the entire design was centered around comfort and fun at the lake, and now the space serves as a relaxing retreat for them, their family, and friends. “We get away from our busy lives in Chicago for a weekend and completely unwind.”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