Aurelia Butler

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

1Hardwood floorsAnastassiya Bezhekeneva//Getty ImagesNever use a soaking wet mop to clean hardwood floors, or allow any liquid to sit on hardwood floors. “The worst thing you can do is let water puddle on the floor,” says Forté. Too much water can cause wood to swell, warp, or discolor—it can even cause mold growth. THE RIGHT WAY: Use a spray or damp microfiber mop to clean dirt, grime, and food spills on hardwood floors. Dry any remaining liquid with a dry mop or absorbent cloth. RELATED: The Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors2ClothesPhoto by Rafa Elias//Getty ImagesLaundry mistakes—like overloading the machine and using too much detergent—mean your clothes aren’t getting clean. Cramming too many clothes into the washing machine will prevent your clothes from a through wash, plus it can strain the motor. Meanwhile, too much detergent can leave a residue on clothes.THE RIGHT WAY: Don’t overload the washing machine and always measure your detergent. You should be able to fit one hand in the drum and still have a little room to move it around. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3MirrorsPlan A Office//Getty ImagesDon’t spray glass cleaner directly onto the mirror—it’ll likely drip before you have the chance to wipe. Forté says to ditch the circular motion, because it generates static that attract dust. THE RIGHT WAY: To clean a mirror without leaving streaks, spray cleaner onto a cloth or towel. Then, wipe your mirror using an S-shape motion, starting from the top and working your way down. 4Your water bottleRobin Gentry//Getty ImagesMost of us aren’t cleaning our water bottles enough (every day is recommended), and you might be failing to target all of its crevices. “Mold can grow under silicone pieces if they’re not removed and allowed to dry completely,” says GHI Kitchen Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou.THE RIGHT WAY: Dissemble all pieces of the water bottle before cleaning. Pay special attention to the mouthpiece. “I always give my straws a good once-over with a straw brush to remove any buildup,” says Papantoniou. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Stainless steel appliancessergey02//Getty ImagesIf your stainless-steel appliances look streaky or scratched, you might be cleaning them wrong. All-purpose cleaners are likely to leave behind streaks, while an abrasive scrubber can damage the finish.THE RIGHT WAY: “To avoid scratches and streaks, always use a cleaner specifically made for cleaning stainless steel,” says Forté. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe with the grain.RELATED: 9 Best Stainless Steel Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Experts6Shower curtain linerJena Ardell//Getty ImagesDon’t waste time scrubbing soap scum, hard water mineral deposits, or mold and mildew on your plastic shower curtain. There’s an easier way: toss it in the washing machine.THE RIGHT WAY: Wash plastic shower curtains on a warm, delicate cycle, or for very dirty liners a hot, short cycle adding in some bleach (for clear or white liners) and some old towels for scrubbing action. “At the end of the cycle, place the liner in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes to remove excess moisture,” says Forté. Never leave it unattended while it’s in the dryer. Hang it up to finish drying. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Phone, computer, and TV screensd3sign//Getty ImagesIt’s important to keep screens clean, but certain techniques—like cleaners with harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges—can cause damage. And, you should never spray a cleaner directly onto a screen. THE RIGHT WAY: Use a cleaner specifically made for electronics, whether it’s a pre-moistened wipe or dry cleaning cloth. RELATED: 8 Best Screen Cleaners for Every Device, Tested by Cleaning Experts8Cast iron pansIlia Nesolenyi//Getty ImagesCast iron pans don’t require a lot of maintenance, but they require specific maintenance. Never ever soak your cast iron pan, or put it in the dishwasher. THE RIGHT WAY: Wash cast iron with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Scrub gently with a stiff-bristle dish brush, and rinse. Heat it over the stove until dry, then rub a small amount of oil on the pan using a paper towel. Instead of washing with water, you can also use kosher salt and a wooden spatula to scrape away stuck-on bits.RELATED: How to Clean and Reseason a Cast Iron SkilletAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Windows and glass doorshrabar//Getty ImagesThe most common mistakes when cleaning windows: doing it on a sunny day. “Do this job in the blazing sun and the cleaner will dry onto the hot windows before you get to wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks,” Forté says.THE RIGHT WAY: Wash your windows on an overcast day when windows are cool to avoid streaks. RELATED: How to Clean Windows and Prevent Streaks, According to Cleaning Experts10Natural stone countertopsDavid Papazian//Getty ImagesAlyssa 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

It’s not easy to furnish a home. When I moved into mine in Los Angeles, I was faced with two white boxes held together by a triangular patio, with two sliders streaming light into nothing. I barely had any furniture to fill it with, and was overwhelmed with the possibilities of what this 800-square-foot apartment could be. It’s a privilege to be able to make these types of choices, of course, but it can also be tough to land on decisions that determine your most personal surroundings. Get it wrong, and you might not feel as comfortable in the one place you should be yourself. Nevertheless, thanks to my day job as an interiors writer and plenty of brainstorming sessions, the home I’ve currently created is exactly how I hope to feel whenever I walk through the door: calm and cozy. Here are five decorating hacks I swear by, so that you can hopefully do the same. Amy Bartlam PhotographySwap a Console for a Long BookshelfIt’s typical for flatscreens to be accompanied by a console underneath, which usually spans just a few inches wider than what’s streaming. That solution works in theory, but in practice, you could wish for more storage and fewer question marks around what to do with the rest of the wall. A console can inadvertently make a living room look out of proportion. I own a lot of books—again, day job—and was trying to find a solution that allowed me to display and reread them whenever the mood strikes. So, instead of choosing a console to place under my TV, I picked a long IKEA BILLY bookshelf (there’s a reason why design pros are obsessed with this particular style). The oversized length of this piece makes the space feel so much larger, and the books and ceramics provide a lived-in feel. It’s my best secret for instant coziness that holds a bunch of necessities. Amy Bartlam PhotographyHang Your Own Large-Format ArtOne of the biggest challenges with furnishing a home is finding worthwhile art that won’t blow your budget. I had a blank wall beside my sofa for a long time, thinking I’d save up for a large piece eventually, when a better idea came along: I could make the art myself—with help from my mom. She and I covered a pre-cut piece of plywood with a thin layer of batting and a versatile fabric during a quick afternoon project that my dad also oversaw. All it cost was $60 (using a staple gun from 1993, which I don’t necessarily recommend). Amy Bartlam PhotographyCreate Multiple Forms of Lighting I am not someone who wants to swap out existing lighting in a rental, just to make my life easier. But I will pretend those fixtures don’t exist while sprinkling my home with various light sources at eye level—nothing overhead. I have a faux candle that flickers on a timer beneath my television, and a floor lamp with a wicker shade that diffuses light beautifully. There’s another floor lamp beside the sofa for eating and reading, and one more on the opposing bookshelf for additional ambiance. Two more tips to keep in mind: The floor lamps have bulbs that can be controlled by an app, making it even easier to set a mood. And lastly, be sure to check out the lighting options in kid sections. They’re usually way more fun than what’s available to grownups. Amy Bartlam PhotographyMake Room for a Bedside Vanity Vanities are a luxury, particularly if you live in a rental apartment like me. But I didn’t want to give up the chance at making one happen, so I figured out a solution: If I tried to match a nightstand to a small desk as much as possible—this is where it’s a good idea to jot down the dimensions of items posted online—then I could likely turn one side of my bed into a spot for my morning routine.If you follow my lead, remember that the desk needs to be higher than the nightstand no matter what. So fake cohesion by positioning coordinating lamps on both surfaces, and prop the nightstand one up with a storage box and books. When the lamps are the same height, the disparity between the desk and the nightstand disappears. Amy Bartlam PhotographyElevate a Galley Kitchen With Stripes My small, dark kitchen had a classic galley format when I moved in: cabinets on both sides, and a wall on one end. I appreciated the clean lines of the new cabinets, and decided to play with them using stripes to bridge the gap. The stripes of my runner (that’s actually a bath mat from Quiet Town) give the illusion that the area is slightly longer than it is, and I hung an art piece on the back wall to mimic the floor. In all, it’s a playful way to bring color and movement into an otherwise dark and plain room.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

They say there’s no place like home, but there’s something inexplicably cozy about sitting down and relaxing in your living room. But can we talk about living room seating for a moment? Because while couches, loveseats, and the occasional armchair are non-negotiables, finding the optimal arrangement can be easier said than done.”Seating dictates how you use the space,” says Nadia Watts, a Denver-based interior designer. “A poorly thought-out setup can leave a space feeling awkward—either too empty, too crowded, or disconnected.” You don’t necessarily need to stuff your space with furniture, but you do want to make sure there’s enough room for guests to kick back and relax.We know what you’re thinking: Doesn’t it depend on your space? Well, not necessarily. Turns out, some designers have boiled the art of living room seating down to a science. Or, for Jamie Gernert of WYC Designs, a formula.Design: WYC Designs; Photographer: Abby Cox Photography”Visually, a two-to-one ratio works because it creates symmetry with a touch of variety,” the Winter Park, Florida, designer shares. “A sofa grounds the space, while two chairs balance that mass without overwhelming the room.” Washington, D.C., designer Zoë Feldman agrees and says its the Goldilocks of arrangements. “It balances the room visually and socially, offering flexibility without overwhelming the space,” she adds. Not only do people find a balanced setup “calming and intuitive,” but Gernert also says it helps the conversation flow. “Seating should face or angle slightly toward each other to encourage conversation,” Watts adds. “Think of creating a circle or U-shape rather than a straight line, which feels much warmer and more inviting.Plus, the two-to-one rule also supports Gernert’s theory of adding seats in groups of three, five, or seven. “Odd-number groupings are pleasing because they disrupt perfect symmetry,” she adds. “The human eye craves a focal point, and odd groupings create one naturally.”A two-to-one seating ratio might be a designer’s secret weapon, but it’s crucial to give each piece of furniture some breathing room. After all, grouping them too closely will wreak of a crammed showroom. Design: Nadia Watts; Photographer: Emily Mintion-Redfield”A good rule of thumb is to create a seating area where people can comfortably talk to one another without raising their voices,” Watts says. “Usually within eight to 10 feet apart.” She also likes to keep her sofa or chair about 18 inches away from the coffee table. “It’s enough room to stretch your legs but still close enough to reach your drink,” Watts says.However, if you’re working with a limited footprint, you probably don’t have that much space for your furniture. Fortunately, that’s when Gernert leans on her 60/40 rule. “Roughly 60 percent of the room’s main footprint should be devoted to primary seating like a couch and chairs, leaving 40 percent for traffic, accent pieces, and negative space,” she explains. Another space-saving tip to follow? Focus on scale. “Oversized sectionals in small rooms or tiny chairs in large spaces throw off proportions,” Gernert says. In most living rooms, she says sofas that are about two-thirds the length of the wall it’s set against feels “balanced.” Design Nadia Watts; Photographer: Susie BrennerIf a full-sized couch feels too overwhelming for your small area, consider opting for a loveseat, two chairs, and an ottoman that can double as a seat when necessary. And don’t discount silhouette: When working with a smaller living room, Watts typically reaches for armless chairs or tight-back sofas to create the illusion of roomier digs.Have some square footage to spare? Feldman loves to introduce a daybed. “It creates a cozier seating area without breaking sight lines, so the space feels anchored and welcoming but still airy and open,” she says. Regardless of your living room’s size, nailing the perfect seating setup is simple and surprisingly straightforward. That said, just because there’s an art to the arrangement doesn’t mean you should leave coziness out of the equation. “Comfort is non-negotiable,” Gernert says. “Deep enough seats, supportive cushions, and armrests at the right height.” Once you pick the right upholstery—Gernert loves sumptuous fabrics for sofas and leather for chairs—and a few throw pillows, you can kick back and relax in style. 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

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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