Aurelia Butler

It’s almost impossible not to feel comfortable and at home at grandma’s house. And while that may have a lot to do with fond childhood memories or the fact that she’s family, at least part of it comes from the charming, nostalgic decor all grandmas seemingly master naturally throughout their lives.”The quintessential ‘grandma’s house’ is often associated with a colorful and cozy aesthetic, characterized by patterned drapes and eclectic decor,” says Miranda Cullen, principal designer and founder of Inside Stories. Designers are seeing certain vintage trends come back to life — and to no surprise, you can find a ton of inspiration by taking a quick trip to grandma’s. From patterned wallpaper to embroidered linens, we spoke to three interior designers to learn more about the retro design trends that are making a comeback this year. Wood Tones Eric Lucero PhotographyOak dining tables, stained bookcases and even rustic wooden picture frames are becoming more and more popular — and the trend isn’t difficult to implement, thanks to the rise of antique shopping.”With its inherent warmth and texture, wood adds depth and character to any space,” says Cullen. “We are seeing wood incorporated in distinctly ‘retro’ ways, such as reeded finishes, like this fireplace front.” Related StoryPatterned Wallpaper Jacqueline MarqueWhile there was certainly a period of time where all-white-everything had completely taken over, we’re happy to officially announce that patterned wallpaper is back. “Clients are requesting wallpaper in more rooms than ever before, in brighter and bolder patterns,” says Debbie Mathews, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “It has become almost commonplace now to wallpaper ceilings, which is something I was not doing 10 years ago!” Vintage Linens and GlasswareGrandma always seems to have the loveliest linens and most beautiful glassware. Each piece comes with a story — and that’s what people seem to be after these days. “I always love sifting through vintage dishes, china, linens and glassware as they can create the most interesting tablescapes,” says Mathews. “Coupe glasses are now back in vogue and are perfect for serving cocktails or dessert.”Whether placed on a bar cart for decoration or on the dining table for hosting, vintage linens and glassware enhance a home’s personality. Plus, there are tons of unique finds in thrift stores or even on Facebook Marketplace. Related StoryDecorative MoldingErin KestenbaumHomeowners are becoming more and more interested in living spaces that are architecturally exciting. The solution? Wainscoting. According to Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors, decorative molding is on the rise due to its “ability to add structure and sophistication” to a home. While it may seem like a structural change that requires professional work, adding wainscoting or decorative molding can actually be a fun DIY project with the right materials. Related StoryGallery Walls With Old-School ArtEric Lucero PhotographyIt takes patience, but building a gallery wall with art that matches your own interior design style and carries a history is a trend worth trying out. “Gallery walls featuring vintage or ‘old-school’ art are an easy way to mix the past with the present,” says Clendenon. “We are seeing a lot of this but done with a modern and unexpected twist, like color-dipped portraits for example.”Bold Colors Gone are the days of all-white kitchens and minimal wall decor. Grandma’s house has much more character than that, right? Vibrant wallpaper, colorful curtains and bold appliances are making a comeback in today’s home design, according to Cullen. Recently, designers have even been noticing surprising color-specific interior design trends, including an increase in pink retro kitchens and purple living spaces.Antique MirrorsMedina Interiors / Sarah Baker PhotographyJust because there are a few retro trends that have been revived recently doesn’t mean the whole house needs to be full of them — adding an antique mirror is one way to infuse a bit of the past into an otherwise modern home for added visual interest. As an antique dealer and designer, Mathews loves when her clients request ornate, vintage mirrors.”In my mind, successful design is all about contrast and the mixing of old and new,” says Mathews. “Retro styles resurface because we draw inspiration from previous eras, reimagining them to suit contemporary tastes and needs, bridging the past with the future,” says Mathews. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More

1Create a “grab-and-go” drawer.Courtesy of SettledDesignate a drawer to kids’ snacks, treats or on-the-go breakfast, so everyone in your household can quickly (and neatly) grab what they need. “It’s perfect for busy mornings and preventing the infamous snack avalanche,” says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista.”This involves decanting all items from their original packaging and displaying them in an aesthetically pleasing and easily accessible way,” says Pam Meluskey, co-founder of Settled, who suggests arranging the grab-and-go station at a kid-friendly height. 2Hang kitchen tools from a rod or rail.Photo: Keyanna Bowen; Design: Weeth HomeInstall a metal rail or small tension rod under a pantry shelf to “hang lightweight kitchen tools like measuring spoons or produce bags,” says Gill. “It keeps them accessible and frees up drawer space.”Here, designer Jess Weeth of Weeth Home hangs a brass rail, then uses S-hooks to display small pots and utensils.SHOP KITCHEN RAILAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Install battery-operated lights.If you’re lucky, your pantry has overhead lighting — but still, it can be difficult to see every shelf. “Under cabinet lighting is a game changer,” says Emi Louie, professional organizer. “Stick-on motion-sensor lights can help you see what you have in deep shelves or cabinets.”There are plenty of battery-operated options available. All you have to do is adhere them to the bottom or side of your pantry shelves. SHOP PUCK LIGHTS4Add storage to the pantry door.Alison GooteeWhether for jars, spices or snacks, an over-the-door organizer will improve your pantry’s functionality. “This space is generally overlooked, but is a great place to add a door rack with baskets to increase storage capacity,” says Natalie Schrier, founder of Cut the Clutter. SHOP OVER-THE-DOOR ORGANIZERSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Use cardboard magazine holders for storage. Julie Stobbe”Magazine holders aren’t just for a home office,” says Gill. Use them to store awkward items like foil, parchment paper and storage bags vertically. They’re also great for plastic cutting boards and boxes of pasta. “This hack is very versatile,” adds Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter, who prefers cardboard magazine holders with sold sides.SHOP MAGAZINE HOLDERS6Bring in a rolling cart.Photo: Polina Pigulevsky; Design: South Home Design”If you need more flexibility, a rolling cart tucked into a corner is a clever way to store extras while keeping them accessible,” says Gill. Here, 27 South Home Design brings in a bronze rolling cart to organize entertaining essentials that can be pulled out when guests are over.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Put snacks and spices on a Lazy Susan.Courtesy of SettledOrganizers agree: Lazy Susans are a great way to ensure everyday ingredients, snacks and spices are within reach. “They’re always useful for oil, vinegar, condiment and sauce bottles, as well as canned goods,” says Schrier. SHOP TURNTABLES8Write expiration dates on the back of canisters.Courtesy of SettledAny organizer would suggest decanting ingredients into glass jars and sticking a label on the front — but don’t forget to hide key information on the back. “Use a dry erase label on the back of the jars to write expiration dates or cooking times,” says Meluskey.SHOP LABELSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Use tiered shelving.Courtesy of SettledWhether for cans, spices or decanted containers, tiered shelving helps to tame clutter and maximize space.”The tiered approach ensures you can see every ingredient at first glance,” says Meluskey.”Now you can actually see what you have instead of accidentally buying the same thing three times,” adds Gill. SHOP 3-TIER SHELFAlyssa 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 BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1Decorative Storage BasketsNow 20% OffDecorative baskets and boxes are perfect for organizing and storing things like toys, blankets or even snacks for a practical yet visually appealing organizing solution. T.J. Maxx is chock-full of them.”I love using unique wicker baskets to introduce contrast when organizing my home or a client’s space. They add personality and a bit of style to any area,” says Jennifer Du Bois, professional organizer and founder of Home With Jen D. “It is easy to find matching baskets in bulk from big-box stores; however, I can always count on T.J. Maxx to have beautiful, uncommon options.”2Leah Travel Cosmetic CaseKeeping organized at home is one thing, but staying organized on the go is another. Travel cases for jewelry and cosmetics can be a lifesaver for your next trip. Lisa Jacobs, founder of Imagine It Done, recommends shopping for jewelry storage at T.J. Maxx for unbeatable prices. “All of these things are competitively priced in order to move product,” she says. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Sliding Under Sink OrganizerNow 22% OffIf you approach organizing under the kitchen sink with an “out of sight, out of mind mentality,” you’re most definitely not alone. But T.J. Maxx has some affordable options that’ll make the process a bit less daunting. “For kitchen organizing, you can score great deals on clear bins for your pantry, Lazy Susans for cabinets and refrigerators and over and under sink accessories,” says Violetta Elezovic, owner of VS Organized Interiors.4Clear BinsYou can’t go wrong with clear storage containers. Find a design that fits in the closet for towels and linens, under the bathroom sink for toiletries or even in the refrigerator for snacks or condiments. Summers suggests shopping for acrylic bins, in addition to a range of other decorative pieces. “They have unique, affordable items like pretty wall shelves with hooks, perfect for a mudroom or family command center, as well as wicker baskets and acrylic organizers for refrigerators,” says Summers.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Lux Beauty Organizer With Top And Bottom StorageNow 20% OffRather than leaving your makeup on the vanity or rummaging through your shelves every time you need to get ready, consider an organizer for all things beauty. This affordable option has top and bottom storage to fit all of your favorite products.”Storage bins, over-the-door hooks and makeup organizers are all products we love to use that are available at T.J. Maxx,” says Jacobs. “These products maximize your space and create an organized home thus an organized life.” 6Storage OttomansNow 51% OffWho says you need expensive furniture to organize all of your things? Whether you’re looking to store extra toiletries, a few blankets or toys for the kids, T.J. Maxx has a wide range of storage solutions that’ll do the trick. “You can also find furniture pieces like storage ottomans and dressers to keep things tidy without breaking the bank,” says Ashley Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below73-Piece Towel SetYou can always use an extra set of towels around the house. And what better way to keep organized visually than with a matching set for the bathroom? The discount store also has tons of other bathroom-related products like shower liners, toiletries and bath mats, according to Jacobs. “They offer a variety of quality products for a great price,” she says.82-Tier Sliding Drawer OrganizerNow 22% OffDeep drawers with lots of downward space can be detrimental to organization. That’s where dividers come in handy. You can find a variety of organizer-approved options for all of your drawers to keep them clean and clutter-free.”The key to a great organizing project is the last step — getting the right bins and drawer dividers to keep your decluttered drawers organized! I love shopping T.J. Maxx for aesthetic and functional clear bins and dividers so I can take my clients’ junk drawers up in purpose and beauty,” says Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below96-Piece Packing Cubes SetPacking cubes can completely transform the way you travel. Organize by outfit, clothing type or simply keep your suitcase compact for the whole trip. Jacobs recommends T.J. Maxx for their travel accessories, and there’s no better way to keep your stuff intact while on the go than with packing cubes of different shapes and sizes.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.Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

The living room is one of the most frequently used spaces in a home, which means one thing: It needs to be beautiful and functional. A successful room layout is the key to achieving both. In the past, living rooms were primarily used for formal entertaining, but the way many people live in their homes has dramatically changed over the years. These days, a living room can now double as a home office or playroom, making it harder to devise a practical floor plan.Sometimes knowing what not to do is the best way to get started, so we asked four interior designers to share the most common living room layout mistakes. They stress the importance of a focused, streamlined yet versatile space, and encourage breaking away from some things that may seem instinctual — such as pushing all the furniture against a wall or purchasing a matching furniture set.❌ Don’t push furniture against the wall.While it may seem natural to push furniture against a wall, it makes for a layout that’s awkward both practically and aesthetically. It’s not conducive to conversation or traffic flow, and it leaves some areas empty and others cramped. “A long time ago, a decorator told me that furniture needs to breathe, and it stuck with me all these years,” says Maggie Griffin, founder and principal designer at Maggie Griffin Design. Her expert tip for creating a comfortable and visually appealing living room layout? “Anchoring a great sofa on the wall, with a pair of comfy chairs nearby instantly creates a sitting area that begs one to linger.” Emily FollowillTake note from designer Liz Williams and allow ample space between the walls and furniture. ❌ Don’t ignore traffic flow. Aesthetics are one thing, but “considering how people will move in the space is key,” says Liz Williams, founder of Liz Williams Interiors. “If furniture blocks natural pathways or forces people to walk around obstacles, the room feels cramped and uncomfortable.” She recommends planning the living room layout around the main walking areas to avoid obstacles and ensure the space doesn’t feel cluttered. ❌ Don’t create too many focal points.Too many focal points — think a fireplace, TV or big window — in the living room create a chaotic effect. “Try to limit your focal points and if you have multiple stars in the show, like a view and an incredible fireplace, let them anchor the space at two distinct points in the room,” says Nureed Saeed, owner and creative director of Nu Interiors. This is especially important in open-concept living spaces, where it’s ideal to visually divide the area and develop each as its own zone. Design by Liz Williams Interiors, Photo by Emily FollowillIn this coastal-inspired living room by Liz Williams, large art over the fireplace serves as the room’s focal point. Photo by Emily Followill❌ Don’t buy a matching furniture set.A furniture set may seem like the easiest way to make sure your living room looks cohesive, but designers warn against this mistake. “Not every design showroom’s area complements your living room and it’s much more interesting to find pieces that work together instead of buying them all at once,” Griffin says. If the task of piecing together a living room setup seems daunting, Tiffani Baumgart of Tiffani Baumgart Interiors shares a helpful tip: “An easy way to mix it up is to hunt for vintage pieces, like a side table or lamp. A few one-of-a-kind finds will help create both interest and add a feeling of timelessness.”Design by Maggie Griffin Design, Photo by Brian BiederMismatched furniture often looks more visually appealing than a matching furniture set, plus it’s a great way to showcase personality. Photo by Brian Bieder❌ Don’t forget about scale.Furniture pieces that are mismatched in scale with one another and the size of the room result in a cluttered layout. Whether it’s a tiny chair that’s next to an oversized sectional or an excessive number of small pieces such as side tables or ottomans, furniture of different scales can instantly ruin a space.”Instead, choose a few larger, more cohesive pieces that work well together and fit the scale of the room,” Williams advises. To create visual harmony and a balanced layout, “use pairs, whether it’s sofas or chairs, to create a more streamlined look that feels comfortable and organized.” ❌ Don’t center the living room around a TV.There’s nothing wrong with having a TV in your living room, but experts say you should treat it as a room feature instead of its focus. “Prioritize a more flexible layout by creating a balance between the TV and social seating areas,” Williams says. This ensures the space works just as well for a movie night as it does for enjoying a conversation. Also, consider the size of the TV and make sure it’s proportional to the size of the living room. “Though a big TV is a great thought, some rooms simply can’t handle ‘the bigger is better’ concept,” Baumgart warns. Design by Nureed Saeed of Nu Interiors, Photo by Christopher StarkWhile sometimes a TV can act as the focal point of a living room, so can beautiful artwork, a sectional sofa or in this case, large windows with a view. Photo by Christopher Stark❌ Don’t put style above function. “I encourage my clients to think about layout and function as connected concepts, so the idea of creating zones like you would in a kitchen is a fantastic way to make the most of a space,” says Saeed. Make a list of activities your living room needs to accommodate and use it as a guide for selecting furniture and creating a layout. To ensure the space doesn’t begin to feel cluttered, take Saeed’s advice and bring in multi-functional pieces. “Do you need to work from your living room? Add a secretary desk to work from home and then simply lift it up when the day is over,” she says. Design by Nureed Saeed of Nu Interiors, Photo by Christopher StarkUse furniture and area rugs to create zones in an open-concept living space, just as designer Nareed Saeed does here. Photo by Christopher StarkRelated StoriesMaria 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

The decision to invest in a vacation home isn’t an easy one, but a young couple set out to achieve their goal during one of the most inopportune times — the height of the pandemic. Their search ultimately took them to a four bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom property in Hunt, TX. “They wanted this place to be in their family for a long time,” says interior designer Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN, who was enlisted for the gut renovation. Their one request: infuse the 5,000-square-foot family home with loads of personality. ” It was all about having fun — playing with different colors, shapes and patterns, and exploring all the different areas of the home,” she says. From carving out storage under the foyer stairs to designing a cozy breakfast nook, complete with beautiful bay windows that boast views of the Guadalupe River, Malek Barney made use of every inch. Take a look at the complete makeover below.Entry Malek Barney knew the compact area under the stairs (previously a closet) had potential and could be used to make a good first impression. While she considered creating a crawl space for the couple’s two small children, the design team decided to open it up and transform it into a true welcome spot. A built-in bench and shelving to display books and decorative objects made perfect sense, since the area is located right off the front door. She chose Sherwin-Williams’ Roycroft Bottle Green to complete the look. “It’s not stuffy. It’s not pretentious, and it’s meant to be lived-in and relaxing,” she explains.Molly CulverLiving RoomIn the living room, a timeless neutral palette allows the exposed wood-beam ceiling to shine and enhances the layout’s cozy feel. She “softened” the shape of the fireplace and settled on custom wooden coffee tables from Outer Woods that are versatile enough to suit the family’s various activities. “They can transition from entertaining to chilling out and watching movies,” she says of the space, which opens up to the kitchen. “Everything can be moved around and be flexible.”Molly CulverKitchenAlong with removing a wall that closed off the kitchen to the living room, the clients requested two islands (one can be reserved for preparing meals and the other for dining and entertaining guests). They also trusted the design team with the two-tone color palette (Sherwin-Williams’ Still Water and Tradewind). “I love that they got excited about the colors, because it plays really well. There’s two different tones there, but it’s such a fun, vibrant space,” she says.The patterned backsplash is another conversation starter. “The tile is the inspiration for the kitchen’s color palette,” says Malek Barney of Clay Imports’ Tropicana Rucksack Green. “It’s almost like an art piece in the kitchen.” Molly CulverBreakfast NookWhether it’s a long breakfast or a fun crafting session with the kids, the family will get tons of use out of the breakfast nook. There was one design challenge to consider, though: The space needed to fit as many people as possible, but still be compact enough since it’s located at a walkway. A pair of dining chairs alongside a custom banquette and a custom dining table were the best solution. “The chairs could easily be swapped out for high chairs as needed, since it’s part of a transitional space. I just love the way it turned out,” Malek Barney says. Molly CulverRelated StoryGuest BathroomMalek Barney decided to have fun with the shower tile in the guest bathroom (Clay Imports’ Palma Emerald). “It has a texture to it — there’s a lot of movement and depth to it and it’s just it’s so beautiful. It’s the type of tile that can be used in a lot of different scenarios,” she explains. Molly CulverMolly Culver Bunk Room The three-story, built-in bunk bed “utilizes every inch of the room,” Malek Barney says. From clothing to toys, it offers enough storage for the kids’ belongings, and it was designed to grow with them over time. They settled on the right blue paint colors, Sherwin-Williams Riverway and Moody Blue, for this reason. “They don’t read too feminine or masculine, or super babyish or super adult,” Malek Barney says. “It can withstand a lot of generations.”Molly CulverBedroomsThe other bedrooms throughout the home are calming retreats. For the primary bedroom (on the left), Malek Barney chose Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog, a soothing blend of green and gray. It echoes the beauty of the trees visible from the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The walls in the guest bedroom (on the right) are painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound — a cool white that shows up in other areas of the home. Molly CulverMolly Culver Outdoor PatioThe biggest design challenge in the outdoor area? “There’s a lot of stone we had to maneuver around and some we covered up,” explains Malek Barney, adding that they wanted the aesthetic to be “less rustic and more modern.” She settled on cream walls to complement the fireplace, and embraced varied wood tones in the space, including the herringbone patterned wood flooring.Molly CulverSee More Stunning HomesMonique 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.” More

Your basement is likely full of clutter — seasonal decor, old documents and random furniture you haven’t touched in ages. Take the time to purge and organize, and your basement could become much more functional. “The basement doesn’t have to be a storage space,” says Faith Roberson of Organize With Faith. “You pay for that square footage, and it can be anything: a den, home office, extension of your pantry, home theater or spare bedroom. Imagine the possibilities if things weren’t down there collecting dust.” If you’re ready for a basement upgrade — even if you need it for storage, these professional organizers encourage you to donate or recycle items that are no longer useful. The easiest way to start is by taking stock of what you own.Related StoryBroken or outdated techMost likely, you’ve got an old laptop, gaming console or cell phone collecting dust in the basement — along with a stockpile of chargers and miscellaneous wires. “They’re not doing anyone any good. Recycle them and reclaim some space,” says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista. Dump everything out, keep the tech you use regularly and recycle the rest. Bring it to a recycling center or a local retailer, like Best Buy, that will recycle or donate used electronics. hxyume//Getty ImagesHoliday decorHoliday decorations accumulate quickly — especially when you’re keeping up with holiday decorating trends and buying a few new items every season. “If it hasn’t made it out of the box for the last few holidays, chances are, it never will. Let someone else enjoy it,” says Gill. Most thrift stores, including Goodwill and The Salvation Army, will accept used holiday decor. House paint and project materialsIf sealed properly, house paint can last for years — but, will you actually use it in the future? “Almost all of my clients have house paint, tiles and building materials that pre-date them ever living in their home,” says Emi Louie, professional organizer. Often, homeowners don’t even know what these supplies are and “they just hold onto them by default.”Take inventory of project materials, and only keep what you’ll actually use. Just remember: You can donate building materials to charities like Habitat for Humanity. Related StoryBooksStoring books in a moist basement can damage them. “Decide what to do with them before they become outdated or moldy, so you can donate them,” says Stobbe. Check if your local library accepts donations, or take books to a thrift shop. Jorg Greuel//Getty Images Cardboard boxesIf you’re storing valuables in cardboard boxes — replace them immediately. Especially in basements with high moisture levels, “cardboard boxes get moldy and damp,” says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter. They can even attract pests. And, “don’t bother keeping cardboard boxes for when you move again — get clean, strong boxes.”Old furniture”Let’s be honest — if it’s been gathering dust for years, it’s not making a comeback,” says Gill. Think dining chairs, sofas or dressers that aren’t serving any purpose other than taking up space. Donate furniture to a local charity, or you can try selling used items on Facebook Marketplace. Children’s clothes, toys and artworkKids outgrow things quickly — clothes, toys, baby gear and sports equipment — and, the basement is a go-to storage zone. Not to mention, their many crafts, drawings and good report cards. It can be challenging to get rid of things with sentimental value, but Stobbe suggests you “keep a few special items and let the rest go.””Outgrown items, like cribs and clothes, can be passed along to families who need them or donated to a local charity,” adds Gill. Things like artwork can be digitized, so there’s no need for a stack of papers cluttering up the basement. MementoJpeg//Getty ImagesForgotten hobby suppliesWe’ve all tried a new hobby that we later abandoned, but don’t let supplies collect dust if you won’t pick it back up. “If your sewing machine or gym equipment hasn’t seen action in years, consider donating them to someone who will actually use them,” says Gill. More From Professional OrganizersAlyssa 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

It’s finally time to switch your laundry from the washer to the dryer. Do you throw all of your clothes in there and press start? Or do you reach for a dryer sheet before starting the load?Everyone who has ever done laundry before has probably questioned whether or not they really need dryer sheets. We’ve been taught to use them, but chances are you might know exactly what they do or when they’re necessary. Luckily, our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to answer all your questions on the subject and settle the dryer sheet debate once and for all. What are dryer sheets and what do they do? Three Spots//Getty Images”They are thin sheets coated with softening and static control ingredients that you toss in the dryer on top of a load of wet clothes,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. “As the load tumbles, the heat of the dryer transfers the ingredients to the clothing to help soften and minimize static in the clothing.”So, if you’ve ever had a load of laundry come out of the dryer with one piece of clothing clinging onto the next, chances are you forgot to throw in a dryer sheet. They add a touch of softness (although not as much as liquid softener) while helping to mitigate the build up of static electricity, according to Forté.Related StoryDo you really need dryer sheets?In short, our experts do recommend using dryer sheets. Here are a few circumstances where they can be especially beneficial:Your clothes are sticking together.You don’t want to use liquid softener.You want to reduce wrinkling. Although they’re not technically necessary, our cleaning experts suggest using them, especially if you experience any of the above. Throw in one dryer sheet for regular loads and two for extra large loads. However, Forté warns to be careful before throwing them into all your loads: “They shouldn’t be used on flame-resistant clothing, like children’s sleepwear, as the coating can diminish the flame resistance of the fabric and garment.”Are there alternatives to dryer sheets?Helin Loik-Tomson//Getty ImagesYou may have heard of using dryer balls as an alternative to dryer sheets, but our experts warn that they aren’t really the same. “Dryer balls help fluff and tumble the load so fabrics dry fluffier and may therefore feel softer, but dryer balls don’t impart any softness,” says Forté. However, they do still help reduce static build-up. Plus, they don’t contain chemicals and can be used time and time again, which gives them the advantage over dryer sheets in terms of sustainability. Related StoryIf you’re hoping to reduce waste and can live without the added softness, dryer balls are a solid choice even if they may not be as effective overall. Whichever product you decide to go with, check out some of our expert-approved picks below. Shop Dryer Sheets and Dryer BallsBounce Fabric Softener Dryer SheetsGrove Collaborative Wool Dryer BallsDowny Dryer Sheets Smart Sheep Wool Dryer BallsNow 15% OffRelated StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More