Aurelia Butler

Money trees are popular houseplants for their low-maintenance nature.Still, pruning is an important part of proper care. Plant experts give their tips on when and how to prune your money tree to ensure it thrives in your home.Not only are money trees aesthetically pleasing, they’re also pretty easy to maintain as indoor trees. When it comes to money tree care, all you need to do is provide your houseplant with indirect sunlight, well-draining potting mix, and some water every one to two weeks.”Most people recognize money trees as those braided trunk, bonsai-looking plants. The braided trunk is not natural though, and you can find money trees without this aesthetic feature. Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are known for having about 5-6 leaves per stem,” says Hilton Carter, plant expert and author of Unfurled.However, to keep your houseplant looking its absolute best beyond simple care, you’ll need to brush up on how to prune your money tree when the time comes. We spoke to plant pros to create the ultimate money tree pruning guide, including the benefits of pruning, how to know when it’s time to start the process, and step-by-step instructions. Why Is It Important to Prune a Money Tree?Pruning is the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, typically leaves and branches. “Pruning any plant keeps the root-to-shoot ratio in check. In other words, if you don’t want to repot to give the roots more space, you can reduce the shoots by pruning so that the roots don’t have to expand,” says Christopher Satch, also known as the NYC Plant Doctor for his horticultural consultancy that helps people with their dying plants. Tatjana Meininger//Getty ImagesPruning also helps keep the plant healthy. Removing dead or dying leaves allows the plant to focus its energy on the new growth, according to Carter. Beyond plant health, pruning can also be an aesthetic preference. “People often prune their money trees in a more topiary shape commonly referred to as the art of bonsai gardening: growing trees in a miniature pot resembling full size trees,” he says. When to Prune Your Money TreeSince pruning can be an aesthetic preference, it’s up to you to decide when it’s time. But if if you’re unsure or just want to keep your plant healthy, here are a few simple telltale signs. The plant has issues with growth: “If the plant stops growing or has grown unruly, it’s time to prune,” says Satch.It isn’t full in the center: Pruning is essential to promote new, fuller growth in money trees.You start to notice yellow or brown leaves: “Typically it’s best to prune when you notice dead or dying leaves and branches,” says Carter.Step-by-Step InstructionsMichael Gollop//Getty Images1. Plan out your cuts.Before you start cutting, make sure to establish your vision, especially if you’re pruning for aesthetic purposes or would like to save cuttings for propagation. 2. Look for leggy stems.Leggy stems typically have sparse leaves, giving them a weak appearance. They can be caused by inadequate sunlight or lack of pruning. Identify those stems before cutting.3. Cut above a leaf node.”Cut above a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem) to encourage branching out and new growth,” says Carter.Related Story4. Prune dead or dying leaves and branches.Use a clean pair of garden shears to trim any other dying leaves or branches throughout the plant. 5. Remember, it will grow back.When pruning, don’t worry too much. Money trees are known to be hard-to-kill. “Money trees are forgiving, so you can cut almost anywhere, as they have plenty of nodes to grow new branches from,” says Satch.More Plant CareLaura 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

In the era when “Must See TV” reigned supreme and Britney Spears ruled the airwaves, decor was also having its own moment, through earthy neutrals, soft pastels, overstuffed furniture, and floral fabrics. Although the 1990s can be a polarizing time period for interior design enthusiasts (some loved it while others still bemoan certain trends), for better or for worse, the decade is back, and is making its way into today’s spaces. As a girl who was all about celestial decor and sunflower everything, I’m personally excited that the interior design of my childhood is making a comeback, and some designers agree. Related Story“When done right, the return of the 90s in interiors isn’t about kitsch—it’s about reclaiming the warmth, comfort, and unpretentious charm of the era, all through the lens of modern living,” says Lindsie Davis, founder and principal designer of Blueberry Jones Design.If you’re drawn to 90s design but don’t want your home to look like a time capsule right out of an episode of Full House, how should you (tastefully) capture the look? Why Are the 90s Trending?“Everything 90s is back in fashion,” says interior designer Ross Cassidy, something he attributes to younger generations rediscovering the show Friends during the pandemic, and it’s built up from there. Davis believes that the 90s have returned because, much like fashion, interior design trends move in 30-year cycles, and the decade is right on schedule for a revival. “What felt dated a decade ago now reads as charming and fresh,” Davis says. “Millennials, many of whom grew up in 90s homes, are tapping into the warm familiarity of their childhood while updating it for adulthood, but with a more refined, edited eye.”Social media has additionally added fuel to the fire, with users showing off their 90s vintage finds from thrift stores and even recreating their childhood bedrooms. Design: Lindsie Davis; Photo: Madeleine LandryWhile designer Lindsie Davis recommends hanging oversized abstract prints to help bridge the decades, you can also embrace that artful approach on an entire accent wall. Photo by: Madeleine LandryHallmarks of 90s Design Rounded, overstuffed furniture. “In the 90s, rounded, overstuffed furniture was all about comfort-first living, with puffy roll-arm sofas, oversized sectionals and barrel chairs dominating living rooms,” Davis says. “Today, that same inviting shape has been reimagined with low-slung curved sofas upholstered in velvet or performance linen, modular sectionals with generous cushions and sculptural barrel chairs in leather, textured weaves or even a bold pattern.”Chintz. Interior designer Alexandra Kaehler associates 90s decor with chintz, but back then, the chintz seemed to always have “a tea-stained background or the [wallpaper] borders either felt juvenile or too fussy,” she reflects. Today, she says that chintz is coming back, but this time, it has an element of crispness, especially when paired with unexpected time periods or showcased with creamy textiles acting as a backdrop.Designer: Alexandra Kaehler; Photo: Aimée Mazzenga / JBSAEarthy neutrals, like sage green, often covered an entire room back in the 90s, and the trend is back. Photo by: Aimée Mazzenga / JBSAHoney wood tones. Although honey oak kitchen cabinets once dominated the 90s decor scene, nowadays, the sunny hue is reemerging through European oak flooring, fluted bathroom vanities, and cane-front credenzas. “Pairing these woods with matte surfaces, blackened hardware, and contemporary silhouettes immediately strip away the dated feel and highlight their natural beauty,” Davis says.Glass and chrome accents. Pointing out that glass and chrome details were once a 90s decor staple, today, Davis says that the look has “evolved into more sculptural, design-conscious pieces,” for example, a glass tabletop resting on statement bases in brass or blackened steel, airy glass pendant lights suspended over kitchen islands, or streamlined shelving units that keep sightlines open.Designer: Alexandra Kaehler; Photo: Aimée Mazzenga / JBSAA big, floral go-big-or-go-home armchair ties into Alexandra Kaehler’s view of the decade: “I associate 90s decor with chintz.” Photo by: Aimée MazzengaHow to Pull off 90s Design Trends✔️ Layer eras. If you’d like to take the plunge into 90s decor, lean toward thoughtful curation. Davis says that it’s key to avoid going “head-to-toe in era-specific pieces.” Instead, she recommends layering 90s accents with items from other periods. For instance, you can pair a rounded 90s sofa reupholstered with a fresh fabric with sleek contemporary lighting or sculptural side tables for contrast.✔️ Value quality. To bring vintage pieces of any kind into your spaces, from the 90s and beyond, Cassidy says you should opt for high-quality vintage items that are timeless. “If it was vintage and it worked in the 90s, it worked in the decades prior and post,” he says. ✔️ Play with color. “Integrate one or two 90s-inspired hues into a modern scheme, like sage green kitchen cabinets or a dusty rose accent chair,” Davis says. ✔️ Stick with the classics. Cassidy shares that he was “obsessed with Frasier Crane’s apartment in the 90s,” believing it was the height of good taste. But now, he thinks it actually looks dated. But when looking at images of Will’s apartment from Will & Grace, he says that it’s aged well and is “perfection” since it avoided trends. For this look, don’t go for the trendy stuff from the period and instead opt for classics in earthy hues, which still nods to the 90s.Related StoriesShelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she’s not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly. More

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Don’t wait until the last minute to check out your holiday decorations. The earlier you know what you need to purchase this year, the better. Stores in your area might already have holiday decor for sale. “This is exactly the right time to check, edit, and organize your holiday bins. Test the lights, review your decorations, and take stock of your entertaining items. Doing so not only saves you from rebuying what you already own, but also shows you where you may want to replace, upgrade, or add something new,” Jones says. More

1TomatoesSusumu Yoshioka//Getty ImagesMix and match flowers and veggies this fall for pairings that are both aesthetically pleasing and mutually beneficial. “Tomatoes benefit from the pest deterring properties of mums. They have similar soil and sun requirements, so they make great companions,” says Chastain.RELATED: 14 Perfect Companion Plants for Tomatoes2Marigoldswulingyun//Getty ImagesMarigolds and mums make for a visually appealing pair. “Both repel similar pests which make them great for porches. Their blooms will pop at the same time and they look beautiful in combination. Mums are taller than marigolds, so you can put the mums right behind them for a cool layered look,” says Chastain.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3SquashAna Rocio Garcia Franco//Getty ImagesAnother veggie that benefits from nearby mums? Squash. “Squash love being near mums because mums deter squash bugs. Choose upright mums to plant,” says Chastain.4Ornamental GrassGrace Cary//Getty ImagesOrnamental grasses like Panicum or Chasmanthium latifolium create a natural barrier when planted near mums. “They provide the all-important clouds between the mums—and soften any feeling of formality,” says Sarah Raven, author of the forthcoming A Year of Cut Flowers.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5PansiesMimi Ditchie Photography//Getty ImagesCreate a fuller look in your fall garden by pairing mums with pansies. “Pansies thrive near mums in the fall. Both flowers can even tolerate a light frost. The pansies will fill in some of the gaps around the mums and make your beds look lush and full,” says Chastain.6CauliflowerPhoto by Cathy Scola//Getty ImagesCauliflower and other plants in the Brassicaceae family—think broccoli, kale, and cabbage—like living alongside mums as they help deter cabbage worms.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Salviaswulingyun//Getty ImagesMix in salvias for more vertical height in your garden this fall. “They are brilliantly late and long-flowering to coincide with the mums. Go for a whopper such as Amistad or more compact varieties to tuck into the mums skirts like Cero Potosi,” says Raven.8ViolasT. I. / 500px//Getty ImagesAnother colorful addition, violas work similarly to pansies when planted near mums. “They’ll fill in those gaps as they trail and spread. You can also plant violas and mums in a container,” says Chastain.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9PeppersPramote Polyamate//Getty ImagesSimilar to tomatoes, peppers like to live alongside mums for their pest-deterring qualities. Plus, mums actually attract insects that are beneficial to peppers, making it a win-win.10HeleniumsHelaine Weide//Getty ImagesMums and heleniums share similar growing conditions, making them a great garden duo. “I love to grow and pick mums with Heleniums—given the Chelsea chop—to ensure later flowering. Go for a rusty color like the stellar, traditional Moorhead Beauty,” says Raven.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11What NOT to Plant With MumsSince mums love the sun, experts don’t recommend planting any flowers or veggies that prefer full shade nearby. There are also a few other plants you should avoid growing near mums:Peas and beans: “The mums will pull too many of the nutrients from the soil and the peas and beans won’t grow well—same with plants that need a lot of water like lettuce. Mums don’t like as much water as lettuce, so the mums may not thrive,” says Chastain.Hostas and ferns: Like lettuce, hostas, and ferns need a lot of water compared to mums. These differing care requirements make for a more difficult pairing.Dahlias: “Avoid anything too rigid and static such as dahlias. They tell too much of the same visual story and compete rather than enhance each other,” says Raven.Roses: “Roses are also a no for living next door to mums. They like to suck up all the nutrients in the soil,” says Chastain.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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

First impressions are nuanced, and that’s especially true in a home’s entryway. When a front door is opened and an entryway is revealed, it’s natural to hope that it captures your personality—while also creating enough room for everyday odds and ends. “It’s all about the balance between style and functionality, and the space can’t lean too heavily in either direction,” says designer Sasha Basso of Capiz Studio.Striking that equilibrium can be tough, which is why an entryway so often falls short of expectations. Even if you have a console table in front of beautiful wallpaper, and there’s perhaps a box or tray for mail and keys, the whole area can still get messy fast. “If you’re often in and out, or have a household with multiple people, that console may end up being more of a drop zone for clutter than a helpful surface,” says David Quarles IV, principal designer of Studio 417.Related StoryKeep that clutter in mind, because designers are sharing the number one entryway mistake you’re probably making: Skipping the part where you make a plan. It might be more fun to shop for your entryway than map it out, but careful considerations can save you from tripping over shoes or picking up a tower of mail in the future. “An entryway doesn’t have to be large to make an impact, but it does have to work hard. If it’s beautiful but not functional, it will always feel slightly chaotic. And if it’s purely functional without charm, it’s a missed opportunity,” says designer Christopher Boutlier. “The sweet spot is where utility and style meet right at the front door.” Here’s how they would fix this common mistake.Design: Capiz Studio; Photo: Kim LucianIn this San Francisco home, an antique Chinese altar table serves as entryway storage, hiding shoes and other knick-knacks. A marble mirror tray acts as a catchall for keys and mail. Photo by: Kim Lucian Visualize Your LifeAs Basso designs an entryway, she’s asking questions she needs truthful answers to. “Are shoes on or off at home? Are there car keys and bags that need a home? In the colder months, where do coats live? Who will use this area the most? Do you come through the front door, or do you actually come through the back instead? Do you really bring every shoe to another closet, or will there be a pile of 20 there by week’s end?,” she says. “It’s imperative that answers are honest, not aspirational.”While we all design with our best selves in mind, that’s not exactly the ideal approach for an entryway. Once you’re clear on how this space can support your lifestyle, you can create solutions that better reflect your reality. “It’s infinitely easier to change a piece of furniture than it is to upend years of personal habits, and nothing kills good design faster than clutter,” Basso says.Artjafara//Getty ImagesKeep clutter at bay by incorporating a variety of storage options, whether it’s an antique table with drawers or a chic woven basket for items like umbrellas. Mix Storage SolutionsIn order to make the most of your entryway, you’ll also want to plan for the type of storage you’ll need. If there’s enough square footage, Boutlier would consider built-ins, or perhaps a chest of drawers—character, with a lot of room for stuff! But if there aren’t enough inches to store items and move around comfortably, then he would get a variety of items for must-haves.“I’d get a combination of closed storage for the not-so-pretty things and open hooks or shelves for what you use daily,” he says. “I’ll often add a small decorative box or tray on top for keys and wallets so they’re always in the same place. Even a slim bench with drawers or baskets can transform the function of a small space.” Remember: don’t just buy bins and hooks to check them off your list. Settle on what should go where, and how it will be used, for best results.“You’ll want closed storage for out-of-season or multiple coats, hooks for guests who are just visiting, and shelves for shoes,” says E​​rica Leader, owner and principal designer of The Northwest Home. “This way, everything has a place and purpose.” Don’t Overlook LightingWhen it’s time to think about the aesthetic of your entryway, you should aim for smiles. “Because entryways are usually set away from the rest of a home, it can be fun to make bigger and bolder design decisions,” Basso says. “Maybe it’s a dramatic antique armoire to store coats and shoes, a unique shaped mirror to check your outfit before you leave the house, an abstract sculpted bowl to deposit keys, or opting for an unexpected pop of color with paint or wallpaper. Just because entryways are functional doesn’t mean they need to be boring!”As you source options, don’t forget one item that often doesn’t get much consideration from the start: lighting. “Add accent lighting!,” says designer Erin Tripodi. “Even if you don’t have a convenient outlet, add a cordless lamp to your foyer lamp for ambiance.” Other than matching a specific look, lighting provides a functional feature that makes it easier to put on shoes, read mail, and the like. “Entryways are often dim, which makes them feel cramped and unwelcoming,” Boutlier says. Thankfully, a well-rounded plan makes these common entryway pitfalls easier to fix.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

Changing your home’s air filter is a cheap, simple maintenance project that has a huge impact on a home’s comfort, health, and efficiency. Yet, many homeowners don’t even realize they have an air filter that needs changing, let alone when and how to change it. What happens then? A bunch of stuff, none of it good.What is an air filter?First, let’s talk about this mysterious air filter. If your home has forced-air heating, you have a furnace. Inside the furnace is a filter that air passes through before circulating throughout the home. The same goes for central air systems, though in that case, the air filter typically sits behind the main intake vent.These air filters are vital, since they protect your heating and cooling equipment from dust and debris, which helps keeping it running at maximum efficiency. Filters also capture airborne pollutants like pollen and dander from the conditioned air before it reaches living spaces in the home.When you don’t change your filter, your furnace and/or central air unit have to work harder, making them less efficient and putting added strain on their components. That means spending more on energy bills and repairs. Not changing the filter also means the air in your home isn’t as healthy as it could be. How often do air filters need to be changed?That answer depends on a few factors, including the type of filter you use, how often you run the heating or cooling, and how dirty your indoor air is. For the average home, our experts recommend replacing the filter every few months. If the heat is running full-tilt all winter and indoor air quality is bad, say from a lot of furry pets in the home, you might need to change the filter once a month during peak heating season. In opposite conditions, a single filter change when you first fire up the furnace might be enough to get you through winter. How do you change an air filter?Every home is unique, but in most cases these are the basic steps. Step 1: Find the filter. It’s usually in a housing (or “rack”) located just inside the furnace or the nearby return air duct. Either way, it should be accessible, though you might have to remove a cover. Before taking out the old filter, look for an arrow on its cardboard frame indicating airflow direction. Make a note of the direction, as well as the size of the filter, which should also be clearly printed on the frame. Tip: Take a picture of the filter with your phone to keep this info handy.Step 2: Get a replacement. Air filters are sold at home centers, hardware stores, and online. They typically cost around $20 per filter, though you’ll pay more for filters with high capture rate (meaning they’ll snag more pollutants as air passes through them).Step 3: Install the new filter. Double-check the direction the filter should be installed, then slide it into place. Keep a record of the date so that you’ll know when it’s time to change the filter again.You might want to consider upgrading your air filter. Most forced-air systems have a flimsy 1-inch cardboard filter that’s good, but not great, at cleaning the air. A 4-inch pleated filter has much more surface area, so it’s going to capture many more particulates. Just note that in order to make this upgrade, you’ll need to bring in a professional to modify the rack that the filter sits in.I’VE GOT MORE 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

Some household habits—like leaving the laundry to sit unfolded overnight—are harmless, but others can quietly ruin your appliances. One of the most common? Putting your iron away with water still in the tank. Even a small amount of water left inside can seep through the steam holes, discolor the soleplate, or corrode the internal parts. To extend the life of your appliance, always empty the reservoir after use and let the iron cool completely before putting it away. The type of water you use matters, too. In most homes, tap water is fine, but if you live in an area with hard water, a 50/50 mix of tap and distilled water will reduce mineral buildup. It’s also smart to avoid softened water from a whole-home filtration system, since it’s often treated with salt, which can leave deposits that can create blockages and impede steam flow. Maintenance is equally important. Soleplate residue typically forms when synthetic or natural fibers melt or fuse onto the iron’s base at high temperatures. These fibers can snag and stain clothes if not addressed. To prevent this from happening, iron low-temperature fabrics like silk and nylon first, then move on to cotton and linen. You should also allow spray starch to soak in before pressing. If buildup does occur, light deposits can be removed with baking soda. Simply dampen a cloth or non-scratch scrubber, dip it into baking soda, rub the surface, then wipe clean. For heavier residue, clean your iron with a solution like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner. Ultimately, keeping your iron in top shape is all about prevention. Using the right type of water, emptying the tank after each use, and giving it an occasional clean may feel like negligible steps, but they pay off in a big way: better-looking clothes and an iron that stays reliable for years.Need a New Iron? Here Are Our Top-Tested PicksBest OverallCHI Steam Iron for ClothesBest ValueBLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam IronNow 14% OffBest CordlessPanasonic Cordless Steam/Dry IronRelated StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More