Aurelia Butler

In the homeowner hierarchy of desirable features, right after “location, location, location” may very well come “light, light, light.” Even the most compact house feels roomier — and is a happier place to live in — when you can blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Milgard AX550 Moving Glass Walls are perhaps the ultimate way to achieve that, flooding your interiors with natural light as well as, when you slide or fold them open, fresh air. Their versatility, sophisticated design and cutting-edge engineering are key reasons these glass walls won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award, says the Good Housekeeping Institute’s home improvement and outdoor director, Dan DiClerico. “An update on the traditional patio door, these multipanel systems are one of the hottest trends in home design,” he says, adding that he made use of the feature on his own most recent home renovation. “It wasn’t cheap, but it’s the best decision we made on the project.”Let’s take a look at a few of the Milgard AX550 features that impressed our expert engineers and editors.Seamless TransitionsCourtesy of MilgardThe large glass panels let you both see and step outside virtually unobstructed. The aluminum frames, which come in four colors (clear anodized, dark bronze anodized, white and tan) are narrow to maximize sightlines, so you seem to be surrounded by the scenery even when you’re sitting squarely in the middle of your living room. The luxurious expanse of glass allows previously distinct indoor and outdoor areas to merge in a way traditional windows and doors can’t achieve. And if you frequently use your outdoor space for entertaining, you’ll find that moving walls can significantly improve the flow of a party: There’s no longer a traffic jam at the single door to the deck. With the walls swung open or folded back, your terrace, patio or porch essentially becomes part of an open-concept living space. Multiple Opening OptionsCourtesy of MilgardMilgard AX550 Moving Glass Walls come in three configurations: bifold, stacking and pocket. With the bifold doors, each panel — as few as three, as many as five in one wall — folds over onto the next one, accordion-style, as in the photo above. Because the doors are top-hung, they always glide smoothly, even at the maximum wall size of 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide.Stacking doors — you might think of them as “sliders” — have a fixed panel plus one, two or three additional panels that travel horizontally in their tracks, so that all come to rest “stacked” in front of the stationary panel. Pocket doors, as the name conveys, slide into the wall and completely disappear from view. “Pockets deliver the cleanest look and most unobstructed views, but you need an ample wall cavity for the doors to recess into, so we see them most on new construction,” says DiClerico. Optimal Energy EfficiencyCourtesy of MilgardThe Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award judges also noted that Milgard glass walls do an impressive job of climate control. “There can be a blizzard blowing, or it can be blazing hot, and you won’t feel a thing inside, thanks to the airtight design and meticulous engineering,” says DiClerico. The panels are manufactured with dual-pane, insulated “low-E” (short for low-emissivity) glass. The low-E coating reflects heat toward the outside in the summer and keeps it inside in colder weather. Result: Your indoor temperatures are more consistent year-round, so you stay comfortable, and your energy bills stay reasonable. (As an added bonus, the coating also better protects rugs and furniture from fading.)Those who embrace the indoor-outdoor aesthetic have likely already gone to some lengths to add beauty and atmosphere to their outdoor areas: plush seating, shade-providing awnings or umbrellas, maybe a firepit. If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to take the next step, Milgard AX550 Moving Glass Walls are the ultimate upgrade. For something that’s designed to virtually disappear, they’re a major statement-maker. More

With retro kitchens making a comeback, there’s a surge of colorful appliances that make a statement. While you may dream of a charming pink refrigerator or mint green stove, kitchen appliances are a big investment — especially if your current machines are fully functional. That’s why homeowners have taken to painting major appliances, from washing machines and dishwashers to smaller fixtures, like a stand mixer or microwave.If you’ve scrolled Instagram or TikTok recently, you may have seen an influencer or two take a paint roller to their kitchen appliance. One such content creator is Krista Mcewan, who gave her 10-year-old refrigerator, stove and microwave a total face lift for less than $100. “I had my eye on white and gold appliances for a while, but I was having a hard time justifying the prices,” she says. “I’m so happy with the result. It’s been a year and there’s no scratches, peeling or chips.” If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly way to revamp your kitchen design, painting your appliances is a genius idea to add a fresh splash of color. Alternatively, you can apply a neutral coat of paint to old appliances to squeeze a few more years out of them — saving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in the meantime. What to consider before painting appliances:Before rolling up your sleeves to tackle this viral DIY project, there’s a lot to consider — from prep work to finding the right paint. Here, Dan DiClerico, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab director, shares his expert advice, so you can personalize your home without stress.Never paint a brand-new appliance.Just in case something goes wrong, we wouldn’t recommend painting a newer appliance. An older appliance that still runs well but looks a little drab is the best candidate for a fresh coat of paint.Prep the appliance.After cleaning the surface thoroughly, lightly sand the surface with 180-grit paper. The slight abrasion will give the primer something to grab on to. The primer coat is key. Go with a water-based bonding primer designed for metal and other hard, glossy surfaces, like Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer.April Haus, popular for her home decorating videos, recently painted her KitchenAid mixer for the second time and a mini fridge in her laundry room. Her best piece of advice? Don’t skip the prep work. “Having a clean surface with a de-glossed finish is imperative for the paint job to last.” Protect your surrounding space.While you can paint smaller appliances outside, you may have no choice but to paint large appliances (like dishwashers and stoves) indoors. First, make sure the appliance is unplugged. Remove any handles or badges, then protect the floors and surrounding cabinets with drop cloths and painter’s tape. Buy the right paint. Enamel paints are best for the finish coat. They’re specially formulated to dry to a durable, glossy finish. Ideal for DIYers, enamel paints combine the easy application of water-based paints with the hardness of oil-based paint for a tough finish that does a good job repelling moisture, stains and scuffs. Influencer Erica Stolman Dowdy paints the majority of her white washing machine a pretty pink shade, using painter’s tape to section off the top area. After allowing it to dry, she carefully peels back the paint to reveal what she calls a “strawberries and cream washing machine.” Don’t rush the process. The project is DIY-friendly, but to do it right, you’re still going to eat up the better part of a weekend, especially with the drying time needed between coats. Hint: Using a paint sprayer can speed up the project. Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Whether your home is cooled by a central air conditioning system or you have window units placed throughout, air conditioners — like humidifiers, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners — need routine cleaning and maintenance to last through years of use and keep you and your family cool and comfortable all summer long. Dust and dirt that build up on the filters and internal parts cause these important home comfort appliances to work harder and less efficiently, making them more likely to break down. Plus, who wants dust and allergens spewing back into the air your family breathes? Related StoriesAccording to Dan DiClerico, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, “Seasonal top-to-bottom maintenance check-ups of a home’s central air conditioning condenser, coolants, ductwork and more are best left to professional services, but there are things you can do yourself to help keep your unit — whether window or central — pumping out cool, dry air all season.”Note: Before attempting to clean any air conditioner, check your model’s owner’s manual or the company’s website for cleaning recommendations and precautions to keep from voiding the manufacturer’s warranty on your unit. How to clean a central air conditionerWe checked the cleaning and maintenance recommendations of Carrier, a major manufacturer of central air conditioning systems. They suggest these cleaning steps to keep the exterior and interior parts of your home’s central air conditioning humming. How to clean the outdoor condenser and compressor It’s best to tackle this cleaning job at the very start of the season and then just clean away debris whenever you see it, such as after a storm.Cut back any shrubs or plants from around the unit that may be blocking the airflow. Two feet of clearance will allow air to circulate freely, giving the unit room to breathe.Sweep away any loose debris that’s accumulated around the base. Remove leaves, twigs or anything stuck in the grille slats with a shop vacuum, utility vacuum or brush.Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the unit before undertaking any wet cleaning steps. Wash away dried, stuck-on dirt from the sides and top grilles with a brush dipped in a sudsy water solution. With a garden hose held at a 45-degree angle, rinse away the detergent from the outside and, without removing the outer grille, flush as much dirt as you can from the interior coils too. Note: Never use a power washer to clean the coils. The strong force can damage them. Some sites recommend removing the outer grille to better clean the coils and straighten any bent fins. We think this is best left to a professional. Serenethos//Getty ImagesHow to clean interior vents and filtersMake cleaning interior vent covers and swapping out filters part of your regular cleaning routine. Vacuum the slats of wall, ceiling and floor registers where the cool air blows into a room with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush tool. Check and replace the return-air vent filter (where the air from your house goes back out to be cooled) every three months or so, depending on your home and family needs. Active homes with pets or allergy-sufferers should replace it every month or two. Homes where the air conditioning isn’t constantly running or where heavier filters are installed can go longer, maybe even up to a year, between replacements.How to clean a window air conditionerAlways give window units a cleaning before installing them in the spring and again before storing them for the winter. Then, follow these steps mid-season as needed. Regularly vacuum the front grilles, body and control panel with a soft dusting brush tool to remove loose dirt. If needed, wipe areas clean with a slightly damp cloth. Check the foam filter monthly. If needed, vacuum it on low suction with the upholstery tool to remove dirt, lint and hair. If the foam filter is very dirty, dip it in warm, sudsy water to clean it and then rinse well. Allow it to air dry thoroughly before placing it back into the air conditioner. If your unit has a remote control, clean it regularly with a moist — not wet — cloth or disinfecting wipe. Remove the batteries before doing so and make sure no moisture works its way inside.This is also a good time to inspect the seals around the unit to make sure cold air isn’t escaping. Any leaks should be sealed with weatherstripping.The takeawayIn short, all air conditioners need regular maintenance and cleaning to work their best. Each spring and once or so mid-season, clear away exterior debris, vacuum or wash dirt from vents and grilles and change or wash filters as the unit’s manufacturer recommends. For more in-depth maintenance of central air conditioning systems or if anything malfunctions, it’s best to call a professional. Related StoriesCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Antiques never fail to inject a dose of old-school charm and character into a room. Whether it’s an oil painting above the mantel or a stylish console in an entryway, these secondhand furniture pieces have a way of taking any room from basic to unique. Antique shopping is more popular than ever as retro designs come back into style and consumers increasingly reject disposable home decor. With a heightened focus on sustainable living, more people are choosing to invest in quality pieces that are built to last a lifetime. But if you’re new to the world of antique shopping, you may have lots of questions: What should I look for in an antique? Can I negotiate the price? What should I never buy at a flea market? To help you find one-of-a-kind treasures and score great deals, we spoke to Patrick Dragonette, an antiques dealer and founder of Dragonette Ltd. “Knowledge is your best friend,” he says (and we couldn’t agree more).From conducting thorough research before venturing out to learning what to look for and how to negotiate the price, this beginner’s guide will tell you what you need to know.Design by Ashley Montgomery Design, Photo by Lauren MillerHow to Shop for Antiques✔️ Create a Shopping ListThe first step is to stay focused on exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re on the hunt for a piece of living room furniture or artwork for a specific spot in your home, take careful measurements and snap pictures of the space to reference when shopping. Browse inspiration online and take notice of various design styles, eras and color palettes that you’re drawn to. Sure, you may come across unexpected treasures while antiquing, but knowing your personal style and narrowing down your search is key.✔️ Do Your HomeworkYou’ll have better luck antiquing if you have a bit of background knowledge. For example, if you’re on the hunt for an Art Deco console table, educate yourself on the style, research popular furniture makers of the time and study distinguishing details that are characteristic to this specific piece of furniture. “In many cases, objects can have identifying marks, as can artworks, and if you understand the marks, that can make all the difference,” says Dragonette, who adds that these markings can help you expect what to pay.Inspired by CharmDraw inspiration from Michael Wurm Jr. of Inspired by Charm and create a gallery wall with vintage art in the living room.✔️ Shop AroundThere’s no shortage of places to find great antiques. If the piece you’re shopping for involves a significant financial investment, purchasing from a reliable and reputable dealer is essential. Here are some places to check out:✔️ Carefully Inspect the PiecePay attention to details, carefully eyeing pieces from every angle — and don’t rush a purchase. For example, if you’re checking out a bedroom dresser, look at every area including the back and the bottom — even if you have to kneel down and get a little dirty! Open cabinet doors and drawers, check hardware and look for potential damage, such as chips and cracks, as well as a signature, maker’s label and the year it was made. Careful inspection provides clues to whether the piece is an original or an imitation, reveals its condition and helps you make a more informed offer.As for finding labels, Dragonette says, “Sometimes it’s very direct and other times ciphers or coded marks can be used.” He explains that furniture can be a little trickier, since in many cases, it will not be marked. That’s where another piece of advice comes in handy — don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions. Lisa RomereinEnhance the look of a low-profile headboard by placing antique artwork just a few inches above it.✔️ Make an OfferUnlike buying clothes or groceries, shopping for antiques typically allows room for negotiating the price — a valuable skill that takes practice! While it’s not uncommon to offer a lower amount than the listing price, Dragonette says, “If there’s a big gap in the asking price and offer, it might be better to say something like, “I really like this but I’m afraid it’s out of my price range. What would you be willing to accept? I can pay cash.”If the seller accepts your offer, Dragonette advises against backtracking and saying you want to think about it. “My advice regarding negotiations is never make an offer if you are not ready to stand behind it.”Before making an offer, ask yourself the following questions: Is the price on par with similar pieces you’ve seen? What is the highest amount you are willing to pay?Is the item in good condition or will it require repairs that will cost additional money? Design by Mary Patton, Photo by Molly CulverAntiques You Should Never to Buy 🛑 Items That Potentially Contain LeadBecause regulations regarding lead weren’t put in place until 1971, there’s a chance it may be present in antique items such as ornately painted dishes, crystal glassware or a dresser with chipping paint. This can pose a potential health risk, especially if the items are cracked, chipped and used on a regular basis.🛑 UpholsteryUnless you are planning on reupholstering the piece or it’s been refurbished, stay away from upholstered furniture like sofas, armchairs or upholstered headboards. Along with antique textiles such as decorative pillows or rugs, upholstery may contain bed bugs, mold and mildew. 🛑 Baby FurnitureNever buy an antique crib or cradle, unless its purpose is decorative only. Mandatory crib safety standards went into effect in 2011, and antique cribs are likely to pose a safety risk for babies. In fact, be wary of all secondhand baby items, especially anything that’s over 10 years old. 🛑 Anything With a Suspicious Price Tag “If the deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is,” Dragonette warns. Just as a surprisingly low price tag is suspicious, so is an excessively high one. “Remember, just because you see something on the internet at a high price, doesn’t mean it will sell for that amount,” Dragonette adds. In addition to helping you recognize makers and avoid imitations, being armed with knowledge is key to gauging an item’s value. Related 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