Aurelia Butler

Many people admire the allure of open-concept layouts, often considered a hallmark of a modern interior. But, as a home editor, I’m noticing more designers lean into closed-concept floor plans — a trend that ties hand-in-hand with the desire for personalized interiors (and the downfall of minimalism). Think of it this way: It’s easier to go bold in the dining room, when it’s not attached to the kitchen or part of your home office. To feed my curiosity about the rise of closed-concept floor plans, I reached out to 11 interior designers and overwhelmingly, they all agreed: Homeowners are embracing closed-concept layouts.What’s Trending in Home DesignIn the years following the pandemic, people continue to spend more time at home. They crave personalized spaces that reflect their lifestyle and they’re turning to closed-concept floor plans. “Open-concepts have lost their luster a bit with clients,” says interior designer Allison Handler. “People want more designated spaces, with specific purposes, rather than just designated areas of a larger room.” Don’t worry: The open-concept layout isn’t dead (we’ll dive deeper in a few), but designers are seeing a clear shift. When asked whether homeowners are seeking closed-concept layouts, here’s what the pros had to say:”Yes! Across the board, we are finding that homeowners need separate spaces to break up and silo different functions of the home.” — Dan Mazzarini, principal of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE”Absolutely! Clients are requesting closed-concept layouts, or hybrid spaces, that offer flexibility to close off certain areas when needed.” — Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. “Yes. While open concepts remain popular, many homeowners are recognizing the benefits of having more defined rooms.” — Krystal Reinhard of Old Soul Design StudioBrian Wetzel PhotoEnter through double doors to discover this dark and moody media room, designed by Krystal Reinhard. Photo by: Brian WetzelWhy do homeowners prefer a closed-concept layout?Designers find homeowners are leaning toward more traditional, closed-concept floor plans. Here’s why:There’s more design versatility. Closed-concept interiors can lead to major design moments. “With one big space, you only have one design move. With smaller spaces, you can have a bit more fun,” says Kevin Kaminski of Kaminski + Pew. Think floral wallpaper in the dining room, green cabinetry in the kitchen and a dark, moody living room. “The opportunity to bring different design aesthetics into each room allows us to make spaces feel really unique and personal,” adds Victoria Armour, co-owner of Stil James. “In a closed-concept layout, each room can have its own personality, empowering our homeowners to make bolder choices that could feel overwhelming in an open floor plan.”Not to mention, “more wall space allows for built-ins, art displays and other design elements that might not work as well in an open-concept space,” according to Gideon Mendelson, founder of Mendelson Group.Design: Stil James; Photo: Carolina AndradeIndividual rooms feel cozy and private. A closed-concept layout creates designated zones, giving each room a distinct purpose and function. Imagine this: The kitchen is intended for cooking, the living room is designed for relaxation and the playroom is reserved for quality time with family. Especially among families with children, homeowners want to close doors and step into private, personal spaces. And for those who work from home, “the ability to close an office door helps keep work life separate from personal time,” says Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors.There’s less noise.With walls to absorb sound, open-concept layouts can feel loud and echoey. Homeowners often complain about the noise and distraction of a large, open area. “By creating closed spaces, it’s more difficult for sounds and noise to travel between rooms,” says Mark Schubert, founder of Phillip Harrison InteriorsIt’s easier to stay organized. Another disadvantage of open layouts is that all of your belonging are on full display, which can make it difficult to stay organized and clean up when expecting guests.”Even though the open concept is touted as effortless, in reality, it means everything in your whole house needs to be put away for it to look presentable,” says Peter Spalding, co-founder and chief creative officer of Daniel House Club. “Walls mean some rooms can be closed off when visitors come.”Adam Kane MacchiaThis bright dining room, designed by BHDM, is located off the kitchen. Photo by: Adam Kane MacchiaAre open-concept spaces going out of style?Short answer: No, open-concept layouts are still popular. “While open-concept layouts won’t disappear entirely, more people are starting to recognize their limitations,” says Chiprut, who sees the trend moving toward balance, where open spaces coexist with closed rooms. Designers say closed-concept layouts aren’t taking over completely — there’s an evolving preference for flexible layouts that can incorporate both open and closed elements. For example, expect to see media rooms, playrooms and home offices tucked behind doors. There’s also the option of pocket doors or archways for flexibility. Design: Stil James; Photo: Carolina AndradeHere, the dining room is separate from the rest of the house but an open doorway allows you to see into the kitchen for a semi-open feel. Photo by: Carolina Andrade”The trend has gone more to a semi-open concept rather than fully open or closed,” says Handler. “In this concept, the rooms are clearly defined and separated, but still opened with no doors, just trimmed openings to separate them.”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

1Zapping curtain static with hairspray. John keeble//Getty Images2Soaking your shower head in vinegar overnight.picture alliance//Getty ImagesGrandma isn’t completely wrong here. However, we’d like to offer a modification to the process of cleaning your shower head with vinegar. “Overnight is a bit long, and I think it may damage some high-end fixture finishes. It’s best to just scrub the head with a brush dipped in vinegar,” says Forté.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Storing linens with waxpaper.AdShooter//Getty ImagesCreating a wax paper barrier between linens might sound like a good idea to prevent color from transferring. However, any exposure to high temperatures, and there’s a chance the wax could melt and transfer to your linens. If you’re concerned about color transferring, try acid-free tissue paper instead just to be safe. 4Running air vent covers in the dishwasher. KangeStudio//Getty ImagesThe dishwasher can work wonders on a variety of surprising items. However, there are certain things that, although might technically be safe to throw in there, aren’t necessarily recommended. Forté says that as long as the vent covers aren’t uncoated aluminum, there’s no harm. “But it’s a bit gross,” she adds. Plus, the excess dust and debris could clog the dishwasher’s filter. We think it’s worth passing on this one. Sorry, grandma!Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Wiping down windows with newspaper. Nastasic//Getty Images6Soaking clothes in salt water to prevent color fading. Omar Shamsuddin//Getty ImagesThe Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab has tested the theory that soaking clothes in salt water or vinegar can prevent color fading. Unfortunately, the results were not in grandma’s favor. According to Forté, if your fabric color runs, it’s probably because the item was not finished properly. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Using club soda to remove stains.Halyna Romaniv//Getty ImagesIn Good Housekeeping Lab tests, club soda did not work any better than plain water in removing stains from clothing. If you’re looking for the best products to remove stains, check out our Lab-tested winners. 8Cleaning wood floors with vinegar. T3 Magazine//Getty ImagesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Vacuuming ruins carpets.urbazon//Getty ImagesIf grandma has told you too much vacuuming can ruin your carpet, don’t worry. “Regular vacuuming removes the gritty dirt that can abrade carpet fibers and helps fluff the pile and remove dust,” says Forté.10Running vinegar through your iron to clear clogged holes. Ekaterina Goncharova//Getty ImagesWhile relying on trusty-old vinegar to unclog holes in your iron may sound like a safe bet, our cleaning experts don’t recommend it. “Putting anything other than water inside an iron or garment steamer can damage the internal parts,” says Forté.RELATED: The Genius Ironing Tip You Were Never TaughtLaura 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.Expert consulted:Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn 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.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

As a design writer, there’s nothing I love more than a luxury hotel stay. I can’t get enough of the comfy sheets, spacious bathrooms and plush robes, all of which can take an ordinary, hectic travel day and make it feel like a relaxing spa getaway. I appreciate that hotel rooms are pared down when it comes to stuff, but they offer plenty of eye candy nonetheless. It’s fun to stay in a room that closely reflects a property’s natural surroundings or history or simply has a welcoming, vibrant energy. Luxury hotel rooms are by no means cookie cutter and always appear both elevated and elegant, thanks to the inspiring color palettes and materials present.Considering how often I visit hotels (I’m usually on a plane at least twice per month, if that gives you any sense of how much I travel!), I can’t help but to find decorating inspiration for my New York City apartment—or future home down the road.Below, I’m sharing eight key design takeaways from recent trips to top hotels across the globe. There’s something for everyone, no matter your design style, home size or color preference. Don’t Shy Away From Pattern MixingCourtesy of Riggs Washington D.C. The Riggs in Washington, D.C., proves that there’s no reason not to go a little bold with pattern mixing. As soon as I set foot in my guest room, I was blown away by the stunning marbleized wallpaper behind the bed as well as the colorful headboard that complements the print perfectly. So much of the time, we’re hesitant to try a daring bedroom look, but in my opinion, establishing a focal point in the room like this one is an excellent way to anchor the space. Keeping the bedding white and minimalistic allows these two graphic patterns to shine, while ensuring that the overall result doesn’t appear too visually overwhelming. Courtesy of Riggs Washington D.C.Go for a Loud Wall ColorThe remainder of this room at The Riggs pulls from the coral bolster pillow on the bed; this color is carried over onto the walls, drapery and even the rug. Again, there is nothing wrong with making a daring choice in a bedroom as long as you keep clutter, decor and furniture to a minimum, as shown here. Upgrade Your Bed With a Canopy Gleneagles TownhouseGleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, proves that canopies are back in a big way, and they aren’t just for children’s sleep spaces. Consider placing one behind your bed alongside (or in lieu of) a traditional headboard. It’s an excellent way to add a pop of color to any bedroom while evoking a grand, timeless look, even if you leave yours tied back most of the time. Add Dimension to the Walls With MoldingAdditionally, don’t underestimate the power of two-toned walls. If your bedroom features picture frame molding, paint it in a statement hue. The dark green shade used here at Gleneagles has a sophisticated flair and adds dimension to the room. Picture frame molding can be renter-friendly, too. You can add picture frame molding to your space as well! Cut molding strips to size and adhere them to the walls with double-sided mounting tape for easy removal down the line. You could also choose to paint inside of the molding in order to create a different kind of two-toned look, as seen here at The Plaza New York in New York City. The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed HotelAnother option is to place wallpaper inside of picture frame molding boxes, as seen in this Plaza suite. This is a great way to embrace pattern on a slightly smaller scale. The end result here is reminiscent of classic chinoiserie panels. The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed HotelTry a Lengthy HeadboardThe Ingalls Who says your headboard can’t span an entire wall? This fabric-covered beauty at the Austin Proper Hotel in Austin, TX, not only looks cozy, but also adds a welcome layer of texture and pattern to this airy guest room. Not only do oversized fabric-covered headboards of this nature look cool, but they also can serve an excellent functional purpose: blocking sound. If you live in close quarters and share walls with roommates or noisy neighbors, you may consider making a DIY headboard like this. With some MDF board, foam and the fabric of your choosing, you could easily replicate this look, all the while enjoying a custom piece that doesn’t break the bank. Lean Your ArtRosewood MayakobaArtwork doesn’t need to hang on the walls to make a statement. The leaning approach looks chic and casual in this room at the Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, but it’s also an excellent solution for renters (or those who like to redecorate often, myself included!). There’s no need to worry about hammering nails into the wall (or determining how to mount a sizable piece like this one). Simply lean framed work on a table, floating shelf or ledge (or even on the floor, if it’s large enough) and it will still look right at home in your space. Make Your Nightstand MultifunctionalJérôme GallandAs a small-space dweller, I’m always inspired by how others make the most of a room with minimal square footage. One way to pull this off is to take a cue from La Fantaisie in Paris and opt for a petite end table next to the bed instead of a traditional nightstand. The top of the table still offers plenty of surface space to accommodate a phone, water glass, book and more at night, but by day, it can easily transform into a desk or vanity as needed. Simply tuck a pretty ottoman underneath as seen here, and you’re golden! Pattern Drench Like a Pro100 Princes StreetWhy not go all in with one singular pattern for a maximalist look? Take a cue from the concept of color drenching, which entails applying one shade (or a few related tones) to the entirety of a room and do just that with pattern instead. At 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, a beautiful green and blue tartan makes its way from the bedding to the wallpaper to the curtains in this guest suite.100 Princes StreetIn order to prevent a room like this from appearing too busy, it’s important to keep the remainder of your color scheme consistent. Here, furniture and decorative pieces rooted in black and gold help to ground the space throughout. Painting the ceiling a solid white ensures that the room does not appear too dark despite the presence of so many deep, saturated colors. Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More

Every year, there seems to be dozens of new holiday decorating trends (most of which call for purchasing more and more decor), and it feels almost impossible to decipher which are truly worth the time, money and effort. Luckily, we called in the real experts, Drew and Jonathan Scott, because who better to share some wisdom on the subject than the two brothers bringing us stunning home products and new hit television shows like Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers? Not to mention, the duo loves the holidays.“This is absolutely our favorite time of the year because who do you think taught the elves to build stuff? The Property Brothers,” says Jonathan. The pair stopped by Good Housekeeping’s New York office to share their best decorating advice for the holiday season. So whether you’ve been attempting to decode the latest decor trends on your own or simply can’t decide between a real or artificial tree this year, read on for Drew and Jonathan’s best advice.Tatiana Sviridova//Getty ImagesBe careful when decorating with glass ornaments.Although Jonathan admits that he decorates his tree entirely with glass ornaments, Drew recommends being extra careful, especially if you have kids or pets. “Just move the glass ornaments up away from where the kids can get to them,” he says.If you’re really into glass ornaments but have small children, Jonathan has a more creative solution: “We boxed out the tree at the bottom with little artificial gifts and that kind of keeps them back.”Don’t feel obligated to decorate with strictly red and green.While red and green are, of course, the most classic Christmas colors, that doesn’t mean you need to decorate with them all the time. “Whatever your personality is, bring it out in your holiday decor,” says Drew. Decorate With PersonalityStay away from excessive signage.Whether it’s “Ho Ho Ho” or “Let It Snow,” it’s not necessary to spell out all of your favorite holiday messages in your home. Instead, try designing a space that evokes the magic of the holidays naturally. “You have to make sure it’s classy. You don’t want something tacky. It can get real cheesy, real fast,” says Jonathan.Go with flameless candles. Although candles can be great for setting the mood and creating a cozy atmosphere, the Scott brothers agree that there’s too much at stake when it comes to using real candles for holiday decorating. “Flameless candles are the way to go,” says Drew. Say goodbye to all-things-glitter. While Jonathan doesn’t have much of an issue with glitter, Drew says it’s a hard no: “Do what you want in your own house, but don’t send someone else a decor item that has glitter because you can never get it out of your home.”Artificial trees all the way. If Drew and Jonathan agree on anything, it’s the fact that artificial trees are far superior to real trees. Messy pine needles, dying branches and manual light stringing are not worth the hassle, according to the experts. “Artificial trees are the way to go because one, you don’t have to cut down a tree. Two, they last as long as you want to keep them,” says Jonathan. “And the greatest part: trees that come with the lights already strung. And the ones we design, when the pole attaches to the different sections, it auto illuminates. You don’t have to do anything.”Visit Good Housekeeping’s TikTok for more design advice from the Property Brothers!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

When it comes to cleaning your home, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Take, for example, mixing lights and darks on laundry day. You already know that’s a great way to end up turning your favorite white T-shirt a rosy shade. But there are some less obvious cleaning faux pas the pros say they see all the time. Some of these slip-ups simply cost you extra time, while others may actually do damage to your home and the things inside of it. Here are cleaning habits the experts — professional cleaners who are in and out of messy homes every day — say you should quit ASAP. Not reading the instructions. Sure, there are plenty of great multi-purpose sprays out there that can safely be used on a variety of surfaces, but it pays to always double-check the package instructions. And if you’re using DIY cleaners, be sure you’re schooled on what solutions are compatible with the various surfaces in your home. For example, you shouldn’t use dish soap or vinegar on natural stone, says Chris Willat, founder of Alpine Maids in Denver. FYI!Using too much cleaner. More isn’t better, either, says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, a cleaning company in Phoenix. “Overusing products, especially on floors, leaves sticky residue that can actually attract dirt,” he says. “A small amount goes a long way, and it’ll help your surfaces stay cleaner longer.” Mixing different cleaning products.A duo of bleach and ammonia might sound like a powerhouse for a tough mess, but this combo creates dangerous gasses, says Knoll. “Leave the chemistry experiments to the pros.”Another Good Thing to KnowOverloading the dishwasher.Many think they’re saving time, water and energy by cramming their appliance full of stuff, but dishes need some breathing room for a sparkling clean finish. “A good rule of thumb when loading the dishwasher is if the water can’t reach it, it won’t get clean,” says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab. Vacuuming without changing the filter.“A lot of people forget to clean out the filters, but a clogged filter sends dirt back into the air and around the home,” says Knoll. It also reduces suction power, increases energy consumption and can even ruin your machine over time. “Replacing the filter or washing it out only takes a few minutes and will get the vacuum working like new again,” says Knoll.Leaving wet towels or clothes in a pile.When wet, towels — or any fabrics for that matter — are breeding grounds for mold, especially in humid climates. Hang towels or other laundry up to dry after use to prevent that musty smell and keep bacteria from multiplying.Mopping without sweeping first.Yes, even if you don’t see visible dirt, you need to sweep or vacuum prior to mopping. “Routine sweeping and vacuuming prevents grit from scratching up your floors,” says Knoll. Not maintaining your cleaning tools.“All supplies should be taken care of as soon as a clean is completed,” says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. “Rags should be cleaned, bottles wiped off (this is especially true if using bleach-based cleaners and vacuums cleaned out.” It’s not just a good habit — it keeps everything in good, working order and even extends the life of your supplies. MORE FROM OUR PROSBrigitt 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

You’re walking into your new home without any furniture when your dream couch arrives. Now, it’s time to figure out furniture placement. Where does it go?Chances are you’re already imagining a couch pressed up against a wall. While that may seem like the best idea to create more space, it can actually cause more harm than good. “People often believe they’re adding space to a room, but instead, they may make it feel smaller and disjointed,” says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer of Silo Studios. “Flow space is incredibly important when laying out a room. You want to make sure there is enough open area around furniture for energy to move freely.”If this goes against everything you once thought about space planning, you’re not alone. We spoke to several interior designers, and most agreed that pushing furniture up against the wall is just a natural instinct. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be broken. Below, design pros share the reasons why you shouldn’t always push your furniture against the wall, along with tips on how to change your layout for the better. It can limit conversation.Design by Studio Seva, Photo by Coley StevensIf you place your couch and other seating against the walls, you might unintentionally create a more distant atmosphere where conversation doesn’t flow as well. “Creating space between the furniture and the walls promotes better flow and a more functional floor plan, says Steph Schlegelmilch, founder and creative director of Studio Seva. “As long as there’s adequate walking room, it allows the space to breathe and feel more open while also creating an intimate and conversational setting.” Moving around the house might be more difficult. Floating furniture in the center of a space doesn’t only apply to living rooms. Think about the dining room, for example. Although dining nooks or booths in the corner of a room can work well for smaller spaces, it often makes most sense to enhance the flow of a space by allowing for more room around the table. “Your dining room is used every day, and it’s so important that people can move comfortably around the table,” says Victoria Armour of Stil James.When you think about any space, keeping furniture pressed up against the wall, although it can create more space in the center, limits pathways around the house. There’s only one way to get to the other side of the room, and that’s through the middle of everything. It can throw the space off balance. Design by Silo Studios, Photo by Marc MauldinThis smaller space designed by Silo Studios creates balance by floating different elements throughout. Photo by: Marc MauldinSometimes, especially in small spaces, you simply might not have enough room to float furniture away from the walls. In that case, it’s all about balance. If your couch or television console is pushed against the wall, try floating smaller pieces throughout the room. “In a smaller living space, it’s perfectly fine to place a couch against the wall. Sometimes you don’t have an option. Just try to balance it with other elements and float the accent chairs in the space so everything isn’t hugged up against the wall,” says Eisenhart.However, if you have a larger space to work with, designers recommend maintaining that distance, even if it’s just a few inches, to keep the room balanced. Related StoryYou could have an awkward space between furniture.Although it might not sound possible, there is such a thing as too much space, especially in a large living room. “With all of the biggest furniture volumes pushed up against the wall, the room ends up feeling like it has a void in the center. Also, so often the sofa ends up awkwardly far from the coffee table, from armchairs, etc.,” says Amelia Strat and Anna Kroesser of Kroesser + Strat Design.If you can’t reach the coffee table from where you’re sitting, your first instinct might be to move the table closer to your couch. Instead, try pushing your couch inwards. The result will be a centered, balanced room without any awkward space. Your furniture might sink into the background.Read McKendreeInstead of being tucked into a corner, the floating accent chair acts as a statement piece for all to admire. As a homeowner, the last thing you want to happen after spending money on furniture is for all of it to sink into the background. We intentionally purchase pieces we love so that we can admire and use them every day. Why not do all we can to make each one stand out? “Resisting the urge to push furniture against the walls can transform a room from being stiff and boxy to warm and dimensional, ” says Sarah West of Sarah West Interiors. “And as a bonus, by floating key pieces, like a sofa or an armchair, it lets each piece of furniture shine on its own, turning the space into an engaging, layered experience rather than a single, static view.”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

Kayla Kane lives in a studio apartment in San Francisco. And while the idea of having a studio apartment in a big city is often romanticized (Carrie Bradshaw, we’re looking at you), let’s just say actually finding one and living there is not always a piece of cake. Apartment hunting is a long and strenuous process, and oftentimes one seemingly minor positive feature can tip the scales and end the search. For Kane, that was an abnormally large closet. “When I walked into this apartment, I knew within point five seconds that I was going to take it because I saw that the closet was so large,” Kane says. Post move-in, Kane did something that not many (if any) home creators on social media would do. She turned to her TikTok and Instagram followers for assistance in designing her apartment in a way that maximized her space and showcased her style. “I always wanted to harp on the fact that I was not an expert. I have zero experience. This is my first apartment I’ve ever lived in by myself, and I feel like a lot of the home creators that are on TikTok and Instagram these days are experts. They’re homeowners. They’re expert DIYers,” says Kane. “And I’m like, ‘I am not that.'”And so the comments section of her page became a suggestion box, and the replies started rolling in. But it was one recommendation in particular that would change everything — why not turn your closet into your bedroom?While that may seem a bit reminiscent of Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs, it actually works. So much so that Kane’s TikTok went viral, garnering over 20M views. If breaking the internet isn’t enough to impress, Kane began receiving messages from followers who were following in her footsteps. Even someone in her own building approached her and asked if she was the “closet bedroom girl,” only to reveal that she inspired her to do the same. “It was cool to see. We’re just a bunch of closet bedroom besties now, optimizing space together,” says Kane. Courtesy of Kayla KaneAs she began decorating her new bedroom, Kane took another suggestion from her comments that would upgrade her space even further. She added a canopy, which she says turned the space into an adult fort. She eventually coined the room “The Babe Cave.” “Everybody has the man cave, the bachelor apartments, all these things,” Kane says. “But it’s interesting that women’s apartments don’t have names like that. Nobody says the bachelorette apartment or the bachelorette pad. I don’t know why that is.”Courtesy of Kayla KaneKane’s gallery wall, all prints by female artists.Courtesy of Kayla KaneWhat makes Kane’s content so refreshing is her relatability — her followers, many of which are young females, are just like her. They’re renters, living in large cities, dreaming about a babe cave of their own. So it’s about more than just a closet-turned-bedroom. It’s about actively sharing how urban living can be hard, but how it can also be manageable with a little help from your friends. For anyone who’s making a small apartment space work for the first time, Kane’s page is a safe haven to talk about it all. Whether it’s the challenge of having to use every inch of vertical space available (ladders come in handy for this, by the way) or the common issue of having nowhere to put kitchen appliances when they’re not in use (we’re still working on the solution to this one), it’s a judgement-free zone, and all are welcome. 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

You already reduce, reuse and recycle, but there are more ways to lessen your impact on the planet. One good place to start is in the laundry room: Studies show the average American family does some 300 loads of laundry each year, which can soak up a whole lot of water and energy.Yet making your laundry routine more sustainable can feel harder than tracking down all those missing socks. So we asked experts to share some simple swaps that can lighten the load on the environment and they offered up, well, a laundry list. Care to take their tips for a spin?Lower the temperature.“About 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines during a cycle goes toward heating the water, so washing in cold water saves energy,” explains Natalie D’Apolito, communications and outreach coordinator for the American Cleaning Institute. “Additionally, cold-water washing helps reduce shrinkage in fabrics, protect delicate items and slows the fading of colors.” There are a few exceptions here, however: If someone in your household has contaminated work clothes or is feeling ill, their duds should be washed separately in hot water.Witthaya Prasongsin//Getty ImagesLighten the load.While it may be tempting to stuff in as many items as you can to have fewer loads, that’s not a good idea, because garments need room to circulate in the machine. A good rule of thumb, says D’Apolito, is to leave several inches at the top “for the washing machine to properly agitate the items inside.” This helps balance efficiency with effectiveness.Pros also recommend taking a second look before tossing clothes in the hamper in the first place. Provided you’re washing effectively, you can generally get several wears out of items like pajamas, jeans and even dress shirts. And don’t forget that spot-treating can handle a lot of life’s messes without your having to wash an entire garment.Try out the express cycle.For lightly soiled items, your machine’s quick-wash option (a shortened wash cycle with a high-speed spin) is a great way to make the process more sustainable.Earth BreezeUse a sustainable laundry detergent.To truly lighten the load on Mother Earth, consider swapping traditional liquid detergents for an option like Earth Breeze Eco Sheets. Paraben-, bleach-, dye-, phosphate- and phthalate-free, they tackle stains yet are gentle on skin — and since there’s no need to measure out a required dose, nothing is spilled or wasted. Plus, the sheets come wrapped in 100 percent-recyclable cardboard, and proceeds from each purchase funds ocean clean ups and gives laundry detergent to shelters and disaster relief organizations. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping home care & cleaning lab, tested the Eco Sheets, which earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, and noted that they dissolved well and were neat and convenient to use.Swap out your machine.Okay, this isn’t exactly a small tweak, but if you happen to be in the market for a new machine, our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab recommends a front-loading version model as the way to go, as they use the least amount of water. And if not, using the coldest setting on any machine is as sustainable as you can get.Anastasiia Krivenok//Getty ImagesSkip the dryer cycle.Conserve energy by running fewer loads through the dryer. Air-dry what you can—an added benefit is you’ll avoid associated abrasion from the dryer that can wear out your clothes more quickly. And when you do tumble-dry pieces, be sure not to overdry them, which can damage fabrics and waste energy. Choose your dryer’s automatic cycles (instead of just timed dry), so the sensors kick in and stop the cycle when the load is dry to prevent this issue.And as a last reminder, you really do need to clean out the lint trap after every load. Yes, this step can feel tedious, but it’s a must. Not only is lint highly flammable, notes D’Apolito, but “lint in the vent, ducts and lint trap can reduce airflow, causing longer drying times and making your dryer work harder on the same amount of clothing.” More