Aurelia Butler

Homeowner Emily Harnasz knew she was in for a long renovation journey when she moved into a quirky Scottish Victorian villa a few years ago. But there was one thing she didn’t see coming — a discovery that would go viral on social media. Nestled inside her soon-to-be home office was a boarded-up spot on the wall. Thinking it could be rubble or something even messier behind there, Harnasz decided to ignore it and postpone the stress. “It was literally a random day a few months later when I was sat at my desk and I was like, ‘I’m going to take that board off and look,'” says Harnasz.Courtesy of Emily HarnaszCourtesy of Emily HarnaszTo her surprise, she discovered a fully intact fireplace, painted a cream color. Her Instagram followers were pretty shocked too, commenting that it looked like the creepy door in the animated film Coraline. Some even said it resembled a urinal. Harnasz, on the other hand, saw its potential.”I just thought I struck gold,” she says. “So I was like, ‘I’m going to need to continue on this journey. This is definitely not the end.’ That’s when I decided I was going to strip all of the paint back and see what was further underneath it.”Having never renovated before, she turned to Google and social media for answers, which eventually helped her come up with an action plan that involved a peel-it-off paint remover called Kling-Strip and many, many buckets of water. “It was not fun, but it was worth it,” she says. The fireplace turned out to be cobalt blue, which is surprising enough on its own. But there’s another layer to the fun: Harnasz just happens to be a color consultant. “I love color. I love paint. I love interiors. So I’d already had a vision for how I wanted the space to feel. I’ve got a bright green ceiling. I’ve got a bright yellow radiator. I very much like to have these pops of color. I feel like this house was made for me,” she says. “Not many other people would have appreciated finding such a bold thing.”Courtesy of Emily HarnaszAnd so she continued on her color journey, painting the surrounding area of the fireplace a similar shade of blue, which not all of her followers approved of. But Harnasz didn’t mind at all. Her office brings her joy, which to her, is all that matters. “One of my favorite comments that I got was someone saying that it’s ‘endearingly ugly’,” she says. “That almost sums up my personal style. I find the beauty in ugly things. I’m always wanting to find the weird stuff. I really liked that.” Whether or not you think the fireplace is ugly, there’s no denying that it has personality. Today, creating a home that reflects who you are — rather than sticking to minimalist trends and neutral colors — is becoming more and more popular in interior design. And clearly, other social media users think so too (her original fireplace discovery video garnered almost 200k likes on Instagram). “Our home shouldn’t be a serious place. It should be a place where you can go and feel joy. I think the space resonates with people’s playful side,” she says. “And people also just love other people doing controversial things, don’t they?”Related StoriesLaura 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

I have lived in a number of apartment-style complexes throughout my life. I love the convenience of an urban, walkable area and the community feel they all seemingly share. However, there’s another dreaded thing they have in common: shared laundry. While I typically enjoy shared community spaces, laundry rooms are the exception. I’ve waited hours to use a machine that’s no longer running but still has clothes in it. I’ve had my laundry removed by another tenant before it was even done. And let’s not forget the mess people can sometimes leave behind. To put it simply, I’ve seen it all — and I’ve decided it’s finally time to take action and come up with some clear-cut shared laundry guidelines. After speaking to etiquette expert Elaine Swann, I’ve rounded up a list of six simple rules you should always follow in shared laundry spaces (including what to do if they aren’t followed by your neighbors).Related StoriesThe Rules of Shared Laundry 1. Do NOT leave your laundry for more than 15 minutes after it’s done.bymuratdeniz//Getty ImagesThere is no circumstance where you or your neighbors should leave laundry in a machine for more than 15 minutes after the cycle is done, especially during peak times. If you think you’ll have to leave the building for some time, wait to start the load once you’re back and available to either switch your clothes from the washer to the dryer or take them out all together. “Use your cell phone and set an alarm for yourself,” says Swann. “What we have now is an actual alarm clock in our pocket. It’s really important for us to utilize our digital assets to keep us on track.”Tip: Set a timer for five minutes before your cycle is expected to finish so you have ample time to make your way to the laundry room. 2. Handle other people’s laundry with care. So the 15-minute grace period has passed. Now what? Swann says it’s OK to go ahead and remove the laundry that was left in the machine. However, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. “When you take the laundry out, make sure it’s not just strewn to the side somewhere, but that it actually appears as though it’s been done with some sort of care. You want to give the impression that you put some thought into moving this stuff to the side,” says Swann. While you don’t have to fold your neighbor’s clothes, make sure you put it back in the basket next to it or carefully on top of the machine. 3. Stay in communication with your neighbors.The more neighbors you know and develop a relationship with, the easier shared laundry becomes. Of course, it’s impossible to be friendly with everyone in the building. But every time you introduce yourself to someone new, try exchanging numbers or contact information if you’re comfortable. “A lot of things can be taken care of very quickly with a quick text or phone call. I really stress to folks that as you start to run into individuals, share your contact information,” says Swann. “You can squash some future conflict just by having their information.”4. Assess the room before doing multiple loads. Ana Rocio Garcia Franco//Getty ImagesWhile not necessarily ideal for the people around you, it is acceptable to do a couple loads of laundry in one day. But if you’re hoping to do multiple loads, ask yourself a couple of questions first: Is it a peak time to do laundry? How many units are available? Are there other people who have been waiting all day?Make the decision that’s best for the people around you. For example, if there are several machines open, you can use two machines at once so you’re in and out as fast as possible. If there’s only one machine available, stick to the one you have and keep the other open for your neighbors. And if it’s extra busy at the moment but you know you’ll have time later in the week at a non-peak time, save one for later.Tip: Swann recommends making sure there are 1-2 machines available before starting your second load. 5. Get out by 9 p.m.If your laundry room doesn’t have any hours listed, try your best to leave by 9 p.m., especially if there are apartment units next to, above or below the shared the space. “This is when we should stop daytime social activities, everything from doing laundry, playing music, calling people, texting people — that 9 p.m. time frame is when we should be shutting it down,” says Swann.If you’re the one being disturbed by late-night laundry noises, Swann suggests involving an authority figure, whether it’s management or a landlord. 6. Clean up after yourself. Catherine McQueen//Getty ImagesThis should go without saying, but it is essential that everyone cleans up after themselves in any shared space. Whether it’s wiping down spilled detergent or cleaning out the lint tray, always do your part. And if you’re noticing others aren’t, inform management to ensure the laundry room stays clean. The Bottom Line Most of the time, there aren’t any real rules listed in shared laundry spaces. However, if we’re considerate of the people and the space around us, there shouldn’t be any issues. “When we think about etiquette, it’s not just about all these rules and guidelines. We should look at it from the perspective of putting others at ease and being thoughtful,” says Swann.Related StoriesLaura 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

Chances are, you probably never think about the process of running the dishwasher while you’re doing it. Loading the dishes, filling the machine with dishwasher detergent and pressing ‘Start’ to begin the cycle all become pretty automatic. While that’s part of the beauty of it, it also might be the reason you’re missing out on a special setting. After taking a closer look at tons of different dishwashers, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab are here to point out the convenient drying feature you may not have ever noticed on your machine. The next time you’re ready to start the dishwasher, take a look at all the buttons. You’ll most likely find an “extra dry” setting, whether it’s labeled ‘Dry+,’ ‘Pro Dry,’ ‘Extended Dry’ or some other variation. When the cycle is over, your dishes will be clean and dry. The more you know, right?So say goodbye to dripping plates and slippery cups — simply give your machine a bit of extra time to do the drying work for you and rid yourself of post-cycle dread! And if you’ve been missing this setting the whole time, don’t worry. Although it might seem obvious, it’s pretty easy to mindlessly press ‘Start’ without even thinking about what else your machine can do. Related StoriesLaura 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

Sure, you might see a rug and fall in love with the style or pattern at first glance. But there’s a lot more to consider than just aesthetics when it comes to purchasing a new rug for the living room, dining room or any other space in your home. To help you out, we spoke to several interior designers to learn the top things you should always do before buying a rug — including hacks to get it right on the first try. Related StoryWhat to Do Before Buying a Rug Most importantly, measure.Elijah HoffmanMeasuring a room for a rug involves many factors. How many inches do you want between the rug and the wall? Will all of your furniture fit on the rug? Are there any unique architectural elements in your home that may interfere with the space?”It’s essential to measure your space accurately and consider the rug’s intended purpose,” says designer Kerrie Kelly. “This ensures the rug complements your furniture arrangement, allows for proper walkways and provides the right texture or durability for the room’s activity level.”If you’re not exactly sure how to start measuring your space, don’t worry — we’ve included measuring hacks and tips below.Figure out the largest rug that fits.Colin FaulknerYou don’t want the rug to be pressed up all the way against the wall, but it also shouldn’t be too small for the room. Designers recommend going for the largest rug that fits (minus a few inches on each side for some breathing room). “A common mistake is to buy a rug that’s too small. Ideally, all of your furniture’s legs will fit on the rug, but at least the front two of your sofa should,” says designer Laura Hodges. “A rug that’s too small feels like a little island in the room, while a larger rug completes the space and feels more intentional.” Related StoryPrioritize safety.Extending a rug too far into a pathway can be dangerous, according to designer Mary Anne Smiley: “Rugs can add warmth, texture, style and verve to a space. But! The most important thing to know is that anything we walk on is a potential slip or trip hazard and we must minimize these dangers above all else.” Know your materials.Stockah//Getty ImagesWhile synthetic fibers can be a good choice for rugs in high-traffic areas, they’re not always as durable as natural fibers. For a more eco-friendly and long-lasting choice, try wool, jute or organic cotton. Just keep in mind that those materials may be a bit more difficult to clean. “It is important to pick a rug you like, but you should also take a little time learning about the make of the carpet — what type of fiber is used? For example, a wool rug and silk rug look and feel different, and how you care for them differs. There are many options, so knowing about the possibilities and how to care for them is good,” says designer Delia K. Brennen. Purchase a rug pad.Rug pads are often overlooked in the purchasing process, but they’re worth the investment, according to designers. “They help with the longevity of a rug as well as keeping it in place,” says Ashton Ford of AshtonForDesign.Designer-Approved Measuring HacksMeasuring isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially when it’s something as subjective as interior design. It all depends on your personal preference — however, designers have included their favorite tips and tricks that’ll make your life easier. severija//Getty ImagesUse painter’s tape: “This is a fantastic way to outline the size of the rug directly on your floor. It helps visualize how the rug will interact with your furniture and walkways before you make a purchase,” says Kelly. Follow the rule of thirds: Measuring the dining room for a rug can be a bit more intensive, according to designers. Try dividing the room into thirds and opting for a rug that covers the middle section. However, make sure all chairs fit on top: “There is nothing worse than moving a chair off and on a rug in a dining experience,” says Ford. Roll out the kraft paper: If you really want to get a feel for how a rug will look in your space, this hack is for you. “Kraft paper is a great way to map it out,” says designer Beth Diana Smith. Just roll out the paper and see how your potential rug might fit. Make sure furniture is in place first: “Always place furniture in the room as you’d typically use it before measuring. This ensures the rug will work with the flow and functionality of the space,” says Kelly.Related StoriesLaura 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

When you’re facing a sink full of soiled glasses, plates and pots and pans, the best dishwashers serve as the true heroes. Today’s models are well-equipped to handle all kinds of messes, including tall tasks like greasy, starchy messes and baked-on cheese. (We know, because when we test dishwashers, we throw some seriously dirty jobs their way — think burned-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and more.) But as capable as they are, they’re not miracle-workers. Your dishwasher needs TLC to operate at the top of its game. You should never assume your dishwasher doesn’t need to be cleaned, says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “It’s not a garbage disposal, and it doesn’t clean itself with every cycle.” Like any other appliance you may have in your home, a dishwasher requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it running effectively. That’s because bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent and water minerals can build up on the dishwasher’s filter and interior walls over time. They can even clog the spray arms. Even worse, a dirty dishwasher can harbor bacteria and mold, making your dishes dirtier rather than cleaner (spots and film on glasses, plates and utensils provide a tell-tale clue). In Case You’re In the Market for a New OneTo make sure your dishwasher is clean and ready to make whatever you place inside sparkle, you should be giving it a good clean every month.Follow Forté’s top tip: Wipe excess food from dishes before loading. You don’t need to rinse them, as that wastes water, but wiping away excess food helps keep the filter cleaner.Add detergent packs to the dispenser. Don’t just toss detergent in the bottom of the machine; doing so will cause them to dissolve in the prewash and be washed away before the main cycle begins. You should also buy only what you can use within two months, and store the product in a cool, dry spot (i.e. not under the sink, where the detergent is prone to clumping or deteriorating).Do a quick sweep after every load. Once the dishwasher is empty, remove any bits of food or small debris (like beans, macaroni or olive pits) that may have collected around the filter during the cycle. Clean the filter. The filter, which is typically found below the bottom spray arm, should be cleaned about once every week or two, depending on usage. After removing it, rinse it under hot running water, scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse and replace. If you’re not sure how to remove it, check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details. Do a weekly once-over. Wipe down the door edges and gasket to get rid of any debris. It’s also a good idea to clean the front, wiping the handle and control panel whenever you see spots or splatter.Use a dishwasher cleaner. We recommend using a cleaner from brands like Cascade (a GH Seal holder) or affresh once per month to help rid the tub, spray arms and pump of buildup. Get to Know Your Appliance BetterBrigitt 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

When it comes to creating a truly relaxing bedroom oasis, don’t sleep on the importance of good bedding. Considering you’ll spend roughly a third of your life in bed, you’ll want to be cozying up in a sheet set that feels dreamy.This is why bedding company Avec has untangled the entire process with its Align System, which borrows the European philosophy of combining the top sheet and duvet cover into one seamless piece. Leaning into the sensible notion that a well-made bed is the first step to a well-made life, Avec simplifies that crucial morning task. The duvet cover and top sheet in the brand’s patented 2-1 Align Sheet System are designed to easily zip into place for a single-step bed-making process. Of course, streamlining that particular chore is just one way to cultivate a sanctuary-like sleep space. We asked Los Angeles-based interior designer Linette Dai to lay out a few more tips to help us all rest easier. AvecStay on Neutral TerritoryThe key to a tranquil bedroom space,” says Dai, the founder and principal designer of Linette Dai Design, is setting a palette of “soft neutrals, such as cream or light taupe with gentle shades of your favorite color.” Her preferred hues include a sage or olive green, muted pale or gray blue, dusty mauve or lavender and warm peach: “These colors can help the space feel connected to nature without being overly stimulating.” Get Back to NatureAct as natural as possible to cultivate a relaxing oasis, advises Dai, who likes to fill bedrooms with natural-wood floors and soft wool rugs “that can help the room feel grounded and cozy.” For bedding, she opts for “breathable textiles” such as linen blends, viscose or cotton. (Try the Avec Align System’s viscose and European flax linen blends, which get softer with each wash.) Dai also loves to toss in a mohair throw “for an added layer of comfy, everyday luxury.” Avec Align Linen Viscose Duvet CoverAvec Align Linen Viscose Top SheetWhen it comes to paint, she prefers matte finishes or even a limewash for a “laid-back resort feel,” she says. Another tip: Incorporate stone or travertine in nightstands, dressers, headboards and other furniture pieces “for a touch of elegance,” as Dai puts it.Cut a PathIt’s a lot easier to rise and get ready to grind when your furniture isn’t blocking the route to the closet or the bathroom or bedroom door, Dai points out. She recommends tucking armchairs into empty corners, and placing your bed along the longest wall “to ensure there’s at least two to three feet of space on either side for easy movement.” Those with larger spaces can even consider creating a dedicated dressing area, “with a bench and full-length mirror by the closet,” she adds. “The right arrangement should serve your daily lifestyle needs to make your room feel like your personal haven.”AvecGo Soft With LightingTo craft a relaxing atmosphere, “avoid overhead canned lighting and harsh, direct downlights,” says Dai. Instead, she says, opt for more ambient lighting, such as shaded sconces, lamps and dimmable task lights, and fill the fixtures with bulbs between 2,700 and 3,000 K for that soothing soft glow. With these tips, and Avec’s hassle-free bedding, you can be sure that the third of your life spent in bed will be seamlessly snug. More

Despite being home to incredibly horrifying monsters like the Demogorgon, the Mind Flayer and Vecna, the quaint town of Hawkins, Indiana — the neighborhood where Stranger Things takes place — somehow still feels snug, comfortable and even welcoming. Set locations like the Starcourt Mall, the Wheeler house and Rink-O-Mania all feature familiar 1980s interior design elements viewers just can’t get enough of. The show takes us back — even for fans who didn’t actually experience the 80s — to a simpler time of cozy homes with shaggy carpets and evening bike rides through town (minus the terrifying encounters with evil monsters). With the release of Stranger Things’ season 5 on Netflix this year, it feels like the right time to take a trip down memory lane. We spoke to several interior designers about the design elements that make the set so nostalgic, plus how to incorporate the ’80s-style retro trends into your own home. What 1980s design elements are present on set?netflixWarm, ambient lighting: “The Stranger Things sets are filled with warm, ambient lighting from a mix of table and floor lamps, with no overhead lights in sight. The lack of overhead lighting and dimly lit lamps create a perfectly eerie and mysterious atmosphere,” says designer Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design. Cozy crochet: “I really resonate with all the crochet blankets on the bottom of beds and on the backs of sofas,” says designer Ruthie Staalsen of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors. netflixWood paneling: “One standout design element is the paneled wood on both the walls and ceilings of the home. In the 1980s, wood paneling brought a cozy, comfortable vibe to interiors, while its abundant use made a bold maximalist statement characteristic of the era,” says designer Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories.Shaggy carpets: “The decade is known for its rich colors and textures — from plush velvets and corduroys to shaggy carpets and hand-knit blankets,” says Jay. netflixWindow valances: “While the basement is lined with dark, wooden paneling and filled with overstuffed furniture, the kitchen showcases terracotta tiles, honey-hued cabinets, floral wallpaper and overly stuffy window valances,” says Jay.What makes it so nostalgic?Whether you grew up in the 80s or not, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about the colorful, lived-in interiors in the show. “The goal was to express yourself through style and aesthetic, which differs from the more neutral tone we see more often today, yet plays into the rising trend of leaning more moody or bold with paint colors and tiles,” says Sarah Snouffer of Third Street Architecture. netflixToday, homeowners are becoming more and more interested in colorful spaces, shifting away from minimalist design. The interiors in Stranger Things serve as inspiration to explore that desire for whimsical patterns and character-filled design elements. Cullen describes this concept as the pendulum effect:”In the 1980s, home design embraced bold colors and unapologetic patterns as a reaction to the earth-toned aesthetic of the 1970s. Today, we see a similar shift as homeowners move away from the stark simplicity of Scandinavian minimalism, instead seeking vibrant colors and unique, personality-driven spaces.” Related StoryHow to incorporate 1980s design into your home:If you find yourself admiring the Stranger Things set while binging previous episodes in preparation for the season to come, here are a few designer-approved ways you can put a fresh spin on the 1980s aesthetic in your own home.Try a pleated lampshade: According to Staalsen, pleated lampshades are on the rise, and not just plain ones. “There are all kinds of colors and patterns and unique modern shapes,” she says. Consider wood elements: “Today, wood paneling is making a comeback, but with a modern twist — used more sparingly to avoid overwhelming a space,” says Cullen. However, she warns that incorporating wood paneling requires careful consideration of wood tones and lighting. Replace overhead lighting: The interiors in Stranger Things are filled with a mix of lamps. “The layered, cozy lighting look is very much on-trend right now, with Gen Z increasingly favoring softer and more intimate lighting over the starkness of overhead fixtures,” says Jay.Weave in some crochet: Not only are crochet blankets cozy, they also make for a stylish addition to any piece of furniture. Staalsen says they’re becoming popular again, especially since more and more people are learning how to make them from scratch through social media. Related StoriesLaura 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