Aurelia Butler

Most of us are wired to think warm or hot water is the only way to get clothes truly clean, but the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab say, in many cases, running your washing machine with cold water is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs and even extend the life of your clothes. Today’s top laundry detergents are formulated to work just as effectively in cold water, which means you can wash most of your laundry on a cold cycle without sacrificing results. In fact, choosing cold water as your default not only saves energy—since heating water is the most expensive part of a wash cycle—it also helps your clothes last longer by reducing fading, shrinking, and fiber breakdown.In some cases, cold water is actually the recommended choice. Delicates like silk and rayon should always be washed in cool water and often air-dried or hand-washed to avoid damage. Spandex should also be washed cold and line-dried to maintain its stretch. Even wool fares better in cool or warm water rather than hot, which can cause it to shrink.That doesn’t mean you should forget all about using warm or hot water, though. Those higher temperatures can help loosen body oils, dirt, and heavy soil that detergents alone may struggle to tackle, making them especially useful for sweaty workout gear, towels, or bedding.So the next time you throw in a load of laundry, take a second to think about what your clothes really need. For most everyday washes, cold is the smartest choice, but when stains or soil call for backup, a little extra heat can go a long way.More Laundry TipsBrigitt 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.Carolyn 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

As a home editor, I’ve been hearing repeatedly from interior designers: Minimalism is out, and personalized interiors are in. But, there are elements of minimalism that designers still gravitate towards—think clean lines, neutral colors, and a calming atmosphere. That’s why design experts coined “warm minimalism,” a version of minimalism that isn’t afraid of color, rich textures, or personal touches.”Minimalism in 2025 is about editing without depleting,” says Megan Khalil of Ellwood Interiors. “Designers are embracing simplicity without sacrificing comfort or personality. Instead of sterile white spaces with sharp lines, we’re leaning into soft curves and earthy palettes that bring warmth and depth to a room. Everything still has a place and a purpose, but the result feels more human and livable.”Ditching stark, sterile, and completely clutter-free interiors, designers are leaning into “warmer, collected rooms that strike a balance between minimalism and maximalism,” says Marcia Bryan, founder of Bryan Design Group. What is Warm Minimalism?Warm minimalism is an interior design style that blends the simplicity of minimalism with cozy, inviting elements. “It’s minimalism, but with heart—where clean lines meet warm textures, and warm whites make room for earthy tones and happy pops of color,” says Carla Royder, an interior designer. “Think neutral palettes enriched with soft textures, such as wool and linen, and natural materials, like wood and stone,” says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and Marshalls and T.J. Maxx home style expert. “I love to include neutral furniture or bedding to set the foundation for a warm, minimalistic space. Then, you can swap out different layers of decor to tap into new trends or styles.” Martin VecchioDesigner Amanda Sinistaj brings natural materials and earth tones to ground this living room. Photo by: Martin Vecchio”Warm minimalism is about creating comfort without the clutter,” says Khalil. “Choose quality over quantity, and bring in natural materials and earth tones that make the space feel grounded and calming. Keep things simple, but don’t be afraid to add personality through meaningful items or cozy textiles.”Not all designers are referring to this trending concept in the same exact way, though many agree there’s a new style that combines the best of minimalism and maximalism. “I like to call the new wave ‘midimalism’: a happy middle ground between minimalism and maximalism,” says interior designer Peggy Haddad. “It’s layered, lived-in, warm, textured, and even colorful—but never cluttered or overwhelming.”Designers say true minimalism can be hard to pull off without exceptional architectural features. “It can feel stark and sterile, which the opposite of how you want your home to feel,” says Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms. Warm minimalism helps solve the problem by bringing in layers of warmth and personality that traditional minimalism tends to neglect. Related StoryHow to Pull Off Warm MinimalismThe difference between a cold and cozy interior could be a focal point. “My advice for embracing this trend is always start with something you love—whether it’s a color, an antique heirloom, or a textile, and build around that using muted color and natural textures,” says Samantha Tosti of Tosti Design. The final design scheme is all in the details. “Focus on a few staple pieces, like a rug or nightstand, to set the tone of the space. From there, you can layer a variety of neutrals and soft textures to achieve your desired warm minimalist look,” says Nayak. There’s many ways to embody warm minimalism (depending on your individual style), but Haddad achieves this trending aesthetic by pairing warm off-white walls with rich wood cabinetry, tactile upholstery, and a balanced mix of light and dark colors. “Handwoven rugs, tailored drapery in tones other than white, and vintage-inspired lighting bring softness and character, while hints of gray and cooler-toned stone keep the palette balanced.”What’s Trending?Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

1Wallpapered CeilingDesign: Miranda Cullen; Photo: Eric Lucero”One way we love to upgrade bathroom designs on a budget is by wallpapering the ceiling. By utilizing your ‘fifth wall,’ the ceiling, you are adding an unexpected and chic design element that is sure to elevate your space. The patterns and colors draw the eye upward, adding instant drama, and delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.” — Miranda Cullen, Inside StoriesPhoto by: Eric LuceroRELATED: Why Designers Don’t Want You to Overlook the “Fifth Wall”2Thoughtful Accessories Carlina Teteris//Getty Images”Changing out existing lighting, mirrors, and accessories such as towel bars can be a reasonably affordable and fast way to add some personal touches or upgrade outdated fixtures. Etsy has some very interesting bathroom accessories if you are looking to add a special and personal touch.” — Barrett Cooke, Arterberry CookeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3A Fresh Coat of PaintYinYang//Getty Images”A fresh color makes a huge difference, and a change in sheen also adds a lot of texture and personality. We love drenching a room in a single color but changing the sheen between the wall and the woodwork, so we may go with a flat for the wall but a semi gloss for the casings.” — Alexandra Azat, Plaster & PatinaRELATED: 30 Popular Bathroom Paint Colors to Match Any Design Style4Stylish Shower Curtain Turnervisual//Getty Images”Refreshing your shower curtain is the cheapest and easiest way to upgrade your bathroom. High impact, low cost, and easy to do. And if you choose this route, don’t forget to consider the curtain rings.” — Beth Diana Smith, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Small Furniture Shae M//Getty Images”A little stool, a woven basket, or even a tiny side table beside the tub or vanity can add warmth and functionality. It creates a layered look while offering storage or a spot to perch a candle or book.” — Amy Kartheiser, Amy Kartheiser Design6Warm Light BulbsLourdes Balduque//Getty Images”Nothing looks worse when you are getting ready than to see yourself with harsh overhead lighting. Make sure the bulbs are warm and are located on either side of the mirror.” — Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Luxe Hardware YinYang//Getty Images”Update or add hardware, such as the toilet tissue holder, hand towel holder, towel bar, and robe hooks. Upgrading this, especially with a more modern tone, can make a change that you can keep for when you are ready to renovate.” — Beth Diana Smith, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design8A Lidded Trash CanYURY NIKALAYEU//Getty Images”No one needs to see what lands in your trash, especially in a bathroom! A small step on a lid-lifting trash can is all you need.” — Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Antique MirrorsLumiNola//Getty Images”Replacing a plain builder-grade mirror with a vintage find or a framed option makes a bathroom feel designed instantly. Mirrors are like jewelry in a bathroom. They bring shape, reflection, and personality.” — Amy Kartheiser, Amy Kartheiser Design10Large-Scale ArtworkVostok//Getty ImagesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

You know that thing where you learn something new and then start seeing it everywhere? It’s called the frequency illusion — or, more geekily, the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon — and it is just that, an illusion. Your brain is prioritizing the new information and making you notice it where you overlooked it before. However, if you’ve been noticing heat pumps a lot recently, well, that’s not an illusion. Heat pumps really are showing up more frequently, because more and more homeowners are choosing them as the best option for heating and cooling their homes. (Yes, heat pumps can do both, despite the misleading name.) What kind of homeowners? All kinds, really. Here are just four types who could benefit from swapping in a heat pump for their residential HVAC system:Homeowners Seeking a More Sustainable OptionAccording to the most recent figures (from 2022), about 13% of US greenhouse gases come from heating and cooling residential and commercial buildings. Greenhouse gases are emissions that get trapped in the atmosphere and warm the earth — and fossil fuels account for a whopping 75% of them. Since heat pumps run on electricity, they don’t burn fossil fuels directly like a furnace does, and therefore don’t produce any carbon emissions on-site. A heat pump can reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint by 38 to 53 percent, and the more homeowners that switch to them, the greater the overall reduction in greenhouse gases.That said, heat pumps have always used refrigerants to move warm air in and out (to heat and cool spaces) — and those refrigerants have emitted greenhouse gases in the form of fluorocarbons. Trane’s 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard™, however, addresses sustainability in this area as well by incorporating a new refrigerant known as R-454B. This revolutionary formula has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 78% lower than those of its predecessors, according to Trane. (GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps relative to carbon dioxide.) Homeowners Looking for Cohesive, Smart TechnologyAs mentioned, a heat pump can heat and cool your home, and it’s just one compact unit. That means it can replace your gas furnace and your air conditioning, providing a more cohesive, streamlined setup. Homeowners who go with Trane’s 20 TruComfort™, which features smart technology, get increased efficiency, convenience and seamless connectivity to their HVAC system. The 20 TruComfort interfaces with the Link™ Communication System Controller and a Smart Thermostat. The system can automatically charge, configure and calibrate to maintain peak performance in every season. Trane’s smart tech can also run real-time diagnostics to catch any hiccups before they become problems, and there’s a super-convenient smart home app that allows you to monitor use, adjust temperatures, and set schedules remotely. For voice control and enhanced automation, you can integrate Trane’s system with other smart platforms from the Big Five tech companies. Courtesy of TraneHomeowners Seeking Comfort Across All ClimatesThe “variable speed” element of the TruComfort 20 means the unit automatically detects changes in exterior temperature and speeds up or slows down as needed to keep your home within half a degree of your preset temperature. These adjustments ensure the heat pump uses no more energy than necessary to keep your house comfortable. The HVAC industry uses two energy-efficiency metrics, one for cooling (SEER2, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) and one for heating (HSPF2, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2). The TruComfort 20 ranks among industry leaders in both categories, with a SEER2 of up to 22.4 and an HSPF2 of up to 10.5. More important, given that heat pumps used to be known for struggling in colder conditions, the TruComfort 20 provides 100% heating capacity when the outside temperature dips to 32° F, and 70% capacity even when the thermometer goes as low as 5° F. Homeowners Pursuing Financial EfficiencyWith this kind of energy efficiency, heat pumps naturally provide financial efficiency as well. By requiring less overall energy to function than a furnace or an air conditioner, and using only what they need to match your preset temperature, heat pumps can reduce your utility bills by as much as 50%. Add current federal tax credits and other incentives available for switching to energy-efficient technology, and new heat-pump owners can save even more.Maybe you fit one (or more!) of the four types of homeowners described above, or maybe you’re just seeking a more reliable, efficient system tailored to your needs. Either way, chances are you could benefit from converting to a heat pump. Cost-cutting, energy saving, and environmentally friendly, they’re popping up all over the place—and that’s no illusion. Learn more at trane.com/residential. More

The new school year is officially upon us, and the first few weeks can take some getting used to. Everyone is waking up earlier, there are lunches to pack, homework that needs to get done, and so much more. You can find a ton of back-to-school advice out there, but we tapped our trusted professional organizers (that also happen to be parents) for their expert tips. From organizing the pantry and creating a “drop zone” to labeling school supplies, here’s everything pros are doing to prep for back-to-school. “Back-to-school season can be exciting, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” says Katie Hubbard, founder of Turn it Tidy LLC. “A little organization now can help your family enjoy smoother days and more relaxed mornings.” Keep in mind: Kids might need practice to settle into new routines, but consistency is key. Sort through toys, clothing, etc. Start the school year off with a clutter-free home. Get your kids involved in organizing and decluttering essential spaces—think bedroom closets, toy bins, junk drawers, the pantry, and the mudroom. After back-to-school shopping, go through closets, school supplies, and sports gear with your kids. “I donate or pass down what no longer fits or gets used,” says Jackie Pittman, founder of Chez Nous Organizing. Next up, declutter the playroom, kids’ rooms, and wherever you keep toys. “Summer often means new toys and more playtime,” says Ashley Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life. “Before the school routine hits, we pare things back. Less clutter means fewer distractions when it is time for homework and bedtime.” Related StoryCreated an organized “drop zone” and “launch pad.” Simplify morning and after-school routines by streamlining wherever you exit and enter the home—whether it’s a mudroom, laundry room, or small entry. “Shoes, coats, and bags each have a spot near the door,” says Hines. “Hooks, cubbies, and bins keep everything visible and accessible, making mornings and evenings smoother.”Pittman refers to it as a “drop zone” and “launch pad” by the door, aka a place where everything needed for the day is ready to go and returned to after school. “My kids each have their own closed cubby,” to keep them organized. svetikd//Getty ImagesPersonalize and label belongings. Every student has lost a water bottle, pencil case, jacket, or lunch box at some point—but labels can help prevent it. “A few minutes with a label maker saves hours of frustration when things get lost or mixed up with the thousands of other items at school,” says Hines, who labels everything—shoes, lunch bags, backpacks, and more.Hines always adds a charm or patch on her kids’ backpacks, making them easier to spot while showing off personality. Set up a homework station.Getting kids to do their homework can be a struggle, but a designated zone can help keep them on track. Set up a homework station—be it a desk or drawer filled with supplies. “It’s super important for kids to have a cozy, quiet space where they can really concentrate on homework,” says Hubbard. “To make sure they don’t spend the first 10 minutes searching for pencils, paper, crayons, scissors, or calculators, set up a friendly and organized area just for them. Let your child help choose the bins and accessories they like best; this will make them feel proud and excited to use their new supplies.” Plan outfits over the weekend.Spend a few minutes on Sunday planning outfits. “We pick out five outfits (including socks, underwear, and accessories) for the entire week,” says Hines. “I have a hanging cubby in each of our kids’ closets. This cuts out the morning debate and helps everyone get out the door faster.” Hanging Closet OrganizerOrganize the pantry.From breakfasts to packed lunches, pantry organization techniques will make everyday life easier. “In your cabinet, pantry, or fridge, designate an area for the kids’ snacks and lunch items,” says Hubbard. “Label the bins, allowing your child the ability to pack their own lunch. If they are too young, streamline it so that you can pack a lunch like an assembly line. Think of it as your own little ‘lunch-making station.'”Get after-school snacks ready to go. Many kids come home from school hungry. Pam Meluskey, co-founder of Settled, suggests arranging a grab-and-go station at a kid-friendly height so kids can quickly grab healthy snacks. Pack an area in the fridge with yogurts, cheese sticks, and washed fruits and veggies, then fill a drawer in the pantry with crackers, freeze-dried fruits, and other non-perishable treats. To avoid a chaotic after-school snack, Hines has another idea: Pack snacks for the drive home. “We pack simple snacks in a small cooler and bring them to the pickup line. Hungry kids get fed right away, which balances moods (and energy levels).”Courtesy of SettledMake a family calendar.”School events, practices, projects, playdates—it’s a lot to keep up with,” says Hubbard, who uses a family calendar to stay on track. “Color-coding each child and parent will help keep daily activities running smoothly.” Hang a large wall calendar for the entire family to see, or use a digital calendar shared between parents and those responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs. Allow for downtime after school. Kids need time to relax, unwind, and recharge after school—pro organizers urge you to let them. “For this school year, I’d like to try either 10 minutes of quiet time or a quick family check-in—one small ritual that helps shift from ‘school mode’ to ‘home mode,'” says Hines. It could also be spent reading, drawing, listening to music, or watching TV. Get Ready for Back-to-SchoolAlyssa 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

Even if you separate your laundry by color (a must!), you might still toss clothes into the machine without much thought. But small changes in how you wash certain items can keep them looking newer, longer. Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab say that turning specific garments inside out can help them get cleaner and prevent the type of fading, pilling, and abrasion that can lead to premature wear and tear. Ahead, the key items that deserve this extra care—and why flipping them inside out can make all the difference: JeansDenim—particularly dark denim—is notorious for fading and showing wear along hems, pockets, and waistbands. Whether your jeans are brand new or a favorite worn-in pair, flip them before tossing them in the wash to minimize abrasion, help preserve color, and prevent fraying. Don’t forget to zip zippers and fasten buttons or snaps, too, so they hold their shape and don’t snag on other items.Embellished ItemsItems like shirts, sweaters, or jackets with buttons, zippers, studs, sequins, or other hardware should always be washed inside out. Doing so not only protects the garment itself from damage—torn off hardware, for example—but also keeps other delicate fabrics in the load from snagging, fraying, or pilling. Shirts, Sweatshirts, and Jerseys With DecalsAny garment with prints, decals, or embroidery benefits from an inside-out wash. Flipping these items minimizes wear on the designs. helping keep colors vibrant and preventing peelingWashable Reusable Grocery BagsReusable bags can accumulate dirt and spills with regular use, and washing them inside out ensures the dirtiest surfaces get exposed to detergent and water. Leggings and Other AthleisureLeggings, sports bras, and other athletic wear are prone to pilling and snagging. They also tend to accumulate sweat and body oils on the inside during workouts, making the interior dirtier than the exterior. Washing these items inside out protects the fabric from friction, keeps colors looking fresh longer, and ensures the dirtiest parts get properly cleaned.SocksIt might seem counterintuitive, but in some cases, turning socks inside out may actually help get them cleaner. Sweat and body oils accumulate on the inside, so flipping them exposes the dirtiest part to water and detergent. There is one exception, though: Socks that are especially dirty on the outside, like sports socks or ones worn around the house without shoes.More Laundry TipsBrigitt 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.Carolyn 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

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Garden arbors are gaining popularity again for their cozy, vintage feel.Landscape designers weigh in on why they’re trending, plus share installation tips. Homeowners are becoming more and more interested in expanding their indoor living space into their yards—think dreamy outdoor kitchens, she sheds, and tiny homes with all the bells and whistles. One of the more simple ways to embrace outdoor living? A well-thought-out garden.While plant parents and gardeners alike are experimenting with garden trends like chaos gardening and square foot gardening when deciding what exactly to grow in their outdoor sanctuaries, there are plenty of design-related decisions to be made as well.Considering the resurgence of vintage features in interior design, it only makes sense that homeowners are carrying some of those elements into their garden—specifically the cozy, lived-in feel so many people are after these days. The result? The revival of the garden arbor.To learn more about the trend, we asked landscape designers for their input. Read on for more about their rise in popularity and tips for installation. What Is a Garden Arbor?LisaIson//Getty ImagesIf you’ve never heard of a garden arbor before, think of it as a structural entryway made with two or four posts and a slatted roof.”We often use them as entrances to gardens, designing small arbors or trellises to serve as symbolic gateways. They also provide a beautiful framework for climbing roses, vines, and other plants—and they’re perfect for hanging lights to add a touch of charm and ambience,” says Joe Richardson of Richardson & Associates.The Trend, ExplainedArbors have always been a common garden feature, but there are a couple major reasons they’re gaining popularity again. For one, the integration of indoor and outdoor living is more apparent than ever post-pandemic. “There is great demand and value associated with open space. We see an increasing demand for outdoor living and entertaining space in the form of al fresco dining, covered cabanas, and outdoor kitchens. People want to be outdoors. With thoughtful design, these spaces can be functional, protected, and well-connected with the home,” says Ryan McDaniel, partner and director of design of Brandon Architects.Carol Yepes//Getty ImagesNot only do homeowners crave a connected outdoor space, they want it to match the vibe of their interior design style. Nowadays, with the rising popularity of “cozy” design trends—think café core and the Nancy Meyers aesthetic—garden arbors fit the bill. Successful looks are covered in beautiful vines and roses, adding to the natural ambience of the garden while simultaneously offering a comfortable, sheltered area. You can even string a few lights for added charm. “Cozy and naturalistic cottage gardens are currently trending and the charm of garden arbors ties into that trend,” says Patricia Benner of Benner Landscape Design.Tips for Installing a Garden ArborStacy Zarin Goldberg 2025If you want to get in on this vintage garden trend, consider these pro tips before choosing your design. ✔️ Consider what to grow: “Different plants have different climbing habits—some use tendrils to grip, others twine around supports, and some may need to be tied or trained. Understanding how your chosen plant anchors itself will directly influence the arbor’s structure,” says Richardson.✔️ Select the proper structure: Once you decide what you want to plant, evaluate what structure will work best. “Heavy or woody vines like wisteria require a much sturdier frame than lighter climbers like clematis. The spacing of slats, the height of the arbor, and the materials used should all be tailored to support the growth pattern, weight, and long-term needs of the plant. Ultimately, the plant and the arbor work together—each one shaping the success and visual impact of the other,” says Richardson. ✔️ Embrace your home’s architectural style: “The design should be reflective of the garden ecology and complement the architecture of the home,” says McDaniel. Choose colors and materials for your arbor that match your home’s exterior for a cohesive look. More Gardening IdeasLaura 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