Aurelia Butler

Whether they’re zipping through the trees or splashing around in a bird bath, hummingbirds are some of the most lively creatures you can observe from the comfort of your own backyard. Once you have the pleasure of watching a few of these charming birds, you might start to wonder how you can attract more. “Hummingbirds have the most super-charged metabolism of all birds due to their tiny size and long distance migrations — it takes a lot of energy to keep a hummingbird going and allow it to fly in its unique way,” says Wayne Klockner, executive director of the American Birding Association. So if you want to see more hummingbirds dance around your garden on a day-to-day basis, you’ll have to provide them with proper nourishment and shelter. We spoke to four bird experts for their advice on how to attract hummingbirds to your yard. 1. Provide a consistent food source. Alan Vernon//Getty ImagesA hummingbird’s first priority? Food. Experts recommend planning your home garden with this in mind.”A hummingbird’s daily schedule is filled with the constant hunt for food to fill their seemingly insatiable appetite. Plan your garden so that different species of flowers open asynchronously across the growing season,” says Noah Perlut, ornithologist and professor at the University of New England.If all your plants and flowers blossom at the same time, there won’t be a consistent food source for hummingbirds throughout the season. 2. Grow native flowers (especially bright, tubular ones). The types of plants and flowers you grow in your home garden matters to hummingbirds. They look for tubular flowers, bright colors and consistent nectar production. “Plant native plants, but especially those with red tube-like flowers such as bee-balm, trumpet vine, penstemon, cardinal flower and jewelweed,” says Holly Grant, project assistant for NestWatch.Related Story3. Incorporate red flowers into your yard. Whether it’s flowers or a feeder, hummingbirds love anything that involves food and their favorite color: red. However, you can still incorporate all your favorite colorful summer flowers without worrying about deterring hummingbirds. “They are particularly attracted to red flowers, but bright-colored blooms and flowers in orange, yellow and pink are just as appealing to these tiny, fast-moving birds,” says Marlene Pantin, Plants for Birds senior manager with the National Audubon Society. 4. Try a sugar-water feeder. Beata Whitehead//Getty ImagesSugar-water feeders provide the perfect quick energy source for hyper-active creatures like hummingbirds. If you’re thinking about installing one, follow these expert instructions. “Fill the feeder with simple sugar water at 1 part regular white sugar to 4 parts water (NO red dye needed or desired) and clean and replace the sugar water regularly, particularly during hot weather, when the sugar water should be replaced every 2-3 days,” says Klockner.5. Create a hummingbird shelter with shrubs. Plants don’t only supply hummingbirds with much-needed food throughout the season, they also serve as an ideal resting spot. “Native plants and shrubs provide space for shelter, perching and observing their surroundings. It is riskier for them to visit a lone feeder in the middle of a wide expanse of lawn than one that is closer to (within ~10 feet of) shrubs or other vegetation,” says Grant. 6. Don’t worry about backyard insects. Pesky backyard bugs might irritate you and your family, but they can actually serve as a quick snack for hummingbirds to keep their energy levels up when other sources might not be as readily accessible. “Most hummingbird species in North America primarily eat nectar, although they also catch and eat many small insects and feed on sap when fresh flowers are not available,” says Perlut. 7. Add a bird bath.pr2is//Getty ImagesHummingbirds will appreciate a fresh water source for bathing, drinking and cooling off, especially in the warmer weather. Plus, who doesn’t love watching them splash around? “Ideally, the water source should include a perch nearby, a shallow area for bathing and moving water provided by a small submersible pump,” says Klockner.TIP: Make sure to place your bird bath in a location where hummingbirds can avoid predators like house cats. Prepare for SpringLaura 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

If you’ve ever traveled down south to Georgia, Florida or South Carolina, you may have noticed a trend of light blue painted porch ceilings. While it’s a stunning design choice that can make an outdoor space feel more open and airy, it also carries practical and historical significance. According to southern traditions, ‘haint blue’ is said to repel bugs (and supernatural spirits) from your home when added to your porch ceiling. To investigate this claim further, we tapped Dr. Michael Reiskind, Entomology Professor and Director of Graduate Programs at North Carolina State University, for his expert insights on the theory. What is haint blue?The color ‘haint blue’ got its name from Gullah traditions. The Gullah Geechee are a group of people descended from enslaved Africans who were brought to the Deep South. The group coined the term ‘haint’ to describe ghostly or evil spirits. They believe light blue-green hues, dubbed ‘haint blue,’ help protect homes from unwanted spirits. Through this ghost-dispelling practice, the paint color also became associated with the deterrence of bugs. While no single shade is hailed as the pinnacle of ‘haint blue,’ many paint colors from various brands fit the bill. The key is to look for a light blue that isn’t neon.Haint Blue Paint ColorsValspar Duramax Exterior Paint + Primer in Sea BreathGlidden Premium Exterior Latex Paint in Everglade MistBEHR Premium Plus Exterior Paint & Primer in Windwood SpringWhy do people paint their porch ceilings haint blue?According to Gullah tradition, the color is said to prevent insects and ghosts from stopping by your home because they confuse the color with the sky or water — both of which are things to pass through, not take up residence. Because of this theory, many people, Gullah and beyond, paint their porch ceilings haint blue as a deterrent for bugs and spirits. The light blue hue also has a way of giving a home’s outdoor space a brighter, more open feel. Pgiam//Getty ImagesDoes haint blue repel bugs?”I doubt any colors are very repellent to insects, except in very specific situations,” says Dr. Reiskind. “What is more common is that there are colors that are attractive to particular insects, including some shades of blue for flies, but color repellency is not well supported. Most studies that people interpret as showing color repellency are actually only relative, such that colors are not necessarily ‘repellent’ just not as attractive as the alternatives.””Visual repellency to a specific color is likely quite rare. [Although], the attractiveness of a certain color might be due to a resource the insect needs. For example, the tsetse, a biting fly in Africa, is attracted to electric blue and black colors, which we think is a ‘super stimulus’ mimicking the colors of large mammals, like elephants, antelopes, etc.”Bug Repellent AlternativesIf you’re looking for a bug repellent to get the job done and aren’t sold on the effectiveness of a haint blue painted porch ceiling, here are a few tested and reviewed product options that our Good Housekeeping Institute recommends instead. Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito E-RepellentNow 18% OffZevo Ant, Roach, Spider Insect SprayMurphy’s Naturals Mini Mosquito Bug Repellent CandlesRelated StoriesKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More

The whole point of decluttering is to say goodbye to as many old, worn or broken items as you can, keeping only what you truly use and need. I’m not afraid to admit that I regularly struggle with the decluttering process. Tossing certain items directly into the trash just feels like such a waste. When I heard about reverse decluttering, the organization method where homeowners challenge themselves to find new uses for old items instead of just immediately tossing them, it felt like someone had read my mind. Sure, not every old item should be kept, but there are at least a few things lying around the house that can be repurposed with some creative problem solving. I spoke to three professional organizers for their best reverse decluttering tips, including their favorite items to repurpose. What Is Reverse Decluttering?Reverse decluttering is much like upcycling, but with an organizational twist. Before you start decluttering, create a “Keep” box for any knick knacks or worn items you might be able to reuse or transform. Even if you don’t have a full solution for each item just yet, keep it until you’re done decluttering. Then, you can go through the box and put your creativity to the test. ninitta//Getty Images”We, as professional organizers, understand that people have a sentimental connection to their belongings, so the process of helping people downsize has to be gentle but guided with expertise. If there are ways to repurpose items in your home to give them new life that will be functional for your lifestyle, we are big supporters,” says Christie Childers of Imagine It Done.Items to KeepSo what exactly should you keep? While nothing is necessarily off limits, it’s important for each old item to serve a new purpose. Here are a few favorites according to pro organizers. ✔️ CandlesOnce all the wax is gone, candles can become canisters for cotton balls in the bathroom, desktop organization for paperclips in the office or even vases for small flower arrangements around the house. “They could also be turned into other organizers to hold makeup, toothbrushes, pens or pencils, kitchen utensils or TV remotes,” says Hannah Goetz of Hannah Goetz Organizing.✔️ JarsThai Liang Lim//Getty ImagesYou probably gain a few jars every time you grocery shop — why not find another purpose for them? “Any old glass jars can be used as decanting containers for food, dry goods, supplements or medicine. The options are endless,” says Devin VonderHaar of The Modern Minimalist.✔️ Mismatched SocksWe’re not saying you should keep all of your old socks, but you could definitely repurpose a pair or two to create a couple handy shoe deodorizers. Fill up old cotton socks with baking soda, tie them with a rubber band and throw them in your shoes overnight. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for even more of a fresh scent. Related Story✔️ BoxesDebating what to do with that old box? VonderHaar suggests using it as a drawer divider in the kitchen, office or bathroom. “Some people also use old shoe boxes in a similar way,” she says.Cereal boxes can also be repurposed: “You can cut off the tops, lie them on their sides, cover them with a fun peel-and-stick wallpaper and use them as paper filing trays or a mail sorter,” says Goetz.✔️ Old TextilesEmilija Manevska//Getty ImagesBefore you go ahead and throw out that old t-shirt or towel, consider what’s on your cleaning to-do list. Pro organizers agree that old textiles can usually be repurposed into rags, even if that means cutting a larger towel into multiple smaller pieces. ✔️ Grocery BagsPlastic or reusable grocery bags can come in handy when organizing a closet. Think smaller items like gloves, scarves and hats that don’t stay put on hangers. Throw them in an old tote, hook them onto a hanger and store them all together for easy access.Tips From the ProsWhen you’re in the process of reverse decluttering, you might be tempted to repurpose items that no longer serve you. Keep these expert tips in mind to avoid creating more clutter. karinsasaki//Getty ImagesDon’t rush it: “Declutter everywhere first, and create a pile for items that may be reverse decluttered. Once you’ve edited down and gotten donations out of the house, then reassess the items to be reverse decluttered and make final decisions,” says VonderHaar.Keep function in mind: “Be intentional about what you choose to repurpose — if it just leads to more piles or ends up unused, it’s probably not worth keeping,” says Goetz.Be realistic: “Anything that is stained and soiled, has a long-lasting bad smell, no longer fits you and likely won’t again or is past a listed expiration date must go,” says Childers.Declutter With UsLaura 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

For decades, a starter home — a small and less expensive residence — was the first step in homeownership. First-time home buyers invested in what they consider to be a short-term dwelling and a stepping stone toward a more permanent residence in a few years. When their family evidently outgrew the smaller home, they’d decide to sell and hope to see a return on the investment. The bad news: Starter homes are hard to come by these days. With increasing interest rates and limited housing inventory, is it worth investing in a starter home? We tapped three real estate experts, including pros at Zillow and Angi, to better understand the changing real estate landscape. What’s Trending in Real Estate”True starter homes are scarce for first-time buyers today,” says Jenna Stauffer, agent for Sotheby’s Realty. “The move-up market just doesn’t exist like it used to. Between high prices, interest rates, taxes and insurance (a lethal combo), it makes upgrading tough.””The concept of the starter home has evolved significantly in recent years because of affordability challenges,” adds Orphe Divounguy, Zillow’s senior economist. “When mortgage rates were near 3 percent, most home buyers could break even and start building equity in their home within a few years.”Previously, buyers could confidently settle into a starter home, move on once they had outgrown it and use their profits to upgrade to their next property. Mortgage rates have since doubled and now sit above 6 percent. “Those who buy will have to commit to a home for at least 7 to 9 years before that decision pencils out financially — even longer in pricey coastal metro areas,” says Divounguy. People in the U.S. are living in their homes for much longer. One reason starter homes are less available: Baby boomers are aging in place and driving the homeowner tenure to rise. According to a 2023 Redfin report, the typical U.S. homeowner has spent 11.9 years in their home — which is up from 6.5 years two decades ago.”People’s view of how long they’re planning to live in a house has changed,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “It’s a combination of how hard the home buying process has become to begin with, and the rising interest rates.” First-time buyers are putting more thought into location and size, and analyzing potential for future renovations, with the expectation that they will stay longer. Amid high interest rates and limited housing inventory, 67% of homeowners express a preference for renovating their current home to better meet their needs rather than moving, according to Angi’s 2024 State of Home Spending report. First-time home buyers are getting older.Older first-time buyers are more likely to hunt for a forever home than younger buyers in previous generations. “The median age of a first-time home buyer is 35 — an age when they’re more likely to be building their careers and starting their families,” says Divounguy. If buyers need to spend upwards of a decade in their home to see a return on investment, they’re hunting for a home that’s the right fit for them now and 10 years from now. The Good Brigade//Getty ImagesStarter homes are increasing in value. Reality is home prices are rising — even faster in starter homes. “Nationwide, the typical starter home is valued at $196,611, which remains affordable for a median-income household. However, the value of starter homes has increased by 54.1% over the past five years, outpacing the 49.1% increase for the typical U.S. home,” says Divounguy. Still, home buyers have a chance in 2025. Despite the challenges, real estate pros think there’s hope for first-time buyers. “The housing market is becoming more balanced, so buyers have more options, more time, more discounts and more bargaining power,” says Divounguy. “Plus, mortgage rates have dipped to the lowest point they’ve been all year and buyers have new tools to track when rates fall even further.”Although at one point it seemed the younger generations weren’t interested in homeownership, Hicks says there’s been a mindset shift: “Millennials and Gen Zers are becoming homeowners, and still view homeownership as positive and super important.” More Advice for BuyersAlyssa 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

Your closet is likely one of the most overlooked spaces in your home. If you don’t stay on top of it, it can quickly become chaotic, overflowing with piles of clothes, unworn shoes, mismatched socks, the list goes on. “The closet is the root of why your home is cluttered in the first place,” says professional organizer Shaniece Jones. “It’s the space that holds our insecurities. If you’re trying to change something in your life or want to figure out your shopping habits, take a look at your closet.”To address a disorganized closet, create a setup that complements your current lifestyle. “Choose a system that works for your routine, whether by type, season, occasion or color,” says Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design. “A thoughtful organizational structure makes getting dressed seamless and maximizes the visibility of your wardrobe.”Here, Jones and Adams break down how to declutter your closet in a day, so you can start your mornings off right. Get Your Space in OrderConsider the MVP method.Jones likes the MVP approach, which involves decluttering in three steps. M is for mindset, V is for vision and P is for plan. M: The first step is to adopt the right mindset before you begin decluttering. “This step allows you to become aware of the emotional factors and habits contributing to the clutter,” says Jones.V: Next, be clear on your vision for your closet. Before decluttering, Jones recommends stepping into your closet, closing your eyes and taking a moment to recognize how you feel in the space. “Envision the desired state of each space and develop your vision statement — the why — to help motivate and guide you through the decluttering process,” she says. She suggests asking yourself questions like: “What is my daily routine? What do I want to change in my closet? How do I want to feel when I walk into my closet? What is the actual cost of not decluttering? Is it more tension in your relationship? Is it lost time? Is it increased anxiety?”Pinterest is a great resource to explore for closet design inspiration. “Think about how you want to feel when you open your closet doors,” Jones says.P: The final step is to plan. “This is where you implement the intentional steps to declutter,” says Jones. There are ways to add a dose of fun, too. Find your favorite playlist, grab some snacks and your drink of choice to enjoy while decluttering.To make it manageable, Jones recommends organizing your items by categories and subcategories. Start with tops, bottoms, dresses and shoes, for example. Then, take it a step further with subcategories. For example, if you’re working on shoes, you can handle boots first, then sneakers and sandals to help make the process less overwhelming. “When reviewing each piece, ask yourself: ‘How does this item support my life right now?'” Jones says.Damian Lugowski//Getty Images”My closet design philosophy is to be able to see everything in the closet at first glance; if you see it, then you will wear it and enjoy it,” says Adams. Be honest when purging.Every item in your closet needs attention at this stage. While it might seem nerve-wracking, it will make your space more organized and easier to navigate on a day-to-day basis if you only keep pieces you love and use. “If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it doesn’t fit or it feels outdated, let it go,” Adams says. “Sort into two piles—one for selling and one for donation. Have the right storage containers on hand.But before you purchase organizing products, first understand exactly what works for your space. Jones suggests having a tape measure to measure shelves so you’re not buying unnecessary products that don’t fit your layout. “The whole goal is to find solutions to make your closet look organized and streamlined,” Jones says. Pay special attention to the hangers in your closet, Adams says: “Swap mismatched hangers for uniform ones, velvet options keep clothes from slipping. Use specialized hangers for belts, scarves and bags to free up space and maintain order.”Good Housekeeping Organize Your LifeNow 24% OffTry the 72-hour rule.Jones swears by the 72-hour rule to make sure you’re not holding on to items for too long. “You have three days to get it out of your house. If you do not consign it or donate it, you have to find a way to get rid of it,” she says. Don’t overlook decorative accents.Function is key for any closet, but Adams says it pays to focus on refreshing and enhancing the space, too. For instance, small accents like scented liners can help keep clothes fresh. “A seasonal update, like floral or cedar, adds an understated yet lasting detail,” Adams says. Aim to show off a bit of your interior design style as well: “Introduce a finishing touch with a mirror, small plant or framed photo,” Adams says. “A simple accent refines the space and brings a sense of order and style.”More Organizing TipsMonique 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.” More

Sure, almost everyone can get on board with a striped rug or funky throw pillow scattered throughout the house. But while it’s pretty common to incorporate at least a splash of pattern somewhere in your space, homeowners are taking that to the next level with the latest design trend: pattern drenching. Think everything from walls to furniture to ceilings and beyond — no surface is off limits, and no pattern is unwelcome. But can pattern drenching be taken too far? We asked interior designers for their thoughts on the trend and whether or not it’s worth a try. What is pattern drenching?Its predecessor, color drenching, encourages the use of one single hue to cover multiple surfaces of a home, and pattern drenching can certainly follow the same approach. However, these days, it usually involves outfitting a space with multiple patterns at once. “This trend is riding the wave of design comebacks — from Victorian drama to ’80s flair — and it’s not afraid to make some noise. At its core, pattern drenching is about having fun and taking risks,” says Miranda Cullen, founder of Inside Stories. Related StoryDesigners emphasize the difference between pattern drenching and simply incorporating patterns through small details or accessories: “Imagine a bedroom where the walls are covered with patterned wallpaper beside a bed dressed in bold stripes and layered with vibrant florals, complemented by patterned lampshades on the nightstands — a fun mix of patterns throughout the entire space,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design. Is pattern drenching worth a try?Homeowners are embracing vibrant colors and bold patterns now more than ever, and designers are all for it. However, there are some spaces that are better to experiment with than others, especially if you’re new to the trend. BedroomPattern drenching is all about creating a space that’s encompassed by patterns. What better place to start than somewhere that already feels snug? “When you walk into a room that’s fully enveloped in layers of rich, vibrant patterns, it feels like you’re stepping into a cozy cocoon. And the space feels dynamic and alive, yet still soothing,” says Jay.BathroomInside Stories / Eric Lucero PhotographyThe bathroom is often considered the safest place to experiment, regardless of the design trend.”These small-but-mighty spaces are made for big design moments! Think bold wallpaper, patterned ceilings, statement tiles — you name it. Because powder rooms are smaller and more contained, they’re the perfect spot to test out daring trends without the full commitment of a living room or bedroom,” says Cullen. Tight SpacesSimilar to small bathrooms, designer Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design suggests opting for any closed-off space to start. “A great place to explore pattern drenching would be tight spaces — powder baths, nooks, a small office. You can pack a punch by layering an upholstered piece of furniture in front of a wall covering and bring in a third pattern with an accent pillow,” says Cox. Advice from the prosIf you’ve never experimented with multiple patterns, there are a few key tips to keep in mind when trying the trend.Werner Straube PhotographyStart with the most graphic pattern: “The easiest way to achieve the pattern-drenched look is to start with your boldest, most multicolored pattern as the anchor. From there, pull in complementary patterns, paying close attention to scale and type,” says Diane Rath of The Rath Project. Stick to a color palette: “If you’re diving into pattern mixing, our biggest tip is to stick to a similar color palette — it’ll help everything feel cohesive, even if your patterns are having a party,” says Cullen.Mix motifs and scale: “If you have a large floral print on the walls, avoid using a similarly-sized pattern on the sofa. Instead, try pairing florals with geometric designs. And pair larger prints with smaller ones. This approach helps prevent the space from feeling too overloaded with patterns,” says Jay.Exercise self-discipline: “Successful pattern play means putting on the brakes when you reach that point of harmony, even (or especially) when you want it all,” says designer Corey Damen Jenkins. Look at the bigger picture: “Remember to step back and assess the space as a whole to keep things feeling elevated rather than overstimulating,” says Cox.While it is possible to go overboard, designers say to trust your gut. “I like to think of it like getting dressed: if you’d feel confident wearing five patterns in an outfit, chances are you’ll feel just as at home surrounded by them in your space,” says Rath.More Design TrendsLaura 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

1Death Camas Murphy_Shewchuk//Getty ImagesThis pretty perennial is found throughout the western U.S., but don’t let its beauty fool you — every part of this plant is highly toxic to both humans and animals. If it’s ingested, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, tremors and weakness. 2Cotoneaster Artist and photographer from Poland//Getty ImagesWhile birds typically gravitate towards Cotoneaster’s vibrant berries, this plant can be extremely poisonous to humans and animals (cats and dogs included!). It’s native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3IrisPauline Lewis//Getty ImagesThese common garden plants are known to be harmful to humans and pets. Keep in mind that coming in contact with its roots and leaves can irritate the skin, so it’s best to wear long sleeves and gloves if you’re going to be handling them. 4Lupine Westend61//Getty ImagesThis perennial, which is a member of the pea family and can be found across the U.S., might boast visual appeal, but it contains alkaloid chemicals, which can cause harm to humans and animals. If ingested, parts of the lupine can cause upset stomach, difficulty breathing and even seizures. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Night Blooming Jasmine Karyn R. Millet//Getty ImagesThis invasive species can be extremely harmful to pets and animals if it’s ingested. Symptoms can range from vomiting to seizures if one is exposed to its toxins.6Wild Parsnip tirc83//Getty ImagesAt some point, you might have spotted this toxic plant by a roadside or in an open field. It should be left alone, as its sap can cause severe rashes, blisters and skin discoloration. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Angel’s TrumpetLuis Diaz Devesa//Getty ImagesThis warm-weather plant is a go-to for adding beauty to gardens, but beware since it’s part of the nightshade family. The entire plant — from the seeds to the flowers – is toxic and harmful to humans and animals. 8Autumn CrocusWolfgang Kaehler//Getty ImagesThis spring perennial, which is also known as meadow saffron and naked lady, may be easy to care for, but every part of the plant is highly toxic to humans and pets. Poisoning symptoms range from diarrhea to burning in the mouth. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Jimson WeedDeepDesertPhoto//Getty ImagesWith green leaves — that are sometimes tinged with purple — jimson weed is incredibly unsafe when ingested or inhaled. Although used to treat asthma and other health conditions, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and hallucinations.10Lantana (Lantana camara)AYImages/ GettyKeep these colorful and bright plants away from your children. Although toddlers and babies may find them attractive, they’re toxic and poisonous (even to dogs and cats). Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Bitter NightshadeAli Majdfar/GettyCommonly found in creeks, gardens and parks, these vines or shrubs have been found to cause livestock and pet poisoning. 12Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)Picture by Tambako the Jaguar/ GettyThese gorgeous blossoms hold a secret: they’re deadly. After consumption, people may suffer from burning on their lips, mouth and throat.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi)Martina Borsdorf / EyeEm/ GettyWhile the leaves and immature fruit of this plant may be toxic, the color pods are sometimes used in wreaths and dried floral arrangements.14Stinging Nettle Johner Images/ GettyIf anyone touches the leaves or stems, the needle-like hairs of this plant can inject formic acid into the skin. This can lead to burning and an itchy rash.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Giant HogweedAli Majdfar/ Getty ImagesIt’s not the umbrella-shaped flower itself that’s dangerous to touch, but the sap. The toxic chemicals make the skin sensitive to sunlight, leading to sunburn and blisters. 16Yellow Dockundefined undefined/GettyDespite its medicinal qualities, yellow dock is unsafe when left raw and uncooked. It can cause difficulty in your breathing as well as heart issues. It’s also unsafe for dogs. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Rosary PeaPthiti/ GettyRosary peas are found in tropical areas and are often used in prayer rosaries and jewelry. While the seeds aren’t dangerous on their own, if cracked, broken or chewed, they have poisonous effects.18Tobacco Visoot Uthairam/ GettyThe nicotine and anabasine contained in this popular plant is fatal when eaten. Nicotine is widely consumed around the world despite it being psychoactive and addictive. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Lily of the ValleyGetty ImagesBreaking Bad fans will remember that Walter White used this sweet-looking plant for some not-so-sweet deeds. Consuming its toxic compounds — called cardiac glycosides — can send people to the hospital with symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, rashes and diarrhea. If left untreated, those little bells can even cause death.20Castor Oil PlantGetty ImagesCastor oil plays a part in many home remedies, but the actual plant itself is more likely to kill you than cure you. The seeds contain one of the most poisonous naturally occuring substances known to man, according to Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Just one seed can kill a child, as the toxic protein ricin can cause severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Overseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies). She loves anything neon coral, puts bacon on her veggie burgers, and would follow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to the end of the earth.Monique 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 BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

In 2025, there’s a noticeable shift away from minimalism and neutral interiors as more and more people embrace spaces filled with color and personalized touches. Maximalism is on the rise and interior designers say color drenching is popping up as one of the biggest home trends of the year. From tiny powder rooms, hallways and cozy bedrooms to dining rooms and kitchens, this paint trend is showing no signs of slowing down. “As people move away from stark, all-white spaces, they’re looking for ways to introduce color in a way that feels polished and cohesive,” says Tiffany Gowler, co-founder of Gowler Homes. “Color drenching simplifies the process by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple hues while still making a strong design statement. It also aligns with the desire for cozy, enveloping interiors that feel both stylish and serene.” “While it’s trending now, it’s something designers have leaned on for years to unify awkward rooms, highlight architectural details or create mood-rich spaces,” adds Krystal Reinhard, founder of Old Soul Design Studio.What is color drenching?This bold design technique involves saturating a room in a single hue to create a dramatic aesthetic. “Walls, trim, ceiling — even cabinetry and radiators, if you’re feeling bold — all get wrapped in the same color or tonal variations of it,” says Reinhard. “The result is immersive, cozy and surprisingly elevated.”Related StoryWhat are the benefits of color drenching?A monochromatic room can evoke emotion and set a distinctive ambiance, whether it be calm and peaceful or moody and dramatic. When every surface — walls, trim and ceiling — are painted the same shade, you minimize visual distractions and contrast. Color drenching also tricks the eye into perceiving a room as continuous, which can create the illusion of a larger space. “By using a single color across walls, trim, ceilings, and even doors, you create a seamless, cocoon-like effect that adds depth and character without feeling overwhelming,” says Gowler. “It’s a bold yet refined way to bring personality into a space while maintaining cohesion.”Emily Wainwright”I wanted my bedroom to feel like a warm, cozy escape,” says Emily Wainwright of @home.with.em, who painted her walls and ceiling in Benjamin Moore’s Beaujolais. “This room is completely closed off from the rest of the house; it’s the perfect spot for a color drenching moment.”When to try color drenching? ✔️ Emphasize a small space: When the entire room is painted in one hue, it reduces visual contrast and makes the space appear larger. Color drenching can make a small room feel more purposeful — think a tiny powder room, hallway or reading nook. ✔️ Highlight architectural details: “In older homes where you might be working with low ceilings, awkward room shapes or architectural quirks, painting everything in one color can blur the lines and create a unified, cocoon-like effect,” says Reinhard. ✔️ Experiment in rooms you don’t use all of the time. From home libraries and guest bedrooms to powder rooms, it’s easier to experiment with a monochromatic look in certain spaces. “If this is your first go at something bold, I recommend a room you do not spend all day in,” says Wainwright. Angela Newton Roy PhotographyErica and Madeleine ZetterquistHow to pull off color drenching:✔️ Choose the right hue. Consider the room’s size and how natural light interacts with the space before making a final decision. The color also sets the mood of the space. “Soft, muted tones create a soothing effect, while deeper, richer colors add drama,” says Growler. ✔️ Fully commit to the color. “Stopping at the walls can make the space feel incomplete rather than intentional,” says Growler. “Extend the color to ceilings, doors and trim for a truly immersive look.”✔️ Experiment with paint finishes. Some experts suggest using matte or eggshell on walls and a slightly glossier finish on trim and doors for subtle contrast. Although if you’re attempting a DIY project, Wainwright warns “staying away from trying high-gloss unless you are a professional.”✔️ Don’t use color drenching in an open-concept area. Find a defined room that’s separate from the rest of the house — think bedrooms, bathrooms or dining areas. In an open layout, it can be too difficult to transition between spaces. What’s Trending in Home DesignAlyssa 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