Aurelia Butler

Gone are the days of all-white kitchens, muted bedrooms and other minimalist spaces. In 2025, homeowners are expressing themselves through their interior design style, leaning into personality-fueled trends like dopamine decor and wallpapered ceilings. Unsurprisingly, people are looking to the past — think retro design features like decorative molding and antique mirrors — to inspire their current home design. Specifically, interior designers are noticing a revival from one decade in particular: the 1980s. “The 1980s were a vibrant and lavish decade when interior design embraced bold, eclectic styles, mixing luxury with playful, futuristic elements. Neon colors, as well as pastels, were popular, thanks to shows like Miami Vice,” says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. While certain 1980s trends are making a comeback today, they’re resurfacing with a modern twist. We spoke to three interior designers about the ’80s design elements they’re seeing in 2025 and how homeowners are incorporating them into their spaces today.Cozy MaximalismEmily J FollowillThe term ‘maximalism’ might bring to mind wild patterns and clashing colors — but that doesn’t truly capture the essence of the style. While maximalism often involves bold design choices, the style can be cozy too. In the 1980s, pops of color throughout the home were commonplace, but these spaces still felt comfortable.”One of my favorite aspects of 1980s home design is the cozy, lived-in feel of the spaces,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design. “I love that the cozy, maximalist aesthetic is back where there’s a balance between comfort and style, and spaces feel lived-in and character-ful — while also feeling modern!”Wooden AccentsMatching wooden chairs and tables are part of the 1980s signature style. While you might not see those sets often these days, wooden accents are making a comeback in other forms. “Wood hardware is trending, whether it is integrated into cabinets or designed to stand out,” says Jessica Flake of Copper Sky Design + Remodel. Think wooden knobs on cabinets, stained bookcases and vintage wooden picture frames. Regardless of how it’s incorporated, wood adds character to any space, and homeowners are rediscovering that in new ways. Colored TilesMARC MAULDINDesign by Copper Sky Design + Remodel. Photo by: Marc MauldinHomeowners are continuing to move away from neutral color palettes, welcoming vibrant furniture, daring patterns and unique wall design and flooring into their spaces. Designers are noticing that their clients are especially becoming more adventurous when it comes to their walls, opting for bright colors and new textures around the house. “Colored tile specifically has seen a big revival,” says Flake.Oversized FurnitureChunky furniture is a defining characteristic of 1980s interior design. While it might not sound appealing to have extra-large furniture all over the house today, there’s been a reinvention of this furniture style that designers are loving. “The 1980s were known for their big, bulky furniture, such as oversized sofas and armchairs with thick cushions and large frames. While oversized sofas are still popular, they now have cleaner lines. The focus is on comfort without the oppressive bulk, so you’ll find lower-profile sofas, with a narrow track arm, covered in visually lighter upholstery fabrics,” says Jay. Curved DetailingAnastasia AlkemaContrary to the more modern emphasis on simple, clean lines in home design, the 1980s style was all about curved furniture and detailing around the house. Not only can curved lines be more visually interesting, they can also add character and charm to a home like this fluted marble surface does. “Some trends making a comeback today include curved, fluted and reeded detailing,” says Flake. “We see it in materials such as wood, marble, tile and even glass — applied to cabinets, furniture and walls.” Bold Wallpaper LooksIt’s no surprise that wallpaper is making a major comeback in 2025. While homeowners are taking a step back from the patterns seen in the 1980s, they’re experimenting with all kinds of different colors and designs.”In the 1980s, floral wallpaper was everywhere, and the patterns often featured rich, jewel tones that overwhelmed a space. We’re now seeing wallpaper being used in more creative ways, not just the traditional four walls. My clients are always open to wallpapering a ceiling, or adding a touch of wallpaper in the backs of bookcases,” says Jay.Neon and PastelsRobert Peterson / Rustic White Interiors If bright colors are your thing, you’re in luck. Neon hues and pastel color schemes are working their way back into interior design. “The use of bold color from the 1980s is making a strong comeback, offering a refreshing contrast to the dominance of neutral tones like gray,” says Williams. “Small doses of vibrant colors, such as neon accents or jewel tones, are being used in modern interiors to add energy and personality, often through accent walls, colorful furniture and textiles.”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

Duvet covers are supposed to make life easier. They’re easy to wash, long-lasting and interchangeable, meaning you don’t have to buy a new comforter every time you want a different look. However, the process of putting one on can certainly be a hassle. And if you dread that chore, all the benefits of using a duvet cover go out the window. Luckily, we have just the trick for you. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has a three-step method for inserting a duvet, including one crucial tip that makes life a whole lot easier. Below, you’ll find our step-by-step guide, plus the duvet covers that earned GH’s 2025 Bedding Awards if you’re looking to switch up your style. 1. Lay everything down on the bed. First, lay your duvet insert on your bed. Once each corner of your duvet is aligned with the four corners of your bed, lay the duvet cover directly on top. 2. Flip the duvet cover inside out and attach. Reach inside the duvet cover and pull all four corners inside out. The top of the cover should match the top of the insert. Tie all four corners to secure the insert to the cover. 3. Flip it back to the right side. Reach inside again and flip the duvet cover to its original side, which now fully covers the duvet insert. Close the cover and fluff as needed. That’s it! Now your duvet should be all set for a restful and cozy night of sleep. GH 2025 Bedding Awards: Duvet Cover WinnersRelated 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

Brigitt 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

1Make your own all-purpose cleanerJamie GrillCombine one part white vinegar, one part water, a lemon rind and a few rosemary springs into a spray bottle. Shake and let it infuse for a week before using. This natural cleaner can remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges and much more. Keep in mind: Vinegar is not safe for all surfaces, including natural stone and finished wood.RELATED: 8 Things That Should Never Be Cleaned With Vinegar 2Clean oven racks in the bath tubgerenme//Getty ImagesRather than struggling to scrub your oven racks in the sink, give them a soak in the bath tub. Scrub racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad and grease-fighting dish soap. Our advice? Lay down towels in the tub first to prevent scratching from the metal racks.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Refresh window treatments in the dryerArtjafara//Getty ImagesPut your dryer to work! Toss drapes, curtains and soft valances in the dryer for 15 minutes on air-only or the lowest temperature your model offers, then immediately rehang to avoid wrinkles.4Vacuum blindsChalabala//Getty ImagesAttach your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment and turn the suction down to the lowest setting available. Close the blinds, hold the slats taut and vacuum slowly. (Move from left to right for horizontal blinds, top to bottom for vertical blinds.) Open and close the slats in the opposite direction, then vacuum each slat again.RELATED: How to Clean Blinds FastAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Clean cutting boards with lemonMaria Forbes//Getty ImagesWith regular use, even the best cutting boards can become stained. If you think that nasty mark on your cutting board is permanent, you could be wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells. Sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first for extra oomph. Follow up with a coating of a cutting board oil to nourish the wood.6Wash pillows in the washing machineArtjafara//Getty ImagesMost bed pillows can go straight into the washing machine! You need to clean these items only two or three times a year, so they should be at the top of your list during spring cleaning season. Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s label for care instructions. RELATED: How to Wash Pillows Properly, According to a Cleaning ExpertAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Use dish soap to tackle carpet stains. aquaArts studio//Getty ImagesCombine ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish soap and one cup water into a spray bottle, shaking to combine. Spray a microfiber cloth with the solution and dab the stain. Once the stain is removed, fill another spray bottle with fresh water and spray the area to rinse any suds. Blot well with a clean microfiber cloth and allow to air dry. You can also refresh carpets between deep-cleanings by using a portable carpet cleaner. RELATED: How to Make Simple Homemade Cleaning Sprays8Tackle soap scum with lemonConnect Images//Getty ImagesLemon juice acts as a natural acidic cleaner, so it can tackle soap scum. Mix it with water and spray it on tubs and showers, then scrub. Keep in mind: Never use this mixture on marble to avoid damaging the surface. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Clean the toilet with white vinegarAndrei Zonenko//Getty ImagesUse a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to refresh the toilet bowl and remove hard water stains. Drain the water out of your toilet bowl. Pour white vinegar into the bowl until it covers the water line and let it sit overnight. Add one cup of baking soda to create a fizzy solution. Start scrubbing until stains are gone, then flush.RELATED: How to Disinfect and Clean Your Toilet10Vacuum door mats on both sidesConnect Images//Getty ImagesGoing over the backs of the mats will push trapped dirt out onto the floor, where it will be easier to pick up. To refresh outdoor mats, hose them off, then air-dry. Pro tip: You can trap more dirt by using two mats, one mat outside and one inside. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Dust with dryer sheetsWirestock//Getty ImagesDitch a store-bought disposable duster for something you may have at home — used dryer sheets. Collect dust on furniture, air vents, ceiling fans, baseboards and much more. The anti-static properties are also great for wiping down TVs, mirrors and computer screens. 12Steam clean the microwaveAndrewRafalsky//Getty ImagesClean up those pesky tomato stains once and for all. To clean your microwave, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a lemon, lime or orange cut into thin slices — or several tablespoons of vinegar — and stick it inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it cool for five minutes before opening the door. Remove the bowl and wipe the inside and outside of the microwave with a sponge.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Clean your washing machine with bleachHero Images//Getty Images14Use ketchup to shine copper pots and pansGetty ImagesKetchup helps dissolve tarnish on copper pots and other copper cooking accessories. Just massage the sauce over the surface, and add a pinch of salt if you come across exceptionally stubborn spots.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Clean kids’ toys in the dishwasher or washing machineGetty ImagesWhen it comes to cleaning kids’ toys, don’t overlook the convenience of your dishwasher or washing machine. For plastic toys, choose the crystal or quick cycle on the dishwasher and skip the heated dry. For stuffed animals, check the care labels, and if machine washable, place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase before throwing it into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. A quick once-over with a lint roller can help too. RELATED: Easy Toy Storage Ideas and Tips That Will Get Kids Super Organized16Clean your mattress with a garment steamerjopstock//Getty ImagesIt’s the ideal time to pay attention to what’s under the sheets. To clean your mattress, first use a top-performing clothing steamer to kill dust mites near the surface. Vacuum the mattress afterward, making sure to press firmly with your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean the top and sides. After vacuuming, sanitize the mattress with a disinfecting spray like Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Freshen up carpets with baking sodaJohn keeble//Getty ImagesTo rid your carpet of odors, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet. Using a soft brush, work the baking soda into your carpet and let it set for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda off the carpet with a fresh bag or clean dirt cup.18Donate clothes you’ve only worn onceKostikova//Getty ImagesGo through clothes and shoes, purging anything you’ve only worn once and likely won’t wear again. Think a bridesmaid dress, Halloween costume or formal dress you’ve outgrown. Try on anything you’re unsure about before giving it closet space. Keep an eye out for anything stained, in need of repair or worn out. RELATED: 6 Types of Clothes to Get Rid of ASAP, According to Pro OrganizersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Remove (and clean) bins from the fridgeIn addition to wiping down your fridge’s interior shelving on a regular basis, give the removable bins and shelves a deep-clean every now and then. Pop out the door shelves and bins and wash them in warm, soapy water to help get rid of food bacteria and spillage. Don’t forget to rinse and dry everything well before putting the shelves and bins back in. 20Clean windows on a shady dayGetty ImagesWait for an overcast day to clean windows. Choosing a sunny day is one of the most common window-cleaning mistakes to avoid. “Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth,” Forté says.Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time to start prepping for all the fun activities that come along with the warmer weather. Think gardening, grilling and hosting friends and family in the yard. However, there’s one controversial chore that also starts right about now — spring cleaning. While it might seem like everyone dreads spring cleaning, a recent Home Depot survey revealed that 65% of homeowners and renters actually look forward to it. Moreover, 85% say it benefits their mental health and 80% say they feel a sense of accomplishment when they’re finished.Regardless of whether you love or hate spring cleaning, it’s a chore that’s pretty much unavoidable for homeowners across the country. Still, people are prioritizing certain spring cleaning projects over others depending on location. If you need a bit of help deciding where to start, we’ve rounded up the most popular spring cleaning chores by state, according to Home Depot’s Spring Project Report. Read on to see what your neighbors are up to this spring!Alabama Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 74%Clean windows and screens: 70% AlaskaClean windows/screens: 54%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 50% ArizonaClean windows/screens: 83%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 76% ArkansasDeep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 73%Clean windows/screens: 72% CaliforniaClean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 65%Clean windows/screens: 64% ColoradoClean windows/screens: 80%Clean fans and lighting fixtures 72% ConnecticutClean windows/screens: 78%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 66% More Cleaning TipsDelawareClean windows/screens: 62%Clean hard-to-reach spots (behind furniture or appliances): 59% FloridaClean windows/screens: 66%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 65% GeorgiaDeep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 68%Clean windows/screens: 67% HawaiiClean windows/screens: 62%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 60% IdahoClean windows/screens: 78%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 75% IllinoisClean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 74%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 65%IndianaClean windows/screens: 72%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 70%IowaClean windows/screens: 66%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 65%KansasClean fans and lighting fixtures: 65%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 60%KentuckyClean windows/screens: 79%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 76%Nastasic//Getty ImagesLousianaDeep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 69%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 66% MaineClean windows/screens: 83%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 80%MarylandClean windows/screens: 69%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 66%Massachusetts Clean windows/screens: 83%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 58%MichiganClean windows/screens: 76%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 66%MinnesotaClean windows/screens: 84%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 69%Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesMississippiClean fans and lighting fixtures: 69%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 69%MissouriClean fans and lighting fixtures: 85%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 83% MontanaClean windows/screens: 63%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 58%NebraskaClean windows/screens: 85% Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 80%NevadaClean windows/screens: 77%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 69%New HampshireClean windows/screens: 75%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 70%New JerseyClean windows/screens: 70%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 66%New MexicoClean windows/screens: 76%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 70%Get OrganizedNew YorkClean windows/screens: 79%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 59%North CarolinaClean windows/screens: 69%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 64%North DakotaDeep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 54%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 53%OhioClean windows/screens: 82%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 69%OklahomaClean fans and lighting fixtures: 70%Clean windows/screens: 65% OregonClean windows/screens: 70%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 68%PennsylvaniaClean windows/screens: 74%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 62%Rhode IslandDeep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 57%Clean windows/screens: 56%South CarolinaClean windows/screens: 75%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 70%South DakotaClean windows/screens: 68%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 52% TennesseeClean windows/screens: 79%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 70%TexasClean windows/screens: 68%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 67%Peter Dazeley//Getty ImagesUtahClean windows/screens: 75%Clean fans and lighting fixtures: 67%VermontClean windows/screens: 57%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 54%VirginiaClean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 70%Clean windows/screens: 65% WashingtonClean windows/screens: 64%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 60%West VirginiaClean windows/screens: 88%Clean hard-to-reach spots, like behind furniture or under appliances: 70%WisconsinClean windows/screens: 75%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 62%WyomingClean windows/screens: 58%Deep clean hi-touch rooms like kitchen, bathrooms: 53%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

Easter is just around the corner, which means it’s time for all the fun spring activities like decorating eggs and planning Easter egg hunts. However, with the high cost and current shortage of eggs, it might be difficult to get your hands on a couple dozen come Easter Sunday. If you and your family look forward to Easter crafts but simply don’t have access or the budget for eggs this year, there are still plenty of alternatives to dyeing Easter eggs that everyone can enjoy. With insights from some of the experienced crafting experts on the Good Housekeeping staff, we rounded up a list of other materials you can use to replace eggs this year, along with some other creative egg-related DIYs.Paper Mâché EggsWith paper mâché eggs, you can create all sorts of fun designs and decorations that look just like the real thing. This lightweight alternative is super easy to hand paint. Plus, you won’t have to worry about cracking them while crafting. Mike GartenIf you’re looking for a craft that doesn’t involve dyeing this year, try our tulip paper eggs. First, you’ll need some crepe paper. Paint your paper mâché eggs with craft paint so that it matches your paper. Then, cut flower petals from the paper, layering and cutting multiple sheets at once for efficiency. Stretch the petals gently to add natural dimension and hot glue them to the base of the egg, overlapping to fill gaps. Wrap a length of floral wire with floral tape and insert one end of the wire through the bottom of the egg flower. Apply extra glue to secure it in place. Finally, attach green crepe paper leaves. SHOP PAPER MACHE EGGSPotato Dyed EggsA Sparkle of GeniusWith the increasing price of eggs, crafters are looking for new materials this Easter. Why not go for something of a similar shape and lower price? Once you put your dyed potatoes in an Easter basket, they look just like a bunch of extra-large dyed eggs. This blogger suggests using white or gold potatoes for the best results, but you can also consider baby potatoes if crafting with kids. Get the tutorial at A Sparkle of Genius »Paper Eggs Zolotaosen//Getty Images Ditch eggs all together and grab a pair of scissors and some construction paper. Whether you draw on eggs with markers or crayons or decide to paint them with watercolors, paper eggs are an easy way to get in the Easter spirit with little crafting supplies. Wooden EggsDecorate wooden eggs with dye, paint, markers, stickers or any of your other favorite crafting supplies. Don’t want to get your hands dirty? No problem! Our wooden balloon dipped eggs are super simple to DIY without any mess — and they’re great for kids since they can’t break.Mike GartenTo achieve this look, all you have to do is choose your favorite color balloon, cut off the end (we suggest using a 9-inch balloon) and slip it onto a wooden egg. This dye-free — and egg-free — alternative looks like a real dip dyed egg. SHOP WOODEN EGGS Ceramic EggsCeramic eggs are probably the closest you’ll get to natural eggs, mostly because they crack just like the real thing. You can purchase plain white ceramic eggs or colored ceramic eggs like the ones pictured. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be able to decorate or dye these eggs just as you normally would. SHOP CERAMIC EGGSPainted Egg RocksClaudia Longo//Getty ImagesWhy not craft with materials you can find right in your backyard? Hunt for rocks that are just the right shape, paint them with your favorite colors and patterns and use them to decorate around the house. 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

Let’s face it: Decluttering isn’t exactly easy. Whether you’ve struggled to get your kitchen, bedroom or living room in tip-top shape, you need to have a clear plan. Along with a practical decluttering checklist to tackle every space in your home, it’s worth knowing the top decluttering mistakes to avoid to make the process as stress-free as possible. Here, professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal reveals six decluttering pitfalls that prevent you from streamlining your home and creating a more enjoyable living space overall, plus what to do instead. Her number one piece of advice? “Decluttering should be a lifestyle, not a one-time event.” Read on for more of Rosenthal’s advice.❌ Not pacing yourself.Think twice before attempting to declutter your entire home over a weekend. Being overly ambitious isn’t exactly the best approach here, especially if you’ve been living with clutter for a lengthy period of time. “Decluttering is a process, and it’s important to be realistic about how much time and energy it will take,” Rosenthal says. “A room-by-room or even small space by small space approach, with breaks and mini-sessions, is much more effective.” You can even consider implementing mini decluttering sessions throughout the year to make it more manageable. Tackle Every Room❌ Overlooking categories. “The first step in any decluttering process should be sorting items into categories — putting like with like,” Rosenthal says. The goal is to get a sense of how much you have of each item. For instance, do you really need five different whisks? How about those 10 white button-down shirts? “When I’m working with clients in their closets, we might realize they have 30 pairs of jeans. When I remind them that there are only seven days in a week, they often realize that they don’t need so many. Categorizing allows us to evaluate what’s necessary, what’s excessive and what should be let go.”❌ Failing to engage with every item. Believe it or not, every single piece in your home deserves attention during the decluttering process. Go room by room, and review each item to determine if it’s worth keeping: “People don’t take everything out and really evaluate whether it’s something they love, use or feel a genuine attachment to. Instead, they make excuses for why they should keep things that don’t serve them anymore.” ❌ Missing a room’s function.While the goal is to eliminate unnecessary items in your space, recognize each room’s function, too. If your family tends to read books, watch movies and enjoy game night in the living room, outfit this space with items solely for these activities. “A decluttered home is about more than just clearing out the physical space—it’s about understanding how you live in that space and organizing accordingly,” she says. Every piece should have a designated home. Drazen Zigic”Without a decluttering strategy, you’ll get frustrated and burnt out quickly, especially if you’ve been procrastinating,” says professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal. ❌ Keeping things “just in case.””We’ve all been there — holding onto things because maybe we’ll need them someday. Whether it’s an expensive dress you haven’t worn in years, kitchen gadgets collecting dust or a stash of hotel toiletries, these ‘just in case’ items quickly add up and create clutter,” Rosenthal says. If you haven’t used an item in a year and it doesn’t fit your current lifestyle, it’s time to part ways with it. You’ll feel so much better living in a space with things you truly love and use on a regular basis. “It will also make staying organized so much easier.”❌ Forgetting to re-evaluate your lifestyle over time.It’s only natural that the way you live in your home will evolve as your family dynamic, needs and interests change. Maybe you’re a new parent, just purchased a home or now live with a pet or two. All of these scenarios will impact your lifestyle and everyday habits. Case in point: When it comes to decluttering, “what works for one person might not work for you,” Rosenthal says. Rather than immediately believing that the latest organizing trend on social media is a guaranteed fit for your situation, some deeper reflection is necessary to successfully declutter your home. “If you don’t address the root cause of why clutter accumulates in the first place—like not having an efficient system or not being mindful of new items coming in—your space will become cluttered again, no matter how many bins or baskets you have.”More Organizing Tips and TricksMonique 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

Orchids are known for their long-lasting blooms that appear in almost every color — white, pink, purple and yellow are among the most common. The intricate flowers have distinct petals and a labellum, known as the plant’s lip, that’s often larger and more colorful. The striking plant can grow indoors, bringing a touch of charm and color into home design. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, orchids require minimal care — so long as its conditions are met. The tropical plant is worthy of investment, considering the blooms can last for weeks or months at a time, and continue to bloom for 15-20 years, according to Gardening Know How. While the tropical plant has over 25,000 varieties, the moth orchid (also known as phalaenopsis) thrives best indoors. More Houseplant Care AdviceOrchid Care Tips☀️ SunlightOrchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them in east- or west-facing windows for the best chance of healthy growth. 💦 WaterWater orchids about every 7 to 10 days when the soil feels dry to the touch — likely once a week during spring and summer, 10 to 14 days during colder months. Water the plant thoroughly, soaking the potting mixture completely and allowing water to drain from the pot. Keep in mind: If your tap water is too hard (with high levels of minerals) or too soft (treated with sodium chloride), it may impact the orchid. Make distilled water by bringing it to a boil and allowing it to cool. Some people also prefer the ice cube trick. Simply rest three ice cubes on top of the orchid’s soil, making sure not to touch its leaves and stem. As the ice cubes melt, they’ll give your orchid an adequate amount of water without harming its roots.🪴 SoilThis flowering plant requires a coarse mixture for proper drainage. The ideal potting mix may include tree bark, cork chips, moss, lava rocks, small pumice stones and charcoal.✂️ PruningOnce the orchid’s flowers have fallen, cut the flowering spikes (the stem the flower grew on) to prepare the orchids next blooming cycle. Use pruning sheers to get as close to the base as possible. 🔥 Temperature and humidityOrchids prefer temperatures between 70° and 80° Fahrenheit during the day, but do well with colder temps (as low as 60°) at night. Orchids require a high humidity — between 50% and 75% — to thrive. A plant humidifier can help your orchid stay hydrated.Maryviolet//Getty ImagesTypes of OrchidsThere are between 25,000 and 30,000 different species of orchids, according to the Rainforest Alliance. The flowering plants can vary greatly in size, weight and color — blossoms can appear in almost every color. Phalaenopsis: Most orchid houseplants are phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid. Originating from humid rainforests in Asia, the species grows well indoors and stays in bloom for months at a time. Cattleya: Native to South America, this species has large, fragrant flowers with ruffled edges. Oncidium: Also known as the “dancing lady,” this species has vibrant, asymmetrical petals.Cymbidium: These light-loving orchids, also known as boat orchids, have blooms in various colors — from green to pink and lavender.Common Problems With Orchids✔️ Pests: Inspect orchids regularly for pests, like mealybugs, spider mites or aphids. Signs include yellow or brown spots, silvery stripes or a sticky residue on leaves. Pests may also cause abnormal or stunted growth. ✔️ Drooping or yellow leaves: This is an early sign that your orchid isn’t happy. Drooping or yellow leaves are often caused by overwatering — check for soggy soil and soft, dark roots. If the soil is dry and roots are shriveled, drooping leaves could also be a result of underwatering. Yellow leaves could be a sign of inadequate light — move it to a sunny spot or add a grow light.✔️ Burnt leaves: Dry, crispy or brown leaves are usually a result of too much direct sunlight, high temperatures, very low humidity or underwatering.✔️ Bud blast: Often a sign of stress, bud blast occurs when buds shrivel and fall before they’re able to bloom. It could be caused by a sudden change in temperature, humidity or light. Inconsistent watering, the wrong fertilizer, root rot or pests could also cause bud blast. ✔️ Root rot: Look out for mushy, dark-colored roots caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes and you’re using the proper (and not too old) potting mix.✔️ Dark spots on leaves: Small, dark spots are likely a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection. Cut out the infected area and spray the plant with a bactericide or fungicide, or sometimes hydrogen peroxide can tackle the diseases.Buy Orchid HouseplantsThe Sill Mini OrchidWhite OrchidThe Bouqs White OrchidPlants for Pets Purple PhalaenopsisNow 13% OffAlyssa 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