Aurelia Butler

I was organizing my bedroom the other day when I noticed something lurking in the background — a suitcase sitting between my two dressers. Somehow, without me noticing, it had made itself at home in that crevice, contributing to clutter I didn’t even know I had. That’s when I realized it: I had gone clutter blind. While my apartment is pretty organized and I declutter regularly, I had let that suitcase from my last vacation (weeks ago, may I add) claim its “spot” on the floor due to my own laziness to unpack. I spend hours in my bedroom every day, and not once did I think to put it away in my closet with the rest of my travel gear. It had simply become a part of the space, as natural as my nightstand or desk. Clutter blindness can be as minor as becoming accustomed to that one out-of-place suitcase on the floor or as major as not realizing every surface in your home is full of stuff. Regardless of the severity of the case, it can be hard to come to terms with. What is clutter blindness?”Clutter blindness is when you become so used to the clutter in your home that you stop noticing it’s there. Your brain adapts to the environment, and the clutter blends into the background instead of standing out as something that needs attention,” says Victoria Tran of Sorted.Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl says to think about a fridge full of magnets or a junk drawer — when you look at the space, you don’t really process what’s there, which makes it easy to forget about what you have. How to tell if you’ve gone clutter blindGoing clutter blind means you can’t really see your own mess. While that definitely poses a challenge, don’t worry. There are a still a few expert-approved ways to get a fresh perspective on your space to tell if you’ve gone clutter blind.NoSystem images//Getty ImagesTake a photo: “Take a photo of the space and look at it as if you were seeing it for the first time,” says Holly Blakey of Breathing Room. Looking at your home through a different lens often offers a fresh perspective. You might notice a few items that are out of place that you don’t typically see when you’re actually sitting in the room.”Invite a friend over: “A great way to check yourself is to ask a family member, friend or someone who doesn’t visit often to give you their honest first impression of a space. Fresh eyes can spot things you’ve stopped seeing long ago,” says Tran.Evaluate your emotions at home: Does grabbing the keys before heading out feel more exhausting than it should? Do you feel a sense of overwhelm in your home without being able to pinpoint the exact reason? Invisible clutter might be behind why you feel unsettled. How to combat clutter blindnessThe hardest part about going clutter blind is realizing it. Once you’ve accomplished that, there are plenty of ways to combat your disorganization at home and form new habits. ✔️ Schedule in decluttering sessions: “We recommend making sure you are scheduling time monthly to edit down your belongings weekly to do organizing refreshes in your main rooms and daily 10-minute quick cleans to keep everything tidy from day to day,” says Christie Childers of Imagine It Done.✔️ Start small: “Even small resets make a big difference — dedicating a little time each week to resetting high-traffic areas like kitchen counters or entryways helps you stay ahead of the clutter before it becomes overwhelming again,” says Tran.✔️ Give yourself grace: “You can create small, gentle rhythms: setting a timer for 10 minutes to reset one surface or choosing one ‘home base’ (like the entry table or kitchen counter) to keep clear. Little by little, awareness returns, not through judgment, but through loving attention. When we see our spaces with fresh eyes, we start to feel more at calm in them,” says Blakey.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

Like cooking, gardening is a science that requires knowledge, a stable environment and a little luck to create a bountiful harvest. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple hacks or cheat codes gardeners can use to help their crops thrive.One of those hacks is seed-soaking, a tactic used to speed up the vulnerable germination stage, giving seeds a greater chance at survival and a fruitful harvest. To learn more about this germination method, we reached out to Dr. Alan Taylor, a horticulture professor at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, who provided us with insights into the benefits of seed-soaking and how to soak garden seeds at home. Why soak garden seeds?To achieve a bountiful garden harvest with baskets full of vegetables, fruits and herbs, plants must first survive the seed stage where they face adversities, such as weeds, frost, flooding, animals and more. This can be a challenging time, but seed-soaking can provide plants with a leg-up, making it a worthwhile practice for hobby gardeners.The timeframe between sowing, otherwise known as planting, and sprouting is when a plant is at its most vulnerable. Seed-soaking can speed up this critical period. “Faster germination and seedling emergence gives your vegetable crop a good head start and competitive edge over weeds,” says Dr. Taylor. Overall, soaking garden seeds can give your crops a better chance of survival during a pivotal growth period.What garden seeds need soaking?Nearly all vegetable seeds can benefit from seed-soaking. Although it is most common to practice on large-seeded vegetables because of their thick coats, which are harder to penetrate with water. Examples of large-seeded vegetables include: sweet corn, peas, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, table beets and more. While small-seeded vegetables can also benefit from soaking, they can be harder to manage due to their small size and finicky nature. Dr. Taylor recommends soaking “[small seeds] that take a long period of time to germinate, like carrots, parsley and parsnip.”Some seeds, such as garden beans and lima beans, are more sensitive to injury and prone to oversaturation, so it’s best to avoid soaking them, unless you have a keen eye and experience with germination. Micha Pawlitzki//Getty ImagesSteps for soaking garden seeds The easiest and most popular method for seed-soaking is the paper towel method, which can be used on small and large seeds. The method ensures seeds absorb water slowly and have plenty of oxygen to grow. Dr. Taylor recommends following the directions below for the best seed germination results.Good HousekeepingHow long do you soak garden seedsIt’s best to soak garden seeds in a temperate space overnight. However, if you forget about them and leave them for longer than 12 hours, it’s okay — just don’t exceed 24 hours of soaking. If they’re left to germinate for too long, they may absorb an excess of water and begin to sprout or rot. More Gardening 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

If you’re looking to bring a pop of color to your collection of leafy greens, Lisa Eldred Steinkopf of the Houseplant Guru waxes poetic about aglaonema. “In years past, it was a plain green plant seen in every mall and office suite,” she says. “Though those green ones have their place, they have been hybridized to have colorful leaves in all shades of pink, red, peach, green and more.”That said, aglaonema has a lot more to offer than good looks. As Steinkopf points out, they’re low-maintenance, too. “Because it has slightly succulent stems, it is a bit drought-tolerant,” she says. “The colorful leaves don’t need full sun to keep their beautiful colors.” Difficulty: EasyLighting Preferences: Bright, indirect sunlightWatering Requirement: Water when soil is completely dry. Average Height: 2-3 feetClimate: Grow best in 65 to 75°F. Since they love humidity, you might want to mist them every so often.Care Tips: These plants do best in well-drained soil and benefit from occasional fertilizer. More

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While finding a great piece of store-bought furniture or home decor always feels like a win, there’s nothing quite like discovering a unique gem at a flea market, antique shop or estate sale. That’s why we couldn’t help but to tap several interior designers to find out the top antiques that are trending right now. Whether you’re on the hunt for an eye-catching accessory to add character to your kitchen design or a colorful piece of artwork to enliven your living room, this list of popular antiques for 2025 is full of inspiration. Just keep in mind that a vintage piece is typically between 20 and 99 years old, and an antique item is more than 100 years old. Related StoryCutting Boards You can never go wrong with a durable wooden cutting board. Antique shops are often filled with options in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (square, round, rectangular, you name it). They work for everything from food prep to serving a delicious charcuterie board. “Vintage cutting boards are all the rage these days,” says home stager Meridith Baer. “I’m always drawn to ones that show real patina and wear. Whether styled on a kitchen counter or layered on open shelves, they add texture and depth to any space.”Ekaterina Goncharova//Getty ImagesWooden cutting boards are an easy way to add warmth to your kitchen and come in handy for food prep and serving.Chests and Tables Chances are you’ve spotted an ornate table or chest at your local flea market, and design pros say they’re usually too good to overlook. Designer Honey Collins noticed that her clients are more open to carving out a spot for them in their homes. “They want a more curated look and that is best achieved by using something old,” Collins says. “A beautiful old chest gives character to a room. I love a walnut or bleached finish — they feel less old-fashioned and mix so well with modern pieces.” CeramicsThere’s no shortage of ceramics, including vases, lidded jars and pots, at antique shops. You can rely on them to spruce up a basic coffee table, bookshelf or living room mantel. “I’m seeing a renewed appreciation for hand-thrown pottery and studio ceramics, particularly those in earthy glazes or with subtle imperfections,” says designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt. “These pieces add soulful, tactile charm to shelves and vignettes, and they pair beautifully with today’s organic modern design leanings.” Cloud suggests paying attention to hand-painted details, rich glazes and unusual colors. Before you make a purchasing decision, check the bottom of the piece for markings by the maker or designer. “Look for stamps, signatures or impressed marks,” Cloud says. Brands like Wedgwood, Spode, Moorcroft and Roseville are just a few that collectors love. The mark can help date the piece and confirm authenticity.” studioaltius//Getty Images”I love pieces with soft wear that shows they’ve been loved, not just stored away,” designer Marie Cloud says. Get into the habit of assessing an item for imperfections to make sure it’s worth purchasing. “Irregularities often signal a handmade piece, which I find so much more soulful than something mass-produced,” she says. Look out for craquelure and patina, too: “Craquelure — fine hairline cracking under the glaze can actually add to the charm — it’s a natural sign of age,” Cloud says. LightingAntique and vintage lighting — be it sconces, table lamps or chandeliers — is another trend that’s growing in popularity. “So many new designer lighting collections are modeled after original pieces, but it’s always exciting to source the real thing instead,” says designer Sara Swabb of Storie Collective. “Whether it’s a Murano glass sconce, a brass chandelier with just the right patina or an amazing fixture with a floral patterned shade, the original often feels more refined and unexpected. It brings soul to a space in a way that’s hard to replicate.” Just be sure to check the measurements carefully if you’re shopping online, Swabb says. “A fixture might look perfect in a photo, but could be far too small or large for the space. I consider ceiling height, furniture placement and sight lines to make sure the scale feels intentional.”Swabb also looks out for standout details like quirky shapes, hand-blown glass and original silk-wrapped cords. “These are the details that make vintage lighting special,” she says. “I always check for original maker marks or signs of quality craftsmanship.”And don’t be completely turned off if a fixture isn’t already wired, since it’s easy enough to find lighting restoration specialists that handle rewiring. “If a fixture isn’t already rewired, I weigh the cost and feasibility of bringing it up to code — sometimes a little investment goes a long way,” Swabb says. Stacy Zarin Goldberg; Design by Sara Swabb”One trend I’ve been drawn to lately is the renewed appreciation for antique and vintage lighting,” says Sara Swabb, founder and creative director of Storie Collective. Vintage ArtworkBaer has noticed that more and more people are drawn to vintage artwork, confirming that still lifes, plein air landscapes, portraits and animal art seem to be the most appealing to shoppers these days. “These pieces give a glimpse into the homeowner’s style while preserving an elevated look,” Baer says.BalonciciWhen it comes to antique art, designers recommend displaying what you love. From oil paintings to hand-drawn sketches, antique shops tend to have it all. Checkered and Floral TextilesNorthern Virginia-based designer Gruver Cooley never overlooks checkered and floral vintage textiles, which can add texture to a room. “Think old flour sack fabrics, vintage quilts, embroidered napkins or floral drapes with a cottage-core feel,” Cooley says. “Whether framed, used in upholstery or simply draped over the back of a chair, they’re full of character and history.”Colorful GlasswareAntique and vintage glassware is affordable and never fails to give a tabletop personality. Cloud is especially drawn to the range of colorful options available, whether you’re looking for vintage glassware (at least 40 years old) or antique picks (more than 100 years old). “Colorful vintage glassware is having a major moment,” Cloud says. “From hand-blown Murano to pressed glass in jewel tones, these pieces instantly add a playful, collected feel to any space. I love how they bring both form and function — beautiful for open shelving, bar carts or even styled into a tablescape.”While shopping, Cloud suggests holding the item to the light to test for authenticity. “Vintage glass tends to have a richer glow, and the weight is often heavier,” she says. “Pressed glass may show mold seams, while hand-blown pieces might have a pontil mark on the bottom — a telltale dimple from where it was broken off the glassblower’s rod.”She likes to shop for specific colors, too. If you’re partial to classic picks, go for shades like amber, green and cobalt blue. Or go the non-traditional route: “Hues like lilac, blush or smoky topaz are especially striking and less commonly found, making them great scores.”Regardless of what you’re hunting for, Cloud says you should always buy what you love. “Trends come and go, but the best pieces are the ones that make you feel something—whether it’s nostalgia, joy or curiosity,” she says. “That emotional spark is always my guiding light when sourcing antiques.”alxpin//Getty ImagesAccording to designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt, antique shops are a good place to find Murano glassware. Related StoriesMonique 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

In April 2025, Hearst Magazines came together for the 4th annual Eco-Conscious Living Summit. Here, Hearst editors, thought-leaders and change-makers gathered for inspired conversation and actionable ideas that move us all toward living more sustainable lives. We invite you to relive the day with us. Below, each session that took the stage. And may it spark the joyful resolve we all experienced in exploring forward-thinking solutions to pave the way for a greener tomorrow.Session 1: Sustainability with Integrity: Redefining Standards for a Greener FutureJane Francisco, editorial director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group and our editor in chief, spoke to Jocelyn Lyle, executive vice president of mission and partnerships for the Environmental Working Group; Julia Collins, founder and CEO of Planet FWD; and Zac Ludington, head of product strategy and innovation at Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Program, about how to change personal buying habits to help the planet.Read a summary here.Session 2: Change the Recipe: Feeding Hope Through Innovation and CompassionJosé Andrés prefers to be called “cook” rather than “chef” (despite hosting a new show premiering in May called Yes, Chef). “I am a cook. Give me some food and I will make something for you to eat,” he said. This is what started the conversation between Andrés and Michael Sebastian, editor in chief of Esquire, watch their conversation below.Read a summary here.Session 3: The Future of Fragrance: Indigenous Wisdom and Streamlining Last-Mile Supply ChainsLindsey Kneuven, head of impact and grants at Pura, told ELLE beauty director, Kathleen Hou, about the company’s journey with the Western Australian Martu tribe to grow sandalwood.Read a summary here.Session 4: Products With Purpose: Redefining Home Comfort Through Sustainable InnovationPlan. That is the takeaway advice from the conversation that Good Housekeeping Institute home improvement and outdoor director Dan DiClerico has with interior designer and television personality Arianne Bellizaire; home improvement expert, partner of the heating-cooling firm Trane, designer and builder Anthony Carrino; and Vijay Deshmukh, Trane’s vice president of product management-residential HVAC and supply.Read a summary here.Session 5: Flavor First: Seeds, Chefs and the Quest for DeliciousnessChef Dan Barber has a passion for vegetables. So much so, in fact, that he challenged a seed breeder to create a squash that tastes good. That challenge was accepted, and after a partnership with a farmer, the Koginut squash was born. This is the story he told Joanna Saltz, editorial director of Delish, see the whole exchange below.Read a summary here.Session 6: Rooted in Theatre: Can Broadway Save the Trees? Idina Menzel, the Tony Award–winning actress and singer who currently stars in the Broadway musical Redwood, sat down with Stellene Volandes, Town & Country editor in chief, to spill a few secrets about the show and its creation.Read a summary here.Session 7: The Forever Home: Rebuilding for the FutureInterior designer Mikel Welch is renovating a home in Pasadena, California. Amongst the ashes of the fires that tore through the area this winter, Welch is thinking about how he can make his home resistant to the climate challenges to come. It was apt, then, that he participated in a conversation with Amanda Cimaglia, vice president of corporate affairs of AZEK/TimberTech; Nate Berkus, author and founder of Nate Berkus Associates; and Veranda editor in chief, Steele Marcoux, about rebuilding the forever home for the future.Read a summary here.Session 8: Earth’s Next Act: Youth Writing the Climate ScriptCosmopolitan editor in chief Willa Bennett hosted a conversation with actor and producer Auli’i Cravalho and two winners of The World Around Young Climate Prize, Amara Nwuneli and Dayana Blanco.Read a summary here. More

Plan. That is the takeaway from the conversation hosted by Good Housekeeping Institute home improvement and outdoor director Dan DiClerico at the Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit on April 23, 2025.“Home reflects you and the impact on the environment you want to impart, and that goes into the mechanics,” said interior designer and television personality Arianne Bellizaire. “I can make anything beautiful, but you need to plan for the mechanics to work.” Anthony Carrino, a home improvement expert and partner of the heating-cooling firm Trane, agreed, saying planning should always be the first step when considering how your home affects your environment — both in temperature control and health impact. Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for HearstVijay Deshmukh and Dan DiClerico on stage at the Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit. “What experience do you want in your home?” asked Vijay Deshmukh, Trane’s vice president of product management-residential HVAC and supply. “It is all about choice.” Considering that HVAC systems can make up 40 percent of your energy output, according to Deshmukh, making informed choices can be good for your bank account over the long haul. He urged homeowners to educate themselves about the products available to them and suggested a heat pump could be a good product to consider. Carrino concurred, touting how the 600-plus speeds of Trane’s heat pumps can make any home more comfortable. (Watch the video above to learn more about how heat pumps work.)Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for HearstAnthony Carrino talking about heat pumps with Arianne Bellizaire.To sum up, in the words Bellizaire says she uses with clients when discussing ways to limit options so they don’t get analysis paralysis: What’s the most impactful choice?Watch all the discussions from the Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit HERE. More