Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 138 Shares99 Views

    in Home Ideas

    20 Simple Front Door Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

    1Bring in a Sunny ShadeLovely IndeedTake a cheerful approach with a bright yellow door, which instantly makes guests feel welcome. For a personal touch, enhance the look with a textured yarn wreath. See more at Lovely Indeed »2Boost Visual Interest With Archwaysbenedek//Getty Images3Go for Dark WoodBrepurposedNot only is solid wood sturdy and secure, but a fresh stain looks cozy and modern. Two slim glass panels allow natural light to enter the home, while statement gold hardware elevates the look.See more at Brepurposed Design »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Try a Dutch DoorLolly JaneSwap a traditional front door for a half door, which allows a breeze and sunlight to enter your home when it’s open. We love that this blogger chose a peachy pink shade.See more at Lolly Jane »5Choose a Calming ColorJoe Hendrickson//Getty Images6Create ContrastDomestically BlissfulAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Accessorize the Front DoorThe House That Lars Built8Install Trim Around the DoorCherished BlissMake your entrance stand out by installing bright white trim around a black door. For a bit of style, layer door mats and bring in concrete planters filled with gorgeous flowers. See more at Cherished Bliss »9Consider Classic RedBriana Lyons/The Yellow NoteFrom cherry red to deep burgundy, this classic color is a popular choice for front doors. Not only is red considered a symbol of good luck, the varying shades add personality to an exterior.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Use a Wood StainMaking it in the Mountains11Choose Bright WhiteDavid Papazian//Getty ImagesKeep it clean and crisp with a white front door. Six large glass panels, plus two sidelights, allow natural light to surge into the house.12Experiment With a Monochrome Lookmike gartenOnce you’ve settled on a siding color, paint your front door a few shades lighter or darker. To break up the monochrome style, install white trim around the front door.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Decorate With Planter BoxesStoffer Photography14Make It CharmingSara Ligorria-Tramp15Design a Grand Entrymike gartenAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Rely on Warm WoodTidbits & Company17Go Bold With Navy BlueBrian WoodcockBlue is a popular choice for the front door, but darker shades look sleek and polished. Pair navy blue with a matte black knob and door knocker. 18Add a Transom Windowgeorgeclerk//Getty ImagesAllow light to stream into your interior by installing an arched transom window above the front door. It’s more secure than having a glass-paneled front door!Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Draw Inspiration From NatureKaryn MilletPaint your front door a charming shade, like dark green, that draws from the beauty of surrounding nature. Natural wood planter boxes filled with shrubs tie the look together.20Hang Lanterns on Each SideAnkNet//Getty ImagesLet lanterns flank the front door to illuminate your entryway, while also adding style and creating symmetry. 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

  • 138 Shares119 Views

    in Home Ideas

    How to Clean an Air Conditioner and Keep Cool All Summer

    Whether your home is cooled by a central air conditioning system or you have window units placed throughout, air conditioners — like humidifiers, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners — need routine cleaning and maintenance to last through years of use and keep you and your family cool and comfortable all summer long. Dust and dirt that build up on the filters and internal parts cause these important home comfort appliances to work harder and less efficiently, making them more likely to break down. Plus, who wants dust and allergens spewing back into the air your family breathes? Related StoriesAccording to Dan DiClerico, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, “Seasonal top-to-bottom maintenance check-ups of a home’s central air conditioning condenser, coolants, ductwork and more are best left to professional services, but there are things you can do yourself to help keep your unit — whether window or central — pumping out cool, dry air all season.”Note: Before attempting to clean any air conditioner, check your model’s owner’s manual or the company’s website for cleaning recommendations and precautions to keep from voiding the manufacturer’s warranty on your unit. How to clean a central air conditionerWe checked the cleaning and maintenance recommendations of Carrier, a major manufacturer of central air conditioning systems. They suggest these cleaning steps to keep the exterior and interior parts of your home’s central air conditioning humming. How to clean the outdoor condenser and compressor It’s best to tackle this cleaning job at the very start of the season and then just clean away debris whenever you see it, such as after a storm.Cut back any shrubs or plants from around the unit that may be blocking the airflow. Two feet of clearance will allow air to circulate freely, giving the unit room to breathe.Sweep away any loose debris that’s accumulated around the base. Remove leaves, twigs or anything stuck in the grille slats with a shop vacuum, utility vacuum or brush.Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the unit before undertaking any wet cleaning steps. Wash away dried, stuck-on dirt from the sides and top grilles with a brush dipped in a sudsy water solution. With a garden hose held at a 45-degree angle, rinse away the detergent from the outside and, without removing the outer grille, flush as much dirt as you can from the interior coils too. Note: Never use a power washer to clean the coils. The strong force can damage them. Some sites recommend removing the outer grille to better clean the coils and straighten any bent fins. We think this is best left to a professional. Serenethos//Getty ImagesHow to clean interior vents and filtersMake cleaning interior vent covers and swapping out filters part of your regular cleaning routine. Vacuum the slats of wall, ceiling and floor registers where the cool air blows into a room with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush tool. Check and replace the return-air vent filter (where the air from your house goes back out to be cooled) every three months or so, depending on your home and family needs. Active homes with pets or allergy-sufferers should replace it every month or two. Homes where the air conditioning isn’t constantly running or where heavier filters are installed can go longer, maybe even up to a year, between replacements.How to clean a window air conditionerAlways give window units a cleaning before installing them in the spring and again before storing them for the winter. Then, follow these steps mid-season as needed. Regularly vacuum the front grilles, body and control panel with a soft dusting brush tool to remove loose dirt. If needed, wipe areas clean with a slightly damp cloth. Check the foam filter monthly. If needed, vacuum it on low suction with the upholstery tool to remove dirt, lint and hair. If the foam filter is very dirty, dip it in warm, sudsy water to clean it and then rinse well. Allow it to air dry thoroughly before placing it back into the air conditioner. If your unit has a remote control, clean it regularly with a moist — not wet — cloth or disinfecting wipe. Remove the batteries before doing so and make sure no moisture works its way inside.This is also a good time to inspect the seals around the unit to make sure cold air isn’t escaping. Any leaks should be sealed with weatherstripping.The takeawayIn short, all air conditioners need regular maintenance and cleaning to work their best. Each spring and once or so mid-season, clear away exterior debris, vacuum or wash dirt from vents and grilles and change or wash filters as the unit’s manufacturer recommends. For more in-depth maintenance of central air conditioning systems or if anything malfunctions, it’s best to call a professional. Related StoriesCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

  • 75 Shares99 Views

    in Home Ideas

    A Beginner’s Guide to Antique Shopping

    Antiques never fail to inject a dose of old-school charm and character into a room. Whether it’s an oil painting above the mantel or a stylish console in an entryway, these secondhand furniture pieces have a way of taking any room from basic to unique. Antique shopping is more popular than ever as retro designs come back into style and consumers increasingly reject disposable home decor. With a heightened focus on sustainable living, more people are choosing to invest in quality pieces that are built to last a lifetime. But if you’re new to the world of antique shopping, you may have lots of questions: What should I look for in an antique? Can I negotiate the price? What should I never buy at a flea market? To help you find one-of-a-kind treasures and score great deals, we spoke to Patrick Dragonette, an antiques dealer and founder of Dragonette Ltd. “Knowledge is your best friend,” he says (and we couldn’t agree more).From conducting thorough research before venturing out to learning what to look for and how to negotiate the price, this beginner’s guide will tell you what you need to know.Design by Ashley Montgomery Design, Photo by Lauren MillerHow to Shop for Antiques✔️ Create a Shopping ListThe first step is to stay focused on exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re on the hunt for a piece of living room furniture or artwork for a specific spot in your home, take careful measurements and snap pictures of the space to reference when shopping. Browse inspiration online and take notice of various design styles, eras and color palettes that you’re drawn to. Sure, you may come across unexpected treasures while antiquing, but knowing your personal style and narrowing down your search is key.✔️ Do Your HomeworkYou’ll have better luck antiquing if you have a bit of background knowledge. For example, if you’re on the hunt for an Art Deco console table, educate yourself on the style, research popular furniture makers of the time and study distinguishing details that are characteristic to this specific piece of furniture. “In many cases, objects can have identifying marks, as can artworks, and if you understand the marks, that can make all the difference,” says Dragonette, who adds that these markings can help you expect what to pay.Inspired by CharmDraw inspiration from Michael Wurm Jr. of Inspired by Charm and create a gallery wall with vintage art in the living room.✔️ Shop AroundThere’s no shortage of places to find great antiques. If the piece you’re shopping for involves a significant financial investment, purchasing from a reliable and reputable dealer is essential. Here are some places to check out:✔️ Carefully Inspect the PiecePay attention to details, carefully eyeing pieces from every angle — and don’t rush a purchase. For example, if you’re checking out a bedroom dresser, look at every area including the back and the bottom — even if you have to kneel down and get a little dirty! Open cabinet doors and drawers, check hardware and look for potential damage, such as chips and cracks, as well as a signature, maker’s label and the year it was made. Careful inspection provides clues to whether the piece is an original or an imitation, reveals its condition and helps you make a more informed offer.As for finding labels, Dragonette says, “Sometimes it’s very direct and other times ciphers or coded marks can be used.” He explains that furniture can be a little trickier, since in many cases, it will not be marked. That’s where another piece of advice comes in handy — don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions. Lisa RomereinEnhance the look of a low-profile headboard by placing antique artwork just a few inches above it.✔️ Make an OfferUnlike buying clothes or groceries, shopping for antiques typically allows room for negotiating the price — a valuable skill that takes practice! While it’s not uncommon to offer a lower amount than the listing price, Dragonette says, “If there’s a big gap in the asking price and offer, it might be better to say something like, “I really like this but I’m afraid it’s out of my price range. What would you be willing to accept? I can pay cash.”If the seller accepts your offer, Dragonette advises against backtracking and saying you want to think about it. “My advice regarding negotiations is never make an offer if you are not ready to stand behind it.”Before making an offer, ask yourself the following questions: Is the price on par with similar pieces you’ve seen? What is the highest amount you are willing to pay?Is the item in good condition or will it require repairs that will cost additional money? Design by Mary Patton, Photo by Molly CulverAntiques You Should Never to Buy 🛑 Items That Potentially Contain LeadBecause regulations regarding lead weren’t put in place until 1971, there’s a chance it may be present in antique items such as ornately painted dishes, crystal glassware or a dresser with chipping paint. This can pose a potential health risk, especially if the items are cracked, chipped and used on a regular basis.🛑 UpholsteryUnless you are planning on reupholstering the piece or it’s been refurbished, stay away from upholstered furniture like sofas, armchairs or upholstered headboards. Along with antique textiles such as decorative pillows or rugs, upholstery may contain bed bugs, mold and mildew. 🛑 Baby FurnitureNever buy an antique crib or cradle, unless its purpose is decorative only. Mandatory crib safety standards went into effect in 2011, and antique cribs are likely to pose a safety risk for babies. In fact, be wary of all secondhand baby items, especially anything that’s over 10 years old. 🛑 Anything With a Suspicious Price Tag “If the deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is,” Dragonette warns. Just as a surprisingly low price tag is suspicious, so is an excessively high one. “Remember, just because you see something on the internet at a high price, doesn’t mean it will sell for that amount,” Dragonette adds. In addition to helping you recognize makers and avoid imitations, being armed with knowledge is key to gauging an item’s value. Related StoriesMaria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.  More

  • 150 Shares99 Views

    in Home Ideas

    Any Bride Will Fall Head Over Heels for These 66 Unique Gifts

    1Eyelet ScrunchiePresent her with a white eyelet scrunchie that will complement all of her bridal outfits to a T. It would also look fab on her wrist when she’s not sporting it in her hair.2Bride Cowboy HatThis chic cowboy hat — embellished with pretty faux crystals and pearls — is guaranteed to be the talk of the town during her bachelorette bash. Just make sure she has some matching boots handy! 3Queen Sheet SetNow 31% OffAfter all of the stress that came along with wedding planning, she’ll be grateful to finally enjoy some good Zzs with her partner. Help them get a full eight hours with these buttery-soft sheets that have more than 330,000 reviews on Amazon. Our Textiles Lab likes the affordable pick, too.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Scalloped-edge FanIf her wedding festivities will be taking place during a warm weather month, a fan like this one is a must. How cute is the scalloped design? 5Lovers Crossroads Street Sign Art6Luxury Gift SetLovely Bride Gift SetEvery bride-to-be deserves some pampering, and a gift set like this one makes it easy to indulge in self care whenever the moment strikes. She’ll get everything from a vitamin C–infused face mask to a lavender heated pillow.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowPop a bottle of her favorite vino into this decorative bag and she’s all set to get going on her wedding planning. Logistics are less stressful to manage when you’re sipping on a fun bev, right? RELATED: 21 Best Sparkling Wines to Toast to Any Occasion8Rattan Picture FrameOrder a favorite printed photo of the bride and her other half and place it in this gorgeous rattan frame that will add a sophisticated touch to her dresser or bedside table. 9Personalized CoastersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below10Hadskiss Cubic Zirconia Jewelry SetAny bride would appreciate an elegant jewelry set for her wedding day or any other special occasion that pops up on her calendar. Amazon shoppers call this cubic zirconia pick “durable” and “absolutely stunning.”11Bride Sunglasses A pair of sunglasses like these will make her feel like the coolest bride ever. She can even slip them on while she’s dancing the night away at her wedding reception. 12Birth Month Flower Ring TrayThis isn’t your average ring dish; it’s way cooler! Pick a dish that corresponds with the bride-to-be’s birth month and it comes equipped with a flower that represents that month. Best of all, the flowers are real and are sourced from gardens in Colombia. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Embellished Mesh EspadrillesAfter a long night on the dance floor, any bride will appreciate being able to throw on a pair of white lace espadrilles that are still super festive but a million times more comfortable than heels. 14Cottage Bath Towel CollectionMany brides register for bath towels, and these are truly among the prettiest out there. They’ll add plenty of pep to her bathroom and are perfect for the woman with classic preppy style. 15Diamond Dazzle StikHelp her keep her diamond ring looking nice and fresh with this on the go jewelry cleaning stick. It fits inside of a purse or cosmetic bag with ease and has received tens of thousands of five-star reviews. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Lamyba Bride Fanny PackNow 43% OffThis bag can be worn as a fanny pack or a crossbody and is ideal for the girl on the go. She’ll definitely want to bring it on her bach trip and honeymoon to keep valuables safe and accessible.17Satin Pajama SetSpoil her with a set of pajamas that are bridal yet not overly so — she can still don them after the wedding and they’re sure to make her nighttime routine feel extra elegant. 18Bride and Groom Cake TopperSimple yet sweet, this cake topper is available in both silver and gold and is sure to become a keepsake for the happy couple. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Fun & Adventurous Date Night BoxNow 37% OffDate nights are still important when you’re married! Ensure that the special couple in your life doesn’t run out of fun ideas for activities to do even once the big day is over. They’re sure to love these creative suggestions. 20Rhinestone Clutch This silver rhinestone clutch will complement her sparkling diamond ring as she hits the town with her girlfriends to do a bit of celebrating before tying the knot. 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.”Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

  • 63 Shares189 Views

    in Home Ideas

    Quiz: What’s Your Table Style?

    Let’s talk tables. In the dining area, the table is the centerpiece. In the living room, sofas get all the glory, but the coffee table is the unsung hero that really makes the room work. And accent tables? They hold your drink, catch your keys, provide a perch for your lamps … they’re pretty much indispensable. But how do you pick these fundamental pieces of furniture? And be sure that they’ll all work together so your home feels harmonious? Your journey begins, as so many do, on this vast frontier known as the internet, and one easy way to navigate the thicket of choices is to head over to The Home Depot. The home-improvement giant isn’t only a go-to for screwdrivers, sandpaper and step ladders — it’s also a decorating destination, offering on-trend furniture, rugs and accessories like lamps, pillows and mirrors. What’s more, the selection is comprehensive, so you’ll find an array of pieces to suit your decorating style.Oh, wait. You’re not entirely sure what your decorating style is? We’ve got you covered. Take the quiz below to zero in on the look that suits you best. Plus, we’ve selected some corresponding options from The Home Depot—dining, coffee and accent—to help you put together a home with tables that can’t be topped. More

  • 163 Shares109 Views

    in Home Ideas

    Should You Have a TV in Your Bedroom? Designers Debate the Controversial Choice

    For some, ending a hectic day by watching television in the comfort of bed is non-negotiable. It’s a chance to binge-watch buzzy shows (America’s Got Talent, anyone?) or escape for a while with a feel-good Hallmark movie (the summer schedule is out now, by the way). Believe it or not, there’s a cohort of talented interior designers who think certain TV models detract from a bedroom’s overall design aesthetic — not to mention they can potentially wreak havoc on one’s sleep routine. The case for skipping a TV“The focal point in any bedroom should be the bed,” says designer Rayman Boozer. “The chronic issue with televisions is that when they are off, which is most of the time, they look like black boxes. Unless your decor theme is black and white or some combo of black and another color, that black box is distracting. That said, I don’t think watching TV in bed is wrong. Now, we have other options like laptops and iPads, which don’t need to be displayed or integrated into the decor.”Get Some InspoFor San Francisco-based designer Regan Baker, it’s also about how a television’s presence can impact the true purpose of the space. “It’s intended to be a peaceful and serene place, where you’re able to prioritize rest, respite and sleep,” Baker says. “TVs in the room make it hard to activate that serene environment and can take away from your ability to prioritize sleep on a day-to-day basis.”Designer Marie Cloud agrees. “I firmly believe that the bedroom should be a sanctuary dedicated to rest, relaxation and intimate moments,” Cloud says. “Introducing a TV into this sacred space can disrupt the tranquility and purpose of the room. The bedroom should be a haven where one can unwind, sleep peacefully and foster personal connections without the distractions of screens. By keeping the bedroom TV-free, we honor its true essence, ensuring it remains a retreat that nourishes both body and spirit.”But there are exceptions…On the other end of this bedroom design debate, designers acknowledge that TV models have come a long way. People no longer have to settle for unsightly brands in their spaces. Since its release in 2017, Samsung’s impressive The Frame TV has been all the rage in the design world. When it’s not in use, you can showcase a piece of art from a particular period, artist, color scheme, you name it. “I personally love getting cozy in bed at night and watching a show before I fall asleep, so I can’t judge my clients if they want a TV in their bedroom,” says designer Kirsten Blazek, who regularly recommends The Frame TV to clients. “The Frame has a very slim profile and a variety of wood and color options to choose from that frame it. The end result is a television that looks more like art than a regular television.”Designer Karen Nepacena, who is lauded for her ability to “merge beauty and practicality” also appreciates the Frame TV. “We’re actually putting more TVs in bedrooms now that people don’t feel like they see a big black box as an eyesore,” Nepacena says. She reveals that quality TVs and entertainment centers are especially important to clients who value high-definition and beautiful cinematography. “They almost want movie theater-quality,” she says.But be warned. That model, and many like it, are pricey. When the experts in our Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab tested it first-hand, they found that if you’re not planning on using it to display artwork, it might not be worth the price tag. Related StoryHow to make it workRegardless of whether a designer thinks a TV is a good choice, one thing is undeniable: most of their clients want them. “Despite the taboo around showcasing TVs in bedrooms, the reality is that 90% of our clients desire them. Personally, I cherish the simple pleasure of unwinding in bed with a good show,” says Ali Budd, star of Hulu’s House of Ali and principal designer at Ali Budd Interiors.Ways to integrate a television into your bedroom more seamlessly:Be intentional about the design. Ali stresses that TVs should be woven into a room as seamlessly as possible. “Just as you would carefully integrate a TV into your family room, the bedroom can also benefit from thoughtful design considerations: optimal height, concealed wiring and sleek aesthetics.”Carve out a dedicated spot for it, if possible: “Create a specific zone or concealed sitting area that can be used for watching TV and that is not in close proximity to the bed,” Baker says. “This will keep a clear distinction between where you relax and enjoy TV, and where you rest and sleep.” Think of ways to hide it. “I think it’s personal, but from a design perspective, there’s definitely ways to hide them,” says designer Libby Rawes. Boozer has a chic way to keep TVs under wraps. “Use a TV lift cabinet at the foot of the bed, which seamlessly reveals and hides the screen; these models often come unfinished, so you can choose your own great paint color!”Bottom line? While I’m personally opposed to TVs in bedrooms (it just doesn’t work for my family and I take my Zzs too seriously), it all depends on your lifestyle and sleep habits. 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

  • 100 Shares99 Views

    in Home Ideas

    35 Back-to-School Organization Ideas for Students and Parents

    1Get your entry in order. Designer Trapped2Stock up on school supplies.Start the year off with fresh supplies, from colored pencils, crayons and markers to glue stick, scissors and hand sanitizers. Keep everything organized in a rotating caddy, dedicating one compartment to every category.3Create a command center.Erin WheelerAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below4Use a weekly planner.Get you and your teen matching planners, which is an easy way to teach them time management skills. Before starting homework, they can check their planner, assess their work and unpack accordingly. As each to-do is done, it goes back into the bag — so nothing gets left at home.5Prepare for the photo ops.Let kids pose with a chalkboard sign, filled with small details about school — from their teacher to their current career aspirations. They might groan and grumble now, but you know that these are the moments you won’t want to miss. 6Organize your desk.Piles of paper or a jumble of supplies make it harder to get things done. Invest in a storage solution, like this five-tier organizer, to give every notebook, loose paper and art supply a designated home.RELATED: Best Desk Organization Ideas to Maximize ProductivityAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Designate a homework station.Sara Tramp-LigorriaTo keep them motivated, ensure your tweens and teens have a clean space to do their schoolwork. Take note from designer Emily Henderson and fill the surrounding space with greenery for an extra mood booster.8Label, label, label everything.Between the bus ride, the long days at school and extracurricular activities, it’s easy for things to get misplaced. Pick up these personalized tags with your child’s name to help them keep track of their supplies.9Organize the closet.Caroline Lee for The Container Store Custom ClosetsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below10Bentgo Invest in a new backpack.Now 30% OffNo matter their age, they’ll love starting the school year off with a brand-new backpack. Let them pick something in their favorite color or pattern, and they’ll be more inspired to keep it clean and organized.RELATED: The Best Kids Backpacks for School11Store spare snacks in the car.Between running errands and driving them to after-school activities, you’ve probably got in the habit of carrying granola bars, potato chips and fruit snacks on the go. These water-repelling snack bags are perfect for bringing their fave treats when you’re traveling.12Pack up a pencil case.They may have a growing collection of pens, pencils and markers at home, but they can only bring so many back and forth to school. A pencil case with various compartments, pockets and a carrying strap will make it easier.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Hang a chore chart. Weekdays can be hectic. Keep your kids on task by hanging a dry-erase chart that lets them easily track daily chores and tally up their points at the end of the week.14Set a morning routine.Now 33% OffLate on the first day? Not a good look. Keep stragglers in line by setting an alarm clock or timer to ring at strategic intervals, like 10 minutes before the bus comes.15Stock up on after-school snacks.Alison GooteeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Plan dinners in advance.mike garten17Organize the backseat.Breezing through the drop-off line is easy when kids can grab their toys, water cup or (let’s face it) on-the-go breakfast from a stash in the car. It beats trying to hand them something from your purse while driving.18Decorate with sticky note wall decals.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Try a smart home device. Even little kids can start to develop morning routines, thanks to the Echo Dot Kid’s Edition. It can tell them the weather and set alarms for waking up, brushing teeth and getting dressed. Plus, you can call them to dinner with the Echo in your kitchen!20Settle on a laundry system.David HillegasRolling hampers make it easy for kids to sort their clothes by darks, lights and colors. To teach them even more responsibility, invite them to help out with folding and placing the items back where they belong.Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.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

  • 113 Shares119 Views

    in Home Ideas

    42 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas That Are Actually Clever

    1Hang Shelves in the WindowSara Liggoria-Tramp2Rely on Decorative BinsChristopher DibbleFill pretty bins with frequently used items, like cleaning products, washcloths or skincare. Take note from Karen Nepacena from Destination Eichler and set them on floating shelves, so everything you need is within reach.SHOP BINS3Bring in a Small BenchStudio DIYIf you’ve got a few inches of spare floor space, a wooden bench can serve as an additional surface for storing towels and decor. For families with small children, it’ll be a functional step stool to reach the sink, too. See more at Studio DIY »SHOP SMALL BENCHAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below4Make Space for a Small OrganizerCherished Bliss5Categorize the Bathroom ClosetBless’er House6Mount Acrylic ShelvingMargaret RajicHere, Outline Interiors adds functional storage in an awkward alcove by hanging acrylic shelves. Clear shelves (glass or acrylic) are great for small spaces, since they look clean, light and nearly invisible.SHOP ACRYLIC SHELVESAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Stow Away Essentials in Wicker BinsJUSTIN L JORDANNot only do wicker bins add texture and warmth to any interior (as Bethany Adams Interiors demonstrates here), but they can easily hide clutter. Imagine hot tools, spare toilet paper rolls and personal care items you’d like accessible but not visible.SHOP WICKER BINS8Display Skincare on ShelvesMadeline HarperFancy skincare bottles and jars can easily double as decor when displayed on sleek shelving. Elevate the look by hanging a picture light above, just as designer Anastasia Casey does here.9Decorate With a Small StoolChristopher DibbleLimited floor space? No problem! A tiny stool is the perfect way to add charm and decor to an unused corner of the bathroom. Just take it from Karen Nepacena from Destination Eichler and top the surface with a faux plant.SHOP ROUND STOOLAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below10Construct a Secret CabinetY&B InteriorsThis playful patterned room, designed by Outline Interiors, has a secret medicine cabinet to contain counter clutter. When it’s closed, guests will have no idea it’s there!11Opt for Wire Baskets Under the SinkSara Liggoria-TrampWire organizers can help make the most of the space under your vanity. Not only does it look much better, but now you’ll know where everything is in a pinch.See more at Style by Emily Henderson »12Build in Open ShelvingChristopher DibbleDefined by a whimsical wallpaper and dark blue cabinetry, this small bathroom (designed and built by Arciform) has four built-in shelves, perfect for storing towels. If your towels will be on display, be sure to choose options that pair with your bathroom design.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Repurpose Your Bar CartMike GartenYour favorite place to store wine can double as the perfect linen closet on wheels. Arrange spare towels, toilet paper and washcloths in baskets and leave toiletries up top. SHOP BAR CART14Take Advantage of the Entire Wall Robert KentForget the floor cabinets and floating ledges. Instead, go the extra mile with built-in shelves all over the wall. You’ll truly have space for everything, including towels, ornaments, baskets of toiletries and bins of cleaning products and hair tools. 15Try a Storage Ladder Raquel LangworthyA ladder provides a spot to hang towels and baskets full of extra toilet paper, but it doesn’t protrude much from the wall, making it ideal for slim spaces.SHOP DECORATIVE LADDERAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Unclutter Your Vanity Drawers Courtesy of The Home EditBelieve it or not, just organizing your drawers can give you more space to store products. Use drawer dividers to section off items. Choose multiple sizes, one for hair ties and clips, and another for flat irons, blow dryers and brushes. SHOP DRAWER CONTAINERS17Opt for a Corner Cabinet Annie SchlechterIf you’re someone who loves to stock up on bath products, you may benefit from a larger cabinet. Choose a design with glass doors, so you can easily see what you need to grab. 18Use Bath Trays for Extra Space James French/ Styling: Marisha TaylorBring the spa right to your home with a simple bath tray that can hold everything from reading material to candles and body products. SHOP BATH CADDYAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Clear Off the CountertopTidbits & CompanyMounted wire baskets and a mirror with a built-in shelf make up for any space that may be lacking on top of your vanity. Keep toothbrushes, toothpaste, cleansers and lotions tucked inside.Get the tutorial at Tidbits »20Tuck Towels in BasketsAlec HemerTurn a problem (no linen closet) into a picture-perfect solution by sticking rolled bath and hand towels in cute baskets below your vanity. Talk about fashion and function all in one!Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 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