Aurelia Butler

When warm weather arrives, the race is on to fit in as much time outdoors as possible. You’re no doubt filling your calendar with BBQs, picnics and other alfresco fetes, but plein air parties can be plagued by all kinds of issues, from mosquitoes nipping at your ankles to rain sending your guests running for shelter. Happily, hoping for the best but planning for the worst can sidestep common snags. We’ve anticipated some of the most stressful summer party challenges and paired them with simple solutions — including bug-banishing help from Thermacell — so you can kick back and have some fun. Challenge: Pesky mosquitoesSolution: Scent-free, no-mess protection that actually works [image id=’3653469d-2ca4-4d4d-8f39-eba913f50a06′ mediaId=’d38c8461-16c1-4bd3-a133-0c1563daaadc’ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’original’][/image]Mosquitoes are bound to try to crash the party — and nothing kills the mood faster than guests itching, scratching, and slapping away tiny biters. The Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller is an easy solution to keep away unwanted pests without resorting to candles or unsightly fly traps.The device creates a 20-foot zone of protection for up to 12 hours — without strong scents like citronella, potentially harmful chemicals like DEET, or precarious flames. Dubbed a “magic machine” by happy reviewers, it gently warms up an included cartridge that then releases an EPA-approved bug-repelling chemical that’s undetectable (to you!).It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so it works even if you don’t have access to an outdoor plug. Plus, you can buy cartridge refills to use it season after season.Challenge: Guests awkwardly standing while eatingSolution: Cleverly deployed blankets and cushions[image id=’57b680dd-4c4d-4b0e-b628-363293c32a1f’ mediaId=’9a636e26-52a1-4598-b2ba-04f61794df5a’ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’original’][/image]Not enough seating? Renting chairs will come at a premium, and they might not match your cottagecore outdoor spread. And it’s always a hassle to try to round up extras from the neighbors.For a ‘gram-worthy solution that requires zero heavy lifting, set up cozy places to perch throughout the yard by spreading picnic blankets underneath ottomans, poufs, and throw pillows. Borrow pieces from your interior and throw on outdoor covers to protect them from dirt and spills. These novel spaces are bound to draw in kids and teens, leaving chairs and tables for adults.To avoid the dreaded lap spill, focus on a menu of easy-to-eat foods and bring out a few small coffee tables or even overturned milk crates to add dinings surfaces. If you’ve cobbled together some mismatched low tables of a similar height, drape a tablecloth over them to create the illusion of a long, low table. The result is surprisingly elegant. Challenge: BBQ sides getting spoiledSolution: Clever cold storage to preserve temperature-sensitive foodsAnyone who has ever brought macaroni salad or deviled eggs to a picnic knows the fear of spoiled food. According to the FDA, cold foods should be kept at 40 degrees or below, but that can be tricky with old-school coolers. Upgrading to double-walled serving trays that come with concealed compartments for ice will keep your famous onion dip chilled without sweating all over your table. Another tip: If you’re entertaining at home, keep the colder snacks inside and temperature-stable nibbles like chips or bruschetta outside. Challenge: Unpredictable weatherSolution: A (temporary) roof over your head[image id=’cbfd84d6-c05c-4873-bb5c-6b90cd5fa1bf’ mediaId=’e646a3d4-b55f-4896-8aef-bee5c20dcb11′ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’original’][/image]You can’t control the forecast, but you can plan for the unexpected. For a major event like an outdoor wedding or graduation party, reserve a tent from local rental company, which can provide a large shelter for some reprieve from rain or harsh overhead sun. Many charge reserve-only fees if you end up not needing it.If you’re planning a casual backyard hang and don’t need a full-size tent, you can opt for a small one to cover just your food spread and a few guests. Or, go with a sturdy pop-up tent, a more permanent pergola, or a retractable sunshade that will offer protection for seasons to come. This way, even if the majority of the party has to move inside, you can still take advantage of the protected outdoor space. Challenge: Icky, overflowing trashSolution: Get creative with trash and recycling options Even the most polite guests will abandon trash on random surfaces when they don’t see an obvious home for it, but who wants to mar their aesthetic with plastic tubs or, worse, eyesore black bags? Opt for a lined wicker trash basket that blends in with the natural surroundings, or lean into a theme.For example, if you’re hosting a 4th of July picnic, wrap your bins in star-spangled tablecloths for a clever disguise. This way, you don’t have to banish your waste bins behind the garage where no one will ever find or use them. For bonus points, print out a quick guide to what’s recyclable and display it on a decorated sign board in a nice frame.

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The weather is getting warmer, which means it’s time to take advantage of your outdoor space and find budget-friendly ways to make your entertaining area stand out from your usual decor. Luckily, you can celebrate the season with Shutterfly’s new outdoor home collections, where you can shop a range of curated styles, products and vibrant designs. Shutterfly is a leader when it comes to personalized products and services, so it’s no surprise that their collections are showstoppers. Their assortment is made up of seven new products — from pint glasses and picnic baskets to pillows and serving platters — all uniquely designed in an array of aesthetics by independent artists. We’re talking themes for every occasion (farmhouse, novelty and summer included). And according to Shutterfly’s design expert and Queer Eye designer, Bobby Berk, you can easily bring your own personal vibe into your outdoor tablescape.
Shop Bobby Berk’s Favorite Pieces

Stripe-Navy/Off White Cloth Napkin

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$29.00

Summer Collection Serving Platter

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$29.99

Boho Triangles Outdoor Pillow

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$44.98

Grasscloth in Natural Plates

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$19.99

“Infusing color is always a great way to elevate one’s outdoor tablescape,” Berk tells Good Housekeeping. “From neutral prints to earth tone colors, it’s a simple way to perk up your outdoor dining scene.” Berk suggests adding pillows to each of the dining chairs or using a simple runner to brighten up your outdoor dining table. “Picking can be overwhelming, but when you can narrow down choices and focus on look and feel, it’s easy to gain control of a tablescape.” If you desire a botanical-inspired look, you may love the Painted Daisies salad plates or Bird of Paradise dinner napkins. For a natural splash of color, the Boho Tropical table runners are eye-catching additions, and the Coastal Stars outdoor pillow is just the thing to add a pop of personality to a space. And when it comes to farmhouse style, Berk suggests using plenty of natural plants, flowers and greenery. “A mistake people tend to make when designing their tablescape is choosing items that overpower the space,” Berk says. “You want to make sure your space and your guests don’t feel so crowded and that they actually feel like they are outdoors.” So make sure to shop Shutterfly’s exciting collections to craft a stylish outdoor space your family and friends can’t resist.

Denim Line Mud Cloth Table Runner

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$54.00

Coral Spice Outdoor Pillow

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$49.98

Orange Grove At Night Salad Plate

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$12.99

Outdoor Pint Glass

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$14.99

Unicorns in Nocturnal Forest Salad Plate

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$12.99

Classic Tropical Garden Napkin

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$29.00

Fable Floral Outdoor Pint Glass

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$14.99

Petal Pink Table Runner

Shutterfly
shutterfly.com

$54.00

Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.

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Boxelder bugs have earned a reputation for being a pesky nuisance to homeowners across the United States, tending to burrow themselves in and among properties to survive the winter. But local reports across the U.S. indicate that boxelder bugs, which do not pose risks to gardens or plants found around most homes, have appeared in swarms earlier than usual — and could be, in a roundabout way, invading interior spaces earlier than usual.This spring has seen the rise of boxelder swarms much earlier as temperatures have been historically warm in many regions across the country — which triggers overwintering boxelder bugs to emerge, explains Eric Benson, Ph.D., a Clemson University professor of entomology and Clemson Cooperative Extension entomologist. “If temperatures are warmer [than usual], boxelder bug activity may also be earlier.”Why does it seem like boxelder bugs are seemingly overpowering your porches, gardens, or home exteriors this spring? It all has to do with a widespread drought that affected almost all of the west coast last year — which allowed boxelder bugs to easily find shelter to survive the winter. Now, Benson explains that these bugs, which target seed-bearing boxelder trees and other maple trees, are emerging in clusters to seek out new leaf growth this spring. Is there a reason why boxelder bugs are arriving earlier this year?Usually, boxelder bugs are actively seeking out their namesake tree (and other variations in the maple tree family) by May, Benson says. You may notice these pesky insects more so in 2022 due to historically high spring temperatures across nearly every region of the U.S., which enables boxelder bugs to leave shelters they’ve burrowed in for the winter season.”Boxelder bug adults are about a half-inch and mostly black with several reddish lines, especially along the edge of their bodies, with immature boxelder bugs being smaller and bright red with only patches of black,” he adds. “Boxelder bugs do occasionally bite people, causing some skin irritation, but it is not common. The biggest problem from this insect is the red stain their droppings can cause on carpets and fabrics.”Boxelder bug infestations are common, particularly in the Midwest, as well as regions that are highly concentrated in boxelder trees, maple trees and ash trees, as they feed almost exclusively on seeds found within these tree variations. But last year’s drought triggered an influx of boxelder bugs (which are normally swept away in wet weather) that successfully found plenty of shelter in exterior foundation cracks and other hidden, quiet spaces in your home’s exterior, says Megan Cavanaugh, a pest control specialist, marketing lead and co-owner of Minnesota-based Done Right Pest Solutions.

“They crawl in cracks and crevices 2-3 millimeters in diameter… and most people don’t know these pests have crawled into their exterior wall voids until a warm, sunny day in the early spring comes up, and these bugs start to wake up and come out,” Cavanaugh tells Good Housekeeping. “Boxelder bugs begin looking for a way outside once they come out, though sometimes they awake too early — and this is when many pest control companies get calls asking, ‘Where did all of these fall pests come from?!'”Cavanaugh says while she hasn’t seen official reports of increased boxelder bug populations from agricultural sources, there’s been an influx of calls and reports to her company about boxelder bugs inside homes and businesses this spring.How do you repel and get rid of boxelder bugs? If you’ve discovered a boxelder infestation in an exterior part of your house, it’s likely that these bugs are working their way out towards the woody areas in your vicinity. There’s a smaller chance that boxelder bugs find their way into your home through gaps in foundations, screen coverings, doors and other openings, as they tend to flock to warm, sunny areas in fluctuating temps that we may experience in the spring season. The easiest way to deal with them actually involves a vacuum, both experts say. “Unfortunately, it’s difficult to repel boxelder bugs away from homes. The best way to prevent boxelder bug invasions inside is to caulk exterior cracks and other openings,” Benson advises. “When boxelder bugs are seen clustering outdoors, however, it can be a good time to do a limited, targeted treatment with insecticide.”
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Pest control servicers, just like Cavanaugh’s Minneapolis-Saint Paul operation, can work to prevent boxelder bugs from moving inside your home before summer turns to fall using insecticide and other exterior applications, she says. These products often kill these bugs within 8 to 10 hours, preventing them from burrowing further into any exterior areas of your home, Cavanaugh adds. But if you’re experiencing an out-of-season interior infestation this spring, pest control professionals can help you stop boxelder bugs from free-roaming across your home with what’s known as a “crawling insect treatment.””I would recommend this if you cannot stand [squashing or vacuuming] these invading insects anymore. These bugs are just looking to go back outside and will eventually find their way outside, but it can be quite the nuisance simply waiting for them to do so,” she says.How can I get rid of boxelder bugs naturally?The easiest way to deal with an infestation of boxelder bugs on your own is to reach for a vacuum, particularly a shop vacuum that can stand up to the task. But because Benson and other insect experts know all too well that boxelder bugs can leave near impossible-to-remove red stains on many different surfaces in your home, it’s best to be extremely careful and use a soft brush attachment or an open-suction hose option to neatly collect them. And Benson says it’s crucial to dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag in your outdoor trash, or you’ll run the risk that the bugs will escape again.”Some folks will simply keep vacuuming them up while live, where others choose to have pest control come and treat, and then vacuum up dead bugs,” Cavanaugh adds. “Homeowners and tenants will need to clean them up either way, but it’s often easier to vacuum up dead bugs than live bugs.” Another option? Try spraying surfaces that are attracting the bugs with a mix of water and one-to-two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid of your choice, as highlighted by the Utah State University video embedded above. If you’ve noticed that boxelder bugs are continually plaguing your property annually, Benson adds that you may consider targeting any boxelder or maple trees around you, though this should be a last resort for a particularly bad infestation only.What does a boxelder tree look like?Identifying a boxelder tree is easy if you know what to look for — as they have unique flowers that many would identify as “propeller” like, according to materials published by the University of Minnesota. They’re often found along lakeshores, streams, and in close proximity to river floodplains, experts maintain, but also grow among greenery and forest areas that are home to younger hardwood trees. Boxelders grow in a variety of soils and can spread quickly in unmaintained lands, which makes clearing them out entirely a bit of a challenge.
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When do boxelder bugs go away for the season?If you’re wondering when boxelder bugs will stop swarming your home’s exterior, remember that they’re overwintering bugs — meaning they’re likely to disappear once cooler temperatures return in the fall.”The life cycle and activity of boxelder bugs is closely tied to seed production and new leaf growth on boxelder and maple trees in the spring… they typically move into structures during fall when temperatures start to drop,” Benson explains. “In the fall, they become gregarious and will fly and congregate often on the sunny side of structures, and look for cracks and crevices to get into shelter areas for the winter.” Between now and then, you’ll decide if you forcibly remove them from swarming any areas around your home, or if you tap a local pest control specialist to help remove an infestation from the interior of your home. But remember that boxelder bugs are very unlikely to cause any serious harm to yourself or to any of your possessions, including your home’s foundation.”Ultimately, try to relax! Boxelder bugs are harmless, if a nuisance,” Cavanaugh adds. “Simply take the measures you can, let a pest control company work, or wait it out; it should only last a season.”

Zee Krstic
Health Editor
Zee Krstic is the health editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends, and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle.

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Spacecrafting Photography

According to interior designer Bria Hammel, there’s personality that comes along with embracing the architecture of a home. “To have a really great end result, let the architecture create the beginning of the story,” Hammel says. “Instead of trying to go overly modern, let the bones of the home set the pace.” So it’s no surprise that when it came to revamping her client’s traditional Greenwich, Connecticut, residence for her family of six, this is exactly what Hammel kept in mind during the design process.Hammel’s client moved to Greenwich from San Francisco and was eager to make her space comfortable for every member of the family. This included filling the home with an array of neutrals, upgrading the light fixtures and hardware as well as incorporating stylish furnishings throughout the home — all while respecting the history that lies within the city. “Whether it’s a modern, traditional or coastal home, in every project we do, it’s important to us that the client can live in every room of the home,” she says. Primary Bedroom

Spacecrafting Photography

Add style with a crystal chandelier.The chandelier, which was from the client’s previous home in California, served as the starting point of the room. “A lot of crystal chandeliers feel very formal, but this feels a bit more casual and vintage because it has a bronze finish,” Hammel says. The rest of the room is designed with an elegant poster bed, a nightstand with a stain finish for softness and an eye-catching mural that brings a peaceful and garden-like aesthetic to the overall space. Install a Frame TV.The fireplace, paired with a Frame TV, acts as a focal point in the bedroom and plays up its formal feel. “It looks like a piece of artwork, but it’s actually a television,” Hammel says. “You really get both function and form in the space.” Living Room

Spacecrafting Photography

Choose furniture with a subtle traditional profile.Since the modern fireplace is the main architectural detail in the room, this urged Hammel to find other ways to pepper historic elements into the design scheme. This included the sofas, with their classic legs and modest arms, and striped upholstered chairs with clean-line frames. “We wanted to not ignore the fireplace but still embrace our client’s more traditional style,” Hammel explains. “We picked furniture that had a traditional profile, but in a simple and refined way.” Hammel’s Tip: If you’re afraid of using color but want to add some, blue can act as a neutral because it feels like the sky and colors of nature. It’s not as jarring as other hues.

Aimee Mazzenga

Mix modern and vintage decor.”Playing with antiques to catch your eye and adding a little more of that texture and age to the space helps make everything not feel so fresh and brand new,” Hammel says. From the contemporary coffee table and line artwork above the fireplace (a Kayce Hughes creation) to the china cabinet and satin flange detail on the pale blue sofas, these accents enhanced the room’s warmth. “One or two antique pieces can add a rustic and vintage flair without being overwhelming in the space.”Design Tip: Hammel suggests starting with a neutral color palette before incorporating vintage or rustic elements, such as wicker chairs, art or galvanized floor vases. Dining Room

Spacecrafting Photography

Make a statement with wallpaper.Hammel believed this dining space was the perfect spot to use wallpaper —and she was right. “We decided wallpaper was going to be the showstopper and the rest was going to support it,” she says. They went with a graphic pattern to complement the neutral colors in the room. From the soft warm ivory fabric of the dining chairs and the beauty of the orchid centerpiece to the luxe feel of the large-scale chandelier and marble table countertop, the wallpaper plays with the monochromatic tones and colors of nature. Add some greenery.

Spacecrafting Photography

Spacecrafting Photography

Greenery never fails to breathe life into a space, and the dining room is no exception. Hammel settled on a print that complements the wallpaper. “When you add greenery to the space, it makes it more approachable,” she says. Her team added live ferns for an East Coast, southern and formal vibe, while the orchids were simple indoor (and easy-to-care for) additions. She explains: “We love using them as a nice, large centerpiece in the dining room.”
Shop the Look

Polished Brass Chandelier

Progress Lighting
lowes.com

$284.00

Elegant Orchid

1800flowers.com
1800flowers.com

$38.49

Ivory Area Rug

Birch Lane
wayfair.com

$589.99

Aldfreck Wallpaper Roll

Rosalind Wheeler
wayfair.com

$1.03

Powder Room

Spacecrafting Photography

Design the room with brass accents. The powder room — the smallest space in the home — is positioned right across from the dining room. It proved to be the ideal location to add a touch of formality, thanks to a console sink and brass accents that pair well with the cool tones of the wallpaper. “This is the place to take a little risk and chance because it’s such a small space,” Hammel says. “People really love that hidden room when guests come over.”Hammel’s Tip: The powder room is where you can to go all out with color. “Go darker than you normally would,” she says. “Try using a higher gloss finish.”Casual Dining Area

Spacecrafting Photography

Spacecrafting Photography

Bring on a coastal feel.This small dining space connects to the kitchen and opens up to the backyard, only enhancing its light and airy feel. Hammel and her team changed the light fixture, opting for a more understated design with a white finish. The furniture has a fun California vibe (a tribute to the client’s previous home), while the vintage rug only accentuates the overall look. Hammel’s Tip: “We love using textures like cane or wicker to bring warmth into a white room,” she says.

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Riviera Dining Chairs

Serena & Lily
Serena & Lily

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Josefa Blue Tropical Wallpaper Bolt

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houzz.com

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Otha Wall Mirror

Three Posts™
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Kimberly Queen Fern

1800flowers
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Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.

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Faith Danielle Photography

If you’re a fan of home decor and actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher from Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias, you’ll be happy to discover that she has a new home collection, Clover by Jo, which launched today on HSN. In light of the spring season, Swisher partnered with More

Charleston-based lifestyle tastemaker Julia Berolzheimer is putting her appreciation of nature and timeless floral prints on full display with the launch of an elegant home collection for Pottery Barn. Perfect for al fresco entertaining and enjoying quality family time in style, the Julia Berolzheimer x Pottery Barn line includes everything from decorative storage baskets and reversible bedding to colorful tableware and even a trendy potting station for organizing outdoor essentials — the first time the retailer has introduced a collaboration in the gardening space. In true Pottery Barn fashion, prices are as low as $22 but go up to $1,999. All of the pieces are available to shop on PotteryBarn.com starting today. “I am thrilled to be partnering with Pottery Barn, an authority in the home space and a brand I admire, to reflect my love for design and the beauty within each detail,” said Berolzheimer, who is originally known on social media as Gal Meets Glam. “Together we created a collection filled with pieces inspired by my own home and garden in Charleston.”

The collection includes an assortment of bedding.
Courtesy

To celebrate the collaboration, Julia hosted a dinner party in Charleston, North Carolina earlier this week at the boutique hotel Zero George, where a small group of editors — including myself — and local design tastemakers had the chance to see some of the products firsthand. “We didn’t want the collection to be overly feminine,” Berolzheimer told Good Housekeeping at the event. “It plays with old-world prints that don’t feel too sweet; they’re very clean and classic.”

“I love all of the pieces in the collection, but the gardening aspect excites me most,” said Julia Berolzheimer. 
Courtesy

While the potting station is designed to store gardening supplies, Berolzheimer also recommends using it as an entry or accent table. 
Courtesy

When asked about how Pottery Barn’s aesthetic complements her own, the mom of two said it all comes down to practicality. “One of the things Pottery Barn does so well is everything is meant for real life,” she said. “It’s just durable and livable.”As for her favorite item in the line? “I love all of the pieces in the collection, but the gardening aspect excites me most,” Berolzheimer shared, noting that her husband is a passionate gardener. The potting station, available in a trendy sage huge, is perfect for storing gardening tools, but it can also be styled as an entry table, a nightstand or even an accent table on a porch. “It really is versatile,” Berolzheimer said. Visit PotteryBarn.com while there’s still time to shop the full collection for a warm-weather home upgrade. And take a look at our favorite pieces below:

Shop the Julia Berolzheimer x Pottery Barn Collection

Willa Melamine Appetizer Plates

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$40.00

Clementine Guest Towels

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$22.00

Aster Charger Plate

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$29.50

Lily Scalloped Party Bucket

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$99.00

Ivy Recycled Glass Goblets

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$48.00

Flora Terracotta Planters

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$29.50

Mae Handwoven Rattan Baskets

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$149.00

Scalloped Lacquered Tray

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$39.50

Clementine Reversible Cotton Quilt

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$209.00

Eloise Embroidered Organic Percale Sheet Set

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$189.00

Marigold Organic Shower Curtain

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$49.00

Potting Station

Julia Berolzheimer
potterybarn.com

$1,999.00

Monique Valeris
Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.

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Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

Peaceful. That’s the sole request interior designer Carrie Miller received when she was enlisted to help transform a single client’s condo in Arlington, Virginia, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-room open layout presented a host of design dilemmas that are typical for small spaces. Every square inch had to be utilized for storage purposes; distinct areas for sleeping, eating and lounging required a cohesive feel; and showcasing the client’s personal artwork collection in an effort to inject personality into the room was non-negotiable. Of course, Miller rose to the challenge with gusto. “Most importantly, my client needed a space that worked for her,” says Miller, principal designer of Lapis Ray Interior Design. “Everything had to have a place. She just wanted to come home and feel like her space was complete.”

The condo’s open layout called for paying close attention to scale, furniture placement and color.
Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

The first order of business was to “be strategic about what she needed” while adhering to a patriotic color palette that gave the layout some much-needed pizzazz. In other words, editing belongings to make room for necessities was paramount. From there, Miller reconfigured the layout a bit, which included moving the laundry area to a nook just off of the bathroom for a cleaner look and pushing the foyer’s closet space to its limit with a smart organizer. “That’s just how that space needs to be used; we tried to be as smart about each area as we could,” she says.

A sliding barn door separates the laundry area from the bathroom.
Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

In the compact lounge area, Miller was tasked with designing around the client’s beloved Restoration Hardware modular sofa, which serves as the perfect spot to enjoy television, read a book or cozy up with her dog. She also installed a rolling ladder with access to upper shelving to “give her more of a footprint to work with.” A sheepskin rug from CB2 and a World Market decorative screen, which creates a sense of separation from the bedroom, add warmth to the interior.

Upper shelving offers additional storage in the lounge area.
Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

Other highlights of the condo include a storage bed — a Design Within Reach find that helps to maximize square footage. “Otherwise, it (under the bed) could just be wasted space,” Miller says. For the kitchen, Miller opted for navy blue cabinets, paired with a tulip table and lucite chairs that allow the eye to rest.

Under-the-bed storage helps to keep the one-room condo tidy. 
Robert Radifera Photography

Navy blue cabinets steal the show in the kitchen.
Robert Radifera Photography

She even introduced a second tier of upper kitchen cabinetry to boost visual appeal and create yet another storage opportunity for the client. A nifty 24-inch refrigerator completes the look, adding a modern touch. “You do not need a huge refrigerator,” Miller says. “This fridge is unexpected, simple, clean and does the job it needs to do.” Overall, this condo is a lesson in navigating small-space living with a focus on style, functionality and efficiency. “It’s a great example of drawing the eye up,” Miller says.

Get the Look: Shop This Virginia Condo

Leilani Tulip Dining Table

worldmarket.com

$549.99

Disintegrated Blue Floral Rug

The Hill-Side
cb2.com

$359.99

Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

No Reviews
worldmarket.com

$99.99

Ivory Sheepskin Throw/Rug

Crate and Barrel
crateandbarrel.com

$379.00

Monique Valeris
Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More