Aurelia Butler

1Choosing overly trendy tiles.Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images”A space should evolve, not expire. Choosing overly trendy tiles or bold color choices can date a bathroom quickly. We always recommend grounding the design in timeless materials and a refined palette. Layer in personality through art, textiles and accessories that can easily be updated as your style shifts.” — Lindsey Colhoun, Lindsey Colhoun Design2Overlooking storage.brizmaker//Getty Images”One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating their storage needs, leading to countertops crowded with toiletries and towels with no home. When designing a bathroom, we incorporate a variety of storage solutions with custom interior organizers. One of our favorite options is a powered pull-out in the vanity to house hot tools and hair products so the drawer can simply be closed after use without anything remaining on the counter. A clutter-free space will feel larger, calmer and more inviting.” — Stephanie Martin, Stephanie Martin Interior Design Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Settling for wrong sconce placement.TerryJ//Getty Images”A mistake in the bathroom is placing sconces at the wrong height. When selecting lights, be sure they make sense where they are being wired. Some lights are shaped with the bulb lower than the junction box, and some are the opposite. Be cognizant of this and be sure that you are paying attention to where the actual bulb of the light fixture will be. Once you know that, work backwards, and then you’ll know where the light should be wired into the wall.” — Alex Azat, Plaster and Patina4Skimping on quality fixtures.Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty Images”Fixtures are the jewelry of the bathroom. While low-quality faucets or hardware might seem like a cost-saver upfront, they rarely stand the test of time or elevate the experience. We always recommend investing in pieces that feel as good as they look—beautifully crafted, functional and built to last. When fixtures fail, it often means tearing into stone or walls to repair them, which can become far more costly in the long run.” — LindseyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Not being realistic about light marble.John keeble//Getty Images”Light marble is gorgeous, but it’s prone to staining from personal care products when installed on shower floors, even when sealed. The solution: Use a ceramic tile or a less porous stone on the floor and save your marble for the walls.” — Jeanne Barber, Camden Grace Interiors6Ignoring the acoustics. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images”A bathroom filled with only hard surfaces will echo like a stairwell and feel just as sterile. Adding linen, woven textures or even a single rug helps absorb sound and soften the experience. Thoughtful acoustics refine the environment and shape how the space is perceived.” — Lauren Saab, Saab StudiosAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Being afraid of bold statements. fStop Images – Ludger Paffrath//Getty Images”We often refer to bathrooms as ‘jewel boxes’ within the home. These small, contained spaces offer an opportunity to make bold choices or incorporate more elaborate finishes that homeowners might be hesitant to use on a larger scale in other areas. Patterned tiles, dramatically veined stones, statement light fixtures, vibrant color drenching and wild wallpaper can be perfectly placed within a bathroom. These elements add personality and a ‘wow’ factor that can transform a utilitarian room into a truly special statement.” — Stephanie8Not considering windows carefully. Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images”Natural light is really the best so if during construction you have a means of improving your window situation, or even adding a skylight or sun tunnel to your ceiling, this goes a long way to creating a wonderful ambience in your bathroom — not thinking about this when you have walls open is a huge fail!” — Caroline Kopp, Caroline Kopp Interior DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Relying on recessed lighting.Madhourse//Getty Images”If we had our way, we’d do away with recessed can lights altogether, but that’s not a practical reality for most. Overhead lighting must be paired with decorative sconces and flush mounts, pendants or chandeliers to give a bathroom warmth and layered light. People look a lot better and can see themselves better, getting ready with the light glow coming from in front of them, than just a single can overhead.” — Pierce Jordan and Evan Krenzien, Shane and Pierce10Not bringing the tile (or slab) to the ceiling. Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images”A common mistake people make when designing their shower is not bringing the tile (or slab) all the wall to the ceiling. This cheapens the whole bathroom, making the shower look unfinished. Not to mention that the drywall above the tile will likely take on quite a bit of moisture, potentially leading to mold in the future. Always bring your shower tile all the way up!” — Lina Galvao, Curated Nest InteriorsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Assuming all finishes must match.Joe Hendrickson//Getty Images”Homeowners often feel trapped, thinking everything must match in a small space. This can make your bathroom feel flat and generic. A more sophisticated approach is to coordinate and layer, not match. You can confidently mix two different metal finishes by following a simple rule: choose one dominant finish for the major pieces like the plumbing fixtures, then consider adding in accents for hardware or lighting. Similarly, mixing in a variance of textures and tones within the tile, stone and millwork finishes create a more dynamic and visually interesting bathroom.” — Stephanie12Installing marble-look tiles incorrectly. tulcarion//Getty Images”One of the biggest mistakes I see with marble-look porcelain tile is not laying it out beforehand. Always take the time to arrange the tiles on the floor before installing them on the walls—this lets you ensure the veining flows naturally and avoids a pattern that feels too random or repetitive.” — Amy McCoy, McCoy Design StudioAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Skipping dimmers. ThreeDiCube//Getty Images”Dimmers are critical for creating ambience! While you may be inclined to install super bright lights in your bathroom for utilitarian purposes, gentle lighting is just as important for moments of relaxation or peace. While bright lights may be useful when putting on makeup or doing hair, you may want to enjoy a spa like bath with softer lighting. More and more, bathrooms are becoming a space to embrace wellness and all sorts of daily rituals.” — Lina 14Getting wallpaper all wrong. Joe Hendrickson//Getty Images”When adding wallpaper to a bathroom, there are several things to consider. Are you using the correct type of wallpaper (traditional wallpaper that’s primed and installed by a professional versus peel-and-stick that may not adhere)? What’s the level of use of the bathroom (a simple powder, water closet or guest bathroom that’s used once a month versus an everyday primary bathroom)? Where are you installing the wallpaper (on the ceiling is a ‘no’ based on humidity and steam, and splash-heavy areas may require a vinyl wallpaper quality)? Keep these things in mind to prevent mishaps.” — Amber Guyton, Blessed Little BungalowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Putting shower controls right below the shower head. Dan Reynolds Photography//Getty Images”While placing the shower controls directly beneath the shower head may seem intuitive to keep everything aligned, it usually results in having to step into a stream of cold water just to turn it on. A more functional approach is to separate the shower head from the valves, placing the controls near the entrance of the shower so you can easily warm up the water before stepping in.” — Brieanna Cunningham, C&C Partners16Not prioritizing cabinet space. Lourdes Balduque//Getty Images”One of the mistakes I see people make in their DIY bathroom designs is giving up valuable cabinet space to accommodate mirrors or sconces and not utilizing prime real estate for items like storage towers and organizational items like pull-out make-up stations. Every bathroom should be created in zones and have outlets within cabinets to accommodate electric toothbrushes and hairdryers, keeping the counter clear every day.” — Autumn Pochiro, Autumn Dawn DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Going for all-white grout on the shower floor. NelleG//Getty Images”Another big mistake: all-white grout on a shower floor. It may look crisp on day one, but it tends to show mold and grime quickly. Opt for a slightly darker grout to keep it looking cleaner, longer.” — Amy 18Picking a sliding shower door.YinYang//Getty Images”Sliding doors mounted on exterior tracks are often pitched as clever space-savers, but they fall short where it matters most. They don’t seal, they offer no sound privacy and they feel more decorative than functional. Bathrooms need closure, quiet and privacy. A solid-core swing door delivers all three.” — LaurenMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Doing laundry is hard enough, don’t let a cluttered laundry room complicate the process. Whether it’s clothes piled on the floor, mismatched socks or random papers and receipts, the laundry room can quickly become a dumping ground for stray items. “It’s not uncommon that the laundry room is the last stop for items that are on their way out the door,” says Jeffrey Phillip, interior designer, professional organizer and founder of Interiors for Organized Living. “This can cause the laundry room to become a catchall for the things that we need to deal with” — from donation items (clothing that doesn’t fit, for instance) to trash (like expired cleaning products). To help you organize your laundry room, we tapped four professional organizers for their advice on where to start. Turns out, you should get rid of these items in your laundry room right away. Single socksWe’ve all held onto single socks hoping their partner will turn up — but they likely won’t. “If you have already done another load of that person’s laundry, the socks’ match is probably long gone,” says Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life. “The washer monster wins again. Let it go.”Old dryer sheets and stray lintThis one is obvious, but it’s important! Don’t let used dryer sheets and lint accumulate around the laundry room. Not only is it unnecessary clutter, but it can pose a fire hazard. Excessive detergentYou don’t need multiple bottles of detergent — and stop holding onto formulas and scents you dislike. “Laundry doesn’t have to be overcomplicated, stick to the essentials: detergent, stain remover, bleach and vinegar,” says Lindsay Melvin, owner of Orchid Organizing. “Don’t let social media convince you that your laundry should be as product-heavy as your skincare routine.”Melvin also warns against overly scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets. “Save perfumes for your body, not your clothes.” Related StoryItems that don’t belong”The laundry room is often a catch-all space, so clutter can sneak in quickly,” says Lynda Reider, founder of Cut the Clutter RVA. You might find a bag of clothes for donation, outwear overflow, pet gear and random items pulled from pockets (think coins, pens and receipts).”You will likely find multi-purpose items that do not belong, like tools, toys or overflow from other rooms,” adds Hines, who urges clients to clear out misplaced and unnecessary items. Assign items a designated home in another room, donate them or toss them. “Giving this space a clear purpose can transform how it supports your daily routine.”Stray papers”If the laundry room becomes a drop zone, paper clutter can accumulate fast,” says Reider. Sort and recycle stray papers daily — think junk mail, delivery packaging, owner’s manuals, receipts and old magazines. FabrikaCr//Getty ImagesExpired, empty or half-empty detergentYes, laundry detergents expire and can become less effective when they do. Check your laundry room for expired and empty cleaning products. If you have multiples of the same item, Reider suggests combining them and getting rid of extra packaging. Forgotten clothingClothing items that require extra attention, whether they need to be repaired or brought to the dry cleaners, tend to sit in the laundry room until they’re forgotten about. It might be “clothing that no longer fits or needs to be altered or laundry that needs to be finished (things that may take more time to complete such as ironing, seasonal pieces or special-care items),” according to Phillip.Worn-out reusable bags”Torn, stained or duplicated bags tend to gather here,” says Reider. “Keep a manageable number and either recycle the rest or consider using them to hold outgoing donations.” More Advice From the ProsAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Behr has called it: Hidden Gem (N430-6A) is its 2026 Color of the Year. The company’s trend experts say the elegant blue-green paint shade can enhance just about any area of the home, indoors and out. It’s part of Behr’s 2026 Color Trends Palette, which helps customers take the stress out of finding the right complementary hues for their space. BEHR MARQUEE Hidden Gem Interior Paint“We’re always looking for something that’s timeless, but current and a bit fashion-forward,” Erika Woelfel, Behr Paint’s VP of color and creative services, told Good Housekeeping. “This is a color that people can use anywhere for any size project.”Related StoriesAccording to Anna Miller, The Home Depot’s director of trend and design, it was only right to settle on jade this year, as more and more people enjoy expressing themselves through color. There’s been a shift away from minimalist interiors (yes, stark whites and grays are losing some momentum). “We know the customer is craving change,” Miller added. “They’re craving color, depth and moodiness, and they want to bring soulfulness back into their spaces.”In a survey, Behr discovered that 58% of Americans believe painting a space in Hidden Gem would create visual appeal, and two in three respondents shared that the color would add a unique touch, calming feel and timeless flair to their home. Courtesy of Behr Paint CompanyBehr’s Hidden Gem is the perfect match for a warm white hue like the company’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas. Design Inspiration for Hidden GemNeed even more motivation to give the blue-green color a try in your home? Consider these pointers from Woelfel and Miller:Upgrade your kitchen. Hidden Gem can give your cooking space a personality boost, whether it’s used on your cabinets or island. If you go this route, temper it with neutral walls (think Behr’s Blank Canvas). “Customers have really embraced bringing color into the kitchens,” Miller says. “We had that ubiquitous navy island for a long time, and I think this is the new navy.”Use it in unexpected places. From painted furniture, like an entryway table, to ceilings and exterior doors, Hidden Gem has no limits. “It’s a bit of a chameleon color that works so well across design styles and in different rooms,” Miller explains.Go for a monochromatic look. Color-drenching is back, so if it’s your style, deck out a room’s walls and moldings in the hue to make a statement. Since it’s “such a beautiful, nuanced color and doesn’t feel overpowering,” Woelfel says it almost acts like a neutral. Experiment with different sheens. Eggshell or semi-gloss might be your go-to finishes, but you don’t have to stop there. Embrace high-gloss to draw the eye to a room’s unique architectural details. “It reflects light differently and can bring out the intricacies of crown molding,” Miller says. “Utilize the color across different sheens and it will change the effect in your home.”Go ahead and shop Behr’s Hidden Gem exclusively at The Home Depot. 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

#CleanTok is full of hacks and creative solutions to cleaning-related dilemmas. Some users suggest using this household item to replace Swiffer pads when you run out.The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab weighs in on the trend. Nothing disrupts my cleaning routine more than realizing I’ve run out of supplies. Whether I’m out of clean microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner or wipes, I lose my groove — and when it’s gone, the last thing I want to do is think of a creative solution to keep chugging along.Luckily, TikTok — specifically #CleanTok — is full of genius ideas from people who have also run out of supplies in the middle of cleaning (but unlike me, are still capable of maintaining their motivation). If you’re an avid Swiffer user, you’ve probably ran out of refills unexpectedly at some point and had no time to replenish your stash. When this happens again, stretch an old sock around the base of the Swiffer — it’ll act as a substitute pad for the time being. After you’re done cleaning, just throw the sock in the wash. It’s that simple!Still, it’s important to note that using socks shouldn’t fully replace typical Swiffer refills. “Swiffer cloths — wet and dry — are designed to pick up and trap dirt. A sock will likely do that at first, but maybe not so much as it gets wet, saturated or covered in dust,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Because of that, socks might not cover as large of an area as a Swiffer cloth or pad would, meaning you’ll probably need to replace the sock more often than you normally would when working with refills. But if you find yourself scrambling for Swiffer pads you don’t have, reach for a sock instead — it may not be a permanent solution, but it’ll save you some time and frustration in the moment. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

1Lavender + YellowErin Kestenbaum2Lilac + Vermillion Megan Easterday, Easterday CreativeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Terracotta + Robin’s Egg BlueErin Kestenbaum”Terracotta and robin’s egg blue strike an inviting balance since the first is rooted in earthiness while the latter is crisp and refreshing; and their interplay can add a layer of charm and contrast. The pairing highlights that thoughtful opposites can lend a space approachability and visual intrigue.” — Diane TRY BEHR TERRA COTTA CLAYTRY BEHR ETHEREAL MOODPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum4Citron + Mint GreenAshley DelappAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Blue + Tomato Red Erin Kestenbaum”Blue and tomato red may seem like unlikely companions, but their contrast is what gives a space its pulse—cool and collected meets fiery and bold. In color theory, cool and warm tones naturally complement each other by enhancing contrast and visual interest.” — Diane TRY BEHR’S CHARISMATIC SKYTRY BENJAMIN MOORE TOMATO REDPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum6Baby Blue + Magenta Christina Hussey”Baby blue and magenta create a captivating contrast. It’s cool composure against unapologetic intensity. This palette feels both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time; one serene, the other striking, together they craft a color story that’s equal parts modern edge and effortless charm.” — Ashley TRY BENJAMIN MOORE MULBERRY TRY BENJAMIN MOORE OCEAN AIRPhoto by: Christina HusseyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Deep Sage + Soft SageErin Kestenbaum”Though distinct in tone, two shades of green (one used on the walls and the other on the window) can work in quiet harmony, thanks to their shared undertones. When applying color theory, combining varied shades within the same hue family—one muted and earthy, the other more saturated—creates depth and cohesion. This layered monochromatic approach allows the room to feel nuanced and grounded, while still drawing attention to architectural detail through subtle contrast.” — DianeTRY GLIDDEN FARM FRESHTRY GLIDDEN PALE MOSSPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum8Peach + RedJim Schmid”When paired together, peach and red strike a balance between softness and vibrant energy. A little quirky, the two warm tones pack an unexpected visual punch. Proof that even the most daring duos can create unforgettable harmony.” — AshleyTRY GLIDDEN PEACH DARLINGTRY BEHR RED HOTPhoto by: Jim SchmidAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Tangerine + CreamErin Kestenbaum”The combination of tangerine and a creamy latte color strikes a thoughtful balance between vibrancy and warmth, allowing bold color to coexist with a softer, more neutral foundation. This pairing brings energy without overwhelming the space — it’s a design-forward approach that highlights contrast while maintaining cohesion.” — Diane TRY BEHR BLAZE ORANGETRY BEHR ULTRA PURE WHITEPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

It’s no secret that more and more homeowners are giving neutrals a rest and embracing bold colors instead. The latest example? Color-blocking, which has been popping up in the interior design world lately. The concept, which has also gained popularity in fashion, is straightforward: mix a few contrasting paint colors in a room to make a big design statement. And the pros say the more vibrant, the better. “Color-blocking is one of the simplest ways to bring structure and visual rhythm into a space,” says Lauren Saab of Saab Studios. “Instead of painting an entire room one shade, color is applied in precise bands across walls, ceilings, even built-ins to highlight features and guide the eye.”Designer Kim Dee of Kim Dee Designs is also on board with the trend. “People want their home to spark something, whether that’s creativity, inspiration or fun. And color does that instantly. Color-blocking allows you to tell a story with hues and shapes, and homeowners are ready to be the authors again.” onurdongel//Getty ImagesAnd unlike wallpaper, which can be pricey, you don’t have to blow your budget on paint for your color-blocking project. It’s as easy as choosing a few paint shades within your preferred price range. “Color blocking is growing in popularity among homeowners—not just because it’s more budget-friendly than wallpaper, but also because it allows for a playful, creative approach to design,” says Erika Hollinshead Ward of Erika Ward Interiors, who believes it’s the perfect DIY project for the adventurous. Color-Blocking Tips From the ProsIf you’re curious about how to put the trend to the test in your home, consider this expert advice to show off your personality and achieve the best look possible. ✔️ Showcase architectural features. From archways to built-in shelving and nooks, designer Sabah Mansoor of Sabah Mansoor Design says color-blocking allows these details to shine. “You can use color blocking to highlight the scale of an architectural detail such as floor-to-ceiling bookcases, an archway entrance to a room bathed in the same color or tones or to highlight a window seat alcove.”✔️ Keep the lines clean and deliberate. When it comes to color-blocking, the goal is to achieve an effect that’s both “composed and compelling,” says Saab. “Picture a painted border around a hallway opening, or a ceiling done in deep slate to ground a light, airy room. Even a soft sage stripe can add quiet contrast without making the space feel busy.” ✔️ Focus on your ceiling. Designer Heather Kirk of Kirk Riley Design has a tip to accentuate high ceilings or make them appear higher: “Start by painting a deep color about 3/4 of the way up the walls. Next, apply a high-contrast, light color on the remaining wall section and same as the ceiling. That simple trick will have your room feeling elongated and super chic.”✔️ Create separation between spaces. If you want to set distinct areas in an open-concept layout — a kitchen and dining space, for instance — color-blocking is a good solution. “It’s an effective way to define and delineate spaces within an open-plan living area, adding depth and interest to the full space,” says Mansoor. ✔️ Think beyond paint. According to Dee, believe or not, color-blocking doesn’t just work with paint. Consider showing off the technique with upholstery, drapery, bedding and even rugs:”Think: a terracotta sofa frame paired with blush seat cushions, or contrasting back and seat cushions in complementary hues.””Drapery styles where the bottom quarter or the top band is a completely different color.””A comforter that features more than one color, paired with coordinating accent pillows, can create a bold, layered look without overwhelming the room.””Try layering two rugs in bold, opposing tones for a curated color-blocked effect, or go with a large-scale rug that features a two-tone design. It’s a low-commitment way to bring energy into a room, no paintbrush required.Experiment With Pattern & ColorMonique 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

HomeGoods is a design lover’s dream. Step foot into any location (there are more than 900 in the U.S.), and you’ll find just about anything you need to bring your decorating plan to life. You can hunt for affordable furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath essentials and so much more. But considering the wide inventory, it can be overwhelming to find the best buys for your space. Shelves tend to overflow with merchandise, you have to navigate a constant flurry of shoppers, and sometimes the shopping experience can feel like a test of your patience. That’s why we reached out to interior designers for some guidance to make the most of every shopping trip. Here, design pros share the top finds to look out for at any HomeGoods.”When shopping at HomeGoods, it’s really all about the hunt,” says Katherine Moore of Murphy & Moore Design. “There’s always something fresh, unexpected and genuinely useful, especially for designers like us who are constantly sourcing both practical pieces and finishing touches.” Stylish DishwareYou can usually find everything from everyday dinner plates and cereal bowls to special pieces that can enhance a dinner party. “We like to search for beautiful platters, glassware and serving pieces that can elevate a staging moment or client install,” Moore says. Towels Designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt says don’t overlook the towel section. She has one rule for picking the right style: “I’m always looking for plush textures, subtle patterns or elevated neutrals that bring a spa-like feel to bathrooms or add that perfect finishing touch when staging,” Cloud says. “They’re an easy, affordable way to layer in softness and make a space feel intentional.”Related StoriesThrow PillowsHomeGoods usually categorizes pillows by color, which makes it easy to find the right design for your home’s palette. “They are fun, cozy and the simplest way to refresh any space without breaking the bank,” says Tehilla Bennett of Teela Bennett Design. It’s also simple to change them seasonally if you want. Bennett says to think “fresh, bright colors in spring when everything starts to bloom, and warm, textured fabrics in the fall to make the space feel cozy.” Decorative Vases and Trays Home Made by Carmona’s Ursula Carmona, who uses her platform to spread the word about the retailer as a HomeGoods Featured Finder, tends to frequent this section of the store. “HomeGoods is my emergency run for those final decorative accessories after completing a room,” says Carmona, who often looks for eye-catching trays, vases and sculptural pieces. “They are more than just fillers; a room doesn’t feel complete without these charming touches.” Related StoryPicture FramesIt’s easy to find frames to arrange a gallery wall or a unique pick to display a favorite family photo on a console table. “You really can’t beat [its] prices on frames, and they are such an easy upgrade,” Bennett says. You can usually spot wood styles, gold designs, patterned options, you name it.Images By Tang Ming Tung//Getty ImagesKids’ Bathroom AccessoriesOutfitting a bathroom for a young kid or teenager? You can look to the retailer for bath mats and vanity countertop accessories. “Though HomeGoods is more temporal in nature, we love the thrill of finding perfect pieces for rooms that will be outgrown in a few years,” says designer Lara Apelian of Lara Apelian Studio. LightingTable lamps and floor lamps are another area where the retailer shines. “Everyone is obsessed with ‘the small light’ for good reason; this is where ambiance makes a home feel cozy,” Carmona says. “HomeGoods is always my go-to for stylish and affordable lighting. From trendy table lamps, to show-stopping floor lamps, to the most adorable little cordless lamps we’ll take with us from room to room. More Shopping TipsMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

Of all the mistakes people make when caring for their lawns, cutting the grass too short might be the most harmful. “Grass blades are like solar panels, absorbing energy from the sun and sending it down to the roots,” explains Frank Rossi, associate professor of horticulture at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. “When you cut off all that foliage, the grass is forced to live off its energy reserves, and a stressed-out lawn is not going to look very good.” Besides being more disease-resistant, taller grass does a better job of blocking out weeds, meaning fewer dandelions to deal with; and it provides thicker shade cover for the soil, reducing evaporation and helping the lawn through dry spells. To avoid scalping your grass, Rossi recommends following the 1/3rd rule, whereby you never take off more than 1/3rd of the height of the grass. That’s probably longer than you’re used to, but besides reducing plant stress and water-loss, it means you won’t have to mow as often, “about 25% to 35% less frequently,” says Rossi.Here’s what the math looks like on that claim: For best results, lawn care experts recommend letting the grass grow to a little more than 5 inches, then cutting it back to around 3.5 inches, removing about 1/3rd of the blade.Compare that with someone who cuts their lawn down to 2 inches, going for a more manicured look. To do that and still follow the 1/3rd rule, they will need to cut the lawn when it reaches 3 inches. That’s 1 inch of growth between cuttings versus 1.5 to 2 inches under the best-practices scenario. Which translates into mowing every 5 days instead of every 8 or 9 days. Multiple that out over the course of the entire growing season, and you get back a few extra Saturdays! Rossi is a big fan of robotic lawn mowers, which he estimates are now used on about a third of the lawns in Europe, though they’re just starting to gain popularity in the U.S. Robotic mowers only trim a little of the lawn at a time using small, razor-like blades. That more frequent mowing keeps the lawn healthy and also providers natural fertilizer in the form of nutrient-rich fine clippings. How to Set Your Mower Height Most of the lawn mowers tested by our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute have an adjustable deck, usually with a notched lever that raises or lowers the wheels in 1-inch or 1/2-inch increments, adjusting the distance between the deck and the ground. It’s a good idea to measure the height of the mower blade from the ground (use the driveway or other level surface to get an accurate reading). You might find that the notches are a bit off, maybe in such a way that the 4-inch setting is best for cutting your lawn to the desired 3.5-inch height. Toro Stripe 60-volt Cordless Lawn Mower Now 48% OffCredit: Toro RYOBI Zero Turn Riding Mower Now 17% OffCredit: Ryobi Segway Navimow i110N Robot Lawn MowerNow 15% OffCredit: Segway More Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid For a lush, healthy lawn, avoid these other common lawn care mistakes:✔️ Mowing with a dull blade. It will tear at the grass blades, leaving behind jagged edges that loose water and invite disease. Experts recommend sharpening your blade every 10 hours of mowing. It’s a good idea to have a second blade that you can use while the first is at the hardware store or lawn mower repair shop. ✔️ Bagging, instead of mulching. Lawn clippings are a natural source of nutrients for the lawn that can reduce fertilizing needs by 25% or more. So instead of bagging them (which adds time and effort to the chore), use your mower’s mulching mode to deposit the clippings back onto the lawn. ✔️ Pulling every last weed. Forget about the perfect, weed-free yard. It’s tough to achieve without pumping the lawn full of chemicals. Plus, some weeds are actually good for turf grass. Clover, for examples, pulls nitrogen from the air and feeds it to the soil. ✔️ Watering every day. A daily sip won’t help your lawn’s root system. A good long soak once a week (or every few days during high summer) is a better irrigation strategy. Lawn’s need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. An empty tuna can is a good way to keep track. More Yard Tips and ProductsHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More