Aurelia Butler

Furnishing a room is no small feat. In addition to finding the right furniture and decor that suits your style and budget, chances are you also try to avoid common design blunders. Hanging art too high, making poor lighting choices and going overboard with trends are just a few examples that may come to mind. But there’s another major design mistake that pros say people make way too often: overlooking scale. “Scale is one of those design elements people often get wrong, but once it’s handled properly, the entire room just clicks,” says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. “Often, people think a smaller space requires smaller furniture, which is usually not the right approach,” says Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. “The wrong scale can is the tell-tale sign of a poorly designed space,” says Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. Upgrade Your Space”The issue of scale often stems from overlooking proportionality and context,” says designer Justin Williams of Trademark Design Co. “Context is the key here. What is the story you want to tell in this space? What impact would you like to make?”Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re following the principle of scale properly in any room:FurnitureIt’s key to avoid furniture that is too small or too large for the space, as it can impact a room’s visual appeal overall. “Suddenly their sofa eats the room, or their accent chair looks like a dollhouse piece,” Hayslett says. “A quick trick? Borrow a chair, ottoman or table from another room and move it in temporarily to see how the scale feels before buying new.”She also encourages clients to remove two pieces of furniture from a room and go up in size with one solid item that makes a statement. “It adds breathing room and balance,” Hayslett explains. ArtworkWilliams says people are often guilty of placing small artwork on large, empty walls. “When art is too small for a wall, it can look lost and insignificant, failing to make the impact intended,” Williams explains. Consider moving your smaller pieces to more compact rooms in your home. “Smaller pieces of art can be grouped together or moved to cozier spaces like hallways or reading nooks,” he shares. Another go-to trick she swears by? Large-scale pieces in powder rooms. “While typically against the ‘rules,’ it makes a huge impact in a small space,” Williams explains. ” It’s something I call my happy mess-up that always turns out great.There’s also the paper hack, which Hayslett says can help you nail the placement of your art every time: “I recommend grabbing paper, cardboard or boxes and laying out the shape and size you think you need,” she says. “Seeing it at full scale makes it easier to commit to the right piece or pieces. And this method is slightly better because painter’s tape can confuse people as to where exactly the edge would be. With this method, you get the full effect.” Hispanolistic//Getty ImagesRugsGail Davis of Gail Davis Designs gets frustrated when a rug is too small for the space: “In a living room, I have seen that the coffee table is the only item on the rug. It’s just sitting out there like it’s an island. Whoever is sitting down would have to get up and walk over to the coffee table to place their drink on it.” Davis also likes bedroom rugs to be a substantial size. “I most recently went into a new client’s primary and the rug fits just enough under the bed,” she shares.” When I step out of bed, I want to step onto a luxe rug that feels good underfoot.” If you’re still stumped on how to choose the right size and tend to place a small rug in a large space, Hayslett recommends painter’s tape. “I always suggest using painter’s tape to map out the footprint of the pieces,” she says. “It helps you visualize how each item really fits and flows.” You can also sketch a basic floor plan and use paper to cut out furniture shapes to experiment with different layouts. “It’s low-tech but highly effective,” she says. WE CAN HELPCurtainsHayslett’s main tip on hanging curtains to create a polished look? “A lot of scale issues happen vertically, like short curtains or short bookcases in tall rooms,” Hayslett says. “To fix it, hang curtains closer to the ceiling and use taller pieces to draw the eye up. It immediately elevates the room, literally and visually.”From choosing the right furniture for a room’s size to hanging curtains at an appropriate height, scale can make or break a space. “Thoughtful reassignment not only restores balance but also enhances the visual harmony and functionality of a home,” Williams says.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

You immediately know when a home is teeming with curb appeal. Maybe it’s the picture-perfect landscaping, lighting that’s just right or the attractive front door with standout house numbers to match. Every detail matters. If boosting your home’s curb appeal happens to be on your to-do list, consider these tips from design pros to get started. “You can never underestimate the value of curb appeal,” says designer Sara Hillery of Sara Hillery Interior Design. “It truly sets the first impression for a home, hinting at who lives there and what the interior might be like.” Related StoryPicture-Perfect LandscapingIf there’s one curb appeal task that’s worth your time and money, it’s gorgeous landscaping, featuring a thoughtful combination of pretty flowers and evergreens. “Beautiful landscaping that looks great year-round is make-or-break for the first-impression curb-appeal of your home,” says Chicago-based designer Monique O’Brien of Monique O’Brien Design. She’s partial to boxwoods with white hydrangeas — think limelight or bobos. “Then you can add in alliums in the back for flowers all spring and summer,” O’Brien says. Miller also likes to embrace variety. “I love the drama and contrast that comes from mixing high and low plant proportions in the landscape,” she says. “Along those lines, consider juxtaposing more structured elements like boxwoods or topiaries with looser, more natural-feeling flowers such as Dianthus or hollyhocks.” And to prevent a “one-dimensional look,” she incorporates “handmade bricks, stone elements or a welcoming seating area that encourages you to step outside and connect with the neighborhood.”When planning your landscaping, don’t go overboard with the color palette, though. Under two hues is O’Brien’s rule: “It’s best to stick with two bloom colors and varying shades of green in a garden. Any more than two and it looks like a circus.”Landscape architect Janice Parker also recommends being strategic with color. “Be careful not to scatter color throughout the landscape, but instead choose impact points,” Parker explains. “As they say, ‘go big or go home’ and if that doesn’t work, go red! Be sure to give your eyes something to focus on – a central focal point can be a special tree, planter, statuary, bench or unique feature that reflects you and your vision.”Pay attention to any large trees as well. “Stand back and look and look at your landscape through new eyes,” Parker says. “People tend to overlook the shape and health of their large trees. Are there dead branches on your prominent trees? Are shrubs growing up in front of your windows? Everything will improve with a clean tight pruning.” ferrantraite//Getty Images”A home’s exterior should feel timeless, warm, and welcoming, not like it’s chasing the latest design trends,” says designer Heather French of French and French Interiors. Exterior Paint If your budget allows, an exterior paint job can do wonders for your property. Designer Danielle Domingues of Collins & Co Interiors says Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster, a white shade, is a no-fail pick. “It’s warm, inviting, and timeless—perfect for creating a soft, welcoming look that feels both classic and current,” Domingues explains. “To complement the clean elegance of Alabaster, I love adding symmetry and structure with topiaries in stylish planters flanking the front door. They instantly frame the entrance and add a touch of tailored greenery that brings life and personality to the space. It’s a simple yet impactful way to enhance the overall look and feel of your home’s exterior.”Lighting Design pros suggest a layered approach for exterior lighting — a careful assortment of various light fixtures to set a home apart from the rest. “Good lighting adds charm during the day and a warm glow at night,” says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. “You don’t need to stop at the porch lights, consider path lights and other landscape lighting as well to elevate your home.” Williams also relies on lantern-style fixtures in finishes like weathered bronze or matte black to give a home character. Vintage-inspired designs are good choices as well, she says. Designer Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors agrees that simply upgrading your exterior lighting can make a huge impact when it comes to curb appeal. “Thoughtful exterior lighting does more than just enhance safety — it adds a sense of depth and charm,” Tract says. “I like to use a combination of statement sconces, subtle pathway lighting and even uplighting for trees or architectural features.” Alexander Spatari//Getty ImagesAn unexpected front door color can separate your home from your neighbors’ property, says designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. A Statement DoorA fresh coat of paint on your front door can go a long way, according to designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “An interesting color will give it that pop that separates your home from your neighbors,” Mathews LeRoy says. “I love using shades of green, blue, red or even yellow to give it visual interest or je ne sais quoi!”If it’s your style, show off your aesthetic with unique door hardware that “makes your home feel well taken care of,” Mathews LeRoy says. “Often homeowners do not include a kick plate, but this addition not only protects your door but adds a bit more sheen and pizazz! Consider adding an interesting door knocker with a lion’s head, fox or basket motif — it can offer a bit of personality and share your personal interests.” And don’t forget to have fun with the house numbers too. “I opt for large house numbers that complement both the style of the house and the exterior paint color, and an oversize mailbox that is not cut-off-the-mill,” says designer Beth Diana Smith.Decorative TouchesFrom stylish fencing to potted plants, there’s no shortage of ways to give your home some extra oomph once you’ve tackled the major curb appeal projects on your list. One of Williams’ go-to tricks? Rocking chairs. “Rockers create a cozy, lived-in feel and invite people to slow down and stay a while,” she says. You can also add a throw blanket or two and some colorful outdoor pillows to brighten the space up. Try a garden stool as well: “A small garden stool next to each rocker is perfect for holding a drink, a book or even a potted plant,” Williams says. “They’re stylish, weather-friendly and functional.”Regardless of the curb appeal project at hand, designer Heather French of French and French Interiors says stay true to your personal style. “The number one mistake I see homeowners make with curb appeal is trying too hard by overdoing it with trendy or overly contemporary elements that can quickly feel dated or out of place,” French explains. It could be as simple as furnishing your home’s exterior with a “natural coco mat rug, some beautifully potted plants with thoughtful symmetry and a great door knocker,” French says. “These touches feel intentional and add sophistication to the entire entry.”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

If you have a cat, chances are you’ve had to clean up at least one accident in the house. There are a number of reasons your cat might go to the bathroom somewhere other than their litter box — a urinary tract infection, dirty litter box or anxiety could be the cause, according to PetMD. Regardless of the reason, accidents happen. Cleaning up the mess with the right product is crucial to ridding your house of the unpleasant smell. “The best way to get rid of cat urine smell for good is to use a stain remover with enzymes,” Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, suggests. Next time you notice a wet spot on the couch or a smell coming from the carpet, it’s important to work quickly to remove both the stain and the smell. “It is the scent that brings animals back to pee on the same spots over and over again,” says Forté. Guaranteeing the smell is gone will ensure you don’t have to clean up the same mess twice. Follow this guide to remove unwanted cat pee odors from all sorts of surfaces.Carpet An enzyme-based cleaner like Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover is your best bet for cleaning carpets and area rugs. Before using, soak up — don’t wipe! — as much of the stain matter as you can with a paper towel or rag. Spray the product (which also removes stains and smells from feces, vomit, and blood, FYI) on the trouble spot until the area is thoroughly saturated. Gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible. Cover the spot with a damp towel and let sit for up to 12 hours.Related StoryUpholsteryIf the cushion covers are removable, stick them in the wash ASAP or take them to the dry cleaner. For stains that have set into the sofa cushions, try the Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover and follow the same steps above. If all fails, hire a cleaning service to deep clean your couch cushions and pillows to remove the odor.Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty ImagesRelated StoryWood If your wood floors have a sealant, you’re in luck. Simply use paper towels to absorb urine and clean with your favorite hardwood floor cleaner like Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner or Simple Solution Hard Floor Cleaner. If a dark or discolored stain forms, it may be best to call a professional.Related StoryCeramic Tile Unless the urine has spread to the grout, you can simply wipe up the mess with a paper towel and clean with a tile cleaner like Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner. If the tile isn’t glazed or the liquid has spread to the grout, use CLR Cleaner Spray to remove discoloration. To remove odor, make a thick paste with water and baking soda, rub into the grout, and wipe once dry. After cleaning, spray the grout with Lysol Disinfecting Spray. Related StoriesAmanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. Laura 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

When you’re tackling chores like the dishes, it’s easy to go on autopilot — simply press start and move on. But if you slow down for a second and pay attention to the dishwasher cycle you’re using, you could actually make the whole process a lot more efficient.There’s a reason why dishwashers have multiple settings: they all do different jobs, and it’s important to use the correct wash cycle for each load. Using the right one not only gets your dishes cleaner but can also save energy and reduce the need for re-washing. Here, a guide to a handful of the most helpful dishwasher cycles you might find on your appliance’s control panel.Dishwasher settings you should be usingAuto (or Sensor Wash)This is the set-it-and-forget-it option that takes the guesswork out of dishwashing by adjusting the water temperature, cycle duration and water pressure based on how dirty your dishes are. Most dishwashers today, including many of GH’s top-tested dishwashers, have built-in sensors that detect soil levels and adjust accordingly. It’s a great everyday choice for loads with a mix of lightly and heavily soiled dishes. Heavy DutyWhen your cookware (casserole dishes, sheet pans and pots) is covered in baked-on messes, this cycle is ideal. It uses higher water temperatures and longer wash times to break down tough food residue. On some dishwashers, like Miele models for example, it may be called “pots and pans,” and typically includes two pre-washes and a hotter main wash for extra cleaning power.EcoSometimes labeled as “Energy Saver” or “Eco Wash,” this cycle uses less water and lower temperatures, making it more energy-efficient overall. While it typically takes longer to run, the tradeoff is a lighter environmental impact and lower utility bills — especially if you run your dishwasher frequently or want to reduce your household’s energy use. Just keep in mind: It’s best for lightly soiled dishes rather than greasy pots or stuck-on messes. Rinse and Hold (or Rinse Only)On some newer dishwashers, you may need to download this cycle as an extra feature, but this quick cycle is convenient when you’re not ready to run a full load. It rinses off food soils so they don’t dry onto your dishes and helps keep odors from building up inside your dishwasher. It uses very little water and buys you some time until it’s time to run a full wash.Drying BoostIf you often find yourself towel-drying dishes after a cycle, the Drying Boost (sometimes labeled Dry+, Extended Dry or Pro Dry) extends the final phase with extra heat or time to help eliminate lingering moisture — especially on perennially tricky items like plastics. It does use a bit more energy, but the payoff of dry, cabinet-ready dishes is worth it. The Dishwasher Cycle You May Not NeedHalf Load (or Top/Bottom Only)Some dishwashers offer Half Load or Top/Bottom Only settings, meant for smaller loads when you don’t need to fill the entire machine. Our Cleaning Lab pros say these cycles are more efficient than running a full load cycle with the dishwasher only half-full, but it may be better to wait until you have a full load or use the Rinse & Hold option on your appliance. Learn More About Your DishwasherBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn 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

Even if you generally default to a go-to setting like normal or quick wash, today’s washing machines come equipped with a range of cycles — and for good reason. Each one is designed to do a specific job, and choosing the right setting can make a real difference in how clean your clothes get and how long they last. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing washing machines for 117 years — ever since the first model was commercially sold in 1907 — so when we say we know a thing or two about wash cycles, we mean it. Whether you’re trying to tackle musty towels or baby clothes that need an extra rinse, here’s your guide to some of the most useful washing machine cycles and when to use them.Pre-Soak (or Pre-Wash)The pre-soak cycle is exactly what it sounds like: a special setting that soaks your laundry in water before the main wash begins. It’s ideal for heavily soiled items like muddy sports uniforms, dingy towels, grayed-out whites or linens with dried-on stains. LEARN MOREThough it varies by model, the pre-soak typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include some gentle agitation to help loosen dirt and grime. Typically, you also add detergent or a special pre-soak solution during this step to help break down stubborn stains. Once the soak is complete, your washer will automatically drain the dirty water, sometimes spin briefly, and then transition directly into the main wash. Speed WashPressed for time? Speed wash (sometimes labeled quick wash) is a great option for lightly soiled items that need a refresh — like a shirt you wore for an hour or a towel you used to wipe up some spilled water. It can also be used for small loads of more heavily soiled items, like sports uniforms. Just be sure to adjust the water temperature and soil level options accordingly. And don’t overload the drum or use it for heavy-duty loads, otherwise, the clothes may not get properly cleaned.ColorsSimilar to the permanent press cycle you may find on older machines, this cycle typically uses cooler water and a gentler spin to help preserve color vibrancy, prevent fading or bleeding, plus minimize wrinkling. It’s ideal for wardrobe staples like jeans and anything else that’s not quite delicate but still deserves a little more care than your average item.Bulky or BeddingThis setting is made for larger, heavier items that absorb a lot of water, such as pillows, comforters, puffy coats, sleeping bags and filled items that need extra time and a medium spin to prevent flattening. It also typically uses more water and has a longer wash time to ensure everything inside the drum gets fully saturated and rinsed.Delicates This cycle is gentler on fabrics since it uses a softer wash action and a slower spin speed. On some machines, it may also be shorter than other cycles. Use it for items like lingerie, washable silk or anything with lace or embellishments. Sanitize This high-heat cycle, which often uses steam, is designed to kill bacteria and allergens, making it ideal for heavily soiled items like workout gear, kitchen or bath towels and anything else that’s been exposed to germs, like if you or someone else in your house is sick. Just don’t use it on everyday loads or delicate items since it uses extra-hot water and sometimes an extended wash time. Rinse and SpinIf you already sent clothes through the wash, but something’s not quite right — maybe detergent didn’t rinse out completely or maybe the clothes sat too long in the machine — the rinse and spin cycle basically repeats the final stage of a wash to freshen the load without starting from scratch. It’s also useful for hand-washed items that just need a final rinse or extra water removal.Self-Clean (or Tub Clean)This one isn’t for your clothes — it’s for your machine. Run the self-clean cycle, sometimes called tub clean, about once a month. This dedicated washer cleaning cycle presets the time, agitation and water temperature to remove detergent buildup, mildew and odors from inside the drum. If recommended by the manufacturer, you can add bleach; otherwise, add a washing machine cleaning powder, like GH Seal Star Tide Washing Machine Cleaner or Affresh tablets.Get to Know Your Machine BetterBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn 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

Professional organizers — though they promise decluttering is a never-ending process — seem to have it all figured out. They’ve built a career on sharing helpful organizing advice and the best decluttering methods, but how do they live and function in their own homes?Out of curiosity, I asked six professional organizers what things they’d NEVER do in their homes. Whether it’s keeping items out of guilt or designating a junk drawer, pro organizers urge you to ditch these habits right away — don’t worry, these small changes are easy to implement. “Organizing is never about perfection,” says Rachel Rosenthal, organizing expert and owner of Rachel and Company. “It’s about making your home feel easier, lighter and more personal every day.” Related Story1. Follow organizing trendsWhether it’s a new organizing method or nifty gadget, not all organizing trends are worth trying. “Real organizing isn’t about trends — it’s about creating spaces that truly work for you,” says Rosenthal. “Gimmicky products often look cute for a minute but rarely hold up in real life. I’ve found that what lasts is always simple, intentional and tailored to you.” 2. Keep a junk drawerWe’ve all fallen victim to a junk drawer. It’s so easy to toss miscellaneous items into a crowded drawer without thought — but Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl never does it. You’re effectively decluttering surfaces, while creating clutter elsewhere. “I have had friends who actually open my kitchen drawers to see how organized I am in my own house,” Russo jokes. “Luckily for me, I’m organized everywhere! It’s like that saying: ‘How you do anything is how you do everything.'” 3. Save items for a special occasionWhen something is precious — think a family heirloom, expensive candle or fancy outfit, we have the tendency to tuck it away and save it for the “perfect” occasion. Reality is, that occasion may never come. “I don’t believe in saving things for ‘a special day’ or letting things go hidden or stored away to preserve it. If something brings me joy, I use it,” says Jennifer DuBois, founder of Home With Jen D. 4. Store too many kitchen gadgets or appliancesFrom an avocado slicer to speciality appliances like a holiday-themed waffle maker, pro organizers never hold onto kitchen items they rarely use. “I’m not into collecting every trendy gadget. Instead, I make sure my kitchen flows — things I use often are within reach, categories are grouped logically and I don’t let unused tools take up prime space,” says Weiss. Jena Ardell//Getty Images5. Tolerate cord clutterTangled chargers and visible TV cords are a major no-no for pro organizers. “Even the most organized space can feel chaotic when cords are visible and trailing across the floor,” says DuBois. “I use simple tools like cord wraps, clips and discreet extension cords to keep cables neat and hidden.”6. Buy storage bins before declutteringFor some, it may seem logical to buy storage bins and baskets with the intention of decluttering — but pro organizers warn against it. “I always sort and purge first,” says Nichole Gehman of Organize By Designe. “Buying cute bins before you know what you’re keeping is a trap and leads to more clutter. Know what you have, THEN problem-solve with product.” 7. Keep items out of guiltThere’s a lot of guilt associated with decluttering, especially if the items were a gift or you feel a sentimental attachment. Just because something holds meaning, doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever. “Whether it’s a gift I don’t love or something I spent money on but don’t use — if it’s not serving me today, I let it go,” says Sarit Weiss, founder of Neat & Orderly. “I’ve learned that holding onto things out of obligation just adds emotional clutter. I’d rather fill my home with items I actually enjoy and use.”© eleonora galli//Getty Images8. Organize by colorUnpopular opinion: Organizing pro Rachel Rosenthal NEVER arranges items — namely books — by color. “I love beauty in a space, but never at the expense of function,” she says. “If you can’t easily find what you need, the color-coding isn’t helping — it’s just visual noise.”9. Let papers pile up”One thing I never do in my home is let mail or paperwork pile up on counters or tables,” says professional organizer Melanie Summers of I Speak Organized. “I have a simple system for sorting and processing paper as soon as it comes in. I keep wall baskets by the entrance to our garage for papers that need to be filed (like bills or kid’s school stuff). Any junk gets immediately put into recycling and never makes its way into the house. We keep zipper pouches in the glovebox of the car for receipts and gift cards and those get sorted or used every month.” Expert Advice From Pro OrganizersAlyssa 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

1Flexzilla Garden Hose Now 25% OffTested by our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, the Flexzilla Garden Hose proved kink resistant and easy to maneuver. And Amazon customers agree: “It’s the perfect combination of lightweight and heavy-duty — I was impressed with how easy it is to handle, yet it feels sturdy enough to last for years,” raves one reviewer. Browse GH Expert Picks: 7 Best Garden Hoses, Tested & Reviewed2Spruce Weed & Grass Killer The Spruce Weed & Grass Killer earned the GH Seal for its ability to effectively control weeds all while being easy to use. Plus, its ingredients meet the minimal-risk regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our experts even confirmed that the product is safe to use around bees. RELATED: GH Seal Spotlight: Spruce Weed & Grass KillerAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Stihl Garden Pruner Kit If you’re hoping to clean up the yard before gardening, this pruner kit will do the trick. “I really like the Stihl mini chainsaw. I use it all the time at home. It rips through branches up to a few inches thick. Best of all, it’s available with a pole pruner attachment that makes it easy to reach high-up branches,” says Dan DiClerico, the GH Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Director.Browse GH Expert Picks: 5 Best Mini Chainsaws That Make Yard Work Easy, Tested by Experts4Cute Gardening ToteHutzler Mini Garden ColanderYou can never go wrong with a double-duty product, like this tote-style colander that has just enough space to gather — and wash — veggies from your garden. Amazon customers love the style, too. “It’s a nice size for carrying produce and the material is soft enough to not bruise tomatoes. The handle is comfortable, and it comes in several cute colors,” says one reviewer. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Fiskars Stand Up WeederDon’t bust your back while weeding. Use this tool instead to claw up dandelions, thistles and other invasive plants without bending over. Plus, you can even ditch harsh chemicals. 6Veggie MarkersNavaris Slate Plant Labels Label all your houseplants and garden veggies with these slate plant labels and a chalk marker. The best part? You can wipe away the name when the season is over and reuse them all next year. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Overall KitUkoke Garden Tool SetSince there’s no better time to upgrade your toolkit, consider this stainless steel set that comes with everything you need to maintain your garden: a trowel, a weeder, a rake, a spade and a cultivator. There’s even a vibrant orange tote to keep everything in place. 8Plant AugerPower Planter Bulb & Bedding Plant AugerCredit: AmazonMost bulbs need to be planted anywhere from three to six inches deep, which is a task in itself. This drill, which works in various types of soil, digs deep holes without the extra elbow grease. “I just finished planting 90 daffodil bulbs in clay soil in about 90 minutes. But the real point isn’t the length of time it took, but the effort required. Short version: not much,” raves one reviewer. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Fiskars Herb SnipCredit: Amazon10VELCRO Brand Garden TiesMeet the best way to keep your plants — tomato vines, especially — secure and supported. After cutting these soft-sided ties to any desired length, they’ll manipulate your garden to grow just the way you want it too. “I cannot be without this in my garden. It is easy to use, stays exactly where you put it, never comes unstuck, and is a wide, protective way to tie up your plants,” says one customer. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11For the Fashionable GardenerDIGZ Leather Palm Garden Gloves with Knit Wrist12Fiskars Cultivator Now 38% OffWhether you need to mix soil or remove weeds that are taking over your plant, this durable aluminum cultivator is sure to come in handy. It features an ergonomic handle to prevent wrist strain and there’s a hole at the end for easy hanging when it’s not in use. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Repotting Must-HaveBloomscape Hand TrowelFeaturing stainless steel and a comfortable wood handle, this hand trowel’s sizable deep dish and narrow tip make it brilliant for repotting plants or planting. 14Gardena Retractable Reel with HoseMake watering your lawn stress-free with this retractable hose that can easily be mounted to a wall. It can swivel 180 degrees to ensure that the hose remains tangle-free while watering your lawn or garden. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Perfect for Small SpacesPanacea A-Frame Plant SupportsIf you’re lacking garden space, think up, not out with this trellis, which climbs more than 4 feet tall. Ideal for cucumbers, squash, peas and flowering vines, this top pick can also be folded flat and stored when not in use. 16XLUX Soil Moisture MeterNothing is more frustrating than overwatering or underwatering plants, resulting in wilted or yellowing leaves. With this nifty meter, you can test the moisture of soil to determine the perfect time to water your plants. Just insert it into soil to find out the results. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17RED Home Club Garden KneelerCredit: AmazonDon’t let another day of gardening go by without having this well-cushioned kneeling pad in your arsenal. Available in six colors and two sizes, this foam pad provides much-needed knee support and has a handle for easy carrying. Plus, customers love the durability: “Wind, rain, or shine-these pads stay put through all weather and maintain their use for several years,” writes one happy customer. 18Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food In addition to sticking with a consistent watering schedule and providing your plants with the right amount of light, they can also benefit from fertilizer. All you have to do is mix the fertilizer with water before watering your plants or add it directly to the soil. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump CartDon’t strain your back attempting to carry loads of mulch or plants around your garden. Complete with a steel frame, this sturdy cart is equipped to hold up to 600 pounds. 20GardenHOME Garden and Yard Leaf ScoopsNow 50% OffYou need to set the stage before planting flowers, vegetables and fruits. This pair of hand rakes are a game-changer for removing leaves — wet or otherwise — and placing mulch in your refreshed flower beds.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.”Laura 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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

When it comes to antique shoppers, designer Autumn Pochiro says they fall into two camps. There are people who simply get a kick out of browsing antique stores without any pressure to discover a gem. Then there’s the serious, knowledgeable set who might be determined to find a specific piece and can easily spew details about an item’s value and history.Pochiro, who admits that she’s a novice, was reminded of this a few years ago when she attended an estate sale in Dublin, Ohio, hoping to find artwork. “It was all sold,” says the founder of Autumn Dawn Design, recalling the let-down. “They even had an original Andy Warhol!” But in the midst of that disappointment came a surprise that would immediately turn her experience around. “As I was walking through this beautiful house, I spotted these gorgeous brass bullet casings formed into vases,” Pochiro says, noting that they’re called trench art. Autumn PochiroDesigner Autumn Pochiro discovered trench art shell casings from World War I at an antique shop in Dublin, Ohio. Autumn PochiroThe bottom of the casings are marked with the date. Pochiro has been told they’re now worth about $1,700. While she was admiring them, an elderly man looked on beside her. “I was kind of guarding them,” she says with a chuckle. “Then he said he wasn’t going to take them from me, but he could tell by my expression that I didn’t know what I had found.”The man, who happened to be a lawyer, went on to explain that they’re trench art shell casings from World War I. “I wanted to be offended, but he was so cute, and it was the most interesting conversation,” she says. She paid $80 for the pair at the time, but soon after, she learned that they’re worth about $1,700. Today, the designer proudly displays them on her living room bookshelf. “They’re my favorite thing in my house right now,” Pochiro says. Get Antique 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