Aurelia Butler

1Buying bed-in-a-bagsgerenme//Getty ImagesYou might be tempted to snag a good bed-in-the-bag deal, but designer Laura Tribbett of Outline Interiors warns against this. Sticking to the same pattern for your duvet, shams, and throw pillows makes your bedroom setup lack personality. “Something I learned early on in my career is to dress your bed the way you might dress yourself,” Tribett says. “The bedding is such a big opportunity for interest and pattern—have fun with it! A classic white duvet cover, colorful shams, a statement lumbar pillow, and a cozy throw at the foot of the bed is my favorite formula for a chic bed moment.”RELATED: Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Bedding Awards2Purchasing a matching bedroom setProCreators//Getty ImagesTo prevent your bedroom from having a showroom effect, combine furniture styles rather than settling for matching sets.”Depending on your storage needs in a bedroom, I like to mix finishes between the bedside tables and a possible dresser or chest,” Tribbett says. “There are so many great options now for furniture finishes—mixing wood, lacquered linen, wrapped leather, lacquer, mirrored looks, etc. There is no excuse for everything to be in the same finish.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Skimping on the rug sizeimaginima//Getty ImagesRugs are one of the easiest ways to add warmth and coziness to a bedroom. Just be certain it’s the right size for your bed and nightstands, Tribbett says. “You always want to make sure there is a substantial rug underfoot on either side of the bed, and at the foot,” she says. “Universal tip with rugs: always go bigger than you think.”RELATED: Here’s What You Should ALWAYS Do Before Buying a Rug4Skipping window treatmentsJason Finn//Getty ImagesWindow treatments might not be top of mind for some people, but they shouldn’t be. They provide the chance to introduce pattern, color, and texture into your space. “Bare windows can make a bedroom feel unfinished and less restful,” says Kerith Flynn of Margali & Flynn Designs. “Proper drapery or shades not only add softness and texture but also control light for better sleep. Window treatments are a must in your bedroom to completely finish the room and tie everything together.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Not using a headboardJohner Images//Getty ImagesIt’s not always easy to find the right bed, but it’s crucial to choose the style wisely, as it sets the foundation for your bedroom.”Select a headboard, at least, but it’s best to have an entire bed with side rails and a foot. This is not the piece of furniture to skip, as it is the focal point of the room,” says Lindsay Olson of Lulu Designs. RELATED: 14 Best Bed Frames, According to Experts6Installing harsh overhead lightingSimonSkafar//Getty ImagesDesign pros like to layer lighting in a space, especially in the bedroom. Rather than relying on an overhead fixture, incorporate multiple light sources to create a soothing ambience. “Nothing kills a cozy atmosphere faster than a single bright ceiling light,” says Flynn. “Bedrooms benefit from layers of soft lighting like sconces, table lamps, and dimmable fixtures.” RELATED: 22 Best Table Lamps to Make Your Space ShineAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Trying too many design trendsKatarzynaBialasiewicz//Getty ImagesIt can be fun to experiment with design trends, but there’s no reason why you should feel pressure to try every single one you come across. Practice restraint as much as possible. “Bedrooms aren’t ideal for quick-fix trends that might age poorly,” Flynn says. “Avoid bold wall decals, neon signage, or ‘fast fashion’ furniture. Instead, invest in timeless foundational pieces.”8Choosing the wrong nightstands Carlina Teteris//Getty ImagesWhether you need a spot to rest a book, a glass of water, or jewelry, nightstands are an important part of a bedroom setup. When shopping for the best style, designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors recommends paying attention to scale. “A nightstand that’s too small in relation to the bed can make the entire vignette look out of sorts and out of proportion. Beds typically take center stage in a room, and should be paired with nightstands that are appropriately scaled. For king-size beds, we usually like for nightstands to be at least 28” wide—anything less can feel weak in relation,” Macuga says.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Forgetting an extra place to sitben-bryant//Getty ImagesIf you have the space, an upholstered chair is a nice addition to a bedroom. “It creates a place to sit that isn’t the bed, a spot to read, or have a quiet cup of tea,” says Erickson. “It’s a small detail that makes the room feel more considered and complete.”RELATED: I’m a Home Editor — I Am Obsessed With These Comfortable Chairs10Overlooking personal touches lucop//Getty ImagesLike any other space in your home, your bedroom should showcase your personality. You don’t have to go overboard with your decor choices either. Just be thoughtful about it. “Framed art, books, or textiles that tell your story make it feel warm and lived-in. Your bedroom is your personal oasis and should be styled as such with picture frames and personal mementos,” says Flynn. 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

Since most people only wear their pajamas indoors or overnight, there’s a debate on how often they should be washed.Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute along with a P&G fabric care scientist weigh in on the debate. Read on for what to consider before washing your PJs, plus learn more laundry and care tips. After a long day out, there’s no better feeling than coming back home and changing into a fresh, cozy pair of pajamas. As someone who takes the concept of “outside clothes” pretty seriously (I change my outfit immediately after getting home), pajamas are strictly for indoors. As a home editor, I often write about laundry tips—like whether you really need dryer sheets or shared laundry etiquette—but there’s one laundry rule I’ve never really been quite sure of: how often to wash your pajamas. To get to the bottom of the debate, I consulted the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab along with a P&G fabric care scientist. Turns out, there are a few factors you need to consider before deciding how often to throw your favorite PJs into the wash.How often should you wash your pajamas?If you’re looking for a general rule of thumb, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the GH Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, recommends the following.”It’s a personal preference, but usually 3-4 wears is fine. If you shower before bed, you can likely wear them longer, but if you sweat at night or they get stained, they’ll need more frequent washing,” says Forté. For a more precise ruling on how often to wash your pajamas, we’ve broken down the three most important factors to consider when evaluating your nightly routine.More Laundry TipsFactors to consider before washing”By considering these factors, you can determine the best washing routine for your pajamas while ensuring they remain clean and comfortable for a good night’s sleep,” says Kimberly Romine, fabric care scientist at P&G.Niamh Aine Photography//Getty Images✔️ Shower schedule: Night showerers, you’re in luck. “If you shower before bed, your pajamas will likely stay fresher longer compared to nights when you skip a shower. This can influence how often you need to wash them,” she says. If you’re only ever wearing your pajamas after freshly showering, you can get away with less washes. However, you’ll still need to consider the other factors listed. ✔️ Activity level: If you’re hitting the gym before bed, or even snacking in bed, you might need to wash your PJs after each wear. “This can lead to increased soil and odor, necessitating more frequent washing,” says Romine.✔️ Body temperature: Whether or not you tend to sweat at night can completely change how often you need to wash your pajamas. “If you tend to sleep hot, you might need to wash your pajamas more frequently. Conversely, if you sleep cool and stay relatively dry, you may be able to extend the time between washes,” says Romine. After a particularly hot night, you should throw your PJs in the wash to prevent buildup of body oils or sweat before your next wear. Laundry tips for washing PJsTo keep your best pajamas looking and feeling like new, follow these expert-approved laundry tips. bungoume//Getty ImagesPay attention to care labels: Different materials call for different care. “Always check the care instructions on the label to ensure proper washing and drying,” says Romine.Wash with similar fabrics: Throw your PJs in with clothes of similar colors and materials to ensure proper care. Use a mesh bag: Prevent agitation and preserve your pajamas for as long as possible by putting them in a protective laundry bag before washing. Wash in cold water: “Washing in cold water with a high-quality detergent can help preserve colors while being energy-efficient,” says Romine. Although you can push how often you wash your pajamas based on the previously mentioned factors, when in doubt, there’s not much harm that can be done from washing them after every wear, especially when following the proper care label instructions. “Not washing your pajamas regularly can lead to a buildup of body oils, sweat, and skin cells, which can cause unpleasant odors,” says Romine. 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

1Choose Your Headboard WiselyDesign: Stephanie Martin Interior Design; Photo: Michelle Johnson, MJay PhotographyYour headboard pulls the room together, and it’s a way to show off your style. Designer Stephanie Martin goes for chic upholstered looks that draw the eye. “With the bed taking center stage in bedrooms, we love to design upholstered headboards that are oversized or feature an interesting shape or fabric,” Martin says. But don’t stop there. Focus on the area behind the headboard as well: “A textural wallpaper or panel molding layered behind the headboard will dramatically add to the visual interest and luxurious feel,” she says. 2Pay Attention to Scale Flavia Morlachetti//Getty ImagesAsk any interior designer, and they’ll tell you that scale is key in any space, especially a bedroom. The proportions of your furniture should complement the room’s size, says Karen Asprea of Asprea Studio. “Scale plays a key role in making a bedroom feel elevated and complete. If the bed feels undersized for the room, consider upgrading to a larger frame or adding a bench at the foot to ground it. I like to use nightstands that align with the height of your mattress—pieces that are too low or too high can throw off the balance.” Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Use Comfortable Beddingxizeng lu//Getty ImagesOne of the easiest ways to create a luxurious bedroom is with comfortable, stylish bedding. Asprea appreciates the comfort of natural fabrics, like linen, but likes to pair it with other materials. “To elevate the look, layer in an accent at the foot of the bed, something with a subtle sheen like silk, or a chunkier weave such as chenille,” she says. “These textures add depth and richness, making the bed feel instantly more refined and luxurious.”RELATED: Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Bedding Awards4Upgrade Lighting Design: Hannah Goldberg; Photo: Jenn VerrierLighting can make or break your space. Designers suggest mixing light sources rather than sticking to one ceiling fixture. “Instead of relying on the standard ceiling fan/light combo, think about swapping it out for something sculptural that really makes a statement,” Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors. “Then layer in softer sources: a beautiful pair of sconces or table lamps at the bedside, and maybe even a floor lamp by a reading chair or a small accent lamp on a dresser.”You can also adjust the mood of your bedroom, depending on the time of day. “It can be bright and clear for mornings, warm and soft for evenings—giving your bedroom that polished, pulled-together feel,” she says.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Introduce Small Upgradesin4mal//Getty Images”Consider the everyday necessities in your bedroom and how they’re displayed,” Asprea says. A simple decorative tray for jewelry or a reusable tissue box (rather than sticking with the store-bought cover) can go a long way. “It’s these subtle details that transform a room, making it feel more intentional and effortlessly luxurious,” she explains. 6Layer Textures and FabricsDesign: Dart Studio; Photo: Valerie WilcoxCombining materials is always a good idea in the bedroom, be it a throw draped across an upholstered bench or your bedding choices. “An expensive look is all about depth. Mix crisp cotton sheets with a quilted coverlet, a linen duvet, velvet or silk throw pillows, and a chunky knit or cashmere throw. The layered effect feels plush and hotel-like, instantly elevating the space,” says Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Skip Matching Furniture SetsJoe Hendrickson//Getty ImagesStay away from matching bedroom furniture sets in the same finish. The last thing you want is for your space to have a showroom vibe. “It is a huge missed opportunity and ultimately flattens the personality of the space. Instead, opt for layering finishes —an upholstered bed, wood nightstands, a painted dresser. Mixing periods can add even more personality to a space—a vintage nightstand, mid-century dresser, antique mirror—these elements used in dashes can work with any design style and add a curated, elevated feel to your space,” says Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors.8Incorporate Vintage FindsDesign: Christina Cruz Interiors; Photo: Lindsay BrownDesigner Christina Cruz suggests weaving in vintage finds to give the room some personality. Always keep an eye out for unexpected details. “When searching for vintage, I always look for unique color pairings and art that has some patina or wear to the canvas,” Cruz says. “This aged element gives it character and a story, without feeling damaged. We also hunt for vintage art frames that can give any vintage or new art an old-world feel.”RELATED: 7 Popular Antiques Everyone Is Buying This Year, According to Design ProsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Hang Luxurious DraperyProCreators//Getty ImagesYou don’t have to break the bank here. Designer Amy Courtney has a few window treatment tricks to ensure your window treatments add visual appeal and a sophisticated flair to your setup.First, go for drapery panels hung on rings instead of a rod pocket, Courtney says. Your panels should be “1.5 – 2 times the width of your window so they stack nicely on each side, with the rod installed a few inches below the ceiling. This easy trick makes your windows appear taller, draws the eye upward, and gives your room that polished, custom feel!” she says.10Embrace the Color Drenching TrendVanit Janthra//Getty ImagesIn case you haven’t heard, people are leaning into color drenching these days. They’re going bold, choosing to fill an entire room with a single hue to make a statement. Asprea approves of the trend for bedroom setups. “I love the idea of color drenching in bedrooms, painting the walls, trim, and even the ceiling in the same shade,” she says. “This technique immediately elevates the space, making every piece within it feel intentional and luxurious. Whether you’re working with a small bedroom or a spacious retreat, the effect is the same: the room feels more cohesive, thoughtful, and curated.”RELATED: Interior Designers Are Obsessed With Color Drenching — Here’s How to Pull It OffAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Add Fresh Flowers Linda Raymond//Getty ImagesA beautiful bouquet never fails to add a dose of cheer to a room. Interior designer and home stager Meridith Baer of Meridith Baer Home prefers to stick to subdued hues to maintain a serene atmosphere. “Make sure to accessorize with orchids or fresh flowers, lovely candles, and soft colors, utilizing anything that can create a relaxed tone in the room,” Baer says. “These small touches have a large footprint, and make all the difference in elevating a bedroom.”12Practice Restraint sheilasay//Getty ImagesFor designer Sarah Akbary of Sarah Akbary Interiors, less is more. Don’t feel the urge to outfit your bedroom with excessive furniture and decor. Leave some breathing room when decorating. “Avoid filling every wall or surface with furniture or accessories, the bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, calm and peaceful,” Akbary says. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Upgrade Light Switch Covers Manuela Ewers//Getty ImagesLight switch covers might be the last thing that comes to mind when decorating a bedroom, but it’s an inexpensive way to elevate your space. “It sounds small, but swapping builder-grade outlets and switches for flush to wall plates or brass plates immediately refines the room’s details. This subtle upgrade makes the everyday touchpoints feel intentional, which is exactly what gives a space that high-end edge,” says Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors.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

If there’s one universal truth about interior design, it’s that trends always manage to make a comeback. Reviving old, outdated decor is a tale as old as time—and we’ve seen history repeat itself with nostalgia decor, painted floors, and skirted furniture. But lately? Designers are zeroing in on the 1970s and incorporate the decade’s groovy, geometric prints into today’s interiors. Circles, squares, and curvy triangles might seem like they’re stuck in memory lane, but Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design says they’re a maximalist take on the biophilic trend that has been so popular in recent years. “The curve of a flower’s petals, the reflection of light, and the concentric circles a drop makes on the surface of a pond,” the Houston designer explains. “This connection to nature is a bit of what draws us in, as well as the whimsical and sometimes mind-bending illusion of the patterns themselves!”Design: Creative Tonic Design; Photo: Julie SoeferMeanwhile, Los Angeles designer Dani Dazey says the retro revival is “a huge push away from all these plain white and soulless renovations.” A continuation of dopamine décor and color-drenching, if you will. “This decade in design was one of the most bold and funky, and really embraced art, color, and graphic design,” she adds. “It’s such a far cry from the basic renovations we’ve seen in recent years and feels so refreshing to have life and personality in a space.” There’s no denying these groovy, geometric patterns are fun, but how do you make them feel fresh? One false move, and these retro repeats can veer into Brady Bunch territory—and that’s not necessarily a good thing. First, you’ll want to choose a place to inject your ’70s-inspired pattern. Tartt Elias says geometrics generally work best somewhere you’d expect natural repetition. “We’re used to repeating tiles, so a geometric motif there tends to be visually expected,” she says. “Bold patterns are always a fabulous choice for upholstered accents: Ottomans, cushions, side chairs, or throw pillows come to mind.”Design: Creative Tonic Design; Photo: Julie SoeferWhile Tartt Elias has incorporated these old-school motifs everywhere—carpets, backsplashes, and even millwork, to name a few—she insists balance is key. “I make a point to mix linear geometric patterns with softer, curved lines in other places,” she adds. “If we’ve gone bold with a sharp, linear fabric for an ottoman, pairing it with overstuffed seating or a more sculptural, organic piece of furniture gives visual balance.”Color is also a great way to bring the ’70s to 2025. Orange, avocado green, and mustard yellow might’ve been all the rage back then, so why not switch things up? “Keep in mind that you can likely find the fabric you want in just about any color palette under the sun, so you can choose whatever makes you feel happy,” Tartt Elias adds. “Updating the color scheme to a brighter orange or a lime green and adding pink, for example, reads retro without feeling dated!”Design: Tara McCauley; Photo: Hanna GrankvistDiamonds, semicircles, and rectangles of yore are undeniably bold—and, understandably, not for everyone. You could ease into the trend with smaller, more temporary pieces like trays and throw pillows, but Tara McCauley recommends sprinkling in flamestitch, a zig-zag pattern that dates back to the Italian Renaissance. “It had a big moment in the 1970s, when its bold color shifts and graphic energy fit right in with the era’s maximalism and I love it now for the same reasons,” the New York designer explains. “It’s historic but playful, and in the right palette it feels very fresh and modern.”Whether you go bold or opt for a subtler take, remember that this throwback trend is all about having fun. “Start small or start big, play it safe with color, or go vibrant,” Tartt Elias says. “Part of the joy of a trend ‘coming back’ is that you get to choose how you want to interpret it!” A statement-making trend with your own spin—how groovy is that?Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

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Fall is one of the best times to be in your garden. The days are bright and sunny, but it’s cooler and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy being outdoors. It’s also the time to plant garlic, which is one of the easiest crops ever to grow. You plant the cloves in fall, then wait for a harvest next summer. Trust me: Anyone can do this!Garlic (Allium sativum) has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years, and it’s easy to see why. It adds zing to any dish, and the taste of fresh garlic is so much more pungent and crisp than the cloves that have been sitting around in the grocery store forever. I also plant garlic every year because it works as a repellent. I won’t have to worry about battling rodents like I do with my tulips or squash bugs, like I do with my summer squash. Plus, it’s one of the easiest crops that anyone can grow — here’s how I grow garlic every fall. Related StoriesTypes of Garlic?First thing to know is, there are two main types of garlic: Softneck, which has a flexible stem that can be braided for longer storage. This type is the best for southern growers. Hardneck, which has a stiff stem, or scape, which can also be eaten. This type grows well in cold climates. The scape is harvested in the late spring, which encourages the plant to put its energy into developing a larger bulb. There are many different varieties, but a few favorites include:Softneck:Inchelium Red grows in both warm and cold climates and is the best variety for braiding; it’s mild-flavored. Italian Early grows best in cold and western climates and also can be braided; it’s considered the garlic that stores the longest.Hardneck:Chesnock Red is cold-hardy and is prized for its large cloves, which have a smooth texture when roasted.Music grows well in cold climates and has jumbo cloves with a robust flavor.When to Plant GarlicGarlic can be planted anytime from mid-fall until the ground freezes. That ranges from mid-October to December.Vasil Dimitrov//Getty ImagesHow to Plant GarlicChoose a spot in full sun, which is considered 6 or more hours of direct sunlight. Garlic doesn’t like wet feet, so make sure to plant in an area of your garden which is well-draining. The location also should be somewhere that won’t be disturbed because garlic takes about 8 months to mature before you can harvest it. Dig a hole about 4 to 6 inches deep, going shallower for warm climates, deeper for cold climates. When you’re ready to plant, break apart the whole bulb, separating each clove. Leave the papery sheath intact on each individual clove (but don’t worry if some of it comes off). Place the clove pointy end up in the hole, cover with soil, and tamp down gently. Allow about 6 inches between cloves. Water well. Don’t worry if the bulbs sprout after planting; it won’t affect your harvest. Now wait for spring! In the spring, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when you first see green shoots. You also should water occasionally if it’s extremely dry. Make sure to keep the garlic bed weeded so it’s not competing with weeds for nutrients and moisture. ZenShui/Sigrid Olsson//Getty ImagesCan I Plant Grocery-Store Garlic?Most grocery store garlic has been treated to inhibit sprouting. You can try planting it, but I think it’s usually a waste of time and garden space. Instead, order “seed stock” from reputable growers such as Johnny’s’ Selected Seeds or Keene Garlic. These vendors also will ship when garlic is ready to be planted in your region, which makes it easier on you because you don’t have to store it. Getty ImagesWhen to Harvest GarlicGarlic is ready to harvest in late spring to early summer, depending on where you live and the type you planted. With hardneck varieties, you’ll see the stems or scapes emerge from the top of the plant a few weeks before harvest time. Cut them off as they begin to curl under; don’t neglect this step because removing the scape allows the plant to push its energy into creating a larger bulb. You can dice and sauté the scapes, which have a mild garlic flavor, for any dish that calls for garlic or scallions.Aliyev Alexei Sergeevich//Getty ImagesFor both hardneck and softneck varieties, it’s time to harvest when about half the foliage has turned yellowish and toppled over. Use a spade or garden fork to lift around and up under the bulb; shake off the dirt and let the bulbs cure out of direct sunlight for a couple of weeks, which helps improve storage life. When dry, cut the leaves off at the neck area, leaving a few inches of stem intact. Or you can weave the stems of softneck garlic into a braid.How to Store GarlicGarlic should be stored in a cool, dark place –preferably in a jar or container that allows air circulation so the heads don’t rot. Braided garlic can be hung in a cool, dark location. Both methods will allow garlic to last for about 4 to 6 months, depending on the type and storage conditions. However, use any bulbs you damaged accidentally when lifting them from your garden first because they will spoil faster. Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves. More