Aurelia Butler

If you can’t get enough of watching home renovation shows, chances are you’re a fan of the hit HGTV show, Property Brothers. Over the years, the stars of the series, Jonathan and Drew Scott, have guided hundreds of families through the process of making over their homes, with a healthy dose of humor and tons of candid advice along the way. With two brand-new HGTV shows slated for 2024 — Backed By the Bros and Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers — and thriving home product lines, the design duo remains hard at work. The Scott brothers recently stopped by Good Housekeeping’s New York offices, and shared some of their top design mistakes to avoid as well as some decorating myths to watch out for — and let’s just say we hung on their every word. Here’s Jonathan and Drew’s best advice for homeowners right now: Design Mistakes to AvoidOpting for epoxyed countertops. “Don’t epoxy your countertops! It doesn’t last!” — Jonathan Hanging patina mirrors. “People like doing something fancy with their mirrors — like patina mirrors that have some sort of an aged look. But I say, stop doing that for mirrors you use in your bathroom.” — DrewTackling complicated DIY projects like wiring or plumbing. “Why are you DIY’ing to save money when, in the end, it’s actually going to cost you money?” — DrewInstalling barn doors. “Barn doors have been overdone. They’re perfect for certain solutions, but not for every solution.” — JonathanDesign Myths to IgnoreHardwood is the only option. “There are much better products that are far more durable. Luxury vinyl is an example [of a material] that can look like hardwood, but it’s way more durable.” — DrewA clutter-free home is best. “Curate your clutter instead. Decide what’s going to showcase your personality and then get rid of the other stuff.” — JonathanMatching all your furniture and accessories. “People think you have to match things in open floor plans. Matchy-matchy is really boring. Find things that complement [each other] and even [introduce] some nice contrast throughout the space to bring more personality.” — DrewVisit Good Housekeeping’s TikTok for more design advice from the Property Brothers!More on Home Design TrendsHome Design DirectorMonique 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

Design lovers are in for a treat! Pantone just announced Peach Fuzz as its 2024 Color of the Year. The color authority says the comforting hue is a reflection of the current times, as well as people’s desire for peace (maybe even a little alone time) and a sense of community. It’s a surprising departure from last year’s bold, nature-inspired pick, Viva Magenta.Pantone“A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”PantonePeach Fuzz signifies another major milestone for Pantone: It’s the 25th Color of the Year. In 1999, Pantone first kicked off the well-respected program with Cerulean Blue as its Color of the Year. Curious about how to bring a dose of Peach Fuzz into your own space? In conjunction with the announcement, Pantone launched a few exciting partnerships that present the perfect opportunity. They’ve teamed up with Motorola, Shades by Shan, Ruggable and Spoonflower, among others, on special products boasting the pretty hue. (Snag them while there’s time!). We also love the idea of pairing the peach tone with shades like navy, mint, beige, brown and even pops of gold. The possibilities are endless, if you ask us! Shop Peach Fuzz: Pantone’s 2024 Color of the YearPantone Peach Fuzz Pop Prism DoormatPantone Peach Fuzz Nice Peach Bath MatAurora Folk BrightAurora Vine Dawn WallpaperHome Design DirectorMonique 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

Every homeowner should own a toolbox — but what should it contain? Our on-staff home renovation experts say every tool bag should contain these essential items:1. Masking TapePainter’s tape is easy to tear, easy to remove and endlessly useful for indicating whatever you need to hammer, cut, paint, donate, replace or refurbish.Related Story2 . Cordless DrillNewer models of cordless drills are available with stud finders, making hanging or mounting projects a snap.Related Story3. HammerWhile there are plenty of fancy hammers, old schoolworks just fine. Use the claw side to remove nails.EXPERT TIP: Think through every job beforehand, and try to make one run for supplies.4. Safety GogglesNails slip, old paint chips go flying. These should be non-negotiable when working on home-improvement projects.5. Utility KnifeAlso known as a boxcutter, this knife can fold out or push up.EXPERT TIP: Keep tools, hardware and materials off the floor as you work. The last thing you need is a tripping hazard or to get hurt by a sharp tool.6. Drain SnakeRun this thin plastic drain cleaning tool down your sink whenever water drains more slowly than usual.Related Story7. LevelYou can eyeball whether something is straight or even, but only a level will tell you for sure. You could also try a level app on your phone.8 . ScrewdriversBuy an assortment — slotted, Phillips, star, square — and you’ll be able to secure every kind of screw.EXPERT TIP: Put everything in its place at the end of each session. Your work area should be restored to a pre-project level of orderliness.9 . FlashlightIt helps when the power goes out, of course, but a flashlight is also useful for peering into crevices and corners.10. PencilSticking a pencil behind your ear will make you feel handier and readier to tackle any project. It’s also helpful for marking or noting measurements.11 . Tape MeasureMeasure twice, cut once.Looking to learn more essential skills to maintain and repair your home? Check out our best-selling book, Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges.Related Stories More

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning.Cooler temperatures and calm breezes help keep evaporation to a minimum. It also keeps the turf cooler during the hottest parts of the day, which means less stress on the grass. If it’s not convenient to water in the morning, late afternoon is the next best time. Waiting to water until too late in the evening keeps lawns wet overnight, which can make the grass susceptible to diseases like fungus.The screwdriver test can tell you how long you should be watering your lawn.Not sure how long to water your lawn for? Conduct the screwdriver test: After watering the lawn, take a long-blade screwdriver and shove it straight down into the ground. The blade should easily penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. If it doesn’t, you’re not watering long enough.Use pulsating sprinklers.These lawn sprinklers shoot out water horizontally at high velocity, so water is not as vulnerable to wind and evaporation as oscillating types, which spray the water straight up, and then rotate side to side.EXPERT TIP: Lawns in new housing developments often have compacted soil so hard that water can’t sink in. If this is the case, water for 30 minutes, let the water soak in and repeat to avoid runoff.Go easy with new grass.Oscillating sprinklers are a gentler choice for new lawns until the grass takes root. For newly planted grass seed, keep the top inch of the soil moist, but not soggy. Monitor and water regularly until the grass is 3 inches high, then water on your regular cycle. When mowing, take wide, slow turns to prevent the mower’s wheels from tearing up the new lawn.Get More Handy Home TipsHome Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesGet More Handy Home TipsHome Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesNow 44% OffLook for signs of under- or overwatering to know how often you should water your lawn.Experts recommend watering clay soils once a week and sandy soils about every three days. Signs of under-watering include brittle, dry or brown grass. Signs of overwatering include mushrooms, weeds, spongy grass and runoff.Get a timer.You will never need to worry about having to shutoff your sprinkler or wonder whether your lawn got enough water.Be consistent.Toggling between letting your lawn go dormant and keeping it watered is hard on the grass. It’s far better to make a choice. Letting it go dormant like it does in the winter won’t harm the grass as long as there’s not a drought lasting longer than a month. A dormant lawn will comeback to life after a good rainstorm.Related Story More

They say home is where the heart is, and when you think about it, it’s true. It’s where so many of the big and little things in your life happen: It’s where meals are cooked for your family, where the gifts are wrapped for the holidays, where the mundane but necessary chores get done week after week, where the keepsakes are stored and where memories are made year after year. Good Housekeeping Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesGood Housekeeping Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesNow 44% OffRecognizing how much goes on in your household, we all could really use some tips on how to make life at home simpler — and here at Good Housekeeping, we’re all about making your life easier. From making your own weed killer to whipping up creative cocktails to serve at your next party, there are so many things to learn to ensure your home continues to be the comfortable and the creative space that you love so much.DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EXCERPT HEREThat’s where Good Housekeeping’s best-selling book Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges comes in — and right now it’s almost 50% off on Amazon. Home Skills is full of expert advice and genius solutions for every corner of the house and lucky for you, we’re offering special access to a sneak peek of 14 essential household hacks. In the free excerpt from the book, you find over a dozen tips that will help you transform your home, save you time and money, and give you a better idea of what to expect when you purchase the full Home Skills book for yourself. Intrigued? Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:GHGHIf you like the free excerpt, you’ll love the book! Discover even more home hacks (up to 850!) by picking up your own copy of Home Skills today.Assistant EditorAnnie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content. More

It’s finally December, which means it’s officially time to start decorating for Christmas — if you haven’t already, that is. If you’re still in the midst of decking the halls, consider trying the viral Christmas garland-hanging hack that’s taken over TikTok and Instagram in recent weeks. The game-changing holiday decor trick involves hanging garland from a tension shower curtain rod suspended between entryway arches, doorways and even between kitchen cabinets. The end result looks stunning — and it won’t damage your walls.To try the hack at home, first secure the curtain rod at eye level. Arrange and twist greenery around the rod (you may need zip ties to secure it), then layer in decorative items like twinkling lights, stylish ornaments, holiday bells or ribbons. Once you’re happy with the final look, simply raise the tension rod into position and tighten it as much as possible. @stephaniehannablog@greenssweethomeHome decorator @thekwendyhome was one of the first to share the holiday secret on social media just four weeks ago — and many bloggers, influencers and decorators have attempted it since. We reached out to several content creators to ask about their experiences trying the viral hack. Spoiler alert: Most rave that it’s incredibly easy to pull off.”As a person who hates putting holes in the wall and loves an easy DIY, this hack was right up my alley. It was super easy to install my garland and I have no issues with the tension rod falling. When I first saw this hack, there were so many people using it in doorways and hallways, but I knew I struggled to hang my garland over my sink last year and this was a great solution.” — Danielle Green of @greenssweethome”My daughter Abby, who’s also my content assistant, joined in on the fun. We found it surprisingly easy — just a little garland bending, and it stayed put. To keep everything secure, having the rod at arm level while styling everything was key. Wrapping the garland around it multiple times and bending it into place worked great — no ties or nails needed… We took it a step further by layering with battery-powered twinkle lights and floral picks.” — Brendt Blanks of @shegaveitagoTry the Curtain Rod Hack at Home”I saw @kwendyhome on Instagram share this hack, and it seemed too easy and beautiful — I had to try it myself! When it fell two minutes in, I started to sweat. I had already bought everything I needed, so I didn’t give up — even after it fell a couple more times. I think the trick was once you tighten it as tight as the rod could go, tighten it even more. I made sure to really load up on ornaments and tinsel to cover spots where the rod was showing through the garland.” — Lacey Farber of @ponderosaandplaid “I actually have a smaller opening, so I purchased a shower stall rod because all of the other rods were too big — it worked perfectly. It was a little tricky in the beginning. My husband helped me and we kept trying to get the rod tight enough but when we turned the rod to tighten it, the garland kept falling. We decided to use zip ties to attach the garland to the rod, then once we got the rod in place at the top, we attached more zip ties to secure it.” — Stephanie Hanna of @stephaniehannablog”I would say this hack was pretty easy, but a little tricky getting the garland to stay in place and not slide around. It helped to add additional decor pieces to sort of obstruct the garland from sliding. I used a tension rod, garland, a few S-hooks, rustic bells, a beaded wood garland and some rattan lights — oh, and a fun bow. By evenly distributing the weight, and being sure the tension rod was secured tightly, keeping everything in place wasn’t a problem.” — Gianna Nicolette Caputo of @indie.boho.nest @SOFILLEDWITHLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY@indie.boho.nestRelated StoriesAssociate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s newly released 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, more and more homeowners are ditching their simple all-white kitchen cabinets for warm wood finishes, including walnut and white oak.”We’ve seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry,” says Sarah Robertson, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn. “The pushback from white has resulted in a drive toward warmer tones in the kitchen.””Warm wood kitchens are instantly cozy, approachable and inviting,” agrees Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Interiors, who refers to the style as “timeless.” But the trend doesn’t stop with natural wood cabinetry: Designers are also incorporating wood ceiling beams, installing water-resistant wood floors and opting for wood countertops. What’s behind the kitchen trend?For natural beauty, consider matching white oak cabinets with a darker wood countertop.Courtesy of GrothouseOn the whole, designers say they’re noticing that interior color palettes are warming up. “We’ve turned the dial warmer across the board, and that’s translated into the cabinetry and finishes in our kitchens,” says McGregor. “People are spending more time at home so they want it to feel intimate and cozy, and natural wood can quickly transform a space that is void of personality to one of warmth and hospitality,” says Robertson.Does that mean that all-white kitchens are on the outs? There’s no denying that white kitchens are timeless — they look clean, bright and ensure your space will feel modern for years. On the downside, some say that white kitchens can lack texture, depth and intrigue. Wood kitchens, on the other hand, are more likely to exude warmth and can be more customizable to fit various lifestyles.”The rich, natural beauty of wood cabinets and countertops gives a complexity and character to spaces that white can’t match,” says Paul Grothouse, founder of Grothouse, a company that makes custom wood countertops. Not only do wood cabinets look more natural and organic, but they typically appear newer for longer than painted cabinets. “Chips and scratches are inevitable with painted cabinets, and the upkeep can be more tedious,” says McGregor. “When wood is scratched, there is less contrast from wood to wood, and the imperfection is easier to mend or hide.”What wood grains are best for kitchen cabinets?According to MasterBrand Cabinets’ 2024 Trend Report, “the popularity of wood grain is on the rise, showcasing a growing appreciation for the organic beauty and texture of wood.”Courtesy of MasterBrandDesigners say white oak is the most popular, but medium to dark tones are also popping up in kitchens — and walnut remains a fashionable choice, according to Robertson. White oak is a durable and long-lasting material for kitchen cabinets, although Robertson notes woods such as birch and alder are a more sustainable choice, since the trees grow faster.To break up a space, take a note from designer Bria Hammel’s book and pair a warm wood center island with painted kitchen cabinets (here, a moody green hue).Spacecrafting Photography”We’re starting to use alder, as it stains nicely, has a nice grain pattern and it does well in both modern and traditional settings,” adds interior design architect Julee Ireland. “It has a neutral tone and doesn’t feel as heavy and dated like some of the other wood species out there.” Designer Bria Hammel says she loves using white oak for classic coastal interiors, and alder or mahogany for moody, vintage-inspired spaces.According to Houzz research, medium wood tones are the most popular among homeowners right now, with a growing interest in light wood over the last year. “Popular photos on Houzz suggest that two of the most common options are white oak for its light, airy appearance, and walnut, which supports a richer look that, when paired with flat-panel cabinetry, works well in a mid-century modern style,” says Mitchell Parker, a senior editor at Houzz.Related StoriesAssociate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

If you’ve spent any time at all on social media lately, chances are you’ve stopped mid-scroll to admire an all-white kitchen. We don’t blame you — there’s no question that a white kitchen has timeless appeal and a special way of making a cooking space feel light and bright. But according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) newly released 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, there’s another popular color creeping up in the kitchen design world: green. From deep forest green and bold emerald hues to elegant sage tones, a verdant kitchen can be just as full of personality — and it works with a range of design aesthetics. (There’s a reason why the term “green kitchens” currently has 162,000,000 views on TikTok). “It’s a truly versatile color,” says Paul Kropp, co-founder of Bakes & Kropp, a kitchen design and cabinetry business.More From Good Housekeeping The chameleon-like color, which can easily take on a relaxed or elevated vibe, is also perfect for homeowners seeking a nature-like vibe indoors. “It’s got that fresh, natural feel, reminding us of the great outdoors right in our homes,” says designer Marie Cloud. Julee Ireland, an interior design architect and product designer, acknowledges this, too: “I personally love green in all shades for its ability to connect you with nature – from the deep, saturated tones found in the rainforest to the soft, muted shades of green found by the sea.”A green hexagon backsplash makes a statement in a kitchen designed by RZ Interiors.Ryan Fung PhotographyBelieve it or not, green actually has a calming effect that makes it ideal for a cooking space. It’s “associated with a place where all the basic needs can be satisfied, such as finding food, water, shelter, the color green provides a sense of security,” notes Color Psychology. Additionally, the Hunter Lab reports that “green aids in relaxation, as environments with green elements are peaceful and nurturing.””Green is all the rage because it’s flexible, fresh and just feels right in the kitchen,” says interior designer Marie Cloud.AMANDA_ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHYOf course, you can paint your kitchen cabinets green, taking your pick of paint color choices, like Graham & Brown’s 2024 Color of the Year, Viridis, but there are also so many great options for tiles and kitchen decor that put the color on display, too. “I have traveled to Spain, Portugal and Italy to the design and tile shows this year, and it’s shown in every collection as part of the color palette, which tells me it’s here to stay for a while,” says Ireland. Ivy Hill Tile Catalina 3Ivy Hill Tile Catalina 3Green paint and tiles have been top of mind for designer Kristen Fiore, too: “Pratt + Larson recently launched a kiln glaze called Surf that we are bringing in a handmade feel for backsplashes and other areas of a kitchen. We recently used Benjamin Moore’s Antique Pewter for a very large entertaining island and highlighted the frames of uppers in the same. It really creates a warm, rich, cozy feel to newer construction.” Designer Lina Galvão has also been inspired by the plethora of green products on the market right now. “A new appreciation for tones of green comes as paint and fabric companies launch new, more sophisticated and approachable tonalities, and coincides with the general global trend of biophilia,” says Galvão. When it comes to hues that complement green, neutrals are a no-fail choice, according to designer Vicky Serany: “We have blended green cabinetry with natural wood and even creamy whites. For those clients who are a bit cautious of committing to green cabinetry, we’ve used a rich green backsplash with neutral painted cabinets with beautiful results.”So with green kitchens on the rise, are white kitchens on the outs? Cloud certainly doesn’t think so. “White kitchens aren’t going anywhere — they’re like that classic white tee that goes with everything.” Related StoriesHome Design DirectorMonique 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