Aurelia Butler

The decision to invest in a vacation home isn’t an easy one, but a young couple set out to achieve their goal during one of the most inopportune times — the height of the pandemic. Their search ultimately took them to a four bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom property in Hunt, TX. “They wanted this place to be in their family for a long time,” says interior designer Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN, who was enlisted for the gut renovation. Their one request: infuse the 5,000-square-foot family home with loads of personality. ” It was all about having fun — playing with different colors, shapes and patterns, and exploring all the different areas of the home,” she says. From carving out storage under the foyer stairs to designing a cozy breakfast nook, complete with beautiful bay windows that boast views of the Guadalupe River, Malek Barney made use of every inch. Take a look at the complete makeover below.Entry Malek Barney knew the compact area under the stairs (previously a closet) had potential and could be used to make a good first impression. While she considered creating a crawl space for the couple’s two small children, the design team decided to open it up and transform it into a true welcome spot. A built-in bench and shelving to display books and decorative objects made perfect sense, since the area is located right off the front door. She chose Sherwin-Williams’ Roycroft Bottle Green to complete the look. “It’s not stuffy. It’s not pretentious, and it’s meant to be lived-in and relaxing,” she explains.Molly CulverLiving RoomIn the living room, a timeless neutral palette allows the exposed wood-beam ceiling to shine and enhances the layout’s cozy feel. She “softened” the shape of the fireplace and settled on custom wooden coffee tables from Outer Woods that are versatile enough to suit the family’s various activities. “They can transition from entertaining to chilling out and watching movies,” she says of the space, which opens up to the kitchen. “Everything can be moved around and be flexible.”Molly CulverKitchenAlong with removing a wall that closed off the kitchen to the living room, the clients requested two islands (one can be reserved for preparing meals and the other for dining and entertaining guests). They also trusted the design team with the two-tone color palette (Sherwin-Williams’ Still Water and Tradewind). “I love that they got excited about the colors, because it plays really well. There’s two different tones there, but it’s such a fun, vibrant space,” she says.The patterned backsplash is another conversation starter. “The tile is the inspiration for the kitchen’s color palette,” says Malek Barney of Clay Imports’ Tropicana Rucksack Green. “It’s almost like an art piece in the kitchen.” Molly CulverBreakfast NookWhether it’s a long breakfast or a fun crafting session with the kids, the family will get tons of use out of the breakfast nook. There was one design challenge to consider, though: The space needed to fit as many people as possible, but still be compact enough since it’s located at a walkway. A pair of dining chairs alongside a custom banquette and a custom dining table were the best solution. “The chairs could easily be swapped out for high chairs as needed, since it’s part of a transitional space. I just love the way it turned out,” Malek Barney says. Molly CulverRelated StoryGuest BathroomMalek Barney decided to have fun with the shower tile in the guest bathroom (Clay Imports’ Palma Emerald). “It has a texture to it — there’s a lot of movement and depth to it and it’s just it’s so beautiful. It’s the type of tile that can be used in a lot of different scenarios,” she explains. Molly CulverMolly Culver Bunk Room The three-story, built-in bunk bed “utilizes every inch of the room,” Malek Barney says. From clothing to toys, it offers enough storage for the kids’ belongings, and it was designed to grow with them over time. They settled on the right blue paint colors, Sherwin-Williams Riverway and Moody Blue, for this reason. “They don’t read too feminine or masculine, or super babyish or super adult,” Malek Barney says. “It can withstand a lot of generations.”Molly CulverBedroomsThe other bedrooms throughout the home are calming retreats. For the primary bedroom (on the left), Malek Barney chose Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog, a soothing blend of green and gray. It echoes the beauty of the trees visible from the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The walls in the guest bedroom (on the right) are painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound — a cool white that shows up in other areas of the home. Molly CulverMolly Culver Outdoor PatioThe biggest design challenge in the outdoor area? “There’s a lot of stone we had to maneuver around and some we covered up,” explains Malek Barney, adding that they wanted the aesthetic to be “less rustic and more modern.” She settled on cream walls to complement the fireplace, and embraced varied wood tones in the space, including the herringbone patterned wood flooring.Molly CulverSee More Stunning HomesMonique 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

Your basement is likely full of clutter — seasonal decor, old documents and random furniture you haven’t touched in ages. Take the time to purge and organize, and your basement could become much more functional. “The basement doesn’t have to be a storage space,” says Faith Roberson of Organize With Faith. “You pay for that square footage, and it can be anything: a den, home office, extension of your pantry, home theater or spare bedroom. Imagine the possibilities if things weren’t down there collecting dust.” If you’re ready for a basement upgrade — even if you need it for storage, these professional organizers encourage you to donate or recycle items that are no longer useful. The easiest way to start is by taking stock of what you own.Related StoryBroken or outdated techMost likely, you’ve got an old laptop, gaming console or cell phone collecting dust in the basement — along with a stockpile of chargers and miscellaneous wires. “They’re not doing anyone any good. Recycle them and reclaim some space,” says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista. Dump everything out, keep the tech you use regularly and recycle the rest. Bring it to a recycling center or a local retailer, like Best Buy, that will recycle or donate used electronics. hxyume//Getty ImagesHoliday decorHoliday decorations accumulate quickly — especially when you’re keeping up with holiday decorating trends and buying a few new items every season. “If it hasn’t made it out of the box for the last few holidays, chances are, it never will. Let someone else enjoy it,” says Gill. Most thrift stores, including Goodwill and The Salvation Army, will accept used holiday decor. House paint and project materialsIf sealed properly, house paint can last for years — but, will you actually use it in the future? “Almost all of my clients have house paint, tiles and building materials that pre-date them ever living in their home,” says Emi Louie, professional organizer. Often, homeowners don’t even know what these supplies are and “they just hold onto them by default.”Take inventory of project materials, and only keep what you’ll actually use. Just remember: You can donate building materials to charities like Habitat for Humanity. Related StoryBooksStoring books in a moist basement can damage them. “Decide what to do with them before they become outdated or moldy, so you can donate them,” says Stobbe. Check if your local library accepts donations, or take books to a thrift shop. Jorg Greuel//Getty Images Cardboard boxesIf you’re storing valuables in cardboard boxes — replace them immediately. Especially in basements with high moisture levels, “cardboard boxes get moldy and damp,” says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter. They can even attract pests. And, “don’t bother keeping cardboard boxes for when you move again — get clean, strong boxes.”Old furniture”Let’s be honest — if it’s been gathering dust for years, it’s not making a comeback,” says Gill. Think dining chairs, sofas or dressers that aren’t serving any purpose other than taking up space. Donate furniture to a local charity, or you can try selling used items on Facebook Marketplace. Children’s clothes, toys and artworkKids outgrow things quickly — clothes, toys, baby gear and sports equipment — and, the basement is a go-to storage zone. Not to mention, their many crafts, drawings and good report cards. It can be challenging to get rid of things with sentimental value, but Stobbe suggests you “keep a few special items and let the rest go.””Outgrown items, like cribs and clothes, can be passed along to families who need them or donated to a local charity,” adds Gill. Things like artwork can be digitized, so there’s no need for a stack of papers cluttering up the basement. MementoJpeg//Getty ImagesForgotten hobby suppliesWe’ve all tried a new hobby that we later abandoned, but don’t let supplies collect dust if you won’t pick it back up. “If your sewing machine or gym equipment hasn’t seen action in years, consider donating them to someone who will actually use them,” says Gill. More From Professional 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

It’s finally time to switch your laundry from the washer to the dryer. Do you throw all of your clothes in there and press start? Or do you reach for a dryer sheet before starting the load?Everyone who has ever done laundry before has probably questioned whether or not they really need dryer sheets. We’ve been taught to use them, but chances are you might know exactly what they do or when they’re necessary. Luckily, our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to answer all your questions on the subject and settle the dryer sheet debate once and for all. What are dryer sheets and what do they do? Three Spots//Getty Images”They are thin sheets coated with softening and static control ingredients that you toss in the dryer on top of a load of wet clothes,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. “As the load tumbles, the heat of the dryer transfers the ingredients to the clothing to help soften and minimize static in the clothing.”So, if you’ve ever had a load of laundry come out of the dryer with one piece of clothing clinging onto the next, chances are you forgot to throw in a dryer sheet. They add a touch of softness (although not as much as liquid softener) while helping to mitigate the build up of static electricity, according to Forté.Related StoryDo you really need dryer sheets?In short, our experts do recommend using dryer sheets. Here are a few circumstances where they can be especially beneficial:Your clothes are sticking together.You don’t want to use liquid softener.You want to reduce wrinkling. Although they’re not technically necessary, our cleaning experts suggest using them, especially if you experience any of the above. Throw in one dryer sheet for regular loads and two for extra large loads. However, Forté warns to be careful before throwing them into all your loads: “They shouldn’t be used on flame-resistant clothing, like children’s sleepwear, as the coating can diminish the flame resistance of the fabric and garment.”Are there alternatives to dryer sheets?Helin Loik-Tomson//Getty ImagesYou may have heard of using dryer balls as an alternative to dryer sheets, but our experts warn that they aren’t really the same. “Dryer balls help fluff and tumble the load so fabrics dry fluffier and may therefore feel softer, but dryer balls don’t impart any softness,” says Forté. However, they do still help reduce static build-up. Plus, they don’t contain chemicals and can be used time and time again, which gives them the advantage over dryer sheets in terms of sustainability. Related StoryIf you’re hoping to reduce waste and can live without the added softness, dryer balls are a solid choice even if they may not be as effective overall. Whichever product you decide to go with, check out some of our expert-approved picks below. Shop Dryer Sheets and Dryer BallsBounce Fabric Softener Dryer SheetsGrove Collaborative Wool Dryer BallsDowny Dryer Sheets Smart Sheep Wool Dryer BallsNow 15% OffRelated StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More

1Door Handles and Light SwitchesGrace Cary//Getty ImagesYour guests will likely be opening doors and turning lights on and off throughout the house, so it’s important to make sure these areas are dust-free and in good shape prior to their arrival, notes Steve Evans, the owner of Memphis Maids. “Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water and wipe with a soft sponge, or with a slightly damp microfiber cloth,” he instructs.2The WallsKinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesNo one wants to see any dust on the walls, either. “People often forget that dusting their walls is a major factor in keeping a clean and healthy environment,” says Vanessa Garcia, a Tasker on Taskrabbit. “You would be surprised how many households’ walls would change ‘hue’ due to the lack of dusting their walls,” she notes. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Your Tupperware DrawerDLMcK//Getty ImagesWhether you’re sending guests home with leftovers post holiday-party or are packing up a tin of goodies to give to a neighbor, it’s a good idea to keep your Tupperware drawer in good shape this season. “Nobody wants to wrestle with a jumble of mismatched lids and containers,” says Amy Berryhill, the owner of Spiffy Chicks. “Match lids to containers, recycle or toss anything without a mate, and ditch pieces that have seen better days.”RELATED: 50 Clever Kitchen Organization and Storage Ideas to Clear out the Clutter4The PantryMassimo Ravera//Getty ImagesWhile you’re in the kitchen, take some time to give your pantry a bit of a makeover, too. “With all the cooking, baking and snack-making happening around the holidays, your pantry is about to get a major workout,” says Rachel Rosenthal, organizational expert and Post-it® brand ambassador. She recommends going through your items and parting ways with expired goods, consolidating like with like and grouping similar pieces together in bins. “Label each bin for quick identification, and suddenly, your pantry goes from a cluttered maze to a well-oiled machine,” Rosenthal shares. RELATED: 30 Genius Pantry Organization Ideas to Tame Your ClutterAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Your Gift Wrapping StationIlja Enger-Tsizikov//Getty ImagesWrap gifts like a total pro this year by organizing your supplies and creating a command center you can utilize all month long, Rosenthal suggests. “Gather your wrapping paper, ribbons, scissors and gift tags in one place,” she says. “This way, when it’s time to wrap, you’ll be able to grab what you need quickly and easily.” RELATED: 50 Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas That’ll Save You Money6The Cabinet Under the Bathroom SinkYinYang//Getty ImagesThrowing a get-together this season? Don’t underestimate the importance of getting your bathroom ready for guests, Berryhill states. “When toilet paper runs low, guests will likely look under the sink,” she comments. “Spend 15 minutes decluttering this space—toss empty bottles, organize cleaning supplies and stock up on essentials like backup rolls (remove them from their packaging for a neat look).” A bit of quick prep will make all the difference mid-party!Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7The Linen ClosetAdShooter//Getty ImagesOvernight guests may need to check the linen closet for towels, sheets and the like while staying with you this season. “A cluttered linen closet can leave guests scrambling,” Berryhill says. “Give this space a refresh by clearing out old, stained or torn linens.” Here, baskets, stackable drawers and labeled shelves are your BFF, the organizer notes, adding, “A little effort goes a long way in creating a guest-ready space!”RELATED: 15 Genius Linen Closet Organization Ideas8Your Front PorchBrycia James//Getty ImagesYour front porch is your home’s chance to really make a first impression, notes Carolyn Forté, executive director of Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “Sweep away leaves and debris, get rid of clutter, put out a pretty doormat, and remove webs and dirt from light fixtures, the mailbox, front door and anything else guests will see,” she suggests. “Go out of your house and come back in like a guest and see what kind of impression it makes on you!”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9The Front EntrywayTom Merton//Getty ImagesThe front entryway is also a key area to spruce up prior to hosting guests. “It sets the tone for their entire visit, yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked areas during holiday cleaning,” says Vanessa Terra Bossart, the founder of Green Terra Cleaning. “A clutter-free, polished entryway creates a sense of order and warmth as soon as guests arrive,” she says, and recommends giving the area a good vacuum, removing piles of mail and making space for visitors’ shoes and coats. 10The Living RoomMorsa Images//Getty ImagesWhether you’ll be hosting family throughout the month or just crave a space in which you can unwind after busy December days, don’t forget to give your living room a refresh. “Start by fluffing pillows, straightening throws and vacuuming sofas to remove crumbs or pet hair,” Bossart says, adding that you’ll want to give your space a good dusting as well. “Consider dim lighting and a subtle holiday scent to enhance the ambiance.” RELATED: 70 Beautiful Living Room Decorating Ideas That Are Worth RecreatingSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Whether in the form of a morning walk, cup of coffee or piece of chocolate, we all search for simple moments of joy that keep us going throughout the day. This year, Pantone is honing in on those everyday pleasures we love to soak in. And there’s one color in particular that embodies that comfort: Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse.The global color authority’s 2025 Color of the Year is a bit more mellow compared to last year’s pink-orange choice, Peach Fuzz. Mocha Mousse, marking Pantone’s 26th pick, exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity while simultaneously feeling sophisticated and lush, especially when it comes to interior design. Pantone”It’s something you absolutely want to dip your spoon into and taste,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “What we describe this as is a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel that way within the home?”Thanks to Pantone’s partnerships with brands like Joybird, Spoonflower and more, Mocha Mousse can be easily integrated into any space for a classy yet unpretentious feel that welcomes all who enter to indulge in what Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute, calls a “mocha moment.”Pantone”What a mocha moment could be for you could be very different than it is for me, but we really like this whole idea,” says Pressman. “It’s just about reminding you to take that time, because it goes back to this quest for harmony and balance in our lives.” Color experts at Pantone offer a variety of potential palettes where Mocha Mousse fits in seamlessly, ranging from more vibrant collections with bright purples and blues to more subtle ones with creams and tans. Regardless of your own interior design style, Mocha Mousse brings a touch of balance, stability and elegance to home design. Who could ask for more?Shop Pantone x Spoonflower in Mocha MousseRelated StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More

Even if you have the very best washing machine and dryer on the market, there’s just something about a big pile of laundry that’ll send you running in the opposite direction. But the task is unavoidable, so you may as well equip yourself with tried-and-true strategies that can help make things a little easier — and possibly even prolong the lifespan of your favorite clothes. Take the “shake method,” for example. Here’s how it works: Shake each item of clothing before moving it to the dryer drum. It takes just an extra minute or so, but helps ensure no two items are clumped together or intertwined. Think about the way sheets inevitably twist and tangle in the washer—clothing is prone to this kind of tangling, too. If you’re in the market…Shaking your items is key for a few reasons, but primarily because it increases drying efficiency and decreases wrinkles. “If you shake everything out, it’s going to be less wrinkled and tumble better and more freely in the dryer,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “When you have a dryer load that’s not all bunched up, the faster and more thoroughly it will dry,” says Forté. “Plus, think of all the ironing time it could save.” You’ve instantly reclaimed any time it took you to shake each item out.Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty ImagesShaking out your clothes prior to tossing them in the dryer also gives you an opportunity to put items back into shape, so sleeves and necklines don’t get stretched out and pants legs aren’t twisted or knotted before they go into the dryer — key for prolonging the lifespan of your favorite items. Shaking out towels also helps fluff the pile, so your favorites will be more fluffy and absorbent, says Forté. “And if you use dryer sheets, the more evenly softening and static-control ingredients will be distributed in the load.” Sounds like a win-win all around.INSIDE THE LAUNDRY ROOMBrigitt 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. More

Simply put, if you don’t wear it, remove it from your closet. Find a new home for clothing that is “itchy, uncomfortable or evokes a negative memory,” says professional organizer Bohne Leah, founder of the Be Organized Method. For clothes that fall into a middle category, reflect on which pieces you no longer feel happy wearing versus which pieces may be worth keeping if they come back in style. “I believe it’s important to maintain a wardrobe filled with pieces that you love,” says Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. If you have items that you want to keep but they don’t fit well, consider getting them tailored, suggests Seymour. For less than the price of buying something new, you can renew something you already have and love. RELATED: Best Closet Organization Ideas to Improve Your Morning Routine More

Regardless of your interior design style, there’s no denying that there’s one director who nails home design in her films every time. From coastal chic to cozy cottage, Nancy Meyers — director of films like The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, The Intern and many, many more — simply knows how to design a home we all love looking at (and sometimes even pretending we live there) for hours at a time. While Meyers seems to have covered every design style under the sun throughout her filmmaking career, there are still aspects all of her interiors seem to share. They make us feel comfortable, welcome and even at home, transporting viewers into the lives of her characters through superb design. But even though many people seem to feel this way (“Nancy Meyers decor” has almost 12 million posts on TikTok), it’s difficult to put into words exactly what makes these interiors so loved. That’s why we asked a few interior designers to uncover the key design choices in some of Meyers’ most well-known films. Read on for their tips on how you can pull off the Nancy Meyers aesthetic in your own home. Embrace a “lived-in” home. Warner Bros., Warner Bros. PicturesThe InternFirst and foremost, forget the idea that your home should look spotless all the time. Although we all know that’s unrealistic, it can still be hard to push that thought aside, especially when you’re hosting. However, when in doubt, look to Nancy Meyers. “A Nancy Meyers home looks like someone actually LIVES there,” says Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors. “You can envision people putting their feet up on the ottoman, guests drinking wine at the kitchen island, kids jumping on sofas. Her spaces are layered and collected, reflecting a life well-lived.”Just take the kitchen from The Intern, for example. The island is full of food, the shelves are stocked with glassware and Anne Hathaway’s character, Jules, is pouring coffee. The home reflects the character’s fast-paced life and ambitious personality, and she doesn’t need to hide that with an overly tidy space. Just keep reading. Sony Pictures ReleasingSomething’s Gotta GiveWhen asked what comes to mind when they hear “Nancy Meyers interior,” each designer mentioned books in one way or another. Nancy Meyers’ interiors are chock full of them, and for good reason. Books add character, texture and color to a home. Plus, there’s nothing cozier than snuggling up with a good read. Instead of hiding them away when you’re done reading, try leaving books out as decor like Diane Keaton’s character, Erica Barry, does in Something’s Gotta Give. Your book collection can say a lot about you, so don’t be afraid to display them for added charm.Related StoryEmbrace your personality. Sony Pictures ReleasingThe Holiday While all of Nancy Meyers’ interiors are gorgeous in their own right, they all take on different styles that match the character they belong to. “The interiors feel so well aligned with Nancy Meyers’ characters. Of course, Kate Winslet’s bookish character lives in the most charming cottage while Cameron Diaz’s character fits in perfectly among her modern interiors and fancy motor-operated window treatments,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.In other words, Meyers uses interior design as a character development tool. You (as a real person and not a character) can use it to express yourself. Find the pieces of furniture and decor that feel true to who you are. The result will be a unique, authentic home that communicates your personality to all who enter. Experiment with texture. Universal PicturesIt’s Complicated Meyers’ films embrace layered textures in every room, whether that’s through slipcovered sofas paired with soft throws in the living room or sleek black chairs with fabric cushions in the dining room. The mix of materials in each interior helps create that not-so-perfect look that feels welcoming. These spaces no longer feel like sets; they feel like home.”There is always an element of softness to her spaces,” says Gates. “A cafe curtain, pleated drapes, throws and worn woods. Even in the more modern sets, you feel cozy.”Collect, but don’t clutter. Buena Vista Pictures DistributionFather of the Bride While collections add charm and personality to a home, clutter can quickly take that all away. Meyers is a master of collections, whether it’s a couple of old-school antiques, an assortment of books or a few framed pieces of artwork like the ones seen here in Father of the Bride.”Pay attention to the details, but don’t let clutter overtake your space,” says Gates. “Collections are great, clutter is bad. Let your home show personality but also restraint.” Keep it warm.Universal PicturesIt’s Complicated Whether you’re a fan of neutrals or tend to go for bolder picks, the homes in Meyers’ films often incorporate warm tones that invite us in.”Her interiors are very neutral but warm and layered — stick to creamy, warm neutral paint colors, natural wood and stone, soft, tailored (often slipcovered style) furniture, lots of different lighting types and lots of books, throws, plants, pillows and, of course, antiques,” says Erin Gates of Erin Gates Design.The warmth of Meyers’ interiors are part of the reason you might feel like you’re there just by looking at them. If you can practically smell Jane’s mouthwatering cooking in It’s Complicated from here, you’re not alone.Focus on feeling.Sony Pictures ReleasingDiane Keaton in Something’s Gotta GiveSticking to a certain interior design style or aesthetic can be important when decorating your home, but that doesn’t mean it should be the only factor. While Meyers tends to showcase a certain style for each of her character’s interiors, they aren’t perfect. And that’s the point.”Maybe you don’t remember a specific furniture piece or the wall color, but you remember the way the interiors made you feel,” says Jay. “As designers, we’re so focused on aesthetics and how elements look together, but it’s also helpful to consider how our designs make people, particularly our clients, feel.”Just like you can feel the salt on your skin by simply looking at Erica’s desk with a beach view in Something’s Gotta Give, you, too, can invent a feeling in your home that’s unique to you and your character. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More