Aurelia Butler

Once upon a time, skirted furniture was relegated to a design detail you might see in your grandma’s house. (You know, right next to the vintage floral sofa wrapped in plastic.) Though upholstered pieces were a symbol of wealth back in the Middle Ages—well-to-do dwellers could collect textiles from their adventures, which was a lot easy to transport than hefty wooden furniture—it has since run the risk of appearing old-school and outdated. Well…until now, that is. Lately, we’ve been seeing skirted furniture everywhere: A fringed trim along the base of a bed frame, slipcovered sofas that masquerade wooden legs, and some people have even been concealing the contents of their open storage with a fabric curtain. Skirted touches are one of the latest design trends, and for Cate Gutter, this comeback taps into our desire for “softness and longing.” Design: Mary Patton; Photo: Molly Culver”There’s something romantic and rooted about a good tailored or ruffled skirt,” the North Carolina-based designer explains. “It feels familiar and fresh at the same time.” Meanwhile, other designers say the rise of skirted furniture is a great way to add depth to an interior—not to mention it brings some visual intrigue to a room that has too many exposed legs. “It’s an easy, low-commitment way to add a little personality,” adds Mary Patton, who runs her eponymous design firm in Houston. “Whether it’s a punch of color, a fun pattern or just a clever way to conceal storage and outdated plumbing.” Unlike the frilly furniture you might spot in your grandmother’s living room, today’s pieces feel more refined, less ruffled. For Atlanta designer Liz Williams, the key to keeping skirted furniture current lies in what she calls dressmaker details. “Tailored skirts with crisp pleats feel fresh,” she says. “Any details like contrast piping can really elevate the look.” Design: CWG Design; Photo: Baxter MillerGutter agrees and notes certain materials will make skirted furniture feel fresher. “Crisp linens, stripes or even solid velvets with clean pleats or box-style skirts,” she shares. “Those details make all the difference.” While you’re at it, you’ll also want to make sure your skirted finish is hemmed to graze the floor. “Not too short, not pooling on the floor,” Gutter adds. “It should feel intentional and tailored.” But don’t write off this trend as a frilly, fleeting fad: Designers insist that, with the right know-how, skirted furniture can hold up nicely. For starters, look for pieces that will blend seamlessly with your space. Ultra-upholstered decor might fit nicely in traditional or eclectic homes, but Williams says they can work in more modern rooms, too. “It’s all about balance,” she says. “Pairing skirts with clean-lined, leggy pieces prevents things from feeling too heavy.”Design: Barrett Oswald; Photo: Tim LenzRooms with too much drapey furniture will read outdated, so you’ll always want to add a few skirt-less pieces to your setup. In fact, Williams says you can strike a healthy mix by adding a skirt to some unexpected items. “Don’t overlook skirted tables,” she shares. “They present a great opportunity to showcase fabric and texture. They can be both practical, with hidden storage underneath, and pretty.” Another thing to switch up: Patterns. Skirted furniture sets of yesteryear were matchy-matchy, but a healthy mix of solids, stripes or florals can give a room a collected edge.Once your strike that balance between upholstered and leggy pieces, offset your skirted furniture with modern touches. While Gutter says modern lighting or bold artwork are fair play, New York designer Barrett Oswald recommends offsetting frilly finds with some texture. “Accents like a sleek leather piece or a wooden element adds both purpose and contrast, creating a harmonious and thoughtfully curated look,” she says. Skirted, stylish and rife with staying power? Consider us sold.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

Sustainable gardening isn’t just a gardening trend — it’s a full-blown movement rooted in concerns about climate change, personal health and economic uncertainty. Whether you’re motivated by a desire to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on groceries or support pollinators in your backyard, there’s never been a better time to dig into sustainable gardening. This cultural shift reflects a desire for greater control over personal health and environmental impact. There’s a growing public awareness of how traditional gardening practices may not be the best practice. “More people are recognizing the direct link between unsustainable gardening practices and habitat loss, as well as the impact on their own health,” says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. Climate change and food security worries have only accelerated the push toward more thoughtful gardening. What is sustainable gardening?Sustainable gardening takes an eco-friendly approach to minimize environmental impact. The motive is protect and enhance self-sustaining ecosystems that require minimal resources. Sustainable gardening can take many forms — shaped by your climate, space and goals — but several core practices tend to stand out:1. Water conservationReducing water waste is a top priority. Gardeners are increasingly relying on drip irrigation systems for efficient watering and rainwater harvesting to make use of natural rainfall. They’re also growing drought-tolerant native plants that thrive with less water. 2. Building healthy soilA thriving garden starts with the soil. Sustainable gardeners focus on composting to recycle nutrients back into the ground. They use organic fertilizers for chemical-free nourishment, plus low-till or no-dig methods to protect soil structure and microbial life. 3. Supporting pollinatorsJanJBrand//Getty ImagesCreating pollinator-friendly spaces — even on balconies or in small containers — is more common than ever. “People realize that companion pollinator plants can help a food garden be more abundant,” says Phillips. Gardeners plant native flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and install habitat features like bee hotels and shallow water dishes. 4. Natural pest managementInstead of relying on synthetic sprays, many gardeners practice companion planting to deter pests naturally and introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.5. Creative upcyclingEco-conscious gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. Many gardeners repurpose containers for planters and build raised garden beds from salvaged materials. How to start a sustainable garden:Starting a more eco-friendly garden doesn’t require a full overhaul. You don’t even need a large yard. “We are fielding more questions about how to support pollinators and gardens for wildlife in limited spaces, such as balconies, rooftops and small yards,” says Phillips. Here are a few simple tips from Phillips to get started:✔️ Ditch the chemicals. Avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to protect soil, water and biodiversity.✔️ Shrink your lawn. Turfgrass offers little benefit to wildlife and demands lots of water and upkeep. Replace sections with native groundcovers or pollinator plants.✔️ Plant native. Native plants require less maintenance and provide vital food and shelter for local wildlife. Use the Native Plant Finder and enter your zip code to get started.✔️ Don’t forget about container gardening. Every square foot counts. “Even a few thoughtfully planted containers can provide vital food sources and habitats for beneficial insects, birds and other small wildlife,” says Phillips. kupicoo//Getty ImagesWhy is sustainable gardening becoming more popular?When we’re feeling stressed, many of us turn to nature — and we’re not alone in that instinct. Throughout history, people have sought comfort and healing in the natural world. The most recent surge in gardening happened during the pandemic, and for good reason: Gardening has the power to boost both our health and overall well-being. With food prices on the rise, more people are growing their own herbs, vegetables and fruits. But it’s not just about the grocery bill — it’s about empowerment. As food safety and health become top of mind, sustainable gardening offers a hands-on solution. It allows gardeners to avoid harmful chemicals, grow nutrient-rich food and cultivate biodiversity. Best of all, it’s a low-impact way to get a mental health boost by reconnecting people with nature. “In a time of stress and uncertainty, gardening provides a grounding experience and a sense of control,” Phillips notes. The bonus? Homegrown produce is fresh, affordable and better for the planet.Expert Gardening AdviceDebbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets. More

Perfectly neat rows and meticulously trimmed hedges — that’s what most people picture when they think of a formal garden. This image is so deeply ingrained that when we start gardening at home, we often default to a similar version of this tidy structure. But, chaos gardening — a low-maintenance approach — continues to gain traction on TikTok. Gardening influencers are fully embracing the surprises in their gardens, affectionately calling them “chaos.” With over 8,000 TikTok videos and counting, the gardening trend is still going strong this spring.What is chaos gardening?Chaos gardening embraces a more natural, less controlled approach. The easy-care gardening method often involves sprinkling a variety of seeds around the garden without organization or perfectly spaced rows. Gardeners blend flowers, herbs and vegetables and allow them to grow where they may. “It takes very little effort to maintain a chaos garden throughout the growing season — and that’s the beauty of it,” says Linda Vater, an Oklahoma-based garden designer. Plants find their own space with minimal intervention, often resulting in a lush and delightfully low-maintenance garden. While the term may sound modern, the concept has roots in centuries-old practices. Before the rise of formal gardens with their symmetrical beds and clipped hedges, many traditional gardens — especially cottage and wildflower gardens — thrived in a more organic, free-flowing style. These early gardens celebrated abundance, diversity and spontaneity, starkly contrasting the tidy, curated look popularized in later European landscapes. Related StoryWhy’s it trending?This phenomenon isn’t new to home gardeners — or to nature itself. After all, self-sowing is how many plants naturally spread and thrive. What gardener hasn’t stumbled upon a surprise squash vine curling along the edge of a compost pile or a volunteer zinnia blooming where no one remembers planting it? With chaos gardening, the difference lies in its intentionality. Its recent resurgence can be credited, in part, to social media platforms like TikTok, where garden influencers have brought the care-free gardening approach into the spotlight. What began as a quirky term to describe unexpected gardens has grown into a celebrated style.How to create a chaos garden: ✔️ Pick the perfect spot. Choose a sunny or partly sunny area with decent drainage. Your chaos garden doesn’t need a perfectly manicured location — just a space where plants can thrive with minimal interference.✔️ Loosen up the soil. While chaos gardening thrives on spontaneity, a little initial prep helps. Loosen the soil with a rake or hoe to help seeds settle in. You don’t need to go overboard — just clear away heavy weeds or debris and rough up the top few inches.✔️ Select your plants wisely. Choose plants that suit your region and growing conditions. Focus on a mix of hardy, pollinator-friendly plants, with about 75% native varieties and 25% non-natives for a healthy, balanced garden. But remember, native doesn’t always mean better. It’s a common misconception that all native plants are inherently beneficial. In reality, some natives can grow aggressively and outcompete other species, disrupting the very ecosystems they’re meant to support.Instead of focusing solely on what’s native, entomologist and native plant advocate Doug Tallamy encourages gardeners to consider whether plants contribute to the ecosystem, rather than simply labeling them as native or non-native. That means selecting species that offer food, habitat or support for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. A well-rounded chaos garden is one that nurtures biodiversity.✔️ Scatter seeds. Mix your seeds in a bucket and scatter them freely across your prepared soil. Lightly rake them in or water gently to help them settle.✔️ Add a little structure with shrubs. Chaos doesn’t mean completely unplanned. “Rather than fussing over high-maintenance plants, a chaos garden should be a tribute to easy elegance,” says Vater. She recommends anchoring your garden with low-maintenance shrubs with evergreen color and unique foliage without demanding frequent pruning or watering.✔️ Follow your instincts. Don’t feel boxed in by strict design rules. “At the garden center, simply allow your eye to guide you to the plants that pull at your heartstrings,” Vater says. “Chaos gardening is the perfect excuse to try something new and totally unexpected for your landscape.”Darrell Gulin//Getty ImagesWhat’s the advantage of chaos gardening?Chaos gardening can be surprisingly good for the environment. Mixing various plants and letting them grow freely supports pollinators, birds and beneficial insects, creating a mini-ecosystem right in your backyard. This diverse planting style often reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making it a greener way to grow. It’s also low-maintenance and stress-free, perfect for gardeners who’d rather enjoy nature than fight it.What are the challenges with chaos gardening?✖️ Managing overgrowth can be time-consuming. One of the biggest challenges is managing overgrowth and keeping weeds in check. With so many plants growing closely together, it’s easy for aggressive self-seeders — or even weeds — to take over and crowd out the more delicate contributors.✖️ There’s no predicting exactly how your garden will look. An overgrown garden may be perceived negatively by others, especially in neighborhoods or communities with strict landscaping guidelines. To keep things looking intentional rather than unruly, consider adding visual anchors like stepping stones, a birdbath or a border of low-maintenance shrubs. These elements create structure and show that your garden, while wild in spirit, is still being thoughtfully maintained.✖️ You may need to do some gentle intervention. “When it comes to beginning your chaos garden, you can keep your initial planning and strategizing to a minimum,” says Vater. “However, as the growing season presses on, a little artful guidance on your part can go a long way.” You might notice certain plants struggling while others flourish. Maybe they’re shaded out, or facing stiff competition from a neighboring plant. In those cases, a relocation or light thinning can give those under-performers a better chance to thrive. Related StoriesDebbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets. More

Designed to maximize space and create separation between rooms when necessary, pocket doors were a hallmark of Victorian homes in the 19th century. Imagine the ability to open the pocket doors between a dining room and parlor to entertain guests with ease in both areas. And whenever the mood strikes, you could also enjoy an intimate meal in the dining room behind closed doors.Rather than swinging into a room like traditional doors, pocket doors practically disappear into the wall. And now, according to interior designers, homeowners are appreciating their appeal once again, possibly because of the rise of the “closed concept” trend. So we’re making it official: Pocket doors are making a comeback.Design Pros Weigh In”Designers love pocket doors for their clean look and the way they save space — especially in tight areas like bathrooms, closets and pantries. They give you flexibility without sacrificing style. It’s a smart, stylish solution that works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes.” — Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design”Pocket doors don’t block any pathways when they’re open, making them a handy solution for tight spaces. But there’s a certain air of drama when you reveal what’s been hidden away. So not only do they save space, but they’re an opportunity to make a statement.” — Michelle Cheney of Rebel BuildersDesign by Rebel Builder; Photography by Lara Kimmerer”When every inch matters, we turn to pocket doors — an elegant solution that lets your space breathe while offering the option to tuck things away with ease. Whether it’s an office, pantry or laundry room, pocket doors offer a seamless flow that doesn’t sacrifice privacy. A quiet nod to thoughtful design — where form meets function, and simplicity feels luxurious.” — Lindsey Colhoun of Lindsey Colhoun Design “They’re a smart, space-saving solution that can also be a beautiful design detail, especially when integrated seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry or trim.” — Michael Winn of WINN Design + Build”As we see clients beginning to move away from open floor plans, both in the interior design space and luxury home staging, introducing pocket doors is a seamless way of adding privacy without the visual weight of traditional hinges.” — Rae McCalmont of PBF Homes”The main reason to install a pocket door is to free up space in a room, such as a water closet or mudroom or any smaller area where a swinging door would impede on the function of the space. Also, if the door is open most of the time, such as in a walk-in closet or library, consider a pocket door so that the door is invisible when not in use.” — Sean Mullin of Anthony Wilder Design/BuildGTM Architects; Photography by Kip DawkinsAdditional Benefits of Pocket Doors Reduce noise. Let’s face it: While open-concept layouts feel spacious and are great for entertaining, they can get noisy. That’s why pocket doors work especially well for these setups. “With open-concept living, there is still the need to contain noise and activities so we often will create large openings with pocket doors that are perfect to slide closed for the occasional phone call or raucous kids parties,” says Stefan Hurray of BarnesVanze Architects. Versatility. Luke Olson of GTM Architects has settled on the trendy door style for a variety of projects, whether it’s used to make the most of space or create a sense of privacy in rooms like libraries and studies “that otherwise would be open and visible when not in use.” They are also ideal to “partition off designated pet areas, to provide privacy to ancillary spaces when entertaining, as a more contemporary option for a door, and more.” Improved hardware. Pocket doors aren’t falling off the tracks these days. Their hardware has come a long way, according to Mark Kaufman of GTM Architects, who has noticed significant improvements over the past five years. “Today’s pocket door systems offer a level of performance and sophistication that simply wasn’t available a decade ago,” Kaufman says. “Features such as soft open-and-close mechanisms, synchronized hardware for double doors and flush-closing designs that sit flush with adjacent walls when closed have elevated the pocket door from a once-looked down upon element to a desirable architectural feature.”GTM Architects; Photography by Eric Angelus”We’re now seeing hardware that not only meets modern expectations for quality and durability, but also enhances the overall design opportunities of a space,” says Mark Kaufman of GTM Architects.Solution for quirky spaces. Nicole “Coco” J Colin of Coco Design & Build Co., which is based in Evanston, Illinois, says pocket doors aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re a go-to tool for compact, awkward spaces that “require creative‬ problem-solving.” Colin adds: “Especially here in our community, where many homes are older and full of‬ charming, albeit quirky, details left over from decades of homeowner-led modifications, we often‬ encounter spaces that present design challenges. Overlapping door swings, tight hallways or‬ awkward traffic flows are common issues.‬”Primary suite upgrade. Chances are you might have spotted them in a New York City brownstone. “Pocket doors are having a real revival, especially in New York City brownstones where every inch counts,” says Kerry O’Duibhir of New Wave Design & Contracting. “They’re perfect for primary suite layouts, connecting the walk-in closet and primary bathroom without eating up floor space or disrupting the flow. Plus, they nod to the home’s original architecture while steel feeling fresh and intentional.”Visual appeal. “We recently installed two sets of French pocket doors with seeded glass in a new build and when closed off, the glass is gorgeous,” Mullin says. “Also, when the pocket door is inside another room, such as a water closet within a bathroom, consider a frosted or seeded glass door to allow some light to enter while also providing privacy. Also, there is a level of skill needed when installing pocket doors; we only use solid wood doors and not hollow core options. Other things to consider are the weight of the door, the type of latch, the hardware in general and how the door slides into the wall. Will pocket doors remain a go-to design solution?There’s no sign of this particular door style slowing down, as it offers benefits for all types of spaces, says Paulina Hospod of Aha Interiors. “Pocket doors have always been one of my favorite design tools. Whether it’s to divide a space or to save precious square footage, like in a compact powder room, they serve both form and function. Pocket doors aren’t just practical— they’re timeless, in demand and can make just as strong a design statement as any other architectural element.” Get More Design AdviceMonique 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

Whether they’re zipping through the trees or splashing around in a bird bath, hummingbirds are some of the most lively creatures you can observe from the comfort of your own backyard. Once you have the pleasure of watching a few of these charming birds, you might start to wonder how you can attract more. “Hummingbirds have the most super-charged metabolism of all birds due to their tiny size and long distance migrations — it takes a lot of energy to keep a hummingbird going and allow it to fly in its unique way,” says Wayne Klockner, executive director of the American Birding Association. So if you want to see more hummingbirds dance around your garden on a day-to-day basis, you’ll have to provide them with proper nourishment and shelter. We spoke to four bird experts for their advice on how to attract hummingbirds to your yard. 1. Provide a consistent food source. Alan Vernon//Getty ImagesA hummingbird’s first priority? Food. Experts recommend planning your home garden with this in mind.”A hummingbird’s daily schedule is filled with the constant hunt for food to fill their seemingly insatiable appetite. Plan your garden so that different species of flowers open asynchronously across the growing season,” says Noah Perlut, ornithologist and professor at the University of New England.If all your plants and flowers blossom at the same time, there won’t be a consistent food source for hummingbirds throughout the season. 2. Grow native flowers (especially bright, tubular ones). The types of plants and flowers you grow in your home garden matters to hummingbirds. They look for tubular flowers, bright colors and consistent nectar production. “Plant native plants, but especially those with red tube-like flowers such as bee-balm, trumpet vine, penstemon, cardinal flower and jewelweed,” says Holly Grant, project assistant for NestWatch.Related Story3. Incorporate red flowers into your yard. Whether it’s flowers or a feeder, hummingbirds love anything that involves food and their favorite color: red. However, you can still incorporate all your favorite colorful summer flowers without worrying about deterring hummingbirds. “They are particularly attracted to red flowers, but bright-colored blooms and flowers in orange, yellow and pink are just as appealing to these tiny, fast-moving birds,” says Marlene Pantin, Plants for Birds senior manager with the National Audubon Society. 4. Try a sugar-water feeder. Beata Whitehead//Getty ImagesSugar-water feeders provide the perfect quick energy source for hyper-active creatures like hummingbirds. If you’re thinking about installing one, follow these expert instructions. “Fill the feeder with simple sugar water at 1 part regular white sugar to 4 parts water (NO red dye needed or desired) and clean and replace the sugar water regularly, particularly during hot weather, when the sugar water should be replaced every 2-3 days,” says Klockner.5. Create a hummingbird shelter with shrubs. Plants don’t only supply hummingbirds with much-needed food throughout the season, they also serve as an ideal resting spot. “Native plants and shrubs provide space for shelter, perching and observing their surroundings. It is riskier for them to visit a lone feeder in the middle of a wide expanse of lawn than one that is closer to (within ~10 feet of) shrubs or other vegetation,” says Grant. 6. Don’t worry about backyard insects. Pesky backyard bugs might irritate you and your family, but they can actually serve as a quick snack for hummingbirds to keep their energy levels up when other sources might not be as readily accessible. “Most hummingbird species in North America primarily eat nectar, although they also catch and eat many small insects and feed on sap when fresh flowers are not available,” says Perlut. 7. Add a bird bath.pr2is//Getty ImagesHummingbirds will appreciate a fresh water source for bathing, drinking and cooling off, especially in the warmer weather. Plus, who doesn’t love watching them splash around? “Ideally, the water source should include a perch nearby, a shallow area for bathing and moving water provided by a small submersible pump,” says Klockner.TIP: Make sure to place your bird bath in a location where hummingbirds can avoid predators like house cats. Prepare for SpringLaura 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

If you’ve ever traveled down south to Georgia, Florida or South Carolina, you may have noticed a trend of light blue painted porch ceilings. While it’s a stunning design choice that can make an outdoor space feel more open and airy, it also carries practical and historical significance. According to southern traditions, ‘haint blue’ is said to repel bugs (and supernatural spirits) from your home when added to your porch ceiling. To investigate this claim further, we tapped Dr. Michael Reiskind, Entomology Professor and Director of Graduate Programs at North Carolina State University, for his expert insights on the theory. What is haint blue?The color ‘haint blue’ got its name from Gullah traditions. The Gullah Geechee are a group of people descended from enslaved Africans who were brought to the Deep South. The group coined the term ‘haint’ to describe ghostly or evil spirits. They believe light blue-green hues, dubbed ‘haint blue,’ help protect homes from unwanted spirits. Through this ghost-dispelling practice, the paint color also became associated with the deterrence of bugs. While no single shade is hailed as the pinnacle of ‘haint blue,’ many paint colors from various brands fit the bill. The key is to look for a light blue that isn’t neon.Haint Blue Paint ColorsValspar Duramax Exterior Paint + Primer in Sea BreathGlidden Premium Exterior Latex Paint in Everglade MistBEHR Premium Plus Exterior Paint & Primer in Windwood SpringWhy do people paint their porch ceilings haint blue?According to Gullah tradition, the color is said to prevent insects and ghosts from stopping by your home because they confuse the color with the sky or water — both of which are things to pass through, not take up residence. Because of this theory, many people, Gullah and beyond, paint their porch ceilings haint blue as a deterrent for bugs and spirits. The light blue hue also has a way of giving a home’s outdoor space a brighter, more open feel. Pgiam//Getty ImagesDoes haint blue repel bugs?”I doubt any colors are very repellent to insects, except in very specific situations,” says Dr. Reiskind. “What is more common is that there are colors that are attractive to particular insects, including some shades of blue for flies, but color repellency is not well supported. Most studies that people interpret as showing color repellency are actually only relative, such that colors are not necessarily ‘repellent’ just not as attractive as the alternatives.””Visual repellency to a specific color is likely quite rare. [Although], the attractiveness of a certain color might be due to a resource the insect needs. For example, the tsetse, a biting fly in Africa, is attracted to electric blue and black colors, which we think is a ‘super stimulus’ mimicking the colors of large mammals, like elephants, antelopes, etc.”Bug Repellent AlternativesIf you’re looking for a bug repellent to get the job done and aren’t sold on the effectiveness of a haint blue painted porch ceiling, here are a few tested and reviewed product options that our Good Housekeeping Institute recommends instead. Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito E-RepellentNow 18% OffZevo Ant, Roach, Spider Insect SprayMurphy’s Naturals Mini Mosquito Bug Repellent CandlesRelated StoriesKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More

The whole point of decluttering is to say goodbye to as many old, worn or broken items as you can, keeping only what you truly use and need. I’m not afraid to admit that I regularly struggle with the decluttering process. Tossing certain items directly into the trash just feels like such a waste. When I heard about reverse decluttering, the organization method where homeowners challenge themselves to find new uses for old items instead of just immediately tossing them, it felt like someone had read my mind. Sure, not every old item should be kept, but there are at least a few things lying around the house that can be repurposed with some creative problem solving. I spoke to three professional organizers for their best reverse decluttering tips, including their favorite items to repurpose. What Is Reverse Decluttering?Reverse decluttering is much like upcycling, but with an organizational twist. Before you start decluttering, create a “Keep” box for any knick knacks or worn items you might be able to reuse or transform. Even if you don’t have a full solution for each item just yet, keep it until you’re done decluttering. Then, you can go through the box and put your creativity to the test. ninitta//Getty Images”We, as professional organizers, understand that people have a sentimental connection to their belongings, so the process of helping people downsize has to be gentle but guided with expertise. If there are ways to repurpose items in your home to give them new life that will be functional for your lifestyle, we are big supporters,” says Christie Childers of Imagine It Done.Items to KeepSo what exactly should you keep? While nothing is necessarily off limits, it’s important for each old item to serve a new purpose. Here are a few favorites according to pro organizers. ✔️ CandlesOnce all the wax is gone, candles can become canisters for cotton balls in the bathroom, desktop organization for paperclips in the office or even vases for small flower arrangements around the house. “They could also be turned into other organizers to hold makeup, toothbrushes, pens or pencils, kitchen utensils or TV remotes,” says Hannah Goetz of Hannah Goetz Organizing.✔️ JarsThai Liang Lim//Getty ImagesYou probably gain a few jars every time you grocery shop — why not find another purpose for them? “Any old glass jars can be used as decanting containers for food, dry goods, supplements or medicine. The options are endless,” says Devin VonderHaar of The Modern Minimalist.✔️ Mismatched SocksWe’re not saying you should keep all of your old socks, but you could definitely repurpose a pair or two to create a couple handy shoe deodorizers. Fill up old cotton socks with baking soda, tie them with a rubber band and throw them in your shoes overnight. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for even more of a fresh scent. Related Story✔️ BoxesDebating what to do with that old box? VonderHaar suggests using it as a drawer divider in the kitchen, office or bathroom. “Some people also use old shoe boxes in a similar way,” she says.Cereal boxes can also be repurposed: “You can cut off the tops, lie them on their sides, cover them with a fun peel-and-stick wallpaper and use them as paper filing trays or a mail sorter,” says Goetz.✔️ Old TextilesEmilija Manevska//Getty ImagesBefore you go ahead and throw out that old t-shirt or towel, consider what’s on your cleaning to-do list. Pro organizers agree that old textiles can usually be repurposed into rags, even if that means cutting a larger towel into multiple smaller pieces. ✔️ Grocery BagsPlastic or reusable grocery bags can come in handy when organizing a closet. Think smaller items like gloves, scarves and hats that don’t stay put on hangers. Throw them in an old tote, hook them onto a hanger and store them all together for easy access.Tips From the ProsWhen you’re in the process of reverse decluttering, you might be tempted to repurpose items that no longer serve you. Keep these expert tips in mind to avoid creating more clutter. karinsasaki//Getty ImagesDon’t rush it: “Declutter everywhere first, and create a pile for items that may be reverse decluttered. Once you’ve edited down and gotten donations out of the house, then reassess the items to be reverse decluttered and make final decisions,” says VonderHaar.Keep function in mind: “Be intentional about what you choose to repurpose — if it just leads to more piles or ends up unused, it’s probably not worth keeping,” says Goetz.Be realistic: “Anything that is stained and soiled, has a long-lasting bad smell, no longer fits you and likely won’t again or is past a listed expiration date must go,” says Childers.Declutter With UsLaura 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

For decades, a starter home — a small and less expensive residence — was the first step in homeownership. First-time home buyers invested in what they consider to be a short-term dwelling and a stepping stone toward a more permanent residence in a few years. When their family evidently outgrew the smaller home, they’d decide to sell and hope to see a return on the investment. The bad news: Starter homes are hard to come by these days. With increasing interest rates and limited housing inventory, is it worth investing in a starter home? We tapped three real estate experts, including pros at Zillow and Angi, to better understand the changing real estate landscape. What’s Trending in Real Estate”True starter homes are scarce for first-time buyers today,” says Jenna Stauffer, agent for Sotheby’s Realty. “The move-up market just doesn’t exist like it used to. Between high prices, interest rates, taxes and insurance (a lethal combo), it makes upgrading tough.””The concept of the starter home has evolved significantly in recent years because of affordability challenges,” adds Orphe Divounguy, Zillow’s senior economist. “When mortgage rates were near 3 percent, most home buyers could break even and start building equity in their home within a few years.”Previously, buyers could confidently settle into a starter home, move on once they had outgrown it and use their profits to upgrade to their next property. Mortgage rates have since doubled and now sit above 6 percent. “Those who buy will have to commit to a home for at least 7 to 9 years before that decision pencils out financially — even longer in pricey coastal metro areas,” says Divounguy. People in the U.S. are living in their homes for much longer. One reason starter homes are less available: Baby boomers are aging in place and driving the homeowner tenure to rise. According to a 2023 Redfin report, the typical U.S. homeowner has spent 11.9 years in their home — which is up from 6.5 years two decades ago.”People’s view of how long they’re planning to live in a house has changed,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “It’s a combination of how hard the home buying process has become to begin with, and the rising interest rates.” First-time buyers are putting more thought into location and size, and analyzing potential for future renovations, with the expectation that they will stay longer. Amid high interest rates and limited housing inventory, 67% of homeowners express a preference for renovating their current home to better meet their needs rather than moving, according to Angi’s 2024 State of Home Spending report. First-time home buyers are getting older.Older first-time buyers are more likely to hunt for a forever home than younger buyers in previous generations. “The median age of a first-time home buyer is 35 — an age when they’re more likely to be building their careers and starting their families,” says Divounguy. If buyers need to spend upwards of a decade in their home to see a return on investment, they’re hunting for a home that’s the right fit for them now and 10 years from now. The Good Brigade//Getty ImagesStarter homes are increasing in value. Reality is home prices are rising — even faster in starter homes. “Nationwide, the typical starter home is valued at $196,611, which remains affordable for a median-income household. However, the value of starter homes has increased by 54.1% over the past five years, outpacing the 49.1% increase for the typical U.S. home,” says Divounguy. Still, home buyers have a chance in 2025. Despite the challenges, real estate pros think there’s hope for first-time buyers. “The housing market is becoming more balanced, so buyers have more options, more time, more discounts and more bargaining power,” says Divounguy. “Plus, mortgage rates have dipped to the lowest point they’ve been all year and buyers have new tools to track when rates fall even further.”Although at one point it seemed the younger generations weren’t interested in homeownership, Hicks says there’s been a mindset shift: “Millennials and Gen Zers are becoming homeowners, and still view homeownership as positive and super important.” More Advice for BuyersAlyssa 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