Aurelia Butler

Tomato plants undergo five primary growth stages: germination, seedling, vegetative, flowering and fruiting.Each stage of the tomato life cycle requires different needs for sunlight, warmth, water and more.Fruit appears on a tomato plant during the fifth stage of growth. As an avid home gardener, I have over 20 years of experience growing tomatoes and plant five or more varieties in my garden every summer. Over the years, I’ve learned that a productive tomato harvest doesn’t happen overnight and understanding the life cycle of a tomato plant helps maximize yield and minimize problems. From the moment a seed sprouts to the final juicy fruit, each phase plays a key role in a tomato’s development.Here, I’ll walk you through the five main stages of a tomato plant’s growth, including what to expect at each phase and how to set your plant up for success. I also tapped Lucy Mercer, certified master gardener extension volunteer and founder of the cooking and gardening blog A Cook and Her Books, for expert advice. 1. Germination (Days 0–10)Barbara Rich//Getty ImagesThe tomato plant’s journey begins when seeds are planted in warm, moist soil. During germination, the seeds absorb water, swell and split open to produce a tiny root (radicle) and a shoot (plumule). For best results, use fresh seeds from a reputable source. Start them in a sterile, soilless seed-starting mix placed in a tray with a humidity dome to maintain moisture. The ideal soil temperature is 70–80°F (21–27°C), as consistent warmth is essential for germination. “When you use a heat mat to start your seedlings, you ensure consistent germination and reduce the likelihood of damping-off disease,” says Mercer. “The bonus is that heat makes the seeds germinate quicker.” Once the seeds sprout, remove the humidity dome to prevent excess moisture and reduce the risk of disease. 2. Seedling Stage (Days 10–25)KrimKate//Getty ImagesAbout 10 days after germination, tomato seedlings develop their first true leaves. These follow the cotyledons, the seed’s built-in food supply and the plant’s initial leaf-like structures. During this stage, roots grow deeper and the young plant starts to establish itself.Ample light is critical for successful seedling development. Without it, seedlings may become leggy and weak. Seedlings require 14–16 hours of bright light daily. If using grow lights, position them one to two inches above the tops of the seedlings, adjusting them as needed as the seedlings grow to prevent stretching. If you’re not using a grow light, rotate the tray daily to encourage even, upright growth.Air circulation is just as important for healthy development. “Fungal diseases can be devastating to your seed starting project,” warns Mercer. “They spread quickly and can destroy flats of seeds in no time. Set up a fan to keep air moving and help your plants grow strong and healthy.” 3. Vegetative Growth (Weeks 3–6+)Annie Japaud//Getty ImagesDuring the vegetative stage, tomato plants focus on growing bigger and stronger. Rapid leaf and stem development begins, and the plant starts forming a thick central stem with branching shoots. This growth phase is crucial for developing a robust structure that supports future flowers and fruit.As the plant outgrows its starter container, it may need to be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Transplanting is also a good time to introduce nutrients. “Your new seedlings will appreciate a fertilizer boost at transplanting,” says Mercer. “Don’t go overboard, though. It’s best to start with half the recommended ratio.” 4. Flowering Stage (Weeks 5–8+)romiri//Getty ImagesAs tomato plants mature, clusters of small yellow flowers begin to appear at the tips of branches. These blooms contain both male and female reproductive parts, allowing tomatoes to self-pollinate. In outdoor gardens, wind and pollinators, such as bees, usually handle the job. Indoors, you may need to lend a hand by gently shaking the plant or using a small brush to transfer pollen from one flower to another.”If plants are slow to flower, the problem could be your choice of fertilizer,” says Mercer. “Consider switching to a product with a lower nitrogen ratio. That’s the first number in the N-P-K ratio on the package. A bloom-boosting N-P-K of 5-10-10 will help speed up flowering.” 5. Fruiting and Ripening (Weeks 8–12+)Yulia Shaihudinova//Getty ImagesAfter successful pollination, the flowers begin to transform into small green fruits. As the season progresses, these fruits mature and ripen, changing color and texture depending on the tomato variety and temperature conditions.This stage often brings challenges such as fruit splitting, blossom end rot and pest infestations. “Once your plants are in the ground, consistent moisture levels are key,” says Mercer. Many new gardeners believe blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency. While that can be partly true, Mercer explains that most soils already contain sufficient calcium. “The problem comes with needing enough moisture in the soil to move the calcium to the fruit as it’s forming,” she notes. “Drip irrigation makes this easy, but if you don’t have it, be sure to check the soil every day and water when it feels dry, especially on hot summer days.”More About Tomato GrowingFAQHow long does it take to grow tomatoes from seed to harvest?Most tomato plants take 60 to 100 days from seed to ripe fruit, depending on the variety.When is the best time to start seeds indoors?The best time to start tomato seeds indoors is typically 6 to 8 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date. This allows enough time for the seedlings to develop before being transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.When should I transplant tomato seedlings outdoors?Once night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) and plants have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves.Why are my tomato flowers falling off without fruit?This could be due to poor pollination, excessive heat or nutrient imbalance.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

1Performance Fabric Design: Darci Hether; Photo: Jean Allsopp“I’m a huge fan of upholstering sofas, dining chairs, ottomans and even mudroom cushions in indoor-outdoor fabric. There are so many incredible options to choose from — you almost don’t even know it’s the same fabric that can be used outside!” — Darci Hether, Darci Hether New York Photo by: Jean Allsopp2AntiquesCaroline Sharpnack“Given that my design mantra is ‘every room needs at least one antique,’ I like to include antiques in every project. This can be something as small as a stack of antique books used as an accessory to a beautiful antique chandelier or walnut commode. By incorporating antique and vintage pieces into a room, with their aged patina, imperfections and storied pasts, you are creating a space with history and character that is difficult to achieve otherwise. These pieces add a depth and richness that can provide an excellent backdrop for newer pieces to contrast with.” — Debbie Mathews LeRoy, Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs Photo by: Caroline SharpnackRELATED: 7 Popular Antiques Everyone Is Buying This Year, According to Design ProsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3DimmersTFILM//Getty Images“We put dimmers on the lights in every project. Dimmable lighting gives you the flexibility to shift a room’s mood throughout the day—from bright and functional to soft and intimate. It’s one of the easiest ways to add ambience and livability to a space.” — Zoë Feldman, Zoë Feldman Design4A Live Tree MARC MAULDINAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Booksin4mal//Getty Images“One thing I always include in my interior design projects are books. They’re functional, personal and double as home accessories. Whether stacked on a coffee table, or styled on bookshelves, they make any space feel more lived-in.” — Naïka André of NJA Interiors 6Wood Stump Tables Kirsten Francis“We always use wood stump side tables in our projects. The more aged looking, the better! We find that even in our designs that lean more modern, there’s something about the look and versatility of these pieces that give our designs so much character. They can be placed almost anywhere in the home, too—from next to the tub to a side table in a living room!” — Steph Schlegelmilch, Studio SevaPhoto by: Kirsten Francis Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Sculptural or Antique LampEmily Followill“I never complete a room without at least one sculptural or vintage lamp. It brings in personality, and offers another opportunity for layering height, color and texture. Whether it’s a ceramic gourd, a glass lamp with a playful shade or a vintage object—like a wallpaper print roller—repurposed into a lamp, it always adds character and depth to the space. There are so many ready-made shades in fun patterns and colors now that can turn an otherwise boring lamp into something special—it’s an easy way to bring in a little surprise.” — Liz Williams, Liz Williams InteriorsPhoto by: Emily Followill8Animal PrintsBrian Bieder”I include some sort of animal print fabric in every project. Whether it’s a woven, printed linen or performance fabric for the outdoors, a little panther, leopard, zebra, antelope or giraffe goes a long way.” — Maggie Griffin, Maggie Griffin Design Photo by: Brian BiederAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Custom PoufsSam Frost“We like custom poufs in nearly every project because of their incredible versatility and timeless appeal. They adapt seamlessly to any interior style, and we often customize them with different bases and curated fabrics to suit the space. Whether used as a footrest, extra seating in a family room or a stylish perch in a closet for putting on shoes, they serve both form and function. We also scale them thoughtfully to complement the room’s proportions and needs.” — Jessica Nicastro, Jessica Nicastro Design Photo by: Sam Frost10Custom Pillows Reid Rolls“In every project, I always include custom throw pillows. It’s a detail that really finishes the space and ties all the textures and materials together, resulting in an elevated, layered look.” — Sarah Tract, Sarah Tract InteriorsPhoto by: Reid RollsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Custom BeddingDesign: Darci Hether; Photo: Emily Gilbert“Custom bedding instantly takes a space from basic bedroom to true sanctuary. We use all-white sheeting and duvet covers, often times with single- or double-stitching applied in the same main accent color found in the bedroom (for instance, slate blue stitching on all-white bedding). We always include at least one pair of regular shams with the same stitching detail and at least one decorative pillow — usually something patterned and complementary to the surrounding colors.” — Darci Hether, Darci Hether New YorkPhoto by: Emily Gilbert12Antique Furniture With Turned Legs JASON VARNEY“One element I include in nearly every project is a piece of antique furniture with turned legs, whether it’s a side table, a kitchen island, a chair or a console. These pieces bring a sense of history and craftsmanship that instantly grounds a space. The turned leg detail adds visual interest and character, helping a room feel layered, eclectic and soulful. It’s the kind of object that suggests a well-collected home, where every piece has a story.” — Autumn Oser, Haldon HousePhoto by: Jason VarneyRELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Antique ShoppingMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1BeansJamie Grill//Getty ImagesVarious types of bean plants, like pole beans, are beneficial for cucumbers. “These legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants so they have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that other plants can utilize,” says Ramirez. “Cucumbers are heavy feeders, and the nitrogen provided by beans can nourish the soil and enhance the growth of cucumber plants. Peas can be used in the same way.”2CarrotsFeifei Cui-Paoluzzo//Getty ImagesCarrots won’t compete for space with cucumbers or over-spread. These delicious root-vegetables are high in vitamin A, fiber and potassium. Grow cucumbers vertically on trellis so they can provide shade for the carrots.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Beets Oliver Helbig//Getty ImagesUnlike cucumbers, beets’ growth occurs beneath the soil, so the two won’t compete for space. Beets are packed with fiber, protein and vitamin C. They can benefit from being planted first and having shade provided by cucumbers.4RadishesPatricio Nahuelhual//Getty ImagesRadishes are an ideal companion plant for cucumbers because of their soil-enhancing qualities. “As radishes grow, their roots help break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage, which benefits cucumbers as they prefer well-drained soil,” says Ramirez. Radishes also repel cucumber beetles, a common garden pest that can severely damage cucumbers, squash and melons, among other plants. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5OnionsAleksandr Zubkov//Getty ImagesSimilar to beets, onions don’t compete with cucumbers for space. Make sure you plant them 4–6 inches apart around the cucumber plants or in rows nearby, and avoid over-watering them when watering cucumbers. They’re a great addition to a garden, as they’re a source of antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium. 6CeleryPenpak Ngamsathain//Getty ImagesSimilar to cucumbers, celery needs lots of water to grow, making them easy to water together. Celery has approximately 25 anti-inflammatory compounds and is rich in antioxidants.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7CornAli Majdfar//Getty ImagesBesides increasing nitrogen in the soil, mature corn stalks also offer shade and support for climbing cucumbers. Plus, corn is high in zinc and magnesium.8GarlicBarbara Rich//Getty ImagesGarlic is another good insect repellent for cucumbers and can help keep cucumbers free of fungus infections. It fertilizes soil since it’s rich in phosphorus, a nutrient that’s key for cell division. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9LettuceAnna Mardo//Getty ImagesPlanting lettuce and cucumbers together can help you simplify gardening tasks since they both require lots of water. Similarly, the shade of vining cucumbers help shield lettuce leaves from bright sun. Lettuce is high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. 10DillIuliia Burmistrova//Getty ImagesDill is an excellent companion plant for cucumbers because they attract beneficial insects, says Ramirez. While some insects can damage cucumbers, others (like wasps and ladybugs) can help cucumbers’ growth by preying on pests like aphids and caterpillars, which are also common cucumber pests. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11CatnipPhotos by R A Kearton//Getty ImagesThe oils found in catnip repel flea beetles, a highly effective organic pest repellent for cucumber plants. Additionally, catnip is an excellent herb for cat-friendly gardens, given that nepetalactone, the chemical compound it contains, stimulates playful and euphoric behavior in many cats.12ChivesPhotos by R A Kearton//Getty ImagesSimilar to catnip, chives serve as an insect repellent for cucumbers, thanks to their strong onion-like scent. Chives are rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, which can aid in bone growth and healthy blood clotting. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13MarjoramOksana Nazarchuk M//Getty ImagesMarjoram is another great companion herb for cucumbers. It improves its flavor, repels pests and attracts pollinators like bees and hoverflies. 14ChamomileChristoph Wagner//Getty ImagesChamomile also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, and prey on pests like cucumber beetles and aphids. Like cucumbers, chamomile thrives in full sun. Rosamelia is an Editorial Intern at Good Housekeeping. She’s also a graduate student in NYU’s Magazine and Digital Storytelling program. In her free time, you can find her reading and reviewing books on her bookstagram: amelias_biblioteca.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Steam cleaners may sound like a dream: no chemicals, just heat and water, and poof — grime gone. But if you’ve been using one on your hardwood or laminate floors, listen up. Even if your machine’s manual claims it’s safe to use on these surfaces, the cleaning pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab say otherwise.“While manufacturers say that steamers are safe to use on sealed hardwood — and they may be — most floors in homes are not perfectly or completely sealed,” said Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “They’re walked on by people and pets, so the finishes likely have fine scratches and worn spots, which makes steam, pressure and moisture more likely to penetrate.” The result? Warping, dulling and even voided warranties.The convenience just isn’t worth the potential cost. Instead, the best way to maintain the look and feel of your wood floors is to treat them with some TLC: leave shoes at the door, clean up spills promptly, keep pet nails trimmed and vacuum regularly using a suction-only vacuum or one with the brush roller turned off to prevent scratches.When it’s time for a deeper clean, use a light application of a hardwood floor cleaner and work in small 3-foot-square sections to avoid over-wetting the surface. Wipe in the direction of the wood planks for quick touch-ups, and go with and against the grain for a more thorough clean that lifts dirt from crevices.But don’t overdo it. The GH Cleaning Lab recommends damp-cleaning floors only when they truly need it, since over-washing can do more harm than good. And skip the DIY hacks — vinegar is acidic and can dull the finish over time. Abrasive cleaners, waxes, oils, furniture sprays and anything containing ammonia can also damage both the finish and the floor itself.More from our Cleaning LabBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Cleaning according to Japanese Zen Buddhist principles can transform the act from a chore into a mindful practice. I tried cleaning the “zen way,” focusing on appreciating my surroundings rather than the outcome. Learn more about how to transform your cleaning mindset with tips and tricks from experts.As a home editor, I’ve put a variety of organization hacks and cleaning methods to the test, deciding which are helpful and which might cause more stress than it’s worth. From rage cleaning to gradual decluttering to electric cleaning tools, I can confidently say that when it comes to making cleaning less dreadful, I’ve tried it all. Still, regardless of the number of high-tech tools or expert-approved methods out there, there’s one thing that remains true: If you view cleaning as a chore, you will probably always dislike it. But there are certain cultures that view cleaning completely differently. Take “Städdag” for example, a Swedish cleaning method that suggests neighbors gather together to clean, treating it as a social activity to look forward to. In Japanese culture, Zen Buddhist principles influence the cleaning process. It’s not just about the outcome, it’s about expressing appreciation for your surroundings and clearing your mind of any unwelcome thoughts. Intrigued by the idea of mindful cleaning, I decided to dig a little deeper, interviewing our Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab experts along with a few pros familiar with the concept. Related StoriesWhat Is Zen-Inspired Cleaning?There’s a common Japanese adage: When you see a weed, pull it.”This reflects the fact that cleaning can be very straightforward and not a chore. It’s just something you do without drama or a second thought, like brushing your teeth or going to the bathroom. No energy is wasted, which means it can, instead, be put to the things that actually matter, like loving our neighbors as we love ourselves,” says Cristina Moon, Zen priest and author of Three Years on the Great Mountain: A Memoir of Zen and Fearlessness.Rather then planning a whole day of cleaning (and dreading it the moment it arrives), the idea is to treat the act as an everyday activity. There’s no need to schedule in hours and hours — if you see something is out of place or dirty, handle it right then and there. It’s all about being in the moment and embracing the act itself. “When most people clean, their minds are focused on the end result. Their goal is to finish as quickly as possible and reach a state of cleanliness. However, in Zen Buddhism and as part of ancient Japanese life philosophy, cleaning is not just about the outcome. It is a mindful practice, a way to show respect and appreciation for our environment, to purify the mind and to clear away the ‘dust’ of unnecessary thoughts and desires that block the natural flow of life energy,” says Azumi Uchitani, founder of The Japanese Wisdom Academy and author of the upcoming book Yoshuku — The Japanese Art of Manifesting.My Experience Instead of turning on the TV or blasting my favorite playlist like I typically would before lugging out all my cleaning supplies, I decided to embrace the silence. To get started, I kept it simple, using a cloth and some cleaning spray in the kitchen and bathroom. Laura MillarI take pride in my home — a cluttered cabinet or overflowing garbage can definitely affect my mood and even stress me out. Keeping in mind what I learned about Zen Buddhist principles, I tried to focus on my space and how it made me feel before, during and after cleaning. Rather than ignoring my own thoughts and distracting myself with a playlist or TV show, I actually began to acknowledge those feelings.The actual act of cleaning became much more enjoyable when I wasn’t thinking about all the other things I could be doing instead. In that moment, I concentrated on spraying and wiping the surfaces in my home. And it didn’t feel that dreadful. While there’s a lot more work to be done to truly master cleaning the “Zen way,” I did feel more connected with my space after my first session. The whole process felt more personal — I was cleaning not only so I could admire a squeaky clean bathroom or shiny stovetop, but for my own mental wellbeing. Tips for Cleaning the “Zen Way”The philosophy behind cleaning according to Zen Buddhist principles is simple: “Looking at cleaning as an act of care rather than a chore helps you see the beauty in your home and its furnishings. And when you take care of and take pride in your home and furnishings, things and surfaces last longer and look better,” says GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté.Here are few tips to keep in mind if you’re new to Zen-inspired cleaning: Carlos Barquero//Getty ImagesExpress gratitude: Appreciate your space as you clean it. That means turning off any background distractions. Harmonize your body and mind: “Treat cleaning as a combined practice of meditation and fitness. As a bonus, your space becomes clean,” says Uchitani. Stay present: You don’t need to plan a whole day of cleaning. If something is out of order, fix it.Choose your tools wisely: “Select cleaning tools you enjoy using and take care of them as well. Clean tools reflect the care you bring to your practice,” says Uchitani. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Whether it’s a splash of salad dressing from a rushed lunch, a toddler’s grass stains or a drip of blood you didn’t notice until it dried, stains happen. And while your instinct might be to act fast — scrub, rinse, repeat — not every quick fix is actually helpful. In fact, some of the most common stain-removal habits can spread the stain or even set it, making it harder to treat later.Below are the most avoidable mistakes, according to Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab pros, plus how to handle stubborn spots in a way that actually works.1. Waiting too long to treat it.Life is busy, and sometimes you don’t notice a stain until a few days (and maybe even a couple of washes) later, but timing matters. The longer a stain sits, the deeper it sets — and the harder it becomes to remove. Your best bet is to tackle spots as soon as possible, ideally before they’ve had a chance to dry, even if it means pausing your day for a quick rescue mission.2. Always using hot water. Hot water isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. It can set certain stains — especially protein-based ones like blood. On the flip side, grease stains often respond better to hot water. So don’t just default to high heat; check what kind of stain you’re dealing with before turning on the tap.3. Using the harshest treatment first. When it comes to stain removal, the most aggressive method isn’t always the most effective. It’s smarter to start with a gentler approach — like pre-soaking or pre-treating — before jumping to bleach or other harsh stain removers. This not only protects your fabric from wear and tear, but also leaves room to try something stronger if the first round doesn’t work.4. Rubbing instead of blotting. It’s tempting to scrub at a stain. The harder you work, the better the results, right? Not quite. All of that friction can push the stain deeper into the fabric’s fibers and even wear down the item prematurely. Blotting gently is usually more effective — and far less damaging.5. Blotting with a colored napkin.Don’t just grab the closest cloth and go, either. A brightly colored or patterned napkin can bleed dye onto your fabric, leaving you with two stains instead of one. Stick with a plain white cloth or paper towel when possible.Kinga Krzeminska//Getty Images6. Starting from the center of the stain.It may seem intuitive to target the middle of the stain first, but doing so can cause it to spread. Instead, work from the outside in, using dabbing motions, to help contain the mess. 7. Forgetting to put something absorbent underneath. When treating a stain, always place a clean cloth or paper towel underneath the fabric. This helps draw the spot out from below and prevents it from seeping into other areas — or even staining the surface beneath your item.Ana Rocio Garcia Franco//Getty Images8. Tossing your item in the dryer before the stain is gone. Heat locks in stains, making them much harder (and sometimes impossible) to remove later. If you dry something before the stain is fully out, you risk sealing it in — for good. Always check the spot after washing. If it’s still there, pretreat and rewash before adding heat to the mix.More from our Cleaning LabBrigitt 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

One of designer Steven Cooper’s favorite ways to give a kitchen a high-end feel? A dairy table! “A dairy table is a beautifully crafted, stand-alone piece inspired by traditional farmhouse dairies, offering both charm and practicality,” says Cooper, the principal designer at Cooper Pacific. The budget-friendly option can be used to serve guests buffet-style, prep meals or enjoy a cozy breakfast, Cooper adds. “You can find a suitable base by repurposing a vintage table, console or dresser from thrift stores, flea markets or online marketplaces,” he says. “To transform it, give it a rich stain and add lower shelves for baskets and storage. When sourcing countertop materials for your dairy table, consider visiting your local stone fabricator for remnant pieces of marble or quartzite, which can be cut to fit your table’s dimensions at a fraction of the cost of a full slab.” Photo by: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien More

You know to turn off the lights and lock the doors before leaving for vacation. But there’s another item on the pre-departure checklist that many people forget — unplugging electronic devices to reduce the risk of fire. Even if these electronics don’t cause a home blaze, many of them draw power when they’re not in use (“standby power” is the industry term), which means you’re losing money by leaving them plugged in. While the best policy is to unplug every electronic device in the home before you go, some are more dangerous or power-hungry than others. Our pros in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute teamed up with safety and energy efficiency experts to compile the following must-unplug list.Battery chargersDan DiClerico / Good HousekeepingOver the last decade, lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in homes, running everything from e-bikes to power tools to personal computers. The batteries are great at storing a lot of energy in a small housing, but that means they can be quick to overheat if damaged or left on a charger for too long. Even charging lithium-ion batteries overnight is a no-no, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), since batteries should be removed from the charger once they’re fully charged, to prevent overheating. Under no circumstances should a charger and battery be left plugged in when you’re away from home. NFPA also recommends storing batteries at room temperature and away from anything that can catch fire.It’s a good idea to unplug smaller charging cords, like those for your phone or computer. While the heat they generate doesn’t pose the same fire hazard, even the low current of electricity that flows continuously to them when they’re plugged in can put added stress on internal parts, leading to premature failure. Space heatersDan DiClerico / Good HousekeepingHeating equipment is a leading cause of home fires, causing close to 40,000 blazes every year, according to NFPA. Space heaters are a major culprit, so it’s crucial to unplug them anytime they’re not in use. “Appliances that produce heat that are left plugged in and do not have an automatic shutoff means pose a hazard risk,” said Corey Hannahs, Senior Electrical Content Specialist at NFPA.Countertop appliances Dan DiClerico / Good HousekeepingMany of these small electronics, including toasters, toaster ovens and electric kettles, also generate high temperatures, which means their heating elements could receive a surge of power during an electrical fault or other malfunction in your home’s wiring. What’s more, crumbs, oil residues and other combustible substances inside the devices make them susceptible to spontaneous ignition.Home entertainment systems Dan DiClerico / Good HousekeepingStandby power accounts for 5 to 10% of a home’s total electricity usage, according to research by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Home entertainment devices are some of the biggest culprits. That includes video game consoles, since the latest versions have features like voice control, gesture recognition and wireless controllers that draw power even when they’re not in use.It’s a good idea to activate any power saving settings, for example Xbox’s “energy saving mode” or Play Station’s “rest mode.” But when you’re leaving town, go the extra distance by unplugging the consoles completely. Our experts recommend using a power strip with surge protection for all your home entertainment equipment (consoles, TVs, monitors, etc.) so you can power everything off at once, and also protect against sudden spikes in voltage, whether from a lighting strike or faulty wiring.Hairstyling tools Dan DiClerico / Good HousekeepingIf you own a curling iron or curling wand, chances are you’ve left it on at least once in your life. That’s why it’s a best practice to unplug these tools after every use. We also recommend unplugging hair dryers, since faulty cords could lead to a fire risk.Because hairstyling tools are typically used in the bathroom, it’s worth noting the importance of GFCI outlets in these locations (along with the kitchen). Short for ground-fault circuit-interrupters, GFCIs help prevent fires and electric shock by cutting off electricity to damaged equipment, for example a frayed cord or overheated motor. MORE WAYS TO STAY SAFEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More