Aurelia Butler

Kayla Kane lives in a studio apartment in San Francisco. And while the idea of having a studio apartment in a big city is often romanticized (Carrie Bradshaw, we’re looking at you), let’s just say actually finding one and living there is not always a piece of cake. Apartment hunting is a long and strenuous process, and oftentimes one seemingly minor positive feature can tip the scales and end the search. For Kane, that was an abnormally large closet. “When I walked into this apartment, I knew within point five seconds that I was going to take it because I saw that the closet was so large,” Kane says. Post move-in, Kane did something that not many (if any) home creators on social media would do. She turned to her TikTok and Instagram followers for assistance in designing her apartment in a way that maximized her space and showcased her style. “I always wanted to harp on the fact that I was not an expert. I have zero experience. This is my first apartment I’ve ever lived in by myself, and I feel like a lot of the home creators that are on TikTok and Instagram these days are experts. They’re homeowners. They’re expert DIYers,” says Kane. “And I’m like, ‘I am not that.'”And so the comments section of her page became a suggestion box, and the replies started rolling in. But it was one recommendation in particular that would change everything — why not turn your closet into your bedroom?While that may seem a bit reminiscent of Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs, it actually works. So much so that Kane’s TikTok went viral, garnering over 20M views. If breaking the internet isn’t enough to impress, Kane began receiving messages from followers who were following in her footsteps. Even someone in her own building approached her and asked if she was the “closet bedroom girl,” only to reveal that she inspired her to do the same. “It was cool to see. We’re just a bunch of closet bedroom besties now, optimizing space together,” says Kane. Courtesy of Kayla KaneAs she began decorating her new bedroom, Kane took another suggestion from her comments that would upgrade her space even further. She added a canopy, which she says turned the space into an adult fort. She eventually coined the room “The Babe Cave.” “Everybody has the man cave, the bachelor apartments, all these things,” Kane says. “But it’s interesting that women’s apartments don’t have names like that. Nobody says the bachelorette apartment or the bachelorette pad. I don’t know why that is.”Courtesy of Kayla KaneKane’s gallery wall, all prints by female artists.Courtesy of Kayla KaneWhat makes Kane’s content so refreshing is her relatability — her followers, many of which are young females, are just like her. They’re renters, living in large cities, dreaming about a babe cave of their own. So it’s about more than just a closet-turned-bedroom. It’s about actively sharing how urban living can be hard, but how it can also be manageable with a little help from your friends. For anyone who’s making a small apartment space work for the first time, Kane’s page is a safe haven to talk about it all. Whether it’s the challenge of having to use every inch of vertical space available (ladders come in handy for this, by the way) or the common issue of having nowhere to put kitchen appliances when they’re not in use (we’re still working on the solution to this one), it’s a judgement-free zone, and all are welcome. 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

You already reduce, reuse and recycle, but there are more ways to lessen your impact on the planet. One good place to start is in the laundry room: Studies show the average American family does some 300 loads of laundry each year, which can soak up a whole lot of water and energy.Yet making your laundry routine more sustainable can feel harder than tracking down all those missing socks. So we asked experts to share some simple swaps that can lighten the load on the environment and they offered up, well, a laundry list. Care to take their tips for a spin?Lower the temperature.“About 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines during a cycle goes toward heating the water, so washing in cold water saves energy,” explains Natalie D’Apolito, communications and outreach coordinator for the American Cleaning Institute. “Additionally, cold-water washing helps reduce shrinkage in fabrics, protect delicate items and slows the fading of colors.” There are a few exceptions here, however: If someone in your household has contaminated work clothes or is feeling ill, their duds should be washed separately in hot water.Witthaya Prasongsin//Getty ImagesLighten the load.While it may be tempting to stuff in as many items as you can to have fewer loads, that’s not a good idea, because garments need room to circulate in the machine. A good rule of thumb, says D’Apolito, is to leave several inches at the top “for the washing machine to properly agitate the items inside.” This helps balance efficiency with effectiveness.Pros also recommend taking a second look before tossing clothes in the hamper in the first place. Provided you’re washing effectively, you can generally get several wears out of items like pajamas, jeans and even dress shirts. And don’t forget that spot-treating can handle a lot of life’s messes without your having to wash an entire garment.Try out the express cycle.For lightly soiled items, your machine’s quick-wash option (a shortened wash cycle with a high-speed spin) is a great way to make the process more sustainable.Earth BreezeUse a sustainable laundry detergent.To truly lighten the load on Mother Earth, consider swapping traditional liquid detergents for an option like Earth Breeze Eco Sheets. Paraben-, bleach-, dye-, phosphate- and phthalate-free, they tackle stains yet are gentle on skin — and since there’s no need to measure out a required dose, nothing is spilled or wasted. Plus, the sheets come wrapped in 100 percent-recyclable cardboard, and proceeds from each purchase funds ocean clean ups and gives laundry detergent to shelters and disaster relief organizations. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping home care & cleaning lab, tested the Eco Sheets, which earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, and noted that they dissolved well and were neat and convenient to use.Swap out your machine.Okay, this isn’t exactly a small tweak, but if you happen to be in the market for a new machine, our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab recommends a front-loading version model as the way to go, as they use the least amount of water. And if not, using the coldest setting on any machine is as sustainable as you can get.Anastasiia Krivenok//Getty ImagesSkip the dryer cycle.Conserve energy by running fewer loads through the dryer. Air-dry what you can—an added benefit is you’ll avoid associated abrasion from the dryer that can wear out your clothes more quickly. And when you do tumble-dry pieces, be sure not to overdry them, which can damage fabrics and waste energy. Choose your dryer’s automatic cycles (instead of just timed dry), so the sensors kick in and stop the cycle when the load is dry to prevent this issue.And as a last reminder, you really do need to clean out the lint trap after every load. Yes, this step can feel tedious, but it’s a must. Not only is lint highly flammable, notes D’Apolito, but “lint in the vent, ducts and lint trap can reduce airflow, causing longer drying times and making your dryer work harder on the same amount of clothing.” More

1Try a Wicker Roman ShadeAbigail JacksonTo complement forest green cabinets, interior designer Anna Applegate hangs a wicker shade on this kitchen’s only window. The natural material brings texture and personality into the space. Photo by: Abigail Jackson2Pull Off a Monochromatic LookAmy LambFor this modern kitchen, Cat Walker Design sticks with an off-white color scheme — from the creamy white cabinets and simple subway tiles to a semi-sheer Roman shade. Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse PhotographyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Charm With Cafe CurtainsKaitlin GreenCafe curtains, which are short curtains that cover only a portion of a window, add instant character to this neutral kitchen by Sunday House Design. A sheer fabric allows natural light to enter the space.Photo by: Kaitlin Green4Add a Dose of TextureSara Liggoria-TrampAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Decorate With PlaidAmy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography6Take on a DIY ProjectBless’er HouseCafe curtains are surprisingly easy to make, which can be particularly helpful if your window is a unique size. This blogger turns kitchen towels into adorable striped curtains in only 10 minutes (no sewing required). See more at Bless’er House »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Make It ModernAmy Lamb8Opt for Sheer FabricTidbits & CompanySoft and airy, these sheer cafe curtains allow sunlight to enter this farmhouse kitchen. The gold tension rod pairs well with the gold cabinet hardware and pendant lights.See more at Tidbits & Company »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Play With PatternAnnie SchlechterIn an otherwise neutral space, these blue-and-white patterned Roman shades add texture and color. We love that there’s a light fixture above each window for a sense of balance. Photo by: Annie Schlechter10Let in LightKara MercerLight-filtering shades provide privacy without preventing natural light from entering the kitchen — especially important for illuminating your prep station. Here, Dorling Design Studio contrasts a black window with a crisp white shade.Photo by: Kara MercerAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Try Beautiful BlueThomas KuchTake note from Studio Munroe and match your window treatments to the backsplash — bright blue is just one option. For added style, consider a floral pattern.Photo by: Thomas Kuch12Experiment With Subtle PatternAnnie GarnerHere, designer Maren Baker proves that patterned shades aren’t always a bold choice. This textured print works beautifully with light blue cabinetry and a butcher-block countertop.Photo by: Annie GarnerAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Infuse Texture With RattanLance GerberTo complement this bold kitchen design (notice terracotta-colored upper walls, teal cabinets and geometric backsplash tiles), designer Michelle Bordeau goes for a natural rattan Roman shade. Photo by: Lance Gerber 14Create a Focal PointLauren TaylorUse a whimsical pattern to draw attention to the window above the sink. Here, LH.Designs creates contrast with a floral print against white walls and cabinetry. Photo by: Lauren TaylorAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Hang a Balloon ShadeBre BertoliniMixing modern with vintage, blogger Bre Bertolini installs an off-white balloon shade to complete the look. Plus, she hangs it slightly higher than the window to make the room feel larger. SHOP BALLOON SHADE16Don’t Cover the Entire WindowAvery Nicole PhotographyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Consider Floor-Length CurtainsBrigette MullerIf your drapes aren’t over the counter, or too close to a stove, opt for floor-length sheers to cozy up the space. Here, blogger Brigette Muller of @hummusbirrd hangs them from a gold curtain rod.SHOP FLOOR-LENGTH SHEERS18Add an Element of Granny Chic Lara KimmererAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Say Yes to StripesAdam MacchiaYou can’t go wrong with classic stripes, especially if you prefer rustic or farmhouse kitchen design. Here, BHDM Design also uses striped fabric for the bar stool cushions to create balance. Photo by: Adam MacchiaSHOP STRIPED SHADE 20Blend Into the BackgroundLauren TaylorStick with a streamlined design by hanging a solid white Roman shade that matches the walls. Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs suggests settling on the curtains last — once you’ve chosen the cabinet color, counters, backsplash and lighting.Photo by: Lauren TaylorAlyssa 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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

While the beginning of autumn is often positively associated with cozy nights in rewatching shows like Gilmore Girls for the hundredth time, there is one dreaded chore that comes with the season: raking leaves in the yard. Let’s face it — no one likes bracing the cold every weekend, rake in hand, just to have to do it again and again for the rest of fall. But does it have to be this way? According to Dan DiClerico, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, not raking your leaves can actually benefit your yard in the long run. “Leaves can be an excellent source of natural fertilizer for the lawn, like lawn clippings, which is why we recommend mulching your lawn during the mowing season, rather than bagging the clippings,” says DiClerico. And that’s not the only benefit — a layer of leaves can actually help shelter the wildlife living in your yard, which in turn will benefit the overall ecosystem. Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to let your lawn run wild for the entire fall season. DiClerico recommends following the steps below for a more hybrid approach to raking leaves this fall.Allow a layer of leaves to form, but make sure it isn’t too thick. travelif//Getty ImagesFor the first half of autumn, allow fallen leaves to form a blanket over your yard. “Keep in mind if the blanket of leaves is too thick, it can deprive the lawn of air and sunlight, which will ultimately cause more harm than good,” says DiClerico. To mitigate that risk, DiClerico suggests raking the first dense layer of leaves in the middle of fall and allowing the remaining leaves that fall throughout the season to stay there over the winter.Create a compost pile with the excess leaves.Instead of throwing away that pile of leaves you raked mid-season, begin composting them. “For the compost pile, you can buy an outdoor bin designed for leaves, make one from chicken wire or simply create a pile in one corner of the yard,” says DiClerico. “Start with a six-inch pile of leaves, then add a couple inches of grass clippings, green weeds or vegetable waste from the kitchen. Create more layers as needed, then turn the pile every few weeks.”Let the remaining layer of leaves decompose. For the second half of fall and the remainder of winter, all you’ll have to do is wait. “As the leaves break down, they’ll release nutrients into the soil that will fortify your lawn’s root system.”Incorporate your compost into planting soil.AlinaMD//Getty ImagesOnce spring hits, your lawn will be prepped for the new season, thanks to the leaves you let decompose there over the winter. Plus, your compost will be all set to go.”Come spring, you’ll have a nice supply of compost to incorporate into planting soils or to use as topdressing in a planting bed or garden,” says DiClerico.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.Having 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

1Bamboo Stackable Bin OrganizerStackable bins are an excellent space-saving solution all throughout the house. Sarah Anthony, founder of Organize & Design, uses these in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, playroom, office and beyond. “They’re stylish, versatile and functional,” she says. 227 Gallon Storage Bin, 4-packSizable storage bins like these are useful for stashing away holiday decorations, off-season clothing and so much more. Kristina Pinkerton, founder of Organizing Huntsville, finds them “perfect for keeping items organized and easy to access while protecting them from dust and moisture.” Their stackable setup will help you maximize precious garage, basement or closet space. Amanda Bernal, founder of Peace by Piece Home Services, is also a fan of this storage set: “Not only do these black and yellow bins boast quality and versatility, but the price point is unbeatable.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Clear Storage Bin with Buckles, 6-packIf you prefer transparent storage bins, Kenika Williams recommends this six-pack. “The grooves on the lids also make stacking easier to optimize storage space,” says the founder of Tidied by K. 4Flocked Hangers – Two 50-packsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Indoor Wire Shelving RackNow 17% OffCorral bins, boxes and more on this utilitarian wire shelf that’s built to do some heavy lifting (each individual shelf can accommodate up to 350 lbs!). “This versatile storage piece can be used in garages, storage closets, sheds, attics, basements and more,” Kersh says. Plus, she adds, the shelves are height-adjustable, making it easy to customize for your needs. 66-Tier Wire Shelving RackNeed something even more heavy duty? This six-tier unit can accommodate 1,000 lbs. per shelf and it’s on wheels, making it easy to move around a space as needed. Raychel Klein, founder of RayBayBay, often uses these in garages and basements. “They’re great for overstock and bulk items, as well as sports gear, tools and outdoor supplies,” she says. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7OXO Food Storage Containers, Set of 8Anna Napier has come to rely on the OXO brand often and appreciates this versatile set of storage containers. “The variety of sizes in the Costco pack are perfect for everyday use leaving none to waste—which is a common issue we find with many other assorted packs of storage pieces,” says the founder of In | Line Organizing. RELATED: We Tested 24 Food Storage Containers to Find the Best8Collapsible Storage Bin, 4-packWhether you’re looking to store items or just transport them from one space to another, don’t underestimate the power of these collapsible crates. Klein loves their durability. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Recycled Star Bottom Trash Bags, 40-45 galBernal often goes through six sizable trash bags per organizing session. “As we work with clients to optimize their homes, such a high volume of superfluous items are leaving and large, durable bags are indispensable,”she says. 10Room Divider with 8 Storage BinsNow 19% OffAmy Delaplain and Cynthia Lindsey, co-founders of Its Arranged, swear by this room divider when working on spaces like playrooms, children’s rooms and closets. “Each of the eight bins offers dedicated space for different categories, making it easier to keep items organized and prevent clutter from accumulating,” Delaplain says. Better yet, she adds, the low height (the shelf can be positioned vertically or horizontally) makes it a breeze for young ones to clean up after themselves on a day-to-day basis. Sarah 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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Properly loading the dishwasher can feel like an acquired skill. It involves angling dishes so they get clean and often, playing a game of trial-and-error to fit items without overcrowding. Depending on the size of your dishwasher, you might find it difficult to arrange stemmed wine glasses on the top rack, or find you’re lacking enough space for cookie sheets down below. It turns out, your dishwasher might have a feature you’ve never noticed before. After talking with our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we discovered many dishwasher models allow you to quickly lower or raise the top rack. The next time you load the dishwasher, take a closer look at the top rack. Are there little levers or multiple rows of wheels? This might be a clue that your top rack is adjustable. Although simple, a lot of people forget to adjust their dishwasher racks — or they don’t know it’s possible. When it comes to loading water bottles, wine glasses or tall items in the dishwasher, lowering the top rack can be a game changer.If your dishwasher rack has levers, you may be able to quickly change its position. Other models have top racks with multiple rows of wheels, requiring you to remove the top rack from its tracks and re-insert it using the other row of wheels.Before you try this clever tip, here’s one piece of advice from our Cleaning Lab: “When adjusting the rack, make sure that the rotating spray arm attached to the bottom has enough space to spin freely without hitting dishes on the bottom rack,” says Noah Pinsonnault, Home Care and Cleaning Reviews Analyst. More Cleaning TipsAlyssa 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

Vacation homes often hold treasured memories — late night bonfires, sunny days on the water and special meals with friends and family. But as the years pass, family dynamics change. A home that may have once worked for a family with small children may not be suitable in 20 years when those children are adults themselves. Bedrooms become too small, bathrooms are rundown and suddenly, the space no longer functions the way it used to.That’s exactly what happened to one Chicago family after a couple decades of owning their lakefront vacation home near Lake Michigan. “They now have two grown children and were ready to build what we called ‘the legacy lake house’ — the home that would be there for their kids and their grandkids,” says Rachel Alcorn, owner and principal designer of Two Hands Interiors. Tasked with expanding this family’s summer cottage into a modern living space that could accommodate friends and family for years to come, Two Hands Interiors and builder DeGroot Construction began the renovation process with the homeowners, keeping a nautical theme in mind. Think shades of blue, coastal decor and wood touches.Enter the coastal-inspired great room. Stoffer PhotographyWe all know the saying: “You never know how many friends you have until you have a beach house.” Or in this case, a lake house. Alcorn ensured that the kitchen, dining and living room areas were fit for entertaining. It was important for the homeowners to host lots of guests without worrying too much about anything breaking or getting damaged.“This family is all about entertaining friends and family. We want the kitchen to be super hard-working for big groups of people — lots of space at the island, lots of chairs at the table for playing games and eating meals,” says Alcorn. “We don’t want anything too precious.”Take a seat at the island or unwind in the sunroom.Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographyIf the seats at the kitchen island are all taken, that’s not a problem. Just a few steps to the right is a stunning sunroom with even more seating. Because who doesn’t love a dining nook?“You can see the dune in the background through the windows and that’s a very private spot in the house,” says Alcorn. “The family could sit in there and not need window treatments. They get a view of the changing seasons.”Embrace the nautical life at the home bar. Stoffer PhotographyIncorporating meaningful artwork was important to this family, especially pieces that contributed to the coastal feel of the space. Conveniently, the husband of this household’s parents were sport fishermen in Florida, and his mother actually caught the marlin pictured above the home bar in the 1970s. “That hung in his parents’ home for a long time,” says Alcorn. “And now they were like, ‘We’ve got to hang the marlin somewhere, but where?’ We were like, ‘Let’s lean into it, you know?’ How cool is that?”Head outside from either entrance.Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographyWhether it’s the sand that’s tracked in or the wet water shoes and dripping bathing suits entering and exiting at all times, lakefront homes can get messy pretty quickly — which brings us to our next stop, the entryway and mudroom area. On the left is the front door entryway, walls adorned with Orissa Panel Schumacher wallpaper. The space has ample cabinets, or what Alcorn likes to call “overflow pantry.”On the right is the downstairs entrance mudroom area, where the homeowners and guests can enter after spending time on the lake. “That’s meant to be an uber-functional mudroom. There’s a laundry room down there. It’s where they’re going to wash all the beach towels, and where all the stuff gets stored,” says Alcorn.Bunk with friends in this outdoorsy bedroom. Stoffer PhotographyHow many college-aged boys can you sleep comfortably in one bedroom? That was the million-dollar question, according to Alcorn. With three beds and two sleeper sofas, turns out it’s up to 10. To go along with the bunk-style atmosphere, Alcorn went with a camp, woodsy theme for the space, decking the walls with flannel wallpaper. “This room is at the front of the house, which faces woods more than it does the beach. We leaned into that green, kind of boy scout kitschy palette there,” says Alcorn. Head upstairs and relax in the reading nook. Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographyThere’s no better way to bring the lake vibes indoors than with gold fish accents on the wall, yacht cabling along the staircase and a giant rope light fixture hanging from the ceiling. “It’s such a big staircase, and it’s such a feature in the home,” says Alcorn. “It looks fabulous.”The best part? The homeowners can take it all in while relaxing comfortably in their reading nook.Doze off to cool blues. Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographySticking to the nautical theme, Alcorn used shades of blue in these two bedrooms, incorporating more family history into the home. “The cool thing about this bedroom (left) is that those flags used to fly on the wife’s dad’s sailboat,” says Alcorn. “They’re family heirloom flags that we had framed and installed in the room.”With a bit more of a saturated shade of blue, Alcorn took on the second bedroom. “We liked the idea of shiplap in that room, because it’s one of the smaller bedrooms. And so sometimes when a space is smaller, we want to lean into making it cozy,” says Alcorn.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

1Lucky Bambooasiantiger247//Getty ImagesWith “lucky” in its name, there’s no surprise that this houseplant brings good fortune. “One can use lucky bamboo with the intention to bring in its qualities: strength, expansiveness and quick, steady growth,” says Cho. “I like to recommend a pair in one vase to cultivate support for an existing or desired romantic relationship. They’re also typically very easy to care for.”If you’re looking for more specifics about the symbolism behind lucky bamboo and how to care for the plant, check out our ultimate care guide.SHOP LUCKY BAMBOO2PileaDmitrii Marchenko//Getty ImagesSymbolizing wealth and prosperity, the Pilea (also known as the Chinese money plant) is a low-maintenance addition to any space. Plus, these plants are easy to propagate, meaning you can spread the luck to friends and family! SHOP PILEAAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3PhilodendronKristina Strasunske//Getty ImagesWith beautiful heart-shaped leaves, philodendrons are believed to channel love. Feng shui experts even recommend having two at once, symbolizing the balanced partnership you’d like to have in your home. “They can be placed anywhere in your home for growth and some self-love,” says Cho. “They also do great as hanging plants.”SHOP PHILODENDRON4OrchidImages say more about me than words.//Getty ImagesIt’s almost impossible not to fall in love with orchids — their bright, colorful blooms and easy-to-maintain nature make them a go-to houseplant pick. But if that’s not good enough reason to pick one out for your windowsill, orchids have also been known to symbolize fertility, beauty and creativity. And if you want to get into the specifics, each color flower is said to represent a different form of good luck. SHOP ORCHIDAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Peace LilyAngel Santana//Getty ImagesAnother plant with positive vibes right in its name, the peace lily can bring — you guessed it! — inner peace and happiness to you and your home. Plus, this plant thrives in indirect sunlight, making it a low-maintenance pick and therefore a great choice when it comes to bringing in positive energy. “It’s never a good idea to have more plants than you can manage or ones that you have difficulty caring for,” says Cho. “This all translates to challenges that are typically the opposite of the vibe you want to bring in.”Luckily, peace lilies don’t require much effort — just occasional watering when the top of the soil is dry. SHOP PEACE LILY6Olive TreeCrystal Bolin Photography//Getty ImagesYes, olive trees can be grown inside your home, as long as you’re able to provide the plant with 8-10 hours of direct sunlight. If you’re living in an apartment or smaller space that doesn’t get as much light, consider going for a faux olive tree. Regardless, these plants represent friendship and peace — that’s where the phrase “extending an olive branch” comes from!SHOP OLIVE TREEAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Rubber Treesarayut Thaneerat//Getty ImagesAnother feng shui plant, rubber trees bring wealth, abundance and happiness to a home. The gently curved leaves bring soft, smooth texture to harsher areas, making it a great fit for any corners throughout your home. “Rubber trees are great as feng shui plants because they can grow to larger plants when cared for well,” says Cho. “So that means your qi, or life force energy, doesn’t stay small, but has the opportunity to flourish.”SHOP RUBBER TREE8EucalyptusLiudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesWith a refreshing scent and medicinal properties, it’s not a surprise that eucalyptus is thought to bring positive energy into your home. This houseplant needs around six hours of direct sunlight each day, plus occasional watering when the top of the soil is dry. SHOP EUCALYPTUSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Jade PlantFirdausiah Mamat//Getty ImagesIn feng shui practices, the jade plant’s round leaves represent good luck and fortune. To keep this houseplant alive and thriving, simply place it in a bright indoor area and water it when the soil is completely dry. “The jade plant, Crassula ovata, is known to help with financial prosperity,” says Steinkopf. “It is also called the coin plant as the leaves resemble coins.”SHOP JADE PLANT10BasilSimpleImages//Getty ImagesAccording to feng shui practices, basil represents abundance. Regardless of the plant’s symbolic meaning, basil is the perfect addition to any kitchen — you’ll never have to buy the ingredient again! Plus, you’ll always have that delicious aroma lingering as you cook. SHOP BASILAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Money TreeMatthew Lloyd//Getty ImagesAnything with money in the name has to bring good fortune, right? Considered to be one of the best housewarming gifts, money tree plants are seen as a sign of prosperity and good luck. Plus, they’ve been known to reduce stress, making them the perfect bedroom plant. “The Pachira aquatica or money tree is used in feng shui, with the belief that it brings good luck,” says Steinkopf. “It should be placed by a door to invite prosperity to enter. Often it can be purchased with a braided stem and the braid is supposed to create positive energy.”SHOP MONEY TREE12PeonyDmitrii Marchenko//Getty ImagesKnown to represent romance and friendship, pink peonies are perfect for weddings and other romantic occasions. Other colors carry a range of meanings — yellow stands for new beginnings, coral represents success and purple is known for nobility. SHOP PEONYAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13OxalisMelissa Ross//Getty ImagesOxalis plants, also known as shamrock plants, are often associated with St. Patrick’s Day — and therefore good fortune — for their three-leaf clovers. Although some mistake them for the four-leaf clover, these plants are still believed to bring good luck, according to Steinkopf. With bright, indirect light exposure and watering every 1-2 weeks, this houseplant will bloom beautifully. SHOP OXALIS14Lavenderelenaleonova//Getty ImagesUsed in aromatherapy, it only makes sense that lavender represents harmony and love. Whether you’re hoping to relieve your stress or just want to incorporate the gorgeous purple color into your home, lavender plants are the way to go.SHOP LAVENDERLaura 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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More