Home Ideas

A good silk pillowcase can be a game-changer. It reduces friction on your hair and skin, so you wake up frizz-free and with smooth skin. But in order to get the most from your silk pillowcase, you’ll want to clean it correctly. Here’s how to wash silk pillowcases, explained by the laundry pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Most silk pillowcases will come with cleaning instructions, so give those a read before you do anything else. But according to our laundry pros, many silk pillowcases can be hand-washed — just be sure you don’t wring or twist them — or machine-washed on a gentle setting. Though it’s rare, some silk pillowcases may be dry clean only, so ensure you read the label before tossing it in the wash. Here’s how the pros recommend washing your silk pillowcases. What You’ll NeedMesh laundry bagGentle laundry detergent Clean white bath towel Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Credit: TideCotton Paradise 6 Piece Towel SetNow 15% OffMesh Wash Bag with Zipper – Single and Multi PackNow 25% OffJay AguirreHow to wash a silk pillowcase in the washing machineMost silk pillowcases have care instructions for washing in the washing machine, so make sure to follow the care label if the instructions differ. Place pillowcases in a mesh laundry bag or turn inside out. Select a delicates cycle with cold water and wash with a gentle laundry detergent. If you have a center agitator in your machine, be careful as it can damage the fabric if not on the correct setting. Some brands allow for tumble drying on an air-only or low-heat cycle, but other brands recommend keeping out of the dryer, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt: avoid the dryer. You can either gently squeeze (don’t wring!) the excess water from the pillowcase, or blot dry with a clean towel, and lay flat to dry. How to hand wash a silk pillowcase Hand washing your silk pillowcase is quite simple, and hand washing helps keep the fibers soft and shiny. Fill a clean sink or tub with cool water, and mix about a teaspoon of gentle laundry detergent. If there are any visible stains on your pillowcase, apply a few drops of detergent directly to the stain and gently work in with your fingertips. Agitate the water with your hands to create suds, then immerse the pillowcase and swish it around gently to help the water penetrate the fibers. Take care not to twist, wring or rub the fabric against itself as it can damage the fabric. Instead, just gently agitate the fabric (i.e., move it around in the water) with your hand to clean. Dump the water and refill the basin with cold water. Submerge the pillowcase again and agitate gently to get rid of any soapy residue. Repeat as needed, gently rinsing until the residue is gone. Gently squeeze out any excess water, taking care not to twist or wring the fabric in any way. Lay the pillowcase on a clean, white towel and roll up, gently squeezing to further dry the pillowcase. Lay flat to dry, preferably away from sunlight to protect from fading and discoloration. If there are wrinkles in the fabric after drying, you can either gently steam the pillowcase or iron on the lowest heat setting. Make sure to flip the pillowcase inside out and place a pressing cloth or clean piece of fabric between the iron and pillowcase.How often should you wash your silk pillowcase?”Silk pillowcases should be washed as frequently as regular cotton ones, which is once per week,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. If you have cotton sheets but silk pillowcases, make sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent the fibers from tearing and try to avoid letting them go through the spin cycle. If all your bedding is silk (lucky you!) then you can follow this same guide for sheets too.Jay AguirreHow to treat stains on silk pillowcasesAccidents happen to everyone, so if you find a stain on your silk pillowcase it’s best to act fast as the longer the stain sits, the harder it can be to get out. To treat stains, work a small amount of mild detergent directly onto the stain gently with your fingers and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, wash the pillowcase following either of the above instructions. Pro Tip: Avoid using any stain treatment or detergent with bleach as it will break and discolor the fibers. How to remove wrinkles from silk pillowcasesBe very careful with heat around silk, as the high temperatures can hurt the fibers. If your pillowcases or sheets are wrinkly, either iron on the lowest setting with a pressing cloth, or bust out a steamer for a more gentle option. Abigail (she/her) is product reviews writer who has covered everything from kitchen gear to mattresses and smart blinds. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in creative writing and earned her M.S. in publishing digital and print media from New York University. She currently works at Wirecutter, but has also spent time on staff at Good Housekeeping and The Southern Review literary magazine. In her free time you can find her quilting, cross-stitching or trying to figure out how to squeeze one more bookshelf in her tiny apartment. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

A jetted tub can feel truly luxurious after a long day. But it does require some maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. If you’re wondering how to clean a jetted tub, we’ve got all the info you need below, courtesy of Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. Whether you need tips on how to make your maintenance clean more efficient or you need step-by-step instructions on how to deep clean it and handle tough stains, it’s all here. Before you start scrubbing, read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure you aren’t using supplies that could damage the tub. It’s also a good idea to be thoughtful about the products you’re using in the bath, according to Forté. Oil-based bath soaps or bubble baths can leave a residue on the plumbing that feels gunky. Here’s how to clean your jetted tub, according to the pros. What you’ll needStep-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning a Jetted Tub: Remove bath residue once a month by filling the bath with hot water and ¼ cup powdered dishwasher detergent. Run the water jets for 10-15 minutes and then drain the bath and refill with cold water. Run the water jets for another 10-15 minutes and drain again. If you have hard water, you can add vinegar to the water and repeat the process. Just be sure to never mix it with bleach or other household cleaners.OppdowngalonHow to remove stains from a jetted tub Jetted tubs can easily be stained from soap scum, bath oils, bubble bath and even rusty plumbing. To get stubborn stains out, mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Once you’ve let the paste sit, simply wipe away the stains with a microfiber cloth. Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.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

When it comes to getting food on the table quickly and with minimal dishes, your air fryer is probably the MVP of the kitchen. If you’re wondering how to clean your air fryer, cleaning pros say it’s pretty simple. Air fryers do need to be cleaned after each use. Most of the time, all you’ll need is dish soap, a bottle brush, and a soft dishcloth. But for a deeper clean — like if you accidentally overfilled it, burned something or cooked something extra-greasy — you may need to break out the baking soda to scrub things down. We tapped the cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for tips and tricks on the best ways to clean an air fryer so it’s ready to use next time you need to reheat leftovers or prep a party appetizer! How to clean an air fryer basketWhat you’ll need: Degreasing dish soapSoft-bristled bottle brushSoft cloth or paper towelTurn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely. Pull out the drawer and remove the basket or tray. If your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, place the drawer and basket or tray, depending on what your air fryer has, upside down in the dishwasher, preferably on the top rack, if it fits. If using the dishwasher is not an option, wash the removable parts in warm soapy water and use the brush to scrub off gunk and get into the vents and nooks and crannies of the tray while protecting the metal or nonstick finish. Rinse well and dry.Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the basket once clean.Cleaning Lab Tip: Use the top rack of the dishwasher (space-permitting) where it is further away from heat and is exposed to gentler water jets – this will help the nonstick finish last longer. How to clean an oven-style air fryer What you’ll need: Degreasing dish soapSoft-bristled bottle brushSoft cloth or paper towelTurn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely.Remove the racks and either use the dishwasher to clean them, or hand wash them in warm soapy water using your dish brush to scrub away grease and food bits. Rinse well and dry.Empty any oil from the drip tray – but don’t flush it down the sink. The tray can be placed upside down in the dishwasher to clean it, or hand wash it, then rinse it well and dry.Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the trays once clean.Cleaning Lab Tip: If the drawer or drip tray has any oil in the bottom, don’t flush it down the kitchen sink. Instead, empty it into a can or small jar and keep the container in the fridge to throw away when it’s full. How to deep clean an air fryerIf you accidentally overstuffed your air fryer (or cooked something extra splattery), you might have gunked up the heating element. If your air fryer smells bad while you’re cooking, or starts to smoke, there’s probably baked-on residue on or near the heating element. What you’ll need:½ cup of baking sodaA few tablespoons of water to make a pasteSoft dishcloth or paper towelsRemove the basket or racks first, and clean them.Leave it upright so any bits of gunk you brush off will fall onto the bottom of the interior and not get caught in the mesh, heating element or fan at the top. Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to scrub and release burned-on bits from the mesh covering the heating element, and wipe with a damp clean cloth or paper towel. Then, turn the air fryer upside down to make it easier to clean the heating element.Use the baking soda paste and a soft damp cloth, and gently scrub away the grime.Rinse the cloth with water, wring it out and wipe away the residue. Flip the air fryer right-side up and replace the clean basket and/or trays.Cleaning Lab Tip: Overfilling the air fryer will almost certainly guarantee the heating element will need cleaning. To prevent this chore, make sure the quantity of food you’re cooking at one time doesn’t exceed the amount that’s recommended for your model of air fryer.Cleaning SuppliesDawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish SoapBounty Quick Size Paper TowelsSKURA STYLE S WIPE ENVYScotch-Brite Glass and Water Bottle BrushLynn Redmile (she/her) is a contributing product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she’s been evaluating nutrition, fitness, travel services, beauty, textiles, home, pet, and cleaning products since 2012. She is passionate about figuring out how things work and experiencing their full potential, and brings over three decades of data analysis and project management experience to the role.  Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal. More

A clean, soft pillow is essential to a good night’s rest, but even the best pillows will lose their brightness over time. That doesn’t mean you have to live with dingy bedding. With proper care, it’s possible to remove and even prevent discoloration.In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we are constantly testing laundry-care products like stain removers and detergents. We know exactly what causes pillow stains and the best ways to remove them.What causes pillows to turn yellow?Unsurprisingly, the cause of a stained pillow is usually the person sleeping on it. Over time, natural residues like sweat, skin oil, hair oil, and even drool seep through pillowcases and into pillows. In addition to water, these body soils are made up of fats, proteins, and salts, which turn yellow or brown as they age. This buildup creates an ideal environment for dust mites and bacteria that can contribute to further staining and odors.Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesHow to prevent pillow discolorationRegardless of what kind of pillow you have, these simple tips can slow down or prevent discoloration.Wash your pillowcases at least once a week. This will minimize the amount of sweat and oil that seeps through onto the pillow.Wash the pillow itself every three to six months. If you’re unsure how to wash your pillows, refer to the care instructions on the label.Use a pillow protector to create an additional layer between your pillowcase and the pillow. The protector is easy to wash alongside your sheets and will help extend the time between full pillow washes.Optional: Shower in the evening. This can reduce the amount of oil on your skin and in your hair, which will help keep your pillows cleaner between washes. Avoid using heavy lotions or conditioners that can leech into the pillow, and make sure your hair is dry before bed.RELATED: How Often to Wash Your Bed Sheets, According to an ExpertHow to fix dingy pillowsIf your pillows have already turned yellow, you can restore them. Note that down, shredded foam, and fiberfill pillows have different laundering requirements, and pillows made of solid memory foam shouldn’t be machine washed at all. Always refer to the care instructions on your pillow’s tag before cleaning.Pretreat dark spots with a stain remover, and allow it to work for at least 15 minutes. An enzyme stain remover is the best choice for breaking down organic residues like sweat and body oil.Fill a large basin or bathtub with hot water and add oxygen bleach to make a pre-soaking solution. Read the product instructions to find the correct amount of bleach to use. Submerge the pillow for four to eight hours. Note that solid foam pillows cannot be submerged, but you can usually remove and wash the cover.Machine wash two pillows at a time with warm water. Use a powerful enzyme detergent to help further break down and lift soils. Add an extra rinse to the wash cycle to ensure residues from the presoak are fully removed.Tumble dry pillows thoroughly. Fiberfill pillows can be dried at high temperatures, but pillows with real down should be dried low and slow. For the most thorough drying, pause the dryer several times during the cycle to fluff and reposition the pillows, especially with down-filled pillows. We also recommend using dryer balls to agitate the pillows while drying and help prevent the filling from clumping up.What you’ll need to take care of your pillowsNoah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.  More

Say hello (again) to the ’90s! Designers love the ’90s home design trend, so we tapped a few to fill us in on why the decade is inspiring people in the 2020s and how to make it feel fresh. The ’90s home design trend draws on nostalgia for homes that today’s generation of homeowners saw on TV and in movies — think Monica’s apartment from Friends or the house from Home Alone. This trend also overlaps with some other popular retro design trends, like the return of the traditional kitchen. Here’s everything to know about how to incorporate elements of the 1990s design style into your home without making it feel dated. Why Are the 90s Trending?“Everything 90s is back in fashion,” says interior designer Ross Cassidy, something he attributes to younger generations rediscovering the show Friends during the pandemic, and it’s built up from there. Davis believes that the 90s have returned because, much like fashion, interior design trends move in 30-year cycles, and the decade is right on schedule for a revival. “What felt dated a decade ago now reads as charming and fresh,” Davis says. “Millennials, many of whom grew up in 90s homes, are tapping into the warm familiarity of their childhood while updating it for adulthood, but with a more refined, edited eye.”Social media has additionally added fuel to the fire, with users showing off their 90s vintage finds from thrift stores and even recreating their childhood bedrooms. Design: Lindsie Davis; Photo: Madeleine LandryWhile designer Lindsie Davis recommends hanging oversized abstract prints to help bridge the decades, you can also embrace that artful approach on an entire accent wall. Photo by: Madeleine LandryHallmarks of 90s Design Rounded, overstuffed furniture. “In the 90s, rounded, overstuffed furniture was all about comfort-first living, with puffy roll-arm sofas, oversized sectionals and barrel chairs dominating living rooms,” Davis says. “Today, that same inviting shape has been reimagined with low-slung curved sofas upholstered in velvet or performance linen, modular sectionals with generous cushions and sculptural barrel chairs in leather, textured weaves or even a bold pattern.”Chintz. Interior designer Alexandra Kaehler associates 90s decor with chintz, but back then, the chintz seemed to always have “a tea-stained background or the [wallpaper] borders either felt juvenile or too fussy,” she reflects. Today, she says that chintz is coming back, but this time, it has an element of crispness, especially when paired with unexpected time periods or showcased with creamy textiles acting as a backdrop.Designer: Alexandra Kaehler; Photo: Aimée Mazzenga / JBSAEarthy neutrals, like sage green, often covered an entire room back in the 90s, and the trend is back. Photo by: Aimée Mazzenga / JBSAHoney wood tones. Although honey oak kitchen cabinets once dominated the 90s decor scene, nowadays, the sunny hue is reemerging through European oak flooring, fluted bathroom vanities, and cane-front credenzas. “Pairing these woods with matte surfaces, blackened hardware, and contemporary silhouettes immediately strip away the dated feel and highlight their natural beauty,” Davis says.Glass and chrome accents. Pointing out that glass and chrome details were once a 90s decor staple, today, Davis says that the look has “evolved into more sculptural, design-conscious pieces,” for example, a glass tabletop resting on statement bases in brass or blackened steel, airy glass pendant lights suspended over kitchen islands, or streamlined shelving units that keep sightlines open.Designer: Alexandra Kaehler; Photo: Aimée Mazzenga / JBSAA big, floral go-big-or-go-home armchair ties into Alexandra Kaehler’s view of the decade: “I associate 90s decor with chintz.” Photo by: Aimée MazzengaHow to Pull off 90s Design Trends✔️ Layer eras. If you’d like to take the plunge into 90s decor, lean toward thoughtful curation. Davis says that it’s key to avoid going “head-to-toe in era-specific pieces.” Instead, she recommends layering 90s accents with items from other periods. For instance, you can pair a rounded 90s sofa reupholstered with a fresh fabric with sleek contemporary lighting or sculptural side tables for contrast.✔️ Value quality. To bring vintage pieces of any kind into your spaces, from the 90s and beyond, Cassidy says you should opt for high-quality vintage items that are timeless. “If it was vintage and it worked in the 90s, it worked in the decades prior and post,” he says. ✔️ Play with color. “Integrate one or two 90s-inspired hues into a modern scheme, like sage green kitchen cabinets or a dusty rose accent chair,” Davis says. ✔️ Stick with the classics. Cassidy shares that he was “obsessed with Frasier Crane’s apartment in the 90s,” believing it was the height of good taste. But now, he thinks it actually looks dated. But when looking at images of Will’s apartment from Will & Grace, he says that it’s aged well and is “perfection” since it avoided trends. For this look, don’t go for the trendy stuff from the period and instead opt for classics in earthy hues, which still nods to the 90s.Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she’s not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Wondering how to get that cozy Nancy Meyers home style designers love? We tapped the pros to tell us how to get that cozy but elevated look popularized by movies like It’s Complicated, The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give and too many others to count. The Nancy Meyers home aesthetic reminds us of the cashmere kitchen trend and the move towards warm minimalism in interiors. More and more homeowners are opting for neutrals that don’t feel basic and spaces that feel lived-in but not cluttered. If you want an elevated space that encourages cozying up with a good book or lingering over a home-cooked meal with a bottle of good wine, here’s how designers say you can make it happen in your home. Embrace a “lived-in” home. Warner Bros., Warner Bros. PicturesThe InternFirst and foremost, forget the idea that your home should look spotless all the time. Although we all know that’s unrealistic, it can still be hard to push that thought aside, especially when you’re hosting. However, when in doubt, look to Nancy Meyers. “A Nancy Meyers home looks like someone actually LIVES there,” says Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors. “You can envision people putting their feet up on the ottoman, guests drinking wine at the kitchen island, kids jumping on sofas. Her spaces are layered and collected, reflecting a life well-lived.”Just take the kitchen from The Intern, for example. The island is full of food, the shelves are stocked with glassware and Anne Hathaway’s character, Jules, is pouring coffee. The home reflects the character’s fast-paced life and ambitious personality, and she doesn’t need to hide that with an overly tidy space. Just keep reading. Sony Pictures ReleasingSomething’s Gotta GiveWhen asked what comes to mind when they hear “Nancy Meyers interior,” each designer mentioned books in one way or another. Nancy Meyers’ interiors are chock full of them, and for good reason. Books add character, texture and color to a home. Plus, there’s nothing cozier than snuggling up with a good read. Instead of hiding them away when you’re done reading, try leaving books out as decor like Diane Keaton’s character, Erica Barry, does in Something’s Gotta Give. Your book collection can say a lot about you, so don’t be afraid to display them for added charm.Embrace your personality. Sony Pictures ReleasingThe Holiday While all of Nancy Meyers’ interiors are gorgeous in their own right, they all take on different styles that match the character they belong to. “The interiors feel so well aligned with Nancy Meyers’ characters. Of course, Kate Winslet’s bookish character lives in the most charming cottage while Cameron Diaz’s character fits in perfectly among her modern interiors and fancy motor-operated window treatments,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.In other words, Meyers uses interior design as a character development tool. You (as a real person and not a character) can use it to express yourself. Find the pieces of furniture and decor that feel true to who you are. The result will be a unique, authentic home that communicates your personality to all who enter. Experiment with texture. Universal PicturesIt’s Complicated Meyers’ films embrace layered textures in every room, whether that’s through slipcovered sofas paired with soft throws in the living room or sleek black chairs with fabric cushions in the dining room. The mix of materials in each interior helps create that not-so-perfect look that feels welcoming. These spaces no longer feel like sets; they feel like home.”There is always an element of softness to her spaces,” says Gates. “A cafe curtain, pleated drapes, throws and worn woods. Even in the more modern sets, you feel cozy.”Collect, but don’t clutter. Buena Vista Pictures DistributionFather of the Bride While collections add charm and personality to a home, clutter can quickly take that all away. Meyers is a master of collections, whether it’s a couple of old-school antiques, an assortment of books or a few framed pieces of artwork like the ones seen here in Father of the Bride.”Pay attention to the details, but don’t let clutter overtake your space,” says Gates. “Collections are great, clutter is bad. Let your home show personality but also restraint.” Keep it warm.Universal PicturesIt’s Complicated Whether you’re a fan of neutrals or tend to go for bolder picks, the homes in Meyers’ films often incorporate warm tones that invite us in.”Her interiors are very neutral but warm and layered — stick to creamy, warm neutral paint colors, natural wood and stone, soft, tailored (often slipcovered style) furniture, lots of different lighting types and lots of books, throws, plants, pillows and, of course, antiques,” says Erin Gates of Erin Gates Design.The warmth of Meyers’ interiors are part of the reason you might feel like you’re there just by looking at them. If you can practically smell Jane’s mouthwatering cooking in It’s Complicated from here, you’re not alone.Focus on feeling.Sony Pictures ReleasingDiane Keaton in Something’s Gotta GiveSticking to a certain interior design style or aesthetic can be important when decorating your home, but that doesn’t mean it should be the only factor. While Meyers tends to showcase a certain style for each of her character’s interiors, they aren’t perfect. And that’s the point.”Maybe you don’t remember a specific furniture piece or the wall color, but you remember the way the interiors made you feel,” says Jay. “As designers, we’re so focused on aesthetics and how elements look together, but it’s also helpful to consider how our designs make people, particularly our clients, feel.”Just like you can feel the salt on your skin by simply looking at Erica’s desk with a beach view in Something’s Gotta Give, you, too, can invent a feeling in your home that’s unique to you and your character. 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. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Now 19% Off”The flocked ornaments are a nice change on a tree compared to the typical sparkly and shiny ornaments. The texture adds depth and richness.” —Ruthie Staalsen, Ruthie Staalsen InteriorsNow 26% Off”Luxury decor relies on curated, unique details that go beyond mass-market sets. Limited-edition or hand-blown glass ornaments and themed collections from high-end boutiques are sought after to create a distinctive, cohesive look.” —Andy Yates, Andy Yates DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 12% Off”A classic plaid throw instantly layers warmth and preppy–style polish; drape it over a sofa or bed to tie together navy, garnet, and evergreen accents.” —Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly StudioNow 15% Off”Mercury glass ornaments are timeless—they catch the light beautifully and add that soft, nostalgic shimmer every tree needs. I love mixing them with other colorful glass ornaments!” —Meghan Jay, Meghan Jay DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below”Wired tartan or velvet ribbon instantly unifies a tree, staircase, or mantle with classic plaid or solid velvet; the wired edge holds generous, couture-style bows.” —Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly StudioNow 30% Off”The Blue Spruce Christmas tree is known for its ‘real-like’ branches. All they need are white lights to make them feel festive. With all the clutter in our lives, simple and minimalist feels good at Christmas.” —Ruthie Staalsen, Ruthie Staalsen InteriorsAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 20% Off”Beautiful glassware always makes gatherings feel special. I love the clean, modern silhouette of these flutes—they work for everything from casual brunches to New Year’s Eve toasts, and they’re a great staple to stock up on during Black Friday sales.” —Meghan Jay, Meghan Jay DesignNow 21% Off”Velvet or cashmere-blend stockings, monogrammed—rich texture and personalization read luxe without feeling flashy.” —Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly StudioAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 15% Off”I love using velvet ribbon during the holidays. It instantly elevates a tree or wreath, and looks equally chic tied around a stack of gifts. The texture feels classic and festive, and I often save the ribbons to reuse year after year.” —Meghan Jay, Meghan Jay DesignNow 53% Off”A grand, statement-making tree requires a significant investment for superior realism and integrated lighting. Black Friday is the prime time to find substantial discounts on these large, high-ticket items.” —Andy Yates, Andy Yates DesignLaura 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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably seen the “cashmere kitchen” trend. This cozy, elevated aesthetic is all about making your kitchen feel airy but personal. If you’re curious about the cashmere kitchen trend designers love, we asked several design professionals to tell us all about the trend and how to bring it to your own kitchen. The cashmere kitchen trend shares some features with the traditional kitchens that are coming back in — think soft cream paint colors and warm finishes. The end result is a kitchen that’s functional, cozy, and calming. Luckily for those of us who love the cashmere kitchen trend, designers think it’s here to stay. Here’s everything to know about cashmere kitchens. Design: Oho Interiors; Photo: Judith MarilynWhat Is a Cashmere Kitchen? “Cashmere kitchens are less stark than all-white, while remaining a bit more classic and timeless than strong colors,” says designer Heather Peterson. “People want to feel good, but they also want longevity. What’s more luxurious than knowing you made choices you won’t need to reconsider—maybe ever?”A cashmere kitchen resembles a color palette that’s almost akin to a morning latte: It’s earthy, slightly pigmented, but still neutral enough to be flexible. Designer and content creator Anne Sage describes this design as the ideal middle ground for renovators. “It provides the inviting vibes of today’s darker, moodier decor trends, while still feeling light and airy,” she says. Sage recently completed two different kitchens that fit this trend, and used two shades to make that happen: Shady by Dunn-Edwards and Cappuccino Froth by Behr. “Both work for a cashmere kitchen because they’ve got more presence than white or cream, but feel equally fresh and cozy,” Sage notes. Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors also has two colors to offer. “I love Farrow & Ball Shaded White or Pointing for those who prefer something like a cozy white,” she notes. “If you prefer a more mushroom tone, Benjamin Moore’s Stone Hearth is a proven winner!” And lastly, designer ​​Jessica Nicastro suggests Portola Paints in Kinfolk for a richer off-white. These soft colors create a calm backdrop, so it’s more likely that you can picture the same space feeling just as soothing now and in the future. Oholendt shares that this palette is easier to clean and can feel less stark than a white kitchen, while Nicastro appreciates its versatility. So it’s no surprise that all four designers think cashmere kitchens have staying power. “While this trend has a new name and is having a moment, the aesthetic will still feel relevant in 10 or 20 years,” Sage says. Design: Oho Interiors; Photo: Judith MarilynHow to Complete a Cashmere Kitchen Once you have the color palette down, the details of a cashmere kitchen are equally comforting. Here’s how designers would handle the rest: Choose unlacquered brass finishes. To add character and a bit of shine to a cashmere kitchen, unlacquered brass was recommended by multiple designers for sheen that won’t go out of style. “We love a great unlacquered brass kitchen bridge faucet, hardware and light fixtures that will age and patina to help balance the softness of a cashmere kitchen,” Oholendt says.Opt for stained cabinetry. A cashmere kitchen is all about a soft approach, which is why Sage suggests using stained white oak cabinets to complement the feel of the palette while adding some dimension. “We opted for integrated wood handles on the cabinetry, rather than choosing metal drawer and cabinet hardware,” she says. “One hallmark of the cashmere kitchen is that it may appear simple at first glance, but it’s actually quite layered—just like a thoughtfully composed outfit featuring a cashmere sweater might be.”Consider Delft tiles. Sage recommends using a matte backsplash in an earthy shade to stay on trend, but Oholendt’s tip is more specific. “We have a few cashmere kitchens in the construction phase, and one of the design elements I am most excited to see come to life is a classic Delft tile backsplash with Farrow & Ball Shaded White cabinetry,” she says. “It will be a design moment, I just know it!”Pick a punchy countertop. You should stay neutral while searching for a countertop for your cashmere kitchen, but make sure that it still has personality. “We used Taj Mahal quartzite in our recent renovation, and the swirls of brown, gray and cream beautifully complemented our cabinets,” Sage says. The results will be a kitchen that’ll keep you warm now and later.Kelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More