Home Ideas

You found the perfect mix of furniture, searched high and low for a great rug, added finishing touches like window treatments and light fixtures and finally settled on the right wall paint color. But have you looked up? What about the ceiling? Yes, your ceiling! If you ask any professional interior designer, they’ll tell you that the ceiling — which they often call the “fifth wall” — shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s a key part of decorating any room — that is, if you’re willing to have some fun with it.“When you think about it, the ceiling has great design potential because it is not only one of the largest walls in a room, it is often overlooked. It is truly a blank slate with so many design options available to add yet another layer of design customization, interest and richness to a space.” — Debbie Mathews, Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs“When thoughtfully designed, ceilings can elevate a space, enhancing its character with added height, texture or whimsy.” — Jackie Ho, Ho&Lacy“Far from being just a blank surface, the ceiling can add depth, drama or even a touch of whimsy to any room. It’s an opportunity to introduce texture, color or pattern in unexpected ways that draw the eye upward and make a room feel complete.” — Jenny Williamson, West Rose Design.GET QUICK INSPO So how exactly do you add personality to a ceiling? What are interior designers’ clients requesting and embracing these days? The pros share the latest:Architectural ElementsWhether you moved into an old home with unique ceilings or take the DIY route to add character to a newer property, architectural elements can make a room shine. Wood details are especially popular right now; it makes sense, since there’s recently been a resurgence in wood kitchen cabinets. “We tend to favor architectural elements that add dimension to a space — think wood paneling, beams, trays or coffers,” says Kevin Kaminski of Kaminski + Pew. Victoria Armour of Stil James agrees: “We are seeing wood beams and wood cladding take on a fresh twist. Clients are increasingly opting for bold, painted beams and even going as far as asking for high-gloss paint on their ceiling treatments. I am also seeing more interesting and intricate tracery ceiling designs, which I love.” Brie Williams, styling by Elizabeth DemosGraphic WallpaperIf you didn’t get the memo, maximalism is back in full force and many people are saying “so long” to minimalism. According to design pros, there’s more interest in punchy patterns and arresting colors, and people are fully enjoying the liberty of showing off their personality in the comfort of their homes. That’s where wallpaper comes in!“For more playful spaces, wallpapered ceilings are making a strong comeback. Bedrooms, powder rooms and nurseries are especially popular spaces, where clients request this treatment, turning these ceilings into the focal point of the overall design,” says Armour. Mathews notes that there’s been a shift in the size of prints as well. “Several years ago, people began using small-scale patterned wallpaper or textured wallpaper, like grasscloth, on the ceiling, but now I am seeing much larger-scale patterns. People are making bolder design decisions today with a recent trend toward maximalism and more saturated colors being used.READY TO DECORATE?Color-DrenchingIf you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok lately, you might have spotted an eye-catching room or two filled with one color or multiple shades of one hue. This design approach is known as color-drenching. “It’s one of the biggest trends everyone will continue to see in 2025,” says Armour. “Whether it’s a deep, moody hue in a library or a soft, neutral tone in a bedroom, color-drenching makes the ceiling a key part of the overall design.” While some interior designers say it might be difficult to pull off, if you do it right, it can be amazing. Non-White PaintWhen in doubt, go for a striking paint color, says Mathews. “I almost always recommend a paint color other than ceiling white. A white ceiling feels boring to me and symbolizes little effort or design thoughtfulness. Some rooms, like an entry, dining room or living room, can benefit from more of a “wow” factor.”If you’d like to take it a step further, Kaminski of says a “stripe can go a long way to make a statement.”Clint JenkinsContinuous Color Another tried-and-true designer trick is taking your wall color up to the ceiling if you really want to make a statement. Designer Andrea DeRosa of Avenue Interior Design likes to try this approach in two different scenarios: “The first condition is when you are using a bold color like a deep rouge palette we recently used for an interior (pictured above). If the room had a white ceiling, it would look unfinished and negatively impact the overall aesthetic of the space. The second scenario in which I recommend continuing the wall color onto the ceiling is in a small space. Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls can give a space instant warmth and unify the entire design.” MORE FROM DESIGNERSMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

This one’s tough. Between your computer, television, lighting and all of the other tech essentials in your home, it’s easy for cords to get out of control. If your cords are exposed, tangled and visible, a room can look disorganized, says Izabela Tokarski, interior designer and founder of Kabela & Co.”Tangled wires from electronics, exposed power strips or dangling TV cables disrupt the visual flow of a space and draw attention away from its carefully curated elements. By hiding cords and cable management systems, you can maintain a clean, intentional and sophisticated look.” More

Decluttering the house can be stressful. That’s why it’s important to start small and take it one room at a time to avoid overwhelm. A detailed checklist can help you set your decluttering goals and stay on track. Not to mention, the satisfaction of checking tasks off your to-do list — cleared out mismatched hangers in the closet, check!If you’re worried about where to start, we’ve got you covered: Good Housekeeping’s decluttering checklist breaks down what to tackle in every room of the house. You should probably get a few donation boxes and trash bags ready before you begin. Keep in Mind While Decluttering:Decision-making is one of the hardest parts of the decluttering process, so remember to give yourself patience and grace. “Focusing on one pain point, like a drawer or cabinet, will allow you to build your decluttering muscle with small, quick wins,” says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, who suggests setting a 10-15 minute timer to stay focused and accountable. “Decluttering is contagious, so as you build momentum, it will make it easier to tackle larger projects.” How to Declutter Room by Room:EntryOld mail, newspapers and magazinesReusable shopping bagsShoes and jackets you don’t wear regularly Seasonal items John keeble//Getty ImagesKitchenExpired foods and spicesTake-out containersChipped or cracked dishesOld dishtowels and table linens Duplicate kitchen items (bottle openers, measuring cups, can openers)Excess reusable water bottlesExtra coffee mugsSpecialty appliances you rarely use (panini press, holiday-themed waffle maker, shaved ice machine)One-off party supplies (birthday napkins or holiday plates)Takeout menus John keeble//Getty ImagesRelated StoryLiving Room Miscellaneous cords, wires and chargersGames or puzzles with missing piecesOld remote controlsHome decor and furniture you no longer enjoy Excess throw pillowsReid RollsBathroomsOld medicationsExpired or unwanted toiletries Excess packaging from productsWorn or old towels Hair tools you rarely useCosmetic samplesRandom hair accessories and brushes YinYang//Getty ImagesRelated StoryBedroomsClothing that no longer fits Unpaired socksUncomfortable shoesAccessories you don’t wearDamaged jewelryMismatched hangersOld magazines or booksWorn sheets and pillowcases Kseniya Ovchinnikova//Getty ImagesLaundry Room Unused cleaning suppliesExpired laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain removers Out-of-place itemsRipped or stained clothingBroken hampers or laundry basketsFancy/Veer/Corbis//Getty ImagesKids’ SpacesUnworn or outgrown clothingToys children have outgrown or no longer enjoyDuplicate itemsIncomplete toy sets, games or puzzlesDamaged books, dried-out markers, etc. Petri Oeschger//Getty Images Related StoriesAlyssa 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

When learning how to do laundry, one of the first things taught is to sort your light and dark clothes before washing to avoid color bleeding. But the follow-up rule that often gets overlooked? Keeping those lights and darks separate in the dryer as well. It may seem like overkill, but according to Good Housekeeping’s resident laundry expert and Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté, it’s actually a pretty important step. Not only is it a bad idea to double up the loads in the dryer after washing separately (thus, potentially overfilling your machine), but a few things can go wrong if you throw them all together.”There can still be some loose dye that rubs off from darks onto lights as items tumble against each other in the dryer,” Forté warns. “Plus, light items can deposit lint onto dark items that make them look dingy and can be difficult to remove. And lint can go either way, from dark to light or light to dark.”Laundry Essentials:Instead, Forté says to keep them separate, and dry them on cycles recommended for the types of fabrics and garments included in your load. For instructions on how to dry, check the care and fiber labels on your clothes — usually located on seams, at the back of the neck, or near the back waist of your garments. And when in doubt about all of the laundry symbols on your clothing labels, use our handy guide:Good HousekeepingRemember: Anything with deep blue, black, red, brown or dark gray dyes is considered a dark, whereas garments in pastel shades, cream, beige and light gray should be in your whites pile. Items that are in between — like lavender, pink, orange, light blues and greens — should be thrown in with the colors to be safe.To keep yourself accountable, Forté says it’s best to get in the habit of doing smaller loads, more often, versus trying to cram everything into one large load. A hack she loves is setting out separate sorting bins either in the laundry room or each bedroom to help remind yourself (and others!) to keep their lights and darks separate. More Must-Know Laundry Tips: More

1Lean Into Natural WoodAdam PottsWarm up your kitchen with natural grain and stain, which pairs beautifully with stone countertops and brass hardware. Hommeboys Interiors goes for a cooler-tone oak flooring and triple-bleached walnut cabinetry.Photo by: Adam Potts 2Introduce Contrast With Black CabinetsGreg RieglerMoody black cabinets are the perfect complement to bright white walls in this vintage-inspired kitchen. To complete the look, Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors brings in a distressed runner rug and floating shelves filled with collected decor. Photo by: Greg RieglerAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Find the Right Shade of CreamAmy LambFor cabinets and walls, design firm Ponton Interiors goes for a cream paint — the neutral shade feels warm, inviting and airy. An oval-shaped window at the end of the space adds interest and allows more natural light in.Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography4Make a Statement With BlueJenny SiegwartAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Add Oomph With Colorful Floor TilesSteve HershbergerCreate visual interest in a small room with eye-catching tiles, like this hexagon pattern. In a charming interior by Four Brothers Design + Build, teal flooring creates a clear divide from the adjacent dining room.Photo by: Steve Hershberger6Let Classic Colors ShineAdam Kane MacchiaIn a sunny galley kitchen, you can’t go wrong with bright white cabinetry. Try painting a few lower cabinets black for contrast, then tie everything together with black and white marble countertops, just as BHDM Design does here. Photo by: Adam Kane MacchiaAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Install a BookshelfFrazier Springfield PhotographyBuild a bookshelf at the end of your galley kitchen for extra storage. It’s a great place to store glasses and dishes, plus display cookbooks and trendy decor. Here, TeassWarren Architects settles on dark wood to create contrast against the white cabinetry. Photo by: Frazier Springfield Photography8Divide Space With a Glass PartitionSteve HershbergerA half-wall topped with a glass partition ensures a seamless flow from the kitchen to the dining room in this cozy bungalow designed by Four Brothers Design + Build. This galley kitchen is larger than average with a pantry and designated coffee bar.Photo by: Steve HershbergerAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Create Warmth With Textured WoodKELLEY_KISH10Maximize Wall SpaceSara Ligorria-TrampAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Experiment With Pops of ColorThomas KuohHere, Studio Munroe infuses bold color with decorative accents that aren’t necessarily permanent. Things like runner rugs, Roman shades and a tile backsplash can be swapped out if your style changes in a few years. Photo by: Thomas Kuoh12Embrace a Light Wood GrainLara KimmererThis modern kitchen, designed by Cassia Wyner, has mostly light wood cabinetry — but glossy white upper cabinets brighten up the space. For a streamlined look, hide the fridge behind the cabinets, too. Photo by: Lara KimmererAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Turn a Narrow Room Into a Butler’s PantryCourtesy of Bakes & KroppThe galley design layout is great for kitchens, but even more functional in a butler’s pantry, which is an ideal place for storage and food prep. Here, Bakes & Kropp packs a lot into a tiny space, including a prep sink and small stovetop. 14Try Two-Tone CabinetsCarlina Teteris//Getty ImagesDon’t limit yourself to one cabinet finish — especially if you want something with more personality, like a wood grain. Hint: White upper cabinets might create the illusion of a larger space.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Install Lights Under the Cabinetsultramarinfoto//Getty ImagesOverhead lighting (think pendants, recessed lighting and flush mounts) is key, but under-cabinet lights illuminate your prep station. It’ll make things like chopping and reading recipes easier in your galley kitchen.16Go Glam With a High-Gloss FinishJohn keeble//Getty ImagesThis sun-filled kitchen is defined by glossy blue cabinets, and a geometric backsplash on one side. The high-gloss paint reflects lights, making the room feel brighter and more spacious.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Show Off Industrial StyleTom Sibley//Getty ImagesFrom the exposed wood ceiling and black trim to the gray tile floor, this small galley layout showcases a chic industrial vibe. There’s also black shelves above the cabinets to maximize vertical space.18Draw on Nature’s Color PalettePolina Pigulevsky PhotographyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Rely on a Pastel ShadeJohn keeble//Getty ImagesBring color into your home with a subtle shade. These pale blue cabinets look light and bright, yet add a dose of personality to a modern galley kitchen. 20Skip the Cabinet HardwareVera Vita//Getty ImagesFor a modern and minimalist style, ditch clunky cabinet hardware. A lack of handles or knobs can make a narrow space feel cleaner and less cluttered. Instead, let cabinet doors (like this soft wood grain) be your focal point.Alyssa 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

I consider myself someone who likes things a certain way, especially when it comes to home organization. If my closet isn’t organized by item (shirts, then pants, sweaters and blazers in that exact order), it irks me all day. So when things aren’t the way I like them, I can get a bit overwhelmed. That’s when the frantic cleaning and organizing begins. When I first discovered the viral ‘rage cleaning’ trend, I had a feeling I’d be able to get on board pretty quickly solely based on the name. After scrolling through a few of over 8 million TikTok videos filed under the term, I found myself laughing at the ridiculousness of it all while simultaneously relating in a real way. “Rage cleaning is a phrase that makes me laugh,” says Katie Ortega of @heyitskatieortega. “It’s not as bad as it sounds, but to me, it’s when I’ve just had enough of a mess in my house and I’m aggressively tackling the mess.” So I decided to wait until the next time I wanted to scream into my kitchen cabinets or kick all the shoes blocking my front door to give the popular cleaning method a shot. Unsurprisingly, that happened pretty shortly after. Read on for more on what I learned about the trend, the results of my experience and the best areas to rage clean according to an expert.What is rage cleaning? Like exercising, rage cleaning is a way to let out some steam (and surprisingly, it can be just as physically demanding, depending on the chore you decide to tackle). By channeling anger into motivation, rage cleaning not only helps you release pent up tension — it can also help you clean more efficiently, according to our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute.”Cleaning is very therapeutic and so satisfying! You take something dirty or disorganized and make it clean and beautiful again,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. “Cleaning takes effort and it’s a great way to relieve stress while accomplishing something you’ve been putting off. And the payoff is big. You feel better in two ways, less stressed or angry and you have a cleaner home to show for it!”So if you find yourself consistently glaring at an unorganized or dirty area of your home, try channeling that aggression for good. It may just trigger the most thorough cleaning session of your life. My rage cleaning resultsMy first rage cleaning victim? My container cabinet. Because it’s pretty high up, I often find myself blindly tossing containers and water bottles up there after washing them (which often results in something dangerously flying out each and every time I dare to open it up). I’d even started to keep other containers and bottles that didn’t fit on the kitchen counter. I decided that I finally had enough of the clutter.Laura MillarLaura MillarAfter cleaning the cabinet, I not only felt less agitated — I felt relieved. I can now open up that cabinet anytime without fear. Plus, I feel more motivated to keep it that way now that I know its potential.Next up was my stovetop. Although the permanent stains are from previous renters, I noticed how grimy it had gotten recently under my watch.Laura MillarLaura MillarI put on some music and started scrubbing away. By the time I was all done, I was actually smiling just looking at the results. I then proceeded to aggressively empty my dishwasher, refill it with the dirty dishes in the sink and wipe down my counters while I still had the motivation. I sat down afterwards and soaked in the feeling of not having any more cleaning to do for the rest of the night. And it sure felt good. My biggest takeaway? Clean and organize whenever you feel the sudden urge. I often hold off cleaning until I have plenty of time to really commit, but with rage cleaning, it’s all about just getting what you can done while you feel like it. What are the best spots to tackle while rage cleaning?According to cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, the best spots to rage clean are those you might not get to often but show the biggest results when you do. Here are a few recommendations:Organize a messy closet. If you find yourself feeling bothered every time you open your closet, it might be time to start rage cleaning. Channel that anger into energy and get organizing. Be open to getting rid of clothes you no longer need, too. Scrub dirty floors. There’s nothing more therapeutic than getting on your hands and knees with a sponge and some cleaning supplies. You’ll be left with floors that sparkle and a better attitude. Vacuum the carpet. Had enough of lingering dust and hair on the rug? It can be exhausting, but committing to vacuuming the entire carpet (yes, that means under the furniture) is one of the most rewarding areas to rage clean. But if you’re not feeling up to a chore that may take a bit longer, try quick tasks that can be completed in a matter of minutes. It’s all about tackling an area that makes you feel overwhelmed and freeing yourself of that feeling through cleaning. Related StoriesLaura 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

We’ve all done it before. One minute you’re loading dirty clothes into the washing machine, the next you’re finishing meal-prepping for the week, running to pick up the dry-cleaning and totally forgetting to move your clean clothes over to the dryer. It happens to the best of us, even Good Housekeeping’s very own resident cleaning pro, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté. But the question is, now what? Is it okay to let your clothes sit in the washer overnight? Do you need to rewash everything?Up Your Laundry Game:According to Forté, while forgetting wet laundry in the washer can be annoying, it isn’t the end of the world. Even leaving your load overnight — that is, approximately eight to 10 hours — in the washer doesn’t mean you automatically need to rewash everything with detergent. If it less than 10 hours, you can pop them in the dryer as you normally would. Or, if anything, Forté says you can always select a quick rinse and spin cycle to refresh things without running a whole wash again. That said, there is such a thing as waiting too long to move your clothes over to the dryer. “I would try not to let the load sit in the washer longer than overnight,” Forté warns. “Otherwise, items on top could start to dry, and they’ll likely be stiff and hard instead of soft and fluffy and the whole load could start to smell a little stale.”Again, not a huge deal, though. If your clothes sit in the washer longer than overnight, regardless if they smell or feel stiff, it’s best to do a quick rewash. Anytime you pick up a mildew scent from your load, Forté advises rewashing everything in a short cycle with detergent (look for the “Lightly Soiled” setting on your machine) to make sure all of your garments get properly cleaned. The more you know!More Genius Laundry Tips: More

According to feng shui, one of the most important foundational principles is related to desk placement — a principle called commanding position. Here, Style by Emily Henderson follows Feng Shui practices with the positioning of the desk.”Set up your desk so that when you’re sitting there working, you can see the primary entry to the space without being directly in line with it (usually this means diagonal from the door). Ideally, you have a solid wall behind you for support,” says expert Anjie Cho.With the entrance in front of the desk, you’re making yourself aware of the energy coming towards you. Plus, you’ll be able to see your path forward rather than facing a wall that stops you. However, if your space doesn’t allow this sort of placement, we have a couple of quick solutions in the list to come. Photo by: Sara Tramp More