Home Ideas

When it comes to cleaning your home, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Take, for example, mixing lights and darks on laundry day. You already know that’s a great way to end up turning your favorite white T-shirt a rosy shade. But there are some less obvious cleaning faux pas the pros say they see all the time. Some of these slip-ups simply cost you extra time, while others may actually do damage to your home and the things inside of it. Here are cleaning habits the experts — professional cleaners who are in and out of messy homes every day — say you should quit ASAP. Not reading the instructions. Sure, there are plenty of great multi-purpose sprays out there that can safely be used on a variety of surfaces, but it pays to always double-check the package instructions. And if you’re using DIY cleaners, be sure you’re schooled on what solutions are compatible with the various surfaces in your home. For example, you shouldn’t use dish soap or vinegar on natural stone, says Chris Willat, founder of Alpine Maids in Denver. FYI!Using too much cleaner. More isn’t better, either, says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, a cleaning company in Phoenix. “Overusing products, especially on floors, leaves sticky residue that can actually attract dirt,” he says. “A small amount goes a long way, and it’ll help your surfaces stay cleaner longer.” Mixing different cleaning products.A duo of bleach and ammonia might sound like a powerhouse for a tough mess, but this combo creates dangerous gasses, says Knoll. “Leave the chemistry experiments to the pros.”Another Good Thing to KnowOverloading the dishwasher.Many think they’re saving time, water and energy by cramming their appliance full of stuff, but dishes need some breathing room for a sparkling clean finish. “A good rule of thumb when loading the dishwasher is if the water can’t reach it, it won’t get clean,” says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab. Vacuuming without changing the filter.“A lot of people forget to clean out the filters, but a clogged filter sends dirt back into the air and around the home,” says Knoll. It also reduces suction power, increases energy consumption and can even ruin your machine over time. “Replacing the filter or washing it out only takes a few minutes and will get the vacuum working like new again,” says Knoll.Leaving wet towels or clothes in a pile.When wet, towels — or any fabrics for that matter — are breeding grounds for mold, especially in humid climates. Hang towels or other laundry up to dry after use to prevent that musty smell and keep bacteria from multiplying.Mopping without sweeping first.Yes, even if you don’t see visible dirt, you need to sweep or vacuum prior to mopping. “Routine sweeping and vacuuming prevents grit from scratching up your floors,” says Knoll. Not maintaining your cleaning tools.“All supplies should be taken care of as soon as a clean is completed,” says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. “Rags should be cleaned, bottles wiped off (this is especially true if using bleach-based cleaners and vacuums cleaned out.” It’s not just a good habit — it keeps everything in good, working order and even extends the life of your supplies. MORE FROM OUR PROSBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

You’re walking into your new home without any furniture when your dream couch arrives. Now, it’s time to figure out furniture placement. Where does it go?Chances are you’re already imagining a couch pressed up against a wall. While that may seem like the best idea to create more space, it can actually cause more harm than good. “People often believe they’re adding space to a room, but instead, they may make it feel smaller and disjointed,” says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer of Silo Studios. “Flow space is incredibly important when laying out a room. You want to make sure there is enough open area around furniture for energy to move freely.”If this goes against everything you once thought about space planning, you’re not alone. We spoke to several interior designers, and most agreed that pushing furniture up against the wall is just a natural instinct. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be broken. Below, design pros share the reasons why you shouldn’t always push your furniture against the wall, along with tips on how to change your layout for the better. It can limit conversation.Design by Studio Seva, Photo by Coley StevensIf you place your couch and other seating against the walls, you might unintentionally create a more distant atmosphere where conversation doesn’t flow as well. “Creating space between the furniture and the walls promotes better flow and a more functional floor plan, says Steph Schlegelmilch, founder and creative director of Studio Seva. “As long as there’s adequate walking room, it allows the space to breathe and feel more open while also creating an intimate and conversational setting.” Moving around the house might be more difficult. Floating furniture in the center of a space doesn’t only apply to living rooms. Think about the dining room, for example. Although dining nooks or booths in the corner of a room can work well for smaller spaces, it often makes most sense to enhance the flow of a space by allowing for more room around the table. “Your dining room is used every day, and it’s so important that people can move comfortably around the table,” says Victoria Armour of Stil James.When you think about any space, keeping furniture pressed up against the wall, although it can create more space in the center, limits pathways around the house. There’s only one way to get to the other side of the room, and that’s through the middle of everything. It can throw the space off balance. Design by Silo Studios, Photo by Marc MauldinThis smaller space designed by Silo Studios creates balance by floating different elements throughout. Photo by: Marc MauldinSometimes, especially in small spaces, you simply might not have enough room to float furniture away from the walls. In that case, it’s all about balance. If your couch or television console is pushed against the wall, try floating smaller pieces throughout the room. “In a smaller living space, it’s perfectly fine to place a couch against the wall. Sometimes you don’t have an option. Just try to balance it with other elements and float the accent chairs in the space so everything isn’t hugged up against the wall,” says Eisenhart.However, if you have a larger space to work with, designers recommend maintaining that distance, even if it’s just a few inches, to keep the room balanced. Related StoryYou could have an awkward space between furniture.Although it might not sound possible, there is such a thing as too much space, especially in a large living room. “With all of the biggest furniture volumes pushed up against the wall, the room ends up feeling like it has a void in the center. Also, so often the sofa ends up awkwardly far from the coffee table, from armchairs, etc.,” says Amelia Strat and Anna Kroesser of Kroesser + Strat Design.If you can’t reach the coffee table from where you’re sitting, your first instinct might be to move the table closer to your couch. Instead, try pushing your couch inwards. The result will be a centered, balanced room without any awkward space. Your furniture might sink into the background.Read McKendreeInstead of being tucked into a corner, the floating accent chair acts as a statement piece for all to admire. As a homeowner, the last thing you want to happen after spending money on furniture is for all of it to sink into the background. We intentionally purchase pieces we love so that we can admire and use them every day. Why not do all we can to make each one stand out? “Resisting the urge to push furniture against the walls can transform a room from being stiff and boxy to warm and dimensional, ” says Sarah West of Sarah West Interiors. “And as a bonus, by floating key pieces, like a sofa or an armchair, it lets each piece of furniture shine on its own, turning the space into an engaging, layered experience rather than a single, static view.”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

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

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