Home Ideas

Every homeowner should own a toolbox — but what should it contain? Our on-staff home renovation experts say every tool bag should contain these essential items:1. Masking TapePainter’s tape is easy to tear, easy to remove and endlessly useful for indicating whatever you need to hammer, cut, paint, donate, replace or refurbish.Related Story2 . Cordless DrillNewer models of cordless drills are available with stud finders, making hanging or mounting projects a snap.Related Story3. HammerWhile there are plenty of fancy hammers, old schoolworks just fine. Use the claw side to remove nails.EXPERT TIP: Think through every job beforehand, and try to make one run for supplies.4. Safety GogglesNails slip, old paint chips go flying. These should be non-negotiable when working on home-improvement projects.5. Utility KnifeAlso known as a boxcutter, this knife can fold out or push up.EXPERT TIP: Keep tools, hardware and materials off the floor as you work. The last thing you need is a tripping hazard or to get hurt by a sharp tool.6. Drain SnakeRun this thin plastic drain cleaning tool down your sink whenever water drains more slowly than usual.Related Story7. LevelYou can eyeball whether something is straight or even, but only a level will tell you for sure. You could also try a level app on your phone.8 . ScrewdriversBuy an assortment — slotted, Phillips, star, square — and you’ll be able to secure every kind of screw.EXPERT TIP: Put everything in its place at the end of each session. Your work area should be restored to a pre-project level of orderliness.9 . FlashlightIt helps when the power goes out, of course, but a flashlight is also useful for peering into crevices and corners.10. PencilSticking a pencil behind your ear will make you feel handier and readier to tackle any project. It’s also helpful for marking or noting measurements.11 . Tape MeasureMeasure twice, cut once.Looking to learn more essential skills to maintain and repair your home? Check out our best-selling book, Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges.Related Stories More

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning.Cooler temperatures and calm breezes help keep evaporation to a minimum. It also keeps the turf cooler during the hottest parts of the day, which means less stress on the grass. If it’s not convenient to water in the morning, late afternoon is the next best time. Waiting to water until too late in the evening keeps lawns wet overnight, which can make the grass susceptible to diseases like fungus.The screwdriver test can tell you how long you should be watering your lawn.Not sure how long to water your lawn for? Conduct the screwdriver test: After watering the lawn, take a long-blade screwdriver and shove it straight down into the ground. The blade should easily penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. If it doesn’t, you’re not watering long enough.Use pulsating sprinklers.These lawn sprinklers shoot out water horizontally at high velocity, so water is not as vulnerable to wind and evaporation as oscillating types, which spray the water straight up, and then rotate side to side.EXPERT TIP: Lawns in new housing developments often have compacted soil so hard that water can’t sink in. If this is the case, water for 30 minutes, let the water soak in and repeat to avoid runoff.Go easy with new grass.Oscillating sprinklers are a gentler choice for new lawns until the grass takes root. For newly planted grass seed, keep the top inch of the soil moist, but not soggy. Monitor and water regularly until the grass is 3 inches high, then water on your regular cycle. When mowing, take wide, slow turns to prevent the mower’s wheels from tearing up the new lawn.Get More Handy Home TipsHome Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesGet More Handy Home TipsHome Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesNow 44% OffLook for signs of under- or overwatering to know how often you should water your lawn.Experts recommend watering clay soils once a week and sandy soils about every three days. Signs of under-watering include brittle, dry or brown grass. Signs of overwatering include mushrooms, weeds, spongy grass and runoff.Get a timer.You will never need to worry about having to shutoff your sprinkler or wonder whether your lawn got enough water.Be consistent.Toggling between letting your lawn go dormant and keeping it watered is hard on the grass. It’s far better to make a choice. Letting it go dormant like it does in the winter won’t harm the grass as long as there’s not a drought lasting longer than a month. A dormant lawn will comeback to life after a good rainstorm.Related Story More

They say home is where the heart is, and when you think about it, it’s true. It’s where so many of the big and little things in your life happen: It’s where meals are cooked for your family, where the gifts are wrapped for the holidays, where the mundane but necessary chores get done week after week, where the keepsakes are stored and where memories are made year after year. Good Housekeeping Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesGood Housekeeping Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday ChallengesNow 44% OffRecognizing how much goes on in your household, we all could really use some tips on how to make life at home simpler — and here at Good Housekeeping, we’re all about making your life easier. From making your own weed killer to whipping up creative cocktails to serve at your next party, there are so many things to learn to ensure your home continues to be the comfortable and the creative space that you love so much.DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EXCERPT HEREThat’s where Good Housekeeping’s best-selling book Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges comes in — and right now it’s almost 50% off on Amazon. Home Skills is full of expert advice and genius solutions for every corner of the house and lucky for you, we’re offering special access to a sneak peek of 14 essential household hacks. In the free excerpt from the book, you find over a dozen tips that will help you transform your home, save you time and money, and give you a better idea of what to expect when you purchase the full Home Skills book for yourself. Intrigued? Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:GHGHIf you like the free excerpt, you’ll love the book! Discover even more home hacks (up to 850!) by picking up your own copy of Home Skills today.Assistant EditorAnnie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content. More

It’s finally December, which means it’s officially time to start decorating for Christmas — if you haven’t already, that is. If you’re still in the midst of decking the halls, consider trying the viral Christmas garland-hanging hack that’s taken over TikTok and Instagram in recent weeks. The game-changing holiday decor trick involves hanging garland from a tension shower curtain rod suspended between entryway arches, doorways and even between kitchen cabinets. The end result looks stunning — and it won’t damage your walls.To try the hack at home, first secure the curtain rod at eye level. Arrange and twist greenery around the rod (you may need zip ties to secure it), then layer in decorative items like twinkling lights, stylish ornaments, holiday bells or ribbons. Once you’re happy with the final look, simply raise the tension rod into position and tighten it as much as possible. @stephaniehannablog@greenssweethomeHome decorator @thekwendyhome was one of the first to share the holiday secret on social media just four weeks ago — and many bloggers, influencers and decorators have attempted it since. We reached out to several content creators to ask about their experiences trying the viral hack. Spoiler alert: Most rave that it’s incredibly easy to pull off.”As a person who hates putting holes in the wall and loves an easy DIY, this hack was right up my alley. It was super easy to install my garland and I have no issues with the tension rod falling. When I first saw this hack, there were so many people using it in doorways and hallways, but I knew I struggled to hang my garland over my sink last year and this was a great solution.” — Danielle Green of @greenssweethome”My daughter Abby, who’s also my content assistant, joined in on the fun. We found it surprisingly easy — just a little garland bending, and it stayed put. To keep everything secure, having the rod at arm level while styling everything was key. Wrapping the garland around it multiple times and bending it into place worked great — no ties or nails needed… We took it a step further by layering with battery-powered twinkle lights and floral picks.” — Brendt Blanks of @shegaveitagoTry the Curtain Rod Hack at Home”I saw @kwendyhome on Instagram share this hack, and it seemed too easy and beautiful — I had to try it myself! When it fell two minutes in, I started to sweat. I had already bought everything I needed, so I didn’t give up — even after it fell a couple more times. I think the trick was once you tighten it as tight as the rod could go, tighten it even more. I made sure to really load up on ornaments and tinsel to cover spots where the rod was showing through the garland.” — Lacey Farber of @ponderosaandplaid “I actually have a smaller opening, so I purchased a shower stall rod because all of the other rods were too big — it worked perfectly. It was a little tricky in the beginning. My husband helped me and we kept trying to get the rod tight enough but when we turned the rod to tighten it, the garland kept falling. We decided to use zip ties to attach the garland to the rod, then once we got the rod in place at the top, we attached more zip ties to secure it.” — Stephanie Hanna of @stephaniehannablog”I would say this hack was pretty easy, but a little tricky getting the garland to stay in place and not slide around. It helped to add additional decor pieces to sort of obstruct the garland from sliding. I used a tension rod, garland, a few S-hooks, rustic bells, a beaded wood garland and some rattan lights — oh, and a fun bow. By evenly distributing the weight, and being sure the tension rod was secured tightly, keeping everything in place wasn’t a problem.” — Gianna Nicolette Caputo of @indie.boho.nest @SOFILLEDWITHLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY@indie.boho.nestRelated StoriesAssociate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s newly released 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, more and more homeowners are ditching their simple all-white kitchen cabinets for warm wood finishes, including walnut and white oak.”We’ve seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry,” says Sarah Robertson, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn. “The pushback from white has resulted in a drive toward warmer tones in the kitchen.””Warm wood kitchens are instantly cozy, approachable and inviting,” agrees Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Interiors, who refers to the style as “timeless.” But the trend doesn’t stop with natural wood cabinetry: Designers are also incorporating wood ceiling beams, installing water-resistant wood floors and opting for wood countertops. What’s behind the kitchen trend?For natural beauty, consider matching white oak cabinets with a darker wood countertop.Courtesy of GrothouseOn the whole, designers say they’re noticing that interior color palettes are warming up. “We’ve turned the dial warmer across the board, and that’s translated into the cabinetry and finishes in our kitchens,” says McGregor. “People are spending more time at home so they want it to feel intimate and cozy, and natural wood can quickly transform a space that is void of personality to one of warmth and hospitality,” says Robertson.Does that mean that all-white kitchens are on the outs? There’s no denying that white kitchens are timeless — they look clean, bright and ensure your space will feel modern for years. On the downside, some say that white kitchens can lack texture, depth and intrigue. Wood kitchens, on the other hand, are more likely to exude warmth and can be more customizable to fit various lifestyles.”The rich, natural beauty of wood cabinets and countertops gives a complexity and character to spaces that white can’t match,” says Paul Grothouse, founder of Grothouse, a company that makes custom wood countertops. Not only do wood cabinets look more natural and organic, but they typically appear newer for longer than painted cabinets. “Chips and scratches are inevitable with painted cabinets, and the upkeep can be more tedious,” says McGregor. “When wood is scratched, there is less contrast from wood to wood, and the imperfection is easier to mend or hide.”What wood grains are best for kitchen cabinets?According to MasterBrand Cabinets’ 2024 Trend Report, “the popularity of wood grain is on the rise, showcasing a growing appreciation for the organic beauty and texture of wood.”Courtesy of MasterBrandDesigners say white oak is the most popular, but medium to dark tones are also popping up in kitchens — and walnut remains a fashionable choice, according to Robertson. White oak is a durable and long-lasting material for kitchen cabinets, although Robertson notes woods such as birch and alder are a more sustainable choice, since the trees grow faster.To break up a space, take a note from designer Bria Hammel’s book and pair a warm wood center island with painted kitchen cabinets (here, a moody green hue).Spacecrafting Photography”We’re starting to use alder, as it stains nicely, has a nice grain pattern and it does well in both modern and traditional settings,” adds interior design architect Julee Ireland. “It has a neutral tone and doesn’t feel as heavy and dated like some of the other wood species out there.” Designer Bria Hammel says she loves using white oak for classic coastal interiors, and alder or mahogany for moody, vintage-inspired spaces.According to Houzz research, medium wood tones are the most popular among homeowners right now, with a growing interest in light wood over the last year. “Popular photos on Houzz suggest that two of the most common options are white oak for its light, airy appearance, and walnut, which supports a richer look that, when paired with flat-panel cabinetry, works well in a mid-century modern style,” says Mitchell Parker, a senior editor at Houzz.Related StoriesAssociate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

If you’ve spent any time at all on social media lately, chances are you’ve stopped mid-scroll to admire an all-white kitchen. We don’t blame you — there’s no question that a white kitchen has timeless appeal and a special way of making a cooking space feel light and bright. But according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) newly released 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, there’s another popular color creeping up in the kitchen design world: green. From deep forest green and bold emerald hues to elegant sage tones, a verdant kitchen can be just as full of personality — and it works with a range of design aesthetics. (There’s a reason why the term “green kitchens” currently has 162,000,000 views on TikTok). “It’s a truly versatile color,” says Paul Kropp, co-founder of Bakes & Kropp, a kitchen design and cabinetry business.More From Good Housekeeping The chameleon-like color, which can easily take on a relaxed or elevated vibe, is also perfect for homeowners seeking a nature-like vibe indoors. “It’s got that fresh, natural feel, reminding us of the great outdoors right in our homes,” says designer Marie Cloud. Julee Ireland, an interior design architect and product designer, acknowledges this, too: “I personally love green in all shades for its ability to connect you with nature – from the deep, saturated tones found in the rainforest to the soft, muted shades of green found by the sea.”A green hexagon backsplash makes a statement in a kitchen designed by RZ Interiors.Ryan Fung PhotographyBelieve it or not, green actually has a calming effect that makes it ideal for a cooking space. It’s “associated with a place where all the basic needs can be satisfied, such as finding food, water, shelter, the color green provides a sense of security,” notes Color Psychology. Additionally, the Hunter Lab reports that “green aids in relaxation, as environments with green elements are peaceful and nurturing.””Green is all the rage because it’s flexible, fresh and just feels right in the kitchen,” says interior designer Marie Cloud.AMANDA_ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHYOf course, you can paint your kitchen cabinets green, taking your pick of paint color choices, like Graham & Brown’s 2024 Color of the Year, Viridis, but there are also so many great options for tiles and kitchen decor that put the color on display, too. “I have traveled to Spain, Portugal and Italy to the design and tile shows this year, and it’s shown in every collection as part of the color palette, which tells me it’s here to stay for a while,” says Ireland. Ivy Hill Tile Catalina 3Ivy Hill Tile Catalina 3Green paint and tiles have been top of mind for designer Kristen Fiore, too: “Pratt + Larson recently launched a kiln glaze called Surf that we are bringing in a handmade feel for backsplashes and other areas of a kitchen. We recently used Benjamin Moore’s Antique Pewter for a very large entertaining island and highlighted the frames of uppers in the same. It really creates a warm, rich, cozy feel to newer construction.” Designer Lina Galvão has also been inspired by the plethora of green products on the market right now. “A new appreciation for tones of green comes as paint and fabric companies launch new, more sophisticated and approachable tonalities, and coincides with the general global trend of biophilia,” says Galvão. When it comes to hues that complement green, neutrals are a no-fail choice, according to designer Vicky Serany: “We have blended green cabinetry with natural wood and even creamy whites. For those clients who are a bit cautious of committing to green cabinetry, we’ve used a rich green backsplash with neutral painted cabinets with beautiful results.”So with green kitchens on the rise, are white kitchens on the outs? Cloud certainly doesn’t think so. “White kitchens aren’t going anywhere — they’re like that classic white tee that goes with everything.” Related StoriesHome Design DirectorMonique 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

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to your home, outward appearances make an undeniably forceful first impression. And while simple aesthetic updates — a fresh coat of paint, a new set of shutters — can certainly go a long way, some thoughtful investments can increase your home’s value and curb appeal. The best exterior home upgrades strike a balance between affordability and return on investment, creating long-lasting value that will increase over time. For example, replacing old siding with a product that features the latest technological advances, such as Hardie Panel fiber cement siding, can both create a striking change to the facade’s appearance and help increase its overall durability and weather resistance. And certain types of constructed additions, like outdoor kitchens and screened-in porches, can significantly increase your available living space (and home value), without the hassle of intrusive interior renovations. Read on for more on our outdoor-upgrade ideas that can create real, long-term value for your home.James HardieFacade faceliftThere’s little that alters the appearance of your home more dramatically than an entirely new exterior, whether you’re inspired by the classic Hardie Plank lap siding, (a product backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal) or are more drawn to a vertical design. The brand’s high-performance fiber cement products are a long-lasting and sustainable alternative to classic wood or vinyl paneling, meaning your investment will be well worth it in the long run. Unlike wood, the material is fire-resistant and pest-resistant; unlike vinyl, it’s extremely durable and won’t crack or warp in extreme weather. And thanks to James Hardie’s wide range of products — as well as the variety of design-savvy colors and textures they’re available in — there’s something for every style of home, from Hardie shingle siding for a Cape Cod–style cottage to large Hardie Architectural Panels for a contemporary one.EricVega//Getty ImagesDecked out Who would turn down a new outdoor living room? Constructing a deck or a patio increases your overall living space while adding an attractive new design element to the exterior of your home. An elevated deck will preserve your green space, while a paved stone patio lets you create a natural-feeling environment that fits in seamlessly with the rest of your landscaping. Depending on your dedication to the vibe, you might even consider building a screened-in porch, complete with a ceiling fan, lighting and seating.James HardieBeyond the grillIt doesn’t get a lot better than dining alfresco on a warm evening — except maybe if you can do all the cooking outside too. And while hovering over a grill is all fine and good, a full-service outdoor kitchen will add another level of appeal to your home, especially for those who love to entertain. Durable stone countertops, composite or stainless cabinets, and built-in appliances make for a functional exterior space that allows you to spend time with your guests rather than constantly heading back indoors to check on things. Consider installing a built-in wood-fire grill for searing steaks in style — or even, for the truly ambitious, commissioning a custom brick pizza oven. Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography//Getty ImagesForever friendsPlanting a garden filled with long-lived, low-maintenance perennials is a relatively simple way to dramatically transform the exterior of your home. For every hardiness zone (check here to find yours), there are a vast number of plants that will return year after year, growing more and more impressive as they mature. Colorful bloomers like daylilies, hostas and coneflowers will thrive in most zones, or you can opt for foliage-focused plants like holly, smoke bush or burning-bush shrubs, which turn a brilliant crimson every autumn. James HardiePooled resourcesIf you’ve got the space and can manage the maintenance, even the humblest swimming pool, whether built-in or above-ground, can translate into a major home-value increase. It’s a much-sought-after amenity for many prospective home buyers — and in the meantime, you won’t regret the summers spent enjoying it with family and friends. If you already have one, consider adding related luxe amenities — like a cabana, hot tub or outdoor bar — to make the most of your poolside real estate. More

For many of us, “holiday season” also means “entertaining season.” From Thanksgiving all the way through to New Year’s Day, you’re more likely to have guests gathering at your table, meals will feel ever more festive and decorations that have been packed away since last year emerge to brighten up your home.Given that the natural focus this time of year is so often on the dining room anyway, a simple yet effective way to step up both your hosting and decorating game is with a little creative tablescaping. And that starts with linens: Think of cotton napkins, place mats, runners and tablecloths as your table’s wardrobe, giving it protection — but also personality. Here are three ideas for creating a tablescape that will put your home, and everyone who spends time in it, in a holiday mood.1. Lean in to the season with thematic prints and patternsHoliday motifs never fail to lend a whimsical, exuberant vibe. For Thanksgiving — and any other fall occasion, really — a classic choice is a harvest-inspired print: pumpkins, gourds and leaves in autumnal gold and red. Or you can interpret the theme a bit more broadly, with robust florals that can bridge the seasons from fall to winter. Botanical prints like these invite accessorizing with real botanicals: Tuck a sprig of rosemary or a dried flower into napkin rings, or make a centerpiece of beautiful winter branches instead of a traditional bouquet.Feel free to let your sense of humor show, too. For example, these 100% cotton turkey towels can double as napkins at your Thanksgiving table and are sure to elicit smiles. Another idea: If you’re headed to someone else’s home for the holiday, they make sweet gifts for the host.Williams Sonoma Heirloom Pumpkin Table RunnerSur La Table Fall Botanical NapkinsNow 30% OffTerrain Sprig + Stripe Cotton TableclothSur La Table Thanksgiving Embroidered Turkey TowelsNow 30% Off2. Let the food take the spotlight with neutrals and naturalsSerene colors and subdued patterns add up to a table that’s sophisticated as well as versatile. Whether you’re dressing it for a full-on Thanksgiving feast or just a night when friends drop by and end up staying for dinner, these simple but elevated cotton linens feel right for every occasion.The key here is to let details like fringe, decorative stitching and textural elements, rather than bright colors or busy patterns, add visual interest. Sticking to a calm palette — white, tan, gray, navy — means you can swap in virtually any serving pieces, dishes, and centerpieces and be assured of a cohesive look. Since this is a table that invites the food to take center stage, you can bring on all the gorgeous holiday platters, elaborate garnishes and showstopping presentations you’ve got.And because these table dressings are made of 100% cotton, they’re also machine-washable — so there’s no need to worry whether you have time to get the tablecloth to the dry cleaner before your next occasion. During these busy months, you’ll be especially thankful for stylish decor that’s also low maintenance.Terrain Fringed Cotton PlacematsWilliams Sonoma France Stripe NapkinsWest Elm Tangier Runner3. Create a cozy vibe with homespun fabricsEven during the holidays, not every feast calls for a formal table. Creating a more casual atmosphere with cheery, homey patterns like gingham, ticking stripes and plaid can help put everyone in a relaxed mood. Cotton is still ideal here — it’s soft and easy to care for — but a more informal table calls for heftier weaves like denim and twill.You can even extend the theme a bit beyond the table by stocking a set of coordinating aprons to hand out to guests who wander into the kitchen (it’s inevitable, right?). Since they’re there, they can help out! Serena & Lily Gingham TableclothNow 38% OffOpen Kitchen by Williams Sonoma ApronsWest Elm Hickory Striped Napkin Set More