Home Ideas

While some might be fearful of purchasing an older home on the market, historic properties often possess undeniable character that their newer counterparts lack. The classic architecture, distinctive molding, traditional fireplaces and other quirky yet charming features are what make them so appealing. Yet without the proper touch, these properties don’t always feel like home. Faced with the difficulty of highlighting the old while simultaneously embracing the new, interior designer Diane Rath, principal designer and owner of The Rath Project, took on a 1920’s classic colonial recently purchased by young homeowners. After moving to Connecticut from New York City with their toddler, this growing family of three felt their home needed the new life and energy they radiated.Collaborating with her clients, Rath searched for the perfect color palette and furnishings to reflect their youthful energy and style. The main challenge? To revive a home that still had life to live. “We didn’t want to take out any of the original character,” says Rath. “Instead, we wanted to highlight it.” Den & OfficeRelying on the patterned rug and antique art she sourced, Rath added a splash of the couple’s youthful personality to the den without taking away from the colonial feel of the space. “We’re still giving tribute to the past and the oldness of the home, but they’re that new generation,” says Rath. The art she and the homeowners chose embodies that new life.Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumDesigned by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumBecause the den connects to a narrow office space, Rath coordinated the rugs in both rooms. “That pop of color that runs down the center of that space really helps elongate it and make it feel bigger than it actually is,” explains Rath. KitchenAfter remodeling the space to improve functionality, Rath helped the couple refresh their kitchen, again drawing inspiration from what was already there.“We reworked the space a bit, but picked up that green from the original countertops and brought it throughout. We decided to highlight the color with the green pendant and Cole & Son wallpaper. So really that marble was the jumping off point for all of the other green touches we added,” says Rath. Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumLiving AreaAfter deciding that this room was going to be the hangout spot for everyone – their friends, kids and kids’ friends included – the homeowners wanted it to be sophisticated and colorful, and they had one specific shade of blue in mind: New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore. Considering her clients’ wishes, Rath incorporated the color and painted the bookshelf in two different finishes: she went glossy on the shelves themselves and matte on the drywall above the fireplace. In the corner of that room, Rath kept a round table that was left from the previous owners. “We had someone repaint it and bring that back to life as well. We found some vintage chairs from a local thrift shop and then had them recovered in a really cool plaid fabric,” says Rath. Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumDesigned by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumDining RoomThen, Rath tackled the dining room. “That wallpaper, if you look closely, it’s little tiny martini glasses, and I fell in love with that. It felt old; it had this Art Deco vibe,” says Rath. “It felt so elegant, but also whimsical at the same time.”Even though it’s one of the more formal, traditional spaces in the house, the dining room still has elements of young, fresh energy — not only with the wallpaper choice, but also when it comes to the seating. If you take a closer look, the back side of the chairs is upholstered in a unique velvet jungle print, adding new life to otherwise antique pieces of furniture. Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumDesigned by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumPrimary BedroomLess feminine than some of the other rooms, the primary bedroom was designed with a blue bed, walnut end tables and black accents throughout. “The blue bed was always something we had in mind in a velvet material. It’s handsome, but it’s luxurious,” says Rath. Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumGirl’s BedroomUsing ornate carved wood she found at a local antique center, Rath helped construct a princess bed for the couple’s first daughter. In the other corner of the room, she installed a charming wallpaper. “It was one of the first things I pulled for the design of the project. Before any of the main spaces, I found this wallpaper. It’s a Schumacher paper and just felt so fun and playful. And they immediately were like, ‘Yes.’ So that paper was the jumping off point for all of the other little elements that came together in that room,” says Rath.Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumDesigned by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin KestenbaumGender-Neutral BedroomWith a baby on the way, Rath’s clients wanted more of a gender-neutral space where they could comfortably grow their family. Through the pop art and colorful carpet, Rath worked to create a playful yet functional bedroom with both a crib for the couple’s soon-to-be child and daybed for an accompanying adult. Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin Kestenbaum Explore More Stylish HomesLaura 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

1Divide Kitchen ToolsSarah BakerCabinets don’t only work for larger appliances and glassware. You can also customize them to accommodate large, small and oddly shaped utensils like designer Valerie Helgeson did here. Photo by: Sarah Baker2Use Kitchen Tools as DecorStyle by Emily HendersonIf you have beautiful dinnerware, cutting boards or other kitchen tools, show them off on your walls and shelves. Not only will you free up cabinet space, you’ll also add stylish decor to your space. See more at Style by Emily Henderson »3Add a Bar to the Kitchen IslandLara KimmererDon’t have the extra room for a separate bar space? No problem. Take inspiration from designer Cassia Wyner and build in a few slots for wine or other drinks within your kitchen island so it serves as a countertop, tabletop and bar space for the family.Photo by: Lara KimmererAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below4Group Similar Items in the PantryStyle by Emily HendersonSimilar shaped items like jars, bottles or storage containers should be placed next to each other for easier storage. Plus, your pantry will look more visually appealing this way. “Use jars and containers that stack and play nicely together,” says Cooke.See more at Style by Emily Henderson »5Add Deep Cabinets to the IslandMadeline HarperIf you have a large family that needs a spacious island, you may struggle to find room for appliances elsewhere. Try incorporating deep cabinets underneath the island for maximum storage space like Arterberry Cooke and Captex Construction did in this setup.Photo by: Madeline Harper6Create an Appliance or Pantry GarageGreg RieglerIf you don’t like to look at certain appliances all day or if your home simply doesn’t have the room to keep them out all the time, try storing them behind closed doors like designer Cheryl Clendenon did here. When you’re ready to use them, open up the “garage” door for easy access. You can also use any additional space to store snacks and other supplies in metal bins. Photo by: Greg RieglerSHOP METAL BINSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Design a Wine and Drinks SectionHaute’XposureInstead of throwing all of your drinks into one cabinet, take inspiration from designer Katarina Ymer and create a wine and drinks section of your kitchen for added organization. Not only are drinks easier to grab from open shelving, the bottles also act as decoration. Photo by: Haute’Xposure8Match Kitchen AppliancesHaute’XposureTake note from Sofia Clara Interiors and organize appliances by color. Matching appliances can make all the difference if you’re going for a monochromatic look in your kitchen. Shopping for the same brand create consistency in your space, and it may even help you feel more organized. Photo by: Haute’Xposure9Group DishwareDan Lopez Paniagua of Arris PhotographyAmple storage is key in the kitchen. For a minimal look like this shelving system by design-and-build firm Forge & Bow Dwellings, display similar dishware in cabinets with glass fronts, allowing space between the items. Photo by: Arris PhotographyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below10Install Pull-Down ShelvesHulya Kolabas11Cut Down on Duplicate ItemsMagnet KitchensSpatulas, utensils and kitchen tools quickly accumulate in the kitchen. “While it’s tempting to buy the latest kitchen gadgets, such as bagel cutters or egg slicers, it’s more efficient to get into the habit of investing in kitchen items that have more than one use,” says Jen Nash, senior design lead at Magnet Kitchens. See more at Magnet Kitchens »12Stock Shelves With EssentialsStacy Zarin GoldbergFill shelves with food staples to minimize shopping trips. Hint: Place the newest boxes, containers and cans behind the older stuff, so you’ll use the older food first.Photo by: Stacy Zarin GoldbergAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Label Food Storage CanistersA Beautiful Mess14Add Shelves in the CupboardMagnet KitchensExtra shelving will double your storage space. Jen Nash, senior design lead at Magnet, suggests: “Measure the existing shelf, find some new ones of the same size and insert them into cabinetry with mounting hooks. This hack also enables you to customize your shelving.”See more at Magnet Kitchens »15Build in Kitchen Island Storage Sara Ligorria-TrampOpen shelving is making its way into kitchen islands. Here, custom shelves make it possible to stow away ingredients — while still keeping them within reach as you prep. See more at Style by Emily Henderson »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Give Everything a Place in the FridgeGetty Images/iStockPhotoWhen everything in your fridge is visible, it makes meal prep way more efficient — plus, you’ll waste less food when nothing is hiding in the back. Organize fresh fruits and vegetables on shelves and in the crisper drawers (leafy greens are best kept here, for instance). Place dairy products at the top of your fridge and use lower shelves or bottom drawers for meats. 17Hide Pantry Items in BasketsMadeline Harper18Create an Electronics DrawerNicole LarsonSay goodbye to messy cords. In this professional organizer’s Tribeca kitchen, designed by Ellen Schott of Bakes & Kropp, devices stay concealed and charged.Photo by: Nicole LarsonAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Suspend Open ShelvingStoffer Photography20Use a Pegboard Drawer OrganizerMagnet KitchensAlyssa 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.Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Professional organizers — though they swear they’re not perfect! — tend to be the type of people who just have it all together. So, of course, we wondered what they do every morning to set their day up for success. When we asked a bunch of organizing pros, we were surprised to learn that it’s not all about clever tricks for decluttering their space. In fact, many of them preached healthy habits that will help you feel energized, focused and ready to take on the day. Take a look at the top things these pros do every morning, and we promise, your whole life will feel a bit more organized. Related StoriesStart the day with a check-in.Rather than reaching for your phone to check emails or starting on your list of chores, give yourself a few minutes of peace, using that time to check on your physical, mental and emotional well-being.”I like to do a mantra, often in the shower, just a phrase I say that allows me to check in with my day’s capacity,” says Maeve Richmond, founder of the organizing coaching service Maeve’s Method. “I read about a CEO who asks himself each morning, ‘What type of day am I having, on a scale of 1 to 10?’ If I’m feeling a 5, then I know to tone things down, as I might not be at my best. If I’m feeling an 8, I go for it — and honestly, some days I am feeling at zero and I need to be gentle on myself.”Make your bed.This simple task can help you kick off a more productive day. Not only does making the bed keep your room looking tidy, it can help improve your mood and provide a feeling of accomplishment — which might encourage you to tackle the rest of your to-dos. Making the bed in the morning also means coming home to a clean bedroom. “At the end of the day, I want to relax and crawl into bed without fighting with the sheets,” says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter. Maria Korneeva//Getty Images”For years, I loved the freedom of not making my bed, but as I grew older, I began to understand that not doing it meant crawling into a crumpled bed at night,” adds Richmond. “Bedding that is tangled, misaligned or half falling off the bed can disrupt our sleep. The key to a restful night’s sleep — and ultimately a productive day — is eliminating anything that causes our body to ‘toss and turn’ in the night.” Related StoriesReview your to-do list.Try giving yourself a few minutes in the morning before thinking about your responsibilities, but looking over your to-do list can help you prioritize and organize the day. “Having a routine can help you set priorities, reduce procrastination and track your goals,” says Rosenthal, who spends a few minutes each morning reviewing her daily tasks to ensure she’s using time effectively.Stobbe also dedicates a few minutes to her email and answers important messages first thing in the morning — which she says starts her day “with as little as possible cluttering my mind.”Lean into prepping.”As a working mom with an eight-year-old daughter, I’ve learned that a smooth morning starts the night before,” says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban Organyze. “My evening routine includes cleaning up the kitchen and running the dishwasher, prepping the coffee machine, packing my work bag and laying out my clothes for the next day. This preparation simplifies my morning tasks and lightens my mental load — because let’s face it, the fewer decisions I have to make pre-coffee, the better.”Tom And Steve//Getty ImagesWrite daily reminders.Here’s a low-tech life hack everyone should learn: If you need to remember something, stick it right smack where you’ll see it.”If I need to bring something with me, I put it right in front of the door,” says Williams. “I might tape a reminder to my mirror, my bedroom door, the refrigerator — or all three! I recently taped a note to the toilet tank because I had a head cold and really needed to remember something — I knew I’d stumble into the bathroom in a fog but still see the note.”Meditate, even for just a few minutes.Many of the pros we spoke to espoused mediating in the morning — and that’s actually not surprising. Studies have shown that meditation can help ease stress and anxiety, and make you more focused. But don’t think you need a formal system — even five minutes of quiet time could do the trick. “I just lie there — not looking at my phone or rushing to get out of bed,” says Amelia Meena, pro organizer and founder of Appleshine. “I find that those first few moments when I wake up have such clarity and gratitude, before the stress of the day sets in. I recite a daily mantra, or a daily meditation — this has taken different forms over the years but I’ve always had one — it’s how I stay connected to the universe and stay reminded that life is larger than the days’ problems.” Do one thing that makes you happy.”Life’s too short to have grumpy mornings!” says Rashelle Isip, the Order Expert. “You could listen to a favorite song, read your favorite quotes, watch a funny video or just tell yourself you’re ready to have an enjoyable day.”It can be as simple as enjoying your morning brew. “I savor a few moments of peace with my hot coffee, which is a non-negotiable ritual I look forward to each day,” says Kinsella. “Those precious five minutes with my coffee aren’t just about caffeine — they’re my morning moment of peace.” monkeybusinessimages//Getty ImagesLay out your clothes the night before.Decision fatigue is a real thing: If you waste too much energy on choices that don’t really matter much (like what outfit to wear), you might find that you’re not making great decisions at the end of the day. Plus, making decisions is a time suck in the morning — so cut them out.That could mean having the same breakfast every day or adopting a daily “uniform,” minimizing the time you have to pick out clothes. Or, if you prefer a little variety, at least try choosing an outfit the night before. “It’s easier to get out of bed for my morning walk when my clothes are laid out on a chair next to my bed,” says Stobbe. “This means I didn’t have to decide anything first thing in the morning and I didn’t waste time looking for clothes.” Related StoriesOverseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies). She loves anything neon coral, puts bacon on her veggie burgers, and would follow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to the end of the earth.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. More

Professional organizers — though they swear they’re not perfect! — tend to be the type of people who just have it all together. So, of course, we wondered what they do every morning to set their day up for success. When we asked a bunch of organizing pros, we were surprised to learn that it’s not all about clever tricks for decluttering their space. In fact, many of them preached healthy habits that will help you feel energized, focused and ready to take on the day. Take a look at the top things these pros do every morning, and we promise, your whole life will feel a bit more organized. Related StoriesStart the day with a check-in.Rather than reaching for your phone to check emails or starting on your list of chores, give yourself a few minutes of peace, using that time to check on your physical, mental and emotional well-being.”I like to do a mantra, often in the shower, just a phrase I say that allows me to check in with my day’s capacity,” says Maeve Richmond, founder of the organizing coaching service Maeve’s Method. “I read about a CEO who asks himself each morning, ‘What type of day am I having, on a scale of 1 to 10?’ If I’m feeling a 5, then I know to tone things down, as I might not be at my best. If I’m feeling an 8, I go for it — and honestly, some days I am feeling at zero and I need to be gentle on myself.”Make your bed.This simple task can help you kick off a more productive day. Not only does making the bed keep your room looking tidy, it can help improve your mood and provide a feeling of accomplishment — which might encourage you to tackle the rest of your to-dos. Making the bed in the morning also means coming home to a clean bedroom. “At the end of the day, I want to relax and crawl into bed without fighting with the sheets,” says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter. Maria Korneeva//Getty Images”For years, I loved the freedom of not making my bed, but as I grew older, I began to understand that not doing it meant crawling into a crumpled bed at night,” adds Richmond. “Bedding that is tangled, misaligned or half falling off the bed can disrupt our sleep. The key to a restful night’s sleep — and ultimately a productive day — is eliminating anything that causes our body to ‘toss and turn’ in the night.” Related StoriesReview your to-do list.Try giving yourself a few minutes in the morning before thinking about your responsibilities, but looking over your to-do list can help you prioritize and organize the day. “Having a routine can help you set priorities, reduce procrastination and track your goals,” says Rosenthal, who spends a few minutes each morning reviewing her daily tasks to ensure she’s using time effectively.Stobbe also dedicates a few minutes to her email and answers important messages first thing in the morning — which she says starts her day “with as little as possible cluttering my mind.”Lean into prepping.”As a working mom with an eight-year-old daughter, I’ve learned that a smooth morning starts the night before,” says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban Organyze. “My evening routine includes cleaning up the kitchen and running the dishwasher, prepping the coffee machine, packing my work bag and laying out my clothes for the next day. This preparation simplifies my morning tasks and lightens my mental load — because let’s face it, the fewer decisions I have to make pre-coffee, the better.”Tom And Steve//Getty ImagesWrite daily reminders.Here’s a low-tech life hack everyone should learn: If you need to remember something, stick it right smack where you’ll see it.”If I need to bring something with me, I put it right in front of the door,” says Williams. “I might tape a reminder to my mirror, my bedroom door, the refrigerator — or all three! I recently taped a note to the toilet tank because I had a head cold and really needed to remember something — I knew I’d stumble into the bathroom in a fog but still see the note.”Meditate, even for just a few minutes.Many of the pros we spoke to espoused mediating in the morning — and that’s actually not surprising. Studies have shown that meditation can help ease stress and anxiety, and make you more focused. But don’t think you need a formal system — even five minutes of quiet time could do the trick. “I just lie there — not looking at my phone or rushing to get out of bed,” says Amelia Meena, pro organizer and founder of Appleshine. “I find that those first few moments when I wake up have such clarity and gratitude, before the stress of the day sets in. I recite a daily mantra, or a daily meditation — this has taken different forms over the years but I’ve always had one — it’s how I stay connected to the universe and stay reminded that life is larger than the days’ problems.” Do one thing that makes you happy.”Life’s too short to have grumpy mornings!” says Rashelle Isip, the Order Expert. “You could listen to a favorite song, read your favorite quotes, watch a funny video or just tell yourself you’re ready to have an enjoyable day.”It can be as simple as enjoying your morning brew. “I savor a few moments of peace with my hot coffee, which is a non-negotiable ritual I look forward to each day,” says Kinsella. “Those precious five minutes with my coffee aren’t just about caffeine — they’re my morning moment of peace.” monkeybusinessimages//Getty ImagesLay out your clothes the night before.Decision fatigue is a real thing: If you waste too much energy on choices that don’t really matter much (like what outfit to wear), you might find that you’re not making great decisions at the end of the day. Plus, making decisions is a time suck in the morning — so cut them out.That could mean having the same breakfast every day or adopting a daily “uniform,” minimizing the time you have to pick out clothes. Or, if you prefer a little variety, at least try choosing an outfit the night before. “It’s easier to get out of bed for my morning walk when my clothes are laid out on a chair next to my bed,” says Stobbe. “This means I didn’t have to decide anything first thing in the morning and I didn’t waste time looking for clothes.” Related StoriesOverseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies). She loves anything neon coral, puts bacon on her veggie burgers, and would follow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to the end of the earth.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. More

1Book BinsCrafting CheerfullyPut leftover boxes to good use with this DIY book bin craft. All you have to do is cover the box with construction paper and clear packing tape. You can also add a book series logo or write your own design on the front for added personalization. This craft is also a fun way to help kids stay organized and may even encourage more reading. Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »2Pipe Cleaner SpiderA Sparkle of Genius3Origami HeartsAlice and LoisWhether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or your kids just want to practice their cutting and folding skills, these simple paper hearts are an easy way to get them interested in origami crafts. With just thick paper, scissors and their two hands, kids will be able to transform the colored paper of their choice into a cute decorative heart. Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Bedroom Door SignCrafting CheerfullyWith a small chalkboard, watercolor paint and some ribbon, kids can have fun decorating a sign to hang outside their bedroom door. The best part? They can change their message as often as they want so that the craft lives on even after the main work is completed. SHOP MINI CHALKBOARDSGet the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »5Rock PaintingCrafty Little GnomeRock painting is a simple, fun project that combines outdoor activity with crafting. Plus, kids can have complete creative control over what they paint on their rocks. Whether it’s a cartoon face or a design of some sort, their rock painting can be put to display in the garden or indoors. Get the tutorial at Crafty Little Gnome »6Minion PencilsKid Friendly Things to DoIf your kids love the “Despicable Me” franchise, these minion pencils are the perfect craft for them. With pencils, googly eyes and foam paper, create your own mischievious minion. Draw on facial expressions with a black Sharpie and voila – writing just got more fun. Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Styrofoam Cup CrabsCrafts by AmandaPerfect for a beach day, these styrofoam cup crabs are easy to make and require little materials. Paint a cup the color of your choice, cut some pipe cleaners for legs and add googly eyes up top. Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »8Branch Spider Web WreathMike GartenPreparing for Halloween? Try out this wreath made from spider webbing and twigs! Have your kids gather some sticks, cutting or breaking them so that they are between five and ten inches long. Assist them in cutting a wreath shape out of cardboard. It should be around twelve inches in diameter with a five-inch circle cut out from the inside. Hot glue the twigs to the wreath, layering them so that they fill up all of the space on the cardboard. After drying, stretch spider webbing around and tuck in a few fake spiders with hot glue. SHOP SPIDER WEBBING9Embellished Bow Mike GartenHere’s a quick way to take a basic straw basket to the next level! Kids can embellish bows with iron-on patches and stenciled monograms. Help them create their own bows using a 3″ wired ribbon or purchase a large one to design. Then, use fabric glue to attach the decorative patches. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Monster Windsocks Crafts by Amanda11Paper FlowersMike GartenThey’ll enjoy making these colorful paper flowers to decorate their bedrooms. They’ll first fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Have them fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist it around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.SHOP CUPCAKE LINERS12Paper Bag Kite Typically SimpleSpring is the perfect time to fly a kite. Luckily, kids can make their own with paper lunch bags. Let them embellish the bags with stickers, washi tape, paint and any other accessories. Then, work on attaching the yarn and streamers so the kite will be ready to fly. Get the tutorial at Typically Simple »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Carrot Treat Cones Mike GatenEaster may have passed, but that doesn’t mean this carrot treat cone craft should too! To make, you’ll need to print out our carrot template. Then gather the essentials: coffee filters, orange paper, double-stick tape, green craft paint, twine, a clothespin, a wire hanger, paper towel and scissors.Steps:Mix a few drops of green craft paint with water until it reaches the consistency of milk. Soak coffee filters in the paint mixture until fully saturated (you can do this simultaneously).Squeeze out excess paint and lay the filters flat to dry on paper towels or hang them from a hanger with a clip or clothespin. Download our template and trace it onto orange paper.Cut out and roll the template into a cone shape, adhering the sides with double stick tape. Cut out the center of the painted coffee filters.Attach the remaining paper to the inside edge of the cone with double-stick tape. Fill the “carrot” cone with small treats and tie twine around the top to close.14Dinosaur Nightlife Terrarium Crafts by Amanda15Clay Crab Necklace Hello WonderfulAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Cardboard SunsThe House That Lars Built17Paint Marker Candles Mike GartenGrab some paint markers (or acrylic paint) and watch them draw flowers, swirls and all sorts of cool shapes and designs on taper candles. Use a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove any lint and debris before starting. SHOP TAPER CANDLES18Toilet Paper Frog The Best Ideas for KidsYou’re sure to have these supplies in your kid’s craft box. Grab those discarded toilet paper rolls for kids to paint and turn into frogs. Then, have them transform paper plates into lily pads. Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Painted Baskets Mike GatenIt doesn’t get more simple than this: Kids can spend time outdoors painting the wood strips of plain wooden baskets to carry their toys in and out of the house. SHOP ACRYLIC PAINT20Pool Noodle Boats The Best Ideas for KidsMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ new color of the year is here, and there’s a special guest star involved!Inspired by the societal shift toward more leisurely living, the paint brand has announced Quietude as its 2025 Color of the Year, a cool green featured in their wider collection of the year, Naturally Refined. These 10 soft, luxurious hues are meant to be incorporated into any space, whether that’s the living room, office setup or your home’s exterior. “Not only are the colors in Naturally Refined accessible with creamy neutrals and muted greens, yellows and oranges, but they also help DIYers achieve an effortless elegance that makes their home feel peaceful and inviting,” says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.While neutrals have always been on trend because of their versatility, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams believes we’re taking a step back from more traditional whites and grays and moving towards warm, softened colors — think muted greens, yellows and oranges — that are still easy to integrate into any home. “The soft and timeless hues in the collection inspire a sense of quiet luxury and comfort through color and can be incorporated in endless ways throughout both indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Banbury.See More of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color CollectionOpen GalleryThe best part? You can actually see how these colors would look in your own home, thanks to the brand’s latest collaboration with Venus Williams’ design platform Palazzo, an AI-powered home visualization tool founded by the tennis champion alongside Raffi Holzer and Edward Lando. “Visualization in home design is a game-changer, and our partnership with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams will allow us to push boundaries and set a new standard in this space,” says Williams on Palazzo’s site. As the exclusive paint partner for the platform, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams has launched their 2025 Color Collection of the Year, Quietude included, on Palazzo. The collection’s range of soft colors is the perfect start for consumers who are over the whites, grays and blacks but aren’t necessarily ready to paint their living room an overly bold shade. Now, consumers can test out any color from the collection in any room of their home. Interested in a neutral chocolate or a rusty orange? Play around with Nutshell or Spiced Cider. And if you don’t love it, wipe it away with the push of a button and try something new. The possibilities are endless.”Palazzo is all about the story of home, and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams is about the story of color, combining these two things together made a lot of sense from a mission standpoint for both our companies,” says Stephanie Seril, head of marketing and growth at Palazzo.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

✔️ Capacity: When choosing an indoor herb garden, consider how many herbs you want to grow and whether you’d like to experiment with other greens (like lettuce). Indoor herb gardens can grow as few as three plants to over 30. Keep in mind that the more herbs you want to grow, the bigger the device and the more space it takes up. ✔️ Dimensions: Indoor herb gardens come in a variety of sizes from a three-pot windowsill size to large growing systems that are over 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Make sure to check the dimensions of the herb grower to ensure it will fit in your space. ✔️ Variety of herbs/vegetables: Many indoor herb gardens can grow other produce such as lettuce or fruit, so if you want to grow more than just herbs, you may want to opt for a larger device. Also, be sure to check the type of pods available for each garden since some garden kits are only compatible with their own pods. ✔️ Self-watering: Some indoor herb gardens have timers to automatically water according to a schedule, while others require manual watering. If you’re the type to forget to water your plants, you’ll want to invest in an automatic machine. ✔️ Lighting: Window herb planters are a simple, affordable option, but maybe don’t include a grow light — which means, you’ll need to consider sunlight conditions in your home. Some herb gardens feature lighting that can manually switch on and off, while others have self-timers that operate according to schedule.✔️ Buying seeds and pods: Some indoor herb gardens require the use of the brand’s seeds or pods and for others, you can buy your own seeds. If the brand requires its own seeds or pods, be sure they have the herbs you want. More

Installing wooden fences, decks or siding can cost a small fortune (especially with lumber prices still sky-high) — which is why homeowners need these exterior features to last a long time. Enter wood stains, such as Benjamin Moore Woodluxe® line, which coat and protect outdoor wooden structures from the elements while enhancing the natural grain. In addition to preserving the integrity of the material and shielding boards from sun damage and frost, stains keep porches, fences and backyard chairs alike looking beautiful. But that protection doesn’t last forever, so applying a coat of stain should be a regular home-maintenance task, just like HVAC servicing or inspecting your roof. And selecting the right product for your job starts with understanding the different types on the market. So to help break down popular formulations and transparencies, we spoke to some experts.Benjamin MooreThe Components of StainStains consist of pigments or dyes suspended in a solvent. “The solvent gets the stain onto the wood, and then it evaporates,” says Caleb Roth, a Nashville-based stain expert and podcast host. Different types of stains utilize different solvents, such as water (more environmentally friendly) and chemicals like benzene and denatured alcohol.Then there’s the pigments, often made of iron oxide: Think of them as suntan lotion, says Roth. “If you have a little bit of pigment, it’s like SPF 10. If you have a lot of pigment, like in a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain, it’s going to be SPF 200. Generally, the more pigment a stain has, the longer life it’s going to have,” he says. Stain formulations also include a binder (such as resin), which helps the pigment adhere to the wood, and additives that serve other purposes including protecting wood from water damage.Benjamin Moore(SIDING) French Canvas OC-41, Element Guard, Low Lustre; (DOORS) Silhouette AF-655, Element Guard, Low Lustre; (TRIM) French Canvas OC-41, Element Guard, Soft Gloss; (PORCH CEILING) Hazy Skies OC-48, Element Guard, Flat; (COLUMN) French Canvas OC-41, Element Guard, Soft Gloss; (DECK) Leather Saddle Brown 2100-20, Woodluxe, WB Semi-Transparent Pick Your BaseWood stains come in three different formula types: Water-based, oil-based and hybrid. Typically, water-based stains are film-forming, “meaning that rather than going into the wood, they sit on top of the wood,” explains Roth. “They’re similar to paint in that they create a layer over the wood surface.” This is also one of their downsides: Since wood expands and contracts over time, film-forming stains are more prone to cracks that allow water to get inside, where it can create mold or start to rot the wood. On the plus side, water-based stains are a more environmentally friendly option. And they offer more color options, says Brian Shaunfield, a Charlotte, NC based hardware store manager. “They also dry within a few hours and clean up easily with soap and water.”Oil-based stains, on the other hand, penetrate deep into the wood and protect it from the inside out. “It’s sort of replacing the natural oils that are in the tree,” Roth says. “When you cut the tree down, there’s lots of natural oils there that dry out. And so if we can put oil back into the wood, the wood lasts longer and looks better.” Oil-based stains also tend to be more durable and let the wood breathe—meaning if water does enter a board, it can wick itself through, preventing water damage and warping. However, they are messier and trickier to apply, and take longer to dry. They require using chemicals for clean-up and are higher in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them less environmentally friendly. If you’re going with an oil-based stain, Roth stresses the importance of looking for one with “low-VOC” on the label. Benjamin MooreFind Your Finish“Choose a level of transparency based on the look and protection you want,” says Shaunfield. Clear stains have, as you’d expect, zero color and let the wood’s beautiful natural grain take center stage, but they usually need to be applied annually — especially in four-season climates or harsh winters. While it does add protection against water and UV light, this option allows your wood to turn gray naturally for that coveted weathered look. Roth says clear stains are especially great if you are working with red cedar: “You can achieve that silvery look that everybody loves.” One tiny notch further on the color scale are transparent wood stains, which, according to Shaunfield, “have a slight tint and provide more protection than clear stains.” Semi-transparent stains are a bit more pigmented and work well for new or old wood. These types should be reapplied every two or three years. And semi-solid stains have even more pigmentation. “They work really well if you still want to see some wood grain, but maybe you’ve got really old wood or some mismatched boards,” says Roth. Finally, solid stains have rich color, hide most of the wood’s natural color and grain — so don’t use them on something made from beautiful or exotic hardwoods — and are a good option for seriously weathered boards. “They cover in a similar fashion to paint, and are best for fencing and outdoor furniture,” says Shaunfield. One more thing to keep in mind is that exterior stain colors are either pre-tinted or tintable. Pre-tinted ones are ready to use in traditional shades of brown, while the tintable options are available in natural colors as well as fun options like green and blue. Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe stains conveniently come in oil- and water-bases, four opacities and thousands of rich colors — so that no matter your project, you can find a stain that matches your needs. More