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1DIY a Plant ShelfA Beautiful MessTransform your window sill into a shelf for your favorite plants. They need the fresh sunlight, after all. Place a few right on the windowsill itself, or build a two-tier shelf to fit even more succulents. See more at A Beautiful Mess »2Cozy up a Window BenchBless’er HouseIf you’re lucky enough to have a cozy window seat in your home, you might as well dress it up with cushions, pillows and blankets. Whether you choose to lay down with a good book or simply daydream into the distance, window benches are the ultimate relaxation spot. See more at Bless’er House »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Show off Floral Arrangements@ahometomakeyousmileWith lighting like this, it’s almost impossible not to stare at these stunning floral arrangements. Embrace your love for all-things-floral and place your vases right on the window sill so you can enjoy looking at them from the comfort of your own couch. See more @ahometomakeyousmile »4Go VintageBrepurposedAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Add a Few Picture FramesLiudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesDepending on the size of your window sill, you might be able to fit a few of your best family photos. Frame your favorite memories with loved ones and put them on display all year round.6Utilize the Extra Storage SpaceFor The HomeBlogger Christine Higgs of For the Home places her jar of kitchen utensils right on the window sill for easy access while cooking. If you have a window right above the stove, consider using it to store spices or other kitchen gadgets to free up some space elsewhere. See more at For the Home »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Display a Cutting BoardThe DIY PlaybookSure, cutting boards are a useful kitchen tool. But some are even pretty enough to put on display full time. This blogger uses one of her small cutting boards for a plant and candle she lights every night after dinner.See more at The DIY Playbook »8Ditch the Nightstand Анатолий Тушенцов//Getty ImagesIf you have a window right next to your bed, you might be able to ditch your night stand for good. Keep your lamp right on the window sill. Not only is it convenient, it’s also stylish.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Add Holiday DecorFor The HomeWhen the holiday season comes around, use your windowsill to create the ultimate winter wonderland. Christine Higgs of For the Home incorporates bottle brush trees in her bedroom for a touch of holiday charm. See more at For the Home »10Add a Pop of ColorStyle by Emily HendersonWhat’s better than the fresh smell of coffee paired with some morning sunlight? Paint your window sill for an unexpected pop of color and top it off with some greenery for the coffee station of your dreams. See more at Style by Emily Henderson » Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Turn It Into a Reading NookDomestically Blissful12Plant a Herb GardenThe DIY PlaybookAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Take Advantage of ShelvingStyle by Emily Henderson14Stack Some BooksEkaterina Morozova//Getty ImagesDon’t have room for a full bookshelf? Stack a few of your favorites on the window sill. It doesn’t count as clutter if it looks good, right?Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Extend the LedgeStyle by Emily HendersonDIY your own headboard right under your bedroom window for an extended ledge. Decorate with artwork, plants or even incorporate your own tray table like this blogger does. See more at Style by Emily Henderson »16Brighten up the Placegollykim//Getty ImagesA fresh vase of summer flowers has the power to transform any space. Whether in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, consider adding a few floral arrangements. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Incorporate AntiquesInspired by Charm18Install More ShelvesStyle by Emily HendersonIf one window sill just isn’t enough, don’t worry. Install more shelves right above the window sill. With open shelving, you’ll have more storage space without blocking any of that much-needed sunlight.See more at Style by Emily Henderson »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Decorate a PlanterIt All Started With PaintPut that old planter box to use by incorporating it into your home decor. Fill it with candles, flowers or anything else you want to show off on your window sill. See more at It All Started With Paint »20Keep It FreshJenna Sue DesignLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

For some reason, many people’s vision of grandma’s house tends to consist of the same key features: charming knick knacks, cozy throws, antique glassware and other personality-filled decor. Grandma’s house is eclectic yet traditional, cluttered yet collected and beyond anything else — authentically her own. With over 50,000 posts under the hashtag “Grandmacore,” TikTok users are embracing design features that take them back to the good old days at grandma’s. “I totally get the grandmacore appeal. It’s cozy, personal and a big ol’ hug in decor form. It’s trending because people are craving just that — comfort and a sense of story in their space, especially after years of minimalism’s cold, gray and beige reign,” says Kristina Lawrence of Kristina Lawrence Interior Design.While many of us have fond memories of grandma’s house and seek to recreate the warm, inviting vibe she so gracefully mastered, the “grandmacore aesthetic” is about more than just breaking out a few antiques and throwing some doilies on the table — it can actually be quite tricky to pull off without proper guidance. We spoke to a few interior designers for insight on the trend, including how to nail it while sticking to your own preferred interior design style. Related StoryWhat Is the “Grandmacore Aesthetic?””The grandmacore aesthetic draws inspiration from the cozy, traditional style often associated with, well, grandmas,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design. “It emphasizes a nostalgic, layered look through the use of vintage pieces and mixed patterns. The result is a warm, slightly cluttered charm that feels both familiar and cozy.”Think embroidered pillows, tchotchkes and bold wallpaper. Grandmacore is all about building character within a home. “In a time when we’re all being encouraged to lean into individuality, grandmacore is a style that wholeheartedly celebrates you,” says Madison Shoemaker of Inside Stories.Why Is Grandmacore Trending?Retro design trends have been making a comeback for quite some time now. Vintage glassware, decorative molding and antique decor are just a few of the ways homeowners are welcoming design elements of years past back into their homes. But grandmacore is a bit more complex.While incorporating trends from earlier decades is certainly part of grandmacore, there’s another important aspect to the trend — expressing yourself through home design. “Grandmacore invites you to leave out the family photos, display that quirky flea market find and embrace pieces that don’t necessarily ‘match’ but mean something to you,” says Shoemaker.In other words, there’s no particular design feature or piece of decor you should display to achieve the grandmacore aesthetic. It’s more of a concept, one where you can display whatever adds a piece of who you are to a space, and that’s what people love so much about it. Pro Tips to Master the TrendBefore you start digging out all your vintage finds and family heirlooms to scatter throughout the house, take a few pieces of practical advice from pro designers. KatarzynaBialasiewicz//Getty Images ✔️ Find the sweet spot: “Grandmacore subscribes to the ‘more-is-more’ mindset, but eventually you can hit the point of ‘too much.’ Try mixing in a few simpler pieces with clean lines and solid patterns,” says Shoemaker.✔️ Allow for breathing room: “Be sure to create moments where the eye can rest. For example, an armchair in a subtle, tone-on-tone tweed can provide a calming backdrop for a brighter pillow and ottoman,” says Jay. ✔️ Prioritize meaningful pieces: “To decorate grandmacore-style without going full antique store explosion, pick a few meaningful heirlooms with history to them, add some warm textures like lace or velvet, throw in some beautifully patina’d metals and wood and stick to a muted, nature-inspired palette,” says Lawrence. ✔️ Don’t be afraid to mix and match: “The key is to layer textures and prints freely and bring in texture through a mix of hard materials — especially rich, warm wood tones,” says Jay.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

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1Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri)Barbara Rich//Getty ImagesSweet, fragrant and compact enough for a sunny window, Meyer lemon trees are a citrus lover’s dream. Their fruit is less acidic than regular lemons, making them ideal for cooking and cocktails. These trees thrive in containers, as long as you don’t overwater them. “They’re very sensitive to wet roots,” Ali explains. “Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes, and fertilize regularly with citrus food.” These trees are prone to spider mites and need periodic checks during winter.Zones: 8-11 (bring indoors in cooler zones)Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 1-2 years (if grafted)Pollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-Friendly: YesRELATED: How to Grow a Lemon Tree, According to Gardening Experts2Fig (Ficus carica)by IAISI//Getty ImagesFigs are among the easiest fruit trees for home gardeners. They grow quickly, adapt well to containers and produce rich, honeyed fruit — often in their second or third year. Davey Institute experts praise their adaptability but recommend keeping the tree warm and well-pruned. “Figs need a lot of sun and do best when the soil dries slightly between waterings,” Ali advises. While most varieties don’t require pollination partners, some may drop fruit if stressed, so consistent care matters.USDA Zones: 7-10Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Yes, especially dwarf varietiesRELATED: How to Grow Fresh Figs Right in Your BackyardAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Peach (Prunus persica)Bob Pool//Getty ImagesThe idea of plucking a sun-warmed peach from your own tree sounds irresistible, but it comes with a bit of work. Peaches are fast-growing and productive, especially if you choose a dwarf variety for small spaces, but they’re also prone to disease. “They’re particularly susceptible to peach leaf curl,” Ali warns. Preventative spraying and annual pruning are essential to keep the tree healthy and productive.USDA Zones: 5-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-4 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Dwarf types only4Mulberry (Morus spp.)Ali Majdfar//Getty ImagesMulberries are a favorite among wildlife and gardeners who love a fast payoff. These trees grow quickly and begin producing juicy, blackberry-like fruit within a year or two. Ali calls them “one of the easiest fruit trees to maintain,” but advises planting them away from patios or walkways, since dropped fruit can stain. Minimal pruning and full sun are all they need to flourish.USDA Zones: 4-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 1-2 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Dwarf or weeping types onlyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)BLK_Design//Getty ImagesLoquats are a warm-climate gem, offering clusters of sweet-tart, golden fruit and lush, evergreen foliage. They bloom and fruit in winter or early spring, making them unique among fruit trees. Their flowers are frost-sensitive, so they’re best for climates with mild winters. “Good drainage and full sun are critical,” Ali says. While they can grow in large containers, loquats thrive in the ground and need protection from cold snaps during bloom time.USDA Zones: 8-10Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Somewhat, prefers in-ground6Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)wulingyun//Getty ImagesMandarins are a favorite for their sweet flavor and peel-and-eat convenience, and they grow especially well in containers. Just be sure to give them the heat and sun they crave. They require consistent warmth and a citrus-specific potting mix. Water deeply, let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings and keep an eye out for scale and aphids. Like Meyer lemons, they’re ideal for sunny patios and overwintering indoors in cooler zones.USDA Zones: 8-11Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: YesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Pomegranate (Punica granatum)Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty ImagesPomegranates are beautiful, resilient and surprisingly easy to grow. With showy flowers and antioxidant-packed fruit, they’re an ornamental and edible powerhouse. They tolerate drought and poor soil well, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Dwarf varieties do well in containers. Prune regularly to encourage airflow and shape, and hold off on watering as fruit nears maturity for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.USDA Zones: 7-10Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Yes; dwarf types preferred8Persimmon (Diospyros spp.)Pakin Songmor//Getty ImagesPersimmons bring beauty and flavor, with glossy foliage and deep orange fruit that ripens in fall. For beginners, non-astringent varieties like ‘Fuyu’ are the easiest choice. “These are generally low-maintenance trees,” Ali says. Just stake young trees for support and make sure they’re in full sun. For astringent types, allow the fruit to fully ripen on the tree to mellow the bitterness.USDA Zones: 4-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 3-5 yearsPollination: Many are self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Dwarf types onlyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)NNehring//Getty ImagesApricots are a bit of a gamble — but when they pay off, it’s worth it. Their delicate blossoms appear early in spring, which makes them vulnerable to frost damage. “Choose cold-hardy varieties and site them in a sheltered, sunny location,”Ali recommends. While self-pollinating, they benefit from some hands-on care like fruit thinning (removing excess fruit) and regular pruning. Expect a challenge, but also an exceptionally sweet reward.USDA Zones: 5-8Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-4 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Not ideal; prefers in-ground10Cherry (Prunus avium / Prunus cerasus)saraTM//Getty ImagesCherries offer dazzling spring blooms and mouthwatering fruit, but they’re not the easiest to grow. “Sweet cherries usually need a pollinator and lots of airflow to avoid disease,” says Ali. Sour cherries are more compact and often self-pollinating, making them better suited for small gardens or containers. Protect the fruit with netting if birds are a problem, and be ready to invest in consistent pruning and monitoring.USDA Zones: 4-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 3-5 yearsPollination: Some varieties self-pollinate; others require cross-pollinationContainer-friendly: Not ideal; dwarf sour types onlyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11 Dwarf Apple (Malus domestica)Dhoxax//Getty ImagesDwarf apple trees are ideal for small yards and patios, offering the classic apple experience in a scaled-down form. They’re relatively fast to produce, but they do need a bit of care to stay healthy. “Regular pruning is a must, and so is pest and disease management,” says Ali. Apple scab and codling moths are common issues, so stay alert. If your variety isn’t self-pollinating, be sure to plant a compatible cultivar nearby for best results.USDA Zones: 3-8Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-4 yearsPollination: Some varieties self-pollinate; others need cross-pollination Container-friendly: Dwarf types onlyDebbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

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If you’ve been scrolling online the past few weeks, you may have noticed a laundry “hack” pop up in your feed. You know the one, where people are tossing their laundry detergent cap into their washing machine with their clothes, claiming it will help prevent the cap from becoming sticky and filled with detergent residue. But as with everything you see online, you’re probably asking yourself if it really works. To figure it out once and for all, we asked Carolyn Forté, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab executive director, for her input on the matter. Here’s what she had to say.Should you put your laundry cap in the machine?In this day in age, no. This may come as a surprise, especially because many detergents state on their label that you can add them to the washer to clean. But here’s why you shouldn’t.”In older machines that used a lot more water, the cap would likely get rinsed clean, but now, it’s more likely to get caught in your clothes, cause snags and even crack and leave behind bits of plastic in your washer,” says Forté. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using this “hack,” especially if you have a new washing machine. Instead of tossing the cap in the washer, Forté recommends rinsing the cap separately in the sink. It may take a few extra seconds, but your clothes and washer will thank you. If you’re having a hard time kicking the cap habit, here are a few of our favorite laundry detergents, without caps, that we’d recommend you use instead. Best Capless Laundry DetergentsBest OverallTide Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent PacsBest ValueCleancult Laundry Detergent SheetsBest TabletsBLUELAND Laundry Detergent Tablet Starter SetHelpful Laundry HacksKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More