Home Ideas

If you’re trying to decide between purchasing a fabric or woven hamper or a plastic basket, Forté recommended considering the size and shape of both. “Hampers hold more, are deeper and are a place to toss in dirty laundry until you can wash it,” she said. You can also consider the design of each, especially if you prefer separating colors or certain items: “Some [hampers] are divided to help with sorting, meanwhile with a laundry basket, everything is mixed together usually,” Forté explained. She also pointed out that hampers typically have lids while baskets don’t — making hampers better if you’re storing laundry in your bedroom, rather than a laundry room or closet. However, a laundry basket can be a better choice if you want to purchase a one-and-done item. A baskets is a strong, functional container for carrying laundry around the house, whether it’s dirty or clean and folded. It’s a more practical option that gets the job done, even if it’s not the most appealing design-wise. They each have their pros and cons, with different strengths for different situations.” Baskets should be easy to carry and store and hampers should be attractive if left out in a room,” Forté said. More

Aloe has won over many home gardeners with its hardiness and tolerance of infrequent watering. Stoffo recommends “well-draining soil so that when they are watered, the soil doesn’t retain too much water and rot the roots.” Your best bet is to mix equal parts sand and potting soil or buy a special succulent mix. The terracotta also dries faster than other plastic or glazed containers.Place your aloe in a bright, sunny place. Otherwise, it will go dormant and stop growing. Water the plant heavily about once every two weeks, waiting until the soil dries out fully. Since this is a desert species, keeping the dirt moist will cause the roots to rot. Limp or brown leaves also signal you’ve overdone the water.If you like, you can move the potted plant outdoors for the summer, but don’t put it in direct sunlight right away. Gradually place it in a brighter spot every few days to prevent overexposure.If you live in a warm climate year-round (Zone 10 or higher on the USDA Plant Hardiness Map), you can nurture your aloe outside. Freezing temperatures will kill the leaves, but you really have to worry about frozen soil, as that will kill the roots and no new sprouts will grow.When picking a spot, look for a well-drained bed. You won’t need to water your aloe with the exception of droughts. If it hasn’t rained in months, give it a good soaking and then let the soil dry out again. More

1Throw BlanketsAdding a throw blanket to your couch or bed can give it an extra dose of color, texture and coziness. For just $5, a blanket like this one is worth it, especially if you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your space. “This woven blanket would go great in any room and could look especially nice on a living room couch or bed! I love the look of a woven blanket to add texture and this price is great,” says Chiodo. However, if you’re looking for a specific feel, shopping in person is always the best option. Chiodo also warns that a blanket at this price may not wash as well as something a bit heftier. RELATED: Best Blankets of 2024, Tried and TestedSaving money when it comes to the basics seems like a no brainer. These flocked hangers come in a few different shades within each 20-pack for easier, more visually pleasing organization. “I am spending more time styling closets in our projects, instead of just leaving them for the client to fill up. Usin these color-coded flocked hangers can decipher pants from tops,” says Raili Clasen, interior designer and founder of RailiCA Design.RELATED: Best Closet Organization Ideas to Improve Your Morning Routine3Decorative StorageWhen it comes to storage, interior designer Meghan Jay, founder of Meghan Jay Design, enjoys saving on bins and baskets as they often play more of a supporting role in decorating the house.”I found countless storage options — from clear bins to decorative baskets. And while I wish I could splurge on every item in my home, it just isn’t possible. Nor is it worthwhile. I purchased a few of these baskets to organize the toys in a client’s playroom,” says Jay.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Hand SoapMrs. Meyer’s hand soap has become well-known for its plant-based formula, pleasant fragrance and stand-out packaging that looks nice next to any kitchen or bathroom sink. Usually a bit pricier depending on where you shop, this relaxing soap is worth the $5.“What a bargain this hand soap is, especially with this cool container meant to be left out for all to see,” says Clasen.RELATED: Best Hand Soaps That Won’t Dry Out Your Hands5Organizing BinsWhether in the closet, under the kitchen sink or inside cabinets, storage bins almost always come in handy. At this price point, there’s no harm in testing out these budget-friendly bins to see if they could work in your home. “I have bins just like this all through our house for storage in closets, pantry, laundry, etc. Make sure to check the size to know exactly what you’re getting. But you can save so much money sourcing bins like this at stores known for bargains,” says Chiodo.RELATED: Good Housekeeping’s Cleaning & Organizing Awards6Decor for Kids’ RoomsDecorating kids’ rooms can be stressful, especially knowing that they go through phases with hobbies. Five Below is a great place to find affordable yet functional design picks for playrooms or children’s bedrooms, according to designers.”With kids, it often pains me to spend a lot of money on styling given their needs and interests change so quickly. But Five Below has so many adorable accessories that are reasonably priced. This over-the-door hook rack is both practical and cute,” says Jay. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Outdoor PillowsPatio furniture can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas where you can save. Layering in some affordable accessories can help save money while adding texture and color to your space. “This is a great throw pillow to add to an outdoor patio set or outdoor chair! I could see this working well with some bigger outdoor pillows behind it. Outdoor pillows, no matter the price, always become a little worn. So at $5, this is a great option to use for the season,” says Chiodo.RELATED: Inspiring Patio Decorating Ideas to Reinvent Your Outdoor Space8Accent PiecesOn the smaller side, this glass lamp adds a pop of color and ambient light to any room while being light enough to bring with you around the house. For $5, it’s a great accent piece. “I love placing portable lamps on bookshelves. They’re perfect when you don’t have an outlet nearby but would like a bit of light. This one is a classic retro style and will offer just a hint of a glow,” says Jay.RELATED: 27 Best Table Lamps to Make Your Space ShineLaura 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.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

When decorating an apartment or house, wall decor is the perfect way to showcase your personality and complete the space. Often, hanging artwork is the very last task to tackle, because it involves a hammer and nails and careful consideration when it comes to choosing the best place to display each piece. Whether you’re decorating a rental or want to avoid damaging your walls, we’re sharing the best advice on how to hang art without using nails. Not only will your walls be void of holes, but these easy methods make it possible to swap or add artwork as your collection grows. From family photos and striking paintings to artsy gallery walls, these tips will make the process easy. Try hanging art from clothespins for bedroom wall decor, leaning and layering art on a fireplace mantel or using washi tape as photo frames. Keep it simple by swapping nails for adhesive strips or picture hooks — no one will know the difference. Keep scrolling for even more genius ideas. 1. Rely on adhesive strips.Apply adhesive strips directly to picture frames (we recommend using one or two strips on each side of the frame, depending on its size). Find the right size strip based on the weight of the artwork. Heavy duty strips (for pictures between 10 and 20 pounds) typically require one strip adhered to the wall and one to the photo frame, then you must line up the strips to hang. Adhesive strips work well on painted walls, as well as tile, concrete and glass surfaces. Keep in mind: Most adhesive strips shouldn’t be applied to wallpaper, fabric or brick walls. Command Picture Hanging Strips2. Lean and layer art.Wall decor doesn’t have to hang on the wall. Display framed artwork on any surface, be it a fireplace mantel, floating shelf or console table, by leaning it against the wall. For an elevated style, arrange taller and larger artwork directly against the wall with smaller frames in front.Sara Ligorria-TrampTake note from designer Velinda Hellen and lean art on a mantel. 3. Hang clothespins on ribbon or twine.Secure both sides of a piece of twine or ribbon to the wall, using clear tape or push pins. Clip photographs and prints with small clothespins to the twine or ribbon. While this trendy decorating idea won’t work for large, heavy artwork, it’s a fun way to display a mix of art without damaging your walls. Added bonus: You can easily swap out prints and photographs as you collect new pieces. 4. Use adhesive picture hooks.Find the right adhesive hook by determining the size and weight of your artwork, as well as the hanger on the back. Command has specific sawtooth frame hangers, wire back hangers, large canvas holders and universal frame hangers, but you can also use common wall hooks — just note how much weight each hook can support. Clear hooks work well for small artwork as well. It’s recommended that hooks are adhered to the wall for at least an hour before hanging anything.Command Picture Hanging Hooks5. Install picture rail molding.Putting up molding isn’t a renter-friendly idea, but it’s definitely a unique way to display your favorite artwork. Find molding with a curved top that will fit picture hangers, and nail it into the wall. Later, hang framed prints and paintings with picture hanging wire. A Beautiful MessBlogger Elsie Larson of A Beautiful Mess installs picture rail molding, then hangs artwork using rail hooks and brass wire.6. Make a washi tape gallery wall.Tape your favorite prints and photos to the wall using colorful washi tape. The bright shades will give the artwork a colorful border while safely adhering it to the wall. If you’re attempting to arrange a gallery wall, make sure to find art in various sizes and plan a layout before you start taping.7. Prop a bulletin board.Show off a mix of photographs, prints, quotes and cuttings from magazines without hanging anything directly onto the wall. Coat a wood board with magnetic paint, then secure the artwork once it’s dried. The best part? You can rearrange, add or remove pieces whenever you wish. Sara Albers of Alice & LoisSara Albers of Alice & Lois turned a basic pine board into an arched mood board, painting it with magnetic paint so hanging artwork is simple. Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

1Urban Shop Disco Ball PillowThis disco-ball pillow is a groovy addition to any space. At just 12 inches in diameter, it’ll fit as an accent pillow on the bed or perfectly positioned on a chair.2Mainstays LED Desk Lamp with Catch-All BaseThis retro lighting option comes in multiple colors and with its own energy-efficient lightbulb that will last up to 12,000 hours. Plus, the base serves as storage space for small items like nail files, paper clips, earbuds or a go-to lip gloss — and the integrated AC outlet allows for an extra charging station.3Urban Shop Crescent Folding Moon ShelfHere’s a true piece of functional art: a celestial silhouette that doubles as extra shelf space. At nearly 18 inches tall, it’s big enough to display books, trinkets or a few small plants. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Mainstays Reversible 5-Piece Bed in a Bag Comforter Set A ’60s-inspired floral-print comforter will add a much-needed jolt of color and liveliness to the most dreary of dorms. This machine-washable set includes a comforter, a pillow sham and coordinating solid ivory sheets. 5Urban Shop Checkered Hug PillowIt may look sophisticated, but it’s also a sweet antidote to homesickness. On a rough day, the velvety form is a cozy substitute for a real hug from family or friends.6WiZ Wi-Fi LED Light Strip Now 17% OffSimple to install, this 13-foot flexible light strip works with Wi-Fi, no extra equipment needed. Once it’s easily adhered to any surface — ceiling, bookshelves, doorways — it’s controlled by an app to adjust the warm amber light from dim to bright, or to any color in the rainbow.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Mainstays Boucle Cloud Storage OttomanTo make the most of a small space, cute storage bins are key. This funky option doubles as extra seating and is perfect for storing extra bedding, seasonal clothing or textbooks, too. 8Urban Shop White Groovy BackrestThe perfect item for a change of pace from studying at a desk or for TV binge sessions. The plush, ergonomic design allows for relaxation and comfort, but still offers the support needed to stay alert and focused on work at hand.9Urban Shop Daisy TableTop ClockThis small, cheerful clock will yield smiles and punctuality. The compact timepiece is battery-operated (i.e., no tangled cords), which means it can be placed on a desk, on top of a bookshelf or on a wall shelf as part of the decor. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Mainstays Faux Fur Indoor Area RugPull attention away from a dorm floor’s somber neutral palette with an area rug in a fun pattern. Crafted from ultra-soft faux fur material, this one is designed to withstand daily wear and tear.11Urban Shop Color Changing LED Groovy Wall MirrorThere’s nothing basic about this mirror — its wavy shape and color-changing LED lights will set the scene for any and every mood.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1Bring in Art and SculpturesLifeCreatedDon’t limit your display to books. Take note from design firm Living With Lolo and layer in art, sculptures, houseplants and any decorative items that showcase your personality. 2Hang Picture Lights AboveJenifer McNeil BakerDraw attention to your bookshelf by mounting picture lights above, just as Maestri Studio does in this moody living space. Not only do the gold fixtures illuminate your collection, they serve as a modern accent. 3Arrange Books by ColorLaura SteffanFor this slim bookshelf, designer Megan Evans organizes hardcover books in rainbow order, designating one tier to each color. She starts with red on top and swaps purple for pink on the bottom shelf.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Take a Minimalist ApproachRead McKendreeTo decorate this navy blue built-in, designer Ryann Swan relies on neutral hardcover books, abstract sculptures and earthy vases. For a minimalist style, it’s best to leave negative space on every shelf.5Show Off a HobbyStaircase: Aimée Mazzenga; designed by Bria Hammel InteriorsA floor-to-ceiling built-in provides the perfect opportunity to showcase decor that reflects your interests and hobbies. Here, designer Bria Hammel incorporates two tennis rackets and a few small trophies. 6Play With Height and ProportionsMargaret Rajic PhotographyFor visual interest, arrange books of various heights and thickness. Take note from Outline Interiors and weave in decor of various sizes — think meaningful art, sculptures and knick-knacks. Aim for every shelf to have a different number of items to make it look more curated than styled. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Decorate With AntiquesTORY WILLIAMSFrom vases and figurines to artwork, this floor-to-ceiling bookcase is full of eye-catching antiques. Design firm JAM adds a rolling ladder to make high-up shelving more accessible, which allows the homeowners to rearrange decor as their collection grows. 8Grow HouseplantsMargaret Rajic PhotographyIf your bookshelf is positioned in a sunny location, it’s a stylish place for houseplants to thrive. Mix small greens and succulents amongst your books, or dedicate the entire top shelf to larger plants like this setup from Outline Interiors.9Stack Books in Alternating PositionsJenifer McNeil BakerBy stacking books vertically and horizontally, design firm Maestri Studio creates visual interest on these gold bookshelves. For horizontal stacks, always place the largest books on the bottom.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Leave Negative Space Christopher DibbleOverloading shelves can give the illusion of clutter. Instead, leave empty space on each shelf and let the eye focus its attention on your best decor.11Weave in Whimsical ItemsSara Liggoria-TrampAdd personality to any bookshelf with funky sculptures, colorful trinkets and books you’ve actually read. Arrange books of various shapes and sizes, even stacking small decorative items on top if you’re going for an eclectic look.See more at Style by Emily Henderson »12Make Every Shelf DifferentMargaret Rajic Photography; Design by Outline InteriorsYou don’t want your shelves to look too styled. Group like items, go for different heights, leave blank space and most importantly, never style every shelf exactly the same. Some shelves may have two or three items, while others have four or five — the variation is key. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Showcase Old EncyclopediasJenifer McNeil BakerLean into a traditional approach and let a collection of dictionaries and encyclopedias act as home office decor, just as Maestri Studio does here. Don’t forget to sprinkle in personal items, like family photos, accolades and a college diploma. 14Mix Storage With DecorCourtesy of ChatbooksFrom a framed diploma to a brass tea set, this well-styled étagère brings charm to this office space. There are also bins, a large chest and file organizer for extra storage.15Embrace a Worldly LookLisa RomereinMiss traveling abroad? Use your bookshelf to showcase some of the global-inspired curios you’ve collected over the years. Finish the look by placing a few globes on an upper shelf to stay on theme.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Stick to a Subtle ThemeKeys to InspirationFrom the model rocket and sky globe to moon books, this home office brings in a playful theme that doesn’t overpower the room. The mix of art, sculptures, bottles and faux plants adds a ton of personality to the space. See more at Christene Holder Home »17Hang a Bookshelf HighCourtesy of ChatbooksThanks to baby-blue penny tiles, these custom office shelves, which are inspired by a mid-century modern credenza, are the perfect old-meets-new-look. 18Layer in Pastel Touches Dominic BlackmoreAccessories boasting pops of soft pink, robin’s egg blue and lemon yellow are a brilliant choice for a spring shelf upgrade.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Display Fine ChinaJeff HerrUse rustic shelves to highlight a treasured china collection. Balance the display with color-coordinated books, then elevate the look with artwork hung over shelves. 20Rely on Decorative BinsKate OsborneBring in colorful fabric bins to not only elevate your bookshelf, but provide additional storage. Store toys, wire or household essentials in nearby bins without sacrificing style.Monique 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.”Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

The beauty of plants and the act of caring for them can be truly healing. “Looking at something aesthetically pleasing can boost neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin,” Cates explains. Keeping plants primes your brain to look forward to interacting with the plant and receiving a hit of “feel good neurochemicals,” offering immediate benefits by improving mood and stress management, according to Cates.Plants can also offer a “whole-person positive impact,” says Amy Rothenberg, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors. “When we talk about treating the whole person, we mean looking after the body, the emotions and the spirit; plants can touch each of those essential areas,” Rothenberg explains.They also provide long-term benefits, such as improving air quality which may reduce instances of headaches — or by adding moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, Rothenberg says. Handling soil, which contains microbes, can promote microbiome diversity in your home, which could benefit gut and skin health. But, having houseplants alone isn’t a recommended treatment for any medical condition, Rothenberg adds. “Encouraging my patients to consider having houseplants is one part of a broader, individualized health care plan.” More

To test hardwood floor cleaners, we evaluate how well they remove a sticky, dried-on gelatin mixture that we paint precisely onto hardwood planks, how quickly and completely they remove the scuff marks we make with a rubber shoe heel, how easy they are to apply and how quickly they dry. We’ve found that the best cleaners are those specifically formulated for hard, surface-finished or polyurethane-treated floors. These cleaners have ingredients to dissolve dirt and grime without damaging the coating or dulling the shine.In the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, we’re continuously testing floor cleaning essentials like vacuum cleaners, mops and robot vacuums. During our initial test, we tested 24 wood floor cleaners exactly the same way, cleaning 216 stains and scuff marks from wood flooring panels. We tested how well each product cleaned after an equal amount of passes and how many passes had to be made with each product to completely remove scuff marks and stains. All product labels were reviewed for proper safety and precautionary notices. Since then, we have continued to test new wood floor cleaning products as they become available, updating this story with the latest noteworthy ones. More