Home Ideas

1Space Out Wooden SlatsJenifer McNeil BakerCreate division between a staircase and living room by installing warm wood slats vertically, just as Maestri Studio does here. Place them ½ inch or a full inch apart, depending on how much transparency you’d like between the spaces.2Try Glass Partition on a Half WallSteve Hershberger Four BrothersA glass partition ensures a seamless flow from kitchen to dining area in this cozy bungalow designed by Four Brothers Design + Build. The glass creates a sense of separation, while also keeping the rooms connected.3Hang a Macramé DividerA Beautiful MessPartially enclosure your home office with a playful macramé divider. With a roll of cotton cord and wooden dowel, this knotted divider is easy to make yourself.Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Paint Wood Slats BlackRebecca McAlpin5Arrange a Rattan ScreenJessica Bordner6Mix MaterialsJASON VARNEYTake note from Kaminski + Pew and rely on a combination of wooden slats and frosted glass partition to create a wall between two rooms. The glass allows natural light to flow between the two rooms but doesn’t forgo privacy. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Make a HallwayVictor Dyomin//Getty Images8DIY a Woven DividerSugar and ClothPersonalize a simple rattan or bamboo screen by weaving the slots with yarn of various colors. Try a mix of vertical and horizontal strands to create more visual interest.Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »9Install a Decorative Glass Partition Jenifer McNeil BakerIn this modern interior, Maestri Studio doesn’t settle for a basic glass partition. Here, glass panels with geometric designs separate a wet bar from the rest of the house.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Hang Curtains Around the BedroomBrigette Muller11Put In a Freestanding FireplaceWestend61//Getty Images12Build Modern Wood SlatsThe Awesome OrangeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Opt for Rolling WoodAimee MazzengaA tambour screen sets a dramatic mood in this city apartment designed by studio CAK. Depending on your daily needs, this wooden screen can be rolled and readjusted to open or close a space. 14Weave in Artful Glass Margaret MulliganDesigner Elizabeth Metcalfe shows how a simple doorway can be transformed into something delightfully new with the addition of a basic screen panel.15Rely on Louvered PanelsVicente WolfTo divide an office from a living room, designer Vicente Wolf installed a room divider constructed of minimalist louvered panels. Painted a bright white, the panels also help to brighten up the open space.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Hang Shoji ScreensWerner Straube For a serene and minimalist office, Gemma Parker Design opted to cocoon the walls in Shoji screen details. These room dividers are normally used free-standing in Japanese abodes.17Turn a Screen Into a HeadboardBrad R. Knipstein A wood room divider stationed behind a floor-skimming bed brings instant sophistication to this bedroom designed by Form + Field. This concept works exceptionally well in a studio apartment, if you’d prefer your bed to stand out. 18Take an Artist ApproachSara DorioArtist Angela Crusciaki Blehm deconstructed a room divider into two separate panels to frame an abstract of her own making and a sleek slipper sofa. A coat of white paint lends the dividers a plaster-like, postmodern vibe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Decorate a Bedroom CornerEric PiaseckiIf you have extra space between your nightstand and wall, consider doing as New York City firm Mendelson Group did in this haven-like bedroom, and install an artful screen. 20Makeshift a DoorKerry KirkIntricately carved folding screens, fashioned as doors, give this Texas living room designed by Wills Design Associates an elevated, bespoke feeling. Marisa S. Martin is a writer for Chairish and previously worked for One Kings Lane. An ardent vintage enthusiast, she loves a good throwback trend story and believes there’s nothing a bit of brass can’t fix.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

1Prioritize Natural LightAmy Manning, @pallet_perfectOn a nice day, a wall of windows allows fresh air to circulate around a she shed. It’ll also fill the shed with natural light, so it can double as a potting shed or greenhouse. Take note from blogger Amy Manning and paint the whole structure a crisp white to keep it bright. See more at Pallet Perfect » 2Don’t Skimp on LandscapingAlec HemerDecorate your shed’s exterior with hanging plants, potted trees and an ivy-covered trellis. Not only will the greens help the shed blend seamlessly with nature, but it’ll up its charm instantly. Install sconces on each side of the door, so you can illuminate the area at night.RELATED: 6 Easy Landscaping Moves That Add Thousands to Your Home’s Value3Create a Hobby SpaceHomemade by CarmonaOrganize a space that supports your hobbies, whether it be painting, woodworking, gardening or crafting. Use a tall cabinet to tuck away storage, and don’t forget to include comfortable chairs for lounging between projects. See more at Homemade by Carmona »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Make It a TreehouseThe House That Lars BuiltThis 150-square-foot house is suspended in a tree a few feet off the ground. One wall is made entirely of windows, allowing light to enter the space. On the other side is a wooden ladder that leads to a glass-paneled door.See more at The House That Lars Built »5Build in the GardenFinding lovely6Blend Indoor and Outdoor AreasHomemade by CarmonaCraft a charming oasis indoors and out. French doors at the back of the shed lead out to a deck decorated with string lights, a large sectional couch and potted plants. See more at Homemade by Carmona »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Choose Nature-Inspired ColorsBrian WoodcockWhen creating a color palette for a she shed, draw inspiration from nature. Think calming greens, blues, grays and shades of white that blend with the backyard’s natural landscape. 8Set Up an Entertaining AreaPer Magnus Persson//Getty ImagesInstead of crafting a private oasis, design a comfortable area for entertaining friends and family. Here, a deck extends the space of the shed and promotes indoor-outdoor living.RELATED: How to Seamlessly Add a Deck to Your Home9Turn It Into a Tiny HouseFINDING SILVER PENNIESAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below10Try a Potting ShedBrian WoodcockThis sunny potting shed makes the most of upcycled pices, including a repainted potting stand and old milk crate that acts as a stool. A thrifted card catalog serves as a multi-drawer container for seed packets, plant markers and other gardening necessities.11Repurpose Old WindowsA Beautiful MessThis 10 x 14-foot greenhouse is constructed using old windows, most of which had been thrown away, that are arranged like a puzzle. The front deck and surrounding landscape ups the curb appeal of this budget-friendly project. See more A Beautiful Mess »12Designate a WorkstationThe House That Lars BuiltTurn your shed into a quiet home office or craft room. Rely on neutral colors, cozy textures and a surge of natural light to help you feel calm and inspired as you work. See more at The House That Lars Built »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Paint it RedAndrea Rugg//Getty ImagesNeutral isn’t the only option. When painted a crimson red, this stylish shed resembles a backyard barn. Fill it with farmhouse-style furniture and potted plants. 14Keep It MinimalCavan Images//Getty ImagesIf you’re working with a small shed, stick to bright colors and minimal decor. A tiny window box and modest landscaping elevates this charming yellow she shed. 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

Whether you’re settling on paint colors or the best palette for bedding, designer Debbie Mathews suggests staying away from bold hues. “In general, I like to avoid using brighter colors like red, which can stimulate energy and sometimes make relaxation and sleep more difficult to achieve. Instead, I use softer colors in shades of green and blue, which can promote calmness.”Interior designer Lorna Gross agrees: “It is advisable to avoid bright versions of red, orange and yellow paint in the bedroom. These colors in their most vivid forms are often associated with anxiety and arguments. So, if your goal is to have a serene relaxing bedroom environment, stick with neutrals, cool or softer colors.”RELATED: Trending Paint Colors for 2024 More

Known for its elegant kitchen appliances and stunning cookware, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore is entering a new space in your home — the bathroom. With wash cloths, vanity accessories and more, the brand is taking on a room you may not always consider beautiful.Similar to the brand’s home and kitchen collections, the bath assortment consists of durable, chic products that add a splash of color to any space. If the last time you upgraded your bathroom accessories is beyond your recent memory, now may be the perfect time. The bath line just dropped with affordable prices on towels, bath mats and other essentials that are perfect for a summer refresh (you can snag bath towels for $7 each and a cotton bath rug for just $15). Both practical and on-trend, Drew Barrymore has once again come through with high-quality products at amazing prices, all available at Walmart. Introduce colorful matching towel sets or experiment with wallpaper-inspired bath towels for a touch of style and comfort. Upgrade your old toothbrush jar and soap dispenser with a three-piece matching collection that includes a soap pump, toothbrush holder and vanity tray. Looking for a comprehensive bathroom makeover? Find the products that suit your taste! Shop Beautiful by Drew Barrymore’s Bath CollectionEvery item in the bath collection is available in various colors to complement your desired bathroom aesthetic. Plus, the bath towels and bath rugs are made from 100% cotton for a soft, luxurious feel.Already stocked on towels? The collection’s bath accessories, including soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, vanity trays and vanity jars, come in a sleek charcoal gray, off-white, porcini taupe and sage.Now that Beautiful by Drew Barrymore has entered the bathroom, all that’s left to do is choose the colors and designs that match your personal style!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

1Don’t Be Afraid of ColorMargaret Rajic Photography2Roll in a Small IslandDomestically BlissfulA rolling kitchen island introduces extra counter space without the commitment to a permanent fixture. When guests are over, you can simply roll it to the side or into another room. Not to mention, this white island has drawers and a cabinet for storage. See more at Domestically Blissful »3Install Window TreatmentsThomas KuohAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below4Hang Shelves in the Window Polina Pigulevsky PhotographyTake note from Mak Design & Build and install large shelves in front of the kitchen window. Not only does open shelving provide storage for dishes and glassware, it’s a great place for houseplants to thrive.5Try a Moody HueEmily Hart Photography6Make the Most of a Galley KitchenSara Ligorria-TrampGalley kitchens are long and narrow with cabinets lining both sides of the room. Although they tend to get a bad rap (some say they feel crammed), they can make cooking a breeze since all of your cabinets are within reach. Here, interior designer Julia Chasman makes this small space feel elegant with green cabinets and gold fixtures. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7DIY a Kitchen IslandA Piece of RainbowHere’s a crafty solution if you’re remodeling on a budget. Starting with simple base cabinets, this blogger built a rolling kitchen island with a butcher block countertop. Plus, she paints it a bright green that serves as a pop of color. Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow »8Maximize Wall SpaceSara Ligorria-Tramp9Sneak in Extra ShelvingREFORMThe end of this galley kitchen presented the perfect place to tuck in shelves under the window. Here, REFORM opts for baby blue cabinets and puts blue dinnerware on display to double as decor.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Take a Maximalist ApproachBrian WoodcockGo with over-the-top patterns, colors, rugs and decorative accents. Piling it on with purpose will help your space feel cozy, not overwhelmed when properly executed. 11Add Corner ShelvesLauren Pressey 12Highlight an Open LayoutTaylor Architectural PhotographyThe work of John McClain Design, this small kitchen is also a dining room and living room — and, yet it feels super spacious and sophisticated. Two small bistro tables near the sofa provide additional dining space. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Stick With One Color Stoffer Photography for Jean Stoffer Design14Hide the FridgeBoxwood Avenue15Create the Illusion of More SpaceDesign by Jess Bunge; Photo by Sara TrampAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Make the Most of Kitchen CornersMonica WangLearn to work with the space you have by capitalizing on every nook and corner. If your actual kitchen is small, there may be a small crevice or awkward nook that can be reworked into additional kitchen space. 17Bring in a Dining TableArnt HaugDue to the placement of a back door, this kitchen is split in two parts, leaving a lot of open floor space. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring in a small dining set. 18Mount a Metal RackArt StreiberSkip a decorative backsplash and hang this metal rack instead. Attach metal hooks to hang pots, pans, pitchers, cutting boards and other cooking must-haves.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Steal From Vintage KitchensAvery Nicole PhotographyFrom the butcher block countertop and moody green cabinets to the cafe curtains and glass pendant light, this small kitchen — designed by Sarah Stacey — is packed with vintage charm and character.20Keep It ClassicPair classic horizontal subway tile with a creamy, all-white palette to nail a classic look. For a little drama, choose geometric flooring tile. Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 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

Defined by simple lines, neutral colors and an overall lack of visual clutter, minimalist design has dominated interiors in recent years. Think all-white kitchens with marble countertops, muted bedrooms with off-white bedding and neutral living rooms with cream sofas and minimal wall decor. But while certain elements of minimalism are timeless (clean lines and neutral colors will always have their place in home design, for instance), we’ve noticed that more and more interior designers are nixing the sparse style. Instead, we’re seeing joyful, bright and personalized styles taking over the design world in 2024.Catch Up on the LingoWhy are designers straying from minimalism? “Minimalist interiors can often feel stiff or museum-like,” says Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms. “The colors — cool grieges, blacks and stark white — used in these spaces can feel cold.””Minimalism makes it hard to create different zones and spaces — and they aren’t very emotional spaces,” adds interior designer Lucinda Sanford. “Today, clients seem to be more open to interiors that look like they can be touched, appreciating designs that can add their own personality to.”Astrid Templier”A house really needs to give people joy and be inviting,” says Sanford, who embellished this dining room with patterned wallpaper, retro dining chairs and colorful artwork.The designers we spoke to say renters and homeowners alike are craving old-world charm through antiques, reupholstery and handcrafted decor — all of which happen to be environmentally friendly choices, too. Another reason for the death of minimalism? The impact COVID-19 had on home design. “People were in their homes so much that the mindset shifted to really investing in our spaces,” says Storms. “Even when people started traveling again and returning to the office, the idea of a comfortable home remained.”In place of minimalism, what interior styles are trending?As the desire for personalized spaces filled with color, texture and unique details grows, homeowners are embracing maximalist, eclectic and vintage home styles. That translates to mismatched furniture sets, moody paint colors, natural woods and vibrant patterns. “Clients are looking for more adult spaces when it comes to entertaining,” says Storms. “Places that have design and style, but that your kids can also live in without worry. People also crave homes that reflect themselves. They want to mix in treasures from travels and relatives.”Brian WetzelEclectic interiors, typically a combination of old and new pieces, have a way of evoking creativity and comfort, whether through vibrant colors or surprising accents. “This style allows you to break the rules and mix contemporary clean lines with more traditional elements,” says Storms. As for why homeowners are trading neutrals for saturated hues, Storms emphasizes that “color evokes emotion within people.” She adds, “When you surround yourself with color, whether it’s bright or moody, you instantly have a reaction — happiness, comfort, serenity.” 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

Many sources of air pollution are pretty easy to discern: We can see or smell smog, vehicle exhaust fumes, or cigarette smoke around us. But there’s very little to signal harmful pollutants inside the home — and unfortunately, that’s often where the quality of the air you breathe can be the worst.According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is at least five times worse on average than outside air — and it can be as much as 100 times worse. And since, as the EPA has also estimated, we spend as much as 90% of our time inside, that compromised air has the potential lead to a whole host of health issues, ranging from allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose to headaches, asthma, respiratory infections and, alarmingly, even heart disease and cancer.Clearly, it’s a problem to tackle from all sides. Here are a few good ways to start.Help your HVAC work betterChanging your air filters is one of those tasks many homeowners perform infrequently (or not at all), so it’s no wonder “dirty filter” is high on the list of reasons for an HVAC service call. Clean, unclogged filters can make an appreciable difference in the quality of the air in your home and — no small bonus — also help your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.Courtesy of TraneIdeally, you should change the filters in your home’s furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers and the like each and every season. One way to make this a set-it-and-forget-it part of your home-maintenance routine is Trane FilterTime: When you sign up for the subscription service, you just let the company know what size filters you need and set up a three-month (or whatever you prefer) delivery frequency. The arrival of fresh Trane filters on your doorstep becomes your automatic cue to change them out.Courtesy of TraneTurn to technologyA whole-house air cleaner or purifier can remove harmful substances from, as the name suggests, all the air circulating in your home. This makes it a more efficient solution to what experts refer to as poor IAQ (indoor air quality) than individual room filters. The CleanEffects Whole Home Air Cleaner from Trane, for example, can remove up to 99.98% of unwanted airborne pollutants with filters refined enough to capture particles as small as 0.3 micron. Installing one will help reduce the presence of dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease and even certain bacteria and viruses.And in independent testing, Trane CleanEffects was found to meet benchmark standards that earned it the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s asthma & allergy friendly certification — the first whole-home filtration system to meet the standards, which are based on the latest research in health issues and indoor air pollution.Control your home’s humidityCourtesy of TraneOne simple habit that will help maintain a healthy indoor humidity level of between 30 and 50 percent is regularly running your exhaust fans. Switch them on before you shower and leave them running for at least 20 minutes after to help thwart mold and mildew, two common airborne allergens. Also, consider installing a smart thermostat like the Trane UX360. You can access it from your smartphone, making both monitoring and adjusting super-convenient. And not only can the UX360 control indoor temperature — with the addition of Trane’s whole-house dehumidifier, it also provides enhanced dehumidification to keep your home at optimal levels. The result: You’ll not only feel comfortable — you’ll be confident that your IAQ is improved as well. More

With the right technique, there’s no easier, faster or more affordable way to apply paint evenly than with a spray can. And getting the knack can be a breeze, when you start with just a few simple tips. The secret — as with so many things — is matching the tool and technique with the task at hand.Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know.Rust-oleumBe prepared. Top tip: Be sure to work in a well-ventilated spot, such as outdoors or in an open garage. Then pick your personal protection like a safety mask, gloves or eye protection. Guard your space by putting down a drop cloth, a tarp, plastic sheeting or cardboard. Work clean. Prep the surface by scraping off loose old paint, sanding down rough areas and using a wire brush to remove any rust. Wash with soapy water, rinse with fresh water and wipe down with a lint-free cloth to get the last traces of dirt. Make sure to let your item dry before starting to paint. And of course, protect any areas you don’t want painted with masking tape.Shake it. Give the can a vigorous shakeup-and-down until you hear the mixing ball rattle inside, then continue shaking for one minute. As your work progresses, pause from time to time to shake some more.Rust-oleumDial up.The key to getting a beautiful application is to match the pattern and volume of spray to the job. That’s why Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust with Custom 5-in-1 Spray is such a handy choice: Each setting is optimized for a different task. The #1 High Output setting delivers more paint with more power, so you can cover large areas quickly. Expert Tip: Before spraying, turn the dial to your chosen setting and test on an inconspicuous area or scrap to get comfortable with each of the spray patterns before working on the project.Start smart. The #2 Standard setting is a general-purpose one that serves as a good starting point for any project. It delivers a moderate amount of paint, which makes it especially well suited to medium-size areas. And as you see how the paint is going on, you can always switch to a more specialized setting that better suits what you’re doing.No drips. The #3 Low Output setting reduces the volume of flow, so you can apply paint precisely onto detailed surfaces without pooling or running. This setting is also handy for edges and other fine details. Another bonus: Since it applies paint less rapidly, you’ll have better control over the application.Caleb CoppolaGo with the flow.Long slats are best painted with the band of spray produced by the #4 Vertical Fan. Move the can back and forth evenly from about 10 to 12 inches above the surface to create a smooth coat. For vertical slats, the #5 Horizontal Fan setting makes it easy to apply a consistent coat with an up-and-down motion.Check your work.After you’ve given your project a nice, even coat, go back and touch up any spots you missed with the #3 Low Output setting.Do it again. For a flawless paint job, resist the urge to lay down a single, thick coat, and instead build up gradually by applying multiple thin ones, waiting a few minutes between each. The can’s label will tell you how long to wait in between. For Stops Rust, apply your thin coats within an hour or wait 48 hours for one coat to dry fully before reapplying. In extreme temperatures and humid conditions, drying times may be affected.Give it a whirl.And the last step is … enjoy your creation! And look forward to the next one. Jeff Wise is a journalist specializing in aviation, adventure, and psychology and was recently featured in the Netflix documentary “MH370: The Plane That Disappeared.” He lives north of New York City and for fun flies gliders and single-engine airplanes. More