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It seems like not that long ago that you couldn’t open Instagram without seeing airy open shelving in a picture-perfect kitchen. But now, designers say the open shelving trend is out, and a future kitchen design trend is taking its place: Concealed storage. Think cabinets, pantries, and extra-large drawers in the kitchen to keep everything tucked away. While open shelving provided a chance to display pretty glassware, cookbooks, and other items, many homeowners found it challenging to keep things picture-perfect all the time. Concealed storage, on the other hand, allows for realities like mismatched plates or storage containers that aren’t display-worthy. And the data backs up this designer-loved kitchen trend: A recent Kitchen Trends report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has found that a growing number of homeowners are trading open shelving (and open pantries) for concealed kitchen storage that keeps clutter under wraps. The NKBA surveyed more than 500 kitchen and bath professionals (designers included), and discovered that 87% said homeowners prefer pantry designs concealed behind cabinet doors or panels to maintain a polished look. What’s more, 66% believe walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries will be all the rage in the next three years. “The appeal of open shelving lies in its ability to create an airy, layered aesthetic – one that works beautifully for clients with a highly curated collection or a disciplined sense of organization,” says designer Lara Apelian. “But in practice, the realities of daily life often call for a more tailored, efficient approach. Concealed storage – whether through custom millwork, integrated pantries or seamless cabinetry – provides a sense of refinement and cohesion, allowing the kitchen to feel like an uncluttered oasis.”Designer Mikel Welch agrees: “Many people are moving away from open shelving because it collects dust and can easily look cluttered unless you know how to keep your stacks of plates and bowls perfect. Concealed storage, like cabinets and pantries, keeps things organized and hidden, making the kitchen look cleaner and more functional. Plus, it allows for smarter features like pull-out shelves and hidden bins, all while offering more privacy and a streamlined aesthetic.”Liz Curry, a New York-based designer, acknowledges the benefits of closed storage as well, noting its efficiency. “It’s more convenient from the storage perspective, allows for better accessibility and makes for a quick clean up,” Curry says. Design: Liz Curry Studio; Photo: Aimee RyanDesigner Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design believes there’s another reason for the rise in closed kitchen storage. “Driving this (trend) is a desire for organized spaces, which bring calm. It reduces the stress to keep exposed items clean and neat, placing the design emphasis on the beauty of the cabinets.”But like many design choices, there’s a downside, too. It’s mainly the lack of room, according to Colleen Bennett of CBB Design Firm. “The con is that it just takes up a lot of space in the kitchen, especially if you don’t have a scullery,” Bennett says, noting that she prefers this clean kitchen aesthetic as a way to free up countertops. Curious about how to make a kitchen full of closed cabinetry look as chic as possible? Consider the below tips from designer Emily Ruff of Cohesively Curated:3 Ways to Elevate Kitchen Cabinets Design: Emily Ruff; Carina Skrobecki Photo✔️ Prioritize function. Start with the sizes and locations of your appliances, and then build out your cabinetry plan from there. “We tend to use almost all drawers for base cabinets, as it is a lot more functional than cabinet drawers with roll-outs,” says Ruff. “We also aim to create symmetry around the range and around the sink when possible, which helps to make sure our tile layouts are symmetrical as well.”✔️ Aim for visual interest. “The key is to leave space elsewhere for artwork or tile to have the spotlight, so it isn’t just cabinet doors as far as you can see which makes a kitchen feel closed in,” Ruff says. “We always start with choosing the countertops, especially natural stone, and then we choose the cabinetry color from there. Your cabinetry color has to be a tone that looks good in the lighting of your kitchen, but also that plays nicely with your stone.”✔️ Pick your hardware wisely. While it might seem like a simple detail, hardware has a way of elevating kitchen cabinets. Ruff suggests mixing your hardware to make a statement. “Don’t just put the same style and size pull on every cabinet and call it good. We like to put knobs on cabinet doors, pulls on drawers and vary the size of the pulls so it fits the size of the drawer well.”Here are some guidelines: Under 24″ drawers get a 4″ pull; over 24″ get a 6″ pull; and over 33″ get an 8″ pull Appliance pulls for panel-ready appliances should be different from pulls in the rest of the kitchen, and make sure you go for at least 12″ or 18″ for larger refrigerators and freezers. Consider cabinet latches on smaller cabinets up high or cabinets under the sink — areas you don’t open/close multiple times a dayMonique 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.”Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Mold is one of those things that is far easier to prevent than to remove. Once it takes hold, it can creep behind tiles, walls, and ceilings, causing stains, a musty odor, and even rot and deterioration. And it’s not just unsightly: Mold can produce irritants that trigger sneezing, congestion, and rashes in people with allergies. Some types can even release potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins, which pose additional health risks.Mold spreads through microscopic spores that float through the air and begin to grow when they land on a damp surface—and the best way to stop it in its tracks is to control the moisture in your home. The Good Housekeeping Institute suggests keeping humidity below 50 percent, fixing leaks immediately, resealing bathroom tile grout lines annually, and avoiding storing items in damp areas, such as basements.Can small habits promote mold?Unfortunately, they can. One of the most common daily habits that causes mold is closing the bathroom door during and after your shower. “Closing the door traps moisture in the room, and wherever there’s moisture, mold growth is encouraged,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “If possible, it’s always best to leave the door open for the steam to escape.” Of course, closing the bathroom door won’t automatically cause a mold problem, but it does make it easier for mold to grow. If you can’t leave the door open, there are other ways to vent moisture. “Open a window and turn on the exhaust fan,” Forté suggests. “The faster moisture, steam, and humidity leave the room, the more you delay the growth of mold.”What to do after your showerOnce you hop out of the shower, keep the shower door open so the inside can air out. “The quicker surfaces dry, the less likely mold takes hold,” Forté says. If you use a shower curtain, pull it partly open to allow water to evaporate from the inside of the shower and from the folds of the curtain itself. At the end of the day, it’s all about getting the air moving, whether that’s by opening the bathroom door, the shower door, a window, or a bathroom fan that’s vented to the outside. “Air flow is what you want,” Forté says. You’ll be happy you tweaked these tiny habits the next time you clean your bathroom!Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years’ of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader’s Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS. More

If it’s time to update your floors, there’s one trend that should definitely be on your radar. The hottest flooring trend designers love right now is white oak floors. The versatile, affordable material is a favorite among designers and homeowners, and it doesn’t appear to be falling out of style anytime soon. While some flooring trends are best suited to a certain home design, white oak is a neutral that’s easy to adapt for nearly any home’s style. It takes well to different wood stains, and it’s tough enough to withstand daily traffic from kids and pets. Here’s why designers are loving white oak floors. What designers say“European white oak is the hottest thing on the market,” says Colleen Bennett of CBB Design Firm, noting that people are going the engineered route due to how construction is being built. Houston-based designer Kyle Dutton of Kyle Dutton Home & Design is also seeing more and more white oak. “We are really loving white oak tones with natural tones like Rustic Beige, Silvered Gray and Weathered Oak,” Dutton says. What’s interesting is that, according to Nicole J. Colin of Coco Design & Build Co, homeowners’ love of white oak is nothing new. “Surprisingly, this trend has remained popular for six to seven years, and it shows no signs of slowing down,” says Colin. “Its timeless appeal and ability to brighten spaces make it a favorite in many projects.”CBB Design Firm; Photo: Shortoff MediaOne main draw of white oak is the versatility of its “naturally light finish, which means it can be stained in a wider variety of colors,” according to Katara Cade of Pearson Design Group. It complements a range of interior design styles, whether you’re aiming for a rugged and rustic aesthetic, or on the opposite end, a sleek and modern flair. “For example, in modern architecture, we tend to use cooler toned stains for the white oak, whereas in our rustic projects, we play up the warmth of the wood,” Cade adds.Interior designer Hill Rondero of Ro House Studio prefers the warmer tones to create an inviting atmosphere. “I love white oak in an older home as a contrast to the more traditional architecture. The warmer hardwoods are a nice complement to the more modern spaces we’ve been seeing lately. It’s always about the balance.”For even more visual appeal, there’s room to experiment with a variety of widths as well, says Bennett. “We are seeing a lot of different widths like 3”/5”/7”, 4”/5”/6”, 4”/5”/7 — not just one simultaneous plank just to make it look a little bit more interesting.” And not only does it look good, but Dan DiClerico, the Home Improvement & Outdoor Director in the Good Housekeeping Institute, notes that oak is of the most durable woods out there, so it’s ideal for high-traffic areas. “It’s extremely hard-wearing, plus its tight grain pattern conceals any nicks or scratches that do occur over time,” DiClerico says.So, it’s clear, if you want style and function, white oak is the way to go. 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.”Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Canopy beds are making a stylish comeback, delivering a touch of old-world charm and sculptural drama to modern bedrooms. They may be taking on more updated forms these days, but they carry the same sense of elegance and luxury that they did centuries ago. Their visual weight turns them into an instant focal point, yet the illusion of walls and a ceiling created by draped fabrics and tall posts creates a surprisingly cozy effect. Canopy beds are also a favorite among designers. “They offer a sculptural element, instantly adding height and a sense of sanctuary to the bedroom,” says Liz Williams, founder and principal designer at Liz Williams Interiors in Atlanta. They’re more versatile than you may think, and pair well with a variety of spaces. “Canopy beds can adapt to almost any style, whether you prefer sleek metal for a modern look, rich wood for a classic feel, or rattan and curtains for a traditional aesthetic,” Williams explains.To learn more about the canopy bed trend, we asked designers to share why they love incorporating the statement bed into their work, as well as a bit about its origins and tips for adding one to your own space. Design by Debbie Mathews Antiques & Design; Photo by Leslee MitchellThe Origins of the Canopy Bed Trend”The ‘Grandmillennial’ design trend reflects a yearning for ties to the past, and canopy beds in particular evoke another place and time,” says Debbie Mathews LeRoy, owner and principal designer at Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs in Nashville. You may equate canopy beds with romantic ’90s floral prints that matched the bedroom’s drapery, but they’ve actually been around for much longer.”Originally, canopy beds were functional, with hangings used for privacy and as an added layer of warmth to keep out drafts in large castles and homes,” Mathews LeRoy shares. The designer goes on to explain that in the 17th and 18th centuries, canopy beds were a status symbol that signified opulence and grandeur. “Today, people are seeking that next layer of luxury, and a canopy bed can be a statement piece or ‘wow’ factor for the bedroom,” Mathews LeRoy says.Design by Liz Williams Interiors; Photo by Emily FollowillDesign Tips to Consider Note the Bedroom’s Size “Canopy beds are ideally suited for larger, more open, and spacious bedrooms, especially those with high ceilings,” Mathews LeRoy says. The designer explains that a canopy bed often creates a “room within a room” effect, which she believes works best in a larger space. Generously sized bedrooms allow canopy beds to serve as focal points and prevent a cramped feel, and on the flip side, the statement beds can lend a cozy atmosphere. “They can also add a sense of intimacy and coziness, making larger bedrooms feel more welcoming and comfortable,” Mathews LeRoy shares. Get Creative With Color, Texture, and Pattern Canopy beds are a great way to showcase your personal style. “They offer opportunities to experiment with texture, color, and height in ways that traditional beds can’t,” Williams says. We often rely on wall treatments, area rugs, and bedding to inject a pop of color or a bold pattern into a bedroom, but canopy beds—especially those that are upholstered or include multiple fabrics—are an excellent vehicle for both. Wood and metal canopy beds introduce a natural texture, while layered fabrics add softness. But it’s not just the material the bed is constructed from that serves as a textural element. Mathews LeRoy notes that canopy beds draped in fabrics come in different hanging styles: “From a crown that is mostly a bed hanging at the head of the bed, to drapery panels that hang on all four sides of the bed,” the designer says. Layers upon layers of fabric make for a more traditional, heavily textured feel, while single panels feel more modern, light, and airy. “You can get creative with swage, top treatments, multiple fabrics and trims… meaning the possibilities are endless,” Mathews LeRoy says. Debbie Mathews Antiques & Design; Photo by Leslee MitchellChoose a StyleThere’s no shortage of canopy beds out there. “For those wanting an opulent and luxurious old-world feel, a wooden four-poster bed with top rails might be preferred, utilizing heavier fabrics like velvet and damask,” Mathews LeRoy says. To give the look even more richness and grandeur, she suggests adding a tassel trim to the bed hangings. “For those wanting a quieter, more understated aesthetic, a simple wood or iron bed frame paired with solid linen or sheer fabric, without trim, would be better,” the designer suggests. Related StoriesMaria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.  More

If you’re anything like me, you’ve had it with socks disappearing in the wash. Whether I’m washing my clothes or my kids’, a sock or two always seems to go missing. Did a sock accidentally fall behind the washing machine? Did one get stuck in my dryer’s vent hose or lint trap? Did both socks from the pair even make it into the machine from the start? It’s a mystery.Thankfully, the cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute have a brilliant solution to keep pairs of socks together in the washing machine and dryer. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab, swears by sock clips.Sock Clips, 30 Pcs“Sock clips are an easy way to eliminate one tedious, time-consuming step in the laundry process, matching socks back up before putting them away. Simply slip the clips onto the dirty pair before putting them in the hamper and leave them on through the washer and dryer. Afterward, take them off the pair to use the next time. Keeping a bowl of clips near the hamper keeps them handy,” Forté says. Consider this 30-piece set that’s just $12 on Amazon (you can also snag a pack of 50 clips for $15). One satisfied Amazon customer put a magnetic hook on their washing machine to hang their sock clips. Every family member has a designated color, too: “They come in different colors so each family member can be assigned one, makes for easy sorting,” the customer commented. Finally, there’s an end to all those mismatched socks!Related StoriesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

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