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      Designers Say This Flooring Trend Is the Hottest on the Market

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      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

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      Canopy Beds Are Making a Major Comeback—Here’s Why Designers Love Them

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      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

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      This Genius Hack Prevents Socks from Disappearing in the Wash

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      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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      How to Choose Solar Lighting for Your Yard

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