Home Ideas

The new school year is officially upon us, and the first few weeks can take some getting used to. Everyone is waking up earlier, there are lunches to pack, homework that needs to get done, and so much more. You can find a ton of back-to-school advice out there, but we tapped our trusted professional organizers (that also happen to be parents) for their expert tips. From organizing the pantry and creating a “drop zone” to labeling school supplies, here’s everything pros are doing to prep for back-to-school. “Back-to-school season can be exciting, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” says Katie Hubbard, founder of Turn it Tidy LLC. “A little organization now can help your family enjoy smoother days and more relaxed mornings.” Keep in mind: Kids might need practice to settle into new routines, but consistency is key. Sort through toys, clothing, etc. Start the school year off with a clutter-free home. Get your kids involved in organizing and decluttering essential spaces—think bedroom closets, toy bins, junk drawers, the pantry, and the mudroom. After back-to-school shopping, go through closets, school supplies, and sports gear with your kids. “I donate or pass down what no longer fits or gets used,” says Jackie Pittman, founder of Chez Nous Organizing. Next up, declutter the playroom, kids’ rooms, and wherever you keep toys. “Summer often means new toys and more playtime,” says Ashley Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life. “Before the school routine hits, we pare things back. Less clutter means fewer distractions when it is time for homework and bedtime.” Related StoryCreated an organized “drop zone” and “launch pad.” Simplify morning and after-school routines by streamlining wherever you exit and enter the home—whether it’s a mudroom, laundry room, or small entry. “Shoes, coats, and bags each have a spot near the door,” says Hines. “Hooks, cubbies, and bins keep everything visible and accessible, making mornings and evenings smoother.”Pittman refers to it as a “drop zone” and “launch pad” by the door, aka a place where everything needed for the day is ready to go and returned to after school. “My kids each have their own closed cubby,” to keep them organized. svetikd//Getty ImagesPersonalize and label belongings. Every student has lost a water bottle, pencil case, jacket, or lunch box at some point—but labels can help prevent it. “A few minutes with a label maker saves hours of frustration when things get lost or mixed up with the thousands of other items at school,” says Hines, who labels everything—shoes, lunch bags, backpacks, and more.Hines always adds a charm or patch on her kids’ backpacks, making them easier to spot while showing off personality. Set up a homework station.Getting kids to do their homework can be a struggle, but a designated zone can help keep them on track. Set up a homework station—be it a desk or drawer filled with supplies. “It’s super important for kids to have a cozy, quiet space where they can really concentrate on homework,” says Hubbard. “To make sure they don’t spend the first 10 minutes searching for pencils, paper, crayons, scissors, or calculators, set up a friendly and organized area just for them. Let your child help choose the bins and accessories they like best; this will make them feel proud and excited to use their new supplies.” Plan outfits over the weekend.Spend a few minutes on Sunday planning outfits. “We pick out five outfits (including socks, underwear, and accessories) for the entire week,” says Hines. “I have a hanging cubby in each of our kids’ closets. This cuts out the morning debate and helps everyone get out the door faster.” Hanging Closet OrganizerOrganize the pantry.From breakfasts to packed lunches, pantry organization techniques will make everyday life easier. “In your cabinet, pantry, or fridge, designate an area for the kids’ snacks and lunch items,” says Hubbard. “Label the bins, allowing your child the ability to pack their own lunch. If they are too young, streamline it so that you can pack a lunch like an assembly line. Think of it as your own little ‘lunch-making station.'”Get after-school snacks ready to go. Many kids come home from school hungry. Pam Meluskey, co-founder of Settled, suggests arranging a grab-and-go station at a kid-friendly height so kids can quickly grab healthy snacks. Pack an area in the fridge with yogurts, cheese sticks, and washed fruits and veggies, then fill a drawer in the pantry with crackers, freeze-dried fruits, and other non-perishable treats. To avoid a chaotic after-school snack, Hines has another idea: Pack snacks for the drive home. “We pack simple snacks in a small cooler and bring them to the pickup line. Hungry kids get fed right away, which balances moods (and energy levels).”Courtesy of SettledMake a family calendar.”School events, practices, projects, playdates—it’s a lot to keep up with,” says Hubbard, who uses a family calendar to stay on track. “Color-coding each child and parent will help keep daily activities running smoothly.” Hang a large wall calendar for the entire family to see, or use a digital calendar shared between parents and those responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs. Allow for downtime after school. Kids need time to relax, unwind, and recharge after school—pro organizers urge you to let them. “For this school year, I’d like to try either 10 minutes of quiet time or a quick family check-in—one small ritual that helps shift from ‘school mode’ to ‘home mode,'” says Hines. It could also be spent reading, drawing, listening to music, or watching TV. Get Ready for Back-to-SchoolAlyssa 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

Even if you separate your laundry by color (a must!), you might still toss clothes into the machine without much thought. But small changes in how you wash certain items can keep them looking newer, longer. Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab say that turning specific garments inside out can help them get cleaner and prevent the type of fading, pilling, and abrasion that can lead to premature wear and tear. Ahead, the key items that deserve this extra care—and why flipping them inside out can make all the difference: JeansDenim—particularly dark denim—is notorious for fading and showing wear along hems, pockets, and waistbands. Whether your jeans are brand new or a favorite worn-in pair, flip them before tossing them in the wash to minimize abrasion, help preserve color, and prevent fraying. Don’t forget to zip zippers and fasten buttons or snaps, too, so they hold their shape and don’t snag on other items.Embellished ItemsItems like shirts, sweaters, or jackets with buttons, zippers, studs, sequins, or other hardware should always be washed inside out. Doing so not only protects the garment itself from damage—torn off hardware, for example—but also keeps other delicate fabrics in the load from snagging, fraying, or pilling. Shirts, Sweatshirts, and Jerseys With DecalsAny garment with prints, decals, or embroidery benefits from an inside-out wash. Flipping these items minimizes wear on the designs. helping keep colors vibrant and preventing peelingWashable Reusable Grocery BagsReusable bags can accumulate dirt and spills with regular use, and washing them inside out ensures the dirtiest surfaces get exposed to detergent and water. Leggings and Other AthleisureLeggings, sports bras, and other athletic wear are prone to pilling and snagging. They also tend to accumulate sweat and body oils on the inside during workouts, making the interior dirtier than the exterior. Washing these items inside out protects the fabric from friction, keeps colors looking fresh longer, and ensures the dirtiest parts get properly cleaned.SocksIt might seem counterintuitive, but in some cases, turning socks inside out may actually help get them cleaner. Sweat and body oils accumulate on the inside, so flipping them exposes the dirtiest part to water and detergent. There is one exception, though: Socks that are especially dirty on the outside, like sports socks or ones worn around the house without shoes.More Laundry TipsBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

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Garden arbors are gaining popularity again for their cozy, vintage feel.Landscape designers weigh in on why they’re trending, plus share installation tips. Homeowners are becoming more and more interested in expanding their indoor living space into their yards—think dreamy outdoor kitchens, she sheds, and tiny homes with all the bells and whistles. One of the more simple ways to embrace outdoor living? A well-thought-out garden.While plant parents and gardeners alike are experimenting with garden trends like chaos gardening and square foot gardening when deciding what exactly to grow in their outdoor sanctuaries, there are plenty of design-related decisions to be made as well.Considering the resurgence of vintage features in interior design, it only makes sense that homeowners are carrying some of those elements into their garden—specifically the cozy, lived-in feel so many people are after these days. The result? The revival of the garden arbor.To learn more about the trend, we asked landscape designers for their input. Read on for more about their rise in popularity and tips for installation. What Is a Garden Arbor?LisaIson//Getty ImagesIf you’ve never heard of a garden arbor before, think of it as a structural entryway made with two or four posts and a slatted roof.”We often use them as entrances to gardens, designing small arbors or trellises to serve as symbolic gateways. They also provide a beautiful framework for climbing roses, vines, and other plants—and they’re perfect for hanging lights to add a touch of charm and ambience,” says Joe Richardson of Richardson & Associates.The Trend, ExplainedArbors have always been a common garden feature, but there are a couple major reasons they’re gaining popularity again. For one, the integration of indoor and outdoor living is more apparent than ever post-pandemic. “There is great demand and value associated with open space. We see an increasing demand for outdoor living and entertaining space in the form of al fresco dining, covered cabanas, and outdoor kitchens. People want to be outdoors. With thoughtful design, these spaces can be functional, protected, and well-connected with the home,” says Ryan McDaniel, partner and director of design of Brandon Architects.Carol Yepes//Getty ImagesNot only do homeowners crave a connected outdoor space, they want it to match the vibe of their interior design style. Nowadays, with the rising popularity of “cozy” design trends—think café core and the Nancy Meyers aesthetic—garden arbors fit the bill. Successful looks are covered in beautiful vines and roses, adding to the natural ambience of the garden while simultaneously offering a comfortable, sheltered area. You can even string a few lights for added charm. “Cozy and naturalistic cottage gardens are currently trending and the charm of garden arbors ties into that trend,” says Patricia Benner of Benner Landscape Design.Tips for Installing a Garden ArborStacy Zarin Goldberg 2025If you want to get in on this vintage garden trend, consider these pro tips before choosing your design. ✔️ Consider what to grow: “Different plants have different climbing habits—some use tendrils to grip, others twine around supports, and some may need to be tied or trained. Understanding how your chosen plant anchors itself will directly influence the arbor’s structure,” says Richardson.✔️ Select the proper structure: Once you decide what you want to plant, evaluate what structure will work best. “Heavy or woody vines like wisteria require a much sturdier frame than lighter climbers like clematis. The spacing of slats, the height of the arbor, and the materials used should all be tailored to support the growth pattern, weight, and long-term needs of the plant. Ultimately, the plant and the arbor work together—each one shaping the success and visual impact of the other,” says Richardson. ✔️ Embrace your home’s architectural style: “The design should be reflective of the garden ecology and complement the architecture of the home,” says McDaniel. Choose colors and materials for your arbor that match your home’s exterior for a cohesive look. More Gardening IdeasLaura 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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Homeowners are embracing clutter with the latest design trend. Cluttercore encourages intentional clutter that tells a story, and designers are loving it.Design pros explain the trend, plus how to pull it off successfully.What constitutes a beautiful home is different for everyone. For some, it’s a tidy and organized space with perfectly curated rooms. For others, it’s one that feels lived-in, with personal touches scattered throughout. Regardless of your design style, there’s one thing that’s impossible to avoid altogether: clutter. While some might be better than others at keeping it away, every homeowner struggles with it from time to time.So what if we told you there’s a design trend that actually allows you to embrace clutter in your home for stylistic purposes? That’s right—it’s called cluttercore, and designers actually approve. What Is Cluttercore?Cluttercore is all about intentional clutter. The trend encourages homeowners to scatter about collections of knick knacks and pieces that make them smile. Think of it as embracing your inner child through your home decor. “Cluttercore is a trend that focuses on surrounding yourself with sentimental decor. While it’s similar to maximalism, there’s a push for the items to have a story and a meaning behind them. We’re all living in a constant state of stress and uneasiness, and I think everyone is seeking comfort. While there’s not a lot we can control, we can control how we feel in our homes,” says Rachel Mae Smith, author of Colorful Living.Still, it’s important to note that although “clutter” is in the name, the trend isn’t about leaving random items all over the house. Think windowsills filled with meaningful trinkets or shelves with several pieces of related artwork. Related StoryKey CharacteristicsHere are a few of the most important characteristics of the cluttercore design trend, according to designers. Layered shelves: “When I picture cluttercore, I see shelves layered with books and trinkets,” says Cathryn Lindsey of Cathryn Lindsey Design. Embrace all of your favorite things at once, layering them in one space to create a design that tells a story. Floor-to-ceiling design: Don’t be afraid to go all out—that means gallery walls that extend from floor to ceiling or bookshelves filled to the brim with novels, trinkets, and photos.Curated collections: “Maybe it’s a collection of shells you’ve been keeping from vacations over the years or the flower paintings you look for every time you go to an antique shop. Regardless of what you collect, find a place for it in your home and display it together,” says Smith. Curated maximalism: Embrace maximalist design features like mixed patterns and layered art in a way that’s meaningful to you. “It’s not about piling on stuff to be trendy, but layering in pieces that hold meaning—treasures from travels, favorite artwork, or collections you’ve built over time,” says Heather French of French & French Interiors.Related StoryTips From the Pros Before you go ahead and embrace the clutter, make sure to consider these pro tips. Mismatchedhome.blog✔️ Collect over time: “Build your space over time rather than buying everything at once. Collect vintage artwork from thrift stores or a painting from each vacation,” says Lindsey.✔️ Think outside the box: “Maybe you can display your vintage plate collection as wall art or frame your grandma’s collection of doilies to make a gallery wall,” says Smith.✔️ Spread it out: “Instead of cramming everything into a curio cabinet, try featuring collections throughout your home—a cluster of small artworks in a hallway or vintage ceramics styled on a mantel,” says French.✔️ Embrace a lived-in home: “Cluttercore is a display of a life well lived. I think the Nancy Meyers trend was a spark of cluttercore because the characters in her movies lived interesting lives and their homes were a reflection of this,” says Smith.Related Story✔️ Don’t just fill up space: “For example, I gravitate towards antique French goods because I studied abroad in France. Those pieces feel more meaningful and connected to my story. That’s the secret to making cluttercore work. It’s less about filling space and more about surrounding yourself with items that reflect who you are,” says Lindsey.✔️ Plan ahead: “The trick is to have a dedicated space for your items before you pull everything out. Organization is important to make it not feel overwhelming,” says Smith.What’s Trending?Laura 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

Maybe you see that question and think to yourself, “Wait, I have to dethatch my lawn?” or even, “What the heck is dethatching?” Good questions! Let’s start there. Thatch is the dense layer of living and dead plant material that can build up over time between turfgrass and the underlying soil surface. If it gets thick enough, thatch can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching your lawn’s root system. Thatch also creates a haven for grubs, cinch bugs, and other pests.Dethatching, as you can probably now guess, is the process of removing this layer of decaying matter so that your lawn can breathe throughout the growing season.How often, and when, should I dethatch? In most cases, an annual dethatching is enough to keep a lawn healthy. Early fall is generally considered an ideal time, since dethatching should be done when the lawn is actively growing and able to withstand the aggressive scraping involved in the process. (Spring works too, but the open spaces in the lawn that result from dethatching are an invitation for crabgrass and other weeds.) It’s worth noting that a moderate layer of thatch (less than ¾ of an inch) will benefit the lawn by acting as an insulator against extreme temperatures; the cushion also reduces soil compaction in lawn’s that get a lot of foot traffic. Those are more reasons why dethatching the lawn just once a year is usually enough.How to dethatch the lawnFor small lawns, our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend a dethatching rake. The manual tool works like a regular rake, with tines that are strong enough to pull the thatch away from the soil. For best results, reach for the dethatching rake right after you mow the lawn, so you don’t end up with long blades of grass getting stuck in the tines. Sun Joe Lawn Dethatcher & Scarifier Now 19% OffCredit: Sun Joe THE GROUNDSKEEPER II Dethatching Rake Credit: GROUNDSKEEPERWORX 14 Inch Corded Electric DethatcherCredit: WorxIf your lawn is more than a 1/4 acre, it’s worth renting or buying a mechanical dethatcher. Our roundup of best dethatchers includes several battery-powered machines that look and function much like a walk-behind lawn mower. Some of them perform other tasks, like aerating and scarifying the lawn — treatments that can also improve its overall health.How to prevent thatch from coming backTo prevent too much thatch from forming on your lawn, avoid overwatering, as this will impede the breakdown of organic material. A single inch of water per week is sufficient, ideally delivered in one long soaking, rather than short daily sips, which leads to shallow root systems that eventually end up as thatch. As noted above, aerating the lawn is another beneficial treatment, ideally done in the fall. Heavy-duty core aerators, available for rent from home centers, break up thatch by pulling small plugs of soil from the ground. The process also allows more air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the lawn’s root system.Remember that earthworms are a natural source of aeration that work better than any machine. They don’t like soil that’s too acidic, so you may need to add a layer of lime to bring the pH level up to between 6 and 7 on the 0 to 14 pH scale. This will also encourage the natural breakdown of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. I’VE GOT MORE ADVICEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

While there are plenty of vintage design trends on the rise, there are some design pros feel should stay in the past.We spoke to several interior designers on the outdated design features they do not want to see make a comeback. Patterned wallpaper, antique mirrors, wooden accents—vintage design features are making a comeback in homes everywhere. Gone are the days of the all-white kitchen and the finely curated minimalist living room. Homeowners are embracing the “lived-in” look, and designers are loving it. While the resurgence of trends from decades past is an exciting opportunity to blend the old with the new, there are certain features designers say should not be brought into the modern home. So before you hop on the vintage train, read on for 9 outdated design features pros believe should stay in the past.Overly Coordinated SetsJuan Maria Coy Vergara//Getty ImagesOne or two pieces of vintage furniture can add charm to any room, but when there’s a few too many, the space might end up feeling outdated.”I love vintage ‘brown furniture,’ especially heirloom pieces that tell a story. But what I don’t love are overly coordinated sets—like a dining table, chairs, sideboard, and china cabinet all in the same finish, or a bedroom with a bed, nightstands, and dresser that perfectly match. A single vintage piece, or even two, can anchor a room beautifully and add character. But when everything matches, it quickly feels overdone and visually heavy,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.Tiled CountertopsHomeowners are embracing unique patterns and bold hues, making colored tiles an exciting choice. While they might be visually appealing on walls or floors, they might not be as practical on other surfaces, particularly countertops. “I’ve heard whispers of them making a comeback, and maybe—just maybe—they could work in a small powder bath. But in kitchens and full baths? They’re a cleaning nightmare. I lived with them in a house after college and can confirm: grout lines and daily use do not mix,” says Peggy Haddad of Peggy Haddad Interiors. Related StorySponge Paint Sure, we may have collectively taken a step back from the bland gray and white color scheme when it comes to home design, but if you’re hoping to embrace a new hue, stay away from sponge paint. “Faux finishes from the ’90s can stay in the archives. If you want texture and depth, limewash, plaster, or other artisanal wall treatments create a much more elevated look,” says Haddad.Popcorn CeilingsGarrett Unno//Getty ImagesPainted ceilings? In. Popcorn ceilings? Out—permanently. “Popcorn ceilings never make a comeback, and for good reason. They trap dust, flatten light, and lower the perceived value of a home the moment you walk in. Smooth, clean ceilings open up a room and let every design choice shine,” says Lauren Saab of Saab Studios.Related StoryCarpeted Bathrooms Rugs in all sorts of patterns and textures are welcome in a vintage-inspired home. However, carpet, especially in this space, is a no-go. “Carpet in bathrooms should stay firmly in the past. It holds moisture, traps odor, and never feels truly clean. Tile or stone brings the same softness underfoot when paired with a rug, without the hygiene headache,” says Saab.Maximalist BedroomsMaximalism is taking over home design—trends like dopamine decor and grandmacore even stem from the larger interior design style. Homeowners are craving a personalized space, but designers warn against going full force when it comes to the bedroom.”I have found that many clients seek peace, serenity, and a quiet place to rest in their primary suites. While the ‘more is more’ approach works in spaces that are meant to be dynamic and bold, bedrooms covered in wild patterns and loud colors are antithetical to getting sound, recuperative sleep,” says Andy Yates of Andy Yates Design.Glass BlocksJodiJacobson//Getty ImagesThey certainly look vintage, but glass blocks are not the natural light solution they once were. “Glass blocks had their moment, but let’s be honest—they rarely add beauty to a space. They end up feeling more like a dated, utilitarian fix than a design choice. Today, there are far more elegant ways to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy and safety,” says Jay. Shiny Yellow Brass Designers agree: shiny yellow brass instantly dates a home. “Brass itself is classic, but that overly yellow, lacquered version? It doesn’t need a revival. Unlacquered, aged, or burnished brass feels timeless instead. Say yes to patina,” says Haddad.”Instead of adding character, it makes a room feel stuck in the past. Warmer finishes like unlacquered brass or matte bronze bring in the same metallic interest without ever looking out of style,” adds Saab.Orange Polyurethane Oak Floors Wood tones and accents, whether used for flooring, furniture or simply decor, are on the rise. Still, that doesn’t mean all tones bring that same vintage feel. “I love that warm oaks are trending again, but the orange-red polyurethane finish? That one should stay firmly in the past. Matte, natural stains highlight the beauty of oak without the heavy orange cast,” says Haddad. 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