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I stayed at the Wickwood Inn, a boutique inn located in Saugatuck, Michigan, designed by Soucie Horner Design Collective. Designers Martin Horner and Shea Soucie transformed the historic house, entering the hospitality business while remaining true to their roots in design. Step inside the Wickwood Inn below, with details about the antique-filled design and service-oriented stay. When I arrived in Saugatuck, Michigan, I immediately felt its charm—a walkable, downtown area filled with boutiques and art galleries, beautiful gardens, and even a chain ferry to take you across the Kalamazoo River. It’s no wonder Shea Soucie and Martin Horner, principal designers at Soucie Horner Design Collective, chose the spot as an entry point into hospitality. The Wickwood Inn, a bed and breakfast located in the heart of Saugatuck, represents the lifestyle of their brand. “Owning an inn was a lifelong dream for us. It became a reality during COVID. We couldn’t really travel, so we were driving to a lot of small towns and staying at inns instead. It was our entertainment, but it also became our research,” says Horner. From transitioning the historical home into Saugatuck’s first bed and breakfast to creating a highly personalized and curated experience for each guest, Horner reveals their vision behind the inn. And after my stay, I can confidently say it’s just as lovely in real life as it is in photographs. Have a seat near the fireplace. When I entered the living room area, I was immediately charmed by the antiques, gold accents, and cozy bar space. It felt like the perfect place to sit down with a cup of coffee, read a book, or just relax. To put it simply, it felt like home. Wickwood InnWickwood Inn”The bar area is the heart of the inn. It seems to be everyone’s favorite place to gather because it’s small, dark, and cozy, and feels very enveloping,” says Horner. “Part of it is because we worked really hard to keep the spirit of Julee Rosso—the inn’s former owner and co-author of the very famous 1980s Silver Palate Cookbook—alive in the spaces guests had come to love so much over the years.”According to Horner, Rosso had a lot of interesting furniture and art that their team wanted to repurpose to fit their design style. The result? A space that feels familiar yet refreshed. Cozy up in your guest room. I was escorted to my guest room, where I found a handwritten note specifically addressed to me. Better yet, chocolate from a nearby sweets shop was awaiting at my bedside. Everything about the space was comfortable—especially the mattress, which Horner says are all handmade in England. Wickwood InnWickwood Inn”Every room is luxurious, comfortable, filled with high-end amenities, and furnished with a curated collection of furniture, rugs, art, and antiques. Every room also makes it clear you’re staying in Saugatuck—the decor mirrors the colors of the sandy beaches, the dune grasses, the water, the sunsets,” says Horner. “It also echoes the relaxed vibe of the town itself. That said, each room and guest suite has its own personality, and is unique in terms of its individual decoration.” Sit down for a homemade meal.Wickwood InnI drooled over the food I was served days after my trip to Saugatuck. With farm-to-table breakfasts made to order, soft cookies served near the bar, and fresh fruit everyday, the Wickwood Inn became much more than an aesthetically pleasing place to stay. It’s a curated experience, where attention to guests reigns supreme. “If you want to be greeted by fresh flowers in your room or enjoy a couples’ massage without needing to leave the inn, or would like a hard-to-get dinner reservation, we’ll make it happen. You don’t receive attention like that in a hotel,” says Horner.Antique around the inn. “We travel the world sourcing furniture, rugs, accessories, and art from master artisans and craftspeople around the globe. It’s part of our everyday—we do it for our interior design clients, for our guests at the inn, and even for our own homes. We’re very into handcrafts, antiques, anything that has a soul and tells a story,” says Horner. Antiques at the Wickwood are everywhere. The coolest part? Many of them are available for guests to purchase and take home for themselves. Wickwood Inn “We want to make it easy for guests to bring an element of Soucie Horner design into their own homes. We also sell select amenities from our luxury brand partners that our guests really enjoy, such as our pillows—which consistently earn rave reviews—along with our towels, bedding, and even the mattresses guests sleep on,” says Horner.Stop by The Bungalow.JOHN STOFFERA new addition to the Wickwood, The Bungalow is a three-bedroom home next door (but still on the same property). It’s perfect for families who want to stay in separate rooms within the same home, yet still feel connected to the inn. “They share the same design style and level of quality; the same mix of antiques, rugs, art, and accessories; the same marble bathrooms; the same millwork profiles,” says Horner. “In short, The Bungalow is a private home with all the same character and characteristics of the larger inn. Guests staying at The Bungalow get to use and enjoy all the services and amenities available at the inn, too.”JOHN STOFFERSwing by the pool house for game night. Located in the “backyard” of the Wickwood Inn and The Bungalow, the pool house is a charming spot to lounge with friends and family for a cozy night in, whether it’s watching television or playing a board game. JOHN STOFFER”It’s basically a bright, airy gathering spot for our guests,” says Horner. “They can get together for a cozy family game night, host a private dinner for eight people, or hold small meetings. It’s also a good place to watch TV.”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

Organizing your closet and dresser can have a major impact on your everyday routine. Quickly find what you need and get out of the house faster—no digging around messy drawers for a shirt hiding at the bottom. Not to mention, proper folds maximize space, help prevent wrinkles, and protect fabric from stretching, so your wardrobe stays tidy and clothing lasts longer. Turns out, there is a proper way to fold your T-shirts and sweaters—and it’s surprisingly easy. I recently read The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by pro organizers and NEAT Method co-founders Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer, and their expert folding advice inspired me to tackle bedroom clutter and organize the closet. Below, the duo shares their step-by-step advice for how to fold clothes, and their biggest piece of organizing advice. Hint: It’s adopting the file-folding method.How to Fold SweatersMartin Vecchio for NEAT METHODMartin Vecchio for NEAT METHODCalculate the width of space available in your drawer, on a shelf, or in a bin to determine how many rows will fit across. Lay the sweater face down on a flat surface and smooth out wrinkles. If it’s a cardigan, zip or button it. Fold one sleeve straight across the sweater torso. Then, fold the sleeve down so the cuff sits near the hem.Repeat on the other side. Pick up the bottom of the sweat and fold it in half upwards. Repeat so the item is folded into fourths. How to Fold T-ShirtsMartin Vecchio for NEAT METHODMartin Vecchio for NEAT METHODJust as you did with sweaters, determine the space available in your dresser or on your shelf. “Fold one item to the height of your drawer and use it as a guide for all clothing in that drawer,” suggests Murphy, who adds that drawer dividers can help maintain rows. Lay the T-shirt face down on a flat surface, ensuring the fabric is smooth. Fold one side in to the center, then repeat on the other side. Fold in half from top to bottom. Fold the shirt in half again. Advice from a pro: “If all else fails, you can use a folding board to simplify the process and keep things consistent,” says Murphy. How to Use the File-Folding MethodLiudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesPro organizers swear by the file-folding method, a simple process that works well for T-shirts, sweaters, denim, athletic clothing, and more. It involves “filing” folded clothing into rows rather than vertical stacks. “It may take a little extra time in the beginning, but it can be a huge game-changer,” says Hagmeyer.This organizing method allows you to see all of your folding clothing at once. “This increases the likelihood of wearing more of your wardrobe, instead of reaching for whatever is on top of the stack,” says Hagmeyer. “It also allows you to grab one item without disturbing the rest and typically saves a lot of space in your drawers.”Organize Your WardrobeAlyssa 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

I replaced dryer sheets with reusable dryer balls topped with essential oil. This method is a cost-effective swap that can save you money on dryer sheets over time. When trying at home, make sure your essential oil drops have soaked into your wool dryer balls to prevent your clothing from getting oil stains.In 2018, I moved out of my parents’ house to live on my own and attend college. As a penny-pinching student, I was looking for any way to save a sliver of money (this is still something I do at age 25). While browsing online for money-saving tips and tricks, I read about a cost-effective laundry hack that only required two items: reusable dryer balls and essential oil. I gave it a shot—and ever since, I’ve been hooked.What is the essential oil dryer hack, and what does it do?Instead of repurchasing dryer sheets every few months, purchase a few reusable dryer balls, preferably wool, and add a few drops of essential oil for scent. Toss the balls into your dryer like you would dryer sheets, and they’ll not only help dry, fluff, and remove static from clothing, but they’ll also give your freshly clean clothes a subtle, pleasant scent.Apparently, this hack has been around for years. Our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab Executive Director, Carolyn Forté, says, “This is a common practice with dryer balls. I think many people do it.” And for good reason—it’s useful! I had already owned a 12-pack of essential oils, which was gifted to me alongside an oil diffuser, and dryer balls, which I had taken from my parents’ house—thank you, Mom and Dad! And since I had nothing to lose, I thought I’d give it a try. (Also, I liked the idea that I’d be adding $6 to $10 back into my pocket every few months by not purchasing dryer sheets).How to test the laundry hack at homeKate FrankeFor a standard load, I typically use two reusable dryer balls. Mine are made of recycled materials, but Forté says wool dryer balls work best. Add a few drops of undiluted essential oil directly onto the balls. Three to four drops is standard, according to Forté, though you can increase the number as needed. I own undiluted essential oils and prefer a stronger scent on my dried clothes, so I tend to use 12 or so drops. This is something I’ve fine-tuned to my preferences over time.What you need to get startedSmart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls, 6-PackPure Aroma 100% Pure Essential Oils, 6-Piece KitBefore tossing the balls into your dryer for use, make sure the oil has soaked into each ball. If not, you could end up with oil stains on your clothing. This has never happened to me, but I wait several minutes before combining the balls with my clothes.When adding the balls to my machine, I don’t use any special setting, just the ‘normal’ dryer function. In 45 or so minutes, I have clean, dry laundry that boasts a subtle scent. Things to consider before trying the hackHaving used this method for several years, I would recommend trying this hack yourself. But like most things, there are pros and cons to the practice. Here’s what Forté recommends you keep in mind about the essential oil dryer ball hack before instituting.Pros: Cost-effectiveEliminates wasteEasy to doLonger time before materials need to be repurchasedCan customize scent and strengthCons: Subtler scent than dryer sheetsDoesn’t soften clothes like dryer sheetsCan stain clothes if done incorrectlyMore time-consuming than dryer sheetsThe bottom lineIf you’re looking for a cost-effective way to cheapen the laundry process, this is a great method to try. It’s easy, customizable, and eliminates dryer sheet waste. But it’s not entirely foolproof. It can lead to clothing stains if done incorrectly, so be mindful when trying. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to suit your machine and personal preferences.Money Tips & TricksKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More

When it comes to a kitchen renovation, function is key. That’s why it’s crucial to choose your kitchen countertop wisely. While quartz and marble remain popular, design pros say there’s another countertop material that’s surprisingly catching the eye of homeowners these days: butcher block. Butcher block was all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s, but Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke says it’s still a “great solution to add warmth and character to kitchens. The wood will patina over time and there are many oils that are simple to use to keep the wood looking nourished and fresh. We prefer to use it in spaces away from water and hot pans when possible.”More Kitchen Design AdviceKitchen Design Group’s Caren Rideau agrees: “Butcher block countertops truly evoke a sense of warmth that is hard to replicate with other materials. Their natural beauty adds a touch of comfort, making your kitchen the heart of your home.”Plus, it helps that a butcher block countertop can be less expensive than natural stone. It also acts as a large cutting board, ideal for chopping food comfortably and handling meal prep. Pro Tips to Consider If your goal is to design a lived-in kitchen, consider handcrafted butcher block options from Grothouse, suggests Steven Cooper of Cooper Pacific Kitchens. “I prefer the look of butcher block in homes that already have a strong sense of character—classic colonials, coastal cottages, and Spanish Mediterranean homes. In a Spanish Mediterranean home, it’s a perfect complement to plaster walls, terracotta tiles, and iron details,” Cooper explains. Rideau is especially drawn to Grothouse’s Durata butcher block finish, noting that it “enhances their resilience but also simplifies maintenance, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful surfaces without worry. Additionally, the variety of exotic woods available (from Grothouse) can elevate your kitchen design dramatically. Each type brings its own character and can complement any style you choose.”Design: Arterberry Cooke; Photo: Weller PhotographyThe benefits of butcher block countertops are clear for an inviting kitchen design scheme. The natural aesthetic is visually appealing and it’s a functional surface that can last for years with proper maintenance. To prevent cracking, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab recommends GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Wood Cutting Board Oil. All you need to do is apply a coating once a month, let it penetrate overnight, and buff it well with a cloth to keep it looking its best. 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.” More

Reddit users are debating whether you should store mugs upright or upside down.Some believe dust can accumulate in cups stored upright, while others think moisture might get trapped that way. How do you store your cups and mugs?Picture this: You just wake up and head to your kitchen to grab your favorite mug for that first cup of joe. One question—is the mug upright or upside down before you pick it up? That’s what’s sparking controversy online, especially among Reddit users, who have started multiple threads on the subject. “My mugs are in a large deep drawer and I put them upright, although then when I go to use one, I always check if anything creepy is hibernating in there! Curious to know what others do,” wrote @Three_Unicorns in r/australia. Another Reddit user took to r/espresso to discuss the topic. Both threads led to heated debates, with users expressing their passionate opinions for both sides of the argument. Whether you’re already team upright or upside down, you might want to consider both options. Storing Mugs Upright…The case for storing mugs upright is simple. When stored upside down, the mugs can trap heat and moisture, especially if you live in a humid environment or forget to fully dry the cups before storing them.”Inside closed cupboards, right side up to allow for humidity to escape,” explains one user. “I leave them upright. I’m scared of any moisture being trapped if I leave them upside down,” writes another. aire images//Getty ImagesOther users argue that facing cups upside down might be unsanitary depending on how often you clean your cabinets. “I very rarely properly wipe down the inside of my cupboards after every time I touch it and I don’t want my clean mugs coming in contact with it,” explains one user. Storing Mugs Upside Down…Storing mugs upside down can prevent dust from accumulating inside, especially if you don’t have closed cupboards. “On open shelving or on top of machine, upside down to avoid gathering of dust,” writes one user. Others mention the pros of a heated cup when brewing coffee: “I store them upside down on my coffee machine. That way, the heated air from the machine gets trapped in the cup (warming them up just a little bit quicker).”There’s also the question of what’s most secure, especially if you have kids who can be a bit clumsy when reaching for a glass. “For cups and glasses where they’re narrower at the bottom, they’re more stable being stored upside down, and less prone to tipping over when you go rooting around for one,” explains another. Is there a right answer?The right answer depends on your kitchen storage situation. If you have open shelving, it might be best to store mugs facing down so dust doesn’t wind up inside your next cup of coffee. Inside closed cabinets, it’s a different story. While there’s no 100% correct method to store your mugs either way, keeping them upright could help prevent moisture buildup, especially if you might not always pay attention to whether or not they’re completely dry, or if you’re using them all the time. 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

1Medications and Vitamins fstop123//Getty ImagesWhile this may surprise you, the bathroom isn’t the best place to store medicine and vitamins. The shower makes the space become way too damp and hot to keep these items there safely. Instead, place all medications and vitamins in a cool, dry place and make sure kids and pets are unable to reach them.2Non-Waterproof Electronicsgabort71//Getty ImagesHave electronics, like a speaker, in your bathroom? “Due to the fire hazard and risk of electric shock,” Dan DiClerico, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, warns against storing non-waterproof electronics, in the bathroom. DiClerico has another key tip: “All bathrooms must be equipped with GFCI outlets (short for ground-fault circuit-interrupters), which prevent fires and electric shock by cutting off electricity to damaged equipment. But it’s still always best to unplug.”RELATED: Before Leaving for Vacation, You Need to Unplug These 5 Things in Your HomeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Retinol and Vitamin CTatiana Maksimova//Getty ImagesAvoid storing retinol and vitamin C products in the bathroom. They’re packed with sensitive ingredients that can degrade as a bathroom’s temperature fluctuates. “Skincare, including retinol and vitamin C, undergoes stability studies and incorporates preservatives to keep actives efficacious for the identified time on the packaging (after opening),” shares Sabina Wizemann, beauty lab director at the GH Institute. 4Aerosol Cans Johner Images//Getty ImagesThe bathroom isn’t a safe spot for storing aerosol cans—think deodorant, hairsprays, and cleaning solutions. Constant high temperatures can cause cans to become distorted, leak, or even explode. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5PerfumeOleksandra Yagello//Getty ImagesWarm, humid environments aren’t a good match for fragrances. “They can change their scent profile, as they contain alcohol (ethanol) and essential oils that can evaporate and degrade,” Wizemann says. “They are best stored in vanities or drawers away from direct light and heat.”6Razors Art_rich//Getty ImagesOver time, the humidity and water from the shower can cause bacteria to form on razor blades, Wizemann says. To prevent this, aim to keep razors in a dry area, away from steam, when they’re not in use. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Powder Makeup Products Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesYour go-to bronzers, blushes, and setting powders shouldn’t be left in the bathroom. Stick to your vanity, bedroom dresser, or makeup organizers to keep your products in good condition. “Powders can harbor and grow bacteria if exposed to humidity, leading to irritation and a shorter shelf life,” Wizemann explains. “Also, they may not perform as well in absorbing.” 8JewelryLiudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesDon’t be tempted to keep your jewelry in the bathroom for a long period of time. The humidity can lead to serious damage, from tarnishing metals to damaging clasps. RELATED: 16 Best Jewelry OrganizersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Books and Magazinesc11yg//Getty ImagesOf course, it’s always enjoyable to unwind with a warm bath and a good read. Just be sure to remove any books or magazines once you’re done. You shouldn’t get into the habit of stashing a collection of reading material in your bathroom for lengthy periods. “Books and magazines are a bad idea, since their pulpy pages hold onto moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew,” Dan DiClerico says. 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.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

If you’ve gone through the home buying process, a standout backyard setup likely topped your list of non-negotiables. From a cozy outdoor fireplace to a luxurious kitchen fit for entertaining, many people long for a backyard that serves as a true extension of their home’s interior. While this became apparent during the pandemic, a new Zillow report reveals that there’s still a major demand for homes with fully equipped outdoor living spaces. One top Zillow finding? Properties with an outdoor TV sell for 3.1% more than expected (approximately $10,000 more). Additionally, pizza ovens, bluestone patios, and outdoor showers are among some of the other features that boost a home’s sale price. hikesterson//Getty ImagesCozy outdoor gathering areas for family and friends are a great selling point for homes, says realtor and interior designer Sarah Goldstein of Teela Bennett Design.Sarah Goldstein, a realtor and interior designer at Teela Bennett Design, agrees with Zillow’s latest research. “Investing in your outdoor space is a huge selling point for your home and it gives your family and friends another area to spend time in,” Goldstein says. Goldstein has found that clients favor great hardscaping, including fire pits, patios, and outdoor kitchens. Visually appealing landscaping is a priority as well: “When you walk into the backyard and it’s fully curated—that’s truly what people are looking for,” she explains. “They want a lovely patio, planters, shrubbery, and trees to fill in the space.” Zillow’s report even found that properties that mention a plant ledge in their listing were sold five days faster than expected. But don’t overlook outdoor lighting either, Goldstein says. Thoughtful choices, such as spotlights to highlight trees and architectural features along with string lights over a pergola or patio, create a welcoming environment. “It makes the space usable and inviting at night. It’s all about creating an atmosphere that feels both practical and beautiful,” Goldstein says.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