Home Ideas

Designers often take pride in using antiques and thrifted items to bring personality into a home. Not to mention, thrifting and antique shopping can sometimes be a more affordable and sustainable option than relying on traditional retailers. But before you fill your home or car with second-hand items, keep in mind: There are some things you should never buy at a thrift store — no matter how tempting the price tag. Textiles like mattresses, stuffed animals and bedding could harbor bed bugs, while older furniture and electronics can pose a safety risk — especially to children. “We love a good treasure hunt, but there are a few things we’ll always leave behind,” says Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer of Interior Impressions. Below, two pro designers share the items they always avoid at the thrift store.More Expert Thrifting AdviceMattresses”Anything that can’t be thoroughly cleaned or disinfected — like used mattresses — is a no-go,” says Amy Leferink. A second-hand mattress will likely lack support, plus they might harbor dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria, mold and allergens.Electronics and appliances Vintage speakers, antique lighting and old televisions may look charming, but thrifted electronics could have faulty wiring, which could pose a fire or electric shock risk. “Anything involving electrical wiring — like old lamps or appliances — are a hard no for me,” says Honey Collins, founder of Honey Collins Interiors. “Safety comes first, and there’s just no way to guarantee those items are up to standard, no matter how beautiful or nostalgic they may appear.” Functional cookware or glasswareBe weary of using thrift finds in the kitchen. Regulations regarding lead weren’t put in place until 1971, so painted dishes and crystal glassware may contain traces — especially dangerous if the items are cracked or chipped. “When looking for kitchen items at thrift stores, we usually prefer to focus on decorative pieces rather than functional cookware such as dinnerware, serving dishes, glassware or antique cookware that can elevate your kitchen or dining room’s aesthetic,” says Leferink. Certain items, like cast iron and enamelware, may be safe to use on a regular basis, but “always inspect carefully for cracks, chips or peeling coating,” adds Collins. anzeletti//Getty ImagesBaby furniture “While thrifting accessories and artwork for a nursery can be fun, it’s best to steer clear of baby furniture,” says Leferink. “These items can become outdated, and their warranty lifespan might have passed. Since baby furniture safety standards are continuously updated, purchasing new pieces is the safest option.”Second-hand baby furniture might not meet current safety standards or could have hidden damage, such as cracks, loose parts or missing hardware. “A sweet old crib may look darling, but it could pose a real risk — it’s not worth the gamble,” says Collins.Car seats and strollers A thrifted car seat or stroller could have hidden damage that presents a safety risk, and there’s no way to guarantee the model meets current safety standards. Keep in mind, car seats should be replaced if they’re involved in an accident and have expiration dates. HelmetsNot only can thrifted helmets carry lice and other potential infections, they’re likely unsafe. After significant impact, you must replace a bike helmet — even if it doesn’t look damaged, because the foam lining could be compressed. Baloncici//Getty ImagesStuffed animalsEven if you machine-wash a second-hand stuffed animal, odors and allergens can linger. Not to mention the risk of bedbugs, bacteria and dust mites — it’s just not worth it. BeddingSimilarly, thrifted bedding — like sheets, comforters and pillows — could harbor bed bugs, dust mites and allergens that are difficult to clear completely. That doesn’t mean you have to stay away from all textiles, according to Collins. “It depends on the piece and your tolerance for a little elbow grease. Vintage rugs? Yes, absolutely — if they’re in good shape and can be professionally cleaned. As for upholstered items, I look for good bones — with plans to reupholster. Linens and pillows, though? I’d pass.” Damaged rattan or wicker furnitureThink twice about buying those worn woven chairs, cabinets or side tables that you spotted on a thrift store run. Rattan and wicker furniture can be difficult — and very expensive — to restore, so it’s best to avoid it, even if the price seems right. Wood cutting boardsDon’t waste money on a thrifted wood cutting board, unless you plan to use it as decor. Even with a deep clean, it can be challenging to remove bacteria embedded within the wood’s pores. Baby toysBabies and small children outgrow toys quickly, so it’s not a bad idea to source second-hand items — but it’s crucial to consider hygiene and safety. Don’t thrift any baby toys that can’t be throughly washed and sanitized. Diligently check for any broken or loose parts that could be dangerous for little ones. 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

Have you ever spent what feels like a lifetime debating whether or not to keep something while decluttering around the house? As a pretty indecisive person myself, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve struggled with that decision more than a handful of times. Sometimes, we all need a bit of a nudge — or rather, a shove — to make the progress we desire. The 30-second rule gives you that push. According to the method, if you can’t explain why you use or love an item in 30 seconds or less, you should ultimately toss it. While some find this technique a bit harsh, others seem to appreciate the idea of making quick, honest decisions without overthinking. I tried the method myself and spoke to three professional organizers for their expertise, including whether or not they recommend it and their best advice for those looking to adopt the 30-second rule. Is the 30-Second Rule Effective?The 30-second rule can be controversial, according to the pros. Whether or not it’s effective depends a lot on a homeowner’s personality and what they’re hoping to declutter. “If you’re cleaning out your junk drawer and debating whether or not to keep a random cord and you can’t immediately identify what it belongs to, you may not need it. It’s a good method for decluttering the more utilitarian items in your home, but it may not work as well for the sentimental things you need to deal with,” says Ann Lightfoot of Done & Done Home. Organizers warn against making rash decisions when dealing with things like family heirlooms, old photos or documents you’re unsure of. Still, there are certainly benefits to the 30-second rule when dealing with more basic items around the house. My ExperienceI decided to apply the 30-second rule while decluttering the storage underneath my coffee table. I tend to throw a variety of miscellaneous things in there — cords, remotes, pens and anything else that doesn’t have a designated home somewhere else. Laura MillarAfter applying the rule to each belonging, I decided to part ways with a few wires and old electronics I had been holding onto. While I couldn’t explain why I needed them in 30 seconds, I also couldn’t test if they worked in that amount of time. So after putting an old Fire TV Stick and electronic hand warmer to the side, I did take the time to make sure they didn’t work before ultimately deciding to get rid of them.Laura MillarWhile I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of this decluttering method, I also felt like there were a few items where the choice wasn’t as straightforward as the rule makes it seem. I felt the need to make sure certain electronics didn’t work and cords weren’t needed before I was confident enough to let them go. There were also a few notebooks I had barely written in. Sure, I can’t explain why I love or necessarily need them, but I also know it’s helpful to have a spare lying around. My advice? Use this rule when you need to gain some decluttering momentum, but trust your gut before you make any rash decisions. The Pros and Consdinosoftlabs//Getty ImagesProsIt can help you make significant progress in a short period of time. If you know you have a specific area around the house that has started to collect junk, the 30-second rule can help you make quick decisions, ultimately decreasing the amount of time you spend decluttering. You’ll push yourself to be honest about basic household items. “As the saying goes, honesty is the best policy and this is often the case when you’re helping someone who is struggling to make decluttering decisions in their home,” says Lightfoot. If you don’t remember the last time you referenced that manual or plugged in that wire, it might be time to part ways with it. Cons You might make a decision you regret. When dealing with more sentimental items, it’s best to take the time you really need to decide what to get rid of. “There are ways to declutter without a matter of seconds dictating your decisions,” says Faith Roberson of Organize With Faith. This method can be harsh for those struggling to declutter. “It’s very normal to want to keep something that you don’t use and love. Life is hard enough,” says Diane Lowry of New York at Home. Always remember to give yourself grace. All progress, no matter how small, is good progress. Start DeclutteringThe Bottom LineUltimately, you know yourself better than anyone else — if having only 30 seconds to decide whether or not you want to keep something sounds unrealistic, this might not be the right method for you. In fact, Lowry encourages an almost direct opposite approach: “If you need more than 30 seconds to think about an item, you’re not ready to say goodbye to that item and you should respect where you are right now and keep it.”The verdict? Be careful when following the 30-second rule. Use it for areas like sock drawers or medicine cabinets, where items don’t carry as much meaning, but be weary before adopting it as part of your overarching decluttering philosophy. 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

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1Car trash canNow 31% OffWithout a dedicated place to toss trash, snack wrappers and loose papers may end up on the floor. It’s worth buying a small trash can, possibly one you can strap to the back of a headrest. “I cannot deal with random receipts and gum wrappers floating around,” says Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted. 2First-aid kitNow 25% OffFrom outings to the park to roadtrips, it’s always beneficial to keep essentials like Band-Aids and gauze on hand. “To be sure you have all the necessities for an emergency or a minor injury, we recommend keeping pre-packaged go kits in all your vehicles,” says professional organizer Lisa Jacobs of Imagine It Done. “Be sure that when they are used, you replace what is now missing.”Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowTissues are a great thing to store in the car, especially if you have a long commute. Added bonus? These cylindrical bottles, adorned with cute flowers, fit effortlessly in the cup holder. 4Wipes and hand sanitizer From cleaning spills and dusting the dashboard to cleaning your kids’ hands after a park visit, you never know when you could use a wipe. “I always keep a pack of Wet Wipes or hand wipes on hand for spills and unexpected messes while on the go,” says Susan Guraj, founder of VS Organized Interiors. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Zippered bag for the center consoleNow 15% OffRather than pile essentials into the center console, organize them in a zippered pouch or bag. “We love using a soft zip-top bag in the center console as a catch-all for those loose items — think hand sanitizer, medicine, receipts or any other small essentials,” says Guraj.6Extra phone chargerNow 29% OffIf you’re like me, you keep a charger everywhere you frequent! A car charger ensures your devices stay charged during long trips — especially if you use them for navigation. Plus, a USB charger will allow you access to CarPlay if you have a newer system. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Cargo netNow 10% OffIf your daily routine consists of running between sports practice, the gym and the grocery store, you may have no choice but to regularly store items in the trunk. “We highly recommend getting a car cargo net or storage container in the trunk and behind the seats if you have kids,” says Guraj. “It’ll keep larger items like groceries, sports equipment or emergency kits tidy and prevent them from rolling around.”8Multi-use safety toolNo one wants to think about an emergency, but it’s always better to be prepared. This affordable tool has a seat belt cutter on one side, and a window breaker tool on the other. Keep it in the center console or glove compartment for easy access. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Small notepad and a penKeep a small notebook and a pen in your car for jotting down important information, such as directions, license plate numbers or contact details in case of an emergency.10Trunk organizerNow 13% OffUse a trunk organizer or plastic container to organize everyday items and prevent them from shifting around during transport. “For more active families on the go, consider keeping some key items in your trunk area such as: a refillable water bottle, cooler, a foldable chair or picnic blanket and sporting equipment,” says Jacobs. 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

It takes a special kind of interior designer to happily accept the challenge of overhauling a new construction home. The lack of history, charming architectural features and usual ultra-modern details might make some design pros pause. However, Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow didn’t think twice when a lawyer enlisted her to reimagine her four-bedroom property in Nashville. “Since the homeowner has such a demanding career, she wanted to come home to a space that reflects her interests,” Guyton says of the client, who is a Mississippi native. “She wanted her own little sanctuary.” Guyton delivered, transforming the sterile 2,300-square-foot home into a comfortable, personality-packed haven that reflects her client’s love of art, Black culture and traveling. EntrywayNative House Photography, Amy Lamb”It felt like an endlessly long hallway,” Guyton says of the home’s entry. The homeowner knew painting it wasn’t the best approach for the transformation, so they took a different route. She covered the walls in a neutral geometric wallpaper, hung Lulu and Georgia’s Puddle Mirror in gold and displayed a variety of artwork, including a striking portrait by Gee Horton. “When you enter the front door, the entryway immediately introduces you to pattern and nods to African culture with a modern twist,” Guyton says. “I consider it a taste test of the aesthetic before being introduced to it fully in the larger open space shared by the living, dining and kitchen spaces.” Living RoomNative House Photography, Amy LambNative House Photography, Amy LambThe property’s tall, narrow nature, which is most prominent in the living room, presented a challenge for Guyton. Her solution? Lean into it. She accentuated the fireplace, a Wayfair find — and introduced contrast to the primarily white space — with a feature wall decked out in Sherwin-Williams’ Iron Ore. The rich charcoal shade immediately draws the eye. “Some people would think to put a big piece of art or drapery there, but taking the millwork all the way up to the ceiling was a great way to add character,” she explains. Guyton also designed around the client’s existing furniture, including a Crate & Barrel sofa and accent chairs from Wayfair. Art was especially key in this space, too. “Family is very important to the homeowner, and it was a joy to add family photos throughout the space in a gallery wall and portraits in an aesthetically pleasing way,” Guyton says, noting that she relied on picture frames from HomeGoods and Framebridge. Kitchen Native House Photography, Amy LambGuyton kept the existing kitchen cabinets even though blue is far from the client’s favorite color. She made it more appealing with the right accessories. “Although the client didn’t love the paint color, I was able to convince her that the other colors added to the space would make it appear more neutral,” Guyton says. Along with hanging art that the homeowner purchased in Cuba, Guyton installed floating shelves to showcase pieces that reflect her passion for traveling and trying new recipes. “We styled the open shelving with a few of her souvenirs, cookbooks written by Black chefs and people of color and added a globe she owned to emphasize her inspiration by and love of travel,” the designer explains. Dining AreaNative House Photography, Amy LambThe open dining area near the kitchen and living room has a casual feel, thanks to the seating arrangement. “The idea of a formal dining room is a bit fleeting for millennials and Gen Z…instead of six chairs, we added four chairs and a bench (both from Wayfair),” Guyton shares. The dining table is from Lulu & Georgia and the artwork above the table is Manyoya Kifalme by Kabriah Asha.Primary Bedroom Native House Photography, Amy LambThe primary bedroom’s color palette is a departure from the rest of the home. The wall color is daring (Sherwin-Williams’ Sunset), but in a way, it feels like “someone is giving you a warm hug,” Guyton says. She tempered the hue with layers of neutrals and light-colored textiles such as linen. The Maya Bed from Arhaus (now discontinued) completes the space. “The rattan texture and artisan details makes the bed a statement piece in the oblong-shaped room and looks beautiful against the newly painted sherbert-colored walls,” says the designer. Powder RoomNative House Photography, Amy Lamb”This was a great opportunity to do something that had a wow factor,” Guyton says of the powder room. “You feel like you’re stepping into a different world.” Guyton’s “Abstract Attraction” wallpaper from her collection with Mitchell Black is the perfect match for the basket-style pendant light. See More Stunning Home MakeoversMonique 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

We’ve tested dozens of water bottles over the years to find the best ones that are durable, lightweight and keep drinks warm or cold. While we’re big fans of the 40-ounce tumblers that encourage all-day hydration, we came across a tinier version that minimalists might appreciate: the Hydro Flask Micro Bottle.Earlier this year, Hydro Flask launched their tiniest water bottle yet. It’s truly miniature compared to most, with a capacity of 6.7 ounces. At this size, it’s pretty cute and has sold out several times already! Thankfully, Hydro Flask has restocked, and at the time of writing, all colors are available. But exactly how functional are these mini water bottles? We got our hands on a few and Eva Bleyer, a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, put the Micro Hydro through several trials. Hydro Flask Micro Hydro Mini BottleConsNo strawCapacityHolds 6.7 ouncesColors8 availableLidScrew-on, leak-proofHow we tested the Hydro Flask Micro BottleTo test for temperature retention, Bleyer filled the bottle with hot coffee and sealed the lid. Over the course of two hours, she measured temperature changes every 15 minutes. In a separate test, she also filled the bottle with refrigerated water, sealed the lid and recorded temperature changes every hour for 24 hours. She repeated the test using two stainless steel tumblers of similar size — one 8-ounce bottle and one 6-ounce — to compare the results. To test for durability and leakage, Bleyer placed the bottle on our drop-test machine, and she used the bottle in her daily life, including her commute to work. Temperature retentionThe temperature of the hot coffee in our Micro Hydro dropped by 15 degrees after two hours, but Bleyer still considered it hot, likely due to the bottle’s secure lid. Likewise, the brand claims that the Micro Hydro can keep water cold for seven hours, and Bleyer’s measurements showed that while the temperature did rise, it was still cold after seven hours. When tested against two other tumblers of a similar size, the Micro Hydro out-performed them at retaining hot and cold temperatures.Eva Bleyer / Good Housekeeping InstituteTesting temperature retention for both hot coffee and refrigerated water. The Micro Hydro Mini Bottle out-performed two other water bottles of a similar size.Leakproof capabilityAfter laying on its side for 30 seconds and being shaken upside down repeatedly, the Micro Hydro didn’t leak. We’ve given it a perfect score in our leak test and consider it to be completely leakproof.Eva Bleyer / Good Housekeeping InstituteEven when shaken upside down repeatedly, the Micro Hydro Mini Bottle didn’t leak in our tests.DurabilityBleyer filled the Micro Hydro with water and loaded it onto our drop-test machine. The bottle was dropped three times from 3-foot height. Each time, it didn’t leak or dent. We’ve given it a perfect score for durability and consider it to be very secure and stable.Eva Bleyer / Good Housekeeping InstituteThe drop-test machine in action. After repeated falls, the Micro Hydro Mini Bottle never leaked or dented.How to use the Micro Hydro Mini BottleTransporting small drinks“I’m someone who prefers a small coffee, a double shot of espresso with a little bit of milk or hot water, and this Micro Hydro fits my favorite morning beverage perfectly,” says Bleyer. “I commute often and love being able to throw my coffee straight into my bag without having to worry if it will leak.” Other ideas include using it for creamer when traveling or bringing a glass of wine to a picnic.Staying hydrated on short trips or errandsGrace Wu, product review analyst at the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, also appreciates the small size, saying, “Sometimes when I’m going somewhere to run a quick errand, I don’t have it in me to carry a huge water bottle. This is great for short trips when you’re not sure if you’ll actually drink water.”Storing spices or snacks for travelIt’s a great way to bring (and store) seasonings when camping. I’d use it to bring a mix of dry herbs and spices to be used in chili, or as a dry rub for whatever’s going on the grill. It’s also an easy way to carry dry snacks on the go, like granola, nuts or trail mix. Eva Bleyer / Good Housekeeping InstituteCommuting with the Micro Hydro Mini Bottle, not worried about leaks in the least. Is the the Hydro Flask Micro Bottle worth it?Yes, and for many reasons. The Micro Hydro gives you the option to leave your heavy 40-ounce tumbler behind for quick trips out of the house. Our tests have shown that it’s leakproof and durable, it keeps drinks hot and cold for hours, and it’s dishwasher safe. Plus, it’s a smart way to bring small drinks, creamer, snacks, sauces or dry ingredients along when you’re traveling. We also like that it comes with personalization options, like custom engravings and choosing different colors for the bottle, lid and handle.Why trust us?Eva Bleyer is a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances Lab. She has tested over 50 different travel mugs and tumblers in the last year alone, including 17 Stanley cup dupes. She has also tested numerous water bottles for the Kitchen Appliances Lab and is constantly trying out new drinkware in her daily life. Bleyer put the Micro Hydro through a series of rigorous tests in the Lab along with two other small travel mugs from Yeti and Miir. Jessica Dukes is a commerce editor, covering gift guides, sales events, and product reviews for Good Housekeeping and other titles at Hearst. Her focus is on testing and reviewing everything for the home, from pillows to seasonal styles to appliances, including water bottles from top brands like Stanley, Owala and Hydro Flask.Get the Hydro Flask Micro Hydro Mini Bottle while it’s in stockRelated StoriesJessica is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for Oprah Daily, Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Bicycling, and Runner’s World. With more than 15 years of experience, she tests and reports on useful, unique, and trending products—everything from baby gear to home decor to power tools—and tracks the best sales in the lifestyle and tech spaces. Tested byEva BleyerKitchen Appliances Lab Reviews AnalystEva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager. More

1PÄRKLA Storage CaseDead space under a bed becomes a second closet with a few of these PÄRKLA cases. They’re perfect for extra bedding, seasonal clothes and lesser-used items like roller skates or Halloween costumes.2SKUBB Boxes, Set of 6Dresser drawers quickly become chaos for even the most diligent of laundry folders. This set of six boxes brings order back to those socks, belts, undergarments and jewelry.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3VESKEN CartVersatile utility carts are your best friend in a small space — and this slender version is just over seven inches wide, so it can easily fit just about anywhere. Use it in a closet to hold accessories, put it between the sink and shower in the bathroom for toiletries and cleaning supplies or turn it into a rolling snack trolley.4RIGGA Clothes RackFake a foyer by using this sleek rack near the door. It measures more than 3.6 feet long, providing plenty of space for outerwear, while the lower rack fits four pairs of shoes. The height is adjustable, and each end of the rod acts as a hook for purses, scarves and the like.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5JONAXEL Storage CombinationUse this set of metal mesh drawers in the closet for T-shirts and accessories, in the kitchenette to hold dishware and snacks or even in the bathroom to keep paper products and toiletries in order.6KALLAX Shelf UnitSomewhat surprisingly, most dorm rooms do not come equipped with bookshelves. The KALLAX unit is the answer to this problem, offering eight cubes, plus a top shelf for books, knickknacks and more. Bonus: The design makes it easy to split between roommates, so there are no battles over shelf space.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7ALEX Drawer UnitThink of the ALEX as a chic filing cabinet. At 27.5 inches tall, it easily fits under most desks, providing handy and attractive storage for all those school supplies — or, let’s be real, the required midnight-cram-session snacks.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Draper’s decorating style has always been a conversation starter. From Draper’s first work a century ago, people had strong opinions about her maximalist, modern baroque style. Most of the time it was favorable, but minimalists tended to balk. Either way, from the very moment Draper’s name was attached to a project, talk about it was found in the papers. In many ways, it was intentional. Dorothy’s work was art and art has always been something to discuss, creating a sense of interest and therefore, community.This philosophy steered Draper, encouraging her to create some of her most iconic decorating elements, one of which was her signature high-contrast black Belgian and white Georgian marble checkerboard floor set at a diagonal. When it was initially done, some critics said it was ‘too modern’, but it became so synonymous with the Dorothy Draper & Co. brand that upon seeing such a floor, a person would automatically know it was a Draper design. Are there any items in your home design that are conversation starters? Are there any elements you love and find yourself using in multiple spaces? More