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    How to Remove Mildew From Walls, Fabric, Wood Furniture and More

    Mildew thrives in moist, damp spaces — think dark spots on your clothes, powdery clusters on wood furniture or black gunk in the corners of your shower. The disgusting fungus may be hiding in neglected areas of your home, such as the garage, basement or under the kitchen sink. You can spot mildew during early stages as white or gray powdery dots, but the fungus can also turn yellow, brown or dark gray. “Mildew is not only unsightly, but can be irritating, especially to family members with allergies or other respiratory sensitivities,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “If it’s not addressed promptly, it can quickly spread to become a more dangerous and serious situation.” It’s often the first clue that something needs to be handled, like fixing a leak or controlling your home’s humidity level.Luckily, we’ve rounded up expert advice for mildew removal — whether you’ve got a situation growing on walls, upholstery, carpets, clothes or more! Follow our step-by-step instructions to stop mildew in its tracks. Plus, keep scrolling for prevention tips, the difference between mildew and mold growth and a few of our favorite cleaning products. Remove Mildew From Upholstery Upholstered furniture, like a mattress or sofa, that’s been damaged by water or may have mildew growing inside should be discarded. If you’re dealing with a small mildew stain, here is the best way to tackle it: Vacuum the entire surface. For remaining stains, sponge the surface with a cloth moistened in equal parts rubbing alcohol and warm water. We suggest doing a spot-test first to make sure the fabric won’t damage. (Note: If your cushions are removable, remove the cover before cleaning. But, look out for any mildew that may have spread to the cushion.) Wipe the upholstery with a water-dampened sponge. Fan dry the upholstery for several hours; sprinkle on and brush in baking soda to help remove odors.Spray the surface with a disinfectant, like Lysol, to kill spores that can linger. RFStock//Getty ImagesDue to the moisture, mildew thrives on bathroom walls and grout. Remove Mildew From WallsMildew tends to linger on walls, tiles and grout, especially in the bathroom where ventilation is poor. It’s important to stop growth during early stages. Here’s how:Mix ¾ cup bleach with one gallon of water (equal to 3 tablespoons bleach to one quart water for smaller areas).Apply mixture with a soft scrub brush for walls or a stiff brush for grout (don’t forget to wear gloves).Let the solution penetrate for 15 minutes before rinsing with water.Wipe dry. Then, use a fan to dry the surface thoroughly.Expert Tip: When cleaning mildew, always wear a face covering, long rubber gloves and protective eyewear.Remove Mildew From ClothingYou may notice a mildew scent or mold spores on clothing or linens that have been stored in a moist attic or basement. Luckily, if you follow these steps, you may not have to throw away mildewed clothing.Use a stiff brush to remove mold spores (we suggest doing so outdoors).Sun dry the item for about three hours.Check the care labels and if safe, use chlorine bleach or pre-soak colored fabrics for 30 minutes in liquid non-chlorine bleach. For mild stains, you can instead soak the area in equal parts white vinegar and water.Rinse and machine wash as usual.Remove Mildew From Shower CurtainsIf you step into the bathtub and notice that your shower curtain is dotted with mildew, take action quick. Quick prevention tip: Spread out your shower curtain or lining to help it dry.Wash plastic liners or plastic shower curtains in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with the regular amount of detergent — you can also add bleach. Add two to three bath towels for extra cleaning agitation. (If your shower curtain is fabric or decorative, wash according to the care instructions).Hang curtain to dry or put it the dryer on low for a few minutes to remove excess moisture. Never leave a plastic liner or curtain in the dryer unattended.Farah Kilani//Getty ImagesFor larger mildew stains, try a steam cleaner on carpets.Remove Mildew From CarpetsWhether you’ve experienced a little flooding or a room is overly damp or humid, mildew can grow on carpets. You may notice a musty smell or greenish stains. Carpets and rugs that are completely saturated by dirty flood water, should be discarded.Make sure the space is dry. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove water. If possible, hang rugs or carpets outside in the sun to dry. If it’s not possible, open windows and use fans. to air out the space. Try to pick up wet sections if you can to make sure the padding and flooring underneath dry thoroughly.For small stains, use a carpet stain remover. Or, clean and rinse the carpet with a steam cleaner for larger stains.For lingering odors, spray a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts warm water onto the carpet. Allow it to sit overnight. Sprinkle the area with baking soda, and vacuum it up after a few minutes. You may also spray the carpet afterwards with Lysol disinfectant spray, according to label directions to sanitize the surface.Remove Mildew on Wood SurfacesWhen exposed to moisture, mildew can grow on wood cabinets, paneling or furniture in the form of white powdery spots. Vacuum loose spores with the soft brush attachment.Clean small areas using a well-wrung cloth dipped in a few squirts of dishwasher detergent mixed with a gallon of water.Rinse with a clean, water-dampened cloth and dry immediately with a fan. Be careful, not to oversaturate the wood as it could warp or damage the finish.Apply a thin coat of Good Housekeeping Seal holder Weiman Furniture Polish to restore the shine and protect the finish.Expert tip: After vacuuming mildew spores, toss the filter and bag to prevent spores from escaping into the air next time you vacuum.What are the best products for cleaning mildew?What’s the difference between mold and mildew?Mildew, a type of mold, is easier to remove and tends to less dangerous than other types of mold (think black mold). Although, both microscopic fungi can cause health problems and damage to your home. Mildew is typically more visible during early stages and pops up as white or gray powdery dots. It may turn yellow or brown, but generally remains pretty flat. Mold appears darker, often in shades of red, green or black and can have a fuzzy texture. While the mold and mildew can be treated in similar ways, read our tips for removing stubborn mold spots if you suspect a mold outbreak. How can I prevent mildew?Use a top-tested dehumidifier to keep damp areas, like the basement or bathroom, dry and maintain indoor humidity levels.Open the bathroom door during and after showering to allow moisture out.Dry or squeegee shower walls, floor and tub after showering to remove excess moisture and help surfaces dry faster.If you have bathroom tiles, seal grout lines every year to waterproof the surface. Avoid storing linens, books or furniture in damp basements or attics.Don’t leave damp towels or gym clothes in bags or closets.Track down and fix leaks as soon as possible.Related Stories..Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.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.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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    GH Seal Spotlight: Bath Planet by BCI

    Score a brand-new look for your bathroom with a super-convenient upgrade from this GH Seal star that takes the stress out of renovation and upkeep. Bath PlanetBath PlanetWHY IT EARNED THE GH SEALBath Planet products proved a smart pick for nearly every style and need in our engineers’ extensive review thanks to the fade and mold-resistant design, easy setup, and more. QUICK PRO INSTALLATION The long-lasting, customizable bathtub, shower or walk-in tub solutions are installed by a professional within the footprint of your existing bathing space, so there’s no serious demo required. Installation is often under two days.QUALITY CONSTRUCTION The high-tech polymer surfaces are scratch-resistant and non-porous, which helps keep mold and mildew from growing. They’re also designed to ward off the pesky staining and yellowing that can be common with other options.EASY-CARE MATERIALS The durable surfaces won’t show wear and tear — simple wipe downs with a non-abrasive household cleaner is all that’s needed to keep them looking new.TONS OF VARIETY No matter what you’re looking for, the brand offers many great options for an upgraded bathroom, including their patented REVEAL laser-etched tub and shower surrounds that resemble designer tile, without the maintenance demands of porous grout. Complete your dream bath makeover with a range of accessories, including seats, shelving and more.Go to bathplanet.com for more info and to set up a consultation. More

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    9 Best Laundry Stain Removers of 2024, Tested by Cleaning Experts

    You’ll have four major considerations:✔️ Form: There are sprays, gels, powders, foams, solid sticks and liquid stain removers, plus portable options in wipe and pen form. What you choose depends on personal preference and where you are when you notice the stains. Sprays, gels and foams are the easiest to apply, but some must then go into the washing machine quickly and others can wait up to a week, so read the label. Powders and liquids can be best for presoaking before you run your load of laundry. Solid sticks (not on our list) often require a little extra muscle to apply evenly to garments but can be convenient for travel. ✔️ Type of stain: There are four types of common stains: protein (e.g., blood and eggs), tannin (e.g., tea and coffee), dyes (e.g., mustard and berries) and oil-based (e.g., makeup and cooking oil). In general, wash protein stains in cool water as heat can cause them to set. For all other kinds of stains, wash in the warmest water the garment can withstand. Since there are stain removers made for specific types of stains, and stain removers that work best in different water temperatures, you’ll want to check the stain remover label.✔️ Fabric: A stain remover’s label usually states what kind of fabrics it is safe to use on. Some may contain bleach which shouldn’t be used on colored garments. Your garment labels should also be inspected before applying laundry pretreatment or soaking in hot water. Equally important is checking the fabric for colorfastness by applying the stain remover to a hidden spot of the garment, allowing it to sit for five minutes, then rinsing and allowing it to dry. If the fabric color is affected, do not use this stain remover anywhere else on the garment. ✔️ Time: For quick fixes out of the house, wipes and pens are your best bet. If you can wait overnight or whenever you’ve scheduled your next laundry day, opt for a spray, gel or liquid formula, checking to see how long it can be allowed to set. If you’ll use a powder for presoaking, factor that hour or more in on laundry day. More

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    30 Genius Pantry Organization Ideas to Tame Your Clutter

    1Hide Pantry Items in Wicker BasketsMadeline HarperFrom baking supplies and fresh produce to extra paper towels, corral kitchen essentials in baskets to minimize clutter in your pantry. In case you forget what’s what, be sure to label bins and jars, as Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective does here.SHOP WICKER BINS2Group Food by TypePatricia_BurkeTreat your pantry like a grocery store, putting similar items nearby. Designate areas for breakfast items, like cereal and oatmeal, plus canned goods, condiments and packages goods, such as pasta or rice. Here, Pearce Design Group puts canned beverages and non-food items down below.3Install a Sliding DoorKeyanna BowenNot only does a sliding door with glass panels exude charm, it provides easy access to your pantry without taking up additional space. Inside, designer Jess Weeth of Weeth Home installs a butcher-block counter for extra prep space and a brass rail for hanging pots and utensils.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Use a Mix of StorageA Beautiful MessAfter blogger Elsie Larson painted her pantry a pretty pink, she layered in storage solutions, including woven baskets, metal bins, food storage containers and a canned goods organizer. Then, she tucks away a small stepping stool to make top shelves more accessible.See more at A Beautiful Mess »5Decant Items Into Glass JarsPolina Pigulevsky6Carve Out Space for Small AppliancesLaura KinsellaClear clutter from countertops by storing small appliances — like the Crockpot, waffle maker and food processor — in the pantry. According to Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, reorganizing is also the perfect time to take stock of what you’ve got and get rid of any appliances you don’t use.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Use Mesh Drawers for Food StorageJosh GoetzHere, Ellen Lopez of El Design Studio opts for open shelving on top and closed storage down below. Everyday ingredients and snacks are stored in glass jars and canisters, then mesh drawers are used for storing produce like onions and potatoes.8Maximize Vertical SpaceEmily KennedyTake shelving all the way to the ceiling, storing infrequently used appliances, tools and ingredients up top, just as designer Kate Marker does here. Just don’t forget to keep a stepping stool handy. 9Add a Rolling LadderStacy Zarin GoldbergAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below10Don’t Forget to Label EverythingEma PeterDetailed labels will save you from rummaging through every bin and basket when it’s time to grab something you don’t use often. Plus, it’s important to label spices and baking supplies (you don’t want to mix up sugar and salt). SHOP LABEL MAKER11Reimagine a ClosetSettledFor a compact closet layout, keep spices, cans and everyday snacks in acrylic organizers and storage bins. This maximizes space and makes packing school lunches a breeze. Meanwhile, cereal, pasta, rice and beans can be placed in clear containers to preserve their freshness. They’re also aesthetically-pleasing and make it easy to see if you’re running low and need to stock up.SHOP STORAGE BINS12Dress the Door With ShelvesAlison GooteeDon’t let any space go to waste! Store condiments, spices and other small items in a rack on the back of the door. You’ll be surprised at just how many items can fit.SHOP BACK-OF-DOOR ORGANIZERSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Keep Baking Supplies Within ReachJulie BlannerTransfer common ingredients — flour, sugar, brown sugar, pasta and so on — into large glass jars with lids, and place them on the middle shelf for easy access. On the shelf above, arrange small glass jars full of more specialized ingredients, like spices, nuts and dried fruit. 14Fill Drawers With Labeled Containers Bless’er HouseIf you’re using a storage cabinet as a pantry, make sure to load the drawers with spare linens, utensils and containers full of baking supplies for easy reach. Label each container on the top, so you can quickly see what’s inside without having to dig.See more at Bless’er House »15Hang a Spice Rack Danielle OcchiogrossoWhen it comes to cooking, you can never have too many spices. It’s easy to confuse your preferred spice with another, especially if they’re the same color and jumbled together in the drawer or cabinet. To avoid this, take advantage of vertical space. Hanging a spice rack on your pantry door, or stick it on the wall inside. Everything will be upright, so it’s easy to see your go-to spices all at once. SHOP SPICE RACKRELATED: Best Spice Rack Ideas to Save on Kitchen Counter SpaceAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below16Arrange Baskets High and LowAaron ColussiNo matter if your pantry is out in the open or closed off in a dedicated room, leverage vertical wall space by positioning baskets on high and low shelves. Place seasonal items in the baskets up high (Christmas cookie cutters, for example) and kid-friendly essentials down below. 17Organize Drawers With Labeled Bins Serttled18Design a Hidden PantryMargaret RajicDesigner Kate Marker devised a secret pantry cabinet in this kitchen and chose a deep green shade to make it a focal point of the space. Replicate the nifty look to store coffee essentials. Here, a Native Trails Malibu sink and a compact counter workspace offer enough room to prep food. Mugs, jars, cutting boards and more are placed on the interior shelves, while the back of the doors offer extra storage. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Divide Cabinets VerticallyMonica BuckDivide and conquer! Tray dividers are simple yet effective ways to organize cutting boards, pizza pans and baking sheets. They’ll work well in base cabinets, pantry cabinets or any deep upper cabinet spaces.SHOP TRAY DIVIDERS20Opt for Pull-Out Drawers The Home EditRather than leaving the space below shelves empty, fill it with pull-out wire shelves, perfect for storing your kid’s favorite snacks and lunch supplies. They’re a kid-appropriate height, too!SHOP SLIDING ORGANIZERSAlyssa 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.Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

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    The Secret to a Beautiful Bathroom That Won’t Break the Bank

    You spend a huge amount of time in your bathroom every day — so it really ought to be a space that suits your style and makes you happy. And yet many of us, daunted by the hassle and high cost of remodeling, live with outdated tile or a tub that’s seen better days. But you can sidestep all the inconvenience with the fast, professional installation provided by Bath Planet, a recipient of the Good Housekeeping Seal; some projects can even be completed in a single day. And the company’s proprietary technology and industry-leading collection of colors and design options mean you can have the luxurious oasis you’ve always wanted without getting soaked.Elevated design, down-to-earth priceCourtesy of Bath PlanetBath Planet products are constructed of a scratch-resistant, ultra-durable polymer — the same tough material bowling balls and football helmets are made of — that’s available in a virtually unlimited array of colors and patterns. You love the look of travertine or marble? It’s yours — and for a fraction of the usual cost. You like the mental image of bathing au naturel in a crystal-clear stream? Opt for a river-rock pattern to make your mornings feel revitalizing without a deal-breaker price tag. Plus, the Bath Planet polymer is both nonporous, keeping mold and mildew at bay, and engineered to resist the scratching, staining and yellowing that can develop on other bath materials, so you’ll never have to spring for costly repairs or upkeep.Another way Bath Planet stands out from its competitors is with its patented Reveal series, in which a decorative tile design is intricately engraved on the product surface. The laser-etched grouting patterns can replicate the look of classic subway tile, grand 12-by-24-inch Roman blocks, diamond and hexagonal tiles — there are nine patterns in all. And since the surfaces contain no porous traditional grout, they are more cost-effective to install and more resistant to mold and mildew.Affordable accessories and accentsCourtesy of Bath PlanetBath Planet also offers sophisticated add-ons that can take your bath-and-shower remodel to the next level while keeping costs in check. The company partners with design-conscious manufacturers for stylish fixtures such as rain shower heads and faucet sets in your pick of finishes, and also has a full complement of available accessories to put the finishing touch on your new favorite place to start (and end) the day: Shower seats in several styles — there’s a bench in the same finish as your walls, a mod silhouette seat that folds up when not in use and the folding teak option shown above — invite you to soak as long as you wish. Bars and footrests in a variety of finishes (like the matte black above) add stylish stability. Sleek rectangular or corner shelves provide plenty of toiletry storage. And since Bath Planet’s product line has a variety of price points, it’s easy to incorporate the details that suit your aesthetic and your bank account alike. “The bathroom is one of the trickiest rooms to renovate, given all the moving parts,” says Dan DiClerico, director of home improvement & outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Bath Planet’s one-stop service, combined with its expert-vetted products and materials, make it a smooth, seamless process.” More

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    Upgrade Your Bathroom in Days With This Good Housekeeping Seal Holder

    Remodeling portions of your home can be disruptive. There’s the dust. And the noise. But the biggest downside might be losing the use of that space for weeks, maybe months — especially when the space in question is your bathroom. But your new dream bath doesn’t have to involve all that downtime. With Good Housekeeping Seal holder Bath Planet, you can come home to a fully finished shower-and-bath area ( “wet area,” in designer parlance) in mere days. Often in just one day, in fact. Here’s how.A highly professional crewYou’ll first work with a Bath Planet designer to choose the right style for your bathroom from a wide range of options (more on those below). Next, the company’s experts take detailed measurements of your existing bath or shower and surrounding walls and create a customized remodeling plan, retrofitted precisely to your existing space to facilitate seamless installation.Finally, the installation team arrives to execute the project. Bath Planet’s technicians are factory-trained and certified as well as fully insured. This is a company that stands behind the quality of its work, offering a limited lifetime warranty that lasts as long as you own your home — and can even be transferred to a new owner if you sell it within two years. Bath Planet also prides itself on respecting homeowners’ time, so your bathroom remodel is completed exactly when you expect it to be—frequently, within a day.High-tech, easy-upkeep materialsCourtesy of Bath PlanetYour new wet area will be constructed of an innovative, ultra-durable polymer. Unlike porcelain, fiberglass or enamel surfaces, Bath Planet’s high-quality tubs and shower surrounds are nonporous, which keeps mold and mildew at bay, and also resistant to the scratching, staining, and yellowing that can be an issue with other materials. “Engineered specifically with bathrooms in mind, the tough materials should stand up to everyday wear and tear over the long haul, based on our extensive lab tests,” says Dan DiClerico, director of home improvement & outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In addition, the grout-free designs not only facilitate fast installation, they also make your new bathroom gratifyingly easy to clean.A superior selection of stylesCourtesy of Bath PlanetBath Planet offers an industry-leading array of finishes, colors, and styles, all made in the U.S. There are 25 wall-color options, available in a matte or glossy finish, and the surfaces can echo the sophisticated look of quartz, granite, and even marble.But the real game-changer is the company’s patented laser-etched Reveal series, which delivers the look of designer tile, elevating Bath Planet’s products beyond the rest of the market. Your new bath can be finished with a clean, classic subway-tile pattern, the sophisticated symmetry of 12-by-12-inch squares, the fine detail of a 6-inch hexagonal design, or one of six other stylish patterns, each laser-engraved to replicate the look of grout—without any of the maintenance headaches traditional grout entails.Bath Planet can turn the look you’re envisioning into reality in a matter of days. In fact, the most time-consuming part is likely to be deciding which of the hundreds of available design variations will make this the bathroom of your dreams. More

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    Ruggable’s New Collection With Justina Blakeney Is a Pattern Lover’s Dream

    There’s good news if you’ve been eager to fill your home with pattern and color: Designer and artist Justina Blakeney just released a collection of machine washable rugs and doormats with Ruggable. They’re perfect for living with pets and small kids!Justina’s bold assortment showcases her original artwork, which she says is an instant “mood enhancer” and is intended to bring people joy. The line includes 15 lively indoor rugs, along with two doormats and two outdoor rugs, starting at $129. Justina, who is also the founder of Jungalow, a bohemian-inspired home decor brand, told Good Housekeeping: “For design enthusiasts who glean joy from color and pattern, for folks who like to embrace natural motifs, geometric shapes and design that’s a touch on the wild side – this collection is for you.”Shop Justina Blakeney’s New Ruggable CollectionEvery pick has a story, too. A few of her designs, like Sonia and Billie, were inspired by Justina’s paintings. Josephine and Eartha, which are based on her illustrative work, were inspired by Justina’s child who loves wildcats. Then there’s Alice and Georgia, which boast daring botanical motifs. “They were inspired by ancient Egyptian wall art with my own trippy, modern, kaleidoscopic spin,” Justina shares. Courtesy of RuggableAn appreciation for nature is a common theme throughout the collection as well. It’s long been a starting point for Justina’s design aesthetic and work as an artist. “In some designs, it’s more literal – like in the case of Tarsila – which celebrates palm fronds – and others are more abstract, like Hilma, which is an abstract interpretation of crystals. In my work, you’ll find lots of hints to Mama Nature and her magic,” Justina says. So, go ahead and shop the collection on Ruggable.com while there’s still time. You can start small with a rug at the side of your bed or go big with a graphic pick for your living room or bedroom. The choice is all yours!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

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    Step Inside This Playful “California Cool” Abode

    Home to a crafty family of four, this Manhattan Beach property is full of coastal-inspired colors and natural textures that define the sought-after “California cool” style. From room to room, interior designer Lauren Meichtry, founder of Elsie Home, hunted for creative ways to reflect the couple and their two young daughters — without straying too far from the expectation of a beach house.Aside from the fact that the clients loved every lighting, fabric and furniture choice, this project marked Meichtry’s first time designing an entire house. The goal was to curate a space that feels casual, yet playful. “I knew the family would be willing to see a mix of color, pattern and texture,” says Meichtry, who dreamed up a color palette based on the surroundings. Think muted greens and cool blues, plus warm beige and bright white. Enter a sunny, open-concept space. The homeowners hired Thomas James Homes to build the property. While the hard finishes were already decided and the walls were painted white, Meichtry took the opportunity to introduce character. “I tried to add flair through lighting, artwork and decor,” she says.Public 311 DesignStay a while in the living room.Star patterned ceramic tiles, selected by the homeowners, installed around the fireplace act as a focal point in the airy living space. “The tiles were a great jumping off point for creating playfulness and personality,” says Meichtry, who weaves in striped drapery for warmth and natural elements (like a woven lamp) for a subtle coastal feel. “Little modifications, like textures and artwork, can make a room feel customized,” especially when your starting point looks builder-grade.Public 311 DesignPublic 311 DesignEntertain in the dining room.Where mid-century modern meets coastal style, the dining room is defined by a striking chandelier, mismatched seating and a dramatic sideboard from Lulu and Georgia. “When designing for an active family, I want every space to be a room they will actually use,” says Meichtry, who prioritizes comfortable and casual dining chairs. Public 311 DesignTake a repose on the deck.Exit the living room through cantina doors onto a covered deck that feels like an extension of the home. The modern patio set encourages the family (including their two dogs) to spend time outdoors, while the outdoor rug, round coffee tables and oversized rattan pendant maintain the casual style found inside. Public 311 DesignMake the most of bonus spaces.Instead of a guest bedroom, Meichtry creates a playful space for the young girls to hang out with friends, watch movies and play video games. When guests are in town, the custom-designed sofa transforms into a queen-size bed. Meanwhile, another spare room is turned into a pattern-filled craft room, from the dash wallpaper to the round mirrors from Jamie Young. “To spark creativity, you need to be in a space that makes you feel creative,” says Meichtry.Public 311 DesignPublic 311 DesignTake in every detail of the primary bedroom.Focused on their two young girls, the clients weren’t prioritizing the primary bedroom — but Meichtry was determined to create a cozy haven for the couple. Layers of texture add a surge of warmth, from plush Parachute Home bedding and decorative throws from Elsie Home to a woven leather bed frame and fluted dresser. Public 311 DesignEmbrace whimsy in a girl’s bedroom.For a third grader whose girly, silly and loves color, starburst peel-and-stick wallpaper, rainbow decor and a hanging egg chair are the perfect bedroom accents. Playing on the rainbow theme, Meichtry sticks to arch shapes — notice the arched bed frame, bookshelf and rounded chair. The best part? This spirited space can grow with her — just swap out small accents like throw blankets and wall art.Public 311 DesignEnd your tour in this tween’s boho bedroom.Last but not least, the tween daughter’s bedroom — adorned with a palm fronds wallpaper and decorated with natural textures — has a bohemian flair. Despite the bedroom being small, Meichtry wanted this bold print plastered on all four walls for a real wow factor. “I promised my clients that it wasn’t going to make the room feel smaller, and it strangely makes the room feel bigger.”Public 311 Design Bring a “California Cool” Style Into Your HomeAlyssa 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