Home Ideas

Regardless of whether I’m heading to work, driving to a friend’s house or simply going on a midday walk, there’s one thing I always have with me — my reusable water bottle (or what social media users humorously refer to as an “emotional support water bottle”).I can’t seem to pinpoint exactly when everyone started carrying around these extra-large tumblers, but now, I can’t go anywhere without one. First it was the Hydro Flask, then the Stanley and now the Owala. I’m a proud owner of all three. The best ones are leakproof, easy-to-carry and help reduce plastic waste. Why not get on board?But there is one thing most people don’t know about their emotional support water bottles: how often to clean them. Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tons of experience testing the best of the best tumblers and water bottles. I spoke to GHI Kitchen Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou for tips on how often you should clean your reusable water bottle.Cristina Oller Real//Getty ImagesIt’s easy to assume a water bottle is clean after simply refilling it with water day after day. You are the only one drinking out of it, after all. But if you tend to go days without giving it a good wash, you might want to work it into your daily routine. “I’d recommend cleaning your water bottle daily, but I’ll admit that sometimes I’ll go two or three days tops without washing it,” says Papantoniou. “Bacteria can build up easily, which can make your water taste bad and can even cause sickness.”Cleaning your water bottle every day might seem inconvenient, but most tumblers nowadays are dishwasher-safe. Just throw it in there at the end of the day with the rest of your dishes so it’s fresh and clean the next morning.Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting your water bottle in the dishwasher.If your water bottle isn’t dishwasher-safe or you want to give it an extra deep clean, here are a few steps to follow when washing by hand. Dissemble all pieces of the water bottle before cleaning. Wash the outside of the bottle using a sponge and hot, soapy water. Clean the inside with a bottle brush. Pay special attention to the mouthpiece and all crevices of the bottle, including the straw. “I always give my straws a good once-over with a straw brush to remove any buildup,” says Papantoniou.Let all pieces of the water bottle dry. “Mold can grow under silicone pieces if they’re not removed and allowed to dry completely,” says Papantoniou. To eliminate any bottle-cleaning frustration, try a few GHI expert-recommended products. Keep a dedicated bottle brush right by your sink for everyday use, or carry a compact Tot Bottle Brush for when you’re on the go. Looking for something even more travel-friendly? Bottle Bright tablets are perfect for cleaning your water bottle regardless of where you are. Bottle Bright Tablets OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Bottle Brush OXO OXO Tot Bottle BrushRelated 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

Birdwatching season is in full swing. For most of us, that means peering outside the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of one or two birds a day as they cling to the bird feeder. But with today’s smart technology, it doesn’t have to be that way. With an HD camera, solar panels and a free corresponding app, Costco’s Solar Smart Bird Feeder takes birdwatching to a whole new level.Solar Smart Bird FeederTo set up the feeder, all you have to do is fill it with seeds and mount it in your yard. Once that’s completed, sit back, relax and watch the birds flock to the feeder. The attached HD camera ensures you never miss a birdwatching moment. While you can certainly watch in real time, that’s not always realistic. That’s where the Birdty app comes in handy. Set up notifications for when birds visit, or view the recordings later. You can even save your favorite HD videos to share with friends and family. And if squirrels are a problem in your yard, don’t worry — you can set up an auto alert to shoo them away. The feeder has a USB port for charging, but Costco customers appreciate the built-in solar panels. “I have had it set up for a week and still have not had to recharge the camera, so the solar power is working well,” says one customer.The corresponding Birdty app is free, but if you want to take your birdwatching one step further, there’s an optional monthly subscription that comes with AI bird identification, plus extra storage within the app. To purchase the Solar Smart Bird Feeder, you’ll need a Costco membership. If you’re not a member, there are plenty of other similar solar-powered smart feeders out there. Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab have tested all sorts of smart bird feeders to find the best ones. Shop our expert-approved picks below. Bird Buddy Solar Smart Bird Feeder Now 17% OffBirdfy AI Smart Bird FeederNow 28% OffBird Feeder CameraNow 38% OffFull HD BirdcamRelated 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

Few things can compete with a juicy, flavorful tomato recipe on a hot summer day — especially when you’ve grown the fruit yourself. It isn’t difficult to grow delicious, healthy tomatoes at home, but there are some mistakes that can have serious consequences, like stunted growth, less fruit production and diseases. But with a little care and attention, even beginners can grow a successful tomato harvest.We spoke with two gardening experts, who urge you to avoid these common tomato growing mistakes — from planting at the wrong time to forgetting to prune. Here’s what they had to say:Planting too early The best time of year to plant tomatoes will depend on your weather and climate. Before you grow tomatoes outside, nighttime temperatures should be consistently above 50 degrees, with daytime temperatures 60 degrees or higher. Seedlings are very sensitive to frost and low temperatures, so planting them too early in the season might cause them to die or stunt their growth. How to Grow TomatoesFailing to provide nutrients Don’t forget to feed your tomatoes. “Especially once they start producing fruit, your tomatoes need a consistent supply of nutrients to keep them producing and happy,” says Brian Brigantti, founder of Redleaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance. “When I first plant my tomatoes, I throw in a scoop of organic tomato fertilizer at the base of the hole before putting the plant in. Once my tomato starts to grow and produce fruit, I mix in fertilizer around the base of the plant every 3 to 4 weeks.” Forgetting to prunePruning is essential to the overall health of tomato plants. Failing to prune suckers (shoots that appear at the base of the main stem and side branches) and lower leaves can create excessive foliage and limit fruit production. “With side shoots left on, you get too much air congestion and with that potential pests and diseases,” says Sarah Raven, English gardener and author. “People are scared to do it in case they pinch out the wrong bit, but you MUST.””Tomatoes are tough plants; they can handle a good snipping,” agrees Brigantti. “I’d also suggest pruning any leaves that make direct contact with the soil as those can fester soil-borne diseases. Don’t be afraid to prune any excess arms that your tomato plants produce. Every arm that grows takes energy from the plant, so if you want to redirect energy to more fruit production on the arms that are already producing, snip off any new arms.”Helin Loik-Tomson//Getty ImagesYour fingers can be an easy way to remove small suckers.Inconsistently wateringTomato plants thrive in moist (not soggy) soil. Experts suggest giving tomato plants 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, slightly more often during the height of summer. Don’t trust yourself to consistently water your garden? Raven suggests, “Get an irrigation system on a timer so that you give the same watering for a month at a time, without having to think about it.” Remember to consider rainfall and adjust your schedule if there’s been excessive rain, since overwatering can lead to root rot. Planting seedlings too close togetherTomato seedlings should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart. Without proper spacing, tomato seedlings won’t have enough circulation, which can increase the risk of pests, plus they’ll be competing for sunlight, water and nutrients if they’re planted too close together. Not providing proper supportWhether you have a determinate or indeterminate variety, your tomato plant needs support — tomato cages, plant stakes or a more permanent structure, like a trellis, will do the job. “Tomatoes have a habit of sending out an abundance of arms that’ll hold the fruit it produces,” says Brigantti. “Without proper support, the weight of the arm can become too much to bear and cause the arms to sag or even snap off.” The plant will continue to send out arms throughout the season, so you’ll need a tall, sturdy tall support system.Pro tip: “My personal favorite ways of trellising unruly tomatoes are with cattle panels that you can mold to form an arch,” says Brigantti.PaulMaguire//Getty ImagesTomato plants require vertical support to thrive. Harvesting at the wrong time A failure to harvest tomatoes when they’re ripe can cause them to split or spoil, which attracts unwanted insects and pests to your garden. You can harvest tomatoes when they’re fully ripe or a few days prior to allow them to ripen indoors. Choosing the wrong varietyFrom heirlooms tomatoes to tiny cherries, tomatoes come in many shapes and sizes. Consider the size of your space, and whether you want a determinate or indeterminate variety. Determinate tomatoes take up less space and grow like a bush, making them ideal for container gardening, but they typically only fruit over a two-week period. Indeterminate tomatoes grow longer vines up to 8 to 10-feet tall and tend to produce flavorful fruit all season long. Raven says, “I always advise to go for an interesting, taste-packed variety” — likely an indeterminate like a big beef or cherry tomato. “I prefer to grow from seed instead of a seedling for the best result,” she adds. “Many available seedlings in stores can be not that much more interesting in taste than a supermarket tomato.”More Expert Gardening AdviceAlyssa 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

If you live with a pet, you know the reality: fur on your clothes, blankets, couch cushions… and pretty much everything else. Still, it’s frustrating when freshly washed laundry comes out of even the best washing machine with hair still clinging to it. Fortunately, there’s one surprisingly effective trick: use your dryer before you even start the wash.To remove stubborn pet hair, toss items like fleece blankets, sweaters or couch covers into the dryer for about 10 minutes on the air-fluff (no heat) setting along with a dryer sheet. The tumbling action helps loosen embedded hair, while the dryer sheet reduces the static that causes pet hair to cling to clothing and encourages hair to move into the lint trap instead of sticking to your fabrics.Carolyn Forté/Good HousekeepingWe tested this in our Cleaning Lab. Here’s the before photo.  Carolyn Forté/Good HousekeepingAnd here’s the after.While this method works surprisingly well, it’s worth noting that dryer sheets — including Bounce Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Dryer Sheets, our top-tested pick for pet hair removal— are typically designed to be used with wet fabrics, not dry ones. Using a dryer sheet on dry items may leave a soft or slightly coated feel. If you’re washing the items immediately afterward, that’s not as much of an issue, but if you’re not, consider using a used dryer sheet to minimize any potential residue. You can also try lightly dampening the clothing to eliminate this problem. Ultimately, this hack won’t eliminate every last hair, but it’ll save your washing machine (and you) from doing all the heavy lifting. Just don’t forget to clean the lint trap right away. Pet hair can clog the venting system quickly, reducing your dryer’s efficiency and even causing a potential fire hazard.More IdeasBrigitt 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. More

You know that pair of jeans — the ones that fit just right, hug in all the right places and somehow go with everything. You live for those jeans. But if you’re tossing them into the washer with the rest of your laundry without a second thought, your time together may be cut short.The truth is, denim needs a little more TLC than your average T-shirt, and taking a few extra seconds before tossing your jeans into the machine can make all the difference. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested more denim and detergents than we can count, and here’s what we know for sure: If you’re not zipping zippers and fastening buttons and snaps before washing, you’re making a big mistake. Doing this helps jeans keep their shape and prevents them from snagging on other items in the load. It’s also smart to take a second to check the pockets for tissues or receipts and turn jeans inside out to minimize the abrasion that causes fading, as well as the wear that can happen along the hems, pockets, fly and waistband edges. And if your jeans have any rips or frayed hems, consider putting them in a very large mesh bag or securing the openings together with sock clips to prevent further fraying. (Really distressed pairs may even benefit from a gentler hand wash.)Once you’ve prepped your pair for a spin, be just as thoughtful with your wash settings. Cold water and a short, gentle cycle (like the delicates or colors settings) are ideal. We also recommend choosing a detergent formulated for dark colors, like Woolite Darks, to help keep your jeans looking vibrant. Finally, jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. Unless they’re stained or stretched out, you can go three to four wears between washes. Less frequent laundering keeps the fabric strong and the fit snug, so you’ll be rocking that perfect pair for a long time to come.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. More

You know the feeling: You’re quickly running out of time before guests arrive, and all of a sudden, it seems like every surface in your home is covered in clutter or specks of dust. Commence the cleaning frenzy of tossing shoes into closets, swiping crumbs into the trash and hoping nobody notices the dust bunnies hanging out in the lampshade. We’ve all been there.The good news? You don’t have to deep-clean your entire house to make a solid impression. A few quick touch-ups in the following key areas can make all the difference in making your home feel guest-ready:Entryway or MudroomYour entryway sets the tone the moment guests walk in. Clear clutter like shoes, backpacks and stray packages. Quickly sweep or vacuum the area to get rid of any tracked-in dirt. And don’t forget to make sure there’s a designated spot where guests can hang their coats or place their bags. It also helps to step outside and walk in the way a guest would. Do you notice any cobwebs around the porch light? Or maybe there are leaves around the door and a layer of pollen coating the mailbox? You may also want to quickly shake out the doormat. BathroomsA clean bathroom is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel comfortable. Start by wiping down the toilet — both inside and out. (A good toilet brush can help with any stubborn spots.) Then, use a multi-purpose cleaner on the sink and faucet handles before moving on to the mirror with a solid glass cleaner to wipe away any toothpaste splatters, handprints or streaks. Don’t forget to empty the trash can and replace the liner, plus make sure there are clean hand towels and plenty of soap and toilet paper. Bonus points for adding an air freshener to the mix. KitchenEven if you’re not hosting a meal, guests often gather in the kitchen. Make sure the countertops are cleared and wiped down, the sink is empty and rinsed, the stovetop is free from any splatters and spills and any garbage is taken out. If you have time, wipe any fingerprints or smudges off appliance handles like the fridge or microwave with a stainless steel cleaner. You can also light a scented candle or set some fresh fruit on the counter to make the space feel even more inviting. Living RoomThe living room is another one of the main gathering spots, so it’s worth spending a few extra minutes here. Start by clearing visual clutter like remote controls, magazines and stray toys. Then, give coffee tables and end tables a quick wipe down before vacuuming the floors and any pet hair from furniture and upholstery. When you’re done, fluff pillows and straighten throw blankets to make the space look more inviting. Then, do one final pass, turning on lamps and overhead lighting to scan for any dust or cobwebs in the fixtures.FloorsYou don’t necessarily have to mop, but giving the floors a quick once-over can make a big difference. Run the vacuum over hardwood floors and rugs to suck up dirt, pet hair and stray crumbs. To save time, focus on the main walkways and gathering areas where guests will spend the most time.Light Switches and DoorknobsLight switches and doorknobs are high-touch areas that are often overlooked. Start by using a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust and grime (just be sure not to let any liquid seep behind the switch!) For a deeper clean, use a disinfecting wipe or a cotton ball dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to gently swab all sides of the switch and the backplate, then let air dry.Guest RoomIf guests are staying the night, take a few minutes to freshen up the bedding with clean sheets and pillowcases, clear off surfaces like nightstands and make sure the closet or dresser has some empty space for your guests to stash their belongings. If your visitors don’t have access to an en-suite bathroom, you should also place freshly-laundered towels at the foot of the bed or on an empty chair. (The general rule of thumb: two bath towels, one hand towel, and one washcloth per guest.) For an extra touch of hospitality, put together a basket or tray of travel-sized toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, for example) and leave it on the dresser or nightstand. A bottle of water and a phone charger are nice touches, too. Brigitt 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. More

Furnishing a room is no small feat. In addition to finding the right furniture and decor that suits your style and budget, chances are you also try to avoid common design blunders. Hanging art too high, making poor lighting choices and going overboard with trends are just a few examples that may come to mind. But there’s another major design mistake that pros say people make way too often: overlooking scale. “Scale is one of those design elements people often get wrong, but once it’s handled properly, the entire room just clicks,” says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. “Often, people think a smaller space requires smaller furniture, which is usually not the right approach,” says Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. “The wrong scale can is the tell-tale sign of a poorly designed space,” says Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. Upgrade Your Space”The issue of scale often stems from overlooking proportionality and context,” says designer Justin Williams of Trademark Design Co. “Context is the key here. What is the story you want to tell in this space? What impact would you like to make?”Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re following the principle of scale properly in any room:FurnitureIt’s key to avoid furniture that is too small or too large for the space, as it can impact a room’s visual appeal overall. “Suddenly their sofa eats the room, or their accent chair looks like a dollhouse piece,” Hayslett says. “A quick trick? Borrow a chair, ottoman or table from another room and move it in temporarily to see how the scale feels before buying new.”She also encourages clients to remove two pieces of furniture from a room and go up in size with one solid item that makes a statement. “It adds breathing room and balance,” Hayslett explains. ArtworkWilliams says people are often guilty of placing small artwork on large, empty walls. “When art is too small for a wall, it can look lost and insignificant, failing to make the impact intended,” Williams explains. Consider moving your smaller pieces to more compact rooms in your home. “Smaller pieces of art can be grouped together or moved to cozier spaces like hallways or reading nooks,” he shares. Another go-to trick she swears by? Large-scale pieces in powder rooms. “While typically against the ‘rules,’ it makes a huge impact in a small space,” Williams explains. ” It’s something I call my happy mess-up that always turns out great.There’s also the paper hack, which Hayslett says can help you nail the placement of your art every time: “I recommend grabbing paper, cardboard or boxes and laying out the shape and size you think you need,” she says. “Seeing it at full scale makes it easier to commit to the right piece or pieces. And this method is slightly better because painter’s tape can confuse people as to where exactly the edge would be. With this method, you get the full effect.” Hispanolistic//Getty ImagesRugsGail Davis of Gail Davis Designs gets frustrated when a rug is too small for the space: “In a living room, I have seen that the coffee table is the only item on the rug. It’s just sitting out there like it’s an island. Whoever is sitting down would have to get up and walk over to the coffee table to place their drink on it.” Davis also likes bedroom rugs to be a substantial size. “I most recently went into a new client’s primary and the rug fits just enough under the bed,” she shares.” When I step out of bed, I want to step onto a luxe rug that feels good underfoot.” If you’re still stumped on how to choose the right size and tend to place a small rug in a large space, Hayslett recommends painter’s tape. “I always suggest using painter’s tape to map out the footprint of the pieces,” she says. “It helps you visualize how each item really fits and flows.” You can also sketch a basic floor plan and use paper to cut out furniture shapes to experiment with different layouts. “It’s low-tech but highly effective,” she says. WE CAN HELPCurtainsHayslett’s main tip on hanging curtains to create a polished look? “A lot of scale issues happen vertically, like short curtains or short bookcases in tall rooms,” Hayslett says. “To fix it, hang curtains closer to the ceiling and use taller pieces to draw the eye up. It immediately elevates the room, literally and visually.”From choosing the right furniture for a room’s size to hanging curtains at an appropriate height, scale can make or break a space. “Thoughtful reassignment not only restores balance but also enhances the visual harmony and functionality of a home,” Williams 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

You immediately know when a home is teeming with curb appeal. Maybe it’s the picture-perfect landscaping, lighting that’s just right or the attractive front door with standout house numbers to match. Every detail matters. If boosting your home’s curb appeal happens to be on your to-do list, consider these tips from design pros to get started. “You can never underestimate the value of curb appeal,” says designer Sara Hillery of Sara Hillery Interior Design. “It truly sets the first impression for a home, hinting at who lives there and what the interior might be like.” Related StoryPicture-Perfect LandscapingIf there’s one curb appeal task that’s worth your time and money, it’s gorgeous landscaping, featuring a thoughtful combination of pretty flowers and evergreens. “Beautiful landscaping that looks great year-round is make-or-break for the first-impression curb-appeal of your home,” says Chicago-based designer Monique O’Brien of Monique O’Brien Design. She’s partial to boxwoods with white hydrangeas — think limelight or bobos. “Then you can add in alliums in the back for flowers all spring and summer,” O’Brien says. Miller also likes to embrace variety. “I love the drama and contrast that comes from mixing high and low plant proportions in the landscape,” she says. “Along those lines, consider juxtaposing more structured elements like boxwoods or topiaries with looser, more natural-feeling flowers such as Dianthus or hollyhocks.” And to prevent a “one-dimensional look,” she incorporates “handmade bricks, stone elements or a welcoming seating area that encourages you to step outside and connect with the neighborhood.”When planning your landscaping, don’t go overboard with the color palette, though. Under two hues is O’Brien’s rule: “It’s best to stick with two bloom colors and varying shades of green in a garden. Any more than two and it looks like a circus.”Landscape architect Janice Parker also recommends being strategic with color. “Be careful not to scatter color throughout the landscape, but instead choose impact points,” Parker explains. “As they say, ‘go big or go home’ and if that doesn’t work, go red! Be sure to give your eyes something to focus on – a central focal point can be a special tree, planter, statuary, bench or unique feature that reflects you and your vision.”Pay attention to any large trees as well. “Stand back and look and look at your landscape through new eyes,” Parker says. “People tend to overlook the shape and health of their large trees. Are there dead branches on your prominent trees? Are shrubs growing up in front of your windows? Everything will improve with a clean tight pruning.” ferrantraite//Getty Images”A home’s exterior should feel timeless, warm, and welcoming, not like it’s chasing the latest design trends,” says designer Heather French of French and French Interiors. Exterior Paint If your budget allows, an exterior paint job can do wonders for your property. Designer Danielle Domingues of Collins & Co Interiors says Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster, a white shade, is a no-fail pick. “It’s warm, inviting, and timeless—perfect for creating a soft, welcoming look that feels both classic and current,” Domingues explains. “To complement the clean elegance of Alabaster, I love adding symmetry and structure with topiaries in stylish planters flanking the front door. They instantly frame the entrance and add a touch of tailored greenery that brings life and personality to the space. It’s a simple yet impactful way to enhance the overall look and feel of your home’s exterior.”Lighting Design pros suggest a layered approach for exterior lighting — a careful assortment of various light fixtures to set a home apart from the rest. “Good lighting adds charm during the day and a warm glow at night,” says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. “You don’t need to stop at the porch lights, consider path lights and other landscape lighting as well to elevate your home.” Williams also relies on lantern-style fixtures in finishes like weathered bronze or matte black to give a home character. Vintage-inspired designs are good choices as well, she says. Designer Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors agrees that simply upgrading your exterior lighting can make a huge impact when it comes to curb appeal. “Thoughtful exterior lighting does more than just enhance safety — it adds a sense of depth and charm,” Tract says. “I like to use a combination of statement sconces, subtle pathway lighting and even uplighting for trees or architectural features.” Alexander Spatari//Getty ImagesAn unexpected front door color can separate your home from your neighbors’ property, says designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. A Statement DoorA fresh coat of paint on your front door can go a long way, according to designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “An interesting color will give it that pop that separates your home from your neighbors,” Mathews LeRoy says. “I love using shades of green, blue, red or even yellow to give it visual interest or je ne sais quoi!”If it’s your style, show off your aesthetic with unique door hardware that “makes your home feel well taken care of,” Mathews LeRoy says. “Often homeowners do not include a kick plate, but this addition not only protects your door but adds a bit more sheen and pizazz! Consider adding an interesting door knocker with a lion’s head, fox or basket motif — it can offer a bit of personality and share your personal interests.” And don’t forget to have fun with the house numbers too. “I opt for large house numbers that complement both the style of the house and the exterior paint color, and an oversize mailbox that is not cut-off-the-mill,” says designer Beth Diana Smith.Decorative TouchesFrom stylish fencing to potted plants, there’s no shortage of ways to give your home some extra oomph once you’ve tackled the major curb appeal projects on your list. One of Williams’ go-to tricks? Rocking chairs. “Rockers create a cozy, lived-in feel and invite people to slow down and stay a while,” she says. You can also add a throw blanket or two and some colorful outdoor pillows to brighten the space up. Try a garden stool as well: “A small garden stool next to each rocker is perfect for holding a drink, a book or even a potted plant,” Williams says. “They’re stylish, weather-friendly and functional.”Regardless of the curb appeal project at hand, designer Heather French of French and French Interiors says stay true to your personal style. “The number one mistake I see homeowners make with curb appeal is trying too hard by overdoing it with trendy or overly contemporary elements that can quickly feel dated or out of place,” French explains. It could be as simple as furnishing your home’s exterior with a “natural coco mat rug, some beautifully potted plants with thoughtful symmetry and a great door knocker,” French says. “These touches feel intentional and add sophistication to the entire entry.”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