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    Multigenerational Homes Are On the Rise — Here’s Why

    Multigenerational living isn’t new — the concept of two or more adult generations sharing a roof is historically common. While it became less popular in the 20th century (possibly due to the rise of assisted living facilities and the increased affordability of independent living), the trend is slowly reversing. In recent decades, real estate experts have noticed a major rise in multigenerational homes. As of 2024, 1 in 4 homeowners are living in multigenerational households, according to Angi’s State of Home Spending survey. “With high interest rates, low housing inventory and shifts in how people live resulting from COVID-19, we’re seeing more people choosing to live in multigenerational homes,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “Millennials who may not be able to afford their own home might consider moving in with parents. Parents who are aging may choose to move in with their children to help with childcare and help divide the expenses of owning a home.”The National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report reveals that 17% of all home buyers purchased a multigenerational home between July 2023 and June 2024 – up from 14% the previous year. Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1980) are leading the way, with 21% buying multigenerational homes. What is a multigenerational home?A multigenerational home is a household where at least two adult generations reside under one roof. Multigenerational living can take various forms — think grandparents living with their children and grandchildren or adult children residing with their parents.In a multigenerational home, the family often shares living spaces, but the pro may also be designed with separate common spaces. What’s Trending in Real EstateWhy is multigenerational living on the rise? Multigenerational homes are becoming more popular due to a number of economic and social factors, from the rising cost of housing to longer life expectancies to the cultural impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the main reasons:✔️ It saves money.The biggest reason for purchasing a multigenerational home: Cost savings. According to NAR’s report, 36% of homebuyers chose a multigenerational home to save money. A family is available to split living expenses, like mortgage payments, rent, property taxes, utility bills and maintenance costs. Grandparents may also provide free childcare, or younger members may provide elder care. ✔️ There’s a housing shortage. It’s true: There are not enough homes available for sale to meet the current demand from U.S. buyers. According to a report from Zillow, the U.S. is short 4.5 million homes and the housing deficit continues to grow. Sharing a home with relatives could be a simple solution. ✔️ Adult children are living with their parents.Whether it’s due to student loan debt, the housing market or a cultural shift, it’s evident that adult children aren’t in a rush to move out of their parents’ homes. According to NAR’s report, 21% of multigenerational households exist because children over the age of 18 are moving back home, while an additional 20% of adult children never left.✔️ The pandemic created a cultural shift. The pandemic changed how people live in a lot of ways. According to a study from Generations United, Family Matters: Multigenerational Living is on the Rise and Here to Stay, 57% of people living in a multigenerational home say they started because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and 7 in 10 people say they plan to continue. ✔️ There’s a need for elder care. The population is aging and more families are choosing to provide care for elderly relatives. According to NAR’s report, 25% of buyers purchased a multigenerational home to take care of aging parents.Related StoryHow does multigenerational living impact the market?Among buyers, there’s an increased demand for larger homes and flexible layouts, including homes with separate living areas often referred to as a mother-daughter home. Other popular features are accessible bathrooms and first-floor bedrooms for aging relatives. “As people house hunt, they might look for homes that can accommodate an extra suite for parents or space that could be turned into an accessory dwelling unit, like a garage,” says Hicks.This trend is also “reshaping home design and renovation priorities,” according to Hicks. “With 1 in 4 homeowners living in multigenerational households, these households are more likely to be taking on larger renovations and adding lifestyle-enhancing features to their homes.” More Real Estate 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

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    Designers Predict the Biggest Interior Design Trends of Summer

    The “relaxed luxury” trend shows no signs of slowing down, and designer Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors is embracing it for the season. Think “spaces that feel effortless but are thoughtfully layered,” Lubin explains. Curious about how to make it work for your home? Lubin likes to focus on a few different colors and materials, as well as her outdoor space. “Natural materials like linen, cane and bleached woods are big, paired with sun-faded tones like ochre, soft green and warm white,” the designer says. “There’s also a real focus on outdoor living, designing patios and terraces with the same attention to detail as interior spaces, using custom pieces, soft lighting, and beautiful textures that invite you to stay a while.” Photo by: Zeke Ruelas More

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    The Best Gardening Boots and Shoes, According to a Gardener

    2Best Value Sloggers Original Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoe Now 19% OffCredit: SloggersShaft height: 4 inches (clog style) | Weight per shoe: 1.1 pounds | Material: 90-percent recycled plastic, rubberIf you need a shoe for a quick trip outside to water your containers or garden beds, these shoes slip on and off in a sec. They’re nice and cushioned, too, so they’re comfortable. They also come in a ton of adorable patterns from chickens to flowers.I’ve had several pairs of these through the years, and I love their budget-friendly price tag. They also last a good two to three seasons with occasional wear. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Best Cold/Wet Weather BootMuck Boot Company Women’s Chore TallCredit: Muck BootsProsGood heat retention in cold, wet weatherExcellent traction in mudHeight keeps out debrisConsMore difficult to pull off than mid-calf heightsShaft height: 15.9 inches | Weight per shoe: 2.75 pounds | Material: Neoprene, rubberSpring and fall can be chilly in the garden, so these are great boots for doing chores in cool or wet-weather months, such as planting bulbs or raking leaves. The calf is wide (but not sloppy looking), so it’s easy to get these boots off and on. I’ve used mine for about five seasons now — even wearing them for the occasional snow-shoveling job and they still look new. While they’re a little toasty for summer days, they’re comfortable for the rest of the gardening year so your toes won’t freeze on cold days. 4Best Light Duty Garden BootsDuluth Trading Women’s Pattern Rain BootsCredit: Duluth TradingProsSolid lug sole for good tractionThick rubber to protect toesRoomy and easy to pull on and offConsA little less flexible shaft than other choicesShaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.6 pounds | Material: RubberDuluth gets my vote for many of its garden-related products because they’re thoughtfully designed. These rain boots have a great lug sole, which prevents me from sliding around in the garden. With a sturdy, solid heel for digging chores, they’re designed so that you can put your foot on the garden spade without it slipping off.I love the cheerful pattern of these boots, which also make them cute enough to wear into town on wet days. They’re also reasonably priced. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Best SplurgeLe Chameau Giverny Jersey Lined BottillonCredit: Le ChameauProsLong-lastingSoft, flexible, comfortable rubberGood support but room for orthoticsConsPriceyShaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.4 pounds | Material: RubberThis legendary brand, which has been making rubber boots since 1927, is beautifully handmade and long-lasting. It’s impervious to rain and molds well to your foot. It’s roomy enough to slide in and out of without a struggle, which is one of the reasons I prefer the mid-calf style. I also like that these are flexible, comfortable, and roomy without being too loose. They don’t have a ton of support on their own, but I can slip my orthotics into them if I will be doing a lot of walking. Of course, they’re also cute enough for rainy afternoons in the city. Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

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    Design Pros All Agree: The Modern Floor Plan Has an Entirely New Look

    According to a survey by KB Home, 83% of Americans would not be willing to sacrifice a modern floor plan when purchasing a home.Despite the popularity of open-concept layouts in the past, homeowners are redefining their ideal floor plan to better suit their current needs.Designers share the key features of the “new” modern floor plan and why they’re so popular.There’s something undeniably luxurious about a large, open home where you can seamlessly walk from the kitchen to the living room and dining room without opening a single door. It sounds lovely. But is it practical?For years, homeowners requested less walls and more open space. The star of the modern floor plan was one grand room where you could do it all — host friends and family, relax on the couch, cook and eat meals and more. Nowadays, that request is becoming less and less prevalent in home design. Homeowners today have a new idea of what a modern floor plan should consist of, and they are not willing to make any compromises. According to a survey by KB Home, 83% of Americans said that if they had a set budget and had to make a trade-off, they would not be willing to sacrifice a modern floor plan. But if the desire for a wide open home with little to no walls is on the decline, what exactly are people looking for these days? Is there a new star of the modern floor plan? We spoke to several design pros to find out.The New Modern Floor Plan, ExplainedWhen asked how the concept of the modern floor plan has transformed over the years, designers all agreed. “The bigger, the better” mindset is out. Now, it’s all about a modest footprint with a more strategic layout. “Today’s modern floor plan isn’t just about removing walls; it’s about smart design that maximizes every square foot. It’s about making good use of all the square footage within the home, ensuring every corner serves a purpose and enhances daily living,” says Gena Kirk, vice president, Corporate Studio, at KB Home.Erik Isakson//Getty ImagesWide open spaces that connect are no longer a must-have feature of the modern floor plan.While it’s natural for design trends to evolve over time, the pandemic certainly played a role in this particular shift. “Lately, people are craving a bit more separation, especially after the pandemic made us all rethink how we use our homes. Now it’s more about finding that sweet spot between open and defined, so spaces feel both connected and functional,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.After being forced to spend much more time at home than any of us were used to, it makes sense that our definition of the ideal floor plan would change to better suit our needs. Sure, that grand room does look fabulous, but when you’re actually using it all day every day, its flaws become much easier to spot. Key FeaturesDesigners agree that the new modern floor plan consists of a few key features that differentiate it from traditional open-concept layouts.Highly-functional flex spaces: “Flex spaces are adaptable areas within a home that can serve multiple functions over time based on the modern family’s evolving needs. One year, it’s a nursery; the next, it’s a home office or workout zone. These rooms often don’t have a rigid purpose, which is what makes them so valuable. A well-designed flex space ensures that no square foot is wasted and allows homeowners to personalize their home as their lifestyle shifts,” says Kate Rainwater, interior designer at Inside Stories.Charday Penn//Getty ImagesNature that’s integrated: Connected spaces are still popular, but more and more homeowners are now focused on how this relates to the outdoors. “Consider how an indoor space can open directly onto an outdoor patio, instantly extending your entertaining and relaxation areas. These integrated indoor-outdoor spaces aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they make hosting gatherings a breeze and simplify daily tasks by providing room to move and congregate,” says Kirk. Smart storage: Interiors that integrate organization “have propelled the industry to look at unique ways spaces to support busy lifestyles more efficiently and beautifully than ever,” says Whitney Jones, lead interior designer of Copper Sky Design + Remodel. That means more well-thought-out storage solutions like mudrooms and ample closet space throughout the home.Catherine McQueen//Getty ImagesDesignated “messy” spots: “Homeowners want to close the door on the household mess and the chaos of entertainment prep so that guests can mingle in a beautifully curated kitchen,” says Jones. Think scullery spaces and walk-in pantries. Nuanced separation: “Homeowners now prefer subtle architectural or design elements — like ceiling treatments or furniture placement — to create ‘rooms within rooms,'” says Rainwater. This middle ground allows people to embrace privacy and practicality at home without having to choose between an entirely closed or open-concept layout.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

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    The Best Gardening Boots and Shoes: According to a Gardener

    2Best Value Sloggers Original Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoe Now 19% OffCredit: SloggersShaft height: 4 inches (clog style) | Weight per shoe: 1.1 pounds | Material: 90-percent recycled plastic, rubberIf you need a shoe for a quick trip outside to water your containers or garden beds, these shoes slip on and off in a sec. They’re nice and cushioned, too, so they’re comfortable. They also come in a ton of adorable patterns from chickens to flowers.I’ve had several pairs of these through the years, and I love their budget-friendly price tag. They also last a good two to three seasons with occasional wear. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Best Cold/Wet Weather BootMuck Boot Company Women’s Chore TallCredit: Muck BootsProsGood heat retention in cold, wet weatherExcellent traction in mudHeight keeps out debrisConsMore difficult to pull off than mid-calf heightsShaft height: 15.9 inches | Weight per shoe: 2.75 pounds | Material: Neoprene, rubberSpring and fall can be chilly in the garden, so these are great boots for doing chores in cool or wet-weather months, such as planting bulbs or raking leaves. The calf is wide (but not sloppy looking), so it’s easy to get these boots off and on. I’ve used mine for about five seasons now — even wearing them for the occasional snow-shoveling job and they still look new. While they’re a little toasty for summer days, they’re comfortable for the rest of the gardening year so your toes won’t freeze on cold days. 4Best Light Duty Garden BootsDuluth Trading Women’s Pattern Rain BootsNow 25% OffCredit: Duluth TradingProsSolid lug sole for good tractionThick rubber to protect toesRoomy and easy to pull on and offConsA little less flexible shaft than other choicesShaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.6 pounds | Material: RubberDuluth gets my vote for many of its garden-related products because they’re thoughtfully designed. These rain boots have a great lug sole, which prevents me from sliding around in the garden. With a sturdy, solid heel for digging chores, they’re designed so that you can put your foot on the garden spade without it slipping off.I love the cheerful pattern of these boots, which also make them cute enough to wear into town on wet days. They’re also reasonably priced. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Best SplurgeLe Chameau Giverny Jersey Lined BottillonCredit: Le ChameauProsLong-lastingSoft, flexible, comfortable rubberGood support but room for orthoticsConsPriceyShaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.4 pounds | Material: RubberThis legendary brand, which has been making rubber boots since 1927, is beautifully handmade and long-lasting. It’s impervious to rain and molds well to your foot. It’s roomy enough to slide in and out of without a struggle, which is one of the reasons I prefer the mid-calf style. I also like that these are flexible, comfortable, and roomy without being too loose. They don’t have a ton of support on their own, but I can slip my orthotics into them if I will be doing a lot of walking. Of course, they’re also cute enough for rainy afternoons in the city. Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

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    These Paint Colors Can Add Thousands to Your Home’s Resale Value in 2025

    According to new Zillow research, olive green kitchens can significantly boost a home’s sale price.Potential buyers look for navy blue walls in the bedroom and dark grays in the living room.Zillow’s home trends expert explains the popularity of these colors in 2025. By now, it’s no surprise that all-white walls are on the outs and bolder, more nature-inspired neutrals are comfortably settling into homes everywhere. As a result, more and more homeowners and potential buyers are beginning to view those more lively yet natural colors as the new “modern” look.According to Zillow’s latest research, there are a few colors that can boost a home’s resale value, and they all play into the organic modernism trend that’s taking over interior design.Related StoryIn the kitchen, prospective home buyers are willing to offer over $1,500 more for olive green cabinets. In the bedroom, buyers are after navy blue walls, which can increase a home’s sale price by around $1,800.“Buyers view olive green and navy blue as contemporary colors, and that can have a halo effect on their perception of the entire home,” says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “These shades of blue and green are associated with organic modernism, a value-driving aesthetic that incorporates sustainable materials like wood and stone. These nature-inspired colors evoke the same feelings of serenity and tranquility.” JZhuk//Getty ImagesIn the bathroom, browns like Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, are gaining popularity for their warmer tone. Sophisticated and lush yet still familiar, browns are becoming a go-to neutral for homeowners looking to get a bit more creative without going too colorful. And while whites may be less popular these days, dark grays are still in, especially in the living room. These stone-inspired tones remain a go-to living room shade, boosting home value by nearly $2,600.Now that you know what colors do sell, beware of which do not. As much as you should always embrace your personality through your home decor, Zillow’s study suggests playful, trendy colors might not be the way to go if you’re prepping to put your house on the market any time soon. Bright yellow kitchens and bright red bedrooms actually have the potential to shrink resale value by $3,915 and $1,987, respectively. With that in mind, paint accordingly!More Design TrendsLaura 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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    6 Mistakes You Make When Buying Antique Art, According to a Pro

    No home is complete without art, and vintage and antique art, in particular, is known to be full of character—even a few special older pieces layered with newer finds will transform your space in no time. Best of all, art is versatile and can move with you over time, meaning that favorite piece can easily take you from your city rental to your suburban family home. Any design pro will confirm that it all comes down to how you style it. If you’re new to the art of shopping secondhand for artwork, it’s important to establish clear expectations before driving over to a vintage store or antique shop. We spoke with Julia Collins, a London-based vintage and decorative art dealer and the founder of Collins & Green Art, who details six common mistakes people often make when purchasing antique art. Be sure to avoid these pitfalls to make the most of your art shopping experience. Julia Collins❌ Assuming you can find a similar piece elsewhere.It’s only natural to come across a piece of art at an antique or vintage store and wonder if you could source something similar on your own for less. It’s possible, but this may be a harder, more time-consuming task than you’d assume, explains Collins, who notes dealers put a significant amount of effort into procuring the most special items. “You would never guess the number of horrendously early mornings we face to get to the markets in time to find the treasures,” she says. “You have to kiss a lot of frogs in this business before you buy the prince!” ❌ Believing a dealer has majorly jacked up the price.The next time you experience a bit of sticker shock when shopping for antique art, try to shift your perspective a bit. “Don’t assume the dealer has bought it for nothing and you are being ripped off,” Collins urges. “The dealer will be making something on it, but you’re paying for their skill, eye, knowledge and time.” Julia Collins❌ Letting a so-so frame dissuade you.If you’re drawn to a piece of art, don’t let a frame that’s worn or doesn’t suit your style be a dealbreaker. “Vintage paintings often come in really attractive frames and often they don’t,” Collins says. If taking your find to a professional frame shop is out of budget, Collins suggests trying another approach: “An alternative is to hang canvases unframed, which has a charm all of its own,” she says. ❌ Ignoring the artwork’s condition.Frames can be altered, but if a piece itself has imperfections (as many pieces of vintage and antique art often do), be sure you have a sense of these flaws before making your purchase. Characteristics like fine cracks or missing paint may be charming to some but irritating to others, Collins explains. “With vintage art, beauty really is very much in the eye of the beholder, but the dealer should make you aware of the condition if there’s anything major,” she says. Julia Collins❌ Being scared to ask questions.On the note of making yourself aware of any flaws, don’t shy away from asking an antique or vintage art dealer questions as you shop. “We are approachable and friendly,” Collins says. “Buying a painting is an investment and you should be able to ask as many questions as you like.” For instance, feel free to inquire about the artist, when the piece was created and where the seller discovered it. ❌ Thinking you’ll make money off of a purchase. Collins stresses the importance of shopping for art pieces for your current enjoyment as opposed to future resale. “There’s only one question which makes my blood boil and that is, ‘Will I make money out of this?’ The answer, unless you are very lucky, is ‘No,'” she says. “Buy what you love; there is no better reason to buy.” More Design TipsSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More