Home Ideas

If you own a home, you know how much goes into maintaining it. No one gets to every last item on the to-do list. (Seriously, who lubricates their door locks and hinges once a year, the way manufacturers recommend?) We get it: home maintenance can be a little tedious. But there are some upkeeps that you absolutely must stay on top of, since skipping them could lead to catastrophe, including fires, floods, mold and more. Our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute pulled together this essential to-do list, aimed at keeping your home and everyone in it safe throughout the year.Clear the dryer vent. Of the nearly 3,000 home dryer fires that are reported to fire departments each year, the leading cause is inadequate cleaning, since it allows the buildup of combustible lint inside the machine. Cleaning the lint screen on a regular basis is important, but at least once a year you also need to clear the vent.Start by turning off the power to the dryer at your home’s electrical panel. To access the vent, you’ll probably need to pull the machine away from the wall. Separate the vent from the dryer, then use the crevice tool on your vacuum to suck up lint and other debris from both ends of the duct. Our cleaning experts are fans of the Hurricane Lint Lizard, which saves you from having to move the dryer. Instead, simply attach the plastic contraption to the end of your vacuum, insert it into the dryer through the lint screen compartment, and it will suck lint from deep inside the vent.Insulate water pipes. A single burst pipe in your home can cause upwards of $5,000 in damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Many homeowners think frozen pipes only happen in cold parts of the country, but the truth is they’re a bigger threat in mild regions. That’s because pipes in these areas tend not to be insulated, making them susceptible to freezing and bursting during unexpected cold snaps. Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, attics and garages are vulnerable, as are water lines that run through cabinets or exterior walls. Wrap these pipes in foam insulation sleeves, available at home centers and plumbing supply stores for less than $1 per linear foot.Check smoke alarms. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or none that are working, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. For maximum protection, alarms should be placed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Once a month, make sure the alarms are working by pressing the test button.Carbon monoxide is another danger that claims about 400 lives every year in the U.S. Known as “the silent killer,” it’s an odorless gas that can escape from faulty gas-fired equipment, like clothes dryers and water heaters. Our experts recommend combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that protect against both threats. Most of the devices are interconnected, meaning you’ll be alerted to danger in one part of the house when you’re in another. Keep gutters clean. Clogged gutters lead to a host of problems, including leaky roofs, damaged foundation walls and mold outbreaks. Climbing up on the roof is dangerous work, so this is a good project to hire out, at an average cost of around $150.If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, make sure your ladder is on firm, level ground and at a safe angle from the house. Wearing work gloves, scoop out leaves, pine needles, and any other muck that’s preventing rainwater from reaching the downspout. Then spray water from a garden hose to remove smaller debris, and to check that water is draining freely through the downspout to the ground below.Our experts say that installing gutters guards is a great way to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. In our tests, micro-mesh screens were excellent at keeping debris out of the gutter while withstanding even the heaviest of rainfall.Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter GuardNow 20% OffCredit: Raptor FlowGuard Gutter Cover SystemCredit: FlowGuardA-M Gutter Guard Aluminum Leaf & Debris ProtectionCredit: A-M Gutter GuardSweep the chimney. If your wood-burning fireplace gets a lot of action in the winter, a smoke residue called creosote will start to form on the chimney walls. Left unchecked, it can block the flow of smoke up the chimney, and even release carbon monoxide back into the home.Sweeping the chimney is not a DIY project, since it involves a lot of specialized equipment, like cameras and long wire brushes. The website of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) lets you search its online directory of some 2,000 members by zip code. The service will likely cost around $250.Chimney sweeps get busy during the winter, when fireplace issues arise the most. So take advantage of their downtime by scheduling your tune up during the summer or early fall.I’VE GOT MORE ADVICEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a lush garden, but there are certain plants that can bear fruit in as little as two months. Depending on the fruit, you don’t even need a whole lot of space. As long as you have a sunny part of your backyard, patio, deck or porch, you can plant fruits like strawberries and blackberries in small containers. With the right amount of watering and care, you’ll have a mini farmer’s market right outside your door before you know it. Ahead, discover the best fast-growing fruits that can grow in small containers. StrawberriesMe 3645 Studio//Getty ImagesStrawberries have shallow roots, so they can flourish in small containers. “Plant the ‘crown’ (where the leaves meet the roots) just above the soil line to prevent rot, and ensure they get at least six to eight hours of full sun daily,” says gardening pro Dagny Kream. Be sure to regularly water this fruit to keep the roots moist. All in all, strawberries are a great option for beginners looking to plant a fast-growing fruit. You’ll be ready to make strawberry jam before you know it. Fruit growing time: 2–3 months from seeds or 2–4 weeks from a transplantUSDA zones: 4–9Container type: Wide and shallow; ideally with at least a 12-inch diameter and 6-inch depth or 1–2 gallons per plantSun exposure: Full sunSoil: well-draining, moist and rich Gooseberries Adél Békefi//Getty ImagesFans of tart, mildly sweet and a bit sour fruits will love gooseberries (plus, they’re great for pies and cakes). “[Gooseberries] are fast-growing plants that can thrive in containers but benefit from staking and pruning to keep them compact and productive,” says Brian Brigantti, founder of Red Leaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance. Keep the container in full sunlight to partial shade with well-draining soil. Brigantti recommends using a medium to large pot and suggests pruning the plant regularly “to encourage upright growth and abundant harvests.”Fruit growing time: 2 – 3 years from seeds and one year from a transplantUSDA zones: 3–8Container type: Medium to large potSun exposure: Full to partial sunlightSoil: Well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 6–6.5) soil with organic matter Dwarf blueberriesCathérine//Getty ImagesDwarf blueberries are an even tinier version of the already tiny fruit, but they’re just as sweet and delicious. They grow as a compact bush that fits into small containers and spaces and they take just a few months to begin bearing fruit. For the best results, Kream suggests using a potting mix specifically designed for acid-loving plants and keeping a second blueberry bush nearby. “Plant at least two different varieties for better cross-pollination and a more abundant harvest,” says Kream. Fruit growing time: 5 to 6 months from seeds or at least 10 weeks from a transplantUSDA zones: 3–7Container type: Well-draining, large container (some dwarf blueberry bushes can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide) Sun exposure: Full sunSoil: Well-draining, rich, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) Meyer Lemon TreesBusà Photography//Getty ImagesNothing beats a glass of homemade lemonade — and you can take it one step further by growing your own lemons, too. Meyer lemon trees produce fruit quicker than other lemon trees and fit in a container (albeit not the smallest container, but small enough to fit on a patio). It’s low-maintenance for a tree. If the tree is in a small pot, you only need to water these trees every two to three days, or when the soil begins to dry out. “To check if your plant needs water, insert your finger 1–2 inches into the soil and if it feels dry, water thoroughly,” says gardening pro and content creator Carmen Perr. She also suggests amending the soil with compost at least twice a year. Fruit growing time: 6 months to 2 years from a transplant and 3–7 years from a seed USDA zones: 8–11Container type: A well-draining, 15-gallon containerSun exposure: Full sun (at least six hours of sunlight per day) Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5) or a premixed soil for citrus trees RELATED: How to Grow a Lemon TreeGround cherriesAlbert Fertl//Getty ImagesGround cherries appear vastly different than your traditional cherry. “Ground cherries are small golden fruits that look like tiny tomatoes wrapped in papery husks with a sweet-tart flavor,” explains Kream, who also says they “are very prolific and easy to grow.” Ground cherries need well-draining soil and full sunlight, but they can thrive in a variety of climates and are relatively easy to grow. “They are relatively low-maintenance but can benefit from a tomato cage or support ring to keep branches from sprawling,” Kream says. In as little as two months, you can harvest these fruits and enjoy the mildly tropical flavor.Fruit growing time: 2–3 months from seeds and around 2 months from transplants USDA zones: 4–8Container type: 5–7 gallon potSun exposure: Full sunSoil: Well-draining soilDwarf blackberriesIuliia Bondar//Getty ImagesWho doesn’t love a blackberry tart? Brigantti says you can grow blackberries in containers, but he specifically recommends more compact or dwarf varieties. Consider Baby Cakes or Little Black Prince blackberry varieties. Brigantti says dwarf blackberry plants are easy to maintain and while they thrive in full sun, they can still grow in partial shade. “This is a great choice for balconies or patios if someone doesn’t have access to a spot with lots of direct sunlight,” he says. For a faster growing time, consider starting with a smaller plant rather than from seeds (two years sounds like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, this is fast for growing fruit!). Fruit growing time: Five to six years from seeds or two to three from a transplantUSDA zones: 5–9Container type: 1 gallon potSun exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil: Well-draining, loose, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) soilHoneyberriesNetPix//Getty ImagesIf you live in a colder climate, honeyberries may be your new best friend. They are cold-tolerant and thrive in USDA zones two to eight. Kream says they’re one of the earliest fruits to ripen and they “aren’t as fussy about soil pH as blueberries” or soil types. For small containers, choose a compact variety like Blue Moon or Blue Velvet. “While you can start with a three-gallon pot, honeyberries are long-lived and will eventually need larger containers,” explains Kream, who recommends transferring the plant to at least a 15- to 20-gallon pot for when it matures.Fruit growing time: 3–5 years from seeds and 1–2 years from transplant USDA zones: 2–8Container type: 3-gallon pot to start and then increase to 15–20 gallonsSun exposure: Full sun to partial sunSoil: A variety of well-draining soil, but ideally a loose, slightly acidic or neutral soil (pH 5–7.5)Meet the experts ✔️ Brian Brigantti is the founder of Red Leaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance.✔️ Dagny Kream is a gardening expert and content creator✔️ Carmen Perr is a gardening expert and content creatorIsabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.  More

Your coat closet is probably one of the most overlooked spaces in your home. Consider donating coats you no longer wear. “While [organizations] may be reluctant to take coats in warm weather months, they do love them when the weather cools, as that’s when good quality, warm fall and winter coats come back into demand,” Richmond says. Just remember to check the pockets for any belongings you’d like to keep and look out for any stains or tears. “If the coat is in good condition but needs a fast wash or an even faster trip to the dry cleaner for a stitch-up, please consider doing so, even if it costs a bit for the repair,” she says. “An upcycled coat is a true treasure to those in need, and your kindness will go a long way this winter.” More

Nostalgia decor involves using design elements from the past to evoke comfort.Interior designers share their favorite examples, plus how to get involved in the trend. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, charming knick knack or antique glassware that’s been passed down, we all have decor that reminds of us of a simpler time — think trips to grandma’s house, Sunday dinners or even holiday parties as a child. For me, evoking that sense of familiarity through design is what makes my home feel, well, homey. My space just wouldn’t feel the same without the couple of elephant figurines my grandmother lovingly gave me or the cozy throw blankets from my childhood home.Related StoryTurns out there’s a name for that desire in the interior design world: nostalgia decor. And it’s not just about aesthetics. “It’s about feeling. It’s the art of surrounding yourself with pieces that spark memory. It taps into the places, people and rituals that shaped you,” says Ellie Christopher of Ellie Christopher Interior Design.Still, nostalgia decor isn’t about simply recreating the past. It’s about designing a home that reflects who you are today, shaped by the styles and moments that have influenced you. Interior designers share their thoughts on the trend, plus how to put it to the test without making your space feel dated. What Is Nostalgia Decor?”Whether it’s a bold retro wallpaper, an antique gallery wall or a funky mid-century lamp, nostalgia decor helps you tell your story. The best part is that no two nostalgic spaces look the same,” says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories. “It all depends on when you grew up and how you mix old memories with fresh style.”More personal than simply incorporating past interior design styles into your home, nostalgia decor is about bringing what makes you, you into the present day. Decorate your kitchen with patterns that remind you of home, incorporate antiques from relatives into your living room or go for a wallpaper that takes you back to afternoons at grandma’s. What’s most important is how the design makes you feel. Nostalgia Decor Inspo From the ProsAlthough it all depends on what makes you feel nostalgic, design pros offer a few popular examples of the trend that they’re seeing across the industry. C2Design / Eric Lucero Photography”Nostalgia decor can include floral or geometric wallpapers from the 70s, mid-century modern furniture or vibrant 80s colors.” — Corinne Ekle of c2 Design”You’ll often see cozy prints like toile or chintz, rich textures like corduroy and chenille or charming accents like embroidered pillows.” — Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design”As someone born in the 80s and raised by boomers, I’m naturally drawn to things like floral prints, warm wood tones and a little pattern play.” — Ellie Christopher of Ellie Christopher Interior DesignHow to Experiment With the TrendSeamlessly blending the old with the new can be a difficult task, especially when you’re working with heirlooms or antiques that might not necessarily suit your current design style. Here’s what designers recommend when getting started. Ellie Christopher Interior Design / Mary Margaret Smith✔️ Start small: “Start with a pattern that reminds you of your grandmother’s house, then layer in trim or contrasting fabrics to give it a modern twist. If full draperies feel like too much, try incorporating it into a pillow or an upholstered bench. Reframe antique prints with a fresh mat, recover that heirloom chair in something bold or give an old chest a new life with a coat of paint,” says Christopher.✔️ Don’t rush it: “Curating nostalgic pieces slowly over time helps your home feel personal and lived-in, not staged or overly thematic,” says Jay.✔️ Mix and match: “Homeowners can mix vintage pieces with contemporary elements, use nostalgic textures as accents and incorporate modern lighting or accessories to create balance and freshness,” says Ekle. 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

Bees are essential to our ecosystem, yet they’ve been on the decline for years.Without them, our yards would lack many of the fruits and flowers we see today.Learn how to attract bees to your garden with tips from experts. Bees are incredibly important to our ecosystem, aiding in the production of fruits and seeds through pollination. Yet despite the significant role these insects play in our gardens and beyond, honey bee colonies have been on the decline for years due to habitat loss, pesticides and climate change, among other causes. Over the past decade, honey bee colony annual losses have ranged from 40-50%. This year, according to entomologists at Washington State University, colony losses could reach 60-70%. “Without bees and other pollinators, we wouldn’t have much of the floral or fruit diversity that we see in the world,” says Laura Leger, who has her Ph.D. in Entomology from UC Riverside. “Our diets would only consist of wind-pollinated products like grain. And our backyards would not be nearly as vibrant with all of the beautiful and diverse colors that flowering plants produce.” By creating a welcoming environment for these essential creatures, you’re not only helping your garden thrive, you’re supporting the entire bee population. We spoke to experts for their best advice on how to attract bees to your garden. Read on for more on how you can do your part from the comfort of your own backyard. 1. Plant diverse flowers. Eva-Katalin//Getty ImagesThink flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors. The more you can plant, the better. “Flowers are food for bees! The more diverse your garden is, the more diverse your pollinators can be. Some flowers, like sunflowers, have even been shown to be helpful in preventing or treating certain diseases in bees,” says Leger.2. Go native. “Bees need nectar and pollen to feed themselves and their babies. Plant a variety of native flowering plants — trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials — that bloom throughout the growing season. In the spring, native oaks, maples and fruit trees can be a beautiful choice. One tree can have a meadow’s worth of flowers! In the late summer and fall, locally native asters and goldenrods can provide beautiful colors for your garden and food for many bees,” says Laura Rost, national coordinator at Bee City USA.If you’re not sure which flowers to plant, Rost suggests checking out Xerces Society’s pollinator plant lists for every area of the country. 3. Garden with wildlife in mind.By Eve Livesey//Getty ImagesOf course, you should feel proud of your garden and enjoy spending time out there, but it’s important to consider the bigger picture, too. Your garden should also serve pollinators and other wildlife as best it can, even if that means planting a few flowers or trees you wouldn’t normally choose. Related Story4. Limit pesticides. “Pesticides are one of the leading causes of bee declines. Pesticide residues can persist on plants and can affect bees long after their application,” says Leger. Still, it can be frustrating to see pests eating all of your fruits and veggies you worked hard to grow. Luckily, there are natural pesticide alternatives you can try instead.”Embracing alternative pest control practices like encouraging natural enemies (ladybugs, praying mantises, etc.) and using insecticidal soap or cayenne pepper can help deter pests while keeping your plants safe for bees to feed from,” she says.Related Story5. Provide a safe habitat. Patrice Skrzynski / 500px//Getty ImagesWhile you might think all bees come home to a large nest after a long day of foraging, experts say that isn’t always the case. “Bees nest in a diversity of ways. Some make nests in the soil, some in tree cavities and some are cavity nesters and use hollowed out branches or twigs to make their nests. Many of these bees are also solitary, meaning they do all the work of laying eggs, as well as providing shelter and food on their own. Providing bee hotels or leaving that pile of scrap wood in your yard can promote nesting. If they nest in your garden, they are likely pollinating your garden too,” says Leger.6. Get your community involved. While your own garden is a great place to start, spreading the word is the next step. “In order to save the bees, it’s important to get your community involved,” says Rost. Share your favorite native flowers with neighbors or put a yard sign encouraging others to create a pollinator habitat on their own property. More Gardening AdviceLaura 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

Now that you know what works with onions, it’s time to cross these plants off your list. Chastain discourages gardeners from planting the following alongside onions:Legumes: “Legumes, like peas and beans, don’t like some of the compounds that onions release. It keeps them from properly absorbing the nitrogen in the soil so they just won’t grow well.”Aromatic herbs: “Even though onions are aromatics, aromatic herbs like sage, rosemary, basil, oregano and lavender won’t thrive near onions because they compete for the chemicals in the soil they need to grow.”Asparagus: “Asparagus and onions are terrible bedfellows because their roots fight for space under the soil. They are also both nutrient hogs. It’s best to just give them their own bed with their own blanket of soil.” More

When it comes to decluttering your pantry, professional organizers always have a lot to say — but what bad habits are they begging us to break? Out of curiosity, I asked three pro organizers what they NEVER do in their own pantries.Aside from the obvious (like storing perishable foods and expired items in the pantry), pros are sharing the biggest pantry mistakes they notice when working with clients. From storing cleaning products too close to food (yes, I need to rearrange my setup asap) to going too far with the label maker, here’s everything we should all stop doing. Declutter Your PantryStoring cleaning productsExperts agree: Cleaning products should never be stored in the same place as food. “I would never store toxic products, like household chemicals or cleaning supplies, in the pantry,” says Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life. Cleaning chemicals can contaminate nearby food through spills, leaks or fumes, which can pose a serious health risk. “The pantry is a food space that should feel safe and nourishing.” Implementing very specific systems Overly complicated systems are hard to maintain and will inevitably lead to clutter if they don’t work for your lifestyle. “Skip overly rigid systems,” says Hines. “Your pantry should be flexible enough to handle everyday grocery swaps and changes in taste. If you live with others, keep it simple and easy for everyone to use.” Try to streamline your storage systems (clear containers work best, so you can see what’s inside). “Too many bins or mismatched storage solutions can confuse your pantry’s flow,” adds Lindsay Melvin, owner of Orchid Organizing.Going overboard with labelsMost organizers recommend labeling bins, baskets and decanted containers, but don’t go overboard. “Labels should make sense for your household,” says Melvin. “Stick to wide categories like breakfast, grains, snacks, baking and canned foods. This offers you a category yet flexibility.””I’ve seen clients try to label EVERYTHING, and this is counterproductive because no one wants to read 50 labels when they’re hungry,” adds Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl.Keeping food they don’t like”I never keep food we do not eat,” says Hines. Food, snacks or ingredients you don’t plan to eat are taking up space in the pantry and will eventually expire and turn to waste. “Do not let guilt convince you to hang onto items that do not serve your family. If it is unopened and still good, pass it on to a neighbor, friend, family member or local food pantry.” YinYang//Getty ImagesStoring any non-food related items”I believe that only food and food-related items (think lunch boxes and small appliances) should be stored in a pantry,” says Russo. You can get away with storing serveware, paper products, grocery bags or kitchen tools, but don’t let your pantry turn into household storage. Certain items, like toxic cleaners, batteries and lightbulbs, could pose contamination risks. Leaving bags and containers openThe biggest rule of food storage: Never leave bags or containers open. Everything should be properly sealed to preserve freshness and prevent pests from getting inside. Many organizers choose to decant everyday food items into glass jars and containers, but you don’t have to. “I personally, do not decant my food,” says Melvin. “I use clips or rubber bands to secure the food. I feel like my foods ebb and flow, and I may not always have brown, long grain rice, so I don’t need a glass jar for it.”Buying bins for aesthetics Style matters — even inside the pantry, but never sacrifice function for a beautiful storage bin. “Avoid bins that do not fit your shelves or have textures that are hard to clean or prone to shedding,” says Hines. Clear bins or mesh baskets work best, so you can see what’s inside. Advice From Pro 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. More

1Choosing overly trendy tiles.Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images”A space should evolve, not expire. Choosing overly trendy tiles or bold color choices can date a bathroom quickly. We always recommend grounding the design in timeless materials and a refined palette. Layer in personality through art, textiles and accessories that can easily be updated as your style shifts.” — Lindsey Colhoun, Lindsey Colhoun Design2Overlooking storage.brizmaker//Getty Images”One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating their storage needs, leading to countertops crowded with toiletries and towels with no home. When designing a bathroom, we incorporate a variety of storage solutions with custom interior organizers. One of our favorite options is a powered pull-out in the vanity to house hot tools and hair products so the drawer can simply be closed after use without anything remaining on the counter. A clutter-free space will feel larger, calmer and more inviting.” — Stephanie Martin, Stephanie Martin Interior Design Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Settling for wrong sconce placement.TerryJ//Getty Images”A mistake in the bathroom is placing sconces at the wrong height. When selecting lights, be sure they make sense where they are being wired. Some lights are shaped with the bulb lower than the junction box, and some are the opposite. Be cognizant of this and be sure that you are paying attention to where the actual bulb of the light fixture will be. Once you know that, work backwards, and then you’ll know where the light should be wired into the wall.” — Alex Azat, Plaster and Patina4Skimping on quality fixtures.Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty Images”Fixtures are the jewelry of the bathroom. While low-quality faucets or hardware might seem like a cost-saver upfront, they rarely stand the test of time or elevate the experience. We always recommend investing in pieces that feel as good as they look—beautifully crafted, functional and built to last. When fixtures fail, it often means tearing into stone or walls to repair them, which can become far more costly in the long run.” — LindseyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Not being realistic about light marble.John keeble//Getty Images”Light marble is gorgeous, but it’s prone to staining from personal care products when installed on shower floors, even when sealed. The solution: Use a ceramic tile or a less porous stone on the floor and save your marble for the walls.” — Jeanne Barber, Camden Grace Interiors6Ignoring the acoustics. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images”A bathroom filled with only hard surfaces will echo like a stairwell and feel just as sterile. Adding linen, woven textures or even a single rug helps absorb sound and soften the experience. Thoughtful acoustics refine the environment and shape how the space is perceived.” — Lauren Saab, Saab StudiosAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Being afraid of bold statements. fStop Images – Ludger Paffrath//Getty Images”We often refer to bathrooms as ‘jewel boxes’ within the home. These small, contained spaces offer an opportunity to make bold choices or incorporate more elaborate finishes that homeowners might be hesitant to use on a larger scale in other areas. Patterned tiles, dramatically veined stones, statement light fixtures, vibrant color drenching and wild wallpaper can be perfectly placed within a bathroom. These elements add personality and a ‘wow’ factor that can transform a utilitarian room into a truly special statement.” — Stephanie8Not considering windows carefully. Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images”Natural light is really the best so if during construction you have a means of improving your window situation, or even adding a skylight or sun tunnel to your ceiling, this goes a long way to creating a wonderful ambience in your bathroom — not thinking about this when you have walls open is a huge fail!” — Caroline Kopp, Caroline Kopp Interior DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Relying on recessed lighting.Madhourse//Getty Images”If we had our way, we’d do away with recessed can lights altogether, but that’s not a practical reality for most. Overhead lighting must be paired with decorative sconces and flush mounts, pendants or chandeliers to give a bathroom warmth and layered light. People look a lot better and can see themselves better, getting ready with the light glow coming from in front of them, than just a single can overhead.” — Pierce Jordan and Evan Krenzien, Shane and Pierce10Not bringing the tile (or slab) to the ceiling. Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images”A common mistake people make when designing their shower is not bringing the tile (or slab) all the wall to the ceiling. This cheapens the whole bathroom, making the shower look unfinished. Not to mention that the drywall above the tile will likely take on quite a bit of moisture, potentially leading to mold in the future. Always bring your shower tile all the way up!” — Lina Galvao, Curated Nest InteriorsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Assuming all finishes must match.Joe Hendrickson//Getty Images”Homeowners often feel trapped, thinking everything must match in a small space. This can make your bathroom feel flat and generic. A more sophisticated approach is to coordinate and layer, not match. You can confidently mix two different metal finishes by following a simple rule: choose one dominant finish for the major pieces like the plumbing fixtures, then consider adding in accents for hardware or lighting. Similarly, mixing in a variance of textures and tones within the tile, stone and millwork finishes create a more dynamic and visually interesting bathroom.” — Stephanie12Installing marble-look tiles incorrectly. tulcarion//Getty Images”One of the biggest mistakes I see with marble-look porcelain tile is not laying it out beforehand. Always take the time to arrange the tiles on the floor before installing them on the walls—this lets you ensure the veining flows naturally and avoids a pattern that feels too random or repetitive.” — Amy McCoy, McCoy Design StudioAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Skipping dimmers. ThreeDiCube//Getty Images”Dimmers are critical for creating ambience! While you may be inclined to install super bright lights in your bathroom for utilitarian purposes, gentle lighting is just as important for moments of relaxation or peace. While bright lights may be useful when putting on makeup or doing hair, you may want to enjoy a spa like bath with softer lighting. More and more, bathrooms are becoming a space to embrace wellness and all sorts of daily rituals.” — Lina 14Getting wallpaper all wrong. Joe Hendrickson//Getty Images”When adding wallpaper to a bathroom, there are several things to consider. Are you using the correct type of wallpaper (traditional wallpaper that’s primed and installed by a professional versus peel-and-stick that may not adhere)? What’s the level of use of the bathroom (a simple powder, water closet or guest bathroom that’s used once a month versus an everyday primary bathroom)? Where are you installing the wallpaper (on the ceiling is a ‘no’ based on humidity and steam, and splash-heavy areas may require a vinyl wallpaper quality)? Keep these things in mind to prevent mishaps.” — Amber Guyton, Blessed Little BungalowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Putting shower controls right below the shower head. Dan Reynolds Photography//Getty Images”While placing the shower controls directly beneath the shower head may seem intuitive to keep everything aligned, it usually results in having to step into a stream of cold water just to turn it on. A more functional approach is to separate the shower head from the valves, placing the controls near the entrance of the shower so you can easily warm up the water before stepping in.” — Brieanna Cunningham, C&C Partners16Not prioritizing cabinet space. Lourdes Balduque//Getty Images”One of the mistakes I see people make in their DIY bathroom designs is giving up valuable cabinet space to accommodate mirrors or sconces and not utilizing prime real estate for items like storage towers and organizational items like pull-out make-up stations. Every bathroom should be created in zones and have outlets within cabinets to accommodate electric toothbrushes and hairdryers, keeping the counter clear every day.” — Autumn Pochiro, Autumn Dawn DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Going for all-white grout on the shower floor. NelleG//Getty Images”Another big mistake: all-white grout on a shower floor. It may look crisp on day one, but it tends to show mold and grime quickly. Opt for a slightly darker grout to keep it looking cleaner, longer.” — Amy 18Picking a sliding shower door.YinYang//Getty Images”Sliding doors mounted on exterior tracks are often pitched as clever space-savers, but they fall short where it matters most. They don’t seal, they offer no sound privacy and they feel more decorative than functional. Bathrooms need closure, quiet and privacy. A solid-core swing door delivers all three.” — LaurenMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More