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A kids-zone room and a stylish space can sometimes seem mutually exclusive. Decorating a room that’s overflowing with toys or has pets climbing everywhere can feel daunting, but you don’t have to sacrifice form in the name of function. With a few styling tricks and design-forward yet practical furnishings from More
If you’re looking for ways to enliven your home or give it a more airy feel, Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke Architecture’s latest project is full of inspiration. The design firm transformed a Folk Victorian farmhouse into a sunny oasis that’s fit for entertaining. Built in 1915, the Pasadena, California, home features ingenious indoor and outdoor decor ideas — from a clutter-free kitchen prep area to a pool house that’s perfect for family gatherings and playtime with the kids. Steal the design ideas below.Kitchen and Dining Areas
Jill Weller
Bring in the Outdoors Rather than settle for the choppy original floor plan, Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke upgraded this home’s hardest-working floor in collaboration with the homeowners, giving it an airy, open layout fit for entertaining. The designers combined the kitchen, dining area and living space and added bifold doors that open onto the pool deck. Find a bright spot for the breakfast nook. The kitchen’s main eating area, which features wood paneling, is nestled in an ultra-sunny corner and serves as the family’s command center for meals and arts-and-crafts sessions. For that reason, a custom quartz-composite tabletop (also featured in the kitchen) is a no-fail choice. “They wanted it to be indestructible so they could use the space for everything and not worry about damaging the table,” says Cooke.
Jill Weller
Keep clutter on the perimeter.When designing a kitchen, Cooke likes to “keep as much function on the perimeter as possible so the island can stay clean and be used as a prep area and gathering spot for the family.” The result is a layout that feels open and manages to prevent any untidy cooking areas from taking over the space.Get the look: Patio Dining Chairs, $140, wayfair.com; Single Globe Pendant, $135, wayfair.comDesign Tip: The wood countertop makes the all-white kitchen feel “warm and homey,” says Cooke, and is the perfect option for an island without a built-in sink or range.Bedroom
Jill Weller
Go for a year-round beach vibe. Your bedroom is meant to be a retreat, and that’s exactly what design firm Arterberry Cooke kept in mind during this transformation. Original wood paneling and walls decked out in Behr’s Mountain Falls make for a calming atmosphere.Get the Look: Layne Velvet Curtain, from $88, anthropologie.com; Seashell Accent Chandelier, $250, wayfair.comBathroom
Jill Weller
Play with scale in the shower.A long brass shower arm, along with gray-and-white marble tiles in multiple patterns, shapes and sizes, packs a punch in the primary bathroom. “We did pattern blocking, as opposed to color blocking, but both would be successful here,” says Cooke of the result, which includes hexagonal shower tiles from Soho Studio. A custom vanity, featuring a medium wood tone, complements the brass hardware and adds a touch of luxury to the design scheme. “A lot of the woodwork in the house was super dark, so we were looking for ways to bring woods back that didn’t feel oppressive,” Cooke adds.
Jill Weller
Paint out wood paneling. The bathroom’s white wood paneling mirrors the original walls in the primary bedroom and helps anchor the setup. “It was dark wood when they purchased the house, but we painted it white and kept it all lighter and brighter,” Cooke says. “We looked for elements that worked when the house was originally constructed and added to those as much as possible to maintain a cohesive feeling.” Cleaning Tip: Don’t let small mildew spots on painted walls spoil your spa moment. Scrub gently with a brush dipped in sudsy water. Next, apply a mix of 3 Tbsp chlorine bleach to 1 qt water. Wait five minutes, scrub, rinse and air-dry.GH Resident Cleaning Expert Carolyn Forté’s Bathroom Tips Spotless Glass: Keeping glass shower doors and walls crystal clear can be a challenge, especially in hard-water areas. Drying them off after showering helps prevent residue from building up. And an oversize microfiber towel makes quick work of this daily task.Stunning Stone: Natural stone, like marble, is a classic and durable bathroom choice, but many traditional bathroom cleaners contain acids that can etch these materials. Check the label and choose a shower cleaner, like Granite Gold, that’s effective yet safe for stone.Power Shower: Today’s fixtures often sport high-end finishes that can be damaged by the vinegar soak often recommended to clear a clogged shower head. Instead, dip a brush in vinegar and go over the jets only. Rinse well and dry.Teak Trick: Accessories like shower benches and mats will last longer and look better when cleaned with a sudsy mix of dish soap and water and occasionally protected with a teak oil or sealer. Get the Look: Bamboo Bath Caddy, $70, wayfair.comFoyer
Jill Weller
Add more storage to the entry.Any busy family needs a simple area equipped to handle real life. Since the first floor lacked a traditional utility closet, a built-in cabinet was installed to keep everyday essentials like coats and gloves under wraps. And Arterberry Cooke didn’t stop there: The cabinet and walls are all painted in Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl to pull the space together. “We wanted it to feel like it was already a part of the room and sort of fade away,” says Cooke.
Shop the Foyer
Adalric 3-Light Unique/Statement Tiered Brass Pendant Lamp
homedepot.com
$130.45
Large Burbank Planter
Planters
thesill.com
$110.00
Crown Mark Jerimiah Back Support Bench, Black
Crown Mark
walmart.com
$170.95
Frauke Oriental Area Rug in Red
Bungalow Rose
wayfair.com
$139.99
Outdoor Area
Jill Weller
Design the Perfect Patio Outdoor spaces need care too. Make sure yours is always guest-ready with these simple steps.Stash Cushions: The best way to keep removable chair cushions and throw pillows clean is to shelter them from dirt and dampness after use and during the off-season. Invest in a waterproof deck box for easy access when you need them and easy storage when you don’t.Spot-clean Furniture: Thoroughly cleaning chairs and tables at the start and end of your outdoor season is key, but regular touch-ups are what keep them ready for impromptu get-togethers. Store a stash of heavy-duty cleaning wipes, like Clorox Multi- Purpose Paper Towel Wipes, nearby to remove dirt and stains quickly without having to rinse.Brighten Brick: Stone, brick and concrete walks and accents are prone to getting dirty and stained when exposed to the elements. Use a cleaner like Granite Gold Outdoor Stone Cleaner. Gentle and safe around plants, it comes in a size that attaches to your garden hose for extra pressure and reach.
Jill Weller
Build an Outdoor Fireplace“The connection to the outdoors is pretty perfect,” Cooke says of the inviting design scheme marked by a dramatic brick chimney and fireplace (the original one was removed in the 1980s). A striped rug ensures that the neutral seating set on top remains the focal point of the area. Pool “Play” House
Jill Weller
“They wanted an area that the kids could be less precious about, where they could make a bit of a mess,” Cooke says of the pool house, which is a converted ADU (accessory dwelling unit). Not only does it serve as a comfortable spot for the homeowners’ three children to gather with friends, play games and watch TV, but it also can be used as a work or exercise space.
Jill Weller
Install a colored backsplash.The sparkling tile backsplash from Wow’s Fez Collection in the pool house kitchen catches the light just right and prevents the space from feeling stark. A crisp white on the cabinets and the wall trim brings even more brightness into the room.
Jill Weller
Keep it bright with white.Instead of overwhelming the pool house with strong colors and patterns, white walls “keep as much light bouncing around as possible,” says Cooke, noting that she wanted it to have the same breezy feeling as the main house. The timeless neutral was layered with natural materials, like a rattan headboard and a jute living room rug, to enhance the coastal aesthetic. “Finally the house feels cohesive,” Cooke says.Get the Look: Rattan Headboard, $379, homedepot.comA version of this feature appeared in the June 2022 issue of Good Housekeeping.
Monique Valeris
Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.
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Creating a children’s space is all about finding simple decorative accents that speak to their personality and creativity. If you’ve been yearning to give your kids’ bedroom or bathroom a makeover for the spring season, The Home Depot’s exclusive home decor line, StyleWell Kids, launched just in time to help you. The lively collection that’s designed especially for children features whimsical decor essentials that are not only on-trend, but also affordable. You’ll find a range of more than 65 eye-catching pieces, ranging from colorful shower curtains and sheets to cotton quilts and comforter sets. Lucky for you, staying on-budget won’t be an issue with the StyleWell Kids collection. For instance, you can snag twin sheet sets for just $35 and shower curtains for $30 — perfect if you’re partial to changing them from season to season. The versatile line is also meant to be layered with pieces that already exist in your children’s rooms. And to make the collection even more fun, all of the pieces fall under kid-friendly themes like the great outdoors, nautical decor and modern princesses. In other words, there’s no shortage of items to suit your child’s style and room aesthetic.Be sure to check out the entire StyleWell Kids collection on The Home Depot’s website while items are available to shop. You’ll want to add their adorable designs to your shopping cart before they sell out. It’s that good!
Shop StyleWell Kids, Exclusively at The Home Depot
Blue Multi-Color Floral Shower Curtain
StyleWell
homedepot.com
$22.48
Polka Dot Cotton Twin Comforter Set
StyleWell Kids
homedepot.com
$69.97
Colorful Dot Aqua Shower Curtain
Saturday Knight
homedepot.com
$27.27
Pineapple Twin/Twin XL Sheet Set
StyleWell Kids
homedepot.com
$13.18
Sealife 3-Piece Twin Sheet Set
StyleWell Kids
homedepot.com
$34.97
Blush and Silver Grey Queen Comforter Set
My World
homedepot.com
$59.99
Midnight Blue Twin/Twin XL Sheet Set
StyleWell Kids
homedepot.com
$16.48
Charleston Green and White Chevron Shower Curtain
StyleWell Kids
homedepot.com
$22.48
Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.
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Weighted blankets have grown in popularity in the last few years, with some claiming benefits like easing anxiety and improving sleep. These blankets can be filled with glass beads, down-alternative material, cotton or other materials to add weight to the blanket. The added weight is distributed evenly throughout the blanket, which puts gentle pressure on your body; some compare it to the snug feeling of a hug. If you enjoy this type of cozy blanket, whether you use it night after night or occasionally, eventually you’ll find it needs a good washing. However, these blankets can be tricky to wash because they are heavier than regular comforters (some weighted blankets can weigh up to 30 pounds!). To learn how to wash a weighted blanket, we turned to our experts in both the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab and the Apparel and Textiles Lab to get their best advice on how to wash these heavy items. Read on for how — and how often — to wash a weighted blanket and expert tips on how to care for one.How to wash a weighted blanketBefore washing a weighted blanket, it’s important to check the care instructions. “In our weighted blankets tests, we’ve noticed that the care instructions vary greatly,” says Lexie Sachs, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. Some weighted blankets are machine washable, and others have an outer cover that is machine washable whereas the inner blanket is not. Finally, there are weighted blankets that are spot clean only. Below is our expert advice on how to wash a weighted blanket. ✔️ Machine washableIf the care label on your weighted blanket states that it’s machine washable, beyond following the wash instructions, you’ll also want to consider the size and capacity of your washer. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, says that while extra-large home washers and dryers can often handle mixed loads of 22 to 24 pounds, a solid mass of a single 20-pound item can put undue strain on your machine. Even if your washer can handle a 20-pound weighted blanket, our experts recommend not washing a weighted blanket of more than 15 pounds because of the large mass. Sachs also recommends selecting the lowest spin speed when washing a weighted blanket because of the extra weight. For all washing machines, and especially for top-loading washers that have an agitator, you’ll want to make sure the weight of the blanket is evenly distributed to keep the machine balanced. It may be necessary to pause the cycle periodically to reposition the blanket if the machine goes off balance.Finally, if your blanket can’t move freely in the washer because of its size, it won’t get thoroughly clean. When Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab Analyst, washed her Nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket at home, the blanket’s bulkiness prevented adequate movement in the wash cycle, and she questioned whether it actually got clean. If you have to force the blanket to fit into the washer, it’s best to use a commercial machine.GH Lab tip: When we tested weighted blankets in the Textiles lab, we found that the weight of a 15-pound blanket caused our top-loading agitator-style machine to make odd noises during the spin cycle. So if your blanket is 15 pounds or heavier, consider using a commercial washer. ✔️ Machine washable coverFor blankets that have an inner layer with an outer cover, the outer cover can generally be washed like any other duvet cover, but be sure to check the care instructions for confirmation as well as for water temperature and cycle.✔️ Spot clean onlyIf the blanket, outer cover or inner layer are spot clean only, Forté advises using a sudsy mix of a mild dish soap and water. “Use a cloth dipped in the suds to blot the stain, and then rinse it with a cloth dipped in clear water,” she says. Repeat this blotting process if necessary, then let it air dry.GH Lab tip: If your weighted blanket is spot clean only, our experts recommend purchasing a machine-washable cover for it to help keep it clean and to protect it from dirt and stains.Is it safe to put a weighted blanket in the dryer?When reading the care instructions before washing a weighted blanket, note the instructions for drying as well. Some blankets can be tumbled dry on low, and some require air drying. If tumble drying, ensure that your dryer has enough room so air can circulate freely around the blanket. You may also have to stop the dryer occasionally to fluff the blanket and then repeat until it is fully dry. When air drying, you’ll want to spread out the blanket as much as possible so that air can flow through and around it. You can also hang the weighted blanket over something like a shower door; however, be sure that whatever you hang or lay the blanket on can handle the weight. Take note: In our experience, weighted blankets take a long time to air dry. How often should you wash a weighted blanket?Our experts recommend washing a weighted blanket once mid-season and then again before storing. Keep in mind you may need to wash it more or less depending on how often it’s used and how dirty it gets. It’s best to take care of spills or stains right away so they don’t set in. For the occasional spot of dirt or two, it may require only a good spot clean. GH Lab tip: Allergy sufferers and those with pets who sleep on the weighted blanket may need to wash every other month or so, depending on how dirty the blanket gets. How to store a weighted blanketWeighted blankets should be cared for like other blankets for your home. Before putting them away for the season, make sure the blanket is freshly laundered. Since these are heavier than a typical blanket, make sure you are storing them on a shelf or in a bin or basket that is strong enough to handle the weight.The takeawayPay close attention to the care tag on any weighted blanket before you wash or dry it. And then be sure to clean it at least mid-season and before storing it at the end of the season. If your washing machine or dryer cannot handle the weight, consider using a commercial machine. Other sites may suggest hand washing, but we don’t. These blankets are just too heavy and cumbersome to handle when wet to be hand washed.
Jamie Kim
Contributing Writer and Analyst
Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing.
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If you count yourself as a fan of Gap, you’re well acquainted with their wardrobe basics like denim jackets, cotton T-shirts and khakis. But in addition to the fashion staples many of us have grown to love over the years, the brand has worked hard to win over decor enthusiasts with the launch of Gap Home last year, exclusively for Walmart. It includes more than 400 items ranging from dishware to bedding, all boasting its beloved modern-meets-classic-American aesthetic. Now, the brand is building on the success of its home collection with the release of Gap Home Kids that’s available to shop on Walmart.com right now. There are more than 200 lively pieces in the collection, including bedding and bath essentials, rugs, throw pillows and even window treatments. In true Walmart fashion, prices are accessible; items start at just $20 and go up to only $79.
Shop Gap Home Kids, Exclusively at Walmart
Gingham Shower Curtain
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$27.88
Dino Toss Sheet Set
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$29.98
Mixed Stripe Jersey Comforter Set
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$44.98
Oversized Dot Window Curtain
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$24.94
Tiny Hearts Kids Area Rug
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$79.00
Ombre Stripe Towel Set
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$34.98
Ombre Stripe Pillow
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$24.98
Denim Comforter Set
Gap Home Kids
walmart.com
$44.98
“The entire line nods to Gap’s classic chambrays, stripes and washed denim while incorporating on-trend prints and colorways that we think kids will love,” said Anthony Soohoo, executive vice president, home, Walmart U.S., in a press announcement. “Gap Home Kids is one more way we are democratizing style and helping customers create home spaces they love at the affordable prices they can count on at Walmart.”So if your kids’ rooms are in need of a much-needed refresh or simply want to give them a taste of the brand’s classic style that you’ve appreciated for so long, now is your chance to shop Gap Home Kids while items are still in stock.
Monique Valeris
Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.
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Patterns add character and depth to any space, even your deck or yard. Gone are the days of splashing your umbrella and cushions with the same explosion of floral print though — the modern way is to mix motifs. Picking out a new palette for your patio also means choosing cozy textiles and upholstery that are designed to weather the elements, so the hues won’t fade or fall victim to mold and mildew. Sunbrella fabrics are woven with strong fibers that repel water, making rain, sweat and muddy paw prints a breeze to clean. The colors stay vivid season after season, and Sunbrella offers a slew of hues and patterns so you can fully embrace your creative side. However, there is an art to making masterful combinations. “The key to mixing patterns is having a variety of pattern sizes and textures,” says McCall Dulkys of Interiors By McCall. “In a grouping of three pillows, for instance, I would have one large-style pattern, such as a thick, bold stripe, one smaller pattern, perhaps a small-scale floral, and one solid color, but in a different texture.” To keep things looking visually cohesive, Mary Patton of Houston-based Mary Patton Design suggests picking patterns in the same color family to avoid overwhelming the space. On that note, solid colors have their place in this scenario, too — they are great for grounding the look. Straightforward shades make for a foundation that’s versatile and has longevity, says Nicole Salceda of Bay Area design studio Eye For Pretty. “It’s always a good idea to keep your main outdoor upholstery pieces (sofas, sectionals and club chairs) in a solid fabric,” she adds.Now, to help you play with patterns like a pro, check out (or feel free to completely copy) our mood boards filled with options using the vibrant designs and colors of Sunbrella fabrics.Going Green
Greens are a natural choice for an outdoor space because they “give a nod to the surrounding outdoor landscape,” says Patton. She adds that while shades of green are trending, it’s also a classic color that works “as a chic neutral that is a little bit different and wears well in high-performance fabrics.” Set the scene with a creamy sectional and add oversized palm leaf-printed and wide striped pillows. A subtly striped outdoor rug in a mossy shade grounds the space, while a forest green umbrella adds dimension (and shade). An olive ottoman rounds out the color spectrum.
Sectional Sofa
Teak Warehouse
Calm Laurel
Sunbrella
Palm Leaf Pillow
Pottery Barn
Principle Lagoon
Sunbrella
Reign Jungle
Sunbrella
Drakes Pillow
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Cast Oasis
Sunbrella
The Ottoman
Neighbor
Sunbrella Border Stripes Rug
Frontgate
Martinique Fabric
CW Stockwell
Grove Series Umbrella
California Umbrella
Relate Ivy
Sunbrella
Citrus Splash
An outdoor space is ripe for fresh hues inspired by fruits. A loveseat and chair in solid terracotta sets the scene for colorful pillows adorned with diamonds, berries and stripes, which play well together thanks to a similar color vibe.When using different shades, create unity with colors grouped as a vignette, like these patterned pillows. “Thick stripes look great when paired with smaller patterns,” Salceda says. Tangerine chair cushions nestled in a geometric metal frame and a lemon-hued pouf are vibrant without going over the top.
The Loveseat
Neighbor
Infused Gem
Sunbrella
Diamond Block Outdoor Pillow
Terrain
Spectrum Daffodil
Sunbrella
Canvas Persimmon
Sunbrella
Impression Pillow by Elaine Smith
Perigold
Principle Tropics
Sunbrella
Peacock Seat Cushions
Perigold
Canvas Pouf
West Elm
Detail Persimmon
Sunbrella
The Chair
Neighbor
Surround Sunrise
Sunbrella
True Blue
For a beach bungalow or poolside retreat, shades of blue complement the surroundings. “Blues are the easiest shades to mix and match,” says Dulkys, who draws on waterfront views as inspiration for many of her clients in South Florida. “They tend to complement one another, so for an easy color combo, blues are hard to mess up.” A navy sofa with white piping and multi-striped pouf set a nautical tone, made a little more eclectic by subtle palm-embroidered pillows in a chambray shade. A baby blue striped rug contains thin opposing stripes, lending extra dimension.
Outdoor Pouf
Ballard Designs
Canvas Haze
Sunbrella
Outdoor Curtains
Pottery Barn
Direction Dew
Sunbrella
Context Indigo
Sunbrella
Nisswa Porch Swing
Loll Designs
Sensibility II Harbor
Sunbrella
Sunbrella Channel Stripe Rug
Frontgate
Veracruz Pillow Cover
Serena & Lily
Spectrum Denim
Sunbrella
Miles Redd Bermuda Sofa
Ballard Designs
Model Harbor
Sunbrella
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In a competitive real estate market, the chances of having your offer accepted on your dream home are, unfortunately, pretty slim. However, this wasn’t the case for Charleston-based interior designer Megan Molten. After coming across a fixer-upper property with potential in the popular Mount Pleasant neighborhood in spring 2019, she and her husband, Hugh, took a leap of faith and submitted a full-price offer that same day. To their delight, it was accepted. “We knew it was our match made in heaven and we just felt so lucky,” Molten says with content.
The home, which was built in 1980, is located in Charleston’s desirable Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
Margaret Wright
To say that the mid-century modern home required work is an understatement. “It had popcorn ceilings, carpet throughout, blue bathrooms, yellow bathrooms…it could not be more untouched,” she says of the three-bedroom, three-bathroom property that was built in 1980. “It was a blank canvas we could work with.” So much so that the couple’s family and friends jokingly nicknamed it “Mod Pod.” Molten made the decision to stick with the home’s existing footprint, from the eight-foot ceilings in the living room to the ensuite bedroom, complete with a porch and outdoor tub. “I wanted a tub so bad, but since we didn’t have room to include it in our bathroom renovation, my husband thought of putting it on the porch and I love it,” she says, noting that he even handled the plumbing and installation.
Thanks to her husband, the primary bedroom’s porch features a freestanding tub.
Margaret Wright
The living room presented the perfect opportunity to put her design skills to the test. Most of Molten’s clients gravitate towards rooms painted in all white, which can “feel sterile,” she says if the right accessories aren’t in place. While this neutral was also perfect for her living area, she introduced contrast with built-ins decked out in Sherwin-Williams’ Iron Ore — “the perfect palette to make everything else really pop.” Layers of lighting, including a 96-inch wide chandelier, textured rugs and a fireplace decked out in charcoal-colored cement chevron tile finish the design scheme.
The living room’s original fireplace was updated with chevron tiles, which balance the predominantly white space.
Margaret Wright
Another highlight is the hallway featuring a face mural by artist Carrie Beth Wagner. “I thought she was just going to paint five to 10 faces going down the hallway, but she came at about 8:30 a.m. one day, and when I came home after work at 6 p.m., she was still painting faces,” Molten says. “I was blown away and had no idea that she was going to do that many faces. It’s amazing, but I’m always scared because they can’t take it with us if we ever move. It’s our prized possession in our own way.”
The hallway features a mural by Carrie Beth Wagner. “It’s unique and different,” Molten says. “Everyone comments on it when they come to our house.”
Margaret Wright
The kitchen’s waterfall island is also a favorite of Molten’s. During a trip to a local fabricator with her husband, Molten discovered the perfect marble slabs. “Our fabricator was able to stretch three slabs to cover every single surface throughout our entire home, from the kitchen to the bathrooms,” she says. It was a win-win all around. Installing open shelving, as opposed to only relying on closed cabinetry, keeps the kitchen light and airy. “I just love the clean aesthetic, but one thing I tell my clients about floating shelves is everything you choose to display has to be pretty.”
For balance, Molten installed floating shelves and reused the existing kitchen cabinetry.
Margaret Wright
Megan worked closely with her husband, Hugh, to revamp the family home they purchased in 2019.
Margaret Wright
In the end, all the hard work paid off for Molten, especially considering that she was pregnant and living in the house during the construction phase. But looking back now, she wouldn’t change a thing. “It was so much fun and an honor being that it’s my personal home,” she says. “It’s been special to me.”
Monique Valeris
Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.
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If you clicked on this article, chances are you’ve spent many hours scrolling through cleaning videos on TikTok. And if you frequent the #CleanTok side of the app (the hashtag where TikTok’s cleaning influencers post their content), there’s one woman who probably has a resident spot on your For You Page — and who’s tips you’ve already used around your home: Vanesa Amaro, a.k.a. TikTok’s “Queen of Cleaning.”Amaro is a housekeeper and cleaning expert based in Texas who started posting cleaning videos when the pandemic hit. Her household cleaning tips and tricks are so helpful and easy to replicate that her videos started going viral almost instantly. Fast forward a couple short years, and she’s one of the biggest cleaning influencers on the internet (at the time of writing, Amaro has 5.4 million followers on her English TikTok alone) and an official spokesperson for Clorox, one of the biggest cleaning companies in the world. If you keep a dish brush in your shower for routine cleaning, you have Amaro to thank. She posted a video explaining the trick last spring, and it’s now racked up over 35 million views and become one of the post popular TikTok cleaning hacks.
This content is imported from TikTok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Naturally, we can’t get enough of viral TikTok finds, so we caught up with Amaro to hear from the queen herself on what we should be adding to our cart next. Read on for the four cleaning products that Amaro can’t live without, plus her tips on how to use them. Lucky for us, all of her favorite products are available to shop on Amazon.
Scrub Daddy Sponge Set
Scrub Daddy
amazon.com
$27.99
“There are so many TikTok cleaning products, but one that really took over is Scrub Daddy sponges,” says Amaro. “The sponges have so many cool features, but the most important one is that it changes texture depending on your water temperature. No other sponge has that technology. When you use it with cold water, it becomes firm almost like a fiber so you can scrub things down.” “When cleaning the oven, I use a Scrub Daddy in very cold water to scrape away crusty burnt-on food and grease. When you use it with warm or hot water it becomes soft, perfect for cleaning wine glasses, porcelain, or grandmother’s china. And whether it’s used with warm water and is super-soft or cold water and is super-coarse, it will never scratch.”
OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Brush
OXO
amazon.com
$11.95
Get ready for Amaro’s number one cleaning tip: “You should move a dish brush from your sink—the dispensing kind that you fill with soap—to your shower,” she says. “Fill it with the soap of your choice and a little bit of vinegar, and then you can clean your shower while showering. I don’t have any mold, hard water, grime, or mildew because I am constantly cleaning my shower every time I do a hair mask or am standing in the shower for a few minutes. I haven’t needed to deep clean in a couple months because there’s been no need for it. You don’t even have to worry about getting wet or dirty this way because you’re already in the shower. This is not just something that I recommend or talk about—there is a dish wand in my shower at home right now. This is one of the cleaning tricks that I absolutely swear by.”
Swiffer Dusters 6 ft. Heavy Duty Starter Kit
Swiffer
amazon.com
$12.63
One of Amaro’s greatest pearls of cleaning wisdom is that “we don’t clean what we don’t see.” Whether that means it’s too high up to reach, or it’s on top of something, or it’s below something—if we can’t see it, we tend to not clean it, she says. “When deep cleaning, I love to get to those things that I’m not always seeing with a Swiffer duster. They make a few different sizes and my favorite is definitely the 6-foot version because you can get to your ceiling, walls, light fixtures, ceiling fans, tops of cabinets, and all sorts of other hard-to-reach places.” (P.S. The Swiffer 6-foot Duster carries the Good Housekeeping Institute Seal).”
Clorox Scentiva Multi-Surface Cleaner, 3-Pack
Clorox
amazon.com
$21.29
$16.79 (21% off)
Amaro says that simplifying your cleaning routine is a surefire way to make cleaning more enjoyable. “Find a multi-surface cleaner that you love and clean a bunch of things with it. It makes cleaning so much easier: grab a couple towels, grab one cleaner, and you’re ready to tackle many different areas in your house at once. Don’t over-complicate things for yourself or your family,” she says. “Clorox has a new line of Scentiva disinfecting cleaners which make cleaning so much more enjoyable because they don’t smell like a cleaner—and in the best possible way. I am a coconut girl and the Pacific Breeze & Coconut smells so good. It makes me feel like I’m in Bora Bora. Cleaning doesn’t have to be miserable or a hassle. Just put some music on, grab a cleaner that smells great, and have fun with it.”
Heath Owens
Heath Owens is a Commerce Editor and Writer at Hearst Magazines, where he covers fashion, home, tech, gifts, and more.
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