Home Ideas

Behr has called it: Hidden Gem (N430-6A) is its 2026 Color of the Year. The company’s trend experts say the elegant blue-green paint shade can enhance just about any area of the home, indoors and out. It’s part of Behr’s 2026 Color Trends Palette, which helps customers take the stress out of finding the right complementary hues for their space. BEHR MARQUEE Hidden Gem Interior Paint“We’re always looking for something that’s timeless, but current and a bit fashion-forward,” Erika Woelfel, Behr Paint’s VP of color and creative services, told Good Housekeeping. “This is a color that people can use anywhere for any size project.”Related StoriesAccording to Anna Miller, The Home Depot’s director of trend and design, it was only right to settle on jade this year, as more and more people enjoy expressing themselves through color. There’s been a shift away from minimalist interiors (yes, stark whites and grays are losing some momentum). “We know the customer is craving change,” Miller added. “They’re craving color, depth and moodiness, and they want to bring soulfulness back into their spaces.”In a survey, Behr discovered that 58% of Americans believe painting a space in Hidden Gem would create visual appeal, and two in three respondents shared that the color would add a unique touch, calming feel and timeless flair to their home. Courtesy of Behr Paint CompanyBehr’s Hidden Gem is the perfect match for a warm white hue like the company’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas. Design Inspiration for Hidden GemNeed even more motivation to give the blue-green color a try in your home? Consider these pointers from Woelfel and Miller:Upgrade your kitchen. Hidden Gem can give your cooking space a personality boost, whether it’s used on your cabinets or island. If you go this route, temper it with neutral walls (think Behr’s Blank Canvas). “Customers have really embraced bringing color into the kitchens,” Miller says. “We had that ubiquitous navy island for a long time, and I think this is the new navy.”Use it in unexpected places. From painted furniture, like an entryway table, to ceilings and exterior doors, Hidden Gem has no limits. “It’s a bit of a chameleon color that works so well across design styles and in different rooms,” Miller explains.Go for a monochromatic look. Color-drenching is back, so if it’s your style, deck out a room’s walls and moldings in the hue to make a statement. Since it’s “such a beautiful, nuanced color and doesn’t feel overpowering,” Woelfel says it almost acts like a neutral. Experiment with different sheens. Eggshell or semi-gloss might be your go-to finishes, but you don’t have to stop there. Embrace high-gloss to draw the eye to a room’s unique architectural details. “It reflects light differently and can bring out the intricacies of crown molding,” Miller says. “Utilize the color across different sheens and it will change the effect in your home.”Go ahead and shop Behr’s Hidden Gem exclusively at The Home Depot. Related StoriesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

#CleanTok is full of hacks and creative solutions to cleaning-related dilemmas. Some users suggest using this household item to replace Swiffer pads when you run out.The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab weighs in on the trend. Nothing disrupts my cleaning routine more than realizing I’ve run out of supplies. Whether I’m out of clean microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner or wipes, I lose my groove — and when it’s gone, the last thing I want to do is think of a creative solution to keep chugging along.Luckily, TikTok — specifically #CleanTok — is full of genius ideas from people who have also run out of supplies in the middle of cleaning (but unlike me, are still capable of maintaining their motivation). If you’re an avid Swiffer user, you’ve probably ran out of refills unexpectedly at some point and had no time to replenish your stash. When this happens again, stretch an old sock around the base of the Swiffer — it’ll act as a substitute pad for the time being. After you’re done cleaning, just throw the sock in the wash. It’s that simple!Still, it’s important to note that using socks shouldn’t fully replace typical Swiffer refills. “Swiffer cloths — wet and dry — are designed to pick up and trap dirt. A sock will likely do that at first, but maybe not so much as it gets wet, saturated or covered in dust,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Because of that, socks might not cover as large of an area as a Swiffer cloth or pad would, meaning you’ll probably need to replace the sock more often than you normally would when working with refills. But if you find yourself scrambling for Swiffer pads you don’t have, reach for a sock instead — it may not be a permanent solution, but it’ll save you some time and frustration in the moment. 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

1Lavender + YellowErin Kestenbaum2Lilac + Vermillion Megan Easterday, Easterday CreativeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Terracotta + Robin’s Egg BlueErin Kestenbaum”Terracotta and robin’s egg blue strike an inviting balance since the first is rooted in earthiness while the latter is crisp and refreshing; and their interplay can add a layer of charm and contrast. The pairing highlights that thoughtful opposites can lend a space approachability and visual intrigue.” — Diane TRY BEHR TERRA COTTA CLAYTRY BEHR ETHEREAL MOODPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum4Citron + Mint GreenAshley DelappAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Blue + Tomato Red Erin Kestenbaum”Blue and tomato red may seem like unlikely companions, but their contrast is what gives a space its pulse—cool and collected meets fiery and bold. In color theory, cool and warm tones naturally complement each other by enhancing contrast and visual interest.” — Diane TRY BEHR’S CHARISMATIC SKYTRY BENJAMIN MOORE TOMATO REDPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum6Baby Blue + Magenta Christina Hussey”Baby blue and magenta create a captivating contrast. It’s cool composure against unapologetic intensity. This palette feels both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time; one serene, the other striking, together they craft a color story that’s equal parts modern edge and effortless charm.” — Ashley TRY BENJAMIN MOORE MULBERRY TRY BENJAMIN MOORE OCEAN AIRPhoto by: Christina HusseyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Deep Sage + Soft SageErin Kestenbaum”Though distinct in tone, two shades of green (one used on the walls and the other on the window) can work in quiet harmony, thanks to their shared undertones. When applying color theory, combining varied shades within the same hue family—one muted and earthy, the other more saturated—creates depth and cohesion. This layered monochromatic approach allows the room to feel nuanced and grounded, while still drawing attention to architectural detail through subtle contrast.” — DianeTRY GLIDDEN FARM FRESHTRY GLIDDEN PALE MOSSPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum8Peach + RedJim Schmid”When paired together, peach and red strike a balance between softness and vibrant energy. A little quirky, the two warm tones pack an unexpected visual punch. Proof that even the most daring duos can create unforgettable harmony.” — AshleyTRY GLIDDEN PEACH DARLINGTRY BEHR RED HOTPhoto by: Jim SchmidAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Tangerine + CreamErin Kestenbaum”The combination of tangerine and a creamy latte color strikes a thoughtful balance between vibrancy and warmth, allowing bold color to coexist with a softer, more neutral foundation. This pairing brings energy without overwhelming the space — it’s a design-forward approach that highlights contrast while maintaining cohesion.” — Diane TRY BEHR BLAZE ORANGETRY BEHR ULTRA PURE WHITEPhoto by: Erin Kestenbaum Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

It’s no secret that more and more homeowners are giving neutrals a rest and embracing bold colors instead. The latest example? Color-blocking, which has been popping up in the interior design world lately. The concept, which has also gained popularity in fashion, is straightforward: mix a few contrasting paint colors in a room to make a big design statement. And the pros say the more vibrant, the better. “Color-blocking is one of the simplest ways to bring structure and visual rhythm into a space,” says Lauren Saab of Saab Studios. “Instead of painting an entire room one shade, color is applied in precise bands across walls, ceilings, even built-ins to highlight features and guide the eye.”Designer Kim Dee of Kim Dee Designs is also on board with the trend. “People want their home to spark something, whether that’s creativity, inspiration or fun. And color does that instantly. Color-blocking allows you to tell a story with hues and shapes, and homeowners are ready to be the authors again.” onurdongel//Getty ImagesAnd unlike wallpaper, which can be pricey, you don’t have to blow your budget on paint for your color-blocking project. It’s as easy as choosing a few paint shades within your preferred price range. “Color blocking is growing in popularity among homeowners—not just because it’s more budget-friendly than wallpaper, but also because it allows for a playful, creative approach to design,” says Erika Hollinshead Ward of Erika Ward Interiors, who believes it’s the perfect DIY project for the adventurous. Color-Blocking Tips From the ProsIf you’re curious about how to put the trend to the test in your home, consider this expert advice to show off your personality and achieve the best look possible. ✔️ Showcase architectural features. From archways to built-in shelving and nooks, designer Sabah Mansoor of Sabah Mansoor Design says color-blocking allows these details to shine. “You can use color blocking to highlight the scale of an architectural detail such as floor-to-ceiling bookcases, an archway entrance to a room bathed in the same color or tones or to highlight a window seat alcove.”✔️ Keep the lines clean and deliberate. When it comes to color-blocking, the goal is to achieve an effect that’s both “composed and compelling,” says Saab. “Picture a painted border around a hallway opening, or a ceiling done in deep slate to ground a light, airy room. Even a soft sage stripe can add quiet contrast without making the space feel busy.” ✔️ Focus on your ceiling. Designer Heather Kirk of Kirk Riley Design has a tip to accentuate high ceilings or make them appear higher: “Start by painting a deep color about 3/4 of the way up the walls. Next, apply a high-contrast, light color on the remaining wall section and same as the ceiling. That simple trick will have your room feeling elongated and super chic.”✔️ Create separation between spaces. If you want to set distinct areas in an open-concept layout — a kitchen and dining space, for instance — color-blocking is a good solution. “It’s an effective way to define and delineate spaces within an open-plan living area, adding depth and interest to the full space,” says Mansoor. ✔️ Think beyond paint. According to Dee, believe or not, color-blocking doesn’t just work with paint. Consider showing off the technique with upholstery, drapery, bedding and even rugs:”Think: a terracotta sofa frame paired with blush seat cushions, or contrasting back and seat cushions in complementary hues.””Drapery styles where the bottom quarter or the top band is a completely different color.””A comforter that features more than one color, paired with coordinating accent pillows, can create a bold, layered look without overwhelming the room.””Try layering two rugs in bold, opposing tones for a curated color-blocked effect, or go with a large-scale rug that features a two-tone design. It’s a low-commitment way to bring energy into a room, no paintbrush required.Experiment With Pattern & ColorMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

HomeGoods is a design lover’s dream. Step foot into any location (there are more than 900 in the U.S.), and you’ll find just about anything you need to bring your decorating plan to life. You can hunt for affordable furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath essentials and so much more. But considering the wide inventory, it can be overwhelming to find the best buys for your space. Shelves tend to overflow with merchandise, you have to navigate a constant flurry of shoppers, and sometimes the shopping experience can feel like a test of your patience. That’s why we reached out to interior designers for some guidance to make the most of every shopping trip. Here, design pros share the top finds to look out for at any HomeGoods.”When shopping at HomeGoods, it’s really all about the hunt,” says Katherine Moore of Murphy & Moore Design. “There’s always something fresh, unexpected and genuinely useful, especially for designers like us who are constantly sourcing both practical pieces and finishing touches.” Stylish DishwareYou can usually find everything from everyday dinner plates and cereal bowls to special pieces that can enhance a dinner party. “We like to search for beautiful platters, glassware and serving pieces that can elevate a staging moment or client install,” Moore says. Towels Designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt says don’t overlook the towel section. She has one rule for picking the right style: “I’m always looking for plush textures, subtle patterns or elevated neutrals that bring a spa-like feel to bathrooms or add that perfect finishing touch when staging,” Cloud says. “They’re an easy, affordable way to layer in softness and make a space feel intentional.”Related StoriesThrow PillowsHomeGoods usually categorizes pillows by color, which makes it easy to find the right design for your home’s palette. “They are fun, cozy and the simplest way to refresh any space without breaking the bank,” says Tehilla Bennett of Teela Bennett Design. It’s also simple to change them seasonally if you want. Bennett says to think “fresh, bright colors in spring when everything starts to bloom, and warm, textured fabrics in the fall to make the space feel cozy.” Decorative Vases and Trays Home Made by Carmona’s Ursula Carmona, who uses her platform to spread the word about the retailer as a HomeGoods Featured Finder, tends to frequent this section of the store. “HomeGoods is my emergency run for those final decorative accessories after completing a room,” says Carmona, who often looks for eye-catching trays, vases and sculptural pieces. “They are more than just fillers; a room doesn’t feel complete without these charming touches.” Related StoryPicture FramesIt’s easy to find frames to arrange a gallery wall or a unique pick to display a favorite family photo on a console table. “You really can’t beat [its] prices on frames, and they are such an easy upgrade,” Bennett says. You can usually spot wood styles, gold designs, patterned options, you name it.Images By Tang Ming Tung//Getty ImagesKids’ Bathroom AccessoriesOutfitting a bathroom for a young kid or teenager? You can look to the retailer for bath mats and vanity countertop accessories. “Though HomeGoods is more temporal in nature, we love the thrill of finding perfect pieces for rooms that will be outgrown in a few years,” says designer Lara Apelian of Lara Apelian Studio. LightingTable lamps and floor lamps are another area where the retailer shines. “Everyone is obsessed with ‘the small light’ for good reason; this is where ambiance makes a home feel cozy,” Carmona says. “HomeGoods is always my go-to for stylish and affordable lighting. From trendy table lamps, to show-stopping floor lamps, to the most adorable little cordless lamps we’ll take with us from room to room. More Shopping TipsMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

Of all the mistakes people make when caring for their lawns, cutting the grass too short might be the most harmful. “Grass blades are like solar panels, absorbing energy from the sun and sending it down to the roots,” explains Frank Rossi, associate professor of horticulture at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. “When you cut off all that foliage, the grass is forced to live off its energy reserves, and a stressed-out lawn is not going to look very good.” Besides being more disease-resistant, taller grass does a better job of blocking out weeds, meaning fewer dandelions to deal with; and it provides thicker shade cover for the soil, reducing evaporation and helping the lawn through dry spells. To avoid scalping your grass, Rossi recommends following the 1/3rd rule, whereby you never take off more than 1/3rd of the height of the grass. That’s probably longer than you’re used to, but besides reducing plant stress and water-loss, it means you won’t have to mow as often, “about 25% to 35% less frequently,” says Rossi.Here’s what the math looks like on that claim: For best results, lawn care experts recommend letting the grass grow to a little more than 5 inches, then cutting it back to around 3.5 inches, removing about 1/3rd of the blade.Compare that with someone who cuts their lawn down to 2 inches, going for a more manicured look. To do that and still follow the 1/3rd rule, they will need to cut the lawn when it reaches 3 inches. That’s 1 inch of growth between cuttings versus 1.5 to 2 inches under the best-practices scenario. Which translates into mowing every 5 days instead of every 8 or 9 days. Multiple that out over the course of the entire growing season, and you get back a few extra Saturdays! Rossi is a big fan of robotic lawn mowers, which he estimates are now used on about a third of the lawns in Europe, though they’re just starting to gain popularity in the U.S. Robotic mowers only trim a little of the lawn at a time using small, razor-like blades. That more frequent mowing keeps the lawn healthy and also providers natural fertilizer in the form of nutrient-rich fine clippings. How to Set Your Mower Height Most of the lawn mowers tested by our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute have an adjustable deck, usually with a notched lever that raises or lowers the wheels in 1-inch or 1/2-inch increments, adjusting the distance between the deck and the ground. It’s a good idea to measure the height of the mower blade from the ground (use the driveway or other level surface to get an accurate reading). You might find that the notches are a bit off, maybe in such a way that the 4-inch setting is best for cutting your lawn to the desired 3.5-inch height. Toro Stripe 60-volt Cordless Lawn Mower Now 48% OffCredit: Toro RYOBI Zero Turn Riding Mower Now 17% OffCredit: Ryobi Segway Navimow i110N Robot Lawn MowerNow 15% OffCredit: Segway More Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid For a lush, healthy lawn, avoid these other common lawn care mistakes:✔️ Mowing with a dull blade. It will tear at the grass blades, leaving behind jagged edges that loose water and invite disease. Experts recommend sharpening your blade every 10 hours of mowing. It’s a good idea to have a second blade that you can use while the first is at the hardware store or lawn mower repair shop. ✔️ Bagging, instead of mulching. Lawn clippings are a natural source of nutrients for the lawn that can reduce fertilizing needs by 25% or more. So instead of bagging them (which adds time and effort to the chore), use your mower’s mulching mode to deposit the clippings back onto the lawn. ✔️ Pulling every last weed. Forget about the perfect, weed-free yard. It’s tough to achieve without pumping the lawn full of chemicals. Plus, some weeds are actually good for turf grass. Clover, for examples, pulls nitrogen from the air and feeds it to the soil. ✔️ Watering every day. A daily sip won’t help your lawn’s root system. A good long soak once a week (or every few days during high summer) is a better irrigation strategy. Lawn’s need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. An empty tuna can is a good way to keep track. More Yard Tips and ProductsHaving 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

With summer travel is in full swing, it feels like I’ve barely spent a full week in my apartment. As a renter in Jersey City with window units, I can never decide if I should turn my AC off before I head out of town. Most people say it’s more expensive to turn the AC on and off, but I also feel guilty wasting energy while traveling. I tapped an expert to find the definitive answer. Short answer: Don’t turn off your AC when you’re away — but you should raise the temperature. Below, Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, shares why you should NEVER turn your AC off and the ideal temperature to set your system while on vacation. Everything You Need to Do Before VacationIt’s never a good idea to turn off your air conditioning (it’s true, it can cost more money in the long run), but you should raise the temperature when you’re away. “A lot of people make the mistake of turning the AC on and off because they think it will save money,” explains DiClerico. In reality, the system has to work harder to bring the temperature back down to a comfortable level. “My standard advice is to set the temperature anywhere from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit,” says DiClerico. “If it’s a long trip — say a week or more — you should be on the higher end of that spectrum, up around 85 degrees. If you’re just going away for the weekend, you can keep it at it 80 degrees, or even 78, so that the home will be relatively comfortable when you return.” Cost aside, too much heat and humidity can actually harm your house. Not only can steamy conditions invite mold and mildew, but it can create a fire hazard — especially if appliances overheat. “If it gets sweltering hot in the home, that can take a toll on electronics and large appliances,” says DiClerico. “For example, the refrigerator will have to work harder to maintain safe food-storage temperatures.”Don’t worry: DiClerico assured me the same rules apply for window units. Set them to auto, if your unit has that setting (one of my ancient AC units doesn’t, so I plan to set it to low on a higher temp). “Most modern window ACs have a built-in temperature sensor, so they’ll cycle on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Depending on the weather, it might only kick on for a few hours during the hottest time of the day.”Related StoriesAlyssa 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

1There’s not enough food. Mike Bons//Getty ImagesAccording to Birds & Blooms, hummingbirds may eat up to three times their body weight in one day. As a result, they need to eat pretty consistently. “Probably the number one reason hummingbirds are not visiting is they don’t see your garden as offering enough food sources. If you are trying to attract hummingbirds without feeders, you need to have a good number of plants, and they should be blooming throughout the spring, summer and early fall,” says Alice Madar, executive director at International Hummingbird Society.2You need more tubular flowers.wulingyun//Getty ImagesHummingbirds have long, narrow beaks that allow them to reach deep inside tubular flowers for nectar. “Plant plenty of annuals, perennials and shrubs with tubular flowers, making access to the nectar source very easy,” says Shauna Moore, director of horticulture at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Your garden is lacking in native plants. real444//Getty ImagesNative plants are especially important for pollinators like hummingbirds as they offer a rich source of nutrients. “Ideally you are planting red-blooming, native species of penstemon, agastache and salvia. Hummingbirds also love trumpet vine and honeysuckle,” says Madar.RELATED: 18 Plants That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Home Garden4The feeder isn’t clean.Carlos Luis Camacho Photographs//Getty ImagesIf you’re going to incorporate feeders into your garden, it’s essential to care for them properly. “Feeders are a bit more of a pain to maintain. You can use one part table sugar in four parts water. You have to check them regularly — any black growths indicate fungus. Make sure to either boil the feeders in water or use a diluted vinegar to rinse and scrub them. Then rinse 3-4 times with water to wash the vinegar out. Hummingbirds can fall very sick and even die if they consume these fungi. So it’s better to avoid putting a feeder out if you cannot maintain the feeders well,” says Anusha Shankar, integrative biologist and physiological ecologist.RELATED: 7 Best Bird Feeders, Reviewed by ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5The timing is wrong. Prue Heron//Getty ImagesYou might be waiting for hummingbirds to visit your garden at the wrong time. Research their migration patterns to make sure you’re prepared when the time is right. “It’s always best to check the migratory pattern to know when they are coming. The change in climate and bloom time for some plants in the garden can have a gradual impact on their migratory patterns,” says Moore.RELATED: Find Out When Hummingbirds Will Reach Your Yard With This Interactive Map6You’re working with the wrong colors. Masahiro Makino//Getty ImagesLuckily, hummingbirds love colorful gardens, particularly ones with bright, hot shades. “Hummingbirds love red, orange and purple flowers. Increasing the number of flowering plants with these colors, with tubular corollas, will help attract more hummingbirds,” says Shankar.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Chemicals are deterring them. Sirisak Boakaew//Getty ImagesHummingbirds feed on insects as a source of protein, so be sure to avoid all sorts of pesticides and herbicides in your garden. “Insects and plants that have been treated with chemicals can pose an inherent risk to hummingbirds if ingested,” says Moore. 8You’re missing a water feature. pr2is//Getty ImagesGive hummingbirds a place to bathe and hydrate in your garden. “It’s important to have a shallow, slow-moving water feature in your yard — something like a bubbler or gentle waterfall. Hummingbirds also love water misters,” says Madar.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9There’s not enough protection.Dan Ripplinger / 500px//Getty ImagesDue to their small size, hummingbirds appreciate a safe atmosphere. “Hummingbirds don’t really like coming to an isolated food source in the middle of open ground. They’ll more easily visit areas which feel more protected — near some trees or a wall or some sort of continuous habitat,” says Shankar. 10Cats are scaring them off. nomadnes//Getty ImagesUnfortunately, hummingbirds do not get along with our furry friends. If you have cats in your yard, there’s a chance they’re scaring away hummingbirds (and other birds, too). “It is important to keep cats out of your garden. Estimates are that domesticated cats kill one billion birds in the U.S. every year,” says Madar.Laura 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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More