Home Ideas

While there are many forms of home heating available these days, gas is still the most common type. But common doesn’t mean basic. Beyond producing steady, reliable heat, a well-maintained gas furnace can last for decades. And when it comes time to replace yours, the latest models are new and improved; today’s furnaces are more efficient than ever before.If you’re ready to upgrade your current model, or just warming up to the idea of a gas furnace in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here, YORK® Product Manager Tom Tasker and Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, share everything you need to know. Gas furnaces can help you save money According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, typically making up about 29% of your utility bill. To ease the pain of that percentage, consider the fact that heating with natural gas costs just less than half of heating with electricity.YP9C 98% Modulating Gas FurnaceYP9C 98% Modulating Gas FurnaceIt can also be more efficient; gas furnaces like the YP9C 98% Modulating Gas Furnace from YORK® can heat your home faster. “It’s simply a matter of how hot the air is that comes out of your registers,” Tasker explains. “For electric heaters, that temperature is about 96 degrees. For a gas furnace, the temperature coming out of the register is between 120 and 140 degrees.”YORK® furnaces are designed to be precise when it comes to hitting your comfort zone. “YP9C furnaces are one of the only true modulating furnaces on the market, modulating from 35% to 100% in 1% increments depending on the demand of the home at the time,” Tasker says. “This means that the homeowner gets exactly the amount of heat they need when they need it, whether it’s a cool fall morning or the coldest night of the year.”A qualified contractor can help you find the best furnace for your homeWith output as high as 130,000 BTUh, most single-family homes can be heated by one YP9C furnace, but choosing the right size is crucial. “If it’s too small, it won’t generate enough heat for the home,” DiClerico explains. “If it’s too big, it will cycle on and off more frequently, which is inefficient and puts extra wear and tear on the system.”Both DiClerico and Tasker highly suggest hiring a reliable contractor who will do all the necessary load calculations based on the latest industry standards. When sizing your furnace, they’ll consider the climate, number of windows, amount of insulation, square footage, number of floors and more variables. Gas furnaces are super safe when maintained properly and serviced regularlyFurnaces have safety devices that ensure they’ll always operate properly, but yearly maintenance is recommended to keep them in optimal condition.“The best thing a homeowner can do is change the filters on a regular basis,” Tasker says. “Your service professional will clean the blower motor, evaporator coil, and flame sensor, and check for fault codes or other conditions to ensure that your furnace is ready to keep you warm through the winter.”And now would be a great time to schedule a visit. “Furnace technicians tend to be busiest during the winter, when heating equipment fails,” DiClerico explains. “Take advantage of their downtime by scheduling your tune-up during the summer.”If you have gas-burning appliances, like a furnace, stove, generator or water heater, it’s also important to place working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. “For maximum protection, install a carbon monoxide detector on each living level, in the basement, and near (but not inside) an attached garage,” DiClerico advises. Once you’ve done that, you can rest easy — especially because YORK® furnaces are one of the quietest options available. More

Spotted lanternfly bugs have increasingly become an issue for homeowners over the last few years, but the 2022 breeding season is gearing up to make this invasive species more of a national crisis. If you live across the eastern seaboard of the United States or in burgeoning areas of the Midwest, there’s a good chance you’ll see the brilliantly vibrant wings of the spotted lanternfly among your yard or garden this fall.As we move closer to the start of the holiday season, the average spotted lanternfly is working to establish a breeding ground for thousands of new bugs to emerge later in the year — and everything from crops to potted houseplants and established garden beds can play host to them.According to materials published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), late September and October will see spotted lanternflies creating these breeding spots rather sneakily — all while feeding on plants in and around your home. “Spotted lanternfly populations can increase quickly, and it’s not uncommon for an area to become overwhelmed with them in seemingly no time at all,” explains David Coyle, Ph.D., assistant professor of forest health and invasive species at Clemson University and a South Carolina State Extension specialist. “Plants or anything else underneath spotted lanternfly feeding areas often get coated with a sticky substance known as ‘honeydew,’ a sweet-sounding name for bug poop. This attracts wasps and flies, and is often colonized by a black mold,” adds Coyle. “For this reason, large populations of this insect are best controlled quickly.” This content is imported from twitter. 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.They may not pose a threat to your physical health (or that of your pets!) but bug specialists like Coyle are imploring Americans to work to stem the spread of lanternfly bugs. Native to Asia, spotted lanternfly bugs were first sighted in Pennsylvania in 2014 — they’ve since spread in great numbers to 14 different states, according to the USDA. These states include:ConnecticutDelawareIndianaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVirginiaWest VirginiaImpacted residents can view an interactive spotted lanternfly spread map courtesy of New York State Integrated Pest Management.Agricultural officials in each of these states have established quarantine zones for spotted lanternfly spread and are encouraging locals to kill these bugs after they’ve been first sighted. An added bonus — killing these pests will ensure your gardens, houseplants, patio furniture and other belongings stay free of infestations of thousands of spotted lanternfly nymphs this fall.How do I get rid of spotted lanternfly bugs? There are two potential solutions for dealing with spotted lanternflies on your property: Immediate removal with an approved insecticide or securing egg masses for analysis by local entomologists, Coyle advises.”Egg masses can be scraped off whatever they’re on by using a plastic card or a knife; these masses should be scraped into a plastic bag or receptacle containing rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, and should be immediately discarded,” Coyle says. “You can also smash these egg masses, to be certain; they can be tough, so don’t be afraid to apply some pressure. You’ll see it burst open after a proper squishing.”If you’re quick enough, experts say you may be able to physically squish grown adult lanternflies, too. This is an excellent strategy if you’ve noticed a small cluster in your garden or yard outside this fall.Read More:While it might be tempting to come up with a DIY bug spray to deal with spotted lanternflies on your property, Coyle says these mixtures don’t effectively kill the species — and may exacerbate the problem altogether. Does vinegar, dish soap or other DIY solutions kill spotted lanternflies?The short answer? No. For a larger infestation, especially one within the interiors of the home in question, you should call a licensed professional to come and apply a top-strength insecticide after the bugs have been spotted. DIY remedies targeted toward spotted lanternflies may severely damage the plants or crops they are used on, as well as pets in and around your home. “When a pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, that means it’s undergone extensive testing, and we know how to apply it effectively and safely,” Coyle adds.There may be state agriculture regulations on which kinds of pesticides you may use to target spotted lanternflies — after all, these toxic materials can also impact beneficial pollinators and other non-invasive bug species. “There are insecticides available with labels that list ornamental trees as an allowed site,” as noted in materials published by PennState Extensions. “It’s legal to use them on ornamental trees, including Ailanthus altissima, to try to kill insects including the spotted lanternfly. You can check your garden center to see what they offer.” The bottom line:It’s important for homeowners in the eastern United States to be vigilant about the spread of spotted lanternflies this fall — and to take action if they appear on your property. Experts say it’s likely that an infestation is on its way if you’ve noticed that your houseplants or garden items ooze or weep an unusual solution, and produce a fermented odor; or if there’s a visible buildup of honeydew on plants and the ground beneath them. Plus, mold can also be a sign that spotted lanternflies are attempting to breed thousands of new pests on your property.Regardless if you’ve been successful in killing or removing spotted lanternflies in the past, try to keep the following tips published by the USDA in mind as we enter the fall season: As you prepare your outdoor spaces for winter, check any furniture or items for spotted lanternfly egg masses, especially before you bring them indoors.Scrape any eggs into a plastic, enclosed bag that’s thoroughly coated in hand sanitizer, then zip it shut and dispose of it immediately.Take a second look at any trees or plants on your property for signs of the spotted lanternfly, particularly during dusk and at night when the insects are known to gather in large groups on tree trunks and in plant stems.Scan any exterior smooth surfaces, including trees, brick and stone for any egg masses as well.Report any sightings or egg removal by using the USDA’s reporting directory to relay information to your local agricultural board.Related StoryZee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. Prior to joining GH in 2019, Zee fostered a nutrition background as an editor at Cooking Light and is continually developing his grasp of holistic health through collaboration with leading academic experts and clinical care providers. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

When the leaves shift from green to orange and you begin to pack away swimsuits in favor of chunky sweaters, it’s time to give your living room a little refresh, too. While your porch or stoop begs for pumpkins and rustic wreaths, interiors call for rich textures, saturated tones, and spicy scents that bring to mind crackling fires and freshly baked apple pies.For tips on how to bring the welcoming energy of the season into your interiors, we tapped Louisiana-based interior designer Lance Thomas. From quick and easy arrangements to plush and welcoming living room decor, each of his ideas will help you savor the season.Rotate fabrics to bring on the cozyCavan Images//Getty Images“Textures are the first thing I would swap out,” says Thomas. “Crisp and cool linen throws can be replaced with heavier cable knits and wools.”Stock up on a selection of affordable and comfy blankets in complementary colors and patterns (like solid ochre and a simple plaid) and fold them neatly in a basket by your sofa. The move adds a touch of texture without feeling weighty. Switch up your home’s signature scentWhen making a summer-to-fall transition, Thomas suggests you lean into the impact scent can have on your home. “Swap out candle fragrances seasonally,” he suggests. At this point in the year, “Sea salt candles have reached the end of their burn and it’s time to bring in muskier leather and black pepper fragrances to cozy up the space.”Bring in the colors of the season Yes, fall leaves are a trusty go-to. But they’re not your only options for color palette fodder. “This year, I’m feeling inspired by fall cocktails for my home accessories and paints,” says Thomas. “The deep, sexy red of mulled wine, golden hues of a barrel-aged whiskey, and muted green of a pear martini, to name a few.” Classics like the cinnamon and pumpkin tones of seasonal spiced lattes will also never go out of style. To add a little bit of edge, set off all those warm tones with a moody navy area rug in a plush pile, a deep velvet armchair, or an overstuffed ottoman that invites putting your feet up. Turn to dried flowers to beat any heatEva-Katalin//Getty ImagesAs a designer based in the South, Thomas understands the plight of loving fall but not actually feeling those crispy temperatures until the final days of the year. Whether you’re facing the same latitude issue, or simply experiencing an unseasonably warm October up North, Thomas suggests making the longer growing season work to your advantage. “Our location allows beautiful botanicals to extend their stay in the garden,” he says. “My go-to is saving all our fresh hydrangeas well after they have dried up and using them for fall arrangements. Dried florals are the perfect decor for getting in the autumn spirit when it still feels like summer outside.”Think outside the pumpkin patch Some people love to go all in on Halloween cobwebs and Thanksgiving cornucopias but don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to holiday themes. “Incorporate seasonal fruits, which are a bit less on the nose than a pumpkin,” suggests Thomas. Some equally festive, but more unexpected, options for living room mantles or window sills include mottled Asian pears, vibrant persimmons, dusky purple figs, and even orange and red peppers. Celebrate the seasonNatalia Ganelin//Getty ImagesWhen fall holidays do roll around, choose simple, elegant elements that remind you and your guests what the season is all about — warmth, togetherness, and appreciation for the beauty of nature.“Avoid overworking arrangements and decor,” says Thomas. “It should look effortless. Simply cut a branch, for example, and stick it in a vase of water. Show the intention, not the labor.”To make the most of this beautifully simple philosophy, seek out vases, jugs, and vessels with narrow openings, which helps hold a single branch or a few stems upright. More

Winter is right around the corner in much of the world, bringing frustratingly dry and staticky air along with it. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: Setting up a humidifier. Whether you opt for single-room appliances or a whole-home system, humidifiers increase moisture levels in the air, making the room feel warmer and your skin feel more hydrated. To further break down the benefits of humidifiers — and explain how to get the most out of yours — we turned to YORK® Product Manager, Catherine McMurray, and Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.Here’s what they had to say about finding the perfect option for your space. There is an ideal humidity for health and comfort The temperature and comfort level of your home are directly affected by the amount of humidity in the air — and, although the perfect level ultimately comes down to personal preference, it typically falls between 30% and 50%, advises McMurray. For reference, she adds, “the average humidity in the Sahara Desert is 25%, while the average in the Amazon rainforest is 85%.”Finding the right balance isn’t just about making your home more comfortable. There are health issues to consider, too. “When the humidity level in your home is too high, it can lead to mold growth and other allergens,” DiClerico says. “Conversely, when the air is too dry, it can cause itchy eyes, sore throats, and cracked skin.”Insufficient humidity can also make you feel colder, tempting you to turn the thermostat higher than necessary — and leading to a higher heating bill. Not all humidifiers are created equal If the word “humidifier” brings to mind small portable units, you may be missing out the benefits of more powerful options like those from YORK®, which can help maintain a comfortable humidity level throughout your entire home. “The YORK® whole-house humidifiers tie into the home’s existing forced-air system and add moisture to the air as needed,” DiClerico says. “These systems are great because they condition the entire home, not just one room or area.”If you’re not sure if your home is compatible with this type of unit, know that YORK® offers a few different options that work in both older and newer homes. “The Whole House Bypass Humidifier relies on the furnace blower motor to send humidity out to the home, and requires a bypass duct be installed,” McMurray explains. “This style of humidifier requires that the furnace is running in order to operate.” The Whole House Fan Powered Humidifier also needs the furnace to run to push the humidity out to the home, but it has higher humidification capacity due to increased airflow from the built-in fan, and works with your home’s existing HVAC system ducting.If your home doesn’t have a furnace, McMurray suggests a Large Capacity Whole House Steam Humidifier. “These can be installed to either discharge directly into a room or to rely on an air handler blower to push the humidified air through the home,” she says. Since it has its own heating element, this model doesn’t need to rely on heat from a furnace or hot water connection. Bonus: All three of these powerful systems come with a 5-year parts limited warranty to ensure years of durability — and they’re backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. It’s not just about humidity; air quality matters, tooBeyond installing an effective humidifier, you might want to invest in an Energy Recovery Ventilator. Often referred to as ERVs, these fresh-air exchange systems manage the transfer of heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing airstreams. That helps maintain optimal humidity levels throughout the year, while also improving indoor air quality.“Modern homes have tighter seals, which is great for efficiency but can cause the air to become stale and increase indoor air pollution,” McMurray explains. “[Having] an ERV is like opening a window, except you don’t have to wait for the perfect fall day to do so.”This system removes stale, contaminated indoor air and replaces it with fresh, conditioned, and filtered outdoor air for maximum comfort and improved health. Bottom line: Updating your home with a whole-house humidifier and fresh-air system will maximum comfort, health and efficiency not just during the winter months, but throughout the year.York Whole House Bypass HumidifierYork 18 GPD Whole House Fan Powered HumidifierYork Steam HumidifierYork Energy Recovery Ventilator More

Shelves are the unsung heroes of home design; they do it all, from showcasing treasures to corralling chaos. Whether you’re looking to maximize storage space in a city apartment, or want to proudly show off your plant collection in a spacious sunroom, adding a few shelves to any space can be a great way to declutter and bring interest to virtually every part of your home. If you’re ready to take your display game to the next level, read on for five smart — and stylish — shelving tips from Los Angeles-based interior designer Hema Persad, plus ideas for what to stock up on from The Home Depot (bonus: You can shop everything online!).Select complementary elements for a cohesive lookBy definition, shelves bring together disparate options—vases, frames, coffee table books. In order to make sure all of these items stick together, Persad has some key words of advice. “Choose a color palette and stick to it,” she says. “Choose no more than three main colors — for example black, white and green — and make sure all of the items you’re displaying fall within these color families.” You’ll get a similar effect by working within the same design references; if your style is rustic, you have a weakness for all things Mid-century Modern, or you love Art Deco, let that aesthetic guide you. That way, says Persad, “no matter what’s on each shelf, everything seems like it belongs together without looking too matchy-matchy.”Banish clutter to create more spaceWhen you’re using shelves as display space or decor similar to wall art, less is definitely more. Persad advises that wall-mounted shelves should definitely have some blank areas. “If I am styling a set of shelves, I’ll typically do one with three or four items on it, and the next one down or up might have one statement item on it,” she explains. “You have to give your eyes a chance to rest on something.” Above all, she says to listen to your own instincts. If you feel anxious when your eye lands on the shelf, it’s a sign to edit your collection. Litton Lane Multi Colored Metal Contemporary TraysCosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Gold Metal Contemporary Geometric SculpturesLitton Lane Aluminum Gold Jacks Sculptures Artistic Weavers Serena Pink Glass Decorative VaseTurn storage containers into stylish decorIf you’ve got a lot of stuff to wrangle, “baskets and cute stacking boxes are your best friends here,” says Persad. “They can be used to corral items like photos, trinkets, or games,” reducing the amount of objects on display while still keeping all of your beloved things handy. You can also rotate souvenirs in and out of the boxes to mix up your decor when you’re ready for a change; think of your home as a gallery with seasonal “exhibits.”Trays are another fun addition to shelves — in bedrooms, use them to show off a pretty collection of perfume bottles (and keep liquids from dripping onto, and staining, your furniture). In the kitchen, arrange some of your most colorful spices on trays as art you can use. Bring your shelves to life with plantsIf you have a green thumb, shelves are an ideal way to display that plant collection. (And if you don’t have plants already, consider starting with one or two to bring greenery and oxygen into your home—or go for faux.) For maximum impact and healthy foliage, choose plants based on the shelf location. “Pothos and other trailing plants tend to do really well on shelves because they don’t need a lot of water or light, and they trail as they grow instead of getting taller,” says Persad. “If your shelf sits high on the wall and beyond arm’s reach of a window, think about going for a faux option or a succulent like a string of pearls or a small echeveria.”Peach & Pebble Tan Ceramic Planter SetNearly Natural Artificial Pothos with Decorative VaseFlora Bunda Artificial String of PearlsPeach & Pebble Ceramic Indoor Planter Plus Medium Wood Stand Save some headspace above your books and objectsWhen assembling shelving, “I leave a minimum of 16 inches between shelves, which leaves enough room for taller items. You want that variation on heights of things to add interest,” Persad explains. “If there’s not enough space between shelves, you end up with a bunch of short items which can fall flat, visually.” A certain amount of blank space serves as a frame, spotlighting the objects on display and making the whole room look more serene. More

There’s nothing like a big score — you see “the one,” place a bid and wait. After refreshing and refreshing (and refreshing some more), the auction ends and the treasure is yours. Whether you shop eBay to build your library of 1950s comic books or you’re on the hunt for more Depression-era milk glass, investing time and money in a collection of objects you love can be a hobby that sparks both joy and decorating inspiration. Your treasures should have pride of place in your home, but incorporating dozens of antique teapots seamlessly into your decor can pose a challenge.To help you parlay your collectibles into a stylish display — and give guests the pleasure of marveling at your online shopping prowess and your excellent taste in vintage movie posters — we turned to Washington-based interior designer Jessica Nelson. Here are her expert tips on how to best show off a beloved collection.Play favoritesNelson recommends starting with what you love the most. For her, that would be a collection of vintage mirrors in her hallway that she regularly updates. “It’s so fun to keep adding to this and building it out with new finds,” she says. HomeSquare Stratton Home Decor Metal Eye Wall MirrorMoe’s Home Collection Remi MirrorGDFStudio McKay Contemporary Bell Shaped Wall MirrorIf your weakness is European posters for American movies, choose the most special few pieces and hang them — nicely framed, of course — in the living room. When the mood strikes, swap out the posters so the display is always fresh. That way, you’ll get to have some of your prized possessions on display without turning your space into a poster museum. Put like items with likeOne souvenir plate from Portugal is, well, one souvenir plate from Portugal. But 10 souvenir plates from countries all over the world? That’s a collection.“Try to find something in common with the pieces — like color or texture — and display them in an interesting way,” says Nelson. “Hanging things in a group can make something feel cool and fresh.” Another method is to dedicate an entire shelf or bookcase to your treasures. For a modern look, eschew the dated glass-door cabinet and opt for open shelving. Keep the display from looking cluttered by placing items in a single row per shelf, evenly spaced. Boom! You just turned your pepper mills into artful sculptures.Bridgevine Home Fully Assembled Home Office BookcaseMoe’s Home Collection Vancouver BookshelfGDFStudio Jahzir Scandinavian Design EtagereColor coordinateAn easy, impactful way to make a small collection feel cohesive and a large one feel organized is to keep things grouped by color, says Nelson. That doesn’t mean you have to set an eBay alert exclusively for books with blue spines, of course, but arranging your vintage cookbook collection by color can be a great way to focus the eye — and help you keep track of which books you already have before you click “Buy It Now.” Take your timeCollections aren’t built all at once, even when the item you seek is in steady supply. Take jadeite, for example. It’s a highly collectible material, often seen in kitchen wares — think salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, and cake plates in that signature shade of pale green. It’s wildly popular, and also easily accessible (there are usually more than 100,000 listings for jadeite items on eBay at any given time). But you don’t want any piece of jadeite you can find — picking the ones that are most beautiful to you, or that fit in with your current favorites, is what makes collecting fun. If your collection is getting started, says Nelson, don’t rush to fill it up. “It’s okay to build your home as you go,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect or totally finished, in my opinion. Part of the beauty of the home is layering and creating spaces over time. If you think your collection isn’t ready yet, don’t let that stop you from displaying it.” More

Working from home presents a lot of challenges — namely, the fact that your comfortable bed, super-cuddly pup, and smart TV with all your favorite streaming services are mere steps away. A snooze-inducing space may not be the best for your productivity. A quick curation and creative thinking to personalize your WFH space and fuel creative thinking can also help keep you focused. All it takes are a few simple styling tricks, from adding key organizational accessories to setting the scene with color-changing smart lights from Philips Hue. Check out these dynamic setups for tips on how to turn your desk into your favorite part of the house.For focusCody UlrichDecluttering your workstation is an easy way to help maximize productivity and reduce distractions. Similarly, quiet lighting and sleek lines can also enhance your focus. Simplify your lighting with a slender Philips Hue Signe Table Lamp. It blends multiple colors together to paint the walls with a unique gradient for a calming ambient light. Level up a regular lamp with a Philips Hue smart LED bulb, which can emit different shades of white and colored light depending on your needs or mood — use a bright task light for writing or a warm orange for after-hours emails. Keep a Philips Hue Smart Button on your desk so you can turn both lights on and off with a single click. You can even program it to turn on your preferred color and brightness based on the time of day.When you’re comfortable it’s easier to concentrate, so it’s worth creating an ergonomic setup with a laptop stand, wireless mouse, and supportive pillow for your chair. Add mood-boosting personal touches, like a potted succulent, as well as a bulletin board to help you stay on top of your to-do list.For inspirationCody UlrichA vibrant setup can help spur out-of-the-box problem solving. Let your inner maximalist run wild by surrounding yourself with everything from abstract prints and unique floral arrangements to a bold, textured throw blanket in your favorite shade. Incorporate even more color by using the Philips Hue Go Portable Light and Philips Hue smart LED bulbs in the space. The brains of the Philips Hue smart lighting system, the Hue Bridge allows you to connect and control up to 50 lights and accessories. Simply plug it in and use the Philips Hue App to set routines and easily personalize your lighting using pictures, custom colors and varying brightness levels.Feeling uninspired during a painting or brainstorm session? Switch on some blue light. Struggling to focus while editing your latest short story? Try red. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, blue can boost our ability to think creatively while red can help improve performance on more detail-oriented tasks. For organizationCody UlrichYou don’t have to waste time looking for supplies when everything has its own place. Keep your workspace neat and tidy with storage cups, folder organizers, and stationary boxes. You can also clip loose papers and your running to-do list onto a wire wall frame for visibility. Spruce up the space with a small leafy plant in a chic ceramic pot.Need ambient light that doesn’t eat up desk space? Tuck a Philips Hue Lightstrip behind your desk. You can personalize it based on your needs by cutting it down to the right length or extending it up to 10 meters with connectors. Turn one of your favorite lamps into a smart lamp with a Philips Hue LED bulb, and easily control all the lights in your home office with a Philips Hue Smart Button.Art direction and production by Arminé Altiparmakian and Sabrina Contratti. Photography by Cody Ulrich. Prop styling by Karin Olsen. More

Whether it’s checkers, a classic ’round-the-board-style game of strategy, or an all-hands-on-deck team event, a game night is a great way to turn an ordinary Friday night into an epic battle for bragging rights.But to make game night legendary, don’t just throw down a board game and rip open a bag of pretzels. With some fun lighting from Philips Hue, the right accessories, and a few unexpected touches, you can take even a casual get-together to the next level. Here’s how to make your next game night a winner. Set the stageWhile your typical entertaining mantra may be “the more, the merrier,” when you’re hosting a game night, you need to consider the game and how many players are optimal before sending the invites. Think about whether it’s something you could play in teams, and consider who would bring the best vibes (sore losers or overly competitive types can bring down the mood). Once it’s time to email or text out the invites, snap a picture of what you’ll be playing and send it to your friends so they can get their game faces ready. Cody UlrichCustomize your lightingYou want to design a game night lighting scheme that won’t require you to spend the whole evening rushing around your living room turning lights on, off, up, and down. You can sync up to 50 lights and accessories with the Philips Hue Bridge and control everything from the app on your phone. Tap into the 16 million (yes, really) colors and shades of white available in Philips Hue bulbs and lamps by creating preset scenes for different stages of the night: warm orange and pink for the welcome, blues and purples for the competition, a kaleidoscope of colors to celebrate the winner. To keep things even simpler, use the Philips Hue Smart Button, which dims and brightens lights with a simple click — a must-have for trivia buffs who insist on a no-phones policy.Cody UlrichKeep it comfy, yet elevatedMix things up by moving the center of the party from the dining room table to the coffee table for a more relaxed vibe. Choose a colorful assortment of cushions to set on the floor to keep guests comfortable. You’ll have to clear off your perfectly styled coffee table books and objets d’art, so make the game itself part of your decor. Many board games come in luxe editions made with real wood and leather accents. If cards are the game of choice, choose an artsy or colorful deck. Extra games, like hand-carved tumbling blocks or a vintage backgammon board, make for stylish accents and also give guests something new to play when the main event is over. Spotlight key areasMake things feel special by shutting down the overhead lights and using Philips Hue table lamps to illuminate key parts of the room. Set a Philips Hue Flourish globe next to the snack table for a colorful glow; use a Philips Hue Go to highlight the game table; and spotlight the prize with a Philips Hue Iris — even a stuffed animal will look like an Academy Award with the right lighting.Cody UlrichFocus on finger foodsWhen it comes to the menu, focus on snacks your friends will be able to eat with their hands — think a gorgeous charcuterie display, mini samosas or seasonal skewers with fruit and veggies. Popcorn and pretzels even have a place when served in chic bowls. Look for dishes made from melamine, a durable material that won’t scratch or shatter if accidentally dropped. For drinks, make things feel fancy by setting up a DIY soda and seltzer bar with fresh herbs, syrups and sliced citrus. Place a sturdy set of acrylic glasses in bright primary colors and add a handful of reusable straws with a kitschy bamboo look.Art direction and production by Arminé Altiparmakian and Sabrina Contratti. Photography by Cody Ulrich. Prop styling by Karin Olsen. More