Home Ideas

Here at Good Housekeeping, we’re all about making your life easier. Whether that means sharing our favorite meal delivery services that make dinnertime more enjoyable or organization hacks to help you become more productive and focused, our editors and Good Housekeeping Institute scientists are here to guide you through it all.We like to be the one-stop shop that you come to regardless of your needs, and to make it even easier to find exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve compiled our expert- and editor-approved advice, home hacks, DIY projects and practical solutions in our brand new book Good Housekeeping Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges. Get a first look at Home Skills below and discover cocktail-making tricks, gift-wrapping hacks, cookware must-haves and more. GET A SNEAK PEEK HEREIf you like this excerpt, you’ll love the book! Discover even more home hacks (up to 850!) by picking up your own copy of Home Skills today:

Amazon

Good Housekeeping Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges

Good Housekeeping
amazon.com

$25.00

$22.50 (10% off)

Annie O’Sullivan
Editorial Assistant
As a member of the Special Projects Team, Annie works with the GH Tested program writing up product reviews and roundups and helps plan and run annual expos and events like the GH Parenting Summit, Xmas in July Expo, Cleaning Summit, Winter Essentials Expo, and more.

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As the founder of the interior design firm, Sharp + Grey Interiors, Libby Rawes knew exactly how to refresh her family home in Philadelphia. Although some years passed since she, her husband and two kids moved from their smaller space in Denver, Colorado, Libby finally revamped her 1920s Foursquare house with more modern, comfortable and livable features. “The house is the perfect blend of feeling like you have separate spaces, but also open enough where things can flow,” she says.Libby designed the open floor plan with a play of cool and warm tones that maximize natural light and experimented with an assortment of textures for an inviting vibe. Living Room

Susie Brenner

Decorate with inspiring paintings. “I’m one of those people where if I find something I like, I’m drawn to it and just add it,” Libby says. This applied when designing her living room with artwork. The photograph on the left is from an artist in Colorado, while the painting on the right is an overhead view of Italy’s coast. “I grew up in Denver, so I think of Colorado as wide, open spaces, plains and prairies,” Libby says. “That picture [on the left] always brings me back to home.” Design Tip: When choosing the perfect painting, Libby suggests picking one that’s meaningful to you. “You don’t necessarily have to match your artwork to your space,” Libby says. “Something that feels at home within the space will give you that calming effect.”

Interior designer Libby Rawes.
Susie Brenner

Don’t be afraid to layer materials. Neutral colors and varied textures are hallmarks of Libby’s design style. The living room sofa features a velvety fabric; parts of the space boast cool leather accents; the rug has a subtle variation of texture; and the white table is crafted of wood and metal. “It’s all about mixing lots of different elements,” Libby says. “Texture can create a space that feels neutral without being flat.”DIY an accent wall.Libby’s husband, who is an electrician, helped transform their plain living room wall into an eye-catching focal point. They added box molding for texture and painted it with an eggshell sheen. “It has a little more light popping off of it and added what the room was lacking,” Libby says.Design Tip: “Anywhere you can, bring in some life,” Libby says. Greenery can add height, color and texture.

Shop Libby’s Living Room Look

Draughn Coffee Table

Zipcode Design
wayfair.com

$126.99

Castell 3-Globe Pendant

lights.com

$199.00

Susila Ottoman

Anthropologie
anthropologie.com

$268.00

Chenille Pique Hypoallergenic Cotton Blanket

Vera Wang
homedepot.com

$67.35

Dining Room

Susie Brenner

Design a modern and welcoming eating area.”This room was interesting, because the piano makes it a touch off-center,” Libby says. Although she doesn’t play, it was her mother’s and makes a beautiful addition to the dining room. “I wanted this to feel cozy when you’re having a nice dinner but also really clean because the house is open enough that you want the spaces to all flow,” she says.Add a statement light fixture.Libby chose her curvy glass pendant due to its subtle look. It complements the room’s homey feel and makes a gorgeous focal point upon walking in. “The light has this compact design and it’s pretty at night,” she says.Get the look: Devon Basket, anthropologie.com; Flynn Recycled Glass Pendant, potterybarn.com; Arden Upholstered Dining Armchair, worldmarket.com; Ebers Cream Cowhide Area Rug, allmodern.comBedroom

Susie Brenner

Embrace older architecture.When Libby and her family moved into their home, it was a traditional house with a Victorian feel — full of heavy colors and antiques. Instead of changing the classic look altogether, Libby decided to incorporate modern elements into her bedroom’s design scheme. She paired her bed, which is a twist on the traditional sleigh style, with mid-century modern nightstands and a rug that has blue and blush tones. And since the radiator is an original detail, instead of taking it down, she used the rug as a complement to its intricate pattern. Design Tip: Windows and mirrors can make your space seem larger while helping to bounce light around the room. Libby added mirrored sliding doors to her closet to brighten up the space.

Susie Brenner

Carve out a corner nook. The blue chair in Libby’s bedroom corner is her way of weaving color into the space. A small table and vase of greenery create a calming aesthetic. “I always loved these frames because of their peachy-brown color,” Libby says. “I took the artwork out and replaced them with paintings from an artist on Etsy to create this little vignette.”
Shop Libby’s Bedroom

Indira Oriental Blue/Ivory Area Rug

Well Woven
wayfair.com

$85.99

Orb Desk Lamp, Gold

Better Homes & Gardens
walmart.com

$49.97

Drawer Nightstand

Wade Logan
wayfair.com

$182.99

Walnut Orchard Hill Bar Height 28” Dining Table

Wade Logan
wayfair.com

$269.99

Laundry Room

Susie Brenner

Go for contrast.”This was a horrible, dingy and disgusting closet of a laundry room,” Libby says. This inspired her to completely revamp the area with a light and fresh feel. She added contrast to the white space with dark, large-scale floor tile and touches of wood for warmth. Similar to other parts of her home, Libby included a small vintage rug for color. Because she loves how leather looks against dark hues, she painted the sliding doors a dark gray and installed leather handles for a unique look.Design Tip: Dark tile floors can make a small room appear bigger.Get the look: Rust Timeworn Charm Area Rug, rugsusa.com; Josie Woven Baskets, ballarddesigns.com Office

Susie Brenner

Add a warm and rustic feel.Libby’s office is the smallest room in the house. She loves how her white space contrasts with the various wood textures. “I wanted to make it feel warm and serene,” Libby says. “I started the room with this rustic chair and brought in this vintage rug, which adds character and depth.”Design Tip: Keep chords hidden to make your space feel clutter-free.Get the look: Flynn Single Wall Sconce, serenaandlily.com; Yaretzi Conference Chair, wayfair.com; Monarch Modern Criss Cross Writing Desk, homesquare.com

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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Since its founding in 2009, Rifle Paper Co. has been making stationery and paper goods that are so gorgeous you might hesitate to part ways with them. But, thanks to the brand’s first-ever furniture collection, Rifle Paper Co.’s unmistakable flower-packed prints can have a permanent spot in your home.After expanding into wallpaper, rugs and throw pillows, furniture was the next obvious step for the brand. “Our customers have been eager to bring Rifle Paper Co. into their spaces in other ways,” co-founder and CCO Anna Bond shares. “We have always dreamed of designing a furniture collection and think it is a wonderful way to bring color, art, and beauty to your space.”

Greenwich Ottoman

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$695.00

Mayfair Headboard

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$495.00

Willie Storage Bench

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$545.00

Lorraine Dining Chair

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$395.00

To bring its vision to life, the brand enlisted Cloth & Company — a Chicago-based, female-run business that specializes in creating custom, made-to-order upholstered furniture. “Cloth & Company’s unique ability to blend modern technology with traditional craftsmanship to create a collection of made-to-order pieces for their customers made them a perfect partner,” Bond adds.Together, the collaboration developed 15 pieces of furniture for virtually every room of the house. (A desk chair for your home office? A headboard for the bedroom? A plush ottoman to polish off your living room? Check, check and check.)And, since no conversation about Rifle Paper Co. is complete without mentioning the brand’s whimsical aesthetic, each piece of furniture is available in 12 fabrics, all of which are inspired by its hand-painted patterns. (Stylish and cozy? Yes, please.) Another thing to love about this collection is its affordability. Prices range from $345 for an ottoman to $1,695 for an upholstered, California king-sized bed, so you’re bound to find something that fits comfortably within your budget. The one catch is that furniture will be shipped out four to six weeks after the initial order, but if this collection is any indication, all good things are worth the wait.
Shop Rifle Paper Co.’s Furniture Collection

Oxford Desk Chair

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$495.00

Elly Bed

riflepaperco.com

$1,695.00

Edes Screen

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$495.00

Bristol Armchair

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$985.00

Marion Bed

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$1,095.00

Billie Ottoman

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$345.00

Flora Bench

Rifle Paper Co.
riflepaperco.com

$675.00

Clare Dining Chair

riflepaperco.com

$395.00

Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Marie Claire, Women’s Health, and Men’s Health, among others.

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With our Disney trips on hold for the unforeseeable future, we’re finding creative ways to bring the essence of the theme parks to us. Luckily, the magical brand is making it easy by releasing new products that bring smiles to our faces. Among them is the Chip Succulent that was made for Beauty and the Beast fans.

Disney

Chip Succulent

The ceramic “cup” is 5 inches tall, so it’s an adorable size to place on your desk or table. The Chip Potts design has a high-gloss glaze finish and has sand glued at the top to look like a real plant. It is a faux succulent, after all, so you won’t have to worry about giving it TLC.“Despite Chip’s flawed appearance, no liquids need spill from this pot inspired by the little cup from Beauty and the Beast. The faux succulent will thrive happily without watering so it’s no wonder Chip is smiling,” the description says.The new Chip Succulent has just hit shopDisney to order for $14.99. While we await our next trip to Disney World or Disneyland, we hope this puts a little sparkle in your heart in the meantime.

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick
Senior Editor
As the senior editor of social and social news, Caitlyn covers the tastiest, coolest, and strangest products for BestProducts.com, and she is the lead of social strategy for Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine; her work has also appeared in POPSUGAR, InStyle, Stylecaster, among others.

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Whether you’re cozying up on the couch watching a movie or crawling into bed, it’s hard to beat the heat an electric blanket can offer on a freezing cold night. The electric wires sandwiched between the blanket’s fabric layers provide on-demand warmth that can be adjusted to get the perfect level. And like other bedding such as comforters and pillows, it needs a good cleaning every so often. According to Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab, an electric blanket should be washed several times per season depending on use. However, with all those wires, you may wonder if it’s even safe to wash an electric blanket and if so, how to do it. Luckily, most electric blankets can be machine washed without damage. Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we do a lot of laundry, whether it’s finding the best washers and dryers or testing to find the best blankets. Below, we’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide on how to wash an electric blanket as well as other tips on how to care for it.Products you’ll need:Laundry detergent: Our pros recommend Tide’s Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent.Washer: In the market for a new one? The Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator earned high marks in our tests and can definitely handle the bulkiness of a blanket or comforter.Drying rack: A simple folding one will do the trick. The Amazon Basics Foldable Laundry Rack has high ratings. How to Wash an electric blanket in a washing machine:Step 1. Check and follow the care label. Most electric blankets are machine washable and some can be put in the dryer, however, be sure to check and follow the care label instructions. Step 2: Make sure the cords are unplugged. Electric blankets have removable cords or control panels which are the source where the heat comes from. Be sure all cords are unplugged from the blanket before putting it in the wash. Step 3: Use a large capacity washer and dryer. It’s best to use a front-loading washing machine or top-loader, preferably without an agitator, like GH 2021 Best Cleaning Product Award winner Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, so the blanket does not get caught or stuck which could potentially damage the wires. If there are no specific wash instructions on your blanket, use a gentle or delicate cycle and cool or warm water. Step 4: Dry gently. Follow the drying instructions on the blanket. If none are given, lay the blanket flat to dry on a rack or tumble dry it on the lowest heat setting. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before using it otherwise the wiring may be damaged.

How to wash an electric blanket by hand:If machine washing is not an option or preferred, the electric blanket can also be washed by hand. Make sure all cords are removed and fill the bathtub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let it soak for a few minutes and then gently agitate the water with your hands. Drain the tub of sudsy water and fill it with clear water. Swish and squeeze the blanket to rinse. Repeat as often as needed until all the soap is removed. Carefully squeeze out excess water and roll in some towels if you can to absorb excess moisture, making sure not to bend the wires. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry.Additional tips on caring for an electric blanket: Unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer, do not dry clean an electric blanket or use bleach or other harsh chemicals as these can damage the wiring.Avoid high heat as it can damage the wiring, choose a low heat setting on the dryer or dry the blanket on a rack away from radiators or heaters.If you notice any brown spots, broken or exposed wires, stop using the blanket immediately and purchase a replacement: the brown spots likely mean it has overheated, causing burnt areas.
The Products You Need to Care for Your Electric Blanket

Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide
walmart.com

$11.97

Foldable Laundry Rack

Amazon Basics
amazon.com

$38.86

Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator

Whirlpool
lowes.com

$1,100.00

Jamie Kim
Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 15 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing.

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Adapted from a vintage Good Housekeeping pattern, this tutorial for knit mittens is made modern with simple colors and easy-to-read instructions. Challenge yourself by knitting a pair featuring an embroidered heart for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, or any romantic occasion! DOWNLOAD THE PATTERNWhat You’ll Need:You can also use comparable yarns such as Purl Soho Linen Quill Worsted , Knit Picks Wool of the Andes or Lion Brand Wool Ease. If you want to invest in a set of interchangeable circular needles, we like the sets from Lykke. Try the More

Since its inception in 2018, the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) has been passionate about celebrating the work and voices of Black creatives — a mix of talented interior designers, architects, artisans and artists. Now the BADG is bringing their inspiring message to an even larger audience with the launch of a stylish home collection for Pottery Barn, available on PotteryBarn.com now. The new offerings, which Pottery Barn created with BADG members Penny Francis, Casi St. Julian and Lisa Turner, include a range of more than 25 products that are meant to elevate the experience of entertaining at home. Consumers can shop an assortment of statement dinnerware, table linens, bar essentials, games, as well as bedding must-haves, ranging from $29.50 to $249. Every piece in the thoughtful line is designed around the concept of “Black Joy” with a focus on four themes that speak to BADG’s mission — unity in the quest of inclusion and equity; triumph over tribulations; celebration of love and family; and harmony as a connected community.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

“For us, ‘Black Joy’ is possibility and empowerment, a celebratory theme that is woven into our collection,” said BADG Founder Malene Barnett. “This partnership with Pottery Barn builds on our mission to honor ancestral legacies while embracing liberatory creative practices. We love creating spaces to celebrate Black culture in design, and our collection invites everyone to celebrate with us.”This is the second time Pottery Barn has collaborated with BADG. Last year, the retailer sponsored the group’s Obsidian Experience, a virtual show house that explored the significance of home for Black families. Shop the Black Artists + Designers Guild x Pottery Barn collection below and show your support for Black makers.

Shop the Black Artists + Designers Guild Collection for Pottery Barn

Celebration Stoneware Dinnerware Set

potterybarn.com

$159.00

Unity Embroidered Pillow Cover

potterybarn.com

$69.50

Unity Hurricane Candleholder

potterybarn.com

$69.00

Close-Knit Throw

potterybarn.com

$149.00

Joy Lumbar Pillow Cover

potterybarn.com

$49.50

Triumphant Vases

potterybarn.com

$183.00

Unity Handcrafted Wire Serving Bowl

potterybarn.com

$59.00

Celebration Glass Tumblers

potterybarn.com

$49.50

Embroidered Sentiment Napkins

potterybarn.com

$48.00

Triumphant Etched Handcrafted Ice Bucket

potterybarn.com

$79.00

Celebration Backgammon Set

potterybarn.com

$149.00

Rhythm Handwoven Charger Plate

potterybarn.com

$29.50

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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You heard it here first: living room bars will be all the rage in 2022. While a cozy night in with your favorite movie and libation is nothing new, the pandemic fueled an unofficial home bar renaissance. Home bars filled a void when crowded dives and buzzy cocktail lounges were closed, and more recently, they’ve been put to the test as many of us are entertaining again. “This trend started during the lockdowns and, as we’ve all got used to staying at home more, continues unabated,” designer Emma Green told House Beautiful when predicting trends for the New Year. Whether you’re tackling a full-scale basement bar renovation or live in an apartment where even a bar cart is a tight squeeze, now’s the moment to build your very own bar. It will unlock new potential in any space by adding both style—think decorative glassware and cocktail recipe books—and function. And you can do it on a budget, too. If it still feels overwhelming, grab a glass of wine and relax, because we’ve got you covered. Below, we break down everything you’ll need to build a bar in the comfort of your own living room. You’ll need a bar cart, glassware, bartending tools, mixers, cocktail recipes, and a few accessories.To make the project come together in a cinch, everything featured here is available on Amazon. Start now and you could have a brand new bar in under a week. Time to host happy hour in style.Interested in learning about the best tricks to maximize space in your home? We’ve got you covered!BAR CARTSBar carts are the quick, simple, and budget-friendly solution to building a bar at home. With the right bar cart and a few accessories, you’re one “buy now” button away from making your home bar dreams a reality. Construction woes, be gone! Thanks to their growing popularity, it’s easier than ever to find the right cart for your space. You can go full-gilded glam with gold hardware and mirrored shelves, rustic with wood and metal finishes, a traditional acrylic trolley route, or anywhere in between (I’m opting for this mid-century mahogany moment). If none of these from Amazon are quite your aesthetic, check out some of our other favorites here.

Cadman Acacia Wood Bar Cart

Christopher Knight Home

$209.99

Sinclair Gold Serving Cart

Silverwood

$159.99

$109.12 (32% off)

Wood & Metal Wine Rack

WGX Design For You

$219.00

Odessa Gold Circle Bar Cart

FirsTime & Co.

$121.30

Maliza Marble & Gold Bar Cart

South Shore

$226.52

Clear Acrylic Serving Cart

Coaster Home Furnishings

$299.00

$193.99 (35% off)

Iva 3-Tier Swivel Bar Cart

Safavieh

$255.75

Marshall Metal Utility Cart

Ameriwood Home

$54.00

$40.68 (25% off)

GLASSWARECocktails just taste better when served out of fancy glassware. Whether you’re going with a bar cart, open shelving, or something more elaborate for your home bar design, having a sparkling set of vessels at the ready is a must. Not only will they add some decoration to your space, but they’ll also make your bar that much more functional. Martinis, mules, and a champagne toast will be at your fingertips!

Crystal Rocks Glasses

Farielyn-X

$25.99

Martini Glasses

Lenox

$49.95

$42.11 (16% off)

Moscow Mule Mugs

Champagne Flutes

Vintorio

$26.99

BARTENDING TOOLSImpress your friends with your bartending skills the next night you entertain. Whether you’re a budding mixologist or like to keep things simple, a solid set of bartending tools will meet you where you are—and up your cocktail game. All of the options below come with essential tools like a shaker or mixing glass, jigger, muddler, and strainer. If you’re starting from scratch, some also include a corkscrew, ice tongs, liquor spout, and more.

10-Piece Bar Set with Bamboo Stand

Mixology & Craft

$79.99

$49.97 (38% off)

24-Piece Gold Cocktail Set

SOING

$54.99

Rabbit Essential Bar Tools Set

Rabbit

$82.12

18-Piece Bartender Kit

Oyydecor

$35.99

MIXERSWe’ll leave the spirits up to you, but there are a few mixers every home bartender should have at the ready. Stock these essential mixers on the bottom shelf of your bar to impress your guests (or treat yourself) with a top-shelf cocktail every time.

Pure Cane Simple Syrup

Stirrings

$10.39

Premium Tonic Water

Fever-Tree

$37.51

Sweet & Sour Mix

LAVA

$46.99

Aromatic Bitters

Angostura

$30.49

COCKTAIL BOOKS One of the final touches to a home bar is a sensible stack of cocktail recipe books. They’ll be there to inspire when it comes time to whip up a batch of drinks, so be sure to pick books that fit your personality, skill level, and the vibe of your bar. If you’re honing the cocktail craft, this guide to 3-Ingredient Cocktails is a lifesaver. If you’re well-versed in your favorites and want to learn something new, grab a book that dives deep into the history, flavors, and traditional drinks from a particular region or culture.

Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails

David Kaplan & Nick Fauchald

$40.00

$35.99 (10% off)

Spirits of Latin America: A Celebration of Culture & Cocktails

Ten Speed Press

$24.99

$13.69 (45% off)

3-Ingredient Cocktails

Robert Simonson

$18.99

$15.99 (16% off)

Women’s Libation!: Cocktails to Celebrate a Woman’s Right to Booze

Merrily Grashin

$18.00

$10.39 (42% off)

ACCESSORIESLike most things in life and design, no bar is complete without a few accessories. Transfer liquor from bottles with brazen labels into a crystal decanter, or use serving trays to keep everything organized. These final touches will join your collection of spirits, glassware, bartending tools, and recipe books to take your bar from a work-in-progress to a veritable speakeasy.

Matte Coffee Table Tray

Montecito Home

$49.95

$40.99 (18% off)

Crystal Decanter with Starburst Detail

Bormioli Rocco

$21.97

Sphere & Square Silicone Ice Cube Trays

glacio

$19.99

$17.75 (11% off)

Double-Wall Stainless Steel Ice Bucket

FineDine

$26.99

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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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