Home Ideas

It’s not easy to furnish a home. When I moved into mine in Los Angeles, I was faced with two white boxes held together by a triangular patio, with two sliders streaming light into nothing. I barely had any furniture to fill it with, and was overwhelmed with the possibilities of what this 800-square-foot apartment could be. It’s a privilege to be able to make these types of choices, of course, but it can also be tough to land on decisions that determine your most personal surroundings. Get it wrong, and you might not feel as comfortable in the one place you should be yourself. Nevertheless, thanks to my day job as an interiors writer and plenty of brainstorming sessions, the home I’ve currently created is exactly how I hope to feel whenever I walk through the door: calm and cozy. Here are five decorating hacks I swear by, so that you can hopefully do the same. Amy Bartlam PhotographySwap a Console for a Long BookshelfIt’s typical for flatscreens to be accompanied by a console underneath, which usually spans just a few inches wider than what’s streaming. That solution works in theory, but in practice, you could wish for more storage and fewer question marks around what to do with the rest of the wall. A console can inadvertently make a living room look out of proportion. I own a lot of books—again, day job—and was trying to find a solution that allowed me to display and reread them whenever the mood strikes. So, instead of choosing a console to place under my TV, I picked a long IKEA BILLY bookshelf (there’s a reason why design pros are obsessed with this particular style). The oversized length of this piece makes the space feel so much larger, and the books and ceramics provide a lived-in feel. It’s my best secret for instant coziness that holds a bunch of necessities. Amy Bartlam PhotographyHang Your Own Large-Format ArtOne of the biggest challenges with furnishing a home is finding worthwhile art that won’t blow your budget. I had a blank wall beside my sofa for a long time, thinking I’d save up for a large piece eventually, when a better idea came along: I could make the art myself—with help from my mom. She and I covered a pre-cut piece of plywood with a thin layer of batting and a versatile fabric during a quick afternoon project that my dad also oversaw. All it cost was $60 (using a staple gun from 1993, which I don’t necessarily recommend). Amy Bartlam PhotographyCreate Multiple Forms of Lighting I am not someone who wants to swap out existing lighting in a rental, just to make my life easier. But I will pretend those fixtures don’t exist while sprinkling my home with various light sources at eye level—nothing overhead. I have a faux candle that flickers on a timer beneath my television, and a floor lamp with a wicker shade that diffuses light beautifully. There’s another floor lamp beside the sofa for eating and reading, and one more on the opposing bookshelf for additional ambiance. Two more tips to keep in mind: The floor lamps have bulbs that can be controlled by an app, making it even easier to set a mood. And lastly, be sure to check out the lighting options in kid sections. They’re usually way more fun than what’s available to grownups. Amy Bartlam PhotographyMake Room for a Bedside Vanity Vanities are a luxury, particularly if you live in a rental apartment like me. But I didn’t want to give up the chance at making one happen, so I figured out a solution: If I tried to match a nightstand to a small desk as much as possible—this is where it’s a good idea to jot down the dimensions of items posted online—then I could likely turn one side of my bed into a spot for my morning routine.If you follow my lead, remember that the desk needs to be higher than the nightstand no matter what. So fake cohesion by positioning coordinating lamps on both surfaces, and prop the nightstand one up with a storage box and books. When the lamps are the same height, the disparity between the desk and the nightstand disappears. Amy Bartlam PhotographyElevate a Galley Kitchen With Stripes My small, dark kitchen had a classic galley format when I moved in: cabinets on both sides, and a wall on one end. I appreciated the clean lines of the new cabinets, and decided to play with them using stripes to bridge the gap. The stripes of my runner (that’s actually a bath mat from Quiet Town) give the illusion that the area is slightly longer than it is, and I hung an art piece on the back wall to mimic the floor. In all, it’s a playful way to bring color and movement into an otherwise dark and plain room.Related StoriesKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.  More

They say there’s no place like home, but there’s something inexplicably cozy about sitting down and relaxing in your living room. But can we talk about living room seating for a moment? Because while couches, loveseats, and the occasional armchair are non-negotiables, finding the optimal arrangement can be easier said than done.”Seating dictates how you use the space,” says Nadia Watts, a Denver-based interior designer. “A poorly thought-out setup can leave a space feeling awkward—either too empty, too crowded, or disconnected.” You don’t necessarily need to stuff your space with furniture, but you do want to make sure there’s enough room for guests to kick back and relax.We know what you’re thinking: Doesn’t it depend on your space? Well, not necessarily. Turns out, some designers have boiled the art of living room seating down to a science. Or, for Jamie Gernert of WYC Designs, a formula.Design: WYC Designs; Photographer: Abby Cox Photography”Visually, a two-to-one ratio works because it creates symmetry with a touch of variety,” the Winter Park, Florida, designer shares. “A sofa grounds the space, while two chairs balance that mass without overwhelming the room.” Washington, D.C., designer Zoë Feldman agrees and says its the Goldilocks of arrangements. “It balances the room visually and socially, offering flexibility without overwhelming the space,” she adds. Not only do people find a balanced setup “calming and intuitive,” but Gernert also says it helps the conversation flow. “Seating should face or angle slightly toward each other to encourage conversation,” Watts adds. “Think of creating a circle or U-shape rather than a straight line, which feels much warmer and more inviting.Plus, the two-to-one rule also supports Gernert’s theory of adding seats in groups of three, five, or seven. “Odd-number groupings are pleasing because they disrupt perfect symmetry,” she adds. “The human eye craves a focal point, and odd groupings create one naturally.”A two-to-one seating ratio might be a designer’s secret weapon, but it’s crucial to give each piece of furniture some breathing room. After all, grouping them too closely will wreak of a crammed showroom. Design: Nadia Watts; Photographer: Emily Mintion-Redfield”A good rule of thumb is to create a seating area where people can comfortably talk to one another without raising their voices,” Watts says. “Usually within eight to 10 feet apart.” She also likes to keep her sofa or chair about 18 inches away from the coffee table. “It’s enough room to stretch your legs but still close enough to reach your drink,” Watts says.However, if you’re working with a limited footprint, you probably don’t have that much space for your furniture. Fortunately, that’s when Gernert leans on her 60/40 rule. “Roughly 60 percent of the room’s main footprint should be devoted to primary seating like a couch and chairs, leaving 40 percent for traffic, accent pieces, and negative space,” she explains. Another space-saving tip to follow? Focus on scale. “Oversized sectionals in small rooms or tiny chairs in large spaces throw off proportions,” Gernert says. In most living rooms, she says sofas that are about two-thirds the length of the wall it’s set against feels “balanced.” Design Nadia Watts; Photographer: Susie BrennerIf a full-sized couch feels too overwhelming for your small area, consider opting for a loveseat, two chairs, and an ottoman that can double as a seat when necessary. And don’t discount silhouette: When working with a smaller living room, Watts typically reaches for armless chairs or tight-back sofas to create the illusion of roomier digs.Have some square footage to spare? Feldman loves to introduce a daybed. “It creates a cozier seating area without breaking sight lines, so the space feels anchored and welcoming but still airy and open,” she says. Regardless of your living room’s size, nailing the perfect seating setup is simple and surprisingly straightforward. That said, just because there’s an art to the arrangement doesn’t mean you should leave coziness out of the equation. “Comfort is non-negotiable,” Gernert says. “Deep enough seats, supportive cushions, and armrests at the right height.” Once you pick the right upholstery—Gernert loves sumptuous fabrics for sofas and leather for chairs—and a few throw pillows, you can kick back and relax in style. Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

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1Halloween decorCrispin la valiente//Getty ImagesAs you’re decorating, take a moment to sort through Halloween items. “I decorate with what I love, and anything I don’t use goes straight into the donation pile,” says Nichole Gehman of Organize by Designe. “This keeps my bins under control, makes space for something new, and ensures I’m only holding onto what truly makes me happy.” Halloween decor in good condition can be donated to thrift stores, like Goodwill, or a local community center. 2Fall and winter clothingSnapper//Getty Images”October is an ideal month to reassess your wardrobe,” says Violetta Elezovic of VS Organized Interiors. “Go through your fall and winter clothing and let go of anything that no longer fits, feels comfortable, or matches your current style.” You should also sort through coats, boots, and accessories—toss anything in bad shape and donate the rest. RELATED: Here’s Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Halloween costumesAndrey Sayfutdinov//Getty ImagesTake stock of costumes that no longer fit or won’t get worn this year, and bring them to a donation center as soon as possible. “When you donate within the season, your items don’t end up in the trash—they actually get used,” says Gehman. “Schools, theaters, or neighbors can put them to good use this year instead of letting them sit in storage until next year.”4Old towels and linensOsvaldo Maldonado//Getty ImagesWith holiday visits on the horizon, it’s important to prepare guest spaces—one example being fresh linens and towels. “It’s a perfect opportunity to inspect your linens and towels,” says Hubbard. “Discard any that are old, ripped, stained, or excessively worn; nobody wants to offer guests items that they themselves wouldn’t use.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Wire hangersraden yogana//Getty ImagesWhile you’re swapping your closet for fall, take stock of your hangers. “Wire hangers are thin and can cause stretch marks on clothes over time,” says Maeve Richmond, founder of Maeve’s Method. “They also tend to cause unsightly bunch-ups in our closets, or cause clothing to hang at funny angles, so if you have any in your closet pull them, recycle the metal, and swap them out for your favorite more permanent wooden, velvet, or plastic hanger.”6Holiday decorAnastasiia Krivenok//Getty ImagesIt’s the ideal time to sift through your Christmas decor. You’ll know what items you don’t need to buy this year and have time to replace anything broken. “Picture this: you gather your loved ones to hang the twinkling lights and adorn your home with festive cheer, only to discover that half the lights have burnt out and the garland looks worse for wear,” says Hubbard. “It’s disheartening to find yourself unprepared when you want to create joyful memories.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Expired pantry itemsDana Hoff//Getty ImagesDeclutter your pantry ahead of the holiday season, starting with expired food items and seasonings. “As you start planning holiday meals, take stock of your pantry,” says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers. “Toss any ingredients that are past their prime. You may find that you already have cans of cranberry sauce that are still good and more nutmeg than you’ll use in a lifetime of baking.” 8Freezer itemsAbu Hanifah//Getty ImagesClear our the freezer, too—think summer sauces and freezer pops that have been neglected. “We can always use more fridge space come Thanksgiving, whether you’re cooking, meal prepping, or bringing home leftovers in containers,” says Gehman.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Kids’ toysCavan Images//Getty Images10Old papers and flyersGrace Cary//Getty ImagesFrom election mail and fall event flyers to back-to-school announcements, stray papers have likely accumulated throughout the house. “October is a great reset point for paper clutter,” says Gehman. “Parents can take this one step further and purge your kids’ yearly memorabilia folders of their artwork and paperwork for the school year so far.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Summer gearConstantin Levcenco//Getty ImagesFall has officially arrived, so give your summer items a quick sort before putting everything into storage. “October is the perfect time to declutter any summer-related items you didn’t use or don’t plan to use next year—think beach gear, outdoor toys, and worn-out sandals,” says Suzi Guraj of VS Organized Interiors Alyssa 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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

A space heater can keep you warm and cozy all winter long, but it can also lead to a serious home fire if not used properly. In fact, space heaters are the most dangerous type of home heating equipment, causing 1,700 blazes per year and an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.Our safety experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute only recommend space heaters with built-in safety features, including an automatic shut-off in case of overheating or a sensor that will turn the unit off if it tips over. It’s also important to make sure any space heater you buy carries a third-party safety certification from UL or ETL. That said, even the safest, most reliable space heater on the market won’t protect you from fire hazard if you don’t use it properly. And one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not following the 3-foot rule.What is the 3-foot rule?This safety rule refers to the distance that a space heater, or any heat-generating appliance or electronic, must be from combustible materials, things like curtains, furniture, and bedding. That’s because flammable items that are closer than three feet could potentially ignite from the intense heat coming off a space heater. Safety experts also recommend maintaining a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around space heaters, as well as fire pits, wood-burning stoves, and the like.More space heater tipsAlways turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep for the night.Place the space heater on a flat, stable surface; our experts recommend floors over a table or other elevated surface.Never use a space heater in a workshop or garage that contains paint, gasoline, or other hazardous material.Don’t use extension cords or power strips with a space heater, as this can result in overheating; instead, plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.Make sure your home is equipped with functional smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Dreo Atom 316 DR-HSH006 Space HeaterNow 10% OffCredit: DreoVornado VHEAT Vintage Metal HeaterCredit: VornadoGood Housekeeping Ceramic Tower Space Heater Credit: Good HousekeepingLasko Ellipse Ceramic HeaterCredit: LaskoMore AdviceHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

When bringing a bathroom’s design into the modern era, the opportunities to add personalized touches heat up. For some, this is a chance to use bold colors in a small footprint, while others may see it as a chance to finally get the serene, spa-like look of their dreams. The most popular palettes may be up for debate, but one thing is definitely in the majority: Bathroom renovators are taking the benefits of today’s luxuries literally, and installing heated floors. According to a recent report by The National Kitchen and Bath Association and CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals, heated floors are the top request for clients interested in smart home technology (at 56 percent), followed by other similar details like heated towel bars and steam showers. The report’s respondents completed a renovation in the last two years, and overwhelmingly stated that smart technology was a worthwhile investment in homeowners’ projects (at 75 percent). Rachel Robinson, architect and founding partner at Dunham Robinson, says the findings match up with her current work. Related Story“We’re definitely seeing more and more clients ask for heated bathroom floors—and it makes perfect sense. The systems have gotten easier to install and more reliable, but I think the bigger story is how much people are leaning into wellness and comfort at home,” Robinson says. “It’s one of those ‘once you have it, you’ll never go back’ features.”If you’re planning an upcoming bathroom renovation and you’re curious about heated floors, read on for four insights to consider before making the investment. Mint Images//Getty ImagesThey Make Winter a Little EasierLina Galvao, the designer behind Curated Nest Interiors, has noted that clients who request heated floors don’t just do it for the high-end feel. It’s also a way to be more energy-efficient if you live in cold climates. “They provide a nice even source of heat, and since heat rises, they can warm up a space uniformly,” she says. “That’s not always the case with traditional HVAC systems.” Galvao adds that energy efficiency often goes hand-in-hand with stretching a budget as much as possible, too. “If they are changing out the whole floor, they might as well take the opportunity to install heated floors,” she adds. They’re Best in Larger Spaces with Bigger Budgets Heated floors won’t be as noticeable in, say, a powder bathroom versus a primary bathroom. That’s because there usually isn’t enough surface area to feel a difference, plus, it’s more likely that you’ll be barefoot in bathrooms near your bed. Robinson suggests keeping this in mind as you figure out where to install heated floors, since planning is key. “The subfloor has to be prepped properly, and you’ll need an electrician to connect it to a dedicated thermostat,” she says. “Because the system lives beneath the finished flooring, you really want to commit to it before tile or stone goes down. Done right, though, it’s low-maintenance and lasts for years.”And given that heated floors are best installed in larger bathrooms that are undergoing a gut renovation, Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design, says they’re ideal for budgets that are at least $40,000. “The average cost for installing total electric radiant floors in a 200-square-foot area ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, not including labor,” she notes. imaginima//Getty ImagesThey’re Ideal for Natural Stone To really feel the heat, you’ll want to pick a flooring option that, well, tends to run cold. “Natural stone, especially marble, is my personal favorite for heated floors as it has excellent thermal conductivity properties,” Pochiro says. Besides marble, Robinson would consider porcelain or soapstone. “We’ve also used terrazzo in projects where clients wanted a seamless, modern look,” she notes. “The key is choosing a material that complements the heat rather than insulates against it.”They Should Be Installed By Professionals While the installation may be relatively easy to complete, it doesn’t come without risks. “For especially large bathrooms, you’ll want to confirm that the electrical load can handle the system,” says designer Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio. Pochiro strongly recommends working with licensed and insured contractors to minimize any problems (like only noticing a cut power line after tiling is installed—yikes!) and testing the system before any tiling gets underway. “Otherwise, the burden of resolving such issues could fall on the homeowner,” she notes. After all, heated floors are supposed to be a luxury, not a headache. More Flooring TipsKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.  More

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