Home Ideas

A great electric kettle lets you prepare a cup of hot, healthy tea or quickly boil water for an iced tea maker when you want a cool drink instead. Electric kettles heat quickly and efficiently, saving you from turning on a stove, and cooks have figured out that it’s a fast way to boil water when you’re making a quick pasta dish, too.In general, electric kettles are very low-maintenance. But one thing to watch for is mineral buildup — namely calcium and magnesium from your local water supply — settling on the inside. This buildup can affect how long the kettle takes to boil water. Removing this mineral buildup is known as “descaling,” and how often you descale your electric kettle will depend on how “hard” your water is. Hard water contains more mineral deposits, so you’ll need to descale more often. In general, you may want to clean it once a month, or per the manufacturer’s directions. If your kettle is glass and you can easily see the bottom, you can simply eyeball when buildup occurs and clean accordingly.Some manufacturers sell descaling solutions specifically for this process. The best DIY way to do it, however, is with distilled white vinegar. You can also use lemon juice, citric acid or baking soda — it’s the acid that does the trick. We’ll walk you through the three main DIY methods for descaling a kettle and provide some tips for cleaning the outside of your electric kettle as well.Method 1: With VinegarThis is a thorough way to descale the inside of your electric kettle as recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. If you’ve ever cleaned a Keurig coffee maker, it should look familiar.Combine one part white distilled vinegar and three parts fresh water in the kettle. Our experience has shown that you don’t need to fill the kettle more than a third full. For a 1-liter electric kettle, use 1/4 cup of vinegar and 3/4 cup of water. If your electric kettle is larger, try 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 1/2 cups water.Bring the water and vinegar to a boil, turn the kettle off then let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it out several times with fresh water to flush away the buildup. If the buildup was heavy, you can use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the inside of the kettle as well. To ensure any lingering vinegar taste is gone, you can optionally refill the kettle with water only, boil and discard.Method 2: With Lemon Juice or Citric AcidThe acid in lemon juice can also descale an electric kettle, and since tea and lemon pair naturally you won’t have to worry about any unappetizing lingering tastes. Alternatively, you can use citric acid powder, which dissolves in water and then breaks down gunk in the same way as lemon juice. Citric acid powder is often sold alongside spices in grocery stores and is used in canning and preserving. It’s also a natural preservative listed on plenty of food labels. For this method:Combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1 tablespoon of citric acid with enough water to cover the bottom of your kettle. Bring the liquid to a boil, turn off the kettle and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Dump out the mixture and rinse the kettle thoroughly with fresh water.

Amazon

Method 3: With Baking SodaBaking soda is a tried-and-true cleaner and works well for descaling light deposits in the bottom of your electric kettle. Use it this way:Scoop 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda into the kettle, then add water to at least the halfway mark. Boil, turn the kettle off and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes.Rinse the kettle with water and wipe the bottom with a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse again to be sure you’re rid of all traces of baking soda.Tips for Cleaning the Inside of an Electric KettleIf the buildup is especially bad or you’re cleaning for the first time in a year or more, you can let your cleaning solution — whether you’re using vinegar, lemon juice, citric acid or baking soda — sit overnight before you rinse.Cleaning methods are the same whether your electric kettle is made of glass, ceramic or stainless steel.If your electric kettle has a filter, most manufacturers recommend that you remove it and run it under water to clean it, then wipe it with a clean cloth.You don’t need to use dish soap inside a kettle. Most manufacturers only recommend an electric kettle for boiling water, so you shouldn’t have grease or food stains inside to worry about. Also, you shouldn’t use an abrasive brush inside, because you want to protect the heating element. Bottom line: Be gentle!How to Clean the Outside of Your Electric KettleWe suggest wiping down the outside every so often, and especially if your electric kettle gets splattered with grease or sauce during the course of cooking. Dip a cloth into a sudsy mix of dish soap and water, wring out so that it’s just damp and not soaking wet and wipe the kettle clean. Repeat the process with clean water to rinse the soap. Do not place your kettle under running water. You should not immerse it or put it in the dishwasher either. This could damage the electronics.

Jessica Hartshorn
Jessica Hartshorn (she/her), a freelance writer covering parenting gear for Good Housekeeping, has several decades of experience evaluating consumer home products, writing lifestyle content, judging new toys and parenting gear and testing kids’ skincare, sleep helpers, back-to-school supplies and pet products.

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The Scrub Daddy made waves when it appeared on Shark Tank in 2012. Who knew a smiling sponge would become such a blooming success? The brand is in on the holiday fun as well, so you can upgrade the cleaning product to be in on the festivities. While certainly not new, Scrub Daddy has Halloween sponges for a limited time.

Halloween Sponges

Scrub Daddy

The spooky sponges come in three Halloween-approved designs: Frankenstein’s monster (green), a ghost (white), and a pumpkin (orange). They’re all temperature-controlled, so its FlexTexture foam is firm in cold water, which is ideal for tough scrubbing, and soft in warm water, for light cleaning. So whatever you’re up against, you’ll be able to easily tackle it with this durable kitchen sponge.The Scrub Daddy is especially handy to wash utensils, thanks to the holes for the eyes and mouth. Plus, even when it’s firm, it’s safe to use on 25 different surfaces, such as glass, stainless steel, cast iron, nonstick coatings, leather, and more, without worrying about scratching it up.The non-scratch scrubbers were designed to use on dishes and around your home. You can get them in a pack of three, one of each character, on Amazon for $14.99. They’re sure to make washing those nightly dinner dishes just a little bit better.The limited-edition designs are only available as we lead up to Halloween, so don’t miss out on bringing the ghoulish vibes to your cleaning products.

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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Native to South Africa, the jade plant is popular for its tree-like appearance. Its smooth, oval-shaped leaves and strong, woody stems are a symbol of friendship, luck and prosperity — making the jade plant one of the best Feng Shui houseplants for good energy.If you’re wondering where to place the jade plant in your home, they do best in bright indoor spaces — like a south- or west-facing window. Depending on its size, go for a raised planter in a bright corner or a small pot in the windowsill. Jade plants also grow well outside, as long as you take them inside during cold fall and winter months. With proper care, this resilient houseplant can live for more than 50 years.Jade plants, also known as crassula ovata, are found in many varieties with slightly different characteristics: crassula ovata “Gollum” has red-tinted and tubular leaves, crassula ovata “Hummel’s Sunset” has leaves with red and yellow edges, crassula ovata “Pink Beauty” has clusters of star-shaped pink flowers. But, don’t worry: you can care for all jade plants in the same way. Keep scrolling to learn how to keep this sun-loving succulent healthy — plus, how to grow even more jade plants. ⚠️ Warning: The jade plant is mildly toxic to humans when consumed, and extremely poisonous to dogs and cats. Jade Plant Care Tips SunlightKeep your jade plant in bright light for at least six hours per day, according to Almanac. While mature plants can handle direct sunlight, younger plants require a bright space that’s free of direct rays. Without proper sunlight, your jade plant will stop growing, or it’ll grow tall and leggy. TemperatureJade plants do best at room temperature, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, during the day. They prefer a cooler temperature at night, between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months, it’s important to keep your plant away from cool drafts or icy windows. Note, if you keep your jade plant outside, it should be kept inside when outside temperatures drop. WateringYou should only water your jade plant once the soil is completely dry, according to Gardener Report. Check the soil around the roots to be sure. Your jade plant will need a generous soak about every 14 days, although the frequency in which you have to water your plant will depend on the season. Jade plants need more water in the summer and much less in the winter. Andrey Nikitin//Getty ImagesTake note: More often than not, jade plants die because of improper watering. FertilizingUse a standard liquid fertilizer at half strength every several weeks during the growing season (hint: that means spring or summer). The best fertilizers for jade plants have a 10-20-10 ratio. The soil should be moist before applying fertilizer to avoid damaging the roots. Soil Your jade plant needs well-draining soil. According to Petal Republic, the best combination is a 2:2:1 blend of cactus potting mix, coarse sand and perlite or pumice. To save yourself time, you can find a soil that’s been specifically blended for jade plants. RepottingYoung jade plants should be repotted every two or three years, while adult plants should be repotted every four to five years in the early spring. Keep in mind: If you like the size of your plant, jade plants don’t mind being root bound. Common Problems With Jade Plants to Avoid Yellow Leaves: The primary cause of yellow leaves is overwatering or poor drainage. Keep in mind that jade plants don’t like being too wet. Be sure your planter has drainage holes, and you’re emptying excess water from the saucer.Root rot: Be careful not to overwater your jade plant, as they are susceptible to root rot. If you notice soggy soil or soft, squishy leaves (a telltale sign of overwatering), you should repot your jade plant immediately. Shriveled Leaves: This could be a sign of both overwatering and under-watering, but wrinkly and shriveled leaves are likely the result of too little water. If the soil is dried out completely, give your plant a good watering and the leaves should bounce back to health.Leaf drop: Overwatering or poor drainage can result in a loss of leaves. Any sort of stress to your plant, including a lack of sunlight or a sudden drop in temperature, can also be the cause.Pests: You may be dealing with mealybugs (the most likely culprit), root mealybugs, spider mites, scale or aphids. Depending on the insect, you can treat your plant with insecticidal soaps or Neem oil; you may also have to remove the little pests by hand, according to Petal Republic.Firdausiah Mamat//Getty ImagesHow to Propagate Your Jade PlantIf you’ve never propagated a plant before, the jade plant is a great place to start. There are two simple ways to grow a new plant: either from a cutting or a single leaf. To use a cutting, start with a cut that’s at least three inches long and allow the cutting to dry out for a few days in a warm, dry place. Place the cutting into a potting mixture and water sparingly (the soil should only be damp). If you’d rather use a single leaf, or there isn’t a healthy cutting available, you can start by laying healthy leaves onto your potting mixture. As you water the leaves sparingly, they will start to grow roots and, soon enough, tiny plants. Once there are visible plantlets, you’re ready to pot your new plant. Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri is an experienced writer and editor who joined Good Housekeeping in 2022 as the Associate Lifestyle Editor, covering all things home and design. She has over six years of experience writing about home design at brands including Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes and Brylane Home. Her personal home style includes a mix of industrial, minimalist, mid-century modern — and anything pre-approved by her dog Skye. 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

The money tree plant, which is also known as pachira aquatica, is a tropical wetland tree that’s native to Central and South America. The tree will typically grow between six and eight feet tall when kept indoors (it can grow over 60 feet tall in the wild). Shockingly, that braided trunk you love so much isn’t actually a natural feature of the plant; most money trees on the market are actually multiple plants that have had their trunks braided together during growth. One of the best Feng Shui plants for good energy, the money plant is believed to bring luck, wealth and prosperity to its owners. Each stem has five shiny green leaves, which are said to symbolize the five elements of balance: earth, fire, water, wind and metal. While some stems will likely have six leaves, seven-leaves stems are said to bring extra luck to your home. Grow a Green Thumb:The money tree is one of the best indoor trees and best indoor plants, because it’s relatively easy to keep healthy — plus the braided trunk and large green leaves pair well with most home styles. Keep reading for tips and tricks that will help you keep your money tree looking its best all year round. Money Tree Care TipsSunlightBright, indirect sunlight is best for a healthy money tree — which makes it easy to find the perfect spot for your plant. Consider a plant stand in the living room or on the floor of a home office, as long as the areas doesn’t receive too much direct sunlight. Your plant may adjust to lower lights (although too little light will slow growth and cause the leaves to turn yellow), but direct sunlight will quickly scorch the leaves. TemperatureYour money tree will grow best in a space that’s between 60- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit, according to West Coast Gardens. Keep your plant away from heat and air conditioning vents, as well as any drafty windows or doors. Socha//Getty ImagesWateringWhen it comes to money plant care, overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that plant parents make, according to Just Add Ice. Water your money plant once every one to two weeks, or when the soil volume is 50 to 75% dry. The plant will likely need water more frequently during spring and summer months. Be sure that your planter has drainage holes, so the roots aren’t sitting in any excess water.Don’t forget: Rotate your tree every time you water it to ensure even growth. FeedingUse a liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength once a month during the summer months (the money tree’s growing season). PruningIf your money tree is growing out of control (it’s becoming too tall or too wide for your space), you can trim the leaves. Cutting brown or wilted leaves will actually promote healthy growth.RepottingThe best time to repot your money tree is during the spring, but it’ll only need to be repotted every two to three years. Find a pot with good drainage that’s one or two sizes bigger than the current one. If you want to keep using the same planter, you can trim some root growth (be careful not to trim more than 25% of the roots) and place the plant back with fresh soil. When buying fresh soil, keep in mind that money trees prefer a well-draining potting mix. The best soils might include sand, pebbles or per lite, or you can find a soil that’s made specifically for money trees.Matthew Lloyd//Getty ImagesCommon Problems With Money Tree Plants to AvoidYellow leaves: You may be overwatering your plant, or it may be getting too sunlight. Try sticking to a consistent watering schedule or moving your planter into more indirect sunlight.Leaf drop: You’re watering your plant too much or too little. It’s important to water your plant on schedule and not to wait until the soil has dried out completely. Temperature fluctuations, too much sunlight or insect infestations can also be factors. Note that some leaf loss is normal during growth.Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot. If you notice leaves becoming droopy, the trunk becoming soft and slimy or an unpleasant smell, act quickly before the root rot becomes fatal. Repot your plant quickly!Insect infestation: Aphids, spider mites and mealybugs are particularly fond of money trees. If you notice an insect infestation (yellow leaves are a telltale sign), you can use an insecticidal soap with warm water to help eliminate the tiny pests. How to Braid Your Money TreeIf you bought a mature money tree, chances are the trunk is already braided. If you have young money trees, it’s relatively simple to braid the money trees yourself. You’ll need anywhere from three to six money trees that are young and healthy (a young money tree should have shoots that are about 15 to 16 inches tall). Gently, slowly and loosely braid the trunks together just as you would hair. Use string or tape to keep the ends together. Continue this process as your money tree grows, but note that it may be several months until your tree needs to be braided again.Don’t Have One Yet? Shop Money TreesAlyssa Gautieri is an experienced writer and editor who joined Good Housekeeping in 2022 as the Associate Lifestyle Editor, covering all things home and design. She has over six years of experience writing about home design at brands including Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes and Brylane Home. Her personal home style includes a mix of industrial, minimalist, mid-century modern — and anything pre-approved by her dog Skye. 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

Taking a party outside makes everything more memorable, whether you’re hosting a family reunion barbecue or an al fresco birthday dinner with a restaurant-worthy menu and drinks. For some quick inspiration, we’ve rounded up seasonal ideas for making your backyard feel like a destination for friends and family. From warm lights you can program for custom illumination to an easy way to bring fresh herbs into everything you serve, these tips will have your guests asking one question: When can we come back? 1. Use a Smart Plug for Outdoor Lighting

When the sun sets, having plenty of outdoor illumination is a must for both visibility and atmosphere — just think about the way a string of twinkling lights or a whimsical rainbow instantly makes the evening feel special. With the GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug, you can control your outdoor lighting setup via your phone or a smart home assistant. It’s easy to adjust on the fly or to set a schedule, with lights getting dimmer or brighter as the night progresses. The smart plug also makes it easier to control multiple strands of fairy lights without having to walk around unplugging them all at the end of the night.2. Serve Garden-Inspired DrinksAn on-theme interactive bar setup helps guests break the ice and lets everyone customize their own cocktail or mocktail for kids and nondrinkers. Fresh herbs add depth and flavor to even the simplest drinks — pick three herbs for garnishes and place them near the drink station in a bright set of outdoor planters for a pop of patio color, then add a farmer’s market-style chalkboard sign announcing what each one holds. Invite guests to pick their own fresh herbs and invent on-the-spot signature recipes, like lemonade with a sprig of lavender or iced green tea muddled with fresh mint or basil leaves.3. Set Up A Fire Pit To Gather Around There’s something about a backyard campfire that just beckons gatherings and making group memories. Upgrade a scrappy DIY setup without comfortable seating in favor of a simple stone fire pit that won’t take up a ton of space, and add Adirondack chairs in a durable waterproof material. This more inviting area will not only make for a more appealing hangout, it also elevates seating for an outdoor living room vibe. 4. Add Colorful Lights for Different Moods

Craig Brown

Color goes a long way towards creating an atmosphere. The GE CYNC Full Color Direct Connect Outdoor Smart Bulb shines bright in a full spectrum of vivid colors, allowing you to make endless combinations. They sync with an easy-to-use app, to allow you to customize the intensity, duration, and, of course, vibe. The GE CYNC App can also act as a single control for all of your smart home products, giving you total control from your phone. Use it to adjust to smart bulb to red, white, and blue for the 4th of July, or use soft pinks and purples to highlight architectural elements of your house during a housewarming.5. Take Your Kitchen Outside Amp up your offerings and the interactivity factor with the addition of a crowd-pleasing pizza oven. Everyone will love coming up with their favorite topping combinations from your spread — classic pepperoni and mushrooms, pesto with grilled chicken. Award prizes to the winners and establish a new annual tradition. If Southern-style barbecue is your thing, invest in a smoker and invite guests to choose different proteins for a monthly group cookout. 6. Create a Living Photo Backdrop

Craig Brown

A dedicated spot for selfies, group photos, and other share-worthy snapshots automatically makes a party more fun. Create a living photo backdrop using hanging planters for a leafy alternative to a two-dimensional hanging backdrop. Display a few in different sizes from your pergola or patio roof, or set up a table with seasonal accessories like leafy garlands in the fall to use as props. Don’t have a green thumb? Try a faux-boxwood wall, and illuminate it from below using a CYNC smart plug and bulb combo to create golden lighting that looks far more expensive than it is. When the party’s over, the wall can add lasting ambiance to your patio or section off a quiet nook for reading and napping.

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From the dining room to the bedroom, small home upgrades can make a tremendous difference to those living with a disability. One in seven adults has a mobility impairment — and two in five adults over the age of 65, according to the CDC. Pottery Barn is reimagining its best-selling home collections to be more accessible to those with mobility challenges. On Friday, the home brand launched its new Accessible Home Collection, which features thoughtfully designed furniture for those living with disabilities or injuries, as well as the aging-in-place community. Often times, compliant home products like grab bars, adjustable beds or wheelchair-accessible desks stand out in otherwise well-designed interiors. With this launch, Pottery Barn seeks to offer comfortable and safe design that doesn’t compromise great style or limit the choice of colors, sizes or styles.

Comfortable and classic, the Irving Power Lift Recliner features multiple reclining positions and lifts to assist with sitting and standing. 
Pottery Barn

With 30 luxe leathers, there’s a style for every interior.
Pottery Barn

The 150-piece collection includes modern bathroom vanities with compliant counter heights, open-style desks with accessible shelving, wheelchair-accessible dining tables and pivot mirrors in seven sleek finishes. There’s also a swivel nightstand, smart adjustable beds and accessories like desk lamps, sconces and hooks that fit contract-grade specifications.

With a driftwood-inspired finish and refined marble countertop, the Sausalito Vanity has been reinvented for easy wheelchair access.
Pottery Barn

Now wheelchair accessible, the Pacific Desk features a sleek open shelving style that keeps essentials within reach.
Pottery Barn

In order to develop products that meet the specific requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the retailer consulted with industry experts including Lisa Cini, founder and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio and leading authority on design for senior living environments.The team also tapped into its internal employee network, Disability Education and Advocacy Network (DEAN), which is led by people with disabilities who are experts in the fields of inclusive disability education and advocacy.

Sleek grab bars blend seamlessly with pre-existing bathroom hardware.
Pottery Barn

Making mealtime easy for all, the Rae Dining Table features a decorative metal base and a marble top.
Pottery Barn

“For the collection, [DEAN] served as a key resource in making sure the products we were developing made sense and would work for them,” says Pottery Barn President Marta Benson. “They even provided us with other product ideas that we plan to bring to life in future collections.”According to Pottery Barn, the brand plans to continue expanding its accessible line in the future. “We strongly believe that accessible design is good design,” Benson tells Good Housekeeping. “It’s something that will continue to influence our design team each season moving forward.”You can shop Pottery Barn’s full accessible collection, including bathroom and bedroom products, at PotteryBarn.com.

Shop Pottery Barn’s Accessible Home Collection

Wells Power Lift Recliner

potterybarn.com

$2,499.00

Kensington Pivot Mirror

potterybarn.com

$349.00

Dillon L-Shaped Desk

potterybarn.com

$1,698.00

Linden Grab Bar

potterybarn.com

$89.00 More

When it comes to transforming a room, the power of a well-made rug is unmatched. And while you may yearn to stay on-trend when it comes to choosing a rug of your own — especially for the living room — you may find the options to be pricey, or at-times, an unfit match for the area. “Rugs make a living room space feel cozy and comfortable,” says Jasmine Roth, a designer and host on HGTV’s Help I Wrecked My House. “They anchor a room and give it definition, especially in an open concept floor plan.” That’s why choosing the right rug size is so important for the overall aesthetic and feel of a room. To help you choose the perfect rug size for your living room, we’re sharing Roth’s best tips and tricks, along with some ideas you can incorporate into your home.Common Mistakes When Picking a Living Room Rug

August Oliver

“My own living area might be the coziest spot in my house,” Roth says. “It serves as not only a place to play with our two-year-old daughter but also where we can relax after a long day and kick up our feet.” When it comes to choosing rugs, here are some mistakes Roth tries to avoid: Picking a rug that is too small. “I see this all the time — the rug is great, but it’s too small and thus makes the room feel disjointed,” Roth says. She recommends scrapping the rug altogether versus choosing a rug that’s too small.The rug is the same color as the couch…and the chairs, and the walls, and the throw blankets. “Yes, there is such thing as too many neutral colors, and often it’s the boring and blah rug that takes a neutral color palette too far,” Roth explains. The rug is the same texture as the furniture. “A rug is an opportunity to add a different texture, and if it’s too similar to the texture of the rest of the furniture, it’s just going to make the room feel boring,” Roth says. The rug pattern is too bold and busy. “While you don’t want everything to be the exact same tone or color, you also don’t want a rug that’s just too much,” Roth says. “I recommend using a rug with muted tones and bold throw pillows or doing the opposite and using a bold rug and neutral throw pillows.” Decorating your living room with a strong- patterned rug and loud throw pillows might end up feeling overwhelming.Tips for Choosing the Perfect RugWhen pinpointing a rug for the living room, there are a few things to consider. “Probably the most important thing is the room as a whole, from the floor where the rug will be all the way to the ceiling,” Roth says. “I love pairing a rug with a beautiful ceiling light fixture to tie the entire design together and draw the eye all the way from the base of the room to the top.” Here are the three rules she follows: The rug should be large enough that the entire front of the couch is on it.With few exceptions, the rug should be big enough that at least two legs of all other furniture in the room are on the rug.If all the furniture in the room is entirely on the rug, the rug is probably too big.How to Layer Rugs

Tim Lenz

“Layering rugs is one of my favorite designer secrets,” Roth says. “I love adding color or changing out my rugs seasonally, but I can’t spend the money to switch all of my rugs every time I get a wild hair.” That’s why she finds layering rugs to be the perfect solution. Roth purchased a large natural fiber rug (this is her favorite from Amazon) and then layered a smaller, more expensive rug on top. “The smaller rug should be about 1 ft smaller on each side to make the layered rug look work,” she explains. Color coordination: When it comes to color, you want your rugs to be tonal or complementary. Find different shades of the same color and layer them based on your preferred look.Choose the right size: Layering rugs always looks better when you use different sizes. Find one large one then add smaller ones on top to serve as accents. Experiment with angles: Try out different ways to style your rugs. If you’re layering with different shapes, have the first one laid down straight, then move the smaller ones around until you find a position that works best.Living Room Rug Ideas “Living in Southern California, many of the rugs that are trendy in the spring and summer seasons are actually popular year-round for us, which has made me an expert in these types of rugs,” Roth says. “I have primarily natural textured rugs in my house and the occasional vintage or bold, colorful rug.”Natural fiber rugs are one of Roth’s favorites (think sisal and jute). They’re ideal options for the warmer months because they don’t show dirt or stains. And while she loves the colors of spring and summer rugs, Roth suggests using a larger neutral-colored carpet as a base and small colorful addition on top. “There are also outdoor rugs that I love to recommend be used indoors because they are so easy to clean with soap and water,” Roth says. Chevron Rug

Rachel Whiting

Eye-catching chevron rugs can become the statement piece of the living room. This means letting the rug become your daring feature, while the rest of the area complements its pattern.

SHOP CHEVRON RUGS

Chevron Machine Woven Area Rug

Wade Logan
wayfair.com

$259.99

Chindi Chevron Rug

rugs.com

$112.00

Indoor / Outdoor Blue Area Rug

allmodern.com

$139.00

Colorful Chevron Area Rug

Zipcode Design
wayfair.com

$234.99

Striped Rug

One Kings Lane

Stripes are a classic for a reason. It works for a range of design styles, whether you’re going for a modern, farmhouse or even traditional feel.

Shop Striped Rugs

Striped Machine Woven Rug

Hashtag Home
wayfair.com

$113.99

Cream Striped Area Rug

Latitude Run
wayfair.com

$163.99

Blue Indoor/ Outdoor Rug

Safavieh
amazon.com

$50.80

Green Indoor / Outdoor Rug

Sand & Stable
wayfair.com

$28.99

Abstract

Jessica Delaney

Try this pattern when you’re feeling bold. Because they come in an array of colors and unique forms, they’re fun to use and can easily give a living room personality.

Shop Abstract Rugs

Modern Abstract Area Rug

Safavieh
amazon.com

$112.04

Multi-colored Abstract Rug

Wrought Studio
wayfair.com

$20.99

Navy and White Abstract Rug

Orren Ellis
wayfair.com

$133.25

Contemporary Textured Wave Shag Rug

overstock.com

$172.12

Geometric

August Oliver

Everyone is drawn to different shapes. That’s what makes geometric rugs so appealing. They can feature an unlimited number of curves and lines (even squiggles). Don’t forget trying out stars, hexagons and circles.
Shop Geometric Rugs

Handmade Tufted Wool Rug

AllModern
wayfair.com

$39.99

Green Handmade Tufted Wool Rug

Mercury Row
wayfair.com

$569.99

Ivory Geometric Area Rug

Mercer41
wayfair.com

$399.99

Shag Area Rug

Mercury Row
wayfair.com

$78.99

So when working on upgrading your common area, don’t underestimate the beauty that comes with the right rug. And for budget-friendly tips, check out this roundup of elegant living room design schemes that’ll inspire your dream space.

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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As an actress, model and author, you may know Garcelle Beauvais for her iconic role as Francesca on the 1996 sitcom, The Jamie Fox Show. You’ve likely even seen her co-hosting on The Real or as the main character on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As Beauvais continues to dive into different parts of the industry, she’s officially entered the world of home decor with her first-ever home collection for HSN, Garcelle at Home. Featuring vibrant designs, bold textures and tropical prints, the collection is in partnership with HSN’s Design Development and Global Sourcing (DDGS) team and is exclusively available on More