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    How To Tackle Messy Clothing Stains

    Clorox 2 for Colors Laundry Stain Remover and Color Booster
    target.com

    Living is messy business, and stains are nearly impossible to avoid. We all have that thing we do that results in a splatter or smudge — don’t deny it!
    Whether you’re the one who is regularly taste testing in the kitchen (and dripping on that apron), or wrangling the dog in the backyard (with the grassy knees to prove it), there’s an easy trick that’ll tackle your signature stain: Clorox 2® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener. Watch the video above to see how it works to keep your clothes clean after any muddy moment.
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    Good Housekeeping's 2021 Storage Awards

    Freeing up space and organizing closets, drawers and other cluttered rooms and spaces can sometimes be so overwhelming, especially in today’s busy world. Even if you’re able to put in the extra effort it takes to clean your home, spaces that are disorganized rarely feel clean. And it’s no secret that a more organized home improves the wellbeing of everyone who lives there. That’s why organizing tips, ideas, inspirations, and stories are among Good Housekeeping’s most popular, and with that in mind, we set out to find the best, most useful, most innovative, and most well-designed organizing products, tools and devices.
    Meet the Experts

    How We Tested
    To select these 34 top-performing products for our first Good Housekeeping Storage Awards, our experts sorted, stacked and sifted through over 140 submissions from the world of organizing products to assess performance, durability, flexibility, versatility, ease of use, aesthetics, size and other criteria. We looked at organizers both big and small — for closets, garages, home office, kids’ supplies and artwork, shoes and accessories, photos, travel, kitchen supplies and food storage and beyond. With over 60 combined years of testing experience in the Good Housekeeping Institute and organizing know-how, you can trust that we can spot a great organizer when we see it!
    Super-Streamlined Kitchen

    Top-Shelf Sorter
    3-Tier Organizer
    Copco amazon.com
    $8.99

    Stop struggling to see what’s way in the back of your pantry. At 10 or 15 inches wide, Copco’s tiered stand gives cans, bottles and spices a lift so everything on a shelf is easy to spot and grab.
    LAB RESULTS: Nonslip treads help items stay securely in place. And it’s a cinch to wipe clean.

    Brilliant Baking Tools
    Nest 9 Plus Bowl Set
    Joseph Joseph amazon.com
    $50.00
    $32.49 (35% off)

    Our judges loved this space-saving Joseph Joseph stack of nesting cooking essentials. The set includes a large bowl, a small bowl, a colander, a sieve, measuring cups and a tablespoon, and it comes in different colors.
    LAB RESULTS: Every piece was designed for maximum usefulness, and the set won’t hog storage space. In tests, the mixing bowl handles doubled as pouring spouts.

    Hold-It-All Cookware Rack
    StoreMore Adjustable Cookware Rack
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $24.47

    Sheet pans, trays and lids can make organizing bakeware and cookware a real challenge. With YouCopia’s adaptable rack, you place the wire dividers where you need them.
    LAB RESULTS: Its slim frame is sturdy, and the nonslip feet keep it in place when you remove or replace items.

    Stylish Stacking Bins
    Vertica Wire Stacking Bin
    Container Store containerstore.com
    $18.99

    These attractive, durable baskets from The Container Store are perfect in the pantry or pretty on the counter for holding fruit, veggies, snacks and more.
    LAB RESULTS: The large openings make the contents grabbable without unstacking, and the bins can be used all around the home.

    Fridge All-Stars

    Stellar Spinner
    FridgeView Turntable with Non-Slip Mat
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $19.09

    YouCopia’s turntable keeps sauces, snacks and fridge and pantry items within reach. Or use it under a bathroom sink for toiletries or on a desk for supplies. 
    LAB RESULTS: Its removable nonslip mat and its rim keep everything in place as it turns, and at 11 inches wide, it holds a lot.

    Better Bin
    Storage Organizer Bin
    Copco amazon.com
    $13.99

    Clear bins are an organizing must-have, and this Copco one is a winner. Use it in — or on top of —the fridge, in a pantry, in a closet or wherever you need order.  
    LAB RESULTS: Seeing inside it is effortless; a nonslip mat adds stability; handles make it grabbable. 

    Slim and Trim Caddy
    RollOut Fridge Caddy
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $14.99

    At only six inches wide, YouCopia’s wheeled caddy brings items from the back of the fridge (or in deep, narrow cabinets) front and center.
    LAB RESULTS: The adjustable dividers keep things organized and in place. There are handles for lifting the entire container and non-slip feet up front for stability. 

    Smart & Sustainable Food Fixers

    Most Versatile Glass System
    Brilliance Glass Set of 6
    Rubbermaid target.com
    $24.99

    Nothing beats glass for food storage, but these gems from Rubbermaid do more. Airtight clear lids make stacking simple, and they eliminate messy leaks. Plus, they’re microwave-safe — just lift the latches to expose the vents.
    LAB RESULTS: Their modular design makes organizing the fridge or freezer a breeze.

    Super Dry Goods Saver
    Good Grips 5-Piece Airtight POP Container Set
    OXO amazon.com
    $99.94

    These are the clear space savers that started the pop-top canister craze. OXO has sizes to hold everything from cereal to snacks, beans, pasta and more. And they can be configured to fit any space on a pantry shelf. Buy them in sets or as single units.
    LAB RESULTS: The no-twist push-button lid creates an airtight seal when you press it down; just pop it up to open. We love that you can attach a scoop underneath the lid — no more digging into the sugar to find the scoop!

    Happy-Pet Food Bins
    3-Piece Airtight Pet Food Storage Container Combo
    IRIS USA, Inc. amazon.com
    $27.99
    $24.99 (11% off)

    Storing pet food in an airtight resealable container not only helps it last longer but also keeps insects and other critters out. Iris’s BPA-free combo includes 12- and 33-quart containers and a two-cup scoop.
    LAB RESULTS: The large bin holds about 25 lbs of food and is on wheels, so it’s maneuverable, and the locking lids prevent spills.

    Take-It-Anywhere Food Keeper
    Twist and Seal 5 Piece Dry Storage Set
    Zyliss amazon.com
    $49.99
    $35.99 (28% off)

    Zyliss’s see-through containers have unique twist-locking lids for an airtight seal. They’re stackable and neat to tote, and their rounded edges ensure mess-free pouring.
    LAB RESULTS: They are dishwasher-safe. In tests, they stayed well-sealed and were fast to clean.

    Genius Grocery Bags
    Trolley Bags 4-piece
    Lotus Sustainables amazon.com
    $49.99

    These machine-washable Lotus bags (including a hand-washable insulated cooler bag) attach  together and hang like file folders in your cart. They keep your haul sorted while you shop and check out, then roll neatly to be tucked into your car trunk.
    LAB RESULTS: Each durable bag has pockets, holds more than most reusable bags and helps eliminate plastic and paper grocery bags. They can even be used without rods for a picnic or a day at the beach.

    Best Reusable Bag
    Mega Reusable Silicone Stand-Up Bag
    Stasher amazon.com
    $29.99

    Who needs a lid? Stasher’s easy-to-clean, reusable silicone bag stands up while you fill it, and seals with just a pinch. It’s especially good for keeping cleaned salad greens and herbs fresh.
    LAB RESULTS: Airtight, leak-free (if sealed correctly) and microwave-safe, it also comes in smaller sizes.

    Wow-Worthy Closet Tools

    Superior Shoe Organizer
    Over the Door Shoe Organizer
    Made By Design target.com
    $20.00

    Twenty-six see-through mesh compartments in Target’s hanging organizer keep shoes (even larger sizes) paired and off the floor. Or, use it for storing scarves, knit hats, gloves, clutch purses and more.
    LAB RESULTS: Hanging the unit and filling the pockets is so straightforward, you’ll want one in every bedroom. 

    Customizable Storage Rack
    Adjustable Wall and Door Rack
    ClosetMaid amazon.com
    $64.28
    $33.99 (47% off)

    Mount this ClosetMaid rack on a wall or hang it over a door for installation. Use it in a linen closet, bathroom, bedroom or pantry. One tester raved, “It’s a game changer!”
    LAB RESULTS: We found it no problem to set up, and the deep and shallow baskets can be placed with any spacing you choose for a custom fit.

    Coolest Accessory Case
    Hanging Organizer for Glasses and Jewelry
    Great Useful Stuff amazon.com
    $41.99

    This Great Useful Stuff hanging space saver frees dresser and drawer space. It holds up to eight pairs of sunglasses and has 16 pockets on the back for jewelry and other small items.
    LAB RESULTS: We like that it does double duty and gets bulky glass cases out of crowded drawers.

    Masterful Closet System
    Elfa Classic 6′ Closet Kit
    Container Store containerstore.com
    $375.20

    Big or small — Elfa’s system allows you to create the closet of your dreams with shelving, rod, drawer and accessory solutions for nearly every budget and type of space.
    LAB RESULTS: Elfa’s easy-to-install, customizable system is always a winner in GH tests. It’s so versatile.

    Gold Medal Jewelry Box
    Stackers Premium Stackable Jewelry Box
    Container Store containerstore.com
    $27.99

    Add as many trays as you need to store gems and other precious pieces neatly and safely in this velvet-lined jewelry box. Trays vary in depth and design to suit your needs.
    LAB RESULTS: We like the flexibility of this system over other jewelry boxes. Store the layers in drawers or pack them in a suitcase for travel.

    Under-Sink Space Savers

    Versatile Turntable
    Non-Skid Under Sink Organizer
    Copco amazon.com
    $21.99

    Under-sink cabinets can feel like black holes: Who knows what’s back there? Copco’s 18-inch turntable puts frequently used cleaners and tools within reach.
    LAB RESULTS: Its nonslip liner and high sides mean things stay put while you spin it. Side handles make it quick to lift out.  

    Convenient Caddy
    RollOut Under Sink Caddy
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $29.99

    Reaching deep into a cabinet can be challenging, especially under a sink. With items on wheels, you won’t lose anything again.
    LAB RESULTS: YouCopia’s dividers are adjustable for a custom fit, and the high sides add stability. The extra basket on the back is removable. 

    Sensational Family Gear

    Easy Peasy Photo Books
    Monthly Mini Softcover Photo Books
    Chatbooks chatbooks.com
    $5.00

    With a monthly subscription, Chatbooks creates a kid-friendly mini book of 30 images each month. Just choose your fave photos from your phone’s camera roll and upload them to the app (iOS and Android only). Other book options are available.
    LAB RESULTS: Our testers confirmed that the printing is high-quality; they suggest upgrading to the hardcover option for long-lasting results.

    Fan Favorite Kids’ Table
    Flisat Children’s Table
    IKEA ikea.com
    $49.99

    We love this versatile IKEA kids’ table and stool set. Use it as a sensory table, convert it into a LEGO tabletop building center or use it as an arts and crafts station. It’s so versatile, everyone will want to be at the kids’ table!
    LAB RESULTS: Add the Trofast accessory storage bins that fit under the top, and you’ll have space to stash toys and craft supplies that kids can grab when they want them and (hopefully) put back when they’re done.

    Parent-Friendly Tote Organizer
    Original Bag Organizer
    ToteSavvy totesavvy.com
    $65.00

    This ToteSavvy removable organizer, with many pockets and a washable changing mat, keeps baby supplies close at hand. It opens flat so it can be packed and unpacked easily, then folds to fit in your tote.
    LAB RESULTS: It has an insulated pocket to help keep a bottle warm or cool, and the open-pocket design lets you see inside without digging.

    Hardworking Command Center
    The Brooke Command Center
    1Thrive 1thrive.com
    $169.00

    A low-tech message solution, the 1Thrive wet-erase board and corkboard will help organize your family’s menus, homework, chore reminders and more. Plus, it keeps important papers handy.
    LAB RESULTS: Smooth to set up and customize, it lets you choose a vertical or horizontal layout and add accessories, including hooks for keys and more.

    Superb Artwork Collector
    Artwork Book or Mosaic
    Artkive ArtkiveApp.com
    $95.00

    What parent doesn’t want to save all their kid’s artful creations? But there isn’t space. Enter ArtKive. The company sends you a box to fill with your child’s drawings. Then it professionally photographs them and has you proof the images before turning them into a hardcover book.
    LAB RESULTS: Digital images are shared with you, and the books are not hard to store.

    Multitasking Marvels

    Beautiful Basket Tower
    Harbor 3-Tier Floor Standing Storage Basket
    Gourmet Basics by Mikasa amazon.com
    $79.99
    $69.74 (13% off)

    Mikasa’s freestanding baskets are so pretty, you’ll want them for fruits, veggies, hand towels, pet toys and more.
    LAB RESULTS: It’s simple to set up, has a small footprint and baskets are removable for greater flexibility.

    Ingenious Swivel Hooks
    Good Grips 3-Piece ClipHanger Set
    OXO amazon.com
    $9.99

    You’ll find many uses for OXO’s clip hooks, like hanging kitchen towels or other wet items to dry.
    LAB RESULTS: The nonslip grip holds heavy items, and the hook swivels to any angle. 

    Unbeatable Clear Drawers
    Acrylic Case 3 Drawer
    MUJI muji.us
    $28.00

    These see-through Muji drawers are ideal for stashing mail and items like journals and stationery.
    LAB RESULTS :They stack easily and slide in and out smoothly.

    Great Roving Cart
    12-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart
    Honey-Can-Do amazon.com
    $90.00
    $66.67 (26% off)

    There’s plenty of space in Honey-Can-Do’s 12 plastic drawers for all your craft, office and art supplies, and the top is a work surface too.
    LAB RESULTS: It takes less than five minutes to assemble. 

    Genius Gadgets

    Ultimate Label Maker
    Pt-D202 Home Personal Label Maker
    Brother amazon.com
    $51.30

    Any organizing pro will agree that a label maker is a must-have. Use Brother’s machine to label pantry bins, storage containers of holiday decor, file cabinets and even leftovers.
    LAB RESULTS: We found it quick to set up and were wowed by its many custom font and layout options.

    Smart Scheduler
    Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) with Motion
    Amazon amazon.com
    $249.99

    Access your grocery and to-do lists, get appointment reminders and manage smart home devices like lights and thermostats right on the Echo or with voice commands. Its great sound and 10-inch HD swivel screen (an upgrade from the Echo Show 8 we featured in our print magazine) make viewing and chatting a pleasure.
    LAB RESULTS: We love that this simple-to-use all-in-one device helps you organize your life and enjoy it, as it allows for movies, musical entertainment and video calls.

    Double-Duty Valet Charger
    CATCH:3
    COURANT staycourant.com
    $175.00

    This elegant powered tray is the perfect addition to a nightstand or an entry table. Unlike most wireless chargers, the Courant has a valet section for corralling small items like jewelry and earbuds, and it comes in an assortment of pretty colors.
    LAB RESULTS: Our testers liked the idea of one product that would tackle more than one clutter issue, and this does that nicely. No more misplaced keys!

    Multi-Device Charging Station
    Original Multi-Charging Station
    Great Useful Stuff amazon.com
    $39.99

    Corral messy tech clutter with this Great Useful Stuff vertical charging station. It holds up to three phones and two laptops or tablets, and comes in many colors and finishes.
    LAB RESULTS: Our tech experts were impressed by its ability to hold large devices and how it kept phone alerts visible and cords neatly stashed for tangle-free charging.

    Neatest Cord Bundlers
    Cord Bundlers
    Command walmart.com
    $5.48

    Cords for lamps, electronics and appliances can become a tangled mess, not to mention a tripping hazard. These holders keep them tidy and off the floor or counter. They secure to a wall with Command’s adhesive backing, which holds well and can be cleanly removed.
    LAB RESULTS: These nifty bundlers work for most cord sizes and won’t ruin your paint job when you take them off the wall. More

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    The Easiest Way to Cast On When Knitting

    As part of our new GH Stitch Club, we’re showing beginners all the basic techniques for knitting! And the first thing you need to do to get started on any project (FYI: we have a bunch of great options to choose from here), is to learn how to cast on a.k.a place your stitches on your needle.

    Join the Good Housekeeping Stitch Club

    There are a few different techniques for casting on, including provisional, frilled and long tail, but we advise using the backwards loop method as seen in the video above, especially if this is your first knitting project.
    It’s super simple and can be done in just a few of steps:
    Step 1: Make a slip knot
    Make a loop with your yarn and slip it on one of your needles. Then, tighten it just a bit, making sure it’s not too stiff.
    Step 2: Cast On
    Take your yarn and loop it around your thumb. Thread your needle underneath, and create a loop on your needle, again making sure it’s not too tight.
    Step 3: Repeat
    Depending on how many stitches your project requires, you’ll repeat step 2.
    Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to knitting like a pro!

    PICK YOUR PATTERN

    Garter Knit Scarf
    yarnspirations.com

    Jiffy Cowl
    yarnspirations.com

    Chunky Crochet Beanie
    yarnspirations.com

    Twisted Crochet Headband
    yarnspirations.com

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    How to Work a Knit Stitch for Total Beginners

    If you’ve been toying with the idea of knitting lately, you’ve come to the right place. As part of our GH Stitch Club, we’re creating easy tutorials that will walk you through the most important components of knitting, including how to cast on and how to cast off.

    Join the Good Housekeeping Stitch Club

    In this post, we’ll be focusing on how to knit stitch, which is the most basic stitch in knitting. Depending on your project, you may also need to learn a purl stitch or stockinette stitch, but if you’re a beginner, you’ll likely be using a knit stitch for most of your creations.
    How to Knit Stitch
    Step 1: After you cast on, insert your needle from left to right into the first loop.
    Step 2: Wrap the yarn over your needle from left to right.
    Step 3: Pull the yarn through the first loop on your left-hand needle, creating a loop on your right-hand needle.
    Step 4: Slide off one stitch from your left-hand needle. This will give you the first knit stitch on your right-hand needle.
    Pro tip: You’ll want to be able to slide your stitches down your needle easily. To do that make sure you’re not pulling the loops too tight.
    Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4, until all of your stitches are on your right-hand needle.
    Step 6: Switch hands and continue on in knit stitch.
    Once you’ve created rows, you’ll be working in garter stitch.

    PICK YOUR PATTERN

    Garter Knit Scarf
    yarnspirations.com

    Jiffy Cowl
    yarnspirations.com

    Chunky Crochet Beanie
    yarnspirations.com

    Twisted Crochet Headband
    yarnspirations.com

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    How to Cast Off When Knitting for Beginners

    After you’ve finished a knitting project — whether it be a scarf, gloves or blanket — it’s so important to make sure you properly cast off (a.k.a create an end to your knitting). If you’re a beginner knitter, this part might be a little tricky! As part of our GH Stitch Club, we’re breaking down the steps to help you learn how to cast off when knitting (and if you need, take a look at our tutorial on how to cast on for a refresher).

    Join the Good Housekeeping Stitch Club

    In the video above, we will walk you through casting off (sometimes also called binding off), step by step, ensuring your stitches are safely and neatly sealed off.
    How to Cast Off
    Step 1: Insert your needle to knit, and then knit your first and second stitch.
    Step 2: Pull the first stitch over your second stitch. Your first stitch will then be wrapped around your second stitch. Pull your second stitch through so it’s solo on your needle.
    Pro tip: To avoid curling when casting off, make sure you don’t pull too tightly at the stitches.
    Step 3: Knit your third stitch. Pull your second stitch over your third stitch so that your third stitch is solo on your needle.
    Step 4: Repeat this process until you get to the end of your row.
    Step 5: Once you get to the end, cut the yarn away, leaving just a small tail.
    Step 6: Pull the tail through the last loop on your needle and tighten.
    Step 7: Using a darning needle, follow the lines of your knitting and weave the tail in and out of the stitches.
    Step 8: Cut off an excess yarn.
    Now you can rest assured there will be no unraveling!

    PICK YOUR PATTERN

    Garter Knit Scarf
    yarnspirations.com

    Jiffy Cowl
    yarnspirations.com

    Chunky Crochet Beanie
    yarnspirations.com

    Twisted Crochet Headband
    yarnspirations.com

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    Interior Designer Alberthe Buabeng Explains Why Now's the Time for a More Inclusive Industry

    Alberthe Buabeng, known by most as Albie, is a Washington-based interior design content creator and all-around idea machine. Her passion for decoding spaces is the culmination of nearly a decade of working in the retail visual merchandising and marketing industries, sprinkled with a lifetime of experiences. With a background of space design and storytelling, paired with her real-life lessons, Albie creates content to connect her decor-obsessed audience with beautiful and functional design inspiration.
    Her desire to contribute to the design community has also manifested in adapting the #SharetheMicNow Instagram initiative for the home industry; self publishing Curate The Home You’re In, an anecdotal and aspirational home book, and hosting The Design Influence, a podcast and community dedicated to supporting other interior designers in the digital space.
    In 2020, the home industry, like much of the world, was shaken by the death of George Floyd. As discussions arose on the topic of inequality, diversity and inclusion within the design business, it felt like more of the same conversations, followed by little to no action. By the time the “black boxes” that were intended to symbolize a need for change emerged on Instagram, there were all kinds of panels and lists put together to showcase Black designers and architects, but I’d yet to see one that could trigger sustainable conversations for change.
    Inspired by the original Share The Mic Now campaign on June 10th — founded by Bozoma Saint John, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Glennon Doyle and Stacey Bendet — I decided that this could be the beginning of something truly powerful in the home industry. A week later, we hosted the inaugural Share The Mic Now: Home Edition, featuring more than 100 participants across two weeks of Instagram takeovers for candid and sustainable discussions about diversity and inclusion in the home industry.
    Celebrating the first Black History Month since organizing the #SharetheMicNowHomeEdition initiative, paired with all of the events of 2020, which led to the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, I am hypersensitive to how much still hasn’t changed. As a first generation Haitian American, married to a Black man and raising a young Black daughter, I am acutely aware of how discriminatory our society can be and has always been. While also mourning George Floyd, I also painfully remember the attack on Abner Louima more than 20 years ago. After getting bombarded with emails committed to “change” and “equality”, it was time for me to write the words you’re now reading. Last summer, I posted this statement to my white peers on Instagram in an effort to pitch the #sharethemichomeedition initiative:
    “What if we could translate momentary sharing into a longer conversation by allowing Black creators to get in front of the audiences of their white counterparts ‘in person’?”
    It was one of the most uncomfortable yet freeing comments I’d ever publicly made about the state of the interior design industry — one that has often made me feel like an outsider in need of someone else’s validation.

    albieknows

    albieknows

    Typing some of my most controversial thoughts made me proud. Making my peers uncomfortable made me proud. I’m talking about abolishing the establishment so that we could all thrive based on merit equally.
    Why should I need to request a longer conversation to address our longstanding not-so-secret professional segregation? Why request permission from a peer to speak to an audience deserving what I already know I bring to the table? Why ask that someone else’s mic be shared with me?

    Mariah Texidor

    danielle carson

    How can we, as designers collectively, be charged with designing and decorating beautiful spaces when our own interiors are rot? What looks like an industry that’s all-inclusive, all-embracing, is more alienating than accepting. Who are we, as “designers,” to uphold what is beautiful when we’ve for so long ignored the ugliness within our own elitist, exclusive walls?
    Who are we, as consumers and creators, kidding when we “amplify” voices for a day? A week? A month? A season?
    When behind closed doors the opportunities are riddled with bias—the bias of privilege at best, and ignorance at worst?
    Skimming the pages of shelter magazines, browsing the line up of home TV networks and scrolling the social media of brand campaigns has long shown a clear void — a lack of depth resulting from a lack of diversity. We tap-dance around the who, what, when, where, why and how of it all, but the conversations we have ad nauseam don’t yield solutions … just more conversations.
    We’re supposed to be the curators of beauty for the world, but is that beauty with an asterisk? What were we really saying when we shared our mics? What did we hope people hear? I have heard a lot of the same, with some sprinkles of seeds for change. I have heard “allies” commit to learn and change and grow. I have heard promises for equity and inclusivity. But what have I seen?
    Words.
    Requests.
    Apologies.
    Excuses.
    More of the same.
    But little to no action.
    The hyper visibility has turned to unanswered emails, lost contacts, unbirthed opportunities, “fatigued” allies. Little did we know being “woke” still had a bedtime.
    Allies, I’ve been amplified. Do you hear me now?
    Are you an ally or an amplifier?

    Danielle Carson

    Danielle Carson

    The irony…
    The benefactor of the inequity needs to be the one to intensify the effort to close the divide. How fitting that black boxes become a symbolic social gesture for allyship…black boxes, synonymous with usually the only surviving element of a crash to investigate the cause.
    Ladies and gentleman, we’ve crashed, and the black boxes have spoken.
    But the season for conversation, and learning, and processing has come to a close.
    We’ve seen the truth — an ugly, not-so-new naked truth — and to pretend otherwise is more egregious than having never said anything at all.
    Calling all gatekeepers, educators and decision makers, amplification is reactive. It’s time for proactive change. Look at your teams — to your left, to your right, above you and below you. Does everyone look like you or do they look like me too? Do they look like the least of us … the rest of us … the best of us? Not to check a box but to reflect the true beauty of the world around us?

    Danielle Carson

    Make the marginalized the majority. On-air talent. Writers. Editors. Producers. Photographers. Cover Features. Hosts. Authors. Brand Ambassadors. Product Innovators. Hashtag All The Things. Because the lack of talent isn’t for lack of talent.
    Put down your mic. No more talking. We’ve passed the mic. We’ve made the requests. We’ve said all that needs to be said. We don’t need amplification. We demand representation. We would like to see diversity, but require inclusivity.
    The talent on the covers of our magazines, hosting the shows on our screens, and securing the licensing deals of our products should look like us…all of us. The richness of the industry shouldn’t be contained within the four walls of client residences. Clients should see themselves in us. Consumers should feel amplified.
    Collectively, we are the mic.
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    See How Blogger Tanya Watson Gave Her Dated Lake House a Modern Makeover

    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Tanya Watson, the blogger behind Dans le Lakehouse, leaned on a fresh color palette to transform her dated lake house into an airy oasis.
    She designed her home’s palette around the artwork of her late grandfather-in-law, renowned painter Bert Weir, which hangs throughout the house. Sticking to variations on a single shade makes decorating simple: “I can just toss something in the air, and wherever it lands, it’ll look great,” she says.
    Living Room

    Before
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    After
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Try a unifying dark shade.
    An array of colors and textures made the room lake dated and disjointed. Instead of removing the wood paneling, faux stone and old brass fixtures, Tanya painted everything a deep charcoal. Not only did it create a focal point that ties the room together, but the area also now feels longer and more spacious.
    Get the look: Accent Wall Color, Behr Evening Hush, homedepot.com.

    Before
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    After
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Hang your TV.
    Mounting the television above the mantel freed up floor space. It doubles as art when the TV is off.
    Office

    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Turn trash into treasure.
    Tanya found the blue chair on a curb. She had it upholstered in a hue to match the art, painted by her husband’s grandfather.
    Kitchen

    Before
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    After
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Forgo uppers.
    Awkwardly placed cabinets weren’t functional and made the small kitchen feel claustrophobic. By replacing them with a collage of cubbies and acrylic floating shelves, Tanya maximized storage while creating a decorative display. Open shelves make the room look light and clean.
    Get the look: Clear Acrylic Rack Shelves by NIUBEE, amazon.com.
    Bathroom

    Before
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    After
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Wallpaper a powder room.
    A basic sink and a half-hearted backsplash lacked pizzazz. Papering the walls from floor to ceiling gives this narrow powder room extra height. A copper bowl sink echoes the round mirror and light fixture to tie it all together.
    Get the look: Sprigs on Ocean Wallpaper by Ginger Creations, spoonflower.com; Walnut Stockholm Mirror ikea.com.
    Entryway

    Before
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    After
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Line a hall with cubbies.
    Blank walls were just wasted space in this empty corridor. Tanya can now store shoes, outerwear and other supplies right where they’re needed while keeping everything in its own place.
    Front Deck

    Before
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    After
    Courtesy of danslelakehouse.com

    Paint everything tone on tone.
    Wood paneling and natural steps looked weather-worn. Rich, deep colors on the siding and the deck help the lake house stand out amid its natural surroundings and keep it looking fresh in punishing northern winter weather.
    A version of this feature appeared in the May 2020 issue of Good Housekeeping.

    Tour Lifestyle Blogger Jacey Duprie’s LA Kitchen

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    Lifestyle Blogger Anna Mae Groves Takes Us Inside Her Stylish Home Makeover

    When you’re a lifestyle blogger with a growing social media following, your home is an extension of your brand. In July 2019, Anna Mae Groves, a mother of four (her eldest son lives in Arizona), and her husband, Rob, purchased a house in Cincinnati. Anna wanted a space that showcased her love of mid-century modern and Scandinavian design.
    To bring her vision to life, she took on a slew of DIY projects, from board-and-batten walls to a maple headboard. “Our house doesn’t have a lot of natural character,” she says. “But when you walk in, I think what we’ve created is unexpectedly interesting.”
    Living Room

    August Oliver

    Mix and match geometric patterns.
    “I like when people walk into the house and immediately see something fun,” Anna says of the white geometric wall she installed in the living room. To achieve the look, Anna took a photo with her iPhone and used the Markup editing tool in the photo app to try out various designs.
    Design Tip: Pick three colors to work with. Anna’s living room is designed around black, green and wood tones.

    August Oliver

    Paint your own art.
    A DIY black-and-white painting on the wall opposite the entry gives the space even more character. To paint your own eye-catching black-and-white geometric creation, follow this step-by-step:
    Step 1: Cover an old canvas with white acrylic paint. Once it’s dry, measure the board and divide it vertically into thirds. At the center line of each third, draw a line most of the way down to show where to place circles and half circles.
    Step 2: Using the base of a bowl or a similarly shaped object, trace small circles on the tops of the rows at the ends of the canvas.
    Step 3: Use the bowl to trace half circles, repeating down the center line of each third of the canvas, switching directions as shown at left. Finally, fill in the tracings with black acrylic paint.
    Get the look: Accent Wall Paint: Pure White, sherwin-williams.com.
    Stairwell

    August Oliver

    Paint in an architectural detail.
    Anna painted an arch at the top of the stairs to serve as a striking backdrop for works from Black artists.
    Get the look: Black Woman Wall Art by Bohodeko, etsy.com; Portrait of Child Smelling Rose by CloudNinePrints, etsy.com; Potato Art, DIY.
    Kitchen

    Joel Hornbarger

    Transform a room with lighting and hardware.
    Unlike other rooms, the kitchen required only minor cosmetic changes, starting with the installation of black hardware. “Previously, it was all silver and just faded into the cabinetry,” Anna says. “I wanted it to pop and be more dramatic.” She finished the look with a trio of globe pendants in a bronze finish for a touch of modern elegance.
    Design Tip: Consider collapsible storage bins. To corral large containers neatly in the kitchen or bathroom, Anna is partial to collapsible fabric bins, which are inexpensive and don’t take up much room when not in use.
    Get the look: Cedar & Moss Globe Pendant, rejuvenation.com; Emtek Mod Hex 4-inch Center to Center Bar Cabinet Pulls from the Urban Modern Collection, build.com.
    Main Bedroom

    August Oliver

    Try a dark feature wall.
    Anna played up the bedroom’s natural moodiness by installing a matte black board-and-batten wall. A DIY maple headboard, paired with crisp white bedding, adds balance. She used the same material — raw wood that has been sanded down for a more natural look — for the bench, the headboard and the picture frames in the bedroom.
    Design tip: Always allow breathing room. “It can make a space feel larger, more airy and not too busy,” Anna says. This was especially important for rooms in which she chose to incorporate a feature wall, whether with shelving or with wood paneling.

    Get the Look

    Mid-Century Grand Nightstand
    West Elm westelm.com
    $499.00

    Charcoal Heather Gray Sweater Pouf
    World Market worldmarket.com
    $99.00

    Ivory Aztec Diamond Drops Tassel Area Rug
    Rugs USA rugsusa.com

    Solid Wood Bench
    Loon Peak wayfair.com
    $329.90

    Living Room

    Anna Mae Groves

    Create a functional nook.
    Using Behr Carbon paint as a backdrop and DIY shelves, Anna carved out a compact resting place for keys, face masks and sunglasses. She also hung a brass oval mirror that’s perfect for taking one last look before walking out the door.
    Design Tip: When you need to clean up your space in a pinch, baskets can come in handy. Use them to store everything from remote controls to throw blankets and pillows. Anna even keeps one in the hallway for her dog’s leash.
    Get the look: Modern Weave Small Storage Baskets, westelm.com; Pure White Ceramic Vase, westelm.com; Stamped Metal Mirror in Brass by Project 62, target.com; Radabaugh Platform Bed, jossandmain.com
    En Suite Bathroom

    August Oliver

    Try peel-and-stick wallpaper.
    Anna’s glamorous bathroom proves that temporary wall coverings aren’t just for rentals. This paper, in a neutral brushstroke pattern, took her about two hours to install and didn’t require glue or water. A pair of oversize rectangular mirrors in a brass finish and black sink fixtures and lights complete the fun, elegant look.
    Get the look: Neutral Paintbrush Maze Removable Wallpaper, livetteswallpaper.com; Rounded Rectangle Metal Framed Mirror, rejuvenation.com; Auburn Light Fixture, illuminatevintage.com.
    A version of this feature appeared in the January/ February 2021 issue of Good Housekeeping.

    Tour Lifestyle Blogger Jacey Duprie’s LA Kitchen

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More