Home Ideas

You’ve decorated and curated, arranged and rearranged, and your home is a pleasure to live in and to look at. But what about the factors you can’t see? Fresh, clean air is as important to making your home a haven as good design — and one doesn’t have to come at the expense of the other. These five air-quality-improving moves will enhance your environment without compromising on style.1. Convert Your FireplaceA fireplace is a statement-maker in any room, but if yours is wood-burning, those cozy flames are also emitting dangerous soot particles and increasing the concentration of carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants in your home. Installing a natural-gas insert will significantly lower the amount of toxins you’re taking in — without compromising on the visual appeal and warmth of real flames. Another option: Reduce those emissions to near-zero by going electric. No, the fire in an electric fireplace isn’t real, but the technology has improved dramatically, resulting in realistic-looking colors and movement patterns for the faux flames.If you’re not ready to relinquish the ambience of a real wood fire, you can curb indoor air pollution somewhat by burning only thoroughly seasoned wood and making sure the fireplace is well ventilated and regularly cleaned, advises the American Lung Association.COURTESY OF DYSONNo matter what kind of fuel your fireplace burns, you can do your lungs a favor by placing a Dyson air purifier nearby.2. Add an Air Purifier (or Two)Here’s a shocking statistic: Indoor air quality is at least five times worse than the air outside — and it can be as much as 100 times worse, notes Good Housekeeping home improvement and outdoor director Dan DiClerico, citing EPA studies. The reason? Today’s homes are generally very tightly constructed and not very well ventilated, so when you breathe the air inside them, you may also be taking in contaminants from building materials, paint, carpets, household cleaners, even cooking fumes.If the thought of that leaves you gasping, don’t worry, there is a solution: an air purifier. Dyson’s purifying heaters include three models that contain integrated sensors and work on a sophisticated algorithm to automatically sense, capture and trap pollutants. Plus, they circulate purified air, allowing you to heat or cool it. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 even detects and destroys formaldehyde, a harmful gas commonly found in homes that can come from paint and varnish, electronics, even air fresheners and dryer sheets. The HP09 contains Dyson’s most sophisticated filtration system and generates enough circulation power to suck even distant pollutants out of your air.And not only do Dyson purifiers perform pollution-removal magic — they look good doing it. There are plenty of big, bulky air purifiers on the market, but Dyson’s models have a sleek, modern design. They’re also compact and lightweight, making them both unobtrusive and easy to reposition at will.3. Use Your Fans … ExhaustivelyDo you run your bathroom fan only until the mirror is defogged? You may be missing an easy way to boost your indoor air quality. Not only should you switch on the exhaust system before you get in the shower, you should leave it running for at least 15 to 20 minutes afterward to rid the air of the moisture that encourages mold and mildew, two common airborne allergens. But if your exhaust fans have ugly grillwork and sound like a 747 lifting off, you’re due for an upgrade. More current models blend seamlessly into your decor — some are even near-invisibly incorporated into a light fixture — and have ultra-quiet motors.Moyo Studio4. Be Careful With CandlesThe scented-candle craze shows no signs of flickering out. They’re everywhere, from mall kiosks to chichi boutiques, and are the ubiquitous all-purpose gift (or regift). While some research has shown that paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum, emit a bunch of bad-for-you chemicals when lit, the candle industry strongly disputes this, and most experts believe the amount emitted isn’t enough to harm you — especially if you always take care to burn your beloved scent-bombs in a well-ventilated place. But if you do prefer to avoid petroleum products, beeswax or soy-based candles are a cleaner alternative — and you no longer have to tolerate that this-looks-homemade-and-not-in-a-good-way appearance. Sophisticated shapes and colors, subtle natural scents and luxe packaging mean they’re still an ideal way to thank your dinner-party hostess or butter up your kids’ teachers.5. Curb “Pet Pollution”If you’re a pet parent, your furry friends’ presence is likely as much a part of your living space as a prized Oushak rug or your great-grandmother’s mahogany breakfront. But along with the cuteness, cuddling and slobbery kisses come a positively hairy amount of pollutants swirling through the air.Since your fur babies are pretty much a permanent fixture, do what you can to reduce their potential to spread pollutants: Vacuum often, groom them outdoors, bathe them and wash their bedding frequently —as well as your own, if you’re letting them sleep with you. And invest in a top-notch air filter. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehye HP09, Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 and Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 all are equipped with activated carbon filters to remove gases and odors and HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns — we’re looking at you, pet dander. More

If you’re thinking about adding a rooftop solar system to your home, you’ve probably come across the name Sunrun. Started in 2007, the San Francisco-based company has grown into the largest solar company in the U.S., with roughly 16% of the residential market.The solar industry is no stranger to fly-by-night operations, which is why our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute say it’s important to go with an established brand with a proven track record. With nearly 1 million solar installations to date, Sunrun has claim to both. Still, adding solar to your home is a major investment, so you want to make sure you team up with the right partner for your needs. With that, our experts worked alongside home energy professionals to put together this explainer, answering the essential questions to determine if Sunrun is the right solar provider for you.Sunrun pros & cons at a glanceProsMakes it possible go solar with little upfront costMaintenance and repairs are coveredOptional accessories, including battery storage and EV chargersConsLower return on investment over the long termLess control over choice of panels and other equipmentLease contracts can make selling your home a bit trickier How does Sunrun differ from other solar companies?It used to be that homeowners who wanted to go solar had to purchase rooftop panels and all the necessary accessories (mounting rack, inverter, electrical cables, etc.) through a solar company, which also handled the installation. Sunrun recognized that the steep initial cost of this approach was keeping tens of millions of U.S. homeowners on the sidelines. So the company pioneered a new “solar as service” model, whereby homeowners lease the solar system through Sunrun and pay a fixed monthly fee, just like leasing a car. Under the terms of the contract, which is usually for 20 or 25 years, Sunrun owns all the equipment and is responsible for any maintenance or repairs.How does Sunrun’s process work? After requesting a free quote through the website, an in-house Sunrun advisor will schedule a virtual consultation to iron out the details of your solar panel system design. This will include a review of recent utility bills to determine how much energy your home currently consumes, along with any projected changes in the future (for example, the plan to purchase an electric vehicle or a heat pump, which would drive up your electricity needs). The advisor will also go over your savings goals as well as any preferences you might have related to aesthetics. Based on these inputs, your Sunrun advisor will draw up the lease contract, also known as a power purchase agreement (PPA). Sunrun will then secure any permits or approvals required by your city for the project. Then they’ll schedule the installation, which will probably be completed in a single day, though it might be a few weeks before you receive permission to operate (PTO) from your utility company, allowing you to flip the switch on the system and start harnessing the sun’s power for your home.SunrunOne thing to note: Sunrun chooses all the equipment for your system. Many customers like it this way, since it saves them from having to research the vast array of solar panels and inverters on the market. Plus, as Chance Allred, chief experience officer at Sunrun, points out, “since we own everything, it’s in our best interest to put the best, most reliable equipment on our customers’ homes.” Still, if you’re the kind of person who likes to geek out on this stuff, or you want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best of the best for your home, solar leasing is probably not for you. Where does Sunrun operate?Sunrun serves the 19 states below, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.Northeast: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and VermontSoutheast: Florida and South CarolinaMidwest: Illinois and WisconsinSouthwest: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and TexasWest: California and HawaiiWhat are the benefits of Sunrun’s solar leasing model?Sunrun is great for homeowners who want to go solar but can’t afford the upfront cost, which even with federal tax credits, averages about $22,000 nationwide. That’s according to the latest data from EnergySage, a solar marketplace (and 2023 GH Home Reno Award winner) that helps consumers shop for home energy solutions. The leasing model allows more people to take advantage of the many benefits of solar. Maybe you want to reduce your carbon footprint by switching from fossil fuels to clean energy (the savings in greenhouse gas emissions by Sunrun solar installations since its inception is equivalent to taking 36.6 million cars off the road). Others reasons include if you want to take advantage of the high-tech benefits of electrification (more on that below, where we get into battery storage) or if you’re on a fixed income and like the idea of paying the same amount each month for energy, especially in the face of rising electricity costs.SunrunPeace of mind is another major advantage of Sunrun’s solar-as-service model. Since the company owns all the equipment, they’re on the hook if anything goes wrong with it. Sunrun also handles any maintenance requirements. We also like the company’s performance guarantee, which says in writing that if the solar panels don’t produce as much power as expected, they’ll issue a refund each month to make up the difference. What are the downsides of Sunrun to consider?If your goal of switching to solar is to save as much money as possible, solar leasing is not the best option. Though Sunrun says that for most customers, their lease payment is less than what they spent previously on energy, the potential long-term savings are much higher with a solar purchase. “That’s especially true if you’re able to pay cash for the system, as opposed to financing it,” says Spencer Fields, director of insights at EnergySage. In that scenario, the savings over 25 years could be as high as $90,000; a solar lease won’t deliver anywhere near that kind of return. (We should note that Sunrun does also sells solar systems to homeowners, including through a partnership with Costco that gives members a 10% discount on the equipment costs, but it’s a much smaller part of their business.)The other issue with solar as service is that if you end up selling your home, some buyers might balk at the idea of taking over the lease. Sunrun stands behind the 98% transfer success rate of its Service Transfer team, which is dedicated to facilitating the process. It’s also worth noting that solar panels will almost certainly add to the value of your home, according to several industry reports, including one from the real estate company Zillow, which found that “homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power.” Still, it’s important to know going into a solar lease agreement that any prospective home buyers down the road will need to agree to take over the contract. How much does a Sunrun solar system cost?Many factors impact price, including the size of the system and the complexity of your roof. But the average cost of a Sunrun project, according to a 2023 report by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is just over $4 per watt. A typical Sunrun installation generates 7,500 watts, putting the average cost at $30,000. However, this doesn’t take into account federal tax credits, which cover 30% of the cost. And don’t forget that most Sunrun customers choose to lease their system, for as little as $0 down.What other solar products & services does Sunrun offer?Since 2016, Sunrun has also offered solar battery storage. This is another big part of the company’s value proposition to consumers, since battery storage had been a kind of missing link in the whole rooftop solar equation. By adding a battery into the mix (Sunrun partners with both Brightbox and Tesla Powerwall), you can store power generated by your rooftop panels and use it during a power outage caused by extreme weather, wildfire or some other event. Also, if you still get some power from the utility company and it offers time-of-use pricing, you can program the battery to deliver power to parts of the home during off-peak hours. Sunrun also has a partnership with Span, a smart electrical panel that our experts awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Award on the strength of its ability to give homeowners more control of their home’s energy usage. “Energy used to be a black box for homeowners.” says Allred. “Our array of solar products, including smart features through the mySunrun app, creates a transparency that lets homeowners know everything that’s going on with their house and make smarter decisions based on the information.” SunrunSunrun has also started offering EV chargers, though only for purchase. The $1,749 cost includes all the necessary hardware, up to 20 feet of conduit and installation. To help offset the cost, you might be eligible for a tax credit under section 30C of the IRA. Does Sunrun offer warranty coverage?If you lease your solar system through Sunrun, maintenance and repairs are covered for the life of the contract. If you purchase through Sunrun, the company offers various packages with different warranties. The panels themselves are usually covered for 10 years, though coverage can be as high as 25 years. There’s also a bumber-to-bumper warranty that covers all equipment replacement and system repairs, including parts and labor, plus the guarantee that roof penetrations will remain watertight, for a full decade.What’s the bottom line on Sunrun?Sunrun has been a boon to the solar industry by making rooftop panels accessible for close to 1 million U.S. homeowners. If you want to join the clean energy revolution but can’t afford to purchase a rooftop system, you should consider a solar lease from Sunrun. You won’t save as much money over the long haul as you would by buying the system outright. But there are other benefits that our experts say make it a smart upgrade, like the ability to add backup power to your home to protect against power outages. Plus, as the home electrification trend continues, you’ll be set up to take advantage of the many clean, cost-effective technologies that are coming down the pike. Why trust Good Housekeeping?Dan DiClerico has covered the renewable energy market for nearly 25 years, working closely with agencies like the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as leading brands in the alternative energy space. He also keeps up with the latest innovations by attending trade shows and industry events. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, Dan oversees the testing and evaluation of any alternative energy equipment that passes through the Lab. He also oversees GH’s annual Home Renovation Awards, which surfaces many of the latest innovations in energy efficiency.Having 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

Houseplants create a calming aesthetic, and inject personality into living spaces. The only downside is that even the easiest plants need the right conditions to thrive, but that can be hard when you live in an apartment or a particularly dark space. That’s why we were so excited when we saw a new TikTok from Samantha Herman, also known as @houseplusplant on TikTok.Samantha created a DIY grow tower for her plants from three inexpensive supplies: a corner shower caddy, grow lights and zip ties. After building the shower caddy according to its directions, she uses zip ties to secure a grow light onto the bottom of all four shelves. She places the final result, a stylish black shelf tower, in the corner of a room and displays a potted plant on each level. There’s even space below for larger plants to rest. Plant tip: When decorating with houseplants, making the most of vertical space is crucial!”I believe all people should be able to have healthy, thriving plants — finding a way to bring light to areas that may be lacking at a reasonable cost is beneficial to every plant parent,” says Hermann, who advises anyone attempting this DIY project to take their time. “It’s simple, but to keep it neat looking, you’ll need to do some cord management.”TikTok users seem to love that this grow tower is renter-friendly. The non-slip rubber mats on the upper and lower ends of the shower caddy are intended to protect floors and ceilings from damage. Plus, the entire structure is easy to adjust or move, so there’s no need to give the tower a dedicated home. “The benefit of a grow tower is being able to grow plants anywhere, and in limited space,” says Hermann.Try the Plant Hack at HomeCorner Shower Caddy Tension PolePuck Grow LightsCable Zip TiesNow 64% Off”The nice thing about this tower is you don’t have to look for low-light tolerant plants,” says Hermann. “The lights are full spectrum grow lights, so any plant will benefit and grow well in this tower. If you’re a new plant parent, try a few of our favorite hard-to-kill houseplants, like jade plants, money trees or pothos. 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. More

Taking a long shower with all your favorite products (or as TikTok would call it, the everything shower) is an essential part of a self-care routine — but, all those body washes, exfoliants, shower steamers and buildup from shampoos and of course hair can cause buildup in your shower drain. If water is pooling up at your feet as you take a shower, chances are your drain is clogged. The reasons you should regularly be cleaning a shower drain go beyond the annoyance of standing in a puddle of water as you shower or waiting for the water to drain down after a shower: Clearing the blockages in your drains and pipes can help keep the water flowing and prevent odors, mold, pests, leaks and pipes from freezing in the wintertime. “Especially during colder months, it’s critical to nip clogs in the bud, since backed-up pipes are prone to freezing and bursting, which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs,” says Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.So, what can you do to fix it? Luckily for you, we’ve made learning how to unclog a shower drain easy with this step-by-step guide, including how to use a snake to unclog a shower drain and the best methods and tips for blasting through debris and buildup in drains. We’ve also rounded up the best drain cleaners approved by our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab and products like drain strainers to prevent future buildup. First, clear any visible debris and hairBefore using any tools, chemical cleaners or homemade cleaning solutions, you must let all the standing water drain down as much as possible. If it’s draining slowly or not at all, try using a plunger to push the water through the pipes. Once the tub or shower floor is empty, remove any stoppers and drain covers. Either twist or screw off the drain cover and then clean up the hair and any product buildup on the surrounding surface area. Look into the drain and try to clean out loose hairs, debris, soap and any objects that may have fallen into the drain. Run the water again to check if the drain is still clogged. If it is, continue onto the below steps to defeat a bigger problem and deep clean your drain. How to unclog a shower drain with a vinegar and baking soda mixtureOne at-home solution to unclogging a shower is by making a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. (You can use this to clean the kitchen sink as well!) Follow the instructions below to create and use it as follows:Mix ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup table salt.Pour the mixture down the drain along with 1 cup heated vinegar. After it foams and bubbles, let it stand for 15 minutes (waiting longer will not produce better results).Follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.Never use bleach cleaners at the same time as this homemade vinegar mixture. The chemical reaction between bleach and white vinegar can produce hazardous gasses that are harmful to inhale. Stick to the vinegar and baking soda solution or separately use a chemical cleaning product another day to clean your drains.How to unclog a shower drain with a plungerYou can use a regular plunger to unclog your shower and sink drains. After removing the drain cover, run a bit of water to cover the bottom of the plunger cup. Then, move the plunger up and down (like you are unclogging a toilet) to unclog the drain. How to unclog a shower drain with a plumber’s snakeVastar Drain SnakeVastar Drain SnakeNow 60% OffA plastic drain snake like the Vastar Drain Snake can reach down into the pipes and dislodge items blocking water flow. Slowly insert the snake down the drain until you are stopped by the clog, and twist it around so that the barbs along the tool can grab onto hair and debris. The snake will either push the blockage down and out or you will be able to pull the source of the clog up and out. “It’s a good idea to keep a few of these on hand since the tool can be enough to clear a clog in seconds,” says DiClerico. How to unclog a shower drain with a drain cleanerIf these easy at-home methods don’t work, you can always purchase a drain cleaner to flush it out. These tough solvents clear out grease, soaps and debris and can be used regularly to keep your pipes clean. Our home improvement and cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute found the best drain cleaners in our Labs to clear out hair, grease and buildup in drains. Chemical cleaners like the Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator have fast-acting results on shower drains and can clear clogs in standing water. Enzyme cleaners like the Bio-Clean Bacteria Septic Cleaner must be left sitting in the drains overnight, but they are chemical-free solutions for dissolving lodged food or tougher items than a clogged drain’s typical culprits (hair and soaps). Be sure to follow the brand’s instructions because each chemical drain cleaner is different. Plus, take safety precautions by wearing gloves and opening a window for ventilation.When to hire a plumberIf your drain is still blocked after exhausting all these at-home options, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, says it’s time to turn to the pros. “After that, call a professional plumber and tell them what you used.” Letting the plumber know what chemical cleaners and homemade solutions you’ve already tried can avoid any damage to your pipes. “That way, there won’t be any surprises,” says Forté.How to prevent a clogged drainAfter unclogging a shower drain once, you’re not going to want to do it again anytime soon. There are some precautions you can take to prevent a future clog that are simple and effective:Add a drain strainer or cover for your shower drain to prevent fallen hair, body scrubs or pieces of soap from clumping up inside the pipes.Use drain cleaners monthly and follow the directions from the brand. Once a month, you can pour the homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda mentioned above into the drain to regularly clean out buildup of shampoo, conditioner, body scrubs and soaps you use in the bathroom. Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.  More

Upgrading your home’s HVAC system can be a big commitment. But especially these days, there are multiple payoffs: You can improve your energy efficiency — which, in turn, saves you money. And you can make maintaining a comfortable living space for yourself and your family easier than ever.One way to achieve all of that is with the Trane Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link, winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award. This industry-leading heat pump ensures you’re always using the minimum amount of energy by taking environmental factors like temperature and humidity into account, continously speeding up or slowing down as the weather fluctuates to cool or heat the home to within half a degree of the chosen temperature. Plus, with the Trane Home app, you can use your smartphone to monitor the system, adjust your energy usage and even give technicians access to run diagnostics.Beyond the money you save from the efficiency improvements, there are cost savings up front as well. For one thing, the Trane heat pump can be installed using your existing ductwork, so you can benefit from its technology without installing new vents. Even better, there are new federal tax incentives coming this year, as well as already operational federal and state ones, that can net you a serious break on updating your system.Products and services selected for the Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Awards undergo months of rigorous testing to help homeowners make the best decisions for their home improvement or renovation projects. Check out the video above to hear more from Dan DiClerico, Good Housekeeping’s home improvement & outdoor director, about the efficiency, savings and comfort afforded by the Trane Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link. More

If you can’t get enough of watching home renovation shows, chances are you’re a fan of the hit HGTV show, Property Brothers. Over the years, the stars of the series, Jonathan and Drew Scott, have guided hundreds of families through the process of making over their homes, with a healthy dose of humor and tons of candid advice along the way. With two brand-new HGTV shows slated for 2024 — Backed By the Bros and Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers — and thriving home product lines, the design duo remains hard at work. The Scott brothers recently stopped by Good Housekeeping’s New York offices, and shared some of their top design mistakes to avoid as well as some decorating myths to watch out for — and let’s just say we hung on their every word. Here’s Jonathan and Drew’s best advice for homeowners right now: Design Mistakes to AvoidOpting for epoxyed countertops. “Don’t epoxy your countertops! It doesn’t last!” — Jonathan Hanging patina mirrors. “People like doing something fancy with their mirrors — like patina mirrors that have some sort of an aged look. But I say, stop doing that for mirrors you use in your bathroom.” — DrewTackling complicated DIY projects like wiring or plumbing. “Why are you DIY’ing to save money when, in the end, it’s actually going to cost you money?” — DrewInstalling barn doors. “Barn doors have been overdone. They’re perfect for certain solutions, but not for every solution.” — JonathanDesign Myths to IgnoreHardwood is the only option. “There are much better products that are far more durable. Luxury vinyl is an example [of a material] that can look like hardwood, but it’s way more durable.” — DrewA clutter-free home is best. “Curate your clutter instead. Decide what’s going to showcase your personality and then get rid of the other stuff.” — JonathanMatching all your furniture and accessories. “People think you have to match things in open floor plans. Matchy-matchy is really boring. Find things that complement [each other] and even [introduce] some nice contrast throughout the space to bring more personality.” — DrewVisit Good Housekeeping’s TikTok for more design advice from the Property Brothers!More on Home Design TrendsHome Design DirectorMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

Design lovers are in for a treat! Pantone just announced Peach Fuzz as its 2024 Color of the Year. The color authority says the comforting hue is a reflection of the current times, as well as people’s desire for peace (maybe even a little alone time) and a sense of community. It’s a surprising departure from last year’s bold, nature-inspired pick, Viva Magenta.Pantone“A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”PantonePeach Fuzz signifies another major milestone for Pantone: It’s the 25th Color of the Year. In 1999, Pantone first kicked off the well-respected program with Cerulean Blue as its Color of the Year. Curious about how to bring a dose of Peach Fuzz into your own space? In conjunction with the announcement, Pantone launched a few exciting partnerships that present the perfect opportunity. They’ve teamed up with Motorola, Shades by Shan, Ruggable and Spoonflower, among others, on special products boasting the pretty hue. (Snag them while there’s time!). We also love the idea of pairing the peach tone with shades like navy, mint, beige, brown and even pops of gold. The possibilities are endless, if you ask us! Shop Peach Fuzz: Pantone’s 2024 Color of the YearPantone Peach Fuzz Pop Prism DoormatPantone Peach Fuzz Nice Peach Bath MatAurora Folk BrightAurora Vine Dawn WallpaperHome Design DirectorMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

Every homeowner should own a toolbox — but what should it contain? Our on-staff home renovation experts say every tool bag should contain these essential items:1. Masking TapePainter’s tape is easy to tear, easy to remove and endlessly useful for indicating whatever you need to hammer, cut, paint, donate, replace or refurbish.Related Story2 . Cordless DrillNewer models of cordless drills are available with stud finders, making hanging or mounting projects a snap.Related Story3. HammerWhile there are plenty of fancy hammers, old schoolworks just fine. Use the claw side to remove nails.EXPERT TIP: Think through every job beforehand, and try to make one run for supplies.4. Safety GogglesNails slip, old paint chips go flying. These should be non-negotiable when working on home-improvement projects.5. Utility KnifeAlso known as a boxcutter, this knife can fold out or push up.EXPERT TIP: Keep tools, hardware and materials off the floor as you work. The last thing you need is a tripping hazard or to get hurt by a sharp tool.6. Drain SnakeRun this thin plastic drain cleaning tool down your sink whenever water drains more slowly than usual.Related Story7. LevelYou can eyeball whether something is straight or even, but only a level will tell you for sure. You could also try a level app on your phone.8 . ScrewdriversBuy an assortment — slotted, Phillips, star, square — and you’ll be able to secure every kind of screw.EXPERT TIP: Put everything in its place at the end of each session. Your work area should be restored to a pre-project level of orderliness.9 . FlashlightIt helps when the power goes out, of course, but a flashlight is also useful for peering into crevices and corners.10. PencilSticking a pencil behind your ear will make you feel handier and readier to tackle any project. It’s also helpful for marking or noting measurements.11 . Tape MeasureMeasure twice, cut once.Looking to learn more essential skills to maintain and repair your home? Check out our best-selling book, Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges.Related Stories More