Liam O'Connell
Editorial byline
Liam O'Connell is an editorial byline for Homebody Magazine, with a focus on The Library, Comfort and Coziness, Home Entertainment. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
Learn more about our editorial process and use of automation in our AI & Automation disclosure.
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Pet Hair, Scratches, and Clutter: A Challenge-and-Solution Guide to Stylish Pet-Friendly Design
Living with pets doesn't mean surrendering your home to fur or chaos. This guide offers stylish, practical solutions for common pet design challenges like shedding, scratches, and clutter through smart material choices, layout adjustments, and storage.
Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read
Which Natural Fabric Should Your Loungewear Be? Linen, Cotton, Wool, and Bamboo Compared
Choosing the right natural fabric for your loungewear depends on your personal comfort needs and how you spend your time at home. This guide compares linen, cotton, wool, and bamboo to help you find the perfect fit for any season or activity.
Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Make Your First Fruit Vinegar at Home (and Save It When Things Go Sideways)
Discover how to make your own fruit vinegar at home using kitchen scraps or leftover wine, following a simple two-stage fermentation process. Learn to troubleshoot common issues and properly bottle and store your homemade vinegar.
Nov 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Wearable, Bedside, or App? How to Pick the Smart Sleep Tech That Fits You
Choosing the right smart sleep technology depends on your preferences for comfort, data type, and budget. This guide breaks down wearables, bedside devices, and apps to help you find the best fit for your sleep tracking needs.
Nov 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Amazon's 2026 Echo Lineup: The Dot Becomes a Hub, Echo Time Tackles Sleep, and the Show 16 Runs Your Home
Amazon's 2026 Echo lineup introduces significant upgrades, with the Echo Dot integrating a smart home hub and Wi-Fi extender, the Echo Time offering advanced sleep sensing and sunrise alarms, and the Echo Show 16 serving as a central family hub.
Nov 7, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Build a Home Library the Whole Family Will Actually Use
Build a family home library without a big budget by following expert recommendations for book selection, utilizing affordable sourcing methods like thrift stores and library sales, and organizing shelves for accessibility for all ages. This guide provides a framework to create a lasting literary legacy and foster a family reading habit.
Nov 6, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Create a Digital Detox Reading Nook: A Step-by-Step Guide for Any Home
Create a dedicated, screen-free reading nook to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with yourself. This step-by-step guide covers choosing the right location, designing for sensory silence, selecting comfort and light, and incorporating analog activities.
Nov 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Pet-Friendly Window Treatments: The Four Best Options Compared for Claws, Fur, and Safety
Choosing the right window treatments for homes with pets involves prioritizing safety, durability, and ease of cleaning. This guide compares four top options: cordless cellular shades, cordless roller shades, composite shutters, and Roman shades, matching them to specific pet behaviors.
Nov 1, 2026 · 6 min read
Which Multi-Functional Furniture Actually Solves Your Small-Apartment Problem?
Selecting multi-functional furniture for small apartments hinges on identifying your primary space problem, honestly assessing transformation frequency, and prioritizing build quality and aesthetic integration.
Oct 31, 2026 · 4 min read
Keep, Move, or Toss: A Simple Framework for Storing Spices So They Actually Taste Like Something
Spices lose their color, aroma, and flavor when exposed to heat, light, and air. This article provides a simple framework and checklist to audit your spice collection and optimize storage for peak taste.
Oct 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Build a Smart Home "Sleep Mode": The Lighting, Temperature, and Sound Settings Sleep Experts Recommend
Automate your smart home for better sleep by setting lighting to warm and dim, maintaining a bedroom temperature between 65-68°F, and using consistent soundscapes. This "sleep mode" routine helps your body wind down naturally.
Oct 30, 2026 · 6 min read
Biophilic Design at Home: A Three-Category Checklist for a Calmer, Nature-Connected Space
Biophilic design integrates nature into your home through direct elements, natural analogues, and spatial arrangement to enhance well-being. This article provides a three-category checklist to help you create a calmer, more nature-connected living space.
Oct 30, 2026 · 5 min read
How Many Double Rubs Does Pet-Friendly Upholstery Really Need? A Shopper's Number, Plus Everything Else to Check
For pet-friendly upholstery, aim for a minimum of 45,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs, a tight weave to resist snags, and proven stain and odor resistance. These factors, combined with material type and cleanability, ensure fabric durability in homes with pets.
Oct 29, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Program Smart Lighting Scenes That Actually Match Your Mood
Learn how to program smart lighting scenes by adjusting brightness and color temperature to match your mood and activities. This guide provides a simple framework and step-by-step process to create custom ambiance for any occasion.
Oct 29, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Decide What Stays and What Goes: A Minimalist Decluttering Framework
Decluttering is most effective when you shift from asking "what can I throw out?" to evaluating items based on purpose, space fit, and value. This intentional curation process leads to a serene home that requires less maintenance and fosters a desire for less accumulation.
Oct 27, 2026 · 4 min read
Five Materials, Five Certifications: How to Actually Verify "Eco-Friendly" Pet Products
"Eco-friendly" on pet product labels is often vague. To verify sustainability, look for specific material claims backed by recognized third-party certifications like GOTS, GRS, FSC, and OEKO-TEX.
Oct 26, 2026 · 5 min read
Match Your Home's Air Problems to the Right Smart Sensors and Automation
Diagnose your home's indoor air quality issues by starting with symptoms like stuffiness or odors, then select the right smart sensors and automated devices to address specific pollutants. Integrating these sensors with smart home platforms enables proactive control for improved comfort and health.
Oct 25, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Smart Appliance: A Priority-Based Framework
Buying a new appliance requires prioritizing your needs: cost savings, convenience, or home comfort. This framework helps you match appliance features like energy efficiency, smart controls, and quiet operation to your primary goal for an informed purchase.
Oct 25, 2026 · 4 min read
Hygge Meets Lagom: How to Build a Scandinavian Home That's Cozy and Uncluttered
Achieve a Scandinavian home by blending Hygge's coziness with Lagom's 'just enough' balance. This approach creates warm, inviting spaces that remain uncluttered and functional.
Oct 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Murphy Bed, Sofa Bed, or Daybed? The Right Convertible Bed for a Truly Dual-Purpose Room
Choosing the right convertible bed—Murphy, sofa, or daybed—is crucial for a dual-purpose room. Learn how to select the best option based on daily function, guest frequency, and space-saving needs.
Oct 23, 2026 · 4 min read