As kitchen trends continue to move away from rigid, wall-to-wall cabinetry, a more relaxed and characterful approach is taking centre stage. Designers are increasingly embracing freestanding kitchen furniture – from antique dressers and shelving units to farmhouse tables and standalone pantries – to create spaces that feel collected rather than constructed.

Unlike fitted cabinetry, freestanding pieces bring flexibility, personality, and a sense of history. They blur the boundaries between kitchen and living spaces, helping rooms feel warmer, more individual, and far less utilitarian. Whether you're renovating a period property or looking to soften a contemporary scheme, these kitchens offer a compelling case for taking a more furniture-led approach to kitchen design.

1. A Pantry Cupboard with Antique Presence

The resurgence of the pantry cupboard is perhaps the clearest sign that kitchens are moving away from fitted cabinetry. In deVOL's Heirloom Collection, the freestanding pantry becomes both a practical kitchen storage solution and a decorative focal point, introducing the charm of antique furniture without sacrificing functionality.

'The very essence of deVOL is traditional freestanding furniture,' says Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL. 'We have recently launched our Heirloom range of furniture, which offers the simplest form of historical cupboards and accessories.'

Unlike a built-in larder, a freestanding pantry sits comfortably within the room, helping the kitchen feel less engineered and more evolved. It also offers flexibility that fitted cabinetry cannot. As Helen notes, vintage-style pantry cupboards are one of the easiest ways to introduce furniture into a kitchen, whether sourced from an antique fair or chosen as a purpose-made piece such as The Butler’s Pantry found in the Heirloom Collection.

2. Open Shelving Extends an Island

When New York-based designer Sarah Lederman planned the layout of this Upper West Side apartment, she deliberately resisted the temptation to extend the island with more cabinetry. Instead, she introduced a freestanding shelving unit by British furniture maker Alfred Newall, creating a softer transition between kitchen and living space.

'What I find compelling about freestanding pieces in kitchens is that they help blur the boundary between the kitchen and the rest of the home,' says Sarah. The piece provides a home for cookbooks, ceramics, and everyday objects while bringing a more decorative, furniture-centric quality to the room. The result feels far more layered than a bank of cabinetry ever could.

'These moments of character, quirk, and informality are often what make a kitchen feel inviting and personal,' Sarah adds. 'The result feels less engineered and more collected over time.'

3. An Antique Sideboard Replaces Upper Cabinets

Rather than relying on fitted storage throughout, Nicky Mudie, founder and director of Violet & George, used an antique oak sideboard to introduce warmth, texture, and a sense of history into this kitchen scheme. ‘We wanted this kitchen to feel like a room first and a kitchen second,’ says Nicky. ‘The danger with fitted kitchens is that they can sometimes feel a bit too perfect and uniform.’

The substantial antique piece acts as a storage cabinet, serving station, and decorative focal point all at once. More importantly, it gives the room an individuality that is difficult to achieve with new cabinetry alone. ‘The antique oak sideboard brings personality and a sense of history that you simply can't buy off the shelf,’ Nicky explains. ‘We used lots of different timbers, finishes and antiques to make the space feel more individual.’

For anyone hesitant about abandoning fitted cabinetry entirely, incorporating a single antique furniture piece is an accessible place to start.

4. Plate Racks Double as Wall Décor

Freestanding furniture doesn't have to sit on the floor to make an impact. In this kitchen, a traditional plate rack turns an otherwise blank stretch of wall into a charming display of everyday ceramics while providing practical storage.

Once a staple of Georgian and Victorian kitchens, plate racks are enjoying a quiet revival as homeowners look for alternatives to enclosed wall cabinets. Their open design keeps kitchens feeling lighter and less bulky, while allowing favourite ceramics to become part of the room's decoration.

Helen notes that ‘smart old wall cupboards, open shelves and plate racks are popular extras that work well integrated into an existing fitted kitchen.’ The beauty of a plate rack lies in its simplicity. Whether used to display a collection of everyday white crockery or inherited china, it introduces a layered, collected warmth without requiring a full redesign.

5. A Dairy Table Adds Valuable Prep Space

If there's one freestanding piece capable of changing the feel of an entire kitchen, it's a substantial worktable. A large dairy table takes the place of a conventional kitchen island, providing generous prep space while keeping sightlines open and the room feeling less dominated by cabinetry.

Inspired by traditional farmhouse tables, these designs often feature generous drawers for extra storage, and the open base creates a lighter visual footprint than a solid island, while still offering the practical surface area needed for everyday cooking, baking, and entertaining. ‘Having everything matching in a room is not imaginative,’ Helen adds, ‘but add a lovely scrubbed pine kitchen table and some pretty painted chairs and all of a sudden the kitchen feels homely and a place you want to stay.’

Unlike a fixed island, a freestanding table encourages a more relaxed way of living. It can serve as a preparation space, dining spot, workspace, and gathering point throughout the day, helping the kitchen feel less like a workstation and more like the heart of the home.

6. This Custom Hutch Introduces Depth

In this 1920s Tudor Revival kitchen, Los Angeles-based designer Beatriz Rose introduced a custom hutch by Plain English to create a pause between more conventional cabinetry and the adjacent breakfast nook. Its stepped shelving, marble work surface, and slatted lower shelf make it feel more like an individual furniture piece than a seamless run of storage.

‘This approach works particularly well in historic homes because it respects the architectural character of the house,’ says Beatriz. ‘Rather than filling every wall with built-in cabinetry, freestanding pieces create moments of visual relief that allow the architecture to breathe and the eye to rest.’

The detail that really sets the piece apart is the variation in depth. ‘We intentionally designed the upper shelving with stepped depths to create a sense of scale, shadow, and whimsy,’ Beatriz adds. ‘These subtle variations help the piece feel crafted and collected rather than manufactured.’

7. An Open-Base Island Avoids Visual Bulk

For this kitchen, Beatriz designed a freestanding island, handcrafted by Brawley Made, that offers the practicality of a built-in without the same visual weight. Its open base is especially useful in an older home, where the island needed to sit in the center of the room without making the space feel cramped.

‘Freestanding kitchen islands offer many of the benefits of traditional built-ins while bringing a lighter, more relaxed character to the room,’ notes Beatriz. ‘This furniture-inspired island draws inspiration from traditional Vermont worktables and farmhouse furniture.’

The detailing reinforces that worktable feel. ‘Tapered legs, a deep overhang, an open storage shelf, and a scalloped apron give the piece the character of furniture rather than cabinetry,’ she continues. ‘Unlike a solid block of millwork, the open base creates visual breathing room while providing practical storage for baskets, cookware, and everyday items.’

Shop Freestanding Kitchen Furniture

Ultimately, the appeal of freestanding kitchen furniture lies in its flexibility. Beyond providing valuable storage and worktop space, these pieces can be moved, added to and lived with over time, allowing a kitchen to evolve naturally and feel more personal in the process.

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Cool-toned grays may have had their moment, but that doesn't mean that all grays are taking a backseat in 2026. In fact, those warm, more complicated grays that shift in the light are starting to feel like a welcome palette cleanser among some of the more striking hues that make up today's color trends.

While designers have long loved the timeless neutral that is Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath, this year, it feels like one of the few accepted gray paints that actually stand up against the eye-catching shades that are dominating this year. Layered with purple notes, it's a refreshingly layered gray that couldn't stray further from the controversial cool-tone that we've said goodbye to.

Whether you're a lover of simplicity or simply want a neutral paint color that feels classic yet still warm and interesting, Elephant's Breath is exactly how to use gray in 2026.

1. A Tranquil Home Office Bathed In Pale Gray

While plenty of hues are replacing gray in 2026, Elephant's Breath proves that not all gray paints are out of style. 'It's a very calm, sophisticated gray with the warmth of the taupe undertone,' explains interior designer Marie Kalsi, who used it on the walls of a client's home office.

'When we started this project, the only item our clients wanted to keep was the roman blind in this dark purple damask pattern. So, we chose Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath not only for its calming greige quality but also for its hint of magenta and taupe.'

'For contrast, we painted the bespoke cabinetry in Farrow & Ball's Brinjal to really pull the scheme together,' Marie explains. 'We also paired Elephant's Breath with Skimming Stone for the ceiling to not only accentuate the ceiling height but to also create a layered neutral aesthetic, which created a beautiful backdrop for the Roche Bobois Eden Rock collection to complete this modern, glamorous mid-century scheme.'

2. A Living Room That Changes In the Light

'I’d describe Elephant’s Breath as a neutral for people who don’t usually choose neutrals,' explains Henrietta Alice Green, of Henrietta Alice Home. 'It has beautiful lilac undertones that become especially apparent when it’s flooded with natural light in a south-facing room. During the day it feels soft, fresh and uplifting, while in the evening it settles into a cozy, warm grey that creates a really inviting atmosphere.'

There are times you should never paint a room gray, but in light-flooded rooms, it's often a clever choice. 'This room is our snug, so I wanted it to feel cozy and cocooning in the evenings while still feeling light and airy during the day,' Henrietta explains. 'The French windows bring in lots of sunlight, which really enhances the color’s subtle undertones and changing character throughout the day. I also loved how it worked alongside the original cornice detailing, highlighting the architectural features without overpowering them.'

'I think it’s an incredibly versatile color. In this room, I paired it with a palette of bright pastels and a deep teal armchair, which adds richness and depth, particularly in the evening light. Pops of pink and blue work beautifully with Elephant’s Breath’s lilac undertones.'

3. A Romantic Bedroom Layered With Gray Notes

'Elephant's Breath is a wonderfully nuanced warm gray with subtle taupe and mauve undertones,' says interior designer Juliette Saier. 'Depending on the light, it can feel soft and airy during the day, then become richer and more enveloping in the evening. It has a quiet sophistication that avoids both the coldness of traditional grays and the sweetness of beige.'

'The apartment (pictured above) features beautiful historic architecture, including detailed wall moldings, high ceilings, and herringbone parquet flooring. I wanted to highlight these classical elements while giving them a more contemporary and understated character,' Juliette explains. 'Elephant's Breath provided the perfect balance: enough depth to accentuate the moldings and architectural relief, yet soft enough to maintain a calm, residential atmosphere. It creates a refined backdrop that allows natural materials, artwork, and furniture to stand out without competing for attention.'

'Elephant's Breath pairs beautifully with layered neutrals and earthy tones,' adds Juliette. 'In this project, it was combined with Wimborne White on the ceilings and cornices to maximise light and highlight the room's original architecture, while Skimming Stone was used on the inner moulding details to create a subtle tonal contrast. Charleston Gray, on the skirting boards, adds depth and grounding to the overall palette.'

4. A Bright and Airy Laundry Room

'I describe Elephant's Breath as a muddy lilac gray, which acts as an elevated neutral,' begins Kate Daskalakis, founder of KSD Designs.

While there are colors to never pair with gray in 2026, a delicate wallpaper couldn't be a more complementary choice. In this laundry room, Kate applied it to the cabinetry for subtle depth, bringing richness without compromising the room's airiness. 'This built-in is in my studio,' she explains, 'and I chose it because I wanted to give it a moment for people to giggle at the silly name but appreciate the elegance of it in a space.'

'I love to pair it with blues, like Plummet by Farrow & Ball,' she adds, 'and greens like French Grey, and for a white, Pointing by Farrow & Ball (as shown in photo). And I love it with a sage velvet or a chocolate mohair. I love to use it in more historical homes, as it adds depth and enhances the home's natural character.'

5. A Marble Bathroom Grounded With Gray Walls

Interior designer Hazel Morris shares her thoughts on the warm gray paint. 'It's such an interesting color and can look really different placed in different spaces, sometimes lilac and sometimes gray, sometimes even off-white! Always warm and rich and quite luxurious.'

'I chose this color as, being incredibly versatile, it worked across the whole master suite (pictured above) as a perfect backdrop to some of the richer and more pigmented tones we used in the spaces, such as the burgundy bath. Timeless enough to be suitable for period properties and newer styles of property too,' she adds.

'It pairs best with stronger and more contrasting tones, such as the heavily veined marble we chose (picking out the purple-y tones here), darker-toned, antique wood and timbers, warmed based colors such as burgundy. It also works incredibly well as the more pigmented tone in a mostly neutral scheme.'

Elephant's Breath-Inspired Shopping

A complex gray that shifts in the light, Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath is a timeless neutral hue that strikes a balance between warm and fresh, perfect for almost every style or size room.

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Taking its name from antique silverware, Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green fuses earthy forest green and aged gray into one timelessly moody hue.

Best described as a grounding gray-meets-green, Pewter Green might've been on the market for over twenty years, but it's been the go-to dark green paint in the design world since 2020.

Today, Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams is still the go-to paint choice for every space in need of a little luxury and richness. 'While it draws inspiration from nature, it feels refined rather than overly rustic, making it a versatile choice across a variety of design styles,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. 'Depending on the lighting, Pewter Green can read as a deep green, soft olive, or moody neutral, creating depth and warmth while maintaining a timeless appeal.'

'Pewter Green lends itself beautifully to a layered, collected aesthetic,' explains interior designer Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. 'It works especially well with the cottagecore approach to decorating, where color-drenching and character-rich details take center stage. I love pairing it with patterned curtains, floral textiles, vintage artwork, and pieces that feel timeworn and collected over time.'

It makes sense then that the moody green hue worked so well in the farmhouse kitchen pictured above. 'This project dates back to 2018, when black and white painted cabinetry was dominating kitchen design,' explains Kelsey. 'We wanted to push beyond those expected choices and try something that felt fresh while still being timeless. I had originally been inspired by a beautiful green-painted closet island I had seen and wondered what that color could look like on a much larger scale. Pewter Green felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that idea into a full kitchen, creating a space that felt rich, inviting, and a little unexpected at the time.'

'Pewter Green looks especially beautiful alongside natural wood tones and warm brass finishes,' adds Kelsey. 'Green and red/orange sit opposite one another on the color wheel, which creates a natural harmony between the paint color and the warmth of wood. I particularly love it paired with Minwax Weathered Oak stain on white oak. Kelsey suggests, 'Rusty reds and deep aubergine or plum tones can create a striking contrast while still feeling sophisticated, such as Sherwin-Williams Dark Auburn.'

'I wanted a color that felt moody, timeless, and sophisticated while still being practical for a hardworking family space,' explains Sarah Elizabeth Belleau, founder of Elizabeth Lane Interiors, on the green mudroom pictured above. 'Pewter Green has beautiful gray undertones that give it depth and softness, creating a cozy, elevated feel rather than reading overly bold. As a mudroom that sees plenty of daily traffic from my children, I also loved that it would gracefully hide the inevitable dirt, scuffs, and everyday wear while still feeling beautiful and intentional.'

Naming the colors that go with dark green, Elizabeth says, 'Pewter Green works best when layered with natural textures and warm accents. I love pairing it with unlacquered or aged brass fixtures, woven baskets, natural wood tones, linen textiles, and an earthy, textured rug. These organic elements soften the richness of the paint color and create a space that feels warm, inviting, and collected.'

'Pewter Green pairs beautifully with warm neutrals such as cream, ivory, taupe, and camel,' adds Elizabeth. 'It also complements natural materials like white oak, walnut, rattan, and stone. For metals, brass and bronze bring warmth and contrast, while black accents create a more dramatic, modern look. The versatility of Pewter Green is what makes it so timeless. It can feel traditional, modern, or organic depending on the materials layered alongside it.'

'We selected Pewter Green because our client expressed an interest in green cabinetry,' Katilyn of Ainslie Design Studio explains, referring to the moody kitchen pictured above. 'After evaluating the overall style of her condo and taking inventory of the existing décor, we noticed a moodier, more sophisticated aesthetic throughout the space. The dark hardwood flooring further reinforced this direction.'

'With these elements in mind, we felt Pewter Green would be an ideal choice. Its gray undertones create a muted, refined green that complements darker finishes without overwhelming the room. Rather than making the cabinetry a focal point, our goal was for it to feel like a seamless extension of the condo’s design.'

'Pewter Green SW 6208 works beautifully as both a statement color and a supporting neutral,' agrees Emily. 'It can add character to cabinetry, kitchen islands, built-ins, powder rooms, and accent walls, while also creating a cozy, enveloping feel when used throughout an entire room.'

'The color pairs especially well with natural materials such as warm wood tones, stone, linen, leather, and woven textures, helping to create spaces that feel layered, inviting, and connected to nature,' adds Emily. 'Homeowners can also incorporate brass or matte black finishes to further elevate the look.'

Pewter Green-Inspired Shopping

A moody, deep green with notes of rich gray, Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green is a timeless paint color that can be used in various settings across the home, injecting luxury and depth into any room.

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When looking back on the kitchen trends of the last decade, few details have spread through luxury interiors as quickly as fluted cabinetry. With the rise of fluting in boutique hospitality spaces and the increasing adoption of custom joinery in home kitchens, these popular vertical grooves have become one of the most requested finishes.

Fluted kitchen details have made a habit of appearing across islands, pantry doors, breakfast bars, and full kitchen runs. Homeowners have loved how this kitchen trend can add texture without color, introduce shadow and dimension and create visual interest in minimalist spaces. Moreover, fluted cabinets have been seen as a shortcut to a kitchen that feels bespoke and elevated.

However, as the trend becomes rather ubiquitous, questions are emerging about whether this detail has run its course. The downsides of this design are now coming to the fore as homeowners navigate the practical challenges, the issue of visual clutter, and the risk of the design potentially dating a kitchen.

To dive deeper into this topic, we quizzed designers on either side of the debate, asking: In 2026, is fluted cabinetry still a smart design investment, or has the trend finally peaked?

Why Fluted Cabinetry Became So Popular

The rise in fluted cabinetry over the last decade has been caused by a convergence of factors. While the trend might have started out feeling fresh, it is a kitchen cabinet idea that dates back to ancient times.

'Fluting didn't begin on a cabinet door; it began on a column. The Greeks understood that vertical grooves catch light in a way that makes a surface feel alive rather than flat,' Lindsay Lucas, of Lindsay Laine Home, explains. In ancient Greek architecture, it is common to see shallow, concave vertical grooves carved into the shafts of columns. Used throughout the Renaissance, the Art Deco period, and in the mid-20th century, this perennial favorite is nothing new.

However, in recent times, it has gained appeal once again. Arriving during the era of warm minimalism, where Pinterest boards were defined by Japandi references, it was a way to add architectural texture without the use of bold colors or statement hardware.

'Fluted cabinetry took off because it struck a balance between classic and contemporary design. It introduces texture and visual interest while still feeling approachable to a broad audience. It was also relatively easy to achieve across a range of budgets, which only accelerated its popularity,' Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors, shares.

With homeowners looking more to high-end hotels and designer kitchens for inspiration, fluting became a quick way to create a luxury look for less. Meanwhile, as more of us turned to bespoke joinery in our homes, fluting became the go-to way to elevate otherwise simple cabinetry.

Meanwhile, its versatility across a wide range of surfaces only increased its popularity further. While kitchen cabinets might have been the first port of call, fluted details have been used on kitchen islands, pantry fronts, appliance garages, range hoods, coffee stations and more. The sky really has been the limit, and both homeowners and designers have run with it.

Why Some Designers Think the Trend Has Reached Its Peak

For some designers, this ubiquity paired with the practical and design challenges has meant they have grown tired of using this dated kitchen trend.

It’s Become Too Ubiquitous

It’s natural that once a detail appears in every kitchen renovation, designers begin looking elsewhere. 'Fluted cabinetry began as a sophisticated architectural detail that added texture and craftsmanship to a space. The problem is that it quickly became a design shortcut,' Mark Schubert, founder of M2 Design Lab explains.

Now, Mark believes we've reached the point of saturation, similar to what happened with other design details such as chevron tiles and shiplap. 'Once every cabinet manufacturer and furniture company adopted it, the detail lost much of what made it special. When a detail becomes the default rather than a deliberate design decision, it starts to feel dated much faster,' Mark continues.

Of course, in our social media age, these trends are spreading quicker than ever. 'What started as a thoughtful architectural detail has been applied to virtually everything, from cabinetry and islands to vanities, furniture, tile, stone, and decorative accessories. At a certain point, overexposure diminishes its impact, and I believe we have reached that stage,' Hillary notes.

It Can Date a Kitchen

Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Tanya Smith-Shiflett Design highlights how the trend for fluted kitchen cabinets reached peak saturation roughly three years ago. 'I think it will always strongly reference this particular moment in design. Very much the early-to-mid 2020s,' Tanya shares.

'My biggest concern is that people began using fluting as a trend application rather than as an intentional architectural detail. When design elements become overly trend-driven, they tend to lose longevity quickly,' she adds.

Hillary echoes the point that it isn’t the fluting itself but the adoption of trends. 'The more heavily a kitchen relies on a single trend, the more likely it is to feel representative of a particular era rather than timeless,' Hillary says.

It Often Creates Visual Clutter

When using fluted cabinetry across an entire kitchen, you run the risk of creating too much visual clutter. 'Texture is most effective when it creates contrast. When every surface is fluted, the detail loses its impact and can begin to feel visually overwhelming,' Hillary notes.

This can cause particular issues in small kitchens. 'When every cabinet surface is fluted, the eye has nowhere to rest. In smaller kitchens, the repetition can make the room feel visually compressed,' Mark says. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, it can also be problematic. 'In open-concept homes, full-height fluting can become a dominant feature that competes with surrounding living spaces,' Mark adds. Furthermore, he cautions against layering with bold stone, statement lighting, busy backsplashes, or other highly decorative elements.

It's Practically Challenging

From a practical standpoint, there is no getting away from the fact that fluted surfaces require significantly more maintenance than flat-panel cabinetry. 'Kitchens naturally collect grease, dust, and cooking residue and every groove creates another surface that needs to be cleaned,' Mark points out. What looks beautiful in a professional photograph can become surprisingly labor-intensive in everyday use. 'Clients are often attracted to the visual effect but don't always consider the long-term upkeep,' Mark adds.

Beyond the issues with maintenance, there are also practical limitations to consider long-term. 'Fluted cabinetry is much harder to refinish, repaint, or adapt over time compared to simpler door styles. If a homeowner wants to evolve the look of their kitchen years down the line, fluted surfaces can become restrictive because the detailing itself is so visually specific,' Tanya advises.

The Case for Keeping Fluted Cabinetry

On the flipside, some designers think that fluted cabinetry has staying power when used correctly thanks to its historical roots and texture-giving qualities.

It’s Rooted In History

Rebecca Hughes, founder and creative director at Rebecca Hughes Interiors, believes fluted cabinetry can transcend fleeting trends thanks to its long history within architecture and design. 'Fluting has architectural roots that date back centuries, from the columns of Ancient Greece to traditional millwork in heritage homes. That enduring history gives it a sense of permanence rather than novelty,' Rebecca says.

Lindsay agrees with this sentiment, arguing that a detail such as fluting was never really a trend to begin with. 'Fluted details have been part of the design vocabulary for centuries. It simply found its way back into the kitchen. What we're seeing now isn't a moment, it’s a recognition. Designers and homeowners alike are gravitating toward details that feel considered and crafted, and fluting delivers exactly that.'

It Creates Texture

Fluted cabinetry’s star skill is its ability to create texture in a way that flat cabinetry cannot.

In kitchens, which can have a habit of feeling rather sterile, this becomes particularly important. 'Kitchens are full of hard, reflective surfaces, like stone, metal, and glass. Fluting introduces something the eye can actually move across. The alternating ridges and channels create a rhythm of light and shadow that reads as warmth and depth without adding visual clutter,' Lindsay says.

Meanwhile, for those shy of the maximalist approach, adding fluted details is an excellent middle ground. 'It introduces texture into a kitchen without relying on bold colors or busy patterns,' Rebecca shares. 'It's a tactile detail that elevates even the simplest neutral palette. The subtle vertical grooves catch light and shadow throughout the day, creating depth and movement that make the space feel more layered and sophisticated.'

It's the Perfect Accent

For many homeowners, the sweet spot with fluted cabinetry is using it as an accent as opposed to completing a whole kitchen in the design. 'Incorporating it into a single feature – such as an island, pantry, or drinks cabinet creates a happy medium,' Rebecca shares.

'Applying fluting to one element gives detail to a room without overwhelming the space. It creates a moment of interest that makes the rest of the kitchen feel more intentional by contrast. The fluted piece anchors the room and everything else can be quieter because of it. That balance is what separates a kitchen that photographs well from one that actually lives well,' Lindsay confirms.

After all, application is everything when it comes to fluted elements. 'When a detail is treated as an accent rather than a statement, it transcends the trend cycle entirely. It becomes part of the room's character rather than a footnote to a particular era,' Lindsay states.

What Are Designers Choosing Instead?

For those designers that are tired of fluted cabinetry, other alternative styles are growing in appeal. 'For 2026, I see the design conversation moving toward a quieter, more sophisticated form of luxury. Rather than relying on overt decorative gestures, the focus is shifting to craftsmanship, materiality and warmth,' Hillary predicts.

For her, this means a move towards kitchens that feel collected, enduring and deeply personal. This plays out via softly stained woods, rich natural materials, mixed matte finishes, integrated detailing, and cabinetry that feels connected to the architecture of the home rather than designed around a singular trend.

Similarly, Tanya is embracing a timeless approach and gravitating towards cleaner, simpler cabinetry profiles with subtle detailing rather than overt texture. 'Flat-panel cabinetry with a delicate beaded edge or a very thin shaker profile feels much more enduring. Those styles still offer depth and craftsmanship, but in a quieter, more architectural way that won’t dominate the room or immediately tie the kitchen to a particular trend cycle,' she shares.

Meanwhile, Mark is focusing on materiality. 'Rather than relying on applied texture, I prefer creating depth through wood grain, natural stone, integrated hardware and layered finishes,' he says.

As with all design conundrums, there isn’t one simple answer. After all, there is no one design detail that will always work, neither one that must be avoided at all costs. When it comes to fluted cabinets, it is clear that application and intention is key when including this detail in a kitchen or beyond.

Thanks to the design’s architectural integrity and natural texture, fluted cabinets are not a trend that will ever completely disappear. However, as a result of its ubiquity in recent years, it's important not to rely too much on it as a design choice. Instead, as is often the case, small doses are the best approach. Especially when used alongside other fresher-feeling materials and minimalist approaches.

'For those who love fluting, my advice is not to eliminate it entirely. Used thoughtfully, it can still be incredibly effective. A single fluted island detail, pantry door, or furniture piece can add richness and dimension. An entire kitchen wrapped in fluting, however, can quickly become the design equivalent of wearing every accessory at once,' Hillary concludes.

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Author, antique dealer, and designer Nathan Turner is the kind of decorator who proves that great design isn’t always taught – it’s instinctive. Raised on a multi-generational cattle ranch in Northern California, his aesthetic was shaped as much by dusty landscapes as by the lilac chintz bedroom of his English great-grandmother, where he first absorbed the art of layering.

In this installment of our Layered Lives series, Nathan Turner explains that despite having no formal training, he was able to carve out a career defined by curiosity, personality, and an ability to translate people’s lives into spaces that feel both relaxed and deeply personal. From chance beginnings in the antiques world to building a distinctly intimate design business, his path has been anything but conventional. Along the way, mentors, friendships, and a love of storytelling through objects have helped define his approach.

Marking the publication of his latest book, I Love Decorating, he reflects on the formative interiors that shaped him, the evolution of his style, and why decorating, for him, is ultimately about creating homes that feel alive.

Homes & Gardens: Where do you think your love of design comes from?

Nathan Turner: I’m now having some weird early memories! If you’re a decorator, it’s just a part of you – you’re born with it. I never went to design school, but as a child, I was super-particular about my space and environment. My mother had a decorator who did our homes, and I would just interject, aged 12, and say, 'No, that’s not how it should be done,' all the time. It must have been so annoying, but you know, I was right!

Homes & Gardens: What did those early rooms look like that you had strong opinions about?

Nathan Turner: My family was an old cattle ranch family in Northern California – I’m a fifth-generation cattle rancher, and my great-grandmother (who was English) ran the show. Her bedroom at the ranch was magical to me. She had a separate bedroom from my great-grandfather, and it was all lilac-colored chintz. Looking back, I suppose it was very English, and that she wanted to do her own thing on this dusty old ranch that reminded her of where she came from. I remember that it would constantly change, that she would reupholster a chair in blush velvet, for example, and I would really take note of her masterclass in layering. But I didn’t even know it – I just loved that room; it was so pretty.

Homes & Gardens: Did her influence start to shape your own style?

Nathan Turner: Growing up around that aesthetic on a working cattle ranch is pretty much who I am, yes. I love the layered decorative approach, but I also like spaces that are incredibly laid-back. I don’t like pretentious design – you know, I barely wear shoes, and so I need a home that’s OK in. And that all goes back to the surroundings I grew up in, which were the making of me as a person.

Homes & Gardens: Were there any other design influences that inspired you as you were growing up?

Nathan Turner: My mother’s aunt was an antiques dealer and an artist, and she painted and had friends over, and I spent a huge amount of time with her. Our ranch was multi-generational, with a few houses grouped together that I would walk between all the time to see what the different ladies were doing. My mother’s aunt really nurtured that part of me, and in fact there is now a fabric in my collection called Heaton, named after her, that features wild blackberry, as there were blackberries along the route between my home and hers.

Homes & Gardens: When did you first start to think about design as a career, and how did you get into it?

Nathan Turner: I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so my family insisted I study business and economics, and it was a crashing bore. So I studied abroad, which at least sounded fun, and went to the University of Siena in Italy for eight months. I loved it, but still had no idea what I wanted to do. My mother had a friend who worked in antiques, and he said he was going to a fair in Palma and that, because I spoke a bit of Italian, I could be an assistant on this buying trip. And it was fantastic! We went to Italy, Belgium, and England, driving around, meeting amazing people, and I ended up working for him for two years. The thing is that I can’t sit still, so after that I opened my own store in LA.

Homes & Gardens: Were there any designers you were looking up to at the time who inspired the store?

Nathan Turner: I’m an ’80s and ’90s kid, and the designer Michael Taylor was a huge inspiration. Mario Buatta was incredibly kind to me, and when my antiques shop started to produce inquiries, I didn’t know what I was doing, and he said I could shadow him. It was so cool and fun and fantastic, and I modeled my business after him. He worked out of his townhouse on 80th in Manhattan, and he had only a few employees, something I’ve stuck to all my career. I only employ three people, and it’s much easier to keep your operation lean.

Homes & Gardens: And was the store well received when you first opened it?

Nathan Turner: I joke that I opened the store in September, and by January I had no money. I’d spent it all on inventory, so I quickly figured that out, but one of my favorite parts of the antiques business is that it’s so personal, and most dealers are really about a lifestyle. This isn’t a job people tend to do for the money, but because you get to live an interesting and great life. You meet characters in the countryside of Italy who have stories to tell and who sit you down over wine and food. And I thought that I’d like to do that in LA, so I started hosting people for dinner and lunches.

Homes & Gardens: Was there a point where the business started to take off?

Nathan Turner: Yes, so the LA Times gave me a front cover of its home section, saying that there was this kid who was cooking in his antique shop, and it snowballed. People were trying to make reservations! The whole look of the shop was that it was very curated, just like a house, and it was easy for clients to see how I’d decorate, so they started asking me to do their own homes. Of course, I had no idea how, but I just figured I’d figure it out. Martyn Lawrence Bullard gave me some contacts of contractors he used, and I was so fortunate that industry friends like him rallied around me.

Homes & Gardens: So what was your aesthetic at the time?

Nathan Turner: I’m an ’80s and ’90s kid, and the designer Michael Taylor was a huge inspiration. Mario Buatta was incredibly kind to me, and when my antiques shop started to produce inquiries, I didn’t know what I was doing, and he said I could shadow him. It was so cool and fun and fantastic, and I modeled my business after him. He worked out of his townhouse on 80th in Manhattan, and he had only a few employees, something I’ve stuck to all my career. I only employ three people, and it’s much easier to keep your operation lean.

Homes & Gardens: What was your own home looking like at that time?

Nathan Turner: It was cute, a 1920s Regency apartment. It got featured in Domino magazine, and that was a big boost to my career. A mutual friend had brought Deborah Needleman from the magazine in to see me at the shop, and I remember picking fig leaves to dress the table for her arrival and pouring champagne, and I became the Domino entertaining guy. It was bonkers and really fun, and those ladies taught me so much. The reason I can do books now is because I essentially went to the school of Domino, where I had to learn how to produce my own shoots and tell my own stories.

Homes & Gardens: Speaking of books, your brand-new one is called, simply, I Love Decorating. Why do you love it so much?

Nathan Turner: A lot of decorators have a look that is specific to them, but for me, every job is wildly different. I am a hyped-up person with ADD, and so I don’t get bored. I will do every type of style, from a fancy lady’s apartment in NYC to a minimalist penthouse in Japan. I just love the excitement that decorating can bring and the way it can help reflect and enhance who a person truly is. It’s kind of weird, being a decorator, as you get to know everything about the people you’re designing for, and it’s very intimate. But I love that relationship, too.

Homes & Gardens: You say in the book that you also still love buying antiques. How do you find the treasure in all the trash?

Nathan Turner: It’s my favorite part of the process! It’s always a rush going into a crap palace and finding the one good thing. I get a vibe off it. It takes a while to figure that out. I remember being an assistant and being like, 'I love that,' about a piece we’d seen but not speaking up, and getting the confidence to just like things and understand how they might look in a space comes with time and experience. I would say, be curious. No one knows more than a good antique dealer, and if you ask them why they stock a piece, they will tell you the story, which can help you judge whether it’s worth having or not. I always love a good story.

Homes & Gardens: And from those early days as an assistant, has your style evolved?

Nathan Turner: For sure – it has to. Your style can’t help but evolve if you’re a curious person, which I am. My foundation is the same – I still love comfortable English upholstered furniture, even in modern houses, and I still want the spirit of that, with a home to be all cozy – but I go through phases where I like a particular color or pattern.

Homes & Gardens: You’re friends with Sarah Jessica Parker, one of the world’s most eminent tastemakers. Has she taught you anything about style?

Nathan Turner: My husband Eric and her have been friends since they were 21, and Eric has always done her homes. Her sense of color is wild – she has such a very specific palette that she loves. To the average eye, you think it’ll be bonkers, as it’s all bold tones like peacock blue, but the way she mixes them… it has taught me to push boundaries, not to lock into safe color combinations, to be brave.

Homes & Gardens: Lastly, in the book, you say your goal is to create homes that enable people to live their best lives – how does your own home do that for you?

Nathan Turner: I love to gather and bring people together – what’s the good in having a beautiful dining room without beautiful dishes being eaten off the table?! You need to be able to fill a house with joy and laughter to make it a home, and I’m happiest when there are loads of people around. My homes in LA and Ojai do that, functioning as places our friends can gather.

What emerges is a portrait of a designer led by instinct, emotion, and experience rather than rigid rules. Nathan Turner’s story traces a path from early influences on a California ranch to a career built on antiques, entertaining, and deeply personal interiors. His approach – layered yet relaxed, considered yet unpretentious – has been shaped by mentors, travel, and meaningful relationships with clients and collaborators alike.

At its core, his work is about more than aesthetics; it’s about connection, storytelling, and creating spaces that invite people in. As his new book I Love Decorating suggests, decorating isn’t just something he does at work – it’s something he genuinely adores.

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Old homes hold a certain allure, especially when they still have many of the original features. But renovating them requires a careful balance of retaining character and rethinking the whole space to function for a modern-day family, growing and evolving as the homeowners do.

Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Queen Anne, Seattle, this Arts & Crafts home required that very approach in the small kitchen to reintroduce lost authenticity, while rethinking the layout so it felt more in tune with day-to-day life.

By enlarging the footprint to accommodate the clients' joy of hosting and cooking, taking inspiration from the original features elsewhere in the home, and infusing unique interpretations of historical design features, the kitchen is now a warm, characterful space that functions for every member of the family.

Pair Rich Wood With Light Neutrals For Seamless Flow Between Rooms

In a home where the kitchen connects to the dining and living spaces, a thread, whether it's through color or materials, needs to weave through each to create a sense of cohesion. And with the original features present in this home, rich wood tones and warm neutrals became the palette for the kitchen scheme.

'Once we removed the built-in storage wall that separated the kitchen from the dining room, it became clear that the new space needed to connect visually with the rest of the home. The dining room and front room still feature the original millwork and built-ins, so carrying those rich wood tones into the kitchen was essential for creating a sense of continuity,' says Laura Libby of Edition 82.

'At the same time, I wanted to strike a careful balance. The home has a naturally masculine character, but I didn't want the kitchen to feel heavy or dark. We selected handmade solid walnut upper cabinets with a flat-cut veneer that has beautiful movement, echoing the original tiger oak found throughout the house,' she explains.

'To keep the room feeling light and airy, we paired them with warm off-white painted lower cabinets. An all-wood kitchen would have felt too heavy, and with young children and a beloved family doodle in the mix, painted lowers offered the added benefit of being durable and easy to touch up over time.'

Soften the Kitchen With a Curved, Freestanding Island

An island anchors a kitchen, no matter its size. But when you're designing around more modest proportions, much like this project, it has to work harder, both functionally and aesthetically. And Laura employed a few thoughtful design features to achieve this.

'The kitchen island was one of the most important elements of the entire design and is completely custom. Inside, it features walnut interiors with adjustable peg storage for bowls and plates, as well as custom walnut silverware dividers in the top drawers. Every detail was thoughtfully planned around how the family lives and uses the space,' she explains.

Visually, she wanted it to read more as a piece of furniture than a built-in feature, both to add character and to nod back to the era of the home. 'By incorporating turned legs and an open base, the island feels lighter and more graceful. Being able to see underneath it creates a greater sense of openness and helps the room breathe,' she notes. Yet it's the curved silhouette that truly stands out.

'The curved shape softens the room and improves circulation, while the furniture-inspired detailing gives the island a sense of permanence, as though it could have been passed down through generations. It serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, bringing together history, craftsmanship, and everyday practicality in a way that feels both timeless and welcoming.'

Embrace Glazed Cabinets For a Traditional Feel

Glazed kitchen cabinets have been re-emerging in designs lately, bringing traditional charm, breaking up long runs of hard surfaces, and allowing light to bounce more easily around the room. It was for these very reasons that Laura felt they would be a perfect addition to this kitchen.

'The kitchen cabinetry was designed to feel as though it had evolved with the home over time. For the perimeter cabinets, I drew inspiration from the Hoosier cabinets and built-in storage pieces that would have been common in a house of this age. I wanted the kitchen to feel historically grounded without becoming overly theme-driven or historically accurate,' she explains.

'The glass-front uppers were a very intentional design choice. Beyond their practical function, they help reflect and bounce natural light throughout the room, preventing the perimeter cabinetry from feeling too heavy. Because we were incorporating rich walnut tones and substantial millwork, the glass adds visual lightness and sparkle while allowing cherished pieces to be displayed rather than hidden away.'

Create Contrast With Dark Countertops

A beautiful white marble feels like the obvious choice if you want to create a kitchen that feels authentic in older architecture and create a softer look. But in a family kitchen, something a bit darker is often favored for reduced maintenance. So a matte black quartz was chosen to bring the visual appeal of soapstone, but with the durability you don't get with natural stone.

'The black countertops play two important roles in the design. First, they provide a historical nod to the hardworking, utilitarian surfaces that would have been common in a home of this era. They ground the space and help reinforce the sense that the kitchen could have always been there,' Laura explains.

'Second, they help maintain the balance of the room. With the warm off-white cabinetry, handcrafted finishes, and abundance of natural light, the kitchen could have easily tipped too soft or delicate. The black counters bring a sense of weight and contrast that keeps the space feeling tailored and substantial,' she adds.

'I've often joked that when I look at this kitchen, I don't see a Queen Anne lady – I see a Queen Anne gentleman. The black countertops are a big part of what gives the room that confident, timeless character.'

Continue a Backsplash Into Open Shelving

No one wants to fill the edges of their kitchen countertops with decor or essentials they like to have within easy reach, and open shelving offers a charming alternative. But instead of introducing them high on the walls, elongating a backsplash into an integrated shelf is not only useful, but also incredibly sophisticated.

'Open shelving has deep roots in kitchens from this home's era,' says Laura, referencing simple designs supported by wooden corbels, which she wanted to incorporate in a more elevated way. 'With so much beautiful wood already present throughout the home, introducing stone shelving helped maintain a more streamlined look.'

And marrying them with the stone kitchen backsplash, with brass brackets for elegance and additional support, felt like a natural move. 'Functionally, the shelves serve several purposes, such as providing a place to display personal touches, helping the kitchen to feel lived in, and reflective of the family that uses it,' she explains.

'They are also surprisingly practical. This family cooks and bakes frequently, and when the back counter is in full production mode, the shelves become valuable overflow space for ingredients, keeping the work surfaces clear without sacrificing accessibility.'

Use Floor Tiles to Add Warmth to a Neutral Kitchen

We often look to cabinetry and colors to infuse warmth into the room, but often, kitchen flooring is the most impactful choice. While wood may seem an obvious choice in an old home, Laura chose tiles with irregular tones to create a traditional feel without leaning too predictable.

'I wanted the flooring to bring warmth, character, and a sense of history to the space. We selected a tile with significant tonal variation, which gives the floor a richness and authenticity that feels appropriate for a home of this age,' she recalls, describing the process of choosing the right tile and grout color 'nerve-racking.'

'With this much variation in the tile, the grout color had an enormous impact on the final appearance,' she explains. 'We also chose to lay the tile in a traditional Versailles pattern. Historically inspired yet timeless, the pattern helps distribute tonal variation more evenly throughout the space while adding another layer of visual interest.'

Quick Tips

• Choose a palette that brings cohesion between rooms
• Make the island work harder, both visually and functionally
• Embrace contrast through your countertops for a more unique design
• Mix cabinet styles for a more dynamic and traditional feel
• Make a chic moment of your backsplash
• Focus on flooring to infuse warmth and character

This kitchen showcases a thoughtful balance of honoring heritage while creating a space that functions for a modern-day family. Details and materials nod to the architecture of the Arts & Crafts' roots, while adding a unique spin for a more elevated look and becoming 'a natural extension of the home's story.'

'Throughout the project, we looked for opportunities to celebrate craftsmanship and showcase the work of local artisans,' Laura concludes. 'The result is a kitchen that feels layered, authentic, and full of character – warm and inviting without sacrificing the historic soul of the home.'

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

As far as home exteriors go, your front door does a lot of heavy lifting. It's crucial for curb appeal, the first impression you give guests, and the last thing you see before you leave for the day. Fortunately, it's also one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost upgrades you can make to your home's facade.

Whether you're after a simple paint color refresh, a complete style overhaul, or just an upgraded knocker and lockset, this is your one-stop guide for all things front doors. Browse the gallery for inspiration, then scroll down for expert tips, common mistakes and everything you need to know before you buy.

8 Inspiring Front Door Ideas

Choosing a front door can't be done in isolation. It needs to relate to and enhance the overall design of your home.

'Getting the front door right is less about making a statement and more about making sure it feels in harmony with everything around it,' explains Mary Milan Deupree of Charleston, SC-based Milan Deupree Interiors. 'A door should feel like it belongs to the house, not applied to it.'

That said, keep in mind the style of your home as you consider the ideas below.

1. Choose a Dutch Door Perfect for Family Homes

Dutch doors – split horizontally so the top half opens independently – are a charming choice for cottage front doors, farmhouse, coastal and Colonial-style homes. The aesthetic appeal is obvious, but the logic matters too; the top half admits light and airflow while the lower section keeps kids and pets contained.

In the case of the home above, the homeowner specifically requested the door for just those reasons. 'The client wanted to maximize the light, bring the fresh air in on warm days, and to allow their dog, Coco, to see out when visitors arrive,' says the home's designer, Melissa Hammond of Massachusetts-based Hammond Design.

2. Keep it Classic with a Six Panel Design

On a classic Colonial or Federal-style home, where tailoring and symmetry lead the way, the front door should feel just as refined. A timeless six-panel door is an ideal choice, typically featuring two smaller panels at the top and four larger, congruent panels beneath, creating a structured, grid-style look.

'If you live in a more traditional style home, a multi-paneled door makes the most sense,' says Melissa Hammond. 'If your home is symmetrical, think of using a center door with two side lites to balance it.'

You can add further character through weightier trim or bold hardware. A transom window above the door, or sidelights flanking either side, are also traditional choices that complement a six-panel design beautifully. These details reinforce the home's sense of balance and formality without overwhelming it.

3. For a Transitional Style Try a Glass Pane Front Door

If your home leans transitional in style, or your goal is to bridge the gap between modern and traditional elements, a contemporary take on the six-light front door is the ultimate choice.

It borrows the enduring charm of a classic French door, while the elongated glass panels bring just the right touch of modern sophistication. The result is a versatile design that feels equally at home on a farmhouse, a Craftsman, or a sleek new build.

For a warmer, more rustic feel, a rough-hewn wood version pairs beautifully with natural textures and earthy materials. If you're after something with a sharper, more industrial edge, look for a steel or wrought-iron version. Both bring a bold, contemporary character that suits modern and transitional facades alike.

One note to consider before selecting a glass door? Privacy. 'If a staircase or main circulation space is directly behind the door, I’m usually cautious about introducing too much glass for privacy reasons,' explains Mary Milan Deupree, who designed the home above. 'I try to think about the interior experience just as much as the exterior.'

4. Make an Architectural Statement With an Original Front Door

Certain homes, particularly those with very specific or elaborate architectural styles, require a door with detail or decoration that emphasizes the facade.

Often, for a home with history or architectural significance, restoring or replicating the original door is the best bet. 'This door is almost certainly original to its 1895 construction in the classical revival style, evident in the details,' says David Muniz Supple of New England Design and Construction, the firm that restored the home. 'The jamb and stop thickness is extraordinary – thick enough that when we renovated the home, modern exterior hardware required a custom elongated spindle just to function. The fanlight transom above it, with its delicate radial glazing bars, is clearly of the same hand and the same era.'

For new construction homes that nod to classical architecture or in instances where the original door can't be saved, researching original buildings can be helpful in identifying the correct design elements to incorporate into a new door.

5. Go Contemporary with Sleek Lines

A modern or contemporary home calls for a front door to match. Modern front doors are typically flat-fronted, with clean lines and, in some cases, bold glass or metal details that make a strong first impression.

Materials can range from iron to wood, but should generally complement or enhance the surrounding exterior. A door can either blend seamlessly with the facade or serve as a deliberate contrast, adding visual interest without disrupting the overall composition.

'In the home above, we used a warm wood surround to contrast the texture and solidity of the masonry facade, while the white glass introduces a lighter, more contemporary element that juxtaposes the heaviness of the brick,' says David M. Fenchel of Traverse Architects, the home's architect.

6. Balance Light and Privacy with an Inset Glass Front Door

A panel door with a glass inset is a great way to balance privacy and light flow in smaller entrances that don't allow for transoms or sidelights. You'll find an inset-glass door to complement virtually any architectural style, from rustic Craftsman looks to modern farmhouse silhouettes to plantation-style double doors.

In the example above, architect David M. Fenchel opted to restore the home's original door to maintain architectural integrity. 'Rather than replacing the original door, we wanted to preserve its craftsmanship and proportions, which are integral to the character of the house. The bold yellow color (Fine Paints of Europe, Van Gogh Yellow) was inspired by the yellow Colonial next door, and is further echoed in select detail moldings throughout the exterior – creating a subtle dialogue between the home and its neighborhood context.'

7. Blend Old and New With a Two-Panel Front Door

In a home with traditional architecture, a two-panel style can serve as a simpler, but equally refined alternative to six-panel styles. The look is slightly cleaner and more understated, making it particularly well suited to sprawling Georgian homes – or new builds that offer a modern interpretation of classic architectural styles.

Sidelights, pillar-style windows, sitting flush on either side of the door, are a beautiful way to enhance this door style, adding architectural elegance while ensuring plenty of natural light flows into your entry.

8. Make Your Entrance More Impactful with a Double Door

For homes that demand an impactful entry (and with the space to accommodate it), a double front door is a top choice. Generally spanning five to eight feet wide, a pair of doors commands a facade in a way a single door simply can't achieve.

Styles vary considerably. Windowed double doors, with divided-light glass panels, are suited to Victorian brownstones, Federal-style townhouses, and standalone homes with classic architecture. Towering, arched solid-wood doors belong on rustic mountain lodges, Spanish Colonial and Tuscan-influenced homes, where mass and permanence are the point. Finally, paneled, painted double doors with a gloss finish and polished brass hardware create a combination that has worked on Colonial and Georgian facades for centuries.

Common Front Door Mistakes To Avoid

Your front door is arguably the most seen part of your home, so you want to get the style, color, and surrounding decor perfect. Avoid these front door mistakes to ensure enviable curb appeal all year round.

1. Choosing a Door Without Considering Your Home’s Architecture

The biggest misstep in choosing a front door is ignoring the inherent style of your home. Modern homes call for solid-panel doors or steel-and-glass options, while traditional facades work best with Dutch doors or classic six-panel styles.

'The door is a direct expression of the architectural language of the house, and when you get it wrong, the whole facade reads as confused,' says David Muniz Supple. 'The more architecturally specific your house, the more precisely the door needs to respond. A generic box can tolerate some flexibility. A house with a specific architectural style cannot.'

2. Forgetting Function

A front door, at its core, is a practical element of your home, so it's important to keep function at the forefront. Considerations include safety, climate, and privacy, all of which will impact the material and features of the door you choose.

'If you live in an area with extreme weather, a fiberglass door is probably your best bet for long-term durability,' says Melissa Hammond. 'If you have an overhang that protects your front door, then you can get away with a wood door.'

3. Clashing Colors With the Fixed Elements

Front door paint colors should coordinate with the fixed elements of your home (the ones that aren’t going anywhere), like brick, stone and roof shingles. Warm red brick clashes with cool-toned grays and blues, while a modernist facade with steel and walnut elements will contrast with shades like red and yellow.

'I think it's important to choose a door that feels appropriate to the era of your house,' says interior designer Kaitlin Smith. 'That being said, paint is a great way to add some interest to an otherwise traditional or simple door. The front door style and color should complement the other features of your home, like shutters, siding, and other architectural elements.'

4. Not Considering Lighting Needs

A front door can be a major source of natural light in your home. If your home is north-facing or tends to feel dark during the day, consider a door with glass inserts or windows (also called lights) to help let more natural light in.

'A 3/4 or full glass door is a great way to bring more light into your home, but only if privacy isn't an issue,' says Kaitlin. 'If your home is very close to the street or a neighbor, you may want to opt for a solid front door or one with glass only on the top portion.'

5. Ignoring Hardware Finish

Your front door is not the place to mix finishes. A doorbell, a ring camera, a letterbox, a knocker, and a number plate can start to look busy if they don’t coordinate. Choose a single hardware finish, like chrome or aged brass, and stick to it.

Front Door FAQs

How Much Does a New Front Door Cost?

The price of a new front door varies greatly – from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands – depending on the material and customization options. Steel and fiberglass doors typically cost anywhere from $800-$3000, while in-stock solid wood doors can be had for $500-$5,000. Custom options, adding detailed sidelights or transoms, can raise costs substantially, with prices rising to $20,000 and beyond.

What’s the Best Front Door Color?

Popular front door colors include black, red, dark green, muted blues, and pewter tones. But, just like when choosing the style of your front door, the best color for your home is one that complements the architecture and materials that are already in place.

'Color is where you can add personality, but even then, I tend to stay within a disciplined range,' says Mary Milan Deupree. 'In more formal settings, I gravitate toward classic tones like deep, softened blacks or rich, muted colors rather than anything too crisp or cool.'

The door above is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings No. 31 in a high-gloss finish, which gives it presence while still feeling timeless. The color and finish both underscore the home's architecture. 'This level of polish really only feels appropriate to me on homes with a certain scale and formality. On a smaller cottage with the same warm white exterior, I would approach it very differently, maybe something like Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle, or another softened, atmospheric color that feels more natural and less imposing, and without the shine,' she explains.

There are practical considerations for choosing a front door color, too, particularly when it comes to the direction your home faces. On a west- or southwest-facing home that gets lots of warm afternoon sun, a darkly colored door will become hot to the touch and can even cause warping in extreme cases.

How Do I Make My Door Look Expensive?

Making a front door look expensive comes down to the details. High-gloss paint, a quality lockset, and extras like a door knocker can all go a long way in making a door of any price look high-end.

Again, choosing details that tie in with the rest of the home will be your best bet as well as being in the know about front door trends. On historic homes or ones with classic architecture, choosing a traditional rim lock and an antique door knocker keeps with the character of the home and gives it a sense of permanence, says Mary Milan Deupree. In a modern space, clean-lined locksets in chrome or matte black will accentuate a contemporary scheme.

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Like many things, the value of an object depends heavily on its buyer. Some might walk straight past a well-loved piece of furniture, while others might only see its character and story. That said, there are some things always worth splurging on, no matter your tastes or style.

The beauty of decorating with antiques is that you never know what you'll uncover, but when you do stumble across something that speaks to you, it's handy to be aware of items worth the investment and the objects that aren't. From rare artwork to well-made cabinets, these are the items that experts say are worth the splurge – and the pieces you should always save on.

Splurge: Good Quality Storage Pieces

While not all vintage furniture trends are worth the investment (all-pine matching sets are a good example), the antique styles that only get better with age are undeniably worth spending a little more on.

High-quality storage pieces are a great place to start. 'I would splurge on a well-made antique case piece,' explains Lauren Sullivan, Founder and Curator of Well x Design and Well Found. 'A chest, cabinet, console, or bookcase. These pieces often anchor a room, and quality construction becomes more apparent over time. A great antique case piece can be used for generations and continue to adapt as a home evolves.'

Whether it's an aged trunk that shows all the best signs of patina or an armoire that's waiting to grace a farmhouse kitchen, sturdy wooden furniture that's remained timeless despite its years is always a safe bet. If it's remained classic for centuries, it'll continue to do so for as long as you own it.

Save: Decorative Trinkets

While meaningful keepsakes are priceless, decorative trinkets that can be found anywhere are always worth saving on. Unless they're rare artefacts or crafted by a notable hand, they're hardly vintage pieces that will add value to your home.

'Smaller decorative pieces are often where the best value can be found,' advises Lauren. 'Bowls, silver-plated candlesticks, planters, and other small objects don’t have to be expensive to make an impact. Some of my favorite pieces have been among the least expensive purchases, and it’s these items that often make a room memorable.'

While, of course, decorative trinkets are worth buying (a midcentury paperweight completes a coffee table, as does a brass candlestick stood on a mantel), you needn't spend hundreds on these pieces, as chances are you'll find them far cheaper elsewhere.

Splurge: Artwork

Art is always worth the investment. The beauty of vintage artwork is that it's a one-off, so you're unlikely to find the same piece again (unless it's a print or replica). If you spot a style that speaks to you (a classic still life of some flowers might be just what your entryway needs; alternatively, a striking abstract canvas woven with color might fill that empty spot above your mantel), buy it – even if it is a little expensive.

'There is nothing we love more than immediately understanding the story a room is conveying the moment we walk through it,' begins Sydney Hale, founder of antique and interiors store, Soul Fed Home. 'For us, good art does that and is always worth the splurge. We believe art tells a story of personal taste unlike any other category can.'

'Whether we’re discussing a painting, a personalized sketch or a curated gallery of engravings, these pieces instantly communicate the feeling of a home and the personality behind it,' says Sydney. 'Some of the very best spaces use layers of art to create a cohesive story to the space or the owners that simply can’t be replicated.'

Save: Generic Glassware

Vintage colored glassware has long been collectable, but the styles worth looking out for are typically the ones you don't often see.

'Resist the urge to overspend when it comes to mass-produced items,' says accredited appraiser Noralen Curl, from JustAnswer Fine Art and Antiques Expert. 'Vaseline Green and Pink Depression glass is lovely and makes a great table statement; however, there is so much of it available that bargain pricing can be had with patience.'

Instead of collecting mass-produced glassware, look out for handcrafted pieces you've not seen before. 'Same goes for recent fads, like Hen on Nest glass figurines,' adds Noralen. 'They are popular now among young collectors, and dealers are taking advantage by increasing the prices on their inventory that has sat unsold for a couple of decades.'

'In the end, though, if it is an item you really love, something that brings you joy, then whatever the piece is, it is worth the splurge.'

Splurge: Tapestries

'I will always splurge on good condition 16th-18th century verdure Flemish and later French Aubusson tapestries,' says Ambrice Miller, founder of Relic Interiors. 'These pieces have been coveted for hundreds of years, given their provenance. Originally commissioned in the “Low Countries,” in the 1500s, they broadened in popularity over the centuries, which reflected a major shift in European artistic leadership from the original great weaving centers to the royal manufactories of France.'

'These tapestries were more than decoration as they served as symbols of wealth,' explains Ambrice, 'political propaganda, and captured the shifts in artistic and religious tastes from the Middle Ages to the humanist and naturalist movement of the Renaissance. Unlike furniture of a similar period, which would have been made with extremely hard and precious woods to last, in order for tapestries (often made of silk and wool) to last 400-500 years, they would have been properly looked after. The pure cost of carry over that time gives insight into their expense now.'

Plenty of benefits come with tapestries. Ambrice explains, 'Though many items go in and out of trends and desire, quality antique tapestries will always represent a certain history, elegance, and craftsmanship that elevates any space and makes them worth every penny.'

Save: 'Trendy' Furniture

Midcentury modern furniture is very collectable, but not all pieces are worth the investment. Overly popular, trend-led styles that you see all over social media will likely have their moment and soon pass.

'It’s safe to say most antiques dealers are obsessed with their trade. That said, it means we scour books, the internet, and the knowledge of peers to create a mental catalogue or price index of most types of antiques that we find interesting,' says Ambrice. 'It also means you can identify trends before they filter down to the mainstream. I try to save on anything I feel does not have a strong record of sustained value or fluctuates dramatically quickly.'

'For instance, certain types of mid-century or vintage “trendy” furniture, such as rattan, bamboo, or hyper stylised pieces, which sometimes lack quality in their construction. I may include a few of those pieces in my collection if I genuinely like them, but I try to steer clear of anything too trendy. If you open social media and everyone’s homes begin to look the same with the same types of pieces, that’s probably an indicator that the aesthetic is on its way out, and maybe wait until you find a bargain to buy.'

Shop Timeless Antiques Worth the Splurge

Items worth splurging on are the ones you'll never see again and think about for years if you didn't pick them up. Whether it's a striking painting you can't take your eyes off or a quality armoire that'll only get better with age, invest in antiques that speak to you, and save on things you've seen a thousand times before.

'As for saving, we tend to stay conservative on pieces that aren’t as rare or that we come across often. We’ve noticed even in antiques, certain items naturally have their moment. We are always drawn to hunting for those one-of-a-kind items that give the home a unique twist,' says Sydney.

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Taking on a historic home is a big responsibility, and restoring it to its original character is an even larger endeavor. And so often, the kitchen becomes the trickiest room to get right, simply because it would never have existed in the same way it does today.

When the team at Artichoke was brought in to revive the kitchen in a grand Victorian home, they were tasked with transforming a muddle of small rooms into a welcoming kitchen and pantry worthy of the grand proportions. All while reintroducing as much original charm as possible, so it felt as though the kitchen had always been there.

With a thoughtful blend of materials, a playful mix of colors, and a unique approach to storage, this once awkward corner of the house is now the true centerpiece of the home, a traditional kitchen perfectly poised for hosting, socializing, and serving as a space for the whole family.

Let Historic Architecture Lead the Design

When you're designing rooms in a historic property, you already have the striking architecture to lead the design, and in the case of this kitchen, the Victorian estate boasted a rich history that the owner was keen to restore and emphasize. And it started with the existing features and taking cues from Victorian design.

'The inspiration came directly from the house itself. We looked closely at the language of Victorian interiors – the tapered legs of our bespoke Cook's Table, paneled moldings, generous proportions, and rich paint finishes – and interpreted them in a restrained way,' explains Anthony Earle, Artichoke’s Creative Director.

'The aim was to create a family kitchen that felt entirely at home within the architecture, embracing period character while discreetly accommodating modern conveniences. Every decision was made to ensure the room felt as though it had evolved naturally with the house,' he continues.

'Rather than creating a perfectly coordinated scheme, we designed a composition of individual elements that feel as though they have been accumulated over generations. Different materials, finishes, and pieces of furniture sit alongside one another, creating a layered and highly personalized interior.'

Create Contrast and Character With a Colorful, Freestanding Island

Neutral kitchen colors are popular for a reason – they're classic and allow the kitchen to evolve. But contrast is key, and in this design, the freestanding island benefited from a bolder color – a rich terracotta red that instantly adds warmth and interest to the space.

'The island was conceived as a Victorian cook's table rather than a contemporary kitchen island. By treating it as a freestanding piece of furniture, it introduces a sense of lightness and historic reference,' says Anthony, noting the warmth and personality it brings to the space while 'providing a beautiful contrast to the lighter walls and natural timber surfaces.'

Inspired by the home's Victorian architecture, they took a more traditional approach to painting the island. 'In hand finishing the Cook’s Table, we replicated the feel of many layers of oil-based paint accumulated over time. It becomes a cheerful focal point within the room whilst reinforcing the feeling that the kitchen has evolved over time.'

Reinstate the Range as the Heart of the Kitchen Through Thoughtful Design

For many, the island has become the heart of the kitchen, but traditionally, the range was the true hub of the space, bringing warmth and sustenance, usually set into a fireplace. And, in keeping with the home's history, Anthony was keen to ensure it was reinstated as the room's true focal point.

'Historically, the hearth was the heart of the home, and we wanted to restore that sense of importance. The symmetry of the composition anchors the room and gives the range a natural sense of belonging. Originally, the overmantel was to be painted stone so it would appear to have been there many years,' he explains.

'However, the client fell in love with the stone in its natural state, so we left it as it was. The limestone chimney piece adds a degree of historical gravitas, making it feel as though you have discovered the center of the house rather than a modern kitchen installation. It provides both visual order and a strong architectural presence.'

The blue range cooker complements the terracotta and green tones also present in the design, while a tiled kitchen backsplash adds a traditional design feature, and shelves create space for recipe books close at hand. The antique brass pot hanger and pot filler further enhance the aged look that adds so much charm to the space.

Make Storage Functional, Yet Elevated in Design

A traditional kitchen thrives with a more thoughtful approach to storage compared to the built-in approach of modern schemes. Filling this kitchen with rows of uniform cabinetry would have taken away the character and historic flair the clients wanted, so creating kitchen storage that didn't feel utilitarian was key, including an additional room.

'The pantry performs an important supporting role, allowing the main room to remain open and sociable. Within the kitchen, we incorporated deep drawers, utilized existing wall cavities next to the hearth, and designed storage that feels integrated into the architecture. This allows the room to function exceptionally well without becoming dominated by cabinetry or appliances,' Anthony explains.

The goal was to create a kitchen that felt original to the home, which meant finding unique solutions to hide modern amenities. 'By housing the refrigerator within a larder-style cabinet, which we set back into the wall, we were able to keep contemporary technology discreet. A large stainless steel appliance would have introduced an unnecessary visual interruption. Concealing it allows the architecture, materials, and craftsmanship to remain the focus.'

Double Up On Sinks

A family kitchen needs to be functional for more than one person at a time. In order for someone to be cooking or cleaning while others access the kitchen, a layout with two sinks was chosen here, with a small one on the island for easy access from the range, and a larger statement sink along the perimeter countertops to serve as the main basin.

'The kitchen is designed to work hard for a busy family, so two sinks simply make everyday life easier. The main solid soapstone sink, carved from a single block and also mirrored on the shelves, is dedicated to washing up and is incredibly hardwearing, while the secondary sink serves as a preparation area,' Anthony recalls.

'We designed a sacrificial frame around the sink, which can be replaced if the wood becomes damaged over time. There’s even a little hot tap on the side run for making drinks and cooking – everything has been considered. This separation allows multiple people to use the kitchen comfortably at the same time and supports the room's role as both a practical workspace and a social gathering place.'

Mix Materials For an Authentic, Dynamic Scheme

In the same way that contrasting colors bring interest to a kitchen, mixed materials have the same effect while allowing you to introduce new textures and tonality. But in this kitchen, it was an important addition to create a lived-in, characterful space that truly felt at home in the historic architecture.

'The guiding principle was to create the impression of a room that had evolved naturally over many decades. Victorian interiors were rarely composed of a single material palette. Instead, they were layered and assembled over time,' Anthony explains.

'We combined soapstone, oak, aged sycamore, painted timber, brass, and glazed cabinetry, selecting each material for its character, durability, and authenticity. What unites them is their quality and honesty. They belong to the same vernacular family, even though each has its own distinct personality,' he adds.

'The result is a room that feels collected rather than designed, with a depth and richness that rewards closer inspection.'

Quick Tips

• Lean on architecture to guide a room's design
• Add small doses of color to bring personality into the kitchen
• Make the range area work harder, both in function and design
• Elevate storage with unique designs
• Let the materials do the talking
• Don't be afraid to add additional essentials if it allows the kitchen to work harder

This kitchen is not only a lesson in how to get traditional design right in 2026, but it also shows how to mix different materials for a more dynamic design. Nothing about this space is boring or predictable, from the additional sink to the striking range area.

'The success of the room lies in the harmony of all its parts. The limestone chimney piece undoubtedly provides a powerful focal point, but it is balanced by countless smaller moments – the cheerful painted Cook's Table with its solid sycamore top, the soapstone sink with its curtain beneath, the glazed oak dresser displaying treasured collections, and the varied materials throughout,' Anthony explains.

'Together, they create a kitchen that feels entirely unique to its owner and entirely rooted in the house. The hope is that it will continue to evolve and be enjoyed for generations to come.'

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

As soon as the weather starts to warm up, a lot of focus goes on how to update your outdoor spaces – cleaning the patio tiles, getting the outdoor furniture out of storage, and hanging up string lights. It’s a lovely ritual of shifting out of the winter months and into lighter, longer, warmer days. But there’s one space in your home that could benefit from the same attention: your bed.

And we’re not just talking about changing the look to match more seasonal colors and prints – switching out to cooling sheets is just the start. For a bed that offers the ultimate relief on hot summer nights, you actually need layers – the right layers.

A truly well-designed bed doesn’t stop at a duvet and a pair of throw pillows. From investing in an organic mattress to layering quality linen, there’s an art to designing a cooling bedroom. ‘Gone are the days of overly layered beds with a mountain of throw pillows that all end up on the floor at night,’ says Selena Reif, founder of Selena Michele Interiors. ‘The most luxurious summer beds lately have intentional layers and a more minimal approach to styling.’

So, want to know how to layer your bed like a designer? This five-step formula will make your bedroom feel lighter, brighter, and instantly cooler this summer.

1. Start With a Natural Base

Before styling a bed for summer with the right linens, throws, and pillows, you need to get the base right. While the best mattress is essential year-round, one that's organic and heat-resistant will ensure a cool night's rest.

'Heat can make it difficult to fall asleep and affects how well we sleep, and particularly during the warm summer months, temperature regulation is imperative for getting a great night's sleep,' explains Clare Schifano, Global Marketing Director at Vispring.

'Building a good base is fundamental to a well-designed bedscape, and this begins with the mattress. In bedmaking, natural materials, including wool, cotton, and horsehair, have been trusted for centuries for their exceptional performance. Prized for their durability, breathability, and temperature-regulating qualities, these fibers are designed to keep you cool on hot summer evenings, whilst also providing inherent spring-like resilience and outstanding luxury.'

Our head of interiors, Hebe Hatton, switched to a cooling mattress five years ago after one too many hot summers in the city. Hebe chose the Leesa Chill Hybrid. 'It's been a game-changer when the weather starts to heat up,' she explains. 'It feels so cool to the touch, a bit like the cold side of the pillow, but it doesn't heat up just 30 seconds later and is the perfect base for summer layering.'

2. Invest in Breathable Sheets

'Unsurprisingly, a summer-ready bed is fitted with breathable sheets. Start with your bed sheets, as these form the foundation of any well-dressed bed,' says Cristiano Quieti, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Frette.

'The best bedding material feels comfortable to sleep in depending on the weather, the surroundings, and body heat,' continues Cristiano. 'As nights become warmer in the summer months, we recommend opting for bed sheets made from lighter, more breathable fabrics that help regulate your temperature throughout the night.'

'The best materials for summer are breathable natural fibers,' explains Selena. 'I love the softness of percale cotton for the sheet set; it really is the best material against your skin, breathable and cooling. Other materials to layer in are linens, lightweight gauzes, or anything else that regulates body temperature.'

'You also want to stick with hues that give off that summer vibe: soft ivory, warm whites, dusty blues, pale sage, dusty clay tones. My favorite is to combine a few of those colors to create a tonal palette that feels relaxed and effortless, just like the best summer evenings themselves.'

3. Add a Lightweight Quilt

'Next, layer on a light duvet – and use an insert that is appropriate for the weather,' advises Selena. 'You definitely want to go with a thinner duvet in the summer months. I like the duvet in an accent color or pattern that coordinates with the sheets but isn’t overly matchy-matchy. This is also a great opportunity to lean into linens and other natural materials that are so gorgeous.'

Jennifer Baxter, founder of Baxter Hill Interiors, agrees. 'The next layer is a lightweight coverlet or quilted throw rather than a heavy duvet. This is your structural layer that carries the color or texture story of the bed. A duvet in summer lives folded at the foot or stored away altogether.'

'Put that down comforter away already!' advises designer Megan Cherin, Principal at Cherin Studio. Instead, Megan suggests switching in something lighter that you can use to add comfort and warmth as you need it, and when not in use can look chic layered at the end of the bed.

'During the day, you can pull it up over the whole bed, including over the pillows, and leave it either draped to the floor for a chic laid-back vibe or tucked neatly under the mattress for something a little more streamlined. At night, all the extra material from the bedspread allows you to snuggle into something soft and cool.'

4. Drape a Summery Throw

'Top all of this off with a lightweight blanket or coverlet,' says Selena. 'If the sheet set and duvet are all stunning and you want to see them throughout the day, I keep this layer folded towards the bottom of the bed. It can also be super chic to drape a linen bed cover over the entire thing and go for a beautifully refined look.'

While you might associate styling a blanket with winter, a lightweight throw can bring a lived-in ease to a bedscape that feels so fitting for summer. Whether it's a thin linen throw or a thicker waffled blanket, here is your chance to add more color, pattern and texture to your bed.

It's also a great option if your climate can be a little unreliable. 'Consider adding a throw to add a little texture and offer an in-between option if you’re not ready for the duvet, but need a little something more than your coverlet,' adds Jennifer Wilson, founder of Jennifer J Interiors.

5. Finish It With (Limited) Throw Pillows

Now's the time to add the throw pillows, a switch that takes seconds but really makes your bed feel like it shifts with the seasons. 'Don’t forget your throw pillows in the seasonal swap – it’s time for your linen and cotton to shine, and for your velvets to have some downtime,' says Jennifer.

Whether it's a frilly decorative pillow or a block-printed floral, throw pillows will give your bedscape some much-needed personality. 'From there, introduce a lightweight throw at the foot of the bed for warmth on cooler spring evenings, then add a couple of pillows in complementary seasonal tones, soft pastels or warm earthy hues, to bring color and personality whilst keeping the overall look curated and serene,' advises Cristiano.

Alternatively, you could keep things simple with just one striking choice. 'To finish off the look, add just one lumbar pillow across the top of the bed so you aren’t left with a mountain to move at the end of the day before climbing into bed,' says Selena.

The Summer Bedding Edit

'For me, the keyword when it comes to bedscapes is simplicity, particularly in the summertime,' says Megan. 'No need to get all fussy with lots of pillows! I pare it back to the absolute minimum when the summer warmth is seeping in. My formula is: a nice, cool set of percale sheets, four pillows (two per side), and an oversized linen bedspread. That's it! What I love about this is that nothing is getting in the way here; it's as unadorned as you can get.'

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For decades, Miles Redd has been one of the great maximalists of American decorating – a designer whose rooms pulse with glamour, wit, and an unmistakable sense of personality. Known for layering bold color, theatrical flourishes, and unexpected juxtapositions, the interiors produced by his studio, Redd Kaihoi, have long felt worlds away from the restrained minimalism that has dominated so much of contemporary design.

Yet in this new installment of our Layered Lives series, Miles Redd reveals that his tastes are shifting. These days, alongside the lacquer and sparkle, he finds himself drawn to stripped-back English country houses, scrubbed wood, and airy simplicity. Here, he reflects on the Southern upbringing that shaped his eye, his formative years working for legendary decorator Bunny Williams, and the downtown Manhattan apartment that launched his career. Along the way, he shares why decorating should never be taken too seriously – and why learning to let go of possessions may be the ultimate luxury of all.

Homes & Gardens: Where do you think your love of design comes from?

Miles Redd: It came from my mother, definitely – she loved beautiful houses and beautiful architecture. She was from Williamsburg, Virginia, and she grew up around 18th-century buildings, with a sense of spareness and simplicity. She had a real strictness to her aesthetic, and I always remember her saying, ‘I don’t like doodads!’ Which, of course, made me react by embracing maximalism and baroque tendencies. Though now I find myself moving toward her strictness...

Homes & Gardens: Were there any hints in your childhood that this could be the career path you'd take?

Miles Redd: I’ve always had a love of objects and furniture. I would rearrange the furniture in our home, and my mom would just move it back. But that's fair – it was her house, and she liked things a certain way, and she was entitled to it. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where the homes are amazing, designed by the greats like Philip Trammell Shutze and Neel Reid. Back then, these houses were forever being refluffed and renovated. When the construction workers were in, they would often leave the houses open, and we would just walk around and look at the floor plans. We weren't supposed to, of course, but it was one of my favorite things in the world.

Homes & Gardens: Did it start to teach you what you liked and disliked?

Miles Redd: Absolutely. My mom was a hysterical critic. She'd say things like, ‘There isn't enough closet space,’ or, ‘I don't like having a garage here on the ground floor.’ It gave me the confidence to make my own assessments. I have always liked order and beautiful interiors. You know, I’m a Taurus rising, and we like our comforts.

Homes & Gardens: What sort of aesthetics caught your eye?

Miles Redd: It was always Hollywood’s interpretation of what New York was like in the 1930s. We loved old movies and old sets, that streamlined glamour that the interiors always had. I was always in search of that feeling, and I still love it to this day, but I would say I’ve moved into an English country house phase, and now I want everything to be stripped back. It’s like they say, what’s old is new again...

Homes & Gardens: Legendary designer Bunny Williams was influential for you too, right?

Miles Redd: Oh, hugely. I worked for Bunny Williams, and her way of arranging a room, and the scale and proportion, and the mix... She’d put something Irish next to something French, next to something really decorative, and she really taught me about juxtaposition.

Homes & Gardens: How did you come to work for Bunny?

Miles Redd: I was a film major at NYU, and I’m now so glad I didn’t take that route. Film is technical, and I’m not suited to that, but people would say they just loved my sets. I worked for a producer, but it was not for me. I was just reading scripts and got bored, so I thought I’d try my hand at decorating. I got a job with John Rosselli, who is an antique dealer and Bunny’s partner. It was fun, and I was there for two years. They became like my New York parents.

Homes & Gardens: What do you think they saw in you that made them want to take you under their wings?

Miles Redd: We share a Southern sensibility, and a scrappiness. We all had a sense that if you wanted something badly enough, you’d be able to figure it out for yourself. I’d watch her making curtains by getting cotton balls from the five-and-dime store to pad the pelmets, and I was always making my own things, painting floors, and just getting stuff done. Our senses of humor and values were the same, and we all just love decorating – it’s our raison d’être. But at the same time, we all knew it was just decorating, which I appreciate. That sense of not taking it too seriously, really.

Homes & Gardens: What did your own apartment look like at the time?

Miles Redd: I lived on 14th Street here in New York, between Avenue B and Avenue C, which was not such a savory place. Or at least it certainly wasn’t in the 1990s. The bathtub was in the kitchen. It had a sort of Cecil Beaton vibe, with emerald green and white harlequin tiles on the floor. Everything else was chocolate brown. There was a loft bed, but it was my laboratory, and I furnished it from the flea market and the occasional big purchase. It launched me.

Homes & Gardens: What did your own apartment look like at the time?

Miles Redd: I lived on 14th Street here in New York, between Avenue B and Avenue C, which was not such a savory place. Or at least it certainly wasn’t in the 1990s. The bathtub was in the kitchen. It had a sort of Cecil Beaton vibe, with emerald green and white harlequin tiles on the floor. Everything else was chocolate brown. There was a loft bed, but it was my laboratory, and I furnished it from the flea market and the occasional big purchase. It launched me.

Homes & Gardens: How did it launch you?

Miles Redd: Well, actually, my career taking off was a combination of so many things. Bunny and John were so generous in introducing me to everyone – you just met people as they came into John’s shop all the time, so it felt natural and organic to make connections that way. Back then, magazines were more promotional, and I had some early success when my own apartment was featured in several major interiors magazines. At the same time, many of my friends were just starting to achieve success in their fields. They were buying bigger places and needed someone to decorate them, so the timing was right for me to step in. All these things came together at exactly the right moment.

Homes & Gardens: At what point did it feel right to leave Bunny and John and work for yourself?

Miles Redd: I worked for Bunny for five years, then took a sabbatical and went to France for six months. I had been working hard and needed a break, and taking that time out in France was where I found my center again. By that point, my sister had moved to New York, and she was the one who said, ‘Let’s try this together and set up our own design practice!’ So we did, but then she got married, and I took it over.

Homes & Gardens: And now that you're in charge, what's your approach to each new project?

Miles Redd: You have to get the walls and floors right first. You get the floor plans, and from there, you have to be practical about what will work for real life.

Homes & Gardens: Your projects are very varied; you don't seem to have one aesthetic style. Is that because your taste is always evolving?

Miles Redd: My taste definitely evolves – instead of, say, the ebony-and-silver parquet that I once loved, I'm now into natural wood tones, scrubbed pitch pine, and plaster. It's a different vibe, but a decorator sees the connection between these different looks. Perhaps it's in the way they smell or feel, or the air in the space. A decorator knows when a home is loved, cared for, and thoughtfully considered.

Homes & Gardens: What aesthetic would you say you're most drawn to at the moment?

Miles Redd: Fresh, sparkling, airy spaces. That's what I want. I used to love rich, glittering interiors, and my apartment is rich and glittering, but now I want it to feel fresh and airy.

Homes & Gardens: Does that mean a decluttering project is imminent? How do you feel about letting go of the treasures that make up your home?

Miles Redd: You have to let them go. Objects are things you can enjoy for a while, but every time I see the sale of a great collector's possessions, I think about the person those things end up with and how they were meant to go to them instead. It's very freeing not to be attached to the things in your home. I try not to be attached. You can dither about whether to get rid of something, but once it's gone, it's gone – you barely, if ever, think about it again. Your home is still there, just different. It's not the things that made the place a home in the first place; it's you, and the way you live your life.

There is something refreshing about the way Miles talks about interiors. For all the grandeur and glamour associated with his work, he approaches decorating with a looseness and emotional intelligence that feels deeply human. Tastes evolve, rooms shift, treasured objects come and go – and none of it, he suggests, should be treated too preciously.

What matters is not perfection, but atmosphere: the feeling a home creates, the memories made within it, and the sense that it has been truly lived in and loved. Even now, after decades shaping some of America’s most celebrated interiors, Miles still speaks with the enthusiasm of someone endlessly fascinated by rooms – by how they look, yes, but even more by how they make people feel.

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While there are obvious ways to make your bedroom cooler in the warmer months (namely, layering cooling bed sheets, buying a fan, or investing in an AC unit), creating a sense of light, bright breeziness can be done through your choice of decor too.

And of course, the most obvious way to do that? Color. The colors you bring into your bedroom can make it feel fresher, bounce and reflect light in a way that can make your space instantly feel much cooler. Designers say the best bedroom color scheme for creating a cooler-feeling sleep space, while still remaining on trend for 2026, is a palette of calming greens, soft pale blues, and crisp whites and creams

And you needn't pick up a paintbrush, either; in fact, layering these colors with accessories is the key to a cooler scheme, whether it's through bedding, switching out your current drapes, or bringing in a new rug.

Interior designer Jennifer McKissick created a relaxing bedroom by keeping the color palette classic. A base of cream paint creates a bright, light-filled effect, while the green and blue floral prints add charm and whimsy.

'The design process for this room, which happens to be my personal bedroom, really started with the fabric: Colefax and Fowler's Fuchsia Chintz,' begins Jennifer. 'I saw it years ago in Lee Radziwill's bedroom in her Manhattan apartment and fell in love with its organic femininity. Lee used the red colorway of the print in her bedroom, which is also lovely, but the blue spoke to me immediately. Blue has a very calming, cooling effect. I wanted this space to feel tranquil, but not plain and ordinary like some overly-simple bedrooms you see today.'

The fabric inspired the bedroom's colors, acting as a jumping-off point for everything to connect to. 'The blue, green, and white color palette and the balance of textiles helped achieve this through the juxtaposition of the bolder patterns like the chintz against the softer check.'

'When I had the room painted initially, the walls were blue, but I wanted the space to feel even lighter, so we painted them white and chose to do blue on the ceiling (Farrow & Ball Borrowed Light), which really sets the tone over the whole room, making it feel cool and peaceful. When the sunlight peaks in the morning, it feels like waking up in an English Garden.'

Interior designer Chrissy Ritter also layered green, blue, and white to create a light and cooling bedroom for her client. 'The homeowner wanted a room that felt timeless rather than trendy, and blue, green, and cream are one of those combinations that never seem to go out of style,' says Chrissy. 'It's a palette that feels fresh and relaxed while still having a sense of tradition.'

'It also felt very appropriate for the English country look we were after,' explains Chrissy. 'The wallpaper already had this beautiful blend of soft blues and greens, so we pulled those colors throughout the bedding, lampshades, and textiles to create a room that feels cohesive without feeling overly matched.'

'Bedrooms should feel restful, and cooler colors naturally lend themselves to that feeling. Blues bring a sense of calm and quiet, while green introduces an element of nature and softness.'

While green and blue tones are on the colder side, it's the lived-in layers that bring the warmth and depth to the room. 'What keeps the room from feeling TOO cold is the layering. We mixed multiple patterns, warm creams, natural textures, and antique brass accents throughout the space,' says Chrissy. 'I always say I want a room to feel cool, but not cold, and that's really what we achieved here. The palette feels fresh and serene, but there's enough warmth and depth that it still feels comfortable and lived in.'

'This is the youngest daughter’s room, so we wanted it to feel youthful, bright, and happy, but still like something she could grow into over time,' explains interior designer Katie Davis.

'Blue, green, and white is one of those combinations that always feel fresh and really cooling to me. We used Dulux's Lily White as the foundation because it’s soft and airy but still brings personality. The blue gives the room a sense of calm, while the green keeps it feeling cheerful and youthful. Together, the palette feels timeless enough to grow with her but playful enough to feel special now.'

'Cooler tones naturally create a calmer feeling, which makes them a great fit for bedrooms,' explains Katie. 'Lily White has this softness to it that feels light and fresh without feeling too cold. Combined with the greens, florals, and natural textures, the room feels airy and relaxed while still warm and welcoming.'

Shop The Cool and Calming Bedroom Edit

Blue, green, and white are colors designers say to bring into your home to make it fresher for 2026. Evocative of cool crispness and all things soothing, it's the perfect palette for a bedroom in the warmer months and beyond.

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As the months get warmer, your entertaining setup naturally shifts outside. From summer soirees to laid-back family dinners, a truly good tablescape is what makes al fresco dining feel special night after night.

While outdoor dining doesn't always mean formality, that's not to say you want your summer tablescape to look cheap and lacklustre. In fact, no matter your occasion, there are some age-old mistakes best avoided, as they always make an outdoor table look thrown together (and not in the oh-so-effortless way you want to achieve).

'The biggest mistake you can make in outdoor tablescapes is approaching it the same way you would a formal indoor tablescape,' explains wedding and event planner Hovik Harutyunyan of Harutyunyan Events. 'You want the design of the table to complement the outdoor setting rather than compete or clash with it.'

1. Disposable Everything – Invest in Chic Outdoor-Safe Tableware

Unsurprisingly, disposable tableware almost always makes a backyard dining set-up look cheap. You wouldn't use plastic cups or paper plates in your dining room, so they should be left out of your alfresco eating area, too. Instead, invest in reusable outdoor-friendly tableware that you can bring out year after year and looks as chic as your indoor crockery.

'The quickest way to make an outdoor table look cheap is to treat it as the throwaway version of an indoor one,' explains Laetitia Laurent, founder of Laure Nell Interiors. 'Paper napkins, plastic cups...things like using a thin plastic cloth. People tell themselves, 'It's just outside,' and the table looks like it. Almost everything that reads as expensive outdoors comes down to real materials, plus a little layering, and neither one has to be expensive.'

'But they should be quality,' continues Laetitia. 'My French father has a great saying, 'You have to be really rich to buy cheap things'. What he means here is that low-quality items don't last, so you have to keep buying them over and over. This applies well to a tablescape – if you invest in a few quality pieces (many interchangeable for different seasons/settings), in the long run, you'll likely save money rather than continuing to buy low-quality, disposable items that have the added negative of just looking cheap.'

2. Not Layering – Build Up Your Tablescape for Interest

The best outdoor dining tables are layered. 'From a designer, things I like to avoid for outdoor table settings would be placing any plates directly onto the table,' explains Rasha Rizwan, interior designer at Mackenzile Collier Interiors. 'You should always layer them with a placemat or tablecloth,' adds Rasha. 'Layering with textured linens or even natural materials like woven rattan tableware can add texture and visual interest. Making the space feel more elevated.'

Investing in the best outdoor table linen will ensure your tablescape looks good beyond one season. Treat your tablecloth as a base, then layer a central table runner. Finish it off with your smaller elements, like colorful placemats and embroidered napkins.

3. Formal Drinkware – Keep Your Setting Visually Light and Not Too Fussy

'Using extremely formal fine china, serveware, and crystal' is a mistake,' says Hovik. 'More often than not, fine items like these should really be used for more formal occasions in an indoor setting. Depending on the outdoor event, items like this can feel psychologically and visually heavy and may compete with the outdoor setting.'

'The formality level of such pieces can also look a bit out of place or 'try-hard' if the event formality doesn't call for it – the true exception would be for formal outdoor weddings or black-tie events,' adds Hovik. 'You don't want the setting to feel overly complicated for guests.'

Whether you're having an alfresco lunch or an intimate dinner, outdoor-friendly glassware is your best bet. 'For an elevated and curated outdoor tablescape, it's better to opt for selections of colored glassware and unusually printed or colored china,' says Rae McCalmont, director at PBF Homes. 'Colored glassware adds a sense of whimsy and looks beautiful as the evening progresses and the table lighting illuminates the colors across the table. The biggest key is to keep the setting feeling layered, elevated, and fun!'

4. Too Much Stuff – You Want a Table to Look Full But Never Cluttered

While it's important to cover the basics and ensure your table has all the fundamental pieces, you don't want to overdo it either (particularly if you've gone for a statement outdoor furniture trend).

'While you want to make sure the table design is not underwhelming or empty, you also don't want the opposite of having it feel too overwhelming or cluttered,' explains Hovik. 'I would really caution against an eclectic mix of small objects and knick-knacks that can feel visually messy or like you're hosting a garage sale. You really just need a few beautiful floral pieces combined with candles. Even a runner of just candles down the table can feel understated yet tastefully dramatic and elegant.'

Rasha suggests, 'Mixing materials.' She explains, 'Using too many plastic pieces can make the tablescape feel less intentional, so I recommend adding a mix of stoneware or ceramic, mixed with linen napkins to create more texture and visual weight.'

5. Too Small a Centerpiece – You Need a Strong Focal Point

Whether it's a spring dinner party table design or a vibrant summer bouquet, no outdoor dining table is complete without a striking floral arrangement or centerpiece.

'I often hear the notion that 'if the outdoor setting is beautiful, you really don't need many florals on the table.' I could NOT disagree more,' says Hovik. 'While a beautiful outdoor setting or mountain/ocean views can be the star of the show, using small centerpieces (or no centerpieces at all) will truly make the table seem underwhelming and empty.'

'In fact, outdoor settings often call for even more pronounced centerpieces,' adds Hovik, 'because you often don't have chandeliers, walls, or artwork that complements the table. Thus, having a bare or under-decorated table can really make the table feel neglected or forgotten.'

'Incorporate wildflowers for a garden party or earthy tones that complement the landscaping,' adds Rasha. 'I also love bringing in natural elements like a simple stem arrangement in a vase, seasonal floral arrangements, or potted herbs to keep the table feeling natural and fresh.'

Shop Timeless Outdoor Dining Essentials

The best outdoor dining tables embrace the classics. A quality tablecloth, linen napkins, pretty but practical tableware, and of course, a thoughtful centerpiece. A table that looks cheap feels temporary rather than enduring, lacking the attention that makes alfresco dining so special.

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With entertaining season ramping up and 4th of July celebrations on the horizon, now is the perfect time to think about ways to level up your hosting. The key is stylish, yet effortless solutions that will impress your guests while allowing you – the host – to be present and as relaxed as possible at your party.

Encouraging interaction through self-service is one of the easiest ways to do this, and these outdoor drinks station ideas are sure to get your guests talking and keep things stress-free on the day. Think pre-mixed cocktails and ready-to-pour drinks, layering glassware and accessories, and adding thoughtful touches such as name labels and help-yourself garnishes and snacks.

From styling a purpose-made outdoor bar cart to getting creative with a simple garden table, the experts explain how easy it can be to design an elegant and sociable drinks station for your next summer gathering. Plus, we've rounded up some chic shopping ideas to help you style yours.

1. Start with a Base That Brings Style and Interest

If you don't own a made-for-purpose bar cart, don't worry. The wonderful thing about curating a beautiful outdoor drinks station is that you can be as creative as you like, and that starts with the base.

From a simple garden table to something more characterful, such as the vintage cart (this rolling bar cart from Wayfair captures a similar look), the options for garden bar ideas are limitless and can help to set the tone of your event. Think an elegant marble console (try this marble and brass bar cart from Anthropologie) for a chic gathering, or a stack of vintage crates for a more rustic affair.

Aleah Valley, Co-Founder of Valley & Co., who created this lovely rustic outdoor bar, shares, 'One of my favorite entertaining tricks is reminding people that a beverage station doesn't need to be a built-in bar or a perfectly styled piece of furniture to feel special or elevated. Some of the most memorable beverage stations we've created have started with something unexpected like a charming garden cart, a weathered potting bench, an antique table discovered at a flea market, or even a simple outdoor dining table dressed with flowers, fresh ingredients, and beautiful glassware.'

She adds, 'When entertaining outdoors, I love looking for pieces that already have a story to tell. A reclaimed wagon like this instantly creates a sense of charm and discovery while giving guests a natural place to gather. It's functional, but it also becomes part of the experience and the visual landscape of the party.'

2. Lean Into a Theme by Layering Glassware and Accessories

Layering is a key styling trick to ensure that your outdoor drinks station feels considered rather than simply functional. Lean into a theme – from vintage florals to zesty citrus – with accessories that capture the look. Use a mix of trays and linen napkins as your base, then layer in colorful or decorative glassware, characterful bar tools (like this lobster bottle opener from Net-a-Porter or these shell cocktail picks from Terrain which bring a coastal vibe). Flowers and bowls of fresh fruit and pre-cut garnishes will complete the look.

Rebecca Gardner, Founder of Houses & Parties, explains how she created the vibrant look above, 'At this party, we celebrated summer sunshine at a local farmstand and guests sat on produce crate 'stools'. To celebrate fresh citrus, we served strong margaritas in bright tutti frutti tumblers the color of 1950's fruit salad, with fine appliqué cocktail napkins from Portugal.'

3. Get Creative with Ice and Garnishes

'If you are serving a fruity drink, nothing is more perfect than using ice with frozen fruit inside,' explains Joanna Buchanan, table styling expert and founder of eponymous homewares store. 'It's so easy to do and makes the drink much more colorful and fun. It also reinforces the flavour.'

This is also a wonderful way to elevate soft drinks so that the drivers and non-drinkers get a treat drink too. Joanna adds, 'These fun ices are also great for non-alcoholic drinks; they need to look and taste just as fabulous as the rest.'

Opt for molds in interesting shapes and styles – these flower bouquet ice molds from Williams Sonoma will really level up your hosting game. And, you could add garnishes such as edible flowers, pomegranate arils and even some edible gold leaf in pretty vintage-inspired bowls (like these flower pinch bowls from Terrain) for a final flourish that will encourage guests to tailor their own drinks and spark conversation.

Ice plus summer sun means you will want an ice bucket on your outdoor bar cart, which can double as decor too.

4. Opt For Self-Serve Drinks to Reduce Hosting Stress

Courtney Murray, co-owner of luxury party rentals and event design company, Spoon + Salt says, 'We believe that hosting should feel as enjoyable as the celebration itself. A thoughtfully styled self-serve bar allows guests to help themselves, reducing the need for the host to mix drinks or refill glasses throughout the event. It creates a natural gathering place, keeps beverages accessible, and frees up the host to spend more time connecting with guests.'

Courtney's top tips for stress-free self-serve drinks include, 'Keep selections simple with one or two pre-mixed signature cocktails, wine, beer, and a non-alcoholic option. A focused menu minimizes preparation and offers a streamlined bar service.'

She also recommends adding personalized drinks markers affixed to or hanging off the glasses. 'This adds a layer of luxury and reduces the likelihood of guests using multiple glasses throughout the event.' These drink marker pens from Williams Sonoma are ideal, as guests can use them to label their own glasses.

5. Don’t Forget Lighting for Evening Parties

As night falls, it's a good idea to provide some lighting for your outdoor drinks station to create an atmosphere and to ensure that people can see what they are doing, and to avoid spills and breakages. Look for portable rechargeable lamps, battery-powered options, or solar-powered lights to negate the need for an outdoor power source.

Draping string lights among the glasses and bottles can create a really beautiful ambiance, but be aware of wires getting tangled. Instead, you might prefer to suspend some pretty lantern-style lighting (like these lace lantern shades from Anthropologie) above the bar, from a low-hanging branch, pergola, or rail. An over-the-table rod like this one from Amazon is ideal for displaying string or festoon lighting along, or hanging lanterns at different levels. Wire on some fresh flowers and greenery for a whimsical look by day that will transform into a magical night-time display.

6. Choose Smart and Stylish Chilling Solutions

Keeping drinks cold can be one of the biggest challenges when you're hosting a drinks party, and whilst coolers can help, they may not be in keeping with your beautifully styled outdoor drinks station.

As well as elegant ice buckets, look to containers that you might already have in the back yard or shed, such as galvanized steel tubs, stone troughs, or even wooden buckets or wheelbarrows, that you can line and fill with ice for a unique feature.

Jen Eggleston and Chris Defurio, founders of Ann-Marie, a vintage dish rental and event styling company, explain, 'Vintage tubs or even punch bowls are a perfect way to cool your drinks and elevate the vibe at a DIY bar. They bring a bit of charm and nostalgia that a standard cooler simply can’t replicate.'

7. Style the Drinks Station Like a Mini Tablescape

Tablescaping isn't just for tables – you can apply the same principles to your outdoor drinks station. 'I always use a tray to anchor the space and then have tons of fun with pretty bottles, fruit ice cubes, and some Joanna Buchanan bug-themed cocktail clips. It's such a whimsical way to make an outdoor bar feel special.

Think about levels too – placing each item within easy reach and view will ensure a better guest experience and add to the layered look. Courtney from Spoon + Salt says, 'Thoughtful tabletop details such as trays, risers, colored glassware, and decorative accents will transform a functional station into a beautiful focal point for your event.'

And, just like with a stunning summer tablescape, 'always add some fresh flowers,' Joanna adds. 'It simply builds on the magic of outdoor entertaining.' Bud vases are perfect as they create layers of color and interest, without overwhelming a small space.

8. Add a Signature Summer Cocktail Moment

One way to give your summer drinks party an edge is to offer pre-mixed summer cocktails, which you can batch-prep ahead. Then allow your guests to tailor their own drinks. Courtney from Spoon + Salt suggests, 'Prepare garnishes ahead of time. Slice citrus and prepare herbs and other garnishes before guests arrive. Display them in small footed bowls for elevated presentation.'

As well as fresh citrus slices and herbs, you could offer whole fruits with tools, like this citrus peeler from Amazon, for a DIY option, as well as potted pick-your-own herbs and flavored sugars and salts for guests to dip their glass rims in. There are some wonderful pre-made ones like this salty-sweet orange cocktail rimmer from Williams Sonoma, which will save you from pre-prepping them yourself.

For this kind of setup, it's important to ensure that you consider the space so that you don't end up with a bottleneck and guests reaching over one another. 'Be sure to create clearly defined stations,' advises Courtney. 'Arrange beverages, mixers, garnishes, glassware, napkins, and ice in their own areas so guests can navigate the bar with ease.'

9. Tell a Story with Personal Touches

Adding personal touches, such as named coasters, handwritten cocktail recipes, or drinks labels, can truly elevate your outdoor drinks station. Courtney says, 'The most memorable gatherings are defined by the unique and personal touches that make guests feel welcomed and considered, and add charm and personality to the bar.'

'There are endless ways to do this – on wine corks, mini luggage tags, natural stone coasters, or painted on a ceramic tile.' These alphabet wine glass charms from Walmart will add a personal flourish, while you could display these personalized cocktail signs from Minted in picture frames or on an easel alongside the bar.

'Consider personalized cocktail names, custom signage, or drink selections inspired by a certain theme. Tell a story through the bar experience. We’ve seen everything from signature drinks inspired by favorite vacation spots to meaningful milestones featured bar-side.'

10. Offer Hassle-Free, But Elevated Bites

While you might not want to commit to serving a full meal at your drinks party, a little something to offer your guests alongside a drink is a lovely touch. But it doesn't need to involve a huge amount of prep work or time.

Joseph Marini, event designer and author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining (SparkPress/Simon & Schuster), suggests, 'Set out bites guests can help themselves to. The ideal party bite looks special but asks almost nothing of the host.'

Choose options that are minimal fuss and maximum impact, and that don't need to be kept hot or really cold. Joseph suggests Rillettes de thon – 'A French spread made from good jarred tuna and a little cream cheese, swirled onto toasted crostini and finished with fresh herbs and a few edible flower petals for a splash of color.'

'It feels elegant and a little unexpected,' he adds. 'Yet there’s no real cooking involved beyond toasting the bread, and it’s entirely make-ahead. Better still, it holds beautifully at room temperature, so there’s no fussing over whether it will last on the table. A guest can arrive, help themselves to one, and head off to mingle, which is exactly where a good amuse-bouche should leave everyone, including the host.' Display on a rustic piece, like this petrified wood serving board from Pottery Barn, for ease and elegance.

Shop the Outdoor Drinks Station Edit

A beautiful outdoor drinks station is one of the easiest ways to elevate summer entertaining. The combination of thoughtful styling, practical preparation, and relaxed self-serve hosting creates gatherings that feel polished, sociable, and effortless. If you're looking for more ideas for your outdoor gatherings, take a look at our 3-zone hosting guide for dining, lounging, and late nights.

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Doubling up as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, there are very few pieces of furniture that work as hard as the best-selling IKEA HEMNES daybed.

Most of us will have laid eyes on the iconic HEMNES daybed at some point in time (it's been doing the heavy lifting in homes since its debut in the early 2000s), but the latest colorway (a very on-trend gray green) has transformed it into more than a piece of practicality, but a design moment designed to elevate any scheme.

The HEMNES daybed might be a guest bedroom essential, the perfect multitasker when visitors come round, but with its shiny new coat of sage matched with rustic wooden handles, it's the perfect year-round living room staple too. From a chic loveseat in the day to a generous bed to spread out on come evening, IKEA's latest launch combines this year's biggest color trend with a timeless, long-loved classic.

While the HEMNES iconic pine frame remains the same design, it's been drenched in a soothing sage green paint that embraces one of this year's biggest color trends. A softer, more organic hue than the original white with a grounding, heritage feel, sage green is one of those timeless paint colors that blends into any scheme.

While the three (surprisingly roomy) drawers aren't a new feature, to match its iconic Scandinavian-inspired feel, it's been fitted with rustic pine handles to bring a modern twist to the long-loved staple. Ideal for bedding, clothing, or even books, the drawers are conveniently tucked away at the base of the bed, providing storage for every kind of hardworking space.

Able to transform into a double bed when required, the HEMNES is ideal for a small guest bedroom where you want to switch between a single and double bed. 'This is the perfect bed for a guest bedroom,' says one review. 'The quality is good, and the assembly wasn’t difficult.'

Another hails the HEMNES daybed for its flexibility, able to slot into all kinds of small spaces. 'We downsized from a huge house with huge bedrooms to a small house with small bedrooms, and needed something attractive that wouldn’t take up a lot of space. The bed comfortably accommodates two adults when fully extended, which was a huge factor in deciding to choose this daybed. We now have one of these in a guest room and a second one for our small office. They are attractive, and we appreciate the base having ample drawer storage for linens, pillows, and blankets.'

IKEA's beloved HEMNES daybed has always been practical, but now it feels on trend for 2026. The new timeless sage green paint doesn't make it any less of a hardworking, practical piece, but it's now more of a design moment in its own right, too.

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Neutrals might've once been the safest bet, but as color and character continue to dominate trends, the forgettable shades that once ruled the design world are really falling out of fashion in 2026.

As 2026 color trends embrace all things saturated, rich, and deeply comforting, lackluster paint ideas that were once so popular (but now fall flat in today's homes) are being booted out. While many of these shades will come as no surprise (case in point: cool gray), designers and color experts say it's not just the usual neutrals that are starting to feel a little dated this year.

So, what paint colors are in and which are out? We reveal the hues going out of style in 2026 and the shades replacing them.

1. Cool Gray

'Cool gray is starting to feel dated,' states interior designer Lauren Saab. 'For years, it was the go-to choice for everything from walls to kitchen cabinets, but many of those icy gray tones now feel flat and impersonal. A lot of homeowners chose gray because it felt like the safe option. The downside is that safe often ends up looking sterile.'

While decorating with gray had its moment in the mid-2000s, today it lacks the warmth that adds character and life to our homes. Richer, deeper neutrals are replacing gray in 2026, instead, explains Lauren. 'Warmer neutrals are taking its place. Soft mushroom tones and muted taupe feel far more connected to the materials showing up in homes today, from warm woods to natural stone and unlacquered metals.'

'Cool gray often competes with those elements, while warmer neutrals allow them to shine,' adds Lauren. 'That's one reason they tend to feel relevant long after a trend cycle has passed.'

2. Sage Green

'I actually think one of the colors beginning to feel less relevant in 2026 is the very muted, grayed-off sage greens that dominated interiors over the last few years,' says Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick.

'For a while, those soft sage tones answered exactly what people needed,' continues Tash. 'Post-pandemic, there was this collective craving for calm, safety, and stillness within the home, and those cooler blue-gray greens delivered that beautifully. They felt soft, easy to live with and incredibly non-threatening.'

'But color trends are always emotional reflections of where we are culturally, and what I saw coming through strongly at Milan Design Week this year was a real shift away from restrained, desaturated color palettes and towards colors with far more vitality, warmth and personality.'

Deeper colors are replacing sage green. 'The greens dominating Milan weren’t those washed-out, barely-there sages. Instead, we saw rich olive greens, acidic chartreuse accents, muddy botanical greens, and yellow-based greens with much more energy running through them,' says Tash. 'And I think that speaks to a much wider movement happening within interiors right now. People are craving homes that feel more emotionally expressive and soulful again. We’re moving away from playing it safe with color and towards colors that feel deeply personal, comforting and full of character.'

3. Sterile White

While the best white paints will always be popular, all-white schemes feel far less relevant in 2026.

From white kitchens that feel a little clinical to overly pared-back, minimalist bedrooms that lack warmth, entirely white rooms no longer speak to us like they once did. 'I think there is a collective fatigue with white walls,' says interior designer Betsy Wentz. 'In real spaces, white often feels cold, sterile, and lacking soul for everyday living.'

While white is fine in small doses (think ceiling trim or window frames), this year, richer hues are replacing walls drenched in white. 'I’m noticing a shift toward spaces with more personality, which means embracing color that has some warmth, depth, and complexity,' adds Betsy. 'That can be anything from subtle color-washed neutrals, like a soft lavender, to saturated, moody hues like a smoky jade.'

4. Sad Beige

The sad beige era is over. While warm neutrals are sometimes required, designers are no longer relying on flat, forgettable beiges to ground their schemes.

Beige rooms are a thing of the past says interior designer Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'More than a specific paint color, I'd say the commitment-free neutral palette is what feels increasingly dated: the cool grays, safe whites, and beiges that don't really take a position. Many homeowners have stopped finding neutrality reassuring, and it's now reading more as a lack of thought or intention. The major design shows this year like High Point and WOW!house all pointed in the same direction.'

So what's replacing beige in 2026? 'If I had to choose one direction replacing the neutral-by-default era, it would be earthy mineral colors,' says Jen. 'Soft terracottas, clay pinks, muted olive greens, and chalky blue-greens that feel connected to nature and change beautifully with the light.'

Lackluster neutrals and gray-toned sage greens are out this year. 'In my own work, clients are gravitating toward more personality through color,' explains Jen. 'They want something that feels like it belongs to their house specifically, and I love that. The common thread is that people are becoming more interested in homes that feel specific to them and to their architecture. The conversation has moved away from choosing colors that won't offend anyone and toward creating rooms with a genuine sense of identity.'

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Anyone whos ever started a visual project, whether it's a wedding, a holiday, or a home, will know about Pinterest. A platform that lets you 'pin' your 'interests' like a mood board, it allows imaginations to run wild. While the site is filled with all sorts of visual inspiration, it's the ultimate source of creativity for every kind of interior design project, big or small.

From every interior design trend under the sun to general color scheme inspiration, Pinterest is perfect for guiding your home's look. 'Pinterest can be a great way to capture and catalogue ideas you’d like to incorporate near-term or longer-term into your home,' explains designer Jennifer Wilson of Jennifer J Interiors. 'It can also be a good way to flag images as your 'North Star' – a target aesthetic you love and want to stay true to amidst the barrage of ideas that you are peppered with daily.'

But with so much inspiration at your fingertips, what's the best way to use Pinterest? Interior designers share all.

1. Determine What you Like (and Don't)

Like discovering your interior design style, Pinterest can be a useful way to uncover exactly what you like (and don't) when it comes to home decor or design trends.

'For homeowners, Pinterest can be a valuable tool for identifying what you’re naturally drawn to,' explains Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs. 'Rather than focusing on individual rooms, I recommend creating boards and saving images that consistently catch your eye. Over time, patterns begin to emerge – whether it's a color palette, material, architectural style, or mood – which can help you better understand your personal aesthetic.'

Once you've begun pinning your likes, your algorithm will become tailored and personalized, meaning finding inspiration and styles you actually like will only get easier.

2. Let It Inspire you, Not Direct You

While it's easy to get carried away with Pinterest, it's important to remember that it's a source of inspiration, not a step-by-step guide – it's just like making a moodboard.

'My biggest tip is to use Pinterest as a source of inspiration, not imitation,' advises Abby. 'While it's tempting to recreate a space exactly as it appears online, the most successful interiors are the ones that reflect the people who live in them. I encourage clients to use Pinterest to collect ideas, details, and references, then work with a designer to interpret those elements in a way that feels unique, cohesive, and tailored to their home. The goal should never be to copy a room, but rather to create something that feels personal and entirely your own.'

A home reflects its owner when it's filled with meaningful objects and design details that have been considered, part of the eclectic interior trend's appeal.

3. Create a Moodboard or Theme

'Start high level and pin anything that inspires you, that can be beyond home schemes too,' suggests Becca Meyer of BB Meyer Design. 'I love adding in landscapes, travel destinations, and materials to help build the mood and the concepts for each space. Once the algorithm picks up on the theme of the board, the "More ideas" tab will pull in additional inspiration that is pretty spot on, which I love.'

'For decorating your own home, Pinterest can be incredibly helpful if you use it with some restraint,' adds Becca. 'I recommend creating boards by room, then saving anything without overthinking it at first. Once you have a collected board, go back and look for themes and edit it down. There's so much to look at and choose from, and you don't want it to cause overwhelm.'

'Also, don't design entirely from Pinterest, stick to the themes and use it as a tool to train your eye. From there, you'll pick up on design details and materials in the wild to draw inspiration from. The goal is not to copy or to make anything too specific, trust your instincts and follow your taste!'

4. Hunt Down Specific Pieces

'We use Pinterest when trying to search for a piece of furniture or fixture we don’t already know about,' says interior designer Jean Liu. 'It becomes a visual search engine for us, and through it, we’ve found great sources and vendors.'

Whether it's a vintage furniture trend you're obsessed with or a particular lighting idea you have to get your hands on, Pinterest is great for sourcing niche objects. 'I have found it to be more useful to feed the term or the fixture I’m looking for into Pinterest and to give it a day or so to populate,' adds Jean. 'Looking immediately doesn’t always get as good results as giving it some time to flood the feed, so to speak.'

'Pinterest is such a great tool for decorating our homes, both as a visual reference for inspiration but also for finding products, vendors, and designers you might want to work with,' explains Selena Reif, founder of Selena Michele Interiors. 'There are so many beautiful and inspirational images on Pinterest, which is great, but there are also tons of specific products on there, and it’s an amazing tool for finding out about new, lesser-known brands and artisans. There have been so many times when I’ve found a new-to-me vendor on Pinterest, so now it’s one of my go-tos when I need to source truly unique pieces.'

5. Get Architectural Inspiration

'Pinterest is one of my favorite tools for sparking inspiration, particularly when I'm exploring architectural details and millwork solutions,' says Abby. If you're deciding between colorful woodwork or statement ceiling trim, you want to get more permanent architectural details right, which is why a visual aid is so handy.

'If I’m feeling stuck on a project, I often use the platform to discover fresh ideas for built-ins, wall paneling, cabinetry details, and other custom elements,' continues Abby. 'It’s an incredible resource for uncovering creative solutions and seeing how designers around the world approach similar challenges.'

'Pinterest is handy for visualization,' agrees designer Liz Williams. 'We recently tried to decide how to dress a boxed bay window in a breakfast room. Searching for this on Pinterest helped us determine whether we preferred a valance, panels, or Roman shades to specify the best type of treatment for the space. Sometimes something unexpected pops up, or random images may inspire other ideas.'

6. Let it Spark Emotion

It's all well and good using Pinterest as a search engine for inspiration, but it's important not to take it too literally. At the end of the day, a truly accomplished home resonates with you and sparks emotion whenever you're there.

Design choices affect your mood, so instead of focusing on a specific style you want to recreate, consider how it makes you feel instead. 'I encourage homeowners to look for emotional consistency rather than stylistic labels,' says Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors. 'Instead of asking whether a room is traditional or modern, ask yourself how it makes you feel. Do you consistently gravitate toward spaces that feel layered and collected? Light and airy? Cozy and cocooning? Pinterest can be incredibly helpful in identifying those patterns.'

7. Edit and Catergorize

'Once you have at least fifty pins, edit ruthlessly,' advises Laura. 'Remove anything that
doesn't fit the common thread. By the end, you should be able to look at the board and immediately recognize the story it's telling. Often, the images you delete are just as revealing as the ones you keep.'

'Start by creating boards for your projects. Pro tip: Once you have your board created, you can also go in and create sections within that main board,' says Selena. 'This is such a great way to get really organized on Pinterest. You could have a board called “home” that has sections for the different rooms in your home, or you could have a board called 'kitchen, with sections for different aspects of the design like cabinetry, hardware, lighting, etc.'

'The sky is the limit, but good organization really helps with being able to find your pins later,' adds Selena. 'Then start pinning everything that draws your attention. I like to start with a few images I know I love, then click on one of them and scroll down to look at what comes up that is similar. I love going deep down the Pinterest rabbit hole that way and always end up finding something new.'

'Use as many facets of it as possible!' says Alex Kinion, founder of Grounded Homes. 'Pin from your favorite websites to save products for later, create boards with sections for each room or area within your home, and use the suggested pins to dive deeper into additional ideas that you may not have thought of originally. Follow your favorite designers or creators to get inspired, and remember to gather inspiration from multiple sources and put it together in a way that is unique to you!'

'Save the things you love the moment you see them, even without a project in mind,' says interior designer Vanessa Katzen, 'because the best rooms are built from references gathered slowly over time. A great board is an archive, not a shopping list.'

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The desire for beautiful and functional outdoor living rooms is just as strong as it is for interior spaces these days, reflecting how we want to exist inside and out, in a fluid and transitional way. This is easier to achieve than you might expect, thanks to modern high performance, yet elevated furniture, made from durable materials and waterproof, bleach-resistant fabrics, as well as lighting and accessories that would look just as chic in an indoor setting as outside.

If you want to know how to design an outdoor living room, start by taking a look at our selection of inspirational ideas below, which offer elegant, stylish, and practical looks that you can recreate at home.

Reflecting the look and feel of our interior schemes in our outdoor spaces not only creates a truly cohesive aesthetic but also blurs the lines between in and out, ensuring your home is seen as one singular, flowing space that can be used and enjoyed all year round.

1. Mirror Your Home's Architecture with Outdoor Furniture

The architecture of the above property, with its clean lines and geometric window frames and porch structure, has been cleverly reflected in the choice of outdoor furniture, which brings an intentional and aesthetically pleasing look.

Designer Viki Chupik, founder of Chupik Design, explains: 'On a covered porch like this, I love using black metal furniture because it reinforces the strong architectural lines already present in the space. The frames echo the geometry of the windows, doors, and lighting, which creates a really cohesive indoor-outdoor connection.'

'Metal furnishings were the perfect choice here because they bring both visual structure and durability. The darker finish grounds the softness of the upholstery, while the weight and resilience of the material make it ideal for an environment that still needs to feel refined and elevated.'

Pottery Barn's Ellis outdoor furniture collection has a similar look and includes loungers, sectionals, and dining furniture for flexible yet refined outdoor living spaces.

2. Select an Earthy Palette to Create Warmth

This stunning space designed by Cortney Bishop emanates warmth and comfort without sacrificing elegance. The natural rattan chairs with their curvaceous silhouettes (these outdoor wicker armchairs from Article have a similar wave shape) and muted, organic hue bring a softness to the scheme, which is reflected in accessories, such as the rattan tray with its scalloped edge.

While the chair cushions are in neutral creams and taupes, additional warmth has been added with the dusty pink of the outdoor coffee table and outdoor rug, which brings an indoor level of comfort to the space. This Sayanth Round Outdoor Side Table from West Elm has a similarly earthy tone and organic silhouette. As the evening sun hits this space, the warm, neutral tones come alive and beg you to sit and relax.

3. Use Glass For Shelter and Light

A glass-panelled wall, screen or corridor (as shown above) can both provide protection and shelter from the elements and define a living space, without being a visual barrier. This setup allows for near uninterrupted views of the garden, where light can flow freely through the space, changing the mood through the course of the day.

The planted borders, tree branches, and containers bring the greenery from the outside into this covered outdoor living room to create a multi-layered effect, while the neutral rattan seating brings a natural and organic feel that blends with both the architecture and the landscape.

Christopher Brandon, founder and creative director of Brandon Architects, explains: 'Glass is an excellent design tool for defining the boundary between inside and out without obstructing light or landscape views, as well as encouraging seamless indoor/outdoor living. The whole space reads as one continuous environment.'

4. Add a Day Bed For Leisurely Lounging

Comfort is key when it comes to lounging, so why should your outdoor living room not allow for a little cozy indulgence, too? This pretty terrace features a built-in day bed for the ultimate opportunity to doze in the afternoon sun, under the shade of the parasol. A standalone piece, like this Jacqueline Wayfair daybed, is ideal if you don't have the option for something built-in.

'This was the perfect spot to add a cozy daybed with oversized pillows, in a soothing pink palette,' says Rachel Ashwell, interior stylist and founder of Shabby Chic. 'Similar furnishings with an explosion of floral covers are pure eye candy and captivating for any outdoor space.'

This cozy outdoor seating area is designed for peaceful, private moments, as opposed to entertaining, making it feel all the more special and inviting. The plumped-up rose pink cushions and outdoor rug bring more of those home comforts to this open-air living space, while a vase of freshly picked roses, a scented candle and a lightweight robe all help to amp up the spa-like aesthetic.

5. Incorporate a Swing Seat For a Whimsical Touch

There's something so whimsically childlike about a swing seat, and that gentle rocking motion creates the most wonderful opportunity to pause and take in your surroundings. Whether you choose to install a single swing seat for mindful solo moments (like this Springwood hanging daybed from Serena & Lily) or include one as part of an outdoor living room setup, alongside freestanding chairs and sofas, is up to you.

We particularly love how the ceiling of this covered porch has been painted in a soft sky blue while the rest is a crisp white, reflected in the seat cushions, throw pillows and outdoor rug for a cool and calm aesthetic.

6. Opt For Modular Seating to Keep the Layout Flexible

The modular seating by Harrison and Nicholas Condos at RH is used for this elegant outdoor living room, offering total flexibility for your space and the number of guests. It's one of the best outdoor seating ideas for entertaining. The neutral cushions and wood frame bring a timeless quality to this particular setup.

You can get the look with this NÄMMARÖ modular outdoor sofa from IKEA for under $500, while this Newport modular outdoor chaise from Serena & Lily is more of an investment, but really taps into the indoor/outdoor look and comes in a huge range of durable and stylishly muted Sunbrella fabrics.

7. Create a Multi-Dimensional Effect With Florals

Vases of flowers don't just have to be for indoors. In fact, they can look really effective in an outdoor living room, as an unexpected addition that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. They are especially beautiful as part of this classic scheme, which features chic black metal furniture with crisp white cushions and stone and ceramic tables.

This elegant poolside living space by Alice Lane Interior Design is enhanced by chic outdoor planters and vases of flowers that mirror the planting scheme in the garden beyond. Sticking to a limited color palette of pink and white creates cohesion and makes the overall aesthetic feel elevated and intentional.

A layered and multi-dimensional effect is created as the eye is drawn to the floral arrangements in the foreground while the same colors and varieties can be picked out in the landscaped garden beyond.

8. Bring Bold Indoor-Style Upholstery Outdoors

Gone are the days of worrying about your outdoor sofas fading in the sun. There are some fabulous designs to choose from now that are made from super durable, stain, fade and weather-resistant fabrics, like this Denver Sunbrella Stripe Outdoor Sofa from Anthropologie, which will really level up your outdoor lounge ideas.

No longer limited to wooden frames or neutral hues for outdoor furniture, you can be as expressive as you like with bold color, pattern and form – from pastel stripes to florals and intricate metalwork to curvaceous, modular styles.

The red and white striped sofa here contrasts beautifully with the greenery in the background, while the shape and style bring the comfort and design associated with indoor decor to the outdoor space, which is both unexpected and welcoming.

9. Introduce Definition with an Outdoor Rug

Adding an outdoor rug is such an easy way to transform a simple collection of seating into an outdoor living room. It takes a space from being purely functional to intentional and design-forward, and creates that coveted blend of indoor/outdoor style.

Lulu and Georgia's new outdoor collection captures this concept perfectly, with a green and terracotta color thread carried through from the concentric tile-effect Kirst outdoor rug to the throw pillows and even the planting.

Layering the furniture and seating over the edges of the rug means that the ground underneath is completely hidden and, conversely to what you might expect, actually has the effect of making the space feel bigger, compared to placing a small rug under a central coffee table, for example.

10. Recreate a Retro Resort Feel with Candy Stripes and Curves

If you like the idea of creating a resort-like feel in your backyard, the Daisy Collection from Business & Pleasure ticks all the boxes. From the soft salmon pink and earthy red color combination to the candy striped throw pillows and scalloped edging on the curvaceous furniture, it oozes '1950s French Riviera chic'.

We love the poolside setup here – a perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail as the sun goes down – and the color and design bring such a sense of fun to an outdoor living room, while still feeling chic and elevated.

The addition of a drinks table is a fresh alternative to an outdoor bar cart, and carrying the look through to the raised terrace area adds a sense of considered repetition and dimensional layering, which feels intentional and purposeful.

11. Linger Longer with a Fire Pit

There's nothing like the glow of an open flame to entice guests to get cozy and linger awhile. A fire pit, whether gas or log-fuelled, is both mesmerizing to watch and brings warmth to ensure your gathering can last later into the evening.

We love the perfectly balanced setup in the above image, with the stone of the fire pit and the rattan of the furniture creating an outdoor living room that feels both rustic and contemporary.

This look is completed with a string of festoon lights (like these shatterproof, outdoor string lights from Amazon) to frame the space – one of the loveliest ways to bring in outdoor lighting.

12. Mix and Match Pillows and Blankets for a Thoughtfully Layered Look

This outdoor living room has been given a cozy touch by mixing and matching patterns and hues on the outdoor throw pillows, blankets, and outdoor rug. This is a failsafe way to make a covered outdoor living room feel more relaxed and inviting.

Designer Kelly Deck explains: 'The most inviting outdoor living rooms feel collected rather than overly coordinated. Layering pillows, throws, and subtle patterns brings the same softness outdoors that we often associate with interior living.'

Kelly has kept to a limited range of colors to ensure there's a consistent thread running through the scheme, and that it doesn't feel overly busy or thrown together. She adds: 'A palette of muted greens, weathered blues, warm neutrals, and natural textures keeps the space feeling calm, relaxed, and cohesive. It’s less about everything matching perfectly and more about creating warmth through thoughtful layering. The goal is always to create somewhere people naturally want to settle into and stay awhile.'

13. Tap into the Trend for Colorful Metal Furniture

Birdie Fortescue's Curato outdoor collection taps into one of the biggest outdoor furniture trends for 2026 with its powder-coated metal furniture in muted olive green. We love the way this green shade blends with the natural palette of the garden, making it one of the best colors for outdoor furniture, while the intricate metalwork has a modern heritage feel.

However, this trend isn't limited to botanical green – we're seeing metal furniture in a rainbow of hues from rose pinks to butter yellows and sky blues, too – so you can be as bold as you like; just be sure to keep a color thread running through the scheme. In this outdoor living room, mismatched throw pillows in shades of blue, green, and white create a beautiful yet subtle contrast and an eclectic English country garden feel.

14. Go for a Modern, Monochrome Palette

We love the striking look of this modern outdoor living room. The angled forms and monochrome palette seen in the architecture are cleverly reflected in the landscaping and outdoor seating ideas.

Black deck chairs are positioned around a contemporary fire pit, contrasting with the white patio, steps, and raised beds. The whole look is softened with wispy grasses and delicate planting schemes that bring movement, color, and texture to an otherwise stark and minimal scheme.

15. Create an Organic Look with Natural Materials

For patio living room ideas that truly chime with the natural environment, you can't beat organic materials and textures. From the rustic bamboo pergola to the uniquely shaped outdoor coffee tables, made from smooth, veined marble (this Travertine finish side table from Anthropologie has a similar look), every element of the space above has been designed to sync with its surroundings.

Aly Morford, Co-Founder and Principal Designer at Pure Salt Interiors, explains, 'Natural materials and a sense of easy living are at the forefront of all of our designs, which is especially apparent in our outdoor spaces. We love extending motifs from the interior into the outdoor living areas – things like plaster accents, wood details, and hardware finishes – it creates a cohesive look and speaks to our roots as an organic, California coastal design firm.'

16. Add a Canopy and Curtains for Softness and Shade

The loosely draped fabric canopy is one of the simplest pergola ideas, as it softens the hard lines of the structural form while creating shade and bringing tactility to the space. The addition of curtains or drapes adds privacy and coziness for peaceful moments, without the need for a physical barrier. Opting for a sheer fabric as shown here creates a translucent effect and lightness that will billow in the breeze for a romantic effect.

Rachel Hills, Founder and Creative Director of Rachel Hills Design Co says, 'The woven fabric detail allowed us to filter light and create shade, while preserving the openness of the pergola. It gave the space a softer, more relaxed atmosphere without losing the airy outdoor feel.' Try these sheer indoor/outdoor curtains from Sunbrella, which have weighted corners to help them hang evenly.

17. Make a Small Backyard Multi-Functional

This city garden might be limited on space, but it makes up for it in style and functionality, representing one of the most effective small backyard layout ideas we've seen. Combining a comfortable seating area, dining table, and easy flow from indoors to out. It proves that you don't need a huge outdoor space to entertain.

Ritu Nagpal, Founder of Retiro Design Co, explains: 'We designed the space to function as a living room, dining room, and entertainment retreat all at once. Between the cozy swivels, banquette seating, and dining table, this space is perfect for everything from quiet mornings to lively evenings with friends.'

Keeping the color palette consistent across the whole patio area, but defining the entertaining zones into soft, comfortable, and more structured, upright seating, ensures that this outdoor living room works as hard as possible.

18. Install Built-in Seating for Uninhibited Sightlines

Sunken or built-in seating is a clever visual trick used in luxury outdoor living rooms to allow for uninhibited views across features such as swimming pools and to the scenery beyond, and it's one of the best ways to make your outdoor living room look more expensive.

Christopher Brandon, founder and creative director of Brandon Architects explains, 'When we're designing an outdoor space that's meant to function as a true living room, built-in seating is often the right call. It anchors the space architecturally and communicates permanence. We tend to use it when we want to define a zone like a conversation area or dining nook. For this patio in particular, built-in seating was the optimal choice so as not to hinder the incredible view and to create a harmonious material and finish story – it all reads as one continuous composition.'

19. Create a Multi-Sensory Space

Outdoor living is about embracing all of the senses, from the sound of birdsong to the scents of the garden and the feel of the breeze on your skin. This space takes this further by enhancing the sensory experience with fire and water features, which also bring contrast and visual interest.

'The best outdoor spaces don't just look beautiful, they also engage the senses,' explains Christopher Brandon. 'Fire and water are powerful tools to achieve that, bringing sound, movement, and warmth. Together, they create a layered atmosphere and an engaging space for people to gather and linger.'

There are plenty of garden fountain ideas that you can try, like this Soma Medallion cast stone fountain from West Elm, which has a similar look to the one pictured. Meanwhile, the contemporary fire feature blends with the architecture of the back porch and the warm glow is mirrored in the windows, which both reflect the fiery sunset and emit a comforting golden light from the interior.

If you're wondering how to integrate your outdoor living room with the rest of your outdoor spaces for alfresco gatherings, take a look at our 3-zone outdoor hosting guide to creating the perfect spaces for dining, lounging, and late nights.

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Effortless, inviting, slightly elevated, and always lived-in – is how Susie Watson Design’s style could be described. It’s an aesthetic that’s hard to pinpoint, and that’s the whole point. It’s layered, collected, and totally timeless.

This idea of creating pieces that are both beautiful and suited to everyday life has been at the heart of every version of Susie Watson Designs. What began as a family-run art gallery over 25 years ago quickly developed into a small pottery business, selling at fairs across the UK, and then flourished into an iconic British design brand. It moved from stalls to stores around the country and expanded far beyond pottery to include beautifully handcrafted cushions, rugs, furniture, and more – all still grounded in the same idea: that these pieces are not to be ‘saved for best’ or treated as overly precious.

Another thing that hasn’t changed is that this is still very much a family business, with Susie working closely with her daughter Anna Watson. Together, they collaborate on new ideas, travel the world for inspiration and to work with suppliers, as well as drawing constant inspiration from their own everyday lives. The family ties also extend beyond Susie and Anna – the designers, suppliers, and factories they work with are family-run too, and the brand’s whole ethos is centered on elegant design for everyday family life.

Here, in our most recent Layered Lives interview, we sit down with Susie to find out more about where the brand began, how it grew into what it is today, what inspires her now, and to gain a real insight into the dynamic of this mother-daughter duo.

Homes & Gardens: Can You Share the Story of How Susie Watson Designs Began?

Susie Watson: Susie Watson Designs really started with a simple but lovely idea: why should beauty be saved just for gallery walls? I wanted to bring art into everyday life – turning the things we use all the time, like cushions, mugs, and tablecloths, into something a bit more special. Everything is thoughtfully handcrafted, full of character, and made to be loved and used. It’s about making your home feel personal, warm, and filled with little stories in every corner.

Homes & Gardens: How Did Your Design Journey Begin Before Susie Watson Designs?

Susie Watson: I designed clothes in my twenties, which I absolutely loved. My focus gradually shifted to interiors when creating a home became more important to me. With four children, I spent a great deal of time at home, and renovating houses evolved into both a career and a lasting fascination.

Homes & Gardens: And What or Who Were Some of Your Earliest Influences?

Susie Watson: My best friend at school lived in a beautiful Suffolk farmhouse. Her incredibly artistic mother had a large, brick-floored kitchen with wonderful dressers. It made a lasting impression on me and was undoubtedly an early influence – my own kitchens still carry something of that same spirit.

Homes & Gardens: Can You Describe the First Space That Shaped Your Design?

Susie Watson: As a family, we embraced kitchen living long before it became fashionable, so the kitchen was the first room I became truly interested in designing.

Kitchen suppers always felt more fun and informal to me, and I’ve always loved cooking. A large kitchen dresser was probably our first real piece of furniture, and we still have it today. That’s the wonderful thing about investing in furniture or paintings – they become companions for life. No matter how many times you move, your home still feels like home. The kitchen table is the heart of most homes, and I still work from ours most days.

I’ve always designed my own kitchen cupboards, working with a carpenter to make them. They were never particularly high-spec, but understanding how you use a space means everything is exactly where you need it. I’ve often gone on to design kitchens for others as well.

I like to keep ceramics out where I can see them. Plate racks are by far the best way to store plates and bowls – they make it quicker and easier to empty the dishwasher, and you can immediately see when you’re running low.

Most of my kitchens have had pink walls – it makes them feel warm and inviting. The color works beautifully with the brick floors I’m especially fond of, and it provides a perfect backdrop for paintings and table lamps, both of which are essential to a lived-in kitchen.

Homes & Gardens: Can You Walk Us Through Your Typical Design Process, From Initial Inspiration to the Finished Product?

Susie Watson: Sometimes we have a clear idea of what we want to create – for example, a bedside table with more storage, or a kilim rug that complements a new wallpaper. In those cases, the design work feels more like problem-solving.

We find inspiration everywhere – antiques, paintings, nature – our ideas can come from anywhere! We work through each design together, producing drawings that we send to our brilliant makers. Samples are created and refined until we have something we’re happy with.

We take several trips each year to Sri Lanka and India and do a lot of our designing while we’re there. It helps that we’re together 24 hours a day for a week or so, but being in another country and free from the everyday running of the business also gives us time to truly be creative. Working side by side with our makers makes the whole design process so much easier. We can watch as different threads, paints, dyes, or carvings are used and shaped – and make changes on the spot – so it becomes a much more fluid process.

Sometimes, when we first arrive, it takes a while for the ideas to start flowing. But by the time we’re getting on the plane home, we’re bursting with inspiration and wishing we had a few extra days to try everything out! That’s just the nature of how our creativity works – it’s all about having the time and space to really get into an artistic headspace.

Homes & Gardens: What Are the Key Elements That Define the Susie Watson Aesthetic, and How Has That Signature Style Evolved Over Time?

Susie Watson: Designing products for the home has been a huge learning curve! We began with ceramics and tablecloths in a limited palette of pinks, blues, and greens. But alongside our makers, we’ve developed increasingly sophisticated ways of creating fabrics – learning how to stonewash and screen-print intricate designs, and embroider beautifully detailed patterns.

Over time, we began making kilim rugs and added furniture to our collection. The more we design and create, the more we discover what’s possible. Beautiful colors inspired by nature are a constant theme throughout all our interiors. We use only the very best natural materials – stonewashed linens, silk velvets, wool kilims, pure wool throws, and acacia wood.

As soon as people walk into our showrooms, they immediately feel the warmth and coziness of home. Because we are the designers, our collection feels very organic. We never design what we think someone might like – we follow our own instincts entirely. That’s why our style feels timeless and never simply 'on trend.'

Homes & Gardens: Are There Any Behind-the-Scenes Rituals, Routines, or Traditions That Shape the Way You Make Design Decisions?

Susie Watson: No – the whole design process for us is pretty chaotic! Every item we create has a completely different backstory. Some of our kilims were perfect the first time we wove them, while others went through several iterations before we were happy. Some designs get abandoned completely, even after hours and hours of work. And sometimes, a great product comes out of a mistake!

Color is always a real challenge – it’s so difficult to get just right. And occasionally, we’ll love a product when we first design it, only to decide we don’t like it at all once it’s in the stores! The key is to keep moving forward and learning from each experience.

Homes & Gardens: In the Competitive World of Interior and Textile Design, How Do You Stay Innovative While Maintaining a Consistent Brand Identity?

Susie Watson: We never set out to be a big competitor in the interior design world, and we’d never fool ourselves into thinking that should be the goal. I think if we started second-guessing what we should or shouldn’t be designing, the whole process would become inorganic.

Our brand is strong because we have a tight-knit team and we refuse to be swayed by trends. We simply focus on creating beautiful things, and our customers seem to recognize and appreciate the value in that.

Homes & Gardens: How Does Family Influence Play a Role in Your Work? Are There Lessons or Values Passed Down That You See Reflected in the Brand?

Susie Watson: Family plays a huge part in the brand. Not only do we have various members of our family working in the business, but we also see each of our stores as a family, and the people who make our products are all small family businesses. This gives a wonderful sense of continuity, stability, and longevity to the brand – something our customers really pick up on.

Everyone understands the importance of their own family, and I think people recognize that Susie Watson Designs is built on that same foundation. We are a family business, designing for families and family life.

Homes & Gardens: Are There Any Misconceptions About Running a Family-Led Design Brand That You Would Like to Clarify?

Susie Watson: I think some people get hung up on the idea of inheriting a business rather than earning it. To be honest, it’s a lot of work and quite a responsibility to take on – something many people might not actually want. The benefits for the business, however, massively outweigh any negatives.

The biggest advantage is that investment decisions are always made with the long-term growth and health of the company in mind, rather than short-term gain. I didn’t take a salary for the first 15 years! It’s incredibly hard to build a strong business in just one generation. Later generations get the opportunity to build and expand on the original concept – but it’s still hard work.

A family business also provides great security for those working within it. In a small company, the wider team becomes an integral part of the family, and that gives everyone a much greater sense of stability about their future. By contrast, a company buyout can often be traumatic for staff who’ve helped build the business – they sometimes choose to leave, saddened by how the culture they loved and felt part of has changed.

Homes & Gardens: Can You Tell Us a Little About Your Relationship as Mother and Daughter, and How It Shapes the Way You Work Together Creatively?

Susie Watson: We naturally have very similar design ideas, having spent so much time together over the years. We’re very honest with each other, which is helpful – we don’t tiptoe around our opinions when collaborating! We both understand how valuable true collaboration can be.

Of course, there are moments of frustration when something isn’t quite working, but we instinctively know when to step in and when to step back. There’s no pride or ego when it comes to design ownership – if something works, that’s great. If a product doesn’t end up working, that’s fine too. Often, the lessons we learn when things go wrong are far more valuable than when everything goes right.

Homes & Gardens: How Do You Divide Responsibilities at Susie Watson Designs, and Where Do Your Roles Overlap?

Susie Watson: I am involved in almost every aspect of the business, and I still enjoy every part of it – from initial product design to store interiors, photography, stock ordering, and even dealing directly with customers.

Anna focuses more on product design and works extensively on the bespoke side of the business, helping customers resize furniture and kilims for their homes. It’s mainly on the design side that our roles overlap, but we constantly look to each other for advice on all the day-to-day decisions involved in running the business.

Homes & Gardens: What’s a Typical Day in the Studio Like When You’re Working on a New Collection? Any Rituals, Routines, or Little Quirks That Define Your Process?

Susie Watson: It’s only really when we head to India or Sri Lanka that we have proper full days to be creative. For the rest of the time, it’s snatched hours here or there in which we think about new product design.

If we do have a spare afternoon, we’re usually in the summer house at our home with the floor covered in bits of kilim and rolls of fabric. Becca, our brilliant graphic designer who has worked with us since she graduated, works closely with us and is an integral part of our design team. She also manages all aspects of photography, which is a major part of what we do each month.

And there are usually my four badly behaved dogs sitting on everything, barking to be let in or out, and eating sandwiches from Becca’s bag! Endless cups of coffee are a staple. But usually, out of the chaos, something good will come! It’s not a recognized design process, but it’s really the only way we know how.

Homes & Gardens: How Do You Navigate Creative Disagreements? Do Those Moments Ever Lead to Some of Your Best Work?

Susie Watson: If one of us feels strongly about a new idea – against the judgment of the other – we’ll usually still go ahead and get a sample made anyway. We’ve been doing this long enough to know that until you have a sample in front of you, it’s really hard to tell whether something’s going to work or not. At that point, it quickly becomes obvious to both of us if it’s good.

Interestingly, the new designs we really love are always the ones the head office team love too – and they often go on to become bestsellers. Sometimes, the designs that look best on paper turn out to be the most disappointing once they’re made. That’s one of the joys of the process – the happy accidents. It’s certainly never predictable, and that’s what keeps it such an exciting area to work in.

Homes & Gardens: How Do You Maintain the Balance Between Running a Business and Nurturing Your Mother-Daughter Relationship?

Susie Watson: There’s an understanding between all of us that running a business is hard work – and there’s no escaping that. There isn’t really an 'off' switch, and Anna realizes more and more that this has been key to my success – she lives and breathes the business, and work naturally seeps into every part of life.

We’re happy to talk about work most of the time, but a phone conversation between us will usually cover product design, dogs, gossip, and politics – all within a few minutes! We don’t even try to keep work and home life separate; we’re lucky enough to do jobs we love, so the two blend together quite naturally.

When we’re working in Sri Lanka, we even share a hotel room and will still be discussing a new mug design while reading our novels before bed. It may not be considered the healthiest approach, but it’s the only way we know how to work!

Homes & Gardens: Are There Any Behind Closed Doors Moments – Fun, Chaotic, or Surprisingly Emotional – That Define the Life of the Brand?

Susie Watson: Everything we do is slightly chaotic – and definitely funny! We both value humor more than anything and spend a lot of time laughing at (and with) each other. Photoshoots are always a hive of activity and chaos – Anna once fell in the pool during a shoot at her house, and on one of my trips to India, my suitcase rolled across the train floor and straight out of the open train door! Luckily, a kind man on a bicycle at the next station retrieved it me.

It’s also hard to avoid emotional moments when we all work so closely together. We go through incredibly stressful times as a team, but as anyone knows, those shared challenges are often the most bonding. It’s through those hardships that we’ve built such loyalty and genuine affection for the people we work with.

None of us could do it alone – we all need each other. That can feel a little scary at times, but it’s also incredibly energizing. We’re constantly amazed by how far we’ve come, and knowing it’s all been achieved through hard work and perseverance gives us the reassurance that there’s no reason it can’t continue.

Homes & Gardens: What Inspires You Outside of Design? Travel, Art, Nature, or Heritage, and How Do You Translate That Into Your Collections?

Susie Watson: Everything around us is an inspiration – we never stop looking. Wherever we are, we subconsciously absorb why some things work and others don’t, and how certain elements complement or clash with each other. We’re constantly building ideas around shape, color, and texture, and how they all come together.

Homes & Gardens: What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring Designers About Collaboration, Creativity, and Building a Brand With Authenticity?

Susie Watson: Start small. Get your product out there in the simplest, most cost-effective way possible and see if people like it. Fairs are hard work, but they’re a great way to get your products in front of customers – and you can usually just about cover the costs through sales. You’ll get a sense right away of whether people connect with your style or not.

You need to be single-minded and not give up when a million problems come your way (and they will!). We’ve had so many ups and downs in this business, but through sheer stubbornness and hard work, we’ve forged ahead. Not many people realize how much effort goes into building a small retail business where everything is handmade. You have to be prepared to work long, hard days to get your product right.

Homes & Gardens: If You Could Describe the Heart of Susie Watson Designs in Three Words, What Would They Be and Why?

Susie Watson: Family, home, color.

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This year's WOW!house, held at the Chelsea Design Centre, was filled with standout spaces, from immersive installations to bold celebrations of color, culture, and craftsmanship.

But while every designer brought something unique to the showhouse, we were curious to know which rooms resonated most with the industry's rising stars. So, fresh off the back of their private tour, we asked our Next in Design 2026 winners to choose the one space they found most inspiring.

With more than 21 rooms and outdoor spaces, choosing a favorite is no easy task. Yet when we asked our cohort of winners which room stayed with them long after they left, a clear theme began to emerge...

The Turnell & Gigon Group Drawing Room by Albion Nord

'There were a few spaces that were wonderful, but my favorite was the Albion Nord Drawing Room, created in collaboration with Turnell & Gigon,' says Ailsa MacConnell of Studio Mac. 'The room was full of curiosities, ranging from beautiful artwork to its striking octagonal shape. While it took inspiration from the Georgian and Victorian eras, the fresh and unexpected elements that had been introduced really made the space sing.'

'I particularly loved the handmade patchwork rug, which paired beautifully with the eclectic antique furniture. Softening the room were the incredible plush sofas, layered with beautiful textiles. An unexpected twist came in the form of the fringe trim on the cornice, complemented by the fabric-covered walls.'

'All in all, the room was full of inspiring details and delightful little quirks.'

'My favorite room was the drawing room by Albion Nord,' Filippo Calvagno of Studio Calvagno agrees. 'The domed ceiling and octagonal shape of the room were really impressive, and I loved how they made each area of the space work so well. There was an immediate feeling of warmth and relaxation when I walked in.'

'I loved the color palette chosen throughout the room, particularly across the fabrics, and how everything blended together so nicely. The wall covering worked beautifully with the architecture of the space, enhancing the shape of the room while introducing subtle colour and texture,' Filippo continues. 'The vintage elements were also integrated really well and added a real sense of character.'

'I’ve been a fan of Albion Nord’s work for a while, so it was great to be standing in one of their designed spaces and experience it in person. Overall, the room felt grand and elegant without being overwhelming, which I thought was a great achievement.'

The Garden Folly Room by Studio Enass

'I’d say my favorite was Studio Enass Garden Foley room,' says Ayisha Onuorah. 'I really liked the conceptual details of the space, for example, how she used the color red to represent the traditional clothing from her Sudanese heritage. It was bold, detailed, and well considered.'

The Misia for Casamance Group Bedroom Suite by Henri Fitzwilliam

'My favorite space within this year’s WOW!house was Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay’s bedroom suite,' says Abbie Downey of Feather & Fossil. 'The room had a wonderful sense of culture, travel, and eclecticism, creating a space that felt both deeply personal and effortlessly sophisticated. Richly layered and full of discoveries, it encouraged exploration at every turn, with pieces from different eras and influences coming together in a way that felt collected rather than curated.'

'I was particularly drawn to the hand-carved furniture, the beautifully detailed wood-block moldings, and the patina of the substantial statement doors,' Abbie continues.

'While these elements were undeniably bold, they also brought a sense of warmth and grounding to the scheme. The space perfectly demonstrated how craftsmanship, history, and personality can coexist to create an interior that feels timeless, characterful, and genuinely lived in.'

'I found it to be an accomplished, original, and globally inspired take on what a relaxing and luxurious bedroom could be,' agrees Chizitera Pennington of Chizitera Interiors.

'It was inspiring because it felt relaxed and comfortable whilst drawing on modernism and the geometry and hard textural elements of Art Deco (such as the wooden headboard),' Chizitera continues. 'The lines, shapes, and textures from these design eras can be quite harsh and are not natural bedfellows in bedroom design.'

'However, the designer successfully brought them into the space through a generous and impactful use of fabric (such as behind the headboard and on the window treatments) alongside a restrained color palette,' Chizitera adds. 'Ultimately, my key takeaway is that sleek lines, hard finishes, and geometry have a place in the bedroom.'

The Nucleus Immersive Room by Russell Sage Studio

'A room that I found particularly intriguing was the Nucleus Immersive Room by Russell Sage Studio,' says Irfana Ahmed. 'I found this room so fascinating because it perfectly demonstrates the intricacies of interior design and how thoughtful design will resonate with all five senses as well as emotion.'

'The play between soft and grounded, provided by the wash of layered curtains and circular daybed, and palpable and crisp sound and visuals, provided by Nucleus’ technology, forces you to become completely immersed in the room,' Irfana continues.

'"The Momantarium" is so inspiring because it is a reminder that even with ever-progressing state-of-the-art technology, spaces will always feel human through the magic of human memory and emotion. I love that while I was sitting on the daybed, I felt as though I could be absolutely anywhere – a giant daydream.'

The Parlour by Martin Kemp Design

'The Parlour was the room I couldn't leave,' says Zoe Willis of Zoe Willis Design.

'Martin Kemp let the darkness do the work, enveloping tone, soft suspended fabric, a 1970s glamour reworked with real restraint, and the effect was a cocoon rather than a showpiece,' Zoe continues. 'What I loved was the layering: a floral armchair, a sculptural pendant, handblown glass, vintage finds, each one a piece you want to inspect closely, yet none of them competing.'

'It wasn't decorated, it was directed. My takeaway is that luxury is felt, not announced. The room rejected spectacle and rewarded attention, and that is exactly why I was still thinking about it long after I'd left.'

The Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh

'I found the energy of Young Huh and Benjamin Moore's Minhwa Salon magnetic,' says Jasmine Fisher. 'Its contemporary interpretation of Korean folk art felt alive; a playful reminder that tradition can be a powerful source of innovation.'

The Shepel' Library by Roisin Lafferty

'Our favorite space at WOW!house was the Shepel' Library by Rosin Lafferty,' says Frankie Pritchard and Indie Robinson of Thirty Stories. 'It felt completely different from the moment you stepped inside – rather than feeling like part of a showroom, it transported you to a beautiful, intimate space of its own.'

'What inspired us most was the layering of materials and the attention to detail,' they continue. 'The contrast between the metal framework, textured glass, warm burr wood and sumptuous mohair velvet was incredibly effective, with each element bringing a different quality and texture to the room.'

'It was a great reminder of how much depth and character can be created through thoughtful combinations of finishes and materials.'

'My other favorite would be the library by Roisin Lafferty, which felt like a space reimagined,' adds Ayisha. 'The use of materials and shape that form the space felt fresh, new, inventive, and inspired a real master class.'

While each designer was drawn to a different room, together, these spaces reveal that the rooms designers remember most aren't always the ones making the biggest statement.

More often, they're the spaces that linger – rooms with a strong point of view, a sense of authenticity, or an ability to evoke emotion. From intimate libraries to richly layered bedroom suites, the standout spaces at WOW!house 2026 demonstrate that the most successful interiors balance creativity with connection.

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Reminiscent of sunbaked terracotta, Farrow & Ball's Naperon is a gentle, peachy paint loved for its warmth and radiance.

'Inspired by the origins of the word apron, this is a familiar clay color with a well-loved feel,' explains Farrow & Ball. Naperon quietly saturates a space, bringing grounded calm and tranquillity that lasts beyond sunrise. It's the perfect summer color trend, but the earthy, almost heritage quality makes it a timeless choice too.

'Naperon is such a warm and uplifting color that feels both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time,' says designer Emily Dreelan of Emily Day Interiors. 'It has earthy terracotta qualities, but the soft pink and orange undertones stop it from feeling too heavy. In bright natural light, it almost glows, and even in the evenings, it still feels cozy and bright, which is why it works so well in living spaces.'

Part of the charm of the terracotta color trend lies in the warmth it brings to every space. Shades like Naperon serve as a quiet yet rich backdrop that beautifully envelops without overwhelming a room.

'I chose Naperon for its quiet warmth and earthy depth,' explains interior designer Noëlle Baartmans. 'The natural clay tone creates a cocooning atmosphere: soft in the morning light, intimate by evening when the lamps are on. It carries a grounded elegance that feels both organic and refined.'

While living spaces pair beautifully with the grounding hue, Naperon brings refreshing warmth to bathrooms, too, proving some all-important comfort. The sun-soaked bathroom pictured above proves its ability to make clinical rooms feel inviting and familiar. 'What I love most of Naperon it brings a sense of calm, warmth. In bedrooms especially, Naperon has a beautiful way of making the room feel layered, serene.'

Terracotta paints often work well in midcentury style interiors, too. 'When we were designing this home, we really wanted to stay true to its original 1970s character through the colors and pattern used throughout the scheme,' explains Emily. 'Naperon felt like the perfect choice because it's warm, vibrant, and full of personality, which suited the style of the house beautifully.'

'We decided to have the living room furniture sprayed in the shade rather than use it on the walls,' explains Emily, 'as it created a bold focal point whilst still feeling balanced within what was quite a tricky room layout.'

While terracotta paints like Naperon are colors replacing blush pink, they can feel a little bolder than subtler pale pink tones. To keep your scheme grounded, pair them with organic materials, advises Emily. 'I always advise clients to be brave when it comes to color. Shades like Naperon can completely transform a space and bring so much warmth and character into a home. It works beautifully paired with natural materials and layered with textures and patterns, and I personally love using colors like this on furniture and joinery rather than a full feature wall as it allows the color to make a statement without overwhelming the room.'

'Despite it having a slight plaster pink undertone to it, it’s incredibly earthy and grounding,' explains designer Nicole Thompson of Sleek Chic Interiors. 'It’s got that classic Farrow & Ball metamorphic quality to it, looking like a dusty peach in certain lights and a muted terracotta clay in other lights. Naperon reads slightly redder, more terracotta in tone when positioned next to a darker red such as Red Earth.'

'I wanted to introduce a warm, naturally earthy color that would focus the eye as you walked into the space,' explains Nicole. 'As I was working with this coffered ceiling (pictured in the living room above), the idea was to double-drench it with Red Earth in the centre and then Naperon on the outer part of the ceiling for a really interesting and colorful look that still felt subtle. Naperon is the next shade down from Red Earth, so it works perfectly in a double-drenched look.'

'It’s such a hugely warm and welcoming color that it’s perfect for pretty much any room orientation. To avoid a shade like this looking out of place, I recommend working in the color in some capacity somewhere else in your room so it feels intentional, whether that’s with some textiles or a piece of furniture.'

Naperon-Inspired Homeware

Want to bring this warm, summery yet cozy shade into your home without paint? Shop these Napoleon-inspired buys.

Naperon is quiet yet enhancing. 'As it’s a naturally earthy color, it pairs so well with other earthy shades and natural materials,' says Nicole, 'which makes Naperon such a versatile, easy color to work with. Think reds, browns, creams and greens, any colors that you find in nature, and you’ll be able to bring together for a really calm and collected color scheme that works in your space.'

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Citron green: while some might love it, and others daren't brave it, we can all agree this zesty hue packs a punch. It may be bright, but it's got quietly grounding powers, too, making it the perfect vibrant color to embrace this summer and beyond.

A color that falls somewhere between lime green and lemon yellow, 'citron' is the zingy summer color trend for 2026 that blends playfulness with sophistication. Bright yet surprisingly liveable (designer Lucinda Griffiths is quick to say she has never grown tired of her citron green bedroom walls pictured above), here's why it's a hue worth considering.

'Citron green has a generous dose of yellow in it, which gives it a wonderfully optimistic, uplifting quality,' explains Lonika Chande. 'It’s a surprisingly versatile color that can feel playful and energetic in one setting, and sophisticated and elegant in another. It works well with rusty reds, chocolate browns, and other warm, earthy colors, which help to ground its vibrancy.'

Citron green 'is like the new leaves of a beech tree in spring, or young ferns uncurling themselves in the woods,' says design consultant Lucinda Griffith. 'It has the promise of sunshine and shade at the same time, the yellow base giving a warmth, but the acidity of the green making you think of lime and ice in a cold drink under dappled shade.'

While decorating with greens like citron can feel daring, Lucinda swears by the vibrant hue as a timeless choice. 'I am not a lover of a trend as it suggests that it will come, and then go, but I think that it is a color that is being discovered and loved for its versatility. In winter, it has a sun-filled glow that reminds us of summer, and in the summer, it is like living in the boughs of an apple tree. If you embrace the color, you are not going to want to let it go when the next trend comes along,' explains Lucinda. 'My room has been this color for seven years now, and I can’t imagine wanting it to be any other shade.'

Remember to consider the colors that go with green when bringing citron into your space. 'If you have a house that is all white, this is going to feel like a leap, and it will feel almost highlighterish in its sharpness,' explains Lucinda. 'But put it near off-whites, gentle pale sand colors or soft pink, for instance, and then give it some company with deep blues or darker shades of green and you will have created a space that, like a garden, you are constantly wanting to be in.'

'Citron green feels fresh, uplifting, and slightly unexpected,' says interior designer Charlotte Simpson, founder of Lotte Studio. 'Sitting between yellow and green, it brings warmth while still feeling natural and grounded.'

Not far off chartreuse, which is also a growing color trend for 2026, part of citron green's charm is its sharp, eye-catching quality that brings immediate contrast into a room. 'Confidence is essential when working with a color like citron green,' explains Charlotte. 'In this project (pictured above), it was balanced with natural materials and softer tonal elements, alongside joinery in a deeper green, which added contrast and depth while grounding the overall scheme.'

'Citron green does feel particularly relevant right now, alongside a wider shift towards colors that feel energising and optimistic,' says Charlotte. 'It sits comfortably within that, bringing a real sense of freshness.'

'Citron green shades such as ‘Pale Lime’ and ‘Citrine’ from the Little Greene palette bring an instant sense of freshness and vitality to an interior,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. 'Sitting between yellow and green, these uplifting hues feel both energising and optimistic, making them perfect for sociable spaces such as kitchens, or as vibrant accents on furniture, woodwork, and architectural details, like the living room pictured above.'

'Greens are one of the easiest color families to layer together; in nature, we instinctively see everything from bright lime through to deep forest tones sitting harmoniously side by side,' says Helen. 'This makes citron green shades ideal for a ‘Double Drenching’ approach, where an entire room is enveloped in color. Rather than using a single shade throughout, combining two or more related tones across walls, ceilings, woodwork and furniture creates a richly layered scheme with real impact.'

While sage green is a quiet color that creates calm, mixing green tones can create an equally grounding feel. 'Pairing colors from different ends of the green spectrum, such as the leafy brightness of ‘Hopper’ with ‘Citrine’ and the depth of ‘Dark Brunswick Green’, brings both cohesion and subtle contrast,' says Helen, 'resulting in an interior that feels immersive, balanced and full of character.'

While a citron green might feel too bold for your walls, painting furniture is a great place to start for those braving the zingy hue for the first time. 'I would start with a single piece of furniture or a joinery element,' suggests Lonika. 'The inside of a bookcase is a great place to introduce color.'

To balance its acidity, pair it alongside earthy, organic materials. Lonika says, 'Citron green works particularly beautifully with natural materials, for example, rush and rattan. We recently re-finished a vintage set of Vico Magistretti rush chairs in a vivid citron, and the result was both striking and surprisingly timeless.'

'What I love about citron green is that it feels timeless, rather than a color trend. When paired with natural materials and antiques, it feels enduring and characterful, which is something I always consider when designing.'

Citron Green Shopping

While citron green is undeniably a 2026 color trend, it's ability to elevate and cheer a room makes it a shade that's set to last beyond this year.

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The week that WOW!house opens its doors is always an exciting one at Homes & Gardens. Twenty-one rooms make up this year's showhouse, created by leading interior designers and iconic brands, and while each felt distinctly unique in design and message, a few hero colors really stood out.

We gathered an idea of what's hot in almost every aspect of interior design (striking Art Deco lighting and luxe curved seating were common themes throughout the WOW!house 2026 trends), but five exciting color trends were really clear this year. Out of all the twenty-one rooms, these five color trends excited us the most, providing a glimpse of the power of color in its many forms, from bold to subdued.

1. Deep Burgundy

The Parlour by Martin Kemp Design was woven with moody colors, namely deep plums and burgundies. 'The palette came from an unexpected moment. I walked past a small boutique that was completely color-drenched and was struck by the confidence of it. It wasn't something we'd explored before, but I was intrigued by the idea of immersing a room in a single, rich tone. Around the same time, one of the team was wearing Rouge Noir nail polish, and I immediately thought, that's the color. It's such a classic and iconic shade. It felt entirely in keeping with both the room's intimate atmosphere and our inspiration, Grace Jones, whose style is fearless, glamorous, and timeless.'

'While we're certainly seeing a renewed appreciation for richer, more enveloping colors,' explains Martin. 'I think these shades have always had a place in interiors. Deep burgundies, chocolate tones and inky hues are classics for a reason; they bring depth and a sense of permanence. Trends may ebb and flow, but these colors remain enduringly relevant.'

'Moody colors work particularly well in smaller, more intimate spaces where conversation and atmosphere are the priority,' continues Martin. 'That's exactly why they suited the Parlour Room so well. Rather than trying to brighten everything, embrace the cocooning quality of darker tones and lean into the sense of comfort and intimacy they create. In the right setting, they can feel incredibly welcoming and sophisticated.'

2. Matcha Green

Sage green is the quiet color designers are using to create calm. From the matcha green range oven to the muted marble countertops, soothing pale green brought the serene Martin Moore Kitchen designed by Samantha Bartlett to life.

'We wanted the cooking space to feel calm, grounded, and connected to nature rather than overly clinical or trend-driven,' explains Samantha. 'The overall palette was inspired by natural materials and muted, earthy tones – colors that reference Mother Nature. The green acts as a soft anchor within the room, bringing warmth and depth while still feeling light and fresh.'

'The aim was to create a room that feels timeless, welcoming, and lived-in, somewhere that feels like home,' adds Samantha. 'Our work is deeply inspired by Mother Nature, so these softer greens are part of a much broader design language rather than a seasonal color decision. Greens have been used in interiors for centuries because they're inherently calming and versatile, sitting beautifully alongside natural materials such as timber, stone, linen, and clay.'

'Perhaps what's changing is not the color itself but the wider cultural desire to bring nature indoors. As people increasingly seek spaces that support wellbeing and connection, palettes rooted in the landscape naturally resonate. That's why we believe sage and matcha greens have a timeless quality: they reference something enduring rather than something fashionable.'

3. Warm Neutrals

The Turnell & Gigon Group Drawing Room by Albion Nord gave new meaning to decorating with neutrals. Threaded with deep browns, warm beiges, and an unexpected yet soothing duck egg blue, the sitting room balanced comfort, tranquillity, and richness.

'We always try to play with texture and materiality when using neutral tones in a room,' explains Hero Dalrymple, Creative Director at Albion Nord. 'We often use a specialist paint on walls, as this immediately adds a subtle depth and warmth to a neutral color. When considering neutral fabrics, mixing textures such as linens, mohairs and velvets helps make the material palette more visually exciting and layered, especially when offset by richer timbers and antique brass.'

While blue can sometimes feel cold, the domed roof provides ample daylight in the space, bringing an openness that pairs beautifully with the palette. The hand-painted alcoves are painted in a bespoke Benjamin Moore blue, matched with coordinated fabric walls and ceiling that soften the room. Each brings an added layer of thoughtfulness to the overall design.

The warm browns and beiges are a clever move against the blue backdrop, providing an all-important punchy dose of richness that counteracts the cooler walls and coffered ceiling. Albion Nord 'Fenton' sofas provide a sense of comfort and neutrality, and the chocolate brown slipcovered armchairs tick the richness box.

4. Playful Primaries

The Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh made a compelling case for the return of primary colors. While the room featured a neutral backdrop of Chantilly Lace, each wall was covered in lacquered inset boxes, painted in a vibrant hue or embellished with a hand-painted mural inspired by Korean folk art.

The colorful boxes (reminiscent of lacquer trays) acted as murals in their own right, each slotting into a portion of the room's walls. From bold Galápagos Turquoise to the lime-meets-lemon Citron, Young didn't hold back on the acidic hues. A fiery orange called Picante sang against deeper plums and jade greens, like Jade Garden.

5. Seafoam Blues

'My concept is a quiet, uplifting analogue sanctuary; a room that resists the velocity of modern life – a fantasy really,' says interior designer Sara Cosgrove on the Phillip Jeffries Morning Room. 'The space references couture thinking – proportion, drape, tension and finish. It is also informed by nostalgia for slower rituals, such as reading print magazines and long conversations.'

It was the seafoam color palette that made Sara's serene morning room truly come to life. A sense of calm was palpable instantly, made possible with such a delicate, grounded palette of muted greeny-blues and creams. From the abstract walls reminiscent of waves (created by the room's sponsor, Phillip Jeffries) to the architectural ceiling painted in a green-tinged blue, the muted seafoam palette only added to the calmness of the design.

Organic textures and neutral tones (colors that go best with pale blue) bring a grounded touch, transforming the morning room into a space that combines two inherent qualities – function and emotion.

From nature-inspired greens to luxurious burgundies, this year's WOW!house was filled with exciting color trends that have inspired us until the next one comes around.

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WOW!house, at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, has returned this June for its fifth year, bringing together the world's best designers – both emerging and established – and iconic brands to create a 'house' that is a creative hub and a must-have on the calendar for anyone passionate about beautiful design.

This year's showhouse is made up of 21 rooms. Visitors move through it like a real home, from the front garden and facade to the back terrace, passing through drawing rooms, libraries, home bars, salons, bedrooms, bathrooms, and more. It's a true source of inspiration, with the designers behind each space on hand to discuss the concepts and ideas that shaped their rooms.

It's also an opportunity to see some of the biggest emerging design trends, from bold uses of color and interesting textures to new patterns and innovative approaches to space and layouts. Seeing these ideas in situ is a delight, as you move between rooms that both contrast and complement one another, creating a truly immersive experience.

These are this year's biggest takeaways from our sneak preview of the showhouse.

1. Tassels, Trims and Fringe

Fringe has come in and out of style countless times. It was the height of maximalist sophistication in the 1800s, came back with the flapper girls of the 1920s, and returned again in a more relaxed, boho form in the 1970s. At WOW!house 2026, fringe, tassels, and trims were back, quietly adding interest to sofas, drapes, throw pillows, and even furniture.

Stepping into the Garden Folly Room by Studio Enass (left) – our Next in Design 2025 winner – the opulent deep red room was layered with texture, with an emerald green bullion-fringed cocktail table at its center. Elsewhere, tassels and passementerie could be found on the bolster cushions, the blinds, and, unexpectedly, hanging from the glass wall sconces.

Elsewhere, fringe could be found on sofas, replacing last year's major trend for skirted sofas – notably in the serene sea-blue Philip Jefferies Morning Room by Sara Cosgrove (right) and the cleverly named Withdrawing Room by Zardi & Zardi and Sean Symington Design, which also featured tassels on the drapes.

2. Playful Primary Palettes

Color was abundant this year. There were lots of moody, deep purples and uplifting pale blues and greens, but of course, a real showcase of color was seen in the Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh (above).

The salon really does burst with color and pattern. It's a glorious contrast to the moody darkness of the Shepel' Library by Róisín Lafferty that you step out of. The concept for the salon was to create an exhibition space for a collector who loves to host, with lacquered walls covered in 55 inset boxes, each painted in a bold hue or filled with a hand-painted decorative mural by Fromental, inspired by Minhwa (Korean folk art).

You won't find many of Benjamin Moore's well-known neutrals in here (although the classic Chantilly Lace was the perfect backdrop for making the bold colors pop). Instead, its most playful hues come together – Galápagos Turquoise sits alongside the zesty green Citron, while the vivid orange Picante clashes beautifully with Jade Garden.

3. Shells and Sea-inspired Shapes

Shells have been on our radar since summer collections started to launch earlier this year. This classic summer motif has experienced a resurgence in 2026, with more elegant, subtle interpretations appearing in many new collections, so it wasn't a surprise to see sea-inspired shapes scattered throughout WOW!house.

First, in the Garden Folly Room by Studio Enass (right), blink, and you'll miss them, but as you turn to leave the room, you're met with a beautiful shell mosaic framing the doorway. The bespoke Reverie pendant by Gladee Lighting, which hangs in the center of the room, was also inspired by the fluted shape of a scallop shell.

Shells and sea-inspired motifs also appeared in the Philip Jeffries Morning Room by Sara Cosgrove (left). Most obviously, they take the form of a piece of artwork and a shell-shaped ornament on the coffee table, but there are more subtle aquatic references too, such as the Aura mural, which wraps the room in an ethereal, water-like print. The milky glass Fiore wall lights by Pure White Lines also resemble a shell-like form

4. Beautiful Bookcases

‘Bookshelf wealth’ may be a new way to describe the aesthetic of a meaningful, slightly disorganized, personal collection, but the concept itself is far from new – and it's one that appeared throughout the rooms of WOW!house.

The first example can be found in the Salvesen Graham The Collection Primary Bedroom by Salvesen Graham (left), which offers real insight into the person who inspired the room. There's no color coordination here – just a lived-in, layered bookshelf that adds even more texture to the space.

When asked to describe the room in one word, Mary and Nicole immediately chose ‘layered’, so naturally, the bookshelves needed extra layers too. Artwork doesn't simply sit among the books; it's hung directly on the shelves, creating even more visual depth.

The Zardi & Zardi Withdrawing Room by Sean Symington Design (right) also embraces layering and features a pair of characterful bookcases, both displaying artwork hung from the shelves themselves. The bookcases are painted in the perfect shade of green – Sage by Benjamin Moore – proving that a bookcase doesn't need to be a neutral backdrop. This muddy green strikes just the right balance, acting as a feature in its own right without clashing with the colorful book spines.

5. Curves

Curves were everywhere. Curved sofas and a burl wood desk appear in the Black Edition at Romo Speakeasy Salon by Studio Duggan; in fact, in this space, there were zero straight lines in sight. This meant the room had a very natural flow, which was key as the salon was designed to have many functions – a room to relax in, a room to work in, and a room to host in – and yet none of the spaces felt zoned off. Instead, they all merged with one another. It felt like a very relaxed, easy space to be in.

The Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon (left) was also all about the curves. Through an arched doorway, you are met with a glowing, soft room with an elegant Art Deco style inspired by Lalique's French heritage.

Perhaps an unexpected room to find so many curves was the Martin Moore Kitchen with Samantha Bartlett (right). The curves in this space are both clear and subtle. Every cabinet edge was curved, as were all the countertop edges, so the room felt very tactile and soft, which can be hard to achieve in such a practical space.

The room was inspired by nature and natural light, with its muted green and dark wood palette, plus the magical Ivy Shadow Chandelier designed by Tord Boontje for Porto Romana that looks like it almost grows from the ceiling. So many curves only added to this very natural feel.

6. Aubergine Hues

If one shade stood out as the shade of WOW!house 2026, it was aubergine. Luxurious, moody, and perfect for drenching a whole room, this deep shade has been a color trend for a few years, moving from a bold choice that felt very brave to a popular selection across all rooms – we are even seeing more aubergine kitchen cabinets than sage green ones in 2026.

At WOW!house, the first room where you meet this indulgent shade in full is the Black Edition at Romo Speakeasy Salon by Studio Duggan (left). Here, you step through heavy, deep purple drapes into a compact room covered in a deep, purply-brown linen-blend wallcovering that has the softest, most subtle sheen. The sofa is upholstered in a luxurious aubergine velvet, and the table lamps that flank it are made of a red-tinged marble. It might sound like an intense space – and in many ways, it is, which is the point – but all the rich, dark shades are unexpectedly offset by a wall-to-wall, almost lime-green carpet.

The deep purple hues continue into the Parlour by Martin Kemp Design (right), where you are met by layers of suspended fabrics that mean the room reveals itself to you slowly as you walk deeper into the space. The more you look, the more you see. A pair of deep purple curved sofas contrast with a geometrically shaped coffee table, and vintage finds mix with contemporary shapes.

You even see a pop of aubergine in the Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh. Among the bright yellows, oranges, and reds sits Benjamin Moore's Grape Juice, grounding the more primary shades.

7. Vacation Inspired Bathrooms

One thing all the bathrooms at WOW!house 2026 had in common was that each was inspired by a destination. Stepping first into the Samuel Heath Primary Bathroom by Rigby & Rigby (right), you are immersed in a space inspired by the wellness sanctuaries of Scandinavia and Japan. At the center sits a large, round Japanese ofuro bath, and the gentle scent of Japanese cedarwood fills the air. The tactility of the room is a direct reflection of its influences – the timber-clad walls nod to Scandi style, while a lattice motif on the ceiling was inspired by Kumiko, a pattern often found on Japanese shoji screens.

The Ca' Pietra Bathroom by De Rosee Sa (left) offers another escape, this time to the Mediterranean coast, specifically in June, specifically in the 1970s. The color scheme draws from earthy, warm summer shades, featuring Ca' Pietra's honed marble in a beautiful, rose-tinted 'Versailles Rouge' used for the double sink and bath. This is contrasted by a dramatic, dark-veined marble on the baseboards. Glass wall lights from Valerie Wade add even more '70s glamour to the space.

As always, WOW!house is filled with inspiration from the world's top designers and iconic brands, but it's also a place to find very real takeaways that we can implement in real homes. The key trends this year, while stunningly executed, aren't overly exclusive; you can take something from each room that could be used in your own home, whether it's a color, or a texture, a shape, or a concept.

WOW!house is at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour from June 2 to July 2, you can get your tickets here.

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For most people, a large kitchen is at the very top of the wish list. But when you are faced with a huge footprint, especially in an open-plan room, creating a scheme that feels spacious while still retaining a sense of character can prove a difficult endeavor.

It was the exact starting point of this kitchen, located in a historic home with existing architecture that needed to be preserved and honored in the design. The solution? Thoughtful kitchen zoning that gave the room its own identity without feeling separated from the adjoining dining and living spaces.

Every detail has been carefully introduced or retained to give the room character and honor the home's history, while maximizing every inch of functionality. But perhaps the greatest success of this design is the way each element has been introduced to ensure the room feels lived in rather than vast. It's the blueprint for getting an open plan kitchen layout right in 2026.

Utilize Architecture to Create Dedicated Zones

In an open plan space, zoning becomes an important tool to differentiate between spaces and functions, especially where a kitchen is involved. And this design proves how effective architecture can be throughout the process.

'The customer came to the meeting with a clear idea of what they wanted. The existing structure had certain design cues, such as the dark-framed doors, and some industrial features,' explains Iain Chatburn, Senior Kitchen Designer at deVOL Kitchens.

Alongside the glazed dividers, a lower ceiling height creates a sense of separation from the adjoining dining space. It's a subtle detail, but one that instantly signals that you have entered a new zone.

Embrace Niches and Alcoves to Maximize Storage

So often, people fight the existing features in their kitchen, especially when alcoves and niches crop up in unconventional places. But this project makes a case for embracing them in your kitchen design, rather than removing them.

One of the best examples of this is the small pantry area. Built into the brick wall, this recessed niche sits far lower than standard cabinetry thanks to the old architecture of the property, but instead of concealing or altering it, Iain embraced the quirky proportions and transformed it into a tiny pantry space, complete with glass storage jars for a more aesthetic look.

Even small sections of bump-out walls have been retained, helping to add subtle zones and break up long expanses of walls. These are all details usually removed, but they add so much character to the room, telling a small part of the home's story.

Design an Island That Feels Decorative Yet Functional

A kitchen island is a functional addition to a kitchen, but also one that sets the tone for the overall design aesthetic. And while we generally see either fully built-in designs or a classic freestanding piece, this kitchen has taken a completely different approach to create something that's decorative without comprising function.

'Design inspiration came from our Haberdasher's range and projects such as the Stoke Newington Kitchen, which has a similar island. In the context of this kitchen, it feels like a shop counter or museum display case, surrounded by the customer's collections of vintage items and kitchenalia,' Iain explains.

To give the island the grandeur it deserves within the large kitchen, he went for an enlarged design. 'The size of an island should match the proportions of the space,' he explains. 'Having a more fitted 'solid' island in such an expansive space also provides a grounding structure to the room. The glazing is a smart choice, adding lightness without losing out on storage.'

Mix Cabinet Styles and Colors for Visual Interest

In a small kitchen, keeping to a uniform color helps to elongate the space and make it feel bigger. But in a larger footprint, breaking up the color and style of your cabinetry is key to creating visual interest and making it feel less expansive. And it's been done expertly here.

'One mark of success for this space is that you can't easily tell which furniture and accessories are new and which are old,' Iain recalls, referencing details like the mix of cabinet colors and the wall textures in play.

'Choosing several colors for different pieces of furniture helps zone the space, and gives a sense that the furniture has been pieced together over a longer period. This works beautifully for the eclectic aesthetic of this kitchen,' he adds.

'The same goes for the structure; a blend of existing painted brickwork and windows, and new details like the tongue and groove behind the cooker. This all gives extra texture and a greater sense of history. The customers were not shy to accessorize our cabinets, which is always great to see.'

Look to the Walls to Introduce Pretty Kitchenware Displays

As soon as you step into this kitchen, your eyes are drawn to the walls, not just because of the spectacular arched windows that frame the space, but because they have been just as carefully considered in the design. Housing beautiful decor and kitchenware in different ways, they introduce the character and style of the homeowners without feeling cluttered or gratuitous.

'Open storage can add a lot of character and warmth to a space. This can become even more important for larger spaces, which can otherwise feel too fitted, with monolithic furniture. The deVOL ethos is to put as much effort into styling kitchen spaces as you would a living room or bedroom, and open storage or hanging rails encourage this,' explains Iain.

The range hood is adorned with a row of decorative plates, a wooden rack mounted beside the window holds an array of kitchen towels, and a long brass rack on the ceiling holds an array of utensils, copper pans, and dried herbs, creating a decorative display that marks the entrance to the kitchen.

Quick Tips

• Use glazing and color to effectively zone a large kitchen
• Embrace quirky architecture to add character and unique style
• Don't be afraid to mix cabinet styles and colors
• Design an island that feels unique and considered
• Make sure to consider your walls and ceilings to maximize storage that doubles as decor

This kitchen is a lesson in zoning and embracing a design that goes against conventional design rules – in the best way. From the genius use of architectural features to the effective use of kitchen features to make them work harder. 'This project is a great example of many smaller areas that provide detail and interest wherever you look.'

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

When Eric and Christopher Feml-Nelsen, better known online as Grow For Me Gardening, first arrived at their empty, new-construction plot in Upstate New York, they dreamed of creating a contemporary, English-inspired cottage garden. Novices at the time, they began transforming their suburban yard, not yet realizing how much the process would teach them.

In just eight years of experimenting and growing plants for the first time, the pair have curated an abundant garden that feels remarkably established. Hundreds of hydrangeas and roses spill across curving borders, while winding paths create secluded corners to pause in. For Eric and Christopher, it is far more than the backdrop to their home – it’s a private retreat, somewhere to reconnect with nature and nurture a growing obsession with plants.

The self-taught gardeners have documented every stage of building their garden from the ground up on social media, where they are now followed by thousands of aspiring gardeners. In sharing their successes, failures, and learnings, they inspire other beginners by showing you don’t have to be a professional to achieve a beautiful, richly planted garden. They say their biggest lesson has been to embrace the unpredictability of plants: ‘You have to let go of perfection and just enjoy the process.’

There Was Nothing Here

Our home was newly built in 2018, so there really wasn’t a garden – just an empty half-acre sandy plot with a handful of ornamental trees and shrubs.

The interior of our home was beautifully designed to our taste, but walking outside to nothing felt uninspiring. We were eager to get to work and transform it into a dreamy garden with romantic planting.

The only problem was that we weren't gardeners by profession or hobby, working in full-time jobs while trying to pull this garden together without really knowing what we were doing.

Our starting point was to take some photos, go to a garden center, and ask the staff what to do to make it better. We then dove headfirst into educating ourselves by researching online and in magazines. It didn't take long for us to become obsessed with TV shows like BBC’s Gardeners’ World.

Suddenly gardening felt like more than a hobby, it became a newfound passion that fuelled our creativity and opened our hearts to plants for the very first time.

We began by planting perennials we liked the look of, gradually carving out borders to soften the rectangular shape of the yard and give it more personality.

In the early stages, we took weekly trips to nurseries and garden centers. They always have plants that are looking their best in the moment, as well as what’s just about to bloom, so it gives you an idea what works seasonally.

But, this was only the beginning. We soon realized patience is fundamental when designing a garden from scratch.

It was then around 2020 that we decided to document this journey, using Instagram as a digital journal just for fun. What we didn't necessarily anticipate was how many other beginner gardeners would relate to us and wanted to hear the tips we had learned and even take inspiration from our garden. That's how Grow For Me Gardening was born.

Head Over Heels For Hydrangeas

We take a lot of our inspiration from English-style gardens, so it was inevitable that our first love would be hydrangeas.

We now have around 215 in total, a mix of varieties across the five main types grown in North America: oakleaf, smooth, panicle, bigleaf, and mountain.

The panicles were actually some of the first plants we introduced. Our yard lacked privacy, so we used 15 shrubs to create a hydrangea hedge for screening.

As soon as we saw those cone-shaped flowers, we knew we needed more varieties to fill our borders.

Now, hydrangeas are planted across the garden in groups of three and five for impact, creating layers of texture, color, and different flower silhouettes.

We’ve always loved blue hydrangeas, but they're so difficult to grow here. Our soil is fairly neutral, while they prefer acidic conditions, but we of course covet what we can't have.

However, we do grow a lot of Proven Winners hydrangeas (which are available at Nature Hills) because they have some incredible varieties for remontant flowering.

The ability for bigleaf hydrangeas to flower on new wood has been game-changing in particular. Our cold winters cause buds to freeze, but these reblooming varieties allow for a display later in the season.

It's been a joy to discover plants like this because it's made it possible for us to grow showy shrubs that would otherwise struggle in our climate.

Now we're constantly looking for more. It's like a challenge to add the most unique hydrangeas to our collection and prove that we can grow them.

Finding Seasonal Rhythm

Our growing season is really from May to October and we’ve learned to make the most of those months.

We focused on creating continual interest, so our space looks a little bit different every week. You can’t just plant things that look good in spring or you’ll end up with nothing through summer.

With that being said, the biggest spring highlight is our giant snowball viburnum at the back of the garden. We’ve pruned it into a multi-stem tree that fills out with perfectly round blooms.

And right now, many summer bulbs are waking up, with lots of alliums beginning to emerge.

But as the garden has matured, the real jewel of summer has become our collection of David Austin roses. We’ve just planted ‘Dannahue’, which was only released in the US last year, so it will be exciting to see the blooms in person and bury our noses in the fragrance.

The apricot ‘Lady of Shalott’ and the blousy pink ‘The Ancient Mariner’ have also both done very well for us, bringing a softness to the planting.

We really love adding unique plants to the garden that spark conversation. The one plant our community of followers always ask about is ‘Kintzley’s Ghost’, a North American native honeysuckle.

You wouldn’t immediately recognise it as a honeysuckle. It has silver rounded bracts that look almost like eucalyptus on a vine. It has small yellow flowers that turn into red berries in fall, which the birds love.

We planted it as a small quart-sized plant and within a few years it filled an entire section of the fence. It's been such a reliable addition and taught us to just try new things and see what works.

The importance of evergreens in the yard becomes much clearer every time winter arrives. Our growing season is short, but these structural plants provide interest all year.

One of the most striking is ‘Troemner’ blue spruce which brightens the winter garden landscape. We’re also adding more golden evergreens this season, mixing different heights and textures so there’s depth even when all the summer blooms have faded.

These evergreens don’t just carry the garden through winter, they also provide some grounding in the busier months. It's somewhere for the eye to rest among the overwhelming color and movement of spring and summer planting.

Adapting As We Grow

We’re not perfect gardeners and have certainly faced some challenges along the way.

One of the struggles we’ve had with smooth hydrangeas is slugs nibbling at the base of the stems, which then weakens them and causes the stems to fall over.

We’ve also dealt with leaftier caterpillars, which take two hydrangea leaves and wrap them around the flower bud to create a pouch. They sit inside and eat the flower bud and foliage, but we've found the natural pest control method is peeling open those leaves and flicking them away.

Both of us actually still work in full-time employment alongside social media, so there are also some techniques we use to make the garden easier to manage.

Drip irrigation provides supplemental water on a timer, while we layer plants densely and let self-seeding flowers do a lot of the work to suppress weeds. The purple top verbena is one of our favorites – it happily seeds itself around the garden and fills in gaps naturally with bright pops of color.

As for feeding the garden, we source compost locally and use it for mulching.

All of these things not only help the garden look better and healthier, but also take away some of the more laborious tasks, which means we can actually enjoy living in the space and not just spend every spare hour in our busy schedules tending to it.

The Garden Takes the Lead

Over the last eight years here, we've achieved so much, but we're far from done. The garden is never truly finished, and truthfully, we like to push and challenge ourselves to do even more.

In many ways, we’ve learned to relinquish control. You can't always predict what nature will do and there’s something quite freeing in accepting that. In fact, it's joyful to see how the garden changes each year, even when it doesn't quite go to plan.

When we first started gardening, the smallest things being out of place would feel stressful. If rose petals had fallen, we’d be straight out there clearing them up.

Now, we’re far more relaxed.

We let the garden do its thing, just guiding it where needed, and not holding onto perfection. We embrace the hurdles and changes, and allow the garden to shape us into better gardeners.

You can follow along Eric and Christopher's gardening journey on Instagram and YouTube @growformegardening, where they share regular updates.

Garden Diaries is our series where we share inspiring stories of designing and cultivating a stunning garden space. We explore how creatives, designers and tastemakers have grown a deeply personal space, inviting creativity, learning and happiness in their gardens, and how they live in these spaces.

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Planting wildflowers in the garden has been a popular trend for a few years now and it's not going away anytime soon. But results can be mixed if you don't take an organised approach. So instead of replacing wildflower planting itself what's changing is how you plant them, with the latest trend offering a more structured way to integrate beautiful, native wildflowers into your garden.

There was a popular conception until recently that you could adopt a haphazard approach and cast wildflower seeds over a wide area, just as happens in nature, with a view to getting a good mix of different varieties. But this tends to lead to poor results so now we're seeing a shift away from chaos gardening ideas like this and instead working wildflowers into your garden aesthetic so the result looks more curated.

We still love the idea of finding out how to plant a wildflower meadow in one contained area of your garden, so if you feel an urge to get rid of the lawn in these times of climate change then it's definitely a good idea to try replacing it with an alternative that will be loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. This is what garden design experts suggest if you're looking for ideas for replacing wildflower planting.

1. Organize Wildflowers Into An 'Imperfectly Perfect' Planting Scheme

'I was never a fan of the chaos gardening method,' reveals landscape architect Laura Janney. 'You simply cannot throw seeds in some soil, neglect watering, embrace weeds, then hope for the best.

'People who try this method are disappointed that their garden doesn’t look like the wildflower meadowscaping they see on social media. Instead they usually end up with a big mess.'

We still definitely want wildflowers in our beds and borders to add softness, looseness and spontaneity, Laura points out. It's just we're less keen on the effect of scattering wildflowers around. 'Instead of just randomly planting flowers we do it in a more organized but natural style we call imperfectly perfect.

'We embrace nature's imperfections in an organic yet organized way, designing the garden so it seems effortless with elements of spontaneity that mimic the way plants grow in nature as opposed to rigid lines and exact spacing.'

Laura and her team plant in layers, and group plantings in clusters or drifts. Using intentional palettes they let the garden tell a story that incorporates wildflowers without it looking like a jungle.

Laura's top tips? 'Choose plants that self‑seed or spread so they can fill in over time without taking over. Prioritize fast‑growing, reliable plants to establish structure and cover quickly. Opt for more drought‑tolerant varieties so you’re not tied to constant watering once they’re established.'

You can also keep the 'wild energy' contained by creating one or two small experimental zones instead of chaos across the whole yard for a naturalistic planting design you're in charge of rather than the other way round.

2. Capture The Shift Away From Wildflowers With 'Botanical Bento'

'One of the top trends we've spotted in 2026 replacing wildflower planting is 'botanical bento', which captures the mood shift away from chaos gardening,' says Katie Dubow, garden trend spotter and President of the Garden Media Group.

'People still want the biodiversity offered by chaos gardening, and love the natural aspect of the meadow look, but there's a desire for more intention and artistry.'

If you're looking for neat, compact garden design ideas with everything you need within reaching distance but aren't ready for replacing wildflower planting quite yet then the garden bento box trend is definitely one to explore.

Rather than letting plants and wildflowers take over, this trend offers smaller, more curated compositions. 'These layered, meaningful plantings feel like a collection, calming to look at and far more manageable to maintain,' explains Katie. 'If you’ve ever eaten out of a bento box, these new garden styles give that same feeling, everything in its place, everything working together.'

So the key is to choose one or two wildflower varieties and work them into the planting tapestry of garden borders in an intentional and considered way. This isn't a mainstream idea yet but wild flower varieties are gradually segueing into more neat, structured planting patterns as part of the latest flowerbed trends so think about this when you're next looking for ideas to fill gaps.

Shop Non-Sprawling Wild Flowers

3. Get A Relaxed Look With Ornamental Grasses Instead Of Wildflowers

If you're a fan of loose, unstructured planting to create a wildlife friendly space you don't necessarily have to rely on wildflowers to create the look. At this year's Chelsea Flower Show garden designs featuring relaxed ornamental grasses were everywhere, mingling with plants like achillea, allium and geum. Beautiful and versatile in any space, this is a style of planting that transfers more smoothly to urban gardens too.

Easy to grow decorative grasses bring naturalistic texture and movement to a garden design, and come back reliably year after year, unlike scattered wildflower seeds that tend to have a short life span with one variety normally dominating at the expense of others. Combined with perennials this offers a more curated look known as mosaic planting that is a much smarter take on wildflower meadow planting ideas.

If you love the idea of naturalistic landscaping with ornamental grasses try the latest planting trend. 'Grasses used as a base over the entire planting area, and from which other plants are seen to emerge, are referred to as 'matrix' grasses,' explains ornamental grass expert Neil Lucas, author of Grasses for Gardens and Landscapes, available here at Amazon.

'This approach is becoming increasingly popular as gardeners and designers alike enjoy the simplicity of the effect and the low level of aftercare required to maintain such plantings.'

Check out other Chelsea Flower Show trends for US gardens. For a reliable matrix grass choose Sesleria autumnalis available here from Amazon, which is easy to grow, and tolerant of a wide range of soil types and aspects.

If you want more Chelsea inspiration, our guide to the best gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 reveals five of the top highlights, as picked by our Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull, and how you can recreate the styles and elements in your own space if you're thinking about replacing wildflower planting.

You may also like to find out more about curated mosaic planting, which is based on the idea of a much more designed, intentional feel to naturalistic garden ideas than simply scattering wildflower seeds.

And if you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

British-born interior designer Jake Arnold has become known for spaces that feel at once cinematic and deeply personal – rooms layered with texture, warmth, and a distinctly relaxed sense of luxury. Based in Los Angeles, where he has designed homes for a roster of high-profile clients, Jake's work manages to balance Californian ease with the quiet refinement of the English interiors he grew up around.

But long before celebrity projects and international acclaim, his fascination with homes began as a child endlessly rearranging furniture in the suburbs of Britain, inspired as much by episodes of Changing Rooms as by the grand historic houses of his school friends.

In the latest instalment of our Layered Lives series, Jake Arnold reflects on his winding route into design, the insecurities that delayed his pursuit of it as a career, and why creating soulful interiors is less about perfection than allowing spaces – and people – to evolve naturally over time.

Homes & Gardens: Let’s go all the way back to the beginning. Where do you think your love of design comes from?

Jake Arnold: I think I’ve always been obsessed with everything to do with houses. Even when I was a kid, I’d move my room around about five times a day. Then I’d go to friends’ houses, and I’d move their rooms around too. I went to a small school in the English suburbs from the age of 11 to 13, and a lot of the kids there lived in incredible historic homes (I was the comparatively poorer person in the school) – they’d live in original Tudor mansions or gorgeous Georgian homes, so I was always around amazing houses and just found myself drawn to them. I also loved the instant gratification of moving a space around and feeling joy when it suddenly comes together.

Homes & Gardens: Did your parents have a flair for interiors too?

Jake Arnold: My mom was an artist who used to paint murals and had her own design company for kids that would do intricate wallcoverings for their rooms. I’d go with her and pick out furniture and paint colors. I remember being about 12 and walking around with a notebook, writing notes, and giving them to my mom’s contractor about things he should be doing instead.

Homes & Gardens: He must have loved you! What did your own room look like at this time?

Jake Arnold: It was a nautical brown wood bunk bed, and there was an incredible burgundy leather inlay desk. Then there were tartan Roman blinds on the window, and my mom painted three large-scale check patterns based on the blinds on the walls in a mustard yellow. I loved it. It had a level of refinement and didn’t feel like a child’s space.

Homes & Gardens: Can you remember any early influences that inspired you and showed you what interiors could be?

Jake Arnold: In my childhood, I was never really exposed to art – that just wasn’t who my family was – so my inspiration came from TV shows. In the UK, where I grew up, we had a show called Changing Rooms, where designers would make over people’s homes on a budget and do all sorts of weird and wonderful things. I was obsessed with the most ostentatious of the designers – Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and I soaked all of that creativity in. I was never exposed to high design and never thought of it as a job, so I had to be self-taught later in life.

Homes & Gardens: When did you come to realise design could be the career for you?

Jake Arnold: From an emotional standpoint, I hid my love of design for so long. I didn’t acknowledge or own that it was what I wanted to do as a career, and I would say I wanted to go into property development. I had a shame around my perceived femininity of being interested in art, and so I pushed my interests away for so long. It wasn’t until I was about 21, and after I’d studied business and economics at university, that I started to understand – and even admit – that it was what I wanted to do for my job.

Homes & Gardens: What was your first role?

Jake Arnold: After university, I had a Twitter account, and I just searched for interior designers. I came across Jaime Rummerfield, who had done John Travolta’s house – she had shared a sizzle reel that she’d made for a reality show, and I thought it looked insane and so fun. So I just emailed her from London, and incredibly, she emailed back and said that if I could get to LA for a month, I could do an internship with her. My dad was like, ‘You can’t do that,’ but I had money saved up from my bar mitzvah, and although he was like, ‘You really can’t use that for this,’ I just did – I booked a plane ticket, rented a car, found an apartment. I met Jaime and she took me under her wing – that summer was life-changing. I was initiated into a different world and exposed to so much.

Homes & Gardens: What did you learn during that time?

Jake Arnold: One of the biggest things I learned was to make peace with the process of interior design, and to let your ideas change and inspirations evolve as projects take shape. Design is so much about budgets and service, but Jaime gave me the idea that I could also find a way to accept my process and embrace the idea of layering and curation over time. That’s what brings that soul to a space. And she taught me the love of vintage. When I grew up, I didn’t appreciate the concept of pre-owned pieces, vintage and antiques. Most people in England think it’s stifling to be around old things. But when I came here, to LA, because everything is new there is a yearning and desire for more storied pieces.

Homes & Gardens: Are there any early projects that stick out to you as a turning point in your career?

Jake Arnold: Yes, there was a project I did in Switzerland where the process had been very static and linear and things were just slowly evolving over time, where I was putting into practice everything Jaime had taught me about that being OK. It was on this project I started to really get the confidence to do that, to realize that before you start work on a space you don’t generally know what the light is like at each time of day, what each room is going to need. I used to just go along with whatever was being said, but on this project I learned to put my own opinions across and allow them to shift as the project went on.

Homes & Gardens: Now that you have that confidence, when starting a new project, what’s the very first thing you look for or ask that helps unlock the direction of the design?

Jake Arnold: A mix of a lot of visuals. I like to pull a lookbook together that’s a combination of look and feel, colors, textures, lighting. I say to the client, ‘What’s your favorite hotel?’ and ‘Let me see your playlist,’ so I get a general sense of who they are and what they like. Getting to know a client is like playing Clue – you have to have a lot of questions, and it’s not always about their home décor aesthetics. I’ll look at the way they dress, for example. That to me is the funnest part of the process. And then it’s also so fun to see how people respond to different fabrics. It allows me to design freely and present fully developed spaces.

Homes & Gardens: And you’re now doing up your own home – what is that process like? What will it look like?

Jake Arnold: Yes, I’ve just come back to LA, and I am moving into my new house next week. How I’m going to approach the decor is going to be so different to my work projects. There is no timeline, it’s going to be about being creative budget-wise, so I’ll be leaning into what I like, what resonates with me, what excites me. I want there to be a playful element, for it to make me feel playful.

Homes & Gardens: What sort of decor ideas have been resonating so far?

Jake Arnold: I’m thinking that I want this to be like if Tom Ford had a house with Dries Van Noten. Very clean and contemporary. Divorce chic! You know, like you’d lived in a manor house but were now downsizing but still had all these incredible antiques and had to make them work. I’m attracted to exotic and ornate things and to bold, rich, deep colors.

Homes & Gardens: What is the style of the home you’ve bought?

Jake Arnold: I never would have thought that I’d buy a house that was this contemporary. It’s very boxy, but it has volume and ceiling height, and so the light is what is going to give it personality. It was designed in the 1940s, but I don’t want to go all mid-century with what I put in it; I want to be a bit more nuanced than that.

Homes & Gardens: So, where will the playful elements come in, do you think?

Jake Arnold: I am excited about bringing people together. That’s the difference between a party at a house and one at a restaurant – at a house you can bring people together who maybe don’t know each other and it feels a bit less forced. So through the lighting, the casualness that I’m going to instill, that’s what will make it seem playful. I’ve learned to embrace the idea that things don’t have to be perfect and that just having people over to watch a movie or cook a dinner party is refined and elevated in itself.

Today, Jake’s interiors continue to evolve in much the same way he describes his process: intuitively, emotionally, and without rigid rules. Whether designing for clients or shaping his own newly acquired home in Los Angeles, his focus remains on creating spaces that feel lived-in, layered, and capable of bringing people together. It is perhaps this balance – between polish and playfulness, refinement and ease – that has made his work resonate so widely.

Even now, after years at the forefront of the design world, Jake still speaks about interiors with the same excitement as the teenager rearranging bedrooms and scribbling notes for contractors. For him, good design is not about creating perfect rooms, but spaces with enough soul, personality, and flexibility to grow alongside the people living in them.

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If you haven't heard of the iconic Niels Gammelgaard ENTERI shelving unit, you will definitely recognize it. It's an IKEA classic, a retro piece that, even though it is (or was) out of production, appears on second-hand marketplaces for hundreds of dollars.

Since its debut in 1986, the industrial shelving has received nothing but praise for its functional design and slick, industrial look, making it one of the most valuable vintage IKEA pieces to date. While the original shelves reach for 10 times the original price at auction and retailer sites, IKEA's newest PS collection includes (wait for it) an all-pine unit that 'pays tribute to classic IKEA designs from the 1980s.'

Inspired by the original design, the IKEA PS shelves feature the same recognizable tiered shape, but this time made from exposed pine and finished with red accents. Understated and timeless, it's a storage solution that works in every space, from home offices to hallways.

IKEA's original PS collection was filled with innovative designs, including the iconic shelving unit, amongst other quirky pieces. 'In the early 1990s, IKEA began a process to strengthen its identity as a design company,' explains a spokesperson from the IKEA museum. 'IKEA wanted to get back to its roots and manifest the aesthetic of Scandinavian simplicity. The result was IKEA PS, a recurring collection of innovative design at low prices.'

While the 1980s shelves can prove pricey (like these original ENETRI shelves on 1st Dibs on sale for $1,165.34), the new IKEA PS 2026 Shelf unit feels just as distinctive in both form and function. Its angular slats provide a striking feel that transforms the shelving into more than a storage solution, but a design moment that commands attention. The red accents bring a playful edge to the exposed pine, too.

While pine can feel a little new, the unit has been designed to withstand years of use. It's also a wood that ages well, so stains or signs of wear actually bring a graceful, aged feel that only gets better with time.

Maria O’Brian, Creative Leader of IKEA’s PS 2026 PS collection, says, 'Central to IKEA PS is the idea that simplicity doesn't have to be boring, but that it can reveal design in its purest and most engaging form. My hope is that through interaction and surprise, this simplicity gives way to discovery, with objects that have multiple functions and unexpected details that make people happy.'

For a fraction of the price of the original shelves, it's fair to say the PS shelf is a piece worth investing in. Contemporary yet also iconic, it's a timeless vessel that'll only get better over the years.

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The beauty of antique shopping is its unexpectedness; you never know what you'll uncover. While those of us who enjoy decorating with antiques could likely tell a tale or two about the gems we've unearthed, unsurprisingly, the best stories come from the dealers and design experts who are among antiques every day.

The most extraordinary finds are those that surprise us. From an ornate column capital salvaged from a scrap yard in India to an eight-foot high tapestry sourced from a French flea market, these are the favorite finds of dealers, experts, and designers who love antiques.

1. An 18th Century Oil Painting

'Last December I sourced a huge 18th-century French oil painting in the circle of Alexandre-François Desportes,' begins Ambrice Miller, founder of Relic Interiors. 'The painting depicts a dynamic stag hunt with its composition balancing the grace of the stag with the energy of the scene. I am always partial to a large painting depicting animals, but by coincidence, a dear friend (and fellow antiques dealer) was getting rid of some old Sotheby’s auction catalogues from the 90s-00s, so I grabbed a few as reference documents, as I love to flip through and learn about antiques that way.'

'When flipping through, I saw a piece by Desportes of a stag hunt and was captivated by the scale, energy, and execution of the painting. Weeks later, I was attending an auction in Paris and saw this piece was several lots before the piece I had intended to bid for; it felt like fate. The painting came from a chateau in Provence, and I had to have it. It was simply breathtaking and I was immediately taken by it.'

'I love this piece in large part because of how unexpected it was to find it,' explains Ambrice. 'Especially as I’d seen a catalogue write-up of the circle this artist would have been a part of. It’s difficult to find large-scale paintings in good condition with their original frame and without being relined or having undergone heavy restoration work. I felt like I hit the jackpot!'

'It is currently in our drawing room above the mantle, as we never use the fireplace in there. It’s in pride of place, and given its size, it is often the first piece that is noticed in the room. I feel like large paintings are having their moment again. For the past decade, interiors have been dominated by gallery walls and mixing and matching aesthetics. I love the conviction of having a statement piece and being unapologetic with the space it occupies. Now is a time to be bold with interiors.'

2. A Rare Midcentury Armchair

'During my adult life, I’ve been lucky to both acquire and inherit an array of antiques and vintage pieces, explains Anthony Barzilay Freund, antique specialist and editorial director at 1st Dibs. 'Each wonderful for a variety of reasons (none of which necessarily includes its value or price tag). My most recent acquisition was a mid-century modern armchair that adds the finishing touch to the much-used seating area in our kitchen.'

'Created by Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen in 1948, the lounge chair is from his Laila series, which he created for Asko, the iconic 20th-century furniture manufacturer. I found it on 1stDibs from one of my favorite dealers, Lawton Mull.'

'I’ve always been drawn to the gently enveloping curves of Scandinavian seating, but I’ve never owned a piece in that style. For the last decade, we’ve been slowly fitting out our kitchen with things we love – an 18th-century Swedish farm table here, a mod pair of chrome-based swivel chairs there, a banquette covered in a boldly graphic Madeline Weinrib textile – without a ton of thought about how they all fit together. Missing just one piece to finish the room, I chanced upon the Laila chair on the site, and we snapped it up immediately.'

'Thanks to the help of Cordelia Lawton and Patrick Mull, who reupholstered the cushions in a durable, dark blue Dedar fabric (Purple Flower), which picks up the medallion of the banquette, and stained the legs to better relate to the walnut top of our kitchen island, the chair miraculously completes the scattershot ensemble – and it’s incredibly comfortable to boot.'

3. An Antique Floor Covering

James Yarosh, interior designer and gallerist at James Yarosh Associates, explains the story behind a one-of-a-kind antique tapestry he sourced.

'This antique tapestry, used as a floor covering, became the defining element in a second-floor family atrium. Windows on two floors above allowed daylight to filter down into the atrium, casting a soft and shifting spotlight that animated the floor throughout the day.'

'In searching for the right foundation for the room, I collected antique furniture to create a visual dialogue between design and fine art. While sourcing rugs with Josh Nazmiyal at Rug & Kilim, I was drawn to tapestries, which are typically reserved for the wall. He encouraged me to pursue that instinct, to work outside the expected and open new possibilities. His no-limits approach to beauty met my vision seamlessly. The piece introduced a subtle wedding motif – signifying a poetic “marriage” within the space of fine art and design.'

'It proved to be my favorite solution for the floor,' says James. 'In this private setting, experienced only by family and close guests, it anchors the room, elevates the surrounding furnishings, and serves as an anchoring subplot worthy of connecting the carefully curated artworks surrounding it.'

4. An Indian Column Capital

Known for her love of antiques, Neha Gupta is an interior designer and founder of NU Curations. 'This is the most exceptional antique I have ever sourced and handled: a large 19th-century hand-carved red sandstone column capital, originating from a haveli (traditional mansion) in northern India.'

'During a business trip to conduct traceability work for construction and building material procurement, I encountered a sudden monsoon downpour at an open, cluttered storage yard for old construction materials,' explains Neha. 'While seeking shelter from the rain, I tripped over a massive concrete block. Rainwater washed away grime and coal soot that had accumulated over decades, revealing intricately carved lotus patterns and weathered geometric designs on the block’s sandstone surface. Long crushed beneath a rusted iron gate, the block had been completely forgotten.'

'This century-old stone carving is the most prized piece among all of my private collections. It integrates historical depth, sculptural art, and original inherent textures, and retains clear chisel marks left by craftsmen from a hundred years ago. The natural patina on its weathered terracotta-toned surface cannot be replicated by any modern craftsmanship, and it is fully capable of setting the atmosphere for the entire room.'

'To make architectural remnants compatible with contemporary residences, a high-contrast design logic must be adopted. The author transformed a large stone column capital into a sculptural cocktail table and placed it in a minimalist, well-lit living room,' says Neha. 'This original interior furnishing I created places a piece of rough red sandstone marked by erosion next to a low, ultra-modern custom white linen sofa; the contrast in texture between the two generates striking sensory tension.'

5. An 8ft High French Tapestry

'It's very difficult to decide which antique I have sourced is the most extraordinary as I have been doing this for a number of years,' explains owner and principal designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs.

'If I had to pick just one, it would be an 18th-century French tapestry that I purchased more than thirty years ago. I found it at the Paris Flea Market and instantly fell in love with it. It was hanging in an outdoor booth and featured a pastoral scene in soft shades of green, terracotta, and brown. It measures eight feet tall and fourteen feet wide.'

'It was very expensive for me at the time,' explains Debbie, 'but I did my best to negotiate the price down. I was not successful, and I left the Paris Flea Market empty-handed. But I couldn't stop thinking about this magnificent piece, and I returned several days later. I was told by the vendor that he would take a lower price but that I would need to pay him in cash. My husband and I had to go to multiple banks all over Paris to collect the designated amount of cash since there was a maximum withdrawal amount at most banks. The vendor and I then made the exchange in our hotel lobby just hours before flying back to the United States. We transported this precious cargo in a large duffel bag so that it never left our possession once we acquired it.'

'It is my favorite find because of the story behind it! This piece has always been a focal point in our home because of its size and grandeur. It now resides in my living room right off the entrance hall. Most guests immediately notice it, which is an opportunity for me to tell the story and adventure of how it was purchased.'

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Gray might be experiencing a slight hiatus in interior design in recent years, but this certainly doesn't apply to Benjamin Moore's iconic Boothbay Gray HC-165. Woven with powdery blue notes, the silvery gray paint color has proved popular ever since its debut in 1976.

Relied on by interior designers for its sophisticated feel that quietly enhances any setting it's applied to, there's a reason Boothbay Gray is one of the best gray paints on the market. Able to master the balance between light and dark, the sophisticated gray-meets-blue is layered with an array of tones that make it far more than your average one-dimensional gray.

'The most appealing grays go beyond simple blends of black and white,' explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'They’re layered with nuanced pigments that create richness and visual interest. Boothbay Gray is a timeless blue-gray known for its quiet versatility and refined character.'

How To Decorate With Boothbay Gray

Boothbay Gray is the ideal gray to be using in 2026 because it's a slightly more neutral take on a powdery blue – a huge color trend right now, but because it leans slightly more gray than blue, it has a more timeless appeal. 'This timeless blue-gray is effortlessly adaptable,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'Neither too blue nor too gray, Boothbay Gray HC-165 finds an easygoing balance between refined and welcoming. It is a great option for a cool gray that doesn’t feel austere or dull, and works beautifully as a color palette staple in interiors or exteriors.'

1. Apply It To Bedroom Walls

There are times when you should never paint a room gray, but in the case of a light-filled bedroom, these rules don't apply. 'Boothbay Gray is a sophisticated blue-gray,' says interior designer Chelsea Kasch, founder of Chelsea K Designs. 'I consider it an elegant and timeless color vs the usual grays that have been trendy.'

While the off-gray paint blends into hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, its quiet depth complements bedrooms beautifully. 'Bedrooms are my favorite areas to use Boothbay Gray. I love using it on a door in an entryway, too.' In the sleep space pictured above, Chelsea chose it as the main wall color. 'I have paired it with Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore as well as Steam by Benjamin Moore for a more neutral blend. Also, accenting it with dark slate or charcoal can also be unforgettable.'

2. Color Drench a Den

If you're planning on using gray in 2026, Boothbay Gray is a timeless alternative to the cool-toned neutrals that can read a little drab. 'It's a statement blue without being too saturated,' explains interior designer Kelly Sutherland. 'Blues can be challenging if you don't select one that is a bit grayed down. Too pale goes nursery, and if it's too saturated, it loses its sophistication. I used this color in my den (pictured above) at 75% in a high gloss, and it was the perfect, happy color!'

'I've used this color in a primary bedroom and a casual den. I think it is a versatile color. It would also look fabulous in a laundry room. I do prefer this color in a room with at least a few windows for the natural light to highlight its beauty.'

'The easiest part of using this color is that it is complementary to so many other colors,' adds Kelly. 'I used it in my den with Rose Tarlow's Carmen fabric, and the gold popped against the blue backdrop. It also pairs well with greens, yellows, pinks, or any warmer toned colorway.'

3. Make It Your Exterior Color

Muted and gentle, Boothbay Gray is an enduringly classic exterior paint that brings a heritage feel to facades, from colonial-style homes to shingle-style properties.

'I love to use this color on exteriors with crisp white trim in Decorator’s White OC-149, explains Arianna. 'The soft notes of blue bring just the right amount of color while still creating a classic look.'

An exterior paint color to make a house look more expensive, Boothbay Gray uplifts without feeling juvenile or overly bright. It's not just a clever exterior paint choice; it transitions seamlessly inside the home, too. 'For interiors, this color really shines in well-lit rooms bathed in natural sunlight,' explains Arianna. 'I love it on kitchen cabinets with softly shaded walls in Classic Gray OC-23 or Silver Satin OC-26 for just the right amount of contrast.'

4. Use It On Kitchen Cabinetry

'To me, Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray is a soft, coastal gray-blue that feels timeless and calming without reading overly trendy,' says interior designer Jessica Koltun. 'It has enough warmth to feel inviting while still bringing in that subtle, moody sophistication that works beautifully in luxury homes.'

In the kitchen pictured above, the pale gray-blue brings just the right amount of charm without compromising the bright and airy feel of the space. 'I think the color looks best in spaces with good natural light, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and even cabinetry. It creates a very serene atmosphere and can shift beautifully throughout the day depending on the lighting.'

'Boothbay Gray pairs especially well with warm whites, creamy off-whites, natural wood tones, unlacquered brass, limestone, and soft earthy neutrals,' explains Jessica. 'We also love layering it with textured materials to keep the space feeling warm and elevated rather than too cool.'

Boothbay Gray-Inspired Shopping

A refreshing variation on lackluster grays that ruled the 2000s, Boothbay Gray feels neutral yet noticeable. It's uplifting and cheery, yet still restrained and understated, making it perfect for almost every space. When decorating with the powdery hue, always consider the colors to never pair with gray for a well-balanced scheme.

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Who knew that when modernist designers, including the Eameses, brought plywood into the domestic home in the first half of the 20th century, this mass-produced material would become a coveted look for contemporary kitchen designs almost a century later?

According to Gallagher Hannan, co-founder of Boxco, this is down to a broader post-maximalism mood in residential design right now. ‘People are moving away from high-gloss, high-complexity kitchens and toward spaces that feel quieter, more material-honest, and well curated. Calming, nourishing spaces. Plywood fits that shift perfectly,' she says.

Plywood has always been a product for the masses, thanks to its affordability and versatility; however, it’s now being positioned in more high-end settings as an alternative to solid wooden kitchen cabinets, with a renewed appreciation for its warmth, durability, and also as a crafted material in its own right.

Why Designers Are Embracing Plywood Kitchens

In the interior design industry, there’s a genuine hunger for materials that feel considered and crafted right now – plywood is no longer a niche designer choice. It’s becoming more desirable, according to Gallagher, as it satisfies an unusual combination: great quality, more affordable than solid wood custom millwork, highly customizable, and modern without being too trendy. Plywood is easy to dress up or pare down, depending on the space.

Kath Dyer, MD at Plykea, is inclined to agree. She says that plywood isn’t a kitchen trend in the way that a paint color or a hardware finish is a trend. 'It’s more of a material philosophy, and that is why it has endured and deepened rather than burning out,' she says. 'Plywood belongs to the same design conversation as limewashed walls, unlacquered brass, handmade ceramic tiles, and exposed timber structures: materials that age gracefully, that carry visible evidence of how they are made, and that bring a sense of warmth and humanity to a space.'

It’s this material honesty that makes it so desirable. 'Plywood celebrates the beauty of real wood – exposed edges, visible layers, and a natural warmth that works just as well in modern kitchens as it does in more characterful homes,' adds Joanna Lobato, director at Made In Ply. 'It’s not trying to imitate something else, and that honesty gives it a timeless quality that won’t date quickly.'

Plywood is also incredibly versatile; you can leave it natural, stain it, use a timber veneer, or combine it with colored laminate or linoleum for a bolder look. 'It acts as a neutral canvas so you can take it in very different directions – it adapts well to various interior styles, whether that’s a Mediterranean villa or a Manhattan loft,' says Bart Kornata, founder at PlyKitchen. 'It’s a designer’s playground – plywood allows for bespoke cut-outs and integrated handles that would be cost-prohibitive in traditional cabinetry.'

One of the key advantages of using plywood in older homes is this precision. 'Because it lends itself to digital manufacturing, we can plan the kitchen exactly around awkward existing features, making the most of every millimeter in spaces that are often irregular or constrained,' explains Alan Drumm, co-founder of Uncommon Projects.

At the same time, plywood retains the warmth and character of natural timber, combined with the strength and stability of an engineered material, so it performs really well over time, which is often what period property owners are looking for. 'Aesthetically, when the ply edge is exposed, it brings an honest, raw finish that often aligns naturally with the texture and character of cottages and terraces,' adds Alan.

1. Natural and Layered

Building a sophisticated, textural scheme ensures a plywood kitchen doesn’t feel one-note.

'In this project, the client has created a beautifully natural, layered space where understated styling allows the warm tones of the birch plywood to take center stage,' says Joanna, from Made In Ply. 'Traditional tongue-and-groove paneling introduces quiet visual rhythm through seams and joints, while slab fronts offer an uninterrupted surface that feels calm, refined, and architectural.'

Soft, off-white tones across the walls and worktops provide a calm backdrop, enabling tactile elements, such as ceramics and greenery, to add quiet moments of interest and life. 'Detailing plays a key role in the overall refinement of the design,' says Joanna. 'Recessed handles are seamlessly integrated, offering both ease of use and a pared-back aesthetic. Meanwhile, the exposed plywood edges – particularly within the bespoke wine rack – celebrate the material’s natural structure, adding depth to the finish.'

2. Bold Contrasts

This project proves that plywood kitchens don’t have to lack color. A first-time homeowner with a modest budget approached Boxco to create a bold yet whimsical kitchen design. The owner retained the original 1950s upper cabinets and had them repainted, then unified the two styles with matching brass hardware. For the new lower cabinets, they chose Boxco’s custom Cranberry wood wax finish.

'The natural wood grain beneath that deep, rich color adds an organic warmth that suits the eclectic character of the space,' says Gallagher. 'The checkered fireclay floor tile bridges the two cabinet styles beautifully, and the patterned wallpaper and hand-painted backsplash tile really get to shine against the cream-and-cranberry backdrop.'

3. Modern Minimalism

Plywood is the perfect partner for a minimalist kitchen aesthetic, according to Kath Dyer at Plykea. 'In a pared-back space like this New York apartment, the natural grain has the restraint and confidence of Scandinavian design,' she says. 'Plywood has an inherent warmth that painted cabinetry simply can't replicate, and the exposed ply edge detailing on the shelves adds a subtle craft quality that elevates the whole space without making it feel precious.'

Clean-lined cabinetry with semi-recessed handles is balanced by a run of open shelving, which offers breathing space and ensures the room doesn’t feel too cluttered. 'Overall, the materials work together with the pottery and earthy finishes throughout the space, including the quarry tile floor,' says Kath.

4. Affordable Elegance

This project, set within a beautifully restored townhouse in Mallorca, demonstrates how you can achieve a high-end feel without spending top dollar. The key is using high-grade birch plywood, which has been treated with a deep, earthy stain for a rich, earthy feel.

'This technique allows the raw beauty of the layered edges and the distinctive wood grain to remain the primary design feature, creating a sophisticated and cohesive aesthetic – it’s a perfect example of how the ‘plywood movement’ feels both contextual and highly architectural,' says Bart of PlyKitchen. 'The dark wood provides a warm contrast to the soft, textural plaster walls and original ceiling beams, proving that plywood is a natural fit for elevated, contemporary Mediterranean living.'

5.. Blending Character with Contemporary

Just because you have a period property, that doesn’t mean that a traditional-style kitchen should follow – this chocolate-box, listed Victorian cottage already had a Plain English, shaker-style kitchen but the owner had become tired of it and was keen for a fresh start. She wanted cabinetry that responded more thoughtfully to the space and allowed her to use it to its full potential.

'It’s a strong example of how a contemporary kitchen can sit comfortably within a historic setting,' says Alan of Uncommon Projects, who worked on the design. 'Like traditional joinery, the construction is fully expressed – an honest piece of furniture that reveals its materiality without disguise. It is this clarity and integrity in the design that allows it to feel so at home in its context.'

How to Choose the Right Plywood

When choosing your plywood, there are a few key phrases to look for – 'void-free core plywood' is one. You want to avoid construction-grade plywood (which has voids in the core that’ll ultimately cause problems at joints and hardware mounting points) and look for 'furniture-grade plywood' instead. The 'grade' of the plywood matters (ranked A-D); for kitchen fronts, A-grade veneer, hand-selected for consistency and quality, is the gold standard to look for.

Boxco recommends sourcing materials from Garnica, a manufacturer that’s well known for its sustainably fabricated ply, using fast-growing tree species like poplar and eucalyptus. For door fronts, Baltic birch is most sought after, for a refined edge that’s also more scratch and dent-resistant. Wherever you choose to source your plywood from, it’s best to look for those companies that have FSC certification and use formaldehyde-free adhesives.

If you want to add a splash of color, laminate-faced plywood can do the trick. Fenix, made using 100% renewable energy, is not only a great eco option, it offers a palette of deep, matte contemporary tones with a soft-touch surface that is extremely hardwearing and resistant to fingerprints, according to Kath. Formica, on the other hand, brings a wider and bolder palette of colors and finishes, from confident brights to more architectural neutrals. 'What unites all of these options is the birch plywood core and the exposed ply edge, which means even the most colorful laminate-faced kitchen retains that honest, material quality that defines the plywood aesthetic,' says Kath.

Maintenance Advice

Plywood is supremely durable, even more so than solid wood or particleboard, as its cross-grain lamination construction resists warping and movement. 'This is particularly relevant in New England kitchens where humidity fluctuates seasonally,' reveals Gallagher. With a proper finish, it resists moisture and everyday wear beautifully, plus it’s easily repairable – scratches can be sanded and simply re-oiled in a way that painted MDF can’t.

While plywood isn’t high maintenance, it still deserves some attention to ensure longevity. Wipe spills promptly, avoid abrasive cleaners, and for high-traffic areas around the sink or stove, a light re-oil once a year keeps the surface looking fresh.

Styling Tips

Your kitchen hardware choice carries real weight, according to both Kath and Gallagher, as it can shape the character of your kitchen. Integrated edge pulls or semi-recessed handles will give the cleanest, most architectural look, letting the grain or the color do all the work. On the flip side, unlacquered brass bar pulls or cup pulls will give a warmer, more traditional feel and will develop their own patina over time in a way that complements the aging of the wood beautifully.

When it comes to appliances, most designers agree that you can’t beat a classic stainless steel or brushed metallic finish that reads cleanly against the natural plywood and meets the 'material honesty' criteria. 'For clients who want a bit more personality, Cafe appliances are a favorite for their beautiful finishes and classic style,' says Gallagher.

Incorporating open kitchen shelving is another easy win to show off plywood to its full potential, especially if you’ve gone for a contrasting colored or stained veneer. 'Exposing the edges and keeping them visible is an effective way to signal that the material choice is intentional,' adds Gallagher. 'It also gives the kitchen visual breathing room that natural materials need. We love a combination of closed upper cabinetry and open shelving: somewhere to hide the mess, and a display to showcase your ceramics and the objects you love.'

Budgeting Guidance

'Plywood isn’t the cheapest option, but it gives very good value,' says Bart. 'You get a lot in one material – strength, character, flexibility, and that genuine timber feeling – without going into the cost of very traditional solid-wood cabinetmaking. And of course it outranks MDF and chipboard in almost every metric!'

A budget-savvy way to achieve a high-end look is to opt for IKEA carcasses and quality plywood fronts. For a typical kitchen project in the US, Plykea fronts and worktops start from around $7,000–$10,000 for the Plykea components themselves, with IKEA carcasses added on top. 'A full kitchen project typically lands well below the cost of a bespoke alternative while delivering a material quality that most people simply cannot distinguish from one,' says Kath.

For a more bespoke finish using plywood throughout, Gallagher says that Boxco’s typical residential projects fall somewhere in the $25,000–$60,000 range, depending on scope, hardware, and finish. 'Plywood looks and feels premium at every level of that range, and the long-term value is real: a well-built plywood kitchen finished with high-quality natural oils should last 30 years or more with simple, straightforward maintenance – that's the kind of investment that actually makes sense for a family home,' she says.

All in all, plywood is affordable, versatile, and timeless – it’s no longer regarded as a sub-material to be hidden away, but as a primary finish that celebrates its own construction. 'The exposed layered edges have become a design 'stamp' of sophistication and craft,' says Bart. Not only do plywood kitchens look good, but they’re also built to last, offering a sustainable alternative to solid wood kitchens that look equally at home in historical New England farmhouses as they do in new-build contemporary passive homes. It’s not just a fad – plywood offers longevity and architectural character.

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Gray has had some bad press in recent years. Once the most loved neutral of them all, it's fallen out of favor in color trends, replaced by softer neutrals like creams and beige. However, gray still has its place, and with this cool tone, the shades you pair it with can really make or break how it shows up.

'Gray does still have universal appeal, serving as a timeless and elegant backdrop upon which to build character, and has been at the root of historical decoration for centuries,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. 'Gray paint colors embrace tonal variations – from the palest, almost white tones through to stone, charcoal, brown and blue-black hues.'

It's such a varied, chameleon shade, so there are no hard rules when it comes to decorating with gray. That being said, there are some shades that designers warn rarely work with gray, creating schemes that feel flat and unwelcoming.

1. Black

Either decorate with gray or decorate with black, but you shouldn't do both, advises Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. 'I would avoid pairing gray with overly cool tones like deep charcoal grays or stark black, since the combination can make a space feel cold and sterile instead of warm and inviting.'

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when decorating with gray is pairing it with other cold colors. Black and gray can both lack warmth, so when next to each other, they can read overly flat and cold. Instead, opt for warmer, more playful shades to balance out the hue's coolness.

'Instead, I recommend pairing gray with warmer and softer tones like creamy whites, earthy browns, muted blush pinks, and nature-inspired blues or greens,' advises Emily. 'Shades like Shoji White SW 7042, Drift of Mist SW 9166, Sea Salt SW 6204 and Upward SW 6239 help gray feel more relaxed, modern, and welcoming. Warm wood accents also pair beautifully with gray to create a grounded, lived-in look that feels current and timeless.'

2. Yellow

'Sharp golden yellows can also clash with softer gray tones and create a look that feels harsh or disconnected,' says Emily. 'Homeowners are moving away from these cooler combinations in favor of palettes that feel more organic, layered, and comfortable.'

We understand the appeal of pairing yellow with gray. A cheery shade that, in theory, should balance out gray's coolness, it sounds like a match made in heaven. However, decorating with yellow can overwhelm a home and only make gray feel even more out of place. Instead, opt for less vibrant bright colors, like deep warm oranges or grounding terracotta.

'When opting for cooler grays, pair with touches of bright color,' advises Ruth, naming 'Orange Aurora' as an example of a stylish choice. If brights aren't your thing, try a sage green or blue. 'Alternatively, consider complementary colors, 'Vulcan' offers the sophistication and boldness of a charcoal grey, but has the perfect mid-tone balance, ensuring it never makes a space feel cold or austere. Pair with a rich but restful blue green, such as ‘Livid', for a gentle contrast.'

3. Red

'Although gray pairs well with almost every other hue, the trick to choosing color combinations that will complement this go-to neutral is to opt for colors with similar undertones, explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'For instance, a gray with blue undertones may clash with warmer colors such as red or yellow.'

Instead of decorating with red and gray, pair the cool neutral with a deeper yet equally striking jewel tone, like a deep navy or emerald green. 'Instead, pair gray with a cooler tone such as Hale Navy HC-154. Following this technique is a foolproof way to create unusual and eye-catching color pairings without forming an accidental color clash.'

'For a bolder look, pair with jewel-inspired tones such as deep forest green or a rich navy,' adds Helen. 'This combination creates a glamorous and sophisticated classic scheme that is great for a kitchen or ‘thought-heavy’ area such as a home office or library.'

The key to a color combination that works is to test it in situ – check what it looks like in your home, with your lighting throughout the day. But as a rule of thumb, designers and color experts are in agreement that gray shouldn't be paired with high contrast colors. The best approach is to layer it with other neutrals to create a tonal look, and decorate with lots of texture too to soften the cooler tones.

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White is no longer the go-to color in small kitchens. Instead, designers are increasingly gravitating towards warmer, more characterful shades that showcase a bit more style and personality.

And this year's small kitchen trends are truly showcasing that shift. From softer spaces and unexpected hues emerging, 2026's small kitchen color trends are proving a feast for the eyes.

Choosing the right color for your small kitchen is a big decision, and while we never recommend simply following trends, they can be a great source of inspiration, especially if you want to create a space that feels unique and considered. These are the six that designers are most excited about this year.

1. Deep Blue Hues

We're seeing a huge return to shades of blue in 2026, particularly in small spaces in need of color. And while so many tones feel increasingly stylish this year, it's the deeper hues that are making their way into small kitchens.

'Blues are currently dominating small kitchen trends. Saturated hues bring depth to a compact space. We love to create high contrast between cabinetry and wall color,' says Michelle Vassallo of MV Architects in Washington, DC.

'We've previously paired Farrow & Ball De Nimes cabinetry with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace painted walls. This high contrast makes the room feel intentionally bespoke rather than cramped.

2. Muted Greens

Green is one of those colors that almost acts as a neutral, and its muted hues feel particularly elevated in 2026. It's not just about the color itself, but the colors and materials you pair it with in a small scheme, too.

'For small kitchens, we’re seeing muted greens paired with warm whites and natural wood tones continue to gain popularity because they create a fresh, organic look while still helping the space feel calm and open,' says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

'Shades like Sea Salt SW 6204 and Evergreen Fog SW 9130 work especially well in smaller kitchens because they bring in a nature-inspired softness without overwhelming the room. Homeowners are also gravitating toward earthy green-and-cream combinations because they feel warm, welcoming, and timeless.'

3. Wood Tones and Earthy Hues

Offering a reprieve from the cool neutrals of past years, small kitchens in 2026 are embracing natural wood and earth tones for a warmer take on a classic. It feels timeless, yet has more depth than drenching a space in white.

'In recent months, homeowners have been gravitating to warmer, softer materials that feel more connected to nature, rather than overly sleek or sterile ones,' says Natalie Rebuck, Principal Designer at Re: Design Architects, who highlights it as an alternative to whites and grays that have dominated in the past.

'This includes wood tones and earthy colors, such as sage greens, terracotta tones, warm taupes, and mushroom shades. I’m also seeing more options and interest in wooden cabinetry, such as white oak, and richer medium wood tones, to again, help give more warmth and depth to the space.'

4. Rich, Moody Color Palettes

The appetite for decorating with moody colors is going nowhere this year, and it's particularly gaining ground in small kitchens as a way to embrace smaller proportions rather than fight them.

'I think we’re going to see small kitchens become dramatically moodier and more layered in 2026. Rather than trying to make compact spaces disappear with all-white palettes, we are leaning into creating kitchens that feel intimate, collected, and full of personality,' explains interior designer Jennifer Davis.

'I expect rich, nature-inspired tones to dominate. Deep olive greens, earthy teals, clay browns, and aged aubergine tones paired with softer organic neutrals. We’re also seeing a strong movement toward tonal layering rather than high contrast. For example, a muted olive cabinet paired with a warm veined stone and unlacquered brass feels incredibly elevated and timeless in a smaller footprint.'

5. Chocolate Brown

The appeal of deeper tones is a clear trend this year in small kitchens, with rich, chocolatey browns proving to be an enduringly popular color choice. It's dark and immersive, yet still has warm undertones that allow the hue to feel inviting.

'We’ve seen browns gaining traction and people opting for them over grays and charcoals. Chocolatey hues – like Stone Brown 2112-30 and Bittersweet Chocolate 2114-10 – bring a softer approach to deep color,' says Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, noting that your cabinets are the best place to start.

'These colors pair beautifully with creamy hues, dove grays, brass hardware, and warmly veined marbles for a sophisticated but still warm and welcoming look. If you are hesitant to go all in and paint the uppers and lowers in a deeper or more playful hue, consider just doing the lowers,' she suggests.

6. Mediterranean-Inspired Palettes

European style has become a source of inspiration, especially in kitchens of every size, as of late. But color really is the focus in this year's small kitchen trends, with warm, Mediterranean palettes proving more coveted than ever.

'We also see more organic, sun-soaked hues finding their place in the home. Terracotta, mustards, and olives all have an inherent ease and comfort to them that make them an ideal option for kitchens,' says Arianna.

'Colors like Patina 1195 and Spiced Apple Cider 1201 would pair beautifully with warm wood tones, clay colors, and subtle pops of navy. While colors like Da Vinci’s Canvas 208, Chopped Dill 496, and Ivy Lane 523 bring a lived-in, natural feeling to the space,' she suggests.

'The biggest shift overall is that people are becoming less afraid of color in small spaces. A smaller kitchen actually permits you to be bolder and more expressive because the scale naturally creates intimacy,' summarises Jennifer of this year's small kitchen color trends.

'When done thoughtfully, deeper or more saturated tones can make a compact kitchen feel incredibly custom, sophisticated, and memorable.'

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Sunnier days call for a reset. While to most of us, that means taking full advantage of a garden lounger, to others, it means turning attention to the home and making it as inspiring and uplifting as it can be.

A home doesn't feel right when it lacks that seasonal touch. While winter might have warranted a darker color scheme and layers of heavy materials, summer is pretty much about doing the exact opposite. From light-allowing sheer drapes to doses of greenery in almost every corner, interior designers create mood-boosting homes with these five fixes that make any space feel instantly fresher.

It's only right to greet summer with a salutation. To improve your well-being and make summer living feel even more joyous, these are the five ways to align your home with your mood.

1. Daylight (or Lack of)

Resetting your home to uplift your mood starts with lighting. Daylight has the power to transform both the look and feel of your space, so it's worth turning your attention to before switching out decor or furniture.

'People underestimate how much harsh lighting and visual clutter can affect how a home feels emotionally,' explains Vanessa Katzen, Founder and Principle of Vanessa Katzen Design. 'Allowing natural light to move through the home is one of the simplest but most transformative shifts for summer,' Vanessa adds. 'This can be done by replacing heavy drapery with sheer linen panels, editing down visual clutter near windows, or pulling furniture slightly away from windows to create a greater sense of openness within a room.'

Mindy Kelson O’Connor, Principal at Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture and Interiors, agrees that increasing natural light will instantly improve the ambience of your space. 'Access to light profoundly shapes how we experience a room. Wherever possible, design for natural light and a connection to the outdoors – even a glimpse of sky or a borrowed view of an interesting neighboring building can shift the feeling of a space entirely. Position furniture to take full advantage of whatever greenery exists, whether a lush backyard garden or a single well-placed planter on a sill.

'Window treatments should accent and control the light entering a room, not compete with it, so choose draperies and shades that filter and soften rather than override the natural light altogether.'

2. Heavy Materials

Winter might call for thicker materials designed to keep your space as warm and cozy as it can be, but they can feel a little heavy come summertime.

'Lighter tonal palettes and natural finishes help soften contrast and reflect light more beautifully throughout the home,' explains Vanessa. 'Washed linens, soft cottons, woven grasses, and rattan introduce texture in a way that feels breathable and relaxed. Even smaller changes, such as incorporating hand-finished ceramics, can create a calmer, more restorative atmosphere. These subtle shifts can completely transform the mood of a home without requiring a full interior overhaul.'

Whether it's light linen sheets for a truly summery bedroom or a rattan vase filled with some seasonal stems, natural textures evoke a connection to the outdoors. 'The design choices around you directly impact your mood and well-being,' says Victoria Forehan of Victoria Forehan Design. 'Details matter! For example, blackout window treatments and heavy bedding can weigh a space down emotionally as much as physically. I believe that a home should make each client feel a sense of calm, joy, and connection.'

'To add lightness and lift your space for summer,' advises Victoria, 'layer in sheer window treatments, swap heavy blankets for cotton gauze or linen, and choose light scents like citrus, or herbs like rosemary and lavender. Oh, and of course, fresh flowers scattered throughout the home never fail!'

3. Dark Paint Colors

While a burgundy snug or a navy blue home bar might be chic, they're not exactly mood-boosting colors. Moody color palettes can feel gloomy in the warmer months, restricting daylight rather than dancing alongside it. Improving your mood is far more achievable when summer color trends come into play.

'Paint color is never static,' explains Mindy. 'As natural light shifts throughout the day, it bounces off walls differently. A dusty blue that reads as cool and crisp in morning light may soften and gray by afternoon, then settle into something closer to slate by dusk. North-facing rooms, which receive indirect light, tend to reveal the truer, cooler undertones of a color, while south-facing rooms amplify warmth.'

While summer calls for muted color schemes, paying attention to the layout of your home will ensure the colors you land on actually work. 'This means choosing paint in the room it will live in, observed at different hours, is essential. What you see on a chip in a store may bear little resemblance to what the light in your home will do with it. And that varies from space to space as well, so sampling is essential.'

4. Overhead Lighting

'Artificial lighting deserves the same intention,' says Mindy. Instead of the controversial 'big light', create pockets of warmth instead. 'A single overhead fixture flattens a room; layered lighting transforms it. Combine ambient overhead sources with table and floor lamps, and add sconces where walls need warmth.'

A pair of sconces will inject a little character and charm into your space without feeling stark or severe. They're so easy to style for summer, too. Swap out plain shades for a more whimsical style, like a pink or yellow pleated shade or a rattan shade that diffuses the light gently.

'Each layer can be adjusted independently, allowing the atmosphere of a room to shift from energizing in the morning to intimate by night,' adds Mindy.

5. Lack of Greenery

'Regardless of whether you prefer a maximalist or minimalist look, I find that as summer approaches, most clients are looking to embrace the outdoors and bring it into the home,' says Maggie Griesbeck of MNG Design.

It's not just indoor plants that improve your wellbeing and make a home feel fresher. 'Whether it’s bringing in fresh flowers from your garden or a potted plant from your local market, greenery is an instant mood lifter,' explains Maggie. 'Similarly, filling a bowl with brightly colored fruit, such as navel oranges, lemons, or limes, is a delightful way to bring color and happiness into your space.'

'I believe in creating spaces that support one’s wellbeing,' says Gabriela Eisenhart, Founder and Creative Director of Silo Studio Design. 'Where many layers and elements come together to create that feeling of home. I love incorporating plants, trees, and anything living into my interiors because nothing breathes life into a space quite like an oversized tree tucked in the corner. It brings a natural vibrancy and softness that can’t really be replicated.'

Summer Decor Buys

Summer is about making everything around you feel fresher, lighter, and more aligned with the outdoors. For a happier home, switch out your mood-draining decor and design features for cheerier colors, lighter textures, and plenty of fresh stems and foliage.

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The sparse garden trend has become something of a conversation point lately. This restrained way of planting where everything has an intentional place offers calm, clean lines and allows individual varieties to shine on their own rather than as part of a busy planting scheme. The idea is that planting should look effortless and natural, and the good news is once established it's one of the most easy-care garden designs you can choose.

This simple, uncluttered style of gardening relies on a limited color palette, a minimal number of different landscaping materials and a capsule collection of plant varieties to achieve the pared-down look that is ideal. Think one sculptural tree, a shapely shrub that complements it and a smaller plant or plants – ideally aim for no more than five – that completes the arrangement.

Perhaps it's a reaction to other 'busier' trends like meadowscaping and soft modernism featuring swathes of planting that dominate everything else but either way the sparse garden trend is one of the backyard ideas that feels like it's here to stay, especially as it's a more sustainable (and affordable) way of gardening. We took a look at some of the latest designs to find six ideas that fit perfectly with the sparse garden trend.

1. Knock Back On Plants So The Landscaping Can Shine Too

The sparse garden trend shifts the balance away from masses of dense planting seen in many naturalistic planting designs towards a mix of shapely rocks and swirls of gravel landscaping with plants dotted in between.

This cleverly moves the focus onto each plant and allows them to shine individually, while at the same time letting the landscaping details feature more prominently too.

This award-winning project by Carey Garden Design uses a blend of natural materials such as salvaged stones and sustainable concrete with a clever 'hidden' water feature to create an eye-catching backdrop that enhances the planting.

The key to getting this trend right is to leave plenty of space between plants for a more minimalistic look that lets air into the design and allows the natural landscaping forms to share the spotlight with the plants.

2. Keep Containers Simple With One Eye-Catching Plant Variety

Often the temptation with container gardening ideas is to cram in as many plants as possible. An interesting alternative is to use just one variety of plant and allow them space to breathe by layering gravel or pebbles on the surface in between to 'landscape' the design. This minimalist approach offers a stripped back aesthetic that feels intentional and quietly luxurious.

This simple container idea by designer Angus Thompson features moss plants, which feel soothing and restful, especially as they're so lovely to touch. Choosing a shallow style of container like these offers the opportunity to include more plants in the design too.

With a distinctly calming feel, Angus's inspiration for this design is the concept of yohaku no bi – the Japanese aesthetic of the beauty of empty space. Positioned next to a wooden bench these containers invite you to pause and take in the planting.

Shop Beautiful Containers

3. Curate Planting Choices To Create A Harmonious Design

The idea of paring down your plant collection is key to getting the sparse garden trend right. See it as a type of outdoor decluttering that helps you focus purely on the good stuff.

The general rule to aim for is choosing no more than three to five different varieties of plant. Creating a capsule garden in this way gets back to basics and lets you cut down on the amount of plants you have crammed into your yard if you're looking to streamline your approach, especially if you find you have lots of high-maintenance ones to look after.

Once you focus on the plants that truly deserve a place in your garden design it's much easier to think about how to show them off to their best advantage. This planting design (above) is elegant and minimalist with clean lines and a restrained palette of cool greens with just a hint of cream.

It helps to create a space that feels uncluttered and luxurious, and allows you to enjoy individual plant varieties that can be clearly seen and appreciated.

4. Use Sustainable Mulch So Sparse Planting Looks 'Finished'

Once planting is thinned out into a more minimal design this usually means a lot more soil is on show. The best sparse garden trend ideas find creative ways to landscape around key plants to show them off in the best possible way.

Sustainable landscaping ideas are the go-to, using materials like gravel, river rocks and other natural stones, as well as decorative organic options like cork or bark mulch.

These materials enhance the appearance of your landscape as well as offering benefits to plants. Adding mulch is beneficial to the health of plants by cutting down on weeds that compete for nutrients, helping the soil retain moisture to keep plants hydrated, and offering a layer of protection when it's cold. You can find organic Back to the Roots mulch at Amazon.

A combination of less plants with good mulching ideas results in a look that is both beautiful and natural. This works really well with airy plants like Verbena bonariensis and shapely Japanese maple trees like in this design (above) but also looks good with evergreen shrubs and trees, helping to create a more 'designed' landscape.

5. Make Ornamental Grasses Your Go-To

One of the plant varieties that will particularly benefit from the sparse garden trend are ornamental grasses. They need plenty of space to reach their full potential as well as show off their beautiful shape.

Seen in isolation without being surrounded by other plants they become all the more dramatic, especially when combined with rocks to create interest with contrasting textures.

An invaluable landscaping plant that provides structure, form, and movement, place ornamental grasses strategically so they have room to grow, especially taller varieties like majestic Miscanthus sinensis, available from Burpee, and graceful feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'.

They will create stunning punctuation points in your planting, especially in minimal garden designs where they will become the focal point.

6. Choose Less Plants But More Of The Right Kind

One of the easiest ways to get a cohesive planting look is to choose a theme. But many of the popular ones such as cottage garden ideas, prairie planting and the rewilding garden trend are packed with plants so these ideas don't work for the sparse garden trend. But one idea that definitely does is Japanese zen gardens.

These minimalist and meditative spaces are designed to evoke a sense of peace and serenity, and their success depends on letting the plants have room to breathe.

Gentle layers of moss, shapely Bonsai pines and leafy leopard plants feature in this design by Kazuyuki Ishihara (above).

Depth and atmosphere are created through meticulous attention to space rather than excess planting. Every plant must justify its position to merit inclusion, while landscaping rocks and raked gravel add further layers of interest.

The overall effect is considered and intentional, contributing to a restrained beauty that reflects the simplicity of Japanese aesthetics, and a perfect example of how the sparse garden trend can work in your outdoor space.

You can also plant Japanese maple trees to get this kind of look, and Fast Growing Trees has a wonderful collection.

Now read about the warm minimalism garden trend that is also big this year. This offers another way to create a calm and uncluttered look that uses earthy, sun-bleached colors and natural finishes for a warm and inviting feel.

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There are plenty of toys, trinkets, and questionable decor choices from my family home I'm glad to see the back of now that I'm older, but that being said, nothing transports me back to my childhood like the keepsakes I chose to hold onto.

While almost all past treasures have sentimental value, some keepsakes from your childhood home are worth holding onto for more than just the sake of nostalgia. Whether it's a rare tea set passed through the generations or a beloved mahogany dresser that once stood in your parents' living room, decorating with vintage or nostalgic pieces that really have meaning will give your home buckets of personality.

'The pieces worth keeping are almost always the ones with genuine provenance and memories of when, where, and why they were chosen,' says interior designer Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'Well-made objects that have traveled through time with a family. An antique chair bought on a road trip. A set of silverware used for every significant meal. A piece of art that hung in the same spot for decades.'

1. Vintage Dishware

Whether it's an entire Spode Blue Italian collection or a prized milk jug you've had in the family for years, secondhand dishware almost always enhances empty shelves or dining tables and will feel timeless in years to come.

A small slice of your childhood, holding onto a few plates or teacups, is never a bad idea. A way to evoke happy memories as well as lend life and story to your cooking space, antique dealer Ali Mahon says, 'I come from a long line of collectors, so I have kept many keepsakes from my childhood home. Both grandmothers loved collecting China and sterling silver, so I have many patterns from which to choose.'

Vintage ceramics, too, are worth holding onto, Ali explains. 'An aunt was a potter who had created a wonderful array of teapots. I use all these pieces when I entertain, and I display them on open shelves when not in use so I can remember and admire.'

2. Good Quality Furniture

One of the most popular ways to decorate with vintage is with furniture. While vintage furniture trends come and go, truly timeless pieces remain constant.

Referring to the mahogany dresser (pictured above), interior designer Shani Core said, 'Here, we used a beautiful antique dresser that lived in my client’s bedroom as a child and repurposed it to anchor the foyer. This heirloom is not only beautiful but functional and holds everything from extra linens to candles and all the items you may need as you’re running out the door.'

'To bring in something fresh and new, we added skirted benches in a fun Anna Spiro print on either side with a coral contrasting welt, a vase of fresh cuttings from outside, and a fun catchall. The antique mirror is also a family heirloom that lived in a separate space!'

3. Artisanal Textiles

'I’d keep anything handmade or regionally specific, like ceramics from a particular place, textiles with a cultural story, furniture made by a local craftsman,' explains Jennifer. 'As fast furniture becomes more common, these objects feel increasingly rare. They’re also the pieces most likely to start a conversation.'

Decorating with vintage fabrics doesn't need to feel overly fussy or traditional. A patchwork quilt can make a bedroom feel instantly more cozy, as can an antique tapestry hanging on a wall.

'I also inherited antique textiles,' says Ali. 'I mix an early American quilt (pictured above) with contemporary sheets and duvets on every bed. I frame antique flags and mount hooked rugs on linen-wrapped stretcher bars so they can be wall-mounted as art. A 19th-century crib quilt can be as graphic and modern as current work from one of today's emerging artists.'

4. Catchalls and Trinket Boxes

Smaller decorative pieces are just as special as larger furniture items. Catchalls and trinket boxes may seem minor, but they can uplift an empty surface whilst providing some storage.

'Atop my piles of coffee table books (pictured above), you’ll see various objects from my childhood bedroom,' explains Shani, 'including a hand-painted jewelry box which was made and painted by my grandmother, who was an artist. This jewelry box lived on my childhood dresser and has stayed with me throughout my life. Although the latch is broken and I no longer use it as a jewelry box, it adds the perfect touch of pink to the stack of books below.'

By considering how much of a room should be vintage, you can style these nostalgic objects with your newer furniture and decor. As Jennifer explains, 'The key is contrast. You want the age and character of the object to stand out against something more contemporary: an antique carved chair against a saturated modern wall color, or inherited silver on a minimalist surface. The juxtaposition makes both more interesting.'

No matter what keepsakes you hold onto, 'What you want to avoid is building a room that perfectly matches the object’s era or geography,' says Jennifer. 'That can quickly feel themed rather than collected. The object earns its place precisely because it doesn’t totally match.'

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As the weather brings longer, warmer days that stretch late into the evenings, our way of living naturally becomes more transitional between indoors and out. But, far more than just a backyard, or a single-use patio, our outdoor spaces can be transformed into multi-functional extensions of our homes, where we can dine, entertain, and relax with friends and loved ones.

The key to achieving this successfully lies in creating intentional outdoor hosting zones. From outdoor living room ideas to outdoor dining ideas and magical spaces to spend an alfresco aperitivo hour, these defined, but evolving areas, will invite guests to naturally flow easily from one to the other, as the day progresses into the evening.

With these expert styling tips and tricks, you can master this 3-zone outdoor hosting concept, whatever size or shape your space, for seamless hosting throughout the summer months and beyond.

Zone One: The Dining Space – The Heart of Hosting

Sharing a meal is the perfect way to spark conversation and conviviality, so the heart of your outdoor entertaining space should be the dining 'room'. As such, it should feel comfortable enough to encourage a relaxed atmosphere, but also be thoughtfully styled, to show your guests that you've really made the effort to help them feel special and welcomed.

Choose a Sheltered Spot for Shade and Protection

A back porch or purpose-built pergola offers the perfect ready-made shade from the sun and protection from the elements for your dining area. This beautiful sunset view is enhanced by the natural unpainted wood of the pergola and dining furniture, while the floral arrangement echoes the vibrant colors of the sunset beyond, for a naturalistic and elevated evening atmosphere.

Founder of Well by Design, Lauren Sullivan, explains: 'We preferred the dining area underneath the covered porch here for the ability to use the space throughout the warmer months – even during intense sun or summer rain – while still feeling completely connected to the surrounding landscape. I also think having a more sheltered dining area makes people naturally want to linger a little longer at the table.'

If you don't have a porch or pergola, you can opt for a stylish outdoor umbrella, which will allow you to be more flexible with where you set up your dining zone.

Opt for a Statement Dining Table and Relaxed Seating

A dining table can make a statement outdoors as well as indoors, and this one is a lovely example of how to be creative and achieve that indoor/outdoor feel. This pretty tiled tabletop looks striking, will withstand the elements, and is easy to wipe clean, negating the need for tablecloths or placemats.

Jamie Robb, Creative Director at Marlborough Tiles, explains: 'A beautifully tiled surface brings depth, texture, and individuality to a piece like a dining table, transforming something purely practical into a focal point. Whether using plain glaze colors or hand painted patterns, tiles allow you to create a table that feels entirely bespoke – full of character, artistry, and permanence. Beyond aesthetics, it’s also an incredibly durable choice; a well-tiled table is designed to be lived with, enjoyed daily, and admired for years to come.'

Meanwhile, the deep basket chairs with soft cushioned seating are proof that you can dine in comfort outdoors. If your guests are comfortable, they will feel more relaxed, and your event will take on more of an informal atmosphere, inspiring lively conversation and the chance to sit back and relax after the plates have been cleared away. The pretty floral cushions tap into the rustic country look here, whilst the lacy greenery on the tables and colored glassware add extra layers of texture and hue.

Create a Layered Tablescape Inspired by the Garden

When it comes to spring tablescaping ideas, Founder of eponymous lifestyle store Joanna Buchanan explains, 'I take inspiration from my garden and love to layer colors, patterns and textures. I definitely don't see minimal tables as being effective outside. It needs to be a full-blown statement.'

In this example, Joanna has leaned into the colors and textures of the garden, with sky blue, floral block-printed linens, and napkin rings embellished with bejewelled bees and butterflies. 'They are simply the perfect accessory for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful conversation starter,' she adds.

And there's one non-negotiable in Joanna's book. 'You have to have fresh flowers on the table – simply cut from what is around you for a seamless effect.'

Finally, if you're hosting a day-to-evening event, 'don't forget candles,' says Joanna. 'It's always magical to eat by candlelight outdoors.'

Ensure Proximity to the Kitchen Space

It may sound simple, but ensuring your dining area is located within easy reach of where you'll be serving food from will make your job as a host so much easier. If your guests are seated at the far end of the yard, even if it feels like the perfect spot, you'll have a long way to bring dishes back and forth and risk food being spilled or getting cold.

You may have a fully functional outdoor kitchen setup, or one of the best grills in the backyard, but if you're going to be prepping your food in your indoor kitchen, you'll ideally want your guests sitting as close as possible. A kitchen hatch for passing dishes through, as shown in the above image, or simply some French doors opening onto your dining terrace are perfect solutions.

'We prioritize indoor/outdoor living in all of our designs, but a functional connection to the kitchen is paramount for easy and enjoyable outdoor living. If a full doorway from the kitchen to the backyard isn't possible for the design, we love a pass-through kitchen window – this becomes a design feature with bar seating, unique materials, and increased livability for both the interior and for outdoor entertaining,' explains Leigh Lincoln, Co-Founder and Principal Designer at Pure Salt Interiors.

Shop the Outdoor Dining Edit

Zone Two: The Lounge – Relaxed, Social, and Flexible

Outdoor living room ideas should cover all bases, from morning coffee to pre-dinner drinks and late afternoon relaxing. Comfort is, of course, key, so ditch the more structural furniture and turn to softer silhouettes and textures, with modular or easy-to-move options, allowing you the flexibility to change the flow of the space depending on the form your gathering takes, or your number of guests.

Bring in Elevated Yet Comfortable Seating

This serene, neutral space incorporates natural materials, like wooden furniture and a rattan pendant light (perfect for changing the atmosphere after dark), with white upholstery for a clean and minimal finish. The wide chairs and deep cushions beckon guests to get comfortable, whilst still feeling elegant.

'Given the scale of the outdoor areas of this property, it was important to thoughtfully program each space with its own purpose and atmosphere. This more formal outdoor lounge sits adjacent to the great room, with firmer, more upright seating designed to better suit evening entertaining,' says interior designer Gianpiero Gaglione.

This intimate, yet elevated seating arrangement is the ideal breakout area for enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif while your guests warm up for the evening ahead.

Add Outdoor Rugs and Soft Textiles to Anchor the Space

If there's no clear structure, whether a pergola, patio or low-walled area, to set up your lounging zone in, create your own. This is the perfect way to use an outdoor rug, as it will instantly define an area around which to arrange your furniture, and it will give you total flexibility over where you want your guests to sit.

This alfresco French cottage range from McGee & Co has an elegant countryside feel, thanks to the rattan, but is softened with plenty of throw cushions in mix-and-match striped and gingham patterns and a soft palette of greens and blues. The striped rug brings a sense of order and timelessness, while anchoring the space that is also beautifully framed by the boughs of the trees above.

Use Low Tables for Drinks and Candles

A key differentiator between dining and relaxing areas, is the table height. Outdoor coffee tables work wonderfully as part of an outdoor lounge area, alongside lower slung, deep seating, and they are the perfect level for placing candles, drinks and snacks on without obstructing the eyeline.

Interior designer, Wendy Glaister, adds: 'Part of the allure of a beautiful outdoor space is the romance of an evening filled with candles and a cozy fire. I like to find interesting tables to set around my seating areas for visual interest.'

Lower tables are an excuse to get creative with outdoor candle ideas. 'Outdoor, battery-operated candles come on with just a click of a remote and suddenly the space is alive with quiet, flattering light,' says Wendy. 'A drink in a sparkling glass reflects the candlelight and voila! A romantic getaway has been created in your own backyard.'

Soften Zone Borders with Delicate Planting

The idea of creating hosting zones isn't to add hard, physical borders to separate different areas of the backyard, but to incorporate subtle definition with visual tricks. One of the loveliest ways to achieve this is with delicate planting. In the above example, a low concrete wall is softened with wispy grasses that bring movement and texture.

The best ornamental grasses for privacy make the perfect choice, as they'll not only offer a quiet space away from onlooking neighbors, or the hubbub of the more lively areas of your gathering, but also protect guests from the wind.

You can achieve a similar effect with climbing plants over a pergola for a natural canopy, or a simple, low floral border. It's about hinting at these different spaces without defining them too rigidly.

Shop the Outdoor Lounge Edit

Zone Three: The Late-Night Space – Atmosphere and After-Hours Appeal

As night falls and the last of the plates have been cleared, you'll likely want to usher your guests to a softer seating area to enjoy an after-dinner drink or two. Think casual clusters of seating around a cozy firepit, baskets of blankets for wrapping up in, and even a bar cart on hand for effortless refills. The addition of twinkling string lights and candles will create a warm and inviting atmosphere, bringing a natural ease and elegance to the end of your evening.

Add a Fire Pit for an Evening Glow

There's something about fire that is so magical and mesmerizing and a firepit is a wonderful way to draw your guests away from the table to sit in comfort and enjoy the beauty of an open flame. This square firepit from Wayfair is light for maneuverability, but you could go for more of a statement piece or a permanent fixture, such as an in-built outdoor fireplace.

In a real wood, (not gas-powered), firepit you could add scented wood or colored fire sticks (like these from Anthropologie) for a full sensory experience. Alternatively have some S'mores ingredients on standby for a sweet after-dinner treat.

Make it Magical with Ambient Lighting

As dusk falls, clever outdoor lighting ideas can take the look and feel of your entertaining space from day to night with an ethereal ease. You could opt for candlelight, position string lights in trees or around fixed structures, or go for more permanent garden lighting solutions, such as garden uplighters, as shown above, for a beautiful and magical effect.

'Garden uplighting transforms an outdoor space into an experience,' explains Jessica Bennett, Creative Director of Alice Lane Interior Design. 'It casts a soft glow through layered landscaping and highlights architectural beauty, while creating an atmosphere that invites guests to linger after sunset. It’s the perfect backdrop for evening parties and candlelit conversations.'

Curate More Intimate Seating Clusters by Night

Getting cozy and hunkering down for quieter and more relaxed moments, by the warmth of a fire, with a nightcap in hand, is the perfect way to conclude an evening gathering. This might involve creating a focal point to center seating around, allowing for more flexible and casual seating arrangements, providing comforting touches such as throw pillows and blankets to snuggle up in, and adjusting lighting for more intimacy.

Dee Dee Lear, Founder and Principal Designer at Delaney's Design created the above space and explains: 'When designing outdoor spaces for use after dark, we take great care in considering clearances, sightlines and, of course, lighting. In this cozy outdoor space, the topography required small retaining walls to create a flat surface for the firepit and gathering area, which offered an opportunity for additional seating and a place to install downlighting.'

'The choice of a circular design with dimmable downlighting and inconspicuous, flexible seating blends with the landscape and enhances the natural aesthetic. We created an intimate and quaint gathering space that feels both effortless and organic.'

Set up a Designated Drinks Station for a Magical Cocktail Hour

Creating a designated area for drinks will not only ease your load as the host – because guests can help themselves – but help to encourage guests to move from one zone to the next as the evening progresses. As the sun goes down, the addition of some pretty lighting, like these lace lanterns from Anthropologie will bring the space to life.

Whilst it can be lovely to wheel out a stylish outdoor bar cart, it's not the only way to create a stylish drinks station. You can easily curate your own using a side table, dressed with an elegant tray and some summer cocktail essentials.

Alternatively, get creative and stack boxes or wooden crates at different levels to provide surfaces for cocktail garnishes, ice buckets, napkins and stirrers. Drape string lights around your bar area or suspend LED lanterns from low-hanging branches above for an ethereal look. You could even lead your guests from the dining table to the after-dinner drinks area by lighting the garden path.

Shop the Outdoor Evening Edit

Bringing It All Together: How to Create Flow and Cohesion

The key to successful zoning is in creating a cohesive look in terms of color palette, materials and finishes. If you combine a dining area with a rustic aesthetic with a living space that is colorful and contemporary, it will jar and feel thrown together as opposed to intentional. This cohesion is also important when it comes to the flow of your outdoor hosting spaces. Guests should be able to easily move from one space to another throughout the course of your event, from dinner to dusk, and visually defining hosting areas with clear pathways and visual connection will ensure that this happens naturally.

Ensure Visual Continuity With the Palette and Materials

Creating continuity isn't just about the connection of your outdoor spaces but also with the overall aesthetic of your home. In the above example, a minimalist yet comfortable palette of off-white, natural wood, and rattan connects the three hosting zones beautifully, whilst each still has its own clearly defined purpose.

Designer Gianpiero Gaglione explains: 'The garden wraps around this LA home, which is designed in an L-shaped configuration, allowing nearly every room to maintain a strong visual and physical connection to the outdoors. Large double doors throughout further blur the boundary between inside and out, creating a seamless flow across the property.'

'For the exterior spaces, we intentionally kept the palette cohesive, opting for crisp whites and fresh, understated tones throughout. A bar anchors one side of the garden alongside an adjacent dining area, whilst a firepit with relaxed lounge seating creates a more intimate gathering space nearby.'

Create Zones Without Rigid Separation

One of the most important things to remember with the 3-zone hosting concept is to ensure freedom to flow between areas easily and naturally. As well as creating soft borders with planting, another subtle visual trick is to use contrasting flooring surfaces to create differentiation. In the above example, slate flagstones demarcate the lounge area, whilst red brick paving indicates the move into the dining zone. This is a far more fluid solution than adding walls and physical structures, which could make your outdoor space feel smaller and more disjointed.

Designer Sally Wilkinson explains 'For this client's outdoor spaces, we wanted a clear distinction between the lounging and dining areas without making the terrace feel overly formal or disconnected. The shift in flooring material subtly defines each zone, while the consistent palette ensures the space to still feel cohesive and relaxed. We wanted the spaces to feel less prescribed and unfold more naturally within the setting.'

Make Zones Multi-Functional in Smaller Spaces

Even if you don't have an expansive outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to prepare a small backyard for summer hosting. One way to achieve this is by overlapping zones or giving them a multi-functional purpose.

Brittny Smith, Founder of Homesmith Design, says, 'You don’t need a large backyard to create a space that works for entertaining, you just need to be intentional about how each area functions. On this patio, the bar, dining, and lounge zones are layered so they can overlap. The bar works for drinks but also doubles as a casual dining area, while the lounge anchors the space for conversation. That flexibility allows the space to feel more generous than it actually is and keeps everything connected when you’re hosting.'

This free-flowing feeling is also achieved through subtle repetition of material, color and pattern, whilst the covered structure makes this a functional all-weather space.

Consider Seasonal Adaptability

As wonderful as it is to enjoy hosting outdoors when the weather is at its best, it's a shame not to be able to make use of your patio space all year round. Considering all-weather solutions is a good idea if you want to make your hosting zones as flexible as possible. To achieve this, you will naturally need some cover to keep the area dry, but other home comforts, such as heating and indoor-style lighting can help, too. And, by installing a blank structural canvas, you'll have the freedom to ring the changes with decor as the seasons come and go.

'Adding heaters and speakers to a canopy setup can completely change how the space feels and how often it gets used,' explains Pamela Lastiri, Founder and Principal of Pamela Lastiri Interior Design Studio. 'We intentionally kept our structure fairly restrained, so it could evolve. It’s much easier to rotate furniture, textiles, and styling seasonally than to commit to bold colors or patterns within the structure itself.'

A well-designed patio isn’t just beautiful – it’s thoughtfully zoned. By creating distinct yet connected areas for dining, lounging, and late-night gatherings, any outdoor space can feel elevated, functional, and effortlessly sociable. For more ideas on how to spruce up your patio, take a look at Editor, Jen Ebert's Very British Edit – a guide to creating a well-designed outdoor space for spring.

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The RHS Chelsea Flower Show returned this week to celebrate the very best in horticulture. While the world-famous show takes place in London, I spotted some interesting takes on resilient planting that would work effectively (and look beautiful) in US backyards.

When it comes to boosting garden resilience in extreme weather, it's all about choosing plants that thrive in the most challenging environments and support biodiversity. US hardiness zones vary widely, so creating a bespoke planting scheme that works for your local climate is key to creating a sustainable garden that lasts.

At this year's show, I found so many innovative ways to create a garden that isn't fazed by the harshest US growing conditions. If you're keen to strengthen your garden while giving it a show-worthy finish, here are my top takes.

Drought-Tolerant Arid Planting

If you experience scorching summers, then drought-tolerant planting is probably on your radar to make sure your garden doesn't just dry out wilt away.

While there are plenty of native plants that can cope with hot summers (like these bee balms at Nature Hills), Max Parker-Smith's Journey Beyond the Tracks garden shows it's important to also look further afield.

This garden represents the natural landscape found along the coastal train journey from Adelaide to Perth in Australia.

Speaking to Homes & Gardens, Max says, 'I really wanted to capture the diversity of the landscapes and the environment.'

The planting is largely muted, with sand-loving plants, lots of silver foliage, and pops of blues and yellows, all of which are suited to prolonged drought and poor soil.

'Of course, it's important to prioritize native planting because that's how our ecology has evolved. But, bees and butterflies don't avoid non-natives, they'll take what they can get,' Max says.

Max notes that climate change is making it harder to predict weather and seasonality, so 'the best thing to do is plant a really rich range of different varieties.'

Max points out on of the top drought-tolerant plants he has used is Leptospermum scoparium 'Red Damask' (or New Zealand tee tree).

In the US, this evergreen shrub (also known as Mānuka tree) does well across zones 8-10. From spring to mid-summer, it puts out masses of double pink-red blooms. It loves sandy and loamy soil types, and enjoys direct sun exposure. You can find a Mānuka tree on Amazon.

Another way to help your garden stay resilient in dry and hot conditions is by putting an irrigation system in place to better manage watering.

The Garden in Minutes watering grids allows you to keep entire flower beds and vegetable patches sufficiently hydrated while reducing water waste in the yard, for example.

Architectural Cacti

Landscaping with succulents and cacti is another way to incorporate resilient planting to withstand extreme heat and drought in warmer climes across the US.

At RHS Chelsea, Conservatory Archives' An Ode to Endurance Houseplant Studio demonstrates how these amazing specimens have evolved to endure adverse conditions with strength.

It's covered – indoors and out – in sculptural cacti and succulents of all different silhouettes, placing them in the context of their native arid landscape and styled in the home as modern houseplants.

When looking more closely at each of the plants, you can spot the characteristics that allow them to survive for, in some cases, hundreds of years in their native habitats; fleshy stems store water, sharp prickles protect them from wildlife, and shallow roots allow for faster moisture absorption.

When it comes to incorporating this in the backyard, there's one plant that stood out to me: the felt bush kalanchoe.

It has a unique soft texture, branches into a shrubby form, and it has large triangular leaves. At first glance, you wouldn't necessarily identify it as a succulent at all.

Suited to frost-free environments in USDA zones 9-12, it survives long periods of drought with its moisture-trapping fuzzy foliage. Its silver foliage plays a role in retaining hydration by deflecting sunlight and creating a protective layer.

Reaching an ultimate 3-6ft in height, it can act as a unique drought-tolerant shrub alternative. Just make sure to provide a well-draining, sandy soil.

Container Rain Garden

Rain garden design has become a crucial way for our gardens to cope with excess rainfall and flooding. John Howlett's Gold medal Food Re: Contain the Rain Garden shows how this works in a smaller garden setting.

Inspired by Persian and Moroccan design, this garden is a lush retreat with maximalist patina hexagonal containers and integrated water management features.

By filling containers with moisture-loving shade plants, including ferns, hosta 'Devon Green,' and astilbe 'Deutschland' (which is available as a bareroot plant on Amazon), the garden can cope with lots of water and will remain vibrant rather than discoloring from oversaturation and rot.

This 'Blue Angel' hosta at Fast-Growing Trees is an alternative hosta for a moisture-loving container plant that provides statement foliage.

The fact it's a container garden also ensures soil is less likely to become waterlogged, thanks to enhanced drainage.

I was also drawn to the stunning canopy of Persian ironwood above, which aids water surface run-off and creates privacy in a city garden.

Some hardscaping features are also incorporated in the garden for water management, such as a gorgeous patina rain chain sitting centrally at the back of the garden to slowly direct rainwater downwards, and water storage taking up some of the container space.

This patina lotus rain chain from Amazon provides a similar look. Just take care to avoid rain chain mistakes when installing yours.

Coastal Meadow Planting

Coastal gardens require careful consideration. Chilly, windy conditions and soil with a high salt content isn't ideal for all plants.

But The Eden Project: Bring Me Sunshine garden by Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis put the best coastal plants on display.

The garden is full of salt-tolerant planting to reflect its setting of Morecambe Bay in North West England, with beds of brightly colored coastal meadow plants that don't mind high sun exposure, wind, and poor soil quality.

This is a great way for US gardeners located on coastal regions to achieve a wildflower meadow with flowers that won't fall apart as soon as the breeze hits.

By opting for lots of native coastal wildflowers in particular (like these blanket flower seeds on Amazon), you can support biodiversity and native wildlife.

One the best pollinator plants included in the garden's planting is the vibrant yellow baptisia (you can purchase yellow baptisia seeds from Amazon). Meanwhile, the evergreen Mediterranean saltbush provides subtle silver-gray ovate foliage, robust in drier air and salty soil.

I also love that ornamental grasses, like feather-top reed and quaking-grass (which has unique papery flowerheads) were added to the planting scheme to offer texture and gentle movement, softening an otherwise tough landscape.

You can find quaking-grass seeds on Amazon, thriving in USDA zone 4-10, to add depth to your planting.

Naturalistic Gravel Garden

Something that immediately captured my attention at Patrick Clarke's The Children's Society Garden is the use of gravel in the landscaping.

Emerging from it, wildflowers and plants that don't demand a particularly fertile environment to bloom. It creates a naturalistic look, as if nature has reclaimed the land.

It links directly to the garden's message about resilience and regeneration, with it being set in an urban environment to provide a safe place for teenagers to connect with nature.

Using gravel in gardens like this brings so many benefits in regards to resilient planting. It suppresses weeds, helps retain moisture and regulate temperature, protects against erosion, and more.

The use of yellow, orange, and purple blooms in this RHS Chelsea garden also attracts plenty of beneficial insects to create a thriving ecosystem in otherwise poor conditions.

Some of the plants used include the rusty 'Kent Pride' iris and copper shield fern. It complements the wabi-sabi reclaimed steel water rills that run through the garden, once again aligning with the idea of regeneration.

You can pair this idea with drought-tolerant planting and xeriscaping to create a really low-maintenance flower bed in your yard, saving on both management and watering.

You can even scatter these Burpee wildflower seeds to add lots of low-effort color, as these blooms enjoy well-draining, gravelly soils. Or, create a gravel garden using rock garden plants that thrive in this growing environment.

This is just a handful of the hundreds of inspiring ideas to recreate from the show. Our guide to the best gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 has even more highlights to explore.

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Heritage hues that once crowned grand dining rooms, cozy snugs, and country bedrooms might've taken a back seat for a while, but as the interiors world continues to show love for past design, vintage colors are making their way back into this year's color trends.

While vintage paint colors, in theory, could read overly traditional, these four once-loved colors couldn't be further from fussy. From ochre to purple (can you believe it?), they're each rich, warm, and masterfully powerful – and have made a welcome return.

1. Purple

'Purples are making a comeback,' says Heather French of French & French Interiors. 'It feels reminiscent of the ’70s – purples mixed with mustard yellows, muddy greens, and burnt oranges. I think purple can be difficult to design with because you don’t see much inspiration for it unless you’re actively looking, but when balanced with warm tones and sophisticated textures, layered shades of this hue begin to feel elevated rather than youthful.'

Whether it's a deep aubergine like Farrow & Ball's Brinjal to grace the walls of a home library or a fresher gray-tinted lavender such as Benjamin Moore's Lavender Blue, purple strikes a balance between classic and contemporary all at once. 'Purple is an unexpected color to bring into the home, and when done right, it feels modern, playful, and sophisticated all at once,' adds Heather.

2. Ochre

Ochre is the new butter yellow for 2026. Deeper, warmer, and far richer than its pale yellow counterpart, ochre has crept back into this year's color trends with full force. A slightly more orange mustard yellow with a more muted feel, ochre is the surprisingly livable answer to decorating with yellow.

As we continue to embrace color rather than shy away from it, ochre, a color used since ancient times, has returned. While cool-toned neutrals ruled the 2010s, the last few years have been filled with welcome retro color trends, allowing those vibrant, vivid tones we once feared to seep back into homes everywhere.

A chic kitchen cabinet color trend as well as a clever choice for cabinetry in a living room (pictured above), ochre strikes a balance between warm, cheery, and grounding.

3. Magnolia

'Magnolia is a beautiful, nostalgic shade that simply suffered from being overused,' explains Francesca. A cream paint with yellow undertones, magnolia never feels stark; in fact, it's the best alternative to white out there. It might've once been a 2000s interior design trend that many avoided after its popular spell, but heritage creams like magnolia are returning.

One of those timeless paint colors that works its magic in any room, it's hard to envision a space that wouldn't appreciate a lick of the warm white paint.

'To make it feel fitting today, the most important thing is to trust your own instincts and choose a shade because it resonates with you emotionally rather than because it is currently in fashion,' explains Francesca. 'When a color is chosen with sincerity, it never truly goes out of style. You can ensure these heritage tones feel contemporary by focusing on the quality and depth of the pigment itself.'

4. Terracotta

While Francesca admits that truly timeless colors stay in rotation, she adds, 'Having said so, colors that have been silent for a while, like deep ochres and terracotta, have been making a huge return this year. These are historical colors, part of our heritage, that should have never been out of fashion, but at the time, they saturated the market, and they were considered old-fashioned.'

With warming, Mediterranean roots, the terracotta color trend couldn't be more versatile. Bringing warmth to any space, yet retaining that grounding, liveable quality that many turn to neutrals for, terracotta evokes a classical yet comfortable feel that we all crave. From deeper clay-tones like Farrow & Ball's Naperon to more subdued options like Faded Terracotta, the best terracotta paints bring lasting depth without overwhelming your scheme.

'As people yearn for stability, nostalgic colors provide comfort while still enabling personal expression through rich, unexpected hues,' says Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager, Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'Warm taupe and brown hues slowly replaced cooler grays; while terracotta hues such as Baked Terra Cotta 1202 warm up the spaces.'

These four shades might be back, but Francesca is quick to point out that the best colors are the ones that stick around. 'I have been making colors for more than thirty years, and I believe that a good color should not be considered a trend or vintage. A good color stays modern and up to date forever; it becomes part of us, and there is no need to change it all the time. If we follow what is popular rather than what we really like and feel, then we are almost obliged to change the colors as often as the wave of trends comes by.'

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Color theory is a simplified term to explain how colors interact with one another. While we're all familiar with hues that pair well together, paying attention to the exact science of color and how they connect might help you feel more certain of your home's color palette before you bring out the paintbrush.

While the term 'color wheel' might ring a distant bell from your school days, those savvy with design are using the theory to inform every part of their room color ideas, from paint to furniture. We all know what the color wheel is, but are we utilizing it when decorating?

Color affects the look and feel of every room, so it's an understatement to say it's important. While formulas and methodologies can sound complicated, we've broken down exactly what Color Theory is, how to use it in everyday life, and the mistakes which are easily avoided when you know what you're doing.

What Is Color Theory?

'In essence, color theory and more intrinsically, the color wheel, is a way to understand the complexities of color and how to interplay relationships between colors when decorating,' says Paddy O’Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. 'It helps us make a more informed decision when choosing color, and if you follow the three main principles of the color wheel, you should be able to achieve energetic combinations, tonal combinations, etc.'

'Color theory provides a framework for color,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'Color is both subjective and reactive, as it is dependent on the user’s individual experience. Color theory gives measurable qualities to colors like hue, chroma and value. It also creates fundamentals for the relationships between colors to provide an understanding of how they mix, blend and interact.'

'By providing measurable qualities to color, color theory gives people the language to describe the color they are looking for,' adds Arianna. 'Color lives in a three-dimensional space – hue refers to the color family; chroma is the saturation or brightness and darkness of a color; value is the lightness and darkness of a color. Once you can describe what type of color you are looking for, it is also important for you to understand how that color will interact with other colors in the space. Color theory utilizes tools like the color wheel and color harmony to not only help you select a color, but also create pairings as well.'

Why Does Color Theory Matter In Interior Design?

Color is fundamental to interior design. By understanding how colors react, in turn, you will understand which shades pair best beside each other. A well-balanced scheme is one that uses color cleverly and demonstrates an understanding of the color wheel and how hues translate.

Not only does color theory make a room feel accomplished and balanced, it also plays a part in our well-being and how we feel when entering a space. There are colors to decorate with depending on the mood you want to create. 'Color Psychology also comes into play, too,' says Paddy. 'How do you want to feel in a room, what atmosphere are you trying to create? The classic example is the perennial favourite color family of greens: Greens can soothe and bring calm to a space so often considered great for bedrooms – each color family has connotations, so consider this when a ‘sense of feeling’ is paramount!'

'We are all more aware of how color effects our relationship with a space,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'A carefully chosen shade will dramatically change how we feel about a room and the way in which we interact with it.'

Color can drastically change not only the feel of a room, but the perceived size of it, too. While white paints can make a small room feel larger, darker, moodier tones can make a space feel snug and cozy.

The Main Color Schemes

Determining the placement of hues on the color wheel will steer you towards colors that clash versus tones that harmonise and sit well together. From analogous schemes that layer varying hues of one color, to complementary schemes composed of colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel, these are the four main color schemes.

Monochromatic

It's easy to think 'What are monochromatic color schemes?' So, think of them as rooms that make use of solely one color. While monochromatic color schemes may appear one-note, using just one shade as their main palette, they typically layer a variety of hues that come under one color family, making them feel surprisingly complex.

From decorating with neutrals to decorating with pink, a monochromatic scheme is perfect if you're looking to create a sense of calm cohesion or bold vibrancy, depending on what hue you land on. The recent hue drenching demonstrates the surprising versatility of choosing just one color and embracing it in full force.

'You can create a color palette using a monochromatic color scheme which uses tints and shades from the same color family,' explains Arianna. 'For example, if you had Winter Lake 2129-50 on the walls, layer in off-whites with a blue undertone like Silver Cloud 2129-70 and deeper blues like Blue Note 2129-30.'

Analogous

'Analogous schemes are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel,' says Paddy. Although classic combinations like blues and greens, greens and yellows, and pinks and oranges might sound bold, designers rely on these trusty analogous combinations to create visual vibrancy and contrast in their designs.

'Create slightly more contrast with analogous color schemes that use color families that sit adjacent to one another on the color wheel,' says Arianna. While it's easy to think anagalous colors stray into the more striking, opting for gentler variations (e.g. a pale blue with a sage green) and creating a muted color scheme will ensure your room doesn't feel overwhelming. 'Thinking of that same space with Winter Lake 2129-50 on the walls, bring in soft greens like Silken Pine 2144-50 and grounding violets like Tropical Dusk 2117-40. For more dynamic contrast and an energetic space, pair Winter Lake on the walls with pops of orange like Bronze Tone 2166-30 for a confident rush of color.'

Complementary

While it's easy to think complementary colors are those that feel most similar, they're actually the opposite. 'Complementary colors are those that oppose each other on the color wheel (warm and cool),' says Paddy. So, typically, rooms with a complementary palette are usually pretty visually striking.

Think red and green (a classic Christmas color scheme), a warm-meets-cool combination of blue and orange, and the ever-bold pair of yellow and purple. Even pink and green are a fail-safe complementary pairing, proven with the striking bed nook pictured above, which makes the two hues the star of the show.

However, the shades you choose depend on the overall look you want to achieve. If you are braving a bold look, then going for the brightest variations of those hues will create impact and intention. For a safer approach, choose one bold shade (let's say a bright blue like Farrow & Ball's Yonder) and pair it with a more muted orange like terracotta or peach.

Triadic

The clue's in the name with triadic. 'Tri' means three, so with Triadic color schemes, think three colors. 'Perception and understanding of this is to draw a triangle on the color wheel and the three end points of each triangle are your ‘triadic’ colors', explains Paddy.

Picture a color wheel, and then place a triangle on top of it. Wherever the corners hit are what your three colors are. There are primary triads (red, yellow, and blue), followed by secondary triads (orange, green, and purple), and then tertiary triads (red-orange, blue-purple, yellow-green, yellow-orange, blue-green, and red-purple). They are evenly spaced from each other in the color wheel, so although they may seem different, they share a visual language.

How To Choose a Color Palette For your Home

Whether you're choosing a paint color or trying to land on the perfect living room color scheme, the best way to choose a palette for the home is to think of each color and its associated 'feelings'.

'An easy way to break down your paint choice is by thinking broadly about how certain shades feel,' explains Helen. 'Pale colors offer light, airy qualities so will feel uplifting. Earthy, nuanced neutrals are grounding and reassuring. Pure and pristine whites are timeless and offer a blank canvas to express your style, whilst deep tones create a sense of drama, offering a rich, opulent luxury.'

'Therefore, taking the time to consider how a space will be used is important, especially if you are attempting to promote a certain mood,' adds Helen.

'If you don’t have a color family in mind, think about the look and feeling you are trying to convey in the space,' says Arianna. 'If you look at the color wheel in its simplest form, it breaks down to warm and cool colors. Warm colors – reds, oranges and yellows – are known to have more comforting, optimistic, energetic qualities while cooler colors – greens, blues, violets – often exude tranquility, relaxation and calmness.'

It's not just the emotive side of color you should consider when decorating. Light has an integral role, too. Whether you're deciding what color to paint your living room to make it brighter or the best warm color scheme for a light-filled space, understanding the relationship between light and color will also ensure you choose a palette that works for your home depending on where it faces.

Formulas can help you choose a palette for your home if you can't decide on colours based purely on emotion. 'Another rule (rules are there to be broken) is the 60-30-10 rule,' says Paddy, 'and this can be very useful when balancing a mix of colors.'

If you're considering color combinations, consider this ratio. '60% represents the largest surface area, so wall color (or paper), 30% is the upholstery in a room, and 10% is your accessories, such as lampshades, cushions, and pictures,' explains Paddy.

'For people who like formulas and rules, I always recommend starting with the basics of color theory as it can make the whole process feel more tangible,' continues Arianna. 'First, think about the properties of the color you want. What color family are you considering? Do you want a brighter hue or something more muted and grayer? Do you want a lighter color or a darker color?'

'Most of the time, people are choosing paint colors for spaces that have existing elements like rugs, artwork and furniture, that they don’t plan on changing. This is what I find stumps a lot of people because they want the space to feel cohesive but don’t know where to start. That is where the color wheel can be very useful. Look to the colors in your space and take inventory of what will be staying.'

Color Theory Mistakes To Avoid

Whether it's bedroom or living room color ideas, it's worth knowing that there are some color theory mistakes to avoid if you want a scheme that feels balanced, uplifting, and timeless.

First, never ignore undertones. You might be set on a blue paint for your entryway walls, but if you choose a colour without acknowledging its undertones, it's likely to feel incongruous with your setting. For example, a mid-blue paint woven with gray undertones might make the back rooms in a north-facing home feel cold and dull.

Always consider the positioning of your home (north-facing rooms typically receive ample daylight in the morning but less so come evening), and how that paint color could shift alongside it. And remember, always consider tonal variations of a hue to avoid your scheme feeling overly bright or saturated. Opt for muted hues as well as those eye-catching, vivid ones.

Similarly, pay attention to the pieces you already have. It's all well and good falling in love with a trendy paint color in the store, but if you bring it home and it doesn't work with your sofa or headboard, you might want to give it a rethink. This connects to another common mistake when using color. It's tempting to rely on the latest color trends, but a scheme that only takes into account current fads will date quickly and feel like a time capsule in a few years time.

Can You Break Color Theory Rules?

All rules are made to be broken. Sometimes, purposeful clashes actually work and can be pulled off when all the decorative elements align. Take maximalist rooms as proof. 'The above becomes irrelevant if you’re of the maximalist tendency, but a useful guide for beginners,' adds Paddy. 'Some of us just have a gut instinct or feeling and never consider any of the above, and there is a lovely freedom in that, so if you are confident, just go with it and trust your heart.'

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This living room by Oho Interiors has all the hallmarks of a formal space: matching built-ins, a centered fireplace, disciplined color repetition, and a seating layout that feels carefully composed.

And yet, the living room has the kind of ease often associated with old English country houses – spaces layered over time with collected pieces, mixed patterns, and softened edges.

While it might be new construction, this home has as much character as any farmhouse that has stood for years in the charming Iowa town it's set in. Described as the connective heart of the home, founder Melissa Oholendt talks us through the Design DNA of this 'collected, whimsical, and balanced' space and the exact lessons worth borrowing to make a living room feel layered, balanced, and effortlessly livable.

Balance Structure With Softer Shapes

The foundation of this living room is actually pretty structured. A centered fireplace anchors the space, built-ins frame either side with pleasing symmetry, while the ceiling beams and wall paneling create a rhythm throughout the room.

In another setting, those details could easily have tipped overly formal. But what makes this space feel so inviting is the way Melissa consistently softens every tailored element with something more relaxed.

The clearest example is the seating. Two sofas flank the area, anchoring the entire room and bringing a sense of balance to the open-plan space.

'Flanking sofas can feel formal, but I think what keeps this space feeling distinctly casual but elevated is the lower height of the sofa backs, along with the playfulness of the patterns in the space,' Melissa explains.

It’s a useful design lesson for anyone decorating a living room with strong architectural features. Rather than fighting elements like paneling, beams, or symmetrical layouts, the key is to balance them with softer silhouettes and tactile finishes. Curved upholstery, relaxed linens, gathered fabrics, and varied textures help loosen the effect and make a room feel lived-in rather than overly composed.

Use Complementary Colors to Create Tension

While the room reads neutral at first glance, its palette is actually built around an unexpected pairing: blue and orange. The difference here is that Melissa approached the combination with restraint, choosing softened, earthier versions of each tone rather than anything overly saturated.

Melissa explains that the palette evolved naturally from the architecture of the home. 'This space is the heart of the home – it is the central space that connects all the other spaces from entry to kitchen to bedrooms. Keeping that in mind, we wanted to ensure the colors felt cohesive, but architecturally kept this space on the neutral side to allow the connecting spaces to feel more playful.'

'Keeping the architectural palette fairly neutral but bringing in pattern and layering in warmth with antiques and wood tones allowed the space to still feel interesting and grounded while remaining balanced overall,' she explains.

'I know that apricot sofas are not the right answer for everyone, but for this space and how neutral it is architecturally, we knew it could use a punch of something playful,' she continues. 'From there, it was a balancing act of finding another dominant color that could hold its own alongside the apricot.'

'So we go back to our roots and what we learned in school. What color is opposite orange on the color wheel? Blue. From there, we added patterns and colors until it felt like a thoughtful assemblage of balance and scale,' she notes.

The result is a palette that feels layered and yet a touch energetic without relying on dramatic color contrasts.

Make Layered Pattern Feel Relaxed Rather Than Busy

One of the reasons this living room feels so inviting is that it fully embraces pattern without ever tipping into chaos. There are florals, stripes, checks, embroidery, and woven textures layered throughout the space, yet the room still feels calm.

'For this space, and the entire house, we worked to create a design direction for the overall feel of the project, and that moniker was "Cotswold Farmhouse",' Melissa explains of the brief. 'A balanced color palette, finishes that felt traditional but not old world & layered patterns that felt classic but not fussy.'

The secret lies in the balance of scale and tone.

'Pattern mixing is part formula, part art,' says Melissa. 'We'll always start with a floral and a stripe, typically adding in a floral that feels like a stripe (the ottoman fabric) and then adding in different colors and scale of patterns until it feels like we have a balanced mix of color, pattern, and scale,' she adds.

What also keeps the room feeling relaxed is the amount of visual breathing space built into the scheme. Solid upholstery, warm oak finishes, and textured neutrals act as visual resting points between the busier prints.

It’s a smart approach to borrow in your own home: begin with one floral and one stripe, vary the scale of each pattern, and focus on repeating colors rather than matching motifs exactly. Then balance everything with tactile solids and woven textures to stop the room from feeling overly busy.

Design Conversation Areas Around Circulation Paths

For an open-plan living room to feel genuinely comfortable, the layout has to work just as hard as the decorating. In this space, Melissa avoids one of the most common mistakes in large rooms: allowing circulation paths to cut directly through the seating area.

Instead, the furniture is arranged as its own intimate zone within the larger floorplan, making the room feel cozy and connected without disrupting movement through the home.

'The layout of the room really allowed for the main traffic patterns of the home to circulate around this space, rather than through it,' Melissa explains. 'It gave us an opportunity to create a layout that could feel cozy while you were in it, but still allowed for connection to the spaces around.'

The arrangement itself is deceptively simple – flanking sofas anchored by a large rug and central coffee table – but the proportions are considered. Melissa notes that the studio typically allows '36 inches minimum for traffic patterns,' while keeping seating close enough together to encourage conversation and comfort.

'For sofa to coffee tables, we are typically allowing between 14–20 inches of space,' she advises, 'to ensure there’s still proximity to be able to put your feet up while not feeling too tight.'

Floating seating inward instantly creates intimacy, while a generously sized rug helps define the conversation area within an open-plan space. The other crucial lesson? Never undersize your rug. 'Thinking that a small rug makes a space feel larger – the opposite is actually true,' says Melissa.

Style Shelving Like a Collection, Not a Display

The built-in shelving in this living room strikes a difficult balance: it feels layered and personal, but never cluttered or overly styled.

That sense of ease comes from the fact that Melissa approaches shelf styling less like a perfectly curated display and more like an evolving collection. Books are stacked both vertically and horizontally, objects vary in scale and texture, and negative space is used just as intentionally as the decorative pieces themselves.

'I strive to style shelves with balance in mind,' she explains. 'If I have a shelf that is styled end to end, I try to balance the shelf above with segmented stacks or even just one statement item to help balance the spread of the shelf below.'

'I also am always thinking about each stack of shelves speaking to each other, both in color and in materiality,' she continues. 'As someone who can lose entire days to restyling shelves, know that again, it's part science but also part art.'

It’s a useful lesson for anyone styling open shelving at home. Repeating materials and tones across different shelves creates cohesion, while mixing stacked areas with more open space keeps the arrangement feeling relaxed rather than overcrowded. Vertical elements also help break up the horizontal lines common in living rooms.

And perhaps most importantly, step back regularly as you style. As Melissa puts it, 'Most times, it’s styling a shelf and standing back to see how it feels and then adjusting as necessary until it feels good.'

The Edit

Design DNA is the Homes & Gardens series that breaks down beautiful rooms into their essential elements. Each installment dissects one interior and shows readers exactly what makes it work, from the anchor furniture and layout choices to color, lighting, and styling details.

Benjamin Moore has revealed its best-selling paint colors specifically for the bedroom, so if you’re after a soothing, relaxing shade that will aid a good night's rest, the hunt is over.

These four shades are delicate and muted without feeling forgettable, offering a calming uplift without overwhelming a space; striking that perfect balance that so many of us look for when exploring characterful bedroom color ideas.

We spoke with Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore, and Arianne Barone, Color Marketing Manager, to find out how best to decorate with these timeless bedroom colors and why they continue to prove so popular.

'We typically see people reaching for more calming hues when choosing paint colors for their bedrooms. This can help create a more tranquil space to relax and unwind', says Helen. 'These four colors all exude that gentle, easygoing feeling. They also have some color and depth to them, bringing a presence but also softness to the space. Off-whites are always a timeless option. But for bedrooms, where people often want to create a warm and cozy space, midtones or hues with a touch of color can really help emphasize that feeling.'

From a gray-tinted blue to muted sage, these popular shades are well on their way to becoming some of the best Benjamin Moore colors to use in bedrooms.

1. Pashmina AF-100

'Perfectly balanced between warm and cool, light and dark, Pashmina AF-100 is a sophisticated neutral for a bedroom,' explains Helen. 'This stony gray works well with almost every other hue, and it's this versatility that gives good reason for its popularity.'

'A popular Benjamin Moore hue, this perfectly balanced neutral is well-loved for its adaptability and depth,' adds Arianna. 'Pair this timeless midtone with a soft off-white, like Steam AF-15, on the trim and ceiling. Bring in texture with chunky knits in charcoals and chocolates – like Kendall Charcoal HC-166 and Black Bean Soup 2130-10 – for added warmth.'

Pale pinks and plaster tones are a welcome accompaniment to Pashima, helping to enhance the warmth of the neutral brown tone. 'A subtle blush undertone allows it to pair beautifully with deep orange for an energised, inviting space, or with muted mid-tones for a more calming, understated effect,' says Helen.

2. Wind Chime AF-465

'A touch of gray gives Wind Chime AF-465 a heightened sense of tranquillity and harmony,' says Helen. 'The softest touch of green invigorates this gray hue, creating a quietly confident presence in the bedroom. As a versatile foundation, this delicate celadon shade moves effortlessly from room to room, enveloping spaces in warmth and comfort.'

A sage green paint that edges more on the neutral side, Wind Chime is perfect for neutral lovers looking to create a calming space while still keeping things interesting. While white will always be a popular bedroom color trend, this nature-inspired hue feels equally as timeless and far more cocooning.

'When using this color in a bedroom, layer in other green paint colors like Jojoba AF-460 and Spring Bud 520 for a subtle but intentional contrast,' advises Arianna. 'Create a relaxing oasis by bringing in floral-inspired bedding, crisp white linens, and leafy plants.'

3. Porcelain 2113-60

'Porcelain 2113-60 is a dusty lilac that introduces gentle warmth and a whisper of color to a bedroom,' explains Helen. 'When paired with a refined off-white with green-gray undertones, it creates a harmonious balance that feels both elegant and inviting. This combination is particularly suited to a whimsical, dreamlike interpretation of a vintage mauve scheme.'

While lavender paints tend to feel juvenile, Porcelain is infused with pale gray undertones, making it feel livable yet still uplifting. 'Use a crisp white paint color, like Chantilly Lace OC-65, on the trim and ceiling for maximum contrast,' advises Arianna. 'Light cottons in blushed off-whites, like Whitewater Bay OC-70, can add a playful warmth to the space.'

4. Van Courtland Blue HC-145

Richer than a pastel, but still muted and pared-back, Van Courtland Blue HC-145 is perfect for bedrooms in need of a little depth. With a regal feel, it complements characterful homes as well as newer ones, enveloping and enriching bedroom walls.

'An elegant, old-world blue, Van Courtland Blue bridges traditional and contemporary interiors with ease,' explains Helen. 'Its cool character, softened by gray undertones, brings a calming, airy quality to a bedroom. In south-facing spaces, it takes on a subtle luminosity, adding brightness and depth without ever overpowering the surroundings.'

While a blue pastel room might lack depth, Van Courtland Blue has the right amount of gray for it to feel richer and deeper. When decorating with the sophisticated hue, Arianna recommends, 'Opt for a softer off-white on the trim and ceiling, like Dove Wing OC-18, for a gentler contrast. Pair it with warm wood tones, ticking stripe bedding and woven accents for a classic yet relaxing look.'

From soothing sage to warm taupe, these four muted shades are perfect for all bedrooms. Richer than stark white yet still calming and neutral, they're a calming canvas that will pair beautifully with all interior design styles. Next, explore the best-selling Benjamin Moore white paint that designers cannot get enough of.

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Nothing says summer like a good old soiree, whether it's a formal alfresco dinner or an intimate early evening apéritif in the late sunshine, and beautiful thrifted treasures will help to bring a timeless, lived-in charm to your outdoor set-up – no matter the occasion.

Nailing summer outdoor dining ideas starts with investing in good-quality thrifted outdoor decor pieces. Don't get us wrong, there's plenty of chic new outdoor furniture and tableware to shop (I've had my eye on Serena & Lily's stylish Riveria dining set for quite some time), but nothing beats decorating with vintage when it comes to elevating your hosting game.

From luxurious silver platters to romantic table linens, we asked interior designers for their go-to thrifted picks to bring an outdoor get-together to life. 'When it comes to hosting summer gatherings, thrifted pieces are honestly where the magic happens because they give a tablescape that layered, collected-over-time feeling that brand-new items just can’t replicate,' explains interior designer Jennifer Hunter. 'It’s less about matching and more about building a tablescape.'

1. Outdoor Furniture

Vintage furniture is the first step towards an effortlessly chic backyard that feels just as considered as your home's interior. Whether it's a pair of rattan loungers to aid late-night conversations or a wrought-iron bistro set for brunch with friends, thrifted outdoor furniture is perfect for gardens in need of a little elegance.

Interior designer, Shani Core, sourced a second-hand dining set (pictured above). She explains, 'Here we took a high-low approach and found the vintage Brown Jordan dining set at a local Palm Beach resale shop. It was in terrible condition, so we had everything powder-coated in fresh white.'

Paired with vintage ceramics, colorful tableware, and fresh blooms, the look comes to life. 'The antique turquoise planter centerpiece was a thrifted find, and when combined with a fabulous floral arrangement and beautiful china, you would never know!' says Shani. 'When you start with a great quality foundation such as this vintage Brown Jordan dining set, it’s simple to style a beautiful summer table.'

2. Pitchers & Vases

It's not just outdoor seating that can make or break your outdoor dining area. 'Vintage pitchers are a favorite of mine during the summer months,' says hosting and vintage expert Rachel Leonard Kennedy. 'They’re beautiful for serving lemonade or iced tea, but they also double as casual floral arrangements filled with grocery store flowers or greenery clipped from the yard.'

Interior designer, Jennifer Hunter designed her dining table (pictured above) around one large centerpiece, scattering Summer table decor around a central floral arrangement. She explains, 'The goal is to make each piece feel as if it landed there naturally. I like to build table settings organically, starting with a central piece and letting everything evolve outward from there. I’ll anchor the table with something found, like a vintage pitcher, and often repurpose it as a vase filled with loose, seasonal stems.'

3. Tableware

'Some of the most charming hosting pieces are the ones with a little history behind them,' says Rachel. 'I almost always thrift serving platters, woven baskets, vintage glassware, linen napkins, candle holders, and small ceramic bowls when preparing for summer gatherings.'

'Vintage glassware mixed with simple everyday dishes creates that collected-over-time look that feels both elegant and relaxed,' adds Rachel. 'I especially love collecting mismatched pieces because they make guests feel relaxed. A perfectly uniform table can sometimes feel intimidating, but mixed textures and collected items create an atmosphere that says, “Come as you are.”

Jennifer's approach is similar. 'I layer in smaller pieces like candlesticks, little bowls, mismatched vessels, tucking them in rather than spacing them out too perfectly,' she says. 'It should feel collected, not arranged. I also like to pull in items from around my home to give the table a lived-in quality. It could be a small dish from the kitchen, a stack of plates, or an object that wasn’t originally meant for entertaining. Those unexpected elements are what make the table feel personal and a bit undone in the best way.'

4. Good Linen

Easy to overlook, you may be surprised to hear that thrift stores are often stocked with all sorts of outdoor table linens that make outdoor dining feel all the more special and inviting.

'I love layering woven textures with softer elements like linen napkins or slightly wrinkled tablecloths because it keeps the space feeling approachable,' says Jennifer. 'When styling thrifted hosting pieces, I focus less on perfection and more on creating a table that feels lived-in and welcoming. Summer gatherings should feel effortless, never overly staged.'

'For summer specifically, I tend to keep the color palette natural and sun-washed; creams, soft blues, faded greens, warm wood tones, and touches of citrus or fresh herbs scattered throughout the table,' says Rachel.

5. Bar Carts

Whether it's an ornate metal antique or a beachy wicker style, a beautiful bar cart can elevate your outdoor hosting set-up with an unexpected, luxurious feel – they're ideal for indoor-outdoor summer hosting.

'A rattan bar cart is the perfect vehicle for so many thrifted entertaining essentials,' explains Shani. Referring to the project above, she says, 'A vintage ice bucket holds champagne while a thrifted bowl holds citrus. The round upholstered ottoman on wheels was also a thrifted find.'

Smaller side tables and stools can double up as drinks stations, too. 'We set up a thrifted green garden stool as a side table to hold a cold drink, and we re-purposed a thrifted blue and white Murano glass carafe as a vase holding monstera leaves from the garden,' says Shani. 'I’m always on the lookout for garden stools to be used as extra seating or side tables, small planters or cups to hold cut citrus for drinks and herbs as shown on the ottoman, and any opportunity to bring a little color to a vibrant summer tablescape!'

Vintage-Inspired Essentials For Summer Hosting

'New items can sometimes feel overly coordinated or sterile, while vintage and secondhand finds bring warmth, texture, and character into a space,' says Rachel. 'They tell a story before the meal is even served. At the end of the day, the most beautiful summer gatherings aren’t the ones where everything matches perfectly. They’re the ones where people feel comfortable lingering a little longer at the table.'

Be sure to also explore our piece on the 7 things interior designers say you should always try to thrift.

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A timeless white paint that feels warm yet never yellow, Benjamin Moore's Cloud White OC-130 is a bestseller for a reason.

Loved by interior designers across the country, Cloud White is often named one of the best Benjamin Moore white paints for its enduring feel and ability to both brighten and warm a room at once. While shades like Swiss Coffee and Simply White will always be firm favorites, Cloud White is making its mark in interiors everywhere this year.

'Soft and beautifully balanced, this versatile white brings an effortless sense of lightness to any space,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'It delivers a clean yet gentle appearance, with a warm undertone that avoids any hint of yellow. Subtle and sophisticated, this soft white evokes the airy quality of vapor clouds drifting across a clear sky.'

When choosing the best white paint, Arianne Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, says Cloud White is perfect for spaces that require both brightness and warmth. 'Cloud White OC-130 is a versatile off-white paint color with a subtle hint of warmth. It has more yellow than the perennial favorite White Dove; so if you’ve sampled White Dove but are looking for something a bit creamier and warmer, Cloud White is a great option to consider. I love to use it in rooms with cooler lighting or spaces that are more dimly lit because its yellow undertone can help to lift and soften the space.'

'I love to use this hue for both interior and exterior paint projects,' adds Arianne. 'Cloud White is a great option for an exterior because it is a brighter, crisper white paint color without being too stark. Colors will cast brighter in the natural light, so choosing a white paint color with a bit of warmth is a great way to balance the light.'

Interior designer Marie Flanigan names Cloud White as one of her favorite white paints and uses it in many projects. 'Cloud White is a soft, luminous white that feels effortless and lived in. It carries a gentle warmth that reads beautifully as a global finish, which is a color I thread throughout the home in different applications.'

'When used in a bedroom, it creates a calm, cocooning backdrop that lets the architectural details and furnishings take center stage,' explains Marie. 'It pairs especially well with a mix of materials. In the bedroom (pictured above), an architectural wood headboard, soft muted drapery, and layered linens all sit comfortably within its tonal range. It is a white that supports both contrast and harmony, which makes it incredibly versatile.'

'Let Cloud White carry across walls and millwork for a seamless, quiet envelope,' she adds. 'It thrives in natural light, where it can shift subtly throughout the day. I also love how it allows texture to do the work, whether that is panelling in the bath or the interplay of textiles in the bedroom. It is a foundation color that feels intentional without ever calling too much attention to itself.'

Cloud White excels in already bright spaces. 'It performs best in bright, well-lit spaces and pairs seamlessly with warm, earthy palettes,' explains Helen. 'Use it as a crisp contrast for deeper wall colors or combine it with shades that share its warmth, such as medium tans with golden undertones or soft, neutral beiges. For a more classic look, it also complements elegant, old-world blues, making it equally at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors.'

While white can sometimes feel sterile or stark, the beauty of Cloud White is its gentle warmth that makes light-filled rooms feel welcoming rather than harsh. In this bright and airy bathroom, Marie wanted to lean into its open proportions, opting for a classic white paint with the right amount of yellow. 'When it was placed in a client’s bathroom, it reflected the natural light in a way that felt fresh and not overly clinical.' She adds, 'The warmth of a wood vanity and antique brass fixtures in a bath feel elevated against it.'

A timeless white that does all the work for you, Arianne says, 'If you are looking for a soft and subtle backdrop, with just the right amount of warmth, Cloud White is a great option to consider. Use it on the walls, trim and ceiling for uninterrupted color flow.'

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We might be barely halfway through the year, but certain styles are already feeling tired according to interior designers.

The thing with interior design trends is that the bad ones never last. Yes, for a while, they might find incessant ways to appear in what feels like everyone's homes, but truly timeless design lasts beyond the present, and the fleeting trends that once had us in a chokehold gradually disappear. So, what interior designer trends are designers already sick of seeing in 2026?

While some may come as no surprise (white oak cabinetry, we're looking at you), other trends may prove more insightful (are we officially saying goodbye to the formal living room layout?). Yet, the takeaway is that the shift from 'perfection' to imperfect, characterful interiors is only growing, and personality-filled interior design is what we're all striving for in 2026 and beyond.

1. Quartz Countertops

For many, quartz countertops are the symbol of luxury. Deeply sophisticated yet grounding and durable, quartz is, on paper, the ultimate kitchen countertop material. Yet, designers seem to be growing tired of the all-too-familiar stone, dubbing it overly perfect and lacking the effortless, lived-in touch that marble possesses.

'Quartz countertops! It's our generation's laminate,' says interior designer and principal of Style and Space, Kelsey Peterson. 'It's so popular for its durability and its easy aesthetic that mimics marble. Nothing compares to the touch, feel and weight of a natural stone countertop.'

'I want to see more people, especially young families, lean into natural materials,' Kelsey adds. 'In Italy, they use a lot of honed marble in kitchens; they do not fuss over keeping it perfectly clean and spotless. Instead, they value the patina the natural stone acquires over time.'

2. 'Disposable' Decor

'One trend I’m sick of that has been popular lately is disposable decor,' says interior designer Erin Greene. 'As someone who’s been in the interior design space for almost a decade, I’ve seen how the convenience of cheap, mass-produced decor can actually end up costing more in the long run, not just in terms of spending, but also towards the environment. I tell my clients: if it’s made to be replaced in a year, it’s not design. It’s just clutter.'

As we all strive for timeless design, there's little room for decor lacking personality or story. From decorating with vintage to investing in furniture, 2026 is all about making clever purchases that will stand proud in your home for years.

'I believe we should move toward a "buy once, keep forever" design mentality, which means replacing cheap decor with high-quality materials,' explains Erin. 'My favorite brands that are 100% worth the investment include Frameology for photo frames, CB2 for furniture, Parachute for bedding, and Serena & Lily for rugs. I know some people might be hesitant about the price tag at these places, but I can attest to the fact that they last for years.'

3. Formal Living Rooms

While there's no such thing as the perfect living room layout, in 2026, there is such a thing as a dated one. There's nothing wrong with a traditional living room, but designers are sick of interiors that look beautiful but feel impractical and unlivable.

When asked what interior design trend they're tired of, Kelsey said, 'Formal living rooms that are not used. Nothing is sillier than a big fancy living room that you don't allow your kids, dogs or red wine to enter. I want to see people rethink these grand spaces and use them in fun, creative ways.'

'Instead of a sofa, coffee table, and club chairs, why not make it a Mahjong parlor with game tables or a music room with a piano and drum set? Create flexible seating that suits the space's purpose.'

4. White Oak

'The combination of white and oak cabinetry is something I could stand to see less of', says interior designer Carolyn Bever, co-founder of Foundry House. 'The contrast creates a warm, yet fresh feel. However, it has become the most obvious and uncreative choice for a kitchen. For an updated and current look, opt for a warmer cream or an alternative color to replace the white or consider a timeless walnut cabinetry.'

'We are very much over white oak,' agrees Rachel Simpson, Senior Interior Designer at Revive Design and Renovation. 'When something trends this strongly, it inevitably time-stamps the feature. In five years, white oak cabinets or floors will immediately read as very 2025–2026. This is why it’s so important for clients to consider their home’s architecture, their location, and ultimately what they truly love, not simply what’s popular at the moment. Instead, we’re seeing a move toward richer, more nuanced material palettes and finishes that feel layered, collected, and timeless rather than tied to a specific trend cycle.'

5. Curves

Curves in interior design create flow and add depth to schemes, but too many can feel a little overkill. While round coffee tables, curved sofas, and squiggly mirrors were all the rage not long ago, they're starting to feel like a bit of a fad in 2026.

'Curves on everything is trend I am sick of seeing in 2026,' says interior designer Jacqueline Wens. 'In my opinion, what makes a great room is having tension between pieces. So if you’re considering something curved, make sure it’s only one piece and complement it with linear pieces. Such as a curved sofa with a side table with clean lines. When a room is all curves, nothing feels grounded, there’s no contrast, and the eye doesn’t know where to land.'

Instead, create contrast by layering various shapes with one another. A slick midcentury lounger would clash beautifully beside a soft, curved couch. Alternatively, an angular chrome floor lamp would pair perfectly with a round boucle armchair.

From white oak cabinetry to 'disposable' decor, we're glad to see that the interior design world is moving away from uniform design and embracing quirks, flaws and all things characterful.

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Compact spaces are notoriously difficult to get right, especially when the leading color is white, and it requires all the functionality that a kitchen does. So how can you design a space that marries utility and characterful style?

It's a balance this kitchen design nails, despite the more modest proportions and pared-back color palette. The secret? Custom details in the most unexpected places, and a layout that focuses on the clients' needs rather than following standard rules.

From the unconventional use of marble to the elegant cabinet details and decorative choices, every element has been thoughtfully introduced to blend timeless (yet still unique) design with ultra-personalized function.

Elevate Functional Cabinetry With Considered Details

A white kitchen can easily feel flat and uninspiring. But adding decorative details and unique mouldings can be the difference between a basic and an elevated design. And that's exactly the approach taken in this scheme.

'The perimeter cabinet style is flat with applied molding, a very unique style you don’t see often. Given our client wanted a white kitchen, we knew we had to bring in something different to set the design apart and make it more personal,' says Erin Coren, Creative Director at Curated Nest.

'The island cabinets are shaker style with a bead and tambour insert. These, done in white oak, provide an abundance of texture and warmth to the space, complementing the cleaner style of the perimeter. Together, they create an interesting, layered design, with the island providing a timeless element, and the perimeter providing personality and a modern touch.'

Introduce Marble Beyond the Countertops

Marble can add a lot of impact and luxury to your kitchen, but it hinges on how you introduce it. Marble countertops are a nice touch, but taking it one step further with a marble-front sink and framed windows truly makes a statement, adding additional interest to an all-white scheme.

'Instead of using a traditional sink, we opted to make one from the same stone as the countertops. This made a strong aesthetic statement, but there was a design reason for it too. The stone we ended up selecting was so beautiful that we wanted to see more of it and allow it to be the star,' Erin explains.

It's a detail that had more intention than you might think – the marble sink created an opportunity to bring in more marble more visibly, adding dimension to the design. And the window frames and sidesplashes were added for the same reason.

'It gives a dimensional opportunity to see the marble, so it’s not just flat on the counter, but also vertical on the window, wall, and sink. These types of applications make a kitchen feel 10 times more custom and bespoke to the client!'

Break Convention to Maximize an Island

There's a standard kitchen island layout we're all used to seeing – usually a rectangular design with seating along one side and storage or appliances along the other. But going against the grain and opting for a more personalized design is often the key to a more functional and visually balanced space.

Erin prioritized 'maximum storage and seating efficiency' on the island, opting for seating on two opposite sides to maximize traffic flow and access to cooking zones. 'This configuration works because it promotes gathering and easy conversation through proximity and line of sight, not always the case on long run islands, where the family is seated all in a row,' she notes.

The second unconventional detail on the island is the sink, which has a very different use from the marble basin on the perimeter cabinetry. 'We added a second prep sink to the island close to the range so we could create an optimal space for cooking, with a working triangle between the prep sink, range, and refrigerator.'

Get Creative with Hidden Storage Solutions

At first glance, this kitchen nails visual cohesion and harmony, but behind closed doors are genius storage solutions that allow the kitchen to remain organized and high-functioning. And one of the most important is the appliance garage, added to house the clients' coffee essentials they use daily.

'Given its very efficient footprint, this kitchen was at risk of feeling cluttered if too many items were sitting on the countertop, and no one likes looking at multiple appliances every day. Closing the doors after use is incredibly satisfying, as there is no cord clutter or appliances to look at,' Erin explains.

Even the range benefits from custom storage, keeping everything tidy while still easily accessible. 'We love adding niches within range alcoves. Not only are they a good use of available space, but they’re also perfect for storing frequently used items, like spices and oils used in daily cooking. We like to deck them out with lovely spice canisters and a beautiful oil dispenser.'

Use Sculptural Decor to Soften a Hardworking Kitchen

It's the decorative details that really imbue a sense of characterful, lived-in style to a kitchen, and in this design, it was sculptural and curvaceous forms that really brought a softer sense.

'We wanted the kitchen to feel homey and inviting, yet still elegant and polished, reflecting the lifestyle of our clients who love to entertain,' Erin recalls. From statement lights to bolster cushion-style stool backs and statement vases, each element feels intentional and cohesive.

'The sculptural items in this kitchen add softness and curves, which were important for balancing out all the hard surfaces and geometry of the kitchen, making it feel warmer and more approachable.'

Even the kitchen cabinet hardware follows suit. The pulls on the larger doors are oversized and echo the ball detail throughout the decor, bringing a more decorative finish and balancing the proportions. It's a small detail with a huge amount of impact.

Quick Tips

• Let your cabinets double as decor with unique details
• Design an island that works for you, rather than following standard layouts
• Integrate storage that's tailored to your lifestyle, both hidden and open
• Don't be afraid to take marble beyond the countertops to elevate the mundane
• Make your decor work harder to create a characterful scheme

There's a misconception that custom details push a renovation budget into a far more expensive realm, but that doesn't always have to be the case. Something as simple as choosing more statement hardware or decadent lighting can truly be the difference between a basic design and a dream kitchen. Take notes from this kitchen by designing for your needs and lifestyle – it's the true recipe for a kitchen that lasts.

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

Interior designer Shea McGee is fluent in the language of rooms – the flow, light, and casually elevated styling that she’s known for as the co-founder of Studio McGee. Her new cookbook, then, is less of a departure than it first appears. In Around The Table: Tables and Traditions For Gathering, available on Amazon, McGee approaches food the way she approaches a living space: with an eye toward how it feels to be there, how people gather, linger, and, ideally, help themselves to seconds.

She begins her cookbook with a line that disarms: 'I am an interior designer, not a professionally trained chef.' It’s a teaser for her ultimate thesis: That the recipes are only one part of the offering, and the real subject is the moment they create.

'I’m not just thinking about flavors – I’m thinking about color, texture, height, composition, and how the whole scene comes together,' she says. The table, in her hands, becomes an extension of the room – another surface to layer, edit, and bring into balance. A platter of salmon scattered with citrus and herbs is treated with the same care as a console styled with books and objects. 'The table is just another room to me. And food is just another form of design.'

The book is organized by season, a structure that feels intuitive once you hear her describe it. 'My whole approach to gathering is shaped by how I’m experiencing the season,' she says. 'What produce is in season, what the light looks like outside, whether we're eating around the fire pit or out on the patio with the doors open.' To McGee, spring is light and bright, summer relaxed and a little improvisational, fall layered and candlelit, winter pared back to soup, bread, and closeness. It is a way of cooking that pays attention to mood as much as ingredients.

Late spring, which happens to be when her book was released this year, is her favorite time to host. 'After a long winter, we’re all coming out of our shells – there is a sense of possibility as everything comes to life,' she says. The menus, she insists, 'almost build themselves,' guided by fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and whatever looks good at the market that morning. There is a pleasing lack of overthinking in that approach, a confidence that the season will carry you.

Though her focus is always on beauty, her idea of the perfect spring party food is sneakily pragmatic. 'To me, the best party food is essentially a portable salad – it should look beautiful, taste interesting, and require almost no effort to eat,' she says. Skewers of blackberry and Gouda, smashed tzatziki cucumbers, whipped ricotta piped onto croissant crostini – each one designed to feel generous without demanding much from the host or the guest.

That ethos extends to the way she sets a table: Bring the outside in, use what you have, and let things be a little imperfect. A few bud vases with flowers clipped from the yard, rumpled linens, a woven element to break up the ceramics – small gestures that add up to something memorable.

There is, throughout the book, a sense that hospitality is less about performance and more about attention. McGee describes a last-minute visit from a friend with a kind of ease that feels aspirational in the best way: a board assembled from whatever is in the fridge, a quick crostini, conversation unfolding in the kitchen. 'Thoughtfulness, not perfection, is always the goal,' she says.

A designer writing a cookbook makes perfect sense when you consider the end goal of any gathering: Never the dish itself, but the room it creates around it.

Blackberry Gouda Skewers

'Color and texture are top of mind when creating a menu. These skewers have a contrast of dark and light hues with a pleasant, toasty crunch from coarse salt and walnuts. It’s essentially a portable salad, easy to eat and transport, whether I’m at the beach, hosting a barbecue, or sneaking a few into lunchboxes.'

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled, seeded, and diced honeydew melon
• 5 ounces Gouda cheese
• 32 (4 3/4-inch) bamboo skewers
• 5 ounces spring mix
• 1 pint blackberries
• ½ cup walnuts
• Balsamic glaze, for serving
• Coarse grey French salt, for serving

Directions

1. Dice the honeydew into 1-inch cubes. Next, chop the Gouda into ½-inch cubes.

2. Assemble by layering a piece of honeydew, pinch of spring mix, cube of Gouda, blackberry, another pinch of spring mix, and another piece of honeydew on a skewer. Place in an airtight container or cover in plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Finely chop.

4. Stack the skewers in an airtight container for easy storage and transport. To serve, set the skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with the toasted walnuts and French salt. Alternatively, let guests dress the skewers on their own.

Tzatziki Cucumbers

'Thanks to a punchy dill vinaigrette and creamy yogurt base, these tzatziki-inspired cucumbers are cool, crunchy, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple prep, this dish delivers the refreshing bite of tzatziki in an engaging, deconstructed form.'

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup fresh dill, packed
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 lemon
• 2 English cucumbers
• ¾ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, make the vinaigrette by whisking together the oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Chop the dill, grate or finely mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Add the dill, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the oil and whisk to combine.

2. Cut the cucumbers into thirds crosswise, then smash each piece with the side of the knife or a mallet. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers and add them to the vinaigrette. Stir to combine.

3. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt to the yogurt and stir to combine. Spread the yogurt over the bottom of a serving platter or shallow bowl. Spoon the cucumbers on top of the yogurt. Pour any remaining vinaigrette over the top and serve.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

'These crostini are a simple, elegant appetizer that feeds a crowd. Using croissants in place of a typical baguette yields a supremely buttery toast that delicately shatters beneath each bite of cloud-like ricotta. For a little extra color, finish with flaky salt and a sprinkle of dried edible flowers.'

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups (30 ounces) ricotta
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 to 4 large croissants
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Flaky salt, for serving
• Dried edible flowers, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the ricotta, heavy cream, and salt. Whip on medium-high speed, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will be light and fluffy.

2. Transfer the whipped ricotta to a piping bag or gallon storage bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and slice the croissants into ¼-inch slices, just like you would a loaf of bread, to yield about 10 slices per croissant. Nestle the slices onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer, using two sheets if needed.

4. Brush the croissants on both sides with the oil, then transfer to the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the croissants, then bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are deeply toasted and crisp. Set aside to cool completely.

5. When ready to assemble, cut the tip of the bag to create a ¼-inch opening. Pipe the whipped ricotta onto each crostini in a squiggle motion, then sprinkle with flaky salt and dried flowers (if using). Serve immediately.

Menu of the Moment is a monthly Homes & Gardens feature which taps into a seasonal cookery mindset or food trend, with a selection of recipes inspired by the calendar or zeitgeist, and an interview with the cook, chef or recipe book author about the story behind them, and what brings them joy about cooking seasonally and for the moment.

One of the biggest (literally) purchases you can make for any home is a sofa. Hard not to notice, it's the first thing you lay your eyes on, so picking a timeless color that's unlikely to date couldn't be more important.

Taking up the most visual and physical space in a living room, the couch sets the tone of a scheme, so avoiding fleeting styles and staying up to date with sofa color trends for 2026 is the right way to ensure your purchase lasts for years.

'A sofa is one of the longest-standing investments in a room,' explains interior designer Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'It will outlast the paint color, probably outlast the rug, and may outlast several rounds of redecorating. So choosing one based on what’s trending is exactly the thinking that leads to expensive regrets.'

1. Navy

'If I had to single out one couch shade that’s losing its footing, it’s cool, saturated navy,' explains interior designer Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors.

'For years, navy has been the default 'safe statement' – a way to bring in color without fully committing,' explains Hannah, 'or what I tend to think of as a non-neutral neutral. But that’s also exactly why it’s starting to feel a bit tired. The truest versions of navy – very clean and crisp and very blue – can come across a little rigid.'

'I also find it to be a surprisingly tricky color to work into a scheme in a way that feels natural. More often than not, it pulls a space slightly coastal,' she adds. 'If I’m bringing blue into a statement piece like a sofa, I almost always look to nature for direction. That’s where things feel the most timeless. I’m much more drawn to muted, nuanced colors – a soft blue-gray, something that feels a bit weathered, or a gentle sky blue that shifts throughout the day. They give you a sense of calm and depth, but in a way that feels more grounded and layers beautifully with almost every color palette imaginable.'

2. Gray

Gray isn't included in this year's sofa trends; instead, more playful, kitschy (yes) styles are taking over as designers continue to embrace character over clinical.

While cold-feeling gray is taking a backseat, patterned sofas are making their mark, bringing a whimsical dose of charm and eclecticism into living rooms. Mary Patton, of Mary Patton Design, says, 'Gray and pale neutrals are giving way to more expressive upholstery – think richly patterned fabrics, especially florals, as a fresh update for sofas, particularly when paired with clean, contemporary silhouettes.'

While there will always be room for neutrals (whether that's through paint color or smaller decorative touches), today's trends embrace quirks and charm, so going big with your sofa is the perfect way to assert your personality. While committing to a bold pattern might be daunting, see it as a way to keep the rest of your palette restrained and pared-back.

3. Brown

'Brown is having a really concentrated moment right now, with mocha, chocolate, cognac, caramel,' says Jennifer. 'The appetite for it is understandable as these are warm, complex tones that work well with the natural materials and aged finishes that are everywhere in interiors right now.'

While plenty of colors go with a brown couch, Jennifer says the obviously trendy mochas are the ones best avoided. 'The brown that has been showing up more and more from the Mocha Mousse color trend risks dating to 2025-26. It’s not the cognac leather Chesterfield that’s been around for decades. It’s not the tobacco-colored velvet sofa that looks like it came from a 1970s Parisian apartment.'

She adds, 'But if brown is genuinely your palette, and if your room has warm wood, aged brass, linen, stone, you’d probably have arrived there anyway, and it will serve you well.'

Shop On-Trend Sofa Colors

'The one caution I’d offer: be careful with very trend-specific colors', advises Jennifer. 'If you’re drawn to whatever shade is having a moment, make sure your room genuinely does it justice, because trend colors date faster than classic ones, and a sofa isn’t easy to replace. If you’re going bold (with color or pattern), just take a little time to reflect and if you love love love it, the chances are you will love it for a long time.'

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Brigette Romanek’s approach to design is rooted less in formal training than in instinct, memory, and emotion. Raised by a fiercely creative mother who encouraged self-expression at every turn, she grew up in homes that were in constant flux – walls repainted overnight, murals appearing unannounced, bedrooms treated as personal worlds. That early sense of freedom continues to underpin her work today, where comfort, individuality, and a certain relaxed eclecticism take precedence over rigid rules.

Brigette Romanek came to interior design later than many of her contemporaries, almost by accident, yet her rise has been swift, propelled by a distinctive sensibility and a roster of high-profile clients. In this installment of our Layered Lives series, she reflects on the unconventional path that led her into the industry, the formative spaces that shaped her eye, and why, for her, the success of a room is measured less by how it looks than by how it makes people feel.

Homes & Gardens: Where do you think your love of design comes from?

Brigette Romanek: I’ve always been moved by, inspired by, and aware of my surroundings. I’m a Cancer, so it makes sense because, you know, you live in your shell! I do love home, I just do. Home is a place to exhale and find some reprieve, and it’s also a place to express yourself – it’s your canvas. We moved around so much when I was little, and my mom was such a creative soul who understood that I needed a place to call my own. When I was five years old, we moved to LA, and she just said, ‘Whatever you want, have it!’ She knew that I should have that sense of ownership, and getting to have that place I could call my own, with my things that I cared about and that felt familiar – that was all I needed.

Homes & Gardens: And what did those early bedrooms you designed look like?

Brigette Romanek: I had yellow walls, a yellow bed... I know yellow is very in right now! I had about 72 stuffed animals all piled up on the bed – it would look like installation art to see them all stacked up. I had posters on the wall that I’d change out depending on my latest loves. My mom let me do it all. A friend of hers made her a four-poster bed that was humongous – the diameter of each of the posts was that of a small table – and she allowed me to have a canopy bed too because I loved hers so much. She was a free spirit – she still is – and so she felt that anything that had significance to me, I could have.

Homes & Gardens: Where do you think her creativity came from?

Brigette Romanek: She’s a singer – she went into music, and it wasn’t considered a popular career choice, but she wouldn’t back down. My grandfather said to her, ‘Why don’t you deliver mail?’ but she was a creative soul, and she had a different way of looking at things. I’m so grateful to her. She would always say, ‘Yes, let’s try that,’ no matter what the idea was.

Homes & Gardens: Music has been very important in your adult life too, so it’s interesting to see it shaping your formative years.

Brigette Romanek: My mom was discovered by Quincy Jones – she was the original singer in Rufus. Chaka Khan was a friend of hers and got her the audition with Quincy.

Homes & Gardens: Are there any spaces or places you remember that caught your imagination when you were young and showed you the possibilities of good design?

Brigette Romanek: Yes, a living room in our house. We got an apartment, and my mom thought it was a little boring. I kid you not, she had some very creative friends, and I would come home and there would be a mural on the wall – she would let them do whatever they wanted. It would change constantly – I would come home and the walls were purple, or I would come home and someone had painted the Chicago downtown skyline on the wall. Without realizing it, I was immersed in a creative world, and I am so grateful for that. There was no formal design training for me, it was just a love and an understanding of how things could be.

Homes & Gardens: So when did you first start to think about design as a career, and how did you get into it?

Brigette Romanek: It wasn’t that long ago. I didn’t know it was something people did in the way I understand now – it was just something that I really enjoyed. My husband and I lived in London, which was so inspiring. I loved walking around London so much because culture was everywhere, and it was fueling me, seeing things I hadn’t seen before. That, for me, was oxygen – I love to learn and grow. So then I said that if we were moving back to LA, it had to have some culture somehow.

We moved to Hancock Park, into the only house that hadn’t been taken care of, and I could see the bones of it and what it could become. Then people would come over and say, ‘Whoa, it’s amazing,’ and I just shrugged my shoulders because all I’d done was use the tricks I had learned from my mom. Then someone came in and said they weren’t connecting with the interior designer they’d hired, and perhaps I could do it. And I got the job by just shrugging my shoulders and saying, ‘OK.’

Homes & Gardens: How has your work evolved since those early projects?

Brigette Romanek: My principles stay the same – there is always eclecticism, a level of comfort, and things and pieces that mean something to the client so the space feels familiar. But as I experience the world, as I venture out and try new things, what I’m drawn to changes. I’m also always meeting new makers, seeking them out when I want something specific for a project, and that opens my eyes to new possibilities when I see what they can do.

Homes & Gardens: Are there any early projects that stand out to you as a turning point in your career?

Brigette Romanek: My first job was really important – I stepped back and said, ‘I love this, and I think I can do this,’ and it really solidified where I belonged. It was for the Patricofs, a very influential family in LA, and a lot of people saw it, so that created more work. And then Gwyneth Paltrow’s house really brought me a lot of attention. What was so amazing about that was that it happened so organically. She was like, ‘I was going to do this myself,’ but obviously she’s a little busy, and so she asked me to help, and I said sure, and it turned into an entire house. It was one of the best jobs because she is so on it, so smart, and we had a blast.

Homes & Gardens: How do you want people to feel in your spaces at the moment, and how do you create that feeling?

Brigette Romanek: You know, you can make a pretty space, but you want it to have heart and soul, and you want it to support the people who enter it. People remember how they felt in a room longer than they remember how it looked, so I want to create spaces where there is a feeling of good energy. That can come as much from the negative space as from the pieces you put in it. If there is air and space around each item, then the whole room feels more comfortable.

Homes & Gardens: In your own home, you’ve started embracing pattern. Has this changed how your house feels?

Brigette Romanek: Yes – since covering my sofa in that Liberty floral print fabric, I have continued on my journey into pattern. I love that fabric so much because it makes me feel so good. Liberty has a special place in my heart from when I lived in London, so I recently got more fabrics from Liberty and am deciding how to use them. It’s so much fun to play around with prints.

Homes & Gardens: And being in LA, outdoor space is very important to you, isn’t it?

Brigette Romanek: Absolutely, the outdoor area is just another part of the house. In my home in Laurel Canyon, I see it as a continuation of the indoors and wanted to make it as fun and relaxing to be in as my living room. That means powder-coated furniture in bright, bold colors – shades like orange that feel fresh and inviting. Because that’s what a home should always be, and that’s how I want mine to feel.

What emerges is a designer guided by intuition and a deeply held belief in the emotional power of space. Brigette Romanek’s work resists formula, instead drawing on personal history, ongoing curiosity, and close collaboration with clients to create interiors that feel both expressive and at ease.

From her early, ever-changing childhood homes to her current projects, there is a consistent thread: a commitment to creating environments with warmth, personality, and a sense of possibility. Whether through pattern, color, or carefully considered negative space, her aim remains the same – to design homes that not only look inviting, but genuinely support the lives lived within them.

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