This autumn, interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel wants you to reconsider how you look at your home. That's the essence of her newly released fall collection with Lulu and Georgia, aptly titled 'Look Around'. It's all about seeing our interiors from a new perspective, and decorating accordingly.

The collection itself is brimming with curious details, exciting contrasts, and forms that blur the lines between safe and surreal. It's an extension of Sarah's existing range at Lulu and Georgia, but it ventures into new territory – tapping into some of the most inspiring design trends of the year and giving us a glimpse of what's to come.

There's no shortage of squiggles, loops, and curved forms within this collection. Like the twists and turns of the Calliope Lamp and the wavy frame of the Lenkki Chair, these sinuously designed pieces feel like imaginative doodles brought to life. And though straight lines are hard to find, there are a few that give this collection its architectural backbone – like the angular Marmori Mirror and the robust Lincoln Dining Table.

Contrast is the defining feature of this collection – it's what makes the range itself, and ultimately, a home, feel dynamic, layered, and distinct. Where there's rigidity, texture, and traditional forms, there's also softness, smoothness, and modern influences. Like the classic appeal of the Tali Sideboard compared to the contemporary sensibilities of the Pida Coffee Table, or the heritage-inspired pleats on the Laskos Sconce Light against the avant-garde shade of the Kromi Flush Mount, these purposeful contrasts give the collection its refreshingly unique point of view.

If you're ready to bring a fresh perspective to your interiors this fall, have a look around Sarah's latest line below.

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Typically, discord is seen as a bad thing. However, in the world of interior design, when done right, a space that conflicts can be a thing of beauty. A room filled with clashes, contradictions, and contrasts might sound like chaos, but even the busiest spaces can hold a quiet harmony and cohesion; it's all down to the right technique.

Decorating with pattern is all about finding common ground. While traditional and modern prints can feel like worlds apart, their differences are what make them shine when paired together. But how do you mix patterns in a room without making your home feel busy? Designers say it lies in these five steps.

'I think the key is not to make everything work too perfectly together,' explains interior designer Elizabeth Hay. 'I love rooms that feel as though they have evolved over time, and mixing a more traditional floral with something graphic or geometric is a great way of stopping a scheme from feeling too predictable or overly decorated. For me, the most interesting interiors are always a mixture – different periods, different places, and different styles all layered together rather than everything belonging to one particular look.'

1. Find a Theme

First, find a 'theme'. Choose prints, not matter how different in style or era, that share common ground through their motifs, such as a botanical floral wallpaper and ditsy drapes or a striped armchair paired with a geometric throw.

'Mixing modern and traditional patterns can feel intimidating, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to create an interior full of character,' explains interior designer Kit Kemp. 'I always begin with a story or theme, as this helps bring even the most contrasting patterns together and gives a room a sense of purpose.'

'Start with a pattern you love and let it anchor your scheme, then layer patterns in different scales, pairing large, expressive prints with more intricate designs. Balance is essential; introducing plains or quieter patterns gives the eye space to rest and allows the statement pieces to shine. To make even the most disparate patterns feel intentional, introduce a common thread, a shared color, motif, or shape, to weave throughout the space. These subtle connections create a sense of harmony, allowing even the boldest designs to feel purposeful, balanced, and beautifully considered. Sticking to a theme will unify the different elements, creating a captivating narrative.'

2. Vary the Scale

'One of the secrets to mixing patterns from different eras successfully is varying the scale,' says Kit. 'Pair large, bold designs with smaller-scale, more intricate patterns. For instance, complement a large-scale traditional floral wallpaper or scenic mural design with sofas and armchairs in geometric prints or woven stripes.'

'And where you love two patterns but aren’t convinced they should interact, create visual space with a plain border. This is a fantastic device for framing a headboard or adding a leading edge in solid color to curtains, allowing the eye to pause and give each pattern space to breathe.'

'Scale is really important,' agrees Elizabeth. 'If I’m using a busy, small-scale floral, I might pair it with a much bolder stripe, check or geometric so that the patterns aren’t fighting for attention. I also like varying the density of patterns – something loose and organic next to something more structured.'

3. Make Color the Common Ground

'Color is usually the thread that pulls everything together for me,' Elizabeth says. 'When mixing a lot of patterns, color is key. The colors have to tone perfectly in order for all of the pattern not to feel too busy. I will often pick up a color from one fabric somewhere else in the room.'

While the idea of a plaid fabric beside a floral might sound like a bold contrast, some of the best pattern pairings for fall work because they share common colors. 'I tend to think about the room as a whole rather than whether two individual fabrics technically “match”,' she adds. 'You might have a floral curtain, a geometric cushion and a striped chair that look quite different in isolation, but if the colors, scale and overall balance of the room feel right, they can sit very happily together. I think a little bit of discord can actually make a room much more interesting.'

4. Use a Neutral Base

A warm neutral paint or subtle wallpaper can work as an excellent base when you are mixing old and new prints. With a level starting point, you can be more adventurous with the patterns you layer on top. For example, a striking pink Ikat headboard would beautifully contrast with the beige notes of your walls, brought to life with block-printed yellow bedding.

'For me, it is never about every pattern competing for attention, but about finding a balance between scale, color and repetition, so that each one has its own moment,' interior designer Tamsyn Mason says. 'I particularly enjoy combining different types of pattern, such as a floral with a stripe, and then playing with their scale. Using a neutral base fabric or wallpaper can be very helpful when bringing different patterns together, as it creates a unifying element within the room. It allows a mix of colors and motifs to sit comfortably alongside one another, so that the overall effect feels harmonious rather than overly busy.'

5. Consider How Much of Each Pattern to Use

'As well as the scale and type of pattern, it is also about how much of it you use,' fabric designer Charlotte Gaisford explains. 'You may have a room full of stripes or a geometric pattern, and then you add in a highlight ditsy floral pattern, such as a cushion on the bed; it all looks great. You have used the traditional pattern as the highlight in the room, and it isn’t taking over. It has turned into the focal point or the lipstick of the room. The room will overall feel modern and geometric, but the highlight cushion brings in the traditional and organic pattern.'

'If you added a modern stripe and a ditsy floral pattern and had 50% of each thing, then it would fight together. If you apply the 60-30-10 rule, then it all works well together. This rule is usually applied to paint colors, but you can use it for fabrics. Use two geometrics for the 60-30, and then 10% for the traditional, and vice versa.'

The secret to mixing 'old' and 'new' prints is finding similarities between your pieces to create a cohesive, yet eclectic look.

'When layering modern and traditional patterns, I make sure the colors are complementary and the patterns have a similar movement,' says textile and wallpaper designer Samantha Sanata. 'Similarly, I think it is important to have natural elements in the space to help ground the room (such as woods, stone elements, ceramics), and for the patterns to have differing scales (one smaller, or one oversized).'

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We always approach the 'core' trends with slight caution on Homes & Gardens. These fun but fleeting trends tend to have a lot of buzz when they first appear, but can fizzle out within weeks. However, the most recent 'core' trend has our attention. Not only because it sounds so tempting, but because the premise behind this trend has roots in a more timeless aesthetic.

Burrowcore is the most recent fall trend to take over social media. More of a mindset than just an interior design trend, it embraces the cozier, comforting side of decorating. It's whimsical and comforting, and exactly how you want your home to feel at this time of year.

'Burrowcore is all about creating a home you can sink into,' explains interior designer Michelle Gage. 'It’s cozy, layered, and a little cocoon-like; a space that makes you want to stay awhile. The key is surrounding yourself with pieces that feel as good as they look. We’re craving comfort at home more than ever, and Burrowcore takes that feeling of ‘I just want to stay in’ and turns it into a design aesthetic. It’s about creating little pockets of comfort that make everyday life feel calmer – a cozy reading corner, an extra-soft throw, warm lighting or nature-inspired accents.'

'Burrowcore represents a desire for spaces that bring comfort, peace, calm, and harmony to the home,' says Lauren Covino-Smith, Designer and Principal of Styled Ivy Interiors. 'This interior movement, all about “cocooning,” includes layers and textures that feel as soothing as curling up to the fire with a great read and a favorite throw blanket.'

'For me personally, it replicates all the feel-good elements of home,' continues Lauren, 'the soft glow of candlelight, a hot cappuccino, deep enveloping seating, textured throw pillows, dimly lit accent light fixtures (2700K bulb temperature only, please!), and an oversized chenille blanket big enough to wrap up in and still have some left to share with my two black labs. Colors should feel moody and earthy without being overly formal – moss, olive, tobacco, rust, and burgundy work wonders for that intimate feeling.'

'To me, the home must always be a sanctuary,' says designer Gisela Graham, 'a private space to slow down, unplug, and find absolute peace as the nights draw in. 'Burrowcore' is the perfect antidote to our hectic daily lives, but you don't need to buy a brand-new sofa to achieve it. You can easily create that inviting, cocoon-like feeling through clever layering.'

'Try piling up oversized, deeply textured cushions in brushed cotton or heavy bouclé to add immediate physical softness. Drape a chunky wool throw over the arm of your favorite chair, and switch out light summery scents for the grounding, flickering warmth of amber, spice, or woodsmoke candles. It is all about creating little pockets of comfort that make you feel instantly safe, warm, and entirely content the moment you step through the door.'

'When we are creating cozy spaces, we often either color-drench the room or incorporate generous doses of a dark, earthy color,' says Allison Smith of Gem & Clay Interiors. 'We always incorporate plenty of softness, in the form of throw blankets and fabric window treatments, as these are the touches that not only make the space feel complete, but they subtly address the very human need for safety and comfort.'

'In cozy rooms like this, layered, dimmable lighting is very important to be able to control the ambience at different times of day,' adds Allison. 'And wherever possible, every cozy room needs either a window seat, or at least a cozy place to sit by the window. As the seasons change, it is so nice to be able to watch the world outside while being safe, warm and comfortable inside.'

'To us, burrowcore is less of a trend and more of something our human souls need, and in such a technology-inundated life, now, more than ever, we need to feel like we have a safe, warm place to perch, to feel grounded, and to reflect.'

The 'Burrowcore' Edit

Burrow into the comfort of an armchair, bed, or reading nook this fall with these stylish picks designed to make your home feel its coziest.

'"Burrowcore” may be a new label, but it gives a name to something timeless,' explains interior designer Rebecca Midden. 'We have a physiological and psychological need to feel held by a room. At a moment when work, media, and public life pass continuously through our screens and into our homes, it makes sense that people are looking for interiors that restore a meaningful threshold between themselves and the outside world.'

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Aside from her impeccable taste and her eye for good style, interior extraordinaire Shea McGee has a knack for knowing how to make trendy design details look timeless. Case in point: the Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair from her fall collection at Target.

This accent chair taps into the heritage-inspired design trends of the moment – from its fringe-lined base to its swivel design. It's also ticking the box for the biggest fall color trends of 2026 with its rusty, terracotta-toned upholstery. Despite the trendy appeal, Shea has designed a piece with longevity too – the 'on-trend' accent chair you'll want to keep in your home for years to come.

What goes around always comes back around in design, and that's certainly the case for the details that make this accent chair desirable. Fringe has had a massive resurgence over the past year, but not in a fussy 1970s way. Shea's made the fringe detailing look truly tasteful here by keeping the fringe tightly lined and extra dark to contrast the color of the chair itself.

Even the chair's design – a 360-degree swivel chair – is a nod to styles of the past. These rotating chairs channel an early 2000s, Nancy Meyers-inspired mood, but in 2026, they've become the hottest seats to own. Here, Shea has put her own twist (pun intended) on the swivel chair to make it elegant and sophisticated for a timeless home.

My favorite part of the chair has to be its color – a deep red tone so dark that it almost appears brown. The perfect shade for fall, yes but a timeless shade to style all year round. This colorway can bring such depth, visual interest, and elegance to any room. Plus, it's one of those nuanced neutrals that can play the lead or supporting role in a room's design scheme – depending on how you style the rest of the space.

I, for one, would let this chair take charge. I picture it becoming the star piece of a cozy living room – grounding the space with its inviting color but adding textural appeal with its nubby upholstery and fringe base. Another option: create a luxury hotel-inspired seating area by staging two of these chairs beside each other. Since it costs less than $400, buying two won't break the bank.

Clearly, Shea McGee knows how to make furniture that feels both of-the-moment and can go the distance – let the Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair be proof.

How I'd Style Shea McGee's Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair

Shea McGee's Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair from Target can enhance any room with its trend-driven design and innate timelessness. Here's how I'd style it to make it the coziest spot in your home this fall.

Shop More Swivel Chairs

These social seats are comfortable, practical, and make a seating layout really flexible. Aside from Shea's Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair, find a few more standout styles below.

Although Shea McGee's Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair is certainly a standout, it's just the start. Shea's fall collection at Target is packed with timelessly chic home decor buys that you need this season – from small decorative objects to large furniture. And truth be told, I want everything.

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If there ever were a time to banish the boring beige rug, it would be 2027. This season’s rug trends signal a comeback of character that, given our collective appetite for vintage and interesting pieces elsewhere around the home, finally feels more reflective of the way we’re decorating now.

From unexpected ‘accessory rugs’ that make more of the antique flatweaves you already own to the next-best way to put something beautiful underfoot in the least beauty-friendly corners, this is a roadmap for anchoring a room right in the year ahead.

Get a jump on seven rug trends designers expect to be everywhere in 2027, along with everything I’d buy as a style editor to recreate each look.

1. Small-Scale, Folk-Inspired Patterns

Rug graphics are shrinking. For 2027, small-scale florals, checks, stripes, and geometry are taking over underfoot, continuing the folky, worn-in pattern play already alive and well in A-list interiors by designers like Heidi Caillier. That storybook charm you admire in places like Kendall Jenner’s viral Wyoming mountain retreat? It often starts at the floor.

‘We’re seeing borders and smaller-scale patterns appear across the market, from the Tansie Floral Kilim Rug at Crate & Kids to the woven check Bath Mat from Pierce & Ward’s latest collection with West Elm. Both speak to a broader return to familiar motifs and more detailed patterns,' says Andrea DeRosa, co-founder of LA-based Avenue Interior Design, who's observing an exodus away from anything heavy-handed.

'There’s something lovely about a rug that gives you a little more to discover rather than relying on one large graphic gesture. These elements all lend themselves to a room that feels more collected and layered without making it feel overly designed.’

From across the room, these smaller motifs almost read as texture. Get closer, and the florals, checks, and tiny geometries reveal themselves inch by inch. It’s sweet, 'grandma' in a good way, and an important piece of the personal, collected look defining interiors more broadly for the year ahead.

2. Layering Natural Fiber

We’re all familiar with the low-pile, high-traffic, organically inclined joy that is a natural fiber rug. They’re not going anywhere in 2027, but rather than anchoring entire rooms, that easygoing look is being treated as an accessory to something more interesting.

‘Jute or sisal down first, then a smaller hand-knotted wool or vintage piece on top. It’s an old designer trick that has become more mainstream now, and it solves two problems at once,’ says Hallie Malitsky, Brooklyn-based founder of Hallie Rose Design. ‘You get the coverage a room needs, which is almost always bigger than people buy, and you get texture without having to commit to such a large amount of it.’ Keep the bottom layer flat woven and simple. Hallie notes that layering rugs ‘also allows for a small rug you might love to work in a big room.’

Especially an older, vintage find. Brad Ramsey, founder of Nashville-based Brad Ramsey Interiors, says the trick neatly solves their scale problem, given that they weren’t exactly designed with today’s sprawling living rooms in mind. ‘In a large room, it can be difficult to source a beautiful patterned or antique rug at the scale needed to properly ground all of the furniture. And even when you can find one, that much pattern across a very large surface can sometimes overwhelm the room,’ says Brad. 'The larger rug unifies the space, while the smaller rug brings in the color, pattern, and personality.’

3. Unexpected Antiques

As if they weren’t already having a moment, antique rugs – the new best friend of natural fiber – are probably the most prized underfoot possession to be had in 2027. When nearly every extraordinary rug technique can be copied, actual age cannot. Inherently one-of-one, a little wear isn't damage; it's a compelling backstory. Where did you come from?

‘I’ve been saying for years that Oushaks, Kilims, and Persians never go out of style, and that isn’t changing. What’s changing for 2027 is how we’re buying them. Clients used to want the antique cleaned up, overdyed, and made to read “new." Now they want the opposite: the low pile in the traffic path, the visible reweave, the patch where a corner was mended eighty years ago,' says Orange County-based founder and luxury Interior designer Lindsay Olson.

It’s something she’s seen from the inside out, at trade rug dealers and at auction. ‘Dealers are pricing honest condition higher than restored condition on good pieces. On Instagram, the vintage rug sellers who used to lead with “freshly cleaned, like new” are now leading with close-ups of the wear.’

Lindsay styles them much as she would any other rug, while Nashville-based interior designer Brad Ramsey prefers a slightly stranger placement. Kitchens, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and otherwise very contemporary spaces each become more interesting with a faded antique underfoot. The less expected the surroundings, the better the foil.

‘Provenance has become part of the design story rather than something to hide,’ observes Lindsay Olson.

4. Rich, Saturated Colors

If 2020 to 2023 were a color, it would be beige. Now that the former ‘quiet luxury’ shorthand has become a signal for AI slop, the pendulum has swung back to rich, super-saturated shades we really haven’t seen much of since the ’80s.

Or actually, since the last Salone. Katherine Cohen, Associate Creative Director at FLOR, says it’s a shift she clocked straight from Salone del Mobile 2026 – aka Milan Design Week, the global launch pad for what we’ll all ostensibly be decorating with next. ‘The biggest overarching trend in Milan was color. Evergreen greens, deep reds such as burgundy and rust, softer mineral blues, warm browns, layered neutrals, and natural dye-inspired earth tones appeared consistently across furnishings, textiles, and installations. Together, these palettes reflect a desire for authenticity, comfort, craftsmanship, and a deeper connection to nature, making them some of the strongest indicators of where design is heading in 2027.’

‘After several years of very quiet, neutral rugs, I think we’re going to see more color underfoot in 2027. I’m not necessarily talking about bright, primary color, but richer, more nuanced shades: deep greens and blues, muddy reds, tobacco, ochre and other colors that have some age and complexity to them,’ adds Brad Ramsey, who points to maximalist retailers like Jaipur Living and Patterson Flynn.

And if years of neutrals have left you a little color-shy, they needn’t disappear entirely. In fact, a saturated rug might actually be the ideal toe-dip. ‘For me, a colorful rug is often the easiest way to establish the palette for an entire room. If the rug has five or six beautiful colors running through it, you don’t have to use all of them everywhere else,’ advises Brad. ‘You can pull one or two into the upholstery or drapery and let the others simply add depth. It makes a room feel layered without making it feel overly coordinated.’

5. Washable Rugs

Big news for anyone with pets, children, or prone to spilling a Brunello: washable rugs are no longer the second-class placeholders we once thought they were. Heading into 2027, the designer debuts we’ve been seeing throughout 2026 – including Ruggable’s high-house collaborations with Scalamandré and Morris & Co. – are rivaling the real thing.

‘Rugs have always been, and always will be, an item we question whether it’s worth the investment. The newest, hottest factor in the rug world is washable rugs, great for those with pets, children, or just plain messy people,’ says Autumn Pochiro, founder of Ohio-based Autumn Dawn Design. ‘Washable rugs, just like most things in today’s market, prioritize function,’ a shift she points out is striking a salient chord with Millennials and newer Gen-Z decorators who might not want to inherit all the preciousness their parents attached to rugs.

Which makes for a funny split in 2027. At the same time, delicate, heirloom rugs are becoming more prized; there’s an equally robust camp throwing caution to the wind and finally putting beautiful rugs in former danger zones: dining rooms, bathrooms, playrooms, entryways, kitchens. Red wine territory, essentially. It’s freeing.

6. Carved Texture as Pattern

In 2027, we’re getting deep. Pattern is no longer only a block-printed, surface-level deal. Increasingly, it’s part of the rug’s actual topography: carved, raised, looped, and sheared into something you register underfoot before you’ve necessarily registered it across the room.

‘The most significant move I’m watching is pattern migrating from the surface into the structure of the rug. High-low pile, sheared motifs, ribbed and looped wool, bouclé-style loops; the design is something you feel with your foot before you read it with your eye,’ says Lindsay Olson of Lulu Designs. 'The market has swung hard away from cold minimalism toward tactility, and texture is how you get warmth and interest into a room without committing a client to a bold pattern they’ll tire of. It’s also the easiest way to make a neutral rug feel expensive.’

Where can you find such a thing? Actually, everywhere. ‘Nearly every major mill has expanded high-low offerings,' reports Lindsay. From once-in-a-lifetime investment brands like Ernesta to more affordable splurges at West Elm, you ironically don't need to look high or low to find these custom-looking carvings anymore.

7. Single-Splash Statements

Doing less might actually make for more drama in the color department in 2027. Popularized by Scandi rug brand Nordic Knots, whose editorial rainbow of Milano greens, lilacs, ice blues, and pecans has become something of a status symbol among the online gallery-adjacent design set, one well-chosen hit of color underfoot is increasingly all you need.

‘One trend I am seeing is an openness to considering a single colored rug,' says New York-based Nancy Davilman of ND Interiors. 'In the past, I found that clients always wanted their rugs to be super decorative, but now they are willing to give up pattern if it means they can have extra softness. There are so many fantastic textures out there to select from that the “feel” can now be as important as having a pattern.'

One would think the lack of print would make it harder to be distinct. But, as it turns out, a great solid rug operates a little like excellent tailoring. The construction, luxury materials, and very specific shade are enough of a style signature without relying on bells and whistles – on the main feed or otherwise.

Shop Our Favorite Rugs for 2027

If 2027 feels a little far away, we’ve also rounded up our favorite rugs for fall 2026.

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It's no secret that the picture-perfect, overly pristine kitchen is no longer top of the wish list. We want kitchens with character, kitchens that are lived-in, maybe a bit imperfect, but feel like the true heart of the home. So how do you transform a room filled with hard, shiny surfaces into an eclectic space with plenty of personality?

According to this Mediterranean-style kitchen, texture, interest, and thoughtful material choices are key to a design that balances everyday function with vintage charm and architectural interest. It's less about filling a space with an overwhelming amount of decor and more about making the bones work harder.

From unexpected color placements that create a more inviting feel to functional elements that double as statement features, this kitchen proves that knowing when to push the style boundaries and when to stick to fundamental design rules is the secret to an elevated room.

Introduce Color in Unexpected Places

Kitchen colors play a big part in how a space feels, the energy it radiates, and the style it conveys. Styling and decor in this design were always intended to be a bit more eclectic, so a calmer approach to the cabinet color was required. But neutral doesn't have to mean white.

'We were about to launch our new colors when the owners came in for their meeting, so she was one of the first people to have Quaker Cream. It works so nicely with the warm woods and blues,' recalls Megan Wright, Showroom Manager and Senior Kitchen Designer at deVOL Kitchens.

A warm cream hue, it's the perfect middle ground between white and butter yellow. But the thoughtful color choices didn't stop here. The ceiling is a true focal point, painted a glossy blue shade to add personality and architectural interest. It also gives the kitchen more structure, rather than large expanses of white surfaces.

Balance Functional Storage With Eclectic Style

Designing a kitchen requires a careful balance of functional storage and more decorative details that give a scheme personality and interest. In this space, where eclectic styling defined the brief, zoning the kitchen storage was the perfect way to strike that balance – starting with a pantry.

'The design includes a 900mm-wide, full-height pantry cupboard, which is a great way to pack a lot of storage into a space. We also included spice racks on the inside of both doors, a really practical way to add extra storage that's easy to sort through,' Megan explains of the more practical elements.

'The clients didn't feel like everything needed to be shut away behind doors, and I think wall cabinets in this design would make it feel too perfect,' she continues. 'The lovely oak shelf above the sink is practical, but it also adds a nice lightness to the space, a bit of breathing room. The brass hanging rail is also a great way to store pans and utensils. Everything is visible and easy to reach, which makes cooking very easy!'

Add Character and Texture With a More Rustic Kitchen Island

Creating a lived-in kitchen feel goes beyond a few decor pieces – it shows up in the bones of your design. Painted cabinetry in this scheme brings warmth, color and contrast, but the kitchen island adds a more rustic, characterful feature, with its slightly timeworn finish and vintage appeal.

'The clients were keen to source a prep table that brought in different colors and textures to the design,' Megan explains. 'They wanted the space to feel authentic and not too polished, and the worn paint finish next to the Shaker cabinets adds depth to the room. The open storage in the island is also perfect for a practical and hardworking kitchen.'

Let a Backsplash Double as a Mediterranean-Inspired Centerpiece

A kitchen backsplash is a functional feature first, but it can be a decorative one, too. Instead of leaning into kitchen backsplash trends with beige subway or white zellige, the clients were more interested in a bolder pattern that spoke to the overall palette of the room. It takes the design from classic to something more characterful.

Spanning the full run of cabinetry, white tiles with a delicate blue print in each corner create a more eclectic look, topped with more maximalist border tiles, featuring dark blue, yellow, and red, to pick up on the other tones throughout the space. 'These were the clients' choice,' Megan adds. 'They were keen for the space to feel eclectic, and these tiles speak to that.'

Leave Appliances On Display for a Less Polished Look

It's become common practice to integrate appliances, especially the refrigerator, to create a clean, seamless look. But sometimes, leaving them visible is key to a more informal, lived-in feel. Surrounded by cabinetry, the unintegrated stainless steel fridge-freezer was a more impactful choice than you might expect.

'The overall feel of the space is unpretentious and simple. The pots and pans are on display and easily reachable; it just made sense in this design to keep the fridge as it is and not try to hide it behind doors. The stainless-steel front also breaks up the furniture a little, which adds to the overall eclectic feel,' Megan explains.

Quick Tips

• Add color in unexpected places for a more eclectic feel
• Be considerate about storage placement – both functionally and aesthetically
• Consider a contrasting island for a characterful feature
• Don't be afraid to go bold with the backsplash – especially in a more muted scheme
• It's okay to let your appliances be seen. Not every kitchen needs to have everything hidden behind doors

Every detail of this kitchen ensures that function is maintained without detracting from the visual appeal of the space. But beyond the practical qualities, the design feels beautifully inspired by the Mediterranean without feeling too themed or cliché – it's inviting and full of personality, and feels right at home in the architecture. It proves you don't have to follow trends to create a kitchen that feels totally inspiring.

Shop the 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.

Is there a pattern that feels more synonymous with fall than plaid? Year after year, this pattern trend finds its way back into the design scene right as the weather dips below 60 degrees. We see it in fashion (think printed flannel shirts, tartan jackets, and plaid-lined boots), but the pattern has just as much appeal in the world of interior design, offering that same cozy, effortless feel as your well-worn, comes-out-year-after-year plaid shirt.

This year, plenty of our favorite brands have featured plaid decor in their fall launches. Pottery Barn's Heritage Autumn collection utilizes traditional fall color schemes to make plaid the star of the show, with pieces like the Penelope Chair, the Cedrick Pillow, and the Woodrow Dinnerware Set. For 2026, GreenRow and Anthropologie have given plaid a colorfully refreshed look with the purple plaid pillow cover and the maroon and light blue trinket tray.

If you are looking to make those small seasonal switches in your home and slowly start making it feel cozier, introducing a touch of plaid will always work.

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The backsplash of 2027 is so much more than just a functional strip behind a countertop. A decade ago, this design detail was often perfunctory, but now it’s become a significant feature of the overall kitchen design, considered from the very beginning.

It isn’t just about making a ‘statement’, however – designers see the backsplash as an opportunity to enhance the character, craftsmanship and materiality of the space in a thoughtful way. We asked interior designers what their favorite backsplash treatments are for 2027, but also how and why they’ll work beautifully for years to come. These are the current, yet enduring backsplash trends they’re leaning towards for the year ahead…

1. Continuing the Countertop

In line with the quiet luxury kitchen trend, this look is all about allowing the backsplash to blend into the background rather than shouting ‘look at me’. Running the countertop up the wall to create a seamless continuation of stone not only looks chic, but it’s also visually restful, enhances the sense of space, and is a sophisticated solution for those who like their kitchens more pared back.

‘This backsplash look allows for more creative freedom with the cabinetry design and colorations,’ says Lisa Worth, founder of Worth Interior Design. ‘When the backsplash contrasts with the countertop, it can become the main focal point of the space, and then everything around it needs to take a back seat. While eclecticism in interiors remains very much on trend, it’s important to remember that the cabinetry is the star of the show.’

As the desire to incorporate the beauty of natural stone into our homes shows no signs of slowing, Lisa says that opting for a classic material in a timeless format like this is a win-win. ‘You can achieve a beautiful, considered look today while ensuring your kitchen continues to feel relevant for years to come,’ she says.

On a practical level, Lisa notes that with no grout lines, clean-up is much easier, and technological advances in stone-look materials mean you can get convincing stone-effect surfaces that require little-to-no maintenance.

2. Large Format Tiles

If huge slabs of stone are slightly out of your price range but you covet the look, large kitchen tiles could be the answer, and it’s one designers are reaching for more frequently for both practical and aesthetic reasons.

‘For modern, contemporary and high-function kitchens, I typically prefer to use the same stone for the backsplash as the countertop, but with the rising cost of fabrication, I'm gravitating toward large-format porcelain or natural stone tiles,’ reveals Ruchi A Mohan, founder of DesignbyRUCHI. Ruchi says tiles that come in 18x24 or 24x24 sizes work well with a typical backsplash height of 18"-24", with the only visible joinery being along the width of the splash.

‘The options available in large-scale porcelain tile have continuously been improving and increasing; minimal grout lines keep the look seamless, and the ease of maintenance is unmatched,’ adds Ruchi. While porcelain surfaces that mimic natural stone have been around for a while, more options are now available that look like mirrors, metals, travertine and quartzite.

‘Natural stone tiles available in large format sizes are also a great option for backsplashes, offering reduced material and application costs,’ adds Ruchi. ‘In my view, these are both viable, intentional, no-compromise solutions for very large kitchens where the actual material quantity required is high to start with; fabrication costs add to overall project costs. It's a smart use of budget with a unique mix of materials.’

'Longer term, the backsplash has a more visible impact on kitchen design than the stone itself. I love using a high-performance material like quartz for the countertop while featuring the backsplash to make the kitchen design forward-thinking. Budget is always real, be it during current times or in the future; materials that provide a solution to budget and increase design impact are always in trend.'

3. Artisanal Tiles

As homeowners seek out more personalised interiors, there’s still a whiff of nostalgia in the air for the backsplash trends of 2027 – designers are being tasked with creating more unique, one-off spaces that are layered with storytelling, heritage craftsmanship and designs that will last for generations to come.

‘Traditional tiled backsplashes are having a serious renaissance,’ says Gianpiero Gaglione, founder of Gianpiero Gaglione Interior Design. ‘Specifically, unique, handmade tiles that really showcase a certain level of craftsmanship, imperfection, and have an artistic quality to them. While a marble backsplash leans towards a more polished look, personally, what I'm seeing and hearing from my clients is that they prefer the warmth, character and hand-made quality that these artisanal tiles bring.’

Many brands are taking this on board, with the likes of Ca’ Pietra teaming up with heritage fabric powerhouse Sanderson to create an artisanal tile collection based on its iconic patterns. Similarly, Bert & May, known for its characterful tiles, has collaborated with print and pattern designer Chrisanna McArthur to reinterpret historic motifs with meticulously hand-painted designs that have a time-worn feel, celebrating craft, history and timeless design.

4. Top-to-Toe Metro

Subway tiles are an instant classic, providing an instant heritage feel that’s reminiscent of Victorian sculleries. ‘Fully tiled kitchen walls date back more than a century, and yet they continue to be a lovely and relevant design decision,’ says interior designer Jessica Helgerson. ‘In addition to their clearly functional value, they also eliminate the endless “Where to end the backsplash?” question, and depending on the tile used, can provide a beautiful wall surface.’

Using metro tiles in a classic cream or off-white adds a nostalgic feel, conjuring up a crisp and clean look that sits in line with the sanitation movement of the turn of the century. While previously designers might install subway tiles so they sit just under the wall cabinets to provide a functional backsplash, increasingly they’re adopting a wall-to-wall approach, with tiles going all the way to the ceiling and even cladding cooker hoods for a uniform look that’s sophisticated with just the right amount of visual impact.

‘My real inspiration for this look is the stunning kitchen at the Musée Nissim de Camondo in Paris,’ adds Jessica. ‘While this backsplash treatment obviously leans into a nostalgic look, it’s more about trying to recreate something that feels authentic to the house, so this is a design move we are more likely to do in a period property.’

The real bonus of this look is its timelessness and versatility – given their relative simplicity, subway tiles work in practically any kitchen and won’t date. It’s best not to be tempted into fancy or on-trend laying patterns, however; herringbone, for example, was a look that’s passed its peak, so sticking with a simple brick bond is best if you want to ensure its staying power.

5. Sculptural Designs

More and more, we’re seeing designers treating the backsplash as an architectural element rather than simply selecting an eye-catching material to protect the wall – it’s about creating something beautiful and reintroducing craftsmanship, similar to the rise in ogee detailing on countertop edges.

‘We're thinking about the backsplash almost like we would millwork: where should it start and stop, should it have a defined edge, can the shape echo something elsewhere in the room, or whether it can create a focal point around a sink or range,’ says Sary Em, partner and interior designer at Rework Architecture and Design.

According to Sary, this demand for sculptural detailing in 2027 is borne from a desire for spaces that have texture, personality, and pieces that feel handmade. ‘A backsplash doesn't have to be utilitarian – we want it to have the same level of thoughtfulness as a fireplace surround, a built-in, or a piece of furniture,’ she says.

The key to achieving this look is paying attention to how the backsplash relates to the architecture of the room. Sary says the sculpted backsplash should feel connected to something else in the space, whether it's the shape of a window, a cabinet detail, or an arch, so there’s a contextual link.

Ultimately, this is a timeless backsplash style that has the potential to outlast any trend as it’s based on authentic craftsmanship that works in any home – historic or contemporary – as long as it relates to its surroundings.

6. Small Format Tiles, But on a Big Scale

Backsplash feature walls have been around for a while, but instead of countertop-to-ceiling stone with statement veining, designers are reaching for a more pared-back, textured feel. ‘For 2027, we’re seeing a return to mosaic backsplashes that feel handcrafted, storied, and anything but mass-produced,’ says interior designer Christina Cruz. According to Christina, designers are gravitating toward smaller-scale patterns because they bring texture and character into the kitchen without overpowering the space.

‘We love pairing mosaic tiles with natural materials like marble, soapstone, warm woods and plaster – the contrast allows the backsplash to become a quiet layer of detail rather than the main event,’ she adds. ‘Consider a tonal mosaic with subtle variation, or use it selectively behind a range or within a niche where the craftsmanship can shine – this is what gives this look its staying power.’

Mosaics have been used for centuries, so while the application may feel fresh for 2027, the material itself is anything but trendy. ‘When rooted in natural materials and timeless craftsmanship, it only becomes more beautiful with age,’ says Christina.

Overall, it seems the best backsplashes for 2027 aren't the ones that shout the loudest – it’s the designs that feel quietly considered, relevant to the architecture and their surroundings, but also characterful and personal to the people living there. All of these trends are rooted in authenticity, whether that’s craftsmanship or heritage that pulls them together.

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Right now, the interior design world loves color. It's been bye-bye neutrals and hello reds, blues, greens, and yellows, with vibrant shades topping the color trends of 2026 and beyond. So, unsurprisingly, many once-loved neutrals feel 'bland' and 'boring'.

However, whenever we speak with designers about the rise of color, everyone is so quick to say; but nothing will replace a timeless neutral. There's always space for those shades that feel warm, soft, and cocooning. And Farrow & Ball's Mouse's Back is one such shade – a whisper-soft, comforting mid-brown that dances in daylight and cocoons in the darker hours. A brown paint oh-so gentle, it's named after the fawn-toned fur of a British field mouse.

'Long-term Farrow & Ball fans will always have a place in their heart for Mouse’s Back,' explains Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball's Color Curator. 'It feels like the backbone of our palette. Perfect for those who desire a restrained traditional look, Mouse’s Back feels like it has been plucked from the utility area of a historic house. This gray-brown classic is quiet in nature and totally timeless, and although understated, it is a really clever color, more saturated than a classic neutral but just as versatile.'

In this breakfast nook designed by Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster and Patina, Mouse's Back brings a gentle warmth that cocoons the eating area. It accentuates the wall paneling and architectural features without creating too much depth or heaviness.

'Mouse's Back is one of my absolute favorite moody browns,' says Alexandra. 'It's the color of my old primary bedroom, my old sunroom, and my current design studio, so to say I love it is an understatement! I think it is such a great balance of warm but not too warm. I love pairing it with warm stained, neutral woods like walnut or white oak,' adds Alexandra. Organic materials and paler neutrals let the depth of Mouse's Back shine whilst finding common ground with its earthiness.

'As we turn towards comfortable colors in our homes, this quiet dark tone is the perfect choice, sitting effortlessly alongside natural materials such as weathered wood and flagstone floors,' explains Joa. 'Its muted quality is ideally suited to being used on both walls and woodwork (and particularly paneling) for a sophisticated muted atmosphere.'

'Its laid-back tone sits perfectly beside other subtle tones like Pigeon and Treron for a slightly mismatched and very relaxed scheme,' Joa adds. 'I favor using it in boot rooms, and particularly on floors where it has a certain muted feel that is favored in modern homes for a cozy soft look, reflecting our yearning for heritage tones which feel restorative and reflect the spirit of craftsmanship we all hanker for.'

In this small kitchen (pictured above), Mouse's Back feels just soft enough to warm the space and create a cozy feel without dominating its small parameters. Paired with the rustic wooden countertops and vintage ceramics, it's a lesson in balance.

'I think Mouse’s Back really comes alive alongside rich, earthy colors and materials with age and texture,' says Russell Loughlan, founder of The House on Dolphin Street. 'Here we’ve paired it with deep reds, dark-painted furniture, rush seating, worn timber, aged brass and simple ceramics. I love that mix of confident color with pieces that feel collected and a little imperfect, so it keeps the room from feeling too formal or overly designed.'

'The ground floor of the house is naturally quite dark, so rather than fighting that with pale colors, we decided to embrace it with a strong, Georgian-inspired palette,' Russell explains. 'Mouse’s Back has a wonderful earthy depth to it; it feels warm and enveloping without becoming heavy, and has much more character than a straightforward mid-brown. There’s a definite Georgian influence to the palette, and friends have actually nicknamed this front room ‘The Dolphin Street Tavern’ because it has such a Dickensian feel to it, which I rather love.'

'It also works beautifully as a bridge between the two reds in the adjoining spaces: Preference Red to the left and Picture Gallery Red to the right. They’re both strong colors, but Mouse’s Back has enough presence to hold its own between them while allowing the reds to really sing. So rather than trying to make a dark, intimate room feel larger with a pale color, we embraced that sense of enclosure. Mouse’s Back gives the room warmth and depth, and makes it feel incredibly inviting.'

'Interestingly, in the lower light it reads slightly greener on the walls, which is another reason it works so beautifully with natural greenery. Those fresh greens really bring out the complexity of the color and lift the whole palette.'

Mouse's Back is a soft, delicate, and versatile mid-brown paint that shines in historic settings as well as new. Yes, it's a 'safe' neutral, but it's a timeless one too.' There is something special about a room where nothing is shouting,' Joa says. 'Mouse’s Back works because it doesn’t beg for attention but rather works as a backdrop, letting the things you want to feature take center stage.'

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Why should the powder room have all the fun? In Wegner’s cheetah-tiled pantry for the 2026 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York, cabinetry was cherry red and glinting with brass, setting the stage for open shelves that captured more of the swank of a speakeasy than any kitchen hideaway we’ve seen.

Because while you might not necessarily want to indulge your most daring design instincts in the main kitchen, behind closed doors? You're free to party. And it’s not just at Kips. Pantry trends are pointing toward increasingly bold colors and playful designs, echoed by a cohort of brands apparently delighted by the lack of rules.

Dusen Dusen brings multicolored stripes to dry storage with a trio of ready-to-cluster canisters; the more minimalist Ferm Living lends new chicness to the snack corner with intentionally irregular ‘woven’ ceramics; and Blue Pheasant’s retro-revival resin Lazy Susan spins some serious whimsy into some now-unserious corners.

It's a fun house you can (and will) enter every day. Ahead, 20 playful pantry decor finds to make the mundane feel more like a moment.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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It became the butt of every joke. A shorthand for bad taste. ‘Bouclé is dead!’ those of us who didn’t splurge on bouclé furniture during lockdown smugly declared. But Google suggests otherwise. Searches for ‘bouclé furniture’ are up 700%. Apparently, we missed Covid-era cozy more than anyone cared to admit.

‘Bouclé didn’t become ugly overnight!’ quips Benjamin Brougham, Creative Director of Jonathan Adler Design Studio. ‘I’ve always loved it because it does something every room needs. It adds texture without shouting about it, and it makes even quite architectural furniture feel inviting. That isn’t a trend; it’s just a very useful design trick,’ he says, noting its one fatal, Covid-era flaw: boring beige. ‘Give me a fantastic color, an exaggerated texture, or a sculptural bouclé chair sitting next to glossy lacquer, marble, brass, or a weird vintage find. The contrast keeps it chic rather than overly cozy.’

A rainbow of rebels are leading the rebrand for 2027: Lulu and Georgia, whose blush couldn’t be sweeter on a bed frame; TOV Furniture, whose ‘Autumn Red’ and ‘Kale Green’ turn the once-tired upholstery into a living room jewel box; and Anthropologie, striping deep-seat, caster-bottom sofas and chairs in sunshine yellow and moss green.

‘I am a bit over beige and white bouclé,’ echoes Tabitha Organ, founder of London-based design firm Tabitha Isobel. ‘I much prefer warm caramel and earthy tones, or rich greens, especially those from Yarn Collective. They also make a really great bouclé stripe. That’s something I’d look at if I wanted to bring in a little pattern as well as texture. Reupholstering a vintage chair in a colored or striped bouclé can give it quite a different feel, while keeping the warmth that made you want to use bouclé in the first place.’

Like richly weathered saddle leather, oak floors, and brass lighting, sometimes things are popular because they’re good. ‘A great material doesn’t suddenly become bad because everyone bought a cream sofa in it at the same time,’ laughs Benjamin Brougham. ‘Bouclé survived the internet. I think it’ll be just fine.’

Perhaps we left on the wrong foot. Ahead, 16 bouclé furniture finds to welcome the cozy upholstery back. For forever this time.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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September is always an exciting month in the interior design world. Yes, it's a month of seasonal change when our homes become cozier, but it's also a time to get a clearer sense of what the year ahead will look like, especially in terms of color, as 'tis the season of Colors of the Year.

And so far, 2027 color trends couldn't be more inspiring. While not all of the shades have made their official debut (there's plenty still to come over the next few weeks), each shade announced so far feels part of a greater shift in how we are using color in our homes. There's not a neutral in sight – if we needed any more evidence that we are all tired of bland 'safe' colors, the Color of the Year announcements so far are it.

From Sherwin-Williams crisp 'Celery' green to Dutch Boy's 'Deep Rooted', a grounding terracotta, these paint colors speak to our emotions; they are uplifting, or cocooning, or energizing, certainly very far from boring.

Valspar: Cottage Door

Valspar's 2027 Color of the Year is Cottage Door 8004-38E, an on-trend powder blue paint that feels calming, soothing, and refreshingly cheerful.

Cottage Door is the perfectly usable blue paint, that falls right in the middle of the color spectrum, the perfect balance of light and dark, warm and cool. It's infused with gray undertones, too, so while it is still inherently a blue paint, it's still calm and usable.

'Cottage Door celebrates the unique beauty inside us all,' said Sue Kim, Director of Color Marketing at Valspar. 'This mid-tone neutral blue is reflective and warm, with timeless appeal that feels personal and grounding. Cottage Door captures blue’s natural sense of security and trust while serving as a colorful new neutral that layers effortlessly into the home. It creates spaces that feel balanced, comforting, and inviting.'

Graham & Brown: Rose Earth

Family-founded paint brand Graham & Brown's Color of the Year for 2027 is a grounding, restorative dusty pink titled 'Rose Earth.' With faded terracotta and plaster notes, it's a 'new neutral' paint color that feels as subtle as beige or taupe, yet far more interesting.

A calming color with a heritage feel, the chalky rose paint rethinks neutrals as we know them. It also gives us a clear idea of where color trends might be heading next year, as shades that provide calm and ease become just as important as eye-catching, buzzworthy hues that feel like an instant statement.

It's not the only earthy color in the round-up either; plenty of organic, nature-inspired hues that feel familiar and comforting have been crowned Colors of the Year.

Behr: Grounded

Behr's Color of the Year is the moodiest of the roundup so far. Saturated and rich, it's a deep, mossy green hue with a real luxurious edge.

Named 'Grounded' for its natural roots, the dark green paint is designed to bring a cocooning feel to any room. 'Grounded is a reminder that the most meaningful spaces are the ones that help us connect with the rhythms of everyday life,' explains Kayla Kratz, Head of Color at Behr Paint Company. Behr has curated a full 2027 Color Trends Palette, which features a collection of complementary hues inspired by nature, too.

It's also a reminder that color is more than just a way to decorate your home. It's an opportunity to create real emotion and feeling in your environment, and in the case of Grounded, that's a sense of calm, restoration, and instant comfort.

Dutch Boy: 'Deep Rooted'

Dutch Boy's color of choice is an on-trend terracotta hue titled 'Deep Rooted'.

'Our 2027 Color of the Year feels alive with possibility while being rooted in the familiar warmth of nature,' says Lisbeth Parada, Color Marketing Manager, Dutch Boy Paints. 'Deep Rooted offers a color that feels rich, grounding, and deeply human. Its earthy orange tone creates a versatile foundation for spaces that celebrate individuality through bold contrasts and layered textures.'

This orange-infused terracotta paint might be one of the bolder paints so far, but its warmth and depth make it perfect for rooms in need of a little comfort. Reminiscent of sun-baked pottery, it's an inviting, warm neutral filled with possibility.

Dulux: Soulful Sage

Another green in the mix, English paint brand Dulux announced that 'Soulful Sage', a pale green with a heritage charm, is the Dulux 2027 Color of the Year.

Sage has had a bit of a resurgence over the past few months, so it makes sense that the British paint brand chose to spotlight this shade du jour as one to watch in 2027. A brighter, fresher take on sage green paint as we know it, it's a liveble, timeless green with a distinctly calming feel.

'Glow', 'Light' and 'Lift' are the three new curated color stories by Dulux, each designed with a unique purpose for the home. 'Soulful Sage' sits at the center of these palettes, designed to beautifully pair with a range of warm neutrals, moody tones, or organic shades.

Sherwin-Williams: Celery

Green paints are a common theme in the 2027 colors of the year. While sage and dark olive feel familiar, Sherwin-Williams' crisp, apple-green called 'Celery' is a refreshingly unexpected choice.

'Celery shows that our connection to nature isn't going away, but the way we're interpreting nature-inspired color is evolving,' Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams explains. 'We're moving toward hues that still provide a sense of comfort and restoration but also bring more freshness, lightness, and personality into the home. Rather than creating spaces that feel overly styled or perfect, there's an emphasis on interiors that feel welcoming, layered, and reflective of everyday life.'

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2027 is an exciting, zingy green that feels striking as well as soothing. Infused with yellow, it's the perfect paint choice for those of us looking to bring a little freshness into our homes.

The line-up might be varied, but each color feels like part of a greater shift towards intentional decorating. Through color, we can make our homes feel personal, comforting, and authentic, whether that be a dark olive paint that cocoons or a mid- blue that soothes.

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The windows in my apartment are, without a doubt, its best feature. Large, wide, and street-facing, they let light pour in – making the main living area of my studio feel less like a tiny, all-purpose room and more like an open, spacious, and inviting oasis.

Though I didn’t want to cover up their beauty and the light they let in, I knew I needed some type of window treatment idea from the moment I moved – after all, my apartment is in New York City, and I’m not keen on having neighbors in the building across the street watch my every move. The trend for no drapes is a luxury I can't afford. So, I took to the internet to investigate. After much research and endless deliberation between Roman blinds, blackout curtains, or linen drapes, I landed on what I consider to be the perfect window coverings: the Cotton Sheer Curtains from Quince.

At the time, I’d never ordered anything from Quince. However, after seeing the price, the positive reviews, and the stylish design of the Cotton Sheer Curtain Set, I decided to give the brand a try. And I’m so glad I did.

If the windows in my apartment are my favorite feature within the space, then these curtains take second place. They've exceeded my expectations for curtain ideas for my apartment. From the moment I pulled them out of the box, I knew they were exactly what I was looking for.

These curtains offer just the right amount of sheer – providing privacy without obstructing the light. I love how they filter the light rather than block it, too – softening the morning and afternoon sun. Even when they're drawn in the evening, they create a chic sense of privacy, but since they're so light and breathable, they don't add too much visual weight to the room – I never feel like they shrink the space.

Light filtration and privacy aside, there's so much more to love about these curtains. For starters, their fabrication is top-notch. Because of the gentle weave of the cotton, these curtains add the slightest bit of texture to my room, making the space look more interesting and dynamic.

Their lightweight materiality and sheerness make the rooms feel larger and airier too. Unlike blackout curtains or heavy wooden blinds, these cotton curtains bring a light visual weight and a relaxed, airy quality to my space. They make my studio feel more open – even when drawn.

However, my favorite thing about these curtains is their undeniable luxuriousness. From their ethereal softness and dainty sheerness to their long length and subtle texture, these curtains look so expensive – despite the fact that a set of two, even at the largest size, costs less than $100.

Quince's Cotton Sheer Curtain Set has proven to be one of the best purchases I've made for my studio apartment. They block unwanted attention but let light in gracefully, adding softness, subtle texture, and luxurious style to my space. If I had more windows in my apartment, I know I'd buy them again and again.

Shop Similar Curtain Styles

Looking for similar sheer curtains to style your space? Shop more options below.

Shop More Decor From Quince

Aside from the Cotton Sheer Curtain Set, Quince has plenty more chic but affordable decor pieces, from furniture and pillows to tabletop trinkets. Shop a few of my favorite finds below.

Quince's Cotton Sheer Curtains have worked tirelessly to make my apartment look and feel complete. They provide privacy without blocking the beautiful natural light, and they create the illusion of a luxurious, spacious room (despite the fact that I live in a tiny studio). I can confidently say that these curtains have my style editor stamp of approval.

Despite my appreciation, sheer curtains might not be for everyone – especially those who don't like to be woken up by the sun at 6 o'clock in the morning. That's where the double dressing trend comes into play. Sheer curtains stay put, but an additional layer gets added behind – creating privacy, controlled light, and a dynamic-looking window scheme.

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Nothing says fall like a corner to curl up in. 'Tis the season for getting lost in your favorite novel with a mug of something warm and delicious while the leaves fall outside and the autumn sun filters in. It's an idyllic setup, but one that's not tricky to create.

While the beauty of the reading nook is that it's not reserved for one season, it's natural to feel drawn to these comforting spaces as the weather shifts. They needn't take on a strict format either; in fact, a simple set-up of an armchair, reading light, and a few bookshelves filled with your favorite novels is all you need to form your very own book nook in any corner of your home.

From a little library tucked away on a landing to entire rooms dedicated to books, these enchanting reading rooms embrace the quiet comfort of 'cozy season'.

'This space is on a half landing of a staircase,' says interior designer Emma Ainscough. 'A spacious one for a London townhouse, but it still wasn’t big enough to make into its own, so we made the window into a feature and built the joinery around it, creating a focal point and a practical space out of not much depth. Previously, there wasn’t room for an armchair, but with the built-in nook there is now space for reading and reflecting. The kids love it too.'

Perfecting your book storage idea will allow you to show off even the largest collections. 'Sounds obvious, but really do jam-pack it with books!' says Emma. 'And books that look interesting, that you want to pick up – interesting, old covers make a space feel more layered than just your typical holiday novel paperback. You can pick up bundles of beautiful antique books at antiques markets to fill any gaps, and they really look the part!'

'I am often asked to try to shoehorn a reading space into a home, often near staircases where you can find little nooks and corners which are otherwise rendered a bit useless. Libraries are definitely having a comeback too – many clients crave an adult space away from TVs, toys, screens, etc.'

'The key to a great book nook comes down to having a dedicated space to feel completely enveloped in,' advises Phoebe Hollond, of Studio Hollond. 'You need to create your own little world, and the space needs to act as a form of escapism from the outside world.'

Phoebe scattered thoughtful, personal touches when designing this home library. 'Small personal details such as painting the client's individual star signs on the back of each chair create such a lovely nod to personalization,' she explains. 'Cozy lighting, through silk shades, creates a warm glow. Deep colors that bring joy and warmth work well, as does access to plenty of bookshelves, and if you have the space, being surrounded by bookshelves is the dream.'

'There is something about being completely enclosed that fills you with nostalgia for a bygone era. In this old house in Sussex, this space was created and made to be a dedicated analog space for the family to sit and read and play board games. We designed the bookshelves and had them made bespoke, so it seemed only fitting to have a ladder on wheels so you could reach any book you wanted!'

'For me, a good reading corner should feel comfortable, inviting, and slightly removed from the rest of the room, giving it a sense of semi-privacy,' states interior designer Sarah Brown. 'A really comfortable armchair is essential, and books should be close at hand, so built-in shelving, a small bookcase or a little side table is important. A nook should ideally be near a source of natural light, and a good floor or desk lamp is a practical part of creating the right atmosphere.'

Featuring shelves styled with books and books alone, this nook is a lesson in simplicity. 'This is a space designed around reading,' Sarah says, 'offering a quiet area next to the liveliness of the kitchen. The client has lots of books, so the bookshelves offer ample storage and form a strong part of the room’s design, creating a backdrop for the armchair. We wanted it to feel comfortable and lived-in, rather than formal. The deep green joinery gives the space a sense of character, while the patterned armchair adds softness and a cozier feeling. It is a simple corner, but one that encourages you to slow down.'

'The desire for spaces that encourage us to slow down and spend time away from screens is only going to increase with the demands of modern life,' continues Sarah. 'Reading is such a simple and personal pleasure, and creating a dedicated space for it adds more value. When designing rooms, I specifically think about these quieter, more analog moments, whether that’s reading, listening to music or simply sitting and having a cup of tea.'

The Book Nook Edit

The beauty of the book nook is its versatility. Whether it's a corner carved into a landing or an entire room dedicated to reading, they allow you to breathe, wind down, and truly switch off. 'Such spaces give us a chance to pause and enjoy our own home,' says Sarah, 'which I think is becoming increasingly important in such a digitally focused and fast-paced world.'

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It may only be September, but the Christmas collections are dropping fast, albeit quietly, and the first to catch our eye is Joanna Gaines' new Christmas collection at Magnolia.

This 180-piece drop is brimming with heritage-inspired holiday decor ideas that speak to Joanna's signature style and radiate characterful Christmas energy. Plus, the collection gives us a sneak peek at the design trends set to define the holiday season – from key colors and textures to motifs and aesthetics. If this collection is any indication of the look of this year's holiday season, then we should expect rich, charmingly layered, and lively spaces that feel as design-driven as they do personal, complete with timeless, heirloom-quality decor.

Let these trends from Joanna Gaines' holiday range be a guide to help you stay ahead of the game when it comes time to swap your fall decor for festive picks. Find the standout trends of the season below.

1. Soft Velvet

No material feels as aligned with the holiday season as velvet. Its plush, heavy texture instantly adds warmth to any space – making it the perfect material for holiday decorating. Magnolia's Christmas collection has tons of pieces finished in velvet, including the Amber Embroidered Tree Skirt and the Noella Lumbar Pillow. Other pieces feature subtle velvet accents as a tasteful complement to their forms – like the Tulip Icicle Ornaments with their velvet ribbons or the Evergrove Stocking with its velvet edge.

2. Brass Accents

If Magnolia's Christmas line is any indication of what will be trending this winter, then we should expect brass details to be the highlight of the season. Joanna's drop is brimming with brass – from brass trinkets like this adorable deer figurine to brass Christmas tree decor like this clip-on tree topper.

This metallic finish speaks to Joanna's signature vintage-inspired aesthetic with its inherent warmth and time-worn look. Any brass detail you bring into your home this holiday season will give your space an inviting, characterful, and charming feel. Plus, its reflective finish will tastefully glow alongside the rest of your seasonal decor.

3. Rich Burgundy

Red and green will always be the most iconic and desirable Christmas colors, and while Joanna's collection is brimming with holiday finds in those spirited shades, there's another color trend that comes through too: burgundy.

Burgundy is one of the top color trends for fall, so it only makes sense that Joanna has reimagined it for the holiday season. In her collection, we're seeing burgundy-toned everything, from stockings and tree skirts to bows and even an advent calendar.

This deep, rich, and grounding color is like a cousin to the Christmas red we know and love. It can bring a sense of freshness to your holiday scheme while complementing the traditional Christmas colors you already have in your holiday decor collection.

4. Carved Wood Details

No matter the time of year, carved wood details have a way of making a home look timeless, heritage-inspired, and one-of-a-kind. It's no surprise then that Joanna Gaines – the queen of all things timeless – included carved wood details in her holiday collection.

From neatly carved ornaments and nutcracker trinkets to wooden stocking holders and serving trays, the carved wooden pieces in Magnolia's holiday collection bring character to the range in its entirety. In your home, these details can add texture, warmth, and time-worn charm to your holiday display.

Magnolia's Christmas Collection is just the start. Over the next few weeks, many of our favorite brands will be launching their holiday collections so we can begin to shop all of the hottest Christmas trends.

But if you're not in the Christmas mindset just yet, we asked designers to share their best Halloween decor ideas, and their answers are bound to make your home come to life this spooky season.

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Right now, two kinds of interior decorators exist on the timeline: the chrome camp, partial to that industrial, Jetsons-esque sheen, and the cottage camp, who, with their ruffles and skirts, have turned the ‘grandma’ diss into a badge of honor. Both are shorthand for a room with good taste, albeit for entirely opposite reasons. Now, Anthropologie has married the two in what might be the most effortlessly cool lighting for fall.

Anthropologie’s Lacie Sconce combines the softness of eyelet lace with the contemporary metallic sheen of chrome for those of us who would rather not choose. If the grandma thing has been getting a little stale, and the chrome thing a little too cold, she occupies a sweet spot between the two. It’s a sconce that can (gently) wake up tired artwork, lend newfound design authority to a thrifted furniture find, flash some light along a lengthy hallway, and otherwise appease people like myself who tend to straddle both design worlds.

It feels particularly apt in an interior like my own, a prewar NYC apartment where the wood floors and decorative molding are over one hundred years old, but I still want the space to reflect what tastemaking Manhattan looks like in 2026. Old bones, new energy.

Beyond that, it’s a rather clever small-space lighting solution for my studio, or any other small living room or bedroom. Because when your coffee-table real estate is already committed to stacks of books, candelabras, artfully chosen coasters, and a vase of fresh blooms, your workaround for the big light has to go somewhere. The wall, after all, is sitting right there.

Soft and structured, a warm glow with a cool finish, Anthropologie making chrome ‘old’ might, paradoxically, be the best thing that’s happened to either interior trend.

Shop Anthropologie’s Lacie Collection

Anthropologie’s new Lacie collection is for vintage lovers who remain obsessed with what’s next. Below are a few more ways to introduce the unlikely pairing to your sleepiest surfaces for fall.

Should you want to carry chrome to the coffee table, Target’s new fluted portable lamp gives the finish some old-timey library swank for just $25.

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A living room isn't complete without a considered lighting scheme. Going beyond the basics of overhead lighting is what's going to give you that warm, inviting feeling that's all the more important as we go into fall and winter. The key to living room lighting is layering; it should provide a soft, enduring glow to each and every corner of the space.

On the flip side, living rooms that rely on one light source, neglect color temperature, or lack technical solutions feel stark, fall flat, and almost always lack the appeal that cozy living spaces naturally exude. These are the five biggest living room lighting mistakes you should avoid, no matter your interior design style or square footage.

1. Relying on Recessed Lighting

The big light debate is always an ongoing one, but regardless of your stance, you can never rely on just one overhead lighting source in a living room. Whether it's in the form of recessed spotlights or a single pendant light, it almost always feels stark and severe in rooms designed for relaxing.

'The fastest way to kill a living room vibe is by relying on overhead lighting,' says interior designer Jennifer Jones of Niche Interiors. 'Whether it's recessed cans or one singular fixture. Recessed lights cast unflattering shadows and often have a cooler color tone.'

Instead, scatter multiple types of light, whether that be lamps, pendants, or sconces. The first 'layer' should be ambient lighting, which illuminates the entire room. Next comes task lighting, which can be used to create cozy spots for reading or playing games. The final layer (the fun part) is accent lighting, which crowns the scheme. For example, a wall sconce above a nook or a portable table lamp gracing a side table.

2. Choosing the Wrong Color Temperature

Don't forget lighting temperature basics. 'I see this a lot, and it's a very simple tweak to make the space look warmer and more inviting vs. harsh, bright daylight temperature,' says Izabela Marino, Director of Interior Design and Associate Principal, GKV Architects. 'I tend to keep the bulbs in living rooms at 2700K and keep the color temperature cohesive throughout the space.'

'Pay attention to the tones of the room,' adds Betsy Traube, founder of Modern Remains Studio. 'If the color schemes of the room are warmer, pair that with a warmer light temperature, and vice versa. If there is natural light coming into the room, then a great way to layer in appropriate color temperature lighting is to use 3000 Kelvin (close to natural light) color temperature for the overall lighting.'

'Again, if the color scheme is warmer, you can always use warmer bulbs for lamp lighting and create a cozier feel in the evening hours. The mistake you want to avoid here is losing the effect of fabrics and textures chosen specifically for the space by not lighting it at its best.'

3. Not Using Dimmer Switches

'Not using dimmers on light fixtures prevents you from turning the space from a bright light to ambient, intimate dinner lighting. It is one simple upgrade all rooms can benefit from,' says Izabela.

'Layers of light, on dimmers and separate circuits, will allow you to switch between bright light needed for cleaning to softer levels for a relaxing mood,' says Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting on creating the right mood.

'Start by swapping out the light bulbs with warmer versions in the 2,700-3,000 K range and always use a dimmer to tone down the brightness,' advises Jennifer. 'Layer in ambient lighting closer to eye level – shaded table lamps and floor lamps placed evenly throughout a room will provide a soft, even glow and encourage relaxation.'

4. Neglecting Scale

Scale in interior design is always important. In the case of lighting, it can make all the difference between a scheme that feels well-balanced and one that feels mismatched and awkward.

Wall lights should accent your living room rather than dominate, while pendants should catch the eye but not overwhelm the space. 'A common living room lighting mistake is to use incorrectly scaled decorative fixtures,' says Betsy. 'This can be a huge distraction to the overall space. I have been in homes where the decorative fixtures are so large that they end up becoming similar to a flush mount in order to fit the space. Similarly, fixtures that are too small can disappear and lose the desired effect.'

'Take stock of the decorative fixtures and see if they are doing their jobs. Are the lamps incorrectly placed to be effective? Is the chandelier scaled correctly?' adds Betsy.

5. Sticking To One Level of Lighting Throughout the Day

'All too often living room lighting tends to be a single pendant light, this kind of lighting blankets a space with one kind of illumination which can often be too harsh,' advises Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio. 'Having a mix of lighting at different levels and ideally on dimmers will allow flexibility so that the amount of light or the direction of the illumination can be adjusted depending upon the time of day.'

Consider how the light changes throughout the day when considering where to position lamps. You want to create impact without overdoing it. If you've ever asked yourself 'how do I make my living room cozy with lighting?' the answer lies in various levels of lighting.

'Think about flexible light sources for different situations: a floor light with a swivel arm is ideal as an evening reading lamp behind a sofa or chair, says Hollie Moreland, creative director of David Hunt Lighting. 'Remember that shade colors can affect the mood of a room, so for added ambiance, choose darker moody tones which will feel cozier.'

The Living Room Lighting Edit

Avoiding common living room lighting mistakes will ensure your space feels layered, lived-in, and forever comforting, no matter the time of day, season, or occasion. Always introduce multiple types of lighting and consider the size and style of your space before committing to new pieces.

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Only a couple of seasons ago, New York Fashion Week was being read its last rites. But for the just-wrapped Spring/Summer 2027 season, it was alive, alright, and perhaps more joyful than ever. From not-so-far-back-aughts comebacks like Proenza Schouler’s rebooted PS1 bag to Tory Burch’s kooky color combinations, which somehow landed just right, there was plenty of play to take home.

Debuts like Henry Zankov at Diane von Furstenberg injected fresh energy, while Coach, forever young in our eyes, turned 85. Tailoring got less serious. Florals for spring proved a little more groundbreaking in unusually opulent weaves. Jeans were more likely to be spray-painted than left alone. Clearly, NYFW isn't over; minimalism is. And if fashion week is any indication, our rooms are next.

This was a showing for maximalists, with five trends in particular that I think have legs well beyond the catwalk. The clothes will have to be preordered, but these interior ideas bring the look home today.

1. Asymmetry

Looking too ‘done up’ might be more embarrassing than an errant bra strap. That was intentionally the look at Joseph Altuzarra and Christian Cowan, where exposed, occasionally unhooked undergarments looked as effortlessly elegant as the 15-minute tablescape of dreams, all mismatched taper candles and wild, uneven florals, tall and short.

And it didn't stop at styling. Coach and Prabal Gurung took a raw, organic approach with muslin looks and unfinished hems, a pretty direct throughline to the irregularly shaped tabletops, curved sofas, and imperfect pots that, in an AI-perfect design landscape, are still proving the perfect antidote. Rachel Scott at Proenza Schouler and Diane von Furstenberg newcomer Henry Zankov went more eccentric, pairing asymmetry with wonderfully odd color plays that added further interest to already-interesting necklines. They felt quirkily kindred to Peter Dunham’s imperfectly clustered corner in his chartreuse bedroom at the latest Kips Bay Decorator Show House.

‘Asymmetry is really just as much about composition, as it is shape,’ says Texas-based interior designer Ginger Curtis. ‘I use it to keep a room from feeling overly resolved or predictable, whether it’s with a piece of art intentionally off-center, an unexpected imbalance in a gallery wall, mismatched objects with different visual weights, or lighting that doesn’t obediently mirror itself on either side of a room.’

‘I think this is really about breaking our instinct to make everything match or balance perfectly,’ adds former NYC magazine editor turned interior designer Jourdan Fairchild of Winston-Salem, NC-based Jourdan Fairchild Design. ‘Put a lamp on one side and a sculptural object or stack of books on the other. Create a wall of plates that climbs unexpectedly rather than forming a perfect rectangle. Balance is important, but asymmetry shows playfulness and spunk!’

2. Sashes – The New Bow?

Over the past year, the coquette bow has coated our mouths like candy. After eating it up in every outfit – and table lamp, and candle sconce, and cabinet hardware – we officially have a tummy ache. Now the ‘anywhere’ accent feels more palatable, stretched longer, looser, with newfound freedom in the tails.

Throughout the week, scarves cinched waists, sashes slung low around the hips at Ralph Lauren and Kallmeyer, and cummerbunds did the work of both bows and belts at Conner Ives and TWP. Could the sash really be the next bow? According to Lady Gaga fashion stylist-turned-interior designer Nicole Fisher, the answer is yes.

‘The sash is the more elevated bow. We added this detail in our Kips Bay Decorator Show House rooftop this year, creating soft drapery sashes at each support post of our tented bar. The sash adds an element of elegance and formality to a space. And easily done with drapery. To do this at home, add a tie-back and swoop the fabric behind it. The bigger the swoop, the bigger the drama.'

The Oblist makes an oversized ceramic lamp with laissez-faire untied ribbons, if you'd rather buy than tie. Or take it as inspo for the most elegant, idiot-proof home DIY heading into 2027.

‘It’s an easy DIY,’ insists Nina Takesh, who, before entering the interior world, worked for renowned French fashion house Guy Laroche. 'A length of grosgrain or silk ribbon tied around a stack of linens, or wrapped and knotted around a lamp base or a vase.' Not only does it cost less than a coffee, 'it feels less precious and more lived in, which is really the throughline of everything moving away from coquette right now.’

3. Stripes on Stripes

Stripes. Yawn. Suiting. Yawn. But the pattern finally found life beyond tired tailoring on the Spring/Summer 2027 runways: horizontal against vertical at Rachel Comey, classic black-and-white cabana stripes at Michael Kors, multicolor at DVF, and asymmetrical or neutral-on-black versions at Proenza Schouler. Which gives us a little more range to work with at home.

Because the decorating lesson here isn’t really about the stripe itself, but how we mix it. 'I think that’s what makes stripes exciting again. The stripe itself isn’t new, but our willingness to break its rules is,' says Ginger Curtis.

‘Instead of repeating the same stripe throughout a room, I love changing its scale or orientation. You could throw a broad cabana stripe beside a very fine ticking stripe which creates a classic scale contrast, seen a lot in menswear,' Ginger continues. 'The same goes for horizontal stripes next to vertical.'

‘I consider stripes a neutral,’ adds Nicole Fisher. ‘They literally go with everything, and I love what different widths, colors, and applications can do. From upholstery to drapes to wallpaper to tile layouts, stripes can add a subtle or serious pop to any room. Mixing them on different applications is the chicest way to have variation on scale and interest that doesn’t feel matchy.’

4. Jade Green

Matthieu Blazy’s Spring/Summer 2026 debut for Chanel soaked NYC streets in teal, turquoise, and ‘Tiffany’ blue this summer and, as predicted, into the home too, even infiltrating the heritage set with Le Creuset’s ‘Riviera.’ For 2027, cousins of the coastal colorway calmed and got a little earthier.

A natural next step, this family of ‘jade’ greens appeared across Carolina Herrera, Rachel Comey, DVF, and Tory Burch, while embellishment at Prabal Gurung treated the grounded green with appropriate rarity.

‘I think it’s a relief,’ says LA-based interior designer Nina Takesh. ‘The aqua and Tiffany blue moment felt very of the summer, almost seasonal and a little fleeting. Jade has more gravity to it, more mineral quality, so it reads as a color decision rather than a color trend.’

‘I’d pair it with warm brass or aged bronze rather than chrome, with chocolate brown or walnut wood tones, and with cream or bone as a break so it doesn’t tip into something too saturated. It’s also a wonderful color against Persian and antique rugs; it has the same earthy depth.’

‘Rather than introducing jade through lots of small accessories, I’d probably commit to it as a solid piece: a lacquered cabinet, an upholstered chair, a tiled bathroom or a beautiful pair of curtains,’ echoes interior designer Jourdan Fairchild. ‘Color often feels more sophisticated when you give it some real weight in a room.’

5. Floral Jacquard

From clunky knits to tapestries to provincial picnic-blanket patterns, we’ve pretty much run the gamut of ‘grandmother’ fabrics, save for, apparently, jacquard. The rich-looking weaving technique, which had its heyday in the early 1800s, makes the pattern part of the fabric’s structure.

But at Tory Burch, it was a far cry from anything you might find on the resale market, in electrically odd pairings of fiery red with cobalt blue and grey with sunshine yellow. Calvin Klein’s felt appropriately clean in a monochrome black, square-neck midi dress, making the ornate fabric look minimal. Altuzarra went avant-garde aristocrat in gleaming gold that could have rivaled a Fabergé egg.

It’s really all in the silhouette. ‘Our firm uses jacquard in almost every project,’ says former fashion stylist Nicole Fisher. ‘I love pairing this more traditional fabric with a contemporary upholstery piece. We recently put a Nobilis jacquard on a pair of curved ottomans with a fringe trim. With the more contemporary shape, the fabric takes on a whole new look.’

‘Jacquard becomes much less intimidating when you stop treating it as a “formal” fabric,’ says Jourdan Fairchild of Winston-Salem, NC-based Jourdan Fairchild Design. ‘I’d use it somewhere slightly unexpected – on a chair with cool Art Deco lines, a playful headboard, or as pillows and even lampshades. And then I’d surround it with less structured textiles: linen, cotton, etc. That’s generally how I like to use anything that could skew traditional. Don’t reinforce its traditional associations.’

Bring the Runway Home

It’s been a busy week in New York. I also attended the debut of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, where another five trends hinted at where our homes are headed in 2027.

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If your bedroom feels like it's missing a little magic, a statement headboard can be the fastest fix. It acts as the natural anchor for the whole room, pulling together your linens, wall color, and lighting in one swoop. You don't need to replace your entire bed frame or embark on a massive overhaul to make a difference; swapping out the headboard gives you that plush, boutique-hotel feeling with minimal fuss.

As the weather cools down, there is also something deeply comforting about a soft, cushioned backdrop. It turns your bed into the ultimate retreat for slow mornings, Sunday coffee, and getting lost in a good book.

Headboards are currently experiencing a design renaissance, trading simple silhouettes for dramatic texture, deep colorways, and sculptural presence. Our favorite home brands feature stylish, statement designs in their new fall drops, offering plenty of inspiration for a seasonal refresh. Lulu and Georgia is all about the soft, sweeping curves with the Clementine Headboard, creating an effortless balance of polish and ease, while Anthropologie celebrates the revival of traditional tapestry with the folding Gia Francois Tapestry Headboard and its old-world charm. Meanwhile, West Elm scales up with the oversized Bodi Paneled Headboard, turning the entire wall into an architectural feature.

Whether you love crisp ticking stripes, romantic ruffled edges, or rich woven rattan, this year's headboard trends bring instant personality and serious cozy-factor to your sanctuary. We've rounded up our favorites of the season below.

Your bedroom should feel like a true sanctuary, and a statement headboard is one of the easiest ways to get there. It adds that elusive layer of lived-in luxury, transforming a sleeping area into a cozy haven made for lingering. Pick a design that brings you genuine joy, layer up your favorite bedding, and let your bed take its rightful place as the hero of the space.

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Sean Anderson doesn't just decorate houses – he creates places that feel as though they've quietly existed for generations. Rich in patina, layered with texture and wrapped in a palette of earthy, enveloping tones, his interiors have become synonymous with warmth and atmosphere at a time when many homes still lean towards crisp minimalism.

Yet in this latest in our Layered Lives series of interviews, Sean Anderson reveals how his instinct for creating spaces that comfort rather than simply impress didn't come from design school or a glamorous upbringing. It began in a modest family home in rural Mississippi, where sharing a bedroom with his sisters and growing up surrounded by love shaped his lifelong understanding of what home should feel like.

With the publication of his new book, Interior Narratives, published by Rizzoli this month, Sean talks about finding his way into design by accident, why darkness can be generous, the importance of collecting slowly rather than styling quickly, and why every successful interior should tell a story long before anyone walks through the door.

Homes & Gardens: Is there anything in your childhood that hinted at the career path you’d take?

Sean Anderson: I think so – I had really humble beginnings in rural Mississippi. We were literally in the middle of nowhere, on a large parcel of land that was 50-plus acres. We couldn’t see and didn’t know our neighbors and were in a small home, so we became a tight-knit family. I shared a bedroom with my two sisters until I was 16, so we were forced to be close! But that upbringing gave me a sense of a home, and so much of what I do now – while it is about aesthetics – is really a hope that a home possesses that same feeling.

Homes & Gardens: What was that feeling?

Sean Anderson: I just remember warmth. It always felt warm. We were surrounded by love. It was a safe place – I felt safe and secure and embraced in warmth. And that's the feeling that a home, to me, possesses.

Homes & Gardens: Was there much time for creativity in your family home? A sense that you might become a designer?

Sean Anderson: I didn’t grow up with designers, but when I was a bit older I developed a fascination with interiors magazines, and would rip pages out thinking, 'one day, when I'm a real grown-up, I'll have a house, and it will look like this.' But as a kid, my mom would strive to make it nice, and there were heirloom pieces from grandparents, but there wasn't a real sense of decor, you know? I loved to paint, and my mom was attuned to our gifts and forced me to paint more and critique what I'd done and think about what could be better. To this day, she remains my best critic. She was definitely creative, but she was a stay-at-home mom who only had time to dabble in art – she was a caregiver, and instead, she created the surroundings that developed who I am today.

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

Sean Anderson: My path is random. I was living in a religious bubble in a tiny place – my high school graduating class had six kids in it. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I tried a bit of everything. I painted houses, I was a bartender, I worked at Walmart, I was a janitor. And then I met my ex-partner, and he had a large, lovely home, and of course I wanted to change things, and he was gracious about letting me. I started off doing his office, and then his whole home, and his friends would come over and start asking me to help them, too.

Homes & Gardens: What was inspiring you decoratively – how did you know what to do?

Sean Anderson: I still had all those torn-out pages from those interiors magazines as references. It was the early to mid-2000s when everything was white, and that just wasn't me. Not that I never use white, but I tend towards richer colors. So I did his office black, and that helped me hone in on a moody aesthetic and create that feeling of warmth and being in a cocoon that I'd had as a child. That sense of being enveloped.

Homes & Gardens: At what point did it start to seem decorating could be an actual job?

Sean Anderson: It took me a minute. I helped a few friends, and then I had a friend who was a massage therapist, and he gave me $1,000 to do his studio. I was painting the office myself in order to try and meet the budget! And then when it was done, one of his clients came in and said, 'Who did this? I want him! Can I call him?!' I had had no training, but it was right when Instagram was starting to come about, and I had this sense that if I could show people what I could do, then it might just all come together. So every dime I made went back into photographing the work. Eventually, I made enough to hire a legit photographer who flew in from Nashville to shoot a project – that got picked up by a top-level interiors magazine in 2014, and it just took off – now we're a team of 17 or so.

Homes & Gardens: In your brand-new book, Interior Narratives, you’re described in the foreword by the architect Jeffrey Dungan as a modern composer who builds atmosphere. What do you think this means?

Sean Anderson: Jeffrey Dungan was on my bucket list of people I wanted to work with, and when he asked me to his own home, it felt amazing. Then when he sent me that foreword, I cried! He was very kind. I think what he means is that it's not just the physical choices I make, but the culmination of feelings I try to create. People give me the resounding feedback that these spaces don’t just look good, they also elicit emotion, and that is what I am going after.

Homes & Gardens: Jeffrey also says that you understand that darkness can be generous. What layers does darkness add to a home?

Sean Anderson: Growing up in an era when everything was all white, to me it just felt sterile. There was nothing that spoke to me, but it calms me to use darker colors, which represent stories to me. We work on a lot of new builds, and I don't want people to walk into a finished project on Day One and feel like it's brand new, like it's all precious and pristine and they can't touch anything. I want them to feel welcomed right from the start.

Homes & Gardens: And this must be why you love patina so much, that feeling it gives of making a home feel careworn?

Sean Anderson: Exactly. My love of patina harks back to where I grew up. We spent hours outdoors, I was in nature all the time, seeing wood. We had an old barn, and my dad was a bit of a hoarder, and we would see metal scraps and old tools and distressed wood, and those things still resonate. I wanted everything in a home to feel like it has always been there. That's when it all feels cocooning.

Homes & Gardens: Being as involved in the curation as the furniture, how do you know when a project is done?

Sean Anderson: We curate the art and the objects for every project, and that actually starts at the very beginning. I will spend the duration of a two- or three-year build amassing all these things that represent the client to me, and that means that we're not going out a week before completion buying glass jars randomly off a shelf. I also have a warehouse full of crap, so when it comes time to do an install, we have all those designated things I've been collecting specifically, and then we pull all the additional stuff. And then there is just a moment when you know organically that it's all done. You put one extra tchotchke on a table and think, 'Well, that is just one thing too far.'

Homes & Gardens: Texture feels like as much of a material for you as the fabrics – how do you approach it?

Sean Anderson: I just feel like it’s an integral part of what we do. If you have a whole room of linen, then it becomes flat, and you need a different material that will allow that main material to shine. It can be subtle, it doesn't have to scream, it just has to create a point of difference.

Homes & Gardens: How does light play into how you layer rooms?

Sean Anderson: Picking the lighting is one of my favorite things to do. I actually find the fixtures first, before anything else, and build the bigger pieces around them. I like to mix old and new, to use a lot of secondary lighting instead of always big overhead lights. I take inspiration from dimly lit restaurants – that's the sort of mood and ambience I am always trying to create.

Homes & Gardens: You work to a restrained palette, but are you surprising yourself by being drawn to any specific colors at the moment?

Sean Anderson: I was never the color guy until working on a project where the client liked red, and I started exploring earthier versions of that, like terracotta. Now, I feel like I'm all in to color. I am embracing it, doing a project in Atlanta that has a purple stone countertop. And it looks great!

Homes & Gardens: Lastly, what does the word 'home' mean to you now?

Sean Anderson: I have been building my business for so long that all home has been for years is a place to drop my bags before heading back to the airport. But I am finally at a place where I am starting to feel settled, and now at a point when home is becoming what it was when I was a kid. It represents belonging, safety, warmth and a place to recharge so you can tackle the next day.

For Sean Anderson, beautiful interiors have never been about perfection or chasing trends. They're about creating rooms that welcome you in, tell stories through every layer, and quietly improve the way you feel. Whether he's introducing the richness of darker colors, balancing texture with restraint, or patiently gathering objects over years rather than days, every decision is rooted in emotion rather than aesthetics alone.

It's an approach that feels refreshingly timeless, and one that reminds us the most memorable homes aren't necessarily the grandest – they're the ones that make us feel safe, settled, and completely ourselves.

Interior Narratives by Sean Anderson, published by Rizzoli, is out now

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The majority of people would consider the meal to be the most important part of a dinner party. But for me – a design-obsessed style editor – it's, of course, the decor. I'm all about color schemes, layering, and little details that make a tablescape come to life – my favorite detail being lighting. I come from the school of thought that believes no tablescape is complete without little light ideas – they bring the ambience. My fall tablescapes are usually adorned with rows of taper candles that illuminate the scene, set the mood, and radiate a warm, tasteful glow.

However, this hosting season I am switching the candles for something cleaner, safer, but just as cozy. After one too many mishaps with flames and family-style dinner parties, I'm styling my tablescapes with IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light.

Despite its small size, this portable light can make a huge difference on tablescapes. For starters, it's far safer than a traditional taper candle – with its battery-operated LED light source, there's no need to worry about accidentally starting a fire when passing a plate across the table.

Not only that, but it has such a charming look. Inspired by vintage oil lamps, this light can bring some traditional, old-world elegance to fall tablescapes. And since the price is so low ($12.99 is a steal), I'd get a few of these and stagger them along a table – creating a layered, vintage-inspired, and ambiently lit scene, just as you would with candles.

Although I plan to have this light become the star of my fall dinner party set-ups, there are so many more creative ways to style it within the home. I picture it on a credenza, adding a soft glow to a vignette, or even on a bedside table as a tiny but tasteful nightlight.

It's no surprise that IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG Table Light comes with glowing reviews (pun intended). 'This little light is absolutely perfect for adding a little twinkle to your space,' one reviewer remarks. 'I love it so much I went back and bought 5 more! I use them inside and out, wherever I want a little light and magic. Brilliant design!'

How I'd Style IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG Light On A Fall Tablescape

IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light is sure to make tablescapes glow with old-world elegance. Here's how I'd style it for fall.

Shop More Portable Lighting From IKEA

Aside from the KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light, IKEA has lots of other portable lighting styles that can enhance tablescapes as well as other areas of the home. Find a few of my favorite styles below.

As you schedule dinner parties this fall, make sure to plan your decor with as much consideration as your menu. With IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light, both the meal you serve and the tablescape underneath it all will glow with timeless charm.

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There are few better places to take the temperature of the interiors world than Focus at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Every September, its showrooms, which span the design world from fabrics to hardware, unveil their autumn collections in this particular week, so that a wander through Focus is the best way to get a snapshot of emerging trends and where decorating is heading over the next year.

There is an almost overwhelming variety of new launches on show, but somehow it always happens that certain ideas recur from one showroom to the next. Here are five ideas from Focus/26 that caught our eye, and we’re excited to see more of them over the coming months.

1. Flamestitch is Back

One of decoration’s most distinctive patterns is having a serious moment. Flamestitch – the zig-zagging, often multicoloured motif that dates back to the seventeenth century – has been given a fresh new look in a few different collections. Colefax & Fowler’s Kemerton offered a refined, highly textured version of this classic pattern, while at Casamance, a new flamestitch that’s launching next spring gave the idea a particularly contemporary treatment. There was even a flamestitch backdrop to the lovely Neil Sherring stand with its array of playful lampshades. It’s a surprisingly versatile design, which can feel traditional, folkloric, or modern depending on the palette and scale.

2. Metallics are Getting Softer

Forget anything too shiny or glitzy: this season’s metallics had a distinctly softened, almost time-worn quality. At Dedar, the crocheted texture of their ‘Croquis’ fabric gives the impression of the most delicate elvish chainmail, while Zimmer + Rohde’s ‘Ardecora’ collection features glimmering moires and damasks that suggest a Venetian palazzo by night. The effect feels particularly right for winter: golds, silvers and bronzes that catch the light only as you move past them, bringing depth to a room without overwhelming it. It’s less disco ball, more candlelight – metallic thread and subtly reflective surfaces used as another layer of texture.

3. Lighting Is On the Move

Lighting is becoming increasingly untethered from its traditional indoor, plugged-in setting. Some of the most covetable lighting at Focus was designed to move, whether out into the garden or just from room to room.

Porta Romana has designed their first-ever outdoor collection, which includes both furniture and lighting, and we were especially struck by the ‘Etienne’ lantern, which brings one of the brand’s loveliest designs outdoors, and their charming ‘Rose’ portable lamp with its silhouette of cascading petals.

Original BTC showed off a portable extension to their ‘Blossom’ line, and Corston’s Cotswold lamp offers a moveable take on the traditional table lamp. They also reflect a broader blurring of boundaries between indoors and out: a handsome lamp that can migrate from bedside table to dining terrace suddenly feels far more appealing than something designed for one fixed spot.

4. Texture is Getting Wild

Tactility has been everywhere at Focus/26, and not in the usual way – this year has seen a slew of fabrics with irregular surfaces, bursting with bobbles and strands of all kinds. We’re thinking Muppets, but make it fashion. Schumacher’s ‘Groove’ was a standout, with lines of fuzzy fringe alternating with embroidered stripes, alongside a new launch by Casamance, with a cloud of bobbles amidst a bold folky motif. These fabrics will not only catch the eye, but also tempt people to get up close and have a feel. These fabrics are amazing in riotous schemes which make the most of their wildness, but in quieter, tonal schemes, a highly textured textile can supply contrast, warmth and interest all by itself.

5. Romantic, Playful Pattern is Here to Stay

There is a shift towards highly patterned collections that are whimsical and expressive, rooted in classical decorative traditions but refreshed for contemporary interiors with lively new colour palettes. Floral and botanical patterns, decorative stripes and checks abound in shades of pink, orange, yellow and green. From Romo’s Averly collection, with its lively fruit motif and charming feathered stripe, to George & Minnie – the new brand from the GP & J Baker studio, which takes archival designs and reworks them with zesty, modern colour and playful scale – what is noticeable throughout is that usability is at the core. The designs have been created to make pattern mixing effortless, creating joyous schemes that feel harmonious.

Overall, this year’s launches at Focus point towards richer, more tactile interiors. With an abundance of texture, pattern, and sheen, design is wholeheartedly embracing character, offering a thoughtful approach to maximalism that will be exciting to see unfold in upcoming projects.

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