We’re often drawn to this living room color combination because both colors feel neutral, versatile, and contemporary. However, it’s a scheme that designers tend to avoid because the pairing of gray and white, two cool colors, can mean the room loses warmth and depth. While it's not necessary to rule out the combination entirely, thinking carefully about how you use gray and white is key to creating a welcoming living room you want to spend time in.

When it comes to gray and white, designers prefer to avoid using gray and cool white together. ‘I always think about how we feel on a cold gray day. Instinctively you want to come inside and get cozy. A cool gray interior can evoke that same feeling, particularly when paired with a stark white that makes both colors appear even cooler,’ Sophie Pringle, interior designer and Pringle & Pringle founder, explains.

Why Cool Gray and Bright White Can Make a Living Room Feel Cold

Painting your living room in cool gray and stark white can create an atmosphere that feels cold, uninviting, and lacking in depth. This is all down to color science. ‘You’re essentially putting two colors together that both sit at the cooler end of the spectrum, without anything to soften or balance them,’ Saskia Blyth, founder of Blyth-Collinson Interiors, explains.

This atmosphere is intensified further when gray and white walls are paired with furniture and decorative items in similar hues. ‘You lose any sense of depth. If the walls, upholstery, and furniture are all sitting within that same cool spectrum, everything starts to read as one note,’ New York-based interior designer Lauren Carlucci shares.

It's All About the Undertones

Much like their bolder color cousins, there are whole families of color within both gray and white. While three different shades of gray may look very similar at first glance, the undertones in each gray can have a big impact on how a space ends up feeling.

‘Undertones are hugely important when choosing both whites and grays because neither is truly neutral. A white can have blue, green, pink, yellow, or violet undertones, while gray can lean blue, green, purple, brown, or even warm taupe,’ Saskia points out.

The undertones at play in a white or gray become much more apparent once the color is on all four walls and interacting with everything else in the room. ‘A blue-gray next to a creamy white, for example, can sometimes make the gray suddenly look much bluer and the white much yellower than either appeared on the paint chip,’ Lauren notes.

How Lighting Can Change the Way Gray and White Look

Undertones, and subsequently the color, are hugely impacted by the light a room receives. Naturally, this is also a very important part of the puzzle when choosing the right gray and white for a living room. ‘A north-facing room tends to receive cooler, more diffused light, which can exaggerate blue or gray undertones. South-facing rooms have warmer, stronger natural light and can usually tolerate cooler colors more successfully,’ Lauren confirms.

Beyond this, artificial living room lighting also plays a big role. ‘Cool white bulbs can reinforce the blue undertones, while warmer bulbs will introduce a little more comfort in the evening,’ Saskia adds.

The Warmer Living Room Color Combinations Designers Prefer

Neutral doesn't have to mean beige, gray, or white. In fact, Pringle suggests looking at neutrals with a discernible undertone. For example, soft plaster pinks, muddy greens, warm stone shades, and pale earthy yellows all bring much more warmth and character.

‘Edward Bulmer Jonquil is a lovely example of a soft, warm neutral, Farrow & Ball Cromarty has a subtle green undertone, and Paint & Paper Library Stone is another favorite when you want something warmer but still very understated and contemporary,’ Sophie suggests.

Meanwhile, Lauren recommends neutrals that sit somewhere between cream, stone, putty, mushroom, and even very muted green. For example, Farrow & Ball's Matchstick, Slipper Satin, Old White and String.

How to Warm Up a Gray and White Living Room Without Starting Over

If you already have a cool gray-and-white living room, you certainly don’t need to rip everything out. Saskia suggests starting by introducing natural timber: ‘An oak coffee table, a warm wood side table, or even a few smaller timber accessories can immediately take the chill off.’

She then recommends adding tactile textiles such as wool, linen, bouclé, velvet, and chunky knits in warmer shades such as oatmeal, camel, tobacco, rust, or muted olive. Beyond this, you can also look at lighting. ‘Several pools of warm, low-level light are much more inviting than one bright overhead source,’ she adds.

While a gray-and-white living room isn’t inherently a bad thing, it requires careful consideration when it comes to paint colors and benefits hugely from layering furniture and fabrics. After all, we all want a living room that feels warm, cozy, and inviting.

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That was the brief for this New York brownstone dating back to the Victorian era, which had seen one too many renovations over the years, most recently a very minimalist design from the '90s. To achieve a more timeless, elevated look, the soulless open-plan layout needed to be reversed, and the color scheme swapped for something far more inviting.

With several unexpected details and the careful reintroduction of architectural features, this small kitchen is now a warm, inviting room that feels thoughtfully connected to the adjoining dining room without being completely open. It proves that not every home needs walls knocked down to feel bright, open, and full of natural light.

Decorate With Soft, Creamy Pinks For a Warm and Inviting Scheme

It's tempting to paint a small kitchen white to make it feel larger, but the wrong shade can instantly create a cold, clinical feel. Neutrals are a great choice, but to imbue a sense of warmth and timelessness, a very soft, pale pink was chosen here, drenched across the walls and cabinetry for a seamless, light-enhancing design.

'The kitchen is a soft pink which glows in the sunlight. It is a color I really like working with. All the ceilings in the house are white, tinged with pink. When sunlight or lamplight touches them, they emit a very happy glow,' explains David Nastasi, Founder of Swain Street & Co. But this very soft shade was chosen for reasons beyond weaving a color thread through the entire home.

'Lighting is a challenge in New York City row houses, which tend to be long and dark at the center,' he continues. 'We wanted to make the most of the natural and incandescent light we had – the pink warmly intensifies that light, even on rainy days, late afternoons, and nights. It's a kind color – everyone looks good in it, and it goes well with other colors.'

Add Architectural Interest With Arched Details

When an old home undergoes several remodels, it can slowly lose the original details and features that give the space character – something this kitchen was lacking. After stripping back the '90s minimalist decor, David used arched details throughout the kitchen to reintroduce a sense of period design – as though the last remodel was done no later than the Edwardian era.

'Taking a cue from Sir Edwin Lutyens (a Victorian-era English architect who specialized in traditional style), we added the tall arched doorways. The tall arches feel dramatic, but also serve a practical purpose, allowing light to reach the center of the house from the street and garden fronts,' he explains.

The architecture and the kitchen needed to speak to each other, so the curved features were carried into various elements of the design, from the open cabinet connected to the banquette seating to the gently rounded island profile. 'The rounded shape of the island softened the look in the room, it worked with the arches and very practically allows for easier circulation in a high-traffic and tight space.'

Embrace a Closed-Concept Layout Without Completely Dividing Rooms

One of the biggest pre-renovation problems with this space was its open-plan design. Each room felt dark, lacked its own identity, and felt unsuited to the old architecture, so reverting to a closed-concept layout became a priority. But to prevent the kitchen and dining room from feeling closed in and completely separated, David implemented a genius solution with double-sided glass cabinets.

'Neither the client nor I like open-plan living. We wanted the dining room to feel like a proper room and have its own aesthetic, which would be distinct from the kitchen on one side and the living room on the other. I separated the kitchen from the dining room with a double-sided glazed china cabinet. This cabinet allowed light to pass from the kitchen to the dining room,' he explains.

This striking addition does more than just let light through into the windowless dining room – it also creates storage for tableware that can be accessed from both rooms, making cleaning, food prep, and table dressing a more seamless process. 'Dishes can be put away in the kitchen and taken out to serve in the dining room. The cabinetry acts as a wall between the two spaces, and we use every inch available.'

The final perk? Moving away from open plan allowed each room to have its own palette. While the kitchen was all about a soft, light-enhancing pink, the dining room was about something far more daring. 'The acid green was my client's choice – I was not in favour of it to begin with, so we wrangled over it, and as she is the client and it was her dining room, I caved. I am so happy I did. We knew right away that it was an exciting color and would draw people into the room. We used a high-gloss wallpaper for the ceiling with an arabesque pattern, which added a note of whimsy.'

Make Space For Informal Dining With a Kitchen Nook

With a formal dining room just next door, it would be easy to overlook a more casual dining area in the kitchen. But these informal nooks have an entirely different function, becoming a place for morning rituals, kids' breakfasts, and even workstations for every member of the family. It's a classic case of understanding how you use a kitchen beyond cooking.

'My client wanted a space where her children could sit and do homework or have their dinner as she prepared meals for guests. She also wanted an overflow or kids' table when her guests brought their children. The adults could have dinner in the dining room and still keep an eye on the kids in the kitchen – a formal dining space for the grown-ups, and a more casual space for the children,' David describes.

The dining nook also encourages a greater connection with outdoor spaces used throughout the warmer months. A smaller table that's easy to move, it doubles as a buffet when the clients host. 'Beyond the kitchen table is a very large terrace – the island and the table also serve as staging areas or buffet space when parties happen outside.'

Quick Tips

• Be intentional with your color choices to enhance a small kitchen
• Consider ways your new kitchen can enhance historic architecture, rather than simply sit within it
• Know when your space thrives with a closed-concept layout – and don't be afraid to reverse open plan
• Think beyond solid walls – double sided cabinetry dividing a kitchen and dining room makes a visual and functional impact
• Never overlook informal dining areas – a banquette is always a good idea

This project feels like an ode to small kitchens, showcasing how a smaller footprint doesn't have to limit the design. From the soft color palette to the curved details and genius glazed cabinets dividing the rooms, it proves that the best choice for your kitchen is designing for your space, rather than following trending styles.

'Hopefully the design for the kitchen and dining room – and the rest of the project – proves that a traditionally designed space can be beautiful and functional and work very well for a modern lifestyle,' David notes. 'I am most proud that the house feels uniquely theirs, and we were able to fit in all the programmatic requirements the client desired with very minimal structural changes.'

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.

Designing the kitchen in this home required exactly that. Originally located in the basement, then moved to a small ground-floor room in the 50s, relocating the entire space made it easy to create a larger, more multi-purpose kitchen catered to the whole family.

With a thoughtful mix of materials, a careful balance of historic charm and modern design, and details inspired by the aesthetic of an old hotel bar, the kitchen has been reimagined into a hub for everyday life, whether it's family meals, morning rituals, or a place for four-legged friends to relax. And there are a few key features that make it work.

Add Modern Elegance With Slab-Front Cabinetry

A huge part of this remodel was swapping the formal dining room and kitchen, creating a larger, better-placed kitchen for the whole family to use and gather. But that also meant starting entirely from scratch while trying to balance the look of a new kitchen with the more historic bones.

'When moving the kitchen to the dining room, I didn’t want to try to pretend that the kitchen had always been there. The slab-door walnut cabinets for me were a purposeful modern touch to the space,' explains interior designer and homeowner Jess Cooney.

Instead of following every component of an original kitchen of her home's era, she took inspiration from luxury spaces that nailed the balance she was looking to strike. 'I wanted the new kitchen to feel a bit like a hotel bar. I loved the dark walnut element and the sophistication and element of surprise it brings. It grounds the large room well and still feels timeless in its modern flair.'

Take a Custom Approach to Open Kitchen Shelving

Thoughts of open kitchen shelving may conjure images of wall-mounted ledges or even miniature surfaces that add a finishing touch to a stone backsplash. But Jess wanted something more unique and statement-making, opting for a custom design that ignores the walls, instead sitting on the countertops and attaching to the kitchen ceiling.

'The open shelving was made locally by a metal worker for us. It was the other touch in the space meant to feel modern, fresh, and hotel-bar-like,' she explains. 'We played around with so many ideas for the back wall of the space and landed on the brass hammered tiles on the backsplash along with these shelves at each end. We decided not to put any shelves across to keep the space very clean.'

The shelves serve several purposes – they add a visually striking feature that helps to balance the room's proportions, while adding storage and display space in an unexpected way. It's a stylish example of introducing open kitchen storage in a way that feels intentional.

Elevate an Island Countertop With Decorative Edge Details

Certain details can make your entire design look and feel more elevated. And one that Jess has implemented on the island is a decorative kitchen countertop edge profile. From ogee to Dupont, introducing a more considered edge makes your surfaces look more custom and offers a nod to historical design, two things Jess was keen to add.

'The kitchen island was a detail that we wanted to feel more historic in nature. We added a good amount of detail to the base and the counter edge to give a rounded, soft historic feel as if you were in an old hotel bar. This visually balanced the straight, clean walnut slabs surrounding it. We added a brass rail on the bottom to call back to the tiles and to preserve the wood at the bottom that always gets a bit beat up over time.'

Remove the Formality with a Cozy Dining Banquette

As kitchens have evolved from purely functional to more lived-in rooms, the informal dining nook has become a must-have. Instead of a traditional dining table setup, a cozy banquette seat has been wrapped around the far end of the room, creating a dynamic layout and making use of the beautiful kitchen bay window.

'My family loves to sit in a banquette together. We had one in the previous kitchen, and we all piled into it together each night rather than using the formal dining room. I knew that I wanted to replicate this feature and to be able to sit in that sunny window with my morning tea,' Jess explains.

It's become more than just somewhere to eat, but a place to relax and enjoy everyday rituals. 'We still pile into that banquette most nights and even carry chairs from the dining room in to fit when we have guests because it’s so cozy and fun to be close together. It’s also my dog's perch most of the day. She suns herself there and watches for the mailman.'

Utilize Kitchen Alcoves For a Home Bar, Pantry, or Coffee Station

As it was once the formal dining room, the kitchen features an original fireplace, flanked by alcoves on each side. Instead of leaving them empty or leaning into the predictable shelving, Jess used them to create dedicated zones that enhance the main kitchen, both functionally and aesthetically.

'We love having a fireplace in the kitchen – we added a Stuv insert, and burn wood in there most of the winter,' she notes. 'On either side of the fireplace, there are deep alcoves. We made one into a food pantry with rollouts inside right off the island. The other, we made into a bar area on top and wood storage on the bottom. When we entertain, we open up the pocket doors and slide them back into the wall to entertain in the space.'

Pocket doors are really useful in this scenario, allowing the bar to be opened and closed as needed, without leaving huge doors obstructing the room when it's in use. It's these small but meaningful design decisions that take the design from standard to something far more custom and considered.

Quick Tips

• Don't be afraid to add modern kitchen design features in a historic property
• Consider more unique takes on open shelving that feel custom to your kitchen
• Add decorative edges to countertops, even if its just on the island
• Embrace banquettes for a more informal dining space
• Maximize kitchen alcoves, especially for curated stations

It's easy to get lost in period details and retaining character, but finding that balance between new and old, preserving history and designing for modern life, is key to creating a kitchen that you truly love. This design proves that quality materials, elevated finishes, and curated stations are the answer to a high-functioning space that feels at home in the architecture.

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.

So, what is replacing beige in 2026? A gentle but far more interesting color trend: rich caramel honey tones. While they may be akin to beige, these quiet colors provide the warmth and joy that one-dimensional neutrals lack.

Yellow-tinted, always warm, and able to dance beautifully in the light, caramel honey tones bring a quiet familiarity to all homes. Here's how designers are embracing 2026's take on beige.

Decorating with neutrals like honey or caramel is a little different from your standard beige or off-white. 'These tones bring a certain richness to a room in a way that white or cream don’t,' explains interior designer Joan Enger of J. Patryce & Co, 'but they're still very versatile and easy to live with. Using one color throughout the walls, trim and ceiling created a sense of warmth and coziness.'

Referring to the intimate entryway pictured above, Joan explains, 'We wanted the space to feel warm and welcoming, but still on the lighter side and somewhat neutral. The caramel tone adds depth and visual interest without feeling heavy. It also worked well with the warm wood tones, kitchen slab, and materials throughout the home.'

'I tend to gravitate toward colors that are a little muddy and nuanced. Some of my favorites in this family are Farrow & Ball's Cord, Pigeon, and the color from this lovely mudroom, Biscuit No. 38. I always recommend testing in the space since colors can react differently depending on the light, architecture, and surrounding materials. Creamy whites, warm browns, ochre, rust, and deeper chocolate tones are natural companions, but I also love these shades with unexpected colors like dusty blue, olive, or moss green. Those cooler, earthier tones provide contrast and keep the palette from becoming too tonal or sweet.'

Sun-baked honey tones bring depth and warmth in equal measure. Able to shift as the light changes, they can feel sunny and calming during the day and cocooning and comforting come evening.

Caramel and honey colors are the best warm neutral paints for spaces that need something more than simple neutrality. Take this Mediterranean bedroom (pictured above) as an example. Using a lime wash technique, the warm brown paint comes to life, mirroring the sun-drenched terracotta walls of the Mediterranean.

Shape-shifting yet entirely liveable, these delicious, syrupy colors are perfect in spaces designed for relaxing. They allow the decor to do the talking, whilst still being subtle enough to remain unnoticed.

Mellow caramel is a clever choice for lovers of simplicity. 'These types of colors instantly bring a sense of warmth and softness to an interior,' explains Sophie Rowell, founder of Côte de Folk. 'Whether it’s on the walls, upholstery or joinery like this. It creates a golden warmth which feels so inviting.'

Here, Sophie applied Paint & Paper Library's Caddie to the cabinetry of a farmhouse kitchen. She says, 'It's my favourite ever color; I’ve used it in my own home but never in a client project, until now.' Paired with rustic wooden flooring, a bright blue kitchen table, and a timeless farmhouse sink, the ochre-tinted brown is just warm and cheery enough, balanced by the bright, rustic accents.

'It reminds me of the Caramac chocolate bar I used to eat as a kid,' adds Sophie.

Honey Shopping Picks

If repainting your walls isn't on your decorating agenda right now, bring the beauty of this cozy color trend into your home with these chic shopping buys.

Rich yet quiet and grounding, caramel honey tones are replacing beige this fall. Light-shifting and always warm, they're the perfect choice for lovers of neutrals or color enthusiasts looking for more liveable paint shades.

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As part of this year’s Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2026, alongside our awards celebrating exceptional projects and products, we wanted to hear from you. So we've selected 18 Rooms to Remember from the houses we've published over the past year: spaces that stayed with us long after we first saw them. From richly layered sitting rooms to bold kitchens, romantic bedrooms and characterful corners, each one has something that made us stop, look and remember.

Now it's your turn to be the judge. Explore the shortlist, choose the room that speaks to you, and cast your vote for the Rooms to Remember, Homes & Gardens Readers' Choice Award.

1. A Sunset-Orange Living Room by Bryony Richardson

The sunrise-inspired living room in this 400-year-old farmhouse designed by Bryony Richardson proves just how transformative color can be in a period home. Woven silk wallpaper brings both pattern and texture to the walls, while the warm palette gives this family house the welcoming, slightly escapist quality Bryony was aiming for.

Love this space? Vote here!

2. A Characterful Cedar-Clad Kitchen by Neal Beckstedt

Reclaimed yellow tiles and plenty of blue and white china bring a beautifully aged quality to this wood-clad kitchen by New York–based interior designer Neal Beckstedt, where an antique Swedish table, freestanding furniture and a classic Aga reinforce its 1890s character. Neal deliberately embraced the period feel here, creating a kitchen that feels authentic to the house without becoming pastiche.

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3. A Soft, Serene Bedroom by Nancy Gouldstone

This bedroom captures architect Nancy Gouldstone's softer side, with an enveloping yet deliberately low upholstered headboard, muted pinks and sage greens creating a calm, boutique-hotel feel. The designer also carried details between adjoining spaces: the headboard fabric and wooden trim are repeated in the dressing room, giving the scheme a sense of cohesion.

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4. A Folk-Inspired Ski Loft by Heather Peterson

This treehouse-style loft in a French Country meets folk ski retreat by Heather Peterson is memorable for the way it embraces pattern and warmth without losing the feeling of serenity that comes from its woodland setting. The generous seating arrangement, timber architecture, and richly patterned textiles make it feel like a room designed first and foremost for switching off.

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5. A Rustic French Manor Kitchen by Pia Casal

The kitchen in this 'unpretentious' château, designed by Pia Casal mixes French character with a much more relaxed, contemporary sensibility. The vintage-inspired materials, hand-painted tiles, copper worktops and garden-facing layout make the space feel as though it has evolved naturally with the house, while the Dublin-based designer deliberately avoided the more formal trappings associated with château interiors.

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6. A Floral-Wrapped Joyful Pantry by Yond Interiors

This pantry by Julia Miller of Yond Interiors makes a strong case for treating utility rooms as opportunities for personality rather than pure practicality. The oh-so-charming Antoinette Poisson backdrop, warm ochre cabinetry, and carefully considered open storage give this hardworking service space the character and richness of a more front-of-house room.

7. A Classic Cotswolds Drawing Room by Vanessa Macdonald

This drawing room demonstrates Vanessa Macdonald's talent and belief in creating interiors that feel ‘long-lasting and not shouty’. Comfortable sofas and deep armchairs sit alongside antique furniture, considered lighting, and the couple's collection of British art, creating precisely the layered-over-time atmosphere that has become central to their approach.

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8. A Playful Living Room by Studio Portobello

This sitting room is a brilliant example of how to make a period room feel collected rather than overly traditional. Studio Portobello wrapped the space and the adjoining dining room in bookshelves, art, and a woodburner, then brought in a squashy Buchanan Studio sofa, contemporary artwork and a projector in place of a television to create a room that feels genuinely lived-in.

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9. A Contemporary Green-Tiled Kitchen by Carden Cunietti

Designed by Carden Cunietti, the dark wood cabinetry in this dignified kitchen creates a rich backdrop for the handmade green tiles wrapping the curved island, while the floating quartzite worktop and sculptural shape make the island feel as much like a piece of furniture as a hardworking cooking and hangout space.

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10. A Layered Pattern-Filled Living Room by Salvesen Graham

This reading room captures the playful-meets-quintessentially-British quality that makes Salvesen Graham's work so distinctive. The mix of florals, chintzes, art, freestanding furniture and warm color gives the space an evolved-over-time feeling, while the designers deliberately used pieces that could move with the family rather than being permanently tied to the architecture.

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11. A Sun-Baked Banco by French and French Interiors

Described by designers French & French as the room that best captures the spirit of this Santa Fe home, the cozy banco (or nook) is the ultimate summer retreat. Creating an almost cocoon-like experience through pattern, texture, and enclosure, the botanical wallpaper and layered furnishings give the small space a sense of escapism, demonstrating how a compact corner can have just as much impact as a full-size room.

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12. A Romantic Pattern-Filled Bedroom by Sarah Brown

The primary bedroom in this late-19th-century brownstone is romantic without tipping into overly saccharine territory, thanks to the way its floral fabrics, half-tester canopy, patterned walls and soft accents have been layered together by designer Sarah Brown. An upholstered bench introduces another touch of pattern, while at the other end of the room, a pair of sunshine yellow armchairs offer a place to sit, read, or pause.

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13. An Earthy and Arty Bathroom by Finch Interior Design

This earthy bathroom by Finch Interior Design is a brilliant example of taking a traditionally functional room and giving it a more eclectic, collected energy. The existing slipper bath was retained and repainted, while new floor and wall tiles and vintage art sourced by the client turn the space into something that feels much more like a decorated room than a purely practical bathroom.

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14. A Calming Dining Area by Studio Lio

A square bay window provides the perfect setting for this relaxed family dining area by Studio Lio, with a custom-built banquette and natural materials giving it an easy, sun-baked feel. Marrakech-sourced pendants add the final 'refined Mediterranean' touch, reflecting designer Aurélie Brelivet's southern French influences.

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15. A Color Confident Bedroom by HÁM

Soft pinks and a moody teal green create a wonderfully restful contrast in this main bedroom, where layered textiles bring depth and a tactile quality. Anchored by a grand four-poster bed, the result is a confident use of color that feels warm and inviting rather than overwhelming – a hallmark of mother-daughter duo Pamela and Kate of Hám Interiors' approach throughout the home.

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16. A Glamorous Green and Gold Kitchen by Suzy Hoodless

This kitchen by Suzy Hoodless is a masterclass in making a practical space feel expressive. The daring pairing of the green-dyed tulip timber veneer cabinetry and brass-wrapped island (the client favored this over a 'lump of stone') brings color and contrast, while contemporary Italian references sit comfortably alongside the Arts & Crafts bones of the house.

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17. A Zesty Green and Pink Bedroom by Studio Ashby

Soft pink, zesty green, and botanical pattern give this art-led bedroom by Studio Ashby its gentle sense of playfulness, with tactile fabrics adding another layer of fun. As throughout the rest of this London home, verdant tones take their cues from the landscape of nearby Hampstead Heath, while berry shades nod to the deep red brick of the exterior facade.

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18. A Jewel-Box Green Study by COAL Cornwall

The Art Deco-inspired rich green and teal cabinetry, carefully arranged collection of objects, and layered lighting turn this hardworking home office into a joyful destination rather than a space that encourages Sunday scaries – perfectly in keeping with designer Emily Reilly of COAL's approach of using color, art and creativity to give the Cornwall home its personality.

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Cast Your Vote Now

You have until Friday 2nd October to vote for your favorite room in the Homes & Gardens Readers’ Choice Award.

The winning rooms will be announced on Wednesday 25th November across our socials, and they will also feature in our January print issue.

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My house lends itself well to hosting, with its uplifting, vibrant colors and walls layered with cherished heirlooms and collected treasures, which make for great conversation starters. My ‘Boy with Dog’ painting is a favorite because it was gifted to me by my grandmother. It had been passed down through her family and originally hung on the walls at Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire. I’d had my eyes on it since I was a child, so I was thrilled to receive it as a housewarming gift.

Color plays such an important role in both my hosting and my home. The kitchen dining area is painted in Fake Tan by Farrow & Ball, an incredible color that changes throughout the day. In the morning, when you’re having breakfast, it’s a really soft, easy-on-the-eye pink paint, and as the day goes on and the sun climbs in the sky, it changes to cast a very gorgeous gold over the room. It’s perfect if you’re hosting, as it makes everyone’s complexion look flawless. The space makes people happy because they feel like they’re abroad, basking in the warmth of this sort of Mediterranean glow created by the amazing paint.

I love the idea of gathering my favorite people for one last taste of summer, giving them reason to celebrate life before it gets cold again. My family really knows how to party, so I feel very fortunate to have this beautiful house I can host them in. My sisters always end up staying over, which tells you just how late our evenings tend to go on. It’s the kind of home where lunch parties easily roll into dinner parties, as all the best kinds of entertaining should.

Max’s Hosting Dos and Don’ts

DO place treasured items on the table as conversation starters. My favorite is a little shell for salt. It’s fun to be able to say, ‘Pass the shell’, open it, and give it a sprinkle.

DON’T forget to pepper floral arrangements throughout the house, both to brighten overlooked corners and to blow guests away with how delightfully your home smells.

DO use seasonal produce as part of your table decor. Not only will it look great, but it also serves as a solid back-up if something goes awry in the kitchen – which is likely, knowing me!

DON’T forget to make life easier by prepping food the night before. I love to make focaccia, which can stay in the fridge and be whacked in the oven when needed.

DO have something fabulous on hand to offer those who don’t drink. There are no excuses for boring soft drinks when there are so many great non-alcoholic alternatives.

DON’T get bogged down in the details and forget to have fun! What’s really important is quality time with your loved ones. At the end of the day, they haven’t really come for the food; they’ve come to see you.

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Whether your idea of decorating with vintage is limited to thrifting secondhand art, or you like to deck out your home with antique finds in every corner, you'll be pleased to know that fall is the ultimate season for vintage shopping in the United States. With a vast array of markets and fairs taking place across the country, there's something for every type of shopper.

Vintage Sales in September 2026

If you are looking for shows, markets, and sales in your local area, select your region below for a tailored list:

Antique and vintage sales in the Northeast

Antique and vintage sales in the Southeast

Antique and vintage sales in the Midwest

Antique and vintage sales in the Southwest

Antique and vintage sales in the West

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Northeast

Brooklyn Flea, NY

When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: DUMBO Archway, 80 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Entry fee: Free

Taking place every weekend throughout September, Brooklyn Flea is a must-visit if you're in the city. Filled with fun and unique finds, expect to pick up beautiful decor and trinkets, rather than larger furniture items here – perfect for giving your home a refresh for the new season.

Brimfield Antique Flea Market, MA

When: 8-13th September
Time: Most vendors open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: 35 Palmer Road, Brimfield, MA 01010
Entry fee: Free

One of America's largest outdoor antique flea markets, this year's last Brimfield Antique Flea Market promises to be a fruitful event. With an exciting range of glassware, wooden furniture, lighting, and artworks, just to name a few, the market offers an exciting opportunity to find new pieces to give your home an update. There's also a handy list of vendors on their website if you like to arrive prepared!

Grand Bazaar NYC, NY

When: Every Sunday in September
Time: 10:00 am until 5:00 pm
Where: 100 W 77th Street (at Columbus Ave.), Manhattan, NY
Entry fee: Free

Hosting vendors both indoors and out, the Grand Bazaar NYC is a free antique and vintage sale, with profits benefitting four local schools. Each Sunday sale has its own fun theme, with a few of this month's themed around fall, but all of them offer a bountiful range of goods for your home, from furniture to smaller decor pieces.

The Taconic Antiques Fair, NY

When: 26-27th September
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: Columbia County Fairgrounds, 182 Hudson Ave, Chatham, NY
Entry fee: $10, free for under-18s

The Taconic Antiques Fair has everything you can think of, from Mid-century modern furniture to Folk art decor and patterned textiles. Variety is a real selling point at this fair – there's something for every room and style, as well as fun activities to enjoy throughout the day. It's also a scenic drive, especially during the fall with the changing leaves.

The Norwich Antiques Show, VT

When: 19th September
Time: 10:00 am until 3:00 pm
Where: 277 Main Street, Norwich, VT 05055
Entry fee: $5, children under 12 go free

Another outdoor event, the Norwich Antiques Show is a little bit different from other antiques sales. While there are still antiques dealers from around the region coming to offer everything from larger antique furniture to smaller, decorative designs, there are also experts on site to help you with your antiques, as well as appraisals.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Southeast

West Palm Beach Antiques Festival, FL

When: 4-6th September
Time: 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday, until 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Entry fee: $11-$25, depending on admission type

West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is back for its September event, and it's the biggest sale in the area. There will be over 100 vendors selling antique and vintage wares, including furniture, art, decorative objects, and even collectibles and jewelry for a bit of variety.

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, GA

When: 4-6th September
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday
Where: 1321 Atlanta Highway, Cumming, GA 30040
Entry fee: $3

Another monthly market, September's edition of the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is a great opportunity to shop for classic antiques for your home and outdoor spaces, as well as art and jewelry. Beautifully arranged displays make finding furniture pieces easy, while a dedicated designer's corner makes it easier to find vintage decor for your home.

The Raleigh Market, NC

When: Every weekend in September
Time: 9:00 am until 5:00 pm
Where: 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Entry fee: Free

Free parking and free admission make The Raleigh Market a visitor favorite in the North Carolina area. This outdoor sale takes place come rain or shine, so make sure you come prepared for all weather conditions! There are some brilliant antique finds here, from quirky colored glass to old-school outdoor tools.

Atlanta Scott Antique Market, GA

When: 10-13th September
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: Atlanta Expo Centers, 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Road, Atlanta, GA
Entry fee: $5 (cash only at gate)

Described as 'a premier antique and interiors shopping destination,' you don't want to miss out on the Atlanta Scott Antique Market. While there is a whole host of vintage and antique furniture, decor, and collectibles here, there are also some unique offerings such as custom furniture and interior design elements that are well worth a visit.

Vintage Market Days of South Gulf Coast Florida, FL

When: 18-20th September
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day
Where: Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, Fort Myers, FL 33917
Entry fee: From $5, depending on ticket type

Vintage Market Days of South Gulf Coast Florida is a great opportunity to find striking art, antiques of every size and style, as well as handmade pieces and plenty of home decor. The flea market focuses on creatives, with vendors encouraged to share their products and passions beyond just vintage finds. There will also be vintage outdoor furniture and decor, perfect for those last evenings of warmth before winter.

Nashville Flea Market, TN

When: 25-27th September
Time: 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday, until 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: 401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Entry fee: Free

Over 300 vendors gather at the Nashville Flea Market, bringing visitors a vast selection of antique furniture, vintage decor, and even pretty dishware sets. You might even find a few stalls selling plants, perfect for your home and garden.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Midwest

Utica Antiques Market, MI

When: 12-13th September
Time: 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Saturday, until 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: 11541 21 Mile Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48315
Entry fee: $10

Whether you are new to antiques and an avid collector, the Utica Antiques Market is the perfect sale for every shopper. Set outside under various tents, there are some truly unique treasures to be found here. Past markets have seen antique cabinets with beautiful glass doors, charming solid wood bed frames, and even ornate frames, perfect for thrifted artworks.

Tri-State Antique Market, IN

When: 6th September
Time: 6:00 am until 3:00 pm
Where: Lawrenceburg, IN Fairgrounds, 351 E. Eads Pkwy., Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Entry fee: $5, cash only

Offering free parking, food vendors, and a great range of antique and vintage sellers, get ready for the September edition of the Tri-State Antique Market. It's a sale that's been running since the '80s, making it one of the most anticipated events each month. Whether you're looking for retro decor, wrought iron garden sets, or classic paintings in vintage frames, there's something for everyone here.

Springfield Antiques Show & Flea Market, OH

When: 18-20th September
Time: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S Charleston Pike, Springfield, OH 45505
Entry fee: From $11

September brings with it the Springfield Antiques Show & Flea Market extravaganza, a 3-day market with over 2,000 vendors bringing with them antique and vintage treasures. You can really make a fun-filled weekend of this market, with over 30 food vendors and an array of soft and alcoholic beverages throughout.

Midland Antique Festival, MI

When: 26-27th September
Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: Midland County Fairground, 6905 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48642
Entry fee: $10 for a weekend pass

If you fancy a trip to an antiques market with heritage, the Midland Antique Festival should be on your radar. Running since 1968, it's not only a key date for seasoned collectors, but it's also become a day of intrigue for casual shoppers, too. From antique furniture to vintage signs and even quirky figurines, there's nothing you can't find here.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Southwest

Sweet Salvage Vintage Market, AZ

When: 17-20th September
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 4648 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
Entry fee: Free

The Sweet Salvage Vintage Market is back, and the September sale's theme is Wicked Faire, paying homage to fall decor and upcoming spooky celebrations. It's a much-awaited edition for anyone who can't wait for the season ahead, with its usual fantastic range of vintage furniture and decor.

Antique Alley Texas, TX

When: 18-20th September
Time: Early until late
Where: Multiple locations across Johnson and Ellis Counties
Entry fee: Free

Self-described as 'The Best Treasure Hunt in Texas,' Antique Alley Texas spans eight different cities to bring shoppers a diverse range of pieces. From vintage furniture, quirky antiques, and must-have fall home decor, it's the perfect excuse to get out and explore to kick off the new season with a stylish bang.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the West

Beaumont Outdoor Market, CA

When: Every Thursday throughout September
Time: 6:00 am - 12:30 pm on Wednesdays, until 2:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 1501 E 6th St, Beaumont, CA 92223
Entry fee: Free on Wednesdays, 50 cents on Saturdays, $1 on Sundays

A frequent event that never disappoints, Beaumont Outdoor Market even gets the seal of approval from celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz. This outdoor market offers everything from vintage furniture to antique decor and unique artworks, all of which will give your home the fall treatment.

Alameda Point Antiques Faire, CA

When: 6th September
Time: 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, depending on ticket type
Where: 3900 Main Street, Alameda, CA 94501
Entry fee: Free

Over 800 dealers gather each month at Alameda Point Antiques Faire for an action-packed day of antique and vintage delights. There's some beautifully made antique furniture, timeless vintage decor, and even books of every age. Parking is free, and there is a frequent shuttle to take you to the main fair.

Santa Monica Airport Antique & Vintage Market, CA

When: 6th and 27th September
Time: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Interim Open Space, 3233 Donald Douglas Loop, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Entry fee: $5

Held on the first and fourth Sunday of each month, Santa Monica Airport Antique & Vintage Market, the two September sales have plenty to offer. Floral fabrics, pretty antique artworks, and vintage silverware are just a few things you can expect to find. Whether you're investing in large furniture items or just want a few small decor pieces to spruce up your home, you're sure to find it at this market.

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market, AZ

When: 18-20th September
Time: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm for Friday VIP event, Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: West World of Scottsdale - North Hall, 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Entry fee: From $10

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market is returning to Arizona for a weekend that no vintage-lover will want to miss. It's more than just a shopping event (although there are plenty of home decor finds waiting to be bought), but an experience that leaves every visitor with one-of-a-kind memories. Food and drinks are also available onsite.

Rose Bowl Flea Market, CA

When: 13th September
Time: 5:00 am - 8:45 am VIP, 9:00 am general admission
Where: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
Entry fee: $20 VIP, $13 general

Rose Bowl Flea Market makes a regular appearance in our listings, but for good reason. It's been going for over 50 years, so there are plenty of new and regular sellers offering the best antique and vintage pieces for your home. There are some truly quirky offerings here, including old-school gramophones and carousel horses, alongside your classic antiques.

The Petaluma Fall Antique Faire, CA

When: 27th September
Time: 8:00 am until 4:00 pm
Where: Downtown Petaluma, 100 Petaluma Blvd. N. Petaluma, CA
Entry fee: Free

Feeling autumnal now we've entered September? The Petaluma Fall Antique Faire returns for its 39th edition, surrounded by historic buildings that give the event even more charm. Antique kitchenware, vintage linens, and timeless decor can be found here in abundance, perfect for a seasonal home refresh.

Antique Shopping Tips

A vintage-lover's paradise, whether you're attending a flea market known for its impressive selection of vintage clothing or you're spending the day, wagon in hand (like Amazon's collapsible wagon cart), hunting for antique home decor exclusively, there are a few things worth knowing, no matter what you're shopping for.

Firstly, vendors at vintage markets often only accept cash, and the same goes for the entrance fee. While you might bump into a few sellers who take credit cards, it's always worth being prepared and carrying an ample amount of cash just in case you stumble across something you truly love (and simply can't pass up). If you can, purchase your ticket before you arrive online to beat the lines and get to the goods straight away.

Next, while it may seem obvious, come prepared, especially going into fall. By that, we mean, make sure you've packed all the essentials. From a bottle of water to keep you hydrated, to a tape measure (Amazon Basics Self-Locking Tape Measure is a good place to start) to ensure the armchair you've fallen in love with fits in your living room nook, bringing these staples will make your visit all the more successful. Comfortable shoes, a notebook and pen to jot down vendors' names or pieces you're on the hunt for, and snacks (if you're planning to spend all day there) are worth considering, too.

As well as coming prepared physically, ensure you're clued up on exactly what to look for (and what to avoid buying at an estate sale) so you don't regret your purchase, or end up paying more for an item than it's worth. When shopping for vintage furniture, pay attention to the surface of the piece (scratching, stains, or amateur handiwork) before making a purchase. If you're still considering the piece, ask the seller if they'd take a lower price. If it has potential, reupholstering or reinventing a piece with a fresh coat of paint is more than possible, remember.

And, of course, look for all the markings of authenticity when browsing items like fine china, artwork, or ceramics to ensure you're not buying a knock-off version of an antique. Things like makers' marks, certain shapes, patterns, and glazes (when shopping for pottery and tableware), and signatures will help you identify the real deal from the unauthentic. Always buy from a trusted seller that's established, and if you can, look for provenance.

Plenty of antique markets and vintage fairs are happening this September, no matter where you're based in the United States. Pay attention to which antiques to splurge on and which to save on, though, to ensure you leave with a bargain.

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Biophilic design is the science-backed principle based on the fact that we are innately drawn to nature, and that environments designed around that connection drive measurable gains in wellbeing. It's an easy win, tapping into bold, contemporary plant styling and immersive living environments to redefine your interior aesthetic, and works however small your space.

Think of it as the intentional integration of nature into your home. The latest biophilic garden design trends focus on lush, sculptural, and calming varieties of plants. Aim to replicate the sense of immersion in nature you feel outside. One tall, leafy houseplant in a woven basket planter (using natural materials is important too) has the ability to transform a room as well as reduce stress and improve your mood.

Why Using Houseplants For Biophilic Design Is Good For You

'As our lives become increasingly fast-paced and overstimulating, people are looking to their homes as places to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with nature,' says Giovanni Medina Marenco, Miami-based design director at 1508 London. 'In turn, designers are embracing thoughtful choices that create more meaningful emotional and sensory experiences.'

Giovanni incorporates biophilic design principles into his work, most recently at Mandarin Oriental Residences, Beverly Hills, where jade plants were used in the private courtyards that serve as tranquil sanctuaries, offering a peaceful retreat from the energy of the city while bringing nature directly into the home.

Using houseplants for biophilic design is a big trend in interior design, as it lets you create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, fostering a sense of serenity and reflection. Some houseplants are better than others at achieving this. Here's our expert list of the best houseplants for biophilic design to tap into this trend in your own home.

1. Jade Plant

'The jade plant is intentionally selected not only for its resilience and sculptural form, but also for its symbolism,' says Giovanni. 'Long associated with prosperity, endurance, growth, balance, calm, and stability, this plant is revered across different cultures as a symbol of fortune.

'In Feng Shui and Chinese culture, the jade plant is often referred to as the “money plant” because of its coin-shaped leaves and deep green hue, and is considered by some to be one of the luckiest indoor plants to keep in the home.'

Larger jade plants with a shapely outline resemble miniature trees, so this can be used to great advantage in biophilic design. Smaller plants can be arranged on shelves and side tables to layer up indoor greenery in a way that enhances the space.

Try this vibrant Sunset Jade Plant with red-orange accents from The Sill to enhance your indoor plant collection

2. Fern

'I have a special interest in biophilic design and the positive impact it can have on our mental health,' says interior designer Jane Atherton. 'In a world where we spend 80-90% of our time indoors, bringing the outdoors into our homes can actually help to reduce stress and improve our cognitive function and creativity.'

One of the most direct ways of doing this is by growing houseplants. 'My personal favorites are ferns as they're fairly easy to grow, are very forgiving and the textural quality of the fronds creates visual and tactile interest,' says Jane. 'Not only do plants help to improve air quality, but they can have a powerful effect on our mood too.'

Try a Boston fern like this one from The Sill, which Jane suggests planting in a lovely Bergs Potter Terracotta planter as it makes the perfect combination with the leafy greens. These durable pots are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

Other ways to incorporate biophilic design principles in your interior are by creating an indirect connection to nature. 'This can be through using natural materials, shapes and patterns,' says Jane. 'Wood grain, wicker, and rope are all evocative of nature. Naturalistic shapes, colors and patterns form the foundations of biophilic design.'

3. Dragon Tree

Indoor plants are an important element in biophilic design because they truly bring nature into your interior space. Bringing nature inside adds a nice touch to your home, making it more aesthetically pleasing and welcoming.

'Live plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and boost mood,' says Tanya Shively, creator of Well Designed Homes. 'They also contribute to a healthier indoor environment by not only absorbing CO₂ but also emitting oxygen. Plants are natural air purifiers that can effectively remove harmful toxins, making them a simple yet effective solution for improving your home's air quality.'

Tanya is a fan of Dracaena marginata (also known as dragon tree plant) to add a strong vertical element and a lush tropical look. 'This popular plant has slender woody stems and spiky green leaves edged with deep red. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it ideal for filling a corner with a high ceiling without feeling overwhelming, thanks to its airy foliage.'

You don't need a jungle in your home to reap the benefits of plants, according to Tanya. 'Even a few well-placed plants can significantly improve indoor air quality and your sense of well-being. A tall plant in an otherwise empty corner is a soft touch of nature that feels more welcoming than a lamp or a piece of furniture. A smaller plant on a countertop or a shelf adds that spot of greenery that breaks up the hard surfaces and sharp edges of books or other typical shelf décor.'

4. Fig Plant

'True biophilic designs immerse people with plants and nature,' says Shane Pliska, CEO of Planterra Interior Landscaping. 'Plants soften an interior, but also give it life. My company provides plants for interiors to contribute to biophilia.'

Shane is also the creator of the Planterra Conservatory, a glass-enclosed botanical venue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. This architectural landmark has become one of the most sought-after event spaces in the region and a living embodiment of Shane's biophilic design philosophy.

For a true statement plant, a mature Ficus is top of Shane's list. 'The beautiful leaf canopy immediately changes the scale of the room, while the twists, turns and imperfections in an older trunk give the plant character. It should look like a living sculpture, not a clone from a nursery. Perfect plants can feel artificial. It's the twists and irregular growth of a mature specimen that make it interesting.'

The Ficus family includes not only the iconic fiddle leaf fig (like this one available at The Sill), but also rubber plants and weeping figs.

5. Monstera

There are Monsteras; then there is 'Thai Constellation', a variegated mutation of the standard green Monstera deliciosa. This plant has been the “it plant” for years now, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. It's a natural choice as one of the best houseplants for biophilic design, as it oozes feel-good vibes.

Easy to grow, the leaves grow to 2 feet in length and almost as wide. The unfurling of each leaf is an exciting event, with ever-evolving fenestrations and variegation patterns, which makes it a must-have for anyone seeking the best houseplants for biophilic design.

It's also a personal favorite of Chuck Pavlich, director of new product development at Terra Nova Nurseries. 'Thai Constellation' has been the undisputed king of the houseplant craze in recent years, and it's still one of the most dramatic of all houseplants on the market. It's easy to grow, and very showy in a good way.

'I think biophilic interiors continue to resonate with homeowners because of the feeling associated with plants. Houseplants are the antidote to modern life. For Millennials and Gen Z, life is complicated, but houseplants aren’t.'

6. Fittonia

If you're looking for a small and colorful option for indoor plant shelf ideas, as a side table detail or a bedside cupboard, get acquainted with the benefits of the lovely fittonia plant. As well as adding a beautiful detail to your interior, it helps improve indoor air quality by filtering minor impurities. If you live in a small apartment, it's one of the best houseplants for biophilic design.

'The fittonia, also known as nerve plant, has showy, jewel-like foliage that makes it a good fit for tabletops and terrariums. Bred to be compact, nerve plants feature spectacular variegations in green, ruby, white, pink and silver,' says Chuck.

'The leaves are small, usually not more than an inch long and half an inch across. When dry, this plant feigns death, yet when watered, does a “miraculous” recovery. So much drama for one houseplant,' adds Chuck. Ignore these diva-ish tendencies and add one (or two) to your plant collection.

Try a bundle of three red, pink, and white fittonia plants from Amazon to add visual interest to your plant display

7. Philodendron

Philodendrons are gorgeously lush and infinitely adaptable tropical plants with hundreds of varieties, with the hanging heartleaf Philodendron one of the most popular.

'These easy-care plants have softer, more diverse leaf shapes and colors,' says Tanya. 'They can be upright, climbers, or trailing from high shelves. They like humidity, so a shelf in a bathroom with ample light can be a perfect spot to add one of these for a touch of natural greenery.'

Chuck is a big fan of Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, an unusual black-leaf Philodendron with hot pink variegation.

'This variety is certainly one of the most tolerant of all philodendrons in cultivation. It thrives in low light, although it will show its true ‘Pink Princess’ colors in moderately bright light. It has a vining habit, though not rampant, and is easy to propagate in a glass of water if you want to multiply your plant collection.'

Biophilic Design: Think Of Your Home As A Mini Eco-System

Using houseplants for biophilic design will continue to resonate, as it offers a way to bring the benefits of nature indoors, especially for those living in the city. Here are some final thoughts from Mahwish Syed, an interior designer specializing in biophilic and circadian-aligned spaces.

'Our homes are living ecosystems. They are not a passive backdrop but an active participant in our health. Modern lifestyle divorces us from nature. I believe we are undergoing a paradigm shift in bringing nature back into our homes. This is why biophilic design continues to resonate, because we are not just decorating with nature but honoring our ancient biology.'

Mahwish has used Ficus Benjamina, a calamondin orange tree, Dracaena, and palms in her own home to evoke the lush tropical oasis that is synonymous with biophilic design. 'I had a large calamondin tree that my canary Sunny loved to perch in. For table tops, I also love the architecturally elegant snake plant. I adore orchids too – particularly scented oncidiums, fragrant cattleyas, and dendrobiums.'

You may also be interested in the latest houseplant trends as well as indoor plant styling ideas to find out more about how to turn your precious collection into a real design feature.

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With a love for creating juxtaposition in her interiors, it seemed obvious to Laurie to create an unexpected community garden right in the middle of an urban landscape. Today, wildflowers, native perennials, and pollinator-friendly plants fill sweeping borders, softening hard edges and inviting passers-by to pause in the busy pace of city life.

And while Laurie was confident the building's residents would embrace the garden, she hadn't anticipated quite what it would give back to her. The garden has become a creative outlet, giving Laurie a new way to play with color, texture, and form beyond four walls. 'Creating this garden just seemed obvious to me,' Laurie says. 'It's what the space needed; it's what the people here needed. Now, I get to watch it be enjoyed every day.'

It All Started with a Parking Lot

When we lived in Brooklyn Heights, we had a private roof deck that we transformed into a garden and built-in kitchen. It really was our personal oasis. But it was time for a change – and we needed more space – so we moved into a brand-new loft in Red Hook.

But in doing so, I had to sacrifice having a garden. Then I saw the building's parking lot: weedy, overgrown, and neglected. It was perfect – a blank canvas, somewhere to grow plants not just for us, but for the residents who live here and everyone who passes by.

So, I started a fundraiser. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our neighbors, it took just one week to raise more than enough money to start the transformation.

Our building is a converted warehouse right on the water, with people passing by on bikes and the ferry all the time. There was a real incentive to improve the curb appeal and create a beautiful space for residents to enjoy.

Everyone was happy for me to lead on the project, so I created the design and selected the plants. Then I wrangled some friends from the building to help with the planting.

It took a couple of years to extend the garden along the whole space (it's a city block long), but now, in its third year, it has really come into its own.

Bright mixed borders frame the plot, trees add height, and each parking spot has its own triangular bed filled with ornamental grasses – though I plan to eventually grow lavender here for more color and fragrance.

When people stroll by, they tell me how happy it's making them. I don't think we always notice how much our surroundings impact us. I genuinely believe the weeds were draining everyone's energy. Now, we have the cool contrast of the industrial building with a naturalistic garden, and it's an uplifting place to be.

Creating an Urban Meadow

I knew what to do with this space straight away. In my interior design work, I find magic in the juxtaposition of a vintage piece of furniture in a modern room, something textural with something shiny. This community garden was the same: a meadow in a concrete jungle.

It felt meant to be, even if it sounds cliché. My last name, Blumenfeld, translates to 'field of flowers' in German, so that's what I did – created a field of flowers in New York City. The vision was clear from the beginning.

I mixed taller shrubs like butterfly bush with shorter flowers like Nepeta 'Junior Walker' elsewhere for dynamic height and movement. It was only natural for me to obsess over the color palette, too, although I had to exercise some restraint. I love purple, but we couldn't just have a sea of it. That's why I contrasted it with the pinks and yellows of echinacea, rudbeckia, and yarrow instead.

I also thought about how it would look throughout the year. I wanted little floral surprises in each month. Really, it's been like designing with a year of programming in mind, deciding what will take center stage next as each season comes along.

Spring brings a field of tulips erupting in all sorts of bright colors, summer is all about the mulberries with their delicate fruits, and fall is much more fiery, with Japanese maples shifting in color and fall flowers getting ready to put on a show.

Against the concrete and glass of the building, the plants simply pop. Everyone who saw it come together told me they never would have envisioned it before. It's that unexpected, yet delightful beauty I always aimed to create here.

This Place Looks Like It Belongs

I don't have a background in horticulture or garden design. My journey with creating gardens has been a 'boots-on-the-ground' experience, experimenting with colors, textures, and shapes as I do with interiors.

When creating this community garden from scratch, I looked to the surrounding landscapes for inspiration. Brooklyn Bridge Park and the New York High Line were two of my biggest influences, with their native planting and perennials.

It's brought so many bees, butterflies, and birds. Monarch butterflies are always flitting around in the morning, which is pretty incredible to watch with the city landscape in the background.

It is a lot of work, though. Before we had irrigation put in last year, two other women and I took turns watering. It became a really meditative practice for all of us. It's so unusual to have garden space in the city, so coming out here to weed, water, and tend to the plants is the escape we all look for.

There are quite a lot of families in the building, and I see them take their children through the flowers. Even dogs love to stop to admire it – my miniature Australian shepherd, Ava, loves the rudbeckia. She always closes her eyes and lifts her little nose into the air.

She reminds me to always stop and smell the roses, even when life feels busy.

You Can't Control Everything

When it comes to a community garden, you can only have so much control.

One of our biggest challenges has been what we call the South Garden. It's a 2,000-square-foot patch full of butterfly bushes and mulberries, but finding a way to extend the irrigation system out there was difficult. Funnily enough, my experience renovating kitchens and bathrooms helped me solve the problem.

We've also had our fair share of garden pests. Aphids took over our birch trees, and I immediately called professionals in to deal with them. My experience with our old roof deck garden taught me that if we didn't act quickly, they'd cause quite a lot of damage.

I'm also working on a way to introduce a kitchen garden. The problem is that I don't want to plant directly into the soil, where pests and rodents might get to the crops, so we're planning raised garden beds instead. We also have the wind to contend with because we're quite exposed next to the water.

For me, it's an obvious addition. My husband loves to cook, and I miss growing herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. For now, we can grow some things indoors, thanks to our huge, sun-filled windows.

But watching everyone enjoy the garden makes me want to keep expanding it. We've got a roof deck with a spectacular view of Lady Liberty and Manhattan that's currently under construction, but the hope is to plant up there eventually. I'd also like to put some furniture in the garden so people can sit and watch the sunset over dinner.

Our Garden Is More Than I Ever Imagined

The best thing to have come out of our community garden is the response from the residents and wider neighborhood. I get people sending me photos at 6 am when they're rushing to catch the ferry to Wall Street but still take a moment to admire the blooms.

One interaction that sticks with me is with a lovely lady who told me the garden feels like it came from my soul. She described the flowers as representative of my energy, and I resonate with that.

I find myself being present in the garden. I like having these living beings in the form of plants to care for every day.

This whole project has scratched my itch for gardening. I've even been asked to create a planting style guide for the rest of Red Hook. I've pulled together a list of native plants and how to look after them, helping businesses in our neighborhood brighten up their storefronts with flowers.

I've learnt that interiors and gardens work together. I've always loved using greenery in my clients' homes, filling rooms with houseplants, and the garden is simply an extension of that. Both spaces are influenced by seasonality, texture, and color to make them your own.

But there's something about gardening that goes beyond design. While watching the garden go dormant in winter is a little sad, there's hope in the fact that spring comes next. There's a sense of renewal with each season, as the garden evolves and changes – just as we do. That's the beauty in it.

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

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Your space often doesn't need an entire overhaul, just a switch in mindset, a switch in the feeling it creates when you walk through the door. This can be done oh-so-subtly, through scent, lighting and layering, plus a few fall vignettes that really nod to the change in season.

'Every September the same box marked “Fall” comes up from the basement. Mini pumpkins, a faux eucalyptus garland draped over the mirror, a doormat that announces the season,' says designer Hallie Malitsky, founder of Hallie Rose Design. 'But for my entryway, instead of the very obvious fall statements, I transition the space through mood. Scent, light, and one vessel with something nodding to fall – that’s the perfect formula.'

1. Refresh The Scent

Making your entryway smell like fall is the easiest switch you can make, especially early on in the season. At this time of year, before you go full on with the spicy, baking-inspired scents, choose subtle fragrances that are just a little earthier than your usual summer scents. 'Scent is where most people go wrong, because they reach for a seasonal scent (achem pumpkin spice, I’m looking at you) instead of a feeling,' explains Hallie. 'No pumpkin, no spiced cider, please nothing that smells like the candle aisle. What I do change is the depth of the scent.'

Instead of the obvious fall candles, go for something comforting, but a little less generic, something that bridges the gap between ocean breeze and pumpkin spice. 'Late summer I want something lighter, greener and fresh smelling and as the air shifts to fall I move toward something moodier and woodier,' says Hallie. 'I absolutely love Adlan Fragrances for this reason, and the Crowd Pleaser is the scent I go back to year after year. Sandalwood and cardamom, warm and a little smoky. It doesn’t yell “Fall!” as much as it is an atmosphere.'

2. Soften the Lighting

Swapping out your entryway lighting for something softer and more ambient will create cozy warmth and homeliness that makes darker days feel welcome rather than dreary. 'Add a vintage or antique floor lamp,' advises Hallie. 'An entry is a room that people often forget to light properly beyond just an overhead fixture. A floor lamp or an antique table lamp is unexpected in an entry and can bring in light to soften the whole space.'

For something even simpler, interior designer Jessica Hobson suggests, 'Swap out a white lamp shade for something moodier. Opt for a dark printed pattern; this gives you instant drama and changes the whole vibe of your entry. I love Pooky Lighting for an amazing range of printed stocked shades that are both well-priced and of exceptional quality.'

3. Trade Fresh Flowers For Branches

Remove your summer flower display and replace it with something a little more seasonal, like calming eucalyptus (this Seeded Willow Eucalyptus Stem from Target would be ideal), or richly colored plants like Japanese maple, or a few stems of Chinese lanterns. Just ensure it looks organic, rather than overly curated.

'Trade the flowers for branches,' says Hallie. 'I go out to the yard and cut something architectural, not too leafy. A lot of clients are surprised that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars at the flower market; you can go outside your door to a whole world of stunning branches. I always choose something with movement, so you see the shape as much as the foliage. Put in an antique vessel with some patina, and it’s a perfect welcoming nod to fall.'

'Bring in something from outside,' agrees interior designer Claire Zinnecker. 'I love bringing in seasonal cuttings (think branches, grasses or late summer blooms). An oversized wild arrangement in a beautiful vessel feels seasonal without feeling like your typical fall decor.'

4. Add Vintage Layers

Decorating with vintage isn't a seasonal ritual, but when designing a cozy entryway that comforts and invites, preloved pieces are one of the most impactful decor options you can choose. They bring an instant sense of nostalgia and charm that makes an entryway feel instantly more welcoming and lived-in.

A Persian rug invites warmth and story to a bare floor, as does a collection of vintage artwork hung on a wall. They also act as layers of texture that inject personality and contrast into a space. 'Warm up the palette with texture,' says Claire. 'I love to design with texture; it's an amazing way to create interest without always blowing the budget. Bringing in a vintage runner, a woven basket, or darker pottery can instantly shift the mood of a space.'

You needn't go overboard either; even bringing in a vintage tray to adorn your console table makes an entryway feel more lived-in and welcoming, or a brass catchall (such as this Pocket Change Brass Catchall from 1stDibs) for keys and trinkets.

5. Carry the Feeling Past the Door

Your entryway can set the tone of your home, but creating similar vignettes throughout your space will ensure the mood continues long past the front door.

'Carry the feeling past the door,' advises Hallie. 'Whatever you do in the entry, repeat one element of it again in the adjoining room. The same branches in a different vessel or the same candle lit on the coffee table stacked with your favorite coffee table books. The entry should be the opening line, not the whole story. A home that feels like the warmth of fall the moment you walk in is the one that people want to stay in. That never comes from decorating; it comes from the intentional moments you create with items that look like they’ve always been there.'

Late-Summer Entryway Picks

Your entryway is the natural place to start when switching your home from summer to fall. Start here with just a few simple switches after Labor Day, and gradually go more autumnal as the weeks go on – deepening the scents, adding more layers, and introducing a few fall motifs.

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'Pale, cool blues can offer many of the qualities homeowners have long appreciated about gray,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. 'They're calming, versatile and easy to live with, while bringing a subtle sense of color and personality into a space. These softer blues can create a light, airy atmosphere that feels serene and restorative without reading as stark or overly cool. They also provide a gentle connection to nature, which can help a room feel fresh and inviting.'

'As homeowners continue to move away from one-size-fits-all gray interiors, we're seeing greater interest in nuanced colors that still function with the ease of a neutral,' continues Emily. 'A pale blue can serve as a beautiful backdrop across a variety of design styles, pairing naturally with warm whites, wood tones, natural stone and other organic materials. The result is a space that maintains the flexibility of a neutral palette while feeling more layered, personal and expressive.'

In this romantic breakfast nook (pictured above), the pale blue walls create a sense of freshness, but paired with the charming gingham print and warm tones, it avoids looking cold. 'These spaces utilize a soft pale blue to create an airy and open feel. Pale blue tends to lean a bit more feminine than the alternative (gray), which made it perfect for these spaces layered in florals,' explains Bridget Tiek, co-founder of TIEK BYDAY. 'We used Farrow & Ball Skylight and Sherwin-Williams Niebla Azul.'

'Cool blues are better than gray because they inject some color into a space while still feeling like a neutral,' agrees interior designer Jessica Hobson. 'That color instantly gives life to a room, which a cool gray just can’t do!'

'I love a pale blue ceiling; it can act as a neutral in a room but adds so much more than white, beige or gray,' Jessica adds. 'It instantly lifts the ceiling, creating an airy feeling in a room. In this dining room (pictured above) we chose a soft blue paint to work with the Lewis & Wood wallpaper. The paper featured a gorgeous print but was all neutral with creams, beige and grays, so I knew I wanted to bring in some color in the space. The ceiling was the perfect spot!'

'We used Benjamin Moore's Quiet Moments. This is a beautiful calming go-to blue for me, and it is particularly great on a ceiling. It is a very soft cool blue-green shade with some gray in it and just has a way of creating a calm over a space.'

'This is a snug in an 18th-century house on Lake Geneva in Switzerland,' says interior designer Sofia Clara. 'We wanted the room to feel calm and inviting while still respecting the character and original architecture. Pale blue felt like a lovely alternative to the more expected neutrals or gray and pulls from the color in the original hand-painted wallpaper that I believe might be a Zuber wallpaper.'

'We chose a very soft, powdery blue that contrasts nicely with the original floorboards, jute rug and the warmer tones of the antique furniture,' Sofia adds. 'Rather than feeling cold, the blue creates a gentle backdrop, allowing the more patinated and earthy elements of the room to stand out.'

'Pale blues give you many of the qualities people traditionally look for in gray; they are quiet, calm and easy to live with, but they have much more softness and character,' Sofia explains. 'Gray can feel flat or austere, particularly in rooms with cooler natural light or small windows. A very pale blue brings a subtle sense of color and lightness. Here, the blue also works particularly well with the warmer materials in the room, creating a balance that I don’t think a gray would achieve.'

The Best Pale Blue Paints

If you're a lover of gray but want something more characterful, pale blue is the color for you. When bringing cool blue paint into the home, 'pair these shades with warm whites, natural woods and organic textures to help balance their cooler qualities and create an inviting, layered space,' suggests Emily.

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We asked designers which shades come to mind when they think of the most iconic, long-loved interior design styles, so if you are looking for color scheme inspiration that will never date, here is a good place to start.

Country Cottage: Sage Green and Dusty Pink

When you think of cottage style, it's hard not to envision a soothing backdrop of warm white walls, soft barely-there pink accents, plenty of sage green, and lots of rustic, time-worn accents.

'Many of our clients lean into the warm, muted, earthy, and dusty colors to add to the vintage feel of the iconic cottage-style design,' explains Brittany Bowen, co-founder of Girls At Flourish Studio. 'While plenty of colors lend themselves to the cottage look, we feel like we see earthy greens and pinks repeatedly in some of our favorite cottage-core designs. This scullery (designed by Smith Street Interiors), couldn’t be a more perfect example.'

'For a hazy pink, we used Mulberry Silk by Sherwin-Williams, and their earthy green is Bunglehouse Gray, also by Sherwin-Williams,' says Brittany. These muted colors add the coziest vibes, and contrasted with the rich walnut cabinet tones and historic trim work, this palette is timeless without being bland. For us, nothing screams country cottage more than pink and green.'

New England Coastal: Crisp White and Sea Blue

Inspired by the seashore and the traditional beach huts dotted along the coastline, coastal design is defined by its white and blue color palette. Think white shiplap walls, and plenty of blue accents, from painted window frames to full-on feature walls.

'Muted, historic blues paired with warm cream tones feel traditionally American and bring a timeless combination to any room,' says Daniele Doerge, marketing manager and color expert at California Paints. 'The colors have enough contrast to highlight strong traditional and colonial-style architectural details, but this particular color combination keeps the style elegant rather than overly formal. I love this combination, and especially in the New England area, we see a lot of this timeless design style.'

For a more muted take on the classic pairing, try heritage pale blue paints like Farrow & Ball's Light Blue or Windy Blue by Sherwin-Williams (best beside a warm cream like Dover White).

Midcentury: Muted Mustard and Olive Green

Warm, autumnal tones are synonymous with mid-century interior design. From complex ochres to burnt oranges and forest greens, midcentury modern embraces deep saturation and comforting richness.

'Mustard and olive green worked perfectly together in a lot of midcentury design, capturing that unique and nature-inspired interior design style,' says Daniele. 'Now, especially with the steady resurgence of love for midcentury modern homes, I love recommending slightly more muted versions of these hues, where the nostalgia is still there, but the softer tone makes the combination feel current.'

Timeless mustard paints like Little Greene's Light Gold or the brown-tinted India Yellow by Farrow & Ball are perfect for schemes looking to bring a little dose of the past into the present day.

Classic Heritage: Charcoal

Smoky, navy blues, and deep grays define classic heritage style. 'Whether used inside or outside of the home, these colors enhance architectural details and bring character without feeling dated,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager, color marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'Especially for exteriors, homeowners often gravitate toward colors they can live with for many years rather than colors tied to a particular moment. These heritage-inspired hues create a warm, welcoming feeling that feels timeless, which is why they continue to be favorites generation after generation.'

In this moody living room, interior designer Caroline Levenson selected a warm gray as the palette's central color. 'We’re especially drawn to the rich earth tones, muted blues, and deep greens associated with the Colonial era. In this client’s Knoxville home, we enveloped the living room in Benjamin Moore’s Flint, a cool charcoal that acts as a neutral but takes on subtle blue undertones as the light changes throughout the day. Paired with warm wood tones, softer blues, and touches of yellow, the room feels cozy and cocooning without feeling heavy.'

Farmhouse Style: Warm White

A farmhouse kitchen isn't complete without some warm white painted walls. While the classic ceramic sink and shiplap walls undeniably make the farmhouse style what it is, a light-changing white paint adds an elevated layer to the rustic look we all know and love.

Characterized by warm neutrals, rustic accents, and plenty of raw materials, off-whites couldn't be more intrinsic to farmhouse style; they balance out its warmth and earthiness and bring a light, bright, and refreshing feel to a look that's been embraced by Americans for centuries.

Shades like Benjamin Moore's White Dove, a clean, timeless off-white with subtle notes of warmth or Farrow & Ball's heritage shade, School House White, to balance the warm wood tones of the farmhouse look.

Classic colors, synonymous with classic styles, are a good place to start when planning a color scheme. Even if you plan to mix and match eras (the best homes always do), ensuring that your color scheme speaks to the style of your home or interiors will ensure a timeless cohesion.

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It was the challenge faced in this home. The clients, restaurateurs who find much joy in hosting, wanted the open-plan kitchen to be functional, yet embody a very calm, restrained palette with just the right amount of warmth and texture to feel inviting.

With a unique layout, a focus on materiality, and an effortless approach to decor, this open-plan room has been reinvented as the heart of the home, boasting a kitchen that feels calm and considered, yet is filled with functional storage and surface space for the grandest occasions. It's a lesson in getting open-plan right.

Embrace an Earthy Palette For a Timeless Kitchen

A neutral kitchen needs warmth and layering to feel timeless and inviting, rather than flat and sterile. Wood is one of the most enduring materials to introduce, especially if the scheme features ceiling beams that deserve to be honored. In this design, wooden cabinets became the anchoring detail for the whole scheme, allowing the space to remain restrained and pared-back, yet still include contrast and visual interest.

'We wanted the palette to feel grounded in the natural world, with warm woods, soft stone, woven textures, and quiet, earthy tones creating a sense of ease. There is an abundance of natural light throughout the space, so these materials have a beautiful opportunity to shift and soften throughout the day. Rather than competing with that light, the restrained palette allows it to become part of the design. The result is a kitchen that feels bright and fresh, but still warm and inviting,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.

Use a Contrasting Cabinet Style on the Island

In a large kitchen, especially an open-plan one, a contrasting island helps to add depth to the design. But instead of just playing with color, Marie opted for a mix of cabinet styles to give the island its own identity from the perimeter cabinets. It still feels cohesive, but adds a new layer of interest to the space.

'The contrast between the island and perimeter cabinetry was a subtle way to give the kitchen dimension without introducing a lot of visual noise. The more substantial, painted island grounds the room and gives it a furniture-like quality, while the lighter, natural wood cabinetry along the perimeter feels quiet and architectural,' she explains.

'Because the homeowners wanted restraint, we were very intentional about letting material and texture create the variation rather than relying on color. Together, the two finishes add warmth and depth while maintaining a very cohesive feeling.'

Install a Peninsula to Define an Open Plan Space

Kitchen zoning is key in a great room, especially when defining the cooking and lounging spaces. Often, the orientation leaves the island as the dividing feature, but a more creative approach was required in this design. The solution? A sleek peninsula that maximizes kitchen storage and counter space while creating a clean line between zones.

'We wanted the kitchen to feel connected to the living space without losing a sense of definition between the two rooms. The peninsula subtly establishes that boundary while also creating another place to gather, serve, or simply place a cup of coffee,' Marie recalls. 'It helps the kitchen feel like a destination within the larger room rather than one long, open expanse. For a family that entertains frequently, that distinction makes the space feel both more intimate and more functional.'

Scale Down a Backsplash to Blend Style and Function

Backsplash trends this year have favored the brave and expansive, from countersplash designs to mixed material schemes. But in a more pared-back scheme, a backsplash can quickly overwhelm. Instead of removing the backsplash entirely, a small tiled section behind the cooktop added just the right amount of protection.

'The decision to limit the backsplash was very much about restraint – we wanted to protect the quiet quality of the kitchen rather than cover every surface with pattern or material. Placing the tile only behind the cooktop gives that hardworking area a beautiful moment while keeping the rest of the kitchen clean and understated,' Marie explains.

And glossy zellige tiles became the perfect way to create a subtle wall feature. 'We chose the handmade, softly irregular tiles for their texture and variation, which bring a subtle sense of age and character to the otherwise restrained palette. They feel collected rather than overly new, which was important to the overall warmth of the space.'

Transform a Bay Window Into a Cozy Dining Nook

There's something a bit too formal about breakfast or a casual lunch on a grand eight-seater dining table. Such a large set-up can also change the entire vibe of an open room, which is why dining nooks are being chosen in their place, creating cozy, comfortable, and more intimate spaces. And in the design, a bay window was the perfect location.

'The bay window offered a natural opportunity to create a more intimate place to gather within the larger kitchen. We loved the idea of giving the family somewhere to linger over breakfast, a casual meal, or a glass of wine while taking advantage of the beautiful natural light and garden views,' Marie explains.

'The built-in seating makes the most of an otherwise underutilized area and softens the architecture with something that feels very comfortable and inviting. It also reinforces the idea that this kitchen is meant to be lived in, not simply used for cooking.'

Infuse Warmth and Collected Style With Thoughtful Decor

Decorative details are what take a new kitchen to a more personal level, adding layers, textures, and unique style. In line with the simplistic, pared-back look the clients were after, decorative details have been introduced through furniture, lighting, and kitchen essentials that double as display pieces.

'We approached those details much as we would in the rest of a home – looking for pieces that feel collected, tactile, and connected to the materials already present. The woven barstools, sculptural lighting, artwork, pottery, and vintage-feeling cutting boards each bring a different layer of texture without introducing unnecessary color or pattern,' she explains.

'I love when a kitchen has those small, personal details because they make the space feel like a room rather than a purely functional kitchen. Here, those elements help bring a little softness and soul to an otherwise very restrained design.'

Quick Tips

• Use an earthy palette for a neutral kitchen that feels visually interesting
• Mix cabinet styles for a more dynamic scheme
• Experiment with layout ideas for successful zoning
• Design a backsplash that works for your space, rather than following trends
• Utilize architectural features like a bay window for more intimate dining nooks
• Let decorative details bring character and charm

This elegant kitchen design proves that you don't need one standout feature to create a space that feels show-stopping. There's a subtlety to this space that lets materiality and texture do all the talking – it's about how each detail works together to blend style and function that makes it truly stand out.

'There isn't one element competing for attention – the natural light, warm wood ceiling, handmade tile, cabinetry, and furnishings all have room to breathe,' Marie finishes. 'The kitchen feels architectural and sophisticated, but at the same time incredibly comfortable and approachable, which was exactly right for these homeowners.'

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.

A good place to start when pivoting our seasonal mindsets is to look at the trends that are creeping in. This year's fall trends combine personality-filled, eclectic interior design trends with all things warm and cocooning, from moody colors to fine materials. Of course, there are a few familiar fall decor ideas in the mix, too, but as we seek more livable and luxurious schemes, this year's autumnal trends focus on a quieter, slower, and more intentional way of living during the colder months.

1. 'Print-maxxing'

Layering for fall doesn't just apply to your wardrobe. Whether it's a striking Ikat or a traditional check, pairing pattern on pattern ensures your schemes never feel flat – and always feel warm and inviting.

'I think pattern is having a real moment, but layered rather than matchy,' explains interior designer Laura Stephens. 'A striped sofa with a checked chair, an ikat curtain against ticking stripes – it feels collected rather than coordinated, like the room has evolved over time rather than been bought in one go. I’m particularly drawn to mixing patterns within the same color family, which keeps the overall scheme feeling connected even when the individual patterns are quite different (see above). You don’t need to completely redecorate to introduce the look. Try combining a striped chair with a checked cushion, or layering two contrasting patterns in the same warm palette.'

The 'printmaxxing' trend might sound loud, but it proves that clashing patterns needn't feel chaotic; it can actually make rooms feel more personality-filled and lived-in, qualities that make our homes feel even more comforting during the colder months.

2. Cinnamon Hues

Designers loved chocolate brown for a vintage, layered look last fall, but orange-infused, mid-tone browns are this year's biggest fall color trend. In fact, spicy 'cinnamon' hues are the perfect middle ground between moody, warm, yet still livable.

'I think we’ll see a real shift towards warmer, spicier tones this autumn, particularly cinnamon, caramel, tobacco and rich ochre,' says interior designer and Studio Raymond founder, Carina Raymond. 'These colors have an inherent warmth to them, which makes them perfect for creating rooms that feel cozy and enveloping without becoming too dark. I particularly love using these shades through color drenching, taking one color across the walls, woodwork and ceiling to create a really immersive effect.'

Carina says shades like Edward Bulmer Cinnamon (which she has used in recent projects) 'give a room a wonderfully cocooning quality. It feels almost like a sunny embrace, rather than simply a ‘painted room’.

She advises, 'To bring this look into your own home, I’d layer these warmer colors with natural, tactile materials – think tan leather, sisal, travertine, warm timber and woven textiles. You don’t need to completely redecorate; introducing a caramel leather chair, a cinnamon-colored lampshade or a warm-toned rug can instantly shift the feeling of a room. I’d also embrace the ceiling as a fifth wall. Carrying the color overhead is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel more intimate and considered.'

3. Decadent Materials and Details

Fine materials bring a cocooning quality that almost always makes a room feel quietly luxurious and layered. 'This fall, I'm seeing a return to rich, luxurious fabrics like moiré, silk, mohair, and silk velvet,' says interior designer Ellie Christopher.

Incorporating materials designers swear by for fall will make your spaces feel more luxurious without having to make huge changes. 'If you’re hesitant to commit, start small with a moiré fabric on a bench or pillow. If you’re feeling bold, use it as wallpaper in a bedroom or hallway. It adds a beautiful textural layer and a sense of warmth and luxury. Tassels and beaded trims are another easy way to elevate pillows or lampshades and make them feel more custom. I recently saw a French dealer turn antique embroidered napkins with oversized monograms into lampshades. It was incredibly chic and felt modern and historical at the same time.'

'I also see artisanal details like embroidery and beading becoming more prominent in high-end residential work. With the rise of AI in the interiors world, I think we’ll see a strong push toward craftsmanship and handmade pieces, with people placing even more value on the human touch and details that feel truly one of a kind.'

4. Game Tables

'Game tables are finally out of hiding for fall 2026,' says John Maloney McNamara of Coosa. 'For decades, this furniture was banished – the pool table to the garage, the ping pong table collapsed against a wall in the basement. This fall, I think it moves into the living room, and it's dressed for the occasion: handcrafted shuffleboards, sculptural poker tables, ping pong tables that read as dining tables first.'

The board games trend emphasizes a slower, more analog way of living this fall. 'The larger shift is that we're furnishing our homes for participation again. People want rooms that give them a reason to stay, linger and play together. A beautiful table that gets used is ultimately more interesting than a formal one nobody touches,' adds John.

'Buy it as furniture first, game second. If it only looks good mid-game, it's equipment, not decor. The strongest pieces earn their room even when nobody is playing: a handsome shuffleboard can function almost like a console, and with a well-designed ping pong table, the moment the net comes off, it's dinner for six. Look for rich materials, architectural silhouettes and finishes you'd be happy to live with every day.'

5. Vintage Layers

'We’re seeing a real shift away from mass-produced, poorly made products available at the click of a button and toward a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, natural materials, and objects with a story,' Christine Babini and Amy Pariser, Co-Founders of PARINI say. 'This doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. Clients are increasingly open to shopping vintage, sourcing from local makers and artists, and embracing pieces that aren’t pristine or instantly available. These choices bring soul and individuality to a space at almost any budget.'

'While it’s completely natural to be influenced by current seasonal design trends, focus on investing in pieces you genuinely love. Building a collection slowly allows a home to tell the story of your life. Pieces with an emotional connection tend to withstand the test of time, and any passing trend, because they remind you of a place, a person, a trip, or simply a moment in time.'

'At this time of year, I love using textiles as art,' says Laura. 'An antique fabric fragment or an old rug framed on the wall brings so much warmth and history into a space, and there’s something wonderfully autumnal about surrounding yourself with pieces that feel worn-in and storied as the nights draw in. If you have an antique textile tucked away – a shawl, a scarf, or even a beautiful rug that is past its best on the floor – have it framed. It’s such an easy and affordable way to add real character and make a room feel more personal.'

6. Purple Accents

'Purple was a hard pass in our studio for years: a color that's supposed to signal royalty and luxury but spends most of its time cosplaying as... not that,' begins John. 'Too loud, too unpredictable, very Barney-meets-Grimace. But purple is showing up for fall, and we're seeing it everywhere – in textile collections, in upholstery introductions, in showrooms that were wall-to-wall neutrals a year ago.'

While decorating with purple was once reserved for girls' bedrooms and 2000s interiors, in 2026, it's one of the most luxurious fall color ideas out there. 'The tell is which purple: not frosty lavender or electric magenta, but the grown-up end of the family – aubergine, nightshade, mulberry – deep enough to sit comfortably next to the tobaccos and oxbloods everyone's already living with and loving. This version of purple behaves more like a grounded color than a costume. Is this a full-blown grape crush? Let's not spiral. But the evidence keeps arriving, and purple is looking less like a wildcard and more like the next color to watch.'

'Purple is high-maintenance – sure – so the entire game is who you pair it with. Give it calm, grounded company: a warm creamy white, walnut, camel, olive, unlacquered brass. Purple with quiet partners looks fresh, unexpected, elevated; purple with loud ones starts to feel a little Mardi Gras. I'd rather see it used with conviction than sprinkled around the room – and the strongest version this fall is lacquered: an aubergine like Farrow & Ball's Brinjal in full gloss on a library, a powder room, or the interior of a bookcase, where the shine gives the color its depth back. In furniture, one serious piece in mulberry mohair or a heavy wool – a chair, an ottoman, or even a modern low-slung sofa – can carry an entire room.'

7. The Formal Sitting Room

While relaxed living rooms aren't going anywhere this season, designers are seeing a little more appreciation for purposeful, traditional sitting rooms. 'For fall, I'm feeling a return to formality – but not in the stuffy, Aunt Gertrude won’t let you sit on her sofa sense. But rather in a “I am grounded and established. A little layered and nostalgic. But still fresh and full of life” kind of way,' says Ashley Macuga of Studio Collected.

When creating a traditional living room, Ashley says, 'Invest in specialty woods. I mean burl, but in new richer hues. After years of rift white oak (which I still love!), richly grained woods are back – and I am obsessed with burl. Its swirling, marbled grain gives an immediate sense of storied history. I love the deep contrast of the darker burl hues, especially when paired with unlacquered brass hardware. I recommend starting with one statement piece – a dresser, sideboard, or nightstand to anchor a space.'

'Where we once reached for a tray of objects, I'm feeling the urge to replace it with one or two substantial sculptural forms. Abstract figures, vases treated as art rather than function, textured bowls that can sit in isolation. To bring it home, resist the urge to fill a surface. One well-scaled stone or ceramic form, curated and edited, will always feel richer and more luxe than a large group of objects.'

Fall Shopping Picks

This year's fall trends focus on quietly luxurious, artisanal pieces that bring personality and comfort into the home. Deeply saturated purples and warm cinnamons will set the tone of schemes this year, and quality materials, print-on-print, and antique accents will be the thoughtful layers of every room.

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Today, whether through his own design studio, television work or bestselling books, Jeremiah has become one of the industry's most thoughtful voices on the emotional power of interiors. In this installment of our Layered Lives series of interviews, he explains how, rather than chasing perfection, he believes the most memorable homes are those layered with memory, meaning and personality. Here, he reflects on his unlikely route into design, the early days of building his business, and why every great interior begins with listening.

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

Jeremiah Brent: There have been a lot of different ways design entered into my life, but my grandmother was really creative. She was Portuguese and her house was filled with ceramics. Everywhere, there were plants, and I remember it all feeling very rooted and nurturing. She would sit in the corner of the house, perched in the sunshine – I remember the squeaks of the doors, and I also remember thinking that this house was so her, and showed so many parts of her. That became my fascination.

Homes & Gardens: Was there any hint that design might become your career?

Jeremiah Brent: I was always very motivated. If I worked in a smoothie shop as a teenager then I was going to find a way to be the manager. I gave everything to everything. But at the time I was growing up, interior design just wasn't cool – it wasn't a profession people felt empowered to do. And I grew up poor so it really wasn't a career I knew much about. I was obsessed with fashion and clothing and the 1990s were the height of the big magazine shoot, those iconic stories in glossy pages, the cult of editors and photographers. It was an interesting way to tell stories.

Homes & Gardens: And in fact, fashion was your first career path, wasn't it?

Jeremiah Brent: I went to college in San Francisco and the moment I got to Los Angeles after that I was like, 'here I go!' LA was a safe, familiar place where I could figure out who I was.

Homes & Gardens: What sort of work were you doing?

Jeremiah Brent: I was styling for Rachel Zoe, and I had done a lot of interior design for smaller projects. I was responding to whatever opportunities came to me, and what I loved were the same principles applied to both fashion and interiors. Rachel was the first person to believe in me and her belief and encouragement went a long way. She told me that my energy shifted when I was talking about interiors.

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

Jeremiah Brent: The story of my homes... well! I moved a bunch in my 20s – I would fix up whichever apartment I was in, I would make it beautiful and then I would break my lease and move on. I drive my husband around town now and am constantly saying, 'I lived here' and 'I lived here.' Before I knew it could be a profession it was just something to do, it was a passion. I would go to Goodwill stores, do a lot of DIY, reimagine things and repaint them. There was always a reason I did everything and it always told the story of where I was.

Homes & Gardens: And then you set up your own design firm – what was that like?

Jeremiah Brent: It was terrifying. That was the time when it was not super hot to create a design firm and I had no idea how to charge people, how to get fabric samples, even what a spreadsheet was. I paid my mother and a paralegal at the firm she was at to create my LLC. I got a decal with my logo on it for $100 and took three days to put it on my walls. Then I hired a woman called Beth who was fresh out of college and I told her all my dreams and she believed me. Together, we started my firm. It was hard, and it was me going from door to door, putting handmade cards in every showroom in LA. Slowly I got a project, or two projects, and it was scary. Young designers need the infrastructure to succeed.

Homes & Gardens: Did any of those early projects feel like a tipping point?

Jeremiah Brent: The first project I ever did. The client was pregnant, and pregnancy is my Kryptonite – I'll do anything for a pregnant person. She had $10,000 for her whole house and I'm not sure how I did it. Actually, it cost me money to do it. I silver-leafed her fireplace on my own – honestly, you couldn't pay me to do that now! But I remember the way her eyes lit up and how she loved everything, and how it was the same way you feel when you fall in love. I had never thought you could make work out of your passion, and it was then I realized I could create a career you could love and that evoked emotional reactions. She referred me on to other clients and that's how it all began.

Homes & Gardens: But how did you know what you were doing?

Jeremiah Brent: I still don’t know what I am doing! But I love what I do. My passion is the thing that fuels me. While my personal design style has evolved over time – I'm now married with children, which has had a kaleidoscopic effect on how I see the world – I don't want to be known as just one thing. My firm is now 57 people, but everything we do comes from my perspective.

Homes & Gardens: You've said that home is where we tell the story of who we are. What are the most meaningful ways a home can communicate identity?

Jeremiah Brent: The most beautiful homes I've ever been in are not 'gung-ho beauty', they're not about how much money you spent. My husband proposed to me in Peru and on that trip we went into a hut where the woman who lived there had pinned up fabric on the walls. It was so elegant, the pride she had in her home, and I knew who she was by the way she lived. That's what we're here to create. If you know the laughs that have been had in a room, the cigarettes smoked... that's what I am trying to capture. Beauty is so subjective, but what I am good at is listening to people and their stories, and that's what guided me throughout my career.

Homes & Gardens: What sort of things do you ask people to get to know their stories?

Jeremiah Brent: I ask them what the first room is that they ever loved, what the first space was that held them. And the first room that ever mattered to them is the most important. One of the things I'm fascinated by is having a space you never want to leave. Nothing is meant to be transactional, and to know where you belong is the goal.

Homes & Gardens: Does a connection often come from things? Because your spaces are usually fairly pared back.

Jeremiah Brent: Listen, it's a fine line. I’m a purist, I want something to be as beautiful to me as possible. But I learned that from doing design TV that you have to figure out what it is that tethers people to things. My husband has a connection to things whereas I have more of a connection to places.

Homes & Gardens: You mentioned that becoming a parent changed your worldview – did it also change how you think about design?

Jeremiah Brent: It hasn’t changed what I bring into the house – we’re not the sort of parents who say you can't have brass just because there are sticky fingerprints likely to be about. I was raised to have respect for what was in the house, and my kids are the same. We did have a glass table when Poppy was little – and she dropped a brass bowl on it, which we rushed to pick up, so maybe we have changed what materials we leave out, just a little. Our daughter thinks we have the worst taste, honestly.

Homes & Gardens: If every home tells a story, what story are you trying to tell with your own?

Jeremiah Brent: We have furniture that means a lot. I have a beautiful Bugatti chair that I always wanted, and while our combined aesthetics don’t have much room for Bugatti, I found a way to make it work. I am not sentimental about items, just kids' things. That chair, a little settee in Poppy's nursery that is now in our home in Portugal. Those things tell the story of our family.

Homes & Gardens: Lastly, how do you think a home should feel?

Jeremiah Brent: The best thing someone can say is, 'This feels just like me.' Then I am done for. It's not about how beautiful a home is or how good the marble is – those things don't keep you or hold you. A home can keep you in a hard time, it can move you, it can have the ghosts of experience; it's so multifaceted. What I feel like my job is, is to be a custodian of stories. To make a home feel like you.

For Jeremiah, beautiful interiors have never really been about furniture, finishes or flawless styling. Instead, they are about creating spaces that reflect the lives unfolding within them – places that hold memories, celebrate personality and quietly support the people who call them home. It's an approach that has guided his career from the very beginning, and one that feels increasingly relevant in a world obsessed with image. As he puts it, the greatest compliment he can receive isn't admiration for a room's aesthetics, but hearing a client walk in, look around and simply say, 'This feels just like me.'

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I do get tempted by all the very seasonal drops happening right now, and yes, I will dabble in a pumpkin or two, but I find it's the fall decor collections that don't go overboard on the cliché motifs that look the most expensive. And right now, those expensive-looking pieces are coming from one of the most inexpensive sources – IKEA.

IKEA's fall decor is quietly seasonal, perfect for adding a whisper of autumn to my home while still feeling timeless. These are the nine pieces I am eyeing up this year, and what I look for when shopping for these more luxury-feeling items at IKEA.

So what am I looking out for when hunting for 'expensive' looking pieces at IKEA? I never ignore a designer collaboration – big-name designers work with IKEA regularly, but the prices still sit on the affordable side. From exclusive designer collaborations like long-established designer Ilse Crawford to the iconic PS Collection revived from the 1990s, I always find something in these new launches that becomes a staple in my home.

I also look out for new versions of ancient IKEA pieces. Every now and then, IKEA will take an iconic piece like the HEMNES bed or the STRANDMON wing chair and give it a refresh with a new color or fabric. This can be ideal for seasonal decorating because I know I am getting a piece that's stood the test of time, just in a version that feels more right for right now.

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While every era has its hits and misses, the 1800s were filled with inventive, beautiful, well-made design additions that continue to feel just as timeless as they did over two hundred years ago. From architectural features that complement traditional house styles to intricate design details that elevate even the most modern of settings, there are many 1800s elements that are highly sought after today.

1. Decorative Moldings

From ceiling trim to ornate rosettes, decorative moldings bring a timeless elegance to homes when done well. 'Bring back the 1800s decorative elements that add beauty and delight to homes!' says interior designer Shannon Crain. 'In homes today, I would love to see more fine details like decorative plaster work with rosettes, moldings, corbels, and casings to inject whimsy and traditional elements into modern-day designs.'

'I wish we saw more plaster ornamentation in homes today,' agrees interior designer Liz Caan. 'It's such a beautiful material for interior moldings and decorative details. Unlike wood, plaster doesn't expand and contract with seasonal changes, so it creates a more stable finish. It also takes paint beautifully, and the profiles can be far more refined and delicate than those achieved in wood.'

'I'd love to incorporate some special plaster accents into my own home,' adds Liz. 'I've been imagining sculptural plaster flowers, inspired by the oversized blooms in my dining room wallpaper, scattered across the ceiling to add an unexpected detail and some personality to an otherwise unadorned surface.'

2. Big Front Porches

Whether it's a shingle-style home with a wide porch for enjoying views of the Cape or a Federal-style home with a white-painted veranda, a traditional porch is an architectural feature we could see more of today.

'If I could add any 1800s feature to my own home, I’d send all vehicles to the alleyways and bring back a deep front porch for socializing and community,' says Gina Elkins of Studio Casa Vita. 'Imagine the magic of a porch for sitting and watching the sunset, for sipping iced tea with a breeze, for enjoying the company of neighbors, and smelling the fragrance from large flower-filled urns and nearby tree-lined streets. A dream!'

Sunrooms, too, have a timeless, heritage feel that allows you to enjoy the delights of the season and surrounding views. And let's not forget the little-known sleeping porch, and 1800s feature, designed for the utmost relaxation in the warmer months.

3. Quality Hardware

It's not just architectural features that bring charm and character to homes today. Small details like vintage kitchen hardware make all the difference to spaces in need of a little story and patina. Think brass knockers, ornate drawer pulls, and even hinges.

Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design explains, 'I’d love to see more ornamental plasterwork and ceiling medallions, original solid hardware, and substantial fireplaces. Those details gave older homes so much character and individuality. Even used selectively in a newer home, they can add a level of craftsmanship that’s difficult to replicate.'

When asked what one thing from the 1800s she'd add to her home, Lauren said, 'I’d add more original architectural hardware and reclaimed or aged stone. Both bring a depth and sense of age that’s very difficult to reproduce with something new.'

4. Intentional Rooms

'The nineteenth century believed in rooms, and I wish we did too,' begins John Maloney McNamara of Coosa. 'Somewhere along the way, we decided every square foot of a house needed to see every other square foot, as though walls only divided things. But walls are what let a house contain more than one world: a bright morning room, a quiet library, a busy happy kitchen. Remove them, and every room becomes the same room, all day, forever. Are great rooms really all that great?'

'What I miss most are the clever inventions that let homes be both connected and private. Pocket doors might be my favorite example. They're wonderfully diplomatic. You can throw a party with them open and reclaim a sense of calm the moment they're closed. They solved the "open concept versus closed plan" debate more than a century ago, and somehow we forgot the answer.'

'The same goes for transom windows. They let light and air move freely without sacrificing the dignity of separate rooms. That's the part I think we've lost: older homes understood that privacy and brightness weren't mutually exclusive.'

5. Vestibules

'I'd love to see the return of the vestibule,' says John, 'starting with the word itself. Nobody says vestibule anymore. We say foyer if we're feeling fancy, entry if we're being honest, and often the honest answer is that there isn't one at all.'

'Walking through a front door shouldn't feel like stumbling directly into the middle of someone's life. A vestibule creates a small moment of transition, a chance to leave the outside behind before stepping into the home. It's subtle, but it changes how a house feels.'

'The one feature I'd never give up (or would add if it weren't already there) is a proper vestibule,' he adds. 'I've never bought a house without one, and I never will. When the front door opens straight into the living room, the entire house feels smaller, no matter its square footage. I like a home that lets you arrive before it lets you in.'

6. Wooden Accents

'As a designer who loves even a new home to feel lived-in, I wish we celebrated craftsmanship the way that it was in the late 1800s,' says Sarah Fontanez of Pomme House. 'Ornate moldings were created by hand and stair railings were carved from solid pieces of wood by master carpenters – let’s bring back the Arts and Crafts Movement.'

Wood paneling and carved railings will add architectural charm to a room that doesn't have any. Whether you're hunting for vintage designs to add to your home or taking inspiration from the past with a new design, thoughtful details that are handmade and steeped in history bring story to a space.

'I would add paneling to give it character,' adds Sarah, 'it’s a non-invasive way to add charm to a space. Layer different profiles and don’t be afraid to play with scale, but don’t keep it to just one wall; apply it to the whole room.'

1800s-Inspired Shopping

No matter your house's age, these six timeless design moments will bring enduring sophistication to any corner of your home.

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As appreciation for all things characterful continues to reign supreme in the interior design world, vintage paint colors that evoke nostalgia and charm are being embraced once again. From soothing muted greens and duck egg blues to dusty roses and the palest tangerines, heritage hues that transport you to the tranquil setting of an English cottage are cropping up in projects everywhere, from new builds to old homes and everything in between. These are the old English cottage-inspired shades designers want to see more of, and how to use them in a way that works in 2026.

1. Dusty Rose

'Clients and designers are drawn to more muted and earthy colors, much as you would find in an English rose garden,' says Jessica Luna, Founder of JLL Interiors. 'We are moving from the gray, white, and bright interiors into a more moody and earthy palette.'

'For this bedroom (pictured above), I used Benjamin Moore Biscotti, a soft dusty rose, on the walls. The room needed to coordinate with the selected rug that carries navy, rose, and other earthy tones. Our inspiration fabric was Jasper's Bentley Rose, which you can see on the floral throw pillow on the chaise. Biscotti pulled that rose straight off the fabric and let it live quietly on the walls instead of shouting from it. The key is to pull colors that already exist and repeat, repeat, repeat.'

'The dusty rose backdrop also plays beautifully against the duck egg blue drapery in the room and the terracotta hue in the upholstered bed. That combination, a warm muted pink against a cool soft blue, is such a classic English cottage pairing. It feels collected and layered rather than decorated, which is always the goal in my work.'

2. Softest Yellow

Soft, buttery yellow tones that hark back to the quiet serenity of countryside retreats have been popping up in interiors slowly but surely over the last few years. Think Hay by Farrow & Ball or Sherwin-Williams' Butter Up which gained a lot of love when the butter yellow trend was at its height.

'I think these traditional English cottage colors are having a resurgence because they give a space a link to the past,' explains interior designer Aoife Maria. 'Even if everything else in a renovation is new, using color, pattern or more traditional architectural details can give a home that feeling of something familiar, which makes it feel much more comfortable and like a lived-in home straight away.'

'In this project, we’ve used quite a lot of color throughout as this was a personal request from our client, and as it’s an old Irish farmhouse, we also wanted everything to feel in keeping with the house. For this playroom, we chose a soft yellow for the windows (Little Greene – Carys) as it gives a lovely hint of color without taking over, and it still allows us to add lots more color and pattern into the room over time. Paired with the lime plaster texture and the warm off-white walls, it gives the room so much depth and character, and there’s something really lovely and sunny about it.'

3. Pale Tangerine

Tangerine is the softer, more livable version of some of the really deep terracottas that are trending right now. It's warmer than a butter yellow, but has a similarly brightening and cocooning effect.

Pick the right orange paint, and it's a color that would feel just right in an English country cottage. You want to choose something that leans a little pink and earthy, like Farrow & Ball's Fake Tan, which has drenched this characterful kitchen. Pair with warm metallics and rich colors like reds and purples for a vintage-inspired color scheme that is interesting yet timeless.

4. Duck Egg Blue

Duck egg blue has long been associated with the English country look. Whether it's a painted window frame or a kitchen cabinet, it's a timeless choice for homes in need of a heritage feel. 'In this entryway (pictured above), I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, timeless, and quietly cheerful from the moment you walk through the front door,' explains Kelsey Peterson, principal designer of Style and Space. 'We painted the front door and the custom settee in a soft duck egg blue, a classic English cottage color that immediately brings warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.'

'The blue is layered with natural white oak wall paneling, reclaimed brick flooring, crisp white millwork, and black iron lighting, creating a palette that feels both relaxed and refined. I love using colors like this because they have a nostalgic quality while still feeling fresh. Rather than making a bold statement, they become part of the architecture and help tell the story of the home.'

'I think homeowners are moving away from interiors that feel overly neutral or stark and are looking for spaces with more warmth, character, and a sense of history. Soft cottage colors like duck egg blue, sage green, dusty rose, and buttermilk yellow bring personality in a way that still feels sophisticated and livable.'

5. Sage Green

Nothing says English cottage like sage green. Grounding, muted, and timelessly sophisticated, it's one of the most classic heritage paint colors you can choose for your home.

'Our inspiration for the color palette in this space came from the existing architecture,' begins Brittney Blanton, founder of B. Blanton Interiors. 'The kitchen is open to the living room and breakfast nook, so we wanted a soft color to help anchor it and give it a sense of identity. This sage green was the perfect choice because it responds so well to the light. It can look warm green, cool green, or gray green depending on the natural light and time of day. '

'An English cottage color like a sage green is such a happy choice for a kitchen space. It creates a sense of coziness and a lived-in feel even in a new kitchen.' Try Farrow & Ball's iconic Ball Green or Benjamin Moore's long-loved Saybrook Sage for timeless choices.

English cottage colors have never really fallen out of fashion, but how they are used has shifted over the years. 'What's different today is how designers are using them,' says Kelsey. 'Instead of creating a room that feels overtly traditional or themed, we're pairing these nostalgic colors with cleaner silhouettes, tailored upholstery, natural materials, and contemporary lighting. That balance gives the spaces a collected, timeless quality that feels equally at home in a historic house or a newly built one.'

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Late summer doesn't mean switching out all your summer decor for pumpkins and moody tones. It's about slowly and seamlessly making your environment feel warmer and more comforting as we approach fall.

'I find late summer to be a season of nostalgia,' says Laura Keeler Pierce of Keeler & Co. 'There is a tension between yearning for endless warm days and welcoming the retreat that comes with autumn – the breeze is a little bit crisper, the days a touch shorter, and the warmth of the sun is not taken for granted. It's also a time of bounty in the garden and a time to rekindle friendships after lazy days of travel and adventure.'

1. Add a Cozy Outdoor Nook

'Late summer is the perfect time to rethink (or create) an outdoor fire pit area so it’s ready to be used more often as the evenings start to cool down, but can still be used on warm summer evenings for cookouts or s’mores,' says interior designer Elizabeth Burch.

'Clear away anything that’s accumulated over the summer, rearrange the seating to feel a little more intimate, and add a basket of cozy outdoor throws nearby. It’s a small reset that can extend the life of your outdoor spaces into fall without making your home feel like you’ve rushed into the next season.'

'We are constantly stealing last dinners outside, lingering by candlelight in hurricane vases and staying to watch the stars,' adds Laura. 'We always have cozy wool throws on hand to cut the inevitable chill in the air as evening creeps in.'

2. Enhance Natural Light

'At the end of summer, the biggest change for me is the shorter days,' Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Design says. 'Temperatures are often still high, but the light is different. The most impactful edits can be the small ones to make the most of the daylight. Golden hour, when everything glows before it gets darker, comes a little earlier. At the same time, as the sun gets lower in the sky, the path of light through your rooms changes. The sunny spot you enjoyed two months ago may be in shadow now.'

Light boosting tricks will ensure you make the most of the daylight. 'Consider what you're usually doing before the light fades and what you could change to enjoy the last of the day’s light more. And pay attention to where the light actually falls in your space,' says Jennifer. 'Pull a chair closer to the window if there’s not already one there. Move your workspace to a brighter spot for the end of the day. Move your outdoor seating to catch the last rays.'

'It’s also a good time to look around at what might be inadvertently limiting your light,' she adds. 'Pull the curtains wider, raise the shades higher, and move anything blocking the window. Even pruning plants outside can help.'

3. Freshen Rooms with Seasonal Blooms

'Fall signals renewal to me, and I think the positive changes we make at home just infuse a sense of new beginnings throughout so many aspects of our lives!' says Brooke Sabia of Phase 4 Design Group.

'With those chores done, my attention turns to breathing fresh life into the decor. I like to start with some beautiful new containers of fresh houseplants, which are so nice to have throughout the upcoming gray and colder months.'

Decorating with plants needn't be limited to greenery. There are plenty of flowers still in bloom in the late summer months. 'Hydrangeas are my favorite this time of year,' adds Laura, 'their color shrinking from the blooms. I cut them guilt-free from the garden and fill the house with big bunches of them.'

4. Switch Out Lighter Fabrics

While late summer doesn't call for a total overhaul of your decor, it might be wise to consider switching some of your lighter linens for something a little thicker, to aid you during the cooler summer nights.

The best bedding is typically natural, so look for cotton and thick linen sheets and duvet covers that'll still be breathable but are a little thicker than lightweight summer options. A wool or cashmere throw might be a welcome addition to the end of your bed or draped on a sofa, too.

And it's not just bedding. Peruse the best places to buy rugs to inspire your floorcoverings. A timeless vintage Persian rug will look good this season and beyond, as would a heavier jute or a rich, earthy pile. Interior designer Jean Liu says, 'A really Southern reset is to switch out the rugs in a room in anticipation of the upcoming season. For a long time, it was considered common practice to do a rug change-out, and I love that tradition.'

5. Create a Light Yet Warm Color Scheme

Summer isn't officially over, so don't get too excited with the moody colors. You want to keep lighter tones as the base of your palette, and scatter warmer accents where you can to keep your scheme appropriate for both seasons.

Decorating with earthy colors like warm, faded terracottas and olive greens will give your home a little more depth that reflects the new season. Keep walls neutral (warm whites, beiges, plaster pinks, and even pale blues can still feel suitable for fall), and scatter richer hues through cushions, decorative vases, window treatments, and even furniture.

You don't want to commit to an entirely autumnal scheme, but it's also worth taking some note of fall color trends for 2026. Grounding yet classic tones that don't scream one season in particular are your best bet for transitioning your home from summer to fall.

Shop the Late-Summer Reset

The late summer reset is all about slowly transitioning your home from one season to the next. It's not a time to stash everything summery away into cupboards; it's about keeping things the same and adding thoughtful, cozy additions that make the jump from summer to fall feel a little easier.

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'Whether they're staying for one night or one month, a thoughtfully decorated guest bedroom can make visitors feel instantly at home,' Helen tells Homes & Gardens. 'While comfortable bedding and considered finishing touches are essential, the wall color plays a key role in setting the mood.'

'Opting for warm, inviting hues creates a space that feels restful, welcoming and effortlessly timeless, helping guests relax from the moment they arrive. From soft, pink-toned neutrals to grounding greens inspired by nature, these four shades are perfectly suited to creating a guest bedroom that balances comfort with style.'

1. Collector's Item

Off-white paint is always a safe bet, particularly in a guest bedroom where you really want to perfect that balance of open and bright yet still cozy and elevated. It's neutral, but it's soft and inviting.

'A pink-tinged off-white creates the perfect backdrop for a guest bedroom,' says Helen. 'In north-facing rooms, where natural light tends to be cooler, whites with warm undertones help counteract shadows and prevent the space from feeling flat. Look for shades with subtle pink notes, such as Collector's Item, rather than yellow undertones, as they create a softer glow and maintain a balanced appearance throughout the day.'

The beauty of choosing pink-tinged whites is that they feel classic but still interesting. They're also light-shifting colors, meaning it's unlikely the guest bedroom will ever feel flat or sterile like many bright white paints can.

Collector's Item is best paired with warm beiges, moody taupes, and complex creams for a timeless color scheme that feels interesting as well as inviting.

2. Shabby Chic

While more vibrant colors have recently dominated color trends in 2026, calming, enduring neutrals will always be timeless in a guest bedroom. Beiges and taupes aren't the only warm neutral paints that suit a guest bedroom. Pink-infused neutrals are timeless paint colors that feel classic, yet still chic and current.

'A nuanced neutral like Shabby Chic offers a warm, inviting alternative to a brilliant white, which, although often considered the safe choice for guest bedrooms, can feel stark and clinical,' says Helen. 'This soft neutral has an understated elegance that instantly makes a space feel more welcoming. It pairs beautifully with dark wood furniture and natural linen textures, adding depth while maintaining a minimalist, grounded aesthetic. Its earthy warmth creates a sense of comfort and stability, making it an ideal choice for spaces designed to feel intimate and relaxing.'

Shabby Chic is tinged with purple undertones, so to keep things sophisticated, pair it with muted, warm colors, like pale pinks and yellow-tinted creams.

3. Cushing Green

Despite falling on the darker end of the color spectrum, Cushing Green is a sophisticated choice for a guest bedroom if you're looking for something a little richer and deeper.

'Cushing Green is a balanced deep green that complements a wide variety of interior styles,' says Helen. 'Soft gray undertones add versatility and depth to this timeless forest green, whose enduring appeal lies in its grounding connection to nature. It works particularly well in traditional interiors, where it can be paired with softened jewel tones, warm brass hardware and rich natural materials to create an enveloping, cocooning atmosphere.'

'Inspired by color combinations found in nature, forest green pairs beautifully with a rich teal – sitting between blue and green, this captivating shade delivers the perfect balance of depth and vibrancy, making it both bold and easy to live with. Together, these colors create a layered, tranquil palette that feels sophisticated and perfectly suited to a restful bedroom.'

Despite its depth, Cushing Green pairs with a variety of hues, but it best comes to life against a grounding pale beige, a muted pale blue, or, for lovers of richness, a deep teal like Helen suggests.

4. Sharon Rose

Pink bedrooms needn't feel overly romantic or vibrant; in fact, hushed pale pinks are a clever choice for rooms reserved for guests, providing a sense of calm and serenity.

'A touch of pink enriches Sharon Rose, a dusty rose that reflects the growing move towards quietly colorful interiors,' says Helen. 'This emerging direction embraces subtle, comforting hues that feel fresh yet timeless. Neutrals are no longer confined to understated background shades but are evolving into softly expressive colors with nuanced undertones that bring warmth and character while remaining effortlessly versatile.'

'This shift towards warmer, layered palettes has created the perfect backdrop for sun-faded pastels to flourish. Shades such as dusty rose offer the versatility of a neutral while introducing personality and softness. Rather than acting as accents, these muted hues are increasingly becoming the foundation of entire color schemes, creating restful, inviting guest bedrooms with enduring appeal.'

Sharon Rose edges into the more striking territory when you compare it to the muted Shabby Chic. To keep your guest bedroom's palette timeless, pair it with a warm white or a sandy beige.

These four quietly charming shades will make any guest bedroom look beautiful. From tranquil plaster pinks to light-changing warm whites, these shades infuse homely charm with timelessness.

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This fall’s biggest color trends aren’t all pumpkin-adjacent, either. Designers are predicting everything from chocolate brown and oxblood to dusty yellow and deep navy, balancing the familiar warmth of a fall color palette with a few less expected choices. What connects them is depth, personality, and an increasing willingness to treat color as part of the architecture rather than something confined to cushions and accessories.

Here are the 10 shades designers expect to see everywhere this fall, and how they’re using them now.

1. Chocolate Brown

After years of beige dominating neutral color schemes, brown is getting darker, richer, and altogether more interesting. Chocolate is emerging as one of fall’s strongest shades, bringing warmth without sacrificing the versatility that made softer neutrals so popular in the first place.

‘I think chocolate brown is going to be a key color this autumn,’ predicts interior designer Uns Hobbs. ‘We have been moving towards warmer, earthier colors in interiors for some time, and brown feels like a natural progression from the softer beiges and neutrals we have seen so much of.’ In this brown kitchen, Uns used a warm chocolate brown on the lower cabinetry and balanced it with softer cream cupboards above. ‘The Delft-style tiles introduce little touches of blue, while the pale blue window frame and soft pink blind add some unexpected color. Together they stop the brown feeling too serious and make the whole scheme feel warm and inviting,’ explains Uns.

Designer Zoë Feldman agrees, describing brown as ‘neutral but with character.’ One of her favorites is Farrow & Ball’s 'Salon Drab', which she says ‘shifts between chocolate, olive, and charcoal depending on the light.’

The trick is to treat chocolate brown as a grounding neutral rather than a statement color. Uns pairs it with pale blue, warm cream, ochre, green, natural timber, aged brass, and antiques, while Zoë recommends going generous with it, whether that’s color drenching a small room or layering with a large chocolate wool rug.

2. Straw Yellow

Every fall palette needs a shade that bridges the sun-drenched days of summer with the richer, earthier tones of autumn. This year, designers are looking beyond bright yellows towards muddier, harvest-inspired hues reminiscent of ripening wheat fields, dried grasses, and late-season sunlight.

‘If I were to choose a color for fall, it would be a dusty, sun-washed yellow,’ says Danu Kennedy, partner at Parts and Labor Design and co-founder of Known Work Studio. ‘Yellow holds onto some of the warmth and optimism of summer, but when it’s muted and a little muddied, it takes on a much softer, more grounding quality.’

Rather than demanding attention, harvest gold settles naturally alongside the colors already associated with the season. Danu instinctively pairs it with warm woods, earthy browns, and tactile natural materials, creating rooms that feel informed by the landscape rather than by passing trends. As changing leaves give way to dried seed heads, straw, and wheat-colored fields, decorating with yellow captures that quieter side of fall without relying on the deeper reds and browns typically associated with the season.

And for anyone nervous about decorating with yellow, Danu’s advice is simple: ‘Don't be scared of it! It’s such a friendly color.’ She even dreams of painting a wood-planked floor in high-gloss yellow.

3. Maroon

Red gets deeper for fall, with maroon sitting somewhere between a classic burgundy and a warm brown. It has all the seasonal richness you might expect, but it’s surprisingly versatile, capable of acting as either the main event or a punchier accent.

‘Maroon is really having a moment right now,’ observes Philadelphia-based designer Michelle Gage. ‘We love its deep, rich hue and unexpected intensity. It pairs perfectly with equally juicy colors, or it can be used in conjunction with neutral shades.’

Michelle likes going bold with the shade. In this dressing room, she balanced an artistic wallpaper with Benjamin Moore’s 'Radicchio' across the cabinetry. ‘The depth of color that a maroon has can really draw you into a room,’ she adds. ‘It’s both moody and somewhat feminine at the same time.’

Try it on cabinetry, built-ins, or woodwork if four maroon walls feel too much, or pair it with creams and softer neutrals to give the color room to breathe.

4. Terracotta

Terracotta has become something of a modern decorating staple, but its warmth makes it particularly convincing once fall arrives. More earthy than orange and softer than red, it brings the fired-clay tones of natural materials indoors.

‘It’s a warming color for a cozy room, light the fire and settle in,’ says Cath Beckett, co-founder of Yellow London Interior Design, who used terracotta in a tactile tadelakt finish in this living room.

Its appeal lies partly in how easily it changes character according to what surrounds it. Cath suggests pairing terracotta with an earthy, neutral palette for a more restrained room, or setting it against jewel-like colors for greater contrast.

That makes it particularly useful in living rooms and bedrooms where texture matters just as much as color. Plaster, tadelakt, linen, timber, and woven fibers will emphasize its earthy side, while saturated greens, blues, and purples make it feel bolder and more decorative.

5. Oxblood

Where maroon carries a little more red, oxblood dives further into brownish burgundy territory. It’s particularly effective in smaller rooms where a darker palette can become a feature rather than something to avoid.

‘Oxblood is moody and enveloping yet retains a sense of warmth, making it especially appealing as interiors shift toward deeper, more expressive colors,’ say Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, founding partners of Missouri-based studio, KOBEL + CO. The design duo favors this shade as ‘a sophisticated backdrop for libraries, bars, and bedrooms.’

Their styling advice is to commit: carry the color across walls, trim, cabinetry, and ceiling for an immersive effect. ‘For a lighter touch, introduce it through upholstery, patterned textiles, lampshades, or accessories,’ they add.

Layering mohair, wool, patterned fabrics, and lacquered finishes in neighboring tones will keep an oxblood room feeling dimensional rather than overly coordinated.

6. Dusky Mauve

Pink isn’t disappearing this fall, but it is losing some of its sweetness. The new direction is muddier, chalkier, and closer to clay or faded red, making earthy mauve a much easier proposition for grown-up rooms.

‘It’s not a sharp or cold pink by any means, but it has real depth and warmth, almost a mud-red undertone,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘This makes it feel grown-up and enveloping rather than sweet.’

Ruth points to Little Greene’s 'Nether Red' as a shade sitting between the current appetite for chocolate brown, dusky pink, and burgundy. She recommends using it across all four walls and even continuing onto the ceiling, explaining that one continuous color can make a room feel ‘larger and more restful.’

7. Tomato Red

While some of fall’s reds are heading darker, tomato red goes in the opposite direction. Its orange undertone gives it warmth and energy, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants an autumnal shade without creating a particularly moody room.

‘For autumn, tomato red feels especially appropriate because of its warmth and richness,’ says designer Lizzie Green. ‘Its subtle orange undertones complement seasonal shades such as rich browns, olive greens, burgundy and warm whites and creams.’

Lizzie suggests introducing it through cushions, lampshades, artwork, ceramics, or decorative objects for a gentler approach. For more impact, ‘try tomato-red joinery, an armchair or pair of curtains to create a focal point.’ Natural stone, oatmeal, linen, and timber help temper its intensity, while burgundy or olive can push the palette in a richer fall direction.

8. Bottle Green

Green has long proved itself as more than a passing interiors trend, but this fall’s versions are moving darker and richer. Think forest and bottle tones rather than sage, bringing depth while maintaining green’s innate connection with natural materials.

‘People are looking for homes that feel warmer, more intimate and more personal,’ says Chicago-based designer Andrea Goldman. ‘Deep green, for example, can create a wonderful sense of grounding when paired with natural materials and quieter textures.’

Rather than introducing stronger colors as temporary accents, Andrea likes putting them somewhere they can really be experienced: ‘on walls, cabinetry, statement tile installations, or intentional upholstered pieces.’ Linen, wood, stone, and aged metals are her favored counterpoints, helping richer shades feel integrated into the home rather than becoming too trend-led.

9. Smoky Violet

Perhaps the least traditionally fall color in the line-up is also one of the most intriguing. Blues with a noticeable purple cast offer coolness without feeling icy, bringing a more unexpected kind of smokiness to fall rooms.

‘This fall, I’m loving blues that drift into purple, like Benjamin Moore’s 'Flower Box',’ says Rayman Boozer, founder of Apartment 48. ‘It’s a color that feels calming but still has a lot of personality, and that balance makes it especially appealing as we move into fall.’

Rather than creating lots of contrast around it, Rayman recommends leaning into neighboring shades. ‘I like to layer it with other blues and purples for a monochromatic effect, letting the different tones create depth rather than relying on contrast,’ he says.

Used across walls, upholstery, and textiles, variations of blue and violet can make a room feel moody without relying on the browns, burgundies, and greens more commonly associated with the season.

10. Navy Blue

After several seasons of terracotta, plum, and olive, blue is returning to fall palettes in a much more saturated form. Deep navy has the coziness of a dark color but the dependability of a classic, making it particularly useful if you’re wary of more obviously seasonal shades.

‘Rich navy tones are starting to infuse fall interiors,’ says Rebecca Letwin, owner and Principal Designer of Full Bloom Interior Design. ‘Deep navy invokes coastal waters and stormy afternoons, creating a sense of cozy academia.’

Rebecca considers navy a foundational color and pairs it with medium-dark oak and walnut, brick hearths, brass candlesticks, cognac leather, and soft neutral drapery. It can also bridge other jewel tones, making it a useful anchor for more maximalist rooms.

Ultimately, the most convincing fall color trends aren’t those that scream a particular season, but shades with enough complexity to work long after the leaves have dropped. This year’s palette offers plenty of ways in, from a chocolate-brown kitchen or oxblood library to something as simple as a tomato-red lampshade or dusty-yellow cushion. Start with the colors that already make sense alongside your home's materials and light, then decide whether you want a small seasonal shift or full color-drenched commitment.

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While there are many elements of vintage decor that we’d happily banish, increasingly, designers are seeking out vintage and retro pieces for their character, craftsmanship and nostalgic appeal. Whether passed down from family or carefully sourced, vintage and Mid-century pieces are being embraced by designers and artfully curated alongside modern finds as part of layered interiors full of personality.

But what are the vintage pieces that our grandparents once decorated with that designers now love, and why are they making a comeback? We reached out to the experts to get their insights on the key vintage items they look for and why they love to decorate with them.

‘For a while, I think people became very focused on everything feeling new, clean and perfectly coordinated. There was a tendency to remove anything that felt too traditional or inherited in favor of a much more streamlined aesthetic. Now, we are seeing a real appreciation for craftsmanship, natural materials and things that have a story,’ explains interior designer Alison Babcock.

‘I love the warmth and soul that a vintage piece brings to a room. You simply cannot replicate the patina of an old wood table, the character of a handmade ceramic, or the individuality of something that has been used and loved for decades. Those elements keep a beautifully designed room from feeling too perfect.’

1. Chintz

Chintz fell out of fashion for many years, giving way to minimalist, streamlined interiors, but now the tables are turning, and chintz is back in a big way. Conjuring English country romance, designers are falling in love with these prints again, using them in fresh, contemporary ways.

‘I’ve always loved chintz because it has so much personality. It can feel very nostalgic, but when you use it in a more edited way (mixed with stripes, checks, or something cleaner and more tailored), it feels fresh again,’ explains Katie Davis, founder of Katie Davis Design. ‘I also love that it instantly makes a room feel a little more collected.’

Featuring an array of different tones, these floriferous designs make great hero prints and offer plenty of inspiration for room color schemes. There are plenty of vintage fabrics around if you look in the right places, but they can sometimes be damaged and in poor condition, so opting for a contemporary chintz inspired by vintage designs is often the way to go, and fortunately there are plenty of designs available.

Chintz champion and interiors influencer Landon McAfee inherited his grandma’s chintz sofa and loved it so much that he built his living room scheme around the print. 'Lots of things in my home once belonged to my grandmother – quilts, glassware, and even furniture. My sofa in my sunroom was my grandmother's.'

2. Patchwork Quilts

Beautiful examples of time-honored American craftsmanship, patchwork quilts have been bringing color, pattern, and softness into interiors for centuries. Once a common sight in our grandparents' homes, these heirloom pieces are cropping up more and more in today’s interior schemes.

To bring these quilts up to date, designers are tapping into vintage folk art traditions and layering these pieces with contemporary design, creating collected interiors and a lived-in feel that doesn't feel dated. For an authentic look, there are plenty of vintage designs available on Etsy; alternatively, go for a more contemporary take with quilts in modern colorways and fabrics.

'What I love about patchwork quilts is that they take such time and dedication; I like to say I’m “adopting them”. Something that takes so long to create should be cherished,' says Landon. 'I have inherited a few from grandparents and great-grandparents; others I have found while antiquing, or they have been given as gifts.'

'I drape many of mine over neutral sofas or plain bedding to add color and pattern,' adds Landon. 'If you’ve just built a home, or you’re looking to bring in some vintage textiles, a quilt is the perfect fix. The mix of a new sofa and old quilt creates a functional yet well-lived-in look.'

3. Vintage Blue and White China

There was a time when the ornate, hand-decorated family china would be proudly displayed in a cabinet or dresser and brought out for special family occasions. However, over the decades, mass-produced, basic dinnerware superseded these beautiful handcrafted pieces and, rather than being showcased, china has been banished to the cupboards to achieve clutter-free interiors.

Today, decorative china is very much back in vogue and makes a wonderful way to add personality to the table or create eye-catching decorative wall art. English-style blue and white pieces are becoming particularly sought after, with many home brands creating pretty look-alike ranges.

‘Blue-and-white china is one of those things that never really went away for me. It adds history and character so easily, and I love using it in a way that feels a little unexpected; grouped on a wall, mixed with more casual pieces, or layered into a room that isn’t overly traditional,’ explains Katie Davis. ‘It brings in that sense of something collected over time, which always makes a space feel more personal.’

Kristina Khersonsky, founder of Studio Keeta, is another fan of a grouped china display. ‘Wall plates are one of those decorating details I’ve always loved. They remind me of the way our (European) grandparents decorated; beautiful plates were not necessarily tucked away in a cabinet because they were likely a gift or a coveted expensive item in the house.’

4. Retro Barware

Home bars emerged in the 1920s and 30s, in part as a backlash against Prohibition, but they became particularly sought after in the 1950s and 1960s, and for many, they bring back nostalgic memories of family parties. Today, as entertaining from home becomes ever more popular, many of us are factoring in home bar ideas into our living and dining spaces, be it a luxury bespoke designs fitted into cabinetry or a simple vintage bar cart. When it comes to kitting them out for clients, many designers are leaning into retro barware, sourcing Mid-century ice buckets and cocktail shakers to delicate vintage coupe glasses and everything you need for that classic Mai Tai or Grasshopper.

'I always gravitate toward vintage pieces for a bar because they instantly make the setup feel more collected and personal,' advises Lily Barfield, founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds. 'A beautiful old decanter, etched coupes, a silver cocktail shaker, even a great vintage tray, those are the pieces that give a bar character and make it feel like it evolved over time.'

'A well-stocked bar cart is invaluable when entertaining, as it not only cuts the formality but also allows guests to feel free to help themselves to their own drinks. This is especially helpful in a small home when you may not have the space to prepare drinks and cook at the same time without falling over yourself,' explains Lucy Mayers, senior interior designer at Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler. For her own home, Lucy chose a vintage Joseph Frank cart in brass, which shines against blue walls. For similar designs, try Vinterior.

When it comes to glassware, look for crystal coupes and decanters, say the experts. 'Hand-cut crystal or pieces from makers like Baccarat, Waterford, Heisey, or Saint Louis can carry both sentimental and market value,’ says Cait Barker, co-founder of online vintage store By Bessette. ‘We’re seeing renewed interest as people entertain more thoughtfully and look for special pieces that elevate everyday rituals.’

5. Rattan Furniture and Accessories

From dining chairs and side tables to mirror frames and retro magazine racks, furniture and accessories made from rattan and cane have been on the rise for a few years now and show no sign of abating. 'I’m always drawn to pieces that bring character and history into a room, and a beautifully made rattan piece can do exactly that,' explains Allison Babcock.

'People sometimes have the misconception that rattan is seasonal or dated, but I think there’s a reason we continue to see it even as styles and design preferences change. It really is a classic material, and it’s incredibly durable. Good rattan doesn’t feel trendy – it has an ease and timelessness that allows it to live comfortably alongside both vintage and contemporary furnishings.'

There are many reasons why designers love rattan decorating ideas. Not only do they blend with a wide array of design styles, but they are also highly practical; being lightweight, they are easy to move around the home, plus their airy structure prevents spaces from feeling too heavy and cluttered, unlike more robust pieces of furniture.

'Rattan has the ability to work alongside so many different styles. I particularly love it with chinoiserie and patterned wallpaper because it adds a beautiful textural layer without overpowering the room. Used in moderation, it gives an interior warmth and a sense of being collected over time,' adds Allison.