Gwyneth Paltrow has sworn by the Global Chef's knife since promoting it in her first cookbook in 2011, featuring it in countless 'Boyfriend Breakfast' Instagram videos. That's why, when we spotted her using a different cutting utensil in her most recent reel, we had to get to the bottom of what possibly could have gotten her to retire her go-to. We've identified the replacement as the HEZHEN 8.5” Chef Knife from Amazon.

So, why the swap? The first thing to note is that Gwyneth's new Japanese knife has a much more striking look than her previous stainless steel pick. Though the Global Knife is highly effective for making precise cuts, the look is relatively basic and uninspiring. On the other hand, the HEZHEN knife has a prettily dimpled blade and gorgeous redwood handle. The unique shape features an angular point on the end, giving it a stylishly individual feel.

More surprisingly, Gwyneth's new chef's knife is about half the price of her Global pick, priced at about $60, down from $121 for the previous choice. Coming from someone who prides herself on her champagne taste, going to a pick that's so much less expensive is a strong endorsement.

A great kitchen knife is one of those small, relatively inexpensive upgrades that can completely transform the way you use your kitchen. Furthermore, if you're someone who likes to display their knives in a block or magnetic strip above the countertop, a well-designed piece like this can elevate your experience. Whether or not you go for Gwyneth's pick, it's a reminder that it's never to late to try something new in her kitchen.

Inspired by Gwyneth's beloved 'Boyfriend Breakfast' videos, here are our picks of the items she uses and influenced by those she uses.

Shop Gwyneth's Kitchen

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Curated clutter is trending. As opposed to the pared-back interiors of the 2010s, homeowners today are seeking out new ways to make their homes feel equal parts stylish, lived-in, and full of personality. For inspiration, Homes & Gardens is turning the clock back to 1968.

A glimpse into Goldie Hawn's former Los Angeles living room reveals that the swinging '60s were the blueprint for today's most popular look; we're calling it 'subtle maximalism.' The interior design trend revolves around gently patterned textiles and leaving the items you use every day on display. Rather than bold colors and patterns, it deals in the beauty of warmly lived-in spaces.

For instance, Goldie's living room includes a wine rack, books on a shelf, open shelving displaying her record collection, a green corded phone, and a curved floral chair.

With nostalgia shaping our interior design more than ever, we're using Goldie's living room for a guidebook in how to master subtle maximalism. Below, you will find plenty of quotes by design experts about how to recreate this style. We also curated an edit of retro-inspired accents to emulate Goldie's look. Let's dive in.

Recreate Goldie's Look at Home

In 2026, the chicest thing you can do is add character to your home. Rohan Blacker, Founder of sustainable sofa brand Schplendid, states: 'We're coming out of the era where most living rooms were decorated in fifty shades of grey. People are moving away from homes that look like they've been staged for a catalogue and back towards spaces with personality and soul.'

Homes from a time where life was not curated for social media, but rather for everyday living, like Goldie's '60s apartment, provide guidance on how to harness this character. However, making a space feel liveable doesn't mean it's random. A subtly maximalist can take just as much forethought and careful planning as an ultra-minimalist design.

Shelley Cochrane, Design expert at Furniture Village says: 'More is more, but the key to this trend, particularly when it comes to design, is to be thoughtful when thinking about the colors, patterns and styles you want to bring into your design scheme. Achieving an elevated maximalist interior is about contrasting colors and patterns, experimenting with eclectic pieces of furniture and layering.'

Contrast is central to this look, as Goldie demonstrates. A combination of natural wood, shiny fabric and matte walls creates a striking visual depth. To master the look, focus on unique and unexpected combinations.

'Just have fun with form, texture and color,' advises Rohan. 'Curved forms, plush velvets, shiny chrome and glossy finishes all work beautifully, especially when balanced with deeper tones like walnut and dark woods to keep everything grounded.'

Though this form of maximalism is less about all-over-pattern than its bolder cousin, a classic pattern, like the florals on Goldie's chair can help create interest. Stripes or flowers are always a good bet.

Shelly explains: 'Chintz is enjoying a triumphant return, bringing with it a sense of heritage, charm, and unabashed floral exuberance. Once a country house staple, it's now gracing contemporary interiors with renewed confidence for a look that is layered, lived-in, and effortlessly elegant. Today, chintz is less about nostalgia and more about storytelling: a romantic thread that ties past to present with colour, pattern, and quiet drama.'

Maximalism doesn't have to roar; it can be a stylish, retro-inspired whisper.

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Neutral living rooms have long had a reputation for being safe, bland, or overly minimalist. However, the best neutral spaces are anything but. Rather than treating beige as a default, the more interesting approach is to use a restrained palette as a foundation and then build contrast through texture and collected pieces. It is a way of decorating with neutrals that feels timeless without looking overly formal.

That is part of what made the drawing room at Kensington Palace so memorable. When Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed Barack and Michelle Obama to Apartment 1A in 2016, photographs offered a glimpse inside their private rooms.

The drawing room was classic but comfortable, with soft creams, pale golds, and muted earthy tones providing the backdrop for traditional artwork, blue-and-white ceramics, and warm lighting.

Sergiu Tulbur, Head of Product Innovation and Design at OPA Living, says this is what makes the old-money neutral look so enduring.

‘The appeal of ‘old money’ neutrals is that they create a sense of quiet luxury without relying on anything overly showy. You often see this approach in more affluent interiors, from traditional Mayfair properties to country homes in the Cotswolds and relaxed villas on the French Riviera. The palette tends to be restrained, but the rooms rarely feel flat or one-dimensional.’

Shop the Kensington Palace-Inspired Edit

At Kensington Palace, much of that depth comes from the mix of materials. Cream upholstery is paired with dark timber and gilded frames. Meanwhile, the collection of lamps adds another layer. It's an example of why a living room does not need color to feel interesting.

‘The key is texture,’ Sergiu says. ‘When you’re working with creams, taupe, warm whites and muted earthy tones, introduce contrast through materials such as linen, boucle, wool, aged wood, natural stone, and brushed metals. This is what gives a neutral living room depth and makes it feel considered rather than simply beige.’

The restrained backdrop also gives more traditional and personal pieces room to stand out. In William and Kate’s case, they've decorated with antiques, with a sense of history that's important to the overall historic aesthetic.

‘Another reason these shades work so well is their timelessness. They provide a calm backdrop that allows the quality and character of the furniture and materials to take center stage. An antique wooden table, a sculptural armchair or a beautifully textured rug can feel much more impactful against a restrained palette than it would in a room competing with lots of color,’ Sergiu explains.

Look more closely, and the room is also far from perfectly matched. Floral cushions sit alongside deeper velvet pillows, while different seating styles share the same space. That mix is what keeps the room from feeling too staged.

‘I would also avoid making everything perfectly coordinated if you want the look,’ Sergiu says. ‘The most convincing old money interiors tend to have a collected feel, with different textures, natural materials and subtle variations in tone layered together. A cream sofa, for example, will feel far richer when paired with a tactile wool throw, contrasting cushions and a darker timber coffee table than it would in a stark, overtly minimalist setting.’

When you keep your palette restrained, introduce texture, and mix old and new pieces, the result is a room that feels comfortable, considered and lived-in. If it's good enough for Kensington Palace, it's good enough for us.

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It may still be August, but we're already thinking about one of the trickier decorating moments of the year: The stretch between Halloween and November. After the pumpkins come down, front porches can quickly feel caught between seasons. Traditional outdoor fall decor ideas can suddenly seem too Halloween-focused, while stripping everything back can leave a porch looking bare. Joanna and Chip Gaines have a smarter solution.

At the couple's Waco, Texas, home, their seasonal porch skips the pumpkins and seasonal decorations in favor of a layered display of potted plants. The result feels considered but natural, and, importantly, it works well beyond Halloween.

The key is using fall foliage rather than temporary fall accessories. Japanese maples add height at the back of the arrangement, while purple coleus, coralbells, fall ferns, and hydrangeas fill out the middle with shades of plum, burgundy, bronze, and chartreuse.

Trailing sweet potato vine and Swedish ivy spill over weathered zinc buckets and vintage stone urns, adding movement beneath her outdoor lighting.

You can replicate the look with the Lark Manor Sonali Outdoor Wall Lantern at Wayfair, which mimics the light's dark metal structure and rectangular lines to anchor the foliage.

Shop the Gaines-Inspired Fall Porch Edit

Instead of relying on a collection of pumpkins, Chip and Joanna's planting has enough variety to change with the season. It also gives the porch a connection to the garden beyond, making it feel like part of the landscape rather than a separate seasonal display.

Tenielle Jordison, a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, says the layered planting is a particularly effective way to handle the transition into November. 'I adore the layered foliage for a variety of fall color,' she says. 'By focusing on leaves, rather than relying solely on flowers and seasonal produce, the display has a richer palette that can evolve as the weather changes.'

The combination of potted trees and foliage also gives the arrangement some structure. 'As temperatures become cooler, the deeper tones of the planting become more prominent, allowing the porch to shift naturally into late fall without needing to be completely redecorated,' Tenielle says.

It's a simple idea, but one worth replicating far beyond Waco. The lesson we're taking from Joanna and Chip is to build a porch around plants, texture, and foliage that can carry you through it. It makes the transition from Halloween to later fall feel natural, and means you can wake up on November 1st without worry. Your porch will be just as beautiful as the day before.

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Between 2015 and 2020, you couldn't step into a trendy cafe or fashionable shop without spotting one color combination: millennial pink and gray. As trend cycles tend to go, the oversaturation of this muted pairing in the 2010s led to pushback in the 2020s, with hundreds of TikToks and Instagram Reels decrying how 'dated' and 'cringe' the colors were. However, at Homes & Gardens, we believe any color can be redeemed with the right styling. Dakota Johnson shows us how.

A peek into the bathroom at her iconic mid-century 'Treehouse' in West Hollywood (where she lived between 2016 and mid-2026) reveals an ultra-chic space awash with, you guessed it, millennial pink and gray. Designed by the acclaimed design duo Pierce and Ward, the room features limewashed gray floors, walls, and ceilings accented by rosy pink cabinets and curtains. Glass, metallic, and wood accents help to tie it all together.

Rather than looking 'dated,' Dakota's take on millennial pink is extremely stylish.

So, why does her pink bathroom work where so many have failed? To find out, Homes & Gardens interviewed interior designers and in-house design experts to get to the bottom of Dakota's success. We also curated an edit of bathroom furnishings inspired by her space, both of which you will find below.

Recreate Dakota's Look at Home

Dakota Johnson has never been scared to lean into her personal style, and the pops of dusty pink we see in her bathroom work partially because they are in line with this philosophy.

Interior designer Saskia Blyth-Collinson explains: 'I’ve always believed that color should be used with confidence, rather than caution. Some of the most memorable spaces come from introducing an unexpected shade – a hit of cobalt blue, a rich red, or an ochre that you might not initially imagine in the scheme. The key is not to be afraid of colour, but to understand how it will work with the architecture, natural light, and materials around it.'

Rather than blindly following color trends, decorating with millennial pink and gray that aligns with your personal style can help escape these colors feeling overdone. Saskia advises: 'Start with something you genuinely love, rather than what you think you ‘should’ choose, and then build from there. When colour has a sense of purpose, it can bring an incredible energy and individuality to a home.'

As we see in Dakota Johnson's bathroom, part of making pink and gray shades work together is incorporating a range of textures that add depth in the midst of a soothing palette.

Soma Pillay, a Bathroom Specialist at Online Bathroom Specialist Bathroom City, states: 'Color is shifting towards subtle, soothing hues. Pastels and earthy tones are growing in popularity, offering a gentle alternative to monochrome schemes. Soft palettes create a calm, restorative atmosphere that works beautifully with natural textures and light-filled layouts, and can be introduced with dusky pink decorative accents.'

Furthermore, incorporating pops of the natural world through large windows, or a wooden table as we see in Dakota's space is a great option for making a pink and gray combination feel current.

'Nature continues to play a central role in bathroom design,' Soma tells Homes & Gardens. 'In place of stark white schemes, 2026 will bring palettes inspired by the outdoors; think soft greens, warm neutrals, clay, and muted stone tones. Organic textures such as woodgrain, rattan, and raw stone are being used to add warmth and authenticity. Simple touches like potted plants or daylight-optimising layouts complete the sense of calm, helping bathrooms feel more restorative and connected to nature.'

The advice for decorating with plaster pink tones like millennial pink is similar as that for most colors. Saskia says: 'Ultimately, embracing color is about creating an emotional connection with a space. I’m far less interested in whether a particular shade is ‘on trend’ and much more interested in whether it feels right for the people who live there. Above all, they have to love it and feel completely at home in it.'

The tub placement and sensory design in Dakota's bathroom illustrates this strong connection that makes the space feel rich and layered.

Saskia concludes: 'Some of my clients are drawn to bold reds and cobalt blues, while others specifically request neutral walls to allow their art to take centre stage. Neither approach is better than the other – it simply comes down to personal preference and creating a space that feels authentic to the people who live in it.'

That is to say: don't let the internet tell you a color is 'dated.' If you truly love a shade, and decorate with a sense of purpose, it will just work.

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In 2026, climate-resilient gardening is in. No one wants to spend hours and hours of time, energy, and money filling their garden with plants only for unprecedented heat to turn all of their greenery instantly brown. Thus, clever homeowners are turning to consistently arid regions, like the Mediterranean, for planting inspiration.

California, where extreme weather has been the norm for years, has been especially good at planting for dry conditions, and Penelope Cruz's former Hollywood Hills home is the perfect guidebook. Photos of the property where the actress lived from 2005 to 2011 showcase a gorgeous Mediterranean garden, complete with palm trees, banana plants, and ornamental grasses. The beautifully arched greenery is a gorgeous complement to the smooth angles of her Spanish-style home.

It demonstrates that beyond being practical, drought-tolerant planting can be the chicest choice for your home.

To explore this phenomenon further, Homes & Gardens spoke with Peter McDermott, gardening expert at YouGarden, to get to the bottom of how we can take inspiration from gorgeous Mediterranean planting to make our gardens more resilient. We also curated an edit of plants and tools inspired by Penelope Cruz's front garden. From effective shears to fan palms, here's everything you need to emulate her timeless style.

Recreate Penelope's Look at Home

Peter tells Homes & Gardens: 'People often come back from holiday wishing they could recreate that Mediterranean look at home, and the good news is that many of the plants we associate with Spain, Italy and Greece actually do surprisingly well, particularly during warm summers. The secret is choosing plants that are naturally adapted to sunnier climates. Once they're established, many require less watering than people think and can help create a garden that feels like a little escape abroad.'

As we see in Penelope's yard, many of these arid-climate-friendly plants are actually trees. For instance, symmetrical king palms behind the house give her low home a sense of drama and height. This same effect is replicable in any home.

'Palms create immediate impact and can transform a garden into something that feels much more exotic,' advises Peter. 'Phoenix palms and fan palms are particularly good options for sunny, sheltered spots and are becoming increasingly popular with gardeners.'

Fruit trees, like Penelope's banana leaves, are especially effective because they offer both visual and aromatic benefits. Peter states: 'Container-grown citrus trees, figs and bay trees are brilliant for adding fragrance, texture and a real Mediterranean atmosphere. They work particularly well on terraces and patios where people can enjoy them up close. In fact, this has been our strongest-ever year for citrus tree sales since launching in 2011, with lemon trees proving the standout favourite. We've seen lemon tree sales increase by 613% year-on-year on TikTok Shop, which suggests more people are looking to recreate that Mediterranean feel at home.'

Planting a climate-resilient garden doesn't have to mean compromising on style. With careful planning and an eye to the future, planting like Penelope Cruz's is well within reach.

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In classic interior design, the cardinal rule of living room spatial layout is scale and proportion.

Traditional wisdom dictates that seating should scale down to preserve open floor space, maintain clear pathways, and allow breathing room around essential accent furniture. Overcrowding a room with an ill-proportioned sofa risks creating an unbalanced feel. However, in their former Gramercy Park penthouse in Manhattan, Jimmy Fallon and Nancy Juvonen ignored those boundaries entirely. Thankfully, the result is a design triumph.

Jimmy and Nancy installed a custom turquoise tufted sectional that wraps around three wood-paneled and wallpapered walls.

Instead of leaving conventional clearance, their living room sofa takes up the entire floor. However, by treating the seating as a piece of built-in architecture, the couple turned a broken rule into a retro-style lounge. You can channel this same aesthetic in your home with a customizable piece like the Mercer41 Cylar Velvet Modular Sofa from Wayfair. While theirs is custom-made, this one would look beautiful in any modern living room.

Shop the Fallon-Inspired Edit

'A good signal of whether your sofa is too big for your room is how it fits alongside other essential furniture, like tables and chairs,' explains interior design expert Magdalena Gierasinska.

'If there’s no space for a coffee table in front or side tables nearby, the sofa may be overwhelming the room. Similarly, if navigating around the sofa feels cramped or it blocks natural pathways, it’s likely too large for the space.'

By conventional metrics, Jimmy and Nancy pushed those exact parameters to the limit. Standard side tables are sacrificed in favor of ottomans, and perimeter circulation is eliminated. However, in the context of their sectional living room, that close layout converts what could have been a cramped mistake into a cozy, 1970s-style conversation pit.

'It’s also important to consider the shape of the room; your sofa shouldn’t create any void or excess space that is unusable,' Magdalena says.

Rather than leaving unused corners, Jimmy and Nancy brought the blue velvet right to the edges of the room, converting every available square foot into active seating.

'A sofa should also leave room for balance and proportion, and it shouldn’t dominate the area or make other pieces, such as dining chairs or occasional tables, seem out of scale. Ideally, there should be enough open floor space to move comfortably, and the sofa should feel cohesive with the room’s overall layout,' Magdalena adds.

Where standard design rules favor restraint, Jimmy and Nancy achieved harmony through total commitment. It's proof that breaking scale guidelines works when the execution is deliberate.

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Before he was a household name, George Clooney was a struggling actor living in Studio City, Los Angeles. Photographer Lynn McAfee captured him in his apartment in 1989, just before his big break.

Though the home's retro kitchen is a far cry from the luxury properties Clooney has come to call home in more recent years, it contains early glimmers of one of the most crucial elements to understanding his design DNA: play. From his mullet to his checkered curtains down to the paint-splattered fridge, the photographs are full of the whimsy that still defines George's interior design style.

First, though the images were captured in the late '80s, checkerboard floors and vintage posters in the kitchen harken to the mid-century and art deco periods. This anachronistic detailing gives George's former kitchen a sense of nostalgic kitsch. It's peak Americana, and peak fun.

The color blocking with pops of red and creamy yellows in the American kitchen feel especially playful, giving George's kitchen the ambiance of classic Los Angeles diner. This sense is only bolstered by a 'reserved' sign, and stainless steel salt and pepper shakers on his Formica table.

George and his wife Amal Clooney currently have a $50 million property portfolio with homes spanning across the world, including houses in England, New York, France, and Italy. As mentioned, these homes are significantly more glamorous than the humble apartment where he lived before his breakout role as Dr. Doug Ross on NBC's ER, but all of them contain the same sense of whimsy we see in his '80s kitchen.

Take, for example, George and Amal's Oxfordshire Manor. In addition to its nine bedrooms and at-home spa, the property features a converted pool house bar which the couple affectionately calls 'The Party Zone.' This space includes a 16-seat screening room with a popcorn machine, and a custom photobooth for capturing light-night moments. It's on a different scale and price tag from the Studio City apartment, but the intention of having a great time still undergirds the design decisions.

Furthermore, just like George went beyond the classic '80s color trends in decorating his retro apartment, he decorated his 18th-century estate on Lake Como, Villa Oleandra, with another period in mind. After purchasing the estate in 2002, he and Amal set about renovating it to preserve the historic character, while updating it for modern living. Their choice of a bright turquoise and gold color scheme in the living room embodies this philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the Baroque period, it conveys classic Italian elegance – with whimsy.

Rather than opting for a self-serious burgundy and gold leaf look, George and Amal kept it light and joyous. The luxury is there, but so is the play.

Shop The Retro Kitchen Edit

Creating a kitchen with whimsy is easier than you might think. Here are our editors' picks for incorporating fun and play into your space, inspired by George Clooney's '80s kitchen.

When joy runs through your design decisions, it doesn't matter if you live in a multi-million dollar estate or a city apartment in your 20s. The sense of play gives the decor an endlessly charming edge.

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Porch styling sets the architectural tone for fall, grounding a home before anyone steps inside. At their horse farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa show how a minimalist approach to transitional outdoor spaces yields the cleanest results – and, when it comes to classic outdoor fall decor ideas, it's hard to beat.

Bruce and Patti have focused on warm materials, simple carved jack-o'-lanterns, and classic woven seating. To get their look, opt for Wayfair’s Bayou Breeze Rattan Armchair. Its natural cane spindle frame and neutral cushions capture that same laid-back Americana charm.

James Bentley, an outdoor furniture supplier at Charles Bentley, notes that this material choice carries enduring design value. 'Rattan furniture has a timeless charm that never goes out of style,' James explains. 'Its elegant woven texture adds a relaxed sophistication to any outdoor setting, whether your style is contemporary or classic.'

Shop the Springsteen-Inspired Fall Porch-Edit

On Bruce's front porch, honey-toned seating brings texture against gray stone while staying protected from late-season weather. Matching the right weave to the climate remains critical for long-term wear, as James explains.

'There are two types of rattan decor available, synthetic and natural,' he says. 'Natural rattan is beautiful and full of character, but best suited for indoor use only, as it doesn’t cope well with moisture or prolonged sun exposure. Synthetic rattan, on the other hand, is specially designed to withstand the elements.'

James also points out that high-quality resin or PE options remain UV-resistant and low-maintenance, keeping the entry functional.

The layout on this porch keeps things uncluttered, pairing deep seating with room to gather. Translating that utility to your own home comes down to clear functional priorities.

'When choosing the right rattan furniture for your space, think about how you’ll use it,' James advises. 'If lounging is your priority, look for generously sized seating with deep, plush cushions for maximum comfort. For smaller gardens or patios, modular or stackable designs can help save space, while pieces with built-in storage offer added practicality without compromising on style.'

Lastly, he adds that opting for a powder-coated steel frame underneath ensures the structure handles daily outdoor use for seasons to come. If the look is approved by the Boss, we need no more convincing.

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Minimalists, brace yourselves: patterned sofas aren't going away. Deeply associated with the '70s, these playful furnishings elevate the ordinary into a statement of warmth, personality, and whimsy. They're a retro staple that's destined to come back again and again.

For evidence, we're looking to the perpetual style icon that is Jamie Lee Curtis. The actress has always been effortlessly cool and subtly ahead of trends, as evidenced by her choice of living room sofa in 1977. A photoshoot in her Beverly Hills home reveals a subtly floral-patterned couch complemented by artwork and two round decorative pillows (I'm partial to these Evelyn Prelonge Snowball Pillows from Fig Linens and Home for a similar look).

Though it's been 48 years since the photos were taken, the retro look would be just as at home in a living room in 2026. Rather than a resurging '70s trend, the patterned sofa is a timeless staple.

Jamie Lee's styling is simple with gently layered pillows, yet it is instantly striking against the white walls. To dive in more deeply, Homes & Gardens has curated an edit of our favorite patterned seating (and seating accents!) below. We also spoke with design experts on the enduring power of patterned sofas, and how to style the look in any home.

Shop The Patterned Sofa Edit

Though the patterned sofa is a timeless accent, they are gaining special popularity in 2026. Madgdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'Patterned sofas are trending as the demand for more characterful and colorful interiors continues to rise.'

However, like we see in Jamie Lee Curtis's living room, it's important to execute this trend in a considered way rather than choosing a sofa you'll hate in 6 months.

'Buying a sofa is a big investment so it’s important to consider this purchase carefully and not to blindly follow trends,' advises Magdalena. 'After all, a sofa isn’t something that is swapped out at the start of a new season or in line with changing trends.'

She continues: 'For those who love pattern and want to create a bold focal point in their living room, I would recommend that they follow their heart and invest in a patterned sofa. I’d recommend ordering swatches so that you can judge how the fabric will look in different lighting and decide if it works within your existing space.'

Trying out a patterned throw pillow or blanket is the perfect way to test out the trend with a lower commitment.

Choosing a patterned sofa, like Jamie Lee Curtis, can also be a decision made with function in mind. Magdalena says: 'Aside from aesthetics, a patterned sofa is also a practical option for those who have children or pets – pattern is more forgiving of stains, compared to a plain or neutral colour which is a key consideration when choosing a sofa.'

Futhermore, though a patterened sofa can be a bold accent, the sofa isn't necessarily the place to go overboard in terms of risky design choices.

Magdalena states: 'My advice would be to choose a classic pattern that has stood the test of time – a floral or a stripe is a perfect choice and as these designs have been popular for decades, they really are timeless.'

As in Jamie Lee Curtis's living room, this piece will end up being the center of your design. Magdalena recommends that readers: 'Style the sofa alongside neutral walls and pale wooden furniture, or if you wish to go all out, combine it with patterned accessories, from lampshades to rugs – just ensure that there is a common colorway that unites the scheme for a cohesive look.'

If you're looking for a nostalgic accent that will never go out of style, a patterned sofa just might be the place to begin.

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Something shifts in mid-August.It happens every year. No matter how hot the weather still might be or how many vacations you still have planned, that feeling of change begins. In the interior world, it’s a time when new trends for the year ahead start to emerge, and something that really kicks off that change in mindset is when the Color of the Year announcements begin. And the first to lead the way is the iconic paint brand, Valspar.

Valspar's 2027 Color of the Year is Cottage Door 8004-38E, the perfect powdery blue that strikes a balance between warm and cool. Whisper-soft powder blues like Cottage Door were the most memorable color trends of 2026, so it makes sense that they're continuing to crop up in next year's lineup, too.

We spoke with Sue Kim, Director of Color Marketing at Valspar, to learn more about the brand's color selection and how to use it in 2027 and beyond.

Powder blue might have been an unexpected fall color trend last year, but it's been a top color trend for every season since. Vibrant yet subdued enough to feel soothing, powder blues are one of the most livable blue paints you can use in the home.

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

Tinged with subtle notes of gray, it bridges the gap between interesting and timeless, making it a suitable shade for almost any area of the home, from home offices to pantries.

Best paired with pale pinks, deep plums, and warm off-white paints, Cottage Door can be dressed up or down depending on the look you're trying to achieve.

Balance Cottage Door’s powder notes with the soft and joyful tones of Moon Shot 8005-2B, a stony gray that picks up on the blue's muted side. For something a little lighter, try Apricot Blush 8003-8A (pictured above), a pastel pink infused with cream that's perfect for creating contrast and a sense of playfulness in the home.

'Shades like Cottage Door are grounding and anchoring,' says Sue. 'They naturally convey authenticity, warmth, and trust, creating an inviting environment where you can truly settle in. Ultimately, their calming presence brings an organized, reliable energy to any space, making them perfectly timed colors that resonate deeply with our desire for comfort and peace.'

'In a world shaped by curated perfection and constant stimulation, there’s a growing desire for spaces that feel honest, grounded, and stable,' says Sue. 'Cottage Door reflects this shift toward emotionally resonant color – tones that feel timeless, personal, and connected. Color that brings a sense of balance and belonging feels more valuable than ever.'

Powder Blue Picks

Inspired to bring this powdery blue into your home? These decor picks will do so in an instant, no paint required.

Valspar's Color of the Year is the perfect balance of trends and timelessness. A powder blue infused with gray tones, it's a livable yet exciting paint color that sets the tone for a year of on-trend hues.

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In case you didn’t know, there’s a Victorian water tower high above King Charles’s estate, and it’s entering a new chapter (which could involve you).

Built in 1877 at Sandringham, the neo-Byzantine landmark has been transformed into a secluded retreat overlooking the royal residence. And it's now available to rent through Oliver’s Travels.

Designed by engineer James Mansergh, the tower was originally built with practicality in mind. After the future King Edward VII contracted typhoid at Sandringham, a new water system was commissioned for the property. The 32,000-gallon tower was designed to provide water pressure across the grounds, while its upper viewing room offered a vantage point for royal shooting parties.

Nearly 150 years later, the building has been given a new purpose without losing much of what makes it distinctive.

Inside, the design works within the tower’s existing circular footprint, with each floor taking on a different role. Curved brickwork, winding staircases, heritage-inspired colors, reclaimed materials from Sandringham, and historic royal photographs give the rooms an evident connection to their setting.

The ground floor houses the country kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. In the main living area, layered textiles ensure the space feels cozy yet luxurious, while deep-set masonry windows frame views of the surrounding grounds.

On the third floor, the living room sits at treetop level, with a working fireplace and views directly over the estate.

Meanwhile, the second floor is home to a king-size bedroom, featuring an abundance of tartan and other layered textiles that feel so distinctly British.

Shop the Water Tower-Inspired Edit

The most unusual part of the tour comes in the shape of a spiral staircase that leads from the living room into the tower’s original cast-iron water tank. It's now been converted into an open-air rooftop terrace, designed with intimate dining in mind.

The terrace overlooks the Norfolk countryside, with views stretching toward the North Sea coast in the distance. It’s a clever piece of adaptive reuse that gives a once purely functional building a completely new, beautiful purpose.

If you've ever wanted to stay on a royal estate, this tower is one of the most unorthodox ways to make that fantasy a reality.

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One thing about me: I'm very particular about what I put on my bed. It's my sanctuary, after all, so average sheets, duvet covers, and pillows simply won't make the cut. Which, yes, that does mean I usually splurge on the best bed sheets.

However, I have heard rumblings about the unexpected quality of IKEA sheets, and when I spotted this $65 duvet cover and pillowcase set from IKEA – the perfect fall, but not too fall update for my bedroom – I thought it was the perfect time to see if the rumors were true.

Of course, the skeptic in me wasn't totally convinced that a cheap set from a big-box retailer would be a worthy alternative to the pricey picks I usually choose. But as I quickly learned, low cost does not always equate to low quality.

The set's sweet blue and white gingham pattern is what first captured my attention – a versatile, limited-edition colorway. I knew it would be the perfect pattern to warm up my bedroom with rustic, cabin-core charm as we transition from summer to fall, and it could make my bedroom look cozier well into winter.

I assumed my attraction would stop there – after all, looks aren't everything (especially when it comes to bedding). However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this set is made from 100% organic cotton – a natural, breathable material that makes for oh-so cozy bedding. But it was the remarkably affordable price point – just $65 for the king-sized duvet cover and pillowcases – that sealed the deal. This bedding set just had to be mine.

The overwhelmingly positive reviews made me all the more eager to purchase the EKTANDVINGE Bedding Set. Many remarked on the feel – the natural, raw texture of the 100% organic cotton feels so much softer than standard cotton blends. Others noted its comfort and its lightweight feel. 'I wish I'd bought this duvet cover sooner!' one reviewer exclaimed.

Personally, I can't wait to refresh my bedroom with IKEA's EKTANDVINGE Bedding Set; it'll make my bed look and feel so cozy. Here's how I'll style it in my bedroom for serene sleep as summer ends and autumn begins.

How I'd Style It

Shop More Bedding From IKEA

I'll be the first to admit that I've seriously underestimated IKEA's bedding section. Aside from the EKTANDVINGE set, find three more bedding sets that are equally as desirable for a cozy bedroom below.

From its fresh colorway to its organic cotton material and, of course, its affordable price, IKEA's EKTANDVINGE Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set might just be the perfect upgrade for your bedroom as we head into fall.

And if you're wondering what kind of duvet insert you should get for it, look no further than Puredown's newly released Transitional Bedding Layer – a lightweight cross between a down comforter and a blanket that'll keep you perfectly cozy (and not too hot) as you sleep at night.

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If you're looking for a beautiful, open-plan beachside escape, you're in luck; Seann William Scott's Malibu home just hit the market for $17.5 million.

Set on 1.5 acres of oceanfront property, the private hideaway has five bedrooms and five baths spread out over 4,000 square feet. Lovingly redesigned by style-conscious Seann, the home features a unique crossover between chalet and industrial style. The property is listed with Sam Plouchart of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California.

Tucked behind California native trees, you will find the gorgeous house with its stylish angles and natural wood panelling. Let's take the tour, starting on the outside.

Beyond the striking California front yard, the in-betweens of the house are full of beautiful areas to spend time, that effortlessly transition into the home through large light-filled windows.

Behind the home, you will find a sports-lovers dream. A swimming pool, a tennis court, and lily ponds provide endless entertainment without ever leaving the property.

Stepping inside, the home's high ceilings and arching mid-century modern-style wood panelling are equally striking. The formal dining room is perfect for hosting and late nights spent together as a family.

One of my favorite spaces in the entire house is the gorgeously marbled kitchen. It features a breakfast bar and even has space for a casual dining table for even more room for eating. If you have a large family or love hosting, this might just be the perfect house.

Recreate The Industrial Chalet Look at Home

Seann William Scott's home features a unique blend between natural materials and industrial accents. These editor's picks feature everything you need to recreate the look, no matter where you live.

Like the outdoor living rooms on the home, the indoor living room is designed to transition effortlessly to the outdoors. This conversation between the landscape and interiors creates a warm and welcoming aesthetic.

Textured walls and airy lighting help to elevate the home; nearly every vignette is perfect.

The home's primary bedroom and bathing suite are absolutely stunning. White walls, angular windows, and wooden ceilings create a tactile feel.

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Some film sets are beautiful enough to reshape decorating choices in reality – and sometimes, these spaces come with Nicole Kidman's approval.

Take the set of Practical Magic 2, Nicole's latest film, as our current favorite example. The actress (and a black cat) were seen outside a Victorian house set with a cottage garden that deserves to be replicated far beyond a studio.

The somewhat chaotic look makes a case for anti-minimalism, stepping away from the concrete features and neat boxwoods I've seen shaping luxury homes in recent years. Instead, the porch is framed by layers of bloom and foliage.

Mophead hydrangeas in green, powder blue, and violet gather around the steps, bordered by pink foxgloves and blue delphiniums. Garden phlox and purple heuchera ground the lower borders, while climbing vines wrap around the white porch posts. Nothing is overly manicured, and this is what makes it so beautiful.

The design relies on natural texture, varied heights, and sheer volume – all of which are easily replicable. To begin, I'd plant these blue hydrangeas at Walmart in a space by your porch steps. Or, in a small garden, plant them in a container to bring the same vibrancy without the need for planting.

Shop the Cottage Garden Edit

According to Tenielle Jordison, a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, this controlled chaos is what will define the next wave of exterior design.

'We are seeing a clear shift away from rigid front yards toward spaces that feel atmospheric and lived-in,' Tenielle says.

'What Nicole exhibited on set captures how porch design and front yard design are evolving for fall and looking ahead to 2027. Homeowners want their front entrances to make a personal impression, using dense floral spires and relaxed planting schemes to create depth before you even reach the front door. It doesn't need to be perfect, and this is arguably the biggest statement one can make'

By swapping hardscaping for overflowing front yard flower beds, this aesthetic proves that high-end curb appeal need not be sparse to feel elevated. The most compelling front porches over the coming seasons will not be the most restrained, but the ones that allow nature to take center stage.

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Like all the design-obsessives I know, the Homes & Gardens team has been addicted to wicker furniture all summer. However, as the leaves brown and the air chills, we don't need to leave this stunning material behind. Martha Stewart designed the perfect wicker accent chair to bridge the gap between seasons: The Natural Swivel Wicker Chair at T.J. Maxx.

Though wicker furniture has traditionally been a staple of the patio, Martha's design is chic enough that it opens up new avenues of exploration. From wicker furniture in the sunroom to the living room, this storied material transitions seamlessly from summer to fall.

The honey colored grain, cream cushions, and subtly organic shape are versatile enough to feature both outdoors and in. Plus, at $150 off, the price is almost too good to be true. Martha's latest accent chair is guaranteed to fly off the shelf this fall.

Styling wicker indoors has been a staple of coastal style for decades, and now that the old money look has gone mainstream, now is the perfect time to experiment. Try pairing wicker pieces with sumptuous textiles for a delicious contrast, or go more classic with light and airy linen curtains and blue striped cushions. If you're apprehensive, a woven tray, like this stunning Jamie Young Catch-All from Anthropologie, is the perfect way to test out a touch of wicker without a full commitment.

Shop The Summer to Fall Wicker Edit

Once Martha's versatile tray has converted you, you're sure to think of millions of different ways you want to incorporate wicker into your interior schemes. These are our editors picks for doing so.

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There are new neutrals, and then there is Kaley Cuoco’s mustard velvet sofa. In her San Fernando Valley home, the low-slung seating makes a convincing case for moving beyond the usual beige, cream, and gray, without making the room feel overly difficult to live with. It's bold, but somehow, it works.

Designed by Jeff Andrews, the living room gets its character from the sofa’s mustard tone and sculptural shape. If you're looking to capture the same aesthetic, the Latitude Run curved sofa from Wayfair echoes the sinuous lines and deep yellow hue of her statement piece.

In this living room, raw marble, graphic drapery, and soft lighting keep the overall scheme feeling considered, proving that a stronger color can work much like a neutral: As a foundation for the room rather than simply an accent. It's a reminder that decorating with gold can be accessible in ways we didn't think possible.

That approach reflects a broader shift in how we’re thinking about living room color trends. After years of pared-back spaces, there’s a growing desire for colors that bring warmth and personality while still offering plenty of flexibility. Lucy Mather, an interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi, sees deeper shades of yellow moving into that everyday space.

Shop the Gold Living Room Edit

'It might feel like a bold or risky choice, but for me, gold is emerging as the new warm neutral for sofas,' Lucy says.

'Gold and deeper yellow living room sofas are proving that color doesn't have to be intimidating. We’re seeing a rise in their popularity as homeowners move away from playing it safe in their interior décor schemes. These sofas are warm, they’re optimistic, they add personality. And they’re easier to live with than you might think.'

The important distinction is between a deep, earthy yellow and a brighter one. 'Although many people might see yellow as an adventurous choice, it can actually be a really versatile option for a sofa,' Lucy explains.

'Think deeper shades like honey, saffron, ochre, turmeric and antique gold, rather than bright sunshine yellow. They’ve got that kind of earthy quality that means they’re much easier to style than primary-type yellows and I do think they have just as much longevity as more traditional neutrals.'

Texture also makes a difference. Velvet, boucle, or other tactile upholstery can give these deeper tones a softer, more sophisticated finish while remaining practical for everyday living.

'A textured fabric in a warm gold instantly makes a contemporary sofa feel inviting, while also being incredibly practical,' Lucy says. 'Textured upholstery is naturally forgiving in busy family homes; it disguises everyday wear and adds another layer of visual interest.'

That is perhaps what makes Kaley’s sofa trend feel so current. The lesson is less about choosing yellow specifically and more about reconsidering what a neutral can be. When the shade has enough depth, and the shape is right, there’s no reason a richer color can’t be just as versatile as gray.

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Using plants for privacy is one of the oldest ways to create warmth and seclusion in a garden. No matter the year, flourishing boxwoods and towering trees have been a staple of stylish homes, and some properties truly take this vision to the next level. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's former Pacific Palisades compound is the perfect example.

Purchased by Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo for $32 million in late 2018, the property is a gem of 1930s architecture with unmatched amenities, including a subterranean guest house – but you would never know looking at it from the outside. The compound is expertly swathed in plants chosen for privacy. Towering deciduous landscape trees, boxwoods, shrub roses, and bougainvillea obscure everything beyond the fence.

The plants that cover the fence don't feel like an afterthought; instead, they become the facade of the home itself.

When considering how to plant out a green fence at our own homes, celebrity properties, where privacy is of utmost concern, can provide wonderful inspiration.

Below, Homes & Gardens dives into the lessons embedded in Jennifer and Ben's former home, as seen through the eyes of expert gardeners. You will also find an edit curated by our team featuring the best buys for recreating their look. Choosing the best shrubs for privacy has never been so easy.

Recreate Ben and Jennifer's Look at Home

To unlock privacy planting that feels as seamless as it blends with the design of the home, becoming an extension of its facade like Jennifer and Ben's, it's important to start from the point of view of greenery that will look best with the house. Afterward, you can add fragrant privacy plants that bloom for a shorter part of the year, like the roses we see at this home.

James Holmes, a landscaping expert at Validus Construction, advises: 'Flowers are usually what draw people into a garden, but they are not the best starting point if you want the garden to feel connected to the house. The better test is to look at the leaf color against the materials it will actually sit beside, such as brick, paving, render, fencing or stone.'

Luckily, this matching is easier to accomplish than you might think. 'One simple way to do this is to take a photo of the front or back of your home before going to the garden center,' recommends James.

'When choosing plants, compare the foliage against the colors already in that photo. It makes it much easier to see whether the plant will soften the space, add contrast, or clash with what is already there.'

As the unique blend of shrubs, trees, and flowers at Ben and Jennifer's former home demonstrates, this doesn't mean your design should be completely matchy-matchy.

James explains: 'The garden does not need to match the house perfectly, but the fixed materials should guide the choices you make. If the foliage works with the brickwork, paving and fencing, it can show that the garden has had a lot of thought put into it.'

If you want to directly replicate the plants seen at this home, your pruning tools will become your best friend. Part of what works about Jennifer and Ben's planting is that the manicured plants echo the linear shapes of their home, creating a stunning cohesion. This technique is simple to replicate.

Start with your roses for healthy and well-maintained blooms. Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall advises: 'Keep deadheading diligently. When a rose flower fades, don't just snip the head off, cut the spent stem back to a healthy set of five leaves. This tricks the plant into pushing out another flush of gorgeous blooms.'

Keeping your front yard hedges neatly trimmed, as we see at this home helps to create the stylish, tiered effect that makes this outdoor space a statement. Noah recommends: 'Give your box hedges, bays, or yew topiary a neat summer haircut now to sharpen up their silhouettes for the rest of the season.'

Rather than an afterthought, well-planned privacy planting becomes the first impression guests take in as they arrive at your home. It is just as important as the interiors.

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A laundry drying rack is essential for drying clothes indoors year-round. But as fall approaches and the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, relying on the washing line becomes less practical, making a good indoor drying solution more important than ever.

The best solutions offer plenty of room for a whole load of laundry, fold flat for storage, and are lightweight and compact to store – just like the Joseph Joseph AirFrame Clothes Drying Rack, available on Amazon.

Available in two sizes, it's the simple way to air-dry laundry.

During summer, the washing line out in my backyard is filled at least weekly. I'm a big believer in air drying, so I find drying clothes inside in winter far trickier and more tedious. Fortunately, the Joseph Joseph AirFrame Clothes Drying Rack, available at Amazon, makes it easy.

Featuring over 53 feet of drying space, despite boasting a compact footprint for drying clothes in small spaces, it collapses flat for convenient storage with the simple click of a button, and even features a clever carry handle for portability.

The staggered design also allows for both long and short items to be hung alongside one another, and creates six dedicated long-hanging rails.

As one shopper praises, it's everything a 'folded drying rack should be.' 'Just fantastic,' they add. 'I was skeptical about the price, but the wife reminded me we have two other Joseph Joseph products that we love and they're always very high quality and well designed. So we ordered it. Absolutely great.

'This is excellent engineering and very well constructed. You get what you pay for, and this is worth it. Sets the standard for what a folding drying rack can and should be.'

I completely agree − every item I've tested from Joseph Joseph, including this alternative discreet laundry rack which is ideal for shared dorms, has been high-quality and thoughtfully designed.

Another enthusiastic reviewer similarly says, 'This is THE rack I've always wanted.' 'There is SO much space on this thing,' they explain. 'When I unfolded it, I was amazed. It's really compact and lightweight, but it expands to be almost as tall as me [...], but I can still maneuver it from one side of the kitchen to the other while it's loaded with clothing.

'It is stable. When you unfold it, it locks, and to unlock it [or] put it away, you have to trigger these little buttons on each side. I've been moving it around my kitchen for weeks, and it hasn't flipped over; it's been loaded with rain gear, sweaters, all kinds of items, and it has fared just fine. This is a quality rack.

'It takes up so little space when not in use. Once folded, you clip it together, and it fits right by your washing machine, out of the way. I am really surprised at how compact it is.'

For drying clothes indoors, you really can't make a better investment.

More to Shop

For more laundry rack recommendations, shop from a round-up of top-rated indoor laundry accessories below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

These laundry basket storage ideas keep your space clutter-free.

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What can one expect from the former Malibu home of legendary musician Frank Zappa? In this case, the answer is a distinctly global take on California living, with Balinese wood, Moroccan-inspired architecture, and Pacific views from almost every corner.

Perched along 84 feet of ocean-bluff frontage in Malibu’s coveted Point Dume enclave, the 1.1-acre estate has come to market for $28.5 million. However, to understand its influence as one of the world's best homes today, one must look back at its creative past.

Gail Zappa, Frank Zappa’s wife and trustee of the Zappa Family Trust, originally acquired the home and continued to oversee its legacy following the musician’s death in 1993. During her ownership, she brought together handcrafted materials from her travels, including Balinese wood and imported fireplace stone, giving the residence much of its character.

Screenwriter Melissa Mathison purchased the property from Gail in 2005, and developer Sonny Astani purchased it in 2013. Astani undertook a nearly two-year restoration, adding a pool, spa, and lily pond while retaining important details from the Zappa era, including a Moroccan-inspired courtyard and floor mosaic attributed to Frank himself.

Today, the residence has the feel of a modern Moroccan villa, approached through private Balinese gates. It combines Spanish revival craftsmanship and Moorish charm with Californian style.

Inside, cathedral ceilings with exposed timber beams define the main living spaces, while walls of glass open directly onto Pacific views.

A sunken conversation pit anchors the living room, where the Zappa serpent mosaic provides a memorable focal point. The interiors, completed by the team behind Leanne Ford, take a more restrained approach to the home's architectural details.

Textural plaster walls, handcrafted teak, and wide-plank oak floors sit alongside zellij tilework and keyhole archways, allowing the Moorish influences to remain present without overwhelming the space.

The colorful kitchen follows the same understated direction, with wood cabinetry and clean stone surfaces creating a practical space that's filled with light.

Four bedrooms are located on the main level, while a more private primary suite offers separation from the rest of the house.

Above the main residence is a private ocean-view home office, while separate guest or staff quarters add flexibility for visitors, because this is the ultimate party house, after all.

Shop the Moroccan-Inspired Home Edit

Outside, the property makes the most of its unusually generous bluff-top setting. A Moorish fountain flows into a spa beside a lily pond, while a handmade-tile pool sits within the side garden. Citrus, peach, plum, and apple trees line the private drive, which provides parking for more than a dozen vehicles and includes a separate service entrance.

For all the home's global artistry, its ultimate secret lies at the edge of the bluff. Beyond the oceanfront lawn, deeded access and highly coveted Riviera III beach keys unlock Little Dume, Malibu’s most private and iconic stretch of sand. Lily Harfouche and Chris Cortazzo of Compass hold the listing.

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Forget grass, the gardens of the future are much more resilient. As climate change creates warmer, drier climates across the globe, sustainably minded gardeners are turning to plants that can survive a range of conditions, and given that Extreme weather has been a mainstay of California life for a bit longer, gardens from this region provide the perfect inspiration.

Today, we're turning to the planting of plants that never need watering at Michelle Pfeiffer's former home in Santa Monica. The actress's Spanish-style villa features a California succulent garden. It contains blue chalksticks (like these gorgeous succulents from Amazon), tree aeonium, foxtail agave, and copper pinwheels. These expert picks present a low-maintenance alternative to the traditional lawn.

Pebble mosaic stepping stones and decomposed granite hardscaping tie the look together, making it intentional and stylish.

To unpack the lessons embedded in Michelle Pfeiffer's heatwave tolerant plants, Homes & Gardens spoke with gardening experts for their best tips on low-maintenance, climate-resilient gardening. We also curated an edit inspired by the plants we see in her California outdoor space. Below, you'll find everything you need to plant your own gorgeous succulent garden.

Recreate Michelle's Look at Home

The first step to building a drought resistant garden that thrives like Michelle's is carefully planning your plant choices.

Jane Fairlie, horticultural expert at Barratt London advises: 'Succulents are an excellent option. Often described as cactus-like but without spines, they are highly tolerant of dry conditions and require minimal watering. Popular examples include the Jade plant, which features fleshy oval leaves and is sometimes associated with good luck and prosperity and Aloe Vera, which also has practical uses as its sap can help soothe minor burns.'

'Sansevieria and Zebra plants are also low-maintenance choices, with upright, architectural foliage and a reputation for being particularly easy to care for,' adds Jane.

Just because these varieties are low-maitenance doesn't mean they don't require any care whatsoever. Especially when you are not watering, it is crucial that you are feeding your succulent garden. Jane states: 'Plants require nutrients to grow and remain healthy, particularly during spring and summer when growth is most active. A weekly feed is recommended during this period.'

Furthermore, Michelle Pfeiffer's gorgeous hardscaping is good for more than aesthetics. It helps support a healthy biome that encourages plant growth. Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall, explains: 'Wildlife can struggle to find fresh water during long periods of warm weather, so putting out a shallow dish of clean water can make a real difference.'

He advises: 'I like to add pieces of tufa stone, gravel or marbles so bees, butterflies and other insects have somewhere safe to land while they drink. Birds will also appreciate a larger bowl of clean water nearby.'

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Few design movements have had the staying power of Art Deco. Introduced in the 1920s as a celebration of modernity and craftsmanship, it has remained relevant because its core principles are timeless. Just ask Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, who have subtly introduced this aesthetic into their Manhattan bathroom. When it comes to Art Deco bathroom ideas that actually work in a practical space, this is the blueprint.

While Art Deco design is often associated with grand city halls (and, in the home, more formal living rooms or entryways), this look has also found a place in the most practical way possible. We're talking about the bathroom.

Rather than embracing stark minimalism, as this utilitarian space often attracts, it brings a sense of style that has prevailed above fleeting design fads for over 100 years. It so happens that designers agree, as this style is among the top bathroom trends for this year (and, we dare say, the next century ahead).

Shop the Ripa-Inspired Look

According to experts, the renewed interest in Art Deco style reflects a broader shift toward interiors that feel more layered and enduring. ‘Art Deco-inspired designs regained popularity last year as the movement celebrated its centenary, and in 2026, the trend has continued to grow,’ says Mike Manders, co-founder and CEO of Haddon.

‘Characterized by geometric shapes, symmetry, and metallic finishes, Art Deco style is opulent and elegant.’

The key to using the look today is restraint. Contemporary Art Deco bathrooms tend to focus on a few defining elements, such as sculptural brassware, fluted glass, polished metal finishes, or geometric tile, rather than relying on heavy ornamentation. Conveniently, Mark and Kelly's space offers the perfect inspiration point.

‘There’s also something inherently luxurious about symmetry in the bathroom,’ Mike says. ‘A pleasing sense of symmetry brings a quiet sense of order to the space, enhancing its sense of calm and refinement.’

That may be the reason Art Deco continues to resonate. It offers a clear design language that feels both classic and current, and it proves that a bathroom can be practical without feeling purely functional.

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As a celebrity style editor, I've noticed that one of the most significant shifts in modern home design is the way spaces are increasingly conceived in conversation with the landscape. More often, architects are designing gardens to become part of everyday living – and Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s living room is one of my favorite examples of such an approach.

Set in Calabasas, California, the home was designed by Waldo Fernandez, whose work is celebrated for its restrained yet livable elegance. The interiors were designed as a place of retreat, with natural materials, generous proportions, and a palette that allows light and texture to take the lead. The open-plan living room sits at the center of the home, flowing directly onto Mediterranean gardens and outdoor seating areas.

While their home invites a sense of openness through its architectural design, it's emphasized through their choice in furniture and materials, from organic, tactile accents to plush statement pieces like this velvet round arm sofa. As Daniel Smith, the founder of Danetti, explains, 'Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living starts with choosing pieces that borrow their calm and character from nature.'

Shop the Kardashian-Inspired Edit

In Kourtney and Travis’s living room, that philosophy is evident in the low seating, neutral slipcovers, and warm terracotta upholstery. The arrangement avoids a formal layout in favor of a more conversational one that mirrors the landscape beyond.

Daniel explains: 'When you introduce furniture with soft curves, organic silhouettes and tactile finishes, you are creating that restorative ease we associate with being outside. A sofa that echoes the gentle contours of coastal dunes, a ceramic table with veining reminiscent of waves, or an accent chair shaped like smooth driftwood all help the room feel grounded and connected to the natural world.'

A wooden coffee table and rustic timber side tables further strengthen that connection, bringing natural grain and texture into the center of the room. To follow their example in a small living room, I love the honey-tones of this more compact table at Amazon. It will fit in almost any-sized space.

The styling also plays an important role in blurring the boundaries between their indoor/outdoor space. A large fiddle-leaf fig rises toward the ceiling, while neutral curtains frame the garden – creating a sense of continuity between the two spaces.

'Accessories are where you really deepen that connection; consider generous greenery to soften corners and woven materials that invite you to sink in, encouraging more relaxed, flexible living rather than a formal, closed-off feel,' Daniel says.

'When your furniture and accessories work together to bring in lightness, texture and a touch of nature, your living room starts to feel like an extension of outside.'

In Kourtney and Travis' space, their sucsess relies on natural materials, considered furniture choices, and a wonderful relationship with the landscape. It's proof that the most successful indoor-outdoor spaces are the ones that feel the least forced. It truly sets the standard.

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When you think of 'privacy planting,' you may be envisioning impenetrable boxwoods, pruned like a fortress around a home. With record-high temperatures in 2026, however, it's time to get creative. Drought-tolerant plants can be just as effective, and often chicer, than traditional privacy planting alternatives.

Take, for example, the front garden of Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's Los Angeles house. Perfectly planted for Southern California, their green space features a variety of agave plants, birds of paradise, rosemary, and California Pepper trees. The varied, drought-tolerant plants look gorgeous in their vertical beds and do a fantastic job blocking out the view into their large mid-century modern windows.

Though it doesn't read as explicitly using plants for privacy, their gorgeous greenery offers a subtler way to protect a front yard.

Wherever you live in the world, the primary lesson from Kyra and Kevin's Hollywood Hills place (where extreme weather is a given) is simple: the future of planting for privacy lies in heat-resistant, drought-tolerant plants. To explore the teaching, Homes & Gardens spoke with a garden expert about advice for this kind of low-maintenance planting. We also curated an edit of plants inspired by those in Kevin and Kyra's garden.

This summer, we're following their example.

Recreate Kevin and Kyra's Look at Home

Kyra and Kevin's front yard is indicative of a larger move towards climate-resilient gardening across the outdoor space. Charlotte McGrattan, hardy nursery stock buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, explains: 'As our climate changes with periods of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather becoming more common, the plants we choose for our gardens are increasingly important. By selecting plants that are naturally better equipped to cope with heat and drought, gardeners can create more resilient outdoor spaces without sacrificing colour or interest.'

This directive extends to the greenery we choose for privacy.

She recommends: 'The key is choosing the right plant for the right place and remembering that even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering while they establish. Making considered planting choices now can help create beautiful, vibrant gardens that are better prepared for the hotter, drier summers of the future.'

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When it comes to getting a better night’s sleep, few topics are as hotly debated as the ‘perfect’ bedroom temperature. For years, 78°F was widely considered the ideal setting, but a new survey spanning all 50 states suggests that most people actually prefer to sleep with the thermostat set considerably lower.

This doesn't just promise a more comfortable, restful night's sleep, either. A lower temperature will also help you cut energy costs and save money at the same time.

Here, sleep and HVAC experts explain this perfect thermostat setting for better sleep.

In the recent American Sleep Habits Study, conducted by Bear Mattress, 2,119 adults were surveyed on their preferred sleep temperature. The results were conclusive: The average ideal for sleeping better across the US is 67 degrees Fahrenheit, though there is variation by state. For example, in Massachusetts, an average of 63.2°F is preferred, while Hawaii showed a warmer average of 69.5°F.

In any case, these results show a stark deviation from the previously believed 78 degrees. Instead, 67 is 'the temperature most Americans say helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer,' added Bear Mattress in a recent PR Newswire press release.

To Courtney Stefanski, Board-Certified Physician working in partnership with Opera Beds, these findings are unsurprising. 'Temperature has a bigger impact on sleep quality than most people realize,' she says. 'As we prepare for sleep, our core body temperature naturally begins to drop. This cooling process is part of the body’s normal transition into sleep, so the environment we sleep in needs to be beneficial to that removal of heat.

'The bedroom temperature is cool enough at 67°F to permit this natural drop in core temperature without being uncomfortably cold. The opposite is 78°F, which can be too hot for many people, especially when combined with warm bedding or high humidity. When it’s hot outside, the body has to work harder to get rid of heat, which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, leading to more awakenings and less restorative sleep.'

As Courtney stresses, this is especially important during REM sleep, as this is when the body's ability to regulate temperature is reduced, even when sleeping under the best cooling sheets. 'So a bedroom that is too warm can become more disruptive throughout the night,' she adds.

Importantly, Courtney also highlights that 67°F is, unfortunately, not a magic number that applies to everyone.

'Thermal comfort is a matter of individual preferences, bedding, clothing, humidity and health,' she explains. 'But 67°F is a good starting point for most adults and falls within the 65-68°F range often recommended by experts.'

What to Shop

Below, I've curated six cooling sleep essentials for comfortable sleep throughout warmer weather and into fall and winter.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Pair the optimal thermostat setting with designing your bedroom for better sleep, for a relaxing sanctuary that welcomes rest and relaxation.

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Ruffled bedding, floral wallpaper, and scalloped lamps are everywhere in 2026. These romantic details are especially suited to the bedroom, where they create a cozy energy in the most intimate of spaces – and design-savvy individuals have been using them to whimsify their homes for generations.

For instance, a photograph circa 1960 showed actress Lucille Ball relaxing in the bedroom she shared with her husband and I Love Lucy co-star, Desi Arnaz, and it's alive with romantic design. The iconc couple's space featured floral wallpaper, ruffled quilted bedding, shelves of decorative objects, and ruched lamps. At the end of the bed, a pretty chest provides storage.

It forms the early echoes of the popular look designers are calling the 'whimsy trend' in 2026.

Whether you plan to go full romantic design, or simply want to implement a few dashes of this look into a more modern bedroom, Lucille and Desi's classic style is still influencing interiors today. To dive in more deeply, Homes & Gardens spoke with design experts about how to master their look. We also curated an edit of our favorite pieces of decor inspired by this gorgeous, historic space.

Recreate Lucille and Desi's Look at Home

To understand how to decorate with frills and ruffles like Lucille and Desi, it is first important to understand their modern significance. Georgia Metcalfe, Founder and Creative Director at French Bedroom, states: 'The current comeback of ruffles in the home is driven by a desire for both nostalgia and modern romanticism. As the popularity of stark minimalism continues to fade, the thrill of a frill aligns with the return of maximalist aesthetics and cosy, romantic interiors that reflect one’s character and personal style.'

Furthermore, she explains, the ruffled interior design trend is much more than a fad. Georgia says: 'Whilst ruffles are experiencing a resurgence for 2026, this timeless embellishment is beloved for its romantic charm, which means they will endure for centuries to come,' she adds.

As we see in Lucille and Desi's space, this romantic look is ideal for the bedroom. 'Ruffles work well in all areas of the home, but perhaps especially in the bedroom where they lend softness, warmth and whimsy to a deeply personal space,' says Georgia. 'Ruffled bedding, curtains, upholstery and valances feel inviting, and those who seek beauty in delicate, layered details will love the romance and charm of a ruffle.'

To emulate Desi and Lucille's look, Georgia recommends: 'When styling ruffles, lean into their softness and complement this with a curved headboard for a truly cossetting style. Combine ruffled bed linen with cushions in clashing prints and plain additions that feature subtle embroidered detailing for textural variation. Mixing and matching means that the look doesn’t feel too precious and contrived which is perfect for creating the personal and relaxed atmosphere that we all enjoy in the bedroom.'

It's also important to note that while this look may appear no holds barred, it's precisely its maximalism that requires careful bedroom storage solutions.

Georgia advises readers to, 'consider incorporating furniture pieces like storage ottomans into each bedroom to store your linens.' She explains: 'This approach allows you to avoid clutter, whilst also providing a stylish accent to the room, as well as a convenient place to perch or rest your feet.'

She adds: 'If you're looking to add a chest of drawers for linen storage, check the depth and height of each drawer to ensure you’re investing in a piece that can allow you to add more to your collection, not just fit what you have today.'

Design of the past can be a valuable jumping-off point for creating timeless spaces today and tomorrow. No matter the style, it almost always has a historical precedent.

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Living in a small studio apartment has made me very particular about furniture. Only the best, most practical pieces are worthy of a spot in my home, and if they don't serve more than one purpose, then I don't want them.

Because of my extreme pickiness and my desire for multipurpose pieces, I tend to do a lot of shopping at IKEA – aka the home of multifunctional furniture, often designed for small apartments. Every now and then, I come across something that feels like it was specially made for me – equal parts practical, stylish, and, of course, multifaceted. My most recent find to fit the bill is IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Birch Stools.

Slim, lightweight, and stackable by design, these stools deliver so much more than extra seating for my small living room that doubles as a dining room. Stack one on top of the other, and they'll instantly transform into a shelving unit for extra storage or a two-tiered side table.

The stools are part of IKEA's newly released KOMPISHÄNG collection. Made for students, renters, or anyone subject to frequent moves, the range consists of furniture and decor that's built for longevity, easy to transport, and aesthetically appealing, too. Although those elements aren't often grouped together, this collection is proof that durability, portability, and good design don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Along with the rest of the KOMPISHÄNG collection, these stools will help you make the most of your living space – no matter how small or how temporary it may be – without sacrificing style.

There are so many ways in which these stools can benefit small rooms, apartments, or even dorms. In my studio, I plan to keep them stacked in a corner as a makeshift shelving unit to hold books and plants. When I host guests, I'll unstack them for extra seating. This way, I won't have to buy clunky folding chairs that'll crowd my closet or force people to sit on the floor. Although if I had to do the latter, KOMPISHÄNG conveniently has a back cushion that'll make the floor just as comfortable a seat.

I'm also keen on the idea of using the stools as a substitute side table. Most traditional side tables are only good for holding lamps, trinkets, or drinks on their singular flat surface. With two flat surfaces, these stools can do so much more.

At only $60 for the set of two, the Birch Stools from IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG collection are the hardworking pieces that deserves to take up square footage even when it's tight. With their multi-purpose nature, they're sure to help you make the most of your space. See how I'd style them below.

How I'd Style IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Stools

Shop More From IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Collection

Aside from the Birch Stools, IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG collection features so many more standout products, including the three below. Shop them while they're still in stock to help you make the most of your living space.

Packed with function-first, design-driven furniture that makes life on the go a little bit easier, I'm certain that IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Collection will sell out quickly. So don't wait, if the Birch Stools or any other well-made pieces from this line are speaking to you, I suggest you make them yours before it's too late.

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Often, poolside gardens rely on variety: A mix of eclectic planters that play with different shapes and sizes. However, Dakota Johnson’s Los Angeles garden takes the opposite approach.

Along the curved wall that frames her lap pool, dozens of terracotta planters sit in a near-continuous row, creating an unconventional container garden idea that feels so architectural and calming, despite its excess.

The property, originally designed in 1947 by modernist architect Carl Maston, was later reimagined by design duo Pierce & Ward. While the interiors are known for their layered wood paneling and mid-century modern charm, the garden, or, more specifically, the pool area, is just as considered.

The uninterrupted line of terracotta pots softens the stone wall, adding warmth and texture without competing with the home’s clean geometry.

For those looking to recreate the look, this terracotta planter from Wayfair offers a very similar silhouette, with the same flared rim and a weathered finish that captures the same understated effect.

Shop the Dakota Johnson-Inspired Edit

I've written about hundreds of celebrity gardens this year alone. However, I'm yet to see a single container-style pool planting technique quite like Dakota's.

According to Robert Aumann, a luxury real estate advisor and founding partner of La Jolla Life, the success of terracotta planters around a pool comes down to rhythm and restraint.

‘Terracotta planters can make an attractive sight around a swimming pool mainly since they will add warmth and texture among harder materials such as stone, concrete, and tiles. When using many of them, the main idea is to ensure that repetition is not overcrowding and feels intentional,’ Robert notes.

This is what defines Dakota’s garden. By limiting the range of planter shapes and sizes, the repetition feels cohesive rather than cluttered.

‘I would suggest using just a few sizes and shapes instead of having too many different styles of terracotta planters. Bigger terracotta pots can look especially great when surrounding a pool or framing its corners and other parts,’ Robert explains.

‘Since terracotta usually comes with natural variations in its looks, there is no need to have all planters looking the same. However, it would still be better to try and have a cohesive color and style of pots.’

Scale is equally important. A dense row of small pots can disappear against the expanse of a pool, while medium-to-large planters create a stronger presence.

‘When it comes to scale, it should be remembered that small planters can easily get lost when placed next to a big swimming pool, while bigger pots can help in accenting architectural elements of the pool and dividing its parts into zones without building walls or other constructions,’ Robert adds.

In Dakota’s garden, the raised retaining wall becomes a natural platform for the planting, subtly separating the upper lawn from the pool terrace below. The terracotta works alongside the grass and the pool’s lines, creating a modern Mediterranean garden.

‘Another idea is to combine terracotta planters with natural materials such as wood, stone and even plants in order to achieve more organic looks around a swimming pool with its clean lines,’ says Robert.

Just as importantly, the arrangement keeps the pool deck itself relatively clear. Concentrating the planters along the perimeter preserves circulation and allows the seating area to feel open.

‘When dealing with a swimming pool and its surroundings, one needs to remember that practicality always goes before aesthetics. There is no sense in putting planters in the places where they will interfere with movement in the area or where they will be flooded by water during the cleaning process,’ Robert cautions.

The final layer is the planting itself. Rather than filling each pot with a different species, Dakota repeats similar shrubs throughout the row.

‘Finally, when placing terracotta planters around a pool, there is no need to use different plants in each of them. Instead, one can use repeated plants to make a coherent composition,’ Robert observes.

Dakota's pool area is a reminder that repetition, when used strategically, can be far more impactful than variety. We don't always have to be so eclectic, when arrangement can be just as playful.

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Just in time for college move-in or a September 1st lease start, IKEA's highly-anticipated KOMPISHÄNG collection is finally available to shop online – starting today.

Designed with city dwellers, college students, renters, and frequent house movers in mind, this limited-edition drop is stocked with stylish, easy-to-move furniture, proving that pieces made for mobility can, in fact, look good. And according to the collection's creative leader, Ina Tidbeck Sjöblom, that was exactly the intention of KOMPISHÄNG. 'We stated very early that the products should feel like “real” furniture, even if we added solutions that made them perfect for moving,' she tells Homes & Gardens.

12 versatile pieces make up the collection, including the Red Pine Side Table that can fold up and fit over your shoulder and the Birch Stools which can act as seats or, when stacked, a two-tiered table. Made from wood, steel, and canvas and available in neutral tones with subtle pops of color, these pieces are designed for longevity. They're durable enough to move with you from home to home and tasteful enough to complement whatever design style you adopt.

Beyond its convenience and style, what makes the KOMPISHÄNG collection even more desirable is its affordability – every piece costs less than $200. Consider it a reminder that although the act of moving can be expensive, your furniture doesn't have to be, and just because something's priced cheaply doesn't mean it won't endure.

Shop IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG Collection

As a limited edition line, IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG collection is limited edition, so it won't be in stock long. Below, shop the entire KOMPISHÄNG range and find the pieces that'll make your next move a lot more manageable.

Although IKEA's KOMPISHÄNG collection was designed with renters and students in mind, these pieces can adapt to any lifestyle – from those who move apartments every year to those who've owned their home for the last 20. Clearly, these pieces are clever enough to go the distance and stylish enough to make any place truly feel like home – no matter how temporary it is.

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'Millennial gray' remains the latest shade dividing the internet. Critics label it 'dreary' and 'dated,' while proponents embrace it as an elegant, classic neutral to ground any space – particularly as we head into the cooler months when warm, grounding tones feel essential. For a long time, I sat somewhere in the middle of the debate, unsure if the shade could ever feel truly cozy.

However, after spotting Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's gray living room setup – and immediately hunting down versatile pieces inspired by their look, like this Latitude Run L-shaped sofa from Wayfair. Now, I am fully convinced of gray furniture's timeless appeal.

The couple's home, tucked away in the countryside of Sharon, Connecticut, offers the perfect backdrop for this look. Set against a picturesque New England landscape of historic timber beams, lush pastures, and rustic farm charm, their living room balances refined design with countryside warmth. It is a home built for transitional seasons, where crisp autumn evenings demand an atmosphere that feels grounded and genuinely lived-in.

Kyra debuted their dreamy living room sofa in an Instagram post that showcased subtle yet impactful styling.

Featuring a geometric rug with hints of gray and two dark gray throw pillows, the space delivers a rustic warmth unmoored from any distinct trend. Though online critics have dismissed this lighter shade as 'millennial gray,' Kevin and Kyra prove it effortlessly adapts across design eras.

Shop the Kevin and Kyra-Inspired Edit

Gray's adaptability is backed up by design experts, too. Swati Goorha, Founder and CEO of Swati Goorha Designs, points out that light gray sofas endure because of their 'calm nature' and the 'ease with which you can build your room around them.'

Unlike stark white couches that 'can feel cold and uninviting,' or dark options that often feel 'too heavy,' light gray offers a gentle base for modern, transitional, coastal, or classic aesthetics. As Goorha highlights, this versatility lets you refresh a home without replacing core furniture – simply by swapping out 'pillows, rug, artwork, and/or throw blankets' to shift the seasonal ambiance.

As we look ahead to 2027, Kevin and Kyra's living room reminds us that decorating with neutrals does not have to feel cold or soulless. By pairing a light gray sofa with natural textures, rich wood accents, and flexible styling, you create an enduring anchor for every time of year – proving that true style lies in knowing exactly how to bring subtle shades to life.

'Don’t be afraid to treat your hallway like a room in its own right —it deserves just as much attention as any other space in the home,' design expert Magdalena Gierasinka tells Homes & Gardens.

This philosophy fills the home with character, warmth, and a cozy atmosphere, and more and more homeowners are embracing it in 2026. For an example of how to bring it to life, we turn to John Lennon and Yoko Ono's entryway. Photographed in 1969, their Berkshire home was a Georgian country house called Tittenhurst Park.

Inside the property, they designed turne a simple hallway into a living room with velvet chairs, a wooden sideboard, and a patterned rug. Layered lighting, including pendants and lamps, elevates it even further.

To explore how we can tap into their technique, Homes & Gardens discussed ideas for elevating an entryway with some of our favorite home decor experts. We also curated an edit inspired by John and Yoko's traditional entryway.

Recreate John and Yoko's Look at Home