Latest from Homes & Gardens UK in Anthropologie

Anthropologie’s Memorial Day Sale Is Filled With Rare Discounts on Its Most Iconic Pieces – 24 Elegant Summer Finds to Shop Now

Devin Toolen — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Some people celebrate Memorial Day by hosting barbecues, afternoon pool parties, or traveling to the beach. But as a Style Editor, one way I always celebrate the holiday is by shopping the sales. And this year, I've got my attention on one in particular – Anthropologie's Memorial Day sale.

With up to 30% off select furniture and decor, Anthropologie's Memorial Day sale is your chance to spruce up your home for summer with deep discounts on best selling pieces. If you could use new plates and serving platters ahead of the summer hosting season, this sale has plenty of picks available with whimsical motifs and fun colors. Or perhaps your living room rug has seen better days – if so, this sale has loads of chic styles that can elevate your space. And if you've been eyeing some of Anthropologie's premium furniture, there's a good chance it's on sale for the occasion – like the Hale Dresser, the Joanie Accent Chair, and the Bowen Sofa.

But what makes this sale truly worthwhile is that it doesn't just include picks for inside the home – it includes outdoor furniture and decor, too. Those fan-favorite ceramic side tables? They're on sale. Even the whimsical Lillie collection – which features the Lillie Bar Table and the Lillie Dining Chair – is discounted right now. If you've been holding off on updating your patio, now just might be the time to do it to get the chicest styles of the season for a fraction of the price.

Ahead, find my curated collection of the best things to shop while the sales are hot. And if you're eager for more, check out our comprehensive list of the best Memorial Day sales to shop this weekend.

Anthropologie

Annette Floral Melamine Dessert Plates, Set of 4

Anthropologie

Emilia Frida Swivel Chair

Anthropologie

Capiz Shell Lantern

Anthropologie

San Marco Braided Wood Finish Oval Wall Mirror

Anthropologie

Ana Cotton Gauze Woven Throw Blanket

Anthropologie

Aurora Flatwoven Indoor/outdoor Floral Checkered Rug, 5' x 8'

AnthroHome

Floral Bunches Serving Platter

Anthropologie

Esther Acrylic Goblets, Set of 4

Anthropologie

Simone Scallop Task Lamp

Anthropologie

Shyla Floral Animal Mantel Wall Mirror

Anthropologie

Irie Carmine Jacquard Oak Wood Dining Chair

Anthropologie

Leiah Printed Indoor/outdoor Floral Pillow

Anthropologie

Frutta Ceramic Side Table

Anthropologie

Manette Embroidered Cotton Linen Sheer Curtain

Anthropologie

Coastal Rattan Indoor/outdoor 36" Coffee Table

Anthropologie

Maeve by Anthropologie Striped Ruffle Indoor/outdoor Pillow

Anthropologie

Oliver Hand Tufted 100% Wool Floral Border Rug, 5' x 8'

Anthropologie

Floral Bunches Serving Platter

Anthropologie

Sea La Vie Dish Towel

Anthropologie

Alma Cotton Embroidered Beach Pillow

Anthropologie

Nautical Glass Candle Holder

Anthropologie

Boardwalk Trinkets

Anthropologie

Lala Reimagined Sculptural Oak Side Table

Anthropologie

Scandi Floral Glass Vase

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I'm channeling gothic nostalgia with this designer Halloween collab – it'll bring Practical Magic vibes to your table and is on sale now, but not for long

Katrina Harper-Lewis — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From Practical Magic to The Witches of Eastwick, there's nothing like a good nostalgic witch story to create a bit of gothic atmosphere, and with Halloween around the corner, I'm lining these movies up for my watch list as I type. So, when I spotted the Catherine Martin's Midnight Creatures collection for Anthropologie, it instantly brought my movie-inspired Halloween decor ideas to life. Catherine is an Oscar-winning costumier and set designer, so the connection tracks.

What's more, it is currently on sale, with some really good discounts. The glazed stoneware pitcher is a real statement piece and has over $25 off, while there's 30% off barware such as this cobweb tray - both would be wonderful additions to a sophisticated Halloween bar set up. However it is only on sale for a limited time, so I'm getting my hands on my favorite pieces before they go up in a puff of smoke, like something from one of those classic Halloween movies.

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

As a costume designer, Catherine has incorporated a hefty dose of gothic glamor into her Midnight Creatures Collection. Motifs, inspired by 19th century illustrations, such as feathers (the decaled goblet glass is so chic), moths, and spiders, tap into the witchy aesthetic. This is set off by mix of metallics and sophisticated matte black stoneware, that ooze Morticia Addams-style luxe.

There's a big focus on barware in the Catherine Martin collection and I can see myself using lots of the pieces for hosting all year round, from the stunning brass moth cocktail shaker to the feather glazed stoneware serving platter, which would look perfect on a coffee table or mantel when not in use for serving appetizers.

The Catherine Martin Midnight Creatures collection is a stunning and versatile range that will turn heads for Halloween and serve you well long after, as well, making it a good investment – especially while it's discounted. Here are my must-haves:

Shop Catherine Martin x Anthropologie tableware

Satin finish

Stoneware dessert plate

This plate calls for a seriously decadent dessert (no complaints, here!). The design was inspired by 19th-century anatomical illustration, and the gold adds an unexpectedly luxe twist.

Touch of sparkle

Wine Charms

Never forget which is your drink again with these bejewelled wine charms, inspired by creepy creatures and crafted from wire and colored glass for a touch of elegance.

Mouth-blown glass

Decaled Double Old Fashioned Glass

The subtle feather detailing has a touch of 1920s glamor to it, while the gold rim finished this glassware off with a luxe flourish – perfect for serving up retro cocktails

Warming scent

Palo Santo & Saffron Spider Candle

Featuring a blend of saffron and cinnamon with warm tonka and birchwood, this candle will bring a heady seasonal aroma to the table (or mantle if you prefer), while the gold spider holder makes it a statement piece.

Bold centerpiece

Glazed Stoneware Serving Bowl

The striking design of this matte black and gold decaled bowl makes it perfect for styling your entire tablescape around. Pile it high with gold-wrapped candies or deep red fruit for a dramatic look.

Hand-crafted

Cocktail napkins, set of 4

The feather detail of the glassware is mirrored here in these cocktail napkins, which add a real touch of class to the table with the subtle pattern and metallic edging.

Looking for fall table decor ideas that are less spooky and more seasonal? I've compiled lots of ideas and where to find pieces to get the look for a dedicated feature.

These Anthropologie decorations are far too gorgeous to keep for Christmas – I'm making the most of my buys and putting them up straight away

Martha Davies — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

For many, the joy of Christmas exists in its fleetingness – that special feeling when the lights flicker to life, trees adorn the front windows along the streets, and the countdown begins. But when you invest in gorgeous Christmas decorating ideas it seems a shame to only display them for a short time.

I prefer to build my decorations up gradually, starting with some more neutral pieces that feel celebratory, but not too festive to display in the fall, before layering up with more traditional decorations closer to the main event. I think I've hit the jackpot with Anthropologie's holiday decor collection as there are some utterly gorgeous pieces that I'd be very happy to show off right now – and maybe even leave up after Christmas has passed.

I think options like this Strawflowers Iron Garland and this Gingham Bow would make beautiful additions to any interior scheme – at any time of year.

I wasted no time picking out my favorite festive pieces from Anthropologie's 2025 holiday decor, but I also noted that this collection feels impressively versatile. I have a feeling that even those who don't believe in early decorating will be tempted by these elegant pieces, and hey, why not get your money's worth and use them now, rather than storing them away for most of the year?

From garlands to string lights, Anthropologie's holiday decor collection proves that festive decor is absolutely fit for the autumn season, too. As the nights draw in and the weather turns, a few hand-picked Anthropologie decorations will add some joy and sparkle to the fall. Why wait until December?

Plus, investing in adaptable pieces like these offers plenty of timeless Christmas decorating ideas if you prefer traditional looks as opposed to buying into trends. Below, I've pulled together some of the very best Anthropologie Christmas ornaments for the fall.

Shop our pick of Anthropologie's Christmas decorations to display right now

Cottagecore vibe

Gingham Bow Tree Topper

Using decorations in unexpected ways gives them a unique twist for fall. I love this idea of using a tree topper as a door decoration. It's so simple yet incredibly effective.

Luxe finish

Iron Celestial Star Garland

Gold accents are perfect for fall, Christmas and everything in between – I know this garland will brighten up my living room long after the festive celebrations are over.

Boho look

Shooting Star Stocking Charms, Set of 4

Every doorknob and hook in my apartment is about to get a cozy makeover using these fabric charms; I adore the delicate sequin detail. Subtly sparkly without screaming Christmas.

Remote controlled

Moravian Star String Lights

I fell in love with these string lights as soon as I saw them; I think they'd make a real statement on a mantel or draped across a table runner at your next fall dinner party.

Flexible twine

Copper Twine Branch Light

Whether nestled amongst faux flowers or arranged artfully in a statement vase, this twinkling branch is so effective. It would add the perfect seasonal touch to fall decor ideas.

Handmade

Marble Star Coasters, Set of 4

I love to treat myself to a new set of coasters every once in a while, and these are going straight in my cart – there's something so covetable about the luxe marble and shimmery abalone trim.

Art Deco touch

Diamond Mirror Ornaments, Set of 10

Fill your favorite vase with foliage, hang these elegant decorations on the branches, and you've got a luxe fall centerpiece.

Seasonal scent

Linnea Gilded Column Candle in Forest Fir

The cozy season simply isn't complete without a few of the best candles, and I've got my eye on this burnished gold beauty. It's available in three different sizes, and is perfect for gifting, too.

Intricate detail

Golden Songbird Ornaments, Set of 2

I know my guests will be swooning over these songbird ornaments; I think the gold tone is perfect for the harvest season, and they'll look beautiful suspended from a mantle or shelf.

Feeling festive? Anthropologie's holiday decor collection isn't the only thing on my mind right now – I'm also lusting after plenty of pieces from the McGee & Co Christmas 2025 drop. It's full of similarly subtle takes on festive decor, and I can't wait to dive in.

I thought I'd have to go bespoke to add this whimsical detail to my home, but thanks to Anthropologie I can create the look in minutes for just $58

Charlotte Olby — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Since becoming an 'adult' with my own home, the cost of window treatments was one of the biggest shocks I've come up against when trying to source charming details for my rooms.

As someone who is mid-renovation and constantly looking for ways to elevate my home without breaking the budget, I thought I was priced out of the cafe curtain trend.

The problem is, I assumed achieving that kind of whimsical look would mean going fully bespoke, with custom fabric, fittings, and a hefty price tag to match. I was determined, however, to achieve that soft, European bistro vibe in my living room – and I am unnaturally stubborn when it comes to a design detail I absolutely must have in my home. So thankfully for my wallet, I stumbled upon Anthropologie's ready-made cafe curtain collection.

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

The lovely thing about this charming curtain idea is that it isn't just super pretty, but also a practical styling trick.

I'm big on maximizing natural light in all rooms of my home, and once learned that most of the light that comes in through your window enters via the top third. So to block that up with a window blind or shutters feels counterintuitive to that mission.

A cafe curtain, however, sits beautifully at the bottom of your window and dresses a window while providing privacy without completely blocking light. They soften a room and create that layered, lived-in feel we all crave.

Whether you’re looking to frame a kitchen window, bring softness to a bathroom, or add a pop of print to your bedroom, they’re an easy way to transform a window. They’re the kind of small change that makes a big difference, and once you see the styles Anthropologie has on offer, you’ll understand just why I'm so excited.

From delicate sheers to storybook prints, each style of Anthropologie’s cafe curtain collection has its own personality – whether you’re after something cottagecore, coastal, or chicly tailored – and they’re all surprisingly affordable. Here are the 9 styles I've bookmarked.

Shop Anthropologie's best cafe curtains

Cotton Woven Stripe Café Curtains

Available in yellow or a soft green, these woven striped curtains are perfect for adding a pop of color to your kitchen or breakfast nook. They're made from 100% cotton that is light-filtering yet still offers privacy.

Mindra Striped Cotton Café Curtains

For a softer take on stripes, this semi-sheer pair has a delicate weave that feels airy and timeless. Perfect for brightening a small space, they add just the right touch of understated texture and are available in neutral or a classic blue stripe.

Priyanka Organic Cotton Printed Bird Café Curtains

Whimsical yet refined, these organic cotton curtains feature a charming bird print that feels straight out of a storybook. They’re ideal for adding personality to a bedroom, dining area, or reading nook.

Leora Printed Cotton Tie-Top Floral Café Curtains

Romantic and playful, these block-printed floral tie-top curtains add a cottage-inspired feel to any room. The tie detail makes them easy to hang and adjust, while the print brings instant character to plain spaces.

Lena Sheer Woven Café Curtains

If you love a light, subtle look, these sheer woven curtains are a super versatile choice. They let the sunshine pour in while adding just enough softness to make a space feel warm and inviting, and will go with any scheme.

Hyacinth Printed Café Curtains

With their traditional William Morris-style print, these cafe curtains are perfect for creating a cozy botanical feel indoors. Available in this blue-green hue or a rich honey, style them in a kitchen or living space where you want to balance privacy with charm.

Organic Cotton Tales Menagerie Printed Café Curtain

These playful, printed curtains bring a sense of storybook magic to your windows. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, they have a tunnel tab at the top that makes them super easy to hang and will look especially sweet in a children's room.

Embroidered Manette Cotton Linen Sheer Café Curtains

For a classic and elegant look, these linen-blend curtains feature a subtle embroidered floral pattern and are available in 4 different pastel shades. Their sheer finish diffuses light beautifully, making them ideal for layering with curtains or blinds, too.

Hattie Organic Cotton Floral Printed Café Curtains

The bold floral Hattie motif can be seen across many Anthropologie new-in pieces this fall, from wallpaper to furniture, and these statement cafe curtains - making them ideal for trying out the pattern drenching trend.

After trying these out for myself, I can confidently say that cafe curtains are one of those small but impactful design choices that can instantly change the mood of any room.

What I love most about Anthropologie’s collection is how easily (and affordably) they can be added to your home and paired with drapes or blinds to a stylish effect. Whether you lean toward bold florals, delicate embroidery, or classic stripes, there’s a style here that will slip seamlessly into your home.

See are dedicated guide on how to layer window treatments, according to experts here.

How Anthropologie's best-selling velvet curtains transformed the storage space in my tiny apartment

Julia Demer — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Like most New Yorkers, I’ve learned to live with my apartment’s quirks – namely, that two out of three of my closets have no doors. In a studio, this means my entire wardrobe is essentially part of my living room’s decor, and keeping it presentable is… a challenge.

Since installing real doors isn’t feasible (my couch quite literally blocks the swing radius), I’ve relied on extra-long window treatment ideas to conceal the chaos. It’s not ideal – but with the right curtains, it can actually work.

I’d been ogling Anthropologie’s Harlowe Embroidered Velvet Curtains for months. Online, the fanciful French chateau florals held my attention through the full emotional arc of a restock: arriving, selling out, teasing hope, vanishing again. So when the day finally came that they were in stock and my old curtain closet ideas had officially given up (more on that unconventional setup in a moment), I took it as a sign.

Anthropologie

Harlowe Embroidered Velvet Curtain

Anthropologie's Harlowe curtains already had phenomenal reviews, but as an editor, it’s my job to be both skeptical and inordinately picky. The 100% cotton velvet panels come in three colorways (Ivory, Mauve, and Duck Egg) and four lengths – I went with 84” x 50” in Ivory (see: how to measure for curtains).

Which brings me to my two curtain non-negotiables. First, they have to be durable. These aren't some accents I open once a day for kicks. I’m pulling these panels open and closed constantly – every outfit change, every laundry day, every frenzied last-minute closet reshuffle. Second, they have to look good. This is my living room, after all. These curtain ideas need to soften the space, add richness, and make a statement without competing for attention.

So, after living with the Harlowe Embroidered Velvet Curtains for over a month – seeing them in every kind of light, brushing past them every morning and night – are they worth their premium price tag?

Here’s what I really think.

First impressions

Even with a mostly functional role, the Harlowe panels add enough romance, texture and polish to elevate my entire ‘living room.’ (Image credit: Julia Demer)

It was a tough call between the Ivory, Mauve, and Duck Egg – but the moment I unboxed the Ivory, I knew I’d made the right choice. ‘Ivory’ reads as a barely-there beige – just enough warmth to cozy up the space without skewing too yellow. Up close, the embroidery was even better than expected – so good, in fact, I briefly considered turning the panels into a fabulous coat. (I didn’t. I kept my eyes on the price.)

Anthropologie didn’t skimp on the details. The panels are dual-tab constructed, which means you can hang them one of two ways – either sliding the rod through the tunnel pocket for a soft, gathered effect, or through the hidden back tabs for something more tailored and pleated. I opted for the former, but it’s nice to know I can switch things up down the line.

Once the curtains were up, I realized they needed a good steam. In hindsight, that may have been a little risky – the care tag does say spot or dry clean only, so moisture isn’t exactly encouraged. Still, I held the steamer at a distance, took my chances, and it worked out. (Your mileage may vary.)

With the wrinkles gone, the panels looked exactly how I hoped they would – airy, thanks to the Ivory color and light-filtering fabric, but still rich and dimensional. They felt right at home in my pre-war apartment, which is to say: soft, sophisticated, and a little bit storied.

How did the Harlowe curtains wear over time?

I’ve used other curtains as closet doors before – all of which, without fail, showed wear early: snagging, dulling, collecting dust in the most unforgiving ways. Not so with the Harlowe Embroidered Velvet Curtains. Despite heavy daily use, they still look just as they did the day I hung them up. No fading, no grime, no pilling.

Visually, they’ve held onto that barely-there brilliance I wanted. The embroidery, in particular, gives them the gravitas of a tonal wall tapestry – minimal, but with just enough intricacy to catch the eye. They’ve earned me quite a few compliments, including one from the unlikeliest of sources: my father, who rarely comments on decorating ideas, paused during a visit to run his fingers over the panels and declared, with quiet sincerity, ‘Now these are some nice curtains.’

Not that I needed the validation – but if he noticed, I think that says everything.

In Mauve and Duck Egg (pictured), the Harlowe panels take on a more dramatic effect. (Image credit: Anthropologie)

Final thoughts

Anthropologie’s Harlowe Embroidered Velvet Curtains retail between $128 and $158, depending on the length and colorway – not quite a high-end splurge, but definitely on the upper tier for a decorative panel from a major retailer. Honestly, I think they're worth every penny.

Before interiors, I worked in fashion – so when it comes to fabric and construction, I’m not easily impressed. But the Harlowe’s drape has a weight and movement that reads more expensive than it is. The dual-tab hanging option also deserves a moment, an added design detail that feels rare in this price bracket.

I’ll admit, my humble studio may not be the backdrop they deserve. But if they look this good in a living room that doubles as a closet, sitting next to a rack of heels, I can only imagine what they’d do in a proper dressing room, walk-in closet, or even just… on actual windows.

I’ve got a second closet that needs covering, and I’m already eyeing another Harlowe set. Maybe in a new color. Or maybe – one of three additional Anthropologie curtain options I’ve pulled below.

Additional Anthropologie curtains

Anthropologie

Fiori Velvet Embroidered Floral Curtain

Positively dreamy. If you’re after embroidered florals with a bit more presence, the Fiori panels deliver. The botanical motifs trail gracefully down the center of each curtain – bolder than Harlowe, but just as elegant. Available in Teal or Ochre (pictured), both are crafted from light-filtering cotton velvet and, like their Harlowe cousins, have earned near-unanimous praise from reviewers.

Anthropologie

Manette Embroidered Cotton Linen Sheer Curtain

They’re not advertised as such, but unofficially, the Manette panels are essentially the Harlowe – just reimagined in a breezier linen–cotton blend. So if you’re drawn to the look of embroidered botanicals but prefer something airier and sheer, this is a fabulous alternative.

Anthropologie

Judarn Printed Cotton Curtain

Anthropologie’s Jurdarn print is something of a house icon. The Italianate tapestry motif – cool-toned and lush – has graced everything from accent chairs to statement dressers. But did you know it comes in curtain form, too? Consider this your sign to take up the pattern drenching trend and fully inhabit the garden scene.

Whether you’re pairing curtains with blinds, layering multiple drapery panels, or introducing shutters into the mix, the more the merrier applies to window treatments too. Here’s how to layer window treatments, according to experts.

Transitional tableware sorted – get everything you need for pre-fall hosting with up to 40% off at Anthropologie

Martha Davies — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 02:00:00 +0000

I'll always have a soft spot for this time of year, when the summer lingers but fall is in the air. Before I dive headfirst into all my fall table decor ideas, however, I've been on the hunt for some transitional tableware pieces. There are some real gems in Anthropologie's Labor Day sale, meaning I can get the Anthropologie look for less before diving headfirst into fall trends.

My summer table decor ideas have been all about color, pattern and whimsy, but I'm going for a more pared-back look for the upcoming season. Magnolia's fall table setting hack, which involved ditching the tablecloth for a more rustic, bare-table look, has been giving me plenty of inspiration.

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

I'll admit that I don't need an excuse to check out Anthropologie's homeware; I adore the viral Anthropologie icon mugs, and I'm still raving about the Halloween bistro tile collection, which I'm already using as I indulge in summerween.

So, as summer makes way for fall, I'm looking for reliable transitional tableware that my guests will love – like this Scalloped Travertine Serving Bowl. I've curated more of my Anthropologie Labor Day sale picks below.

Shop transitional tableware in Anthropologie's Labor Day sale

Fall hues

Madeline Embroidered Napkins, Set of 4

These napkins are fun for summer entertaining with their bold scallop pattern and yet perfectly muted in tone for fall.

Hand-painted

The Latte Stoneware Side Plates, Set of 4

I adore the Parisian style of these side plates; they'll sit perfectly amongst my favorite pieces from the H&M bistro tableware collection.

Intricate details

Foster Icon Stoneware Jug

When it comes to harvest hosting, you won't find a more bold jug than this one. Pair it with neutral table linens and some faux berry branches and pumpkins for full-on harvest vibes.

Sleek silhouette

Ramona Flutes, Set of 4

Two-tone glassware doesn't always catch my eye, but these flutes are real showstoppers. Plus, the subtle peach shade is ideal for fall.

Statement piece

Emmarette Dinner Plates, Set of 4

Made from clear glass and with prety scalloped edges, these dinner plates will certainly stand out from the crowd.

Italian look

Glass Straight Spoons, Set of 6

Add some personality to your fall drinks with these delicate glass spoons – I'll be using mine to mix my homemade Honey Deuce cocktails.

Vintage charm

Botanica sugar bowl

I might be using Nate Berkus' mustard pot hack for all of my sauces, but I know this antique-inspired sugar bowl is about to elevate my breakfast table, and it taps into the country grandmother tableware trend.

Subtle detailing

Ruffle Reactive Glaze Stoneware Pitcher

This pitcher is at the top of my tableware wishlist; I love adding hints of olive green to my fall tablescapes as it's bold but also works as a neutral base for brighter hues.

Elegant embossing

Benedita Bow Ceramic Stoneware Serve Bowl

With its elegant glaze and embossed bow design, this serving bowl would make an enviable addition to any table, from summer through to fall.

What to do with so much new tableware? Stash it away in a meticulously-organized sideboard – here's how to create a hosting closet, ready for fall dinner parties.

Anthropologie has nailed chic Halloween tableware with its latest drop – I predict a sell-out in days, not weeks

Katrina Harper-Lewis — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

As Homes & Gardens' Head of Living I'm always on the look out for stylish tableware to switch up my hosting game for the seasons and trends. I'm not usually swayed by pieces that have a short shelf (or should I say 'table') life, that can only be used for a few days of the year. With sustainability and quality in mind as well as cost-saving, I prefer to mix and match classic basics with a few carefully chosen, but versatile statement pieces.

However, Anthropologie's Halloween bistro tile collection has just dropped and it might well have just changed my mind. Inspired by the bistro-style tiles often seen in Parisian cafés and patisseries, the range is not only a seasonal statement for fall, but a masterclass in chic tableware design.

Homes & Gardens' Style Editor, Julia Demer, says: 'Halloween decor can go kitsch in all the wrong ways. But French-inspired design can make even the most absurd theme feel chic. Anthropologie’s Halloween bistro tile collection is no exception, keeping things festive without feeling overly spooky. Somehow, it gives both sophisticated brunch and trick-or-treat all at once.'

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

The Halloween range is an extension of Anthropologie's popular bistro tile collection, which features kettles, toasters, door knobs and cake stands, as well as plates, bowls, jugs and accent pieces, such as sugar pots, cheese platters and spoon rests.

While the wider collection includes bee, flower and butterfly motifs and summer colorways, the Halloween range majors on minimal monochrome with 24k gold-decal accents for a touch of luxe, making for a dramatic yet classic fall tablescape.

I've got my eye on the less overtly Halloween pieces with longevity of use in mind, such as the treats cannister, which I'll use for storing away the kids' candy all year round. And I'm loving the cat espresso cup and saucer which will be perfect for enjoying mindful moments with my morning coffee.

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

However, I have to admit that I'm a little heart-eyed over the themed statement pieces, too – who wouldn't fall for that trick or treat popcorn bowl? – and I'm already daydreaming about the colorful range of knobbly gourds I'll be returning with from my annual trip to the local pumpkin patch, so that I can get styling as soon as fall arrives.

I'm sure I won't be the only one eyeing up this stylish collection, and I'm convinced that they won't be hanging around for long. So treat yourself now and get ahead for fall decorating, as I'm predicting that this Anthropologie Halloween bistro tile collection will be snapped up before the summer is out.

Don't miss a trick – take your pick from my favorite pieces from the range below.

Stoneware Dessert Plate

Go all out with the Trick or Treat logo version (pictured) or opt for a more subtle cat design that will last past Halloween for French-style brunches – perfect with pastries, teamed with the matching espresso mug.

Stoneware Espresso Cup

Elevate seasonal cocoa or simply sip your espresso from these stylish cups, which come in trick or treat or cat designs. A flourish of whipped cream and red or black sauce will add a spooky twist.

Stoneware Vase

I'd use these year-round as natty utensil pots or vases – again, the cat design is a little more versatile, but the bat one would make a wonderful halloween table centre filled with orange blooms.

Stoneware Candy Bowl

This feels like one of those pieces you'll buy and hand down through the generations. Pile it high with candies for trick or treating or popcorn for a scary movie night. It's an irresistable statement piece.

Stoneware serving platter

Perfect for halloween hosting and serving up spooky treats on. Or I'd pile it up with some mini pumpkins and seasonal leaves for a fall table centrepiece.

Stoneware cannister

My kids would adore this treats cannister for stashing all of their trick or treat candy to delve into. I'd also use it for the rest of the year and might even squirrel away my own treats in there away from little hands.

If this collection has whetted your appetite for fall hosting, we have the best halloween decoration ideas. And if you want to ensure your home is the scariest on the block, these outdoor halloween decor ideas should help.

6 things making your living room furniture look cheap – explore the key mistakes to avoid and what designers do instead

jennifer.ebert@futurenet.com (Jennifer Ebert) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:04:20 +0000

When it comes to designing the perfect living room, aside from flooring and wall color, the living room furniture plays a pivotal role in shaping the room's success. The conundrum is where and how to start.

Even if you are decorating on a budget, there is no reason for your space to look cheap, unusable, or unattractive. In many cases, the things that make your furniture look cheap aren't even a reflection of wealth.

In the sitting room, comfort is essential. Your chosen living room furniture ideas should feel timeless but inviting, like an oversized plush sofa with a lived-in fabric. There is nothing worse than sitting on a sofa that is too firm and it makes a house feel sterile. Vintage furniture often nails that balance, offering craftsmanship and character that bring soul to a room.

There are many other affordable ways you can make a home look expensive. Below we share what makes living room furniture look cheap – and expert advice on how to avoid it.

1. Swap matching furniture sets and mass-produced pieces for lived-in luxury

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

Cookie-cutter, mass-produced living room furniture did a roaring trade in the early 1990s but has more recently fallen out of favor with homeowners and decorators in favor of custom-made carpentry and vintage finds.

The whole purpose of a home is to answer the needs of the individuals living in it while reflecting their personalities through good design, space, and functionality. This is why overproduced, impersonal purchases are making our homes look dated and undesirable.

Thankfully, recent living room furniture trends have shown a shift towards curating more sustainable, soulful living rooms. 'If unsure, always be bold,' advises Tiffany Duggan, founder and director of Studio Duggan. 'Clients hardly ever regret investing in one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Think of your space as a carefully curated Aladdin’s cave of treasures, with each item on display even more fascinating than the last.'

Undeniably, individualism is in, as more and more people turn their backs on over-consumption and mass production and towards vintage, bespoke, made-to-measure goods and services.

Style mavens such as hotelier Kit Kemp are masters in the fine art of embracing individual design. But if you're new to this trend, you’d be wise to exercise caution, otherwise, your experimentation could end up one hot mess. So prefix maximalism and individualism with an adjective such as ‘considered’, ‘elegant’, or ‘curated’ and you can make it work.

The trick to creating a unique aesthetic is finding a common hook from which everything else hangs. Leave the matchy-matchy look to staunch minimalists, and always go with whatever you love first and foremost.

2. Do away with themed furniture and curate a space all your own

(Image credit: Becca Interiors)

It wasn't so long ago when themed spaces adorned homes up and down the country, but these days, any sensible designer will resign the hokey signage, and steamer trunks to the history books.

Instead, if you want to give your living or family room character and personality, use tried-and-tested furniture combinations that add texture and warmth, and stay away from anything that can appear like a product of its time. For example, I would avoid going too coastal or nautical, unless you live by the seaside. It would feel inauthentic to do so.

Classic furniture pieces are like the little black dress of interior design – they never go out of style and always look sophisticated. Age-old furniture styles, such as mid-century modern living room ideas, traditional living rooms, and charming country living rooms will stand the test of time due to their craftsmanship, enduring materials, and versatile aesthetics.

A living room is the heart and soul of your home and should reflect you as an individual, says Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors. 'It is a room of its own and should be treated as such with a bold design that will wow. As the living room is where guests are often stationed for most of the night, it should say something about you and set the mood for the rest of the house.'

Mix and match furniture from across decades and styles, but find one red thread to tie it all together; it could be a certain type of timber, a color pulled from a favorite piece of art, or even a rug. The final look should be cohesive, but not cookie-cutter.

Best-seller

Venetia Round Side Table

This side table keeps selling out, and it is easy to see why it is so beloved. The design brings an artful poise to timeless materials, which is key to ensuring your space looks 'expensive'. Plus, it is the perfect perch for an afternoon drink.

Editor's choice

Ackley Leather Ottoman

The importance of introducing texture in interior design should never be underestimated. Refined in style, this intricate woven leather ottoman will lend both texture and visual interest to your living space. It is the first thing I purchased in the New Year, and I only wish I did sooner.

Designer look

Boucle Upholstered Accent Arm Chair – Hearth & Hand™ With Magnolia

The Magnolia collection at Target, designed by Joanna Gaines, is exceptional value for money. Add an elegant seating solution to any space with this carefully-crafted armchair. Constructed from real wood in an aged oak finish, this upholstered armchair features a padded seat and back, and soft boucle fabric for a comfortable and stylish focal point.

3. Hide the TV with a bespoke built-in and art

(Image credit: Studio Ashby / Philip Durrant)

An unsightly TV stand idea is one of the biggest faux pas I see when designing a living room. The TV is a ubiquitous presence but its black reflective screen is regarded as an eyesore by decorators. The most common solution is to house it in a specially designed cabinet, but it’s not the only one.

At first glance, this room looks colorful and bold using Studio Ashby’s signature mix of antiques, bespoke pieces, and contemporary design. The surprise is that the art can slide aside revealing the TV behind.

‘The TV must never be on show; that’s one of our rules at Studio Ashby,’ says founder and creative director Sophie Ashby. ‘In every project, we’ll commission joinery to conceal it like in this project in London’s Mayfair, where we’ve used this beautiful Jack Penny artwork to hide the TV.’

4. Switch out jarring colors for a failsafe quiet luxury palette

(Image credit: Sarah Shields Photography / Whittney Parkinson Design)

Color can be transformative in interior design, so choosing the right hue for your living room furniture can present endless choices and subtle nuances to understand and overcome. However, if you've been religiously following certain living room color ideas, you could be doing more harm than good.

As a general rule of thumb, many of the world's best interior designers will say that you should never decorate your entire home in one singular color for fear it will fall flat. That isn’t to say that you can’t use the same color palette throughout your entire home. For example, if you love decorating with neutrals, then use different variations of this one color palette for your furniture to create harmony from room to room.

The color of your chosen furniture is just as important as your wall color. If in doubt, I always advise people to stick to a palette of 'quiet luxury colors'. Decorating with beige, taupe, greige, sand, and warm-toned green, inspired by colors from the natural world, adds a gentle and soothing touch to interiors that can be layered with textures and tones to ebb and flow with the seasons.

'Choosing a living room furniture color scheme in harmony with the rest of your home is crucial to not only your home's aesthetic but also your mood and well-being,' says Becca Casey of Becca Interiors.

5. Don't overcrowd small rooms – decorate with the 'rule of three' instead

(Image credit: Milo Brown)

Decorating a small living room is one of the most tricky tasks to master. However, small rooms are often my favorite spaces to design and plan. A well-designed scheme can feel just as comfortable as a larger space, with all the coziness and comfort associated with family living. It is a common misconception that the smaller the room, the smaller the furniture and furnishing should be – the opposite is true.

‘Furnishings play an essential role in how a space is received,' says James Thurstan, founder, of Thurstan. 'When working with less spacious living room layouts, we recommend a considered curation of essential pieces – spreading a large rug as an anchor for the scheme and then building out from there, picking out tones from the rug and embellishing these throughout the room. A central table can create a focal point in a smaller room, best framed by inward-facing armchairs which help create depth and volume.’

It is also crucial not to opt for furniture that is too small. Ensure your table and chairs are large enough that they don't look 'silly', but not too oversized that they don't allow enough space to freely move around the room without bumping into the furniture.

When it comes to living room seating ideas, my advice is to include a two or three-seater sofa, and two armchairs if you can. A pyramidal arrangement leads the eye around the group of three – and it’s a shape that’s frequently employed by designers exploiting the power and rule of three. Many designers agree that an odd number has a winning edge over the classical, symmetrical layout.

6. Invest in bespoke storage instead of freestanding designs

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch )

Finding the right living room furniture often has to do with scale and putting the perfect pieces in the right spot. If you need to maximize space, it’s worth having something made bespoke or going the extra mile to find an antique with the right proportions.

'Built-in furniture gives people precisely what they require,' agrees Charlotte Crosland, founder of Charlotte Crossland Interiors. 'It works particularly well in boxy or long living rooms, and those areas that are awkwardly shaped.'

In the room shown above, this beautiful wall of bespoke joinery painted in a moody hue is hugely characterful and provides plenty of open and closed storage.

Like a tailored Savile Row suit, a bespoke piece of furniture should fit perfectly, function beautifully and look fantastic: some go as far as to dub it ‘interior couture’. Like their catwalk counterparts, artisan-designed solutions are an investment, but they offer standout and esoteric results. They also function much better than an off-the-peg storage idea, which can often make a living room look cheap.

‘We used a deep smoky color on the walls and joinery of this north-facing space’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director for Sims Hilditch. ‘The aim was to embrace the darkness of this space, transforming it into a moody and cozy haven. Soft wall and overhead living room lighting add to the ambiance – and should be considered at the same time as your furniture.'

Best places to buy living room furniture

The unexpected 'microtrends' that designers say are actually timeless

Lilith Hudson — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:00:10 +0000

Design trends are moving faster than ever before, which makes committing to a new decor style difficult. Plenty of innovative ideas across the world of interiors later reveal themselves as nothing more than passing fads. And since redecorating is a costly business, we don't want to invest in these, what can be called 'microtrends', that end up dating our home in as little as six months.

Recent years have given birth to a wealth of new interior design trends, from the resurgence of 70s classics like curved sofas to fresh ideas like the 'unexpected red' color trend. They've all enjoyed a moment in the spotlight already, but the question is, which of them is likely to endure throughout 2025, too?

To find out, we spoke to leading designers who offered up a list of microtrends they expect to dominate 2025 and beyond. While they might be relatively new to the scene right now, we expect they'll soon become part of the design canon, allowing you to redecorate your home and make design decisions with confidence.

1. Curved sofas

(Image credit: Design: Paris Forino / Photography: Garruppo)

Curved sofas are by no means a new phenomenon, but they've certainly come to the fore in recent years. Furniture with swooping strokes and convex shapes is being favored over clean lines and symmetry, helping to soften spaces and make for a more convivial feel.

Designers have no intention of moving away from the trend any time soon, either. 'This trend isn’t going anywhere,' says Dallas-based interior designer Jessica Maros. 'In fact, I think we’ll soon see new iterations of the boomerang sofa. This trend teaches us not to smash sofas against walls and encourages centering furniture in a room. I’m a huge advocate for this shift in spatial arrangement.'

Paris Forino, the designer who styled the space above, agrees that the curved sofa trend has given birth to a new living room configuration. 'This shape of sofa is sculptural, pretty, and beautifully shaped,' she says. 'For that reason, it works really well as a floating statement piece in a room, as opposed to being tucked in a corner or against a wall.'

2. Monochrome color palettes

(Image credit: Design: Paris Forino / Photography: Garruppo)

Monochrome color schemes offer a cohesive design idea and help to emphasize depth and dimension within a room. They've been a popular design trend in recent years, rising alongside the color-drenching paint technique and a growing appreciation of color more generally.

'The benefit of monochrome spaces is that they present with great visual strength,' says Paris. The space above, for example, uses a minimal palette, but every decision is intentional and works to complement the surrounding furnishings. The result is a layered and harmonious look with a clear focal point for your eye to rest.

3. Skirted Furniture

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

If you've noticed an uptick in contemporary chintz styles lately, you're not alone. Frumpy fabrics and decorative details that look as though they've been borrowed from your Grandma's 1980s living room have had a contemporary twist.

Skirted furniture is a brilliant example. Beautifully patterned pleats on the edges of ottomans, chairs, and sofas create a homey, cottage-core-esque feel, and designers say it's a microtrend you'll notice even more of in 2025.

'I’m noticing modern takes on pleated skirts wrapped around sofas,' says Jessica. 'Imagine them on curved, L-shaped, or U-shaped sofas. This trend feels like a refined nod to the past, and while I’m not a fan of ruffles, modern pleated skirts –highly pressed around sleek, clean-lined sofas – have me absolutely thrilled.'

4. Color drenching

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Over the last few years and the turmoil that came with it, our attitude towards decorating has changed. As we spend more time in the comfort of our own four walls, we've all been embracing more character and personality in our designs.

One of the enduring trends that's here to stay in 2025 (and no doubt beyond) is color-drenching – the technique of saturating an entire room, including the ceiling and woodwork, in one shade.

'Immersing a room in a singular hue makes a bold statement and captures the energy and essence of a beautiful color,' says Paris. 'The first thing I learned in design school is that a well-designed space can change the way you feel, and I’ve always held that idea close. Color unequivocally sparks pure joy.'

5. Lime plaster and microcement

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

From bouclé upholstery to high gloss paint finishes, texture has been a big part of the conversation over the past 12 months. Heading into 2025, designers expect raw, unfinished textures to be on the up. We saw similar ideas in 2023 and 2024, with the use of raked plaster, stucco, and artisanal paint techniques like limewash being used to create an organic look.

During our next circle around the sun, expect lime plaster and microcement to crop up in our homes. 'The patina and texture are to die for,' says Jessica. 'You can plaster anything – walls, fireplaces, ceilings, even tile floors. It creates a stunning feel and is both sustainable and eco-friendly.'

Nomia Hand-Knotted Wool Rug

A tonal rug like this one offers the perfect grounding base for a complementary monochrome color scheme. Pick your favorite shades from the rug, and carry them through your furnishings.

Round Ottoman with Skirt

This classic ottoman is from Wayfair's Martha Stewart range. It features a button-tufted top with an elegantly pleated skirt to create a sophisticated, transitional look.

Concrete Interior Wall Paint

This concrete-effect paint will bring a raw, textured look to your walls, similar to limewash or microcement. Just apply as normal with a paint brush and this semi-transparent paint will do the rest for you.

6. Mural wall coverings

(Image credit: Design: Paris Forino / Photography: Garruppo)

Our bolder approach to design in recent years also translates to our walls. Accent walls have been given a new meaning with the emergence of statement motifs and murals, creating immersive scenes inside your home that make an excellent conversation point.

'I think the verdant trend – lush greenery and floral motifs on wallpapers, fabrics, and rugs – is here to stay,' notes Laura Elliott of Refined Interiors. 'The calming influence of nature continues to be a significant design element, and its enduring appeal suggests it will remain a staple in interior design for the foreseeable future.'

This statement wallpaper idea is especially popular in convivial rooms of the home. 'I particularly like using a mural-inspired wallcovering in dining rooms to add a visually interesting and engaging focal point for those gathered around the table,' says Paris.

7. Raw wood kitchen cabinetry

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

The world of sterile, white kitchens with high gloss finishes is no more. Modern kitchens feel much more cozy, featuring soft textures, relaxed seating, and — more recently – raw wooden cabinets.

Organic materials can make a kitchen feel much warmer and more inviting, and their raw simplicity will stand the test of time, too. 'While bold and bright kitchen colors have their place, natural materials like wood offer a timeless alternative, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere,' says Stacey Cobley, senior designer at kitchenmakers, Harvey Jones.

Wooden kitchen islands, in particular, can make a striking focal point. 'As the heart of the kitchen, an island crafted entirely from wood strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, boldness and warmth, form and function,' says Stacey. 'Not only is it appealing to the eye, but wooden accents also complement a variety of materials, from luxurious marble worktops to metallic hardware like brass handles.'

8. Standout ceilings

(Image credit: Design: Carly Blackmore / Photography: Michael Lee )

Lately, more and more of us are choosing to decorate our fifth wall (better known as the ceiling). Far from a passing fad, designers say our changing attitudes towards this long-neglected space is set to become permanent. As Ansley Majit of San Francisco based studio LARK + PALM says, 'In 2025, we’ll continue to see ceilings covered in paint or wallpaper that create enveloped, cozy spaces'.

Beyond typical ideas with paint and wallpaper, Laura says she's witnessing even greater creativity on ceilings. 'High gloss, painted murals, even exposed wood — we are breaking the rules here,' she says. 'The ceiling provides such a great canvas and focus point for the eyes, I think it’s here to stay!'

9. Red decor

(Image credit: Julie Soefer / Marie Flanigan Interiors)

The 'unexpected red' trend in 2024 saw us embracing primary iterations of this shade in daring splashes across our home. The theory goes that a random injection of bright red can instantly elevate a room, but designers are adapting the idea in 2025.

Instead of crimson hues, darker, deeper reds are the color trend of the moment. 'We've been using various hues of maroon in recent projects, which we love for its versatility,' says Ansley. 'A dark maroon – purples, plums, or a rich Bordeaux – is especially great in small bathrooms or bedrooms,' adds Jessica.

And instead of punchy pops of color, drenching is the way to go. 'Having a rich tone like this is wonderful for cozy spaces where you want to relax, unwind, or feel safe,' Jessica says. 'I don’t see this paint color fading away anytime soon. In fact, we may see even more color-drenched rooms in this tone and style.'

10. 'Lived-in' Interiors

(Image credit: deVOL)

If one thing's for certain in 2025, cookie cutter homes are well and truly out. No one wants a bland, non-descript space to call home. Instead, the microtrend of 'lived-in' interiors feels more pertinent than ever, with designers choosing unique, one-of-a-kind decor and accessories to make a home more unique.

'Spaces that reflect the people who live there both subtly (someone who loves to bake has a kitchen set up with a baking corner), and overtly (a collection of art from personal travel arranged into a gallery wall in a corridor), are going to continue into 2025,' explains Ansley. 'It all comes back to who lives in the house and how that's reflected in the space, storytelling through a visual map of the objects and orientation of the interiors.'

Sada Wooden Bowl

Wooden finishes are bang-on-trend, but they have a timeless appeal, too. The raw finish of this bowl puts the grain on full display, grounding any tabletop or counter with a natural touch.

Ammonite Full Gloss Paint

A ceiling painted in a glossy off-white shade is sure to be a conversation starter. This greige tone by Farrow & Ball is a popular choice among designers, with a cool, contemporary edge.

Sweater Knit Bed Blanket

Deep maroon tones are all the rage. The deep hue creates a relaxing, cocooning feel, much like this comfy throw blanket, which is cozy in more ways than one.

If these enduring microtrends teach us one thing, it's that the best designs will always find a way to cement themselves as staples. For a chic home that stays that way for years to come, try adopting one of these lasting microtrends in 2025.

Cleaning experts reveal 6 reasons your home gets dusty so quickly – and the simplest ways to reduce the build-up

Chiana Dickson — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 03:00:10 +0000

No matter how often we clean, dust seems to accumulate everywhere. Whether it’s a persistent layer on your shelves or a never-ending battle with allergens, dust can feel like an unwelcome guest that refuses to leave.

There are several factors contributing to ongoing dust, from the air quality in your home to the materials you use for decor, many of which can be changed to help make your home a little less dusty over time.

Here, expert cleaners reveal the six reasons dust builds up faster than you can clean it away, and share effective tricks to remove dust properly in the long term, for a cleaner and healthier home.

6 reasons your home gets dusty quickly

A build-up of dust is one of the many ways your house is making you ill. It might seem harmless, but it can significantly reduce air quality and encourage dust mites, worsening allergies.

A quick clean-up and some smart anti-dust strategies will go a long way to making your home more comfortable.

1. Your HVAC filter is dirty or too small

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Your HVAC system plays a big role in the air quality of your home. Forgetting to clean your HVAC system is a common cause of dust build-up around your home.

Ryan Meagher of BVM Contracting explains, ‘If your HVAC filter is dirty or not sized properly or there is no filtration, you are going to accumulate duct a lot faster than a system that has a filter which catches dust and other airborne matter.

'To prevent homes from getting dusty as quickly I would start with a review of the filtration system in the home, and upgrade the filter if needed. You can also look into getting standalone air purifiers for areas that have a lot of dust accumulation or to help supplement your HVAC filtration system.'

It is also a good idea to clean vents around your home and improving air quality.

2. Dusting incorrectly

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There are several common dusting mistakes that make your home dirtier, warns Aminah, head of marketing and innovation at Inspire Clean.

She explains, ‘Wiping with a dry cloth often just moves dust around, making it settle back again. Try using a microfiber cloth instead as it grabs onto dust better, and always clean from the top down to avoid messing up areas you've already cleaned.’

Remember to dust before vacuuming, too, to collect fallen dust from your flooring.

It can also help to damp dust. I swear by the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster for this, as it picks up dust in one swipe, rather than move it around or disturb it into the air. This prevents any resettling for a cleaner home.

3. Unsealed doors and windows

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

Draft-proofing a home is important for more than stopping cold air leaks and making heating more efficient. Blocking gaps with door brushes (available at Walmart), and silicone sealant such as Gorilla Glue Clear caulk, also at Walmart, can help prevent outdoor dust from blowing in and making your home dirtier.

This is especially important in summer when pollen adds to dust to create an allergen nightmare. Pair draft-proofing with cleaning tips for allergen sufferers for a home that doesn't make you sneeze from morning to dusk.

Popular pick

Duck Brand Black Foam Weatherstrip Seal, 2 Pack

Foam weatherstripping is easy to install, sticking around the edge of doors and windows to create a tighter seal that stops cold air drafts and dust in its tracks.

4. Shedding fabrics

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

We have all fallen victim to picking up fluffy throws, decor and clothing to make a house cozy, but these items almost always shed, releasing particles and threads that contribute to dust piles. Synthetic fibers are the worst offenders, releasing plastic particles and microfibers that build up on the surfaces of your home.

Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved at H&G suggests skipping these items at the store. If this isn’t possible, however, she says, ‘Consider washing them when you first bring them home. Running them on a normal laundry cycle, checking first the laundry symbols to avoid damage. This will help to remove most of the loose particles straight off the bat, reducing dust around your home.’

Bestseller

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

What you wash your fabrics in makes a big difference. Tide Free & Gentle is free from fragrances and dyes, for a gentler laundry experience that won't make allergies worse.

5. Ignoring vertical spots

(Image credit: Terrys Fabrics)

We might think it is only flat surfaces that collect dust, but everything vertical from our walls to furniture and window treatments can collect dust. These are overlooked spots you're forgetting to dust, reminds Aminah.

She says, ‘Carpets, curtains, and furniture collect dust more than you might think. Vacuum these areas regularly with a good vacuum cleaner, and wash things like throws or cushion covers every few months to keep them fresh.’ ]

Vacuuming your curtains is one of the more unusual ways to use your vacuum but just keep it on a low suction level and be careful not to pull too hard and damage or loosen any wall fixtures holding the rails in place.

H&G's best budget cordless

Ultenic Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

A highly rated handheld vacuum cleaner makes removing dust from awkward vertical spots simpler and less of a workout than hauling a canister appliance around.

6. You have pets

(Image credit: Loaf)

It is inescapable – if you have pets, you will have a dustier home. Pet dander and hair are one of the main contributors to dust buildup, and it is tricky to tackle.

Ottilie Blackhall, Solved news writer and owner of four beloved dogs, says, ‘Regularly grooming your animals can make a difference in the dust levels around your home, helping to remove loose hair before it can settle on your surfaces. Washing your pets with pet-safe shampoos can also help to remove dead skin for a cleaner, happier pet and a cleaner home.

‘My partner also finds that using an air purifier can help with pet dander, helping to collect hair and dust from the air before it settles.’

Choosing the right air purifier for your home is vital, however. Pick a device that is suited to the size of your space (working out the square footage by multiplying the length of the room by the width of the room), and optimized for homes with pets.

Remember to also check and clean or replace the filter regularly to keep your home cleaner for longer.

Covers 1,115 sq.ft.

Powerful Puroair Hepa Air Purifier

This powerful air purifier is fitted with a HEPA air filter, perfect for stopping dust in its tracks.

FAQs

Does opening windows help with dust?

While keeping your windows closed might seem like a surefire way to trap dust inside your home, leaving them open actually introduces more dust to your space. While you don’t need to keep your windows closed all the time (doing so is a bad habit increasing the risk of mold in your home), only opening them when you need to cool a space or improve your ventilation is a great approach if you want to cut back on cleaning.

Preventing dust is difficult, but it is possible to cut back on dusting with these quick tips and cleaning shortcuts. Nevertheless, remember to dust occasionally, even with these dust-controlling measures in place, to help keep your air clean, reducing allergies and the risk of respiratory illnesses.

How to make your coffee table look more expensive – 5 tips from the professionals

Charlotte Olby — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Aside from a really great couch, a coffee table is the centerpiece of your living room. Not only is it the spot where you rest your glass of wine or put up your feet (guilty as charged) but the perfect spot for creating a personality-packed vignette.

A well-styled coffee table is like the cherry on top of a beautifully decorated space. So, we set on asking the experts just how to make a coffee table look more expensive with their very best coffee table decor ideas.

Whether you’re working with a budget-friendly setup or a high-end piece of furniture, styling your coffee table like a professional is certainly within reach with these tips from interior designers.

How to make your coffee table look more expensive

(Image credit: McGee & Co.)

Of course, the starting point is a really beautiful coffee table to begin with. But this doesn't mean you need to have the most statement or expensive piece of furniture.

Sometimes just a simple, well-made wooden coffee table can make as much of a statement as the boldest marble with a few coffee table styling tricks from the experts. Here are 5 failproof ways to make your coffee table look more expensive.

1. Always include a beautiful tray

(Image credit: TROVE by Studio Duggan)

A well-styled coffee table often features a beautiful tray. Not only does this serve as a centerpiece to the table, but is essential for zoning and corraling looser items and oddities.

'It's oh-so-easy to make your coffee table look more luxurious and high-end just by investing some time in styling the surface artfully,' advises interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'Try adding a chic tray made of material like shagreen or travertine and add luxe decorative accents within the tray, like bud vases, stylish coffee table books, upscale scented candles, and decorative sculptures,' Kathy suggests.

A tray is your styling best friend because it instantly adds structure to your coffee table decor. Round trays are excellent for softening the edges of a rectangular table, while rectangular trays often work best on round tables, creating contrast. To elevate the aesthetic, opt for a tray with luxurious finishes like marble or lacquer.

Damian Coastal Beach Brown Wood Tray

With a retro meets coastal look, this tray can be used on your coffee table to house a vase, candles, and matches, or as a drinks tray complete with pretty coasters.

100% Natural Luxury Calaccata Viola Marble Tray

If a marble coffee table is out of budget, add a pop of beautiful natural stone with this 100% Calaccata marble tray from Amazon. It's sturdy and budget-friendly, too.

Addison Ross Red Lacquer Tray

Finished with a mere 20 coats of high gloss lacquer, this hand-polished tray by Addison Ross is a cult buy. Add a pop of unexpected red with this playful wavy tray.

2. Edit down your coffee table books

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography Julie Soefer)

Coffee table books are a great way to showcase your personality and interests while adding height and structure to your styling – but it needs to be a curated edit.

'To make your coffee table feel more elevated, focus on creating layers of interest and balance,' suggests designer Marie Flanigan. 'Start with a curated stack of beautiful books that reflect your style, and finish the look with thoughtful details like a tray to organize smaller items, a candle for warmth, or an interesting object collected from your travels.'

When curating your stack, consider both content and aesthetics. Choose books that resonate with your passions, but the covers should complement your room’s palette or offer an intentional pop of color.

'The best way to make an inexpensive coffee table look expensive is to use some large decorative books stacked strategically in the corner,' adds Karin Krinsky of New Age Interiors. 'Then, place a pretty bowl or tray and perhaps some beads ever so gently spilling out of them.'

"Good Dog" Leather Bound Book by Randal Ford

Dog lovers unite. This homage to man's best friend is captured in the most beautiful leather-bound book that perfectly showcases our love for our furry best friends.

Modern Cloth Colorstak Book Sets

For a super easy hack, at Pottery Barn, you can choose from a myriad of ready-made hardcover book bundles in different shades to match or create a contrast to your living room decor.

Hamptons Private by Assouline

Assouline books are the pinnacle of coffee table books. This edition, showcasing the history and lifestyle of the Hamptons, is full of 316 pages of beautifully photographed destinations.

3. Be sure to include natural forms

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography )

Nature inherently softens a space and makes it look less 'styled' and more, well, natural. Whether it’s a vase of fresh flowers, a sculptural piece of driftwood, or a cluster of natural stones, these organic elements make the vignette feel more inviting.

'Add a sculptural element like a ceramic vessel or a piece of hand-carved wood for texture,' continues Marie. 'Incorporate something organic, such as fresh flowers or a small potted plant, to bring life and softness to the arrangement.'

'The key is to mix materials and shapes while keeping the arrangement clean and intentional,' adds Marie. Even a single branch in an elegant vase can make a statement.

Halldale Terracotta Vase Collection

This terracotta vase looks like something found in an antique store or while traveling. It has been artfully sculpted and painted by hand so each one is super unique.

Callin Etched Brass Bud Vase

Beautifully made from 100% brass, these small bud vases have been designed with intricate etchings and can be used to create height with single stems of your favorite flower.

Extra Large Teak Bowl

Made from teak root, the naturally beautiful grain of this hand-carved bowl is sure to make a focal point on your coffee table. Fill it with trinkets, foliage, or simply use it to store remote controls.

4. Create height and be mindful of scale

(Image credit: Amy Carman Design / Photography Ryan Hainey)

Achieving a polished look with your coffee table decor often hinges on striking the right balance of height and scale.

'A coffee table is an important bit of real estate at the center of your living space that offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the ambiance of the room,' says Amy Carman of Amy Carman Design. 'A carefully composed collection of books, accessories, and greenery add a layer of beauty for your eye to land on. At our Treasure Island project, seen above, we kept our accessories monochromatic, with the exception of a delicate gilded olive leaf sculpture.'

'Be mindful of the scale of your selections. An oversized coffee table requires only a few objects, but they need to be appropriately sized,' she suggests.

Balance taller items like vases or candlesticks with slightly smaller pieces, such as a stack of books, a tray, or a low-profile bowl. Be sure to vary the heights subtly for a layered effect rather than having all elements clustered at the same level.

5. Finally, add some personal touches

(Image credit: Vaughan Design & Development / Photography Chris Snook)

Achieving an expensive-looking coffee table is as much about showcasing your personality as it is about achieving a polished look.

'Adding layers through trinkets, collectibles, books, and candles adds extra dimensions that can’t fail to elevate your coffee table,' advises Holly Vaughan of Vaughan Design & Development.

Adding a few personal elements, like a cherished heirloom, a favorite travel souvenir, or a framed photo, ensures your coffee table looks much less like a store display and more like something out of a real, lived-in home.

AERIN Wave Gallery Frame

A photo frame adds a completely personal touch to your coffee table. This glossy gold-painted frame features a pretty scalloped edge and is small enough to not block your view of the TV.

Verona Matte Marble Lidded Jar

A little trinket box or small jar is always welcome on a coffee table. This one, made from matte marble, is not only useful but is a beautiful piece of decor all on its own.

Ivie Glass Candle Holder

Designed to look like pretty flowers with etched leaves, these candle holders from Anthropologie are too pretty to not look at every day. Fill with equally decorative taper candles.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to styling any surface in your home. Your coffee table should be a reflection of your taste and personality. Whether you lean minimalist or maximalist, the key is finding a balance that feels authentic to you.

Anthropologie's Valentine's Day collection has just dropped – these are the romance-inspired pieces we'd keep in our homes all year round

Eleanor Richardson — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:30:30 +0000

Decorating for Valentine's Day may not be top of everyone's list. Not in the same way you decorate for Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or Easter anyway. You might not go all out with your Valentine's Day decor, but given the time of year, the cold weather, the lack of festive vibes post-holidays, bringing some small nods to the romantic season into your home in the midst of February can be uplifting.

So when Anthropologie dropped their cute yet stylish, Valentine's Day-themed yet totally fine to have in your home all year round, new collection, we jumped to add these adorable pieces to the cart.

And we aren't waiting until the 14th to get shopping, because so many pieces in the collection are perfect for giving your home than New Year uplift too, with bright hues, whimsical prints, and fun designs. Oh, and of course these would make for lovely Valentine's Day gifts, if you aren't just shopping for your own home...

Shop the Anthropologie Valentine's Day collection

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

The Bistro Tile Stoneware Espresso Cup & Saucer: Valentine's Edition

Part of Anthropologie's classic Bistro collection, the bow and arrow cup is a cute addition to any kitchen. Purchase two of these for the ultimate Valentine's pairing.

XOXO Spoons, Set of 4

Elevate your Valentine's tablescape with these fun gold spoons that bring a much-needed hint of color and playfulness. Place at each guest's plate for when the all-important dessert comes out.

The Mud Fairy Blooming Hearts Stoneware Mug

This beautiful hand-painted mug couldn't be a better Valentine's Day gift. It's a truly charming piece, from its heart-shaped handle to the detailed brushstrokes, it's the perfect everyday mug.

Pink Onyx Heart Serving Board

Be cute and on-trend with this luxurious onyx heart serving board. This piece would look lovely if you are hosting in the middle of your dining table, layered with cheeses, crackers, and fruit.

Staub 1.75 QT Heart Cocotte

Cooking with love is always important, but make it all the more obvious you care about your guests with this heart-shaped cocotte. Bring this piece out for your Valentine's Day meal to create a truly special dish for your partner or friends.

Iron Heart Leaf Wreath

Wreaths aren't just for the holidays, in fact they're a fun way of decorating empty walls no matter the season. This heart-shaped wreath is made from delicate iron leaves and flowers making it the delicate centerpiece above a fireplace or in a hallway.

Heart Candle Cuff

No table is complete without a set of candles, especially on Valentine's Day. Spruce up the typical taper candle with a cuff like this delicate gold one, covered in hearts and beads.

Coral & Tusk Lovebirds Dish Towel

It's easy to neglect the kitchen when it comes to Valentine's decorating but it's actually a key space to consider as you'll be cooking or prepping in there if you like to host for the occasion. Anthropologie has covered all bases and has even included an adorable love-themed dish towel.

Heart Watering Globes, Set of 2

Plants add a touch of freshness and vibrancy to any room. These heart-shaped watering globes will only elevate your potted plant collection, providing a romantic touch whilst keeping your stems alive.

Tulip Iron Garland

Garlands are perfect for draping around any surface to add a touch of occassion. Tulips are synonymous with love, so this garland couldn't be more fitting to hang over a mantelpiece or along the center of your dining table.

Preserved Hydrangea Pee Gee Bunch

Preserved flowers are a cost-effective, easy way of decorating as they last all year. This bunch of hydrangeas would look best paired on your table with a set of candles and a table runner.

Mine Wall Art

A little reminder of your love for each other, this 'Mine' art piece is the perfect gift to give to a partner. It's also a neutral piece that will stand the test of time when hanging in your home.

Valentine's Day decor doesn't need to be over the top and literal. There are so many pieces here that will work in your home all year round. They also work well as tasteful gifts for anyone you love in your life. You can peruse the entire collection at Anthropologie.com.

How to make your home feel like your own again after hosting for the holidays, according to our editors

Charlotte Olby — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:30:00 +0000

To me, the holiday season is the best time of year for my home. It is when it's at its warmest, jolliest, and well, fullest – full of Christmas decor, twinkling lights, heaps of food, festive scents, and loved ones.

But come the New Year, once I've packed away all my Christmas decor, it can start to feel a little flat and empty. So as the celebrations wind down this January, it is important to take time to reclaim your home and restore it to a place that feels authentically yours.

Other than a good clean-up, there are a few things we editors at Homes & Gardens like to recommend you do this side of the New Year in order to make your home feel like your own again after hosting for holidays. Here's how we like to give our homes a fresh start in January.

How to reclaim your home after the holidays

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography Julie Soefer)

Between hosting friends and family, rearranging furniture, and decking the halls with decor, your home can start to feel a little more chaotic than calm over the holidays.

After weeks of accommodating guests and clutter, a few small thoughtful changes – like decluttering, adding fresh greenery, or rethinking a layout – can make a world of difference. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.

1. Declutter and reset

(Image credit: TROVE by Studio Duggan)

Head of Solved and H&G's resident organization expert, Punteha van Terheyden, finds that after the whirlwind of holiday hosting; decluttering and resetting your home is the first step to reclaiming your space.

'Visual clutter disturbs us for a reason and once the festive spirit has been and gone, it feels great to declutter and tidy up, especially where seasonal decor is concerned,' says Punteha.

'Starting with your Christmas decor, go room by room, and don't expect to complete the task in one day. If you tackle just one room at a time, it'll reduce the sensation of cleaning overwhelm and will help you focus on doing a more thorough job,' she advises. 'Usually, cleaning and tidying have a cascade effect: once you've completed the first task, it'll usually flow easily into the next, but managing your expectations with how much you can get done in one go will make it easier to start.'

'To save me time, instead of individually wrapping all of my tree ornament this year, I have bought a specialized container, just for the job. A Christmas ornament storage box will help you avoid breakage and save you time when packing it all away.'

3" Christmas Ornament Storage Box with 10 Trays

This durable canvas box can store up to 48 Christmas tree ornaments to help you pack away your decorations easily, neatly, and safely.

2. Bring in fresh flowers and foliage

(Image credit: Cathy Nordström)

With holiday decorations packed away, your home may feel a bit bare so some new floral arrangements and plants can work wonders to bring life back into your spaces.

'For me, it's all about the fresh flowers and foliage,' says Head of Interiors Hebe Hatton. 'I bring a lot of foliage into my home over the holidays and although I am always ready to say goodbye to all the evergreens and berries, it does feel a bit flat once they are gone.'

'So I fill up all my vases again with either in-season flowers from the florist or I cut down some of the Camellia that's in my garden,' says Hebe. 'The bright pink flowers can be out right now which feels so uplifting when the weather is gray, but even the glossy vivid green leaves make for beautiful decor and a nice break from all the dark evergreens I have had in my home for the last few weeks.'

'Pots of paperwhites and hyacinth come into my home in the middle of January too, their scent instantly takes me out of the post-Christmas slump and gets me excited for the change in the season ahead.'

3. Carve out some 'me-time' spaces

(Image credit: The Misfit House)

In my opinion (as someone who is easily overwhelmed), the worst part about having your home filled with guests is the lack of alone time you get.

Yes, it is a beautiful and festive thing having your home filled with loved ones, but I do long to escape for some quiet moments with a book or a glass of red. So this New Year, I'm putting the focus on some dedicated me-time and looking to carve out some small spaces to retreat into.

Once the festivities are over, I find it essential to reclaim parts of your space as zones for relaxation. Creating intentional spaces for this can help you recharge and restore balance in your home.

Embracing the nook, I've got my sights set on a reading nook in the bay window of my living room and am currently mood-boarding a beautiful window seat complete with the comfiest of cushions and of course a good lamp for ambient reading light that will encourage me to wind down (without my phone!) more in 2025.

4. Make subtle swaps in the kitchen

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

'After the Christmas chaos, my kitchen is the first place that needs an overhaul in the New Year,' says our Kitchen & Bathroom Editor Molly Malsom.

Post-holiday feasting, your kitchen also may require a refresh to transition back to everyday functionality. Making a few subtle yet impactful swaps can restore order and breathe new life into the heart of your home.

'Aside from the obvious deep cleaning and decluttering, I always like to swap out the decor in my space,' Molly advises. 'A small yet stylish lamp can elevate an empty kitchen countertop, styled with recipe books I've been gifted over the holidays, and topped with a new scented candle.'

'These subtle swaps instantly give my kitchen a refresh and make it feel like it's mine again – rather than the busy, communal space it became through the festivities.'

More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen

A New York Times bestseller, this joyful debut recipe book from Molly Baz teaches you to cook with confidence with 100 big, bold, and flavorful recipes.

mise en place Gourmand Caramel Café Ceramic Candle

Look to mise en place at Anthropologie for their range of beautiful, striped kitchen candles in an array of culinary scents to refresh and celebrate the heart of the home.

Table Lamp with Tapered Rattan Shade Gold

I'm a big fan of a kitchen lamp, and this one, designed with Studio McGee for Target, ticks all the boxes. The modern base is complimented with a shapely rattan shade for a pretty glow.

5. Refresh your WFH space

(Image credit: TROVE by Studio Duggan)

Like all of us at H&G, the start of January also signifies the return back to work so I think it is only right that we give our WFH spaces a rejig to help us all feel a little more motivated and refreshed ahead of the first day back.

If your home office setup doubled as a storage area or an office combined with a guest room during the holidays, now is the perfect time to reclaim it for yourself.

Start by removing any leftover holiday items or temporary furniture like a sleeper sofa or makeshift bed. Then, give your desk and shelves a good cleaning – a tidy workspace fosters a tidy mind. Finish off by surrounding yourself with objects that spark inspiration and joy – maybe a new potted plant, a stylish portable lamp, framed family photos, or that beautiful new 2025 calendar or diary Santa brought you.

6. Switch out your seasonal scents

(Image credit: McGee & Co.)

After weeks of cinnamon, pine, and spiced holiday candles filling the air, swapping out seasonal scents for ones that feel more personal can help you reset emotionally and physically.

'Aside from giving my home a good clean after hosting guests (there’s always so much washing to do), one way I reset my home and make it feel more like my own is to freshly scent the space,' suggests H&G's Managing Editor Zara Stacey.

'Many of us will have filled our homes with inviting festive fragrances over the holidays, now it’s time to swap the cinnamon and the cedar for something fresh and new.'

'As much as I love using candles, I’ve been using my Patouchil essential oil, available on Amazon, with my candle oil burner to make my home smell nice over the last few days – never underestimate the power of scent to help revigorate your home!'

Apothecary 18 Woody Sandalwood Vanilla Glass Jar Candle

With a sweet blend of florals, creamy vanilla bean, warming sandalwood, and earthy patchouli this pretty candle will make your home feel all the more inviting.

Oak & Orange Blossom Candle

Developed by McGee & Co., this slow-burning candle has a relaxing blend of therapeutic essential oils and top notes of Valencia orange and peppercorn with jasmine and musk.

Dolce & Gabbana Scented Candle - Sicilian Orange

Not just wildly beautiful, this Dolce & Gabbana candle transports you to a summer day in Sicily thanks to the aroma of sun-ripened citrus fruit blends of orange, soft notes of vanilla, and lavender.

Think of the start of the New Year as a chance to edit and curate your space. Prioritize comfort, function, and the small details that bring you joy and you'll soon feel like your home is back to normal – if not better than ever.

6 types of clutter you will never find in a minimalist home – and how they manage to keep it all at bay

Chiana Dickson — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 18:30:00 +0000

Minimalists have truly nailed the art of cutting clutter and keeping their homes immaculate. While their homes will not always be perfect, there are some types of clutter you will never find in a minimalist's home.

But what are they? And how do they manage to keep all of life's odds and ends trimmed down to the bare essentials?

Here, professional home organizers reveal the six types of clutter you’ll never find in the home of a true minimalist, and share the hacks minimalists depend on to keep their homes tidy.

Types of clutter you will never find in a minimalist home

While there are some things minimalists never buy for an easier life, a lot of the clutter control comes from careful management of items on display, and using tactics like the one-touch rule and the minimalism exit strategy for clutter to deal with items as they enter their homes.

Here’s how it keeps these six categories of clutter at bay:

1. Aspirational clutter

(Image credit: String Furniture )

Also known as fantasy self decluttering, minimalists will never hold onto items they wish they could use when they currently cannot. Emily McDermott, decluttering coach and podcast host, founder of Simple by Emmy begins. ‘This is clutter that represents who you were in a previous season or who you wish you could be (if you had unlimited time and energy).

‘Examples of aspirational clutter include clothing that used to fit you or that you wore in a previous season of life. For example, when I transitioned from working to being a full-time stay-at-home mom, I minimized most of my dresses since I didn't have a reason to wear them.

‘Similarly, there are hobby and crafting supplies: If we have a transition in our lives such as having children, or a new career, we may have less time to pursue our hobbies and crafting projects, but may still hold onto the stuff associated with them because someday we might have the time to do it.’

When deciding what to declutter, ask yourself why you are holding onto an item you can’t currently make use of. If you don’t see yourself using it in the next two months, it's one to go. The Didn't Know decluttering principle might come in handy for this too. If you didn't know you had an item, or forgot you had it, let it go.

Bestseller

Curver Jute Large Beige Plastic Storage Basket

If getting rid of something right away seems daunting, pop them in a basket out of the way for a set period of time, say 1-3 months. If you haven't thought about them or been able to use them in that time, it's a sign they can safely be decluttered without declutter regret.

2. Paper clutter

(Image credit: Future)

Getting rid of paper clutter is essential for minimalists. It instantly makes entryways and home offices look 10 times neater.

Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space explains, ‘One way that they tend to tackle paper clutter is by leaning on digital solutions – this is something I highly recommend to my clients! For example, make it a habit to scan documents or use paperless billing, so that way there’s no chance for it to accumulate.’

Popular pick

Five Star 7-Pocket Expanding File

If you have to keep paper clutter for practicality, consider using a divided file folder to keep it all in one spot, split up into categories, for example, 'car' or 'banking' for easy access. They can then be tucked away in a drawer out of sight.

3. Items kept just because of the cost

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Sunk costs or scarcity mindsets are a big reason a lot of us accumulate clutter that leaves us feeling too guilty to get rid of. It is easier said than done, but minimalists are typically very good at cutting emotional ties and accepting that the money they spent on the item is gone, and having it sitting in our home making us feel bad is will not bring the spent money back. Additionally, they also always consider the essential questions to ask yourself before buying anything.

Emily McDermott, decluttering coach, says, ‘This can be clothing and accessories with the tags still on them, perhaps a gadget from Amazon that we thought would make life easier but we've never touched. It's hard to let go of this type of clutter due to several cognitive biases, but especially the sunk cost fallacy. We are reluctant to admit that we made a poor decision or wasted resources, so we keep paying for the item with our time and energy to maintain it.’

Bestseller

Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much

Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir's book Scarcity is rated one of the best books on this topic. It evaluates how the scarcity mindset evolves, and what you can do to alter it.

4. Duplicate items

(Image credit: Original BTC)

There are several things to never keep duplicates of in your home – and it should be an easy category for all of us to tackle.

Shantae Duckworth, home organizer, says, ‘As for duplicates, minimalists are intentional about keeping only what they genuinely love and use. Instead of hanging onto five so-so coffee mugs, they’ll keep just two that spark joy. This is a habit that can quickly clear space and can even save money, as you’re less tempted to buy more of what you already have.’

5. Expired items

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Decluttering a pantry or decluttering makeup and skincare is on the weekly to-do list for minimalists. You will never find expired items hanging around their homes and taking up space. In fact, they're one of the things minimalists always throw out daily.

Shantae Duckworth says, ‘Whether decluttering the pantry, bathroom or your cleaning supplies, having too many of one item is another no-go for minimalists. Make it a habit to regularly check for expired goods, and this will keep your spaces clear and also eliminate waste, it’s safer for your home.’

To avoid duplicates, have a one-in-one-out policy to help you keep stock of your items.

6. Sentimental clutter

(Image credit: Sherwin-Williams)

A controversial one for minimalists is decluttering sentimental items (although it is perhaps not as controversial as the storage essentials minimalists never use in their homes).

David Hurless, director of operations Stor-It says, ‘I think sentimental items are one of the biggest culprits of creating additional clutter at home. Photographing something that brings you joy and you want to remember it could be a better way to manage your memories and maximize your storage space.

'For example, I had a keepsake bowling pin that was signed by a group of friends, but in the end, storing an individual bowling pin was not realistic, so I snapped a photo of it, and got rid of it for space.’

While some of us love the idea of embracing minimalism at home, Shantae Duckworth, reminds us that we don’t have to go all in right off the bat – ‘Remember, you don’t have to embrace full minimalism to benefit from these habits! Start small – go through a single drawer or tackle a shelf at a time. By borrowing these strategies, you’ll find it easier to create a home that feels organized and manageable without overhauling your lifestyle or budget.’

Be sure to also avoid some common minimalist decluttering mistakes to make the process easier.

Kathy Hilton's kitchen cabinet color scheme is a deep-toned marvel that will be trendier than ever in 2025

jennifer.ebert@futurenet.com (Jennifer Ebert) — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

American fashion designer, TV personality, and socialite Kathy Hilton is no stranger to style, and the mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton certainly knows a thing or two about curating a designer-worthy home, too. In particular, Kathy's blue kitchen cabinet color scheme has caught the attention of color aficionados and experts everywhere.

Designed by Nicole Gordon Studio, Kathy Hilton's indigo kitchen is a masterclass in color, style, and personality. It is one of the most exceptional uses of this room color we've seen in recent years. Many designers champion this color to replace navy blue in 2025.

With a new year comes the opportunity to look to a bright future, and where better to start than by injecting your home with a regal, mood-enhancing color? Conjuring endless skies and infinite seas, indigo blue is the color of the moment – after its initial popularity in the early nineties, this strong color is set to top color trends once again.

A post shared by Nicole Gordon (@nicolegordonstudio)
A photo posted by on

Fresh, airy, and imbued with the restorative power of nature, indigo blues have next year been tipped by interior experts as the perfect backdrop to modern living. But what is it about blue kitchens that designers and color forecasters love so much?

Blue regularly tops the list of most popular kitchen color choices, and it’s easy to see why. Despite being on the dark side, indigo blue is a safe choice that works in most kitchens, contemporary or traditional, no matter their size. It’s surprisingly calming and easy to live with too – a must-have in such a busy space that often acts as the heart of the home. Best of all, indigo blue kitchen cabinets look great with everything, from wood and stone to marble and granite.

'When choosing room color ideas, indigo is a timeless and versatile shade to use in an interior space, says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball's Brand Ambassador. ‘Indigo can create a very regal backdrop for a sophisticated kitchen when teamed with paler delft blue, as seen in Hilton's kitchen.'

Used for centuries, decorating with blue is enduringly popular, harmonizing with many hues for gloriously diverse results every time. The depth of pigment of darker indigo blues means that they offer an emotional content that can be as nurturing or soothing as any green, particularly when you color drench a room in a dark, velvety blue. For some homeowners, the idea of dark colors might feel foreboding, but for others, it is the dark ‘night’ of a shade that offers serenity in a room scheme.

This historic hue feels very much at home in a contemporary interior, offering a sophisticated backdrop for displaying favorite collected pieces, as well as metallic hardware, such as the ones used in Kathy Hilton's kitchen.

Similar blue kitchen (Image credit: Paul Massey)

It is also important to consider what colors go with blue to avoid any costly mistakes. ‘To get the best out of a blue like this, pair it with neutrals to give it a chance to sing. Mixing it with too many other strong or vibrant colors will result in a confused look akin to an accident in a child’s paint box.’ Sarah Davies-Bennion, senior designer, Kate Guinness Design.

Pair it with neutrals such as white and cream for classic calm, or with stronger tones of mustard, olive, sienna and navy for a unique, head-turning scheme. Whether you opt for a subtle hint or go all out, stay on trend this year with a beautiful blue-hued kitchen.

Shop the blue kitchen edit

If repainting your entire kitchen isn't an option for 2025, why not invest in beautiful blue kitchenware and decor instead? These gorgeous designers have been hand-picked to give your kitchen a contemporary blue update in an instant.

Highly-rated

Edison Portuguese Linen Napkins

You can never have too many napkins, so finding the perfect ones will ensure your dinner party never looks dull. Say no to throwaway paper towels. These gorgeous 100% linen designs are a stylish way to dress your table in your favorite color. Your guests will approve...

Beautiful design

Old Havana Mugs

The Old Havana Mugs are some of Anthropologie's best-selling and top-rated products since their launch in 2012. Artisan crafted in Portugal, each crackle-glazed piece reflects the luminous blue color that we adore. They will make the perfect addition to your coffee mornings (and afternoons).

Editor's choice

Le Creuset Signature 7.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Chef's Oven

If you are only going to invest in one blue item for your kitchen, make it this one. This swoon-worthy Le Creuset Chef's Oven has been on my must-have was on my must-have list for years before I made the purchase. ideal for braising, shallow frying, steaming, serving and more, I have never once regretted this purchase. Plus, the dishwasher-safe design makes cleanup simple and easy.

It's the perfect time to buy holiday decor for next year – these are the best Christmas decoration sales to shop before they sell out

Molly Malsom — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

While Christmas Day has passed and you're probably thinking more about taking your decorations down than buying more, the Christmas sales are the perfect time to pick up some new pieces for a fraction of the price.

From baubles and ornaments to larger items like faux trees and wreaths, there's no better time than the sales to update and restock your Christmas decor – especially if your current collection has passed its best or you've had a few breakages this year.

If the thought of endlessly scrolling through sales pages seems rather daunting, we've found the best the sale has to offer. Here, we've curated the perfect shortlist filled with fabulously festive designs.

The best Christmas decoration sales to shop now

From faux Christmas trees and garlands to timeless stockings and charming ornaments, there's plenty left in the Christmas decoration sales to elevate next year's holiday schemes.

1. McGee & Co

7' Snowy Grandis Fir Pre-Lit Faux Tree

If you're in the market for a new faux Christmas tree, the holiday sales always offer incredible discounts. With more than 50% off, this pine-inspired design is not only pre-lit (perfect if hanging the lights always feels like a chore) but also features a dusting of snow.

Tippets Brass Hanging Bells Decoration

Jingle bells were back in a big way this year, and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. So, these hanging bells in a brass finish are the perfect decor piece to pick up in the sales with a huge discount. They can be hung from door handles or layered on top of stockings and other decor.

6' Faux Winter Evergreen Garland

We always say a high-quality Christmas garland is a worthy investment, so this McGee & Co. offering at half price is an absolute steal! The natural design means it feels authentic and can be integrated into any Christmas home, whether you prefer Scandi style or vintage Christmas decor.

Pearl Glass Baubles (Set of 21 Assorted)

If you've had any breakages this year, it's probably a few glass baubles that have taken the hit. Good news – McGee & Co has a few pieces left in the sale, like this pearl glass baubles. A timeless colorway, this set of 21 should last you a long time – even if you love a couple each year!

Jolee Mantel Trees in Green (Set of 3)

Beautiful ornaments for layering or to spruce up a small space, these Christmas tree ornaments – which have been a huge hit this year – have gone into the sale for half their original price. The set of three comes in a traditional, rich green hue – simple yet oh-so-stylish.

Espresso Glass Baubles (Set of 21 Assorted)

Prefer a richer, warmer color palette for your Christmas tree? These rich brown baubles hit one of this year's biggest color trends – they're glamorous and sophisticated, and offer a nod to vintage style. There are also 21 ornaments in this set, perfect for a full tree design.

2. Anthropologie

Milo Velvet Monogram Stocking

Whether you have a new addition to your household or your current stockings have seen better days, these stockings are a great price for a personalized design. Offered in red velvet with white and green details, they currently have 50% off.

Velvet Glass Drop Garland in Burgundy

Burgundy may have been a big Christmas decor trend this year, but it's actually incredibly timeless. Rich, warm, and elegantly festive, this velvet glass drop garland is a timeless piece to add to your collection. It's an utterly sophisticated color combination.

Aurelia Gold Monogram Ornament

If there's one thing Anthropologie are known for during the holidays, it's their elegant yet unique tree ornaments. A gold finish with subtle pearl embellishments, you can spell out a festive phrase or personalize your decor with the family's initials.

Light-Up Shooting Glass Star Tinsel Tree Topper

An outdated Christmas decoration making a huge comeback this year, tinsel's revival is a much more tasteful style than in previous years. And this tree topper is a unique way to bring the trend into your designs. It also lights up to add a festive sparkle to your scheme.

Etched Ball Ornaments, Set of 4

If you prefer to embrace a more colorful Christmas scheme, these baubles are the perfect buy. This glass set features four different color ornaments, each with etched detailing and gold starts. Perfect for introducing color and interest without overwhelming your tree.

Celestial Metal Stocking Holder

Who says your stocking holder can't be part of your decor? Instead of a hidden hook, this gold celestial stocking holder sits atop your mantel to multi-task as a holder and a decor piece. It looks so charming layered into a garland – and for just $29, you really can't go wrong!

3. Wayfair

North Valley Spruce Tree

For a faux tree that looks elevated but doesn't cost a fortune, the Christmas sales are a great place to look. In Wayfair's holiday sale, this full, bushy spruce has been created to take on the look of a real tree.

Glass Ball Ornament (Set of 12)

If antiqued silver is more your style, this set of 12 ornaments will be right up your street. Featuring three different styles, all in this aged silver design, they look far more expensive than they are, especially the sale price!

Crestwood Spruce Wreath with Clear Lights

While a plain wreath is a lovely base if you want to layer in your own decorations, a design already decorated is much easier. This faux wreath is ready-decorated with clear lights, classic red berries, and rustic pine cones.

4. Lulu and Georgia

Bronson Neutral Checkered Stocking

If you prefer pared-back, minimalist Christmas decor, these checkered stockings are a beautiful choice, the subtle design adds a touch of warmth and visual interest and can work in plenty of interior design styles. They also layer well with other colorful and patterned stockings.

Rainbow Trees by Cody Foster and Co

There's not much left in Lulu and Georgia's holiday sale, but this set of six rainbow trees is still available in the green colorway. Whether you weave them into your Christmas table decor, a mantel wreath, or display them on an entryway table, it's the perfect time to add them to your decor.

Mini Ceramic Bead Garland by Sarah Sherman Samuel

Garlands can be quite the investments, so when you can get them in the Christmas sales, you totally should. We love this mini ceramic bead garland design. It's perfect for draping along or layering into a luscious green garland across a mantelpiece or banister.

5. Pottery Barn

Lit Faux Pine Trees in Basket

This faux tree has been one of Pottery Barn's best sellers this holiday season, so if you haven't already, now is your chance to buy it at a reduced price. It's an easy decor piece that you don't even have to decorate!

Holly Berry Stoneware Dinnerware Collection

Festive dinnerware sets always wind up in the sale, like this holly berry-themed set. With bowls, plates, and mugs all still available, it's the perfect opportunity to start planning next year's table design.

Honeycomb Paper Ornament

Paper ornaments don't only look great hung on your Christmas tree, but they are also so easy to store away each year. Rather than the usually plain designs, these are embellished with gold glitter.

Whether you're on the lookout for a new faux tree, want to update the family's stockings, or simply fancy some new ornaments to mix with the old, there are plenty of Christmas decoration sales to find what you need with amazing savings.

8 IKEA products that designers are loving right now

Pip Rich — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:01:00 +0000

Designers love IKEA as much as the rest of us. Because of their trained eyes, their laser-focussed ability to spot treasure, and their confidence to style rooms in unexpected ways they are the masters at unearthing IKEA's hidden gems and elevated IKEA hacks.

Because as we all know, the problem with IKEA is how overwhelming it is. There is so much choice, and so many things that perhaps aren't on your list, and you have to walk past every item to get to the cashier. So instead of tackling the entirety of IKEA next time you go, follow this guide to the pieces designers adore, and use in their own homes and projects.

1. TESAMANS collection

(Image credit: IKEA)

'I particularly like the latest Tesammans collection, which celebrates the beauty and energy of color,' says the interior designer Tola Ojuolape. 'I saw the collection in store a few months ago. The use of color and vibrance in the pillows and textiles – specifically the throws and tablecloths – was refreshing to see. Any of the collection can certainly add cheer and joy when placed in the right context.'

2. HOVET mirror

(Image credit: IKEA)

'I think IKEA has some of the best quality mirrors for their price,' says the San Franciso-based interior designer Noz Nozawa. 'The HOVET mirror is an unbeatable bargain per square foot of mirror, at nearly 7 feet tall. Its clean, minimalist frame makes the mirror versatile enough to work across different styles.'

'I have mounted the mirror in clients' dining rooms, I've got one leaned against the hand-painted murals in my own bedroom (which I've owned for 16 years!), and I also just installed 3 in a row in a fabulous home gym.'

3. VINGSÖN outdoor chair

(Image credit: IKEA)

'The VINGSÖN chair boxes above its weight in style and quality versus what you generally might expect of an outdoor offering from IKEA,' Noz says, picking another favorite.

'This chair, with its dramatically oversized wingback silhouette and slick, trend-aware woven roping, reminds me of some of the more inspiring outdoor furniture shapes I've observed coming out of Italy!'

'As much as I enjoy this unexpected chic IKEA piece, to me, the big win is the VINGSÖN's potential to pair with your own choice of cushions! On my patio, I've combined an affordable IKEA outdoor sofa frame with custom cushions that frankly cost several times more than the sofa frame, making the whole piece feel bespoke and original!'

4. BLASVERK pendant

(Image credit: IKEA)

'One trick we like to employ is elevating a fixture like an IKEA pendant, by having it re-wired with a richer-feeling cloth cord or a sleeker canopy kit,' says the Michigan-based interior designer Liz Hoekzema of KLH Homes. 'IKEA's can be quite hefty in size). The BLASVERK is one we recently installed en masse in a home gym space – we love the pure sculpted form, and the combination of both gloss and matte almond and ivory finishes.'

Liz also likes to shop for accessories. 'We also utilize their decor pieces for styling, from time to time,' she adds. 'They often have wonderfully pure forms or fresh shapes, such as this play toy set and amorphous glass pedestal dish.'

5. KNIPSA basket

(Image credit: IKEA)

'IKEA is an amazing and forward-thinking company when it comes to storage solutions,' says Angeline Hall, Owner & Principal of the Dallas-based studio Angeline Guido Design.

'The details that IKEA factors into its design work, especially in their kitchens and closets, are well thought out and have the end user in mind. When designing my studio in Dallas, we looked to IKEA to source multifaceted, versatile furniture and storage pieces we needed to achieve the collaborative design spaces we have now. Among our favorite storage items are the KNIPSA Basket and KALLAX Shelf Unit combination, allowing us to store samples and inspiration pieces easily.'

6. LOMMARP cabinet

(Image credit: IKEA)

'My favorite IKEA piece would be the LOMMARP cabinet in the dark green/blue color,' says the designer Enass Mahmoud of Studio Enass. 'It looks like something you would buy in a high-end store. It has a great price point and you can customize it by replacing the handles with an antique piece or something a bit more detailed to give it a different look. Top it off with beautiful accessories and coffee table books.'

7. DOMSTEN stools

(Image credit: IKEA)

'I really like the DOMSTEN stools because of the strength of their colors,' says the screen print designer and artist Hannah Carvell. 'I love the combination of the lilac green and orange particularly. They were retro-looking, reminded me of school, and were so well priced. I think they could easily be used as coffee tables, or nightstands, being just big enough for a cup or glass and a book. I also really like that they're metal and wood instead of plastic.'

8. KALLAX shelving

(Image credit: IKEA)

'Good design isn't just about a designer's heritage or a piece's price tag,' says the designer Ini Archibong. 'Good design includes IKEA, and its KALLAX shelving is one of my favorite design objects. It's a very minimal elegant solution of where to put things in a rectilinear space, as most apartments are.'

What to shop

Set of six

Costway Portable Plastic Stack Stools Backless Classroom Seating

This set is particularly handy if you have limited space and don't always need stools as these can be stacked. They're made from steel so highly durable, and are waterproof.

10 things to do daily to be more organized – top expert habits to adopt for a smooth-running home

Sophie Warren-Smith — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:00:00 +0000

We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed with our daily lives – food shopping lists, trips to book, dry cleaner pick-ups and not forgetting keeping on top of clutter in the home and the day-to-day running of it.

Introducing new daily habits that involve getting your life and home in order can make all the difference. And the best bit is that they don't need to take up hours of your day, they can be a quick five minutes here and there that you can start implementing today, according to our pros.

We've asked industry experts including professional organizers for 10 daily habits that help them to be more organized and how to declutter successfully.

Introduce these 10 daily habits to be more organized at home

Start today with these tips on the tiny tweaks to organize a home from the pros – from keeping checklists and calendars, to timed clutter-busting and leaving your clothes out for the next day, we've got you covered.

1. Have a tray on your entryway console

(Image credit: The Lacquer Company)

Place a tray or a small shallow basket on your entryway console table for those essential items like keys and sunglasses to help keep this vital space organized.

Brandi Simon, founder of TX Home Buying Pros agrees having a console table with a tray definitely helps. 'A clean console table or tray in the entryway designated for mail is ideal – don’t let mail pile up,' Brandi explains. 'As soon as it comes through the door, quickly sort it into categories: bills to pay, invitations to respond to, and junk to toss.'

If you don't have a console table to use then consider a shelf, Wayfair's Rudloff 3 piece accent shelf has handy hooks and three compartments for mail, gloves and sunglasses.

Whatever item you settle on, Cynthia Murray, co-owner of Sorted Sparrow, adds, 'Clear the entryway daily. I spend a minute tidying up my console table – it keeps things neat and prevents clutter from piling up.'

Learn more about organizing an entryway.

Amazon's Choice

Dofira Acacia Wood Serving Tray With Metal Handles

If you have a larger entryway table or console, this 17 by 13 inch acacia wood tray with handles will add a nice rustic touch to your decor. The handles mean it's easy to grab the tray and sit somewhere comfortable to sort it out weekly.

2. Pick up and re-place

(Image credit: Designers Guild )

Introduce this clever decluttering tip and mess will become a thing of the past. 'Every time you move from one room to another, bring one thing with you that belongs in the room you are going to,' advises lifestyle and cleaning guru Sabrina Fierman, director of New York's Little Elves.

'For example, a water glass from the night before, take it with you in the morning when you walk to the kitchen to make coffee, or the handbag left near the front door upon arriving home, bring it to the closet or bedroom when you’re headed that way,' explains Sabrina.

It's about changing your thinking a little to maximize productivity throughout the day. Look out for pieces that help collate clutter practically.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by shoppers

Seagrass wicker stair step basket with handle, natural brown

Stair baskets are really useful for those pieces that need to go upstairs, pop items in them as you're tidying, then take them upstairs and decant on your next pass. This design has sturdy handles and is made from woven wicker.

3. Plan and plan again

(Image credit: Papier)

Although some of us love apps that help to organize our days, others still prefer the 'analogue' way of life and having something we can write on.

There's some fabulous planners around these days that help you to plan your day the night before, a simple five-minute sit down with a cup of coffee at the end of your day to jot down those key tasks will help you to feel more on top of the next day. The Two Tumbleweeds Daily Planner notepad from Amazon is perfect for this.

'Balancing home, friends, life and hobbies can be a lot so I need to write things down to remember – when we asked our Instagram audience, 91% of people agreed that they needed to put plans in a paper diary to remember them too,' says Holly Chapman, head of brand at Papier.

Alternatively, a wall calendar, such as the Worksail whiteboard monthly wall planner from Walmart, can help in the same way. Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy likes to use a mixture of a digital calendar for work with a physical one at home.

'Something I do every day to be more organized is having a physical calendar hanging up in my kitchen. While I also use a digital calendar, especially for work, having a physical calendar helps me stay a lot more organized in my personal life,' he explains.

Similar to a planner (I like the Papier Spiral Daily Softcover Planner from Anthropologie), you just need to remember to keep it updated on a daily basis. Andre adds, 'I have it hanging in a spot that I am constantly walking past or seeing while sitting at my table, and that helps ensure that I never forget what I have coming up. I always know what appointments or events I have on my schedule weeks in advance, compared to getting a notification from my phone calendar the day of and panicking because I’ve forgotten.'

Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, uses a magnetic one on her fridge to plan meals and keep track of school-tasks related to her daughter. 'It helps keep our household organized both from a meals perspective, but also because my husband and I share the mental load of keeping things running smoothly and this a quick way for us both to note anything we both need to know. I like this magnetic weekly whiteboard from Amazon for ease, as it allows a space to add a grocery list, too.'

Magnetic

Thomas Martha Stewart Magnetic Dry Erase Monthly Calendar

This reusable wall calendar is ideal for keeping track of daily appointments and tasks. Simply fill in your info and then when the month is finished, wipe off and start again. Comes with magnets and a cork board section on the right

4. Lay out your clothes the night before

(Image credit: Georgie Wykeham Designs / Tom St Aubyn)

Give yourself 10 minutes at the end of the day to consider which clothes you wish to wear the following day – believe us – when you wake up the next morning you'll be glad you don't have to think about it. It also helps if your closet space is organized.

Lay your outfit out on a chair in your bedroom the night before, so everything is easily to hand.

'Planning clothes the night before saves time in the morning and keeps my wardrobe in order,' says Cynthia Murray, co-owner of Sorted Sparrow. 'This is also a life-saver for getting my nine-year old daughter to school on time. Whenever we don't plan ahead, this almost always adds 10-15 extra minutes.'

To make this work well, it pays to keep your wardrobe organized too. We love Walmart's 6 shelf non woven hanging closet organizer, it's perfect for getting your wardrobe in shape.

5. Set a timer

(Image credit: Kara Childress Inc / Julie Soefer)

It's easy to put off tidying, especially during the week as we often think we need to spend more time than we have doing it. But in fact, the key to making this work for your household is tidying in short bursts.

Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers explains, 'Give yourself 10 minutes, and in that time, you do as much as you can. Fold that blanket that’s just thrown on your sofa, tidy up small items, etc. That’s something small you can do every single day without it being a huge time-suck or imposition and that’s going to keep things organized and looking good and tidy.'

Jenny He, an expert in home improvement and co-founder of Ergeon, has a great timed rule too. 'The 30-second Rule is also a game-changer. If a task takes less than 30 seconds to complete, I do it immediately. Whether it’s putting away a dish or responding to a quick email, these little tasks add up if left unattended. It’s like dealing with a small fence repair right away rather than letting it turn into a bigger issue down the line.'

If these timings don't quite work for you and your day, then create a time deadline that does – it could be a five-minute sweep through of the house to re-adjust things for example. Implement these daily and you'll definitely see a difference.

6. Give yourself visual cues

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Trying to remember everything can be challenging, right? Jenny He has a great idea that will help you beat forgetfulness, or clutter blindness, when it comes to daily organization.

'Another trick I’m fond of is Visual Cues. I place reminders in strategic locations to prompt actions throughout the day,' says Jenny.

'For instance, keeping a water bottle by the door reminds me to stay hydrated, or a sticky note on my laptop to encourage regular breaks. Just like how I use visual plans in project management, these cues keep me on track without overwhelming my brain with to-do lists.'

We really love this idea, and it's ideal for those of us who are more visual people. Check out these rather lovely sticky notes.

Three color combos

Mr Pen Round Sticky Notes, 12 Pads in Vintage Colors

Ditch the typical yellow square sticky notes and treat yourself to these uber stylish round pads in muted vintage colors. Stick them on your computer or around your home for daily reminders, for instance, inside a kitchen cabinet you use multiple times a day.

7. Use checklist apps

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Love an app? Then have a look at Pocket Lists. It's essentially a 'to-do' list app that's inspired by making digital lists and checklists to help us get through daily and less frequent (but still important) things,

You can set reminders as well as creating your own checklists. There's also repeating to-dos so you can keep on top of regular tasks. Easy to set up, you simply open a relevant list, assign due date and set the priority level, you can also add a location.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love uses checklists on his phone, 'I actually have a checklist in my phone of the daily and weekly tasks I need to accomplish. For example, I have a ton of plants, and many of those plants have different watering needs. So, in order to stay on top of that, I have a checklist that outlines what needs to be watered each day, and that’s something I look at every morning before work. Checklists are invaluable for making sure nothing slips under the radar, forgotten.'

8. Plan your meals

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

As with planning out your clothing, taking time to prep food for the following evening will save you time and much needed energy when you come home from work.

Brandi Simon, founder, TX Home Buying Pros says, 'Before preparing dinner, take a moment to plan the next day’s meals. Chop veggies, wash fruits, or pre-portion snacks. This small daily habit saves you time later and keeps your kitchen organized.'

A food-storage idea to reduce food waste is keeping your prepped food in glass containers. You can also double up your prep and freeze for later use, or cook for leftovers the next day.

Sustainable

Glass Food Storage, Set of 8 Containers and Lids

Keep your food fresh in these tempered glass containers that are both microwave and dishwasher safe. With a locking airtight lid that keeps the contents super fresh, you can also use them in the freezer. These come in six handy sizes.

9. Have a place for everything

(Image credit: Forge & Bow / Arris Photography)

By ensuring each item in your home has a place, it will be easy to keep your home organized daily and a quick way to make your home look organized, fast.

Shelving is ideal for storing those extra pieces like a couch pillows and blankets that might not be needed all the time and can make your shelves look elevated. And perhaps one of the most useful buys for each room of the house is a selection of matching baskets – they are ideal for hiding away unsightly things like chargers and TV remotes, but also for slippers and magazines.

Choose sturdy designs that will last. Nordstrom's oval jute basket is beautifully crafted and its easy grab handles mean you can carry it room to room.

Two colors

Dovecove Wicker Basket

This set of three lidded baskets is handy for keeping your most used items close to hand, neatly stored and easy to access, without adding to visual clutter, which open baskets can sometimes do. You can also stack these, making use of vertical space in your home.

10. Have an evening 'reset'

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball / Asger Mortensen, Wester Agency)

Little but often seems to the key to daily organization according to our experts, and the end of the day is the perfect time to set your intentions for the next 24 hours.

Jenny Hu explains, 'I swear by the Five-Minute Reset. At the end of each day, I take five minutes to walk around my living space and reset anything that’s out of place. It’s amazing how a quick tidy-up can clear your mind. Think of it like rebooting your computer – it works better when everything's in order. Even in my work spaces, a quick declutter at the end of the day sets the tone for a more productive tomorrow.'

This is also a good time to update your apps, or planner for the days ahead.

Meet our experts

These are a great start to getting on top of mess in your home without feeling you have to commit to a large decluttering session.

Next, delve into the easy Didn't Know method, beloved by our editors for its ease, simplicity, and guilt-free clearing out.

9 New Year's decorating resolutions the Homes & Gardens editors are vowing to stick to in 2025

Charlotte Olby — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our homes serve us and consider fresh ways to refine them.

With 2025 on the horizon, I've asked the Homes & Gardens editors to sit down and think about all the ways they wish to improve their own spaces – plus the trends and ideas they're looking to carry forward from 2024.

From embracing color richness to amping up the character with collected and curated buys, these are the 9 New Year's decorating resolutions the H&G team are making (and hoping to stick to) this year.

Homes & Gardens Editors New Year's Decorating Resolutions

Looking to make some changes to the way your home looks and feels next year? So are our editors. Putting our expertise in interior design and the current and upcoming trends to good use, here are the New Year's decor resolutions we're looking forward to completing in 2025.

1. No more fast furniture

(Image credit: Vaughan Design & Development / Chris Snook)

'My resolution is to not buy any fast furniture or decor in 2025,' says Head of Interiors, Hebe Hatton.

'My favorite pieces in my home all come from vintage markets or antique fairs, or I have brought them back from vacations,' she explains. 'They not only add a ton of character to my home but each piece has a memory attached to it. Plus not impulse buying new pieces means I have more budget for 'new' old pieces which are often so much more affordable anyway.'

If you are looking to bring more character into your home in a budget-friendly way, decorating with vintage or secondhand pieces is not only more sustainable but also adds a unique charm to your spaces.

2. Investing in my sleep space

(Image credit: TROVE by Studio Duggan)

Emilia Hitching, H&G's resident sleep expert, is looking to amp up to the coziness in her bedroom.

'My New Year’s decor resolution is to make my bedroom feel more cozy,' says Emilia. 'I moved into an eighteenth-century apartment block around this time last year, and I still haven’t got around to making my bedroom feel like home.'

'The nature of my job means I’m always testing cozy comforters, plush pillows, and silky sheets, so I’m not worried about my bed so much as the rest of the room,' she explains. 'I want to find some soft furnishings to make the floor feel warmer and find some wall art to break up the blank white space – and I’m thinking about investing in a dimmable lamp for my nightstand, so I don’t have to look at the glaring big light any longer.'

Portable Scallop Shade Table Lamp

This adorable lamp is not only portable with a rechargeable battery but it is dimmable too to allow you to adjust to the level of lighting you prefer. Win-win.

Brushed Checkerboard Rug

Cozy and contemporary meet in the middle with this rug. With a teeny micro-checkered motif and a zig-zag border, the warm terracotta shade adds warmth underfoot.

Still Life Bowl of Cherries

With a vintage feel, this Magnolia exclusive painting captures of the sweetness of a simple bowl of cherries for a charming addition to your wall.

3. Leaning into a richer color palette

(Image credit: Lick / Interior design @victoria_covell_interiors)

'For 2025, my New Year’s decor resolution is to incorporate bolder colors into my living room,' says Paint & Color Editor Emily Moorman.

'I love its current calming color scheme which is fairly neutral, but I want to add more depth with a richer-colored sofa – maybe a warm, deep rust or dark green,' says Emily. 'While I love the timeless feel of neutrals, I’ve been inspired by interior designers this year to lean into darker, moodier hues to create a cozy space.'

'Beyond the sofa, I have my eye on a new piece of colorful artwork and patterned throw pillows to finish the room.'

4. Focus on making spaces more personal

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography Julie Soefer)

Molly Malsom, Kitchen & Bathrooms Editor, is looking to add more personality to her home in 2025.

'This New Year, my focus is on making my spaces feel more personal. There are a few rooms that have fallen off my radar when it comes to designing them – both my bedroom and home office are void of any decor that tells you anything about the person who uses them,' Molly explains.

'So, I'm going to dig out the art pieces and decor I've collected over the years and finally display them in the spaces I use the most,' says Molly. 'And in my bedroom, it's not just about decor, but making the space warmer and more in line with my interior design style. Currently, it's an empty white room, so paneling, loads of layered textiles, and personal decor is top of my list of new year results for 2025.'

5. Expanding my art collection

(Image credit: Darren Chung)

'My New Year’s decorating resolution for 2025 is to fill my home with more artwork,' says Homes & Gardens Managing Editor Zara Stacey.

'Not only are my walls crying out for some fresh prints, but new wall decor is a simple and low-effort way you can uplift and freshen your home for the new year,' Zara explains.

'Another of my New Year’s decorating resolutions is to go thrifting more, and make the most of the second-hand shops and flea markets near where I live – so you bet I’ll be hunting for some vintage art! When purchasing brand new pieces, however, some of my favorite brands to shop from have to be Anthropologie and Wall of Art.'

6. Going bespoke

(Image credit: Carley Summers)

Eleanor Richardson, Interior Design News Editor at H&G, is embracing the long-lost art of handmade, custom interiors that will stand the test of time.

'My aim for 2025 is to create a curated and collected space that’s individually unique,' says Eleanor. 'I’ll be focusing on purchasing meaningful, bespoke pieces that are of high craftsmanship and will last for years to come.'

The good news is, that you don’t have to commission an entire room of custom furniture to embrace more bespoke design. Start small with some tailored window treatments in your favorite fabric, reupholster an old chair, or get yourself a beautiful custom headboard to transform your bedroom.

7. Elevate my kitchen with small details

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

After writing about the best kitchen ideas and kitchen trends for most of 2024, Molly is also putting her expertise into practice with some easy upgrades.

'Having spent the past year admiring beautifully designed kitchens that are full of character and personality, I want to infuse that ethos into my own space,' she explains.

'So, one of my biggest New Year resolutions for 2025 is to elevate my kitchen to make it warmer, more inviting, and give it a touch more enduring appeal. This year, I'm focusing more on the simpler, smaller details, like hardware, kitchen lighting, and decor.'

'I think we can all be a little bit more thoughtful this year in updating rather than replacing – being less wasteful and finding ways to give larger pieces in the kitchen, like cabinets, a new lease of life rather than completely ripping them out is far more considerate to the environment... and our bank accounts!'

8. Perfecting my pillowscaping

(Image credit: Studio McGee )

'This sounds like such a small gesture, but I want to get more experimental with my cushions in 2025,' says Head of Celebrity Style News Megan Slack.

'In my small London apartment, there isn’t a lot of space to introduce lots of patterns, and the cushions I’ve had have worked well for over a year – but I know there’s more I can do with the room I have.'

'Early in 2025, I want to take the (albeit small) plunge and upgrade my pillows to something more daring – maybe something with tassels or a bolder pattern in a color that still works for my neutral living space. I’m sure my future self will thank me for this decision.'

CPC Apatite Blue Ruffle Throw Pillow Covers

For the Cottagecore fans among us, these floral ruffle pillows offer a farmhouse meets country cottage feel made with vintage-inspired prints.

TENCEL™ Linen Fringe Pillow Cover

Fringe is going to be a big deal in 2025. With a retro feel, these lumbar pillows are finished with an elegant fringed edge and can be bought in 3 soft, neutral hues.

McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Colette Scallop Border Pillow Cover

Designed as part of the McGee & Co. collaboration with fashion label Loeffler Randall, this frilly and fancy pillow cover offers a muted color with a whimsical edge.

9. Not shying away from print and pattern

(Image credit: Cathy Nordstrom / Photography Fanny Radvik)

Personally, I, H&G's Style & Trends Editor, am vowing to force myself to embrace a little more pattern and print in my home in 2025.

As someone who is in the midst of a home renovation, I'm hoping that 2025 is going to be my decorating era (rather than demolition, as it has been for the past two years). This means I can finally start selecting soft furnishings, rugs, wallpapers, and textiles for the rooms in my home.

In the past, I have shied away from adding too much print into one space – opting instead for 'safer' purchases like timeless neutrals and solid colors that wouldn't date. But my New Year's resolution is to make a shift towards more expressive interiors, adding in personality with print on my walls, floors, and everywhere in between. I'm going to start small and experiment with throw pillows, wall art, or a statement lampshade here or there but watch this space, you might even catch me pattern-drenching if I get brave enough.

With our editor's resolutions in mind, I hope these ideas inspire you to approach the next year with creativity and confidence in your home.

From unexpected red to the revival of chrome, these are the Homes & Gardens editor's best and worst trends of 2024

Charlotte Olby — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:00:10 +0000

As we come close to closing out 2024, I thought it high time to reflect on the trends that have defined this year. Both the ones I’ve embraced wholeheartedly and those I may want to leave behind in 2025.

From viral aesthetics to bold color choices and finishes that sparked polarizing debates among designers, this year the interior design trends brought fresh energy to spaces. But some left us yearning for a little more refinement.

In this roundup, me and the Homes & Gardens editors break down our favorite trends that we think have shined brightest in 2024 – and those that we'd be happy to reconsider as we move into the new year. Our 'ins' and 'outs' if you will. Let's get into it.

Homes & Gardens Editors Best Trends of 2024

1. Unexpected Red

(Image credit: Studio Duggan / Photography Sarah Griggs)

TikTok interior design trends being such a dominating force in the world of interiors wasn't on my 2024 bingo card, but I'm personally certainly glad it happened. From the Coastal Grandmother to the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic, there have been some real stand-out moments that defined both the way we dress and decorate our homes.

But the one trend that really struck a chord is the 'unexpected red theory'. Coined by TikTok's Taylor Simon, the idea is simply to add anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it seemingly doesn't match. And once that red piece has been added to your room, it automatically looks better. Trust me, I've tried it in my own home, and it is a fun and clever way to elevate your space in an instant.

Sophie Lou Jacobsen Petal Small Glass Plate

Perfect for displaying canapes at your holiday parties or as a trinket dish, Sophie Lou Jacobsen's wavy red plates are handmade in New York in small batches meaning each is unique.

HomeRoots 17" Red and White Cotton Gingham Pouf Cover

Red doesn't have to be reserved for contemporary spaces, in fact far from it. This gingham pouf adds a subtle pop of color while maintaining a charming cottagecore aesthetic.

2-pack Spiral Taper Candles

Sometimes the simplest way to buy into a trend is with small details like candles. This 2-pack of glossy twisted taper candles from H&M will shine bright on your mantel.

Jennifer Ebert, Editor of Homes & Gardens, is also a fan.

'The viral ‘unexpected red theory’ stole our hearts earlier this year and I could not be happier to see the return of this fiery hue. But it doesn’t have to stop at one accent. I adore using it absolutely everywhere. One of the most passionate and life-enhancing colors to use in a decorating scheme, decorating with red offers a luxurious bank of positive energy and vigor,' she explains.

'Whether you highlight a design scheme with touches of carefully chosen accessories or paint walls floor-to-ceiling in a deep shade of this versatile color, it can transform interiors and create different moods, from refined to playful, depending on its application.'

'Paprika is my go-to color; added to a neutral scheme, it creates warmth, depth, and a touch of the unexpected. Used on its own, it is a very easy color to live with and yet it also works beautifully with blues, pinks, and other reds. It is wonderful to see so many people experimenting with bold colors once again.'

2. Wall Murals

(Image credit: Kensington Leverne)

Interior Design News Editor Eleanor Richardson was pleased to see the rise of wall murals this year as a way to create a whimsical, unexpected statement on our walls.

'My favorite trend of 2024 was the wall mural aesthetic,' Eleanor says. 'We saw so many variations of this romantic look, but I love those soft scenes of nature that encompassed the walls of so many bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways.'

3. Bookshelf Wealth

(Image credit: Alice Grace Interiors)

'The bookshelf wealth trend is a classic pick that took the interior world by storm at the start of the year,' says H&G's Head of Interiors Hebe Hatton. 'What I love about this trend is it's not a trend at all, books are the most timeless pieces of decor and while this look had a moment in the spotlight this year, bookshelf wealth will be 'on-trend' forever.'

'2024 was the year for adding character and personality back into our homes and books are the easiest way to do that,' she explains. 'Trends can mean that everyone's spaces end up looking very similar, but when decorating with books everyone's displays will naturally look different and there are zero rules for how you interpret the trend.'

Megan Slack, Head of Celebrity Style News, agrees. 'I’ve loved to see the bookshelf wealth trend take root in 2024 – we’ve been writing about this look since February (which feels like an age ago now), but 11 months later, I still stop to admire every bookshelf I have the opportunity to see.'

'As someone who has always had too many books, this trend made me feel like stocking my shelves high isn't a design defect. I love to see the titles on people's shelves, as I believe people’s choice of books can reveal so much about a person – which is part of the reason why I particularly love seeing celebrities play with this style. This trend is arguably the most revealing of the decade, and maybe I’m just nosy, but I hope it lives on in 2025 and many years to come.'

4. Animal Print

(Image credit: TROVE by Studio Duggan)

Molly Malsom, Kitchens & Bathrooms Editor at H&G, entered her 'mob wife era' and leaned into animal print this year.

'For me, animal print was one of the best interior design trends this year,' says Molly. 'It really marked the resurgence of playful design and adding personality back into schemes. Done tastefully, animal print accessories like cushions and rugs – especially leopard print – can look so chic, especially when paired with moodier color palettes. I might be biased, but it's a trend I think will never date.'

ArogGeld Tiger Pillow Velvet Chinoiserie Pillow Cover

Make a bold statement with the addition of animal print on your sofa. This high-quality velvet pillow cover will look both stylish and bring super soft comfort.

Cheetah Framed Wall Art Canvas - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Designed with Studio McGee, this vintage-inspired cheetah wall art will add intrigue to any room. The gilt gold frame elevates the look making it feel like an heirloom piece.

Damson Madder Ruffled Placemats, Set of 2

No one does leopard print like London-based design label Damson Madder. These ruffle-trimmed placemats are sure to be the talk of your tablescape.

5. Color Drenching

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Our Paint & Color Editor, Emily Moorman, is championing the color drenching trend for 2025 and beyond.

'Although color drenching didn’t originate in 2024, I love how it’s been so widely embraced this year,' says Emily. 'Whether it’s a dark and moody color palette used all over in small rooms to create the ultimate cozy space; or mid-tones applied liberally to make a fun statement (aka Lucy Williams’ much-loved blue living room), color drenching feels so stylish and slightly playful.'

'Ditching the harsh white contrasts often apparent when using bolder paint colors more sparingly, color drenching proves we should all be more daring with our paint colors, and it’s a trend I very much hope endures in the coming year.'

6. Perfectly imperfect interiors

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

'This year I have loved seeing the rise of characterful, rich interiors that embrace a more ‘imperfect’ and ‘lived in’ look,' says Zara Stacey, Managing Editor. 'People are becoming braver (and more relaxed simultaneously) to create interior spaces where authenticity, character, and individuality take center stage.'

'Moving away from a clinical, uniformed, and ‘show-home’ feel, this look champions a feeling of richness through a more maximalist, mismatched, hand-crafted, and colorful style,' Zara explains. 'Of course, this may not sound like a ‘trend’, for many, this is just how we naturally approach decorating our homes.'

'But over the last few years, I would say it is a decorating style, or ‘ethos’, that has been more popular than ever in the world of interior design, with many of the biggest other trends from this year, such as unexpected color combinations, bookshelf wealth and intentional clutter, contributing to the rise of the perfectly imperfect home – I can’t wait to see how this style evolves further in 2025…'

Homes & Gardens Editors Least Favorite Trends of 2024

1. Chrome

(Image credit: Hollie Bowden / Genevieve Lutkin)

The chrome decor trend is something that our Head of Interiors, Hebe, has found herself shying away from.

'My home and style just isn't cool enough for this 2024 trend,' she explains. 'And while I do love that very chic, modern vibe chrome decor gives to a room, I much prefer cozy, characterful trends that I know won't date in a few years. Chrome is very in line with minimalist interiors which I do think are on the out, or at least there's a new, more textured, and organic way of doing the look.'

Louise Roe Stainless Steel Cup and Saucer Set

If you're after a touch of chrome in your home, this contemporary, sculptural cup and saucer set is so sleek. The Bauhaus-inspired geometric handle feels retro and oh-so cool.

Poldina Pro Micro Metallic Rechargeable LED Portable Table Lamp

A portable, LED table lamp is never a bad idea. This Italian-made one from Anthropologie has a rechargeable batter life of 7-8 hours to help illuminate your spaces.

Sophie Lou Jacobsen Twist Nickel-Plated Candleholder

For a softer nod to the trend, this roped-twisted candleholder takes its inspiration from vintage objects to create an elegant centerpiece for your living room or dining table.

2. Purple

(Image credit: Paint and Paper Library)

'Outing the purple comeback as my ‘worst’ interior design trend of the year feels to be going against the grain since it’s infiltrated many paint brand’s Color of the Year announcements, but it’s the one and only color I just can’t get on board with when it comes to interiors,' Emily explains.

'While I do appreciate the muddier, brown-ish darker purples, the dramatic violet tones we’ve seen come to the fore in recent months feel so early 2000s-esque to me and tricky to style,' she explains.

'That said, I’m looking forward to seeing how designers pull off decorating with purple in 2025!'

3. Brat Green

(Image credit: Mendelson Group )

Since dropping her album Brat in June, singer Charli XCX's neon brat green aesthetic had a chokehold on pop culture. From fashion to homeware (and our summer) brat green completely took over. Which felt fun in theory – but in our homes feels overwhelming and difficult to work with.

My main issue with brat green is its intensity. Unlike nature-inspired greens such as sage or olive, which exude calm and sophistication, brat green has an almost synthetic-like quality that makes it hard to integrate into most design schemes.'

Now I'm not someone to shy away from decorating with primary colors, but there's something about this vibrant, lime green that just makes me shudder. In fact, I've well and truly got the ick.

4. Quiet Luxury

(Image credit: Ellerslie Interiors )

Managing Editor Zara is getting tired of the quiet luxury trend. 'Quiet luxury remains one of the biggest interior design trends for a reason. It’s sophisticated, timeless, and feels like a more warm and layered take on minimalism – I can fully understand and appreciate the appeal, however, for me, it just feels a little too safe and, dare I say it, boring...' says Zara.

'I’m a big fan of a more maximalist look when it comes to interior decorating - more is always more in my home! As someone drawn to rich patterns, bold colors, and an eclectic mix of styles, the overly neutral, muted and more Scandi-style of quiet luxury isn’t filled with enough visual character and excitement for my liking.'

'I’m not a fan of anything too pared-back, so the overly minimal aesthetic was my least favorite trend from the past year,' agrees Eleanor. 'It made its debut in many designers' homes and projects but thankfully it wasn’t the most popular trend of 2024.'

Martha Table Lamp

At its core, quiet luxury is all about beautiful wall-made pieces that remain forever timeless like this pretty lamp. With a curved aged brass base and scalloped shade, this has a playful edge.

Diamond Cable Knit Throw

Whether hung in your wardrobe or slung over your sofa, cozy knitwear is never going out of style. This camel cable knit throw is must for creating a cozy, luxurious home.

Textured Wall Art

Looking for some subtle, budget-friendly wall art? Layer this textured canvas with more maximalist pieces to add a break in the chaos and somewhere for your eye to rest.

5. Stainless Steel Kitchens

(Image credit: Future, James Merrell)

'If there's one trend I want to leave firmly behind in 2024, it's the stainless steel kitchen trend,' says our resident kitchen expert Molly.

'In a year when there was so much emphasis on creating cozy, lived-in kitchens, it feels like a really misplaced kitchen trend,' she explains. 'While there's nothing wrong with adding stainless steel kitchen appliances to your kitchen, a steel-drenched space that encompasses the countertops and cabinets feels so cold and clinical. Plus, it's incredibly hard to clean stainless steel. It's industrial in all the wrong ways, so let's leave this style for commercial kitchens!'

6. Dopamine Decor

(Image credit: Cúpla / Photography Megan Taylor)

It is no surprise that Head of Celebrity Megan, who famously loves an all-black outfit, will be glad to see the back of overly bright dopamine decor ideas.

'I understand the appeal behind 'dopamine decor' and all the bright hues that come with this trend – but as someone who likes to surround myself with more muted colors, this one isn’t my favorite.'

'Again, if these vibrant shapes and tones are something you like, I’m certainly not going to discourage that, but in my home, I love browns, creams, and other neutrals – introducing smaller pockets of color through artwork, books, and plants. So, it has to be said that dopamine decor can stay in 2024 for me.'

With every trend, good or bad, the key is to approach it with a critical eye and adapt it in ways that feel authentic to your home and style.

Ultimately, if a trend speaks to you – whether we back it or not – then go for it. Focusing on your personal style is always the best foot forward.

Kelly Clarkson's holiday must-haves include snuggly blankets, trees, and a Christmas village – her favorites begin under $50

hannah.ziegler@futurenet.com (Hannah Ziegler) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:06:18 +0000

As a frequent collaborator with Wayfair, Kelly Clarkson has become a trusted voice in the world of interior design. Her collections are chic and affordable and, as such, provide us with a consistent source of sophisticated (and accessible) home styling inspiration.

In fact, the singer, songwriter, and talk show host recently hopped on Instagram to share her holiday home essentials, and we have to say that we are on board with them.

Her first pick? 'Multiple trees [available from Wayfair],' she states in the clip. 'My kids each get one in their rooms; they're smaller, and they get to decorate in their own little style.'

She continues, 'Gingerbread houses because we do them every year. Sometimes, they don't make it all the way to getting built because you eat them. I am all about a snuggly blanket. [Also,] Christmas village [on Wayfair] – we have an old school, classic Christmas village, and it lights up and makes me happy.' Below, we have rounded up Clarkson's essentials, because it's not too late to follow her lead before the big day.

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Natural

24.5" and 20" Green Christmas Tree Set

Tap into the Kelly Clarkson-approved, multiple-tree trend by starting off with this set of two mini trees. They arrive potted and primed to be decorated, perfect for dispersing around your home.

Cozy

Knitted Throw Blanket

This cotton blend, knitted throw is the ultimate year-round accessory, but it is especially coveted around the holidays, when lounging time is at its peak. We love the chic, black and white colorway and tasselled ends on this one.

Decorative

20 pc Christmas Village Set

This battery-powered, LED-lit Christmas village is the ultimate piece of Christmas decor, with endless scene possibilities.

Clarkson's picks aside, our editors have hand-picked some Christmas decor essentials that are shaping their own homes this December. We particularly love these velvet bows (from Anthropologie) – an instant way to tap into one of the biggest holiday trends (bows) of the year.

Snowflake patterns

Star Projector Christmas Tree Topper

This piece has a bright gold finish that feels timeless, and is the perfect finishing touch. We can invest knowing it will look just as good next Christmas and for many more holidays ahead.

Festive classics

100pc Christmas Tree Ornament Set

Red, white, green, and gold have been associated with Christmas for centuries – so why start anywhere other than the timeless basics? These would look fantastic on a mini tree like Clarkson's.

Editor's choice

Velvet Bow Clip-On Ornaments – Set of 6

Decorative bows are once again this seasons must-have decor, but this time they come in smooth-to-the-touch velvet for a sophisticated look. Use them on Christmas trees, wreathes and garlands for a beautiful yet easy style.

I found the most beautiful Mocha Mousse planters and vases – to make your indoor garden feel effortlessly timeless with Pantone's Color of the Year

Tenielle Jordison — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 08:30:20 +0000

Last week, global color authority Pantone named Mocha Mousse as Color of the Year 2025 and the Gardens team at H&G couldn't be more excited. This warm shade of brown is one that easily complements foliage and florals, thanks to its earthy tone, making it effortless to incorporate into indoor gardens.

I personally don't see the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 going out of style any time soon. It's somewhat of a staple in the neutrals color palette, so there's no doubt investing in Mocha Mousse planters and vases now will serve your home for years to come.

Whether you have a large indoor plant collection or like to grow the best cutting garden flowers, I've got you covered. I searched high and low for the best Mocha Mousse planters and compiled them right here - I promise there's something for everyone.

Mocha Mousse Planters

Plastic Pots for Plants

I was delighted to stumble across these elegant self-watering indoor planters on Amazon. Not only does the color reflect Mocha Mousse, but the wavy line detail also embraces the creaminess of the Color of the Year. Having this planter in your collection saves you time watering your houseplants, too, as you simply top up water at the bottom and leave your plant to soak it up. The drainage saucer is also removeable to easily pour away excess water.

Tiered Ombre Cement Pot

For those who lean towards modern decorating ideas, a cement planter is what you need, and these stunning pieces from Anthropologie are the obvious choice. 'Cement plant pots work just as well inside as they do on a balcony garden or patio, making these a fantastic investment,' says H&G's Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull. 'The ombre effect adds a more modern feel to them, which I really like,' she adds. An added bonus: these planters have drainage holes to help keep your houseplants at a happy moisture level.

Tall Round Pot Planter

This is a Mocha Mousse planter choice for those growing the best indoor trees or the best tall indoor plants. The pretty ribbed detail brings sophistication to any room and can also be styled in outdoor areas, like a patio. What's more, this planter is produced with sustainable manufacturing processes, making it a great addition to eco-friendly gardens and indoor gardens.

Brown Terracotta Planters

If you prefer block color trends, then you can bring Mocha Mousse into your home with these simple yet impactful brown terracotta planters from Amazon. I love to use indoor terracotta planters because they are breathable for plant roots and aid drainage. These planters do exactly that and are ideal for growing succulents, among other plants that prefer drier soil.

Ceramic Pot Planter

'I do love to add a little bit of print throughout my home and this pot is exactly what I’ve been looking for to house my ever-expanding collection of indoor plants,' Rachel says. This Wayfair find is too good to miss out on. The dual-tone brown and cream makes it the perfect addition to interiors with plenty of warm colors. 'It would work within a modern aesthetic and would also suit my mid-century modern style living room,' Rachel notes.

Rustic Flower Pot in White and Brown

Another beautiful find on Amazon, this Mocha Mousse planter has a white floral detail that gives it more of a vintage feel. You won't make common indoor plant mistakes by overwatering with this planter, as it's designed to aid drainage with a hole and saucer. Made from ceramic material, you can also use this planter in a container garden outdoors.

Mocha Mousse Vases

Fluted Glass Iron Vase

This stunning Anthropologie vase is one we often recommend at H&G and the announcement of 'Mocha Mousse' has made it even more appealing as a trendy vessel to house cut-and-come-again flowers. It's beautifully crafted from glass and iron, with a brown finish that looks particularly gorgeous with fall and winter flowers. The urn-style vase is classic and perfect for table centerpieces.

Ceramic Vase Set of 3

If you want to take Mocha Mousse to the next level, try using this set of three Amazon vases in a range of cream and brown hues. 'As a floral designer I am always on the lookout for interesting and stylish vases, and this set is on my shopping list,' says Rachel. 'The earth-like tones are wonderfully calming and would suit a selection of ethereal dried flowers. They would look ideal displayed together on a small window ledge or as a feature in a downstairs cloakroom,' she adds.

Rustic Pottery Flower Vase

'This vessel is so versatile and the rustic handles give it that extra elegance. It looks expensive and will elevate your kitchen table even without flowers in it,' Rachel says. The glossy finish of this rustic flower vase from Amazon shouts Mocha Mousse. As Rachel notes, it would look beautiful when housing flower stems but equally makes a statement as a piece on a table or shelf. Made from terracotta clay, this vase is also highly durable and can be used for years to come.

Large Natural Glass Vase

This is one of the most elegant vases I have found, with a subtle marble effect and slight sheen. This Wayfair Mocha Mousse vase isn't entirely opaque, so you can see the silhouette of flower stems inside. It's handcrafted and has an artisanal feel about it. It would also look beautiful housing bathroom plants or kitchen plants, bringing a touch of sophistication to any room.

Glass Table Vase

Even if you lean towards minimalist décor ideas, there's a Mocha Mousse vase for you. This Wayfair glass vase has a simple design but is effortlessly chic. With a ribbed finish, this vase will complement a range of interior styles. Measuring eight inches in height, you can house a wide range of stems in it. It can also be a pretty way to display the easiest houseplants to propagate from cuttings in water. It's lightweight, too, so you can move it around your home as you please.

Brown Ombre Terracotta Vase

This Target Mocha Mousse vase is a statement piece, measuring 14.8 inches in height. The gradient detail on the vase is a great way to tie in the warm hue of Mocha Mousse with darker interiors - pair it with black furniture or try other ways to decorate with dark colors. It also has a hint of a retro aesthetic, making it versatile to style. You can display some showy blooms in this tall clay vase, like tulips or sunflowers.

There are so many options for styling your houseplants with Mocha Mousse planters and vases, all of which have their own unique touch. If you love Pantone's Color of the Year just as much as we do, you might be interested in other ways to decorate with brown to embrace 2025's winning hue.

How to keep a home clean with a real Christmas tree – 6 steps to keep the magic alive and the mess away

Chiana Dickson — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Real Christmas trees are magical. With the fresh smell of pine and the excitement of picking out the perfect one to bring home and decorate with your family, there is nothing quite like it.

However, the magic can start to wain when your real Christmas tree starts to drop needles, leak sap, and smell bad. So how do you keep a home clean with a real fir in the mix, and extend the magic a little longer?

We asked professional cleaners for their top cleaning tips for keeping a home spic and span with a real tree.

How to keep your home clean with a real Christmas tree

Bringing home a real tree means committing to cleaning up regularly and watering a Christmas tree to keep it looking its best for longer. Failing to consider good tree maintenance is one of the most common real Christmas tree mistakes and can lead to unwanted smells.

Here’s how to easily incorporate Christmas tree care into your cleaning routine to keep things tidy, and your home smelling good this Christmas.

1. Shake it out before bringing it in

(Image credit: Future / Tom Leighton )

Before bringing a Christmas tree home, always shake it out, suggests Tim Conn, co-founder, cleaning expert, and president at Image One USA, ‘Before bringing your Christmas tree inside, give it a good shake outside to dislodge any loose needles.’

Shaking your tree thoroughly can also help to dislodge any bugs or pests before you accidentally bring them inside, so you won’t have to spend Christmas day running around with homemade bug sprays or vacuuming your ceiling.

2. Keep it watered

(Image credit: Alamy)

If your Christmas tree is drying out, it is more likely to drop needles and make a mess. Taylor Riley, cleaning professional and founder of Boom. facility Service Advisors says, ‘The first step to keeping your house clean during Christmas with a real tree is simple: keep it watered. A hydrated tree lasts longer and drops fewer needles overall.’

Using a tree stand with an integrated water reservoir, available at Walmart, is the best way to keep your tree hydrated and reduce the risk of it falling over.

To stop dropped pined blocking your vacuum cleaner, head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, says, 'Use a dustpan and brush to gather and remove the majority of the pine needles. I made the mistake one Christmas of vacuuming heavy pine drops and blocked my canister vacuum. Now I gather the bulk with a long handled dustpan and brush, available on Amazon, gathering them from the outside perimeter inwards. Then, I vacuum the rest.'

Amazon's Choice

Hortican 0.3 Gallon/34oz. Indoor Watering Can

This festively red watering can comes with a long spout so it is easier to reach your tree reservoir without having to crawl underneath it.

3. Vacuum daily

(Image credit: Dyson)

Generally speaking, when it comes to how often you should vacuum, we recommend twice a week. As soon as you bring a real tree home, however, this should increase to every day – at least around your tree.

Tim Conn, cleaning expert says, ‘When cleaning around the tree, vacuum regularly with a handheld or stick vacuum designed for hardwood floors. If you are having trouble sweeping all the needles, a rubber broom can help get the stragglers.’

Taylor Riley, cleaning professional also agrees that the best cordless vacuum is a good investment for this, saying, ‘Another game-changer for me is having a cordless vacuum within arm’s reach. Needles seem to appear out of nowhere, so a quick vacuum session every couple of days keeps things looking tidy. The cordless design makes it easy to get around without dealing with plugs or cords, saving time and hassle.’

If you fancy the splurge and don’t want to spend all your Christmas cleaning, picking the best robot vacuum will keep your floor neat without any effort. Especially if you pick a self-emptying model such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni robot which our Solved editor, Punteha van Terheyden reviewed and adored as a busy homeowner with chronic pain. However, it is is advised to use this for general, not pine needle vacuuming as the robot may become blocked or damaged.

H&G pick

Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop

This root vacuum is one of the more expensive models on the market, but it is also one of the best, with self emptying features, a vacuum, and a mop, there is little it cannot do for you.

Best lightweight

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Origin Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Rated H&G's best lightweight cordless vacuum, the Dyson offers superior suction at a fraction of the weight, making it ideal for quick clean ups all over the home. This model is one of our best cordless vacuums and the one our home tech editor Dan Fauzi uses in their home.

Amazon's Choice

Black+decker Dustbuster Quickclean Cordless Handheld Vacuum

If you are looking for an even quicker way to stay on top of Christmas mess, a small handheld vacuum is the way to go. This surprisingly powerful handheld vac will quickly clear up dropped needles without the need to lug a whole vacuum out of the closet.

4. Use a tree skirt

(Image credit: Balsam Hill)

Christmas tree skirt ideas do more than add to your Christmas decor and offer a place for your presents. They are a top tool in protecting your flooring from a real tree and keeping your home clean.

Taylor Riley, cleaning professional, reminds us, ‘No matter how diligent you are about watering, some needles will still fall – it's inevitable. To tackle this, I’ve always relied on a good tree skirt [such as this best-selling knitted tree skirt, from Walmart, which comes in seven colors]. Not only does it add a nice decorative touch, but it also catches the majority of those fallen needles. When it’s time to clean up, I can just take the skirt outside and shake it off to get rid of the mess in one go.’

Our interiors team have hunted down beautiful tree skirt ideas.

Matching stockings

Lya Tree Skirt

Who said tree skirts are old fashioned? This stunning option from Anthropologie would make a gorgeous addition to any indoor tree scene this Christmas. It's made of cotton, rayon and polyester so should be safe to machine wash on cool.

5. Keep your tree ventilated

(Image credit: Stars United Europe)

While we might have shut up our windows to keep our homes warm over winter, it is still important to improve ventilation in your home and around your tree to prevent musty odors.

Tim Conn, cleaning expert explains that, ‘Ventilation is key to keeping your house fresh during the winter, especially with a real Christmas tree. Ensuring proper airflow around the tree can prevent it from becoming musty. Consider including a humidifier to decrease the amount of dry air throughout the house.’

Punteha, head of Solved brought home a freshly cut tree from a Christmas tree farm and the entire tree was wet through from heavy rain. She popped on her small dehumidifier from Amazon, next to the tree and the branches and pines were dry within two hours, without adding excess humidity to the living room.

There are, of course, several ways to make your home smell good for Christmas, but they should only ever be used to supplement the smell of your real tree, not mask bad odors if your Christmas tree smells bad.

Amazon's Choice

Levoit Top Fill Humidifier, 2.5l Tank

This small humidifier is surprisingly powerful, with a large tank that allows for 25 hours of continuous use.

6. Use rubbing alcohol or ice for tree sap

(Image credit: Future)

Cleaning up Christmas tree sap and pine resin is a tough task, but one you have to stay on top of if you don’t want to permanently damage your home or furnishings.

Tim Conn, cleaning expert, says, ‘Wear gloves when handling your tree to avoid transferring sap to furniture, floors, clothes, or more. If sap does get on any surfaces, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer works well for efficient removal. For sap stuck on fabric, use an ice cube to freeze the sap and harden it, then gently scrape it off with a butter knife.’

Rubbing alcohol is great for many cleaning tasks around the home, though there are some things you should never clean with rubbing alcohol to prevent damage or discoloration, including leather and natural stone surfaces such as granite and marble.

Undilted

Forpro 99% Isopropyl Alcohol

This undiluted rubbing alcohol will help to loosen sticky tree sap and kill bacteria.

Three blades

Hyper Tough 4 in Soft Scraper

This glass and tile scraper is perfect for removing sticky sap and resin from floors and comes with three spare blades.

Extra thick

Ultra Durable Work Gloves

These highly rated work gloves are extra durable, making them perfect for moving a Christmas tree without hurting yourself on the sharp branches.

When choosing a Christmas tree, look at trees that look healthy and do not have drooping or browning needles for a tree that will last longer in your home. Be on the lookout for pests, too, as this can reduce the integrity of your tree and cause more mess and havoc by Christmas day.

Next, learn about the DIY deodorizing spray that banished bad Christmas tree smells for our head of Solved.

Have you heard of putz houses? Turns out these 100-year-old, folky German houses are just what my Christmas decor was missing

Charlotte Olby — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Are you looking for a new addition to your traditional Christmas decor? After much digging, I'm making a case for this 100-year-old German tradition that is the answer to all my whimsical, folky Christmas dreams.

Sure, we all know the Christmas decorating classics: tree ornaments, fairy lights, pine cones, Christmas wreaths, and Christmas garlands, but have you ever considered a putz house or two?

The charm of the vintage Christmas decor trend isn't fading just yet, so I've been on the hunt for something sugary sweet, and totally retro to add to my collection of paper garlands, mercury baubles, and icicle tinsel. Here, I'm making a case for the return of putz houses.

What is a 'putz house'?

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

So I'm sure you're wondering what is a 'putz house' anyway?

These miniature festive houses hail from Germany and became popular in the early 20th century, around 100 years ago. Designed to look like little festive European homes with pitched roofs and pretty decor, the name comes from the German word putzen, which means 'to decorate' or 'to adorn'.

Usually around 5-10 inches tall, the original versions were typically handmade using paper or cardboard and accessorized with glitter to create a nostalgic Christmas village to display on the mantel, window, or under the tree. When you bring a cluster of them together, they create an enchanting, magical display that is perfect for capturing that cozy, vintage Christmas vibe we're all seeking.

Today, you'll find them made from paper, ceramic, or wood and can pick them up from Target for as little as $5, shop handcrafted versions from small sellers, or go all out and score this rare Complete set of 8 Christmas Putz Houses at 1st Dibs that is currently selling for just under $7,000. Here are a few of my favorites I have found to shop now in time for Christmas.

10.5" Blue Paper Putz Townhouse Curved Roof Christmas Village House w/LED Light

Surprisingly, Amazon have a great selection of handmade putz houses from small sellers including this pretty pink townhouse complete with miniature red bows. I want to move in.

Four Printed Putz Houses Made In U.S.A

Dating from the early 1940s and made in the U.S.A, these four vintage putz houses depict a snowy chalet scheme and are in great condition. They might be tiny and a little fragile, but nothing does it like the real thing.

Lit LED Paper House Christmas Village Building

This light-up LED paper house from Target is just as sweet as its vintage counterparts. I love the soft green color scheme and mini car, this will cast a warm glow from your mantel once you add the included batteries.

Clay Light-Up Mantel Village Houses

Super sturdy thanks to being made from clay, these intricately decorated village houses from Pottery Barn are finished with a hint of glitter and gingerbread-style trim. They also have LED bulbs fitted inside.

Vintage Putz Christmas Tree House Diorama

Another rare vintage find, these 6 little pink, blue, and white glittered houses hail from 1950s Japan (the seller has noted a stamp on the bottom). Sure, shopping vintage isn't budget-friendly, but they're so irresistibly charming.

Paper Village Wreath

For a more contemporary take, the team at Terrain has adorned this large faux foliage wreath with tiny, colorful paper putz houses and brush trees for a really cheerful addition to your front door.

Cozy Christmas Illuminated Mini Paper Houses Set Of 3

MacKenzie-Childs home decor is always hand-crafted and hand-painted, so to get this set for just under $90 feels like a good deal. Featuring her signature check print, they're a lovely mix of old and new charm.

Christmas Village Houses

These 2 coordinating houses from Amazon are full of rustic charm. Made from wood, they can be powered with 2AA batteries to glow from within. I love the bottle trees and soft pink roofs.

Paper Source North Pole Village Crafting Kit House

Finally, if you feel like doing a little DIY, this crafting kit from Anthropologie helps you to build 3 houses, 3 delicately decorated trees, 1 mailbox (for Santa, of course), and a clock. A fun stocking filler for sure.

If you’re looking to add a unique and personal touch to your Christmas decorations, putz houses might just be the missing piece you've been looking for. Beyond just being super cute, they embody a rich heritage of craftsmanship and will bring a sense of warm nostalgia to your home.

I've covered every major sale event since 2021 – here are 4 tips to maximize your savings this Black Friday

Dan Fauzi — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0000

As H&G's home tech editor and an eCommerce journalist of three years, I've covered all there is to know about getting the most bank for your buck during major sale events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

During I've learned some simple but very effective tricks to make sure I'm finding the best deals, quickly, every time. Amidst the Black Friday rush, you'll find brands and retailers flashing exciting deals with new, low prices on products you've never heard of. To cut through the noise and to make sure you're only shopping for genuinely good deals, here are four simple tips to get it right.

Follow these steps when you're shopping for the best Black Friday home deals to find the lowest prices on goods you actually want.

1. Shop online

(Image credit: Amazon)

Gone are the days where shoppers would rush into stores as soon as they're open. While it might seem more exciting to be able to get hands-on with the products you're buying, you're almost certainly going to be seeing a lesser selection of goods and offers.

In-store you're limited to each retailer's pricing and stock. Online, you can browse the same product across countless stores to find the best price, and you'll have plenty more choice when shopping around.

2. Do your research first

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're looking for something specific – say, for example, a Black Friday air fryer deal – research the exact model or models you want before the sales start. When the deals start landing and products start selling out, you don't want to slow yourself down by comparing which reduced air fryer is the right one for you.

Also, Black Friday sales are notorious for flashy, 'bigger-than-ever' deals that draw you in with their huge savings. While these might be great for casual shoppers, in my experience they're often older models that people wouldn't have usually bought, or exaggerated discounts, where retailers raise the prices beforehand so that the discount looks bigger on the day.

To do proper research, read reviews from publications rather than online user reviews, as it's not always easy to know whether they're genuine or not. We've reviewed hundreds of products at Homes & Gardens, including the best air fryers, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers and pizza ovens.

Once you know what you're looking for, you can ignore the noise and go straight to where your product is the cheapest, leading to my next point...

3. Use price comparison tools

(Image credit: Getty Images/Timm Cleasby Photography)

I use a few tools to make sure I'm only providing the absolute best deals to our readers: Google Shopping, Honey, and CamelCamelCamel.

Once you know what product you're looking to buy, search for it on Google Shopping. Rather than visiting each online retailer to find where it's cheapest, Google Shopping will display them all side-by-side. It's a quick and easy way to find the lowest price.

Honey works similarly. You can install it as an extension on your browser so that, whenever you're on a product page, it'll automatically detect whether it's cheaper elsewhere, and will occasionally show any available promo codes for even further discounts. Honey will also show price history for a product up to the past 120 days, an incredibly helpful feature for finding out whether the deal is a genuinely good price or an exaggerated discount.

Google Shopping and Honey won't always display the same selection of retailers, so I recommend consulting both to make sure nothing's missed.

And finally, if you're shopping on Amazon, use CamelCamelCamel to get detailed insight into the product you're buying. Unlike Honey, Camel will display price history from the moment the product was launched on the site, so you're able to know whether it's the lowest price ever.

4. Utilize subscriber promos

(Image credit: QVC)

If you've never shopped at an online store before, chances are they'll have an option to subscribe to their email newsletter with an incentive like: '10% off your first order.' Make the most of this. You can always unsubscribe immediately after (which I recommend to keep your emails tidier), or you can stay subscribed for early access to any future deals or new releases.

Next, browse our editors' handpicked selection of the best home deals in the Black Friday sales:

Could the viral 'burr basket' trend be the answer to all your gifting dilemmas? Here's how I'm building mine ahead of the holidays

Charlotte Olby — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest holiday gifting trends for 2024 has, unsurprisingly, come from TikTok. And the viral 'burr basket' could just be the easiest, go-to gifting idea I've found this year.

Also referred to as a 'jingle basket', this hamper alternative is a cheat sheet to creating a basket of the best home decor gifts and coziest self-care goodies to encourage a loved one to spend a little time in the slow lane, lower their shoulders, and snuggle up this festive season.

As a shopping expert, it is my job to find the most stylish gifts and home decor on the market, so if you're looking to give the coziest (and most on-trend) gift this Thanksgiving or Christmas, here's my checklist to creating your own super chic, budget-friendly 'burr basket'.

How to create your own 'burr basket' for the holidays

If, like me, you feel like you've used up possibly every good gift idea going by now, perhaps curating a 'burr basket' could be the answer to your gifting woes.

Typically filled with warm and welcoming buys that help your giftee plan the ultimate winter night in, this gift doesn't need to cost the earth. Similar to a stocking, think about adding a plush throw blanket, slippers or socks, chocolate, candy, beauty gifts, and some personalized treats too. I'd also recommend throwing in a Netflix Gift Card from Amazon so they can watch Nancy Meyers' movies on repeat over the holidays.

Here are the 15 best buys I've found to help you curate a 'burr basket' of dreams.

Rattan Basket

Of course, you need to start with the actual basket. You can grab a cheap Small Woven Bag from Amazon with a gift bag and ribbons, or look for something you think they'll reuse like this chic rattan basket from H&M.

Poinsettia Wool Cashmere Crew Socks

Cozy socks or fluffy slippers are a mainstay of the 'burr basket'. These Italian yarn blend socks from The Six Bells are sure to make their day a little brighter (and warmer).

Gratitude Journal Daily Affirmations with Simple Guided Format

There is plenty of research to encourage the idea that keeping a journal helps with reducing stress and boosting your mood. This daily gratitude journal is a simple yet powerful way to help a loved one relax.

Fireside Cozy Sherpa Reversible Throw

Crafted in the softest sherpa, this Fireside throw has been designed with reversible contrasting sides and can even be monogrammed for the perfect personalized gift.

Archivist Celestial Matchbox

A lovely box of matches is always a good gift idea, at any time of year. They make for super chic coffee table decorations but even better when placed in a burr basket with beautiful candles.

Velvet Clover Pillow by Sarah Sherman Samuel

A throw pillow is an optional addition to the basket but makes for a lovely touch. Keep it something neutral and you can't go wrong. This Velvet Clover Pillow will bring a playful edge to their pillowscaping.

Icon Holiday Taper Candles, Set of 2

It wouldn't be Christmas without candles and these icon taper candles from Anthropologie are the cozy girls answer to their beloved, viral icon glassware. I love the candy cane design, but there's a Christmas tree iteration too.

Bath Fizzies, Set of 6 Woods

Now you can certainly go mad and throw in a load of lip balms and sheet masks, but I love the idea of something more indulgent like these bath fizzies that give off a relaxing spicy, woody fragrance.

Craftmix Cozy Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot cocoa sachets are an inexpensive addition to the 'burr basket' to help satisfy their sweet tooth over the holidays. With 12 individual packets, this packet will set them up for a rather yummy winter.

14oz Christmas Theme Stoneware Mugs - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

I think a really nice, good-quality mug is always a great gift idea. This set of matching Christmas mugs has been designed with Joanna Gaines' Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia for Target to help you get her signature style for less.

The Art of Home - by Shea McGee (Hardcover)

Personally, I'd love to receive a coffee table book or two this Christmas. Shea McGee's The Art of Home was an instant New York Times bestseller, taking you through every room of the house with her expert tips.

NEOM - Happiness Travel Candle, 125g

When shopping for candles, I always try to go one step further and pick a scent that really speaks to my giftee. For example, Happiness by Neom was actually my own wedding scent and will always remind me of the happiest day.

Holiday Bookstore Paint By Number Kit

Encourage a little crafternoon with a nifty kit like this paint-by-numbers set that depicts a pretty holiday-themed bookstore. You could also add in a crochet kit, or pottery kit for some much-needed craft therapy.

Anya Hindmarch Eyes Intarsia Wool-Blend Hot Water Bottle Cover

Perfect for keeping toasty over the cooler months, this luxury hot water bottle comes dressed in designer Anya Hindmarch's playful eye icon. Made from a soft wool blend it is the perfect accompaniment to a cozy night in.

Christmas Baubles Tree Candle

Made from 100% refined paraffin wax and topped off by cheery bauble details, this Christmas tree-shaped candle is almost too cute to burn. Almost.

Whether you’re creating a self-care-inspired basket, a movie-night kit, or a holiday treat hamper, this viral gifting idea is as simple as it is sumptuous: a cozy, curated basket filled with holiday treats, plush textures, and soothing self-care goodies. Will you be creating a 'burr basket' this Christmas?

The best places to buy holiday decorations 2024 – H&G's edit of where to shop this Black Friday

Hebe Hatton — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:32:08 +0000

Shopping for Christmas decorations is such a joy. Seeing what quirky trends brands have decided to go for, thinking about what you want to add to your collection this year and getting excited to get your decorations up and in the festive spirit.

I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas decorations, I have my well-loved pieces that come out time and time again, but every year I do like to add to my set up with a few special new additions and it's these stores I always head to first.

So if you too are looking to expand your collection, or if it's time for a whole new look for the holidays, these are the best places to shop for wonderful Christmas decorations. No matter what style you like to go for in your home these stores will have you covered, and bonus, so many have Black Friday sales on right now so it's the perfect time to get shopping.

The best places to buy Christmas decorations this Black Friday

I'll go into plenty of details on why these stores are the go-to for holiday decs below, but if you are itching to get shopping here are the deals going on at H&G favorite stores right now:

Shop 30% off the Anthropologie Holiday Collection (plus an extra 40% off sale too)
Shop up to 40% off holiday decor at Pottery Barn
Shop up to 50% off Christmas trees, decorations and more at Target
Shop 25% off site-wide at Magnolia
Shop up to 50% off Christmas decorations at Amazon
Shop up to 30% off site-wide at Lulu & Georgia
Shop 30% off the Christmas Collection at Lenox
Shop 30% off holiday decor at Terrain

Anthropologie

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

If you like cutesy decor that's a bit quirky and fun, Anthropologie is the place to shop holiday decor. They have some beautifully classic pieces too, like the festive take on their iconic Bistro Tile Collection, and their faux wreaths and garlands are some of the most realistic I have seen. What I love about the Anthro holiday collection is it's filled with the kind of pieces that become heirlooms, the kind of decor that you keep for decades and can bring joy year after year.

These are my top three buys from the 2024 collection, all with 30% off right now for Black Friday, so be quick!

Home For The Holidays Monogram Ornament

Anthropologie is known for its love of monograms and there's plenty in the holiday collection. This ornament is a best seller this year, and it's easy to see why, the mini snow globe style is a classic. I also think this would make for a lovely hosting gift too, tied around a bottle of something tasty.

Satin Bow Garland

This bow garland has gone viral on social media, so have been in and out of stock in the last few week, but right now they are in stock and on sale too!

Pre-Lit Faux Cedar Garland, Evergreen 72-108"

For a faux garland, this looks incredibly lush and organic, and is so low maintenance because it's already pre-lit with tiny glowing bulbs. Wrap it around a banister or along a mantle for an easy festive decor idea.

Pottery Barn

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

Pottery Barn does so many different styles of Christmas decor, but I think what it does best is classic, slightly rustic pieces. Think plaid and lots of green and red and there's a bit of vintage, nostalgic feel going on here too. There's also up to 40% off most of the holiday collection for Black Friday, making already affordable pieces even more of a bargain. These are the stand out pieces in my cart.

Gingerbread Felt Ornaments - Set of 6

Cute and classic these gingerbread ornaments have been best sellers this year. There's a whole gingerbread theme going on at Pottery Barn this year so plenty of pieces you can pick up to match this set.

Handwoven Vine Tree Collar

You can spend hours perfecting your tree decor so don't let it be brought down by an unsightly base. A collar is a chic and simple way to ensure it looks lovely from head to toe, and a woven one like this is subtle enough to work with any decor scheme.

Handcrafted Ceramic Gingerbread Train

This gingerbread train has the potential to become a real Christmas staple, the sort of piece you bring out every year to hold candy canes or festive favors. Pop it on a mantel or make it the centerpiece of your festive table.

Target

(Image credit: Target)

Target is a great place to shop chic and affordable Christmas decorations. I usually head straight to their collections with designers Shea McGee and Joanna Gaines. The Threshold designed with Studio McGee and the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia are both ways to create these designers iconic modern rustic look in your own home at really reasonable prices.

Eucalyptus Ribbon Artificial Wreath - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Red and green are of course a classic combination at Christmas, as is a wreath so pair them together for the most festive of looks. For such an affordable prices this wreath and Studio McGee's collection with Target looks lush and organic.

11"x13.86" Christmas Tree Framed Wall Art - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Art is an underrated and really easy way to bring the holiday spirit to your decor. This Christmas tree design in a gold frame has a decidedly vintage feel to it and would be perfect leaned on a mantle or shelving for a quick and simple festive update.

4pc Hammered Gold Metal Bird Ornaments Gold - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

If you are after some tree decorations that will make a statement but still feel timeless, these bird ornaments would be perfect. At just $5 each they are sure to make your Christmas tree look more expensive without having to splurge.

Evergreen & Winterberry Christmas Wreath - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

Another classic red and green wreath, this time from Joanna Gaines' collection at Target. This has a lovely rustic, handmade feel to it and it's actually real dried foliage!

5' Decorative Brass Bell Christmas Garland - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

I've seen garlands like this going for double, even triple the price of this one! $14.99 is an amazing price. I'd buy a couple and actually use them in my tree string up along with the fairy lights within the branches.

Faux Winterberry Stems Christmas Arrangement - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

An easy way to elevate a holiday tablescape is a big vase of foliage. Joanna is always posting helpful videos about decorating with foliage, so pick up some from her Target range and head over to her Instagram for plenty of styling inspiration.

Amazon

It's might surprise you to see Amazon in a round-up for the best places to shop Christmas decorations, but their range is vast and there so much good stuff to be found, not to mention at great prices. I swear by shopping storefronts if you are after the good stuff quickly. My go-to is designer Drew Scott (A.K.A Lone Fox), his store font with beautiful, unexpected picks.

12pcs Burgundy Velvet Bows for Christmas Tree Decorations Wreath Garland Velvet Bows with Twist Tie

Bows were a big decor trend last year and the love has continued into 2025. Last year I tied velvet ribbons to my tree and put them away to use again this year but they have got so creased and sad-looking I am going to order some more robust pre-made ones. Nailing two trends in one here with the burgundy too.

72" Christmas Artificial Norfolk Pine Garland

Garlands can get expensive, especially if you want really full-looking real ones but Amazon has plenty of affordable options. This one features on Drew's storefront and has some rave reviews.

NICROLANDEE Christmas Party Decorations - 6

These honeycomb paper tree decorations have been on my wishlist for a while. Made from durable paper that won't tear when folded, they have glitter edges and a magnet to close them together.

Lenox

(Image credit: Lenox)

If you love kitschy, vintage Christmas decor Lenox is the place for you to head. This brand has gone viral in the last few months for its nostalgic aesthetic. There's lots of gorgeous crockery and serveware on there that would be ideal for hosting over the holidays, and so much gift inspiration too. Plus, Lenox has an amazing Black Friday sale going on right now so you can save on some really gorgeous, luxurious products across the whole of the site. And you can save a further 30% off some pieces with the code SAVEBIG.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas 12-Piece Mini Ornaments

An iconic set of decorations that takes the classic Grinch characters and motifs and makes them even sweeter. As with many Lenox pieces, these are collectibles that will become those sentimental pieces you bring out year after year.

Twelve Days of Christmas 12-Piece Mini Ornament Set

These were the first new Christmas decorations I bought this year. They already look like they have been in my collection for decades the design and make so classic and such good quality. I was thinking about using these on the tree, but I think they deserve more attention so I am going to hang from the garland on my mantle.

Tree In Snow Globe Ornament

A snow globe is such a nostalgic holiday motif and so many brands have brought them into their collections in some form or another this year. This is a super luxe take on the decoration (and at such a great price in the sale too).

IKEA

(Image credit: IKEA)

If you love Scandi Christmas decor IKEA has you covered. Their collection impresses me every year and the prices are unbeatable! Their 2024 offering has a lovely folksy-feel to it that's very on trend this year but also a timeless theme.

VINTERFINT Heart-Shaped Tree Ornament

These assemble-yourself heart-shaped ornaments offer an easy opportunity for loved ones and little ones to help trim the tree. Creating both cute and affordable decor and a nice cozy activity for a winter afternoon.

VINTERFINT Wall Decoration

This wall-mounted 'Christmas tree' has gone viral for being the answer to anyone with a small space wanting to add a Christmas tree. Even if you aren't tight on space, this would be the perfect decoration for a kid's room or more practical space like a kitchen.

STRÅLA LED Table Decoration

Minimalist yet rustic, these little houses (which also glow) would look lovely dotted through some greenery or add to your normal coffee table display to give it a festive touch.

I've been styling homes for the holidays for decades – these are the timeless themes I see year after year

pippa.blenkinsop@futurenet.com (Pippa Blenkinsop) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:30:40 +0000

One of the wonderful perks of being an interior stylist for magazines is being welcomed into people’s beautiful homes at Christmas time. It really is a highlight in the calendar being able to transform homes into magical wonderlands or to simply style up festive scenes and decorating ideas in the photo studio.

Over the years I’ve styled all manner of properties, from small country cottages to large manor houses, and throughout that time I've seen a number of Christmas decorating ideas come and go, however, there are certain looks that I find endure year after year.

Below I've rounded up my favorite looks for styling timeless Christmas schemes from traditional berry tones and festive foliage to rustic Scandi looks along with some handy decorating tips.

(Image credit: Future/Malcolm Menzies)

5 timeless Christmas decor styles

When it comes to creating timeless Christmas decor you can't go wrong with seasonal evergreen foliage. Garlands, wreaths and centerpieces made from fresh fir, pine, holly and ivy are guaranteed to bring a festive yet sophisticated feel. Evergreen seasonal foliage forms the foundation of many festive schemes and can be styled up with extra decorations in order to capture myriad looks – it's definitely my go to.

For me, the key to decorating is to complement your existing decor and not to overpower it. Decorations in subtle champagne, gold and antique brass hues are wonderfully versatile as they will bring seasonal sparkle without taking away from your room scheme and work beautifully paired with all manner of colors. Additionally, you can't go wrong with handcrafted decorations for a touch of fun and unique charm

'The key to any Christmas decor scheme is consistency, pick a theme and stick to it throughout your space. Layer textures, experiment with lighting, and incorporate natural materials to make your decor feel elevated yet welcoming,' says Sophia Ayrton-Grime, Interior Designer and Founder of Atelier Raff. 'Most importantly, remember that Christmas is about creating a warm, joyful environment for those you love.'

1. Traditional berry reds with green

(Image credit: Future/Malcolm Menzies)

When styling a lived-in home I always try to stay true to the homeowner’s ethos, bringing in a few carefully chosen pieces inspired by the aesthetic and palette used throughout the room I’m styling. In period homes, a traditional scheme of berry red and gold is a seasonal styling staple.

A classic palette of red and green featuring swathes of fresh foliage with hints of gold is the classic combination for capturing the nostalgia of Christmases past. I like to incorporate a variety of seasonal foliage as well as potted bulbs and amaryllis in red and berry tones.

However, what I often find is that tonal variations on this classic theme can be far more enduring. Rather than pairing bright red and with forest green and bright yellowish, dazzling golds, I tend to go a bit more subtle and pair pinky plums and berry reds with muted gold or antique brass. These tones tend to feel less gaudy and have a mellowness that works beautifully with the aged surfaces and patinas of wood and stone. Alternatively adding in touches of navy works well, too.

In this traditional cottage, I opted for a scheme of berry red and green but dotted in pops of blue and brown paper for a twist on the traditional look.

(Image credit: Susie Watson)

Homeware and furniture designer Susie Watson offers an array of homewares which I often turn to when it comes to styling period homes for the festive season. 'I am hugely inspired by the colors in nature, rich reds, burnt oranges, and deep greens make the most delicious combination - for me deep reds, plum, dark greens, and gold are the colors that mean Christmas,’ says Susie Watson.

‘It’s not just about decorations at Christmas, it’s about making your home feel warm and cozy, too. I love to add plenty of cushions in rich tones and in a mix of fabrics to create a welcoming, layered look. Fringed velvet and silk cushions alongside muted rustic linens and plaid wool throws in rich jewel tones work wonderfully for a timeless scheme. Sumptuous velvets and silk catch the light beautifully. And of course, no Christmas scheme is complete without candlelight and a real Christmas tree.’

(Image credit: Sarah K)

A berry-toned, block-printed tablecloth is a wonderful way to set the tone for a festive table. The small-scale decorative pattern brings a comforting and eclectic feel which I love – I find plain red tablecloths can sometimes feel too bold.

'Berry and plum tones are just as Christmassy, particularly when paired with copper and gold or silver decorations, and lots of candlelight,' says Sarah Kostoris, founder of home brand Sarah K. 'You could use red grapes, and figs and lots of green foliage to decorate the table for a classic feel.'

(Image credit: Phillip Thomas Interiors)

Pine Eucalyptus Cypress Artificial Garland - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Designed with Shea McGee for Target, this holiday faux pine garland is laced with red berries and burgundy leaves for an elevated take on the classic red and green combo.

30" Faux Fern & Olive Wreath

It doesn't get more timeless than a deep green, lush wreath dotted with red berries. This one from McGee & Co. is made even more luxurious with a velvet bow.

Festive Bistro Tile Pie Dish

The red and green combo isn't just for college, bring it to the table with this classic pie dish design from Anthropologie.

New York City-based Interior designer Phillip Thomas is a big fan of the traditional red and green scheme, pairing it with pops of tartan and traditional blue and white tableware.

'I love to decorate our home with our favorite, timeless holiday decor each Christmas. We deck the halls with fresh Cypress Norfolk Pine, Cedar, and White Pine garland strewn on every surface or in vases mixed with holly and pine cones, twinkling lights that catch all of the sparkling ornaments just right, a swish of a classic tartan plaid tablecloth from Ralph Lauren or Williams Sonoma layered with our favorite Spode 'Blue Italian' plates that we have used for years for our holiday meals,' says Phillip.

2. Scandi Woodland

(Image credit: Furniture Village)

Nordic and Scandinavian countries do Christmas decor so well. There’s something magical about a timber-clad home in the snowy woodland decorated with rustic natural materials and folksy decorations like gingerbreads and dried oranges with brown paper packages nestled under the tree.

The great thing about this look is it relies heavily on natural materials, making it wonderfully sustainable. Think foraged foliage, white decorations, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, folding paper stars and pinwheel decorations in a pared-back palette of green and white with hints of red or orange - or even pale blue for an icy Scandinavian Christmas decor scheme. But again, the look isn’t just about decorations – plenty of cozy textures such as chunky woven throws and sheepskins are key, not forgetting plenty of candles.

(Image credit: Kate Marker Interiors / Stoffer Photography Interiors)

'To style a Scandi theme this Christmas, forgo traditional festive pairings of red and gold and instead combine a pared-back color palette with soft sage green tones, natural wood finishes and fresh festive foliage,' advises Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village.

'Carry this theme throughout the home. In the living room, decorate a Christmas tree with rustic decorations crafted from wood or paper and drape foliage, mistletoe, and pinecones across the mantelpiece. This will create a magical woodland feel that nods to the season but is chic and elegant.'

'The dining table is center stage of Christmas celebrations so style an all-white tablescape with just a hint of greenery for a look that exudes festivity,' adds Shelly. 'I also like to incorporate a wooden branch suspended from the ceiling and styled with a cluster of Christmas decorations to elevate this space. Focusing your decoration overhead also means more room for tableware and glassware – perfect for busy festive gatherings.'

(Image credit: Layered Lounge)

White Christmas decorations are always a timeless choice because they are so versatile. They work wonderfully with a Scandi scheme, but can also be used in more elegant schemes when paired with metallics and sparkle.

'While we also adore a traditional color palette, I think customers are drawn to the simple elegance of white at Christmas. A Christmas tree dressed with white ceramic decorations is strikingly impactful, and they can easily be incorporated into other color schemes. This year, we have some wonderful white ceramic Christmas trees that are ideal for dressing a mantelpiece or clustering together along the center of the dining table,' says Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge.

Glazed Stoneware Holiday Dessert Bowls (Set of 4)

Fun yet classic with a handmade look, these Scandi-style glazed stoneware bowls will make a showstopper out of dessert this Christmas.

Stargazer Twinkling Northstar Twine Lights

Starburst lights are such a fun take on traditional fairy lights and do have a more Scandi feel, especially if you wind them through some bare branches to create a display.

Metal Foliage Ornaments (Set of 3)

Understated yet chic, this metal ornaments would look beautiful hung from door or cabinet handles or tie them into a simple garland to add something extra to your mantle decor.

3. Natural foliage

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

There’s no need to go all out with lavish displays during the holiday season, fresh foraged foliage and candlelight is all you need to create a magical atmosphere. If I’m looking to style up a timeless and elegant Christmas scheme then, fresh foliage is always my go-to. Creating wreaths, garlands and hanging centerpieces with greenery foraged from the countryside works with every style of property.

To make this look extra special use a variety of greenery with different leaf shapes and forms. Holly, fir and ivy are seasonal staples, but all sorts of evergreen foliage can add interest to fresh displays. I love the bluey-tinge of eucalyptus along with certain varieties of conifer as well as bay, skimmia and even Clematis Vitalba with its fluffy seedheads, (also known as Old Man's Beard). Sculptural varieties of pine such as Strobus Pine work well and I always look for varieties with variegated leaves of holly and ivy for extra color and texture.

(Image credit: Hestia Living )

This elegant scheme demonstrates just how effective layering different greenery can be in creating a magical Christmas dining room. Here a suspended table centerpiece of fir and an urn filled with sculptural pine sets the tone for a whimsical dining scheme along with pared-back glass baubles, while green tableware, accessories and decorations bring the scheme to life.

'For this table, we embraced rich and verdant tones of green, layering natural textures of plants and trees with our elegant Epoch tableware collection to evoke the tranquility of a forest setting,' say the team at HestiaLiving Everyday. 'It is a fresh and timeless approach to holiday gatherings, bringing the outdoors in, and celebrating the effortless charm of a natural Christmas.'

(Image credit: Sarah Kaye Representation, photography by Polly Wreford, styling by Sally Denning)

For interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe, natural foliage is her decor of choice. 'To me, decorating for Christmas feels most special when embracing natural elements and including thoughtful touches,' she says.

'Ever since I was small, we would decorate an oversized fresh wreath to adorn the front door. It’s a tradition I now share with my own children. Natural foliage, dried oranges, and fragrant star anise create a welcoming, festive atmosphere. Another favorite is decorating a staircase with garlands to add just the right amount of opulence.'

(Image credit: Future/Adam Carter)

If you don't have time to make a fresh garland or a table centerpiece then just a few sprigs tied together or attached to metal wreaths can make bring a lovely festive touch. Here I added a few sprays to bring a festive feel to this Georgian kitchen.

'The kitchen is a great place to mix in some festive decor. To get started add green pops of color, small festive trees, or switch out to your seasonal dish towels. It’s the little touches that get you into the holiday spirit and make your space feel extra special,' says designer Kate Marker.

4. Festive Champagne sparkle

(Image credit: Future / Malcolm Menzies)

Being a time for joy and celebration Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to introduce a bit of glamour and sparkle to interiors and it's a look that will never date.

For those homeowners that love the luxurious and glamorous look, glittering and reflective decorations are always a favorite. The beauty of opting for a metallic theme is it can work with multiple interior palettes, from jewel tones to soft pastels. When it comes to baubles for the tree glass, beaded, or metallic are a go too for catching the light and creating a magical atmosphere.

Personally, I like to choose soft champagne and antique gold shades along with tarnished mercury glass as these have a warm and timeless quality and add subtle sparkle without overpowering. In this London townhouse, I styled the dining room with soft champagne tones and sparkly details alongside blush and plum hues to complement the antiques and vintage decor.

(Image credit: Future / Malcolm Menzies)

A sparkly scheme works particularly well in a dining room, where it can then effortlessly transition to New Year's parties. 'Christmas is the perfect time of year to make the table look extra special and to add just a little more sparkle,' says Mark Winstanley, creative director at the White Company. 'Beaded placemats and coasters look fantastic and add a magical glow as do mirrored scapers and lots of layers of candles both tall and small. A range of candle holders and tealight holders always looks beautiful, I love to mix clear glass and mercury.'

(Image credit: The White Company)

The sparkly, champagne theme doesn't just work in the dining room, it looks lovely on the tree and over gift-wrapping, too.

'Our champagne-colored stem decorations have an all-over glitter finish, giving a lovely shimmer when they catch the light and can be a perfect present topper,' says Chrissie Rucker, founder of the White Company. 'Our best-selling jute ribbon has been updated with a little sparkle added for extra seasonal shine... a metallic paper in a Christmas green or subtle stripe will look even more stunning when arranged under the tree.'

6' Petite Cone Garland

These little bells add charm and subtle sparkle to any surface. The rustic choice of yarn and the antique quality of the bells are the perfect combination.

Lumiere Paper Party Fans

Still luxurious but with a playful feel, these paper decorations add plenty of subtle sparkle. Hand them from your windows, up the staircase or create a really focal point with them suspended above the table.

Winter Splendor Garland

Subtly sparkling, the garland would bring a touch of elegance to a tablescape, mantel, or staircase. Combine with some micro fairy lights to really bring out the shimmer.

5. Handcrafted Christmas decor

(Image credit: Doodles Christmas tableware by Willow Kemp for Kit Kemp Design Studio )

For Christmas decor with character and charm, but which is also sustainable, you can’t beat handcrafted decorations. Not only do DIY decorations bring a personal and unique touch, making them is also a wonderful festive activity to do with friends and family. Whether it’s making paperchains, hand-printing gift wrap, painting baubles, or crafting a Christmas table centerpiece, making decorations is a lovely way to slow down and embrace moments of calm during what can be a very chaotic time.

(Image credit: Molly Mahon)

'I enjoy creating handmade decorations, such as paper stars, paper chains, or floral garlands that I can make with the children, which we then hang over the table creating a jubilant display. Carnation garlands in hot pinks and reds work fantastically, are so easy to create, and bring me welcome memories of my beloved India,' says keen Christmas crafter and fabric designer Molly Mahon.

'When it comes to gifting, I believe in making it personal, I love to wrap gifts with lots of creative touches and there is nothing more heartfelt than a piece of hand-printed wrap, a jaunty homemade decoration or even a simple, printed card. For me it’s about fun, creativity, and feeling festive surrounded by the people I love – I can’t wait!'

(Image credit: Rowen & Wren)

Even if you don't have time to get creative, there are some simple styling ideas which can bring a lovely homespun feel such as simply adding velvet ribbons to candlesticks or trees.

'The tree is often the centerpiece of your festive decoration, and I love how a simple ribbon bow used on the tree can be mirrored on gifts, table settings, and even used to adorn candlesticks or wall sconces. This repetition ensures a consistent, thoughtful design that brings the whole room together in harmony,’ says Lucy Uren, founder of Rowen & Wren.

(Image credit: Sanderson)

Creative handmade crackers make lovely thoughtful table gifts for friends and family on the big day. Place a gift inside a cardboard tube, wrap it with a piece of patterned fabric, and tie it at each end with a ribbon to match your table decor.

'Handmade fabric crackers are another lovely detail – sustainable, reusable, and full of charm,' says Lauren Gilberthorpe. 'When it comes to decorating, less is always more. Subtle, meaningful details evoke the season beautifully without ever feeling overdone.'

If you are after classic, timeless holidays looks, these are the ones I see time and time again when I am styling homes and working on shoots. The looks slightly change or the 'it' decoration comes and goes but these 5 styles are always on trend in some form or another.

How to make the base of your Christmas tree actually look nice ahead of the great 'treekend' – according to professionals

Charlotte Olby — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

December 1 is nearing ever closer and for those of us who haven't caved and put up the tree already, it is time to get serious about decorating for Christmas ahead of next weekend – a.k.a the great 'treekend'.

When sprucing up the house for the holidays, the Christmas tree often takes center stage. But while we might spend hours fluffing branches, stringing lights, and hanging ornaments, the base of the tree is often overlooked and, according to the experts, it could just be the thing you're missing to make it look professionally styled.

An unsightly stand or a mismatched tree skirt can detract from the festive curation you've worked so hard to perfect. So to help you elevate every inch of your tree, we’ve consulted top festive experts for their favorite ways to cover, conceal, and complete your Christmas tree this year.

7 Chic Ways To Finesse The Bottom Of Your Christmas Tree

(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia x Sarah Sherman Samuel)

'There’s no escaping the fact that the base of trees, whether artificial or real, often look unattractive and a bit of a let-down,' says Gisela Graham, creative director of Gisela Graham. 'The most obvious way to change that is to hide the bottom by covering it with something nicer to look at!'

From easy-to-buy collars and skirts to more unique, DIY takes; here are our 7 expert-led ways to cover the base of your Christmas tree to help you avoid making a Christmas tree decorating mistake this year.

1. Try a flouncy tree skirt

(Image credit: The Six Bells)

One of the simplest ways to enhance the base of your tree is to give it a party skirt of its own. Consider materials and colors that reflect your home’s style, whether it's a cozy, rustic burlap skirt for a farmhouse look or a sleek, striped skirt for a more contemporary take.

'Tree skirts are designed for the task and come in a variety of shapes and styles including those made from fabric that simply wrap around the base, to rigid ones such as wicker that clip together at the back,' advises Gisela.

They're particularly great not only because a tree skirt conceals the often unappealing stand but also adds a touch of elegance or whimsy to your Christmas tree with your desired print, shape, and color.

Furbish Studio Embroidered Sugar Plums Tree Skirt

This candy-themed tree skirt from Furbish Studio for Anthropologie is one for the maximalists and fun-seekers at Christmas. With bold colors and quirky motifs, it's sure to delight.

Diamond Quilted Tree Skirt

Quilted blankets and cushions are all the rage right now and this handmade Christmas tree skirt takes that one step further adding some country charm to your tree.

Sloane Solid Color Burlap Tree Skirt

Add a Farmhouse finishing touch to your display with this ruffled tree skirt. Made from jute, it has a button closure for a tailored finish and can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth.

2. Or a more structured collar

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Tree collars are a fantastic option for those who want a tidy, minimalist appearance to their tree base. They eliminate the faff of repositioning a skirt and, unlike a skirt that drapes, a collar’s rigid structure ensures it stays put, even in busy households with children or playful pets.

'Conceal the stand of artificial Christmas trees beneath a rattan or wicker Christmas tree ring in a natural-themed setting or add luster with a stylish metal-hinged tree ring,' suggests Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox.

Tree rings are designed to fit snugly around the base of your tree, providing a polished and streamlined look that is ideal for smaller spaces. Made from materials like metal, wood, or woven fibers, they are an increasingly popular purchase for hiding the base of your tree trunk.

Scalloped Rattan Basket Tree Skirt

This hand-woven natural rattan tree base cover features a detailed scalloped trim for a whimsical take on traditional structured collars. It comes it two handy pieces to slip it round the tree once decorated.

Antique Silver Finish Tree Collar

Elegant and antique-inspired, this silver tree collar from Joanna Gaines' Magnolia features a hand-drawn design that has then been perforated into the metal for a festive silhouette.

Handcrafted Christmas Tree Collar–28" Check Pattern

For more contemporary Christmas decorators, this on-trend checkerboard tree collar from Amazon is a great find. Adding a touch of retro charm, it is made up of 5 individual pieces for easy storing.

3. Put it in a pot - and paint it

(Image credit: The Roost / Annie Sloan)

If you can find one big and sturdy enough, consider placing your Christmas tree in a decorative pot or planter.

When using a pot or planter, it’s important to secure the tree properly with a tree stand too. You’ll need to nest the stand within the pot and stabilize it using items like sandbags or stones to ensure the tree stays upright while still looking effortlessly stylish. We also suggest lining the interior of the pot with waterproof material to protect it from potential leaks or sap, and to ensure you can keep a real tree watered.

And don't forget to decorate it. The pot has been painted to match the Christmas living room decor but you could try wrapping it in a giant bow or fairy lights.

4. Pack out the bottom with moss

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

'If you don’t fancy splashing out on a skirt or collar, then some clever thinking at home could be just as rewarding,' suggests Gisela. 'Take a look around at things you might already have that could work: crates, baskets, big pots from the garden, craft paper, beautiful lengths of fabric, etc., and get creative.

For a natural and creative way to elevate your tree’s base, consider placing faux moss like this Fake Moss Artificial Moss from Amazon around the base. This creates a lush, organic look that feels both festive and unique.

Moss works especially well with themes that emphasize natural materials and a muted color palette, such as Scandi-inspired or woodland-style Christmas decor.

5. Create a display with logs

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Logs are a fantastic way to give your tree a rustic yet curated look. Whether you arrange some small firewood logs, birch branches, or larger pieces of driftwood, a neat stack of logs can add natural texture and character to your festive setup.

To enhance the display, you can incorporate other decorative elements like faux snow, pinecones, or sprigs of evergreen. Consider adding some fairy lights or battery-operated LED candles (no open flames here!) in hurricane lanterns among the logs. The warm glow will create a magical, fireside-inspired vibe.

'If the tree is real, then you’ll need to remember that access for watering will be necessary,' Gisela advises.

6. Use a giant woven basket

(Image credit: www.layeredlounge.com)

An alternative to a ceramic or tin pot is to place your tree in a big woven or wicker basket for a rustic look.

A basket creates an instant feeling of coziness and grounds the tree beautifully and are particularly effective if you want a natural, earthy vibe that feels relaxed yet modern. Select a basket with a wide enough opening to fit the tree stand comfortably. If the basket is too deep, you can elevate the stand inside by filling the bottom with sturdy materials like bricks or wood blocks and don’t forget to secure the tree to keep it stable.

Added bonus: if your tree is real, a basket is a really great way catch-all for all the falling pine needles meaning you'll have to hoover less. Win-win.

Large Pine Artificial Tree in Basket - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

If you're looking to buy a tree that's ready to go, this large artificial faux pine designed with Studio McGee for Target comes ready nestled in a woven rattan basket.

7. And of course add plenty of presents

(Image credit: Gisela Graham)

'The base of your Christmas tree deserves as much thought as the star at the top,' says Lucy Uren, creative director & founder of Rowen & Wren. 'A beautifully crafted stand provides a sturdy yet stylish foundation, while thoughtfully wrapped presents piled high will add a sense of festive abundance.'

No Christmas tree base is complete without a beautiful array of presents. Thoughtfully wrapped gifts not only bring joy to your loved ones but with the right combination of colors, textures, and arrangements, your presents can become an extension of your holiday theme.

Gisela Graham suggests wrapping up a few faux presents to cover the base, too. 'A variety of different-sized empty boxes will do. Add plenty of ribbon, craft or interesting wrapping papers, and decorations in place of tags and then stack them around the bottom of the tree to give color and interest, and provide an extra layer of disguise for the base.'

Merry Market 3-pack Premium Matte Christmas Wrapping Paper

This set of 3 wrapping paper rolls from Amazon looks so premium. With a whimsical ribbon bow design, solid matte green, and a red candy stripe, you'll get approx 25 gifts wrapped with this set.

Martha Stewart Heloise Bow Topper Kit

Bows and ribbons are a must this year. This bow topper kit by Martha Stewart has a saving of $8 at T.J.Maxx right now and will instantly transform any basic gift wrap.

Dresden Gold Fruit Paper Gift Tags, Set of 10

Take your gift wrap up a notch with these gilded paper gift tags in the shape of festive fruits. At $10 for a set of 10, these are an inexpensive way to elevate simple wrapping.

This year, don’t let the base of your tree fade into the background. Whether your aesthetic leans traditional or modern, you’ll find inspiration here to ensure your Christmas tree shines from top to bottom.

6 things to keep out of your kitchen, according to interior designers

Molly Malsom — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

When designing your kitchen, you likely think of all the features you want to add – but there are a few things to keep out of your kitchen, too, if you want a visually appealing and practical space.

From aesthetic pieces to larger, more practical features, knowing the things to keep out of your kitchen will make designing your space much easier. Plus, it will create a more stylish and functional finish.

To help you find the right locations for your belongings, we've asked interior designers for the things to keep out of your kitchen, and where they should live instead.

6 things to keep out of your kitchen

From layout flaws to smaller fixes, there are always a few things interior designers prefer to keep out of the kitchen. And while they might not all be realistic for your space, there's food for thought here for every space.

1. Powder rooms

(Image credit: Future)

While you might be thinking why would you ever have a powder room in the kitchen, it turns out more than one designer has walked into homes and seen the downstairs toilet connected to the kitchen.

'At all costs, we keep powder rooms far away from kitchens. I cannot believe how many times I enter an existing house and the powder room door is close to a kitchen,' says Seth Ballard, of Ballard & Mensua Architecture.

If you're renovating, consider relocating a powder room elsewhere in your home, whether it's in the hallway or an awkward space below the stairs. 'I always make this a priority to move it. We always put the powder room either off of the foyer, in a separate hallway, or a mudroom,' says Seth.

2. Washers and dryers

(Image credit: Miele)

If you don't have the luxury of a laundry room or a utility room, it's highly likely your washer and dryer live somewhere in your kitchen. But according to Seth, the kitchen really isn't the best place for them.

'I also see people who somewhere along the line got the idea that having laundry in the kitchen is helpful and functional. While louvered doors could separate them, the laundry should always be separated into a different room.'

There are a few alternative options here – a big enough cupboard can house your washer and dryer, or if you have a large bathroom, making space for your appliances here can make all the difference.

3. Oversized decor

(Image credit: Design: DATE Interiors/Photography: Seth Caplan/Styling: Mariana Marcki-Matos)

We love to add decorative elements to a kitchen, but oversized pieces can instantly make your space feel cluttered and potentially impede on much-needed surface space. Instead, keep the bigger decorative items out of the kitchen and prioritize more aesthetic kitchenware.

'We advise clients to keep countertops free of clutter – whether it's decor pieces or small appliances, they don't belong on the countertop,' says Molly Torres Portnof, founder at DATE Interiors.

'Decor is better suited in the entryway or living room, while appliances should be built into the cabinetry or tucked away in a cabinet or appliance garage,' she explains. Smaller decor still has a place in kitchens, preferably on shelving or artwork that can be hung on the walls.

L'Objet Atelier Ionic Wood Salt & Pepper Mills

Hand-carved from natural European oak with elegant brass details, these fluted wood salt and pepper mills are a stunning yet functional addition.

Annetta Kitchen Pendant Light

Kitchen pendant lights are another way to add a decorative element that's also incredibly practical. This design is very similar to the one used by Molly.

Better Homes & Garden Black Wood Cake Stand

While the cake stand in the kitchen above has been used to display fruit, it also looks great filled with baked goods when topped with a glass dome.

4. A drinks fridge

(Image credit: Photography: Brent Darby / Styling: Rebeca De Boehmler )

There are some added luxuries that make hosting so much easier, but having them in your kitchen can make the space feel more crowded – and often less functional than locating them elsewhere.

'Having beverage fridges in the kitchen can lead to frequent interruptions while cooking. By relocating them to a more central area, you allow easy access for everyone without disrupting meal prep or kitchen activities ,' says Sarah Snouffer, founder and principal architect at Third Street Architecture.

'A great spot for a beverage fridge is in a home bar area or multi-purpose room. This keeps it conveniently accessible while ensuring it doesn't disrupt kitchen activities or workflow,' she adds.

5. Picture frames

(Image credit: Vanessa DeLeon)

Creating a cozier, more lived-in feel to a kitchen is all about making the functional more aesthetic, but interior designer Vanessa DeLeon says some decor items should be kept out of the kitchen.

'We prefer to remove picture frames to maintain a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. By eliminating framed artwork, we create a more open and spacious environment, allowing the focus to remain on the functional beauty of the space itself. This approach highlights the natural textures, finishes, and architectural details of the kitchen, ensuring a harmonious, clutter-free design.'

Instead, add beautiful pieces that have a function, as well as look stylish. In this kitchen, a checkered kettle, sculptural vases, and metallic details on the range hood add the decorative details – so picture frames just aren't necessary.

'Instead of using picture frames in the kitchen, we suggest placing them in the family room, where they can serve as a focal point and add personal character to the space. The pictures can be appreciated in a setting that encourages conversation and connection, enhancing the overall design without overwhelming the more utilitarian kitchen space,' she adds.

6. Barware

(Image credit: Studio Todd Raymond/Read McKendree)

In a similar vein to drinks fridges, other barware items, such as cocktail glasses, mixers, and decorative bottles, are another thing to keep out of your kitchen. This will not only reduce clutter but encourage you to find a more functional place for them to live.

'One thing we recommend keeping out of the kitchen is barware and anything used to make cocktails or entertain,' says interior designer Todd Raymond, who recommends relocating them to the room you're likely to use them most.

Keeping these special occasion pieces that you likely only use when hosting means your kitchen countertops remain uncluttered, and your cabinet space can be used for items that you need within easy reach.

'We prefer to put these items on display – or partially on display – on a sideboard in the dining room or even clear a dedicated space on a bookshelf in the living room. Barware can be beautiful and unique in its own way and can contribute to the style and personality of any room.'

Waterfall Red Wine Glasses, Set of 4

Beautiful glassware deserves to be seen. There's something glamorous yet timeless about these fluted wine glassed with a gold rim. Available in four other colors.

The Met x Anthropologie Cocktail Shaker

Every host needs a cocktail shaker to whip up some fancy concoctions. Inspired by Art Nouveau designs, this shaker is a truly elegant addition to your bar.

Morgan Metallic Coupe Glasses, Set of 4

Every home mixologist knows different drinks require different glassware. These coupe glasses feature a festive gold stem – perfect for holiday celebrations.

Everyone's space is different, but according to designers, these are the things to keep out of your kitchen for a functional and visually appealing scheme. It's all about keeping your scheme clutter-free and creating layouts that make sense.

27 stylish Christmas home decor delights even the hardest-to-buy-for homebodies should have on their wishlist

Charlotte Olby — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:01:40 +0000

When it comes to shopping for holiday gifts, choosing the perfect present for the most stylish people in your life can be a bit of a challenge. Often, they're pretty particular (and rightfully so) so finding something that both surprises and delights them is a task usually best left to the elves.

But the good news is, we know exactly what's on their list. How? Because it's on ours too. From tabletop treats to help them eat, drink, and be merry to cozy decorating gifts; there’s something here for every type of homebody on your list.

In our relentless search for the best of the best in home decor, we've curated a list of 27 must-see, unique gift ideas for a range of giftees, styles, and budgets that they will surely love. Whether you’re shopping for a minimalist or a print enthusiast, these thoughtfully chosen gifts are sure to make your loved ones feel extra special this Christmas.

H&G's Christmas Gift Guide For The Most Stylish Giftees

(Image credit: Oho Interiors)

From big-ticket purchases for under the tree to budget-friendly stocking stuffers, our shopping-savvy editor has searched far and wide, dedicating time and energy to curating this list of merry-making gifts so you can simply sit back, scroll, and shop. Unfortunately, we can't do the wrapping for you too...

Radicchio Serving Platter

Made in England, these radicchio leaf-shaped serving dishes are inspired by the paintings of artist Georgia O'Keeffe and come in beautiful shades of pink and red to elevate their table year-round.

Dark Brown Fringed Blanket

Chocolate brown (alongside burgundy) is one of the 'it' colors of this year. Help them to bunker down in style with this cozy, brushed blanket with a playful fringe trim.

Bow Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Do they love to host? Napkin rings are one of those small, indulgent purchases that people tend to begrudge themselves but long to be gifted. These 4 stainless steel bows are so chic.

Sage Green Embroidered Linen Coasters Set of 4

Designed as part of Piglet in Bed's limited-edition collaboration with fashion brand Lisa Says Gah, these embroidered coasters feature playful little picnic motifs and make the perfect stocking filler.

Atlee Bottle Opener

Give their bar cart a serious upgrade with Soho Home's Rosso Levanto marble bottle opener. Surprisingly large IRL, this is a weighty gift and will earn you some brownie points with cocktail lovers.

Personalized Matchbox Sleeve

For something special, Matilda Goad's matchbox sleeves can be embossed with personalized engraved initials, dates, or text to really show someone you care. Choose from a serpent, four-leaf clover, or wave design.

Green Striped Frill-Trimmed Tablecloth

H&M Home make really budget-friendly table linens, like this frilled tablecloth with green stripes. Sure to add some fun to their holiday hosting, pair it with the matching napkins and a big velvet bow.

Sophie Lou Jacbosen Petal Small Glass Plate

If you know they're a fan of the Unexpected Red Theory, they are sure to love this softly curved glass plate by Sophie Lou Jacobsen. Handmade in New York City in small batches, each one is as unique as your giftee.

Furbish Studio Oven Mitt

Made by vibrant home accessory design Furbish Studio, this lively oven mitt has been designed with a handmade block print to elevate the everyday. Gift to the most colorful chef.

Loewe Perfumes Cypress Balls Scented Candle, 350g

Loewe's candles need no introduction. Whether you opt for the 100% wax taper candle, the glazed terracotta vessel, or the new bunny scented candle, there's a scent and shape for everyone on your list.

Mordechai Pillow Cover

Throw pillows can be quite tricky to get right, so opt for something they can layer with personally-chosen prints and motifs like this cushion cover from McGee & Co. Made from 100% linen with soft ruffles.

Daily Stripe Mug

Anthropologie is well-loved for its offering of really great mugs, so you can't go wrong with one under the tree this Christmas. We love the delicate hand-painted stripes of this stoneware mug.

MyOwn Ultra Soft 8-Piece Towel Set - 100% Pure Ringspun Cotton

For someone who has just moved into their first home or is off to college, a gift of new fluffy towels will never go amiss. This bundle has 8 different towels and is available in 26 colors to suit their style.

Bird Seed Cottage

For the one who really has it all, why not try something cute for the garden? This little cottage is bedecked in birdseed to welcome winged visitors to their outdoor space.

"Dogs" by Gray Malin

A coffee table book makes for a great gift and this "Dogs" title by Gray Malin of the most pampered pets in Beverley Hills, London, New York, and Paris is sure to sit pride of place in the home of the classiest canine lovers.

Deep Cherry Red Bobbin Salt or Pepper Mill

Going viral for all the right reasons, Addison Ross' bobbin salt & pepper mills are at the top of any host with the most lists. Coming beautifully gift-wrapped, this deep cherry red lacquer is 2025's color of the year.

Colorful Twist Drink Stirrers, Set of 6

Handmade from colorful soda glass, this set of 6 cocktail stirrers will add a jolly touch to cocktail hour. Just be sure to wrap them up carefully before stuffing them into their stocking.

Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer

If you're on TikTok you'll likely have seen a candle warming lamp on your fyp, and for good reason. Using heat melting technology, this offers a safe and eco-friendly way to 'burn' candles without any flame or smoke, making the candle last longer.

Brass Bow Candle Holder

Handmade in Australia, these brass bow candle holders from The Six Bells feel like a vintage find (without the price tag). If the budget stretches, a pair for their mantel makes for a lovely gift.

Dotti Linen Pillow by Sarah Sherman Samuel

The Dotti pillow from Sarah Sherman Samuels' collaboration with Lulu & Georgia has all the hallmarks of her warm trademark style thanks to the waves and ruffles and is such a unique piece.

McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Sybil Wax Taper Candles

Designed in collaboration with fashion label Loeffler Randal, these twisted taper candles will give their tabletop or mantel a playful edge thanks to the minty fresh hue.

Candy Cane Glasses, Set of 2

A pair of glasses is a failsafe gift, but these candy-striped rim soda-lime glasses will add some extra holiday cheer. Simply wrap them up with a bottle of their favorite tipple.

Mafalda Earthenware Serveware by Maison Madison

For the most maximalist of tablescapers, designed in New York and made in Portugal, this striking serving platter by Maison Madison looks like a swirling circus top.

Marble Tic Tac Toe

An elevated games board makes for a unique addition to a coffee table and this marble Tic Tac Toe set from Pottery Barn is no exception. Handcrafted in gray and white for the minimalists among us.

Flannery Etched Bud Vase

Display your favorite stems in our Flannery Scalloped Bud Vase. A fluted silhouette with a scalloped rim adds a playful element to this vintage-inspired brass vase.

Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore, Charcoal Boucle

If you're looking to give someone the gift of comfort and joy this Christmas, the super comfy, best-selling Beautiful Drew Chair designed with Drew Barrymore for Walmart is $100 off in the Black Friday Walmart sale.

Assouline ''Provence Glory'' Hardcover Book

Assouline's coffee table books are an iconic gift choice for the travel-obsessed person in your life. With 312 beautiful pages of the South of France, this ode to Provence will add a pop of color to their living room.

The best Christmas gifts are those that blend seamlessly into a person’s home while still bringing a smile to their everyday. With these thoughtfully chosen stylish home decor gifts, you’re bound to find something that resonates with the homebody on your list.

I tried cleaning the stainless steel in my kitchen with essential oil and it’s brilliant – I swear by it for a streak-free finish

Punteha van Terheyden — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:31:00 +0000

I'm a sucker for essential oils and when I realized you could use them for cleaning, I tried my homemade spray on pretty much everything. The most impressive result for me came on my stainless steel items.

From melting away grubby marks on my stainless steel appliances, to finally getting a streak-free finish on my large, prone-to-grease stovetop stainless steel backsplash, I now rate essential oil as a vital cleaning ingredient.

Here are my top cleaning tips after learning how to use essential oil to bring sparkle to my stainless steel items and what you need to use it at home, too

Why I love using essential oils for cleaning my stainless steel

(Image credit: Photography: Jon Day / Styling: Claudia Bryant / Floral design: Juliet Glaves)

They say Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with and the older I get, the more I realize nothing could be truer. Every natural cleaning supply I have tried in my home has blown commercial cleaners out of the water. And, not only are DIY cleaning solutions beautifully effective, but they are cheaper and better for cleaning your home without harming the planet.

Essential oils are no exception and there are many unusual ways to clean with essential oils around the home. When Karina Toner, operations manager and professional cleaner with Spekless urged me to give it a go for one of the many cleaning articles I have written here at H&G, I was blown away by its powers.

Karina explains, 'I love the DIY route! You’d be surprised how many kitchen staples can turn into effective cleaners.'

I couldn't agree more. Plus, l love how good essential oil makes everything smell. I use geranium essential oil to make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa, so I am thrilled at its powerful cleaning properties.

My favorite

Majestic Pure Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil is my go-to. I love how luxurious it smells and the aroma isn't clawing, or overwhelming. Think spa-smell and that's what geranium wafts of. You can't go wrong with it in my opinion. If the floral scent isn't for you however, this brand has 33 other fragrances to choose from and they are all 100% pure.

What you'll need

(Image credit: Oleksandra Yagello via Getty Images)

Essential oil: Which scent you pick is entirely your preference. Citrus smells are great for adding zesty freshness to your space, whilst my personal favorite, geranium essential oil, also available at Walmart, will give your home a luxurious smell. Opt for pine, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or vanilla for a festive, wintry feel, or go for white linen for a touch of spring. Always make sure it's 100% pure to avoid missing out on its full cleaning power.
Microfiber cloth: I was a perpetual paper towel consumer and always felt guilty about how wasteful it was. Now, I have a stack of microfiber cloths, available at Walmart and they are fabulous. Just don't use fabric softener when you wash as that will coat the tiny hairs and zap its ability to soak up lots of liquid.
Dish soap: You'll only need a drop to act as surfactant – to help remove grease from surfaces – and Dawn Dish Soap from Walmart will do just fine.
Spray bottle: You can rinse out an old one and use that, or if you're into DIY cleaning solutions, invest in amber glass spray bottles. I did, and love how slick they look, and how durable they are for years of easy reuse. I like the amber glass bottles with labels set from Amazon so all my cleaning sprays look uniform across my home
Water: Tap water will do just fine but filtered water, such as tap water that's been run through a Brita Filter, available at Amazon, is better as there won't be excessive mineral deposits in it.

Amazon's Choice

Essential Oils Set by Pure Aroma

If you're not sure which scent you'll like or haven't got any essential oils already at home, this little pack of six is budget-friendly and has a number of fragrances you can use alone or blend to find a combination you like. Each 10ml bottle is 100% pure essential oil, resealable and includes eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, sweet Orange, peppermint, and tea tree.

My essential oil cleaning spray for stainless steel

I make my own cleaning sprays including this essential oil one, pictured in my home. I label mine up so they don't get muddled up. (Image credit: Future/Punteha van Terheyden)

Simply mix two cups of water, as little as five, or as many as 20 drops of essential oil and a drop of dish soap to make your stainless steel cleaning spray. I found five does the job but 10-20 works better on grime and the smell is more potent, and lasts longer.

Give your bottle a swirl to mix well. I prefer this to shaking, which makes it foam a bit. Apply on the area you wish to clean, then buff in circles before wiping with your microfiber cloth, to effortlessly avoid any stainless steel cleaning mistakes.

Learn how to clean microfiber cloths to ensure their longevity.

Bestseller

Homexcel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack

I swear by microfiber cloths for all sorts of cleaning tasks. They are super absorbent, last for years, and wash and dry well. Skip the laundry softener though, as that will reduce the absorbency.

Using essential oil to clean stainless steel in my kitchen

My stainless steel appliances were left spotless (Image credit: Future/Punteha van Terheyden)

I tested my cleaning spray on my stainless steel backsplash, my greasy extractor hood, and the stainless steel elements of my toaster, kettle and my most used, best air fryer. The results were amazing and made a big difference to how put together and clean my kitchen looked.

Swipe for the before image of the grubby stainless steel elements of my toaster and kettle:

After: My spotless sage green and stainless steel Tower toaster and kettle setFuture/Punteha van Terheyden

Before cleaning: My sage green and stainless steel Tower toaster and kettle with stainless steel elements that are marked and grubbyFuture/Punteha van Terheyden

Swipe for the before image of my grubby air fryer sides:

After: My black air fryer with stainless steel lower half that has no grime or streaks following cleaning with my essential oil sprayFuture/Punteha van Terheyden

Before: The stainless steel lower half had grime, grubby fingerprints and streaksFuture/Punteha van Terheyden

Swipe for the before image of my greasy stainless steel extractor hood:

After: Cleaning my stainless steel extractor fan and the glass above it with essential oils left it spotless.Future/Punteha van Terheyden

Before: There was dust and grease on the top of the glass as well as the front of the extractor itself. Future/Punteha van Terheyden

Swipe for the before image of my streaky stainless steel backsplash:

After: My stainless steel backsplash after cleaning it with my essential oil cleaning spray. It is spotless and has no streaksFuture/Punteha van Terheyden

Before: My streaky stainless steel backsplash before cleaning it with my essential oil cleaning spray.Future/Punteha van Terheyden

My verdict

(Image credit: Future/Punteha van Terheyden)

It's a 10 out of 10 for me. The results across multiple stainless steel appliances, all of which are used daily and prone to grime, fingerprints, dust and grease, were cleaned up nice and quickly after I used my essential oil spray on them.

No excessive elbow grease was required apart from the middle section of the toaster, which had scorch marks from the heat. Apart from that, everything else was cleaned in a few swipes of my microfiber cloths. And, my kitchen smelled luxurious and wafted of geranium all day.

I highly recommend adding essential oils to your essential cleaning supplies list.

If you're a fan of cleaning naturally in this way, learn the essential oil cleaning mistakes to avoid.

Next, delve into the cheap essential oil dryer hack that saw me ditch dryer sheets for good.

How long should I burn a candle? Pros reveal the easy formula for this candle safety tip

Ottilie Blackhall — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

I absolutely love burning candles at home, but one thing I am always acutely aware of is the danger that comes with having an open flame on the go.

I've spoken to home fragrance pros who stress the importance of working sensibly with open flames, which includes avoiding burning candles for too long as candles and their containers can overheat.

Avoid this dangerous candle burning mistake, and use the easy formula of diameter vs time to learn how long to burn any candle in your home for.

How long to burn candles for

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How long you should burn a candle to make your home smell nice will depend on its size. According to the National Candle Association, a candle should burn one hour for every inch in diameter of the candle size, so if a candle is two inches, it can burn safely for two hours.

No matter the size, however, you should not burn a candle for longer than four hours at a time.

Sahina Ibrahim, founder of Nuhr, a home fragrance brand inspired by beautiful scents from the East, explains, 'Think of it as a candle power nap: two to four hours is the sweet spot. This gives the wax time to melt evenly across the top, preventing that annoying tunnel effect, because no one wants a candle that only burns down the middle!

'Plus, giving it a break after four hours keeps the container from overheating. So, set a timer and let the candle work its magic – then let it rest!'

It's also important to never leave a candle unattended, and to give it plenty of space, away from drafty areas. You should also always trim the wick before use, and details of how to do so are shared in our expert-led candle care guide.

A beautiful tablescape from Studio McGee featuring their Rosario Taper Holder (Image credit: Studio McGee)

Robin Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Arctic Wicks, adds, 'To explain how candle wick length effects candle performance, think of the wick as an engine: the bigger the engine, the more fuel it consumes. If a wick is too long, it draws up too much fuel (wax and fragrance) too quickly, causing the candle to burn hotter and faster.'

Therefore, trim your wick before every use, to about 1/4 of an inch each time, to ensure a steady burn and optimize both the safety and longevity of the candle.

Wilson continues, 'Proper wick maintenance not only preserves the candle's appearance and scent quality but also contributes to a cleaner, more enjoyable burning experience.'

Using a snuffer to put out your candles after burning is also safer than blowing them out, protecting both the wax and the wick, and is recommended by S.E. Carter, a candle maker and founder of Chaos Candle Company, a deaf-owned business based in Washington D.C.

Carter suggests using the popular pick Wojeull Stainless Steel Smokeless Candle Wick Bell Snuffer available at Walmart, and I personally love this Blomus Burnt Metal Candle Snuffer available at Anthropologie.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Sustainably made

Skandinavisk Skog 'Forest' Scented Candle

This is my favorite candle to burn at the moment, which has notes of lily of the valley, pine needles, fir cones and birch sap. It's also vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably-farmed, with non-GMO Swedish rapeseed wax, a pure cotton wick, and an FSC-certified beechwood lid.

Smokeless snuffing

Blomus Burnt Metal Candle Snuffer

Snuff out your candle smoke in style with this slick offering from Anthropologie. The beauty of using a snuffer is it doesn't send a plume of annoying smoke into your room.

Amazon's choice

Chesapeake Bay Candle Medium Jar Scented Candle

This candle is perfect for bringing a soothing aroma into your entryway or bathroom ideas. It's long-burning, providing approximately 50 hours of scent, and made with premium essential oils. It's also comprised of a natural soy wax blend, and is 100% recyclable.

The slight caveat is burning your candle for the very first time so that the wax melts fully to the edges.

Amy Keller, founder of Apidae Candles, explains, 'As a rule, you should always burn a candle until it reaches the edge. Candles have a memory and remember how far it burned the first time. If the candle is extinguished before reaching the outer perimeter, it will tunnel down.'

Therefore, this is an effective way to avoid candle tuneling, which can render your candle unusable with flooded wicks and uneven wax.

How to scent your home without candles

(Image credit: Unsplash/Mindaugas Norvilas)

If candle safety gives you the heebie jeebies, there are other ways to make a home smell expensive, or smell nice without candles. For example, you can get all the scent of your candle without the danger of a burning flame with a candle warmer, as recommended by Yance Cheng of Hisummer.

He says, 'For safety, our Electric Adjustable Height Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer available at Amazon is a great solution, as it uses flameless electric heating to release scents without an open flame. This not only reduces fire hazards, but is pet and child-friendly. Additionally, the built-in time functions (two, four, or eight hours) allows for worry-free usage, even in bedrooms or homes with young children.'

This candle warmer also offers adjustable brightness, and height for a tailored experience, providing a strong, safe, and even fragrance release thanks to its high-powered halogen bulb.

You may also want to try one of the best essential oil diffusers, or best reed diffusers, for home-fragrance without fire.

H&G top pick

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Diffuser

Jo Malone's diffuser was voted our top pick here at Homes & Gardens, and I personally love this specific scent for a really fresh, clean-feeling fragrance. While high-end, these diffusers last well, look elegant, and smell amazing.

Gift idea

Candle Care Kit

This gorgeous copper candle care kit contains a wick trimmer, candle snuffer and wick dipper, for extinguishing flames without smoke. It's made of stainless steel, so won't rust or tarnish, and makes one of the best home gifts for candle lovers.

H&G favorite

Capri Blue Reed Oil Diffuser

With a bright, fruity scent, this diffuser looks modern and elegant, and has a long-lasting scent with really packs a punch. With notes of tropical fruit and sugared citrus, it's perfect to lift a living room, or brighten a bedroom.

FAQs

How do I know when a candle is done?

It's very important to stop burning a candle when there is 1/4 inch of wax left in the jar, as when the majority of the wax has been burned, the flame will heat the container and make the bottom of the candle hot.

To make your candles last longer, always burn your candles on an even, heat-proof surface, and allow your candle to cool completely before re-lighting.

Is it safe to let a candle burn all night?

It might seem obvious, but this one of the most common fire risks in your home.

A candle should never be left to burn all night, under any circumstances, as doing so poses an extreme fire hazard. Instead, to make your bedroom smell good for sleep, use a homemade room spray, or lavender essential oils to promote good rest and relaxation.

Not sure what to do with a candle when it's burnt out? Here at Homes & Gardens we love to reuse candle jars around the house. From storing and organizing makeup brushes to plant propagation and match storage, there are a myriad of ways to give your old candle a new lease of life.

10 Dutch oven mistakes that make me cringe (and a chef's tips on how toavoid them)

Lydia Hayman — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:30:40 +0000

One of my earliest memories is watching my dad in the kitchen, slipping an oven mitt onto his right hand before seizing a piping hot Dutch oven with his bare left hand. We laugh about it now – it's a pretty obvious Dutch oven mistake to make. But there are far more subtle, perilous traps to fall into.

From scratching the surface with metal utensils to preheating without oil, the very thought of these Dutch oven mistakes has me clenching my teeth. Such careless handling could render your pot irreparably damaged. An expensive blunder, especially if you've invested in one of the most luxurious Staub or Le Creuset models.

The good news? Once you understand best practice, your Dutch oven will be your most cherished kitchen companion, providing decades of effortlessly tasty meals. As a trained cook, I've listed the biggest, cringe-worthy mistakes to watch out for.

1. Preheating without oil or butter

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Never preheat an empty Dutch oven, especially if it’s enameled. Doing so can cause the enamel to crack from thermal shock. Instead, add your oil or butter to the pot before you start cooking. Let it heat gradually and look for a gentle ripple in the oil or foaming in the butter, which signals the right cooking temperature.

Chef's Tip: Keep an eye out. If the oil begins smoking or the butter starts to brown, it is too hot.

2. Using high heat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The beauty of a Dutch oven is its ability to retain heat efficiently. High heat is rarely needed; it can lead to burnt food build-up and damaged enamel. According to Le Creuset, 'Medium or low heat will provide the best results for cooking, even for frying and searing. Once the pan is hot, almost all cooking can be continued on lower settings.'

Chef's Tip: You might think you need to sear meat at high temperatures, but it's actually best to use medium heat and let the meat develop a crust, before flipping. It takes a few minutes, but it's the correct way to create flavor and reduce long-term damage to your Dutch oven.

3. Using a cheap knock-off

If you're looking for a Dutch oven that will last for years, a knock-off version of the best brands is always going to disappoint you. Fake models have thinner walls and less durable materials, which are prone to uneven heating, chipping, and staining over time. If you're looking for a good models with a lower price tag, I regularly compile the Le Creuset clearance deals here.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Cast Iron STAUB Cocotte

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

4. Using too little oil, fat, or liquid

(Image credit: Le Creuset)

The cooking liquid should completely cover the base of the pan before heating begins. If you don’t use enough, you’re setting yourself up for some sticky situations. Without that oil barrier, your food is more likely too burnt and hard to lift off, leaving you with a stubborn mess. You might end up reaching for a metal utensil to scrape things off, which is a terrible idea (and leads me onto my next point).

Chef's Tip: I prefer using a mixture of oil and butter for shallow frying, as it creates a lovely rich flavor and increases the smoke point.

5. Scratching the pan with metal utensils

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While Dutch ovens are tough, their enamel coating can be scratched by metal utensils. Silicone, wooden, or plastic tools are recommended. Le Creuset say, 'Hand-held electric or battery-operated beaters should not be used. Their blades will damage the enamel. Knives or utensils with sharp edges should not be used to cut foods inside a pan.'

Chef's Tip: Invest in a gentle set of silicone utensils, like these from OXO. Your frying pans will thank you, too.

6. Overcrowding the pot

(Image credit: Le Creuset)

It may be tempting to fit as much food as possible into your Dutch oven, but overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, especially when searing meats. Give your ingredients enough space to develop proper browning and maximum flavor.

Chef's Tip: If you're cooking a large meal, you can brown ingredients in two or three batches. I do this when cooking a large chili con carne. The space around the mince helps to achieve a beautiful crust and depth of flavor in the sauce.

7. Choosing the wrong size for your oven and stovetop

(Image credit: Our Place)

It's not a good look to be desperately trying to stuff a massive pot into your oven when your guests have arrived. You might think you’ll only use it for soups and stews, but you never know when you’ll want to bake something in it! While it’s tempting to go for a larger Dutch oven for family feasts, always make sure it fits comfortably in your oven.

Also, match the pan’s base size to your stovetop heat zone – this will avoid flaming or overheating the sides and damaging the handles.

Chef's tip: A 5-quart pot can create 5-6 servings, while a 7-quart Dutch oven can feed up to 8 people.

8. Plunging a hot Dutch oven into cold water

(Image credit: Getty Images / EJJohnsonPhotography)

Always cool your Dutch oven after cooking. Plunging a hot pan into cold water can crack the enamel due to thermal shock.

Chef's tip: Simply let your pot cool down before washing up.

9. Cleaning with abrasive materials

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Use a gentle brush to remove any food – just avoid metal scourers or harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the enamel surface. Le Creuset recommends, 'filling the pan with warm water and let soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing.'

Chef's tip: Don't forget to dry the pot thoroughly, too! If you store away regular cast iron that's still damp, it could develop rust.

10. Touching the burning hot handles

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's a bit obvious, but I'll include this point so you don't make the same painful mistake! Those cast iron handles and knobs get incredibly hot. Always use oven mitts to avoid burns, especially when transferring the pot from the stove to the oven or table.

Chef's Tip: Invest in a pair of colorful oven mitts (I'm obsessed with the gorgeous patterns from Anthropologie) and keep them nearby!

Furbish Studio Pot Holder

May We Fly Mushrooms Oven Mitt

Furbish Studio Oven Mitt

Those are my top tips for avoiding common Dutch oven mistakes. If you need more advice, the best retailers will provide detailed care instructions on their websites, as well as delicious recipe inspiration. Check out the latest advice under 'care and use' on Staub, Zwilling, Le Creuset and Williams Sonoma.

7 tablescaping storage ideas for those who love to host – keep your essentials safely stowed without cluttering up your home

Sophie Warren-Smith — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 06:00:10 +0000

There are a lot of occasions worth bringing out beautiful tabslescaping for, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays and those impromptu dinner parties. And, there is a certain joy in building a collection of festive napkins, table covers, special dining sets and more.

But what happens in between your get-togethers to all that extra stuff you won't be keeping in cabinets all year round? Some may even be awkwardly shaped, delicate or large and you'll need to store them without breakage, or cluttering up high-traffic spots at home.

Here, I asked our trusted professional organizers and event experts for their top advice on how to keep your hosting collections safe and ready for special occasions with their dedicated tablescaping storage ideas.

1. Flatware

(Image credit: The White Company)

Flatware and silverware that has potentially been handed down in your family does need special care and storage. After cleaning flatware and polishing silverware, it needs careful attention to keep it looking great for future outings.

'For silverware, once they are polished, keep them covered between uses as this stops them from becoming tarnished,' advises Tara Fay, founder of Tara Fey Events.

Exposure to air and humidity can cause these pieces to tarnish. For expensive silverware, wrap pieces in acid-free paper and place in cotton bags,both available at Amazon.

Other options include storage boxes, these can be like a traditional wooden box or fabric options.

All prices correct at time of writing.

Great value

StorageBud Fine China and Flatware Storage Containers with Hardshell and Dividers

Part of a range that can be bought individually, this flatware storage box will protect from dust, moisture and scratches. It holds a service of 12, so if you need more, they are stackable. The adjustable dividers allow for other items such as napkin rings and table settings. There's a zippered lid and the clear window makes it easier to find what you're looking for if you have multiple sets.

Space saving

Silver Storage Bags Anti Tarnish Blue Cloth Rolls

If you don't have room for boxes of flatware, consider these cloth rolls instead. Each holds six pieces and is made from double-sided velvet cloth that contains a tarnish preventative material. You can roll it up and fasten with the white ribbon included. The material keeps your silverware from corroding or oxidizing.

Hard casing

Promotional Brown Silverware Chest with Brown Lining

A classic looking flatware chest that perfectly holds your silverware, each fitting snugly in its place. It holds up to 108 pieces and can easily be stored in the bottom drawer of a cabinet. Crafted from wood that has a mahogany finish, it can be wiped clean and is hard, meaning you can stack your other tablescaping options on top if needed.

2. Linen napkins and tablecloths

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens / Our Food Stories)

From napkins to runners and full tablecloths, these items all need somewhere to be stored that's dry and flat dry. 'Once they are clean, iron them and roll them in tissue to store or store them in other linen – moths don't seem to like linen bags. These can be refreshed with a linen spray or damp water and starch before use the next time,' suggests Fay.

Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer at Decorilla advises keeping linens in bags too, 'For linens, I always use breathable fabric bags with acid-free tissue paper to prevent yellowing and mildew – Amazon's Simetufy 32 sheets in white is perfect for storage.'

'I prefer to organize them by theme or holiday for easy access, but for big collections, sorting by element type can be more efficient in terms of space. In homes with limited storage, my go-to is dual-purpose furniture like ottoman storage beds or buffets with deep drawers.'

Anthropologie's hand carved Delhi buffet is ideal for linens with deep shelves for larger pieces and drawers for napkins.

Sealed tropical hardwood

Handcarved Delhi Buffet

This beautiful sideboard is perfect for storage linens and tableware as it has deep shelves for larger pieces and drawers for napkins and smaller items.

Three colorways

Homfa 55'' Large Sideboard Buffet Cabinet

Beautiful and budget friendly, I like the fluted cabinet doors that makes this unit as aesthetic as it is functional. The semi-translucent glass doors hide clutter but still make it easy to know at a glance which item is where.

100% jute

Design Imports Ruffle Trim Jute Table Runner 14 " X 72"

This ruffled table runner is versatile for all festive occasions. Simple build up your tablescape from this neutral base with seasonal touches. To clean, shake debris off and damp-sponge clean dirty areas.

3. China

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

The beauty of china is that it can often be stored in a display cabinet with glazing so it can be enjoyed every day, even if only from a display point of view.

As long as it's behind glass, your china will remain kept dust free and clean. However, if you don't have the space and need to store hosting and celebration extras under the house or in a garage, avoid damp damage (there are certain things not to store in a basement) and keep these items well protected.

'When storing very fragile china, I recommend tissue and bubble wrap – Target's Scotch big bubble cushion wrap is good value – and plastic storage boxes. But careful not to overload and stack too high!' says Fay.

Zipped lid

Burnie Dessert Plate and Bowl Storage Chest

Ideal for plates and bowls, this storage chest can stored up to 12 plates and comes with felt dividers to keep dishes chip free. Made from a cotton polyester blend, it's sturdy and wipeable. When not in use, it folds up easily to save space.

Padded interior

Set of 6 Case for Fine China Accessories Storage

For those other fine china pieces like gravy boats, platters and teapots, look no further than these clever storage cases that come in different sizes. Each one is quilted and has a label holder so you know what's inside. Store them in a plastic bin for safe keeping.

Ideal for large quantities

Sorbus 5 Piece China Dinnerware Storage Organizer Set for Protecting and Transporting

Each of these cases stores 12 pieces and the top loading design allows for easy access. These cases are great if you entertain for a lot of guests or need to transport them to another space. They can be stored together in a pantry or individually in a cabinet or buffet.

4. Glassware

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

Glassware is perhaps one of the most delicate tablescaping pieces to store when not in use, but there are a few great storage solutions to help.

'With respect to glasses, you obviously always want to take care when packing them,' says Annemarie Schumacher, founder of Make Every Day an Event. 'I love foam packing sheets, which typically come in a large roll.'' We like Amazon's Uboxes foam wrap roll, which is perforated every 12 inches for easy tearing.

Annemarie adds, 'They provide protecting for your delicate items and can be reused from year to year. Plus, they are dust free, nonabrasive and moisture proof. In addition, they won’t dirty your items like newspaper can.'

If you have a pantry, then a high up shelf out of the way is sensible, low-traffic ara so the risk of them being moved, knocked or smashed when not in use is minimal.

5. Awkward shaped pieces

(Image credit: Marian Louise Design)

Larger pieces like tagines and casserole dishes can be trickier to pack up or store away each time. One option is to keep these out on display.

AJ Williams, executive producer and founder of AJ Events says, 'Rather than storing them year-round, only to come out on special occasions or a holiday or two, use them! Use your good stuff more often, just because. When friends come over for dinner, on a Friday night, cooking for your spouse, whatever the occasion, keep your china close by and use it! Life is too short not to enjoy it.'

If you really don't have the space within your kitchen, your small dining room lacks storage to display pieces, or you have too many of these awkward pieces to keep in buffets for example, storing them elsewhere is key.

Annemarie says, 'Nothing beats clear bins (check out Walmart's Hefty 72 quart clear plastic storage bin with blue hi-rise lid). I’ve recently discovered one additional tool that I absolutely love – utilizing an app such as Totescan is a complete game-changer. It allows you to catalog your items on an app and easily find them when you need them.'

6. Candles

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Whatever the time of year, having some of the best candles in play on your table creates ambiance and a lovely light.

It seems a shame to only use them once, so if they still have some length left then how do you store them for the next party? We asked Annemarie for her top tips.

Votives: These are really a one-and-done type of candle. I always start an evening of hosting with fresh votives, so there is no reason to store them. You want your candles to shine brightly throughout the entire party. You can recycle the tins in which they typically come in, however.
Pillars: These slow burning and long-lasting candles are best stored standing upright and wrapped in foam packing sheets (after they have thoroughly cooled, obviously). The sides of pillars can get knicked and that detracts from their beauty so take care when storing them.
Tapers: I like to use plastic shoe boxes (such as Target's Life Story 5.7L clear shoe and closet storage box stacking containers) to store these types of candles. You want to store like colors together and separate different colors with foam packing sheets. Similar to crayons (which are also made of wax), colors can rub onto each other over time.

Pillar

Home Reflections Decorator Set of Pillars

Use and reuse this set of eight battery operated pillar candles. Available in five colors.

Votives

Boy Smells Holiday Votive Candle Set

Once you've used up these candles, you can reuse the metallic jars for storing small items such as cotton makeup buds in your vanity.

Tapers

Taper Candles 10'' Colored Candle Sticks Set of 8

A set of delicate tapered candles like these will add a luxe look to your tablescape during hosting season.

'With all candles,' Annemarie concludes, 'You want to make sure you store them in a cooler atmosphere (think basement, instead of attic) to they retain their shape, since they are made of wax. I also wouldn't store candles and decorations together. The color from candles can sometimes rub off on fabric over time and if the temperature gets too warm, the oils or wax from candles could damage fabrics.'

7. Decorations

(Image credit: Interior design by Zulufish / Bespoke joinery by HUX London / Photography by Anna Stathaki )

There are certain key dates in the calendar that warrant decorations for the table – Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas – not forgetting bunting for a birthday. It's easy to throw them all in one storage container for ease and then deeply regret it when one of these key dates appear and there's a tangled mess to sort out.

Here are my three best solutions for storage festive decorations for these wonderful celebrations days.

Easy to view

Whitmor Jumbo Everyday Holiday Bag, Seasonal Storage, Clear/White

One each of these bags per holiday will keep your table decorations in great shape and organized. Made from waterproof PVC plastic it will protect your decorations from mold and water damage if you need to keep it in your basement.

Ornament solution

Ayieyill Christmas Ornament Storage Chest

Not just for Christmas baubles, this ornament storage organizer could be used or table decorations too. There are 64 sections and dual zippers so it can be collapsed when not needed. Made from waterproof vinyl, each ornament is protected from moisture. There are handles so you can carry it about easily too.

Stackable

Clear Storage Bin with Lid, 3 Pack, Multifunctional

These clear storage bins are perfect for keeping each seasonal events' table decorations organized. The table settings, ornaments, napkins and anything else you love to put out can be kept together until the next outing. These are also stackable so they're space saving in your basement or loft.

Meet our experts

Organization is key when it comes to tablescaping storage ideas. Next, learn how to streamline your festive items with our ultimate holiday declutter list.

How to light a veranda – expert advice for lighting this tricky spot

Alex David — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 11:30:00 +0000

A veranda is a beautiful feature, opening your home out onto the world and giving you and your family a covered spot for enjoying the outdoors.

However, when the sun goes down, it can be hard to light a veranda. They take up a lot of floor area and expose much of your home, so lighting them without compromising on privacy can be a delicate balance.

I spoke to an expert about the best ways to light a veranda, for stylish and practical outdoor lighting.

1. Try ceiing lights

(Image credit: Getty Images / David Papazian)

One of the best and simplest ways to light a veranda is to use ceiling lights.

Exterior structure expert Ashley Smith says, 'Ceiling lights can provide consistent, overhead lighting for a covered veranda, but the number required depends on the size of the space and the desired lighting effect.'

On smaller verandas, you can make do with a single flush or pendant light for each side of the veranda. This gives every light coverage without making the lighting too stark.

If you have a larger space, Ashley recommends recessed lights. 'For larger verandas, multiple LED lines ensure balanced illumination across the entire area which allows you to tailor the brightness to the occasion'.

2. Try wall lights

(Image credit: Getty Images / Catherine McQueen)

If you don't like overhead lighting, you can use wall lights for a less intense effect. 'Wall lights can add both functionality and a decorative touch to your veranda,' says Ashley. 'The key is selecting a style that complements the architectural design of your space.

So, if you have an old colonial home, aim for a wall light in keeping with the local style. On newer builds, you have a lot more latitude. Modern farmhouse-style lights can give you a good mix of old and new aesthetics.

Possini Euro Ackerly 14"H Motion Sensor Outdoor Wall Light Set of 2

These modern farmhouse style lights have a 40-feet detection range for reliable security lighting.

Midland 9 High Dusk-to-Dawn LED Motion Sensor Light

For good-value porch lights, try this two-pack of motion-detection lights. They have dusk-to dawn sensors, so they turn on dimly at sunset but will ramp up to full brightness when they detect motion.

Calokes Motion Sensor Outdoor Ceiling Light

This light is flush mounted to the ceiling, so it's high off the ground and difficult to tamper with.

3. String lights on the railings

(Image credit: Getty Images / Gpointstudio )

As well as ceiling and wall lights, you can use string lights to add a little ambiance. While these lights won't give practical lighting, they can be the perfect finishing touch, creating a soft glow to complement the rest of the space.

String lights can also become part of how you define your style. You can use colorful lights in a modern space for a neon effect, or use faux-Edison bulbs in a more traditional veranda. You can even find some string lights - like this vine light garland at Anthropologie - which imitate a more natural look.

4. Uplight the walls

(Image credit: Getty Images / stevecoleimages)

If you don't want to wire in wall lights, or don't like the idea of a permanent fixture, another way to light a veranda is to uplight the walls.

There are a couple of benefits to uplighting walls. The first is that it looks dramatic. Wall lights are great, but they can be a little staid, like having streetlights on the side of your house. Uplighting, however, makes use of the innate features of walls on your veranda, bathing the materials in light rather than mounting the light on the side.

Another benefit is that it isn't a permanent change. Installing wall lights is a permanent modification to the exterior of your home. if you don't like the fixture you buy now you can swap it out down the line, but the wiring and mounting are there to stay. If you uplight the walls, you can always remove the lights later on. Unless you use well lights, it isn't a permanent fixture. This has the added benefit that you can play with your lighting throughout the year.

5. Avoid solar lights

Unless your veranda faces south, don't use solar lights. While solar lights can work in the shade, they aren't effective, so using them in covered verandas means only a couple of hours of light per night. This is especially true for solar wall and ceiling lights - these can't be used under a veranda, because they won't get enough sun.

However, if your home faces south, you can use solar lights. Just make sure the panel is in bright sunlight, ideally just in front of the siding under a rail.

Verandas offer several entry points to your home, so they aren't the most secure feature. It's worth exploring if you should leave your light on all night and learning more about security lighting.

I tried Stanley Tucci’s unusual method for cleaning a chopping board – and it's actually brilliant

Ottilie Blackhall — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 06:00:10 +0000

If there's a celebrity who really knows his food – it's Stanley Tucci.

The actor-turned-chef has become somewhat of an internet sensation for his quick cooking tips and tricks. This time, it was a recent video showcasing how Tucci cleans his chopping block with a knife that caught our eye, and I couldn't wait to put it to the test.

Taking cleaning tips from Tucci to restore my cutting board to near new, I grabbed my old chopping board, knife, and a bottle of olive oil and got to work – and the results seriously surprised me.

I tried Stanley Tucci's unusual method for cleaning a chopping board

I use wooden chopping boards daily in the kitchen, washing them thoroughly after use, but I'm still often left wondering just how clean they really are. Enter: Stanley Tucci's Monday morning ritual.

A post shared by Stanley Tucci (@stanleytucci)
A photo posted by on

Posted alongside the caption of 'What else would I be doing on a Monday morning?' Tucci explains, 'I'm scraping down the chopping block, because it gets kind of gross, so I do that and then oil it.' As bizarre as it might appear, this method works by smoothing the board, and removing any bacteria from the top layer of wood, leaving it clean and sanitary. As I've been looking for ways to care for my wooden cutting board, I decided to give his simple, two-step process a go.

You will need:

A wooden chopping board/ block
An old knife: I used one that was already blunt, but you can always re-sharpen knives using a sharpener, such as the 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener available at Amazon.
A bottle of affordable olive oil: such as the Great Value Classic Olive Oil available at Walmart.
Kitchen roll: such as the Scott Choose-a-Sheet Paper Towels available at Walmart.

Step 1. Scrape

(Image credit: Ottilie Blackhall / Future)

I began by washing my cutting board and leaving it to dry, using dish soap and warm water. I recommend the Fairy Original Liquid available at Amazon, before wiping down with a cotton tea towel, such as the top-rated Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towel available at Anthropologie, before leaving to completely dry on a rack.

Then, armed with my knife, I began scraping away at the top layer of my chopping board and was surprised at how easily the wood peeled away thinly.

Granted, the board I was cleaning was a lot smaller than Tucci's, but it worked in just the same way. I continued scraping until the board was an even color, before tipping the shavings into the trash.

(Image credit: Ottilie Blackhall / Future)

Step 2. Oil

(Image credit: Ottilie Blackhall / Future)

Next, it was time to oil my board, which is important when cleaning and caring for cutting boards as it prevents the wood from drying out and becoming porous to bacteria. So, forgetting to do so is a mistake to avoid when cleaning kitchenware.

I used a paper towel to do this, and simply poured the oil on, before spreading it in an even layer. This made the board look shiny and restored, and I was instantly impressed with the results. I then left it to dry overnight, and it was ready for use in the morning.

(Image credit: Ottilie Blackhall / Future)

My verdict?

(Image credit: Forge & Bow / Arris Photography )

Stanley Tucci's method does really work, but it is time-consuming. I think I will incorporate it into my weekly achievable cleaning routine, to have my boards looking good as new, but I will stick to regular washing for daily use.

As Tucci says, 'I'm going to take a picture of it later and post it,' about his board, I'm not sure mine was quite Instagram-worthy, but it's clean, and most importantly hygienic.

FAQs

Can you put wooden chopping boards in the dishwasher?

As tempting as it might be, wooden chopping boards cannot be put in a dishwasher. This will cause them to crack, warp, and eventually break, and these cracks become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, particularly when using them to slice raw meat.

To avoid any dishwasher mistakes, always hand wash wooden boards, spoons, and serveware.

How do you disinfect a chopping board naturally?

Tucci's method is natural, but if your board requires more sanitization, you can use a spray bottle filled with white vinegar to clean it. This will neutralize odors and naturally disinfect it, and you can also rub it with half a lemon to further clean it.

After testing Tucci's method, I was keen to try some more cleaning hacks. This baking soda trick for a streak-free floor is next on my list, which is quick, easy, and super affordable to try, using only baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and hot water.

Next, learn why our head of Solved swapped her plastic chopping board for a glass one.

Is this rich hue replacing red for 2025? Meet Glidden's Color of The Year 'Purple Basil'

Charlotte Olby — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Something rather strange is happening to my personal, tried-and-true interior design style. While I have long been a lover of neutrals (granted just the warmer ones) 2024 has certainly been a year of embracing richer and more joy-provoking hues.

Purple, to my surprise, is among the colors that I'm warming to this fall. And as deep, bold, and earthy color trends are dominating the remainder of 2024 – and we hit the full swing of Color of The Year season – it's not much of a surprise that Glidden has just declared their winning shade for 2025 as Purple Basil.

Decidedly retro, this plum-purple hue is moody, elegant, and good enough to eat. Here's why we feel so excited about the new way to do purple in 2025.

(Image credit: Glidden PPG)

Decorating with purple is not for the faint of heart. And while you don't have to color drench an entire room with it, pops of purple can really be welcomed no matter your palette.

A far cry from Glidden's 2024 Color of The Year – a honey-toned beige named Limitless – Purple Basil is a dark purple that really makes a statement. 'Purple isn't just permitted, it’s encouraged,' Glidden declared, perfectly summing up our previous affliction for this '70s-inspired scheme.

Purple room ideas are pretty divisive. You either love purple (like, really love it) or hate it with a passion. 'In the year ahead this trend will lead us to unapologetically embrace the rich warmth and energy delivered by colors like Purple Basil.'

Purple Basil PPG1046-7

Glidden describes this captivating hue as 'A blend of warmth and energy, inviting you to embrace the transformative power of color in your space.'

(Image credit: Glidden PPG)

When considering what colors go with purple, you can of course embrace this deep eggplant shade's nostalgic feel with vibrant greens, blues, and chocolate browns, or, try a subtler color combination of neutrals accented with pops of plum.

H&G's Head of Interiors Hebe Hatton agrees. 'As someone who solely decorates with neutrals, the idea of decorating with a dark purple was never on my radar,' she explains. 'But then earlier in the year I noticed I was being drawn to red to add pops of grown-up color to my rooms (blame the unexpected red theory) and then red became a gateway color to falling in love which deep rich colors that work so well in my neutral schemes – dark greens, blue and yes purples!'

'As we have shifted into fall I am seeing these once popular wine red tones turn even more purple. Merlots, burgundies, and purples are the colors for fall 2024 and beyond and I am very much here for it,' says Hebe.

Lambswool Throw by Tartan Blanket Co

Based in Edinburgh, the Tartan Blanket Co. designs beautiful natural products for warmth and lasting comfort. This plum lambswool throw adds a hint of color to your space.

Taper Candles - Set of 6

At this time of year, nothing gives a good ambiance like a candlelight. Whether you use them to form your dining table centerpiece or dot throughout your living room, these taper candles are a great buy.

Espen Upholstered Mirror

Lacquered, large, and rather lovely; this upholstered floor mirror from Anthropologie will certainly cheer you up when getting ready on a dull fall morning.

Whether you're embarking on a new paint project or looking to add some unexpected pops of color, its time to lean into purple in 2025.

A professional organizer's best seasonal storage tips for living rooms – they're the key to having easy access, reduced clutter and improved functionality

Ottilie Blackhall — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:00:10 +0000

Fall has officially begun, and I can't wait for cozy evenings at home in my living room.

As the hub of all things relaxation, your living room gets used a lot throughout the colder months, whether it's for reading a book on the couch, watching your favorite series, or simply unwinding with friends and family.

To get mine in shape for the new season, I spoke to a professional organizer for her top living room organization tips. Here's what she said.

Top living room seasonal storage tips from a professional organizer

Di Ter Avest is a professional home and lifestyle organizer, owner of Di is Organized, and the author of accountability program and book Organize Yourself Healthy, available at Amazon.

Her brilliant expertise has been featured on Forbes, Today, ApartmentTherapy, Real Homes, Livingetc, Home & Gardens, and Kitchn; and she has also given workshops at IKEA, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma.

Here's five seasonal storage tips she swears by for her living room:

1. Organize your blankets for easy access

(Image credit: Wayfair, Kelly Clarkson Home)

If there's one thing I'm always reaching for in fall, it's a cozy blanket to snuggle up under. But, it's difficult to know how to fold blankets, and how to store them. Luckily, Di has the perfect solution, that doesn't have to involve folding!

'People can start by organizing blankets for easy access,' she says. 'Instead of letting them pile up on the couch or in random spots, use a decorative basket or bin to neatly store them. A well-organized basket of blankets feels intentional and makes the room look more put together.'

Opt for a basket that matches your decor for a seamless and stylish, yet functional, look.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Hand-woven

Birch Lane Amorina Fabric Basket

This hand-woven rattan basket adds a charming touch to your space. It's sustainable and eco-friendly, and made of materials harvested from tropical plants.

Rated 5 stars

Bobo Intriguing Objects Wicker Basket

This basket is an exact replica of baskets used to harvest champagne grapes in Northern France. It's large enough to store cushions and blankets, with handles for convenient portability.

Rated 4.8 stars

Beachcrest Home Ayriauna Wicker Basket

This square basket is perfect for keeping in the corner of your living room. Due to its shape, it's also a great option for organizing board games and DVDs.

2. Organize your board games and puzzles in one designated spot

(Image credit: Future)

Fall and winter are the seasons for board games – so make sure yours are organized ahead of time, recommends Di.

'Now, for families that love game nights during the colder months, organize your board games and puzzles in one designated spot,' she says. Use a storage ottoman, a cabinet, or a low shelf to keep everything in order.'

We love the Birdie Fortescue Pavilion Wooden Ottoman available at Anthropologie, which has a shelf for added organization, or the Large Round Storage Ottoman Coffee Table Ottoman With Lift Off Lid available at Wayfair, which offers ample space while doubling up as a functional coffee table.

'If the different box colors and sizes don't vibe with your decor or space, you can transfer the games into stylish zipped pouches,' says Di. 'These pouches not only look cleaner and more cohesive but also save space.

'Sorting the games by category and labeling (with a label maker such as the Dymo S0717930 Omega Home Embossing Label Maker available at Amazon which I use and love) the pouches makes it easy to quickly find what you're looking for without creating clutter. This small tweak can instantly elevate the aesthetic of your living room while keeping everything organized!'

3. Use trays to organize coffee table clutter

A carefully curated and tidy living room coffee table. (Image credit: Kara Childress Inc / Julie Soefer)

I love the idea of having a beautifully curated coffee table, but often mine ends up covered in clutter. Di's advice? Trays.

'Another easy win is to use trays to organize your coffee table clutter,' she says. 'The coffee table can often become a catch-all for remote controls, candles, books, and mugs of hot drinks.

A stylish tray can help you corral everything neatly in one place, making it easy to clear the surface quickly when you need extra space. Plus, a tray makes your decor look intentional rather than scattered,' perfect for avoiding common coffee table mistakes that make your home look messy.

I love the Carmen Serving Tray available at Anthropologie, which is currently reduced.

Four colors

Yasmine Metal Tray

This metal tray is a more durable option than a ceramic alternative, but it looks more stylish than wood. Made of hammered metal, hand-made in India, the antique brass finish will elevate any space – and keep your controls in one place.

4. Designate a space for winter gear

(Image credit: Raj Tent Club)

'Sometimes, your living room might become a bit of a drop zone, especially if it's near the entrance,' says Di. 'To prevent that clutter from taking over, try to designate a space for winter gear.'

Di recommends setting up a stylish coat rack, or using wall hooks, for easy storage of jackets, scarves, and hats, which will help keep things organized and easily accessible.

We recommend the Johnstown Coat Rack available at Wayfair, or consider adding a Louisa Monogram Wall Hook available at Anthropologie for each family member.

'You can even add a decorative basket or bin for gloves and scarves so they're right there when you need them, without the mess creeping into your living space. It's an easy way to maintain order while still keeping all your winter essentials handy.'

5. Organize your candles and matches in a drawer

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Fall candles are a necessary staple for cozy season, so ensure yours are organized and accessible ahead of time, says Di.

'If you are like me and love filling your home with cozy candlelight during fall and winter, be sure to organize your candles and matches in a drawer,' she says.

'Rather than leaving them scattered on surfaces, use a small drawer or a decorative box to store everything in one place – candles, matches, and even candle snuffers. You can organize your candles by scent or size, which makes it so much easier to find what you're in the mood for. Plus, having them neatly tucked away means no more hunting for matches when you're ready to set the ambiance.'

Our dedicated candle care guide has expert tips for longer-lasting candles.

Four colors

Jolina Box Set, Set of 3

I love these ingenious storage boxes, made to look like a stack of books. With a beige linen exterior, they will compliment any space, while the black velvet interior will protect fragile candles and matches for safe storage.

Hand finished

Long Brass and Glass Display Box With Scalloped Edges and Antique Finish

This gorgeous glass display box features brass antique scalloped edges for a timeless finish. This way, you can display your beautiful candles, while still keeping them organized.

Rated 4.9 stars

Set of 2 Black and White Harlequin Polyresin Decorative Keepsake Boxes

Why not go for something a bit different? These eye-catching storage boxes are made of high quality poly-resin, perfect for displaying on a mantelpiece or coffee table, or tucking away in a drawer.

FAQs

How do you hide storage in a living room?

While there are many stylish storage options, sometimes you just want clutter out of sight. Try a storage bench, a coffee table with hidden drawers or take advantage of shelving for a streamlined look. Multi functional storage items are perfect for organizing small living rooms, too.

These tips to make living room shelves look expensive elevate your space with an aesthetic finish.

Ready for relaxation? Read about how to make a living room more relaxing in our expert-led guide, or delve into what professional organizers recommend for winter storage in living rooms.

Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless? A fire pit designer reveals all

Alex David — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Smokeless fire pits are all over the market. They claim to offer the relaxing warmth and ambiance of a campfire without the stink and sting of wood smoke.

But while there's a lot of fanfare - including a viral Snoop Dogg campaign - there is little information about how these fire pits work. Smokeless fire pits hugely reduce the amount of smoke produced in a wood fire. If you have breathing difficulties or simply dislike the smell of wood smoke, they can be a smart investment. However, they are not entirely smokeless.

I spoke to an expert fire pit designer about these fire pits and found that the big marketing claims are not quite what they seem. This is all you need to know about smokeless fire pits.

How do smokeless fire pits work?

(Image credit: Solo Stove)

Smokeless fire pits claim to be completely smoke-free and attempt to do this with a clever double-wall structure.

Fire pit expert Eric Tamminga says, 'Smokeless fire pits use a double-wall structure with strategically placed vent holes that allow for better airflow. Air is drawn into the base and heated as it moves between the double walls.

'This preheated air is then reintroduced at the top of the fire, creating a secondary combustion. The secondary combustion burns off most of the smoke particles that would otherwise be released into the air.'

This results in a cleaner burn with much less smoke. However, that doesn't mean there's no smoke at all.

Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless?

(Image credit: Getty Images / Steven White)

The close-up shot above shows a little smoke rising from a smokeless fire pit. Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a wood-burning fire pit that doesn't produce any smoke at all.

Eric told me, 'No smokeless fire pit is completely smokeless, but they significantly reduce the amount of visible smoke produced compared to traditional fire pits.'

He adds 'While some smoke is inevitable due to the combustion of organic material, the design and airflow mechanics of smokeless fire pits minimize smoke by improving the combustion process, making it more efficient.'

So while smokeless fire pits aren't entirely smokeless, they produce much less smoke than traditional fire pits.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove are by far the biggest name in smokeless fire pits, making excellent models in a huge range of different sizes and colors.

Black + Decker 15 Smokeless fire pit

For a smokeless fire pit on a budget, try this Black + Decker pit. Is uses the same mechanism as the Solo Stove but is hundreds of dollars less expensive.

Breeo X Series 24 Wood Burning Campfire

Smokeless fire pits have a bad reputation for looking a little boring. This huge fire pit from Breo is designed to solve that problem, with an industrial Corten-steel structure perfect for standing up to the elements.

Are smokeless firepits better than gas fire pits?

(Image credit: Getty Images/Joe Schmelzer)

Because smokeless fire pits aren't completely smoke free, lots of people wonder if it's worth buying a gas fire pit instead. These don't create any smoke, so they seem a good option if you have breathing difficulties or dislike the smell of wood smoke.

However, there are some drawbacks to gas fire pits to consider. Gas fire pits aren't quite as cozy as smokeless fire pits. With smokeless fire pits, you get the relaxing sound of wood crackling popping in the fire. There's little ambiance with a gas fire pit - it's essentially like sitting next to a stove.

On top of that, gas fire pits have ongoing costs. Eric Tamminga told me 'Another downside of gas fire pits is the ongoing cost - replacing propane bottles or plumbing in a natural gas line is generally more expensive than buying firewood.'

Myfurnideal Propane Fire Pit

This inexpensive propane fire pit table has cup holders built in, perfect for entertaining.

Trinity Concrete Rectangular Propane Fire Pit Table

For a sleeker gas fire table, try a concrete table like this. UV resistant, it won't rust if you leave it in the rain.

Martha Stewart Fire Pit Table Seating Set

While gas fire pits are expensive, there are still opportunities to save a little money. Some fire tables come as outdoor furniture sets, offering chairs and fire tables in a single bundle.

What are the downsides to smokeless fire pits?

Smokeless fire pits can be great, but they aren't perfect. Not only are they not 100% smokeless, but their clever construction has a couple of downsides.

Eric says 'While smokeless fire pits are very efficient and create a lot of heat rising out of the top of the firepit, they do not provide much radiant heat outwards. The same feature that enables them to burn so well - the double-walled sides - insulates them from the people gathered around.'

This means smokeless fire pits are cooler than traditional fire pits. Eric says, 'It's the same principle as a thermos mug, hot coffee inside is insulated from your hand. This makes smokeless fire pits a great choice when it's hot outside, but in the cooler fall evenings, a traditional fire pit will serve you better, albeit with a small amount of smoke.'

Sunnydaze Large Outdoor Cauldron

If want a wood-burning fire pit, this is a good value option. It has a poker and a spark screen to keep you safer from wayward embers.

Amazon Basics Fire Pit

This simple fire pit is great for reducing smoke. It has lots of holes in the side, so it's well-ventilated and creates less smoke.

Anthropologie Fronds Fire Pit

Traditional fire pits tend to be better-looking than smokeless and gas models. It's a little expensive, but this laser-cut frond design will look great in any garden.

How can I reduce smoke in a regular fire pit?

(Image credit: Getty Images / svetikd)

All of this means that it might be wisest to stick to a traditional fire pit. These can produce a lot of smoke, but Eric gave me some tips to reduce it.

The first is to make some changes to your wood. Make sure you use dry, seasoned wood. 'Moist or green wood creates more smoke because it doesn't burn efficiently. This is the most important factor when it comes to efficient burning.' On top of that, consider the species of wood that you're burning. Eric says 'Avoid burning softwoods. Hardwoods like oak or maple burn more cleanly than softwoods like pine, which contain more resin that can produce more smoke.'

His second tip is to optimize airflow. 'Make sure your fire pit has good ventilation to allow oxygen to reach the fire, which helps it burn hotter and cleaner.' Lots of the best fire pits have holes in the bottom to improve their efficiency. He also suggests using a fire pit grate, because 'Elevating the wood can increase airflow and improve combustion.'

FAQs

Can you use a smokeless fire pit inside?

Never use a smokeless fire pit inside. While they produce less smoke than a traditional fire pit, they still produce smoke, which poses a significant inhalation and fire risk indoors.

Fire pits of every type aren't the only way to heat your space. It's also worth weighing up fire pits vs patio heaters. Patio heaters don't produce any smoke, so they could be a better choice for heating under gazebos and patio umbrellas.

Where to buy solar lights – a product tester reveals where to buy lights that look good and actually work

Alex David — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Solar lights are an inexpensive, simple way to bring illumination to your garden. They don't cost anything to run and they're easy to set up - just switch on the solar panel and they should give you automatic light for years.

However, while that should be the case, it isn't always. It's easy to buy a dud set of solar festoon or path lights that don't provide any light and break within a month.

I've tested lots of solar lights over the years so know all the tricks for finding a set that actually works. These are the best retailers for solar lights, and some examples of your options.

(Image credit: Getty Images / GPitman )

Amazon

Amazon has a poor reputation for solar lights, and some of that is well-founded. There are a lot of cheap, low-quality lights on Amazon. However, you can save a lot of money if you know what you're looking for.

People buy bad solar lights from Amazon because they don't know how to spot good lights. You need lights of at least 100 lumens, which will ensure that they're bright enough for practical lighting.

You also need to find lights that are at least IP65 rated - this is a measure of weatherproofing, and the minimum standard for outdoor electronics. Lights with these two measures will be bright and robust, unlike most of the lights on Amazon. Then, see if you can find reviews that mention how long the lights have lasted. Good lights will have reviews that say they've lasted for five years or more.

I've spent time finding the best options, and there are a few sets of solar lights on Amazon that you should consider.

Solar String Lights

These are the best solar lights I've ever tested. I tried them years ago and they're still going strong after several seasons of snow, rain, and dust storms. I ended up giving them to my parents, and when I went home to see them the other weekend they were one of the few sets of lights I've tested that are still going strong. I've even outright tried to break them against fence panels and they've still held up. The only issue is that they're sold under lots of different names, so it can be hard to find a genuine set.

Brightech Ambience Solar String Lights

Lots of other product testers swear by Brightech's lights. These are very bright by string light standards, and thousands of reviews have said that they last for years.

Sunco 6 Pack Solar Pathway Lights

If you're lighting a pathway or driveway, you need a set of pathway lights like this, which offer practical illumination rather than a dim glow.

Lamps Plus

If Amazon lights aren't for you, you need a dedicated lighting store like Lamps Plus. Lamps Plus has a huge range of solar light fixtures, and they're usually made from hard-wearing metal rather than flimsy plastic.

The trade-off, of course, is that these lights are more expensive than other brands. Few of their solar lights are available as multi-packs, so you need a bigger budget to light your garden.

Aspen 15" High Black Solar Powered LED Outdoor Post Light

This post light can offer 18 hours of light when fully charged. Low-profile but luxurious, it's a great option for gates or driveway lighting.

Westley Lighting Set

Unlike most lights at Lamps Plus, these path lights come as a set of six. Best of all, they glow at 350 lumens, providing practical lighting.

Lanz 19" Long Black Motion Sensor Solar Powered LED Street Light

If you need practical lighting over a garage or barn, you need this powerful, motion-detection street light. It glows at 500 lumens, so it's bright enough for security, and it also has a remote so that you can run it on a timer.

Wayfair

Like Amazon, Wayfair has lots of poorly-made options, but there are hidden gems that can save you a lot of money. Unlike Amazon, Wayfair has large, free-standing solar lamps that are great for illuminating a patio.

A Grand Patio Solar Powered Floor Lamp

This rattan lamp is perfect for patio lighting, especially if you have wicker or poly rattan furniture. It offers style as well as practical lighting.

Gravitt 11'' Solar Powered Integrated Led Outdoor Lantern

A two set of lamps like this are perfect for lighting a table. You can also hang them from trees for a boho effect.

A Reade Seeded Lamp Post

This solar light is based on old Victorian streetlights, but that's not the best feature. We love that it includes a two hooks for hanging baskets and a planter at the base.

Lights.com

Lights.com doesn't have a huge range of solar lights, but they have the best collection of solar lanterns I've seen. The company also has a 90-day returns policy. For any other product this warranty is incredibly short, but by solar light standards it's worth having.

Nantucket Blue Medium Solar Metal Lantern, Set of 2

I was immediately taken by these blue lanterns. They look incredible against brick and terracotta and are the perfect way to introduce a little color without garishness.

Meri Glass Lantern With Solar Candle

This sculptural glass lantern holds a soft solar candle. It won't be bright enough for practical light, but it's perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.

Velo Metal Lantern With Solar Led Candle, Large

Modern farmhouse yard will benefit from this sleek black solar candle. It mixes rustic domesticity with clean, modern lines.

Anthropologie

After a while, solar lights can look pretty samey. However, Anthropologie have lots of unique solar lights that are perfect to adding interest to a dull patio space.

However, a word of warning - not all of their lights are high-quality, so make sure to do your research before you buy, as some reviewers have found that their lights didn't work for very long.

Solar Dandelion Led Stake Light

This dandelion stake light brings practical light without a boring nuts-and-bolts design. It looks especially great when reflected in water.

Solar Led Ivy Branch Lights

Unlike most of the solar lights on the market, these are perfect for both indoors and outdoors. They work well woven into a trellis for soft wall mounting, but are equally at home on a mantel as decor.

Stargazer Nature Effects Solar Mushroom Lights

You could transform a functional kitchen garden with these solar mushroom lights. They're perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to small pots and planters.

FAQs

Are solar lights safe?

Used properly, solar lights are perfectly safe. Just don't tamper with the battery - like any product with a lithium battery, whether a phone, video game controller, or even a car, a solar lights can be a fire hazard when badly damaged.

My final tip when buying solar lights is to look out for lights with adjustable solar panels. One of the best ways to ensure your solar lights work in winter is to tilt the panel to match the lower angle of the sun in the sky. This should help your lights to run even as the weather turns wetter, colder, and darker.

I went to Paris and saw these 4 covetable design trends in the homes, stores, café and restaurants

Camille Dubuis-Welch — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:31:00 +0000

It is a joy to be in Paris at the best of times, but to go when the City of Light is playing host to one of the most iconic sporting events in history is indescribable. I have been to Paris many times through the years and though I visited for just four nights before heading to the coast, I had my fill of its insatiable charm and allure.

Between the games, there was lots of strolling through my favorite arrondissements (between 3rd, 4th, and 6th in case you are wondering), enjoying delicious pastries, and whiling away the hours in the most coveted of boltholes. Cool and inviting, the styling of these spaces paves the way for the most memorable moments. Naturally, I was happy and inspired to take home some of those interior design trends...

1. Bibliothèque charm

(Image credit: Cravan, photography by Vincent Leroux)

Getting lost for an hour or two in a Parisian library is a favorite pastime in the city. Playing homage to this I headed to Cravan bar, which is in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the literary heart of Paris. It is set in an imposing 17th-century building that has been redefined by Belgian designer Ramy Fischler. Three bars are set over four levels, with a Scandi-esque elevator to accompany you if you wish, and each space has its own distinct look. The area that I was immediately drawn to in this historic building, was The Rizzoli Library on the second floor.

There is an art to decorating with books and Ramy does it very well, bringing even more zest to modern charm to create a space that you will happily spend hours in. Here, cozy, cool luxury is redefined. Red velvet couches hug the walls and Parquet de Versailles wooden floors carry inherently beautiful bookshelves – both built-in and free-standing – this was a look I wanted to take home immediately. I'm sure you can see why...

(Image credit: Cravan, photography by Vincent Leroux)

A neutral color scheme and clean lines create openness without taking away from the intimacy of the space, while angular furniture, coffee tables, and high ceilings add just the right amount of definition and kindly juxtapose the architectural bones. The balance is impeccable. The Bookshelf wealth trend is personal look of course but I will definitely be creating my own reading nook with these design cues.

2. A hint of unexpected marble

(Image credit: Yond Interiors)

From marble-topped round bistro tables to hints of the enduring material spotted on ornaments when window shopping, Paris took my love of marble to new heights.

This look is not new, by no means, but I now have a refreshed outlook on marble – no longer considering it only for kitchens and bathrooms. Now, when injecting a little of the Paris Grandma Aesthetic into my home, I will consider hints of marble in accessories, statement lamps and small side tables.

3. Red and white

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

the Color trends have been pretty peachy this summer, but red and white is the color combination that reigned for me in August. And it kept catching my eye around the city.

It forms part of Paris' natural brasserie-studded landscape, but I enjoyed it in particular on the outdoor woven bistro chairs at a new cocktail location called Bar Bisou Paris. It sounds like a bold combo, but as I saw in Bar Bisou, tone down the red and warm up the white and you get a scheme that's high-contrast but livable.

(Image credit: Les Bains Paris)

For an effortless, cool finish, I'd consider a rustier-toned red with white too. This is one of the interior looks at the iconic hotel, Les Bains Paris. Dismantling bold red and white in a lounging corner keeps this hotel room striking but still cozy and inviting. The sculpted finish of the furniture lifts the color scheme too, leading me to my next Parisian design trend...

4. Exaggerated sculptural decor

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball, photography Jonathan Hokklo)

Silver hot air balloons adorned the 'vitrines' (windows) of Louis Vuitton and voluminous light shades dressed the fifth wall of my favorite restaurants. Colors were light, with reflective finishes, and eye-catching to say the least. From curvaceous couches to ceramics, finding subtle ways to add drama will lift all of the more traditional allure of Parisian interiors.

Plus, if your space has angular furniture or architectural features like a marble hearth, fluid shapes can soften the tone. For the daring, include those gold glimmers and nuances of silver, a pop here and there can bring a room to life.

Black Marble Coffee Table

Post Paris trip I was keen to find a piece of marble furniture to really make an impact in my space. This black marble coffee table is sure to do just that, and I will soften the look with a high-pile rug underneath and cover the surface in coffee table books.

Assouline Coffee Table Book

Speaking of coffee table books, this is a must have. Assouline books are a piece of decor, and this one is filled with gorgeous pictures of the city that are sure to inspire.

Velvet Frame Pillow

Bringing in some red and white was high on my list when I returned from my trip. Bistro chairs for my backyard seem a little unseasonal now we are going into fall so this pillow brings the combo into my living room as well as updating it for autumn.

Naturally, I love a hint of French provincial style, but nodding to more modern looks will uniquely elevate this aesthetic. And that's what I learned from my trip to Paris, I fell back in love with the more modern, bold side of French interiors which can often be forgotten in favor of the French country style we all love.

Why bother with a fire pit? 4 reasons fire pits are an essential for your yard

Alex David — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The return of fall means cozy evenings under the stars, and there's no better way to stay snug than with a fire pit. They look good, keep you warm, and they're the perfect place for toasting marshmallows.

However, you might be completely nonplussed by fire pits. You spend hundreds of dollars on a simple steel bowl to hold a fire when you could just build a bonfire right there on the lawn.

But there are several reasons why a fire pit is a much better option. I spoke to design and fire pit specialists about why these stylish structures are essential for backyard bonfires.

1. Fire pits keep you safe

(Image credit: Getty Images / Olena Butivshchenko)

Safety is the most important reason for using a fire pit. Fire pits are packed with safety features that make backyard fires much less dangerous.

The first is that it stops the fire from getting too hot. A fire pit limits the size of your bonfire, which keeps the temperature manageable. A big bonfire can quickly get out of control, and it can become so hot that it's uncomfortable to sit near. You want your fire to be cozy and comfortable, not blazing hot.

Fire pits stop embers from jumping out. A fire pit with walls will contain your fire, which means that hot embers can't leap out of the fire and singe your legs. Fire pits are also raised above the ground, so the fire can't spread to lawn grass. If you use a gas fire pit, it's even safer. If you worry the fire is too hot, you can just turn it down, which is impossible with a bonfire.

Fire pits tend to be better for local wildlife, too. A bonfire is the perfect place for small animals to hide, so if you build the bonfire structure in the morning and come back to light it in the evening, you could easily injure small animals. This is rarely the case when building a fire with logs in a dedicated fire pit, and impossible if you use a gas fire pit.

Stopping embers from jumping out of the fire leads us to the third, and most important safety feature. A fire pit stops a bonfire from burning out of control. A big bonfire can easily catch on lawns and trees, starting a dangerous fire that can get out of control, posing a risk to property, and more importantly, life.

Landscaping expert Tom Smith says 'A bonfire is more likely to go out of control. Bonfires tend to be big, and if you don't manage them well, you can start a more significant fire that threatens your property.'

2. Fire pits help you obey the law

(Image credit: Getty Images / SolStock)

In fact, a bonfire could be the thing keeping you on the right side of the law. In many places, the size and materials in a fire are tightly regulated. This is especially true in dry parts of the country. For example, you need a permit for most fire pits and fires in LA, and Colorado occasionally has fire bans in particularly windy weather.

Designer Tom Smith told me that 'If you live in a particularly dry area of the country, you can't do bonfires because they are likely to start a larger fire. As a desert landscaper in Arizona, I would never recommend that someone start a bonfire in their backyard here.' However, fire pits are usually the exception, because they're contained. It's always best to check local regulations before you start a fire.

The precise size of a fire pit can help here, too. For example, in much of California, the limit for a domestic fire is three feet across. If you buy a fire pit that's three feet exactly, you know for a fact that you're well within your rights.

3. Fire pits are stylish

(Image credit: Getty Images / RossHelen)

Fire pits are also stylish. A bonfire is always just a fire. Burning old material like pallets or fence panels is not only dangerous, depending on how these woods have been treated, but it's not the prettiest to look at.

A fire pit, however, can be a part of your garden style. Designer Tom Smith says 'A firepit also does a great job of making a statement. It can serve as a feature of your home and can make your yard look unique. There is a fire pit for every home style, and the ones they make today are just gorgeous.'

There's a huge range of different fire pits on the market. There are ornate, laser-cut fire globes like this at Wayfair, or simple, contemporary fire bowls like this at Target. There are even fire pits engraved with the logo of your favorite football team - they're not the prettiest, but the option is there.

Yukon 2.0

If you don't like the smell of smoke, try a Solo Stove. Their fire pits are totally smokeless, bringing all the benefits of a wood fire without the drawbacks.

Anthropologie Fronds Fire Pit

The laser-cut leaf design in this fire pit combines boho flair with an industrial feel. However, fire pits this large may not be to code in every county.

Trinity Concrete Rectangular Propane Fire Pit Table

If you want more control, a gas fire table like this is easy to switch on and off. It's also practical, as it can hold drinks and snacks.

4. Fire pits help you host

(Image credit: Getty Images / Vojtech Petr)

Fire pits also make it much easier to host. A huge bonfire is impressive, but it can't be part of evening plans. Fire pits are smaller and easier to talk over. Fire pit expert Andrei Newman says that 'Fire pits can be placed next to seats, so they're good for socializing over a meal, heating up space or just for sheer warmth and ambiance.' That isn't the case with a bonfire.

You can also cook over a fire pit. Most fire pits can be fitted with grills or tripods for Dutch ovens, whereas bonfires often contain material that gives off toxic smoke. A fire pit, however, can always be used for cooking.

FAQs

Do fire pits stain patios?

Fire pits don't stain patios unless you're careless with the ash. Cheaper models can leave rust stains, but you can prevent this by covering or storing your fire pit in rainy weather.

You should be very careful about what you burn in a fire pit, because treated wood can create toxic fumes. In fact, the best wood for a fire pit is a hardwood like oak, because it offers a long burn, more heat, and the best-smelling smoke.

I tried 8 quick ways to make my home smell nice –here's what really worked

Gabriella Dyson — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

There’s nothing quite as stressful as the moment you realize guests are arriving soon, and your home isn’t smelling as fresh as it should be. Whether it’s the lingering aroma of last night’s dinner or just a touch of stale air, finding a quick solution is the key to making your home feel – and smell – more welcoming.

To tackle this common dilemma, I put eight popular methods to the test in my home. From the comforting aroma of scented candles to the fast-acting scent of my favorite floor cleaner, I explored which options can truly refresh your home's smell in a matter of minutes, and which might not live up to the hype.

Below, I share the results of my experiment, focusing on what worked best for a speedy refresh. If you need a fast and effective way to make your home smell nice before guests arrive, these tried-and-true methods will ensure your space is ready to impress in no time.

My Verdict

When I need a quick fix to refresh my home’s scent, I often reach for a strong linen spray or light an incense stick for an instant burst of fragrance. However, for a more lasting and effective solution, I’ve found that a combination of simple strategies works best. I open the windows to let in fresh air, I run my air purifier on a high, odor eliminating setting, and I give my floors a quick mop with a scented cleaner.

Read on for exactly what I thought of the eight things I tried including candles, wax melts, floor cleaner, fresh flowers, linen sprays, incense, air purifiers and more.

1. Fresh Flowers

(Image credit: Future PLC)

I love the idea of using fresh flowers as a natural, non-toxic way to make a home smell nice, and try evening scenting, by adding fragrance to my home. There’s something so romantic about the delicate scent of real blooms that synthetic fragrances just can’t replicate. That's why I make a point of always having a large bouquet on my dining room table and a few cut flowers dotted around my home in tiny homemade stem vases.

However, the fragrance of fresh flowers doesn’t usually permeate an entire room and it's not the quickest way to make a house smell nice. Flowers bring a soft, natural fragrance that’s best appreciated up close and this scent is somewhat limited in range.

My verdict: I’ve found that placing fresh flowers in high-traffic areas or rooms where I spend the most time allows me to enjoy their scent to the fullest. However, this method is a very subtle way to enhance the atmosphere, so I’d give them a 5/10 for scenting a room - this is not a method I recommend using in a pinch and is better for decorating with flowers.

2. Scented Candles

(Image credit: Neptune)

I can’t resist the allure of scented candles, especially when fall rolls around. There’s something so comforting about lighting a candle and letting its fragrance fill the room. The best scented candles I’ve found are made from natural wax, like soy or beeswax, which burn cleanly and don’t release harmful toxins. Learn more about candles and their care.

'I’ve also noticed that while scented candles can subtly scent a room within minutes, the fragrance tends to fade fairly quickly once the candle is blown out. Still, the ambiance they create and the decorative containers they come in make them a staple in my home year-round.

My verdict: Scented candles are perfect for adding a quick burst of fragrance, but the scent doesn’t last long after the flame is extinguished, though you can remedy this somewhat by scent layering. For their cozy charm and delicious range of scents, I’d rate them a 6/10. My current favorites include:

Five colors

Santal 26 Scented Candle, 245g

I'm obsessed with the heady aroma of this leather-scented candle – it's the perfect, intoxicating blend of spicy and sweet.

Four sizes

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle

The iconic Capri Blue candles from Anthropologie have been a staple in my home for years. I love their striking containers and their strong scent.

Two-wick

Pumpkin Banana Scone Scented Candle

This Yankee Candle captures the cozy scents of fall in a jar, with notes of creamy pumpkin and ripe bananas, finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze.

3. Wax Melts

(Image credit: Top Drawer)

I recently started using wax melts as well as scented candles, as the average cost of wax melts is much more affordable. I have to say, so far I'm really impressed. As soon as I pop one into the wax warmer, it begins to melt almost instantly, releasing a powerful fragrance that fills the entire room in just a few minutes.

This fast-acting method is perfect when you need to freshen up your space quickly. I also love that wax melts come in a variety of scents and shapes, making it easy to switch things up depending on my mood or the season

My verdict: Wax melts provide a powerful, long-lasting scent that really permeates throughout my home. They’ve quickly become one of my favorite ways to keep my space smelling nice. I’d give them an 8/10.

Dual function

Candle Warmers Etc 2-In-1 Candle and Fragrance Warmer for Warming Scented Candles or Wax Melts and Tarts With to Freshen Room, Midas

Enjoy the best of both with this warmer that comes with wax melts and a candle.

4. Incense

I’ve always been drawn to the rich, earthy scents of incense, so I decided to try burning some to see how quickly it would improve the aroma of my home. Personally, I was a fan – the scent was strong and quickly filled my entire second floor. However, I wasn’t prepared for the mixed reactions from my guests. Some of them commented that the house smelled a bit musty, which wasn’t exactly the feedback I was hoping for. While incense can be a great way to scent your home, it’s a bit polarizing and might not be to everyone’s liking.

My verdict: Incense provides a strong, lasting aroma, but not everyone may appreciate the scent. In terms of speed, this method is a 9/10, but overall I'm giving it a 5/10 due to the mixed reactions it received.

My current favorites

Hand dipped

Erin + Avery Incense Cones

This set of 25 charcoal incense cones only takes 15 seconds to work their magic, filling a room with a heady aroma in no time at all.

25 mins burn time

Gentle Habits Dreamland Incense

I love the subtle scent of lavender and ylang ylang that these incense sticks release, as it's much fresher than the usual patchouli aroma.

11 fragrances

Folkulture Vanilla Incense Sticks

This pack of 75 Fall-scented incense sticks are non-toxic and organic. They also defy the notion that incense has to smell too earthy, releasing a sweet and clean scent.

5. Linen sprays

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby Photography)

To get into the fall spirit, I recently purchased a toffee apple linen spray from Etsy to freshen up my home fast. The scent was rich and indulgent – almost like dessert in a bottle – however, I found it to be a bit too sweet and cloying for my taste. On the plus side, the scent lingered for quite a while, which was great for keeping my home smelling nice throughout the day. I’ve also discovered that spritzing linen sprays on less-used fabrics like curtains or throw pillows helps the scent last even longer, releasing a continuous burst of fragrance whenever you walk by.

When choosing a linen spray, I try to consider the ingredients to ensure I'm only bringing non-toxic, safe products into my home. I look for sprays that are free from phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, as these can contain harmful chemicals. Instead, I like to use linen sprays made with natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients, which are generally safer for children and pets. When in doubt, consider making your own DIY Linen spray using your favorite essential oils.

My verdict: Linen sprays are a quick and effective way to refresh your home, but the scent can sometimes be overpowering. That being said, I’d rate them an 8/10 for making a home smell nice fast, especially if you choose a fragrance that suits your taste.

6. Scented floor cleaners

(Image credit: Earthborn)

For my next test, I turned to a multifunctional product: Method Wooden Floor Cleaner from Walmart. Not only did this easy-to-use solution leave my floors looking spotless, but the sweet almondy scent was quick to permeate my home and lingered for hours, giving my entire home a fresh, clean aroma without being too overpowering.

The only downside I noticed to this technique was that the strong scent might be too much for some pets. For instance, my cat seemed a bit bothered by it and refused to step into the lounge after I mopped the floor. Still, I found the scented floor cleaning to be an excellent option for a quick refresh, especially when I’m simultaneously tackling my cleaning chores.

My verdict: Scented floor cleaners offer a double benefit of cleaning and scenting your home fast. Without fail, guests always comment on how clean my home smells if I've used this product shortly before their arrival, so I’d rate this method a 9/10, with a small caveat for pet owners. For something more natural and suited to homes with pets, you can try a fast baking soda trick to make your home smell like fall, and easily adjust the essential oils depending on the season.

Cruelty free

Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner, Almond Scent

I swear by this Method Wood Floor Cleaner. The strong almond scent isn't chemically but it immediately improves the smell of your home and the fragrance lingers on for hours.

7. Open windows

(Image credit: Ryan Garvin)

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. I’ve found that opening the windows wide is an incredibly effective way to refresh my home quickly. It’s amazing how just a few minutes of fresh air can eliminate stale odors and make the whole space feel cleaner and more inviting. Plus, it’s completely natural and costs nothing. Whenever I feel like my home needs a quick pick-me-up, I simply open the windows and let the breeze do the work.

My verdict: Opening windows is an effortless and natural way to freshen up your home, though it’s weather-dependent. For its simplicity and effectiveness, I give it an 8/10.

8. Air Purifiers

After using the Coway Airmega Aim Air Purifier for several months, I can honestly say it’s been a game-changer for keeping my home smelling fresh. I’m amazed at how well it removes lingering odors, from pet smells to cooking aromas. It’s so effective that I’ve noticed I don’t go 'nose blind' (where you get used to smells and don't notice them anymore) to certain scents as easily anymore. The air in my home feels cleaner and fresher, making it a must-have in my book. If you’re serious about maintaining a pleasant-smelling home, an air purifier is worth the investment.

My verdict: Air purifiers are an essential tool if you want to extract bad odors fast and keep your home smelling fresh consistently. For their effectiveness and reliability, I’d give them an 8/10.

Two colors

Coway Airmega Aim Purifier

I said goodbye to musty pet odors after using my Coway Airmega Aim Purifier every day for the past four months.

If you find yourself with a bit more time to enhance your home’s aroma, try a hidden fragrance hack to subtly fragrance your living room. Simply place dryer sheets in a fragrance you love into your living room throw pillow to add a personalized scent to upholstery that will stay smelling fresh for days.

Next, learn what people with nice smelling homes never do, and the best ways to banish bathroom smells.

Fire pits vs fire tables – experts reveal which is best for your yard

Alex David — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:30:00 +0000

Fall has arrived, and the window for enjoying your outdoor space is closing. However, you can enjoy your patio long into the winter with an outdoor heat source.

You have a few options for heating your patio but none are as popular as fire pits and fire tables. That said, it's not always an easy decision to pick between the two. Fire pits are more effective, but they take up room. Fire tables are neater, but they don't get as hot.

I spoke to fire pit experts about all the pros and cons, and they revealed everything you need to know about which option is best for your yard.

Fire pit benefits

(Image credit: Creative Design and Maintenance)

A fire pit is a metal or stone bowl which can hold a bonfire. Unlike a fire table, it's usually fuelled with firewood and sits at around knee height. Unlike a fire table, it can also be hardscaped into your patio.

Firstly, a wood-fuelled fire pit is less expensive in the long run than a gas-fuelled fire table, because buying logs is cheaper than filling up a propane tank.

Fire pits can also get much hotter than a gas-powered fire table, providing more effective heating.

It's not for everyone, but many people like the homely smell of wood smoke, whereas a gas fire table is like a stovetop, and doesn't always do much for ambiance.

While you can cook on both fire pits and fire tables, fire pits are easily converted to grills. Fire tables tend to be limited to toasted marshmallows and s'mores, but a fire pit can grill everything you can make on a charcoal grill.

Fire pit ideas come in a huge range of styles, from ornate, traditional styles to clean, hard-edged contemporary styles. Fire tables tend to be a little one-note, with either poly rattan or concrete designs.

A hardscaped fire pit can even help you sell your home. Landscaping expert Joe Raboine told me 'A fire pit can increase a home’s value, especially if they are installed as part of a defined area such as a paved patio.'

Amazon Basics Fire Pit

This simple fire pit is all you need. The handles make it easy to move around your space, and it comes with a spark screen to reduce the risk of fire.

Yukon 2.0

If you don't like the smell of smoke, try a Solo Stove. Their fire pits are totally smokeless, bringing all the benefits of wood fires without the drawbacks.

Anthropologie Fronds Fire Pit

I love the beautiful leaf design in this stylish boho fire pit. However, bear in mind that it's large, so it may not be to code in every county.

Fire pit drawbacks

(Image credit: Photograph: Andri Beauchamp. Design: Lane Goodkind + Associates)

Fire pits are much more dangerous than fire tables. Fire tables can be switched on and off, but fire pits are much harder to extinguish. If you add too much wood to your fire pit, it can quickly become too hot, whereas this can easily be adjusted on a fire table. On top of that, because fire pits are lower to the ground, they're a trip hazard and pose a particular risk for young children. Fire pit expert Andrei Newman told me that 'An open flame always poses a risk and can be dangerous particularly if there are small kids or pets around.'

Fire pits take up more room than fire tables. Fire tables can be incorporated into your outdoor furniture, but a fire pit has to be the focal point of a social space. Andrei Newman says 'Fire pits can consume more space and may not be suitable for smaller backyards.'

Andrei adds that 'Fire pits can also require special care when it comes to maintenance like removing ash and clearing the areas surrounding the fireplace to avoid fire hazards.' Fire pits are also prone to rusting. While it's simple to restore a rusty fire pit, it's not an issue with a fire table.

If you opt for a hardscaped fire pit, you'll find that it's a lot more work than buying a fire table. Landscaping expert Joe Raboine told me that 'A fire pit requires installation. Some can be installed by a skilled DIYer, but it may be best to consult with a professional contractor to ensure it is installed correctly.'

Whichever option you choose, fire pits can be subject to local ordinances. Unlike a fire table, different municipalities have different laws about the size and height of a bonfire, so not every fire pit is legal in every county. Joe says 'Homeowners should also consult with their local municipalities to ensure they understand local ordinances for installing a fire pit.'

Fire table benefits

(Image credit: Getty Images / Ajax9)

Fire tables are a pretty simple concept. Joe Raboine says 'Fire tables are exactly as they are described – tables that incorporate fire elements, combining a table’s functionality with the warmth of a fire pit.'

This means they have a utility that a fire pit can't match. Andrei Newman says ' In addition to bringing heat, fire tables can be used for placing drinks or snacks and can also be built to provide a warm surface to the users.' Unlike a fire pit, which doesn't have a spot for drinks or plates, a fire table is perfect for hosting dinners.

Fire tables are much safer than fire pits because they usually run on propane. Joe Raboine says 'Fire tables are available with additional safety elements compared to fire pits, with controlled flames or other built-in safety elements.'

On top of that, fire tables are better for smaller spaces. Andrei says 'Generally, they come in a smaller size making it possible to fit even in crowded places such as balconies and patios.'

Ciays 28 Inch Fire Pit Table

This simple fire table is archetypical. Made from poly rattan, it's inexpensive and easy to control.

Trinity Concrete Rectangular Propane Fire Pit Table

At the higher end of the market, you're more likely to see concrete tables like this. UV resistant, it won't rust if you leave it in the rain.

Martha Stewart Fire Pit Table Seating Set

Lots of fire tables come as outdoor furniture sets. These combine chairs and fire tables into a single bundle, saving you a lot of money.

Fire table drawbacks

(Image credit: Getty Images / filo)

However, fire tables have some significant drawbacks. The first is that they're rarely effective for heating. They're great for warming up hands, but they can't warm a space like a wood-fuelled fire pit. Andrei Newman says 'Fire tables do not offer sufficient warmth or cooking compared to fire pits.'

Fire tables are also much more expensive than freestanding fire pits. Andrei says 'The fire table’s price is one of its main disadvantages. These tables are usually more costly than standard fire pits.' While they're cheaper than hardscaped fire pits, Joe Raboine says that 'Fire tables won’t necessarily increase your home’s value like a fire pit, as it is not a built-in feature of the home. Higher-end fire tables can be expensive and compared to a built-in fire pit, may not provide the same level of sophistication for a space.'

Fire pits are much more stylish, with many more options. Fire tables all tend to look the same. Cheaper models are black poly rattan, and more expensive options are modern, concrete slabs. They also tend to have the same dimensions, so you have fewer options if your yard has an irregular layout.

FAQs

Can fire table rocks explode?

Fire table rocks can pop and shatter, but only under certain conditions. If the fire table rocks are left in the rain, they'll absorb water. When this water is heated, it expands, shattering the rock. It's easy to avoid - just don't leave your fire pit rocks in the rain.

Fire pits and fire tables aren't your only option for heating your space. It's also worth considering a patio heater for more practical warmth, though there are some big environmental factors to bear in mind.

Diane Keaton's '90s kitchen is the perfect example of a chef's space –the timeless materials are still the best choice 25 years later

jennifer.ebert@futurenet.com (Jennifer Ebert) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:20 +0000

Chef's kitchens are rising in popularity thanks to an increase in technological advances in kitchen design meaning that creating a professional or gourmet kitchen – once reserved for the best restaurants – at home is even easier to achieve than before.

Diane Keaton's former kitchen, crafted in 1999 by celebrity favorite Stephen Shadley, is a true testament to culinary design. 'I want to be pure about this,' Keaton said in Shadley's book Designing Hollywood Homes. 'The simpler the better.'

Planning a true chef's kitchen requires precision planning. Your chosen material is perhaps the most important element. Hygienic, seamless and extremely robust, stainless steel is the professionals’ top surface choice for good reason.

A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on

There are practical reasons for why metals, such as stainless steel, work well in chef's kitchens: they can take the heat, literally, and are easy to clean. While scratches and patina are part of their charm, they can achieve striking clean lines, and a growing interest in this material goes beyond durability.

'Stainless steel is durable, low maintenance and extremely hygienic, so it's the ideal kitchen countertop material for our present times, says Tom Edmonds, design director at Lewis Alderson. 'It can be made into large complicated pieces with sinks and drainers welded in, virtually eliminating joints where bacteria and dirt could accumulate.' While it is more associated with contemporary kitchens, stainless steel can prove a surprisingly good fit amid classic cabinets. 'In a traditional kitchen, stainless steel lends a modern edge and, in time, will gain small swirl marks, which will settle into a lovely mellow patina that requires little fuss,' adds Tom.

A natural partner for stainless-steel appliances, chrome hardware is also a classic choice that works especially well with lighter color schemes, according to Simon Temprell, interior design lead at Neptune. ‘It is suited to both modern and traditional styles and has a clean, fresh look that really perks things up,’ he adds. ‘Chrome handles shouldn’t fade or lose their shine, just buff with a cloth to remove sticky fingerprints. Many kitchen appliances come with chrome finishes, and it’s also a great metal to pair with polished nickel on taps and lighting, keeping your kitchen looking fresh, bright and shiny, similar to Keaton's.

A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on

These days, the best kitchen designers are flexing cool-toned metal a touch further, applying it across more architectural features, incorporating even more sophisticated finishes and highlighting its ability to amplify light.

‘Today, steel is detailed in a more architectural manner, offering a broader range of application options and enabling it to serve multiple functions,’ notes Eva-Marie Prineas, principal of Sydney’s Studio Prineas. And while cool metallics are having a moment well beyond the kitchen, it seems no area in the cooking space is off-limits for steely accents. Whether to bring a streak of minimalism or a ray of light into the heart of the home. Metal accents are upping the ante in home kitchens.

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Exact match

Dualit NewGen Toaster

Hand-crafted using aluminum and stainless steel the NewGen mimics the look of the classic Vario toaster – designed in 1945 – but adds a handful of modern features. Each of the NewGen’s toast slots works independently, so you only use enough energy to heat the slices you need. There’s also a handy defrost setting. Available in 13 colors, the NewGen isn’t cheap, but all its parts are replaceable. It’s a toaster for life.

Best-seller

Ramona Chrome Wine Glasses – Set of 4

If you want to add chrome to your kitchen without a complete overhaul, wine glasses with chrome handles are the simple way to do so. The Ramono set was an instant hit when Anthropologie launched the range last year, and it is easy to see why these industrial-inspired retro glasses are back in the zeitgeist once again.

Available in multiple colors

Fiesta Bistro Serving Bowl

The wonderful thing about stainless steel is that it works beautifully with just about any other color. Turquoise is a color that is never cold. Evocative of warm tropical seas, paradise islands and luxurious infinity pools, it is a color that brings calm and happiness to every space. With its associations of a gentle lapping sea, it promotes a sense of calm and relaxation – a must in a busy gourmet kitchen. Made in the USA, this serving bowl will look striking filled with lemons.

Far from being a passing fad, industrial-style chef's cooking spaces are a kitchen trend that has exploded in a big way. We love how the mix of utilitarian surfaces, pared-back architecture and functional, salvaged objects create a look that is raw, contemporary and unpretentious.

How to design a juice bar at home – everything you need to create a chic and functional set up

Lydia Hayman — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Last summer, I went on a yoga retreat in Greece. Every morning, the retreat chef prepared fresh ginger shots to energize us before sessions. This daily ritual was so refreshing and invigorating, it made me want to bring a slice of that healthy lifestyle into my own home.

If you love the idea of starting the day with freshly-squeezed juices (or like me, aspire to be that kind of health goddess), creating a dedicated juice bar in your kitchen is a great way to start a habit. Inspired by our resident barista Laura and her kitchen coffee nook, I’ve put together this guide to help you create a juice bar at home.

We’ll start by choosing the best juicer to grace your worktop, before adding a few essentials like elegant glassware, juicing accessories and fruit bowls – guaranteed to bring joy and ease to your juicing routine.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Quick List

Further down, I'll give you options and explanations of what you need in your juice bar and why. However, if you just want a quick list of the juice bar essentials, here's everything you need.

Juicer

Nama J3

Minimalist juicing in every way. The Nama J3 is perfect for hands-free juicing and it looks so sleek, too.

Fruit Bowl

Hayden Bowl

There’s nothing more elegant than a simple fruit bowl, filled with lemons, limes and oranges. I love this Earthenware option from Lulu and Georgia.

Cutting Board

Berard Olive Wood Board

This olive wood cutting board has a juice groove and is perfectly sized for chopping fruits and veggies.

Carafes

Kook Glass Carafes

Glass carafes are ideal for serving fresh juice at the breakfast table. They also come with airtight seals, so you can store hydrating juices in the refrigerator to keep them cool.

Juice glasses

Ribbed Juice Glasses

Ribbed glassware is all the rage right now. This collection from Wayfair is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for an effortless clean-up.

Recipe book

Deliciously Ella Smoothies & Juices Recipe Book

A mini recipe book for juice recipes. Perfect for beginners, it's got all the classics like green juices and ginger shots.

Nama Juicer and fresh fruit on the countertop (Image credit: Nama)

The juicer

There are tons of different juicers on the market, making it hard to know how to choose the right model. If you don’t have one already or are looking for a quality upgrade, you might like to read our guide to the best juicers of 2024.

Spoiler alert: we picked the Kuvings EVO820 as the best juicer overall, but for my dream juice bar, I’d pick the Nama J3 Cold Press Juicer. It’s stylish, minimalist and most importantly, fuss-free. It has a large hopper with a rotating blade, which automatically feeds ingredients down to be juiced This means you can add whole or large pieces of fruit and let the Nama get on with it, which is ideal for sleepy or busy mornings. It’s straight out of my health goddess dreams.

Nama J3

Minimalist juicing in every way. The Nama J3 is perfect for hands-free juicing and it looks so sleek, too.

Read more in our full review.

Kuvings EVO820

This multifunctional machine isn't just a juicer: it's a smoothie blender and sorbet maker, too. The Kuvings EVO820 can tackle hard fruits, soft fruits, and even vegetables.

Read more in our full review.

Hurom HP

This cute and compact juicer is perfect for smaller kitchens. It can only handle single servings, but the Slow Squeeze Technology gets all the goodness.

Read more in our full review.

Fruit holders

The best part of the juicing ritual is selecting your fresh fruit. I love displaying fruit in my kitchen, not just for the pop of color it brings to my worktop. It inspires me to replenish my stock frequently and try out new flavor combinations

Hayden Fruit Bowl

There’s nothing more elegant than a simple fruit bowl, filled with lemons, limes and oranges. I love this Earthenware option from Lulu and Georgia.

Two-Tier Bamboo Fruit Basket

I spotted this kind of fruit shelf at a luxury wellness resort in Ibiza, where private suites had juicing equipment in the kitchens. The wooden texture and tiered layers bring an artisanal farmer’s market vibe to a modern kitchen.

Ceramic Fruit Basket

I’ve seen these ceramic fruit baskets all over TikTok and Pinterest. The ventilation keeps your fruit fresh, whilst the pastel color options bring a playful twist. Ideal for smaller fruits.

Cutting Boards

Once you’ve selected your fruit, you’ll need to prep it for the juicer. I asked Kyle Mendenhall, juicing expert & Senior Director of Culinary Innovation at Snooze A.M. Eatery for his professional tips. He advises 'preparing all your ingredients before you start to juice (washing, trimming, seeding, etc.). This will allow you to juice everything at one time and keep your juice as fresh as possible.’

Whether you’re chopping a pineapple, peeling a lime, or slicing up some apples, you’ll need a high-quality cutting board to hand. Personally, I like to use wooden cutting boards that are free from BPA and non-toxic, ensuring the healthiest juice possible.

However, Kyle says, ‘Sometimes wood can absorb flavors and make it hard to clean sticky sugar residue.’ He recommends a Hasegawa Japanese cutting board. ‘They have a wood core, a rubber outer coating, and provide a softness when cutting. They are also anti-bacterial. Originally intended for sushi chefs, I find these boards are top-notch for prepping fruits and vegetables.'

John Boos Block CB Wood Cutting Board with Juice Groove

Well known amongst chefs as one of the best cutting board makers. There’s a ‘juice groove’ carved around the edges to prevent juices from spilling over onto the counter.

Hasegawa cutting board in black

Originally a manufacturer of skis, Hasegawa was started in 1955 in Chiba, Japan. Their sleek cutting boards are great for chopping fruit, easy to clean and treasured by sushi chefs.

Cutting Board

Berard Olive Wood Board

Perhaps not as practical as the other options, I love the rounded edges of this Mediterranean-style olive wood cutting board. It does have a juice groove and is perfectly sized for chopping fruits and veggies.

Glassware

Once your juice is ready to drink, you’ll want to pour it into a sleek, elegant glass for the true juice bar experience. Kyle says, ‘glasses that are good for chilled cocktails and cold beer also work great for juice.’

Set of 6 Bitossi Glasses

If you want to enjoy the bright color of the juice you’ve just made, you might prefer clear glasses. But I couldn’t help including these multicolor tumblers made by Italian kitchen connoisseurs, Bitossi.

Ribbed Juice Glasses

Ribbed glassware is all the rage right now. This collection from Wayfair is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for an effortless clean-up.

Kook Glass Carafes

Glass carafes are ideal for serving fresh juice at the breakfast table. They also come with airtight seals, so you can store hydrating juices in the refrigerator to keep them cool.

Accessories

Now it's time to bring the color and vibrance of the juice bar to your own kitchen. Think: fresh flowers, bold prints and bright vases. I’m not very green-thumbed, but I love the idea of growing my own fruit tree indoors next to my kitchen juice bar. Imagine juicing your own, home-grown clementines! Otherwise, a fresh bunch of flowers or vibrant print will be equally uplifting.

Summer Fruit Glass Vases

Bring some 'al fresco' fun to your juice bar with Anthropologie's glass fruit vases. They're so cute and colorful, sure to make you smile in the morning. Anthropologie has brought out a collection of Fall fruits too, for seasonal updates.

Glassette Channel Orange Print by Grace Percival

Glassette has a great selection of kitchen prints. I love this cheerful watercolor print by English artist, Grace Percival. Why not pick a painting of your own favorite fruit?

Hay Sobremesa Stripe Vase

New York-based artist Laila Gohar has created the Sobremesa kitchen collection for Danish brand Hay. 'Sobremesa' describes the Spanish tradition of enjoying each other’s company at the end of a meal – an apt name for the collection.

Useful extras

Deliciously Ella Smoothies & Juices

My favorite mini recipe book, packed with delicious juice recipes. It's great for beginners, ranging from classic green juice recipes to exciting flavor combos, like iced mint and matcha.

Reusable Metal Straws

Elevate the juicing experience with a reusable metal straw. Plus, it's the best way to protect your teeth from stains.

Slim Plastic Bins with Handles

We covered these simple bins a few months ago and they were unbelievably popular. From interiors icon Nate Berkus, these sleek but inexpensive bins are perfect for storing any juicing accessories or ingredients.

FAQs

What is the best juicer for small spaces?

The Hurom HP is cute and compact. Just the right size for single servings. It even incorporates Slow Squeeze Technology to get all the goodness out of your produce. Read our full review here.

Can you make juice in a blender?

It's not ideal (a juicer will always make a crisper, clearer juice) but if you're in a squeeze, you can make juice in a blender. In fact, we've covered the blender vs juicer debate in detail.

What is the difference between smoothies and juices?

Juices are naturally hydrating. They're created by extracting liquid from fruits and vegetables, leaving behind the fiber in the form of 'juice pulp'.

Smoothies are made by blending whole fruits and vegetables, retaining their fiber and offering a thicker, creamy texture. Smoothies can be more filling, while juices offer a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals.

If you’re more of a smoothie lover, you can easily create an at-home smoothie station instead. Start with our guide to the best smoothie blenders and more.

What should I put in the corner of my kitchen? Interior designers share their favorite ways to fill these tricky spaces

Molly Malsom — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

When decorating your scheme, you might be wondering 'What should I put in the corner of my kitchen?' It can be an awkward space to fill, especially if it's close to a walkway or an alcove surrounded by windows.

The good news is, that kitchen ideas are varied and in abundance, so interior designers have plenty of aesthetic and practical ways to make use of an awkward kitchen corner. Even the smallest of spaces can be transformed with thoughtful decoration.

To give you some inspiration, we've asked the experts to share their favorite ways to fill the corner of a kitchen, from simple additions to more thought-out designs – and they don't disappoint.

What should I put in the corner of my kitchen?

Don't let an empty kitchen corner become an eyesore, or worse, the home of the trash can. There are plenty of stylish ways to make an awkward corner feel cohesive with the rest of your kitchen scheme, rather than an afterthought.

1. Make a mini coffee station

(Image credit: deVOL)

An empty kitchen corner is the perfect place to add a little luxury – creating a dedicated space for your morning rituals will make the start of your day all the more enjoyable.

For many, coffee is a morning must, so transforming the corner of your kitchen into a small coffee station or nook makes good use of the space. Add a simple storage unit or butcher's block and adorn it with your coffee machine, brewing essentials, and a few of your favorite mugs.

This coffee station has been elevated with two floating shelves above, displaying decor and vintage tableware. This is a great way to add character and personality to what was once an empty corner.

2. Create a mini living room

(Image credit: Bethany Adams Interiors/JL Jordan Photography)

Kitchens are multifunctional spaces, and now more than ever we are spending more time socializing and relaxing in them. As such, an empty kitchen corner is an ideal spot to create a cozy seating area, kind of like a mini living room.

'I've noticed a tendency in my clients to want to cover every available wall in built-in cabinetry, but I always encourage leaving one wall or corner open for interpretation. In this lovely remodel of a historic 1920s Tudor revival, my clients opted to fill their empty kitchen corner with comfortable and classic "1910" club chairs from Poltrona Frau,' says interior designer Bethany Adams.

'The chairs fit the decor and colors of the rest of the home, so they could easily be repurposed if that corner needed to morph into something else down the line. For now, however, they are perfect for a morning cup of coffee or catching up over an evening glass of wine,' she adds.

3. Add an large house plant

(Image credit: Kathy Kuo Home)

If you have a smaller corner of the kitchen you want to fill, something simpler and space-saving might be more fitting. While decor might be the desired choice, it's an awkward space for a lone item to be displayed. Instead, opt for a house plant or tree to add life and a dose of nature.

'Adding some greenery is always a nice way to add dimension and a pop of color to any room of your home, and the kitchen is no different. Add a potted plant to an unused corner to instantly brighten the space,' suggests Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.

'The best part is that plants can blend well with any design style, and these days, there are amazing faux plants and florals on the market that look 100 percent real but do not entail the maintenance of real plants,' she adds.

4. Add a bar cart display

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

For a kitchen corner design that's purposeful and pretty, you really can't go wrong with a bar cart. Carefully curated with your favorite bottles and aesthetic glassware, you can transform an empty corner into a space you love using.

Think of a bar cart as a styling piece, rather than somewhere to stack all of your bar essentials and bottles. Choose a few of your favorite glasses – perhaps something with a decorative detail – and a few pretty bottles or decanters.

As bar carts are usually quite low to the ground, there will still be quite a lot of wall space left empty. To make the space feel cohesive and considered, add wall art or a playful sign to the wall above to make the corner feel complete.

We sourced the best bar carts in our dedicated feature.

Dorothea Bar Cart

House of Hackney Bar Cart

Les Bar Cart

5. Maximize a corner with a breakfast nook

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer Photography)

In most homes these days, the kitchen is usually also home to some sort of dining space, whether it's a formal table and chairs set-up or a more casual nook. An unused corner, assuming it's big enough, is the perfect place to introduce a cozy dining area.

'An empty kitchen corner presents a perfect opportunity to create a cozy banquette for a charming breakfast nook. By installing a custom-built banquette with plush cushions and integrated storage beneath, you not only maximize seating but also add a touch of casual elegance to the space,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.

'Pair it with a round or rectangular table and complementing chairs to complete the inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for enjoying morning meals or gathering with family and friends throughout the day,' she suggests.

Whether the empty corner of your kitchen is big or small, there are plenty of fun and interesting ways to give it a new lease of life. From a simple plant to a cozy seating area, there's an idea here for every style and space.

These sunshine-ready decor finds will bring Euro Summer vibes to your home – even if you're not going to the Amalfi Coast

Charlotte Olby — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000

If you're even remotely present online, you'll know that the Euro Summer is taking over social media. And thanks to the sun-soaked beaches, bustling markets, vibrant produce, and charming architecture – it's not hard to see why we're all craving a little La Dolce Vita in our lives.

If Euro travel isn't on your agenda this summer, the good news is you can still live the aesthetic by infusing your home with warm, inviting, sun-soaked vibes. With a few thoughtfully chosen (by me) decor accessories, you can transform your space into something that captures the essence of the Mediterranean, whether that's the French countryside or the Italian Riviera.

Thanks to trends like Amalficore and Siestacore (yes, that's TikTok-talk for Spanish-inspired design) the spirit of the Euro Summer is well and truly thriving. So, whether you're dreaming of the Greek Isles or the Mallorcan coastline, these sunshine-ready home decor finds will bring a slice of Europe straight to your doorstep.

Here are my 15 favorite buys, selected for their ability to bring a vacation-like feel to your home every day, no passport required.

15 European Summer Home Decor Finds

Monique Lhuillier Lemon Vase Filler - Set of 6

It wouldn't be a Euro Summer without lemons, even if your destination is just the backyard. This set of 6 plastic lemons can be added to a vase or centerpiece to bring an ever-lasting touch of zest.

Jonathan Adler Medium Venezia Vase

Inspired by handblown glass perfume bottles, Jonathan Adler's Venezia vase looks just like something you'd bring home from an island-hopping vacation in Greece. I love the bold cobalt details.

Business & Pleasure Co. The Al Fresco Chaise Lounge

Nobody does resort-style outdoor furniture like Business & Pleasure Co. I love the scalloped wrought iron complete with a swivel side table for your cocktail. Bliss.

Round Rattan Placemat (Set of 4)

It’s always good to have a few pretty placemats on hand to take your tablescaping up a level. Woven rattan gives a breezy elegance to dinner and can be paired with floral dishware for a beautiful setting.

Faux Potted Black Olive Tree

Bring the Tuscan hills to your home with a faux olive tree. I personally love these all year round, and since I managed to kill off my real one, I'll be ordering this one in a terracotta pot stat. No green thumb or watering required.

"Night Light No. 10" by Blakely Made

I might have been sleeping under a rock, but I didn't realize how good the edit of art is at Serena & Lily. Painted by artist Blakely Made, who looks to express the joy she gets from the coast, this is such a happy addition to your walls.

Amalfi Coast - Assouline Coffee Table Book

If you aren't already obsessed with Assouline's travel coffee books, it's time to get to know. With the most joyful, vibrant covers, you can create a stack of books to reflect places you have (or wish to) traveled to.

Handmade Soap Emporium Grape Soap

Bring a sense of French Provence style to your powder room or kitchen sink with these quirky handmade soaps on a grapevine. Alternatively, hang a bunch as a decoration scented with Neroli Amara.

Aquazzura Casa Chilli Set of Two Porcelain Dinner Plates

If you're someone who is always reaching for the chili oil to add to your pasta or pizza, you'll appreciate this spicey side plate set from Aquazzura Casa. They'll make the perfect choice for recipes that pack a punch.

Sharland England Jeanne Vase

Hand-crafted in Italy with delicate twisted arms and a warm, glazed terracotta hue, this single bud vase from Sharland England via The Six Bells is a love letter to the past. Use it to decorate your shelves or table this summer.

La Dolce Vita Wall Art European Summer Poster

Etsy does such great wall art prints like this La Dolce Vita illustration. I love the playful motifs like the frilly ravioli. Simply download and print.

Handwoven Lobster Napkin Rings (Set of 2)

Bring a coastal touch to the table with these lobster napkin rings. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, Serena & Lily's vacation-inspired napkin rings add a fun splash of color and whimsy to any gathering.

Monique Lhuillier Positano Outdoor Melamine Dinner Plates - Set of 4

Made from melamine, these bounce-proof, dishwasher-safe plates from the Monique Lhuillier collection at Pottery Barn name the Amalficore vibe in one thanks to the delicate botanicals, bright lemons, and frilly edge.

Quinley Table Lamp

There's something about rattan and woven accessories that bring an instant summer uplift to your space. This mini lamp looks like a little toadstool and is the perfect way to add some fresh texture to your design.

Lucie de Moyencourt Platter

Surrounded by the serene seaside of Cape Town, artist Lucie de Moyencourt creates her one-of-a-kind ceramic shells. This beautiful platter was designed exclusively for Anthropologie, and its shell-inspired silhouette makes a sweet landing spot for snacks and treats.

By drawing inspiration from the places you love from your past or soon-to-be travels, you surround yourself with memories and aspirations that bring endless joy. With these Euro-inspired decor finds, you can bask in the sunlit ambiance of a European getaway every day, right in your own living space.

5 easy renovation ideas that don't require any power tools or heavy lifting

Seraphina Di Mizzurati — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:15:15 +0000

The thought of completely remodeling and changing your home can be daunting and overwhelming, but something that we all have to do at some stage.

Over time our homes can start to look tired, well lived in, and in need of a refresh. But making your home look like it has been remodeled is not actually as difficult as it sounds.

So instead of committing to our full home renovation ideas, why not make simple changes that allow you to elevate your space without completely starting over from scratch?

5 simple changes you can make to give your home a fresh start

It often comes down to updating a few things in particular parts of the house that are regularly used to give the space a facelift. Don’t set out to change the space in its entirety, looking out for things that look worn and overused is a great place to start.

There will be things that you know you would like to change and tackle first so start in these sections of the house. The ideas listed below are quick and easy to implement, but sure to make a transformative difference to your space.

1. Start with a fresh coat of paint

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

When in doubt, start with a fresh coat of paint, over time painted walls in our homes can become marked and faded, which makes the room look dull and uninspiring.

By repainting your walls you will feel the difference immediately in the space. Stick to calming neutral shades, such as the Bride To Be neutral paint from Benjamin Moore, if you want to achieve a space that is serene and relaxing, or opt for a splash of your favorite bright color to create a striking accent wall.

Make sure that you pay close attention to the color choice of your trim and skirting boards, if you keep them white, it will make the new colored walls look extra bright and clean whilst darker colors can make the room have added character and charm.

One thing that most people don’t consider when repainting is the ceiling, otherwise known as the fifth wall. Painting this in a complementary palette to your walls can actually make the room look bigger and ceilings appear taller than just your standard white.

Painting the ceiling a completely different color can add a lot of drama and interest to your room and will be the first thing people notice when they walk into the space.

‘Experimenting with paint is one of my favorite things to do when designing a home,’ says interior designer Angela Rennie. ‘Something I have enjoyed doing recently is color ‘drenching’ where you paint the walls and ceiling the same color, this can be done in bold or neutral tones but it brings a sense of coherence whilst also providing an opportunity to create contrast through other decorations.’

2. Replace hardwear around the house

(Image credit: deVOL)

Hardware may seem like such a small detail but it is important to get it right. Replacing your hardware is an easy and cost-effective way to make your home feel more up-to-date.

Hardware normally has a metal finish and includes everything from handles, cabinet pulls, and kitchen fixtures to lighting switches. These all come in a variety of finishes, matt polished or brushed, and colors such as bronze, brass, and nickel.

Changing mismatched handles or knobs for coordinating pieces will make your space appear more thought of and luxurious. Consider matching hardware sets including this 5 Piece Bathroom Hardware Set from Wayfair, to make your bathroom look well-designed. You can then amplify your style by then using similar materials in other areas of the house including these kitchen knobs from Wayfair.

3. Enhance your lighting

(Image credit: Studio Duggan)

Good lighting really does change everything, and having multiple lighting options can give your room a different atmosphere. ‘The trick here is to layer the lighting depending on the mood you are trying to create,’ says home improvement expert Tommy Mello. ‘Layering lighting means that there are multiple lights that you use or don’t use at any one time the power is in the option.’

Adding a mixture of ambient, task, and accent lights can alter the overall mood of a room, it can be uplifting and invigorating or calming and relaxing. By having multiple options you can change the lighting to be suitable for any occasion.

One way to improve the ambiance in your home is to place lights and different height levels. Placing floor lamps, such as the Lulu Floor Lamp from Anthropologie in combination with the Paylor Armed sconces from Wayfair will provide a different feel to the room than constantly using your overhead ceiling lights. Overhead lighting can be very strong and bright and not what you want to use if you are trying to achieve a calming environment.

4. Declutter

Our homes never look good when everything is out of place and when we have not properly assigned everything to have a place of its own. Although properly decluttering is time-consuming, it can make a world of difference to how your space will feel after it is done.

Overflowing bookcases, cupboards and wardrobes do not make a room feel inviting or well-designed. So take time to go through these areas and get rid of anything that is no longer serving you. The items you use daily and possessions that make you feel good should be the ones you put back systematically.

5. Add statement features

(Image credit: Future)

A statement feature can completely change a room. It creates a unique atmosphere and draws the eye to a specific focal point. Normally you only need one statement piece per space otherwise the room will look overwhelming and can feel cluttered.

If you are looking to give the illusion of more space try adding a large mirror, a floor-to-ceiling mirror towards the back of the room such as this mirror from Wayfair, this can make the room appear much taller and wider.

Decorative rugs can also make the room look more visually interesting. Adding patterned rugs like the Fitzgerald Border Rug from Ralph Lauren or ones with different textures to make the space stand out.

According to Ivo Iv, the founder and CEO of Decor Home Ideas, art is a great focal point to any room and can add a lot of personality and character to your home. The good thing about art is it doesn’t need to be expensive and you can choose from an array of traditional and modern pieces to suit your style. Frames can also match and pick up on other colors in your room to make the whole look cohesive and polished.

When choosing a statement feature pay attention to its architectural style, and try to make sure that these are in keeping with the style of the home and any other furnishings that you have in the area.

FAQs

Do home improvements always add value to the home?

In short, no, not all home improvements will add value to your home, as they may make your home look and feel too personalized, going beyond the taste of the average buyer, or not in line with the style and value of other homes in your neighborhood.

Renovating your kitchen and bathroom will likely add the most value to your home as they remain some of the most-used rooms in a home, however, do not spend too much money on these remodels as that makes it more different to recoup those costs or add that amount onto your property value.

A 'true' remodel has its merits if you have the renovation itch. But if your goal is simply to fall back in love with your living spaces, a keen eye, creativity, and some solid temporary updates can go a remarkably long way and should be considered before a remodel.