Gray color schemes were rife in the early 2000s. You couldn't move without seeing a dark gray wall, or the occasional pale gray shade. These days, decorating with gray has a bad reputation, with some designers even calling it the 'worst color trend' in recent years. However, of all the neutrals, gray is one that instantly brings gravitas. This is a mantra that actress Jennifer Aniston, and interior designer Stephen Shadley abide by – and do it well they do.

Aniston's modern living room might be predominantly gray, but at no point does it feel overwhelming or outdated. Gray is quite a misunderstood color, but get it right, and it is actually one of the best neutral shades on Earth.

Gray harmonizes well with almost every other hue, making it a most adaptable neutral and giving good reason for its popularity, says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore.

Designer Charu Ghandi also eschews the benefits of gray room ideas. 'Gray shouldn't be boring or cold; there are ways to make it feel warm and a focal point, either in wallcoverings or within fabrics or finishings.'

Treat gray as a neutral and layer it with darker and lighter tones, including plenty of texture and some accent pattern. It makes a cozy and wonderfully dramatic statement at the darker end of the gray spectrum and at its lightest, it offers schemes a sanctuary of calm.

In this gray living room, the variations of gray are surprisingly warm and cocooning, especially when paired with the 'almost' black walls.

Something magical happens when you introduce black to an interior space. 'The delicious contrast between lighter objects against a dark background emphasizes unique qualities in materials and finer details you might have missed in a light-filled colorful space,' explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.

The depth of pigment of darker grays and blacks means that they offer an emotional context that can be as nurturing or soothing as any green, particularly when you decorate a room floor-to-ceiling in a dark, velvety hue. 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.

Here, Aniston has soothed the space with plenty of texture – a fundamental element in well-designed rooms. The raw wood timber, fluffy rugs, and metallic accents give this room a deliciously luxe feel. The final result proves that gray is anything but dated or dull.

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Actress Katie Holmes was a perennial fixture on our TV screens in the 1990s and early 2000s, so it is nice that her living room looks pleasantly stuck in a time capsule of my favorite decade – the 1990s.

In Holmes's living room, a brown leather sofa, vinyl record player, colored glass vase, and white and natural timber furniture sing out amongst the favorite minimalist pure white walls that were popular in this decade.

Yes, the '90s are back, but it has been reinvented for 2024, and the new interpretations have impressed even me. This retro living room takes us on a trip down memory lane.

Nostalgia has been creeping back into interior design trends recently and I welcome the nod to the past. Creating the perfect modern retro living room is all about uniting two worlds: the beauty of the past and the practicality of the present day. A vital step to achieving the look is realizing that vintage style is about longevity, soul, and patience to see things evolving.

Decorating with vintage elements has seen a resurgence in recent years, not only for its charming aesthetic but also as a highly sustainable way to furnish your home. An increased backlash against mass production has fuelled this trend and while people often come to vintage from an environmental standpoint, they stay for the character that antique and reclaimed furniture and accessories bring into their home.

‘You want to create the impression that a living room has evolved over time by mixing and matching fabrics, furnishings, and accessories. This gives the sense of a collection built up over time rather than being instantly created,’ says Rachel Rose, head of interior design at Susie Watson Designs. Also take into consideration the chosen colors – white walls are a great backdrop to complement the highly-saturated, vibrant colors of this decade, as seen in a few accessories.

If you do have your furniture and accessories from this decade, or any previous decades, I implore you to upcycle, recycle and reupholster. It is sustainable and like most trends, they all come back round in a cycle.

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American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality Martha Stewart knows an interior design trend when she sees one. Stewart has helped shape our homes for decades – products from her Martha Stewart Collection on Amazon take pride of place in my kitchen – so when she shared a photo of her culinary space from the '70s there was one thing I noticed; the timeless crockery and kitchenalia in the taupe, sand and caramel color palette of the moment – just as it was back in the 1980s.

Decorating with brown is not always an obvious choice, and in the past, it has had a reputation for being outdated. However, in recent years, a brown color palette has become increasingly popular with those looking for a grounding, earthy neutral to bring warmth to interiors.

With a spectrum stretching from cappuccino and taupe hues to rich chestnut and dark chocolate, brown offers a huge scope for creating all sorts of looks, from sophisticated and tailored to calm and nurturing.

It might seem outdated, but this nostalgic color is making waves once again. Earthenware is the easiest way to welcome this nostalgic color palette back into your home – and it won't jar with anything else.

Designer Nicola Harding has the steer on blending modern-classic style and simplicity, especially in the kitchen.

'The modern classic look is appealing because it is easy and comforting. Easy because nothing is too perfect, so signs of life don’t spoil the aesthetic, which is what can happen with a super-slick, contemporary kitchen,' she says. 'Easy also because, in the right setting, it has a quality that won’t date. So, if you invest in well-made accessories, it should last for as long as you need it to. It is comforting because it feels reassuringly familiar.'

As more and more of us start thinking about design with longevity and sustainability in mind, look to your ancestors, as well as nature, for inspiration. My advice, start with deliciously delightful brown ceramic earthenware to create pretty displays that will endure beyond any kitchen trends.

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Oscar-winning actor Robert Downey Jr.'s home, designed by Nicolò Bini, is an aerodynamic, environmentally conscious masterpiece, and the drought-tolerant outdoor space is just as special as the inside.

A contemporary yet tranquil space, Robert Downey Jr.'s garden, designed by landscape designer Ana Saavedra, is a naturalistic masterclass crafted to chime beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Outdoor spaces have always been seen as extensions of our homes, incorporating areas for relaxation, entertainment, and dining. However, designing around a large pool can often prove difficult to get right due to its sheer size and dominance. It was important to mimic the home's naturalistic aesthetic and ensure the pool blended in with its surroundings rather than standing out.

The final result – a garden pool retreat that looks and feels completely at home in its Californian environment.

The curvaceous, fluid design is the first thing I noticed about this pool idea. The design serves to aid the organic, naturalistic nature of the surrounding landscaping.

‘In an awkwardly shaped garden, a pool with a free-flowing design will make the most of the space,’ says Janine Pattison of JPS Landscape Design. It's ideal for large gardens that want to replicate nature.

If you prefer clean lines and symmetry, use planting to fill the uneven gaps left around the straight sides. A pool with an irregular shape is more difficult to cover, so be prepared for more heat loss if you leave it exposed, or have a bespoke cover fitted.

In terms of landscaping, a large backyard, similar to Downey Jr.'s, offers scope to position the pool away from the house and to create a dedicated environment for the feature.

Landscaper and designer Andy Sturgeon suggests disguising the pool behind a low wall or hedge to blend it into the surrounding area.

‘Plant around one or two edges of the pool, to make it into a proper garden feature and to bring the flowers and foliage – or lawn – up close to the swimmers,’ says Andy.

'When using shrubs and other plants for privacy screening around pools – layering is key,' says Pool expert Rafi Friedman, from Coastal Luxury Outdoors. 'Plant low-growing plants closer to the pool, and add successive layers of taller shrubs as you move towards your lot line. The multiple layers will provide better privacy than any one row of plants.'

Planting in this manner is an effective way to create garden screening around your pool area. It also gives your pool space a sense of enclosure, transforming it into a beautiful escape right on your back doorstep.

The surrounding patio deck is another fundamental aspect to consider. A timber deck is a handsome, hard-wearing surface that complements most garden settings. It’s a natural material that provides a sympathetic background to plants, blending beautifully with water, stone and trees. Timber lends itself to different styles of architecture and design.

But decks don’t only look good: other advantages include being relatively lightweight in comparison to stone, quick and easy to install, and forgiving. The latter is particularly pertinent if you want your outdoor space to be at one with nature. Couple the deck with stone for a truly sympathetic approach to garden design.

The result is a low-maintenance backyard pool landscape that's functional, calm, and elegant, too.

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In an ideal world, our gardens would be private sanctuaries where we can entertain and relax away from prying eyes. Yet, for many gardeners, the reality is quite different – spending time outdoors can be like living in a goldfish bowl because there is nothing to screen their plot from passers-by and neighboring windows.

Jennifer Aniston's Japanese-inspired garden, designed by Marcello Villano, is the perfect example of how to get the balance right to ensure you are planting for privacy yet still have plenty of natural light entering your property.

There are plenty of options for a solid, natural screen, using fast-growing trees, densely-leaved privacy shrubs, and perennials. Within a few years, you’ll have a deep green boundary as the plants come together beautifully. However, fast-growing plants can get out of control if not properly maintained; and they can also create dense shade, leaving no options to grow anything else underneath them. They are a good solution for larger landscapes, such as Aniston's, but for smaller yards, you can be a little more creative with your choices. Keeping the pruned and maintained is a much, especially if light is a factor.

Don’t automatically assume that the only option is to block out the view. Think in terms of distraction too. If you plant a varied mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees of differing heights, colors and textures, you will create a tapestry effect that works as an attractive screen. This will filter the view and the light and allow for underplanting. Though practical it can – and should – also be pretty.

Bamboo often gets bad press for being an invasive plant. However, clump-forming bamboos are easier to manage and they are invaluable for privacy screening. They tick many low-maintenance boxes, look good in containers (which can also prevent bamboo from spreading).

Another good option is the evergreen California lilac which will bring year-round privacy with a burst of late spring flowers. With small dark green leaves, ceanothus makes a good choice as a standalone specimen or for informal hedging plants planted along boundaries – they require minimal pruning and are a good choice as a drought-tolerant shrub.

Pacific wax myrtle is another favorite. This upright, fragrant evergreen shrub is native to the west coast of the US, and is fast-growing and long-lived, making it ideal for hedging.

‘As an alternative to more rigid and formal hedges, I love the evergreen Pacific wax myrtle for its dense yet wispy form,’ says Oregon-based landscape architect and garden designer Bethany Rydmark. ‘Its berries support birds and the leaf texture is a pleasant alternative to boxwood.’

‘It grows quickly, withstands pruning and shearing, or can be let to range as a softer, informal hedgerow,’ says Rydmark. ‘Pacific wax myrtle is likewise climate adaptable and more drought resistant than traditional hedges.’

Finally, the best advice I've ever had is to layer your planting. A combination of trees and shrubs can create an impressive layered look that also makes a space feel more private. In Aniston's garden, the depth as well as the height of the planting makes the backyard a secluded location. There are also plenty of ornamental grasses for screening and living wall ideas that can help achieve this look.

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Jennifer Aniston's Bel-Air property feels like a (very cool) mid-century modern home in the verdant foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. But amongst the sharp architectural lines, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and polished wood flooring sits a furniture trend that I had thought I'd seen the back of – hanging chairs.

The hanging chair once graced the home of every Hollywood favorite – and virtually every homeowner – in the 1970s, and more recently had a revival in the early noughties. However, despite the decadently delightful styles on offer, I have never quite succumbed to this interior design trend.

There is something oh so effortlessly elegant and downright cool about how designer Stephen Shadley has included this retro influence in Aniston's home. It's a nostalgic nod to the past but done so in a very modern way. It's utterly charming.

There are several reasons why these hanging chairs, also known as swing chairs, are back. Firstly, they are just plain fun. I've noted that as more people spend time at home, the notion of decorating to be happier at home has never rung more true.

‘If you want a positive personal change of any sort, you must first address your environment,’ says Michelle Ogundehin in her book Happy Inside. 'We all need homes that support, rather than undermine, our wellbeing.’ If you love a piece of furniture, buy the piece of furniture. It is as simple as that.

Usually confined to the backyard, hanging seats make a great focal point in a living room, especially Bohemian and Mid-century living rooms. There's something so appealing about the idea of sitting in a swinging chair, drink in hand, and watching the world go by – it's an ageless joy that will transcend trends.

Seemingly floating in the air, this hanging seat, a custom lounge from Blackman Cruz, beckons you to sit on it, relax and watch the lush, verdant landscape beyond.

Secondly, the indoor-outdoor appeal of woven furniture is also key as designophiles gravitate toward natural materials with an organic feel.

Rich, earthy tones, sculptural shapes and biophilic design were all popular design trends in the Seventies, and it makes sense that more homeowners are harking back to this laidback way of living in 2024 and 2025.

However, before you invest in this piece of living room furniture, think about whether your structure can support the weight. You'll be drilling into the ceiling so check the house structure first, and if you're a renter, opt for a style that doesn't need to be secured to the ceiling, such as an egg chair on a stand.

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The BCW Hanging Lounge, available from Blackman Cruz is the perfect match to Jennifer Aniston's. However, we've found a few alternative options, including a plush throw for comfort and style.

In any size kitchen, there is one ingredient that will maximize space and make it look exceptional – good storage. Actress Anne Hathaway's kitchen storage, designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, is the perfect example of a space that beautifully blends design-led open shelving with practical and useful closed cabinet storage.

With the kitchen coming under increasing pressure to perform a variety of crucial roles, such as family dining, working, relaxing and entertaining, a good layout and adequate storage are more important than ever. High-capacity, well-sited storage is essential to keep everything tidy, providing space that's free of clutter and a pleasure to use.

In Anne Hathaway's modern rustic kitchen, a combination of clever kitchen storage is key to the balance of this room. But where to start?

When designing a kitchen, start with an audit of kitchenware. ‘Working out which items you use every day and those that are for special occasions will help determine how much and what type of storage you need,’ says Dave Young, founder, of Husk. Cull any redundant items first and foremost.

If it’s easy to find ingredients and equipment, cooking will be more enjoyable, while good kitchen storage ideas can make the room feel less cluttered and more spacious.

‘It is important to strike a balance between functionality and style,’ says interior designer Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. ‘For example, incorporating open shelves for displaying objects and cookbooks can provide storage as well as create a visually appealing space.’

She also advises paying attention to the choice of color to add interest. In this space, Shamshiri painted Hathaway's cabinetry in a single standout duck egg shade. Storage is always so much more than just storage. It can be a design feature in its own right. Quite often, decorative pieces and color are all it takes.

However, using open kitchen shelving for decorative moments comes with caution, but done right and kept clutter-free, they can add so much individual style and personality to a kitchen.

Be they decorated with ceramics, vintage glassware, plants or recipe books, shelves can be used to add individual style to a kitchen, as Mike Fetherston, design director of Hetherington Newman, explains.

‘As kitchens are increasingly central to the home and where families come together for meals and to socialize, areas for display are important to personalize the space and add interest, giving a more relaxed and welcoming feel.’

Choose from floating shelves (without visible supports) to those with stylish brackets and vintage-inspired options with decorative details, similar to Hathaway's. If you have something worth putting on display, why not make a feature out of your storage? My advice: Anything you don't want on display, hide it within closed kitchen cabinets.

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Lily Allen is never one to do things by half measures. The musician has always been outspoken and transformative in her professional and public life, so it comes as no surprise to see that she also threw the rulebook out of the window when it came to designing her most private space – which includes a fun mix of animal prints. The '90s interior design trends are back and better than ever.

Daring and bold, Allen's living room, which she shares with actor husband David Harbour, is as extroverted and maximalist as the star herself. The maximalist decor trend is all about embracing excess. Think large doses of color, exuberant patterns, and plenty of textural elements. While 'more might be more', the current trend for maximalism doesn’t equal mess. Allen gets the balance just right here. Think of your home as an Aladdin's cave of treasure – with each object being more exciting than the next.

The animal print is undoubtedly the hero in this maximalist living room. Once the must-have look of the late nineties and early noughties, animal print fabric and decor are back in the zeitgeist – and honestly, it is about time.

Animal prints have had a bad rep and are often considered outdated, but mix different scales and choose subtle hues for modern schemes that ooze sophisticated style.

Used in moderation, animal motifs add a touch of exotic sophistication to room schemes. Rather than going wild, introduce focused hits of pattern and you might be surprised to find that an animal print can really lift a space.

In her modern living room, designed by Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff, layering animal print – tiger, in this case – with accents of jewel tones and quiet neutrals tell an elegant yet playful story. Harbour and Allen are clearly not interested in formality, and it is so refreshing to see people living life in full color.

However, it pays to exercise caution when introducing patterns and motifs into our home.

'In our opinion, utilizing animal print effectively requires thoughtful consideration and a restrained approach,' says Kailee Blalock & Taylor Troia, founders of House of Hive Design Co. 'If animal print is not used appropriately within a space, it has the potential to diminish the room's quality.'

'We would use animal print through furniture and true hides. An accent chair or an ottoman are great places to experiment with different patterns and would host an animal print well. Alternatively, used underfoot, or as a smaller decor idea, means that it can be easily changed as and when fashions and styles change.'

The eccentricities of the space are what make it so interesting and inspiring. It is a break from the middle-of-the-road aesthetic that we've become so accustomed to seeing. After all, it is always worth experimenting with your home decor ideas. Fortune – and style – favors the bold.

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Monty Don might be better known for his backyard landscaping, but his summerhouse is equally delightful. Decorated in my choice for color of the year; butter yellow is a joyful and cheery hue that is set to be a prolific color trend for 2025.

There has been a touch of nostalgia appearing in schemes recently, and when reaching for heritage hues, there is no other color quite like butter yellow. This warm yellow is shining a spotlight on our homes this season, and it is not just for summer. I would argue we should all be using summer colors in fall and winter too. As one of the most uplifting colors – one that reminds us of our youth – it is not surprising that it is having a renaissance.

All yellows tend to be warm, however, buttery yellows can be refreshing yet also calming. They work very well with natural materials and wood tones of all kinds and can lift any pale neutral scheme, acting like an accent without shouting or popping excessively. Embraced in a big way or used in small doses, this subtly sunny shade is rich, and versatile and exudes positivity and warmth – no matter if you use it indoors or out.

Decorating with yellow, especially butter yellow, is a welcoming, joyful, energizing choice, agrees Dominic Myland of Mylands. It works well as an accent color or as the main color within the room. Rich, golden butter yellows also pair well with a range of accent colors. There aren't too many colors that this yellow doesn't go with. You could almost consider it a neutral.

I imagine that Monty Don chose this confident color to bring lots of joy and sunshine to his already sublime garden room. The yellow walls introduce positivity and work fantastically well with the salvaged timber – they bring out all the warmth.

The versatility of butter yellow makes it a favorite element in decorating schemes for interior designers. Francesca Rowan-Plowden believes it works perfectly with period features such as old brick and beams. ‘Yellow is a color that people are often scared to use, but it’s a fantastic color to really lift a space and create interest and features. It reflects all lights well and makes a sunroom or garden room feel very warm and inviting. It’s known to induce creativity and playfulness, so it’s fantastic for busy spaces, but also works well in powder rooms and mud rooms.

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If you are not planning a full color makeover on your interior walls, why not invest in easily changeable furnishings and accessories, instead?

Whether you want to organize clutter or add interest to a sparse wall, the power of shelving to enhance a space should not be underestimated.

Styling a shelf can often be a daunting task. When faced with an empty space, sometimes it can be hard to know exactly where to start. But living room walls are rife with decorating opportunities.

‘Living room shelving should be a feature in their own right and a place where you can express your personality,’ says interior designer Simone Gordon, co-founder of Owl Design, ‘from showcasing a few choice ceramics to using fun shapes and colors, with a clever mix of display and hidden storage.’

That was the design ethos behind '90s singer LeAnn Rimes' living room shelving display.

Shelves are an integral part of any home, from providing practical storage to creating an area to display your most treasured objects and accessories that express your identity and individualism. Get the styling right and your living room shelving ideas will become your favorite feature.

When decorating a shelf, think carefully about the types of objects you want to display and what they mean to you, as well as how well they will go with any surrounding colors, materials, and styles. You'll want to ensure your shelf function as more than just storage – to replicate Rimes' display, you'll want it to add visual interest and character to a room, too.

Styling a shelf with objects that mimic the textures, color palette and materials already present in your scheme can create a cohesive, united look in your space.

In LeAnn Rimes's relaxed living space, the room embraces a soft, neutral look, filled with comforting textures, natural materials and earthy colors. The large shelving is styled with beautiful decorative objects and books that coordinate with the room, elevating the design and relaxed look. Even her many music awards sit tonally within the space.

If you look closely, you'll notice that although full, the shelves are not cluttered. If you want to maintain order, it is wise to leave plenty of space between objects and books.

A designer trick is to group objects into smaller groups of three. The pyramidal arrangement leads the eye around the group of three – and it’s a shape that’s frequently used by designers exploiting the rule of three.

Why does this odd number have the winning edge over the classic, symmetrical pairing? While this can look fabulous, the power of a group of three is that it’s visually appealing – in other words, it’s an eye-catcher.

Finally, be original when it comes to the design. It is easy to feel tempted into going down the maximalist route, but quite often, the simplest designs, which focus on just a few key details, are the most profound and impactful.

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Add a pond to your garden and it will not only enhance your outdoor space, but it will introduce a favored spot for calm moments and quiet contemplation. This was the idea behind actress Jennifer Aniston's Japanese garden with koi pond. Originally designed by Hal Levitt, a sensory garden with a pond is a must-have as it's the best place to immerse yourself in nature.

A well-planted, well-maintained garden pond doesn't just look good – it's also beneficial to all sorts of wildlife. Over the last century, a large portion of ponds have been lost from the countryside, meaning that man-made garden ponds have an increased importance for wildlife.

A pond attracts and supports a wide range of aquatic species, and its margins will provide food and shelter for frogs and other creatures, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies, which bring life to the garden.

Water is an integral part of the traditional Japanese garden. Adding a water feature is a wonderful garden decor idea that brings an extra dimension to the garden, providing a focal point and lending a sense of peace and tranquillity.

With such a big focus on biodiversity in garden design at the moment adding a garden pond has never been more topical. The planting in and around it is vital to the overall effect of the water itself. There are many benefits to adding pond plants. They not only create a stunning feature but also help maintain the water quality, keeping it well-aerated, clean and clear.

Classic and iconic, no pond should be without water lilies. They are available in a range of colors including white, pink, purple and yellow, and also come in various sizes that will suit any sized pond. They have beautiful flat, round leaves and large showy flowers that sit on the surface of the water.

As with any pond or water feature ideas, the first decision to make is where to position them. This may then dictate the options open to you in terms of what will work with the rest of your space. Aniston has chosen to introduce her water element in her front yard. This might seem like an unusual option, but the tranquility associated with water in Japanese culture means that Aniston and her guests will feel calm on entrance to the Beverly Hills home. It is an inspired choice.

The landscaping around the pond is just as important as the pond itself and often includes at least one garden path idea, walkways, bridges, and gates.

'Pathways are used in Japanese gardens to help the body and soul to wander,' says gardener David Domoney. 'Most Japanese gardens feature decorative paths, walkways and bridges that meander to unseen areas of the garden.'

Many Japanese gardens have gates that aren’t intended as physical barriers. A gate or bridge can give visitors a sense of discovery and will make a garden feel bigger by dividing it into zones. Each area should be subtly concealed from the next, yet there should also be a sense of connectivity and harmony.

While wanting to create a zen garden is a universal thought, ultimately one should never borrow from another culture without truly understanding its significance throughout history.

The classical Japanese garden is a landscape, artificially contrived, and redolent of symbolism. Contour and contrast are everything; color is unimportant, except for a small accent. The purple is the only colorful aspect of Aniston's space.

Instead, the garden is an extension of the house, and the patio is a platform from which to view the landscape and contemplate its meaning.

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Forever in such high demand, a swimming pool can beautify the space as well as create a place to exercise, have fun with the family, entertain, and simply relax by the water.

Not just yet another home addition, an outdoor pool is a design feature in its own right – one that can enhance a garden landscape. ‘A swimming pool provides a dynamic aesthetic feature to a home and surrounding landscape,’ says Luke Carter, director of Sydney and Canberra architectural practice Sandbox Studio.

If you want a calming outdoor pool space, try taking inspiration from Jennifer Aniston's garden, which is inspired by traditional Japanese garden ideas with its emphasis on peace, serenity and simplicity.

‘Pools allow for a multitude of possibilities,’ says Hillary Littlejohn, principal of her eponymous design studio in Dallas, Texas. ‘ They can become focal points or supporting actors positioned as water features with swimming capability. A pool of ten grounds a large expansive space like a lawn or large terrace; infinity pools direct your eye towards a horizon.’

However, if you wish to replicate the pool shown here, you'll do well to focus on the symmetry and serenity you often see in Japanese gardens. Actress Jennifer Aniston's pool garden, designed by Marcello Villano, is an immaculate and perfectly poised example of one.

This picture-perfect pool is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and some of the best plants for privacy. This is a clever design trick, as most of us would want to enjoy peace and seclusion when swimming in a backyard pool.

Compared to typical western pool areas, the color palette is restrained, emphasizing foliage rather than flowers – a celebration of green in all its varying shades. Trees and shrubs are used more than herbaceous perennials – adding height and structure to the pool area. For a classic, look, the American Boxwood Shrub from Fast Growing Trees is a personal favorite of mine, and is a feature in my own garden. Meanwhile, the pool deck idea is simple, refined, and hard-wearing – perfect for hosting pool parties and family get-togethers.

Don’t rule out using deck ideas as an alternative to pavers when designing a pool area for your backyard. It’s another way to create a cool and sturdy feel underfoot, and can also help blend the pool area into the surrounding landscaping or link it to a home with wood siding.

Choose a wood such as cedar, teak, or ipê that will stand up to the demanding conditions, and bear in mind that it will have maintenance requirements. This Oxy deck cleaner, available on Amazon, is a must-have for the task.

‘Another option to consider is using some of the non-slip composites instead (made from polymer and wood fiber) which are sustainable and much more durable,’ says Fellow of the Society of Garden Designers and CEO of Bowles & Wyer John Wyer. ‘If you’re sold on the wood look, you could use non-slip porcelain planks, which are available in a wide variety of wood-like finishes.’

Over the years, decking's usage has expanded, and it has become the go-to material for contemporary pool ideas. Materials have also come into their own. While early decks were made out of first-generation hardwoods, now it's hard-wearing composites and eco products made of recycled materials that are all the rage.

Finally, if your garden doesn't quite have the space for a large pool, consider bringing in water in another way. Water is an essential element in a Japanese garden. Adding a water element – whether a pool, pond, or water feature, is a wonderful garden decor idea that brings an extra dimension to the space, providing a focal point and lending a sense of peace and tranquillity.

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If you already have a pool, you may be wondering how to enhance the privacy and shade. If so, I've selected my favorite planting, screening and garden tools to help you achieve the look. Plus, a few extra ideas to take your pool area from day to night.

We can rely on Stanley Tucci to provide a consistent flow of kitchen inspiration, but this time it's outside. This summer, the actor is taking his chef skills al fresco with an outdoor kitchen. Dining outside has never looked so good.

Tucci revealed the outdoor kitchen in a recent Instagram video. We're in love with his copper countertop, Guy Ritchie designed grill, and brick fireplace. Above the grill, hanging pots and pans resemble a set up we'd see above a traditional kitchen island, giving the whole space a warm, rustic feel. Red outdoor chairs and a fully set dining table on the patio top off the look with an inviting, homey feel.

'Why dine out when you can create pub grub in your outdoor space this summer?' says Award Winning Interior Designer, Journalist & Home Stylist, Anouska Lancaster of Tucci's rustic outdoor kitchen idea. She recommends starting with a grill. 'The Ninja outdoor products, such as the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker make al fresco dining so easy, even for the most amateur chef like me.'

With the proper decor, Tucci's design is easy to recreate. It starts with building an outdoor living room to complement the kitchen. Lancaster states: 'Extend your home by creating a room outside with comfy, informal seating for lounging. Use an outdoor rug to cover up a tired decking or anchor a sunny spot in the garden, and then build your new ‘room’ around it. Keep guests cool on a hot day with an outdoor fan such as the Shark FlexBreeze fan, which can be placed near your seating area.'

She continues on the patio idea: 'Outdoor spaces allow us to be braver and more experimental with colour and pattern. Go for uplifting colours like yellow, green or pink that will uplift your garden. If you’re nervous of going too bold, introduce an accent color with soft furnishings.'

The outdoor surroundings are also an important part of pulling off Tucci's look. 'Creative lighting can transform your garden idea and maximize its potential as an extra space to enjoy in the evening,' says Lancaster. 'I personally love the ambiance created by festoon lights, they give off enough light to eat and drink but are subtle enough to create a warm and relaxing ambiance.'

Tapescaping is also a huge part of bringing coziness into an outdoor kitchen. Lancaster advises: 'Don’t be scared to go large with your furniture and accessories, even in a small space. To go the extra mile, decorate the table with placemats, napkins, lanterns, and if possible, fresh flowers in various jugs. If you’ve chosen an accent color for your summer garden, incorporate this in your tablescaping.'

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If you love cooking and you love being outside in the summer, there's no reason not to try out a scheme like this. It's a fun way to spend time with friends and family, and more importantly, it's endorsed by Stanley Tucci.

Legendary former American football quarterback, Tom Brady, is world-renowned for his football skills, but who knew his kitchen could be just as impressive? 

In a recent post on his Instagram, Tom shared a glimpse into his stylish minimalist kitchen, which shows not only a luxurious use of materials but a stand-out kitchen storage idea – and it's being labeled by designers as one of the biggest kitchen trends that will be seen everywhere in 2024.

Tom's kitchen shelving does not only create a practical storage unit, the open design allows for the storage idea to work as an eye-catching display space, adding unique visual interest to his more minimalist kitchen ideas.

Senior designer at Second Nature Kitchens, Ashleigh Hanwell, says, 'We’ve seen a growing demand in open shelving for some years now and we don’t see it slowing down for 2024. 

Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, this style of shelving provides you with convenient and quick access to kitchen utensils and dinnerware, whilst also allowing you to showcase your personality via artwork and other decorative items. 

In addition, open shelving can help to create a light and airy feel – whereas wall cabinets can enclose a space and make it feel smaller, so it can be a great design element to consider for a small kitchen.'

What really elevates the shelving in Tom's minimalist kitchen is the use of integrated lights. The lights work with the wooden shelves to create an inviting and warming focal point in the kitchen space and help to establish an enhanced note of contrast against the cooler marble and stainless steel in the surrounding area. 

We also love how this simple, yet highly effective kitchen lighting idea, helps to draw focus to the collection of curated objects, enhancing their presence and the sense of decoration in the space.

If you're looking to embrace open-shelving in your kitchen, or maybe even in a different part of your home, but are worried about this style of storage looking too cluttered or messy, Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture advises, 'One downside that people mention when it comes to open shelving is often about clutter, however, if you make an effort to keep some amount of order, you can curate your kitchen items to look stylish and neat. The biggest positive about open shelving in the kitchen is having everything where you can see it, which means it’s easy to find what you are looking for and you don’t spend time searching through overflowing drawers.'

For further advice, we explore the golden rules of organizing open shelving in the kitchen in our dedicated feature.

As stylish and decorative as open-shelving can be, we always recommend using a mix of both open and closed storage – especially in a kitchen space. 

Save selections of your best kitchenware, glassware, and cookware for display on open-shelving, as well as any other meaningful decorations and accessories, and organize away more functional and unsightly everyday kitchen items in cabinets and drawers. 

We explore the top tricks organizers use to keep order in the kitchen in our organizing a kitchen feature.

As one of Hollywood's most talked about personalities (not least after her recent role in Oppenheimer), the world is watching Florence Pugh's design decisions. Naturally, this is often in the shape of her fashion and beauty choices (as seen on her Instagram), but once every so often, the actress shares a look at her interiors, too. 

Florence, who lives between Oxfordshire and LA, shared a look inside her open-plan living space – complete with statement artwork and patterned rugs. However, while these accents are worth a mention, it's Florence's mint green color palette that has got designers the most excited. 

But what makes it so noteworthy? Dunn-Edwards' color expert Sara McLean says its versatility and tranquility have allowed this hue to stand the test of time.

'Using mint green in design takes us back to the peak 1950s –where we often saw soft, pastel colors (usually paired with Marmie Eisenhower Pink) in virtually any home across America,' Sara says. 'In 2023, we're seeing that many are revisiting this hue in a fresh way to re-create classic motifs in other sociable areas.'

It's hard to know precisely which hue Florence chose for her home, but with any variation of this tone, it's hard to go wrong. However, if you're working with wood, like Florence, Sara has some suggestions. 

A few of my favorite mint hues that can also beautifully showcase the wood grain include Mint Condition, a blue-toned mint color reminiscent of chocolate chip mint ice cream and joyful summer nights, and Faint Clover, a green-toned mint hue that brings you back to nature by bringing grounded, but bright tones into any space,' Sara comments. 

Florence has chosen to taint her otherwise natural-hued space with this cool color trend; however, as Sara explains, we don't need to ensure we paint onto wood, as the actress demonstrates. Instead, the expert says the color is what matters. 

'For homeowners looking to incorporate the mint color in their homes, whether on wood or any surface, I suggest pairing the hue with various accent colors based on your design style,' Sara explains. 

'My go-to pairing for these hues is Vanilla Shake, a natural, milky white color with mildly warm undertones that is inherently versatile and tranquil.'

Or, for yet another bold yet vintage-inspired look, the expert recommends incorporating black hues through trims, accent colors, and hardware reminiscent of '50 checkered floors seen in mint kitchens. 

'For those looking to incorporate mint more subtly, consider using the color on an accent wall or in a smaller-volume room such as a powder room, playroom, or study,' she adds. Wherever we play with this tone, we're safe in the knowledge that Florence would support our color choices. 

Hailey and Justin Bieber know exactly how to create a trend – spanning the fashion, beauty, and interior industries. It is the latter category in which their most recent (and unexpected trend) falls – and it comes in the shape of their 'invisible' living room storage. 

Despite its futuristic connotations, the couple's storage system isn't entirely 'invisible' as it would be in a sci-fi (sorry), but it is indisputably discreet – blending seamlessly into the room's white-hued walls. It's easy to overlook these sleek cabinets when glancing at the space – unlike conventional living room storage that often offers open shelving to showcase our possessions. 

And while there is certainly nothing wrong with exhibiting some of the contents of our shelves, Justin and Hailey's pared-back solution introduces us to a distinctly more minimalist solution – and, like us, designers can't get enough. 

'The utilization of discreet, almost 'invisible' cabinets is akin to the magic of a well-tailored suit. It fits impeccably without drawing attention to its own construction,' says New York-based designer Artem Kropovinsky. 'This approach allows the home's architecture and the homeowner's personality to take center stage, resulting in an elegant, uncluttered aesthetic.'

While this storage has a place in any style of home, Artem says that it is particularly attractive in urban dwellings, like this Manhattan apartment, where space is more of a premium. 'In cities, 'invisible' cabinets offer a clever way to store items without consuming visual real estate. This gives the illusion of more open, airy space, enhancing the overall room dimensions,' he explains.

As mentioned, choosing discreet cabinets offer less opportunity to dress your shelves with decorative accessories; however, that doesn't mean we need to hide them away.

'When you minimize the presence of storage solutions, you offer an opportunity for your cherished objects and art pieces to truly shine,' Artem comments. 'It's about mastering the art of showcasing, not overshadowing.'

Aesthetics aside, Artem adds that invisible storage may also benefit our well-being – promoting a serene space where beautiful storage doesn't feel like a priority (even if it is). 

'We often underestimate the effect our surroundings have on our psyche. An interior with a clean, sleek look achieved through the use of discreet cabinetry can subconsciously foster a sense of calm and order,' he says. 'It's about curating an environment that, at its core, is a sanctuary, a space where you can unwind, free from visual noise.' 

Something tells us that invisible storage will have a place among future design trends – and what can we say, but we welcome any room that looks as seamless as Justin and Hailey Bieber's. 

Venus Williams may be best known for her talent on the tennis court, but her passion for interior design has made her a true stand-out in the celebrity design industry – thanks to her celebrated Florida-based firm, V Starr. And we can't stop scrolling through her most recent designs. 

Although the star primarily focuses on commercial design nowadays, there are some incredible decorating ideas to be found in her firm's projects – and many can be easily transferred to our own homes  (albeit in smaller, subtler ways). 

Here, we break down five of her top design projects and note some key ideas to steal from her spaces.

Our top five Venus Williams designs

Having opened V Starr studio in 2002, Venus used the project as a side passion away from the court. Since then, she has designed over xx interiors – including that of her sister, Serena. It is now a full design firm specializing in commercial design, with a history of working in the high-end residential sector. 

1. The 'On The Boards' Project

Although a full-scale restaurant renovation, V Starr's South Floridan 'On The Boards' renovation is a masterclass in decorating sympathetically with the landscape around the property, says Jennifer Ebert, deputy editor (digital) for Homes & Gardens. 

'Venus states the project was inspired by the lush greenery of the properties locality and really comes through in the fluted bar – a look that could easily be replicated on kitchen islands or even a garden bar,' she says. 'The addition of local photographers art work helps to tie it all in together, and I think there is a lot to learn about shopping locally and using what the environment around your home provides to help curate a space that feels not only well put together but inspired too.' 

2. Tropical terraces

There is no shortage of bright tropical prints splattered across the curated Instagram of V Starr designs, and our news editor Megan Slack can't get enough. 

'I love the escapist feel that the tropical print tiles offer on the statement fireplace,' she begins. 'It is a really vibrant twist on traditional fireplace ideas, bringing a nice summer touch to an otherwise wintery addition to a terrace – perfect for warming up on a chiller summer's night sat out with friends and some drinks. 

'I also love how the textiles around the fireplace match with tiles without overwhelming the space with too much color when decorating with pattern,' she adds. 'It is lively but hasn't sacrificed sophistication.' 

3. The Clubhouse at Atlantico

The Atlantico clubhouse was Venus' opportunity to combine the strong architectural lines of a modern clubhouse with soft fabrics and furniture lines to create a community space (albeit one that is steeped in luxury).

'We found inspiration in the sense of community that is created in multifunction spaces usually found in hotels,' V Starr vice-president and principal designer Sonya Haffey told Hospitality Design. 'Our design softened hard architectural elements like iron and stone with subdued plush, flowing fabrics, while subtle beachy accessories and expansive windows allow natural light to pour in. They were a key element to unifying the indoor space with what is outside.' 

The project is a perfect example of decorating with neutrals to create a space that feels open but also welcoming too. 

4. The luxury day bed addition

Day beds have rocketed in popularity over the last few years with a sudden increase in interest in the benefits of sleeping outside, but Venus seems to have been ahead of the curve with this custom-curtained day bed in a luxury residential apartment project. 

This custom fitting by Venus and her team shows how you can easily use up space on a large patio to create a relaxed snoozing spot with a lovely Mediterranean touch that provides privacy and protection from the sun.

Leigh McAlpin of Classic Architectural suggests making your napping spot more comfortable by adding plush, weather-resistant pillows, cushions, and blankets. 'Pick materials that are both weather-resistant and simple to maintain. If privacy is a concern for you, you can also make a private area using outside curtains, as Venus has here, or get creative with trellises or carefully arranged plants. 

'You'll feel more at ease, and there won't be as many distractions as a result.'

5. Serena's "liveable luxury" wetroom

Not all of Venus' work features earthy neutrals and tropical prints, however. Demonstrating true versatility, the sports star and her team redesigned sister Serena William's luxury bathroom with a minimalist vibe.

The wet room was designed based on the bathrooms of several hotels Serena had stayed in around the world, according to the studio's Instagram, with the minimalist aesthetic achieved with stark whites, real marble, and gold accents. The only color is introduced through bathroom plants that again evoke the plant life and palm trees surrounding the home, glimpsed through the high bathroom windows. 

To create a similar look yourself, you should really follow the 'less is more' philosophy, suggests Kim Shattuck, lead interior designer at Dream Home Studio: 'Homeowners must get rid of almost everything on their sink countertops,' she declares. 'The clutter of medications, grooming paraphernalia, and knickknacks people pile around their sinks hurts my designer heart. Seriously, everything doesn't have to be within sight. 

'Instead, carefully organize everything into drawers and cabinets that are still conveniently within reach, then add a few decorative items to create a clean Zen spa bathroom vibe. 

Joanna Gaines's latest series, Mini Reni, offers the same level of inspiration we enjoyed on Fixer Upper – but with a notably tighter turnaround time. 

Most recently, the designer transformed a quaint 1930s home – using an earthy color scheme to accentuate its original architectural assets – and highlight its vintage charm.

'Earthy blues and greens, textured tile, and lattice molding work together in this Meni Reni living room to create the whimsy, artful, storied look the homeowner wanted in a color palette we knew she loved,' Joanna says. 

What was once an entirely 'blank canvas' is a cocooning, whimsical space that pays homage to its early twentieth-century roots while impressing in the contemporary day. 

'We wanted to create more impact on the main wall in this Mini Reni living room. We knew the homeowner wanted more color and pattern here, so we played up the fireplace and transformed this blank canvas into a colorful, character-filled living space.'

On the Magnolia blog, the team expands more on Joanna's decorating choices. Here, they discuss the trim – and how creating a 'focal point' on the back wall was the 'main goal' for the room. 'As a nod to the original charm of this 1930s home, Jo and the team used thin screen molding from the local home improvement store to create a textured accent wall,' they comment. 

Jo and the Mini Reni team also replicated the 'pediment detailing' seen in the dining room (a space to which we've already penned a love letter). This creates a subtle yet meaningful flow through the entire home – and reminds us of its traditional heritage. 

As Joanna hints, the homeowner has a love for color, so this was her chance to experiment with some 'unexpected hues.' She decided on shade, Garden Party –a light army green with notes of hazel (available via Magnolia Home), and Weathered Windmill for trim, baseboards, and ceiling. 

To complement the primarily green color scheme, Joanna chose earthy-hued furnishings from Magnolia (naturally) and muted gold accents that subtly pay homage to the quiet luxury trend. 

And, of course, she decorated with flowers, which look as beautiful in the same morning Texas sun that graced the home in the 30s. We're rushing to replicate the look with some stand-out pieces below. They're sure to continue to impress – far beyond Waco. 

There are lots of theories about how best to deter mosquitos, but our favorite involve natural remedies – and are approved by Martha Stewart.

'The downside of warmer weather is an influx of insects – specifically mosquitoes. If your yard seems like a hub for the insects, you may be searching for natural remedies to keep them at bay,' Martha announced via Instagram. The most organic solution of all comes in the shape of mosquito-repellent plants – known to deter these dangerous pests – while adding color and interest that will only improve our yard's aesthetic. It's a win-win. 

'Believe it or not, there are plenty of plants you can grow right in your garden that deters mosquitoes from invading in the first place, says the lifestyle expert. 'Whether you grow them in the ground or containers, keep these plants near entryways, patios, and seating areas to increase their effectiveness.' But which plants should we choose?

Martha Stewart's top 5 mosquito-repellent plants

Over on the Martha Stewart blog, we are instructed to invest in catnip, citronella, l lavender, mint, and basil – all of which possess scents that deter mosquitoes. And Martha is not alone in her teachings. Cheri Ring, the owner of A-Action Pest Control, emphasizes her top five suggestions. Here's how they work.

1. Catnip

As popular as this scent is with our favorite felines, catnip is much less popular among mosquitoes. 

'Believe it or not, catnip is a wonderful form of mosquito repellent as it contains an essential oil called "nepetalactone" that deters this pesky insect,' Cheri comments. 'Growing catnip on your front porch or in your backyard is an effective way to keep them at bay.'

However, for added protection, Cheri recommends taking a couple of catnip leaves, crushing them up, and rubbing them on a nearby material to keep them away for even longer.

2. Lavender

Lavender is celebrated for its good looks and therapeutic aroma, but it has quite the opposite effect on mosquitoes. 

'One of the most inviting scents to humans is one of the most deterring scents to mosquitoes,' Cheri says. Wondering which variety is best? The experts on the Martha Stewart blog recommend Phenomenal Lavender 'for an iteration that is heat, humidity, and drought tolerant.' It's available here on Burpee. 

And, alongside planting in your garden, Cheri suggests placing lavender plants around our homes – or investing in a lavender diffuser, like this one from Amazon, that will powerfully deter mosquitoes from any space. 

3. Mint

The experts agree that growing mint is one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away from your yard – not least because a small plant will grow widely and rapidly. However, you can take this scent-trick one step further by pairing your plant with the anti-pest favorite tool: peppermint oil. 

'Peppermint oil [like this one, also on Amazon] can be used to repel mosquitoes – but it does need to be used in big doses,' Cheri comments. 'Smaller concentrations will not make a difference, but a higher concentration can effectively keep mosquitoes under control.' 

4. Basil

If you've tried to grow basil in the past, you'll likely be familiar with the distinct aroma that is a favorite in kitchen gardens globally. This same scent, however, comes with anti-mosquito qualities – meaning we can enjoy home-grown produce while protecting our homes from these insects in the process. 

In this plant, four volatile compounds in basil plants interrupt the insect's heat and carbon dioxide sensors that consequently limit their ability to hunt down a meal. Therefore, mosquitoes are often forced to move away from the basil to revive their senses successfully. 

5. Lemongrass

Lemongrass, also known as cymbopogon is a 'key ingredient that mosquitoes hate', but what makes it so unfavorable among the pest? 

Lemongrass contains the compound citronella (recommended by Martha) that masks the scents (carbon dioxide and lactic acid) that mosquitoes use to find their victims. These pests are therefore quick to escape any area with lemongrass in order to find their next meal. 

Unless you've managed to avoid social media, you'll already have heard about Greta Gerwig's Barbie – the trend-setting movie starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. 

Even before its release, the movie became something of a media phenomenon – influencing the audaciously pink Barbiecore movement that has shaped both fashion and interior trends.  And, naturally, nowhere showcases this aesthetic quite Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse. 

We recently toured the vibrant Malibu property (following news that Ken will host a sleepover for two guests this July) – but just when we thought we'd seen all – Chrissy Teigen visited the DreamHouse. 

Following news that Chrissy welcomed her fourth child via surrogate, the model traveled to Malibu with her husband, singer John Legend, and her children, who were free to spend the night on the property. And, while there where she recreated (arguably) the most iconic scene from the movie.

If you've seen the trailer (or better yet, the movie), you will likely remember when the camera shows a close-up of Barbie's feet, walking in high heels, before she effortlessly removes them and stands on her tiptoes. They’re instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever played with the iconic doll. For Chrissy, however, the result (seen below) is slightly more reminiscent of reality. 

Alongside this, Chrissy and John are pictured poolside, posing next to the pink-painted exterior and in the rollerskating studio dressed with neon lights and tinsel. On the fifth slide, the model also showed a glimpse inside Ken's Barbiecore-inspired bedroom – complete with pink-painted walls and carpet dressed with a cow-printed rug. 

'Welcome to my Kendom,' Ken says on the Airbnb listing. 'While Barbie is away, she has handed over the keys [...] and my room could be yours for the night. I've added a few touches to bring some much-needed Kenergy to the newly renovated and iconic Malibu DreamHouse.' Alongside the added cow print, we can see Ken's influence in the backyard (on slide 6), where he has interrupted Barbie's all-pink outdoor furniture with blue-hued pieces.

'Placed perfectly above the beach with panoramic views, this life-size toy pink mansion is a dream come true,' the listing says. And if Chrissy's photos are anything to go by, we'd be sure to agree.

Booking on Airbnb opens at 10 am PT on Monday, July 17th, for two free one-night stays for up to two guests on July 21st and 22nd. However, you can still get behind the design trend without the keys to the DreamHouse via this color-matched paint by Backdrop below. This is our call to turn our homes into DreamHouses if we dare... 

Joanna Gaines has established herself as a leader in rustic yet modern farmhouse style – beginning with her Waco home. 

The HGTV designer is synonymous with earthy color palettes emphasizing her home's original architectural assets – wooden beams and shiplap included. Her kitchen's cabinetry color, however, is markedly braver –  and, say, trend forecasters, the top color trend for 2025.  

While much of Joanna's kitchen follows her traditional earthy color scheme, the designer has injected a notably darker hue across her kitchen cabinets – a deep, dark blue, which contrasts strongly with the softer green shiplap walls and cream countertops. It is this color that the trend forecasters at WGSN and Coloro are predicting will shape future design trends. 

The exact color in question that forecasters have named as a future classic is Future Dusk, a 'dark, moody and intriguing hue' that is said to sit between blue and purple. It has a sense of mystery and escapism and feeds into themes of transition – making it perfect for a period of immense change – both in our interiors and our lives as a whole. 

'For several seasons now, Coloro has seen brands shifting towards palettes with long-lasting appeal; Future Dusk is an inspiring color that supports this trans-seasonal approach,' comments Caroline Guilbert, the head of creative content for Coloro. 'It appears warm and deep, making it feel moody, mysterious, and timeless.'

At first glance, Joanna's cabinets may seem like a slightly unexpected choice for the Magnolia co-founder, who is so associated with bright creams, whites, and grounding neutrals. However, despite its darker façade, designers say these colored cabinets are just as therapeutic as their brighter counterparts. 

'Blue is the new black. The boldness and warmth found in blue will continue to be prominent in our homes,' comments Martin Waller, the founder of global design brand Andrew Martin on the initially somber tone. And he is not alone in his celebration of the shade.

According to research from paint experts at Benjamin Moore, blue was recently revealed as the 'most popular color globally' – and painting our cabinets like Joanna's is the most impactful way to experiment with ease. 

'Paint an accent wall or set of cabinetry in the kitchen for a saturated, ultramarine take on the deep navy-blue cabinet,' they say. 'This creates a focal point that will add interest, depth, and personality to the social hub of the home.'

And, while Joanna may have balanced her blue with lighter wall paint, the experts at Benjamin Moore suggest a braver color scheme.

'With colors this rich, don’t be afraid to go bold with an all-encompassing color-drenched look,' they say. This could be through dark blue appliances and accessories – or our walls.

We're beginning with this similar match, available via Backdrop below.

And for more Joanna Gaines-inspired decor, we're turning to her brand, Magnolia, who are currently having a 4th July sale. You can find our top picks below.