Of all the unofficial fresh starts during the year – New Year's, spring cleaning, the first summer weekend – back-to-school season is the one that truly motivates me to reset my home. I think part of that is because the start of the school year still feels like a new beginning, no matter how old you get. When I was actually in school, that energy went into a new haircut and fresh supplies. Now, as the parent of three school-aged kids, it goes into getting the house ready for back-to-school.

When I say 'reset my house', I don't mean top-to-bottom. The areas I focus on are the ones that are most important as soon as school starts: the kids' rooms, the kitchen, and the entryway and exit points of our home. These are the spaces that take the most daily traffic, and the ones that make the biggest difference when they're running smoothly.

I've gotten this reset down to a solid routine over the years, so there is a certain list of tasks I do as summer starts to wind down. If you're feeling a similar energy this year, here's a list of the simple, effective ways I've found to reset a family home for back-to-school.

Take Inventory and Declutter

Also called: out with the old, in with the new. Before I order any new clothes, gear, or backpacks, I go through what we have to see what we actually need. While I'm doing this organizing, I'll save whatever is in good shape and still fits the child it's supposed to, and I get rid of or pass on anything that doesn't.

Once I have a pile of things I know are staying, I then go in and see what we need. This process helps with ensuring that I don't overbuy, but also that I don't forget something or simply assume my kids have enough clothes because their drawers look full, only to find out five minutes before the bus comes that all the clothes in those drawers are actually too small.

I also do this process with things like sports equipment, the school and art supplies my kids use for homework (markers, printer paper, glue), and the lunch/snack containers.

Make Summer Spaces Feel School-Ready

I always declutter/take inventory first because it gives me more time to order what I need, and the decluttering naturally helps with my next step: resetting. I like to focus on the spaces we use most to make them more functional for the school year.

In the summer, for example, our mudroom is packed with things like swim goggles, life preservers, and fishing gear. Once school starts, it'll need to house not just backpacks, but fall sports equipment too. The kids' desks, which are generally covered in Legos and art projects by August, need to become homework stations again.

So, right before school starts, I pack away everything from one season and get it ready for the new one.

Reset the Kitchen

In the kitchen, a few small changes make a big difference once the school-year routine kicks in.

First, I do a pantry sweep. I throw out anything that's expired, consolidate half-empty bags and boxes, and take stock of what we can actually fit in there before I start bulk-buying snacks. I then stock a shelf that my kids can reach with things like crackers, nut butter, fruit pouches, and pretzels so they can grab their school snack and help themselves when they get home.

Another thing that helps: making a list of each child's favorite lunch snacks, which I hang on the inside of the pantry door. Preferred snacks change from child to child and year to year, and a list helps me remember the details so I don't end up with a pantry full of snacks that only one of my kids will eat.

Lastly, I reorganize our 'lunch-making station', which is where we keep the lunchboxes and containers that go in them. I wipe it out and make sure all the containers and water bottles have tops, and I put name labels on any bottles or containers that need it.

Create a System

The final step in my back-to-school reset is to try to systematize the way we flow through our house and where my kids put important items. I don't go overboard with this because I find that if a system is too complicated, no one uses or remembers it.

What I do do is this:

• Put a label with each kid's name over a hook in our coat closet, so they know where they should hang their backpack at the end of the day.
• Put a basket under the bench in our entryway for the kids to put their school shoes in whenever they get home, so they know where they are when they leave in the morning.
• Put a tray on the kitchen counter, where they empty their school folder each day with homework, reminders and library books.

Those small steps help us get out the door in the morning because everyone (theoretically) knows where their things are.

My Back-to-School Favorites

Even if you only get to one or two of these things before the first day, it'll help. Back-to-school is hectic no matter what, but knowing where the backpacks go and having usable markers for homework means one less thing to trip you up as you're heading into the first weeks.

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If the heat of the summer has you longing for cool autumn days, you’re not alone. I’ve been dreaming of just that – from the brisk air to the amber foliage and the coziness that comes with the changing seasons. And Crate & Barrel’s newly released collection has me yearning for an English autumn specifically.

Drawing inspiration from the quaint beauty of the Cotswolds, Crate & Barrel’s fall 2026 collection is as charming as it is transportive. Layered floral motifs and soft yet deep autumnal tones whisk you away to the English countryside. The collection sure feels like fall, but not in a predictable or trend-driven way. Instead, it’s timeless, refreshingly elegant, and full of heritage charm.

There’s a strong emphasis on texture within the collection – from the velvety ribbed surface of the Bowen Pillow to the intricately carved molding of the Witney Nightstand. It’s a detail that, like color, can make a home feel more cozy, warm, and inviting. Coupled with the collection’s quality craftsmanship, these tactile elements can give your home a sense of timelessness, character, and enduring appeal as we head into the colder months.

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There's a reason Tuscany has become so romanticized over the years. Picturesque rolling hills, rich history, and impressive architecture, not to mention the wine and regional cuisine, all make it a destination worthy of the grandest bucket list.

But there's one other hallmark of central Italian culture that is inspiring homes all over the States: Tuscan kitchens. Collected, slightly rustic, and designed as a place to gather and cook communally rather than a picture-perfect room, it's a kitchen style that really resonates with a more personalized, lived-in home.

But the traditional Tuscan kitchen has seen a few updates since the early 2000s when it last served as a pillar of inspiration, both to suit modern-day lifestyles and to feel more authentic in homes of different ages, sizes, and styles. Here's how to get this emerging kitchen trend right in 2026.

While we talk a lot about the aesthetics of different kitchen ideas, Tuscan kitchens are just as much about emotions as they are visual design elements. They feel homey, warm, and inviting – they're never overly styled or curated.

'The appeal of a Tuscan kitchen directly relates to how it makes you feel. The kitchen naturally becomes the heart of the home, so when designing this space, it's not about creating a room that feels perfect; it is about creating a room that feels collected, as though it has evolved and is filled with pieces and materials that tell a story,' explains interior designer Katharine Pooley.

'This style celebrates the beauty of imperfection. The open timber beams, terracotta floors, aged metals and hand-finished surfaces all have a sense of permanence and authenticity, and these materials become more beautiful with age, developing a patina and character that cannot be replicated.'

It's also about the connection to our outdoor spaces. This year, more than ever before, homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces, whether it's lounging, dining, or cooking, creating outdoor rooms that function as extensions of our homes. And it's an ethos long valued in Tuscan homes.

'The appeal of a Tuscan kitchen lies in the way it brings cooking and social life together. Rooted in the Mediterranean tradition, it is conceived as the heart of the home: a place for preparing food, welcoming guests and spending time with family. In a traditional Tuscan country house, this experience is not confined to a single room,' says Manfredi Conforzi, Commercial Director at Officine Gullo.

'The main kitchen is often complemented by outdoor cooking areas, aperitivo bars and smaller kitchenettes serving different parts of the property, creating a natural continuity between indoor and outdoor living, everyday rituals and entertaining.'

While the feeling and atmosphere have remained the same, a few design details have evolved to feel a bit more refined and aligned with today's homes. 'The modern Tuscan kitchen is a refined interpretation of the style, but the essence really remains the same – natural materials and warmth, as well as features that stand the test of time,' Katharine notes.

'Italian design has always been quite architectural rather than ornate, and this is carried through here with beautiful tactile materials used in thoughtful ways: marble countertops, softly aged timber for open shelving, hand-finished plaster across the walls, wrought iron structures, terracotta flooring and natural stone tiles,' explains Katharine of the modern Tuscan-inspired kitchen she designed, pictured above.

The kitchen colors and materials introduced to Tuscan kitchens are changing slightly. A more colorful approach, though still very much tied to the natural landscape, is becoming increasingly popular. 'Rather than the darker woods and heavier finishes often associated with the early 2000s, today's Tuscan kitchens are lighter and more serene, with warm creams, soft beige, ochre, muted terracotta and pastel tones,' says Katharine.

Manfredi has also noticed new materials being used. 'Brushed and burnished metals add depth and refinement when paired with veined marble, richly textured woods and earthy colors inspired by the Tuscan landscape. These materials are not simply decorative: their natural variations and the way they age over time give the kitchen an individual and lasting character.'

These differences are less about changing what a Tuscan kitchen looks and feels like and more about subtle switches that feel more balanced and timeless. The warmth and natural materials are still very much at the heart of these spaces, but as Katharine notes, there's a more restrained approach.

'There is also a greater emphasis on restraint in new Tuscan-style kitchens. Bespoke kitchen cabinetry, beautifully proportioned islands, integrated shelving and subtle iron details create a more timeless aesthetic,' she explains. 'Traditional elements such as copper cookware and handmade ceramics are still celebrated, but are used sparingly. Technology has also become much more discreet, with appliances seamlessly integrated.'

The return of the Tuscan kitchen says so much more about where we are going with these spaces; it goes beyond just a trendy aesthetic. As well as the cooking space itself, the revival reflects the lifestyle shifts many people are making towards slower living and a greater emphasis on community and social spaces.

'The Tuscan kitchen responds to this desire through a timeless heritage rather than a passing aesthetic trend,' Manfredi concludes. 'Its appeal lies in the balance between beauty and practicality, as well as in the sense of permanence conveyed by authentic materials and objects made with care.'

The Tuscan Kitchen Edit

With a careful blend of timeless design details, natural materials, and an inviting, people-focused atmosphere, you can bring the essence of a Tuscan kitchen into almost any home. Whether you bring in terracotta flooring, collected accessories, or emphasize the connection between your indoor and outdoor kitchen ideas, it's clear this approach to interiors is here to stay.

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You might think the main choices you need to make for your kitchen cabinets center around color, style, and storage, but there's another very important detail that should never be overlooked: the material.

Both functionality and aesthetics need to be considered when choosing kitchen cabinets, and the material you select will impact the durability, cost, and overall look of your design. Even if you don't plan to leave the material unpainted, it still dictates how your kitchen cabinet ideas will look and how long they'll last.

If you're in the process of designing a kitchen, these are the main cabinet materials you need to know about to make an informed decision, what they are good for, and which designers say are your best choice.

Solid Wood

Solid wood kitchen cabinets are considered one of the best material options because they are both hardwearing and look good over long periods of time. This includes oak, walnut, and cherry – solid wood cabinets are a single cut of wood, rather than different pieces being manufactured together.

'Solid wood cabinets have a timeless quality that is difficult to replicate. They offer exceptional durability, can often be refinished multiple times throughout their lifespan, and develop a beautiful patina as they age. For custom homes and heritage-inspired projects, they provide a level of authenticity and craftsmanship that many homeowners appreciate,' explains interior designer Kimberly Oxford.

'One of the greatest advantages of solid wood is the level of customization it allows. Details such as tambour doors, fluting, and other decorative profiles can be CNC-machined directly into the wood and then sanded and stained as one continuous surface. This creates a seamless, richly detailed finish that simply cannot be achieved with veneers or MDF.'

Oak is often favored for kitchen cabinets, offering a sturdy construction, beautiful grain, and easy customization. It takes different stains really well, so you can create a wooden kitchen perfectly tailored to your style and home's architecture.

'White oak remains one of my most specified species because its quiet, linear grain complements both traditional and contemporary architecture, while accepting stain beautifully,' Kimberly explains.

Oak kitchen cabinets are thick and heavy, so they can withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining their appearance through regular use. If you choose oak cabinets, they are likely to last for decades.

Solid wood appeals in kitchens of every size and style – the way the solid oak cabinetry reads will depend on the type of cut used to create the doors. 'The cut of the wood is often just as important as the species itself,' Kimberly agrees.

'Rift-sawn and quarter-sawn white oak create a much quieter, more architectural grain, while plain-sawn boards have greater movement and character. Selecting the right cut can dramatically influence whether cabinetry feels modern, classic, or rustic.'

Burl Wood

Burl wood kitchen cabinets certainly make a statement, which is why they are appearing in this year's kitchen trends. In many ways, it's a sustainable option, as it's made from trees that are twisted, deformed, injured, or diseased, which is what gives the wood a unique finish. These trees would not be used for other solid wood cabinets.

The appeal of this material is the twists, knots, and unique grain that the deformities create. According to Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter Rottmayer of Hommeboys Interiors, a texturally rich material like burl wood is an ideal choice for streamlined kitchen cabinetry because it adds visual interest and depth to the space.

While burl is a solid wood option, it's actually better as a kitchen cabinet material when it's adapted into a veneer. Burl wood is usually very heavy, more so than your oak or walnut options, and it's more prone to cracking and warping in its solid form. Veneer still offers the unique profile, but creates a longer-lasting and lighter door that's far easier to use.

Burl wood is also a more expensive option, and because it's chosen for aesthetic reasons rather than many of the more practical ones that make oak a winning choice, a veneer approach becomes far more favorable.

'Our clients are coming to us wanting spaces that are very personal and material forward, possibly a bit of fatigue from the washed-out, algorithm-fueled aesthetic that's consumed design for the past decade or so,' interior designer Nicholas Potts explains. 'What we love about a burl veneer is that each piece is singular, no tree (and no burl) is ever alike, and it provides an opportunity for a one-of-a-kind space.'

Wood Veneer

Veneer kitchen cabinets are a hybrid between natural wood and man-made materials. They are made by taking a very thin slice of solid wood and bonding it to an engineered material, such as plywood or MDF. It's a more affordable option than oak that still gives a natural look.

Veneered kitchen cabinets are often confused with synthetic materials widely available at more budget retailers, but it's distinguished by the use of solid wood. And it's a kitchen cabinet material that is more durable and practical than you might think.

'Despite assumptions from some customers, veneers are made from real timber logs and are not to be confused with faux-veneer laminates. They are applied to MDF similarly to laminates but are treated with an oil or lacquered finish to provide protection against moisture and bring out the natural features of the wood,' Fiona Ginnett, Co-Founder at Holte, explains.

MDF

MDF has become one of the most-used kitchen cabinet materials in recent years, adapted to blend the integrity of natural products with reinforced synthetic materials to increase strength and offer a more affordable alternative to solid wood.

'MDF (or Medium Density Fibreboard) is an engineered board made from wood pulp and set with phenol resins. We have found that MDF is more stable than ply, and when laminated, it is the perfect material for maintaining structure and form,' explains Fiona, who adds that certain types of MDF are better suited to kitchen cabinetry.

'We use MDF, moisture-resistant MDF, and Valchromat, which is an evolved, FSC-accredited engineered board from Portugal made from raw pine pulp and impregnated with resins and pressed. Valchromat is denser than MDF, with built-in moisture resistance and a higher mechanical strength.'

The key consideration you need to make with MDF kitchen cabinets is the limitations of their use. It needs to be treated and edged sufficiently to withstand water and wear typical of a busy cooking space. There are also aesthetic restraints that might make MDF less suitable for your design.

'The trade-off is that MDF isn't intended for exposed natural wood finishes, cannot be refinished like solid wood, and is more susceptible to damage if exposed to prolonged moisture. For that reason, I typically pair MDF painted doors with plywood cabinet boxes to achieve the best balance of beauty, durability, and longevity,' Kimberly adds.

Plywood

If there's one kitchen cabinet material that divides opinions, it's plywood. Another engineered option, it's made by gluing lots of thin sheets of wood together and alternating the grain to increase its strength, then pressing it together under high heat. However, not all plywood is made equal, nor are they all sufficient for kitchen cabinetry.

'We used Birch ply for many of our projects during the early years of Holte. However, as we grew in experience and our quality control became more sophisticated, we found that ply was unviable for use in kitchens,' Fiona warns. 'We found issues like warping and bowing from moisture content, inconsistent grain, knots and streaks in the grain, and voids in the edging and plugs used to fill holes.'

The key to successful plywood kitchens is to choose sheets that have been specifically made for furniture use, and that have been finished and protected to a high standard. 'One of the reasons I regularly specify furniture-grade plywood is that it offers an outstanding balance of durability and performance without adding unnecessary weight,' says Kimberly, adding that the increased cost is something to consider.

'Furniture-grade plywood is more expensive than alternatives such as particleboard, and because it is made from natural wood veneers, the edges require finishing or edge banding for a refined appearance. However, for clients making a long-term investment in their home, I believe the added durability and structural integrity are well worth it.'

Painted

Anyone who prefers a colorful kitchen will probably have considered painted cabinets. Even muted tones bring a different energy than natural wood or stained finishes. But getting them right is a bit more complex than you might think.

Painted kitchen cabinets are usually made from wood (maple is particularly popular) or MDF. Solid wood can be easily sanded for a smooth finish, or if you want to change the color at a later stage. There's also the added appeal of solid wood kitchen cabinets, as previously mentioned. With MDF, it's all about the finish.

'Because MDF has no natural grain, it creates an exceptionally smooth painted finish and is less prone to the seasonal expansion and contraction that can cause joints to telegraph through paint on solid wood doors. That's why many high-end custom cabinet makers use MDF for painted door and drawer fronts,' says Kimberly.

Despite the current trends for DIY painted cabinets, designers recommend leaving it to the professionals. 'Whether the cabinetry is finished by the manufacturer or custom sprayed in a spray booth, the quality of the finish is significantly higher than what can typically be achieved on site,' Kimberly explains.

'Professional cabinet finishes are applied using specialized spray equipment and commercial-grade coatings in controlled environments that minimize dust, regulate temperature and humidity, and allow the finish to properly cure. The result is a smoother, more consistent finish with greater resistance to chipping, staining, moisture, grease, cleaning products, and everyday wear.'

Laminate

If you're designing a kitchen on a budget, laminate can offer a more affordable cabinet material. It's made by sandwiching a wood center, usually MDF or plywood, between layers of plastic or resin, which is what gives it its smooth, shiny finish. While this makes them really easy to clean, laminate kitchen cabinets are nowhere near as hardwearing as other materials.

Standard laminate kitchen cabinets are notoriously hard to fix if any cracks, chips, or dents occur, and if water sits on them for too long, damage is inevitable. However, some laminates have been created with cabinetry in mind.

'High-pressure laminates are made by fusing multiple layers of paper under extreme heat and pressure. Well-made HPLs are extremely durable, offer excellent water and scratch resistance, and tend to be cheaper than veneers. The variety in laminate colors and tones can appeal to customers looking for a cleaner, more modern look,' Fiona explains.

Laminate is a good option if you are designing to a smaller budget or as a short-term solution before a larger renovation, but for longevity and a more high-end look, some of the more durable and hardwearing materials are generally a better choice.

The right kitchen cabinet material should last for years to come. It's about choosing something that is not only durable, but fits your design style and budget. It's a structural part of your kitchen that needs to support your countertops, so take all of these things into consideration when making your selection.

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White kitchens are the ultimate blank canvas, which is why the countertop can ultimately make or break the scheme. The right work surface can add warmth, depth, texture and personality and prevent it from looking too stark or sterile. Increasingly, designers are favoring characterful stones that age beautifully, choosing distinctive veining and layered finishes to introduce personality without sacrificing longevity.

‘White kitchens have evolved considerably over the past decade – rather than feeling crisp or clinical, today's best examples are layered, tactile and full of warmth,’ says Venetia Rudebeck, co-founder of Studio Vero.

‘We tend to think of white cabinetry as the architectural backdrop of the room, allowing the materials around it to do the storytelling. A beautifully selected stone for your kitchen countertop can completely transform the atmosphere of the space while ensuring the kitchen remains timeless rather than trend-led.’

We asked leading designers to showcase their favorite kitchen worktop pairings to elevate white kitchen schemes, ranging from classic marbles and warm timber finishes to high-tech porcelain and smart stone-look designs.

Marble

Marble countertops remain one of the most versatile and enduring material choices for elegant white kitchens, because they introduce movement, softness, and natural variation. Italian Carrara marbles such as Statuario, Calacatta, and Arabescato are classic pairings for white kitchens, especially for those looking for a luxe yet layered white-on-white aesthetic – a popular look in traditional, transitional, and European-inspired kitchens. However, beautiful green, pink, and honey-hued marbles are also becoming popular kitchen countertop trends, providing a subtle touch of color that can be carried through elsewhere in the scheme.

For this project, Studio Vero paired the white cabinetry with Arabescato Verde marble across both the worktops and backsplash. ‘Rather than tightly bookmatching the slabs, we allowed the veining to flow naturally, celebrating the individuality of the stone,’ explains Venetia. ‘We wanted it to feel expressive and organic, bringing softness, movement and depth to an otherwise restrained palette.’

Practically, the choice of stone should reflect how the kitchen will be used as much as how it will look. ‘Polished marble is great for reflecting light and is usually more stain-resistant than honed marble, so it’s a popular choice for worktops,’ reveals Oliver Webb, director at Cullifords. ‘Honed marble doesn’t tend to show up scratches as much as polished marble though and develops a beautiful patina over time, creating a time-worn look that pairs well with materials like living brass and natural timber.’

Marble is pretty porous, meaning it's more susceptible to scuffs and stains. Acidic substances such as lemon juice and vinegar can be troublesome, so it’s important to wipe up any spills straight away to avoid staining.

Porcelain

If you’re after a statement kitchen island worktop with a waterfall edge in a white kitchen, this is where porcelain countertops come into their own, as ideally you want to choose a material where the entire design looks like it’s made from one continuous slab. ‘This is difficult to do with marble, granite, or any other material that contains natural veining as a mismatched pattern will ruin the cascading effect,’ explains Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone. ‘Porcelain, however, can provide that continuity and make it look like it's one single piece.’

In this kitchen by Blakes London, the white cabinetry acts as a calm, neutral backdrop to the statement island. ‘Keeping the cabinetry understated allows those elements to really come to the fore,’ says lead designer Annie Burrows. ‘In this project, the long island with integrated green leather banquette seating was always intended to be the focal point within this beautiful period home. By pairing it with simple white cabinetry, we created a sense of balance, allowing the dramatic veining of the Verde Porcelain worktop to become the star of the space without the overall design feeling overwhelming.’

For busy households, porcelain makes a popular choice of surface. Annie points out that it's incredibly durable, more resistant to stains than a natural alternative and requires less maintenance compared to many natural stones. While no surface is completely immune to marks, choosing a porcelain with a bold, heavily patterned design can be especially forgiving, helping to disguise the occasional spill or everyday wear while still delivering plenty of visual impact.

Wood

Wooden worktops are not only a great way to add instant character and warmth to a white kitchen, but they’re also a designer’s top choice when working with more modest budgets. Introducing timber alongside more premium surfaces, such as marble, creates a more layered and considered interior, while also keeping costs down.

In this deVOL kitchen, traditional shaker cabinetry in Damask – a cool white with slightly grayish tones – is paired with a rich and glossy bespoke hardwood surface on the island, with classic Carrara marble running around the perimeter of the kitchen. ‘We wanted the room to feel more like a living space than just a kitchen and the wood certainly helps to soften and help this look,’ says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL.

‘Wood is a little underrated and often seen as a difficult choice, but I have never understood the worry with wood,’ adds Helen. ‘For me it is warm and tactile, it’s easy to keep supple and nourished with a little regular care, and in return it gives you an ever-changing patina that gets better and better over time.'

'White kitchens have a timeless appeal, but introducing a butcher block work surface is one of my favorite ways to add warmth, texture, and a sense of everyday livability,' adds Kimberley Harrison, Kimberley Harrison Interiors. 'In this project, we paired warm white cabinetry with a substantial butcher block island to create a natural focal point that feels welcoming rather than overly formal.'

From a design perspective, Kimberley says timber provides a beautiful contrast against white cabinetry while complementing a wide range of architectural styles, from classic farmhouse to clean-lined transitional interiors. 'The natural grain introduces depth and character that stone simply can't replicate, bringing an organic element that keeps an all-white kitchen from feeling flat or sterile,' she adds.

Engineered Stone

‘Engineered stone like quartz is one of my favorite pairings with white cabinetry to create a seamless white-on-white scheme,’ says Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens. ‘Set against white cabinetry, it creates an almost monolithic look where the eye just glides across the space, amplifying light and giving that fresh, calm, uncluttered feel.’

What Jayne especially loves about using quartz is the element of control you have with it. ‘With natural stone you're at the mercy of the block, whereas engineered stone lets you specify an even, consistent surface with no surprises,’ she says. ‘In a pared-back scheme, where there's nowhere to hide, that uniformity keeps the look crisp and intentional rather than busy.’

Man-made stone surfaces like quartz also open up creative possibilities – a waterfall end or thick mitred edge can add presence to a white kitchen, while a matching backsplash carries that seamless white up the wall. ‘Even in an all-white palette, subtle shifts in texture and finish stop it feeling flat and give it real depth,’ adds Jayne.

While quartz is highly resistant to staining and doesn't need sealing, it’s still best to steer clear of harsh or abrasive cleaners and scourers, which can dull the finish over time. Jayne also notes that a honed finish can be a little more forgiving with fingerprints and water marks than a high polish, especially with bright white worktops.

Whether you’re looking to achieve a clean, minimal aesthetic or prefer a more traditional kitchen style, the advice from the designers is always the same – to prioritize natural variation, warmth and layered materials such as wood and natural stone, as these are the elements designers consistently return to regardless of changing trends.

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For Joon Loloi, a new collection is so much more than an array of new furniture, rugs, and decor. Rather, it's an invitation to take a step further into the brand's world – a world in which vintage-inspired silhouettes pull you in, moody and grounding color palettes keep you hooked, and a modern eclectic aesthetic leaves you wanting more.

The brand's newly released fall 2026 collection is our latest glimpse into the idyllic, characterful world of Joon Loloi. Stocked with everything from rugs and pillows to accent chairs and trays, the collection taps into classic fall decor, but sets itself apart with its chic and timeless nature.

According to Cyrus Loloi, the brand's co-founder, this collection 'sits between vintage-inspired and 'traditional with a twist,' he explains. It nails transitional style with cool and effortless elegance, setting a foundation for interiors that feel layered and collected, but nonetheless fresh and elevated for modern living.

The collection's rich colors and intricate patterns are captivating at first glance, and it's these details that make the range feel so on-theme for fall. That said, nothing looks overly predictable or expected. 'The palette decisively leans into saturated hues,' Cyrus explains. Think rich browns that are grounding and enveloping, soft green shades that are equal parts expressive and inviting, and even deep red tones that look close to a shade of red wine.

As for pattern, you'll find some of the tapestry-inspired scenes – a Joon Loloi staple – as well as reworked heritage plaids (like the red mix on the Brian Pillow), vibrant floral scenes (I could get lost in the floral display of the Chase Ottoman), and even a fresh take on animal print (the zebra-printed Mara Tray is a must-have).

Though hundreds of pieces make up the collection, 'the unifying thread is 'layers of texture,' Cyrus notes. 'This is expressed through dimensional fabrics, a considered variety of natural materials, and nuanced finishes.'

While there are some familiar features within the collection, new shapes and silhouettes give it a fresh and modern edge. According to Cyrus, there's a 'pronounced shift towards rounded and curved forms' – a detail that we've seen take over living room trends this year. Like the sinuous frame of the Luca Chair or even the large, cylindrical legs of the Kieran Coffee Table, these organic shapes add 'visual weight and a distinct point of view,' Cyrus says.

And where there are modern touches, there is also a hint of traditional flair – a juxtaposition that makes this collection (and nearly every other Joon Loloi drop) so desirable.

There's so much to love from this collection – from decor that can make your home feel more cozy for fall to furniture that can become a grounding staple in your interior scheme. It's a tasteful and considered blend of traditional-meets-modern pieces that ooze with warmth, character, and timeless appeal.

'The intention is to build environments that feel intentional, cohesive, and collected over time,' Cyrus tells me. 'We love that the palette this season includes patterns, colors, and textures that easily mix with one another, allowing the customer to create spaces that speak to their personal style.'

If you're eager to make your home feel like it belongs in the world of Joon Loloi, then shop the highlights of the fall 2026 collection below.

Shop Joon Loloi's Fall 2026 Collection

Joon Loloi's fall 2026 collection has put the autumn season on my mind. But it's not the only launch that makes me eager for 60 degree days and falling leaves. Pottery Barn's fall range is a tasteful display of heritage-inspired pieces, while Joanna Gaines' Target drop makes the vintage style feel chicer than ever. So if you're feeling motivated to start decorating for fall, even though it's mid-summer, don't worry – we won't judge.

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Lighting can be an afterthought in home design – a supporting role to furniture and decor; something to come back to only after everything else is finished. But for Bret Williams, designer and founder of Canadian light brand Huey Lightshop, lighting is the star, and her new collection with Lulu and Georgia is proof.

Inspired by the thoughtful lighting ideas of Parisian apartments and boutique French hotels, the collection positions lighting as a foundational element within a home's design scheme – the detail you notice first and the detail you remember.

'The French interiors I'm drawn to never feel overly styled or precious; they feel collected. Nothing looks like it arrived all at once,’ Bret explains. ‘There's an effortless mix of antiques, thoughtful craftsmanship, and pieces that have earned their place over time.' Lighting, as Bret explains, is an essential element in that narrative, influencing the atmosphere of these spaces in a way that feels warm, inviting, and intimate. Her collection, therefore, attempts the same.

Eleven meticulously crafted pieces constitute the collection, from elegant pendants in soft, curved silhouettes to angular table lamps and structured wall sconces. They're not made to quietly fade into the background, but to become key components of a room's lighting scheme, as if they've been there forever.

According to Bret, she explored a wide range of materials to develop the collection – like walnut, linen, ceramic, and metal – however, she was most excited to work with glass. 'I've always wanted to design more lighting with coloured milk glass, and this collaboration gave me the opportunity to push further into that material than I had before,' she tells me. 'Because so much of the collection was centered around warmth and intimacy, the way the glass softened and diffused the light became just as important as the silhouette itself.' Fixtures like the Camberry Pendant and the Camberry Flush Mount illustrate this.

Though lighting is, first and foremost, a function-driven detail, it's also a stylistic feature that can greatly impact the atmosphere of a room – by way of illumination and decorative appeal. Bret recognizes this, and thus her collection blends practicality with visual interest and tasteful ambience.

It's her hope that each piece – from the large Germain Chandelier to the small Prairie Table Lamp – becomes an anchor, '[bringing] a sense of warmth and whimsy into people's homes,' Bret explains. 'More than anything, I hope they become part of the fabric of a space for years to come – the kind of objects that are lived with, loved, and eventually feel as though they've always been there.'

As Bret says, 'lighting is the emotional layer of a home. It's often one of the last things people choose, but it's one of the first things you feel.'

If you feel ready to make lighting the star of your home's design scheme, then perhaps this collection is the perfect place to start. Shop the best of the Huey and Lulu and Georgia collaboration, below.

Shop Lulu and Georgia x Huey

If you're just beginning to think more intentionally about how to light your home, Bret likens it to the practice of slow decorating. 'I think the best thing you can do is live in your home for a little while before trying to perfect it,' she says. 'A home has a way of telling you what it needs. You begin to notice how you naturally move through the space, where you gravitate in the evenings, and where a little more warmth or light would make all the difference.' Rather than lighting your house all at once (and running the risk of buying light fixtures you hate), just take it slow, figure out what you need, and then act on it.

She offers another tip, too, which is to embrace variety. 'Don't be afraid to carve out small, cozy corners rather than trying to light every room the same way,' Bret explains. 'Add a table lamp beside your favourite chair, a sconce over a painting, or a soft lamp in a forgotten corner. Those little moments are often what make a house feel like home, and I really believe that when you romanticize your home, it has a way of shaping your everyday life in return.'

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Benjamin Moore's historical color collection has been making its mark in homes since its debut half a century ago. Inspired by the colors that defined homes in the 18th and 19th centuries, all of the collection's archival shades are steeped in heritage, but these six standout hues feel both fresh and enduring, able to transition into every home, modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.

A collection of timeless paint colors, the historical collection features 191 shades in total, but six shades have become some of Benjamin Moore's bestsellers, loved for their timeless elegance and versatility.

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

What Is Benjamin Moore's Historical Collection?

'The Historical Color Collection was introduced in 1976 during the American Bicentennial and was inspired by the colors found in 18^th and 19th-century architecture and interiors,' explains Hannah. 'These colors were carefully curated to capture the richness, authenticity and character of historical design while remaining relevant for how people live today.'

'Fifty years later, their continued popularity speaks to that timeless foundation. The collection includes sophisticated neutrals that bridge warm and cool palettes, as well as nature-inspired greens and other hues that feel both familiar and relevant. Each color carries a sense of history and architectural authenticity that resonates with homeowners and designers alike.'

'While the inspiration behind the palette is steeped in tradition, the collection's muted, sophisticated character transcends architectural style,' adds Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International), Benjamin Moore. 'For decades, these celebrated colors have complemented everything from contemporary to transitional spaces. With just the right level of saturation, the shades offer presence without taking center stage. They strike a considered balance between character and versatility, which is what makes them so enduring. These are colors that feel fresh and relevant today, while still having the depth and staying power to remain beautiful for years to come.'

Which Are the Best Selling Shades From The Collection?

Benjamin Moore recently revealed the best-sellers from this long-loved collection, and while some names will sound very familiar, other's where slightly unexpected...

No surprise Revere Pewter made the list. While some cool gray paints can feel sterile and short of depth, Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter is one of those rare neutrals that brings quiet warmth and elegance to any room. It continues to be relied on for its grounding nature that enhances every architectural style.

'For those drawn to neutrals, Revere Pewter is a versatile bridge between warm and cool tones. This hue adds just enough warmth to make a room feel both contemporary and harmonious, whereas another best-selling neutral from the collection, Edgecomb Gray, is a slightly lighter and softer go-to neutral that can refresh a space, while also providing a warm, welcoming feeling due to the pink undertones.'

'Gray and warm neutrals provide balance,' says Hannah. 'They act as foundational colors that connect other elements in a space and create a sense of harmony. Their versatility is a major reason they’ve remained popular for so long.'

Greens are an expected addition to the mix too. 'Green continues to be a perennial favorite, with two standout options in the collection,' says Helen. 'Saybrook Sage is a harmonious blend of green and grey, while the dark, moody Essex Green brings a rich, hunter-green depth to a space. They highlight a strong desire to bring a soothing and grounding, nature-inspired energy into the home.'

'Both hues are hugely versatile and can therefore be used across many rooms in the home as a foundation to add accents in more saturated colours. For a living room, opt for all four walls in one of these adaptable shades with woodwork or trim in a darker gray for the perfect tonal scheme.'

It wouldn't be a heritage collection with a dark blue paint, and the iconic Hale Navy has been top of the best-sellers list since its arrival half a decade ago. It's your typical navy blue, with a deeply classic feel.

'Hale Navy remains the quintessential navy Benjamin Moore is known for, offering a softer, always-on-trend alternative to black or brown,' explains Helen. 'It works particularly well in busier spaces such as living rooms for making a versatile style statement. Alternatively, opt for this rich hue in the kitchen, on cabinetry in particular, for industrial styles or more traditional shaker kitchen designs.'

If you're planning on decorating with Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy, Helen suggests, 'Pair with a crisp white as the sharp contrast between the two hues will create a dramatic, yet calming effect.'

The best burgundy paints have made a comeback in recent years, and this feels like an unexpected addition among all the classic neutrals, greens and navies. Yet New London Burgundy, a rich red with brown undertones, has remained a consistent best seller from the Heritage Color Collection, evocative of neoclassical interiors of the 18th century.

'Burgundy offers warmth, depth and sophistication without being overpowering,' says Hannah. 'Unlike brighter reds, burgundy feels grounded and elegant, adding richness and character while maintaining a timeless quality.'

'New London Burgundy is another confident choice, blending red, violet and brown to create an elegant, welcoming statement,' Helen explains. 'This elegant hue works particularly well with everyday earthy tones such as beige or taupe to create a feeling of rustic warmth. Opt for a matte finish to provide an almost chalky appearance, which in turn will help to soften the bold color, making it supremely livable.'

From deep burgundies to rich forest greens, these six timeless shades have proven their timelessness. Heritage-steeped yet still current, they bring lasting sophistication to every space. 'Ultimately, these color families are versatile, emotionally resonant, and easy to incorporate into a variety of design styles, which is why they continue to endure,' says Hannah.

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When character doesn't come from centuries of history, a home needs character injected into it in more creative ways. This was the case with this new home. The owners wanted the feeling that it had always stood on the spot, filled with layered, lived-in spaces.

When the team at TOM Design Collective was called upon to design the new kitchen, the surrounding Arizona landscape became the source of inspiration. It wasn't just the warm tones and natural textures, but also the dramatic mountain vistas and how they could bring the unique surroundings inside.

The result? A beautifully textured neutral kitchen filled with warm, inviting finishes, abundant natural light, and breathtaking views over the landscape that inspired the interiors. Here, we delve into how the design perfects blurring the lines between indoors and out without feeling predictable.

Use Textured Materials for a More Layered Design

Neutrals are one of the most timeless kitchen color palettes, but they require a layered approach to avoid a flat, boring scheme. Texture became a leading feature in this kitchen design, from the limewash wall finish to the exposed stone around the range and the natural wood cabinetry.

'The palette was drawn directly from the surrounding landscape – the red mountains, earthy browns, soft pinks, salmon tones, soil, and native stone that define Arizona. Every material and finish was selected to create a layered, tonal composition that feels cohesive and connected, while maintaining depth and visual interest,' explains Lindsay Mens and Laura Fremont, who led the project.

'Because this was a new build, texture was incredibly important. The movement and coloring of the stone reference the landscape, while the walnut cabinetry, oak kitchen floors, and reclaimed beams introduce natural warmth. We also used aged leather and metals with patina so the materials would feel worn-in rather than overly new or polished.'

Choose Statement Stone to Add Interest

The kitchen countertop stone you choose isn't just about function – it's one of the largest surfaces in your kitchen, so it has just as big an impact on the overall aesthetic of your space, too. To add an extra layer of interest to the design, Lindsay and Laura naturally gravitated toward a bolder, warmer stone to suit the overall palette.

'Initially, we explored quieter stone options, but when we came across this slab, we knew it was the right choice. It brought together all of the tones already established throughout the home while introducing a sense of movement that made the kitchen feel truly special. The veining naturally draws your eye without overpowering the surrounding materials,' they recall.

The placement of the slabs was just as crucial as the stone itself. 'During fabrication, it was important that the movement landed in the right places and almost echoed the formations of the mountains outside. The kitchen needed a showstopping element, but it still had to feel natural, warm and appropriate to its setting.'

Reimagine Classic Shaker Cabinets for a Contemporary Feel

A Shaker kitchen is widely considered one of the most classic cabinet styles you can choose, but it can also lean a bit traditional in many schemes. To balance timeless style with a more unique approach, micro-Shaker cabinetry has been introduced here, bringing a more contemporary twist on a classic.

'For the cabinetry itself, we used a classic Shaker-style profile but refined it into a much thinner frame, which gives it a more contemporary quality. The walnut was selected to coordinate with the oak floors while adding a slightly darker, richer element. Rather than painting the cabinetry, we wanted the natural grain and warmth of the wood to remain visible,' says Lindsay and Laura.

'We also avoided filling the room with upper cabinets. The tall glass-fronted pantry cabinet provides a place for meaningful objects, with patinated brass panels behind them adding another layer of warmth. More practical storage is tucked into the butler’s pantry, allowing the main kitchen to remain beautiful and open while still functioning well during large gatherings.'

Mix Materials for a More Impactful Island Design

A neutral scheme requires a mix of materials and textures to feel layered and lived-in, and it's demonstrated in a few ways here. The kitchen island brings a blend of materials that tie the scheme together, while layered decor adds a personalized touch. The goal was to create a 'natural and organic, but not predictable' design.

'The island brings together the stone, warm wood, patinated brass, and leather stools. Seeing the stone horizontally on the island gives it a different quality from the backsplash; you notice more of its warmth and texture rather than just the dramatic veining,' they note, emphasizing the beautiful glow created when morning light meets the brass details.

'That mixture gives the kitchen depth and warmth while still keeping the overall design restrained and classic. Once that foundation was established, we added softer layers through the linen shades, iron sconces, vintage pottery, and accessories. We wanted the kitchen to feel as though it had developed a story over time warm, lived-in, and soulful rather than like a newly completed shell.'

Let Natural Light Serve as a Focal Point

Kitchen lighting is integral to the design, both to add brightness and offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape that helped form the entire scheme. The kitchen has been designed so that your eye is instantly drawn to the views before noticing the individual details of the room, so two pivotal details have been introduced.

'The window above the kitchen sink almost acts as a picture frame, with the landscape becoming the artwork. Its clean, minimal design allows the view to speak for itself without adding visual distraction. The patio doors and skylight strengthen that connection and allow natural light to change the appearance of the stone, wood, plaster, and metal throughout the day,' they explain.

The skylight does more than maximize light – it plays a key role in how the interior lighting has been integrated into the design. 'The skylight created an opportunity to suspend the Rose Tarlow pendants over the island. They help anchor the kitchen and bring warmth and intimacy into what is otherwise a very tall architectural space.'

Quick Tips

• Focus on layering and texture in a neutral scheme
• Choose a countertop material that enhances, rather than competes, with your palette
• Take a unique approach to classic design features for a more custom feel
• Mix and match materials for a more layered and considered look
• Focus on lighting to make your design stand out – both natural and internal

When neutral kitchens are done well, they feel layered and textured, especially when they are filled with natural materials inspired by the landscape. This design proves you don't have to create one statement kitchen feature for a standout space – everything just needs to feel part of one cohesive palette.

'The kitchen itself is the standout. What makes the room successful is the combination of the views, architecture, skylight, reclaimed beams, walnut cabinetry, oak floors, plaster, stone, brass, leather and natural light,' Lindsay and Laura conclude.

'The architecture gave us an incredible foundation rooted in the Arizona landscape, and our role was to build upon that foundation and add warmth, depth and soul. It is a highly functional kitchen, but it also feels layered, personal and connected to its surroundings, and I think every kitchen should have that feeling.'

Shop the Look

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

The Opening Note

This week, I’ve found myself thinking about one of my favorite parts of summer: gathering friends and family together for a garden party.

I’ve also been inspired by how brilliantly Americans seem to host outdoor gatherings. There’s such a joyful, relaxed spirit to them – everyone brings something to share, whether it’s a favorite salad, a homemade dessert, or a signature drink, and the whole afternoon feels wonderfully communal. I love the idea that hosting and good garden party ideas don’t have to fall on one person; everyone pitches in, making it feel less formal, more fun, and far more memorable.

Growing up in Britain, I was always drawn to the charm of traditional summer garden parties too. The tabletop was never perfectly matched, flowers were clipped fresh from the garden, homemade cakes appeared on well-loved china, and guests almost always stayed longer than expected because nobody wanted the afternoon to end. Those gatherings felt relaxed, welcoming, and full of personality – and in many ways, they remind me of the same easy-going atmosphere I admire about American outdoor entertaining today.

There’s something magical about hosting outdoors. Perhaps it’s the slower pace of a warm afternoon, the way conversations drift long after dessert, or simply the pleasure of setting a table beneath the trees and letting the garden do most of the decorating. The best gatherings are rarely the most elaborate – they're the ones where everyone feels comfortable enough to settle in, pour another glass, and stay a little longer.

So this week, I’m sharing an edit of my favourite garden party themes and inspiration, from beautiful table settings and charming serveware to comfortable seating, fresh flowers, and all the little details that make summer entertaining feel effortless. Whether you're planning an elegant afternoon tea or a relaxed potluck with friends, these are the pieces I'd genuinely choose to create a gathering that's welcoming, beautiful, and above all, fun.

After all, the best garden parties aren't the ones where everything goes perfectly – they're the ones where everyone feels completely at home.

The Edit: Entertain in Style

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I'm embracing the effortless charm of a European summer – and all the decorating inspiration that comes with it.

It seems as though so many people are returning from vacations across Europe with a fresh appreciation for the colors, textures, and relaxed style that make Mediterranean destinations so unforgettable. From the iconic blue-and-white palette of the Greek islands to the striped beach clubs of the Italian Riviera, charming sardine motifs from Portugal, and sun-faded linens found in the South of France, these are the little details that instantly transport you somewhere warmer.

I've always admired the way Europeans make everyday living feel like a celebration of the season. Long lunches stretch into the afternoon, outdoor tables are set with beautiful yet uncomplicated pieces, and even the smallest balcony feels inviting with woven textures, colorful ceramics, and plenty of greenery. There's an easy elegance to it all that feels just as appealing at home as it does on vacation.

The beauty of this look is that it's incredibly easy to recreate. A striped tablecloth, woven baskets, terracotta planters, olive branches, hand-painted dinnerware, colorful glassware, or a few blue-and-white accents can completely transform a space without feeling overly themed. It's less about recreating a destination and more about capturing that carefree vacation atmosphere.

I've been gathering my favorite European-inspired finds that work beautifully in everyday homes, whether you're refreshing a patio, styling a dining table, or adding a few seasonal touches indoors. Think Mediterranean stripes, rustic pottery, natural textures, playful sardine prints, lemon motifs, and all the little details that make a home feel bright, welcoming, and full of summer spirit.

Next week, I'll be sharing the pieces I'd genuinely buy to bring this timeless European style home, along with simple decorating ideas inspired by Greece, Italy, the French Riviera, and beyond.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Whether you're on the hunt for a specific gem or you want to spend your weekend doing a little thrifting, nothing beats a good old browse of vintage stalls in the summer months. Luckily, whether you enjoy decorating with antiques or you prefer more midcentury finds, there are plenty of flea markets and vintage sales taking place across the United States this August.

The iconic 690-mile-long Corridor Sale is running this August, stretching from Addison, Michigan down to Gadsden, Alabama, and the famous market at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California is on this month, too. No matter your location, our concise list of the best vintage sales in August 2026 will ensure you're up to date on the best events popping up in every corner of the country.

Must-visit antique sales and vintage markets around the US in August

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

Antiques and vintage sales in the Northeast

Antiques and vintage sales in the Southeast

Antiques and vintage sales in the Midwest

Antiques and vintage sales in the Southwest

Antiques and vintage sales in the West

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Northeast

Brooklyn Flea, NY

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

Brooklyn Flea takes place every weekend and is a hotspot for locals who want to add character and personality to their apartments. While you won't be going home with any large furniture items, the decor and accessories are a must, from small artworks and ornaments to soft furnishings and bijou lighting designs.

New Hampshire Antiques Show, NH

When: 6th-8th August
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH
Entry fee: Up to $15, depending on day and admission type

This August marks the 68th edition of the New Hampshire Antiques Show, with around 60 dealers returning to present some of their finest stock. There's a really lovely mix of fine and country antiques here, catering to a wide range of styles and price points. From small ceramics and quirky artworks to larger furniture pieces, every seller here is an NHADA member, so you can be sure you're receiving authentic pieces.

Madison-Bouckville Antique Week, NY

When: 9th-15th August
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Route 20, Bouckville, NY
Entry fee: Free

A must-visit sale this month, the Madison-Bouckville Antique Week features over 2,000 dealers and vendors showcasing an inspiring range of antiques, vintage pieces, and collectibles from various eras and styles. Food and beverage vendors, along with plenty of parking, make it a stress-free trip, whether you visit for a day or stay for the entire week.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Southeast

West Palm Beach Antiques Festival, FL

When: 31st July-2th August
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday, until 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Entry fee: $11-$25, depending on admission type

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival returns to the Fairgrounds for another treasure-filled event. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up unique outdoor furniture and accessories. As always, there are plenty of sellers, stalls, and vendors here for a full day out for the whole family.

The Raleigh Market, NC

When: Every Saturday and Sunday throughout August
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Entry fee: Free

If you're looking for variety, The Raleigh Market is a great option. The weekly event has become a hotspot for antique and vintage shoppers, with a range of vendors selling an eclectic range of decor, collectibles, memorabilia, and furniture from the state's fairgrounds. Parking here is free, and there are many food vendors onsite too.

Atlanta Scott Antique Market, GA

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

Held on the second weekend of each month, the Atlanta Scott Antique Market is a great event for locals and visitors looking for new-but-old furniture and decor. It's one of the largest monthly indoor antique and interiors shows, so you can be sure to find some unique pieces here.

Nashville Flea Market, TN

When: 21st-23rd August
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday, until 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: 401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Entry fee: Free

Whether you're local or visiting from overseas, you'll want to add Nashville Flea Market to your weekend itinerary. Every antique and vintage item you could imagine can be found here, from ceramics and art to furniture and collectibles from bygone eras. While entry to the market is free, parking is $10, which is handy if you're planning on buying larger items.

Braselton Art-tiques Summer Market, GA

When: 22-23rd August
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday
Where: 115 Harrison St, Braselton, GA 30517
Entry fee: Free

You don't want to miss Braselton Art-tiques Summer Market this month, featuring over 150 sellers, live music, an array of food trucks, and an abundance of vintage furniture. It's more than just an antique sale – it's a fun day out for all ages. Parking here is also free, so there's really no reason not to visit!

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Midwest

Petoskey Antiques Show, MI

When: 1st-2nd August
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am until 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: Emmet County Fairgrounds, 1129 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Entry fee: $10, under 16s go free

Another outdoor show located in County Fairgrounds, the Petoskey Antiques Show has everything from antique furniture and vintage decor to charming tableware and unique artworks to fill your home with characterful designs. Over 120 vendors gather here, so there's plenty to indulge in – no one goes home empty-handed!

Sunday at Sandwich, IL

When: 9th August
Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich, IL 6054
Entry fee: $10 early bird, $5 regular

Another monthly fair that always goes down a treat, Sunday at Sandwich is back for its August event. As always, parking is free, pets are welcome, and there is plenty of live music to keep you entertained. And as for the stalls, they will be selling a plentiful mix of vintage, antique, and handmade pieces, perfect for giving your home a timeless refresh.

Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, MN

When: 14-16th August
Time: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday
Where: Oronoco, MN 55960
Entry fee: Free

Held on the third weekend of August each year, the Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days sees 80 acres taken over by antique sellers and entertainment for a fun-packed weekend. Over the weekend, you'll find plenty of vintage and antique homeware throughout the outdoor market, along with a classic car show, parade, and kids' activities.

Springfield Antiques Show & Flea Market, OH

When: 15th-16th August
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday
Where: Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S Charleston Pike, Springfield, OH 45505
Entry fee: $3 (cash only at the gate)

This huge sale is back for its August market, showcasing unique and quirky items alongside classic antiques. The Springfield Antiques Show & Flea Market is quite the event, with 40 years of history to its name. There are over 2,000 vendors at this show, so be sure to come prepared for some serious shopping, whether you're in the market for small decor or characterful furniture.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Southwest

World's Longest Yard Sale, MI

When: 6th-9th August
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Route 127, US, from Michigan to Alabama
Entry fee: Free

Spanning nearly 700 miles of the US from the Midwest to the Southeast, the World's Longest Yard Sale, also known as the 127 Yard Sale, has become a destination sale, with many customers making a road trip out of the event. You can visit the part of the sale local to you (it goes through Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama), or travel the entire length for a vast and varied selection of stalls selling antique and vintage home decor and furniture.

Sweet Salvage Vintage Market, AZ

When: 20th-23rd August
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 4648 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
Entry fee: Free

Described as 'a vintage wonderland in the heart of Phoenix,' you don't want to miss the Sweet Salvage Vintage Market. This sale is more curated than most, showcasing home wares, antiques, and seasonal decor in room set-ups, so you can see exactly how the pieces look styled in a space. Each monthly market has a unique theme – this month's is 'How Sweet It Is' in celebration of its 14-year anniversary.

First Monday Flea, TX

When: 30th Jul-2nd August
Time: Dawn to dusk
Where: 800 First Monday Lane, Canton, TX 75103
Entry fee: Free

The First Monday Flea is a monthly sale with many loyal vendors and shoppers attending each event. It's the world's largest flea market, taking over 450 acres to host dealers selling everything from quirky vintage wares and decor to antique furniture and display pieces. There are also RV campgrounds nearby if you want to make a full weekend of it.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the West

Beaumont Outdoor Market, CA

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

Early risers will love the 6:00 am start at Beaumont Outdoor Market, a large flea market that's perfect for buying all things vintage and antique for your home, as well as some new items mixed in. Open across three days with food vendors and parking on-site, it's definitely worth a visit if you're in town.

Santa Monica Airport Antique & Vintage Market, CA

When: 2nd & 23rd August
Time: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Interim Open Space, 3233 Donald Douglas Loop, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Entry fee: $5

The whole family (including pets) will love a day out at Santa Monica Airport Antique & Vintage Market, where you can spend the day perusing stalls filled with antique furniture, vintage homeware, and unique decor, including art, rugs, and even one-of-a-kind textiles for thrifty projects.

Rose Bowl Flea Market, CA

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

One of the most coveted markets in the West, Rose Bowl Flea Market returns with another event filled with fabulous buys. This sale is known for unique finds – think glass lighting, old-school gramophones, and even vintage carousel horses. It's not just antique homeware items you'll find here, but also an array of vintage fashion sellers, too.

Antique Shopping Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Whether you're a flea market regular or want to try your hand at decorating with vintage, these sales are the perfect places to shop secondhand. Remember to keep an eye out for the collectibles interior designers look out for when antique shopping – they'll bring enduring charm to every home.

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Art is the finishing touch so many kitchens are missing. It brings character, interest, and lived-in style – something we are all craving from these multi-functional rooms right now.

Whether you have an empty wall or sparse shelving in need of a decorative boost, kitchen art ideas are a low-effort way to create a more personalized scheme. But how much art should you really add to this functional space? There is a method to decorating a kitchen with art to balance style and function in the hardest-working room of the home. Here's why designers always introduce art to a cooking space, and how to know when you have enough.

Why Your Kitchen Needs Art

Kitchens are no longer purely functional rooms only used for cooking and cleaning. They have now extended into social spaces, where we host, gather, and spend downtime. In many cases, they include dining zones and sitting areas, so it seems only right to introduce art to create that more decorative, lived-in feel.

'When we think of a kitchen, we associate it with a functional area of the house, but art has a way of transforming it into a warm and more personal space. Today, the kitchen is often the heart of daily life, and art reminds us that even the most practical spaces deserve charm and character,' says Ania Agárdy of Luxury Living by Ania Agárdy.

But there's a reason designers choose art specifically as a way to decorate a kitchen. Unlike other forms of decor you might add to a bedroom or living room, art is a small but impactful way to personalize a kitchen without impeding function.

'Art brings an unexpected element into a space that's often treated as purely functional. But function and beauty aren't mutually exclusive,' says Anna Franklin, Principal of Stone House Collective.

'A curated plate display, a small antique painting, a few pieces layered on open shelving. All of these little touches add warmth, personality, and character without overtaking the room. It's also one of the easiest ways to bring in a subtle pop of color.'

How Much Art Should You Add to Your Kitchen?

One of the main questions people ask when bringing art into their kitchen is how much they should add, and whether there is ever such a thing as too much. And while every kitchen calls for a different approach, designers are quite adamant about the volume of art your cooking space really needs.

'Less is more here,' Anna assures. 'The goal is tasteful and layered, never invasive. Open kitchen shelving is the perfect opportunity to work in art a little at a time: a small oil painting, handmade ceramics, an artistic hand-painted plate. Even the countertop is fair game – small lamps are everywhere in kitchens right now, and we love pairing that subtle lighting moment with a small piece of art tucked alongside it.'

Unlike an entryway or living room, a kitchen requires a more edited approach to art. There are already lots of different materials, textures, and surfaces in a kitchen, so choose just a few of your favorite pieces that fit the available space to avoid creating an overfilled look.

'One or two works are more than enough. It is not a place you would want to exhibit your entire art collection, but carefully curated pieces can add a lot of personality. What you select depends on your kitchen design. If you have a lot of open shelving, then a sculptural object could work very well,' says Ania.

'Where there is lots of wall space, I try to choose a large-scale framed photograph or a multimedia piece in place of a painting. Somehow they feel more alive. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something with lots of color to infuse the space with uplifting energy and bring attention to the art itself.'

The right art can be mixed with the other items in your kitchen to create a more dynamic display, and achieve a more layered look among your kitchenware, especially where shelving is involved.

'Art is a great way to mix up a lot of the ceramic or glass plates and bowls,' adds Sadie Beachy of S. Flynn Design + Build. 'If there is any empty wall space, that helps make the decision. Kitchens can often get full with windows and appliances, but if there is open wall space, artwork is a great way to enhance the space.'

How to Choose the Right Art for Your Kitchen

Knowing how much art is enough is important, but so is choosing the right type of art. Specifically, the color palette of the work itself, the scale of the piece, and the subject. These will differ depending on the aesthetic and the existing palette of your kitchen.

'The type of art depends on the vibe you're trying to accomplish, but as a general rule, if your kitchen is more tonal, bring in colors that complement your cabinet colors. If you’re looking to add energy to the space, you could pick something that will stand out against wood tones or natural painted cabinets,' Sadie explains.

'Most modern kitchens lean neutral, so it's a matter of taste: bring in small pieces that deliver a pop of color or stay curated with art that blends into the kitchen's existing palette. Either way, the effect should feel layered in, not layered on,' Anna adds.

Always remember to factor in scale. In an entryway or living room, you can easily get away with really large pieces of artwork, but in a kitchen that already has a lot going on, something more modest in size often works best when introducing more than one piece.

'Small paintings, hands down. They're flexible,' Anna says, noting that the way you introduce them is key. 'Stack a few vertically on a wall or layer them into open shelving and countertops throughout the space.'

Shop Kitchen Art

Kitchen art is one of those finishing touches that takes your space from functional to personalized. When the right pieces are chosen, they tie the whole scheme together, creating a more lived-in aesthetic no matter the style or size of your kitchen.

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Contrary to their name, sunrooms aren't just spaces to enjoy the warm rays of summer sun. Whether it's a cozy snug to retreat to come autumn or a breakfast nook to start your spring mornings in, sunrooms bridge the gap between inside and out, providing you with a space to sit back, relax, and take in the view, all from the comfort of your home.

While sunrooms are undeniably one of the most idyllic rooms and will almost certainly add value, there's plenty to consider before adding one of your own. From key design choices like considering orientation and how to stop the room from overheating, to the type of furniture and decor that's going to work best in this sun-drenched space, there are a few practical must-dos to prioritize before you commit to adding a sunroom.

1. Consider Orientation For The Right Amount of Sunlight

'The orientation of the sunroom is so important and something to consider before you add one to your home. Whether it faces east or west changes how the sun moves across the space through the day,' explains Leigh Spicher, director of design studios at Ashton Woods Homes. 'If you get a lot of afternoon sun, you'll need shades to protect both the room and yourself, so look at UV protection on the windows or a specific UV-blocking shade.'

'You should first consider where on the home the sunroom is placed, which impacts how much sun exposure the room gets throughout the day', agrees Bob Zuber, partner at Morgante Wilson Architects. 'And some people do prefer their sunroom to be a bit shaded and cooler at certain times – as well as what the views are and how much cross-breeze there will be when windows are open. Additionally, it’s important to take into account that whatever room the sunroom is attached to will lose some of its access to natural light.'

The orientation of your sunroom will also affect what furniture, colors, and materials you opt for. For example, you may consider the best colors for north-facing rooms if it lacks direct sunlight. This may inform your furniture and fabric choices, too; you may choose bolder, more colorful styles that brighten the space and won't fade from too much sun over time.

2. Keep It Well-Ventilated

Whether you're working with a small sunroom or a larger, open-plan space, ventilation in these sunny spots is always important. 'With summers becoming hotter, overheating needs to be considered from the start, rather than after the room has been built,' explains Caroline Montague, interior designer and owner of Tuscan retreat Villa Sartiano.

There are ways to improve ventilation that will make your sunroom comfortable for all seasons. 'I would always speak to the architect and the relevant glazing and ventilation specialists about the orientation of the room,' says Caroline. 'Plus, the type of glass, opening windows, shading and whether additional cooling may be needed.'

'An interior designer can make blinds and curtains look beautiful, but they should not be expected to solve an architectural problem,' adds Caroline. 'A portable fan and a last-minute roller blind will only do so much if the room has been designed without enough ventilation or protection from the sun.'

3. Decide On Its Purpose

Sunrooms can be multi-purpose spaces, but you want some idea of what you will be doing in the room before you start the build. 'Before you make any stylistic decisions, you’ll need to decide how you'll actually use the room. Is it for reading, for entertaining, for indoor gardening?' says Leigh.

'Based on that, decide what you want the room to feel like. There's a misconception that every sunroom should feel light and airy, but they can just as easily feel warm and curated, or even moody and sophisticated. One of my favorite palettes for a sunroom uses a darker trim with warmer finishes, which makes for a more contemporary and really lovely room full of light. It can also feel wonderfully traditional. When you have that much natural light coming in, it naturally gives you permission, no pun intended, to lean into darker, richer, warmer colors.'

'The very first thing to consider is how you intend to use the sunroom. Will it be the place where you sip morning coffee, or somewhere to relax and hang out with family?', says Bob. 'Do you want it to be a bonus dining area, or an extension of your living space when you entertain? All of that dictates whether you design the sunroom as a three-season room, or a four-season room with full heating and cooling, and informs how it will connect with the rest of the home.'

4. Lean Into Your Home's Architecture

Your house style plays a part in how your sunroom should be designed. Keeping things authentic to your home's architecture will ensure your sunroom stands through years of trend changes.

'Before adding a sunroom, you should always identify the overarching style of your home and note any repetitive details such as the type of millwork, masonry, and/or window style,' suggests Kate Pechinka of Kate Kelly Interiors. 'Creating a sunroom that is cohesive with these original architectural details will ensure that the home continues to speak the same design language and leaves the room feeling like a natural fit.'

'When a sunroom is designed and completed without true connection to the home, it can automatically feel out of place no matter how you style it,' adds Kate.

5. Invest In Durable Materials That Won't Fade

Whether you're creating a coastal inspired sanctuary or a snug home library, investing in high-quality fabrics and materials will ensure your sunroom is fit for purpose for years to come.

'Sunlight can be quite unforgiving,' says Caroline. 'It can fade delicate fabrics, make certain flooring very hot and create glare across glossy surfaces. I would look for materials that sit comfortably with strong daylight and become more attractive with use. Timber, stone, terracotta, linen and woven fibres tend to work particularly well.'

Just as you'd design a living room layout, it's important to consider where your furniture and decor will go in your sunroom, paying attention to orientation and outside views. 'People are often drawn to the idea of having as much glass as possible, but you still need somewhere sensible to place a sofa, a lamp, a console or a piece of artwork,' explains Caroline. 'I would sketch out the furniture before finalizing the windows and doors. Think about where people will sit, what they will look at and how they will move through the room and into the garden.'

6. Keep It Cohesive

While sunrooms are unique in their purpose (compared to hard-working areas like kitchens or laundry rooms), that's not to say they should feel incongruous to the rest of the house. 'One of the biggest design mistakes is treating the sunroom as a completely separate project. It can then feel as though it has been added onto the house rather than belonging to it,' Caroline says.

'There should be some visual connection with the adjoining rooms. That might come from continuing the flooring, repeating a wall color or fabric that appears elsewhere in the home. The sunroom can still feel lighter and more relaxed, but it should not look as though you have suddenly stepped into a different property.'

That also means you don't have to embrace traditional decorating ideas, either. Nothing is stopping you from designing a sunroom that completely contrasts with all the usual coastal-inspired designs. 'As a Floridian, this might be one of my favorite topics, and I love to debunk the myth that every sunroom has to be painted bright white with wicker furniture and blue and white striped pillows,' says Leigh. 'A sunroom doesn't have to be coastal, and it doesn't have to be about flowers or plants either, though I love those things. Its defining characteristic is natural light. It's about the view and about ushering in the natural light we all desperately need. The best sunrooms feel like an extension of the outdoors.'

7. Embrace Smart Features

Embracing smart home trends is a good place to start if you want a sunroom that feels suitable for any time of day, regardless of the season.

'We are big advocates for creating spaces that are transformable,' say Mike Shively and Lucas Goldbach of En Masse Architecture and Design. 'A sunroom should be able to function as an outdoor space during good weather but still be comfortable and useful throughout the colder months. Features like walls of doors that open completely and tuck out of the way, large retractable screens, or screens that can be swapped for glass panels in the winter allow the room to adapt to the seasons instead of only being defined by the warm months.'

'That flexibility also means you can furnish the space more like an interior, with comfortable indoor-style furniture rather than traditional outdoor furniture. In the summer, the space can open completely to the outdoors, while in the winter it becomes a heated room that still offers the experience of being connected to the landscape.'

8. Pull Inspiration From Nature

A sunroom is there to bridge the gap between outside and in. To ensure your space feels like a seamless extension of your garden, backyard, or patio, design it with nature in mind.

'Outdoor living feels best when it is effortless, so we love focusing on transitional spaces that create a seamless connection between indoors and out,' say Mike and Lucas. 'It's also important to think honestly about how you'll actually use the space. Rather than creating outdoor areas that are too broad or too numerous, we prefer designing spaces that reflect how clients naturally live.'

'We're also seeing homeowners prioritize greenery over unnecessary hardscaping. Bringing landscaping closer to the house means that even when you're indoors – which is most of the time – you still enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by nature. The spaces adjacent to outdoor areas matter just as much as the outdoor space itself, especially in climates like Chicago where you can't be outside year-round. Designing rooms that let you feel connected to the outdoors, even during the colder seasons, has become increasingly important.'

Timeless Sunroom Shopping Picks

Whether you want to enjoy the scenery of rolling fields or boast 360-degree views of a nearby lake, there's an art to designing the perfect sunroom. Considering the practical side of things will ensure your sunroom lasts for years, no matter the season. From prioritizing natural light to investing in long-lasting materials that won't age, pay attention to these eight things before designing a sunroom of your own.

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It’s never too early to start thinking about fall decor, at least according to Joanna Gaines, whose newly released autumn range at Target has me longing for brisk weather, falling leaves, and a warm pumpkin spice latte between my hands.

Brimming with nearly 200 fall decor finds, this new collection effortlessly channels the warm and inviting nature of the autumn season. Joanna’s signature vintage-inspired flair comes through in a strong and evocative manner – resulting in pieces that feel familiar yet fresh; timeless, but reflective of our favorite fall trends.

You'll find the quintessential autumnal touches within this collection, including plaid prints, brass accents, and rich shades of green and brown that feel as inviting as a warm hug. Though the collection features decor for the entire home, it's the kitchenware that truly steals the show. It’s a category in which Joanna excels – tastefully turning function-driven cookware, bakeware, and serveware into pieces of heirloom quality. Like the red and brass teapot or the pastry plate and mug set, these charmingly chic kitchen tools will turn everyday tasks into stylized moments this fall.

Though there's so much to love from Joanna Gaines' new Target collection, I've pulled out 24 picks that just feel like fall, and can fill your home with the spirit of the season even before it arrives. Shop it all, below.

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An effortlessly collected table always features at least one vintage treasure. Whether it's a formal outdoor dining set-up on the patio or a relaxed summer brunch around the breakfast table, adding vintage pieces to your tablescape is the best way to create a memorable spread that feels elegant yet familiar, collected yet cohesive.

From rustic bread boards ideal for charcuterie to quirky ice buckets that bring faded glamor to the table, these five pieces are the best way to try your hand at decorating with vintage tableware; they will bring charm and character to any occasion.

1. Rustic Bread Boards and Wooden Accents

'For summer porch and outdoor dining, there are a number of key pieces that can help create a collected and curated tablescape,' says Debbie Mathews LeRoy, owner and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. 'I like incorporating wood pieces whenever possible because they add warmth and richness to the tablescape.'

Rustic country kitchen pieces make summer tables feel effortlessly lived-in and collected. 'An example of this could be vintage or antique bread boards, which can be very functional for serving bread, fruit, and cheese. They also come in several different shapes and sizes, and they can add visual interest,' adds Debbie.

'I personally have a set of vintage Washington & Forge wood-handled silverware in the Town and Country pattern. The polished wood handles with brass details are very unique and always spark interest at dinner parties.'

2. Handmade Tablecloths

'When layering your summer dining table, a vintage tablecloth can immediately nod to days gone by – of summer lunches that linger into dinners,' says designer Maggie Griffin. 'Additionally, vintage napkins and glassware are a fun way to sprinkle in older items with new ones. Think of layering a table as one does a room. Mixing patterns and color can only make the time spent around the table that much sweeter!'

Summer table decor comes to life with the right base. An embroidered table linen tells a story, as does a handmade lace style. 'I love bright china patterns passed down from generation to generation, and the unexpected, delicate lace tablecloth from your grandmother draped over a perfect outdoor table,' says Jade Joyner, co-founder and designer at Metal & Petal. 'It is the juxtaposition. The soft and the hard. The new and the old. The concept of fine, delicate pieces being placed outside in the wild, open air.'

3. Colorful Glassware

'Vintage items that I like to include in my summer tablescapes are antique and vintage glassware and dishes,' says Debbie. 'I personally own a set of Fostoria glassware in the iconic American pattern. You can purchase almost any tabletop item in this pattern, from any type of drinking glass to cake plates and dessert plates.'

'With the wide variety of pieces available, you can create a truly breathtaking tablescape using this pattern,' continues Debbie. 'And of course, the sky is the limit for using vintage and antique dishes in your tablescape. Antique blue transferware like Asiatic Pheasant or Blue Willow are popular patterns with a huge number of pieces available. Again, drenching the table with one of these historic patterns can create a true wow moment for your guests.'

Kelly Gaudreau, interior stylist and founder of home decor company HOSTED agrees, 'I like to do a smattering of mix and match glassware – some old and some new – but all complementing the overall look of the table in terms of color and style. It's a fun way to mix it up, and it creates a fun moment for guests to compare their glass with other guests.'

4. Matching China Sets

'The vintage pieces that make a summer table look collected are the ones with a history you can see: a silver tea service gone soft with tarnish, my mother's teacups mixed in with plates from other sets, and footed ceramic cake stands that give the table height and let the food do the decorating,' says cookbook author and tablescape designer Jeannie Jacobs.

A matching set of Blue Italian Spode brings color and pattern to your tabletop, the perfect choice to contrast with a white lace tablecloth. Similarly, a slowly collected range of colorful ceramics, each unique in shade or shape, invites vibrancy to the table, too.

'A collected table whispers that these things were gathered over years of living, not ordered in one afternoon, and the imperfections are what do the whispering. My one rule: never polish the silver all the way, because a little tarnish is the difference between an heirloom and a showroom,' adds Jeannie.

5. Unique Ice Buckets

'We love adding vintage ice buckets, especially the vinyl-padded gems we often see in antique stores and markets, to our summer soirees!' says designer Courtney B. Smith. 'These items are nostalgic and stylized, which provide inspiration and help set direction for tablescapes.'

'We adore floral versions for their versatility,' adds Courtney, 'and we’ve recently scored nautical-inspired and lobster-adorned buckets that offer an irresistible summertime seasonal nod. Supper’s served!'

Whether it's a classic pewter bucket that nods to Art Deco style or a more rustic rattan vessel that brings a beachy, relaxed feel to your table, ice buckets are an easy way to make a spread feel considered and instantly more elevated.

The Vintage-Style Tabletop Edit

From matching china to colorful glassware, these are the five biggest vintage table decor trends worth embracing this year, designed to make your table stand out from the rest.

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As kitchen design gets more relaxed and built-in cabinetry mixes with freestanding pieces, the humble kitchen hutch is making a comeback. Full of character and offering a place to display your favorite wares, it's a furniture piece designers are excited to see back in our cooking spaces.

But it's a kitchen storage idea that goes beyond just functionality, doubling as a beautiful focal point and creating space for both essentials and decor. And the key to the success of this freestanding furniture is in the styling. To help you curate a beautiful kitchen hutch that's as pretty as it is practical, we've turned to interior designers to discover their hutch styling tips – and why they say it's a kitchen trend that's here to stay.

Hutches and dressers were once a staple in every kitchen. Shelves would be filled with ceramics, from plates and servers to teapots and butter dishes, while closed storage at the bottom would be utilized for dry ingredients and the lesser-used items that didn't need to be on display.

They were hardworking features of a kitchen, which evolved to blend aesthetics with functionality. And that's exactly why they are enjoying a revival this year. As trends continue to showcase the growing desire for freestanding kitchens that feel lived-in and personalized, a hutch is the missing piece.

'The main appeal of a kitchen hutch or dresser is that it acts as a standalone piece of furniture, bringing warmth and character to the space. I always look for antique or vintage pieces, as their imperfections are my favorite part. It is also the perfect opportunity to paint the piece a fun, standout color that complements the rest of the room,' says interior stylist Melanie Marshall.

It's especially appealing in kitchen styles that lean less modern and minimal. From country kitchens to coastal schemes, a hutch offers a visual relief from continuous built-in cabinetry, creating a more collected, characterful design.

'I love a kitchen hutch because it's a great way to break up all of the built-in cabinetry. Kitchens can start to feel really boxy, so introducing a furniture piece adds new tones, textures, and shapes that make the room feel much more layered and collected,' says interior designer Cathryn Lindsey.

'It also creates an opportunity for open shelving without losing valuable upper cabinets. You can mix beautiful decorative objects with functional pieces, giving the kitchen more personality while still providing practical storage for glassware, serving pieces, or china.'

How to Style a Kitchen Hutch

1. Treat Your Hutch Styling like a Bookshelf

The way you style a hutch differs from how you style your other kitchen storage. It requires a balance between kitchenware and decorative elements, especially if you want it to create a more personalized feel in your cooking space.

'I treat it more like styling a bookshelf than stocking a cabinet. Layer in a small piece of artwork, a framed photo, a stack of books, a ceramic vase, or a vintage object so it doesn't read as shelves filled with dishes,' says Cathryn.

Try to strike a balance between your favorite kitchenware and collected pieces you want on display. 'The mix of functional and decorative pieces is what gives a hutch its charm and makes it feel like it has been collected over time rather than styled all at once.'

2. Display Special Pieces, Rather Than Kitchenware You Use Daily

The mistake a lot of people make when styling a hutch is filling it with the plates and bowls they use daily. But this approach leaves your hutch feeling empty most of the time, with awkward gaps that make it feel unfinished, so displaying unique and lesser-used pieces works best.

'I love using a kitchen hutch to display the pieces that feel a little more special: vintage crystal, heirloom china, pretty serving bowls, bar accessories, or linens you pull out when you're entertaining. I usually avoid styling it with everyday dishes that are constantly being used, because empty gaps in the shelves can make the whole display feel unfinished,' explains Cathryn.

But it's not just about ensuring the display always looks good. It's an opportunity to keep your special kitchenware somewhere you can see it every day, rather than being hidden away in a drawer. 'I encourage clients to choose unique and special items they love on display here. Items that spark stories and jog memories are firm favorites in my eyes,' Katy adds.

3. Pick a Subtle Color Scheme

If you're struggling to style your hutch in a way that feels effortless yet cohesive, opting for a subtle color scheme can help. 'Obviously, choosing colors that work together helps. I personally love yellows and blues together,' says interior designer Katy Cronk.

If you've chosen a traditional wooden hutch, the color scheme will apply to the items you choose to store here, but it can also incorporate the hutch itself for a more playful feel. In this design, Katy had painted the hutch a vibrant shade of yellow, pairing it with mainly blue-ware plates and servers, with a few cabbage-ware pieces. It feels bold and characterful but still with a sense of traditional style.

A hutch is the perfect piece to bring charm and interest to your space. It balances functional storage with space for decorative displays, exactly the look this year's trends are championing. Styling a hutch doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the less perfect, the better, as Katy explains. 'I think it’s great when dressers don’t look too perfect; I love an informal, characterful dresser that invites questions and interest.'

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Utility carts have a function, but that often isn't balanced with form. Finding a movable, useful, chic-looking piece of storage is rare, but I was on the hunt for a buy that would add extra kitchen storage and look good while doing so. I was thinking bar cart meets a handy spot for my overflowing glasses collection to reside.

Enter IKEA's new PS Utility Cart – a stylish storage idea that's pretty and practical. Hailing from IKEA's newly released design-forward PS 2026 collection, this cart blends Scandinavian design principles of functionality and simplicity with aesthetics. And it can be used for many purposes, in any room – in a kitchen it can be a pantry on wheels or a drinks trolley filled with glasses and bottles, in a bedroom it can corral the clutter of wires from hair tools, in a bathroom it can add extra storage for products you want to keep within easy reach.

Rather than something we'd push to the side, hide in a closet, or keep out of sight, this utility cart is worthy of display, all thanks to its sleek round shape and soft beige color. And depending on how you use it, it can become the focal point of a room – a deserving focal point, at that.

Lots of reviewers rave about IKEA's Utility Cart, calling it 'practical', 'versatile', and a 'wonderful product'. 'The cart was easy to assemble and looks great,' one reviewer wrote. 'You can fit an incredible amount of stuff in it. The wheels roll smoothly, so it's really easy to push it back and forth.'

Because of the endless uses for this utility cart, I'm convinced that every home, apartment, or even dorm room can benefit from it. It can become a kitchen storage idea – perfect for holding spices, oil bottles, or dry goods. I'd even try it as a bathroom storage idea, too, filling its tiers with extra toilet paper, makeup tools, and other personal hygiene essentials. Beyond that, you could use it as a craft room organizer, extra storage for your home office, or even a stand for your indoor plants.

As an avid party host, I plan on using IKEA's Utility Cart as a makeshift bar cart in my apartment. See how I'd style it below.

How I'd Style IKEA's PS Utility Cart

Shop More Utility Carts

Though stylish utility carts are few and far between, I've managed to find three more that are equally as good looking (and just as practical) as IKEA's Utility Cart. Shop them, below.

Now you know: if your home needs more storage, you don't have to settle for something unattractive and overly utilitarian. Instead, you can get IKEA's Utility Cart, and reap the benefits of storage that doubles as a chic home furnishing.

And if you're looking for more clever storage carts for your home, check out this space-saving rolling cart – a pick that we think would work wonders in organizing a kitchen in style.

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Nothing adds character to a home like second-hand finds: the quirky jug that adds character to the kitchen table, a vintage silver tray that's the perfect catchall on the coffee table, a rattan sideboard that adds the perfect amount of texture. But when it comes to choosing between new and old, what pieces should you always look for second hand?

Whether you exclusively decorate with vintage or prefer to scatter your older finds among more contemporary additions, every scheme needs a little history. While most preloved pieces have character in their own right, there's a specific handful that designers almost always buy old for every project.

1. Well Made Wooden Furniture

'If you're hoping to create an interior with a true sense of place, there are some pieces that are always worth seeking out antique rather than buying new,' says Hannah Linford, senior interior designer at Sims Hilditch. 'A beautifully worn farmhouse table, an elegant Georgian chest, an antique mirror or a collection of timeworn pottery brings an innate richness and quiet confidence that cannot be manufactured or adopted by new selection.'

'These pieces carry the marks of a life well lived – the soft patina of aged timber, the subtle irregularities of handmade craftsmanship and the character that comes only with time. They anchor a scheme, lending depth and authenticity while ensuring a home feels thoughtfully collected.'

'The key to styling them is balance,' continues Hannah. 'We love pairing an antique chest beneath contemporary artwork, mixing a generous oak farmhouse table with upholstered dining chairs, or styling a weathered console with fresh garden flowers, ceramic lamps and treasured objects gathered over time. It's this considered balance of old and new that gives an interior its enduring appeal, creating rooms that feel elegant, welcoming and effortlessly lived in.'

2. Artwork and Mirrors

'If character is the goal, I almost always look for vintage or antique artwork and mirrors before buying new,' says Amber Sullivan, Founder and Curator of Well x Design and Well Found. 'Those are the pieces that tend to carry a sense of history and individuality that’s difficult to replicate. That doesn’t mean every piece in a home needs to be old – I love mixing antiques with contemporary furnishings and occasionally incorporating new or commissioned artwork – but a few well-chosen vintage pieces immediately make a space feel more layered and personal.'

'I like to let those pieces become the focal point, then balance them with simpler, more contemporary elements around them. That contrast is often what makes a room feel collected rather than decorated,' adds Amber.

'It's really hard for me to imagine ever buying brand new art online when there is a whole marvellous world of antique prints and paintings to explore,' agrees designer Christina Salway of 11211 Design.

3. Decorative Trinkets for Styling

Decorating with antique trinkets is always a good idea. 'I would never buy new accessories to style a bookcase or cocktail table,' interior designer Kerri Pilchick says. 'There are countless small treasures that you can find at antique markets and second-hand shops, as well as online, if you take the time to hunt. Doing so will make your home truly your own.'

'The bowls, trays, and small things that finish a room should almost never be bought new,' says John Maloney McNamara of Coosa. 'They're the layer that's supposed to tell a life story: trips taken, things inherited, the paperweight you bought because your grandmother had one just like it. Furnish your home all on one run to HomeGoods and the room will always feel soulless – as if everything arrived in the same weekend – because it did, right?'

'The better approach is what I call "slow shopping." Flea markets, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, the antique store you'll find on your next vacation. Nothing has to be expensive or rare. Just one good piece at a time, and the room starts to feel like you,' adds John. 'For a foolproof place to start, collect vases in a single color. The color does the unifying, so the shapes and eras can vary wildly. One vase is modest. Ten of them, found over time, become a beautiful collection almost without you even noticing.'

The Preloved Edit

While it can be tricky to decipher when to add vintage to a room, adding these three specific objects to your home will ensure it always feels characterful, lived-in, and elevated.

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A room without an accent color is like an outfit without accessories. Much like clothing, wall colors are an excellent base, but accent colors are the accessories that take a room from good to great.

While choosing a paint for your walls might make it easy to overlook accent colors, the devil is in the details when it comes to introducing color in the home. Selecting your accent shades is more than just choosing a vibrant cushion to create contrast; from paying attention to the pieces you already have to following color theory 101, these are the five ways to ensure your scheme is well-balanced and impactful.

'For me, choosing the accent color is the secret sauce to getting a room to go from feeling nice to looking absolutely exceptional,' explains Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick. 'It's amazing how often I'll walk into a client's home, and they'll say, "I love it, but it just feels like something's missing." Nine times out of ten, it's the accent color.'

1. Start With the Pieces You Already Have

Choosing your accent color starts with considering more than just paint; it's about considering everything else in the room as well. 'Start with what you already love,' advises interior designer Nina Long at Mathews Design Group. 'The pull accent colors from artwork, textiles, wallpaper, or even the view outside your windows. The room will always feel more collected when the colors have a natural connection.'

Draw parallels between your pieces. Whether you're pulling colors from a wallpaper or creating contrast by intentionally clashing your bedding with your headboard, accent colors create visual interest through layering.

'I always tell clients that the most beautiful interiors don’t rely on a single bold color, they rely on layers, texture, and balance,' explains Tash. 'Accent colors should feel like they naturally belong in the room, not like they were added simply to make a statement. And also, don’t be scared of color; if done right, it can be tasteful and classic without feeling bold.'

2. Pay Attention to Undertone

While it's all well and good following 2026 color trends, considering undertones will ensure your scheme feels balanced and connected. 'When choosing accent colors, pay attention to undertones,' advises Nina. 'This is where people often go wrong. Two blues or two greens may look similar on a paint chip, but if the undertones don’t relate to the rest of the palette, the room can feel disconnected.'

Whether you're designing a warm color scheme or an all-white room, it's important to nail the undertones so the space feels visually harmonious. Stark white like Benjamin Moore's Brilliant White might not pair well with a cool-toned blue wall color, but might shine with a warm neutral taupe or beige. Equally, cool gray paints like Gray Owl can feel imbalanced with warm wood furniture, but may come alive with a richly painted cabinet or dresser.

3. Be Bold

'I think where people often lose confidence is with color itself,' says Tash. 'They worry about making the wrong decision, especially when it comes to the bigger investments like walls or sofas. So my advice is to keep those larger elements in lower-saturation colors that you'll happily live with for years. But when it comes to your accent color? That's your opportunity to be bold.'

'I love using that accent color as the thread that runs through a home. It might appear in a chair, a lamp, artwork or a few carefully chosen accessories. It's those little moments that make a scheme feel considered and personal,' says Tash.

'For example, you could have a really calming bedroom layered in beautiful soft blues (like Lick's Blue 01 Matte Paint) and then introduce an electric orange chair in the corner. Suddenly, the whole room comes alive. Or perhaps your living room is full of dusky pinks and rich chocolate browns, and then you bring in a pop of cobalt blue. It's that unexpected twist that gives the room energy and makes it memorable.'

4. Look to the Color Wheel

Paying attention to the color wheel will help you choose colors that actually work side by side. 'Deciphering what colors go well together and therefore what accent color you should add to your main and secondary hues depends on where on the color wheel they sit,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore.

'If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of mixing color families, a monochromatic scheme which uses varying levels of saturation of one color is a great place to start. This will add depth to the room by instantly shifting the dimensions, while staying in the same color family to ensure it feels tied together.'

'An analogous scheme uses adjacent colors on the wheel and is a great method to ensure the look is cohesive,' continues Helen. 'Cool and calming, blue is the perfect foundation for a room’s color scheme and works especially well with its neighbor on the color wheel: green when this is selected as the accent color. Rich and dramatic, or pale and interesting, you can look at all variants of these shades. A personal favourite is a pale blue reminiscent of the sky (like Benjamin Moore's Breath of Fresh Air) paired with a brighter green accent. The vividness of the green can help to break up the soft blue, creating a refreshing, airy feel similar to that seen outdoors.'

5. Choose Colors You Love

Choosing a timeless and trendy color scheme is always about taking inspiration from the shades you love, as it's these that will endure the longest.

'I always come back to the idea that our homes shouldn't look like carbon copies of someone else's on Instagram,' explains Tash. 'Your home should tell your story. It should have soul. And the easiest way to do that is through your accent color. I always encourage people to choose a color they genuinely connect with on a personal level – the one they naturally gravitate towards every time they're shopping or when they are at their favourite restaurant, cafe or in nature, the one that catches their eye without them even thinking about it. That's normally your color.'

'Don't overthink it. Trust your instincts,' says Tash. 'If there's one color you're always drawn towards, there's usually a reason for it. Lean into it, choose the bolder version, and let that be the color that brings your personality into the room. Because those finishing touches are often what transform a beautiful space into one that feels completely and uniquely yours.'

From paying attention to the pieces you already own to taking note of the neighbouring shades on the color wheel, these five steps will ensure your home's accent colors feel well-balanced, personal, and visually aligned.

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Over the past decade, sage green has become one of the most beloved colors in interiors, often regarded as a new neutral in kitchens of every style and size. And while it will always remain a classic choice, designers say there's an alternative hue that's quietly replacing sage green that feels a bit more unique and exciting in 2026.

Taking a darker, muddier approach to green kitchen ideas, deeper olive tones are rising the ranks to become one of the chicest kitchen colors to choose for your cabinets, bringing depth and interest without feeling oppressive.

Here's why designers expect dark olive kitchens to overtake sage as the most timeless kitchen cabinet color, and how to tastefully introduce it to your cooking space, no matter the size, style, or layout of your design.

What's Replacing Sage Green Kitchen Cabinets?

We're by no means suggesting that sage green kitchens are going out of style – they're inherently classic. But as with any color that rises in popularity, designers and homeowners alike are looking for an alternative that's a bit more unique and unexpected.

And as 'dirty' kitchen colors and moodier hues quietly begin to dominate, it seems fitting that dark olive green is the alternative hue many of us are gravitating towards, introducing timeless style with more contrast and richness.

'Sage green has been incredibly popular for many years, but we're now seeing clients wanting colors with a little more depth and character. Dark olive feels richer, earthier and more sophisticated,' says Sophie Pringle, Founder of Pringle & Pringle.

'It still has the calming qualities that made sage so appealing, but its muddier undertones give it much greater longevity and make it feel less trend-led. As people's confidence with color has grown, they're becoming more comfortable embracing these deeper, more nuanced shades.'

You might be used to seeing more classic shades of olive, but darker iterations can often feel more liveable in a kitchen. Look to paint colors like Farrow & Ball's Bancha for a moodier take on their classic olive tone, or consider Aegean Olive and Dark Olive, both by Benjamin Moore, for an even deeper olive hue.

The Appeal of Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets

Olive green cabinetry works so well in kitchens because the deeper tone helps hide marks and smudges typical of a cooking space, yet its nature-inspired tone acts almost as a neutral, striking the balance between style and function.

'Olive green is a tone that feels grounded, earthy, and calming. We are seeing a general shift in interiors at the moment from light and airy to spaces that feel a bit more cozy and warm, and I think olive fits that perfectly,' says interior designer Tiffany Leigh.

'Olive green is a great option for a kitchen because it still reads as a neutral. Committing to a loud color on your cabinetry can be a big investment, while olive gives you a dose of color that feels timeless and enduring. It's not a color you'll tire of quickly.'

As well as offering a darker alternative to sage, olive green cabinetry creates a different atmosphere. Where sage feels light and playful, olive is rich and sophisticated, adding a more expensive finish to a kitchen.

'Olive green brings so much depth and character to a space while still feeling timeless. It offers all the versatility of sage but with a little more warmth and sophistication, making it easier to create kitchens that feel established and enduring rather than overtly trend-driven,' says interior designer Laura Stephens.

'In a kitchen, it creates a sense of warmth, particularly when paired with natural wood, aged brass, and tactile stone surfaces. It's a color that feels both sophisticated and timeless, which is exactly what many homeowners are looking for as they move away from more trend-led schemes.'

Creating a Timeless Kitchen With Dark Olive Green Cabinets

While an enduring color in itself, creating a timeless olive kitchen hinges on choosing the right accompanying colors, finishes, and materials.

'Kitchens naturally bring together a variety of materials and finishes, from cabinetry and countertops to appliances and hardware. Dark olive works beautifully across all of them as it pairs effortlessly with natural wood, stone surfaces, brass, brushed nickel, and a range of countertop materials, helping to unify the space,' explains Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

You don't have to drench all of your kitchen cabinetry in dark olive green, either. It's a shade that works beautifully as part of a two-tone kitchen, or even as a contrasting hue to break up long runs of neutral surfaces.

'Kitchen spaces offer a versatile way to experiment with deeper hues. Homeowners who want to ease into color might start with a kitchen island or lower cabinetry, while those looking for a more immersive experience can carry dark olive throughout the cabinetry and walls for a rich, enveloping effect,' Hannah suggests.

And though you might typically think the best pairing for dark olive cabinetry is a shade of white, it's far more versatile, sitting beautifully alongside other more saturated tones like orange, blue, and pink.

'Olive green evolves effortlessly with a scheme, sitting just as comfortably alongside earthy terracottas and burgundies as it does brighter accents like pinks and buttery yellows, allowing homeowners to inject personality through fabrics, artwork and accessories without the kitchen ever feeling overpowering,' Sophie explains.

'One of our favorite combinations is dark olive with a pale sky blue, where the freshness of the blue lifts the richness of the olive to create a palette that feels timeless, balanced and quietly sophisticated.'

Shop the Look

Sage kitchen cabinets will always be in style, but if you're craving something a bit different and slightly darker, deep olive tones always look utterly timeless. Remember to always swatch your paint shades before committing, as the light your scheme receives will impact how the cabinet color reads.

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Never one to do things halfway, Next in Design winner Ayisha Onuorah launched her interior design business just weeks after graduating from KLC School of Design last year – one of the most prestigious design schools in the UK, based in London.

A former modeling career in her twenties led to fashion styling, where she experimented with set design, before a moment of inspiration drew her to interiors and she decided to retrain. Four years later, she founded her studio from her home in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton on the south coast of England, not far from where she grew up. Yet her design language is shaped by a far more global perspective, incorporating influences from her Nigerian heritage and, since marrying her Jamaican husband, the Caribbean as well – a region she visits frequently, continually sparking her imagination.

'I’ve always been creative – interiors just give me a toolbox to express it,' she tells us. In just a year and a half since founding her studio, she has completed residential and commercial projects across the UK, refining a signature style that is, in her words, 'bold, colorful, sometimes romantic, yet also grounded in earthiness.'

Natural textures and materials are layered with vibrant color and pattern – Pierre Frey being a particular favorite – creating spaces that feel eclectic, soulful, and deeply personal. David Nicholls, on the board in charge of selecting Ayisha, comments: ‘One of the things that really stood out was her clear sense of ambition. She wants to conquer the world – and I wouldn't put it past her. This is backed up by training, so there's real substance there as well. I admire her choice of materials and use of color.’

When meeting a new client, Ayisha begins by understanding their tastes, sensibilities, and the rhythm of their daily lives before assessing how she can enhance that flow and bring more joy to everyday living. She is also unafraid of the occasional rule-breaking: 'I love the idea of pushing a client just beyond their comfort zone – it’s a sweet spot.'

Homes & Gardens: How did you first get into interiors?

Ayisha Onuorah: My path into interiors wasn’t traditional. I originally studied international politics in college, but I realized fairly quickly it wasn’t for me. I’d always been creative, though I didn’t necessarily have the tools to express that beyond fashion and music. I started modeling when I was three years old and went on to work extensively in fashion in my twenties – traveling to fashion weeks in London, New York, and Milan, while also doing editorial and commercial work. That naturally evolved into styling, wardrobe design for music artists and videos, and some set design.

Around four years ago, I had a real revelation that interior design was where all my interests came together. I enrolled in design school, initially on a short course and eventually a BA degree, graduating in 2025. Interiors gave me a framework for channeling my creativity. I love both the expressive side of design and the precision behind it – the technical drawings, the structure, and the intentionality.

Homes & Gardens: Has your background shaped your design style?

Ayisha Onuorah: I grew up in the UK, spent my early years in London, and now live in Brighton, which I love for its artistic, open-minded energy. I’m mixed-race – my mother is English, and my father is Nigerian – and my heritage absolutely influences my work. You can often see my African heritage in the use of color, texture, and layering, but growing up in London’s creative melting pot also had a huge impact on my approach. My husband is Jamaican, and Jamaica has become a major source of inspiration, from its vibrancy and warmth to the way color and life are embraced so unapologetically.

Homes & Gardens: How would you define your design language?

Ayisha Onuorah: I’d describe my style as bold yet grounded – colorful, romantic, and earthy all at once. I love natural materials and textures, but I’m equally drawn to strong patterns, rich color, and unexpected combinations. My work tends to be eclectic and layered rather than minimal. I often say it’s somewhere between Pierre Frey fabrics and the atmosphere of a Six Senses resort.

Ultimately, I want spaces to feel personal and emotionally connected to the people who live in them. Great design should enhance your life and create comfort, no matter how expressive or unconventional it may be.

Homes & Gardens: What makes your approach different?

Ayisha Onuorah: My niche is really just me – my perspective, my influences, and the balance I bring between creativity and structure. I like to challenge clients to go slightly beyond their safe space while still creating homes that feel authentic to them. Every project starts with understanding how someone lives, what brings them joy, and how a space can support that both emotionally and practically. I think the best interiors come from that balance of intention and instinct.

Homes & Gardens: What colors are you drawn to lately?

Ayisha Onuorah: I find myself consistently drawn to earthy tones – deep reds, ochres, and khakis in particular. There’s something incredibly comforting about colors that occur naturally in the landscape. One of my favorite places in the Caribbean has this rich, orange-red earth, almost the color of sunbaked brick, and I’m always inspired by it. Those warm, grounded shades have a depth and authenticity that I never seem to tire of.

Homes & Gardens: The most underrated element of a well-designed home?

Ayisha Onuorah: Without question, good lighting. For me, it’s nonnegotiable. Many clients underestimate just how much of an impact lighting has on the way a space looks and feels, but it can completely transform an interior. It influences mood, functionality, and atmosphere, which is why I always develop a carefully considered lighting plan early in the design process. It’s one of the most important foundations of a successful space.

Homes & Gardens: Which space in your home says the most about you, and why?

Ayisha Onuorah: Probably my living room. It reflects so much of what I love about design. The palette is built around soft, muted tones, layered with pattern, natural materials, and a collection of artwork that I’ve gathered and displayed over time. Art is always an important part of my interiors, and I tend to take a very eclectic approach to it. For me, artwork isn’t limited to paintings or sculpture – it can be stretched fabric, framed postcards, ceramics, decorative plates, or even something I’ve made myself. I love mixing high and low, combining collected pieces with found objects and anything that resonates with me personally. It creates a space that feels layered, expressive, and deeply individual.

Ayisha Onuorah is working towards launching her fabric brand, Akaraka, later this year. She is also in the process of pitching for her first international project.

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For as long as I've been a style editor, Ferm Living has been a brand thats always on my must-shop list – for both product recommendations within my articles and for decor details for my own home. The brand's Scandi-chic style gets more effortless with every drop – and now, its pieces are easier than ever to shop, as Ferm Living is officially stocked at Anthropologie.

If you've never heard of the brand, consider this your formal introduction to the gem that is Ferm Living. Based in Copenhagen, Ferm Living is the quintessential Scandi-chic decor brand, blending traditional elements of Scandinavian decor with sleek sophistication and organic elegance. All of its offerings – the furniture, rugs, lighting, and table decor – reflect principles of Scandinavian interior design; including simplicity, functionality, connection to nature, and minimalist appeal.

Though you can buy these Scandi-chic pieces directly on Ferm Living's website, you'll have to pay a $25 shipping fee to do so (which I have done many times). At Anthropologie, on the other hand, standard shipping only costs $6.95, and if your order is over $50, then everything ships free. If you're like me, and shipping fees greater than $15 can deter you from making a purchase, then this new partnership is all the more reason to buy the pieces you've been eyeing from Ferm Living.

Ahead, shop Scandi-inspired standouts from Ferm Living that'll make your home look effortlessly cool.

Shop Ferm Living at Anthropologie

Ferm Living at Anthropologie is an exciting moment for Scandi-design lovers all across the United States. Though only 35 products are available now, I wouldn't be surprised if more Ferm Living products land at Anthropologie over the next few months.

But in the meantime, there's loads of other new arrivals at Anthropologie, including the brand's own Suite Dreams collection – inspired by boutique French hotels and guest rooms that feel like mini retreats of their own.

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The Opening

This week, I’ve been craving interiors that feel a little softer, warmer, and far more relaxed – which has led me straight back to one of my favorite summer design trends: rattan, wicker, and beautifully woven furniture inspired by the seventies.

I think part of it stems from last weekend’s trip to ABBA Voyage in London, which was every bit as fun and memorable as I’d hoped. Ever since, I’ve been thinking about the decade not through the lens of glitter and disco balls, but through the homes that embraced natural textures, easy comfort, and that unmistakable sun-soaked charm.

Lately, I’ve been especially inspired by decorating with woven materials, exploring fresh rattan decorating ideas, and discovering rattan and wicker decor pieces that bring both texture and warmth into a home without feeling overly styled.

There’s something about woven materials that instantly changes the mood of a room. A cane-backed chair, a wicker side table, or a rattan pendant light can make even the simplest space feel layered and inviting. They remind me of long summer afternoons, coastal vacations, and houses where everything feels effortlessly collected rather than perfectly curated.

More than anything, this look taps into a deep sense of nostalgia for me. It reminds me of childhood summers spent at my parents’ home, where the doors were always open, the garden seemed endless, and every room felt filled with sunlight and easy comfort. I can still picture the woven baskets, rattan chairs, and natural textures that made those summers feel so carefree – and perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to them now more than ever.

Perhaps that’s why these pieces continue to return season after season. They have a warmth that polished surfaces and sleek finishes rarely achieve. Woven textures catch the light in the loveliest way, soften hard edges, and bring a sense of ease that makes a home feel more welcoming from the moment you walk in.

I’ve always found rattan and wicker especially appealing during the summer months. They lighten a room without making it feel sparse, and they work just as beautifully on a sunny patio as they do in a living room, bedroom, or hallway. It’s decorating at its best: understated, timeless, and quietly transformative.

So this week, I’m sharing an edit of the woven furniture and accessories I genuinely love, along with the pieces I’d choose to bring this look into a modern home without it feeling overly retro.

Think elegant rattan seating, cane lighting, natural fibers, and those subtle finishing touches that add instant warmth and a hint of vacation spirit to everyday life. I recently brought a woven side table into my own living room, and it has completely changed the feel of the space – adding texture, softness, and a relaxed summer mood.

After all, the most enduring trends are rarely the loudest. They’re the ones that make us feel at home the moment they return.

The Edit: Woven Decor

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’m thinking about one of my favorite parts of summer: gathering people together for a garden party.

There’s something about hosting outdoors that feels wonderfully different from entertaining inside. Perhaps it’s the slower pace of a summer afternoon, the feeling of sitting outside long after you planned to, or the simple pleasure of setting a table beneath the trees and watching everyone settle in. It doesn’t need to be elaborate – sometimes the most memorable gatherings are the ones that feel the most relaxed.

Growing up in Britain, I was always fascinated by the charm of summer garden parties. The kind where the table wasn’t perfectly coordinated, flowers were gathered from the garden, homemade cakes appeared on pretty plates, and guests stayed longer than expected because nobody wanted the afternoon to end. Those gatherings always felt effortless, welcoming, and full of character.

I think that’s what makes outdoor entertaining so special. A garden has a way of setting the mood before anyone even arrives. A few thoughtful details – a beautiful tablecloth, glowing lanterns, comfortable seating, seasonal flowers, and pretty serving pieces – can completely change the feeling of a space and make it feel ready for guests.

I’ve been collecting my favorite garden party ideas and garden party themes for creating a summer gathering that feels personal rather than overly styled. Whether it’s an elegant afternoon tea, a relaxed lunch with friends, or a candlelit evening outside, I love the idea of creating a setting that feels inviting and easy to enjoy.

The prettiest outdoor living rooms are an extension of the home. Woven textures, natural materials, charming tableware, soft lighting, and little decorative touches all help create that relaxed summer atmosphere. It’s not about creating a picture-perfect setting – it’s about making people feel comfortable enough to sit down, stay awhile, and enjoy themselves.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my favorite garden party ideas, the pieces I’d actually buy, and how to create a beautiful outdoor gathering without it becoming stressful or overly complicated. Think simple table styling, pretty details, clever hosting touches, and everything needed to make a summer afternoon feel a little more special.

The best garden parties are rarely the ones where everything goes exactly to plan – they’re the ones where everyone feels at home.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Three floors up, less than 500 square feet, and riddled with tight corners – from the day I signed the lease, I knew my pre-war New York apartment would be difficult to furnish. I managed to fit a queen-sized bedframe, and a slim armoire gave the space some semblance of a normal apartment. But as for a sofa – there was simply no way a standard pick would work. I needed something modular.

Since this would be my first time owning a sofa (all of my previous apartments came pre-furnished), I had research to do. Of course, I didn't want something so cheap that I'd have to throw it away in a year. Instead, I wanted the best sofa I could get. But with a slew of parameters for my open-plan living room, my search proved to be more challenging than I thought. After a few weeks of feeling like I'd never find the right sofa, I came across modular sofa experts, Cozey.

After narrowing down my options, I landed on the Gaia XL in Flax Haven – a two-seater modular sofa in a soft tan color. I took a leap of faith and ordered it online. Just under a week later, it arrived.

I vividly remember sitting on the floor of my hardly furnished studio, staring at the five boxes that supposedly contained my new sofa. Was this the right decision, or was ordering a sofa online a huge mistake? Spoiler alert: it was, without a doubt, the right call. Ahead, read about my experience receiving, assembling, and living with Cozey's Gaia Sofa.

Setting It Up

A few things surprised me about my Gaia sofa's delivery. First: the speed. The sofa arrived at my apartment less than a week after I'd ordered it – faster than some of my online clothing purchases. Not only that, but I couldn't believe how compact it was. Only five boxes held everything, along with a sixth that held the adjustable side table I had also ordered.

Though I recruited help for set up (shoutout to my generous mother and sister), I could've easily assembled the Gaia sofa on my own. Set up is very straightforward, with instructions available online and inside the box.

Since I ordered the two-seater sofa with an ottoman, I received three square-shaped base pieces (two for the seats, one for the ottoman), two flat back pieces, two armrests, and several cushions and covers. I was very surprised at how easy it was to assemble the sofa structure – just a few simple steps and assembly was nearly done.

Oddly enough, the hardest part of the setup wasn't putting any of the structural pieces together. In fact, it was stuffing the cushions into their fabric covers. Because the cushions themselves are so big and the fabric covers are designed with zipper openings that are slightly too small, squeezing the cushion into the cover was a two-person job – one that caused both my mother and I to break a sweat and laugh at how ridiculous we probably looked trying to do this.

The only other challenge that my mother, sister, and I encountered while assembling the Gaia sofa was connecting the base seats. Two plastic connectors are supposed to hook onto the hidden feet of the sofa, connecting the left seat with the right seat in the middle. It seems simple in theory, but this was rather challenging for us – we'd hook the back connector, then the front one would pop off, and vice versa. I blamed this on the fact that the floor of my pre-war apartment is egregiously uneven – causing the feet to not line up properly – and decided to not use the connectors. Thankfully, the sofa didn't slide apart without these connecting pieces.

Much to my surprise, the entire process – unboxing, assembling, cushion-covering, and pushing into place – took just under an hour. And though I had help, I definitely could've done this alone.

Living With the Gaia Sofa

I've lived with the Gaia sofa for a few months now. It has quickly become a fixture in my studio apartment – a spot where I work, read, and watch TV. I've even had a friend sleep on it while staying overnight at my place (they glowingly said it was more comfortable than their mattress at home).

As with any furnishing, the Gaia sofa comes with pros and cons. Here's what I've experienced so far:

Final Thoughts

Before the Cozey Gaia Sofa arrived at my apartment, I was so nervous that I'd made such a huge mistake. After all, ordering a sofa online without ever sitting on it is risky. However, I've been extremely pleased with my sofa so far. Its easy assembly and comfort have convinced me that I did, in fact, make the right decision.

Because I've only owned the sofa for a few months, I'm still unsure about its longevity. However, I'm pleased that because of its modular design, I can bring this sofa with me from apartment to apartment and get more pieces if I ever need to.

Aside from the Gaia, Cozey makes lots of other modular sofas that are just as practical for renters, small space dwellers, or those who like the convenience of furniture with several adjustable components. Below, find a few more of the options I considered before ordering the Gaia.

After you've found the perfect Cozey sofa for your home, be sure to check out the brand's other offerings – including tables, beds, pillows, and washable rugs. Soon enough, your entire house will be furnished by Cozey.

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There are always buyers looking for renovation projects to get stuck into, but there are just as many people, if not more, who would rather buy a house that's ready to move into. And your kitchen is the one room that can entice or deter potential buyers.

As an expensive room to renovate, not only are buyers looking for a space that is in perfect condition to use, but they are also taking note of your kitchen color ideas. And there are a few hues that designers say could devalue your entire home.

It's a small kitchen design mistake that could cost you a lot of time waiting for an offer, so it's worth fixing it before your property hits the market. These are the four kitchen colors experts say to avoid, and the more palatable shades they'd suggest instead.

1. Replace Stark White with Warm, Nature-Inspired Palettes

While a neutral kitchen is often considered the safest option when you're selling your home, stark white is the exception. It's cold, clinical, and the opposite of a warm, welcoming cooking space – something designers say is becoming increasingly important to buyers.

'One kitchen trend I would be cautious about in 2026 is a stark white kitchen with black hardware. While this combination has been incredibly popular over the past decade, it's become so common that it can make a home feel dated rather than current. Homeowners today are looking for kitchens that feel warm, inviting, and full of character,' explains Corinne Ekle, Principal Interior Designer of C2 Design.

'Instead, I'm encouraging clients to embrace warmer, nature-inspired palettes. Soft mushroom tones, warm whites, muted olive greens, natural walnut, and light oak cabinetry create a timeless look that feels fresh without being trendy. Pairing these colors with unlacquered brass, bronze, or even warm nickel hardware adds depth and sophistication. The goal is to create a kitchen that feels layered, lived in, and enduring, rather than one that follows a passing trend.'

For warm neutrals, consider shades like Farrow & Ball's Drop Cloth or Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter that feel a bit more inviting than a brilliant white. If you prefer something a bit deeper, Olive Grove by Sherwin-Williams fits a more earthy color scheme.

2. Swap Electric Green for Classic Olive

Despite common belief, a colorful kitchen can be a charming addition to a home on the market, but choosing the right shade is key. Green kitchens may be one of the most popular of recent years, but something too bright or vibrant can instantly deter buyers.

'The fastest way to turn a kitchen into someone else’s renovation project is to cover every cabinet in electric green. It can make a memorable first impression, but memorable does not always mean marketable,' says interior designer Lauren Saab of Saab Studios.

'When such a highly saturated color dominates an entire kitchen, buyers are not just seeing a bold design choice. They are seeing the cost and hassle of changing it. Kitchens are one of the most expensive rooms in a home to renovate, so a polarizing cabinet color can quickly give potential buyers a reason to think twice.'

When you are thinking about the best kitchen colors to make your house more sellable, think about the feeling and atmosphere they create, and also how universal your chosen palette is. If you're unsure, always opt for something soft and warm, even if you're embracing color.

'Instead, choose a softer olive green,' Lauren suggests. 'It still brings plenty of color and personality to a kitchen, but works with a much wider range of countertops, hardware, and flooring. Olive green has enough presence to make a kitchen interesting without overpowering everything around it.'

Farrow & Ball's Olive is a classic choice for this color palette, pairing beautifully with warm neutrals like Shaded White. Alternatively, Benjamin Moore offers a range of olive tones, including Aegean Olive for something darker, or Spanish Olive for a paler interpretation.

3. Fix Cool-Toned Gray with Warm Taupe Shades

A color that dominated every room of the home throughout the 2010s, gray has become quite the controversial hue. Even though the right shade can still feel timeless, designers warn that it's very easy to get wrong and is best avoided if you're planning to sell your home in the near future.

'Cool, blue-toned gray is one color I would be cautious about in a kitchen. Gray was extremely popular for years, but when used everywhere, this palette can now make a home feel dated, flat, or overly connected to a specific design era,' says Miranda Cullen, Founder of Inside Stories.

'A cool gray kitchen can feel stark and impersonal, especially when paired with other gray elements like flooring, countertops, and backsplashes. For buyers, that may translate into a space that feels like it needs updating even if the kitchen itself is relatively new. Or even make it hard for them to picture themselves in a space.'

This doesn't mean you have to swap out a neutral scheme for something more colorful; rather, look to muted shades that feel warm and timeless. 'A taupe with warm undertones can feel much more current than a cool, blue-based gray,' she suggests. 'This color is versatile, emphasizes natural light, and gives a lived-in feeling, which is great for a kitchen design.'

Taupe comes in many paint shades, so testing samples is key. Jitney by Farrow & Ball is great if you want to maintain a light, airy atmosphere, while Little Greene's Mushroom leans a bit more beige for a more saturated finish.

4. Ditch Highly Divisive Colors for Timeless Neutrals

It's not always one specific kitchen color that can devalue your home. Sometimes, it's an entire palette that causes a problem. And in 2026, it's very bold, divisive colors that require a very specific design style.

'The kitchen colors that tend to hurt long-term value are those that feel overly trend-driven or highly polarizing. Very dark charcoal, neon shades, bright reds, or intense purples can quickly date a space and may not appeal to a broad range of buyers,' says Steven Cooper of Cooper Pacific.

Instead, look to timeless colors and materials that feel harmonious, like warm neutrals, natural wood tones, or even soft earth shades that can work around different aesthetics. It's about choosing kitchen colors that will appeal to the most buyers, as this will ensure a more seamless sale process.

For assured timelessness, Travertine by Little Greene is the warmest neutral, inspired by the interiors of historic homes. If you prefer something a little darker but still natural, Farrow & Ball's Broccoli Brown is a moody yet classic choice.

We always encourage everyone to decorate their home to bring joy and suit their own tastes, but when you're selling your home, your approach needs to shift. These colors all have one thing in common: they don't appeal to the masses, whereas the designer-approved alternatives are inoffensive and embrace warmth and timelessness. Two things every prospective buyer is subconsciously looking for.

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It may be mid-summer, but I've got fall on my mind thanks to Pottery Barn. The brand's new arrivals for autumn just landed, and they're telltale signs of the hottest design trends to come this cozy season.

There's a clear theme that unites these new fall decor arrivals, and that's heritage. A theme that's danced around the design scene over the last few seasons, it reflects our collective desire for homes that sing with cozy character, nostalgic appeal, and enduring beauty. Here, Pottery Barn makes heritage look modern, fresh, but just as timeless as cherished family heirlooms.

These new arrivals are rich in pattern – plaids being a natural choice for fall, but florals making a refreshed appearance, too. The color scheme feels light, effortless, and perfectly transitional. Think cool blues, soft browns, flecks of muted gold – all the right colors to guide us from summer to fall. Heritage-inspired design details find their way into the collection as well, like twisted wood table legs and drop ring drawer hardware.

With hundreds of new products from seating and tables to rugs and lamps, there's so much to explore within Pottery Barn's latest drop. If you're eager to get a head start on your fall refresh and embrace the heritage look at home, then shop the best of Pottery Barn's new arrivals below.

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

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Not all paints can create ambience in any room. While plenty have come close, there's one consistently standout hue that can make every space feel deeply moody, sophisticated, and utterly timeless, pretty much as soon as it's applied.

Able to create complex depth and softness that shifts as the light changes, Farrow & Ball's Broccoli Brown might just be one of the most versatile brown paints out there. Yes, it's moody, cocooning, and warm, but that's not to say it's reserved for the colder months; in fact, it brings a quiet softness and grounding edge to interiors, regardless of the season.

'Broccoli Brown is a dark, quiet brown with an unmistakable softness that makes it feel both reserved and incredibly comforting,' explains Charlotte Cosby, Creative Director of Farrow & Ball. 'While it's a relatively deep, mid-weight shade, it behaves like a wonderfully versatile neutral, creating a calm backdrop that allows everything from artwork to natural materials to take centre stage. Rooted in nature, it has an understated, grounding quality that brings a cocooning atmosphere to interiors, making spaces feel protected, restful and effortlessly elegant.'

'Broccoli Brown is one of those wonderfully difficult colors to define, which is exactly what makes it so interesting,' explains Britt Bengoechea, founder of Reunion Interiors. 'Despite its name, it isn’t just brown. Throughout the day, it moves effortlessly between an earthy olive, a warm bronze, and a muted khaki, revealing different undertones as the natural light changes. That’s one of the things I appreciate most about it: it never falls flat. Instead, it has an understated softness that proves darker colors don’t have to feel heavy or overpowering.'

'I used Broccoli Brown in a primary bedroom renovation (pictured above) because I wanted the room to feel enveloping, calm, and restorative', continues Britt, 'more like a retreat than simply a place to sleep. Many people will instinctively steer clear of brown, but there’s actually a deep psychology behind color, and it’s something I always consider when designing a space. Brown is inherently grounding… it evokes warmth, stability, and comfort because it’s so closely connected to the natural world, making it a great choice for a space meant for rest.'

Decorating with brown doesn't need to be reserved for snugs or home bars, explains Britt. 'What I loved most about using Broccoli Brown for this space,' says Britt, 'is that it challenges the idea that bedrooms need to be painted in paler tones. It proves that a deeper color can feel just as restful, if not more so. It also provides a beautiful backdrop for natural materials, vintage pieces, warm woods, and collected furnishings, allowing every layer of the room to feel intentional without appearing overly “designed”.'

'One of the joys of Broccoli Brown is its versatility,' says Charlie. 'It sits beautifully alongside natural textures such as weathered wood, flagstone floors, linen, wool and aged leather, enhancing its earthy, tactile character. For a tonal, nature-inspired scheme, pair it with soft neutrals such as Joa's White or Dimity or introduce the muted blue-green of Blue Gray for a timeless, understated feel.'

Whether you're designing a brown living room or a cozy snug, incorporating contrasting colors will create a more balanced look. 'In terms of color, it works beautifully with warm ivories and creamy whites, muted ochres, dusty blushes, and soft blues,' says Britt. 'There’s a reason blue and brown have remained such a timeless pairing – they balance one another effortlessly. I also love introducing walnut and worn oak to enhance its earthy undertones.'

'If you're looking for more contrast, Broccoli Brown works beautifully with verdant greens such as Yeabridge Green or the deeper Green Smoke, creating a rich, contemporary palette', adds Charlie. 'For something softer, dusty pinks like Setting Plaster bring warmth and romance, while darker accents such as Inchyra Blue on woodwork add depth and quiet sophistication.'

'I recently used Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown in a mudroom (pictured above) and loved the richness it brought to the space,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan. 'It has such beautiful depth and dimension – it feels grounded and organic without feeling overly dark. It’s a wonderful example of how a more unexpected hue can add warmth, character, and a sense of intimacy to a hardworking space.'

In Marie's mudroom, the dark marble countertops and rustic decor pair beautifully with the grounding brown. 'Broccoli Brown is surprisingly versatile. Although it’s a bold choice, it behaves much like a neutral and pairs beautifully with a wide range of materials and colors,' says Britt. 'I would style it with plenty of natural texture to keep the space feeling inviting. Think linen drapery, wool rugs, vintage wood furniture, woven baskets, leather, antique brass, polished nickel, and natural stone. Those elements soften the richness of the color and help create a space that feels lived in rather than overly formal.'

'Broccoli Brown is never quite the same hue,' says designer Emily Nicoara. 'It shifts with the changing light throughout the day, constantly evolving. It's evocative and earthy in a way that reminds me of muddy clothes, moss beneath my feet, and afternoons spent wandering through the forest as a child.'

'The color has an incredible ability to make a space feel calm, grounded, and deeply comforting. If memory serves me correctly, it was even recommended for library spaces, which feels incredibly fitting. As someone who works as both a designer and a full-time firefighter, anything that brings a sense of grounding is invaluable.'

'This kitchen (pictured above) was designed around the feeling of nostalgia,' explains Emily, 'the longing for innocence, honesty, and the limitless imagination of a child exploring the forest. For me, Broccoli Brown healed something I hadn't realized I had buried. It became the emotional starting point for our entire home renovation. If I could personally thank the creators of this color, I would. After years of searching for the right feeling, it brought me home, and now, over five years later, I continue to fall in love with it, proving its timeless quality.'

The Broccoli Brown Edit

A light-changing brown that feels sophisticated and warm, yet equally as grounding and soft, Farrow & Ball's Broccoli Brown couldn't be more versatile. While it errs into the darker side of brown paints, its complex layers make it a year-round favorite with designers everywhere.

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The most coveted kitchen designs revolve around sociable layouts, lived-in style, and personalized spaces. Yet so often it feels like a huge project to revamp a cooking space to achieve the look, something most people don't have the time or budget for.

But this open-plan kitchen by Next in Design 2025 winner Sophie Garland proves that the most successful spaces are all about the smaller, changeable details. Sociable zones have been considered just as much as functional ones, and materials have been meticulously selected to blur the line between utility and comfort.

Here's exactly how the designer created the look using a soft, layered color palette, a mix of materials, and collected decor, transforming the room into a beautifully timeless kitchen that marries practical and sociable style.

Mix Textures, Forms, and Materials For a Lived-In Kitchen

More lived-in, sociable kitchens have become all the more coveted over the last year, transforming these rooms from purely functional to a space you actually want to spend time in. For interior designer Sophie Garland, that meant designing this kitchen much like she did the adjoining living room.

'I wanted the kitchen to feel like an extension of the living room next door rather than a completely separate space. It's where we spend most of our time, so I wanted it to feel like a place where you could happily sit and relax, not just somewhere to cook,' she explains.

'Kitchens can easily feel quite hard because of all the stone, metal, and cabinetry, so it was important to introduce softer elements such as fabric lampshades, table lamps, curtains, and comfortable seating. Those details make the room feel much more relaxed and comfortable.'

Use Soft, Contrasting Colors For a Layered Kitchen Scheme

Color is just as crucial to a soft kitchen, especially one that needs to transition from a functional cooking space into a cozier living space. In this design, warmth and contrast were key, but to avoid overwhelming the room, Sophie chose a more muted palette of warm white, muted pink, and dark green.

'The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground, which has been used throughout the ground floor to create a sense of continuity. The cabinetry is painted in Pointing by Farrow & Ball and Puck by Little Greene. I love the contrast between the lighter and darker colors. Although Puck is a deep green, it has a vibrancy to it that stops the kitchen from feeling heavy,' she notes.

Rather than creating contrast between the walls and cabinetry, she chose to introduce it through the built-ins for a more dynamic look. 'Using two cabinet colors helps break up what could feel like a long run of joinery. It makes the cabinetry feel lighter and less imposing, and almost gives the taller cupboards the appearance of freestanding furniture.'

Mix Backsplash Materials For a Playful Design Element

One of the most eye-catching features of this design is the kitchen backsplash, an area where Sophie has decided to throw out the rulebook and create something more unique. While a stone countersplash alone is classic, a mixed material finish gives this scheme far more personality.

'I continued the green granite behind the range cooker, but because there is already so much of it on the countertops, I didn't want to carry it all the way beneath the wall cabinets. At the same time, it felt like that section of the wall needed something rather than being left plain,' she recalls, adding that not only did the granite influence the color palette, but it also helped to tie everything together.

'I asked decorative artist Eliza Downes, whom I've worked with on projects before, to create a hand-painted mural. I knew I wanted it to be decorative rather than pictorial, and together we developed this design, trying lots of different colors until we found the right balance of brighter, softer, and more neutral tones. I love how the waves of the pattern continue from one side of the wall to the other.'

Swap Out Built-In Cabinetry For Freestanding Furniture

Freestanding kitchen furniture is a timeless way to create a more livable space, but adding an armchair and sideboard in place of built-in cabinets is a bold yet effective way to emphasize the idea of a cozy kitchen that's used to live in, not just cook in. But it also creates space that can be utilized to create a more personalized design.

'Choosing an armchair and sideboard instead of more built-in cabinetry freed up wall space for artwork. The photographs are by my godfather, who was a wonderful photographer and took them in India, and alongside them hangs a seascape by my great-aunt, Sarah Churchill,' Sophie says. And this nook has become one of the most used areas of the kitchen.

'It creates a comfortable place to sit with a coffee or chat while someone is cooking,' she continues. 'The sideboard was the first piece I bought for the house, which I found on 1stDibs. It was the perfect size for that wall and meant I could have large antique lamps at either end, with one of my most treasured possessions, a marble sculpture by my aunt, Edwina Sandys, in between,' she explains.

Use Decor to Give a Dining Space Its Own Identity

Kitchen zoning is crucial in an open-plan space. It's an approach Sophie has achieved using decor and accessories throughout the space, giving the dining area its own identity while still feeling cohesive with the main kitchen.

'I wanted the dining area to feel like its own space within the open-plan kitchen. The curtains were actually the final addition to the room, but they completely transformed it. They introduced another layer of color and softness, and in the evenings, it's lovely to close them rather than look out into the darkness,' she explains.

'Those smaller details are what make a room feel collected and lived in. It's a large space with high ceilings, so it was important that it didn't feel empty or soulless. Mixing different colors, textures, and materials helps create a room that feels as though it has come together over time, rather than everything matching perfectly.'

Quick Tips

• Play with texture and forms to create a more layered look
• Use a soft color palette to set the scene
• Have fun with your backsplash to add personality and interest
• Add freestanding furniture to make it multifunctional
• Look for ways to create a more lived-in scheme through materials and decor

This project proves that creating a more personalized kitchen doesn't have to be complicated. It's about introducing collected and inherited pieces that make your kitchen feel more unique, and blending them with the more functional details that make a kitchen work for every member of the family.

'The main aim was to create a space that worked just as well for everyday family life, with children running around, as it did when friends and family were over,' Sophie explains, 'I wanted it to feel comfortable and relaxed, rather than like a purely functional kitchen.' And that's exactly what she has created using inherited decor, antique pieces, and freestanding furniture.

Shop the Look

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

There are designers who create rooms, and there are designers who create feelings. India Mahdavi belongs firmly in the latter camp. Over the past two decades, the architect and designer has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary interiors, celebrated for her fearless use of color and her ability to create spaces that feel both joyful and deeply human. Yet behind the vibrant palettes and instantly recognizable projects lies a more philosophical approach than many realize. For India, color is not decoration but emotion; design is not about style but about shaping experiences.

In this latest installment of our Layered Lives series, India reveals that perhaps this sensitivity comes from a childhood spent moving between countries, cultures, and languages, learning to read the atmosphere of a room before anything else. Or perhaps it stems from a lifelong fascination with cinema, architecture, and the stories spaces can tell. Whatever the source, India's work continues to prove that interiors have the power not only to delight us but to change how we feel.

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

India Mahdavi: As far back as I can remember, I always envisioned my future as being linked to an aesthetic world. I would not call it a love of design – that came later, and somewhat by accident. What I had, very early, was an obsession with homes, with interiors as containers of another life. Films were everything to me. They brought a fantasy that felt more real than my own daily existence. I would lose myself in the sets, in the light, in the way a room could hold a mood, a secret, a whole psychology. It was less about design as a discipline and more about spaces as emotional territories. I was, I think, running away from my own everyday life and finding shelter in imagined ones.

Homes & Gardens: Was there a love of design in your family that influenced you growing up?

India Mahdavi: Design was not a subject of interest in my family – not in any explicit sense. What I had instead was movement. A nomadic childhood: eleven moves during my schooling, three languages, three countries. That kind of instability does something to you. You learn to read a room very quickly. You become attuned to atmosphere, to the feeling a place gives you, because you are always arriving somewhere new and trying to understand it.

Homes & Gardens: Were any of your relatives creative, though, and did they inspire you?

India Mahdavi: There was my grandmother – a woman who lived for taste. An art lover who dressed in haute couture, who moved through the world with a kind of intentionality that I absorbed without fully understanding. She never talked about design. She simply lived it. That was my real early education.

Homes & Gardens: Are there any spaces that showed you the possibilities of good design?

India Mahdavi: My imagination was fed by everything that caught my attention – from Tex Avery cartoons on television to the vivid, almost hallucinatory color of mid-1960s America. I was a child who lived inside images.

But if I think of one specific architectural moment, one early frisson, it was the Fondation Maeght in the south of France. Something happened to me there. It was the way art and architecture dissolved into each other, the way the building didn't simply house the work but seemed to breathe with it. It was magical in a way that had nothing to do with grandeur or spectacle – intimate and radical at the same time. That experience planted something in me without my knowing it: this idea that a space could be an emotional act.

Homes & Gardens: When did you first start to think about design as a career?

India Mahdavi: I always wanted to be a filmmaker. I studied architecture instead, precisely to follow Fritz Lang's path – he was an architect before he became a director, and I found that trajectory completely logical. Space, light, set, atmosphere: these felt like the grammar of cinema. But when I finished my studies, I was uncertain. The production timeline in architecture is so long, and the environment at the time was deeply, aggressively misogynistic. I spent a year in New York working at a smaller scale – product design, furniture design, graphic design. And something became clear. I realized that working at the scale of an object, a room, or a hotel could give me the immediacy I craved, the directness of film, without the institutional weight of traditional architecture. It felt like the right language.

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

India Mahdavi: The late 1990s in design had a particular tyranny – minimalism as a moral position, restraint as virtue. I was never convinced. I wanted warmth, color, memory, the sense that someone had actually lived in a space and brought something of themselves to it. The early work was a series of experiments: not yet a language, but already a refusal.

Homes & Gardens: As your career developed, are there any projects that stand out to you as a turning point?

India Mahdavi: The Pink Room at The Gallery at Sketch in London announced something publicly that I had felt privately for some time – that color could be an architectural decision, not a decorative one, and that joy was a serious ambition.

Homes & Gardens: And did you meet anyone along the way who was particularly inspiring to you?

India Mahdavi: There was my encounter with Maja Hoffmann, a relationship and collaboration that has now lasted for more than eighteen years. Working with someone who thinks with that level of cultural rigor and personal conviction changes you. It raises the stakes in the best possible way.

More recently, POMO – the contemporary art museum in Trondheim, Norway – has been a kind of reckoning. It is my first major institutional project, and one where I had to articulate very precisely what my contribution was. What I brought was the sensibility of hospitality, applied to a museum. I focused on the in-between spaces: the corridors, the thresholds, the moments of transition between galleries. Those are the spaces that are usually forgotten. I wanted them to be experienced – to create a different quality of presence from the exhibition spaces themselves. Using color, ornament, and material in a more radical, more consequential way. That is where the work became truly mine.

Homes & Gardens: Looking at the work you create now, how has your style evolved?

India Mahdavi: My work has evolved alongside the profession, which has itself changed enormously since I founded my studio around the year 2000. Throughout that time, I have developed my own language, my own grammar. But over the years it has become more precise – and paradoxically more complex at the same time. The early work was intuitive. The current work is intuitive and considered. I know now why I make the choices I make. I can defend them, place them within a larger way of thinking. And that confidence allows me to take more risks – to use color, ornament, and material in ways that are more radical, less decorative. More consequential. What I would not do now is work from the surface inward. Form and color are consequences, not starting points.

Homes & Gardens: When starting a new project, what's the very first thing you look for or ask that helps unlock the direction of the design?

India Mahdavi: I try to define the question I want to answer – not the solution, the question. That is often the most difficult part of the entire process. If you define the question well, the design almost follows. If you rush to answers, you produce something correct but not alive. I call this Phase Zero: the moment of listening, of reading a place, a client, a brief – against its grain as much as with it. What is really being asked here? What is missing? What could this place become that it doesn't yet know it is? Only when I can formulate that question precisely do I feel ready to begin.

Homes & Gardens: You've often said that color is a language. What are you trying to communicate with it?

India Mahdavi: Color is a consequence – that is the first thing to understand. I never begin with a palette. I begin with an emotion, an intention, a question, and the color arrives as the answer. When I used pink at Sketch, I was not thinking about pink. I was thinking about a particular kind of warmth, of softness without sentimentality, of femininity without cliché. Pink imposed itself as the only honest response to that thinking. And then it took me a long time – much longer than people imagine – to find the exact pink, because I was not looking for a color. I was looking for the essence of an emotion. This is what color communicates when it is used well: not a mood in the superficial sense, but a position. A conviction about what a space is for, and what it should make you feel.

Homes & Gardens: Do you think color is becoming more important in uncertain times?

India Mahdavi: Color is very visible and very photogenic – and in a world where the image has become so dominant, that has given it an almost inflationary quality. Everyone uses color now. Not everyone uses it with meaning. What interests me more is friction. Imperfection. The idea that a color can disturb slightly before it seduces. I am not interested in color that simply pleases – I am interested in color that provokes a second look, that creates a slight dissonance before resolving into something right. In difficult times, color should not offer false comfort. It should offer the kind of aliveness that reminds you that you are here.

Homes & Gardens: How do you know when you've found the right color for a project?

India Mahdavi: It is entirely instinctive – and yet also very precise. I know, deep down, which color belongs and which does not. I often feel that colors impose themselves on me, and that I am only their medium. The work is not choosing. The work is listening closely enough to hear what the space is asking for.

Homes & Gardens: What do you think color can do to a person's emotions?

India Mahdavi: Color brings a vibration, a particular quality of light that is not physical but psychological. It can produce joy, unease, nostalgia, desire – sometimes several at once. At its most powerful, it doesn't produce a single emotion but an openness to feeling. It makes you more present in a room.

Homes & Gardens: Talking of color, the Rosary headboard you designed for Bolzan – how did you come up with that palette?

India Mahdavi: For the Rosary headboard, it was less about color choice than about meaning. I wanted to integrate something into a bedroom that could sanctify it. The bed is the center of your life in a way we rarely acknowledge: it is where you dream, where you are most vulnerable, where the most extraordinary things happen to you. It deserves reverence. The ceramic beads are there as a kind of offering – a private ritual object. And because every combination can be customized, every bed is different. Every dream is unique.

Homes & Gardens: Your work is often described as joyful. Do you consciously set out to create happiness?

India Mahdavi: I am always fighting my own melancholia. Joy is not something that comes naturally to me – it is something I pursue, something I build. This is precisely why I take it seriously as a design intention. Joy, for me, is not decoration. It is an act of resistance.

Homes & Gardens: Is joy an undervalued quality in design?

India Mahdavi: Yes, I think joy has long been undervalued in design. For too long, seriousness meant severity. Ornament was crime, color was frivolity. I never believed that. Today, when the future offers so little reassurance, joy becomes not just a value but a necessity. It is a serious matter to make someone feel – even briefly – that the world is bearable and beautiful.

Homes & Gardens: Can a space change a person's mood? What makes a room feel optimistic?

India Mahdavi: Of course, a space changes your mood – the question is whether it does so consciously or by default. Most spaces change moods accidentally, through neglect or compromise. A room feels optimistic when it has been made with intention – when the proportions are generous, when the light is considered, when there is something unexpected that delights rather than disturbs. When you feel that someone thought about you before you arrived.

Homes & Gardens: Do you think designers have a responsibility to create spaces that make people feel better?

India Mahdavi: That is what I have been trying to do for twenty-five years. When someone enters a space I have designed, I want them to become, for a moment, the actor in their own life – not a spectator. A moment of presence, of awareness, where joy is not something that happens to you but something you inhabit. Those moments nourish your memory long after you have left. That, for me, is what design is for. The responsibility is real, and I take it seriously.

Homes & Gardens: So what makes people want to stay longer in a room?

India Mahdavi: I think of comfort in three distinct ways: physical comfort, visual comfort, and emotional comfort. Physical comfort is the most obvious – scale, proportion, the quality of a seat. Visual comfort is subtler: the sense that wherever your eye lands, there is something worth resting on, without noise or aggression. And emotional comfort is the deepest – the feeling that this room knows you are there. That it was made with a human being in mind. Achieve all three simultaneously, and there is simply no reason to leave.

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

India Mahdavi: Home is where my soul recognizes itself. I say this having moved eleven times as a child, having lived in several countries, having never taken rootedness for granted. My home in Arles – which is also my archive, my workspace, the place where my past and my work coexist – means something very particular to me. It is not just a dwelling. It is a kind of proof that I exist, that I have accumulated something, that I am somewhere. Home is continuity. And for someone who grew up without it, that is everything.

Listening to India Mahdavi speak, it becomes clear that her work is not really about color at all. Rather, color is simply one of the tools she uses to create something more profound: presence. Whether designing a museum, a hotel, a piece of furniture, or a private home, her ambition remains remarkably consistent – to create spaces that make people feel more alive, more connected, and more aware of themselves. In an age when so much design is consumed through a screen, that emphasis on emotion feels especially relevant. For India, beauty is never the end goal; it is the gateway to something deeper.

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Whether it's the hand-picked stems carefully placed on your nightstand or a breakfast tray carrying a pot of fresh hot coffee, the small things are what make a vacation feel special.

While it's these moments of pause that make vacations memorable (and enjoyable), that's not to say they're reserved exclusively for trips away. In fact, these small luxuries make everyday living feel like a moment to enjoy, so they're worth replicating at home, too.

Designed to transport you back to your time at a zen seaside resort or a boutique hotel nestled in a quiet rural village, these twenty shopping picks will make your home feel like a vacation, inspired by the sense of calm we each feel when we're off duty.

Pulling inspiration from hotel design secrets will transform your home into a haven where you always feel relaxed.

'For me, the most important thing about creating a holiday-at-home feeling is what you take away,' says interior designer Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'Remove anything that feels pending or requires action: a stack of mail, a tangle of cords, a briefcase by the door. Vacation is really about the absence of a to-do list you can see.'

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There's a distinctly special feeling about a vacation. For some, it's knowing that a week of pure relaxation is imminent; for others, it's the excitement of eating your way around a new food destination; but perhaps the most poignant thing that comes with taking time off is the sense of calm and ease that flows over you as soon as you set foot into your vacation home away from home.

While such ease might feel like it's only reserved for when you OOO is on, there are small, easy switches that can help you carry that feeling with you, long after you've landed back on home soil. From keeping your home free of clutter or adding one small luxury to your nightstand to picking out decor pieces that remind you of holidays, these are the five things designers always do to create a sense of everlasting calm at home.

1. Evoke Calm Through Decluttering

The first step to creating a serene environment that feels like you're on vacation is decluttering. To nail hotel design secrets, keep your space clear of unnecessary trinkets or mess. 'As a design firm that specializes in vacation homes, we know a thing or two about creating that special “vacation” feeling at home,' says Brooke Sabia of Phase 4 Design Group. 'For us, the foundation is a well-organized and clean house. Clutter, disorder, and a messy environment create stress. Before you can relax and truly enjoy your home, you have to make sure it is organized and tidy! From there, we like to hit all the senses with a little touch of luxury.'

'The wonderful thing about a vacation is the lack of clutter in hotel rooms and holiday accommodation,' agrees interior design therapist Suzanne Roynon. 'So if home is feeling a little overwhelmed with mementoes, unwanted and unused items, you can activate the holiday vibe by donating it all to a good cause and enjoying a fresh, airy space.'

2. Scatter Summery Scents

Making your home smell like summer will transport you back to your time away, be it lounging on a Caribbean beach or sipping wine at a Greek taverna. Not to mention, it'll evoke freshness and give your home a quick and easy uplift.

'Change the scent at your entry to something that isn't your everyday,' suggests Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'Think mountain pine, salt air – so that arriving home registers as arriving somewhere. Skip the synthetic fragrances and paraffin candles; you want the air to feel cleaner and healthier, not heavier.'

Placing an essential oil diffuser filled with eucalyptus by your bedside will bring a spa-like tranquillity to your bedroom, as would a citrusy reed diffuser in your bathroom or a hallway.

3. Create Ambience With Pockets of Lighting

If you want your home to feel light, open, and full of possibility, it's time to ditch the big light and incorporate pockets of cozy warmth. Try to mimic the ambience of outdoor dining or the glow of a bedside lamp in your hotel suite.

'If you only have overhead lighting, go get table or floor lamps and put 2700K bulbs in them,' says Jennifer. 'Vacation light is low, warm, and lateral. It's rarely coming from the ceiling.'

For a true vacation-inspired set-up, scatter cordless lamps along an outdoor dining table, or delicate hurricane glasses around your backdoor. Bring the lighting indoors with pleated lampshades, thoughtful wall sconces, or, if you really want to go all out, opt for a clever solution like built-in reading lights above a headboard.

4. Design a Restful Outdoor Area

'Making your home feel like a vacation is all about tapping into your favorite vacation mode senses,' explains Lisa Erdmann of Lisa Erdmann Interiors. 'First and foremost, declutter and put your work items – laptop and paperwork – away and out of site. Make a “No Work” zone. Mute your phone. If you crave the beach for your vacation, buy a patio umbrella for your pool or backyard and set up some lounge chairs with folded towels like a resort. Wayfair and Overstock both have numerous reasonable options.'

'Make the most of the outside space available, even if it’s a tiny balcony, windowsill or the entrance porch,' advises Suzanne. 'Uplift the space with aromatic planting, and create symmetry with whatever you choose, so, for example, the space on either side of the front door is balanced with matching pots or planting.'

'Use insect-friendly options wherever possible – a sea of lavender evokes the south of France, with the bonus that it also deters mosquitoes and biting bugs. Tubs of basil, oregano, lemon balm and peppermint refresh the air around you to create a positive ambiance.'

5. Add 'One Small Luxury' To Your Everyday

There are things to add and remove to your nightstand in the summer, but perhaps the most important is bringing in one thing that feels truly luxurious to you. 'Finally, bring in one small luxury and put it where it isn't strictly necessary,' says Jennifer, 'flowers in the bathroom, a carafe and a real glass on the nightstand, a hand-carved chess board set up and waiting.'

Implementing little luxuries into your routine will create some excitement and novelty; it's an impactful way to make your days feel more special. 'Sign up for a weekly flower delivery or carve out time to visit your favorite florist every week,' says Brooke. 'Fresh flowers are an affordable way to elevate your space and transport your senses.'

'Alternatively, set up a spa day in your bathroom; buy some luxury self-care products to spoil yourself with a facial, a hair mask, a long bubbly tub, whatever feels like an indulgence to you.'

The Vacation Edit

A home that feels like a vacation is calm, quiet, and soothing. It allows you to enjoy your surroundings and feel an immediate sense of ease and lightness when you enter. While that holiday feeling is almost unbeatable, these five impactful ways to make your home feel like a haven come pretty close.

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Everyone is craving a kitchen that feels perfectly designed to suit both their style and functional requirements, but the latest trend making waves encourages people to take a personalized scheme one step further.

While most people utilize an adjoining room for a pantry or back kitchen, designers are going even more specific, creating baker's kitchens that are attached to the main cooking space. It's a kitchen trend that emphasizes personalized interiors, and it's a home upgrade we're seeing far more often.

It's a luxurious addition to a kitchen design, but one that forms the perfect place for baking and maximizes functionality across your entire cooking space. Here's why these versatile rooms are making their way to the top of wish lists across the country.

If you find joy in baking or always look forward to homemade treats over the holidays, you've probably imagined the luxury of a dedicated room for experimenting and perfecting your favorite recipes.

'Homeowners increasingly dream about a baking kitchen for the inspiration to create a cake, experiment with a new cookie, or host a bake night at a moment’s notice. It doesn’t require a quick clean-up of the kitchen space after dinner or in between meals to start baking to the heart’s content,' says Stacy Chiavaro of Chiavaro Design.

'All the baking utensils are in the last place you set them. Measuring cups and spoons are ready to go. The desire to have one’s own cooking space without interruption and fumbling to find a pastry cutter.'

It's about convenience and creating spaces in your home tailored to the activities you enjoy doing most. But it's also a functional room to have beside your main kitchen – even though it is designed for all of your baking needs, it can also facilitate overflow and become a back kitchen when required.

'A baking kitchen expertly located adjacent to a main kitchen serves as a valuable back-up for the need of an extra oven for a pie, refrigerator space to hold a holiday’s worth of food, an additional stovetop when the main kitchen is bustling, and one needs to tend to the gravy for a Sunday roast. All within a few steps of each other to create a seamless menu of food for a family meal,' Stacy adds.

Designing a baker's kitchen involves many of the same steps as the primary cooking space. But because this room is dedicated to a specific activity, the style of storage, surfaces, and flow is slightly more unique.

In this more traditional baker's kitchen, Stacy worked with architects to create a space that felt like an extension of the main cooking space, yet included all of the features and functional elements that make baking easier. And the baker's table was the standout feature that had to be perfect.

'Amat Tujudin at EBTA Architects created the space during the remodel from what was once part of the original kitchen. We knew the baker’s table in the center of the space was the heart of the kitchen. We designed and built the table with our custom woodwork team led by Sandro Chiavaro,' she recalls.

'A vintage turned-leg style table with drawers for storing sprinkles and baking utensils. The marble countertop for rolling out cookies and flaky pie crusts, with a tabletop for grandkids to sit and take part in the festive decorating. Above, copper pans hang artfully from a decorative old-world iron rack for quick handling at the stove.'

It's a feature any well-designed baker's kitchen should include, with a cold stone top to make kneading dough and preparing batter a more seamless process. Aesthetics need to be just as considered here as in a main kitchen, and Stacy opted for an earthy green hue on the cabinetry to complement the wooden kitchen island. Because a baker's kitchen is a secondary kitchen, you can get away with a slightly darker color palette.

Similarly, in a main kitchen, abundant open storage can make a space feel cluttered and leave too many less aesthetic items on display. But in a baker's kitchen, you have less to store, and the accessories and cookware you do need on hand are usually much prettier, doubling as decor on open shelving.

'The open shelf design was the plan from day one,' explains Stacy. 'We were inspired by the homeowner’s desire to feature open shelves with her collection of plates passed down through her family and a curated selection of cookbooks featuring an old print of Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.'

A baker's kitchen isn't a feature everyone has space for, nor is it a room everyone needs. But there's no denying its appeal, and it further signals a shift we are seeing in kitchens toward spaces custom to how homeowners use them, rather than following a standardized design plan.

And because a baker's kitchen factors in space for pantry staples, additional appliances, and overflow kitchen storage, it's a luxury room that works harder than a standard hobby room. Plus, it opens up plenty of space for unique design features that you might not be able to fit into a main kitchen. A win-win in our eyes!

Shop Baker's Kitchen Essentials

Personalized kitchens are here to stay, with dedicated rooms and stations custom to the homeowner's needs and lifestyle. Even if an entire baker's kitchen is out of the question, there's no reason you can't emulate some of these design features into a smaller station within your main kitchen.

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Recently, it's been hard to imagine that gray was ever the epitome of chic. Since character has reigned supreme in the design world, neutrals have taken a bit of a backseat. But, despite big and bold shades becoming the new standard, neutrals are still a classic, timeless choice – even if more playful shades have stolen the limelight a little.

And if one person can confirm this, it's interior designer Shea McGee. Known for her warm, layered, and time-evolved schemes, she's no beginner when it comes to decorating with liveable neutral tones. In fact, Shea says there's always a time and place for neutrals, and she will continue to use them in 2026 and beyond, even if current color trends favor more striking hues.

But it's not just warm beiges and creams (stay tuned for Shea's all-time favorites) that the interior designer is embracing this year. From the powder blue color trend to rich moody browns, in 2026, Shea McGee is open to the unexpected, too.

Shea McGee's Favourite Neutral Paints

While decorating with neutrals might look a little different in 2026, Shea swears by the classics. From creams to off-whites to Shea, nothing beats a clean, crisp base with layers of lived-in character.

'My all-time favorite is Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore,' she says. 'It's a creamy white that makes the perfect quiet backdrop, so your collected furniture, accessories, and artwork get to be the things you actually notice. It's just as good on an exterior or on cabinetry.' Landing on the best cream paint can be tough; you want just the right amount of yellow without it feeling too warm. Shea's favorite, which is also the brand's best-selling neutral, balances the two.

'I'm going to cheat and give you a second favorite too, because I can't not mention Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore,' she continues. 'It's that rare not-gray, not-beige neutral, and it works everywhere: trim, cabinetry, walls. I have it on the ceilings in both my great room (pictured above) and my bedroom, and I've used it in more projects than I can count.'

Bolder Color Trends on Shea's Radar

But it's not just creams and whites that Shea is embracing this year; there are a few unexpected shades in the mix too. Namely, powder room. While the blue isn't exactly a neutral, it retains a balance between vibrant and muted.

A playful blue paint brings whimsy to a recent laundry room (pictured above) designed by Shea. A clever paint choice that quietly elevates the mundane task of doing laundry, it brings heritage charm and nostalgia into a practical, hard-working room.

'Right now I'm loving all things powdery blue. What I love about the color is that it still plays beautifully with warm tones,' she explains, 'so it doesn't have to tip into feeling cold. I recently switched my bedding to this color and have used variations of the color in recent projects.'

'I do lean neutral, but I'm not afraid of color,' Shea says. When introducing punchier hues, it's always wise to start in a small room, and if you really love it, then proceed to use it in other areas of the home. 'I just like to give it a room of its own. A powder bathroom or a bedroom is the perfect place to commit, because it's contained and a little unexpected when someone walks in.'

'I also tend to reach for a more muted version of whatever I'm drawn to,' she adds. Chocolate browns, deep burgundies, and olive greens have the power to feel cocooning yet equally as grounding when styled right. 'Even a color as rich as merlot feels more livable when it's dialed back a notch, so it reads collected rather than loud.'

Shop Shea's Favorite Color Schemes

Shea McGee, admittedly, will always gravitate towards neutrals for grounding her schemes, but powder blues and rich wine reds are firmly on her radar too. Both these colors can work wonderfully as part of a neutral scheme, so if you are looking to dip your toe in some of this year's biggest color trends, they are a good place to start.

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The town where I live in Connecticut is small – about 7,000 people, a few schools, and a single coffee shop. What we do have, in abundance, though, is farms. An apple orchard, a dairy farm, a farm known for its microgreens, and the most Christmas tree farms in the state.

Which means that while our town of Easton doesn't have a grocery store, it has farm stands, pick-your-own fields, and more fresh produce within a few miles than most people find in a whole county. Since moving here, I've begun to mark the seasons by whatever's ready to pick, and in summer, that means blueberries.

Silverman's Farm, about a mile down the road from my house, opens for pick-your-own blueberries every July, and my family and I make a point of being there on the first day almost every year and creating delicious summer dishes from our loot.

Blueberry season in Connecticut is short, six weeks, maybe seven if the weather cooperates, so we tend to pick more berries than we can eat fresh, despite the fact that my kids usually polish off a large portion of them in the car, ignoring my requests to let me rinse them first.

Instead of letting the rest spoil in the fridge (I find that fresh blueberries start to lose their luster after about a week, max), I've come to underscore our seasonal tradition with a few favorite recipes, which I will share below, that truly let the flavor of freshly picked berries shine.

How to Store Freshly Picked Blueberries

Before I share the recipes, there are a couple of things worth knowing about picking blueberries fresh and how to store and use them.

The first is that some orchards will put your berries into a plastic bag to keep them contained for the ride home. It's essential to get those berries out of the bag as soon as you get home. Don't stop for an errand on the way, or leave them on the counter for a few hours. Doing so will make them mushy.

Pour the berries into berry bowls or breathable containers (the green cardboard ones or plastic clamshells you get at the grocery store work well). I don't rinse them first because I find that I can never get them completely dry, and then they spoil faster. Instead, I just rinse them right before using. If you do want to rinse them first, pat them with a paper towel and let them air dry completely before storing.

My Favorite Blueberry Recipes

After I portion out the blueberries that we want to eat fresh, I usually set aside the rest to make a few favorite recipes. Generally, I save the fresh berries for recipes that really concentrate the blueberry flavor, because that's where I feel that fresh berries make a real difference. I find that when I cook things like blueberry muffins or add blueberries to a smoothie, store bought of frozen work just fine.

My go-tos over the years have become: A blueberry jam, which I find preserves the flavor incredibly well, a blueberry-lemon pie, and a blueberry cocktail. I like to mix blueberries with lemon. And I also love to throw in flavors from my herb garden, like basil and mint, so these recipes contain at least 2/3 of these ingredients.

Blueberry-Lemon-Basil Refrigerator Jam

The first thing I usually make is jam, because it's simple and I love it. This isn't an overly complicated recipe, and I don't go through the process of sealing my jam jars because I don't make enough that it lasts for months and months. Thus, I call it a refrigerator jam since you'll need to keep it in the fridge.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh blueberries, stems removed

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons pectin (I usually use Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin)

10-20 fresh basil leaves (depending on how much basil flavor you want)

Steps

1. Combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a large bowl. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the berries to release some juice.

2. In the meantime, chop basil leaves and add to either a metal tea ball infuser or tie up in a piece of cheesecloth.

3. Add the blueberry mixture and basil to a saucepan and bring to a simmer.

4. Once simmering, use a potato masher or fork to macerate the berries. Bring to a rolling boil for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Skim off any foam that forms. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook another 15 minutes until jam starts to thicken, again stirring frequently.

6. Remove basil diffuser and stir in pectin.

7. Add jam to clean jars before storing in the refrigerator.

My favorite way to eat this recently has been on a slice of whole-grain sourdough with whipped ricotta, a few spoonfuls of jam and a squeeze of lemon on top.

Blueberry Lemon Pie

A blueberry pie made with fresh-picked berries at peak season is worth making once a summer, even if you don't consider yourself a baker (I tend to only make one or two a year myself). I've tried a bunch of recipes over the years, and my favorite is one that layers a blueberry filling over a lemon custard and finishes off with a streusel topping.

This recipe is delicious. I do take one shortcut, though: I use a store-bought frozen pie crust, which works perfectly every time.

Blueberry Smash Cocktail

My final must-have blueberry recipe is a refreshing summer cocktail that blends, once again, all of my favorite blueberry-adjacent flavors. I switch up the liquor and the herb (mint vs. basil) depending on how I'm feeling or what I'm drinking it with, but the basic recipe is this:

Muddle a handful of blueberries, a squeeze of lemon, a splash of simple syrup (or maple syrup), and a few fresh mint or basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, add gin or vodka, and give it a shake. Pour over ice, and top with a splash of soda water. It takes three minutes, and it tastes like the height of summer in a glass.

Shopping My Favorites That Celebrate the Blueberry Season

Before I know it, we'll be on to harvesting tomatoes and picking apples, but with a couple of jars of blueberry jam, a pie that's even better on day two, and a cocktail that feels more impressive than the effort involved, I feel like I'm really getting the most out of blueberry season. And if you want to have your own harvest next summer, check out our guide on how to grow blueberries.

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The chicest kitchens in 2026 look very different from the most on-trend kitchens 10 years ago. Not everything is seamlessly built in; they are layered more like a living room, and the colors are only getting bolder. This year, kitchens are more personalized and lived in than ever.

So it's hardly surprising that mismatched kitchens are surging in popularity. This kitchen trend embodies all of the most coveted looks this year, but it strikes that perfect balance between curated and chaotic, adding character and interest without overwhelming a room.

But it is so about that balance – how do you create a mismatched kitchen that looks intentional rather than insane? Here's everything you need to know about mismatched kitchens and how to recreate the look calmly and cohesively.

What Are Mismatched Kitchens?

While the term mismatched might conjure images of random pieces and a jumble of features, the look is far more refined than random. It's about bringing in a mix of styles and textures to create a layered and visually dynamic kitchen, rather than a perfectly uniform scheme that lacks personality.

'Mismatched doesn't mean random; it means layered, collected, and intentionally contrasted. The appeal is that these kitchens feel like they've evolved over time rather than being purchased as a matching set, giving them warmth, depth, and personality,' says Nicole Forina, principal designer at Forina Design & Co.

What makes the mismatched kitchen trend so appealing is its versatility. You can go as eclectic or subtle as you wish to match your design style. It could be adding an unexpected color, a freestanding kitchen furniture piece, or even blending in a new texture that instantly elevates your space.

'The appeal of a mismatched kitchen lies in its sense of individuality. We like to mix contemporary and traditional pieces to help the space feel as though it has evolved naturally over time,' says Sarah Brown, founder and creative director of Sarah Brown Interiors.

'By combining painted cabinetry with antique furniture, or sleek lighting alongside classical architectural details, the kitchen gets a sense of warmth and personality,' she adds, noting the subtler approach you can take here.

In many ways, mismatched kitchens hail back to the past, when kitchens would have been created using a mix of pieces, like a range cooker, a large prep table, and various tables around the room for kitchen storage and additional prep space. The trend takes that eclectic approach but reimagines it in a way that feels fitting for a 21st-century home.

How to Create a Mismatched Kitchen Without It Looking Chaotic

Creating a mismatched kitchen can vary from eclectic cabinet designs to layered decor of differing eras, depending on how dramatic you want to go with the look. Implementing a couple of these ideas is a great way to create a more personalized space, but stick to no more than three to avoid a truly chaotic cooking space.

1. Add Freestanding Furniture

Freestanding kitchen furniture is a must-have in any space to recreate the look. It taps into that sense of pieces being collected over time and effectively breaks up the very uniform, utilitarian runs of built-in cabinetry.

There are different options here. A freestanding kitchen island is a favored choice, especially among designers, to create an unfitted feel while adding lots of character, but a hutch or glazed pantry cabinet can be just as timeless. Be considerate about the style of pieces you are adding – they need to be cohesive with the rest of your space to avoid a chaotic look.

'The key is maintaining a common thread, whether that's a cohesive color palette, repeated materials, or consistent architectural details, so the contrasts feel curated instead of chaotic,' says Nicole. 'When done well, every piece has its own voice while still contributing to the same overall story.'

2. Mix Styles and Eras

One of the best ways to emulate a mismatched kitchen is to mix styles and eras. There are a few ways to achieve this look stylishly – introducing antiques to a modern kitchen, or sleek finishes to a more traditional one.

'A mixture of materials, colors, and styles within a kitchen design can add interest and personality to a home. Combining appliances such as a range cooker, an interesting tap or a butler’s-style kitchen sink, with sleek, contemporary features can really make the design interesting,' says Isabella Pacelli, junior designer at Roundhouse.

For Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens, mixing aged and sleek materials is just as impactful. 'Warm rich wood, a clever mix of old and new that feels gathered over time, rather than all bought in one go. This look is taking over from a brand new kitchen, it’s a way of mixing old and new and making your kitchen interesting, exciting and different.'

Remember to keep that common thread running throughout the space so everything feels intentional. If you introduce too many different styles and eras, the room can quickly start to feel chaotic, so choose two or three to focus on.

3. Introduce Unexpected Color Combinations

Your kitchen color ideas play a huge role in creating a mismatched kitchen, especially if you are working with a small kitchen without the space for other options like freestanding furniture.

'Combining a pop of color with a more natural and timeless material, such as timber, can ensure your kitchen doesn’t date, while allowing you to have some fun with different colors,' Isabella explains.

To avoid your kitchen becoming too chaotic, be particular about how many different colors you introduce and how they look together. Sticking to shades that all have the same undertone – cool or warm – helps to create a sense of harmony.

'A consistent color palette helps unify the room, allowing more eclectic elements to sit comfortably together. You can be playful with color, but repeating the same tones through cabinetry, upholstery, accessories, and artwork creates a sense of rhythm,' Sarah advises.

4. Layer Different Lighting Designs

Don't underestimate the power of kitchen lighting – mixing the designs of your fixtures is a low-effort way to bring an air of mismatched style into your space. And it's a great option if you're new to a more eclectic decorating style.

'A variation of lighting can also achieve this look,' says Isabella. Make your selections wisely here. Choose no more than three different styles to keep a sense of cohesion, and pick either different forms, materials, or colors.

'Choosing materials that do not have conflicting patterning and movement can help ensure the design doesn’t feel chaotic,' she adds.

5. Play with Mismatched Kitchen Artwork

If you're updating an existing kitchen without renovating, you can create the mismatched kitchen look with decorative pieces, rather than introducing large furniture or changing the cabinetry. And kitchen art is a great place to start.

'Artwork is one of the easiest ways to introduce personality and add visual interest to a kitchen,' says Sarah, adding that it's a great element to pair with eclectic or layered lighting. Plus, it's a versatile way to add a really personal touch to your kitchen walls.

'Mixing different styles, from contemporary prints or lighting with antique pieces, creates a layered feel and a scheme that feels collected rather than curated.' You can opt for a real mix of subjects with matching frames, or choose similar art pieces but really mix up the frame styles and designs.

Shop the Look

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Whatever size or style of kitchen you have, well-organized storage is the key to a successful design. And we're not just talking cabinets and drawers – kitchen storage baskets are just as important if you want to make your units work harder and look more stylish.

Kitchen storage ideas extend far beyond the initial design process. How you implement organizers and zoning into your storage is crucial, especially when open shelving or large cabinet space is at play. And stylish pieces are must-haves to elevate your whole space, both visually and functionally. Think rattan baskets to add warmth and structure to a pantry, stackable wire designs that maximize a small space, and even baskets that hang on your walls to free up your countertop and double as charming wall decor.

We've found the prettiest (yet practical) kitchen storage baskets worth adding to your cooking space, no matter the size, style, or organization needs of your design.

Smart kitchen storage doesn't end once your renovation is complete – smaller items like storage baskets are key to making your space work harder, while elevating the look and feel of your whole space.

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There may be a few design faux pas of the past we wish to forget (and never repeat), but there are plenty more that can inspire an utterly chic scheme. And this year, it's cherry wood kitchens that are making a comeback.

A look heavily associated with the '90s, the rich tones are a stylish choice if you're searching for a unique take on wooden kitchen ideas. But making them feel elevated in 2026 requires a careful choice of color palette. And designers have some fail-safe recommendations.

So, if you're considering cherry wood kitchen cabinets this year, or looking to breathe new life into an existing scheme that's seen better days, these are the colors that pair beautifully with the rich red undertones of this natural material.

3 Colors to Pair with Cherry Wood

As kitchen trends continue to gravitate toward warm color schemes and natural wood finishes, it comes as no surprise that cherry wood, which combines the two, is making a strong comeback in 2026.

'Cherry has a natural warmth with subtle reddish undertones that deepen beautifully as it ages. It also has a fine, closed grain and excellent stability, making it an exceptional choice for cabinetry,' says interior designer Emily Lindberg.

From classic creamy neutrals and earth-inspired shades to bold statement hues, these are the kitchen colors interior designers say pair best with cherry wood, for a scheme that feels chic rather than dated.

Warm Neutrals

Much like oak and walnut, it really doesn't get chicer than pairing warm white hues with cherry wood cabinets. It adds contrast without feeling stark, and the warm undertones really complement the warmth in the wood.

'A warm, creamy white is the safest and most timeless choice, especially in a matte or limewash finish, because it softens the cabinetry without making the room feel stark,' says Katie Calnin, founder and creative director at Calnin Design Studio. And it's a pairing almost every designer recommends for its classic look.

'For a chic combination, white will always work well,' agrees George Glasier, co-founder of Pluck. 'The simplicity of the combination, the contrast between the surfaces is just lovely, and because Cherry is on the warm end of the spectrum thanks to its pink and deep red undertones, the kitchen will not feel harsh, as an all-white kitchen might.'

Statement Blacks

If you're choosing cherry wood cabinets for your kitchen, you need to approach the whole design with confidence so it feels intentional and beautifully curated. So, even if you want to stick with neutral walls, adding a statement color like black will make a huge difference.

'The best color pairing ultimately depends on the atmosphere you're trying to create, but I tend to think about balance rather than matching,' explains Emily, who designed this space to embrace classic design features with plenty of contrast.

'Creamy off-whites are a natural complement for cherry wood because they soften the richness of the wood without feeling stark. I also like introducing the black counters as a point of contrast. It adds definition and keeps the palette feeling crisp.' The black kitchen countertops in this design add a new layer to the space, adding a confident feature that gives the cherry wood a chic finish.

Shades of Green

If you prefer a more colorful kitchen scheme, some more saturated hues pair stylishly with cherry wood that feels current and elevated. Earth tones, in particular, are complementary, as they lean into a natural palette that feels timeless.

'We have designed kitchens with cherry wood in combination with blues and greens and also pinks and yellows, and all look beautiful, complementing the wood in different ways, bringing to the fore and accentuating the different constituent colors,' says George. And warm green shades are one such tasteful choice.

'Cherry has a lot of warmth and red undertone, so the colors that work best either lean into that warmth or ground it. A soft sage or moss green is one of my favorites here – it reads earthy rather than trendy, and it doesn't fight the reddish tone the way a cooler green would,' adds Katie.

Cherry wood is far more versatile than you might have expected, and pairs beautifully with a range of color palettes. Introduced through cabinetry, it brings a classic yet unique design feature to your cooking space, as Emily explains. 'Used thoughtfully, cherry feels timeless rather than nostalgic. It brings warmth, depth, and character to a space, while developing an even richer patina over the years. That's a quality few materials can offer, and one of the reasons I think it's worth revisiting today.'

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One of the hardest things about selecting a paint color is not knowing how it'll look in years to come. Color trends are such a source of inspiration, and there to be followed – but with caution. You want to be sure that the color you land on will still feel timeless once it's had its moment.

While one of the age-old color mistakes is choosing hues based solely on current fashions, it's also easy to fall into the trap of keeping things too safe by sticking strictly to 'timeless paint colors'. So, the big question is: is it possible to fulfill both? Does a color scheme that's both enduring and exciting exist? And if so, how can we achieve it?

Color experts say that bridging the gap between current and classic is possible, and it lies in five simple steps. From choosing colors you know you'll love for years to considering how you apply them, these are the ways to nail a trendy and timeless color scheme.

1. Look To the Pieces You Already Own

One of the most notorious color clichés to avoid is picking a paint color before considering the rest of your scheme. While it would be nice to choose a color that jumps out at you and be done with it, the reality is that the furniture and decor we already own play a big part in how a paint idea translates.

'Prioritize creating a palette that feels authentic to you and complements your home’s architecture and existing design elements,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'You can’t choose paint colors in isolation; you have to consider all of the design elements that are also in the space. Paint colors can do a lot to change the look and feeling of the space, but the artwork, fabric, furniture, etc. all must go along with the story as well. This will help your space to feel storied and thoughtful instead of trendy and fleeting.'

'If you don’t know where to begin, use the items in the space to influence your color selection,' continues Arianna. 'Maybe there is a color in a piece of artwork or fabric that you want to bring to the walls. Or maybe it’s something that is a few shades lighter or darker than that inspiration color. Take inventory of the items in your space that you love to jumpstart the paint color selection and create a timeless look.'

2. Consider Application, Not Just Color

It's not just about the paint colors you choose; it's about how you apply them, too. We all want to balance trendy with timelessness, but part of that process is choosing paint tricks and methods that feel classic (and avoiding fleeting fads that don't). Embracing the room contouring paint trick or the high gloss paint trend is all well and good, but always consider how you might feel about it later down the line.

'There are color families that have a perennial appeal, primarily greens, blues and of course, neutrals; all other colors beyond this tend to have mini renaissances or social ‘zeitgeist’ moments,' explains Farrow & Ball's Brand Ambassador, Paddy O'Donnell. 'I would say the best way to choose your palette is to ignore EVERYTHING and decorate with your heart. One caveat to this is not necessarily about the color you choose, but how you apply paint, e.g. color drenching; these decorating styles tend to age more than the color choice.'

'Any room that is decorated from a purely personal perspective will always resonate,' adds Paddy, 'but don’t forget, every room is a sum of many parts such as your fabric choices, the objects that co-exist within a space that tell the story of its inhabitants, etc.'

3. Test It Out In Smaller Doses

'Always start in small spaces if vibrant colors feel like a mildly terrifying commitment,' advises Paddy. 'Rich hues like Farrow & Ball's Brinjal or India Yellow will make a statement in a powder room or, if you're fortunate to have one, a mudroom or larder where you tend not to linger for too long. You’ll slowly acclimatize to the joy of color, and then you can be bolder in more shared spaces such as bathrooms or sitting rooms.'

'A home is filled with surfaces that can be painted. If there is a “trendier” color you’d like to try, start small with a piece of furniture, a door or a smaller space like a bathroom or guest room,' agrees Arianna. 'If it’s a color that you love, it won’t feel dated. Often people don’t feel like the color on the walls is dated, but more so that they want to refresh the space, and the best way to do that is with a new wall color.'

'If you are someone who is looking to try more vibrant, bolder shades and are hesitant to do so, start slow. One of my favorite places to bring in bolder color is cabinets or a kitchen island. I find people don’t feel as overwhelmed by it as by putting a bolder color on the walls.' She adds, 'Smaller rooms like bathrooms, home offices, and even bedrooms are also a great place to step outside of your neutral color zone.'

4. Let What You Love Inspire You

Like all trends, you can never be entirely sure what's going to be in and what'll be out in a few years' time. That's why choosing colors that speak to you, regardless of how 'on trend' they are, is important. Of course, we all want to be sure we're choosing timeless color combinations, but the concept of 'timelessness' is entirely subjective.

'Over the last few years, we have seen the rise of earthy pinks, warm whites and various shades of brown from tobacco to chocolate, so they could be perceived as ‘of the moment’ but, decorate from the heart and you won’t go far wrong,' says Paddy. 'It’s ubiquity you want to avoid, for example, the dark blue kitchen, the paneled wall behind the bed, etc.'

'We are facing an epidemic of banality,' states interior designer Isabel Ladd, 'where people default to neutrals because they believe that is what they "should" do in order to be "timeless," "inoffensive," or best for "resale value". Choose to surround yourself with neutrals if you LOVE neutrals and the way they make you feel. Do not default to neutrals out of fear of letting your personality show. Likewise, do not surround yourself with vibrant shades if you're trying to feign brave design choices. Rather, choose to surround yourself in vibrant shades if vibrant shades make you feel good.'

'Someone, somewhere told us that kitchens should be classic, timeless, and neutral (especially for resale - ugh). I convinced myself of that when I first decorated my house a decade ago. Uninspired by my neutral default years later, I decorated my kitchen to reflect my favorite colors and patterns because they make me feel spectacular... and I've never looked back.'

5. Embrace 'Elevated' Neutrals

If you're typically a lover of decorating with neutrals, but want to brave something a little bolder, opting for elevated neutrals that feel more interesting than your average taupe or beige is one of the best ways to balance endurance with today's trends.

'Over the past few years, we have seen a growing interest in the brown color family across both fashion and interiors, offering a softer alternative to traditional dark neutrals of black and gray,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'Our 2026 color trends hone in on this idea, with a palette that we’ve named ‘Tailored Classics’ that is led by our color of the year Silhouette AF-655. Silhouette is an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal that can be designed in a variety of styles and spaces.'

'The new direction embraces “quietly colorful” tones – subtle, comforting hues that feel fresh yet timeless. Neutrals with pink and red undertones are becoming increasingly popular, bringing warmth and depth to bedrooms and living spaces,' adds Helen. 'Plaster pinks and soft dusky rose shades add an earthy, grounded feel while providing a perfect foundation for layered décor and evolving personal style.'

Whether you're taking inspiration from living room color trends or you're revamping your guest bathroom, balancing endurance with trending styles can feel tricky. Remember always to choose colors that first jump out at you, and consider how they'll blend with your architecture and the pieces you already own. From there, think about how and where you'll apply your chosen paint so it stands proud for years.

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Outdoor hosting is one of the best ways to enjoy the summertime. Whether it's brunch on the patio, an afternoon pool party, or a moonlit, al fresco dinner, nothing can ruin the mood of a day spent outdoors – well, except soaring temperatures. So how do you and your guests keep cool when hosting outside in the summer?

We spoke to hosting experts who shared their practical and creative approaches to staying cool and adding shade while spending time outside this season. Below, find their tips so you can enjoy hosting outdoors – no matter the temperature.

Whether you're prepping a small backyard for summer hosting or you're gearing up your large outdoor living room for an evening get-together, these six hosting tips can ensure a summer full of refreshingly cool outdoor parties.

1. Create Spots of Shade

It's always a good idea to have some shaded areas in your backyard. Even if you love soaking up the sun, some guests might prefer to relax in the shade. And on hot days, a shady zone can make your patio feel so much cooler.

Hosting expert Julianna McIntosh says that shaded areas are a must. 'I recommend using large umbrellas or pop-up tents to provide ample cover. Setting up comfortable seating areas under the shade with cozy cushions and fans can help guests stay cool and relaxed,’ she explains.

Things like outdoor umbrellas, small gazebos, and even tall plants can create shade in your outdoor space. And the more shading elements you have, the more outdoor space you'll be able to enjoy on a hot summer day.

2. Encourage a Flow Between Indoors and Out

If a shady space is not enough, you could combine indoor and outdoor hosting by starting the party inside and then transitioning outdoors once it's cool enough, author and entertainment expert Dawna Pitts recommends.

‘I live in very sunny Paradise Valley, Arizona, so oftentimes I hold the 'mingling hour' (the beginning forty-five minutes to an hour) inside, and then, after the sun has set enough, I love taking the party outside for comfortable dining without the sun beating down,’ she shares.

Keep exterior doors open so guests can quickly move from outside back in, and vice versa. Just make sure to use a screen door or a magnetic screen to keep unwanted pests from finding their way inside.

3. Plan a Summer Menu With Intention

A summer party calls for a seasonally appropriate menu and what you serve can make all the difference to keep guests cool. Rather than serving heavy, hot dishes and strong drinks, opt for light meals, seasonal accoutrements, and cold, refreshing cocktails.

According to luxury event planner Cassie LaMere, there are so many creative drinks to serve when hosting outdoors in the summertime. 'Serve beverages in mint julep cups with shaved ice that hold onto their cooling effect even in peak heat, or have glassware in a freezer so it presents frosted,' she suggests. It helps to set up an outdoor drink station, too, or at least a few chic ice buckets – this way, you don't have to run back inside to make another round.

As for the food, you can never go wrong with fish as the main course (grilled halibut is always a winner for an elevated but easy dish). That said, there are so many other summer foods that are worth serving at your party – like sliced fruit, melon and prosciutto platters, or cold pasta salads.

4. Incorporate Cooling Devices

Sometimes, shade is simply not enough to keep you cool while outside – especially when the summer heat surpasses 90 degrees. That's why it's a good idea to incorporate cooling units or devices into your backyard's design scheme.

If you have a covered porch, consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan to circulate air, and if you don't have a covered space, opt for a standing fan instead. If you live in a very hot climate, consider installing misters – or wire-like devices that can spray water around your patio to keep you and your guests extra cool and comfortable.

5. Use a Light Color Scheme

Light colors just make sense for outdoor summer hosting. These shades absorb less heat than darker colors do, and they can even trick your brain into feeling cooler, too.

According to our editor Jennifer Ebert, 'a lighter color scheme can completely transform how an outdoor space feels during the summer months.' She recommends utilizing a soft summer color palette of whites, warm neutrals, and pale natural tones to make patio seating areas feel fresh and more comfortable for summer hosting. 'Beyond the practical benefits, these airy hues also create a relaxed, timeless backdrop that enhances the feeling of being outdoors,' Jennifer continues.

Decor aside, you can even recommend that guests dress in light colors to help them feel even cooler as they enjoy time outside at your house.

6. Appeal to All of the Senses

Another way you can make your outdoor space feel cooler in the summer is by tapping into all of the senses. According to hosting expert Cassie LaMere, this is a key element in hosting a successful gathering. Since we've covered sight, taste, and touch, that leaves scent and sound.

'Saltwater or eucalyptus scents are refreshing and soothing,’ Cassie suggests in terms of scent. And while you can definitely buy a candle to emit a refreshing summer scent, consider planting fragrant summer flowers that will immerse your garden in cooling, fresh fragrances.

In terms of sound, Cassie suggests playing peaceful music to set the mood. 'Keep the playlist soothing with ocean waves or yacht rock; both will transport you to on-the-water instant chill vibes,' she says.

Hosting an outdoor event in the summer doesn't have to be a sweltering ordeal. Keeping you and your guests cool is simple when you follow these six tips – no matter what the mercury reads. With thoughtful preparation and creative touches, your outdoor summer party is sure to be a success.

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If decision fatigue hits at any stage of the kitchen design process, it's usually when you start selecting colors. Perhaps white feels a bit boring, but a more vibrant hue is too bold for your style. But designers say there's one specific shade that they always return to for a warm yet timeless space: Farrow & Ball's French Gray. It's a kitchen color that adds subtle contrast without overwhelming the room and acts as a neutral without feeling bland.

What Color is French Gray by Farrow & Ball?

Despite its name, Farrow & Ball's French Gray is a far more complex color than just a standard gray, often leaning more green than gray, yet always adding warmth and classic style. And it's exactly why it's favored among designers.

'French Gray is such a versatile color, the way it leans soft green throughout the day and then becomes a warm gray as you get into the evening hours. It adds depth to the kitchen, creating a welcome feeling of being lived in and warm,' says Madeline Loomis of Mad Luxe Design.

It's a beautiful shade to try if you want to create a gray kitchen tastefully – in certain lights, the shade will emulate that soft green, while in others, it's a warm gray that makes this neutral feel instantly timeless. It's that balance of tones that creates a design that feels expertly layered and considered.

'Despite its name, French Gray is best thought of as a beautifully balanced mid-green. It has a wonderfully gentle quality that feels timeless rather than trend-led, bringing a sense of calm and softness to one of the hardest-working rooms in the home,' explains Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

'Its subtle yellow undertones stop it from feeling cold, allowing it to create an inviting, lived-in atmosphere that works equally well in traditional country kitchens and more contemporary spaces.'

Why French Gray Works Well in Kitchens

Farrow & Ball's French Gray works beautifully in a multitude of rooms, but there's a reason designers gravitate toward it in functional spaces like the kitchen. It doesn't overwhelm the room, but it adds depth and contrast that isn't easily achieved with other neutrals like white.

'French Gray has a strength and is interesting without being too bold or too boring, which makes it really versatile. There is a muted warmth to the color, while still feeling fresh and clean,' explains Juliette Wright and Natalie Stephenson, Founders of Stephenson Wright, who note the green influence is what makes the shade appeal, particularly in kitchens.

'There is a definite green undertone to the paint color, which is part of its appeal. Soft greens are a timeless choice, and we find our clients are happily drawn to them for key living spaces because they are easy to live with and based on a natural environment – something we always try to link to.'

It's also a gray paint that pairs seamlessly with the classic materials you expect in a kitchen, from classic brass and cool chrome to marble, soapstone, and even granite surfaces. Regardless of the size or style of your kitchen, this color will sit happily within it.

'French Gray works well in a kitchen setting because it doesn't ever overwhelm the space; instead, it balances out natural materials, such as marble countertops, oak floors, and brass fixtures. It is an inviting color that isn't distracting as you prepare your meals or gather with family and friends,' Madeline notes.

'It works particularly well in a timeless, classic scheme,' agree Juliette and Natalie. 'In this laundry room, we combined French Gray with aged brass hardware and a traditional butler's sink, warm limestone flooring, and Corian countertops to create an elegant yet welcoming space. Willow baskets and an embroidered linen Roman blind enhanced the relaxed, understated character.'

How to Introduce French Gray to a Kitchen

For most designers, applying French Gray to kitchen cabinetry is the best way to use this shade. It is a timeless choice, creating a warm neutral base for the rest of the design.

'French Gray is particularly effective on kitchen cabinetry, where its depth and softness add character without overwhelming the space. It brings warmth and sophistication to both kitchen island units and full schemes, creating a look that feels considered yet relaxed,' Patrick explains.

And while Madeline is a fan of French Gray cabinetry, she also recommends bringing the hue to your kitchen walls. 'In this pantry [pictured above], we painted the walls in addition to the cabinets, and it created such fun intrigue,' she explains.

'Color on the walls allowed the art to really pop in this room, but again, French Gray still has a softness so as not to feel too bold. Another favorite use for French Gray would be to use it as a contrasting trim and casing color paired with a warm white on the walls.'

French Gray works beautifully applied anywhere in your kitchen, whether it's the cabinets, walls, trim, or a fully color-drenched scheme. It's subtle enough to pair with almost any color and finish, yet bold enough to add character and depth to kitchens regardless of the design style.

'French Gray has a clever ability to blend with both classic and modern interiors. It will sit just as well in a traditional setting with timeworn oak well-loved countertops, as it does with a contemporary kitchen with a sleek book-matched marble,' adds Juliette and Natalie.

But for a truly timeless look, Patrick recommends pairing French Gray with a classic shade of white. 'It layers beautifully with different textures and wood tones, while pairing effortlessly with soft whites such as School House White and Wimborne White, making it easy to build a cohesive kitchen palette that feels elegant and enduring.'

Classic, timeless, and acting as a neutral hue, Farrow & Ball's French Gray makes it far easier to choose a kitchen color that will stand the test of time. It's also a great color to make your kitchen look more expensive, especially when paired with luxurious accessories.

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European style is perhaps the most coveted interior design aesthetic. It really does have a je ne sais quoi about it that's nearly impossible to replicate. European homes are layered, relaxed, and effortlessly chic, mixing styles and eras in a way that shouldn't work, but always does.

That's one key design lesson to take from European style – how to blend the old with the new. Effortless European style offers a guide on how to design a chic home that balances the luxuries of the past with designs of the present.

So what should you be looking out for when thrifting or scouring the local vintage markets to help bring this classic look home? From aged writing desks to handwoven tapestries, designers say these are the key pieces they always hunt for when recreating the timeless elegance of European style.

1. Case Goods

One thing you'll almost always notice in a transitional style home is antique storage. Whether it's an aged trunk holding your bed linen or a hand-carved writing desk that stands proud in your home office, case goods are a timeless and practical way to make your home feel steeped in history.

'Beautiful antique case goods are always among my first selections when creating a European feel,' explains interior designer Marie Flanigan. 'Whether it's a centuries-old commode, an English chest, or a hand-carved cabinet, these pieces introduce a richness and patina that can't be replicated. They carry the marks of time, bringing warmth, soul, and a sense of permanence to a space.'

2. Ceramics

'To me, effortless European style has very little to do with following a particular aesthetic and everything to do with creating a home that feels as though it has evolved over time,' says Tanner Morgan of Morgan Madison Design. 'The best European interiors are layered, collected, and deeply personal. Nothing feels overly coordinated or precious. There is a quiet confidence that comes from mixing periods, embracing natural materials, and allowing a home’s imperfections and history to become part of its beauty.'

'When I’m creating that feeling in an American home, I almost always begin with antique and vintage pieces that immediately add soul and a sense of permanence,' adds Tanner. 'I love incorporating handmade pottery and vintage ceramics. Large terracotta vessels, aged olive jars, and imperfect ceramic bowls introduce texture and warmth without feeling decorative for decoration’s sake. They become even more beautiful when left largely unfilled or styled simply with seasonal branches.'

3. Tapestries

Decorating with tapestries always creates the feeling of a collected home. An entryway wall draped with a woven mural or a living room anchored by a textured landscape adds an extra layer, a tell-tale sign of a home that's been influenced by European design.

'I'm equally drawn to antique tapestries,' says Marie. 'Their texture, artistry, and subtle color palettes add an incredible layer of softness and history. They create an atmosphere that feels intimate and collected while lending warmth in a way that feels both visual and tactile.'

Typically, tapestries are better vintage as they inject a dose of character into even the most contemporary spaces and create a balance between new and old. European homes balance the dialogue between opposing styles, bringing together luxurious textures, materials, and antiques, balanced by a warm neutral palette and light-filled architecture.

4. Artwork

'I believe European artwork is one of the most transformative layers in a home,' says Tanner. 'Original oil paintings, charcoal studies, plaster sculptures, and hand-forged metalwork introduce depth and authenticity that reproductions rarely achieve.'

'They don’t need to be museum-worthy pieces; often it’s the imperfect portrait, the weathered landscape, or a sculptural iron object with an unknown provenance that tells the most compelling story,' adds Tanner.

Decorating with vintage art is all about paring things back and letting the pieces breathe. 'The key to styling these pieces is restraint. European homes rarely feel over-accessorized. I like to give antiques room to breathe, pairing them with contemporary upholstery, natural linens, marble, unlacquered brass, and warm woods so the home feels current rather than themed. The dialogue between old and new is what keeps a space feeling timeless rather than nostalgic.'

The Effortless European Edit

It's not just about the smaller antiques you should be collecting when it comes to creating a European-inspired home; it's also about the bones of your space – or the bones you can create using antique materials and fixtures.

'To me, effortless European style often begins with the architecture,' begins Marie. 'While you can certainly infuse a space with European-inspired pieces, it’s always important to create a timeless foundation that feels as though it has always been there. Antique fireplace surrounds, French limestone floors, and hand-applied plaster walls bring an inherent sense of history, texture, and authenticity that immediately grounds a home.'

'These architectural elements become the canvas for everything that follows, allowing the interiors to feel layered, collected, and deeply personal. Europe has always embraced a philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, natural materials, and quiet restraint – creating spaces that feel both elevated and entirely livable.'

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For years, brown was the color homeowners and designers were trying to leave behind. The rise of bright white kitchens, then gray, and then a brief flirtation with bold colorful cabinetry pushed it into the background, and it was a kitchen color often associated with the heavy oak and orange-toned wood finishes of an earlier design era.

Now, some of the most elegant kitchens being designed today are built on rich coffee cabinetry, warm walnut wood, earthy mushroom paints and layered tonal browns – and they look nothing like the brown kitchens of the past.

Why Brown Kitchens Are Back in 2026

The kitchens that defined the last fifteen years were designed to look efficient and clean rather than too personal. White surfaces, cool palettes, and sharp edges turned spaces into simple, purpose-driven spaces. That era is what brown is now thoughtfully correcting.

‘Kitchens were treated almost as laboratories,’ says Michael Breland of Los Angeles studio Breland-Harper, describing the era brown is replacing as ‘highly polished, highly optimized spaces dominated by white surfaces and cooler palettes.’ His read on why that's shifting: ‘I think people are increasingly looking for something more emotional and experiential. The kitchen has become the social center of the home again, and warmer materials support that shift.’

Paint brands are seeing this shift, too. Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, points to a similar appetite for warmth without losing polish. ‘We are seeing people opt for warmer hues and colors that make their home feel lived-in but still composed.’ Patrick O'Donnell, International Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball, sees the same instinct playing out well beyond the kitchen: ‘It's an incredibly easy palette to live with. There is something effortlessly elegant and restrained about it.’

Brown is, after all, fundamentally the color of natural wood – and luxury kitchens have relied on walnut, oak, mahogany and dark-stained timber for generations. For Michael Breland, brown isn't really just about being a single color at all. ‘It encompasses aged oak, terracotta, leather, tobacco-colored stone, bronze, and earth itself,’ he says. ‘Today's brown kitchen is less about color and more about materiality. It celebrates variation, patina and texture in a way that feels timeless rather than decorative.’

Cassandra Ellis, founder of UK paint brand Atelier Ellis, sees the same connection at any time of year, in any kind of landscape. ‘If you look outside your kitchen window in January or June, brown will smile back. Rich dirt, hot bricks, or sticky mud. You know you are somewhere humans and nature reside.’ It's also, she points out, simply practical in the kitchen itself – brown ‘will happily take Labradors leaning, and birthday cake splashes.’

Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL, points to construction quality as a related differentiator between an expensive-looking brown kitchen and a dated one. ‘Beautifully crafted cupboards, either painted or stained and sometimes lacquered, give a much more timeless and traditional look than the often cheaper-made furniture of decades ago.’

Kristen Peña, of Kristen Peña Interiors, sees the renewed interest in the brown kitchen color trend as less about materiality and more about mood: ‘I don't necessarily think it's about craft specifically, but about the pendulum swinging away from kitchens that are bland, cold, and lifeless. Brown does it better because it can feel old-fashioned, and that is what homeowners are yearning for now in this age of technology.’ Her own favorites are oak and walnut, chosen specifically for how evenly they take a stain: ‘You might not know if it's stained or painted until you look closely.’

What Brown Paints Are Best for a Kitchen?

Brown's resurgence also lines up neatly with a broader embrace of natural, more tactile materials. The pairings designers keep returning to are remarkably consistent: brown cabinetry with warm metal, brown paint against veined marble, brown wood beside honed limestone.

Patrick O'Donnell recommends Farrow & Ball's Mouse's Back on cabinetry, paired with aged brass – ‘the hardware finish for all browns,’ as he describes it – while Arianna Barone suggests matching undertones deliberately: ‘Copper fixtures can read slightly red or orange, so try browns like Fresh Brew 1232 or Cordwainer 2164-10 that share similar warm undertones.’ For naturally aged woods, she recommends shades that lean ‘more rustic and grayer,’ such as Iron Gate 1545.

Stone plays just as important a role: a warm, honed limestone or a softly veined Calacatta marble tends to do more for a brown kitchen than anything sharper or more polished, letting the cabinetry feel grounded rather than stark.

For homeowners ready to commit, the shortlist worth knowing includes Benjamin Moore's Wenge AF-180 and Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette AF-655; Farrow & Ball Mahogany, Cola, Cardamom, and Salon Drab from Farrow & Ball; and Brun de Cassel and Mousson from the French paint brand Argile, are all favorites of Laura Parkinson at London-based studio Palmer & Stone.

She describes the latter as ‘such a versatile color, nearly everything looks good against it.’ Kristen Peña is also currently reaching for Cola: ‘We love a rich, sultry brown, and this red-based brown can lean toward purple and looks beautiful illuminated.’

Cassandra Ellis, of Atelier Ellis, recommends her own Bitter Chocolate for a more mineral finish – ‘it feels aged, sophisticated but very livable’ – applied in the brand's Soft Gloss for a look she compares to ganache rather than shine; for the walls and ceiling around it, she suggests a soft umber-pink such as Wayfinder or Beginnings, or something from her Warm White family, which she says ‘will sit with all of our browns.’

How to Use Brown in a Kitchen Timelessly

Many designers never really abandoned brown – they simply found subtler ways to use it. The shift isn't about the color itself, but its temperature. Laura has watched this play out directly in her own projects. ‘Using softer tones for stone, terracotta or wood – rather than high contrast materials or versions of these materials [think paler, pinker terracotta rather than a deep orange-red version] – calms the brown and makes it feel more elevated and current,’ she explains.

Strip out the orange undertone that defined brown kitchens decades ago, and what's left reads as considered rather than retro. The hardware finish matters too: a living metal that patinas naturally, Laura notes, ‘will cut through and keep the brown from feeling too heavy or sickly.’

What ties the most expensive-looking brown kitchens together isn't the shade itself, but restraint and confidence in equal measure. ‘A deep, rich color shows confidence and commitment, while lighter colors are generally a safer choice,’ says Kristen Peña. Laura, of Palmer & Stone, frames the same idea from the other direction: ‘It's not about it being 'the thing' in a space. It's about it working to make all the other decisions feel elevated. It doesn't shout itself but brings out the best in all the other materials.’ The risk, she warns, comes when that balance tips: ‘If the brown is set up as a 'hero' of the space, that's when I think there's potential for it to feel heavy or stuffy.’

Michael Breland gets at why that restraint can feel expensive in the first place: ‘Natural materials reveal themselves slowly. A beautiful slab of stone, a hand-finished wood cabinet, or a limewashed wall contains subtle shifts in color and texture. That complexity creates visual depth, and depth often reads as luxury.’ Cooler palettes, he notes, ‘can feel striking and graphic, but warmer palettes, like brown, tend to feel inhabited. What makes it feel quietly luxurious is that it doesn't demand attention. It creates atmosphere rather than spectacle.’

The best brown kitchens being designed now also rarely commit to a single, flat shade. Tonal variation does most of the work: chocolate kitchen cabinetry against tan limestone, mushroom paint beside a walnut kitchen island, mocha walls over oak floors.

London designer Uns Hobbs used exactly this approach in a recent project, painting the lower cabinetry in a deeper mocha while color-drenching the walls, cornicing and upper cabinetry in a lighter, related mushroom shade. ‘The deeper brown on the lower cabinetry grounds the room and adds contrast,’ she says, ‘while the lighter tone above keeps it feeling calm and less heavy.’

Helen Parker is firm that a brown kitchen works best kept simple: ‘Not too many accessories or fancy lighting – minimal and tasteful, plain fabrics, lots of paintwork.’ The richness, in other words, can come from the color and the materials themselves, without needing a crowd of objects layered on top to do the work.

Where objects do enter a brown kitchen with intention, the color tends to be what makes them sit together rather than compete. Uns Hobbs used a Delft tile backsplash against mocha cabinetry in one recent project. ‘Brown works beautifully with antiques because it has a warmth and familiarity to it,' she explains. 'It allows older pieces to sit comfortably within a space without feeling forced.’

It's also a color with genuine roots in this kind of room. ‘Our love of period interiors,’ says Helen Parker, ‘Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian eras were renowned for using these colors, especially in the below-stairs kitchens.’ Michael Breland sees the same pull toward history at work across very different architectural traditions: ‘Brown belongs naturally within many historic architectural traditions – Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, Arts and Crafts, English Country House, even Mid-Century California. Its resurgence reflects a broader cultural desire for permanence, authenticity and craftsmanship.’ Brown in the kitchen isn't simply a new idea but instead, an old one, being used in a new way.

That confidence is also, in the end, timeless. A color that doesn't need to prove itself season after season behaves differently in a room than one that does – and a kitchen that isn't nervously chasing the next shade reads, instantly, as a more expensive decision than one that is.

Michael Breland puts the contrast most plainly. ‘White kitchens often emphasize cleanliness. Black kitchens emphasize drama. Bold colors emphasize personality,’ he says. ‘Brown emphasizes comfort, memory, and connection. It reminds us of things that improve with age – wood furniture, leather, bronze, terracotta, stone. Brown doesn't shout. It invites people to stay.’

Brown kitchens succeed not because of a single shade or finish, but because of the confidence behind the choice. Whether that means stained walnut cabinetry, a deep painted mocha, or an earthy mushroom tone layered against natural stone, the approach is the same: choose what belongs in the room rather than what's leading the conversation elsewhere. Brown, as Cassandra Ellis of Atelier Ellis simply puts it, 'whispers delicious and I am home at the same time' – and that may be the most honest brief a kitchen really needs.

Choosing a dorm room rug is no easy decision. As the grounding feature of a barely 200 square foot space, a dorm room rug acts as a bedroom rug, a living room rug, an office rug (and sometimes a kitchen rug) all at the same time. Not only that, but it's subject to frequent footfall, too, from roommates to neighbors and visitors – meaning only the most hardwearing rugs will do.

If I could go back in time and tell my college-aged self what type of rug to buy for my dorm floor, then without a question, I'd recommend a Ruggable style. Known for their high-quality, washable designs, Ruggable rugs just make sense for college dorm rooms. They won't deteriorate in high-traffic settings – in fact, that's where they thrive. They're durable, designed with non-slip backings, easy to toss in the wash to keep clean, soft underfoot, and of course, they look good, too. These rugs are everything a college dorm room needs, and then some.

Right now, you can save big on a Ruggable rug as the brand is hosting its Home Refresh Event – offering 20% off on over a thousand styles. Whatever aesthetic your college student is looking to create in their dorm room – Y2K, cottagecore, dark academia – there's definitely a Ruggable rug that suits their style and can help them achieve the look for less.

So, as you and your college student breeze through your dorm room checklist over the next few weeks, you might as well pick up a Ruggable rug, too. Below, find 12 standout styles that I think would easily make your child's dorm the most design-driven room in the hall.

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The amount of natural light a room receives depends almost entirely on where it is positioned in the home, so before deciding on a color scheme, you should first consider the direction your room faces.

Often seen as one of the trickier aspects to decorate, north-facing rooms get little direct sunlight and therefore have a cooler tone. The right color scheme is key in these cooler-toned rooms, as the wrong shade can instantly fall flat and look unwelcoming. Usually, the answer is to choose warmer, richer shades to balance the coolness – but to get the intel on exactly what's going to work best, we consulted the color experts at Benjamin Moore to find out which of its paint colors work best in north-facing spaces.

'North-facing rooms receive consistent natural light throughout the day, but it is more muted, cooler, and toned down when compared to the warm, bright light south-facing rooms receive,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'The benefit of this direction is that the lighting is a bit more even-tempered and doesn’t shift as much throughout the day, while east- and west-facing rooms experience a more dramatic shift.'

1. Mortar

While it's natural to think the lighter the better in north-facing rooms, darker, richer, more moody tones are a clever choice in these spaces as they create an instantly cocooned environment.

'North-facing rooms often receive less direct natural light and therefore feel cooler, which is an important consideration when selecting paint colors,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'Especially smaller, more intimate spaces can benefit from a richer, deeper palette, where natural light is limited.'

'Painting walls, woodwork and even ceilings in enveloping shades such as Mortar or Metropolis creates a dramatic and sophisticated effect,' adds Helen. 'Layering the space with lamps, wall lights and candlelight will further enhance the atmosphere, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.'

2. Timid White

'When choosing white paint for north-facing rooms, opt for shades with warm undertones to soften shadows and prevent the room from feeling stark or dull,' advises Helen. 'If you are looking for an off-white paint, try hues that lean more yellow for added warmth and brightness,' says Arianna. 'Colors like Cotton Balls, Cloud White, and Timid White can counterbalance that cool northern exposure. Cotton Balls is slightly brighter, while Timid White is softer with creamier tones. Cloud White sits right in the middle in terms of brightness.'

'Whites with delicate hints of red, pink or soft peach, such as Opulence, create a gentle, flattering glow throughout the day,' Helen adds. 'These subtle undertones feel more balanced than yellows in cooler light conditions and help maintain warmth as the light changes. To maximize light reflection and add depth, consider using a higher-sheen finish on trim and woodwork, such as a semi-gloss or high-gloss, which will introduce dimension and brightness to darker areas of the room.'

3. October Mist

Sage green paints often work in north-facing rooms, provided they're not too gray or cool in undertone. Some gray green colors might be suitable, but shades that are further on the gray side might not suit a room already more bluish in tone.

'If your goal is to make the space feel brighter, it is best to avoid shades with strong gray undertones, which can appear flat or muted. Instead, consider a soft gray-green such as October Mist to counterbalance the cooler light,' suggests Helen. 'The green undertone brings a natural warmth and luminosity to the room, while providing a versatile backdrop for complementary shades such as sun-baked terracotta tones or tonal olive greens.'

In this north-facing living room (pictured above), October Mist brings just the right amount of vibrancy, bringing a refreshed, light feel to the space without feeling stark or too cool in tone.

4. Edgecomb Gray

While cool tones are a no-go in north-facing rooms, not all gray paints are a write-off. In fact, complex, taupe-infused grays are a clever choice for these spaces, as they can create a warm yet still lightening effect.

'If you are looking for grays and neutrals, consider slightly warmer and lighter colors than you typically gravitate toward,' suggests Arianna. 'Colors like Silver Fox and Edgecomb Gray can work well in these spaces. Because the room tends to be more muted and shadowed, opting for slightly lighter colors can help to not make the space feel too heavy.'

Instead of color-drenching your space in one warm gray hue, keep it limited to woodwork or architectural features, like the built-in bookcase painted in Edgecomb Gray pictured above, paired with a ceiling painted in Winter's Snow.

Light affects paint colors, so in north-facing spaces that receive little direct sunlight, always opt for warmer rather than cool or overly stark tones.

'Like any space, you want to take into consideration the look you are trying to achieve,' adds Arianna. 'You also want to consider the amount of natural light the room receives. If your room does not get a lot of natural light or the natural light is covered by window treatments for most of the day, the direction the room faces will make a minimal impact.'

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Squeezing an oversized parasol into a petite patio or balcony is a bit like squeezing yourself into skinny jeans two sizes too small – there’s no room to breathe, and it doesn’t do either of you any favors. It’s officially too hot not to own an umbrella, so the solution isn’t skipping one altogether; it’s finding one that isn’t the height of a basketball player. Answering the cries of every tiny patio owner, IKEA has one for just $35.

IKEA’s TVETÖ umbrella might not look all that different from a traditional parasol on screen. It has the square UV-protective canopy, the handy hook-and-loop strap, even a tilt function for awkward corners. The difference is its size: at just 71 inches wide, it’s nearly four feet narrower than IKEA’s classic JOGGESÖ parasol, which measures 118 inches across. For a small patio, balcony, or courtyard, that’s the difference between comfortably shaded and visually swallowed whole.

Finally: that little bistro set that’s become unbearable to look at – let alone sit at – by noon is back in business, with up to 96% of UV radiation blocked overhead.

You’ll need a separate umbrella base, but at $35, it’s hardly the hill to die on. The square canopy is really the genius part, sliding neatly against walls, fences, and into corners instead of leaving those little gaps that somehow eat up half your patio. In a small outdoor space, every inch counts – and this shade finally lets you use them all.

More Space-Saving Shade Solutions

Small outdoor spaces don’t leave room for mistakes. Here are a few mindful shade solutions I’d also recommend for petite patios, balconies, and every awkward outdoor space in between.