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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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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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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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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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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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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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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More striking hues might dominate today's color trends, but that's not to say neutrals are on their way out. In fact, if one person knows exactly how to make decorating with neutrals feel interesting and timeless, it's interior designer Marie Flanigan.

Best known for her transitional designs that feel warm, layered, and curated, Marie's spaces prove that the best white paints needn't feel boring; in fact, they can feel just as refreshing and interesting as bolder hues.

Here to prove that neutrals will never not ground schemes and provide some much-needed respite, Marie spoke to Homes & Gardens all about her love for the classics, including her all-time favorite paint color – Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa.

When choosing a white paint, Marie often turns to one specific shade. 'Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa has long been a favorite of mine,' says Marie. 'It’s a beautifully balanced neutral with a warmth and softness that allows a space to feel timeless and inviting. I love that it creates a quiet foundation while letting the architecture, materials, and furnishings take center stage.'

'Greek Villa is one of those rare whites that feels at home almost anywhere. I especially love it in main living spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways where you want a soft, welcoming backdrop. It also works beautifully on millwork and cabinetry, creating a seamless, layered look that feels timeless rather than stark.'

'One of the reasons I return to Greek Villa so often is its adaptability. In north-facing rooms, it brings a gentle warmth that counteracts cooler light. In south-facing spaces, it feels bright and airy, a white paint that looks white, not yellow. It also performs beautifully in the softer morning and evening light, maintaining its warmth while still reading as a true white.'

'Greek Villa has just enough warmth to feel inviting while remaining incredibly clean and refined,' adds Marie. 'It doesn't compete with the architecture or furnishings, allowing natural materials, layered textures, and collected pieces to take center stage. Whether in a traditional home or a more contemporary setting, it creates a foundation that feels enduring and effortlessly elegant.'

'It pairs beautifully with warm, nature-inspired tones. I love it alongside soft taupes, warm greiges, muted greens, earthy browns, and rich wood finishes (the pictured dining room above proves this). It also complements natural stone, unlacquered brass, plaster, linen, and white oak beautifully. For contrast, I often pair it with deeper hues like olive green, charcoal, or a rich chocolate brown to create depth while maintaining a sense of warmth and balance.'

While Marie might be known for her love of off-white paints, she's not shy to embrace more moody colors when necessary. 'While I’m drawn to the serenity of a neutral palette, I love the opportunity to create a moment of contrast through color,' she says. 'When we do introduce color, I often embrace it fully through a saturated room that feels immersive and intentional. A deeply hued space can be incredibly layered and inviting, especially when paired with natural materials, thoughtful textures, and carefully considered lighting. For me, color is most impactful when it feels connected to the architecture and the overall story of the home.'

The Greek Villa Edit

If you're not planning to pick up a paintbrush anytime soon, bring this calming shade into a scheme through a collection of carefully chosen decor pieces instead. From soft linen sheets to ceramic servewear, we've rounded up some current favorite buys below.

While white doesn't always feel like the color of choice in 2026, Marie believes that by acknowledging the colors that go with white and bringing in lived-in layers and depth, you'll have a scheme that feels collected, sophisticated, and enduringly chic.

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A color-drenched look can make a beautiful statement in a room. Whether it's a punch of vibrancy or a cocooning hug, saturating your scheme with a hero paint color lets you make as bold (or subtle) a statement as you desire.

While color drenching can be summed up as covering a room in a hue, there's more to the room color idea than meets the eye. In fact, like all praiseworthy design trends, pulling off the look comes down to a keen eye and avoiding the (all-too-easy-to-make) paint mistakes that can get in the way of your new color scheme.

'When thoughtfully executed, color drenching softens visual transitions between architectural elements, minimizes awkward angles, and creates a seamless, intentional design,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Expert at Sherwin-Williams. 'The key is selecting a color that complements both the function of the room and the amount of natural light it receives.'

Here, we delve into the 5 color drenching mistakes interior designers see time and time again, so you know what to avoid when creating a beautiful, colorful scheme in your home.

1. Not Fully Committing to the Look

Whether you're color drenching a kitchen or going full on dark and moody for bedroom color ideas, the number one rule when committing to the drenched look is to go big. Leaving out architectural features like millwork or ceiling trim makes the job appear half-finished (and half-hearted).

'The biggest mistake is going halfway in,' explains interior designer Lindsey Walsh of Lindsey Walsh Interior Design. 'The way to avoid it is don't hold back! Many don’t understand that color drenching means going all the way. That means all of your millwork (door casings, crown, chair rail, wainscoting, wall panelling, built-ins, baseboards), all of your doors, your walls and your windows (casing, muntins, mullions, etc.). If you color drench a room and leave your window muntins the pre-finished white they came in, it will ruin the entire effect.'

2. Ignoring Texture

'The biggest lost opportunity is ignoring texture,' says interior designer Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'When every surface is the same color, texture becomes the primary source of visual interest. Without that variation, the room will feel flat – and with lighter colors, I think texture matters more.'

In fact, a room can feel overwhelmed by paint without any texture, particularly if you're going for a bold jewel tone like Sherwin-Williams Forward Fuchsia or Rockwood Dark Green for something on the darker side. Small doses of texture invite contrast and give the eye something else to take in, other than just the walls.

If you're color drenching a bedroom, for example, remember to bring some beautiful contrast through bedding or a floor covering. A plush pile rug will pair beautifully with a smooth, shiny wall color, as would a chunky knitted throw draped at the end of a bed.

3. Color Drenching a Small Space a Light Color

While color drenching often makes small spaces look bigger, it's worth bearing in mind that this doesn't apply to every shade. Always pay attention to the size of your scheme, and pick a color family accordingly.

Instead of keeping things bright and light in small rooms, commit to the space's smaller parameters, rather than trying to make them into something they're not. 'When small spaces are color drenched in a light color,' says Lindsey. 'You can still see how small the space really is. You can also see the architectural flaws clear as day (hello soffits!).'

On the other hand, going big with an encompassing, rich color shows confidence, creates drama, and translates as far more intentional. 'When a small space is color-drenched in a saturated, dark hue, the effect is magical. The bold, saturated color starts to feel borderless,' explains Lindsey, 'making the space feel much more expansive, and that annoying soffit starts to melt away, turning the room into a little jewel box.' This is where the bold shades that transform small rooms truly come to life.

4. Forgetting Contrast

Of course, color drenching is all about going bold and committing to one hue. However, that's not to say you shouldn't incorporate other colors in your scheme; in fact, creating intentional contrast is what makes a saturated room truly shine.

'The last one is forgetting contrast entirely,' adds Jennifer. 'A single small pop of color in a different register gives your eye somewhere to rest and actually makes the drenched color feel more confident.' This can be achieved through clashing colors or a more familiar hue that falls under the same color family.

It needn't be through bold paint colors either; simple tweaks like adding a yellow picture frame to a wall covered in burgundy paint will create just enough opposition that it only brings your walls to life. 'It can be as simple as a vase of flowers, throw pillow, stack of books, or one ceramic object,' advises Jennifer.

5. Overlooking Finish

'One of the most common color-drenching mistakes to avoid is overlooking your chosen paint finish, especially when it comes to durability,' says Helen Shaw, Director of International Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'As with color itself, the wrong finish can undermine both the look and longevity of a space. Different levels of sheen don’t just change how a paint color appears; they also influence how light behaves across surfaces, how refined the finish feels and how well the room stands up to everyday wear.'

'To make the right choice, it’s essential to consider the function and level of wear each space demands. Matte finishes are often chosen for their soft, luxurious quality, creating an almost chalky, light-absorbing surface that can beautifully tone down bold colors. However, they’re also less forgiving in high-traffic areas, where scuffs and marks are harder to clean, making durability a key consideration rather than just an aesthetic one.'

'On the other hand, gloss paint offers far greater resilience and washability, while also amplifying color and light for a more dramatic, high-impact effect. When used intentionally, a full gloss scheme can feel bold and immersive, but it requires confidence in both execution and maintenance.'

While a color-drenched design may seem easy to get right, in addition to embracing one leading paint color across a whole room, there are many other factors to consider to help you achieve the perfect look.

By carefully considering your paint finish, incorporating eye-catching layers of texture, and bringing in a palette of complementary colors, you'll have a scheme that feels accomplished, well-balanced, and utterly timeless.

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'Safe' neutrals may have had some bad press in recent months, but that's not to say that every shade is worth writing off. This year, rich, complex neutrals that feel layered and warm are a calming choice that balance the striking shades amongst this year's trends.

While some beige paints can fall into the flat or forgettable category, Benjamin Moore's Pashmina is the rich, warming hue that proves neutral doesn't have to mean boring. 'Perfectly balanced between warm and cool, light and dark, Pashmina is a sophisticated neutral that feels at home in any space,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'It's a timeless taupe enriched with soft, moody undertones.'

There are, of course, plenty of colors replacing beige in 2026, but there's no denying that sometimes all a scheme calls for is a grounding neutral for it to truly come to life.

'Pashmina is one of my favorite taupes because it sits right in the middle,' says interior designer Nikka Winchel, founder of Halcyon Haus Design. 'It isn’t too gray, and it doesn’t read overly beige. It has enough depth to feel intentional, but it’s still soft enough to use throughout an entire space. I also love that it changes with the light. It always feels warm, but it never falls flat.'

'I spent a long time looking for the right taupe for this project (pictured above). I wanted something with depth, but I didn’t want it drifting too far into gray or reading too beige. I also knew I didn’t want a color that was so light it disappeared or so dark that it felt heavy. Pashmina landed right in that sweet spot. It has enough complexity to feel interesting, but it’s still incredibly versatile.'

'The kitchen gets beautiful western light, which pulls out the warmer side of the color and gives the cabinetry a really soft glow later in the day,' adds Nikka. 'It shifts throughout the day, but it never loses the richness that made me fall in love with it in the first place. From the beginning, I wanted the cabinetry to do most of the talking, so every other finish was chosen to support it rather than compete with it. Once we landed on Pashmina, the rest of the palette came together naturally.'

While the beige gray color trend was big a few years ago, it still feels timeless and enduring when paired with more vibrant shades. 'Its stony grey character pairs beautifully with almost any color, making it a favourite for both contemporary and classic interiors,' says Helen. 'A delicate blush undertone adds warmth and depth, allowing it to complement rich oranges for a welcoming, energised atmosphere, or muted mid-tones for a softer, more serene and understated look.'

'I think Pashmina is at its best when it’s paired with natural materials,' advises Nikka. 'It’s beautiful with warm whites, light oak, handmade tile, natural stone, plaster, and metals that have some warmth to them. I also like mixing polished nickel with unlacquered brass because the contrast keeps the palette from feeling too expected, and this is a perfect pairing for this color.'

'Style-wise, it’s incredibly versatile,' adds Nikka. 'It works just as well in a traditional home as it does in something more contemporary because it doesn’t feel trendy. It’s simply a really well-balanced neutral that lets the materials around it shine.'

When decorating with Pashmina, consider the colors that go with beige for a well-balanced scheme that balances neutrality with color.

'A popular Benjamin Moore hue, this perfectly balanced neutral is well-loved for its adaptability and depth,' says Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'Pair this timeless midtone with a soft off-white, like Steam AF-15, on the trim and ceiling. Bring in texture with chunky knits in charcoals and chocolates – like Kendall Charcoal HC-166 and Black Bean Soup 2130-10 – for added warmth.'

'Pashmina is a rich, warm greige that feels soft and timeless,' states Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors. 'It’s one of our favorite non-white trim colors. It adds subtle contrast and definition without feeling too stark. It pairs beautifully with soft whites and deep blues.'

The Pashmina-Inspired Edit

While 'sad beige' was named one of the paint colors going out of style in 2026, Pashmina, a deeply complicated, layered beige with rich undertones, couldn't be further from boring, bland, or forgettable.

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Few interior trends have had as lasting an impact as farmhouse decor. White-washed walls, reclaimed wood, shiplap, and modern black hardware are hallmarks of this aesthetic that soon became the go-to in modern American homes as social media trends gained momentum.

But trends come and go, and as the design world welcomes a return to more experimental interiors that are less about fitting into a distinct trend box and more about reflecting personality, farmhouse white is starting to feel tired and predictable.

Instead, designers are using soft and subtly warming colors as the backdrop of a room, offering a more expressive look that generally feels more interesting than white. Here, designers discuss why we're moving away from farmhouse style to these quietly confident color trends, and how to decorate with them.

The Rise and Decline of Farmhouse White

The rise of farmhouse white has been significant for good reason; it originally gave homeowners a fresh start against the colorful palettes of decades prior. 'Farmhouse white emerged as a reaction to the heavy Tuscan interiors of the 1980s and 1990s, offering a fresh, bright backdrop that photographed beautifully in the age of Pinterest and Instagram,' says designer Kim Mauney, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

'Farmhouse white felt fresh, clean, and timeless, and during the rise of modern farmhouse style in the 2010s, that was exactly what homeowners wanted,' adds Dunn-Edwards' color marketing manager, Lauren Hoferkamp. 'White gave them bright, open rooms and a versatile backdrop that worked with almost any furnishings, making it equally appealing to builders and home buyers.'

It's not just inside the home where farmhouse white dominated, but for exterior paint ideas, too. 'White siding with black trim and black accents became one of the most recognizable images in residential design: high-contrast, modern yet familiar, and irresistibly photogenic,' Lauren says. 'Home renovation television, Pinterest, Instagram, and new-construction developments carried it everywhere, until a clean backdrop became the look every home seemed to want.'

And while decorating with white will always have a level of timelessness to it, the white-washed rooms with wood tones and very little color may be starting to tire. The design world is once again welcoming a bolder approach to color and palettes that rebel against the formulaic social media-inspired aesthetic with something more unique and unexpected.

Why Homeowners Are Moving On

'After more than a decade of white interiors and white-and-black exteriors filling every feed and subdivision, the look simply became predictable,' Lauren explains. 'White did its most important work during the pandemic, when people spent more time at home than ever and wanted spaces that felt calm, orderly, and full of light. But the very thing that made white reassuring during uncertain times, its neutrality, is what makes it feel flat once life settles down. A room with nothing to say starts to feel sterile rather than serene.'

Today, we're seeing a return to authentic, lived-in homes that turn to bolder room color ideas, reflective of the homeowners' personality. 'Homeowners now want rooms that feel personal rather than borrowed from a formula, spaces with warmth, character, and the sense of having been collected over time,' says Lauren. 'The trend cycle is doing what it always does, swinging back from minimalism toward layered interiors, natural materials, and saturated, mood-driven color.'

Rooms that make a statement and feel full of personality are rarely painted white; they embrace more adventurous colors that tell a story. What's more, contrast and tension are important to rooms that feel truly interesting and memorable, which can be tricky to achieve with white.

'Today, we're seeing a return to warmer colors and layered interiors, with creams, olives, mushrooms, and burgundies creating a richer backdrop for antiques, texture, and collected pieces,' says Kim. 'Many of these are colors our grandparents used, but we're pairing them with modern art, cleaner silhouettes, and a lighter hand, making them feel entirely new again.'

The Palettes Replacing Farmhouse White, and How Designers Are Using Them

The color palettes replacing farmhouse white aren't overly specific – many different colors add softness, depth, and warmth. That said, designers talk through some of their favorites below, from soft greens to dusky pinks.

And while these delicate colors feel like a more current alternative to farmhouse white, that's not to say white is disappearing altogether. White can still be incredibly effective, but it needs texture in interior design to stop it falling flat. 'The shift isn't really about abandoning white,' says Lauren. 'It's about warming it up. Warm whites, mushroom tones, taupes, and greiges keep a room bright while adding the nuance stark white lacks.'

Plaster Pinks

Soft pink paints are emerging as a more warming alternative to white, bringing depth and color while the dusky quality keeps rooms feeling grown-up and timeless. This color palette was chosen for this historic home, where it complements its aged quality.

'Rather than the conventional flat white, we wanted a color that felt fresh without losing the building's bones,' explains the designer Sophie Goldhill of Hector Interiors. She chose Jonquil by Edward Bulmer (Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster is a similar shade that's easier to source in the US), which she describes as 'a warm, yellow-leaning pink especially suited to hallways and period properties, sitting comfortably against the exposed beams and travertine floor rather than fighting them.'

Plaster pink paints like this one look modern when used with color-drenching, along with warm wood tones and natural textures to add depth.

Airy Blues

Pale blue paints feel on-trend and inherently calm, making them a good alternative to farmhouse white. This kitchen color scheme pairs light blue cabinets with wood tones and warm metals, which ensures this cool-toned hue feels welcoming and cozy.

'For this kitchen, we wanted something that still felt fresh, airy, and timeless, but with more depth and personality than a traditional all-white kitchen,' explains designer Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN, based between Los Angeles and Austin. 'This soft blue-gray was the perfect alternative because it almost behaves like a neutral. It has enough gray in it to feel sophisticated and grounded, but enough blue to bring warmth, charm, and a sense of character to the space.'

Although soft blue paints like this one are fairly forgiving, adding contrast to the space takes it up a level. 'The wood adds warmth, and the lighter materials keep everything from feeling too heavy,' Sara explains. 'We also brought in warmer metal finishes and a vintage-style rug to tie the palette together and make the kitchen feel less new build and more lived-in and collected.'

Muted Greens

Green is nature's neutral, which makes it incredibly liveable. From kitchens to bedrooms, light green paints bring a relaxed feel to rooms while adding much more warmth than white. If you're new to decorating with color, look to green paints that are quiet rather than anything too saturated, such as Benjamin Moore's Thornton Sage, which was used here.

'For this space, I used a Cowtan & Tout fabric on the bed, which served as the starting point for the room's color palette,' explains the Georgia-based designer Lauren Robbins. To keep things cohesive and calm, Lauren repeated this soft green hue across other elements. 'I pulled the lightest shade of green from that fabric and color-matched the walls, washing them in Thornton Sage, then layered in additional greens and neutrals from there,' she explains.

'Because this color is so subtle, it acts as a neutral, setting a mood of serenity and calm while adding visual interest and offering more depth than a true white,' says Lauren.

Earthy Neutrals

A move away from farmhouse white doesn't have to be colorful – a revised take on neutrals can add plenty more depth to a room. This kitchen feels richly layered with the palette of earth tones – most notably the cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore's Stone Hearth, a soft stone color.

'We love a kitchen that feels classic but doesn't lack for coziness,' says designer Melissa Oholendt from design studio Oho Interiors, based in Minnesota and Colorado. 'A great greige color is the secret to that, and Stone Hearth is one you will see repeated in different applications in our projects because it's not white, but still maintains a lightness while feeling cozy. It also gives us a lot of bandwidth to adjust the design and make it feel entirely different.'

Texture and materials are key when decorating with earth tones. Take inspiration from this kitchen and add interest with natural wood, warm brass details, and textured stone – it's what gives a room that layered feeling.

Soft Gray-Greens

Gray-toned greens are another stylish shift from predictable whites, especially effective if you're looking for just a subtle hint of color rather than anything too bold. 'We chose to paint this primary bedroom in Farrow & Ball’s French Gray, which is a warm gray with subtle green undertones,' explains Mira Eng-Goetz, lead designer at Portland and Paris-based Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.

'There’s a tendency to choose a shade of farmhouse white when we’re aiming to create a space that is soothing and light-filled,' Mira adds. 'Soft, complex neutrals on the lighter end can achieve the same effect while adding some character and depth to a room.'

By extending the same paint color to the woodwork and trim, this room feels modern and more relaxed than it would if a white paint were used for these details.

Think of this shift as less about the colors themselves, and more about the way we decorate our homes. The decline of farmhouse white isn't saying that white is out – it represents a return to personality-led interiors that feel soulful and dynamic, rather than Instagram-ready homes that can feel overly predictable and lacking in depth.

White is the lightest of colors; some say it shouldn't even count as a color, and yet it's the one that sparks the most debate in interiors. That's because when decorating with this timeless, universally loved color, the wrong shade can totally throw off a room and make it feel cold, uninviting, and, in 2026, dated.

Thankfully, the fix to a much warmer and welcoming space is simple. From white paints with subtle warm undertones to light, earthy neutrals that add depth, designers are all saying the same thing: ditch the cool-toned, brilliant white paints for a design-led space. Here, you can find out exactly why bright whites have fallen out of favor among designers, and how to fix this common color mistake with more flattering paint shades.

The 'Safe' White That Isn’t Safe Anymore

Decorating with white, specifically very bright whites, became the default color choice for modern homes for lots of reasons: it offered a modern look compared to the more colorful palettes of decades prior, and it was seen as a safe choice when considering the resale value of a home. But good design is rarely about playing it safe, hence why stark white is often seen as a decorating mistake in 2026.

'For many years, stark whites were associated with a clean, modern aesthetic, but today, people are craving homes that feel warmer, more personal, and connected to nature,' explains the Houston designer Marie Flanigan. 'Cool whites can sometimes feel clinical or impersonal, particularly in residential settings.'

'The reality is that many cool whites can read cold or even clinical, particularly when paired with the natural materials that have become so prevalent in today's interiors,' adds Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors. 'Warm woods, Taj Mahal quartzite and other natural stones, linen textiles, Roman clay finishes, and plaster walls all carry inherent warmth and depth. When juxtaposed against a stark white with a strong blue undertone, the contrast can often feel harsh rather than harmonious.'

As interior design trends favor decorating styles that allow layering, warmth, and personality, bright white can feel at odds. 'I don't think it's a coincidence that the shift happened around the time we all started spending so much more time at home,' designer Kara Childress says of the decline in stark white. 'The pandemic had a way of clarifying what we actually wanted from our homes, and for most of us, that was comfort.'

It's not about ruling out white altogether – it's the complexity of the undertones of white paint that's important. Warm-toned whites offer a light and airy interior and feel welcoming, whereas those with cool undertones can all too often feel drab. 'It's all about choosing the right white,' says Jess Ebert of Four Story Interiors, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. 'A warm white acts as a quiet backdrop rather than the star of the show, allowing natural materials, layered textures, and richer finishes to take center stage. It becomes a visual palate cleanser that brings balance to a room without feeling sterile or flat.'

Why Cool Whites Fall Flat

Taking a closer look at the undertones (or lack of undertones) of any given white paint gives a clearer picture of why they can be tricky to get right. 'Cool, stark whites often make a room feel expansive and less dynamic,' explains Kara Childress. 'They can also read as sterile, and tend to flatten the elements that make a space interesting, like vaulted ceilings, a beautiful plaster finish, or a unique architectural moment. Those special details can get lost against a wall that's too bright or sharp.'

'Blue-based whites often reflect cooler light, which can make a space feel flat or even a bit sterile, especially in rooms with limited natural sunlight,' Marie Flanigan adds. 'They can also cast an unflattering tone on skin and compete with the warmth found in natural materials like wood, stone, and brass. Because of these undertones, they require very careful consideration of lighting and furnishings to keep a room from feeling cold.'

It's in lower light rooms where the undertones of cool-toned whites are especially tricky, explains Helen Shaw, color expert at Benjamin Moore: 'While these undertones help balance warm sunlight and keep south-facing rooms looking crisp and fresh, they can appear flat, gray, or slightly cold in darker spaces or north-facing rooms with cooler light.'

What Designers Are Choosing Instead in 2026

Switching from bright white paints to warm white paints is a simple swap, but there are other options, too, which you can explore here.

Warm White Paints

The easiest replacement for stark or cool-toned whites is those with warm undertones. Instead of feeling overly bright and jarring, these hues quietly soften rooms, while still allowing that much-desired light and airy look. In this living room, Benjamin Moore's White Dove was used. 'It has a softness to it that never feels cold,' says designer Katie Davis, who's based in Houston.

'With rooms that have this much natural light and volume, we wanted the backdrop to feel warm and relaxed rather than bright white or overly crisp,' she adds. While the choice of white paint is important, so is the surrounding decor, suggests Katie. 'We layered in warm woods, aged beams, upholstery with movement and pattern, natural textures, and softer brass tones so the house feels collected and comfortable.'

Choosing a white paint that looks white, not yellow, can take some consideration. 'It’s important to test colors in the actual space before committing,' Helen Shaw recommends. 'Sample pots are especially useful, allowing you to observe how a white looks in morning light, evening light, and under artificial lighting, as well as in different weather conditions.'

Earthy Neutrals

Beyond warm white paints, delicate neutral paints with earthy undertones make a great alternative to bright white, such as Farrow & Ball's Shaded White, which was used in this breakfast nook. Despite its name, it's actually a greige paint with depth and warmth.

'We love this color because it adds just the right amount of depth without being too warm or too gray,' says the Utah designer Ali Henrie. 'We tend to gravitate toward softer off-white colors in our designs that feel more lived-in and timeless. These off-whites help to soften the space and add depth without making a room feel overly bright or heavy.'

Layered Tonal Palettes

Another way to reimagine all-white rooms is to opt for a palette of tonal neutrals. Although soft and just a step away from white, subtle earth tones offer depth that gives rooms character.

'While Oho is known for our use of color in general, there is something hard to resist about an incredibly calming, both mentally and physically, room that feels tonal from floor to ceiling,' explains Melissa Oholendt, the founder of Oho Interiors.

'We knew that to play nicely with the warmth and coziness of Accessible Beige, we needed a white that wasn't going to detract or take away from the warmth,' she adds. 'Choosing a white that has warm (but still clean) undertones, such as White Dove, gave us a nice complement to the greige color of the cabinets. The designer trick to using white is really to layer in whites and off-whites with similar undertones. The more the merrier.'

Cream Tones

Cream tones feel slightly vintage-inspired and can create charming, warm spaces, as demonstrated in this kitchen. While bright white creates a very modern look, cream offers a slightly aged quality.

'This kitchen is set in a historic home in Iowa, a midwestern state known for its vast fields of corn,' explains designer Mira Eng-Goetz of Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. 'We chose a soft, buttery white for the cabinetry, which pairs nicely with the warm wood flooring and helps this newly renovated kitchen feel as if it’s always been just as it is.'

How to Fix a Cold White Room (Without Repainting Everything at Once)

If you're not able to repaint bright white walls, lighting can be an effective tool to warm up a room and stop it from looking stark. 'In rooms that don’t receive much natural light, artificial lighting has a huge influence on how a white paint color is perceived,' says Helen Shaw.

'Bulbs above 3500K tend to cast a cooler, bluer light that can exaggerate any gray or blue undertones in the paint,' she adds. 'Lower color temperatures produce a warmer, cozier glow, helping the space feel softer and more inviting.'

You could also swap any cool-toned metals, such as chrome, for warmer ones, as well as adding plenty of texture. 'To keep a white room feeling rich and layered, I focus on texture and contrast – mixing plaster walls, natural wood, linen upholstery, woven materials, antique brass, and stone to create depth and visual interest while maintaining a calm, cohesive palette,' says Marie Flanigan.

Another way to warm up white walls is to add colorful decor. While the walls in this dining nook already have warmth, a similar approach can be followed with bright white. 'For this space, we layered in blues and purples,' explains Augusta, Georgia-based designer Lauren Robbins.

If you do decide to paint the walls to complement a similar palette of blues and purples, go for a white paint with soft undertones, but not so warm that it looks yellow. 'Some of my favorite warm white shades are Benjamin Moore's Ivory White and Opaline at 50% (which helps remove the yellow undertones), and Farrow & Ball's James White,' says Lauren.

While accent colors, decor, and lighting can help to warm up existing bright white walls, that's not to say bright white paints don't have their place. For Kara Childress, they often work well when used sparingly. 'I love using a pure white accent within a room painted in a warmer shade,' she says. 'It's almost counterintuitive, but a pop of bright white in artwork, trim, or a key piece of furniture actually draws out the warmth and depth of the wall color rather than competing with it.'

This was the approach Kara followed in this dining space. 'I brought in artwork with bright white backgrounds for exactly this reason,' she says. 'It lets the wall color come forward and those beautiful undertones, particularly in plaster finishes, really sing.'

White rooms aren't out of style – they're just evolving to feel softer and warmer. Make sure to pay attention to the undertones when choosing paint shades to avoid anything too cool, or go for something much more colorful with these white paint alternatives

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Fresh, timeless and always interesting, there's something powerful about a front door drenched in green. Whether it's a moody olive or a heritage forest green, it's a hue that almost always makes the gateway to a home look more expensive – and designers agree.

While front door colors do a great job at injecting personality into our houses' facades, they also boost curb appeal when chosen well. From the best sage green paints to the best dark green paints, interior designers say it's specifically organic greens that can bring an enduring heritage feel to exteriors that only gets better with time.

'A deep heritage green is one of the easiest ways to give a front door a more established, expensive look,' says interior designer Lauren Saab. 'Shades like Benjamin Moore’s Essex Green or Hunter Green have a richness that works beautifully with everything from classic brick homes to more modern exteriors. Green also has a natural quality that helps a home feel welcoming while complementing the surrounding landscape. The key is choosing a muted, saturated green with plenty of depth since those darker tones will always feel more timeless than brighter ones.'

'Drawing on the natural environment and choosing tones which mimic the environs will add a welcoming atmosphere,' explains Helen Shaw, director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'Deep greens such as Olympus Green 679 will add a beautiful warmth to homes and complement the outside world rather than distract from it.'

Green paint not only ages gracefully and brings a heritage feel to a home's exterior but it also feels harmonious with nature, making it a lasting choice for years to come. Conveniently, it's a color that looks good every season, so you needn't worry about switching it up when the months get colder, either.

'I absolutely love a green front door,' says interior designer Jennifer Hunter. 'In fact, I painted the front door of my Connecticut home in Farrow & Ball's Carriage Green, and it's one of my favorite design decisions we've made. There's something so timeless about a deep green, especially against a warm white exterior. It feels classic and beautifully echoes the landscape surrounding the home.'

'To me, a front door should feel warm and welcoming,' Jennifer adds, 'so I always finish the look with natural materials like rattan and terracotta planters filled with boxwoods in every season, then layer in flowering plants as the weather changes.'

Painting your front door green will upgrade curb appeal in a weekend and instantly make your entrance feel more sophisticated.

'Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme is a personal favorite for instantly making a home's front look more expensive,' explains interior designer Mollie Ranize of Dmar Interiors. 'That's because it's a complex, grayed sage, not a flat green. That depth reads as expensive. It shifts with the light, pairs effortlessly with stone, warm wood, and brass, and signals a deliberate, design-forward choice rather than a safe default. It makes a facade feel rooted and quietly luxurious instead of trendy.'

Greens pair well with a variety of house styles, too, whether you live in a historic Tudor-style home or a Tuscan-style house like the property pictured above. 'Bricked frontage houses look particularly elegant with doors in deep rich colors which nod to the period that they were built and will complement the original brickwork,' adds Helen.

Outdoor Accessories Best With Green

While there are front door colors to avoid in 2026, green isn't one of them. Classically heritage yet fresh and on trend, it's one of those rare paint colors that will always boost curb appeal and make a front entrance feel more expensive.

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Gray might be a little controversial in the design world as of late, falling from its early 2000s fame, and frequently topping lists of colors to avoid using in 2026. But that's not to say it's been officially scrapped for good.

While lackluster charcoals and mid-tone cold grays might no longer be the go-to neutrals of choice, not all gray paint is on the way out. Paint colors like Gray Owl (one of Benjamin Moore's most popular neutral tones) are proof that there is such a thing as complex, liveable grays that feel subtle, quietly grounding, and still interesting in 2026.

'Gray Owl is a light grey with a cool, crisp cast,' explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International), Benjamin Moore. 'This subtle silver-like hue offers a soft and refined luminosity that instantly brightens a room. Its cool undertones provide a more modern and crisp appearance than other greys, making it a hue that is especially suited to contemporary urban settings.'

Here's how designers are using this timeless Benjamin Moore gray paint.

1. Apply It To Kitchen Cabinetry and Surround with Textures

'Gray Owl is one of those rare colors that feels quietly dynamic rather than static,' explains interior designer Leigha Heydt, founder of Heydt Designs. 'I think it is at its best when paired with natural materials that reinforce its quiet, organic character.'

'I love combining it with white oak, walnut, natural stone, linen, wool, handcrafted ceramics, and warm metals like unlacquered brass,' Leigha continues. 'Layering texture rather than introducing too many competing colors allows the subtle complexity of the paint to shine and creates spaces that feel relaxed, welcoming, and enduring.'

'One of Gray Owl's greatest strengths is its flexibility. It pairs beautifully with warm whites, earthy greens, muted blues, charcoal accents, and natural wood tones. Because its undertones shift so gracefully with the light, it bridges both warm and cool palettes, making it an incredibly versatile foundation for a home.'

2. Use Gray Owl as a Timeless Exterior Color

'I would describe Gray Owl as a versatile hue that can go many different directions, depending on what is paired with it,' says Alison Arrington, founder of The Design Room. 'It has a subtle green/blue undertone, but is softened and appears warmer when paired with White Dove (as shown in this picture).'

'I chose this color for an exterior paint because the project has a Cape Cod vibe, which this color is perfect for. I used dark navys, light sea greens, and cream tones throughout the home, which act as perfect compliments coming from the outside where Gray Owl was used. One thing you will notice is that the stone that I chose has very similar tones to Gray owl, as well as creams and beiges. This was one way to sway the paint color to appear warmer than it would have if it was paired with cooler tones. I prefer to bring warmth. It tends to be more cozy and livable.'

When using gray in 2026, always pair it with organic textures. 'Other tones and materials that look great with this color,' says Alison. 'Light to medium rift oak, stone with multi-tones that have this color as well as creams and beiges, dark wood tones complement it also.'

3. Color Drench a Living Room

While there are times not to paint a room gray, in homes blessed with natural light, it's a clever shade to use as your main wall color. 'We selected it for every painted surface in the home, including the walls, trim, doors, and windows, to create a calm, cohesive backdrop that allows the architecture, natural light, and materials to take center stage,' says Leigha.

'Perhaps the greatest testament to the color's longevity came from the homeowners themselves. After living in the home for more than ten years while raising four children, they recently repainted the entire interior and chose Gray Owl again. To me, that's the definition of a timeless color. It wasn't selected because it was fashionable; it was selected again because they genuinely loved living with it.'

'What I appreciate most about Gray Owl is the way it evolves throughout the day,' she explains. 'Depending on the quality and direction of the light, it may read softly green in one room, warmer and almost taupe in another, and additionally reveals a subtle blue undertone. Rather than becoming predictable, it continues to feel fresh and calming as the light changes throughout the day and across the seasons.'

Gray Owl-Inspired Shopping Picks

While not all grays are in this year (plenty of shades are replacing gray in 2026), Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl is a liveable, grounding shade that feels subtle yet unique, doing far more than your average neutral.

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Cool-toned grays may have had their moment, but that doesn't mean that all grays are taking a backseat in 2026. In fact, those warm, more complicated grays that shift in the light are starting to feel like a welcome palette cleanser among some of the more striking hues that make up today's color trends.

While designers have long loved the timeless neutral that is Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath, this year, it feels like one of the few accepted gray paints that actually stand up against the eye-catching shades that are dominating this year. Layered with purple notes, it's a refreshingly layered gray that couldn't stray further from the controversial cool-tone that we've said goodbye to.

Whether you're a lover of simplicity or simply want a neutral paint color that feels classic yet still warm and interesting, Elephant's Breath is exactly how to use gray in 2026.

1. A Tranquil Home Office Bathed In Pale Gray

While plenty of hues are replacing gray in 2026, Elephant's Breath proves that not all gray paints are out of style. 'It's a very calm, sophisticated gray with the warmth of the taupe undertone,' explains interior designer Marie Kalsi, who used it on the walls of a client's home office.

'When we started this project, the only item our clients wanted to keep was the roman blind in this dark purple damask pattern. So, we chose Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath not only for its calming greige quality but also for its hint of magenta and taupe.'

'For contrast, we painted the bespoke cabinetry in Farrow & Ball's Brinjal to really pull the scheme together,' Marie explains. 'We also paired Elephant's Breath with Skimming Stone for the ceiling to not only accentuate the ceiling height but to also create a layered neutral aesthetic, which created a beautiful backdrop for the Roche Bobois Eden Rock collection to complete this modern, glamorous mid-century scheme.'

2. A Living Room That Changes In the Light

'I’d describe Elephant’s Breath as a neutral for people who don’t usually choose neutrals,' explains Henrietta Alice Green, of Henrietta Alice Home. 'It has beautiful lilac undertones that become especially apparent when it’s flooded with natural light in a south-facing room. During the day it feels soft, fresh and uplifting, while in the evening it settles into a cozy, warm grey that creates a really inviting atmosphere.'

There are times you should never paint a room gray, but in light-flooded rooms, it's often a clever choice. 'This room is our snug, so I wanted it to feel cozy and cocooning in the evenings while still feeling light and airy during the day,' Henrietta explains. 'The French windows bring in lots of sunlight, which really enhances the color’s subtle undertones and changing character throughout the day. I also loved how it worked alongside the original cornice detailing, highlighting the architectural features without overpowering them.'

'I think it’s an incredibly versatile color. In this room, I paired it with a palette of bright pastels and a deep teal armchair, which adds richness and depth, particularly in the evening light. Pops of pink and blue work beautifully with Elephant’s Breath’s lilac undertones.'

3. A Romantic Bedroom Layered With Gray Notes

'Elephant's Breath is a wonderfully nuanced warm gray with subtle taupe and mauve undertones,' says interior designer Juliette Saier. 'Depending on the light, it can feel soft and airy during the day, then become richer and more enveloping in the evening. It has a quiet sophistication that avoids both the coldness of traditional grays and the sweetness of beige.'

'The apartment (pictured above) features beautiful historic architecture, including detailed wall moldings, high ceilings, and herringbone parquet flooring. I wanted to highlight these classical elements while giving them a more contemporary and understated character,' Juliette explains. 'Elephant's Breath provided the perfect balance: enough depth to accentuate the moldings and architectural relief, yet soft enough to maintain a calm, residential atmosphere. It creates a refined backdrop that allows natural materials, artwork, and furniture to stand out without competing for attention.'

'Elephant's Breath pairs beautifully with layered neutrals and earthy tones,' adds Juliette. 'In this project, it was combined with Wimborne White on the ceilings and cornices to maximise light and highlight the room's original architecture, while Skimming Stone was used on the inner moulding details to create a subtle tonal contrast. Charleston Gray, on the skirting boards, adds depth and grounding to the overall palette.'

4. A Bright and Airy Laundry Room

'I describe Elephant's Breath as a muddy lilac gray, which acts as an elevated neutral,' begins Kate Daskalakis, founder of KSD Designs.

While there are colors to never pair with gray in 2026, a delicate wallpaper couldn't be a more complementary choice. In this laundry room, Kate applied it to the cabinetry for subtle depth, bringing richness without compromising the room's airiness. 'This built-in is in my studio,' she explains, 'and I chose it because I wanted to give it a moment for people to giggle at the silly name but appreciate the elegance of it in a space.'

'I love to pair it with blues, like Plummet by Farrow & Ball,' she adds, 'and greens like French Grey, and for a white, Pointing by Farrow & Ball (as shown in photo). And I love it with a sage velvet or a chocolate mohair. I love to use it in more historical homes, as it adds depth and enhances the home's natural character.'

5. A Marble Bathroom Grounded With Gray Walls

Interior designer Hazel Morris shares her thoughts on the warm gray paint. 'It's such an interesting color and can look really different placed in different spaces, sometimes lilac and sometimes gray, sometimes even off-white! Always warm and rich and quite luxurious.'

'I chose this color as, being incredibly versatile, it worked across the whole master suite (pictured above) as a perfect backdrop to some of the richer and more pigmented tones we used in the spaces, such as the burgundy bath. Timeless enough to be suitable for period properties and newer styles of property too,' she adds.

'It pairs best with stronger and more contrasting tones, such as the heavily veined marble we chose (picking out the purple-y tones here), darker-toned, antique wood and timbers, warmed based colors such as burgundy. It also works incredibly well as the more pigmented tone in a mostly neutral scheme.'

Elephant's Breath-Inspired Shopping

A complex gray that shifts in the light, Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath is a timeless neutral hue that strikes a balance between warm and fresh, perfect for almost every style or size room.

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Taking its name from antique silverware, Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green fuses earthy forest green and aged gray into one timelessly moody hue.

Best described as a grounding gray-meets-green, Pewter Green might've been on the market for over twenty years, but it's been the go-to dark green paint in the design world since 2020.

Today, Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams is still the go-to paint choice for every space in need of a little luxury and richness. 'While it draws inspiration from nature, it feels refined rather than overly rustic, making it a versatile choice across a variety of design styles,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. 'Depending on the lighting, Pewter Green can read as a deep green, soft olive, or moody neutral, creating depth and warmth while maintaining a timeless appeal.'

'Pewter Green lends itself beautifully to a layered, collected aesthetic,' explains interior designer Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. 'It works especially well with the cottagecore approach to decorating, where color-drenching and character-rich details take center stage. I love pairing it with patterned curtains, floral textiles, vintage artwork, and pieces that feel timeworn and collected over time.'

It makes sense then that the moody green hue worked so well in the farmhouse kitchen pictured above. 'This project dates back to 2018, when black and white painted cabinetry was dominating kitchen design,' explains Kelsey. 'We wanted to push beyond those expected choices and try something that felt fresh while still being timeless. I had originally been inspired by a beautiful green-painted closet island I had seen and wondered what that color could look like on a much larger scale. Pewter Green felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that idea into a full kitchen, creating a space that felt rich, inviting, and a little unexpected at the time.'

'Pewter Green looks especially beautiful alongside natural wood tones and warm brass finishes,' adds Kelsey. 'Green and red/orange sit opposite one another on the color wheel, which creates a natural harmony between the paint color and the warmth of wood. I particularly love it paired with Minwax Weathered Oak stain on white oak. Kelsey suggests, 'Rusty reds and deep aubergine or plum tones can create a striking contrast while still feeling sophisticated, such as Sherwin-Williams Dark Auburn.'

'I wanted a color that felt moody, timeless, and sophisticated while still being practical for a hardworking family space,' explains Sarah Elizabeth Belleau, founder of Elizabeth Lane Interiors, on the green mudroom pictured above. 'Pewter Green has beautiful gray undertones that give it depth and softness, creating a cozy, elevated feel rather than reading overly bold. As a mudroom that sees plenty of daily traffic from my children, I also loved that it would gracefully hide the inevitable dirt, scuffs, and everyday wear while still feeling beautiful and intentional.'

Naming the colors that go with dark green, Elizabeth says, 'Pewter Green works best when layered with natural textures and warm accents. I love pairing it with unlacquered or aged brass fixtures, woven baskets, natural wood tones, linen textiles, and an earthy, textured rug. These organic elements soften the richness of the paint color and create a space that feels warm, inviting, and collected.'

'Pewter Green pairs beautifully with warm neutrals such as cream, ivory, taupe, and camel,' adds Elizabeth. 'It also complements natural materials like white oak, walnut, rattan, and stone. For metals, brass and bronze bring warmth and contrast, while black accents create a more dramatic, modern look. The versatility of Pewter Green is what makes it so timeless. It can feel traditional, modern, or organic depending on the materials layered alongside it.'

'We selected Pewter Green because our client expressed an interest in green cabinetry,' Katilyn of Ainslie Design Studio explains, referring to the moody kitchen pictured above. 'After evaluating the overall style of her condo and taking inventory of the existing décor, we noticed a moodier, more sophisticated aesthetic throughout the space. The dark hardwood flooring further reinforced this direction.'

'With these elements in mind, we felt Pewter Green would be an ideal choice. Its gray undertones create a muted, refined green that complements darker finishes without overwhelming the room. Rather than making the cabinetry a focal point, our goal was for it to feel like a seamless extension of the condo’s design.'

'Pewter Green SW 6208 works beautifully as both a statement color and a supporting neutral,' agrees Emily. 'It can add character to cabinetry, kitchen islands, built-ins, powder rooms, and accent walls, while also creating a cozy, enveloping feel when used throughout an entire room.'

'The color pairs especially well with natural materials such as warm wood tones, stone, linen, leather, and woven textures, helping to create spaces that feel layered, inviting, and connected to nature,' adds Emily. 'Homeowners can also incorporate brass or matte black finishes to further elevate the look.'

Pewter Green-Inspired Shopping

A moody, deep green with notes of rich gray, Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green is a timeless paint color that can be used in various settings across the home, injecting luxury and depth into any room.

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A beautifully designed kitchen isn't defined solely by its finishes or fixtures. Color choices play an equally important role, influencing everything from the mood of a space to how luxurious it appears.

As kitchen color trends continue to move away from one-size-fits-all neutrals, designers are embracing shades with greater depth and personality. The result is a new generation of kitchen color ideas that feel more bespoke, more characterful, and ultimately more expensive.

Whether it's a buttery yellow inspired by historic homes, a deep blue rooted in the landscape, or a rich red that adds instant gravitas, these are the colors designers are using to help kitchens look more expensive in 2026.

1. Rich Burgundy Red

Decorating with burgundy has long been used in traditional country kitchens, bringing warmth, depth, and a sense of permanence to hardworking spaces – such as in this Leicestershire kitchen in a converted mill in the UK.

Burgundy kitchen ideas are making a confident return – a perfect example shade is deVOL's Refectory Red, a heritage-inspired paint that instantly gives cabinetry a grander presence. Rich and enveloping without feeling overwhelming, it has the ability to make even simple furniture feel more refined and substantial. The color works particularly well alongside authentic materials such as black granite, slate, aged brass, and dark timber, creating the layered, luxurious look often associated with historic English interiors.

For a more subtle nod to the burgundy trend, we've just spotted Staub's Beautiful Burgundy 7-Qt Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, on a limited-time deal at Williams-Sonoma. The classic Dutch Oven design is perfect for keeping on display on the hob or shelf, helping to bring color and character to the space.

2. Butter Yellow

Yellow may not be the first color that comes to mind when designing an expensive-looking kitchen, but the latest iterations prove otherwise. Designers are embracing soft, butter-yellow kitchens that bring warmth, personality, and an effortless sense of optimism to a space.

In a coastal kitchen in Edinburgh, Scotland, designer Ailsa MacConnell of Studio Mac used Farrow & Ball's Hay to bring warmth to the space without sacrificing its relaxed, understated feel. With its dusty character and subtle green undertones, the color responds beautifully to the cooler quality of northern light, creating a scheme that feels sunlit even on overcast days. ‘We wanted the kitchen to feel as though it was filled with sunshine, even on a gray Edinburgh day,’ Ailsa explains. ‘Hay has a beautiful buttery quality to it, and its subtle yellow undertones brought exactly the warmth and sense of joy we were looking for without feeling too sweet or overpowering.’

Unlike stronger yellows, which often demand attention, Hay has a quieter presence. It softens the room, complements natural materials, and gives the kitchen a warmth that white kitchen cabinet ideas often struggle to achieve.

Whether you're inspired to repaint your kitchen in a joyful yellow shade or start small with a stand-out yellow appliance like the iconic Butter KitchenAid Stand Mixer (now discounted at QVC), there is no denying the truly uplifting and unique feel of a butter yellow color scheme.

3. Nuanced Navy Blue

Navy has long been a kitchen staple, but in 2026, designers are gravitating toward more complex interpretations of the classic shade. Rather than crisp, traditional navies, today's most sophisticated blue kitchen ideas have a chalkier, weathered quality that feels more relaxed and connected to the landscape.

For this kitchen, designer Sarah Lederman chose Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue, a shade inspired by the salt marshes of the Norfolk coast in the UK. ‘I tend to gravitate toward colors that feel as though they've existed for centuries rather than colors that feel tied to trends,’ says Sarah. Against warm wood floors and painted beams, the color feels rooted in its surroundings. Sometimes reading as navy and at other times appearing almost charcoal, it offers a softer, more contemporary alternative to traditional dark blue cabinetry.

The upholstered barstools beautifully complement the blue paint finish in this kitchen design, with the wood frame adding a perfect dose of warmth and contrast to the scheme (you can achieve a similar look with these upholstered stools from George Oliver at Wayfair)

4. Midnight Blue

In this countryside project, dark blue cabinetry was chosen to bring depth and comfort to a naturally darker room with low ceilings. Rather than fighting the lack of natural light, the design embraces it, creating a cocooning atmosphere that feels calm and welcoming throughout the day.

‘We went bold with darker colors to create a confident statement in a dark room,’ says Nicky Mudie, founder and director of Violet & George. ‘The dark blue worked well against warm oak and patinated copper worktops, aged brass and rich brown glazed tiles.’

Copper pots are definitely having a moment in current kitchen trends. Not only are they excellent for cooking, but they work wonderfully as a decorative element (as seen in the kitchen above), helping to achieve a luxurious contrast in color and material – and we've just spotted a saving on the Gotham Steel Hammered 15 Pc Ceramic Cookware Set Nonstick at Walmart.

Far from making a space feel smaller, deep blue can have the opposite effect when paired with the right materials. It blurs hard edges, softens the room’s architecture, and creates the kind of enveloping atmosphere that makes people want to linger.

5. Clotted Creams

While richer colors may be dominating kitchen trends, designers agree that a beautifully judged cream remains one of the most refined choices of all. The key to this neutral kitchen idea is to choose a shade with warmth and depth rather than the cooler, flatter neutrals that have defined kitchens in recent years.

Today's heritage creams feel inspired by natural materials and traditional interiors, allowing craftsmanship, texture, and architectural details to come to the fore – such as this Edwardian home in London clad in cream subway tiles. Helen notes these warmer neutrals are becoming increasingly popular. ‘At deVOL, we are installing cupboards in rich but pale creams; we think of it as a clotted cream,’ she says. ‘These gentler, more earthy natural colours sit perfectly with wooden or honed Carrara marble worktops to give a warm, light and airy feel to a room.’

The chic ruffle shade (you can buy a similar ruffle shade on Etsy) in this space also helps to bring elegant depth and movement to the neutral scheme, and highlights just how important your chosen finishes and accessories can be in helping to bring a neutral room to life.

As kitchen ideas continue to evolve, color is becoming one of the most effective ways to create a space that feels elevated and enduring. The shades designers are gravitating toward for 2026 interior design trends aren't necessarily louder or bolder; they're simply more nuanced, drawing inspiration from heritage interiors, natural landscapes, and time-honored materials.

Whether you opt for something cocooning or more classic, the key is choosing a color that feels connected to the architecture and atmosphere of your home. When used thoughtfully, the right shade can make a kitchen feel instantly more expensive.

Color has the power to completely shape how a space feels – and crucially, how expensive your home looks. The difference often comes down to nuance: undertones, saturation, and how a shade interacts with natural light.

While no color is inherently ‘wrong,’ designers agree that certain tones can unintentionally make a space feel flat, harsh, or overly mass-produced. Highly saturated hues, stark contrasts, and overly clean pigments tend to lack the depth that gives interiors a layered, lived-in quality.

Instead, designers consistently favor complex, slightly muted shades to make a house look expensive – colors with earthy undertones or softness that evolve throughout the day. Below, color experts share the tones they tend to avoid and the elevated alternatives they turn to instead.

1. Non-Earthy Greens

Green is often seen as a safe, nature-inspired choice – but not all greens bring the same sense of ease. Interior designer Harriet Sale notes that many people gravitate towards cleaner, brighter greens, but without any earthiness, these shades can feel slightly artificial. ‘One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing very clean or bright paint colors,’ she says, which can leave a room feeling ‘flat, harsh or slightly mass market’.

Harriet instead favors what she describes as ‘dirtier’ or muddier greens – tones with subtle olive, moss, or brown undertones that shift gently with the light. Hattie used Light Olive Green by Edward Bulmer in a recent barn conversion project to soften the feeling of a newly built space and create interiors that felt ‘grounded, settled and as though they had evolved naturally over time’. With its soft, chalky quality, the shade moves between olive, moss, and something almost stony depending on the light, creating a relaxed, timeless backdrop. As Harriet notes, ‘the best colors are the ones that feel as though they’ve always existed in the room’.

2. Fluorescent and Overly Saturated Hues

Bright, fluorescent tones can feel energetic, but they often overwhelm a space rather than enhance it. Interior designer Chizitera Pennington explains that ‘fluorescent colors demand a lot of attention and don’t easily give space for personal treasures and craftsmanship to shine,’ which can make a room feel less considered and ultimately less elevated.

Softened versions of bold colors – think ochres, clay tones, or sun-washed yellows – create a much more refined foundation. Chizitera points to shades like India Yellow and Marmelo by Farrow & Ball as perfect examples – earthier interpretations of brighter hues that feel confident rather than overwhelming. ‘Any color in a muted, earthy tone provides a solid foundation for a room,’ she says, allowing art, furniture, and personal details to shine.

3. Flat, Primary Blues

Blue can be one of the hardest colors to get right in a space – it can either feel calming and elevated or cold and slightly clinical, according to interior designer Ailsa MacConnell of Studio Mac. ‘Colors like this often have a flat, primary undertone, meaning they don’t interact particularly well with light.’ Without that complexity, the shade can feel one-dimensional with none of the tonal variation that creates visual interest.

Instead, Ailsa suggests turning to earthier, more nuanced blues, such as Cerullian Blue by Edward Bulmer. Unlike flatter tones, this shade has a soft, chalky undertone and is rich in natural pigment, allowing it to absorb and respond to light beautifully. The result is a color that shifts subtly throughout the day, adding depth and movement to a room.

4. Ultra-Bright, Cool Whites

Some of the most popular modern white paints are also the most deceptively difficult to use well. New York-based designer Lauren Carlucci points to Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore – ‘a crisp, pure white with slightly cool blue undertones’ – as a key example. While undeniably beautiful, she notes that ‘beautiful does not always mean right.’ The challenge lies in its clarity. ‘Chantilly Lace tends to expose what a room is missing rather than enhance what it already has,’ Lauren explains. In spaces with warm woods, brass, or natural stone, it can feel cool and slightly detached, even competing with the materials it’s meant to support.

Lauren recommends Dimity by Farrow & Ball, ‘a warm white with the palest blush undertone that shifts beautifully throughout the day’. Its subtle warmth creates a more cohesive, composed feel, allowing surrounding materials to sit in harmony.

5. Stark, Brilliant Whites

While similar in theory, stark whites pose a different issue – particularly in homes with softer natural light. ‘A very stark, brilliant white can often make a room feel flat and slightly cold,’ says designer Hattie Hansard of Joanna Wood Interiors. She adds that it can make interiors feel ‘developer-led or temporary,’ while running the risk of stripping away warmth and making architectural details appear harsher.

Hattie’s alternatives include Slipper Satin and Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball, both of which offer a gentler, more enveloping quality. These tones respond beautifully to shifting light, creating a calmer, more timeless feel that works effortlessly with natural materials and traditional details.

6. Cool-Toned Grays

Once a go-to neutral, cool-toned gray has quickly fallen out of favor among designers. Los Angeles-based designer Kim Lapin says she ‘especially avoids icy grays,’ explaining that they can make a space feel ‘flat, cold, and lifeless’. Often associated with more generic, overly sterile interiors, these shades can feel uninviting even when styled well.

In their place, Kim favors more grounded neutrals – shades that feel connected to natural materials rather than synthetic or overly polished finishes. Colors like Shoji White by Sherwin-Williams, Revere Pewter and Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore have a slightly weightier, more tactile quality – rather than sitting flat on the walls, these tones work in tandem with wood, stone, and textile.

7. In-Between Pinks

Not all soft colors feel calming – some can read as uncertain or indecisive. Designer and author Libby Cameron points to shades like Hummingbird by Benjamin Moore, a muted pink paint that sits somewhere between blush and mauve. The issue, she suggests, is not softness itself but a lack of clarity: tones like this can feel ‘neither one thing nor the other,’ which can leave a space looking unresolved.

If you’re drawn to pink, Libby recommends opting for something more defined, such as Ballet Slippers by Benjamin Moore – a true, pale pink that feels calm and flattering without ambiguity.

Ultimately, creating a home that feels considered comes down to nuance. The most successful schemes rely on subtle shifts in tone – colors with the right undertones, a sense of balance, and an awareness of how light moves through a space. Rather than relying on stark contrasts or overly perfect finishes, designers tend to favor palettes that feel cohesive and gently varied. It’s this interplay, between materials, color, and light, that gives a room its sense of ease and longevity. Even the smallest adjustment, whether warming up a white or choosing a more grounded green, can transform how a space is perceived.

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The best color schemes don't just reflect a palette of stylish paint shades; they are in keeping with how the room is used and when it is used, and they acknowledge how the natural light changes from morning to evening.

When color schemes are designed to reflect how a room is used – think light and airy kitchens that enhance the daylight to dark and moody snug rooms used for relaxing in the evenings – there is a notable shift between light and dark; day and night, otherwise known as dual color palettes.

'When picking colors for a whole home, I always look at a mix of light and dark,' says the designer Jessica Hobson. 'You need those dark, dramatic spaces in a home that create special moments and give a big impact, as well as the light and airy spaces that seem more effortless and seamless.'

Here, designers explain how to create daytime and evening room color ideas for a home that feels dynamic across the day.

The 10:00 AM Palette

10 am color palettes are for rooms used primarily in the morning: think kitchens, breakfast nooks, and open living spaces. Because these rooms typically receive lots of daylight, they lend themselves to a palette of neutrals and low-saturation colors, where lightness is enhanced.

'My approach to these spaces comes down to how I want the room to feel – it should be welcoming, soft, and easy on the eyes,' says designer Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors. 'I'm drawn towards shades that are found in nature in less saturated hues and stick with warm whites that pair well with other natural materials like wood and linens.'

While light neutrals work well in these rooms, it's important to choose the right undertones to ensure the room feels soft and welcoming. 'The best 10 am palettes feel bright and fresh without feeling cold,' adds Lauren Saab of Saab Studios.

'Morning light is very revealing, so softer whites, warm neutrals, and natural materials tend to work especially well,' says Lauren. 'These palettes work especially well in lighter, airy rooms because they help the space feel calm, open, and naturally energized throughout the day.'

These types of color palettes are a favorite for designer Marie Flanigan, who often turns to decorating with neutrals. 'I gravitate toward palettes that feel luminous, soft, and quietly layered during the day,' she says. 'In light and airy rooms, I prefer to let the walls and natural light create the brightness while warmth and saturation come through materials like wood, linen, leather, and stone.'

'This approach gives a space depth without heaviness and allows the light to move beautifully throughout the day,' she adds. 'The result feels calming, timeless, and deeply connected to the architecture.'

When choosing paint colors for rooms mainly used during the day, it's important to base them on the room's orientation, since this will affect how warm or cool they look. 'Different undertones in a paint color will be revealed depending on the intensity and direction of natural light,' explains designer Sarah Fischer of Sarah & Sons Interiors.

'Elements in a room that I consider 'bossy' can also influence those undertones,' she adds. 'For instance, wood cabinetry could influence a seemingly neutral color to read as more pink or yellow. My goal is to find a paint color that complements existing elements and has a slight muddiness so that it doesn't feel too flat and can handle shifting light throughout the day.'

While warm white paints set a clarifying backdrop, something slightly more colorful can add energy to a room. 'The spaces in which you normally spend time in the mornings set the tone for how you start your day,' explains the designer Ashton Taylor. 'We tend to design these spaces to feel simultaneously soothing and energizing.'

This light green kitchen is light and airy, with extra warmth and optimism. 'It feels like a breath of fresh air first thing in the morning,' explains Ashton. 'It's the perfect backdrop to make a quiet cup of coffee or to cook breakfast with the whole family.'

Beyond paint colors, you should also consider how decor enhances the mood. 'During the high daylight hours, the more light, the better,' explains the designer Jessica Hobson. 'Open those window coverings, turn on the overhead lights, and lamps. This will give you a bright and energetic vibe.'

The 10:00 PM Palette

By contrast, 10 pm palettes are for rooms used in the evenings, taking on a much cozier, cocooning feel that nurtures rather than awakens. 'During the day, they can read heavily, but once the lamps are on and the light drops, those deeper tones start to feel softer and much more atmospheric,' says Lauren.

'Darker palettes work especially well in spaces like libraries and powder rooms because they are spaces typically experienced for shorter periods of time,' she says. 'Those deeper tones can create a strong sense of mood there without becoming visually overwhelming.'

'There is nothing I love more than setting the mood, whether it is a romantic dining room ideal for candlelight or an earthy, neutral living room begging for evening conversations by the fire,' says Ashton.

From dark green to charcoal, rich ochre to muddy neutrals, leaning into dark paint colors is often the best way to set a cozy mood in evening rooms. 'Mixed with luxurious textures and the right lighting, a dark palette feels truly inviting after the sun goes down,' Ashton adds.

Color psychology also comes into play with dark color palettes. 'Richer tones absorb light in a way that makes a room feel grounded, layered, and atmospheric after sunset,' explains Marie. 'I often think about how a home should transition emotionally from 10 am to 10 pm, and deeper finishes help create that shift in mood. Soft lighting against darker materials creates warmth that feels both elegant and comforting.'

When choosing lighting for evening palettes, lean into soft, ambient options. 'Opt for lower wattage with lamps and candles,' advises Jessica. 'A must-have for me in any room is dimmers. Placing fixtures and recessed lighting on dimmers is an easy way to allow you to have full control of the light and overall vibe of the room; I promise they are well worth the upgrade.'

Layering in interior design stops dark rooms from feeling flat. 'I like to layer in darker jewel tones, dark stained wood tones, or different layering techniques like plastered walls or wallpaper,' shares Gabrielle. 'Like in a favorite restaurant or bar, every element in the room aids in the overall experience – a dark velvet sofa, dimmed lighting, sparkle through a gilt mirror, a crystal sconce, a special fabric. All of these layers create an intriguing yet comfortable atmosphere.'

The Transition Zone: Where Day Becomes Night

While it makes sense for morning rooms to embrace lighter palettes and evening rooms darker ones, this can, in practice, create an abrupt contrast between light and dark. To keep things cohesive and ensure a flow throughout your whole home, consider in-between colors in transitional spaces, such as plaster pink paints, earthy neutrals, or mid-tone green paints.

Beyond paint ideas, you can also use clever lighting ideas to shift the mood of a room throughout the day, something that can be needed in open-plan spaces that naturally transition from day to night.

'Perhaps the easiest way to create a change in mood and energy in a room is simply with layered lighting,' Jessica explains. 'I love using multiple light sources in every room: natural light, recessed lighting, hardwired ceiling fixtures and sconces, lamp light, and finally, candlelight. These layers of light allow you to create a mood or feeling in a room without changing anything else.'

How Designers Build Dual-Palette Homes

The best way to design color palettes that work across day and night is to think of your home as a whole. 'I set a vision and concept for the entire home, and then decide on a palette for each room that is dependent on the house, the function of the room, and the overall design direction,' Gabrielle explains.

By doing so, it can help each room within your home to feel connected rather than random. 'A whole home palette should ensure the colors relate and flow from room to room, with the colors complementing each other and the overall design story,' adds Gabrielle.

Aside from rooms that follow an obvious light or dark palette, start with chromatic neutrals in transitional spaces such as entryways that work seamlessly across the day. 'I begin by creating a quiet foundational palette that allows for continuity and flow,' says Marie. 'From there, I layer in moments of depth and contrast in spaces that are meant to feel more intimate or moody.'

Another approach is to start with the hub of the home and build the rest of your schemes around this. 'When designing the color story of a house, we typically start with the room that is the 'heart',' says Nadia Palacios of Nadia Palacios Architecture. 'Whether it’s the kitchen, family room, a bar, or a lounge, whatever the most important room of the house might be, that sets the tone for the whole project. We want colors that complement each other, and we aim to create a balance between richness and neutrality.'

Across all color palettes, remember that lighting is key, helping to set the right mood for the space. 'Lighting and materiality are essential because color is never experienced in isolation,' says Marie. 'Natural light, layered textures, and warm finishes ultimately shape the atmosphere far more than paint alone.'

If you have rooms that are used in equal amounts throughout the day and in the evenings, it's important to find a color that shifts effectively with the changing light – soft in the morning light and cozier in the evenings.

'When selecting a paint color, we consider how the room feels and looks in bright morning sun versus the ambient light needed in the evening,' says Maggie Griesbark of MNG Design. 'We want the space to feel bright and joyful in the morning, but serene and calming in the evening.'

'I find that a soft blue wall paint color mixed with creamy whites and sage greens on upholstery and textiles is a color palette we frequently use in bedrooms,' adds Maggie. 'Additionally, a variety of lighting sources is needed to support the overall mood throughout the day, and window treatments are essential for filtering light properly. All of these elements weave together to create a room that feels welcoming at any time of day.'

Choosing color palettes for your home that are in harmony with the shifting daylight creates balance and helps to define different rooms. Not only do these palettes encourage the intended mood of a room – think a light and airy kitchen or a dark and moody living room – but they also add contrast and interest to a home as it shifts between palettes of varying intensities.

Like many things, the value of an object depends heavily on its buyer. Some might walk straight past a well-loved piece of furniture, while others might only see its character and story. That said, there are some things always worth splurging on, no matter your tastes or style.

The beauty of decorating with antiques is that you never know what you'll uncover, but when you do stumble across something that speaks to you, it's handy to be aware of items worth the investment and the objects that aren't. From rare artwork to well-made cabinets, these are the items that experts say are worth the splurge – and the pieces you should always save on.

Splurge: Good Quality Storage Pieces

While not all vintage furniture trends are worth the investment (all-pine matching sets are a good example), the antique styles that only get better with age are undeniably worth spending a little more on.

High-quality storage pieces are a great place to start. 'I would splurge on a well-made antique case piece,' explains Lauren Sullivan, Founder and Curator of Well x Design and Well Found. 'A chest, cabinet, console, or bookcase. These pieces often anchor a room, and quality construction becomes more apparent over time. A great antique case piece can be used for generations and continue to adapt as a home evolves.'

Whether it's an aged trunk that shows all the best signs of patina or an armoire that's waiting to grace a farmhouse kitchen, sturdy wooden furniture that's remained timeless despite its years is always a safe bet. If it's remained classic for centuries, it'll continue to do so for as long as you own it.

Save: Decorative Trinkets

While meaningful keepsakes are priceless, decorative trinkets that can be found anywhere are always worth saving on. Unless they're rare artefacts or crafted by a notable hand, they're hardly vintage pieces that will add value to your home.

'Smaller decorative pieces are often where the best value can be found,' advises Lauren. 'Bowls, silver-plated candlesticks, planters, and other small objects don’t have to be expensive to make an impact. Some of my favorite pieces have been among the least expensive purchases, and it’s these items that often make a room memorable.'

While, of course, decorative trinkets are worth buying (a midcentury paperweight completes a coffee table, as does a brass candlestick stood on a mantel), you needn't spend hundreds on these pieces, as chances are you'll find them far cheaper elsewhere.

Splurge: Artwork

Art is always worth the investment. The beauty of vintage artwork is that it's a one-off, so you're unlikely to find the same piece again (unless it's a print or replica). If you spot a style that speaks to you (a classic still life of some flowers might be just what your entryway needs; alternatively, a striking abstract canvas woven with color might fill that empty spot above your mantel), buy it – even if it is a little expensive.

'There is nothing we love more than immediately understanding the story a room is conveying the moment we walk through it,' begins Sydney Hale, founder of antique and interiors store, Soul Fed Home. 'For us, good art does that and is always worth the splurge. We believe art tells a story of personal taste unlike any other category can.'

'Whether we’re discussing a painting, a personalized sketch or a curated gallery of engravings, these pieces instantly communicate the feeling of a home and the personality behind it,' says Sydney. 'Some of the very best spaces use layers of art to create a cohesive story to the space or the owners that simply can’t be replicated.'

Save: Generic Glassware

Vintage colored glassware has long been collectable, but the styles worth looking out for are typically the ones you don't often see.

'Resist the urge to overspend when it comes to mass-produced items,' says accredited appraiser Noralen Curl, from JustAnswer Fine Art and Antiques Expert. 'Vaseline Green and Pink Depression glass is lovely and makes a great table statement; however, there is so much of it available that bargain pricing can be had with patience.'

Instead of collecting mass-produced glassware, look out for handcrafted pieces you've not seen before. 'Same goes for recent fads, like Hen on Nest glass figurines,' adds Noralen. 'They are popular now among young collectors, and dealers are taking advantage by increasing the prices on their inventory that has sat unsold for a couple of decades.'

'In the end, though, if it is an item you really love, something that brings you joy, then whatever the piece is, it is worth the splurge.'

Splurge: Tapestries

'I will always splurge on good condition 16th-18th century verdure Flemish and later French Aubusson tapestries,' says Ambrice Miller, founder of Relic Interiors. 'These pieces have been coveted for hundreds of years, given their provenance. Originally commissioned in the “Low Countries,” in the 1500s, they broadened in popularity over the centuries, which reflected a major shift in European artistic leadership from the original great weaving centers to the royal manufactories of France.'

'These tapestries were more than decoration as they served as symbols of wealth,' explains Ambrice, 'political propaganda, and captured the shifts in artistic and religious tastes from the Middle Ages to the humanist and naturalist movement of the Renaissance. Unlike furniture of a similar period, which would have been made with extremely hard and precious woods to last, in order for tapestries (often made of silk and wool) to last 400-500 years, they would have been properly looked after. The pure cost of carry over that time gives insight into their expense now.'

Plenty of benefits come with tapestries. Ambrice explains, 'Though many items go in and out of trends and desire, quality antique tapestries will always represent a certain history, elegance, and craftsmanship that elevates any space and makes them worth every penny.'

Save: 'Trendy' Furniture

Midcentury modern furniture is very collectable, but not all pieces are worth the investment. Overly popular, trend-led styles that you see all over social media will likely have their moment and soon pass.

'It’s safe to say most antiques dealers are obsessed with their trade. That said, it means we scour books, the internet, and the knowledge of peers to create a mental catalogue or price index of most types of antiques that we find interesting,' says Ambrice. 'It also means you can identify trends before they filter down to the mainstream. I try to save on anything I feel does not have a strong record of sustained value or fluctuates dramatically quickly.'

'For instance, certain types of mid-century or vintage “trendy” furniture, such as rattan, bamboo, or hyper stylised pieces, which sometimes lack quality in their construction. I may include a few of those pieces in my collection if I genuinely like them, but I try to steer clear of anything too trendy. If you open social media and everyone’s homes begin to look the same with the same types of pieces, that’s probably an indicator that the aesthetic is on its way out, and maybe wait until you find a bargain to buy.'

Shop Timeless Antiques Worth the Splurge

Items worth splurging on are the ones you'll never see again and think about for years if you didn't pick them up. Whether it's a striking painting you can't take your eyes off or a quality armoire that'll only get better with age, invest in antiques that speak to you, and save on things you've seen a thousand times before.

'As for saving, we tend to stay conservative on pieces that aren’t as rare or that we come across often. We’ve noticed even in antiques, certain items naturally have their moment. We are always drawn to hunting for those one-of-a-kind items that give the home a unique twist,' says Sydney.

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It’s a lesser-known fact that acclaimed Romantic painter J.M.W. Turner, best known for his atmospheric studies of water and light, also had experience as an architectural draughtsman. That detail proved especially fascinating to Love Your Home founder Leigh Harmer, who, while researching the artist’s life and legacy, visited Sandycombe Lodge – the 1813 villa Turner not only lived in, but designed for himself.

The house clearly left an impression. It now serves as the blueprint for Love Your Home’s new collection: a sofa, armchair, and footstool inspired by Sandycombe’s architectural features and designed for modern life.

Each piece traces back to a specific detail from Sandycombe Lodge. ‘The Turner Sofa was conceived as a place for reflection and imagination, qualities that feel central to Turner’s work, and the leg design was inspired by the triglyph brick detailing on Sandycombe Lodge’s exterior,’ Leigh Harmer explains.

‘The Mallord Armchair,' meanwhile, 'draws on the story of Turner’s relationship with his father, who lived with him at Sandycombe Lodge and played an important role in both his personal and professional life. I can imagine him sitting by the kitchen fire in this armchair every night.'

'The shape and lines of the Sandy Footstool reference a distinctive glass ceiling light above the main staircase,' Leigh continues, 'a detail that caught my eye while spending time there.’

Down to the scale, even overarching elements were executed with the house in mind. Rather than subscribing to the increasingly oversized proportions dominating contemporary furniture, for instance, the pieces were designed to suit Sandycombe’s smaller, quainter rooms.

Appropriately, Love Your Home x Turner’s House has returned to Sandycombe Lodge for its official debut. ‘The collection began with time spent in the house, time spent studying Turner, so it felt important to bring the pieces back to that setting, showcasing them in the place that inspired them,' says Leigh.

‘Seeing pieces within the rooms that informed their design helps people understand the connection between the creative process and the finished furniture, completing the story in a meaningful way and helping to bring the house back to life.'

Turner treated Sandycombe Lodge as a sanctuary – somewhere to think, sketch, and escape the city. More than two centuries later, this aspiration hits even closer to home.

'What remains relevant is the idea of creating a home that supports creativity and reflection and offers a sense of calm, and that good design will last for hundreds of years,’ Leigh Harmer tells Homes & Gardens. ‘Turner built Sandycombe Lodge as an escape from the noise and activity of the city, and I think many people are still looking for that balance in their homes today.’

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Reminiscent of sunbaked terracotta, Farrow & Ball's Naperon is a gentle, peachy paint loved for its warmth and radiance.

'Inspired by the origins of the word apron, this is a familiar clay color with a well-loved feel,' explains Farrow & Ball. Naperon quietly saturates a space, bringing grounded calm and tranquillity that lasts beyond sunrise. It's the perfect summer color trend, but the earthy, almost heritage quality makes it a timeless choice too.

'Naperon is such a warm and uplifting color that feels both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time,' says designer Emily Dreelan of Emily Day Interiors. 'It has earthy terracotta qualities, but the soft pink and orange undertones stop it from feeling too heavy. In bright natural light, it almost glows, and even in the evenings, it still feels cozy and bright, which is why it works so well in living spaces.'

Part of the charm of the terracotta color trend lies in the warmth it brings to every space. Shades like Naperon serve as a quiet yet rich backdrop that beautifully envelops without overwhelming a room.

'I chose Naperon for its quiet warmth and earthy depth,' explains interior designer Noëlle Baartmans. 'The natural clay tone creates a cocooning atmosphere: soft in the morning light, intimate by evening when the lamps are on. It carries a grounded elegance that feels both organic and refined.'

While living spaces pair beautifully with the grounding hue, Naperon brings refreshing warmth to bathrooms, too, proving some all-important comfort. The sun-soaked bathroom pictured above proves its ability to make clinical rooms feel inviting and familiar. 'What I love most of Naperon it brings a sense of calm, warmth. In bedrooms especially, Naperon has a beautiful way of making the room feel layered, serene.'

Terracotta paints often work well in midcentury style interiors, too. 'When we were designing this home, we really wanted to stay true to its original 1970s character through the colors and pattern used throughout the scheme,' explains Emily. 'Naperon felt like the perfect choice because it's warm, vibrant, and full of personality, which suited the style of the house beautifully.'

'We decided to have the living room furniture sprayed in the shade rather than use it on the walls,' explains Emily, 'as it created a bold focal point whilst still feeling balanced within what was quite a tricky room layout.'

While terracotta paints like Naperon are colors replacing blush pink, they can feel a little bolder than subtler pale pink tones. To keep your scheme grounded, pair them with organic materials, advises Emily. 'I always advise clients to be brave when it comes to color. Shades like Naperon can completely transform a space and bring so much warmth and character into a home. It works beautifully paired with natural materials and layered with textures and patterns, and I personally love using colors like this on furniture and joinery rather than a full feature wall as it allows the color to make a statement without overwhelming the room.'

'Despite it having a slight plaster pink undertone to it, it’s incredibly earthy and grounding,' explains designer Nicole Thompson of Sleek Chic Interiors. 'It’s got that classic Farrow & Ball metamorphic quality to it, looking like a dusty peach in certain lights and a muted terracotta clay in other lights. Naperon reads slightly redder, more terracotta in tone when positioned next to a darker red such as Red Earth.'

'I wanted to introduce a warm, naturally earthy color that would focus the eye as you walked into the space,' explains Nicole. 'As I was working with this coffered ceiling (pictured in the living room above), the idea was to double-drench it with Red Earth in the centre and then Naperon on the outer part of the ceiling for a really interesting and colorful look that still felt subtle. Naperon is the next shade down from Red Earth, so it works perfectly in a double-drenched look.'

'It’s such a hugely warm and welcoming color that it’s perfect for pretty much any room orientation. To avoid a shade like this looking out of place, I recommend working in the color in some capacity somewhere else in your room so it feels intentional, whether that’s with some textiles or a piece of furniture.'

Naperon-Inspired Homeware

Want to bring this warm, summery yet cozy shade into your home without paint? Shop these Napoleon-inspired buys.

Naperon is quiet yet enhancing. 'As it’s a naturally earthy color, it pairs so well with other earthy shades and natural materials,' says Nicole, 'which makes Naperon such a versatile, easy color to work with. Think reds, browns, creams and greens, any colors that you find in nature, and you’ll be able to bring together for a really calm and collected color scheme that works in your space.'

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Just over a month ago, IKEA announced the 10th rendition of its PS Collection with three playful yet functional home products: a bending lamp, a rocking bench, and an inflatable chair. The chair, designed in a deep green color and encased in a sleek metal frame, became an instant talking point for its surprisingly chic look. But at the same time, it left everyone wondering: is it actually comfortable?

I'll be honest, after first hearing about IKEA's inflatable accent chair, dubbed the 'Easy Chair', I was skeptical. I thought that if it's anything like the blow-up plastic furniture from my childhood, then there's no way it could be comfortable.

But that was before I had the chance to sit in it myself. Now, I'm convinced that this chair is more comfortable than most of the non-air-filled furniture I own.

Unlike the blow-up chairs you might have owned in the '90s or early '00s, this chair doesn't make that annoying, crinkling plastic noise when you sit on it, and it's not easily puncturable because of its thick fabric cover. Plus, you can move around on it, lean forward, sit backward, and relax for an extended period of time without feeling uncomfortable – something I can say with confidence after sitting on it myself. This IKEA air chair reimagines the blow-up chair from something childish to something so design-driven, you'd think it's a luxury designer find.

Like most IKEA furniture, the chair is incredibly easy to assemble. Just set up the frame, pump up the air chambers with the foot pump (sold with the chair), and zip each fabric cover shut. Once the cushions are in place, the chair is ready for use. If a spill ever occurs, the covers are conveniently machine-washable, and if the chair ever feels deflated, simply pump more air into each chamber.

Aside from providing extra seating in your living room or bedroom, this chair can become the talking point of your home – thanks to its chic, mid-century-inspired look and its borderline unbelievable means of assembly.

Nowadays, design trends are reminding us that the best furniture and decor can't just look good. It needs to be functional, comfortable, and practical for everyday life, too. Not only does IKEA's Easy Chair tap into that idea, but the brand's entire PS 2026 Collection was designed with the same intention. From height-adjustable stools to tables with hidden drawers, this PS Collection was designed to be stylish, versatile, and built for real life. The surprisingly chic and unbelievably comfortable air chair was just the start.

Shop More Playful and Functional Finds From IKEA's PS 2026 Collection

Though this collection has been available in stores for a few weeks, it just launched online today (28th May). If you've been dying to try the iconic Easy Chair or anything else from this limited-edition collection, now's your chance to shop it.

Clearly, the Easy Chair isn't the only surprising detail from IKEA's 10th PS Collection. These versatile and multifaceted furnishings can add a sense of playful style to your home, making it one that'll never feel short on personality.

Though the PS 2026 Collection has just launched online, it won't stay in stock long. Plus, it's a limited-edition collection, meaning if these pieces sell out, there is a chance they won't be restocked. So, if this collection is speaking to you, be sure to add to cart fast.

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The beauty of antique shopping is its unexpectedness; you never know what you'll uncover. While those of us who enjoy decorating with antiques could likely tell a tale or two about the gems we've unearthed, unsurprisingly, the best stories come from the dealers and design experts who are among antiques every day.

The most extraordinary finds are those that surprise us. From an ornate column capital salvaged from a scrap yard in India to an eight-foot high tapestry sourced from a French flea market, these are the favorite finds of dealers, experts, and designers who love antiques.

1. An 18th Century Oil Painting

'Last December I sourced a huge 18th-century French oil painting in the circle of Alexandre-François Desportes,' begins Ambrice Miller, founder of Relic Interiors. 'The painting depicts a dynamic stag hunt with its composition balancing the grace of the stag with the energy of the scene. I am always partial to a large painting depicting animals, but by coincidence, a dear friend (and fellow antiques dealer) was getting rid of some old Sotheby’s auction catalogues from the 90s-00s, so I grabbed a few as reference documents, as I love to flip through and learn about antiques that way.'

'When flipping through, I saw a piece by Desportes of a stag hunt and was captivated by the scale, energy, and execution of the painting. Weeks later, I was attending an auction in Paris and saw this piece was several lots before the piece I had intended to bid for; it felt like fate. The painting came from a chateau in Provence, and I had to have it. It was simply breathtaking and I was immediately taken by it.'

'I love this piece in large part because of how unexpected it was to find it,' explains Ambrice. 'Especially as I’d seen a catalogue write-up of the circle this artist would have been a part of. It’s difficult to find large-scale paintings in good condition with their original frame and without being relined or having undergone heavy restoration work. I felt like I hit the jackpot!'

'It is currently in our drawing room above the mantle, as we never use the fireplace in there. It’s in pride of place, and given its size, it is often the first piece that is noticed in the room. I feel like large paintings are having their moment again. For the past decade, interiors have been dominated by gallery walls and mixing and matching aesthetics. I love the conviction of having a statement piece and being unapologetic with the space it occupies. Now is a time to be bold with interiors.'

2. A Rare Midcentury Armchair

'During my adult life, I’ve been lucky to both acquire and inherit an array of antiques and vintage pieces, explains Anthony Barzilay Freund, antique specialist and editorial director at 1st Dibs. 'Each wonderful for a variety of reasons (none of which necessarily includes its value or price tag). My most recent acquisition was a mid-century modern armchair that adds the finishing touch to the much-used seating area in our kitchen.'

'Created by Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen in 1948, the lounge chair is from his Laila series, which he created for Asko, the iconic 20th-century furniture manufacturer. I found it on 1stDibs from one of my favorite dealers, Lawton Mull.'

'I’ve always been drawn to the gently enveloping curves of Scandinavian seating, but I’ve never owned a piece in that style. For the last decade, we’ve been slowly fitting out our kitchen with things we love – an 18th-century Swedish farm table here, a mod pair of chrome-based swivel chairs there, a banquette covered in a boldly graphic Madeline Weinrib textile – without a ton of thought about how they all fit together. Missing just one piece to finish the room, I chanced upon the Laila chair on the site, and we snapped it up immediately.'

'Thanks to the help of Cordelia Lawton and Patrick Mull, who reupholstered the cushions in a durable, dark blue Dedar fabric (Purple Flower), which picks up the medallion of the banquette, and stained the legs to better relate to the walnut top of our kitchen island, the chair miraculously completes the scattershot ensemble – and it’s incredibly comfortable to boot.'

3. An Antique Floor Covering

James Yarosh, interior designer and gallerist at James Yarosh Associates, explains the story behind a one-of-a-kind antique tapestry he sourced.

'This antique tapestry, used as a floor covering, became the defining element in a second-floor family atrium. Windows on two floors above allowed daylight to filter down into the atrium, casting a soft and shifting spotlight that animated the floor throughout the day.'

'In searching for the right foundation for the room, I collected antique furniture to create a visual dialogue between design and fine art. While sourcing rugs with Josh Nazmiyal at Rug & Kilim, I was drawn to tapestries, which are typically reserved for the wall. He encouraged me to pursue that instinct, to work outside the expected and open new possibilities. His no-limits approach to beauty met my vision seamlessly. The piece introduced a subtle wedding motif – signifying a poetic “marriage” within the space of fine art and design.'

'It proved to be my favorite solution for the floor,' says James. 'In this private setting, experienced only by family and close guests, it anchors the room, elevates the surrounding furnishings, and serves as an anchoring subplot worthy of connecting the carefully curated artworks surrounding it.'

4. An Indian Column Capital

Known for her love of antiques, Neha Gupta is an interior designer and founder of NU Curations. 'This is the most exceptional antique I have ever sourced and handled: a large 19th-century hand-carved red sandstone column capital, originating from a haveli (traditional mansion) in northern India.'

'During a business trip to conduct traceability work for construction and building material procurement, I encountered a sudden monsoon downpour at an open, cluttered storage yard for old construction materials,' explains Neha. 'While seeking shelter from the rain, I tripped over a massive concrete block. Rainwater washed away grime and coal soot that had accumulated over decades, revealing intricately carved lotus patterns and weathered geometric designs on the block’s sandstone surface. Long crushed beneath a rusted iron gate, the block had been completely forgotten.'

'This century-old stone carving is the most prized piece among all of my private collections. It integrates historical depth, sculptural art, and original inherent textures, and retains clear chisel marks left by craftsmen from a hundred years ago. The natural patina on its weathered terracotta-toned surface cannot be replicated by any modern craftsmanship, and it is fully capable of setting the atmosphere for the entire room.'

'To make architectural remnants compatible with contemporary residences, a high-contrast design logic must be adopted. The author transformed a large stone column capital into a sculptural cocktail table and placed it in a minimalist, well-lit living room,' says Neha. 'This original interior furnishing I created places a piece of rough red sandstone marked by erosion next to a low, ultra-modern custom white linen sofa; the contrast in texture between the two generates striking sensory tension.'

5. An 8ft High French Tapestry

'It's very difficult to decide which antique I have sourced is the most extraordinary as I have been doing this for a number of years,' explains owner and principal designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs.

'If I had to pick just one, it would be an 18th-century French tapestry that I purchased more than thirty years ago. I found it at the Paris Flea Market and instantly fell in love with it. It was hanging in an outdoor booth and featured a pastoral scene in soft shades of green, terracotta, and brown. It measures eight feet tall and fourteen feet wide.'

'It was very expensive for me at the time,' explains Debbie, 'but I did my best to negotiate the price down. I was not successful, and I left the Paris Flea Market empty-handed. But I couldn't stop thinking about this magnificent piece, and I returned several days later. I was told by the vendor that he would take a lower price but that I would need to pay him in cash. My husband and I had to go to multiple banks all over Paris to collect the designated amount of cash since there was a maximum withdrawal amount at most banks. The vendor and I then made the exchange in our hotel lobby just hours before flying back to the United States. We transported this precious cargo in a large duffel bag so that it never left our possession once we acquired it.'

'It is my favorite find because of the story behind it! This piece has always been a focal point in our home because of its size and grandeur. It now resides in my living room right off the entrance hall. Most guests immediately notice it, which is an opportunity for me to tell the story and adventure of how it was purchased.'

Shop Timeless Antiques

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Gray might be experiencing a slight hiatus in interior design in recent years, but this certainly doesn't apply to Benjamin Moore's iconic Boothbay Gray HC-165. Woven with powdery blue notes, the silvery gray paint color has proved popular ever since its debut in 1976.

Relied on by interior designers for its sophisticated feel that quietly enhances any setting it's applied to, there's a reason Boothbay Gray is one of the best gray paints on the market. Able to master the balance between light and dark, the sophisticated gray-meets-blue is layered with an array of tones that make it far more than your average one-dimensional gray.

'The most appealing grays go beyond simple blends of black and white,' explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'They’re layered with nuanced pigments that create richness and visual interest. Boothbay Gray is a timeless blue-gray known for its quiet versatility and refined character.'

How To Decorate With Boothbay Gray

Boothbay Gray is the ideal gray to be using in 2026 because it's a slightly more neutral take on a powdery blue – a huge color trend right now, but because it leans slightly more gray than blue, it has a more timeless appeal. 'This timeless blue-gray is effortlessly adaptable,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'Neither too blue nor too gray, Boothbay Gray HC-165 finds an easygoing balance between refined and welcoming. It is a great option for a cool gray that doesn’t feel austere or dull, and works beautifully as a color palette staple in interiors or exteriors.'

1. Apply It To Bedroom Walls

There are times when you should never paint a room gray, but in the case of a light-filled bedroom, these rules don't apply. 'Boothbay Gray is a sophisticated blue-gray,' says interior designer Chelsea Kasch, founder of Chelsea K Designs. 'I consider it an elegant and timeless color vs the usual grays that have been trendy.'

While the off-gray paint blends into hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, its quiet depth complements bedrooms beautifully. 'Bedrooms are my favorite areas to use Boothbay Gray. I love using it on a door in an entryway, too.' In the sleep space pictured above, Chelsea chose it as the main wall color. 'I have paired it with Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore as well as Steam by Benjamin Moore for a more neutral blend. Also, accenting it with dark slate or charcoal can also be unforgettable.'

2. Color Drench a Den

If you're planning on using gray in 2026, Boothbay Gray is a timeless alternative to the cool-toned neutrals that can read a little drab. 'It's a statement blue without being too saturated,' explains interior designer Kelly Sutherland. 'Blues can be challenging if you don't select one that is a bit grayed down. Too pale goes nursery, and if it's too saturated, it loses its sophistication. I used this color in my den (pictured above) at 75% in a high gloss, and it was the perfect, happy color!'

'I've used this color in a primary bedroom and a casual den. I think it is a versatile color. It would also look fabulous in a laundry room. I do prefer this color in a room with at least a few windows for the natural light to highlight its beauty.'

'The easiest part of using this color is that it is complementary to so many other colors,' adds Kelly. 'I used it in my den with Rose Tarlow's Carmen fabric, and the gold popped against the blue backdrop. It also pairs well with greens, yellows, pinks, or any warmer toned colorway.'

3. Make It Your Exterior Color

Muted and gentle, Boothbay Gray is an enduringly classic exterior paint that brings a heritage feel to facades, from colonial-style homes to shingle-style properties.

'I love to use this color on exteriors with crisp white trim in Decorator’s White OC-149, explains Arianna. 'The soft notes of blue bring just the right amount of color while still creating a classic look.'

An exterior paint color to make a house look more expensive, Boothbay Gray uplifts without feeling juvenile or overly bright. It's not just a clever exterior paint choice; it transitions seamlessly inside the home, too. 'For interiors, this color really shines in well-lit rooms bathed in natural sunlight,' explains Arianna. 'I love it on kitchen cabinets with softly shaded walls in Classic Gray OC-23 or Silver Satin OC-26 for just the right amount of contrast.'

4. Use It On Kitchen Cabinetry

'To me, Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray is a soft, coastal gray-blue that feels timeless and calming without reading overly trendy,' says interior designer Jessica Koltun. 'It has enough warmth to feel inviting while still bringing in that subtle, moody sophistication that works beautifully in luxury homes.'

In the kitchen pictured above, the pale gray-blue brings just the right amount of charm without compromising the bright and airy feel of the space. 'I think the color looks best in spaces with good natural light, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and even cabinetry. It creates a very serene atmosphere and can shift beautifully throughout the day depending on the lighting.'

'Boothbay Gray pairs especially well with warm whites, creamy off-whites, natural wood tones, unlacquered brass, limestone, and soft earthy neutrals,' explains Jessica. 'We also love layering it with textured materials to keep the space feeling warm and elevated rather than too cool.'

Boothbay Gray-Inspired Shopping

A refreshing variation on lackluster grays that ruled the 2000s, Boothbay Gray feels neutral yet noticeable. It's uplifting and cheery, yet still restrained and understated, making it perfect for almost every space. When decorating with the powdery hue, always consider the colors to never pair with gray for a well-balanced scheme.

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Since its first launch in the 1990s, IKEA's PS Collections have challenged the way we think about design. They've always been supplementary to the brand's standard range (hence the 'PS' or, 'post scriptum' title), and since the beginning, each collection has been intended to make good furniture accessible for all people, reflecting IKEA's core principle of democratic design.

Nearly 30 years and nine collections later, IKEA has continued to do just that, and its PS products have become cult favorites in the design scene for their simple yet innovative style. Now, as the 10th iteration of the PS Collection launches, IKEA continues to champion the democratization of high-end design. Only this time, playful functionality is at the forefront of its creations. The collection launches in-store today and is available to shop online from May 22nd.

Maria O'Brian, the Creative Leader of IKEA's PS 2026 Collection, says the series 'combines functionality with unexpected details, interactive elements, and a sense of discovery, turning ordinary objects into something joyful. 'The goal is to create objects that not only serve a purpose but also bring curiosity and something unexpected into the everyday.'

You might remember a few weeks ago when IKEA teased this iteration of its PS Collection at Milan Design Week with a bending lamp, a rocking bench, and a surprisingly chic inflatable chair. These pieces embody the notion of playful functionality – and the rest of the collection does, too.

IKEA enlisted the talents of twelve designers to bring PS 2026 to life – each asked to reinterpret Scandinavian design aesthetics through their eyes while blending innovation, practicality, and playfulness. From there, the imaginative, 44-piece collection was born – consisting of chairs, rugs, vases, lamps, and so many more pieces that are bound to become conversation starters within your home.

'The pieces you see in the collection invite people to touch, explore, and engage with them, revealing functions, surprises, or character beyond what first appears,' Maria muses. Like a reminder to embrace curiosity and the childlike sense of wonder that exists within all of us, these pieces are proof that good design doesn't have to be so serious all the time.

Aside from the inflatable green chair that became an instant fan-favorite, there's so much more to love from IKEA's 10th PS Collection. The woven wood cabinet, for instance, is a definite standout with its unique formation, its visual appeal, and its texturally rich style. As is the metal mirror with its abstract metal frame – a practical feature and an art piece. Even smaller decorations like the cheeky vases with ear-shaped handles and the portable lamps with colorful bases demonstrate the expressive nature of this collection.

These pieces have been made to help your home function more efficiently, but with their playful design elements, they'll turn it into a place that's filled with excitement around every corner.

IKEA's PS 2026 Collection couldn't come at a better time, especially as design trends are taking a turn away from rigidity to embrace personality and character in interior spaces. Though simple in form, each piece is built to bring joy into your home in one way or another – whether that be through the fun rocking feature on the rocking bench or the unique briefcase-style fold of the folding side table.

But the best part? It's all accessible. This collection's prices range from $4.99 to $499, with most products falling below $100 – further demonstrating IKEA's commitment to making high-end, well-made Scandinavian furniture and decor available for all.

Since PS 2026 is a limited edition collection, it won't be around forever. Shop it in stores now, or mark your calendars for its online drop on May 28th.

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Benjamin Moore has revealed its best-selling paint colors specifically for the bedroom, so if you’re after a soothing, relaxing shade that will aid a good night's rest, the hunt is over.

These four shades are delicate and muted without feeling forgettable, offering a calming uplift without overwhelming a space; striking that perfect balance that so many of us look for when exploring characterful bedroom color ideas.

We spoke with Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore, and Arianne Barone, Color Marketing Manager, to find out how best to decorate with these timeless bedroom colors and why they continue to prove so popular.

'We typically see people reaching for more calming hues when choosing paint colors for their bedrooms. This can help create a more tranquil space to relax and unwind', says Helen. 'These four colors all exude that gentle, easygoing feeling. They also have some color and depth to them, bringing a presence but also softness to the space. Off-whites are always a timeless option. But for bedrooms, where people often want to create a warm and cozy space, midtones or hues with a touch of color can really help emphasize that feeling.'

From a gray-tinted blue to muted sage, these popular shades are well on their way to becoming some of the best Benjamin Moore colors to use in bedrooms.

1. Pashmina AF-100

'Perfectly balanced between warm and cool, light and dark, Pashmina AF-100 is a sophisticated neutral for a bedroom,' explains Helen. 'This stony gray works well with almost every other hue, and it's this versatility that gives good reason for its popularity.'

'A popular Benjamin Moore hue, this perfectly balanced neutral is well-loved for its adaptability and depth,' adds Arianna. 'Pair this timeless midtone with a soft off-white, like Steam AF-15, on the trim and ceiling. Bring in texture with chunky knits in charcoals and chocolates – like Kendall Charcoal HC-166 and Black Bean Soup 2130-10 – for added warmth.'

Pale pinks and plaster tones are a welcome accompaniment to Pashima, helping to enhance the warmth of the neutral brown tone. 'A subtle blush undertone allows it to pair beautifully with deep orange for an energised, inviting space, or with muted mid-tones for a more calming, understated effect,' says Helen.

2. Wind Chime AF-465

'A touch of gray gives Wind Chime AF-465 a heightened sense of tranquillity and harmony,' says Helen. 'The softest touch of green invigorates this gray hue, creating a quietly confident presence in the bedroom. As a versatile foundation, this delicate celadon shade moves effortlessly from room to room, enveloping spaces in warmth and comfort.'

A sage green paint that edges more on the neutral side, Wind Chime is perfect for neutral lovers looking to create a calming space while still keeping things interesting. While white will always be a popular bedroom color trend, this nature-inspired hue feels equally as timeless and far more cocooning.

'When using this color in a bedroom, layer in other green paint colors like Jojoba AF-460 and Spring Bud 520 for a subtle but intentional contrast,' advises Arianna. 'Create a relaxing oasis by bringing in floral-inspired bedding, crisp white linens, and leafy plants.'

3. Porcelain 2113-60

'Porcelain 2113-60 is a dusty lilac that introduces gentle warmth and a whisper of color to a bedroom,' explains Helen. 'When paired with a refined off-white with green-gray undertones, it creates a harmonious balance that feels both elegant and inviting. This combination is particularly suited to a whimsical, dreamlike interpretation of a vintage mauve scheme.'

While lavender paints tend to feel juvenile, Porcelain is infused with pale gray undertones, making it feel livable yet still uplifting. 'Use a crisp white paint color, like Chantilly Lace OC-65, on the trim and ceiling for maximum contrast,' advises Arianna. 'Light cottons in blushed off-whites, like Whitewater Bay OC-70, can add a playful warmth to the space.'

4. Van Courtland Blue HC-145

Richer than a pastel, but still muted and pared-back, Van Courtland Blue HC-145 is perfect for bedrooms in need of a little depth. With a regal feel, it complements characterful homes as well as newer ones, enveloping and enriching bedroom walls.

'An elegant, old-world blue, Van Courtland Blue bridges traditional and contemporary interiors with ease,' explains Helen. 'Its cool character, softened by gray undertones, brings a calming, airy quality to a bedroom. In south-facing spaces, it takes on a subtle luminosity, adding brightness and depth without ever overpowering the surroundings.'

While a blue pastel room might lack depth, Van Courtland Blue has the right amount of gray for it to feel richer and deeper. When decorating with the sophisticated hue, Arianna recommends, 'Opt for a softer off-white on the trim and ceiling, like Dove Wing OC-18, for a gentler contrast. Pair it with warm wood tones, ticking stripe bedding and woven accents for a classic yet relaxing look.'

From soothing sage to warm taupe, these four muted shades are perfect for all bedrooms. Richer than stark white yet still calming and neutral, they're a calming canvas that will pair beautifully with all interior design styles. Next, explore the best-selling Benjamin Moore white paint that designers cannot get enough of.

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A timeless white paint that feels warm yet never yellow, Benjamin Moore's Cloud White OC-130 is a bestseller for a reason.

Loved by interior designers across the country, Cloud White is often named one of the best Benjamin Moore white paints for its enduring feel and ability to both brighten and warm a room at once. While shades like Swiss Coffee and Simply White will always be firm favorites, Cloud White is making its mark in interiors everywhere this year.

'Soft and beautifully balanced, this versatile white brings an effortless sense of lightness to any space,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'It delivers a clean yet gentle appearance, with a warm undertone that avoids any hint of yellow. Subtle and sophisticated, this soft white evokes the airy quality of vapor clouds drifting across a clear sky.'

When choosing the best white paint, Arianne Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, says Cloud White is perfect for spaces that require both brightness and warmth. 'Cloud White OC-130 is a versatile off-white paint color with a subtle hint of warmth. It has more yellow than the perennial favorite White Dove; so if you’ve sampled White Dove but are looking for something a bit creamier and warmer, Cloud White is a great option to consider. I love to use it in rooms with cooler lighting or spaces that are more dimly lit because its yellow undertone can help to lift and soften the space.'

'I love to use this hue for both interior and exterior paint projects,' adds Arianne. 'Cloud White is a great option for an exterior because it is a brighter, crisper white paint color without being too stark. Colors will cast brighter in the natural light, so choosing a white paint color with a bit of warmth is a great way to balance the light.'

Interior designer Marie Flanigan names Cloud White as one of her favorite white paints and uses it in many projects. 'Cloud White is a soft, luminous white that feels effortless and lived in. It carries a gentle warmth that reads beautifully as a global finish, which is a color I thread throughout the home in different applications.'

'When used in a bedroom, it creates a calm, cocooning backdrop that lets the architectural details and furnishings take center stage,' explains Marie. 'It pairs especially well with a mix of materials. In the bedroom (pictured above), an architectural wood headboard, soft muted drapery, and layered linens all sit comfortably within its tonal range. It is a white that supports both contrast and harmony, which makes it incredibly versatile.'

'Let Cloud White carry across walls and millwork for a seamless, quiet envelope,' she adds. 'It thrives in natural light, where it can shift subtly throughout the day. I also love how it allows texture to do the work, whether that is panelling in the bath or the interplay of textiles in the bedroom. It is a foundation color that feels intentional without ever calling too much attention to itself.'

Cloud White excels in already bright spaces. 'It performs best in bright, well-lit spaces and pairs seamlessly with warm, earthy palettes,' explains Helen. 'Use it as a crisp contrast for deeper wall colors or combine it with shades that share its warmth, such as medium tans with golden undertones or soft, neutral beiges. For a more classic look, it also complements elegant, old-world blues, making it equally at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors.'

While white can sometimes feel sterile or stark, the beauty of Cloud White is its gentle warmth that makes light-filled rooms feel welcoming rather than harsh. In this bright and airy bathroom, Marie wanted to lean into its open proportions, opting for a classic white paint with the right amount of yellow. 'When it was placed in a client’s bathroom, it reflected the natural light in a way that felt fresh and not overly clinical.' She adds, 'The warmth of a wood vanity and antique brass fixtures in a bath feel elevated against it.'

A timeless white that does all the work for you, Arianne says, 'If you are looking for a soft and subtle backdrop, with just the right amount of warmth, Cloud White is a great option to consider. Use it on the walls, trim and ceiling for uninterrupted color flow.'

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Whimsical has been a bit of a buzzword in interiors so far this year. The antidote to the sleek, minimalist all-neutral interiors that have dominated trends in decades past, in 2026, we are embracing layers, patterns, and color, and upping the whimsy.

The perfect example of charming, whimsical design can be seen in our recent tour of Designer Lauren Carlucci's Windham project, where she uses whimsical wallpaper in almost every room. A playful blue and white gingham print envelops the dining room, while a sketch-like botanical wallpaper adorns the walls in the bedroom. These whimsical styles bring energy, character, and imaginative appeal to the rooms in which they exist – demonstrating the stylistic possibilities that exist outside of the comfort zone of plain white paint.

From climbing vines and blooming florals to pastoral scenes and even modern toiles, the range of whimsical wallpaper is endless. Ahead, find 24 styles that'll make the walls in your home look anything but ordinary.

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One of the biggest (literally) purchases you can make for any home is a sofa. Hard not to notice, it's the first thing you lay your eyes on, so picking a timeless color that's unlikely to date couldn't be more important.

Taking up the most visual and physical space in a living room, the couch sets the tone of a scheme, so avoiding fleeting styles and staying up to date with sofa color trends for 2026 is the right way to ensure your purchase lasts for years.

'A sofa is one of the longest-standing investments in a room,' explains interior designer Jennifer Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. 'It will outlast the paint color, probably outlast the rug, and may outlast several rounds of redecorating. So choosing one based on what’s trending is exactly the thinking that leads to expensive regrets.'

1. Navy

'If I had to single out one couch shade that’s losing its footing, it’s cool, saturated navy,' explains interior designer Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors.

'For years, navy has been the default 'safe statement' – a way to bring in color without fully committing,' explains Hannah, 'or what I tend to think of as a non-neutral neutral. But that’s also exactly why it’s starting to feel a bit tired. The truest versions of navy – very clean and crisp and very blue – can come across a little rigid.'

'I also find it to be a surprisingly tricky color to work into a scheme in a way that feels natural. More often than not, it pulls a space slightly coastal,' she adds. 'If I’m bringing blue into a statement piece like a sofa, I almost always look to nature for direction. That’s where things feel the most timeless. I’m much more drawn to muted, nuanced colors – a soft blue-gray, something that feels a bit weathered, or a gentle sky blue that shifts throughout the day. They give you a sense of calm and depth, but in a way that feels more grounded and layers beautifully with almost every color palette imaginable.'

2. Gray

Gray isn't included in this year's sofa trends; instead, more playful, kitschy (yes) styles are taking over as designers continue to embrace character over clinical.

While cold-feeling gray is taking a backseat, patterned sofas are making their mark, bringing a whimsical dose of charm and eclecticism into living rooms. Mary Patton, of Mary Patton Design, says, 'Gray and pale neutrals are giving way to more expressive upholstery – think richly patterned fabrics, especially florals, as a fresh update for sofas, particularly when paired with clean, contemporary silhouettes.'

While there will always be room for neutrals (whether that's through paint color or smaller decorative touches), today's trends embrace quirks and charm, so going big with your sofa is the perfect way to assert your personality. While committing to a bold pattern might be daunting, see it as a way to keep the rest of your palette restrained and pared-back.

3. Brown

'Brown is having a really concentrated moment right now, with mocha, chocolate, cognac, caramel,' says Jennifer. 'The appetite for it is understandable as these are warm, complex tones that work well with the natural materials and aged finishes that are everywhere in interiors right now.'

While plenty of colors go with a brown couch, Jennifer says the obviously trendy mochas are the ones best avoided. 'The brown that has been showing up more and more from the Mocha Mousse color trend risks dating to 2025-26. It’s not the cognac leather Chesterfield that’s been around for decades. It’s not the tobacco-colored velvet sofa that looks like it came from a 1970s Parisian apartment.'

She adds, 'But if brown is genuinely your palette, and if your room has warm wood, aged brass, linen, stone, you’d probably have arrived there anyway, and it will serve you well.'

Shop On-Trend Sofa Colors

'The one caution I’d offer: be careful with very trend-specific colors', advises Jennifer. 'If you’re drawn to whatever shade is having a moment, make sure your room genuinely does it justice, because trend colors date faster than classic ones, and a sofa isn’t easy to replace. If you’re going bold (with color or pattern), just take a little time to reflect and if you love love love it, the chances are you will love it for a long time.'

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If there's one thing you'll see almost everywhere in Japan, it's tatami mats. The traditional flooring solution, laid side by side and made of woven soft rush grass and compressed rice straw, is firm, breathable, and beautifully aromatic.

Those fragrant qualities also make them excellent natural deodorizers − something I've noticed since introducing them into my bedroom.

Not only are they an easy way to make your bedroom smell like a luxurious hotel suite, but they're also a tasteful way to introduce elements of biophilic design. Here's why experts recommend them to promote relaxation, support sleep, and fill your home with their natural fragrance.

Why Tatami Mats Are Ideal for Creating a Soothing Atmosphere

If you've ever perused Japanese-inspired interiors or Japandi bedroom ideas, you're likely familiar with tatami mats. But why exactly are they so good for creating that signature, serene, and soothing atmosphere?

Maiko Shimazaki, the founder of Revitalist15, a New York-based wellness brand rooted in Japanese relaxation rituals, explains, 'The top layer of tatami mats is made from woven igusa, also known as rush grass. The natural aroma of igusa contains phytoncides that help reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation.

'It shifts the body into a parasympathetic, “rest and digest” state, similar to the calming effect of forest bathing. It also helps clear the mind and helps improve focus and mental clarity.'

As a non-toxic way to make your home smell nice, igusa also helps to regulate indoor humidity owing to its naturally absorbent qualities. 'By controlling moisture, it prevents the buildup of mold and unpleasant odors,' adds Maiko, 'effectively keeping the air feeling clean and fresh.'

How Tatami Mats Support Sleep

Tatami mats aren't just an easy and design-forward way to make your home smell nice, either − they may also help you to sleep better, too. In fact, I had one of the most comfortable nights' sleep ever on a traditional Japanese futon set on them, and I find they support my sleep back home, too, where I have a bedframe which uses tatami mats to support the mattress.

'The subtle scent of igusa can help stabilize heart rate and encourage natural sleepiness, supporting deeper rest,' advises Maiko. 'Its breathable, moisture-regulating properties create a more comfortable sleep environment, while its firmness supports easier movement during sleep and reduces physical strain.

'For optimal back support, it’s best paired with a moderately thick, supportive mattress or futon.' For example, the 4" Thick Japanese Floor Mattress, available at Wayfair, is a good option.

What to Shop

If you'd like to introduce tatami mats into your own sleep space, I've rounded up a selection below, all of which are available for direct shipping straight to the US. You don't have to go the full way, either − small tatami details can bring that same sense of biophilic calm to your space, without the commitment.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

If you're interested in learning more from Maiko, her Japanese sleep secrets are guaranteed to inspire better rest.

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Every home has its floor lamps, its table lamps, its flush mounts, and its pendants – key details that both illuminate rooms and establish moods. But there's another player in the mix – one that is essential to a layered lighting scheme: the wall light.

Whether mounted, plugged-in, or rechargeable by design, wall lights are small but impactful lighting ideas that act as the finishing touch in a home's lighting layout. We were recently reminded of their usefulness in our tour of Cornerstone Design & Build's Toronto remodel. Room after room, wall lights are put to use in this project – in bedrooms as bedside lights, bathrooms as vanity lighting, and the kitchen as task lighting – demonstrating just how beneficial these details can be in every room around the home.

But here's the thing about wall lights – their appeal spans beyond just their practicality. Of course, they make sense for small bedrooms with no space for table lamps or bathrooms with no overhead lighting. However, they also play a role in creating layered lighting schemes, since their mid-level glow adds both depth and dimension to rooms. Wall lights can even double as wall decor, too, acting as illuminated embellishments for bare spaces. And since they conveniently mount on walls, they keep tables and floors free of excess clutter.

Think of wall lights as the quiet icons of home design – bringing light, style, and practical functionality to interiors without overwhelming a space. If you don't have one, consider this your sign to get one for your home. Trust us, your walls will be happy that you did. Shop our curated assortment of wall lights, below.

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Every time Rifle Paper Co. and Loloi collaborate on a new rug collection, we're immersed in a magical dream world, where blooming florals, whimsical motifs, and vibrant colors set the scene for rooms that feel like they belong in the pages of storybooks.

The latest iteration of Rifle Paper Co. and Loloi's collaboration is no different. Only this time around, the collection draws inspiration from the peaceful countryside – where life moves slowly, and home is as much of a place as it is a feeling.

According to Anna Bond, Rifle Paper Co.'s co-founder and the artist behind its designs, the brand has been heavily embracing a 'country aesthetic' this spring – first seen in the brand's own spring decor collection. 'I wanted some of those comforting, nostalgic motifs to live in our new Loloi collection,' she tells me. Think classic florals, nature-inspired motifs, and even pastoral scenes of grazing cows and swimming ducks. All of these details have found their way into the collection, making it feel charmingly rustic, rich with character, and full of warmth.

The collection itself is divided into sub-collections of rugs in varying styles and materiality. 'The Edith rugs, for example, are very bold, with a garden’s worth of multicolor florals,' Anna explains of these hand-tufted wool pile rugs with their wild, live edge finishes. The Thistle rugs are similar – also hand-tufted of 100% wool, these rugs feature climbing floral motifs and sweet, scalloped borders. The Orchard rugs might feel the most country-inspired with their quilted textures, stitched effects, and charming motifs. And for a more muted interpretation of the collection's theme, there are the Edinburgh rugs – subtle in design and soft in color, these rugs are quietly grounding but just as design-driven.

What unites all of these sub-collections, aside from their charmingly nostalgic mood and their farmhouse-inspired style, is their palette – composed of inviting earth tones, soft neutrals, and pops of color here and there. 'You’ll find plum, deep greens, burgundy, and warm neutrals, as we happily support the trend of more color and pattern showing up in people’s homes,' Anna tells Homes & Gardens.

This collection is one that feels particularly timely, too – especially with design trends embracing character-rich interiors and all things nostalgic right now. Plus, it draws on 'classic techniques like quilting, cross-stitch, and block printing,' Anna says. You'll see this in rugs like the Orchard Lottie Rug, with its patchwork-style design and its subtle, quilt-like texture.

There's a sense of familiarity and heritage woven into the designs of these rugs, as well as a sense of freshness and modern appeal. 'As a whole, the spring collections are very playful, and expand on the nostalgic, folk art-inspired look we’ve been loving,' Anna adds.

Building upon past Loloi x Rifle Paper Co. collections, this drop expands upon what these brands have already accomplished together, while simultaneously introducing new elements to keep the collaboration feeling fresh and exciting. Woven, wool pile textures, for instance, give the new drop an elevated feel, while unique prints and patterns add an additional layer of charm and storytelling.

Plus, this new collection boasts the collaboration's first line of washable rugs – the Orchard Collection. 'Washable rugs help remove the stress of everyday life – spills, pets, kids – and allow people to fully enjoy their space,' Loloi's co-founder Cyrus Loloi says of this innovative inclusion.

At its core, this new collection exemplifies what makes this collaboration so great: Rifle Paper Co.'s expressive and idyllic design style blended with Loloi's quality and craftsmanship. Finished with a country-inspired flair, the collection invites you to live life in the slow lane and find joy in simplicity.

These rugs, as well as their complementary pillows and wall art, tell stories in their own right, inviting you to transform your home into one that invites you to relax, unwind, and live a little slower.

If you're interested in bringing this charmingly playful, country-inspired aesthetic into your home, shop the best of the collection, below.

According to Cyrus Loloi, this collection brings 'personality, texture, and a sense of ease into the home,' and after looking at everything the collection has to offer, we couldn't agree more. So, if you've ever felt the desire to transform your home into one that feels straight out of a idyllic folk tale, this just might be the collection to help you do so.

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If stepping onto your rug often feels like a ride on a magic carpet, then it’s time to easily and quickly secure it to the floor without damage or fuss.

I have a mix of carpeted and hard floors and love adding a cozy rug to easily change up the look of my rooms and add texture to the space. However, that annoying slippage underfoot is not just a nuisance; it’s a hazard, as I have a condition that means my joints dislocate at the tiniest slip.

That’s why I always use the Gorilla Strip Rug Gripper, available at Amazon for fast delivery. Simply lay it under your rug and trim to size. It’s non-sticky, but beautifully grippy. It also makes it easier to clean with your best vacuum's high suction, and not have your floor coverings sliding around mid-clean.

I have been using these since I moved into my first home in 2012. They last for years and have survived three house moves and countless rug swaps in my home, which I share with my husband, young daughter, and pets.

Having the rugs underfoot is a big bonus for us to avoid falls and injuries, and because we have to vacuum our home daily to keep it clean with pets, we need floor coverings to stay firmly put.

Even with the most powerful vacuum, my trusted Miele C3, which we have reviewed and love, the grippers do not budge.

To install, simply clean the floor and make sure it is free of dust and debris. Arrange it in the position you need and lay your rug on top. I trim any extra that is sticking out in view with a pair of sharp everyday scissors, available at Walmart.

I use the offcuts under the slippery doormat I have in the kitchen. And the best thing is, when you no longer need it, or change your living room layout, simply peel it off the floor – there is no adhesive to leave a mark behind – and reposition it elsewhere for more years of use.

What Shoppers Say

More than 50,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased and reviewed this affordable item on site, garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5.

Marquette D Evans recently added her thoughts, giving the 'great product' the full star rating. She explains, ‘I have never been disappointed by anything from Gorilla, and these pads are no exception. Easily trimmed to fit with scissors.

'Provides a nice light padding without raising the level of the rugs so that doors don't drag. Keeps rugs in place very well. Bought them for three runners, and they work so well that I got a small one for the rug at our entry door. Finally, the price is very reasonable. Great purchase.’

Another five-star write-up comes from Angela Robinson, who says, ‘This works well under a small wool rug that had been sliding all over my bedroom. It keeps the rug in place. I end up straightening the rug about once a week as the rug shifts a bit off the gripper (though the gripper stays in one place on the floor). So far, no marks on the floor or rug, but we've only had it about a month.’

I have found that sort of shifting happens minimally when the gripper is in place on top of a carpet, and not at all on top of hard floors.

Other shoppers are using it around the home, including keeping chef mats in place in the kitchen, memory foam bath mats that have lost their grip after washing, and to aid elderly pets that were slipping on rugs that moved underpaw.

Many note how useful it is to be able to trim it with scissors to fit exactly. The Gorilla Grip Strong Pad Grippers from Amazon are available in rectangular and round versions with multiple sizing options to keep manual trimming to a minimum.

What to Shop

Keeping your floors clean during the busy spring and summer seasons is no mean feat. Here is a selection of the best products and tools to keep yours fresh with minimal daily effort.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To refresh rugs without harsh chemicals, we tried a baking soda and essential oil mix and were impressed with the results.

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As a perpetually space-conscious New Yorker whose outdoor space is, in reality, a fire escape, I’m acutely aware of (and deeply averse to) anything unnecessarily clunky. I love the whimsical wrought-iron bistro trend happening right now, but didn’t think those charming curves would make sense in my ‘backyard’ – until I found the answer not in France, as you might expect, but in Sweden.

IKEA’s LÄCKÖ outdoor chair, designed by house legend Jon Karlsson, pulls from the traditional wrought-iron styles I’ve admired on my travels, but – of chief importance – it stacks. You could buy twelve and only sacrifice the footprint of one in the off-season, or simply stack a few away for more intimate alfresco gatherings. Actually, that’s not even the best part about this small patio gem: it’s $55 – less than a decent steak au poivre pretty much anywhere in the city.

Which, of course, raised my eyebrows. The quality has to be questionable, I thought – but the reviews insist otherwise. This is one of IKEA’s more raved-about patio pieces (and I cover a lot of them).

With a 4.7-star rating across 150-plus reviews, people are gushing praises like ‘we love the way these chairs look and perform’ and ‘they look expensive.’ Most seem to be buying multiples to romanticize their suburban backyards – often paired with the matching bistro table, which keeps the Euro whimsy theme going with delicate cutouts that echo eyelet lace.

At this price, my small backyard is in for at least two of these slender seats. And yet, as far as my apartment is concerned, it’s still just one chair.

How I'd Style It

The mood is Euro summer. Here’s how I’d bring that where-we-all-wish-we-were feeling to your own backyard, starting with our new favorite patio seat.

You’re going to need some shade. My recent outdoor umbrella edit, quite literally, has your LÄCKÖ setup covered with cabana stripes and fringe.

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Shopping for paint is a key part of most decorating projects, but it's often one that involves endless deliberation when finding the right color, finish, and quantity, especially if you're buying from a brand you haven't used before.

And while there are plenty of ways to actually shop for paint – online, at your local paint stores, or at brand showrooms – feeling unsure about where to start isn't uncommon. With that in mind, we're taking away the guesswork with our guide that covers pretty much everything you'll need to know about the paint-buying process.

From a deep dive into each of the best paint brands available in the US (as recommended by interior designers), to useful paint ideas for the sampling process and mistakes to avoid, this will help you shop smartly.

How to Choose the Right Paint Brand

Choosing a paint brand is the first step in the paint-buying process, and there are lots of factors to consider when comparing brands. The first consideration, and perhaps most obvious, is the color selection – some brands lean classic, while others feel much more contemporary, so you should start with a brand that feels aligned with your interior style.

The quality of the paint is equally important, and, as you'll find out below, certain brands are praised for their pigment-rich paints and durable paint finishes. Some brands have a limited range of finishes to choose from, while others have an extensive. If you have a particular finish in mind, high-gloss, for example, it can be useful to choose a brand that is widely known for its reflective finishes.

Price is also an important consideration. If you have a decorative look in mind for a certain room, perhaps a specific shade of red, investing in a design-forward paint brand that specializes in its color palette can be worth the money. If you're looking for a neutral paint to coat many surfaces throughout your home, the likes of Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are safe bets.

The Best Paint Brands in the US

From Farrow & Ball to Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore to Behr, designers reveal what makes them shop at their respective favorite paint brands, helping you to find the best match for your priorities when it comes to paint.

Benjamin Moore

Dating all the way back to 1883 in New York, Benjamin Moore is a well-known paint brand across the US, and its paint shades are incredibly popular among interior designers. It offers an extensive range of colors, primers, and paint finishes, covering interiors and exteriors.

'We really love their color selection,' says the Philadelphia-based designer Michelle Gage, who often uses Benjamin Moore paint colors in her projects. 'They offer over 3,500 premium paint options, which is wonderful when we’re looking for that “just right” shade. We love Benjamin Moore’s tools and resources; it makes our job easy, and we’re also confident that the end result will make our clients happy.'

When it comes to choosing colors from Benjamin Moore, Michelle says that it covers all sorts of interior design styles. 'Every project we do is different, so what we’re looking for changes with each design – we may be looking for bold and bright hues to provide a punchy backdrop or something more neutral to let, let’s say, the sofa shine,' the designer explains.

Aside from its extensive color range, the brand is also celebrated for its durable finishes. 'My go-to choice is Regal Select Interior,' says Michelle. 'It’s crafted with precision, and the outstanding washability and scuff resistance mean my designs hold up to real life. I feel at ease knowing the product and color will stand the test of time.'

It's also easy to get hold of Benjamin Moore paint, not least because it is stocked in over 7,500 retailers throughout North America, which you can search with its store locator. 'Benjamin Moore paints are available through locally owned retailers, and you can find products, colors, and inspiration both online and in-store,' explains Michelle.

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is a popular US paint brand that dates all the way back to 1866. Offering an extensive range of colors, finishes, and coatings, it is known for its professional products, while it also has lots of helpful tools, such as an online color visualizer and an app for color recommendations. It also highlights seasonal shades with its 'Color of the Month' series.

The Texas-based designer Marie Flanigan regularly turns to Sherwin-Williams paint products for her interior projects. 'I return to Sherwin-Williams because the color library is expansive but also dependable, which makes it easier to design with confidence,' she says.

Many of Sherwin-Williams' best-selling paints are white paints, from Alabaster to Shoji White, but Greek Villa is a standout shade for Marie. 'In my own home, Greek Villa offered a soft warmth that felt inviting without being too creamy,' she adds. 'I recently used Carriage Door in a lacquered finish for a lounge, and it created a rich, tailored mood that felt very intentional.'

Its wide range of paint finishes is another pull to the brand for Marie. 'I am especially drawn to higher gloss and lacquered finishes when I want depth and a more elevated feel,' she explains. 'In contrast, their matte and low sheen paints are beautiful for everyday spaces because they soften light and feel timeless. The finish always supports the overall mood I am trying to create.'

In addition to shopping online, there are thousands of Sherwin-Williams paint stores across the US, making it easy to shop for their products in person.

Farrow & Ball

Founded in Dorset, England, Farrow & Ball is a coveted British paint brand that's known for its pigment-rich colors and eco-friendly approach: handcrafting each of its products with sustainable ingredients. Although British craft is its core, it has a cult following in the US, with showrooms in various states, from California to New York.

'I’m consistently drawn to Farrow & Ball for a few key reasons, but it really comes down to the quality and intentionality behind their colors,' says the NYC designer Jennifer Hunter. 'First, their palette feels incredibly considered. Rather than overwhelming you with endless options, every shade is curated, which makes it much easier to find colors that feel timeless and cohesive. There’s a restraint to their collection that I really appreciate as a designer.'

'Farrow & Ball offers what I would call a refined approach to the color wheel,' agrees the designer Katherine Shenaman. 'Their palette usually appeals to a more mature audience, whether in age or in experience, when it comes to design. The clients who appreciate their colors usually have an educated eye, as far as design, and appreciate interiors that are sophisticated and elegant, while still having a bit of depth and perhaps even a bit of gravitas.'

While Jennifer praises Farrow & Ball for its curated palette, the quality of the paint itself is what keeps her coming back. 'Their paints are so richly pigmented that the shades shift beautifully throughout the day, depending on the light,' she explains. 'A color never feels flat as it has dimension and movement.'

You'll likely have heard of Farrow & Ball's most popular paints, from Hague Blue to Setting Plaster, most of which have a slightly darkened, aged quality to them. 'Inchyra Blue is a perfect example of a beautifully deep ocean blue that has green, blue, and gray,' says Katherine. 'Pink Ground is another favorite, and I’ve used it multiple times in nurseries and young girls' rooms.'

There are various paint finishes available at Farrow & Ball, from flat to eggshell, but its gloss finishes are a favorite for Jennifer. 'We love using Farrow & Ball in Full Gloss because it completely transforms how a color reads in a space,' she adds. 'Full Gloss is their highest-shine finish, which means it reflects a significant amount of light and gives that almost lacquered, mirror-like effect.'

To shop Farrow & Ball, you can visit one of their showrooms and order online, or you can head to one of their many stockists, which include the likes of Ring's End and Catalina Paint. 'The Paint Store at Ronald Shaffer Interiors in West Palm Beach is the local supplier for Farrow & Ball,' explains Katherine, who is based in Florida.

While you can easily order directly from their site, you can also browse all of Farrow & Ball's showrooms and stockists here.

Backdrop

Founded in 2018, Backdrop is a Los Angeles-based paint brand that has a cool and contemporary edge, reflected in its streamlined paint finishes and design-forward color range.

Modern interior designers turn to Backdrop when selecting paint shades for their projects. 'We’re drawn to Backdrop’s edit of colors,' say Chelsey Cox and Rachel Rector of Florida-based design studio Chinotto House. 'There’s a confidence to the palette, whether it leans bright and playful or deep and saturated. The tones land with a clear sense of mood.'

Kristina Khersonsky, the designer behind LA-based STUDIO KEETA, is another fan of Backdrop. 'Backdrop has a thoughtful, edited color palette,' she says. 'They offer a tightly curated set of colors that feel interesting and current and help with decision fatigue. Their colors are named and marketed in a way that helps visualize the essence, not just the hue. They are also of great quality with low VOC and are Green Wise Certified.'

'I love a wide range of their colors,' Kristina adds. 'Our go-to white paint is Harvest Moon. It’s a crisp white with a subtle warm undertone that doesn’t lean too yellow or too pink. We’ve also used Masterpiece Theatre in a powder bathroom, which is one of my favorite colors they offer at the moment. It’s an opulent olive brown that feels both unusual and familiar.'

When shopping for Backdrop paint, it has selected stockists across the US, including Schumacher, which is where Kristina sources it. Or, you can shop for Backdrop paints directly from their website. 'Backdrop’s team is a big part of why we keep coming back,' say Chelsey and Rachel. 'From swatches to final orders, the process feels supported and easy. That level of service matters to us, especially when we’re sourcing across multiple elements for a project.'

Fine Paints of Europe

With products manufactured in the Netherlands, Fine Paints of Europe prides itself on the quality of its products: paint formulas that result in an elevated look while offering longevity to last for years to come.

The Texas designer Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design turns to Fine Paints of Europe for her projects, citing its impressive quality and color range. 'If you know me, you know I love a high-gloss finish, and that quality is key,' she says. 'Fine Paints of Europe gets it right every time.'

'Beyond the quality, the colors are a huge draw,' she says. 'The range is extraordinary, and the intensity of the shades is unlike anything else on the market. They've got a depth and richness that reads so beautifully in a finished space. I keep coming back to them, project after project, because I know I can find the color I want and never have to doubt the quality.'

'Their Hollandlac line produces a finish that is truly in a class of its own,' she explains. 'If a project of mine involves high-gloss lacquer (and quite a few of them do!), it is almost certainly going to involve Fine Paints of Europe. The Hollandlac Brilliant is incredibly densely pigmented and dries into an almost mirror-like finish.'

To shop for this Dutch-based paint brand, head to one of its retailers across the US. 'Here in Houston, I source mine through Moxie – I love everything in their store, paint included,' adds Courtnay.

Behr

Based in Santa Ana, California, Behr Paint Company is available exclusively at The Home Depot. In addition to its interior paints, it is known for its exterior paints, from wood stains to floor paints.

The Pennsylvania-based interior designer Leanne Ford is a fan of Behr's paint products, using various shades for her projects – most notably, its neutral paints.

A favorite of Leanne's is Ultra Pure White. 'You can get this one right off the shelf and paint away,' she says. 'My friends will write to me constantly to ask which paint to use, and this is my forever suggestion. It’s the perfect white for a modern space – no tint, and it works well in high gloss or flat. I love it.'

When looking for something warmer, Leanne turns to Behr's Crisp Linen. 'I am currently on my third project where I am covering both the interior and exterior in it,' she says.

Another go-to white paint from Behr for Leanne is Blank Canvas. 'It’s warm and welcoming but still clean and fresh with a hint of vintage,' she says. 'And, quite literally, creates a blank canvas for you to create on.'

In addition to visiting your local Home Depot, you can also shop online and order directly from the Behr website.

C2 Paint

Focused on its craft and timeless approach to color, C2 Paint is an independent American paint brand that offers artisan products. Each of its paints – from interior finishes to exterior – is low VOC, making it a good choice if you're looking for an environmentally-conscious brand.

Its paint colors don't feature any black ink, instead focusing on dynamic colors that feel inspired by the natural world. 'As a designer, what I really like about C2's paint shades is the color mix of their complex pigment formulas, not just adding white to a few tints,' says the Chicago designer Elizabeth Drake. 'It makes such a difference how the sunlight bounces off the color, giving more of an artistry feel than functional.'

'I’ve loved using Margarita C2-657,' she adds. 'It’s a fern green but with enough lemon and lime undertones to give it life – perfect for north-facing rooms. It brings its own sunshine to the room.'

You can use its helpful store locator to find a retailer where you can shop for C2 Paint in-person across the US, or you can order paint online. 'I got hooked on C2 when the dealer was near our studio, but when he retired, I started ordering it online from the website,' says Elizabeth.

Additional Paint Brands to Explore

• Little Greene: A British paint brand known for its environmentally-friendly paint products. Its color range is steeped in British heritage, making it a good option for more traditional decorating ideas. It has a showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut, and is stocked at various US retailers.
• Graham & Brown: In addition to its wallpaper designs, British-based Graham & Brown offers paint colors that feel timeless, livable, and full of charm. It recently held a temporary pop-up in NYC, and you can order paints directly from its website.
• Valspar: Valspar is a 200-year-old paint brand that offers an extensive range of colors and finishes, from wood stains to floor paints. You can shop Valspar products at Lowe’s, as well as at independent retailers.
• Clare: With a focus on making shopping for paint easy, Clare is an online paint brand with helpful swatch bundles to simplify the selection process. Its products are also zero VOC.

Where to Buy Paint: Online vs In-Store

Ordering paint directly from a brand website is often the easiest way to purchase paint, but visiting a showroom to browse color selections can be a great way to gain room color ideas and get first-hand expert advice.

If you know which general color you want for a room, but don't have a specific shade in mind, comparing various tones in a showroom or paint store can be really useful, and it means that you don't need to order endless samples. You'll also be able to see what paint finishes a brand offers, and chat with an expert about the best suit for your project – something that can be tricky to understand if you're not already familiar with the brand and its products.

Aside from project-specific shopping, visiting paint brands' showrooms in person can be a wonderful way to gain fresh ideas for future projects, and you may find yourself drawn to a color that you wouldn't have looked twice at online.

How to Buy Paint Online

Buying paint online is easier than ever, with many of the biggest paint brands providing useful tools to make the whole process straightforward. That said, it's important to consider various factors before purchasing.

Firstly, order samples online of your chosen colors. In addition to the more traditional sample pots, you'll find that some brands also offer peel-and-stick color cards that allow you to move the sample around the walls to test in different lights. 'We always start by swatching the paints in the space,' says Jennifer Hunter. 'Even if it’s a color we’ve used before, we’ll swatch it again in the new space. Light changes everything, and a color can read completely differently depending on orientation, time of day, and surrounding materials.'

Once you've chosen your colors, you also need to compare the different finishes. Gloss finishes create a statement look and reflect lots of light; satin paints are mid-sheen and wipeable, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas. Eggshell is a popular finish for interiors, offering a subtle level of sheen, while matte finishes provide a rich, chalky look with even less sheen. Flat paints have no sheen, offering a velvety look and disguising wall imperfections the most.

With your paint colors and finishes selected, think about how much you will need for your project. Helpfully, many brands, such as Benjamin Moore, have a paint calculator on their website so you can get a good idea of how many tins you'll need. Do your research to find out how many coats of paint each brand generally requires, too. If you're on the cusp of needing another tin, it's usually a good idea to purchase this at the same time, since there can sometimes be slight differences between batch numbers.

Before placing your order, make sure to check the specific return and exchange policy of your chosen brand. And, if you don't already have all the painting equipment you need, some brands also sell brushes and rollers on their site, so you can order everything all at once.

Designer Tips for Getting it Right

• Always Sample Paint Shades: 'As far as sampling, it is always best to have painters do 2' x 2' samples on at least two walls in a room, to truly understand how the light moves around the space,' says Katherine Shenaman. 'Colors which are critical to a specific room should be viewed multiple times during the day as well.'
• Compare Paint Colors Against Existing Decor: 'Test colors against any key elements, including the flooring, the stone, millwork, and fabrics,' says Kristina Khersonsky. 'The paint should always support the materials, not compete with them.'
• Focus on Undertones: 'Pay close attention to undertones, especially with neutrals, since they can shift more than expected,' says Marie Flanigan. 'I also like to compare a few options side by side to make sure the final choice feels balanced and considered.'
• Invest in a Professional Painter: 'A good painter is worth the money: they should verify quantity and will usually handle the purchasing, and they will know how to prep and prime a space properly,' says Katherine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The main mistake you'll want to avoid when shopping for paint is ordering large quantities when you haven't properly sampled the color. Paint colors change vastly depending on the lighting of a room, so you should ensure you're happy with it at all times of day. 'Paint never reads the same on screen or even on chip,' says Kristina Khersonsky. 'The lighting in the room also dictates how the color shows up.'

If you're going to be color-matching a paint, don't rush the process. 'If someone encourages you to buy from another source, and has your Farrow & Ball selection color-matched, I suggest doing samples of each, side by side,' advises Katherine Shenaman. 'The depth of the pigments in Farrow & Ball is unmistakable, in comparison to their competitors.'

When choosing high-gloss paints, you may want to turn to the expertise of a professional painter, warns Courtnay Tartt: 'I think it is so important to find a painter with experience and expertise in high-gloss lacquer finishes if that's what you plan to use. The application process is genuinely complex and quite specific. There's an involved method of tinting the primer, then spraying and sanding, spraying and sanding, and on and on! It's like an art form, so an experienced professional is your best bet.'

By taking the time to properly sample shades and research the various paint finishes from your chosen paint brand, you'll hopefully avoid making any color mistakes. While shopping online for paint is easier than ever, sometimes the best starting point is visiting your local paint store or brand showroom, especially if you are using a new brand and need some expert advice.

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Never underestimate the power of a good rug. A vessel with endless perks, rugs can pretty much do it all, from zoning a room to bringing visual cohesion by connecting even the most contrasting styles. From swathing a room in warmth to acting as the final flourish of color that completes a design, it's fair to say a room isn't complete without a woven floor covering at its heart.

So, if rugs are necessary in all rooms, it's important to choose the right color for you based on your design style and your home's color palette. Influenced by this year's biggest design trends, these are the rug colors to avoid in 2026, according to interior designers who know a thing or two about decorating with rugs of all descriptions, from woven kilims to sturdy jute runners.

It is fair to say that rug trends are forever changing, so it's inevitable that some colors won't be in fashion this year. From lackluster grays to in-your-face brights, avoiding these four looks will ensure your space lasts way beyond the present.

1. Overly Saturated Colors – Choose Warm Rich Shades Instead

When choosing a rug, interior designer Laura Stephens says, 'I tend to be wary of rugs in very bright, saturated colors that dominate the entire room. While bold color absolutely has its place, I think it’s often more effective when introduced through walls, joinery, or key furniture pieces, where it can be appreciated in a more controlled way.'

'With rugs, especially larger ones, overly vivid tones can quickly become overwhelming because they occupy such a significant visual footprint, explains Laura. 'They can also limit how a room evolves over time. I generally prefer rugs to act as a grounding element, something that supports the scheme rather than dictating it entirely.'

'I think people are still a little cautious when it comes to color,' adds Bombay Sprout founder and rug expert, Zara Bolingbroke-Kent. 'So we’re seeing continued demand for our jute rugs and more muted palettes where tones feel softened and easy to live with. That said, there’s a quiet confidence building - blues, greens and rich maroons remain consistently popular, often layered with warmer accents like mustard to add depth.'

2. Cool Toned Grays – Go for Muted Green Alternatives

Neutral rugs might seem like the safest choice in some living rooms, but that doesn't mean cool-toned grays are your best bet. Notorious for lacking depth or warmth (the two qualities rugs are best known for), they're best avoided this year and onwards.

'The gray rug has had a long run, but we're firmly moving on,' says interior designer Flora Slater. 'Gray reads as flat and slightly lifeless in a room; it pulls the warmth out of everything around it.'

'A deep, slightly muted green rug does something quite extraordinary: it reads almost like a lawn, like the room is growing up from something natural,' she explains. 'It gives the saffron-striped armchairs and the deep crimson sofa somewhere to land without flattening either of them.'

'That's the thing about a rug with genuine color, it doesn't just sit beneath the furniture, it actively holds the room together. A gray rug in this space would have killed it entirely. The whole scheme relies on that earthy green base to make the other colours sing rather than clash. That's what we're looking for in 2026: rugs that look like they've lived a little. Flat, cold, synthetic tones, whether gray, cool taupe or icy blue strip a room of that quality instantly.'

3. 'Invisible' Neutrals – Never Pick A Rug That's the Same Color as the Floor

Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors is avoiding 'Rugs that disappear into the floor.' She explains, 'A rug whose color reads as an extension of the flooring rather than a layer on top of it is a missed opportunity. A pale beige rug on pale oak floors, a gray rug on gray concrete – these choices flatten a room rather than defining it. (And can make it more of a tripping hazard if it’s harder to see the edges.) A rug should create a zone, establish a foundation, give the furniture something to sit on that reads as intentional. If it blends in, it likely isn’t working as well as it could.'

Whether it's a narrow kitchen rug slotted between an island and stove, or a larger rug that sits beneath your dining table and chairs, lived-in styles woven with pattern and history are far better alternatives to 'barely there' tones. 'Bold patterns with historical precedent (Persian rugs, Oushaks, kilims, geometrics) don’t date because they were never really trends. And practically speaking, an interesting rug is one of the most efficient tools in a room, as it means the rest of the furniture can be quieter. Some of my favorite rooms have very simple, neutral sofas and seating because the rug carries the color and pattern work entirely.'

4. Flat Primary Colors – Choose Earthy Shades with Complexity

'Very bold, primary color palettes aren’t as widely embraced just yet, but there’s definitely a growing appetite for color that feels earthy and grounded rather than overly bright,' says Zara.

Jen agrees that artificially bright tones can feel a little overwhelming. 'Colors that don’t look like natural dyes. This isn’t about avoiding saturation. Some of my favorite rugs are deeply saturated and intensely colored. It’s about avoiding the synthetic brightness that reads as artificial: the kind of red that has no depth, the kind of blue that has no variation, colors that look like they came out of a commercial printer rather than a dye bath.'

'Natural dye palettes have complexity, warmth and coolness within the same hue, variation across the pile, tones that shift in different light,' she continues. 'That quality is what makes a rug last visually as well as physically. Every time, I will go with rugs with genuine color complexity, even (or especially) for a “solid” rug. I love warm oranges and golds, earthy reds that lean toward ochre or terracotta, depending on the light. Or layered chalky blues and greens.'

Colorful Rug Picks

While cool-toned grays and loud brights are best avoided for a long-lasting scheme, warm neutrals woven with color are amongst this year's biggest rug trends. 'A well-balanced, multi-tonal rug can often be the easiest way to introduce color,' explains Zara, 'as it acts as a bridge between different finishes and fabrics in the room.'

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It's a common misconception in the design industry that interior designers only shop at expensive luxury brands for home decor. From my conversations with designers, I know that many are just as keen as we are to score discounts on top-quality furniture and decor. Which is why Wayfair is a designer-favorite.

Just last summer, I spoke to several interior designers who shop at Wayfair, including Sarah Kaplan, who mentioned her appreciation for Wayfair's vast assortment of Loloi rugs. These rugs are some of the best quality styles on the market, and many of them are made in collaboration with our favorite designers like Amber Lewis, Joanna Gaines, and duo Chris Loves Julia.

These premium designer-collab rugs from Loloi are very fairly priced already, but put them on sale (as Wayfair so frequently does), and they are a steal. The Way Day sale is happening this weekend (April 25th -26th), and some of the chicest Loloi styles are already discounted. Consider it a little insider secret that in order to secure the best price on a top-quality Loloi rug, all you need to do is shop at Wayfair.

Since there are hundreds of Loloi rugs on sale at Wayfair right now, I've selected nine styles that I think are most versatile for any room in your home. So don't wait, this sale won't last forever. Get your hands on a quality Loloi rug from Wayfair, now.

Shop Designer Collab Loloi Rugs at Wayfair

These designer-collab Loloi rugs are certainly a highlight from Wayfair's Way Day sale, but if you're interested in scoring deals on other decor and furniture for your home, check out our comprehensive Wayfair sale guide – packed with 18 Style Editor-approved products that you just need for your home this spring.

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As someone who works from home fairly regularly, I understand firsthand the importance of having a designated at-home workspace. But more often than not, that workspace can feel like the focal point of a room – drawing unwanted attention to work-related matters and undermining the room's aesthetic with its utilitarian setup.

I noticed this exact scenario happening in my apartment. Despite my best efforts to position my WFH setup out of the way, it was starting to look like the statement piece of my small studio – the first thing you'd notice when you walked through the front door. Rather than a space for living, my studio was beginning to feel like a space I designed solely for work.

Instead of letting my dominant desk completely take over the aesthetic of my apartment, I decided to start looking for something that could help me create a work-focused zone that blurred into the room. The solution was IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk – an unassuming, multi-functional desk that acts as a workspace when needed and tucks away when it's time to log off.

Unlike most desks, IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk isn't large and bulky. Instead, this model is subtle and unobtrusive by design. Built with two tiers – the lower of which can slide out to provide an additional surface – this desk is highly versatile and can adapt to your needs throughout the day. During work hours, you can pull the lower tier out to create a full-sized desk, and once work is over, just push it back underneath and out of the way.

For those who don't want their WFH setups to become the focal point of their room, this desk is clearly the ideal candidate. But aesthetics aside, this desk is one of the most practical space-saving ideas I've ever seen. If you live in a studio apartment or work from a small bedroom, this desk will make sure your at-home workspace doesn't take up more floor space than it needs to. When work is over, simply push the lower tier away, and this full-size desk transforms into an unassuming credenza that'll sit flush against the wall to allow more space for moving around.

One of the things I like most about this desk is that it creates a clear boundary between work and life. Because of its movable lower tier, you can physically tuck work away at the end of the day and reframe your space for living. Sure, it's a small adjustment, but it's one that can make your home feel much more relaxed and designed for you – not your job.

With its multi-functional design and its undeniable versatility, this desk makes a strong case for reimagining what a WFH setup can look like in 2026. And since it's sold for just under $100 on IKEA's site, I'm certain that it's well worth a spot in your home.

Shop Desk Accessories from IKEA

Whether you use IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk as a part-time WFH setup or a daily desk, you'll need some accessories to help increase its functionality. Shop must-have desk accessories from IKEA, below.

With IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk, your at-home work setup won't overtake your room. Instead, it'll adapt to your daily needs and minimize the amount of space you dedicate to your job – making your home a place meant for living rather than working. Not only that, but it'll give you more floor space to work with, too.

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Just over 30 years ago, IKEA debuted its first PS Collection at the Milan furniture fair. It was a collection built to challenge exclusivity in the design industry with pieces that were not only well-made and stylish, but affordable, too. The PS Collection became a cult favorite, and IKEA continued to expand upon it over the years.

Now, back in Milan once again, IKEA has announced the 10th iteration of this collection – designed with the same intention, but underscored with a hint of playful flair – which is set to launch in stores and online on May 13th.

IKEA teased the launch of the collection at Milan Design Week with three standout products, including a blow-up (yes, blow-up) accent chair that looks as chic as a luxury find.

At first glance, you'd never guess that this chair is inflatable. But alas, it's filled with air, not foam or fiberfill. Created by IKEA designer Mikael Axellson, the 'Easy Chair' reimagines iconic inflatable furnishings from the '90s into something so sleek, you'd actually want to give it a dedicated spot in your home.

While blow-up furniture tends to have a short lifespan, this chair was built for longevity. It features a carbon steel frame for increased durability as well as a fabric cover that eliminates any squeaking or sliding. Plus, this fabric cover prevents damage to the inner air chamber, too.

Although the Easy Chair requires some manual labor with a foot pump for assembly, once blown up, it'll become the focal point of any room – not only for its stylish and slightly retro design, but for its unexpected assembly, too.

Along with the Easy Chair, IKEA unveiled two other products at Milan Design Week to tease its new PS Collection: the Floor Uplighter and the Bench.

Designer Lex Pott created the Floor Uplighter, a colorful floor lamp that bends every which way to cast its ambient glow wherever you need it to. Its form is sleek, and its shade looks trumpet-like, creating a lamp that's not only practical for your home, but statement-making, too.

As for the bench, that was designed by IKEA Designer Marta Krupińska. It features a slightly U-shaped base that gives it its rocking capability. And since it's made from solid pine, it's a highly durable piece that can handle the pressure of constant use.

Just as the first PS collection reflected the effortlessness of modern Scandinavian style and IKEA's principles of Democratic Design, this new collection does the same. Each piece has been made with form, function, quality, sustainability, and low price held to the same degree of importance, and it shows.

These three pieces are just a taste of what to expect from the rest of IKEA's PS 2026 Collection – highly functional furnishings that look good, are made well, and can go the distance in home design. Between their unique forms and playful capabilities, these three furnishings can become the multi-faceted personality pieces of your home, and I expect the rest of the collection will be just the same.

IKEA's PS Collection drops on May 13th, so be sure to mark your calendars for the launch of these exceptional designs.

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The BILLY Bookcase is undoubtedly an IKEA icon. First launched in the '70s, it has been a home decor staple for decades, keeping interiors organized with ease and looking stylish while doing so. But now, our old friend BILLY has a brand new, bright blue look.

IKEA's renowned BILLY Bookcase that's been everywhere from living rooms and home offices to school classrooms (my middle school homeroom had the BILLY Bookcase), is now, for a limited time, available in a bold and electrifying shade of blue. Nothing else about the bookcase has changed – it's just as spacious, just as easy to assemble, and just as well-priced as it's always been. The only difference is that now with this new color, BILLY commands attention, becoming a style statement in its own right.

In the past, the BILLY Bookcase used to be nothing more than a simple bookcase. Of course, it was a good one – reasonably priced, spacious, and long-lasting. But it was never a statement piece or a focal point – that is, until now.

With the launch of this new, bright blue colorway, BILLY has a whole new personality. No longer just a spot for books or decorative objects, this bookcase is a vibrant furnishing that can act as a dopamine decor idea to enhance the aesthetic of your home. BILLY is now an eye-catching feature piece, and perhaps even a conversation-starting furnishing.

One of the reasons why the BILLY Bookcase has been loved for so long is because of its versatility. It can be used in nearly any room, for any purpose, and it can be paired with more to create a larger bookshelf. This new model is still the same in that way, but in this shade of blue, it can make any room feel so much more exciting.

Use BILLY to make your living room more colorful while simultaneously organizing the space, or add it to your bedroom to store books while bringing color to the scene. You can even use it as an entryway idea – to keep clutter at bay while stylizing the busy space. The BILLY Bookcase is bound to enliven the atmosphere of any room in which you place it, all thanks to this vibrant color.

Since this blue shade is a limited edition colorway for the BILLY Bookcase, it's certain to sell out fast. So, if you're interested in getting your hands on this top-rated, iconic bookcase in this exceptionally exciting color, you better not wait.

How To Style IKEA's BILLY Bookcase

IKEA's BILLY Bookcase presents a styling opportunity like none other. With each of its five shelves boasting a weight capacity of 30lbs, BILLY can hold anything from old magazines and current reads to flower vases, picture frames, and small trinkets. Below, find some bookshelf styling ideas from IKEA to complete the shelves of your blue BILLY Bookcase.

IKEA's BILLY Bookcase has been a sought-after style for years, and now that it's available in the limited edition blue colorway, it's even more desirable. This is the type of furnishing that'll become a staple in your home for years to come – no longer just for its storage capabilities, but for its alluring style, too.

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Outdoor lighting takes center stage on your home’s facade. Whether it’s flanking the front door, illuminating the path that leads guests in, or casting a glow over the garden at night, the right fixtures do more than add safety and convenience. They enhance your home’s exterior in a way that feels polished, warm, and welcoming.

When you’re choosing your outdoor lighting, as such a visible and important design element, starting with the right retailer makes all the difference. Here, we've narrowed down our go-to brands and stores, broken down by price point and specialty, to set you down the right, well-lit path.

Luxury Outdoor Lighting

From period-inspired sconces to statement-making outdoor chandeliers, these retailers promise high-end, high-style lighting that's worth the investment.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation is a go-to source for exterior lighting that looks like it’s always been there; in other words, high-quality pieces that take reference from classic fixtures and historic architecture. You’ll find industrial-inspired gooseneck sconces, lantern lighting with a French Provincial feel, and colonial-era pendants reimagined for today.

Many pieces are customizable in size and finish, which is rare at this price point and makes it a strong choice for buyers who want something that feels considered rather than off-the-shelf.

Best for: Customized outdoor lighting, classic and midcentury styles

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 5-7 business days, custom orders take 2-4 weeks

Restoration Hardware

For modern statement lighting that can hold its own against intricate architecture or a substantial facade, it’s hard to beat RH. Think oversized lanterns, iron-and-crystal outdoor chandeliers, and sleek, contemporary sconces that enhance the overall design of your home’s exterior.

The collection also includes lighting collaborations with creatives like master glass artist Alison Berger and interior designers Timothy Oulton and Jonathan Browning, which gives many of the pieces a more distinctive, high-design feel.

Best for: Statement lighting that feels special

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 7-10 business days, custom orders take 12-24 weeks

Frontgate

If you're after timeless, well-made outdoor lighting but don't want to scroll through pages of options, Frontgate is a smart place to shop. The collection of outdoor wall sconces, pendants, and path lighting is relatively small, but it's thoughtfully curated, with classic silhouettes and polished finishes that feel traditional in the best way.

Best for: Classic fixtures and finishes, reliable quality

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 3-7 business days

Ferguson Home

Ferguson is less of a brand and more of a destination. The site carries an exceptionally wide selection from some of the most recognized names in lighting, like Currey & Co., Hinkley, and Visual Comfort. If you’re lucky enough to live near one of their 250+ showrooms nationwide, seeing the lighting in person can streamline decision-making, especially if you’re trying to coordinate existing fixtures or finishes.

Best for: High-end brand selection

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 business days

Design-Forward Lighting Specialists

These retailers focus specifically on lighting, so you’ll typically find a wider range of styles, along with more specialized fixtures and landscape lighting options.

Pooky Lighting

Exterior lighting can often feel a little limited, style-wise, but Pooky breaks the mold with an outdoor collection that prioritizes design personality over predictable basics. You’ll find sage green lantern pendants, Art Deco-inspired lights with laser-cut details, and cast-brass downlights inspired by ships' funnels. It’s an especially good option if you're after outdoor lighting that feels distinctive and a little more design-forward than the norm.

Best for: Lighting that feels timeless but original

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most orders arrive in 7-10 business days

Shades of Light

The outdoor collection at Shades of Light includes more than 600 styles from leading brands, along with exclusive pieces designed and produced in the company’s Virginia workshop. The assortment is mostly made up of traditional styles, but you'll find bohemian and modern fixtures mixed in.

Best for: Coordinated lighting sets

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most items ship in 1-3 days

Lamps Plus

If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find it at Lamps Plus. The assortment is broad in terms of style, application, and price point, but there’s heavy emphasis on accessibility and value. The outdoor line is anchored by the brand’s own John Timberland label, which covers wall sconces, post lights, path lighting, and garden accents, but you’ll also find well-regarded lines like Kathy Ireland, Troy, and Savoy House.

Best for: A huge selection, from low-to high-end

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 4-8 business days

Volt Lighting

Volt specializes in landscape and outdoor lighting, making it a strong source for everything from uplighting trees to illuminating a pool area or lining a front walkway after dark. Because the company designs, manufactures, and sells its products directly, prices are notably competitive, and its landscape lighting kits make it easy to get everything you need to light your yard in one go.

Best for: Speciality landscape lighting that looks stylish

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 days

Affordable Outdoor Lighting

If budget and convenience are a priority, it's hard to beat these mass-market lighting sources.

Target

Target's outdoor lighting sweet spot is patio and garden accent lighting – solar string lights, rechargeable lanterns, and decorative path lighting – particularly from its in-house brands like Threshold and Hearth & Hand. The selection isn't comprehensive, but it's trend-focused and stylish, especially for the price. For a quick refresh or a tight budget where looks still matter, it's a reliable first stop.

Best for: Accent and decorative lighting

Price positioning: $

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 1-3 days

Wayfair

Like its other categories, Wayfair's outdoor lighting selection is enormous, making it an easy starting point for buyers who want maximum variety in style and price point. Its assortment of matching collections also makes it a convenient option for buyers who need a complete, coordinated exterior lighting scheme at a reasonable price point.

Best for: A large selection of affordable and coordinated lighting

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days

Home Depot

Home Depot's exterior lighting selection is, in a word, large. With more than 12,000 fixtures in inventory – from basic security and solar path lighting, to stylish wall sconces and string lights in almost any configuration you can think of – it’s an easy one-stop shop for almost any outdoor lighting need. Quality and price point tend to be middle of the road, with a mix of Home Depot’s in-house brands (Hampton Bay and Home Decorator’s Collection) and reliable mass-market brands like Jonathan Y and Kichler.

Best for: Landscape and security lighting, string lights

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days, Same-day delivery from local stores

Lowe's

Lowe’s fills a similar role to Home Depot, with a broad, practical assortment and the advantage of easy in-store access. If you’re in search of utilitarian lighting options or you’re prioritizing convenience and value over design variety, it’s a reliable option.

Best for: Coordinated lighting at an affordable price point

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days, Same-day delivery from local stores

Vintage, One-of-a-Kind and Specialty Makers

Looking for lighting that feels unique, vintage, or made to your specifications? Start with these go-to sources for more distinctive pieces.

Etsy

Etsy is the right call when you want something that no one else on the block will have – handmade copper sconces, vintage pendants from the year your home was built, mushroom-shaped garden lights, or custom-fabricated fixtures from independent makers and artisans around the world.

Best for: Custom lighting, pieces that suit any architectural style

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

Chairish

Chairish carries a range of vintage, new, and pre-owned lighting, and if you know what you're looking for and are willing to get creative, there are plenty of stylish possibilities. For outdoor lighting specifically, the inventory leans toward vintage gas lanterns, modern re-editions of antique designs, and mid-century and Art Deco pieces that can add real character to an exterior.

Best for: Vintage lighting

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

1st Dibs

1stDibs is a top bet for buyers with a specific aesthetic or piece in mind (and, generally speaking, an ample budget). Like Chairish and Etsy, 1stDibs is a goldmine for vintage outdoor lighting, but what sets it apart is its community of renowned and avant-garde contemporary designers who sell directly on the platform. Whether it's concrete sconces made in Paris or a Brutalist aluminum wall light crafted in Sao Paolo, 1stDibs connects buyers directly to niche lighting designers around the globe.

Best for: High-end, one of a kind lighting that looks like art

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

Our Favorite Outdoor Lighting to Shop Now

Outdoor Lighting FAQs

What Makes Outdoor Lighting Different Than Indoor Lighting?

Outdoor lighting may look similar to indoor styles, but the difference is in the durability. Outdoor lights are designed to withstand rain and wind, and are usually "damp-rated," or safe to use in wet locations. Outdoor lights are given an IP (Ingress Protection) safety rating, which "grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids," according to the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Can You Use Indoor Lighting Outside?

It is generally not advised to use indoor lighting outdoors, with the exception of indoor/outdoor string lights, or portable fixtures and table lamps that can be brought inside when not in use.

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As much as I enjoy spending time outside, I've never been a camping enthusiast. In fact, I tried camping in my backyard once (if that even counts), and it only took me an hour in that tent before I snuck back inside to my bedroom. So, when I saw that IKEA had released SOLUPPGÅNG, an outdoor collection brimming with camping essentials, I didn't think anything would be worthy of my attention. But I have very quickly been proven wrong.

Sure, the products from IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG range are intended for outdoor recreation activities, but they're definitely not limited to such. The LED Lantern, for instance, though made for illuminating a campsite, is an outdoor lighting idea that I'm convinced belongs on every patio this summer. Just look at its industrial chic design aesthetic – it's a stylish choice for patio decor and it serves the practical purpose of lighting up your outdoor space.

At less than $25, this lantern is practically a steal. It can hang anywhere you need it to – from a tree branch in your backyard, a hook against your exterior walls, or even from your pergola. Plus, it's small enough to act as an outdoor table lamp, bringing ample light to any corner without taking up too much space.

In my opinion, there are few portable lamp designs that are as convenient as this IKEA lantern. Since it's made for outdoor activities, you can trust that it's sturdy and well-built. Its caged exterior adds an extra layer of durability that keeps it safe from any accidents. Not only that, but its handle makes it particularly convenient to move from place to place or hang up to create a makeshift pendant.

As for its light output, this LED lantern emits a warm, radiant glow. It's the perfect outdoor dining table feature – illuminating evening dinners with effortless elegance. And if you plan on enjoying any late night walks this summer, this lantern is the best light source to carry with you. Forget using your phone's flashlight, carrying this LED lantern will make your evening stroll feel like a 'main character moment'.

Like I mentioned before, this lantern comes from IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG series, which is a range of products designed specifically for outdoor activities like camping. But if you're not one to trek out into the woods for an overnight stay, the SOLUPPGÅNG series is still useful – for park picnics, backyard lounging, or even beach days. Lucky for us, the rest of products are just as stylish as the LED lantern, and since they're made for outdoor activities, you can trust that their durability is top notch, too.

So, if you're interested in getting some high-quality outdoor decor, shop three more picks from IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG range, below.

More From IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG Range

IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG series is brimming with things to bring to a picnic, things to bring camping, or things to keep in your backyard – including some practical pieces like the enameled steel mugs and handy sporks, and even some decor like this soft throw blanket and this washable throw pillow cover. With these pieces in your outdoor collection, you'll be prepared to participate in any summertime activity.

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There’s something about a rocking chair that changes the feel of a space straight away. Indoors, it brings a sense of ease – somewhere you naturally end up with a book, or a cup of my coffee that turns into a longer pause than you planned. I’ve always had a soft spot for one inside, so the idea of having that same feeling outdoors makes perfect sense.

And at the moment, ALDI has made that idea surprisingly accessible.

Their Belavi Folding Rocker is one of those pieces that feels like a bit of a find. It looks and feels more considered than you’d expect at this price point, yet it comes in at under $50. It’s a simple addition that will completely shift how you use your outdoor space.

Rocking chairs, of course, have been around for a long time. The original design dates back to the early 1700s and is often linked to Benjamin Franklin, who helped bring it into the mainstream. What’s interesting is how little the idea has changed since then. That gentle back-and-forth has always been tied to slowing down – whether it’s on a front porch, in a nursery, or tucked into a quiet corner of the house. Bringing that outdoors feels less like a trend and more like a natural extension of how we’re starting to use our gardens and outdoor living rooms now.

Because the reality is, when it comes to backyards, outdoor seating does a lot of the heavy lifting. You can invest in landscaping or lighting, but if there’s nowhere comfortable to sit, you’re less likely to spend time out there. A good chair draws you in. It gives the space a purpose.

That’s exactly where something like this works so well. A rocking chair, in particular, has a way of encouraging you to slow your pace without even thinking about it. Morning coffee feels a bit more intentional, and evenings stretch out a little longer.

This one also gets the practical side right, which matters just as much. The frame feels sturdy but not overly heavy, and the fabric is breathable enough to stay comfortable on warmer days. It doesn’t feel delicate or overly precious – it’s made to be used.

The folding design is another detail that makes a real difference. Even the best outdoor furniture can sometimes feel like a commitment, especially if space is limited. Being able to fold it down and store it away easily gives you a bit more flexibility, whether you’re working with a compact balcony or just prefer to keep things uncluttered.

In terms of style, it’s refreshingly straightforward. The neutral tones mean it blends in without much effort. It doesn’t dominate the space or demand attention – it just fits, which is often exactly what you want with garden furniture.

If you’ve picked up any of ALDI’s seasonal home pieces before, you’ll know how quickly they tend to go. Once they’re gone, that’s usually it. And this feels like the kind of piece people spot and immediately see a place for.

For me, it comes back to that same feeling I already love indoors. A rocking chair makes a space feel more settled, more inviting – like it’s somewhere you’re meant to spend time, not just pass through. Having that outside, even in a small way, changes how the space feels day to day.

And at this price, it’s an easy way to make your garden feel a bit more like a proper extension of your home – without overthinking it.

Shop Alternative Garden Rockers

ALDI’s Belavi Folding Rocker is currently available for just $49.99 while stocks last – a rare chance to pick up stylish garden seating at a genuinely accessible price.

If you can’t get to a store or it’s not available in your area, there are plenty of equally considered alternatives from trusted home and garden retailers, so you can still bring that relaxed, design-led seating moment into your outdoor space without compromise.

Once a home necessity, now a beacon of a bygone era, the telephone bench (also fondly known as the gossip bench) was designed for the sole act of sitting back, putting your feet up, and enjoying nothing more than a good old chit chat.

Like a sofa whose purpose is to cradle you after a long day, the telephone bench was created to fulfil one (important) need: gossip. Whether it was a sleek midcentury bench fitted with a handy shelf for a directory, or an upholstered armchair with a mahogany side table attached, past makers knew a thing or two about furniture with style and purpose.

From the now extinct IKEA SPARTA telephone table from the 1950s, 'ideal for people who liked a long chat on the phone', to Emma Chamberlain and West Elm's brand new gossip-aiding creation, here at Homes & Gardens, we're pining for a vessel for catching up with friends. While the gossip bench fell out of favor in recent decades (along with wired-in phones, which gave these benches their purpose) like all good things, this charming vintage furniture trend has officially come back around.

While we may not have a use for a gossip bench in quite the same way they did in decades past, adding a bench to perch on, with a bit of extra storage, is always a good idea in an entryway.

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In 2026, it seems like everyone wants a statement something in their home – from a striking, statement couch in the living room to a bold, statement wallpaper in the bathroom. While decorating with statement pieces is a must-do this year, it can also feel like a big commitment, but in terms of money and style.

If you like the idea of decorating a room with statement pieces but you don't want to commit to something major like a bold floral sofa or a vibrantly striped wallpaper, then allow me to introduce you to a more suitable, equally as stylish alternative: a design-oriented floor lamp.

Floor lamps have been making a slow but steady comeback in the world of lighting trends, and the designs are only getting more playful, experimenting with shapes, colors, and materials. These are the picks our style editors have on their radar for adding a low-commitment, high-impact focal point to any room.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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Gone are the days when pastels reigned supreme during the spring season. With character and playfulness replacing stereotypical interior design, more unexpected hues are cropping up in this year's spring color trends.

Woven with familiar muted tones and zingier, more unpredictable hues, Benjamin Moore's spring color palette sets the benchmark for a spring filled with color. From subdued yellows that feel traditionally seasonal to a fiery red that sets off the hushed tones, the palette is a refreshing move away from the usual pale pinks and baby blues that dominate color trends this time of year.

Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International), Benjamin Moore, explains, 'This palette takes its cue from classic spring tones, reimagined with added depth and complexity to celebrate the beauty of the present moment.'

Composed of six serene shades, Benjamin Moore's spring color palette feels refreshing yet livable. While each shade feels seasonal (without being obvious), they're also room colors that add subtle vibrancy that lasts beyond the spring season.

While it wouldn't be spring without some muted tones, from a soft sage green to a pale lemon yellow, these light shades feel spring-appropriate without straying into the obvious or juvenile pastel room ideas.

'Lighter, brighter shades that lean into soft pastels bring a sense of freshness and uplift,' explains Helen. 'They thrive in sunlit rooms, where shifting light reveals their subtle undertones. Raindrops on Roses carries the gentlest hint of lavender, energizing yet flattering, while Fresh Dew, a delicate blend of green and gray, both soothes and invigorates with its feather-light presence.'

No color scheme is complete without a good white. Benjamin Moore's Simply White is the grounding neutral that pairs beautifully with the hushed pastels and brighter shades. Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, says, 'Simply White OC-117 is a brighter white paint color with a hint of yellow. This Benjamin Moore staple has just the right amount of cheer and warmth. The perfect use-anywhere hue, pair it with warmer neutrals and off-whites for a fresh but still welcoming look. Bring in pale pastels, leafy greens, and sky blues for the ultimate spring vibe.'

Fresh Air 211 is a more stripped-back take on butter yellow. Helen explains, 'Nothing captures the essence of spring quite like the soft glow of lemon and buttermilk, and Fresh Air embodies this beautifully. Its pale yellow base, grounded by subtle brown undertones, strikes a perfect balance of fresh yet gently anchored, never overly sweet. Swept across all four walls, it creates a space that feels calm and quietly uplifting. Layered with natural textures or offset by playful accents, it delivers an understated brightness that endures.'

Grounding earthy neutrals bring depth and contrast against the pale hues. While colors like Mountain Lane 488, (Arianna describes it as 'An earthy hue that conjures up thoughts of lush hillsides') might be unexpected, they couldn't be a more welcome respite from the muted tones. Helen says, 'It evokes the calm sophistication of a plant-filled veranda and pairs effortlessly with other nature-led tones like soft browns, warm beiges, and gentle greens.'

Perhaps the most playful, unexpected shade of them all, Benjamin Moore's Raspberry Blush 2008-30 sets off the deep green and pale pastels, bringing some much-needed vibrancy and surprise that makes this palette feel so unique.

Arianna says, 'A vivacious shade of coral-tinged with pink, Raspberry Blush brings personality and vibrancy to a color palette. Take a playful spin on the classic red dining room by using this charismatic shade.'

Helen adds, 'Shades tinged with coral, such as Raspberry Blush, come alive throughout the day, especially in sunlight, radiating a charismatic, vivacious energy inspired by the vibrant colors of the kitchen. This lively coral, touched with pink, feels bold yet approachable, offering the perfect unexpected pop of color for a modern take on the unexpected red theory.'

Colorful Spring Shopping Picks

Benjamin Moore's spring color palette is delightfully refreshing. Filled with sophisticated pastels, an earthy olive green and a zingy red, it's a palette that perfectly balances light and dark and everything in between.

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You're not in the minority if you spend hours browsing paint colors online, sampling them to find the perfect shade for your walls, only to default to painting the ceiling bright white. Indeed, there seems to be an unspoken rule that ceilings must be painted white, but the emerging paint trick known as ceiling blurring says otherwise.

Instead of playing it safe with white ceilings, ceiling blurring is the technique of continuing the wall color onto the fifth wall, but in a slightly lighter shade to gently draw the eye upwards and, crucially, avoid the harsh contrast that stark white often creates. While this ceiling idea works in basically any type of room, it's especially effective in small rooms where the lack of contrast helps to make the space feel larger.

Here, interior designers explain all you need to know about this clever paint trick – from the best paint shades to use to the most flattering finishes – along with stylish examples to inspire your next decorating project.

What is Ceiling Blurring?

'When considering how to paint a room, it can be tempting to default to a white ceiling,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. 'However, a far more cohesive scheme can be achieved by considering the ceiling as part of the room’s overall palette. Using a softer tone on the ceiling, known as "ceiling blurring", softens edges rather than making the ceiling a focal point, creating a more seamless and enveloping feel.'

Essentially, ceiling blurring is where the same color as the walls is used on the ceiling, but in a lighter tone. 'The graduation in color is gentle on the eye, helping the ceiling feel less imposing and the room more harmonious,' adds Ruth.

Not only does this paint trick avoid the harsh contrast of a white ceiling with a bolder color on the walls, but it can help to make small, boxy rooms feel more expansive – guiding the eye upward without a strong endpoint.

While bold, colorful shades allow for a fun, unexpected look for ceiling blurring, it works with any color palette, from neutrals to bright tones. 'Soft, neutral, natural, and stone-inspired colors work beautifully within a graduated scheme, creating a sense of calm and restoration,' explains Ruth. 'By moving from deeper, richer tones to lighter, airier shades, the room achieves a natural, effortless flow, where colors gently combine.'

When it comes to choosing the right paint finishes, Ruth recommends going for a matte finish: 'the surface feels soft to the eye and rich to the touch, diffusing light gently and adding subtle depth.'

Stylish Examples of Ceiling Blurring to Inspire Your Project

From bedrooms to kitchens, ceiling blurring works as a clever paint technique in lots of rooms, enhancing its proportions and making a space feel soft, cozy, and considered.

'In bedrooms, ceiling blurring works particularly well, as the sense of continuity helps the space feel calm,' says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. In this bedroom, a gray-green paint was used on the walls and doors (Mylands' Lamb's Ear BH.06), while a lighter gray-green, Uncle Maths BH.05, was used on the ceiling.

'In rooms with detailed trimwork or architectural moldings, it can be effective to carry the wall color up and across these features, using the ceiling as a subtle point of contrast,' adds Dominic. 'This approach allows the architectural details to remain defined, while still maintaining an easy transition between the wall and ceiling.'

Before choosing colors for your scheme, keep in mind the difference between light and darker palettes. 'Using two different paints in the same lighter tone helps reflect natural light, making a space feel more open, while two deeper shades can create a more intimate atmosphere,' says Dominic. 'In both cases, matching tones closely maintains a sense of continuity and blurs the boundary between wall and ceiling.'

Using wallpaper in place of paint on the ceiling can create a similar effect, while adding extra depth and movement to the space. In this home office, a textured sisal wallcovering in a muted shade of blue was used on the ceiling, while a dark blue paint, Sherwin-Williams' Sea Serpent, was used on the walls.

'The client wanted a dramatic and moody feel in this study, so Sea Serpent was a great fit for the walls,' explains the Washington-based designer Shannon Adamson. 'The sisal lends a subtle texture to the space and helps with sound absorption. It also keeps the ceiling from feeling too heavy and oppressive, which can happen when deeper paint colors are continued onto the ceiling, even in smaller spaces.'

In kitchens with full-height cabinetry, you can follow the same approach to ceiling blurring, painting cabinets in a richer color, and then using a lighter version on the ceiling.

'For this kitchen, I wanted to maintain a burgundy color scheme for the cabinetry, painting them a shade of Brinjal,' says the designer Cecilia Casagrande of Boston-based Casagrande Studio. 'I also chose Setting Plaster for the ceiling color to complement the cabinets and prevent them from overwhelming the space, as can happen with dark cabinets and white ceilings. In this case, the ceiling plays a significant role in the overall design.'

Light gray-green paints work wonderfully in bedrooms, setting a tranquil feel, and taking them onto the ceiling creates a cocooning effect. 'For this bedroom, our goal was to create a relaxing atmosphere that showcased the beautiful window treatments,' says Cecilia. The designer settled on Farrow & Ball's Mizzle for the walls, with the slightly lighter tone of Cromarty for the ceiling. 'This subtle color change added a touch of brightness without altering the overall aesthetic,' says Cecilia.

Not only does painting the fifth wall a tonal version of the wall color create a cohesive, soft look and create the illusion of more height in small spaces, but it also feels more current than bright white ceilings that can come across as dated. If you're looking for some inspiration for choosing a color palette for this paint trick, browse the bold shades that transform small rooms.

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The Opening Note

This week on The Very British Edit, I’ve been thinking about the first few steps inside a home – and how much they quietly shape everything that follows.

The entryway is one of those in-between spaces we all move through quickly – dropping keys, kicking off shoes, heading straight into the house. But around this time of year, when the light starts to shift and spring slowly settles in, I always notice it more. It’s the first thing you see when you walk in, and the last thing you pass on your way out. It really does set the tone, whether you realise it or not.

And if you’re hosting – like I am this Easter weekend – it suddenly feels even more important. That first moment when someone steps through the door? It shapes everything that follows. Before they see your table, the food, or the garden, they experience your entryway. It doesn’t need to be anything grand, just thoughtful and welcoming.

This year, I did make one slightly bigger change. I took a bit of inspiration from Martha Stewart and painted my entryway in a soft, gray-green color – one of those fresh, calming shades that just feels right for spring. It instantly lifted the space. But honestly, it also reminded me that you don’t need to do anything major to get that effect.

Most of the time, it’s the smaller updates that make the biggest difference. A good console table, somewhere smart to stash everyday clutter, a mirror to bounce the light around, and a few simple pieces that feel personal. A bowl for keys, a stack of books, a vase of daffodils or tulips – nothing overdone, just things that make the space feel lived-in and considered.

At this time of year, I always try to keep things lighter. Clearing surfaces a little, letting more light in, bringing in something seasonal. It’s less about decorating and more about creating a feeling – something that quietly reflects the shift into spring.

What I love is how easy it is to get right. You don’t need to start from scratch. A few thoughtful tweaks can make the whole space feel calmer, brighter, and more inviting. And when that first impression feels right, the rest of the house seems to fall into place.

In this week’s edit, I’ll share exactly how I refresh my own entryway for spring – especially with Easter in mind – the pieces I always come back to, the storage that actually works, and the small changes that make it feel ready for the season ahead.

The Edit: Entryway Essentials

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’m focusing on something I naturally come back to every year around now: outdoor furniture – and getting my patio ready for the months ahead.

This is always the point when everything starts to shift. The days are longer, the air feels softer, and you suddenly want to be outside as much as possible. Morning coffee outdoors becomes a habit again, dinners stretch a little later, and having people over feels easy rather than like a big production. It’s usually the moment I realise my outdoor seating needs a bit of attention.

I’ve started to think of garden furniture as more than just somewhere to sit. It really shapes how you use the space. A better layout, more comfortable cushions, or a table that actually works for hosting can make all the difference. It doesn’t need to be anything overthought – just a few updates that make the space feel inviting and easy to use.

And the best part is, you don’t need to change everything to get that feeling. I’ll often just rearrange what I already have, swap in fresh throw pillows, or add one or two new pieces. Even small changes can make the whole patio feel lighter, more relaxed, and ready for spring and summer.

Next week, I’ll share exactly how I refresh my own outdoor living room setup each year – the pieces I rely on, what’s worth updating, and the simple changes that make it feel ready for everything from quiet mornings outside to last-minute get-togethers.

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.