Home altars have always held a central place in my domestic life, not as religious relics but as deeply personal spaces that anchor me amidst changes and challenges. Moving out of state to college, relocating internationally, and then navigating the demands of a fast-paced careereach transition was made a little easier by the presence of an altar. These sacred spaces provide grounding, a sense of home when far from the familiar, and a connection to the people, memories, and objects that matter most.Through my experiences, Ive come to see home altars as more than static displays; they are ever-evolving spaces that reflect my emotions, intentions, and personal growth. In seeking to understand how others approach altar-making, I spoke with three designers: Laura Kirar, Josu Ramos Espinoza, and Mike Diaz. Each offered a distinct perspective on creating and curating altars, shaped by their cultural heritage, creative practices, and personal philosophies.What struck me in these conversations was the harmonious blending of design, meaning, and healing in altar-making. Whether inspired by the seasons or crafted with intention to hold energy, these altars create spaces for reflection, connection, and restoration, deepening our bond with ourselves and the world around us.Their insights reveal how altars serve as vessels for healing, artistic expression, and storytelling, effortlessly woven into the rhythms of daily life. Like my own, their altars are not just collections of objects but profound reflections of their journeysof who they are, where theyve been, and where they are headed.The author's altar in her Brooklyn apartment.Photo: Yohance BartonA seasonal approach to designWhen Laura Kirar first moved into her 300-year-old hacienda in Mexico, the artist and designer considered converting an old chapel into a bedroom. However, during renovations, workers uncovered remains beneath the chapel floor. The discovery of those remains shifted my perspective entirely, she recalls. Instead of covering up the space, I knew I had to honor it in a way that respected its history.

Some spirits apparently gave Adele a hello from the other side at the English mansion that she rented in 2012rendering it unsellable, if you ask the current owner. According to the BBC, the owner of the landmarked Lock House in Partridge Green, West Sussex, has struggled to sell the place ever since the singer allegedly said it haunted. The owner, who reportedly bought the 32-acre property in 2003, has been trying to offload it for 14 years, per the BBC. In the hopes of rectifying the situation, the owner has submitted plans for approval that involve dividing the Grade II-listed 10-bedroom manse into three separate units and converting a garage into a cottage.The first tenant, Adele, stayed for six months and blighted the property by saying it is haunted, the request claims. This comment negatively impacted future marketing efforts and continues to affect the propertys reputation to this day.Early on in her tenancy at the mansion, which was originally built in 1909, the Rolling in the Deep singer invited Anderson Cooper inside during an interview for CBSs 60 Minutes. While she did not explicitly say that the house was haunted, she did say, This bits all quite scary, really. It was a convent for a little while, while showing the news host around. Subsequent tabloid reporting added fuel to the fire, citing an anonymous source who claimed that Adele was convinced [the home] is haunted and hired a bodyguard so that she wouldnt have to sleep alone on the expansive property. Im not rattling around here on my own. It gives me the creeps, she allegedly said to a friend.Join NowBecome an AD PRO member for only $25 $20 per month + receive an exclusive toteArrowThe request to renovate states that the closest it ever got to selling was in 2020, but the prospective buyer allegedly withdrew their offer after finding out it could be haunted. Priced at about $7.5 million, the nearly 20,000-square-foot pad boasts both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a helipad, a sauna, and a wine cellar.

Being named to the AD100ADs list of the worlds leading talentis a professional milestone that can make a designers career, opening the doors to new, high profile clients, brand and licensing deals, and a closer relationship with one of the worlds top magazines. In this one-hour virtual event, AD100 designers open up about the path that got them into the pages of AD, share the lessons and surprises they encountered along the way, and offer up their best advice for others.On January 22, Alison Levasseur, ADs Global Interiors & Garden Director, caught up with three AD100 2025 debuts, Heidi Caillier, Little Wing Lee, and Ross Cassidy, to glean their lessons learned in navigating client projects, product deals, building a brand, and more. Watch the full video recap below.Meet the Panelists

In early January I watched in horror as beloved communities in Los Angeles burned in the Palisades and Eaton fires. While I live two hours east of LA, near Joshua Tree, witnessing the lives of friends and strangers splinter in an instant felt all too familiar: In April of 2019 I lost my apartment in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to a five-alarm fire started by a careless neighbor who left a candle burning by a curtain on a windy day. In minutes the conflagration tore through the roof, leaving our 56-unit, six-floor, pre-war building uninhabitable.Now, watching thousands of Angelinos try to make sense of their loss, I remember how I rebuilt my life and the surprising lessons I learned about accepting community support, mourning, and moving on.The loss of a future is as painful as the physical and financial lossId lived in Sunset Park, a working- and middle-class neighborhood in southwest Brooklyn thats home to generations of immigrants from Scandinavia, Latin America, and China, for 17 years and owned my one-bedroom condo for 10. I planned to make it my forever home. I was at work when the fire began, so I only had the belongings in my purse and gym bag, and I had no chance to rescue my cat, Crackers.Sunset Park, Brooklyn, where the author previously lived.Photo: Bus Photography/Getty ImagesIt took time to understand how to grieve. I could mourn Crackerss passing, but I was physically safe, and no people died. Unlike some of my neighbors, I had personal property insurance and could stay with my boyfriend at the time. Its just stuff, well-meaning acquaintances told me, but my loss was a dark hole that had been kicked through my life. Trauma studies professor Sandra Stark Shields recently noted on KCRW that losing a home is similar to the sudden death of a family member, and this short sentence helped articulate the grief I tumbled into.When the ash settled, the damage assessed, and repairs estimated, it became clear that the condo board lacked sufficient insurance coverage and could not afford to rebuild. We would not get our homes, or their equivalent value, back. As reality sunk in, I grieved the future I once dreamed of: Growing old in Sunset Park, a predictable routine of summer park picnics and swims in the public pool and stunning winter sunsets observed from my fifth-floor fire escape. I was experiencing ambiguous loss, a term coined by Pauline Boss in the 1970s, to describe loss without true closure. More than the undoing of financial or physical security, losing my imagined future has been the hardest to reconcile.I had to be specific about what I neededIn the dizzying aftermath of the fire, support from our neighbors through donation drives, fundraisers, and skill sharing enabled me and other building residents to get our immediate bearings. However, securing what I would need to move forward was overwhelming. After a few weeks, I had a rental apartment, but little furniture; a refrigerator, but no desire to cook; blank walls, and empty bookshelves. I learned to ask for the specific help I needed in order to establish some kind of normalcy. My friends set up a gift registry of necessary household items, from baking dishes and spatulas to pillows and a pressure cooker. Others dropped off homemade lentil soup and kitchen staples like fresh spices and Maldon salt. A fellow writer arranged for book lovers to send me my favorites to rebuild my library. These generous acts grounded me, and these objects serve as a daily reminder of the community support I received.Solidarity is energizing, but only goes so farThough I had scarcely known many of my immediate neighbors before the fire, in the aftermath the solidarity between owners and tenants, and English, Chinese, and Spanish speakers was energizing. We shared resources, attended community meetings in search of solutions, and checked in regularly to support each other in person and over text. However, our unity was fragile, and within a year fractured along the lines of class and language. While I quickly moved into a nearby rental, paid by my personal insurance for one year, others had to move out of the city, and later the country, because they did not have sufficient support. The disintegration of our community as residents attempted to move on was a deep, and unavoidable, loss.

According to Jain mythology, the Samavasarana temple brought the faithful closer to enlightenment through its tiered architectural formseach ascending space marking the accumulation of knowledge on the path toward enlightenment. Today, that spiritual vernacular endures in the western Indian state of Gujarat, where Serie Architects have completed its own contemporary homage: the new Raj Sabhagruh, centerpiece of the nearly 250-acre Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram. Set atop a crescent-shaped hill, the building rises from the 5,000-seat auditorium at its base, a column-free expanse distinguished by its monumental concrete arches. At its crown, meanwhile, a soaring 300-person meditation hall glows like a lantern thanks to over 1,000 integrated pin lights. And outside, the buildings angled faades bear some 800,000 bricks crafted from salvaged marble, their hand-chiseled surfaces yielding subtle texture. Whether youre a practitioner of the ancient Indian religion (based on tenets of compassion, nonviolence, and equality) or simply an admirer of great design, the edifice promises to lift hearts as it draws eyes to the sky.The facade of Raj Sabhagruh.Photo: Rory GardinerThe 5,000-seat auditorium.Photo: Rory GardinerThe skylit meditation hall at the buildings crown.Photo: Rory GardinerA curved stairwell ushers the faithful upward.Photo: Rory Gardiner

Home Alone was produced and written by the venerable film legend, John Hughes. The movie was inspired by a real trip the director went on with his family.In an article for Chicago magazine, James Hughesson of the directorrecalls: On August 8, 1989, my father [John Hughes] jotted down in a notebook a movie idea born of travelers anxiety that occurred to him during the bustle of departing for our first family trip to Europe, and set it aside. Two weeks later, after returning home, he revisited the premise: What if one of the kids had been accidentally left behind?Hughes continues, Over the next nine days, he completed the first draft of Home Alone. According to that same article, Home Alone went on to defy everyones prerelease expectations, and quickly became the highest-grossing live-action comedy ever made. It earned $476.7 million worldwide.A Bit About the PlotDaniel Stern as Marv and Joe Pesci as Harry in Home AlonePhoto: Atlaspix / Alamy Stock PhotoThe original Home Alone follows the McCallisters as they prepare for an extended-family Christmas trip to France. The morning of their connecting flight to New York, their youngest son, Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin), oversleeps, misses the family headcount, and gets left behindjust like John Hughes dreamt of. (Kevins parents were played by Catherine OHara and John Heard.)The first few days feel like sweet freedom, as Kevin basks in his first real dose of independence by tobogganing down the stairs, indulging in massive ice cream sundaes, and watching R-rated movies that uncle Frank (Gerry Bamman) would never allow.But the fun and games soon come to an end when Kevin is faced by the wet banditstwo bumbling burglars who have their sights set on robbing the McCallister home. Villains Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) soon realize the house isnt vacant like they first thought, and an endless game of cat and mouse ensues, with Kevin setting intricate booby traps to protect himself and his family home. All with a little help from old man Marley and his wicked brother Buzzs pet tarantula, of course.Where Was Home Alone Filmed?The street signs near the Home Alone housePhoto: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In Giorgio de Chiricos 1927 painting Mobili nella Valle, an arrangement of furniture is dropped, rather surrealistically, into a desert landscape. Some 40 years after its creation, this strange, metaphysical scene would inspire Italian sculptor Mario Ceroli to realize the three objects from the artworka cabinet, an armchair, and a tall-backed seatin planks of Russian pine.The throne-like Sedia Alta, Italian for High Chair, swiftly became the most recognizable piece of the bunch, making its debut as part of the scenography Ceroli developed for performances of Shakespeares Richard III at Teatro StabilediTorino in 1968. By the early 1970s it was put into production by the radical Italian design brand Poltronova.Mario Cerolis Sedia Alta at a Paris home by Pierre Yovanovitch.Photo: Jrme GallandFor me, furniture is a sculpture created to be touched, to be used, says the artist, who lives with several iterations of the chair in his own Rome studio and home, which will open to the public as a museum at the end of 2025. Placed in a domestic context, the unusual form delivers the same uncanny effect that it does in de Chiricos painting. Take, for example, Ico Parisis space-age-y 1970s Casa Fontana, in Lake Como, where the chairs gather round a slick, lacquered dining table like objects from another time and place. Meanwhile in a Paris house by AD100 designer Pierre Yovanovitch, a single Sedia adds a dreamlike quality to a bedroom-office.The Ico Parisidesigned Casa Fontana, circa 1972.Photo: Courtesy of Archivio del Design di Ico Parisi.

The atriums trunkscape installation by OMA.Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.They also wanted to convey history. The trunk is the core and gene of the brand, reflects Shigematsu. That is where all the innovations started to be visible. Those breakthroughs, well known to any student of fashion, began when a young French cabinetmaker by the name of Louis Vuitton pioneered a marvelous malleforgoing curved lids in favor of stackable flat tops and engineering a specialty waterproof canvas. As the mode of travel changed from ship to train to plane to automobile, Louis Vuitton always adapted the idea of efficient packing, says Shigematsu, referring to the subsequent expansion into custom wardrobes. Patterns too evolved, with the advent of the red stripe of the 1870s, the Damier check in the late 1880s, and the classic monogram at the turn of the 20th century.The caf.Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

In our line of work, narrowing down the best bed sheets is not a casual decision. Its a search for an essential element of your entire sleep experience. And while everybody needs quality sleep, its not always so easy to come by between skin sensitivities and night sweats. A good set of sheets is an easy solve for the most basic of sleep woes, so our editors spent countless nights testing the latest and greatest linens and bedding on the market, resulting in this deep dive into the sheets of our dreams. Take a peek at all of our notes and gut reactions on some of the most internet-beloved bed sheets on the market, ranging from hotel-quality percale weaves and organic cotton sheets to eco-friendly picks made with materials like eucalyptus and bamboo.Our Top Picks for the Best Bed Sheets:Best Linen Bed Sheets: Brooklinen Core Sheet Set $319 $217Best Cotton Bed Sheets: Parachute Brushed Cotton Fitted Sheet $110Best Eucalyptus Bed Sheets: Buffy Eucalyptus Sheet Set $195 $156Best Sateen Bed Sheets: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set $279Best Cooling Bed Sheets: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set $331 $265Best Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets: Matouk Egyptian Cotton Sheeting $349Browse by Category:Editor's Note: All prices reflect queen-size sheets, but different sizes are available for purchase.The Best Sheets, OverallBest Linen Sheets: Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet SetBrooklinen Linen Core Sheet SetSpecsThread count: N/AMaterial: LinenColors available: White, cream, petal, haze, charcoal chambray, charcoal chambray, and white stripeUpsidesLong side and short side labeling on the fitted sheet for easy use, super-soft material, temperature-regulating designDownsidesDuvet cover runs a bit big, slightly thin sheet designWashing InstructionsMachine-wash on a cold setting with like colors. Do not bleach and tumble dry on a low setting. You can iron these sheets on low, if necessary.Bed sheet reviewer: Madeleine Luckel, contributorWhat attracted you to these bed sheets? I really felt like linen sheets had become all the rage. This was a couple years ago, and while I toyed with the vision of a perfectly wrinkled dove gray set, Im much more of a white bedding person. Brooklinen was one of two brands I was aware of making the type of linen sheets I wanted.Whats it like sleeping on these bed sheets? Its really nice. When I got these I thought white linen sheets year-round might be a slightly bold move, since I dont live my life on a Greek island, but the nature of the fiber is versatile and temperature regulating.Did the sheets live up to your expectations? Yes, but they are a little bit thin. Im fine with this, but its just something to keep in mind if you are picturing a super dense weave.Would you recommend the sheets to a friend? Yes.Best Cotton Sheets: Parachute Organic Cotton Fitted SheetParachute Organic Cotton Fitted SheetSpecsThread count: N/AMaterial: Organic cottonColors available: White, bone, willow, and duskUpsidesSnug fit on the bedDownsidesCotton sheet sets can lack the silky feel of other high-end materials; sheets sold separatelyWashing InstructionsMachine-wash on a delicate cycle set on warm/cold water. Use mild laundry detergent and let the detergent dissolve in the water before loading your sheets. Tumble or air dry.Bed sheet reviewer: Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorEditors Note: The Organic Fitted Sheet we originally tested is no longer in stock, but the brushed cotton is a worthy alternative.What attracted you to these bed sheets? I love the Parachute brand and, when they said they were releasing a line of organic bedding last year, I jumped at the chance to give them a try. Theyre also made in Portugal, which is known for producing excellent linens. The factory that Parachute works with has been family-owned for generations.Whats it like sleeping on these bed sheets? Its definitely not a silky smooth experience that you might get from a sateen weave, but it feels lovely nonetheless; its more of a grown up and tucked-in kind of vibe (which is a lot to say about a set of sheets). These sheets are clean and crisp, so theres no stretchy action like you might expect with sheets of a lesser quality.Would you recommend the sheets to a friend? I would. I try a lot of bedding in this line of work and, the more I do, the more I appreciate ethical and organic productionWho wants to think about the chemicals theyre breathing in while they sleep?even if the price tag is a little bit higher.Best Eucalyptus Sheets: Buffy Eucalyptus SheetsBuffy Breeze Sheet SetSpecsThread count: 300Material: 100% eucalyptus fiber (Oeko-Tex certified)Colors available: Blush, white, light gray, dark gray, light blue, and dark blueUpsidesGreat donation policyDownsidesPrice investmentWashing InstructionsMachine-wash on a cold setting and tumble dry low.Bed sheet reviewer: Zo Sessums, senior digital design editorWhat attracted you to these bed sheets? These sheets got me interested by way of an Instagram ad. I was intrigued by the materialwhat does eucalyptus feel like?and excited about the plant-dyed color options (they use ingredients like turmeric, gardenia, and pomegranate for the natural dying process).Whats it like sleeping on these bed sheets? These sheets are smoooooth and feel like a silk/cotton combo. The cool-to-the-touch nature of the material is ideal for warmer months and hot sleepers, so I found the experience very nice. They only get softer after each wash.Did the sheets live up to your expectations? Im a fan! Not only are the sheets very lovely, but the mission of the brand is something to get behind. If you arent satisfied with your sheets, Buffy encourages you to donate them to someone in needand youll still get a refund.

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.CDMX may be better known for its ancient ruins and unrivaled cuisine, but also hosts some of the design industrys biggest rising stars. The best Mexico City Airbnbs get you up close and personal with all of its earthly delights and exquisite interiors, plus help you skip the sprawling resorts and big-name hotels for homegrown charm.From a two-bedroom apartment inspired by traditional artists residences to an artfully renovated biblioteca, to a 1950s bungalow with a 40-foot-long pool, these Airbnb rentals are havens of Mexican culture and artistry. After all, few countries do transitional indoor-outdoor living spaces quite like Mexico does, which is why design enthusiasts, digital nomads, and jet-setters head below the border in droves whenever the need for sun and visual inspiration strikes. That, and carne asada tacos and spicy margaritas taste so much better on a terrace overlooking Bosque de Chapultepec than they do when Seamless-ed to your apartment. Here, some of the dreamiest Mexico City Airbnbs to book rapido before someone else gets the same idea.Courtesy of AirbnbQuiet and Cozy Nook Near Lardo CondesaDesigned by Atelier Zuniga Lpez and architecture firm Jsa, this one-bedroom in one of the citys most popular neighborhoods is a deep, healing breath manifested. Inside, the kitchen is stocked for simple mealsbest for visitors looking to explore the citys deep culinary scene. Take coffee on the plant-covered balcony, and retreat to the cove of a bedroom at the end of the day, where the rich color palette and soft textiles exude relaxing vibes. Another hidden perk? A free parking space for guests. Other amenities include an in-unit washer and dryer, a Bluetooth system, dedicated workspace, a coffeemaker, and building staff that can help you access the space 24/7. From $141 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbUnique Loft in PolancoFor an upscale, no-holds-barred vacation, head to Mexico Citys Polanco neighborhood, where designer stores jostle for real estate space with world-class restaurants and attractions such as Pujol and the Museo Jumex. At this swanky two-bedroom in the heart of it all, light floods in from big windows surrounding the open living area, and the views get even better from the open terrace that overlooks the surrounding treetops. Technically a penthouse, there are three different floors to this loft with a bedroom on the first two. The top floor is packed with a family room, a half-kitchen, a laundry room, a full bathroom, and access to the terrace. Its a great pick if youre traveling with a small crew and want some privacyor more than a few nooks to tuck yourself away when you need some solo time. From $582 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbMinimalistic Loft at DIB in La Roma NorteThe two-bedroommanaged by a Superhostlives in a historic home that was built in 1910 but the vibe is 100% minimalist. Blonde wood informs the loft's muted interiors that are graced with Teka appliances and giant windows. Another perk that city dwellers will appreciate is the closet space. Other amenities include a a 24-hour doorman to let you in no matter what time of night or day you return, daily room cleaning so you never have to lift a finger on you stay, plus air conditioning to insulate yourself from the heat. Located in the Roma Norte neighborhood, theres plenty of street art to be seen, historic architecture to tour (Casa Museo Guillermo Tovar de Teresa is a good place to start), and parks to stroll (Parque Espaa). From $196 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbElegant and Artistic Loft on Historic Madero StreetLocated in a former hotel, this one-bedroom apartment is a jewel-toned retreat from the noise of the city streets. And if proximity to historic sights and cultural institutions is high on your checklist, youll be delighted to hear that its just a stones throw away from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Zcalo (Plaza de la Constitucion), and Museo Nacional De Arte (MUNAL). There are two bedsone is situated adjacent to the living space so this rental is best for a tight-knit group of buddies, a duo, solo travelers, or family. From $53 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa AlferezIf youre renting a car and hope to juggle some city landmarks plus sights off the beaten path, book into this cabin an hours drive away from the city in Caada De Alferes. The Brutalist vibes are strong here, from the concrete interiors to the sky-high ceilings. But there are plenty of soft moments to break it all up: a forest-green conversation pit forms the centerpiece of the living area, competing only with the wall-length window opening the view to the tree-lined backyard. Wood tones warm up the dining space, while an outdoor fire pit helps you transition the party into the late hours of the night as you recount the days adventures. From $213 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa Wynwood in Roma NorteIf you want to feel like youre taking over a hotel with your closest friends, Casa Wynwood has your name written on it. Its easy to get (blissfully) lost here: The common spaces feel never-ending and youll have a great time winding your way through the maze. Between the four bedrooms at your disposal, theres plenty of space for a small group to rest up. Avid readers will also waste no time settling into the leather couch in the bookshelf-lined library to flip through novels. Antiques are tucked into corners and the art feels thoughtfully curatedmuch like walking into your most creative friends home. Furry felines and pooches are also allowed, if you want to save money on that pet hotel. Guests can even drop off their luggage before the official check-in time, and theres a private patio for kicking your feet up when the weather is nice (and it usually is). From $1,567 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa TeoThe minimalist, two-bedroom Casa Teo revolves around an open concept floor plan that mimics artist residences. The host encourages his guests to participate in the active artistic and cultural programs so that they can contribute to Mexicos unique cultural exchange. Plus, its soothing palette of pale woods, creamy whites, and heather grays certainly doesnt get in the way of creativity. Best of all, the home is owned by uber-chef Enrique Olivera and formerly housed his iconic restaurant Pujol before it moved to a newer location, also in Polanco. Accordingly, expect to be well-fed on your stay, as the casa comes well-stocked with homemade breads, local fruits, spreads, and juices. From $395 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa MetlThough Casa Metl accomodates three bedrooms across three floors, its most impressive space is the shaded patio that sits just beyond a giant sliding glass door. Though the home is right smack dab in the middle of the charismatic Roma Sur neighborhood, the more low-key and easygoing counterpart to Roma Norte is a few minutes north. The patio is a tranquil haven that feels miles away from the traditional street food stalls, noisy cafes, and always-busy Mercado de Medelln just below it. That kind of quiet serenity is what the homeowners were going for when they designed their space, which is why they handpicked art by Mexican painters and decorated with a warm, gentle palette. Plus, they were heavily inspired by mezcaleria culture, which explains the abundance of organic materials throughout the home. From $317 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa Jos Clemente Orozco CoyoacnCoyoacn is the place to be for any free-spirited creatives who want to explore Mexico Citys most bohemian quarter. Its cobblestone avenues and Colonial architecture lead the way to the municipalitys eccentric art galleries, artisan markets, and charming sidewalk cafes. This three-bedroom dwelling is right in the middle of it all. Plus, its only a few blocks away from La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlos museum. The famed self-portraitist isnt the villas only connection to Mexican art: Its named after painter and muralist Jos Clemente Orozco, who designed and built what would become his studio between 1921 and 1923. From $171 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa CondesaThough a clean and neutral palette is on-trend these days, Casa Condesa makes a case for bringing bright color back into the mix. Constructed in the mid-1920s, the six-bedroom mansion celebrates traditional Mexican interiors with clever use of color, texture, and, of course, intricate tile patterns. The pice de rsistance, however, is the private garden, accessible through a set of double glass-paned doors. The courtyard-like space of this Mexico City Airbnb is complete with a vintage wooden table and two matching chairs whose colorful cushions practically beg guests to take a seat. From $414 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbLa Roma HouseThis 19th-century three-bedroom cottage is a shining example of Colonial architecture that prioritizes indoor-outdoor design with two outdoor terraces, a sweeping backyard, and an outdoor living area equipped with a firepit. Enclosed within one tall concrete wall donning dark leafy ivy and micro-lights and four wooden ones, the garden is as much an oasis as any placeespecially for indulging in a nightcap and scintillating conversation after sunset. From $225 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbArt Deco Apartment in Santa Mara La RiberaStep back in time with this 1940s Art Deco luxury apartment in the perfect location: the Santa Maria La Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City, just above the bustling historic center of town, Centro Histrico. Beautiful exposed brick lines the ceilings and the walls in the living room, while one of its walls is full of floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the dining and lounge areas. The elevated private terrace opens up into a courtyard with a fountain so you can sip on tea or coffee before starting your day in the city. The unit comes with one private bedroom with a queen-size bed as well as a full bright kitchen for taking meals during the day. From $78 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbClassical Roma TownhouseSometimes all you need is a bit of color to feel right at home in a space. If youre headed to Mexico City, consider staying in this two-bedroom Airbnb rental, which makes great use of accent walls and prints. Take the emerald green couch and blue and purple throw pillows as evidence, or the thoughtful bursts of pastels found in the kitchen backsplash, bedroom wallpapering, wall mirror, and outdoor space. The neighborhood itself is a great location for anyone seeking great dining and nightlife, shopping, and art gallery options. And when you return after a long day of trekking, dont forget to soak your muscles in the units bathtub that has room for two. From $94 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Airbnb1940s Biblioteca ApartmentThis one goes out to the bibliophiles. Nestled inside a 1940s mansion within the Roma Norte neighborhood is this private library thats been thoughtfully renovated into a one-bedroom apartment. What it lacks in books now, it more than makes up for in trailing vines, restored wood floors, a plush king-size bed, stained glass details, and an abundance of windows. The biblioteca boasts a fully equipped kitchen and dining area for the days you want to make your own cuisine, plus an office space for anyone working from home. The midcentury-inspired furniture and decor are all sourced from Mexican designers, carpenters, and artisans. From $94 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbPenthouse CondesaHere's a breathtaking contemporary Art Deco penthouse, designed by famed CDMX architectural firm Atelier Ziga Lpez. You won't find much in the way of decor, which is intentional, as the design elements speak for themselves. Case in point: The vaulted ceilings littered with skylights, striking window frames and room dividers, a walnut walk-in closet, and the inviting outdoor dining room. Of course, there are also plenty of modern indulgences, like a smart TV for catching up on your Netflix shows, a washer and dryer, speedy Wi-Fi, and a bluetooth sound system. From $142 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbModern City Loft with Private RooftopSleep (almost) among the trees in this slab concrete beauty, situated in quiet Roma Sur. Take a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the Art Deco mansions, quirky galleries, street art, and hidden-away cafs before returning to this artfully designed loft. Each design element was sourced around Mexico by the host, from the woven textiles to the plant pots. The one-bedroom space has a full bathroom, roof garden, and comes equipped with a kitchenette thats ideal for anyone who plans on eating their way through la ciuidad. From $139 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbThe Terrace of Orchids Eclectic CondoStep inside the Terrace of Orchids, an eclectic open-layout condo, and you might consider canceling that return ticket. The comfortable apartment is littered with so many paneled frosted windows that they quickly become the focal point of the space. On the bottom floor are the living, dining, and kitchen areas, plus a private outdoor terrace. Each piece of furniture feels intentionally chosen for the space; it's not crowded with decor or pieces you'll find everywhere. The upstairs loft space is where you'll find the bedroom area and walk-in closets. This apartment is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chapultepec Park, placed right in between the Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods. From $166 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbQuetzalcoatls NestQuetzalcoatls Nest, an earthship-style home, is more than just one of Mexico Citys top-rated vacation rentalsits a design and sustainability masterpiece. Architect Javier Senosiain designed the small apartment complex so that the natural world is amplified through the living spaces. So no, this isnt your typical Mexico City Airbnb, but its perfect for anyone whos seeking a quiet oasis to reset. The apartment itself has all of the characteristics of a classic, futuristic earthship: rounded windows, organic shapes, and curved walls. Each fixture and floor is made with natural, upcycled materials, and blessedly, these homes are naturally cool even in the summer. The Nest is situated on acres of gardens filled with lush flora, ponds, and trees. As a guest, you'll also have the opportunity to receive a guided tour of the architect's neighborhood project, Parque Quetzalcoatl. From $452 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbExclusive Suite in Casa de 1905Designed using the principles of Porfirian architecture (a French-Mexican fusion), Casa de 1905 houses a number of beautiful, moody apartments right in the middle of Juarez, which is known for its numerous, exciting restaurants and coffee shops. The apartment itself has a large romantic balcony, spa-like bathroom (with a tub), a green terrace accessed via said bathroom, and an eat-in kitchenette that overlooks the street. Its decorated with midcentury-modern furniture, all sourced from antique dealers across the city. From $82 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa Boho in CentroBy stripping the paint from the 19-foot walls in this Porfirian masterpiece, the host uncovered a beautiful Impressionist texture, which he sealed with a glazeand that's just the backdrop. The rest of this castle-like, two-bedroom apartment is a marvel too. Think: a spacious roof deck for greeting the day and soaking in the sunset, rich hardwood floors, intricately carved Mexican furniture, and huge French doors that lead out to Juliet balconies. Even better, your vacation rental is also close to the Bellas Artes and the Alameda so you can partake in some theater and people watching. From $84 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbColourful Designer Apartment in La CondesaHeres a real charmer of a vacation rental right in La Condesa that combines the design styles of CDMX, New York City, and Amsterdam into one vibrant, Barragn-esque space for anyone in need of a visual reset. Sunshine combines with Barbie pink and lemon meringue walls to brighten up the space, while tasteful midcentury-modern furniture keeps it from leaning too hard into the Instagram aesthetic. The reading nook is ideal for a siesta after a long day of walking through the city, while the spacious dining room has everything you need for a festive dinner or a remote work day. From $225 per night.BOOK NOW

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.In big cities across the US and beyond, minuscule bedrooms abound. Fun small bedroom ideas feel hard to come by, and frustration sets in before anything actually improves in your space. Visions of an armchair, a reading nook, and a makeup vanity float by, meanwhile your space still doesnt have room for a pair of nightstands to accompany your bed. But fear not, there are, indeed, decorating ideas that make it possible to achieve an inspiring living space, squeeze in those storage solutions, and still get a comfortable nights sleep at the end of the day, toono matter how small your square footage is. Read on for small bedroom decorating ideas and advice from experts on how to maximize your space in style.Photo: Simon Brown1/33Add a patterned headboardIf you have a small bedroom, it can be particularly difficult to bringin pattern without overpowering a space.Designer Beata Heuman deftly displayed how to do so in this pictured West London flat. Though not every small room has space for an end-of-bed bench like the upholstered one in this flat, the commanding striped headboard look can be easily replicated in even the smallest of bedrooms. Not only does the patterned headboard draw the eye into the back of the room, but also up, as it reaches toward the ceiling and draws attention to the vertical space.Photo: Yohann Fontaine2/33Display what needs to be storedInthis Paris apartment planned out by the homeowner and Myanmar-based architect Pierre Mounier, the bed is surrounded on both sides by open bookshelves. Rather than making the bed feel closed in or stuck between these two shelves, the space feels airy thanks to the lack of backing on the shelves. Whats more, the clever bedroom design allows the built-in shelves to serve as nightstandsand lets the homeowners personal effects to double as decor, adding visual interest to the space without cluttering it. Talk about multipurpose!If you prefer a look thats a little more uniform, buy baskets or bins for the shelves to hold all that clutter. The baskets will add visual interest, and youll still be able to store plenty without needing a bulkier dresser or wardrobe.Photo: Charlie Schuck3/33Use a curtain to separate your spaceIf your tiny bedroom is in fact a studio, or if its the only space thats entirely your ownno roommates and no family calling the shotsthen you likely want to maximize it, even if it is quite small. Adding curtains is a cost effective and adaptable way to separate your space to serve multiple purposes. In architectCorey Kingstons own Lower East Side apartment, curtains separate her bed from the living area, keeping the sleeping space peaceful and personal. The curtains also add color to the space without the anxiety-inducing commitment of a bold paint job (particularly useful if youre in a rental!).Photo: Genevieve Garruppo // @garruppo4/33Or try a custom room dividerWhen designing the bedroom of her NYC studio, Ward + Gray cofounder and AD PRO Directory designer Christie Ward aimed to preserve the flow of natural light from her living room area to her bedroom alcove. With my apartments open-concept layout, I was concerned that a small enclosed bedroom might feel too claustrophobic, she says. To address this, I had a custom room divider [by BK Handbuild] created, which allows light to filter through from the living area. She notes that this not only defines the bedroom space intimately, but also maintains a sense of openness. To save even more space, Ward chose a small task light from In Common With for reading, coupled with a wall-mounted sconce in lieu of a bedside table and lamp.Photo: Amy Bartlam5/33Work with the bedrooms architectureWere obsessed with this small bedroom idea from Jaime Zehner, owner and lead designer of JZ Interior Designs in Laguna Beach, California. We embraced the pitched ceiling as a standout architectural feature by adding wallpaper to draw the eye upward, making the space feel taller and more dynamic, she says. Zehner recommends identifying the unique architectural highlights of your roomlike a distinctive ceiling, window, or alcoveand enhancing them with wallpaper or paint. Here, the designer chose Lake Augusts Nasturtium pattern and Bigleaf colorway. Embrace natural light and make sure the window treatment you select adds to the room and doesnt take away more space, she adds.Photo: Theresa and Theo Morrison6/33Lean into dark colorsTo embrace the small scale of this bedroom, Jenny Guggenheim of AD PRO Directory firm Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio in Portland drenched it in Benjamin Moores Texas Leather and selected space-saving sconce lighting by Los Angelesbased Ravenhill Studio. The bed has such a beautiful upholstery detail at the head and foot, and the oatmeal boucl contrasts nicely with the dark wall to add visual texture, says Guggenheim, adding that the custom walnut pieces by Phloem Studio are sized to work with the room scale.Photo: Jenna Ohnemus Peffley7/33Opt for a bookcase headboardThe best small bedroom design ideas are ideas that address multiple needs in the space. A bookcase headboard does just that. Need a place to put books? Got it! Need a bedside table? It can store what youd usually put on said table! Need a headboard? Well, thats up to personal preference. If youdo want a headboard, opting for a bookcase headboard could be your best bet. InFanny Singers Los Angeles apartment, the bookcase headboard serves a lot of purposes, including hosting a sort of gallery wall by holding a number of art pieces on its topmost shelf.Photo: Barbara Corsico8/33Add a loft spaceWhether you add it for extra storage room or as an area for the mattress, a loft space will immediately give you more space to rejigger your room design. In this Italian vacation home, which measures just 323 square feet but is intended to host six people, a loft space was added above a mattress to home another mattress built-in bunk bed style. Be sure to leave enough headspace for guests who move around a lot at night (for example, from side sleeping to stomach sleeping). Low loft mattresses no more than 6 or 8 inches tall are affordable beds and should preserve enough room. Pink ladder, wood grain lining, and blue and green paintthe clever colorful design byhomeowners and architects Stefano Carera and Eirini Giannakopoulou shows how distinct even a simple loft space can feel.Photo: Rory Gardiner9/33Skip the nightstand and mount a sconceIf youre concerned about being able to fit a nightstand in your small space, consider whether or not you really need one. If your primary argument for squeezing one in is so that you can have some place for a lamp to sit, consider mounting a sconce instead. Skipping the nightstands will easily free up at least a foot of space on either side of the bedand those sconces will look rather chic. Just a glimpse at the bedroom in this300-square-foot Vincent Appeldesigned apartment should prove our point.Photo: Kyle Knodell; Styling: Jamie Perez Herrera10/33Go for a floating side tableOkaymaybe youre not ready to let go of the side table entirely but you still have limited space. A floating side table could be the fix for your interior design dilemma. In aBrooklyn apartment reimagined for a single mother and young daughter, Brett Masterson was left with limited space when he divided the original bedroom to create separate rooms for each family member. The mothers room has a slim floating bookshelf that offers enough space for a charging phone and a cup of water. An added bonus: Floating bookshelves are much easier to clean under than their four-legged counterparts.Photo: Lauren Edith Andersen/SEN Creative11/33Opt for a dual-function bedroomSmall bedroom decorating ideas are one thing, but you might also need to make tight quarters do double dutysuch as a home office/bedroom hybrid or a part-nursery, part-guest room space. Christina Higham, owner and principal of Sun Soul Style in Kauai, Hawaii, designed this space for a family that needed both a nursery and a guest bedroom for visitors. I really wanted the space to feel cozy, so we decided to drench the room in Benjamin Moores Seastar, says Higham. Oftentimes, people are afraid of bold colors when designing a small space. But it can actually have the opposite effect and make a space feel more expansiveespecially when the color extends to the ceiling. Another smart call for this room? The storage ottoman offers an easy spot to throw toys when the family wants them out of sight.Photo: Steve Freihon12/33Simplify your color paletteOften the easiest way to accomplish a feeling of tranquility in a small space is by simplifying your color palette. Even if the couple colors you opt for arent neutrals, limiting yourself to those particular colors will help to create a relaxed environment. If you do take this approach, as designerRyan Brooke Thomas did in this Brooklyn renovation, its best to keep storage behind closet doors, rather than out in the open.Photo: Prue Ruscoe; Styling: Felicity Ng13/33Center natural lightThough we may not be able to control the amount of natural light our living spaces get, when windows do appear, its best to center that light source as much as possible. In a bedroom atdesigner Yasmine Ghoniems own home, a low headboard was used so that the window could be as unobstructed as possible. Evidenced by the moody hues of the headboard and bedspread, deeper colors can be used in a room that enjoys natural light without making the room feel any less refreshing.Photo: Evan Jorgensen14/33Keep it doorlessIf you have the dumb luck of enjoying a spacious (maybe evenwalk-in) closet but only a small bedroom, there may not be much you can do beyond major renovation to even out the scale. What youcan do is opt to remove the door, or set of doors, that separate the closet from the rest of the bedroom. This way the cramped bedroom can avoid feeling cave-like, and the closet will feel less secondary. Bonus points if you pull off an arched doorway like in this Brooklyn rowhouse that Rustam Mehta and Tal Schori, the founding partners at Brooklyn-based GRT Architects, reimagined.Photo: Ekaterina Izmestieva15/33Select a sculptural headboardFor those who prefer neutral tones and simple fabrics to bright colors and flashy prints, sculptural headboards can be particularly useful. This way you can enjoy what makes an eye-catching headboard greatit can set the tone for the whole room and take the pressure off every other elementwithout sacrificing a rooms color scheme or overall mood. Were particularly into theStudio Ahead Sheep bed employed in aSan Francisco renovation by SAs founders. Also, make sure your pillows dont obstruct the view of the headboard. (For example, side sleeper pillows are loftier than average and stand taller.)Photo: Will Ellis16/33Choose your bedspread wiselyIn a room thats not much larger than the mattress it contains, the bedspread is the single most important factor. Forget upgrading your old bed frame or swapping out your nightstand, investing in a good blanket (and accessorizing with some fun throw pillows, if youre into that kinda thing) can easily help level up a small bedroom. Designer Fanny Abbes used a pom-pom-bedecked bedspread in the petite bedroom of thisUpper East Side apartment.Photo: Meghan Marin17/33Opt for a daybedEspecially for those of us who spend plenty of time in our bedrooms during waking hours, a daybed can be an asset for a small bedroom. In the guest bedroom/home office hybrid of hisNew York City apartment, celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh used a daybed to make the space as flexible as possible. Whether you use your small bedroom as a space to study, host friends, or lounge around watching TV, opting for a daybed can make it much more comfortable for you around the clock.Photo: Kirsten Francis Photography18/33Get a bed with built-in storageStorage space is one of the first things to go when it comes to downsizing your bedroomafter all, its not like you can get rid of the bed! So what to do? Designer Margaret Costello opted for a bed with built-in storage forher Greenwich Village apartment. Though storage bed models vary, CostellosNiels Bendtsen-designed DWR bed maneuvers the mattress up to access that extra space, making it particularly handy if your bedroom doesnt have the space for pulling out under-mattress drawers.Photo: Melanie Landsman19/33Add a mirrorPerhaps the most dependable trick in the book on making a space appear larger, adding a mirror can always be counted on to make a bedroom feel more spacious. Inthis 800-square-foot Brooklyn apartment, the mirror was added above the bed, removing the undesirable experience of waking up and immediately confronting your own reflection. The wall behind the bed faces the windowed wall, doubling up on all of that precious natural light.Photo: Joe Kramm; Styling: Mieke ten Have20/33Add an accent wallWhen floor space is limited, an accent wall is often the most foolproof of small bedroom ideas. In this New York Cityapartment revamped by Project AZ, built-in storage painted in a deep teal lines the bedroom wall. If you live in a rental and cant do built-ins and prefer not to paint, a gallery wall or painted wall shelves should do the trick. Orfor something slightly more adventurous but still low stakestrypeel and stick removable wallpaper.Photo: Marc Mauldin21/33Or add personality with a wood feature wallIn this small bedroom, I created a focal point with a slatted wood feature wall that draws the eye to the high ceilings, says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer of Silo Studios in Atlanta. Like many other interior designers, Eisenhart is a proponent of installing sconces instead of using lamps in tiny spaces. While she likes a wood-slatted wall for modern bedrooms, for a more traditional or transitional home, Eisenhart says wainscoting on a feature wall is a fantastic alternative for adding texture and dimension in a classic, timeless way. If wallpaper or real wood paneling arent your thing, consider crafting an accent wall with fabric.Photo: Tim Hirschmann22/33Spice up the ceilingDepending on how adventurous you are with DIY projects, spicing up the ceiling is a wonderful way to make your room look personal without messing with your bedroom layout. This California desert home features wood paneled ceilings that continue the texture of the thicker paneling on the walls and tie into the natural tones of the duvet cover and other linens.Photo: Seth Caplan23/33Make a statement with lightingWith high ceilings, you have space for a dramatic chandelier; with an extra wedge of space on either side of the bed, you have room for an impactful floor lamp; and no matter what, you should be able to stick a sconce on the wall of your bed. No matter what light fixture your space lends itself to, it can act as the statement piece of your room. In this playful loft, the midcentury-style floor lamp packs a punch.Photo: Muk van Lil24/33Bring on the throw pillowsCute throw pillows arent just for jazzing up the living room! When theres little space for any decor, throw pillows can add visual interestandmake the bedroom more comfortable all at once. Well-designed throw pillow covers are like little works of art, and theyre much easier to bring in than an artwork that needs to be hung or another piece of furniture that would take up precious floor space. Just glimpseat designer Madelon Oudshoorn Spaargarens own bedroom and youll get it.Photo: Francisco Nogueira25/33Pick a houseplantWhere would we turn to make our living spaces a little more, well,lively without houseplants? Whether your living space leans minimalist, maximalist, or boho, as thisearth-toned Libson home does, houseplants can add a sense of groundedness in even the most frustratingly small bedrooms. You can stick a tiny succulent on a floating shelf, pop a hook on the ceiling and flaunt a hanging plant, or eke out a sliver of floor space for a monsterahowever you achieve it, the houseplant will definitely prove itself worthy of the footprint it takes up.26/33Bring in pops of colorSophie Lou Jacobsenseclectic apartment is full of fun finds, and her loft bedroom is no exception. Though the bedroom is dominated by its bright white walls and ceilingand the desk and lamp are also whitethe space feels energetic thanks to the random pops of color from the other furniture and the bedspread. It just goes to show that it only takes a couple pieces to truly set a tone in a small space.Photo: Peter Murdock27/33Splurge on a custom rugWith limited floor space in this NoHo bedroom, I created a custom round area rug with Sacco to fit under the bed, says AD PRO Directory designer Paris Forino, founder of her namesake interior design firm in New York City. This unique shape helps to create the illusion of more floor space and showcases the antique furniture, like the vintage Swedish chest and side chair. Another small bedroom decor idea trick? The team used a tall, full-length mirror to create a sense of a larger space.Photo: Michael Clifford28/33Dont be afraid of adding a fun detail or twoWorking with a tight footprint doesnt mean you need to skimp on playfulness. AD PRO Directory designer Susan Marinello of Susan Marinello Interiors in Seattle chose a wall-mounted monkey light from Seletti to add an element of whimsy, while saving valuable surface space in this Medina, Washington, small bedroom project. A compact daybed doubles as seating and sleeping space, while the bright, graphic rug introduces bold color and pattern to energize the room, Marinello says. The desk and bookshelf combination creates a dedicated study area, optimizing storage and organization.

While tourists might flock to New York City year-round for a glimpse of Times Square, there are tens of thousands of miles to be explored beyond Manhattan. The best Catskills hotels and Hudson Valley retreats offer a quiet respite from the flashing lights of the city and a place to check in with your thoughts after a busy work season.Head north of the five boroughs for a day (or weekend), and youll find yourself immersed in its state parks, acres of countryside, and lush historyevidenced by the wealth of antique shops that dot the surrounding cities. Boutique hotels and chic cabins are just part of the territory among upstate New York hot spots like Kingston, Woodstock, and Hudson, and these 15 below are some of our editors favorite places to stay in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills regions in winter and beyond. Read on for family-friendly getaways, cozy spots that are flush with amenities and views, romantic retreats, along with several spots to get your hygge on in the wilderness.Browse According to Category:Hudson Valley & Catskills Hotels | Private Homes & CabinsHudson Valley & Catskills HotelsCourtesy of Eastwind Hotel and BarEastwind Hotel and Bar in WindhamYoull find plenty to do any season of the year at the Eastwind Hotel and Bar. The 1920s-era lodge, located in the so-called gem of the Catskills, offers guests a smorgasbord of experiences: Stay in one of the Lushna glamping cabins on the property or book a more traditional guest room that comes decked out with high end linens and Scandinavian-style vintage furniture. When Mother Nature blesses the area with heavy snow, tee up for a day of skiing at nearby Windham and Hunter mountains, post up with smores in front of the fire pits on the property, or unwind in its Finnish-style sauna. Weather permitting, the nearby hiking trails have your name written on them, as do the yoga mats that you can use to get your flow on with some brisk outdoor yoga. From $221 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Hutton BrickyardsHutton Brickyards in KingstonLocated just a few stops off the Metro North train from New York City, Kingston is full of industrial charmand the Hutton Brickyards offers up a healthy helping of it for those who want a new change of scenery. Located on 73 acres of prime real estate along Hudson's riverfront, this series of 31 cabins are a welcome sight if you've gotten used to checking into average hotel rooms, which ensures you never have to lift a finger (or leave the room entirely) by delivering breakfast straight to your door each morning. Of course, the surrounding trails are too good to pass up while you're here. Spend your days exploring the great outdoors on nature walks, blissed out at the spa on the property, or sampling entrees and desserts at the on-site restaurantall within plain view of the Hudson river. From $249 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Wildflower FarmsWildflower Farms in GardinerA stay at Wildflower Farms certainly doesn't come cheap, but the investment may be well worth it for a taste of some of the best hospitality upstate New York has to offer. Comprised of 65 freestanding cabins and cottages, the property gets its warm and cozy aesthetic thanks to AD PRO design duo Ward + Gray. A small scale farm on the grounds that includes sheep, donkeys, and chickens give you a sampling of country living, while the onsite dining room and bar serving American fare keep you well-fed and buzzing. If you want a low-key spa day, check into the resort's soothing wellness center, or contemplate the great beyond from the outdoor pool and hot tub. From $999 per night.BOOK NOWThe cedar-clad restaurant building and a suite of Adirondack chairs look out over the expansive grounds.Photo: Adrian GautInness in AccordIn the charming Ulster County town of Accord, Inness is another sprawling compound of cabins that feels like its own village, complete with a shop, restaurant, swimming pool, golf course, and a few tennis courts to keep you occupiedso much so that you might never have to leave the property. Just as impressive as the amenities are the design accolades it's racked up. AD senior design editor Hannah Martin admired Inness interiors on a trip during the hotels inaugural season: Gnarled wood stools, Shaker-esque dining chairs, and rustic ceramics mix with fresh designs, like a lighting collection made in partnership with Brooklyn-based Roll & Hill or seriously covetable kitchens by Plain English. From $629 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of PiaulePiaule in CatskillsArguably one of the buzziest new hotels that has opened in the Catskills within the last few years, celebs and design lovers flock to Japandi-influenced Piaulewith great reason. The breathtaking spa alone, where massages and healing sessions alike are on the menu, allow visitors to submerge themselves in hot pools or enjoy a mineral soak while taking in a panoramic view of the woods below. From $534 per night.BOOK NOWPhoto: Moriah WolfeScribners LodgeThis design-minded mountain lodge and luxury hotel is located within three minutes of a ski lift, so you know exactly what youre booking in for. Still, it ensures that when youre not playing snow bunny, base camp is as cozy as possible. It houses 38 rooms in the black A-frame lodge that makes up its main quarters, with 11 new cabins offside (complete with soaking tubs and an oculus for stargazing) if you want even more privacy. Roaring fireplaces and lush furnishings in the communal areas are a definite perk, but theres even an ice rink where you can attempt some spins or perfect your double axel. For parents: Theres a play zone designated for children, so at least one of you can enjoy the sauna completely unbothered. From $225 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Callicoon HillsCallicoon HillsIf youre pining for an upscale A-frame experience, book into Callicoon Hills, a loose assortment of guest rooms that take shape as the aforementioned cabins or a boarding house and deck house that fall somewhere closer to a traditional hotel experience. Choose your own adventure between the king-size pool or on-site pond located on the propertys 23 acres or breathe in some fresh mountain air along the tangle of trails that are situated just a stones throw away. Its rooms resemble stylish Alpine getaways, where tasteful vintage furniture mingles with modern amenities like built-in heating and AC units. From $182 per night.BOOK NOWPhoto: Francine ZaslowThe Maker in HudsonFormer AD editor Nora Taylor described Hudsons The Maker hotel as the perfect escape for design lovers and delighted in the propertys collection of over 1,000 lights and lamps. Most of the furniture in the revamped historical structuresthere are three totalis reclaimed or restored vintage and stocked with luxe accoutrements such as a high end gym and juice bar. When youre ready to venture out, youll find yourself in the heart of all that downtown Hudson has to offer, including great food and more antique shops than you likely have time to browse. From $546 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Wylder WindhamWylder Windham in WindhamAnother property situated near Windham Mountain, Wylder Windham offers a distinct vibe for travelers looking to enjoy the areas offerings. A set of dwellings that includes a Victorian farmhouse, as well as several lodges, and more traditional inn and motel structures, guests can decide how large they want to live on their vacation. Aside from your lodgings, pickleball courts, saunas, and river access are just a few of the perks that enhance the already picturesque setting, designed by the outdoor-oriented Wylder Hotel group. From $336 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of the Shandaken InnShandaken Inn in ShandakenThe newly renovated Shandaken Inn is the classic Catskills resort reimagined. Nestled between tthe Esopus Creek and the foothills of the Catskill Mountainsif youre lucky, you can see the fog rolling down the hills from the great lawn of the propertythe Shandaken offers 15 guest rooms and three very recently opened cottages located on the edge of the property. Start your day with the free breakfast the inn offers, then get moving in the outdoor pool, onsite gym, or magical walking trail that passes by the local creek. Expect homey touches like wood accents, owl motifs, and mountain kitsch in a modern package. From $329 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Mohonk Mountain HouseMohonk Mountain House in New PaltzNo Catskills guide would be complete without the legendary Mohonk Mountain House resort, which has been welcoming guests to its mountaintop perch since the 1870s. The historic landmark encompasses 259 guest rooms styled after European chalets, and the location itself is prime. Situated alongside Lake Mohonk, guests can enjoy kayaking or fly fishing when nature calls. From $1,057 per night.BOOK NOWPrivate Homes and CabinsCourtesy of AirbnbCabin in Callicoon Creek, HortonvilleEverything about this 1800s cabin, tastefully decorated in cozy Scandi style, is picture perfect, but the cedar barrel hot tub is what makes it really worth the visit. When youre not indulging in a soak under the stars, enjoy the hillside views, curl up by the wood burning fireplace, or catch up on your beauty rest in the detached guest studio. From $300 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbThe Lodge at June Farms in West SandlakeAnimal lovers, dont miss your chance to stay at this heritage breed farmno labor and elbow grease required. The open floor plan overlooks the horse pasture at June Farms, which is also home to the Pony Barn, a popular restaurant that serves wood-fired pizza and often hosts events during the summer season. The 120 acre property plays host to cows, chickens, ducks and morethough you can escape it all in the comfortably appointed cabin if youd prefer. From $386 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbHuska Creek Cabin in DelhiLocated just outside of Delhi, New York (one of the small towns that surrounds Plattekill Mountain), this tiny home has been planted in the middle of the forestexcept with all the modern amenities you might be looking for, including lightning speed WiFi and a living room kitted out with a movie projector. While the interior is quite small (its a tiny home after all) its tastefully decorated and well outfitted for a lovely stay. Outdoors, enjoy the BBQ and firepit nestled next to a running creek. From $285 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbWillow Treehouse in WillowThis ultramodern property just 15 minutes away from Woodstock is one of our favorite treehouse Airbnbs, offering a luxe off-the-grid experience for seasoned (or beginner) glampers. Sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows give you a panoramic view of the forest and overlook a peaceful pond and hot tub with breathtaking mountain views. Indoors, you'll find all the clean lines and pine to keep the with a modern kitchen and wood burning fireplace. From $375 per night.BOOK NOWThe AD Travel EditCraving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in styleand as streamlined and stress-free as possible.SHOP THE EDIT

The Chicago-based interior designer Summer Thornton has built her name as a virtuosic mixer of color and pattern. But at times she must reserve her most daring concepts for herself. Im taking the ideas my clients wont do, she says, reflecting on the recent renovation of her own Chicago office, an 1877 Victorian house in Lincoln Park. After renting the top floor for several years, she decided to buy and restore the entire buildingtaking over the ground-floor bridal shop, digging a fortified foundation, and making updates in two phases amid client commissions. It was my last priority, she concedes, calling the two-year process a cobbler-with-no-shoes situation.The conference room groups a custom table and Jean Prouv chairs beneath an Isamu Noguchi lantern; modular credenza by USM.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezThorntons bespoke de Gournay wallpaper wraps the stair hall.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezIn the front salon, Rupert Nikoll chandelier, Boussac wall covering from Pierre Frey, and Warner house settee upholstery.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezIntended as both a showcase for client meetings and a home base for Thornton and her team of 15, the space couldnt fall a millimeter short of her exacting standards. We wanted to make it really spectacular, she notes. Case in point: the entry, with its terrazzo floors, bold green carpeting up the stairs, and pagoda pendants. Here, walls are covered in the motif that she conceived with de Gournay and dubbed Summers Folly. Its a mismatch of inspirations, from classical to folk to fairy tale. Her young daughter suggested including cheetahs alongside sheep, giraffes, swans, and deera wink to the decorators youth in rural Illinois. In some ways, I never feel like a grown-up myself.Thorntons personal office.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezMost PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroThe materials library and conference room beyond.Photo: Marta Xochilt Perez.Colleagues at work in the studios materials library.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezMust-haves included the materials library, lined in oak shelving, and beyond it the conference room, whichdespite its silvered ceiling treatment and Chinese Art Deco rugis the offices most subdued expanse, a place to spread out samples for projects like Casa Rosada, the full-service rental villa she recently completed in Sayulita, Mexico. (Her current slate of work includes homes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cabo, and Aspen, and a private club in Manhattan.) Wrapped in a floral pattern, the adjacent front parlor is where employees can find inspiration perusing the many design books and magazines. We wanted it all to feel elevated, notes Thornton, who delights in details like the bespoke seamless blue-dolomite desks or the kitchens skirted sink. Its also a little nod to how organized we aresome people pick up on that.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroWells Abbott wallpaper lines the kitchen; chairs by Haute Living.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezThe teams workspace features built-in desks of Azul Cielo dolomite.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezCole & Son wallpaper swirls in the office of Thorntons husband and business partner, Josh.Photo: Marta Xochilt PerezReturning to the question of what she might not reprise for a clients home, she looks around her eclectic private workspace, marked by a tiger-print sofa and large-scale floral wallpaper, smiling. Its so funny, I was Zooming with a client once and he was like, Your office is hideous, she laughs, never one to take offense. He was sitting in this very sterile building, and I said, Well, I think yours is hideous! Strong opinions, of course, are what appeal to her most. I was like, I got youwere good.

To learn the history of a new destination, travelers should look no further than its most famous buildings. Of course, there are other ways to discover the local culture, which can be reflected in the food, the textiles, and the dialects, but its the buildings that often reveal the most about a place. Local landmarks are, in essence, silent witnesses to past eras, kingdoms, and tastes. They can also offer us clues to what the future holds (not to mention make for a great travel gram too).Consider this lineup to be a travel bucket list of sorts. These must-see buildings are renowned for various reasonssome for their architectural charm, others for their historical significance, and many for a healthy mix of both. A fair amount of them are well-known, of course: Think Europes museums, churches, and other notable landmarks whose replicas live on in souvenir shops and countless photos. There are also a decent number of marvels on this list designed by famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and Oscar Niemeyer. But there may be a few spots youve never heard of, buildings off the beaten path, which are worthy of a visit too.Here, AD rounds up famous buildings from around the world that youll be glad youve seen when you look back on your travels. Its been said that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richerand we couldnt agree more.1. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul)Hagia SophiaPhoto by DeAgostini. Image courtesy of Getty Images.The first building to include a fully pendentive dome, Hagia Sophia is a paragon of Byzantine architecture. It was built as a Christian church by emperor Justinian I in 537, but it now serves as a mosque.2. The Guggenheim (New York City)The Guggenheim MuseumPhoto by Stan Honda. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Two spiraling structures come together to create the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Frank Lloyd Wrights midcentury masterpiece on Manhattans Upper East Side. Wright chose the circular shape to introduce his organic style to a metropolitan setting.3. Taj Mahal (Agra, India)Taj MahalPhoto by Julian Finney. Image courtesy of Getty Images.In 1631, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I commissioned the Taj Mahal to house the tomb of his favorite wife. With its symmetrical design of domes and arches, the white-marble mausoleum is a prime example of Indo-Islamic architecture.4. Dancing House (Prague)Dancing HousePhoto by Insights/UIG. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Inspired by Hollywood duo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, Dancing House is a deconstructivist collaboration between Vlado Miluni and Frank Gehry. They designed the twisted, glass-stone-and-metal building in the 1990s for Dutch insurance company Nationale-Nederlanden.5. Chteau de Chenonceau (Chenonceaux, France)Chteau de ChenonceauPhoto by DeAgostini. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroA mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, Chteau de Chenonceau is a 16th-century castle that spans the Cher River. Water flows beneath the bridge part of the structure, which is topped with a gallery.6. Niteri Contemporary Art Museum (Niteri, Rio de Janeiro)Niteri Contemporary Art MuseumPhoto by Patrick Altmann. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Oscar Niemeyer is the genius behind the Niteri Contemporary Art Museum, a saucer-shaped modernist building completed in 1996. He described the 52-foot concrete tower as a flower rising from the ground, but many people liken it to a UFO.7. The Pyramids of Giza (Giza, Egypt)The Pyramids of GizaPhoto by Sean Gallup. Image courtesy of Getty Images.We can only theorize how exactly the Pyramids of Giza were built, but we do know the complex of ancient Egyptian structures took nearly 100 years and thousands of workers to complete.8. Acropolis of Athens (Athens)Acropolis of AthensPhoto by Milos Bicanski. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroBuilt atop a rocky hill, the Acropolis of Athens is an ancient Greek citadel. Its most iconic structure, the Parthenon, is a peripteral octastyle Doric temple, meaning its surrounded by columns, with eight on either end.9. Le Centre Pompidou (Paris)Le Centre PompidouPhoto by DEA/C. SAPPA/De Agostini. Image courtesy of Getty Images.The Pompidou Centre, which houses a public library, a modern art museum, and a music research center, is a 1977 high-tech, inside-out building by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. Its ventilation, electricity, and water systems are expressed colorfully on the exterior.10. The Gateway Arch (St. Louis)The Gateway ArchPhoto By Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Designed by Eero Saarinen in the mid-20th century, the Gateway Arch is a stainless steel monument that honors the pioneers who expanded the United States westward. At 630 feet, its the worlds tallest arch.11. Muse dOrsay (Paris)Muse dOrsayPhoto by Chesnot. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroAn art museum on the Left Bank of the Seine, Muse dOrsay occupies a 1900 Beaux Arts railway station. Among the buildings most striking features are a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a glass-and-steel clock.12. The Gherkin (London)The GherkinPhoto by Oli Scarff. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Officially titled 30 St Mary Axe, the Gherkin is a 2003 commercial skyscraper that resembles a pickled cucumber. Foster and Partners designed the glass building with energy efficiency in mind.13. Metropolitan Cathedral of Braslia (Braslia)Metropolitan Cathedral of Braslia.Photo by Matt Frost. Image courtesy of Getty Images.The Metropolitan Cathedral of Braslia is another Oscar Niemeyer sensation. The 1970 buildings 16 concrete columns meet to create a hyperboloid structure that looks like a crown.14. Mosque of Crdoba (Crdoba, Spain)Mosque of Crdoba.Photo by Gerig/ullstein bild. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroThough its now a Catholic cathedral, the Mosque of Crdoba was commissioned as an Islamic place of worship by Abd al-Rahman I in 785. Its hypostyle prayer hall is filled with Moorish two-tiered arches made of brick and stone.15. Westminster Abbey (London)Westminster AbbeyPhoto by Pawel Libera. Image courtesy of Getty Images.A site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials for nearly 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is an Anglican church whose current Gothic-style building dates back to the 13th century.16. Dresden Frauenkirche (Dresden, Germany)Dresden FrauenkirchePhoto by Sean Gallup. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Dresden Frauenkirche is a Baroque-style Lutheran church that was destroyed by firebombing in World War II and rebuilt between 1994 and 2005. Previously, its ruins had served as a war memorial for nearly half a century.17. Chteau Frontenac (Qubec, Canada)Chteau FrontenacPhoto by Jayakumar Radhakrishnan. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroOne of Canadas first grand railway hotels, Chteau Frontenac opened in 1893 in an asymmetrical Chteauesque-style building with cylindrical and polygonal towers, steeply-pitched roofs, ornate gables, and tall chimneys.18. The Colosseum (Rome)The ColosseumPhoto by Alberto Pizzoli/AFP. Image courtesy of Getty Images.When the Colosseum was completed in 80 AD, it was the largest amphitheater ever built. Now, over 1,000 years after it was used for gladiator games, the travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete amphitheater is still the largest in the world.19. One World Trade Center (New York City)One World Trade CenterPhoto by Andrew Burton. Image courtesy of Getty Images.After the Twin Towers were destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, One World Trade Center was constructed in their place. Also known as the Freedom Tower, the faceted skyscraper is the tallest in the United States and western hemisphere.20. The Lotus Temple (New Delhi)The Lotus TemplePhoto by Universal Images Group. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroAs its name suggests, the Lotus Temple is a Bah House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower. With its 27 marble-covered petals, the design by Fariborz Sahba represents purity, simplicity, and freshness.21. St. Basils Cathedral (Moscow)St. Basils CathedralPhoto by Pola Damonte. Image courtesy of Getty Images.In the 1550s, Ivan the Terrible ordered the construction of St. Basils Cathedral to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. The Orthodox church, with its nine onion-shaped domes, received its colorful paint job a century later.22. Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem)Dome of the RockPhoto by Joris Grling. Image courtesy of Getty Images.The oldest surviving piece of Islamic architecture, the Dome of the Rock is a shrine on the Temple Mount that dates back to 692. The octagonal structure is covered in mosaics and topped with a golden dome.23. Casa Mil (Barcelona)Casa MilPhoto by Michelle McMahon. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroCasa Mil, Antoni Gauds last private residence, is a 1910 Catalan modernist building recognizable for its undulating stone faade and elaborate wrought iron balconies. Its also known as La Pedrera, the stone quarry.24. The White House (Washington, DC)The White HousePhoto by Alex Wong. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. James Hoban designed the neoclassical building, whose exterior is made of white-painted sandstone.25. Forbidden City (Beijing)Forbidden CityImage courtesy of Getty Images.The Forbidden City is a 1420 imperial palace that housed 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors over its 500 years as Chinas political center. The complex is oriented north-south, like the rest of Beijing.26. Sagrada Famlia (Barcelona)Sagrada FamliaPhoto by Prasit. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroA blend of dramatic Gothic and curvy Art Nouveau architecture, Sagrada Famlia is an unfinished Catholic church by Antoni Gaud, who is buried in its crypt. Construction is projected to be completed in 2026, 144 years after it began.27. Lincoln Center (New York City)Lincoln CenterPhoto by Siegfried Layda. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Home to the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and more, Lincoln Center is a midcentury performing arts complex on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Architects like Eero Saarinen, Philip Johnson, and Gordon Bunshaft contributed to the project.28. The Shard (London)The ShardPhoto by Greg Fonne. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Renzo Pianos 2012 pyramidal skyscraper, The Shard, is the tallest building in the United Kingdom. The architect was inspired by the nearby railway lines, the masts of tall ships, and the spires of London's churches in Canalettos 18th-century paintings.29. Le Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy, France)Le Mont-Saint-MichelPhoto by Jeff Morgan. Image courtesy of Getty Images.Most Popular

As the COVID-19 pandemic roiled the world in 2020, Catherine Kwong succumbed to the siren call of The Sea Ranch, the quietly radical planned community that sprang up in the 1960s along 10 miles of glorious Northern California coastline. The landmark developmentconceived by a group of pioneering Bay Area architects and planners as a progressive haven centered on harmony with the natural environmentprovided the perfect pastoral escape hatch for the San Franciscobased interior designer and her family. Ive always been obsessed with The Sea Ranch from an architectural point of view. It casts such a spellletting nature envelop you as youre cradled in this incredible landscape right by the ocean, Kwong says.The designer and her husband, Brian, settled on a home built in 1972 by architect John Haag, who worked for years as an associate in the office of Joseph Esherick, one of the communitys founding visionaries. The house had been carefully tended to over time, so it was in great condition. It encapsulated the ethos of the 1970s era at The Sea Ranch, Kwong recalls, describing the homes archetypal cedar construction, folded planes, sloping rooflines, and generous windows framing views through the forest and out to the Pacific. We wanted to preserve the integrity of the original design so we tried not to do too much, she adds.Designer Catherine Kwong.Photo: Bess FridayKwongs ministrations to the interior included refurbishing portions of the existing millwork, adding a window seat in the kitchen, and renovating the kitchen and baths in a way that feels sympathetic to the modesty of the original plans. One of her more noticeable changes was replacing the carpet in the kitchen with ceramic tiles laid out in a gingham motif. There are little pattern and color moves throughout, but I wanted to keep everything pretty quiet, Kwong says of her limited interventions. A few pedigreed decorative piecesamong them a Roger Capron tiled cocktail table, Alvar Aalto dining chairs, and a vintage Tommi Parzinger candelabra perched on a Michael van Beuren cabinetpepper the restrained mix.Life at The Sea Ranch is predictably bucolic, frequently focused on divertissements for the couples young children, Miles and Juliet. The kids have their favorite hikes and their favorite beaches. We make plans based on the tides, Kwong notes. There are plenty of activities, like foraging and silk scarf acrobatics. Theres even a class in biological illustration. Its the most Sea Ranch thing you can think of.The restrained interior features a classic Eames Lounge Chair and George Nelson pendant lamps.Photo: William Jess Laird.

During her 2023 apartment search, New York City native and interior designer Kate McElhiney craved a character-filled unit that she and her husband could call their ownand she wasnt willing to settle for a so-so space in the process. It started to seem like all rental landlords were in cahoots to make each apartment more boring than the next, McElhiney reflects. However, when touring her current placea 750-square-foot unit located on one of Brooklyn Heights famed fruit streetsshe immediately saw potential in the exposed wood beams and lofted duplex layout.Interior designer Kate McElhiney in her Brooklyn Heights home.The floor plan is a little bit squirrely, so it was trickier than normal to figure out furniture for the downstairs space, shares McElhiney, who has spent the last year making the fourth-floor walk-up feel like home. Though the designer was hesitant to spend too much money transforming a rental, she was eager to customize her unit using her many existing decorative items, without picking up so much as a paintbrush in the process. I had amassed a good collection of lamps, textiles, and artwork in the years before we moved in, so it was a joy to finally be able to use all my pieces and see them come together so easily, explains McElhiney, who worked for Kari McCabe, the founder of Kari McCabe Inc., for four years after college. She taught me everything and imparted her love of Scandinavian design on me too, McElhiney says. She also introduced me to my now husband, who was working for her husband at the time.McElhineys next role was working for AD100 talent Peter Pennoyer. His in-house interior design team was led by Alice Engel, who is still a great friend, she shares. At PPA, I learned how to stretch my imagination as Peter and Alice knew artisans and craftspeople who could make anything we could dream upa creatives dream.McElhineys husband has played the piano since he was five years old. He had an old keyboard, and I finally convinced him to upgrade to this white-oak veneered stunner when we moved to this apartment, the designer says. Above the piano hang two of McElhineys own abstract works. The designer received her MFA in painting from Pratt Institute.McElhiney shares that this Swedish cabinet is from an auction house in Stockholm. Ive always been obsessed with the original Josef Frank botanical cabinets and discovered that vintage reproductions often come up for auction in Sweden, she says. I started following a few and finally pounced on this more diminutive one, perfect under the eaves.Living in a small space, the designer prefers more streamlined pieces and found herself drawn to colorful accents when furnishing this unit. Its important to remember what truly speaks to you when designing your own space, McElhiney says, as opposed to trying to copy a certain style that you think looks good online. She adds that her husband, who is also a color lover, offered many thoughtful design suggestions too. He actually had one of the best money-saving ideas, which was to order two smaller sisal rugs and push them together instead of ordering a custom shaped sisal rug to fit the L-shaped downstairs space, the designer shares.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroMcElhiney considers this dining nook one of her best small-space hacks. The banquette in the dining area allows us to push the dining table closer to the wall, she says, noting that she sourced the fabric for the Billy Baldwin piece in New York Citys Garment District. The print hanging above the banquette is the only piece of art in the apartment that wasnt one of McElhineys or another family members own creations.The small, utilitarian kitchen is far from boring thanks to some thoughtful pattern play.McElhiney finds inspiration all over, often through art. The Siena show at The Met has given me an intense craving to use vermillion red in a project soon, she shares. Im also frankly obsessed with Saint Ursulas bedroom in Carpaccios The Dream of St Ursula. Though shes only 31 years old, McElhiney acknowledges that living in a high-story walk-up apartment may not be ideal for the long haul. However, she says, We love lying in bed at night and being able to see the moon and a couple of stars from the skylight in our room. I think we will live here as long as we can.Most PopularTravelThe 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Cities in the WorldBy Emma TubbsArchitecture + DesignA Creative Directors Milan Home Is a Master Class in Secondhand ShoppingBy Kelly DawsonMagazineMieke ten Have Fashions a Home for Hudson Valley NeighborsBy Michael BoodroVintage Svenskt Tenn curtains, also from a Swedish auction house, hang in the joint office/guest room space. Adding the curtains around the twin bed in my office made the space feel so much more intentional than it would have otherwise, says McElhiney, who explains that, ever since she was a little girl, shes always wanted a nook bed. She adds, We havent had a guest stay here yet, but I sometimes read my book in there or take a nap.The bedroom boasts skylights, not commonly found in New York City rentals. McElhiney stuck with soothing blues and whites for her sleep space, allowing the exposed beams and wood trim to pop.

One thing you simply cant skip on Valentines Day is a big, beautiful bouquet, so weve rounded up the best online flower delivery services that can do it for you (including options with same-day delivery, in case this article finds you on February 13). The following places are some of our favorite floral go-tos for giving and receiving fresh flowers, with floral arrangements that go far above and beyond a basic bouquet.These retailers offer recurring deliveries and subscriptions for every occasion where its appropriate to send a little somethingbirthday flowers, sympathy flowers, a little pick-me-up greenery in the gray seasons. Whatever their favorite flower, weve located itelegant orchids, huge sunflowers, and bright pink peonies. Some services have different blooms for different locations, and many offer a range of different add-ons, like gift sets, vases, gift wrapping, and moreso be sure to pay attention to all the fancy filters. From single shipments to monthly clubs to biweekly treats, we found a range of high-quality subscription and delivery options for all types of flowers guaranteed to wow every timeand to arrive in time without wilting. To make your life a little easier, weve included price ranges and expected delivery dates.Our Top PicksBest Overall: UrbanStems, starting at $68Best Colorstories: The Bouqs Co., starting at $54Most Bouquet Options: FTD, starting at $45Most Whimsical: Farmgirl Flowers, starting at $59Best Traditional Arrangements: BloomsyBox, starting at $45Urban StemsUrbanStemsAudrey LeeUrbanStems The Parasol BouquetUrban Stems floral-focused offerings, which span dozens of different arrangements, all boast that signature English cottage garden feel, for which Urban Stems is well loved. Ive received and given Urban Stems on multiple occasions, and the selection is always top-tier, says commerce editor Audrey Lee. From beautiful rose bouquets to fresh tulip bunches, youre bound to find something from the brands wide range of offerings. Florals are packaged with the utmost care and the brands speedy delivery turnaround cant be beat! Our top pick? The Peony, hands down. Sure, were always suckers for peonies, but cmon: This picturesque arrangement features blush-toned buds that will burst with fragrance once theyre popped in water. The plant shop is also perfect for loved ones with a green thumb, with gifts like yellow orchids and pink anthuriums.Delivery timeSame day (if ordered by 12 p.m.) or schedule in advancePrice rangeBouquets start at $46The Bouqs Co.The Bouqs Co.Julia HarrisonThe Bouqs Co. Dream DateThe Bouqs Co. has seemingly limitless choices of gorgeous bouquets, so youre bound to have a few options for your lover. Commerce writer Julia Harrison received the Dream Date from their selection. I loved the inventive addition of lilies and poppies to a rose bouquetit gives a modern take on a traditional offering, so it feels a bit more thoughtful than a dozen red roses but still hits its V-Day marks, says Harrison. While the bouquets are sorted by occasion, virtually any of the brands offerings would make an excellent gift.Delivery timeNext day or schedule in advancePrice rangeBouquets start at $49FTDFTDLauren ArzbaecherFTD Blush Crush BouquetThe FTD (Florists Transworld Delivery) has six different ways you can shop for your flowers, including selections for plants, non-flower gifts, and even a whole section of just rose arrangements. Commerce producer Lauren Arzbaecher received the Blush Crush bouquet, a blend of pink and white carnations, daisies, and roses and reviewed it as solidly packed within a simple glass vase, with no sparse areas. All the flowers looked beautiful and were fresh enough that they still had some time to reach a full bloom. One last perk Arzbaecher loved, With FTDs same-day delivery options, these flowers arrived promptly after a quick phone call confirming the delivery time window.Delivery timeSame day or schedule in advancePrice rangeBouquets start at $45Farmgirl FlowersFarmgirl FlowersAudrey LeeFarmgirl Flowers Frill Seeker BouquetAt Farmgirl Flowers, the brands signature burlap-wrapped collection is available for one-time purchase or a subscription as often as once a week. The bestsellers are also eco-friendly and use upcycled, biodegradable coffee bags as the wrap. You wont have to worry about them arriving wilted either, as the delivery date options are typically within a two-day window. Floral bunches from Farmgirl Flowers are among my favorites to receive. The flowers are absolutely stunning and so fresh every timeyou can really tell someone went through the time and effort to carefully arrange and package your bouquet, says commerce editor Audrey Lee. I especially love that the burlap wrapping makes the gifting experience feel more rustic, plus the brands L.L. Bean collaboration over the summer was an especially fun launch. Wed personally pick any rose bunch from the brand, like the Heart Deco, which contains roses, poppies, and eucalyptus.Delivery timeNext day or schedule in advancePrice rangeBouquets start at $59BloomsyBoxBloomsyBoxRachel FletcherBloomsyBox Free Spirited BouquetFor the V-Day recipient with more traditional taste, we think BloomsyBox is one of the best flower delivery servicesoffering dozens of unexpected options along with all the pastel pink classics. Bloomsyboxs arrangements are always fresh, fragrant, and well packagedkey factors whenever you're ordering in a pinch, says commerce director Rachel Fletcher. Their commitment to sustainability and small farms shows in the quality of the products, and if you're like me and love a classic bloom, their selection of peonies, tulips, and roses are some of the best out there. This Free Spirited bouquet features a dramatic cluster of bicolor roses.Delivery timeNext day or schedule in advance, depending on the bouquetPrice rangeBouquets start at $45Ode la RoseOde la Rose Aria BouquetOde la Rose offers same-day delivery in Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia, but dont worryyou can still get your fresh blooms in time with its next-day delivery option for anywhere else in the country. The brands minimalist shop is a beautiful reminder that less is more. Commerce director Rachel Fletcher admits that that while D2C flower sites can feel a little underwhelmingand it's hard to know what someones floral style might beOde La Rose stands out with their single variation bundlesI love the Danielle and the Martine options for simple but celebratory arrangements and the same day delivery option has never steered me wrong. The rest of Ode la Roses curated selection features a few mixed bouquets, but the standouts are the simple single-flower arrangements that span from two stunning Phalaenopsis orchids (pictured) to 15 bright white lisianthuses.Delivery timeSame-day delivery in certain cities, next-day delivery nationwidePrice rangeBouquets start at $58Fresh SendsFresh SendsJulia HarrisonFresh Sends The Send BouquetThis Gen-Z-friendly bouquet company is very onlinein a good way. They offer all the beautiful basicstulips, calla lilies, roses, as well as one signature send. Commerce writer Julia Harrison received hers and fell in love instantly, The packaging was just as darling as the flowers, she says. I love that theyre sourcing daily whatever looks best and using their creativity to make the best arrangement available! says Harrison. A handwritten note accompanies each send, as their ethos encourages a personal touch. You can also send a Fresh Sends signature perfume, hand cream, or candle along with your delivery.Delivery timeAll Fresh Sends are shipped via FedEx Overnight. Packages typically arrive at their destination by midday on the selected delivery date. Order by 5 p.m. ET in order to be eligible for next-day delivery.Price rangeBouquets start at $44

Elsewhere on the property, there are two additional homesa four-bedroom, two-bathroom option and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence. Theres also a 2,420-square-foot barn, a chicken coop, horse and cattle pens, and a garden. Sarah Hedrick holds the listing.Asking $14 million, a new town house in The 74The 74 condominium is located at 201 E 74th St, between 74th and 3rd in New York City.Photography Courtesy of Elad GroupFor those who want the convenient amenities of a luxury tower with the sprawl of a single-family dwelling, a town house affiliated with a condo building can be the ideal fit. This newly listed town house on the Upper East Side is located around the block from The 74, but still offers the same design prowess and amenities of its sister building.The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom residence was designed by Craig Copeland of Pelli Clarke & Partners, marking the firms first-ever town house design. Stained ash wood cabinetry and millwork provides a serene, Scandinavian-style living environment. Numerous outdoor spaces are available for homeowners, including a rear garden with a grill station, multiple smaller terraces, and a rooftop terrace large enough for a fire pit and outdoor dining area.With The 74 town house, we had a rare opportunity to design a ground-up residence on New Yorks Upper East Side, drawing inspiration from the neighborhoods rich architectural history. Through the design process, we aimed to cultivate a visual dialogue with the neighborhood by drawing inspiration from the qualities of Manhattan Deco, Craig Copeland, Partner, Pelli Clarke & Partners, told AD PRO by email. The result is a bold, sculpted facade crafted from pleated white terra-cotta and red sandstone, which echoes the architectural language of the surrounding buildings.Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is handling sales for The 74.New DevelopmentsThe Well announces its second residential real estate projectThe Well Coconut Grove is set to be located at 2855 Tigertail Ave, Miami.Rendering Courtesy of The Well Coconut GroveWith the concurrent ascendancy of self care and branded residences, its only natural that the two would crossover. In 2023, New York wellness destination The Well announced its first residential real estate project, developed with Terra and located on the Bay Harbor Islands in Miami. Now The Well and Terra are announcing their second collaboration: the Well Coconut Grove.Units will span one- to four-bedrooms, starting at 960 square feet and reaching up to 4,200 square feet. All residents will have access to a range of niche wellness amenities, including hyperbaric chambers, crystal cave relaxation lounges, and other highlights that move beyond the typical sauna and cold plunge offerings at the average luxury condo.We really value the partnership we've found with Terra, says Kane Sarhan, cofounder and chief creative officer of The Well. Now, in bringing The Well to Coconut Grove, we have an opportunity to build a truly unique community where people can live their happiest, healthiest lives.Prices start at $1.5 million. Sales are being handled exclusively by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

architectureInterior Designer Explains Every Decision Behind This SoHo Loft RenovationToday, AD welcomes interior designer Darren Jett to tour one of his most recent design projects, a full Soho loft renovation. From structural changes to interior design, every decision matters when renovating a spaceJett breaks down how he landed on the final design and what factored into his choices.architectureWhy Prefab Architecture Could Be the Future But Probably Wont BeMichael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects returns to AD to discuss prefab architecture and why it could be the future of housingbut probably wont be. Prefabricated architecture has always posed a more affordable and sustainable future for housing as theyre fast and cheaper to build and produce less waste in the long run, so why hasnt it taken over? Wyetzner delves into the history of prefab and why it failed to take off how many architects have hoped it would.ASSETSJ. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research InstitutecelebritiesInside Kendall Jenners Home at ChristmasToday, AD is welcomed back by Kendall Jenner to tour her LA home while its decorated for Christmas. Over the years, the Kardashian-Jenner clan has become known for their flamboyant Christmas decorations but Kendalls approach to holiday decorating is much more traditional. With the help of florist to the stars, Jeff Leatham, green garlands, a classic tree, and vintage decorations lace the halls of her home creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Much of this nostalgia stems from decorations from Kendalls childhood handed down from her mom Krismost notably her collection of Christopher Radko tree ornaments. Growing up with [those ornaments] every year, they became so special to me, she says. And I cant wait to share that with my kids one day, but I love sharing this with my friends. I love entertaining, I love hosting, and so these decorations get used really well.2024 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New YorkcelebritiesInside Paloma Elsessers Timeless Brooklyn HomeToday, AD is welcomed by supermodel Paloma Elsesser to tour her Brooklyn townhouse. An illustrious modeling career means Elsesser is often jet-setting the globe, and as a result, her time at home has become her vacation time. Brooklyn was always where the supermodel wanted to end up setting up home, with Gregory Rockwell and Hester Hodde of Gregory Rockwell Interiors helping bring her oasis to life. Her home takes its cues from Milan design, mixing vintage and artisanal pieces, a style Elsesser has been drawn to since her many travels to Italys fashion capital. As the model settles into her dream home, its already been a place of great personal evolutionI feel like I became a woman here, she admits. I learned to navigate so many thingsa breakup, a contractor, having agency over my decisions and my money. Im under no one elses jurisdiction. Its scary, but also very freeing.Architecture + DesignInside an Alabama Home With Nature Views From Every RoomJeffrey Dungan helped turn a primary residence into a place that feels like a retreatBy Elizabeth FazzareMagazineDarren Jett Sets the Mood at a Classic Manhattan LoftTapped by a young client, the designer alludes to movies, music, and design marvels of the recent pastBy Sam CochranArchitecture + DesignTour a Tiny Boathouse in Connecticut With Outsize CharmAD100 designer Hadley Wiggins plays with patina in a familys historic shoreline homeBy Laura May ToddMotoringThe 17 New Cars Were Most Excited About in 2025From a sleek all-electric Volvo to Ferrari's muscular two-seat convertible, there will be some major changes in the automotive world that you need to keep on your radarBy Brett BerkShopping28 Best Shower Curtains to Transform Your Bathroom DecorIts curtains for you, drab styleBy Kristi KelloggCelebrity LifestyleThe Beatles Behind the Scenes: 15 Photos of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr at HomeSee images of the bandmates throughout the years making the most of their precious time away from the spotlightBy Michael Gioia Architecture + DesignThis Altadena Bungalow Is a Love Letter to Production Design and AmericanaElements from film and TV sets inspired the collected interior of a designers 1938 Southern California homeBy Jessica RitzCelebrity StyleJosephine Baker at Home: 15 Photos of the Legendary Entertainer in Her French ChateausThe St. Louis-born Jazz age star (and spy) built a life in France, where she raised 12 children and collected a panoply of exotic petsBy Katie Schultz

Recchia came to working with glass somewhat by chance. While studying architecture at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in So Paulo, it was a school projectcreating a model for an all-glass buildingthat ignited his interest in what he considers a really new material in Brazil. Eager to deepen his understanding of the process, he connected with a local couple who, having honed their skills in the hot shops of Venice, had just set up their own atelier outside the city. Soon, Recchia established his own design practice and, with their help, created tables from vitreous slabs, blown orbs, and broken shards. His most recent seriesand his most complex yet to producenods to stained glass, inserting melted pieces into bronze or aluminum frameworks to create surfaces, mirrors, and more.Humberto Da MataSee more of Da Mata's work at humbertodamata.com.Trained as an architect, Da Mata cut his teeth under the Campana Brothers, a stint that, in his words, changed the course of my professional life. Inspired by their materials-driven practice, he devoted himself to the basics of making, first using local textiles to create cartoonishly woven upholstered pieces. After formally launching his studio in 2012, he expanded to ceramics in 2018, eventually developing his own blend of paper pulp that he applies to metal or wood frames in a highly improvisational process. Once it dries he sands it down, applying a thin layer of powder to eliminate imperfections and slicking the whole thing in automotive paint. The resulting formsorganic and often functionaldepart from the modernist language associated with Brazil. I studied architecture in a Niemeyer building, but then I moved to this chaotic city where there are a lot of things happening, reflects Da Mata, whose practice is also based in Barra Funda. In my work, I see these different influences coming together.PalmaPalma is represented by Verso gallery in New York (verso-works.com).Everyday staples prove ripe for reinvention in the work of Palma, founded by Lorenzo Lo Schiavo (left) and Clo Dbberthin. Many traditional handcrafts here have disappeared, explains Lo Schiavo. We re-create techniques that interest us. Candy wrappers, for instance, serve as clever substitutes for silver leaf and conventional metalwork, while broken eggshellscarefully applied using tweezersmimic refined Art Deco finishes. We like to be able to make the whole piece here, Dbberthin says, referring to their Barra Funda atelier, which does double duty as a materials library and laboratory. In 2022, the duo also initiated Design na Barra Funda, an annual neighborhood-wide open studio event that stirs together makers, designers, and artists in the area.The So Paulo designers of tomorrow are featured in ADs February issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.

Between holidays, birthdays, graduations, and other celebratory, its likely that youll find no shortage of opportunities that call for finding gifts for coworkers, roommates, friends, and family. Some are born with the natural talent of choosing the perfect present within budget while also finding time to dress it in crisp wrapping paper and a double-knotted bow. Others arent as blessed with gift-giving talents, leading to anxiety-fueled shopping sprints ruined by overthinkingand, more often than not, ending in a dreaded gift card (i.e. the ultimate sign of defeat)While finding something special for close friends and family may be a bit easierrobes for moms and slippers for dad, perhapsthe question of what to gift a general acquaintance is more of a gray area. After all, these individuals occupy a different role: not quite best friends, yet undeniably intimate due to the shared rhythms of professional life, the sanctuary of a shared home, and the possibility to become a more lasting relationship in time. For these kinds of nuanced relationships, theres a fine line between gifting something thoughtful and unintentionally offensive. To avoid the post-underwhelming gift reveal and the awkward conversation that follows, here are 22 gifts vetted by the AD team that pass the vibe check.For Someone Who Enjoys the Finer Things in LifeMother of Pearl Spoons (Set of 6)Caviar never went out of style, but it is definitely having its moment. Now that everyone is pairing fried chicken with Ossetra or bagels with cream cheese and Sterlet, its the perfect time to elevate this already luxe experience with mother-of-pearl spoons and forkettes.Aesop Bathroom Essentials BundleFragrance-centered gifts are always a pleasure to get, and Aesop subtly signals that you know your way around high-end soaps, whether its displayed in the bathroom or kitchen.Officine Universelle Buly BaumeTheres nothing that says this is mine and mine only quite like a personalized monogram on leather goods. This baume and case from the French apothecary brand Officine Universelle Buly is made for beauty enthusiasts who take pride in their products.Rorra Countertop SystemFor aspiring almond moms, the Rorra Countertop System puts standard water faucet filters to shame. This sleek, stainless-steel system is designed to reduce plastic use and contaminants while delivering crisp, clean water.Le Labo Candle Discovery SetThere are many gifts that may seem impersonal at first but are universally appreciated. The Le Labo Discovery Set is one such giftwhile it might initially appear generic, each lighting session reveals just how well you understand someones fragrance preferences.Morris & Co. X Ettinger Medium Jewellery BoxSome keepsakes are meant to be kept safe and hidden away. For their most precious valuables, an incognito jewelry box is a casual gift for those whod rather invest money in some not-so-casual goods.For Someone with an Arts & Crafts Corner"Judd" Hardcover BookThis coffee table book explores the works of artist Donald Judd, who transformed the landscape of modern sculpture and furniture, and it seems like his job is still ongoing when a book detailing his work has the ability to easily transform any coffee table and space.Eggone Japanese Ikebana KitRooted in minimalism, understated elegance, and Japans deep reverence for nature, ikebana helps you explore new forms of flower arranging that isnt just buying a bouquet from the grocery store and throwing it in a clear vase.Wabi-Sabi Kintsugi Repair KitSome people can be quite clumsy, and the experience of having to trash something valuable due to mishandling is truly heartbreaking. Thankfully, 15th-century Japanese artisans developed a solution that not only restores the object but makes it even more beautiful than it was before.For the One Who Likes It Piping HotGustaf Wesman Chunky CupEverything is getting chunkierfrom planters to lamps, and now mugs and plates. Since its inception, Gustaf Westman has embraced this trend, adding a playful, whimsical touch that transforms everyday momentslike pouring coffee or eating toastinto mini displays of modern art.Williams Sonoma MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Tea KettleFor your work bestie who savors a steaming cup but seeks a more refined take on the traditional kettle, this enameled steel tea kettle, hand-painted with care and crowned with a sculptural knob, brings a posh touch to any kitchen.Cuzen Matcha Starter KitFor matcha aficionados who appreciate having control over how intense and earthy the flavor of their cup is, the Cuzen Matcha Machine serves as a personal matcha caf right in your kitchen. The starter kit takes the leaves to the powder right to your cup in latte form, in minutes timesaving those minutes that wouldve been used walking to the caf.If They Prefer a Peaceful Night In Over a PartySiren Basics Ultra-Plush Bunny RobeRobes are often the go-to gift when youre at a loss for what to give. But when its the ultra-plush Siren Basics Bunny Robe, its not just a giftits a statement that says, I care about your comfort.Brigade New Yorker Jacquard BlanketNo matter where their tastes lie, everyone loves a blanketmaking them great gifts for coworkers who get chilly at their desk or your roommate who's been complaining that their bedspread looks too bare. Not only are they incredibly functional for cold weather and comfort, but throws like the Brigade New Yorker Jacquard Blanket transform any plain white comforter or sofa setup.Waterproof Picnic BlanketWhile some prefer the energy of a party, others are drawn to the calmness of a nature-filled picnic. This Persian ruginspired waterproof blanket brings style and practicality to any roommate who is constantly looking forward to any outdoor gathering or movie night in.Lefant M310 Robot Vacuum CleanerThere are plenty of uncomfortable conversations youll have with your roommate, and cleaning is bound to be one of them. To spare yourself from those awkward moments, let the robot vacuum do the talkingand the workwithout ever feeling like youre telling them to clean up their mess.Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face MaskThe Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask not only attacks aging, eye bags, and acne, but it also helps you skip the trial-and-error of skin care with this derm-approved mask.If Theyre Dedicated to Making a House a HomeDeco 79 Resin Abstract CandelabraThe sleepy aesthetic isnt complete without a handheld candelabra. While not historically accurate to the achoo era, this resin piece serves more as a decorative statement than a functional prop for wandering through a 17th-century Victorian home in toulite pajamas and a nightcap.CB2 Eve Smoked Coupe Glasses (Set of 4)Theres nothing better than a cocktail served in a moody glass. Handblown with a flat rim, this smoked four-piece set features well-loved optic-textured glass, a design element thats popping up in glassware everywhere.Gohar World Personalized Host GlovesHosting often has been more about style and dressing up than the dining experience itself. These personalized hand gloves add a touch of campy charm to the experience of enjoying a home-cooked meal.For the Casual CollectorJoss & Main Handmade Marble Chess SetChess is one of the oldest games in history, and just when you think youve seen every white and black checkered board, rook, and bishop, this polished marble onyx set proves that chess is more than just a gameits a centerpiece.Audio-Technica AT-LP70X Fully-Automatic TurntableIn an effort to avoid disrupting the sound ambiance in a shared living space, a portable speaker may seem like an easy fix. However, a record player is a more thoughtful and curated choice, perfect for showing affection for both music and collecting.

Picture this: Youre sitting in front of a warm fireplace, enjoying the crackling sounds of the flames. Make that dream a reality with the best electric fireplaces on Amazon. Sure, you can pull out a space heater to make your space more toasty, but an electric fireplace provides an opportunity to get warm and make an aesthetic choice at the same time.Unlike tending to real flames or gas fireplaces, these require virtually zero maintenance and often just need an outlet to work. Plus, many boast 3D flames that often resemble the ones youll see in a wood-burning fireplace and have adjustable flame colors for a personal touch. Even when the weather isnt chilly outside, you can turn the heat setting off most electric fireplaces and just keep the flames going for a cozy aesthetic. To create our list, we pulled picks with positive, thorough reviews from Amazon shoppers. So, grab your throw blanket and curl up on the couch in front of one of these Amazon electric fireplaces this season.Our Top Picks for the Best Electric Fireplaces on Amazon:Best Overall: Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace, $300 $230Best Mantel: Ameriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel Fireplace, $300 $225Best Design: TerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel Fireplace $700Best TV Stand: OKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV Stand, $600 $540Best Portable: Shinic Portable Electric Fireplace Heater, $70 $60Best Hybrid Space Heater: Comfort Zone Electric Mini Fireplace Space Heater, $50Best Wall Mounted: Northwest Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace $200Best Overall: Duraflame Freestanding Electric FireplaceDuraflame Freestanding Electric FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 13.07"D x 24"W x 23.4"HWeight: 29 poundsWattage: 1500 wattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5200 BTUsRoom Size: 1,000 square feetSafety featuresAutomatic timed shut-offIf youre looking for an electric fireplace on Amazon with all the best bells and whistles, consider this Duraflame pick. Mirroring a wood stove, it features lifelike 3D fire-burning logs that will add flare to a farmhouse-style space or make any home cozier. It also has glass panels and a glass door (that actually opens!) to bring an even more authentic feel to your home. While this infrared fireplace doesnt skimp on heat, you can adjust its controls to turn it off and relish in the flames and glow no matter the weather.Best Mantel: Ameriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel FireplaceAmeriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 9.72"D x 29.69"W x 45.24"HWeight: 54 poundsWattage: N/AType: MountedHeat Output: 5100 BTUsRoom Size: 400 square feetSafety featuresWall anchorWelcome the mantel of your dreamsno renovation requiredwith the help of this electric fireplace. We give it extra style points for its clean lines (great for minimalists) and spacious design to show off all your treasured trinkets. Thanks to its low noise levels, you can keep the fire going without interrupting movie nights or dinner parties.Best Design: TerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel FireplaceTerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 26"D x 26"W x 44"HWeight: 31 poundsHeat Output: 5000 BTUsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5000 BTUsRoom Size: 200 square feetSafety featuresSmoke-free burningOkay, so this isnt actually an electric fireplace, but wed be remiss if we didnt share this fun pick to set the mood at your next alfresco dinner party. For starters, its mid-century modern aesthetic proves that even bulky appliances can deliver on style. And with its clean burning gel fuel instead of a wood-burning design, you wont have to worry about smoke billowing or excess upkeep.Best TV Stand: OKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV StandOKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV StandSpecsDimensions: 15.2"D x 70"W x 32"HWeight: 156 poundsWattage: 150 wattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5000 BTUsRoom Size: 500 square feetSafety featuresAuto-heat turn off safety featureWe like the idea of a fireplace TV stand for a few key reasons: You can adjust the temperature in your space with ease, and the stand can double as a console table or entertainment center for your living roomit also provides an additional surface for displaying your wares. This one hits the mark on all fronts, plus, it boasts a chic, fluted design for more contemporary spaces. Bingeing your favorite shows will get a major upgrade since its designed to hold TVs up to 80 inches and features cable management in the back of the piece to keep cords out of sight.Best Portable: Shinic Portable Electric Fireplace HeaterShinic Portable Electric Fireplace HeaterSpecsDimensions: 5.9"D x 11.8"W x 14.6"HWeight: 10 poundsWattage: 1500 WattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5,118 BTUsRoom Size: 200 square feetSafety featuresTip-over protectionAuto-shut off when overheatingThe shell stay is cool to the touchFor those searching for an electric fireplace that can move from room to room, this portable pick is just what you need. The small but mighty option is strong enough to heat up 200 square feet and weighs just 10 pounds so you can easily carry it to any area that could use a little extra heat. Thanks to the 3D fire and log set, it also provides a flame effect for those looking to keep the vibes right.Best Hybrid Space Heater: Comfort Zone Electric Mini Fireplace Space HeaterComfort Zone Electric Mini Fireplace Space HeaterSpecsDimensions: 6.1"D x 9.45"W x 13.46"HWeight: 4 poundsHeat Output: 1500 wattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: N/ARoom Size: 64 square feetSafety featuresTip-over protectionAuto-shut off when overheatingShell stays cool to the touchWith this electric heater, youll get the best of a space heater and fireplace all in one. The hybrid model has a thermostat up top to adjust heating to a low or high setting. Overheat protection aside thats featured in the most reliable space heaters, this one has other safety features that most will appreciate like tip-over protection and a shell that stays cool to the touch.Best Wall Mounted: Northwest Wall Mounted Electric FireplaceNorthwest Wall Mounted Electric FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 3.86"D x 50"W x 18.11"HWeight: 47 poundsWattage: 1500 wattsType: MountedHeat Output: N/ARoom Size: 400 square feetSafety featuresAuto-heat kill to prevent overheatingCool-to-touch glassWant to free up floorspace and add a touch of elegance to your interiors? You can mount this recessed electric fireplace in any modern space to check both of these boxes. While it doesnt come with a fireplace log or crackling sound, you can adjust the fire using its 10 ambiance-enhancing LED flame color options and three background settings. Simply use its manual controls or remote control to customize it to your liking. We love the design of this for any elevated home style, but if youre looking for something really modern, try the R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace out for size.

If you happen to be on the lookout for your favorite coastal grandma button-down linen top in the quilt form, Brooklinens Linen Quilt in White Diamond is for you. As someone who is very sensitive to certain fabric textures, I found this 100% linen quilt to be softer to the touch than most linen products Ive come across. One of my biggest pet peeves is falling asleep feeling warm, especially in the summer months, and I was hesitant to use this product, thinking it might be on the heavier side. To my surprise, the quilt was very lightweight, super cooling, and breathable. And the high-quality elements dont end there. The stitching showed no signs of pulling on the threads, which is always a green flag. Since the crisp white color of this simple yet stylish quilt is very neutral, I can definitely imagine it being versatile when fitting into a specific decor aesthetic. From a French country farmhouse to a prewar city apartment, this quilt is bound to look good in any space.Best Cotton Quilt: Schoolhouse Channeled Cotton QuiltSchoolhouse Channeled Cotton QuiltSpecsSizes: Twin, Full/Queen, KingColors: Alder, channeled blue, channeled ochre, channeled greyTester: Mel Studach, AD PRO senior editorTheres something about a channeled quilt that brings to mind swinging open the linen closet door come fall and picking through the stacks of collected blankets for one more layer. Despite the styles longevity, it still feels incredibly classic to this day. Theres just one difference with Schoolhouses iteration: Its far too prettywith its wide channeling and subtly ruched textureto ever want to hide it away in the closet. Luckily, its light enough to cover the bed year-round and reversible, should you want to flip the pigment-rich side for a quieter heather-gray option as seasons change. Made of 100% cotton, the layer is nicely breathable (great news for those who sleep at a warm body temperature but still desire a quilted topper) and machine washable. Both sides are also wonderfully softso much so that it could double as a cozy layer on the sofa for movie nights.Best Splurge-Worthy Quilt: European Flax Linen Box Stitch QuiltWest Elm European Flax Linen Box Stitch QuiltSpecsSizes: Twin, Full/Queen, KingColors: White, natural flax, frost gray, slate melange, graphite, dark olive, cedar, celadon, silver mist melange, ocean, midnight, lilac melange, adobe rose, shell pink, terra-cotta melange, amber, dijonTester: Megan Wahn, former associate commerce editorAfter a lifetime of duvets and comforters, West Elms European Flax Linen Box Stitch Quilt converted me into a quilt purist. Needless to say, I havent looked back since. I bought this when I moved to New York about a year ago and, like your favorite pair of jeans, its only gotten more comfortable in that well-loved kind of way. Its the optimal softness and weight for all seasonswarm enough when paired with a throw blanket during the winter, but also light enough to keep me pleasantly cool in the summerthat Ive never had to dedicate any space or time to the arduous bedding-change process whenever the weather turns. Though its shown very little wear over the last year, it does seem to have a few small pulls in the fabric (although, in my opinion, it kind of adds to the overall lived-in feel and look of the quilt). The quilt comes in a few earth-toned color options, and you can also purchase a bedding set that comes with matching shams. To me, this quilt isnt just some big glorified blanketits the safe haven I look forward to hugging around me at the end of every night, 365 days of the year.Best Budget Quilt: Jungalow Kahelo Quilt SetJungalow Kahelo Quilt SetSpecsSizes: Full/Queen, KingColors: CoralTester: Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editorLizzie SouflerisAfter seeing her incredible cover story come together, it came as no surprise that interior designer Justina Blakeney knocked it out of the park with this quilt from her brand, Jungalow. Its light, breathable and, of course, looks adorable in my plant-filled bedroom. The faded dusty-salmon hue is the optimal neutral-without-being-boring solid color and paired up perfectly with one of my favorite sage green linen sheet sets. Inspired by tiles from all over the world, the gauzy fabric is laced with intricate stitching. Upon closer inspection, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the details, especially for such an affordable price. As a die-hard duvet user (and clumsy bedside coffee drinker), I must admit that I was a little concerned about cleaning a quilt. But my trepidation turned out to be unnecessary because this one is machine washable, and you can even throw it in the dryer.Best Fashionable Quilt: Dusen Dusen Check BeddingDusen Dusen Check BeddingSpecsSizes: Twin, Queen, KingColors: Blue, beige checkTester: Audrey Lee, commerce editorAudrey LeeI would gladly have Ellen Van Dusen design my entire worldso it should come as no surprise that Dusen Dusens green check coverlet takes a top spot among my favorite bedding Ive tried (and trust me, Ive tried a lot!). Since this coverlet set makes a statement on its own, Ive been outfitting it with some simple and elegant linen sheets (though the brand has plenty of patterned sets that would also match beautifully). The coverlet has a lightweight design and an airy quality thats been perfect for spring-to-summer weather, but its also super cozy on chillier nights when paired with a nice fuzzy throw (like this one from Kassatex). As for the textile pattern, Ive never been more eager for bedtime. The cream-and-sea-foam palette provides just the right pop of color, while the checkerboard itself feels like a chic update on a classic motif (not to mention the delightful matching shams really tie the whole look together). The cotton material was already supremely soft straight out of the bag, but since tossing it into the laundry for a wash (just make sure you follow the care instructions!), its even softer and gauzier than before, making me excited to sleep with this bedding for years to come.Best Eco-Friendly Option: Buffy Linen QuiltBuffy Linen QuiltSpecsSizes: Full/Queen, King/California KingColors: White, oatTester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorIts been smooth sailing with this quilt since day one. I washed it straight out of the box and felt it soften immediately. I had intended to layer it over my duvet but have ended up favoring the quilt on its own. Its softness and breathability from the hemp fibers are really pleasant, and I still feel sufficiently bundled up. This quilt has a neat box-quilted pattern that feels visually interesting and almost veers into checkerboard territory. Its available in white or oat (I chose the latter, which feels sophisticated and not too flashy if your bedroom leans more minimal, as mine does). Its also a pretty thin layer, which I appreciate, and doesnt feel overly heavy or suffocating. If youre looking for a visually striking quilt, there are definitely bolder options on this list, but this is perfect for a serene setup. Looks and functionality aside, I love that hemp linen specifically has outstanding sustainability cred. I think its a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their bedding without sacrificing the planet.Other Quilts and Coverlets We Recommend:Brooklinen Organic Cotton Quilt SetSpecsSizes: Full/Queen, King/Cali KingColors: Vanilla or blue marinaTester: Melissa Studach, senior AD Pro editor

One of the most iconic homes in cinema is finally off the market. The Home Alone houseas seen in the 1990 Christmas classic starring Macaulay Culkinhas officially sold for $5.5 million, per People.Located in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom dwelling first hit the market in May 2024 with an asking price of $5.25 million. An offer was made a week after it was listed. The famous pad then went under contingency, meaning an agreement would be reached once certain conditions (like inspections and financing) were finalized. The sale was reportedly marked as pending in December 2024, the houses listing agents, Dawn McKenna and Katie Moor of Coldwell Banker Realty, tell People.Home Alone follows the hijinks of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who was mistakenly left home alone after his family went on Christmas vacation abroad. Since its debut over three decades ago, the property has become a beloved landmark.The residence was built in 1921 and still sports the same red brick exteriors and wrought-iron gate fans will remember, though it has undergone a slew of renovations over the years. However, the dwellings previous longtime owners, Tim and Trisha Johnson, were careful not to alter aspects featured in the movie. The couple purchased the property in 2012 for $1.58 million and opted to maintain the foyer staircase, living room, and dining room over the years to preserve its movie magic.An additional 5,100 square feet of space have been tacked onto the home since its turn on screen, bringing it to a total of 9,126 square feet. Its new features include a revamped gourmet kitchen, a basement, and an enclosed porch with a dual-sided fireplace. It also comes packed with luxury amenities, among them, a fully-equipped gym and a seven-seat home theater with a bar. Other highlights include a junior primary bedroom in the former attic space, an indoor sports court, two laundry rooms, a second living room, and a heated three-car garage.Join NowNew Year's Sale: Become an AD PRO member for only $20 $12 per monthArrowWere thrilled with the way this home captured everyones attention and hearts due to its well-deserved place in cinematic history and the timeless holiday memories it evokes, the homes listing agents told People in a statement.While the identity of the new owner has yet to be revealed, Culkin previously admitted that he considered purchasing the fictional home just for giggles. While he never planned to move in himself, Culkin says he considered transforming the home into a movie fun house where fans could reenact scenes from the film.

This 540-square-foot apartment is on the fifth floor of its building in the 10th arrondissementin other words, this means unobstructed views and lots of light. Light is the key word for this small space, says interior designer Lauranne lise Schmitt. But it was partitioned into many small spaces. We had to reimagine the plan and figure out a way to improve the circulation.After Schmitts intervention, the space is now divided between a large living room (measuring roughly 345 square feet) and a bedroom (of around 215 square feet) that includes paired dressing rooms that also serve to separate the toilet from both the bedroom and the bathroom. In the end, every function has its place and no square inch is wasted. From the entrance, you can access the dressing room and the toilet, to the left of the kitchen. The bedroom is past the kitchen and to its right. This beautiful, natural symmetry is typical of Schmitts work. The apartment also takes advantage of a row of three sloping windows and a translucent pocket door to the bedroom to create a space that is filled with light. Facing the kitchen, which is rather small but it has everything anyone would need, a extra long and thin table creates a visual separation between the kitchen and the living room without taking up too much space. It can be used as a console, island, office, or dining table and can accommodate up to six people seated around it.The three niches in the apartments living area have reflective brushed stainless-steel backs. In front of two 1970 vintage armchairs by Adriano Piazzesi (Galerie Paradis), three small glazed stoneware coffee tables. In the niches, aluminum vases, pieces from Anna Zimmermans Vessels of Imperfection series, and glass vases Momentum 14, 16, 17, and 18 by Rinke Joosten (Galerie Scne Ouverte). On the wall, Melting Summer by Jade Marra (Amlie, Maison d'art). Walls and ceilings painted in Calcaire (Argile).The owner grew up in Andalusia and the colors of Southern Spain were the inspiration for the ochre, caramel, and earth-colored palette that Schmitt chose. The kitchen, the center of life in the apartment, is in a rustic red that complements the large custom table and the Alicante marble credenza. The same hue continues in the two dressing rooms and down the legs of the large table. The brushed stainless-steel base and wall units, on the other hand, contrast with this warm, Mediterranean color to create a modern look as well as reflecting light throughout the apartment. The same stainless steel is also found lining the back of three mahogany oak niches on one wall in the living area. Illuminated by LED lights at night and by sunlight during the day, the reflective niches help to create a cozy yet contemporary living area. The arches of two of the niches introduce curves into the apartment while providing a contrast with the straight lines that the interior designer is also fond of. This curved shape is found in the arched bathroom door and the bathroom mirror, Schmitt says. They are subtle touches that are integrated with the rest of the apartment, never overshadowing other elements.

Patterned lanterns criss-cross overhead down the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prs, injecting a rainbow of color into whats been an otherwise drab-weathered few days at Paris Dco Off and Maison & Objet.Patterned lanterns hang along the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prs in honor of Paris Deco Off.Photo: Mel StudachAt the textile fair, there have been points of saturation (see: British passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdowns retro flairfueled Kaleidoscope collection for Samuel & Sons), but the consensus is clear: Brown is back. Dedar captured the coloring in sultry texturesthe tobacco-toned Goodfellas, which captures boxing motifs in its maze-like engraved velvet, was a favorite. Schumacher coursed the full brown spectrum with its new Orpheum collection, a series of abstract geometrics rendered in silky soft chenille and chunky wool weaves. The standout was Shivalik Hills Tiger, a soulful, woven animal printone of many pelage-style debuts across brands this season. Meanwhile at Galerie Laura Gonzalez, a panoramic made of textured fiber papers in creamy whites and mocha browns backdrops the studios curved Fuji sofa, on view in a chocolate brown Pierre Frey velvet. I love it with navy blue. Its so chic, the AD100 designer told me as a pair of Madras Makram armchairs in the hue sat opposite.Nearby, Pierre Frey transformed a derelict town house on rue de lIndustrie with its new Deserts collection. Three floors of transportive interiors (think: tented rooms, canopy beds, and cushion-covered sectionals) lured busy Dco Off-ers, encouraging guests to lounge and linger amid the collections kilim-inspired jacquards and jute embroideries.At Galerie Laura Gonzalez, a chocolate brown Pierre Frey velvet covers the studio's Fuji sofa.Photo: Mel StudachInside Pierre Freys major Paris Deco Off undertakingthe takeover of a derelict townhouse in Saint-Germain-des-Prs.Photo: Mel StudachOther Dco Off notables include Holland & Sherry, which previewed a collegiate-inspired collectionvery The Way We Were, prep-school-in-the-80s vibes. The boating stripes, varsity jacket and pendant motifs, and Fair-Isle sweater patterns were a delight. Elsewhere, Zoffany presented a series of Indian florals with a French bent in an optimistic blue and pomegranate palette. The patterns were complimented by rich spice-colored solids and block prints on crisp white grounds.Hardware by Objet Insolite.At Maison & Objet on Friday, I kicked off my trade fair day with an AD PRO Directory member soire at Le Club. We caught up on design week best-ofs, project sourcing needs, and weekend plans for shopping the March aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Roaming the show floor, I was stopped in my tracks by Maison de Vacancess painterly strawberry linen fabric, available by the yard or on any of the French labels homewares, as well as the utterly charming clover-backed chair from Maison Louis Drucker, legacy maker of colorful cane and rattan chairs. Sculptural surfaces maker Cimento, stone purveyors Studio Gaa, and bronze hardware and lighting source Objet Insolite are other exhibitor names to know.Paris antique market Les Puces De Saint-Ouen hosted an installation in the Signature Hall at Maison & Objet sporting the color of the season.Photo: Anne Emmanuelle Thion c/o Maison & Objet

Many units have a reset button, which shuts off the appliance to prevent it from overheating or from burning its motor out while struggling with a jam and then pop open. They are usually at the bottom of the unit and are bright red or black. Once you have given your unit time to cool off, press the reset button back down and then run the garbage disposal while cool water is flowing to test it.In many cases, this is all you need to do to get a garbage disposal that has stopped working to function normally again. But if it is jammed or otherwise compromised, it will require further efforts, so its important to be sure this is not the case before pressing the button.If the reset button engages often, though, then simply pressing it to restart your unit is not a complete solution. Youll need to check for clogs, start doing the dishes with cooler water, and potentially have the unit professionally serviced or replaced.Also, before you calland paythe electrician, check the breaker box for a tripped circuit breaker. (And make sure the disposal is plugged in and switched on.)How to clear garbage disposal jamsIf you garbage disposal is jammed, disconnect the unit from power, then have a look inside using a flashlight. If you can see something physically stuck in the disposal blades, you can try to dislodge it using needle nose pliers or a pair of tongsdont stick your bare hand in there, though!If you cant clear the jam from above or if you cant see an obvious cause, you can often manually rotate the impeller blades from below, potentially clearing the jammed object. You can check if your garbage disposal can be unjammed, says David Lewis, owner of Mission AC and Plumbing. Grab your Allen wrench or that tool that came with the unit. Stick it into the [small hole] at the units bottom, and then give that impeller a little spin. If you can move the blades around a few rotations, then you should be able to run the water then turn the disposal on as usual. Check again to see if there is a physical object that can be removed after manually rotating the blades and before running the unit.For units that do not have a place for a wrench on the bottom, you may be able to manually turn the blades with a thick wooden spoon, achieving the same result.Fixing garbage disposal clogsThe easiest way to clear a clogged kitchen sink is with a plunger. First, fill the sink partially with water to cover the plungers lip, says Kent Boll, founder of Service Today. Then pump the plunger up and down several times to create suction and pressure. After a few plunges, pull it off to see if the water drains. Dont use a toilet plunger because, first of all, you can transfer bacteria to your kitchen sink from a toilet, and secondly, toilet plungers have a different design, making them ineffective for unclogging garbage disposals.

A little over a year ago, Sarah Wetenhall, the taste-making president and CEO of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, reached out to Martina Mondadori to inquire if the founder and editor-in-chief of Cabana, the stunning Milan-based interiors and decorative arts publication with a corresponding lifestyle brand, was interested in designing the storied 1947 propertys newest residence.Martina was on our vision board, Wetenhall tells AD. How can you not be a fan of her brilliance and creativity and the world she has built with Cabana? Luckily, Mondadori was as enthused by the prospect as Wetenhall.The Cabana aesthetic, exemplified by pristine craftsmanship and lush palettes, is exactly what Wetenhall desired for The Colonys commodious, sun-drenched bungalow, a contrasting atmosphere to the hotels existing collection of guest-designed villas, including Goops, which, Wetenhall points out, has a restful and reserved West Coast vibe, while the maximalist Chairish offering showcases pattern upon pattern. Additionally, Aerin Lauders is quintessential Palm Beach and Mark D. Sikes did a classic blue and white.Debuting this week, the most expansive of the glamorous soft pink-hued hotels long-stay retreats flaunts the dual imprints of Mondadori and her life partner, British designer Ashley Hicks (the couple also joined forces on their art-filled Milan residence, as seen in AD). Wetenhall shared the same directive she gives all her collaborators (your style, filtered through a Palm Beach lens) and then was happy to step back. The magic of the space comes from letting Martina and Ashleys imaginations go wild, she adds. This is Cabana, this is Milan, this is Italian, but with the whimsy, the lightness, and the irreverence of South Florida.Mondadori has ambitiously grown the vivid Cabana universe beyond the magazines pages and by opening a complementary Milan shop in 2024 that teems with tableware, home decor, and vintage goods. Further translating that compelling lifestyle directly to a hospitality setting was a dream come true, she says. The Colony has a distinctive visual identity and so does Cabana. This is a mix of our DNAs.Consider the warm, natural living room done up in raffia wallpaper that takes cues from the 1980s homes in Capri conceived by late Italian decorator Verde Visconti. Fabrics from Schumacher, a longtime partner of The Colony, dominate the trifecta of bedrooms as well as the Renzo Mongiardinoinspired den with its bright, decidedly Palm Beach textile pattern swathing the ceiling, too. I live for upholstered walls, gushes Wetenhall. Bathroom tiles exude a Spanish and Italian look, and the kitchen, separated from the dining room by elegant, tied-back curtains, nods to the one at Yves Saint Laurents onetime countryside abode in Normandy.Incorporating The Colonys signature pink into the bungalow was an essential move, and it makes a particularly bold impression as a series of porcelain Ginori 1735 plates emblazoned with florals that match the linens draping the dining table.The bungalow has this continental flair of old Europe that fits so well on the island because of Palm Beachs architectural influences. Artisans were going to Europe, bringing back antiquities, and reconstructing them here, explains Wetenhall. Those design references were so strong in the 1920 and 30s and you can sense it when you walk around the town.Unlike The Colonys guest rooms, often checked into for a few nights at most, families spend large amounts of time holed up in the residences, so we wanted every corner to feel like a home, making it a place where at the end of the day you want to cozy up, says Mondadori. Weaving in one-of-a-kind pieces help cement that inviting atmosphere. We placed an antique birdcage in the living room on top of the antique cabinet, and for me its the sort of element that gives the bungalow the Cabana mood, that quirkiness.

While Stimson operates as a collaborative, with three fellow principals sharing leadership with Lauren and Stephen and a trusted team of 40 clustering on about 120 projects a year, its ethos flows directly from the couple and their divergent approaches. Good design, like a good marriage, requires compromiseand time. Commissioned gardens tend to unfold over years with extensive illustrations and planning. (This collaborative approach has attracted AD100 firms like Ashe Leandro, Clements Design, Olson Kundig, and RP Miller.)At their own home, the Stimsons improvise, their limited resources fueling creativity. (We have similar tastes to our clients, Lauren says with a wry smile, just not the same budgets.) When the couple acquired the property, they focused on sensitively reclaiming the land from overgrowth and invasive species, but drew no master plan, preferring to let things evolve organically. Since then, theyve added a grange hall and a studio (designed by OPAL architects) that accommodates on-site colleagues. The rest of the firm works remotely or out of a loft office in Cambridge.American Milking Devons graze in the lower pasture.Photo: Ngoc DoanCharbrook marks a homecoming for Stephen, whose family once stewarded some of this land and also owned a sprawling dairy farm down the road, with roots stretching back 12 generations. (Stimson now operates its own nursery on 12 acres of the old tract, while nephews manage the rest.) Lauren grew up roaming the woods just two towns over. Her parents, who met when her father served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines, prompting her mother to immigrate to the United States, now live across the street from Charbrook.Stephen launched the first iteration of the firm on Cape Cod in 1992. Now, more than 30 years on, its portfolio rolls wide and deep, linking extraordinary New England and Northeast private homes with innovative public projects. Such ambitious endeavors range from Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio, Texas, where they restored an endangered oak savanna and brush forest ecosystem on a mile-wide swath of former cattle ranch, to crafting a new comprehensive accessibility plan for Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and rebuilding a natural riverbed after a centuries-old dam and reservoir recently failed in Clevelands Doan Brook watershed. The firm has also overseen myriad projects on the campuses of Harvard, Brown, Northeastern, MIT, Boston College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (Lauren and Stephens alma mater, where they recently helped establish a scholarship fund for BIPOC landscape architecture candidates in an effort to invite deeper diversity into the field).

View of the primary bedrooms shower and vanity enclosure.At the request of his client, Tagliaferri designed a peekaboo shower within the primary bedroom as a further nod to the hotel lifestyle. Made of clear and fluted glass, the meticulously engineered enclosure for the shower and vanity pays homage to the Cronotopo sculptures of the late radical Italian artist, designer, and architect Nanda Vigo, whose pioneering experiments with light and space well deserve broader exposure. Opposite the structure, tubular acrylic pendant lights by Angelo Mangiarotti and a custom bed of brushed stainless steel and chrome underscore the 1970s vibe.The apartment is not huge, but every corner, detail, and material was highly considered. They all work together to set the right mood, Tagliaferri says. Not such a bad way to put your feet down in Milano, is it?Giampiero Tagliaferri in front of a folding screen of rosewood, stainless steel, and fluted glass that conceals a television.This Milanese pad designed by Giampiero Tagliaferri is featured in ADs February issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.