The bottom line: The bedding is pure French flax linen without breaking the bank. Bed Threads is another brand with high-quality products that come in an incredible range of colors (currently 22!). A friend of mine has a range of sunset hues on his bed and frankly, Im jealous (though its hard to go wrong with white linen sheets). I would sing the praises of these sheets any day.Luxome Luxury Sheet SetLuxome Luxury Sheet SetUpsidesUnique colors availableDurableDownsidesThe brand recommends washing alone on the delicate cycleSpecsMaterial: Bamboo viscoseAvailable sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California KingColors: 12Design inspiration: Since the Art Deco aesthetic is all jewel tones and luxury, we recommend the Luxome sheet set for any one who wants something drapey and dramatic without the price tag of silk.Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editorMy sleep preferences: As I noted above, Im a pretty cold sleeper. But I crave a set of cooling sheets once blistering-hot NYC days come around June every year.My experience: These sheets are soft yet breathable, so much so that I forget that I sleep cold when these are on my bed. I love the lavish look for silk sheets, but the price tag usually makes me think otherwise. These sheets have the same appearance to me as a high-end set of silk or satin without the cost. These are even more unique because of the jewel tones like sapphire thats hard to find with other brands.The bottom line: If you want the extravagance of silk at an affordable price, this is a great option. It boasts high-quality, sustainable materials that feel like they will last for years to come.More AD-Approved Cooling SheetsSijo Eucalyptus Sheet SetSijo Eucalyptus Sheet SetUpsidesLightweightDrapes beautifullyDownsidesAside from solid colors, theres only a stripe print availableSpecsMaterial: TENCEL Lyocell Eucalyptus SheetsAvailable sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California KingColors: 13Design inspiration: The earth tones and stunning draping make it ideal for a range of styles like modern and Art Deco bedrooms.Tester: Mel Studach, AD PRO senior editorMy sleep preferences: I tend to use just about every excuse possible to linger in bed in the morning, so I know better than to keep my bedroom so cool that I wont want to get out from under the covers! Ideally, the room is set to around 67 degrees, but other than that, Im not picky when it comes to sleep needs. When it comes to sheet needs, though, the feel of the fabric has to be ultra-soft.When made into bedding, specifically at Sijo, the result is incredibly soft, smooth, and hypoallergenic. The sheets remind me of my favorite silk shirt, airy and comfortable yet elegant. They are pleasantly lightweight, meaning that they not only drape beautifully along the sides of the bed, but they are also conveniently breathableor naturally cooling, as the brand puts it.My experience: Ive used the Eucalyptus sheets year-round at this pointunder a lightweight quilt in the summer and a down comforter in the winterand theyve remained silky-soft and wonderfully breathable. Ive certainly noticed a less humid sleep experience in comparison to my past sheet sets.The bottom line: I cant get over how comfortable the set is, andcooling asideit has a fabulous sheen to it that still has me like a kid in a pet store, wanting to touch its softness every time I walk by. Id certainly recommend it to friends, but only with the disclaimer that I dont want to hear complaints if they (like me) struggle to get out from under these sheets in the morning.Piglet Heritage Linen Complete Sheet SetPiglet Heritage 100% Linen BundleUpsidesVariety of patternsSturdy fabricDownsidesYou have to shop bundles separatelySpecsMaterial: European flax linenAvailable sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California KingColors: 12Design inspiration: Calling all farmhouse design enthusiasts: This sheet set screams cottagecore thanks to the gingham prints.Tester: Zo Sessums, senior digital design editorMy sleep preferences: Hot sleeper year-round, particularly fond of natural fibers.My experience: These are truly some substantial sheets, so the weight and sturdy feeling were noticeable first. I love the color range you can choose from, but I went with the classic white. The more I sleep in these sheets, the softer they getits true. I also find the linen to be an ideal match for my typically hot body temperature. Apparently the weight of the fabric is part of why it helps with a deeper sleep too. Plus, the more wear on the linen, the softer it gets.The bottom line: Though this sheet set is a bit steep in price, the quality is unmatched and I predict Ill use these for as long as theyll last (seemingly incredibly long!). You really get what you pay for, so I would say these are A+++ sheets.Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet SetCozy Earth Bamboo Sheet SetUpsidesHypoallergenicClings nicely to the bedDownsidesHas a heavier weight than others on our listSpecsMaterial: Bamboo viscoseAvailable sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California KingColors: 13Design inspiration: Bamboo might look and feel glossy for opulent spaces, but it is a versatile fabric. With the warm, breezy colorways available, we think this sheet set is a perfect fit for a coastal-inspired bedroom.Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editorMy sleep preferences: Likes a supersoft, hypoallergenic sheet with good ventilation.My experience: Sleeping on these sheets felt like being draped in a luxuriously lightweight silk that often had me wishing I didnt have to get out of bed in the morning. At first, I immediately noticed how next-level soft the bamboo viscose fabric was and how nicely the fitted sheet clung my bed. Though it still has a nice weight to it, the fabric is thin enough to allow air to pass easily through the layer and keep me comfortable all night long. Even more impressive, these sheets kept me cool and dry during a string of mid-90-degree days when Id normally resort to using a fan to stay comfortable (which I prefer not to because of the noise). If I had just one wish, it would be that these sheets came in colors other than white (but thankfully, Ive been told the brand is releasing more colors later this year!).

The year 2024 saw our kitchens become multiuse workhorses, making permanent the many functions demanded during the pandemic, whether that was dining, gathering, or working. But what about kitchen trends in 2025? This year, expect a rise in bespoke layouts, seductive natural materials, and integrated appliances that cater to specific lifestyle needsbecause with every family comes a unique set of requirements. Now more than ever, kitchens are embracing that sense of individuality.Our clients are seeking an aesthetic that is more personal and maybe more about craft, jettisoning the futuristic seamless kitchen for a range of different looks, including colorful palettes and natural materials, says designer Lisa Odyniec, cofounder of San Franciscobased ES-LO Design Studio. Members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) agree, reporting that thoughtful designs that prioritize functionality with a personalized touch are one of several key kitchen trends in 2025. This year, in alignment with larger interior design trends, personality will certainly be on display in designs for this heart of the homebut a kitchen that works best for its residents is most important. Below are some of the trends designers predict this personalized approach will manifest.Concealed kitchensFor this Jessica Schusterdesigned home in New York Citys Chelsea neighborhood, a cooktop and hood range blend in seamlessly with the quartzite surround of the kitchen. Schuster worked with Eric Sheffield Architect and Coleman Contracting on the project.Photo: William Jess Laird / Styling: Brittany AlbertAlthough the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, designers are seeing an increase in homeowner requests to hide it. Panel-ready appliances that disappear into the cabinetry make for a cleaner design, allowing homeowners to focus on more fun elements throughout the room, such as unique pops of color, mixing and matching textures, and personalized accessories that add character to the space, explained AD PRO Directory designer Hilary Matt in a 2025 kitchen design forecast for Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. Noam Dvir, cofounder of New York architecture and interiors firm BoND, has seen this trend extend beyond the typical refrigerators and dishwashers to the range.We used to see large industrial size hoods in kitchens, then microhoods (microwave doubling as a hood), and more recently, hoods disguised inside the upper cabinets, or even integrated into the cooktop, Dvir says. This makes the kitchen appear more like a sophisticated millwork piece. For the cooktop, both he and Odyniec recommend Pitt cooking burners, which can be installed directly into the countertop to create an uninterrupted surface that is also easier to clean.Because our kitchens do far more than just feed us, this polished look allows the spaces chosen materials to make a bigger design impact while encouraging its flexibility. New options for hardware and appliances make it possible to mask the kitchens functionality, making it a backdrop for other uses, adds Odyniec, who has designed in-plane retracting and pocketing doors to enclose a coffee bar and specifies touch-latch ovens and refrigerators for kitchen cabinet continuity.Focus on entertainingNicole Cohen designed a dual kitchen for this lowcountry residencein it, a cheery prep kitchen peeks out from behind the more stately show kitchen.Photo: Nicole Cohen / Styling: Mariana Marcki-Matos

Australian and South Sudanese model Adut Akech has, momentarily, exchanged haute couture for cuddles. She and her husband, Samuel Elkhier, welcomed their first daughter, Imani, in December. Theres nothing I can compare the feeling to, but it is just the most amazing thing Ive ever experienced in my entire life. I just cant imagine what life was like before her, says Akech. The new mom focused on the essentials when designing the space they designated for the baby, embracing a sense of minimalism. I havent really been focusing so much on the material side of things, she explains. Ive found this middle ground where less is more. Thats the world that Im in now.I felt like the babys room needed to be light and airy and just a pretty, peaceful space. When you step in, youre like, ah, says Akech.Photo: Tim HirschmannAnd who wouldnt trust Akechs style instincts, given her experience in fashion? Since she debuted at Yves Saint Laurents Paris Fashion Week show in 2016, she has walked for iconic houses that include Chanel, Prada, and Versace. She has also been featured on numerous Vogue covers and is a global brand ambassador for Este Lauder. Throughout this, she has traveled extensively, drawing design inspiration, particularly, from hotels in Paris and Rome.Crate and Barrels Gustav Marble Floating Shelves house baby items that honor the rooms palettewhich consists of earthy pinks that are feminine but not girly.Photo: Tim HirschmannBabylettos Sunday Power Recliner and Swivel Glider in shearling creates a cozy moment for mother and childas accented with Pierce and Wards Lampshade Pendant and Schoolhouses Cylinder Stone Side Table.Photo: Tim HirschmannThe muse of Karl Lagerfeld and Pier Paolo Piccioli (until recently, Valentinos creative director) was indecisive about where to give birth. She first considered Dubai, UAE, then Adelaide, Australiawhere Akechs family moved when she was a child after fleeing their native Sudan and spending years in a refugee camp in Kenya. In October 2024, Akech and Elkhier finally chose to instead nest in Akechs modern, four-bedroom home in Los Angeles. This meant they had less than two months to finish the baby room before welcoming Imani.Babyletto Sunday Shearling Power Recliner and Swivel GliderSchoolhouse Cylinder Stone Side TableExpeditiously, Akech connected with Babyletto, the Los Angelesbased brand that specializes in furniture for babies and beyond. Babyletto introduced Akech to Studio Keetas Kristina Khersonsky. Collectively, they created a baby room that feels feminine but still fresh. The palette consists of pinksbut earthy pinks. When we started talking about what she was envisioning for her nursery, she didnt necessarily want the tried-and-true baby girl pink nursery. She wanted something more ethereal and feminine. She definitely did want to do something in the pink hue, but not so on the nose, which is why our tones lean a little bit more clay or maybe slightly terra-cotta, Khersonsky shares.From there, Akech and Khersonsky covered the walls in an oversized floral mural wallpaper. We went with this flower theme, but its not an obvious flower in your face. It still has the touches of green and the amazing limewash on the ceiling, which Im so happy we did, says Akech. (The ceiling paint is called Portofino.)

Architect Robert Garneau didnt have to look far for inspiration when he was asked to renovate a modest apartment inside a prewar building in Manhattans Chelsea neighborhood. A founding partner of Architecture Workshop PC, a boutique design firm noted for balancing elegance with efficiency, Garneau spent a decade living in the building some 20 years earlier and knew virtually every architectural detail of the residence without ever setting foot inside.By the time he toured the spacea 400-square-foot jewel box on the 18th floorthe architect had already envisioned creating a modern enclave that carried a sophisticated dialogue with the dwellings 1920s prewar charm. And despite the deep knowledge of the structure, he says he didnt approach the project with too many preconceived notions. Notwithstanding everything I already knew about the building, it was really a balancing of the old and new that lies at the core of the project, explains Garneau, a small-space expert whose firm has carved out a niche embracing projects with compact footprints. We wanted to maintain its rich character, but also offer the client a cozy, more contemporary space.Moving through the space and experiencing it, you only have so much to work with spatially, Garneau says of the 400-square-foot apartment. Its a challenge to unlock that real potential that I think is a great opportunity for an architect to revel in. The architect worked with Barbara Feinstein for the interior decorating of the small space. The sofa and lounge chairs are from Lawson-Fenning. The coffee table is Arteriors and the living room rug is ABC Carpet & Home.That client is television executive Tracy Underwood, a former president at ABC Signature who recently transitioned into an exclusive producing gig at 20th Television, a production company owned by Disney Television Studios. Based in Los Angeles, she purchased the apartment in 2021 as pied--terre for her frequent trips to New York City. At the time, she was living inside a Spanish bungalow-style home in LAs Silver Lake community and said she wanted the interior aesthetics of the Manhattan apartment to be a departure from her life on the West Coast.Robert really understood how important it was for me to preserve as much of the apartments history and character, says Underwood (right).

AD100 Hall of Famer David Rockwell is known for bringing the drama to hospitality, and now his flair can heat up anywhere with the Rockwell Social Grill, a 360-degree walkaround grill and griddle offered in four sizes and made by a partnership between True Residential and Caliber. Cosentino continues its expansion outside, too, with the Urban Bonfire x Dekton collection of outdoor cooking clad in Ukiyo and Dekton Slim surfaces. And Smeg previewed a sizzling new product likely to launch late in the yearan electric barbecue grill.Bath Systems and FaucetryBrizo hosted AD PRO members for a cocktail event on the opening day of KBIS.Photography courtesy BrizoThe Bandeau rainhead by KallistaPhotography courtesy KallistaThere was plenty new on tap at KBIS, but it was new launches from Brizo and Kallista that had us feeling most inspired. Brizo updates the traditional ornate charm of the British manor home with its Beauclere collection of lavatory faucets with wheel, sculptural lever, and T-lever handleseach offered with an intricate malachite inlayalong with tub fillers and faucets with hand showers, and full shower systems. On the opening day of KBIS, AD PRO Directory members were treated to an exclusive look at the collection during an evening bash at the Brizo booth. Meanwhile, at Kallista, the coming-soon Bandeau showerhead collection flaunts an Italian marble trim and is finished with a seamless brass band. The seriesone of three bathroom collections from the label this yearhonors the wearable decoration that defined the headdress of Egyptian gods and goddesses.The Anthem+ digital shower system by KohlerPhotography courtesy KohlerNext-level, customizable shower solutions continue to reign at KBIS. Kohler debuted its Anthem+ digital shower system, with a refreshingly minimalist control system integrating rainheads, steam, SoundTile shower speakers, ice shower feature, and more. Brizos new SensoriPlus also seeks to transform the humble shower stall into a wellness sanctuary, thanks to six ports of temperature and pressure control, audiotherapy and chromatherapy features, a Mystix Steam System, and compatibility with smart home apps.SurfacesCasino Royale tile in Smoke by Donghia for Artistic Tile (available spring 2025).Photography courtesy Artistic TileArtistic Tile teamed up with legacy brand Donghia for a pair of mosaic tiles transforming the latters signature patterns: Casino Royale, a natural stone arabesque surrounded by tesserae mosaic, and Decadence, with waterjet cut shapes of honed stone and tesserae, each in three colorways. The collaboration is set to debut spring 2025. Eldorado Stone debuts the lighter, brighter Nordic Peak colorway to its richly tactile Cliffstone surface, which retains its signature texture whether specified as flat-planed faces or corners. And Cosentino won Best of KBIS for its FreePower collection of Silestone-topped vanities with embedded device chargers, designed in collaboration with James Martin Vanities.HardwareHardware styles by AD100 design firm Pierce & Ward are among the new wall-mounted bathroom collections from Modern Matter.Photo: Jared Beasley c/o Modern MatterFresh hardware was easy to find at this years show. Modern Matter previewed a wall-mounted bathroom collection including towel bars and rings, toilet paper holders, and robe hooks, each made of solid brass with polished and unlacquered finishesand customizable with gemstones (available summer 2025). Emtek unveiled new material options for its Select Lever program, including luxe Rosso marble and walnut finishes. And, in a delicious development, English brass experts Armac Martin followed up last years Cocktail collection of hardware with the silhouettes of glassware with a fresh range of fruity hardware.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrow

Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer, the couple behind AD PRO Directory studio Hommeboys Interiors, share a love of nature that permeates their new appointment-only flagship showroom. Located next to the firms Sonoma office space, the showroom melds marble from Carmel Stone Imports and wood veneers from GL Veneer with natural Armadillo rugs and organic textures. Against a backdrop of arches and rich burgundy Zia tiles, pieces from the inaugural Haus of Hommeboys furniture collection are intertwined with art, lighting, objects, and rare vintage finds curated for a layered, salon-like feel.ExhibitionIn Columbus, Ohio, a JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu retrospective nods to the Mingei Folk Art MovementThrown Pierced Bowl by JB Blunk.Photo: Daniel DentBefore their celebrated, unconventional careers took off, both JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu apprenticed with Japanese masters of ceramics in the postwar years. These early connections to the Mingei folk art movement are the focus of Wild Earth: JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu, opening Friday, March 7, at the Columbus Museum of Art (on view through August 3). More than 200 works, including an amorphous redwood stool crafted by Blunk in 1975 and Takaezus delicate stoneware from the same period, capture the artists reverence for materiality and the handmade. Bolstering the show are pieces from influential Japanese ceramicists Kitaji Rosanjin, Hamada Shji, and Kaneshige Ty, as well as Blunks one-off jewelry creations now produced by Tess Young.AD PRO HearsParisian Galerie Scene Ouverte has launched Young Scene Ouverte, an annual program dedicated to promoting the work of emerging talents implementing novel materials. The inaugural exhibition, on view at the gallerys 6th arrondissement outpost from March 722, features glassblower Rinke Joosten and ceramicist Studio Biskt among the six participating creatives.Frank Frances is a jack of artistic trades. Fresh off of photographing ADs February cover story, the creatives first solo exhibition of paintings is currently on display at KGP Monolith in Long Island City. Fittingly titled Space-Aid, the show is a collection of his ongoing visual project wherein Kool-Aid acts as a medium for multidimensional galaxies.Project SpotlightAt this Copenhagen eatery, Wierciski Studio designs for socializingAt Amator, a quaint, homey restaurant in Copenhagens sterbro neighborhood, diners revel in fluffy omelets, lustrous citrus tarts, and the sounds of vinyl records. For the warm space situated at the bottom of a townhouse, owner Mati Pichci, a former intern at Noma, called upon his friend Adam Wierciski of Pozna, Polandbased Wiercinski Studio to design an interior that encouraged communal socializing. The directive led to elements like the restaurants striking communal table, topped with a subtly undulating surface and paired with oak stools. Stainless steel sconces and floating shelves complement the centerpiece seating, which is backdropped by crumpled Polish linen.

Per listing records, the Video Games singer still owns the property, though it appears that she has lent it out to family instead of staying there herself.Malibu beach houseThe lack of privacy in LA was reportedly what prompted Del Rey to buy a $3 million Malibu beach house in June 2015. Secludedly surrounded by rocks right on the water, the structure had no neighboring homes in its immediate vicinity. The 1950s house has since been thoroughly renovated, but at the time of Del Reys purchase, it spanned about 2,900 square feet, with three bedrooms and four bathrooms, according to TMZ.Later that summer, Del Rey released the music video for her song High By The Beach, which was filmed at the property and thematically explores the singers struggle to find privacy amidst her fame. In the video, Del Rey flips through a tabloid magazine and mills around in her brand-new, still-nearly-empty property while a paparazzo in a helicopter tries to get a good snapshot of her. (Spoiler alert: She blows up the helicopter with a bazooka at the end of the video.)Unfortunately for the Summertime Sadness singer, the Malibu residence didnt bring reprieve from trespassers: In December 2015, a 19-year-old fan was arrested after a construction worker found him inside the garage.Del Rey sold the home in 2018 for $3.2 million.Neighboring Hollywood Hills estatesIn June 2016, Del Rey expanded her holdings in LA with the purchase of two neighboring homes at the border of Studio City and the Beverly Hills Post Office area for a total of about $5.9 million. Since the properties are back-to-back, the combined estate allows the songwriter some extra privacy. Del Rey paid about $3.8 million for the larger of the two homesa six-bedroom, seven-bathroom dwelling at the end of a long, winding driveway. Originally built in the 30s, the 5,400-square-foot abode sports a Mediterranean-meets-midcentury-modern style with a flat wooden roof that protrudes to shade a paved patio, a stucco exterior, and a front entry graced by a trio of grand arches. A swimming pool and a guesthouse round out the two-acre plot.The adjacent property, a 1930s traditional-style ranch, cost the New York native $2.1 million. Clocking in at about 2,800 square feet, it hosts three bedrooms and three bathrooms on another two acres. The abode features vaulted and beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and decks that overlook the canyon. Just like Del Reys other property on the estate, it comes complete with a swimming pool and a guesthouse.The Tough singer still owns the side-by-side dwellings.Echo Park cabinTwo years later, Del Rey added another Los Angeles property to her portfolio, spending about $1.2 million on a historic cabin in Echo Park. Dating to 1911, the two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is purported to be the first house built in the hip neighborhood and was at one point owned by silent film star Clara Kimball Young.The previous resident of the 1,200-square-foot house was HGTV host Leanne Ford, who renovated it with a rustic modern farmhouse style. A midcentury-modern-style fireplace inserted inside a stone hearth warms up the cozy living room, which also features hardwood floors, an exposed beam ceiling, and white wood-paneled walls. The kitchen is lined with rows of open shelving and centered by a long restored wooden table with narrow drawers for added storage. A white Smeg fridge adds to the vintage vibe. Other interesting details include stone floors, an original claw-foot tub, and a covered patio with built-in stone bench seating.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, meaning that it always deserves a bit of extra love. When it comes to kitchen decor ideas, dont be afraid to get personal. Try to consider the style of your home and your family when adding small touches, says Erika Jayne Chaudhuri of Erika Jayne Design Build in Bethesda, Maryland. Whether youre looking to add an element of surprise to an otherwise simple white kitchen, plan to go bold with kitchen lighting, or are eager to incorporate an unexpected pop of color, there are many decor approaches that you can take to make your cooking space appear more custom and unique. Below, youll find 31 of our favorite kitchen decor ideas, many of which can be replicated in small spaces and sizable kitchens alike. Theres no need to take on a remodel to make your space shinewith a few pro-approved styling tricks, youll feel as though you have a brand new kitchen.Pick statement curtainsA fabric with special memories can be reimagined as curtains in a kitchen.Photo: Jean AllsoppDanielle Balanis, the founder of Danielle Balanis Design in Birmingham, Alabama, repurposed brightly patterned Schumacher curtains that had once lived in the homeowners downtown Birmingham bar, Paperdoll. They werent needed any longer, so we tailored them to fit his kitchen window, the designer explains. The fabric was an excellent choice to pop off the chrome green and layers of objects.Add a galleryGallery walls can add personality and warmth.Photo: Draper WhiteAD PRO Directory member Jenn Feldman, the founder of Jenn Feldman Designs in Los Angeles, created a gallery moment in this kitchen in Basalt, Colorado. The kitchen is a space where function often takes center stage, but incorporating bespoke art and lighting adds an unexpected layer of personality and warmth, she says. We anchored this oversized canvas and picture light to create a striking focal point, infusing the space with an artful energy that feels both curated and lived-in.Play around with plantsHerbs on the counter make cooking fresh easier.Photo: Rikki SnyderPotted herbs double as decor in this downtown Manhattan cooking space. I love adding a touch of greenery and warmth to an otherwise modern kitchen, says Jennifer Hunter, the founder of Jennifer Hunter Design in New York. Potting them in terra-cotta vessels adds warmth and provides a nice contrast to the sleek thermofoil cabinetry.Source antique decorAntique decor often means one-of-a-kind pieces.Photo: Amy LambWhen designing a Clearwater, Florida, kitchen for a client who loves to entertain, AD PRO Directory member Lisa Gilmore, the founder of Lisa Gilmore Design, sourced an antique furniture piece that doubles as a bar cart. The carving is so pretty, I felt like just a wall of wine bottles would look a bit cold, the St. Petersburg-based designer says. We decided to hang small pieces of artwork within to create an interesting display.Chanel your favorite placeReimagine vintage items as decor for a personal touch.Photo: Maria DeforrestOutdoor kitchens deserve special touches too, as exemplified by this space in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Kelley Gable, the founder of Gable Interiors, styled open shelving with vintage oyster tins. [They] were collected and sourced over time as a nod to the homeowners Maryland roots and love of the Chesapeake Bay, says the designer, who maintains offices in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and Severna Park, Maryland. They provided just the right amount of color while remaining timeless in the space.Go boldA scallop backdrop is the perfect bold addition to this smaller kitchen.Photo: Brian WetzelWhen designing a small kitchen, you can go a bit bolder with some of the design decisions, says AD PRO Directory designer Michelle Gage, who incorporated a scalloped quartz Caesarstone backsplash into her own Philadelphia studios kitchen. We didnt need upper cabinet storage here, but we still wanted a little bit of upward movement and interest, explains the founder of Michelle Gage Interiors. Its a nice alternative to doing backsplash tile.Bring the outdoors inConsider adding a wallpaper that is inspired by your yard.Photo: Bess FridayJessica Kain Barton, the founder of J. Kathryn Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky, installed Cole & Sons Orange Blossom wallpaper in the kitchen of a 1930s Orinda, California, bungalow. The original dutch door opened up to a backyard with several fruit trees, and we wanted to bring the outdoors in by giving homage to the scenery right outside, Barton says. This wallpaper spoke to us immediately, and we knew we wanted to swath the entire space in it, marrying the classic traditional white kitchen with the perfect playful nature of the home.Design around natural lightNot enough space for a garden outside? Consider adding one to a window.Photo: Brittany AmbridgeIn this South Orange, New Jersey, home, AD PRO Directory member Sarah Storms took advantage of the southern light streaming into the kitchen and hung shelving from the ceiling to create an eye-catching window garden. There is also something really beautiful about having all these living plants and herbs indoors during the cold winter months, says the founder of Styled by Storms in Maplewood, New Jersey.Work with whats already thereHonor existing architectural features.Photo: Brie WilliamsLindsay Speace, the founder of Lindsay Speace Design in Raleigh, North Carolina, didnt want to disturb the brick wall that had been a part of this Durham home since the 1960s. Rather than painting the brick, we chose to honor this quirky architectural element but added some key pieces to soften its scene-stealing nature, she says. The oversized lime green apple artwork and custom painted Tolix counter stools in a similar hue act as a counter balance, preventing the brick from feeling too imposing.Skip upper cabinetryOpen shelving wont pull focus from a special backsplash.Photo: Sarah WinchesterWhen designing this kitchen in a historic Boston brownstone, Cara Fineman skipped upper cabinetry for a twofold effect: to make the small space appear larger and to draw attention to the green tile. The founder of DAG Design in Dover, Massachusetts, then incorporated black shou sugi ban shelves and brass brackets. Brass and black are a beautiful complement to this green tile and create a striking balance between boldness and elegance in this small, urban kitchen, she says.Add soft texturesBreak up cabinetry with a curtain.Photo: Lauren L CaronAD PRO Directory member Lauren Caron opted for curtains in lieu of traditional cabinetry when designing her studio kitchenette in Seattle, Washington. Curtains, she says, add a soft, inviting touch to spaces that can often feel hard and utilitarian. Better yet, she adds, Not only does it introduce a layer of texture and pattern, it also cleverly conceals a long run of binsfor rubbish, recycling, and a water filter. The founder of AD PRO Directory firm Studio Laloc opted for Scarlet Vine by Jasper Textiles in this space.Focus on meaningful itemsIf you have a growing collection of objects, consider displaying them in a kitchen.Photo: Stefanie RawlinsonMaggie Clarke, the founder of Maggie Clarke Interiors in Memphis, thought beyond the basics when styling the shelves in a Collierville, Tennessee home. We always prefer to style with items that are meaningful to our clients versus pulling random accessories from our studio, she says. To add a collected feel amongst the more contemporary elements, we used her grandmothers antique urns and china on the open pastry shelving.Display collected artWho says art cant go in the kitchen?Photo: Erin KestenbaumAD PRO Directory member Diane Rath, the founder of The Rath Project, chose to adorn the backsplash in this Westport, Connecticut, kitchen with artwork. We believe in the idea that art is meant to live everywhere and anywhere, and we especially like to display it in unexpected places like the kitchen, the Fairfield designer says. The ornate gold frame is not only a jolt to the senses against the blue-and-white grid, but it helps to seamlessly tie the kitchen into the adjoining living spaces.Hang a gilded mirrorNo window above the sink? Install a mirror to achieve a similar effect.Photo: Dan CutronaRobin Gannon of Robin Gannon Interiors incorporated a gilded mirror into this black, white, and gold kitchen in a Woburn, Massachusetts, home. In a perfect world, when you design a kitchen, you often want to try to put a sink in front of a window, the designer (based in Lexington, Massachusetts) explains. Placing a mirror here gives the sense of that, and its also opposite the window in the dining room. Gannon thought carefully about the exact type of mirror she wished to hang, settling on a La Barge piece. I wanted the mirror to be a little vintage, a little Victorian-esque, to pair with some of the more modern details in the kitchen, she says. I liked that it wasnt square or rectilinear, because everything else in the space is so square.Choose a statement color for your cabinetsThink beyond the all-white kitchen and opt for a cabinet color thats a bit outside the box.Photo: Christopher StarkClara Jungs San Carlos, California, clients craved a statement-worthy kitchen. We landed on a magical color combination of robins egg blue, gray, and a dose of green, shares the designer behind Banner Day Interiors in Berkeley. The gray and white backsplash tile is from Fireclay.Go bold with panda quartziteDouble islands and luxe-looking stone make for a memorable cooking space.Photo: Stephen BuskenJeff Andrews of Jeff Andrews Design in Los Angeles fully remodeled this Beverly Hills kitchen, incorporating counters, kitchen islands, and a backsplash made from panda quartzite. A range and hood by La Cornue also make a sophisticated statement. The homeowner wanted a functionally beautiful, modern kitchen that felt like a dramatic showpiece, Andrews says.Style accessories like a proDesigner Linda Hayslett filled these open shelves with a mixture of utilitarian objects and decorative pieces.Photo: Phillip Nguyen/Lauren TaylorLinda Hayslett of LH.Designs in Los Angeles opted to style commonly used kitchen accessoriesincluding a cutting board, pitcher, cake stand, and moreon open shelving in this Brentwood, California, space. I like items that, when not in use, can also be displayed as nice visuals, she says. She chose to incorporate open shelving in between the taller kitchen cabinets so that the kitchen would appear a bit more airy and welcoming.Design a family-friendly spaceKids and adults alike will appreciate a chalkboard mural as stunning as this one.Photo: Phillip Nguyen/Lauren TaylorIn a Beverly Hills kitchen, Hayslett incorporated a chalkboard mural by local artist Derrick Thomas. If youre feeling crafty, you could DIY something similar in your own space. Normally, people think of chalkboard walls as a place to just scribble scrabble and put random things on, but I wanted the wall to be a piece of art, as well as allow the kids to scribble scrabble if they wanted to, the designer shares.Think beyond cafe curtainsBe like designer Kristina Phillips and hang a custom roman shade in the kitchen.Photo: Lisa RussmanBy no means are kitchens solely for cafe curtainsgo ahead and get creative with your window treatments. In this Bergen County home in New Jersey, Kristina Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design in Ridgewood, New Jersey, hung a roman shade made from Serena Dugan fabric above the sink.Install a funky backsplashColorful zellige tiles are the star of the show in this kitchen designed by Cindy Eyl, who worked in tandem with Convene Architecture.Photo: Angela Newton RoyEyl created the backsplash in this Alexandria, Virginia, kitchen using two different-colored zellige tilesgraphite and skylightfrom Zia Tile. Our clients lived in Morocco and wanted to use zellige tiles that remindedthem of their time there, she says. Zellige tiles are inherently interesting in their texture and irregularity, but the client wanted even more visual interest on the backsplash, she adds, noting that she ordered the colors in a ratio of three to one and then tag teamed with Alexandria-based Convene Architecture to create a pattern that looked random, which is surprisingly difficult to do!Opt for oversized pendant lightsReplace standard builder-grade lighting with pendants that are full of personality.Photo: Lucy CallDont be afraid to go big in the kitchen with artful pendant lights, like these rattan conical ones by Soane Britain that Abby Hetherington of Abby Hetherington Interiors in Bozeman, Montana, incorporated into a kitchen in Boca Grande, Florida.Add cozy touches to your cooking spaceDecorative touches will make your kitchen truly feel like home.Photo: JL Jordan PhotographyBethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky, cozied up this 1920s kitchen with accents one might normally associate with the living room, including a duo of sheepskin throws and a towering rubber plant. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped, but Adams removed the wall between the prep area and the breakfast nook, creating a significantly more spacious layout and allowing access to both of the windows in the space. A freestanding kitchen island from Crate & Barrel serves as the breakfast bar. It keeps the cozy space from feeling too blocky and crowded, Adams says.Roll in a library ladderA rolling ladder makes accessing high shelves feel like less of a chore.Photo: Steve HershbergerBring the magic of a library-style rolling ladder into the kitchen. We had an amazingly tall ceiling height to work with, so a library ladder became a key design element from the start, says Kate Donahue of Four Brothers Design+ Build in Washington, D.C. The walnut ladder pops against the custom cabinets that have been coated with eye-catching Benjamin Moore Hunter Green.Showcase favorite vasesDesigner Jaimee Longo appreciates kitchens with a touch of greenery.Photo: Jess IsaacA sweet curved oak and brass sconce by Lostine Home illuminates the area above the sink in this Los Angeles home designed by Jaimee Longo ofLAs The Layered House. On the kitchen countertop, greenery sits in a handmade vase from The Nopo. I love finding a permanent place for fresh flowers or herbs, Longo says.Lay down a chic runnerWhen selecting a rug for your kitchen, look to nearby rooms of the home for color inspiration, says designer Erin Myers.Photo: Laura VisioniMyers styled a runner from MD Home in this Fredericksburg, Virginia, kitchen. I fell in love with the simplicity of the colorsyou cant go wrong withblue and neutralsand the geometric motif, Myer says. She notes that the kitchen connects to various rooms within the main living area, in which color is abundant. It felt important to have the kitchen be able to stand up to that, but also be neutral, the designer adds.Treat your plates as decorGive antique plates a new life by displaying them on your kitchen walls.Photo: Stacy Zarin GoldbergPots, pans, and beautiful plates shine in this Churchville, Maryland, kitchen. It was designed by Tanya Smith-Shiflett ofUnique Kitchens and Baths, who worked in partnership with Winsome Interior Design in Lutherville, Maryland. The open display shelves were very important to our design, Smith-Shiflett says, noting that the client longed for a place to display her china collection. The finishes that we used are meant to age and patina over time, lending to the lived in aesthetic while also being functional, the designer adds. Because of that, we also wanted the decor to have the same feel.Display antique printsFamily heirlooms can shine in the kitchen. Designer Shannon Eddings expertly incorporated beloved prints into this cooking space.Photo: Molly CulverWhen designing a kitchen in her home city of Austin, Shannon Eddings ofShannon Eddings Interiors chose to utilize the wall space above the oven to showcase an antique pair of prints that originally came from her clients grandparents home. She sourced the nearby brass pendant lights from Currey & Company.Bring in some beadboardBeadboard backing speaks to this Tudor homes architectural style while adding texture to the kitchen.Photo: Molly CulverIn Dallas, Eddings incorporated beadboard backing into the kitchen to make the space better reflect the age of the Tudor-style home. We strived to give thekitchena cottage-esque aesthetic that was simple and colorful, Eddings says, noting that she supplemented this design with a number of vintage and antique kitchen accessories.Incorporate a plant shelfA built-in shelving system connecting to the kitchen houses plants, shoes, and other essentials.Photo: Jenn VerrierThis kitchen plant shelf perfectly marries form and function: It serves to provide a hidden drop zone for shoes and other gear while also hiding the entry to the garage, but its also a spot in which to display a variety of green friends. The green hue is carried over into the main portion of the kitchen, which features a subway tile backsplash made from Heath Ceramicss Ogawa Green tiles. The clients wanted color, but not too much color, Chaudhuri notes.Combine form and functionAdding a coffee bar to your kitchen will make even the busiest mornings feel a bit more elevated.Photo: Drew Michael Scott/Lone FoxDrew Michael Scott of Lone Fox in Los Angeles incorporated a Calcutta Monet coffee bar into his remodeled kitchen. I took what was considered a butlers pantry, removed the cabinet doors, and created shelving, he explains. After setting up his espresso machine, Scott filled the surrounding shelves with his favorite accessories. Before you even start decorating, make sure your functional items are in place, because that is what you will be utilizing daily, advises Scott, who is a proponent of incorporating traditional decorative accents in the kitchen. Artwork looks great within built-ins; you can layer a few pieces alongside a stack of books!Include soft touchesDesigner Lilse McKenna appreciates the softness that these David Iatesta light fixtures add to this Manhattan kitchen.Photo: Read McKendreeDavid Iatesta light fixtures add a dose of charm to this Upper East Side kitchen, which opens into a living room and which was designed by Lilse McKenna, who operates an eponymous firm in New Canaan, Connecticut. The hanging fixtures with gathered shades help to marry the two spaces, giving a softness to the kitchen so that the solid cabinetry can work well with the upholstery and patterns of the living space, McKenna shares.Embrace earth tonesDesigner Olivia Wahler made a point to include natural colors in this California kitchen.Photo: Erin FeinblattTake a cue from Olivia Wahler of Hearth Homes Interiors in Santa Barbara, California, and strategically group together your kitchen items to create a stunning display. We love incorporating items that create a cohesive color palette and that vary in texture, Wahler explains. Using natural earth-toned ceramics, neutral plates and bowls, and clear glassware creates dimension.Get clever with your artA petite frame adds a touch of whimsy to this Upper West Side kitchen.Photo: Kirsten FrancisNew York City designer Sarah Lederman of Sarah Lederman Interiors is all about displaying art in the kitchen. One example of this is the Matilda Goad frame that she hung in an Upper West Side space. She shares: Believe it or not, the silhouette actually came with the frame, and we liked it so much we kept it!Bust out the basketsEven when theyre not used for storage, beautiful baskets will work wonders in the kitchen.Photo: Kip DawkinsInspired by the late Bunny Mellons use of baskets as decor, Richmond, Virginia, designer Ashley Hanley chose to honor the look in a local home. The wicker material adds welcome warmth and texture to the home and is perfect for any country kitchen.Add fabric to glass doorsDesigner Chauncy Boothby expertly wove Muriel Brandolini fabric panels into a Connecticut kitchen to warm up the room.Photo: Read McKendreeChauncey Boothby of Chauncey Boothby Interiors in Norwalk, Connecticut, chose to jazz up standard white cabinetry with Muriel Brandolini fabric in this Connecticut estate. I like the look of adding fabric panels behind glass (or in this case, wire) cabinet doors to provide a little softness to a space, she says. I do love a crisp clean kitchen, but sometimes the addition of small elements like fabric panels keep the room from feeling too cold and clinical.Select an ultra stylish light fixtureIn this contemporary Palm Beach kitchen, an organic light fixture is eye-catching and sophisticated.Photo: Nick MeleIn this Palm Beach kitchen, Gillian Segal of Gillian Segal Design in Vancouver installed a Trueing light fixture; each link is a piece of handmade glass. We were looking to bring more of a sense of play into the kitchen, which was otherwise a quite clean and rectilinear space, Segal shares. We knew we found the perfect piece with this more organic and flexible shape.Let neutrals do the talkingThink strategically about texture when working with neutrals, as designer Hilary Matt did in this Hamptons kitchen.Photo: Rikki SnyderCustom bar stools by Thomas Hayes add warmth to this Hamptons kitchen drenched in neutrals and designed by Hilary Matt of Hilary Matt Interiors in New York City. The shearling not only makes the chair comfortable, but it also makes it a focal point without relying on a pop of color to do so, Matt says.Introduce sculptural artworkStunning artwork isnt just for the living roombring a favorite work into the kitchen to round out the space.Photo: Sarah Winchester StudiosTransform a sizable, blank kitchen wall with sculptural artwork that will add major cool factor to your cooking space. Nicole Hirsch of Nicole Hirsch Interiors in Wellesley, Massachusetts, worked with fine artist Alexandra Squire to design a resin piece of wall art for this kitchen in Dover, Massachusetts. We wanted to keep all the tones very neutral and serenenothing too jarring, Hirsch says. We loved how she helped us carry the brass from the hood into the art.Make your space party readyDesigner Layton Campbell created a kitchen thats truly an entertainers delight but is also suitable for everyday use.Photo: Michael BlevinsThis North Carolina kitchen serves as both an everyday space for family meals as well as a catering kitchen during gatherings. Designer Layton Campbell of J Layton Interiors in Charlotte therefore chose to incorporate custom suspended metal shelving to house glassware, making it easy for a bartender to access various vessels throughout the course of an evening.Be a maximalistDont shy away from color if you source a loud hue that speaks to you.Photo: Nickolas SargentIf youre a minimalist, you may want to look the other waybut if youre eager to go bold with a pop of color, this is certainly the small kitchen for you. Matthew Boland of MMB Studio embraced orangeSherwin Williams Energetic Orange, to be exactin this Palm Beach kitchen. Bold color is one way to grow a space that may physically have a small footprint, says the Scottsdale, Arizona, designer.In this guest house, the kitchen is compact, so I wanted to make it a star.Allow vintage finds to shineCollect vintage pieces that tell a storytheyll add charm to your kitchen shelves in an instant.Photo: Andi HatchAnsley Majit and Stephanie Waskins of Lark + Palm in Sausalito, California, wanted this Larkspur, California, kitchen to appear relaxed yet sophisticated. As such, they styled a 1960s oil painting sourced via Chairish alongside vintage finds, artful looking bowls, and plenty of cookbooks. Ultimately, we wanted the space to feel thoughtful and well-curated, but not designed, per sewhich is a practice we implement a lot in our design process, Majit says.Go beyond the wallsTake a cue from designer Andrea May and lean art in unexpected places, such as on top of a dining bench.Photo: Karyn MilletThink beyond just the walls when displaying art. Andrea May of Andrea May Interiors incorporated plein air paintings by her friend and artist, Deborah Carnick, in this kitchen in Mays hometown of La Jolla, California. We placed them on the ledge because they convey the homeowners love of nature in all formsoceans, mountains, plants and morein a casual way that allows for fluid curation as they want to add or shift pieces, May explains.Try some terrazzoTrending terrazzo is sure to make a splash in any kitchen.Photo: Richard PowersDress up a neutral kitchen with plenty of pattern. Oakland, California, architecture firm Ike Baker Velten made a splash with Dzek terrazzo tile in this New York City kitchen. The end result couldnt be more eye-catching.Mix up your texturesColor and texture combine to ensure this kitchen appears extra welcoming and collected.Photo: Charlie MayerA collection of petite decorative chairs and woven baskets add whimsy and a touch of farmhouse-style to this Harbor Springs, Michigan, kitchen by Chicago-based Tom Stringer Design Partners. Zanger mini brick backsplash tiles add further life and movement to the space.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat decorations to put in the kitchen?Kitchen decorations are oftentimes similar to those you might showcase in other rooms of the home. Wall decor is certainly fair game when it comes to kitchen decorations. CindyEyl of Jefferson Street Designs in Arlington, Virginia, likes to lean small pieces of artwork on easels if she isnt hanging them. If you have open shelves, add decorative piecesvases, bowls, etceterathat you have collected or are meaningful to you, she adds. There are many other kitchen accessories that are equal parts decorative and functional. For example, if your kitchen lacks an abundance of natural light, why not try a table lamp on the counter top or kitchen island? It serves as a sculpturalelement and creates a cozier environment, says Erin Myers of Erin Myers Design in Fredericksburg, Virginia.How can I decorate my kitchen in a simple way?Its important to practice moderation when decorating the kitchen; do your best to take a minimalist approach. Less is more, Chaudhuri says. Much like accessorizing anoutfit, moderation is key. The more decorations on shelves and kitchen countertops, the less functional space youll have to work and the smaller the space will feel. On that note, be sure to leave some empty counter space available, the designer adds.How to decorate your kitchen with accessories?While thinking of kitchen decor ideas, you will want to keep function top of mind, designers say. Use items that appeal to youraesthetic while also being utilitarian, Donahue suggests. Eyl adds, Rugs, cutting boards, herbs in pots, and cruets are functional but can also reflect the clients style and create different moods.What is a good kitchen theme?Designers agree that there is no one-size-fits-all kitchen theme, and they instead base their kitchen decor ideas on the clients specific lifestyle preferences. We focus instead on how the client is going to use the space and how they want it to feel, Eyl says. On a similar note, Chaudhuri urges individuals to cater their kitchen to their personality. She says: The best kitchen theme isyou!Following a strict theme can make a space feel contrived or, worse yet, cheap. Fill your space with items and artworks that bring you joy.

Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist 80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens and linens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.Typically placed atop a box spring or bed frame, their frilly folds help to keep dust bunnies from piling up under the bed, but fell out of favor in recent decades as minimal, barebones bed setups took over. Recent data suggests that an unlikely comeback is underway, though: Piglet In Bed, the much-beloved English purveyor of sustainable linen bedding, reports that valance is their sites fifth most-searched term, with a 734% spike in searches since December.Perhaps this shouldnt come as a surprise, as the charms of a bed skirt are many. Practically speaking for those who appreciate under-bed storage, a valance also keeps clutter conveniently hidden. Plus, depending on the rest of the bedroom decorwhether pared-back and minimal, say, or ruffled and romanticthe extra pattern and texture can add everything from hotel-like polish to countryside coziness to the mix.Ready to get reacquainted? Below, weve found 13 high-quality options that harness the bed skirts nostalgic allure, with enough modern appeal to plant it firmly in the present day.Our Top Picks for the Best Bed Skirts:Best Classic: Annie Selke Classic Hemstitch Bed Skirt, $188For the Cottagecore Convert: Piglet In Bed Gingham Linen Bed Skirt, $209For the All-Season Linen Purist: Cultiver Linen Valance, $340Wallet-Friendly Pick: Garnet Hill Matelass Bedskirt, $99For the Clean, Coastal Look: The Company Store Eyelet Classic Bed Skirt, $194Editor's Note: All prices listed reflect the queen size version of each bed skirt.Annie Selke Classic Hemstitch Bed SkirtCrisp, clean, and classic for any kind of bedroom setup, this 100% cotton option from Annie Selke features split corners, ornamental stitching, and a generous 18-inch drop. (For those interested in completing the look, the Classic Hemstitch collection includes pillowcases, shams, a duvet cover, and sheet set.)Piglet In Bed Gingham Linen Bed SkirtTreat your space to a cottagecore makeover with Piglet in Beds signature ginghama look thats a brand bestseller for a reason. Made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials, this cotton and linen bedding has it all: style, sustainability, and ease (its machine washable, and looks even better when a little rumpled).Cultiver Linen ValanceThis pleated bed skirt, available in a choice of two soft neutrals, pairs a luxurious, hotel-caliber look with the low-maintenance appeal of exceptionally soft linen. (A decidedly grown-up option, its made in just king and queen sizes.)GreenRow Vintage Striped Bed SkirtChannel childhood nostalgia with this 100% cotton bed skirt, featuring a rosy stripe thats sweet but not saccharine. (For more vintage-inspired goodness, GreenRows crocheted option offers the same traditional feel as eyelet, but with a 1960s bohemian flair.)The Company Store Eyelet Scallop Cotton Percale Bed SkirtDreamy details are at the center of this classic, coastal-influenced design. Eyelet embellishments and a sweetly scalloped edge lend some youthful energy to the already airy cotton percale construction.Garnet Hill Matelass BedskirtCovering an impressive range of dimensions (twin to Cal King size, each with a choice of a 14- or 18-inch drop), this 100% cotton matelass option has split corners, a cotton percale platform, and can be paired with the brands matching matelass box spring cover.Pottery Barn Voile Cotton Bed SkirtLight, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barns voile bed skirt could easily skew frillybut bright-white cotton and sleek, elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss.Annie Selke Lush Linen Bed SkirtA pitch-perfect center pleat sets this three-panel bed skirt apart. Its look is somehow both easy-breezy and neat-as-a-pinthe former thanks to its 100% linen construction; the latter due to its menswear-inspired design.Serena & Lily Wave BedskirtThis lightweight, 100% cotton percale bed skirt blends tailored sophistication with a sense of childlike play. In addition to white, its available in four nautical shades (were partial to red-hot Lobster and cool French Blue); plus, each sale supports efforts to rid the ocean of toxic plastics and pollution.Taylor Linens Farmhouse Stripe Bed SkirtThe bedding equivalent of a perfectly lived-in button-up shirt, this handmade design features fade-resistant, 350 thread-count cotton in a warm, earthy pinstripe. (Other notable bed skirts from the family-owned brand include delicate eyelets and prairie-inspired pintucks.)Ballard Designs Jardin Toile BedskirtFor pattern lovers: a botanically-themed cotton percale bed skirt with kick pleat and split corners. Add a coordinating duvet cover to bring decadent, old-world energy to even the most modern and minimal of bedrooms.Les Indiennes Little Flower Bedspread With RuffleAvailable in twin to king size, this block printed, organic cotton coverlet achieves the cozy, layered look of a bed skirt without the effort required to put on a traditional valance. (Whats more, the style is interior designer approved, with multiple variations sold at Nickey Kehoe.)Sferra Giotto Bed SkirtThe epitome of luxury, this Italian-made bed skirt is crafted from lustrous sateen and features an adjustable drop length to accommodate beds of various heights. (Mix and match with a Giotto flat and fitted sheet, shams, duvet cover, and more.)

Every morning, modern sleepers the world over are roused by the unwelcome sound of their smartphone alarm, but the best alarm clocks present an alternative vision for your morning wake up routine: less grating, more considerate, and (if we have any say in it) aesthetically pleasing. For our list of the finest timekeepers out there, we privileged looks and throwback features (FM radio, anyone?) over Bluetooth capability and USB ports, resulting in this assortment of beautifully designed analog and digital alarm clocks that cover the basicsa snooze button, a backlight, and dimmerwithout going full 21st century. Your doom-scrolling brain will thank you for the Circadian rhythm reset, and your groggy self will appreciate the thoughtful Daylight Savings Time assist.Our Top Picks for the Best Alarm Clocks:Best for Classic Design: Braun Classic Analogue Alarm Clock, $37Best Analog Option: Schoolhouse Farbe Alarm Clock, $99Best Smart Alarm Clock: Loftie Alarm Clock, $160The Designhead-Approved Pick: Arne Jacobsen City Hall Clock, $139Best for Maximalists: DWR Hemisphere Table Clock, $100Braun Classic Analogue Alarm ClockGerman-based Braun (of coffee maker fame) are masters of modernist style. This alarm clock has the basic amenities youd expecta backlight, snooze, and a crescendoing alarmwhile still maintaining the analog look. Its simplicity, clean lines, and white color way give a nod to Scandi design, especially the way its sphere is set in its frame is ultra-modern. This pick is also battery operated, which makes it a great choice for those who live without the privilege of bedside outlets.Schoolhouse Farbe Alarm ClockThis Farbe analog clock takes us back to the future with a super 70s design in bold primary colors. The frame is Japanese beech, making for a high-quality base that looks playful without leaning kitschy.Loftie Alarm ClockThis smart alarm clock doesnt just look good on your bedside tableit also works as a white noise machine, and a Loftie+ subscription gets you custom-made bedtime stories, guided visualizations, and meditations. The two-phase alarm mimics your body's natural waking process (heavy sleepers, this is for you), so you can ease into your consciousness, instead of irritably beginning your day with a grating beep. It also makes a handsome night light.Arne Jacobsen City Hall Analog Tabletop ClockOne of the handsomest picks in our round-up, this analog clock from Danish architect Arne Jacobsen has a gorgeous clock face coupled with a very straight-forward set of features: alarm, snooze button, and light. If youre shopping for a design-first bedside clock, and willing to make peace with a single alarm sound, this is a great choice.Design Within Reach Hemisphere Table ClockDesigner Henry Julier plays with dimensionality in this pieceupgrading a flat wall clock shape with a diagonal stand, while still keeping the watch arms at their most basic (no numerology here). Fans of pop art will love the character this brings, especially the Pepto Bismol-pink clock face and contrasting green ticker.Wideboy Alarm Clock by Jim and Chloe ReadIf youre a sucker for mid-century modern, this design looks as suited for a Dali painting as it does a Hitchcock film. Wed pair it with a tapered leg nightstand or a lacquered end table to suit its style, but its handsome enough to stand alone as a living room decor moment, too.Lexon Minut Alarm ClockMiniacs will lose it for this teeny tiny digital alarm clock, coming in at just less than 2.5 long. It has touch controls for time and alarm settings, and charges via USB-C, though its battery life lasts up to two months on a single charge.HAY Jasper Morrison Table ClockJasper Morrisons iconic wall clock goes tabletop with this one-of-a-kind design from Copenhagen-based firm HAY. This clock comes in a deep green and cerulean colorways that will add a welcome dose of personality to your bedside table.

The town house where jazz legend Billie Holiday once lived has sold for $10.5 million, per the New York Post. The uptown apartment was sold in 2017 for $9.5 million before returning to the market in 2022 for $13.9 million. The buyer has not yet been identified.Holiday reportedly resided in the home for four years until her death at age 44 in 1959. Back then, the Renaissance Revival brownstone was divided into separate apartments, and Lady Day lived on the first floor. While in apartment #1B, the musician released one of her most acclaimed works, the 1958 album Lady in Satin.Built in the early 1900s, the 6,300-square-foot town house sits adjacent to Central Park and the Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy Reservoir. The 20-foot-wide abode comes fully renovated, though it has retained many of its charming historic details, like moldings and vaulted ceilings. The brownstone contains six floors and 14 rooms, including seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two powder rooms wrapped in wallpaper by Lenny Kravitz. It also features sky-high ceilings, a wine cellar, a screening room, six fireplaces, and a backyard garden.Join NowFlash Sale: Become an AD PRO member today and unlock your design potential.ArrowHolidays former town house was initially listed by Kelly Killoren Bensimon of Douglas Elliman, who formerly starred on The Real Housewives of New York City and Million Dollar Listing. In 2022, she pointed out the primary suite, a 1,100-square-foot space on the dwellings third floor, as a major selling point. Its like staying in the best hotel suite you can imagine, Killoren Bensimon told AD at the time. Every finish is top of the line.

Theres a thin line between overly curated and impeccably arranged. Tourists, a hotel with a sizable social following, sits staunchly on the side of great arrangements. A restaurant in the hotel worth the trip, unique guest rooms in muted palettes, and a compelling list of on-site activities, make this the perfect spot for the traveler in the mood to get social. Plus, its dog-friendly for those traveling with canine companions. From $249 per night.BOOK NOWThe Porches Inn at Mass MoCACity: North Adams, MassachusettsThose looking to experience small-town living in the Berkshires should stay at The Porches Inn, located in North Adams. The hotel itself features distinctive, color-coded designs in every room, which were converted from 19th-century mill workers cottages. Sojourning at this hotel allows you to immerse yourself in the local arts scene as youre posted right by the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) with its excellent programming: Sol Lewitt murals and exhibitions from the likes of James Turrell and Laurie Anderson. When youre done taking in all the modern art, settle in for a brewski next door at the Bright Ideas Brewery which serves all sorts of craft beers, from open tap brews to full growlers of the stuff. From $278 per night.BOOK NOWMiraval BerkshiresCity: Lenox, MassachusettsIn need of a detox? Whether its a physical or digital detox (or both) that youre after, Miraval is the top choice. A stately Gilded Age mansion is at the heart of the property, which was originally landscaped by none other than Frederick Law Olmstead, but the rooms and suites have been redesigned by AD 100s Ken Fulk with todays modern travelers in mind. The rates are all-inclusive, with dining options that encourage mindful eating and a wide range of wellness-focused activities that include everything from equine therapy to beekeeping, not to mention Ayurvedic treatments at the 29,000-square-foot spa. From $899 per night.BOOK NOWPrivate HomesLuxury Cabin Mountain ViewsCity: East Nassau, New YorkSleek lines, a mix of dark and light woods, and floor-to-ceiling windows make for a contemporary rustic home that feels as its been transported from the Pacific Northwest. A huge butcher block-topped island provides a plethora of food prep space, while the open plan allows cooks to easily mingle with the rest of the guests. After dinner, take a dip in the cedar hot tub while taking in the mountain vistas. From $578 per night.The FilomenaCity: West Stockbridge, MassachusettsChannel your inner Wes Anderson with a stay at this impossibly charming home filled with thoughtful details and design choices. The adjoining garden takes the charm factor through the roof. A renovated 19th-century rectory, weve already dubbed it the coolest Airbnb in Massachusetts for a reason. The Norman Rockwell Museum also resides in Stockbridge for a fun day activity. From $1,050 per night.BOOK NOWMid-Century Glass OctagonCity: Otis, MassachusettsWhether youre visiting the Berkshires in the summer for a concert at Tanglewood, during the fall for leaf-peeping or in the winter to hit the slopes, the wrap-around windows of this midcentury-inspired cabin provide stunning views. After a day on the mountains, skiers can return to enjoy the cozy fireplace underneath the vaulted ceilings, while the expansive deck provides a place to grill, eat, or lounge while surrounded by the forest. Think of it as luxury living, just in a treehouse. From $348 per night.BOOK NOWCleveland HouseCity: Dalton, Massachusetts

Paris Fashion Week is underway, which means industry insiders have begun descending upon the City of Light for yet another season of runway collections. Last night, however, the French capitals most-talked-about style was at the historic Louvre, which just celebrated its first-ever sartorially-oriented exhibit, Louvre Couture, with its first annual Grand Dner du Louvre.The lavish affair, which raised more than 1 million euros for the museums many endeavors, could be described as Frances trs chic answer to the Met Gala. As is often the case, they found a way to imbue their version with the kind of glamour only the French can manage. A whos who of both Hollywood notables (including Gemma Chan, Dev Patel, and Michelle Yeoh) and fashion luminaries (like Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, and Tyra Banks) kicked off the night at a step-and-repeat set in front of the Louvres iconic outdoor pyramid structureset beautifully aglow in golden light. The group was met inside with an elegant cocktail hour, dinner prepared by Michelin-starred French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, and a VIP tour of the Louvre Couture collection.Defining Louvre CoutureLouvre Couture explores the link between furnishings, like this elaborately detailed blue-and-white console, and pieces from luxury fashion houses, like the Chanel jacket beside it.Photo: Nicolas MathusThe exhibition itself is plenty buzz-worthy without all the star-studded support. Set in a sprawling space of 9,000 square meters, the garments from 45 fashion houses on display all thoughtfully correspond with the Louvres existing treasure trove, with pieces dating back to the Byzantine era and Middle Ages all the way through the 19th century. Some highlights? For one, an opulently embellished Chanel jacket from the brands spring-summer 2019 haute couture range. The piece is placed near its source material: an 18th-century console adorned with an intricate china blue animal and floral motif and metallic scrolls that caught designer Karl Lagerfelds eye when conceptualizing the collectionhis last for the brand before his passing in February 2019.Then theres a sumptuous red velvet Dior couture gown circa autumn-winter 20042005. Made under the tenure of John Galliano, the regal piece was heavily influenced by the French film SissiThe Young Empress, in which late French German actress Romy Schneider portrays the Austrian royal. Set in the upper echelons of 19th-century European court life, the movie is rich with visually arresting interiors: plushly upholstered furniture, gilded moldings, enamel-detailed objects. All this inspired Galliano to make looks right at home surrounded by the Louvres display of Second Empire decor from Napoleon IIIs apartments.

He has grown from a SoundCloud rapper into an eclectic country music starso where does Post Malone live? Los Angeles or even Texas would be reasonable guesses, but the answer is much more interesting.The versatile singer currently resides in whats been dubbed an apocalypse-proof mansion situated on seven acres of picturesque land near Salt Lake City, Utah. (In a YouTube video promoting the suburb of Cottonwood Heights, where Posts residence is located, he called the city the most amazing place ever.) Post was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up between there and Dallas. In his late teens, he and his longtime friend Jason Probst, a professional game streamer, moved to LA, where they lived with a few other artist friends for some time. As his career took off with the release of his debut album, Stoney, in 2016, however, Post began to seek a bit more peace and quiet. I kind of just wanted to get away to where I can have my own oasis, he said on Zane Lowes podcast in 2022. Below, were sharing a glimpse into some of the places Post has found zen.San Fernando Valley homeIn the early 2010s, Post and a few friends recorded music together as a group called BLCKVRD, living together in a San Fernando Valley rental home. The home represented a formative time for the singer, as that was where he was living when he recorded the song White Iverson and uploaded the track onto SoundCloud, which undeniably put him on the map.In 2018, after Post and his friends had already moved out, the house was burglarized by three men who were allegedly looking for the singer. According to TMZ, one burglar even shouted, Wheres Post Malone? The new resident of the house, who did not have any links to the singer, was reportedly attacked, and the burglars took off with $20,000 worth of possessions.Utah bunkerAt the time of the burglary, Post was likely already residing in the $3.1 million Utah property that he purchased earlier that year under the LLC Wow Cool House. In an interview on the H3 Podcast the previous summer, he had shared that he was looking to build a bunker for the end of the world. Im just buying a place out in the sticks, he said. Im building it underground. Its going to be fun until the world ends. But whenever the world ends, its going to be functional. Then, in an interview with Rolling Stone that was published that fall, he clarified that hed already purchased a home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Im gonna put in, like, 30 bunk beds, he told the publication.The main house, which was initially built in 1986, measures 13,000 square feet and boasts five bedrooms and seven bathrooms spread across the sleek stone, glass, and wood structure. Amenities include a living room with a bar, a wine cellar, a home gym, and an office and conference room. Out back, theres a pool, jacuzzi, and tennis court. All of the floor-to-ceiling glass windowswhich look out onto canyon and mountain viewsare reportedly bulletproof, and there is a state-of-the-art security system.Beverly Hills rentalPosts Utah home is now his primary residence, but around the time he purchased it, he also rented a Marc Whippledesigned Beverly Hills mansion. That home hit the market for $26 million in 2019, with reports at the time noting that Post had been its most recent inhabitant. It is not known how much the singer paid in rent. The modern mansion measured 11,200 square feet, with six bedrooms and seven full and two half bathrooms. Perched high up in the hills overlooking the city, the dwelling featured dark painted wood ceilings, beams, and doorways that stood in stark contrast to the white tile flooring. Amenities like a movie theater, a gym, a wine cellar, and a wraparound infinity pool made the spot the perfect place for Post to party like a rockstar, while a sunken firepit, outdoor kitchen, and secret Zen garden likely helped to counteract the more rambunctious aspects of his lifestyle.

As Carrie Coons character is checking out her accommodations at the White Lotus for the first time, she opens the large French doors with gusto, steps onto a deck, and looks out over a breathtaking view. Her room sits on a hillside that sweeps down to a stretch of beach, and from there the land, dotted with structures that seem to be swimming among the resplendent palm trees, sweeps back uphill again. This creates a sort of private alcove nestled next to the expansive turquoise water of the Gulf of Thailand, an establishing shot that viewers of The White Lotus season three (airing now on Max) will recognize. When Laurie (Coon) looks to her left, her jaw drops. Mere feet from where she stands, monkeys hang from the trees, staring back at her.I was recently invited to visit the hotel that served as the main filming location for the much-anticipated show. Upon my arrival at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, one of the first things I learned is that you wont actually spot any wild monkeys on this island off the east coast of southern Thailand. Their lurking presence is merely another bit of world-building from show creator Mike White, a device to suggest, perhaps, that the guests of his fictional resort are being watched. There are, however, statues of monkeys around every corner, including near the front door, pool, and balcony at residence nine, a 12,572-square-foot multi-building dwelling where Ilike Laurie and her longtime (definitely not old) friends, TV star Jaclyn Lemon (Michelle Monaghan) and Austin-based housewife Kate (Leslie Bibb)stayed during my visit. These figures were added by Bill Bensley, the Bangkok-based architect and landscape architect who designed the property, which opened in 2007.The private infinity pool at residence nine.Courtesy of Four SeasonsMaybe the monkey decoration helped sell White on the Four Season Koh Samui as he scoured Thailand for the perfect setting for the third season of his black comedy anthology, which, as always, explores the rub between the resort employees and locals and the wealthy tourists who descend upon them. Ultimately though, the resort was perfect as the main backdrop for the production because it is a place built to cater to clientele from the absolute upper echelons, just like the characters in the show. (Other locations in Thailand supplemented productionthe spa scenes were filmed at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket; the lobby, security station, and boutique at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui; a bar at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui; a restaurant at Rosewood Phuketand interior sets were also recreated on a Bangkok soundstage.)Mike is the creative director and decides the location based on the script and what he has as a plot. I asked him why he selected our resort, and he said, Im trying to depict a script in which you have these ultrahigh-net-worth individuals who are traveling in the ultraluxury environment, recalls the hotels general manager, JJ Assi.Walton Goggins in a scene filmed by the pool.Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBOThe property is home to 60 one-bedroom villas and 15 private residences, which are not merely hotel rooms but mansions. Five of these are residences that often sit empty when their owners arent using them, and the other ten are rented out by the hotel. The entire resort is connected by a series of steep, winding paths on which the staff shuttles guests around via golf carts, referred to here as buggies. Residence nine sits at the end of one of the pathsa cul de sac, if you will. When we pulled up, we were greeted by Jah, a butler assigned just to the guests of residence nine for the duration of our stay. She gave us her number on WhatsApp and said to text her anytime we needed anything. Her bedroom, I learned, is located below the main living space, out of sight of the guests. I did not once touch a room key during my stayI simply popped in and out of the residence, always greeted by Jah upon my return home. She always seemed to be available to make a coffee, order us food, or arrange a ride to the gym or spa, and each time I returned to my bedroom, things had been tidied.Assi tells me that the particular residences used for filming (residence number three appears as the Ratliff family villa) were selected after an extensive scouting process. They opened up all 10 residences that we have available, and they came in at sunrise, they came in at sunset, they came in at nighttime. Ben Kutchins, the main cinematographer, took shots to see from a lighting and cinematographic perspective what gives you the best angle.A bedroom at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, which resembles the one I stayed in.Courtesy of Four SeasonsThe layout of residence nine also factored into its selection. For example, in episode one, the ladies sit around sipping wine and complimenting each other on their youthful appearances in the main living area, a glass box of a room from which a decorative wooden archway leads out to the private infinity pool. Later, when Laurie goes to bed, her room looks down upon them, allowing her to see that her friends are still up talking without her. My suite was located directly below Lauries and had a king-size bed facing French doors opening onto the deck, a bathroom with a tub that reminded me of the egg Lady Gaga once arrived in at the Grammys, an indoor-outdoor shower, and a little sitting area with a draped ceiling and a low table surrounded by turquoise floor cushions. One entire wall was made up of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over that spectacular view. The abundance of palm trees surrounding the place (Bensley built the resort without cutting down even one of the 856 on site) made everything feel like a secluded treehouseif your treehouse costs anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per night, depending on the season.The only thing seemingly missing in residence nine is a gorgeous kitchen. Instead there is a simple room with a refrigerator, really more of an oversized pantry. Thats because the type of guests staying here arent cooking for themselvesbut they arent necessarily eating all of their meals at the hotel restaurants either. Residence nine has a full-fledged kitchen downstairs that guests dont see. So some of these guests come with their own private chefs, and they love it. Otherwise, we have a chef-in-residence program. During your time, all the meals will be freshly cooked for you in the residence, says Assi.The furniture in the residence was changed for filming.Courtesy of HBOProduction designer Cristina Onori dressed the property to be a bit more textured in the show, with rich wood paneling that pops on camera and an overall decor scheme that perhaps looks more stereotypically Thai than the more modern decor of the Four Seasons. But even with the differences in decor, I still truly felt like I was plunged into the show during my stay. I recognized bits and pieces around every corner of the resort, from the breakfast restaurant to a traditional Thai spirit house.Parker Posey and the rest of the Ratliffe family at breakfast.Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBOThis immersive White Lotus experience is something the Four Seasons is fully leaning into and banking on to be a business driver in the coming months. The White Lotus logo remains on the wall by the main pool as a potential photo-op, and Four Seasons properties around the world are offering White Lotus themed cocktails or afternoon tea packages. Around the season three premiere, the Four Seasons Koh Samui website experienced 596% more visitors compared to the year before. Even the properties where seasons one and two were filmed, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and San Domenico Palace hotel in Taormina (also a Four Seasons property), respectively, are currently seeing another bump in interest with the release of season three. It doesnt matter that the show is, at its core, a murder mystery that skewers and satires the wealthy, and touches upon the uncomfortable reality of economic inequality by telling the stories of the staff members alongside the guests. If youre one of the lucky few who can afford to access a hotel nestled in impossibly beautiful surroundings, with top-notch service and luxurious amenities, you probably dont care.The view from the main lobby at the resort.Courtesy of Four SeasonsWe are doing better than last year. We can see the bookings are coming up at a much faster pace, says Assi. Guests are telling us, When we come, we want to know all about White Lotus and the locations where it was shot and we want to take pictures. And they are asking about the White Lotus residence, he explains. Im also seeing a change that as more and more private jet people are coming in and booking the private residence, travel agents are asking us to create personalized itineraries in advance. We added four more people to our concierge team to handle this, because now its become very personalized. Amenities have to be personalized.Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola in a scene by the pool, where the White Lotus branding still remains post-filming.Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBOIn a bit of a life-imitates-art twist, it isnt just the hotels appearance on TV that is a draw. The show took over the entire resort for filming, and the cast stayed on the premises. All of the Four Seasons employees I chatted with reminisced fondly about having their workplace full of Hollywood stars, with one remarking that seeing Patrick Schwarzenegger, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, and company lined up on chaise lounges by the pool made it feel very much like the show was actually happeningthough everyone seemed to agree that the cast and crew were lovely, very friendly people, unlike their perpetually out-of-touch characters.

As part of Anne McDonalds thoughtful approach to interior design, she doesnt just consider her clients desires and her own expertise. The house has an opinion too, says the Minneapolis-based AD PRO Directory member. It may not be obvious, and sometimes you have to dig a little to find it, but its there.This philosophy resonated deeply with Jay Peterson and Nickey Skarstad, born-and-raised Minnesotans. After spending 13 years as tenants of generic apartments in San Francisco and New York City, the couple longed for some semblance of architectural character in their next abode, finding promise in a 1955 split-level rambler in Edina, a Minneapolis suburb.As renters, our eclectic style never quite synced with our living quarters, says Skarstad. And since we moved back home to buy our first house, we wanted the exact opposite vibe. Such an alignment of style and place would finally feel authentic, not just to the husband and wifeshes a tech creative who values function on par with delight; hes an engineer with a built-to-last sensibilitybut also to their impressionable young daughters, nine-year-old Alma, and Ethel, who is five.In the foyer, designer Anne McDonald carved out a niche for a custom mappa burlwood table from Rovan Furniture. She used different woods throughout the homefrom birch cladding on the vaulted ceilings to the zebrawood top of the dining rooms Saarinen Tulip tableto avoid monotony. The 1961 abstract expressionist painting is by A.C. Hermkens. The Bumper ottoman is from Blu Dot.Im so partial to vintage, but I cant just fill a space with it, says McDonald. As such, the vintage pieces in the formal living room are remixed with new furnishings like a Lawson-Fenning Forster sofa, a Visual Comfort Clemente floor lamp, and custom stools by Seer Studio, all of which have midcentury tendencies but with a modern edge. I didnt want it to look like a time capsule in there.Taking cues from the homes original details, McDonald, who was also the construction designer for a COVID-era gut renovation, says she just enhanced what should have been there to begin with. At the back of the house, she accentuated the vaulted ceiling with birch, native to the Upper Midwest, creating a cocooning Scandi effect that befit the homeowners Swedish heritage. Where once small windows offered little sunlight, floor-to-ceiling glass now surrounds the painted-brick fireplace in the den (affectionately called the snug), while skylights and glass patio doors help illuminate the kitchen and dining room. Such a radiant glow up, as the designer calls it, highlights the compression and release technique developed by late architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Moving through the ramblers entry, living room, and home officeall capped under a low eight-foot ceilingheightens the sense of openness one feels upon reaching the soaring spaces.McDonald designed a custom maple screen with doughnut cut-outs that allow a semblance of separation and flow, but in architectural fashion. Vintage midcentury teak console from Golden Age Design. Pair of vintage oil paintings sourced from Kassie Keith at Round Top Antiques Fair.McDonald also embraced the homes midcentury roots with a palette of subdued gem tones, leaning away from glamour and into the hippie spirita nod, perhaps, to the 1967 Summer of Love, arguably the eras most colorful hallmark. The kitchen cabinets are painted in a fading-sunset hue; the 1950s armchairs in the living room are covered in Aquarian blue leather; and the sultry primary bath is color-blocked with lush merlot and dusky mauve tiles. Im particular about repetition of color, since theres a danger of creating boredom or feeling a little too Disneyland, says McDonald, who used a variety of purple hues from room to room. So its important that theyre mixed upa little cooler here, a little warmer there.To play up the importance of the main fireplace in underscoring the homes midcentury identity, McDonald painted the original bricks Paean Black by Farrow & Ball for gravitas, then effectively lightened its monolithic presence by surrounding it in floor-to-ceiling glass. Its a formidable anchor for the snugs more playful pieces, like the grape Kool-Aid-colored mohair covering the Eames lounge and ottoman and the 1950s Giraffe floor lamp by Rispal.With vintage funky amoeba-shaped coffee tables, a built-in sectional covered in a hardwearing Zak + Fox outdoor textile, and art ranging from a thrifted nude painting (a holdover from the apartment years) to an old Jefferson Airplane concert photo by Michael Friedman, the snug feels like a swanky set from a television drama about 1960s advertising moguls. In reality, its more of a romper room. The kids really jump around in here, says homeowner Nickey Skarstad of her and husband Jay Petersons two young daughters, Alma and Ethel. Its our family hangout.The 1960s rosewood Eames lounge chair in the snug is upholstered in mohair dyed a freewheeling shade the designer calls grape Kool-Aida groovy counterpoint to the built-in sectional, covered in a thalassic-green Zak + Fox outdoor textile. With vintage lighting like a lanky Giraffe floor lamp, rippling amoeba-shaped coffee tables, and art ranging from a thrifted nude painting (a holdover from the apartment years) to an old Jefferson Airplane concert photo, the snugs nouveau-mod aesthetic recalls a certain 21st-century period drama about 1960s advertising moguls. It invites you to put a record on, drink a boulevardier, and play cards, says McDonald. In reality, the snug is more of a romper room. The kids really jump around in here, says Skarstad. Its our family hangout.In the course of the renovation, McDonald gave the kitchen a larger footprint than the original: I liked the idea of the room being set in birch, and then I just wanted to turn it up a little bit. A salmon-y flush comes from Farrow & Balls Bisque paint on the custom cabinetry, the checkered zellige backsplash is arranged with Zia Tiles in Casablanca White and Glazed Earth, and the island countertop is a particularly veiny quartzite called Blue Deep from Terrazzo & Marble.Compared to the front of the home, the vaulted ceiling over the dining room, kitchen, and snug provides a sense of expansiveness and plenty of fresh air, recalling a technique developed by acclaimed Midwestern architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Saarinen dining table with rosewood veneer from Design Within Reach. Vintage Danish midcentury teak chairs from ABT Modern, upholstered in Mombasa by Pierre Frey. Noguchi 75A pendant lamp.But even in the gem-toned pastures of homeownership, nostalgia lingers for the more nondescript domiciles of yore. Quietly hanging in the elegant living roomwhere voluptuous seating is irresistibly wrapped in nubby boucl and long-haired alpaca, and midcentury moorings include a handsome vintage teak console and sculptural table lampsis a framed cross-stitch from the familys early history that reads: Home Sweet Apartment.Designer Anne McDonald in the snug. Vintage photograph by Michael Friedman. Built-in sectional with custom cushion by Buildlane, covered in Zak + Fox outdoor textile. Midcentury ceramic lamp from Chairish.Art: Michael FriedmanTo make the primary bedroom more spacious, McDonald commandeered some square footage from one of the kids bedrooms to make a walk-in closet for mom and dad, which theyre super psyched about, says the designer. Midcentury houses can be tricky with that kind of stuff. The corner window is also new. A shearling bed from Parachute and a Loloi shag rug make this haven even more inviting. Vintage still life sourced from Kassie Keith at Round Top Antiques Fair; 1960s Scandinavian pine bench from Chairish. Silk and cotton Gudri coverlet by Lisa Corti.Similar to the primary bedroom, the primary bath received more breathing room by co-opting space from the kids bath. Top-to-bottom tonal tileAdobe and Vintage Leather, both by Fireclaymakes for easy cleaning and visual impact. Bamboo mirror from 1stDibs. Dioscuri sconces from Design Within Reach. Custom vanity top in Calacatta Granviola from Terrazzo & Marble.The lavender hue from the primary bath was reprised in eldest daughter Almas bedroom with a Farrow & Ball wall paint called Sugared Almond. West Elm Rhode bedding with vintage throws. Nightstand from Anthropologie.The mint and brick red huesrespectively, Palm and Bamboozle, both by Farrow & Ballof the daughters shared bath were pulled from other parts of the house, like the powder room and the primary bedroom, showcasing McDonalds mastery with reprising color for cohesion but without feeling repetitious. French faux-bamboo mirror from 1stDibs. Vintage Moroccan rug.Skarstads home office shares a three-sided fireplace, still sporting its original brass doors, with the living room. The Limerence wallpaper by House of Hackney is kind of wild, says McDonald. It is the color palette of the house. Its a repetitive element that isnt formulaic. Sit-to-stand desk from Design Within Reach in walnut and black leather. 155 Task Chair from Design Within Reach.On a Venn diagram of Japanese design and midcentury aesthetics, points of intersection include use of natural materials, simple silhouettes, and multifunctional spaces. To honor this, McDonald chose a Pierre Frey grasscloth wallpaper called Momiji, depicting red maple leaves strewn over bonsai. Water Monopoly sink and toilet in sherbet. Vintage Danish mirror and 1950s Italian glass pendant from 1stDibs.Shop it out:Knoll Saarinen Round Dining TableModern Weave Box Checkered Area RugLawson-Fenning Forster SofaStockholm Area RugArtisan Large-Scale Bunch of Alabaster GrapesKara Mann Bangle Dirty Rose Glass Decorative BowlMario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B ItaliaThe Sims Hilditch Collection Emma OttomanRoom and Board Liam Side TableVaughan Designs Shoreham Table LampVintage Hans Agne Jakobsson #V149 Wall Lamps for Markaryd"Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" by Andrew BoltonChiltern Handmade Rug by Jake ArnoldVintage Eames Lounge Chair & OttomanGiraffe Floor Lamp by RispalAllModern Olena Decorative Dice Bookends (Set of 2)Vintage Swedish Pine Table LampCrow Canyon Home Splatter PitcherNoguchi Akari 75A Ceiling LampZia Tile Casablanca Zellige

The best shower curtains take up a significant amount of visual real estate in your bathroom, meaning they can define the entire style of the space. Finding one that marries style and functionality can quickly take the space from dingy to spa-like. Going for a minimalist look? Amp up neutral hues by playing with texture, like a waffle weave or sleek vinyl shower curtain. If bright colors are more your vibe, opt for a vibrant shower curtain to serve as the focal point for your bathroom.No matter what way your interior design style leans, a high-quality shower curtain is a must. After all, feeling refreshed after a shower isnt quite as relaxing if youre worried about mildew buildup or water dripping everywhere. Between fabric, plastic, and water-resistant picks, weve collected a lineup of effective shower curtains that are also a breezy way to revamp your bathroom decor.Our Top Picks for the Best Shower Curtains:Best for Minimalists: Quince European Linen Shower Curtain, $50Best Basic: Boll & Branch Organic Cotton Waffle Shower Curtain, $109Best for Maximalists: Quiet Town Sun Shower Curtain, $42Best for Art Lovers: Henri Matisse The Pink Studio Shower Curtain by Jon Baran, $47Best Antique Style: Dakota Fields Suna Linen Shower Curtain, $87Best Statement Curtain: RHODE Thistle Shower Curtain, $45Rachel FletcherRachel FletcherBoll & Branch Organic Cotton Waffle Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: CottonDimensions: 73x73.5"Care Instructions:Machine washable? YesThis waffle weave shower curtain feels substantial and adds texture while still sticking to neutral tones. Our commerce director Rachel Fletcher calls it her Tried and true, perfectly perfect, classic white shower curtain. Its available in both white and a very light gray, both of which would make a space feel open and airy. Plus, Boll & Branch makes some of the best bath towels weve come across, so you can outfit your whole space in one go. And if you're looking to keep your curtain looking fresh, follow this tip from Fletcher: I pair it with a washable liner and bleach every few months to keep it looking good as new.Julia HarrisonQuiet Town Sun Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: EVA PlasticDimensions: 72" squareCare Instructions:Machine washable? NoCreate a translucent accent wall of sorts with this water-resistant Quiet Town pick that lends a burst of color to your bathroom. It can be used by itself or as a shower liner if you want more privacy with an opaque shower curtain. I love the fact that its transparent, says commerce writer Julia Harrison, It makes our teeny tiny bathroom feel bigger, and lets in light so I dont feel like Im showering in a dark cave.Stewart SavinStewart SavinQuince European Linen Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: Flax linenDimensions: 72" squareCare Instructions:Machine washable? NoLinen makes any room feel a little more natural and beachy, but it can also get pricey. Quinces lower-priced (but still high-quality) linen shower curtain is substantial and prewashed for optimal softness.RHODE Thistle Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: CottonDimensions: 72x74"Care Instructions:Machine washable? YesCreated in collaboration with lifestyle brand Rhode, this vintage-inspired cotton shower curtain from West Elm provides both color and texture with its thistle print and ruffled hem. The built-in buttonholes also make it a breeze to attach with a set of shower hooks.Dakota Fields Suna Linen Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: LinenDimensions: 84x72", 96x72"Care Instructions:Machine washable? YesThis linen shower curtain is another water-repellent pick on this list, meaning itll keep your bathroom dry while adding a hint of bohemian flair. Plus, it comes with 12 hooks, so its ready to hang straight out of the box.Lillian Shower Curtain with Striped TiesSpecs:Material: White Woven Linen & Cotton BlendDimensions: 72" L x 72" WCare Instructions:Machine washable? YesTake a note from Shea McGees serene bath scheme by incorporating more neutrals into your space. Coquette but not over the top, the beige-striped decorative bows lining the top hem give a whimsical detail to a plain white shower curtain.Brooklinen Micro Waffle Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: CottonDimensions: 72" squareCare Instructions:Machine washable? YesMirroring their best-selling bath towels, Brooklinens shower curtain features a waffle weave. This texture makes for a fast-drying, lightweight, and durable fabric that will last shower after shower (particularly if you pair it with a shower liner).Geometric Watercolor Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: PolyesterDimensions: 71x74"Care Instructions:Machine Washable? YesPatchwork prints, especially done up in watercolor hues, are a refreshing way to dial up the saturation in the bathroom without settling on any one solid hue. This polyester shower curtain from Etsy embodies a Japanese boro vibe, but is also fast-drying and backed by several five-star reviews.Urban Outfitters Toile Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: 100% CottonDimensions: 72 x 72Care InstructionsMachine Washable? YesToile prints are always in fashionand the meadow-like pattern of this shower curtain brings a tranquil detail to your indoor spa. Available in a wide color palette, its easily customizable to your tile backsplash or bath towels.Awellife Linen Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: Linen blendDimensions: 72"L x 72"WCare Instructions:Machine Washable? YesIf your aesthetic aligns with farmhouse or bohemian styles, this linen shower curtain will bring the laidback vibe youre looking for in 27 colors. This could be a great contender for a serene monochrome bathroom look, or happily play second fiddle to a bold striped bath mat.Quiet Town End Bits Linen Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: Linen blendDimensions: 72"L x 72"WCare Instructions:Machine Washable? YesThrough a bold shower curtain, you can designate the space as an interior that expresses your style (instead of retreating into a white-washed space). This patchwork curtain, inspired by the Korean art of Bojagi, resembles a quilted textile for your shower, putting a crafty spin on an underrated area of your home.Lush Decor Scallop Edge Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: Polyster, cotton, viscose, nylonDimensions: 72" squareCare Instructions:Machine washable? YesThe scalloped edges on this curtain invoke a nautical style, and who wouldnt want their shower to feel as peaceful as lounging by the ocean? Contrast stitching highlights the scalloped detail in four available colors reminiscent of the sea, sky, and sand.Urban Outfitters Seed & Sprout Patterned Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: CottonDimensions: 72x72"Care Instructions:Machine washable? YesInspired by your recent trip to Lisbon, this white and blue shower curtain will certainly help curb any new obsession with Portuguese tiles. If you want to add even more color, snag a complementary bath mat or towel set.Henri Matisse The Pink Studio Shower Curtain by Jon BaranSpecs:Material: PolyesterDimensions: 71x74"Care Instructions:Machine washable? YesArt history buffs and museum dwellers alike will appreciate this vibrant design that pays homage to Henri Matisses 1911 oil painting The Pink Studio. It certainly beats looking at a mildewy liner every time you step in for a soak.Dusen Dusen Curtina Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: CottonDimensions: 70" squareCare Instructions:Machine washable? YesConsistently switching up your decor? This bright fabric shower curtain from Dusen Dusen is reversible, so you get two eye-catching designs in one. Plus, you can toss it in the washing machine when it needs a refresh.Ferm Living Chambray Shower CurtainSpecs:Material: Cotton chambrayDimensions: 63" x 80.7"Care Instructions:Machine washable? YesSubdued stripes? Yes, please. This Ferm Livng option will make your bathroom look a little more buttoned-up and even comes with a water-repellant backing so it can live in your tub for years before getting completely slimed up with mildew.

These are the fairest of them all

Like any relationship, its establishing a good foundation to build from.When people talk about collaboration, we so naturally go to the architects, the upholsterers, the specialist painters, but the most important collaboration is with the client because without their collaboration what do you do? When they arrive at the end and they feel like it's their house, like they're walking into their own taste and lifestyle rather than it being a Rita Konig house and I've put my five things that we always dofor some clients and designers, that's the experience and that's what everybody wants. But that's what I find very exciting: the discipline to work through these things and create beautiful, sophisticated, and comfortable interiors for clients.How do you manage client fatigue?One of the things that I do and try to instill in my team is to always put yourself in the clients shoes. It doesnt happen often, but things do go wrong. Something arrives broken or in the wrong color. I feel the less a client can be subjected to that and the more it's not their problem, the betterit reduces the areas for fatigue. We are in the service industryIts all client experience. I would want somebody to say to me, This will be taken care of. You will not be billed for this.Konigs Elizabeth Chintz fabric for Schumacher upholsters an antique sofa in her London home.Budgets can also rear fatigue. Any tips for stopping it before it starts?You have to put every little thing in your budget to begin with. I never want to say to somebody, Thats not in your budget. Its so annoying, and again, that's just putting yourself in somebody elses shoes. Whether you're spending $2 or $2.5 million, it's all huge money. Its all a frog to swallow when you get to the bill, so tell them $2.5 millionnot $2 millionso that every time you're doing something you say, Yes, its in the budget. If somebody is always telling you thats not in your budget you just perpetually feel like youre getting the cheapest version. In every room, we build in a sum for everythinglighting, china, glass, everything. That is where the fatigue comes from. Its really annoying to be told that you cant afford lights. It shouldnt be an extra.How do you keep in touch with clients longterm?Theres a reality that comes that year following installation. The client moves in and realizes that actually this doesnt work as well as they thought, or they need to change that, or add a couple of extra things here. That's another area where you can get client fatiguethey move in, you move on to the next job, there are always things that will go wrong. So you have to always make sure that there is space in your team for that aftercare because you can deliver the most beautiful thing and everybody's delighted, but it can sour quickly when youre not tying up those loose ends in the six to 12 months following.This interview has been condensed and edited for brevity and clarity.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrow

The best laundry hampers are essentials that ensure your space isnt swallowed up by piles of dirty clothes. Still, you dont have to sacrifice anything in the style department if you want to avoid an unsightly basket killing the vibe in your bedroom or closet. No matter if youre looking for a slim bin for your first apartment or a laundry sorter for a designated basement space, our picksfrom popular jute and rattan carriers to industrial designs get the job done and are anything but an eyesore. Some of our choices have even been personally tested by AD editors. If thats not a motivation for a full-on laundry room refresh, then we dont know what is. Scroll to shop our favorite laundry baskets (that can easily double as storage bins), and youll never spy an errant sock again.Our Top Picks for the Best Laundry Hampers:Best Metal Design: Yamazaki Laundry Basket, $72Best Open Top Hamper: The Citizenry Mercado Storage Basket, $139Best Closed Hamper: Quince Rattan Hamper with Lid, $200Best Space Age-Style Hamper: West Elm Jasper Wood Lidded Storage Bin, $160Best Laundry Cart: Rejuvenation Steele Canvas Laundry System, $330Yamazaki Wood Handle Round BasketThis Japanese basket is the ideal storage solution for laundry, toys, or just about anything else that needs organizing. The steel frame is easy to wipe down, and the open design keeps it from trapping fusty odors.The Citizenry Mercado Storage BasketThese handcrafted baskets come in bundles and various sizes (from medium to oversized), meaning you can create a cohesive storage system throughout your home. Besides sorting lights and darks, you can designate these carriers for clean laundry, such as spare linens and towels. Or use these as makeshift clothing bins if your apartment is lacking in closet space.Quince Handwoven Rattan HamperThe handles on this Quince basket make it a breeze to transport this easy-to-tote vessel from your bedroom to the laundry room. Reviewers specifically called out that this basket is a great size for an average washing machine load. It might be pricier than your average hamper, but the quality of the durable rattan material more than makes up for it.Photo: Julia HarrisonPhoto: Julia HarrisonHawkins New York Essential HamperCommerce writer Julia Harrison appreciates the height, durability, and high-quality weave of this Hawkins New York hamper. One way I combat being a fairly disorganized person is by aestheticizing my mess, she says. This hamper helps me to achieve that. Youd never guess she has two weeks worth of laundry in this beautifully woven basket.West Elm Jasper Wood Lidded BasketThis is the best laundry basket in terms of its ability to cameo as something other than a laundry basket. In fact, were tempted to use it as an impromptu side table, thanks to the smooth and sturdy wooden lid.Photo: Audrey LeePhoto: Audrey LeeOpen Spaces Laundry HamperWith rounded edges, a removable lid, and neutral canvas exterior, this Open Spaces hamper has enough capacity to house even the fluffiest linens that would otherwise be scrunched in a laundry bag. Im really fond of the removable and washable interior laundry tote that has handles for convenient transport, says commerce editor Audrey Lee. Another perk? Its technically a collapsible laundry basket thatd be easy to transport (youll need to assemble it when it arrives).Steele Canvas Laundry SystemAll hail a double laundry hamper with enough room for multiple loads. The industrial-inspired laundry cart features designated divider bags that separate not only lights and darks but delicates too so you dont accidentally shrink that Merino wool sweater.McGee & Co. Cannon BasketBaskets holding quilts, throw pillows, and smaller household items are sprinkled throughout the Shea McGees home tour. Eagle-eyed readers know the designer has a knack for finding attractive storage containers made of wicker and rattan in various sizes. Unsurprisingly, we found plenty of attractive hamper options on McGee & Co.s retail site, like this two-tone design that we like for its pop top lid that hides your unmentionables.STO STO Laundry HamperThe removable bag from this rolling laundry hamper makes it easy to dump dirty clothes into the washing machine. Its available in two- and three-section versions, in case you want something that can handle multiple loads of laundry.Anthropologie Scallop Wicker Lidded HamperAnd the award for the cutest clothes hamper goes toAnthropologie. Weve spotlighted this lidded option with scalloped edges, but for you can find even more whimsical rattan designs shaped, like a buzzing beehive and a stylish pineapple.Ecole Basket by J'JuteThe braided handles on this jute basket are giving us major Rapunzel vibes. In other words, if youre looking for a clothes basket with unexpected charm, youll find it with this pick.Serena & Lily Westchester Storage BasketYou might intend to use this beautiful rattan basket as a towel holder, plant vessel (pictured on the website), or even a design-forward trash canbut we think its the perfect pick for a beach house clothing hamper.Zara Home Children's Circus Paper HamperDarling is one way to describe these striped hampers fit for a circus-inspired childrens bedroom or nursery. To see it done tastefully, we refer you to this Parisian apartment.Gueevin Corner Bamboo Laundry HamperInstead of tossing dirty laundry in a corner of a bedroom, store it neatly in a wicker hamper thats perfectly designed to fit in any 90-degree angle. Better yet, you can pop the removable liner in the washer when its ready to be cleaned.Joseph Altuzarra Woven Moon & Stars HamperIn case you were majorly inspired by the nursery in Joseph Altuzarras Hamptons home, get the look with the designer dads West Elm collab. A sweet option for a not-so-in-your-face celestial motif.Laundry Hamper with 2-Tier Shelves & Tilt Out BasketReviewers say this tilt-out bamboo hamper is easy to assemble and the perfect size for small spaces. Plus, it even has convenient shelving to store extra towels and toiletries.Wayfair Basics Rolling Laundry HamperThis simple yet sophisticated hamper with a sleek chrome frame and removable canvas bag is trs chic and sure to make laundry day less of a hassle.

Prince Harry makes a guest appearance in the show.Photo: Jake Rosenberg/NetflixA Le Creuset collection is her kitchens crown jewelMarkle cooks for and with her guests in every episode. She explains that her love for cooking stems from growing up on fast food and TV tray dinners. For every meal, the Duchess of Sussex uses high-quality, chip-resistant cast iron cookwareand it may come as no surprise that the Duchess of Sussex is a huge fan of Le Creuset. Coordinating with the minimal kitchen, the stove top is decked out in white dutch ovens used for pasta, frittatas, and even Korean fried chicken. Are you kidding me? In one of these heavy-ass le creu-set, le creu-say? I could do Romanian deadlifts with this Le Creuset, Mindy Kaling tells Markle in the second episode.Photo: Courtesy of Le CreusetSignature Round Dutch OvenGlass jars and wicker baskets go a long way in her homeIn the show, Markle is never seen without a glass jar or wicker basket in hand. She keeps glassware on deck at all times to store ingredients for meals and occasionally gifts them to friends. As for wicker baskets, Markle not only uses them to harvest produce from her garden, but she often stores baked goods and as display pieces on her countertops.Markle arranges blooms in episode 6 of With Love, Meghan.Photo: Courtesy of NetflixShe believes in the meditative art of flower arrangingFresh florals are sprinkled throughout the show. According to Markle, theres a meditative art to making bouquets. [The] first thing I do is see what colors I gravitate towards and then everything goes from there, she says in the fifth episode. I kind of think of it like an outfit, and once you pick the base look, you have to accessorize in a way that makes sense and matches If it makes you feel happy, then its perfect.

Many New York City apartments feature some kind of structural oddity that remains after renovations pasta triangulated bedroom, no bathroom sink, or a strangely placed beam propping up the ceiling. Mine happens to be a very long hallway. In an attempt to make it look intentional, Ive been scouring the internet for a runner that looks vintage, the kind that has a pre-distressed, kilim-like style, sourced from somewhere far more interesting abroad.A gorgeous vintage rug will usually set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars, not to mention landing on a design that speaks to you among all the many woven patterns out there, so Ive been documenting my search to save you some of the frustration of shopping for a similar design classicone that will make your hallway look as chic and worldly as any AD celebrity home tour youve ever browsed.If you have access to a vehicle and a vacant Saturday to poke around upstate, or rural America for truly vintage runners (I particularly love this option), Id recommend starting there. If youre Manhattan-locked, though, and at the mercy of its temperamental transportation systems and Greenpoint boutiques with 400% markups on vintage Turkish runners, stick around: Online shopping is likely the best option for you. Below are nine runners that caught my eye for their quality, material, price point, and the uniqueness of their designand though not all of them are vintage textiles, all of them embody that same historic character.Serena & Lily Alamere RugThis runner is a perfect hybrid of an antique and farmhouse style, one that I could see gracing the living room or foyer of a Shea McGee design project. The white-washed undyed look on this impression of a Persian style gives it a cozy, rustic vibe.SpecsDimensions: 2.6' x 10' or 2.6' x 16'Materials: 81% Wool, 14% cotton, 5% polyesterVintage Belouch RunnerNicky Kehoe is a brand for whom Ill bend the budget. This is the real dealan 18th-century hand-woven Belouch rug from Persia. If I had a long hallway inside a Colonial style home on an island in Maine, this is exactly what I would purchase. Its a classic piece, perfect for an entryway that sets the tone for great taste throughout the house.SpecsDimensions: 3'6" X 9'10"Materials: WoolCB2 Pascala Hand-Knotted Wool Runner RugCB2 nailed the design with this flat-weave wool runner. Though its not actually vintage, it looks authentic enough with its hand knotted design and charming motif that gives it a dramatic, heirloom feel. It would bring incredible depth to a simple white hallway, or along terra-cotta tile leading to the backyard.SpecsDimensions: 2.5' x 8'Materials: WoolVintage Turkish Konya RunnerThis design takes the cake for me, despite it being completely different than what I set out for. Its both distinctive enough to stand out from other mass-market rugs and also subtle enough to warm up your cold floors without being too loud, employing an unexpected colorscape for a vintage runner that eschews the traditional neutrals and red tones of other Persians and Turkish rugs.SpecsDimensions: 34" in width (length not listed)Materials: WoolKeen Home Design Machine Washable Runner RugAmazon is where Id think to browse for rug pads before shopping actual rugs themselves, so finding a runner that looks authentic to the sarouk rug styles Im after was a joy. This one costs a mere $70 and with some surrounding antique decorationsmaybe a Colonial-style entryway tableyour guests would have no idea this was from a warehouse in Pennsylvania, and not Ankara.SpecsDimensions: 2'6" x 10Materials: Cotton polyester blendVintage Persian Heriz RunnerAnd the winner for longest runnerand the only one that can actually run the length of my insane hallwaygoes to this 1950s Persian Heriz style. The taupe, brown, and various pinks make a stylish statement by reiterating classic patterns in an unexpected colorway.SpecsDimensions: 2'5" x 15'5"Materials: WoolThe Citizenry Hanita Hand-Knotted RugThis pick from Citizenry also deviates slightly from the heavy reds and browns typical of a Persian or Turkish rug, but the neutrals, blush pink, and light greens feel welcoming and bright in a dim entryway. As for authenticity, this 100% wool rug is hand-crafted in India.SpecsDimensions: 2'5" x 8'Materials: New Zealand woolDesign Within Reach Marl Handwoven Moroccan Wool RugIf the sarouk style gives a little too much color or intensity for what youre after, a handwoven Moroccan runner is worth a search. These neutrals are patterns, which complement more modern interior designlight woods, lacquered surfaceswhere Anatolian styles often work better with dark woods. The high pile quality gives an interesting textural component missing from a flatweave.SpecsDimensions: 2.5" x 9'Materials: WoolGreenrow Nova Hand-Knotted RugPerhaps the least true-to-style on the list, this hand-knotted runner, made in India, takes the classic vintage runner look into the present with a more abstract take on the typical medallion-style. Im also very partial to this as a full area rug, as I think it can turn a room without direction into a colorful shrine.SpecsDimensions: 2.5" x 9'Materials: 90% Wool, 10% cotton

The best compliment for us is when a client returns to use our services again after a positive experience, says the mother-daughter duo from Kazakh interior design studio Sdelaemremont. After successfully completing two projects, Elina and Diana Mussakulova received a very special third request from their client Saltanat, after she bought her sister a 600-square-foot home.When we first saw the apartment, it was basically a blank canvasan open floor plan in a new building with no internal partitions or special features. But the windows! The first thing we noticed was the breathtaking view of the high, green mountains, the interior designers recall about their first visit to the apartment in a new building in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It was immediately clear to them that the view had to be a central element of their design: We designed all the rooms so that it wasnt obstructed and natural light could pour in.The bedroom is to the left of the open-plan living area. Double glass doors and windows facing a hallway and living area provide natural light to the room, which doesnt have its own outside window.It was crucial not to block the light or the view, yet the apartments open floor plan had to be efficiently organized and partitioneda challenge given its compact size. A cube would become one of the basic design elements. It separates the sleeping area and a small workspace from the rest of the apartment, but is fitted with glass windows and doors so that light enters from two sides. Although the room does not have an outside window of its own, this architectural trick makes it feel bright and airy. The interior designers also found a clever solution for the kitchen. They concealed a spacious laundry cupboard in an alcove behind the shiny gold kitchen island. The washing machine as well as laundry disappear. One of the surprising stars of the apartment, however, is a painting in the apartments dining alcove.The interior designers explain that it was commissioned from the young artist Moldir Qarubaiqyzy: It was the very first work we introduced into the project and it served as an inspiration for the entire design. Weve been following Moldirs artistic career for some time and were fascinated by this particular work, says Elina. In keeping with the image, she used warm, natural colors and textures typical of midcentury design throughout the apartment. Lots of wood, rattan, and veneers create a cozy and lively atmosphere while textiles provide an additional layer of interest: a milky white sofa, an olive-green velvet armchair, and curtains reminiscent of burlap create structure while the green walls of the living room echo the greenery outside.The most striking element of the interior is the kitchen island paneled with golden mirrors. The pendant lights above the island are from &Tradition, the fixtures are from Blanco, and the oven is from Bosch.It is the kitchen island with it golden mirrored panels, however, that steals the show. It is not only functional, but also gives the room depth, light, and a touch of glamor: The golden, mirrored kitchen island was a long-cherished dream. We wanted to create a wow moment and the mirrors were the perfect solution. The shiny surfaces open up the space and the gold tone gives it warmth and depth: It grabs your attention and transforms the kitchen into a really stylish space. Its not for everyone, but Madina rarely cooks, so its suited to her lifestyle, says the interior design duo.Rather than considering the kitchen as a separate, self-contained room, the studio integrated it seamlessly into the rest of the apartment. It had all the practical functions that Madina required, but it isnt overloaded with appliances. Two distinct zones were created: the island, which serves as the main workspace, and a built-in unit that houses the refrigerator and provides additional storage space. That installation is located in front of the dining area. Our main goal in designing the open space was to create a sense of lightness and a good flow. We achieved this by taking a minimalist approach to the kitchen design, keeping it simple and uncluttered. The laundry was cleverly hidden behind folding doors to maintain the clean aesthetic. It is virtually invisible when not in use, but easily accessible when needed. This kept the kitchen area free of clutter and maximized the use of the space that was available.Aside from the glamorous island, the kitchen is decidedly practical.A cupboard contains a hidden laundry area with a washer-dryer and plenty of storage space.I think its often small, thoughtful details that really enhance a space. For us, art played a crucial role in this project. The painting by Moldir Qarubaiqyzy in the dining room sets the tone for the apartment, while the reproduction of William Merritt Chases painting A Girl in Japanese Gown (The Kimono) in the bedroom formed the basis for the color palette in that part of the home: think mustard yellow walls, the deep red fabric used on the closet doors, and other matching accents. And there are also subtle elements from Japanese art found throughout the apartment. They give the rooms a unique character and prevent them from looking too generic. Its about finding the perfect balance between an aesthetic concept and individual details, say the interior designers. After all, Madina is young, energetic, and stylish, and she wanted her apartment to express this. The open floor plan embodies her dynamic spirit, while the color accents underline her style. The light, airy atmosphere reflects her own lightness. Its a space thats vibrant, chic, and full of personality, just like the woman who lives there.This 600-square-foot home was originally published in AD Germany.The limited space didnt allow for a bedroom with a window, but we created an alcove separated from the living room by a wood and glass wall, Elina Mussakulova says. The lamps next to the bed with the generous headboard are from Aromas del Campo. The picture above it is a reproduction of William Merritt Chases painting A Girl in Japanese Gown (The Kimono), circa 1887.The first thing that catches the attention of visitors to the apartment is the oak parquet flooring.All of the apartments built-in units as well as door and window frames were made of oak or oak veneer, stained in different shades. The oak chair is from La Redoute.Rattan chandeliers, a mobile pendant lamp, and a painting by Kazakh artist Moldir Karabaykyzy lend character to the dining area.An alcove opposite the seating area.Behind its cabinet doors are a refrigerator and floor-to-ceiling storage.Different textures create a unique atmosphere in the living room: The designers combined a custom, creamy white couch and matching curtains with an armchair upholstered in an olive-colored velvet. One of their maxims is You can never have too much ambience. The screen with a work by Klimt is The Frame by Samsung, while the extra-deep couch is an especially comfortable place to relaxTextiles complement the midcentury atmosphere. The velvet armchair is from Sit, the side tables are custom.The bedrooms palette was inspired by the colors in the reproduction of a painting by William Merritt Chase hanging above the bed.View from the bedroom into the living room. Ceiling lights from La Redoute. All the wooden installations are custom.The mustard yellow walls of the bedroom create a playful contrast to the closet doors covered in a deep-red fabric.A window facing the kitchen provides natural light in the small work corner of the bedroom (the area can also be shut off from light with blinds). The desk chair is vintage.The striking mirror in the black and white bathroom is custom, the wall lights are from Lightstar, and the bathroom fixtures are from Bravat.The golden, mirrored kitchen island was a long-cherished dream! We wanted to create a wow moment and the mirrors were the perfect solution, Elina says.

Following Wang Shu in in 2012, Liu is the second architect from China to be lauded with the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and he has dedicated his practice to designing in and for his native country. His major projects include the Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum (2002) in Chengdu, China, which intertwines a traditional garden and the brut concrete-walled gallery building; the Department of Sculpture at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (2004) in Chongqing, China, a contextually sensitive rust-colored building whose upper levels are angled outward to ensure maximum light and air for academic occupants; and the block-wide commercial courtyard West Village (2015) in Chengdu, China, which features a community sports field at its center. The Suzhou Museum of Imperial Kiln Brick (2016) in Suzhou, China, is a flat-roofed modern take on the traditional material that it exhibits; and the renovation of the cliffside Tianbao Cave District of Erlang Town (2021) in Luzhou, China, calls upon traditional Chinese pavilion architecture to both reveal and hide the new structures accommodating visitors to the worlds largest liquor storage caves.In a world that tends to create endless dull peripheries, he has found a way to build places that are a building, infrastructure, landscape, and public space at the same time, said the Pritzker Architecture Prize jury chair and 2016 laureate Alejandro Aravena of Lius oeuvre. His work may offer impactful clues on how to confront the challenges of urbanization in an era of rapidly growing cities.West Village, a commercial courtyard in Chengdu, ChinaPhoto: Chen ChenIn addition to using architecture to create community, protect aesthetic context and heritage, and integrate landscape into rural and urban surroundings, Lius projects create poetic interaction between light, shadow, and materials. For the latter, he prioritizes sourcing local goods that support traditional craft and seeks those with texture and visible imperfections to add character to his buildings. Shopfronts at the aforementioned West Village complex, for example, are embedded with what the architect calls rebirth bricks, a fortified material he invented by mixing rubble from the ruins of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake with cement and local wheat fiber. Stronger and more economical than typical brick, they are also ingrained with cultural significance. In 2009, in Chengdu, China, just 50 miles from the deadly 7.9-magnitude earthquakes epicenter, Liu previously used the material to create his smallest work, an intimate Memorial to Hu Huishan. Designed to honor a teenage girl who died during the natural disaster, it takes the shape of a refugee tent and is as much an ode to an individual memory as it is to the collective.

The best adjustable bed frames are a step up from traditional options because of the customization they offer for fussy sleepers: elevation for your head or feet during sleep or late-night TV viewing. Studies show that angling yourself upright during sleep can help combat a number of related issuesincluding sleep apnea, acid reflux, lower back pain, and snoring. Those looking for modern, functional bedroom features can also enjoy a tech assist: Many adjustable bed frames come with motion-activated nightlights under the bed if you need to get up in the middle of the night, as well as USB ports to charge your devices as you catch some Zs.Rest assured that our selections for the best adjustable bed frames will check every one of your boxes when it comes to comfort and technology. Not only are they all ergonomic, but they also fit a variety of bedsfrom memory foam to hybrid mattresseswhile offering accessibility for sleepers who want a more adaptable sleep setup or need additional help getting into bed. Weve looked at the dimensions and materials, and have also pored over positive customer reviews to compile this list so you can find the pick thats suited to your highly specific needs.Our Top Picks for the Best Adjustable Bed Frames:Best Overall Adjustable Bed Frame: Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame, $1,564 $749Our Premium Pick: Purple Premium Plus Smart Base, $1,895An Anti-Gravity Option: Saatva Lineal Adjustable Base, $1,599 $1,399Easiest to Assemble: Blissful Nights Adjustable Base with Wireless Remote, $704 $625A Budget-Friendly Frame: Lucid Adjustable Bed Frame with Head and Foot Incline, $539Browse by CategoryPlease note that all prices are for queen-size adjustable beds. Check retailers for additional price and size information.Our FavoritesNectar Premier Adjustable Bed FrameUpsidesUSB charging stations on both sides of the bed frameUnique features like dual-massage and anti-snore settingsDownsidesShorter warranty period than others on our listSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, king, and split kingWarranty: 3 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 750 poundsControl: Wireless remote or appThere are two USB ports on each side of this bed, making it easy to charge your devices even if youre sleeping far from an outlet. The design includes tons of additional features, including an anti-snore setting (elevates the mattress slightly to open up the nasal passages), dual massage settings (individual massages on both sides of the bed), and a zero-gravity setting (head and foot elevation). Plus, the split king size allows each sleeper to choose their own personalized settings. The all-steel frame is sturdy and made to last. Reviewers note that the bed had easy-to-follow instructions and quality head and foot elevation.Saatva Adjustable Base PlusUpsidesZero-gravity positionUnder-bed lightingFoot incline featuresDownsidesHard to see remote buttons in low lightingSpecsSizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, upperflex queen, upperflex kingWarranty: 25 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 850 lbsControl: Wireless remote controlSaatvas adjustable bed base has lots of perks. This design uses zero-gravity support and preset positions to help alleviate lumbar pain and snoring. Its also got under-bed lighting and foot incline functions, as well as a massage feature and one-touch wireless remote control. The base is compatible with most frames and mattresses, including the brands Upperflex linewhich has over 50 firmness options, a dream come true for highly specific sleepers. To sweeten the deal, the brand also offers free white-glove delivery so you dont have to muscle it up the stairs yourself, and judging by the reviews, this is a very good thing: The delivery personnel were extraordinarily professional, courteous, and knowledgeable, says one enthusiastic reviewer. They completed the setup in, what we think, was record time.Lucid L300 Adjustable Bed Frame with Head and Foot InclineUpsidesQuiet motorStreamlined assemblyDownsidesNot available in a king sizeSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, and queenWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: freeWeight limit: 750 lbsControl: wireless remoteWith built-in USB ports, a quiet motor, and the promise of a five-minute assembly, you can drop any mattress or bed in this adjustable frame (as long as theyre under 14 inches thick). It's an all-time Amazon bestseller, currently boasting more than 8,000 five-star reviews. If youre in the market for a king, combine two twin beds for similar dimensions.Blissful Nights Adjustable Base with Wireless RemoteUpsidesCustomizable memory positions45-degree inclineDownsidesNot available in a full sizeSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, queen, split king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 750 lbsControl: Wireless remoteAll you need to do to setup this frame is unbox it, screw in the legs, and plug it inits that simple. From there, youve unlocked a world of comfort with a head and foot incline of 45 degrees and three different customizable memory positions. This item is very solid and the directions that came with it were soooo helpful, says one reviewer. "Made my life much easier!"Alwyn Home 15-inch Adjustable Bed BaseUpsidesHigh weight limitDesigned to work with all mattress typesDownsidesThe split system doesnt operate togetherSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, split king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: freeWeight limit: 850 lbsControl: wireless remoteThis metal frame includes all of the small tech details that make for a premium experience: a remote control, USB ports, under-the-bed lighting, outlets, and Bluetooth compatibility. It comes with anti-snore and zero gravity presets, along with adjustable head and foot positions. This bed is heavenly. My husband has stopped snoring, I am sleeping now, one enthusiastic reviewer states. Cant argue with that.White Noise Renanim SerenityFlex Adjustable Bed FrameUpsidesConvenient app controls, compatible with any mattress type under 15 inches in widthDownsidesMight operate a bit loudlySpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 800 lbsControl: Wireless remote/appThis is a great option for people who tend to lose track of their remote. Not only can you control the height, settings, and massage functions for this bed via a remote, but theres also a Wayfair-supported app. With an adjustable head and foot height, this bed can be customized to your exact needsand you can program each side separately so it truly is made for you. Its compatible with any mattress under 15 inches in width, and the different leg height options allow you to make room for as much or as little underbed storage as you need.Purple Premium Plus Smart BaseUpsidesTargeted lumbar supportAdjustable legsCustomizable memory settingsDownsidesPriceySpecsSizes available: Twin XL, queen, king, California king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: N/AControl: Wireless remote/appPurple mattresses routinely make our best of lists, and their bed frames are just as solid. This one includes zero gravity and anti-snore presets, head and foot elevations, and targeted lumbar support. Throw in the massage settings and youve got a recipe for a much happier back. Tech-wise, the bed comes with a wireless remote and an app, theres motion-sensitive underbed lighting, and adjustable legs (okay, that isnt technically a tech feature, but it's still pretty cool).Leesa Adjustable BaseUpsidesSplit king with personalized settings on each sideAdjustable frame height (3 to 12)DownsidesOnly the pro version of this base includes added features like built-in massage, USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and a wireless remote with programmable presetsSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, split kingWarranty: 15 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 850 lbsControl: Wireless remoteThe Leesa frame comes with all the features you need to optimize your sleep. With USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and a wireless remote it has all the tech compatibility included. It also massages, adjusts to zero gravity and personal preferences, and a split king can be set to each sleeper's comfort.How We Chose the Best Adjustable Bed FramesWe combed the internet to surface the adjustable beds customers cant stop talking about. While any bed frame purchase mainly depends on your specific sleep preferences, we looked for options that deliver on convenience (like picks with remote controls and free delivery) and function (including a wide range of elevation).Elevation: First and foremost, keep an eye out for elevations that meet your needs. Many of the bed frames in this list have customizable elevations, typically reaching around 45-degree inclines.Warranty: Leading brands adjustable bed frames average a 10-year warranty period, while some even go up to 25 years. Select a warranty that will help ensure you can use it for years without worry of any technical issues.Delivery: Since the frames themselves can be a costly purchase, we looked for options that include free delivery for one less expense.Weight limit: Eyeing the weight limit is particularly important when shopping for two sleepers. The limit usually hovers around 700 to 850 pounds.Control: For streamlined adjustments, the bed frames in our list boast remote controls to easily change the elevation at the touch of a button. Some brands also have apps that can allow you to control the beds movements from your smart phone.What is an adjustable bed frame?An adjustable bed frame allows sleepers to incline and recline the angle of their mattress. Typically, both the feet and the head of the bed can be adjusted. Being able to customize your bed can provide a more comfortable sleep experience, combat snoring, relieve pain, and promote better circulation.What makes a good adjustable bed frame?A strong metal base is key for longevity and support, you may find other premium materials on the legs or upholstery but looking for a frame that is constructed from metal will help you in the long run. While presets are important (anti-snore anyone?), it is also important to consider the range of adjustability on the head and foot areas so you can create your own perfect sleeping position (or watching TV). You also want to be able to save those to a preset so youre not doing a little math every night. Other features like adjustable legs, zero clearance, and headboard brackets will help the frame fit into your space.How much should I spend on an adjustable bed?Adjustable bed frames usually cost between $500 and $2,000. However, dont let the price in and of itself sway your purchase. If you solely need to adjust the beds elevation, all of these frames will have that for you. But usually the more features it includes, the more it will cost. For example, premium features like underbed lighting, zero-gravity presets, and anti-snore presets are often found in luxury options like Purples adjustable bed frame.What type of mattress is best for an adjustable bed?A memory foam mattress is best for an adjustable bed because of its soft, flexible material. Innerspring mattresses typically arent flexible enough for this bed frame type because of their encased coils. Other compatible mattress types include latex and hybrid mattresses (with individually wrapped coils) since they are pliable enough for an adjustable bed frames movements.

Though the broadcast itself was last night, for Basil Walter and Will Cooper, Oscar season starts in the summer. Thats when the designers for the Vanity Fair Oscar party begin planning their creative direction for the exclusive soire at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, where, as Cooper puts it, the crme de la crme of culture rub shoulders after the Academy Awards ceremony comes to a close. As a beginning, I thought about what was happening culturally, Cooper, who returned for his second year designing the event, tells AD. I posed a question to everyone, which was, Is this the dawning of the age of Aquarius?The conversation pit-style lounge area.Photo: Justin M. WeinerThe former creative director of Ashan Aquarius himselfwas thinking about the musical Hair and its certified platinum song, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, which dominated the charts in the spring of 1969. He couldnt help but compare that period with our current era. We were coming out of a depressive moment with the Vietnam War, Cooper says, and people were tapping into the hedonism of existence, of being human beings again. Perhaps we arent quite out of our current slumpthere is an inherent what the hell is happening in the world kind of depression [happening now], Walter saysbut couldnt we fast forward to the good part, if only for a night? And so a heavy dose of escapism straight from the 70s was in order. On the mood board: Biba, Studio 54, and Soul Train.Danielle Brooks lounges on a zebra-print sectional at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, hosted by Radhika Jones.Photo: Dave Benett/VF25/WireImage for Vanity Fair/Getty ImagesThe nights best actor and actress winners, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Mikey Madison (Anora), as well as an assortment of celebrities of all stripes, including John Waters, Kim Kardashian, Keke Palmer, Mick Jagger, Nancy Pelosi, Monica Lewinsky, and Serena Williams, passed through an unassuming corrugated metal faade with a storefront-esque Vanity Fair awning to enter the event space. We were looking at discotheques from the 70s and 80s [that] existed in these weird back-alley places or in warehouses outside of town, Cooper explains. Last year, if you recall, it was like walking into a grand hotel. This year, it was [like] walking into this speakeasy, nondescript thing that you just stumble into on the street.Once inside, guests walked the silver-and-gold-striped carpet and traversed mirrored passageways that pulled inspiration from Carlo Mollinos Teatro Regio and Sir John Soanes Museum in London before emerging into an entrance lounge. At its heart, a conversation pit was furnished with modular seating upholstered in sunset-hued velvet. A ginormous disco ball crowned the space, adding spatial exuberance, as Walter, who has designed for the A-list gathering since 1998, says.Chrissy Teigen and John Legend at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.Photo: by Kevin Mazur/VF25/WireImage for Vanity Fair/Getty ImagesBasil Walter (left) and Will Cooper at the lounges swanky barPhoto: Justin M. WeinerThe ceiling heightened in the next room, which was swathed in 25-foot-tall yellow curtains and centered a massive freestanding bar, before dropping down again in the adjacent dining room. So the heartbeat lives in the middle, and then you have these sexy moments on both sides, Cooper explains. The dining room, which transformed into a dance floor after dinner, was lined with curvy banquettes clad in a Pierre Frey zebra print and (of course) topped with another generously sized disco ball. Weve pulled in all of the hallmarks of that time period architecturallywith the mirror and the curvilinear shapes and the sunken living room and the disco ballswithout being too on the nose, the designer says.The ultimate goal was for the space to become a playground upon which the guestsor the characters of this evening, as Cooper calls themget to explore, creating iconic cultural moments in the process. Theres always a little bit of an unknown, Walter tells AD. We plan as much as we can, but how are people actually going to feel in the space? Is it going to make them feel relaxed and want to jump up and down and dance and talk to their friends? I think thats the measure of success, because until the moment happens, we just dont really know. In other words, you cant force the moment, like Bianca Jagger riding a white horse at Studio 54, or Flavor Flav gifting Billie Eilish a Barbie-themed clock, which happened at last years party. We cant design for it, but it just naturally happens based off of the environment, Cooper says.The dining area, complete with zebra-print seat cushions.Photo: Justin M. WeinerTall yellow drapes wrapped the partys central bar area.Photo: Justin M. WeinerThis years hedonistic direction marked a departure; last year, the partys 30th anniversary, got the classic red carpet treatment, aesthetically. It feels very primal, whereas last year it felt glamorous, Cooper says. The difference in levels, and compressions, and all this does make it feel, I dont know, naughty.

A similar style, Decorated Gothic, appeared in England in the late 13th century. The English were very interested in decoration and articulation and linear patterns on surfaces, Bork. says. They werent as interested in pushing the envelope structurally as the French were, but they developed fantastic vaulting and window tracery and were very innovative in that respect. Prominent examples include Westminster Abbey, Salisbury Cathedral, and Wells Cathedral.Late GothicThe Late Gothic period, which began in the late 14th century, introduced Flamboyant style. Known for S-shaped, flame-like tracery and purely ornamental ribs in the vaults, this iteration of Gothic architecture was popular across all of Europe. In France, it can be seen at Rouen Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle; in Spain, at Burgos Cathedral and Segovia Cathedral; and in the Czech Republic, at St. Vitus Cathedral. In Prague and Germany, you have these incredible vaulting patterns in the ceiling that are overwhelming in their complexity so that you no longer get this sense of how the building is standing, but youre still caught in wonderment, Hutterer says.Segovia Cathedral in SpainPhoto: Vanni Archive/Getty ImagesPerpendicular style was Englands version of Late Gothic, featuring straight, vertical tracery, oversized windows, and fan vaults. The Decorated style was only around for a few decades, whereas the Perpendicular style stuck around for 150 years, Gajdoov says. It was still relevant even in the early 16th century, when St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth is buried, was finished. That particular style of Gothic had a really lasting effect.What are the defining features of Gothic architecture?Identifying Gothic architecture is easier when one knows the elements that comprise it. Consider the following list.External featuresPointed archesFlying buttressesThinner wallsTraceryRose windowsVertical proportionsSpiresTowersPinnaclesInternal featuresRib vaultsHigh, vaulted ceilingsStained glass windowsColumnsPiersGallery arcadesNarrow walkwaysWhat does the name Gothic architecture mean? Where does it come from?Gothic architecture was originally called opus Francigenum, which means French work in Latin. It wasnt until the 16th century, when Giorgio Vasari published his book Lives of the Artists, that the term Gothic architecture was coinedand it wasnt complimentary. Its a totally false, misleading slur, Bork says. It refers to Germanic barbarians, the Goths, who sacked Rome seven centuries before the pointy architecture came around. The Italian theorists were trying to disrespect the architecture they were fighting against. Even though its unfair and coming from a bad place, it has a little kernel of truth to it. Gothic is the alternative to the old Roman way of doing things.What are the differences between Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture?The prevailing style of architecture from about 1000 to 1150, Romanesque drew its influences from ancient Roman structures. They used round arches and barrel vaults like the Romans did, but they were working on a smaller scale, building Christian churches instead of temples, Bork explains. They also deviated from the Greco-Roman system of proportion, so you get columns that are stretched out slender like taffy. Its still fairly dark, an architecture of walls and planes and volumes.

After just one vacation to South Carolinas luxury residential community Palmetto Bluff, Anna Sosa knew she wanted to build a second home thereand that she wanted Nicole Cohen to design it. I had been following Nicole for a while on Instagram, says the former magazine editor. I had always said, If I ever build a house, I would love to work with her. She puts materials together in this really different, fresh way.Cohen, who became an interior designer after years of blogging and photographing spaces, started by bringing an innovative approach to the exterior. Theres a strict Lowcountry aesthetic that we had to adhere to, but we tried to make it our own, she explains. We have this checkerboard Techo-Bloc tile driveway that I thought was super cool and interesting.Cohen chose two rounded sofas to counteract the square shape of the space. You feel like youre being hugged when youre in the room, she describes. We thought it was a little risky to do two different couches, but I think because we did such different fabrics, it worked. The rust-colored seating is a Pierre Augustin Rose Saint Honor 280 sofa and the taupe number is a Studio Giancarlo Valle Julio sofa.The powder room started with the floor, those little two-inch marble tiles, notes Cohen. That wallpaper is Pierre Frey and it actually reminded me of the marsh there in Palmetto. We had the Rojo Breccia sink custom-made for us and we based it on a vintage shape.To determine a visual direction for the interiors, Sosa gathered images of couture clothing and vintage scenes that represent her style. I have a specific fashion sense that I wanted to bring to life in my home, she says. There definitely are feminine touches, but theres some edginess and some modern influences. That Nicole was able to take [those pictures] and create this whole story is her brilliance.Once the mood for the project was set, Cohen sourced a bevy of striking tiles. The foyer floor, for example, is covered in white and variegated orange terracotta bells from Cl that interlock to create a postmodern-esque squiggle pattern. Its paired with high ceilings, a sweeping staircase, and an elegant In Common With Vera Sconce for a groovy take on the classic grand entryway.The adjacent living room also strikes a balance between playfulness and stateliness. Cohen opted for two kidney-shaped sofas, a rust-colored Pierre Augustin Rose Saint Honor 280 and a taupe Studio Giancarlo Valle Julio, which provide a casual whimsy. But theyre arranged traditionally, facing each other and flanking a Georgian-style Nero Bilbao marble fireplace from Chesneys. A pair of custom, veiny stone coffee tables sit in the middle. I wanted two rectangles because both couches are very curvy, Cohen considers. We needed something with edges.Cohen specified a chunky, tiered edge for the fusion quartzite countertops on the custom oak island with burl insets. I love the details in that kitchen, how Nicole brought in the burl wood, Sosa effuses. I live in the details. I appreciate those details every day.The open kitchen is informed by an eye-catching backsplash of ivory-and-marigold hand-painted tiles from Tabarka Studio, which Cohen mixed with an oversized plaster hood, French silver saucer pendants by Roman Williams Guild, and dark fusion quartzite countertops. It is very durable and we love it, she says of the composite surface. We brought the tile to the stone yard to make sure it matched up. It has a slight little bit of yellow in it, as well.Its the coolest color, Cohen says of the prep kitchen cabinetry hue. Its sometimes green, its sometimes neon, its sometimes yellow. The whimsical Maude Made ceramic squares make up the backsplash.On the screened-in porch, Casa Gusto rattan wingback chairs are upholstered in a vibrant botanical fabric by Schumacher and a classic ticking stripe by Perennials.In the honeydew-hued prep kitchen, tiles steal the show once again. The backsplash comprises cheerful Maude Made ceramic squares with fruit, flower, and animal motifs, while the floor is a caramel-and-white honed cement checkerboard. You want to have fun in that room because you could shut the door and you dont have to see it, shares Sosa. It can get messy if youre entertaining. Thats probably where I spend the most time. Its really comforting and homey.The dining area, with its round oak Brooks Custom table and midcentury-style Artistic Frame Bjorn armchairs, overlooks the lake. So does the screened-in porch, where Cohen went all-in on a coastal vibe with The Wicker Works wicker daybeds, Casa Gusto rattan wingback chairs, and a Patterson Flynn geometric abaca rug. I had never seen a natural fiber rug with such an intricate, amazing, stunning pattern, Sosa raves. You would expect to see that material, but not so sophisticated. Thats what I love about it.We try to really walk the line between traditional and modern, Cohen considers. We have elements of both in every room. For example, the moldings are a little more traditional and a lot of the furniture is edgier and cleaner.My grandma has that rope detail on all the doors in her house, Cohen says of the vanity embellishment. I just pick up these ideas from my childhood. My grandmas incredibly chic and lives in the most amazing home, so I guess it was floating in the back of my mind.Sosas primary bedroom, which is located on the ground level per Palmetto Bluff tradition, also boasts views of the water and surrounding flora. Cohen emphasized this connection to nature with a dijon-toned woodland wallpaper from Osborne & Little, then developed a golden monochromatic look from there. She added a custom mustard wool bed, a senape velvet DISC Interiors x Lawson-Fenning Lorca chair, and a straw Multiforme Murano glass chandelier. Anna told me a few days ago that yellow is now her favorite color, Cohen says.We took the [Pierre Frey] wallpaper onto the vaulted ceiling, which gives it a very enveloped look, says Cohen. The wallpaper people wanted to kill us, but we love it.Upstairs, the three bedrooms follow a special formula. They each include a Pierre Frey wallpaper, a custom linen bed, long curtains, and a solid wool rug with a cream border. But the personalities and palettes of the spaces differ. Sosas daughters room feels sweet yet refined, thanks to a delicate floral print and a rosewood fabric. One guest room embodies a treehouse with leaves climbing up the ceiling, while the other embraces graphic ikat.We looked at hundreds of wallpapers, Cohen admits. We found the ones that spoke to us the most and were our dream wallpapers. Theyre all very classic patterns. Some of them have been around for a long time. And then we built a whole color panel for each wallpaper. The delicate floral print and rosewood fabric add a sweet touch to Sosas daughters room.Sosas daughters bathroom combines Calacatta Rosa marble tile floors from Artistic Tile, Cinder Rose by Farrow & Ball wall paint, and custom millwork by Superior Woodcraft with Peter Fasano coral-and-cream striped linen panels.In the citron guest room covered in a graphic ikat from Pierre Frey, a custom nightstand by Superior Woodcraft is topped with a mushroom-like Ceramicah Glazed Tera Lamp.Cohen painted one sunny en suite in Dorset Cream by Farrow & Ball, then installed a Semplice sconce from the Urban Electric with a tonal yellow shade.Each of the bedrooms has a corresponding en suite that features beadboard walls, an oak vanity with rope detailing, and a stone countertop that extends upwards to wrap around the mirrors. I like to repeat things because I think it gives a sense of calm when theres continuity throughout the house, explains Cohen. Then you can have more fun with the other things that you want to do.The moody, slightly retro media room is a departure from the rest of the home, with deep brown wood paneled walls and an L-shaped Artistic Frame sectional in whiskey-hued velvet. Its the perfect antidote to all the elaborate patterns and light colors, a place to escape and screen a movie. But it also highlights the joy Cohen conjured everywhere else, which is exactly what Sosa was seeking for her Lowcountry oasis.The checkerboard driveway was something that we needed to get board approval on, Cohen shares, adding that she collaborated with architecture firm Court Atkins Group. I think its the only house that has anything like that down there. Its Techo-Bloc, so its not an uncommon paver, but its just the way we used it. The interior designer also worked with Jackson & Small Associates on the landscape design.The dark, dramatic media room is ideal for watching movies. The L-shaped Artistic Frame sectional sofa provides ample seating for viewers.In Sosas mauve-toned study, a custom Artistic Frame sofa is upholstered in chocolate velvet.We definitely made a point of using both brass and nickel fixtures in almost every room, says Cohen. It gives a very layered feeling. The nickel is so clean and fun to look at. The brass adds warmth.

Cribs are a big investment, especially when babies only sleep in them for one to two-and-a-half years. Thats why convertible cribs are the way to go for parents who want to be savvy with their shopping and invest in something that will last them a long time. A convertible crib has an adjustable floor and rails that can be lowered as your little one gets older and starts to make the transition to a toddler bed.When vetting picks, we ranked lifespan as one of the top priorities on our must-have list. Weve all heard the saying kids grow up so fast, and we want to ensure that youll be able to use a crib longer than just the 12 to 18 monthswhich go by in a flash!between the babys bassinet period and when they are fully capable of climbing out of a crib on their own. With a convertible crib, your kid can sleep in it for up to five years, thanks to the assistance of a toddler bed conversion kit. Of course, not every option on the market is a convertible one, and you'll usually need to purchase the relevant conversion kit from the retailer separately. Most of the kits arrive with bed rails, slats, and the necessary hardware to transform your babys convertible crib into a toddler bed.As with so many baby gear purchases like baby monitors and high chairs, its easy to get decision fatigue given the overwhelming amount of options to choose from. Plus, its also time consuming to source solutions that both assure your babys safety and meet your own decor standards to complement rugs, dressers, and more nursery furniture. So weve put in the hours, done all the research, tested out the best convertible cribs we could get our hands on for your babys bedroom. Lets get started to put one of the most important items on a baby shower shopping list to bed.Our Top Picks for the Best Cribs:A Classic Crib: Namesake Marin with Cane 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, $799For a Maximalist Nursery: Nestig Candy Cloud Crib, $749An Affordable Option: Babyletto Maki Crib, $399For a Minimalist Nursery: Crate&kids Gemini Light Ash Wood Crib, $899A Rounded Crib: Stokke Sleepi Bed, $899 $719A Nature-Inspired Crib: Nestig The Cloud Crib, $749Browse by Category:TheBest Convertible Cribs, OverallNamesake Marin with Cane 3-in-1 Convertible CribUpsidesElegant design and sturdy materialsIt looks more expensive than it actually isExcellent packing job meant no damage to the partsIntuitive assembly could be completed by one person, though an extra set of hands made it much easierIts Greenguard Gold certified, so your baby will breathe safe and healthy air in their cribDownsidesThis is super heavy, clocking in at 135 lbsInstructions were overly verbose and printed on poor-quality paper, making them hard to follow at timesConversion kit sold separatelySpecsColors Available: Natural walnut, honey, and warm whiteMaterials: American Poplar hardwood and TSCA compliant engineered woodWarranty Policies: Replacement or repairs provided at no cost within a year of the date of purchase from an authorized Namesake retailer, with some notable restrictionsAssembly Needed: Required full assembly and took one person about 30 minutesTester: Katy Olson, contributorHow was the delivery and setup? Expertly packed, there was no damage to any of the clearly high-quality parts, and the assembly was relatively hassle-free. It weighs 135 lbs., which means we required assistance hoisting it up a flight of stairs. We did this piece by heavy piece instead of hauling the large box it arrived in.Why did you choose this crib? My parents live close by, so I ordered this crib for the room theyve newly designated for their grandkidsa subtly tropical-themed space accented with palm-leaf printed fabrics and a vintage Hawaiian photograph on the wall. The standard size Marin crib is available in natural walnut, honey and warm white finishes (I went for the deep caramel color) with chic rattan-style paneling, rounded slats, and a super sturdy feel that fit right in with the rooms motif.Buy this ifyoure looking to make a decorative statement with cane (set against your choice of walnut, honey or white) without sacrificing high-quality, Greenguard Gold-certified materials.Nestig The Candy Cloud CribUpsidesThe mini crib comes with a mini mattress that fits most standard bassinet sheets, so you dont have to buy two mattresses or special sheetsMini crib has locking wheels so it easily goes from parents room to nurseryThe full size has three heights that can easily be adjusted as the baby growsDownsidesThe parts that arent actively in use (toddler crib bars, regular crib mattress, and bars) take up valuable storage space, particularly in an apartmentSpecsColors Available: Mint, rose, black licorice, bluebellMaterials: Crib base, legs, and top rail: sustainably harvested solid Brazilian pine. Steel spindles (for a subtle mid-century feel!) and the mattress support: eco-engineered wood.Warranty Policies: 60-day free trial, 18-year limited warrantyAssembly Needed: YesTester: Elaheh Nozari, contributorHow was the delivery and setup? Delivery was very easyit shipped normally and didnt require any scheduling, but note that it does take around a month to ship since its made to order in Brazil. It arrives in two boxesone with everything for the mini crib and one with the parts for the full size and toddler bed. I only set up the mini crib and stored the regular crib and toddler crib parts for the future. The setup was very easy and the directions were easy to understand. The only thing Id note is that the website says the average assembly time for the mini crib is 20 minutes but that seems very ambitious. In total it took me an hour, which included assembling the right parts.Why did you choose this crib? I wanted a crib that would last a long time and grow with the baby. I like that I can use the mini crib as a bassinet, and it has wheels so it can easily move from my room to the nursery or from my side of the bed to my husbands. I also liked the color optionsI wanted a light green crib to go with the rest of the nursery, which has a pastel theme, and this fits the bill!Buy this ifyou want a wheeled three-in-one solution that seamlessly transitions from bassinet to crib to toddler bed (and also from room to room), but doesnt cut corners on nursery-ready charm.Photo: Blake BakkilaPhoto: Blake BakkilaPhoto: Blake BakkilaBabyletto Maki CribUpsidesCollapsible frame with convenient, removable wheelsEasy to set up and break down, if neededModern, sleek design and finishesConverts into a toddler bed with the included kitMore affordable than other comparable cribs on the marketDownsidesWritten instructions were limited, so it was somewhat difficult to interpret some of the stepsBreaking it down requires some heavy lifting to remove and reinstall the baseboardDoesnt have as many conversion options as other Babyletto products, such as the YuzuSpecsColors Available: White, washed natural, honey, light sageMaterials: Sustainable New Zealand pine woodWarranty Policies: One-year limited warrantyAssembly Needed: YesTester: Blake Bakkila, contributorHow was the delivery and setup? The crib was delivered quickly and on time, and everything arrived in one large box. Assembly was also relatively straightforward, but you should probably have an extra set of hands to get the job done. Admittedly, my dad took on the bulk of the work while I supervised, and it only took about 20 minutes. We move and collapse it fairly often, which can be somewhat cumbersome because you need to remove the mattress and then the baseboard before folding the frame. There are two handy holes to put your fingers in to pull it up and out of the frame, and then youll need to place it back in when you need to set up the crib again.Why did you choose this crib? As a freelance writer and mom, I rely on my mom and grandma to watch my 15-month-old son while I work. We call ourselves day campers at Cathys Boarding House, and her guest room has quickly become a de facto nurserycomplete with the Babyletto Maki crib.For a while we used a pack n play for my sons daytime naps, but eventually my grandma suggested establishing a more semi-permanent sleeping space. After doing some research and reading countless reviews, we ultimately decided to order the Maki. Its a full-size, portable crib that is the baby product equivalent to a Transformer. With a collapsible frame and removable wheels, its easy to move around her home and break down whenever she needs to free up some space for other guests.Ive written about baby products for more than six years, and Ive never seen a full-size crib thats quite this portable and high-quality. And while my son often refuses to nap at first (I blame it on an incurable case of FOMO), the Maki has been a comfortable and dependable crib that can move to accommodate both my grandmas and sons schedules. I can take it from room to room if the guest room is occupied, and then lock the wheels in place when its ready for my sons next snooze session.Buy this ifyou need a space-saving crib for your home, or need one to keep at Grandmas. Even though the Maki is our part-time crib of choice, I could also see this working as a permanent fixture in any nursery room or nook just remove the wheels and itll look like a standard crib. At $399, its one of the lower-priced cribs from Babyletto, and the only full-size option on wheels. It has all of the benefits of a portable crib and the look and feel of a standard option, plus it can convert into a toddler bed.Crate&kids Gemini Light Ash Wood Baby CribUpsidesThe delivery experience couldnt have been easierIts got a lovely design. Plus, theres a matching dresser, changing table topper, and other accessories available if youd like to coordinate the entire nurserys decorTheres lots of versatility with this crib. Knowing we can use this crib with three adjustable mattress heights and even transition it into a toddler bed once our daughter is old enough is a game changer (The brand also sells it with accompanying toddler rail, for an additional cost.)It is eco-friendly This piece is FSC Certified, made with sustainable wood from forests that are responsibly managed and environmentally soundDownsidesI cant think of any! We love this crib through and through!SpecsColors Available: Light ash woodMaterials: Ash wood, ash veneer, and engineered woodWarranty Policies: The brands 30-day return, replacement, and refund policy applies but, according to a customer service rep from the brand, there is no warrantyAssembly Needed: Yes, but you can also purchase a white-glove service to assembleTester: Briana Feigon, contributorHow was the delivery and setup? Fantastic. The Crate and Barrel white-glove delivery was genuinely a godsend. I received this piece of furniture when I was nine months pregnant and I never would have been able to bring in the box inside, let alone set the crib up. The delivery team was punctual, friendly, set the entire crib up, and even cleared all of the boxes on their way out. 10/10!Why did you choose this crib? I love the simplicity of the design and the light ash wood. It feels clean and fresh. I also appreciate that it is Greenguard Gold Certified, so I felt confident that it would keep my baby girl safe.Buy this ifyou want an easy-to-install (hello, white-glove delivery!) crib that complements virtually any decor, all while meeting Greenguard Gold standards. Its long life expectancy plus its use of FSC Certified wood can put your environmental concerns slightly more at ease too.Stokke Sleepi Bed V3UpsidesThe circular shape is all about creating a womb-like environment for your baby, and it definitely delivers on that frontThe wheels allow exhausted parents to gently rock their babies to sleep, and the add-on drape rodwhich can also be used to hang a mobileand canopy envelop them in a cozy atmosphereIts easy to move around, and its unusually narrow width allows it to fit through a standard door frame, so you dont have to disassemble it before moving it room to roomIt fits into corners on an angle rather than taking them all up like a traditional rectangular cribIts conveniently available via Amazon, as well as via other retailersDownsidesThe shape means there arent a lot of options for mattresses and the Stokke mattress is on the thinner side. It also means finding sheets and coordinating them with your nursery decor is one step harder than normalIts difficult to adjust the mattress positions, which youll need to do before your baby can pull to stand. Since the base that supports the mattress is three separate parts instead of one, adjusting it takes at least twice as long as other cribsSpecsColors Available: Natural, white, and hazy grayMaterials: Beech wood, curved elements: beech laminate. Plates: beech plywood. FSC-certified wood.Warranty Policies: Seven-year warrantyAssembly Needed: YesTester: Marissa G. Muller, contributorHow was the delivery and setup? Delivery was fast and easythe setup, not so much.Putting together the Stokke Sleepi Bed is quite a chore. The instructions are not the most intuitive, the curved pieces are tricky to fit together and attach at the same time, and the whole experience really benefits from having two people instead of one.Why did you choose this crib? The Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible ones on the market: It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed, and the wheels and narrow width make it really easy to move around from room to room.Buy this ifyou appreciate a circular design, whether for the aesthetic or for the ease of use. This narrower-than-average crib is especially capable when it comes to rolling from place to place without requiring re-assembly when you decide on its final destination.Nestig The Cloud CribUpsidesIt's super easy to buildAll the parts are shipped togetherIt's an incredibly durable frame made of beautiful handcrafted woodDownsidesThe full-size crib mattress ships separatelySpecsColors Available: Walnut, natural woodMaterials: Crib base, legs and top rail, sustainably harvested solid Brazilian pine in a walnut stain. Steel spindles and the mattress support is made of eco-engineered woodWarranty Policies: 60-day free trial, 18-year limited warrantyAssembly Needed: YesTester: Malena Galloway-Rivas, contributorHow was the delivery and setup? Delivery was easy-breezy. Weve received all three boxes for this 3-in-1 convertible crib (mini crib, full size crib and toddler bed) in one shipment, which was convenient. My husband and I put the crib together ourselves and it was easier than expected! All of the conversion kits are included as well, which makes it easy to transition the piece at every stage.Why did you choose this crib? We wanted a crib that could not only grow with our child but was made with safe, non-toxic materials. There are so many options on the market (too many!) and after coming across Nestig, we knew that this would be the best for our baby.Buy this ifyoure in it for the long-haul. This option comes with a toddler conversion kit (so theres no need to track one down separately), and the brands generous policy includes an 18-year limited warranty.How We Tested the Best Convertible CribsOur testers included a number of editors and contributors, all recently minted parents of infants. We asked them to choose their top convertible crib picks and rank each one based on a number of key shopping, safety, setup and decor factors. They were tasked with grading the delivery and setup, and evaluating the pros and cons of each itemassessing factors like assembly, ease of use, product design and overall aesthetic.Our hunt for the best convertible cribs had our reviewers paying attention to these essential elements:Selection: Why did you choose this crib? Style, substance, and safety all count!Delivery and assembly: Were delivery and set-up a pain, a cinch, or something in between?Pros and cons: What did you like, and dislike, most about the cribparticularly now that its being used in your home? Were there any standout qualities?Our editors and contributors experienced each aspect of the crib-buying process: they shopped for, organized delivery, and assembled them themselves. Most importantly, they used these convertible cribs with their families in their own homesmaking for a reliable, parent-approved test, from the initial add to cart click to everyday use.How to Choose the Best Convertible CribThere are so many options out there, and it can be difficult to determine which is best for your baby and your own personal preferences for years of use. We chatted with a few experts on the factors you should consider, and also about the different types of cribs you might want to purchase.Safety firstBy six months, most babies are clocking up to 16 hours of sleep a day. Given that your little one is spending about two thirds of their time in their crib, youre going to want to make sure that yours meets or exceeds all the safety standards that the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) target for preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Refer to their sites to learn the nitty-gritty, but be sure to consider the following guidelines to start.Make sure that your babys crib has a crib mattress that fits tightly in the crib and is a firm, flat surface.Use a new crib and be sure youve read the manual. Ensure that no crib hardware is broken and that there are no loose bedding or loose objects in the crib. If youre concerned about keeping the baby warm, dress your baby in layers or use a sleep sack or wearable baby blanket.

I ended up going with a more classic sheer linen in the shade of bone because I decided ultimately that, while I love gingham, a personality packed pattern might be better suited for a duvet cover or something that could be easily swapped out. After a (mostly) painless installation process, Fletcher was particularly impressed by the look and high quality of her blinds. Ive had them for months now and have seen them perform through several season changes and they continue to look and work beautifully, she says, adding that her new shades have helped her achieve a sense of privacy and shield the room from bright direct light without totally shutting it out.What it costs: The cost of two custom-sized Roman Shades with no hardware came to $1,500. That said, the brand has a calculator function built into the order process so you can get a fairly good read on what your costs would be with just a few clicks once you select the desired size, fabric, pleat and lining. According to the brand, pricing breaks down per window like so:Drapery: starting from $815Shades: starting from $465Cafe Curtains: starting from $330Time frame: For swatches, items will ship within three business days. For drapery, caf curtains, shades, or hardware current ship time estimates are within six to eight weeks.The Hues Cronin CurtainsPhoto: Audrey LeePhoto: Audrey LeeThe Hues Cronin CurtainsThe experience: Commerce editor Audrey Lee knew she wanted some type of blackout curtains for her space to emulate hotel living year-round. Enter: The Hues (formerly known as Nicetown), a retailer that offers an extensive selection of window treatments by style, material, and function. Besides blackout curtains, the brand also offers soundproof, room darkening, light filtering, and thermal options. The brands Cronin curtain in particular is a blackout eyelet linen curtain that Lee chose for its additional soundproofing and thermal benefits, which were the perfect solution to her previously sheer curtains.While the drapes are custom made, everything is done online so you can browse the website and choose a fabric color, grommets, header and lining type, and size. You can also either choose from pre-set standard sizes or enter custom measurements for a bespoke treatment. These curtains are amazing for keeping the sun out, says Lee. The first few weeks I had them, it felt bizarre to be woken up by my alarm in such darknesshowever, soundproof they are not. She notes that while they slightly muffle some of the outside train noise, there isnt much to be done about traffic and other ambient sounds besides pop in some additional ear plugs.What it costs: For the pre-sized Cronin Curtains, prices range from $290 (52" x 84")$876 (100" x 108"). Swatches are available for $6 per kit should you want to preview the materials beforehand.Time frame: Orders placed before March 1 currently have an ETA of 15 to 22 days.Twopages Sara Le Cordless Roman ShadePhoto: Lila AllenPhoto: Lila AllenPhoto: Lila AllenTwopages Sara Le Cordless Roman ShadeThe experience: Allen was impressed at the quick ship time for her Sara Ledesigned cordless Roman shades from Twopages, another self-service platform that requires shoppers to take their own measurements (dont fretthe site makes helpful recommendations on how to measure windows for a precise fit). I had planned to hang the shades above my windows to make them feel taller, but those plans were foiled by an impenetrable metal backing in my wall, Allen says. She ended up just mounting them to her window frame instead, which ended up being a happy compromise.