It's no secret that we love a good gallery wall around here. Whether packed with paint-by-numbers, a grouping of salty seascapes, or an expanse of black-and-white silhouettes collected over time, gallery walls bring so much character to any room in your home. One type of gallery wall that particularly makes our hearts skip a beat is an arrangement that incorporates unexpected objects, giving a little wink into your design personality. Maybe it's a graphic game board you scored at a yard sale or three-dimensional finds like trophies, baskets, and other meaningful items that you collect. While square or rectangle framed photographs and artwork are common gallery wall ideas, consider objects outside the literal box to bring individuality and charm, adding visual interest that breaks the grid in the best way.Here, some of our favorite images of gallery walls that feature unique decor items to instantly elevate your own—and not a one of them is another frame or canvas. PedestalsPainted the same punchy color as the wall, a pair of pedestals displays trophies and figurines on a dog-themed gallery wall. Other objects of note: ribbons, brass instruments, and a saucer painted with a hunting scene. BasketsHelen Norman for Country LivingAdd texture and another shape to a gallery wall with baskets, like this set of vintage French ones. Here, the pieces frame a television in a family room.More Ways to Decorate Your Walls:Nautical-Themed ItemsRead McKendree for Country LivingIn this camp-themed boys’ bedroom, the gallery wall is made up of framed art with a sprinkling of nautical-themed items including flags, an anchor, and a pair of mounted oars. These items introduce different finishes, materials, color, and a strong sense of place.PlatesBuff Strickland for Country LivingA charming arrangement of Spode, Wedgwood, and other blue-and-white china mixed with handsome pewter trays perfectly fills a skinny wall area between dining room windows. This proves there is power in numbers! TOUR THIS HOUSEmore dining room decorating ideasPennants Dylan ChandlerAmong a sea of mostly square- and rectangle-shaped items like license plates, framed silhouettes, and signs, a vintage pennant breaks the grid. Above, a round sepia wedding photograph does the same. Game Boards and PaddlesAdam Albright, styling by Kelly Ryan KegansThis is hands down one of the most creative gallery walls we've ever seen. In this cozy breakfast nook, a collection of thrifted finds fills every bit of wall space. Featured items include game boards, paddles, and nautical knickknacks bring dimension and interesting shapes. The tight color palette keeps the arrangement looking intentional and stylish.TOUR THIS HOUSE For More Breakfast Nook Ideas:Antlers and MountsMax Kim-BeeThis gallery wall mix includes a little bit of everything. Framed and unframed silhouettes and oil paintings surround a gold-framed mirror. The entire arrangement is topped off with a majestic 1920s deer mount. Small mounted antlers are another way to add a nod to nature, as well as dimension.TOUR THIS HOUSEAmy MitchellManaging EditorAmy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.

To match or not to match? That is the question that plagues homeowners the world over. A certain degree of matching is expected and should be prioritized for a cohesive palette—designers always emphasize that a home should be “in conversation” with itself. But how far does that matchy-matchy mentality really need to go? Recently, homeowners and design lovers on Reddit have debated one specific match, and it has the internet divided: Should you match the tile of your kitchen backsplash to your bathroom tile? To get to the bottom of it, we spoke with designers and, well, the answer might surprise you. For More on Kitchens:Should Your Kitchen and Bathroom Tile Match?In short, probably not. While there is no hard-and-fast rule, all the designers I spoke with said they would not match them unless they were intentionally going for a wholly cohesive look. “Rarely would I match a kitchen and bathroom tile, or use the same tile in both places,” says designer and pro-renovator Christina Salway. “There are just too many beautiful options to do the same thing twice.” Designer Amanda Lantz echoed Christina’s sentiment: “The options of tile are so endless that I love giving each room its own character by changing it up in some way.” For More on Bathrooms:What Should You Do Instead?If you like a cohesive look but don’t want to match, take Amanda's advice: “Lean into the differing textures, but stay in the same color palette,” she says. “It brings enough variation to make it interesting and give each space some personality.” If you prefer something that feels more organic, focus on crafting a diverse palette. “Frequently, people think of a room as an isolated experience, but I like to think about how a person moves through a house,” says Christina. “You have to weave the colors from one room into the next.” Designer Annie Downing agrees, suggesting that you shouldn’t get too hung up on exact matches and instead focus on the common language they share. “Tile [all through a house] should feel like it’s from the same family, even if the patterns, colors, or materials vary slightly,” she says. This can feel like pulling at threads, but it’s ultimately the most rewarding way to craft a colorful home that feels wholly unique to you. If you’re worried about the space feeling overwhelmed with color, don’t. There’s an easy fix. “You can always tone a bathroom down with white paint and a white shower curtain, but tile is a marvelous opportunity to choose something that really enlivens the space and makes it yours,” says Christina. “Don’t panic and just go all white unless that’s what makes your heart sing!” For More on Tile:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

There’s an old adage I’ve followed since I was a kid: Always put your best foot forward. That mentality extends into every part of your life, from the clothes you wear to the words you speak... and even to your home. When it comes to your home, putting your best foot forward starts before your guests put even a single foot inside your house—it starts at the curb. Perfecting your home’s exterior charm requires dedication. From lush landscaping to fresh-looking paint, there is a seemingly endless list of tasks to make your home the most stunning house on the block. However, there is one front-yard décor piece that just might be killing your curb appeal, despite all your extra work: the mailbox. Mailboxes, for better or worse, are a necessary eyesore. The United States Postal Service sets specific requirements for what a mailbox should be, leaving little room for stylish alternatives. (Take Note: If it’s a post mailbox, aka not affixed to your house or front gate, then it is required to be 41" to 45" tall, sit 6" to 8" back from the curb, and have a house or apartment number attached.) Unless you want to spend a ton of money on a custom brick or handmade wood mailbox, you’ll have go with something ready-made, which can mean limited options and a hefty price tag for anything other than a basic black mailbox. No worries! If you’re looking for a quick-fix way to spruce up your existing mailbox in just a weekend, we have easy (and budget-friendly!) ideas for you: For More Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal:Paint It to Match Your Exterior The fastest way to give your mailbox and post a quick refresh is with paint. I’ve talked a lot (and I do mean a lot) about how paint can easily transform a space, and the mailbox is no different. Match your home’s exterior paint color for a seamless look or make it pop with a fun color to match your equally-fun painted front door. Don’t forget to paint the mailbox flag either! If you want something guaranteed to be timeless, try Rub n' Buff for a metallic look. (Just be sure to lightly sand a metal mailbox first and finish up with your preferred sealant.) Paint Picks to Get You Started:Pretty It Up With Plants In the mood to get your hands dirty? Just add plants. “Opt for a climbing vine,” says Country Living’s garden expert, Charlyne Mattox. “It will grow up the mailbox and cover anything unsightly.” Asiatic jasmine, clematis, or mandevilla are her go-to suggestions, but if you don’t want something covering the entire post and mailbox, she suggests going with a blooming evergreen, such as rosemary or a compact gardenia. More Flower Ideas:Re-Stain the Wood Post If you’d rather not paint, give your mailbox post a refresh with stain. Pick a darker shade for a timeless, traditional look (that won’t show dirt as easily!) or go for something lighter to add cottage charm. Lightly sand the post before staining and seal it afterward to ensure it stands up to the elements over time. For More Ways to Spruce Up Your Porch and Yard:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

It takes a lot to make a paint color one of the most popular paint colors of all time—not every shade can be a Swiss Coffee or Pink Ground, after all. As Country Living’s Senior Homes & Style Editor, I am always on the hunt for what’s trending in the color world, so when I received an email from storied paint company Sherwin-Williams with data on their least popular paint color, I was intrigued. For the second year in a row, Sherwin-Williams is announcing their “Loneliest Color of the Year.” This year’s winner is Radiant Lilac. Throughout 2024, Radiant Lilac was Sherwin-Williams’ least tinted color. In fact, out of the millions of gallons of paint they create—a process known as tinting—this shade had less than 1,000 gallons tinted. For Some of Our Favorite Paint Colors:A true lilac, this shade is a softer take on the popular muddy plum, which appeared in our 2025 paint trend report after being named a color of the year by both Benjamin Moore and Glidden. “Purple can feel like a bold commitment—it’s not always the first color people reach for, especially if they’re unsure about how to bring it into their space,” says Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden. “Radiant Lilac sits in that in-between space: it’s not a neutral, but it’s not an overwhelming statement either, which can make it feel a little uncertain for some.”As part of the announcement that this soft purple is the company’s least popular shade, Sherwin-Williams teamed up with one of the most popular basketball players in recent years, Paige Bueckers, who was the first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and won the 2025 NCAA College Basketball Championship with her alma mater, the University of Connecticut. Paige, who now plays for the Dallas Wings, is known for her love of purple and recently wore an iconic Radiant Lilac-colored custom suit created in collaboration with legendary designer Dapper Dan and Sherwin-Williams. Amy Sussman//Getty ImagesWNBA star Paige Bueckers at the 2024 ESPYS in a custom Radiant Lilac-colored suitIf Paige’s love for purple doesn’t have you convinced that the shade is worth trying, its cozy, universally flattering undertones should. “It’s that perfect balance between red and blue, so it feels grounded and calming, yet expressive,” says Sue. If you want to make a statement, use the color to highlight architectural features or statement furniture, Sue advises. She also recommends pairing it with moodier shades such as Roycroft Bronze Green or Rookwood Dark Red. But if you’re in the mood for something lighter, Sue recommends trying Cool Beige or Ice Cube. So, what do you think? Is it time for lilac to make a comeback? For More Paint Colors You’re Sure To Love:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?Last week I was reading one of my favorite design newsletters, Cathy and Garrett of The Grit And Polish, a pair of old-home renovators in Washington state. Cathy was sharing about shopping for window treatments, specifically the designer-beloved Chik blinds, for a rental renovation project. When the estimated price for the blinds didn’t come in at budget, instead of giving up, Cathy employed what she’s coined, “The 90% Rule.” I’ll let her explain:“Garrett and I have found that getting from 90% to 100%, design-wise, can be very expensive,” says Cathy. “And more often than not, we’re just as satisfied with the lower cost option.”Cathy ended up sourcing bamboo rollup blinds that, while not an exact match to the Chik blinds, are close enough to get the desired look without significantly breaking the budget. Cathy admits that, like all of us, she occasionally splurges, but “most of the time 90% feels like the right compromise between good design and reasonable budget.” Armed with a new catch phrase, I spent the weekend thinking of all the times I’m thankful to have settled on a “pretty good is good enough” way of thinking.In the Living RoomEllen GodfreyThe living room of my 1914 Craftsman is bright and cheerful with coffered ceilings and an original coal-burning fireplace with an inky green tile surround. I knew I wanted to do something to highlight the green tile, so when my friend and designer, Ellen Godfrey introduced me to Trustworth’s “Hydrangea” wallpaper it was love at first sight. It’s a whimsical, floral pattern that has similar green tones to my tile paired with muted yellows and dusty pinks. But without the budget to afford a full-room wallpaper install, I opted to apply the 90% rule and only wallpaper the fireplace bump out instead. I saved thousands of dollars on both the wallpaper and the installation fees, and, thanks to the room being mostly windows and door, I got 90% of the way to the look I was after. Seven years later and I’m still so glad I didn’t wait until I could afford to wallpaper the entire room. For More on Wallpaper:In the KitchenBecky-Luigart StaynerBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingThe vision for my British-inspired kitchen renovation was always yellow, so nailing the perfect shade of warm sunshine was mission critical. Once my husband and I completed extensive swatch testing, lost a few nights of sleep, and polled a dozen of our most design-savvy friends it felt like a worthy splurge to go with our winner, Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball instead of color-matching the yellow hue with a more affordable paint brand. However, another element on the vision board was a breakfast nook for our family of four to have a space to enjoy more casual meals and snacks together. With a tiny kitchen footprint that left no room for a built-in banquet and a budget that couldn’t handle more custom cabinetry, we once again decided to get 90% of the way there, opting for an antique pedestal table and a freestanding scalloped banquette-style bench upholstered in performance fabric. Again, we saved thousands of dollars in construction costs, and, in the end, got 90% of the way there in both form and function. For More on Kitchens & Breakfast Nooks:In the Kid’s RoomMaribeth Jones for Country LivingWhen our daughter Ruby was born we had to get serious about light control in the guest room that was getting twirled up into her nursery. The room has SEVEN windows. Seven! I think it was a sleeping porch in a past life, but I digress. I really wanted motorized linen shades from The Shade Store, like I’d seen in the beautiful Connecticut farmhouse of Debbie Propst. But with the aforementioned seven windows, they just weren’t in the budget. Once again, we employed the 90% rule and went with a more affordable line of motorized shades in a creamy linen that allowed us to get both the light filtering and ease we needed, while not sacrificing too much on the look we were after. If you squint they aaaalmost look like the luxe version from my original inspiration. For More On Window Treatments:So, whether you’re looking to do a full renovation or some minor decor swaps, let the 90% rule be your North Star. Cheers to good enough! Maribeth B JonesDesign DirectorMaribeth B Jones is the Design Director of Country Living where she creates seasonal content full of warmth and playfulness. When she’s not wrangling chickens for a cover shoot you can find her collecting vintage oil portraits or flipping pancakes in her sunny, yellow kitchen with her two chatty daughters.

What makes for a quintessentially country farmhouse living room? When you think about the classic, homey style, you likely imagine a warm space filled with a sink-into-me sofa (perhaps positioned around an inviting fireplace), a comfy chair for reading or cross-stitching, and that one special quilt everyone calls first dibs on. There might be a wood-clad ceiling overhead, a perfectly imperfect worn rug underfoot, and charming shiplap or wainscoting wrapping the room. Whatever design elements make up the rustic farmhouse living room of your dreams, you’ll find loads of decorating inspiration here in these pictures of farmhouse living room ideas from our favorite country homes.For a collected-over-time style, a cozy farmhouse living room with color and pattern brings a lived-in, homespun feel (think cottagecore design vibes). In these rooms, you’ll find classic checks and florals, vintage items and antiques, and personal collections on display. For modern farmhouse living room ideas, look for more contemporary and calming ideas—neutral backdrops and architectural features like stone, wood beams, and windows. Bring traditional farmhouse living room designs to your home, wherever you live.Love farmhouse style? Here are more farmhouse decorating ideas for other rooms in your home: 1Divide an Open SpaceJane BeilesIn this 200-year-old Federal farmhouse, a barn (really!) was attached to the house to create a soaring entertaining area. “It was music to my ears—I’d always wanted to do it,” says homeowner Ali Mahon. To utilize the open space, it was divided into “rooms,” including a dining nook and two stories of living areas filled with character-rich antiques, including a wicker trunk-turned-coffee table and a graphic 19th-century banner weather vane. A large handcrafted iron chandelier looms above. 2Celebrate Organic FinishesKate S. JordanThis cozy farmhouse living room’s warmth comes from the reclaimed hemlock floorboards, newly exposed original wood beams and rafters, and gypsum plaster walls custom-tinted a soft putty color. The room’s curvy wood-framed chairs, recovered in mohair and boucle fabrics, complement the coffee table designed by Percy Bright of Jersey Ice Cream Co. A decorative screen from a Vermont antiques shop conceals the woodburning stove. Underfoot, a Scandinavian kilim rug subtly speaks to the other folk art motifs seen throughout the home.RELATED: See more of this Scandi farmhouse that will change the way you paint your walls.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Balance Heavy Wood Tones With White Sara Ligorria-TrampMany of the great room’s interior elements, from the arched ceiling beams to the unfinished floor planks, were milled from spruce and hemlock trees on this home’s Washington property. The abundance of wood never feels heavy, though, as it’s smartly balanced by the surrounding white wood-paneled and tinted plaster walls. Plentiful windows let sunlight pour into the open-concept rustic paradise. Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Snow White Milk Paint by General Finishes (3⁄4 paint, 1⁄4 water)Trim Paint Color: Milk Mustache by Dunn-Edwards PaintRELATED: See more of the new-build barn house that really masters the modern rustic look.4Pick the Right Scale FurnitureRikki Snyder for Country LivingSometimes, massive modern furniture simply doesn’t sit right in an older home. In this cozy farmhouse den, designer Christina Salway opted for a more petite sofa and assorted chairs, including these two wingbacks covered in a bold leafy motif. Even the wooden coffee table is “perfectly undersized for the space,” says Christina. New thin brick flooring ups the coziness factor, as does a jute floral rug and aviary artwork.Get the Look: Door Paint Color:Inchyra Blue by Farrow & BallAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Cozy Up to the FireplaceAlpha Smoot for Country LivingWith saturated blue walls (“It’s sort of a gentleman’s navy,” says homeowner Justin Reis), weathered floorboards, and hand-hewn beams, the living room has a built-in warm and cozy feel. The warming cabinet above the fireplace, which likely had a door at one time, offers a spot to tuck in collected treasures. The fire and candlelight emit a magical glow.Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Dark Navy by BehrRELATED: See more of this Connecticut Georgian Colonial that is an old house lover's dream.6Wrap the Room in Reclaimed WoodLincoln BarbourThe owners of this Mississippi barn used locally sourced materials to cover the walls and ceiling. Raw and distressed wood panels from a nearby military depot wrap the room in warmth and texture. Loads of windows bring in natural light during the day, while a chandelier and mounted sconces make for a romantic glow come nighttime.RELATED: These wood ceiling ideas bring country charm to any room.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Establish a Worry-Free VibeRoger Davies, styling by Liz StrongNo velvet ropes here! In this California living room that has English cottage sensibilities, being worry-free is key. Items like the weathered antique butcher-block coffee table, washable slipcovers on the deep sofa and swivel chairs, and a thick sisal rug establish the home’s kick-up-your-feet feeling.RELATED: Tour more of this cozy California cottage. 8Build with Reclaimed MaterialsBrie Williams for Country LivingBuilt with North Carolina stone, this living room’s fireplace gives a proud nod to the home’s location. Other rustic architectural details, like log skins that were salvaged from old barns in the Midwest and the reclaimed beams from an 1800s Massachusetts mill, add loads of been-there-forever charm to this new farmhouse build.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Celebrate (Unpainted) ShiplapVictoria Pearson, styling by Liz StrongDuring this home renovation, the couple uncovered original wood shiplap beneath the paneling. They removed the pieces one by one, cleaned them up, and then repurposed the boards as the wall in this sitting room, as well as in the entry, kitchen, and bunk room. A vintage bookcase from a medical office is home to books and various collectibles.RELATED: See more of how this run-down Texas farmhouse became this family's dream home.10Add Instant Patina with Salvaged BeamsStephen Karlisch for Country LivingWood beams salvaged from deconstructed barns and other old buildings add instant age to this beautifully calming living room. Rustic architectural accents, artwork, and the pretty patterned rug are the visual focus in this warm, neutral space. RELATED: 6 Best Places to Find or Buy Reclaimed Wood Near YouAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Roll Out a One-of-a-Kind RugDavid A. Land for Country LivingA rug really pulls a room together in a way no other accessory does. As a general rule, the front legs of all seating pieces should comfortably fit on the rug. If you have a smaller rug that doesn’t quite fit that requirement, layer it atop a larger sisal rug. We love this trick for a farmhouse living room decorating idea on a budget!RELATED: See more of this restored 1800s farmhouse that is proof that some things just get better with age.12Get Cozy with ColorNick JohnsonIn this cozy farmhouse living room, high-end fabrics (predominantly in stunning blues) on the sofa, velvet ottoman, chair, and pillows balance this country home’s rustic characteristics. The painted fireplace facade ties the whole room together. RELATED: See more of this 100-year-old Michigan farmhouse that oozes vintage charm.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Redefine RusticZIO AND SONSIn this modern farmhouse living room, architectural elements—wide-planked wood floors, ceiling beams, horizontal shiplap wainscoting—are softened with a comfy sectional piled with pillows and sleek, streamlined design choices, like the hanging chair, wood-and-iron coffee table, and handmade oak stump side table. A round iron chandelier crowns the family space.RELATED: 30 Charming Farmhouse Decor Items You Can Buy Now on Amazon14Play Around with PatternRoger Davies for Country LivingChecks and florals live in perfect harmony in this cozy living room. To keep the family space from leaning too traditional with the iconic buffalo check-covered sofa and wildflower chintz chair, designer Bailey McCarthy brought in a clean-lined steel-framed coffee table and a graphic longhorn painting for over the fireplace. RELATED: This darling white farmhouse in Texas proves that old-fashioned favorites are new again.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Incorporate Vintage TreasuresAnnie SchlechterAtop a fresh coat of crisp white paint on the walls, trim, and mantel, vintage scores take center stage. Found objects always tell a story. Here, in this small farmhouse living room, the banners hanging above the striped sofa came from a church, the trunk-turned-coffee table came from a Tennessee stable, and the black-and-white family photos lend personal history.RELATED: See more of this old Kentucky farmhouse gets the ultimate makeover.16Leave Windows BareMax Kim-BeeThanks to no window coverings, natural light pours in to this pretty Catskills living room. Bold painted window trim contrasts the creamy white walls and frames the view beyond.RELATED: Refresh your space with our favorite living room paint colors.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Create a Focal PointJames MerrellA stone fireplace provides a cozy focal point for a pair of comfy armchairs and ottoman, all upholstered in a pretty floral pattern. Hand-hewn log cabin walls and rustic ceiling beams wrap the room in natural warmth. RELATED: 50 Fireplace and Mantel Decor Ideas for a Cozy Upgrade18Pack In the CharmHelen NormanWe love this space for its small farmhouse living room ideas—packed-in charm, mismatched furniture (a handsome leather Chesterfield sofa, wood pieces)—and its architectural elements, like the painted pine-paneled walls, ceiling beams, four-pane windows, and a front-and-center fireplace. RELATED: Tour more of this charming cottage that is straight out of a storybook.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Start with a Neutral BaseLincoln BarbourWrapping the room in a clean white provides a blank canvas for this inviting living room’s layered, lived-in look. Starting with the weathered ceiling beams that were salvaged from an old warehouse, top-to-bottom texture brings character galore. A pair of tufted velvet armchairs, layered rugs (genius for filling a large living room space!), a plaid blanket, and rustic accessories like the tobacco basket above the fireplace, are the secret to this room’s success.RELATED: See more of this rustic Tennessee home that does white totally right.20Feature Favorite AntiquesAdam Albright, styling by Matthew GleasonThis lake house living room is big on the farmhouse style rule of living with antiques and vintage finds. A tufted navy sofa is piled with pillows made from old camp blankets and draped with a red-and-white antique quilt. A collection of paint-by-numbers surrounds an antique cuckoo clock on the painted shiplap wall above.RELATED: 50+ Gallery Wall Ideas to Display All Your Favorite ThingsAmy MitchellManaging EditorAmy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.

As Country Living’s Senior Homes Editor, I spend a lot of time looking at homes, so let me share a little bit of advice: Whether it is special landscaping or a happily painted front door, every home needs an exterior element to give it personality. The quickest way to accomplish that? An interesting exterior color palette. But we understand that painting a home’s exterior (or choosing a new color of siding) is a big investment both of money and time, so you want to make a color decision that know you’re going to love for years to come. When picking the best paint color for your home, there are lots of things to take into consideration such as architectural style, the setting and light situation, and your region. You also need to decide if you’d rather keep it simple and classic with a white or neutral color, or take a bold approach with a deeper shades like green or blue. Below, I’ve gathered up 10 paint colors designers and homeowners alike love for home exteriors that are guaranteed to stand the test of time. (And, if you want even more exterior paint color inspiration, here are 35 more exterior paint colors ideas.)Looking for more curb appeal ideas? Check out these stories. 1Wythe Gold by Benjamin MooreErin KellyDesigner-architect duo Liz and Greg Dutton chose this soft yellow shade for their historic Ohio farmhouse because it mimics the landscape’s flowering goldenrod. Buttery warm yellows are definitely trending, but their nostalgia factor keeps them feeling timeless. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Wythe Gold by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These 80 Tiny Homes are Small in Size, but Big in Charm2Blueberry by Benjamin MooreRead McKendreePerfect for coastal homes or darling cottages, this true blue is quintessentially charming, which is exactly why designer Katie Rosenfeld chose it for this Maine getaway.Get the Look:For similar, Exterior Paint Color: Blueberry by Benjamin MooreRELATED: Our Best Beach House Decorating IdeasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Rustic Red by Sherwin-WilliamsAdam Albright for Country LivingCherry reds might be trending this year, but we say they are a classic choice for country-style cottages and cabins any year, especially for homes near the water. This lake home’s bright red shade feels perfectly pleasant against a verdant, woodsy backdrop. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Rustic Red by Sherwin-WilliamsTOUR THIS HOUSE4White Dove by Benjamin MooreJane BeilesIn search of a timeless, somewhat creamy white to match your equally timeless architecture? Then the designer favorite, White Dove by Benjamin Moore, is just what you need. Take palette inspiration from antiques dealer Ali Mahon, who paired her Connecticut barn home’s crisp white exterior with a poppy red door. Talk about timeless!Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: White Dove by Benjamin MooreFront Door Paint Color: Spanish Red by Benjamin MooreAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Night Watch by GliddenBrie Williams, styling by Elizabeth DemosThe perfect camp green is hard to find, but luckily homeowner Kelly Gray did the legwork. Her Georgia lake cabin is clad in this deep green that is nicely offset with crisp white trim to give the exterior the ultimate summer camp appeal. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Night Watch by Glidden TOUR THIS HOUSE6Evening Hush by BehrBrie Williams for Country LivingWhile I’m a staunch believer that gray paint should be used sparingly, Bambi Costanzo’s West Virginia cottage, painted a steely blue-gray shade by Behr, proves it does have star power. White trim keeps the look crisp.Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Evening Hush by BehrTOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Black Bean Soup by Benjamin MooreBrian Woodcock for Country LivingWhile stain is always an option, there’s something charming about the opaque look of painted wood. In this Alabama farmhouse, artist-meets-farmer Kelly Bentley Ash chose designer-favorite Black Bean Soup from Benjamin Moore to complement the shining tin roof. It also makes a great backdrop to have fun with a unexpected front door color.Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Black Bean Soup by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Get More of Our Top Brown Paint Colors To Use All Through the House8Brilliant White by Benjamin MooreDylan Chandler for Country LivingAuthor, aesthete, and antiques-lover Nora Murphy chose a simple white shade for her recent seaside Colonial makeover. Bright, almost reflective whites such as this are perfect for coastal homes; pair it with a black front door and shutters for a more traditional touch. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Brilliant White by Benjamin MooreRELATED: These Are The Best Designer-Approved White Paint ColorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Barn Red by ValsparAudrey HallIf you’re looking to add a bit of quintessential country flair to your home’s exterior, try a barn-inspired red. Valspar’s aptly named Barn Red takes a grounded, more historic approach to the saturated shade thanks to its purple-brown undertones. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Barn Red by ValsparTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Barndominiums10India Yellow by Farrow & BallAlpha SmootLooking for a shade that looks as good in the summer sun as it does in the fall foliage? Floral and event designer Justin Reis chose this timeless muted ochre for his Georgian-style Connecticut home. Get the Look:For similar, Exterior Paint Color: India Yellow by Farrow & BallTOUR THIS HOUSEAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

It will instantly become your favorite spot in the house.

Laundry rooms are workhorse spaces, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. With a little paint and this designer secret weapon, you can transform it into a space you actually look forward to spending time in. Skirted sinks and cabinetry have long been designers’ favorite ways to hide mess, cover up unseemly appliances, or refresh existing cabinets on a budget. The good news is that it is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that you can easily DIY yourself—either with premade curtains or custom sewn panels. Below, I break down exactly what these skirts are, where you can purchase them, and how to use them to transform your laundry room in just one afternoon. Related StoriesWhat Is a Fabric Skirt? Sarah GriggsFabric skirts instead of cabinet fronts keep this space feeling fresh-yet-timeless. Skirts are simple decorative swaths of fabric that are hung or mounted above an opening or above an empty space. They can be hung beneath sinks, strung across cabinetry instead of doors, or in front of anything you might want to hide in your home as long as there is a way to mount a rod. For More On Sink Skirts:What Kind of Fabric Should Be Used? Where Can I Purchase It?Stacy Zarin GoldbergIn designer Molly Singer’s laundry room, a skirt was used to cleverly cover up an extra dishwasher she installed in the space. While any fabric can work for skirting a laundry room sink or cabinetry, if budget is less of a concern, pick a performance fabric. Performance fabrics (sometimes referred to as indoor/outdoor fabrics) are specially treated to withstand staining and are easy to clean, which is especially helpful if you have young kids or dogs running around the house. Spoonflower, a popular direct-to-consumer textile house, offers all of its fabrics in either a performance linen or velvet, and prices start at around $49 per yard for performance-grade fabrics. If you want something a little more luxe, try designer-grade fabrics from sites like The Expert or Decorator’s Best. Do I Need to Be Able to Sew to Make a Sink Skirt?No! DIYing a simple skirt from fabric is relatively easy. You don’t even need a sewing machine! Just grab some heat-activated hemming tape, your iron, and get to crafting. You can also purchase pre-fabricated skirts (café curtains also work great!) at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, but buyer beware: they are fairly basic and many are only designed for pedestal sinks, not cabinetry. If you’re looking for something a little unique and full of farmhouse style, try a repurposed or upcycled material. Vintage sprons, feed and grain sacks, old tablecloths, quilts, and even pillowcases can be crafted into a skirt using the same DIY method mentioned above. Related Story How Can I Use a Fabric Skirt in a Laundry Room? In a laundry room, skirts can be used a plethora of ways. Have a mismatched set of washer and dryer? Use a skirt to cover them and create a seamless look. Don’t want to spend tons replacing damaged cabinet doors when you already shelled out for a new appliances? Go for a skirt instead! It will create a crisp, clean space with more personality than standard cabinetry ever could. Below, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite examples. Cover Your Appliances Rikki SnyderIn her New York home, designer Christina Salway chose a red floral fabric to conceal her washer and dryer in this pass-through laundry room. Skirt Your Wall-Mounted SinkMichael HunterA green botanical print adds another layer of pattern in this cheery laundry room. Mount Under Your Apron-Front SinkDavid TsaySkirt the open space under your apron-front sink open for additional storage while maintaining a pulled-together look. FOR MORE LAUNDRY ROOM IDEAS:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

Author and designer Ingrid Fetell Lee is no stranger to mood-boosting interiors. In 2009, she founded her lifestyle blog, The Aesthetics of Joy, to shed light on the relationship between our environment and our emotions, and to share ideas and inspiration for living a more joyful life through design. That endeavor led to a book on the same subject, as well as a popular TED Talk. (It's worth a watch!) Most recently, Ingrid teamed up with boutique wallpaper brand Hygge & West on a wallpaper collection that is sure to infuse any space with a more cheerful point of view. (Our personal favorites include the tomato-embellished heirloom print, the picnic stripe, as well as the graphic green-and-blue parasol motif.)In honor of Ingrid's newest endeavor, we asked the designer to share a few of her favorite ways to happy up a home. Wallpaper Your ClosetMichael PartenioA closet-turned-home office features a unexpected hit of wallcovering."A splash of wallpaper inside a closet turns an everyday moment—grabbing a coat or putting away laundry—into a small delight," says Ingrid. "Our brains are wired to notice novelty, and when something is partially hidden, like a bold pattern behind a door, it gives us the chance to rediscover it again and again." Ingrid suggests that you can create similar moments of delight by painting the inside of a cabinet a vibrant hue, adding a whimsical hook to your bathroom, or lining drawers with a cheerful print. "These elements of surprise break the monotony, keeping your environment feeling fresh," she says.Add Some CurvesMatthew KisidayA round mirror—and pretty floral wallcovering—in a powder room designed by Kendall Rabun Interiors. "Round forms—circles, spheres, arches—are more than a design preference. They’re tied to our emotional response system," says Ingrid. "Neuroscientific studies have shown that sharp angles can activate the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear and anxiety, while curved forms set us at ease." To soften your space, Ingrid suggests trying a circular mirror, a round coffee table, or patterns with curved shapes. "These soft forms subtly signal playfulness, making a room feel more relaxed and joyful," she says.Paint Your Door Edges (Or Stair Risers)Annie SchlechterIn the home of Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, a painted stairwell brings playful energy to a more formal foyer You don’t need a lot of color to make a big impact in your space. "Just a small hit of a bright, saturated hue—like painting the edge of a door in coral or lemon yellow—can instantly lift the mood of a room," says Ingrid. "Color affects us in powerful, often subconscious ways. Research shows that people working in more colorful environments feel more alert, confident, and joyful than those in dull, neutral spaces." Ingrid also notes that the brighter the color, the less you need. "Start small by adding it in unexpected places: the back of a bookshelf, the trim of a window, or a stair riser," she says.Bring the Outside InDavid HillegasIn a Lowcountry bedroom designed by Heather Chadduck, freshly clipped branches bring the outdoors in.Natural elements have a direct connection to our well-being. "Biophilic design—a term that references our innate love of nature—has been shown to reduce stress and increase positive emotions," says Ingrid. "Plants are an ideal way to do this, but even if you don’t have a green thumb, patterns with nature motifs like vines, leaves, and flowers can bring a sense of lushness and vitality to a space. Whether it’s a lush wallpaper, a botanical print, or a natural fiber rug, these touches help create a calming, grounded feeling that reconnects us with the natural world."Embrace Repeating PatternsCourtesy of Hygge and WestA stripe repeat—like this one from Ingrid’s new collection with Hygge & West—provides comfort in its predictability.There’s something inherently joyful about repetition. "Whether it’s stripes, polka dots, scallops, or another shape, repeated motifs create rhythm and order," says Ingrid. "Psychologists believe our brains find comfort in this kind of visual predictability — it’s both soothing and energizing."Engage All of the SensesSTACY ZARIN GOLDBERGCandles? Check. Blanket? Check. Branches? Check. This breakfast room by Winsome Interior Design hits all the right notes. (Also: That blue floor!)Joy isn’t just something we see. It’s something we feel, hear, and even smell. "Soft textures, cozy materials, the scent of citrus or pine, the sound of a crackling candle or birdsong outside: all of these layer into a sensory experience that deepens our emotional connection to a place," says Ingrid. "A joyful home doesn’t just look good. It feels alive."Related StoriesRachel Hardage BarrettRachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.

If whiling away your day in the garden (preferably while wearing something flowy) or decorating exclusively with brown furniture is your idea of a good time, then I’ve got some news for you: it’s time to embrace your inner grandma. Yes, 2025 is the year of the grandma, and the grandma-chic look has never been, well, chicer. Not only is it wildly affordable to decorate like your grandma, but it’s also an easy way to ensure your home exudes timeless warmth. Below, I share what the grandma chic aesthetic actually is and the tips of a few expert thrifters about how you can bring the look home on a budget.Related StoriesWhat Is the Grandma-Chic Aesthetic? ALUN CALLENDERTimeless rose motifs add grandma-approved cottage charm to any room.Somewhere between grandmillennial, cottagecore, and a hefty appreciation for antiques sits the grandma-chic aesthetic. “It’s really just about comfort and familiarity,” says Margo Roth, founder of House of Margo. Overstuffed cushions, timeless textiles, classic wood furniture, and a sense of come-as-you-are ease are foundations to the aesthetic. Look for faded floral motifs, painterly stripes, woven textures, and other twee touches to bring the look home. Just be sure to approach the aesthetic with authenticity. “A grandmother’s home has been slowly curated and decorated over decades,” says expert thrifter Riley Wigington. “You can’t go buy a bunch of floral prints from one store and call it ‘grandma-chic.’ You need to infuse your own personality into your selections and ensure a variety of patterns, textures, and colors in your decor.”Grandma-Chic Pieces to Look for at Thrift Stores While the grandma aesthetic is as wide ranging as it is cozy, there are a few key elements that exemplify the happily homespun look. Below, Riley and Margo share their must-haves to look for on your next trip out thrifting: BasketsCARLOS GARCIAWoven baskets of all shapes and sizes stand at the ready in this home from British designer Carlos Garcia.Both Riley and Margo say wicker baskets are the ultimate must-have Grandma-chic item. “I firmly believe you can never have too many,” says Margo. They offer instant texture and are often found at local thrift stores for under $10. “Look for varying shapes and sizes,” says Riley. “Bonus points if they can hold something practical, like blankets or your latest knitting project.” Margo also loves using one in her garden as a stylish vegetable trug. “They are the perfect example of functional beauty,” she says. Related StoryPieced Quilts Buff Strickland for Country LivingIn designer Claire Zinnecker’s Texas farmhouse, an antique wedding ring quilt adds a comforting layer of nostalgia to her guest bedroom.Blankets and throws are a given in any grandma-adjacent space as they encourage the cozy, laze-about vibe associated with grandma’s house. Quilts of all kinds are encouraged, especially pieced quilts, which are prized for their handcrafted charm. Look for quilts in good condition with even, tight stitching to ensure their longevity. When cleaning older textiles, use gentle detergents and hang them to dry. You can also spritz them with a 1:1 mix of water and vodka to remove any lingering smells. Patterned Plates Courtesy of Deborah ArendsFruit- and flower-themed dinnerware adds homespun charm to any plate wall.Calling all majolica and Burleigh Pottery fans: This is your permission to thrift even more patterned and transferware plates. “Hang them on your wall for a true grandma-chic look,” says Riley. Collected plate walls, which have long been a staple of formal dining rooms and cottage kitchens alike, offer a sense of lived-in flair at a relatively low price point. Stick to one pattern or color palette, or mix shapes, styles, and colors for a happily hodgepodge look. Related StoryDark Wood Furniture COURTESY OF TIM SALISBURY/ANNA SPIRO DESIGNThis antique mahogany dresser doubles as a bedside table in this pattern-filled room by Anna Spiro.Dark wood furniture—think mahogany or walnut—was once the standard. While it may have fallen out of fashion in the last 30 years, its timeless appeal remains, and it has experienced a slow revival in recent years. Choose utility pieces with personality, such as a hutch or china cabinet, for the ultimate statement. Related StoryPyrex Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingPatterned Pyrex is prized amongst in-the-know collectors and can fetch a pretty penny on the market.There’s a pretty good chance that your grandmother exclusively used Pyrex to store her leftovers. The colorful dishware’s inherent nostalgia and cheerful disposition make it one of the most sought-after antiques on the market these days. Stay on the hunt long enough and you might just find yourself invited to an exclusive Pyrex swap. (Expert collectors recommend checking Facebook for Pyrex swap groups in your area.) Related Story Cozy Armchairs David A. Land for Country LivingNew upholstered furniture is notoriously expensive, making thrifting a much more affordable way to achieve the same look. While thrifting upholstery may conjure up images (read: nightmares) of bedbugs or other unseemly tag-alongs, it doesn’t have to. “If the item is clean or can be cleaned, has a slipcover, or is practically unused, go for it,” says Margo. Like caring for vintage quilts, cleaning upholstery is easier than it seems. Sprinkle baking soda over the piece and vacuum it off, or simply spray it with the same 1:1 mixture of water and vodka mentioned above. Riley suggests looking for unexpected fabric patterns in either stripes or florals to infuse your space with a little personality. And, if you find a piece with good bones, but less than “chic” fabric, it may still be worth buying and having reupholstered (or tackling a DIY reupholstering project). For a chance at high-end designer fabrics, skip the thrift store and check out a local estate sale for a well-loved arm chair in need of a second life. Related StoriesGardening Tools Kate Sears for Country LivingFrom lawn sprinklers to watering cans, vintage gardening tools add easy patina to any space.Grandma hobbies, also known as the useful pastoral pursuits that were once integral to everyday living, are experiencing a resurgence, with gardening taking center stage. Whether they’re useful pieces salvaged from Grandma’s potting shed or totally decorative finds that add patina to a bloom room or entryway, vintage gardening tools are full of charm and an affordable way to infuse any space with rustic texture. Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us? The secret to timeless country style? It’s more so a feeling than a look, and that feeling is warm and welcoming. Part of what gives a country-style home that warm and welcoming feeling is the sense that the furnishings have been collected over time. No matching sets here! Instead, it’s the homeowner’s personal pairing of the just right chairs with the just right tables, or grandma’s favorite arm chair reupholstered in a new fresh fabric. It’s also about the inviting colors, warm wood finishes, and, of course, a layering of patina. While each country house is unique and personal, there are a few elements that you’ll find time and time again—you could call them the MVPs of country style. They stand the test because they can be restyled or used in a different way as your house evolves. Here are those 7 no-regrets decor ideas that’ll look at home in any country-style house today—and decades from now. TOUR SOME OF OUR FAVORITE COUNTRY HOUSESA Blue & White Palette Brian Woodcock for Country LivingThe reliably fresh combo of blue and white causes our country hearts to flutter, and we’re not alone. “It’s a combo that dates all the way back to ancient Persia,” explains Ellen Fisher, a dean at the New York School of Interior Design. “The area’s wealth of cobalt gave way to the striking look.” (Indigo followed a similar course for textiles.) RELATED:Spool BedsBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingSixteenth-century woodworkers embraced spindle- or spool-style furniture, and the look became more popular in the 1800s as technology simplified the carving process. Spool beds are often called Jenny Lind beds after a 19th-century Swedish songstress who took a liking to them during her 1850 U.S. tour—but technically a Jenny Lind is a spool bed with squared edges. RELATED:Wingback ChairsDavid A. Land for Country LivingSoaring in popularity since the 1600s, the wingback chair’s “wings” were designed to block smoke from the fireplace. We love it for its heft. A wingback chair has enough presence to act as a decorative counterpoint to a sofa. Place it near a fireplace. Update it in a large-scale pattern. Or try a two-tone approach: Solid (or small-scale) on the inside; large-scale pattern on the back.RELATED:Trestle TablesMax Kim-BeeThe practical trestle table design dates back to the Middle Ages (it can be spotted on a medieval coat of arms) when it replaced solo dining surfaces with a communal gathering spot for sharing meals. Bonus: The X-base allows for more room at the corners than standard fixed legs. RELATED:Pine Furniture Marian ParsonsCountry design has always been rooted in casual elegance, and no material epitomizes that humble, understated approach to beauty more than scrubbed pine, which was especially popular in rural England in the 1800s. RELATED:Wainscoting Brian WoodcockTurns out our gravitation toward wainscoting is biological. “The human eye is wired to scan for the horizon,” explains Freya Van Saun, professor of decorative arts at the New York School of Interior Design. “Rooms dating to ancient Rome can be found with millwork defining the midline.”RELATED:Gingham FabricDavid Tsay for Country LivingAs far as patterns go, checks have a straightforward graphic charm that’s pleasing to the eye and well-proven longevity (checked gingham dates back to the 17th century!) Plus: They can go formal (the Queen’s Staircase in Versailles anyone?) or far from it (hello, chain restaurant tablecloth).More Timeless Decorating Ideas:

Wondering what in the world to give your mom who has everything this Mother's Day? How about the gift of decorating tips and tricks from none other than Joanna Gaines? Plus, watching Gaines's class on MasterClass titled “Designing a Home That Tells Your Story” comes at a way better than usual price tag with MasterClass offering 50 percent off their yearlong access for Mother's Day.What exactly would gifting your mom Joanna's class on Masterclass look like? Here's a preview of what she'll get out of the class based on what I found watching it myself. MasterClass Designing a Home That Tells Your StoryNow 50% Off$120 $60 at MasterClassFirst, a little of my own context for watching the class: While I spend a lot of time writing about beautiful interiors for Country Living, I am not an interior designer, so I often feel unsure about decisions I make to decorate my own home. What size should a rug be for this room? How should I arrange this shelf? What color should I choose?Often for décor guidance, I start with images of living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, and more I find online. But in this MasterClass, Gaines, founder of Magnolia, gave me confidence to start a different place in my design decisions: with my own story. “Your home isn’t just where you live. It’s a reflection of who you are and your story,” Gaines says at the opening of the class. And that’s her framework for the rest of what she shares over the next hour and 25 minutes (which goes by real fast!), as she gets more into the nuts and bolts of renovating and design decisions. I’d forgotten that Gaines herself isn’t formally trained in design either, but as we all know, she certainly knows how to do it well. In the class she walks you step by step through her design process and how to apply it to your own home. It’s equal parts visual feast of images of her own projects that make you think, “Yes, I want a room that looks like that!” and practical instruction with tips (including budgetary ones!) to help you achieve your version of just the right room. In fact, after each section of the class, Gaines gives you bulleted “home” work points after to help you take your coaching home with you.One of the key ways Gaines makes design feel more doable is how she encourages you to develop a vision for a room that first starts with its functionality for your family (amen to that!)—a point she emphasizes with stories of spaces in her own and how they practically work for their family of seven (and in the end, it looks real pretty too)—and then how she encourages you to return to your design vision time and time again as you select each element of a room.As I watched the class, I was not only taking notes for this review but also thinking through my own living room, jotting down the words that best encapsulated my vision for it and thinking about ways those words can help guide me to find the right lamps, art, and other pieces I have gotten stuck picking out for most of this year. “Maybe I could frame some of my classical music-loving husband’s vinyl album covers?” I thought as she talked us through finding objects to display that mean something to you—accents that are “the soul to the room.”Even though a lot of the class is centered on inspiring you to do your own décor work, I appreciate that I also got a good dose of good ole before and after stories. Throughout its length, Gaines describes how her design process played out for several projects of different styles, including her own home and how it has evolved in its décor over the years. In a way, these stories are all what we already know and love of Gaines and her style and her process, but this time they come with a framework that especially encourages you to try it for yourself—with a Joanna Gaines level of confidence that you are the best designer for the space you spend time in and that, in the end, it should look like no one else’s room but your own. To fully embrace all of those ideas and many more, I definitely recommend you give the gift of watching the MasterClass. Annual memberships start at $120, but they are 50 percent off for Mother's Day and go on sale other times of the year as well. Madoline Markham KoonceAssistant Managing EditorMadoline Markham Koonce is the assistant managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA, where she covers home décor, shopping, travel, news, and culture. She began her career at Southern Living and previously worked in community journalism—including serving as the editor of three community magazines she helped launch. She has an undergraduate degree in history from Rhodes College (and loves to tap her love of history in her writing) as well as a master's degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri. When she's not on deadline, you can find her baking or lost in a good book.

Long beloved as way to conceal the unsightly, while also adding a decorative touch, the once-humble sink skirt that dressed cottage and farmhouse-style kitchens in the 1930s through the 1950s is having a serious style moment. The best part? It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade that offers major visual impact. And while the original and most popular version of a sink skirt is below an apron-front farmhouse kitchen sink, skirting is a a design idea you can personalize to almost any room and situation you’re hoping to add a little softness and style. Designers such as Leanne Ford, Lilse McKenna, Lizzie Cox, and more have fully embraced the trend, skirting everything from laundry room sinks to kitchen cabinetry. Below, I’m breaking down all the designer-approved ways to embrace pretty pleats and rollicking ruffles in the kitchen—and all around the house. MORE ON KITCHENS:Pick Your SpaceErin LittleSkirted sinks began to grow in popularity during the 1930s, as homeowners looked to break out of the all-white, somewhat sterile look that was the standard for kitchens at the time. A “skirt” of fabric could be easily added to the base of a farmhouse-style sink to bring the room a little color and femininity with fabric. Courtesy of Louise RoeLouise Roe, creative force behind Sharland England, added this floor-skimming skirt to her pretty and prim powder bath. Skirts aren’t just for kitchen sinks, though. Some of the favorite skirted sinks we’ve featured recently have been in bathrooms, and specifically powder rooms. Adding a skirt to a pedestal sink is the perfect was to gain a little under sink storage while also upping the style factor in a big way. Skirting—both of sinks and cabinetry—is also quickly becoming a favorite trick of designers to upgrade laundry rooms. Find Your FabricDavid Tsay for Country LivingA simple gingham fabric panel on a brass rod adds color and pattern to textile designer Heather Taylor’s woodsy cabin kitchen, while also hiding under-sink clutter. From graphic gingham to ditsy florals, your print options are as endless as your design dreams. For easy and effortless gathering, go lightweight. For maximum durability, like what you would need in a laundry or mudroom, consider indoor-outdoor options. Direct-to-consumer fabric sites like Spoonflower are a great source in this post-JOANN age for affordable, stylish choices. They even have performance fabrics, but don’t worry: You can also boost linen longevity with Scotchgard.Related StoryFinesse Your FlounceMax Kim-BeeIn this former schoolhouse-turned cottage by the Madcap Cottage design team, a flouncy skirt brings a touch of English cottage charm to the bath. Differing pleat styles can evoke distinct looks. Tightly tailored box pleats feel a bit more buttoned-up, while a full-flowing skirt veers more playful. If you’re unsure what dose of design your space needs, take inventory of what’s already there. “If the rest of the room feels frilly, go with a more simple style,” says New York-based designer Ariel Okin. “Conversely, if it’s a modern kitchen, a fancy skirt could be just the off-kilter addition needed.” Also, consider how much “puddling” you desire. A skirt that’s generous in length looks more casual; a skirt that just skims the surface tends to feel more sophisticated. Location may also dictate how much puddling is reasonable. If you’re skirting a pretty powder room sink, a little puddling adds a touch of easy elegance, but if you’re skirting a cabinet in a kitchen, additional fabric skimming the floor can just get in the way. Below, find the most popular curtain header styles to make sure your skirt looks great from top to bottom. Pleat Styles to KnowRod PocketMelinda JosiePinch PleatMelinda JosieGathered PleatMelinda JosieBox PleatMelinda JosieTry Secondhand SkirtingGridley+Graves PhotographersSkirted spaces are already an economical alternative to cabinetry, but you can double down on savings by creatively repurposing vintage textiles like large tea towels, accent rugs—you name it. All you need is a tension rod paired with curtain ring clips—no sewing machine or seamstress required! Or, if you prefer a cleaner line, fold over the top edge and sew a simple rod pocket. Below, find some of our favorite vintage items you can use to create a one-of-a-kind skirt of your own. Secondhand Skirt Ideas to TryPieced QuiltMelinda JosieFeed SackMelinda JosieApronMelinda JosieThink Beyond the SinkIf skirting your sink isn’t an option, there are other ways to bring the nostalgic look to your kitchen or laundry room. A below-the-counter skirt is an easy way to hide sterile appliances like the dishwasher or washer and dryer. They can also be used in place of cabinet doors to give a kitchen a more cottage-style look. Below are some of our favorite skirted applications.Rikki Snyder for Country LivingDesigner Christina Salway opted for a bold red fabric to hide the washer and dryer in her New York farmhouse’s pass-through laundry room. Simon UptonDesigner Amy Morris installed a petite skirt in this butler’s pantry as a way to hide unseemly appliances. Simon UptonIn this laundry-meets-bloom room, designers Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, the duo behind Salvesen Graham, fabricated a skirt to run the length of the scalloped counter. Related Stories@KITANDCO_Butter yellow cabinetry pairs perfectly with this simple gingham skirt that conceals the dishwasher. Nicole FranzenIn this collected kitchen, designer Leanne Ford opted for a simple striped skirt to cover her cabinets. Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

How many times do we find ourselves wishing we had more space in our homes, or had just one more room for the kids or to host guests? Well, that wish may actually be more easily granted than you think by just looking up... at your attic! For most homes, the attic is an overlooked or utilized space that doesn’t get used for much more than storage. There are tons of other ways to utilize the extra space in an attic, but turning it into a cozy and quaint bedroom might just be the best. Once a common old-house feature, attic bedrooms are back and are chock full of charm. Below, we’ve gathered up 20 designer-favorite ways to renovate attic space into a cozy bedroom for kids or guests. These attic bedroom decor ideas include how to use wallpaper, what paint colors work best, and other creative ways to make also make an attic a multi-use space that is perfect for both guests and playtime. Check Out These Stories for More Bedroom Decor Inspiration: 1Get Creative with WallpaperRead McKendreeIn this attic bedroom designed by Kari McCabe, wallpaper extends up the walls and across the ceiling, unifying the many different surfaces and enveloping the space in a cheerful ditsy print. White painted floors and pink-and-white bedding keep the space feeling bright. RELATED: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Painting Your Floors2Pick Matching BeddingMarta Xochilt Perez for Country LivingWhen in doubt, pull out the matching bedding to bring a space together with ease. This lake house’s attic bedroom relies on colorful bedding and a collected gallery wall to warm up the all-white space. TOUR THIS HOUSE RELATED: Our Best Lake House Decorating Ideas That Ooze Laid-Back StyleAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Or, Stick to a Similar Color PaletteTara Donne for Country LivingPrefer a more collected over time nostalgic look? Take a note from designer Christina Salway’s playbook and mix and match your bedding within a tight color palette. In her farmhouse, a classic color scheme inspired by Americana sets the tone. TOUR THIS HOUSE4Use Relaxed Window CoveringsRoger DaviesAttic bedrooms often feature quirky-yet-charming windows, meaning you have to get a little creative with your window coverings. In this coastal California cottage, a relaxed Roman shade provides light filtration above the bed, while providing softness against the rooms angular features. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go All-In on a Cozy Paint ColorRead McKendree for Country LivingGive your space a cocoon-like feel my drenching it in a dark paint color. In this attic guest room, homeowners Stephenie and Chase Watts chose a striking deep green with brown undertones to add an extra layer of coziness to the small space. Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Griffin by Sherwin-Williams6Let Your Walls Do the TalkingAudrey Hall for Country LivingWhen in doubt, rely on your existing architecture to add visual interest. The charm of this attic bedroom is all about the exposed wood, which the homeowner opted not to paint to add to the rustic coziness. RELATED: Yes, Wood Walls Are Officially Back. Here’s How to Get Them RightAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Add Contrast with DecorDavid Tsay for Country LivingAttic bedrooms are usually on the small side and may appear more cramped than a standard bedroom. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to all white, though. This bedroom blends light and airy surroundings with more grounded, moodier pieces such as a worn leather chair, navy blue throw, and gray curtains. 8Accentuate Architecture with ArtALI HARPERIn this cozy attic bedroom in a North Carolina cottage, a pair of signal flags hung from antique fishing poles perfectly complement the space’s angular architecture. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 70 Stylish Kids’ Room Ideas That Even Grownups Will LoveAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Add A SetteeDavid Tsay for Country LivingIf you’re relegating your guests to the attic, ensure there is ample space for them to drop their bags and actually relax. In this airy farmhouse bedroom, an antique settee offers a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the view while sipping a cup of coffee. TOUR THIS HOUSE10Build Out A Bunk RoomAli Harper, styling by Ginny Au for Pfeffer TorodeIf your attic is going to host cousin sleepovers or weekly slumber parties, then you need to build out some bunks. In his family’s weekend home, architect Jamie Pfeffer lined the attic with built-in beds, increasing the home’s sleeping capacity to 9! TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Need to Sleep a Crowd? Try These Nostalgic Bunk Room IdeasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Use Curtains to Divide the SpaceMatt AlbianiCreate separation in a multi-use attic by cleverly employing curtains around the sleeping area. Not only does this look effortlessly chic, but it also ensures your guests can get some well-deserved shut-eye. TOUR THIS HOUSE12Embrace the RusticityBrian Woodcock for Country LivingIn this humble attic bedroom, the homeowner improvised “drywall” by stapling a swath of landscaping burlap over the ceiling insulation. Keeping it simple, two cots add a campy feel and ensure the space is always ready for guests. Just be sure you supply comfortable bedding! TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: This Sleep Method Will Revolutionize How You Make Your BedAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Create a Feature Wall With Wallpaper Brian Woodcock for Country LivingInteresting architecture is the key to a well-executed feature wall, making the attic one of the best places for them. In this airy bedroom in a Mississippi farmhouse, the homeowner created a stencil to paint an accent wall design similar to a sold out wallpaper she loved. The same affect can be achieved with wallpaper. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These Removable Wallpapers Are Editor-Tested and Approved14Add a Bench SeatJenni YoloIf your attic bedroom doubles as a bonus room, make the most of the space with a built-in bench. In this attic space designed by Jenni Yolo, an upholstered box bench runs the width of the end wall and serves as the perfect perch for a playful array of mismatched pillows.RELATED: This Is the Couch Every Kid's Playroom NeedsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Hang Your LightingDavid A. Land for Country LivingIf lamps don’t have a home in your attic bedroom, use existing architecture to craft the perfect lighting setup. In this cozy attic bedroom, a simple jute rope light was looped around an exposed wood beam to craft a fun and functional task lighting display. RELATED: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Buying and Using Salvaged Wood 16Go Feet to FeetBuff Strickland for Country LivingIf your attic is wider than it is long, don’t be afraid to position the beds across from each other. In this Texas farmhouse, this airy attic bedroom is ready to welcome guests at a moment’s notice. RELATED: This Sunny Shade is Going to Be Everywhere in 2025Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Add a DaybedAnnie SchlechterDaybeds, especially a daybed with a trundle like the one shown here, are great options for attics that double as playrooms. Here, serial renovator Holly Williams ensured this home’s attic had enough room to host both tea time and a sleepover. 18Carve Out a Bed NookBrian Woodcock for Country LivingNot every sleeping space in an attic has to be a standalone bed. In this colorful attic, the homeowner carved out an old-school nook in a wall to house a kid-sized bed with ease. RELATED: What is a Box Bed? The Cozy Bedroom Trend Everyone’s Suddenly Obsessed WithAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Utilize Tast LightingDavid A. LandIf your attic isn’t optimized for overhead light placement, look to the walls to provide task lighting that will illuminate the areas you need most during the night. In this attic bedroom, two table-mounted desk lamps serve as sconces. Plug-in sconces are also a great option when accessing electricity within the walls isn’t an option.RELATED: These Editor-Approved Mini Lamps Add Instant Ambiance20Try a Loft BedroomAlec Hemer for Country LivingIf you have a ton of vertical space but no real attic, that’s okay. You can still build a sleeping area. This airy beach cottage features a sleeping loft above the main floor, ensuring that any friends or family who drop in have a place to call their own. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These Beach Home Decorating Ideas Will Make Waves in Any InteriorAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

Country LivingCountry Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?I spent a lot of weekends of my childhood at my grandparent's, and while I fondly remember so much about those days, but one particularly vivid memory is simply of climbing in bed after a busy day of canning beans, playing in the garden, and throwing tea parties. My grandmother was pretty religious about switching bedding out for each season, and there was nothing like climbing in the bed draped with light linens after a warm bath on a summer night. Little did I know at the time, her go-to summer blanket was a pretty common bed linen for her generation—a matelassé cover. I fear that we as a culture lost the practice of switching our bedding over for each season, so matelassé blankets became a relic of the past. But I've seen them crop back up recently, especially with the resurgence of grandma's popularity (she really is so cool). Not a quilt but not a blanket, a matelassé is somewhere in between. While a matelassé cover might look similar to a quilt, it doesn't feature the layers of batting and fabric that a quilt does, and instead is just a single material with an incredibly intricate weave. Matelassé covers are lightweight and breathable, providing a bit more heft than a simple blanket without the chance of trapping heat with any batting. I see exactly why my grandmother loved them so much: they're the ideal bed linen for a Mississippi summer. I knew she was right about so many things in life, so I'll add this one to the list and purchase my own matelassé cover to get me through the hot Southern summer months. 1Better Homes & Gardens Paisley Matelasse Quilt$55 at WalmartWhile I'm all for investing in great bedding, you might not want to spend a lot on linens you'll only use part of the year, and that's totally fine! This $55 Walmart find features the neutral color palette and intricate design expected in a matelassé cover, without the steep price tag. 2Red Land Cotton Classic Matelasse Bedspread$280 at redlandcotton.comThis delicate matelassé reminds me so much of the one I used to tuck into at my grandparents'. The intricate fringe detailing and textured design combined with the 100% cotton construction is truly perfection. Red Land Cotton's bedding is also designed to age just like grandma's did, getting better with ever sleep and growing softer over time. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Cozy Line Home Fashions 100% Cotton Victorian Medallion Solid White Matelasse $100 at AmazonThis 100% cotton matelassé comes in a few different designs and colors, each equally as beautiful as the last, but we can't help but be drawn to the scalloped edge of this one. Don't you think grandma would love it?4Pine Cone Hill Boyfriend White Matelasse Coverlet$458 at AmazonWhile matelassé may have traditionally been known for it's intricate designs, there's plenty of options out there for the minimalists these days, like this gender-neutral option.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Historic Charleston King Charles Modern Farmhouse Floral Matelasse CoverletInspired by a blend of Charleston's rich artistic history and the traditional bedding used in 18th century England, this mattelassé cover is the definition of luxury, minus the steep price tag. 6Peacock Alley Juliet Matelassé Coverlet$395 at peacockalley.comPeacock Alley has long been heralded as one of the best sources for high-quality bed linens, matelassés included. Their Juliet coverlet is made in Portugal from 100% cotton and is totally worth the splurge. Shoppers also love their Peacock Alley's coverlets are slightly longer than the average, making them ideal for raised bed frames. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Calla Angel Garden Luxury Pure Cotton Matelasse $189 at AmazonIf you're a fan of traditional matelassé designs, then this Amazon find will be right up your alley. It features a scalloped edge and intricate detailing, and it comes in tons of different colors. Hannah JonesCommerce EditorHannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.

The first Monday in May is always my favorite. When I lived in New York, I used to walk the seven blocks from my shoebox apartment on the Upper East Side to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and watch the fashion world descend upon the granite steps. The Met Gala is arguably fashion’s biggest night of the year, trailing only behind the Oscars in terms of seen-and-be-seen star power. This year, the Met’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and the Costume Institute’s accompanying exhibition by guest curator Monica Miller explores the impact black fashion has had on the world. As an avid red carpet watcher, I was pleasantly surprised when I flipped on the carpet livestream last night and saw not one, not two, but four different celebrities sporting a shade I predicted earlier this spring was destined to emerge as one of the year’s top shades. Last night only confirmed it: 2025 is officially the year of butter yellow!As a certified color obsessive and Country Living’s Senior Homes + Style EditorDrew Barrymore Yellow to a load of fanfare. Just days before, KitchenAid announced that Butter was set to be their shade of the year. (The viral reveal video of KitchenAid’s newest mixer has over 20 million views on TikTok alone.) Since then, butter yellow has exploded in popularity. Below, I’m digging into why the shade is so popular and how you can integrate it into your home. Becky Luigar-Stayner, styling by Kathleen Varner for Country LivingFarrow & Ball’s Sudbury Yellow transformed this cottage kitchen's backdoor into a show-stopping space.Charmingly bold yet totally livable, butter yellow is a color-lover’s neutral. And, the psychology behind its popularity makes a lot of sense. “Yellow has the ability to transport you back in time, evoking some of the warmest memories,” says Brittni Pertijs, the design manager of color, material, and finish at KitchenAid’s parent company, Whirlpool. In today’s uncertain times, it seems people are gravitating to the joy and comfort yellow offers. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingIcy Lemonade by Sherwin-Williams sets a quietly cool tone in this memorabilia-filled bedroom. While striking paint shades are nothing new, they have taken on a new life in the last few years thanks to the increasing popularity of maximalism and dopamine decorating. Gone are the days of millennial gray or the domination of what the internet has dubbed “sad beige.” Uniformity is no longer seen as the ultimate signifier of taste, thanks to this reemergence and exhalation of exuberant, personalized style. In layman’s terms: The weirder and more original your decor or paint choices, the cooler they are. Pinterest identified this trend earlier this year in the 2025 trend report, noting that Gen Z and Gen X are likely to spend this year personalizing their spaces with handmade touches.So, whether you’re ready to go all-in on some tried, true, and designer-approved yellow paint colors or strike out on your own to find your perfect shade of butter, it’s time to start embracing the sunnier side of the paint deck. If you’re not ready to commit to a full paint job, start by integrating some of our favorite home decor finds below. Butter Yellow KitchenAid Mixer$500 at Williams SonomaRuffled Gingham Pillow$127 at heathertaylorhome.comGathered Linen Lampshade$195 at pooky.comVietri Yellow Dinner Plate$46 at AnthropologieMerola Tile Hudson Due 2" Hex Vintage Yellow Floor & Wall TileBirch Lane Evelia Handmade Ceramic Table Vase$21 at Birch LaneAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

There’s just something about a beach house that brings an instant exhale and has us kicking off our shoes and feeling just a little bit lighter and more relaxed. Sure, part of that has to do with the smell of the salty, sea air and the soothing sounds of the waves, but more so, it’s the easy, breezy feeling of the house itself. Light and airy rooms that are painted the just right shade of warm white, perfectly lived-in and worry-free furniture, pops of happy color, and, of course, all those charming nautical finds.Even if you don’t live in the dreamiest little seaside cottage located in one of the most charming beach towns in the U.S., you can instantly transport yourself to the seaside locale with the addition of a few tasteful (read: not too kitschy) coastal-forward decorating touches, such as framed seascape wall art, lots of natural materials like wood and rattan, seashell-adorned mirrors and accessories, ship-worthy lighting, brass finishes, and anything and everything in all shades of blue! Whether you are looking for a modern or rustic beach house look or something that feels more like an English seaside cottage, check out these 44 dreamy rooms that are packed with beach house decorating inspiration to get you started.For even more coastal decorating ideas, check out these related stories:1Paint Your FloorsStacy Zarin GoldbegWhen topped with durable polyurethane, painted wood floors are up for the challenge of lots of traffic and sand-covered feet. For an even “beachier” look, choose a watery blue hue, like in this Nags Head, North Carolina kitchen. Simple throw rugs provide color and softness and can be easily taken outside for a quick shakeout.Get the Look: Floor Paint Color:Blue Nose by Benjamin MooreSEE MORE OF THIS KITCHENRELATED: 15 Charming Color Ideas for Painting Hardwood Floors2Hang a Ship Rope RailDylan Chandler for Country LivingIn this Connecticut home, the standard wood hand rail was swapped for vintage ship rope looped through brass holders. A couple of old chippy oars on the landing bring more coastal charm.Get the Look: For similar, Rope Rail:Twisted Manila Rope from AmazonAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Lay a Rush RugDane Tashima for Country LivingTo handle the traffic of wet and sandy feet, cover your floors in inexpensive rush rugs: a seagrass floor covering pieced together via one-foot interwoven squares.TOUR THIS BEACH COTTAGEGet the Look: Rush Rug:The Original Rug by Rush House4Display Your Straw HatsRead McKendree for Country LivingIf there is one thing you’ll find at a beach house, it’s a straw hat...or two...or ten. When they aren’t in use, why not make hang them to make a fun, beach-y feeling wall arrangement. TOUR THIS BEACH HOUSERELATED: Get More Creative Ways to Decorate With Straw HatsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Cover Your Walls With SailboatsDylan Chandler for Country LivingIn Homeowner Nora Murphy’s powder room, framed Vintage black and white sailboat photographs cover every spot of the white walls for a nostalgic sailing theme. She found her powder room mirror at a barn sale and added a small anchor flag to make it on-theme.6Don’t Forget the Life RingDane Tashima for Country LivingTurn a blank wall into a fun conversation-starting spot by simply hanging an old life ring. They are the perfect shape and size to stand on their own as a wall accent, especially in an outdoor space—and the color some bring is fun too. RELATED: Screened-In Porch Ideas to Inspire You Any Time of YearAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Layer Blue and White TextilesMatt AlbianiAt Matt Albiani and Ron Brand’s Montauk, New York cottage, Sea Roost, no chair or sofa is complete without a pillow or throw made of an antique indigo and white textile. TOUR THIS COTTAGERELATED: 50 Can’t-Miss Beach Reads for Summer 20248Tuck in Lobster BuoysGridley and GravesImmediately elevate a plain porch into a coastal getaway just by setting around a few colorful lobster buoys. The exposed joists and headers on this Maine cottage’s porch provided the perfect perch for several of the homeowner’s found treasures.RELATED: 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage Online Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Fashion a Clever Coat RackBecky Luigart-StaynerRepurpose rope cleats as the perfect coastal coat rack. To make, simply screw evenly spaced metal cleats into a painted board.10Paint Your ChairsKaryn MilletTo give her small California cottage a large, airy feel, designer Raili Clasen had the drop ceiling removed and brightened up the dark wood with white paint. Rewired with jute-covered cord, the vintage pendant fixture hangs directly from a junction box, but the swag rope makes it look like it’s nonchalantly tossed around the beams. Surrounding the large dining table is a mix of mismatched vintage chairs which Raili gave a uniform look with happy green paint. Get the Look:Ceiling Paint Color: Pure White by Sherwin-WilliamsChair Paint Color: Avocado by Sherwin-WilliamsJute-Covered Cord: Jute Rope Electrical Cord Kit from AmazonTOUR THIS BEACH HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Embrace Nautical MotifsErick EspinozaDesigner Anthony Baratta is known for his bold use of color and pattern, and this Nantucket porch featuring a nautical-themed painted floor by Adam Lowenbein is thankfully no exception.Get the Look:Floor Paint Color: For similar, Faded Flaxflower by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: Brilliant Painted Floors Ideas That’ll Add Instant Charm12Add Color UnderfootFrances Isaac, Design by Gaelle Dudley, GLDESIGNIn this Connecticut powder room by designer Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN, blue and blue cement tiles laid in a buffalo check pattern floor lends a playful coastal vibe. Wicker sconces add to the casual, beachy vibe. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Use Washable SlipcoversRoger Davies, styling by Liz StrongThis airy living room may look well-appointed, but washable slipcovers on the deep sofa and swivel chair minimize any and all wear-and-tear worries. The weathered wood coffee table and thick sisal rug also hold up to traffic of all sorts.TOUR THIS BEACH COTTAGE14Build an Outdoor ShowerFrances Isaac Photography, Design by Gaelle Dudley, GLDESIGNEvery beach house needs a spot out back for a rinse off after a trip to the beach. Here, at a coastal home in Connecticut, designer Gaelle Dudley added an outdoor shower pavilion using a customized barn-style door on a rolling barn door track. The soft blue and white color palette references the nearby ocean.Get the Look:Barn Door Track: Single Barn Door Track by RusticaPaint Colors: Coastline and White Caps from the A La Plage Collection by Gaelle DudleyRELATED: Beautiful Outdoor Shower Ideas for Your BackyardAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Mix Rattan FurnitureDylan ChandlerNo material feels more at home in a beach house than rattan, and, as this pretty breakfast nook in a Bahamian beach house designed by Amanda Lindroth proves, there is no such thing as too much. Cushions in soft blues add just the right amount of color in this inviting neutral space.See more of this home in Amanda’s latest book, Island Dreaming: Amanda Lindroth Design. 16Hang an Oar Curtain RodBecky Luigart-StaynerSwitch out your box-store curtain rod for a patinaed paddle or oar. To install, screw the oar directly into your wall (make sure you drill into a stud), or rest the paddle on curtain rod brackets. Slip the narrow end of the paddle through the curtain’s rod pocket or use curtain rings to hang. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Accent With BrassDANE TASHIMAIn this small Cape Cod kitchen of Steve Ballerini and Colin Bohrer, a sloped red cedar ceiling lends a feeling of being on a boat. Handcrafted unlacquered brass and rope pendants further the nautical vibe, as does the brass hardware on the marine blue cabinetry.TOUR THIS HOMERELATED: Beautiful Blue Kitchen Cabinet Ideas to Elevate Your Home18Focus on the ViewAlec Hemer; Styling: Stacy KunstelThanks to a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors, all eyes are on the prize in this dreamy dining room. To add softness, homeowner Marsha Ahearn had breezy tie-top curtains made from 100-year-old French sheets found at the Brimfield antiques shows. Adding to the room’s casual look, rather than a chandelier, a lightweight, but hunky lantern hangs above the generous dining table. Pillows made from vintage bark cloth fabric add feminine pattern to the mix of natural wicker chairs. Get the Look: For similar, Lantern:“Ricardo” by Birch LaneAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Think PinkVictoria PearsonThree words sum up the oh-so-cute kitchen in designer Krista Ewart’s California beach cottage: scallops, scallops, and more scallops. Oh, a perfectly pink retro-style refrigerator, too! Get the Look: Pink Refrigerator: 50’s Style Frig by SMEG20Mix Old and NewALEC HEMERDesigner Loi Thai believes in layering rooms with that just-right piece of antique furniture or collection of vintage art, but he equally embraces the practicality and accessibility of mass retailer finds. Here, in the living room of his Maine coastal retreat, he set the scene by topping an economical jute rug with a striking blue-and-white striped dhurrie rug. For the comfortable seating arrangement, he paired a factory dolly-turned-coffee table with slipcovered seating and an indoor/outdoor wicker chair.Jennifer KopfJennifer Kopf is the Executive Editor of Country Living. She also covers antiques and collecting.

Ask interior designer Elaine Griffin if she uses the word sofa or couch to describe one of the most important pieces of furniture in the living room, and you’ll get a definitive answer. “You will never hear a professional designer call an 84-inch upholstered unit with a back, two arms, and four feet anything but a sofa,” says the author of Design Rules: The Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator. But while “civilians tend to use the terms indistinguishably,” Elaine notes, the words have distinct definitions in history, as well as distinct uses in the home both then and now.David HillegasA tufted-back Chesterfield sofa, a popular sofa style for style and comfort since the mid-1700s. What are the Differences Between a Sofa and a Couch?The word “sofa” originates from the Arabic word suffah to describe upholstered, upright, cushioned seating with structure with two arms and a back. “Couch” comes from the French word couche, derived from the verb meaning “to lie down,” as in on a daybed.In fact, soon after Louis XIV’s death, formality among the royals in Versailles shifted to be more comfortable. “Sitting was no longer only ritualistic or functional, but became a form of relaxation,” the architect Witold Rybczynski writes in Home: A Short History of an Idea. “Women reclined on a chaise longue, which could also be used as a couch.” And yet, Witold later opined, “Writing a history of seating raises the problem of nomenclature. The Greeks and Romans dined on couches, which were really more like beds, which may be why the word derives from the French coucher, to lie down.” According to the Dictionary of Interior Design by Martin M. Peglar, the couch is defined as a lounge chair used for resting, while a sofa is an upholstered daybed or couch with arms and a back. And yet, Peglar writes, “In common usage, a couch is often confused with a sofa or settee.” Key Differences in Design Styles of Sofas and CouchesSofasOne of the earliest types of sofas—known as the Knole—first appeared during the 1600s in England. The original design featured an upright back and cantilevered, adjustable sides; it remains a classic piece that’s been reinterpreted with now stationary tall arms that lean out on either side.Alec HemerA Knole-style sofa in a traditional living roomSkirted sofas are flirty and fun. But sofas can also be “a little serious and buttoned up, more tailored and pristine,” says Minneapolis interior designer Lucy Penfield. “We feel compelled to hold on to a sofa, like an heirloom.”From cottage country to tailored traditional, sofas can take on myriad personalities depending on how they’re shaped and dressed. “Arm shape, back and seat cushion details, and body length are all design elements that contribute to the style statement, and that’s before the fabric goes on,” Elaine says. She adds that English roll arm sofas are more formal, while straight or “track arms” (whether wide or narrow) are more modern. “There’s a time and a room for them all,” she says.Rachel Whiting An English roll arm sofa in a cottage-style living roomElaine also notes the latest sofa trends are stepping away from basic beige even though they are often an investment piece meant to last for years. “I’m seeing all-over florals, geometrics, and nature-inspired patterns along with added details such as fringe and other embellishments. The bolder, the better,” she says.CouchesCouches, on the other hand, connote comfort, snuggling with a pet, and kicking back after a long day. “Feet up and comfortable, nothing precious—a couch is like a cowboy and a rugged old friend,” Penfield says. California interior designer Marynn Udvarhelyi, owner of Wildflower Home Interiors, agrees. “Couches can and are beautiful, but the priority is comfort for TV and movie watching, game nights, snacking, and napping.”For modernists, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Couch, a low-profile tufted daybed with no back or arms and a cylindric bolster pillow at one end, is a timeless piece that serves both sitting and lounging. The legendary architect designed the piece in 1930, but the couch still is in production today through Knoll.ShutterWorx//Getty ImagesA Barcelona CouchMore on Sofas (Or Couches, If You Prefer)What’s Right For Your Space “A sofa belongs in the formal or front living room, sitting room, end of bed, or library because it only needs to seat occasional visitors or members of the household who are using it for conversation, reading, or working from home,” Marynn says. Read McKendree for Country LivingDesigner Marynn Udvarhelyi sourced a gingham check sofa for her client’s cottage on Cape Cod.Due to their comfy connotation, couches are more common in casual parts of the home, such as family rooms, media rooms, and basements, the sizes can vary to take up more space. Larger sectionals and modular couches are also popular for versatility and to accommodate larger or smaller groups of people.Start Shopping:How Important Is It to Know the Difference?“Couch seems to have prevailed; we say ‘casting couch’ and ‘couch potato,’ and psychiatrists have couches, not sofas,” Witold Rybczynski writes. “Sofas seem to be more domestic, which may be why a couch that converts into a bed is called a sleeper sofa or a sofa bed. Go figure.”Designers admit it that while the two terms might inevitably be intertwined, the pros should know better. “Only the most discerning homeowners will even notice the usage of sofa versus couch,” Marynn says. “But for an interior designer, always using the proper term helps command respect and a working knowledge of the (often very expensive) products they are using in a client’s home.” For Elaine, that lesson came early in her career, when she used the term couch while talking to the head of furniture design at Peter Marino Architect. “He snapped back, ‘It’s a sofa! We do NOT say couch!’” she recalls. “Needless to say, I was mortified.”More Sofa and Couch Inspiration:Kelly Ryan KegansKelly Ryan Kegans is a Minneapolis-based writer, editor, and photo stylist with more than 25 years of experience producing home design content for brands including Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, and HGTV Magazine. Her own home is populated with more books than shelves, a few too many scrubbed pine tables, and moody photos of gray day landscapes, which are her happy place.

When you move into a new house, you typically call movers. But what about when you need to move the house? Former antiques dealers Ross and Theresa Halverson (@millhousemanor) admit that even their movers questioned their sanity when they set out to transport a run-down, century-old grain mill a bona fide country mile in the name of giving it a second life as a home. “Fortunately I caught them at the right time,” Theresa says. “It was in the middle of a Wisconsin winter, and the movers had nothing to do.” By the time the frame was bandaged up to survive the drive, March had rolled around and the ground had thawed out and sufficiently firmed up.The next challenge? Finding a contractor brave enough to get up on, and replace, the ramshackle roof. Once that was complete, the hardwood floors had to be redone, the entire structure needed to be insulated, and the equipment had to be cleared from the mill. “It took four years before we actually slept in the place,” Theresa says, “but all along, we saw possibilities.” So now that they’ve (finally!) seen the light at the end of the tunnel, what’s next for the couple? Says Theresa: “We just bought a railroad depot!”Love Converted Properties? Check Out These Other Homes: Before: Exteriorcourtesy of homeownerThis former grain mill was in total disrepair—it needed a new roof, solid floors, working windows, insulation, and more.After: ExteriorAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingA top-to-bottom transformation of a dilapidated, 169-year-old industrial building is certainly not your run-of-the-mill makeover. But thanks to the Halversons’ vision, a daring contractor, and open, airy design elements (not to mention hundreds of gallons of white paint), this Wisconsin labor of love is beautifully back to the grind. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowBefore: Living Room & Dining Roomcourtesy of homeownerWhen the Halversons bought the mill, the floors weren’t safe for walking. Ross and a friend removed the damaged boards, put in a subfloor, and then laid prefinished oak on top.After: Living RoomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingThe cream cotton-twill sofa was a no-brainer for Theresa, who says she easily tires of bolder patterned fabrics. The corresponding off-white reclining chairs were 75% off at a local going-out-of-business sale. “My husband always says if you wait long enough you can find it cheaper somewhere!” she says. The top of the coffee table is an old storm door with 10 beautifully weathered windowpanes.KEEP IT COZY: Varying shades of cream and ivory and strategic pops of texture (waffle knit, cable knit) on the pillows and throws keep the all-white room fresh, not sterile.RELATED: 21 Farmhouse Living Rooms That Are Rustic, Cozy, Modern, and MoreAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: Dining RoomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingThe mill’s 12-foot ceilings called for an abundance of drapery fabric, so Theresa opted for budget-friendly painters’ canvas drop cloths. The panels frame the yellow pine table that Ross made using old porch posts and parts from a flour-making machine salvaged from the mill. “We wanted to keep as much stuff as possible from the mill in the mill,” he says. Ross also crafted the light fixture out of tractor chains and an old pulley that once hoisted hay.KEEP IT COZY: Pinch-pleats on the curtains add depth but feel far from formal.RELATED: 20 Best Warm White Paint Colors For Every Room in Your HouseAfter: KitchenAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingSalvaged fixtures hang above the sink, island, and breakfast areas and enhance other neutral features like the white apron sink (a steal at $90!) and kitchen cabinets, both of which Theresa scored at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Butcher-block countertops keep things grounded.KEEP IT COZY: The iconic “schoolhouse” silhouette of the pendants reinforces the home’s nostalgic, “remember when” vibe.RELATED: Our Best White Kitchens That'll Inspire Your Next RemodelAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: PantryAnnie Schlechter for Country Living“The pantry is a very dark, small space,” Theresa says. “It would have looked like a dungeon if I had painted it dark. The white backdrop highlights my vintage Jadeite dishes that line the shelves inside.”RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Collecting JadeiteAfter: LandingAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingA pew-like bench and shelf provide an inviting seating spot on the second level.RELATED: 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage OnlineAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: BedroomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingBecause the first two floors of the mill have an open, atrium-like setup, the couple used a jib crane to move a large king-size bed to the second floor. The four-poster bed was “originally the color of peanut brittle,” Theresa says, so Ross painted it white and Theresa then outfitted it with a cream-colored silk coverlet, a stitched quilt, and Euro shams. “I find white linens so welcoming,” she says. KEEP IT COZY: Pleats, pintucks, and stitching add interest and texture to otherwise-understated bedding. RELATED: 35 White Bedroom Ideas for a Totally Serene Sleeping SpaceAfter: BedroomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingThe bedroom area’s two-piece cupboard sat in storage for years. After getting a whitewash, it now stores quilts, blankets, and sheets. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: Sitting AreaAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingShelves nestled between pre-existing support beams make for the perfect spot to stash knickknacks and antiquing scores, including Theresa’s beloved collections of ironstone and Haeger pottery. Purely decorative, the old barn ladder gives the nook, which is adjacent to the bedroom, a library-like feel. KEEP IT COZY: Clusters or groupings of like things—books, vases, botanical prints—help a room feel layered.RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Collecting Ironstone PotteryBefore: Bathroomcourtesy of homeownerThis space felt anything but relaxing and spa-like! Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: BathroomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingRoss and Theresa wanted to stay true to the mill’s original white walls. “I wanted a white that wasn’t in your face—something with a softer tone,” Theresa says. She opted for Antique White by Conco from Menards. The semigloss can be found on all of the walls and trim throughout the home. KEEP IT COZY: The texture of the tongue-and-groove planks keeps the all-white palette from feeling too crisp or cold.RELATED: Creative Clawfoot Tub Ideas for Every Bathroom After: OfficeAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingWisconsin is the cheese state, so Theresa didn’t have to venture far to find a cow to photograph. “Cows are quite photogenic, and I knew I wanted something with creams and neutrals that could work in any room in the house,” she says. “I just loved her white face and those cream-colored ears!” KEEP IT COZY: Spray-painted in a creamy hue, the weathered wood frame adds rustic, reclaimed charm.