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.

If you’ve stumbled over to the side of the internet that’s obsessed with cozy, cottage living then you’ve probably come across a charming built-in bed. While they may look like they’re ripped straight from the pages of Beatrix Potter or Brambly Hedge, these beds are very real and very on trend. Below, I’m diving into the craze of box beds, explaining what they are, why they’re suddenly everywhere, and how you can get the look in a way that feels very 2025. Related Stories What Is a Box Bed? Lucy CallDiamond punch outs on this box bed’s doors add rustic flair in this Montana barn, designed by Chris Clay for Miller Roodell.A box bed, as the name suggests, is a bed in a boxed-off space. While there are many varieties of sleeping nooks, true box beds must fully encase the sleeper, either via doors or curtains. Box beds date all the way back to the Middle Ages, when the cupboard-like spaces were designed to offer private—and warm!—sleeping quarters to weary farmhands, travelers, monks, or anyone who wanted privacy in small one-room homes. Today’s interpretations are far more modern than medieval thanks to painted millwork, plush bedding, and hidden storage. Related StoryAre Box Beds Trending? Yes! These cozy cubbies are trending. Built-in beds have long been popular, but this recent iteration feels happily twee in a way that past ones have not. Built-in bed tutorials and IKEA Murphy bed hacks continue to garner millions of views across TikTok and Instagram thanks to social media’s ongoing DIY built-in craze, but these beds, while stylish, feel more utilitarian than unique. Box beds, on the other hand, tap into recent trends that honor timeworn charm and interesting points of view, such as cottagecore, grandma-chic decorating, and collected English-style. As the design world skews further away from the monochromatic sameness that has plagued it for the last few years, whimsical and dynamic features, such as the box bed, will continue to gain popularity. Love Cottagecore?What’s the Difference Between a Box Bed and a Bunk Bed? Sara Ligorria-TrampBuilt-in bunk beds, complete with stained glass windows, add old school charm to this Washington barn home. Annie SchlechterDesigner Phillip Mitchell chose a happy mix of pattern to liven up this guest room’s box bed. Though they are easily confused, two key differences separate box and bunk beds. First, box beds will not have another bed on top of them. Second, while bunks may offer a sense of privacy through small curtains, this privacy is foundational and required for box beds. Below, I'll quickly explain two other beds that are commonly confused with box beds. Box Bed EssentialsLinen Duvet Cover$229 at pigletinbed.comBlock-printed Curtains$99 at West ElmScalloped Sheet Set$199 at The Company StoreLumbar Pillow$59 at kathykuohome.comOther Enclosed Beds Bed Nooks Brent DarbyThis attic bedroom, painted in a calm duck egg blue, shows just how cozy built-in beds can be. Built-in bed nooks are the most likely to cause confusion, but, as they lack doors or any proper enclosure, they’re technically not box beds. These appealing bed nooks can double as reading nooks or day beds, making them a great choice for communal spaces such as the playroom or a guest room. Canopy BedsMatt AlbianiIn this Hamptons cottage, a captain’s bed adds nautical flair. Whether the curtains extend around all sides of the bed or are added to just two corners, like the one seen here, canopy beds offer tons of privacy. But that doesn’t make them a box bed! Box beds require some degree of built-in millwork, even if the doors themselves are made of fabric instead of wood. What to Know Before Getting A Box Bed Where Should You Use It? There are no hard and fast rules to when and where a box bed can be used. Existing architectural elements make them a great option for attics or under the stairs, but box beds can also be recessed into walls or built out as a standalone piece. In a kid’s room, the playful structure can turn a standard sleeping space into a fort or hideaway. “This creates a whimsical, adventurous atmosphere where kids can play, read, or daydream in their own little secret space,” says designer Philip Mitchell. In a guest room, painted box beds transform the space into something special. “It’s not just about providing a place to sleep for your guests—it’s about offering a space that feels both inviting and special, giving them a unique experience they’ll remember,” says Philip. Curtains v. Doors: Which Is Better?This is totally up to you, but design purists would always prefer doors over curtains for a box bed. If you choose a door, louvered or hinged doors are most common. Curtains are great for bringing in an additional layer of pattern. Philip recommends choosing two curtains you like—a breezy one for spring and summer and something heavier, like velvet, for fall and winter. What Kind of Mattress Do I Need? Philip recommends choosing a shallow mattress for your box bed to facilitate easy sheet changes. Avoid overly thick toppers or memory foam mattress as their added bulk can make laundry day more of a hassle than it needs to be. More Bedroom 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.  

If there’s one room in a house that people agonize over the most, it’s the kitchen. When it comes to designing a new kitchen, renovating an existing kitchen, or even just doing a facelift makeover the price tag is usually higher and the decisions feel somewhat more permanent than any other room in the house. And, we know, that picking a paint color for the cabinetry or walls is no easy task. As Country Living’s Senior Home & Style Editor, I am constantly chatting with designers and homeowners about kitchen design and their go-to choices for countertops, hardware, lighting, and, yes, paint colors. Below, I’ve rounded up 10 top paint colors I've seen designers and homeowner return to time after time. From earthy cream to bold blue, these shades have serious staying power! P.S. If you are thinking of going the DIY route and painting your kitchen cabinets yourself, go for it! Here’s a step-by-step guide to tackling the task.Need More Kitchen Inspiration? Check Out These Stories. 1Natural Linen by Sherwin-WilliamsIf you love an airy kitchen but don’t want to just paint it white, opt for a slightly warmer shade with creamy undertones. Sherwin-Williams’ Natural Linen has long been a designer favorite for creating welcoming breakfast nooks, family kitchens, and cabinetry. Get the Look:Paint Color: Natural Linen by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: These Are the Only Warm White Paint Colors You'll Ever Need2Lichen by Farrow & Ball Green kitchens are as timeless as they are trendy. This dusty sage, with just a drop of gray, is a favorite among designers, including Claire Zinnecker, who loves it for kitchen cabinets. Get the LookPaint Color: Lichen by Farrow & BallRELATED: Designers Share The Best Green Paint Picks for Kitchen Cabinets Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Dutch Tile BlueSay it with me: Blue is a neutral. Whether you drench your entire space in it like Country Living's editor-in-chief, Rachel Hardage Barrett, did in her Mississippi farmhouse or use it just for cabinetry, this dusty, historic-inspired shade feels timeless in a kitchen. “This just-a-bit-moody blue has undertones that keep it feeling historic, not coastal,” says Rachel.Get the Look:Paint Color: Dutch Tile Blue by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: These Are The Best Blue Paint Colors for Your Kitchen4Delicate White by GliddenLooking for a universal white paint color that reads timeless instead of clinical? Try this not-too-bright shade from Glidden for the ultimate white kitchen. (It even has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.)Get the Look:Paint Color: Delicate White by GliddenRELATED: Check Out Even More White Kitchen InspirationAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Hunt Club by Sherwin-WilliamsWhen Country Living’s Associate Art Director, Virginia England, was choosing the paint color for her kitchen a few years ago, she tested a ton of shades before landing on this steely blue-green jewel tone for her cabinets. "I'm so glad I went with a deeper shade; it really helps ground the space," she says. Get the Look:Paint Color: Hunt Club by Sherwin-Williams6Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball Yellow kitchens are a statement—one designers and homeowners are willing to make over and over again. As someone who grew up with a yellow kitchen, I can attest to the timeless appeal of the cheery color. This particular shade, though, is a favorite of Country Living’s Design Director, Maribeth Jones, who painted her own kitchen the same sunny shade. Get the Look:Paint Color: Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & BallRELATED: See Maribeth’s British-Inspired Cottage Kitchen Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Shaded White by Farrow & BallLooking for a softer white that works for a home with kids and pets? “This shade hides the dirt of everyday wear and tear well,” says designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas. “It also looks great paired with Sherwin-Williams’s Natural Linen.” Get the Look: Paint Color: Shaded White by Farrow & Ball8Tricorn Black by Sherwin-WilliamsEveryone needs a good black paint color in their back pocket. Sherwin-Williams's Tricorn Black is a designer favorite in all spaces of the house, including the kitchen. Pair with black and white hex tiles for a retro-inspired refresh. “I love the edge this color brings to a room,” says Country Living contributor—and serial renovator—Holly Audrey Williams. Get the Look:Paint Color: Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams RELATED: Designers Share Their Best Kitchen Backsplash IdeasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Salty Dog by Sherwin-WilliamsIf making a statement is up your alley, try this show-stopping shade of blue that is equal parts bold and classic. Take a note from these coastal cottage homeowners and use it on your cabinetry—just be sure to pair it with butcher block countertops for a lived-in feel. Get the Look:Paint Color: Salty Dog by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: The Best Dark Blue Paint Colors, According to Designers10Cumulus Cloud by Benjamin MooreIf it’s good enough for Martha Stewart, then it’s good enough for me. The entertaining expert’s copper-filled kitchen is painted a similar warm gray shade that feels delightfully fresh, not boring. Get the Look: Paint Color: Cumulus Cloud by Benjamin MooreRELATED: See Inside Martha’s Timeless Farmhouse KitchenAnna 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?From embracing the relaxed elegance of British-inspired kitchens to saying goodbye to white cabinetry to (gasp!) rethinking the need of the kitchen triangle, 2025 is the year you forget everything you thought you knew about kitchen design. As Country Living’s resident kitchen trend forecaster, I’ve noticed more and more designers takingThese days, it’s much more common for me to come across a kitchen with white (yes, white!) appliances and a lot more furniture. In the design world, we call these collected kitchens “unfitted kitchens,” and they’re beloved for their use of freestanding furniture over costly built-ins. An interesting side effect in the rising popularity of these unfitted kitchens is the noticeable absence of the bulky built-in kitchen island. So, is it time to declare that the kitchen island is officially dead? Maybe! Below, I’m sharing exactly what an unfitted kitchen is, what I think is the new “kitchen island,” and where you can score the best replacement. More on Kitchens:What Is an Unfitted Kitchen? Rikki Snyder for Country LivingDesigner Christina Salway’s New York kitchen features an antique work table and hutch.An unfitted kitchen, also called a freestanding kitchen, is a kitchen without built-ins. Instead of walls of cabinetry, an unfitted kitchen features a gathering of furniture pieces such as a hutches piled up with dishes or a simple chippy cupboard in place of a walk-in pantry. “The unfitted kitchen is more of a furnished room with appliances and kitchen items,” says Helen Parker, the creative director of British kitchen design firm deVOL. The happily hodgepodge spirit of unfitted kitchens provides a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe, a perfect contrast to the cold, mechanical nature some kitchens can have.MORE ON UNFITTED KITCHENS:What Is Replacing the Kitchen Island? The IngallsWith this rise in the popularity of unfitted kitchens, more designers are opting to also skip the large, and sometimes bulky, built-in center island in lieu of something freestanding. Antique work tables—especially those that were built to be worked at from a standing position, like the ones used by seamstresses, bakers, and farmhands—are the most popular replacement because of their height and size. Character-rich antique tables with interesting turned legs and noticeable imperfections are especially prized, and, unlike a farmhouse table, work tables will often have drawers and even a shelf to provide storage. Newly crafted work tables (and now “kitchen islands” made to look like these antique tables) are sometimes topped with quartz or marble, making prep and clean-up a breeze. Even if you aren’t ready to embrace the whole unfitted kitchen look (I get it, most people aren’t!), you can easily pair a freestanding work island with standard perimeter cabinetry for a unique cottage or farmhouse look. If you’re on a budget or want to create an eat-in kitchen, also consider a vintage or antique dining table or farmhouse table, which are often less expensive than their work table counterparts.Nick JohnsonDesigner Erica Harrison used a classic dining table as the island in this Michigan cottage kitchen.MORE ON KITCHEN ISLANDS:Where Can I Shop for a Work Table Island? Kirsten FrancisDesigner Stephanie Perez’s father-in-law crafted this marble-topped work table island for her Connecticut kitchen.If your heart is set on an authentic antique work table, start with your local antiques store or architectural salvage yard. (You’ll save a lot on delivery fees if you can shop locally.) If your local haunts come up empty, it’s time to hit the web and check out popular sites like Chairish and 1stDibs. Utilize search terms such as “farmhouse work table,” “drapers table,” or “bakers table.” If you’re looking to purchase a new table, I’ve pulled together some of my favorites below.Butcher-Block Topped IslandNow 30% Off$3,499 $2,449 at ballarddesigns.comPetite Kitchen IslandNow 44% Off$748 $420 at WalmartMarble-Topped Island$2,699 at West ElmSolid Wood Work Table Island$3,299 at Birch LaneRELATED STORIES: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.  

If you love the fisherman aesthetic but have wondered how to actually do it well, then look no further than this Nags Head, North Carolina kitchen. Designers Arianna Pannoni and Kasey Bedford of Winsome Interior Design infused the entire coastal new build home, which belongs to Kasey’s family, with cottagecore charm and trendy-yet-timeless hits of salty, sun-washed style, with a few English-inspired accents thrown in for good measure. The team only had one goal in mind when Kasey’s parents brought them on to shepherd the project: to make the home as well-loved and lived-in as the one the family had previously inhabited for 20 years.See below for the 9 ways they achieved that look in the kitchen and breakfast nook: FOR MORE ON COASTAL STYLE: Stacy Zarin GoldbegAn eclectic mix of color and pattern add timeworn charm to this newly built beach house kitchen.Embrace a Coastal Color PaletteTo accomplish that casual, lived-in ease in the kitchen, Kasey and Arianna started with a color palette that looks equal parts sun-drenched and sea-sprayed. Floors painted ocean blue, which were pre-aged to give them extra patina, are grounding while airy white walls unify the antiques-filled open-concept space. Green and blue textiles throughout the kitchen enhance the coastal feel. Get the Look: Floor Paint Color:Blue Nose by Benjamin MooreWall Paint Color:All White by Farrow & BallRELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Painting Your FloorsChoose Two-Tone Cabinetry A layout of two-tone Shaker-style cabinetry, designed with Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens & Baths, was a no-brainer. “They set the foundation for that timeless aesthetic,” says Arianna. Countertops of ogee-edged Calacatta Oro marble and matching extended backsplashes add an elevated touch.RELATED: Quartz v. Marble: Which Is Right For You?Bring In A White Oak Island Topped with a slab of warm white oak that mimics driftwood, the eight-foot-long center island serves as a central gathering spot during family vacations. It provides enough room for grab-and-go snacks tucked neatly in a dough bowl as well as casual family lunches enjoyed between trips to the beach. The island's softly curved corners foster a hang-around vibe during cocktail hour. Above the island, a chic rise-and-fall pendant with ruffled ceramic shades adds subtle British flair. RELATED: Our Hall-of-Fame Kitchen Island Ideas Stacy Zarin GoldbegTouches of green, such as this handwoven rug, help ground the watery blue palette. Prioritize Good Scenery “We decided that the best view in the home should be reserved for the person doing the dishes,” says Kasey. The team positioned a fireclay apron-front sink, paired with an unlacquered brass bridge faucet, under the ceiling-height windows to maximize the dreamy view. Woven window shades provide texture and privacy.Get the Look: Faucet: Studio McGee Bridge Faucet by Kohler Sink: Fireclay Apron Front Sink from Home Depot Add Historic Charm with Plate RacksFinished in the same custom creamy taupe as the cabinetry, the dish-storage duo flanking the large windows adds historic charm and encourages a relaxed, help-yourself attitude befitting a vacation home. Shelving above provides a perch for more entertaining pieces.Shop the LookSplatter Dinner Plate, Set of 4$64 at crowcanyonhome.comRise and Fall Pendant$260 at pooky.comKingston Brass Brass Pot Filler$265 at AmazonHand-Carved Dough Bowl$32 at AmazonStacy Zarin GoldbegTwo-tone cabinetry keeps the kitchen from feeling too bright. Mix It Up with Mixed MetalsTouches of unlacquered brass on the faucets, the pot filler, and the cabinetry hardware add to the kitchen’s built-over-time feel. The stainless steel range also features a charming bit of aged patina courtesy of its copper knobs and handle.Get the Look: Range:Stainless Steel Range by Café AppliancesRELATED: The Best Kitchen Paint Color Ideas for Your Next Room MakeoverStacy Zarin GoldbegA paneled refrigerator, complete with an unlacquered brass handle, keeps the kitchen looking cohesive. Pretty Up Your Pantry An inset pantry on the wall opposite the sink doubles as an easy-to-access appliance garage, keeping clutter contained and off the counters. Its custom crosshatched wire door inserts provide visual texture and enhance the kitchen’s breezy British-coastal feeling.RELATED: Our Best Pantry Organization Ideas EverStacy Zarin GoldbegThe inset built-in bar offers the perfect watering hole for this casual family vacation home. Build Out a BarJust off the kitchen, a tucked-in oak coffee-bar-meets-cocktail bar, complete with separate hot and cold taps and an inset sink, offers drinks all day long. The deep drawer-style mini fridge and freezer look seamless, while open shelving allows ample room for both storage and fun display. Separate hot and cold taps above ensure the bar is ready for any order. A petite green light and a matching scalloped tray add pops of color.RELATED: 45 Home Bar Ideas To Make Your Home Party-ReadyShop the LookGreen Flush Mount$199 at schoolhouse.comCustomizable Scalloped Lacquer Serving TrayNow 76% Off$99 $24 at Mark and GrahamOld Dominion Captain’s Chair$269 at centralrestaurant.comSAILINGSTORY Wooden Sailboat Model$73 at Amazon Stacy Zarin GoldbergWraparound bench seating provides the perfect perch for family gatherings that require a bit more room than the kitchen island.Source Seaside Antiques A wraparound shelf filled with sea-salted antiques and a pair of captain’s chairs add nautical nods in the kitchen’s dining nook. A mix of patterned pillows in soft blues and happy yellows enhances the gathering spot's sit-awhile disposition. TOUR MORE KITCHENS: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.  

Can you hear it? The tiny pips of hatchling chicks, the crunch of garden clogs on a pebbled path, the tinkle of chimes tickled by the breeze. Spring is in the air, and the Anne of Green Gables of it all has us daydreaming about throwing open the windows, breaking out the rolling pin, and leaning in to a world filled with floral-patterned fabrics, sentimental antiques, and homespun household accents. Whether you’re newly enamored with the cottagecore aesthetic (welcome!) or a lifelong devotee, Etsy remains one of our favorite resources for quality, cottage-inspired pieces. From handcrafted baskets and bread boards to sturdy stoneware pottery, the marketplace offers no shortage of objects both new and old to complement your personal provincial vision.Related StoriesBut with more than eight million active sellers, it can be hard to know where to start. Here, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best consistently stocked, cottage-friendly Etsy shops where you’re sure to find everything you need to create your own charmingly collected, lovingly lived-in slice of cottagecore heaven. (Baby chicks not included.) English Country Pine WashstandShop at EtsyA celebration of the timeless quality of solid oak, mahogany, and pine, the sturdy antique pieces from this Michigan-based dealer are sourced directly from the English countryside, and include an authentic selection of beautifully patinated benches, weathered washstands, distressed refectory dining tables, and ladder-back rush seat chairs.For provincial pottery, check out Camilla’s Collection…Ceramic Stoneware CreamersShop at EtsyFeaturing a hardworking lineup of functional ceramics including butter keepers, sponge holders, honey pots, and garlic graters, each pretty, practical piece in this California shop is handcrafted by a husband and wife duo using traditional studio techniques, then glazed in a selection of classic country hues from white pebble to French blue. Spring for a full durable, dishwasher-safe dinnerware set and consider your rustic tablescape complete. For pretty painted candles, check out Kazoku Workshop…Hand Painted CandlesShop at EtsyNo classic country gathering is complete without the flicker of candlelight, and these hand-painted pillars and tapers bring bountiful warmth and charm to the table. Inspired by the wild meadows and garden blooms of the English countryside, each U.K.-made candle is delicately decorated with daffodils, roses, marigolds, and more. You can even customize them with a monogram or sentimental date. For a touch of twee, check out Edgewood Farmhouse…Goose GarlandShop at EtsyFor the littles, a bit of festive bunting can go a long way toward making every day in the nursery feel like a celebration. The charming garlands from this Missouri maker—featuring rows of waddling ducks, adorable floral frocks, and customizable gingham-checked lettering—nod to the warmth and nostalgia of a rural childhood raised on Mother Goose and Beatrix Potter.For stunning antique tiles, check out Dolman Antique Tiles…Delft TilesShop at EtsyWarning: You will likely want to rip out your existing kitchen backsplash and start all over again once you set eyes on the massive selection of little-square wares from this Netherlands-based shop. For homespun lighting, check out Clay Cafe…Blue Floral PendantShop at EtsyFrom milky white farmhouse sconces to pendants dotted with dainty blueberries, each ceramic light crafted by this Pennsylvania pottery pro is individually wheel-thrown from stoneware clay, then painted with pastoral florals or glazed to look like a speckled egg. Fixtures come ready-to-hang in a range of rustic finishes with multiple cord colors and lengths.For cozy throw pillows, check out Country Road Textiles… Set of Three Designer Pillow CoversShop at EtsyPerfect for accenting everything from armchairs to entryway benches, the hand-sewn cotton and linen throw pillows from this Missouri-based shop are available in more than 90 patterned fabrics, including bonny block-printed flower blossoms and classic gingham checked ruffles. Can’t decide on a favorite? The seller offers swatches on order, as well as pre-packaged pillow sets of 3-to-5 cleverly coordinated solids, prints, and stripes.For French favorites, check out Chase Vintage…French Circular Bread BoardsShop at EtsyThe highlight of this well-stocked California antique shop is its robust collection of rustic, utilitarian pieces—the hallmark of a humble, homespun life. Functional vintage vessels (think harvest baskets, coal buckets, canning jars, and good old-fashioned country crockery) sit alongside a gorgeous assortment of seasoned wooden bread boards, perfect for serving homemade provisions.For eclectic accents, check out Homewell Studio…Set of Four SaucersShop at EtsyWhen you’re in need of that one distinctive piece to add authenticity to your cottagecore collection, turn to this Illinois-based vintage curator, whose specialty is pretty found objects. Primitive wooden dough bowls and patinated copper pots are sure to be the standout of any eclectic hutch display, while mismatched brass candlestick sets add instant elegance to a country buffet. And for an effortlessly thrown-together centerpiece? Imagine woven baskets overflowing with the fresh cuts from the garden.For upcycled pillows, check out The Heirloom Shoppe…Vintage Quilt PillowShop at EtsyChippy white wood, wicker, and lace abound in this shabby-meets-chic Illinois shop, which offers a classically feminine mishmash of vintage and handmade accents. For a touch of slow-crafted softness, we especially love the seller’s line of upcycled patchwork pillows and seasonal decor, resourcefully pieced together from repurposed quilt scraps, grain sacks, crocheted doilies, and more. For breezy linen bedding, check out Moo…French Ticking Stripe Pillows and Duvet CoverShop at EtsyBreathable linen is not only a dream to sleep in—its casually rumpled, luxuriously layered look will make any comfy cottage bed an extra-enticing place to rest your head. This Latvian linen shop dials up the romance with pretty pinstripes and gingham, ruffles upon ruffles, French lace trims, and serene shades of lavender, oatmeal, and cream. (But also: don’t sleep on their stonewashed curtains!)For whimsical wallpaper, check out Paisley & Dot…Hydrangea Print WallcoveringShop at EtsyThe surface pattern designers behind this popular peel-and-stick wallpaper shop have a penchant for feminine florals with a vintage vibe—a lovely pick when you’re piling on prints everywhere from the walls to the dresser drawers. Sweet motifs like ditsy posies and French country toile will instantly transform any space from bathrooms to breakfast nooks to nurseries to feel more cozy and lived-in. For animal-loving littles, check out Laurel Lodge…Premium Linen Heirloom Stuffed Animal Shop at EtsyHand-stitched for heirloom quality, the plush animal stuffies from this Ireland atelier are as snuggly as they are stylish, and made to grow up with your babe. Cuddly cockerels, bow-tied bears, and pink-nosed piglets—all crafted from soothing shades of natural linen—will look perfectly at home both tucked in their cribs and perched proudly atop their big kid beds. For pleated and fanciful lampshades, check out Cruel Mountain…Floral Print LampshadeShop at EtsyNeat box pleats, gathered tufts, and scalloped trims give the handcrafted lampshades in this North Carolina shop a quintessential cottage flair full of pattern and texture. Choose between a vast array of fabrics (think petite gingham checks, block-printed indigo blooms, delicate winding vines, and more) and create a cute little lamp moment that draws the eye even without the lights on. For pieced quilts, check out Vintage Quilts by Marie…Large Red and White Antique QuiltShop at EtsyIt seems quality vintage quilts are getting harder and harder to find, but Sarasota, Florida-based seller Marie Miller stays well stocked with the kind of quilts and coverlets that can make a room. Right now we're partial to this Rose of Sharon beauty and this Crossed Stars quilt in indigo.For sweet prints, check out Jorey Hurley…Flower Blossoms Art PrintShop at EtsyWith characteristic warmth, Massachusetts-based artist and illustrator Jorey Hurley creates idyllic vignettes of life’s quieter moments—from tending a sprawling spring zinnia garden to watching mallards take a summer swim. Available framed or unframed, each sentimental print holds her deep appreciation for slowed-down living and stillness—and preserves a glimmer of simpler times so you can revisit that feeling whenever you desire.For authentic Delft porcelain, check out Heinen Delfts Blauw…Tulip Gourd VaseShop at EtsyStarted by a father-son team in the Netherlands, this hand-painted Delftware pottery shop is the product of pure artisanal passion passed down for generations. Their time-honored tin-glazed technique offers endless decorative possibilities, whether you assemble your own personal collection of quaint canal houses, hang an arrangement of wall plates, or choose an elegant lidded ginger jar for a cabinet display piece.For pastoral prints, check out Krista Kim Studio…Giclee LandscapeShop at EtsyIdaho artist Krista Kim’s hand-painted originals of rolling pastoral landscapes, simple still lifes, and curious farm friends have a distinctly vintage feel that translates beautifully to quality giclee prints. Her soft sketches of bouquets and stems, too, exude timeless, tranquil appeal, and would look charming clustered in a mini gallery. (Old-timey gold beaded frames sold separately.)Blue Onion Salt & Pepper ShakersShop at EtsyThe unique draw of this Colorado curator’s collection of traditional transferware, painted porcelain, and delicate bone china? Pieces are offered individually, as well as in mix-and-match sets grouped by color, size, and style, so you can easily create your own cottage-chic hodgepodge of plates, cups, and bowls and put your own twist on a traditional table. Embroidered Jar Cover For Sourdough Starter Shop at EtsyPicture it cooling by the window on a checkered tea towel: your very own lovely loaf of bread, fresh out of the oven. This Wyoming-based shop offers everything you need to begin your baking journey, from satchels of homemade sourdough starter to lacy mason jar covers. Upcycled aprons and embroidered floral bookmarks (perfect for keeping your place in the recipe book) are the icing on the hot cross buns.Related Stories Jackie BuddieJackie Buddie is a freelance writer with more than a decade of editorial experience covering lifestyle topics including home decor how-tos, fashion trend deep dives, seasonal gift guides, and in-depth profiles of artists and creatives around the globe. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her M.F.A. in creative writing from Boston University. Jackie is, among other things, a collector of curiosities, Catskills land caretaker, dabbling DIYer, day hiker, and mom. She lives in the hills of Bovina, New York, with her family and her sweet-as-pie rescue dog.

There's no denying Martha Stewart is having a moment. But before she became a household name (and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model!), she was a stylish caterer assembling herb garden centerpieces in her Connecticut kitchen equipped with crocks, baskets, spongeware, and a cast-iron cookstove. Turkey Hill, that beloved country home, has since been sold, but her appreciation for country style remains. “I think of it as homey. It’s about being comfortable,” she says. When she renovated her circa-1925 farmhouse in Katonah, New York, Martha embraced time-tested country staples along with a few modern updates.Ahead of the premiere of "Yes, Chef!," the new cooking competition show she's hosting alongside José Andrés on NBC, take a peek inside the majestic farmhouse kitchen where she flexes her entertaining muscles when she's not on a soundstage. It features 9-must haves for any feed-a-crowd cooking space. A few more ways to indulge your love of all things Martha: Annie Schlechter1. A pot rack: The overhead kitchen centerpiece is now a family favorite. "My daughter—who always hated them—just put one up because she finally realizes how much easier it is to find what you're looking for!"2. Heavy-duty appliances: "This is a working kitchen, and I have a bank of heavy-duty equipment. We're able to serve about 200 people at Christmas."RELATED: Martha Stewart's Favorite Recipes of All Time3. Cake stands: "We have maybe 50 different cake stands in our housewares line. I use my collection—milk glass, pottery—as prototypes." Annie Schlechter4. Warm hues: “The custom paint color was inspired by shells," says Martha. For a similar look, try "Stormy Monday" by Benjamin Moore.RELATED: The 50 Best Neutral Paint Colors to Freshen Up Your Home5. A rolling island: "I like using restaurant rolling carts topped with marble. I have three, and they're useful for moving around heavy equipment."RELATED: Our Favorite Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and SmallAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAnnie Schlechter6. Deep sinks and durable materials: "Deep sinks are so much more effective," she says of the Vermont statuary marble sink. Martha also used marble for the countertops and chose lacquered poplar with hardwood veneers for the custom cabinets. "They're really hardy; I've had them since 2002."Annie Schlechter7. Open cabinets: "I don't like opening and closing doors. I want to have all my tools in view. The only things behind doors in my kitchen are pantry items."8. Copper cookware: Martha got hooked during a 1962 trip to France. These days, she buys closer to home. "I'm an inveterate tag sale-goer. People don't want to polish their old copper, so that's where you go for the very best value. I always bargain."RELATED: How to Properly Clean Tarnished Copper Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAnnie Schlechter9. Top-of-the-line tools: "I buy tools that will last forever," says Martha, who drinks one cappuccino a day from her restaurant grade cappuccino maker. "The rolling pin that I bought on my honeymoon is still my favorite."

There has always been something magical about the historic 200-year-old Federal farmhouse on Riverside Avenue. Interior design and antiques shop owner Ali Mahon grew up right next door and spent weekends leaning over the wall to admire the grounds. “I used to meet the owner, Mrs. Hatch, there, and she would hand me raspberries picked from her elaborate gardens,” she says. By the time Ali went on her honeymoon in the 1990s, the property, which dates back to 1804, had been owned by only four families. That changed over the course of a week. “The minute I got back, my mother called and said, ‘We bought the Hatches’ house.’” Together, mother and daughter worked on a refresh that was more classic than comfortable. “My mother was a purist, so the house had a bit of a museum feel,” the designer says. “She brought in the best of the best rather than a comfortable sofa you’d sink into.”Jane BeilesHomeowner Ali Mahon sits with her Labrador retriever Decker on the home’s front steps. The bold red front door is painted Spanish Red by Benjamin Moore.When it was Ali’s turn to move in almost 30 years later, she worked to honor the home’s historical significance while making updates that elicited the warmth she remembered from her childhood: “During storms, we would all gather inside with Mrs. Hatch, and I remember that cozy feeling that came with hunkering down there.” Ali removed a 1960s addition, opened up the small kitchen, and created a showstopping great room by attaching one of the property’s original barns to the back of the house. She also leaned into a period-friendly palette—mustards, blues, browns, reds—and a host of perfectly imperfect elements: “It’s what I strive for: exposed beams, slanted doorways, low ceilings…” Now the house has come full circle, providing refuge (and cocktails!) to Ali’s friends and her four adult children as well as the opportunity for the fruits of the gardens to be passed on to a new generation of admirers. “As I get older, I’ve found that I love the dirt,” Ali says. “I wish I could figure out how to get raspberries to grow. I think Mrs. Hatch would have loved that.”Take a tour of Ali’s home below:Tour More Picture-Perfect FarmhousesEntriesJane Beiles This welcoming front entry features a 19th-century American William and Mary settee in its original upholstery, a collection of eight vintage hand-colored engravings of birds in bamboo frames, an early-American painted wooden that belonged to Ali’s parents, topped by a wallpapered box she found on Nantucket with four glass onion bottles lined up below. Get the Look: Wall Paint Color:White Dove by Benjamin MooreDoor Paint Color:Spanish Red by Benjamin Moore Jane BeilesAt another side of the house, Yellow Labrador retriever Decker (one of Ali’s three dogs) lounges by the “new” front door where guests are also welcomed by an abstract by artist Catharine Warren and a pair of 18th-century English hall chairs crafted from carved mahogany.ParlorJane BeilesThe home’s original parlor is now spruced up with a mix of color and pattern thanks to botanical stripe wallpaper, a hexagon rug, and a vintage settee reupholstered in a small-scale geometric pattern. Ali also mixed eras in the room, courtesy of a pair of Louis XVI armchairs, an early-American wooden pineapple finial on the coffee table, an 1800s textile hanging above the mantel, and a vintage acrylic leather armchair signed and dated by artist Jeff Messerschmidt in 1975.Get the Look:Wallpaper: “Nori Stripe” by Galbraith & PaulRug: Elizabeth EakinsSettee Upholstery:“Betwixt” by SchumacherDining RoomJane BeilesFriends and family members love gathering in the rattan armchairs around the antique Belgian trestle table, in part because they’re cocooned by the curry tones of the room’s wallpaper. “There’s something about the warmth of this orange wallpaper—it was one of the main starting points for the home’s palette,” says Ali. “Everything I chose had to go with that color.” An early-1900s rooster weather vane above the original brick hearth gives the space a decidedly country kick. Get the Look:Rattan Armchairs: Casa GustoWallpaper: “Sumi” by Galbraith & PaulRELATED: The Prettiest Dining Room Paint Colors That Fit Any StyleKitchen Jane BeilesJane BeilesBecause Ali loves to entertain, she doubled the size of the kitchen and added a pair of Dutch doors for easy access to the terrace and screened-in porch. The island’s 3-inch-thick butcher-block countertop is made of wood salvaged during the renovation. An elegant hanging globe light and a mix of oil-rubbed bronze hardware help ground the open and airy space. On the right, the pantry doubles as Ali’s “needlepoint nook” and houses many of her canvases and yarns as well as unexpected items like an antique cheese strainer hung on the wall (“I love how graphic it is,” says Ali), French canisters, and succulents planted in urns.Get the Look:: Globe LightWells AbbottKitchen Cabinetry Paint Color: White Dove by Benjamin MoorePantry Cabinetry Paint Color: Kennebunport Green by Benjamin MooreRELATED: Best Kitchen Design Ideas for Every Style and Budget Powder RoomJane BeilesThe jewel-box of a powder room boasts baset-patterned wallpaper, vintage sconces and bell jar lantern, an antique Italian mirror, and an early-American painted cupboard finished with a marble slab.Get the Look:Wallpaper: “Cestino” by Casa BrancaBarn Addition: Great Room Jane BeilesWhen architect Rob Sanders proposed attaching the largest of the barns to the house to create a soaring entertaining area, “it was music to my ears—I’d always wanted to do it,” says Ali. After each and every board was dismantled and all reassembled, Ali carved out room for a dining area, and created two stories of living spaces filled with character-rich antiques, including a wicker trunk-turned-coffee table and a graphic 19th-century banner weather vane. A handwoven striped rug lays the groundwork for the cozy downstairs seating area, while a large handcrafted iron chandelier looms above. Get the Look:Rug: by Elizabeth EakinsSofa Fabric: Likasi by LarsenChandelier: handcrafted by John Ramsey of Deep Landing WorkshopBarn Addition: Dining RoomJane BeilesA pair of hanging lanterns illuminates the dining portion of the great room and provides mood lighting for vintage farm table surrounded by Old Hickory Hoop Chairs with custom bandana cushions. The 18th-century Swedish cupboard is the perfect spot to store extra flatware, table linens, serving pieces, and candles.Get the Look:Lanterns: “Faulkner” by JambBarn Addition: LoftJane BeilesOne side of the barn-turned-great-room’s loft is outfitted with a reupholstered vintage sofa, cozy arm chairs, a chinoiserie table from (upon which you’ll find an always-in-progress puzzle), and an early American trade sign. Get the Look:Chairs: “Andrews” by Charles StewartChinoiserie table:Brunschwig & FilsPrimary BedroomJane BeilesIn the primary bedroom, an original 26-foot long wood beam (with hand-etched Roman numerals!) caps the floral wallpaper. The wallcovering’s mocha shade is in keeping with the handwoven carpet as well as the antique calico quilt on the upholstered bed. An early-American horse weathervane atop an antique dowry chest add patina.Get the Look:: Wallpaper“Blossom Fantasia” by ScalamandreBed Upholstery Fabric: “Maupiti” by Pierre FreyRug: by Elizabeth EakinsSons’ BedroomsJane BeilesThanks to Ali’s efforts, all four of her adult children’s bedrooms prove you can—and always should—come home again. In this room for one of her son, an eye-catching red-and-white Hawaiian quilt accents the bed and pairs well with a 48-star American flag and bold striped walls. An antique French chest of drawers and well-aged leather wing chair provide handsome counterpoints.Get the Look: Wallpaper:“Bosco Branca Stripe” by Casa Branca Jane BeilesA trio of framed 1940s signal flags sets a nautical tone in another bedroom, as do a whimsical ship lamp and the marine blue writing desk.Get the Look: Wallpaper:“Jerash Pewter” by Robert KimeHallwayJane BeilesThe hallway between the boys’ bedrooms features an antique carnival game wheel above a child’s Orkney chair.Screened-In PorchJane BeilesDuring warmer months, company gathers on the screened-in porch, just off the kitchen. It is furnished with vintage woven sofas, elephant garden seats, blanket chests, garden chairs, an Adrian Pearsall compass table, and stately lanterns. “I always serve a local beer from Half Full Brewery in Stamford at happy hour,” says Ali. “My grandmother had a lot of sayings, and one of them was ‘The glass is half full.’ The beer is a nod to her.”Get the Look:Ceiling Paint Color: Woodlawn Blue by Benjamin MooreLanterns: “Elsinore” by Visual ComfortBack Garden + BarnsJane BeilesJane BeilesWhen redesigning the back garden, Ali left enough open lawn for games of football, lacrosse, and soccer. “All these years later, family and friends still want us to host games here,” she explains. “I love informal gardens, and I tried to plant things that would attract butterflies, bees, and birds, with little maintenance. I kept the design low key so I can add over time. Tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and flowers do best here.” The property’s three barns have served many purposes over the years; today, the largest is now attached to the main house (left), and the other two (right) house Ali’s antiques shop. “I love coming home. The minute I drive up, I exhale, and I hope I don’t have to leave again for the rest of the day.”Check Out More Dreamy Country Houses:

Imagine the perfect cozy afternoon. Maybe it’s spring, and you’re sipping iced tea in an overstuffed club chair, a vase of just-opened tulips sitting nearby. Or, perhaps it’s fall, and you’re standing at your kitchen island making a favorite meal for friends. The room is light and bright, but never stark. It’s warm and welcoming, with a few well-loved antiques and collectibles sitting on open shelves and wicker bar stools pulled up to the counter.This is the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, and it’s beloved by movie fans and design enthusiasts alike. If you’ve seen a Nancy Meyers movie — think Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, or It’s Complicated — you know the look. It’s timeless. It’s effortless. It’s comfortable yet aspirational. Just like her stories, these homes don’t age. Which is precisely why thrifting the Nancy Meyers aesthetic is so accessible. (Someone’s 1990s cast-offs could be absolutely perfect for your rom-com-worthy vision!) Here’s how to use vintage pieces and thrift store finds to create the Nancy Meyers aesthetic for your own home, even when you're not working with a Nancy Meyers-level movie budget. What is the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic?Universal PicturesThis kitchen featured in the Nancy Meyers movie, It’s Complicated has that signature ‘come on in’ vibe. Nancy Meyers’ films are often comfort food rom-coms. They’re the type of reliable movies you can watch again and again, knowing that you’re going to get a cozy story and a beautifully filmed visual treat. The homes are always the perfect blend of laid-back and luxurious, and they can rarely be pinpointed to a specific era in time. They’re the epitome of classic.“The Nancy Myers aesthetic exudes cozy vibes. It’s a beautiful combination of your grandma’s house combined with a fresh, farmers’ market vibe,” says Sara McDaniel, designer and home renovation expert at Simply Southern Cottage. “Think of a collected, well-curated home filled with love and warmth.”Related StoriesSpaces inspired by Nancy Meyers films focus on neutral colors, with ivory, white, and beige taking center stage. Cozy upholstery, warm wood and natural materials, and accessories with a story define the rooms. “A Nancy Meyers space starts with a base layer of furniture that is traditional in style, such as a stained mahogany sideboard or gentleman’s chests that can be used as end tables,” says Jennifer Burt, owner of Mississippi Maximalism. Add in layers of lighting, blankets, and, of course, freshly cut flowers to give the space that timeless, approachable feel.Nancy-Approved Pieces to Look For at Thrift StoresWhen you’re thrifting, there are a few pieces to keep your eyes out for if you’re trying to strike that perfect Nancy Meyers look. These are classic pieces that are easy to find secondhand, and they stand the test of time.Wood FurnitureFrom rich wood dressers to beautiful dining chairs, brown wood furniture is the ideal accent to the off-white palette of a Nancy Meyers space. “Look for classic, timeless pieces, such as spindle or turned-leg accent chairs and vintage wooden coffee tables,” says Anastasia Casey, founder of The Interior Collective. And don’t be afraid of a piece that shows its age. “Anything with a little patina or character is a win,” she adds. Jim WestphalenDesigner Cathy Chapman used warm woods and antique-style lighting to add a lived-in feel to this Vermont kitchen. We think Nancy Meyers would approve!Cozy TextilesWhile Nancy Meyers-inspired spaces are full of neutrals, there is an occasional print or texture to add layer and depth. “Don’t be afraid to add some color or pattern,” says Virginia Chamlee, vintage expert and author of Big Thrift Energy. “Check the pillow section for anything striped or toile.”Kitchen AccessoriesNancy Meyers’ kitchens are her most iconic designs. They’re welcoming spaces where you can imagine big family dinners, cozy holiday gatherings, and at-home date nights. The accessories play a huge role in telling their story. “White ceramics, copper cookware, vintage baskets, and stacks of well-loved books instantly add that layered, lived-in feel,” says Anastasia.Annie Schlechter for Country LivingAntique ironstone is always a good idea! Related StoryOld CookbooksVirginia also recommends old cookbooks to add a lived in feel that beckons friends and family into the kitchen. “So many of the characters in Nancy Meyers films love to entertain, so thrifting a vintage Ina Garten or Julia Child cookbook makes sense.”Natural MaterialsFrom wicker to rattan to bamboo, natural textures speak to the effortless, laid-back vibe of the Nancy Meyers aesthetic. These materials can be present everywhere from a wicker tray to a bamboo cocktail table. Jennifer says, “I am always on the hunt for bamboo etageres and multifunctional pieces like wicker trunks, which can be used as a coffee table, at the end of a bed, or tucked under a side table.”Quality UpholsteryBeautiful upholstery is pricey, and finding it secondhand is the best way to get it for a budget-friendly price. “Think about comfort and durability, so fabrics such as linen are a great choice,” says Jennifer. “One of my best finds was at a charity thrift store, where I purchased a blue-and-white striped sofa with oversize rolled arms that fit this look perfectly. It cost less than $30.” Also: If you find a perfect Nancy Meyers-esque silhouette, but the upholstery has seen better days, Burt notes that a new slipcover will bring it right back to life.Related StoryThe Best Search Terms for the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic Buff Strickland for Country LivingA farm table with patina is the ultimate Nancy Meyers-esque secondhand score.Facebook Marketplace is often the gold standard for finding classic secondhand furniture and accessories online, particularly if you’re looking for a hint of nostalgia. The key is training your algorithm to show you exactly what will appeal to the Nancy Meyers aesthetic.Start by searching for the right terms. “For Facebook Marketplace, keywords like ‘English roll arm,’ ‘vintage pine,’ ‘slipcovered,’ ‘cane back,’ and ‘farmhouse table’ tend to surface the best finds,” says Anastasia. Searching for these items and bookmarking them will encourage the algorithm to show you more items that fit into these categories, and also gives you better odds at seeing them before anyone else.But, Jennifer says, the real pro tip is to widen your search area, and then search and save. “After browsing this way for a few days, you can lessen your search radius and it will show you a curated list of items it knows you will like.”Online Antiques Shops That Specialize in the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingSearch for vintage baskets and brass accents while your scouring the (virtual) store aisles. Nora Murphy Country HouseNora Murphy served as EVP of Style and Advertising at Ethan Allen before launching her lifestyle blog that champions a distinctly New England-esque take on a country life. You can shop her “Hunt Club” collections by category (soft goods, baskets, artwork).Dreamy WhitesSwoon-worthy Swedish furniture mingle alongside French and Belgian collectibles such as bread boards, linens, ironstone, and oil paintings.Through the PortholeA staple of California’s Long Beach Antique Market, this husband-wife shop is a resource for mostly neutral pottery, cutting boards, and wooden stools.The Parsons’ Nose AntiquesMichigan-based dealer Brad Stanwick has a background in art history and specializes in 17th and 18th century English oak furniture—the type of pieces you’d find in a well appointed English country house. His pricing is also incredibly reasonable for this sort of thing.Textile TrunkBased in Vermont, owner Wendy Lewis lived in Europe for more than a decade and has a well-trained eye for textiles that include French ticking, grain sacks, and tassel tiebacks. We've also clicked “add to cart” a few too many times for her stock of stair runners and rag rugs. More Nancy Meyers-Inspired Design Ideas:Heather BienHeather Bien is a Washington, DC-based writer covering home, design, entertaining, and travel for the likes of Martha Stewart, Southern Living, Virginia Living, and more. She is an avid antiquer and novice gardener who spends much of her free time tending to the rose garden and the ever-growing list of projects at her cottage, Rosehill Cottage, which is located on the Rappahannock River near Urbanna, Virginia.

Twenty years ago, buying a piece of custom furniture would've meant spending hours (maybe even days) in the design process, thousands of dollars, and months waiting for that piece to be built and shipped to your home. These days, you can still spend thousands of dollars and months waiting for a custom couch, or you can order a less expensive one online and expect it to your doorstep in two days—but expect to trade comfort and durability for that lower price point. So, where's the medium ground? Albany Park Kova Sofa Now 18% Off$2,194 $1,794 at linkby.comAlbany Park brings the best of both worlds straight to your home. They craft semi-custom couches, sectionals, loveseats, armchairs, and ottomans that are incredibly comfortable, reasonably-priced, and come with a lifetime warranty. Through their partnership with an American-based manufacturer, they're able to design, assemble, and ship every new piece of furniture that will arrive to your door within days of your initial order. Albany Park offers five different furniture styles to choose from—Kova, Barton, Lido, Park, and Albany—each with their own distinct aesthetic, but made of equally high-quality materials. Once you've picked your style, you can choose from a variety of different furniture pieces to mix and match in your home, from an armchair and ottoman to a full sectional. Then just pick from the 20+ fabric options (swatches are available) and expect your semi-custom sofa to arrive on your doorstep within days. Just to sweeten the deal even more, Albany Park is currently running their Friends & Family Sale, where shoppers can get a whopping $1,600 off their entire purchase. The discounts increase depending on how much you spend, starting with $150 off $1,000, so if you've been looking to overhaul your currently living room furniture or outfit a new home, now is the time to buy—the sale ends on April 30th!Albany Park Kova Sofa 122"Now 25% Off$3,179 $2,379 at linkby.comAlbany Park Lido ArmchairNow 11% Off$1,381 $1,231 at linkby.comAlbany Park Barton ArmchairNow 11% Off$1,399 $1,249 at linkby.comAlbany Park Lido Sofa 75"Now 19% Off$2,094 $1,694 at linkby.comHannah 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.

When it comes to designing our homes, one of the most common struggles seems to be walking the line between decorating (and renovating) for yourself and decorating for resale value. As the editor of Country Living, I hear it from readers all the time, and I’ve experienced it while tackling my own design projects. It makes sense, of course. Buying a home is a huge financial commitment, and of course you want to maximize the return on your investment. However, in a world that feels increasingly homogenized, it’s more important than ever that our homes feel like our personal sanctuaries, not soulless white boxes waiting for someone else to make their mark. After all, it’s why more and more people are gravitating toward antiques, incorporating color, and embracing wallpaper everywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom. Laurey W. GlennCobalt blue cabinetry? Radish-print fabric? Lattice wallpaper? For designer Lizzie Cox that’s a yes, yes, and yes.If you’ve found yourself here, you’ve also likely found yourself debating going with your gut and playing it “safe,” and we’re here to tell you not to overthink it. Here are just a few reasons to throw caution to the wind and wallpaper that powder room already. You’ll probably be there longer than you think.Research shows buyers often remain in their houses for longer than anticipated. According to Zillow, the average homeowner reported living in their home for 12 years before selling in 2024. Twelve years is a long time to worry about what a future homebuyer will think of your shower tile. (For what it’s worth, I still regret playing it safe on the tile front.) Matthew KisidayA botanical-print powder room by Kendall Rabun Interiors beautifully lives in the moment.Color and pattern can be good for you.“There’s a lot of research on how colorful spaces can influence well-being for the better,” says designer Ingrid Fetell Lee, who even wrote a book on how color, among many other things, can lift spirits. Why deprive yourself of that joy on a daily basis? Country Living Home & Style Editor Anna Logan agrees: “The mood-boosting power of ‘Dopamine Decorating’ is a very real thing.” Bonus: Color and pattern can also have a similar uplifting affect on home buyers who may feel tired of looking at houses that all feel cut from the same proverbial cloth.If you do want to make bold choices with resale in mind, Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, says to consider keeping the common areas of your home relatively neutral and adding personality to the private spaces. Zillow’s latest paint color analysis finds buyers are more willing to tolerate dramatic paint colors in the bedroom or bathroom, as opposed to the living room or kitchen.David Tsay for Country LivingA quilted tile motif in the shower can be even more invigorating than your peppermint body wash.Even “safe” choices can wind up feeling dated.Take, for example, the ubiquitous modern farmhouse look. It is not particularly flashy, but there’s already some backlash over gray hardwood floors and black window sashes, which could ultimately be more off-putting to a buyer than, say, a chintzy cabbage rose wallcovering or yellow kitchen cabinets. Similarly, granite kitchen countertops probably seemed like the safe pick at the time, but many home buyers now prefer quartz or soapstone. In other words, it can be hard to suss out what has staying power, so you may as well live with what you love as long as you’re there. Max Kim-Bee for Country LivingOur homes—like this one by Madcap Cottage—should be living scrapbooks, not blank notebooks.Personality may help your house stand out.“After spending so much time confined to one environment during the pandemic, I think people began to realize how important color and variety are in their surroundings,” says Ingrid. Amanda echoes that sentiment, “The pandemic changed home preferences. As we all spent so much time in our homes, we became a lot more attuned to how we want to use our homes. As a result, we’ve seen that buyers are increasingly looking for homes that reflect their personal tastes and lifestyles. Homes with unique and personalized features command higher sale prices, even if those homes take slightly longer to sell.” While Amanda notes these features may not appeal to every buyer (see: putting greens!), those who value them are willing to pay more to get them. Stacy Zarin GoldbergSomeday, someone’s going to buy this Molly Singer-designed house precisely for that gingham ceiling.It makes your home more memorable.“I often encourage people to think about a space in terms of moments, not stuff,” says Ingrid. “When you look back at this time in your life, how do you want to picture those memories? Think about how much the color might boost your mood or make others smile. Then add that up, moment by moment, over the years you’ll live in that space. If you think about it as just a pretty tile [or wallpaper or cabinet color...], it might seem frivolous, but if you think about starting your day on a positive note, every day for years, that’s a lot more meaningful.”That concept of memory-making was top of mind when Country Living Design Director Maribeth Jones embarked on the renovation of her own Birmingham, Alabama, kitchen. Although she says she encountered her fair share of skeptics when she decided to go all in on sunny yellow cabinetry and William Morris wallcovering, she remained true to her vision. Becky StaynerWhen it comes to lasting impressions, a cookie-cutter cook space can’t compete with Maribeth Jones’ sunny-disposition kitchen.“It’s important to remember that your home is for you—your comfort, your needs, your enjoyment. Despite the naysayers, all I could think of was our daughter Ruby turning to her little sister Florence someday and saying, “Remember the kitchen when we were little girls? The one with the yellow cabinets, checkered floors, and lemons on the wall?” And of course, she will. 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.

Regardless of how relatively easy and inexpensive it is to change, paint still feels permanent. Which means, when it comes time to paint—or repaint—a room, we all hem and haw over countless paint swatches. Even the most seasoned decorators are no stranger to the paint pick freeze or second guessing their choices! Instead of spending hours in the aisle of a paint store agonizing over the perfect shade, allow me to help. As Country Living’s Senior Homes & Style Editor, I’ve spent more hours than I can count researching paint colors, chatting with designers about their favorite paint color picks, and tracking which shades are trending and which are on their way out, which is why I’m the perfect person to share this list of ten creme-de-la-creme paint picks. These are timeless color choices that I promise you won’t regret in ten years—and probably even longer! And, no: I’m not relegating you to boring neutral shades that may or may not have the best resale value, because I don’t believe you should decorate your home with the sole goal of selling it one day. These ten shades from across the ROYGBIV spectrum are guaranteed to please everyone from the farmhouse-style lover to the cottagecore fanatic to the tried-and-true maximalist. Need More Paint Color Guidance? Check Out These Guides:1Swiss Coffee by BehrSwiss Coffee is one of those shades that designers go back to again and again. “This has been my go-to white for years,” says Alabama-based designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas. “It has just the right amount of warmth without going too yellow.” Get the Look: Paint Color: Swiss Coffee by BehrRELATED: See Swiss Coffee in Heather’s Own Kitchen, Plus 19 Other Designer-Favorite White Paint Colors2Hazel by Sherwin-WilliamsWhile duck egg blue might be the color of the season, it’s also a timeless classic. Somewhere between green, blue, and gray, Hazel by Sherwin-Williams is the perfect chameleon color for even the color-adverse. Get the Look: Paint Color: Hazel by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: Check Out Our Other Favorite Shades of Duck Egg BlueAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & BallCountry Living’s Design Director, Maribeth Jones, spent months searching for the perfect yellow for her kitchen makeover (pictured above). It needed to feel cozy but not too dark, cheerful, but not too highlighter-y. She finally landed on this sunny shade, which quickly became a reader favorite. Get the Look:Paint Color: Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball RELATED: See More of Maribeth’s Cheerful, Timeless Yellow Kitchen 4Jasper by Sherwin-WilliamsIt’s no secret that the color green has experienced a resurgence in recent years, but if you want a shade that feels more timeless than trendy, stick with this one by Sherwin-Williams. “A dark green that almost reads black, Jasper looks fabulous with everything from a perfect patinaed chest to industrial furniture,” says Country Living contributor Holly Audrey Williams.Get the Look:Paint Color: Jasper by Sherwin-Williams RELATED: Love Dark Green? Here Are More of Our Favorite ShadesAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball I can personally vouch for this color, as it’s been the shade of my childhood bedroom for the last ten years. If you don’t trust me, trust design maven Annie Selke: “This is the loveliest, most flattering color,” she says. “During the day, it washes out to a white, but at night it comes alive, making the room glow.” Get the Look:Paint Color: Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball RELATED: Love Pink? Plant These Pink Flowers In Your Garden This Spring6Kensington Blue by Benjamin MooreEveryone needs a good navy blue, and Kensington Blue by Benjamin Moore is just that. As part of Benjamin Moore’s Classics Collection, this blue is considered to be a go-to hue that’s part of the company’s “foundational legacy.” It helps that designers love it just as much as the brand. Get the Look:Paint Color: Kensington Blue by Benjamin Moore RELATED: See Kensington Blue in a Room, Plus 19 Other Designer-Favorite Dark Blue Paint ColorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Tricorn Black by Sherwin-WilliamsA good black is necessary in any designer’s go-to palette. This shade, a popular choice for doors and shutters, offers the perfect contrast to crisp, cheery whites and is a favorite for dramatic ceilings. Country Living’s Editor-in-Chief, Rachel Hardage Barrett and serial house renovator Holly Audrey Williams also used Tricorn Black throughout their Mississippi farmhouse project on doors, trim, and ceilings. “I love the edge this color brings to a room,” says Holly. Get the Look:Paint Color: Tricorn Black by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: See How Rachel and Holly Used Tricorn Black Throughout Their Mississippi Farmhouse8White Dove by Benjamin MooreOften cited by designers and architects as their favorite classic white paint color, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove will never look out of place. “This is a foolproof shade. It’s just creamy enough and just crisp enough to work anywhere,” says designer Julie Holloway. Get the Look:Paint Color: White Dove by Benjamin Moore Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Dark Chocolate by Benjamin MooreMuch like everyone needs a good black, everyone needs a good true brown to ground a space. This shade from Benjamin Moore is the optimal shade, with a name as sumptuous as its appearance. Get the Look:Paint Color: Dark Chocolate by Benjamin MooreRELATED: See Dark Chocolate Used in the Coziest Ever Living Room, Plus More Popular Brown Paint Colors 10Silver Lining by Benjamin MooreIn 2025, I’m asking—no, begging—people to pick something other than gray for their walls. When done properly, gray paint can be lovely, but it should not be everyone’s go-to just because they think it’s the only crowd-pleasing neutral. If you like gray, pick this blue-tinged shade instead for something that is timeless, but still feels fresh and livable. It’s a favorite shade of top designers like Katie Rosenfeld for a reason! Get the Look:Paint Color: Silver Lining by Benjamin MooreRELATED: See How Katie Used Silver Lining in a Kitchen, Plus Other Dreamy Blue-Gray Paint Color FavoritesAnna 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.  

Next to the laundry room, the butler’s pantry is arguably a home’s most hardworking bonus room. Historically, butler’s pantries were reserved for entertaining prep, literally the space a butler would use to prepare for large dinner parties or elaborate meals. But these days, they function more like hardworking storage rooms for everything dining- and entertaining-related, which is exactly why they’re a must-have for any prolific entertainers, especially now that separate dining rooms are back. What’s the Difference Between a Butler’s Pantry and a Regular Pantry?Let’s tackle the pantry first. Typically, a pantry is used solely for storing dried goods and shelf-stable vegetables—think onions, potatoes, etc. (In the UK, this area is called a larder.) A butler’s pantry, on the other hand, was historically used for party prep and where entertaining pieces and overflow dishes were stored. Traditionally, butler’s pantries did not have sinks or food storage; however, many modern ones combine now both types of pantries into one and hold both food and dishware. What’s the Difference Between a Butler’s Pantry and a Scullery?A scullery is just a more outfitted butler’s pantry The term ‘scullery’ is more commonly used in the U.K., though it comes from an Old French word, esculerie, which translates literally to “office of the servant in charge of plates”—aka where dishwashing occurred—and is why many contemporary sculleries have dishwashers in them. Today, the terms ‘butler’s pantry’ and ‘scullery’ are often used interchangeably, though some purists might still insist that anything with a sink is not a butler’s pantry but a scullery. It’s worth noting that these two spaces are distinctly different from so-called ‘dirty kitchens,’ which often also have small cook spaces in them, in addition to dishwashers. No actual cooking takes place in a butler’s pantry or scullery. Whether you use a butler’s pantry strictly for storage or have it outfitted more like a scullery with a sink and dishwasher, these bonus spaces are extremely useful in bustling family homes or a vacation homes where guests and large groups frequently gather. Below, I’ve rounded up our best butler’s pantry ideas to help you create a space that is as inspiring as it is functional. Ready to upgrade your space? Check out these bonus room guides:

In the wide world of antiques, buying a piece of art for the wall or pottery for your bookshelves is easy, but, when it comes to the big stuff, it can be hard to know what to shop for that will complement what you already have. And, if you’re starting from scratch, it can be even more difficult. There is so much out there to choose from that it can be very intimidating!If you’re confused about what antique furniture you need or what’s actually worth investing in, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ve rounded up the foundational antique pieces that every home needs based on your own personal decorating style. (Not sure how you actually identify your style? Keep reading and we’ll help you decide!)Related StoriesIf Your Style is Grandmillennial...Lincoln BarbourA collection of Spode’s pheasant plates feels right at home in this stately wood hutch. ...Shop for a HutchIf there is one thing the grandmillennial loves, it’s antique dinnerware. From piled up china plates to loads of silver, a grandmillennial’s collection needs a place of honor, which is why every grandmillennial needs a good hutch. While these can fetch a pretty penny, they’re timeless pieces that can travel from house to house and will evolve with changing styles. Humble pine is a classic choice but seek out one with dark, polished wood for a fancier feel. Related StoryIf Your Style is Maximalist...Rikki SnyderDesigner Christina Salway’s Hudson Valley farmhouse mixes eras and design styles with ease thanks to her expert touch. ...Shop for Furniture with Folk Art FlourishesWe already know maximalists love color and pattern more than anything else, so they probably have enough soft goods to fill two houses. Instead, the maximalist should hunt for furniture with folk art flourishes. Hand-painted details that have happily patinaed with age add just the right amount of roughness to a space without sacrificing on the beauty. Seek out wedding chests or wardrobes, like the one shown here, for a folk art piece with some visual heft. Related StoryIf Your Style is Farmhouse...Erin KellyDesigner Liz Dutton kept her family’s Ohio farmhouse simple with a rustic Jenny Lind bed and classic white bedding. ...Shop for a Jenny Lind BedSure, there are countless reproductions of Jenny Lind beds, but nothing compares to the joy you’ll experience finding one in the wild—even better if it’s dug out from the back of a barn or uncovered in your great aunt’s attic. Jenny Lind beds, named after the Swedish songstress who became a national superstar when she traversed America in the mid-1800s, are simple, which ensures they’ll fit seamlessly in any bedroom, regardless of what other furniture or textiles you already have. Related StoryIf Your Style is Cottagecore...Kirsten FrancisThis breakfast nook by designer Stephanie Perez is a cottagecore dream thanks to wicker baskets, a skirted bench, and mix-and-match pillows. ...Shop for Wicker Baskets You can never have enough wicker baskets, at least that’s what the Beatrix Potter books would have you believe. Woven baskets are as practical as they are pretty, serving as the perfect stash spot for blankets or freshly plucked garden veggies. While true antique baskets may run on the higher end of the price scale, vintage ones are just as stylish and usually can be picked up at your local antiques mall for under $20. Related StoryIf Your Style is Preppy... Laurey W. GlennThis entry from designer Whitney McGregor blends country sensibilities with classic preppy flair....Shop for a Scrubbed Pine DresserScrubbed pine furniture adds just the right layer of humble texture that a prep style devotee needs. Still steeped in history and charm, scrubbed pine dressers work in a variety of spaces. They make great display and storage pieces in an entry but look equally chic in a guest or kid’s room (try one as a bedside table!). Their chameleon nature is exactly why they can move quickly at an antiques show or on an antiques shop’s floor, so if you see one take it as a sign from the antiquing powers that you NEED it. Related StoryIf Your Style is Minimalist...Brian WoodcockShown here with another Shaker favorite—the peg rail—this simple chair is as humble as it is hardworking. ...Shop for a Ladder-Back Chair Yes, the minimalist deserves a little fun too. Now I know you aren’t one to fill your house with superfluous things, especially just in the name of a good deal. If the minimalist is bringing something into their home it has to be functional and timeless, and if there is one group of aesthetes who matches that outlook, it’s the Shakers. Both timeless and chicly utilitarian, a Shaker-style ladder-back chair is exactly what the minimalist needs. (And don’t forget that peg rail to keep things neat and tidy!)Start Shopping!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.  

When it comes to decorating your house, every little space counts. And for creating a warm welcome, there’s no area that matters more than the entryway—the place you come home to and where you make a stunning first impression for guests. In a tiny cottage or cabin—or perhaps especially in these petite homes—small entryway decor ideas make a real impact, providing style and function in the place you need it most.Decorating a small entryway can be tricky, but we’re here with solutions! In this roundup of small entryway ideas, we offer smart furniture options like dressers or chests for extra storage, tiny tables to add style with providing a landing spot for mail and keys, hall trees that act as a one-stop shop for storing essentials like coats, hats, and umbrellas, and benches tucked in easily as narrow entryway decor. And we’ll just say it—space-saving hooks on the wall are a small foyer’s MVP.Function comes first, but style is a close second. Decorating a small entryway should always include showing off your personality. Gallery walls, antique and vintage collections, and wallpaper can set the tone for what’s to come in the rest of your home. Paint picks go a long way, too—warm, inviting colors tend to be the best choices for small entryway decor. Architectural details like wainscoting take up virtually no space at all while adding loads of character that says, “Come on in!”Here are more ways to create the warmest welcome to your home:1Add Character with WainscotingDavid TsayDesigned by Fran Keenan, this entryway serves up a breezy welcome with V-groove wainscoting painted a pretty robin’s-egg blue. The floral wallpaper above adds a slightly feminine touch. A hefty pine piece topped with a mirror and mementos offers a spot to drop mail and keys, or even store shoes on the bottom shelf.RELATED: Add Loads of Character With These Wainscoting Ideas2Pick a Peg RackRead McKendree for Country LivingEvery square inch in this tiny Cape Cod cottage is put to use, including this makeshift entryway. A smart peg rack provides a handy spot to hang hats, totes, and jackets. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Go Dutch (Door)Dane Tashima for Country LivingA glossy black Dutch door allows these homeowners to be on the lookout for guests. A narrow flip-top French dining table offers a spot to drop keys and mail. Above it, a large zinc mirror reflects light into the space. Hooks behind the door keep leashes and hats at the ready.Get the Look: Door Paint Color:Black Hollandlac by Fine Paints of EuropeRELATED: More Dutch Door Ideas for an Entryway With Double the Charm4Be Bold With WallpaperMatthew KisidayA small space is the perfect place to go wild with a bold wallpaper print. With its large-scale paisley motif, this entry sets a lively tone befitting the West Virginia property’s history. For even more pattern play, a hand-painted Greek key design on the floor gives a wink to the homeowner’s Greek ancestry. Get the Look: Wallpaper:“Kashimir” by JasperTOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Select a Serene Color SchemeRikki Snyder for Country LivingIn designer Christina Salway’s Hudson Valley farmhouse, this once foreboding entry is much more inviting now, thanks to a pretty blue-green and white paint combo that continues throughout the home. A hand-painted French settee with a striped cushion and piles of pillows offers a comfy spot to pull shoes on and off. A collection of French fish plates hangs above. Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: All White by Farrow & BallTrim and Door Paint Color:Quiet Moments by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSE6Design With WhimsyStacy Zarin GoldbergWhat a fun entry! Designed by Cameron Ruppert Interiors, this whimsical space features clover wallpaper, a Roman shade in a bold pattern, and a graphic rug. Solid furniture pieces keep the design balanced.Get the Look:Wallpaper:Klöverblad designed by Josef FrankRELATED: Designers Are Loving These Fresh Wallpaper Ideas Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Tuck In a Hall TreeAli Harper for Country LivingThis petite entryway has just enough room for a bamboo hall tree. The piece, complete with a mirror, hooks for hats, and shelves, serves many purposes. The walls are painted a rich earthy brown that pairs well with the greenish-blue front door.Get the Look: Wall Paint Color:London Clay by Farrow & Ball TOUR THIS HOUSE8Style It Just RightBecky Luigar-Stayner, styling by Kathleen Varner for Country LivingTake it from Country Living Design Director Maribeth Jones—a styled-up space is a happier way to come home. Case in point: her welcoming back door entryway. Thanks to Shaker-style screw-in wood pegs, the just-right happy hue of cheery yellow, and William Morris wallcovering, the once-dumping-ground area in her kitchen is now a hardworking and stylish makeshift mudroom. Pro tip: Space pegs at least six inches apart to maximize their pile-it-on capacity.Get the Look:Cabinetry and Trim Paint Color: Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & BallWallpaper:“Fruit”TOUR THIS KITCHEN Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Display an Eye-Catching CollectibleDylan Chandler for Country LivingIn author Nora Murphy’s historic Connecticut home, the entryway, like the whole house, is the setting for sea-salty finds like this antique model sailboat. The painted floors in a checkerboard pattern bring loads of character underfoot.RELATED: Add Instant Charm to Any Room With Painted Floors10Add Flourish With Painted FloorsRead McKendreeThis small entryway really packs it in—a navy Dutch door, a petite entry table with fresh flowers, and a bench. But the star of the show has to be the folk-art painted floor, bringing color and flourish to the front of the house.RELATED: Add Instant Charm to Any Room With Painted FloorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Make the Door SpecialRead McKendree for Country LivingIn this tiny beach cottage, seaglass-inspired stained glass trims out the front door. Special touches like this make even the smallest spaces memorable.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Stained Glass Is One of 2025’s Hottest Design Trends, Here’s How to Use It12Turn a Wall Into an Entry MomentAli Harper for Country LivingIn this 1940s cottage, the homeowner used small entryway wall ideas to transform a flat wall into an true entryway moment filled with character. Meaningful collections of old water-hose nozzles and natural discoveries like birds’ nests and antique tortoise shells set the tone for the interesting finds. Useful hooks, seating, and surfaces offer convenient drop spots for coats and keys.Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Dark Chocolate by Benjamin Moore Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Hang Handy HooksBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingRope cleats secured to a piece of painted plywood come in handy as entryway or mudroom hooks. We especially love this coastal design element for a lake house or seaside cottage. A vintage paint-by-number sailboat adds decorative charm.RELATED: 50 Lake House Decorating Ideas for a Laid-Back Look14Paint the Door a Sunny HueChristopher Dibble for Country LivingNothing says “welcome home” quite like a cheerful front door. Designer Max Humphrey nailed it when he coated his modern-rustic rancher’s front door with a nearly neon yellow. Tramp art frames converted into mirrors add rustic charm. The motif of the indoor-outdoor rug, part of Max’s collection with Thayer Design Studio, is inspired by friendship bracelets.Get the Look: Front Door Paint Color:Chartreuse by Benjamin MooreRELATED: Front Door Paint Colors for the Most Inviting EntryAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Let the Light InRoger Davis for Country LivingRather than a traditional 50-50 Dutch door split, designer Alexis Garrett lowered the cut to allow even more California sunlight to stream in to her charming beach cottage. The door’s lower section is lined with vertical planking, mimicking the room’s vaulted ceilings. Grab-and-go beach hats and towels flank the door.Get the Look:Door Paint Color: Kensington Blue by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSE16Go GrandioseHelen Norman for Country LivingThis narrow Georgia farmhouse entryway designed by James Farmer feels grand thanks to pastoral wallpaper, handsome mossy green millwork, a pretty antique sideboard, and framed art. A pair of globe pendant lights adds sparkle at night.Get the Look:Wallpaper: Royal Oak by Lewis & WoodTrim Paint Color: Hampshire Gray by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSE Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Set the ToneAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingAn entry area is the perfect spot to have a little fun and set the tone for what’s to come in the rest of the house. Here, singer-songwriter Holly Williams added to the charm of her 1800s Kentucky fixer-upper with blue-and-white floral wallpaper and a “DANGER” sign found at a Tennessee antiques market that serves as a tongue-in-cheek warning to house guests.TOUR THIS HOUSE18Double the FunctionAli Harper, styling by Ginny Au for Pfeffer TorodeWhen a home doesn’t have a foyer, spaces have to do double duty, like in this renovated log cabin’s hallway. It functions as both an entry hall and a mudroom, making use of an otherwise blank wall with antique hooks that hold hats and jackets. The vintage 46-star American flag in the nearby kitchen was a flea-market find. White paint helps brighten the potentially dark space.TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Hang a ChalkboardDavid HillegasAlthough this one is more decorative, we love the idea of making your entryway a family hub for what’s happening with a giant chalkboard. Jot down the dinner menu, to-dos, upcoming events, and greetings for those coming and going. 20Utilize Vertical SpaceStacy Zarin GoldbergMake the most of vertical space, like this customized wainscoting and peg system for hanging boots and hats does in this narrow back hallway. A door-length window covering and vintage rug add pretty decorative touches to the hardworking boot room.Get the Look:Trim and Millwork Paint Color: Inchyra Blue by Farrow & BallRELATED: Designer-Approved Mudroom Ideas That Are Stylish and Functional Amy 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 and style editor, I field a ton of questions from friends and colleagues about a variety of topics from how to style a coffee table to whether the latest micro-trend is here to stay. Earlier this week, I was asked one of my favorite types of questions from our resident HGTV expert on staff, our digital director, Katie Bowlby: “Is a stove cove a thing in real life or just on HGTV?” These questions are always my favorite because they’re valid! Spoiler alert: Not everything that looks so great on HGTV is going to translate to real, everyday life. While the answer is more often “no, that’s not a real thing,” this time that isn’t the case. While some may call it by a different name, a stove cove is a real thing, and it’s a design trend definitely worth considering for your own kitchen. Get the full scoop below:FOR MORE ON KITCHENS:What Is a Stove Cove? As the name suggests, a stove cove, sometimes called a “cooks nook” or “stove nook,” is a recessed nook in a kitchen that houses the stove or range. While many stoves have vent hoods that are supported by corbels or flanked by cabinetry, stove coves are distinctly different in that they rely on being framed by three complete walls to be classified as a stove cove. While wood is a common material used to construct the enclosure, brick or tile is usually preferred. Are Stove Coves Trending?If it’s making an appearance on HGTV, there’s a good chance it’s trending. Stove coves are a favorite of designers looking to add architectural interest to a kitchen. Brick stove coves add a traditional flair to a kitchen, making it a perfect material for Colonial- or Tudor-style homes, while wood surrounds bring cottage- and farmhouse-like warmth.Related StoriesAre Stove Coves Safe? Yes, stove coves are definitely safe, especially if you’re using an electric or induction cooktop. However, if you do have a gas range, make sure that there are no directly flammable items near the stove just as you would with any open flame.Examples of Stove CovesBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingA beadboard backsplash adds humble charm to this farmhouse kitchen designed by Trinity Holmes. Sara Ligorria-TrampAn antique accordian lamp brightens this Washington barn home’s stove cove. Courtesy of Christopher Horwood/Artichoke LTDSweet blue-and-white tile serves as the backsplash for this grand stove cove from British kitchen design firm Artichoke Ltd.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.  

If you were around during the 1980s and early 1990s, you likely recall the ubiquity of the bed skirt. Also known as a dust ruffle (or a valance sheet, as they call them over in England), the fabric panels were typically placed under the mattress and draped over the end and sides of the bed to hide unsightly box springs or bed frames while also preventing dust buildup below the bed.It was chintz and ruffles galore on this bed on the cover of our August 1987 issue. The flounce still ruled in this bedroom featured on the cover of our February 1993 issue. In the past few decades, however, bed skirts fell out of favor, with homeowners opting for full decorative bed frames that eliminated the need for the skirting—at least aesthetically speaking. But recently, given the rise of the cottagecore aesthetic as well as the grandmillennial movement and the enduring appeal of English country interiors, bed skirts have resurfaced as an easy way to add feminine flounce to a space—just think of it as a sink skirt for your sleeping quarters.What’s great about a bed skirt is the fact that it allows you an opportunity to incorporate more pattern into your room while also concealing below-the-bed clutter. (If you live the sort of life where this is not a necessity, well, good for you. Those of us with maximalist and cluttercore inclinations need all the help we can.) The skirted approach can also be a good economical option that allows you to splurge on just the headboard.While flouncy bed skirts are particularly on-trend, the look is quite versatile. Below are seven ways for successfully adding a bedskirt to your own bedroom decor, no matter your decorating style:DESIGN TIP: Whatever approach you take, you’ll need to know your “drop” length, which is the distance between the top of your box spring to the floor. Generally speaking, 14 to 15 inches is standard. If you want a more puddled look, you may want to go with a drop that’s a tad longer than the actual measurement. EMBRACE PRETTY PLEATING Read McKendree“This [Maine] bedroom is quintessential New England—very cozy and nostalgic,” says designer Katie Rosenfeld, who had almost everything custom-made down to the bedskirt featuring eyelash fringe.RELATED: These Bed Pillows Will Have You Sleeping Like a BabyLET IT PUDDLE Tria Giovan for Country LivingIn the shingled Long Island home of designer Jennifer Vaughn Miller, a wrought iron canopy bed features a casual skirt in keeping with the property's effortlessly casual aesthetic.TOUR THIS HOUSEKEEP IT CLEAN Laurey W. GlennBecause the patterned headboard featured in this Birmingham, Alabama, guest room, is quite busy, the homeowner opted to keep the silhouette of the coordinating skirt quite simple with box pleat corners.RELATED: Designers Swear By This Low-Cost Home AccentSEEK OUT SCALLOPSRead McKendreeIn this well appointed bedroom by Stephanie Woodmansee of Henry & Co., a scalloped hem provides just the right amount of sweetness.GO FULL-ON GINGHAM Astrid TemplierLovers of the cottagecore aesthetic may want to opt for a more over-the-top approach as seen in this whimsical retreat twirled up by Tess Newall.RELATED: These are the Best Sheets on Amazon for Hotel-Quality SleepPLAY WITH SCALEDavid Tsay for Country LivingHere, a novel approach to a headboard—three old doors—called for a concealed bed frame. Here, the skirt features a larger scale pattern that balances well with the bedding's smaller scale prints.MIX MATERIALSLisa FloodYou may not automatically think of a ruffled bed skirt for a more rustic-leaning cabin, such as this one designed by Emily Janak, but when paired with a wool blanket, it makes for a compelling push-pull.TOUR THIS HOUSEFrill of the Hunt: Bed Skirts for All SortsScalloped Eyelet Bed Skirt$169 at The Company StoreCredit: The Company StoreTailored Gingham Bed SkirtNow 38% OffCredit: Home DepotRuffled White Bed Skirt$109 at Pottery BarnCredit: Pottery BarnTicking Stripe Bed Skirt$165 at PerigoldCredit: PerigoldCotton Crochet Bed Skirt$129 at greenrow.comCredit: Green RowBelgian Flax Linen Bed Skirt$129 at Pottery BarnCredit: Pottery BarnFrench Laundry Stripe Bed Skirt$192 at loomdecor.comCredit: Loom DecorPrinted Ruffle Bed Skirt$139 at greenrow.comCredit: GreenrowLaura Ashley Ticking Stripe Bed SkirtNow 23% OffRelated Stories Rachel 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.

Open-concept floor plans have their place, but in the last 20 years American builders and renovators have become, well, a bit too demolition happy when it comes to walls. If you’re craving the cozy, defined look that separate living spaces offer but don’t have walls to help you create that feel, then you’ve come to the right place. And, no, tri-fold screens are not the only solution to divvying up an open-concept space. There are many other creative, chic, and (often) inexpensive ways to bring definition back to your home. Whether it’s a creatively placed piece of art or a sliding pocket door that disappears when you don’t need it, there are endless designer-approved options. Below, we’ve gathered up some of our favorites just for you. Discover more design tips, small space solutions, and inspiring decorating ideas:1Build In a Display CaseJohn GruenThis unique nook in a circa-1930s Connecticut farmhouse includes a clever window-like display case room divider that helps separate the entry from the living spaces. Bonus: The open shelving provides ample shelving to hold the homeowner’s collection of ironstone and milk glass.RELATED: Collectors Share Their Carefully Curated Vintage Collections2Choose Stained GlassSara Ligorria-TrampIf you want something a little more solid to divide your room but don’t want to sacrifice natural light, opt for stained glass! Whether it’s used in an archway or a door, stained glass accents are both on-trend and timeless. TOUR THIS HOUSE RELATED: Stained Glass is Officially Back! Here’s How to Use ItAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Try a Decorative ArchMarta Xochilt Perez for Country LivingIn this Minnesota lake house, a decorative arch separates the main living area from the offset library-meets-dining room. Deep chocolate brown paint helps further delineate the spaces. Get the Look: Wall Paint Color: Deep Caviar by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSE4Add a Sofa and a Sofa TableStacy Zarin GoldbergIn a large living room, use furniture to create division in the room. Here, designer Cameron Ruppert used a well placed sofa backed by a sofa table to separate two different sitting areas. RELATED: These Quick Updates Can Transform Your Living Room in a WeekendAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go for a Box BedLucy CallIf you're making the most of an open-concept living space but still value the privacy an actual door can bring, try a box bed (with or without sliding doors)! This nostalgic sleeping nook is on track for a comeback this year, so you’ll impress friends and guests by being way ahead of the trend. RELATED: Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bedroom for Spring6DIY a Window NookMarta Xochilt Perez, styling by Matthew GleasonA seldom-used pass-through outside a bedroom in a Michigan farmhouse was transformed into this secret built-in hideaway. The reading nook is complete with fairy tale-worthy wallcovering and a queen bed with bonus storage in the cabinetry below.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Install Sliding DoorsKim Cornelison for Country LivingSalvaged pocket doors were given a second act in a renovated 1870s barn home designed by DIY and renovation expert Jenni Yolo. The strategically placed doors were installed with sliding barn door hardware to separate the primary bed and bath areas.RELATED: This DIY Sliding Barn Door Kit on Amazon Will Make Your Farmhouse Dreams Come True8Utilize Exisiting DoorsMichael PartenioReclaim an unused closet to make a tucked-away home office or creative studio, equipped with a petite desk, floating shelves, and a hanging peg board. In this cheery example, the working area is easily divided from the outside room with the already existing closet doors. When work is finished, just close the doors and all is hidden!RELATED: Easily Turn Your Closet Into a Cheery Home OfficeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Place a TableDavid TsayA strategically placed round table, grounded with a rug, turns a floaty open space into a casual entryway. Add a bench to further define the areas of the space.RELATED: 35+ Creative Entryway Ideas That’ll Give Your Guests the Warmest Welcome10Create “Rooms” With RugsDavid A. Land, styling by Jennifer Berno DeCleeneIn a open concept living space, use area rugs to clearly divide the large room into different zones, as seen in this Michigan lake house. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Hang CurtainsBrian WoodcockCan’t you just picture taking a nap in this welcoming seat? Vibrant colors and plush pillows make this bright alcove an ideal spot for curling up with a new book and a furry friend. Textured curtains in front of the window seat add privacy on demand and help divide the window nook from the rest of the room.RELATED: 10 Window Seat Ideas That’ll Make You Want to Curl Up With a Good Book12Save Space With Bifold DoorsKaryn MilletBright blue bifold doors help separate the bedroom and bath in this beach house. The small space couldn’t accommodate a regular swinging door installation. Plus, when the bifolds are folded open, bathers can soak with a direct, open-air view of the backyard.Get the Look:Door Paint Color: Mountain Stream by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: Creative Clawfoot Tub Ideas for Every BathroomAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Install a Double FireplaceAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesAdd flair to separate areas by adding a two-way fireplace. Whether it’s wood-burning or electric, a dual-sided fireplace can serve as a seamless room divider or even connect indoor and outdoor spaces. RELATED: 50 Fireplace and Mantel Decor Ideas for a Cozy Upgrade14Roll With Rustic DoorsLucas AllenIn this modern farmhouse, salvaged doors are anchored on a return-style curtain rod with wheels added below for a country-inspired upgrade that divides an en suite bed and bath. Browse your local salvage yard to find similar doors to duplicate the look.RELATED: 21 Fresh Ways to Incorporate Barn Doors Into Your HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Add a PeninsulaDavid TsayIn this farmhouse kitchen, the open layout kitchen/living area is seamlessly divided by a white kitchen peninsula topped with a soft gray concrete countertop. A trio of limed oak barstools upholstered in a farmhouse perfect blue-and-white striped fabric provides flexible seating for either area.RELATED: 70+ Stylish Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and Small16Surprise With a Pocket DoorJohn EllisIn this modern California home, a home office is separated from the surrounding areas when needed with a bright orange pocket door. Look for creative solutions like sliding doors or expanding screen dividers in complementary hues to break up large spaces. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Make Use of Exisiting ArchitectureHelen Norman for Country LivingThe area under a staircase in this 1953 cottage in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains was transformed into a multipurpose nook with the addition of a built-in bench seat and a wall sconce. The frame of the staircase provides a natural room divider that perfectly defines the cozy space.RELATED: How to Make Buttoned-Up Pillows18Hang a Salvaged WindowSnazzy HomeBring charm and history to your space with a hanging salvaged window room divider. This one is super simple to DIY: Install two eye bolts on the window as attachment points, screw corresponding eye bolts into a ceiling beam, and hang with wire or chain. The window will delineate separate spaces while still letting light flow through.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Make a Sliding Shiplap PanelBrian Woodcock for Country Living The open living room space in a barn loft at Tennessee’s Bloomsbury Farm is separated from the bathroom with a sliding panel crafted of the same white shiplap as the rest of the walls in the room. When the “door” is closed, the look is seamless.TOUR THIS BARN LOFT20Utilize Natural Elements Dima Berlin//Getty ImagesA DIY hanging succulent room divider is anything but traditional. Bring a little nature to your home by dividing your space with a wood or bamboo hanger decorated with handmade or store-bought macrame wallhangings holding your favorite plants.RELATED: The Most Striking Succulents to Grow In Your Home or GardenJanece MazeJanece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.  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.  

Twenty years ago, Mimi Pickard was looking to escape south London. “My husband Ed and I have three children, and we liked the idea of our kids going to school in the countryside,” she says. So it was Kismet when some friends mentioned they might be interested in selling their home near Guildford in Surrey (about 30 miles southwest of London).The three-acre property, located on the outskirts of a quaint village complete with a charming neighborhood pub, boasted everything Mimi was looking for: a remote location, bucolic views, and a beautiful garden. The only thing that gave her pause was the late 1920s farmhouse. “Overall, it was well built with a good foundation, and the house had a lovely, happy atmosphere, but I didn’t love it,” she says. “It just took a few years of renovations to make the house itself our own.” “In our 1920s home, the windows are drafty and rattle in the wind. You get used to it though.” That process involved knocking down a lot of walls to let in more natural light, rearranging rooms for better flow, and maximizing the views in all the rooms. The unobstructed views of the garden and neighboring fields also inspired a shift in Mimi’s tastes. Through the years, she found herself replacing her conservative neutrals with bright colors.Years of working with nature proved fruitful in a particularly unexpected way. After her kids were grown, Mimi decided to combine her love of textiles and the outdoors into her very own business: Mimi Pickard English Textiles. Her English-countryside-inspired collection of wallpapers and fabrics features an array of posies, birds, and trees, as well as stripes and geometric designs. Rachel WhitingThe conservatory’s ceiling are covered in painted wood blinds that can be opened and shut. The brushed linen sofa is piled with pillows in both “Naked Angelica” from Mimi’s fabric line and “Oakleaves” from Peggy Angus’ Blithfield collection. While her wares are now sold in cities throughout England, Australia, and the U.S., Mimi has no plans to leave the place that made it all possible. “I love how bringing in my own designs has even given this old house a new lease on life,” she says. Besides, there’s no way she could get Ed to wander too far from Three Horseshoes, his favorite nearby pub. Says Mimi, “They serve a delicious Sunday brunch, and that’s very important for us Brits!” Tour More of Mimi’s House Below: RELATED STORY:ENTRYRachel WhitingThe entry flows seamlessly into a living area thanks to sisal rugs and walls covered in “Small Damask” by Peggy Angus for Blithfield.KITCHENRachel Whiting The eat-in kitchen is a contrast of creamy paints and black granite countertops with a splash of pink via window treatments in “Charlie Stripe” by Mimi Pickard. MUDROOMRachel WhitingWhat was once the “boot room” is now a downstairs cloakroom. Mimi added tongue-and-groove wainscoting paneling and “Angelica” wallpaper from her collection.RELATED STORIES:BEDROOM & BATHRachel WhitingRachel WhitingThe same floral wallpaper (“Hatley” by Cabbages & Roses) appears in both the bedroom and adjacent bath. “The matching wallpaper makes the two rooms flow better. My mum has always done the same thing, so I copied her,” Mimi says. The chair in the bathroom, which belonged to Mimi’s granny, is reupholstered in a Jane Churchill plaid. The bed is made in a variety of crisp linens from The White Company and pillows covered in an array of antique fabrics. An old wicker side table was freshened up with a coat of Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin. RELATED STORIES:EXTERIORRachel WhitingLife in the English countryside requires a dog—in this case, English Springer Spaniel Lola—and a garden. “When it came to gardening, I was not a natural. When we first moved here, I had to lean very heavily on my mother, and she really helped me.”RELATED STORIES:

Loyal Country Living readers know I love antiquing—and even more than that, I love a good deal on those antiques. Admittedly, my tastes tend toward the fancier side of things (you should see my wishlist on Chairish!), but that doesn’t mean I don’t value a dollar or enjoy the thrill of hunting an estate sale for a good deal. In fact, it’s *because* my tastes err on the side of, well, upper crusty British country aesthetic—more so than modern farmhouse—that I’m an expert deal hunter. My best find to date? A 300-year-old inlaid mahogany demilune that I scored for just $125 at an antiques market in Georgia. (It’s safe to say that purchase was well under market value!) That said, I’m also no stranger to buyer’s remorse. But, after years of antiquing, I’ve learned there are some pieces you’ll never grow tired of. (Looking at you, silver!) Below, I’m sharing my best advice—and the advice of all the antiquers who have come before—to share the five antique furniture pieces you’ll never regret buying. RELATED STORIES:A HutchStephen Karlisch for Country LivingThis collected hutch holds more than just china, serving as the perfect stash spot for antique books, foraged finds, and collected artwork. The beauty of a hutch is that it can be used anywhere. As your style evolves, the hutch can evolve with you. Whether you place it in your dining room for a proper display of your china or stash it in the living room to hold books and family mementos, it’s a timeless piece that can be happily moved from room to room. RELATED: Stylist Tricks to Make Your Shelves Look Camera-ReadyA Bar CartHelen NormanA rusty red bar cart keeps the party going outside at this storybook Virginia mountain cottage. Whether it’s a fancy mahogany trolley passed down through the generations or a fun, slightly rusted metal version, handy bar carts—also called a butler’s or breakfast cart—have a myriad of uses, making them the ultimate entertainer’s piece. They’re perfect for small-space living, but are equally useful in dining rooms or on porches. RELATED: 25 Easy Spring Cocktails to Celebrate the SeasonA Secretary Paul CostelloA secretary is the perfect mix of function and design, especially when placed in a spare room. Similar to the hutch, a secretary is one of those pieces that works regardless of your style. You can opt for one in a beautiful scrubbed pine or go for something a little more stately, like waxed mahogany. It perfectly blends form and function, adding patina and shape to a room without taking up too much space. Close it up when you want something that feels a bit sleeker or leave it open when entertaining and use it as a place for serving drinks or snacks (they make perfect bars!). A Good Wooden Chair Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingIn this Mississippi farmhouse bathroom, a wooden chair offers a landing spot for linens. If there is one piece of advice you take to heart from this story, let it be this: You can never have enough wooden occasional chairs. They’re timeless, easily movable, endlessly useful, and (often) inexpensive. They don’t have to be fancy, in perfect condition, or match anything else—you just have to love their shape. You can put one in the bathroom for towels, in the hallway, in a guest room to hold luggage, in a bedroom next to the bed, in the kitchen, on the porch—I could go on. Bottom line: This is the must-have furniture piece for crafting a collected, cozy home.A Demilune TableMatthew KisidayA streamlined demilun offers the perfect display spot in this West Virginia cottage’s entryway.If you’re going to splurge on any piece of furniture I mention in this story, a demilune is the one on which you should. Whether you use it in your dining room as a buffet table or in your bedroom as a vanity, the this half-round table (sometimes you can even find the matching pair!) is as useful as it is chic. Because they weren’t originally conceived as storage pieces, demilunes usually feature elevated design elements that make them feel extra special. But this doesn’t mean it has to be overly ornate, though. Sometimes, simple is best.RELATED: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.  

Kendall Jenner is ditching her fancy Hollywood digs for something that feels a lot more country. The second-youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan recently shared an update about a new house she’s building—dubbed her ‘getaway house’—and it’s full of this year’s trending granny-chic decor. Her pivot into grandma-chic style comes as no surprise, as the starlet has been vocal over the years about her appreciation for a slower pace of life. (She’s also a self-admitted horse girl, so her slide into country interiors seems more natural than you might assume.) While we don’t know much about the project, we do know that Kendall enlisted designer Heidi Caillier—whose work has appeared in multiple issues of Country Living over the years—to help bring her vision to life. The celebrated Seattle-based designer has a knack for transforming spaces with layers of patterned textiles, rich, earthy colors, and lots of antiques. Kendall’s new-build home appears to be set amongst a swath of pine trees and leans much more country than her antiques-filled Spanish-style home in Los Angeles. Below, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look of the project that Kendall claims is near completion! ExteriorKendall Jenner/InstagramThe exterior of Kendall’s home features wood siding and soaring paned windows. In this snap, she shares that the home will be the first home she’s built from the “ground up.” KitchenKendall Jenner/InstagramIn Kendall’s new kitchen, trendy dark wood cabinetry feels in keeping with the home’s rustic aesthetic, while a frenetic black-and-white stone countertop extends up the wall, lending a more contemporary feel. A simple, yet shapely white vent hood appears to be plaster, evoking the Spanish-style of her Los Angeles bungalow. The five-burner, dusty blue Lacanche range and checkered red-and-white floor tiles add fun pops of color.Related StoriesLiving RoomKendall Jenner/InstagramKendall Jenner/InstagramThe light and bright main living area features crisp white wood-paneled walls accented with happily worn wood beams. The Grandmillennial-approved ruffled chintz sofa adds an elegant, ladylike feel to the space. Behind the sofa, a collection of vintage art crowns the (likely custom or vintage) Gibson piano while an upholstered piano bench adds another layer of pattern. Powder RoomKendall Jenner/InstagramIt seems Kendall has been keeping up with this year’s biggest color trends. In the powder bath, a butter yellow toilet feels happily retro when paired with trending-again wood walls. A floral café curtain in a bright red helps liven up the bathroom. Related StoriesBedroomKendall Jenner/InstagramIn a bedroom, Kendall opted for an inset wardrobe, complete with curtained doors that match the room’s wallpaper, proving pattern-on-pattern decorating can look fresh rather than fussy. The mix-and-match approach to the hardware enhances the new-build’s been-around-forever character. Bathroom Kendall Jenner/Instagram Just beyond the bedroom’s built-in, the bathroom features bold green paint in what appears to be a glossy finish. Textured tile on the floor brings a humble feel to the otherwise luxe space. Related StoriesGuest RoomKendall Jenner/InstagramKendall and Heidi keep the old-school charm going in the guest bedroom with built-in paneled bed nooks painted a relaxing green-gray. Daring textile choices feel totally grandma-approved thanks to their classic motifs. Additional BathroomsKendall Jenner/InstagramKendall Jenner/InstagramThe rest of the snapshots Kendall shared showcase collections of tiled rooms, which we’re assuming will be bathrooms. Interesting architectural choices and a smattering of color keep these spaces feeling anything but boring. Stay tuned for more updates! 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.  

Years ago, our friends at House Beautiful published a story about the resurgence of traditional design sensibilities, which led writer Emma Bazilian to coin a term that turned the design industry on its head: grandmillennial. Since then, “grandmillennial” has become the catchall term for layered, pattern-filled rooms and the traditional design aesthetic. The term and trend were exalted as the triumphant rejection of all things mod and minimalist. Over the intervening years, however, grandmillennial has taken on a life and meaning all its own. It’s now used to describe everything from chintz to china to chore coats. The ubiquity and overuse of the term has had an unexpected consequence: The word, as Emma originally defined it, no longer carries the same meaning. In Emma’s original article, she describes grandmillennial style as a refined, relaxed approach to interiors that celebrates timeworn color and pattern. She even highlights a rule that has largely been forgotten in the six years since: “And although there’s a good bit of shared DNA with prep culture, the two terms aren’t entirely interchangeable; the grandmillennial is less Lilly Pulitzer, more faded D. Porthault,” she writes. Somewhere in the intervening years, this distinct difference was lost. So, let’s set the record straight. Related Stories:What Is Grandmillennial Style? Nelson HancockThis sitting area designed by Markham Roberts proves more is more when it comes to piling on pattern. Let’s start with what the grandmillennial aesthetic really is. True grandmillennials, a contingent of spirited, antique-loving souls, swap straight lines for scalloped edges; ditch the all-white everything for vibrant, piled-on pattern; and adore all things patinaed. Their homes are filled with heirloom furniture (preferably brown), needlepointed accents, ruffled or skirted sofas, chintz floral fabrics, and rich, refined paint colors to help temper those flirty florals. Their icons are Dorothy Draper and Sister Parish (the design doyennes of days past) whose work serves as the building blocks for contemporary traditional design. It’s this reverence for and appreciation of the key pieces their grandmothers loved and cherished that sets them apart from prepsters. This distinction is particularly important in the age of “-cores” (see cottagecore, fishermancore, cluttercore, and even clovercore) because grandmillennial style isn’t a trend; it’s a thoughtful curation of antiques, not simply a pretty-and-pristine blue-and-white room. How Is It Different From Preppy Style?Preppy style has its place, too. I even wrote a story about how much I, as a born-and-bred Southerner, love preppy style. However, in the age of information overload, it’s important to acknowledge the distinction between the two. Grandmillennial style and preppy style are distinctly different, though they share many similar qualities. Preppy style is clean, bright, traditional, and cheery. While the grandmillennial aesthetic shares those tenets, it veers into the pleasantly patinaed and realistically rumpled territory. It’s less Home Goods and more homespun. Age-worn charm permeates the style—something you just don’t see with preppy design. While the grandmillennial happily trots out her patinaed silver serving pieces (that definitely weren’t polished before guests came over), the preppy devotee would choose bamboo-handled cutlery. Related StoryThe New Rules of Grandmillennial StyleDavid A. LandDesigner Amy Lafitte layered this blue-and-white room with antiques to keep it feeling timeless, not trendy. Pick Timeless Over Trendy When it comes to adding storied substance to a space, there’s nothing like a good antique, so skip big box furniture stores in favor of estate sales or antiques stores. (We even say, the more antique pieces in the home, the better!) When shopping for future furniture heirlooms, look for signs of good construction like interlocking dovetail joints and drawers on gliders, and pass up plywood and particleboard, which just don’t have pass-it-down potential. Also, don’t overlook the “dated” dishes that you might see or inherit—melamine can’t tell your family’s story like a stack of Blue Willow can. Related Story:Accent with Americana Scions of the new grandmillennial movement (think: Audrey Gelman of The Six Bells) have made one thing very clear: Americana and crafty, folk sensibilities have a home here. Don’t fret if your grandmother doesn’t have a chest full of D. Porthault bed linens; her hand-pieced quilts still feel grandmillennial. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to put away your Laura Ashley! Just be sure to mix in a little Americana with any English or English-inspired pieces already in your home. Read McKendreeLayer On the Pattern When in doubt, default to pattern. While a self-proclaimed preppy-lover might choose the latest bold chinoiserie patterns or a colorful, punchy gingham, the grandmillennial looks to old-school reproductions and reissues (think the infamous “Floral Bouquet” by Lee Jofa) or even dead-stock fabrics sourced from estate sales to layer into their homes. The grandmillennial celebrates the faded and dated because they know that their tastes will never go out of style. Related Stories: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.  

If you’ve ever opened an issue of Country Living and wondered where the homeowners of many of the beautiful homes featured purchased their textiles and upholstery fabrics, you might have stumbled into the world of “to-the-trade fabrics” and then felt confused as to why you couldn’t purchase these fabrics by the yard directly. It’s a more common question than you might think. Fabrics and wallcoverings that are sold as “to the trade” only can only be purchased by licensed interior designers and architects with approved tax identification numbers. (In fact, access to these exclusive fabric options is one of the top reasons most people choose to hire designers.) While it’s never been easier to work with an interior designer thanks to sites like The Expert, actually hiring a designer may not be in your budget. So, how do you get these exclusive fabrics? Below, I’m sharing the five most common ways plain ol’ consumers like you and me can buy to-the-trade fabrics and wallcoverings, along with my own favorite places to shop for them.Related StoriesOnline Retailers The best (and easiest!) place to purchase to-the-trade fabrics by the yard (and wallpaper, too!) is from online retailers like Decorator’s Best, The Expert, or Perigold, who sell select options from storied fabric houses such as Lee Jofa, Scalamandré, and Schumacher. These brands offer fast shipping, return windows (though sometimes a restocking fee is applied), and sales giving you prices you wouldn’t typically find or have access to. The one downside is their limited selection, meaning, if you have a specific fabric in mind, you may not be able to find it available on these sites.Read McKendree Sample Sales Occasionally, designer fabric houses will have sample sales offering discounted fabric online or in person to the general public. For example, designer favorite Chelsea Textiles usually hosts a large warehouse sale each spring where their fabrics and furniture are available at a hefty discount. To stay on top of these designer sales, I recommend signing up for email lists and regularly checking the brands’ social media feeds on a regular basis as these sample sales are often announced shortly before they happen. I also recommend following your local design center, which are found in select major cities across the U.S. The to-the-trade showrooms inside those centers will often hold sample sales where they offer fabric, floor model furniture, pillows, art, and more at discounted prices. These sales are also a great place to shop for custom fabric lampshades! Design Center Referral ProgramsSpeaking of design centers, some of the larger design centers where multiple showrooms are located (which are all open to the public to come and browse, btw!) do offer services to help non-trade consumers purchase to-the-trade fabrics. For example, New York’s Decoration & Design (D&D) Building has their Consulting & Buying Program that gives consumers the opportunity to look at and purchase fabrics at to-the-trade prices, plus a nominal fee, as does the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. Other design centers, such as the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC), offer referral services to connect you with a designer for consultation and purchasing. David HillegasSecondhand SourcesShopping fabric remnants secondhand is an easy way to build up your fabric stockpile, especially if you aren’t looking for anything specific. Designers and workrooms often offload remnants they no longer have use for on sites such as Etsy, Chairish, and 1stDibs, the latter two being great places to find exclusive or luxury fabrics. These aren’t just small pieces, either! You’ll often find full bolts or multiple yards of fabric available. If you’re up for more of a hunt, check local estate sales or Facebook Marketplace for fabric remnants. You might even find vintage or discontinued fabric options shopping this way. Fabric ShowroomsAs a last resort, you may be able to order fabric directly from the local design showroom. It’s not guaranteed and is not a common practice, but it’s worth calling around to showrooms near you and asking if they could place an order on your behalf. If they turn you away, ask if they have local workroom (upholsterers or fabricators who work with designers to create custom upholstery, window treatments, pillows, etc.) recommendations who then might be able to place the order for you. The workroom method is especially helpful if you are looking to recover or reupholster an existing piece. There are also showrooms open to the general public, such as Calico Corners, that offer some to-the-trade fabrics, but again, their selections are usually more limited than what you could access if you were working through a designer. 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.  

When it came time to update the kitchen of her 1960s Colonial-style home, designer Molly Singer embraced the design advice she’s been dishing out for decades: finishes became punchier, paint colors and patterns veered more playful than placid. The whole project became a testament to what happens when you let a designer do their thing. Read on for a full breakdown of the 10 ways Molly tuned this space into a charming, collected farmhouse-style kitchen of her wildest, most colorful dreams. Stacy Zarin GoldbergTraditional blue cabinets provide a fresh new look in Molly’s classic-meets-cool kitchen.TOUR MOLLY’S ENTIRE HOME:Go for Nickel-Gap Paneling So that the new kitchen would be in keeping with the rest of her 1965 home, Molly skipped the standard drywall and opted for a tongue-and-groove wood treatment whose name comes from the nickel-wide spacing between boards. Covering both the walls and the 12-foot-high ceiling, the creamy paneling offers contrast to the red oak beams, corbels, and flooring, all stained with a custom 50/50 blend of Bona’s Cocoa and Natural.Get the Look:Paneling Paint Color: Pointing by Farrow & BallChoose Character-Rich CabinetryPainted a fresh shade of duck egg blue, the kitchen’s drawers and cabinets feature thoughtful details, including mix-and-match unlacquered brass hardware, furniture-style toe kicks, and—atop the two glass-fronted step-back upper cabinets—classic crown molding. Dark honed Adamantium quartzite countertops help ground the otherwise airy color palette.Get the Look:Cabinetry Paint Color: Skywalker by BackdropRELATED: Marble vs. Quartz Countertops: Which is Better? Install a Multitasking Island Thanks to endcap shelving, the 6-1/2-foot-long island can house Molly’s many cookbooks. On the other end, a three-foot stretch of zebrawood butcher block is intentionally raised half an inch higher than the quartzite island top to create two separate prep spaces. The two backless rattan stools are easily tucked underneath when not in use.RELATED: Our Favorite Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and Small Bring in Natural TouchesA trio of shapely jute rugs dots the light-filled space and adds a happily humble layer. The contrasting finishes of the round wood-toned dining table and the black-stained Windsor chairs give a contemporary touch to the otherwise classic kitchen.Stacy Zarin GoldbergStacy Zarin GoldbergStick with a Statement StoveA 55-inch-long vent hood, crafted from the same red oak as the adjoining beams, crowns the stainless steel gas range. Along the top and the bottom, decorative bands of wood tambour paneling bring more visual texture. The stove’s extended quartzite backsplash, outfitted with an unlacquered brass pot filler, protects the wood walls, while a handy three-inch-deep built-in shelf serves as the perfect perch for Molly’s go-to spices. Layer Your LightingMolly, who is not a fan of “boring” overhead recessed lighting, opted for an array of light fixtures including task pendant lights hung over the island (the metal shades were painted to match the cabinetry), and a pair of sweet shaded sconces to illuminate the back counter.Stacy Zarin GoldbergStacy Zarin GoldbergDon’t Forget the Farmhouse SinkMolly encourages clients, especially those who have children or love to entertain, to install two sinks (and two dishwashers!) to give their kitchens max efficiency. In her own kitchen, both apron-front sinks, paired with unlacquered brass bridge faucets, are under large windows that overlook the pastoral property’s landmarks: a 100-plus-year-old spring house and an even older oak tree. Pick Pretty Patterns“If you have the opportunity to put fabric in a kitchen, take it,”says Molly. Here, she followed her own advice by embracing a graphic Art Deco-inspired motif on the sconce shades and the on-trend café curtains. Happy plaid seat cushions offer another soft moment.Get the Look:Café Curtain and Sconce Shade Fabric: Mézières by Antoinette PoissonPlaid Seat Cushion Fabric: Banon Plaid by Brunschwig & FilsRELATED: Trend Alert! Café Curtains are Back! Here’s How to Use Them. Stacy Zarin GoldbergChoose Smart StorageCustom built-ins hide the clutter of what Molly calls the “children’s pantry,” where kid-friendly foods are stashed. While the left side has fully functioning drawers and cabinets, the right side is purely decorative, as it conceals a load-bearing wall she couldn’t build into. The middle portion features double plate racks and a pair of crosshatch mesh-fronted cabinets that hold her copper cookware. Above it all, Spode’s Woodland plates add farmhouse flair.Stacy Zarin GoldbergStacy Zarin GoldbergPrep a Party PantryFrench pocket doors open to reveal this well-appointed pass-through, which connects the kitchen with the dining room and the den. The space functions like a hardworking party-prep zone, thanks to a wet bar and an undermount hammered-brass sink. The pairing of the dark inky blue cabinetry paint color and the blue-green ceiling wallpaper creates a transition between the light and bright kitchen color way and the den’s moodier palette.Get the Look:Cabinetry Paint Color: Hague Blue by Farrow & BallShop the LookUnlacquered Brass Knob$14 at RejuvenationSwan Neck Sconce$125 at pooky.comScalloped Jute Rug$298 at Serena and LilyGingham WallpaperNow 25% Off$39 $29 at spoonflower.comTOUR MORE KITCHENS: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.  

Just a few weeks ago, our April/May issue hit newsstands. As Country Living’s Senior Homes + Style Editor, I always take the time to post a thank you to all the creatives who brought our issue to life on my Instagram. To celebrate our most recent issue, I led with an image of a bloom-meets-laundry room (pictured above) from designer Kendall Rabun’s stunningly fabulous West Virginia project. Almost immediately, my post was flooded with comments asking what paint color Kendall used (Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball, by the way). These comments confirmed a lingering suspicion I’ve had for months: We’re entering the era of duck egg blue. Stacy Zarin GoldbergDesigner Molly Singer’s kitchen feels airy and bright thanks to a coating of Backdrop’s Skywalker.Blue has long been a designer-favorite paint color (especially for kitchens), beloved for the easy, laid-back sensibility it brings to a room. The recent shift towards greener, more verdant versions follows green’s resurgence in the design mainstream. (I mean, who hasn’t seen a beautiful green kitchen and thought about immediately starting a weekend project to repaint their own kitchen cabinets?) Duck egg blue’s steely look has been perfectly poised for design dominance because it pulls notes from both beloved shades—blue and green. Chase DanielIn this Texas farmhouse galley kitchen, the homeowner chose a timeless duck egg blue paint color to pair with the reproduction wallpaper and antique mint-colored enamel gas range.Much like actual duck eggs, which get their iconic coloring from the naturally occurring pigments blue oocynian and biliverdin, duck egg blue paint colors come in a variety of shades. Hints of black or gray give the color a muddier appearance, creating a more traditional feel that pairs well with brown wood furniture or layers of bold pattern. Brighter, clearer shades can lean coastal, but also work beautifully with traditional white farmhouse interiors.Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite duck egg blue paint colors for you to try. Just be sure to read our painting guide before putting brush to wall! FOR MORE ON PAINT COLORS:The Best Duck Egg Blue Paint ColorsSkywalker by Backdrop$59 at backdrophome.comDix Blue by Farrow & Ball$146 at Farrow & BallMeander Blue by Sherwin-WilliamsNow 30% Off$49 $34 at Sherwin-WilliamsWythe Blue by Benjamin Moore$56 at Benjamin MooreAnna 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.  

Growing up in Georgia, April meant two things: the return of pollen and the Masters Tournament. Kentucky may have the Derby, but Georgia has the Masters, and if you’re asking me to pick a favorite, the Masters wins every time. The whole state buzzes with excitement as the world’s best golfers and their entourages—not to mention tons of celebrities and the most glamorous of the seen-and-be-seen crowd—descend upon the not-so-tiny town of Augusta, Georgia. As a kid, I loved watching for the spectacle of it all. My grandfather would excitedly point out all the different golfers and their stats, rattling off their handicaps and where they were most likely to make a blunder—thus, ruining their chances at winning the iconic green jacket—but I was always watching the background, entranced by the blooming azalea bushes and dogwood trees, not to mention the parade of fashion that accompanies such a gathering. You haven’t seen just how elegant athleisure can be until you’ve watched the Masters. So if you’re like me, obsessed with the colors, pageantry, sights, sounds, and bites of the Masters but not so much the golfing action itself, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’m rounding up six paint colors that capture the essence of the Masters, from the flowers to the food, so that you can keep that spirit of Augusta National going all year. On the hunt for more paint content? Check out our best designer-approved color guides below. 1Green Meadows by Benajmin MooreShop at Benjamin MooreThe iconic Masters green. While it may have its own Pantone color, Benjamin Moore’s Green Meadows is the closest you can get in the paint world. A happy mid-tone green with a touch of blue makes it a chameleon shade, both bold and ready-to-fade-away. 2Shy Boys by BackdropShop at backdrophome.comThe Masters simply wouldn’t be the Masters without blooming azalea bushes filling your visual field at any given moment. I mean, how does the ground crew ensure they’re always blooming perfectly just in time for the tournament? Regardless, this slipper pink shade from Backdrop is a must for any true Masters (flower) devotee. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Siesta Rose by GliddenShop at Home DepotIf the azalea bushes don’t hold your attention, then maybe the drink will. The iconic cocktail, aptly named The Azalea, is a deeper pink and mimics the darker shade of flower found on some bushes. Did you know azalea bushes typically come in three shades: white, light pink, and a darker pink that sometimes looks red?4High Reflective White by Sherwin-WilliamsShop at Sherwin-WilliamsNext to the chicly clad golfers and onlookers, you’ll see an army of people dressed in bright white jumpsuits—the official uniform of Masters’ caddies. Their white outfits contrast so starkly against the lush, verdant background of Augusta National that it’s no wonder that they’ve become go-to costumes for fans and family members alike. (Artist Teil Duncan Henley dressed her brood in them in years past to support her husband, golfer Russell Henley, who is making his ninth Masters appearance this year.) Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Osage Orange by Sherwin-WilliamsShop at Sherwin-WilliamsIf the sights and scenes don’t entice you to watch the Masters, then the promise of pimento cheese sandwiches just might. This pleasant orange perfectly mimics the creamy, mayonnaise-laden cheese spread that has become synonymous with the four-day golf tournament. 6Fashion Gray by BehrShop at Home DepotThe stunning Amen Corner at Augusta National is perhaps the most iconic scene in all of golf. Set against a beautifully manicured forest, it spans three different holes and has both sand traps and water features. The most stunning parts of the corner, though, are the dual bridges, dubbed the Hogan and Nelson Bridges, after former Masters winners Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. The walk over their rocky gray sides can spell doom or glory for competitors, so it only feels right we honor them here with this chic warm gray.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.  

If you haven’t heard it before, let me be the first to tell you: Your grandmother has all the best furniture. Back in the day, handcrafted wood furniture was the norm, not the exception. That brown furniture you think looks dated? It’s not! It is the key to a timeless room you’ll love for the rest of your life. But, what about the stuff that *isn’t* furniture? Is that timeless too? Well, yes! It is, and it’s back in style and looking better than ever. Below, I share the five things that your grandmother probably had in her house and tell you why they are some of the top decorating must-haves of 2025. So, sit down, pour a cup of tea, and get ready to reminisce on all the decorating choices you thought you didn’t like. Related StoriesFloral Wallpaper ALUN CALLENDERA timeless rose motif adds cottage charm to this pattern-filled bedroom.Big, showy floral wallpaper might transport you right back to the 1980s, but hear us out: Classic floral motifs, especially when paired with traditional furniture and a bit of trendy decor, still feel on trend in 2025. The scale, color, and patterns on many of today’s wallcoverings are rooted in the past, but have been tweaked to better fit contemporary tastes, but if your fixer-upper comes complete with floral wallpaper still in good shape, I would think twice before pulling it down. For More on Wallpaper:Stained GlassSara Ligorria-TrampStained glass adds historic flair to this new-build barn home. Want to know classic motif getting a 2025 facelift? Stained glass. Now that we’ve comfortably moved beyond the era of beige-on-beige everything, homeowners are embracing color like they haven’t in decades. TikTok is currently obsessed with stained glass and some creators are even coming up with their own DIY ways to get the look for less, proving that colorful glass elements are finding a new—and hopefully lasting!—home with Gen Z-ers.For More on Stained Glass:Café CurtainsStacy Zarin GoldbergIn Molly Singer’s farmhouse kitchen, shades of blue and green ground the fresh and airy space. We’re calling it: 2025 is officially the year of the café curtain. Thanks to the popularity of direct-to-consumer window covering brands such as Everhem and Pepper Home, picking the happily patterned or delightfully neutral café curtains for your kitchen, bath, or dining nook has never been easier. Plus, they’re renter-friendly, making café curtains the ultimate low-budget, high-impact refresh that can transform your room in a matter of minutes. For More on Café Curtains:Pieced QuiltsJane BeilesWhether they’re hand-made by a family member or thrifted, pieced quilts add timeworn charm with ease. Now, here at Country Living, we never stopped loving pieced quilts. They’re timeless and full of quintessentially country charm. However, that hasn’t always been the case with the design industry at large. Over the last few years, a return to Americana and an emphasis on handcrafted, folksy charm has catapulted the pieced-quilt aesthetic back to the mainstream. If you’ve checked popular vintage resale sites such as Chairish or Etsy, then you know these handcrafted coverings fetch a high price on the secondhand market, meaning it’s high-time to pull your grandmother’s quilt out of storage and display it proudly.Shop for Quilts:Skirted SinksMatthew KisidayThis laundry and bloom room’s skirted sink proves more really is more when it comes to pattern.Whether they’re frilly and ruffled or simple and tailored, sink skirts have long had a place in country homes. Thanks to the recent increase in quintessential cottage style, they’re finally back in the mainstream. Much like café curtains, adding a sink skirt is a quick and easy—and budget-friendly!—way to upgrade your kitchen, half bath, or laundry room. Just don’t forget to choose a performance fabric for ultimate textile longevity! 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.