For one dynamic Washington, D.C., couple, downsizing didnt mean having to compromise on a single thingnot on the amount of space necessary to showcase their enviable art collection, or on having ample room for their visiting children and grandchildren, or even on the breathtaking location.Situated on the western bank of the Potomac River, within the Ritz-Carlton Residences Georgetown, is an art-filled penthouse that counts works by Fernando Botero, Francois-Xavier Lalanne, and Robert Rauschenberg among its rotating roster of residents. Its also home to a well-traveled, down-to-earth couple who were in the market for a family-friendly white cube where they could entertain a revolving door of friends and family with very little effort but plenty of panache. They sold their large house in D.C., and moved here for a more convenient lifestyle, says designer John Meeks of New Yorkbased Aman & Meeks. Theyre very family oriented and, even though it may look a little intimidating, it doesnt matter that everything is whitethe grandchildren are free to go anywhere they want!Even though it may look a little intimidating, it doesnt matter that everything is whitethe grandchildren are free to go anywhere they want! Its a stark contrast to their previous home, but they were game for anything, explains Jim Aman, the design firms cofounder. We designed their more traditional home 14 years ago, and the only real note for this one was that she wanted it all white. Having also conceived the interiors of the couples Palm Beach home, the design duo understood the assignment. They wanted a showplace, so we gave the 10-foot ceilings and walls a real pop with a very white Venetian plaster.The nearly 5,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home, in addition to serving as an ideal backdrop for the homeowners museum-worthy collection, also highlights an array of antique furnishings that complement the otherwise contemporary styling. Much of the chinoiserie was inherited from her mother, who had an amazing penthouse in D.C. that [famed interior designer] Jay Spectre did, says Aman.Of course, for most design projects, mixing periods, styles, and aesthetics is only to be expected, but working with important art collections can be a little trickier. Luckily, with nearly 30 years of experience, Aman and Meeks have learned a thing or two about that. Are [people] going to look at a blue-chip piece of art on the wall or the sofa underneath? posits Meeks. Its usually the piece of art, and weve always been respectful of that fact.And it was a lesson the pair learned early on in their business. We had a client a long time ago, a major art collector, and she said, I want my antiques, my furniturewhatever is in the environmentto be as good as my art, but never upstage it, and that note has served us well.1FoyerKaren FuchsWhen youre greeted at the front door by one of Francois-Xavier Lalannes iconic and friendly sheep sculptures, you know youve entered the home of a seasoned contemporary art collector. To the right is a work by Takashi Murakami and at the entrance to the foyer is another by Fernando Botero with a Karl Springer bench below.The antique Chinese needlepoint rug belonged to the homeowners mother. The pair of 18th-century Venetian mirrors were acquired through Newel Antiques. The mirrors work perfectly there because, not only do they enlarge the space, but they also replicate the art in a sense too, says Aman. Its a very bright apartment anyway, but they help bring light into one of its darker spaces.2FoyerKaren FuchsAman & Meeks had the light fixture custom designed by Gaspare Asaro. The console and lamp are from the New Yorkbased Twenty First Gallery, with a painting by Sam Francis above. The antique Chinese rug belonged to the clients mother and was in their previous home.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3GalleryKaren FuchsThe designers juxtaposed white oak flooring against the Venetian plaster ceilings and walls as a way to infuse warmth throughout the home. The center table is from Lobel Modern, and the chandelier is by Mark Brazier-Jones. To the right is an 18th-century Chinese cabinet that also belonged to the clients mother and has been outfitted as a bar. Both the fish sculpture atop the cabinet and the chair in front are by Francois-Xavier Lalanne. The Hindu bust at the far end of the hallway leading to the primary bedroom suite worked out perfectly because we needed that sense of perspective there, says Aman.4Living RoomKaren FuchsThey have some pretty serious art, but the chairs are playful and they kind of take things down a notch to feel more relatable, shares Aman about the Pierre Yovanovitch Mama Bear chairs that anchor the room. Originally, we were just going to do two, but she insisted on four. When she gets excited about something theres no stopping her!The custom carpet is by Stark, and the Paula Swinnen cocktail tablewith a potted porcelain hollyhock by Vladimir Kanevsky on topis from Bernd Goeckler Antiques. Tucked underneath an 18th-century chinoiserie console is another Karl Springer bench. Above it is a painting by Willem de Kooning. On the back wall is a modest size painting by Marc Chagall.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Living RoomKaren FuchsSweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the Potomac only enhance the couples seminal art collection. The custom sofas were designed by Aman & Meeks, as was the Egyptian-style daybed. They sit everywhere in this home, and red wine is no problem at all, says Meeks with a laugh. Weve used a lot of Perennials fabrics, so theres no reason to be worried!Between the sofas is a pair of Silas Seandel Biomorphic tables. The mushroom table is from Maison Gerard, and in the far left corner is an 18th-century carved wood lotus blossom sculpture. To the left of that is a drawing by Fernando Botero, and across the room is a painting by Jonas Wood.6Dining RoomKaren FuchsFormal dining room or well-curated gallery at Art Basel? The couple can seat up to 16 for dinner at this oak table custom designed by Aman & Meeks. Overhead is a chandelier the clients commissioned directly from artist Michele Oka Doner.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Dining RoomKaren FuchsSpread across the surface of the table is a collection of small sculptural works by artist Beth Katleman. Beth is a friend, and our client had seen her work displayed at a Dior boutique and loved it, says Meeks. And its set up there all the time, even when theyre eating: It tells a story, and you can actually play with it.On the way to the kitchen, to the right is a painting by Robert Rauschenberg and to the left a work by Timothy Curtis.8KitchenKaren FuchsThis was a total gut renovation, shares Aman. Like the rest of the home, she wanted it really clean, with white lacquered cabinetry. Above the bar is a work by Tokyo-based artist Shun Sudo, and nearby the appliances is a work by Julian Opie. The barstools are by Studio Vondom. Its a spot where the grandkids have breakfast and hang out.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Primary BedroomKaren FuchsShe wanted purple, purple, purple, so we said lavender, lavender, lavender, jokes Meeks. Were not big primary color people!It wasnt a difficult compromise given the outcome of the couples light-filled sanctuary. The custom four-poster bed was designed by Aman & Meeks, and both its headboard and bed scarf are embroidered with butterflies and other colorful insects. Its very Schiaparelli, says Meeks.The pair of Roberto Rida lamps were some of the first pieces the designers purchased for the project. We actually designed the room around them, adds Aman. The antique Lucite table is by Marie-Claude de Fouquires, and the pair of 1960s stools were a find at Incollect.10Primary BedroonKaren FuchsThe views of the Potomac dont disappoint in any room of this expansive penthouse, least of all in the primary bedroom. The pair of aluminum Lotus nesting tables are by Franck Evennou, and the potted porcelain hydrangea is by Vladimir Kanevsky. Over the custom sofa is a sterling silver leaf glass-paneled art piece is by Anne Peabody.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Primary Dressing RoomKaren FuchsAman & Meekss clients have the art of dressing down to a science in this spacious closet.12Primary BathroomKaren FuchsOur very good friend Robert Lee Morris did the chandelier mobile for us, shares Meeks. Hes known more for jewelry design but has been doing a lot of lighting fixtures for us. To the left of the room is a playful wall sculpture by another friend of the designers, Beth Katleman.

When Livia Trink and her husband, Antonio Cueto, found out that their next door neighbors were selling their apartment in early 2021, they jumped at the chance to snap it up. The couple had been renting in the building, a former factory that was converted into lofts in the early 2000s, for years, and were eager to combine two units into a family-friendly home that would have space enough for their two children and guests.Max ZambelliThe Molteni&C Intersection kitchen in oak with a natural quartzite stone backsplash and matte lacquered white-gray panels and shelves.Trink and Cueto brought on FORRM Architects to combine the loft spaces into one, with a Molteni&C kitchen at its heart and a central corridor to connect the common areas with the private ones. Kept distinct from the living room by a custom 12-foot-wide, 8-foot-tall steel and glass partition that references the geometry of the adjacent 1909 police building, the kitchen functions as a gathering spot that can be opened up to the rest of the home or closed off for more privacy without compromising on light and the views.Max ZambelliChanneled edges allow doors and drawers to open without handles.I wanted [the kitchen] to feel like a special room, a place of conviviality. We are a very food-centric family and therefore always spend a lot of time in the kitchen, says Trink, who, hailing from Europe, was already familiar with Molteni&Cs timeless designs and craftsmanship. I wanted it to feel like a special room, a place of conviviality. [But] after living in New York City for so long, I realized that I wanted it to be separate from the living roommore common in Europe than it is here. We fell in love with Intersection in the Molteni&C showroom and knew right away that it would make the kitchen the centerpiece of our space.Max ZambelliThe homes restructured layout preserves essential elements of the original architecture while introducing contemporary flourishes of color and pattern.Designed by Vincent Van Duysen, Intersection plays with proportions, thicknesses, and a mix of refined materials. The couple was only too happy to find a kitchen that was as eye-catching as it was hard-wearing. The biggest challenge was finding exactly the right stone to use for the expansive countertops and backsplash, says Jeremy Reed, founding partner at FORRM. Our goal was to accentuate the cabinets and visually connect the kitchen to the copper, limestone, and red brick material palette of the neighboring buildings that sit just beyond the massive windows.Max ZambelliThe living room features ample wall space for the familys art collection. The steel beams are original.Now, the family can enjoy the view into their cook space as much as they enjoy the sights and sounds of the cityscape below.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality and travel, culture, and luxury shopping. Since starting his career at an interior design firm in 2011, he has gone on to cover the industry for Vogue, Architectural Digest, Sight Unseen, PIN-UP and Domino. He is the author of The Lonny Home (Weldon Owens, 2018), has produced scripted social content for brands including West Elm and Streeteasy, and is sometimes recognized on the street for his Instagram Reels series, #DanceToDecor

Unlike their more glamorous counterparts like bedrooms and living rooms, bathrooms tend to be one of the most overlooked spaces in the house. If you are a homeowner, its easy to become inured to the dated cabinetry and dingy grout lines. And if youre a renter, you simply must make do with what youve got. But before you throw in the towel (come to think of it, that might need replacing too!), its important to consider the importance of your washroom. In addition to daily rituals like bathing and brushing, these spaces offer the opportunity for self-care, renewal, and that all-too-fleeting me time. In fact, as weve reported, bathrooms are becoming more elaborate than ever, complete with sofas, steam showers, and even champagne bars. The bathroom is no longer just a place to brush your teeth and get ready for the day, Daniele Busca, the U.S. creative director of Scavolini, told us. Its more like your sanctuary. Especially after Covid, the meaning of the bathroom has completely changed. The bathroom is also a plum design opportunity, whether you simply repaint your cabinets or go as far as a floor-to-ceiling remodel. For inspiration, weve turned to the ELLE DECOR archive. Every home we feature brings us bathrooms we never thought we would see, whether it's a graciously sized bathroom in a Renaissance castle or an exuberant powder room in a single family home. Whatever your whimsy, youre sure to find your bliss in one of these 102 beautiful bathroom design ideas. Go aheadsoak it all in! 1Unexpected Red BathroomBastian AchardA while back, we investigated the viral "unexpected red" trend that was blowing up our social feeds. The jury may still be out on whether or not a dash of red makes every space look better, but it certainly adds plenty of charm to this rustic alpine bathroom designed by Milanese architect Natalia Bianchi. The tomato-red English tub pops perfectly against the reclaimed timber walls. 2Book-Matched Marble BathroomHelenio BarbettaELLE DECOR A-List designer Hannes Peer is a master of materials and we're soaking up all the inspo in this handsome bathroom of his design. It's inspired by Jean-Michel Franks own loo, designed in 1925, and features book-matched Calacatta Paonazzo marble walls and a custom mirror. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Vintage-Look Vanity BathroomNoe DeWittNot all bathroom storage is created equaland this idea from ELLE DECOR A-Lister Alfredo Paredes proves why. Instead of humdrum under-sink cabinetry, he designed a custom vintage-looking vanity. If you don't have the budget for custom, try upcycling a narrow vintage table or console. 4Mirrored Cabinetry BathroomDouglas FriedmanMirrors aren't just for doing your makeup. Here, in a stylish Miami pad, Studio Roda also covered the cabinetry in disco-chic reflective surfaces. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Zebra-Stripe Marble BathroomSam FrostMarble in the bathroom isn't necessarily a design decision known for making waves...unless its as eye-catching as this! In a recent Montecito, California project, design power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent wrapped the bathroom in a dynamic Calacatta Viola Rose marble slabs. 6Missoni-Inspired BathroomFrancesco DolfoTalk about dopamine dressing! This petite bathroom, in the Milan home of hospitality designer Eric Egan, is as stylish as our favorite Missoni scarf. Here, he wrapped the walls in a custom Fromental print. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Statement Mirror BathroomRead McKendreeSometimes, simply swapping out your plain mirror can make a world of a difference in your bathroom. Here, designer Poonam Khanna selected a towering curved mirror that softens the vanity's crisp lines and adds even more height to the room. 8Aviary BathroomStephen Kent JohnsonHow pretty is this delicate avian-themed wallpaper? In this case, the design is Eugen by Scalamandr and utterly transforms this small bathroom in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Even if you rent, you can get the look with a similar peel-and-stick design. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Sunny Soak BathroomLaure JolietSoak this idea in: A classic clawfoot tub can get an unexpected update with the right coat of paint. In the case of this Cambridge, Massachusetts house, designer Frances Merrill of Reath Design coated the bath in a sunny yellow (Babouche by Farrow & Ball). A green checkerboard floor adds even more whimsy. 10Wild Wallpaper BathroomPernille LoofIf your bathroom has quirky geometries, embrace them with an enveloping pattern! By keeping the tub, floors, and trim light and bright, designer Ramsey Lyons allowed the wild botanical print to feel whimsical, not overpowering. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Loo With a ViewGiulio GhirardiWith its Eiffel Tower view, this Paris apartment, designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Pierre Yovanovitch, has its residents taking photos like tourists. Neutral finishes and materials plus classic fixtures ensure that the vistas are this bathing beauty's biggest design flex. 12Copper Tub BathroomFrank Frances StudioThere's something gloriously romantic about a deep, copper tub. ELLE DECOR A-Lister Sheila Bridges upped the ante in this sophisticated mountain house with classic checkerboard floors and the prettiest Vermont view.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Myriad Materials BathroomKelly MarshallCan't decide between zellige tile and bold marble? Use both! ELLE DECOR A-Lister Rayman Boozer shows you don't have to choose between bathroom design's "it" materials in this New York bathroom. A squiggly window shade adds to the fun. 14Key Lime BathroomWilliam Jess LairdThis bathroom in a historic Connecticut colonial revival has plenty of quirks, so designer Clive Lonstein embraced them with an equally quirky color. Here, he selected Benjamin Moore's happy Potpourri Green. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Red Tile BathroomStephen Kent JohnsonThis bathroom has us seeing red in the best of ways! The homeowner of this Montana home was skeptical at first (she calls it one specific place where I had to trust) but the design firm Commune worked its magic via the cherry Heath Ceramic tiles and handsome walnut vanity. 16Pink Marble BathroomStephan JulliardYou'd never guess that this once-derelict Paris apartment used to feature squat toilets. That was until designer Sarah Dray arrived on the scene. Here in the primary bath, she contrasted the travertine walls and tubs with a delicious pink onyx floor and sink. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Mosaic Tile BathroomChris MottaliniInstead of traditional tile, think small, as ELLE DECOR A-List design duo Hendricks Churchill did in this sky-high Manhattan abode. Instead of traditional rectangles and squares, they covered the walls and floor in a neutral-hued mosaic tile, a move that's sure to feel glorious underfoot. 18Relaxed Modern BathroomOri HarpazTucked away though they often are, a bathroom still needs a vibe. In the powder room of this David Lucidodesigned Los Angeles home, brown textured plaster walls provide the perfect base for rich, seductive textures elsewhere. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Prettily Papered BathroomEthan HerringtonPowder rooms are the perfect opportunity for the kind of busy, all-over print that would overwhelm a larger room. In this bathroom, design firm Alton Bechara used wallpaper by Aux Abris with repeating lips and stars. The sink is by Devon & Devon, and the mirror is vintage.20High-Impact Wallpaper BathroomBrooke HolmTo keep things fun and still simple, Bryan Young opted for a straightforward sink and mirror, while covering the walls of this powder room in Flavor Papers Camellias wallpaper. Its a bit like Alice in Wonderland, he says.Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the worlds most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, shes spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

Your favorite sweater makes you smile every time you put it on. A certain shade of blue reminds you of summer vacations by the sea. That's your brain's reward system at work. Now imagine your home sparking that same feeling of delightthats dopamine decor.Born from the TikTok-famous "dopamine dressing" trend (wearing clothes that make you feel good), this philosophy encourages decorating spaces with an emphasis on personal pleasure rather than prescribed aesthetics. And while the name might sound like just another social media buzzword (it ranks sixth in TikTok's interior trends with over 34 million posts), there's actually compelling science behind why this approach might be exactly what our homes need right now.Miguel Flores-ViannaThis color-drenched Aspen home, designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Patrick Mele, is giving us all the dopamine."I believe this design philosophy is much needed after years of homes trending in neutral and minimalist designs," says Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal interior designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors. "People are yearning for spaces that are more vibrant and emotionally uplifting." It captures our collective desire to break free from the constraints of "good taste" and embrace what simply feels good.Why Your Brain Likes Dopamine DecorResearch by neurobiologists Semir Zeki and Tomohiro Ishizu has shown that when we look at aesthetically pleasing art, our brain's reward center lights upthe same area activated when we're in love. This isn't just about dopamine, thoughit's a complex cocktail of neurotransmitters including serotonin for mood regulation; oxytocin for feelings of comfort and belonging; norepinephrine for excitement; and endorphins for overall well-being. Studies have even found that vibrant environments can enhance other sensory experiences, potentially making everything from wine tasting to fabric touching more pleasurable (yes, that bottle of Bordeaux might actually taste better in a joy-inducing room). This phenomenon, known as cross-modal perception, has been extensively studied at Oxford's Crossmodal Lab, revealing how our brain's interpretation of one sense can significantly influence others.Ethan HerringtonA mint green loggia? Yes, please!"In our post-pandemic world, people have developed a deeper understanding of how their home environments affect their mental wellbeing," observes Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder at Decorilla. "We're moving away from the safe, neutral palettes and minimalist aesthetics that dominated the 2010s toward spaces that truly reflect individual joy and personality."How to Embrace the Dopamine Decor Trend in Your Own HomeUnlike rigid design rules that dictate what "goes together," this approach champions personal meaning over perfection. Hustons favorite example of dopamine decor in her practice was creating a gallery wall that mixed children's artwork with professional pieces in mismatched framesbreaking traditional design rules but creating an authentic source of daily joy. "The most successful dopamine-inspired spaces I've designed incorporate elements that have genuine meaning to my clients," she tells us.But how does one embrace dopamine decor while maintaining sophistication? The key lies in thoughtful curation rather than excessive stimulation. Huston suggests starting with a joy audit. Walk through your space and note which items genuinely make you smilethese should form the foundation of your design, regardless of whether they traditionally "match." Layer in personal touches like family heirlooms, travel mementos, or beloved artwork. Consider functionality, toojoy doesn't just come from aesthetics but from creating spaces that make daily routines more pleasant, whether that's a cozy reading nook or an efficiently-organized crafting station.William Jess LairdWe are gushing over this calming, soft-pink hue in the kitchen of a Connecticut Victorian designed by Clive Lonstein.Color is often the most immediate and impactful starting point. "Whether through small doses of color on cabinets or drenching spaces in full color, painting spaces in hues from the green, orange and yellow families creates a personalized, joyful space," advises Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. She particularly recommends earthy, energizing orange tones for conversation spaces, soothing greens for home offices, and cheerful yellows for typically overlooked areas like laundry rooms and pantries. But, as Jensen reminds us, it doesnt always have to be loud and brighta soft peach or a calming lavender can be just as joy-inducing as bold primary colors.Interior designer Nancy Parrish encourages exploring vibrant patterns and textures by way of geometric prints, playful florals, or eclectic designs in upholstery and drapery. Don't forget about what she calls "the fifth wall"the ceiling can become an unexpected canvas for creativity.Oberto GiliThe Milan home of textile designer Lisa Corti shows off her colorful, creative personality.On social media, we are constantly bombarded with prescribed notions of what our homes should look like, what we should look like, and what our lives should look like. But dopamine decor offers us permission to trust our instincts and create spaces that don't just look good on Instagram, but feel authentically, deliciously good to live in. After all, shouldn't our homesthe places where we spend most of our livesbe designed to make us genuinely happy?Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE DECOR, where she manages the brands social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Her eye for emerging styles helps bring the latest in interior design to ELLE DECORs audience across platforms. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, design, and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.

Frank FrancesOur lives may have been changed in recent years (Seamless, Covid, and a whole host of other societal shifts), but one thing is for sure: entertaining is back, andin some casesmore elaborate than ever. While some have the luxury of a standalone dining room, many of us small space-dwellers are stuck with nooks and crannies to feast in. Before you throw your hosting dreams out with last night's takeout, hear us out: you do not need a dedicated room for dining. Dining rooms of today can be a corner, a bookmark, or a cubicle of surprisingly small sizes. It all depends on how you use the space. Don't believe us? See below for 20 designer-approved small dining room ideas to help you make the most out of even the smallest footprint. 1No dining room? No problem! William AbramowiczIf you are one of the many with no dedicated room in which to dine, the most sensible thing is to make the room where you cook double as a dining room. In this old Connecticut house, former model Anne Bannert placed a small pine trestle table at one end of the kitchen. A pair of chairs from the 1930s and a bench under the window allow for a party of four while a pine hutch nearby can be used for easily accessible table settings. 2Pattern PlayFrank FrancesTreat your tiny dining room with all over pattern. In this Vermont house, designer Sheila Bridges did what she does bestputting colors and patterns together like they were always meant to be. The effect unifies the room (or corner of a room) where you will dine and invites guests to sink into the moment. Bridges covered these walls in wallpaper by Morris & Co. and the Roman shade and nearby curtains are done in a Castel Maison fabric. To finish the look she covered the vintage dining chair seats in a complementary Schumacher ikat.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Find Space AnywhereAnnie SchlechterRebecca Gardner knows how to throw a good party...and she won't let her teeny New York City apartment stop her. In fact, she can pack up to 40 guests in, thanks to some clever spatial tricks, including unfolding a table for eight in her bedroom. 4Forego a SideboardKelly MarshallMost traditional dining rooms have not just a table and chairs, but a sideboard as well. If your dining room is as narrow as the one in this New Jersey house, move the settings storage and serving station to the kitchen and reserve the dining room for dining. This dining table is by Castlery and the chandelier is from Currey & Co.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Corner It UpEric PiaseckiIf your dining area doubles as another room, utilize the corner of said room (usually an under-programmed space!) as your dining area. In this Aspen escape a cushioned banquette provides ample seating around the Harvey Probber table. Two 1950s Hans Wegner chairs allow for easy access seating. 6Bay Window BanquetteAdrian GautSome dining rooms sit comfortably within the curves of a bay window. If your apartment or house is blessed with this kind of architectural detail, don't waste it. Instead of placing a plant or floating reading chair in the nook, outfit it with a built in, wraparound bench and place a bistro-sized table in front of it. In this New York City kitchen, designer Nanette Brown chose one unifying color: pink. The Roman shades make sense for the space and are made with Pindler fabric. Mood lighting is provided by way of two vintage Swedish sconces by Aneta.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Try Your EntrySimon UptonIf you have no room to spare for dining, consider using using your entry. Since it is the first room guests see, it will need to be adaptable: cover the table with a sumptuous fabric of some sort so that it reads more like a luxurious entry console, just centered rather than abutting a wall. In this Spanish apartment Lorenzo Castillo placed an 18th-century rug on the table and added a Regency-style bench in front of it for added flair. Pull the chairs away to the corners of the room or into another room and decorate the table when not in use. 8Rethink the IslandWilliam WaldronIf you have no dining room and are blessed with a large kitchen, you can kill two birds with one stone. Replace your kitchen island with a dining table instead. It can double as a preparation surface when needed (ever peeled potatoes sitting down?) and a dining table when it's time eat. In this Upstate New York house the owner chose an antique American dining table and chairs and stool from Calvin Klein Home.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Treat Your Space Like a GalleryWilliam WaldronIn this Manhattan apartment, artist and jeweler Federico de Vera treated his kitchen and dining area as carefully as the rest of his art-filled home. If your space is small, that is even more of a reason for everything to be finely chosen and fully functional. A steel-top table by Gregor Jenkin serves as a bridge between the steel-toned cabinetry and countertops by Armani Casa and the antique chairs surrounding the table. One is a 19th-century Louis XVstyle chair that's upholstered in a Richard Saja embroidered toile de Jouy and another is in the style of Gerrit Rietveld. Scattered wood and gilt frames on the nearby wall complete the cultured mood. 10What's Your Order?If you are using one side of a larger room as your dining area why not treat it with a glamorous touch? Base the design on your favorite booth in your favorite upscale restaurant. In this Miami apartment the walls were covered in Sebastian Herkner tiles from Kaufmann Keramik. A Studiotwentyseven table provides space for a least six guests with extra seating by way of two Cassina chairs. Peter Zumthor-designed pendants from Viabizzuno hang over the table.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Define With ColorPatrick BillerIf your dining room exists without doors, define the space with color. A bold choice in color paradoxically makes small rooms feel more powerful, and often, more spacious. In this Victorian Toronto row house the dining rooms walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Rectory Red with the company's Preference Red used on the trim. Furniture should be just as grand as the colors used on the walls. Here a Biedermeier-style table surrounded by 18th-century Italian chairs painted green and covered in a Pierre Frey fabric ups the ante. A juicy glass Venetian chandelier overhead is the final word in glamour. 12Windows Do WondersAdrian GautIf you have no dedicated dining room in your home, find a quiet corner with ample natural light and make it your dining nook. In this Ashe Leandro designed Texas house a custom bench upholstered in a rich red Dedar fabric defines the space. A table from B&B Italia allows for enough room for a meal of six (at night or in the light!).Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Keep It Simple-ishRoger DaviesMonochrome does well in many instances, including in small rooms. In this chic, straightforward Kentucky farmhouse black and white was all that was needed to create a gracious space. The dining rooms Restoration Hardware table was painted black to match the 1940s dining chairs. Above a rock-crystal chandelier hangs with tiny black shades that match the candelabra lamps from Mumbai in the background. A 19th-century Swedish console and plant stands, also black, drive the theme home.14Library LivingWilliam AbramowiczIn the great mansions of 19th-century industrial titans there were rooms to retire to after dinner. These "smoking rooms" were often overstuffed with bookcases, armchairs, and objet d'art, and sometimes a tiny table for post-dinner snacks. Why not expand on this idea and marry your library to your dining room? In this San Francisco loft, Steven Volpe placed a dining table of his and Roth Martin's design in front of an aluminum bookshelf by Martin Szekely. A 1950's light fixture hangs above it and wood dining chairs are as useful for reading as for dining around it.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Art It UpDouglas FriedmanYour dining area doesn't have to be big to take big art. The bolder the better. In this dining nook in a historic Manhattan apartment, a photograph of Jackie Kennedy by Harry Benson hangs above the custom banquette. Chairs by Laura Gonzalez in Le Manach fabric complement the colors in the photograph, while a dining table by Pluhowski Furniture roots the space.16Try A SectionalGREY CRAWFORDWhen space is tight, consider bringing the living room into the dining room. In this rustic lodge the owner used a sectional to shape out his dining area. The curved mini-sectional is by Ballard Designs and is paired with an antique table that plays into the home's welcoming, traditional character. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Matchy Matchy!Kelly MarshallIf your dining area is in your kitchen and there is not enough space to distinguish preparation areas from dining areas, lean into the constraint and make your dining furniture match your kitchen. In this Rayman Boozer-designed Harlem home, the custom cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moores Cats Eye green that matches the green stripes on the seats of the vintage Thomas Harlev dining chairs. Wallpaper that mimics hanging plates by Matthew Williamson for Osborne & Little picks up the greens in both. 18Dining Room or Pool House?William Jess LairdIf you're blessed with a swimming pool perhaps make it part of your dining room? Or at least make use of the view. In this Key West home, the dining area overlooks the luscious backyardswimming pool and allmaking for a calming, playful experience inside as well as out. Interior design firm General Assembly used a light blue green paint for the walls (above the millwork) and playful, vintage Joe Colombo chairs around the circular dining table. A Pelle chandelier mimics bubbles and if you are lucky enough to dine under it you would notice painted palm fronds on each glass surface. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Cloud ControlRoger DaviesIf you are one of those straight-to-the-point types, perhaps pick one simple, straightforward decorating scheme: white. In this Nantucket home (the ideal place for a pared-back dining room) architect Rebecca Ascher chose white paint for her walls along with a white dining table by Catherine Memmi and white Eero Saarinen chairs from Knoll.20Go RetroEric PetschekIf your pad comes complete with the wood panelling of the 1970s, don't rip them out, make them work! In the dining room of this New York City apartment, designer Bachman Brown let the wood walls lead. A restaurant-style banquette in a similar timber provides a comfortable seat to eat from, while the chrome dining chairs across from them are straight out of the 1970s. The Carlo Nason pendant light and bookcase on the opposite wall remain on trend, and jolts of bright blue on the baseboards and doorways keeps the room as relevant as it is retro.

This article originally appeared in the December 2009 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.Marcel Proust made us aware that even the most seemingly insignificant sensory experience can trigger important memories. For him it was a madeleine and a cup of linden tea. For me there is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of fresh snow beneath the tires as I turn on to the long driveway of North Creek Farm, with its majestic alle of century-old maple trees. Silhouetted against the snow are two large red barns, a family of golden-haired Shetland cows, Nubian goats, miniature donkeys, and woolly sheep. By the time I pass the icicle-encrusted winter gardens and pull up to the white 1860 Georgian manor house, my children and I are full of joyous memories of being home for the holidays. William WaldronThe living rooms tufted-leather armchairs are from John Rosselli Antiques and Decorations; the ottoman, which is covered In a vintage kllim, and the 19th-century painting are both from Myrtle.North Creek Farm is the Hudson Valley weekend getaway shared by my mother, Dolores Barrett, and my stepfather, Edward Klein, who bought the house and its 56 acres on a total lark nearly seven years ago, after I had stumbled on an enticing magazine ad for a gentlemans farm.We weren't even house hunting, Dolores remembers. At the time she owned a place in Bridgehampton, Long Island, where she and Ed maintained a glamorous-and hectic-social life. But the photos of bucolic North Creek Farm spoke to them both, so they drove up to take a peek. William WaldronIn the game room, Regency chairs from Yale Burge Antiqus surround a table from Mill House Antiques & Gardens; the walls are covered in a Bennison linen.I immediately fell in love, says Dolores, whose sense of style and exacting eye for detail served her well during her eight years as vice president of public relations for Polo Ralph Lauren. Id always wanted a place far back from the road, with unforced landscaping. The house and its setting were not ostentatious, yet they had a kind of innate elegance and dignity. For Ed, the former editor in chief of The New York Times Magazine who now contributes to Vanity Fair and writes best-selling biographies, a tranquil place to wind down, work, and be with his family was irresistible. It's a very rural area surrounded on all sides by farms-inspirational for a writer, he says. Dolores and I knew instantly that this magical place would be the ideal gathering spot for our grandchildren.William WaldronA brass chandelier by Vaughan Designs hangs above an heirloom dining table; the chairs are upholstered in a Cowtan & Tout fabric.They made an offer then and there. It was completely unlike them to do something so impulsive and was thrilling for the rest of the family, which now numbers four adult children and seven grandchildren. Our clan is a modern one: step-parents, step-siblings, cousins. and step-cousins all mingled together. Both Christmas and Hanukkah are celebrated at North Creek Farm. Many of us are in the media, and dinner discussions often turn into heated debates, while pajama-clad children run in and out, seeking attention or another lollipop. The interiors needed to embrace this raucous spirit. And given its year-round use, the house had to transition seamlessly from Thanksgiving to Christmas to the Fourth of July, from corn-on-the-cob casual to my mother's famously chic, formally decorated holiday tables. William WaldronThe vent hood is by Broan, and the dishwasher is by Bosch. Rob Southern, a Manhattan-based interior designer, was the perfect choice to help Dolores implement her dream of a refined yet relaxed country home. It's a place to connect. But let's face it, Southern says, families work best when members are able to have private time as well as public time. As much as I wanted it to feel farm like, its for writers and avid readers, so every room had to support many functions, with a surface for a laptop and good lighting to read by. Everything had to be child-friendly, but also have the ability to close off and be private. Each room has a lovely view, either of the lake, the barns and paddocks, or the extensive gardens. Southern capitalized on this by bringing natural motifs indoors, in both colors and patterns. "The outside really dictated the inside, he says. Dolores, Ed, and I wanted to retain tradition, but without being overly historical or too literal. William WaldronIn the primary bedroom, the Sheraton-style bed, a family heirloom, is dressed in a skirt of a Travers print that Is also used for the curtains; the lamps are from Myrtle, and the etching is by Caio Fonseca. Southern used textiles have references to the past, but in a modern palette. In the game room"the site of Monopoly marathons, my daughter Annalises fashion shows, and my son Jack's chess games with Pa (his nickname for Ed)," Southern saysthe walls are upholstered in an 18th-century design of birds and flowering branches, updated in a sophisticated watery blue and beige. He anchored the living room with a bold crewel on two walls. It has a handcraftiness to it, a nod to the time the house was built, he says, but it feels fresh on the walls. William WaldronA guest room is sheathed in Cowtan & Touts Stria wallpaper; the firms Ferns linen is used for the headboard, which was designed by Southern, as well as for the shades and the wing chair. Throughout, family antiques are mixed with modern elements, a reflection of his parents' eclectic taste. A Sheraton-style tester bed in the master bedroom is flanked by a pair of overscale contemporary ambercolor glass urn lamps and offset with a Caio Fonseca print and a vivid geometric American needlepoint rug. The key with Dolores and Ed, Southern says, "was to take all of their various likes and interests and marry them in a way that would make the place flow. And it does. When we're alone in this house, Ed and I marvel at its beauty and serenity, Dolores says. Yet when it's filled with the laughter of our grandchildren, North Creek Farm is at its very best.Tour this elegant house in the Hudson Valley This story originally appeared in the December 2009 issue of ELLE DECOR.

The kitchen might be the heart of the home, but the living room fireplace is the soul of the home. As temperatures begin to plummet, holiday hibernation goes into full effectcue the eggnog overdoses and shameless Hallmark film nightsand while watching Hot Frosty on the small screen could very well be this seasons best survival tactic, the cozy, crackling fireplace mantel is everything in these cold winter months. Little surprise, then, that it lends itself well to a holiday decor moment.According to Pinterest trends analyst Sydney Stanback, people are rethinking the traditionally minimal way of decking the halls in 2024. Searches for maximalism have increased by 140 percent year over year, she says. Were seeing bold colors, pattern-happy tchotchkes, and Christmas schemes that are bedecked with everything you would normally usebut times 20. For a mantel, that might mean overabundant sprays of greenery, maximalist-patterned stockings, ample assemblages of tapered candlesticks (let not a single square inch of mantel shelf space go uninhabited), and yes, many an oversized bow (look no further than Anthropologie's 2024 Christmas lookbook).People are also returning to the nostalgia of Christmastime, Stanback adds, digging up Grandmas ornaments and opting for decorations that have meaning behind them. When it comes to fireplace decor, that can be anything from vintage figurines to handcrafted baubles.Having decorators block? Weve tapped some of the top designers and brands for their Christmas mantel go-tos. Whether youre into a simple magnolia garland or a bough of sweet-smelling evergreensor you like to go ham with a plethora of gilded tchotchkes that make your Christmas tree look comparatively humbleweve got a Christmas mantel idea for everyone. The stockings are just the beginning. 1Mangolia-Filled MantelCourtesy RejuvenationThere's no better place to look for decorating ideas than the forest. Magnolia leaves are a quintessentially Southern greenery that deviates from the standard evergreen script while still feeling festive. This look, created by Rejuvenation, features billowing sprigs of bright green magnolia leaves, alongside a string of dried orange slices. 2Maximalist MantelCourtesy AnthropologieWhat does a maximalist Christmas look like? Anthropologie's 2024 Holiday House proves that a tasteful abundance of greenery, a smattering of additional dried flowers, and a grove of mini Christmas trees is all that is required for a more-is-more look that will leave everyone wanting, well, more. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Makeshift MantelCourtesy Serena & LilyNo mantel, no problem. In this chic Serena & Lily-styled house, a console table creates a stocking placement opportunity when there was none. Decorating it with garland evergreens and candlesticks further adds to the fireplace feel. 4Cozy Orange-Themed VignetteCourtesy Coral & TuskIn this cozy stone-walled living room styled by Coral & Tusk, dreams will be filled with visions of orange slices, rather than sugar plums. We especially love that the orange theme is echoed throughout the room, in the form of tree ornaments as well as strung across the mantel.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Mantel BowfestCourtesy AnthropologieWe're so here for the bow trendand so is Anthropologie. In the brand's 2024 Holiday House, a mantel flaunting oversized satin bows was the star of the show. When in doubt, put a bow on it! 6Berry Red VignetteFrank Frances StudioThis intentional color moment, brought to you by Joss & Main, features a string of berry red orbs that satisfyingly echo the candlestick hues. Top it off with a few glass cones and this vignette just might make the Christmas tree jealous. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Heavenward Mantel DisplayCourtesy CB2Vertical lines draw the eye upward, which creates the illusion of height. In this chic apartment styled by CB2, your standard garland is given a new look, hanging from the top of the circular mirror. 8Fresh Mantel DisplayCourtesy ArhausReady to add a twist to your classic garland mantel topper? Add a generous amount of red faux leaf sprigs for a look that's as festive as it is chic. Arhaus brought just such a thing into this cozy room, creating a look that feels traditional, yet fresh. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Candlelight Mantel TrickCourtesy Coral & TuskWe love when designers forego the standard way of doing things in favor of something just a little bit different. Take, for example, this chic fireplace hearth styled by Coral & Tusk, which casts the fire glow one might expectbut emanates from a handful of candlesticks placed at its base. 10Traditional Mantel DisplayAlec HemerSometimes a classy Christmas display is one that goes back to the basics. We're loving this billowing wreath from Pottery Barn, paired with a faux lit garland. Trs chic! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Sultry Red MantelCourtesy CB2This sumptuous mantel scene is proof that elegance neednt always be restrained. If you, too, have no fear of committing to showstopping furniture pieces, take notes from the pages of CB2s seasonal look book: A pair of decadent red velvet armchairs is complemented by red-velvet-lined stockings and a minimal bordering garland. When enjoyed with a big glass of your best red wine, youve got the best seat in the house. 12Merry MantelDouglas FriedmanYou dont need a cozy ski house in the Montana mountains to complete this look, which designer Ken Fulk has masterfully done. The secret to this snug, evergreen-laden mantel is more. A heaping spray of evergreen leaves, doubled by even more evergreen leaves, then topped with white blooms, makes for a snug hearthside. The knowing deer overseeing the room is the cherry on top for one looking to enjoy enchanted visions of snowy wonderlands just beyond. Who needs Hawaiian beaches? This, right here, is the good life. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Snowy MantelCourtesy AnthropologieAnthropologies holiday collection is a feast for the eyes: Voluminous boughs of evergreen snake across this chic mantel, bordering the scene with the glow of warm twinkle lights. Our favorite detail? The faux snow along the edges of the room, demonstrating how a commitment to seasonal decor doesnt have to be manifest in the form of cheap blow-up cartoon figures. 14Patterned MantelAydin ArjomandLeave it to New York Citybased designer Phillip Thomas to turn traditional holiday decor on its head. In this cozy room, a pair of blue Ming vases house a billowing spray of seasonal greens. A tasteful assortment of pomegranates finish the look without detracting from the existing decor. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Vintage MantelPaul Viant//Getty ImagesWhoever said cherry red was the only color to incorporate into seasonal decor? This cozy mantel vignette features a charming miscellany of saved mementos, found antiques, and dried foliagea nod to Christmases long past. That cocooning leather chair is practically begging you to lean into it, with Dickenss A Christmas Carol in hand. 16Modern MantelJulie SoeferHouston-based Chandos Collective gave this chic living room a clean, modern aesthetic. The floor-to-mantel garland, then, really stands out above the cackling fireplace. Composed of colorful foliage and various greens, it just might steal the spotlight from its gloriously tall neighboring Christmas tree. But of course, nobodys competing here. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Rustic Mantel Momentsvetikd//Getty ImagesTis the season for hunkering down and curling upand an assemblage of chopped wood is just one way to lean into the hygge lifestyle. While this fireplace is electric, a variety of lit lanterns and a chic berry wreath bring a rustic vibe. Here, with the right book or friendFOMO is nonexistent. 18Heightened MantelElizaveta Starkova//Getty ImagesA room always feels more majestic when the eyes attention is brought upward. In that same vein, think outside of the mantel overhang. Here, an out-of-the-box thinker strung a bough of garland along the ceiling trim. A few strings of vertical-running lights complete the look, drawing the eye upward and giving the room a sense of overall grandeur. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Colorful MantelRay Kachatorian//Getty ImagesWe love a coordinated color momentand this cozy living room mantel is proof that two traditional holiday hues can coexist peaceably. Here, jars filled with blue and red candies amplify the stockings in similar hues. All proof that a cackling fire isnt always required to give a room added warmth. 20High-Volume Mantelizusek//Getty ImagesWhen your mantel regalia is as voluminous as your Christmas tree, you know youve achieved peak festivity. This larger-than-life garland is sure to bring joy (and likely an appealing evergreen aroma) to any mantel moment. Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

We know Litchfield County, Connecticut as the land of mallard decoys, worn wicker, and faded chintz. But that bastion of American prep is home to fresher pastures, most recently in the form of a cultured familys home designed by Clive Lonstein. The New York-based designer worked for the legendary William Sofield for 13 years, eventually becoming the design director, before opening his own studio in 2016. When these clients approached him only a few years later, their directive was simple and clear: they wanted bold color, comfort, and an interesting canvas for their burgeoning art collectionsomething bespoke that is just for them, Lonstein says.William Jess LairdRather than renovating the kitchen, Lonstein and his clients chose to give it new life with a sweet pink hue on the cabinets.The house itself offered plenty of possibilities. It was designed in the late 1800s by Ehrick Rossiter, an architect known for his whimsical country homes, and came complete with a turret. For me its really important that a project is contextual, says Lonstein. Every location has something unique about it I love infusing that subtly through the design. "This was a decorating projectand that proved to be very liberating for me.For a house with so much architectural personality, it can be difficult to impose a new perspective. So Lonstein worked with the spaces natural quirks rather than against them. This project was a departure for me, Lonstein says. Most of my projects require more interior architecture and structure, but I didnt make many architectural changes here. This was a decorating projectand that proved to be very liberating for me.Step Inside This Vibrant Connecticut CottageThe fun begins as soon as you step in through the candy apple-red front door. Here, on the lower level, youll encounter an aubergine stair and a bubblegum pink kitchen. In the sitting room, moss-hued paint covers the walls. These clients wanted to have a lot of color, like what you would see in an English country house, explains Lonstein. In fact, the only rooms with a white base are the living and dining rooms, where a wild array of art and furniture took over.Lonstein had the challenge many designers hate: a client with their own collection of furniture, but for him that was an opportunity. The clients had some wonderful furniture. It was my job to incorporate those pieces, reupholstering things, adding things, Lonstein says. In the living room, for instance, paintings by Sophie Larrimore, Caitlin Keogh, and Mary Grigoriadis join a reupholstered 50s-era sofa and chairs by Sergio Rodrigues and a game table and chairs by George Nakashima. William Jess LairdIn the library, vintage Viggo Boesen chair upholstered in sheepskin sits in front of the sofa. The table lamps are from Bitossi. The desk and chair are by Mira Nakashima.Upstairs, the color returns. Lonstein added a chartreuse bathroom and a collegiate blue bedroom (the same hue as an Yves Klein table in the living room downstairs). He then doused the round, turret roomone of the designers favorite spaces in a dusty pink hue that complements the elaborate original moldings that trace the ceiling and floor. The pink acts as a bridge between the flamboyant Colonial Revival architecture and the art, namely a richly-hued photograph by Vik Muniz in the space. I aspire to minimalism, but thats not my work."Working the art collection into the interior design scheme was a collaborative effort. Lonstein conferred with the clients art advisor, Bridget Murphy, on where everything should hang, both parties offering their two cents to charming effect. In the dining room another Muniz photograph after Gustave Courbet enlivens the neutral space, which features sheepskin upholstered vintage Saarinen chairs, a Noguchi light, and a Martin Eisler caned credenza from the 1950s.So many ingredients were already in the pot when Lonstein arrived you would think it impossible to pull it all together as seamlessly as he has, but that talent is integral to his practice. I aspire to minimalism, but thats not my work, he says. What I like is the idiosyncratic.

Even if youve begrudgingly begun to schlep into an office on a regular basis, its likely that you still maintain some semblance of a work-from-home setup. In fact, according to the latest Gallup data, 53 percent of U.S. employees have hybrid schedules. If youre lucky, you have a spare bedroom or dedicated study at home where you can go for the daily grind, undisturbed. If youre a small-space dweller, however, its probable that your WFH cranny is doing double duty as your bedroom or living room, and thatnearly five years inyour chipped particle-board desk and ugly ergonomic chair are no longer cutting it. Dont you think its time for an upgrade? Office design is equal parts art and science, and small, multipurpose areas require different aesthetic and functional considerations. Theres a big difference between designing a dedicated home office and establishing a workspace within a room that serves dual purposes, such as being both a bedroom or a living room, affirms ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Vias, whose firm designs private residences, commercial offices, and hospitality projects alike. For inspiration, weve turned to the ELLE DECOR archive, where weve discovered 30 clever small home office ideas by Vias and many more interior designers. Even if youre not the boss, after scrolling through these youll certainly feel like one.1Camouflage Home OfficeNoe DeWittIf you hate the ever-present reminder of work in your home, camouflage it! ELLE DECOR A-List designer Nick Olsen shows us how it's done in his thoughtful Sag Harbor home. Here in the den, the blue-painted desk blends in perfectly with the indigo mud cloth walls. Now you see it, now you don't! 2Arched Enclave Home OfficeGenevieve LutkinAll I want is to create good things that stand the test of time, ELLE DECOR A-List architect Miminat Shodeinde tells us. And what could be more enduring than a combined bookshelf-desk, which works hard even when you're off the clock? Herein a minimal London townhouseShodeinde created an arch-shaped nook for a computerand surrounded it by niches to display treasures and tomes. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Bold Rug Home OfficeWilliam Jess LairdNever underestimate the transformative power of a good rugand designer Mike Moser's Hollywood Heights bungalow is proof. Here, he perched a vintage desk and set of ultra-deep chairs onto a cerulean blue Art Deco carpet. 4Scenic Wallpaper Home OfficeFrancesco DolfoIf you're like us, your eyes will wander out the window when you're deep in thought. No window? No problem. Here, in his Milan flat, hospitality designer Eric Egan enveloped his living room in a gorgeous scenic wallpaper and tucked in an unobtrusive WFH zone. Talk about a successful merger! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Super-Curated Home OfficeAdrian Gaut"Intentional spareness" was the goal for this Miami vacation pad designed by Martin Brl. So in lieu of desk clutter in this home office, you'll only find super-curated finds. including a vintage desk, an Isamu Noguchi table lamp, a Larry Sultan photo, and vintage rope chairs by artist Christian Astuguevieille6Neat Niche OfficeKelly MarshallTalk about carving out your professional niche! This office alcove, expertly created by ELLE DECOR A-List designer Tiffany Howell for writer and director Mara Brock Akil, is its own mood, thanks to a dusty blue paint job, a vintage lamp, a floating desk, and an abstract artwork by Peter Beard. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Pretty and Pink Home OfficeAnnie SchlechterHostess-with-the-mostest Rebecca Gardner wedged a home office into the corner of her pink living room, though youd barely notice thanks to all of the maximalist accessories. The glass-topped table provides a chic perch for a laptop but also does double duty as a console table when guests arrive for cocktails. 8Moody Blue OfficeSharyn CairnsBlink and youll miss this sexy study, in a Melbourne home designed by Powell & Glenn. A deep turquoise coat of paint and boudoir-like furnishingsincluding a Cassina chair and a Gubi mirrormake this area feel equally suited to gussying up as it is to bossing around. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Green Lacquered Home OfficeChris MottaliniWant true work-life separation? Then hide your office. Here, in a Miami Beach apartment designed by Charlap Hyman & Herrero, the desk area virtually disappears thanks to a coat of slick emerald lacquer (Benjamin Moores Alligator Alley, for your information). Using one color or material everywhere sublimates forms, blurring the edges of a room and the pieces of furniture within it, explains firm co-founder Adam Charlap Hyman. The effect is something expansive, even infinite.10Nautical Home OfficeStephan JulliardIn this sweet studyin the French vacation home that ELLE DECOR A-List designer Jean-Louis Deniot shares with his sisterthe out-of-office message is loud and clear, even though its residents may not be. A regal, blue-upholstered chair is pulled up to a pint-sized Peter Lovig Nielsen desk, while a rattan lamp (which ties in nicely with the whimsical rope details on the floor lamps and door trim) and sunny Slim Aarons photograph are reminders of the dreamy seaside setting. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Office with a ViewRead McKendreeStudies show that access to light and nature is a key ingredient to workplace productivity, so if you have the opportunity to place your desk near a window, take it. For this soothing setup in a Pebble Beach, California, home, the designers at Workshop/APD oriented a CB2 desk toward the stunning ocean view. 12Memphis-Inspired Home Office Matthew WilliamsJust because your job is all work and no play doesnt mean your home office needs to be too. Case in point: this fun-loving office in a Wisconsin lake house designed by Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio. The postmodern-inspired look includes a floating custom desk, a diminutive blue desk lamp from the Future Perfect, a primary-colored chair from Dims, and a playful rug from Cold Picnic. Next stop, happy hour! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Modern & Minimal Home OfficeNicole FranzenMany of us dont have the luxury of a dedicated room for a home office. If thats the case, use art and accessories to delineate your work area in a way that complements the rest of your home decor. In the Brooklyn home of Calico Wallpaper founders Rachel and Nicholas Cope, a study nook in the living room gives off a distinctly midcentury vibe, with its Danish rosewood desk and a fun magazine rack by designer Arthur Umanoff. A mobile by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio and a painting by Leon Benn provide artful touches. 14Glamorous Home OfficeEma PeterEvergreen-hued velvets define this dramatic bedroom in a mother-daughter pad designed by Vancouver firm PlaidFox. The study space (or vanitydepending on the time of day) blends in with the mood perfectly, thanks to a matching Juliana Vasconcellos chair, a custom burlwood desk, and a funky vase by Gaetano Pesce. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Bohemian Home OfficeVictoria PearsonHome offices should feel grounding, not chaotic. And a good way to create calm is to surround yourself with objects that you know and love. In this cool-and-collected bohemian beach house, designer Schuyler Samperton designed a small living room work area around the clients stunning 18th-century Chinese painters desk. Similarly soulful objects were layered into the vignette, such as the owners prized 1948 Greta Magnusson Grossman lamp and a 1930s French armchair. A terra-cotta-colored grass-cloth wallcovering, paisley curtains, and a patterned rug make the look extra embracing. 16Neutral Oasis Home OfficeDavid MitchellLike many home offices, this WFH area in a house designed by Timothy Godbold is in a bedroom. The vintage Danish teak desk, sculptural lamp, artworks, and chubby NOOM chair meld with the neutral decor of the room, ensuring thatthough home offices are physical reminders of a 9-to-5this look isnt one to lose sleep over. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Wallpapered Home Office Serena Eller VainicherAn attractive Zoom backdrop is a must in this day and age, and nothing makes you look more erudite than a curated bookshelf. In their Rome apartment, architects Massimo Alvisi and Junko Kirimoto backed their custom shelf with a delicate floral wallpaper and displayed a series of sweet sculptures by Giuseppe Palermo atop the antique mantelpiece. 18Midcentury OfficeWilliam AbranowiczLike the Ed Ruscha artwork suggests, this Los Angeles home office is elegant without taking itself too seriously. Cliff Fong, the designer behind the ELLE DECOR A-List firm Matt Blacke, selected midcentury classicslike the 1967 desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen and the Arne Jacobsen chair behind itbut kept it all from looking too Mad Men with a glamorous vintage French chandelier and an all-white paint job. Home offices are a Mighty Topic indeed! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Patterned & Playful Home Office Guido TaroniIf the thought of a corporate-looking WFH setup crushes your soul, then patterns are your new office bestie. Here, in a stately Rome home, art historian Carolina Vincenti eschewed a desk for a 19th-century table and an antique cane chair. Colorful textiles, like the Isabella Ducrot abstract polka-dot wallhanging and the floor-skimming curtains in a GP & J Baker fabric, add whimsy. And never forget: Flowers are a surefire way to brighten up the workday. 20Patterns and Plants Home OfficeMiguel Flores-ViannaIts no surprise that Nathalie Farman-Farma, founder of the fabric house Dcors Barbares, surrounds herself with vibrant prints in her bohemian London home office. Here, she slid a Napoleon III stool beneath an antique Danish rolltop desk and topped it all off with a coordinating textile and an unruly zigzag cactus. Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the worlds most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, shes spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

Whether you're double-drenching your space or simply looking to make a few choice accessories pop, gray is the low-key backdrop that always has your back.A sophisticated neutral that beautifully complements a wide array of colors, gray's versatility is a designer's secret weapon. Pairing gray with cool blues and greens can lend a room a tranquil, refreshing ambiance; yellow and orange infuse warmth and vibrancy, creating an inviting and energetic space. For a touch of elegance and depth, deep purples and rich reds against gray work wonders.With gray's remarkable range, designers can effortlessly transform any room into a harmonious blend of colors that resonate with personal style and desired mood. Here are 20 ideas for how to pair gray at home.1CreamJoshua McHughWalls in a soft, neutral gray create a calm and sophisticated backdrop, as shown in this serene bedroom designed by Alyssa Kapito. Accents of cream and pastel tones in the curtains and carpet add warmth and texture, enhancing the soothing ambiance.2Blue and GreenMikkel VangTextiles and decor with green and blue accents add eye-catching pops of color in this elegant bedroom designed by Virginia Tupker. Neutral tones against the gray walls provide a calming and cozy ambiance that's anything but boring.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Glossy WhiteDouglas FriedmanA harmonious blend of white and black with sleek, glossy surfaces exudes modern sophistication in this dressing room. The gray carpet softly grounds the space, adding warmth and cohesiveness while balancing the room's elegant contrasts.4BeigeFrancesco LagneseA soft color palette with light gray and white tones creates a serene, understated atmosphere in this dining room. The intricate pattern on the floor complements the classic design, tying the room together with a sense of timelessness.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5TaupeFrank Frances StudioThis primary bedroom, designed by Nicole Fuller, features a muted color palette with soft beige and cream tones. The abstract artwork above the bed subtly incorporates shades of black and brown that tie the color scheme together seamlessly.6Slate GrayBillal TarightGray walls and concrete flooring create a sleek and cohesive look in this modern Paris home designed by Elliott Barnes. While the heavy materials are the main focus, the overall visual effect is pleasantly open and airy.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7TerracottaRichard PowersDark wood accents in the sconces and side table contrast the cool tones in this unique powder room designed by Steven Gambrel. The hint of terracotta on the wall piece introduces a subtle pop of color, adding to the room's rustic charm.8Dark GreenCHRISTIAN HARDERThe dark green marble headboard in this primary bedroom by Jett Projects adds texture and depth to the gray walls while complementing the deep green pillow. Accents like the pink flower and golden elements in the lamp and artwork tie everything together with a light touch.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9PinkNicholas CalcottA sleek black sofa anchors this living room, the focal point of which is the sleek gray drapery. Touches of pink in the decor add a sense of playfulness to the otherwise masculine and modern design scheme, also by Jett Projects.10Earth TonesRead McKendreeEarthy tones and soft neutrals create an inviting atmosphere in this primary bedroom by Poonam Khanna. The unique patterned headboard adds visual interest while seamlessly integrating with the furnishings and decor.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11WhiteBjrn WallanderA subtle blend of soft grays, whites, and blues creates a serene and airy ambiance in this living room designed by Amy Lauperfect against double-height windows and abundant natural light. The unique addition of brass accents in the furniture adds warmth and an elegant contrast to the cool color palette.12BrownWilliam AbranowiczThis multi-purpose room in Cliff Fong's L.A. home features a neutral palette with soft grays and whites, creating a sense of spaciousness. Warm wood tones in the furniture add contrast and coziness, while subtle splashes of color from decor and books infuse personality into the space.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Metallic TouchesDouglas FriedmanLuxurious white marble with gray veining creates an elegant atmosphere in this palatial primary bathroom designed by Nicole Hollis. Brass fixtures add a touch of warmth and opulence that are thoughtfully contrasted by the natural tones of the wooden accent stool.14OrangeStephen Kent JohnsonDark gray accents and crisp white shelving provide a clean and modern backdrop for WFH days in Charlie Ferrer's sleek home office. The vibrant orange chair adds a bold pop of color that energizes the space and creates a striking focal point.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Warm Wood TonesStephen Kent JohnsonDeep black cabinetry contrasts gamely with a mottled gray ceiling in this eat-in kitchen in a home by Ashe Leandro. The warm wood tones in the furniture create a cozily modern aesthetic while greenery adds a fresh touch, bringing life and vibrancy to the minimalist palette.16BlueThis primary bedroom designed by Shawn Henderson is dominated by deep charcoal tones that add to a sophisticated, masculine atmosphere. Soft blue accents in the bedding and curtains add a calming and inviting touch, while earthy browns in the decor keep things appealingly textural.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17OliveRichard PowersSoft gray walls are the perfect backdrop for olive green banquette seating. Warm wood tones in the table add richness and depth to this elegant dining nookalso courtesy Steven Gambrelwhile a gleaming brass pendant light draws the eye upward.18TanDouglas FriedmanThis primary bedroom (another winning look by Steven Gambrel) features an appropriately restful palette of soft grays and whites. Gold accents in the decor and a warmly contrasting trim add depth and visual interest. Who wouldn't want to dive into that bed?Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19RedDouglas FriedmanGlossy gray walls and high-impact charcoal trim create a stimulating but thoughtful color story in this exceptional living room. A pop of unexpected red in the furniture is a bold stroke that makes the space feel both dynamic and inviting.20NavySimon UptonA harmonious blend of shimmering silver, deep blue, and crisp white creates a luxuriously artful ambiance in this living area by Haynes Roberts. The unique interplay of metallic textures with plush velvet adds depth and interest, melding the best of maximalism with the subtlety of minimalism in one space.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality and travel, culture, and luxury shopping. Since starting his career at an interior design firm in 2011, he has gone on to cover the industry for Vogue, Architectural Digest, Sight Unseen, PIN-UP and Domino. He is the author of The Lonny Home (Weldon Owens, 2018), has produced scripted social content for brands including West Elm and Streeteasy, and is sometimes recognized on the street for his Instagram Reels series, #DanceToDecor

Old favorites often have a way of coming back in vogue. But this year more than ever, retro styles are making a palpable resurgence. Zillow's 2025 Trend Report found that mentions of the word "nostalgia" appeared 14 percent more often than 2023, and use of the word "vintage" were up nine percent. "Homeowners and buyers today are looking to the past to create a sense of warmth, character, and comfort in even the most high-tech environments, explains Amanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert."From classic Art Deco motifs dominating the furniture scene, to aesthetics that are positively medieval in the best of ways, to all things surrealist reigning supreme, its clear that, moving into 2025, were collectively obsessed with the thrill of re-discoveryfrom the homes we're buying to the items we're putting in them. Its a process Anthony Barzilay Freund, 1stDibss editorial director and director of fine art, says can afford a lifetime of meaningful moments. Its exciting, of course, to discover a new design or object or maker, but I think that excitement can be surpassed by the thrill of re-discovery, Freund says. Seeing something you thought you knew in an entirely new light can, in turn, tell you something new about yourself. This resurgence, however, is not a mere imitation of the past. Were giving it a fresh take with our contemporary sensibilities and, even, the unexpected pairing of varying vintage aesthetics. Take, for instance, Rebecca Gardners playful New York house which features a canopy bed that harkens back to the days of castle-dwellingbut now in hot pink with fringe. The Fornasetti family, meanwhile, gave their family abode in Milan a total surrealist makeover that would make Salvador Dali proud, though not without modern accents like light fixtures and a Fender guitar. So while you're musing on how you'll bring the past into your interiors, step into our proverbial DeLorean and rev your engines for a look at what the experts predict will be the biggest retro design rebounds of 2025. Cue the nostalgia! The Surrealist AestheticAndrea FerrariIn this Fornasetti family home, Fornasetti surreal ceramics sit atop the coffee table in the living room, overseen by a whimsical gallery wall. To start off, it appears weve been finding inspiration in the fine halls of our art galleries. According to the Pinterest Predicts 2025 Trend Report, Gen X and Boomers are driving an interest in surrealist decor. Case in point: The search term modern surrealism experienced a 70 percent increase on Pinterest between September 2022 and August 2024, while searches for Salvador Dali aesthetic went up 40 percent in that same time period. While bulbous furniture and low-slung accent shapes feel like a direct call-out to our friend Dali (They practically belong in the backdrop of the artists The Persistence of Memory work), the blob-shaped sofa also recalls its strong 70s roots (lest we forget Mario Bellinis 1970 Camaleonda that forever changed how we thought about couches). Today, were bringing the surrealist dreamscape into our homes with fervent absurdity. Think: Curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and gravity-defying centerpieces, the Pinterest report reads. Anything goes, as long as it feels slightly out of place in your conscious mind. Because if your dreams arent enough, isnt your home simply another opportunity for avant-garde escapism?CastlecoreSimon UptonIn this Manor house, the walls are paneled with limewashed oak.Were turning the clocks way back on this rising trend, which harkens back to the dark ages. Medieval is having a major moment, the 2025 Pinterest Trends Report reads. In 2025, Gen Z and Millennials will take home decor inspiration from ancient castlesIts a comeback of the highest order. Searches are already on the rise for castle house plans (up 45 percent), as well as Medieval core, which is up by a whopping 110 percent. Meanwhile, the hashtag castlecore on TikTok has garnered more than 50 million views since August.Annie SchlechterIn Rebecca Gardners New York apartment, a 19th-century Swedish chandelier from John Derian hangs above a playful canopy bed.While most of us dont have the means to purchase a bonafide stone-walled chateau somewhere in the English countryside, King Arthur-style, one can incorporate a surfeit of tasteful nods to this Renaissance Faire attitude in a way that feels of-this-epoch. Canopy beds summon old-world romance that can still feel modern. Rich colors, textures, and ornamentation like embroidered pieces and gilded anything add to the look. The rising trend of hardened raw materials, aged patinas, and decadent candelabras also play into this aesthetic. Go ahead, give your home a little castlecore. After all, times today are feeling positively medieval. Closed-Concept Layouts Open-concept floor plans have dominated for decades, but are they nearing their nadir? As work-from-home life persists long after the pandemic, shifts in how we spend our time at home are creating a desire for many to return to defined spaces. In a recent survey by Zillow, 35% of those surveyed last year said they would consider moving to have a home with more rooms and more walls. The ubiquitous open concept floor plans that defined home renovation trends in recent years are giving way to a rise in partitioned roomsdual-function, sectioned-off spaces that can transform into closed spaces when needed. And with that, designers are prioritizing personalized design within these defined zones. "Open concepts still have their place, but more people are carving out cozy corners that feel truly their own," says ELLE DECOR A-List designer Brigette Romanek. "Instead of cookie-cutter, copy-and-paste interiors, people are embracing spaces that reflect their unique personalitya trend thats here to stay." Romanek has of late been asked to design a lot of reading nooks, meditation rooms, and at-home spas for unwinding. "Rather than following a set design formula, each space will feel like a natural extension of the lives within it," the designer adds.Art DecoCourtesy Crate & BarrelAthena Calderones latest Crate & Barrel collection is a total Art Deco daydream.Were having flashbacks because its the roaring twenties all over again as we step into 2025. More than 80 percent of the 643 designers in 1stdibs 2025 trend survey said they plan to use furniture and objects dating from the 1920s through the 90s in their projects, with an emphasis on pieces from the 20s and 30s. Weve seen it too, in Athena Calderones latest Crate & Barrel collaboration, which boasted Alabaster pendants, sculptural candleholders, and velvet sofas galore. Art Deco elements were also pervasive across so many of our A-List designers projects this year, from ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Pierre Yovanovitchs creation of a mirrored powder room in this Parisian apartment to the architect Hannes Peer's very geometric Milan project. The Art Deco aesthetic is often defined by geometric patterns and motifs, rich material palettes, and bold jewel tones. Its a look that Freund from 1stDibs says he doesnt see slowing down any time soon. Talented designers are not scared that vintage and antique furniture will somehow make their rooms feel dated. On the contrary, mixing in old pieces with new lends a sense of timelessness to an interior, Freund says. Unless you want to live in a laboratory of minimalism or a Four Seasons suite, nostalgia will always have a place in our homes. Brown EverythingCHRISTIAN HARDERThis theater directors New York lair features an impressive array of brown tones.Ok, we called this trend eight months ago when paint companies started rolling out their spring color palettes with an imaginative variety of browns. Our conclusion? Brown was poised to be the It color of the year. In the following months, designers were wielding brown tones in everything from kitchens to bedrooms. That was before Pantone dubbed Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse its 2025 Color of the Year, sending this moody hue into the color stratosphere seemingly overnight.It, too, is a trend that Freund predicts has staying power. Much has been said about the death of brown furniture, and also about its imminent return to popularity, he writes to ELLE DECOR. Im not sure we are nearing a cresting wave on that trend but year after year, I consistently see true antiquesnot just sleek and sexy ones but carved, ornamented, bulky and brown furnitureworking their ways into design schemes. As a fresh take on the classic color, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Tiffany Howell predicts an uptick in organic modernism such as mixed metals paired with natural woods. Its time to go back to our rootsliterally.Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

William AbranowiczFrom the Archive: This Ramshackle House in Connecticut Takes Hands-On to New HeightsFormer model Anne Bannert is eager to strip, sand, and refinish anything for this fixer-upper in Westport.By Nancy Hass and Produced by Robert RufinoPublished: Dec 12, 2024This article originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.The woman emerging from the vast basement workshop of her rustic Connecticut home is not what you might expect of a self-proclaimed radical do-it-yourselfer.Willowy and blonde, with perfect features, Anne Bannert seems more suited to walking a fashion runway than operating a belt sander. Which makes sense, since she modeled in the 1990s for the likes of Armani and Bain de Soleil and has recently been featured in ads for Lancme and Elizabeth Arden.William AbranowiczIn the living room, 1960s barrel chairs, bought at the 18th Street flea market in Manhattan, flank a cocktail table by Tucker Robbins made from a slab of 19th-century satinwood; the chestnut beams are original to the barn. The antique rug is Persian, and the walls are painted in Farrow & Balls Joas White.But these days, instead of entertaining in a lavish Manhattan apartment, as she once did, or dallying at benefits, swathed in cashmere, Bannert spends her off time in jeans, combing yard sales and flea markets, throwing unusual and often enormous objects into the back of her trusty 1984 Jeep Wagoneer. She is eager to strip, sand, and refinish them to adorn the former barn in Westport, where she lives with her husband, a Wall Street investment adviser.William AbranowiczA portrait of Bannert and her husband hangs in the dining room, between a pair of 1940s sconces that are original to the house, the table is an 18th-century reproduction of a 16th-century piece, and the pew, which came from a Connecticut church, is upholstered in a mohair by Donghia; the floors are Honduran mahogany, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moores Bittersweet Chocolate. I just love old things, and it kills me when people throw them away, Bannert says. This place is filled with purchases I made for $40, $50for 50 cents sometimes. I love figuring out how to bring them back to life. This house was created through Google and wandering the aisles of Home Depot. I just love old things, and it kills me when people throw them away.Raised in a tiny rural town in Germany (population: 800), Bannert developed an early appreciation for the patina of age. Her father, a geologist, moved the family to Burma, now Myanmar, for several years, and there they acquired antiques and textiles, many of which remain with Bannert to this day. She blends them boldly and effortlessly with her thrift-shop treasures.William AbranowiczThe Chinese bench and chest in the living room are flea-market finds, and the rug on the sofa was a family gift; the teak sculpture and lacquer-and-gold-leaf Buddhist prayer book on the walls are from Rangoon, where Bannert lived with her family.Her eye is unerring, starting with discovering the 3,000-square-foot house itself. The 19th-century barn, situated on three acres, was converted in 1928 into a weekend home with a three-hole golf course, so it is layered with some idiosyncratic history. Only three owners had ever occupied it when Bannert set eyes on the place (the sellers were a fashionable pair of sisters who added their own layer of whimsy: a candy-pink interior). I made an offer without my husband even seeing it, Bannert says. Which is probably the only way it would have happened. Each weeknight, he travels home from his office in the city to find his wife knee-deep in major reclamation projects on a property that looks as if it belongs in the Vermont countryside rather than tony Fairfield County. Hes patient, and I am a little relentless, she adds.William AbramowiczThe kitchen holds a pair of 1930s chairs, a hand-planed pine table made in Connecticut, and a pine hutch Bannert rescued from a nearby barn; the floor tiles and shades are from Home Depot, and the original pine paneling is painted in Benjamin Moores Grant Beige.To create a canvas for her finds, Bannert oversaw the renovations herself and hand-hewed much of the work, including extricating a set of brass fleurs-de-lis from the dining room floor that couldnt be saved and laying them into the floor tile of a bathroom. She even honed marble (Its work, but its not a big deal). The wood toilet seats? She whipped them up in the elaborate, professional-level shop she seems both proud of and slightly embarrassed byA buddy of my contractors was selling all this serious equipment, and I was an obvious candidate. Its horrifying how it has sprawled. Back in the late 1920s, during the original conversion of the barn, two enormous fireplaces were added to each end, and now that Bannert has stripped the stucco from the massive stones, they form the heart of the houses main room. One mantel is a set piece for her unique journey: The taxidermy head of a deer shot by her 22-year-old son hangs above two Burmese statues. To me those things in this room are such naturals togetherthe old look of the wood and metal and the richness of the fabrics, she says.William AbramowiczBannert made the mahogany top for the kitchens 1950s wood-fired barbecue grill, the copper hood is from the same decade, and the steel chair was found at the local dump.There is something about those round shapes that I cant resist The hip, global vibe is perhaps best captured in the kitchen, where modern conveniences are gracefully set in a handmade environment. Warm, eclectic, and suffused with brilliant light, the room has become a favorite of fashion-photographer friends who rent it for shoots. When Bannert found the 1950s indoor wood-fired barbecue grill that now occupies a central position, she knew immediately that it would give her husband, who is from Argentina, a feeling of home. She made a mahogany top for it, and with the leftover scraps fashioned a pig-shaped carving board. On the wall hangs a collection of cast-iron skillets that she has rescued and restored. There is something about those round shapes that I cant resist, she says. Tour this cozy Connecticut house in WestportIn the dining room, the scene of many a wine-fueled feast with friends, Burmese teak carvings from the 1920s are affixed to the window frame, and Home Depot shades (expertly doctored by her) let in slivers of light. Guests either sit on 17th-century chairs embellished with dragons or on a long pew found in a local church basement. The pew was a gift from her upholsterer. He said, Youre the only person I know who could find a place for this. She had him cover it in a remnant of pink mohair by Donghia that she bought for a dollar. As she boasts about it with a self-mocking laugh, the phone rings. Its a neighbor who needs a haircut. Another of Bannerts unlikely skills, it seems. My mother used to cut the neighbors hair back in our little town in Germany, and she taught me how. So now Im doing it in Connecticut. Why not? This story originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBEWatch NextAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowFrom the ArchiveAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Trust is a key ingredient in any successful interior design project: trusting your gut, your client, and your collaborators. So when New York-based Elle Decor A-List designer Augusta Hoffman was approached by Davina Ogilvie, founder of Wovn Home and her go-to partner for custom window treatments, about launching a textile collection, Hoffman knew she could say yes with full confidence.Tim LenzThe primary bedroom in Hoffmans home features drapery from her collaboration with Wovn Home.The resulting line of seven fabrics includes three hearty yet humble solids in linen and a performance linen blend. Complementary sheers in wool blend solids and a stripe round out the offering. Rich hues like Dune, Umber, Acorn and Moss speak to the collection's understated versatility as much as Hoffman's elevated point-of-view. The rigor and thoughtfulness Augusta brings to each design project has always inspired me, says Ogilvie, who's also worked with the A-List designers Atelier Davis and Nathan Turner, as well as Jenni Kayne.Tim LenzThe Porcelain Sheer linen installed at Hoffmans studio.Available to the trade as well as retail clients, pricing for the collection begins at $900 for Roman shades. Swatches can easily be ordered from the site and the final product ships within five weeks, as production is based in North Carolina. Trusting your gut has never been easieror looked better.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

It's hard to wrest attention away from Angelina Jolie. But for her new film, Maria, based on the days preceding the death of Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas, the actor is immersed in a series of exquisitely detailed backdrops that effortlessly support each emotional glance, quivering lip and tussle of a perfectly curled mane. Dare we say they steal the show?For the film, now streaming on Netflix, Chilean director Pablo Larran and two-time Academy Award Nominated production designer, Guy Hendrix Dyas, shot across Hungary, Italy, France and Greece, also building environments like Maria's chic Parisian apartment. Each set was created to be both historically accurate and reflective of the singer's complex emotional states throughout the course of her life.Such efforts involved meticulous research and coordination. Luckily for us, Dyas kept a detailed book throughout the production, noting his research, materials and other shooting needs. Here's what he shared with us.Marias Parisian Apartment Was Built on a StageCourtesy Netflix//NetflixAngelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Netflixs Maria.Callas had been living in Paris since the early 1960s and at the age of 53 lived in a chic apartment at 36 Avenue Georges-Mandel in the 16th arrondissement. For the film, Larran and Dyas built a replica of the apartment on a sound stage, filling it with historically accurate items that Callas would have brought into her home.Courtesy Netflix//NetflixDyass notebook shows early sketches for the vanity mirror he designed especially for the film.Dyas tracked down auction catalogs from 1978 for the furnishings. "Studying these, you notice that she favored classical furnishings and had some very rare pieces from all over the world," he explains. The two also visited the Maria Callas Foundation in Paris, where they were allowed to examine her personal items, from letters and cigarette lighters to books and vinyl records.We voluntarily mixed time periods and furniture styles," Dyas says. "For example, in Marias living room youll notice a matching pair of Art Deco cylindrical vitrine cabinets that contrast the timeless neoclassical tables and 17th-century Baroque giltwood mirrors."Courtesy Netflix//NetflixMarias vanity table was inspired by a backstage photograph of Callas at the Civic Opera House in Chicago during her 1954 Debut.Many elements, like her tabletop mirror and the collection of busts in her dressing room, were fabricated for the film. The busts, paralleling the antiquities that her lover, Aristotle Onassis, kept aboard his yacht, were designed to reflect both Marias appreciation for art history, "but also act as a visual metaphor, suggesting a broken heart and damaged personality, Dyas adds.Especially impressive was her collection of 16th century paintings by French, Italian and Spanish artists, something Dyas says they were keen to bring into the set. Certain paintings and etchings in her apartment were among her most cherished possessions," Dyas explains. "These works became lifelong companions, moving with her from one residence to another and staying by her side until her passing."Larran and Dyas treated every art work and collectible as an extension of Marias character, carefully considering its significance within the story. Titians Diana and Actaeon, which they recreated on set, was a treasured gift from her late husband, Giovanni Battista Meneghini, that said much about what that relationship meant to her.Courtesy Netflix//NetflixA suite of busts were designed to act as a visual metaphor for Callass emotional state.When Jolie first stepped into the apartment while filming, Dyas says it was a moment to remember. We felt a great sense of achievement, he Dyas. She moved softly through the space, absorbing its atmosphere. Within moments, it seemed as though the space had yielded to her, transforming by some quiet magic. The set was no longer our creation; it had effortlessly become her home.The Piano in Maria's Apartment Is Actually Two PianosCourtesy Netflix//NetflixThe Steinway piano in Callass apartment.As one might imagine, "Maria had very specific tastes when it came to the pianos she owned," says Dyas. The famous soprano singer kept a full concert grand Steinway in her apartment, which is exactly what the team brought on set for the film. However, to allow for scenes in which Callas tells her staff to move the piano to different parts of the apartment, a second, narrower, piano was built to be moved by the actors."It was much thinner and lighter for ease of movement from one room to another," Dyas explains. "This second piano was only shot at specific angles so as not to give away its very narrow proportions."Famously, Callas had another Steinway housed on Onassiss yacht during their relationship, though it wasn't shown in the film.Much of the film was shot in Budapest, HungaryCourtesy Netflix//NetflixDirector Pablo Larran on set with Jolie.While much of the film takes place in Paris, where Callas lived, the streets of Budapest made a convincing Paris in many scenes. The challenge was to transform both Budapest and Paris into a convincing representation of Paris in the autumn of 1977, says Dyas. This feat required designing portable set pieces like flower stands, bouquiniste stalls, phone booths, Art Nouveau Metro entrances, and street lampselements that could be used seamlessly in both Paris and Budapest.Dyas's team also curated a collection of period-accurate vehicles, including cars, bicycles, and scooters. Of course, one necessity couldn't exactly be recreated: a rare, stretched Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine with a striking red leather interior, as Marias personal car.The Crew Filmed on Location at the La Scala Opera HouseCourtesy NetflixSketches from Dyass notebook.Perhaps the most iconic moment of Callas' life was her legendary 1957 performance of Anna Bolena at the La Scala Opera House in Milan. For Dyas and Larran, re-staging this performance at the actual site at which it took place was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was profoundly moving for the entire crew to be able to experience this moment of connection between our film and Marias real life, says Dyas.The crew also recreated Callas's 1956 performance as Medea, a feat that Dyas says was quite a challenge. "Only minimal photographic reference exists for some of Marias early performances, so there wasnt much to draw upon," he explains. "I spent some time studying the operas themselves, channeling as best as I could the style of the stage designers of the period. It was a fascinating exercise to design a set within a set.The Original Aristotle Onassis Yacht Was Refurbished for the FilmCourtesy NetflixThe Aristotle Onassis yacht, Christina O.In 1954, Onassis acquired a former Canadian warship that served in World War II, further investing millions of dollars to transform it into the world's first luxury superyacht, famously featuring a mosaic-tiled swimming pool that could convert into a dance floor alongside sumptuous cabins.As Dyas and his team starting asking how they would recreate this set, they learned that the ship is still afloat today. Through our research we discovered that the Christina O was still an active vessel and was currently used for luxury cruises," Dyas says. The film's producer, Jonas Dornbach, arranged a scouting trip to assess the ship as a potential filming location, a success that sent Dyas and Larran to Greece to meet with the current owners and pitch their vision of renting the vessel and restoring it to its original 1959 design and layout.The set was no longer our creation; it had effortlessly become her home. Guy Hendrix Dyas"The owners, who had rescued the ship from a scrapyard years prior and lovingly modernized it, were enthusiastic about the proposal." Dyas says. "They shared a deep appreciation for its rich history.The restoration work was meticulous: carpeting was replaced, fiberglass walls were redone with authentic wood paneling, and curtains and furniture, both indoors and on the deck, were updated to match the original designs. Special attention was given to wall art, where recreations of Onassiss cherished Renoir and El Greco paintings were installed. In the casino, the team recreated a 1950s atmosphere by adding a large roulette table, a jazz quartet bandstand, a bar area, and buffet tables equipped with heated platters.Courtesy Netflix//NetflixJolie on set off the coast of Greece with Haluk Bliginer as Aristotle Onassis."All of the colors and materials were carefully selected and tested on film to ensure their appearance in black-and-white, as most scenes on the Christina O yacht were shot in this format," Dyas explains. Of course, vivid color footage was additionally captured to provide options.The production used Katakolo, Greece, as its home port, a filming location the team wasn't mad about. "Each day, we sailed approximately 30 miles along the coastline to maintain the Greek shoreline as a consistent, picturesque backdrop, Dyas says.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

Make no mistake: small kitchens can be just as versatile and practical as their larger-footprint counterparts. Some are open-plan kitchens while others are humble galley kitchens with rich ranch dreams. Regardless of the bones of the space, one of the most impactful ways to incorporate a small kitchen into your design scheme is through color.While double-drenched spaces might be going viral, there are plenty of low-touch ways to make a statement in the kitchen. Whether your primary concern is style or you're looking for hard-wearing solutions for your family, the below small kitchen color ideas, pulled from the ELLE DECOR archives, are sure to get you cooking.1Sophisticated EmeraldYe Rin MokWhat better way to make the most of a small space than with a massive architectural gesture in the middle of your living room? Los Angeles-based firm LAUN designed this clever kitchen around an emerald green structure that conceals additional storage and the refrigerator. A wall of unlacquered brass cabinetry and island and countertops in red stone create a color triple threat that makes a bold style statement.2Acid KellyHelenio BarbettaAn acidic kelly green energizes this small kitchen in an artist's apartment in Rome. Bright teal cabinets and a backsplash of Sicilian tile keep things fresh and a little bit funkya potent small space combo!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Calming GreenKelly MarshallThe unexpected red theory strikes again! This time in the Manhattan home of athletes Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, designed by Elle Decor A-Lister Mark Grattan. Brazilian quartzite countertops and a backsplash are thoughtfully contrasted by oxblood counter chairs and Mutina tiles in Glossy Brun.4Glossy WhiteWilliam Jess LairdWhy not treat your kitchen like a closet? Elle Decor A-List designer Michelle R. Smith approached this Manhattan duplex's cooking space with her customarily sophisticated eye, bringing glossy white tiles to new heightsliterally, in this case, adorning the ceiling. Calacatta marble, used for everything from the shelving to the sink, adds organic patterning and depth throughout.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Smart GreigeChris MotalliniDesigner Andre Herrero, of the Elle Decor A-List firm of Charlap Hyman & Herrero, eschewed hardware in this West Hollywood kitchen to keep things cool, calm, and collected. And to heat things up? A yummy greige tone on the cabinets.6Cheerful AvocadoGiulio GhirardiCustom cabinetry is the star of this Paris kitchen, designed by Elle Decor A-List Titan Pierre Yovanovitch. Black fittings by Dornbracht keep things graphically spartan, while a custom tile backsplash by artist Matthieu Coss adds visual interest.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Soothing CucumberMatthew WilliamsThe husband and wife team behind Studio DB created a compact kitchen with tons of personality for one Manhattan couple. The secret ingredient to this successful color story? It was taken from Prada stores.8Bright WhiteMaureen M. EvansIn the Mexico City apartment of Elle Decor A-List designer Mark Grattan, the bright white custom cabinetry and tiled walls are offset by countertops of yellow Mexican travertine. The effect is visually clean, even if cleaning up becomes a bit of a challenge!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Charcoal BlackStephan JulliardIn a Paris kitchen by designer Pierre Gonalons, the black-stained oak cabinets and black marquina marble countertops create depth and visual cohesion.10White Cabinets with Black CountertopsKirsten FrancisElle Decor A-List designer Augusta Hoffman made the most of her small, open-plan kitchen with a simple palette of black and white. The dark fittings and marble backsplash add visual interest without overwhelming the space.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Black Cabinets with White CountertopsNicholas CalcottDesigner Darren Jett of Jett Projects created a moody, impactful small kitchen for a fashionable client in Brooklyn. The deep black cabinetry and coordinating pendant lights bring drama to the small space.12Stainless SteelBlaine DavisNew York-based studio BoND designed this custom VIPP kitchen for an art collector in Chelsea. The modular concept is open to the rest of the apartment, so its streamlined profile doesn't distract from the works on display.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Calming CreamChris MottaliniThe design firm of Husband Wife outfitted this kitchen with custom cabinets in a warm cream color that is at once expansive and inviting.14Grounding KhakiWilliam Jess LairdEarthy neutrals and warm wood tones make this kitchen, designed by Studio Muka, a family-friendly oasis. Reclaimed terracotta tiles add slate blue cabinetry complicate the color story without overpowering the small space.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Energizing Lime and Sky BlueLaure JolietDesigner Leah Ring of the firm Another Human brought her genre-defying color sensibility to this weekend retreat in Joshua Tree, California. The lime green cabinets are masterfully offset by sky blue walls and a countertop and flooring tiles in complementary colors.16Preppy MalachiteKelly MarshallThis personality-packed kitchen by Elle Decor A-List designer Rayman Boozer of the firm Apartment 48 contrasts bright malachite cabinets with a pale blue ceiling and striking pendant lights. The colorful stove and complementary patterned roman shades add to the buoyant mix.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

When asked to predict the top interior design trends for 2025, many ELLE DECOR A-List designers cited similar themes, including wellness, relaxation, and comfort. And at the end of a contentious election year, these are fitting buzzwords. People are seeking spaces within their homes that let them recharge, interior designer Brigette Romanek puts it simply. Really, we all just want to live in spaces that help us feel good again.After analyzing millions of their real estate listings, Zillow came to the same conclusion: Mentions of the word cozy have increased by 35 percent compared to last year, while nostalgia appeared 14 percent more often. Homeowners and buyers today are looking to the past to create a sense of warmth, character, and comfort in even the most high-tech environments, explains Amanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert.Pendleton also noted that energy-efficient electric features are on the rise. Technology has enabled homeowners to live more sustainably and more affordably, which is a growing priority for prospective buyers, Pendleton says. Regarding sustainability, designers agree. According to 1stdibs annual trend survey, which reached 643 interior designers this year, 43 percent say their projects are expected to have some sustainability requirement in 2025. Consumers are becoming more discerning about how long products will last and how theyre made, says founder of Parisbased firm Uchronia, Julien Sebban. And as much as the next years designs will be focused on protecting the earth, they will also be inspired by its grounding qualities, with tones and materials taking a cue directly from the natural world. What does this mean for 2025? Read on to find out how the focus of the year to come will be on crafting homes that are nurturing, enduring, and a little bit unexpected.At-Home Wellness Spaces Joe SchmelzerIn this Malibu house, an exciting combination of lighting and paint turns the bathroom into Mediterranean grotto. One theme several designers agreed upon was a growing emphasis on physical and mental well-being at home. Clients continue to ask for wellness areasspas, gyms, says designer Nicole Hollis, who fields requests for water circuits, sauna steam rooms, and cold plunges.Romanek points out that the trend doesnt always require a sprawling footprint. I think well continue to see more requests for places that feel private and personal, like a quiet reading nook or a wellness room where you can just breathe and unwind. Sebban agrees, adding, even meditation alcoves can serve as sanctuaries within the home.Even More Clay and CeramicsMatthew WilliamsThe powder room in this happy Wisconsin hideaway, designed by Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio, features custom ceramic tiles by Clay Squared to Infinity arranged in a checked pattern.The use of ceramics and clay shows no signs of slowing down, as designers continue to embrace their organic appeal. Ceramic lighting, tables, fireplace surrounds, and mirrors will continue to be incorporated into interiors, says Hollis. Sebban echoes this enthusiasm, highlighting a broader embrace of natural materials. Clay-based products and natural plasters are being rediscovered for their tactile appeal and environmental benefits, he notes. Amped Up Earth TonesRich StapletonJust like 2024, brown will continue to have a major moment in 2025, offering endless versatility and a connection to nature that feels just right for the times. There are so many shades to play with, and it can act as a soft neutral or a rich moody tone, says Night Palm founder Tiffany Howell. Brown is timeless. Its always been a grounding color, Romanek shares. Im seeing clay-toned browns coming through, which bring a bit of natural warmth and feel very connected to the earth.In addition to brown hues, earth tones are set to dominate interiors in 2025. Shades like deep burgundy, navy blue, saturated greens, and terracotta will be prominent, adding depth and sophistication to spaces, says Hollis.Soft greens and muted blues are becoming very popular, as these colors are associated with wellness and a sense of calm, Sebban offers, predicting that darker earth tones, like chestnut brown and moss green, will crop up in both residential and commercial spaces.Rita Konig agrees. Im very drawn to a palette of sienna colorsochre yellow, warm orangethe colors of the earth, she says. And I think warm blues will be popular next year because they are timeless. I painted my own hall a really warm blue thats the color of a good skyits a color that makes me happy.A Return to Classic FurnitureGiulio GhirardiIn a Paris apartment designed by Pierre Yovanovitch, the living rooms sofa and ball cushions are by Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier.Im predicting a return to the classics when it comes to furnitureless curved sofas, more structure. Less boucle, more patterns, says Jeremiah Brent. Modern minimalism will take more of a backseat across the board.Meanwhile, some designers are reimagining minimalism through a classic, historical lens. More minimal Art Deco rooms, minimal Colonial American rooms, and minimal formal, French rooms, explain Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero, founders of Charlap Hyman & Herrero.Artful LightingAdrian GautIn a Manhattan residence designed by Nannette Brown, the living room features varying lighting sources at differing levels. Clients are increasingly drawn to pieces that are more than just functionalthey want statement pieces that shape the entire room, says Romanek. For me, lighting brings everything together and can set the tone in a way few other elements can.Dynamic designs are redefining lightings role. Were seeing minimalist fixtures with sculptural formsthink lighting that doubles as art, notes Sebban. Howell agrees, noticing a shift toward unconventional approaches. I think we are going to see people using the lighting in their home in less traditional ways and more as playful art pieces.Nods to Nature Richard FoulserHere, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brents beach house features a holly olive tree in an old Indonesian limestone planter, alongside rocks from the surrounding area. Natural materials bring warmth and texture, says Romanek. Clients are gravitating toward stones, woods, and natural fibers. I love the feel of raw, untreated materials that age beautifully, giving spaces a sense of history and grounding.Designers are also embracing natural finishes in creative ways. Verdigris everything! In furniture and accessories; indoors and out, Brent emphasizes.Sebban highlights the importance of bringing the outdoors in. Integrating nature into the built environment is more important than ever, especially in urban settings, he offers. This could mean larger indoor plants, living walls, or even natural materials like stone, wood, and clay. I love to use lava stone or marble stucco.A Focus on ComfortKaryn MilletIn the dining nook of this sunny Los Angeles home, playful wallpaper, plush blue upholstery, and animal-print cushions make for the coziest spot for a cuppa joe.Comfort may be a bit of a dirty word in the design trade, but A-Listers are embracing it, whether through spaces designed to add ease to daily rituals or through silhouettes that are more laidback. Breakfast nooks have become a constant requesta space that feels more casual than a dining room but more intentional than barstools at a countertop, says Brent. I always incorporate performance fabrics and a banquette to create an elevated but easy feel.This balance of elegance and ease is also reflected in living rooms. Were seeing shapes that invite comfort and a softer, more relaxed environment, Sebban reflects. While Howell adds that shes seeing more soft, comfortable materials gaining traction.Individualistic InteriorsAdrian GautIn this Toronto home designed by Kelly Wearstler, a small room is transformed into a library, fitted with bookshelves and a custom table. Overwhelmingly, designers are prioritizing personal expression. More than ever before, I am seeing clients lean into individualistic interiorsa style that fits their lifestyle over trends, says Howell. We are revisiting eclecticism in a less bohemian, maximalistic way.This shift toward personalized design also draws inspiration from groundbreaking movements of the past. At Uchronia, we are deeply inspired by the Memphis Group and the Italian Radical Design movement, which challenged conventions and created spaces and objects that were full of color, humor, and experimentation, explains Sebban. They resonate with us because they emphasize freedom of expression, breaking norms, and embracing the unexpected.Individuality will always set your space apart, adds Kelly Wearstler. How do your interiors, music, fragrance, fashion, and art collections connect? That is the question everyone should be asking of themselves going into 2025. This is where you will find your style.

This article originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.Above: Aerin Lauder in the living room of her Manhattan apartment, designed by Jacques Grange, with a tree decorated with ornaments she has collected over the years. Her dress is by Valentino; the painting is by Robert Ryman, the curtains are of a vintage French fabric, the rug is from Le Dcor Franais, and the walls are painted in a custom shade by Donald Kaufman Color. Aerin Lauders Manhattan apartment, which was decorated by Jacques Grange, is always soign, but never more so than during the holidays. Each year, Lauder spends hours adding festive touches to her living roomfrom vases arranged with deep red peonies and berry branches to bowls filled with colorful candy. The centerpiece is a nine-foot-tall evergreen; Lauders teenage sons, Will and Jack, are enlisted to embellish it from top to bottom with their mothers extensive collection of golden ornaments. They usually get tired somewhere around the middle, says Lauder. Im the one who always finishes it. Two years ago, the cosmetics scion, whose grandmother was Este Lauder, launched her own Aerin line of beauty and lifestyle products, a collection that has rapidly grown to include home accessories, furniture, lighting, and, soon, bedding. One might think that this entrepreneur would be too busy to deck the halls, but Lauder says she would never think of missing out. Douglas FriedmanThe table is set for a holiday dinner with plates she inherited from her grandmother, Este, and branches in vases from her Aerin line. Her love of the season began when she was a child. My grandfather was born on Christmas Eve, she says. Even though the family is Jewish, they would gather each year on his birthday for an old-fashioned repast of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and the classic French Yuletide dessert of bche de Nola ritual they continue to this day. My grandmother loved to entertain and had such wonderful style, Lauder says. It was a celebration of his birthday and of the holiday, all in one. I love to create a sense that this is a special time of year.Lauder inherited her grandmothers red-and-gold china, which she uses for her own holiday celebrations, such as a small gathering that she hosted last year for her female friends. She set the round table in her dark-walled dining room with gold-leaf and crystal vases and bowls from her Aerin collection. For Lauder, who also celebrates Hanukkah, the key to holiday entertaining is to create a setting that feels both inviting and luxurious. But most of all, its about tradition and the spirit of the season, she says. I love to create a sense that this is a special time of year. This story originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of ELLE DECOR.Ingrid AbramovitchExecutive Editor, ELLE DecorIngrid Abramovitch, the Executive Editor at ELLE Decor, writes about design, architecture, renovation, and lifestyle, and is the author of several books on design including Restoring a House in the City.

Paint colors get a lot of attention in the interior-design world. It's one of the easiest ways to make a dramatic change in any room. Its no wonder, then, that Benjamin Moores annual Color of the Year announcementalong with the corresponding palette of trending hues itself, is always hotly anticipated. This year is no different: For 2025, the brand crowned Cinnamon Slate 2113-40, a heathered plum and velvety brown, for the top honor, supported by nine other soothing colors with rich undertones. They feel very grounded in the past, says Atlanta-based interior designer Jessica Davis. A lot of historical colors are made from natural pigments, and this whole palette has that vibe. These muted, approachable colors act as the perfect gateway shades for those ready to embrace color without straying too far from safe neutrals. Color gives a space life and personality, says Davis. When I see an interior that uses color, especially in an interesting and unusual way, the space is way more charismatic. Inspired to give your own living room a cozy makeover, or refresh your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat? We spoke to Davis and other top designers for their suggestions on incorporating the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2025 Palette into your homes.Benjamin MooreCinnamon Slate 2113-40, Regal Select InteriorColor-Drench ItLately, San Francisco-based interior designer Jon de la Cruz is all about color drenching, he says: Its a fresher take on applying color to a room. This is all the more true with a bolder hue like Cinnamon Slate, which he calls really calming and welcoming. To pull off the monochromatic look, de la Cruz recommends that you pick your wall color and then, staying in that color family, go a bit lighter and a bit darker with furniture and accents to create visual interest. Another key to nailing the trend: Play with textures. Add silk-trimmed curtains, a plush pile rug, nubby pillows, and the like. Let the color be the main character, and all the textures are the supporting cast to enhance it, he says.Benjamin MooreRosepine 461, Regal Select InteriorPaint Your MillworkEmily Barry, an interior designer based in the Northeast, picks Rosepine 461 as perfect for cabinetry. She recently used the medium green color herself for built-ins in a family room, in fact. We didnt want the room to feel too dark, and we also knew that we wanted a more neutral space for the family, because it was open off the kitchen, she says. The soothing yet playful green was just the right touch. To complete the room, Barry used warm wood tones, including a light oak desk and door handles, a rattan chair, and pillows with earthy brown tones.Focus on Trim and Molding There are more ways to paint a room than just doing the walls and having white trim, says Barry. Were kind of bored by that solution. Her go-to trick is to add color through the trim itself: If youre afraid to commit to a full paint job, painting the trim immediately adds character. And while Barry feels any hue from the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2025 Palette would work well for a contrast trim, her favorite is, again, Rosepine. You could put it on your baseboard, your crown, your window trimyou could even paint your windows and doors and leave the walls white, she says. Its a really beautiful way to bring in color.Benjamin MooreLeather Saddle Brown 2100-20, Regal Select InteriorGo Bold With BrownThis shade is one of the biggest paint trends of the year, and if youre ready for a vibe shift, Barry suggests finding a way to use the velvety Leather Saddle Brown 2100-20 in your home. The designer recently presented the comforting color for a mudroom in a project shes working on. Its going to be so pretty, she says of the space, which will use the shade on partial-wall panels and on the cabinetry. The top of the wall and ceiling will be white, and to round out the space shell include a cool black slate floor, brass fixtures, and a wooden bench. I'm not scared of a brown room, says Barry. But if youre more hesitant about going full-on with the color, she has another suggestion, too: Leave the walls white and simply paint the cabinetry brown.Benjamin MooreTissue Pink 1163, Regal Select InteriorPlay With Color DuosWhy stop at one paint color when you can step up the interest level by using two to create a truly unique room. When I pair colors together in a space, I like to make sure theyre not the same value, and by that I mean not the same lightness or darkness, says Davis. One match-up she likes from the Benjamin Moore trends palette is the deep blue Stained Glass CSP-685 with the beige-y blush Tissue Pink 1163 for a pretty, feminine space. I could see doing it in a primary bedroom, with Stained Glass on the walls and the subtle pink on the ceiling, she says. Pink accents like blush bedding and curtains would be key to tying the room together, she adds. Layer Paint and PaperReigning Color of the Year Cinnamon Slate, with its easygoing plum and brown tones, can work in many different spaces and styles. While many designers are loving the idea of the versatile neutral drenched in a dining room with beautiful wood and brass accents, Barry is excited to use the color in a more unusual way: to create a showstopping laundry room. I would paint the lower half of the wall in Cinnamon Slate, and then wallpaper the top in a paper with touches of the same shade, she says. And while Benjamin Moore does crown a new Color of the Year annually, Cinnamon Slate is meant to last.

When Jennifer and Alec Litowitz first visited the scenic resort town of Big Sky, Montana, in 2019, they fell in love with a view: Nearly 9,000 feet up, at the top of Andesite Ridge in the private, gated Yellowstone Club, was a gently sloped piece of land that peered out over the breathtaking surrounding mountains. There was, however, one minor issue: Construction of a 10,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom limestone house was already underway on the site. So, the pair, who are Chicago-area private investors and philanthropists, decided to buy it. If we wanted that view, Jennifer says, this is how we were going to get it. Stephen Kent JohnsonIn the kitchen, custom walnut cabinetry is paired with honed green slate counters. Bronze stove hood by Amuneal; custom stools by Classic Design; pendant by Piet Hein Eek.Jennifer, no stranger to complex custom projectsshe oversaw the build of their Edwin Lutyensinspired home in Glencoe, Illinois, and the transformation of a former Boy Scout camp in Wisconsin into a charming family compoundmade a deal with her husband, she recalls with a laugh. She promised Alec, who founded Magnetar Capital, that she wouldnt move any walls. But she also told him, If were going to do this, I want to make it personal. She had in mind a winter vacation house, a kind of French boho ski chalet, as she puts it, for the couple and their four boys, ages 19 to 27avid skiers allthat was elegant and sophisticated yet unfussy. Its warm but very sensuous, without being slickEnter Commune, a Los Angelesbased design studio known for its California-cool style, whose projects have ranged from the Goop store in Lower Manhattan to a beach house in Santa Cruz, California. For Jennifer, a fan of textile art, ceramics, and good materials no matter the style or era, the Commune aesthetic felt right: timeless vintage pieces, the layered materiality of its interiors, artisanal furnishings and objects, and surfaces that patina over time. Its warm but very sensuous, without being slick, she says. Stephen Kent JohnsonThe dining room windows frame a view of Lone Mountain. Table by BDDW; Kaare Klint chairs; custom pendant by Paul Ferrante; candlesticks by Ted Muehling. Commune began to transform the house in motion, says principal Roman Alonso, who cofounded the studio with Steven Johanknecht in 2004. The team redid the interiors with an eye toward warming up the palette, leaving white-oak floors unstained, installing walnut cabinets in the kitchen, and switching steel fixtures to unlacquered brass and bronze. In the foyer, the split-level staircaseleading to three en suite guest bedrooms upstairs and, downstairs, a capacious game room, bunk room, and two more en suite guest roomswas originally conceived with glass railings. Instead, Alonso redesigned it entirely in white oak and oxidized bronze. The sole element retained from the original design was multiple walls of tumbled limestone native to Montana. Stephen Kent JohnsonA Hans Wegner chair and ottoman sit in a corner of the primary bedroom.The overarching aim was to avoid the ubiquitous modern mountain aesthetic, Alonso says. Part of the brief was, I dont want antlers. Jennifer wanted the house to feel like it was in Montana, but not overly so. The color scheme was derived from the local environment: earth tones; the blues of the sky, mountains, and nearby Gallatin River; and the golden hues of hay fields and foliage in fall. It comes from what you see outside the windows, Alonso says. The Litowitzes inspiration is immediately obvious: In the dining room, the colossal picture window frames the majestic Lone Mountain. The furnishings, nearly all of which were made by Commune artisans, also pay homage to the alpine character of the place, without being too on the nosemany of the rugs, for instance, were redesigned from colorful vintage Swedish patterns. Yet the American West is subtly alluded to in the materials employed (shearling, leather, wool, alpaca, horsehair) and in the small but pointed flourishes, like the whipstitching on the Adnet-esque pendant light above the dining table, or the many plaids throughouta nod to horse blankets, lumberjacks, pioneers. Stephen Kent JohnsonA guest baths walls are covered in Heath Ceramics tile. Custom walnut vanity; bath accessories by Commune for Remains Lighting; towels by Commune for Hamburg House. Downstairs hangs Richard Princes photograph of cowboys riding off into a crimson sunsetthe decors only overt reference to the American West. The Litowitzes dont have the wall space for large art in their traditional English manorstyle Chicago suburbs home, so this house offered an opportunity to showcase their impressive art collection, which focuses on artists of color and includes works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jacob Lawrence, Theaster Gates, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Nick Cave. Jennifer had been waiting for a house like this, Alonso explains, because she wants to live with the art. Stephen Kent JohnsonThe mudrooms ski lockers have doors in red powder-coated and perforated metal. Bench by Summer Studio; runner by Commune for Christopher Farr. Were not designing for Instagram, Alonso says. Were designing for living.Ultimately, Jennifer says, the project was about creating space where experiences of togetherness can occur. One look at the mudroom, with its sporty red lockers next to where multiple pairs of skis rest, or the playful bunk room that comfortably sleeps four, with its denim walls and flame-red bathroom tiles (Jennifer calls the bold choice one specific place where I had to trust), and its clear that this is a house for family, for holidays, for relaxing by the firepit aprs-ski. Were not designing for Instagram, Alonso says. Were designing for living.Tour this Big Sky club overlooking Yellowstone in MontanaThis story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

The Gen Z population is a hard nut to crack. Realistically, who can keep up with what the words rizz, bussin, and ate mean, unless you have kids, were born between 1997 and 2012, or are chronically online? Here at ELLE DECOR, though, we stay in the knowhaving demystified what Charli XCX's Brat summer was, jumped on the very demure, very mindful bandwagon back in August, and otherwise kept in touch with all things hip, cool, and TikTok-powered.One area Gen Zers are consistently vocal about is home design. After all, according to 2024 Redfin statistics, though Gen Z homeownership rates have stagnated last year, they still outpace those of older individuals back in the day. Specifically, homeownership rates for Gen Zers between the ages of 19 and 25 are higher than what was the case for millennials and Gen Xers when they were the same age. This is to say: The fresh-faced generation is moving into homes (and renting apartments!) of their own, so of course they have an opinion or two about what's hot and what's cheugy.Want to get your own digs to Gen Zapproved levels in 2025? Look no further than these four data-backed trends, which are bound to come out on top as the calendar turns. You'd be delulu not to follow them.Lavish and OrnateAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesA rococo revival powered by Gen Z? Shocking, we know, but something were so here for!Think Gen Zers are simpletons who are content with Ikea furniture? Think again: Thanks to them, next year will see a kind of rococo revival. According to the Pinterest Predicts 2025 Trend Report, full-of-frills aesthetics will manifest across both fashion and homewith the latter evident particularly in ornate tablescapes. Case in point: The search term rococo party experienced a 140-percent increase on Pinterest in between September 2022 and August 2024, and is set to continue on that trajectory. I think there is a huge shift right now for Gen Z starting to get into dinner parties and hosting, says Margot Lee, lifestyle influencer and founder of the Gen Zfocused home brand No Particular Order, which recently launched conversation coasters that help spark meaningful connections during such gatherings.It's no easy feat to 'scape the perfect baroque-inspired table or channel rococo vibes in interiors overall, but Gen Zers are clearing those hurdles by sourcing dated objects in antique stores and beyond (more on this later!). Ive noticed a lot of mixing old and new, where people are mixing thrifted finds with more modern elements, Danielle Carolan, New York-based content creator and host of the podcast AM Uncovered, tells ELLE DECOR. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and thrift shops have made finding vintage items easier and affordable, so people can experiment with these styles without a big commitment.Whether it be hosting a full moon dinner party with an over-the-top, luxe centerpiece situation or adorning their living rooms with bronze candelabras that look straight out of Bridgerton, Gen Zers are tapping into the more is more ethos without ever entering tacky territory.Cherries on TopDouglas FriedmanCherries take center stage in the bathroom of Andy Cohens old West Village apartment, featured on the pages of our October 2017 issue. He was ahead of the curve!Food-themed art and design always had cultural staying power, and one look at Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans is all that's needed for confirmation of this fact. The culinary fascination we'll be seeing all over the place in the world of home decor next year is cherries (yes, cherries!).Per Pinterest, cherry vibe rose in searches by 325 percent, cherry bedroom experienced a bump of 100 percent, and dark cherry red spiked 235 percent. Scrolling through TikTok makes these numbers tangible: There are popular videos of cherry ornamentladen Christmas trees, disco ball cherry DIY tutorials, and even cherry-themed front door vignettes.One explanation for this? Cherries are bold and life-affirming, which is Gen Z's preferred design direction. Ive noticed Gen Z gravitates toward brighter, mood-boosting colors, says Carolan. ELLE DECOR A-List designer Jessica Davis echoed that sentiment last month: People are really diving into rich colors with jewel undertones.Another reason is that Gen Zers simply aren't afraid of having a little fun. For a long time, designers and home experts believed we had to follow specific design rules to achieve attractive interiors, home style expert and HomeGoods Featured Finder Ursula Carmona tells us. This generation is all about infusing their existing design style with personality and whatever speaks to them.WGSN, one of the worlds top trend forecasting agencies, is predicting a more generalized rise of fake food interior design decisions next year, across items like trompe-loeil candles, stationery [and] also furniture and room decor, according to a press release. Cherries fit squarely into this growing obsession.Paint your bedroom walls cherry red, top your bed with some cherry throw pillows, or else keep it subtle via cherry cocktail picks (like these ones from Anthropologie) during your next soiree. Either way, you're in for a sweet, juicy treat.No. Big. Lights.McKenna BarryOne way to achieve the dreamiest level of ambiance possible, while reducing harsh overhead lights? Investing in a shower lamp, a trend started by content creator McKenna Barry.No big lights. It's all ambiance and lamps, says Lee, referring to Gen Z's revulsion with doctor's officeadjacent overhead lighting, epitomized by the viral TikTok sound that declares one should never (ever, ever) use the big light.Maura Clark, lighting expert and owner of an eponymous lighting design studio, weighs in: What I've been seeing for residential [spaces] is we are shifting away from exposed lighting. There's a lot more focus on diffusion.A big no-no is having only having one type of light in the room, she continues. You want to have different types of light sources because that also is part of mood enhancement.Gen Z's take on lighting is not your grandmother's recessed can lighting situation. This generation is making spaces softer and moodier vis--vis sunset lamps, floor lamps, and even tabletop firepits. The proof, as it turns out, is in the pudding (or, in this case, the data). The leading service platform Taskrabbit's 2024 Trend Report, compiled by analyzing thousands of Taskrabbit bookings made by Gen Z and beyond, mentions that requests for hanging lights are up by 42 percent. According to the platform, mood lighting iskey.The element of diffusion mentioned by Clark can be created with fabric lampshades (this is a kitchen trend we're predicting for 2025, btw!), plug-in wall sconces, and more. A key non-negotiable? Having lighting that's easy on the eyes and makes you excited to return to your cozy abode each and every evening.Secondhand StealsMaskot//Getty ImagesOne thing about Gen Z is that theyre going to be hitting all the antique stores.While older folks might peg today's youngins as careless, Gen Z design trends are actually nothing if not thoughtful. I think that there is a lot of curation happening for Gen Z. Every single item that enters Gen Z space is so considered, says Lee.This is achieved primarily through an emphasis on secondhand, vintage furniture finds versus hitting up household name retailers for, say, a new nightstand. Lee taps into the Gen Z thought process: It's like, okay, this is kind of the vibe that I want to go for. I know that I might be changing my style or my aesthetic throughout the year, but I'm going to look at Facebook Marketplace because that's a more sustainable way to cycle through styles and recycle furniture.Oftentimes, secondhand takes on a highly personal meaning. Basically everything in my apartment is secondhand or custom. The desk that I have [here] is my favorite piece of furnitureit was my grandmother's desk when she was an English school teacher, Lee shares.If you've been following our contentand keeping up with Internet happenings in generalthis trend should come as no surprise. The boom of the #furnitureflip hashtag on TikTok, representative of the larger phenomenon of people sourcing antiques and giving them 180-degree changes, proves that vintage furniture acquisition is hot right now (regardless of what's done with it after purchase).And it's not exclusive to Gen Z tastes, either. Designers everywhere are also riding the vintage wave. Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at e-commerce powerhouse 1stDibs, tells ELLE DECORcommenting on 1stDibs's 8th annual designer trend survey, which polled 643 international interior designersthat vintage furniture continues to have broad appeal, even in rooms that skew heavily contemporary. Furthermore, over eighty percent of respondents reported that they used at least one piece of furniture from the 1920s through the 90s in their design schemes.Gen Z is an enlightened generation and, just as its members are wary of fast fashion, so too do they give mass-produced home objects the cold shoulder. This approach, in turn, is environmentally conscious and guaranteed to add instant charisma to any home. Just think about how a distressed side table adored throughout generations, whose patina is proof of this love, would look. Then envision a cookie-cutter one with a plain, white, glossy finish. Enough said.Stacia DatskovskaAssistant Digital EditorStacia Datskovska is the assistant digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers news, trends, and ideas in the world of design. She also writes product reviews (like roundups of the top firepits or sheet sets)infusing them with authority and wit. As an e-commerce intern at Mashable, Stacia wrote data-driven reviews of everything from e-readers to stationary bikes to robot vacuums. Stacias culture and lifestyle bylines have appeared in outlets like USA Today, Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, Food & Wine, and Brooklyn Magazine.

In the movies, noir is dark, moody, dramatic, and trs chic. The pieces in Modern Noir, the latest furniture line from Four Hands, more than live up to that descriptionwith strong emphasis on the chic part. Drawing inspiration from early-20th-century French Deco, the collection leans into rich materials and deep colors to create a setting any mysterious femme fatale would look right at home in. To help you get a feel for the collection, weve given cameos to eight key players below. Just scroll down and enjoy the show.1Katya SofaLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMLike much of the Modern Noir line, the sumptuous Katya sofa is three parts classic, one part twist. The squared-off arms and sleek cushions, free of buttons or decorative piping, make it timeless, while the back, with its unique floor-level cutouts, provides visual surprise.2Julius Swivel ChairLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMIt will be nearly impossible to walk past this shearling-upholstered chair without sinking into its soft embrace. (At the very least, youll want to run your hand along it as you stroll by.) The fact that it swivels a full 360 degrees means its as versatile in your rooms layout as it is tantalizing to the touch.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Umair Coffee TableLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMClassic elements regularly mix with more modern details in the Modern Noir line, to suitably edgy effect. In this solid-oak coffee table, for example, lathe-turned knob-style legs ground the design in tradition, while two delicately curved, MCM-evoking bumpers add lilt to the surface.4Attrition, by Paul MeyerLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMPaul Meyers father was a homebuilder, so the Austin, Texas-based artist grew up around construction sites and developed a fascination withand respect forcement, mortar, and wood. Eventually, these and other similarly prosaic materials found their way into his fine-art paintings, resulting in intriguingly textural mixed-media works.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Jayla Armless Dining ChairLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMHere, midcentury design signaturesthe joinery of the tapered front legs, the frames gentle bentwood constructionare paired with contemporary updates such as a sling-style back, cushiony seat, and performance fabric. The result is comfortable, durable, and unique.6Valen Dining TableLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMThe substantial Valen is an intriguing departure from typical dining-table design. Its top is neither oval, round, square, nor rectangularits pill-shaped. The exaggerated cylindrical legs nod to the idea of a pedestal base but take it in a striking direction. And somehow the blunt, almost primitive design works beautifully in the most refined of rooms.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Winslet SconceLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMIn plush, cocoon-like rooms, you want light sources that set an evocative mood. The slender swan neck of this sconce strikes a graceful note that calls to mind old-style streetlamps. Brass boning beneath the linen shade shows through when the bulb is lit, adding even more ambience.8Marnie Chaise LoungeLEARN MORE AT FOURHANDS.COMRecline like yours is a life of leisure in this modern take on the traditional, French-inflected chaise. An undulating shape, chenille-like upholstery, and enveloping back and arm rests create a luxurious place to loll.

Vermont has attracted the strong, silent type for centuries. The New England ski capital is known for maples, mountains, and minding your own business, and its historic houses follow suitsturdy barns and Greek Revivals dot the hilly landscape, interwoven with trails, lakes, and valleys that add to the states charm. With all the natural splendor and architectural heritage Vermont has to offer, building a new house there is an intimidating proposition. One New York City couple was undaunted by the challenge after hiring Sheila Bridges to decorate the interior.Frank FrancesIn the great room of a Vermont house with architecture by TruexCullins and interiors by Sheila Bridges, vintage chairs in a Schumacher ikat surround a games table from John Rosselli & Associates. The wallpaper is by Morris & Co., and the Roman shade is of a Castel Maison fabric.It was the New York Citybased ELLE DECOR Titan designers skill with layering and texture that made her the best choice to bring warmth and character to an 8,000-square-foot house built by the Burlington, Vermontbased architecture firm TruexCullins in 2023. I fell in love with Sheilas work after seeing it in ELLE DECOR, the wife says. Her use of pattern and color is very appealing.Frank FrancesIn the barn, two Nickey Kehoe sofas in a Rogers & Goffigon fabric flank an ottoman in a Schumacher ikat. The armchairs are by Madeline Stuart, the chandelier is by Ralph Lauren for Circa Lighting, and the curtains are by the Shade Store.After the husband had floatedand subsequently kiboshedbuying a ranch in Montana, the couple scouted rugged central Vermont in one whirlwind weekend, visiting 10 properties in two days. They chose an unspoiled 240-acre plot with unobstructed views in every direction, a stunning, romantic piece of earth. But, as one might expect, it was not without some issues. There was no road into the house site. We had to park at the edge of the road and hike up, the wife says. But the minute you clear the bend, the whole world opens up before you. My husband was completely enraptured. Tour a Sheila BridgesDesigned Vermont GemThe Greek Revival house follows the form of traditional 19th-century New England connected farms. A central, rectangular structure houses the husbands library, an office, and a parlor for the wife, with four bedrooms above. Initially intended as an occasional landing for ski trips, the house has now become a regular retreat, with friends and adult children populating the bedrooms. There is a double-height, barnlike space (the only room with undecorated walls) used for larger gatherings, and to the right is the great room and kitchen, where the family spends most of their time, with the primary suite above it. Frank FrancesThe kitchen cabinets and island are painted in Farrow & Balls Calke Green. The oak barstools are by Sawkille Co., the fittings by Waterworks, the pendants by the Urban Electric Company, and the range and hood by BlueStar.Bridgess design concept began with an unexpected source of inspiration. It started with the Vermont license plate, she says. Its distinct leafy-green hue, reflected in the Morris & Co. Blackthorn Autumn wallpaper, covers the kitchen cabinets and extends into the great room. Im always inspired by nature, says Bridges, who keeps horses and homes in the Hudson Valley and in Iceland. I visited Vermont a lot throughout my childhood. When you think of the state, you think of the foliage, so it follows that this home is very rich and reflective of nature.In 30 years, I have tried not to use the same pattern or textile twice. Sheila Bridges A flora and fauna theme permeates every room of the house, with barn swallows flying on the walls of one downstairs powder room and vines and butterflies adorning another. Even the custom Roman shades in the great room were designed with animal motifs at their center. Upstairs are two more cheeky prints, with prancing deer on the walls of one bedroom while skiers zoom down slopes in another. I start every job fresh, Bridges says. In 30 years, I have tried not to use the same pattern or textile twice. Bridges goes beyond bespoke.The depictions of winter sports and forest fauna disappear in the wifes parlor, where the focus shifts to trees and foliage with two botanical prints mounted on an earthy chinoiserie grass-cloth toile by Scalamandr. In the pattern-light, green primary suite with the best views in the house, peace is the premise. Though this was a new build, I still wanted it to feel like it had a sense of history that isnt just about humans, Bridges says. History is also rooted in nature. After all, this was all forest at one point.This story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

On a gray afternoon in Paris, the Montreal-born interior designer Martin Brlwho keeps offices in Brooklyn and here, just off the Tuileries Garden, in a neighborhood of fine art and antiques galleriesstudied photographs on his phone of a recent project in Surfside, Florida. The sun! Brl says with a little laugh and a small sigh.His clients had come to him with an apartment in one of the two residential towers added in 2017 to the citys historic Surf Club, which opened nearly a century ago. Richard Meier, the architect of the towers, delivered a pitch-perfect update to the clubs Mediterranean Revival style and country-club-on-a-beach sensibility, says Brl, and the long and open layout of the original three-bedroom residence, which the renovation saw converted into a one-bedroom pied--terre with an office and a yoga room, wasnt anything either the owners or Brl had a mind to change.Adrian GautThe dining room of a holiday apartment in Surfside, Florida, in a Richard Meierdesigned building with interiors by Martin Brl Studio. The pendant is by Patrice Dangel for Galerie Alexandre Biaggi, the tapestry by Emilio Terry, and the travertine surfboard by Reena Spaulings. The dining table is custom, the rug is by Diurne, and the plates are by Matthieu Coss.Its a quite casual apartment, says Brl. Its like a very big hotel suite. Thats what the clients wanted. (The Surf Clubs residential towers are serviced by the Four Seasons.) Because this was to be such an easy-breezy place, a utilitarian address at which the owners wished not to entertain but to unbutton, Brl instated just enough color and texture to reach an at-home register. Usually, Im layering and layering, says the designer, who has a penchant for furniture and objects from the 1930s and 40s. But here theres an intentional spareness, a boat vibe, he says. He paneled half of the apartment, including the family room, in oak shiplap, the wood pickled and wire brushed into a state of perfect relaxedness.Adrian GautThe kitchens backsplash and ceiling tiles are custom-painted by Matthieu Cosse. The cabinetry is by Boffi, the custom runner is by Cogolin, and the fittings are by Rubinetterie Stella.He set that room with a television and a custom sofa, club chairs, and an ottoman, all of which he draped in a striped wool Raf Simons for Kvadrat fabric. There is a discreet Cogolin rug and, smartly, not much else: a crystal teal vase and an Art Deco scallop-shaped sconce, which glows like a fistful of light. In Surfside, Brls serenely sophisticated touch also favors ceramic, raffia, and stone: A surfboard leans against a wall in the dining room, but its a sculpture, carved from tonal orange-red travertine as if in observance of the natural cadence of sunrise and sunset.An adjacent Emilio Terry tapestry records the meandering forms of red coral and green seaweed in a frame of white shells. Theres actually no art that can be affected by the sun, he says, stressing just how carefully he dialed down into unfussy design.See More of This Dreamy Pied--TerreThe galley kitchen had no windows and glossy white cabinetry that the clients opted to retain: Brl prescribed custom tiles hand-painted by the Parisian artist Matthieu Coss, whose minimalist brushstrokes effect a horizon scene on the walls and ceiling in which mer meets terre under a cloud-tufted sky. (Coss, who has created frescoes for the Herms flagship on Pariss rue de Svres, and whose work recalls the tattoos wrought by Jean Cocteau on the walls of his villa on the Cte dAzur, also produced a series of dinnerware drawn with marine life for the project.) Lightness of being is what that is, Brl says.Its a quite casual apartment...like a very big hotel suite. Martin BrlThe bedroom may be the lightest of all. Oak wainscoting rises just above a headboard covered in a raw silk-cotton fabric by Jim Thompson in a shade between aquamarine and seafoam. Brl covered the wall above the wainscoting, which is encrusted with a ceramic installation by Cocobolo, in the same dynamic blue-green.Adrian GautA Jim Thompson fabric covers the walls and headboard in the bedroom. The ceramic wall sculpture is by Cocobolo, the table lamps are by Collier Webb, and the bedspread is by Frette.The color reflects in the mirrors of the vanity nook opposite the bed, which Brl converted from a closet, and rhymes with the water that constantly, visibly laps the beach below the living room, a space the designer fitted with vintage rattan club chairs by Henry Olko and a low travertine table like a full moon, an allusion that Brl barely acknowledges, perhaps because its so obvious.This building and this sixth-floor pied--terre are programmed for water and sky, he says, gesturing again at the ocean view out the windows and off the expansive terrace, which he furnished with aluminum tables and chairs by McKinnon and Harris, finished with bespoke cushions. I want the clients to lounge about and enjoy that view. Everything is simply about that view.This story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

Unlike many ski destinations around the world where resort towns were purpose-built, Italys Cortina dAmpezzo is a small village with a centuries-old history tucked between the confines of the Venetian and Holy Roman Empires. Though still in the Veneto region, its capital, Venice, is a two-hour drive down winding mountain roads, while the German-speaking South Tyrol feels much closer; even Austria is just under an hours drive over the valley pass. The townwhich hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will co-host the next edition with Milan in 2026has long been a favorite destination for the international jet set, lured by both its world-class ski runs and its appearances in the 1963 Pink Panther and the James Bond classic For Your Eyes Only. Bastian AchardA vacation house in Cortina dAmpezzo, Italy, designed by Natalia Bianchi for her sister, Alessia Bianchi Bormioli, and her husband, Francesco. Bianchi found salvaged elements of a former stubea Tyrolean wood-paneled roomand rebuilt it on-site as a study. A high shelf holds a collection of Czech glass. Despite those star turns, Cortina retains a traditional flavor with its alpine architecture and mix of locals and vacation homeowners from across Italy. The town has always had an allure for a couple from Milan, Alessia Bianchi Bormioli and Francesco Bormioli, who spent holidays here as a child when he was growing up in Parma. It was Francesco, a business executive and entrepreneur, who found a property in the towns Chiave district and was captivated by its mountain views. Alessia, on the other hand, was initially crestfallen. The existing structure had originally been a semidetached farmhouse that had burned down in the 1940s and been rebuilt as a ho-hum inn.Bastian AchardThe walls of the entry were sheathed in render and hand-painted with decorations inspired by those at St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow. The dresser is by Flamant.It wasnt until she saw a photo of the house from before the fire that Alessia got excited. She told her husband that he could proceed with the purchase on the condition that she could start from zero. She then called her sister, the acclaimed Milanese architect Natalia Bianchi, to see if she would help her tackle this ambitious build. She agreed at once. In a way, her hands are my hands, Natalia says. She has a strong aesthetic sensibility, and I found ways to create the space for her to decorate.Bastian AchardThe walls in the kitchen are coated in whitewashed render, a textured finish of cement and limestone, and the door is of reclaimed pine with hand-forged iron hardware.A big draw for the sisters is that the region is still home to many artisans. The local know-how is very high, Natalia observes. For this project, almost everything was made or restored within 15 miles of the housefrom iron door handles to pine beds and wood-burning stoves. This level of craftsmanship allowed them to explore various mountain styles within the context of the local vernacular. Look Inside an Italian Ski RetreatThroughout the house, they played with a rough grain render often used in the area as an exterior wall treatment. The textured finish, a mixture of cement and limewash, was a perfect base for layers of painted decoration. This technique is used to its full effect in the entry, where, without moldings or corners, the room feels as though it was excavated from the hillside. Painted rosettes, inspired by St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow, envelop the room, while ebonized wood paving blocks line the floor.Bastian AchardThe hand-painted decoration in the primary bedroom was based on the embroidery on a vintage Russian blouse. The custom headboard and ottoman are in Andrew Martin fabrics.This striking space leads into the living room and its adjoining pil, a traditional balcony made from a salvaged flat-sawn balustrade, with views of the surrounding mountains. Natalia insisted that both the entry and all the social rooms of the housethe living and dining rooms and the stube, a Tyrolean wood-paneled roomwould occupy this story, the center floor of the four-story house. A curved staircase links this entertaining level to the rooms upstairs and the floor below, which accommodates more bedrooms and a light-flooded kitchen that opens onto a wide deck where the family gathers for lunch in warm weather. Further downstairs, the family has recently added a spa and gym. My rule is that you cannot leave dead space in a house, Natalia says. Every room needs to have a use. Bastian AchardThe main bathroom has walls lined in reclaimed wood planks, some of which are stained red. The mirror and vanities are custom, as are the bone and iron knobs.This winter, when the Bormiolis and their three children are joined by Natalia and her family, long days on the slopes will culminate in nights of entertaining. There will be drinks and dinner with friends and late-night campfires ablaze in the iron cauldron kept by the side of the house. Our goal was to create a house with spirit, made on a human scale and imbued with local craftsmanship, Natalia says. And, Alessia adds, looking around the imaginative rooms they have together designed, plenty of beauty.This story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

At first glance, living room design can be rather straightforward: Bring in a sofa, a few armchairs, a side table or two, maybe an ottoman or coffee table, and you're good to go. But if you ask any of ELLE DECORs A-List designers (which, of course, we have), a poorly thought-out living room is discounting the potential for forward-thinking design flexes. And this year, designers are betting on quite a few rising trends that turn the standard living room on its head a bit. "Living rooms are poised to become even more personal, more functional, and more formal."In 2025, living rooms are poised to become even more personal, more functional, and more formal. Instead of cookie-cutter spaces designed to follow fads, were seeing a thoughtful evolutionrooms that blend comfort with artistry, structure with softness, and nostalgia with modernity. Designers are rethinking everything, from how we entertain to how we unwind, crafting spaces that feel like a reflection of the people who live in them.Expect jewel tones paired with natural textures, sculptural furniture that doubles as art, and layouts designed for both quiet moments and lively gatherings. Whether its a cozy banquette tucked by the fireplace, a record room tailored for personal retreat, or a formal living room revived for the modern entertainer, 2025 is all about living rooms that feel layered, inviting, and utterly unique. Here's a closer look at the trends shaping the spaces where we live, lounge, and connect. Formal Living Room Are BackWilliam Jess LairdIn the living room of this Hollywood Hills bungalow, interior designer Mike Moser and architect Tyler Thomas removed obvious tech for a more formal space. In 2025, we will see a nostalgic return to thoughtfully designed, separate living rooms that prioritize entertaining and aesthetic enjoyment over technology. As we look to the 1930s again for design references, I can see there being a return to formal living rooms, says ELLE DECOR A-List designer Jeremiah Brent. More will keep their media separate from where they entertain and relax. Think bar carts, multiple seating vignettes, fireplaces, and arta room where the sofa and television are not at the center."Think bar carts, multiple seating vignettes, fireplaces, and arta room where the sofa and television are not at the center.ELLE DECOR A-List designer Rita Konig agrees, indicating shes been called upon recently to make larger living room layouts more intimate. I like to slip banquette sofas into places that you cant fit a proper sofa, such as beside fireplaces and in front of bookcases, she says. They create additional seating for large parties but also create small nooks you can tuck into when its just you at home and they are ideal for making large living rooms seem a bit cozier. An additional request shes hearing? Every house needs a bar and thats something my clients are asking for more and more, especially since everyone continues to enjoy entertaining at home. We'll Make Room for HobbiesFlix Dol MaillotIn this Haussmannian apartment, bespoke ombr walls make it look like the inside of a jewel box.Several designers said they are tailoring their designsmaterials, colors, and layoutsto be more personal in the year ahead. These colors and materials arent just fashionable, Julien Sebban, founder of Uchronia, explains. They reflect a deeper philosophy about the spaces we create: each element is crafted to the space and the people living in it. "My clients are always looking for spaces to unwind and listen to music."Howell says shes even fielding requests for special interests. My clients are always looking for spaces to unwind and listen to music, she offers. We are constantly individualizing record rooms with bars that double as a private space to unwind, or a social space for entertaining. Jewel Tones Paired with Neutrals Will Be All the RageStephen Kent JohnsonIn this living space designed by Ashe Leandro, a plum-colored sectional, is illuminated by a dangling 20-foot-tall Isamu Noguchi lantern.To create dynamic, welcoming living spaces, designers are still riding on the high of last years Barbenheimer craze, relying on contrasting colors in 2025. But were so far past pink and black. For ELLE DECOR A-List designer Brigette Romanek, its all about layering jewel tones with quiet neutrals. Well see jewel tonesthink rich emeralds or deep amethystsused sparingly to punctuate neutral spaces, bringing depth without overpowering, she says. Pairing these colors with natural textures like linen or wool creates a layered look that feels grounded while still adding vibrancy.Our Living Rooms Will Be SoftWith an EdgeStephan JulliardIn this pied--terre in the Saint-Germain-des-Prs district, designer Hugo Toro paired organic wood with gold and bronze accents.In 2025, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Tiffany Howell predicts an uptick in organic modernism such as mixed metals paired with natural woods. Romanek echoes this idea: I also see a mix of materials like soft upholstery with accents in glass or metal, which adds a subtle, structured edge, Romanek states. Its about balancing rigid with soft, statement with neutral, in a way that reflects individuality and makes the space feel dynamic and real. Curves Aren't Going Anywhere Stephan JulliardDesigners like Sebban believe that the curvature weve become accustomed to in the past few years will continue to show up in living room furniture. Were still seeing curved sofas and rounded coffee tablesshapes that invite comfort and a softer, more relaxed environment, he explains. Meanwhile, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Kelly Wearstler is imagining how furniturecurved or otherwisecan strike a statement. I'm interested in furniture as sculpturefunctional pieces that challenge our perception and the ways we interact with them, eliciting an emotional response, she says.

Your kitchen island isn't just another surface to pile mail on (though we've all been guilty of that). It's the place for morning coffee and midnight snacks, for homework and for dinner prep, and where every party somehow ends up, no matter how carefully you've arranged the living room seating. It deserves some extra love.When square footage is at a premium, every part of your kitchen island needs to work overtime. The key is maximizing every vertical inchthink open shelving that displays your prettiest cookbooks, pull-out drawers that house everything from wine bottles to mixing bowls, and clever end panels that flip up for extra counter space when you need it. "One trick I love is incorporating hidden storage," Matthew Coates of Coates Design Architecture + Interiors tells ELLE DECOR. "I've designed islands with pull-out shelves for spices, slim drawers for utensils, and even a sliding cutting board that conceals a small compost bin underneath."The secret to making a small island feel expansive? It's all in the visual tricks. "For material choices, I've learned that lighter colors, minimal patterns and reflective surfaces work wonders in small spaces," shares Joyce Huston, lead interior designer at Decorilla. "One of my favorite combinations is a white quartz waterfall countertop with subtle veining, paired with mirror finish stainless steel back panel. This creates an illusion of the island floating in space while bouncing light around the kitchen."Whether you're working with a postage stamp-sized space or just prefer a more intimate cooking setup, these small kitchen islands prove that good design, like good things, comes in small packages.1Petite and polishedTim LenzThis pint-sized peninsula in an elegant Greenwich Village apartment proves that small spaces can pack a powerful design punch. The rich brown quartzite countertop looks gorgeous against crisp white cabinetry, while offering a perfect perch for casual dining. The clean lines and thoughtful proportions maximize functionality without sacrificing an ounce of style, making this compact corner designed by ELLE DECOR A-List firm Pappas Miron an exemplar of smart space planning.2Rolling in styleWilliam AbramowiczIn this Bedford, New York home, wheels are the move. Mobility is another game-changer. So long as you dont need electricity, adding wheels to an island allows it to double as a serving cart or extra prep space wherever you need it, says Coates. I once worked with a family that loved to entertain, and their rolling island became the star of the showit could go from kitchen prep to dining table setup in seconds.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Bold and practicalRicardo Labouglevibrant kitchen designed by Lorenzo Castillo, a custom yellow island topped with a butcher block anchors the space, offering both storage and style. Bringing functionality to vertical space is essential and can be done by adding shelves or cabinets under the island, says Cody Brown of Bridges Brown Interiors.4When in doubt, round it outSimon UptonA crammed kitchen is frustrating. Accidentally bumping your side into the corner of the kitchen island? Infuriating. Avoid the pain altogether with rounded edges like this one, made from a 19th-century cast-iron stove and topped with Carrara marble in Studio Peregalli's romantic London house.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5City sleekNicholas CalcottIn this Brooklyn bachelor pad designed by Darren Jett, small can be sexy. The sleek peninsula-style design features a luxurious Carrara marble countertop that cascades to the floor, creating a waterfall effect that looks oh-so-good. The extended overhang provides comfortable seating for two, making it both a prep station and dining area.6Marble momentBrittany AmbridgeWe can't take out eyes off Jeremiah Brent's pristine office kitchen. A dramatic cube of swirling burgundy and white marble transforms a practical island into a piece of modernist sculpture.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Urban jewelThomas LoofKitchen island with a view? Yes, please. In this Manhattan apartment designed by ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Kelly Behun, the seamless marble slab creates an illusion of weightlessness while maximizing function in minimal square footage.8Light, bright, and airyTrevor TondroThis kitchen, designed by Estee Stanley, is like a breath of fresh air. Clean white and stainless steel are punctuated with splashes of color in the kitchen, and the Ikea barstools prove that high style can be accessible.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Spread out the seatsTim LenzMy one rule in kitchen design (if possible) is never place all the seating on one side. It is so much easier to carry on a conversation if you can have seating on both the long side and an end, says kitchen designer Cyndy Cantley. In the kitchen of this spacious SoHo loft designed by Nicholas Obeid, vintage stools are tucked under the marble island.10Go up!Pernille LoofWhen you run out of space, go up! says Huston. Here, designer Bronson van Wyck utilizes vertical space with hanging pots and drawers throughout the island.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11antique farm tableKelly MarshallRepurposed furniture adds character! Transform your kitchen's heart with a storied centerpiece like this charming green farmhouse table-turned-island in Chris Benz's Long Island home, offering an inspired alternative to built-in islands.12Freestanding FTWAnnie Schlechter, styling by Courtney FaviniDon't underestimate the power of a freestanding island! In this example, a long and narrow island was crafted by my clients father, bringing a very personal heirloom to the kitchen, designer Darlene Molnar tells us. Freestanding islands are ideal for smaller or narrow kitchens and can be made to your exact needs by a local craftsman. In small spaces they act like furniture and can be visually lighter than fixed islands.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Bar cart turned kitchen islandDouglas FriedmanIn designer Thom Filicia's Manhattan apartment, a bar cart from the Thom Filicia Home Collection for Vanguard doubles as a kitchen island. Genius. Chic. Space-saving.14Rustic refreshBjrn WallanderIn this sun-drenched kitchen, a vintage French artist's table takes center stage as a perfectly imperfect island and adds character while maintaining functionality. It's refreshingly unpretentious, and we're loving it.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Add some color to the baseFrancesco LagneseDesigner Tom Scheerer added a pop of green to this Upper East Side kitchen and it is EVERYTHING. If you want to add some elegance without overpowering the room, try adding some color on the island's base. This is a great way to anchor the island visually while still giving it some personality, TileCloud designer Courtney Cole tells us.16Secret storageWilliam WaldronYou can add storage without even noticing it! You can easily install pull-out drawers or hidden shelves on an island, which you can use to store anything from utensils to cutting boards to small appliances, Cole tells us. The multifunctional island in this Nicole Fuller-designed Greenwhich Village townhouse is unsuspecting and stylish.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Steel the showMikkel VangBring restaurant-worthy functionality to the home kitchen without compromising on style. In this Upper West Side apartment designed by Robert Couturier, a custom stainless steel island with Calacatta marble steals the show and offers an abundance of storage.18Vitrine reimaginedThomas LoofThis kitchen island commands attention, and it deserves it. Custom made and inspired by vintage vitrines, the centerpiece illuminates the space with Art Deco flair in this Upper East Side home designed by Bradley Stephens.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19The entertainer's dreamEric PiaseckiLove to entertain? Take inspiration from designer Lorenzo Castillo in this Paris apartment, where the strategic placement of the island behind plush banquette seating creates the perfect breakfast buffet flow.20Culinary cornerAnnie GarnerThis perfectly positioned peninsula in a kitchen by Maren Baker design proves that sometimes, less is more.The butcher block countertop adds organic warmth to the crisp white cabinetry, while floating shelves adorably display everyday essentials.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE DECOR, where she manages the brands social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Her eye for emerging styles helps bring the latest in interior design to ELLE DECORs audience across platforms. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, design, and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.

Attempts at reinventing Christmas decor haven't always hit the mark as intended. The traditional red-and-green palette has long-since fallen out of favor; the rustic Christmas aesthetic was hot for just one hot minute before it became its own aisle at thrift stores; and inflatable yard figurines had a very short-lived moment before they become something only Clark Griswold would buyto name a few. A white Christmas tree, however, is a timeless look that has passed the test of time. Whether you're flocking your tree to mimic the glory of a tree amid a fresh snowfall, bringing in white ornaments for a contrast the tree's basic green backdrop, or some combination of both, you can't go wrong when using white in Christmas decor.In fact, while the whole design universe seems to be going maximalist this season, the white Christmas tree, it seems, is having a momentperhaps in conjunction with such a color-happy backdrop. Stylus's head of color and material trends, Lauren Chiu, agrees. "Theres a growing shift towards quiet luxury and organic minimalism," she says. "Interiors will be dressed with pared-back, soft whites, pale gold and silvery tones, with clear glass ornaments for a serene touch." Tired of your Christmas tree blending into the background like a holiday wallflower? Whether youre aiming for a sleek, modern vibe or full-on festive chaos, we've rounded up 26 white Christmas trees that are frosted and fabulous. 1Coquette Christmas TreeLiubov Kaplitskaya//Getty ImagesA subtly-flocked Christmas tree will not only be TikTok-approved, but also classically charming. If you've gone for something more bold and traditional in your living room, this charmingly feminine theme is fitting for, say, a girl's room. 2Classic White LightingCourtesy ArhausWhen the architecture in your home is this statement-worthy, a tree can let it do all the talking. We're loving the classic white lights and off-white ornaments in this look, courtesy Arhaus, that prove less is more. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3White Ribbon TreeCourtesy Balsam HillIf your home features a classic white backdrop, a full-on flocked tree might be too much white-on-white. Instead, take notes from Balsam Hill's decorated tree, which features a tasteful white ribbon that amplifies the sophistication and luxury of the room. 4Flocked BeautyCourtesy Balsam HillWe're loving this interpretation of baby blue and white, which is a classic winter theme. Pale blue baubles and star motifs further add to the look. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Biodegradable TreeCourtesy AnthropologieHadn't invested in a pre-flocked tree? Give it some faux snow. This biogradable snow from Terrain breaks down when added to water. Here, the frosty finish is scattered below a handsome floor mirror, but it could go on any treewith simple cleanup, come the new year. 6White on White on Whiteonurdongel//Getty ImagesThis specimen is proof that you can go all white with no abandon. It's more than just flocked, with branches that feature an ombre tan-to-white hue and white ornaments. Who needs green anything?Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7White Tree With Pink LightsCourtesy AnthropologieThe beauty of a white Christmas tree is that any color of lights are given an even brighter spotlight. Take, for instance, this very pink tree from Anthropologie's holiday house, which is making us question everything we know about pink in December. 8White Accessories Courtesy Balsam HillWe're obsessed with the opulence of these tree adornments, which practically make a green tree white. From ribbons to faux florals, from baubles to string lights, it all comes together in a glorious white winter wonderland ensemble. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Barely-There TreesCourtesy Balsam HillTrend alert: Barely there Christmas trees are all the rage this season, and we're here for it. These Balsam Hill golden globe trees are a minimal way to give a small space with a white backdrop a cheery vibe. 10Star Spangled TreeDaniel Cortez//Getty ImagesIf you're looking to give your Christmas tree a celestial glow, these bright, snowy ornaments will pop against the green branches with enchanting pizazz. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11White and Gold Motifundefined undefinedThis flocked tannenbaum, adorned with shimmering gold ornaments, radiates elegance. The gold ornaments pop out against the snowy white branches, creating a look that is both glamorous and cozy.12Elegant Christmas TreeElizaveta StarkovaCan one have too many ornaments? When they're white and gold, we vote no. This flocked tree casts a stunning metallic glow of gold accents against its white-dusted branches. This tree is snow joke. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Pared Back TreeLouise DybbroLeave it to Danish interior design firm Lene-Bjerre to bring their minimalist aesthetic to Christmas tree decor. Here, a voluminous Christmas tree is decked out with nothing more than a handful of white bows and a white tree skirt. Who needs a tree topper?14A Grand BeautyCourtesy Pottery BarnThis behemoth of a Christmas tree (Pottery Barn's Vermont Tree) has not a bare branch to be seen. We're especially loving all the white items here, from the cloud-like puffs, to the polar bear ornaments, to the white felt acornswe're feeling the white theme here. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Winter Village OrnamentsShaun SullivanIf you told us you put house ornaments on your tree, we'd question your sanity. But this Pottery Barn tree features white winter village houses that totally work. Who needs a tabletop when you've got a tree?16White and Blue Bow Tree TopperCourtesy LoveShackFancyHaven't you heard? The fashion and design world is tying ribbons on anything they can be tied tooso why not add it to a Christmas tree? We can count on Pottery Barn's collaboration with LoveShackFancy to deliver on that front in the form of the cutest tree topper we've ever seen. And, of course, it has a white backdrop. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17White WonderEric A. ZepedaWhile white is forever, brown is really having a moment in the design world. This Quince tree proves you can have your cake and eat it too, with off-white and brown ornaments adding contrast to this otherwise very blank white page of a tree. 18Bright White TreeDigital Vision.//Getty ImagesA white Christmas tree offers countless opportunities to embrace one color in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. Take, for instance, this blindingly white tree, which gives its lime green ornaments pride of place in this very white room. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Classic Flocked TreeOlena Ruban//Getty ImagesForget the bows, a classic flocked tree brings us back to the tree's humble beginnings, where a gentle dusting of snow is all that nature needs. 20Glowing Marvelimaginima//Getty ImagesThe white ornaments on this tree are the main event in this room, hanging gallantly upon this bright green tree. When set against a white room, it's the perfect addition. Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.When Amy Mellen set out in search of a weekend house 15 years ago, what she wanted was a place to see and be seenby crickets, sparrows, coyotes, and frogs, as well as by a few dear friends.To Mellen, already a rising star in the design world at the time, weekends were a chance to recharge her creative batteries. And for that, nothing worked as powerfully as time spent outdoors, which meant that a quiet corner of Dutchess County, in upstate New York, was a better setting for her downtime than, say, the ber-social Hamptons.I love, love, love being outside, she says. I take inspiration constantly from things I see in nature.William WaldronThe living room cabinet is from Crate & Barrel, and the lamp was found at a flea market; Mellen had the rug made in the Philippines, and the pine floors are original. Today Mellen is the creative director for Calvin Klein Home; as such, she oversees nine different product categories encompassing everything from teacups to sofas. Yet she still trades in her leather pumps for Blundstone work boots every Friday evening before heading north to the cottage that captured her heart.She remembers the first time she saw it: The Realtor and I drove up the drivewayits really long and goes over a stream, and all the trees were weighed down with snow. It was so tucked back; we were like, This has to be a mistake. Inside, the owners had left a fire going in the fireplace. I fell in love with the place immediately.William WaldronIn the kitchen, the antique walnut table is American, and the chairs and stool are by Calvin Klein Home; the cabinets are custom made, the refrigerator is by KitchenAid, the oven is by GE, and the dishwasher is by Bosch. She also fell for the sellers themselves, an older couple who had lived in the house since it was first built as a fishing cabin in the 1960s, and had painstakingly cared for it ever since. They had records for everything: how much theyd paid, every repair, every warranty. And all the tools in the shed were meticulously labeled: potato hoe, garden hoe. When they moved out, they left her a canoe, a lawn mower, and a sense of reverence for the spirit of the place.William WaldronVintage chairs from R. T. Facts surround the dining table, which was made from a cherry tree on the property; the light fixture is by Restoration Hardware, the rugs are Moroccan, and the flooring is slate.I told them, Ill never touch anything, says Mellen. And for a long time, she kept her word. But Mellens creativity, it turns out, is not just a contemplative or reactive practice. She creates. Constantly. Gradually she began making the house her own, installing windows in the back rooms and painting the walls, which were paneled in dark, knotty pine. She planted a garden and, because she longed for a new porch, got out a shovel and dug the foundation for it herself, then used the rocks shed unearthed to make a stone wall.And when a cherry tree started encroaching on the house and had to be cut down, she had the wood milled and used it to make her dining room table. An ash tree, meanwhile, became paneling for the bathroom walls.William WaldronA circa-1760 trestle table that belonged to Mellens parents holds a flea--market lamp and an alphabet drawing she made in high school.Finally, two years ago, she undertook a major renovation. Even then, her motivation was practical as much as it was aesthetic. There was frost on the bedroom windows in the wintertime, she says. It wasnt energy efficient. And if you took a bath, you ran out of hot water.She built a studio onto the garage, and outfitted it with a potters wheel and supplies to paint and dye fabrics. The kitchen, meanwhile, needed a deeper rethinking. The cabinets had scallop edges, she says. Plus it was small, and I love to cook. I entertain a lot. Indeed, Mellen is known for exotic meals inspired by her frequent travels. My friends joke that I could make food from any country just from whats in my pantry, she says.The influence of her international travels is evident beyond the pantry as well. All over the house are objects and furnishings Mellen acquired abroad, including rugs from Morocco, copper faucets from Italy, a set of nesting tables from England (made of elm, theyre incredibly fragrant, she says), and a mirrored panel from India. Interspersed throughout are numerous pieces from the Calvin Klein Home collections, which, despite the companys reputation for austere minimalism, blend happily into the eclectic, rustic mix. Our furniture is modern, but not superhard-edged modern, says Mellen. The materials and finishes make it warm.William WaldronThe bed and linens in the primary bedroom are by Calvin Klein Home, the nesting tables are from Margaret Howell, the desktop was made from wood found in the shed, and the chair is a flea-market find; the rug is by Moore & Giles, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Aura in Sterling. One of my philosophies at Calvin Klein is: You cant really expect someone to go out and buy all brand-new matching furniture, she continues. Everyone has heirlooms or meaningful pieces with journeys and stories behind them. You want to be able to mix them with what is new and modern.The materials and finishes make it warm."At Mellens house, that mix is constantly changing in small and subtle ways. Im always making little vignettes out of things I find, she says. Last weekend, I found a dead beetle and set it on top of a rock. Ill have that next to a birds nest that blew out of a tree, and a feather that I found in the yard.Tour this Cozy Upstate New York CabinCreating keeps her happy; it always has. When I was little, I had a dollhouse I made myself, she says. And I loved decorating it. I was always working on it. Then my parents bought me a really swanky new dollhouse, and it wasnt as fun.Collecting, building, designing, inventing, and playing in the woods: All the stuff that kids do, she says. I just made a career out of it. This story originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

In 2022, designer Beth Diana Smith met with a couple who had recently purchased a 100-year-old home in Montclair, New Jersey. They hit it off, and what had started out as a conversation about a kitchen renovation ended up as talks to design the entire house, a two-story, two-bedroom home with an enclosed porch.Smith, who will be honored with the Rising Star award from the New York School of Interior Design next spring, set out with the client to keep some of the old while adding some needed new. In the living room, that meant keeping the original brick fireplace and adding a marble mantel and cubed tile surround to give it a fresh modern edge. The room was then drenched in a moody, walnut brown paint by Benjamin Moore that contrasts against the bright light and softer colors from the neighboring dining room and kitchen. But the rooms true statement moment is a navy wallcovering from Divine Savages that features a playful print of red and gold roses. Kelly MarshallA floral wallcovering by Divine Savages blankets the original brick fireplace. I do not like floral, mainly because my mother traumatized me as a kid with this big brown floral sofa that she had when I was growing up, Smith says with a laugh. The addition, per her clients request, really went beautifully with the house to blanket that fireplace, she says.In the adjacent dining room, Smith removed an existing window and added double doors, with the intent to build an outside deck off of it in the future. A chandelier by Currey & Co. hangs above a wood dining table surrounded by the clients wood dining chairs. The light fixture adds a playful modern edge to the room, with its undulant circular shape that mimics the movement in the pattern of the ceiling wallpaper. "The living room ceiling reminds me of weeping willow trees," Smith says. Kelly MarshallThe kitchen cabinets are painted in Dockside Blue by Sherwin Williams and the kitchen island is painted in Labradorite by Sherwin Williams. Of course, that kitchen renovation was a key part of the project, which entailed removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen to create a line of sight from the front door. What was previously an empty wall with a refrigerator was transformed into a more functional space with shaker-style cabinets painted in Sherwood Williamss Dockside Blue, and a dark-blue butcher-block island. Smith added a window with roman shades in a Stroheim floral print fabric, and covered the floors in a black and white patterned tile from The Tile Shop. In the primary bedroom, the client picked out a mineral green bed that was the anchor in the room. Smith sourced nightstands from West Elm and lamps from Circa Lighting for the bedside. The curtain fabric by Stroheim and a gold wallcovering behind the bed were paired to go with the bed. The goal was to see something bold and beautiful, she says.In the upstairs library, Smith helped the clients plan for the future. The couple, now expecting a child early next year, wanted to make sure the room could eventually function as a nursery. Smith covered the walls in a grasscloth and a playful animal print was selected for the window fabric.Take A Look Inside This New Jersey HomeAs for Smiths favorite piece in the house? A mask that she sourced on a trip to Rome. Smith saved sharing it with her client until the end of the project because she had a hunch it would be perfect there. And sure enough, she was right.When she saw it, she was just like, Oh, my God, can I touch it? It's just so beautiful, Smith says. When I think about this house and project, I think about that moment, and it's always those finishing touches that have a sentimental value.

This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.The homeowners of a once pedestrian, now chic yet understated house in Aspen are unconditional fans of Paris-based decorator Caroline Sarkozy. We love everything about her style, the wife raves. Its classic but modern, comfortable, and warm without being fussy. And we like that our house doesnt feel like a clinic. Were not keen on everything being bare and spare. Sarkozy herself attributes her eclectic aesthetic to her nomadic childhood. Although she was born in Paris and is half sister to the former French president, her upbringing took a global route when her mother, Christine de Ganay, married American diplomat Frank G. Wisner, who has served as the U.S. ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines, and India.Eric PiaseckiA Harvey Probber table and 1950s Wegner chairs in the kitchen.The clients have a similarly international profile. The husband was born in Iran and raised in England; his wife is Swedish. They were drawn to Aspen not simply by the allure of winter sports but for the sunny, culturally rich summer months, a highlight of which is the season-long Aspen Music Festival. Ive never been to a place that offers so many things, she says. Theres music every day, everywhere. Theres hiking, fishing, and biking. Plus, if you want Prada and Gucci and Nobu, you have that too.Eric PiaseckiIn the entry, an 1880 Belgian table, a 1940s Kaare Klint sofa, and a 1937 Josef Frank cabinet found at Christies; the staircase is made of antique oak, and the floor is paved with Belgian bluestone.The couple have a decade-long relationship with Sarkozy, who initially revamped several rooms in the husbands London apartment and decorated a home for his mother. For the Aspen project, Sarkozy collaborated with French architect Laurent Bourgois, who oversaw the renovation of the structure while Sarkozy handled the furnishings and finishes.Eric PiaseckiThe kitchen features Belgian bluestone counters, custom-made painted-pine cabinetry, and a pendant fixture by LB Studio. The stove is by Viking, the ovens are by Miele, and the sink fittings are by Blanco.Built in the 1980s, the house itself was no architectural gem. It was run-of-the-mill, Sarkozy explains. It lacked charm and personality. The walls were covered in stucco and painted bright yellow. There were lots of cheap-looking terra-cotta tiles, a circular staircase with a wrought-iron banister, and arches everywhere. It was like a bad interpretation of a Spanish hacienda, says the wife.Eric PiaseckiHans Wegner chairs from the 1950s in the dining room; the table base and chandelier are by Christian Astuguevieille, the walls are lined in a grid of birch veneer framed with split branches, and the rug is by FJ Hakimian.The location, however, was breathtaking. The eight-acre property is situated in the foothills of the Rockies, near the Snowmass ski resort, with views of the sweeping plain. The landscape is so vast, its astonishing, Bourgois says. The view is like something out of a Western film. The house is surrounded by nature yet just a 15-minute drive to the bustling town. It feels so remote because you cant see other houses, adds Sarkozy. Its more like a ranch.The view is like something out of a Western film.Only minor changes were made to the exteriorBourgois simply tweaked the facade by moving some windows and repositioning chimneys. He did, however, extend one side of the house to create a spacious new kitchen and expand the master suite above it. The terrace off that suite is where the wife spends her early mornings in the warmer months. I like to have my cappuccino up there and watch the world wake up, she says.Eric PiaseckiIn the primary bedroom, the linens are by Linge au Coeur, the wicker chair is by Ron Arad, and the artwork is by Robert Longo. The curtains are of Rogers & Goffigon linen, and the carpet is by Godfrey Hirst.The interior, on the other hand, was completely gutted. The proportions of the rooms were off-kilter, Sarkozy explains. They were not very big, but had cathedral-like ceilings. In their place, lower, but larger, spaces were created. The sloping ceilings on the second floor, for instance, are six feet beneath the actual roofline.Style-wise, the owners initially wanted interiors that had the feel of a log cabinbut thats not what we inherited, says Sarkozy. That would have been at odds with the exterior. Instead, she and Bourgois sought to conjure the look of a European chaletless hokey, more luxe. They imported wood from Canada for the door and window frames, wall paneling, bookshelves, ceilings, and beams. They also installed a stone fireplace in the library. The most rustic-chic touch is the wall treatment in the dining room, which consists of a geometric pattern created with birch marquetry. Its a material that has a life and peels, Sarkozy says. To avoid disintegration, she applied a layer of varnish.Eric PiaseckiThe guest rooms walls are sheathed in a de Le Cuona linen, the artworks to the left are by Cordy Ryman, and the bench is palm wood.In contrast, the furnishings steer clear of mountain clichs. In deference to the origin of the lady of the house, there are smatterings of Scandinavian design. One of the first items found for the home was a Josef Frank floral-print cabinet. It reminds me of my childhood in Sweden, the wife says.The use of muted reds, greens, and blues was inspired by old American barns It was one of those iconic pieces of furniture when I was growing up. Others have a more local provenance. The use of muted reds, greens, and blues was inspired by old American barns, and the artworks include a Clifford Ross photograph of nearby Mount Sopris.The chandelier in the entry hall, meanwhile, is one of the rare exceptions to the antilog-cabin rule. Its made of deer antlersas classically Western as it gets. Bourgois says, There had to be at least one thingan homage to the spectacular surroundings.Tour this Fresh and Fabulous Aspen HouseThis story originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.These days it takes a lot more than a simple CB2 haul to impress a guest. For your apartment to be dialed in by contemporary standards you need a mix of thingsmaterials, colors, scales, and most definitely, periods. But how to go about collecting antiques if you are new to the field, or new to design as a whole? Here at ELLE DECOR weve been obsessed with all things beautiful, antiques included, for eons, profiling up-and-coming antique dealers, and always highlighting how designers of today infuse their clients homes with personality via a clever dose of vintage. But just because something is old (take your grandmothers glass vase), doesnt mean its special. And just because its finely made, doesnt mean its of the moment. Paradoxically perhaps, antiques have their peaks and their troughs like any other fluctuation in the world of interior design. Below, weve gathered the top antique and vintage trends that will pick up speed in 2025, according to dealers and experts. 19th-Century American Quilts Courtesy of Ry Fillman and Marin KirkseyAmish Diamond-in-the-Square quilt, mid-20th century. During the social upheaval of 2020 all many antiques insiders were hearing about were Gees Bend quiltsthe narrative patchworks made by a society of Black women in Gees Bend, Alabama. Gees Bend quilts are very collectiblecolorful, bold, and graphic textiles made by African American women in Gees Bend, Alabama, says Marin Kirksey, one-half of the popular Instagram @catsonquilt. Like many movements, this rich and expressive body of work was flattened and funneled into a bid for diversity in the design world. But the beauty of the material is unarguable, and the popularity of these quilts has spawned a reinvestigation of American quilts from the early 1800s to the early 1900sand that trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2025.David MitchellAntique quilts used in a Nina Farmer project.While quilts are designed to serve a straightforward function, a good antique quilt can serve as unexpected abstract art. (Antique dealer Paula Rubenstein tells us she hangs her quilts backwardfavoring the interesting details that reflect how quilters worked.) Whats more, theyre a unique slice of American craft: Quilts are a strong part of American textile history throughout the 19th century with a renaissance in the 1930s as a result of post depression thriftiness, says Kirksey, adding that quilting is also a huge part of womens work and women's history. While authentic Gees Bend works will set you back well over several thousand dollars, there are also more affordablebut no less beautiful or historicalternatives. The geometric patterns seen on Amish and Mennonite quilts from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana are increasingly sought after, according to Kirksey, likely for their quality but also for their ability to blend in with more contemporary surroundings. Early 19th-century American quilts using chintz imported from England are also a consistent favorite among collectors, as well as Hawaiian quilts with their detailed appliqud surfaces. Amish quilts were much more expensive 20 to 30 years ago then they are now, though they have retained their popularity, according to Rubenstein. (For further reading, we recommend this Stella Rubin book for beginner quilt collectors.)Victorian Wicker Courtesy of Charlap Hyman and Herrero.Victorian wicker in Adam Charlap Hymans former apartment.Another word we never thought we would hear again is wickerspecifically the Victorian wicker chairs and tables exploding with curlicues and decorative elements that weve started to see spotted through our favorite interiors.ELLE DECOR A-List interior designer Adam Charlap Hyman, of the ELLE DECOR A-List firm Charlap Hyman Herrero, works wicker in wherever he can. Two brands in particular have a hold on Charlap Hyman: the American brand Heywood Wakefield and the French brand Perret and Vibert. For furniture that is over 100 years old, the wicker pieces by these brands look like something out of the future. What draws me to Heywood Wakefield is that the forms are very abstract and kind of odd, says Charlap Hyman. They almost connote sea creatures or aliens. Sometimes you see them in these 1920s and 1930s houses alongside surrealist art.Maura McEvoyA vintage Wakefield Brothers wicker chair in a Maine vacation home designed by Angie Hranowsky. The Victorians, in particular, stretched the material to its limits, bending wicker into rocking chairs, side chairs, chaises, tables, and lamps. There are varying levels of quality available, like any other antique, with prices ranging from the low hundreds to high thousands. 1stDibs is always well stocked with great examples, but many designers, including Charlap Hyman, have found their favorites at Paris flea markets. When you find the Victorian wicker thats right for you, remember context: There is something refreshing about having something made out of a grass in your New York City living room, says Charlap Hyman. The coolest thing is when it doesnt belong.Surrealist Paintings Frank FrancesAn Earl Swanigan painting in Sheila Bridgess Hudson Valley home.Weve already told you about the jolie laide, or pretty ugly, trend thats swept our social feeds in which designers are embracing objects and accessories that surprise or disgust. Fortunately, the antique world is way ahead of the curve here, with bizarre surrealist and nave artworks poised to pop up everywhere in the year ahead. And while most of us cant afford a Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, or Salvador Dal painting, no one can deny the impact of a dreamscape in a home that is decidedly rooted in real life. For those of us with midmarket budgets, an entre into the dreamworld can come via a few lesser-known artists. Less expensive than the leaders of surrealism but still a reach for most are the works of Gertrude Abercrombie. The bohemian artist was an engaged member of Chicagos music scene in the 1920s but fell into obscurity during the middle of the 20th century. Her psychologically tense yet playful landscapes and interiors started selling like hotcakes after a wildly successful solo show at Karma Gallery in New York City in 2018. Her work is still available through the gallery and at auction, with newly available paintings listed frequently on Artsy, generally upward of $10,000. More recent, and more humbly priced, are the paintings of Earl Swanigana self-taught artist working in Hudson, New York, until 2019. His portraits embody the at once disturbing and playful energy of early 20th-century surrealists, usually picturing famous historical figures as cats, dogs, or birds. Before his death he became a favorite among Black contemporary artists and designers on the East Coast. ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Sheila Bridges often uses Swanigans paintings in projects and owns several, which she hung in her Hudson Valley home. Swanigan has been something of a secret, so getting your hands on a painting can take a little while. If you are lucky enough to visit downtown Hudson on a weekend, try White Whale Limited. If you arent a local, set up alerts for online auctions. The plus side to his relative obscurity is that his prices are still extremely accessible, with paintings almost always going for under $1,000.Winsdor Chairs Courtesy of Olde Hope Antiques.An 18th-century Windsor chair.In a Netflix era when seating is designed mostly for watching TV or working at your laptop, it follows that weve grown used to the upholstered, cushioned, and swiveling. But for those who like to look at their chairs as much as sit in them, the classic 18th-century Windsor chair holds as much interest as it did when it became a staple in American Colonial homes. To the contemporary eye the form of these chairs is graphic and simplea wooden seat carved out of one piece of hardwood, with spindles threaded into the seats back, held together by a softly rounded piece of wood at the top, and balanced on four simple feet, sometimes with a stretcher connecting them. These chairs can range vastly in price, depending on age, condition, maker, material, whether they are painted or not, and who might have owned them. The least expensive, still functional examples can be had for as little as a few hundred dollarsusually lucky finds at a coastal antique dealers shop. The best examples range from the low to very high thousands. Battle Brown in Hudson always has a few on offer, generally from the 18th or 19th century. Olde Hope Antiques always has several in stock, of the highest quality, usually in the mid-thousands. 1stDibs has a wide range of styles and sometimes even matching pairs (which generally hold their value more than single chairs). Courtesy of Historic New EnglandHenry Davis Sleepers seaside dining room at the Beauport-Sleeper McCann House with mismatched Windsor chairs. For decorators and collectors these chairs are a clean, simple way to communicate a sense of place and time. They are one of the purest 18th-century furniture forms that are still useful (and reproduced) today. Their simplicity can also lend themselves well to more eclectic interiors. We have all been sort of drawn to these kinds of pure and puritanical furniture forms lately, says Charlap Hyman. But my personal favorite example of these are the mismatched sets of Windsor chairs in Beauports dining room that are all painted uniformly in teal. Knole SofasCourtesy of Klismos GalleryWilliam IV Knole sofa, open.No one is unfamiliar with the fold-out couchthat scourge of 1990s hospitality. Few know of the earlier and altogether more stylish predecessorthe Knole sette (no, not that Knoll!), which functioned as the sleeper sofa of yesteryear. They originated in Kent, England, in the 1600s for monarchs to receive guests (sessions that could last for hours and hours) and are typified by a straight, long back, seating for at least two, and foldable arms that can be positioned to create something closer to a chaise longue. In a contemporary context, they are the perfect sofa for an overnight guest. Finding period or stylistically appropriate upholstered sofas is challenging. And finding ones that you can comfortably sink into for a long conversation or a drink or two is extremely rare, says antiques dealer Collier Calandruccio of Klismos Gallery. Knole sofas, at least by the 19th century, had achieved that level of comfort. They roamed scores of drawing rooms in historicist mansions of the Gilded Age and their simple geometry and versatility make them an easy fit for modern life. I see a clear through-line from Knole to the long sofas of Le Corbusier.Early examples are extremely hard to find, with many designers opting for reproductions over the real thing. On the accessible end of the price bucket are Victorian and Edwardian versions, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 usually. Knole sofas can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Really good examples, and pairs particularly, are scarce, but well worth the search and investment, says Calandruccio. The fun thing about this type of antique is that old and valuable though it may be, you still have a degree of control about how it looksreupholstery is a perfectly acceptable way to keep the old form fresh. And like everything weve listed above, these sofas offer a direct link to the past while remaining functional for contemporary life, a feature thatif handled wellcan launch you into a stylish future.

Theres nothing quite like the magic of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree to capture the holiday spirit. Its radiant glow can turn even the darkest winter night into a warm, festive haven while also serving as a beacon for Santas arrival. But a trees greatest asset is its endless decorative possibilities, whether you choose a real one or an artificial option, go for a classic style, or embrace a bold, maximalist theme. And if youre feeling extra festive, follow the lead of the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, and place a tree in every room!However you choose to spruce your spruce, virtually anything goes. But even still, there are a few tips and tricks to making your Tannenbaum showstopping this year. Twin Citiesbased designer Bria Hammel, for instance, recommends between 15 and 20 ornaments per foot of tree to achieve a balanced look. She advises piling on additional garlands and baubles if youre going with a lighter color palette. More is better, or else it will look too spotty, she adds.If youre decorating as a first-timer this year or are merely one to switch things up, fortunately youll find ideas aplenty out there to help you achieve your dream living room scheme. You could take a page out of ELLE DECOR A-List designer Darryl Carters book and festoon your tree in citrus-colored ribbon. If its fantasy you seek, cover your Tannenbaum in whimsical animals or, in the case of party planner Bronson van Wyck, swans! Below, weve selected 82 awe-inducing Christmas tree ideas to keep your home merry and bright all season long. 1Lunar Christmas TreeHenry BourneIf you peer closely at this tannenbaumcourtesy our favorite gothy-c00l design studio, House of Hackneyyou'll see ornaments with various sized moons on thema fitting theme for a bedroom tree. We're also loving the whole green monochromatic moment that's happening. 2Ribbon-Happy Christmas TreeCourtesy Birch LaneWe're loving the elongated ribbons that nearly drench this tree. A three-color theme (red, yellow, and green) on this Birch Lane Christmas tree brings a festive and vibrant touch to the holiday season. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Maximalist Christmas TreeCourtesy House of HackneyNobody does maximalist Christmas quite like House of Hackneyand this Christmas tree, a smattering of effortlessly-tied ribbons and character figurine ornaments, is proof. If your wallpaper isn't the statement piece of the room, your wrapping paper could stand to be more pattern-happy to compensate.4Less is More Christmas TreeCourtesy ArhuasGrandeur doesn't always require excessiveness, as Arhaus's artificial Christmas tree proves. This 90-inch tree features faux branches, gold ornaments, and copious lights for a look that is as simple as it is jaw-dropping. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Christmas Village TreeShaun SullivanEvery now and again, we like to turn standard Christmas decor practices on their head. This charming faux tree, Pottery Barn's pre-lit, flocked Vermont tree, looks fabulous with Christmas village houses interspersed between its branches. Because putting them on the mantel is so last year. 6Big-Bowed Christmas TreeCourtesy AnthropologieFeeling coquettish? You're not alone. Bows are having a moment, trending on TikTok and rippling across the fashion and design world. So, of course, we are putting them on our Christmas trees. This year's Anthropologie house revealed a festive display of Christmas trees with larger-than-life bow toppers that had us rethinking our traditional star adornments. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Tall and Skinny Christmas TreeCourtesy AnthropologieWhoever said a tree needed to take over 10 square feet at the base? For urban dwellers, two tall and skinny trees can offer just as much personalitywithout overtaking basic seating options. 8Glowing Glass Christmas Tree Courtesy Soho HomeThis towering parlor room, decorated with furnishings and fixtures from Soho Home, is the epitome of Art Deco elegance, with its Venetian glimmering chandelier, velvet seating, and deep tones. Needless to say, it doesnt need much to get us into the holiday spirit. The tree, therefore, was kept relatively simple, with a string of twinkling lights and jewel-toned glass baubles, which nod to the delicacy of the glass fixtures and the hues of the surrounding room. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Lush Greenhouse Tree Lacey SombarIts no secret that we love a green room. Clearly, interior designer Bradley Odom does too. In this light-filled apartment, he took evergreen to the next level with coordinating fabrics and lots (and lots) of plants. The Christmas tree was hung with similarly natural items, like dried orange slices, faux mushrooms, and simple wood garlands. But its the cheeky details in the rest of the room that heighten the fantasy: Look closely and youll even spy mini mushrooms in the planter on the cocktail table!10Pretty-in-Pink Christmas Tree Katie Nixon PhotographyCaitlin Wilson literally wrote the book on pretty, so its no surprise that her Christmas decor would be like a sugar plum dream. Here, she decked out everythingfrom presents to boughs to treein pastel ribbons. The tree, meanwhile, with its frosted branches, feathery birds, and poodle ornaments, looks straight out of a confectioners window. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Winter Whites Christmas Tree Courtesy The Enchanted HomeAre you dreaming of a white Christmas? So is Enchanted Home founder Tina Yaraghi. She opted to deck out her tree entirely in delft-inspired blue-and-white baubles, with a few cutesy dog ornaments thrown in for good measure. With its matching rug and a mantel resplendent with pine cones and paper whites, this look is keeping us staunchly indoors. 12Celestial StunnerCourtesy AnthropologieICYMI, a Christmas tree in the bedroom is a total thing, and we cant get enough of boudoir beauty from Anthropologies holiday house. For some night-before-Christmas magic, its style experts hung this conifer with star garlands, moon-shaped ornaments, and wintry birds and pine cones. A sprinkling of flocked snow makes this look the stuff of midwinter dreams. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Full Glam Christmas Tree Balsam HillIt doesnt get more luxurious than New Yorks Plaza Hotel. Which is why the experts at Balsam Hill decorated one of its suites with dazzling holiday decor. The show-stopping tree features a combination of gold, silver, and white ornaments and is artfully draped with glittering crystal garlands. Feathers, lights, and a wide gold ribbon add extra twinkle to this uptown tree. Bonus: For a starlit backdrop, drape the wall behind your tree with cascading lights! 14Decor of YoreLucy CallNostalgia and the holidays go hand in hand, so why not bring a little old-world magic to your tree this year? Shea McGee of Studio McGee festooned her tree with handmade ornaments (we love the dehydrated orange slices), bead garlands, wicker bells, and whimsical ribbons. Relaxed ribbons tied or draped onto the trees branches add a softness to the overall look, she tells ELLE DECOR. Loose, flowing textiles like velvet or silk feel fanciful and romanticlet them hang long or used oversize ribbon for an extra dose of drama.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Silver, Gold, Something New, Something OldJulie SoeferLooking to bridge old and new? We love how Houston interior designer Chandos Dodson Epley decked out her tree with a mix of vintage and contemporary baubles. Our trees color scheme blends with our living rooms interior, filled to the brim with neutral metallics that glimmer and festive baubles in antique glass, she says. I wanted it to be festive while still being classic. I prefer lights that have a warm glow, and I draped beads to give it a more collected and unique aesthetic."16Woodland WonderSpacecrating PhotographyWhimsical, woodsy touchesthink forest creatures, mushrooms, and other adorable plucked-from-nature elementsare trending in a big way for Christmas this year, and interior designer Bria Hammel nailed the look in this festive forest tree. Here, birds perch on branches chock-full of acorns, pine cones, and berriesjust how Mother Nature would want it. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Regal Roost Christmas TreeSpacecrating PhotographyFor a more sophisticated variation on the nature theme, Hammel layered neutral-colored elements, like the white bells, light brown pine cones, and cream-colored birds. We love to either wrap real (or faux!) garland around the tree or pop stems and branches into our trees for added fullness, she tells us. Its incredible how much more lifelike your tree will feel.18Velvet GoldmineMichael SinclairLeave it to the Gothy-cool design duo behind House of Hackney, Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle, to create a tree look straight out of a Victorian tableau. Here in their London home, the pair decorated their Christmas tree with tiger-emblazoned ornamentsa reference to House of Hackneys signature velvet pillows. And (our favorite part) they piled complementary cushions high beneath the tree in place of a traditional skirt. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Whimsical WonderlandCourtesy Houses & PartiesRebecca Gardner, the tastemaker behind Houses & Parties, always has a few fanciful decor tricks up her sleeve. In the case of her Christmas tree, that means going all out with old-timey ornaments collected over the years. I love to hang the ornaments and unwrap each with the excitement of seeing an old friend, she tells us. One of my favorites is a giant blown-glass moon. Hes magic. Follow suit by sourcing whimsical vintage ornaments and festooning your tree with tinsel and strands of beads. 20Chic Charlie BrownJohn DerianLike our favorite Peanuts character, John Derian knows that a little love (and a chic design sensibility, of course!) can transform even the scrawniest of trees into something special. Here, the decoupage artist set a charming mini tree into an antique urn and packed it with tinsel and metallic vintage ornaments. Other treasures, like the shell, print, and sculpture, give the mantel tableau a cabinet of curiosities vibe. Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the worlds most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, shes spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

When designers Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch describe the light fixtures theyve created since starting their firm Roman and Williams 22 years ago, they speak of them endearingly, as if they were zany aunts, uncles, and cousins. Woodruma wood lamp with a slotted shadeis heavy and grumpy, per Alesch, while Oscara pendant with a gleaming, disclike brass shade is friendly, chubby, and gregarious. Felixa more angular variationis a little edgier.Its a family tree, Standefer says.Robert WrightBeginning this week in New York, Standefer and Alesch are staging a family reunion of sorts through a poetic new installation installed in a stately Queen Annestyle warehouse. The exhibition, titled A Certain Slant of Light, showcases 100 lights that the ELLE DECOR A-List Titans have designed for Roman and Williams Guild (their studios product arm) by suspending themconstellation-likefrom the ceiling of a towering, triple-height room.Lighting has been a category that really captivates us, Standefer explains. It just has a combination of art and science that Steven and I love. After more than two decades designing, experimenting, and obsessing over lights, the pair thought, This is career spanning, and it's time.Lighting has been a category that really captivates us.Not only is A Certain Slant of Light a celebration of Roman and Williamss achievements in lighting design, but its also an homage to the changing of the seasons. The name of the exhibition, in fact, is derived from an Emily Dickinson poem. Standefer remembers the poem from her days at Smith College, where she studied art. I remember not only this poem, but also several poems about light, the mood of the season, and about the life and death of plants, she says.The perfect antidote to winters gloom? A room illuminated by the warm glow of dozens of fixtures. There's something uplifting and strong about having all these lights together, like a night sky in one place, she adds.Robert WrightStarting Tuesday, A Certain Slant of Light will be free and open to the public to experience. As soon as they step into the soaring space at 6 Harrison Street, visitors are welcome to sprawl on Roman and Williams chairs to gaze upward at the various glimmering discs and orbs, or sit quietly and contemplate the fading autumn rays stream through the arched Romanesque windows.The installation includes a dozen newcomers to the Roman and Williams clan. Theres the Axil pendant (a cousin of Oscar) with concentric glass diffusers and a polished brass shade made in a 150-year-old French workshop; the delicate Seed, with its aubergine glass shade and cast-bronze chain; and the hand-carved alabaster Petra pendant. Then theres the prim-and-proper Dahlia table lamp, with a demure alabaster shade that Emily Dickinson herself would have definitely approved of.Everybody, says Standefer, is here.Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the worlds most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, shes spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

ELLE DECOR A-List designer Elizabeth Graziolo, of Yellow House Architects, was in a downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, hotel when she had an epiphany. Wow, its starting to feel like a lot of the same thing, she recalls thinking as she took in the spaces white oak furniture, brass finishes, and warm tones.Graziolo conceded that she and her team too were guilty of these choices in some of their projects, but that it was fine time for a literal palette cleanser. I was sitting in that lounge, waiting for my room, and thinking that I need to talk to my team. We have to be ahead of the curve and figure out like what else is coming out. What else do we want to be?Trends, as it happens, can be a designers worst nightmare, manifesting in downtown hotels, yes, but also in scarily same-same Instagram feeds. It seems that most industry professionals are skeptical of fleeting fascinations because theyre just thatfleeting. In that spirit, weve tapped interiors experts, A-List designers, and trend forecasters to predict what home decor trends, precisely, will be out in 2025. We promisethis will spare you from making design decisions that will go out of style faster than you can say white boucl armchair.Skip SectionJump toMindless MaximalismFernando Bengoechea//Getty ImagesPattern on pattern for days? Its time to ease up a bit.Were all about playful experimentation, which includes soaking spaces in color (something many of our A-Listers, like Uchronias Julien Seban and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, are known and celebrated for), but next year will be the year of cutting back on maximalism, mindfully. Per ELLE DECOR A-List designer Jessica Davis: [Clients are] tiring of granny chicpattern on pattern on pattern. I think pattern play and even Memphis modern items were a reaction to everything being neutral and greige, but now people are pulling back on that a bit.With color-happy decor, it's all too easy to go overboard. Striking a Goldilocks balance lies in making selections that are a result of your own tastes and desires, not those of your TikTok FYPs latest players. While [maximalism] might be in decline when addressed from a flamboyant, over-the-top, and more-is-more point of view...a more curated take to maximalism will remain relevant in 2025, says Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at WGSN, one of the worlds top trend forecasting agencies. This means focusing on the narrative, with a craft-driven and resourceful mix-and-match approach to pattern, material, and styling.In other words, maximalism itself wont face a total downfallrather, maximalism sans curation has no chance. Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at e-commerce powerhouse 1stDibs, echoes that sentiment: We continue to be drawn to spaces that envelop us in rich narratives achieved through the artful curation of unique pieces. Emphasis on artful.Vanilla Girl Boucl Aesthetic FollowTheFlow//Getty ImagesThis just in: 2025s design ethos is going to shun the vanilla girl aesthetic in favor of color and authentic curation.The end of greige interiors or a kind of white-box-gallery vibe has been years in the making, but 2025 is when a particular subset of this stylethat of the hot-on-TikTok vanilla girl, who loves creamy neutrals, owns a boucl accent chair, and always seems to have a luxury candle litis finally getting killed off. Designers everywhere, including Seban, are sighing in relief.Im so tired of the white boucl! he tells ELLE DECOR. Clients are [also] increasingly tired of generic, cookie-cutter designeverything looking the same, especially in Instagrammable interiors. They want spaces that feel unique and authentic. They want more color in their life.While boucl as a material might have staying power, it will appear in a different, bolder form than what youre used tosomething the ELLE DECOR team spotted at this years Milan Design Week. Boucl is here to stay, though were seeing new versions of it with thicker pile and in different colorsthe skimpy cream and off-white boucls feel down-market, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Oliver Furth told us earlier, and we couldnt agree more. Home OfficesMorsa Images//Getty ImagesOne day, well all forget that nailing down the perfect Zoom background was even a thing. The year 2025 will mark five whole years since Covid usurped our normal ways of being, and people are all too eager to part with its relics. Companies everywhere are rolling back lenient WFH schedules and demanding in-person presence, so the era of home offices, it seems, is over. 1stDibss report highlights the following: Only 13 percent of designers expect that home office renovations will be their most requested projects in 2025, down from 32 percent for 2023.Real estate giant Zillow predicts the same. According to Zillows home trends expert Amanda Pendleton, Zoom rooms are falling out of favor with home buyersbased on data pulled from millions of listings on the site. As more workers return to their offices, the Zoom room is now appearing in 34 percent fewer Zillow listings, Pendleton shares. Thats not to say specialty rooms are disappearing for good. In fact, British designer Nicola Harding has direct proof of the contrary. Im seeing more craft spaces where people really feel like they can exercise their creativity, like an art studio in a house. Also music rooms...where they can listen to interesting music, she says. I think people want these different moments in their house: things that create experiences.Cottagecore Kitchens Andreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesRustic, cottagecore kitchens are getting a reality check come 2025.Kitchens are rooms that receive as much foot traffic as they do unsolicited opinions about how any given one must and throw it If youre like us, your immediate associations with this aesthetic feature one (or all) of the following ingredients: a spacious farmhouse sink, brass hardware, a sprinkling of wood elements, and a collection of exposed pots and pans. All this, as it turns out, is old news. In her work, Davis is witnessing the decline of brushed gold faucets, knobs, and the like. Zillows data expands this beyond just gold: The share of listings mentioning chrome and satin nickel is down 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively, shares Pendleton. And what of cabinetryone of the most essential make-or-break aspects of a culinary space? It looks like shabby chicadjacent curtain fronts or fabric skirts that sub in for cabinet doors will not be starring in the next season of your kitchen's show, particularly if they boast a scalloped edge. This kind of curtain thing has been doing the rounds and is certainly a useful solution in places where you want to hide things, Harding says. But you need to think about the practical aspect of it getting caught on doors or getting dirty or someone using it as a tea towel.As for the frilly edges, Davis puts it best: Im tired of scallops! They had their day.70s Color PalettesH. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock//Getty ImagesThis vignette looks straight out of Halstons house, and while we saw the appeal this year, retro interiors will favor Y2K. We wont judge those that are wearing 70s-inspired bell bottoms and corduroy jackets, but as far as home decor is concerned, were moving on from the #70s hashtag on TikTok and into the future. Retro will favor a mixing and matching of epochslooking at 1990s and early Y2K aesthetics, WGSNs Riberti tells ELLE DECOR, adding that a similar shift can be witnessed in todays fashion sensibilities.This will be particularly palpable in the color department. Rich, dark colors are supplanting the relaxed 1970s paletteof rust, mustard, and olivethat recently dominated, Barzilay Freund insists. Does this mean bright tones should be on your 2025 radar? Time will tell, but Davis thinks it just might be the factory reset, so to say, that youre looking for: Instead of a ton of pattern, people are really diving into rich colors with jewel undertones.If youre running to repaint your walls after this intel, though, you might not want to go with green (sorry, Charli). After several years of various shades of green topping the [1stDibs] survey, greens appeal is not evergreenthis year it was supplanted by chocolate brown as the top color choice of surveyed designers," says Barzilay Freund.If there are any parting words we want to leave you with in terms of how to tap into timelessness when creating a home for yourself, its these wise ones told to us by Julien Saban: Focus on creating spaces that reflect personal history, local craftsmanship, and lasting quality. Use fewer but better materials, and choose design pieces with enduring character, not just whats popular right now. Timeless style grows out of authenticity and restraint.New Years resolutions? Made.Stacia DatskovskaAssistant Digital EditorStacia Datskovska is the assistant digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers news, trends, and ideas in the world of design. She also writes product reviews (like roundups of the top firepits or sheet sets)infusing them with authority and wit. As an e-commerce intern at Mashable, Stacia wrote data-driven reviews of everything from e-readers to stationary bikes to robot vacuums. Stacias culture and lifestyle bylines have appeared in outlets like USA Today, Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, Food & Wine, and Brooklyn Magazine.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.You dont need a therapist, they said, you need a newly painted kitchen. And you, in your post-pandemic flight of fancy, hopped on that trend bandwagon with hasty zest, giving your kitchen a Barbie pink-on-pink-on-pink color wash that would make Greta Gerwig proud. But now, a year in, youve had to live in this pink hellscape and youre slowly descending into madness. Thats why designers in 2025 are rethinking kitchens with longevity (and sanity) in mind.Its less about bold, attention-grabbing shades and more about crafting an ambience that feels calming and timeless, says ELLE DECOR A-List architect Hannes Peer, who was recently inspired by a Mark Rothko exhibition in Paris, where he saw powerful color combinations that, as he put it, felt almost eternal. The colors that feel most relevant have a sense of ease and adaptability.How does that translate to kitchens? Were seeing a more comforting but nuanced take on color, says Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moores color marketing guru. There is still a strong interest in embracing color, but the colors that feel most relevant have a sense of ease and adaptability. Yeo calls out the brands color of the year, Cinnamon Slate, a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown that is tonally ambiguous. U.K.-based designer Nicola Harding says shes seeing what she calls in-between colors everywhere across the pondand shes here for it. Is it pink or is it brown? Is it cream or is it yellow? Its not purple, its not mustard, she observes. These colors, in particular, prick my interest. They are less obviousand they drive a sense of curiosity. While muted tones and rich hues are cropping up across the design universe with impressive staying power, we arent fully ready to walk away from our love of all things retro, it seems. The interior design world has been drunk on disco fever for the past year, with the hashtag #discodecor amassing 38 million views on TikTok since fall 2024, paving the way for what Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson is calling a Chrome-mas. What does this have to do with kitchens? Pinterest mood boards are rife with kitchens doused in colors that complement this cool metallic. Shoppers are going nuts over warm neutrals like taupe, as well as rich earth tones like rust and deep olive, Isom Johnson explains. These combinations merge warmth and sophistication with a modern edge.In the same vein as the unexpected red trend, Isom Johnson is betting that well take that ethos one step further in our cooking spaces next year. There will also be a shift toward using color on unexpected surfaces, like countertops, accent walls, and even fixtures, she explains. Smaller design elementssuch as open shelving, barstools, and even tile backsplashesoffer a great way to add pops of color.Ready to talk color shop? Below, weve tapped the crme de la crme of color forecasters and interior designers for insight into what paint colors are poised to shape modern kitchens in 2025 and far beyond, from rich reds to earthy wood tones to custard yellows. Finally, you can retire your paintbrush and meet your forever kitchen.Skip SectionJump toOxblood RedStephan JulliardThis Paris pad designed by Hugo Toro is literally gleaming with a custom shade of burnt sienna from Redfield & Dattner topped with lacquer and accented with handsome brass finishes. A red kitchen doesnt have to scream with the boldness of Paolo Castellarin and Didier Bonnins color-saturated, fire-engine red universe (though we love that they went there). Instead, a more muted, sophisticated tone can transform the space into something warm, inviting, and exude a sense of understated luxury. These deeper, subdued redslike shades of crimson, burgundy, and oxbloodare on high demand in the paint world, according to Joa Studholme, Farrow & Balls color curator. We are generally looking at earth tones in the kitchen, so clay shades or deep greens that connect us with the earth and reflect the peace and tranquility of nature while adding a flourish to our homes that has an old school feel," Studholme says. Studholme predicts that the U.K.-based paint companys deep clay tone Etruscan Red will spotlight in many a kitchen next year, which Studholme says, feels luxurious and atmospheric on a central island with warm neutral Stirabout on walls and Jitney on cabinets.Plum PurpleJoshua McHughThe kitchen in this Manhattan apartment was converted into a functional showpiece, with bold marble and cabinets lacquered in Farrow & Balls sultry Preference Red.Purple is having a moment in the design world. As this years COTY announcements trickled in, it became clear that were poised for a bona fide purple fest: with Minwaxs Violet, GLIDDEN Paint by PPGs Purple Basil, Benjamin Moores Cinnamon Slate (which is really just a muddied purple), and Behrs ruby red Rumors (infused with cant-be-missed purple undertones). Its simply a matter of time before these trending colors find their way into the kitchen decor arena. With its rich, dusky hue, a muted plum purple adds depth and warmth to the kitchen, creating a space that feels both inviting and unique. Muted plum evokes a sense of luxury without being overpowering, creating an environment thats subtly bold yet calming and adds a touch of drama without overwhelming the rooms ambience. When incorporating this hue into your home, Emily Kantz, Sherwin-Williamss color marketing manager says these muted tones lend themselves well to a color drenching opportunity. I see these deeper colors being used primarily as the cabinet color and even as the corresponding wall color to give that immersive color experience that we have seen gain popularity over the past few years in color drenching, she explains. We have also seen these deeper shades paired with wallcoverings to add in a dose of pattern and personality.Earthy TonesChris MottaliniIn the kitchen of his parents California midcentury residence, designer Garrett Hunter gave it a wash in Sherwin-Williamss Van Dyke Brown.Trends are cyclical, and deep earth tones, it seems, are continually ripe for a comebackor are they simply timeless? Weve seen natural wood cabinetry and flooring take over kitchen design this past year, and people are gravitating towards authentic wood tones that bring that innate warmth into the space especially the kitchen which is the main hub of the home, says Kantz. People are moving towards colors and materials that bring comfort and that enhance natural materials such as marble, granite, and quartzite.We practically have an amen from ELLE DECOR A-list designer Christine Gachot. Chocolate brown takes the cake, she holds, adding that earthy browns are the firms It color of the year. Call it Caramel, Cinnamon, or Camelthe warmth of a tawny brown defines our Gachot Palette DNA, bringing an earthy sophistication to any space. This deep hue is both timeless and refreshingly modern, providing a grounding presence that resonates throughout the room.An earthy wood-tone kitchen brings the outside in, blending simplicity and elegance in a way that feels modern, but with a deep-rooted connection to the natural world. When using it in the kitchen, Gachot recommends highlighting this hue with a soft blush to create a delicate balance between warmth and freshness or, for a bolder statement, pair it with deep jewel tones to enhance its luxurious quality. This shade serves as a canvas for both subtle elegance and bold statements, offering versatility that feels at once familiar and refreshingly new, she adds. Deep Olive GreenTim LenzThe very 70s avocado green kitchen had its comeback moment for one hot minuteand now we're moving on. According to Farrow & Balls Studholme, that means turning the dial way down on the color wheel, with deep greens kitchens poised to be all the rage next year. We are generally looking at earth tones in the kitchen, so deep greens that connect us with the earth and reflect the peace and tranquility of nature while adding a flourish to our homes which has an old school feel, she explains, noting that Farrow & Balls classic Studio Green is a fan favorite for cabinets as of late. It reads almost as black but with some extra subtle character, feels reassuring and sophisticated, she adds. As people seek environments that promote well-being and serenity, Yeo of Benjamin Moore says designers are increasingly drawn to this sophisticated hue. Green hues have staying power with their flexibility, appearing rich, calming or refreshing, she says. These colors beautifully highlight the millwork on cabinets and trim, and instantly create a wonderfully moody kitchen, perfect for hosting.Muted YellowBjrn WallanderGreek architect Lilia Melissa gave this kitchen a paint treatment that she likens to seaweed. In 2025, yellow is poised to be a big hit in kitchens. But it wont be the yellow you think you know. A tonally ambiguous yellow could have undertones of greens, grays, and even blues. It might appear more like chartreuse or a desaturated gold. Hardings favorite rendition of this hue is what she calls custard, a brownish yellow that she has observed appear in English gardens. Nature is so clever, she creates a palette that works with our murky British skies, the designer explains. The light we have here is subtler and more gentle than other places, so we get these softer, muted tones as a result.When incorporating this into the kitchen space, Harding likes to paint joinery in this hue for contrast. To keep that tonal approach and get away from it feeling blocky, Ill break it up with different in-between shades to create soft, subtle contrasts, she explains. Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

Forget the occasional spa outingtheres no better way to treat yourself than by giving your far-more-frequented home bathroom a bona fide face-lift. Sure, a backsplash is fun. And of course, a few trendy touches or a luxurious tub can take your space to the next level. But the true showstopper of any well-designed bathroom is a bold and brilliant paint shade. A heavy-toned teal sets the stage for a moody space, as designer Pierre Gonalons boldly brandished in this eclectic Paris apartment. A preppy pop of high-gloss aubergine acts as an ideal backdrop for ELLE DECOR A-List designer Katie Ridders clients black-and-white photography collection in this color-drenched Manhattan remodel. Even the right neutralsee Marc Valeanus layered bathroom, awash in Farrow & Balls lilac-undertoned Dove Talecan sometimes be the furthest cry from the default flat white paint job in most bathrooms. The object of any bathroom is to feel nurtured and pampered, says designer Sara Bengur whose redo of Michael C. Halls New York City digs is the stuff of any design enthusiasts wildest color dreams. This can mean different colors for different people. Bengur says some of her clients like the idea of their primary bathroom feeling like a roomwith a rug, ottoman, decorative cabinets and antique lightingwhile others prefer a neutral-toned spa look. Before youre confronted with the full spectrum at your local paint store, its worth considering a few key factors. North-facing rooms tend to get softer, warmer light, while southern exposure brings in brighter, cooler tones. Paint finishes also affect how a color reads in a space: glossy finishes tend to deepen colors by reflecting and absorbing light, whereas eggshell or matte finishes generally keep the color true to the swatch. Bengur has just one word of warning: steer clear of the color yellow and green with a lot of yellow. "These colors are not ideal for making us look our best and brightest when looking in the mirror," she says.Are you feeling paralyzed by choice? Below, weve culled 30 0f our favorite colorful bathrooms from the ELLE DECOR archives for inspiration. Read on for bathroom paint ideas to spur on your next renovationits sure to be dripping in style.1Lulworth Blue by Farrow & BallYves DriegheBelgian designers do it their own way. If Jean-Philippe Demeyer wants a bathroom in his East Flanders manor to have a custom tub painted a shade of blue that clashes ever so slightly with the Lulworth Blue painted over the brick wall beside it, then that is whats going to happen.Buy Now2Razzle Dazzle by Benjamin MooreKirk Davis SwinehartDont adjust the brightness on your computer. Just let your eyes adjust naturally to the loudness of this wall. William Cullum paid homage to Elsa Schiaparellis trademark Shocking Pink in his Greenwich Village studio bathroom. Buy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Angels Landing by Portola PaintsTrevor TondroSophia Bush is a huge fan of terracotta. So much so that the One Tree Hill star had decorator Jake Arnold paint the walls of multiple spaces of her midcentury modern home Hollywood Hillsnot just the bathroom.Buy Now4Setting Plaster by Farrow & BallPatrick BillerNude is a fitting hue for a bathroom. In the primary bathroom of an 1880s Victorian row house in Toronto, decorator Tommy Smythe opted for dusty pink to cover the walls above the Acritec soaking tub. Long live the new flesh (tone)!Buy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Oriental Blue by Asian PaintsFabien CharuauBelieve it or not, this is one of the more subdued color schemes in the Mumbai apartment of Srila Chatterjee and Mahesh Mathai. This regal shade of blue contrasts perfectly with Indian brass wok and custom wall tiles are from Jaipur.Buy Now6Tea by Benjamin MooreEric PetschekHaven't you heard? Rich browns and reds are having a major moment. A warm terra-cotta hue, though, melds the best of both worlds. For this Manhattan home, designer Bachman Clem used the water closet as an opportunity to break out of the shell so painted the walls and ceiling in this sultry brick red. Buy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Calamine by Farrow & Ball Richard PowersNeed a pink-me-up? If youd like to live la vie en rose on the daily, consider this flattering hue, which adds whimsy and softness to Michael C. Halls New York City apartment. A pale pink wall paint timelessly goes beyond the bold bubblegum pink that emerged from the Barbiecore craze (and, lets be honest, well before that). This particular blushing hue pairs perfectly with dark-toned accessories like an assortment of John Derian decoupage plates and trays.Shop Now8Hague Blue by Farrow & BallWilliam Waldron For a subtle take on a classic color, opt for Farrow & Balls Hague Blue, which is featured in the powder room of this homespun, old-world Lake Tahoe Retreat. In this jewel box of a space, designer Palmer Weiss says she took the governor off the design engine and let it rip. That entailed pairing the trimmed walls with poppy wallcovering (a reproduction of a 19th-century C.F.A. Voysey Arts and Crafts design by Trustworth Studios) for contrast. Shop NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Chantilly Lace by Benjamin MooreTREVOR TONDRO PHOTOGRAPHYThis soft hue is just as elegant as its name suggests. Described by Benjamin Moore as a classic go-to white that elicits images of fresh cotton and pure silk, this lovely hue is a graceful complement to a white-on-white scheme or, as in this rustic bathroom, a fitting counterpoint to anchoring Moroccan tiles. Shop Now10Pelt by Farrow & BallEric PiaseckiIf youre hesitant to take the color plunge, a diminutive powder room is the ideal place to experiment with bold colorand for an extra dose of glam energy, give your bathroom a high-gloss finish. In this luxe retreat, designer Katie Ridder began considering the wall art first. Our client wanted to start a collection of black-and-white photography here, she tells ELLE DECOR. So we painted the walls high-gloss deep aubergine as a backdrop for the artwork. Shop NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Chappell Green by Farrow & BallDouglas FriedmanGreenin all of its variationshas taken over virtually every room in the house, especially kitchens. Were equally obsessed with it in a bathroom. Here, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ken Fulk coated the walls in his Cape Cod cottage with Farrow & Balls Chappell Green, a versatile sage tint that, per the paint company, reads blue when contrasted with warmer tones and green when paired with cooler shades.Shop Now12Skylight by Farrow & BallDaniel SchferHomeowners will obviously gravitate toward blue in bathroomswater, water, everywhere!but this hue from Farrow & Ball gives you a little bit of gray, too. The company notes that the color reads as pale blue in small spaces, while larger rooms bring out its cooler undertones. For an example, see Elad Yifrachs home in Portugal, where he used the shade in this airy primary bath. Shop NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Orange Coloured White by Farrow & BallWilliam Jess LairdThis tint by Farrow & Ball is precisely what it says it is: white with a dash of orange. Together, the colors make for a creamy neutral (not dissimilar to Pantones 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz) that creates an exceedingly flattering cast when youre gussying up, regardless of the hour. ELLE DECOR A-List designer Michelle R. Smith shows us how its done in her elegant New Orleans bathroom. Shop Now14Blue Gray by Farrow & BallLaure JolietWant your next bathroom makeover to give you some serious serenity? Try Farrow & Balls Blue Gray, a hue made from a little bit of black, a dollop of blue, and a dose of green. These ingredients make it an especially versatile shade, allowing it to read as a soft sage or even a duck egg, depending on the light. In the context of a soothing primary bathroom by ELLE DECOR A-List designer Frances Merrill of Reath Design, it feels like a hue plucked straight from nature. Shop NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore Haris KenjarSmall spaces such as powder rooms offer opportunities for bold design choices. Designer Anne McDonald, in this charming Minnesota lake house, painted the half bath in Benjamin Moores Newburg Green, a smoky teal shade. Depending on the light and the time of day, it can read as a deep blue or a dusty green. Shop Now16Naval by Sherwin-Williamscourtesy of Nicole FranzenNaval was named as Sherwin-Williamss 2020 Color of the Year, but obviously, this sophisticated shade has staying power. In a stylish New York apartment, design firm Le Whit used this deep, deep blue to create an enveloping, sophisticated atmosphere in the primary bathrooma feeling accentuated by a painterly wallcovering and dramatic, burgundy-colored marble. Shop NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Dimpse by Farrow & BallStephen Kent JohnsonDont ask us to define Dimpse. One thing we do know, however, is that it makes for a great bathroom neutral. This cool gray creates a peaceful, serene atmosphere, making it a good option for virtually every sort of space. But dont take it from us: Amanda Seyfried painted the walls in her own primary bathroom in the hue. Shop Now18Setting Plaster by Farrow & BallNicole FranzenNews flash: Pink, when used correctly, can function as the chicest neutral. One designer favorite is Farrow & Balls blushing Setting Plaster, which serves as an ultra-flattering backdrop in bedrooms, dressing rooms, and bathrooms. In the same Manhattan apartment designed by Le Whit, the color skims the walls of a half bath. Add brass fixtures, a sparkling chandelier, and a bold tiled floor andvoil!its me time perfection. Shop NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Monroe Bisque by Benjamin MooreFrank FrancesThe right neutral can make even the smallest spaces feel luxurious and serene. Take, for instance, the unabashedly classical bathroom in this Federal-style farmhouse in upstate New York. Swathed in Benjamin Moores Monroe Bisquedescribed by the brand as a rich, creamy neutral with a touch of honeythe rooms historic treasures are given a museum-worthy backdrop.Shop Now20Dove Tale by Farrow & BallTrevor TondroWhoever said the loo cant be your favorite room in the house? In the bathroom of this Parisian apartment, Marc Valeanu chose to drown out the street noise just beyond with a calming toneFarrow & Balls Dove Tale. When paired with bespoke Maurizio Scianna bathroom tiles and Charvet and Prada bathrobes, we daresay hes created a bath-lovers nirvana. Shop NowCharles CurkinArticles Editor, ELLE DecorCharles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to luxury watches, design, and travel, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

The French have gifted us many thingsChampagne, croissants, and now, a fancy word that gives us permission to embrace the wonderfully weird in our homes: Jolie laide. If you played hooky during French class, allow us to interpret. Jolie laide (pronounced zho-lee-led) literally translates to pretty-ugly, and is the latest interior design trend taking over the internet. And while ugly might be the last word we want associated with our carefully curated homes, dont let it scare you. This isnt about collecting aesthetic disastersits about curating pieces that raise a few eyebrows, spark some conversation, and reveal your true personality. Hear us out, sil vous plat.What is jolie laide?If youve ever walked into a home so perfectly styled that it feels like no one actually lives there, the jolie laide trend is the antidote. You know that bizarre brass lamp thats absolutely ridiculous but makes you smile every time you pass it in the vintage store? Or that unsettling portrait that your mother swears is disturbing but you find utterly mesmerizing? Thats joile laide territory.Garrett RowlandThe portrait of the incredulous little girl in this bedroom designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Ghislaine Vias proves that this is indeed your party and you will cry if you want to. (Art: Awe by Jill Greenberg)I think it might be difficult for some people to digest but that is also the beauty of it, says New York and Palm Beachbased designer David Lucido. Every home should have pieces that make people stop, think, and start a conversation. These bring energy and personality to a space.We first heard the term from author and design expert Virginia Chamlee, who explained in an Instagram reel that ugly, in this sense, is used as a term of affectiona painting that is a little jarring, a sculpture that is maybe a little gaudy, a wooden chair that, on its own, might be a little ugly.If it makes you shudder, thats a bad sign, but if it makes you go, waithuh? that might be a good one. Chamlee tells ELLE DECOR that jolie laide is fundamentally about balance: Its really all about tempering those really pretty, precious pieces with a dose of what some might call uglyor pieces that most of us think of as unconventionally beautiful, she says. When paired with pretty things, the one ugly or weird thing becomes more attractiveand it keeps everything else in the space from looking too serious.Ori HarpazIn this Los Angeles home designed by David Lucido, a toe sculpture provides a delightfully surreal moment. I really had to push for that, he told us. I dont like when projects are too seriousyou need things like this to shake it up a bit.Christie Ward, coprincipal of Ward + Gray, agrees: Something that feels a bit off or wrong is sometimes exactly what the space needs, she tells us.But how do you know when something is so wrong its right versus just plain wrong? Chamlee offers a simple litmus test: There has to be something thats drawing you to it. If it makes you shudder, thats a bad sign, but if it makes you go, waithuh? that might be a good one. She points to historical examples like Jackson Pollocks abstract art or even Crocspieces that initially faced pushback but eventually found their place in the mainstream aesthetic.OK, is this really a thing?Joyce Huston, lead interior designer at Decorilla, has taken notice of the trend: Ive really been noticing this interesting shift lately, where more and more of my clients are embracing the quirkier, more unusual elements in their homes, she tells ELLE DECOR. Its a nice counterpoint to the very curated, magazine-ready looks that were so popular for a while. I think a lot of people are craving something with a bit more personality and soul.Not only are clients craving itbut designers are too. For designers like Ward, helping clients embrace the unconventional is part of the excitement. Creating a new world is what draws us to design, Huston says. Theres usually a more right answer for a room, but it will likely be something someones seen before. Were always trying to work in a piece that is unique to both the space and the people who visit it.And shes not the only one who loves upending some rules: Breaking the mold is what good design is all about, and incorporating unusual pieces moves the needle forward, Lucido tells us. The best spaces are the ones that feel authentic and personal.In an era of algorithm-driven design, where our social media feeds are flooded with what Chamlee calls the fifty shades of greige look, jolie laide feels like a breath of fresh air. For so long, design was about symmetry and balance, she tells us, but these days, tension and juxtaposition feel so much more fresh.Yves DriegheA lime green paint job and an aristocratic pooch painting make Jean-Philippe Demeyers living room the ultimate pretty-ugly moment.Interior designer Darlene Moinar agrees, noting that algorithmic design has made it increasingly difficult to challenge conventional choices. I think we get inundated with algorithms that push a specific, popular look, she says. That makes it difficult to challenge design choices or go outside the norm.The trend can manifest in various ways, whether its a taxidermied fish or a bold pattern combination that conventional wisdom would advise against. These are the pieces that make a space truly distinctive, even ifor perhaps becausethey challenge traditional design sensibilities. I think some of the most successful designs are ones that not everyone likes, Moinar tells us. If youre appealing to everyone, youre doing something wrong.The beauty of jolie laide lies in its deeply personal nature. Unlike the cookie-cutter aesthetics that have dominated in the past, this approach encourages genuine self-expression. Shannon Askinasi, lead interior designer at Ash & Pine Interiors, has seen this philosophy bubble up organically in her practice. Sometimes this approach gets birthed with a client simply asking to incorporate their grandmothers eclectic painting, or maybe its an avant-garde chair one of my clients purchased from a recent trip, she explains. For me, an ugly-pretty piece creates a strong jumping-off point, and both inspires and challenges me to create a unique design experience in a room.I think it changes the way we look at the world and gives you the confidence and power to believe in your own point of view.For Moinar, this isnt just another fleeting trend. I actually dont think its as much a trend as it is a deeply rooted design philosophy, she says. Its about creating spaces that tell your story, whether through that garishly gilded mirror you haggled for in a Parisian antiques shop (the one that made your partner question your taste but reminds you of that perfect spring weekend) or those mismatched dining chairs inherited from your grandmother (they're falling apart but remind you of childhood summers).Perhaps most importantly, embracing jolie laide can change your entire perspective. I think it changes the way we look at the world and gives you the confidence and power to believe in your own point of view, New York Citybased designer Ghislaine Vias says. Everyone has their own taste and sees beauty in different things. There should be no judgment.Embrace your own jolie laide moment.Ready to inject some personality into your space? Askinasi suggests starting small. Dip your toe in the water by starting out with room decor or accessories, she advises. Reconsider a family piece thats been gifted to you thats been relegated to your basement, or keep an eye out for an antique market find that elicits a reaction from you.Even [if it] freaks them out a bit, it usually ends up being the part of the room they love most.When hunting for these conversation pieces, Ward suggests looking beyond the obvious sources. Its always a good idea to use more obscure websites or visit antiques markets in person, she says. I love to dive into Live Auctioneers and try to find something really obscure that will be a statement piece. Estate sales are another goldmine for unique findstake time to see what catches your eye and consider why.Garrett RowlandThis little piggy went to the market, this little piggy stayed home, and this little table piggy, in a home designed by Ghislaine Vias? He gave us major jolie laide vibes. (Pig Table by Moooi)The key is finding pieces that spark what Chamlee calls a good WTF momentitems that might raise eyebrows but ultimately make your space more interesting and personally meaningful, whether its a crazy pillow fabric scheme or a kitschy chair. As Askinasi puts it, The goal is to create something disruptive.Also, consider wallpaper. I love when a client reacts strongly to a bold or jarring wallcoveringsomething that may seem gaudy on its own, but can actually be a powerful moment to elevate a room design, Askinasi says. Ive found if a wallpaper speaks to my clients in some way, or even freaks them out a bit, it usually ends up being the part of the room they love most.But honestly? There are no rules here. There doesnt have to be a reason for everything in your home other than that it makes you happy, Chamlee says. Buy the big weird painting. Re-cover your grandmothers couch in a fabric that might have horrified her. Lifes too short not to have a little fun while were here.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE DECOR, where she manages the brands social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Her eye for emerging styles helps bring the latest in interior design to ELLE DECORs audience across platforms. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, design, and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.

Ken Fulk may be one of the worlds most in-demand designers, but hes really more of a cinematographer, with his genre-bending amalgams of glam rock and Tudor; out-to-sea and down-to-earth; and Howard Hughes and hacienda across countless interior projects. Rooms, as he likes to say, take shape like movies in his head.Fulks latest blockbuster? A brick-and-mortar store opening today in Los Angeles, whose script goes a little something like this: I was inspired by Bunny Mellon, thinking that she had kept a little tucked-away bungalowmaybe in the Kennedy erasecretly in Hollywood, the designer tells us. Translation? Interior design heaven.Douglas FriedmanYou can find the Ken Fulk store tucked into a squat building at 555 Norwich Drive (conveniently across the street from the Pacific Design Center), shielded by hedges and painted in an eye-catching pea-green with trompe loeil stonework. It has almost a secret feeling, Fulk tells us.I was inspired by Bunny Mellon, thinking that she had kept a little tucked-away bungalow.Its a secret that wont be safe for long. Beginning Friday, visitors can shop Fulks magical universe, from vintage furniture thats been lovingly reupholsterered (or Fulked up, as the designer says) to dandy-ish prints in tramp art wood frames to all the accouterments needed for a fabulous Fulked-up dinner party.Douglas FriedmanThen theres custom things that weve madecustom candles and pillows, adds Fulk. Theres also china. Ive been obsessed with china since I was a kid like, I used to literally climb on a step stool and empty my mothers and my aunts vast collection and I would lay it all out on the tables, and then I would reorganize it into the cabinets.Of course, references to the late Bunny Mellons legendary Virginia estate are close at hand. Fulks team created a replica of Mellons mint-green potting shed to showcase gardening tools, wicker baskets, as well as delicate paper blooms from the Green Vase.Douglas FriedmanI really wanted it to feel like a home, Fulk says of the building, which will also be home to his firms five-person Los Angeles office. All of our studios tend to feel more like fabulous lofts or apartmentsnot like a workplace.I really wanted it to feel like a home. That residential sensibility permeates virtually every nook of the store, for which decorative artists created elegant trompe loeil drapery and where timber case goods overflow with cushions and textiles. The message? You may not be able to afford a full Ken Fulk home makeover, but you can live the fantasy by dropping by the store and by bringing a piece home for yourself.We [design for a] rarefied few, says Fulk, whose clients range from Instagram founder Kevin Systrom to Vice President Kamala Harris. How could we share some of our creativity, some of our ideas, and the things we make with a greater audience?Douglas FriedmanThe store marks the first for the ELLE DECOR A-List designer, though he has designed countless products for brands ranging from Pottery Barn to the Rug Company to Pierre Frey. Fulk credits this venture to his companys CFO, retail veteran Dave DeMattei. He really believed in me and my business, and so he came from a retail background, which also sort of helped plant the seed of like, why dont we manifest our great ideas into more product and also just things we love?It may be the first store but it wont be the last, Fulk teases, hinting that an outpost may soon be headed to New York.As with everything the designer does, its the beginning of a bigger story.Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the worlds most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, shes spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

With the holidays comes the inevitable shopping ramp-up: Youve got gifts to buy, parties to plan, and halls to deck. You alsoespecially if youre expecting houseguestshave an excellent reason to say yes to those little (and perhaps even not so little) decor luxuries youve had your eye on. And the place to turn to for enhancing your home with one-stop-shop efficiency is The Home Depot. The retail giants definition of home improvement has expanded well past tools, paint, and lawn care: Youll also find a broad selection of stylish furnishings, lighting, and decorative accessories to spruce up any room. Plus, it can all be delivered, a true plus in this crazy-busy season.1Furniture of America Reina Rustic Wood Trestle Extendable Dining TableNow 20% Off$822 $658 at Home DepotCredit: Courtesy of The Home DepotA new dining-room table is a big purchase, but what better time than when the whole family is due at your house any day now? Intricately carved curves and a double-trestle design make this one feel special, and the 18-inch insertable leaf lets you accommodate extra diners with ease.2Madison Park Chunky Double Knit Handmade Throw Blanket$77 at Home DepotCredit: Courtesy of The Home DepotDrape this chunky throw across the bed in the guestroom. Toss two over the sofa in the den. Place one on every seat around the firepit to make late-night gatherings even cozier. In addition to the indigo blanket shown here, there are eight other color options, a mix of neutrals and soft hues that will work with any and every decor palette.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Home Decorators Collection Priscilla Cotton Seersucker Duvet Cover Set$123 at Home DepotCredit: Courtesy of The Home DepotStriped seersucker bedding in sophisticated gray, greige, or soft blue adds a crisp look to the guest room, no matter what style youve decorated it in. The 100 percent-cotton duvet cover and shams can lean classic if your furniture is on the traditional side, or clean and minimalist if youve got a more modern aesthetic.4Home Decorators Collection Royce Black Hall Tree with Bench and Storage Cubbies Now 40% Off$1,599 $959 at Home DepotCredit: Courtesy of The Home DepotMaybe when they first arrive, youll greet your visitors at the front door. But once youre all hanging out, tossing the football in the yard, and making last-minute shopping trips, its more likely everyone will come tumbling in through less-formal entrances. Be ready with mudroom storage that can handle the whole gangs coats, boots, and packages.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5StyleWell Natural Water Hyacinth Decorative Baskets (Set of 2)Now 40% Off$109 $65 at Home DepotCredit: Courtesy of The Home DepotThese casual woven-water hyacinth storage baskets can house throw blankets or bathroom towels, serve as guest-room laundry bins, or encourage kids to stash their toys. The fluffy white wool tassels elevate them beyond mere utility.6Home Decorators Collection Calluna Gold Round Metal Coffee Table with Lift Top StorageNow 40% Off$329 $199 at Home DepotCredit: Courtesy of The Home DepotShiny, stylish, and a source of secret storagewhats not to love? This adorable drum-shaped coffee table is made of hammered metal and has a top that lifts off so you can stash stuff. We love it in gold, but for cooler color schemes, it also comes in silver.

Ah, Christmas: the time of red-and-green everything, more flocked Tannenbaums than you know what to do with, and reindeer statues in every corner. Not so in 2024, howeverthe year you finally break out of the mold and do Yuletide on your terms. There's no better area of the home for some holiday experimentation than the front porch, given the fact that it's the first thing guests (or solicitors!) will see when they approach your dwelling. And first impressions, as we all know, count for a lot. A great place to start is with greenery. I like to add faux snow fabric from the craft store inside my plant pots, and then top them off with twinkle lights, sprigs of greenery, and shatterproof ornaments, interiors guru Courtney Fitzpatrick tells ELLE DECOR. Its an inexpensive way to add something festive to your porch, and it looks beautiful at night! From there, layering on additional decor can create a truly showstopping exterior.Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan believes lighting is key when it comes to decking out a porch for the holidays. It brings ambience and warmth and a festive glow, instantly elevating the overall atmosphere and creating a welcoming space for guests, Flanigan says. If you are only doing one thing, I say go with statement lighting. Still iffy on design directions for your homes entryway this December? Weve rounded up the very best Christmas front porch decorating ideas and tips from the experts. Onward!1Lead with LEDsCourtesy AnthropologieAs part of Anthropologie's holiday house, this prim-and-proper brownstone's porch and steps boast glowing LED spheres from the brand that turn it into absolute eye candy. Interspersed with live trees in pots, they're must-haves for your outdoor holiday setup this year.2Repurpose Fall DecorCourtesy Serena & LilyStill have pumpkins laying around from last month? Impressive, first of all, and also perfect for reusing in a front porch holiday display. Take a page from this Serena & Lily scenewhere the gourds' slightly distressed colors are in fluent conversation with a pine cone wreath and white chrysanthemums.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Don't Neglect the Railing Imagesbybarbara/Getty ImagesYour doors are clad in wreaths, garland frames your entryway, and you've even got mini trees surrounding your doormat. The only thing missing? A festive wreath specifically for your porch's railing. If you think this one's conventional, think again (and look closer at the faux artichokes and apples dotting it!).4Rock the RedSiri Stafford//Getty ImagesWe said it was time to stop making Christmas synonymous with a red-and-green color scheme, but this vignette proves that there's something inevitably heartwarming about the traditional hues. Have your front porch go red this year via two simple poinsettia plants flanking the door and a wreath to match.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Curate a NookAnastasiia Krivenok//Getty ImagesFight your hibernation urges by creating an outdoor space you'll actually want to spend time in this winter. Here, a seating area is made all the more inviting via blankets, cushions in many textures, and (of course) that lighted wreath! It's the ultimate spot in which to cuddle up with a good book and hot chocolate.6Incorporate a Seasonal SwagSven Olof JonnIn lieu of a wreath or garland, opt for a seasonal swag over the front door. We love how this one pops against the citrus entrance and the frame of ivy. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Go for Simplicity lillisphotographyHouston designer Marie Flanigan encourages incorporating natural greenery into your Christmas porch decor. Integrate natural elements such as evergreen wreaths, pine cones, and seasonal foliage, she adds. Done and done.8Think Beyond the DoorTammi MildHoliday decor doesnt have to be focused on the door. Think about surrounding structural elements for garlands and decoration. Here, evergreen garlands studded with pine cones and lights do just the trick. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Unify Your Color Palette Philippe GerberSick of green and red? Same, so we suggest going for an analogous color scheme. Simply pick a color you love and decorate your front porch in its variations. In this example, that means moody hues like black, deep red, and green. 10Slay with Merry Metallics Anastasiia KrivenokSam the Snowman sang about silver and gold decorations for a reason: Theyre a total classic on the tree... and your front porch. Add in visual interest without veering into excess through layering natural greenery, metallic accents, and subtle lighting, Flanigan suggests. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Play with SymmetryLiubomyr VoronaLooking for balance around the holiday season? Us too, which is why keeping things symmetrical on your front porch is a great way to go. We love how this lookwith evergreen garlands framing the door, deck railings, and banisterlends a sense of harmony, not chaos. 12Harmonize with Your Hedges The Enchanted HomeOK, we realize this isnt technically a porch, but we love how the existing hedgesalong with a promenade of potted plantscreate an ensconcing (not to mention grand) sense of entry in this look, courtesy of Enchanted Home. Here, a shaggy garland contrasts the buildings regal architecture, while sprigs of greenery make veritable holiday bouquets of the planters. Bonus: The vegetation choicesconifer boughs, pine cones, and a whole lot of magnoliasmake this a safe bet for warmer climates too. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Choose Crisp White-On-WhiteCourtesy of @lizzydesigns_Snowed in again? No problem. Work with the all-white backdrop rather than against it, pairing the natural environment with sky blues, muted grays, and (of course) some evergreen. I love to decorate my porch using neutral and natural elements, says Liz Meier of Lizzy Designs. The greenery and the color of the door get the spotlight!14Meld Old with NewCourtesy of @a.little.love.designs Its always worth stocking up on some new holiday bling, but sometimes, the things you already have can really give a front porch some character. I love to mix old decor with new decor, says Amy Allen of A Little Love Designs. For example, using your grandmothers dishes or decorating the tree with your moms favorite ornaments. Follow suit with a cute assortment of baskets, lanterns, and watering cans brimming with evergreens.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Cozy Up Courtesy of @shady_pines3interiorsA wraparound sofa can transform a porch into a gathering space for friends and family. Bring everyone together for the holidays by adding some plaid throw pillows and wreaths like in designer Beth Coxs setup. Dont be afraid to bring the indoors out, she says. I make my porches feel welcoming and cozy by adding lots of texture and warmth.16Think Small but MightyCourtesy of the Six Bells Some front porches would rather whisper happy holidays than shout it from the rooftops. If thats more your speed, then this subtle felt mistletoe wreath from The Six Bells will be right up your alley.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Embrace Flower PowerCourtesy of Venus et Fleur Just like any other time of year, you cant go wrong with florals. Poinsettias are often the holiday flower of choice, but roses, holly, and other selections can also make quite the statement. If youre not blessed with a green thumb, a few botanicals from Venus et Fleur will save you the hassle of maintaining flowers that are actually alive.18Deck the WallsCourtesy of Tempaper Sometimes, a cheery decal can make all the difference. Tempapers peel-and-stick Winter Village option makes for a great peek-a-boo moment behind a wreath; in general, its a beautiful addition to a door or window. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Keep It Classic Courtesy of Joanna BuchananAll we want for Christmas is a chic wreath, a bit of garland, and a stately entryway. Not only does it make a statement, but it never goes out of style. I like to create a strong, central display that signals a bold Happy Holidays! says designer Joanna Buchanan. We wholeheartedly agree.20Go All Out Courtesy of FrontgateIf youre the sort who looks forward to holiday decorating year-round, why not go all out? This front porch, featuring products from Frontgate, shows exactly what a blinged-out Christmas can look like without feeling one bit tacky. Those white, gold, and green accents are everything.Stacia DatskovskaAssistant Digital EditorStacia Datskovska is the assistant digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers news, trends, and ideas in the world of design. She also writes product reviews (like roundups of the top firepits or sheet sets)infusing them with authority and wit. As an e-commerce intern at Mashable, Stacia wrote data-driven reviews of everything from e-readers to stationary bikes to robot vacuums. Stacias culture and lifestyle bylines have appeared in outlets like USA Today, Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, Food & Wine, and Brooklyn Magazine.Helena MaddenMarket EditorHelena Madden is ELLE DECORs market editor, and covers all things product and trend, from flatware and furnishings to kitchen and bath. She previously worked as a staff writer at Robb Report, where she covered luxury news with a focus on interior design.