Ever since Megan Thee Stallion gave us Hot Girl Summer in 2019, the Internets appetite for -girl aesthetics has been insatiable. While weve cycled through everything from clean girl to that girl, theres one that isnt going away: [insert food] girl.What started with garlic girls (who simply loved adding extra cloves to every recipe) and pickle girls (united by their fermented food obsession) has evolved into a full menu. These playful microtrends are transforming into a legitimate design movement, with Pinterests 2025 color paletteCherry Red, Butter Yellow, Dill Green, and Alpine Oatserving as evidence.For decades, aesthetics have been dictated by traditional gatekeepersdesigners, fashion editors, and executives who decided each seasons in look. Now, through the democratization of social media, young women are reclaiming traditionally feminine interests and transforming them into fun, light-hearted forms of self expression. These trends bubble up organically from TikTok, where creators turn food-inspired moods into viral aesthetics that gather millions of views each. Even major brands and celebrities are taking notesHailey Bieber parlayed the strawberry girl aesthetic into an entire product line before most of us even knew what it meant.View full post on TiktokFood-inspired aesthetics arent a new thing, thoughmoodboards featuring food on 2010s Tumblr dominated the platform long before TikToks hundreds of millions food-inspired views. Foods come pre-loaded with cultural meaning and emotional resonance. According to Bon Appetit, this makes food not only efficient but optimal for eclectic moodboarding.Each food girl represents a distinct lifestyle philosophy and creates an entire world. Think of it as a personality quiz come to life: Instead of Buzzfeed telling you what pizza you are, based on your favorite Taylor Swift era, you get to choose your own food-based destiny. Are you a tomato girl living that slow-life Mediterranean fantasy? Or maybe youre a hard-boiled egg girl treating skincare like its a full-time job? How about a chaotic baked beans girl that keeps emergency snacks in your designer bag? Pull up a chairtheres a seat at this dinner table for everyone.Tomato GirlRichard PowersThis stunning Tuscan villa, designed by Studio Magness, is making us want to avoid our responsibilities and live out our tomato girl dreams.Born from that endless summer in Italy everyone seemed to have in 2023 (everyone except me, apparently), the tomato girl aesthetic is, yes, #slowliving, red linen dresses, and pasta-making videos, but its also sun-baked terracotta tiles, vintage-inspired appliances, and ceramics that would make your nonna proud. Think rustic wooden beams, Mediterranean-inspired textiles, and enough copper cookware to outfit a Tuscan kitchenlike a perfectly ripe heirloom tomato: rich, authentic, and somehow both classic and completely of the moment. Tomato girl speaks to our collective desire for warmth, tradition, and that ineffable Italian spirit of sprezzatura.Cherry GirlTim LenzThis sultry, sophisticated, burgundy dining room designed by Pappas Miron is cherry girl-approved.Cherry girl is tomato girls sophisticated Parisian cousin who studied abroad and never quite came home. While both share an affinity for red, cherry girl leans into darker, more dramatic burgundies. In spaces, this translates to velvet-upholstered everything, vintage movie posters, moody accent walls, brass accents, and, you guessed it, cherries. Theres a certain sultriness to cherry girl that sets her apartsiren eyes, scarlet lips, and the kind of home that hosts fabulous dinner parties where people discuss Proust over some red wine.Lemon GirlStephan JulliardIts impossible to feel sad in this bright dining room in a Portugal villa designed by Jacques Grange.Fresh, bright, and perpetually optimistic, the lemon girl aesthetic brings Amalfi Coast energy. Lemon girl is a sunny counterpoint to the moody, dark academia vibes that dominated previous years. Expect citrus-bright yellows paired with crisp whites, plenty of natural light, and ceramic tiles featuring lemon motifs. Rattan furniture, striped awnings, and botanical prints complete the look. Living la dolce vita!Strawberry GirlHaris KenjarThe feminine flair of this charming bedroom is giving us all the strawberry girl vibes.If cottagecore and balletcore had a baby raised on Hailey Biebers TikTok, youd get strawberry girl. This aesthetic brings together soft pinks, vintage florals, and an almost confrontational level of sweetness. Think scalloped edges (on everything), floral wallpapers, and milk glass collections (fridgescaping, anyone?). Its all about capturing that sweet, romantic energy thats both nostalgic and fresh.Mango GirlTrevor TondroA mango girls dream home office? Casa Torre.Living in perpetual vacation mode, a mango girl would choose a bikini over business casual any day. Mango girl brings the warmth of sunset oranges and golden yellows into spaces through rattan furniture, bold botanical prints, and loads of plants. Their spaces are filled with coconut, mango, and papaya-scented products. The vibe is tropical babe meets wellness gurusmoothie bowls, yoga corners, and perfect golden hour lighting.Baked Beans GirlWilliam WaldronBrown hues and collectors items tie the baked beans girl look together, like in this jewelry designers Manhattan apartment that is full of rare finds.Perhaps the most delightfully chaotic of the food-inspired aesthetics, baked beans girls (see: Crocs filled with baked beans) are independent and adventurous. It manifests through earthy tones, organic textures, and a deliberately undone approach to styling. Shes chaotic but also wellness-orientedlike that friend who does sunrise yoga but also stress-eats cold ravioli straight from the can.Hard-Boiled Egg Girl Stephan JulliardThis classic Parisian apartment, designed by Sarah Dray, is exactly the kind of curated simplicity hard-boiled egg girls adore.The minimalists answer to food-inspired design, the hard-boiled egg aesthetic (which gained traction alongside skincare-obsessed TikTok) celebrates clean lines, ivory tones, and perfectly curated simplicity. Were talking pearl-white walls, curved furniture in eggshell hues, and carefully considered neutral textiles. Were even seeing the aesthetic with Pinterests Alpine Oat predictiona sophisticated take on minimalism that feels warm rather than stark. The bathroom is where the hard-boiled egg aesthetic really shines, with spa-like amenities and marble surfacesbecause every hard-boiled egg girl knows the importance of a proper skincare routine.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand's social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. 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, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.

At the beginning of every year since the 1950s, New York's old guard has scurried dutifully to the Park Avenue Armory for a smattering of some of the finest antiques on this side of the Atlantic. The Winter Shows 70th editionopen to the public today through February 2 welcomed those Upper East Side stalwarts along with a new stream of bright young things as curious about the past as they are active in the present. Through there are some 70 international galleries to check out and thousands of antiquities to peruse, we've done the difficult work for you and highlighted the most interesting, rare, and enchanting objects for sale (and some already spoken for!).A Pair of Dagobert Peche Mirrors from Kunsthandel Nikolaus KolhammerCourtesy of Kunsthandel Nikolaus KolhammerPair of Mirrors designed by Dagobert Pechee and xecuted by Max Welz for the Wiener Werksttte. Gilt, carved, limewood with original lead glass. Circa 1922The work of Dagobert Peche is as likely to appear in your dreams as it is to outfit your nightmares. In his short life, the Austrian multi-hyphenate created furniture, objects, and art following the guiding principles of the Wiener Werksttte, of which he was a member. Peche's work plays with the past while also displaying a singular penchant for the off-kilter through feet, handles, and finishes that vaguely resemble aspects of the natural world. In his cabinets you can see mountain peaks; in his tables, you can make out claws, wings, and hooves. In a hopelessly-chic pair of gilt mirrors offered by Kunsthandel Nikolaus Kolhammer you see the digits of a centipede. The chunky, carved, limewood frames were designed by Peche and executed by Max Welz around 1922, yet over 100 years later they are still searingly modern. Elizabethan Mount Mask in the form of a Lions head from Michael Pashby AntiquesCourtesy of Michael Pashby AntiquesElizabeth I Carved Oak Lion Mask Mount. Circa 1590When it comes to Elizabethan England we see and hear much too much about wide starched ruffs and never enough about the fanciful, bizarre, and wide-ranging decorative elements that lived off the body. Among the split sleeves and ropes of pearls there were also peculiar carvings; exquisite and complicated dishes in the shapes of birds and buildings; and lace plackets with whole narrative scenes sewn into them. This was the English golden age of theater and expression. And like the ancient Greek masks of comedy and tragedy, one carved oak mask of a lion from Michael Pashby Antiques holds a wide range of human emotion in a frozen, inhuman form. His roar seems more like a moan of exhaustion, with his tongue lolling out of his mouth, incongruous besides his more serious eyes. His arched eyebrows mimic that of his monarch, who was known for her heavy makeup. The mask, priced at $7,500, is the kind of object you dont expect to see amidst massive jewels and priceless paintings, but that is what makes it so very special. A Faberg Botanical Study from WartskiCourtesy of WartskiA rare botanical study by Carl Faberg. Circa 1900Every antiques or jewelry aficionado has seen a Faberg egg, but very few of us have beheld a Faberg fruit or flower. Wartski, the nearly 200-year-old British jewelry dealers known for their discretion and exquisite taste, brought to the Winter Show a genuinely rare delight. A study of a barberry sprig, made around 1900 in St. Petersburg (where Faberg was based) for the Lady de Grey, Marchioness of Ripon. De Grey was a patron of the opera and ballet (marked as partially responsible for bringing Serge Diaghilev to London) and one of the pre-eminent society hostesses of the late Victorian age. You can imagine her showing this delicate nod to the natural world to Oscar Wilde or King Edward VII, both of whom she knew personally, exclaiming at its berries of purpurine, leaves of nephrite, and its golden stem. Even the vase in which the sprig is balanced is a jewel with rock crystal simulating water and now for a lucky few days anyone can exclaim at this small, but mighty, masterpiece themselves.Four Portraits of Black Women by Joseph Savart from Zebregs and RoellCourtesy of Zebregs and RellFour portraits of Women from Guadeloupe by Joseph Savart (1735-1801). Circa 1769The Dutch are known for many a dastardly deed, especially when it comes to dealings with their former colonies, but thanks to a new generation of Dutch dealers, the beauty of Europes formerly diverse royal courts has begun to be excavated and displayed with more sensitivity. In their first year with the Winter Show, dealers Zebregs and Rell are showing portraits of several African and Caribbean figures including one Swedish queen's adopted African son along with furniture and objects from the era's in which these fascinating figures lived. Four portraits of Black women with skin tones ranging from blue-black to pale caramel by Joseph Savart from 1769 are not to be missed. There are few versions of this subject matter in New York museums (one notable example being an Agostino Bruniass painting at the Brooklyn museum) and whats more, Savart was adept at expressing these womens distinct features, expressions, personalities, and inner worlds in ways that many artists of his era did not care to. But run fastthis quartet has sold already so who know's when we will see it again! 18th Century Welsh Windsor Armchair from Robert Young AntiquesCourtesy of Robert Young AntiquesRare Welsh Oak Windsor Armchair with Crested Horseshoe Armbow and Turned Spindles. Circa 1780Style never meant rigidity as a wonky, wonderful Welsh chair from Robert Young Antiques proves. The $9,500 chair, like its purveyor (a lovely British man with an effortless air) is sturdy, familiar, and somehow still one-of-a-kind. Its irregular bow-shaped arms are the first to catch your eye, but then those eyes wander down the chairs finely turned spindles that make its wide back, and then to its broad, burnished seat, which over two centuries of sitting has made more comfortable than any contemporary iteration ever could be. Finally, the three simple legs that make its base: wobbly by sight and stable in practice. Its a chair you could imagine in only the most elegant of hobbit holes, brimming with personality, yet stately, with a birth date somewhere around 1780.

This article originally appeared in the October 2012 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.This was a new start, says Kim Hersov of the London home she moved into a couple of years ago with her two sons from a previous marriage, her new partner, artist Barry Reigate, his teenage daughter, and the young son they had together. But new for Hersov is a far cry from the radical shift in decor that often accompanies dramatic life changes. Rather than jettisoning the past and everything associated with it, Hersov filled the house with memory-laden belongings, yet still managed to create a setting that feels completely fresh. It helped that Hersov, editor-at-large for Harpers Bazaar UK, worked with interior designer Hubert Zandberg, who is also a dear friend (he is the godfather of her and Reigates child). They share a passion for flea-market shopping and eclectic finds. Hubert can second-guess me, says Hersov. They had worked together on her previous home, which she describes as proper, and he calls quite sophisticated, grown-up, and very grand.Hersov says of that earlier phase in her life, A little bit of it was playing house. Like a lot of my friends, I got married really youngand you do the things you think youre supposed to do. Then you grow into yourself.Simon UptonKim Hersov with her son, Aidan, outside their London home, which was designed by Hubert Zandberg. So when it came to designing the new place, Zandberg wanted to reflect the fact that Hersov has become a bit of a rock chick, as he puts it. Shes still very elegant, but her style has developed. So he situated beloved old pieces in unexpected settings, creating eccentric juxtapositions. A mismatched collection of silver candlesticks is now clustered on a table in the dining area, which lies in a part of the house that has a raw, industrial feeling. A pair of chinoiserie demilune tables became bathroom vanities. And a hand-painted screen is now displayed in a sitting room filled with Reigates edgy, Pop Art drawings. That was a lovely screen, and we wanted to reuse it, says Zandberg. In Kims previous house, it just blended into the whole rest of the grand aesthetic perfection. But here, it gets a voice. It starts to become witty, it starts to become exotic. It gets a new personality.Simon UptonA photograph by Mat Collishaw, a Zandberg-designed sofa upholstered in a Zimmer + Rohde cotton, and a candelabra by Hersovs partner, Barry Reigate, in the living room. The African textiles, furnishings, and objects that are layered throughout the rooms reflect another piece of Hersovs backstory. Her older sons father is South African, as is Zandberg, whom she met a decade ago in Cape Town.For Hersov, repurposing things from her past was also an act of familial respect. Her grandmother, a San Francisco socialite and grande dame, had a strong influence on Hersovs life and taste. Her new house is filled with objects, including silver candlesticks, that were gifts from this venerable lady. And the shells and coral that appear throughout Hersovs rooms are an echo of her grandparents beach house, which had a hallway lined with shells.But history also exerted a more problematic influence over the design process. The structure, built in the mid-19th century, is Grade-II Listed, which means it has historic significance, and any changes or alterations must be approved by a planning board. When Hersov acquired the house, it was derelict and had no electricity. Yet despite the fact that it had to be completely gutted, she was on a tight leash when it came to the design of any new structural elements.Simon UptonA painting by Shezad Dawood hangs above the fireplace in the family room, the carved chair is African, a custom-made ottoman is studded with buttons from a vintage military coat, and the 1950s light fixture is from Brazil; the leather-and-chrome chairs were found at a Paris flea market, the curtains are of a Pierre Frey linen, and the kilim is from Lizzo. Part of the prerequisite of a listed building is that you have to put things back, says Hersov with a sigh. Even though they had been stripped out, we had to then make sure the original plaster moldings and ceilings were restored or replaced. And I couldnt do a double-door entrance into the living room or change the placement of the staircase because the board wanted me to keep it the way they thought the original would have been. The only part that is completely new is the double-height conservatory at the back of the house; and the ground-floor kitchen and dining room were opened up to create a more expansive space.Artworks by Reigate, a framed African headdress, and a 19th-century painting in the conservatory; the pillows are covered in African block-print fabrics, and the floors are polished concrete.Simon UptonIn the primary bedroom, a Louis XVI-style bench upholstered in a Pierre Frey fabric sits at the foot of the custom-made four-poster, the bamboo chairs were found at a Paris flea market; and the desks came from a Madrid jewelry store; the screens are by Nominka DAlbanella, the walls are covered in silk, and the rug is from Lizzo. Simply getting planning approval took a whole year, during which Reigate used the house as a painting studio, in part to keep out squatters, who have a habit of laying claim to Londons uninhabited buildings. And while the finished rooms hardly feel like they belong to a contemporary art gallery, they nonetheless house an extensive collection of significant works, including a photograph by Mat Collishaw, a painting by Alastair Mackinven, photographs by Pieter Hugo, and numerous works by Reigate. A lot of our friends are artists, so the art is quite personal, says Hersov.See Inside This Edgy, Sophisticated AbodeThe eclectic collection adds a new layer to Hersovs personal history, and feels completely at home among the assortment of objects that fills the rooms. I dont think art should be put on a pedestal, explains Zandberg. Im a little bit slapdash about it. If the room is sincere, and the art is good, it will work. Its like peopleif theyre true to themselves, when they meet, it works.Its equally true of old friends and new. In interior design, as in life, its wonderful when they all get along.

My extravagance is my garden, It's the first thing I look at every morning when I wake up Ina Garten told Vanity Fair in 2010. In todays fast-paced, screen-obsessed world, carving out a dedicated outdoor living space has become more than just a luxuryit's a necessity. Whether it's a small balcony, an urban rooftop garden, or a sprawling country landscape, having a personal retreat outdoors allows for moments of reconnection with nature and social gatherings. What, then, does 2025 hold for our outdoor spaces? With summer just around the corner, outdoor living spaces are becoming more than just an extension of the homethey're a true reflection of our lifestyle and design sensibilities. This year, were looking to other cultures for cues on how to live graciously, which means were swapping out our hot tubs for cold plunge pools and going all in on our outdoor kitchen game. Were also considering climate in our builds, reimagining the wicker aesthetic, and embracing rooftop living in more sustainable ways (read: green roofs). "We value time with family and friends, living in our landscapesdining alfresco, cooking together, strolling through meadows, watching butterflies collecting nectar with our kids," says landscape architect Ed Hollander. "All of this provides the magic that makes life better."Whether you're revamping your backyard or simply looking for inspiration, here are six outdoor living trends that will define porches and patios everywhere this year. Get ready to elevate your outdoor space to a whole new level of easy living. Wicker 2.0Bjorn WallanderOn the porch of this spectacular beach house, a wicker bench is given a paint refresh, alongside a similarly vibrant potted bougainvillea. The wicker furniture trend is booming at the moment, and its not hard to see why. Wicker and rattan have always had a place in the halls of outdoor patio moments (great-grandma had a floral-upholstered rattan chair before Serena & Lily had its first sale). This classic design item, however, is being reinterpreted in new ways that are catching peoples eyes. Blond wickers in outdoor furniture are lightening and freshening where things were mostly dark grey tones or brown, making it more interchangeable with old fashioned blond indoor wicker and rattans, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Celerie Kemble says. Also, shapes are softer, playing into the curved sofa trend, and often flaunt soft waves and scallops."My clients expect their outdoor furniture to have character and to be as comfortable as their indoor furniture."Kemble says shes excited to see new outdoor furniture pieces that are going beyond the standard design plays. Pieces that play with the positive and negative elements of trellises but in shapes that are less straight geometry and more interesting, she adds. Take, for instance, her Tracery collection from LaneVenture, a delightfully interesting feast for the eyes. Now my clients expect their outdoor furniture to have character and to be as comfortable as their indoor furniture, Kemble says. No more hard flat teak or soggy thin cushions and simple right angles. Cold Plunge Pools Yoshihiro MakinoThis home in Montecito, California features a pool configuration similar to many cold plunge pools, with a small cold plunge pool just off the larger pool. Historically, all one needed to unwind was a relaxing hot bubble bathor, if youre lucky, a dip in the backyard hot tub or pool. Today, however, backyard enthusiasts are taking cues from European wellness traditions, building cold plunge pools and saunas. Fueled by social media and celebrity endorsements touting these invigorating amenities as a way to improve circulation and reduce inflammation (were looking at you, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, and David Beckham), cold plunge tubs will be a fixture of many backyards in 2025. The share of listings on Zillow that feature an at-home cold plunge pool is up 130% compared to last year, according to Zillows 2025 trend report. Zillow data found that these icy tubs are showing up most frequently in markets like Stamford, Connecticut; Las Vegas; and Los Angeles. Most often, they are a part of homes listed as luxury properties (a cold plunge pool with wiring and plumbing fixtures can cost around $30,000 to install), but there are portable cold tub options that DIY-ers are making their own in smart and budget-friendly ways. Who needs to go to Iceland anymore?The Outdoor Kitchen 2.0Undine PrhlIn this house on Mexicos Pacific Coast, an outdoor kitchen features open shelves and backsplash clad in Portuguese tiles, an Allia sink from Rohl, and handmade Mexican glassware. Next to the kitchen island, a butcher block sits on a volcanic stone base.In 2025, no longer are we content with a simple grill set up. Homeowners of today are looking for backyard kitchen setups that rival their indoor kitchens, complete with luxury appliances like pizza ovens, steam ovens, and sleek stainless steel grilling setups. Zillow research in 2023 found that listings touting chef-friendly amenities, such as steam ovens, pizza ovens and professional-grade appliances, can sell for as much as 5.3% more than similar homes without them. The trend for having your own pizza oven is hot, with pizza ovens are still blowing up, ranging from portable ovens like the Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven to restaurant-worthy appliances like the Dome oven. Americans are also spending thousands of dollars to create luxury grilling-and-chilling setups that facilitate this unique cooking technique that involves slow-cooking meat over a wood fire, which creates a deliciously smoky flavor and tender meat. Argentinian grills are being requested more and more in residential projects, says Nick Fobes, partner at Chicago L.A., and Kansas City-based landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt. "Outdoor cooking and entertaining have taken center stage, with as much attention on the backyard as the kitchen," he explains. "These grills elevate the experience, combining high functionality with a dramatic flair thats hard to resist."Green RoofsJoshua McHughThis dreamy rooftop terrace, designed by Hollander Design, incorporates evergreen elements that will keep the colorful garden fresh year-round.Urbanites, consider this. While green roofs are very widespread in Europe, they are becoming increasingly popular in modern home extensions in the U.S. The green roof market in the states, valued at $1.9 billion in 2023 is poised to grow from $2.21 billion in 2024 to $7.32 billion by 2032, eCommerce marketing agency Skyquest found in a report. Major cities in North America, such as Chicago, Portland, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., have added a large number of green roofs in recent years, Kendall Elfstrum writes in a brief for the Princeton Student Climate Initiative. Sustainability experts everywhere are rejoicing, as these rooftop additions are known to improve air quality, help lower heating and cooling costs, absorb rainwater, and provide a habitat for wildlife, among other benefits. In fact, the broader benefits are so great that some cities are offering tax incentives for homeowners with green roofs. Of course, the aesthetic benefits provide their own reasons to implement this trending home addition. Having a rooftop garden is a luxury for urban dwellers who have less access to green space and just might possibly be losing their minds some days (this editor is speaking from experience). Where we can, and its possible, we believe that enlivening our interiors through access to nature is always beneficial, says ELLE DECOR A-List designer Leyden Lewis. Even if that means vertical escapes. Climate-Resilient Features Yoshihiro MakinoDesigner Jamie Bush designed a fire-resistant home in Montecito, California.With climate-related disasters becoming more frequentand in the wake of a catastrophic wave of fires in Los Angeles, which have scorched more than 12,000 structureshome sellers are highlighting features that offer some degree of protection, and buyers are seeking them out. Zillow research finds that 86% of recent home buyers say its very important that a home have at least one climate-resilient feature. The report found that the share of for-sale listings on Zillow that mention flood barriers is up 22% compared to last year, seismic retrofitting is up 20%, and references to water catchment systems are up 19%. Drought-resistant turf yards are showing up 14% more often compared to a year ago. With all the environmental concerns in the world today, outdoor spaces are indeed being focused on in new ways, Lewis says. They never really went away, just reprioritized.Wherever you live and whatever natural disasters your forever home is prone to, security, it seems, is fast becoming the ultimate luxury. Rachel SilvaAssociate 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 16 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.

Calling all foodies: were poised for a year of tasty colorsthat is, according to Pinterest. The creative image-sharing social media platform has rolled out its 2025 Color Palette of the Yearand its making our mouths water. The lineup of colors poised to set the tone for whats next in design, beauty, fashion, and interiors, consists of five hues: Cherry Red, Butter Yellow, Aura Indigo, Dill Green, and Alpine Oat.Courtesy PinterestThe palette builds upon the 2025 Pinterest Predicts trends report, which, no surprise, named the cherry-themed aesthetic the look of the year, as well as one of its colors of the year. Gen Z and Millennials will infuse cherries into their makeup, menus and mood boards this year, the platform's in-house creative team concluded in the report. Pinterest's Cherry Red, is a rich, vibrant shade that blends the intensity of red with the warmth of brown. Its not tomato-girl red; Its not Matisse red; Its giving cherriesbut black cherries. Weve evolved. No doubt, this hue has been making the rounds on social media and permeating outfits and interiors, from designer Casey Kenyons latest project to every cherry-bedecked room idea weve seen on TikTok. Courtesy PinterestCourtesy PinterestButter Yellow and Aura Indigo, play into more trends that Pinterest has named in their trend report, which found that search terms purple blush makeup were up 30 percent this year, with aura effect up 35 percent. Both are vibrant and playful, especially together. Courtesy PinterestDill Green recalls a rising trend that certainly doesnt take itself too seriously: pickles. According to the trend report, searches for the term pickle margarita were up 100 percent, with pickle fries, pickle de gallo, pickle cake, and fried pickle dip also spiking. Tell your foodie friends: This year will be absolutely dill-icious, the report read. From sweet treats to tangy cocktails, the oh-so-humble pickle is about to be in absolutely everything. And with a hue like Dill Green, wed wager it will permeate our rooms, too. Courtesy PinterestAnd finally, Pinterest named Alpine Oat their finally color. The creamy, vanilla-toned greige is a classic tone that ties it all together, offering a quiet counterpoint to its bold, colorful color colleagues. While were clearly raring for a year of vibrancy and taking risks, its clear that a solid neutral will always have its place. Rachel SilvaAssociate 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 16 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 contents of the New York City apartment belonging to celebrated American designer and tastemaker Suzanne Rheinstein will be going up for sale next week. The items will be available starting January 15 at KRB NYC, the Manhattan home design shop of the late designer's daughter, Kate Rheinstein Brodsky. Ever the consummate collector, Rheinstein, who passed away in 2023, brought her effortless, edited eye to the unique pieces she sourced from across the globe and brought back home to use in projects. Her considered mix of objects old and new became a leitmotif in her decorating and she ultimately founded Hollyhock, a Los Angeles emporium showcasing her treasure trove of antiques and contemporary furnishings. Roger DaviesA pair of painted wooden columns and floral print chairs from Suzanne Rheinsteins New York City bedroom are standouts from the sale.Much of the 105 pieces of furniture and objects from the apartment (which was originally published by ELLE DECOR in November 2010) are included in this once-in-a-lifetime shopping event. Twin rough-hewn painted columns and pair of chairs upholstered in a floral chintz are highlights. She loved a pair," Kate notes. "And, she often mentioned how one could never have enough little chairs and tables. Other treasures up for sale include a pair of 18th-century Regency chairs, tiered end tables, carved wooden mirrors, artwork, and rare Gustavian pieces. Each item emanates an exceptional quality that passed the test when it came to furnishing Suzanne's own space. Suzanne always regarded antiques as vital to a room," shares Michael Boodro, who penned Suzannes last book, A Welcoming Elegance, "not as some sort of historical artifacts that had to be treated as a special, precious objects, but rather as pieces that enriched a space, and always served a function.Having been brought along on many of her mother's epic shopping trips, Kate recalls, My mother loved painted furniture, loved Italian shapes. She was always drawn to things that showcased the hand of the artist. Roger DaviesSuzanne Rheinsteins daughter Kate Rheinstein Brodskly notes, My mother would not want her apartment here to remain like a museum. Suzanne helped teach the design industry not only how to source antiques but also how to really look at objects and discover something special. And of course, as an interior designer herself, she knew innately what designers were looking for and needing regularly for their own projects and showed her audience how to use things with a certain joie de vivre (She famously cut off the spouts of antique hot water urns and sealed them to use as vases). By selling the collection in-house, so to speak, Kate can bid farewell to her mothers belongings, tell their stories, and ensure everything goes on to good homes. As she notes, Antiques and furniture are meant to be shared and loved and live on.

For many, the home is a livable form of self-actualization, a kind of sens de l'identit to be proudly shared with others. Look at me, your living room might declare, Im a chintz-upholstering, millefleur-wallpapering, wood panelling-loving soul. The bedroom, however, is intimate, not to be shown off for all to see. It's just for you. Its your sanctuary, your sleep kingdom, your end-of-day safe space no matter what chaos ensues beyond those walls. To help us navigate the year ahead, we tapped our favorite interior designers to get the scoop on whats trending in the bedroom. This year is shaping up to be bold, innovative, and tapping into our primal roots. Were plugging into AI-inspired dreamscapes; creating personalized spaces that prioritize well-being; and rethinking bedroom configurations with more separate spaces for couples.Whether youre raring to overhaul your sleeping quarters or simply want to make a few tweaks, these bedroom trends are giving us so many ways to sprinkle a bit of magic into our most intimate spaces. Because what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroomunless its a really great design flex that is worth sharing with everyone.Separate BedroomsNick MeleIn recent years, people are opting to go through what people are calling a sleep divorce, in which couples are sleeping in separate bedrooms to improve sleep quality. A January 2023 survey of 2,200 Americans conducted by the International Housewares Association for The New York Times found one in five couples sleep in separate bedrooms, and nearly two thirds of those who do, do so every night. The trend even has its celebrity champions, like Cameron Diaz, married since 2015, who boldly declared on a podcast, We should normalize separate bedrooms.What does this mean for interior designers? Many are reconfiguring homes to create adjoining bedrooms from separate ones, an arrangement ELLE DECOR A-List designer Joy Moyler says many couples are asking for. Something is definitely going on, says Moyler. Maybe that isn't where the magic happens, afterallor its simply better when they finally get back together.If your lovers end-of-day embrace is best kept to waking moments, creating separate but connected sleep spaces can be as stylish as it is functional. Using a continuation of color can help bring the rooms aesthetically together, even if theyre not physically connected. When separated, try bringing in an L-shaped pillow to recreate the sensation of cuddling, sans the snoring.Raw Materials and Natural FormsCHRISTIAN HARDERA surprising marble headboard makes a statement in this bedroom designed by Jett Projects. Moving beyond the stark lines of modern design, were ushering in a renaissance of raw materials, rough textures, and natural formsfor a look that combines ancient design elements with modern fundamentals. More than 31 percent of the 643 designers in 1stdibs 2025 trend survey said they plan to use furniture and objects that can be described as 'organic modernism' in their 2025 projects. The report found that while some designs, like Moroccan-influenced decor and checkered-print, have faded, animal prints have gained momentum, increasing from 4 percent for 2024 to 6 percent for 2025. Whether youre bringing in luxe materials like marble and granite or earthy elements such as cork walls and textured mineral finishes, these tactile materials are the makings of a look that is as refined as it is forward thinking. For decorators interested in bridging the gap between the old and new, pair such materials with curved furnishings and high-pile rugs to add warmth to your sleeping space. Earth TonesTim LenzThe bedroom in ELLE DECOR A-List designer Augusta Hoffmans new Manhattan apartment was given a more masculine edge, featuring a tufted leather sofa at the end of the bed.We genuinely cannot talk about trends without talking about color, and this years color trends offer a wide range of options when it comes to bedroom design. Paint companies have all placed their bets on whats hot with their Colors of the Year (COTY)and the results are an imaginative variety of browns: Earth-toned monochromatic moments reigned on the runways, designers were flexing brown tones in everything from kitchens to bedrooms, and even Pantone named 17-1230 Mocha Mousse its 2025 COTY. What does that mean for 2025 bedrooms? Were poised for a resurgence of colors that are, as experts seem to keep putting itmuddied. Complex muddier pink, purple, green, and yellow tones that have earthy, grounded bases, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Vias says is what she anticipates will be the next big thing. Shades that evoke the calm patina of natural materials, A-Lister architect Hannes Peer adds. Even 1stDibs is here for the brown fest, naming "warm chocolate brown designers' top choice for the most popular color of 2025," the report reads. The online antiques marketplace found that the earthy hue was the top pick for 32 percent of those surveyed, almost doubling the percentage of designers who favored it in 2023 (17 percent). Not only are designers committing to these earthy tones, theyre giving them a no-holds-barred treatment. Moyler says shes seeing many a bedroom where all the walls, casings, millwork and ceiling are painted the same deep tone color; Perhaps just the sheen is different, she says, adding that shes looking forward to implementing it in the right place. This makes for a very cozy cocoon feeling thats almost cave-like and very sensual. Cherry-Themed EverythingNoe DeWittA cherry-red day bed in a home designed by ELLE DECOR A-List firm Redd Kaihoi. Cherry-themed bedrooms are poised for a cultural moment, Pinterest predicted in its 2025 trend report, where Cherry Coded tops the list. The search term cherry bedroom rose in searches by a whopping 100 percent year over year, while cherry vibe spiked 325 percent alongside dark cherry red which climbed 235 percent. And if you need further proof, you neednt look further than the barrage of videos on social media featuring cherry-bedecked decor items, cherry blossom-themed bedrooms, and cherry-colored DIY tutorials. View full post on InstagramBut it doesnt stop at cherries alone. Trend forecasting agency WGSN is predicting a more general rise in fake food interior design decisions this year. Items like trompe-loeil candles, stationery [and] also furniture and room decor, are bound to hit it big, according to the agency. Drench your bedroom walls in an all-out cherry red treatment, or settle for a few ironic cherry pillow throws. A pop of red is sure to jazz up your life a bit. You as the Ultimate Muse Roger DaviesThis Los Angeles home bedroom, designed by art-world luminaries Roy Dowell and Lari Pittman, is a masterclass in personalizing a space. Dowells artworks above the bed, alongside rattan trucks. This season, were looking to create homes that are more individualized, with rooms thoughtfully tailored to each persons lifestyle. Ive noticed a real shift in what my clients are looking for, says ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Brigette Romanek. Instead of cookie-cutter, copy-paste interiors, people are embracing spaces that reflect their unique personalitya trend thats here to stay.Whether its a bedroom vanity moment for the glamour gal, a cozy reading corner for the fantasy nerd, or a record player for winding down, its all about individuality. This approach makes every home feel truly unique, with spaces that reflect the distinct personalities and daily rhythms of the people who live there, Romanek adds. Rather than following a set design formula, each space will feel like a natural extension of the lives within it.Rachel SilvaAssociate 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 16 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.

Above: The well-curated living room of creative director Florian Marquardt, who scored this early Frank Gehry-designed gem in 2022. The boy apartment trend, which has taken TikTok by storm, is introducing us to a shift in how young men are approaching their living spaces. Mattress on the floor? Crusty bathroom? Mini fridge with just takeout and beer? No more. These arent just cleaned-up versions of collegiate crash padstheyre thoughtfully curated homes that showcase a genuine appreciation for personal style and comfort. Unlike a bachelor pad or man cave, the boy apartment moves beyond the bare necessities of bro-dom, featuring clean, neutral-toned sofas, thriving houseplants, and meticulously styled coffee tables (complete with actual coffee table books).View full post on TiktokTake Robert Kenon, an engineer and content creator in Atlanta whose boy apartment tour surpassed seven million views on TikTok. In the 15-second video, Kenon shares his well-cared for plants, neatly curated vinyl collection, a meditative incense corner, among other spaces in his home. Or Jeremy Guan, a Toronto-based home and lifestyle content creator whose boy apartment videos and home decor reviews have also accumulated millions of views on TikTokfor a good reason. His relaxing apartment is neat, sun-drenched, and personality-filled. I want a boy apartment as a girl, one user wrote in the comments section. This is perfect. Thanks for reminding everyone boy apartments can be fire too, another wrote.View full post on TiktokThe boy apartment trend seems to serve as a direct rebuttal to its predecessor, the boy room trend. Those viral videos showcased the worst stereotypes of masculine living spaces, complete with unwashed dishes and questionable hygiene standards. Where boy room content seemed to revel in and normalize slovenliness, the boy apartment movement represents a sophisticated evolution in how young men approach domestic life.Frank Frances StudioA neatly organized shoe closet dedicated to the homeowners collection of sneakers in a bachelor pad designed by Nicole Fuller.We are no longer talking about slovenly, unkempt rooms, says Jennifer Cohen, owner of JLW Interiors, who has observed an increased interest in thoughtful design from male clients. Now we are speaking of mens needs, interests, and styles being included in the design of a home.The timing of the boy apartments popularity is noteworthy: in a social media landscape recently dominated by female-centric trendsfrom girl apartment tours to girl dinner and beyondthis marks one of the first times a male-focused lifestyle movement has gained widespread positive attention on TikTok.William AbranowiczThe primary bedroom in Cliff Fongs L.A. home is giving us all the best boy apartment vibes.Its also indicative of a looser definition of masculinity among the Gen-Z generation, whether thats a new openness towards wellness and mental health, or simply the freedom to revel in domesticitythat taking pride in ones living space isnt emasculating, its empowering. These spaces show an appreciation for self-care and personal growth, notes London-based interior designer Augustine Atobatele, who has designed apartments for young men in the U.K. He has observed an uptick in feng shui practices as well as curated collections of books, plants, and records. Its a deliberate shift away from both the primitive man cave concept and the intentionally messy boy room, suggesting that young men are ready to embrace a more refined approach to domestic life.After all, notes Atobatele, Our space is a reflection of us.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE DECOR, where she manages the brand's 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 Decor's 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.

Locals, interior decorators, and design savvy customers alike will be excited to learn that leading Italian heritage furniture company, Molteni&C, is officially opening its doors to 9 Via Manzonia historic palazzo in the heart of Milan.Those familiar with the iconic retail streetwhich culminates at the famed Piazza della Scalla will recall the large branded scaffolding thats been concealing the beautiful period buildings faade during extensive renovations. Today, its finally open to the public.Courtesy Molteni&CA closer look at the Palazzo Moltenis historic facade.Designed by world renowned designer and in-house creative director Vincent Van Duysen, the new flagship will not only serve as the brands most visible outpost but also expand the brand conceptually. Van Duysen envisioned the propertywhich covers an impressive 30,000 square feet over seven stories to be the chic home of an art and design collector. The dynamic narrative infuses the experience of each space, one unfolding onto the next as a hybrid residence-meets-gallery concept showcasing everything from Molteni&Cs sought-after designer furniture collections to the brands innovative kitchen designs and storage solutions.Courtesy Molteni&CThe building has been sensitively restored and renovated by Molteni&C creative director Vincent Van Duysen.The opening caps off a busy year for the brand. In 2024, Molteni&C celebrated its 90th anniversary and rang in the occasion with the reissue of a beloved Gio Ponti sofa, a book launch with Rizzoli, and a collaboration with the Mandarin Oriental in Beverly Hills and New York City.After nearly a century in business, its clear that this Italian heritage company is poised to forge new paths.

This article originally appeared in the October 2012 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.Ive always loved excess, declares Grard Tremolet, and during the 30 years the designer spent at the heart of the Paris fashion world, he was certainly a larger-than-life figure. Tremolet made a striking appearance, for instance, at the 1986 inauguration of the Museum of Fashion and Textiles at the Louvre, arriving in a floor-length frock coat with a leopard-print lining, a black top hat, and a veil that covered his face. Simon UptonIn a salon, the bergre is Louis XV, and the armchair is Rgence. The fashionable Tremolet started his career in the accessories department of Jean-Louis Scherrer, and later became the right-hand man of probably the most famous embroiderer of the 20th century, Franois Lesage. He rubbed shoulders with celebrities such as Lauren Bacall and Elizabeth Taylor, and met regularly with some of the worlds most talented designers. Each couture house had its own spirit, Tremolet recalls. At Yves Saint Laurent, it was like entering a temple. There was no noise. Karl Lagerfelds studio at Chanel, on the other hand, was the complete opposite: There was always music, and things going on.Simon UptonChinese vessels and a 19th-century bust of Bacchus line the mantel in the dining area; an antique farm table was cut down to serve as a cocktail table, and the beams are original.Today, Tremolets life may be less at the cutting edge, but it is no less glamorous. He now works as a freelance embroiderer for couturiers and decorators, and lives with his partner, David Barr de lEtang, a government tax official, at Chteau dAilly in Calvados, in Frances Normandy region. Ive always had delusions of grandeur, Tremolet says with a laugh. So when we decided to move to the country, nothing less than a chteau would do! Ive always had delusions of grandeur, Tremolet says with a laugh.The couple visited some 20 estates over a period of 18 months and were starting to despair. Then, late one Sunday evening in 2007, Barr de lEtang spotted an ad on the Internet. It read: 18th-century chteau with island, chapel, and cemetery. By the following Thursday, they had made an offer.Simon UptonThe dining areas 19th-century chandelier is a family heirloom, and the chairs are Rgence; the mirror is 18th century, the cabinet is Venetian, and the farm table is original to the property.The chteau in question is set in an eight-acre park complete with a river and an avenue of chestnut trees planted in 1700. The chapel dates from the 11th century, as does the main body of the house, which has barely been changed since 1721. Tremolet relates how the uncle of Charlotte Corday, the assassin of French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat, celebrated Mass there. The chteau had remained in the same family, according to Tremolet, until they purchased it; its last resident was the Comtesse de Vigneral.Simon UptonIn the games room, the table and the armchairs, which are embellished with embroidery by Franois Lesage, are all Louis XVI, and the side chair is Louis XV; the chandelier is Venetian, and the cabinet door, left, was originally in the chteaus kitchen.The idiosyncratic Tremolet immediately fell under the propertys spell; he was enamored of the chteaus intimate size (many of its 30 rooms are small by French castle standards) and 18th-century details, among them the magnificent fireplaces and a bed alcove in a first-floor guest room. But not everything had withstood the test of time. Two rooms had been completely devastated by dry rot. Parts of the door frames and walls were missing in the entrance hall, and there were serious problems with humidity. It took two years to dry everything out, Tremolet recalls.I simply drew on my imagination, as well as from films like Barry Lyndon.For the interiors, his goal was to create a fresh, playful version of grand 18th-century style. If youre looking for historical accuracy, there are huge mistakes, he readily admits. I simply drew on my imagination, as well as from films like Barry Lyndon. He painted the walls of a salon with cheeky monkeys dressed up in various costumes, and added a games room. He also gave full rein to one of his passions: mixing bold and surprising colors. For a first-floor hallway, for instance, he chose bright yellow and tomato-red. And there is a touch of pink in almost every room. It wasnt a conscious decision, Tremolet says. Thats just the way it turned out. Simon UptonA guest room bed is dressed in Indian cashmere, and the headboard is upholstered with an antique carpet; the light fixture and hanging lamp are Egyptian, the chair is Syrian, and a carpet serves as a pelmet above the door. Decorating the chteau also gave Tremolet a chance to showcase objects and furniture hed been accumulating for yearshe has a fondness for portraiture and owns something like 20 different coffee sets. Even in a chteau, Theres not enough cupboard space for all the china, he admits. Other pieces found their places more effortlessly. Barr de lEtang relates how visitors who had been to the chteau as children claimed the mirror in the games room had always been there. In actual fact, he says, we installed it.The one area Tremolet took true over-the-top liberties with was a bedroom on the first floor, which had been renovated in the 1960s. There, he created an Oriental room reminiscent of his childhood in North Africa (he was born in Algiers). The space has purple-, red-, and orange-striped walls, turquoise curtains, leopard-print chairs, a bed canopy made from a camel blanket, and a Venetian cabinet he has owned for decades. There is also a wardrobe where he keeps costumes for the couples 18th-century theme parties, the most notable one held each year on the eve of Bastille Day. Its our counter-Revolution, Tremolet jokes. Simon UptonIn another guest room, the walls and curtains are of a Thevenon toile de Jouy, and the beds alcove is covered in taffeta; the armchair is Louis XV, and the rug is Russian.The annual summer party includes a picnic in the park, boat rides on the river, and fireworks at night. The odds are that such events will continue for years to come, as the couple say they are sure that they are there to stay. As Barr de lEtang notes with amusement, There are two places left in the cemetery. This story originally appeared in the October 2012 issue of ELLE DECOR.

Above: A recent project by Electric Bowery features a undulating rattan light fixture. Lighting is like the jewelry of home decorit can add the perfect finishing touch to your space and instantly take it to a whole new level. In case you need some redecorating inspiration, we tapped interior designers to share the biggest lighting trends set to shine in 2025so you can easily revamp your living areas even if you aren't ready for a full remodel.From sculptural floor lamps and mid-century-inspired options to artful, iridescent sconces, there's a little something for every room and style. Below, discover 13 standout lighting styles experts expect to see everywhere in 2025. And while you're at it, make sure to check out their top predictions for this year's sofa and living room trends, too.Statement Floor Lamps"The resurgence of bold, vintage-inspired designs might well steal the show, and floor lamps will be the lead fixture," says Pascale de Fouchier. "I have a crush on the Romani floor lamp, which embodies this [aesthetic]. I love that its classical shape is oversized, and its finish brings a touch of modern whimsy."Four Hands Romani Floor Lamp$1,599 at LumensStained GlassStudio Dorion's Michelle Ficker is also noticing the return of stained glass lighting (the auction market shows no sign of cooling down either). "Louis Comfort Tiffany is one of the great American designers, and his sensibilities align with the broader trend toward opulent decorating and eclectic charm," Ficker explains. She's eyeing an original 1950s table lamp, but for an under-$100 option, this pretty leafy one offers a warm glow.Dale Tiffany Cape Reinga Lamp$98 at lampsplus.com Monopoint LightingStep aside, recessed lighting2025 is all about monopoint lights. Allison Handler likes to cluster hers in groups, or a use single fixture to highlight a hero piece of art or furniture. "It's an easy way to add decorative lighting and create a moment in spaces that may not have the ceiling height or room for a larger piece."Troy Lighting Caleb Semi Flush Mount$190 at 2ModernSoft MaterialsAccording to Chango creative director Susana Simonpietri, softer accents like paper globes, fabric sconces, and ribbon appliqus will continue to be in the spotlight this year. "They're not new mediums, but we're seeing unique ways to apply them within lighting," she says. "Fabrics can be layered or ruched, which gives off a soft and interesting light. A go-to for us are Japanese paper globes; they're classic, sculptural, and always create interest in a space without trying too hard."Lia Pendant Light with Shade$369 at Crate & BarrelLayers of ivory faux silk shades appear suspended in mid-flutter, shaping our graceful pendant light. Lightly pleated with countless slender folds that add to the dynamic look, the shade calls to mind a blooming flower or the swirling skirts of a dancer. Light filters softly through the pendant's layered shades, highlighting the gleam of the pendant's burnished brass hardware. With an ivory cloth cord that completes the airy, ethereal look, Lia floats beautifully above a dining table or in a living room or bedroom.Lia Pendant Light with Shade21.5"Hheight30"dia.diameterMeasurements are in inches.Poly-blend faux silk and iron shadeIron finial and ceiling plate with burnished brass finishAdjustable 6' ivory cloth cord5.5"-dia. ceiling plateE26 bulb typeAccommodates one bulb up to 60W incandescent or 8.5W LED (not included)Suitable for slanted ceilingsHardwire (professional installation recommended)Can be installed on slanted ceilingsNot suitable for bathroom useDust with soft, dry clothImportedSwag LightingIn 2025, Noz Nozawa is prioritizing swag lighting. "From pendant lights on hooks to multi-swag chandeliers, there is something so special about being able to make your light fixture bespoke by customizing exactly where you hang each point of light," she says. Trueing's Cerine Triple Pendant is currently at the top of her wishlist, but we'd say Nozawa's own chain link design is equally eye-catching.Noz Nozawa for Corbett Lighting Daith Chandelier$1,751 at LumensArty Sconces "We love incorporating lighting that doubles as art into our projects, and we've recently been drawn to sculptural designs," say Jesse Rudolph and Joelle Kutner, principal designers at Ome Dezin. Their current pick is Blue Green Works' colored glass Palm Sconce, but if you're not ready to splurge on a price-upon-request option, Lulu and Georgia also offers an impressive array of artful styles. Lulu and Georgia Sundby Sconce$498 at Lulu and Georgia Perimeter Lighting"Over-lighting has been happening for nearly forty yearswe're so scared to under-light that we create kitchens you could perform surgeries in," says Toronto-based designer Sam Sacks. "I am excited to see an increase in perimeter lighting being used instead of relying on recessed coves or decorative surface mounts." She suggests placing a few flush or semi-flush mounts along the edges of a room for softer, easy customizable lighting.Rejuvenation Paige Cylinder Semi-Flush Mount$399 at Rejuvenation Pop of Color Don't be afraid to play with colorful lighting choices. "I specifically see this trend happening in the kitchen space, where lighting can be so prominent in a design," says Hilary Matt. "Look for bold hues being introduced via pendant lighting over the island or even a funky table lamp that's styled on a countertop."Schoolhouse Dolores Table Lamp$299 at schoolhouse.com Organic Showstoppers"We're predicting a rise in sculptural lighting that feels grounded and organic," says Electric Bowery co-founder Lucia Bartholomew. Think: bold shapes in natural textures that add intrigue without overpowering a room. "We like to pair these fixtures with materials like wood, stone, or textured plaster," she continues. "In dining spaces, we often position a statement chandelier as the anchor above the tablefor corners or nooks, a sculptural pendant can create an intimate moment."Arturo lvarez Tempo Vivace Pendant $1,052 at Anthropologie Playing with Scale"Using scale to create interest is here to stay," says designer Zo Feldman. "It's all about mixing big and small, playing with unconventional proportions, and using lighting as a sculptural statement." For example, she likes placing a large pendant in a smaller room, and prefers to use smaller, delicate piece to add subtle detail in a larger space.Mitzi Davida Pendant$550 at mitzi.com Ethereal FormsNick Ozemba, co-founder of design studio In Common With and concept shop Quarters, is loving ethereal lighting, "where sculptural forms and the emotive qualities of light come together," he explains. Key styles include whimsical silhouettes and options with frosted shades that create a soft ambiance. Soho Home Estelle Wall Light$595 at sohohome.com Sculpted Ceramics"Ceramics are a trend that are emerging through artisan-crafted pendants and sconces," says Erin Lamey at LoBello Designs, who suggests shopping via local artisans to find one-of-a-kind pieces. "I love how these bring an earthy, personal touch, softening modern designs." One of her favorite ways to style the aesthetic? Pitting a handmade ceramic pedant against a natural stone vanity.Mullan Lighting Rivale Pendant Light $240 at EtsyMid-Century RebootLindsey Colhoun notes mid-century style pieces will be another major statement lighting, or "functional art," trend this year. "We're seeing a move toward lighting that's as much about sculpture as it is illumination," she says. ""I love how they effortlessly blend style and function, making them ideal for desks, side tables, or even entryways where a touch of artistry can transform the space."Isabel Moncada Modern Fluted Table Lamp $1,350 at 1stDibsElly LeavittFashion & Luxury Commerce EditorElly Leavitt is a fashion and luxury commerce editor with over seven years of experience covering fashion and design. Her writing can be found in Harpers BAZAAR, ELLE, Town & Country, Esquire, ELLE Decor, and more. Previously, she was an editor at Domino magazine. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe's. You will never find her at SoulCycle.

Is your home cursed with a cramped cooking space? Stricken by a small scullery? Youre not alone. In fact, kitchens remain Americas top renovation priorities, according to 2024 research from Houzz. If you rent or dont have it in your budget to embark on a kitchen makeover this year (the average project cost $24,000 in 2023a 20 percent jump from the prior year, according to Houzzs data), youll invariably deal with the usual frustrations that come with a small kitchenlimited counter space, a postage stamp-sized oven, and scant storage. Still, designers have a few tricks up their sleeves to make a small kitchen look and feel more spaciouseven if youre the type of person who uses the oven strictly as wardrobe overflow. Always extend your cabinets to the ceiling no matter the size of your kitchen, advises Lauren Buxbaum Gordon, a partner at ELLE DECOR A-List firm Nate Berkus Associates. It will make your ceilings feel higher and your kitchen bigger. The little things (ironically!) count, too, per the designer: Invest in details that will add up visually and feel impactful. Whether beveling or adding a brass band to the face of the countertop or bringing in vintage hardware, use these little details to make your personal imprint.Other more budget-friendly hacks include swapping a drab kitchen paint color for a light-and-bright one on your cupboards, in addition to countless other hacks. So weve rounded up 70 small kitchen ideas from our archive to show you precisely how its done. Read on to see gorgeous homes that make the most of their small layouts with above-cabinet decor, bold cabinetry, double-duty accent pieces, sleek lighting solutions, and more. Now, lets get cooking!1Pint-Sized and Pink KitchenWilliam Jess LairdThese clients wanted to have a lot of color, like what you would see in an English country house, designer Clive Lonstein tells us of this recent project in Connecticut. He took their brief to heartespecially in the pint-sized kitchen which got an appropriately Barbie-proportioned coat of pink paint. 2Color-Blocked Retro KitchenMaura McEvoyThis mid-century Maine home had its original '60s-era kitchen. Designer Angie Hranowsky opted to keep it, but refresh its retro charm with a fresh lick of paint, carefully color-matched to the originals. Even if your kitchen cabinets are new, you can take inspiration from this quirky, color-blocked look. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Work With WallpaperChris MottaliniA jazzy wallpaper can go a long way in a small space like a powder room or closetand the same rule works for kitchens. Here, ELLE DECOR A-List firm Hendricks Churchill shows us how it's done in an unexpected Manhattan apartment. (P.s. can you spot the gold range hood?) 4Think UpBen PentreathIf your kitchen is small but you happen to have tall ceilings, select tall shelves and cabinets to draw the eye upward. In a Viennese home designed by Ben Pentreath, the cabinets are painted in Farrow & Ball's deep Green Smoke to add additional emphasis. Andif you can squeeze it inyou can always add a meat slicer, like these Austrian clients did, at left. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Install Eye-Catching LightingMax BurkhalterThere wasnt a single surface I didnt touch, interior designer Georgia Tapert Howe says of this once blank-box apartment she designed in Manhattan. Here in the kitchen, she gave the cabinets a wash of taupe paint (Farrow & Balls Elephants Breath) and installed dramatic pendant lights from Stahl and Band above the island. 6Design an Artful BacksplashGiulio GhirardiEvery square inch in a small kitchen counts, including areas you might forget about, like the backsplash. Here in a Paris apartment, designer Pierre Yovanovitch paired key-lime cabinets with a backsplash covered in darling hand-painted tiles by artist Matthieu Cosse.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Try a Surprising MaterialDaniel SchferYou'd never guess, but this eye-catching small kitchen used to be this Lisbon home's primary bathroom. Instead of ripping out the unusual blue marble, homeowner Elan Yifrach decided to keep it. The view of gardens outside is "a really nice backdrop to washing dishes, he says.8Go MonochromeAdrian GautKitchens have been trending hyper colorful these past few years, but how is this look for a palate cleanser? In this Miami kitchen designed by Martin Brl, calming creams and clean lines rule the roost. The cabinets are by Boffi while the tiles that clad the backsplash andyesceiling are custom-painted by Matthieu Cosse. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Bring in Hits of VibrancyKelly MarshallWhen designer Rayman Boozer designs a home, he wants it to feel like, "Oh wow, a nice person lives here," he told us. "Or at least that a nice person decorated. We get precisely that feeling from this happy Harlem kitchen, which features hits of jewel tones via the green cabinets, red curtains, striped chairs, and plate-printed trompe l'oeil wallpaper. 10Make It DisappearDavid MitchellYour kitchen may be tiny enough to view only with the aid of a microscope, a fact you can choose to ignoreor embrace by hiding it entirely. In this kitchen, designer Omar Aqeel selected brushed stainless steel cabinets by Reform that practically melt from view. I was trying to un-kitchen it as much as possible, he says. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Skirt Your SinkRoger DaviesThis small kitchen can be found in ELLE DECOR A-List designers Eric Hughes and Nathan Turners ranch-inspired home in Ojai, California, but theres plenty of lessons to be learned here for indoor kitchens too. In lieu of a stainless steel faucet, for instance, they installed a rustic brass version. Instead of cupboards, theyve hung their pots and pans on a rail. But our favorite detail is the charming skirt that conceals under-sink plumbing and other sundries. Simply ditch your hinges and doors, and pop on a cute curtain of your own. 12Swap Your Cabinets for ShelvesRichard PowersAs much as we may love the way kitchen cabinets can elevate a cooking space, they can also take up a lot of visual real estate, especially if youre dealing with a small room. We love how designer Timothy Brown ditched heavy cupboards in favor of industrial stainless-steel shelving in his New York City apartment. Not only does it provide a space for clip-on lights to illuminate chopping (or in this case, floral arranging!) it also allows him to flaunt his collection of vases and display small framed artworks. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Dont Forget About Your DoorsMatthew WilliamsThis kitchen is as modern as it gets. But the designers at StudioDB wanted to add a fashionable edge too. In fact, this small New York kitchen was inspired by the color palette ofwait for itPrada stores. But nothing says galley kitchen like the pair of portholes in the pink pocket door. It conveniently can hide pre dinner-party chaos or simply serve as a style statement on its own. Ahoy, matey! 14Hang a Cool Pendant Tim LenzAt first blush, this kitchen designed by ELLE DECOR A-List firm Pappas Miron might look like your standard-issue white kitchen. But its the pendant light, as pretty and enticing as a peppermint, that takes it to the next level. If you have ceiling space to spare, install one that will similarly steal the scene. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Bring in a PlantMaureen M. EvansIf youre sick of the all-white kitchen but still want the lightness and space-creating magic the look affords, take a page from designer Mark Grattans book: In his Mexico City apartment he specified all-white cabinets and tiles but refreshed the look with pops of gold and terra-cotta in the travertine countertops, golden rug, and earthy plant stand. And, if your space and light levels allow, why not include a tree? 16Paint It All Black Francesco DolfoThe black kitchen is the sexy antithesis to the ubiquitous all-white one. And here, in his Milan apartment, hospitality designer Eric Egan brought all the drama. Not only are the countertops made from an unusually textured Porphyry stone, but the back wall is entirely mirrored, making these pint-sized space feel positively cavernous. As for inky cabinets? Theyre from Ikea! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17All-Day Diner David LandWhen the architecture firm Method Design and interior designer Nina Barneih-Blair teamed up on the design of this 490-square-foot Manhattan apartment, they needed to make the most out of every square inch. The solution? A kitchen island that serves multiple purposes over the course of the dayfrom ad hoc office to dinner party venue. An all-white palette of glossy cabinets and surfaces helps flaunt the flats greatest asset: natural light. 18Inky Black Backsplash Simon UptonWhen youre working with a 16th-century townhouse, like French designer Eric Allart did, you have to embrace the period quirks. This kitchen came complete with terra-cotta tiles. Rather than rip them out, Allart kept them in place and designed a quirky kitchen in unexpected hues to complement them. Here, an inky tile backsplash refracts sunlight, and a Pepto-pink shade on the walls and ceilings works to move the eye upward. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Zippy-Colored CabinetsAnnie SchlechterThis space, in a Beverly Hills house designed by Gary McBournie, might be a mere butlers pantry, but it offers plenty of inspiration for small kitchens. If its within your budget, opt for cabinets that offer a bit of Hollywood Regency glamour, like these ones here. If not, paint your existing ones in a vacation-ready hue like a bright key lime. The sunburst light fixture reminds us that its always happy hour somewhere! 20Towering Cabinets and White PaintKelly MarshallThe client of this Manhattan apartment doesnt use her small galley-style kitchen that often, but that didnt keep designer Lauren Buxbaum Gordon from making it a showpiece. Her signature move? To extend the cabinetry all the way up to the soaring period ceilings. Light countertops and a glossy white paint job let sunshine into the room, but its the gleaming gold hardware and accents that really make this small kitchen a winner.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 world's 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, she's 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.

While a child can technically sleep anywhere (as countless exhausted parents can attest), a thoughtfully designed kids' bedroom does so much more than provide a place to rest. It's a launching pad for imagination, a safe haven for dreams, and a personal space that grows alongside your little one. Whether you're planning ahead for a nursery-to-big-kid-room transformation, or looking to refresh your tween's outdated space, the right design can spark creativity, encourage independence, and yesmaybe even make bedtime a little easier.From whimsical nurseries to sophisticated teen retreats, we've curated 70 inspiring bedroom ideas that celebrate childhood while acknowledging the swift passage of time. These spaces cleverly balance playful elements with practical solutions, ensuring the room can evolve as smoothly as your child does. Ready to create a space that your kids will actually want to spend time in (and maybe even keep clean)? Let these creative solutions guide the way.1Sweet Floral Kids' RoomWilliam Jess LairdIn this Florida home, design firm General Assembly doused the daughter's room in House of Hackneys Hollyhocks floral pattern, from the wallpaper to the curtains. So precious! 2Sophisticated and YouthfulLaure JolietThis cozy bedroom designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Eric Hughes is the perfect blend of sophisticated and youthful. The canopy bed is by Amber Interiors, the custom daybed is in a Holland & Sherry fabric, the Ralph Lauren wall lamp is from Visual Comfort, and the carpet is by Stark. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Colorful and Playful Kids' RoomChris MottaliniIn this Hendricks Churchill-designed Manhattan apartment, a botanical theme flows throughout the space and into the daughter's adorable bedroom. The wallpaper is in a Josef Frank pattern, the beds are by Oeuf, the Grain side table is from Good Colony. 4Airy and Cozy Kids' RoomDavid MitchellSometimes some fresh air is all that's needed to change the whole mood. In this snug New Hampshire lake house designed by Nina Farmer, "all the childrens bedrooms have these Dutch doors to let air flow through and really encourage that indoor-outdoor feeling. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Minimalist NurseryGenevieve LutkinWelcome to the year 3000. In this ultra-minimalist London home designed by Miminat Shodeinde, even the nursery follows suit. The crib is by Sebra, the chair by Ron Arad, and the trolley is by Joe Colombo. 6Cozy CornerDouglas FriedmanA cozy reading corner is always a good idea. In this glamorous apartment designed by Jessie Schuster, the boys bedroom features a screenprint of a tree trunk by Jake Longstreth (like kids, they grow fast!) and a delightful blue striped wallpaper. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Bunk Beds FTWStephen Kent JohnsonWe love a good bunkbed, and this one is giving us the coziest vibes. In a mountain retreat designed by Commune, the walls are covered in a Kufri denim wallcovering that adds the perfect amount of warmth. Nap time, anyone?8Floral CocoonWilliam Jess LairdAll flowers, no allergies, in this room designed by Melissa Lee, which creates a garden atmosphere by enveloping it in Wild Tulip wallpaper from Soane that covers the walls and ceiling. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Pretty and CharmingPernille LoofThis whimsical, charming twin bedroom designed by Ramsey Lyons is perfect for sharing and adds a whole lot of character. The bed canopies are in a Schumacher fabric, the wallcovering is by Pierre Frey, and the lamps are by Visual Comfort & Co.10Statement Wallpaper Karyn Millet[The homeowners] found the Schumacher wallpaper and just fell in love, shares designer Joe Lucas of this fairytale print. With wallpaper like that, everything else just fades away. We couldn't agree more! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Casual ColorNicole FranzenTake notes from this sweet yet sophisticated childrens room in a Manhattan apartment. Rather than paint every wall teal (or 2008s iconic lime green), opt for a mural showcasing your little ones favorite color. Whether its florals, animals, or scenes of outer space, the motif is easily painted over when they change their minds. 12Book-Inspired Kids' RoomMarili ForastieriWhen looking for inspiration, take note of your childs favorite show or bedtime reads. This small space is swathed in a Where the Wild Things Arethemed wallpaper, bringing storytelling to life in this New York beach house.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Play LoftBastian AchardA play loft? Sounds like what childhood dreams are made of. For a sons room, homeowner Alessia Bianchi commissioned built-in beds with play lofts inspired by a design she spotted in an old photograph. The custom chair is in an Andrew Martin fabric. 14Nature ExplorerAlanna HaleLet curiosity bloom by creating a bedroom with natural textures and flora-print textiles, like this classic 1970s house. A large, open window with a view will keep your keen little person occupied for hours on end.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Botanical Kids RoomNoe DeWittFor the kids who tell you theyre pretty, pretty princesses, the pink-on-pink palette in this room designed by Redd Kaihoi sits well within a cocoon of fantastical vines to create the desired effect. 16All-Over Print Kids' RoomRyann FordFor the little bookworm in your life, give them a private place to escape into their favorite novels with a reading nook. In this light-filled Austin home, various patterns in the same color palette coordinate without feeling too busy.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Double VisionDouglas FriedmanFor a pair of twins, symmetry is embedded in everything they do. Honor that by taking tips from designer Robert Couturier, who mirrored the decor in this Gramercy Park townhouse. Plus, having the same of everything ensures no fighting ensues.18Endless Summer Camp BedroomMatthew WilliamsWhen you remove the threat of hungry bears and poison oak, a summer-camp aesthetic is actually very chic. Designer Victoria Sass proves that here with white oak cabinetry, bunks, and a hidey hole tucked up into the ceiling. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Box Bed Kid's RoomStephen Kent JohnsonIdeal for cozy bedtimes and make-believe alike, this custom cabinlike bed frame adds architectural interest to a formerly unvaried space in a California home designed by ELLE DECOR A-List firm Studio Shamshiri.20Window Seat Kids RoomDavid A. LandYou can never have too much storage when it comes to a kids room. And in this one by Pappas Miron, a window seat provides room to stash excess stuff while providing a perfectly sweet perch for the littles. Bonus for the wallpapered ceiling, covered in a Sister Parish print.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE DECOR, where she manages the brand's 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 Decor's 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.Charles 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.

Whether you're a first-time renovator or you count remodels as one of your love languages, undertaking a bathroom renovation requires a fair amount of patience. A walk-in shower is a smart design move that will optimize square footage while creating that at-home spa feel. Whats more, these steamy spaces offer unending design possibilities. For a playful vibe, combine colorful floor tiles with chrome fittings. Or pair a matte black showerhead with white marble for a high-contrast, glamorous feel. Trends like built-in seating and shelving are also catching on for homeowners in their walk-in showers, says Anna Karp, the CEO of design-build company Bolster. It has become quite common if people are staying in their home for a very long time, she tells us. Drawing inspiration from saunas and spas is de rigueur too,ELLE DECOR A-List designer Pamela Shamshiri. With that in mind, weve curated the best walk-in shower ideas from the pages of ELLE DECOR to suit every taste. Heres to making self-care a priority in the year ahead.1Neutral-Toned Walk-in ShowerDavid MitchellWhen the standing shower is this chic, who needs a bathtub? In this Paris-inspired apartment designed by Omar Aqeel, the 1854 bathroom was brought into the 21st century with total elegance. The room was completely gutted and the ceilings were raised to 11 feet, ready to be clad in Zia Earth tiles. The marble and hand-hammered brass sink, Bower Studio mirror, and Astep sconce by Gino Sarfatti are lovely finishing touches. 2High Contrast Marble BathroomSam FrostIn the bathroom of a recent Montecito, California project, design power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent brought in bold, veined stone that creates a striking visual impact. These electric Calacatta Viola Rose marble slabs, broken up by a stunning large swivel window, make for a walk-in shower that is as as luxurious as it is eye-catching. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Sculptural Shower NicheJean-Francois Jaussaud/Lux ProductionsBig on shower performances? Take notes from ELLE DECOR A-List designer Pierre Yovanovitchs bathroom, which offers plenty of staging space for your next loofah-mic gig. Whether you, too, inhabit a 17th-century chteau in Provence, or perhaps something more modest, plenty of inspiration can be gleaned from this stunningly stark space. 4So PauloInspired Walk-in ShowerKelly MarshallOpt for a fresh take on couples bathing with dual rainfall showerheads. That's just what ELLE DECOR A-Lister Mark Grattan did in the primary bathroom of this lush New York apartment, salaciously flanking the space in floor-to-ceiling windows and glass tile walls. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Tile Mural Walk-in ShowerMaureen M. EvansThe Lisbon apartment of jewelry designer Matthew Harris features hand-painted Portuguese tiles that depict a man in 18th-century garb, just in case you have a particular phobia of showering alone. The bathtub, rain shower, and fittings are by Roca, and the vintage footstool is a practical addition for a stack of extra fluffy towels. 6Warm Tones Mirrored Walk-in ShowerNicole FranzenThe design studio Husband Wife outfitted this petite bathroom with mirrors to create a grander sense of scale, while the striped marble pattern and touches of brass add to the Art Deco vibes.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Moroccan Tile Walk-in ShowerTrevor TondroIn the outr Paris pad of fashion designer Marc Valeanu, the primary bath features a substantial tub alongside a discreet walk-in shower, framed by a narrow archway. The pendant is by Fortuny, the tiles are by Mauricio Scianna, and the wall paint is Dove Tale by Farrow & Ball.8Open Air Walk-in ShowerRyann FordWhy settle for one walk-in shower when you can have two? The primary bath in this Austin project by interior designer Paul Lamb has two of almost everything, from sinks to showerheads. Think Texas ranch vibes...but make it chic. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Open Air Archway Walk-in ShowerNathalie KragSometimes it pays to take the minimalist route and let the architecture speak for itself. In this Capri home by architect Giuliano Andrea dellUva, the sweeping arches create a sculptural, less-is-more walk-in shower unlike any other. 10Glamorous Walk-in ShowerAnnie SchlechterWe love a primary bathroom thats just as glamif not more sothan the rest of the house. In this Florida abode, ELLE DECOR A-Lister Rodney Lawrence created drama by adding a chandelier that frames both the walk-in shower and the Waterworks tub. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Modern Farmhouse Walk-in ShowerMarco RiccaIn the primary bathroom of a Michelle Gerson project in New York City, the shower is enclosed by doors that mimic those seen in the homes dining room. The high-contrast trim and hexagonal tile flooring provide geometric appeal.12Industrial Chic Walk-in ShowerNicole FranzenThe primary bathroom of a Connecticut beach house was designed by the firm Jesse Parris-Lamb, which clad the walls in two sets of Waterworks tile for an industrial feel with a modern edge. The shower partition is custom, and the fittings are also by Waterworks.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Enclosed Walk-in ShowerDouglas FriedmanWhy settle for just one stone surface when you can have all of them? In this art-filled San Francisco home by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Nicole Hollis, the bathroom is swathed in a gorgeous veined marblefrom the tub and counters to the shower and flooring. Want to get the look? Everything you see here is Arabescato Corchia marble by Vaselli for Elementi.14Mosaic Tile Walk-in ShowerRead McKendreeColorful glass tiles? Sign us up! Interior design firm White Webb brought an array of sea-foam green and turquoise to this walk-in shower, creating an effect similar to fish (or mermaid) scales. This out-of-nature look pairs well with the rest of the home, which draws inspiration from the surrounding Woodstock, New York, flora and fauna. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Small Tile Design Walk-in ShowerDouglas FriedmanThe primary bathroom of this New York apartment features a walk-in shower with tile by Bisazza and sink fittings by California Faucet. The walls are painted in Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball to make the diminutive space feel all the more nestlike and to provide a flattering backdrop for the artwork by Nan Goldin.16Traditional Walk-in ShowerDouglas FriedmanELLE DECOR A-Lister Ken Fulk designed this Sonoma Valley lake house, the primary bathroom of which features sinks and fittings by Waterworks, lighting by Visual Comfort, and wall and floor tiles by ASN Natural Stone. Dual sinks and an alcove shower make this an especially practical setup with trad bona fides.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Skylight Walk-in ShowerRichard FoulserIn the main bathroom of designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brents Montauk, New York, beach house, a holly olive tree in an Indonesian limestone planter takes center stage, while the pebble-floored shower creates a supremely relaxing space. 18Gold Walk-in ShowerJoshua McHughTheres a sense of Art Deco razzle-dazzle to this walk-in shower by Cochineal Design, which is part of an equally chic New York City apartment. The pairing of Cl tiles with gold hardware and marble is inspired; the light pink walls bring a bit of softness to the space. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Subway Tile with Gold Fittings Walk-in ShowerStacy Zarin GoldbergDesigner Zoe Feldman outfitted this primary bathroom in a Washington, D.C., residence with navy blue floor and wall tiles from Waterworks; the wall-mounted fittings are also from Waterworks. The half-height wall makes this design all the more private and a bit easier to clean.20Desert Modern Walk-in ShowerChad MellonDesigner Shannon McLaren Wilkins used contrasting tile patterns to add visual interest to the walk-in shower in this bathroom, with black fittings and blond wood millwork for contrast. Taking the shower tiling to the ceiling further wet-proofs the area and adds a nice sense of scale.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.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

As the mercury drops, nothing holds as much appeal as curling up in front of a crackling fire, hot toddy in hand and the nip of winter at bay. And while your fireplace might be the prime spot to cozy up, hearth and home (to borrow an old aphorism) obviously go hand-in-hand as far as decor is concerned. A mantel, be it bold or traditional, is, naturally, a glowing focal point for your living room, bedroom, or patio. So how do you go about transforming your existing fireplace or designing one from scratch in a way that feels at once functional but has that wow factor? Weve been seeing mantels trend bolder (dare we say hotter?) than ever before. Even so, says ELLE DECOR A-List designer Rayman Boozer, its best to keep things classic when designing a timeless fireplace. The key to any successful contemporary design is to limit the number of materials used and let them be the story, he says. In a Harlem duplex we showcased in our October 2024 issue, for example, the designer paired a bold Calacatta Viola surround with sky-blue trim that matched the rooms walls. Many of our clients don't want traditional mantels anymore, Boozer continues, noting he tends to steer clear of clichd materials like stone and brick. They opt for a flatter profile with nothing distracting from the hearth and surround; this allows the fire to be the focus. If youre working on a budget, there are plenty of DIY solutions to give your mantel that special spark. Any mantel can be gessoed to achieve a plaster finish. You can buy gesso at any art store, and it looks just like plaster, says Toronto-based interior designer Colette van den Thillart. Paint remains the cheapest way to refresh anything, affirms Boozer. If you have an old mantel, try painting it the same color as the walls. This will make it look fresh and new.And if all else fails, says van den Thillart, Place a basket of logs beside any gas or electric (or even empty!) hearth, as it renders the effect more cozy and inviting.For more ideas sure to ignite the imagination, weve turned to the ELLE DECOR archive for our 70 most stylish fireplace ideas. Now, fire it up!1Copper-Hued FireplaceStephen Kent JohnsonThe brief for this perfectly-rustic Montana winter home was a "kind of French boho ski chalet" and the Los Angeles-based designer firm Commune totally delivered. The living room got a unique folded chimney breast designed by artist Brian Robles and clad in copper plasterproof you don't need to rely on brick alone for a homey hearth. 2Art Deco-Inspired Marble FireplaceHelenio BarbettaWhen creating this sumptuous Milan apartment, ELLE DECOR A-List architect Hannes Peer looked to the Italian city's design heritage. That inspo was carried through in the gorgeous Giallo Siena marble fireplace, whose geometric lines of concentric rectangles were inspired by the Art Deco movement. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Sculptural Plaster FireplaceStephen Kent JohnsonThis is the New York furniture showroom of ELLE DECOR A-List designer Pierre Yovanovitch, but it's pretty much our dream home. Anchoring the room is an original fireplace, which Yavanovitch covered in plaster and gave a gorgeously curvaceous silhouette, a look that feels retro and fresh at the same time. 4Blue-Bordered FireplaceKelly MarshallIt's safe to say that ELLE DECOR A-List designer Rayman Boozer is the king of using paint color creatively and this living room, in a Harlem duplex we showcased in our October 2024 issue, proves it. Here, Boozer covered the walls in Benjamin Moore's Harbor Haze and painted the trim surrounding the fireplace in a slightly darker hue. The simple move makes it feel unified with the framed artwork that surrounds it. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Spanish Revival FireplaceKaryn MilletThis 1928 Los Feliz home, recently revitalied by Joe Lucas, featured beautiful Spanish Revival bones. Lucas left the fireplace intact, painted it white, and incorporated layers of texture and artwork. Above the mantel, he hung a sculpture acquired through the Los Angeles antiques dealer JF Chen. Instead of a painting, why not do something similar with the real estate above your mantel? 6Muted Blue FireplaceSam FrostDesign power couple Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus certainly knew how to set the mood in this Montecito, California estate. They painted the entire living areafireplace included! in a dusty shade of blue. Try the monochrome strategy for yourself by using Portolo Paints Sirene shade. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Mirrored Tile FireplaceStephan JuillardOne of the boldest moves designer Pierre Gonalons made in this 1970s-inspired Paris apartment was cladding the chimney breast in gradated glass panels that are backed in copper, brass, and silver leaf. My idea was to give the impression that a fire had burned the mirror at the bottom, he told us.8Beaded FireplaceElliott FuernissBeads arent just for your favorite bracelet. Here, in an Atlanta home, designer Jessica Davis brought the millegrain look to the plaster fireplace surround. We have a feeling this is a trend thats bound to bubble up...Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Midcentury Cone FireplaceRichard PowersFor a look as groovy as it is graceful, consider a cone fireplace, la this corner in designer Carol Egans midcentury-modern dream house. Because its freestanding, this fireplace (which is original to the house) allowed Egan to create a bold gallery wall directly behind it. 10Muted FireplaceOri HarpazMuted can be mighty chic, as designer David Lucido proves in this soft-spoken Los Angeles home. By matching the fireplace to the cream-colored walls and choosing warming, tan hues for the floor and ceiling, you feel like youre sandwiched inside the worlds most glamorous smore. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Raspberry Marble FireplaceEthan HerringtonBold Breccia Arrabida marble? Check. Bold raspberry paint job? Check. This idea, courtesy Alton Bechara, leans into a maximalist manteland then some. I told them that I really like pink, the homeowner says. Dreams do come true! 12Historic Hearth FireplaceFrancesco LagneseAlyse Archer-Coit amped up the country charm in her 1770 upstateNew York house by painting her kitchen hearth in a happy shade of blue. The shelf is the perfect venue to showing off her ceramics collection. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Room-Spanning FireplaceEma PeterFireplaces are typically reserved as a sitting rooms focal point, but we love how this one, in a West Vancouver, British Columbia, mother-daughter pad designed by PlaidFox, quite literally spreads the love with its room-spanning marble surround. 14Beaux-Arts FireplaceNoe DeWittWe cant all live in a home as grand as this (it used to belong to newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer) but we can certainly admire its wedding cake levels of decoration. Designer Jean Liu, the owner of this unbelievable pied--terre, leaned into the aesthetic of the original marble mantel a vintage bust and a pair of antique candlesticks. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Lime FireplaceYves DriegheThis Belgian manor may have once been a medieval hunting lodge, but Jean-Philippe Demeyer injected it with plenty of color and whimsy. If youre feeling brave, why not paint your fireplace in a similar lime green? 16Midcentury Brick FireplaceChris MottaliniIf your home features amazing period featureslike this midcentury exposed-brick, asymmetrical fireplace in a home ELLE DECOR A-Lister Garrett Hunter designed for his parentsleave them be and let the decor do the work. Here, accessories like Francis Jourdain chairs, a rug by J. James Akston, and an artwork by Irmgard Arvin make the space feel refined, not retro. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Steel-Clad Fireplace Chris MottaliniLeave it to Andre Herrero, cofounder of the architecture and design studio Charlap Hyman & Herrero, to give us a fireplace thats as cool as it is cerebral. In his girlfriends West Hollywood apartment, he clad the fireplace in stainless steel panels, a move that hides the TV and also nods to the Paris home of Yves Saint Laurent muse Betty Catroux.18Wainscot-Backed FireplaceIbrahim OzbunarWhat could be cozier than a fireplace? A fireplace with wainscoting behind it! The designers at Istanbul-based firm Sanayi313 brought extra warmth to this stately sitting room via earthy plaster finishes and travertine floors. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Blue Marble FireplaceDouglas FriedmanIf you want your fireplace to be the glowing center of the room, try painting your surrounding walls in a dark hue, la Nicole Hollis in this San Francisco stunner. She selected a dazzling blue-veined marble slab and topped the look off with a tondo by artist Doug Aitken.20Pooch-Perfect FireplaceFrancesco LagneseAdding a few strategic accessories is a simple way to take your mantel to the next level. Here, designer Tom Scheerer used a matching set of plants, a trio of framed artworks, and a lean mirror to give the fireplace roof-raising impact. As if the adorable dog hadnt already won us over. 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 world's 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, she's 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.

If your kitchen sparks about as much joy as a bag of frozen pizza rolls, it might be time to switch things up in 2025. And fortunately, you dont have to break the bank on a gut reno to spruce up your space. In fact, simply giving your cabinets a fresh lick of paint can completely transform your cooking space. Before you reach for that bucket of white paint, have you considered a blue kitchen? Hear us out: Unlike trendy kitchen cabinet colors, blue has long been viewed as a classic. Blue can really be a neutral, affirms Jessica Davis, founder of the Atlanta- and South Orange, New Jerseybased firm Atelier Davis. Think of it like a pair of jeans. The cooler undertones of a blue palette are the perfect foil for the variety of metals used in cooking equipment, from pots and pans to appliances, adds Toronto designer Sam Sacks.But before you make a beeline to your nearest hardware store, consider the unique light, style, and size of your space, Sacks cautions. A seaside traditional home is the perfect place for a Shaker-style kitchen in robins egg blue, she says. Conversely, electric blue flat front cabinetry makes a striking statement in a modern envelope.Want proof? Weve selected 32 beautiful blue kitchen ideas to inspire a culinary redo in 2025. 1Multiple Blue HuesEric PetschekDesigner Bachman Clem worked with three different tones of blue in this New York kitchen. Here, the cabinets got a coat of Benjamin Moores Athenian Blue while the walls were painted in the brand's slightly paler Mystical Blue. The trim, meanwhile, is in Benjamin Moores electric Brilliant Blue. 2Pale Blue Cabinets With Checkered TileAdrian GautWhen in doubt, work with complementary colors. Blue's bedfellow is orange and, in this Texas home, design firm Ashe Leandro showcases how well the two hues work together. Here, cabinetry in Farrow & Balls Parma Gray pairs perfectly with rustic terra-cotta tiles. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Matching Cabinets and StoveEric PiaseckiThe blue in this gorgeous Aspen home designed by Caroline Sarkozy was inspired by the weathered colors of American barns. Here, the pine kitchen island and cabinets got a similarly rustic treatment with a classic blue paint job. But our favorite detail is the matching blue stove from Viking. 4High-Shine BlueKaryn MilletELLE DECOR readers are smitten with this high-gloss galley kitchen in the California home of design insiders Joe Lucas and David Heikkaand its easy to see why with its cheerful blue paint job. Before, the cabinets were all white, and I follow a golden ruleno white kitchensso we immediately painted them, explains Lucas.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Electric Blue Upper and Lower CabinetsLauren MillerThis Toronto home features tall ceilings and elegant historic details such as ornate moldings, but designer Sam Sackss goal was to create a dwelling that was loose and cool and livable for the young homeowner. Key to her strategy was contrasting all that period fanciness with electrifying hits of blueSackss favorite color. In the kitchen, Yves Klein Blue upper and lower kitchen cabinets stand out against a white exposed-brick wall. Black countertops and a few bare plywood cabinet doors give the look a hit of De Stijl flair.6French Seaside Blue KitchenStephan JulliardJean-Louis Deniot incorporated the whimsy of Tintin into his vacation home off the coast of France. No space is as charming as his kitchen, with its custom blue cabinetsaccented in neat, cream trim to play up the windowsand old-timey checkerboard floor. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Primary Blue Mark Luscombe-WhyteLandscape designer Jenny Graham cites orange as her favorite color, but here in her minimal Argentinian kitchen, she contrasted her beloved tangerine with a bold, custom cobalt on the kitchen cabinets. 8Gray-Blue Nick JohnsonAs this kitchen designed by all-star decorator Thom Filicia proves, a gray-tinged blue can behave as a lovely neutral in a more traditional decor scheme. Here, the kitchens are painted in Benjamin Moores Brewster Grey. Nickel hardware accentuates the cool palette. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Blue IslandAlanna HaleDesigner Jessica Davis and architect Gustave Carlson breathed new life into a classic California home first designed by Joseph Eichler in the 1970s. Their intervention included fun jolts of color, including the bright blue island and cabinets in the kitchen. 10Pale Blue Everything Francesco LagneseEmily Todhunter designed this Manhattan home to be nearer to the sky so a pale blue, of course, was the color of choice throughout the homeand particularly in the kitchen, where she doused the entire room in Benjamin Moores Van Courtland Blue.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Deep Blue-Green Isabel ParraIf youre on the fence about painting your cabinets blue or green, why not combine them? Budding design firm Perifio painted their own kitchen cabinets a deep teal from C2 Paint, a shade that helps draw in the green of the surrounding countryside. 12Blue with Industrial Accents Peter MurdockThe beauty of blue cabinets is that the hue also complements a surprising spectrum of materials, from timber to terrazzo, the material of choice here in a sleek vacation home designed by architect Blaze Makoid and interior designer Joe Nahem. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Classic Duck Egg Stacy Zarin GoldbergDuck-egg blue is a total classic when it comes to kitchen cabinetry, and this is one of the most elegant examples out there. Here, in a Washington, D.C., residence, designer Zoe Feldman opted for Farrow & Balls Card Room Green, a shade inspired by Victorian homes. 14Splashes of Azure Stephan JulliardNot ready to embrace an all-blue kitchen? Try it in smaller doses, like in this happy Portuguese cooking space designed by Jacques Grange. In lieu of entirely blue cabinets, Grange deployed it just on the outer edges. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Sky Blue in the Sky Thomas LoofIts only fitting that a home in the clouds would have equally vertiginous cabinetry. This Richard Mishaandesigned apartment, in Herzog & de Meurons Jenga-like 56 Leonard skyscraper in New York City, includes floor-to-ceiling blue cabinetry in a shade that matches the blue of the sky and the Hudson River far below. 16A Whisper of Blue Trevor TondroIf you have stainless steel appliances, a pale blue with gray undertones is the route for you. Here, designer Alison Palevsky picked a barely there blue shade (one that makes appearances throughout this sprawling California home) to contrast with the Viking stove and hanging pot rack.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17True Blue CabinetsStephen Kent JohnsonOK, this technically isnt a kitchenits actually a bar area in a Hamptons homebut there are plenty of lessons to be learned here, courtesy of designer Poonam Khanna. She incorporated floor-to-ceiling vibrant blue cabinets (in Philipsburg Blue by Benjamin Moore) and leaned into their Crayola brightness with a set of sunny yellow chairs. 18Bright and Light CabinetsEmily GilbertYou dont necessarily have to have all-white-everything in a kitchen to create a space that feels fresh and airy. Case in point: For this kitchen in a Hamptons home, designer Daun Curry chose the faintest of sky blues for the cabinets and a soft, pale gray marble for the island and backsplashes. Its a bright idea to us! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19The Deepest, Glossiest BlueFrancesco LagneseConversely, if you are intrigued by black kitchen cabinets but arent quite ready to move to the dark side, navy can be a chic intermediary. In this David Nettodesigned kitchen, high-gloss cabinets and a poppy orange tile exude plenty of drama. 20Blue Paint, Black TileAlex LukeyIn a Canadian lake house, the kitchen is painted in Benjamin Moores Van Deusen Blue, the pendant lights are by Urban Electric Co., the backsplash is in Saltillo Tile, and the counters are Caesarstone in London Grey.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 world's 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, she's 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.

This article originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.A Great House is not necessarily a great house. The former is historically important, architecturally significant, and frequently intimidating. The latter is a place where you want to hang out. So its a credit to Peter Spears and Brian Swardstrom that theyve turned the 228-year-old Ludlow Homestead, in Claverack, New York, into a house that is distinguished, fine, and proud, yet also so congenial that you cant help wanting to curl up by the fire and take a nap. Bjrn WallanderA pair of circa-1930s armchairs from John Derian and a 19th-century American table in the library; the 19th-century Persian rug was bought at auction, and the mantel is original. Our goal was to have it not be a museum piece, says Swardstrom, a talent agent whose clients include Tilda Swinton and Michael Douglas, but rather livable, comfortable, warm, and relaxed.The couple also felt a deep respect for the history of the house, which was built in 1786 and will likely long outlast them, according to Spears, an actor, director, and producer whos currently at work on a project with James Ivory. Its like were just part of the lineage of it now. We dont really own the house so much as were its custodians for the future. Our goal was to have it not be a museum piece Bjrn WallanderAntique maps of New Yorks Columbia County in the library; the 17th-century chair is Dutch, and the bookshelves are custom designs.Their first job in this role was to restore the structure, which was in need of attention when they acquired it in 2009. For one thing, the house had sat empty for a few years and had deteriorated accordingly. Moreover, its previous owners had converted part of it into an antiques shop, installing track lighting in the ceilings and ripping out part of the banister. Undoing that was an ordeal. The banister alone required borrowing a 3D-imaging device to create a model of how the original would have looked, then presenting it to a millworker who could fabricate a new one. Bjrn WallanderThe dining room mural by Elektra Buhalis is painted in the style of the 19th-century New England artist Rufus Porter; 18th-century chairs surround an early-20th-century Regency-style table, the Dutch-style chandelier is 18th century, and the 19th-century mirror came from a Hudson Valley estate. A bigger challenge still was lurking in the dining room. There was a little pucker in the ceiling, and the guy who showed the house was like, Oh, its just plaster, Spears recalls. After we bought it, we explored further and found the main beam supporting the second floor had split. A careless 20th-century bathroom installation had created more stress than the original beam could carry. The dining room ceiling had to be cut open, and so did the floorright through to the basement, so that a jack could pass through it, to rest on solid ground. A centimeter at a time, the jack eased the beam back into place, says Spears, because we didnt want to crack it again.Bjrn WallanderAn 1840 center table, made in the region, was found at the Rhinebeck Antiques Fair, and the pine floor is original. Decorating the house proved a lot less nerve-racking. The couple quickly decided that, apart from upholstered pieces, they wanted furnishings that were appropriate not only historically but also, whenever possible, regionally. Theres a big difference between stuff that was made in New York and stuff from Boston and Philadelphia, says Spears, who majored in Colonial American history in college and took to the project like a duck to water.They also introduced moments of playful drama, as in the Grand Tour room, an upstairs parlor decorated with pictures and mementos reminiscent of those aristocrats collected during their 19th-century peregrinations, including a painting of Vesuvius, a classical bust, and early photographs of Egyptian ruins. And once the dining room was restored, they invited a muralist to decorate the walls in the style of Rufus Porter, an itinerant artist whod traveled throughout New England in the early 19th century, painting landscapes on the walls of houses and taverns.Bjrn WallanderThe kitchen island was made with reclaimed wood from the house, the countertop is Carrara marble, and the refrigerator is by Sub-Zero; the light fixtures are from Time and Materials, and the window frames, shutters, and cabinetry are painted in Farrow & Balls Buff. All the same, the houses broad, even vast, Georgian proportions took some getting used to. The rooms can swallow furniture up, says Swardstrom. So at first there was a lot of empty space. But over time, weve started to layer things in. Hunting for those things has been fun. There were a lot of great bargains to be found, says Swardstrom, thanks to the fact that brown furniture is not in style right now. He likens it to shopping for modern furnishings in the early 1990san experience the couple knows well, having lived in and decorated a string of notable homes, including a Paul Williamsdesigned bungalow during their 20 years in Los Angeles, where they still keep an apartment. Weve always been drawn to architecturally significant houses, says Spears. Still, it takes a bit of moxie to inhabit a house thats nearly as old as this countryand that, according to Spears, is among the most famous in Columbia County. Yet the couple did not for a moment feel apprehensive about living up to their houses illustrious pedigree. This house is the fulfillment of a dream we didnt even know we had.Bjrn WallanderThe primary bedroom features an Empire four-poster with a coverlet from Rural Residence, an 18th-century blanket chest, and vintage alabaster lamps atop American Empire side tables; the walls are covered with a custom wallpaper by Adelphi Paper Hangings.Weve always had the kind of personalities that, even if everybody told us something was impossible, we didnt see the obstacles, says Spears. I grew up in Kansas. Brian grew up on Cape Cod. Hollywood is full of people who dream really big, and I think we always had big dreams. Certainly, this house is the fulfillment of a dream we didnt even know we had.Perhaps the Great House, too, was dreaming that one day, a couple of equally great characters would come along and take up its story.Tour this graceful Georgian Manse in Upstate New York

I have always wanted to live a life filled with art, declares Susan Aqeel, who took a couple of painting classes in college and, unable to keep up with the classs requirements, resolved to appreciate it in other ways. In 1968, Susan landed in New York's Soho neighborhood, where she brushed shoulders with the likes of artists like Louise Nevelson and Jamie Wyeth (Andrew Wyeth's son). At night, the Italian restaurants were brimming with just two kinds of people: artists and the Mafia, she recalls. Artists had the whole floor of each building to themselves, and it felt like the great American art renaissance.In the years to follow, Susan moved to California where she raised her son, Omar, filling their home with her favorite paintings. Omar moved to New York in 2011, studying interiors at Pratt, interning for Steven Volpe, and then starting his interior design firm, Methods of Assembly, this year. Thats when Susan, now retired, started dividing her time between the west and east coasts, finally purchasing a small pied--terre in the city to be closer to her son. She knew exactly who would design it and how. Susan wanted a city pied--terre that felt cool and relaxing, clean and uncluttered, somewhere to host a party after a gallery opening, a place to work, and a home in the cityone that would certainly be filled with art, says Omar, who was thrilled to step up to the task. I really wanted this project to be a love letter to how I see her: bold, elegant, independent, and defiant of expectation."David MitchellThe apartment sits on the second floor of an 1854 townhouse in the West Chelsea historic district. Its Anglo-Italianate architectural style features ornately carved stone fireplaces and double French door windows that open to look out over the High Line hotel. Fittingly, its just around the corner from galleries like Jack Shainman, Ateliers Courbet, and Gagosian. Before Omar could begin bringing Susans artwork in, however, there were some square footage issues to address. Fortunately, the apartments bones were good, save the core of the apartment, which contains the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways. The front room had these 11-foot ceilings, but when you walked into the kitchen, you were in a two-foot-by-two-foot space that felt like a shoebox, Omar explains. We cut into the ceiling and realized there was another few feet of possible ceiling space there, which is architectural gold in a historic New York apartment. Omars team raised the ceilings and doorways, adding molding to further create that sense of height. The floors, too, were bleached and refinished with a lighter hue. David MitchellBeyond those additions, Omar sought to maintain as much of the original character of the building as possible, seeking to highlight the houses original details, including the moldings, the ornate fireplaces, and a pair of 18th-century French panels, which became a jumping off point for Omar and Susan. I was envisioning a place where she would get off the Jitney, open the door, and exhale, Omar explains. We landed on this idea of the informal gallery with inspiration from the concept of a Parisian salon.The living room, which they dubbed the salon, is a lesson in balance: a creamy white backdrop (Farrow & Ball's All White) is accentuated by a loud pair of cherry red 1978 Don Chadwick club chairs and a larger-than-life painting by Evan Paul English; traditional architectural details sit alongside a contemporary Astep VV Cinquanta Suspension lamp and a Brutalist-style library table in nero black marble with lacquered conical bases. In considering how to bring together Susans tastes and artworks, Omar looked to a lot of Italian design references (Osvaldo Borsani's legendary villa outside Milan, for example) and Jean Dunand, to speak to Susans love of Art Deco. We don't need to over-dramatize the rooms great architectural features with excessive design, Omar explains. It was really focusing on creating this quiet backdrop and letting the furniture become sculptural art pieces. David MitchellEvery project needs one element that pushes one's boundaries. For Susan, that was the kitchen. I spent a lot of time in the San Francisco design center area, and I have seen all the kitchens and have done my homework for years. I knew my kitchen style was Ralph Lauren with a touch of Restoration Hardware, Susan explains. Omar suggested a stainless steel kitchen and at first blush, it seemed way too out there for me. With time, however, Susan says she kept going back to that. I finally told Omar, Do it your way, Im not going to resist anymore.The whole room is a piece of art. Omar, given a carte blanche, threw out the cooking spaces standard cabinets, in place of brushed stainless steel cabinets by Reform. On one side, the cabinets reach from floor-to-ceiling; on the other, similar cabinetry goes up to the standard kitchen counter height. I was trying to un-kitchen it as much as possible, Omar jokes. Its steel minimalism juxtaposed with a warm Akari light sculpture, and there's no backsplashit's all lime wash with a stain-resistant wax finish. I think this really speaks to the tension we were investigating in the project. For Omar, inspiration for the kitchen was sparked by his studies of the late American artist Donald Judd: I like to go back to the simple forms, planes, cubes. Susan says the rooms simplicity speaks for itself, The whole room is a piece of art. See Inside This Artful City HavenThe apartment is filled with treasures that Susan has collected over the years. I know all the artists, Susan fondly recalls. Theyre friends: one is an old boyfriend; another, Michael Snodgrass, is a friend of ours in Carmel; and another is Omars ex-husbandall wonderful artists that are still living. Somehow this apartment feels more alive, because Im surrounded by the work of living, breathing friends. 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 bathroomunlike your front porch, say, or even your kitchenis a very private space. In the best of cases, it functions as a kind of shrine to your everyday rituals and overall well-being. In the worst of cases, its a total eyesore: Shower curtains remain drab and outdated, products are haphazardly arranged on counters, and aesthetics are neglected in favor of functionality. Its fine time for a little refresh of this essential space. And what better way to begin than by rethinking your shelf situation? These 20 top bathroom shelf ideastaken from the projects of our ELLE DECOR A-Listers and beyondare proof that your bathroom can indeed look as hot as you like your shower water to be. Youve heard of curb appeal; now, its time for shelf appeal.1Keep the Shelves LowNoe DeWittELLE DECOR A-List designer Alfredo Paredes placed a custom vanity in the bathroom of his Locust Valley, New York, digswith open shelving that keeps things at just the right level of showy. The rattan baskets are not only an organizational hack but also enter into fluent conversation with the vanitys wooden finish. 2Create a Niche (or Two!)Douglas FriedmanELLE DECOR A-Lister Martyn Lawrence Bullard is the king of exuberant and exotic interiors, which is plain as day in this bathroom setupas part of his beachside Maui project. After taking in those striking green zellige tiles, our eye lands on the two shelf-equipped niches flanking the door. Do what Bullard did and use them for towels, yes, but also for those objets dart that are close to your heart. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Add Some Backlightingalvarez//Getty ImagesShelves backlit in anything but white light run the risk of feeling tacky; this bathroom interior, however, is anything but. Inspired? Go with a darker, moodier color palette in your bathroom, ensuring your shelving pops out via LED light strips and metal finishes. 4Tile It UpKelly MarshallIn Megan Rapinoe and Sue Birds NYC crib, ELLE DECOR A-List talent Mark Grattan made sure everything was within reach inside the clients doorless showercourtesy of that shelf niche decked out in mint-hued glass tiles. The glass shelves themselves are narrow and thus perfect for a few demure essentials, plant included.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Try a Glass CabinetShai EpsteinIn this Tel Aviv, Israel, home, owned by artist Ivo Bisignano and architect Alex Meitlis, the bathroom is a work of artnot only due to all that Carrara marble but also the presence of a glass-fronted cabinet holding what appear to be decorative eggs, a mirror, and figurines. Functional? Maybe not, but glamorous to the max.6Embrace the Wonder of WoodFrancesco DolfoHospitality designer Eric Egan knows a thing or two about intentionally chic bathroom design, which is precisely how we would describe the one in his Milan flat. Its three perfectly placed wooden shelves are the perfectly subtle complement to that boisterous wallpaper (a custom print by Fromental).Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Build a Teeny ShelfMikkel VangWere gushing over this tiny treasure of a shower niche from a New York bathroom designed by ELLE DECOR A-List firm Ashe Leandro. If your shower routine consists of just a few tried-and-true basics, a square nook of a shelfespecially one laid out in classic white tilewill be a trusty sidekick.8Go with a Standalone Shelf UnitGREY CRAWFORDIn his Paris apartments bathroom, A-List designer Jacques Granges modus operandi seemed to be gilded and splendid. After you finish admiring that candle-laden chandelier, move your gaze to the metal shelf unittopped by a white stone statue that looks straight out of a museum! If you dont want to ruin your walls, standalone shelf units are the answer.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Place CarefullyEric PiaseckiThis dolled-up powder room makes up for what it lacks in counters with a standalone shelf unit perfectly wedged between the marble sink and the toilet. If you take away anything from this visual (besides a penchant for that antique blue wallpaper!), it should be the fact that proper shelf placement is your saving grace against a crowded interior. If it doesnt fit, get another one.10Install a Shelf over the MirrorDouglas FriedmanThis bathroom, in Andy Cohens old NYC duplex, is absolutely phantasmagorical. Complementing Flavor Papers Cherry Forever mylar wallpaper is that red bouquetheld by a sleek shelf suspended from the partially blocked mirror. Its a perfect way to curb the bouts of narcissism were all predisposed to; besides, curating a bathroom like this will give you so much to look at instead. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Match SurfacesImgorthand//Getty ImagesIn the spirit of integrating shelves into the overarching composition of your bathroom, make sure they dont stand out like sore thumbsdoing so by matching their materiality to that of whatever surface theyre adjacent to. In this inspiring visual, backlit shelves in a green stone (sprinkled with touches of live greenery!) act as natural extensions of the shower walls.12Bring on the Built-InsRob Melnychuk//Getty ImagesBathroom shelves (especially ones that stand on the floor) run the risk of feeling a bit rickety. Show everyone who comes through your own washroom that youre all about solid, long-term investments: via built-in shelves that feel like theyre part of the homes foundation. In this image, the built-ins provide more than enough space for your plush towels, lotion bottles, and beyond. P.S.: Were enamored by those cubbies at the top.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Keep It FlushMint Images//Getty ImagesFloating shelves are modern creatures, particularly when theyre as flush to the wall as these two. If you want to keep your bathroom as minimalist as can be but also shake things up, simply replicate this look by staggering the shelves! Your bathroom motto from now on should be Dont forget to both flush and keep it flush.14Make Use of Your VanityPeter + Kelley GibeonIn this awe-inspiring bathroom, the vanitys glass shelves (next to those floating ones closer to the tub) just might beat the lush forest view. Were big proponents of vanities in general, convenient as they are for storing less aesthetic products inside the drawers and flaunting your special purchases (read: expensive perfumes, luxe skincare, and candles) on the open shelving. Compartmentalizing for the win!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Fall for Floor-to-Ceiling ShelvesAlanna HaleIn the main bathroom of hotel magnate Barry Sternlichts Miami Beach sanctuary, high design takes center stage. Hes chosen to create a floor-to-ceiling shelf that doesnt shy away from bold contrast but is also a pitch-perfect match for those custom shower doors and black hardware. In other words, go tall (and fill the nooks with hotel-quality towels!).16Conceal to the MaxPernille LoofIn interior designer Vicente Wolfs Manhattan shower room (which, as that frosted-glass wall makes clear, is adjacent to the library), the shelves are basically poster children for tucked-away storage space. Theres something very cavernous about their layoutcontributing to the rooms whole futurism-meets-luxury aura.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Go Against the GrainDaniel Cortez//Getty ImagesIts easy to be tempted by typical rectangular shelves, stacked one on top of the other in a way thats functional yet predictable. Choose the road less traveled instead, and go with angled shelves (like the ones hanging above the laundry basket in this display). Another fun touch? Tiny square shelves surrounding a medicine cabinet. After all, more surface area for your tchotchkes never hurts. 18Spice Up the CornersAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesThis Provence bathroom masters a very rare thing when it comes to shelves: making corner ones look chic. The feminine vignette proves that, when choosing between gracing your shelves with beauty products or antique pottery, you should go with the pottery and never look back.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Tap into SymmetryAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesYour bathroom should be soothing on the eyes whenever you step insidesomething that can easily be achieved through symmetry. Here, two sinks, two bath mats, two sconces, and two floor-to-ceiling skinny shelves make order the name of the game. Were digging the shelves creamy white color too, which lets the wicker baskets do all the talking.20Lean into Ladder ShelvesVIKTORIIA DROBOT//Getty ImagesLadder shelves are attention-grabbers, so buying one will most certainly zhuzh up your bathroom situation. Often, the steps get smaller as they go higher, in which case, wed advise you to allocate your items wiselykeeping frequently used things within easy reach in the middle, purely ornamental touches at the top, and bulkier items (like towels or hair tools) at the base.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.

Be it via Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, or Rear Window, we all have our fantasy versions of New York City. For many design cognoscenti, their dreams took the shape of the late fashion designer Isabel and artist Ruben Toledos penthouse apartment, showcased in a 2006 New York magazine article and dubbed by a New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission chairwoman as a little Parnassus in the skyfitting, as Parnassus was the residence of the Greek muses.Frank Frances StudioAlfredo Paredess Midtown design studio (shown here and above left) is in the former penthouse loft of Isabel and Ruben Toledo. Set atop Alfred Zuckers late-19th-century Baudouine Building, the penthouse is now home to ELLE DECOR A-List interior designer Alfredo Paredess small but mighty studio. Paredes, who worked at Ralph Lauren before opening his eponymous firm in 2019, remembered the space fondly from seeing it in print. When he heard it was available, he knew he had to have it and moved there this past fall while still several months away from the end of his previous lease. Frank Frances StudioParedes with a portrait of the couple.Architecturally, Paredes changed nothing. What was once the Toledos sleeping area is now a war room for the studios designers, while Rubens main workspace is now a sitting area that showcases a few of Paredess own designs: a pink sofa and navy armchairs. The positive, creative spirit the Toledos imbued in the space lives on. The most beautiful rooms are the ones that have been there forever, Paredes says. We couldnt agree more. This story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

JASON VARNEYOver the course of a calendar year, we see hundreds, if not thousands, of rooms. Sure, there are the homes we feature in our pages, but there are also the countless art exhibitions we're covering, hotels we're frequenting, and hot new restaurants we're scouting. Like eating Pringles, it's virtually impossible to stop at just one. There are, however, a handful of places that stood out to us in 2024as news makers, as places of transcendence, or as sites of incomparable glamour. Though it was a tough exercise, we polled our staff editors, A-List designers, and contributors toyespick favorites. Without further ado, here are the spaces that we couldn't stop thinking about this year and that will doubtlessly inspire us into 2025and beyond. 1Notre-Dame Cathedral, ParisSARAH MEYSSONNIER//Getty ImagesIt was the cultural moment of the year: the resurrection of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, just five years after the catastrophic fire that left it in a smoldering shell. Thanks to a massive $1 billion restoration project involving nearly 1,000 craftspeople trained in the art of medieval skills, this glowing new interior is radiating, with mural painting restoration efforts removing centuries of accumulated patina, 8,000 meticulously restored organ pipes, and 1,500 new chairs and kneelers. R.S. 2Charlie Fox, New YorkBrian W. FerryThe moment you step inside Charlie Fox, the city chaos melts away into this dreamy world of warm neutrals, perfect lighting, and the kind of thoughtful design that makes you want to take off your coat, sit at the banquette, and stay a while. Leave it to Home Studios and Charlie Fox to make buying flower feel like selecting fine wineTime Square's newest high society indeed.Julia Cancilla, Audience Engagement Editor Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3The Eugenie Room at Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon, VersaillesLoop Images//Getty ImagesThis year I spent the weekend in Versailles and got to visit the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's more casual residence on the grounds. The Eugenie room is the perfect shade of blue. I'm dying to do a room that colorAlyssa Kapito, ELLE DECOR A-List Designer 4Patrick Mele at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, New YorkNickolas SargentIf theres one room that remains delightfully seared into my memory, its Patrick Meles room for the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York. Upon entering into the baby blue space, which he coined On a Clear Day, I was transported. Its stark scheme was punctuated by bold botanical prints that form the rooms statement canopy bed (a nod to Albert Hadley, the designer says). This bedroom is dedicated to the many intelligent, strong, and inspiring women in my life, Mele told ELLE DECOR. Is that a Degas hanging over the bed?Rachel Silva, Associate Editor Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Roman & Williams, Certain Slant of Light, New YorkRobert WrightMaybe it was the Emily Dickinson reference but Certain Slant of Light is the exhibition put on by Roman & Williams at the New York Mercantile Exchange this December was one of my most memorable rooms of the year. Over 100 lights displayed in one of New Yorks most historic rooms. Depending on the time of day the whole mood shifted, which told the story of the power of good lighting, and also of New York.Stellene Volandes, Editorial Director 6Taliesin Theater, Wisconsin Courtesy Taliesin PreservationIn my decade-plus as an architecture and design reporter, no place has captured my imagination quite like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin campus in Spring Green, Wisconsin. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a place of some of the most revolutionary ideas in design (Wright schooled the likes of John Lautner and Bruce Goff in his ideas of organic architecture here) but its also a site of unspeakable tragedy and renewal. What a privilege it was this year to attend the reopening of Taliesin's historic theater, a venue where the school's students and rural community alike came together for film, performances, and ideas starting nearly a century ago. The highlight of the $1.1 million restoration effort is a gorgeous abstract curtain, based on a Wright design, that has been meticulously restored. Talk about a sublime second act! Anna Fixsen, Deputy Editor, Digital Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Quarters, New YorkWilliam Jess LairdWant to feel like Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan? Look for the graffiti-covered metal door in Tribeca, then climb the narrow staircase to The Bar at Quarters and enter into a world that feels part louche downtown home, and part secret speakeasy. This is Quarters, a new concept store from the Brooklyn designers behind the lighting brand In Common With. The 8,000-square-foot space is arranged in rooms like a library, living room, dining room and kitchen, and everything is for salefrom an Andr Solnay 1950s sideboard to a $21 jar of chocolate hazelnut spread (in the pantry). Best of all is the natural wine bar, with its stunning fresco by artist Claudio Bonuglia, and food and drink by Jennifer and Nicole Vitagliano, the sisters behind the buzzy restaurant Rafs, which is decorated with In Common With lighting. The Material Girl would approve.Ingrid Abramovitch, Executive Editor 8The Marble Chamber at Rosenborg Slot, CopenhagenM.J. DaviduikMy first stop in any European city is a castle. Earlier this year I visited Rosenborg, built as a summer palace for Christian IV in 1606. Dutch Renaissance the style in which this castle was built has been my favorite period, art historically speaking, since college. There is something satisfyingly grotesque about this room, with its plaster protrusions nearly a foot deep decorating the ceiling and it's busy checkerboard floors. It's an acid trip of the 17th-century. Camille Okhio, Senior Design Writer Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9COQODAQ, New YorkJASON VARNEYCOQODAQ, restaurateur Simon Kim's glittering temple to Korean fried chicken and bubbles, is one of this year's most stunning debuts. David Rockwell's design is pure magic the amber-lit dining room, with its enfilade of golden arches and cozy banquettes, makes everyone look like a million bucks. As always, Rockwell masterfully marries glamour and fun, creating a setting that sparkles as bright as the champagne.William Li, Contributing Editor 10Bar Les Ambassadeurs at Htel de Crillon, ParisAFP Contributor//Getty ImagesI'm obsessed with Bar les Ambassadeurs at the Htel de Crillon in Paris. It's like a chic trip back in time. All the details are impeccable. It's so French. The chandeliers are my fave.Rayman Boozer, ELLE DECOR A-List Designer Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Leong Leong at the Costume Institute, New YorkNaho KubotaIts one thing to design someones private space; its an entirely different prospect to design a space for one of the Metropolitan Museums most hotly-anticipated exhibitions, which will be viewed by thousands of guests. Hats off to architecture firm Leong Leong, who built the stage for Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. The result is a series of 29 modular rooms for garments spanning 400 years of history. Its multisensorial, AI-driven, and totally worthy of the historical garments it set the stage for.R.S.

Here at ELLE DECOR, we love reporting on home design trends, whether theyre the macro currents that well be seeing everywhere in the year ahead or the micro TikTok crazes that have us scratching our heads. But let us be real for a minute: bathroom and trends in the same sentence can feel a tad oxymoronic. After all, how many of us are staring at Bush-era plumbing fixtures (hey if it aint broke, dont fix it!) or are stuck with whatever horrific tile their landlord got on discount. Not to mention that, according to the latest data from Angi, a website that connects consumers with home improvement services, the average bathroom remodel in the U.S. costs just north of $12,000.Still bathroom design trends tend to tell us a lot about how we live, how we relax, and what we think is chici.e. they reveal a lot more than we tend to think. And 2025 is looking particularly interesting as the post-pandemic trend of self-care collides with an insatiable appetite for personalization. The idea of incorporating personal touches in bathrooms has become so important as people move away from generic designs and are now focusing on creating spaces that reflect their unique taste and style, explains Alex Yacavone, senior design studio manager at Kohler.Overall, I'm seeing a trend away from minimalism and towards bolder design moves and more drama, even in small spaces, adds Xavier Donnelly, creative director of New York interiors firm Ash.From vibrant arrays of tile to a renewed focus on showers, here are the top bathroom design trends experts are predicting will be everywhere in 2025.Skip SectionJump toHead-Turning Tile Patterns Cerruti & DraimeSquare format tile creates an eye-catching pattern in the Parisian loft of designer Fabrizio Casiraghi.Hyper-expressive slabs of stone have been ensconcing our water closets for the past several years now. But in 2025, were starting to see a shift back to tile according to nearly all of the experts we spoke to. But if you think were in for a resurgence of plain white subway tile, think again: tile in 2025 is bolder than its ever been before.Stone has been the staple for luxury bathrooms for a long time, but new gorgeous, vintage-inspired patterns with deep glazes and intricate shapes bring a sense of classic charm and timelessness, says veteran designer and leader of global design at LIXIL Americas Jean-Jacques LHenaff.Donnelly has been seeing square tiles that can be arranged in patterns come to the fore. So has interior designer Victoria Sass of the Minneapolis-based firm Prospect Refuge Studio, who has incorporated 1x1-format tiles in bright stripes and stacks. Its all part of a move towards what she dubs as retrospective futurism. As she tells us: The future of residential bathrooms seems like it will look a lot like the past.Brown Ori HarpazWarm mocha plaster walls warm up this powder room in a L.A. home designed by David Lucido. Organic shapes and materials keep the palette cozy and earthy. You cant have a powder room without a mood, right? the designer told us.Brown tones have gained momentum, and I believe this trend will persist with warm, earthy hues continuing to play a central role in interior design, says Kohlers Yacavone. These colors create a sense of comfort and grounding that resonate in the bathroom space. Sass also cites brown as a major color theme in the bathroom. But be careful, she cautions. Too much of a good thing goes the way of shiplap and poor boucl.If youre one to pooh-pooh this polarizing bathroom trend, consider other colors that designers are spying everywhere: I think we'll see nods to the past but with a new spin. Ye olde avocado becomes a modern day mint, harvest gold lightens up to a bright and bubbly blonde, Sass suggests.High-Contrast FinishesStephen Kent JohnsonIn a Montana home designed by Commune, gold hardware gleams amid a palette of cherry red and timber tones.With all of the bold hues designers are spying, it follows that fixtures will need to trend bolder to have impact. Weve been observing lustrous gold faucets, knobs, and hardware in the bathrooms weve showcased these last few yearsand the trend shows no sign of stopping. Goldsfrom yellow to redare still trending strong as they offer a gorgeous contrast with deeper wall decor," says LIXILs LHenaff. He is also seeing homeowners mix matte black with gold, and adds that Grohe, one of LIXILs brands, has collections with more subtle finishes like graphite in its pipeline. Seashells Noe DewittSeashells are making waves in virtually every space of the house, but they feel especially appropriate in the bathroom. Here, in a home designed by Redd Kaihoi, a prim shell-backed chair sits pretty in the powder room.The live-action version of The Little Mermaid in 2023 may have caused an uptick in all-things mermaidcore, butaccording to Pinterests latest trend reportage2025 will be the year of the sea witch. While the bulk of this trend will be seen in beauty and fashion (Gen Z and Millennials will dive head first into sultry siren makeup, wet wavy hair, and moody mermaid manicures from sun up til moonlight, the report foretells) its already making waves in the residential bathroom space. Were mainly spying it in elevated takes on shell shapes and nods to Rococo-style grottosbe it a chair, side table, or even an entire shell-encrusted ceiling. Ashs Donnelly, meanwhile, is spying seashell wall sconces everywhereso the year ahead might be a good time to make this under-the-sea theme part of your world, too.80s and 90s Redux Nicholas CalcottGlass brick, sleek finishesthis bathroom by Jett Projects demonstrates how minimalism is getting a glamorous 80s-inspired update in 2025.There are also 2025 trends a-plenty for minimalists. But rather than sterile all-white spaces or barely-there surfaces (remember Kim Kardashians sink controversy?), the experts are seeing a return to throwback materials that feel straight out of the 80s and early-90s.For those of us with a little Patrick Bateman in our blood (the style, not the murdering) what could be more appealing than a crispy clean bathroom chock-full of function? posits Sass. From stainless steel surfaces, glass block walls, maybe a mini-blind or two, I feel like the world has caught a minimalism bug and there's no telling how far it will go!Donnelly, for his part, predicts mirrors will be taking over our walls in the year ahead. Adds Sass: I recently completed a bathroom with wall-to-wall carpetand I'm here to say, I didn't hate it!Chicer Showers Kelly MarshallBeautiful mint-green mosaic tile covers the walls of this stylish wet room designed by Mark Grattan.While our obsession with a deep bathtub isnt going anywhere, residential experts predict there will be a renewed focus on showers in the year ahead. The shower has truly become the new centerpiece, says LHenaff. Performance showering with various experiences (waterfall, rain, mist, etc.) is key to a successful luxury bathroom design.According to Zillows latest, househunters are increasingly craving wet rooms, in particular. This luxurious design element most often found in high-end hotels is the latest spa-inspired upgrade to start showing up in homes. A wet room combines the shower and bathtub into one waterproof space without the usual shower curb or enclosure. Wet rooms are being featured 19 percent more often in listings on Zillow, according to the report.Theres also good news for DIYers looking to make a high-impact update in 2025: I think we're going to see a luxe upgrade to the shower curtain replacing the glass enclosure in some chic bathrooms, says Donnelly.Self-Care on Steroids William Jess LairdA tranquil spa in a Brazilian home designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Andre Mellone.Many post-pandemic trends have come and gone (were predicting home offices are out in 2025), but our lockdown obsession with self-care has now become the norm in residential bathroom design. In fact, according to Zillow, real estate listings mentioning wellness features were up 16 percent year-over-year in 2024.The bathroom is not just a functional space, but a sanctuary for relaxation and self-care. As wellness becomes more a part of daily life, people will continue to prioritize bathroom features that promote physical and mental well-being, says Yacavone.What exactly are those features? LHenaff is seeing saunas, rainfall showers, steam rooms, and more. These trends emerged during the pandemic to counteract the effect of limited social interaction, but it has been growing ever since, he says.The offerings are getting hyper-specific, too. At ELLE DECOR, weve observed everything from mani-pedi stations to champagne bars in home spas. Sass agrees. I think we are well past the tipping point on the self-care spectrum and everybody wants everything they can fit and afford in their personal bathrooms: salon-grade lighting, steam, and saunas galore, coffee machinesheck, I wouldn't be surprised if I put a microwave in a bathroom in 2025!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.

This article originally appeared in the April/May 1997 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.The old boy's shedding, Bill Blass says, fondly stroking the head of Barnaby, his patently spoiled Labrador, as the dogs golden fleece wafts down to the handsome broad floorboards of his Connecticut stone country house. The celebrated fashion designer has been doing quite a bit of shedding himself lately: a master of restraint in the decoration of both his city and country domicile, he has recently banished many of his possession, having come to regard them as superfluous as the simplicity he exults in.Fernando BengoecheaFashion designer Bill Blass with his dogs, Shelby, a 12-year-old golden retriever, and Barnaby, a six-year-old yellow Lab, outside his country home in Connecticut.At once brash and charming, Blasswho, incidentally, refers to himself as the old boy may best be described a jovially gruff. Its all about editing one's liferefining, simplifying, constantly editing," he says, casting an appraising eye around his splendidly austere drawing room, which is filled primarily with English and American antiques arranged with an unmistakably masculine assurance. Mostly its a matter of eliminating. Ive put away 37 pictures, some of them rather good. And having had gray walls, I decided to have them painted white. Im definitely influenced by the way Swedish houses look. Theyre quiet and refined.Whats remarkable is that white walls give these rooms a certain warmth, in both summer and winter.Ridding the walls of color inspired further paring. "Once they became white, I discovered that I preferred the cleanness of unadorned walls," he says. So I took down all the paintings and hung only prints and drawings. Whats remarkable is that white walls give these rooms a certain warmth, in both summer and winter. Fernando BengoecheaA Swedish wall relief hangs above the mantel. Most Scandinavian in feeling is the front hall, where a recently purchased Gustavian bed serves as a banquette. Here the floorboards have been stripped and rubbed with white paint, giving the room an almost mythical glow. Also new is an 18th-century Belgian desk from the dealer Axel Vervoordt and a suite of 19th-century pastel drawings in gray and white by Walter Gay. Tour Fashion Icon Bill Blass's Rustic RetreatBills always had the best taste in the world, declares Nancy Kissinger, a close friend, but now I think the house is perfect. Its become fulfilled in a wayyou can tell its the home of someone who loves it and cares about its integrity. It's spare but complete, without the kind of spareness that looks starved. Built in 1770, the house was originally a tavern on the old Albany Post Road, where General Washington is said to have conferred with French generals. Blass recalls seeing it for the first time 20 years ago while staying with the late Slim Keith and Billy Baldwin. Id been renting for years in Southampton, he says, but Id come to realize that I find the country much more appealing than the beach. Having been shown around by a Realtor, he sought Baldwin's opinion. Billy said, It's a great house. Get it, he recalls. Fernando BengoecheaThe glassed-in porch features a French country table with early 20th-century chairs from Santa Fe. An antique milk strainer hangs above a bench from Nantucket.Blass talks about the legendary decorator with affection. Everything I do is influenced by him, he says, which comes from knowing him for 25 years. There was always a sense of neatness about his interiors, even when he decorated for the very rich. Ive always had enormous admiration for people like Billy who know how to live well, who accomplish that rare thing of creating houses that perfectly reflect their personality and character. Blass also praise Chessy Rayner, a partner in the decorating firm MAC II, who worked with him on the house and helped him with his superbly elegant apartment on New York's Sutton Place. Shes the best, he says. We have a very similar wavelength, but we can never second-guess each other. Bills always had the best taste in the world. Blass enjoy the house so much that he is reluctant to ever leave it. I never go anywhere if I can help it, he says, admitting that weekends away from his fashion licensing business in Manhattan now tend to stretch from Thursday to Monday. Bill prefers the company of his dog to anybody else, says John Richard on the Picasso biographer and a country neighbor. People who know him well dont bother him too much because they realize hes happiest being there alone with the dog. Hes a happy recluse, which is surprising because he's so genial. Fernando BengoecheaA Regency library table is matched with antique chairs. Richardson notes that collecting objects and rearranging the house seem to give Blass ceaseless joy, which explains why the designer makes several buying trip to London each year. The second he hits Pimlico Road, every dealer on the street knows hes there, says Nina Griscom, another close friend. Its wonderful to watch him because hes got such a hawkeye. He's quick and never waffles. He shops like a man.Carleton Hobb, one of Londons leading dealers, agrees, confessing that he covets Blasss remarkable collection and taste. Bill has one of the finest eyes Ive ever known, he says. Believe me, Im very relieved that hes never wanted to be a dealer.

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.