What makes a real estate listing fly off the market? Is it close to cute restaurants and good schools? Are there special features like lush landscaping or an ADU? Well, if you ask Zillow, your home's interior design style can also have some major sway in its overall success. The home-buying platform just released new research that shows spaces with nature-inspired touchesa style it calls "organic modernism"can make your property sell for up to $12,500 more. Related Stories"It's the new modern farmhouse, said Amanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert. Buyers are seeking out and competing for homes with these raw but refined finishes, and thats pushing up sale prices. For Scottsdale-based designer Stephanie Larsen, the buzzy style can make even the most high-end homes feel more grounded. "Todays world is incredibly busy, and homeowners are craving a deepened connection to nature, creating spaces that feel calming and grounded amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life," she explains. "Organic modernism allows us to cultivate spaces that enhance our well-being, without compromising on style and the luxurious details we crave within our homes.Michelle Morgan Harrisona designer who runs her eponymous firm in New Canaan, Connecticutnotes the warmth of organic modernism is welcome after loving gray-tinged neutrals and all-things marble for most of the 2010s. But while some dub this style the "new modern farmhouse," Harrison argues the two looks are actually pretty different. "I think the majority of homeowners who embraced modern farmhouse design will most likely be more comfortable embracing more traditional design," she explains. "True fans of modern design will be embracing organic modernism with its softer and more inviting palette, shapes, and textures."So, how do you bring organic modernism into a space? Start with texture. Zillow says that features like soapstone countertops, white oak floors, and Venetian plaster walls are top-selling features. Meanwhile, designer Jessica Cinnamon recommends choosing a color palette that feels warm, approachable, and relaxed, with hues inspired by the natural world. "Earthy tones, like warm mushrooms, putty, olive greens, and sandy beiges, create a calming atmosphere that ties the indoors to the outdoors," she says. On the furniture front, Harrison is a big proponent of soft, shape-shifting silhouettes. "Organic modernism roots are from Brutalist design, but the mix of natural materials is warm and inviting and not cold," she explains. You can also accessorizein moderation, of coursewith a textured rug, rustic pottery, and lots of leafy greens. In fact, Harrison says CB2 and Lulu & Georgia are currently showcasing this style in many of their new collections.And why leave all the design fun indoors? According to the Zillow report, an outdoor shower, alfresco kitchen, or bluestone patio can also embody organic modernism and make your home all the more attractive to prospective buyers.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Interiors of a StorytellerNow 10% Off$50 $45 at WalmartMy clients, Eric and Eileen Evans, love their animals and at last count were the parents of two cats, Olive and Hazel, and a rambunctious golden retriever named Waffles. By Nashville standards, their home, a 1930s bungalow, is not huge, so using every square inch was very important. Its in Richland Park, a historic neighborhood filled with modest-sized, character-filled homes. Sidewalks line the streets, and every Halloween they host a huge, neighborhood-wide pumpkin-carving contest. Both young attorneys and somewhat newly married, the Evans were a delight to work with from the beginning. The animals were considered in most of our conversations, including the design of the upholstered window bench in the formal living room (the perfect cat perch). The cats were cats and pretty much hated us from the start, proving it by scratching out the bottom of a brand-new upholstered ottoman shortly after install. But not Waffles. Waffles was our best friend and constant companion, whether we liked it or not. FAST FACTSStephanie Sabbe of Sabbe Interior DesignerDesigner: Location: Nashville, TennesseeThe space: A 1930s bungalow gut renovated and expanded by architect Michael WardThe cats were cats and pretty much hated us from the start, proving it by scratching out the bottom of a brand-new upholstered ottoman.SITTING ROOMIt needed to be a feminine gathering spot. Joseph BradshawJoseph BradshawEileen envisioned this as a space to host book club meetings. No stranger to book clubs, I cannot imagine a better spot to host. The entire room wraps tightly around the original fireplace. Its charming scale is something you rarely find in new-construction homes. When the contractor suggested striping off the ornate details, I looked at the client over the brim of my Covid mask with a look that said, Its him or me. The custom-framed intaglios mounted on hand-made marbleized paper are sourced from our Nashville-based retail shop, Heirloom Artifacts.Joseph BradshawThe fanciest cat bench in all of Nashville. Seriously, try and sit down, they will audibly say in a Forrest Gumpaccent, Seat taken. Ask Jessica from my officethese are not normal cats.KITCHEN & DININGNew architectural details create character.Joseph BradshawWe kept the newer, open area of the home fairly neutral. I explain our approach to design and color like going from a hot bath to a cold pool. You do not appreciate one without the other. This example of moving from the saturated green sitting room to the airy neutrals is a good example of that concept. Joseph BradshawFAMILY ROOMThis pattern-filled space is still calming.Joseph BradshawAs I mentioned above with the selection of the dining table, Eileen loves ovals. We landed on a custom oval plaster table for the family room, and I love the way the two shapes, in very different materials, play off each other. LAUNDRY ROOMIt needed to cater to all family members.Joseph BradshawTheres built-in litter-box cabinet for Olive and Hazel on the right. On the left, the cat door allows them to go and hang out on the screen porch whenever they choose.OFFICEA moody contrast to the sitting room.Joseph BradshawErics office is off the sitting room, connected by a set of French doors. I love the abutting mix of feminine and masculine spaces. PRIMARY BEDROOMPerformance fabrics will grow with the family.Joseph BradshawWe love using polyester velvet for high-use upholstery pieces. After raising four toddlers with a pair of chairs in the same fabric, its a material I can personally vouch for.Joseph BradshawSister Parishs Burmese fabric used on the bed is a favorite of ours for scale and versatility.PRIMARY BATHROOMIts a mix of antiques and modern fixtures.Joseph BradshawAgain, with the antique mirrors. Cant stop, wont stop.GUEST BEDROOMThe rooms have color themes, like at an inn.Joseph BradshawThe Evans hosted many of their young friends for long weekends and wanted the second floor to have a bed-and-breakfast vibe. We chose different wall coverings and trim colors for each space to really ring in the individuality, imagining guests saying, I call the purple room! Most of my colleagues had sworn off all shades of purple when I designed this room, still recovering from the obsession with Monicas apartment in Friends. So, this space looks sweet, but its also kind of rebellious.GUEST BATHROOMTheres a sweet sentiment behind its design.Joseph Bradshaw This sweet guest bath was designed for our clients late mother, and I will always think of her and how much thoughtful care they put into creating a space that she would love.BATHROOMBlue walls set off the brass finishes.Joseph Bradshaw I found this antique sconce from an online antique dealer in France.About the DesignerStephanie Sabbe of Sabbe Interior Design is a House Beautiful Next Wave designer who has also been named to Traditional Homes New Trad and been featured in Veranda, Southern Living, and The Wall Street Journal, among other publications. When shes not in her Nashville design studio, Stephanie is chasing her four kidsRemi, Wells, Georgie, and Coraor giving a hard time to her husband of 18 years, Bryan. You can find her at her design shop, Heirloom Artifacts, or on Instagram.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Spring is almost here, which means it's almost time for backyard parties, outdoor hangouts, and nights spent by the fire pit without freezing half to death. As you've been prepping your house for its first round of seasonal cleaning, planning out the trips you're going to take later in the year, and keeping up with your previously scheduled life, you may have procrastinated thinking ahead to home maintenance that will get your home spring-ready. (We know we have.) Luckily, there's still time to make the exterior of your home the envy of all your neighbors, and a delight for friends to visit come spring. We asked a handful of landscape professionals to share landscaping ideas that could easily be completed within a month, and they did not hold back. From DIY-friendly ideas to professionally-done jobs, the 11 landscaping ideas below will transform any yard, big or small, into the place to be this spring and summer. If that wasn't enough motivation to get landscaping, these additions will almost definitely add resale value to your property too. (Sure, a beautiful green yard does a lot for your curb appeal, but hardscaping adds personality and originality to your exterior, too.)From retaining walls to river rock borders, these landscaping ideas offer inspiration as we creep closer to spring. And the effort you put in will be so worth it when you can finally take advantage of your outdoor space again. Additional copy by Stefanie Waldek.Related StoriesPut In a Raised Herb GardenNeil Landino JrAnyone with a yard and even a tiny bit of a green thumb should be growing their own herbs for use in the kitchen. Even though it serves a practical purpose, your herb garden should look just as elevated as the rest of your yardand accomplishing that is easier than you think with a raised garden bed. "One long raised bed or container will be able to furnish fresh herbs easily," says landscape architect Janice Parker. There are many different types of beds you can opt for, from wooden to steel, to suit the style of your home, from wooden to steel.You can even find a ready-to-go kit that does the prep work for you. "The nice thing about a do-it-yourself raised bed kit or planter is that you can put it in the area of your garden where you will get the most sun and where it will be easy to water," Parker adds. While she suggests buying small herbs from a nursery rather than starting from seed, it's definitely possible to grow thriving herbs that way. Invest in a Fire BowlNeil Landino JrFor a relatively quick yard addition, Parker suggests adding a fire bowl to your landscape, especially if you have a smaller yard. "These features are typically gas burning, which is a big plus if you want easy clean up," Parker says. "Plus, they come in a wide variety of sculptural styles that can really enhance your landscape design aesthetic." Such additions can be seen as functional pieces of art for your outdoor space. But don't forget practical considerations. Parker emphasizes the importance of placing it close enough to the house (without it being a hazard) so you can still reach the WiFi! Create Rock BordersCourtesy of Borst LandscapeA river rock installation by Borst Landscape & Design.Karl Wahlberg of Borst Landscape & Design suggests putting in a river rock installation for an easy landscaping idea that can be completed in less than a month. "River rock controls any soil erosion, especially in the seasons of heavy rain, and helps prevent weeds," he explains. Plus, river rock borders are pretty low-maintenance and the natural material goes beautifully with any landscape. Plant a Pollinator Garden Courtesy of Borst LandscapeBorst Landscape & Design introduced this pollinator garden to a clients yard to attract beneficial insects and birds."Installing a pollinator garden is a colorful way to make a positive contribution to the environment," says Deandra Hanke, another expert from Borst Landscape & Design. Choosing to plant species native to your location doesn't just result in a beautiful yard, but it also promotes biodiversity and creates vital food sources for birds and insects. Install a Privacy ScreenCourtesy of Borst LandscapeA privacy screen, like this one installed by Borst Landscape & Design, can make spending time in your outdoor space more enjoyable.Nosy neighbors exist everywhereno one wants to be hanging out with their family or friends in their backyard and see their neighbor watching from their own property. Thankfully, green privacy "screens"created by a row of trees or bushes that block an area from viewcan go up a lot faster than you might think. Hanke points out that while installing a privacy border is a larger project, it can easily take less than a month to complete. "Options range from Arborvitae privacy trees to Skip Laurel shrubs, allowing for total privacy to be established in just a few days, depending on the size of your property," she adds. Eric PiaseckiDesigner Gil Schafer used pavers to create a clear pathway around this backyard, inspired by a Japanese water garden.Plot Beautiful PathwaysThe walkways in your yard and garden aren't just for practical purposesthey can provide visual interest too. "Designing transitions from a pool house with exterior hardscape, such as utilizing large scale stone and steps and pathways, you can navigate grade changes and at the same time create an architectural solution that is softened by landscape beds," Kurth says. "Details such as pebbles between the pathway joints add a modern Zen touch to the landscape and help to define the aesthetic."Courtesy of Betsy WentzBetsy Wentz added simple string lights above this rustic gathering area around the fire pit to bring in some enchantment.Incorporate LightingAn element that adds drama to the landscape is integrating the usage of lighting, which further extends the use of your landscape into the evening hours, Kurth says. Creating outdoor living spaces and finding ways to navigate tricky terrain expands your homes livable footprint, provides enjoyment, and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Remember: You can do this fairly easily with solar-powered lighting!Eric PiaseckiGil Schafer shows that a garden doesnt have to be pristinely manicured to look beautiful.Plant a Low-Maintenance, Sustainable Garden"Landscaping is that silent ambassador that speaks volumes about your home, creating that crucial first impression," says Gagan Saini, director of acquisitions at JiT Home Buyers. "An artfully landscaped garden is the x-factor that significantly uplifts your property's value." But many potential buyers arent going to want to put in too much effort to care for the garden, so low-maintenance features such as irrigation systems can help boost your home's value. "Here's something most people dont know: Sustainable landscaping practices can significantly increase property value," says landscape architect Bryan Clayton. "By implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, using native plantings, and opting for organic fertilizers, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and adds an extra layer of value."Annie SchlechterDesigner Peter Dunham was sure to take advantage of a yard this beautiful and designed multiple outdoor living spaces for his clients to enjoy. Develop Outdoor Living SpacesIndoor-outdoor living is all the rage, even in four-season destinations, so you'll want to build out an alfresco space for day-to-day use. The key is not to go overboardjust keep it simple. "If you're designing for enjoyment now and ROI later, just think of adaptable, functional elements," says design director Kevin Lenhartof the online landscape design site Yardzen. "In other words, focus on functional features like a fire pit area or flexible space like a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area that's adaptable to many potential buyers versus very personalized features like a putting green, elaborate water feature, or built-in pizza oven."Mike Van TassellA fieldstone wall by Carol Kurth doubles as a cooler.Make Difficult Terrain UsableIf you have a hilly property, go the extra mile to add retaining walls to create usable outdoor space. "Creating and revitalizing spaces with complicated terrain can transform an underutilized space and elevate a home in terms of enjoyment, lifestyle, and property value," Kurth says. "Our Oasis project [shown above] illustrates how a site with a steep grade change can be transformed with fieldstone retaining wallsone of which was used to create an oversized herb garden for meals alfrescoand a thoughtful verdant landscape."Julian Ungano and Tommy AgriodimasThe manicured lawn of this home by Lauren Wills makes the exterior look so elevated.Keep Up with MaintenanceThis may sound obvious, but when youre ready to list your homeor just to start entertaining outsidebe sure all your landscaping is impeccably maintained. Remember: First impressions are everything, and it's all too easy to let landscaping get away from you. "Proper landscape maintenance is essential. Well-maintained lawns, trimmed hedges, and weed-free gardens contribute to a polished and cared-for appearance," Clayton says.Working on a home project? Let us help!Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Designer: Jennifer McGee; Photographer: Marco Ricca; Courtesy of NKBAAn en-suite love affair by designer Jennifer McGee, with a large double vanity, sauna, oversize shower, and framed soaking tub.During a recent design trip to London, I spoke to James Lentaigne, creative director of Drummondsa luxury British brand known for timeless bathroom productsabout the growing idea of bathrooms as the new meeting space for couples. This got me thinking: In todays hyperconnected world, filled with constant distractions, its no surprise that homeowners want their bathrooms to be a rare private retreat to unwind and reconnectbut is this trend gaining traction in the U.S.? And if so, how is it taking shape? Is something more than technology driving it?Designer Xander Noori, who is also a partner designer for House of Rohl, recently completed a project for American clients who requested a single, larger primary bathroom, noting, Often the only time they have to see each other is in the morning when getting ready for the busy day and in the evening while winding down. [She] recently mentioned how nice it is to see her husband every morning and still flirt while they brush their teeth. Related StoriesCourtesy of DrummondsA replica of Freddie Mercurys bathroom with a Drummonds bathroom and De Gournay wallcovering. The Last Frontier of True Privacy Cell phones arent the only thing behind this design trendits a lack of intimate spaces in our homes. The bathroom has become the last frontier of true privacy, Jean-Michel Lebeau, CEO and owner of the bathtub maker BainUltra, says. Think about it. Its the only door with a lock that everyone respects. The bathroom has become the last bastion of adult space in homes increasingly designed around childrens needsthe Switzerland of domestic territories where even the most boundary-challenged family members typically honor the closed door. Overpacked schedules arent helping matters. The demands of modern lifestressful commutes, long work hours, shuttling kids to school and activities, and juggling endless responsibilitiesleave little room for uninterrupted time together for many couples, Ashley Steinhardt, vice president of sales for Hydro Systems, adds. By the time the day winds down, the bathroom may be the only place where they can truly escape, disconnect from their phones, and focus on each other.Designer: Holly Viane Interiors, Photographer: Erika Beirman; Courtesy of Hydro SystemsA bathroom with a tucked away bench showcasing the Versailles tub from Hydro Systems encased in marble. Whats in a Meeting Place Bathroom? You may be thinkingthis sounds great, but my partners bathroom habits really annoy me. Lentaigne points out that this newly considered space only works if each partner gets their own customized space within the larger shared environment. Essentially, we want to connect with our significant otherbut only if we have enough elbow room to avoid getting on each others nerves. Once thats dealt with, meaningful conversations can follow. Heather Shannon, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) agrees, saying, By personalizing the experience for each partner and solving the frustrations of a shared space upfront, time spent in the bath can be supportive and centered around those emotional needs.BrizoThe new Brizo Beauclere Bath CollectionThe New Couples Shower Were not suggesting you cozy up under a single stream of water. Picture larger showers with dual shower heads or an at-home steam shower. For instance, a couples shower might feature different shower head styles on either side: One likes waterfall, the other a removable handheld, both love a good body spray. Mandy Ellington, director of brand management and business development at Brizo, also mentions using technology to set individual preferences. With digital thermostatic valves and other integrated features, shower experiences can be preset for both individuals. This intimate setting should foster both connection and relaxation, allowing couples to unwind together while still enjoying their own personalized comforts. By incorporating thoughtfully curated details with state-of-the-art technology, we create an environment that feels both indulgent and effortlessly practical, she says.BainUltraThe INUA bathtub with hydrothermal (water) massage, a heated backrest, raised seat, and chromatherapy. Bathtubs Built for Two A tub immediately makes a bathroom feel like a sanctuaryyou dont hurry in and out of a bath. Thats why a freestanding tub wide enough for two is ideal. The tub is a key part of that equation, Steinhardt says. Its not just about fitting two people in the tub; its about fitting them comfortably. Connecticut-based designer Sarah Blank loves surrounding the tub in a cased opening for an intimate setting.Bathtubs have come a long wayyou can forget the jetted tubs of the 1990s. The INUA tub shown above has a heated backrest and water massage features. Theyre customizable too. Designer: Patricia Brown; Photographer: Jessica Klewicki Glynn; Courtesy of NKBAA double vanity bathroom by Patricia Brown with a shower on one side and a soaking tub on the other.Split Vanities Even more so than a double vanity, couples want separate vanities (and their own ancillary storage, like medicine cabinets) to suit their individual needs. If you cant fit two vanities, you want enough room to spread out. Separate or together, each person should be able to configure their drawers in a way that suits them, with power outlets and dividers.The bath is the re rooma place to relax, retreat, recharge, re-center, renew, and reinvigorate.Heather Shannon, NKBA The Lounge Its also important to create a cozy post-shower spot in case one person is already set. Sometimes a tubside perch or smaller ottoman does the trick. Designer Meredith Heron says, A well-placed chair adds both function and intimacy, creating space for conversationwhether youre starting the day or unwinding at night. Lebeau also says you need seating that invites lingering, noting, the best conversations happen when nobodys standing awkwardly or perched on the edge of something cold. Wrap the seating in moisture-resistant outdoor fabric, and voil: Youve created your own at-home therapy retreat. As for the walls, Blank recommends covering them in wallpaper, where appropriate, or a beautiful vinyl mural and limiting stone to the showers and counters. Ideally, you can give this spot a style that looks more like a living space and not just tile and marble, she says. Small pieces of furniture, like an antique dressing table, a rug, and a surface-mounted light fixture warm up cold surfaces. Designer: Christi Petty; Courtesy of NKBAA simple armchair tucked next to the bath in this space designed by Christi Petty. Other Design ElementsIf youre creating a bathroom design from scratch, you can plan it in ways that create just the right amount of intimacy. For instance, strategic sight lines [can] create visual privacy without isolation, says Lebeau. Keep this in mind when planning your shower. He adds that dimmable lighting and sound-dampening materials are a must to keep conversations in and household chaos out. Blank recommends heated floors, which are soothing and add a level of calmness. Admittedly, it takes a big bathroom to fit all these amenities. But it might be worth buying some space from your bedroom to reconnect with your person everydayafter all, its an investment in you. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

British design has long been something weve happily embraced statesidetheres something so warm and welcoming about the stylish yet cozy spaces that UK-based designers have a knack for creating. London Design Week introduced us to an array of British design trends that will continue to make waves for the rest of 2025, and here, were highlighting some of our favorites, which professional designers (all of whom will be participating in Londons WOW!house Showhouse this summer) are equally excited about, too. Dont be shy about implementing any (or all!) of the below into your home in the coming months. Related StoriesNot Being Matchy-MatchyCourtesy of Design Centre Chelsea HarbourGone are the days of perfectly coordinated spaces, and designers arent opposed to this development. There is a noticeable shift towards embracing asymmetry in interiors, which allows for more creative expression and unexpected design moments, says Kelly Hoppen, founder of Kelly Hoppen Interiors. The concept of not being matchy-matchy is something that Rupert Cunningham, director at Ben Pentreath Studio, associates with the best English country house interiors. In these homes, he explains, rooms have evolved over time by a subtle process of accretion and subtraction, as successive generations leave their stamp on a space. However, he explains, the sum of the changes does not undermine the spirit of the original. Related StorySuper Layered RoomsCourtesy of Design Centre Chelsea HarbourThe more layers in a space, the better. Layering brings depth and character to any space, creating a harmonious yet dynamic environment, says Ailsa Connery, design principal and regional director of Europe for 1508 London. The classic English country look is one example of layering at its finest, shares Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director of Sims Hilditch. The more pattern, color, and mix-matched furniture, the better, she says. Im delighted that this timeless trend continues to thrive, as it allows a home to evolve organically, with each occupant contributing their own history through antiques and carefully chosen pieces. Daniel Slowik, the founder of Daniel Slowik Ltd, shares similar sentiments. Quite often there are multiple iterations as things are bought and added, he says. Its a very enjoyable, organic and collaborative process to create a beautiful room. Lighting plays a significant role in truly bringing a layered space to life, adds Hoppen. It enhances depth, brings out shape and form, and creates subtle reflections on hard surfaceswhat I call winks of highlights, she says. It is exciting to see lighting being appreciated as an integral design element rather than just a functional one.No Shortage of ColorsCourtesy of Design Centre Chelsea HarbourBritish interior design and colorful rooms go hand in handveer away from decorating solely with neutrals! Color is an essential tool in shaping atmosphere, narrative, and emotion within a space, says Brigitta Freund, the founder and creative director of Spinocchia Freund. The exact application you land on is entirely up to youperhaps that means painting your ceiling (which designers often refer to as a rooms fifth wall) a peppy hue or coating your kitchen cabinets with a rich green or navy. Pattern is also continuing to make its way into homes, particular in the form of wallpaper. There was a period not so long ago where everything was slightly more stripped back, and I think maybe its a bit of a rebellion against that, says Darren Smith, a design director at Adam Architecture. People are a little bit bored of that overly familiar, plain background. Lots of Leafy Greens and BotanicalsCourtesy of Design Centre Chelsea HarbourVerdure-inspired prints have been a fixture of classic design for centuries and are here to stay, while botanicals are continuing to make their way onto wall coverings, soft goods, and more. As Connery says, Leafy greens remain a powerful influence in design, offering soft, fresh tones that help cultivate a peaceful retreat and celebrate a deep connection to nature. Hang an antique verdure tapestry behind your bed or sofa, or accessorize with botanical-printed pillows or throws. Another way to embrace this trend is by weaving in actual greenery into the home, of courseeven in small doses. As plantsman and garden designer Alexander Hoyle says, Who doesnt love plants? We find they help soften everything and bring needed life to a spaceoffering a splash of color or interest.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Getting your home ready to sell is a tricky process. There are a few home additions you can add to increase your homes value, from sunrooms to finished basements. But those enhancements take time and money! Before you go knocking down walls, remember small details can make a big difference. To that end, we suggest focusing your energies on the room that really makes the difference. But don't take our word for it! Christina Haack said it best: kitchens sell homes.It makes perfect sense that this is the most appealing room in the house. The kitchen is the heart of the home, not to mention a gathering place for parties and family dinners. Plus, theres a major return on investment with an updated kitchen. Research suggests a kitchen reno can recoup up to 60 percent of the money spent on the upgrade. When youre trying to sell a property, how do you make your kitchen as appealing as possible? We spoke to three professional home stagers to get their insider tips. Read on for their go-to changes, from the simple to the heavy-duty.Related StoryRuthless Decluttering The first thing you need to do when preparing your kitchen for potential buyers? Declutter. Jason Saft, founder of Staged to Sell Home, suggests going cabinet by cabinet, emptying everything, and going through it all. This way, you can dispose of expired goods, or donate anything that doesnt need to follow you to your next home. A pared-down look gives a clean slate for anyone visiting to project onto. Home buyers want to see an abundance of storage space, says Saft. And keep in mind, paring down now means less to pack and move later."Shannon Dupre DDRepsThe "before" stage of one of Safts decluttering projects.Shannon Dupre DDRepsThe "after" stage of Safts decluttering project.While you're decluttering, make sure to take any non-necessary items off of countertops. Terry Mainord, award-winning home stager and interior designer recommends focusing on appliances. Rice cookers, toaster ovens, and knife racks all take up valuable surface area. Make the space feel more open by tucking these away. Dont forget about the refrigerator, either, Mainord warns. Clear that magnet collection, plus any cleaning supplies from the top of the fridge. Related StoryBe careful, though: its easy to fall into the trap that decluttering means a completely empty space. Celebrity interior designer Cheryl Eisen, founder of Interior Marketing Group, suggests a balance between purpose and restraint. Minimalism doesnt mean starkit means thoughtfully curated, Eisen says. Keep counters mostly clear, allowing the high-end finishes to take center stage. A single, neutral-toned linen tea towel draped over the oven handle or a discreet ceramic bowl adds softness while maintaining the homes polished aesthetic.Interior Marketing GroupArrange the Kitchen Like a Movie SetAs you decide which objects to leave on display, take some inspiration from Hollywood. A careful arrangement can create a narrative, and make the kitchen feel like a warm gathering place. A Nancy Meyers-style kitchen is one of Safts favorite looks. I like to layer in everything from pots and pans, cookbooks, pottery, artwork and other items that draw buyers in and keep them engaged, Saft says. The kitchen is where people always gather at events; the same is true at open houses and showings.Hayley Ellen Day DDrepsJasonSafts NancyMeyers-style kitchen has a careful arrangement of shelf decor.Hayley Ellen Day DDrepsThe bright orange backsplash in this Saft-staged kitchen draws in potential buyers.Related StoryAs for the kinds of items you should leave out in the kitchen: think everyday luxury. On Mainords list: real or high-quality faux plants, an interesting cutting board, and a couple of attractive bottles of oil and vinegar. These touches can help the space feel both organized and inviting. Eisen loves to opt for a bowl of fresh lemons, limes or deep-hued pears to add vibrancy. Pair it with a high-end cookbook on a sleek lucite stand, opened to a visually stunning page, she recommends. These simple yet intentional touches subtly communicate refined taste and effortless elegance.Allyson LubowMainords staging of this kitchen included striking plants and a cutting board, two of her go-to countertop items.Focus on the Cabinets and CountertopsThe condition of the cabinets is one of the first things Mainord pays attention to when staging a kitchen. If those are in good shape, more heavy-duty fixes, like painting cabinets, updating cabinet pulls, and adding a backsplash, can work wonders when staging a kitchen. Related StoryBuyers seeing peeling paint on kitchen cabinets sends the message that a renovation is in order, Saft says. We often repaint kitchen cabinets to save our sellers thousands of dollars on unnecessary upgrades. This is also a great trick for older kitchen cabinets. Swapping out the hardware also instantly upgrades a dated cabinet.Francisco Rosario DDRepsThe "before" stage of Jason Safts kitchen staging.Francisco Rosario DDRepsThe "after" stage of Jason Safts kitchen staging, including re-painted cabinets. In high-end kitchens, Eisen suggests hiding something you might not consider: the electrical outlets. Allow the luxury details of your kitchen to shine, rather than having outlets break up a curated look. A beautiful wooden cutting board can be strategically placed to hide distracting plugs, keeping the focus on the pristine marble countertops, she says. Opt for a sculptural board with natural grain, making it both functional and stylish.Interior Marketing GroupThe wooden cutting board on this countertop is one of Eisens favorite ways to hide outlets from buyers.Related StoriesFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

The Victorian home above was designed by Celerie Kemble and Kristen Blood of Kemble Interiors. Inherited property may sound like a windfall. But it can actually be complicated and difficult to sort outespecially when youre stressed and grieving a loved one who has passed away. In some cases, this real estate can be expensive for you too. Inheriting your great-aunts vacation house on Nantucket? Great. Inheriting your great-aunts missed mortgage payments and tax bill? Not so great.Depending on how organized your loved one was about financial planning, you may have loose ends to tie up. The way they set up their estate (the umbrella term used to describe all of their property and money) determines how all of their assets will be distributed. To better understand how the process works, including fees you may have to pay, we reached out to financial experts to break it down. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about inheriting a house, including how and when the property will be transferred to you and what you can do with it. Related StoriesHow Inherited Property Works When a homeowner passes away, their house lands in probate. Probate is a court proceeding that divvies up a deceased persons stuff. It can be a slow process (it could be years before you get to use that Nantucket beach house), and its expensive: There are court fees, appraisal fees, and other expenses involved. You may even have to immediately pay off the mortgage upon inheriting the home. Every mortgage has a due-on-sale clause, and, legally, any transfer triggers it, says Jody Fay, a real estate attorney in New York and Connecticut with more than 20 years of experience. But the reality may be that as long as the lender continues to be paid, they might not enforce the due-on-sale clause. Another downside to probate is that its public record. If your family has any financial dirty laundry, it will be aired for everyone to gossip aboutand suddenly your windfall may feel more like a burden. Benefits of a TrustHomeowners often place their homes in a trust to avoid probate. The main purpose of having a trust is to legally and smoothly transfer a home (or homes) to beneficiaries. Trusts help provide a roadmap for family membersthey spell out the homeowners goals and desires for their property after they pass away, says Caroline McKay, a senior wealth strategist at CIBC Private Wealth with more than 15 years of experience in wealth management.Types of TrustsThere are two types of trusts: revocable and irrevocable. Revocable trusts are controlled by the person who created the trust (the homeowner) and can be changed or amended at any time. In the instance of an irrevocable trust, the homeowner appoints a trustee to control their estate. Both types of trusts keep a house out of probateand save beneficiaries a lot of hasslebut the biggest benefit of an irrevocable trust is that it also protects family members from estate taxes and inheritance taxes. How to Set Up a Trust In order to create a trust, a homeowner will need to hire a trusts and estates attorney. Setting up a trust requires you to shell out some money (experts put this at roughly $5,000, but it can vary based on the complexity of trust), and theres some significant paperwork involved, but its in everyone's best interest. During this process, transparency is key. The more conversations parents can have with their kids before they die about their intentions for their estate will help avoid squabbles between siblings down the road, McKay says. Taxes on Inherited Property You dont have to worry too much about the federal estate tax, which is taken out of the deceased persons estate before you receive the home you inherited. You only qualify for this if your estate is worth more than $13.61 million (so not an issue for the vast majority of people)and surviving spouses are exempt from having to pay that anyway. Only 11 states have estate taxes (Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maineplus Washington, D.C.), and the amount varies from state to state.Inheritance taxes are fees you have to pay once the home officially falls under your ownership. There is no federal inheritance tax, and only six states impose inheritance taxesNebraska, Iowa, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Each state has its own guidelines. As an example, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, in Pennsylvania there is a 0 percent tax for transfer to a spouse; 4.5 percent tax to direct descendants (kids, grandkids); 12 percent if the house is going to a sibling; and 15 percent if the home is left to some other type of heir. Should You Sell the Home or Keep It? Inheriting a house also means potentially inheriting a mortgage, home equity loans, and liens, along with whatever issues it may have (a leaky roof, cracked foundation, and so on). You can also get slapped with a capital gains tax if you sell. The capital gains tax is 20 percent of the difference between the value of the house at the time the person died and the price you sold the house for, says Philip Camporeale, CPA, an accountant in Staten Island, New York. In other words, if the house was appraised at $1 million, and you sold it for $1.2 million, you would owe $40,000 in capital gains tax. So there are costs to consider. On the bright side, if your loved ones house is in good condition, selling it can provide you with a nice nest egg. Or it may make more financial sense to sell your current home and move into the house, especially if its paid off or has a much lower mortgage rate, which can make it more affordable to live in. Many people move into homes that they inherit, says Lisa Ninow, principal broker at Stone Edge Real Estate in Park City, Utah, who points out that this can be an especially good option in the current market, with housing prices being so high. You could sell your house and make a profit, then move into this other house that you now own.Joint OwnershipThings get more complicated if you have siblings and inherit the house together. In that case, youll have to work out who will keep the house, if you are going to share it, or if you and your siblings are going to sell it. An owner will usually include provisions in a will or trust about their intent for how the real estate should be owned or used. For example, if one child is currently living in the house and the intent is for that child to continue living in the house after the parents death, the estate plan may include provisions specifically leaving the house to that child and equalizing the other siblings with other estate assets, says McKay. Selling the house and dividing the profit evenly is a good way to dodge the potential relationship-ending fights that can occur in these situations, but sometimes siblings do choose to co-own the house (as in, you get the house in Jackson Hole for December break, and well take it for President's Day weekend), or one buys the other(s) out. This entails hiring a real estate lawyer and having the house appraised. After that, the sibling who wants the house agrees to pay the other(s) their share of the fair market value of the home.Some people choose to hold onto houses that they inherit without living in them. If you like the house or its location but your job or your kids prevent you from moving across the country to live in it, consider renting it out for a while. This is especially wise if the home is in a place that you might like to retire someday, like in Florida, or in a vacation spot. And sometimes people just like to keep a special house in the family. You can't put a price tag on the sentimental value of the beloved house you grew up in or the beach house full of so many fond summer memories. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Jason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeBing Crosby mightve been dreaming of a white Christmas during the holidays, but in the off-season? He was California dreaming. The crooner purchased property in the Bay Area, which is now on the market for a whopping $40 million dollars. While some other old-school entertainers left their hearts in San Francisco, Crosby picked up a mansion in Hillsborough, a high-end neighborhood thats sandwiched in between the city and Silicon Valley. The star this 13,635-square-foot residence as a surprise gift for his wife, Kathrynand they moved in with their three children in 1965.Over the years, the couple transformed the house into a (very opulent) home: They acquired antiques from William Randolph Hearsts collection, added Georgian paneling from a 17th-century home, and commissioned pieces from local artist Al Proom. After Kathryns death in 2024Bing passed away in 1977the property is ready to become someone elses special space.We know, $40 million is a lot of money. In fact, many claim this is a record-breaking price for Hillsborough. However, it does have a surplus of space to offer. Nestled on 5.38 acres of land, the home boasts 11 bedrooms, five partial bathrooms, and 10 full bathrooms. And, thanks to its French chateau style, this home is expansive and elegant. If you want to take a look for yourself, read on for an intimate look at Crosbys iconic abode.More celebrity real estate stories:ExteriorJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeTalk about curb appeal! From the distressed brick facade to that statement-making front door, this property oozes storybook charm.Foyer Jason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeFirst impressions matter, and Crosbys crib does not disappoint. Step inside and youll be greeted by a gently curved staircasecomplete with a carved wood banister and perfectly paneled walls. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowSitting AreaJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeEven the homes smaller spaces feel grand and gorgeous. Case in point: this sitting area, which is decked out with a chandelier and symmetrical decor. Its like the Versailles of Silicon Valley!Living RoomJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeThe Crosby family gave this sun-drenched living room the royal treatment with detailed moulding, crystal chandeliers, and gilded touches. As if this space werent impressive enough, just think about the stars the couple would entertain here.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowKitchenJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeAmong star-studded kitchens, this space falls on the more modest end of the spectrum. However, small details like the ornate metal ceiling and stainless steel appliances offer a high-end edge. Dining RoomJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeFor a meal that appeals to all of the senses, step into this dapper dining room. The statement chandelier and floral wallcovering make even the simplest dishes seem worthy of a Michelin star.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHome OfficeJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeWe know this space is staged to look like a game room, but we think the wood paneling and marbled fireplace are begging for it to be a home office. Whether youre looking to burn the midnight oil or have a chic Zoom background, its the perfect mix of business and pleasure.LibraryJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeMeanwhile, this handsome area would make an excellent library. Not only could you place a cozy chaise lounge right in front of the roaring fireplace, but you can also fill the built-in shelves with your to be read list.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowBedroomJason Wells Photography
GoldenGateCreative.comCrosbys huge home features 11 bedrooms, providing plenty of personal space for his family and famous friends. This one, which has a built-in headboard and fireplace, promises the sweetest dreams. BathroomsJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeYes, even the homes 15 bathrooms are museum-worthy. Trust us, flossing will feel oh-so fancy with the chandelier and marble tiles. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowClosetJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeCalling all fashionistas: Crosbys home has a huge walk-in closet so youll have lots of room for your clothes, accessories, and shoes. Theres even an ottoman for guests should you want to have an impromptu runway show. PatioJason Wells/ Golden Gate CreativeWth lush gardens and a covered patio, Crosbys home has plenty of indoor and outdoor appeal. We could totally picture this propertys new owner throwing a housewarming party alfresco. Well be patiently waiting for our invitation.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

When you hire an electrician, a plumber, or even a contractor, you know what you're getting yourself into. Trade professionals, often brought in to solve a problem or consult on a project, aren't a mystery. But for some reason, the day-to-day of working with an interior designer is a bit more confusing to understand, especially if you've never been through the process firsthand. Going far beyond the tasks of choosing paint colors and upholstery fabrics, interior designers are tasked with the daunting endeavor of turning a space into a dream home. Whether you're seeking expert help with a simple room refresh or a gut renovation, an interior designer tackles everything from furniture choices to floorplans to hardwired fixtures. That's what they dobut how do they do it? In other words, what is it like to actually work with an interior designer? We tapped interior designer Amanda Khouri to dispel some of the mystery surrounding the job and walk us through the design process, from the initial consultation to the marathon installation day. Read on to discover what it's like to work with an interior designer from start to finish.Related StoriesThe ConsultationOnce you determine the right interior designer for you and have them signed onto the project, the next step is a design consultation. This initial meeting will determine the project's scope and budget, get you started with the aesthetic direction, and outline any major non-negotiables. "We want all parties to come into the first meeting with confidence about the project and excitement to get started," says Khouri. "We also try to lay out a realistic timeline for the design process and what the client can expect at each point along the way."Caroline SharpnackAmanda Khouris home.Khouri also explains that this meeting is where the team and the clients will hash out the preferred method (and frequency) of communication. They'll also take a more granular look at their overall preferencesmood boards or 3D-renderings, text messages or emailsand go over bigger picture adetails. "We want to hear about how they plan to use the spaces we're working on in detail and if there are any special considerations we need to be aware of as we begin the design process, says Khouri. "We are here to listen, so we are bringing a notebook and many follow-up questions."The Design ProcessThe overall design process varies greatly depending on the scope of the project. If it's a simple redesign with no construction needed, Khouri finds that most clients work well with floorplans and mood boards. The more extensive the project, the more back and forth there will be with materials and renderings. "In general, there is an initial research phase where we are gathering inspiration images, pulling colors favored by the client, and brainstorming ideas to put together a very broad stroke of a mood board," says Khouri. "We like to begin with floorplans to establish the way a space or house will flow. We decide what the furniture layouts will be, the locations of built-ins, and provide initial ideas about wall and floor treatments, lighting locations etc."From here, there is a bit of back and forth as you, the client, will provide feedback and guide your designer in the direction of the final result. "There are literally thousands of seemingly small decisions and details to take into consideration at this stage," says Khouri. "For example, it's not just the tile selection, but how it will transition to the flooring or over a shower curbwill the tile be mitered as it transitions into the shower niche, or will we utilize slab stone to line the niche?" She explains, "every decision made leads to another, and typically there are multiple trades and vendors involved in each of these decisions, so this part of the process can be quite lengthy." A good designer, like Khouri, will try and think through as many of these details as possible prior to presenting the design in order to limit the number of decisions needed, but there will always be details to further consider, especially once the site visits occur. Design FinalizationCaroline SharpnackAmanda Khouris office.Ideally, the design concept, including all furnishings and fixtures, will be decided upon prior to the items being ordered and arriving at your home. But if measurements are incorrect, or your use of the space changes, there can continue to be blank spots, or placeholders, in the design. For Khouri, the design is often complete and fixed after the client provides feedback. However, if the plan calls for vintage pieces that may not have been found yet or one-of-a-kind items, she'll offer a hold on the floorplan and on the renderings. "Many times we will leave placeholders in a furniture plan for items that may not turn up on the exact timeline we'd prefer," she says. "For custom pieces and renovation plans, we do everything we can to finalize those at the presentation and limit changes after that."Site VisitsKhouri prefers to spend as much time on site as possible. After the initial day spent measuring and discussing layouts, further site visits are useful for seeing paint samples and textile swatches in the exact light they'll be placed in. "There may be an occasional dimension that needs double checking, visits with vendors and tradespeople for their parts in a project, and visits with contractors to talk through details as they're being executed onsite," she says.Historically, Khouri preferred to have compiled the proposed materials as flat lays for client presentations, but it's becoming more important for clients to be offered better visualization, often in the form of 3D or CAD renderings. "It allows clients to move forward with confidence and gives them something to refer back to when we are months and months post-presentation but not yet to install day," she says.Related StoryInstallation DayKate LeichhardtA dining room by Amanda KhouriIn the design industry, the day everything comes together is commonly known as 'install day'. Although hard furnishings like paint, wallpaper, hardware, and cabinetry will already be complete in your home, this is the day when all the furniture and finishing touches arrive. Today, though, install day might stretch out beyond a 24-hour period."I think it's rare in the post-COVID era to have an entire install happen fully on one single day," Khouri says. "I like to line up wallpaper, curtains, and rugs to be installed a week or two leading up to the furniture delivery so that on the day the furniture arrives we have fewer traffic jams, and furniture placement and accessorizing can be the focus. An install day is fun, often nerve-wracking, and rewarding!"Of course, no matter the amount of preparation or level of detail attended to, errors can occur. Khouri notes that it's important for clients to be prepared for all possibilities on the day. Think of install day as being like moving into a home; it's a stressful endeavor, but the outcome is worth any hassle. "We try to prepare ourselves and our clients for this reality and go into an install day hoping for the best, but prepared to find solutions where they may be needed," she says. Project Conclusion and Follow-Up"I find that with most projects, even once they are 'complete' we are still asked to advise on art acquisitions or a client is moving on to another project they'd like to tackle," says Khouri. "It's always fulfilling to work with repeat clients!" Interior designers make themselves available for quick consultations or advice on new layouts or rooms you may want to tackle, especially if you've worked with them previously and already built up a rapport. Khouri bills hourly, which makes this level of outreach easy for former clients to navigate as they move onto their next design project.Related StoryFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

There are so many ways to score easy-on-the-wallet home decor pieces these days, from big box stores to thrifting quests. But when something is free? That's almost always too good to pass up. Whether we call it "curb shopping" or "stooping," many of us are no strangers to driving along, spotting a potential treasure on the side of the road, and pulling over to pick it up. And that practice has been gaining even more steam due to current trends. According to the American Society of Interior Designers' 2025 ASID Trends Outlook Report, vintage pieces and unique finds are having a major momentand those are two things you might be lucky enough to spot on a curb. People also love the eco-friendly aspect of going secondhandthat when you pick up an item, it's being reused and recycled instead of tossed into a landfill. "Curbside treasures tell a story and offer a great way to embrace sustainability in design," says Kerrie Kelly, CEO and Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio. She's been known to pull over for barn boards and transform them into farmhouse-inspired outdoor signs, like the one below. Kerrie KellyVictoria Meadows, Principal and Lead Designer at Victoria Meadows Interiors, lives on a condo-lined cul-de-sac in South Florida that, she says, is "secretly a vintage collector's paradise." There are new finds every week on the curb, thanks to snowbirds moving in and out or changing up old furnishings. As a result, her home is outfitted in several curbside finds. Related StoriesMeadows is particularly drawn to rattan, saying that she scored the set of six vintage rattan dining chairs shown here and she also rescued a rattan accent chair and revived it to create a reading nook in her guest room. Another time, an abandoned gold etagere was practically "begging her to take it in and give it new life," and now it serves as a spot for her vintage record player and knickknacks. Eve Greendale PhotographyJoanne Palmisano, interior designer and author of Salvage Secrets Design & Decor, also has had incredible luck when it comes to snatching up curbside finds, and weaves them into her designs. For instance, she turned a timeworn table into a kitchen island, another find into a spray-painted-pink outdoor table, and a pair of doors into an oversized ottoman. She frequently sees the possibilities in items that others may overlook. Joanne PalmisanoJoanne PalmisanoIn fact, designers say that's the secret to curbside findsenvisioning whats possible And that's what these five designers have been known to do on a regular basis. Here, they share their advice on how to tell actual trash from potential treasure.Brake for Something UniqueKsenya Malina Ksenya Malina of New York interior design studio Time & Place Interiors says that a side-of-the-road treasure is one of the biggest thrills for a designer. "It's like retail therapy without the price tag. And it always makes for a great story," she says. "People often throw out great things they don't want to have to deal withmaybe it's too heavy to donate, or they don't have the time to find someone to pick it up." Malina shares that for example, she's outfitted a galley kitchen with a curbside vintage pendant lightall she had to do was add a new glass orb. "Whether it's a unique piece of furniture with great bones or a casegood that can be repurposed, roadside finds can add character and sustainability to a home," she says.And Claire Zinnecker, Founder and Creative Director of Claire Zinnecker Design, who has a curbside dresser in her guest room, shares a common viewpoint when it comes to picking up stuff: "One persons trash is another's treasure. All it takes is some imagination."Get Hands-On for Quality ControlWhen you do spy a possible curbside score, Malina recommends giving the item a "gentle shake for sturdiness." If you're after noteworthy brands, she advises, "open dresser drawers to check for markings. Look on the underside of tables and chairs. And turn over lamps, dishes, or glassware for signatures."You also might be able to get a sense of the quality just from where the item has been located. As Palmisano says, if the curbside piece is next to a cool, old house, or if the neighborhood is generally known for being old-school, "there may be some good finds."In general, even if something doesn't carry a label, Kelly is always on the lookout for solid construction: real wood instead of particle board, sturdy frames, and unique details that make a piece worth restoring. Avoid UpholsteryHow do you decide if a curbside piece is safe to take home? First, Malina suggests checking for any creepy-crawlies roaming in drawers or for any rotting in crevices. Kelly says that a quick inspection for mold or general structural damage is key. And of course, if the piece has a strong odor, deep water damage, or is beyond repair, keep driving.Upholstered pieces aren't usually all that safe to bring home. "Im not a fan of upholstered pieces," Palmisano says. "First, you don't know how long they have been outside. Second, you just don't know if pets have been sitting on them, or if they are filled with other critters. If I see a cool tablecloth or linen piece, then I know I can wash thatbut anything larger with upholstery on it I steer away from."Consider the Time and Money You'll Invest in a Refurb"If a large, cumbersome piece requires extensive refurbishment, think twice before taking on the chore or the expense of making it usable again," Malina says. "Custom upholstery and furniture restoration are pricey services."Make Sure It's Yours for the TakingNot sure if an item is resting on the curb while its owner carries something else insideor waiting to be picked up by the garbage truck or claimed by a new owner? Malina says that if an item is sitting suspiciously close to the home, or there's a moving truck nearby, definitely ring the doorbell to find the former owner, or approach a mover and ask before spiriting it away. But if the items are next to trash bins or accessorized with a "free" sign, then Palmisano says that they're fair game. Make a Curbside Find Your OwnIf you've determined that a curbside find is pest-free, clean, and able to be repaired, then you can start dreaming up ways to refresh and style it. For instance, if you stop for artwork and it's in good condition, Meadows notes that you can always change out the frame to match your decor style. And although she's been searching high and low for a large glass coffee table, she got clever with a full-height glass dining table and cut off the wooden legs to create a perfectly-sized coffee table.Some pieces simply need a little love. Malina recommends oiling down wood furniture with a light conditioner to give it a fresh feel, and polishing up brass accents. You can even add a new shade to a lamp base or install new hardware on a cabinet. Painting is always an option, too. For Palmisano, she prefers to refinish a wood table to its "natural glory," but if it's metal, she gets out the paint. Zinnecker points out that painting is a fairly "low lift and big impact DIY."And she's not afraid to experiment. As she says, "if I didn't spend money buying a piece, it makes it easier for me to experiment to make it my aesthetic without worrying if the refurbishing project isn't a success, which happens sometimes!" Overall, the designers agree that, as long as the piece isn't upholstered, and hasn't seen (much better) days, according to designers, a curbside find is (almost) always a good idea. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Spanish Revival architecture, with its elegant white stucco facades, red-tiled roofs, and intricate detailing, is one of the most enduring architectural styles in the United States, visible everywhere from the Flagler College in St Augustine, Florida (formerly the Ponce de Leon hotel) to Casa Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210. Drawing from the architecture of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, this architectural movement can be found across California, Florida, and the Southwest today, in homes ranging from grand estates to cozy bungalows. Today, its signature elements continue to inspire homeowners and architects alike. Here's everything you need to know about Spanish Revival architecture.More on Architectural StylesThe History of Spanish Revival ArchitectureTo understand Spanish Revival architecture, we have to look back several hundred years. From the 16th to the mid-19th century, Spain was the dominant colonizer in the Americas. The parts of America settled by Spaniardsnamely Florida, California, and the Southwesthave a similar temperate climate as Spain. So the houses the colonizers built were quite similar to those found in their homeland. "As a matter of practicality, colonizing settlers merged building practices of their home nation with the local materials and tools available," explains Andrew Cogar, AIA, and president of Historical Concepts, an architecture firm based in Atlanta and New York that specializes in traditional yet modern homes. Thus, Spanish Colonial architecture was born.Now, as for Spanish Revival architecture, that happened a bit laterit was part of the Colonial Revival movement that spread all across the United States in the early 1900s as Americans grew fascinated with their colonial heritage. Spanish Revival took off after the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, where architects Bertram Goodhue Carleton Winslow riffed on Spanish Colonial architecture for the design of the expo's main buildingsthis style became known as Spanish Colonial Revival, or simply Spanish Revival. uschools//Getty ImagesSeveral buildings in what is now San Diegos Balboa Park were built as part of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.This time around, Spanish architectural elements (the white stucco exterior, red tile roof, etc.) were more of a choice than a necessity, emphasizing the beauty and old-world feel of the materials that have become so closely tied with California casual style.As Andrew notes, it's no surprise that this unique architecture style continues to be popular and to "capture the imagination of Americans as an ideal example for individual homes in temperate climate zones." Spanish Revival homes are still widely found (and built) throughout Florida and California, but also extending further into the Southeast and Southwest.Spanish Revival Architecture Characteristics Douglas FriedmanA Spanish Revival interior by designer Jon De La Cruz.Spanish Revival homes share several distinct characteristics. White Stucco WallsThe structures are built with very thick walls, typically white stucco over adobe brick or stone, which help keep the houses cool.Red Tile RoofsOne of the most recognizable features is the red, barrel tile roof, which was low-pitched. In the Southwest, homes often have completely flat roofs with castle-like parapets lining the perimeter.Arched DoorwaysWooden doors accent the light stucco exterior walls and are sometimes arched, mimicked by arched doorways inside the homes.Small WindowsIn true Spanish Colonial homes, these tiny windows didn't have glass, just holes with wood shutters that opened and closed. Today, we've modernized them with glass panes.Intricate Interior DetailingThe interiors of Spanish Revival homes innately have a casual, warm feel to them, since the raw adobe walls may not be covered with plaster or accented with trim or painted tiles. Wooden beams often serve as structural support along the ceilings, while wrought iron detailing adds an industrial touch.Courtyards or PatiosGiven the warm climate in the areas where Spanish Revival architecture is found, it's perhaps no surprise that outdoor living is a main feature of the style.sara princeAn arched doorway in a home by Rita Chan Interiors.Regional Variations on Spanish Revival ArchitectureSince Spanish Colonial architecture was built across such a large geographic area with varying indigenous populations, the style has some regional distinctions as well. "Despite sharing the same Spanish cultural traditions and building techniques, the Southeast and Southwest had markedly different stylistic responses, based upon their specific geography and indigenous cultures," Andrew says.John Elk//Getty ImagesThe Pacific House Museum in Monterey, California.This holds true in Spanish Revival architecture, too. Monterey-style homes (of Monterey, California) were noted for their distinctive second-story porch that ran across the front of the house, Andrew says, as an addition to that original external breezeway. Walter Bibikow//Getty ImagesThe Mission-Style Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.Mission-style architecture drew inspiration from the myriad churches built by Spanish settlers in California, which could be spotted by their use of arches and bell towers. Today, secular buildings including hotels, courthouses and even homes flaunt the style.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Hawaii is, for me, a long way from home, geographically and in terms of its sensibility. Prior to undertaking this projectsited, dramatically, in the shadow of a volcano, on the states eponymous Big IslandI had, really, little more understanding of the place than what Id seen in guidebooks and the movies. But by the time the house was completed, I possessed, I believe, a profound understanding of my clients attachment to the localeto the great power that this repository of humbling beauty exerts on the individual. It is good to be reminded that the world is a precious place, and we are its guardians and servantsespecially in a state where one of the local radio stations offers an hourly weather report by broadcasting the temperature in...PARADISE!When you think of the Hawaiian archipelago, you think green. But the Big Island, with its sculptural formations of black lava rock, presents a beauty born of dramatic severity. My clients site, situated within the protected confines of a national park, fully partakes of this setting. The land sits some 500 feet above the Pacificon a clear day, the view of Maui is spectacularwith cascades of wind-rippled grasses, reminiscent of the African savannah, flowing down, down, to the sea. Looking in the opposite direction, one beholds Hawaiis mighty (and sometimes ominous) Mauna Loa, the worlds largest active volcano. The surrounding black lava fields, moreover, are exceptionally fertile, so that the property is separated from its neighbors by dense stands of grasses, wild native plants, and shaggy trees.Rizzoli The Art of Elegance: Classic InteriorsNow 24% Off$55 $42 at AmazonMy clients, who hail from very different backgroundsshe is a native of Sweden, her husband a St. Louis businessmanhad, for this family vacation retreat, a somewhat complicated vision. Most of the local interiors the couple saw proved to be, unexpectedly, quite gloomyclosed off from the islands sylvan natural light, constructed from dark, heavy woods such as mahogany. They wanted a place that harkened back to old Hawaiithat felt authenticbut bright, airy and, especially, romantic. And, not least, a respite and a retreat.The courtyard house they ultimately commissioned precisely reflected those desires. My task was to amplify that lightness of spirit and romance, and also to connect it firmly to the palpable sense of place. And so my studio worked closely with Walker Warner, our clients San Franciscobased architects, on a dwelling that we all agreed would sit ultra-lightly on the land, the structure opening up to embrace the light, the climate, the trade winds, and the exquisite fragrances they carry. Of all the components that factor into my work, one of the most essential, even indispensable, is romanceand this house is, in my estimation, perhaps the most unabashedly and serenely romantic design to which Ive ever put my hand. There is an enveloping comfort, an ease and repose, that beckons one away from the worlds cares and invites one to lounge, drift away, and dream. It is, in a word, my own particular interpretation . . . of paradise. FAST FACTSDesigner:Location: The Space: There is an enveloping comfort, an ease and repose, that beckons one away from the worlds cares and invites one to lounge, drift away, and dream.Related StoriesPATIOLush greenery creates an edenic feeling.Lisa RomereinThere are doors that slide away completely, opening the house to the outside. In the primary bathroom, they open completely to an outdoor soaking tub. It is the epitome of paradise.LIVING ROOMLight furnishings reflects the open architecture.Lisa Romerein The walls in the great room are constructed from a coral stone that isnt remotely indigenous to Hawaii but imparts a rusticity that is light in nature. The floor, a sand-colored limestone pocked with the irregular imprints of prehistoric mollusks, also feels of the place yet was sourced off-island, and the same remains true of the bleached, raw western cedar that we selected for the ceilings. The interlocking rings patterns on the doors and windows, a decorative motif repeated throughout the house, I extrapolated from handwoven antique Hawaiian quilts. The refectory table behind the sofabuilt from a fallen oak on the familys St. Louis property.A more significant influence came from Scandinavia: a collection of carpets, drawing on classic Swedish patterns from the 1940s, that I created specifically for the project. Partly this was a nod to the wifes heritage and her love of the color blue (in which the design is awash). But a no less meaningful reason had to do with the primitive motifs that insinuated themselves into those historic Swedish designs. Their bold, vivid character, and their repetition and rhythm, felt perfectly in sync with the houses tropical situation. KITCHENIt blends California and Hawaii design.Lisa RomereinThe designthe beamed ceiling, horizontal boards on the island, the rustic lintel above the windownods to both Hawaiis colonial architecture and the country villas of California. The screen below the cabinet, comprised of interlocking circles, was inspired by the traditional pie safethat is, a drawer that lets pies cool down while also protecting them from hungry critters.DINING ROOMGlobal touches, from India to the Midwest, combine.Lisa Romerein The form of the elongated light fixture above the dining table (also constructed from my clients fallen St. Louis oakit was a big tree) abstracts traditional Hawaiian roof thatch, called hale. A Chinese screen stands atop an inlaid console table from India. We printed the fabric on the chairs, which resembles the sarongs traditionally worn at festive luaus.BATHROOMAn island vanity is a brilliant use of space.Lisa RomereinOn the other side of the mirror in the primary bath: an identical sink and vanity. The casework is finished in cerused oak; a Swedish cabinet and a Danish chair suggest the unexpected compatibility between Scandinavian design and the aesthetic of the Pacific rim.BEDROOMIt needed a romantic atmosphere.Lisa RomereinMy studio designed the majority of the residences furniture, combining our own sensibility with the local styles, and our fervent experience of the location. Fabrics with Balinese influences and antiques drawing on Chinese origins add a mystical overlay of romance.Nowhere is that feeling more pervasive than the primary suite. I designed the four-poster; the pattern on the folded duvet at the foot of the bed calls to mind the effortless chic of playful, prolific midcentury textile design.About the DesignerMarshall Watson is the founder of the New York design firm Marshall Watson & Reid Deane Ganes. He is known for a European-inspired design style rich in texture, detail, and simple luxuries. The Art of Elegance: Classic Interiors, in which this project appears, is his first book.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

The transition from winter to spring is one of the most restorative and renewing times of the year. Theres something so joyful about abandoning your coats and thick sweaters in favor of lighter clothing. During the colder months, were naturally inclined to hunker down, but now its time to swap out the flannel sheets and faux-fur blankets for something breezy. Like the fashion world, interior design sees its fair share of seasonal trends. For spring, softer colors and natural textiles like linen and cotton usually take the lead in our homes aesthetics. But for 2025, things are getting a bit more colorful. We tapped five top interior designers to reveal the spring trends they predict will dominate this year. Related StoriesJewel Tones Elizabeth LavinCarla Rockmores dramatic dining room. Tour the entire home.After a long spell of neutrals dominating the scene, spring 2025 is set to be all about embracing bold, saturated huesthink deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and rich burgundy. These dramatic shades will appear on feature walls, upholstery, and even art pieces, infusing spaces with energy and personality. Its all about making a statement while adding warmth and sophistication. Danielle Chiprut, Danielle Rose Design Co.Colorful StoneChristian HarderA powder room in Serena Dugans Shelter Island, New York space. Tour the entire home.Natural materials are making a strong return this springbut not in their usual neutral forms. Colorful natural stones will be front and center, appearing in furniture, countertops, and accessories to add vibrance. Expect to see kitchens and bathrooms incorporating stones like onyx, green marble, or colorful quartzite to create unexpected focal points that blend organic appeal with striking hues. Danielle Chiprut, Danielle Rose Design Co. Collected Interiors Trevor TondroDesigner Garrow Kedigians Paris apartment. Tour the entire home.We love the New Traditional movementa beautiful blend of classic design elements with modern sensibilities. Its about honoring history and craftsmanship while keeping spaces feeling fresh and relevant. Mixing antique pieces with contemporary lighting or pairing bold, traditional wallpaper with streamlined furniture creates a dynamic, collected-over-time aesthetic. Galey Grimes of Galey Grimes InteriorsRich WoodsNate SheetsAn updated Tudor in Kansas City by Kobel + Co. Tour the entire home.Warmer, deeper wood tones like walnut and mahogany are making a strong return. These materials bring depth and richness to interiors while still feeling natural and timeless. We love how they add warmth and contrast, especially when paired with lighter elements like stone or soft upholstery. Even small touches, like a sculptural wood console or a framed mirror, can bring this look into a space. Genevieve Webb and Ashley Mutch of Feather Hill InteriorsLayered LightingShade DeggesA Marthas Vineyard beach house designed by Amber Lewis. Tour the entire home.Layered lighting is shifting from an afterthought to a necessity. Instead of relying solely on recessed lighting, were incorporating ambient lighting like uplights to accentuate ceiling height, picture lights to highlight artwork, and backlighting to add a soft glow to built-ins and headboards. This kind of lighting instantly makes a space feel more calm, elevated, and considered. Genevieve Webb and Ashley Mutch of Feather Hill InteriorsOrganic Shapessara princeA California home by designer Rita Donahoe. Tour the entire home.I cant get enough of sculptural elements in designwhether its curved furniture, arched doorways, or organic-shaped lighting. Theres something timeless yet modern about these details, and they instantly make a space feel more inviting and dynamic rather than boxy or cookie cutter. They also pair beautifully with the natural materials I love, like linen, rattan, and ceramics, creating a home that feels effortless, lived-in, and collected over time. Stephanie Wiott of Stephanie Wiott DesignsArt DecoBess FridayAn apartment designed by Caitlin Jones Ghajar. Tour the entire home.Art Deco is coming back in a big way, which I adore as its my favorite design era. The distinct patterns and motifsgeometric repeats, scallops, and archeshave an energy to them. Additionally, the inclusion of brown furniture as an occasional velvet chair, Brutalist wood ottoman, or as end tables looks stellar in these chocolate shades. Brittny Button, Button AteliersFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Above room designed by Natalia Miyar.Honing your personal style isnt always easy, especially when it comes to home decorating. Fortunately, there are people who literally dedicate their careers to helping others do just thatand we have access to them. So if youre trying to make your interiors better reflect you, bust out a pen and paper because its note taking time. We asked interior designers to divulge their expert methods for creating deeply personalized spaces. From unearthing the box of mementos under your bed to finding inspiration in your wardrobe, all of these tips are tried and true. Related StoriesUse Your MementosTorriPhoto//Getty ImagesInstead of stashing keepsakes in boxes or scrapbooks, decorate with them. I save prayer cards from funerals, certain holiday cards, childrens special art projects, and photos from vacations that remind me of amazing memories like being together in faraway places, says designer Meg Lonergan. I have shells from beaches all over the world, along with trinkets and treasures from my travels, proudly displayed on shelves and surfaces throughout my home.Display a CollectionChristopher StarkA room by designer Jeff Andrews.Personal style is rooted in the things you lovethings you collect and that have meaning to you that you want to look at every day, says designer Jeff Andrews. Embracing and highlighting a collection is a great way to infuse your personal style into a space.For many years, Andrews has collected studio pottery. In my own Los Angeles home, we designed a niche in the den to showcase many of my favorite pieces, the designer says. Each one has a story and triggers a special memory.Make a Weird Gallery WallLam PhotographyA gallery wall by designer Jeanne Barber.Gallery walls are a great place for getting weird, says designer Jeanne Barber. In the above project, Barber framed the homeowners old student council campaign sign, their wedding countdown, and Boy Scout patches.She adds, Everything on the wall represents a significant memory in their life history and is a great conversation starter, but because they are grouped together, no single piece overwhelms."Look at Your WardrobeMadeline TolleA closet by designer Jaqui Seerman.A good place to find interior inspiration is actually in your closet. Designer Taniya Nayak explains: Do you wear monochromatic [outfits] typically? Loud patterns and bold colors? Understated and tailored with one eye-catching bauble? I think you have your answer. What you wear most often signals what you like, and that can be translated into your home decor. Nayaks style leans monochromatic, tailored, and textured, with elegant yet timeless accessories. Same for my wardrobe, same for my home, she says.Choose Vintage Michael Alan KaskelA decorative display by designer Rebekah Zaveloff.Secondhand pieces that have lived many lives usually exude character. Designer Rebekah Zaveloff often turns to vintage furniture rather than filling a room with new products right away and leaving vintage accessories to be an afterthought, she says. We let these special one-off pieces lead the way and then make the rest of the room work around them. We try to collect and spec as much vintage as possible so that things arent so matchy-matchy and so each space feels true and special to the people living there.Art is another category worth focusing on. After selecting art that reflects a clients interests, Zaveloff will source vintage frames that are mismatched so it looks like each piece of art was handed down over generations.Focus on FeelingBrie WilliamsA bedroom by designer Heidi Woodman.Think about how you want to feel in a space. The best interiors dont just serve a purpose; they move you, says designer Anu Jain. Every decision should be made with intentionlighting that transforms at dusk, a perfectly proportioned reading chair that cradles you, a dining space that invites long, lingering conversations. I always ask my clients, How do you want to feel in this space? The answer informs every material, texture, and detail.That being said, dont overlook the literal feel of everything. I gravitate toward touchable, sensorial materialshand-troweled plaster walls, rich boucle or mohair upholstery, marble with dramatic veining, Jain adds. Recently, we upholstered an intimate study in deep tobacco-hued suede, transforming it into a warm, cocoon-like retreat.Give It TimeAMY BARTLAMAn interior by designer Amy Sklar.No one wants to hear it, but developing deeply personal interiors takes time. From my perspective, the most personal interiors are spaces that have elements that the homeowner has a connection tothings that are loved because they have meaning, says designer Amy Sklar. Its successfully achieved through time and patience.Sklar points to TV-style home makeovers as the culprit for a widespread expectation of instantaneous results. Infusing a space with your own unique stamp with a collection of things that you love happens over time, she reiterates. You dont have to decorate everything in one fell swoop. The layering of materials and objects that have meaning is a marathon not a sprint. Trust Your InstinctsMilo BrownA living and dining area by designer Natalia Miyar.Can it be as simple as believing in yourself? Designer Natalia Miyar says so. Trust your instincts, she says. When you choose what feels right, your home will naturally reflect your style.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Buying a home is a big decision, so how do you know youre really ready for it? There is, of course, the financial aspect: Can you afford to buy a place? But beyond income and employment, other factors like market conditions can affect your answer. Then you have to consider your lifestyle (do you actually want to put down roots and make a long-term commitment?) and emotional readiness (are you mentally prepared for the responsibility?). While planning isnt completely foolproof, we asked real estate experts to build a checklist that can be a readiness gut check for serious potential home buyers. Tick off the list below to assess where youre at, whether youre in need of guidance or simply want support to back up the decision youve already made.Related StoriesDo You Know What You Want?So many buyers jump into house hunting without figuring out what they actually want, says Jenna Stauffer, expert broker and global real estate advisor with Sothebys International Realty. Then, you hear the usual noise. Its not the right time to buy. You should wait for rates to drop. Prices are too high.Stauffer continues: The perfect time to buy isnt about interest rates or market trends. Its about when you are financially and mentally prepared to take the leap. It all comes down to your goals and your life plans.Stauffer recommends asking yourself a series of questions before you even start browsing listings: Are you looking for a long or short-term investment? Do you want a fixer-upper challenge, or do you need move-in ready? Is this your forever home or a stepping stone toward something bigger?These lifestyle questions will shape your search, helping you better determine if youre ready to take the leap. Homeownership requires a long-term mindset, adds Wendy Forsythe, CMO of eXp Realty. Buyers should ask themselves if they plan to stay in the home for at least five to seven years to make the investment worthwhile.Scott Bergmann, broker and owner of Realty ONE Group Authentic in Omaha, Nebraska, agrees that buying a home makes the most sense if you plan to stay put for at least three to five years, he says. If not, renting might be smarter.Are Your Finances in Good Shape?Steven Puetzer//Getty ImagesNext, take a look at your finances. Prospective buyers should assess their financial health, including their credit score, savings for a down payment, and ability to cover closing costs and ongoing expenses like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, says Forsythe.If one of those categories, like your credit score, isnt great, Bergmann recommends waiting. A better score equals a lower interest rate equals saving a ton over time, he says. If needed, hold off and improve it first.Have You Talked to a Lender?Securing pre-qualification and pre-approval can make a huge difference. Stauffer highly recommends talking to multiple (multiple being the key word) lenders. Even a small difference in interest rates can save (or cost) you thousands over the life of your loan, Stauffer says. Pre-qualification gives you buying power. In a competitive market, homes move fast. If you dont have your pre-qualification letter ready, you could lose out to another buyer.Bergmann agrees. Knowing your real budget (and having a lender who backs it up) makes your offer stronger, he says.Forsythe adds that lenders look for a stable work history and consistent income when approving mortgage loans, [so] buyers should ensure they have a reliable income source and job security before making a purchase.Do You Know the Local Market? Michael H//Getty ImagesWhile the market isnt the end all, be all, you should still look at the local conditions. Interest rates and inventory levels can impact affordability and timing, says Forsythe.In a sellers market, homes move fast and buyers compete for properties, and there can be little room for negotiation, Stauffer explains. In a buyers market, homes sit longer so that can give you a little more negotiating power and time.You can never be armed with too much knowledge. Knowing what kind of market youre in helps you adjust your strategy so you dont overpay or miss out, Stauffer says.Have You Set a Real Budget? You can't avoid the dreaded, very personal A-word: affordability. Can you actually afford to buy a home? Its crucial to determine what price range is comfortable based on monthly income, debts, and lifestyle, Forsythe says. Mortgage pre-approval can provide clarity on what a buyer can afford.But Stauffer notes that just because you qualify for a certain amount doesnt mean you should spend that much. So, ask yourself: Whats my real maximum budget? What am I comfortable spending each month without feeling stretched thin? Have I factored in property taxes, home insurance, maintenance, and unexpected costs? Do I have a solid emergency fund? For everything from moving expenses to emergency repairs, Bergmann recommends having three to six months of reserves, meaning cash on hand and available to spend.Related StoriesHave You Considered Out-of-the-Box Solutions?If, say, affordability isnt looking too hot for you right now, dont count yourself out of the homeowner race just yet. Im working with buyers who felt priced out of the market, but now they are getting creative and looking at homes with ADUs (accessory dwelling units) duplexes, or rental potential, says Stauffer. By renting out a portion of their home, they can offset mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes.She continues, With todays affordability constraints, getting creative is key. Renting out an ADU or part of your home could be the solution to making homeownership possible.Related StoriesAre Your Non-Negotiables Realistic? If youre eager to jump into the home-buying process with a list made up strictly of non-negotiables, youre likely keeping yourself from making your wish a reality. I have worked with plenty of buyers who had a long, rigid wish list in their head, and then they would reject so many homes and get so frustrated that nothing was matching exactly what they envisioned, Stauffer says. We broke down what were their non-negotiables versus the nice-to-haves. The moment they opened up their search, they found their perfect homeone they had previously dismissed.Stauffer recommends making those two lists: one of absolute must-haves and one of nice-to-haves that arent deal breakers. A little flexibility can open up way more opportunities than you might expect, the broker says.Are You Ready Emotionally? Big life decisions that can drastically change your day-to-day can take an emotional toll, so check in with yourself. Beyond finances, buying a home is an emotional decision, Forsythe says. Buyers should consider if they are ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership, including maintenance and repairs. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

It's no secret that the first few months of 2025 have been chaotic. Between the climate emergencies, the whiplash of tariffs, and a rollercoaster of a Hollywood awards season, we could all use a deep breathand a vacation. But the change isn't over yet. Amid the slew of federal budget cuts, layoffs, and department closures, the real estate market in Washington D.C. is in a freefall, only adding to the economic uncertainty.According to data from Realtor.com, the number of for sale homes in Washington D.C. is up 56.2 percent compared to this week last year. That's a major jump. The asking prices of these homes have lowered slightly as well. In 2025 alone, the inventory of available homes in the area has also seen incremental increases. January saw a 35 percent year-over-year increase, and February continued to climb, up 41 percent from last year. Related StoriesThere's plenty of supply, but not so much demand. "The adjustment period following federal layoffs and funding cuts has likely put some Washington D.C. home searches on hold, both for those whose jobs have been directly impacted and those who may be concerned about what's ahead, and the data hints at these challenges," notes Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale. "So far, we're seeing more homes on the market, and modestly lower asking prices, but the situation continues to evolve."Some households will likely choose to leave and retire or find a job elsewhere.For the public servants affected by budget cuts, Washington D.C. has long been a professional home base, but many live in the larger Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs. As the area with the largest percentage of federally employed workers, Hale expects the District of Columbia's real estate market will continue to feel the fallout from these cuts. Other major federal work hubs include states with the largest number of representatives and internal districts, namely California and Texas. "While I expect many households will choose to stay in the area and pivot to find new job opportunities, some will likely choose to leave and retire or find a job elsewhere," Hale says. But you can't count on anything these days, including continued decline. As the Department of Government Efficiency is slowing down their scrutiny and, in some cases, rehiring fired employees, only time will tell if the district's real estate markets will continue to drop or if they'll stabilize. Related StoryFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Shipping container homes aren't a new trend, but with soaring real estate prices, they're having their moment in the spotlight. For potential homeowners looking for a potentially cost-effective alternative to a traditional home, a shipping container home might be an appealing option. But how much does a shipping container home actually cost? The answer, of course, depends on the specifics of the home. For instance, an off-the-grid, tiny-house-style shipping container home might cost as little as $25,000, per the home services resource site Angi. But a luxurious custom build featuring four bedrooms and two bathrooms across two stories can easily increase that cost estimate tenfold or more. If you're interested in building a shipping container home, here's what you need to know about the cost.More Shipping Container Home InspirationWhat Is a Shipping Container Home?A shipping container home is exactly what it sounds likea house built from repurposed steel shipping containers, also known as intermodal containers. Yes, the ones that are loaded up onto cargo ships, trains, and truck beds and sent around the world! Because the containers are already weather-resistant, as they're often exposed to the elements on their voyages, they're a reasonably sound choice as a building material. Plus, they're modular, so it's pretty easy to add rooms to your shipping container home.Custom Container LivingHow Much Do Shipping Container Homes Cost?Ah, the million-dollar questionalthough it'll likely cost far less than a million dollars to build a shipping container home! But there are countless variables to consider when it comes to figuring out the cost. In general, shipping container homes start around $25,000 for a single-container tiny home. Add additional containers to your build, and the price climbs quickly. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to shipping container home costs. To help you set your budget, here's a breakdown of average costs by various metrics.Cost Per Square FootOn average, shipping container homes cost between $150 and $350 per square foot, per the home resource site Home Guide. Shipping containers come in several standard sizes:8 feet wide by 8.5 feet tall by 10 feet long (80 square feet) = $12k to $28k8 feet wide by 8.5 feet tall by 20 feet long(160 square feet) = $24k to $56k8 feet wide by 8.5 feet tall by 40 feet long (320 square feet) = $48k to $112,000Given that info, it's pretty easy to do the math to figure out what size your shipping container home will be, based on the size of the containers. For example, an 80 square foot container would run you about $12,000 to $28,000. Note that if you wanted additional head space, you'd have to purchase a high-cube container, which is 9.5 feet high, increasing the bottom line cost.Cost Per ContainerA lone shipping containernot one tricked out to be a homeusually costs between $1,200 and $10,000, according to Angi. Here's some general guidance as to how many containers you'll need for various home sizes, though you can often do more or less, depending on your design.Studio: 1 container = $1,2k to $10k1 Bedroom: 12 containers = $1,2k to $20k2 Bedroom: 24 containers = $2,4k to $40k3 Bedroom: 4+ containers = $4,8k to $40k4 Bedroom: 6+ containers = 47,2k to $60k+Shipping Container Home Cost vs. a Traditional HomeWhere do shipping container homes fit in among other popular home types? They're on the lower end of the spectrum. Because traditional homes are often larger than shipping container homes, they tend to cost more. A shipping container home is usually more similar in price to a tiny home, a prefab or modular home, or a manufactured home. Shipping Container Home Cost FactorsAs you're pricing out your shipping container home, here are some of the many factors you need to consider. For each category, the pricing can vary greatly due to the location your home is in or the materials you choose to use.Prefab vs. CustomA prefabricated, or prefab, shipping container home essentially comes turn-key or close to it. Overall, prefab shipping container homes are often less expensive than custom ones, but it all depends on the specifics of your project.SizeAs previously mentioned, the size of your shipping container home largely dictates the price. Naturally, smaller shipping container homes cost less than larger ones.Land and Site PreparationBefore you build your shipping container home, you need a suitable plot of land for it. Depending on the lot, you might need to do some pretty intense work in order to place your shipping container home on it, from clearing trees to land grading to pouring a foundation. (Your contractor can will be able to advise you on what needs doing.) And you'll also need to figure out utilities, such as septic or sewer, electricity, water, and gas. Finally, don't forget that you'll also need to pay for permits and labor! StructureA lot of work goes into converting a shipping container into a shipping container home, and that comes at a cost. At the very least, you'll need to install roofing, flooring, insulation, drywall, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, and likely HVAC. For all of these things, you're looking at both material and labor costs, unless you have a background in general contracting, electricity, or plumbing and can save a little via DIY.FinishesNow for the fun part! How you want to finish your shipping container is up to you, but this is where things can get really expensive if you opt for luxury. We're talking about paint colors, fixtures, appliances, furniture, and decor. All these fun interior design choices add personality into your shipping container home, but can drive up its cost. Again, it's possible to save on labor costs via DIY, depending on the project. The bottom line: A shipping container is likely to be a bargain compared to a traditional home, but will range in price according to size, location, and the level of luxury involved.

When youre planning the design of your bathroom, whether its an ensuite or a half-bath, you typically think about the big picture. Maybe you want it to feel spa-like, or super glamorous, or sleek and ultra clean. After you pin down the general vibe you desire, though, youve got to think about the details that make up the entire look. Enter: bathroom finishes.Bathroom finishes come into and fall out of fashion, just like trends around general interior aesthetics. Many designers consider the hardware the jewelry of a room: It adds that perfect little dazzle every outfiter, bathroomneeds. Sometimes chunky statement necklaces are in; other times, delicate yellow gold pieces are what everyone wants. The specific wood tones you bring in, the undertones of the stone slabs or tiles you liketheyre all influenced in part by the trend cycle, even if wed argue that some of them are actually timeless.To get to the bottom of whats trending in bathroom finishes now, we asked multiple experts to share what theyre expecting to see for 2025. Keep reading to find out what the bathroom experts predict will be most popular this year.For more beautiful bathroom inspiration:1Warm FinishesAime MazzengaYou can expect to see warm finishes this year. Champagne bronze, polished nickel, and brushed gold bring warm, rich, inviting colors and soft, tactile textures to your space. Delta Faucet embraced this trend this year by expanding its Champagne Bronze finish to two new bathroom collections (Ashlyn and Velum), showcasing a soft gold finish that pairs elegantly with traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. The bathroom finish in these select styles will be available this spring.Seth Fritz of Delta Faucet Company2Mixed MetalsCourtesy of MoenChrome and brushed nickel have always been common choices for bathroom finishes, however warmer, more unique finishes like matte black and bronzed gold continue to grow in popularity. By mixing and matching both classic and new age finishes throughout a space, homeowners can create a more customized, striking aesthetic in the bathroom. For example, Moens new Cambium bathroom suite is available in a new mixed Polished/Brushed Nickel finish. This new finish promotes quiet luxury by mixing metals to highlight the subtle contrast between two sheens of the same hue. The outcome is an elegant, metallic finish that allows consumers to pair brushed or polished nickel complementary items in their bathroom design.Danielle DeBoe Harper of MoenAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3More PatternAimee MazzengaIn 2025, I think were going to see a lot more pattern in bathrooms. No necessarily in tile, but wallpaper and textiles. Dressing up bathrooms with pattern helps them to feel less sterile and more like an extension of the rest of the home.Alexandra Kaehler of Alexandra Kaehler Design4Black HardwareGroheSoft black finishes, like graphite, are emerging as a more refined and subtle alternative to the boldness of traditional matte black. Graphite offers a sophisticated and gentler look, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more understated yet elegant design. Graphites softer tones make the Grohe Essence Single-Handle bathroom faucet in Hard Graphite an excellent option. It offers the sleek appeal of black but with a warm twist that makes it versatile for a variety of interiors. As this trend gains traction, its becoming a popular choice for creating a timeless and luxurious atmosphere without the intensity of a pure matte black finish.Jean-Jacques LHenaff of LIXIL Global Design AmericasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Richer, Darker Wood FinishesHugo Landa GarciaLighter wood tones have had their moment, but in 2025, bathroom design will embrace richer, deeper wood finishes. Expect to see walnut, dark-stained oak, and other warm, moody wood tones taking center stage in vanities, cabinetry, and accent details. This shift brings a sense of sophistication and depth, creating a contrast against classic stone and tile finishes. Paired with color-drenched walls or richly veined marble, these deeper wood tones add a layer of warmth and luxury.Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors6Bespoke DetailsJake DunderdaleRegal, textured wallcoverings and bespoke vanities are trending; clients are interested in having design and style in their homes that no one else has. Its no longer a keeping up with the neighbors goal but more so having something better or different than the neighbors mindset that weve been hearing.Kelly Collier-Clark of House of Clark Interiors Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Honed FinishesAndrea CaloRight now, honed finishes are more popular because while it looks elevated, its a casual elegance instead of opulent elegance. Letting the materials be in in their truest form is very popular, and a honed tile looks like it was dug out of the earth and placed in your home.Tatum Madden of OHara Interiors8Matte MaterialsCourtesy of MoenWhile many still love the timeless shine of glossy finishes, incorporating more matte materials and textures can help deliver on a more bold focal point that redefines modern style. These finishes are also more durable as they dont show spotting or fingerprints as easily, making them a versatile option for families.Danielle DeBoe Harper of MoenAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Nature at First SightHouse of RohlTo elevate your decor, consider finishes that add both tactile and visual texture to your space. Living finishes, such as aged or unlacquered brass, bring warmth and vintage charm to the bathroom. Without a protective lacquer, these finishes naturally develop a patina over time based on environmental elements, adding character and a sense of history to the room. Timeless and versatile, they seamlessly blend with both modern and traditional design elements. Often found on accessories like mirrors, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware, these finishes on plumbing fixtures create a refined, distinctive, and lived-in look throughout the bathroom.Eveline Simard of House of Rohl10Balanced MaximalismHouse of RohlAs we move beyond minimalist aesthetics, a shift toward bold patterns, rich textures, and vibrant colors is taking over bathroom design. This trend celebrates dynamic, personalized spaces, where each element brings its own unique personality. Designers are skillfully balancing these components to craft environments that radiate individuality. Recently, maximalist bathrooms have embraced bold geometric faucets in eye-catching finishes, adding character and flair to the space. A great example of maximalism would be to mix our Acqui collection for Rohl in unlacquered brass to our new colored Seros tub from Victoria & Albert to show how beautifully and unique of a decor this trend allows.Eveline Simard of House of RohlAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Soft and SlowPhotographer: @lomillerphoto / Designer: Ashley @ashleymontgomerydesignCurrent design trends focus on creating a sense of holistic wellness in interiors, where the key is a harmonious softness that inspires us to slow down. It is achieved through a blend of colors, textures, finishes, and thoughtful lighting. The goal is to cultivate a space that promotes relaxation and well-being. This growing trend, inspired by nostalgia, marries past elements with contemporary needs and rituals. In these spaces, youll often find darker tones like earthy, rich browns complemented by gold fixtures, such as our Perrin & Rowe English Gold finish, which add contrast, shine, and reflect the natural light of the room. Larger items like tubs work well with a matte texture, like our matte volcanic limestone Victoria & Albert tubs. They contribute depth to the room and a luxurious tactile element, helping to elevate the overall ambiance. This combination of finishes creates a balanced, inviting space perfect for unwinding and feeling at home.Eveline Simard of House of Rohl12Textured RenaissanceBrizo Kitchen & Bath CompanyIn 2025, bath designs will embrace texture-rich elements that bring the beauty of nature indoors, incorporating organic stone variations and tactile, earth-inspired surfaces. The newly introduced malachite handle inlay on the Beauclere faucet exemplifies this trend, featuring striking bands of bright and dark green that form a mesmerizing patternan elegant nod to natures artistry. Finish options will complement this trend by offering natural materials, subtle irregularities, and layered textures that create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, seamlessly blending timeless design with a connection to the natural world.Celine Kwok Garland of BrizoAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Restorative DesignKohlerWe understand that natural materials create a grounding effect, and the trend of bringing the outdoors in continues with warm wood tones complemented by soft neutrals. The key to this aesthetic is incorporating a variety of textures, ensuring that even these gentle and calming hues add depth and harmony to the space.Alex Yacavone of Kohler14Crafted ColorKohlerNostalgic influences continue to shape interior spaces, whether through form, color, or patterns. A thoughtful way to create a sense of comfort is by incorporating carefully curated color selections that feel both timeless and familiar. In a time of uncertainty and rapid change, consumers are gravitating toward nostalgic design elements as a way to evoke warmth, stability, and a deeper emotional connection to their spaces.Alex Yacavone of KohlerAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Artisanal TreatmentsKohlerIncorporating handcrafted elements into everyday surfaces adds a sense of artistry and uniqueness to daily life. By embracing artisanal techniques, these everyday items become more meaningful and distinctive. Consumers are increasingly drawn to designs that showcase permanence, craftsmanship, and individuality, valuing the authenticity and personal connection that handmade details bring to their spaces.Alex Yacavone of Kohler

Spring is a time of renewal. You want to swap the harshness of winter for the softer days of spring. And while warmer weather, fresh blooms, and happier moods are all sure signs summer is on its way, your home may still be stuck below zero. Its natural to hunker down during the colder months. Flannel sheets and Christmas-themed candles bring us the joy we need to endure the wind chill. However, its time to shed those layers. Let the changing seasons inspire your next home reset. Spring cleaning isnt the only home project we recommend this yearwhy not make your space feel new with some fresh touches?Spring is all about renewal and warmth, and these simple updates can make a space feel lighter, fresher, and full of life without a major investment, says Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. Not sure where to start? We tapped 10 interior designers to reveal how they refresh their own homes for spring. Their recommendations give you a big impact for a small investment. Related StoriesBring the Outdoors InJoseph KrammA dining room in Woodstock, designed by Melissa Anderson of OAD Interiors. See the entire home.I like to incorporate fresh greenery: live plants, branches, or even a simple bowl of citrus on the counter. Its also great to embrace natural light by opting for airy, sheer curtains and cleaning your windows for that crisp, sunlit glow. Danielle Chiprut, Danielle Rose Design Co.Deep Clean EverythingThe first thing I always do is a deep clean, including window treatments and area rugs. These two items specifically collect dust, dog hair, etc., and a deep cleaning helps freshen the home. Additionally, open all the windows and air out the stuffy home, and let some new fresh air in. Mark Schubert, Phillip Harrison InteriorsSort and DeclutterI purge! As a designer and world traveler, its easy to collect unique items quickly. To keep my space in check, I go through my decor during spring cleaning and pick at least 10 things to let go of. I either give them to neighbors or donate them. Purging not only makes room for new things (or nothing at all), but it also creates space for fresh energy. Jill Romine, Jill Romine Interior DesignSwap Decorative ObjectsCarmel BrantleyA dining room by Janie Molster. Tour the entire home.Layering in new textures and small decorative elements can make a huge impact. Swapping lamp shades for woven or pleated options, updating coffee table styling with seasonal books and fresh flowers, or incorporating a new oversize mirror to reflect light can transform a space without major renovations. Galey Grimes, Galey Grimes InteriorsInvest in Quality FloralsAs a new mom and business owner, I dont have the time to take care of flowers. I am eyeing the Emily By Emily Faux Purple Allium florals. They are the perfect touch to bring a soft spring hue into any room. Im on a purple kickI just redesigned my home office in a deep purple limewash (hand-painted by Michelle Kole Art), and I am obsessed! Its the perfect color for spring yet warm enough for a bit of moodiness in the winter. Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs Refresh Your TablescapeJenna PeffleyAn outdoor dining area by French & French in Santa Fe. Tour the entire home.I love entertaining, and spring inspires me to refresh my tablescape with vibrant glassware and handcrafted ceramics. Paired with linen napkins and fresh florals, it creates the perfect seasonal update. Ive been looking for new outdoor furniture, and with the warmer weather approaching, Im excited to spend more time outside. Recently, Ive been considering these outdoor loungers from CB2. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott InteriorsTry a New ScentScent also plays a big role in seasonal transitions for meswitching to candles with fresh, botanical, or citrus notes instantly shifts the atmosphere and gives a space a whole new vibe. Its all about those small, intentional changes that make a home feel lighter and more in tune with the season. Im about to launch my vase collection this spring, and I couldnt be more excited! The designs are inspired by the natural forms of flowers, bringing a sculptural and organic touch to any space. Becky Shea, Becky Shea DesignEmbrace Lighter TextilesJoseph KrammDesigned by Melissa Anderson of OAD Interiors. See the entire home.I will change out my bedding seasonally, including a lighter duvet and sheets like a percale, and this is a great time to layer in a new pattern or color into your bedroom with redesigning the entire space. Mark Schubert, Phillip Harrison InteriorsSeek Out Seasonal ShadesNathan SchroderA home in Dallas designed by Carla Fonts. Tour the entire home.Im gravitating toward warm neutrals, soft greens, and muted earth tonesnothing overly neon, just colors that feel fresh and grounding. Material-wise, Im loving woven textures, handmade pottery, and light oak finishes to bring an organic, natural feel to my spaces. Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into a home, and sometimes, all it takes is a few thoughtful swaps to make it feel completely transformed.Stephanie Wiott of Stephanie Wiott DesignsPaint the WallsAs spring approaches, I begin to think about a refresh. Not just for my own home but also for all my clients. We cannot forget a fresh coat of paint. Those nicks and scratches make a home feel tired. Adding a fresh coat of paint or a great wallpaper can really bring a space to life. Amy Kalikow of Amy Kalikow DesignShow Off Your InspirationPeople are moving past the idea of adding a vase of tulips and calling it a spring refresh. Its feeling more personal now, with favorite seasonal cookbooks brought out and vintage, textured pieces in colors that feel right for the season. I love treating the kitchen and outdoor space like an extension of each other. Bring herbs and citrus inside, let the outdoor table feel like part of the kitchen, and blur the line between cooking and dining.Hema Persad, Sagrada StudioIncorporate NatureKirsten FrancisA living room designed by Celerie Kemble. Tour the entire home.Accentuating biophilic design feels on point. I always use natural light, plants, and organic shapes, except pushing this to an even more extreme feels relevant. Adding some touches of maximalism warrants play too. Look to House of Hackney, a brand thats brilliant with their pattern composition and use of bold color. Brittny Button, Button AtelierFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.In many facets of the home, symmetry is inherently desirable: We want the art on our walls to sit straight, our tablecloths to hang in a correct proportion to the ground, and our nightstands to (mostly) match. Theres an intuitive sense of rightness when a space is in complete alignment. However, there can be a point at which mirror-image symmetry starts to feel imposing, unnatural, or even sinister (our mind cuts right to the hallway scene in The Shining)and surely, this is not the mood you wish to evoke in your space. While symmetry can look great in a photo, it isnt exactly a realistic way to live. Finding the right balance with artful asymmetry is a far more sustainable solutionand it turns out that many designers compose their spaces with this ethos in mind. We asked design experts to shed some light on how to thoughtfully add asymmetrical elements to a home without things getting too off-kilter.Related StoriesWhy We Default to Symmetrical DesignAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesA beach house in Goa, India features an almost exact symmetrical design.Symmetry may, in many cases, be the design rule de rigeur, but is there actually a reason for this?People feel comfortable with symmetry because we are, generally, symmetrical. Two eyes, two arms, two legs, says Sean Adams, dean of visual art and communication at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, and author of the book How Design Makes Us Think. Symmetry lets our mind rest. It is organized and predictable.Symmetrys logical structure is inherent and unchallenging. It is also the default for many interior design styles that prioritize simplicity.When I think of symmetry, I think of really classical architecture, I think of Colonial homesequal columns flanking a centered front door, says Heather Kane, an interior designer and owner of the rug brand Frances Loom. Indeed, in the architectural world, symmetry is not simply a matter of aesthetics but of structural soundness. In Classical Western design, symmetry was valued for its stability. Brick and stone construction lent to symmetrical building for engineering. Two symmetrical columns work better than one or three, Adams says. However, when the lens is widened to encapsulate a more global perspective, there is more variation. In Japan, where wood is plentiful, houses used sliding screens and doors. By moving a shoji screen to the right, one automatically creates asymmetry, Adams continues. It goes to show that asymmetry can be just as much a part of the natural order of things as carbon-copy exactness.While defaulting to symmetry in interior design can offer an easy jumping-off point, the design can feel flat and impersonal unless there is some other facet that adds interest. As Kane puts it, I think that symmetry is generally comfortable to the eye, but mirror-image symmetry can be a bit predictable and stale.Related StoryThe Intrigue of AsymmetryNickolas SargentThis Ohio cabin, designed by Betsy Wentz, has a spacious living room separated into three distinct zones. Asymmetry adds interest and dynamism for the many roles the space has.So, what happens when we intentionally throw off that predictability with an element of asymmetry?Asymmetry asks us to do math. It forces the viewer to rethink their expectations and determine negative space or numbers, Adams says. Its a better tool to engage the viewer; they need to do some work mentally, which creates a more intimate or personal experience.Working out these spatial calculations can be surprisingly satisfying for a viewer, especially in spaces where symmetry may traditionally reign, such as a dining room. This may look like playing with the scale of the wall art (or opting for pieces featuring asymmetrical compositions), choosing an unexpected pendant light arrangement, or opting for an eclectically styled tablescape that looks casual but not careless. Emily R. MarshallThe dining room in Heather Kanes home demonstrates a playful asymmetry in her choice of art, table decor, and accessories displayed inside the glass cabinets.There are very formal interiors where everything is very symmetrical, but in a more successful interior, youll always find an element of surprise or asymmetry, says Amy Sklar, principal designer of Amy Sklar Design. The element of asymmetry should enhance the symmetrical elements in the space and provide variety in terms of height, texture, and form.Kane, who self-describes as a maximalist at heart, frequently veers away from a regimented alignment, even if the room shes working with is quite classically symmetrical. In these spaces, I find myself working to shake things up a bit more.Related StoryHow to Create Artful Asymmetry in a SpaceGieves AndersonAn asymmetrically arranged living room in a renovated New York City loft designed by Nina Garbiras.The good news is that, even with its slightly mathematical undertones, achieving artful asymmetry in a room is far from rocket science. The process is a lot more loose and centered on sizing things correctly.Proportion, proportion, proportion, says Adams. I could do a thesis on the golden ratio, which is an exceptional asymmetrical tool...Trust your gut. When it feels right, it is for you, says Adams. Sklar notes that while symmetry is a useful anchor, she incorporates asymmetrical elements throughout her various spaces in order to make them more visually compelling. I am always thinking about the overall composition, she says.Emily R. MarshallHeather Kanes kitchen features a symmetrical layout thats balanced by an island with lower storage thats placed off-center.While most interior designers would likely want to avoid an awkward furniture layout or crooked display as much as possible, there are plenty of instances where asymmetry is a welcome, even refreshing element. This came up in Kanes recent redesign of her own space. In my current home, the kitchen wall is perfectly symmetrical, with a range in the middle and the counters and cabinetry being mirror images from the center. But then I have accessorized with a large pot and branches on one side and lower pieces on the opposite. It works! I think you need a bit of both for the feeling to be calm but interesting.AMY BARTLAMThis vignette in Amy Sklars home has tabletop decor and wall art arranged in a subtly asymmetrical way.Sklar, too, isnt opposed to creating asymmetry even in a space conducive to a mirror-image layout. In my own Los Angeles home, this custom built-in for my familys vinyl record collection is very symmetrical and placed centered beneath a window, she says. I created asymmetrical elements by changing up the art arrangement on either side of the windowto the left, a collected gallery wall, and to the right, a single, larger piece of art. Opting for that arrangement instead of a pair of lamps or similar art pieces on either side of the window adds that element of dynamism that every truly great room needs to sing.That said, there is always the risk of taking an off-kilter look too far. When the space isnt working well, Kane says, its usually because the balance (and sometimes symmetry) is off. The height, depth of color, or something else needs to be balanced out for it to work better.Balance and proportion were repeated by all three design experts as the key aspects to creating a space that feels inviting and even creatively stimulating. Otherwise, what you have is no longer charmingly askew or maximalist but simply a mess.Messiness is just throwing everything together and hoping it works. I call that spray and pray, says Adams.Rather, decorating a space can be an ongoing process of adding, subtracting, and scaling up and down. There may not be an exact formula for this type of intuitive math, but you really don't need one to achieve the best outcome.As Kane sums it up: Artful asymmetry, to me, is balance without rigidity. Some of the spaces Im most drawn to can feel messy, chaotic, lots of collected things everywhere...But the trick to making it beautiful is balance. Having calm, spare spaces surrounding the moments of madness creates symmetry of a kind. A bit of perfect and imperfect together is my ideal artful symmetry.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

The bedroom above was designed by Studio Munroe. Real estate agents used to tell you to make your home a blank canvas when you were prepping it to sell. White or neutral walls made it easier for them to picture their furnishings in every room. That standard advice has been flipped on its head: The latest research from Zillow found that painting your home in rich, memorable colors like charcoal gray can make it sell for more money. According to the real estate sites 2024 paint color analysis, buyers pay, on average, $2,512 more when a house has a kitchen painted in the moody gray hue. Using it in the living room can increase the offer by $1,755 more.People want color, says Amanda Pendleton, home trends expert at Zillow. All-white walls are not only falling out of fashion but can even hurt a homes value, she says. The right paint colors can deliver a powerful visual signal to a buyer that a home is well maintained and contemporary, while the wrong paint colors can create the opposite impression, Pendleton adds. A white kitchen is losing ground and can actually cause a buyers offer to drop by more than $600, according to the Zillow findings. That may be because a blank canvas can sometimes read as boring and basic. When staging a home for sale, most guides will tell you to simply paint everything white, but luxury home buyers are looking for turnkey properties that look and feel designed, not institutional, Jason Saft, founder of Staged To Sell Home, a staging service in New York, says. People strive to have the perfect backdrop at home. This is consistent with what designers are seeing. The moody work of designers like Jake Arnold, Amber Interiors, and Heidi Callier has been dominating Pinterest, so its no wonder homeowners are emulating the cozy styles and searching them out when they go to purchase a new home, Bethany Adams, principal of her eponymous design firm in Louisville, Kentucky, says. Whether dark gray, green, blue, or another deep color with neutral undertones, these spaces are incredibly evocative and easy to imagine oneself in.The Case for Color The penchant for dark, rich colors certainly comes from exposure to mood boards and projects seen on social media, but it connects with us on a deeper level. Human beings have an innate desire for belonging, Mehnaz Khan, a color psychology specialist and principal at Color Conscious Living in Albany, New York, says. And if you have a house that has the same interior colors as a favorite influencer, that creates a sense of belonging and community. Thats why people follow trends. Also, Khan points out, no one wants a boring home. On a subconscious level, the beiges of the aughts create an illusion that the house is stuck, and nobody wants to spend their life savings on a house that needs work, Khan says. That doesnt mean that you cant have a single white wall. Houston designer Benjamin Johnston says, White walls will never go out of style. They lend a beautiful foundation to introduce color through decor, furniture, and art. But he agrees that rich hues can boost a sale price, explaining, That being said, social media and the ease with which others can now showcase their homes can cause a bit of design FOMO. People see others experimenting with color, pattern, and wallpaper, and want to try it themselves. Theres now just an abundance of color and creativity to explore.As for where to focus your painting budget, the Zillow research finds that updating a homes common spaces has the greatest impact on resale value. Homeowners will get the biggest bang for their buck if theyre strategic about the colors they select in their kitchen and living room, Pendleton says. For more paint color inspiration:

Read McKendreeBetween soaring prices, import fees, and long lead times, scoring the perfect brand-new chairs for your home isn't always a possibility. Shopping secondhand at antique and vintage shops for the ideal chair is great (and earth-friendly!) but if you don't have the eyeor imaginationfor a makeover, you may find yourself leaving frustrated and empty-handed. That would be a shame, because a chair with good bones but upholstery that doesn't thrill you could be an invitation to create just the right custom piece for your home. All it takes is a little vision to imagine the end result, then the know-how to make it happen. That's where we come in. We asked the experts to outline their favorite ways to makeover vintage chairs and turn them into the perfect pieces for your any space. (In the image above, note how these Erinn V. chairs set the tone for a San Francisco dining room designed by Palmer Weiss after the designer covered them in Schumacher (seat) and Fortuny (back) fabrics.)According to pros, the key to a great chair makeover is as much about the fabric and upholstery treatment you choose as it is about the bones of the chair. You want to choose a piece that has a reliable origin and sturdy frame, as well as an item that, for lack of a better phrase, speaks to you. "For me, every piece has potential, but there are a few key factors I always consider before committing to a makeover," says design creator Geneva Vanderzeil. "Things like the structural integrity of the piece, its shape and style, and how easy the existing materials will be to makeover all factor into the decision. At the end of the day, I love giving pieces a second chance, whether they have a personal history, a unique backstory, or simply deserve to be saved from a landfill."Ready for a '90s movie-montage-worthy makeover? Below, we're rounding up 11 inspiring chair reinventions, straight from the pros who know a thing or two about uncovering beauty. From faux painting techniques and quirky patchwork to mix-and-match patterns, these makeover ideas are sure to get your wheels turningall the way to the secondhand store.For More Furniture Makeover Inspiration:1Pair Complementary PrintsWendy ConklinChairs that have designated sections, like a framed back and plush seat, offer the perfect opportunity to incorporate several of your favorite prints at once. In this dining room, "the wallpaper set the stage for these chairs," says Wendy Conklin of Chair Whimsy. "I carefully selected fabrics with textures and patterns that would complement it beautifully; the embroidered floral fabric paired seamlessly with a green-and-white stripe, while the polka dot print and blue velvet on the end chairs added layers of visual interest. Even though I mixed three different chair styles, I created a cohesive look by painting all the frames in the same soft off-white."See the Entire Project2Add a Playful PopWendy ConklinMuch like a fun fabric lampshade or peek of wallpaper on the back of a shelving unit, upholstery projects can offer a little wink and nod that makes your entire design scheme feel thoughtful and nuanced. For these wood-framed chairs, "my client fell in love with the floral fabric but wanted an unexpected touch on the back," says Conklin. "I always love a good surprise element, so I curated a selection of coordinating fabrics for her to choose from. We landed on the yellow animal-print dot, which echoed the yellow tones in the floral fabric. To complete the look, I painted the frames a bold, bright gold, which gives the chairs a modern, luxurious twist."Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Look for Unexpected "Fabric"Geneva VanderzeilThere's no end to how creative you can get when recovering a chair, even going so far as skipping the fabric aisle entirely in pursuit of your new print. Geneva Vanderzeil, a DIY expert, best-selling author, and founder of Collective Gen did just that when covering a chair with a rug, rather than upholstery fabric. "Id seen high-end furniture pieces that embraced woven elements and rich fabrics, and I wanted to see if I could create that same warmth and coziness with an upcycled approach," she explains. "I was drawn to the idea of incorporating texture in an unexpected way. And I also wanted to push the boundaries of traditional upholstery by using a rug, a material not usually associated with chairsgiving new life to something that might otherwise be discarded. " See the Entire Project4Up the ComfortGeneva VanderzeilRemaking a chair isn't just an opportunity to tweak the aesthetic to your preferences; you can also use it as a chance to boost the comfort, too. Case in point? This upgraded lounge chair, which Vanderzeil used as an opportunity to add some plushness. "This lounge chair was all about embracing the sculptural beauty of its shape," she says. "Even though the original chair was in rough condition, I saw the potential in its unique curved design. Rather than looking at what it was, I focused on what it could bea cozy piece with a fresh, modern aesthetic. The softness of the fabric, paired with the generous shape, makes it feel like a cloud. I wanted to create something that looked as inviting as it feels, and I think that really came through in the end result."See the Entire ProjectAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Fake a Fancy FinishDrew Michael ScottGenerally speaking, recovering or reimagining furniture is a pretty thrifty process compared to buying new, but it will still cost you a pretty penny both for the fabric and the skilled trade work. If you're looking to tackle a DIY from scratch, consider breaking out your paintbrushes instead of your needle and thread. "Theres a technique Ive been wanting to try for a while, which is using paint to turn the surface of a piece of furniture into a faux leather finish," said design creator and founder of Lone Fox, Drew Michael Scott, describing how he transformed this upholstered armchair. "I looked for a piece that already had super smooth fabric, then worked with varying shades of paint mixed with fabric softener to get that quintessential distressed leather look." See The Entire Project6Tie on a SlipcoverHouses and PartiesNervous about permanently altering family heirlooms? Forgo more invasive makeovers in favor of a slipcover that grants an instant upgrade to a well-loved piece, and can "dress up" your chairs for special occasions or any time you want. This three-piece collection from Houses and Parties is sized to perfectly fit a standard ballroom chair, with a seat cushion, ruffle apron, and back piece all made in a punchy, playful print. There are three different patterns available on site to choose from, or, if you're handy with a sewing machine, you might try whipping up a slipcover of any style yourself.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Piece Together PatchesThe Upholstery ProjectMost passionate DIYers and design fans have an assortment of fabric scraps around just waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Instead of trashing your remnants (or worse, full-sized samples), consider combining them together for an eclectic upholstery project. "The patchwork chair has elegant lines and timeless design, which provided the perfect canvas for reinvention," says Hepzabeth Evans of The Upholstery Studio. "The reupholstering process featured Christopher Farr Cloths latest luxury fabric, Dodoma, beautifully blended with an eclectic mix of discontinued fabric scraps. By combining these high-quality remnants, we transformed what might have been waste into a striking design statement, highlighting the art of reuse and sustainable craftsmanship." See The Entire Project8Decoupage-It-YourselfCamila PavoneNot every chair recovering project requires a trip to the upholsterer. For this cheeky piece, designer Camila Pavone relied on a craft aisle stapleMod Podge decoupage pasteto reinvigorate a timeless bentwood chair. "This was such a classic-looking chair that I felt like painting it wouldn't make a huge impact," says the designer behind Effortless Style Interiors. "I'm a 'more is more' sort of girl, and when I looked at my fabric stash I realized I could easily decoupage it by wrapping fabric strips around the frame."See The Entire ProjectAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Let the Chairs Lead the WayDustin HalleckSometimes, you can just tell what kind of makeover a chair is asking for, and its form will lead the way in dictating how exactly you recover it. For this collection of vintage dining chairs, that meant something bold and graphic. Designer Elizabeth Mollen of Stone Textile Studio turned to a nubby blue stripe to accent the unique angles seen on the polished black frames. "We fell in love with this set of Memphis-style dining chairs from 1st Dibs, but they needed a lot of help," she explains. "We refinished the frames in black and reupholstered the chairs with a heavy jewel toned stripe fabric as a fun way to give them new life." 10Choose an Era-Specific FabricTrevor Parker PhotographyYour recovering and reupholstery projects will always look their best when you marry a fabric option with the DNA of your piece. A perfect example? These MCM chairs that designer Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs revived for her own New Jersey loft. "I came across a pair of mid-century chairs on Instagram a few years back and instantly knew I had to have them," she says. "I drove all the way out to the tip of Long Island to the antique store Beal and Bell just to pick them up, and had them reupholstered in a beautiful tapestry-like Pierre Frey fabric. The combination of the modern silhouette alongside the traditional yet bold fabric achieved the sense of contrast that I'm always looking for." Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Team Up Complimentary FabricsAlice MarnsIf you're looking to embrace a more eclectic, mix-and-match look, aim for an assortment of fabrics that have a distinct commonality, such as color. "This particular chair was for a customer who had collected various fabrics over the years and wanted a statement piece," says Alice Marns of Marns Makes. "What made it work so well was that all the fabrics came from the same supplier and sat within a cohesive color palette, which ensured the piece felt intentional rather than random. I used one fabric for all the piping and added orange accent buttons to balance the color across the chair. These small details helped tie everything together, creating a harmonious look despite the mix of patterns and textures."12Incorporate Another Crafting StyleSally WilsonAfter seeing this genius chair makeover, you'll never see a cane the same way again. Pro cross stitcher Sally Wilson treated the perforated back and seat of this chair like it was cross-stitch cloth, weaving in a granny-chic floral pattern that feels fresh and unexpected. "I had seen these chairs before, and after 10 years in the cross-stitch world, every item with a grid or holes screams 'Stitch me please!'" says Wilson. "Instead of cotton thread, I used wool that I chose from my local haberdashery store. I was inspired by vintage roses and thought that theme would work perfectly on this chair with the juxtaposition of the black, modern frame, which offsets the colors beautifully."

Kelly Hohla, the principal of Kelly Hohla Interiors, came across a very old image of this house that shaped her outlook on its renovation. It was the only home sitting alone on the hills of Pacific Heights, Hohla recounts, adding that the home was the first one built on its street in 1880. We realized the importance of this space and the history that it holds. She worked closely with senior designer Celeste Barnes-Bremer and architect Dale Sessions of Remick & Sessions to reimagine its layout around a brand-new staircase. They moved the kitchen to the back of the house, rebuilt the stairs, added a gym and family TV room to the bottom level, and redesigned the bathrooms and both laundry rooms. We kept the architectural bones of the house more traditional, as it is such an early example of San Francisco Victorian architecture, she says. We felt strongly about keeping that character running throughout. FAST FACTSDESIGNER:LOCATION: THE SPACE: You never get bored there admiring all of the small details, textures, colors, and the joyful art collection.EXTERIORThe historic design got a sensitive update. Roger Davies/OTTOPaint: Stonington Gray, Benjamin Moore. Lanterns: Visual Comfort.The new paint scheme shows the exquisite Victorian detailing and the clients love of black and white and gold, Hohla says. The home also got a new copper roof, exterior lighting, and landscaping by Strata Landscape Architecture. ENTRYWAY AND STAIRWELLThe staircase snakes its way up four floors. We sourced this vintage sideboard [from Epoca Antiques] for the entry to give the space some warmth as you enter the home and paired it with the vibrant art and green Murano chandelier [from Danke Galerie] to add some unexpected whimsy, Hohla says. The art above the sideboard is a Birgit Jensen piece purchased from Hosfelt Gallery.The staircase had a major impact on the entire house and created an open feeling between floors all the way up to the top level where the addition of a skylight let the light flow all the way down the stairwell, Hohla says. She adds that the staircase features custom bronze pickets, light oak risers and treads, and a curved light oak railing. A vintage Murano chandelier serves as a dazzling focal point. The art on the right wall is a Christopher Brown piece purchased at Berggruen Gallery. LIVING ROOMVenetian plaster adds texture. Roger Davies/OTTOSofa: Holly Hunt. Chandelier: John Pomp. Rug: Vaheed Taheri.A custom coral combed venetian plaster with iridescent wax by Willem Rack Studio pops in the living room, while Phillip Jeffries wallpaper adorns the fifth wallthe ceiling. The plaster wall treatment with the iridescence reflects the light from the large front bay windows, and the silk wallpaper with raised rivets on the ceiling creates a calming cocoon of textures, Hohla says. Roger Davies/OTTOFireplace screen: Claire Crowe Collection. Mirror: Jean De Merry.FAMILY ROOMThis lower level room has soaring ceilings.Roger Davies/OTTOSofa: Coup Studio with fabric from Clarence House. Drink table: Mitchell Gold Bob Williams. Side table: Bernhardt.This is where the family watches movies and television, so it needed to feel snug. It was a challenge to make the room feel cozy within this giant space, Hohla says. Custom light oak cabinetry that fills one wall and thick, floor-to-ceiling drapery helps warm the space, and the fun aubergine velvet curved sofa adds a nice, luxurious texture.KITCHENThe new layout is much more open and practical. Roger Davies/OTTOPendants: Gabriel Scott. Floor tile: Tineke Triggs.Ten slabs of Arabescato marble sourced from Italy make up the kitchen island, range hood, and backsplash. We wanted something with contrasting veining to work with the black and white vision for this room, Hohla says. Roger Davies/OTTOThe walls are a simple Benjamin Moore Pure White, while the trim and ceiling are painted in Benjamin Moore Distant Gray. DINING ROOMThe bronze sideboard was the starting point. Roger Davies/OTTODining table: Gregorius Pineo. Rug: Tai Ping Carpets. Ceiling wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries.The Tuell and Reynolds sideboard, nestled into a nook in the dining room, was an instant winner. [It] was spotted by our client at De Sousa Hughes on one of our very first shopping trips with her, Hohla says. Before we had figured anything else out for the house, we purchased this unique piece. The custom wall treatment by Caroline Lizaragga infuses soft purples into the home, which nicely complement the dining chairs, covered in fabrics from Dedar and Romo. POWDER ROOMBirds, flowers, and branches add a biophilic element. Roger Davies/OTTOMirror: Tom Faulkner. Pendant: Gabriel Scott. Towel ring: Waterworks.The elegant powder room contains a silk hand-embroidered pale purple wallpaper that Hohla designed with Fromental. The texture of this wallpaper next to the black stone micro herringbone tile on the vanity wall, the brass wall mount Waterworks faucet, and the floating Arabescato marble counter and shelf results in a modern marriage of textures and materials, the designer says. PRIMARY BEDROOMThe spacious suite leads to a balcony with expansive city views. Roger Davies/OTTOBench: Marcali Designs in Stroheim fabric. Rug: Vaheed Taheri.Hohla chose to forgo blackout drapery in this sleep space; her client didnt want it, so she opted sheer Jim Thompson fabric instead. Look out the window and youll spot Alcatraz and the bay. On the wall is a chinoiserie Willem Rack Studio mural that was painstakingly designed. Hohla shares, The ground of this mural is a reflective silver leaf, which plays off of the waxed Venetian plaster ceiling that has shimmering gold dusting in it. Roger Davies/OTTOSide table: Sebastian Herkner. Ottoman: CF Modern, in Rosemary Hallgarten fabric. Chairs: Atelier Purcell, in Romo fabric.Roger Davies/OTTOChairs: LINK outdoor, in Romo fabric. Throw blanket: Sue Fisher King. Side table: Gloster.GUEST ROOMIt encourages visitors to curl up under the bay window. Roger Davies/OTTOBench: Caste. Lamps: Epoca Antiques. Chandelier: Visual Comfort. Art: Mary McCartney. Rug: Stark.This guest sleep space received a major makeover. This room was originally completely clad in heavy ornate limed wood paneling that covered every surface, and once it was removed, the room felt so open and large, Hohla says. Like the living room, its walls are coated in a Venetian plaster by Willem Rack Studio with a Phillip Jeffries paper on the ceiling. Roger Davies/OTTOChest: Four Hands. Art: Claude Lawrence, from Anthony Meier Gallery.Hohla gave a simple curved sofa from CB2 a custom touch with the addition of Pierre Frey fabric. The vintage chair from De Angelis and the bronze tiered coffee table from Refractory add a bit of whimsy, she says. ATTIC ROOMPattern drenching is at play in these cozy quarters. Hohla describes this guest room as a unique dollhouse attic space. Due to its angular shape, wallpapering the entire spaceusing an eye-catching Quadrille printmade the most sense, she explains, adding, The custom bed we designed had to be carefully built in order to fit in the window nook. The bed is upholstered in a sage green velvet by Manuel Canovas and features ebonized wood feet. CLOSETGetting dressed has never felt so luxe. Roger Davies/OTTOCarpet: Mark Nelson Designs. Ceiling wallpaper: Zoffany. Chandelier: Dlight.The primary dressing room was custom fitted and designed for the client, Hohla explains, noting that it took seven different layers of paint to bring the walls to life. She adds, Paired with the copper and gold metallic marbleized wallpaper on the ceiling, and the vintage cascading glass chandelier, this space is especially glamorous.BATHROOMThe black marble floor tile with a flower pattern spoke to Hohlas client instantly. Roger Davies/OTTOTub: Waterworks. Chandelier: Tom Kirk Lighting. Art: Crystal Liu, from Hosfelt Gallery. Side table: Miniforms.Roger Davies/OTTOVanity wall tile: Artistic Tile. Towel bars and faucets: Waterworks. Sconces: Apparatus.The marble floor tile from Artistic Tile drove the design for this bathroom, Hohla says. It was one of the first materials the client fell in love with. A wall niche makes it easy to stash away pretty perfume bottles.About the DesignerKelly Hohla is the principal of Kelly Hohla Interiors in San Francisco, which she founded in 2011. Prior to establishing her own firm, she worked for The Wisemen Group and Jeffers Design Group. SHOP THE SPACECalla Mobile Chandelier $3 at johnpomp.comJewel Mirror$2,025 at tomfaulkner.co.ukMiranda Bench$805 at marcalidesigns.comBell Table$2,012 at sebastianherkner.comRosedale Dresser$1,499 at fourhands.comFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

When you walk into a living room, the sofa is usually the focal point. Your other furniture and decor choices may even be based upon the sofa, but oftentimes, we tend to opt for a plain color like cream to ensure that it'll always match its surroundings. Some interior designers think there's a bit of a missed design opportunity heresince your living room may see a lot of traffic, you should consider whether a fun sofa might be a better choice.Sure, a neutral sofa can go with pretty much anything and evolve with your design tastes as the years go on, but a sofa that is bold, bright, or even patterned can amplify your space in various ways. Think: Pink, red, florals, stripes, velvet. They're patterns and colors you wouldnt necessarily associate with sofas. We asked designers how to choose a fun sofa for your space, how to update the one you currently have, and even how to design a room around one.Related StoriesRules of Thumb for Choosing a "Fun Sofa"Lucinda SanfordThis patterned sofa in a space designed by Lucinda Sanford pops against its surroundings.As far as colors and patterns go, contractor and interior designer Lucinda Sanford says that deep, rich colors can serve as the focal point of a room. Almost any pattern can work, but florals with less regular designs tend to be easier to manage compared to strict stripes. She adds, I have a bright armchair from Comyn Road that showcases how a pop of pattern can enhance a space. At another house, Sanford has a blue and white sofa that pairs beautifully with a floral backdrop. The freshness of the blue and white fabric really stands out. Aaron BengocheaIn his home, designer Tammer Hijazi chose a sleek tangerine sofa with sumptuously plush pillows.Whats more, finding a couch with a comfortable shape and rich, appealing texture can also create a spot in the room that people are naturally drawn towardand not just to sit in. It becomes the blank canvas that allows you to showcase your style through fun accessories like accent pillows and throws, says interior designer Paul Jolley. Prioritizing the couchs inherent design qualities guarantees a beautiful and functional piece in any space. If you're not ready to take the plunge and get a tangerine or bubblegum-pink sofa, opt for a neutral-toned sofa with a twist. You can opt for one with a plaid or striped pattern that could add some more life to your space instantly. You can also go for a bold navy or royal blue color with a velvet finish, which can be simple enough to make a subtle statement. Related StoryHow to Make an Existing Sofa More "Fun"Read McKendreeDesigner Lilse McKenna chose a bold blue sofa for a New York apartment.If you're not in the market for a new sofa, but you want to dial up the fun factor on your existing one, you have options. Jolley is a fan of adding throws and pillows in luxurious textures like velvet, boucle, or faux fur to introduce depth and richness to your space without it being overwhelming. He continues, Its all about giving your eyes a place to rest, so mixing textures and pops of bold colors can highlight your space year-round no matter the season.Plus, nothing says you can't get a sofa cover in a "fun" color to temporarily try out a bolder look before going for the real deal! Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Tinned fish is on top right now. Retailers like Fishwife are turning the thrifty, salty snack into a stylish pantry accessory, and simply put, the sardine is cool again. The renewed love for the fish is bleeding into the most unexpected of places, though: interior design. Coastal touches in design are nothing newit was just a few years ago that the coastal grandmother was king and we all wanted our homes to look like Nancy Meyers beach houses. But now the fisherman aesthetic has replaced subtlety with something a bit more on the nose. Sardine and seafood-shaped decor is flooding the market. Everything from bath mats to throw pillows is sardine shaped. AnthropologieAs a design and shopping editor, I spends hours daily scanning the furniture and decor market for trends. And pardon the pun, but we're absolutely swimming in sardine and fish-themed decor. As someone who loves seafood, I can't help but buy in. I even created a "sardine corner" in my kitchen with a few of my favorite fish-themed pieces. A lemon squeezer I snagged in Portland, Maine, a platter from Martha's Vineyard, and a DIY art frame with a cutout from a San Francisco sardine box. For me, it's about wanting an escape in my own home. The decor evokes seaside getaways, and reminds me just how easy it is to add that relaxing energy to my own home.Janae McKenzie for House BeautifulThe "sardine corner" in my kitchen is filled with collected fish-themed decor from my travels.Food-shaped pieces have been a favorite of Gen Z customers looking to add some dopamine decor to their homes. But sardines feel...oddly specific. In the 2025 Pinterest Predicts trend report, one of the forecasted styles was the "Fisherman Aesthetic." The inspiration-driven platform cites interest to a "laid-back maritime attitude" and searches for "cable knit sweaters" "sardine tattoos" and "fish bags" all grew exponentially. It's easy for fashion to predict what will come in interior design. Remember seeing oxblood on the runway before it showed up in every formal dining room?EtsyUrban Outfitters Sardine Tin Plush Tufted Bath Mat$39 at Urban OutfittersDaily Glow Sardina Cordless LED Table Lamp$160 at LumensWedgwood Majolica Sardinia Sardine Box$1,222 at 1stDibsIt might seem like it's come out of nowhere, but the seeds of this trend have already been planted. Designers have been already hunting for sardine-shaped majolica pottery at flea markets. Farrow & Ball even named one of their 2023 paint colors after the tinned fish, a serene silvery-blue. The whole House Beautiful team is hunting for ways to add the trend to their home, from wallpapers and blankets, to even their fashion. We named this TJ Maxx hand-hooked pillow as a favorite housewarming gift, and this multicolored fish-shaped cutting board as a kitchen gift for your foodie friend. Related StoriesTheres a fine line between fashionable fisherman and nautical nonsense. We rounded up a few of our trendy favorites to help you strike that balance. Remember that less is moreyou don't need your home to look like a fish market.Anthropologie Sardines Doormat$48 at AnthropologieUrban Outfitters Sardine Trinket Box$16 at Urban OutfittersStupell Industries Portuguese Sardines Painting$61 at WalmartCasafina Fish Serving Platters$31 at West ElmIchendorf Marine Garden Mug$35 at Bloomingdale'sWorld Market Tinned Fish-Shaped Throw Pillow$35 at World MarketFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Lauren PresseyEvery item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.The above shower was designed by Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. I live in a northern New Jersey suburb where houses routinely sell for 135 percent over asking. (I know, its crazy.) My husband and I managed to buy a house that was for sale by owner in late 2020 and got an interest rate that means well never ever move, but were still obsessed with seeing what we could get on Zillow. Weve noticed a few features that always seem to start a bidding war. Chief among them is a shower with two shower headssomething we have jokingly started to refer to as a risqu shower. Im not talking about showers that have a regular shower head on the wall, a rainfall shower head on the ceiling, and a handheld on a bar (i.e., your typical luxury walk-in shower). No, I mean a shower with two full sets of these fixtures, so that two people can enjoy a comfortable (and perhaps romantic) shower at the same time. When I heard about a system called Boona that lets you retrofit your existing shower to have two shower heads, I thought we were really onto something. You have to have a pretty big and recently renovated primary bathroom to have a risqu shower. So I wondered: Is this the kind of shower that people actually want? Related StoriesTHOMAS KUOHA shower in a home designed by Studio Munroe.The Risqu Shower PackageTo find out, I called Pierce Conway, a local real estate agent with Compass and my buddy from open houses. Ive noticed he doesnt just share his listings on social media; he also offers analysis about what makes them so marketable. Plus, he represents many of the smartly renovated homes I see on Zillow in our area.I think its more of a correlation than a causation, Conway says, laughing, when I ask if hes also noticed a link between double showers and high offers. Buyers always get a kick out of seeing those because theyre like, I love my husband, but Im not showering with him.He points out that if you have space to put two shower heads, you probably have a pretty large space to make a bigger bathroom in general. Youre also probably putting in other deluxe features, like double vanities and separate his and hers closets, that buyers definitely do want. The house may also have a new kitchen. I think it trickles down to other design decisions at the house, he says.Ive never had a buyer say, I need to be walking distance to the train, and I need two shower headsAsked if anyone has ever told him they wanted a double shower, Conway said no. Ive never had a buyer say, I need to be walking distance to the train, and I need two shower heads. He has had people look at a single sink and vanityor, worse, a pedestal sink (which is what I have)in the primary bath and say absolutely no. People hate those.Related StoryThe Split Double VanityThe thing Conway does say If youre resolute in your desire for double shower heads or you see a shower like this in a listing and find it appealing, just be sure the water heater can support it. A quick or cheap renovation might put in double shower heads without the backup system to provide enough hot water to make it enjoyable. (This goes for any shower with multiple shower heads or jets.) If theres one thing a risqu shower needs to be, its hot.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Springits almost here! Between creating pretty DIY projects and tackling spring cleaning around your home, youll no doubt find yourself sizing up your backyard, dreaming up ways to revamp it for the season. You might have a veggie garden in mind, a new "solitude shed" from Costco that'll give you an at-home vacation when you want it, or maybe you want to dot your backyard with flowers that bloom at night. With all these lofty goals, well recommend one great place to get startedthe patio, with a simple gardening DIY that will instantly add spring blossoms (or fragrant cooking herbs!) to your outdoor space. View full post on InstagramDIYer Jen of the Instagram account @tatertotsandjello came up with an ingenious way to pretty up a patio table. First, she found a vintage bundt pan with a hole in the middle (the quest to thrift it is half the fun!). Next, she points out that its the perfect patio planter because a patio umbrella fits right through the middle of it! (Cue that Why didnt I think of that? moment). After that, she simply added potting soil in it, planted some gorgeous blooms, and her table is all set for outdoor entertaining and enjoying spring in all its glory. Jen does share a couple smart bonus tips in her Instagram caption, saying how important it is to measure your umbrella pole to make sure it will fit through the center of a bundt pan (perhaps jot it down and keep it handy when you go thrifting). She adds that older bundt pans tend to have larger holes. For drainage, she recommends adding gravel before dumping in the potting soilor you can poke a few holes in the bottom of the bundt pan. We are loving this idea, and so are the commenters. One said, This is so cute and clever! Another commented, Love re-purposing items for something unexpected. Overall, this is a fabulous way to breathe new life into an old-school vintage item, and you might only pay $1 for it instead of dropping tons of cash on a brand-new planter. So, what do you think? Are you going to go the bundt-pan route when you beautify your patio for spring? Related StoriesFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Its set a short distance from the town, says Melissa Anderson of OAD Interiors, describing her clients home in Woodstock, New York. But you feel like you have entered your own seclusive fairy tale upon arrival. Built in the early 1900s, the Dutch Colonialstyle home rests on a nearly 20-acre property that was once a working farm. It presented a layout and bold featureslike orange wood ceilings and cherry red wallsthat didnt suit the current homeowners taste. But they were bowled over by the natural settingas was Anderson. Theres just infinite landscape, so its really pretty magical, she says. We wanted to create this kind of fantasy interior to match the surrounding area.We wanted to create something unique on the interior that matched this fantasy landscape.FAST FACTSDESIGNER:LOCATION: THE SPACE:Related StoriesKITCHENA windowsplash lets natural light pour in. Joseph KrammStools: Michael Robbins. Refrigerator: True Manufacturing. Countertops: ABC Stone. Faucet and pot filler: Grohe.Anderson did what she could to make each room feel spa-like and open while highlighting the views all around. Before the renovation, this space contained little else besides the dogs crate. Now, theres a skylight above the island and a row of windows behind the sink and range that lets the owners take in the scenery as they cook. Anderson replaced the leaded-glass windowpanes with unobstructed ones and positioned the 71-inch Lacanche range under the view. Parisian-inspired tile floors connect this room to the dining room.DINING ROOMSleek furniture maintains an airy atmosphere.Joseph KrammFlooring: Riad Tile. Pendants: Foscarini. Sideboard: Lemieux et Cie, 1stDibs. Table: Stillfried Design. Wood vessels: Abigail Castaeda (on sideboard).Meals in this room have an alfresco air, thanks to wallpaper by Ananb that depicts South Pacific islands. LIVING ROOMThe homes bones shine thanks to a little TLC.Joseph KrammSofa: RH. Side table: Michael Javidi. Coffee table: vintage, A.Therien.The beams, built-ins, and stone fireplace in this Zen living roomlibrary are original to the home. Anderson had the stone fireplace surround limewashed. Joseph KrammPRIMARY BEDROOMEarth tones fuel a glamping spirit. Joseph KrammPendant: Georg Baldele. Fireplace: Aurora. Cushion fabric: Holly Hunt. Wall finish: Venetian plaster (facing bed), Modern Masters. Anderson brought the outside in using an abstract horizon print behind the bed. But the nature-focused artwork is a complement to the real thing, not a replacement for it. Here, we expanded the existing window footprint to take in as much of the landscape as possible, provide serenity, and connect to the outside, she explains. A double-sided reading nook, ethereal lighting, and a suspended fireplace add to the feeling that youre living in a forest, she saysor, given the tennis court, hot tub, and pool, a glamping resort. Joseph KrammAn abstract wallcovering by Aster ties into the nature-inspired design without being too on the nose. Anderson had the bed and nightstand made from local reclaimed wood from Woodstock Wood.PRIMARY BATHROOMIts all about tranquility.Joseph KrammJoseph KrammGlass partitions set off the en suite bathroom without blocking the view from the bedroom windows. Sage green tiles contrasted by black accents create soothing a space with a modern touch.FOYERA fresh coat of white paint is always reliable.Joseph KrammDoor: Pella Reserve. Sconce: Garde. Art: Santeri Tuori. Bench and rug: vintage.Anderson created this space in what had been a small, dark kitchen. Reclaimed wood flooring and cabinetry add patina. The once orange-toned ceiling was freshened up with White Dove paint by Benjamin Moore. BACKYARDAn organic shape lets the pool blend in. Joseph KrammA natural pool is a rural luxury. Native landscaping and Adirondack-style Highwood USA chairs give this area rustic charm. We kept everything very simple on the exterior to allow nature to be center stage, Anderson says.About the DesignerMelissa Anderson is the founder of the Brooklyn-based studio OAD Interiors. OAD creates artfully designed spaces using a holistic approach to tell a cohesive story that reflects the surrounding environment and the values of its inhabitants. Thoughtfully eliminating the unnecessary to provide functional, clean, impactful spaces which allow for fine details to be noticed and for bold unexpected moments to shine.SHOP THE SPACEMohair Throw$375 at ABC Carpet & HomeTumwater Sconce$599 at cedarandmoss.comCredit: Cedar & MossArtisan Latus Table$2,846 at stillfried.comBenjamin Moore White Dove$25 at Ace HardwareFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Bejewel and bedazzle was the mantra that Janie Molster and her partner, Kate Stikeleather, kept in mind while designing this sprawling family compound on Floridas Captiva Island. The multigenerational beach getaway was still in the preconstruction phase when the owners reached out to Molster, asking her to turn their dream into a reality. Theyd seen another one of her Florida projects on a magazine cover at the airport. It avoided the typical coastal clichs and instead leaned into something more sophisticated and eclecticexactly what they wanted. Over four years, Molster and Stikeleather perfected the design. At one point, a hurricane made the island inaccessible, and they had to push back the install date by months to allow for repairs. Ultimately, they nailed it. Is it midcentury modern? Is it groovy 1970s? Is it uber-contemporary Miami? Molster asks of the end result. The answer: all of the above and beyond.FAST FACTSDesigner: Location: The Space:We were tasked from the get-go to make it fun, and not really hold back with regard to color.GREAT ROOMA gathering place filled with tropical hues. Carmel Brantley

Art: Stephanie Henderson. Palm tree lamp: Mario Lopez Torres Furniture. Coffee table: Baker. Chairs: Nathan Anthony (near sofas), in Manuel Canovas fabric.We wanted to create a house that could bend the rules about eating and drinking designer Janie Molster says, so the CR Laine sofas are upholstered in performance fabrics. Adding a sense of place, the tabby fireplace is covered in crushed seashells. Art abounds throughout. If you keep scale and balance in mind, the number of products you can mix in is endless, Molster says.FOYERA grand entrance with playful details.Carmel Brantley

Chandelier: Casamidy. Daybed: Jeffan, in Fortuny fabric.We are all about the high/low, yin/yang of a space, Molster says. In the foyer, the Chippendale motif of the staircase is offset by a custom runner from Nashville Rug Gallery. BREAKFAST ROOMThe designers played up the high ceilings.Carmel Brantley

 Drapery fabric: Etamine. Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries. Table: Worlds Away. Chairs: Made Goods.Leaning into the rooms height, we fell in love with the dramatic scale of the draperies, Molster says.DINING ROOMA large antique mirror enhances the grand proportions.Carmel Brantley

Wallcovering: Jim Thompson. Table: Highland House. Chairs: Mr. Brown London. Sideboard: Hollywood at Home. Lamps: Currey & Company.From the sculptural Lindsey Adelman Studio chandelier to the antique mirror, items in this space act as functional modern art. Carmel Brantley

The pedestal table and Klismos chairs, featuring a Vitruvian scroll wave motif, provide a counterbalance of classicalism. KITCHENThe stone island guided the look and layout of this room.Carmel Brantley

Cabinet paint: Harbor Fog, Benjamin Moore. Range: Wolf. Range backsplash: Casa Ceramica. Pendants: Visual Comfort & Co. The extra-large island is the centerpiece of this room. We wanted to create as much surface as possible, Molster says.Carmel Brantley

The kitchens color palette was inspired by the slab of Cristallo Blue quartzite topping the island.OUTDOOR DININGWaterfront views are the stars of this space. Carmel Brantley

Table: Robert James Collection. Chairs: McKinnon and Harris. Pendant: custom, Bungalow Classic.Storm shutters can enclose the space completelyor disappear into their tracksat the touch of a button, Molster says. High-impact windows throughout the property can withstand up to 160 mph winds. Molster also sought out weather-resistant furnishings and textiles for outdoor spaces. I always say to my clients, If the location wasnt at all vulnerable, it wouldnt be so beautiful, Molster muses. Youre sitting at the end of the earth for a reason: because its stunning."PORCHBright blue railings echo the ocean.Carmel Brantley

Railing paint: Naples Blue, Benjamin Moore. Swing: The Bed Swing. Towels: Weezie.We are strong believers that outdoor living areas should pull their colors from nature, Molster says. Blue skies and sea provided ample inspiration. LIBRARYA ceiling handpainted with seashells brings the ocean indoors.Carmel Brantley

Ceiling mural: Robert Christian Decorative Art. Paint: Pacific Palisades, Benjamin Moore. Chandelier: OLampia. Chair: Palecek, in Jim Thompson fabric.This room mixes antiques and midcentury elements. POWDER ROOMA wave-inspired wallcovering makes a splash. Carmel Brantley

Sconce: Paul Ferrante. Mirror: Bradley. Vanity: custom, Ruffino Cabinetry. Fixtures: Newport Brass. Hardware: Modern Matter.A small bathroom is a fun place to take a risk, Molster says. The bold wallcovering by Gracie does the job. PRIMARY BEDROOMEveryone wants to retreat to this oasis.Carmel Brantley

Drapery: Peter Fasano. Sofa: Bunny Williams Home, in Kirkby Design fabric. Bench: Baker, in Jane Churchill fabric.The focal point of this sanctuary is a custom bed, crafted in India by The Raj Company with a headboard in Kirkby Design fabric. The custom sofa at the foot of the bed is a bedtime-story spot for the owners visiting grandkids. GUEST ROOMSunny motifs are feminine, but not frilly.Carmel Brantley

Curtains and canopy panels: custom, in Schumacher fabric. Bed: Mr. Brown London. Headboard: custom, in Rapture & Wright fabric. Benches: Kravet.Molster sought to create a princess bedroom, channeling the clients adult daughter. GRANDKIDS ROOMIts a master class in pattern mixing.Carmel Brantley

Wallcovering: Thibaut. Drapery and bed skirt fabric: Kathryn M. Ireland. Beds: Kenian Fine Rattan Furniture. Throw: Matouk. Dresser: Modern History. Bed skirt trim: Christopher Farr Cloth.Extra-long twin beds make this room comfy for adult guests too. Twin bedrooms are always fun to design. The symmetry is so pleasing to the eye, Molster says. While pink tones are dominant in these patterns, theyre tempered by the repetition of creamier tones as well as pops of green and yellow. EXTERIORContemporary colors meet traditional materials.Carmel Brantley

Paint: Benjamin Moore Seapearl (house) and Naples Blue (railings). Lanterns: Visual Comfort & Co.Old-world-inspired, mahogany-stained front doors give the stucco new build a sense of history. About the Designer Janie Molster founded Janie Molster Designs in 1991. The interior design firm is based in Richmond, Virginia, but works throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, creating one-of-a-kind homes and residential and commercial spaces. She is known for blending modern comfort and functionality with timeless elegance. Read more about Janie Molster Designs here.SHOP THE SPACEMario Lopez Torres Palm Tree Floor Lamp$5,400 at mariolopeztorres.comMade Goods Allison Arm Chair$1 at madegoods.comCredit: Made GoodsBenjamin Moore Naples Blue Paint$6 at samplize.comCredit: SamplizeWeezie Beach Towel$78 at WeezieFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

A 17-foot sofa tells you a lot about a person. In this case, what its saying is that Dawn McKenna, a Chicago-based real estate advisor who installed one in her Naples, Florida, house, loves to host a party. I wanted to fit 10 people comfortably, she says. The vintage sectional, now covered in crowd-friendly white performance fabric, did the trick. Her waterfront 1990s ranch house owes its new feminine, more-is-more look to designer Kelly Hurliman, a former stylist for Oprah who clearly has a knack for knowing what boss ladies want. Together they threw resale value caution to the wind and lacquered the front doors pink, gave the kitchen an island so big youd need a Swiffer to clean it, and installed a massive pink marble bar in the living room. McKenna didnt waste any time breaking the place in. Days after the final install, she and her husband hosted a pre-wedding celebration for their son and his fiance with 100-plus guests, a DJ, silver balls in the pool, and a taco bar. One down, many more to come.FAST FACTSDesigner: Kelly Hurliman of Kelly Hurliman DesignLocation: Naples, FloridaThe Home: A five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom beach houseThis home is a relaxed mix of modern and classic with a feminine edge.LIVING ROOMThe design is for full-impact entertaining.Nicole FranzenBanquette tables: CFC. Pendants: Cuff Studio. Chair: HD Buttercup. Coffee tables: West Elm.Hurliman prepped the homes entryway for visitors with custom corner banquettes and an extra-long vintage sectional. Nicole FranzenNicole FranzenKITCHENGlamorous finishes channel a luxe lounge.Nicole FranzenBacksplash: Calacatta marble, Calia Stone. Table: 1StopBedrooms. Chairs: Bauhaus 2 Your House. Counter stools: Burke Decor. Range: La Cornue.Two eye-catching RH light fixtures glitter over the extra-wide marble island and vintage curved banquette. Phillip Jeffries Grasscloth, under glass, covers the custom hood. Nicole Franzen Nicole Franzen BARThe living room needed an epic focal point. Nicole FranzenBacksplash and countertop: Macchia Rose marble, Calia Stone. Island: OBrien Harris. Stools: 1stDibs. Paint: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore.Its also a great way to add storage and seating, Hurliman says. Dramatic Macchia Rose marble from Calia Stone and velvet upholstery add color and personality.GUEST ROOMColorful guest suites feel like a boutique hotel.Nicole FranzenUpholstery fabric: Peter Dunham. Rug: Stark. Pendant: Hollywood at Home. Art: vintage photo from Vogue. Trim paint: Herb Garden, Benjamin Moore.Visitors can choose between a green, yellow, or pink guest room, Hurliman says, each with a different vibe. GUEST BATHROOMThe color schemes continue in the en suite baths. Nicole FranzenWallcovering: Vervain. Mirror: Etsy. Fixtures: California Faucets. Tile: GBTile Collections.Hurliman trimmed Serena & Lily sconces with fringe from Amazon.PRIMARY SUITESoft, earthy pinks set a calming tone.Nicole FranzenNicole FranzenNicole FranzenBOYS ROOMOther suites have a heavenly atmosphere.Nicole Franzen Nightstands: Z Gallerie. Headboard: custom, in Osborne & Little fabric. In this bedroom, where McKennas sons stay when theyre in town, it feels as though youre enveloped in the clouds, Hurliman says, thanks to the Fornasetti wallpaper.Nicole FranzenThe art and vintage Verner Panton S chair are from Chairish. Lamp: vintage, Etsy.There is not an inch of this house that is unused, Hurliman says. An alcove in the sons room was transformed into an office using a marble remnant as a desktop and leftover flooring planks as shelving. The art and vintage Vernon Panton S chair are from Chairish. GIRLS ROOMA classic feminine color palette gets grounded. Nicole FranzenBed: Lulu and Georgia. Sconce: Blueprint Lighting. Bedding: Tartan Blanket Co.In this room designed for McKennas daughter, Hurliman pulled colors from the (now discontinued) Pierre Frey wallpaper, redoing a vintage nightstand in a hand-buffed pink. POWDER ROOMRich mauves make a statement. Nicole FranzenVanity: custom, Natural Stone Concepts. Paint: Cocoa Berry, Sherwin-Williams. Sconces: vintage, 1stDibs. Chandelier: vintage, Chairish.Hurliman arched the ceiling above the sink to add depth to the small space. BACKYARDThe pool deck brings it all together. Nicole FranzenUmbrellas: One Kings Lane. Chaise longues: Horchow. Globe lights and posts: Lamps Plus.To find the vintage plaster swans that serve as tables, homeowner Dawn McKenna joined designer Kelly Hurliman on what the designer calls a swan-wrangling expedition, driving around Florida.EXTERIORFeminine colors put a fresh take on classic Florida.Nicole FranzenDoor paint: custom, Fine Paints of Europe. Awning fabric: Sunbrella.Dawn felt like this was the house she always wanted and that we could do whatever we wanted, Hurliman says. Hence the big, dramatic, fun lacquered door covered in a pastel hue inspired by the Colony Palm Beach hotel. Styled by Darwin Fitz.About the DesignerChicago-based designer Kelly Hurliman is the founder of Kelly Hurliman Design. Before founding her own design firm, she worked as a stylist for Oprah Winfrey for more than 10 years. SHOP THE SPACECrate and Barrel Relic Oak Pedestal Table by Athena Calderone$699 at Crate & BarrelBlueprint Lighting Pop Wall Sconce$1,095 at blueprintlighting.comPeter Dunham Fig Leaf Fabric$5 at peterdunhamtextiles.comOne Kings Lane Daiana Two-Tier Patio Umbrella$750 at One Kings LaneCredit: One Kings LaneLulu and Georgia Courtet Platform Bed$2,498 at Lulu and GeorgiaFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.