Anyone who's ever decorated a home—whether a studio apartment that barely spans 500 square feet or a multi-bedroom, single-family house—knows that good furniture doesn't come cheap. We use the term "good" loosely because, well, what does that even mean? In this case, it refers to the quality of construction, which, more often than not, informs longevity. Though there are exceptions, the general rule of thumb is as follows: The better the materials and manufacturing processes are, the longer the furniture in question will last. You may also be trying to determine how best to spend your decorating budget in accordance with your household's priorities—does it make more sense to splurge on a well-built sofa that's going to get a lot of daily use or a solid wood cabinet for a guest bedroom that could last generations? Luckily, we have a great starting point for you.We asked Dan Campbell, president of BenchMade Modern, for his expertise on the subject. His paramount piece of advice for anyone willing to spend a pretty penny on luxury furniture is this: "Look for furniture that's handcrafted in the United States, as this ensures high-quality materials as well as craftsmanship," he says. "When something is custom-made or made-to-order, this creates the best option as the piece is crafted based on the features the end user really needs."Ahead, he shares what furniture pieces tend to last longer and what's worth the investment. We'd also like to preface that all of our life expectancy timelines are generalizations and presume that these are investment-worthy pieces that are carefully maintained and cared for—all the more reason to buy the best quality you can!Related StoriesSofasDesign: Sarah Vaile Design, Photo: Lesley UnruhSofas are tricky because there are a lot of elements that go into their creation, namely the frame, cushions, and upholstery. Even if they're made of the best-quality materials, longevity is not a guarantee. Campbell asks, "Who is using it, and where does it live? Are there kids and pets? Is it in a high-traffic area like a media room or more of a display piece in a formal living room?" Once you have that key information, you can choose the right piece for your specific space that, Campbell says, will last for many, many years. The part of most sofas that'll usually start deteriorating first is the cushioning. With this in mind, you can shop for models that prioritize durability. "A combination of foam and fiber will have the most resiliency, and that 'tailored' (as opposed to 'sink-in') look for the longest period," he says. "But many people have comfort as their primary goal over longevity. A very dense foam will hold up the longest, but the denser the foam is, the less comfortable the sofa can be. It is also an aesthetic question, as a down or down alternative fill is going to give you a more casual look that will require some fluffing to maintain its look, but is still super durable." The best way to maintain the health of your cushions is to flip and fluff them every few months. "Rotate them like you would your car tires. This will give all of the cushions more equal wear over time, so the sofa looks great throughout the years," Campbell advises.Life expectancy of a sofa: 10 yearsRelated StoryBed FramesDesign: Sarah Richardson Design and Murakami Design, Photo: Valerie WilcoxWhen buying a bed frame, you basically have two options: wood or upholstered. You really can't go wrong with either, so invest in the one you prefer in terms of comfort and aesthetics. That said, wood will last a long time (pretty much forever if it's well-made) without you having to put too much effort into maintaining it. If you are dead-set on an upholstered bed frame, just make sure to choose your fabric wisely. "If you select a white linen headboard, it's not going to look great in the years to come," Campbell explains. "Instead, consider a white linen-like performance fabric that you can easily clean." Life expectancy of a wooden bed frame: ImmortalUpholstered bed frame: 20-30 yearsRelated StoryDining ChairsDesign: The Galeana Group, Photo: Matthew NiemannSimilar to dressers (which we'll get to in a moment), high-quality dining chairs are more about construction than material because, well, they get a lot of action. "Regardless of the type of chair you get (all wood, an upholstered seat, or fully upholstered), these pieces take the most abuse, as they're constantly being pulled in and out, leaned against, sliding…the legs need to be able to handle the stress," Campbell admits. "You will see the failure of dining chairs from a low-end manufacturer very quickly." If you can only splurge on one piece of furniture, let it be your dining chairs. The easiest to care for is an all-wood option, but if you want an upholstered set, make sure it's performance-grade fabric.Life expectancy of all-wood dining chairs: ImmortalDining chairs with upholstered seats: 10-20 yearsAll-upholstered dining chairs: 10-15 yearsRelated StoryDining TablesDesign: Liz Caan & Co., Photo: Eric RothWhat most often causes a dining table to deteriorate over time is its lack of stability, which, of course, goes back to what Campbell has been saying this whole time: It's all about the materials used and craftsmanship. Those two elements will make for a stable and durable table that will last pretty much forever if they're properly cared for. When do you know if it's time to put some TLC into your dining table? "Make sure there aren't any loose components," Campbell says. "The table's legs shouldn't wobble if weight is placed on any side. The base of the table or the legs should have a secure fit to the tabletop."You may be thinking a glass-top dining table is probably inferior (in terms of lifespan) to solid wood options, but Campbell argues that if a dining table boasts a glass top, it's designed to be used and loved. "They're very easy to clean and also durable," he notes. "If your dining table has a glass top, it's typically made to withstand regular usage. Should disaster strike, there are options to replace it if the original breaks." If you don't feel like dealing with that possibility, go with wood. However, wood is not indestructible either. "Solid wood ages really well, but it can crack and splinter over time. So, if you're OK with the live-edge or more rustic look, solid wood is a fantastic option," Campbell explains. "Veneering on medium-density fiberboard is a stable, long-term option, too. Both can be refinished: Solid wood can be refinished many times and veneered less often, depending on the thickness of the veneer."Life expectancy of a glass-top dining table: VariableSolid wood dining table: ImmortalRelated StoryDressersDesign: Gleason & Gleason, Photo: David TsayAs you may have guessed, the dressers that tend to last the longest are made of solid wood. "High-end dressers that withstand the test of time are typically crafted from solid wood— more specifically, stronger woods that wear well, such as cherry, oak, and maple," Campbell says. "However, because solid wood can crack, splinter, swell, or shrink over time, a veneer can create a long-lasting piece." Life expectancy of a solid wood dresser: ImmortalFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Pictured above: A media room designed by Robin Henry, featuring an RT Facts lamp with custom shade.Let’s be honest: lampshades don’t always get the love they deserve. But this small design detail can totally transform the look and feel of a room. The right shade can elevate a lamp from basic to brilliant, soften a space with warm ambient light, or make a bold statement all on its own. And now that lampscaping—the idea of using multiple lamps (table, floor, and task) to layer light throughout a space instead of relying on harsh overheads—is officially a thing, knowing how to pick the best shade for your lamp feels more essential than ever. It's all about creating ambiance and mood, and it starts with choosing the right topper.Whether you're going classic, playful, minimalist, or maximalist, there’s a shade out there just waiting to light up your life. (See what we did there?) Don’t be afraid to mix and match lamp bases and shades for a custom, curated look. A sculptural base with a pleated or patterned shade? Yes, please. A sleek brass lamp with a bold-colored linen shade? Instant upgrade. Lampshades are an easy, affordable way to refresh your decor without a full-on overhaul—so have fun with it. Just don’t forget to consider size, shape, and material to make sure your lamp’s glow-up is as good as it gets. We asked interior designers to enlighten us (we really couldn’t help ourselves) on how to pick the perfect lampshade and ensure the scale is on point.Related StoriesChoose a SizeNicolas GourguechonFollowing the rule of thumb, the shade-to-base ratio of this entryway lamp in designer Devin Kirk’s own home is perfectly balanced.Amy NeunsingerTwo light sources mean two different shades and fittings in the Quadrille Arbre de Matisse adorned guest room of this home designed by Mark D. Sikes.Size definitely matters—at least when it comes to lampshades. First things first: proportions. A too-small shade looks awkward, and a too-large one can overwhelm the base. As a rule of thumb, according to interior designer and author Lauren Liess, "a lampshade should be roughly two-fifths of the total height of the full lamp, including the shade." So, if your lamp is 30 inches tall, aim for a 20-inch shade. That said, “there’s always an exception,” Liess adds. Retro styles often play with scale and can look fantastic with oversized or unusually shaped shades. A tall shade on a short, squat base? Totally works—just embrace the proportions. Width-wise, the shade should typically match the height of the base. And yes, it should always cover the bulb socket and any hardware. This is not the time for exposed necks. Speaking of hardware, not all shades work with all lamps, so fittings matter. The most common is a spider fitter, which works with lamps that have a harp and finial. If your lamp doesn’t have a harp, try an UNO fitter (it attaches directly to the socket). And for chandeliers or small accent lamps, clip-on shades are a quick and easy option. Just make sure whatever you use sits level and snug—wobbly lamp syndrome is never chic.Related StoryChoose a ShapeNathan SchroderA crisp white drum adorns a statement lamp base, making it stand out against the charcoal draperies in the dining room of this Dallas home designed by Studio Thomas James.Eric PiaseckiA stark white sculptural base paired with a simple tapered shade stands out while still letting the faux moiré painted walls shine in this Westchester County, NY, farmhouse designed by Robin Henry.Lampshades come in all shapes, and each one sets a different tone. Drum shades—those modern cylindrical beauties—are perfect for both contemporary and midcentury styles. “The drum is versatile enough for both modern and traditional interiors,” says Liess. Whitney Tingle, director of interior design at Christopher Architecture & Interiors, loves using oversize drum shades in linen to soften bold, sculptural bases with understated texture. Empire, coolie, and other tapered shade styles, which slope from a narrow top to a wide base, are timeless and elegant. Liess recommends them for chunkier, rounder lamp bases—think genie bottles or spherical silhouettes. For something romantic and soft, look no further than bell shades. Their graceful curves bring a vintage-inspired, feminine touch to more traditional spaces. Nicolas GourguechonFor his own home, designer Devin Kirk matched a square lamp shade with a vintage, metallic base of similar shape for an impactful lighting detail in this sophisticated family room.Lisa Romerein/Otto"In one of my favorite master bedrooms, this patterned shade adds dimension and an unexpected wit while staying traditional." — Michael S. SmithOn the other end of the spectrum, square and rectangular shades lend structure and sharpness, and they’re best used on lamps that also have a square or rectangular shape, according to Liess. Short on space? Oval shades are a smart solution. They’re ideal for lamps with distinct front-and-back silhouettes and add a polished feel without taking up extra room. And then, there are pleated shades—the darlings of traditional design. “They make a space feel decorated,” says Liess, who calls them an “old-guard designers’ staple.” Tingle recommends customizing pleated shades with color and pattern for maximum personality, especially when paired with a simple brass base.Related StoryChoose a MaterialFrancesco Lagnese"Zuber wallpaper is too expensive to not use every square inch of it, so we made shades from leftover scraps." — Tom ScheererBrie WilliamsBasic white lampshades were swapped for custom Euro-style “skirted” versions in a striped pattern that echoes the ridges of the lamp base in this primary bedroom by Heidi Woodman.Material doesn’t just determine the look of your shade—it defines the quality and style of the light itself. Paper shades are minimal and clean, often found in Scandinavian and Japandi-inspired interiors. They're especially charming in pendant or hanging styles. Designer Tom Scheerer has even used leftover wallpaper to create custom paper shades, giving his space a "surrealist touch." Fabric shades—linen, cotton, or silk—are the most versatile. Linen and cotton diffuse light beautifully, making any space feel soft and inviting. Silk ups the drama, casting a flattering, luxe glow that's perfect for bedrooms or formal living areas. These materials can work with virtually any shape or lamp style. Lampshade skirts, like those seen in interior designer Heidi Woodman's space, are also a fun option when using fabric for shades.Want something a little more modern and edgy? Metal shades cast directional light that's great for task lighting—perfect on a desk or reading lamp. Just a heads up from Liess: Metal shades can heat up, so skip them in nurseries or kid-centric zones. Or you can add unexpected texture and an instant coastal feel with a shade made out of rattan. Related StoryChoose a Color and PatternStephen KarlischIn her own home, designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey used Coquette fabric by Kelly Wearstler on the walls, bed, and lampshades for the lighting on the bookshelf, while the bedside lamps are paired with custom lampshades from Shades from the Midnight Sun.Simon Watson"I love Pierre Frey’s Le Manach Balmoral and, inspired by French bedrooms, I used it all over. Custom-covered shades add so much." — Ellen NivenThis is where you get to play. If your lamp base is doing most of the talking, stick with a neutral shade—think white, beige, or soft gray. These tones complement almost everything without drawing too much attention. But if you want your shade to be the star, don’t hold back. Patterned or brightly colored shades can instantly energize a room. Want to go full-on, pattern-drenching maximalist? Try matching your shade fabric to drapery, pillows, or even wallpaper. “It becomes more than just a lighting element,” says Tingle. “It transforms into a cohesive design feature, seamlessly tying into the overall narrative of the space.” Frank Frances StudioDesigner Courtney McLeod paired a Broome lampshade with a Wildwood lamp for this sultry primary bedroom in her clients’ downtown New York apartment.And yes, we’re here for the moody, sexy glow of a dark shade too. It’s perfect for intimate nooks or elegant bedrooms where atmosphere is everything.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Some decorating trends will come and go (see millennial pink) while others have longevity, no matter what era we're in. One such aesthetic? Tasteful horse decor. Between Netflix's recent hit Ransom Canyon, the U.S. Polo championships back in April, and the many home tours we've published featuring horse motifs, everyone, including the design world, is enthralled with these creatures right now. While luxury fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren and Hermès may have introduced equestrian vibes into interiors (horses being an instantly recognizable part of both brands' identities), the look has evolved beyond just their ateliers. "Horses have always been a popular subject in the art and design world, going back to early cave drawings in the Lascaux Cave, France. It is so fun to see them back in the spotlight in interiors," designer Maria Burke says. "We have definitely seen a resurgence in layered, British interior style, so I think it is fitting that all sorts of equestrian subjects and patterns have also seen a rise in popularity." While several designers we spoke with mentioned the influence of British style in homes right now, others link our current fascination with the Wild West to a yearning for a different time. manufoto llcA horse sculpture nestled amongst candle holders is the perfect final decorative touch.Anson SmartMix and match art mediums, like textured pieces and a photo, in a room."Across the board, we're seeing a major shift back to traditional, cozy, old-world design. I think it's everyone's desire for comfort and reassurance during these rocky political and technological times. A return to our roots. It's the antithesis to AI," award-winning interior designer Lindsay Gerber Northart says. "The resurgence [of horse decor] seems to stem from a deep-seated yearning for connection with nature and a romanticized notion of freedom and open horizons," L.A.-based designer Jennifer Miller adds. "Horses embody both untamed beauty and a sense of serene strength in their powerful yet graceful presence. This inherent duality resonates with contemporary desires for authenticity and a touch of the organic within our living spaces." Indeed, in a world where we are scrolling endlessly on TikTok, checking our work emails while on vacation, or being spammed with fake phone calls daily, returning to a world that ran at a slower pace seems idyllic. Designers everywhere, from Los Angeles to Virginia, are seeing an uptick in client requests for incorporating horse decor into their homes. Burke notes that in one of her projects, they recently took the client's collection of riding crops and turned them into a gallery on their second-floor hallway. Meanwhile, Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, recalls a client in the New York City suburbs asking them to adorn her husband's office in oil paintings featuring hunts and horses. As you may be able to tell, if you love these majestic animals, there are plenty of ways to capture their essence in your home. "There's a romanticism to equestrian imagery that evokes both rustic countryside charm and old-world luxury, making it incredibly versatile across styles, from modern farmhouse to classic traditional and even minimalist spaces," designer Katie McCaffrey says. Tasteful horse decor is here to stay—forever—so check out the expert styling tips ahead on achieving the look seamlessly in your home. Related Story Make It Feel Modern Patrick BillerThe office is a great place to show off your love of the equestrian sport.Mixing new pieces with vintage finds is a tried-and-true furnishing method that gives your home its character. Even though this takes time, we're firm believers in slow decorating. When it comes to horse decor, Burke recommends employing the same method by merging "old master-style oil paintings with horse subjects above more modern pieces of furniture." If you already have such works of art, you're one step ahead of everyone else. However, if you're sourcing art from scratch, Burke says, "These works can easily be found on auction sites and even consignment stores if you are up for the challenge, and they make for a wonderful mix with newer pieces." We suggest checking out places like Chairish, 1stdibs, LiveAuctioneers, and Everything But the House.Related StoryLean Into Antique SculpturesJeanne BarberSculptures can be placed anywhere, including on a bar cart.Besides framed artwork, designers suggest adding horse sculptures to your space, whether that's a small statue of a stallion nestled on your bookshelf or a giant horse head that commands attention near your staircase. The best part about these pieces is that you can move them around the house anytime without having to deal with annoying photo hooks or adhesive strips. "In my own home, I have a large, cast-iron horse head that meanders through my house, depending on my mood," Barber says. "Lately, he's hanging out on our porch bar, greeting guests with a cocktail." Opt for Striking Photography© Rustic White Photography,LLCBuy a big print from your favorite photographer and hang it where everyone can admire it.Whether you dabble in photography or follow a National Geographic photographer who shoots the most amazing wildlife, if this is your art medium of choice, incorporating a stunning visual of a horse in your space is a no-brainer. "Professional equine photographers are increasingly producing some spectacular large-format images in both black and white and color. These can be striking statements alone or as a collection, and really set a sophisticated, luxurious vibe to any space," says designer and passionate equestrian Megan Winters. Don't Be ObviousAlanna HalePlaid, iron, brass, and leather can help you tap into the look more subtly.Yes, you can display tasteful horse decor without horses! If you're not into the animalcore look, you can instead hint at your love for them through horse-adjacent decor. "I think horse decor needs to be more of a nod and hint rather than literal...otherwise you're very easily getting into a tacky decor situation," Gerber Northart says. "Introduce patinated old leather pieces and brass accent pieces, which hint at the look and feel of horse tack. Wool and plaids hint at a fox hunt." Similarly, McCaffrey suggests using "checks, plaids, natural materials such as woven baskets to evoke equestrian style without being too literal." Related StoryLittle Touches Go a Long Way Michael CliffordShow restraint when leaning into the equestrian theme.All the designers we spoke with agree on one thing when it comes to making your horse decor feel tasteful: moderation is key. "I like to try to limit the use of a 'themed' element to one or two items per room," Burke says. "Instead of layering all sorts of prints with an actual horse on it [throughout the home], we will use one and then draw inspiration from other sorts of horse-related items, such as leather, thick wool blankets, and dark iron [for the other spaces].""The key is to ensure the execution feels intentional and contributes to the overall narrative of the space," Miller adds. "In our Sun Valley project, we incorporated a few horse drawings and a red horse painting I created myself, which felt especially fitting for the setting and served as a nod to the Western heritage and natural beauty of the area. The artwork reflects the landscape’s rustic spirit while adding a personal layer of storytelling." Shop Our Favorite Horse Decor PicksHermès Cheval Deco Ashtray$800 at HermesGucci Velvet Cushion With Horsebit$1,150 at GucciCharles MARECHAL (1865-1931), Horses in landscape oil on canvas$300 at liveauctioneers.comCarol Walker Leopard Appaloosa - Limited Edition of 100 Photograph$1,830 at saatchiart.comRalph Lauren Home Dalton Accent Table$18,790 at Ralph LaurenWilliams Sonoma Cashmere & Wool Equestrian Throw$499 at Williams SonomaKathy Kuo Monty French Country Black Aged Metal Round Side End Table$141 at kathykuohome.comRalph Lauren Home Brennan Clock$1,195 at Ralph LaurenArt Deco Style Silvered Brass Etruscan Horse Sculpture$4,250 at 1stDibsJoon Loloi Morison Leather Wrapped Table Lamp$199 at joonloloi.comFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Lindsay SalazarEvery 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.From marble and concrete to zellige and subway, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to tile. While the material’s popularity has waxed and waned over the years, we’re currently entering a tile renaissance. No longer limited to just your floors or shower stalls, tile is covering everything from side tables to skylights, drenching bathrooms and kitchens in a glossy new light. “Clients aren’t defaulting to the standard white subway tile anymore,” says interior designer Sarah Stacey. “There’s a lot more interest in making intentional, expressive choices with tile now, whether it’s through color, pattern, or texture. People are much more willing to take creative risks than they were even a few years ago.” Interestingly enough, the biggest tile trend of the season is being anti-trend. Personality and joy-driven interiors are being prioritized instead of property value and neutral finishes. “Clients are less interested in safe, resale-driven choices and more open to statement moments, ” says interior designer Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN. “They want spaces that reflect them, not just trends—a dramatic shower wall, patterned floors, or jewel-box powder rooms.” Whether your aesthetic leans more towards color-drenching or pattern mixing, there’s a creative use of tile just begging to be a part of your next renovation or remodel. Below, 16 top experts reveal the tile trends they’re most excited about right now—alongside images showing how they used them to stunning advantage.See more current design trends we’re obsessed with:1Scalloped EdgesTrevor Tondro“I'm loving scalloped designs! This spring, we are seeing lots of scalloped edges in dinnerware, furniture, soft goods, and now in tile! We are thrilled to launch our Ashton Meadows collection with Studio McGee, which features a scalloped edge that is tailored yet whimsical. ” —DeeDee Gundberg, Chief Designer, Ann Sacks2Retro RevivalCourtesy of Tile of Spain“From kaleidoscopic patterns to '70s palettes, there is a marked nod towards a retro revival lately. A true hint of nostalgia can be seen with zesty colourways taking centre stage, while striking patterns create visual focal points, allowing interiors to celebrate bygone design eras in a new, contemporary fashion.” —María D Arráez, Director of Tile of Spain UKAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Color-DrenchingCourtesy of Ceramics of Italy“After attending Coverings 2025—the largest international tile and stone exhibition in North America—we’ve noticed a palpable shift towards playful and expressive tile designs. Italian ceramic manufacturers are leading the charge with small-format tiles featuring whimsical patterns and vibrant colors, ideal for both walls and floors in the bathroom. Notably, the trend of “color drenching,” and in the tile world, “mineral drenching," is gaining traction, where entire spaces are enveloped in rich tones and textures reminiscent of marble, onyx, or travertine, to fully immerse a space.”—Brittney Harmond, representative of Ceramics of Italy 4Natural MaterialsCourtesy of Vitale Design Group“The revival of earthly natural stones in 2025 truly brings sophistication and romance to the bathroom. This trend creates the perfect ambiance and enhances the mood through the use of warm tones in travertine, limestone, and bold vein marbles. Our second favorite trend is Zellige tiles. Zellige tiles are handmade Moroccan tiles that are multi-tonal, and the hand-glazing allows the colors to truly feel alive. These tiles bring timeless elegance & versatility to any space.”—Alexis Vitale, Vitale Design GroupAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Custom ConfigurationsJoseph Bradshaw“Mosaics offer such exciting possibilities, and we’re seeing a significant rise in the use of custom mosaics, especially. Designers are leveraging the versatility of mosaic tile to craft completely personalized designs, whether that’s a fully branded tile wall or an ancient Greece-inspired residential bathroom floor.” — Jamie Chappell, VP of Brand and Marketing at Fireclay Tile63D MotifsL'ANTIC COLONIAL“The 3D relief tile trend is particularly captivating. Tiles with dimensional surfaces play with light and shadow, adding depth and dynamism to spaces. This tactile quality not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the overall sensory experience of the bathroom, aligning with the broader trend of creating spa-like, restorative environments at home.” —Jordana Moche, NYC Managing Director at PorcelanosaAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Rare PairingsLauren Miller“I like the mash-up of the unexpected—it used to be that limestone and marble weren’t really materials you mixed, but I like the recent departure from matching to something a little more freeform. I also like the exploration of deeper tones like oxblood marbles and green onyx.” —Sam Sacks, Sam Sacks Design8Sidestep ShinyGieves Anderson“My favorite trend is tile having a more natural and organic look, rather than the crisp modern look that has been popular. This is why I am using more ceramic tile and opting for more matte and honed pieces rather than the polished style we’ve been using for so long now. This allows the tile to have more warmth and dimension. It makes for a calming space to shower and get ready in, something I think everyone wants.”—Emily Del Bello, Emily Del Bello InteriorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Patterned LayoutsBrittany Dawn Short“I love that people are playing with tile patterns—using different colors to create checks, stripes, or more abstract layouts. It’s not about printed tiles, but about creating a pattern through placement and color. While it’s something that’s been around for a while, it feels exciting to see it coming back in fresh, modern ways.” Sarah Stacey, Sarah Stacey Interior Design10Handmade SlabsKate Leichhardt“I’m really drawn to anything that feels a little handmade and imperfect; it gives a space so much soul. I’m loving the trend of mixing shapes and patterns using the same tile, especially when it’s done with mosaics or geometric layouts. It feels creative without being chaotic. It brings in so much more personality and warmth than using a single stone alone.” —Amanda Jacobs, Amanda Jacobs DesignAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11 Subtle TexturesCourtesy of Dart Studio“Earthy, sun-faded tones, like terracotta, muted sage, and chalky whites, are at the top of my list for this season. I’m also loving dimensional, sculpted tiles that add texture and warmth. They have a subtle mid-century edge that feels both nostalgic and modern. Clients are so much braver, mixing materials, playing with pattern and color, and treating bathrooms like real design moments, not just utility spaces. It’s about personality now, not just practicality.” —Olivia Botrie, Creative Director of Dart Studio12Playful StripesLindsay Brown“I’m happy to see clients embracing color and pattern more and more over the past few years. There has been less focus on resale value and aesthetics, and more design for the individual. This allows clients to take the pressure off of making choices for anyone other than themselves, which makes room for much more play. I am loving all-over tile, especially in bold patterns like stripes or checkerboard. I’m so ready to have fun with tile and am excited that there is more buy-in from clients currently!” —Avery Cox, Avery Cox DesignAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Grounding ColorsMargaret Larson“After living with an 80s-era color-blocked shower wall in a New York City rental, it’s a look I find hard to embrace fully. It tends to date a space much faster than you'd hope, especially in a bathroom. Instead, I prefer bringing color in more timeless ways. In a recent renovation, we used a deep evergreen tile on the floor—a rich, grounding pop that feels vibrant without sacrificing longevity.” —Kelsey Matyas, Kelsey Deirdre Designs14Bolder BacksplashesCourtesy of LIVDEN“We are excited to see more bold and unique kitchens this spring! We are hoping that eye-catching tile patterns make their way to kitchen backsplashes and not just powder baths. It’s time for kitchens to breathe more personality and style into the home, so we are excited that more homeowners seem to be open to adding a bold patterned tile to their backsplash.”—Hilary Gibbs and Georgie Smith, Founders of LIVDEN Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Timeless MaterialsRoss Group Creative“We try to push clients towards classic selections that won’t look too trendy down the line. Tile is so difficult to remove and replace, so we like to make sure we are installing timeless options. Marble is our go-to in all shapes—hexagons, basketweaves, mosaics, and even classic subway all make for beautiful floors, shower walls, and backsplashes.” —Katie Figler, Kate Figler Interiors16Ribbon TilesKeyannaBowen“One of our favorite tile trends right now is the use of ribbon tiles and fluted formats to bring a new kind of texture to bathrooms [seen in the top border of the tile in this bathroom]. Their slim profiles and subtle ridges add quiet architecture to a space, layering in rhythm and movement without relying on bold decorative patterns. It is a more dimensional approach to bringing energy into a room while keeping the overall feeling elevated and restrained.” —Genevieve Webb and Ashley Mutch, Feather Hill Interiors

Grandmillennial aesthetics, draped curtains, canopy beds, warm minimalism—these are some of the bedroom trends that designers predicted (and still are expecting to see) for 2025. They center around warmth, coziness, and personality, providing a much different experience than the picture-perfect clean minimalism bedrooms of Pinterest eras past. And the visually-fueled social media platform is seeing that too, predicting that the inviting and informal interior trend of "bedscaping" is about to take the world by storm.As stark white interiors have fallen out of style and more maximalist looks have moved into the spotlight, Pinterest has found that certain terms that support these personality-filled rooms are seriously gaining momentum. The term "eclectic apartment" has jumped by 630 percent, and the search term "boho bedroom" is up by 65 percent as people embrace the curated mess aesthetic and aim to create something bolder with more character through their decor. "Ten years ago, bedscapes tended to be very minimal, often embracing a white-on-white aesthetic that, while clean, could feel slightly impersonal," Eleanor Trepte of Dekay & Tate Interiors says. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, more people spent extended time at home than they had in years, leading to a greater focus on comfort. "Since then, bedscaping has become far more personal, with layered bedding, mood lighting, and bolder colors and patterns taking center stage."If you're looking for fresh ways to make your bedroom feel cozier this spring and summer, keep reading for tips on how to bedscape the designer-approved way. Related StoriesFocus on TextureMatthew NiemannDifferently textured upholstery, draperies, and fabrics give this bedroom by Galeana Younger drama and boldness."I think bedscaping is less about decorative frills and more about texture and layers," says designer Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio. She explains that her clients want textures that feel more cozy and soft rather than starchy. It's those softer textiles on the bed that invite you to relax. Designer Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design adds that neuroaesthetics, the scientific study of how we react to creative works, "tells us that bedroom color, lighting temperature, pattern, and texture all play a part in how we unwind to fall asleep." A bed that's made with an enveloping material like cotton sateen, a heavy down duvet, and ultra-plush pillows can encourage better sleep after a long day.Layer AwayCourtesy of Autumn Dawn DesignA mountain of pillows and a textured, patterned knit blanket rest on top of another bold patterned duvet in this colorful bedroom by Autumn Dawn Designs.As Trepte puts it: "The perfect bedscape is all about layering to create an inviting, restful environment." Layering different patterns and textures adds personality and visual interest to your bedroom, and it can be done in simple ways if you prefer a more minimalist style. Trepte likes layering crisp white linens with warm quilts or throws and patterned pillows for personality. For a step-by-step guide on how to layer your bed, Pochiro explains that the first layer is sheets, then something plush, like a goose-down duvet or comforter. Next comes the decorative accents—your throw pillows and shams—and finally, a bed scarf at the bottom of the bed. Opt for Mood LightingBrie WilliamsA custom lampshade and golden sconce add more accent lighting to this bedroom by Heidi Woodman. A perfectly bedscaped bedroom does not go hand-in-hand with bright overhead lighting. Ambient lighting from lamps, sconces, and dimmers is key to creating a cozy bedroom environment. If you do need overhead lighting for whatever reason, Trepte suggests adding warm-toned lightbulbs that'll give the space a more luxurious vibe. Finish with a FragranceManu RodríguezDesigner Rayman Boozer displayed a bright burst of orange roses on this bedside table, adding a nice pop of color and a fragrant scent.After everything is visually the way you want it, the final step to bedscaping is finishing off with your favorite scent. Whether that's from a candle, a room or linen spray, incense, or a plug-in diffuser, this is the cherry on top of creating a space that's comforting and uniquely yours, explains Trepte. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Selling your home can be a lengthy process, and the state you live in can make it take even longer. In a new study, mortgage broker firm Eden Emerald Mortgages analyzed 2025 data from Zillow to determine the slowest housing markets in the United States, and Texas tops the list. Researchers looked at the average time it takes for an offer to be accepted and how many average days it takes to close the sale for various property listings. Then, they ranked each state from highest to lowest. “These findings highlight the significant difference in the time it takes to sell a home across the United States,” Shaun Bettman, CEO of Eden Emerald Mortgages, said in a press release. “While some regions, like Mississippi and Louisiana, experience longer selling times due to things like market conditions, sellers need to understand local trends and adjust their expectations accordingly.”Below, explore the stats on the top five slowest housing markets in the country. Whether you’re buying or selling in these areas, the findings are something to keep in mind.Related Stories5. South DakotaJohn Elk//Getty ImagesIn South Dakota, it takes an average of 69.58 days to sell a home and 39.17 days to close the sale. That comes to an average of 108.74 days to sell a home in the Mount Rushmore State. 4. HawaiiMint Images//Getty ImagesWhile the study finds the average days for an offer on a home to be accepted is lower in Hawaii at 67 days, it generally takes 43.50 days to close, putting the state at an average of 110.50 days total. 3. Florida John Coletti//Getty ImagesSelling a home in Florida takes, on average, just barely longer than selling a home in Hawaii, but the numbers that make up their totals are quite different. Offers are accepted in an average of 76.63 days, and it takes 33.93 days to close the sale, bringing the final count to 110.56 days (which is only .6 more than Hawaii). 2. LouisianaJon Lovette//Getty ImagesLouisiana holds the title of the second slowest housing market in the U.S., with selling a home taking an average of 111.92 days. Broken down, it takes an average of 77.78 days for an offer to be accepted and 34.15 days to close the sale. 1. TexasJohn Coletti//Getty ImagesThe Lone Star State is where selling a home takes the longest. On average, it takes 87.11 days for sellers to accept an offer and 30.20 days for the sale to close. At a total of 117.31 days, it takes just under four months for homes to sell. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

While some people yearn for wide-open floor plans that boast over 2,000 square feet, others don’t care for all that space and prefer smaller footprints. While living full-time in a tiny home isn’t for everybody, there are some good reasons why people do choose to downsize their material lives and move into the spatial equivalent of a backyard shed. From reducing one's environmental footprint to saving money on a guesthouse, there’s plenty to love about living in a small home. Still on the fence? Check out the tiny house ideas below for some examples—you can even book a stay in them to test-drive the small-scale lifestyle.Whether you start from a floor plan or you purchase a prefab structure, the tiny home rentals below will allow you to reimagine your entire living setup. There’s a reason designers love decorating small spaces, such as powder rooms: These jewel box spaces allow one’s creativity to run wild. Typically, with these houses, function comes before beauty, but that doesn't mean there can't be strategically stylistic flourishes throughout. You can still find beautiful ways to decorate a tiny home, and the 58 options below will show you how. Keep reading for the best tiny home ideas that are endlessly inspiring.Additional copy by Kate McGregor.For more tiny home inspiration:1Lofty DreamsAirbnbNestled among the trees just outside the town of Woodstock in upstate New York, this treehouse-like tiny home is elevated to create sweeping views of the swimmable pond and surrounding forest. Its most enviable features include a sleeping loft, full walls of windows, a breakfast bar, a wood-burning fireplace, and a barrel-style hot tub.BOOK NOW Related Story: 33 Amazing Treehouses You Can Rent for Vacation2Slanted Exteriorbe tkBeAsk any architect: Walls don't have to be straight. The off-kilter style of this pro-built tiny house in the Catskills adds visual interest and makes space for a lofted bedroom, built-in shelves and cabinets, and a breakfast nook with a window seat. It also illustrates how much you can do without electricity or running water.BOOK NOW Related Story: 8 Tiny House Resorts for a One-of-a-Kind GetawayAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Baby Bluebe tkBeThis New Paltz, New York, tiny home's interior design is fairly standard, but its showstopping two-tone exterior paint job makes it a standout. The platform it's built on creates a wide deck for eating and hanging out—a simple way to sneak in a few extra square feet.BOOK NOW 4Coastal ViewsAirbnbSet directly on the coastline of Quebec, Canada, this '70s-inspired tiny house has vast square windows along the front for assessing the surf conditions and taking in the views each morning. Don't miss the natural wood built-in storage (including the queen beds' headboards) and ceilings and clever recessed lighting throughout.Book Now Related Story: 22 Hotels With Breathtaking ViewsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Quaint Cottagebe tkBeTucked away in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, this no-frills cottage, named for its fairy-lights lined porch, can sleep up to three. Its latticed porch, rocking chairs, and weather vane dial up its charm.Book Now Related Story: How to Capture the Cottagecore Aesthetic at Home6Architectural Wonderbe tkBeDesigned by Austin-based architect Nicole Blair, this AIA Award–winning tiny house called the Beehive plays with angles to maximize sunlight and square footage. You'll want to bookmark the open-concept kitchen, spacious shower, and efficient staircase for your next trip to SXSW—or your own backyard project. Book Now Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Best All Aroundbe tkBeSoft canvas walls give this tiny house in the West Texas hill country a tent-like feel; all the comforts of home, like HVAC and plumbing, elevate its luxury level. Outside, a cedar soaking tub is for unwinding after a day of winery hopping and antiquing. The rustic privacy fencing, elevated deck, and private fire pit, and beautiful landscaping belong on your mood board too.Book Now 8Scenic Cabinbe tkBeWith sweeping views of Iceland's Kirkjufell Mountain, bay, and even the northern lights, this cabin and its deck are stained green to blend into its awe-inspiring natural surroundings. Book Now Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Hillside A-Framebe tkBeThe Malbec Cabin, nestled in the mountains of Brazil, is in-ground A-frame structure with expansive windows and a working wood-burning fireplace. If they're not enough to grab your attention (or would-be renters'), the rope swing and cozy fire pit definitely are.Book Now 10Essentials Onlybe tkBeThe Shepard's Hut on England's Cornish coast is no-nonsense in the best way possible. There's a quaint kitchen, fireplace, and Murphy bed, with double doors and farmhouse-style lighting adding to its friendly vibe. Its selling point, however, is the lakefront view and outdoor dining setup. You might want to copy their clever rope-and-post fencing and graveled terrace ideas.Book Now Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Bold A-Framebe tkBeJust 12 miles from Breckenridge, Colorado, you can't miss this creekside A-frame, painted fire truck red to stand out among the evergreens. Inside, a wood burning fireplace wards off the mountain chill and custom built-ins offer kitchen and bathroom storage. You don't want to miss its cozy loft, either.Book Now12Festive Containerbe tkBeYour tiny house's interior isn't the only place you can express your design personality. This wagon-style spot on England's North Cornish coast has a cheerful two-tone exterior and sports party bunting year round. You'll love the brilliant under-bed storage, floral curtains, and green-painted trim inside, too. Book Now Related Story: 25 Shipping Container Homes You Need to SeeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Urban Windmillbe tkBeNo structure is too small or off-limits for a tiny house, as evidenced by this windmill turned living quarters near Lisbon. The bedroom even features the original mechanisms in the ceiling. Because everything inside is rounded (even the shower and cabinets), it's full of helpful ideas for other challenging small spaces.Book Now 14The Greenhousebe tkBeThose not opposed to a lack of privacy can opt for glass walls like this greenhouse-esque home's in South Africa. Not traveling soon? Head over for inspiration from its luxury tile, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and sleek, modern deck. It shows how much life and beauty plants can bring to any tiny house too. Book Now Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Looking GlassGetty ImagesTucked away in the middle of the Catskills forest, this storybook-ready A-frame home is a small but mighty fortress. The view feels twice as special thanks to a full glass front wall.BOOK NOW 16The BubbleAirbnbDesigned by Roderick James, this Scottish insulated aluminum pod offers breathtaking views from dragonfly windows. The futuristic interior is warmed up by wood accents and cozy textiles.BOOK NOWAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17French CottageAirbnbThe stone exterior and interior details of this French cottage make it look like it came straight out of a fairytale. While the overall design of the interior isn't much, the architecture serves as major inspo if you're looking to build your own dreamy tiny home.BOOK NOW 18The Family HomeNew Frontier DesignWith two bedrooms (including a walk-in closet!), this tiny home is just right for a small family. The fully-equipped chef's kitchen can whip up alfresco meals for warm summer nights. Not to mention, the industrial-meets-cabin aesthetic is sleek and inviting.BUY NOW Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Lava FieldAirbnbAt the foot of a volcano in Hawaii, this tiny house—called the Phoenix House—will make you feel as though you've stepped onto another planet as you explore the lava fields and black sand beaches that surround it.BOOK NOW 20Container CabinAirbnbLive out your mountain getaway dreams in this tiny Catskills home, which is one of four shipping container cabins on the owner's New York property. It boasts a sleek exterior and contrasting cozy, rustic interior.BOOK NOW

If you were to ask Tamara Honey to sum up the ethos of her family's home in Montecito, California, the answer would be fairly succinct. “The magnificent display of nature in every direction and blink of the eye,” says the House of Honey founder and creative director. Built in 2013, the midcentury modern-inspired residence sits atop a hill on 3 acres, where 360-degree mountain views “immediately replace thoughts of traffic and deadlines with grazing deer and bunnies, hummingbirds and city lights—scented with the sweet aroma of sage and cedar,” says the designer.Honey set out to accentuate the home’s spectacular bones through a contemporary yet whimsical interior makeover, plus a few architectural updates, like adding more windows, all suited to her family of six. “This place feels very magical, and I wanted to be sure that every space within the home honors its inherent beauty.”FAST FACTS: Tamara Honey of House of HoneyDesigner:Location: Montecito, CaliforniaThe Space: A five-bedroom, five-bath house encompassing 6,000 square feet and set on 3 acresThe vibe is California modernism, but I would call it perfectly imperfect.ENTRY"A playful, cheeky teaser of what comes next…"Jessica SampleMirror: 1stDibs. Wall paint: ​​Dragonaut by Alkemis Paint.In the entryway, a vintage monkey sculpture with a gilt face and bronze leg wall hook, both sourced from 1stDibs, set a playful tone while providing a practical spot for guests to stash their bag or coat.FAMILY ROOMA lifetime of eclectic treasures gets the star treatment.Jessica SamplePendant: Design Within Reach. Rug: Salam Hello. Sofa: custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Coffee table, elephant table, hand chairs, and red chair: vintage.Though the home boasts a fairly open floor plan, Honey set out to create distinctly different experiences within each living zone. The layered family room is ideal for leisurely hangs, and it’s also where the former 1stDibs dealer flexed her maximalist muscles. The vintage furniture exudes character, from the glazed ceramic elephant stool to the carved hand chairs. “The bookshelves are filled with treasures I’ve collected over the years,” Honey says.LIVING ROOMA sleek fireplace creates an intimate escape.Jessica SampleWallpaper: Thomas Lavin. Accent chair (left): custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Accent chair (right): 1stDibs. Rug: Salam Hello. Wall art: vintage, from Lucas Studio, Inc.The low-slung living room is framed by a sleek stone fireplace that reinforces the room's modern appeal. This cozy corner is where Honey loves to play games, laugh with her guests, or indulge in a solo reading sesh. A golden disco ball emphasizes the inviting, fun-loving atmosphere. “I would put one in every room if I could,” says Honey.SUNROOMThe naturally lit oasis doubles as an office.Jessica SamplePendant: Design Within Reach. Table, chairs, and footstool: 1stDibs.Throughout the home, Fleetwood doors with fully retractable panels maximize the view of the surrounding Verdugo mountains and promote indoor-outdoor flow. This inspiring setting, with a pool just beyond, is one of two sunrooms that Honey treats as her home office. KITCHENA comfortable place for culinary adventures and heart-to-heart convos.Jessica SampleSconces: Jason Koharik Studio. Tile: custom, by AVO AVO.With two travertine-topped islands, the kitchen is well-equipped for meal preparation and entertaining. Honey connected the open-concept kitchen to its surrounding areas through lighting. “The lights serve a purpose as both working taskers while adding to the architectural and artistic ambience within the space,” says the designer.“I’m not the best cook, but I love to curate menus, host dinner parties, and am a great sous chef,” she adds. “Quite interestingly, this kitchen has become a place for heart-to-heart/deep realization/happy-resolution conversation.”DINING ROOMOrganically shaped furnishings ground the space.Jessica SampleTable: Croft House. Chair: Design Within Reach. Wall art: artist Michael Wayne Hall, from Wrong Gallery. Lamps: Lambert & Fils.The Maximilian Marchesani chandelier from Nilufar Gallery in Milan is among Honey’s list of favorite pieces. Made of real branches, the light fixture truly brings the outdoors in. “I am always trying new things and am drawn to creative innovation that pushes the envelope,” she says. Nearby is a Danish modern credenza, which was the designer’s first big purchase 25 years ago from the now-closed New York City–based furniture store White on White.POWDER ROOMAn enchanting moment that's big on personality.Jessica SampleChandelier: 1stDibs. Mirror: vintage. Hardware: custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Counter: Caesarstone. Faucet: Dornbracht.“The wallpaper (Green Wall by Osborne & Little) instantly transports you to some faraway magic place,” Honey says. She completed the jewelbox space with an inky navy vanity and custom stone hardware. STAIRWAYA gallery wall holds special meaning.Jessica SampleCarpet: Stark. Part of Honey’s vintage art collection is thoughtfully displayed—and reflected by a mirrored wall—in a dreamy stairway. “I started collecting art at a young age—curious about art and what I liked and the way it made me feel,” she says. “I’m so happy to share this love with my children. We’re building a special collection together. Less about notability, and more about feel.”GUEST BEDROOMThe retreat also exhibits beloved art.Jessica SampleWall paint: Desert Milk Adobe by Alkemis Paint. Bed and headboard: Design Within Reach. Pillows and bedding: Hale Mercantile Co. Chandelier: Lambert & Fils. Rug: Salam Hello. Side table and bench: 1stDibs. Planter: Rolling Greens. Wall art: Artist Bradley Harms.In addition to providing a haven for her own family, Honey wanted her home to “serve as a fantastic staycation spot for friends and family.” This former game room now functions as a cozy retreat for out-of-towners. “It is also the perfect home for my friend and fellow Canadian artist Brad Harms’s art,” Honey says. PRIMARY BEDROOMWarm grasscloth cocoons the entire suite.Jessica SampleBed: Design Within Reach. Pillows: Parachute Home. Bedding and blankets: Hale Mercantile Co. Wallcovering: Thomas Lavin. Sconce: Lambert & Fils. Table: 1stDibs. Art (above bed): Cindy Zell. Wall art: vintage.For the primary bedroom, Honey created a “cocoon of warm grasscloth and plush wall-to-wall carpet,” she says. While the bedrooms have window treatments, no other window in the house does. “We are obsessed with the wildlife we see everyday—from deer, to rabbits, to every bird imaginable, to many types of snakes, and, yes, scorpions!”PRIMARY BATHROOMIt's all in the details. Jessica SampleCounter: Caesarstone. Faucet: Dornbracht. Hardware: custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Sconces, wall art, and statue: vintage.The vintage sconce set into the vanity mirror is one of many Murano glass lighting finds that boost the home's character and ambience.POOL DECKThe perfect place for admiring striking views.Jessica SampleChairs: Design Within Reach.Honey always imagined her home being an entertainment hub for her kids, friends, and family. The outdoor pool area, surrounded by views of the Verdugo mountains, makes get-togethers extra memorable.EXTERIORWhere urban living and natural surroundings exist in harmony. Jessica SampleWhile growing up in Nova Scotia, Honey developed a deep connection to nature that’s become vital to her design process. When her family moved to Los Angeles, she sought out “a space that would capture part of the calming essence of the Canadian wilderness,” the designer says. After living in a Tudor-style home in Altadena, she craved the openness of a contemporary, glass-heavy structure. "I was obsessed with local architects Buff & Hensman. [This house] reminded me of one of their early midcentury projects and was reminiscent of Neutra’s Desert House in Palm Springs." About the DesignerTamara Honey is the founder of full-service interiors firm House of Honey. Her design ethos is all about creating spaces that “celebrate life out loud, where all occasions are special and there are no rules,” she says. “Our studio acts as a guide for life well lived. I truly enjoy creating spaces that are unique to their owners and their version of bold, joyful, and boundless enjoyment of everyday living.”SHOP THE SPACESalam Hello Izra Alfalfa Rug$1,000 at salamhello.comAudo Copenhagen Dancing Pendant$1,195 at Design Within ReachCroft House Parota Live Edge Table$7,550 at crofthouse.comDesign Within Reach Nest Storage BedNow 20% Off$4,995 $3,996 at Design Within Reach

Flowers, foliage, fruit. Stylized birds, blossom-laden branches, twists of thorn and thistle. The iconic nature-inspired patterns of celebrated textile designer William Morris are as recognizable—and desirable—today as they were in 1861, when he founded the decorative-arts company that still bears his name. Today, Morris & Co. continues to shepherd the artist's legacy, along with those of his contemporaries in the Arts & Crafts movement, preserving and adapting the highly sought-after patterns on wallpapers and fabrics. But these prized materials were available exclusively to the trade—until now. In a move sure to be celebrated by design enthusiasts everywhere, the company has recently made it possible to source these textile marvels directly from its website. In order to honor the techniques established by Morris and his cohorts, every design in Morris & Co.'s catalog of wonders has been sourced from the company's archive of original renderings. To whet your appetite, here's a look at some of the most enduring and in-demand patterns:Gary O'Kane, Elle DunnCourtesy of Morris & Co.The twining tulips of Pimpernel, originally designed in 1876, make for one of the company's most popular offerings. On the drapes shown at top, in Bayleaf/Manilla, and here in Bullrush/Russet (left) and Indigo (right), the orderly yet exuberant swirling pattern exudes energy.Courtesy of Morris & Co.Courtesy of Morris & Co.Montreal is based on a carpet designed in the late 19th century by John Henry Dearle, who was trained by Morris and succeeded him as the figurehead and art director at Morris & Co. This wallpaper (left) and velvet fabric (right), both in Forest/Teal, depict overblown climbing flowers with distinctive slightly blurred edges that lend a softened look to a bold pattern.Gary O'Kane, Elle DunnAs a fabric, the hugely popular Blackthorn—also designed by Dearle—is presented in its original green (shown here), just as it appears in the Morris & Co. archive. A gently mottled appearance gives it a hand-printed look. In its iteration as wallpaper, Blackthorn comes in two additional colorways: the lighthearted Spring, with a white ground and pops of pink and sky blue; and the darker Autumn, with an array of green shades punctuated by aqua blooms and coral stems.Courtesy of Morris & Co.In Owl & Willow, available in wallpaper only, the stylized foliage that characterizes many Morris & Co. designs becomes a landscape populated by a whimsical menagerie. The paper, created to celebrate Morris & Co.'s 160th anniversary, is particularly impactful when used on a large scale, creating the effect of a painted mural—like windows looking out onto some magical realm. Courtesy of Morris & Co.Morris's youngest daughter, May, was the director of embroidery at her father's company and also designed several wallpapers, including, in 1883, Honeysuckle, with its climbing flowers entwined with leaves. It is shown here in Green/Beige/Pink, one of four wallpaper colorways; the pattern is also used on a collection of six fabrics.Courtesy of Morris & Co.A classic Morris design, Strawberry Thief depicts a bird pecking at strawberries, a scene inspired by thrushes that stole fruit from the artist's real-life garden. The wallpaper and fabric (paired here, both in Indigo/Mineral, to eye-popping effect) have been manufactured to retain the look of the original hand-printed design and come in a range of color combinations, from subtle to adventurous.Courtesy of Morris & Co.Morris was a devotee of tapestry design and a self-taught weaver. The Brook, inspired by both a J. H. Dearle design and a series of tapestries illustrating the quest for the Holy Grail, re-creates the intricate detail of medieval handwork. In addition to the wallpaper, shown here in Linen (there is also a version in blue), the pattern is digitally printed on cotton velvet, as well as on a linen-look fabric textured to echo the surfaces of ancient tapestries.This handful of sumptuous designs is just a small slice of Morris & Co.'s catalog, which has for 160 years married beauty and utility and now, for the first time, is accessible to all. Believers in Morris's maxim that one should "have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful" can fulfill that promise with just a few clicks on the keyboard.To learn more and shop the full collection, visit Morris & Co.

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.Whether you've just moved into a sprawling, multiroom house or a small city studio, many of us feel an intense desire to rush through the decorating process. After all, can you really enjoy living in your space if it looks half-finished? However, many experts say that this rush to complete your dream interior setting isn't serving us in the long run, and there’s even an emerging trend encouraging an entirely different approach: slow decorating.What is slow decorating? It’s about intentionally curating home items that hold meaning and will remain cherished for years to come. Los Angeles–based interior designer Jenni Kayne says, "Personally, I think there are so many benefits to taking your time when decorating your home. Living in a space really shows you what you are missing and how you want to and will want to live in it." By embracing this slower pace, you’re less likely to make hasty choices that could later lead to regret and dissatisfaction, such as opting for flash-in-the-pan trends that look dated in just a year.Slow decorating also brings several advantages. Removing artificial time constraints reduces unnecessary self-imposed stress. It also prevents impulsive spending on items you might not truly need, allowing you to budget thoughtfully, deciding where to invest and where to save. Furthermore, this method offers the chance to explore and define your personal style, choosing items that reflect your evolving tastes and feel authentically you.Ahead, we asked experts for their advice and strategies on embracing the art of slow decorating.Related StoriesAccept That You'll Never Be Done Think of your home as you do your closet: Do you ever tuck away a pair of recently purchased jeans and think, I'm finally done. I'll never need to buy another article of clothing again? Perhaps, but it's unlikely considering how much you and your sense of style evolve. Not to mention, the purpose your clothes serve may also change. Your home functions the same way in that you'll likely want to change things around at some point or another. Whether it's the paint on the walls or the dresser in your child's room, there will always be at least one element that doesn't feel quite right anymore. New York–based interior designer Sasha Bikoff says, "Design is never done. As people, we evolve, and so do our interior spaces. They're a constant reflection of our lives." Related StoryUse What You Have "I am such a proponent of using a piece you already have—even if it doesn't fit the space—while you search for the 'right' piece," Kayne says. Plus, popping a rug from your previous home into the new living room or surrounding your new dining table with old chairs just gives you more time and removes any unnecessary pressure to perfect the space in a hurry. "Personally, I think there are so many benefits to taking your time when decorating your home. In my first home, we remodeled, and I waited almost a year to decide what kind of coffee table was right for the living room," Kayne admits. "What I ended up designing and placing in the space isn't something I ever would have chosen had I not been patient and really spent time in the space."After all, contrary to popular opinion, getting it done fast doesn't necessarily mean it's good or that the pieces you chose on a whim are worthy of your space. So, instead of simply buying something you see on Instagram or in a storefront window, take some time to think about what you envision for the space and what you'd want to see stylishly coexisting with the pieces already living in the room. Salt Lake City–based designer Shea McGee says, "A lot of people need a sofa and a dining table right away, and that's okay. You can save the rest to find secondhand or shop for other rooms in your home. You may have a rug that you love, but it's too small. Instead of getting rid of it, bring in a rug to layer underneath it and live with it in the meantime."Take some time to think about what you envision for the space.Related StoryShop With Intention Art consultant Emily Santangelo says, "In my view, slow decorating is purposeful and intentional, as it allows for a more straightforward dialogue." So, instead of simply buying pieces you like and hoping they look good together (or that you'll still enjoy them in years to come), Santangelo suggests ruminating on what you want these pieces to do for your space. "Is the focus to build a meaningful collection or fill up wall space? If it's the former, then slow decorating accommodates this mandate and really allows both the interior design of the space and the art collection to evolve together." If you're moving into your space as a first-time homeowner, for example, there's no rush to fill the walls with art and the floors with furniture. Explore what's out there, take note of what captures your attention, and go from there. When it comes to decorating your own spaces, intentions can be as simple as "I will enjoy my home and its contents for years to come," which will help you make purposeful choices. On the other hand, if you're moving into a house with a short-term lease, your intention can be a bit more immediate: "I will decorate my space in ways that express how I am feeling at this moment." Related StoryUse Social Media StrategicallyYes, Instagram, TikTok, and even Pinterest have their plights (including late-night rabbit holes), but we'll give them credit where credit is due. At the very least, they can serve as an impressive source of inspiration. They can also introduce you to boutiques or designers you had never heard of and may appreciate. "I've found that having an incomplete room only urges me to hunt for the perfect piece," McGee says. "Bringing in a temporary fix just means spending money that you don't have to spend. I suggest just waiting and making do with what you have, then dive into Pinterest, other social media platforms, or even design books to figure out what makes the most sense in that space."Related StoryStart With the Walls Charleston, South Carolina–based painter and textile artist Rebecca Atwood says that a well-loved home is a layered home, so avoiding stark white walls is key. But creating that layered, collected look is no easy feat. After all, how does one even decide how to dress the walls? Wallpaper or paint? "Wallpaper is transformative. If you're trying to create a mood, this, and a clear color palette, is the place to start," she says. "Patterns can create a more specific story than a single color, which allows you to really home in on the mood you want." What's more, setting the tone of the room by way of the walls can help dictate the furniture you choose."Laying down patterns on your walls provides a different backdrop for the furniture you place in the room. They create space and depth," Atwood says. "For instance, something tonal and textural can be classic and allow the room to still change over time. Other times, it will take center stage." So, if you're feeling a bit stuck on establishing the vibe of your room, you may want to take all the furniture out and focus on the walls to help drive some inspiration.Related StoryBuy Only What Makes You Happy If you're spending money—no matter how much—it should be on something that, to quote Marie Kondo, "sparks joy." Buying something you feel ambivalent about simply because it pairs well with your sofa or walls is never a good idea. In fact, you may even come to resent it. "When it comes to purchasing something with the sole focus on how it looks in the space, you have essentially set the bar very low," Santangelo says. "When a client takes the time to search for a great work of art that both complements the space and makes them feel good, the result is a home that looks effortlessly put together and comes alive, as opposed to appearing contrived." Plus, buying things that bring you joy will give you an undeniable sense of comfort and satisfaction every time you look at, sit on, or walk across it.Related StoryBe Willing to Wait "Good things come to those who wait" is true in most cases, especially when it comes to design. Of course, you may not have the time or the patience to do this with every little detail, but Bikoff suggests waiting, sometimes for years, for the right pieces. So, which ones, you may be wondering, are the ones worth waiting for? "They're those rare, vintage, antique, or one-of-a-kind pieces that capture your attention in a way nothing else has," Bikoff says. So, if you are on the hunt for, say, an end table to place beside your sofa, you can scan the Internet for anything that tickles your fancy at the moment, or you can go out into the world and see what really speaks to you on a deeper level, which, of course, takes longer than typing "end table" into the Google search bar. So, choose which pieces you're willing to wait for—likely accessories rather than essential pieces like sofas and bed frames. Adds Bikoff, "There is such a beauty of living within a space, feeling the energy, before making any rash decisions on pieces you want to buy."Working on a design project? Let us help!Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Pictured above: A dining room designed by Alexandra Kaehler, featuring the Talia Chandelier.It’s official: The Talia Chandelier by Visual Comfort has taken the design world—and the internet—by storm. Floating gracefully between sculptural art object and practical lighting, this statement piece has earned its place as the It light fixture of 2025, illuminating dining rooms, foyers, and even the set of a certain Netflix show with its halo of softly glowing orbs.A modern classic, the Talia Chandelier is part of Visual Comfort’s collaboration with designer Julie Neill, who is known for her “traditional with a twist” aesthetic. With its arrangement of delicate glass bubbles that's offset by a brushed metal frame, the fixture offers a playful sense of movement that instantly elevates any space. It’s minimalist, but not stark—elegant, yet undeniably fun. It’s this dynamic balance that makes it irresistible to designers and design lovers alike.Related Stories“The Talia Chandelier is the epitome of playful elegance: A sophisticated chandelier that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Neill says of the fixture. “It marries artisanal glass with modern form to create a fixture that hovers mesmerizingly between classic and contemporary, fitting effortlessly into all styles of interiors.”Julie SoeferThe Talia Chandelier provides a whimsical yet refined accent in this playroom by Marie Flanigan Interiors. Indeed, the Talia Chandelier’s pop culture moment arrived in full force during the final season of You on Netflix. The chandelier hangs over the dining table in Kate and Joe’s ultra-sleek Manhattan apartment. Framed by floor-to-ceiling balcony doors and a palette of moody jewel tones, the chandelier doesn’t just light the room—it steals the show. Courtesy of NetflixEagle-eyed design lovers might've glimpsed the Talia in the background of the Netflix series You.On TikTok and Instagram, home influencers and everyday design enthusiasts alike have been posting their own takes on “bubble lighting” installations, often citing the Talia as their inspiration. With the installation process being what it is—fairly precarious but deeply satisfying—hashtags like #BubbleChandelier have racked up of views of people installing these effervescent fixtures. For many, it’s become the dream accent—the final flourish to a perfectly put-together room.Part of the chandelier's appeal is versatility. The Talia comes in several sizes and styles, including flush mounts, like designer Anita Yokota utilized in the "cocoon room" of our 2024 Whole Home, making it adaptable across all spaces—from warm minimalist to maximalist glam. While it stuns over a dining table (as we’ve seen in You), it’s just as striking in entryways, bedrooms, or even high-ceilinged bathrooms.Brie WilliamsTwo flush mounts float overhead in the "cocoon room" of our 2024 Whole Home by Anita Yokota.The bubble trend isn’t entirely new, but the Talia represents its most refined iteration yet; earlier versions leaned whimsical or overtly midcentury-inspired. Neill, who has a background in fine art, has evolved it to be more sculptural and serene. This is perfectly in step with the growing appetite for design that feels both elevated and emotionally soft.As interior trends shift toward more organic forms, tactile materials, and statement lighting that doubles as art, the Talia Chandelier hits all the right notes. It’s airy without disappearing, bold without shouting. And in 2025, that balance is exactly what makes it shine.Visual Comfort & Co. Talia Large Chandelier$2,999 at visualcomfort.comFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Get to know the who's who of the design world.

Allow us to introduce you to this year’s coterie of rising design stars—18 mega talents who have grabbed our attention with their creativity, skill, and hustle. Among them are two husband-and-wife duos, a mother-daughter-and-childhood-friend trio, multiple solo acts, and a designer-architect team busy celebrating “Baby Brutalist” style. The honorees are redefining what makes a home both beautiful and meaningful all over the country, from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and San Francisco, California to Sun City, Idaho. Each person or team came to interior design following a distinct path, and each is garnering well-deserved attention for their own signature style.Here, they share what makes their designs unique, as well as what eras, artisans, and mediums inspire them—and what they predict will be the next big things in interior design. Get to know them, then follow their careers to watch the future of design take shape.LUCY O'BRIENPhiladelphia, PA@tartanntoileRead MoreDonna DotanHANCE DAY HUGHES, CINDY & BRIDGET TIEKBaton Rouge, LA@tiekbydayRead MoreKim MeadowlarkBRAD THORNTONNew York, NY@thorntonprojects Read MoreBrandon GrateSIERRA FOXSun Valley, ID@studio__mountainRead More Bliss KatherineASHI WALIANYSan Francisco, CA@cusp.interiorsRead MoreSeema MahantiREGINA & ROBIN WEAVESCharlotte, NC@randrinteriordesignRead More Brandon GrateMELISSA OHOLENDTTwin-Cities, MN@oho_interiorsRead MoreJudith MarilynAUTUMN OSER & ANDRE GOLSORKHIBryn Mawr, PA@haldonhousedesignRead MoreJASON VARNEYJULIA MILLERMinneapolis, MN@yondinteriorsRead More Erin LittleKELLY COLLIER-CLARKPhiladelphia, PA@kellycollierclarkRead Morecourtesy of KELLY COLLIER-CLARKSTEPHANIE WIOTTChristopher WhonsetlerJOELLE KUTNER & JESSE RUDOLPHLos Angeles, CA@omedezinRead MoreCourtesy of Ome DezinSARA SWABBWashington, DC@storiecollectiveRead MoreTyler Hooks

As the producer and composer behind some of the biggest songs like "Beat It" and "Billie Jean"—not to mention the recipient of a whopping 28 Grammy Awards—Quincy Jones was nothing short of a musical legend. So, is it really a surprise that his real-estate portfolio was equally legendary? Six months after Jones passed away, his Bel Air home has officially be put on the market for a whopping $59.99 million. We've seen a lot of celebrity properties go on the market—sometimes, they stay unsold for years–but this home's nearly $60 million price tag is by no means cheap. But while this listing elicits lots of sticker shock, it uniquely captures Jones' architectural point of view.Anthony Barcelo"There are homes built for spec, and others that seem to trade hands often—but then there are homes like this, which almost never come to market," explains David Kramer, who is listing the site through his eponymous group at Compass. "Add to that the legacy of Quincy Jones, and it becomes not just a unique architectural offering, but a piece of cultural history.” Completed in the early aughts, the residence was built to bring a resort sensibility to California. In fact, Jones was reportedly inspired by a hotel in South Africa called the Palace of the Lost City—and tapped architect Gerald “Jerry” Allison to turn his vision into a real-estate reality. (Fun fact: Jones and Allison were exactly friends from high school, giving this passion project a personal touch.)Anthony BarceloClocking in at just under 25,000 square feet, this estate is anchored by a circular central wing that houses a spacious living room, wine cellar with tasting room, indoor garden area, as well as a game lounge and cabana that opens up to a resort-style pool. The east wing comprises the primary suite—which has multiple walk-in closets, a private balcony, and a dedicated exercise room—while the west wing has three additional suites. Oh, and did we mention the home also features an office with a reception area, screening room, and gallery?While this residence is by no means cheap, the Jones family hopes that the new owner loves the home as much as the late composer did. "Our family has a lifetime worth of wonderful memories and meaning imbued in this home," daughter Rashida Jones told the Wall Street Journal. "Related StoriesFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Jared KuziaEvery 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.Whether your first love is fashion or home design, you no doubt know one essential truth: What goes around comes around. Overnight, a design detail that seemed to be the height of taste or refinement now somehow looks outdated, even old-fashioned. Blame it on our ravenous appetite for change. “Monotony in our spaces gets boring over time, and we are called to shake things up to breathe new life into the space,” says Alexandra Peck, owner and principal of Alexandra Peck Design. While every homeowner should decorate their house in a way that makes them happy (even if they have an affinity for a passé trend), if you're reading this, you're probably someone who wants a space that looks fresh and current. Now, onto the good news: Your long-gone favorite may be finally making a long-awaited (and honestly, inevitable) comeback. “Just as in fashion, there is a cyclical nature to design," says Peck. "We find comfort in looking back through history to reconnect with ideas.”Ahead, interior designers share 10 trends that only recently seemed impossibly dated, and are now definitely cool again.For more trend reports, check out:1The Color BrownAmelia StanwixInterior designer Alexandra Kaehler says that brown is definitely having a moment, “and I for one and am so excited about it.” For many years, everyone seemed to steer clear of the dark hue. “Now I’m seeing brown everywhere,” she says. “Brown lacquered walls, brown upholstery. It offers such richness and warmth while still feeling neutral and fresh.”2Textured Plaster WallsPHOTO : ERIN LITTLEPlaster walls were once standard, but with the advent of drywall, the finish fell out of favor as people opted for the smoother, faster installation process of drywall. “Textured plaster was often seen as too traditional or even too labor-intensive to maintain,” says Krystal Reinhard, founder and principal designer at Old Soul Design Studio. Now, people are warming up to textured plaster walls once again. “The revival of plaster is connected to the desire for homes that feel handcrafted and unique,” Reinhard says. “As homes get larger, expansive planes of drywall can feel incredibly cold and impersonal. Textured plaster adds depth and warmth, and it has a certain tactile quality that drywall can’t replicate.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below34x4 TilesChristopher Lee FotoDiana George, founder of DG Design Group Builders, says that while 4x4 square tiles may have recently seemed dated, they're now being reimagined with a fresh twist, including high-gloss finishes and varied color palettes. "They provide both simplicity and a modern edge in kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms," she adds.4Dark Hardwood FloorsStacy Zarin GoldbergWhite oak wood floors have been a go-to for many designers in recent years (Shannon Eddings, principal at Shannon Eddings Interiors, included), but some designers and homeowners are now gravitating toward dark hardwood floors. “I find myself drawn toward a richer stain on floors and a thinner plank size," says. Eddings. She specifically calls out 2 to 3” planks stained in a mid to dark finish as flooring that will be a popular choice in the coming years.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Red PaintEric PiaseckiRed paint was a top design choice in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which means it's primed for a comeback—and Eddings predicts that rich, red paint colors will soon be ubiquitous. “The dining room in my childhood home was a beautiful shade of red in the 1990s and eventually got painted over,” she laments. “Now [the shade is] fresh again. Everyone in our office is over the moon about red, especially on cabinets.”6Checkerboard FloorsNate SheetsBlack-and-white checkerboard floors were a mainstay of 1950s kitchens, “but as tastes shifted toward more neutral palettes in the late 20th century, they were often replaced with plain tiles, wood, or modern flooring,” Reinhard says. Now, people are embracing the old-school appeal of these floors. “Checkerboard patterns offer a timeless yet playful design that fits well with the current desire for more dynamic, personality-driven interiors,” she adds. “It introduces a graphic element that can make a bold statement in both modern and traditional settings.”Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Old-School FloralsJonathan BondDesigner Gray Walker says that old-school florals are returning, something that she is particularly excited about. “Everything old feels new to me,” she says. Kaehler agrees. For the past few years, she’s noticed a rebirth of floral print fabrics, specifically floral chintz. “I think that it’s tied to nostalgia for a lot of people,” she says. “Their grandparents’ house growing up was covered in it, then their parents went all beige, the kids went gray, and they’re ready to get back to their roots and cover everything in florals.”8Conversation PitsBongkarnThanyakijTalk about a blast from the past. “Conversation pits, made popular in the 1970s, are such a fun and inviting way to bring people together in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere,” Peck says. “Once the '80s rolled around, the focus shifted from peace and love to corporate America and achieving success in business, so our interiors became more buttoned up, modern, and sleek as a result. In this post-pandemic era, there is such emphasis on gathering with friends and loved ones as we realized what matters to us most, and there is a sweeping feeling that there is more to life than work.” In other words? Conversation pits are back.—and we think that’s pretty groovy.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Wood PanelingMali AzimaIt’s easy to picture a 1970s home with wood paneling, since it was such a staple back then, but Peck actually thinks it’s a “beautiful design element” and is becoming popular again. “Wood has a natural warmth and texture that enriches any space, and I find my clients are drawn to the depth it brings,” she observes.10Textured WallpaperNathan SchroderWallpaper used to be a gold standard in homes back in the day, but people are starting to weave it into their spaces once again. Designer Ethan Greenfeld says that, at one point, wallpaper got a “bad rep” for its old-school reputation. “Through the technology that we have nowadays, wallpaper manufacturers can create these incredible rolls of material that look and feel like wood, have mother of pearl panels, or are embroidered with these beautiful patterns with amazing textures,” he says. “Technology was able to take something that became synonymous with the words ‘old and stuffy’ and create something that feels completely current and modern.”

Luke WhiteEvery 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.Some of the most impactful changes you can make in your home revolve around paint. There are highly visible common surfaces in an interior that homeowners consistently paint over, such as the walls, ceiling, cabinets, or trim, for example. But one surface that’s just begging to be coated in the latest trendy color often gets overlooked, even among interior designers. That is your floor. Painting your floor is by no means a new phenomenon—it has a long and storied past. However, as the trend wheel continues to turn, the design decision simply hasn't been as popular as it once was in centuries past. We have a lot more materials for flooring than our ancestors used to, but that doesn’t mean you should look past the ground you walk on when you’re debating what colors to paint your whomells. A painted floor can be a statement piece, a dramatic burst, an anchoring detail, or just a way to breathe new life into a room. And there are so many ways to be creative with this particular paint job!As you scroll, you’ll find 16 beautiful examples of painted floors from designers’ past projects. Whether you use them as inspiration or simply admire them, know that there’s so much more opportunity to play with your space than you might’ve thought. For more flooring inspiration:1Swim In A Sea of StripesThomas LoofIn this bright kitchen by Amanda Reynal, the designer painted four shades of Benjamin Moore blue on the floor to bring even more of the hue into the space. Blue Bayou, Blue Dragon, Blueberry Hill, and Sea View were all used in this stripe pattern that continues into the family room.Tour the Entire Home2Create Geometric IllusionsHector M. SanchezDesigner Andrew Brown’s Birmingham, Alabama, foyer is narrow, but you wouldn’t think so thanks to the antiqued mirrored walls and geometric hand-painted floors. “Antiqued mirrored panels in the living room reflect the beautiful tall windows, while mirrored walls and painted floors in the tight foyer make it hard to realize how narrow the space actually is,” the designer says. The funky geometric pattern was painted by local artist Jan Roberts-Baker, and it really ties the whole place together.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Go Pink on PinkKEVIN J. MIYAZAKIIn this dressing room, Jenna Gross of Colordrunk Studios chose to paint the floors a pale pink, Farrow & Ball's Nancy’s Blushes. The delicate hue brings out the light pink in the wallpaper that covers the ceiling, and Gross adds some depth to the painted floor with a Farrow & Ball’s Rangwali edging.Tour the Entire Space4Add A Playful Rug MotifLuke WhiteIn his own solarium, designer Michael Maher painted over his pine floors with an enlarged rug motif pattern. It keeps the color palette of the room more neutral but still interesting, and it makes a great dance floor, according to Maher. “I painted the floor in a geometric pattern of light earth tones that works with the plants, the landscape and the house, and it brightens the whole room,” he says. “We’ll have eight to 10 people for dinner in here. It’s a great place to dance. See the heel dents in the floor?”Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go Graphic and DramaticPaul RaesideEnter this historic New Jersey house and you’ll be greeted with these beautiful and intense painted floors. Designer Michael Maher explains that the geometric pattern “grounds the space and makes the floor more visually interesting.” We have to agree.Tour the Entire Home6Make A Vivid StatementDavid A. LandThe bold red floors in this guest bedroom are the result of a happy accident. “When we pulled up the wall-to-wall carpet in the guest room, we discovered a red-painted floor underneath—how lucky is that?” says designer Katie Brown. “I love the red against the electric Pratt & Lambert Vivid Blue we used on the walls and ceiling.” Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Stencil It OutPeter Frank EdwardsIn textile designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas’s home, the flooring in the dining room is painted with Swiss Coffee by Behr to create a stencil-like effect. The dark hardwood flooring peeks out in the negative space devoid of paint, creating an interesting pattern that grounds the dark wood of the dining set.Tour the Entire Home8Fully Coat ItJEFF ROBERTSIt’s okay to paint your entire floor in one color just to cover up 97 percent of it with a rug—just take designer Leandra Fremont-Smith’s word for it. The purple paint, After the Rain by Benjamin Moore, peeks out from under the beige Bellbridge rug so as not to overpower the entire room with too much purple, considering the royal hue is present in the wallpaper too. Tour the Entire HomeRelated Story: 16 Dreamy Purple Bedroom Ideas That Prove This “Controversial” Color Is Very VersatileAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Pick a Checkerboard PatternHeather TalbertNo, the floor in this party pad is not carpet or tile—the checkerboard pattern is painted on. Designer Emma Beryl used Farrow & Ball’s Picture Gallery Red and Jitney to create this playful pattern which help give the room a late-night lounge vibe.Tour the Entire SpaceRelated Story: 14 Ways to Incorporate the Checkerboard Trend Into Your Home10Go for Durable DesignMonica Wang PhotoPainting your floors for durability purposes doesn't mean they have to look basic. Christine Markatos Lowe of Christine Markatos Design explains, “We love to paint wood floors in spaces that get heavy foot traffic, such as an entry or a playroom. It’s a fun way to add a graphic pop to the floor in place of a rug.” In this colorful entryway, Lowe used Farrow & Ball’s Arsenic and Dix Blue, as well as Benjamin Moore’s Hollingsworth Green and Stunning, to achieve the intricate painted pattern on the floor. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Add a Classic TrellisStacy Zarin GoldbergUse a painted floor to better define your interior spaces, especially if it’s open concept. Designer Emily Vaughan says this Washington, D.C. Colonial “needed something special to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the house. Working with a small footprint, the homeowners opted for a painted floor—a creative solution to define the space and make it feel considered.” They chose a classic trellis pattern to add visual movement without completely hiding away the natural wood in order to create continuity with the other rooms. Related Story: The Outdoor Garden Staple Redefining Interior Spaces12Play CheckersHalkin Mason PhotographyDesigner Marguerite Rodgers took inspiration from the folk art of Pennsylvania Dutch and Colonial designs when she chose a classic black-and-white checkerboard pattern for this painted floor. She explains they “enlisted a decorative artist renowned for their mastery of faux finishes to hand-paint a black-and-white checkerboard pattern and decorative border directly onto the home’s original wood floors.” The ending result is an elegant yet soulful statement with a touch of drama. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Alternate NeutralsPar BengtssonDo as designer Meg Lonergan did in this bright sunroom and paint alternating neutral tones on the floor for a geometric layered look. “Our vision was a Bunny Mellon-inspired sun porch, with an emphasis on layered details—painted floors hide wear and tear with ease, making them ideal for kids running in after enjoying time by the pool,” Lonergan says. 14Blend It InEmily J FollowillBecause of the way designer Roger Higgins sealed the painted hardwood floor in his home, the design looks like it’s part of the wood itself. Higgins says, “This design choice helps delineate the space while maintaining a sense of whimsy and a seamless flow, as the same hardwood floors extend throughout the rest of the home.”Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Anchor the RoomDustin HalleckDesigner Elizabeth Mollen of Stone Textile Studio describes the bold, maximalist painted floor in this bathroom as the anchor of the space. The multicolored pattern uses olive, black, white, and chartreuse which are all found throughout the room. “We chose to paint the floors to create a unique visual foundation that enhances the artistic, fashion-forward vibe of the room,” Mollen says. 16Make It the Focal PointDustin Halleck“The painted geometric floor is the focal point, adding striking visual interest and dimension to the space while anchoring the neutral furnishings,” Mollen says of this modern sunroom. They chose to paint the floors for a graphic foundation to complement the monochrome palette and add personality to the space without overwhelming it.

Imagine building your dream home, eventually selling the property, and then seeing it back on the market with a makeover far from your initial design vision. That’s exactly what John Stamos recently experienced when his former Southern California home hit the market for a smidge under $13 million. The Full House star had the Calabasas home custom-built in the early 1990s, and he wants everyone to know the home’s currently bold, marble-heavy look isn’t of his own doing.Related StoriesWhile the home is listed online, the Instagram account IG Mansions also posted fresh photos of the home, resulting in an Uncle Jesse-style "Have mercy!" from many commenters. Naturally, people had thoughts on the home's bold design scheme—including Stamos himself, who popped into the comments to set the record straight. “In my defence, I sold that house many years ago and it has been ‘redecorated,’” he wrote.View full post on InstagramThe actor-musician owned the home for nearly a decade until 2001, when he sold it for about $2.2 million, per records reviewed by Robb Report. He worked with architect Les Makowski to design the Mediterranean-style structure and built it on a vacant 6-acre lot in Calabasas, which he paid $430,000 for. Today, the home is clad in dramatically veined black-and-white marble, including on the floors, walls, and countertops throughout. Even the two-way fireplace in the formal living area (which once featured cherub motifs) got the marble treatment. The glossy look clashes with the seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom home’s exterior, and many people were grateful for Stamos’s clarification. “Whew! Glad to hear that because it’s REALLY gaudy,” one designer wrote. Another person commented, “Thank you for chiming in because the first thing I said was this doesn’t look like a good representation of him, and to know that my intuition was spot on from the horse’s mouth is reassuring.”“The fact that @johnstamos is actually here to make the clarification! 😂 I was about to have some opinionated words til I saw the comment,” someone else wrote.In describing the home, commenters called the place “a giant box of tacky,” a “boring collection of white and black,” and that it “looks like it smells like cigs.” Of course, there were a lot of haaaaave mercy comments. Full House fans also called the home Uncle Jesse coded. (Although, we’re not quite sure we see it!) While folks were appalled by the amount of marble used, they also made a few other opinionated observations. “That's the ugliest interior I've ever seen,” one commenter wrote. “Birdcage chairs? What?”Another pointed out, “How are you going to put a slippery marble staircase with a GLASS railing? That’s screaming slip, fall, and die.”That said, the home does have some redeemable qualities, according to the court of public opinion. “That house looks like it was designed by someone who has no business designing houses,” one person wrote. “It’s big. I’ll give it that.”Follow 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.Just try not to smile when walking into cookbook author Kim-Joy Hewlett’s home in the English countryside outside Leeds. The colors hit first, with aqua stairs outlined in dandelion spindles and bannisters along the left, and a bubblegum-pink scene on the right. A zebra runner invites you up, as does a soap-bubble light fixture dangling overhead. A custom terrazzo floor resembles—what else?—sprinkles.“The [entry]’s the most important space because it’s the first [thing] I see. It has to feel like, ‘Wow!’” says Kim-Joy, who purchased the home with her husband, Nabil Homsi, in 2021. In pursuit of that jaw-dropping moment, she sacrificed a bedroom upstairs and moved a bathroom to establish a double-height entryway, which alludes to the joyful space beyond. “It’s a hallway," says Kim-Joy. "It should be fun and energizing.” Not many people think that way about a hallway, but then again, not many people see the world like Kim-Joy. The baker—who became a fan favorite during the 2018 season of Great British Bakeoff thanks to her whimsical, animal-shaped bakes—has gone on to publish five cookbooks themed around joy, including this spring’s new Bake Me a Cat. The exuberant colors, fearless print-mixing, and quirky objects dotting her home are a continuation of her on-screen style. It was designed and renovated (and most often, DIYed) around her highly focused needs and worldview, which can best be summed up as: Why wouldn’t you want to have fun, if you could? When I’m in doubt, I’m like, ‘Just paint that pink.’It took a few meetings to find the right renovation team, with Kim-Joy ultimately choosing the pros at Studio J Architects because they “let me take the lead” and “did not push any ideas on me,” she says. Excited to be involved, Kim-Joy also took on much of the ideating herself, using free online tools to create floor plans and 3-D walkthroughs to help translate her specific needs, like a tap with instantly boiling water and a pantry with loads of shelving, which would allow her to keep track of missing food before grocery runs. Milo BrownThe dining room serves as a spot for gathering and entertaining, with plenty of seating (including a swing!) for guests.Naturally, a butter-colored Kitchen Aid mixer gets the star treatment on the island. “I know some people keep it in a drawer, but… no,” she says. She and Nabil tiled the kitchen themselves, leaning on YouTube tutorials and using a black epoxy grout that every contractor tried to deter them from using due to its difficulty to clean. Even more rules were broken when it came to the room’s decor. Instead of upper cabinets, a thin picture shelf hosts tropical plants and framed art, like a piece by the English comic artist Tula Lotay. Milo BrownThe kitchen’s bold green and pink cabinetry is tempered by wood fluting and a subtle stone backsplash.Milo BrownTone-on-tone paint picks allow the open pantry to blend seamlessly into the rest of the space.I know it’s a trend at the moment, but I feel curves and wiggles are here to stay.Separated by an elegant arch is a perfectly pink pantry that Kim-Joy likens to a dollhouse. It’s the slim drawers below that visitors, especially friends’ kids, beeline for—two of them contain her incredible sprinkle collection, with accoutrements in every color and style.“I've always been drawn to really bold colors, whether it's in fashion, baking, or at home. My clothes tend to sort of match the house,” she says. “Whenever I’m in doubt, I’m like, ‘Just paint that pink.’” Milo BrownA fierce and funky watercolor mural draws all eyes during dinner time. Milo BrownSpice cabinet, who? Kim-Joy trades the traditional pantry extras for several drawers of colorful sprinkles and decor. Another wow-worthy moment lurks nearby in the wallpaper mural of a jaguar slinking through a leafy jungle scene, an image painted first in watercolor by her friend, artist Hazel Carruthers at Avalana Designs. Above the dining table is a striking fixture of interlocking circles Kim-Joy put together herself—but not before painting many of them in shades of pink and aqua.Lighting was another important element of the design process for Kim-Joy. She suffers from chronic migraines and is very sensitive to environmental factors. The backyard’s bright morning light was tempered by pale bamboo wood fluting in the kitchen, and colored bulbs in warm tones are installed throughout the house. Though most English homes put the washing machine near the kitchen, she chose to place it upstairs to limit ambient noise.Milo BrownAn eclectic gallery wall spotlights Kim-Joy's playful taste, including illustrations of her cats (of course!).More often than not, Kim-Joy, a self-described “home goblin,” is planted in the neon orange loveseat in her living room, which doubles as a beloved spot for her cats Mochi and Blinky. The chair and its side table were both internet finds by Kim-Joy, who loves to scroll for resale bargains (the chair was £350, and the softer pink sofa just £600). As for the side table, “I was like, Oh my gosh, it’s bright pink and wiggly?” she laughs. “I know it’s a trend at the moment, but I feel curves and wiggles are here to stay.” I've always been drawn to really bold colors, whether it's in fashion, baking, or at home.Milo BrownFloor-to-ceiling color and bold stripes skew surprisingly subdued in the guest bedroom.Milo BrownThe bathroom embraces a slight Memphis-inspired edge, with square tile, a squiggle mirror, and an unabashedly ’90s color palette. Upstairs, the bedrooms are no less vibrant. Instead of a headboard, the bed in the guest room is backed by a circus-like brown and pink striped wall. “On every single DIY project, I think: This’ll take one day. Then it takes several days, and you have multiple tea breaks in between,” Kim-Joy says. The project was so much work that she decided to go with wallpaper for her primary bedroom, which is wrapped in a pink and white checkerboard. Just like when baking a cake, Kim-Joy started with precise measurements for her home, then tinkered until she was pleased with the result. Glancing around now, she can’t help but see what she still wants to tweak: painting the radiators, tiling a backsplash in the pantry, changing out doorknobs. “There’s still loads to do,” she says, “but that’s what I love. It’s always fun to have projects to work on.”Milo BrownKim-Joy in her happy place, baking and experimenting with recipes in her colorful kitchen.SHOP KIM-JOY'S SPACEKitchenAid 2025 Color of the Year Butter Stand Mixer$500 at kitchenaid.comCredit: KitchenAidJaguar Cantaloupe Jaguar Wall Mural£75 at avalanadesign.co.ukCredit: Avalana DesignHanging Rattan ChairNow 20% Off$448 $358 at Serena and LilyCooper Classics Frances Wall Mirror$458 at Lumens

When work prompted a young couple to relocate from California to Colorado, they saw it as an opportunity for change in a completely different type of house, with a new way of living. The pair wanted this project to have the very best qualities of both their cultural traditions (he's American; she's British), serving as somewhere that's relaxed and comfortable, with a sense of elegance that's devoid of stuffiness. New English Style: Timeless InteriorsNow 29% OffEnter Salvesen Graham, a Colorado-based design team helmed by Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, who together have penned a new design book, New English Style: Timeless Interiors, out nowThe house is an American Craftsman and part of a community of heritage homes dating back to the early 20th century. Nestled in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the home boasts a certain Norman Rockwell-esque charm, with a brick and shiplap exterior and expansive veranda that wraps from front to back. The house's many period features were painstakingly protected throughout the design process and, as Nicole explains, were "meant to be enhanced and celebrated."FAST FACTSMary Graham and Nicole Salvesen of Salvesen GrahamDesigners: Location: Colorado, United States of AmericaThe Space: A 100-year-old American Craftsman nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains ENTRYWAYA calming welcome that honors the home's history.Simon Brown "What we definitely weren’t trying to do was make it a living museum of a 1900s mining town house," says Nicole of the delicate balance seen throughout the home. "It was less about what would have been there, and more about what felt appropriate." In the entrance hall, a small-scale patterned wallpaper has a certain Victorian feel to it, while the Arts and Crafts lantern looks like it might have had a previous life. While the approach to the existing architecture and detailing was respectful, it wasn’t reverential. For example, some of the original pine woodwork in the space was painted a sage green, a decision that subdued its slightly overwhelming orange tones. Now, as the eye traverses the space, it can more easily take in and enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship of the unpainted sections. Making an older house work for modern-day life is always a balancing act.DRAWING ROOMA sophisticated space for entertaining.Simon BrownUnlike a home library, which often boasts a snug and cosy atmosphere, this drawing room has a grown-up and sophisticated vibe that was bolstered by the client's engagement and interest. The pair even went as far as to help their design team source art for the space, including the abstract floral seen here.LIVING ROOMA more casual gathering area allows for relaxation.Simon Brown"One of the real challenges was that a lot of the work was done in the early days of Covid," says Graham. This meant that the relationship between the designers and their clients was established via Zoom, a situation that was new to everyone. "I have a distinct memory of our first meeting with the builder where he appeared on our screen wearing a Stetson, which we loved," she recalls. For many expats, the pandemic suddenly made the world feel very big again; "home" seemed far away, something that no doubt fed into the client's desire to add a layer of Englishness to this lovely example of architectural Americana.LIBRARYA hallway becomes an intentional quiet zone.Simon BrownCentrally located in the house, this pass-through space may have otherwise gone neglected. Instead, the design team transformed it into a hallway-cum-library that connects different rooms and offers an intentional place to pause. KITCHENNo walls were removed to maintain the layout's cozy feeling.Simon Brown Making an older house work for modern-day life is always a balancing act. In this case, rather than opening up the rooms to create multifunctional spaces, the relatively formal layout of the structure was maintained. Towards the back of the house is a Shaker-style kitchen that bridges the gap between functional utilitarianism and English charm. Here, the color play is more gentle, with fitted units and a large kitchen island that are painted in different shades of blue.DINING ROOMMultiple seating areas make for easy conversation. Simon Brown The "hearth room" is an informal dining space with windows on three sides that allow you to feel as if you're dining in the treetops. A striped floral fabric finds a home on both the curtains and the Roman shades, with lines that subtly echo the painted tongue-and-groove panelling added to the ceiling. Upholstered dining chairs, vintage rattan chairs, and a built-in window seat (painted a vibrant green) all contribute to the layered aesthetic that Graham and Salvesen are so adept at creating.BEDROOMPattern mixing creates a mountaintop oasis.Simon BrownUpstairs, the bedrooms (particularly the master suite) are layered with color and pattern, from florals and stripes to paisleys and soft geometrics, all in a cheerful palette of pinks and greens. Simon Brown About the DesignerMary Graham and Nicole Salvesen started their firm, Salvesen Graham, in London in 2013. Combined, the duo has nearly 25 years of interior design experience. Known for their layered aesthetic and timeless approach to style, the duo has been crafting elevated and cozy interiors ever since. Graham and Salvesen strive to design homes that provide clients with a sense of warmth and softness. Inspired by the elegance of Georgian England along with Indian textiles from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the duo aims to bring an edge to quintessential British charm.

The conclave to select the next Pope is starting, and the Sistine Chapel is the room where it happens. As depicted (with some liberties taken) in the Oscar-nominated film Conclave, this historic event—part religious ritual, part election—occurs 15 to 20 days after the death of the Pope. It involves the cardinals, the senior officials of the church, voting on who among them should become the next pontiff. Cardinals come to Rome from all over the globe to cast their votes; about 70 countries will be represented by the roughly 135 or so cardinals able to vote this year. While they sleep at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a hotel-style residence for visitors in Vatican City, the cardinals are locked in the Sistine Chapel by day for deliberations and voting. (The word “conclave” comes from the Latin for “with a key.”)More Historic ChurchesAfter discussions, prayer, and reflection, the cardinals vote by writing a name on a piece of paper, folding it twice, and dropping it in a chalice to be counted. The process continues until one cardinal receives a two-thirds majority of the vote. While locked into the 15th-century church, the cardinals won't have access to cell phones or other electronics, but they will have plenty of inspiration to distract them, thanks to the fresco masterpieces on the wall and ceiling. Between Michelangelo’s Creation of Man on the ceiling to inspire divine thoughts and cell-phone-signal-scrambling technology in the floor tiles to prevent info leaks or election tampering, the Sistine Chapel becomes a meeting place between the past and the future, the divine and the secular, during this historic occasion. And the High Renaissance landmark is definitely ready to rise to the occasion. Below are eight design details and interesting facts you likely didn't know about the Sistine Chapel as it awaits Conclave 2025, which begins on May 7th. Regardless of who becomes the 267th Pope, for the next week or so, the Sistine Chapel itself is the star of the show.It Was Built for This MomentMAURIX//Getty ImagesCardinals entering the Sistine Chapel for the first day of the 2013 conclave.Built on the ruins of an existing church in the 1470s, the Sistine Chapel was constructed for use in papal ceremonies. It is High Renaissance in style, and home to frescoes that make the chapel an art history class unto itself, with work by Domenico Ghirlandaio, Sandro Botticelli, and Cosimo Rosselli, not to mention the famed ceiling commissioned by Pope Julius II and painted by Michelangelo Underpromised and OverdeliveredUniversal History Archive//Getty ImagesMichelangelo’s The Last Judgment, one section of his Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes.Pope Julius II hired Michelangelo Buonarroti to paint frescoes onto the Sistine Chapel’s 131-foot by 43-foot ceiling (that’s an area of 5,381 square feet), because the original ceiling, which was just gold stars on a blue background, had cracked. He was commissioned to paint the 12 apostles, but in the end delivered over 300 figures, including Jewish prophets, 20 naked youths, and scenes from the Creation of Man, Noah’s flood, and the Fall of Man. The endeavor took him four years, from 1508 to 1512. The brilliant blue background of the Last Judgment is made from paint created using the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, and it's said that Pope Julius II paid for the materials in that section of the church, while Michelangelo footed the bill for paints in some other section. There Are Nudes in the Sistine Chapel—Again!Culture Club//Getty ImagesThe Noah After the Flood section of the Sistine Chapel.Among the 300 figures Michelangelo painted were several nudes, including 20 young men called “Ignudi” or “the naked ones,” and souls on their way to judgment. In 1564, the year Michelangelo died, church leaders at the Council of Trento appeared to have a crisis of conscience and passed a censorship law, commissioning artist Daniele da Volterra to paint loincloths, fig leaves, snakes, and more over the body parts not deemed suitable for the Sistine Chapel. He gave over 41 people a wardrobe adjustment, but when the Sistine Chapel was restored between 1980 and 1994, almost half of those were removed. Some historians feel his modifications saved the ceiling from being torn down by overzealous censors. There's a Historic Baptismal Font Where You Could (in Theory) Have Your Baby BaptizedMondadori Portfolio//Getty ImagesOn the first Sunday during Epiphany—the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord—the Pope baptizes babies using the Sistine Chapel’s historic baptismal font. The base of the font is a stone from the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. The font itself represents the Tree of Life, holding the rising sun in its branches. While it isCell Phone Blocking Technology Is Built Into the FloorUnlike your average 16th-century church, the Sistine Chapel is up to date on the latest information-blocking technology. Floor tiles that are equipped to block cell phone signals have been installed in the chapel’s new floor and are meant to keep late-breaking info and gossip—the stuff that made the movie Conclave popular—out of the actual conclave.Other privacy technologies that have been used in the past and are likely to come into play again are film to block windows from drones that might fly past, and jamming devices high up on the walls to block any transmission of information in or out. Even the food the cardinals are served must be suspicion-free—local fare often cooked by nuns, rather than pies or other complex foods, which could contain hidden messages.There Is a Cast-Iron Stove for Ballot-BurningMondadori Portfolio//Getty ImagesThe cast-iron stoves from the 2013 conclave.In fact, there are two cast-iron stoves utilized during the conclave. One is where each cardinal’s ballots are burned at the end of every day. (Ballots are burned after every two votes, on odd numbers, with votes taken four times a day, two in the morning, two in the afternoon. So after the first, third, and fifth elections, for example, the stove is fed ballots.) The other stove produces the black or white smoke that lets people outside the Vatican know whether or not a new pontiff has been chosen. The color of the smoke depends on the components being burned; in the past, black smoke has been made up of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur, and white smoke is composed of potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin.It Just Got a Brand New (But Temporary) ChimneyVatican Pool//Getty ImagesOn May 3, 2025, Vatican firefighters installed a new, temporary chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to prepare for conclave.The cardinals vote daily during a conclave, and the new pope is officially selected once a candidate receives two-thirds of the 135 or so votes. (That is the number of cardinals gathering this year, but one must be under the age of 80 to vote.) At the end of each day that ends without a conclusive majority, black smoke is released from the Chapel's chimney to let people know a pope has not yet been chosen. Once a majority is established, the chimney exudes white smoke instead. Last week, according to NPR, a new, temporary chimney was attached to the chapel to ensure the smoke signals go smoothly during conclave. You Can Visit This Historic Space, Just Not Right NowThe Sistine Chapel is open to the public as part of the Vatican Museums. However, most of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, are closed for Conclave beginning on Monday, April 28, and will reopen once a new Pope is elected. How long will you have to wait to admire Michelangelo’s nudes yourself? Nobody knows for sure, but while there was a conclave that lasted almost three years (from November 1268 to September 1271, after the death of Pope Clement), no conclave since 1900 has lasted more than 4 days, and the last two only took two days. If you really can’t wait, join the throngs in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the white smoke. According to the National Catholic Register, ballots are expected to burn at noon and 7 p.m. local time in Rome each day. (Although, if the next pope is elected on an even-numbered ballot, there's no need to wait for the odd round to burn ballots, so smoke could arise an hour earlier, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m). It’s one way to see (and smell) history in the making.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

When work prompted a young couple to relocate from California to Colorado, they saw it as an opportunity for change in a completely different type of house, with a new way of living. The pair wanted this project to have the very best qualities of both their cultural traditions (he's American; she's British), serving as somewhere that's relaxed and comfortable, with a sense of elegance that's devoid of stuffiness. New English Style: Timeless InteriorsNow 29% OffEnter Salvesen Graham, a Colorado-based design team helmed by Mary Graham and Nicole Salvensen, who together have penned a new design book, New English Style: Timeless Interiors, out nowThe house is an American Craftsman and part of a community of heritage homes dating back to the early 20th century. Nestled in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the home boasts a certain Norman Rockwell-esque charm, with a brick and shiplap exterior and expansive veranda that wraps from front to back. The house's many period features were painstakingly protected throughout the design process and, as Nicole explains, were "meant to be enhanced and celebrated."FAST FACTSMary Graham and Nicole Salvesen of Salvensen GrahamDesigners: Location: Colorado, United States of AmericaThe Space: A 100-year-old American Craftsman nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains ENTRYWAYA calming welcome that honors the home's history.Simon Brown "What we definitely weren’t trying to do was make it a living museum of a 1900s mining town house," says Nicole of the delicate balance seen throughout the home. "It was less about what would have been there, and more about what felt appropriate." In the entrance hall, a small-scale patterned wallpaper has a certain Victorian feel to it, while the Arts and Crafts lantern looks like it might have had a previous life. While the approach to the existing architecture and detailing was respectful, it wasn’t reverential. For example, some of the original pine woodwork in the space was painted a sage green, a decision that subdued its slightly overwhelming orange tones. Now, as the eye traverses the space, it can more easily take in and enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship of the unpainted sections. Making an older house work for modern-day life is always a balancing act.DRAWING ROOMA sophisticated space for entertaining.Simon BrownUnlike a home library, which often boasts a snug and cosy atmosphere, this drawing room has a grown-up and sophisticated vibe that was bolstered by the client's engagement and interest. The pair even went as far as to help their design team source art for the space, including the abstract floral seen here.LIVING ROOMA more casual gathering area allows for relaxation.Simon Brown"One of the real challenges was that a lot of the work was done in the early days of Covid," says Graham. This meant that the relationship between the designers and their clients was established via Zoom, a situation that was new to everyone. "I have a distinct memory of our first meeting with the builder where he appeared on our screen wearing a Stetson, which we loved," she recalls. For many expats, the pandemic suddenly made the world feel very big again; "home" seemed far away, something that no doubt fed into the client's desire to add a layer of Englishness to this lovely example of architectural Americana.LIBRARYA hallway becomes an intentional quiet zone.Simon BrownCentrally located in the house, this pass-through space may have otherwise gone neglected. Instead, the design team transformed it into a hallway-cum-library that connects different rooms and offers an intentional place to pause. KITCHENNo walls were removed to maintain the layout's cozy feeling.Simon Brown Making an older house work for modern-day life is always a balancing act. In this case, rather than opening up the rooms to create multifunctional spaces, the relatively formal layout of the structure was maintained. Towards the back of the house is a Shaker-style kitchen that bridges the gap between functional utilitarianism and English charm. Here, the color play is more gentle, with fitted units and a large kitchen island that are painted in different shades of blue.DINING ROOMMultiple seating areas make for easy conversation. Simon Brown The "hearth room" is an informal dining space with windows on three sides that allow you to feel as if you're dining in the treetops. A striped floral fabric finds a home on both the curtains and the Roman shades, with lines that subtly echo the painted tongue-and-groove panelling added to the ceiling. Upholstered dining chairs, vintage rattan chairs, and a built-in window seat (painted a vibrant green) all contribute to the layered aesthetic that Graham and Salvesen are so adept at creating.BEDROOMPattern mixing creates a mountaintop oasis.Simon BrownUpstairs, the bedrooms (particularly the master suite) are layered with color and pattern, from florals and stripes to paisleys and soft geometrics, all in a cheerful palette of pinks and greens. Simon Brown About the DesignerMary Graham and Nicole Salvesen started their firm, Salvensen Graham, nearly 25 years ago in London. Known for their layered aesthetic and timeless approach to style, the duo has been crafting elevated and cozy interiors ever since. Graham and Salvensen strive to design homes that provide clients with a sense of warmth and softness. Inspired by the elegance of Georgian England along with Indian textiles from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the duo aims to bring an edge to quintessential British charm.

Any interior design project feels daunting at the outset. Staring at a blank floor plan (or Pinterest board) can leave you feeling lost at sea. Getting a professional designer's advice can help clarify your vision and bring it to reality. But if you don't have the budget to accommodate a pro, or would prefer to save your money for the pieces themselves, there's a hack you should consider.Several luxe home retailers, including House Beautiful favorites like Article and Lulu and Georgia offer complimentary design services. Their in-house professional designers are adept at taking your home wishes and finding the perfect pieces. Not to mention, they often help with layout and sizing, all tailored to you. While, yes, these free design services are often offered to encourage purchasing their products, it's a great place to start if you have a specific aesthetic in mind.As design-obsessed writers, we wanted to see what the process was like for ourselves. Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie and House Beautiful contributor Margaux Lushing put four HB-favorite brands to the test. We tried out their free design services, evaluating them on speed, communication, budget adherence, and how well we felt they suited our creative vision. Below, find our results on which services were best.Additional copy and research by Margaux Lushing.Related StoriesArticle ArticleArticle's design services were first on Lushing's list to try. The brand offers a Full Design Project service, and Lushing decided to use its modern taste for an outdoor bar area. It started with an email requesting style preferences, images, and measurements. Lushing was then connected with a designer who scheduled a 30-minute Zoom call, before which she sent through some mood boards to have a point of discussion.Following the Zoom, Lushing received a proposed design plan in the form of a deck. The recommendations were super thorough, including an inspiration slide, a recommended product slide, and product alternatives slides. At the very end was a quote slide with pricing for recommended items, and a next steps slide for purchasing."The delivered deck was the most thorough in terms of design recommendations of any of the services I tried," Lushing says. "While the pillows I purchased to pair with bar stools didn’t ultimately fit the stools, everything else I ordered worked so well for the space and achieved exactly what I was looking for."Try Out Article's Design ServicesRelated StoryMaiden Home Maiden HomeFor Lushing's living room, her main challenge was nailing down a versatile, cat-friendly sofa. With Maiden Home's focus on investment pieces, it was the perfect place to start. The brand's process began with a request for images and a floor plan, and in about a week, they delivered a proposed design plan via email. The design plan includes two directions with floor plans—drawn to scale—with material recommendations, some additional furniture recommendations for the room, and pricing. Lushing's favorite thing about Maiden Home's services? The quality of communication. As she tried to determine the best style and size for the space, the design team was incredibly patient."There is no limit to the amount of back and forth you can have over email or phone with their on-staff designers, which was really helpful as I hemmed and hawed over measurements to ensure it would fit exactly how I wanted," Lushing says. "Ultimately, I purchased a sofa and it fit just as I had hoped. The only drawback of using Maiden Home’s services is that their selection of furniture is so curated and focused that it could feel limited for anyone wanting to mix in more styles beyond the core collection."Try Out Maiden Home's Design ServicesRelated StoryLulu and GeorgiaLulu and GeorgiaWhen McKenzie set out to finally spruce up her landlord-decorated bathroom, she wanted it to be two things: airy and serene. The bathroom was windowless and completely gray, from the paint to the tiles. Because she loves Lulu and Georgia's ability to make a room feel like a soft place to land, she gave their complimentary design service a go. After filling out an incredibly thorough design form, she had a five-minute chat over the phone with a Lulu and Georgia designer. The conversation totally clarified her desire for a spa-like space, and it accomplished quite a bit in a short timeframe."The designer I worked with was incredibly thorough," McKenzie says. "She took into account my desire for renter-friendly wallpaper, organization, and storage, and even towel texture. She also kept it under $1,000, despite the lowest budget range being $1,000-$2,500, which I really appreciated."After the call, the designer worked on a mood board and communicated by text. McKenzie really appreciated the flexibility she had, as there was plenty of back-and-forth fine-tuning to create a look that felt seamless. "My main concern was choosing different pieces that would actually go together," McKenzie says. "When I suggested wanting a different wallpaper pattern or type of basket, she was quick to find alternatives that fit the warm vision for the room. The whole process only took 24 hours, and I felt taken care of the entire time."Try Out Lulu and Georgia's Design ServicesRelated StorySerena & LilySerena & LilyLushing tried Serena & Lily's complimentary and virtual design service to revitalize a covered outdoor entryway. The service began with a digital form that requests images and notes on style. Lushing was then scheduled for a 30-minute Zoom meeting with a designer at her local design shop. After some initial scheduling challenges that included a last-minute cancellation and reschedule, she virtually showed the designer around her space."Within a week, she shared a beautiful mood board that included items that might give me the perfect coastal-with-a-touch-of-MCM look I was going for," Lushing says. There was a follow-up Zoom chat to fine-tune the plan, which was also pushed due to a scheduling issue. But eventually, she was able to combine furniture, decor, and unique location in an easy-to-execute floor plan."With a little patience, the styling recommendations provided by Serena & Lily’s designer were really helpful for seeing the kind of seating, storage, and styling options that could completely elevate an area that felt way too confusing for this amateur to tackle on her own," Lushing says.Try Out Serena & Lily's Design Services Related StoryFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

For an interior designer who appreciates historic touches, there’s nothing better than taking on a home project still dripping with the original charm. Maggie Clarke wasn’t so lucky. When the lead designer of Maggie Clarke Interiors walked into her clients’ 1914 Italianate home in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, she found just a handful of original details remained: cracked Moroccan tiles in the entryway, a chandelier in the dining room, a brass dog door knocker, and a few rooms that were just slightly too long according to today’s standards. However, those few features were all she needed to adequately honor the home’s history while still hitting everything on her clients’ wishlist. “My biggest design goal was to add updates that provide more function for how we live today, but still withhold the home’s integrity and honor its history and architecture,” Clarke tells House Beautiful. Rather than downsize the 40-foot by 20-foot living room, she divided it into three separate sections to maintain the old floor plan. Clarke convinced her clients to keep the original Moroccan tile in the entryway, even with its imperfections. “I couldn’t bear to see it go,” she says. And in the primary bathroom, she encouraged the homeowners to splurge on a marble tile. “I felt because of the home’s history, it deserved a beautiful, marble tile to withhold its integrity,” she adds. Of course, there were some things that just had to be updated to accommodate the clients’ modern desires. The primary bathroom, for instance, was fully gutted to fit the clients’ style. While the team plans to fully renovate the kitchen in the near future, it was given some minor updates to prep it for that planned reno, and so that it wouldn’t be completely out of step without the rest of the renovated home. Clarke brought in MTC Painting to apply a fresh coat of paint throughout the home, and updated almost every light fixture. There were some old-but-not-original details her team had to remove too—including a lot of early 2000s technology because Apple co-founder Steve Jobs owned the house at one point. In this home’s version 2.0, modern touches juxtapose the traditional spaces—but Clarke excels at cultivating that welcome contrast. “I love to create interest by using funky, contemporary art in otherwise traditional spaces,” she says. And for this family, that’s exactly what was needed.FAST FACTS Maggie Clarke of Maggie Clarke InteriorsDesigner:Location: Memphis, TennesseeThe Space: A 6,500-square-foot Italianate home with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths.Anytime I renovate a home, I always try to choose elements that may have been originally installed during the era it was built.LIVING ROOMThis extra long space is broken up into three sections. Ross Creative GroupPaint: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Rug: Custom by Kiser’s Floor Fashions. Couch: Gabby in a JAB Anstoetz velvet and Fringe Market fringe. Coffee table: Woodbridge. Stools: Gabby in a Jasper fabric. Light fixture: Visual Comfort.Ross Creative GroupPaint: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Chandelier: Visual Comfort. Couches: Gabby. Coffee table: Gabby in a Jasper fabric. Side tables: Four Hands. Rug: Custom from Kiser’s Floor Fashions. Glass table lamps: Visual Comfort. Console table behind couch: Rowe Furniture.The extra-long living room was broken into three sections: An area to watch TV (on the left), a conversation zone (on the right), and a dining area that doubles as a gaming section. However, Clarke really wanted to draw the eye to the stunning windows that take up the majority of the wall, so she created symmetry using furniture and decor and installed floor-to-ceiling drapery.“We placed two consoles together to appear as one in front of the window to fill otherwise dead space,” she says. Clarke also added in custom ottomans on casters to provide extra seating when her clients entertain.Ross Creative GroupPaint: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Dining table: Antique. Dining chairs, wooden: Antique. Dining chairs, upholstered: Coley Home. Artwork: Nate Renner. Rug: Kiser's Floor Fashions. Light fixture: Visual Comfort.“When our clients hired us, they had a lot of inherited furniture from their family they wanted to incorporate,” Clarke says. The dining tables and side chairs were her client’s grandmother’s, which the designer had refinished with a new, less-red wood tone. “I love incorporating meaningful pieces into designs,” she says. ”It gives the space soul.”To truly bring her clients’ personalities into the space, Clarke displayed this duck grid by artist Nate Renner above the table, as one of the homeowners is a big duck hunter. “Each duck is slightly different and I think they add the perfect amount of quirk to the space.” DINING ROOMArched window details led the design of this room.Ross Creative GroupPaint: Green Blue by Farrow & Ball. Ceiling paint: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Wallpaper: Kravet. Chandelier: Antique. Rug: Schumacher. Table: Modern History. Chairs: Ballard Designs in a Perennials Fabrics velvet. Artwork: Rachel Payne.In this room, you can see some of the home’s most beautiful original features: the chandelier and the wall sconces. Clarke played into the traditional decor at first, bringing in a round dining table (a specific client ask) and emphasizing the arched window details via the Kravet wallpaper. Then she softened the traditional edges with a little funk, opting for mismatched dining chairs and a zebra print rug to create a little juxtaposition. BREAKFAST NOOKWhere most family meals take place.Ross Creative GroupPaint: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Light fixture: Visual Comfort. Table top: Custom by Countertops of Memphis. Table base: Villa & House. Chairs: Woodbridge. Chair fabrics: Schumacher. Banquette fabric: Materialworks.No large-scale renovation can be completed without one or two hiccups, which came in the form of this new breakfast nook with a custom built-in bench and quartz table. “It turns out there are a lot of numbers to consider when designing a breakfast nook: Bench seat height, bench seat depth, thickness of custom bench seat cushion, thickness of quartz, the weight of the custom quartz table top for the pedestal,” Clarke says.After months of waiting on the custom bench to be finished, her team finally got everything in and was faced with only one centimeter of leg room between the seat cushion and table. “We had to shave the bench seat down by a few inches and then have it repainted. I always learn my best lessons when they cost me a lot of hard-earned cash,” she says. It was all worth it though. Now, the family gets to enjoy most meals with a beautiful view of magnolia trees growing outside the window.NURSERYStriped wallpaper and round overhead lighting lend a circus-y feel. Ross Creative GroupCrib: Bratt Decor. Crib bedding fabric: Schumacher. Baskets: Serena & Lily.Ross Creative GroupCeiling paint: Parma Grey by Farrow & Ball. Wallpaper: Schumacher. Chair: Gabby in a Jasper fabric. Table: Four Hands. Carpet: Kiser’s Floor Fashion. Dresser: Villa & House. Light fixture: Gabby. Artwork: Wendover. Lamp: Worlds Away with a Fermoie shade.Clarke was working on phase one of the renovation when her clients welcomed their first child, so she got to design the baby boy’s room. Keeping with the clients’ preferred traditional style, Clarke put up striped wallpaper and a round overhead light to give the room an elevated circus feel. “My favorite aspects of the room are the custom cornices over the windows—they give it such a polished feel, fit for the little king he is.”The client specifically requested hot air balloons be incorporated into the decor somehow, so the designer hung up these four darling hot air balloon prints that she stumbled upon at High Point Furniture Market. “They leaned feminine with pinks and yellows so I had the vendor alter them by adding some blue watercolor,” she says. BATHROOMBrightness was the main goal for this remodel.Ross Creative GroupPaint: Pale Powder by Farrow & Ball. Light fixtures: Visual Comfort. Flooring: Shaw Floors. Stool: Antique. Faucets: Kingston Brass. Countertop: Quartzite from Countertops of Memphis.When the clients moved into the house, the floor tiles were a dark brown, as were the countertops, and the ceiling featured a recessed soffit. To put it simply, the space felt very dark and dated, according to Clarke, who knew immediately that she wanted to brighten everything up. “We demoed the recessed ceiling soffit and replaced the mirror glass, took it all the way up to the ceiling, and had our trim carpenter frame out the mirrors to give it more of a custom feel,” she says. Then, they mounted pretty sconces from Visual Comfort on top of the mirror and kept the existing cabinetry but painted over them with a bright tone and refreshed the hardware. “The room feels 10 times larger and significantly brighter!” Clarke says. Ross Creative GroupWallpaper: Thibaut Design.“My pink-loving client adored this wallpaper when we presented it to her,” Clarke says. “I brought the baby blues out in the wallpaper by pairing it with Farrow & Ball’s Pale Powder on the trim, ceiling, and cabinets.” However, one of Clarke’s favorite things about this space isn’t even in the room itself—it’s the carpet peeking out from the closet. The antelope print adds “a little funkiness to the otherwise feminine, traditional space,” she says.OUTDOOR PATIOA black-and-white color scheme lets the garden really shine.Ross Creative GroupRug: Kiser’s Floor Fashions. Chairs: Ballard Designs. Coffee table: Summer Classics. Flooring: Bluestone. Dining table: Antique. Dining chairs: Antique.Clarke wanted to create an outdoor living space that felt just as comfortable as being inside, so she fashioned the perfect spot under the covered patio, right next to the pool. “Our clients host a lot of pool parties, so this is the perfect spot to sit and chat out of the sun,” Clarke explains. “Like the living room, the shape of this covered patio was long and thin, so we divided it into three sections: an intimate dining spot, a living room area, and a longer dining table area.”Ross Creative GroupUmbrellas: Safavieh. Loungers: Summer Classics. Pillows: Ballard Designs.“I wanted the outdoor space to feel like an extension of the home, so we went with an old Hollywood Glam feel,” she says. “The home’s columns and the vibe of the outdoor furniture and umbrellas make you feel like you’re at a resort.” FOYERContemporary artwork adds interest to this otherwise traditional space.Ross Creative GroupPaint: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Table: Chelsea House. Bench: Charles Stewart in Lee Jofa velvet. Light fixture: Visual Comfort. Art print: Frances Berry. Stair runner: Kiser's Floor Fashions. Wall sculpture: AC Ceramic Atelier. Wall pedestals: Vintage from Chairish.Right as guests enter the home, they’re greeted by the intricate Moroccan tiles original to the property. Clarke used these as the starting point for the design of the entire space. She brought out the orange tones with the vivid velvet-covered bench and pulled out the yellow ones by adding a yellow binding on the edges of the stair runner. “The Elvis piece was commissioned by a local artist, Frances Berry, and is an homage to Memphis in this iconic Memphis home,” she says. “On the right side, you will see the 3D sculptural porcelain art that was installed to draw your eye into the beautiful living room.”About the DesignerMaggie Clarke is the CEO and lead designer of her eponymous design firm based out of Memphis, Tennessee. Though her passion for design led her to earning a Master of Arts degree from the University of Memphis, her firm came about almost accidentally after she and her husband began flipping historic homes to turn them into boutique AirBNBs. From there, her visibility grew—as did her team, her number of completed projects, and her unique Rolodex of professionals, artists, and vintage curators. Now, her passions lead her towards forever-home projects where her clients specifically desire her traditional yet personality-driven aesthetic. SHOP THE SPACE AERIN Morton Table Lamp$699 at visualcomfort.comFarrow & Ball Green Blue$52 at Farrow & BallSignature Collection Hampton Medium Chandelier$1,499 at visualcomfort.comBallard Designs Parks Dining Chair - Set of 2Now 25% Off$999 $749 at ballarddesigns.comSerena & Lily Scallop Rattan BasketNow 20% Off$498 $398 at Serena and LilyFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

For potential homebuyers waiting on the sidelines for the right time to buy a house, some discouraging news just dropped: A U.S. household now needs to earn $114,000 a year to afford a median-priced home. That’s up 70.1 percent from $67,000 just six years ago, according to the numbers crunched by the In some areas, including several California markets, the income needed has climbed even faster. For example, one sharp-rising metro is the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area—which includes parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire—where households now need to make $232,095 annually to afford a median-priced home, an increase of 82 percent since 2019.In recent years, homebuyers have faced a double-whammy in terms of both home prices and mortgage interest rates increasing, which, for some, has pushed the reality of homebuying even further out of reach. In some cases, first-time buyers are relying on down payment gifts from family or on their parents to buy or finance their homes for them. Ahead, we're breaking down exactly what's going on and if there are any silver linings to this situation.Related StoriesWhat’s Driving Up the Cost of Home Ownership?According to Realtor.com, the median listing price of U.S. homes in April 2025 was $431,250, an increase of about 37 percent from April 2019, when the median price was $314,950.To calculate the household income needed to afford a home, analysts in this instance assume a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage (the most common loan type), a 20 percent down payment, and that no more than 30 percent of gross monthly income is spent on housing.The widening gap we’re witnessing between 2019 and today is fueled by “a combination of rapid home price appreciation and elevated mortgage rates,” according to Realtor.com. There are a few key reasons why homebuying has become so much more expensive in recent years, Jake Krimmel, a senior economist at Realtor.com, tells House Beautiful. As remote work expanded during the pandemic, he says, buyers wanted more space, including home offices and bigger yards, which drove up demand. At the same time, low interest rates and strong labor and stock markets gave households more purchasing power, pushing home prices sharply higher, he says.Rising mortgage rates are also at play, he says, because since 2022, borrowing costs have jumped. A $400,000 mortgage at three percent has a monthly payment of around $1,700, but at six percent, that jumps to $2,400—a 40 percent increase in cost just from interest rates.“Many homeowners locked in low rates before 2022 and are reluctant to sell, keeping supply tight,” Krimmel says. “With demand still strong and few homes on the market, prices remain high, despite high and rising rates.” On top of all that, there are higher ancillary costs, with property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees adding to the overall cost of owning a home, he says. Many homeowners locked in low rates before 2022 and are reluctant to sell, keeping supply tight.Which Markets Have Increased the Most?Here are the markets with the highest required household income to buy a median-priced home in the area. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California: $370,069, up 54.3 percent since April 2009 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California: $315,892, up 86 percent since April 2009 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, California: $263,023, up 30.5 percent since April 2009 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, California: $258,926, up 73.4 percent since April 2009Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts and New Hampshire: $232,095 up 81.9 percent since April 2009New York-Newark-Jersey City, New York and New Jersey: $208,687, up 69.4 percent since April 2009Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington: $206,777, up 54.9 percent since April 2009Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, California: $167,481, up 61.7 percent since April 2009Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia: $164,682, up 59.1 percent from April 2009Denver-Aurora-Centennial, Colorado: $158,462, up 42.2 percent since April 2009Related StoryAre There Any Silver Linings for Buyers?Home buying has become significantly more expensive, but there are some signs that the market may swing in the favor of buyers, analysts say. Inventory is climbing and more sellers are adjusting their prices, so in some markets, you may see price cuts on listed homes, explains Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com. A recent rise in mortgage rates is likely behind a buyer slowdown. In April, nearly one in five listings had price reductions, which is a silver lining for buyers looking to negotiate.In this expensive housing market, Krimmel has a few tips:Think starter home, not forever home: “Focus on what you can afford now—think smaller square footage or a broader search area,” he says. Get pre-approved and budget smart: Your quoted rate can vary based on credit, down payment, and more. Know your full budget—including taxes, insurance, and maintenance—before you begin your search.Don’t bank on falling rates: Buy a home you can afford today, Krimmel says. While refinancing later is possible, there's no guarantee rates will drop soon—or significantly. Plan for a “higher for longer” interest rate environment, he suggests.Related StoryFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you can make in your lifetime. However, unlike cars or technology that depreciate with age, your home has the potential to increase in value while you live in it—in fact, the phrase "resale value" has become a buzzword that realtors, homeowners, and potential buyers are obsessed with. It has even gone on to influence design trends and renovation styles in recent decades. Black kitchen hardware, neutral grey color palettes, and marble tile are all examples of design elements that can boost your home’s value when it comes time to sell. But these features, while typically thought of as universally appealing, aren’t the draw they once were. Instead, homeowners are prioritizing personality and joy in their homes (and the homes they’re looking to buy) in place of resale value. According to a recent Thumbtack Survey, 76 percent of homeowners are now designing their spaces just for themselves, not for future buyers or market appeal. Related StoriesLisa Petrole A joy-filled children’s bathroom by designer Hilary Walker, for Magnolia’s Director of Styling, Ashley Maddox. Tour the entire home here.“When asked what led them to put happiness ahead of return on investment, homeowners expressed a range of attitudes," says Morgan Olsen, Senior Brand Manager at Thumbtack. "About one-third (32 percent) plan to stay in their home for the long haul, while nearly as many said that they want to simply enjoy their space, or that they prioritize joy because they spend so much time at home (25 percent each)." The common theme? A home is an experience, not just an asset.Beyond real estate, interior designers are also seeing a shift in the kind of asks clients are making. “I’m happy to see clients embracing color and pattern more over the past few years," says designer Avery Cox. "There has been less focus on resale value and more on designing for the individual. This allows clients to take the pressure off of making choices for anyone other than themselves, which makes room for much more play.”63 percent of homeowners who are currently looking to sell their homes are still prioritizing projects that bring joy to their lives rather than projects that attract future buyers.This desire for a personality-driven home is reflected in consumer behavior, as well. Thumbtack reports that 31 percent of homeowners are planning to spend over $10,000 on home projects this year. The top "joy-first" renovation projects include adding outdoor swimming pools, home gyms, built-in bookcases, and craft or hobby rooms. Requests for hot tubs are even up a whopping 135 percent. Jacob SnavelyTo make good use of the oft-wasted space under a stairwell, designer Tina Ramchandani installed a wine cellar for an entertaining-loving family. Tour the entire home here.The reality is that not every home project will deliver a return on investment in full. An upgraded kitchen or bathroom will likely be much more valuable when it comes time to sell your home than an ultra-personalized game room or movie theater, but every family has a different wish list for their dream home. That being said, over 40 percent of millennials are willing to lose money on a renovation if they know it’ll make them happier. Of course, it’s always smart to consider ROI when making home renovations but, as this survey shows, you shouldn't sacrifice your style or your personal happiness to please a hypothetical potential home buyer. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Courtesy of IKEAIncorporating color into your home can be intimidating, especially hues of a bolder flavor, like cherry red or emerald green. The best way to wade into a more chromatic design scheme is to start small—a pink pillow here, an orange vase there—and IKEA makes it easy to experiment by offering an array of furniture and decor in every color of the spectrum. Here are a few of our favorite pieces from the retailer's newest collections, with ideas for where to use each. Before you know it, you'll have a rainbow of appealing shades spread across your house.1Entry: KRÖNIKÖR Open Storage$25 at IKEAMake a statement at the front door with a scarlet red storage solution. The deep lower shelf provides a place for bins of shoes or scarves, while the slanted top shelf collects your pocket odds and ends. You can also put the upper level to work as a picture ledge for displaying art.2Bathroom: FRÖVÄXT Vase$5 at IKEAUse this playful orange vase as a toothbrush holder—and reflection of your daily disposition. You can rotate it between the smiling and frowning sides to match your mood—but really, who could ever be upset with decor this cute?Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Living Room: DAGGKÅPOR Throw$5 at IKEAA living room with an abundance of throw blankets is a living room everyone wants to hang out in. This kelly green option will be the first plucked from the stack on movie night, thanks to its super-soft fleece, but the scalloped edge and lively color also make it worthy of being artfully draped over the sofa.4Kitchen: BRUGDHAJ Jar With Lid$8 at IKEAElevate everyday kitchen storage by lining your pantry shelves with a few of these shimmery blue jars. The 34-ounce size works well for dry goods like oats, sugar, and coffee, while the smaller 10-ounce size is perfect for salt, jam, nuts, or spices.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Office: VITTSJÖ Shelf Unit$59 at IKEAEnergize your workspace with lemon yellow shelving—the cheery unit easily fits the most boring of study essentials, like file boxes or large reference books. Alternatively, you can make it a display case of joy-inducing photos, artwork, and ceramics to counter the workday doldrums.6 Bedroom: KLIBBKORSÖRT Duvet Cover and Pillowcase$20 at IKEABrighten your space with some kaleidoscopic bedding. This set's range of punchy hues can play nicely with just about any color, so layer on a rainbow of throw pillows—IKEA sells covers in every shade—that'll guarantee sweet dreams.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Dining Room: DOFTBRÄKEN Vase$13 at IKEAAdd a knockout centerpiece to your dining room table with a sculptural vase. The vibrant blue works well in all seasons—bright red winterberry will look just as lovely against it as a bouquet of summer wildflowers—but even when the vessel is empty, its wavy silhouette brings character.

Jump to:Home inspections may seem like yet another barrier standing between you and your dream home, but skipping the step can have major consequences. Full of boxes to check and safety features to test, a home inspection is a crucial part of buying, selling, and building a house. This property analysis not only determines whether your home is safe to live in, but it can also help identify any potential problems and repairs that may need to happen down the line. The total home inspection cost includes not just the fee the inspector charges but also the expense of any necessary repairs they find. A home inspection isn’t just another fee to pay on the path to home ownership—it can actually save you money and be a breeze if you approach the process well-prepared.We spoke with experts to provide insight on this topic. They include Leslie Turner, broker in charge and founding partner of Maison Real Estate; Mark Buskuhl, founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties; and Kerry Sherin, consumer advocate at Ownerly. Ahead, they help us break down what a home inspection is, whether or not you need one, and how much a home inspection costs. Happy house hunting!Related StoriesWhat Happens During a Home Inspection?A home inspection is all about ensuring the property in question is safe. It's a safety and quality assessment that examines the structural integrity, plumbing, electrical work, sewage, and heating or cooling systems. The inspector ensures that all the home's systems are functioning safely and properly. The home is also evaluated for fire and safety issues, damages, and anything else that might affect its value. Home inspections usually happen once a potential home buyer's offer has been accepted during the escrow period. Basically, the seller needs to know that they're getting what they're planning on paying for. Related StoryCan I Skip the Home Inspection?The short answer is yes, you can forego a traditional home inspection. Under normal circumstances, however, there's absolutely no reason to. The only reasons you might consider skipping a home inspection are if there are multiple competitive offers for the home in question or if the buyer or seller has a reason to rush the closing process. Beware: If the property's seller is being weirdly pushy about skipping the inspection, they may be trying to hide something. Buying a home is arguably the biggest purchase you'll ever make, so you want to be sure it's a sound investment. "This crucial step can save you from costly surprises after closing the deal and give you peace of mind knowing that your new palace is solid from foundation to roof," says Turner. A home inspection not only protects your financial interests but also your health and safety.If you choose to skip the inspection, Buskuhl suggests doing your own thorough research: "It's important for buyers to do their due diligence regardless of whether or not they choose to get a home inspection," he says. "This can include checking public records, reviewing recent appraisals, and speaking with the seller or their agent about any issues that may exist with the property." You can also consider asking any contractors you plan to use for renovations to do a walk-through with you to give you a sense of what they will encompass. They can point out issues you might not have noticed. Related StoryAverage Cost of a Home InspectionNow that we’ve established that you definitely do need a home inspection, how much does a home inspection actually cost? According to Buskuhl, "most home inspections tend to cost between $300 and $500, depending on the size and type of property being inspected. Additional fees may apply for services such as radon testing or termite inspections, which are commonly performed in addition to a home inspection." The National Association of Realtors reports that in 2025, the average cost of a home inspection is around $400, while Home Advisor states that some homeowners spend up to $675 in markets with high demand or large properties. Most home inspections tend to cost between $300 and $500.Selecting a Home InspectorOdds are, if you're selling your home, you're using a real estate agent or broker. These industry professionals can point you in the right direction of an experienced local home inspector and can usually recommend one they trust. When you find an inspector, make sure they have the proper certification before you hire them. According to Sharin, a good inspector will be able to explain each step. "A good home inspector will be fully certified, have a healthy list of past clients for referrals, and be willing to walk you through the entire process, explaining their findings and what they could mean for your potential home." It's also worth getting a second opinion wherever possible. House Beautiful's Deputy Photo Director, Dangi McCoy, recalls that her home inspectors had wildly different opinions and findings. “The differences between inspectors are alarming, so I'd recommend trying to find a well-reviewed person,” she says. “We had one super lax person, while the other was on the opposite end of the spectrum. Ensuring that you have some basic knowledge about things to look for (for us specifically in old houses) is helpful, so you're not blindly dependent on the inspector and risk finding costly fixes later.”Related StoryWhat Is the Biggest Red Flag in a Home Inspection?While most issues pointed out in a home inspection can be repaired, any major structural issue is going to be the biggest red flag. A sagging roof, cracked foundation, or unsafe electrical system (shoddy wiring or raw cables) can indicate a state of disrepair that is not worth the asking price.The Most Common Reasons Homes Fail an InspectionAccording to Nationwide Insurance, these are the most common problem areas for homes:Roof damage: This can range from a few missing shingles or small leaks to widespread issues that necessitate a full replacement.Electrical problems: Any nonfunctioning electrical components or hazards, such as frayed wires or outdated wiring (knob-and-tube), can merit a failure.Plumbing problems: This includes anything from small leaks to broken water heaters and sewage backups. Pests: While you won't fail because of ants or fruit flies, termite damage is a much more dangerous pest problem.Mold: This usually goes hand in hand with water damage, but can result in immediate failure.Related StoryWhat to Do If a House Fails the Inspection?If the home you had your heart set on fails the home inspection, there are a few options. Ask the Seller to Make RepairsMost commonly, the buyer will request that the seller make the necessary repairs before closing. The buyer can request that professionals be used and even suggest which professionals.Request a Price Decrease or CreditThe buyers can request that the sellers lower their asking price, pay the entirety of their closing costs, or offer a credit on the purchase. The goal is that the money saved in the price adjustment covers the cost of the repairs. Walk AwayIf the damages or inspection findings are too extensive, it might be better to simply walk away. There will always be another home on the market in better shape. 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Adam Kane MacchiaEvery 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 further we delve into the Age of Technology, the more wildly advanced appliances, both big and small, become. And nowhere is this more obvious than in the kitchen, where appliances reign supreme. Each year, a fresh new take on classic kitchen appliances inevitably comes to the forefront of design (remember when pot fillers started popping up everywhere?), but we have to admit that even we were surprised by this year's sleeper hit. AI-enabled oven or futuristic refrigerator; it's a glass rinser. Yes, the small but mighty in-counter appliance that does exactly what its name implies (but much better and faster than when we do it ourselves). We're not just crowning this the new jewel of the kitchen, though; we have the data to back up the claim. According to Data Horizon Research, glass rinsers have risen in popularity by nearly 10 percent from 2023 to 2024, and we have a feeling that the percentage will be even higher at the end of 2025. That said, we also asked a few industry experts for their thoughts on the subject. Are glass rinsers really Related Stories The Perks of a Glass RinserWayfairChances are, you've seen a glass rinser out in the wild, whether in your favorite coffee shop or behind the bar of your go-to restaurant. Commercial outposts often have them because they are quick and efficient, but we don't want to mislead people: They do not clean the glasses; they rinse. If you're a big beer drinker, you're already aware that rinsing the glass before pouring will enhance the flavor and prevent foam. If you're a clean freak, you know that putting a nearly sparkling glass into the dishwasher promises a better clean. Anyone who enjoys a good red wine knows that an extra rinse before popping the glass in the dishwasher is paramount. "Convenient glass rinsers ensure that I'll never have that stubborn Cabernet residue at the bottom of my glasses again," says Atlanta-based interior designer Michel Smith Boyd. "It's perfect for glassware that's too delicate for the dishwasher and makes for much easier cleanup after dinner parties."Nashville-based designer Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, who specializes in luxury kitchens, agrees that the addition creates a more effective and functional workstream. "As a kitchen designer, I find glass rinsers to be a practical and efficient addition to back kitchens or sculleries because they offer a quick, hygienic way to rinse glassware while blending seamlessly into the functional design of secondary workspaces," he adds. "This small but impactful upgrade enhances function and elevates the overall utility of the space." WayfairDesigners don't just like the look and function of glass rinsers, though; they're actually taking the leap to include them in their residential kitchen projects. "Glass rinsers are quickly becoming a must-have in client kitchens, and it’s easy to see why," says Steven Cooper, a kitchen designer based in Los Angeles. "These sleek, built-in accessories offer a blend of efficiency, sustainability, and style that elevates everyday routines. With a simple push, a high-pressure water jet targets every inch of your glassware—even those hard-to-reach spots—effortlessly removing stubborn residues like coffee or lipstick in seconds, all without the need for manual scrubbing." He's not wrong. If doing the dishes is your least favorite part of the day, utilizing a glass rinser may massively cut down on the time you spend standing in front of the sink. A Case for Skipping the Glass RinserMARC MAULDINWe've said it before, and we will say it again: Glass rinsers do not sanitize. So, if you down the liquid in your cup and let the glass rinser do its job, don't refill the glass and hand it to someone else thinking it's clean. "I think the idea of the glass rinser is great for spaces like wet bars or basement bars where there may not be a dishwasher nearby," says Atlanta-based kitchen designer Jerel Lake. "However, because this is not the most attractive piece of equipment, I would not advocate using this in the kitchen where it could be an eyesore on a beautiful piece of marble or next to a high-end plumbing fixture." To that point, unlike dishwashers, which sit flush with the surrounding cabinetry, glass rinsers are vertical and take up quite a bit of visual real estate in the kitchen. What's more, they're not a super practical addition if you're short on space and counting on every inch of countertop for prepping and serving. In that case, you're better off putting your money toward a great dishwasher, which will do the additional work of sanitizing for you and keep your countertops clear. Another important note? Keep in mind that you can't exactly press a button and walk away from a glass rinser; you are involved in the process. "I tend to stay away from single-purpose appliances and fixtures in the kitchen unless the request is client-driven," says designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn. "Over my years as a kitchen designer, I have ripped out many trendy appliances and fixtures (trash compactor, anyone?) that came in and out of vogue." So, are glass rinsers just a passing trend or something that will stand the test of time in luxury kitchens? While that remains to be seen, you're certain to start noticing them more and more over the next few years. Who knows—maybe one will even find its way onto your kitchen renovation wishlist. Want to get in on the trend? Shop a few of our picks below. Delta Faucet Glass Rinser for Kitchen SinksNow 27% OffAqua Gallery Stainless Steel Glass RinserNow 75% Off$200 $51 at WayfairCASAINC Stainless Steel Glass RinserNow 31% OffFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

While some interior designers may quickly exceed a client’s budget when curating a space, others have a talent for embracing thriftiness—quite literally. For this year's Design on a Dime benefit (Housing Works's annual shopping fundraiser, now in its 20th year), New York City–based interior designer Kerri Pilchik offers a serious masterclass in repurposing affordable finds. In fact, several of the most eye-catching items in the space are gems the designer snatched up on Facebook Marketplace for around $200 apiece. The result? A stunning parlor that looks like something straight out of a Georgian manor in the English countryside. Related Stories"I wanted the vignette to be colorful but sophisticated and with a decidedly British vibe. I love mixing floral and geometric patterns and imagined the room to be a pretty parlor for playing games or entertaining," Pilchik says. Two of the biggest contributors to her unique vision were Sanderson, which supplied the fabric and wallpaper, and Collins & Green Art.Sarah Voigt for Housing WorksUnlike other designer showcases, such as the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, Design on a Dime presents participants with a unique challenge: Don't borrow anything. Rather, every piece used in a designer's vignette must be donated and, hopefully, purchased directly off the floor by visitors eager to elevate their space with thrifted home goods. All the profits from merchandise sold will benefit Housing Works's advocacy work to help end the AIDS epidemic and provide housing and healthcare to those in need. A worthy cause for which Pilchik was excited to lend her talents. Luckily, she's good at thrifting."I had to get resourceful, so I searched Facebook Marketplace and Chairish for vintage or used furniture, and I found a dresser for $250 on Facebook Marketplace that had the neoclassical lines I was looking for," Pilchik notes. "Artist Shelly Denning donated her time to paint it with a finish and pattern that was inspired by a chest I saw at Robert Kime in London. After she was done, it looked like a million bucks." Worry not; the affordable price tag is not, indeed, a million dollars. Facebook Marketplace is also where she found a pair of vintage Baker slipper chairs for just $200. "I had them reupholstered with fabric donated by Sanderson and added a ruffled skirt."Sarah Voigt for Housing WorksSarah Voigt for Housing WorksOne of the pricier pieces in Pilchik's space is a vintage Louis XVI-style settee that the designer reupholstered in a modern, abstract Harlequin fabric. The piece was $750. As with all items featured in her and other designers' vignettes, they won't be sold at anywhere near full price. In fact, nearly everything on display throughout the pavilion is available at approximately 80 percent off its retail value. So, if you're looking for something special but don't have a major budget, be sure to check out Design on a Dime. Everything—even the little details you may not notice at first glance—is one-of-a-kind, donated, and hand-picked by the designer."It was so fun to hunt for these pieces and to imagine their potential," Pilchik says. "I love to take something that looks sad or old and transform it into something really special."Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Your home is your sanctuary, so every square foot of it should represent your style and fill you with joy. But there are some rooms or spaces that are a challenge to decorate if you have an untrained eye in the art of design. That awkward nook in your home, or that large patch of empty space, might be one of these challenging areas. However, it’s these types of smaller spaces that designers adore decorating because it gives them a chance to flex their creative muscle and design something truly special. Whether you already have a nook somewhere in your home or you’re planning on putting one in, you can (and should!) use these designer looks to create your perfect little corner of paradise.Nooks, carved out from empty spaces or strange alcoves that the builders put into the wall, are excellent areas to transform into beautiful vignettes. They can be more lived-in spaces, such as reading or breakfast nooks, areas that are only used occasionally, or spaces that are simply decorative. And for proof of that, just scroll down to browse these stunning examples. Whatever use, shape, or style best fits into your home, you’re sure to find some inspiration in these 18 designer nooks. Below, you’ll find every way you can make the most of a creative cranny you can implement to maximize your personal space.For more creative home inspiration:1Take Advantage of That Pass-ThroughMadeline TolleThis corner bar nook is perfect for houseguests both inside and outside the home—those outdoors receive drinks via the handy pass-through window on the wall. Designer Jaqui Seerman put in this clever addition to facilitate indoor/outdoor entertaining, since the pool is just outside.Tour the Entire Home2Choose Bold FinishesKEVIN J. MIYAZAKIWhile it’s smaller than the bar nook above, this corner still makes a huge statement, thanks to Marita Simmons and Krysta Gibbons of Kipling House. They used bold finishes—including a burl wood wallcovering, a merlot-leather bar top, brass banding, and stone shelves—to convert this closet into a chic home bar.Tour the Entire SpaceAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Make a Mini Vanity NookLindsay SalazarIn this “Jill and Jill” bathroom designer Cara Fox put in a darling vanity nook in between the two larger vanities. Two sisters share this space, and as they get older, they’ll love all the counter space available to them as they get ready in the mornings.Tour the Entire Home4Focus On the DetailsBrittany AmbridgeWhen you’re working in a small space, it can be easy to think “less is more” is the mantra to follow so that the area doesn’t feel crowded. But designer Sasha Bikoff resisted that minimalist urge. Instead, she put a lot of thought into this bookshelf nook, choosing objects carefully to create a beautiful vignette. As long as you still prioritize balance in your interior, especially for a nook, then it doesn’t matter how small a space is.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Opt for an Entry NookBrittany AmbridgeTransform your entryway into a striking space, as designer Sasha Bikoff did in this home. She wanted it to serve as a sort of color palette cleanser that foreshadows what a houseguest is going to step into in the rest of the home. Tour the Entire Home6 Add a MirrorJenna PeffleyThis dining room nook is proof that this design feature doesn’t have to equate to “small.” The team at French & French Interiors created a whole restaurant-style dining area and added a mirror above the space to make it feel even larger. If you nook is feeling a bit cramped, try adding a mirror to the wall to make it feel larger.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Create an Office NookShade DeggesDesigner Jeremiah Brent tucked a little workspace nook to the side of the stairs in this L.A. home. It’s compact and clean with a custom marble desk and elegant cabinetry—the perfect space to elevate boring daily tasks.Tour the Entire Home8Drop In a DeskNicole FranzenAn odd alcove in the son’s room of this home was transformed into a little desk area by designer Kelly Hurliman. She used a marble remnant as the desktop and leftover flooring planks as shelving, ensuring every square inch of this property was utilized.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Keep It Kid-Sizedsara princeThere are nooks all over this California home by designer Rita Chan, but this arched one in the playroom is just adorable. It was converted from a closet, and Chan added a blue color blocking to the wall that continues into the nook to further define the space.Tour the Entire Home10Build In a BedNicole FranzenThe daughter’s bedroom in this project by Of Place Studio has a fun bed nook with built-in storage that’ll only get more useful as the child ages. This is such a unique use of space—we love that it creates a little sleeping cave that’s perfect for bedtime. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Add a Custom BanquetteKirsten FrancisIf your dining nook is oddly shaped, do what Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Design did in this home, and add in a custom banquette. It’s sunny and bright and looks amazing in the natural lighting, bringing more happiness into the home.Tour the Entire Home12Transform a Spacious HallwayStacy Zarin GoldbergIn between two guest bedrooms lies this moody sitting nook which also leads to a game room. Designer Tanya Smith-Shiflett transformed this previously unused space into an entirely new hangout area, also called the “whiskey room.”Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Style a Seating AreaThomas KuohWhen in doubt, put in a stylish accent chair. That’s what the team at Studio Munroe did in this bedroom. Taking advantage of this awkward nook, they added a chair, lamp, and throw pillow to make a comfy sitting area.14Display Your Knickknacks Heather TalbertDesigner Alexandra Kaehler carved out this corner for a sweet breakfast nook—but she also used this built-in space to display the homeowners’ beautiful plate collection. It’s like a built-in gallery of your favorite things.Related Story: How to Style a Plate Wall Like a DesignerAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Pamper Your PetsKaryn MilletThis nook is truly the cat’s meow! Designer Kelly Ferm remodeled this closet as a personal space for her client’s feline friend. There’s a kitty-size cutout to offer the cat privacy when using the litter box, keeping those sights (and smells) away from the people-size areas.Related Story: 12 Closet Remodel Projects That Will Transform Your Space16Carve Out a Laundry SpaceEDEN PASSANTEYou don’t need a laundry room when you can have a laundry nook. Eden Passante of Sugar and Charm turned this coat closet into a wash-day space that provides just enough space for folding and storage.Related Story: This Very Popular Laundry Detergent Has Been RECALLED Over Bacteria ConcernsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Make a Mini LibrarySean LitchfieldWhat was once the walk-in closet of a guest bedroom is now a mini library. Alicia Hassen of Brooklinteriors added a bench and built-in shelves to this reading nook that “looks like it has been there since the home’s inception,” she says. Related Story: Here‘s What to Do With Those Awkward Spaces in Your House, According to Designers18Hook Up a Hangout SpaceChristopher StarkIn this boy’s room, designer Benni Amadi turned a closet into a tree-fort-inspired hangout. Though it’s small, this private nook is the perfect size for any teenager to hide away to read, study, or play video games.