Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingCountry Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?Like a well-made quilt, a classic farmhouse aesthetic comes together gradually—a little bit of this, a touch of that. Each addition is purposeful and personal—and isn’t that what home is all about, really? If this type of slowed-down style speaks to you, you're probably already well aware that Etsy is a treasure trove of finds both new and old to fit your timeless farmhouse aesthetic. But with more than eight million active sellers on its marketplace, sometimes the possibilities—vintage feed sacks! primitive pie safes! galvanized grain scoops!—can quickly go from enticing to overwhelming.To better guide your search for the finest farmhouse furnishings, we’ve gathered a go-to list of editor-and designer-beloved Etsy shops which, time and again, turn out hardworking, homespun pieces of heirloom quality. From beautiful antique bureaus to hand-block-printed table linens, the character-rich wares from these sellers will help you design the farmhouse of your dreams, piece by precious piece. Related Stories For Antique AmericanaAcorn and Alice Every good old-fashioned farmhouse could use some traditional Americana to set the tone, and this Pennsylvania salvage shop offers rustic touches loaded with authentic antique allure. Aged wooden wares abound (think vintage milk crates, orchard fruit baskets, and berry boxes), as well as a grab bag of cotton and burlap feed sacks, perfect for framing as sets or crafting into footstool covers or throw pillows. For French Country TextilesForest and LinenThere’s nothing quite like breezy natural fabrics to make you want to throw open all the windows and let that country air in while the pie cools. Unfussy and lightweight, the hand-crafted curtains, bedding, and table linens from these Lithuanian textile experts have a classic understated quality that would be right at home in the coziest guest room or most bustling kitchen. Warm, welcoming hues range from marigold yellow to cornflower blue, but soft gingham checkers and timeless French ticking feel especially farm-fresh. Our current favorite? These cherry-striped country cafe curtains. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingVintage red torchons feel right at home in a farmhouse kitchenFor Rustic RugsOld New HouseWhether or not you’re lucky enough to have gorgeous wide-plank floors, an antique area rug or runner can work wonders for giving a room instant character and warmth. This fifth-generation family-run retailer specializes in importing heirloom hand-knotted carpets dating back to the 1800s, with a focus on traditional designs from the masters in Turkey, India, Persia, and more. Their vast variety of sizes and styles offers something for every aesthetic, with one-of-a-kind patterns ranging from distressed neutrals to chain-stitched florals to ornate arabesques. For Pillows and ProvisionsHabitation BohemeIn true farmhouse fashion, this Indiana shop has curated an enticing blend of handcrafted and vintage homewares that work effortlessly well together. A line of cozy hand-stitched linen pillow covers (patterned with everything from block-printed blossoms to provincial pinstripes) sits prettily alongside a mix of found objects, from patinated brass candlesticks and etched cloisonné vases to sturdy stoneware crockery and woven wicker baskets. For Elegant Everyday DishwareConvivial ProductionSimple, yet undeniably stunning, the handcrafted dinnerware from this Missouri-based ceramist is designed with durability in mind. Produced in a single, time-tested shade of ivory white glaze, these practical stoneware cups, bowls, and plates make the perfect place settings for lively farm-to-table feasts with friends and family. Beautifully balancing softness and heft, each dish is meant to feel comfortable when being held and passed, but also to look attractive when stacked upon open shelving. For English Country Antiques1100 West Co.This Illinois antiques shop is stocked with all manner of versatile vintage vessels culled from the English countryside, from massive stoneware crocks to charming little escargot pots. Their collection of neutral containers can be adapted for nearly any provincial purpose (envision white ironstone pitchers piled high with fresh-picked hyacinths, or glass canning jars holding your harvest grains), but we especially love their assortment of old advertising—from toothpaste pots to marmalade jars and ginger beer bottles galore—for a nice little nod to the quintessential country practice of repurposing what you’ve got. Brian Woodcock/Country LivingPretty English ironstone will always have our heart.For a Cozy GlowOlde Brick LightingConstructed by hand from cord to shade, the vintage-inspired lighting produced by this Pennsylvania retailer is a tribute to the iconic quality and character of old American fixtures. Nostalgic design elements include hand-blown glass (crafted using cast-iron molds from over 80 years ago) and finishes ranging from matte black to brushed nickel and antique brass. To create an authentic farmhouse ambiance, check out their gooseneck sconces, enameled red and blue barn lights, and milky white striped schoolhouse flush mounts. For Enduring ArtifactsThrough the PortholeThe weathered, artisan-made wares curated by this California husband-and-wife duo have been hand-selected from around the globe for their time-etched character. From gorgeous gray-black terracotta vases and rust-colored Turkish clay pots to patinated brass cow bells and rustic reclaimed elm stools, each item is a testament to the lasting beauty of classic materials, with storied sun-bleaching and scratches befitting the most beloved, lived-in rooms. For Winsome Wall ArtEugenia Ciotola ArtThrough graceful brushstrokes and textural swirls of paint, Maryland-based artist Eugenia Ciotola has captured the natural joy of a life that’s simple and sweet. Her pieces celebrate quiet scenes of bucolic beauty, from billowing bouquets of peonies to stoic red barns sitting in fields of wavy green. For a parlor gallery or gathering space, we gravitate toward her original oils on canvas—an impasto still life, perhaps, or a plainly frocked maiden carrying a bountiful bowl of lemons—while her stately farm animal portraits (regal roosters! ruff collared geese!) would look lovely in a child’s nursery.For Time-Tested Storage SolutionsMaterials DivisionFunction is forefront for this farmhouse supplier operating out of New York, whose specialized selection of vintage provisions have lived out dutiful lives of purpose. Standouts include a curated offering of trusty antique tool boxes and sturdy steel-clad trunks whose rugged patina tells the story of many-a household project. Meanwhile, a hardworking mix of industrial wire and woven wood gathering baskets sits handsomely alongside heavy-duty galvanized garbage bins and antique fireplace andirons.For Pastoral PrimitivesComfort Work RoomFull of history and heritage, the old, hand-fabricated furnishings and primitive wooden tools in this unique Ukrainian antique shop are rural remnants of simpler times gone by. Quaint kitchen staples like chippy chiseled spoons, scoops, and cutting boards make an accessible entry point for the casual collector, while scuffed up dough troughs, butter churns, washboards, and barrels are highly desirable conversation pieces for any antique enthusiast who’s dedicated to authentic detail. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingAntique washboards make for on-theme wall art in a laundry roomFor Heirloom-Quality CoverletsBluegrass QuiltsNo layered farmhouse look would be complete without the homey, tactile touch of a hand-pieced quilt or two draped intentionally about the room. From harvest-hued sawtooth stars to playful patchwork pinwheels, each exquisite blanket from this Kentucky-based artisan is slow-crafted in traditional fashion from 100% cotton materials, and can even be custom stitched from scratch to match your personal color palette and decorative purpose. For a classic country aesthetic, try a log cabin, double diamond, or star patch pattern. For Hand-Crafted GiftsSelselaFeaturing a busy barnyard’s worth of plucky chickens, cuddly sheep, and happy little Holstein cows, this Illinois woodworker’s whimsical line of farm figurines and other giftable goodies (think animal wine stoppers, keychains, fridge magnets, and cake toppers) is chock-full of hand-carved charm. Crafted from 100% recycled birch and painted in loving detail, each creature has a deliberately rough-hewn look and feel worthy of any cozy and collected home. For Open-Concept CabinetryFolkhausA hallmark of many modern farmhouses, open-concept shelving has become a stylish way to show that the practical wares you use everyday are the same ones you’re proud to put on display. With their signature line of bracketed wall shelves, Shaker-style peg shelves, and raw steel kitchen rails, the team at Folkhaus has created a range of open storage solutions that beautifully balances elevated design and rustic utility. Rounding out their collection is a selection of open-shelved accent pieces like bookcases, benches, and console tables—each crafted from character-rich kiln-dried timber and finished in your choice of stain.Related StoryFor Antique Farmhouse FurnitureCottage Treasures LVThe foundation of a well-furnished farmhouse often begins with a single prized piece. Whether it’s a slant-front desk, a primitive jelly cabinet, or a punched-tin pie safe, this established New York-based dealer has a knack for sourcing vintage treasures with the personality and presence to anchor an entire space. Distressed cupboards and cabinets may be their bread and butter (just look at this two-piece pine hutch!) but you’ll also find a robust roundup of weathered farm tables, Windsor chairs, and blanket chests—and currently, even a rare 1500s English bench. For Lively Table LinensMoontea StudioAs any devotee of slow decorating knows, sometimes it’s the little details that really bring a look home. For a spot of cheer along with your afternoon tea, we love the hand-stamped table linens from this Washington-based printmaker, which put a peppy, modern spin on farm-fresh produce. Patterned with lush illustrations of bright red tomatoes, crisp green apples, and golden sunflowers—then neatly finished with a color-coordinated hand-stitched trim—each tea towel, placemat, and napkin pays homage to the hours we spend doting over our gardens. For Traditional TransferwarePrior TimeThere’s lots to love about this Massachusetts antiques shop, which admittedly skews slightly cottagecore (the pink Baccarat perfume bottles! the hobnail milk glass vases! the huge primitive bread boards!) but the standout, for us, is the seller’s superior selection of dinner and serving ware. In addition to a lovely lot of mottled white ironstone platters and pitchers, you’ll find a curated mix of Ridgeway and Wedgwood transferware dishes in not only classic cobalt blue, but beautiful browns, greens, and purples, too.Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingPretty brown transferware could be yours with one quick "add to cart."For Folk Art for Your FloorsKinFolk ArtworkDesigned by a West Virginia watercolor and oils artist with a penchant for painting the past, these silky chenille floor mats feature an original cast of colonial characters and folksy scenes modeled after heirloom textiles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Expect lots of early American and patriotic motifs, including old-fashioned flags, Pennsylvania Dutch fraktur, equestrian vignettes, and colonial house samplers—each made to mimic a vintage hooked rug for that cozy, homespun feeling. (We have to admit, the folk art-inspired cow and chicken is our favorite.)For Historical ReproductionsSchooner Bay Co.Even in the most painstakingly appointed interior, buying antique originals isn’t always an option (don’t ask how many times we’ve been outbid at an estate auction). And that’s where this trusted Pennsylvania-based retailer for historical reproductions comes in. Offering a colossal collection of framed art prints, decorative trays, and brass objects (think magnifying glasses, compasses, paperweights, and letter openers), these connoisseurs of the classics have decor for every old-timey aesthetic, whether it’s fox hunt prints for your cabin, Dutch landscapes for your cottage, or primitive animal portraits for your farmstead.For General Store StaplesFarmhouse EclecticsHand-plucked from New England antique shops, estate sales, and auctions, the salvaged sundries from this Massachusetts-based supplier (who grew up in an 1850s farmhouse himself) are the type you might spy in an old country store—wooden crates emblazoned with the names of local dairies, antique apple baskets, seed displays, signs, and scales. Whether you’re setting up your farmstand or styling your entryway, you’ll have plenty of storage options and authentic accents to pick from here. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingSo many food scales, so little time.Related StoriesJackie BuddieJackie Buddie is a freelance writer with more than a decade of editorial experience covering lifestyle topics including home decor how-tos, fashion trend deep dives, seasonal gift guides, and in-depth profiles of artists and creatives around the globe. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her M.F.A. in creative writing from Boston University. Jackie is, among other things, a collector of curiosities, Catskills land caretaker, dabbling DIYer, day hiker, and mom. She lives in the hills of Bovina, New York, with her family and her sweet-as-pie rescue dog.

Everything you purchase for your home says something about you and your personal style, and we've found that to be especially true when it comes to your dishes. Which ones do you use to set the table on a Tuesday night when you and your family are gathered around the table to discuss what the kids learned today in school? And which set are you choosing for your annual dinner party with your longtime friends? Whether you like it or not, your choice in dishware—and ultimately, your tablescape as a whole—says a lot about you. As dishware aficionados, we can attest that there are simply too many patterns to analyze and assign to a type of person, so we picked five beautiful options that are both timelessly popular and unique. What's more, we asked Rebecca Gardner, founder of the interior design firm, event planning service, and online shopping platform Houses & Parties, for her hot take. "Things that you touch several times each day, like dinner plates, are due thoughtful consideration," she explains. "Imagine starting your day with a pretty coffee cup and saucer in lieu of a clunky handled mug. Suddenly, you're a new person." She's not wrong. Enjoying meals on beautiful pieces is transformative in a way that we may not realize.Below, the charismatic design expert assigns each of these pinnacle plates to a specific fictional "character," if you will. We dare you not to laugh.Related StoriesGinori 1735 Oriente ItalianoThe SophisticateProduct Shot Image"You registered for the Oriente set in the sophisticated Vermiglio colorway. Your sister has the Malachite. Thank goodness you two live in the same city with 24 dinner plates combined. The big oval platters are on her Christmas list—eight of them are for a bountiful breakfast or family-style feast. 'It's surprising how these two colors go with everything,' you surmise. The dishes are especially fresh with your tufted dining banquette that's upholstered in Le Lac chintz fabric. Your friends constantly say you're such a 'fearless' decorator."Buy them here.Hermès Cheval D'OrientThe BachelorProduct Shot Image"This pattern belongs to you, a dapper bachelor in your late 50s. You live in a contemporary apartment at the very end of the very coveted and exclusive South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, and your home's marble floors are covered in myriad Turkish rugs. Your Cheval D'Orient coffee cups get the most use, and you never take a sip without pointing your pinkie finger, donning a signet ring, straight up."Buy them here.Carolina Irving & Daughters Blue FlowerThe TraditionalistProduct Shot Image"These Portuguese blue flower dinner plates stack on the open kitchen shelving in her revival-style home in Buckhead, Atlanta. The kitchen was just renovated with a hidden coffee bar and a big island for casual cocktail buffets."Buy them here.Bordallo Pinheiro CabbageThe DecoratorProduct Shot Image"Half of these cabbage plates came from your grandmother's collection, but you bought 10 more to anchor the table with repetition. After all, they mix so well with your pantry that's full of mismatched treasures (sterling silver julep cups to Murano tumblers), which, somehow, are always on top of the frayed Decor Barbares fabric left over from a project you worked on years ago. You use the Cabbage tureen for cosmos and zinnias from the garden. Dinner is takeout, but you always take the cake."Buy them here.Crate & Barrel Cielo Scalloped The HostessProduct Shot Image"You are a regular host to your friends and family and known for serving fresh paella at summer soirées in Montauk. You have 50 of these white plates that your guests always want to know where to buy. The scalloped edge adds a little low-maintenance je ne sais quoi that lets your culinary creations shine.Buy them here.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

In the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya district – between the youthful buzz of Harajuku and the neon blur of the Shibuya Scramble – TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET offers a boutique hospitality experience that’s as much about feeling good as it is about doing good. Opened in 2017 with just 15 guest rooms, the hotel redefines what it means to travel consciously, blurring the lines between luxury, sustainability, and local connection. Photo: Courtesy of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET From the moment you step off the street and pass under the limbs of a towering zelkova tree at the entrance, it’s clear this isn’t your typical Tokyo stay. The building’s charcoal facade and minimalist geometry hide an interior that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive. Furniture made by Japanese artisans, recycled materials given new life, and curated artworks that rotate alongside permanent installations tell a story of thoughtful craftsmanship and quiet, but impactful, environmental stewardship. From the shampoo in your bathroom to the recycled bikes parked out front, the hotel’s guiding philosophy is embedded into everything you see. Photo: Courtesy of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET Designed to immerse guests in what the brand calls “socializing” and “localization,” this stay layers meaning into every detail. The interiors, conceived by Jamo Associates, with architectural design by MOUNT FUJI ARCHITECTS STUDIO, reflect what they call “Tokyo Design” – a thoughtful blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary minimalism. Each guest room is a singular expression, furnished with custom pieces and local artwork that honor both the heritage and future of Japanese design. No two rooms are the same, so every visit feels like a unique experience. Amenities and materials used throughout the rooms are sourced from or inspired by Tokyo itself – including iron factory remnants turned into hangers and sanitary boxes – adding a subtle but powerful sense of narrative to the space. This ethos extends to the minibar, where you’ll find hyper-local treats like Shibuya Beer and Shibuya Cola (a fizzy ode to the iconic crossing down the road), and the communal lounge space, which doubles as a gallery-meets-living room. A nod to locality continues into the konbini-concept shop next door, TRUNK(STORE), where visitors can pick up the same mugs and tableware used in the hotel – each piece made in collaboration with the Green Life 21 Project, using crushed and repurposed dishware from restaurants and schools across Japan. When hunger strikes, the hotel’s on-site restaurant offers a full sensory dining experience that feels more like a house party than a formal affair. TRUNK (KITCHEN) leans into Japanese-Western fusion, with open-kitchen seating and a private chef’s table where you can dine just steps away from the action. TRUNK’s version of hospitality goes deeper than soft sheets and sleek surfaces – it invites you to consider how the spaces we inhabit reflect the neighborhoods they’re part of, and how the smallest acts (like choosing local snacks or sipping from a repurposed ceramic mug) can contribute to something larger. Photo: Courtesy of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET What sets this hotel apart isn’t just its style (though that certainly helps), but its ability to make staying in Tokyo feel like connecting – to a neighborhood, to a culture, to an ethos. Photo: Courtesy of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET is less about the spectacle of travel and more about the subtleties – the details that make a stay feel personal, purposeful, and rooted. It’s a rare place where architecture, culture, and social responsibility coexist in harmony, right in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Photo: Courtesy of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET Photo: Courtesy of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET What: TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET Where: 5-31 Jingumae Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0001 Japan How much: Rooms start at approximately $422 per night Design draws: This 15-room boutique hotel offers a quiet retreat in the bustling area of Shibuya. The interiors, enhanced by rotating art installations and locally-sourced, eco-conscious materials, create a serene, modern sanctuary that celebrates both Tokyo’s vibrant culture and its commitment to environmental stewardship. Book it: TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET Photography by Maivy Tran, unless otherwise noted.

If whiling away your day in the garden (preferably while wearing something flowy) or decorating exclusively with brown furniture is your idea of a good time, then I’ve got some news for you: it’s time to embrace your inner grandma. Yes, 2025 is the year of the grandma, and the grandma-chic look has never been, well, chicer. Not only is it wildly affordable to decorate like your grandma, but it’s also an easy way to ensure your home exudes timeless warmth. Below, I share what the grandma chic aesthetic actually is and the tips of a few expert thrifters about how you can bring the look home on a budget.Related StoriesWhat Is the Grandma-Chic Aesthetic? ALUN CALLENDERTimeless rose motifs add grandma-approved cottage charm to any room.Somewhere between grandmillennial, cottagecore, and a hefty appreciation for antiques sits the grandma-chic aesthetic. “It’s really just about comfort and familiarity,” says Margo Roth, founder of House of Margo. Overstuffed cushions, timeless textiles, classic wood furniture, and a sense of come-as-you-are ease are foundations to the aesthetic. Look for faded floral motifs, painterly stripes, woven textures, and other twee touches to bring the look home. Just be sure to approach the aesthetic with authenticity. “A grandmother’s home has been slowly curated and decorated over decades,” says expert thrifter Riley Wigington. “You can’t go buy a bunch of floral prints from one store and call it ‘grandma-chic.’ You need to infuse your own personality into your selections and ensure a variety of patterns, textures, and colors in your decor.”Grandma-Chic Pieces to Look for at Thrift Stores While the grandma aesthetic is as wide ranging as it is cozy, there are a few key elements that exemplify the happily homespun look. Below, Riley and Margo share their must-haves to look for on your next trip out thrifting: BasketsCARLOS GARCIAWoven baskets of all shapes and sizes stand at the ready in this home from British designer Carlos Garcia.Both Riley and Margo say wicker baskets are the ultimate must-have Grandma-chic item. “I firmly believe you can never have too many,” says Margo. They offer instant texture and are often found at local thrift stores for under $10. “Look for varying shapes and sizes,” says Riley. “Bonus points if they can hold something practical, like blankets or your latest knitting project.” Margo also loves using one in her garden as a stylish vegetable trug. “They are the perfect example of functional beauty,” she says. Related StoryPieced Quilts Buff Strickland for Country LivingIn designer Claire Zinnecker’s Texas farmhouse, an antique wedding ring quilt adds a comforting layer of nostalgia to her guest bedroom.Blankets and throws are a given in any grandma-adjacent space as they encourage the cozy, laze-about vibe associated with grandma’s house. Quilts of all kinds are encouraged, especially pieced quilts, which are prized for their handcrafted charm. Look for quilts in good condition with even, tight stitching to ensure their longevity. When cleaning older textiles, use gentle detergents and hang them to dry. You can also spritz them with a 1:1 mix of water and vodka to remove any lingering smells. Patterned Plates Courtesy of Deborah ArendsFruit- and flower-themed dinnerware adds homespun charm to any plate wall.Calling all majolica and Burleigh Pottery fans: This is your permission to thrift even more patterned and transferware plates. “Hang them on your wall for a true grandma-chic look,” says Riley. Collected plate walls, which have long been a staple of formal dining rooms and cottage kitchens alike, offer a sense of lived-in flair at a relatively low price point. Stick to one pattern or color palette, or mix shapes, styles, and colors for a happily hodgepodge look. Related StoryDark Wood Furniture COURTESY OF TIM SALISBURY/ANNA SPIRO DESIGNThis antique mahogany dresser doubles as a bedside table in this pattern-filled room by Anna Spiro.Dark wood furniture—think mahogany or walnut—was once the standard. While it may have fallen out of fashion in the last 30 years, its timeless appeal remains, and it has experienced a slow revival in recent years. Choose utility pieces with personality, such as a hutch or china cabinet, for the ultimate statement. Related StoryPyrex Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingPatterned Pyrex is prized amongst in-the-know collectors and can fetch a pretty penny on the market.There’s a pretty good chance that your grandmother exclusively used Pyrex to store her leftovers. The colorful dishware’s inherent nostalgia and cheerful disposition make it one of the most sought-after antiques on the market these days. Stay on the hunt long enough and you might just find yourself invited to an exclusive Pyrex swap. (Expert collectors recommend checking Facebook for Pyrex swap groups in your area.) Related Story Cozy Armchairs David A. Land for Country LivingNew upholstered furniture is notoriously expensive, making thrifting a much more affordable way to achieve the same look. While thrifting upholstery may conjure up images (read: nightmares) of bedbugs or other unseemly tag-alongs, it doesn’t have to. “If the item is clean or can be cleaned, has a slipcover, or is practically unused, go for it,” says Margo. Like caring for vintage quilts, cleaning upholstery is easier than it seems. Sprinkle baking soda over the piece and vacuum it off, or simply spray it with the same 1:1 mixture of water and vodka mentioned above. Riley suggests looking for unexpected fabric patterns in either stripes or florals to infuse your space with a little personality. And, if you find a piece with good bones, but less than “chic” fabric, it may still be worth buying and having reupholstered (or tackling a DIY reupholstering project). For a chance at high-end designer fabrics, skip the thrift store and check out a local estate sale for a well-loved arm chair in need of a second life. Related StoriesGardening Tools Kate Sears for Country LivingFrom lawn sprinklers to watering cans, vintage gardening tools add easy patina to any space.Grandma hobbies, also known as the useful pastoral pursuits that were once integral to everyday living, are experiencing a resurgence, with gardening taking center stage. Whether they’re useful pieces salvaged from Grandma’s potting shed or totally decorative finds that add patina to a bloom room or entryway, vintage gardening tools are full of charm and an affordable way to infuse any space with rustic texture. Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

We may earn a commission from links on this page.Unboxing a new kitchen appliance is one of my favorite experiences—it’s a non-holiday present and I know what’s inside—how wonderful! But the instruction manual part really kills my vibe. I know tossing it aside will almost surely lead to failure, but I hate reading them anyway. In fact, I did read the operation manual for the Ninja Slushi, and I still managed to screw up my first batch of slush. (You can read about that experience in my review of the Ninja Slushi.) To help you avoid the shame of a ruined slush, not to mention reading the tedious instructions, I've assembled this step by step guide on operating your new Ninja Slushi, from set-up to clean-up.Notes on sugar and alcoholBefore getting started, know that what you put into the machine will directly affect your success. Specifically, the liquid you’re using must have at least 4% sugar content. If it doesn’t, it will become too icy, and the machine will have trouble scraping the frozen mixture out of the evaporator cylinder. (You can’t use artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes either, unless you want to fall down a rabbit hole of allulose and xanthan gum and brightly hued, sugar-free prepackaged slushie mixes.)Ninja provides a little chart indicating the minimum amount of sugar you need for a particular serving size. Make a simple syrup by mixing the amount of sugar with an equal amount of water and microwaving it until warm. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. This simple syrup can be added to your greater recipe mixture before pouring it into the Ninja Slushi (make sure to account for the water from your simple syrup in your overall calculations).  Even if you messed up and froze a cold brew mixture without any sugar by accident, you can fix it. (Maybe I know this first hand? Maybe I don’t.) The machine will stop if it detects a problem with your sugar content during the churning process. This is your chance to make a simple syrup with the correct amount of sugar and pour it in to the mix. Don’t add sugar directly to the chamber mid-freeze—it may have trouble dissolving into the partially frozen drink.Alcohol has a similar stipulation—a minimum of 2.8% and a maximum of 16% alcohol must be present to make a spiked slush that will freeze properly. Again, there's a helpful chart to guide you on your journey, but once you know these rules and abide by them, the machine will play nice.Now, let's make that slush.1. Set up the Ninja Slushi Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Like dishware, bakeware, and anything else from a dusty factory, it’s a good idea to take apart the Slushi and clean the parts with soapy water before you put food in it. That includes the drip tray, the main vessel, the condensation catch, and the auger (that spiral thingy). The silver evaporator is not removable, so just wipe it down with a soft cloth. Dry everything thoroughly.It’s no small appliance, so make sure you clear off a nice section of your countertop. There are vents on the sides and back, so give those areas room to breathe too. Put the parts back in their respective areas. The main vessel sits into the bail handle in the back, as you pull it backward. It won’t make a clicking sound, but it will sit there securely secure. Once reassembled, plug in the machine.2. Pour in the liquid mixture Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann The fun part is almost here! Open the hatch on the top of the main clear container. Pour the mixture in, all in one go. Depending on how your Ninja Slushi is situated on the countertop, this might be a little hard to do gracefully. I recommend using a pitcher or a bottle—any container with a somewhat narrow pour spout—for more precision. 3. Power up Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Click the power button on the control panel. All of the features should light up. On the left side, you’ll see the presets. Select the one that best matches the mixture you made: a regular soda slushie would be the “Slush” preset, an alcoholic slushie would be “Spiked Slush,” a coffee frappé would be the “Frappé” setting, and so on for milkshakes and frozen juices. This time, I decided to make a chocolate milkshake. Press the button you need and the right side panel should automatically light up with the number of bars that indicate the temperature. The machine should start churning, so all you have to do is wait. Note that this is the stage where the Ninja Slushi will alert you if you did not add enough sugar or if there’s a problem with the alcohol content. You know how to add more sugar, and more alcohol can go directly in the machine if needed—but if you added too much alcohol to start, you need to fix that by pouring in some water to dilute the mixture. If the tank is already at the Max Fill line, dispense some mixture before adding water to dilute it. 4. Dispense and adjust consistency  Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Once the Slushi has finished the setting cycle, it’ll play you a little ditty to signal it’s ready, but the auger will keep spinning. Grab a glass and hold it under the spout. Pull the handle toward you and hold it to dispense your slushie. The handle doesn’t have a locking mechanism while dispensing, so you have to keep pressure on it or it’ll spring shut. If you’re happy with your slushie’s consistency, hooray! If you aren’t, you can make it thicker or thinner by manually pressing the up arrow (for a thicker, colder slushie) or the down arrow (for a warmer, more liquid-y slushie). The machine will alert you when the new temperature has been reached.5. Clean everything thoroughlyAfter the party is over, you’ll need to clean up your Ninja Slushi. If there is still slushie left in the container, dispense it all into a bowl or container. You have to do this with the preset running because it’ll push the mixture down and out of the spout. Discard it or save it to slush another day. Turn off the preset and select the rinse button. Have a big container handy—I use a 4-quart pot as my helper of choice. Pour hot water all the way up to the Max Fill line, then put the pot under the spout and slowly dispense all of the water. Liquid comes out way faster than slush, so only pull the dispensing handle toward you maybe 30%. Once all of the water is out, stop the rinse cycle by pressing the rinse button again, then press the power button to turn the machine off. Unplug it and disassemble the same parts you washed earlier. I hand wash them with warm soapy water, but if you have a dishwasher, the directions say you can toss all the parts in there. Wipe down the evaporator with a warm, damp cloth. Dry everything off before assembling the pieces again for storage, or to make your next slushie.

There’s something about the devotion to simplicity we see in Scandinavian design. Clean lines and muted tones make it one of the most timeless design styles. But what happens when we infuse that signature calm with some modernism? The Curated Apartment, designed by Yevheniia Dubrovska and Yuliia Olenchyn and photographed by Yevhenii Avramenko, answers that beautifully. In this space, classic Scandi principles are complemented by bold materials and sculptural lighting. Let’s walk through the Curated Apartment and look through it. The living room in the Curated Apartment is rooted in Scandinavian principles. It features a muted palette of soft neutrals, crisp whites, and pale woods. These open up the room to light and air. But what truly elevates the space is the modern twist: sculptural furniture with organic curves, a striking brass chandelier that commands the ceiling, and bold yet balanced pops of color like the sunflower-yellow lounge chair and the teal-accented reading nook.  Each piece feels hand-selected, not for the sake of trend, but for how it contributes to the room’s sense of ease. Layered textures, including the subtly graphic area rug, add just enough dimension to keep things cozy without visual clutter. The kitchen in the Curated Apartment is a visual centerpiece. At first glance, you’re drawn to the exquisite veining of the marble countertops and backsplash. These ripple like fine art across the clean-lined cabinetry. The wood tones offer warmth and natural grounding, while the fluted white upper cabinets add texture. The kitchen transitions into the dining space with a glass-front cabinet, which turns dishware into decor. Whether it’s morning coffee or evening entertaining, this kitchen holds space for both ritual and beauty. The dining nook is effortlessly cozy and light-filled. The round wooden table encourages intimate conversation. The natural linen Roman shades filter in soft daylight. Paired with simple oak chairs and a touch of greenery, this Scandi-style space is designed for slow mornings, shared meals, and everything in between. In this bedroom, the bold, dark-stained headboard anchors the space with a sense of depth. The rest of the room remains airy and open. Light oak chevron floors and a sculptural shelving unit soften the contrast. Details like the matte black mobile chandelier and the wall-mounted globe sconce add a contemporary edge. This bedroom embraces a softer side of minimalism. With layered neutrals, warm wood tones, and gentle lighting, the space feels calm. The sculptural rattan screen and curved pendant bring texture and flow. This bedroom embraces a softer side of minimalism. With layered neutrals, warm wood tones, and gentle lighting, the space feels calm. The sculptural rattan screen and curved pendant bring texture and flow.