Mickalene Thomas Takeover: Why Everyone Wants Her Glittering Queens on Their Walls

Mickalene Thomas's exhibition series, 'Beyond the Pleasure Principle,' is a four-part, multi-site presentation across Lévy Gorvy galleries in New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong. This international exhibition features interconnected bodies of work, including paintings, illustrations, and video pieces, expanding on Thomas’s extensive study of the Black female body as a symbol of power, eroticism, agency, and inspiration. The timing and scale of this exhibition necessitated Thomas to work on multiple bodies of work simultaneously, tailored to the cultural audience and socio-political context of each city. The exhibition’s design is specifically adapted for each of its four locations. The series began in New York in early September, where Thomas unveiled her latest large-scale _Jet_ paintings. These works draw inspiration from vintage pin-ups found in _Jet_ magazine, a publication central to Black American life since 1952. Thomas recontextualizes these anonymous pin-ups through diverse material techniques, including silkscreen, oil, acrylic, and rhinestones, to celebrate their beauty, strength, and individuality. In these pieces, Thomas employs the formal language of 19th and 20th-century avant-garde movements to express freedom, fluidity, and experimentation. Furthermore, she integrates and highlights the political paradigm of Black liberation, positioning the works as a vanguard of American culture. The narrative continues in London, where the second part of the series delves deeper into the historical context of the source material. Seven new _Jet Blue_ paintings feature archival imagery from _Jet_ magazine, initiating a refreshed dialogue about beauty and identity in contrast to outdated cultural perceptions. These historical images carry significant personal weight for Thomas, as she typically works with subjects she knows intimately, and her adolescence in the 1970s profoundly influenced her artistic output. Additionally, this segment of the exhibition includes the debut of _Je T’aime Trois_ (2018), a film created in collaboration with her life partner and muse, Raquel Chevremont. Thomas’s artistic practice is dedicated to portraying Black beauty, femininity, and power in a manner that liberates these concepts from cultural oppression and marginalization. Her engagement with a touchstone of Black American culture like _Jet_ magazine underscores her commitment to making both historical and contemporary celebrations of Black identity, femininity, queerness, and transgressiveness more visible. The sequential presentation of the shows is critical for establishing a comprehensive narrative, allowing viewers to experience a cohesive journey. While the shows are distinct, each possessing unique aesthetic formalisms and references, collectively they form a thematically consistent thread concerning the Black female body, connecting the various cities and countries. The third and fourth chapters of the exhibition, opening concurrently in Paris and Hong Kong in October, offer audiences the opportunity to experience the full scope of Thomas’s vision both in person and virtually through installation videos, extending the artistic journey to a global audience. #MickaleneThomas #BeyondThePleasurePrinciple #BlackArt #FemaleArtists #ContemporaryArt #Exhibition #LévyGorvy #JetMagazine #BlackBeauty

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Montecito home, as showcased in their Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan" and previous virtual engagements, reflects a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic. The decor emphasizes classic modernism with clean lines, minimalist neutral palettes, and natural materials like linen, wood, and glass. The overall ambiance is designed to be fresh, airy, and calming, with a touch of bohemian spirit, incorporating elements such as macrame and aura-soothing crystals. Key decor elements that define the Duchess's style include a black and white striped vase, silk hydrangeas, and neutral striped cushion covers, all contributing to a cohesive and elegant look. Her coffee table features the book "Women: The National Geographic collection," and her walls are adorned with black and white minimalist graphic prints. Scented candles and diffusers, particularly Diptyque's Baies scent, are essential for creating an inviting atmosphere, appealing to all senses. Meghan's home office, for instance, showcases a large fig plant, a stone fireplace accented with a small lamp, and an "I Love You California" print. Other items observed in her office space include a vintage table, a British Burleigh teacup, and a Hermès blanket. Replicating this style involves incorporating items such as a glazed ceramic planter, an artificial fig tree, a vintage-look fireplace spark guard, minimalist table lamps, and a California bear print, alongside an Hermès-inspired throw and a cottagecore dining table. Comfortable yet stylish seating is also a highlight, as seen with a bouclé bean bag chair featured in the Netflix documentary, maintaining the neutral and cozy theme. The garden area of the Sussexes' home includes a rustic wooden bench adorned with bohemian decorative crochet pillows, reflecting Meghan's appreciation for natural and artistic elements. A distinctive personal touch in Meghan's home is the presence of cool crystals, such as a sparkling geode, which are believed to possess healing properties and aid in connecting with one's inner self. These are thoughtfully placed, adding an element of spiritual wellness to the decor. Her former Toronto apartment also exhibited a similar decor philosophy, featuring a rustic table, a glass vase, a silver Tom Dixon ‘Royalty’ diffuser, coffee table books, black and white art, and a Diptyque candle, indicating a consistent personal style. This article provides an accessible guide for those wishing to emulate Meghan Markle's home decor style, offering Amazon-sourced alternatives for various items, from decorative accents to furniture. The selection of products aims to recreate the aesthetic without requiring a royal budget, focusing on affordability while maintaining the essence of her sophisticated and natural living spaces. #MeghanMarkle #HomeDecor #AmazonFinds #RoyalStyle #MontecitoHome #InteriorDesign #MinimalistDecor #BohemianStyle #DuchessOfSussex

The article highlights Tyla's unique textured metallic wallpaper, observed from her Instagram post, which deviates from conventional wall coverings. This particular wallpaper, with its gold and purple hues, serves as a significant design element, transforming a wall from a mere surface into a focal point. Designers describe this choice as an 'experience' due to its tactile and visual qualities, offering a quiet drama and depth that paint or basic wallpapers cannot achieve. The wall covering's texture invites touch and engagement, making it a favored choice among design professionals. According to Nancy Davilman, principal designer at ND Interiors, textured wallpaper enriches a room by providing depth, mood, and dimension. It introduces contrast and movement, engaging multiple senses beyond just sight. The article emphasizes that textured wallpapers, whether woven grasscloth, linen-inspired textiles, or sculptural finishes like faux plaster or leather, bring life into a space. This sensory engagement contributes to a more dynamic and less monotonous environment, enhancing the overall aesthetic and feel of a room. A key benefit of textured wallpaper lies in its interaction with light. Davilman explains that its appearance changes throughout the day; morning sunlight can highlight raised patterns, while evening lamps cast soft, dramatic shadows. This interplay of light and shadow creates visual depth, ensuring the room feels continuously dynamic. This characteristic contrasts with flat surfaces, which tend to maintain a consistent appearance regardless of lighting conditions. The article also touches upon the practical advantages of textured wallpaper, specifically its ease of maintenance and ability to conceal imperfections. It acts as a forgiving surface, effectively masking uneven drywall, small cracks, or patchy areas. This functional benefit, combined with its aesthetic qualities, makes textured wallpaper a versatile and valuable design choice. The integration of metallic elements and a distinctive texture, as seen in Tyla's choice, exemplifies a growing trend in interior design where walls become interactive and multi-dimensional art pieces rather than simple backdrops. Overall, Tyla's wallpaper selection is presented as an exemplar of how innovative wall coverings can elevate interior spaces. It showcases how a strategic design choice can blend artistic expression with practical benefits, creating an environment that is both visually captivating and sensually rich. The article suggests that such textured metallic wallpapers represent a sophisticated approach to interior decoration, moving beyond purely visual appeal to offer a holistic 'experience' for occupants and visitors alike. #Tyla #TexturedWallpaper #MetallicWallpaper #InteriorDesign #WallCoverings #CelebrityStyle #HomeDecor #DesignTrends

The enduring popularity of 'The Golden Girls' extends beyond its humor to its iconic set design, which showcased a distinctive Palm Beach Regency style prevalent in the '80s and '90s. Many of the decor elements featured in the show have resurfaced as contemporary trends. This analysis highlights eleven specific design elements from the 'Golden Girls' house that are currently back in vogue, demonstrating their timeless appeal and versatility in modern interiors. A prominent feature is the extensive use of rattan furniture. From sofas to accent pieces, rattan served as a unifying element in the show's living spaces, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor furnishings. This trend is now embraced for its ability to introduce a relaxed, tropical vibe into various rooms. Another returning trend is the all-wood kitchen. Reflecting a '90s aesthetic, these kitchens offer a lived-in warmth and a sense of inviting comfort, contrasting with more minimalist or modern kitchen designs. This style often encourages a communal atmosphere. Blanche Devereaux's bedroom provides several examples of re-emerging trends. Her pink seashell chair, a glamorous and playful piece, aligns with current mermaid-core decor. Complementing this are seashell sconces, which, despite their initial kitschiness, fit into the broader trend of favoring ambient lighting over harsh overhead fixtures. The bedroom also showcases bold botanical prints, with Blanche's mix of pink and green serving as an inspiration for vibrant color combinations. Pampas grass, known for its breezy and beachy aesthetic, was a subtle but effective decor choice in the 'Golden Girls' house. It effortlessly integrates a coastal feel into interiors and continues to be a popular choice for adding texture and height to arrangements. Similarly, framed floral paintings, reminiscent of Henri Matisse's style, are noted as a valuable thrift store find that adds a classic touch to any mantel. Moving to the outdoor areas, wrought iron patio furniture, with its ornate details, represents a trend toward mixing decor from different time periods and styles, such as French Provincial. Terracotta floor tiles, found on the lanai, evoke a Mediterranean villa ambiance and are appreciated for their rustic charm, with options for indoor application through glazing. Even small details like Sophia's red enamel cookware set are recognized for their vintage charm and vibrant color. Collectively, these elements encapsulate the Palm Beach Regency style, a unique blend of Hollywood Regency glamour and Old Florida charm. This distinctive aesthetic, characterized by its vibrant colors, natural textures, and a sense of playful elegance, continues to influence contemporary interior design, proving that good design, much like 'The Golden Girls,' can truly stand the test of time and remain relevant across decades. #GoldenGirlsDecor #RetroRevival #PalmBeachRegency #RattanFurniture #AllWoodKitchens #SeashellDecor #BotanicalPrints #TerracottaTiles #VintageDesign #InteriorDesignTrends

Justina Blakeney, an acclaimed interior designer, artist, and author known for her maximalist bohemian style, advocates for bolder color choices in home decor. Following a challenging year that included the LA wildfires, Blakeney has found herself drawn to a new color palette, specifically a moody shade of purple-plum she calls 'eggplant' or 'mauve'. She believes this color is universally flattering and ideal for 'color drenching,' a technique where an entire space is painted in one shade to create an enveloping and cozy atmosphere. This shift represents a move towards more sophisticated and grounding hues compared to the brighter shades she typically uses. Blakeney’s influence on interior design trends is significant, having pioneered popular movements such as bohemian living rooms, indoor plants, and rug layering over the past 15 years. Her recent adoption of eggplant suggests it will likely become a major color trend for 2026. She notes that the color brings richness and depth, adding character to a space without making it feel cluttered. The versatility of eggplant makes it suitable for various rooms, from intimate spaces like bathrooms and powder rooms, where its flattering quality is beneficial, to larger rooms, where it can evoke a sense of warmth and embrace. For those considering incorporating this shade, several paint brands offer suitable options. Farrow & Ball's Brinjal, Little Greene's Adventurer (Color of the Year 2026), and Benjamin Moore's Chambourd are highlighted as perfect eggplant paints, each offering slightly different tones of deep red and purple. Beyond paint, Blakeney's Ruggable collection already subtly features deep purple accents, as seen in the Hilma Sunset Rug design, indicating the color's integration into her product lines. Individuals hesitant to commit to painting entire walls in eggplant can introduce the color through decor elements. Suggestions include dark eggplant throw pillows layered with ochre yellows for a trendy fall combination, eggplant-patterned sheets paired with neutrals for a softer look, or other decorative items like lamps and throw blankets. This approach allows for a subtle introduction of the color, enabling individuals to observe its effect and how it interacts with existing decor before making a larger commitment. The article provides specific product recommendations for bedding, lamps, throw pillows, wallpaper, candles, and rugs in eggplant shades, catering to various budgets and preferences for integrating the color. The article emphasizes Blakeney's trendsetting capabilities, suggesting that her embrace of eggplant now predicts its widespread popularity in the coming year. Her personal experience of redecorating after a significant life event has led to this evolution in her color preferences, highlighting how personal circumstances can influence design choices. The shift towards moodier, more sophisticated colors like eggplant reflects a desire for comfort, confidence, and coziness in living spaces. #InteriorDesign #JustinaBlakeney #ColorTrends #EggplantColor #HomeDecor #PaintColors #ColorDrenching #BohemianStyle

Martha Stewart has unveiled a new paint collection in collaboration with Fine Paints of Europe, featuring 40 nature-inspired wall paint colors. This partnership marks a return to the brands' previous collaborations, which began in 1994 and became highly regarded among design enthusiasts and DIYers. The new collection offers four finishes—flat, matte, satin, and brilliant—and is available for purchase on the Martha Stewart storefront on Amazon. The line includes reissues of popular shades from Stewart's original collections, such as Araucana Blue, which was inspired by the eggshells of her favorite chicken breed, the Araucana. Other returning favorites include Glass of Milk, a warm, pink-tinted white, and Sharkey Gray, a versatile greige named after Stewart’s associate, Kevin Sharkey. These reissued colors aim to bring back the beloved aesthetic of her past paint offerings. The collection is organized into three distinct color categories: warm, cool, and neutral. The warm palette is designed to evoke a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making spaces feel more comfortable and welcoming. The cool colors are intended to impart a sense of sophistication and calm, contributing to a serene and refined interior. The neutral range focuses on creating balance and subtle elegance, serving as foundational elements that can complement various design schemes. Martha Stewart emphasized that the collection was curated to be both functional and appealing, reflecting her philosophy that a home should cater to both practical needs and aesthetic desires. Stewart expressed her hope that this new collection will inspire consumers' next home projects, highlighting that paint serves as the fundamental element in a well-designed space. She noted that choosing the perfect core design elements, with paint being the foundation, brings the entire interior together harmoniously. Although the paints are priced at $125 for less than a gallon, the article suggests that the rich pigmentation and luxurious finishes may justify the cost. The original Fine Paints of Europe collections were renowned for their silky texture and high quality, setting a precedent for the current offering. This launch signifies Stewart's continued influence in home design and her commitment to providing high-quality products that enable individuals to transform their living spaces. The collaboration leverages the established reputation of Fine Paints of Europe for premium paint formulations and Stewart’s discerning eye for color and design. The collection's nature-inspired theme underscores a timeless approach to interior aesthetics, encouraging the creation of environments that feel organic and harmonious. The availability of these paints across various finishes allows for versatility in application, catering to different design preferences and functional requirements within a home. The article also mentions ongoing plans to test the paints and provide further feedback, indicating an interest in evaluating their performance and confirming the quality associated with both Martha Stewart and Fine Paints of Europe. The high price point suggests that these paints are positioned as a premium product, targeting consumers who prioritize durability, richness of color, and a sophisticated finish. The reintroduction of classic shades from Stewart’s past collections aims to appeal to a loyal fan base while also attracting new customers seeking trusted and aesthetically pleasing paint solutions for their homes. Ultimately, the collection is presented as an opportunity for homeowners to elevate their interiors with colors that are thoughtfully curated and inspired by the natural world. #MarthaStewart #PaintCollection #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #FinePaintsOfEurope #HomeMakeover #DesignInspiration #WallPaintColors #DIYHome

The article highlights a specific corner in Martha Stewart's 'tiny apartment' which she frequently uses for evening outfit photos, attributing its appeal to its Italian-style design. Stewart explicitly stated her design brief for the apartment was to emulate a 'mother-in-law's apartment in the back of the palazzo.' This particular space, featuring a stone fireplace and a gold mirror, is described as a masterclass in elegant gold decorating, avoiding an overpowering aesthetic. Key elements contributing to the luxurious feel include terracotta and marble-style floor tiles, high ceilings, and ornate crown molding, all reinforcing the Italian theme. The centerpiece of this admired corner is the combination of a striking stone fireplace and an opulent gold mirror. The mirror, reminiscent of museum pieces, is presented as a crucial decorative element. The article then suggests similar gold mirrors for readers to recreate the look, including a 19th Century American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror, a Willa Arlo™ Interiors Manawa Round Wall Mirror, and a contemporary Anassa Circular Mirror. These suggestions cater to different stylistic preferences and price points, enabling a broader audience to integrate such a statement piece into their homes. Beyond the aesthetic contribution of the mirror, the article emphasizes the significance of the stone fireplace itself. Owen Pacey, a fireplace expert from Renaissance London, is quoted, explaining that fireplaces serve as anchors for a space, providing context, personality, detail, and a sense of establishment. He stresses the importance of careful consideration when choosing a fireplace. Pacey elaborates on natural stone as a 'character builder' for a home, noting that the inherent imperfections and inconsistencies in each stone piece contribute to a unique quality. He further illustrates this point by mentioning the distinct pathways of Carrara marble veins and the one-of-a-kind constellations formed by nebulous fossils in jet-black Kilkenny limestone. The article concludes by asserting that natural stone, when introduced into a home, offers an authentic and warm effect, enhancing the home's fundamental structure. While it shouldn't be relegated to a secondary role, the individuality of each stone element, such as jambs, mantels, or corbels, elevates the fireplace to a work of art. Martha Stewart's admired corner exemplifies this principle, showcasing a harmonious blend of luxurious materials and thoughtful design that evokes a classic Italian aesthetic. #MarthaStewart #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FireplaceDesign #GoldMirror #ItalianStyle #CelebrityHome #LuxuryDecor #NaturalStone

Pink marble offers a luxurious and romantic touch to any room, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, though its versatility extends to various applications throughout the home. Its unique aesthetic can elevate a space, making it feel more sophisticated and personalized. The material comes in a range of shades, allowing for integration into both vibrant and neutral design palettes. One common application is in bathroom vanities, where pink marble can create a boutique hotel-like atmosphere. The addition of matching pink pendant lights further enhances this elegant look. For showers, pink marble can be used from floor to ceiling, creating a seamless and opulent feel. When paired with warm wood tones, pink marble offers a balanced contrast, adding depth and interest to the design. Large-scale pink marble tiles can be used in spacious showers to achieve a dramatic and cohesive appearance. The timeless combination of pink and green is also explored, demonstrating how pink marble can be effectively paired with green accents to create a classic yet stylish bathroom. Beyond bathrooms, pink marble can make a statement in kitchens, with a pink marble island becoming a focal point. This approach encourages homeowners to infuse personality and unique materials into utilitarian spaces. For those hesitant to commit to permanent architectural changes, pink marble furniture offers an accessible way to incorporate the material. Dining tables, coffee tables, or side tables made of pink marble can add a significant design element, though their weight and fragility are considerations. In kitchens, a pink marble backsplash, especially when complemented by similarly colored walls, can transform a mundane task like dishwashing into a more engaging experience. The article highlights that pink marble is not limited to bright hues; neutral pink marble options are available for those who prefer a more subdued aesthetic. In smaller bathrooms, a floating pink marble sink can add both charm and functionality, especially when paired with contemporary sconces that double as art. An all-pink marble bathroom can exude luxury, particularly when accessories and fixtures are kept minimal to allow the material to be the star. Updating shower tiles with pink marble is presented as an opportunity to refresh a bathroom's look and allow the walls to make a visual statement. Extending a pink marble backsplash to the floors can create an ultra-glamorous effect. Pink marble can also be adapted to various design styles, from traditional to modern, as demonstrated by a contemporary bathroom featuring black and brass accents that complement the marble. Brass hardware pairs particularly well with pink marble shower tiles, offering a subtle yet impactful upgrade. The material also combines beautifully with other colors, such as blue tiles, creating charming and colorful spaces. Beyond wet areas, pink marble can be used to elevate a fireplace surround, offering a unique alternative to traditional black, white, or gray marble. For a more immersive experience, pink marble flooring can be paired with corresponding pink walls and accent furniture, such as a bistro set. Finally, for those who prefer a minimalist approach, incorporating just a touch of pink marble, such as tiling on the side of a kitchen island, can add a subtle pop of color and personality without overwhelming the space. The cost of pink marble is noted to be around $25 per square foot, making it a more accessible option compared to some other marble varieties, though special ordering may be required. #PinkMarble #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign #MarbleFurniture #DesignTips #LuxuryInteriors #ColorSchemes

The article explores the growing popularity of gallery walls as a home decor trend, showcasing how various celebrities and even royalty have incorporated this style into their residences. Gallery walls involve curating a collection of framed prints or photographs to create a distinctive statement on a wall, adding both visual interest and personal character to a space. Poppy Delevingne, known for her role in 'Riviera,' features an eclectic gallery wall in her lavish West London living room, positioned above her sofa. This exemplifies how a gallery wall can serve as a central focal point in a well-appointed living space. The Queen's state dining room at Buckingham Palace is presented as a grand example of a gallery wall, albeit in a more traditional and opulent style. The room showcases decadent portraits in lavish gold frames on regal red walls, highlighting the timeless appeal of displaying art collections, even in a formal, historic setting. This room has hosted significant royal events, including the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Alex Beresford, a weatherman for 'Good Morning Britain,' adopts a mini gallery wall in his hallway, aligning with the muted color palette and minimalist aesthetic of his home. His choice of black and white abstract prints maintains a chic and cohesive theme. Actress Jessica Fox from 'Hollyoaks' is a notable advocate for gallery walls, incorporating multiple installations throughout her home, including her kitchen, living room, and a prominent display at the top of her stairs. Her enthusiasm for the trend underscores its versatility and ability to personalize various areas within a home. Molly-Mae Hague, a personality from Love Island, utilizes a black and white gallery wall in her home office, which she uses for filming YouTube videos. This demonstrates how gallery walls can be integrated into functional spaces, adding personality to professional or creative environments within the home. Lucy Fallon, formerly of 'Coronation Street,' implemented a gallery wall in her spare bedroom, collaborating with the brand Desenio to select prints and frames. This highlights the accessibility of creating gallery walls with assistance from design services or online tools. Danielle Armstrong, a star from 'TOWIE,' engaged the Style Sisters to design a gallery wall in her hallway. This installation features a collection of black frames in various sizes, illustrating how professional designers can curate impactful gallery displays. Zoe Sugg, widely known as Zoella, showcases a brightly colored and artfully curated gallery wall in her guest room. With a blue wall and yellow accessories, her gallery wall incorporates bold prints, including playful text, to infuse the space with personality and a vibrant aesthetic. This example emphasizes the use of gallery walls to enhance themed or color-coordinated rooms. #CelebrityHomes #GalleryWalls #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #RoyalHomes #DesignInspiration #PersonalizedDecor #HomeStyling

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

This article highlights an inspiring DIY home decor project undertaken by Maria Smith, who successfully created a captivating wall feature using inexpensive materials. Demonstrating that beautiful home aesthetics don't necessarily require significant financial investment, Maria utilized items she already possessed, along with a few low-cost purchases, to craft a unique and visually appealing piece of wall art. The project served as her inaugural "recycled project," emphasizing the potential for repurposing and creativity in home decoration. Maria's creative process involved gathering natural elements such as twigs from local woods, which she ensured were fallen branches, adhering to an environmentally conscious approach. These natural components were then integrated with scrap wood that she had considered discarding, transforming potential waste into a foundational element for her design. The primary expenditures for the project included two sets of fairy lights, purchased from B&M for £3.99 each, and a can of clear lacquer spray from Wilko, costing £5.50. Other materials like paint and wood glue were already available to her, minimizing the overall cost. The total expenditure for this striking wall feature amounted to approximately £13.48. Upon completion, Maria shared her DIY creation in the popular "DIY On A Budget" Facebook group, where it garnered widespread attention and praise. The post quickly accumulated an impressive 23,000 likes and thousands of positive comments, with many social media users expressing admiration for her ingenuity and the finished product's aesthetic appeal. Commenters frequently noted the project's suitability for various spaces, with many suggesting it would be "perfect" as a bedside accent. The simplicity and affordability of the project also resonated with the audience, inspiring others to consider undertaking similar creative endeavors. Maria further elaborated on her methodology in the comments section of her post, explaining how she assembled the frame from old pieces of wood found in her shed. Her motivation to recycle and avoid discarding usable materials underscored the project's sustainable aspect. The overwhelmingly positive feedback she received highlighted the communal appreciation for resourceful and budget-friendly home decor solutions. Many described her work as "lovely," "calming," and "genius," and several individuals expressed their intent to replicate her design, showcasing the project's inspirational impact. This article also references other similar DIY success stories, such as a woman creating a heart ornament from cardboard and sticks, and another who made a feature wall with sticky-back plastic, further illustrating the growing trend of creative, low-cost home improvements. #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetDecor #RecycledArt #WallFeature #FairyLights #HomeImprovement #CreativeCrafts #MariaSmith #AffordableStyle

The article highlights the resurgence of large, pictorial antique tapestries as a significant trend in contemporary interior design. These centuries-old textiles, often found in museums or European villas, feature rich, figurative motifs such as landscapes, hunting scenes, or historical events, meticulously handwoven on looms. Originally intended for wall mounting to insulate rooms in castles, these fragile historical pieces are now being integrated into modern, stylish homes globally by a younger generation of design enthusiasts. Several examples illustrate this trend. In the eclectic London home of Tish Weinstock and Tom Guinness, decorated by Rachel Chudley, a 19th-century landscape tapestry serves as the living room's focal point, with another adorning the morning room. Chudley emphasizes the tapestry's role as a 'mural,' creating an ethereal world and providing a textural counterpoint to other design elements, establishing the room's color palette. Another instance is a Victorian residence in New York’s Hudson Valley, where Workstead utilized a framed 19th-century tapestry above the living room sofa. The article further notes that Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele has been photographed against a large antique tapestry in his Rome abode, and art adviser Will Kopelman features a 17th-century Flemish tapestry depicting Charlemagne's coronation in his New York City apartment. Kopelman’s tapestry, a 15-footer, required craning through a 10th-floor window due to its fragility. For those who find full-scale antique tapestries impractical, the article offers alternative approaches. AD100 firm ASH NYC incorporated tapestry-covered pillows in a Los Angeles staging project, and stylist Mieke ten Have installed a Manuel Canovas linen blend fabric mimicking a Verdure tapestry as a large panel in her upstate New York bedroom. Ten Have expresses her appreciation for the feeling of being in a 'lush green pasture' indoors, noting that large-scale tapestries effectively 'moor a space.' Practical advice for acquiring and maintaining these pieces is also provided. Chudley suggests looking for signs of age, evidence of craftsmanship, interesting scenes, and pleasing color combinations when purchasing from auctions, antique dealers, or online platforms like Chairish and 1stdibs. For hanging, a simple pole is recommended for flexibility and to allow for the possibility of passing the tapestry down as a family heirloom, also contributing to a 'carefree, lived-in impression.' Regarding cleaning, professional services are advised beyond routine dusting. #AntiqueTapestries #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #TextileArt #HistoricalRevival #DesignInspiration #ArtAdvisory

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders have led to a significant increase in home-related DIY projects, with wallpapering emerging as a popular activity. Chasing Paper, a temporary wallpaper company, has reported a 25 percent surge in sales since the implementation of stay-at-home measures. The company's top three best-selling prints, Botany, Fine Point Floral, and Spring Leaves, are all botanical-inspired, indicating a trend toward incorporating natural elements into interior spaces. Elizabeth Rees, the founder of Chasing Paper, notes that customers are not wallpapering entire rooms but are instead focusing on smaller, more manageable areas. The majority of orders consist of one to four panels, suggesting a preference for tackling confined spaces such as staircase risers, wet bars, and the interiors of closets. This approach allows individuals to update their homes with minimal cost and commitment, making temporary wallpaper an accessible option for quick home refreshes during periods of self-isolation. The article provides three specific examples of how temporary wallpaper can be effectively used to enhance home aesthetics. One suggestion involves concealing an unsightly kitchen backsplash. Domino’s executive creative director, for instance, transformed her green-tiled kitchen backsplash by covering fiberglass boards with a vibrant Hermès print and sealing it with a clear silicone layer for splash resistance. This method offers a practical and stylish solution for updating a kitchen without extensive renovation. Another application is to revitalize transitional areas such as hallways, which are often overlooked in home design. The article highlights a San Francisco home where the corridor leading to the kitchen is adorned with a Josef Frank-inspired botanical illustration featuring various flowers. This demonstrates how a well-chosen wallpaper can turn a functional space into a visually engaging one, adding character and warmth to an otherwise neglected area of the house. Finally, the article suggests using temporary wallpaper to line recessed niches. In a Washington, D.C., home, designer Zoe Feldman covered one side of a former pass-through window with wallpaper after it was closed up, then added slim shelves for cookbooks and glassware. This strategy illustrates how even a small amount of pattern can have a significant impact on a space, transforming a simple alcove into a decorative and functional feature. These examples underscore the versatility and transformative power of temporary wallpaper for various home improvement projects. #TemporaryWallpaper #HomeRenovation #DIYProjects #InteriorDesign #BotanicalPrints #ChasingPaper #HomeDecor #SmallSpaceDesign #QuarantineActivities