The One Decorating Essential You'll Never Find in Martha Stewart's Home

Martha Stewart, the renowned decorating expert, recently shared her primary tip for fall decorating, emphasizing the importance of investing in durable, long-lasting items over "junk" that will be quickly discarded. She advises against purchasing expensive, short-lived items like fresh flowers that offer temporary beauty. Instead, she recommends opting for high-quality artificial alternatives, such as her self-designed artificial pumpkins, which can be reused year after year. Stewart highlights that these durable items, stored properly in containers like plastic tubs in a "holiday library," represent a sound investment that can be enjoyed for multiple seasons. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also offers long-term value, aligning with a practical and economical mindset for seasonal decor. In addition to her decorating advice, Stewart also reflected on a fascinating phenomenon she's observed regarding millennials and younger generations rediscovering and reinterpreting classic cooking techniques and trends. She humorously noted instances where younger individuals claim to have invented methods, such as the cheesecloth turkey basting or the presentation of a mound of butter, only for her to recognize them as practices that were common decades ago. Stewart illustrated this by referencing her 1982 entertaining guides, which featured these very techniques. Her observation underscores the cyclical nature of trends, particularly in cooking and homemaking, where "what's old is new again all the time." She concluded that "reinvention is the spice of life," acknowledging the continuous re-emergence and reinterpretation of past trends. This insight extends beyond the kitchen, resonating with the comeback of fashion trends from the '90s and Y2K eras. The article emphasizes Stewart's practical wisdom for fall decorating, urging readers to make thoughtful, sustainable choices for their seasonal home enhancements. Her advice to prioritize durability and reusability over fleeting trends is a key takeaway. Furthermore, her reflections on the re-emergence of classic techniques among younger generations provide a broader commentary on the cyclical patterns of trends across various domains, from home decor to culinary arts and fashion. The piece encourages readers to embrace timeless quality and appreciate the continuous evolution and rediscovery of ideas. #MarthaStewart #FallDecorating #HomeDecor #SeasonalDecor #SustainableDecor #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #MillennialTrends #ClassicTechniques #HomeImprovement

The article explores an often-neglected space in home design that interior designers consistently prioritize: the hallway. While homeowners typically focus design efforts on main rooms such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, a poll of 15 interior designers revealed that 10 experts identified the hallway as a crucial area that should not be overlooked. The hallway, frequently perceived as merely a transitional space, possesses significant untapped potential for enhancing a home's aesthetic and cohesive feel. Designers emphasize that investing creative energy in hallways can transform them into integral parts of the home's overall design narrative. Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs describes the hallway as "connective tissue — not just between rooms, but between design ideas." Sarah Beth Wood of Rigby Wood Interior Design highlights that passageways, especially those connecting key spaces, should be carefully considered, particularly in new construction. She suggests incorporating architectural millwork, faceted lighting, and wall coverings to elevate a basic hallway into a special journey. Homeowners often default to neutral paint and bare walls in hallways, neglecting proper lighting and architectural opportunities. This oversight results in a lack of personality in what could be a visually engaging area. Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan, states that small spaces like hallways can set the tone for the entire home, making it feel more inviting and personal. Yena Jung of By Yena Designs adds that these overlooked nooks and hallways can be transformed into memorable areas that draw attention. The article provides several practical suggestions from designers on how to elevate a hallway's design. Lighting is a key element, with recommendations for playful overhead fixtures like pendants or flush mounts, and decorative wall sconces to illuminate long corridors. Kristyn Harvey of Kristyn Harvey Interiors notes that repetition of light fixtures in longer hallways can create a strong statement. Architectural details, such as molding or wainscoting, are also highly recommended to add visual interest. Ellen Hatton, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects, suggests enhancing hallway openings with custom stained wood fretwork, arches, or pilasters instead of simple casing. Wall treatments offer another avenue for transformation, with designers advocating for bright paint colors, funky wallpaper (even on the ceiling), or textural paints like limewash or Venetian plaster, or a high-gloss finish. Ceiling design, often referred to as the "fifth wall," is presented as a significant opportunity to create impact in a small space. Hatton advises experimenting with bold ceiling treatments such as barrel or groin vaults, coffering, or eye-catching paint colors. The article also highlights the importance of mirrors and artwork, suggesting that large canvas prints or gallery walls can make a narrow corridor feel larger and add personal flair. Jung points out that a simple mirror in a corner or on a wall with a window can make a space feel more open and inviting. Runner rugs are recommended not only for protecting floors but also for introducing vintage styles or colorful patterns to transform the hallway's vibe. Interior designer Taniya Nayak suggests incorporating various prints through rugs, curtains, wall art, or even table books for a maximalist aesthetic. Finally, the article promotes the inclusion of tiny built-ins, even in small hallways, to serve functional purposes such as a homework area with a desk, a home bar, or a drop zone in an entry hall. Seth Ballad of DC Ballard & Mensua Architecture notes that even a simple niche bookshelf can add character to the space. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HallwayDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LightingDesign #WallTreatments #CeilingDesign #HomeStyling #SpaceUtilization

Brooke Lang, a principal designer at Brooke Lang Design, outlines twelve specific items and design trends she would avoid in her personal living space, offering practical reasons and alternative suggestions. Her insights aim to guide individuals in making more informed home design choices, moving beyond fleeting trends towards more timeless, functional, and personal aesthetics. Lang advises against an excessive use of precious antiques, suggesting that while vintage pieces can add character, too many can make a space feel dated. She recommends integrating vintage items sparingly, mixing them with modern decor to achieve a balanced look. Open kitchen shelving is another element Lang would forego, citing its impracticality due to dust accumulation and the need for perfectly uniform dinnerware. Instead, she recommends painting or updating existing cabinetry hardware for a kitchen refresh. Acrylic furniture, in Lang's view, belongs in the 1960s due to its lack of durability and inability to be easily repaired when scratched or cracked. She suggests opting for more timeless materials like wood or marble for furniture. Harsh lighting is also on her list of avoided items, as it can make a home feel sterile and unwelcoming. Lang advocates for warm lighting, recommending soft white or incandescent bulbs to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Wall hangings featuring inspirational quotes or general text are another design choice Lang dismisses, categorizing them as a modern-farmhouse trend that should be left behind. She encourages selecting more original artwork, such as landscape prints, vintage oil paintings, or colorful abstract pieces, to add contrast and personality to a room. Overly distressed furniture, a hallmark of the modern-farmhouse style, is also out. Lang suggests incorporating natural textures and raw finishes, like jute, bouclé, and linen, for a contemporary feel. Paper window shades are deemed acceptable only for temporary solutions during a move, but Lang advises investing in more sophisticated and affordable window treatments to elevate a space. She particularly notes that high-quality curtain rods and rings can significantly enhance the appearance of curtains. Small living-room rugs are another no-go, as they can unbalance a room. Lang emphasizes that a rug should serve as an anchor, large enough to fit at least two legs of each piece of furniture or extend 6 inches beyond the sofa on each side. Matching furniture sets are seen as lacking character and individuality. Lang promotes eclectic decor, encouraging homeowners to mix and match pieces to reflect their personal style and to allow for greater flexibility in shopping. Tufted sofas, with their often bulky appearance and diamond or square patterns, are also discouraged. She recommends lighter, more fluid options like sculptural or curved sofas to create a more inviting and visually pleasing living area. Finally, shiplap, while having rustic charm, is considered overdone and impractical by Lang due to potential damage and repair difficulties. She suggests limewash paint as an alternative, offering dimension and an old-world, vintage aesthetic. Laminate flooring is another material she avoids, emphasizing that original hardwood floors, if present, should be refinished rather than replaced, as it's a manageable DIY project that adds value to a home. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #BrookeLang #HomeStyling #Antiques #KitchenDesign #LightingDesign #FurnitureChoices

While significant elements like the right-size rug, a fresh coat of paint, or statement lighting can dramatically impact a room's aesthetic, smaller, often overlooked details also offer powerful avenues for transformation without necessitating substantial financial investment. One such element is the strategic selection and use of picture frames. Framebridge founder and CEO, Susan Tynan, emphasizes the dual purpose of framing: either to highlight the piece within or to serve as a design element in its own right. A clean, simple frame can direct focus to the art, photos, or mementos it encloses, allowing the content to be the primary visual draw. Conversely, a hand-painted, burl wood, or brightly colored frame can complement specific artworks while simultaneously making a distinct decorative statement. For instance, a bright cherry red frame can introduce a vibrant 'pop' to a gallery wall, or stand effectively as a bold individual piece. Frames also offer a unique opportunity for personalization within a living space. In an era where social media frequently dictates design trends, leading to potentially homogenous interiors, custom framing allows individuals to infuse their rooms with truly personal narratives and memories. Tynan likens framing to a gratitude journal, suggesting it serves as a tangible reflection of life's significant moments and cherished experiences, ensuring a space feels authentic and intimately connected to its occupants. The addition of mats further elevates the presentation of framed art, introducing a layer of sophistication and drawing the viewer's eye more effectively to the framed content. When selecting a mat color, Tynan advises opting for classic white, as it provides visual distance and allows the artwork to shine without competing with colorful mats. While colored mats can be used effectively with intentionality, their primary purpose should not be merely to match existing colors within the art. For those inclined towards a more maximalist approach, DIY patterned mats, such as those made from marbled paper, can introduce unique textures and visual interest. This involves tracing the mat shape onto the chosen paper, cutting it, adhering it to the existing mat, and reinserting it into the frame. Beyond traditional framing, other techniques and items can personalize wall decor. Float mounting, where artwork is positioned on top of the mat board, is ideal for pieces with deckled edges or to achieve a modern, dimensional look. Tynan also suggests framing 'artifacts from your life,' such as matchboxes, restaurant menus, or marathon bibs. These personal items evoke positive memories and, due to their unique shapes and dimensions, contribute texture and variety to wall displays. It is important to cultivate a 'collected feel' over time rather than attempting to fill a wall all at once with uniformly framed pieces. Purchasing all art simultaneously and using identical frames can result in an impersonal, catalog-like appearance. Instead, gradually updating walls with carefully chosen and varied framed items fosters a more authentic and lived-in aesthetic, reflecting a journey of personal style and experiences. #HomeDecor #PictureFrames #InteriorDesign #GalleryWall #PersonalizedDecor #FramingTechniques #MattingArt #DIYDecor