Join the debate: Interior designers are divided on Eva Mendes' controversial mantelpiece decor. What do you think?

The article addresses a recent online debate concerning the appropriate tablecloth size for a round dining table, a discussion that originated on Reddit's home decorating forum. The debate highlights various opinions on four tablecloth options presented by a Redditor for a circular table: 70 inches, 80 inches, 90 inches, and 108 inches. Commenters expressed differing preferences, with some favoring practicality, others aesthetics, and many advocating for a longer drape or an intermediate size like 85 inches. To resolve this common home decorating dilemma, the article consults design experts Mina Lisanin, a New York designer, and Arlyn Hernandez, a design content creator. Lisanin provides a formula for determining the correct tablecloth diameter: add twice the desired drop length to the table's diameter. For instance, a 48-inch table requiring a 10-inch drop would need a tablecloth at least 68 inches in diameter. She also differentiates between drop lengths for casual versus formal settings, suggesting a six-to-eight-inch drop for casual use and a 10-to-15-inch drop for formal occasions. Hernandez concurs with Lisanin's recommendations, specifically endorsing a 10-inch drop as a balanced choice that is both fashionable and practical, ensuring diners' feet are not entangled while maintaining a purposeful and homey aesthetic. This length is deemed suitable for informal gatherings involving meals like tapas or lasagna. Both experts agree that while a 10-inch drop is ideal for everyday use, more formal events might necessitate a tablecloth that reaches the floor. The article emphasizes that the choice of tablecloth length ultimately depends on the desired ambiance for the occasion. Casual family gatherings might benefit from a shorter tablecloth, whereas more elaborate feasts could call for longer, more elegant linens. Beyond size, Lisanin also advises considering the fabric, recommending cotton and polyester blends for durability in daily use, and linen or velvet for added sophistication during formal dinners. The article concludes by suggesting that once the appropriate size, shade, style, and fabric are selected, the tablecloth can be further enhanced with florals, dinnerware, and candles to create a refined tablescape. #TableclothSize #HomeDecorating #DiningTable #DesignTips #Entertaining #InteriorDesign #RedditDebate #FormalDining #CasualSettings

The article explores a contentious debate among homeowners and design enthusiasts on Reddit: whether kitchen backsplash tile should match bathroom tile. While a degree of cohesion is generally expected in home design, the extent to which this 'matchy-matchy' mentality should apply to tile across different rooms is a point of division. Leading designers offer their professional insights to address this trend, largely advising against matching tiles in these distinct spaces. Designers Christina Salway and Amanda Lantz both express a preference for variety rather than uniformity. Salway notes that she rarely matches kitchen and bathroom tiles, citing the abundance of beautiful tile options available, which makes doing the same thing twice unnecessary. Lantz echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the endless variety of tiles allows for each room to have its own unique character. This perspective highlights a move away from rigid matching towards more individualized and expressive design choices within a home. Instead of direct matching, designers recommend focusing on creating a cohesive look through alternative means. Amanda Lantz suggests leaning into differing textures while maintaining a consistent color palette. This approach introduces visual interest and personality to each space without making them identical. Christina Salway advises considering how a person moves through a house, emphasizing the importance of weaving colors from one room into the next to ensure a harmonious flow. This concept promotes a broader, more integrated design strategy that transcends individual room boundaries. Annie Downing, another designer, supports this idea by suggesting that tiles throughout a house should feel like they belong to the same 'family,' even if their patterns, colors, or materials vary. This allows for a diverse yet unified aesthetic, preventing a home from feeling overly coordinated. The article concludes by reassuring homeowners that a fear of overwhelming a space with color is easily remedied, particularly in bathrooms. Christina Salway points out that white paint and a white shower curtain can easily tone down a bathroom, encouraging homeowners to embrace tile as an opportunity to inject personality and enliven the space, rather than defaulting to an all-white scheme out of panic. Ultimately, the consensus among designers is to prioritize individuality and subtle cohesion over strict matching when it comes to kitchen and bathroom tiles. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TileTrends #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #DesignTips #HomeRenovation #ColorPalette #TexturalVariation

This article explores various home design trends often considered controversial, highlighting why individuals genuinely appreciate and implement them in their living spaces, often for practical and personal reasons that are overlooked in broader design discussions. The piece compiles insights from members of the BuzzFeed Community, offering diverse perspectives on these polarizing trends. Open shelving in kitchens, frequently criticized for collecting dust and animal hair, is defended by one respondent who argues that consistent use of dishes and glasses prevents such issues. This individual highlights the aesthetic appeal of open shelving, noting it often receives compliments from visitors. The practicality of open shelving is emphasized by its user-centric benefit rather than theoretical maintenance concerns. Open floor plans are another trend that receives mixed reactions. One person expresses dissatisfaction with their current home's enclosed layout, preferring an open plan to avoid feeling isolated while cooking and to foster family togetherness, especially during holidays. This perspective underscores the social and spatial advantages of open floor plans, suggesting their suitability depends on a household's specific needs. Barn doors are championed as effective space-savers, particularly for compact living areas. A contributor views the opposition to barn doors as a "privileged stance," implying that critics might not understand the spatial constraints faced by those living in smaller homes. This viewpoint stresses the functional benefits of barn doors over their aesthetic or perceived trendiness. Microwaves placed over the stove are defended for their convenience and efficient use of kitchen space, especially in smaller kitchens. A kitchen and bath designer argues against the trend of moving microwaves to lower cabinets, noting that bending over to access them is impractical and can pose safety issues for children. The designer emphasizes that while alternative placements may appear sleek, they are not always practical for everyone. The preference for multiple smaller bedrooms over fewer large ones is articulated by a 43-year-old from Utah. This individual appreciates the cozy feeling of smaller rooms and the ability to host more family members during holidays. This highlights a focus on functionality and family accommodation over spaciousness. Clear shower doors, often criticized for showing water spots, are favored by a Georgian resident who believes they make bathrooms feel larger. This person also notes that they are typically used in private settings where modesty is not a concern, dismissing the idea that they compromise privacy. This perspective prioritizes an expansive feel in the bathroom. Mounting TVs above fireplaces is a debated trend. A respondent argues that neck pain from viewing such a setup is indicative of excessive TV watching, and expresses satisfaction with the aesthetic, particularly when using a frame television that resembles art when off. This highlights a personal preference for visual integration and minimizing the appearance of technology. Water closets, which separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, are praised by a germophobe for hygiene reasons and for providing privacy, particularly in shared living situations. This emphasizes the health and privacy benefits derived from such a layout. Open kitchens are viewed positively by a Californian resident, who sees them as conducive to a shared social experience during guest visits. This perspective values the communal aspect of cooking and entertaining, contrasting with the idea that kitchens should be hidden due to mess. Painted brick is defended by someone who found their original brick fireplace aesthetically unappealing, stating that limewashing it enhanced the space while preserving texture. This illustrates how personal aesthetic preferences can justify altering original features. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is praised for its durability, ease of cleaning, and comfort underfoot, especially for households with toddlers and pets. The individual notes its realistic wood appearance and resilience to spills and scratches. This highlights practical benefits over traditional flooring materials. Black-painted house exteriors are preferred by a Floridian resident due to their low maintenance compared to white exteriors, which required frequent cleaning. This demonstrates a practical advantage in terms of upkeep and long-term appearance. Open staircases are appreciated for allowing light to flow through a home. A 73-year-old from California mentioned incorporating safety rods to protect grandchildren, combining aesthetic preference with functional safety. This illustrates how design choices can be adapted for both beauty and safety. Laundry closets are preferred over dedicated laundry rooms by a respondent who finds them more practical, as laundry is typically folded in other areas of the house while engaging in other activities. This emphasizes efficiency and multi-tasking convenience. Quartz countertops are highly favored for their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of aesthetic options, especially when compared to granite or butcher block. This highlights practical and aesthetic superiority over other countertop materials. Carpeting in bedrooms is advocated for its sound-dampening qualities, comfort, and warmth, particularly during colder months. This challenges the common aversion to carpet by focusing on comfort and practicality in a bedroom setting. Stovetop pot fillers are defended for their convenience, arguing that their utility in filling pots directly at the stove outweighs the minor inconvenience of moving the pot later. This emphasizes the convenience during the cooking process. Modern farmhouses, despite criticism, are appreciated for their clean, modern, and timeless aesthetic. A Texan resident defends this style, suggesting that much of the negativity stems from envy or misapplication of the style. Bare light bulb fixtures are defended, with an electrician recommending frosted bulbs to achieve a soft lighting effect while maintaining the fixture's aesthetic. This highlights how proper bulb choice can enhance controversial lighting styles. The absence of medicine cabinets in bathrooms is supported by a contributor who notes that medicine should not be stored in humid bathroom environments anyway. This practical advice addresses health and storage concerns. Wallpaper is lauded for its historical durability and ease of maintenance, especially for families with children, contrasting with paint which scuffs easily and is difficult to patch seamlessly. This advocates for the long-term practicality and aesthetic benefits of wallpaper. Farmhouse sinks are desired for their large size, which makes washing oversized pots much easier. This highlights a functional benefit for home cooks. Kitchen island cooktops are valued for enabling social interaction, allowing individuals to cook while engaging with family or guests. This emphasizes the social aspect of cooking and entertaining. Wood trim, often deemed outdated, is cherished by a 67-year-old from Ohio for its enduring beauty and the personal effort invested in its upkeep. This perspective emphasizes sentimental value, craftsmanship, and the timeless appeal of natural wood. Each of these perspectives offers a counter-narrative to prevailing design criticisms, underscoring that design preferences are deeply personal and often rooted in practical considerations. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ControversialTrends #PersonalPreferences #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingSpaces #DIYHome #ArchitecturalFeatures