Paper Pendants are Eternally Cool, So Here Are 12 We Love Right Now

Neutral colors like beige and gray are classic choices for interior painting, but jewel-tone paint colors offer a rich alternative, especially with current trends favoring color drenching and maximalism. This article explores 12 designer-approved jewel-tone paint colors that can infuse a space with vibrant, gemstone-inspired hues, whether for a subtle accent or an all-over color scheme. Each color selection is accompanied by insights from interior designers on its characteristics, recommended applications, and complementary pairings. Deep Sea Dive by Sherwin Williams is highlighted as a rich teal, balancing blue and green. Interior designer Margarita Bravo suggests pairing it with brass to emphasize warm tones and achieve a polished finish. Benjamin Moore's Dark Burgundy is presented as a bold and feminine color that adds warmth, particularly effective in cozy rooms like bedrooms when combined with other jewel tones such as deep emerald green. Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams offers a warm, inviting green that brings nature indoors, ideal for living rooms or kitchens. Karla Alvarado, a renovations developer, recommends pairing it with soft grays like Sherwin-Williams' Pewter or Taupe Tone for a modern yet cozy aesthetic. Benjamin Moore Blue, a pure azure, is noted by Feng Shui expert Laura Morris for evoking mystery, wonder, knowledge, and spiritual growth. Morris suggests this sapphire and indigo blue for spaces dedicated to personal growth activities like reading, meditation, or yoga. Copper Mountain by Sherwin-Williams is described as a chameleon-like shade inspired by Southwestern colors, or oranges and reds. Joyce Huston, lead interior designer at Decorilla, praises its ability to glow like a new penny in morning light and deepen to an earthy tone in the evening, making it suitable for a combined living and workspace. Benjamin Moore's Jade Green, like the stone, is a vibrant, earthy color that signifies abundance, joy, and prosperity. Morris recommends it for powder rooms with light-colored stone finishes to create revitalizing energy. Bamboozle by Farrow & Ball is a deep, rich green with a hint of blue, offering depth and complexity that shifts with light. Huston notes its ability to create an intriguing atmosphere and suggests pairing it with brass or gold accents and indoor plants for a nature-inspired look. New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore, a sapphire-inspired deep blue, can make a bold statement or create a calming environment. Interior designer Alexandra Peck favors it for cabinetry, particularly kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, and has also used it for walls, wood trim, and ceilings for a super-saturated effect. Behr's Emerald evokes a feeling of nature and can be combined with natural materials like wood and stone. Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D, highlights its elegance and calm, recommending it for bedrooms and workspaces to encourage focus. Smouldering Red by Benjamin Moore, with warm orange and brown undertones, is a powerful and auspicious color. Morris suggests this garnet-like shade for a front door to make a bold statement, balancing well with pale gray and black exterior finishes. Glidden's Onyx is described as a sophisticated, mysterious, and deep jewel tone that can also function as a neutral. Juzėnaitė recommends pairing it with lighter, more neutral colors and materials such as metal, wood, gold, and stone. Finally, Etruscan by Benjamin Moore is presented as a safe option for those new to vibrant jewel tones, offering a rich, earthy red with captivating depth. Huston finds it warm, inviting, and sophisticated, particularly suitable for living rooms and libraries to create a cozy, enveloping atmosphere. #JewelToneColors #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #MaximalistDesign #DesignerFavorites #ColorPalettes

Pendant lights are versatile and eye-catching fixtures that can enhance the ambiance and functionality of various rooms, including bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. These lights are suspended from the ceiling by a chain or cord and typically feature a shapely shade that directs light. When selecting a pendant light, the material of the shade is an important consideration. For mood lighting, materials like glass, linen, or woven bamboo that filter light are recommended. For task lighting, solid metal shades are more suitable. The article provides a curated list of 19 pendant lights across various price points, categorized for easy selection. The "Top Picks" section highlights a range of styles and functionalities. For instance, the Mack & Milo Rincon One-Light Black and Clear Single Pendant is praised for its affordable, modern globe design suitable for bedrooms, breakfast nooks, or kitchens, despite requiring a separate lightbulb purchase. The West Elm Sculptural Cone Pendant and Article Jarre Pendant Lamp are also noted for their designs. In the under $200 category, the Birch Lane Presley One-Light Single Empire Pendant is lauded as the best overall choice due to its timeless empire silhouette, availability in multiple finishes, and dimmable feature, though its opaque metal shade directs light downwards, limiting its effectiveness for illuminating large rooms. The Mercury Row Rodarte One-Light Single Pendant offers elegant task lighting with four size options and an adjustable height, available in matte black or creamy white, but lacks a wider range of metal finishes. Other options in this range include the AllModern Laroche Steel Dimmable Pendant and West Elm Henry Pendant. The under $300 section features the Pottery Barn McCarthy Three-Light Glass Pendant, a statement-making set with varied, hand-blown glass shades and a hand-applied antique bronze finish, ideal for industrial, farmhouse, or loft interiors, though it is not dimmer-compatible and only comes in one finish. The Joss & Main Patterson 3-Light Metal Dimmable Globe Chandelier is presented as an excellent option for bathrooms, available in natural brass, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze, providing unobstructed light, but requires regular cleaning of its glass shade. The CB2 Nassa Woven Bamboo Pendant Light and Shades Of Light Fire and Earth Pendant Dome are also suggested. For those looking to spend under $500, the Kelly Clarkson Home Diana Four-Light Kitchen Island Pendant is recommended for its linear design that visually expands kitchen spaces and evenly distributes diffused light through linen-blend fabric shades, available in four classic finishes, though the fabric may be prone to staining. The Ballard Designs Margot Single Pendant is deemed best for bedrooms, offering a relaxing atmosphere with its classic fabric shade and aged brass hardware, fitting French country, traditional, transitional, and cottage bedroom designs, but its traditional style might not suit modern aesthetics. The Eloise Lighting Collection Scallop Milk Glass Pendant and Birch Lane Newson Transparent Outdoor Metal Hanging Lantern are also mentioned. In the $500 and up category, the Rejuvenation Hood Classic Pendant stands out for its high customizability, crafted from solid brass hardware and hand-blown glass shades, allowing selection of nine hardware finishes, custom lengths, and 18 glass shade silhouettes, with the caveat that customization increases the price. The Birch Lane Reid Four-Light Lantern Pendant is ideal for vaulted ceilings, featuring a streamlined geometric silhouette and four candle-style lights, available in satin brass, antique brushed nickel, or brushed nickel, though its large size might necessitate professional installation. The Visual Comfort Country Semi-Flush Bell Jar Lantern and Lulu and Georgia Gala Wide Pendant Light are additional high-end choices. Key considerations before purchasing a pendant light include its type (globe, bell, linear, cone, empire, dome, shaded, mini, multi-light, or jar-style), materials (metal, glass, fabric), installation type (hardwired or plug-in), dimensions, and minimum/maximum height. The article advises measuring ceiling height and clearances to ensure proper fit and proportion. It also explains that the number of lumens required depends on the space size, desired brightness, shade type, and number of bulbs, with higher lumens for brighter illumination and lower lumens for mood lighting. A dimmer switch is recommended for versatility. Finally, guidance is provided on determining the appropriate number of pendant lights for kitchen islands, dining tables, bedrooms, and bathrooms, emphasizing balanced spacing. #PendantLights #HomeLighting #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LightingFixtures #KitchenLighting #BedroomLighting #DesignTips #HomeImprovement

Pendant lights are increasingly popular for dining rooms, acting as both functional lighting and a decorative focal point. This article explores 18 distinct dining room pendant light options, highlighting how they can elevate interior design without the formality of a full chandelier or the subtlety of a flush mount. The discussion emphasizes the versatility of pendant lighting, showcasing a range of styles from linen and wicker to alabaster, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. The selection aims to provide inspiration for creating a polished and inviting atmosphere in the dining area. The pieces featured are chosen for their ability to add a decorator-level touch, suitable for various occasions, from entertaining guests to enhancing everyday meals. The article positions pendant lights as an elegant yet understated solution for modern dining spaces, moving beyond traditional lighting clichés and embracing contemporary design formulas. The curated list includes designs from various brands and materials, demonstrating how different pendant lights can contribute to the overall ambiance and style of a dining room. It also touches upon current trends in lighting, suggesting that carefully selected pendant lights can make a significant impact on the perceived elegance and modernity of a space. The author, Julia Demer, a Style Editor at Homes & Gardens, draws on her expertise in fashion and interiors to guide readers through these selections, ensuring the choices align with both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for dining room illumination. #DiningRoomLighting #PendantLights #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LightingTrends #DecorativeLighting #Elegance #ModernDesign

Velvet, a material historically associated with nobility and luxury, has re-emerged as a significant trend in both fashion and home décor. While some might consider it a fleeting trend, experts in interior design suggest that velvet has consistently maintained its relevance as a classic fabric. Its presence on recent fashion runways, as highlighted by publications like Women's Wear Daily and Harper's Bazaar, where designers such as Armani, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Gucci featured velvet in their collections, underscores its renewed popularity. This fashion resurgence has naturally influenced interior design, a field often drawing inspiration from fashion trends. Interior designers, such as Cincinnati-based Amy Youngblood, view fashion trends as a driving force for interior design, offering creative avenues for exploration and self-expression. John McClain, an interior designer from Orlando, Florida, and author of "The Designer Within," considers velvet a staple in his upholstery choices. He points out its excellent sound abatement properties, noting its use in a home theater wall installation for a client, and its preference as a seating cover. McClain emphasizes velvet's ability to offer deep color and a luxurious feel, making it suitable for formal settings. He also highlights the practicality of commercial-grade synthetic velvet, which provides a similar soft texture and sophisticated appearance to natural cotton velvet but with enhanced resilience, making it a viable option for everyday use. Jessica Dodell-Feder, executive editor at HGTV Magazine, concurs that velvet has always been a classic fabric, valued for its texture and depth without relying on patterns. She, along with her home and style directors, believes it never truly disappeared from design. Dodell-Feder recommends performance velvet for families, especially those with pets, due to its ease of care and comparable plushness to real velvet. Jillian Hayward Schaible, a designer in Milton, Massachusetts, also advises clients to opt for performance velvet for furniture if they need a pet-friendly or family-friendly option. She notes that velvet adds depth and sheen to various pieces, from furniture to accents. Velvet is typically made from natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen, or wool, though less expensive versions often incorporate synthetic blends. Performance velvet, in particular, is made from polyester, offering durability and easier maintenance. The design community has even coined terms like "Plazacore" by Domino magazine, referring to a style that includes velvet throws, alongside crystal and polished metallics, to evoke a glamorous, old-world aesthetic. In terms of color, McClain suggests light neutrals, even for households with children, but also advocates for colorful velvet pieces to create a bold statement. New York City designer Gideon Mendelson frequently incorporates velvet into sofas, chairs, headboards, and walls, favoring soft grays and camels, as well as deeper shades like teal, chocolate brown, and burgundy. HGTV's deputy home director, Lora Yoon Huh, observes a trend toward warm, sunset-inspired colors for velvet, such as ochre and orange, while also noting the appeal of pale pink velvet pillows in recent magazine shoots. She explains that velvet's unique ability to catch light gives any color a beautiful dimension. Designer Nicole Fisher utilized champagne-hued crushed velvet for a bed in a New York City home to achieve a sophisticated yet comforting ambiance. She also used vibrantly patterned velvet ottomans in a TV room to complement sapphire-blue walls, demonstrating the material's versatility in creating a cozy atmosphere. Retailers like Anthropologie, Arhaus, Article, and Lulu and Georgia offer a range of velvet furniture, while Aerin provides velvet trays and picture frames. Thuma features a washable velvet headboard cover, and Parachute offers washed cotton velvet bedding in various hues. For a more innovative application, Artaic has developed mosaic tiles that mimic the look of crushed velvet, available in emerald and cabernet. #VelvetDecor #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDesign #FabricTrends #LuxuryFabrics #HomeDecor #PerformanceVelvet #FashionInfluence #UpholsteryChoices

After the holiday festivities conclude, the task of packing away decorations often presents a challenge, given the diverse array of items from artificial trees and delicate ornaments to tangled lights and gift-wrapping supplies. To simplify this process and prevent clutter, a comprehensive test of 16 popular holiday storage options was conducted to identify the most effective solutions. Each product was evaluated for its durability, convenience, ease of use (including opening, closing, lifting, and carrying), and overall value for money. Expert insights from clutter coach and organizing expert Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, CEO and Founder of A Pleasant Solution, and Jan Arkwright, CEO of Before & After Organizing by Jan, were also incorporated to provide professional advice on selecting holiday storage. Four top picks emerged from the testing, each excelling in specific storage needs. For ornaments, the Sattiyrch Plastic Christmas Ornament Storage Box was highlighted for its firm, sheer plastic exterior, flexible design, and removable dividers that can accommodate various ornament shapes. It offers storage for up to 64 baubles, features a secure hinge lid, side handles for maneuverability, and a label pocket for easy identification of contents. The material is durable, protecting against moisture, dust, and bugs, and the box maintains its sturdiness during packing. However, its main drawback is its inability to be stacked multiple boxes high. For gift-wrapping supplies, the Treekeeper Gift Wrap Craft Station was lauded for its convenience and generous capacity. Constructed from durable polyester-finished canvas, it offers numerous compartments, successfully holding 20 rolls of wrapping paper, 13 gift bags, and various accessories like scissors and ribbons. It features sturdy handles and two wheels for easy transport. Despite its effectiveness, a minor design flaw was noted: the zipper does not fully enclose the container, potentially allowing pests entry, and its kickstand proved ineffective when the container was full. When it came to storing gift bags, the ProPik Christmas Storage Organizer stood out. While initially appearing flimsy, it gains structure once filled. It includes Velcro pockets for easy access and zippered compartments for smaller items. The organizer, which is not heavy when full, provides multiple carrying options with top and side handles. Its design makes it ideal for upright storage of gift bags, even larger ones up to 20 inches in height. While adaptable for ornament storage, it lacks internal organization to prevent items from shifting, necessitating additional protective wrapping. The product is reasonably priced and available in four colors. Lastly, the Santa’s Bags Three Drawer Ornament Box was recognized for its excellent design for fragile and sentimental ornaments. Assembly of its cardboard inserts is straightforward, and it offers a single compartment to safely store 72 ornaments across three easily sliding drawers. A magnetic closure on the side ensures easy access, and weighted magnets secure the cardboard compartments. This box is specifically designed for standard-sized, round ornaments, meaning oddly shaped or larger ornaments may not fit. The box demonstrated considerable sturdiness, with drop tests confirming that ornaments remained in place, validating its slightly higher price point due to its effective design and robust dividers. Ultimately, the choice of the best holiday storage depends on specific needs. For general ornament storage, the Sattiyrch Plastic Christmas Ornament Storage Box is recommended for its durability and space. For organizing gift wrapping essentials, the Treekeeper Gift Wrap Craft Station offers unparalleled convenience. The testing process involved evaluating 16 popular containers over several weeks for factors such as capacity, zipper functionality, portability, and protective qualities. Experts emphasize the importance of selecting storage based on size, material (considering storage location), and protective features to ensure decorations are kept safe from damage and environmental factors, and are easily accessible for future use. For oddly shaped ornaments, alternatives like removing dividers, using original packaging, or utilizing smaller containers like metal tins or egg cartons are suggested. #HolidayStorage #OrnamentOrganization #GiftWrapStorage #HomeOrganization #SeasonalDecorStorage #StorageSolutions #ProductReview