Influencer explains why she and husband sleep in separate bedrooms: 'We have a really healthy marriage'

The concept of "sleep divorce," where couples choose to sleep in separate beds or rooms for better sleep, is gaining traction, with even high-profile figures like King Charles and Queen Camilla adopting the practice. This trend is driven by various factors, including snoring, differing preferences for room temperature, and the desire for personal space. A recent YouGov study highlights that one in five couples now sleep separately, with women more likely than men to report better sleep quality when sleeping alone. This shift in sleeping arrangements is influencing the furniture market, particularly the demand for new beds, especially as holidays approach. The increasing popularity of solo sleeping or the need for additional sleeping arrangements, particularly for guests, has led to a surge in demand for single beds. Habitat has reported a 52% year-on-year increase in single bed sales, and other retailers like Love Your Home and Rowen & Wren are also seeing strong sales in this category. For instance, Rowen & Wren has introduced luxury single beds like the Mila, featuring Belgian linen loose covers. Single beds offer a practical solution for smaller rooms that double as offices or guest accommodations, optimizing space while providing a comfortable sleeping area. Alongside the rise of single beds, there's also a significant demand for beds with built-in storage, known as ottoman beds. These beds address the need for efficient storage solutions in homes, allowing individuals to keep items like off-season clothing discreetly tucked away under the mattress. Barker and Stonehouse have noted a 75% increase in searches for "ottoman beds" and report that these designs constitute 68% of their bed sales. Other retailers like Heal's, Furniture Village, Love Your Home, and Willow and Hall are also experiencing strong sales in this segment, with storage beds making up a substantial portion of their bed sales. When it comes to choosing bed sizes for a shared sleeping arrangement, retailers generally advise opting for the largest possible bed that fits the space and budget. While larger options like super-king and emperor (7ft by 7ft) beds exist, the king-size bed remains a bestseller across numerous retailers, including Graham & Green, Neptune, Heal’s, and Pinch. The Laure bed from Pinch, for example, combines elegance with comfort through its upholstered frame, curved headboard, and slender American walnut legs, exemplifying a popular choice among those seeking a balance of style and practicality. The article suggests that while single beds serve a functional purpose, the king-size bed continues to reign supreme for those who prefer to share their sleeping space. #SleepDivorce #BedDesignTrends #HomeInteriors #BedroomFurniture #SingleBeds #OttomanBeds #KingSizeBeds #StorageSolutions

This article details the transformation of a large, awkwardly shaped family bathroom into a luxurious, spa-like sanctuary. The homeowners initially faced a long, galley-shaped room in poor condition, featuring carpet, metallic wallpaper, and broken tiles. Despite its size, which prompted initial thoughts of splitting it into two rooms to create an additional bedroom, the owners ultimately decided to retain it as a single, expansive bathroom. This decision was made after realizing the significant costs associated with converting part of the space into a bedroom. The renovation project began after two years of the family sharing a small en suite while the rest of the house underwent renovation. The original family bathroom was described as a "filthy carpeted room" with a bath awkwardly placed in the center. The owners engaged Ripples, a design firm, to manage the transformation. Ripples handled the design and coordinated with the building contractor, ensuring a smooth process. While the homeowners acknowledge they could have saved money by managing some aspects themselves, they valued having a central point of contact for the project, which proved effective. A key design element implemented was the compartmentalization of the large space. A stud wall was introduced to separate the shower and bath area from the toilet and sinks, creating distinct zones within the expansive room. This approach successfully made the disproportionately large bathroom feel more intimate and functional, preventing it from feeling cavernous. The owner expresses immense satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the calming atmosphere the renovated bathroom provides. They now consider it a wonderful quiet space for unwinding, contrasting it with their previous need to visit a gym to de-stress. The article also highlights specific design choices that contributed to the bathroom's luxurious feel. Twin basins with matching lights and mirrors were installed, not only to fill the large space but also to achieve a desirable "hotel-style bathroom" aesthetic. The placement of the bath under a replaced Velux window allows for stargazing while soaking, enhancing the relaxation experience. Initially, the design included only one tall storage unit for a minimalist look, but the family's practical needs for maximizing storage led to the installation of two units, prioritizing function. The shower is a standout feature, described as "phenomenal," and the inclusion of wooden wall paneling was a deliberate choice to recreate the relaxing spa ambiance the owners enjoy from their experiences in spa hotels. The success of this renovation has led the owners to consider engaging Ripples again for their en suite bathroom, which remains in a dated 1970s style. #BathroomRenovation #SpaLikeBathroom #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #LuxuryBathroom #AwkwardLayoutSolutions #HomeRenovation

Kia and Bob Barker, residents of Oak Hill, undertook a significant renovation of their master bedroom and bathroom in their 5,000-square-foot French manor-style home. The couple, parents to three young children, desired a private sanctuary to escape their demanding daily routines. Their existing master suite, characterized by a dated 1990s aesthetic, featured a heavily draped pink-and-blue bedroom with a terracotta Southwestern-style fireplace and a builder-grade bathroom with dark counters and unattractive tiles. They enlisted Oakton-based interior designer Pamela Harvey to transform the space. Harvey aimed to blend Kia's traditional preferences with Bob's more modern tastes, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable retreat. The renovation began with the bathroom, which was poorly designed, featuring a walk-in closet off the bedroom and a divided layout with a sunken tub and small shower in one section, and vanities in another. Collaborating with builder and building engineer Bob Street, Harvey reconfigured the bathroom's layout, moving the closet to the back and completely opening up the space, retaining only the enclosed WC in its original position for cost efficiency. The new bathroom layout includes a wall of double vanities and lower cabinetry, a built-in dressing table with a tall corner storage tower, a double shower, and a freestanding tub in its own niche. Bob Barker, who favored a spa-like, modern bathroom, influenced the inclusion of heated floors, dual-head rain showers, and a sculptural tub. Both Kia and Bob appreciated marble, leading Harvey to select Calcutta Gold for the floors and a laser-cut chevron wall in the shower, appreciating its warm and cool tones. To prevent the strong veining of Calcutta Gold from being overwhelming, Harvey incorporated calming Mystic White marble for countertops, shower sidewalls, and as a “pencil liner” atop the bricked Calcutta Gold wainscoting in the bathtub niche. Additional bathroom design elements include an L-shaped arrangement of vanities and a dressing table against a contemporary damask-patterned wall covering, pearl-gray cabinetry with crystal knobs and polished chrome pulls, champagne-finish framed vanity mirrors, and a subtle sky blue paint on the ceiling. Acrylic accents, such as drapery hardware, a dressing table stool, and a tub table, were used to maintain an open, airy, and light feel. For the master bedroom, Bob Barker was keen on a complete overhaul, describing the old space as “hideous” and wanting a stylish, magazine-like appearance. Harvey addressed this by replacing the old fireplace with a contemporary one featuring a seamless sheet of smooth porcelain and a floating gas-fueled firebox. The bedroom’s color palette extends the neutral tones from the bathroom, incorporating charcoal grays, chocolate taupes, and forsythia yellows, with warm gold as the metallic accent. The design achieves a sophisticated, modern elegance with traditional grounding elements, fostering a relaxed atmosphere suitable for both adults and children. Kia desired a softer, more romantic bed, leading to the selection of a charcoal gray velvet platform bed with gray piping. This was layered with crisp white bedding and numerous pillows in the room's color scheme. Bob's preference for modern design was reflected in the inclusion of leather chairs and a white lacquered desk with shagreen drawer fronts and a sculptural metallic base, serving as a functional yet artistic element in the spacious 380-square-foot room. Harvey opted for mismatched nightstands—a darker faux reptile-finish chest for Bob and a white lacquer one for Kia—to add visual interest and avoid a overly matched look, while fluted gold gourd-shaped porcelain bedside lamps and gold-framed wall mirrors provided cohesion and glamour. A beaded chandelier and an acrylic-based, tufted botanical print bench further enhanced the stylish touches. Harvey utilized a mix of fabrics, including velvet, leather, linen, and textured embroidered materials, and incorporated diverse patterns in the window treatments, which featured floor-to-ceiling textured linen panels and flat valances with embroidered floral designs, along with pull-down blackout shades. The completed master suite provides the couple with a cherished retreat, where they can relax and unwind after their children are asleep, establishing new rules to preserve the sanctity of their newly remodeled space. #MasterSuiteRemodel #InteriorDesign #OakHillRenovation #LuxuryBathroom #BedroomDesign #HomeRenovation #PamelaHarvey #MarbleDesign #FamilyHome

This article details the home renovation project undertaken by Victoria and Marcus Ford, focusing on the transformation of their bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. The couple's approach to home decor is described as "intentional," selecting items that reflect their personalities and bring soul to their living spaces. The bedroom makeover centered on creating a tranquil retreat using a light blue paint color for the walls, complemented by darker blue tones in a patchwork quilt and a Kazak-style rug. Personal touches such as souvenir pennants, vintage tennis rackets, and an old state fair sign were integrated to add meaning. A gallery wall above the bed features reproduced "Black ABCs" flash cards, reflecting Victoria's appreciation for African American culture. For functionality, a multipurpose desk replaced traditional nightstands, accommodating work-from-home needs and paired with a repurposed barrel chair. The bedroom also incorporated a pillow-top mattress from the Country Living Welcome Home collection to enhance comfort. Nautical elements, including a flag with Captain James Lawrence's famous order and wooden African American sea captains, were introduced on a dresser, which was painted in Sherwin-Williams' Courtyard, to align with Marcus's interests. The bathroom underwent a significant reconfiguration, moving from an off-center vanity layout to a symmetrical design featuring two wooden vanities. This transformation incorporated a mix of ribbed hardware, brass sconces, chrome faucets, and brass-framed mirrors to create a layered, evolved aesthetic. A large-scale, four-inch hexagon tile flower motif on the floor provided a fresh yet nostalgic feel. A key design element was the sixty-inch-tall blue beadboard wainscoting, adding both height and texture to the space. The shower area was also expanded by removing a glass door, and its walls and ceiling were covered with handmade dusty blue subway tiles, designed to seamlessly integrate with the bathroom's blue theme. For the laundry room, an unused bedroom and an extra hall closet were combined to create a dedicated and spacious area. The new layout features a space-saving laundry tower, built-in cabinets with folding space, and a small work sink. The couple chose a navy and white striped shirt motif wallpaper, which Victoria found appealing and appropriate for the room's function. A large checkerboard tile floor, laid diagonally, was selected to visually expand the space and complement the wallpaper and navy high-gloss paint on the millwork. A vintage sink, reminiscent of Victoria's childhood, was installed, accompanied by a print from artist Elizabeth Mayville. The article highlights the detailed choices and personal touches that defined each room's renovation, resulting in spaces that are both functional and deeply personal to the homeowners. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #BedroomMakeover #BathroomRemodel #LaundryRoom #DecoratingIdeas #CountryLiving #HouseTour

Krista Mileva, an MIT Ph.D. student, and Jared Frank, an interior designer based in Los Angeles, have maintained a bicoastal relationship since 2017. Their enduring connection is evident not only in their upcoming two weddings—one on the East Coast and another in Los Angeles—but also in the thoughtfully designed Cambridge apartment that Frank curated for Mileva. This apartment serves as a physical manifestation of their bond, offering Mileva a sense of her fiancé's presence even when they are apart. The apartment, located in a 1922 Georgian Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offered a unique blend of historical charm and modern updates. The unit had been remodeled in the late 1970s by the original architect's son, incorporating oak built-ins and terracotta tile while eliminating interior hallways to foster an open flow. Mileva and Frank discovered the apartment during a lo-fi FaceTime tour, and despite the technical challenges, recognized its potential. Its advantageous layout, featuring windows that offered views of both a front courtyard and a back garden in every room, was a significant draw for the couple, who value natural light. Frank's design philosophy for Mileva's Cambridge residence contrasted sharply with his own bustling Silver Lake home. He aimed to create a quiet, cozy, and minimalist sanctuary, a space conducive to Mileva's academic pursuits. This vision translated into a light-filled environment, with walls and ceilings painted in a creamy tone and a white rug chosen to enhance the spacious feel. To further amplify the natural light, Frank incorporated sheer curtains and two Isamu Noguchi lanterns, which diffuse a warm, inviting glow throughout the living room. Mileva notes the inspiring presence of these mid-century design elements, particularly relevant to her studies on organic forms in the postwar era. The apartment also reflects Mileva's current doctoral research on the history of grottoes. A framed Giorgio de Chirico lithograph, depicting a Surrealist scene of figures gathering in rocky pools, directly references her studies. Additionally, sculptural lamps on the bookshelves evoke the aesthetic of architect Gae Aulenti's 1970s Amalfi Coast cave home, further intertwining her academic interests with her living space. These details demonstrate Frank's thoughtful approach to creating a home that not only provides comfort but also intellectually stimulates Mileva. The design underscores the idea that a supportive living environment, filled with objects chosen with care and understanding, can be as meaningful as direct interaction in a long-distance relationship. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #MinimalistStyle #LongDistanceRelationship #CambridgeApartment #GeorgianRevival #MidCenturyModern #DesignInspiration #AcademicHome

Marie Lu, a bestselling author, and Primo Gallanossa, a game designer, sought a flexible and inspiring urban sanctuary in downtown Los Angeles's Arts District. They commissioned architecture firm CHA:COL to transform a 1,450-square-foot live/work loft into a space that could accommodate their writing and game design needs between frequent travels. The design brief emphasized creating a creative den for work, relaxation, and retreat. CHA:COL, led by design principals Apurva Pande and Chinmaya Misra, drew inspiration from the couple's professional backgrounds, particularly the game "Monument Valley" and the whimsical geometries of M.C. Escher. The central element of the loft is the "Writer’s Block," a custom-designed, multifaceted piece of oak veneer millwork. This versatile unit functions as a desk on one side, a lounge on the other, and incorporates shelving, effectively dividing the space while offering multiple uses. The design aimed to allow the clients to navigate and inhabit the loft in unique ways, much like Princess Ida moves through different levels in the Monument Valley game. The loft's design integrates both two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements. For example, white oak planks from the Writer’s Block seamlessly transition into FLOR carpet tiles that extend up an opposing wall, complemented by a matching mural. This playful mashup creates an optical illusion, making the two-dimensional elements appear three-dimensional and vice versa. Extensive studies were conducted to achieve the precise geometry for the wall art, eventually simplifying to paint swatches to complete the effect. Beyond the primary workspace, the loft also includes dedicated sleeping and kitchen areas. The kitchen features IKEA cabinets and a peninsular bar designed to encourage social interaction. Acoustic considerations were incorporated into the design, and the space is illuminated by a Zaneen pendant in addition to natural light from a facade of windows. The bathroom features a minimalist, monochromatic aesthetic with a custom white lacquer vanity and Porcelanosa tiles. The sleeping area is discreetly tucked away at the back of the loft, illuminated by a George Nelson Saucer Lamp. The project successfully created a highly functional and creatively stimulating environment. Initially conceived as an occasional getaway, the loft proved so effective that the clients found themselves spending more time there, reducing their need for frequent commuting. The design prioritized a simple, streamlined palette and carefully selected light fixtures that enhanced the spatial flow and movement within the loft, creating an urban oasis that fosters creativity and well-being. #LiveWorkLoft #CreativeSpace #GameDesignInspired #MultifunctionalFurniture #LosAngelesArchitecture #SmallSpaces #InteriorDesign #CustomMillwork

Sweet Laurel cofounders Laurel Gallucci and Claire Thomas embarked on a significant home renovation after Gallucci and her husband, Nick, purchased a fixer-upper. Their initial project involved transforming the old master bedroom into a combined laundry room and a master bathroom. This layout change provided them with considerably more space, addressing previous limitations such as sharing a single sink, which Gallucci noted was functional but that having two sinks was a pleasant upgrade. A unique feature of the new bathroom is the integration of an infrared sauna system directly into the sealed-off shower, complete with a spacious bench for relaxation during eucalyptus oil–scented steams. The shower's design also incorporates a sophisticated sound system, a detail Nick, a former audiophile, meticulously oversaw. Given the shower's generous size, comparable to a car interior, he enjoyed designing the acoustics to allow for loud music playback without disturbing other areas of the house. Gallucci, on the other hand, prefers calming sounds and classical tunes for her shower experience. Nick, who works as a sustainability engineer, also focused on practical amenities, including heated floors and an advanced Toto toilet. While Nick handled the technical aspects, Gallucci and Thomas concentrated on the aesthetic, particularly the color palette. Their inspiration for the floor-to-ceiling emerald green hue came from Gallucci’s appreciation for Old Hollywood and Art Deco styles. To achieve a striking monochromatic effect, every surface was covered in this shade. Dunn-Edwards’s Mission Jewel paint was used for the walls and ceilings, while Fireclay’s hexagon and herringbone tiles in Venetian Green adorned the shower interior. Thomas emphasized the importance of texture in a monochromatic room, noting that pattern is an effective way to introduce it. The combination of hexagon and herringbone tiles, including a distinct herringbone orientation on the shower stall's ceiling, was chosen for its timeless appeal and ability to add visual interest. The tile installation was a month-long process, requiring meticulous work from the tile setter. The couple, both tall, deliberately positioned the single window in the room to allow views of the sky and trees while maintaining privacy. Two oversized round mirrors were incorporated to maximize natural light within the emerald green space. Thomas explained that choosing a rich, deep color and applying it extensively can surprisingly make a room feel more expansive rather than cave-like. The chosen shade successfully achieved this desired effect, creating a vibrant and luxurious master bathroom. #BathroomRenovation #EmeraldGreen #TileDesign #HomeRenovation #MasterBathroom #InteriorDesign #MonochromaticScheme #ArtDeco

Property expert and presenter of 'New Life in the Country', Sarah Beeny, advocates for traditional homes with distinct rooms rather than open-plan layouts, advising first-time buyers to consider houses with walls. Beeny believes that while open-plan designs are popular, they do not necessarily lead to greater happiness. She bases this advice on her personal preference for maintaining separate spaces from her husband, Graham Swift, even within their own home, an ongoing renovation of a 22-acre sheep farm. Beeny explains that the ability to have a personal space where one does not constantly see or hear their partner is beneficial for relationships. She emphasizes the importance of being able to "shut the door" when desired, highlighting the value of privacy and individual retreats within a shared living environment. This perspective challenges the modern trend of removing internal walls to create vast, communal living areas, suggesting that such designs might neglect the human need for occasional solitude and personal boundaries. Beeny's candid remarks stem from her 18-year marriage to Graham Swift, acknowledging that like any couple, they experience "ups and downs." Despite potential disagreements, she recalls a pivotal conversation with Graham, where he pointed out that since divorce was not an option for them (due to their shared commitment to their four sons: Rafferty, Charlie, Laurie, and Billy), they had to choose between being "miserable" or having "a laugh" within their marriage. This philosophy underpins her belief in creating a home environment that supports both togetherness and individual well-being. Her Channel 4 program, 'Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country', documented her family's move from London to Somerset in 2018 to renovate a farm. The show featured her sons prominently, and despite a viewer's inquiry about whether the filming process was intrusive for them, Beeny confirmed they enjoyed it and that a second series was in production. This indicates a consistent family dynamic that, despite the demands of filming and public life, values both shared experiences and personal space. Ultimately, Beeny's advice is rooted in the practical and emotional benefits of a home design that allows for both connection and individual retreat, promoting a balanced family life. #SarahBeeny #OpenPlanLiving #HomeDesign #PropertyAdvice #FamilyLife #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CelebrityNews #HousingTrends

Laura and Rian, a couple from the Midlands, successfully reconfigured the ground floor of their home to create a dream open-plan living space, saving over £30,000 in building fees by opting for a room swap instead of an extension. They transformed their overly large living room into an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and subsequently converted the old kitchen into a cozy snug. This innovative approach allowed them to achieve their desired home layout, which better suited their growing family with two young children, without incurring the substantial costs associated with a traditional extension. Upon moving into their home, the existing kitchen was small and separate, posing challenges for Laura, a homes journalist, who needed to supervise her toddler while cooking. Initial quotes for a kitchen extension were around £30,000, a sum that was prohibitive when combined with the cost of a new kitchen, flooring, and finishing touches. Laura, drawing on her expertise, decided to explore alternative layouts by printing floorplans and sketching new configurations. She realized that their existing living room was excessively large, with furniture only occupying a third of the space, making it an ideal candidate for conversion into a spacious kitchen and dining area. The adjacent old dining room was then designated to become an open-plan sitting area, and the original kitchen was reimagined as a snug living room. The couple undertook a significant portion of the renovation work themselves. They stripped out the rooms, removing old wallpaper, carpet, and a fireplace. Rian, on furlough from his job as a pilot, taught himself plumbing through YouTube tutorials to reposition radiators and manage the kitchen's plumbing. While they largely agreed on design choices, a minor disagreement arose over keeping a 1960s archway, which Rian initially wanted to remove but later grew to appreciate. A family friend who was a builder assisted with structural changes, including adjusting window openings, adding a side door, and relocating the room's entrance to offer a view of the garden upon entry. Professional help was enlisted for kitchen fitting and flooring installation, acknowledging the limits of their DIY capabilities. For the kitchen design, they utilized a free Zoom consultation with Magnet, opting for a modern take on a traditional style with blue and grey Shaker units and white quartz worktops. The layout featured a U-shaped kitchen with an island that served as a breakfast bar, equipped with an AEG double oven, induction hob, and integrated fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. Finishing touches included herringbone luxury vinyl flooring from Karndean and marble hexagon tiles from Topps Tiles for the splashback. The dining area was furnished with velvet sofas from Swyft and a black glass storage cabinet from JYSK. Approximately a year after completing the kitchen, they tackled the transformation of the old kitchen into a small living room or snug. Again, they performed most of the work themselves, aside from plastering and floor fitting. This snug, completed in March, became a perfect retreat for watching TV after the children were asleep. It featured a corner sofa from Next, accessorized with cushions from Dunelm, and walls painted in 'Good Intentions' from COAT Paints. A natural rattan lampshade from MADE.COM added to the ambiance. Travel photographs from before they had children adorned the walls, adding personal touches and complementing a bottle green velvet snuggle chair from Next that offered garden views. A bespoke, built-in media unit, painted by Laura in a color matched to 'Green Smoke' by Farrow & Ball, provided storage and concealed the TV, serving as a display for books, plants, and decorative items. The entire renovation project demonstrates how strategic room swapping and dedicated DIY efforts can result in a personalized, functional, and cost-effective home transformation. #HomeRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #KitchenDesign #DIYHomeImprovement #CostSaving #RoomSwap #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign

A recent trend on TikTok has sparked a widespread debate among users, centered on whether their families are considered a 'living room family' or a 'bedroom family.' This discussion revolves around where family members typically choose to spend their free time while at home. A 'living room family' is characterized by individuals gathering in communal spaces like the living room to relax, watch television, or engage in activities together. Conversely, a 'bedroom family' refers to a dynamic where individuals, particularly children and teenagers, tend to retreat to their separate bedrooms for downtime and personal activities. The core of the TikTok trend involves users sharing their own family dynamics and opinions on which approach is more beneficial or relatable. Many parents and users on the platform suggest that being a 'living room family' indicates that children feel secure and do not need to isolate themselves in their rooms to decompress or switch off. This perspective highlights the importance of fostering a shared family environment where interaction and collective relaxation are prioritized. Monika Puccio from Sofa Club, an expert cited in the article, explains that a living room family enjoys spending time together in their living room after work and school, or during any leisure period. She contrasts this with a bedroom family, where members prefer to unwind in their individual rooms. The trend has prompted reflection on the social and emotional implications of these family habits. While some argue that communal living room time strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of togetherness, others advocate for the importance of personal space and individual autonomy that a 'bedroom family' dynamic might offer. The author of the article, for instance, expresses a personal preference for the 'bedroom team,' emphasizing the value of having a private space for unwinding and achieving 'sacred peace.' This stance suggests that while collective family time is important, the need for individual space should not be overlooked. The debate also touches upon the practicalities of family life. For larger families or those with diverse interests, it can be challenging to coordinate activities in a shared living space. Different preferences for TV shows, gaming, or other hobbies can lead to individuals seeking solitude in their rooms. The article acknowledges this complexity, noting that a family of four with varying tastes might find it difficult to always convene in the living room. Therefore, the trend is not just about a preference for space but also about adapting to different needs and desires within a household. Ultimately, the TikTok trend serves as a platform for people to discuss and analyze their family environments and the subtle ways these arrangements impact their daily lives and relationships. It highlights the varying definitions of relaxation and family bonding, prompting individuals to consider what works best for their own household dynamics while acknowledging the pros and cons of both 'living room family' and 'bedroom family' lifestyles. The expert's input reinforces that both approaches have valid reasons behind them, and the discussion is largely about personal comfort and family harmony. #TikTokTrends #FamilyDynamics #LivingRoomFamily #BedroomFamily #SocialMediaDebate #ViralContent #FamilyLife

Jane Keltner de Valle, cofounder and CEO of Paloroma, and her husband, architect Giancarlo Valle, sought the advice of feng shui master Yung Siu after renovating their loft in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood. Initially expecting minor suggestions, they received more profound insights, particularly concerning the exposed columns and beams in their 1914 factory building loft. Siu indicated these structural elements could negatively impact well-being, prompting the couple to address their then 3-year-old son Roman’s bedroom. Rather than undertaking another major construction project, they devised a creative solution by installing a flowing canopy over Roman’s daybed. This canopy served to mitigate the perceived negative energy from the overhead beams, creating a cozy and private "camping out" atmosphere for their son. Five years later, this feng shui-approved design remains. Roman, now 8, shares the room with his 3-year-old sister, Paloma, who recently transitioned from her crib. To accommodate both children comfortably, the couple replaced Roman's original Donald Judd-inspired daybed with a custom bunk bed. Giancarlo Valle designed this bunk bed to function as a "room within a room," taking advantage of the loft's high ceilings to incorporate chunky posts and a wide ladder. The design also allows for easy on-site assembly, breaking down into five pieces that interlock like a puzzle. Each bunk is equipped with reading sconces, providing individual light sources and fostering independence for both children. The top bunk, designated for Roman, is described as his "private little world in the clouds," while the bottom offers Paloma her own space. Giancarlo's signature wavy furniture designs are integrated into the bunk bed's posts, resembling "giant beanstalks." This wavy motif is consistently applied throughout the children’s long bedroom hallway, featuring built-in drawers and bookshelves with rippling edges. This millwork not only serves as storage for clothes, toys, and artwork but also optimizes otherwise unused space, freeing up the main area for a work and craft table. For the room's color scheme, Jane opted for a gender-neutral palette that moves beyond traditional grays, choosing powder blue and muted orangey red. This color combination holds personal significance for the couple, having appeared in various aspects of their children's lives since Roman's birth. Jane describes the pairing as classic, timeless, whimsical, and fun. The chosen bedroom palette also influenced the branding of her children's skincare business, Paloroma, a name derived from her children's names. Paloma and Roman are actively involved in trying out new products, fostering a sense of pride in the brand. Despite the potential for Roman to desire his own room as he gets older, the siblings genuinely enjoy sharing their unique and thoughtfully designed space, even missing each other when one is away. #KidsRooms #FengShui #HomeDesign #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign #BunkBeds #ColorPalette #ArchitecturalDesign #ChildrensBedrooms

A Baltimore-based family with two young sons sought to transform their home, desiring a serene environment that still embraced art and color. They enlisted interior designers Robin Heller and Jen Levy of Surrounded by Color to overhaul their upstairs living quarters and add a new room off the kitchen. The primary goal was to minimize the appearance of everyday family chaos and integrate functional spaces seamlessly into the home's aesthetic. The project encompassed renovating three bedrooms, updating the primary bathroom, relocating the laundry room, and constructing a small yet impactful addition. The design strategy for the children's bedrooms focused on creating memorable and cozy spaces. The designers utilized a rich mix of patterns, fabrics, and wallpapers, allowing the boys to choose finishing touches for their rooms. Each room was outfitted with a reading chair, storage shelves, and plush rugs over wall-to-wall carpeting, fostering a sense of safety and coziness. For the primary bedroom, the challenge involved accommodating a king-size Blu Dot bed within a modest footprint that was slated to become slightly smaller. Heller and Levy commissioned custom utilitarian boxes from a local millworker to extend the headboard, integrating sleek reading lights and hidden outlets. The designers chose a deep jewel-toned blue paint for the entire primary bedroom, including ceilings, walls, and doors, to create a monochrome, serene atmosphere and distinguish it from the rest of the house. During the reframing, the couple intentionally reduced the bedroom's square footage to expand the bathroom and create a dedicated laundry zone, thereby eliminating the temptation of using a lounge chair for clutter. The renovation of the primary bathroom and the creation of an upstairs laundry room were significant changes. The previous closet and bathroom were gutted and reframed, allowing for the new laundry area. The addition of sliding doors and an existing skylight, which extends into the bathroom, contributed to an airy feel in the laundry room, making the chore more pleasant and providing an option to conceal laundry piles. For the laundry room's palette, the designers drew inspiration from Barragán and Mexico City, using Backdrop’s Barragán Cito pink for the walls, a teal blue for the ceiling, and Formica countertops in Earthenware. The primary bathroom’s design was influenced by the home's overall aesthetic, the couple’s art collection, and their appreciation for mid-century modern design. A unique shower wall pattern with wider grout lines than typical tile jobs was implemented, which initially raised questions but ultimately achieved the intended distinctive look. A wide picture window in the shower, overlooking a woodsy backyard, became a cherished feature. Local architecture studio Ziger/Snead developed the plans for the new addition, which the homeowners refer to as a 'refuge.' The designers prioritized incorporating wood and varying textures to prevent the space from appearing too 'new build' or 'slick.' This was achieved through faux plaster walls, large windows, and tile flooring, complemented by furniture selections that infuse coziness and timelessness. Many larger pieces were custom-made by local craftspeople, including a white oak round table, a lounger, and a built-in plywood sofa. Vintage elements, such as a 1970s coffee table, orange Charlotte Perriand wall lights, and Bruno Rey chairs, were also incorporated. A white electric Malm fireplace was added at the client's request. The new room serves as a versatile space for both children and adults, allowing for family activities or individual quiet time, contributing to the overall functionality and aesthetic balance of the home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #FamilyHome #LaundryRoom #BedroomDesign #BathroomRenovation #VintageAccents #ColorPalette