The 1 Place You're Probably Forgetting To Dust

In recent years, interior design trends have seen a significant shift towards incorporating more color into homes, moving away from predominantly gray and white palettes. However, one area often neglected in this colorful resurgence is the hallway. Despite being a transitional space, experts suggest that hallways offer a crucial opportunity to infuse warmth and personality into a home, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment one enters. Stephen Robinson, founder of Only Oak Furniture, notes that hallways are frequently overlooked in favor of larger, more prominent rooms like kitchens and living rooms, based on the assumption that guests pay little attention to them. Yet, adding color to these spaces can significantly enhance the feeling of homeliness. There are several effective ways to introduce color into a hallway, regardless of its size or shape. Painting the walls is a direct and impactful method. For those hesitant about painting the entire space, an accent wall, a half wall, or even a mural can provide a vibrant pop of color with minimal effort. Roman Smolevskiy, a general contractor, suggests painting the end wall of a hallway in a bold color to create depth and make the space feel larger and more inviting. When selecting paint colors, it's advisable to consider the existing color schemes of adjacent rooms to ensure a cohesive flow throughout the home. Beyond traditional wall painting, the ceiling or trim can also be painted for a more distinctive touch. This approach allows for either a monochromatic scheme, matching the walls, or a high-contrast look, enabling homeowners to extend color themes from other rooms without overwhelming the hallway. Wallpaper, now more accessible with peel-and-stick options, presents another versatile solution. Fun and unique patterns can transform a hallway into a cheerful oasis, and an accent wall or ceiling treatment can serve as a dramatic focal point. Incorporating rugs and runners is a simple yet effective way to add both color and texture. Even narrow hallways can benefit from a runner, introducing a new color palette without the need for extensive renovation. Mirrors, typically used to brighten and enlarge spaces, can also be a source of color through vibrant or patterned frames, or even tinted glass. Artwork and various accessories, such as paintings, prints, shelves, framed photos, or colorful lamps, offer endless possibilities for maintaining a color scheme throughout the home, even when wall colors remain neutral. These can range from a few select pieces to an elaborate gallery wall. Plants are a natural way to bring life and color into a hallway. Their foliage and flowers, along with decorative pots and planters, add texture and warmth. For hallways with limited natural light, low-light tolerant plants like cast iron plants, snake plants, and ZZ plants are ideal, or stylish grow lights can support brighter-light species. Lastly, if space permits, colorful furniture pieces such as ottomans, console tables, or bookshelves can not only add a splash of color but also enhance the hallway's functionality and utility, transforming it from a mere corridor into a purposeful area. #HallwayDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecorating #PaintColors #Wallpaper #AccentWalls #Houseplants #SmallSpaceDesign

Many homeowners often find themselves struggling with a lack of storage space, leading to cluttered living areas and a feeling of being overwhelmed by belongings. While traditional storage solutions like pantries and closets are often maximized, several often-overlooked areas within a home can be repurposed to provide significant additional storage. Identifying and utilizing these secret spots can dramatically improve organization and create a more serene living environment. One such area is the toe-kick space beneath lower cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. This recessed section, typically considered dead air, can be transformed into clever, hidden drawers. These toe-kick drawers are ideal for storing flat or low-profile items such as baking sheets, cutting boards, placemats, pet bowls, seasonal linens, extra sponges, or trash bags. This innovative use of space capitalizes on an area that would otherwise remain unused, offering practical storage for everyday necessities. Eaves, particularly in attics or rooms with sloped ceilings, are another often-awkward space that can be optimized. By installing custom shelving or built-in units, eaves can become functional storage areas. For instance, in a teenage girl's bedroom, built-ins flanking the bed within the eaves can create integrated nightstands, display shelves for books and accessories, and closed drawers for overflow clothing, maximizing space in a visually appealing way. The area directly above door frames is frequently ignored but offers a valuable opportunity for shelving. The type of items stored here can vary depending on the room. In a kitchen, an attractive shelf above a door frame could hold decorative cooking pieces like a marble mortar and pestle or a terracotta garlic roaster. In other rooms, it could be used for extra apparel or small decorative elements, adding both storage and aesthetic appeal. Indoor benches, especially those found in entryways or mudrooms, can be designed with integrated drawers or cubbies underneath. This approach eliminates the need for messy shoe racks and provides discreet storage for shoes, outdoor gear, or other items that accumulate near an entrance. This design choice contributes to a clean, minimalist aesthetic, where everything has a designated, hidden spot. The space behind doors in various rooms, such as bedrooms, closets, or laundry rooms, is another vertical storage goldmine. Over-the-door racks or slim organizers can be hung to store a wide array of items, including scarves, belts, cleaning supplies, extra paper towels, snacks, gift wrap, or even shoes, especially in smaller closets. This simple modification can significantly improve daily functionality and organization. Areas beneath stairs present considerable opportunities for custom storage solutions. For open staircases, small bookcases or shelving units can be built into the underside, providing accessible storage for books, decorative items, or other household goods. Alternatively, this space can be enclosed with doors to create a hidden closet, a desk nook, or even a compact play area for children, effectively utilizing what would otherwise be wasted volume. In small kitchens or those with limited cabinet space, the ceiling can offer a solution. Installing a pot rack above a workspace or counter provides overhead storage for pots, pans, colanders, baking molds, and even smaller items like measuring spoons. While it requires some installation effort, this method frees up valuable cabinet and counter space, making a small kitchen feel more open and organized. When undertaking a kitchen remodel, re-evaluating the kitchen island design can also yield extra storage. Instead of solely focusing on seating, incorporating built-in storage areas under the island can provide shelving or drawers. This not only offers additional storage but can also serve as an extra prep zone, accommodating multiple people working in the kitchen simultaneously. Furthermore, many guests tend to congregate around islands during entertaining, making it a central and convenient location for accessible storage. Finally, bathrooms, especially smaller ones, can benefit from the addition of ledges. Instead of tiling a wall completely, integrating a wainscoting-style height with a ledge on top creates a functional display and storage surface. Narrow ledges can hold small plants, artwork, and soap, while deeper ones can accommodate items like candles and wine glasses, enhancing both the utility and ambiance of the bathroom. By thoughtfully considering these often-overlooked spaces, homeowners can unlock significant storage potential and create a more organized and efficient living environment. #HomeOrganization #SecretStorage #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions #KitchenStorage #BathroomStorage #EavesStorage #UnderStairStorage

Many homeowners believe they have exhausted all available storage options in their homes, with pantries, entry closets, and attics seemingly filled to capacity. However, numerous overlooked and underutilized spaces exist that can be transformed into functional storage areas. Professional organizers and interior designers Erika Salloux, Leslie Kilgour, Jess Cooney, and Cara Fineman offer insights into these secret spots and how to best leverage them. One often-missed area is the toe-kick space beneath lower cabinets in kitchens. This recessed area, typically dead air, can be fitted with toe-kick drawers. These shallow drawers are ideal for storing flat or low-profile items such as baking sheets, cutting boards, placemats, pet bowls, seasonal linens, or even extra sponges and trash bags, effectively creating hidden storage that maintains a clean aesthetic. Eaves, with their awkward angles, can also be converted into valuable storage. By installing built-in shelving, these spaces can accommodate books and small accessories. For instance, in a teenage girl's bedroom, embracing these angles allowed for built-in storage flanking the bed, incorporating nightstands and drawers for overflow clothing, thus maximizing an otherwise challenging architectural feature. The space directly above door frames is another area frequently ignored. A shelf installed here can hold decorative items like attractive cooking pieces in a kitchen, such as a marble mortar and pestle or a terracotta garlic roaster, or serve as a practical storage solution for less frequently used items, depending on the room's function. Indoor benches, particularly those with integrated drawers, offer a dual purpose: seating and concealed storage. This approach helps avoid clutter from shoe racks and provides a seamless, built-in appearance. Such benches can be incorporated into mudrooms or entryways, providing specialized organizers within the drawers to keep items meticulously put away, aligning with minimalist design principles. The often-forgotten space behind doors, especially in bedrooms, closets, or laundry rooms, represents a significant vertical storage opportunity. Over-the-door racks or slim organizers can be hung to store a variety of items, including scarves, belts, cleaning supplies, extra paper towels, snacks, gift wrap, or shoes, making a notable difference in daily organization and flow. Beneath open stairs, a space commonly left empty, can be utilized for various purposes. Installing a small bookcase or shelving unit can create substantial extra storage. This area can also be transformed into a desk, a child's play corner, or enclosed with doors to keep stored items out of sight, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. In kitchens with limited cabinet space or smaller dimensions, the ceiling can provide a solution. Installing a pot rack above a workspace or counter can free up cabinet space and keep essential cooking tools within easy reach. Beyond pots and pans, these racks can hold plant watering cans, colanders, baking molds, and even smaller items like measuring spoons, offering both practicality and a decorative touch. During kitchen remodels, sacrificing some stool seating under the kitchen island for built-in storage can be highly beneficial. This modification creates a spot for shelving or drawers, providing extra storage and even an additional prep zone. This design choice acknowledges that guests often congregate around the island rather than sit, making storage a more practical use of the space. Finally, bathroom ledges can be lifesavers in tight spaces. Instead of tiling a wall completely, installing a wainscoting-style height with a ledge on top allows for the placement of tiny plants, artwork, and soap on narrow ledges, or candles and wine glasses in a shower if space permits, adding both utility and decorative flair. These nine secret spots demonstrate that even seemingly small or awkward areas can contribute significantly to a home's overall storage capacity and organization. #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #HomeImprovement #DIYStorage #CabinetStorage #UnderStairStorage #BathroomStorage

The article highlights the common oversight of decorating outdoor deck spaces, contrasting it with the frequent attention given to backyards and front porches. Designers emphasize that decks, despite being practical extensions of a home, are often underutilized and can be transformed into inviting outdoor living areas with thoughtful design. A key reason for this neglect, according to Andi Morse, founder of Morse Design, is that homeowners typically prioritize interior spaces first, moving to outdoor areas only later. The experts advocate for treating decks as outdoor living rooms, suggesting that homeowners begin by furnishing them with a sofa, a couple of chairs, and an outdoor rug to define and ground the space. This approach helps create a welcoming environment for conversation and relaxation, similar to an indoor living room. The use of accents is also crucial, with designers John Stivale and Steven Graffam of Stivale-Graffam Home recommending planters with various plants or shrubs of different materials and textures to add depth and color. They also suggest incorporating large-scale candle holders and outdoor hurricane vases to elevate the ambiance. When selecting furniture for the deck, the article advises against a completely mismatched look that can appear cluttered. Instead, it recommends intentional mixing, where key pieces like sofas and lounge chairs or dining tables and chairs are matched within their groups to create a cohesive aesthetic. This strategy helps to make the outdoor space feel more integrated and well-designed. However, it is equally important not to overcrowd the deck, especially smaller ones. Morse warns that too much furniture can make a space feel claustrophobic and uninviting. Stivale suggests envisioning how the space will be used and placing furniture accordingly, focusing on functionality and the desired living experience. For decks with limited space, multi-purpose furniture pieces are highly recommended. Graffam points out that items like a bench that converts into a dining table or a side table with built-in storage can significantly maximize both space and functionality. These versatile pieces ensure that every square inch of the deck is utilized efficiently, allowing for a more adaptable and practical outdoor area. By applying these design principles, homeowners can transform their often-neglected decks into functional, stylish, and inviting extensions of their homes. #OutdoorDecor #DeckDesign #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLivingRoom #SpaceUtilization #FurnitureSelection #AccentDecor #LandscapeDesign

Maintaining a tidy living room, especially in a busy household, can be a challenge, yet it is essential for creating a relaxing and intentional home environment. Daily clutter from items like throw blankets, pillows, toys, games, remotes, and chargers can accumulate rapidly, leading to stress. The living room, however, holds significant untapped storage potential that often goes unnoticed, with many solutions blending seamlessly with existing decor or furniture. These secret storage spots are designed to be visually discreet but easily accessible, ensuring functionality without disrupting the aesthetic flow of the space. Whether space is limited or the goal is a more organized look, utilizing these clever storage solutions can help reclaim the living room from clutter. One effective strategy involves leveraging furniture with hidden storage. For those looking to purchase new living room pieces, prioritizing items like coffee tables, ottomans, benches, and even couches that integrate storage is beneficial. These pieces offer prime concealed real estate, particularly in smaller homes. When choosing what to store, it is best to avoid heavy, fragile items or things used multiple times daily. Instead, these spots are ideal for items that need to be accessible but not constantly visible, such as board games, children's toys, seasonal throws, video game accessories, exercise equipment, magazines, or coloring books. For larger storage furniture, incorporating small interior bins helps keep smaller items organized and prevent disarray. For households without built-in storage furniture or those not looking to buy new pieces, oversized decorative baskets offer a flexible and stylish alternative. These baskets can hold a variety of items, from dog toys to workout gear, helping to contain visible clutter. Strategically placed in a corner, they should complement the living room's aesthetic. Taller baskets are particularly useful for concealing contents while allowing easy access. If items extend above the rim, a folded throw blanket can be placed on top to maintain a neat appearance, combining cozy decor with practical storage. Decorative shelf baskets are another excellent solution for managing clutter on open shelving units, such as built-in bookcases or floating shelves. While open shelving provides opportunities for creative styling, it can quickly become cluttered. Small to medium-sized baskets, either open or lidded, can transform these shelves into discreet storage areas. Matching the baskets to the room's decor and ensuring they fit the shelf dimensions are key. These are perfect for corralling small miscellaneous items like spare remotes, coasters, reading glasses, bookmarks, or electric lighters, offering a curated look with the benefit of hidden organization. The often-overlooked space beneath or behind the sofa presents another valuable storage opportunity. Similar to under-bed storage, this area can be maximized, especially in compact living spaces. Measuring the dimensions under the couch allows for the selection of shallow, under-bed containers, preferably with wheels for easy retrieval and lids to protect against dust. If under-sofa clearance is insufficient, a narrow console table placed behind the sofa, slightly pulled forward from the wall, can serve a similar purpose. Trays or lidded boxes on this table can contain small essentials, preventing them from cluttering the coffee table. Finally, making use of untapped vertical space is a crucial method for maximizing storage and clearing surfaces. Beyond traditional shelving, creative solutions include leaning a vintage ladder against a wall to hold blankets, mounting wall hooks for throws, or attaching decorative baskets to the wall for categorized storage, such as magazines or gaming equipment. Stacking books horizontally on a tall, floating bookcase is another innovative approach. While some vertical storage methods may not fully conceal items, they ensure everything is neatly organized and easily accessible, significantly reducing visual clutter and contributing to a more serene living environment. #HomeOrganization #LivingRoomStorage #DeclutteringTips #FurnitureStorage #SmallSpaceSolutions #DecorativeBaskets #VerticalStorage #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign

The formal dining room, once considered the primary gathering space in a home, has been superseded by a more informal and versatile area: the kitchen island. This shift is highlighted in the latest National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen Trends Report, where interior designers identify the kitchen island as the most popular gathering spot. Its growing prominence stems from its ability to serve multiple functions, including dining, food preparation, working, and socializing, effectively establishing it as the new central hub of the home. Interior designer Lauren Tolles of Maison Birmingham notes that the kitchen island naturally brings together cooking, dining, and conversation, fostering connection by allowing hosts to interact with guests while preparing meals. Its expansive surface accommodates a wide range of activities, from casual breakfasts to evening cocktails. Given the kitchen island's central role, it is crucial to design this space for both welcoming aesthetics and high functionality. Interior designers offer several key recommendations to optimize a kitchen island's comfort, versatility, and visual appeal. When planning a new kitchen island, considering its proportion and intended use is paramount. Kristina Lawrence, founder of Kristina Lawrence Interior Design, emphasizes that proper appliance and sink placement is essential for both entertaining and efficient cooking flow. The island's size should facilitate effortless movement within the space, with larger islands suitable for open-concept kitchens and more compact or portable options for smaller areas. The ideal proportion ensures functionality over mere size. Lifestyle factors, such as entertaining frequency, family size, cooking habits, and the need for a makeshift workspace, should also inform the island's design, influencing features like counter space, integrated outlets, and storage solutions. Comfortable seating is a non-negotiable element for nearly any kitchen island, as designers agree it encourages guests to linger. Adjustable stools with backs are recommended for comfort, while swivel stools can help protect floors from scratches. Beyond practicality, the style of seating is equally important. Ania Agardy, founder of Living Luxury, suggests mixing materials, such as metal and leather, to add sophistication and warmth, especially in open-plan homes where the kitchen integrates with living and dining areas, promoting continuity and comfort. Adequate storage is another critical aspect, ensuring the island remains clutter-free. Dedicated storage for everyday items like mail, documents, or homework prevents accumulation and maintains the island's functionality for a busy household. Proper lighting, often overlooked, is identified as a vital design element for kitchen islands. Layered lighting is key to making the island both functional and inviting. This typically includes pendant lights positioned above the island (with multiple units for larger islands), recessed task lighting for work, and soft ambient lighting installed under the counter for warmth, as advised by Lawrence. Finally, intentional styling with decor can enhance the island's appeal. Fresh flowers, a fruit bowl, or a decorative tray can transform the space from a functional workspace into an inviting entertainment area that encourages interaction and relaxation. Agardy stresses that decor should be light and simple to avoid visual clutter, reinforcing that less is often more. The overarching goal is to layer elements that foster connection, warmth, and comfort, making the kitchen island a truly inviting spot in the home. #KitchenDesign #KitchenIsland #HomeInterior #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HomeGatheringSpot #KitchenTrends #FunctionalDesign

While popular spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens often receive significant attention during the home decoration process, other areas, despite their potential, are frequently overlooked. Designers suggest that these neglected rooms, often put off or minimally outfitted, possess considerable design opportunities. According to three expert interior designers, the laundry room stands out as the most underrated space in a home that deserves more decorative focus. They highlight that laundry rooms are commonly used yet under-decorated, presenting a chance for creative expression and functional enhancement. Kristina Phillips, founder of Kristina Phillips Interior Design, emphasizes that the laundry room is likely one of the most frequently used spaces in a house, yet it remains largely ignored in terms of design. Rebecca Merritt, founder of Merritt Design Co., echoes this sentiment, pointing out that individuals typically spend five to ten hours per week in their laundry rooms. She suggests that investing a small amount of effort into decorating this space could significantly reduce the chore-like perception of washing and folding clothes. The designers agree that there are no strict rules when it comes to decorating a laundry room, allowing for complete creative freedom to either create a peaceful atmosphere or inject a sense of joy. The goal is to give this functional space the attention it deserves. Decorating the laundry room offers a unique opportunity to embrace bold designs and vibrant colors. Phillips recommends making the laundry room both fun and functional, suggesting elements like patterned floor tiles or area rugs, as well as playful vinyl wall coverings. Incorporating a distinctive light fixture and attractive window treatments can further elevate the space's aesthetic. Michelle Lynne, owner of ML Interiors Group, supports this idea, viewing the laundry room as an ideal area to experiment with design choices that might seem too daring for other parts of the home. This includes using favorite colors, personal hobbies, or other interests to personalize the space, such as opting for a bold-colored washer and dryer. Beyond aesthetics, Lynne also advises integrating practical elements that enhance the room's usability while maintaining a cohesive design. These additions can include ample storage with bins and baskets, dedicated areas for line drying clothes, and even a chalkboard wall. A chalkboard wall, for instance, can serve a dual purpose: a practical space for writing shopping lists and a fun element for leaving cheeky notes to family members. Ultimately, the consensus among designers is that blending fun with functionality is a timeless trend for laundry room design, transforming an often-mundane area into a lively and enjoyable part of the home. By giving the laundry room thoughtful design attention, homeowners can create a space that is both visually appealing and highly efficient. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LaundryRoom #DesignTips #FunctionalDesign #HomeImprovement #DecoratingIdeas