Easy updates for your statement pieces.

The article explores the growing trend of incorporating bold, colorful hardware into home design as a way to enhance aesthetics and elevate interiors. While traditional hardware typically features metallic finishes such as polished chrome, brushed gold, deep bronze, or matte black, the emergence of colorful knobs and pulls is transforming cabinetry and furniture with a fresh and vibrant flair. This trend was notably showcased at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, with brands like Rous and Plank Hardware leading the way with innovative designs. Ebony Stephenson, CEO and residential kitchen and bath designer at Designs by Ebony, highlights her appreciation for this trend, noting its increasing visibility. She observes that while colorful tiles, paint, and furnishings have gained popularity over the past five years, cabinet hardware is now becoming the next frontier for multicolor style choices. Stephenson offers expert advice on how to integrate this trend effectively into various home settings. Colorful hardware can be utilized in almost any room. Kitchens, with their abundance of cabinetry, offer an ideal opportunity to maximize this trend. However, its application extends beyond kitchens to living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, nurseries, and family rooms, depending on the presence of furniture or built-ins. For those less inclined to fully embrace the trend, colorful hardware can be introduced in smaller doses, such as on a powder room vanity or a single piece of furniture. The scope of colorful hardware also includes functional items like grab bars, especially with the integration of universal design in modern bath projects. Products like LifeValet's Vibe grab bars, which feature custom inlays, allow for the incorporation of color while simultaneously improving accessibility, showcasing a blend of functionality and style. When it comes to designing with colorful hardware, the current decorating landscape, which embraces bright and bold aesthetics, provides ample opportunities. Stephenson suggests that colorful hardware is particularly well-suited for maximalist, eclectic, and modern design styles. Even minimalist spaces can benefit from colorful hardware, provided that other design elements maintain clean lines. Key considerations for selecting hardware color include first eliminating colors that are disliked. Then, the focus shifts to determining the best fit for the space. A high-contrast approach, such as pairing red hardware with white cabinets, can create a striking visual impact and also serve a practical purpose by making the hardware more visible for individuals with vision impairments. Color inspiration can also be drawn from existing elements within the room, such as the veining in countertops, accent paint colors, window treatments, rugs, countertop appliances, or artwork. In open-concept homes, using a color from an adjacent space can help create a cohesive and connected overall layout. However, there are pitfalls to avoid. It is crucial to ensure that colorful cabinet hardware does not clash with other metallic finishes in the room, including those on appliances, lighting, or other fixtures. Overuse or indiscriminate mixing of colors can lead to a chaotic and visually cluttered environment, diminishing the intended specialness of the colorful accents. Additionally, the size and layout of a space should be considered; for instance, too much colorful hardware in a small kitchen with numerous cabinets can overwhelm the area rather than enhance it. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #HardwareTrends #ColorfulHardware #CabinetHardware #KitchenDesign #HomeImprovement #DecoratingTips #ModernDesign

The author discusses a personal approach to refreshing home aesthetics due to a tendency to quickly tire of existing decor. Acknowledging that frequent changes can be unsustainable, the author outlines five specific, manageable swaps that allow for regular updates without extensive overhaul. These strategies are presented as practical methods for maintaining a sense of novelty and curated style within a living space. The first strategy involves changing cabinet and drawer pulls. This seemingly minor alteration is highlighted for its significant impact on the overall look of a kitchen or other areas with visible cabinetry. The author notes that after becoming accustomed to existing hardware, swapping them out, perhaps for ornate designs from artisan marketplaces or bulk purchases from home improvement stores, creates a noticeable difference, especially in open-plan living arrangements where kitchens are prominent. Secondly, the article focuses on swapping out rugs. Rugs are identified as key elements that can define and unify a room's decor, often being the first item the author feels compelled to change. The author prefers more affordable rugs to facilitate frequent updates, allowing for shifts in material, pattern, or size to introduce new colors and textures. A sustainability tip is provided here, suggesting that old rugs, along with other swapped items, can be shared with friends, family, or neighbors to reduce waste and offer value to others. The third method involves moving wall art. This is presented as the easiest and most flexible update, not necessarily requiring annual changes. Instead of discarding art, the author rearranges existing pieces, shifts their orientation, or moves them between rooms. This approach allows each room to retain a curated feel while offering enough visual variation to satisfy the desire for change without acquiring new items. The fourth simple swap is getting new planters for houseplants. The author, who keeps several plants, notices that the planters themselves can become monotonous. Thrifting is a favored method for acquiring new, often eclectic, planters. The practice of keeping plants in plastic nursery pots inside decorative planters ensures that the plants' health is not compromised by frequent changes. This method is also noted as a budget-friendly way to stay current with decor trends. Finally, the article suggests changing lighting. This involves two aspects: swapping out lamps and altering light bulbs. The design of lamps is emphasized for its transformative power in a room. The author alternates between replacing lamps and simply changing the type of bulbs used, moving between preferences for yellow or white lighting, or even incorporating colorful smart bulbs to invigorate a space. This dual approach to lighting offers flexibility in altering the mood and appearance of a room. These five simple and relatively inexpensive adjustments enable the author to keep their home feeling fresh and engaging without undertaking major renovations. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeUpdate #DecorSwaps #BudgetFriendlyDecor #DIYHomeDecor #SustainableDecor #RoomRefresh #DesignTips

This blog post details the transformation of a new, five-bedroom, 5,200-square-foot Toll Brothers colonial home in the North Star Chase subdivision, showcasing how a plain vanilla property was elevated to a sumptuous space through strategic design choices. The owner, Linda Mulvihill, a mother of three, took on the formidable task of personalizing the new construction. Her first significant decision was to halt the builders from installing standard wooden spindles on her two-story staircase, insisting on wrought iron instead. This preference for wrought iron not only redefined the interior staircase but was also extended to the exterior, distinguishing the home from others in the neighborhood. Wrought-iron gates now encircle a garden of roses and wildflowers, leading a curved path to the columned portico entrance. The integration of this element from the garden into the foyer’s staircase creates a cohesive visual flow upon entering the home. Mulvihill's design aspiration was to blend Asian and Italian influences to achieve a casually elegant atmosphere. To realize this vision, she enlisted Joyce Keeney, senior designer and founder of Interior Concepts in Hockessin. Together, they meticulously integrated these diverse cultural aesthetics through thoughtful selections of color and texture. Mulvihill's fondness for red was incorporated by Keeney, who harmonized strong hues with more subdued colors found in carpets, throw pillows, and drapes. The majority of the furniture was sourced from EJ Victor Upholstery in North Carolina, while lighting fixtures predominantly came from Fine Art Lamps in Florida, ensuring a consistent design language throughout the home. Mulvihill noted her tendency to create formal spaces, and Keeney's expertise helped her strike a balance between formality and comfort. The living room immediately captures attention with a jeweled chandelier suspended above a black Yamaha grand player piano, establishing a formal yet inviting space suitable for both entertaining and casual family moments. An all-wool, custom-colored Oriental carpet anchors the room, reflecting the hues of Oriental tables, hutches, and an olive silk sofa. Rich embroidered silk draperies from Kravet Couture, in green, gracefully puddle on the floor, while family photos and paintings are encased in antique gold frames. A notable piece is a 24-karat gold leaf coffee table, representing chinoiserie—an 18th-century Western European and English decorative fashion that incorporates Chinese ornamentation and structural elements. Keeney highlighted the versatility of chinoiserie, explaining its compatibility with various furniture styles, making it ideal for Mulvihill's desired blend of Italian and Asian influences. The formal dining room features a mahogany table with a burled piano finish and a china cabinet from EJ Victor’s Newport Mansion collection, filled with Lenox dishes. An Italian crystal chandelier with antique gold accents serves as a central focal point, complemented by custom-finished antique gold sconces. The room is distinctively wallpapered with Scalamandre silk paper, a sophisticated choice that, despite its challenging installation process, provides a luxurious, textured paint-like appearance. Dark wood floors and Oriental runners guide the transition from the dining room to the family room, where columns similar to those at the portico entrance mark the space. A striking 11-foot Maitland Smith console table with a stone top, weighing 1,000 pounds, dominates the family room, above which hangs a large painting of Venice framed in antique bronze. The walls, faux-finished by local artist Gary Paiement to resemble Tuscan plaster, feature a soft neutral sage with copper undertones, creating a serene yet invigorating ambiance. In the family room, black-and-white family photos offer a visual contrast to the rich greens, reds, golds, and rusts of the oversized sofas, throw pillows, and heavy velour drapes. Thick walnut curtain rods frame a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walnut mantel. French doors open to an expansive double deck, leading to a pool and fire pit, offering breathtaking views of the Pike Creek Valley. The gourmet kitchen, which adjoins the family room, includes builder upgrades and is further enhanced by furnishings such as a Guy Chaddock table and chairs beside a second fireplace, creating a cozy area for family meals and homework. The kitchen is illuminated by chandeliers: a large crystal and gold fixture above the table and several smaller, dark bronze chandeliers above the granite island. An original landscape oil painting and embroidered drapery panels by Beacon Hill incorporate Tuscan colors. The office, however, diverges from the main Italian and Oriental motif, dedicated instead to Dr. Mulvihill’s golf hobby. Delaware artist Tracy Berger created a wall-length mural of Pebble Beach, the doctor’s favorite golf course, as a birthday gift from Linda. The room is sparingly furnished with a mahogany desk, a black wall unit, and chairs, allowing the large bay window with its valley view to take prominence. Linda Mulvihill acknowledges that decorating is an ongoing process, continually adding pieces and relying on Keeney's guidance to refine her home's aesthetic, a testament to her keen taste and clear vision for her living space. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #WroughtIron #AsianItalianFusion #LuxuryInteriors #CustomDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignConsultant #DecorativeElements

The article explores the concept of "slow decorating," an emerging trend that encourages homeowners to take their time in curating their living spaces with intentional, meaningful pieces. This approach stands in contrast to the common desire to quickly finish decorating a new home, which often leads to impulsive purchases and dissatisfaction with rapidly changing trends. Slow decorating, as defined by Los Angeles-based interior designer Jenni Kayne, involves intentionally selecting home items that hold personal meaning and will be cherished for many years. This method offers several benefits, including reduced stress from artificial time constraints, prevention of impulsive spending, and the opportunity to develop a personal style that truly reflects one's evolving tastes. Experts recommend embracing the idea that home decor is never truly "done" and will continually evolve as individuals and their lives change. New York-based interior designer Sasha Bikoff notes that interior spaces are a constant reflection of our lives and personal evolution. A key strategy in slow decorating is to utilize existing items, even if they are not a perfect fit, while searching for the ideal pieces. Designer Jenni Kayne shares her experience of waiting almost a year to find the right coffee table, emphasizing that patience can lead to more satisfying and authentic design choices. This approach helps avoid the pitfalls of buying items on a whim just to fill a space. Salt Lake City-based designer Shea McGee suggests reusing existing rugs, even if they are small, by layering them, and prioritizing essential items like sofas and dining tables while taking time to find other pieces, potentially secondhand. Shopping with intention is another crucial aspect of slow decorating. Art consultant Emily Santangelo highlights that intentional curation leads to a more genuine and cohesive dialogue within a space, whether the goal is to build a meaningful art collection or simply to fill a wall. For first-time homeowners, this means taking the time to explore options and define personal intentions for the space, which could range from long-term enjoyment to expressing current feelings. The strategic use of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest is also suggested as a source of inspiration, helping to discover unique boutiques and designers. Instead of seeking quick fixes, homeowners are encouraged to use these platforms to research and understand what truly resonates with their vision for a space. Furthermore, starting with the walls is recommended to establish the room's mood and color palette. Charleston-based painter and textile artist Rebecca Atwood explains that layered walls create depth and a backdrop for furniture, helping to guide subsequent decor choices. Whether opting for wallpaper or paint, the initial wall treatment can significantly influence the overall ambiance and direct future design decisions. Ultimately, the philosophy of slow decorating centers on buying items that evoke joy and avoiding purchases made out of convenience or perceived necessity. Emily Santangelo argues that a home filled with pieces that truly make a client feel good appears effortlessly put together rather than contrived. This emphasis on emotional connection to belongings ensures lasting comfort and satisfaction. Finally, patience is paramount in slow decorating, particularly for unique or antique pieces. While essential furniture might need immediate attention, accessories and accent pieces are worth waiting for, sometimes even for years, to find those truly special items that captivate attention and enrich the living environment. This allows for a deeper connection to the space and avoids hasty, regretted purchases. #SlowDecorating #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #AuthenticInteriors #MindfulLiving #PersonalStyle #HomeRenovation

Yahoo! contributing editor Chassie Post shares simple DIY products to help refresh your entire home for spring, focusing on user-friendly and removable options for various surfaces. The first product highlighted is peel and stick wallpaper, specifically Tempaper, which offers an easy and removable solution for wall decoration. This allows individuals, including renters, to experiment with patterns without fear of damage or permanent commitment. The application process is described as taking only a couple of hours, transforming a space dramatically, and the wallpaper is easily removable if design preferences change. Another innovative product for wall transformation is Mixtiles, designed for creating gallery walls without the need for hammers or nails. Mixtiles provides custom photos that can be peeled and stuck directly onto walls. This feature enables flexible arrangement and easy repositioning, making it ideal for those who frequently redecorate or are hesitant about damaging walls. The product offers five different frame choices, and a special deal for TODAY viewers allows for ten free tiles with the purchase of ten, emphasizing affordability and ease of creating an instant gallery. Beyond walls, the article explores the versatility of peel and stick wallpaper for furniture makeovers. It illustrates how readily available items, like plain bookshelves, can be transformed into statement pieces using removable wallpaper. An example is given of applying a zebra print wallpaper from WallPops to the back of a bookshelf. Similarly, nightstands and side tables can be updated by applying peel and stick wallpaper to flat surfaces. This method is praised for being simple, effective, and non-damaging, allowing for temporary or long-term customization. For a broader home refresh, the article suggests painting as a low-cost or no-cost option to revitalize furniture. It explains how mismatched chairs can be unified with a fresh coat of paint, creating a cohesive and stylish look. Tips are provided for priming darker chairs for brighter colors, resulting in pieces that appear designer-made. This approach offers a budget-friendly way to achieve significant aesthetic changes in a living space. Finally, the discussion extends to peel and stick floor tiles, presenting them as a contractor-free solution for floor transformations. Chasing Paper’s peel and stick floor tiles are described as coming in sheets, simplifying the measurement and installation process. These self-adhesive, water-resistant tiles are suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, or mudrooms, providing a quick and easy way to update flooring without extensive renovation. The overall message emphasizes achieving high-impact home improvements with minimal effort and cost. #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #PeelAndStickWallpaper #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendlyDecor #EasyDecorating