How to Close Off Your Home's 'Open Concept' Now That You Hate It

The article discusses the ongoing debate among interior designers regarding the relevance and desirability of open-concept living spaces. It highlights perspectives from various designers, primarily focusing on arguments for and against this popular home layout. The conversation begins with feedback from "Next Wave" designers featured in House Beautiful. Brad Ramsey, a Nashville-based designer, expresses his fatigue with the trend of homes having one large open room serving multiple functions (living, dining, kitchen, breakfast nook). He argues that this design often diminishes a home's character and intimacy, preferring more segmented spaces that allow for varied experiences. Jerel Lake, an Atlanta-based designer, echoes this sentiment, favoring the compartmentalized nature of older homes and disliking the idea of performing kitchen tasks in the same area as dining. Both designers acknowledge the desire for togetherness but emphasize the loss of character and intimacy when open-concept designs are executed poorly. Ramsey elaborates on his preference for closed-concept spaces, comparing them to a wardrobe where different outfits suit different moods and occasions. He suggests that distinct rooms provide opportunities for diverse design expressions—a cozy family room, a sophisticated sitting room, or a vibrant powder room. This segmentation allows for experimentation with color, texture, and pattern in each room without needing to ensure seamless coordination with adjacent spaces. Lake supports this view, noting that closed concepts enable the creation of independent vignettes, allowing for varied aesthetics, such as a moody, rich wood veneer kitchen contrasted with a light and fresh living room palette. He also posits that closed-concept living promotes more focused engagement among family and friends by minimizing distractions. Conversely, other designers advocate for open-concept layouts, at least in certain contexts. Amber Lewis, a Los Angeles-based designer, believes open-concept spaces are ideal for entertaining, preventing guests from feeling cramped. Vince Falotico, managing partner of Brooks & Falotico in New Canaan, Connecticut, supports open concepts when they align with a client's lifestyle and are well-executed. He points out their benefits in maximizing natural light and offering seamless views, especially in properties with scenic surroundings. Shea McGee from Salt Lake City maintains a neutral stance, noting that many clients with families or a penchant for entertaining gravitate towards open floorplans due to the convenience of multitasking—such as watching children, cooking, and interacting with guests simultaneously. The article concludes that the decision between open and closed-concept layouts ultimately depends on the homeowner's lifestyle and preferences. Factors like having children, entertaining habits (casual vs. formal), and the desire for distinct functional zones should influence the choice. The piece also raises the question of timelessness, observing that closed-concept designs have a long historical precedence, while open concepts are a relatively newer trend. For those seeking a classic aesthetic, designating separate rooms for the kitchen, living room, and dining area remains a reliable and enduring design choice. #OpenConceptLiving #InteriorDesign #HomeLayout #DesignTrends #ClosedConceptLiving #BradRamsey #JerelLake #AmberLewis #SheaMcGee

Many homes feature awkward, unusable spaces or unreachable landings that often sit dormant, leaving homeowners perplexed about their purpose. However, these areas can be transformed into functional and beautiful parts of a home with some creativity and strategic design. Several designers offer insights and examples of how they've tackled such challenges, turning seemingly useless spots into valuable features. Erin Myers, founder of Erin Myers Design, recounts a project involving an awkward niche in a powder room, which she dubbed a "builder special." Instead of using it for typical powder room storage or dried flower arrangements, Myers collaborated with a client who collected perfume bottles. They installed custom glass shelves and lighting within the niche, effectively transforming it into an illuminated display case that highlighted the client's collection. This not only utilized the space but also added a unique and personalized aesthetic. Philip Consalvo, founder of PJCArchitecture, faced a similar challenge in a three-story Brooklyn townhouse, where a small closet containing a ladder to the rooftop was largely unutilized. Consalvo and his team reoriented the opening of this space by 90 degrees to align with the main staircase. They replaced the existing ceiling hatch with an operable skylight hatch, introducing natural light. The most innovative transformation involved converting the ladder into custom millwork with integrated shelves and drawers for books and storage. The design was clever, allowing the shelves to serve as steps for rooftop access, thereby giving the space two practical functions and making it a focal point flooded with natural light. In another project, Consalvo's team merged two apartments on Manhattan's Upper West Side. This created an extra entry door and hallway that were no longer needed. To maximize this leftover square footage, they ingeniously converted it into a spacious kitchen pantry. The design integrated this new pantry seamlessly into the existing cabinet layout, making it appear as a typical cabinet rather than a separate walk-in area, thus utilizing the awkward space for essential storage without disrupting the kitchen's flow. Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA, encountered a small, seemingly useless closet in a penthouse. Instead of conventional storage, he saw an opportunity for a unique feature. Coutheillas transformed the closet into a custom coffee station, complete with shelving and decorative wallpaper. He further personalized the space with artist and coffee table books and decorative objects, turning an otherwise overlooked area into an intentional and charming coffee nook. This approach demonstrates how awkward spaces can become personalized showcases reflecting the homeowner's style. Beyond these specific examples, the article suggests that the internet is a rich source of ideas for dealing with unusable spaces, such as unreachable landings. Coutheillas emphasizes that these spots can be opportunities to display personal items or create gallery walls, sharing stories about personal aesthetics and experiences. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok also feature creative solutions, from transforming ledges into cat getaways to building reading nooks. Consalvo advises thinking unconventionally, examining the space's adjacencies, and envisioning potential functions. He stresses that embracing the unique quality of these awkward spaces can ultimately enhance the entire home, turning a design flaw into a distinctive advantage. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceUtilization #HomeRenovation #CreativeSolutions #ArchitecturalChallenges #DesignInspiration #FunctionalDesign

In a competitive housing market characterized by high mortgage rates and low inventory, sellers need to present their homes in the best possible light to attract buyers. The article highlights 20 common issues that can deter potential buyers and negatively impact a home's resale value, emphasizing that many of these fixes require more effort than significant financial investment. Drawing on insights from real estate agents and home-staging experts, the piece provides practical advice on addressing these turn-offs. First impressions are crucial, starting with the home's exterior. Overgrown or messy landscaping, often described as 'haunted-house landscaping,' creates a negative initial impression. Basic tasks like mowing, trimming shrubs, weeding, and cleaning the front entrance can significantly improve curb appeal. Inside the home, buyers prefer a neutral and depersonalized space. This means removing personal interests such as collections, sports memorabilia, religious or political items, family photos, and potentially controversial artwork. The goal is to allow buyers to envision themselves living in the home rather than feeling like guests in someone else's space. Privacy during showings is also paramount. Homeowners and their agents should ideally not be present, allowing buyers and their agents to speak freely and linger. The presence of security cameras, especially those recording audio, should be disclosed to maintain transparency and avoid uncomfortable situations. Unpleasant odors, particularly from pets or cigarette smoke, are major deterrents. While homeowners may be accustomed to these smells, buyers will immediately notice them. Solutions include frequent cleaning, airing out the house, using enzymatic cleaners for pet stains, and professionally cleaning carpets and upholstery. Relying on air fresheners is discouraged as it can suggest an attempt to mask underlying issues. Lighting plays a significant role in making a home feel welcoming. Dark houses are unwelcoming, especially during shorter days. Utilizing timers or smart lights to ensure rooms are well-lit can create a more inviting atmosphere. Pets, while beloved, can be a distraction or concern for buyers due to allergies or fear. Temporarily removing pets during showings or corralling them in a designated, clearly marked area is recommended. Clutter and dirt are immediate turn-offs; decluttering, organizing, and deep cleaning are essential to help buyers envision the home as their own. Unfinished DIY projects or poorly executed renovations are also major red flags, as buyers seek move-in-ready homes and are reluctant to take on someone else's incomplete work. Specific home features and finishes can also date a property. Mismatched kitchen appliances, especially when stainless steel is the prevalent choice, can negatively impact a kitchen's appeal. Wall-to-wall carpeting, particularly in bathrooms, is largely out of favor, with hardwood floors being the preferred option. Old HVAC systems are a concern for energy efficiency and potential replacement costs. Outdated popcorn ceilings, particularly those installed before the mid-1980s that might contain asbestos, are significant turn-offs due to their appearance and potential health risks. Similarly, old brass hardware, wallpaper, and wood paneling can make a home feel dated and require considerable effort to update. External factors, such as messy neighbors, can also affect a home's appeal. While difficult to control directly, addressing concerns with neighbors or installing privacy features like fences can mitigate the impact. Lastly, pest infestations and excessive holiday decorations are immediate deal-breakers. Addressing any signs of bugs or rodents with professional pest control is critical. During the holiday season, minimal and tasteful decor is advisable to avoid overwhelming buyers or suggesting privacy concerns. #HomeSelling #RealEstate #HomeImprovements #BuyerTurnOffs #CurbAppeal #HomeStaging #PropertyValue #RenovationTips #Decluttering

While open-plan spaces, combining kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms, have been popular for promoting flow and connection, there is a growing trend towards more defined, closed-concept living. This shift addresses the desire for intimacy and distinct functional zones within a home. Fortunately, homeowners with existing open-plan layouts can achieve this sense of definition without extensive remodeling, utilizing various design strategies. Designers emphasize that balance is crucial in open-plan homes. Clear zoning allows for both connectivity and containment, offering the social benefits of open living alongside a sense of privacy. This approach makes rooms feel calmer, more purposeful, and harmonious, preventing them from becoming overwhelming. Several methods can be employed to define zones, ranging from structural alterations to decorative elements. One significant approach involves introducing dividers and architectural features. Glass dividers are particularly effective as they create separation without obstructing natural light, maintaining a visual connection between spaces. For more substantial renovations, varying ceiling heights or different flooring materials can subtly delineate areas while preserving an open feel. These architectural gestures provide structure and definition. Another impactful strategy is to reorient furniture. Simple adjustments to furniture placement can dramatically alter the perception of a space. For instance, positioning the back of a sofa to face away from the kitchen or dining area creates a natural barrier. Similarly, kitchen islands can serve as visual transitions between cooking and living zones. Console tables and credenzas can also effectively divide areas, offering both functionality and a clear demarcation. Lighting plays an often-underestimated role in defining zones. Layering different types of lighting, such as pendant lights over a dining table, wall lights in a sitting area, and task lighting in the kitchen, can distinguish various zones and establish unique atmospheres. This strategic lighting not only defines areas but also enhances the character and mood of each space. Rugs are an excellent solution for creating defined zones, especially in layouts where large furniture might not be feasible or desired. A carefully chosen rug can act as a visual indicator, clearly marking a living or dining area. It is important to select rugs of appropriate size; a rug that is too small can make a space feel disjointed, while one that is too large might undermine the zoning effect. Vintage rugs, in particular, can add warmth and texture while defining an area. Incorporating banquette seating offers another way to introduce a closed-concept feel. This style of seating naturally creates cozy, cocooning nooks, effectively carving out a dedicated space within a larger open area. Curved banquettes are especially adept at softening linear layouts and adding visual interest. Color can also be utilized to give each area its own identity. Instead of applying a uniform color palette throughout an open-plan space, using different colors for cabinetry, walls, or textiles in distinct zones (kitchen, dining, living) can visually separate them. These subtle color changes signal that each area has its own function and aesthetic, even within a shared layout. Finally, a custom kitchen island can serve as a prominent divider in open-plan spaces where the kitchen is a central feature. An island acts as both a functional workspace and a clear visual boundary, particularly when paired with statement lighting above it. Freestanding islands offer flexibility and can be positioned to effectively separate cooking from relaxing zones while maintaining an open sightline. By applying these diverse strategies, even expansive open-plan rooms can achieve a sense of coziness and defined purpose, merging the advantages of both open-plan and closed-concept designs. #OpenConceptKitchen #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ZoningTechniques #KitchenDesign #LivingSpaceDefinition #FurnitureArrangement #LightingDesign #RugsForZoning

This article explores various home conversion options, focusing on garage and attic transformations to maximize living space within existing homes. The piece highlights that with more people working, exercising, and relaxing at home, optimizing a home's potential has become a priority. Architect Denise O’Connor from Optimise Design provides expert insights into both types of conversions. For garage conversions, O'Connor explains that these spaces can be effectively repurposed into teenage dens, home offices, or playrooms. While some conversions might not require planning permission, modifications such as adding new windows or raising the roof height typically do. A key consideration for garage conversions is the often-different floor level compared to the rest of the house, necessitating adjustments. Additionally, existing power supplies may need relocation, and new plumbing and electrics might be required depending on the intended use. If a garage conversion is part of a larger two-story extension, a structural engineer's assessment is crucial to ensure the walls and foundations can support additional construction. Effective use of built-in joinery, such as units that combine storage for toys or built-in seating, is recommended to maximize the utility of these often long and narrow spaces. The placement of doors is also critical for optimal furniture arrangement and overall functionality. The cost of a single-story garage conversion can range from €2,000 per square meter, with total costs for a finished conversion estimated around €50,000, varying based on specific additions like a downstairs wet room. Attic conversions are categorized into habitable and uninhabitable. An uninhabitable conversion, costing approximately €20,000, does not require planning permission and can serve as a valuable hangout space. Insulating and soundproofing are highly recommended for such conversions. Habitable attic conversions, on the other hand, often involve creating a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, offering significant new living space for a home gym or office. Headroom is a critical factor for habitable conversions, with 50% of the floor area needing to be 2.4 meters high. Achieving this often requires constructing a dormer, which necessitates planning permission and professional advice. Adding an en suite and ensuring easy access to under-eaves storage are suggested to enhance value and functionality. The starting cost for a habitable attic conversion in a three-bedroom semi-detached home is around €35,000. For both attic types, the placement of stairs is an important consideration, as it may impact existing rooms, ideally following the existing staircase for a seamless transition. The article is part of the "Switch it Up" series, which aims to provide information on home improvements and mortgage switching. This series, supported by Ulster Bank, helps homeowners explore ways to adapt their living spaces to evolving needs and potentially free up funds for these changes by switching mortgage providers. Sean Kellaghan, mobile mortgage manager at Ulster Bank, emphasizes the bank's role in simplifying the mortgage switching process to support homeowners in making improvements. #HomeConversion #GarageConversion #AtticConversion #HomeImprovement #SpaceMaximization #ArchitecturalDesign #RenovationCosts #MortgageSwitching #UlsterBank

When preparing a home for sale, various factors contribute to its market appeal, including curb appeal, living room staging, and kitchen upgrades. However, the backyard often gets overlooked, and its design can significantly impact a home's saleability. Paul Herskovitz, founder and CEO of Discount Lots, emphasizes that an overly unique or poorly maintained backyard can deter potential buyers, advising a simple, adaptable, and well-kept design to allow prospective homeowners to envision their own lifestyle in the space. Real estate experts identify specific backyard design choices that can hinder a home sale, offering insights on what to avoid and how to enhance a backyard's attractiveness. One significant deterrent is the presence of swimming pools. Unless located in a hot climate where pools are highly desired, Sebastian Frey, a broker associate at Compass Silicon Valley, notes that pools can be difficult to sell. They consume valuable space, incur high maintenance and operational costs, use substantial water, and pose safety risks, especially for young children. Phil Green, CEO of I Buy SD, suggests a shift towards plunge pools or lounge pools as alternatives that offer aquatic enjoyment without the extensive commitment of a full-sized pool. Removing a pool can cost upwards of $5,000, which buyers often factor into their offer or decision-making. Similarly, large water features like koi ponds, artificial streams, waterfalls, and ornate fountains can be off-putting. Frey explains that these features, while aesthetically pleasing, also occupy considerable space, demand maintenance, and offer limited utility. Buyers typically prefer low-maintenance options, such as native or drought-tolerant landscaping that requires minimal attention and irrigation. Smaller, less permanent water features like bird baths with small fountains or mini standalone ponds, which can be easily removed, are recommended for homeowners who wish to enjoy water elements without alienating future buyers. Sports courts, including basketball or tennis courts, are another feature that rarely adds value for most buyers. Frey describes them as unattractive concrete or asphalt slabs that cover desirable green space. For those who desire a home sports area, temporary solutions like interlocking rubber tiles are suggested, as they can be disassembled and removed before selling. Overly personalized backyards also pose a challenge, as buyers struggle to envision themselves in a space that strongly reflects the current owner's eccentric tastes. Carissa Kristoff, a realtor at C Kappa Corp/Berkshire Hathaway HS Select Properties, and Herskovitz advise opting for neutral, versatile designs with soft landscaping and simple patio furniture to allow buyers to project their own styles onto the space. Excessive hardscaping, such as large expanses of concrete or pavers, can make a backyard feel uninviting and limit a buyer's options. Larry Shinbaum, a real estate agent and broker at Luxuri International, recommends a balanced approach between hardscape and landscape, ensuring ample green space. Softening hardscape features with flowers or shrubs can also create a more appealing transition. Michael McGuirk, a licensed real estate agent with Sotheby's International Realty, highlights the importance of a well-defined and healthy lawn, noting that a small play area with grass or soft mulch can attract families. Large children's play equipment can also deter buyers due to significant removal costs, which include disassembly, hauling, and rejuvenating the underlying dead grass. Homeowners are advised to budget for removal before listing their home. Permanent structures that dominate the yard, such as giant gazebos or custom fire pits, also reduce a backyard's appeal by limiting usable green space. Shinbaum suggests versatile features like well-placed pergolas or portable fire pits, which enhance the yard without dictating its layout. High-maintenance plants and gardens can be a turn-off, as buyers often perceive them as a new full-time job or an added expense. McGuirk recommends low-maintenance options like perennial plants and native species, which thrive in the local climate with minimal intervention. Finally, expansive outdoor kitchens with all the amenities, while enjoyable for the current owner, can be seen as overkill by buyers. McGuirk advises a simpler outdoor kitchen or built-in barbecue with a designated dining area, allowing buyers to adapt the space to their preferences rather than feeling constrained by an overly elaborate setup. #BackyardDesign #HomeSelling #RealEstateTips #LandscapeDesign #HomeValue #CurbAppeal #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #PropertyMarket

The modern farmhouse decor trend, which gained significant popularity in the 2010s for its blend of rustic charm and contemporary elements, appears to be losing some of its widespread appeal. While not entirely disappearing, certain aspects such as bold backsplashes, modern shaker cabinets, and light neutral-colored woodwork are becoming less favored by homeowners. This shift is noted by Design Historian Sarah Bilotta, who indicates a growing preference for more color, varied textures, and patterns, leading to a more maximalist and inviting aesthetic. However, traditional rural motifs like Windsor chairs and wrought iron candlestick holders retain their timeless appeal and are not going out of style. For homeowners looking to move away from the modern farmhouse look, the transition can be managed gradually. Bilotta suggests starting with small, non-committal changes rather than immediate, costly renovations. This includes introducing pops of color through table decor, serving ware, upholstery, curtains, and wall art. Additionally, changing lighting to amber tones can make a space feel warmer and less stark. For those ready for more significant changes, peel-and-stick wallpaper offers a temporary way to experiment with new design ideas. Incorporating a furniture centerpiece in each room that aligns with a new color palette, theme, and lighting can also help redefine the space. If maintaining a rustic feel, choosing classic pieces like a wingback chair in a rich, colorful, or floral upholstery can be effective. For a more substantial decor overhaul, exploring entirely new styles is an option. Bilotta proposes several alternatives that can integrate existing modern farmhouse elements. The Japandi style, a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian hygge, is one such option. It encourages keeping natural wood accents while replacing cool-toned whites with warm creams and browns. Another suggestion is the industrial style, which can leverage matte black hardware and weathered wood accents from the modern farmhouse aesthetic, combining them with sleek edges for a contemporary look. Finally, the eco-chic style, driven by the resurgence of biophilic design, presents an opportunity to transform a home into a "woodland oasis." This involves retaining natural woods and incorporating elements like potted plants and textiles made from natural materials such as jute and cotton. It also advocates for shedding painted wood accents, plastic decor, and mass-produced furniture in favor of unique textiles, upholstery, and artisanal or upcycled pieces. Ultimately, the most important consideration is to choose a decor style that brings joy and complements one's lifestyle. #ModernFarmhouse #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #DesignTransition #JapandiStyle #IndustrialDecor #EcoChic #MaximalistDecor #SarahBilotta

Electrical components, including outlets, light switches, and home-automation controls, are often considered a necessary but visually disruptive element in interior design. Designers commonly employ various techniques to minimize their obtrusiveness, such as placing outlets in baseboards, utilizing floor-mounted outlets, and opting for snap-on screwless wallplates. However, recent innovations from several companies offer products that allow electrical components to blend even more seamlessly into their surroundings, practically disappearing from view. Bocci, a Canadian firm led by creative director Omer Arbel, is renowned for its dramatic lighting installations but also offers a lesser-known line of electrical components called '22'. This system eliminates traditional wallplates by utilizing components that snap into a mounting plate, which is then skim-coated into the wall during construction. The result is small, circular outlets and switches that sit perfectly flush with the wall surface. The absence of screws necessitates a special removal tool for future maintenance or replacement. Similarly, California-based Trufig provides a system that integrates electrical components into the wall structure. Their method involves a specialized electrical box built into the wall with drywall tape and joint compound. This design allows switches, outlets, and home-automation controls to sit flush with the wall, using a thin, removable fascia instead of a standard wallplate. A key advantage of Trufig's system is its versatility, as it accommodates a wide range of electrical and home-automation components, including switches and outlets from Leviton and Lutron, controls from Crestron and iPad, and even grilles for heating and air-conditioning systems. Furthermore, Trufig fascias can be customized by painting, wallpapering, or applying wood veneer to match the surrounding decor. Some installations even feature faux finishes to integrate with stone backsplashes. U.K.-based Forbes & Lomax, which positions itself as the inventor of the "invisible lightswitch," offers a system that achieves near-invisibility for switches. Their products feature small metal toggle switches, rotary dimmers, and push-button controls with a classic aesthetic. These components are mounted to the wall with a screwless, transparent acrylic wallplate. This transparent plate overlays a second plate that has been painted or papered to match the wall, effectively making the wallplate itself disappear. For those who appreciate the tactile quality and appearance of the metal switches, Forbes & Lomax also provides metal wallplates in various finishes, allowing these elements to be celebrated rather than concealed. #HiddenElectricalOutlets #InvisibleSwitches #HomeAutomationIntegration #FlushMountOutlets #InteriorDesignDetails #ArchitecturalHardware #ModernHomeSolutions #WallplateAlternatives #SeamlessDesign

The bedroom should serve as a sanctuary for rest and calm, according to Southern designers who advocate for a pared-down and refreshing aesthetic. Many common items tend to clutter this essential space, detracting from its primary purpose. Designers like Maggie Griffin emphasize decluttering nightstands by removing mail, cluttered accessories, and unnecessary reading materials, suggesting that essentials be tucked into drawers to maintain clear surfaces. Similarly, Annie Downing, an interior designer from Austin, Texas, advises prioritizing furniture with ample storage capacity to keep items out of sight, promoting a tidy and functional environment. A recurring recommendation from various Southern designers is to remove televisions from bedrooms. Laura Hodges, for instance, firmly believes in a "no TV in the bedroom" policy, advocating for the space to be a restful retreat focused on artwork, natural light, and comfortable bedding. Lisa Henderson of Dallas, Texas, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the bedroom should be a true respite from daily responsibilities. Even aesthetically pleasing Samsung Frame TVs are suggested for removal, with Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors recommending them only for guest rooms, if at all. Old newspapers, books, and magazines are also identified as items contributing to clutter. While not all reading materials need to be discarded, designers like Andi Morse of Atlanta suggest periodically clearing out outdated publications that make the relaxation space less relaxing. Important or cherished books can be relocated to a bookshelf or cabinet outside the bedroom to preserve a serene atmosphere. This selective approach helps maintain mental clarity and reduce visual noise. Matching furniture sets, once a staple, are now considered outdated. Designers advocate for a more eclectic and lived-in look by mixing styles and finishes, incorporating antiques or family heirlooms. This approach, championed by Jennie Holland, creates a layered aesthetic that feels more personal and less rigid. Unused gadgets, including old TV remotes, chargers, and outdated cameras, are prime candidates for disposal, as they contribute to unnecessary clutter and are often retained under the misguided notion of future utility. The mattress itself is another crucial element for bedroom comfort and cleanliness. Although not a simple toss, designers recommend replacing mattresses every 8-10 years. Laura Hodges highlights the importance of investing in a high-quality mattress and using a protector to maximize its lifespan. Similarly, while decorative throw pillows can enhance a bedroom's aesthetic, an excessive number can lead to clutter. Avery Cox suggests editing the collection to a few larger pillows, either discarding smaller ones or finding them new homes in other areas of the house. Recessed lighting is generally advised against in bedrooms, as it can be unflattering and make the ceiling feel busy. Instead, designers recommend relying on dimmable lights, table lamps, and sconces to create a softer, more layered, and inviting ambiance. Lauren Lowe suggests using a dimmer with a single pendant or simple chandelier for diffused lighting. Desks, while necessary for many in the work-from-home era, should ideally be kept out of the bedroom. Designers emphasize the importance of separating work and sleep zones to promote better sleep quality, citing studies that show bedrooms functioning exclusively for sleeping and rest actually promote better sleep. Tired, stained, ripped, or pilling bed sheets should be replaced with crisp, new white linens to refresh the bedding and enhance comfort. Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design suggests replacing traditional digital alarm clocks, which can be an eyesore, with more aesthetically pleasing analog versions, especially since most people use their phones for alarms. Finally, LED light bulbs are cautioned against for general bedroom lighting due to their cooler color temperature and limited dimming capabilities compared to incandescent bulbs. Soft, warm, dimmable lighting from bedside sconces is preferred to create a truly relaxing and peaceful environment. #BedroomOrganization #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Decluttering #SleepSanctuary #FurnitureArrangement #LightingDesign #HomeImprovement

The modern farmhouse exterior, popularized by HGTV's Joanna Gaines, featuring white board-and-batten siding, black roofs, and matching trim, became ubiquitous across the country. However, this trend, particularly its signature black-and-white color palette, has seen a decline in popularity among designers and homeowners who now perceive it as overdone. Despite this shift, the modern farmhouse style is not entirely obsolete but rather evolving, incorporating more color and texture to introduce much-needed warmth to what were often stark exteriors. Interior designer Courtney Ungaro highlights the issue of widespread uniformity, noting that many homes now share the same aesthetic: white exteriors, black windows, black roofs, black lights, and medium wood-tone accents. To help homes distinguish themselves, Ungaro suggests incorporating more color. For instance, homes with classic concrete porches can be revitalized with colorful tiles, such as terracotta or hand-painted designs, or even a checkerboard pattern to add visual interest. Further recommendations from Ungaro to soften the starkness of modern farmhouse exteriors include replacing black exterior lights with white ones and restaining wood accents to a darker shade, such as chocolate brown. For those open to more significant changes, swapping out the front door for an arched style can create a distinctive entry point. A more dramatic alteration would involve painting the entire exterior black, though this requires careful consideration regarding neighbor reactions and practical implications. For more subtle enhancements, homeowners can incorporate wood shingles, like cedar shakes, a technique used by HGTV's Jenny and Dave Marrs to achieve a softer modern farmhouse aesthetic. Wood accents can also be introduced by replacing painted front doors with natural wood-tone doors, adding wood beams around the porch, or installing wood paneling on the porch ceiling. These elements contribute to a warmer, more inviting feel. Additionally, specific paint shades can personalize an otherwise cookie-cutter farmhouse facade. Earth tones are particularly effective in reviving home exteriors and imbuing them with a more welcoming farmhouse ambiance. Shades such as charcoal, beige, or sage green can be applied to the door, trim, or the entire house, adding dimension and warmth. This evolution moves away from the monochromatic starkness, allowing for greater individuality and a more inviting appearance for modern farmhouse homes. #ModernFarmhouse #ExteriorDesign #HomeTrends #DesignEvolution #ColorPalette #ArchitecturalStyle #HomeRenovation #DesignHacks #HomeExterior