Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Interior Design

  • 19 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for the Ultimate Accent Wall

    Wondering how to bring that “Wow” factor to your kitchen? Look at your backsplash. There are dozens of ways to transform this often-neglected area into something more than merely functional. From bold colors and uniquely shaped tiles to daring grout options and unexpected materials, you have near-endless resources for creating a striking visual effect that will make you want to spend hours in your kitchen.

    Below are 19 kitchen backsplash ideas for the ultimate accent wall.

    1. Carrara Marble

    Carrara marble is a luxurious choice for a kitchen backsplash, especially when applied in a large format—like giant slabs—making it look like your walls have disappeared. In white, Carrara marble brightens a space, providing sleek elegance. Black is the perfect choice for high-end drama.

    2. Elongated Hexagon Tiles

    Hexagon tiles can look retro or modern—classic or funky—depending on their size and color. Opt for a fun twist on your everyday hexagon variety by buying an elongated tile and laying it in a vertical pattern.

    3. Countertop-to-Ceiling Tiles

    Take your pick of subway, triangular, hexagon, or other-shaped tiles but bring them to the ceiling for a striking and creative visual effect.

    4. Picket Tile

    Consider a picket tile look by choosing a hexagon-shaped ceramic tile with lots of texture to create the illusion of movement or three-dimensional space.

    5. Triangular Tiles

    Triangular tiles provide visual interest and show off creative styling, especially when paired with a simple countertop and cabinetry. Create a custom pattern to complement your design style, whether farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, or contemporary.

    6. Black Tile with White Grout

    Go with a black matte tile in any shape and use bright grout—a surefire option for a statement kitchen accent wall. Round out the look with light wood cabinets and gold hardware.

    7. Colorful Tile Backsplash

    Play with pastels like pink or teal—or warm things up with yellow and orange—just focus on color to draw the eye and lighten the mood.

    8. Uniquely Patterned Tiles

    Think about the most beautifully patterned floors you’ve seen, such as those featuring painted Spanish or Moroccan tiles. Now, move the look to your walls. But contrast the tile’s complexity by sticking to minimalist cabinetry.

    9. Graphic Behind-the-Stove Backsplash

    Opt for a simple, low backsplash throughout your kitchen but go all out behind the stove with graphic tiles that bring attention to a fabulous range and range hood.

    10. Black and Gold

    Choose black and gold mosaic tile—or black tile with gold grout—for a dramatic, daring, luxurious, and one-of-a-kind look.

    11. Classic Herringbone

    Does herringbone ever go out of style? We think not. Create a French-inspired kitchen with white herringbone tile and don’t be afraid to go with a unique grout color like burnt orange.

    12. Jewel-Toned Hexagon Tiles

    Sapphire blue or emerald green hexagon tiles—small or large, glossy or matte—paired with a white countertop and cabinetry produce a striking effect perfect for a designer kitchen.

    13. Black and White Marble

    A black-and-white kitchen can be elegant, sleek, or edgy, depending on your choice of materials and styling. When done in marble, you have an instantly luxurious look—but make sure you choose a slab with bold and dramatic veins.

    14. Subway Tiles

    If you’re going to do subway tiles, make sure they stand out. Mustard yellow and navy blue are great options for a fresh take on the subway look. Choosing the same blue for your cabinetry brings your kitchen to the next level, as does opting for dark, warm wood cabinets to go with your mustard tiles.

    15. Mirror Tiles

    Large mirrored tiles give a backsplash a sophisticated 1970s appeal, bringing a bit of unexpected glamour. Finish the look with black cabinetry and in- or under-cabinet lighting.

    16. Copper Backsplash

    You have many options for a copper backsplash: subway tiles, hammered tiles, copper sheeting, and more. Copper backsplashes are warm and inviting, and they elevate a kitchen by giving it old-world flair (real copper has antimicrobial properties, too).

    17. Black Slate

    Black slate instantly adds a touch of luxury. Choose textured or sleek slate tiles and turn to light wood options for your cabinets.

    18. Brick Backsplash

    Brick can look as beautiful inside as outside. It goes well with detailed or sleek cabinetry, perfect for a classic or industrial kitchen. Brick adds texture and warmth, and offers a beautiful rustic or earthy vibe.

    19. Geometric Tiles

    Black and white is a great color combination for geometric tiles, but you can also create a “Wow” factor with bold blue or gorgeous gold and white. This high-impact look is perfect for all kitchens: Mid-Century Modern, retro, contemporary, and more.

    Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.

  • Appliance Trends: Wi-Fi Enabled, Seamless Design, and More

    The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, the most important according to many homeowners. When creating a great kitchen that is beautiful and functional, then, appliance decisions often take center stage.

    Today’s trends show that homeowners, particularly women, love the idea of appliances that simplify cooking and meal prep for their families. In a recent survey, 54% of women say they’re willing to spend more on smart home devices like high-tech refrigerators, ovens, and coffee makers.

    Additionally, homeowners appreciate appliances that save energy. They also splurge on models that integrate well with their kitchen design like those with panels that blend into cabinetry.

    The latest appliance trends will give you a peek into some of the new and popular ways these devices can help you simplify everyday tasks and get more enjoyment out of your home.

    Wi-Fi-Enabled Appliances

    The top-of-the-line smart appliances can inspire a more productive and healthier lifestyle through technology. Some of the most impressive smart refrigerators we’ve seen include smart cooling systems that sense humidity levels or create recipes based on ingredients on hand. These futuristic appliances also take inventory of your groceries and create customized shopping lists.

    Wi-Fi-enabled ovens and ranges let homeowners control them from outside the home. Smart and voice-activated coffee makers allow you to control the timing of your coffee with an app or a simple command.

    Multifunction Appliances

    Multifunctional capabilities, especially when it comes to kitchen appliances, are a massive draw for homeowners. Europe is already in vogue with the use of the Bimby kitchen robot (in America, it’s known as the Thermomix) that combines chopping, blending, and cooking in one device.

    In the U.S., consumers are catching on to these multifaceted appliances’ benefits (think space and time-saving). An all-in-one toaster oven, coffee maker, and griddle is one of the most fun multifunctional small appliances we’ve spotted lately.

    Sustainably Made and Functioning

    Green living is again one of the top trends among homeowners. Whether you prioritize recycling or energy conservation, or both, you’ll likely delight in the newest appliances from brands that also hold these ideals to heart.

    Appliances made with recycled materials are coming to the forefront of kitchen design, as are those that dramatically cut down on water usage. Water-saving dishwashers with Energy Star ratings are some of the best in their class, as are washing machines with eco-features from companies like Miele.

    Double Appliances

    Double refrigerators, double ovens, double wine refrigerators, and more. Double the capacity to store often means half the time prepping, cooking, and wondering where something is when needed.

    These trending appliances are a top choice among high-end homeowners and continue to gain broader acceptance among those with more modest dwellings.

    Pops of Color

    Not everyone loves the colorful appliance trend, but many homeowners, particularly younger consumers, embrace the look because it lets them express their personality.

    Pops of color in kitchens will continue to inspire renovations and makeovers, but time will tell if the aesthetic that sometimes screams retro and borders on kitschy will take a firm hold.

    Mixed Metals and Glass

    Boring appliance design is a thing of the past. Today’s kitchens feature refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers with striking metals like gold, copper, and bronze.

    Matte black models, as well as those with glass outer panels in a range of colors, are also all the rage.

    Induction Ovens

    Amidst great efforts (and controversy) to phase out gas ovens and cooktops, the induction oven is on the rise as a focal point in a well thought out kitchen. These ovens are arguably more environmentally-friendly than their gas counterparts and they’re getting more attractive. We anticipate more homeowners will welcome them as a viable option, even in a luxury chef’s kitchen.

    Steam Ovens

    The steam oven is a trending appliance in many high-end homes. This device circulates steam instead of hot air to cook food. Steaming retains more color and nutrients in your food and cooks it super fast.

    Some of the best steam ovens also come with convection technology, which means there’s almost nothing you can’t cook perfectly.

    Paneled Appliances

    Concealed dishwashers and refrigerators are gaining traction in homes across the U.S. Homeowners across the states have a desire for a more high-end and seamless look in their kitchens, which leads them to choose models they can hide behind customized paneling to blend in with their interior design scheme.

    The lack of handles isn’t a hindrance to these upscale appliances that are typically exceptionally and intuitively designed.

    Are you looking to buy a new home or sell yours? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • 10 Modern Kitchen Ideas for a Stylish Refresh

    Creating a modern and stylish kitchen takes a balanced approach that considers functionality and flair. It’s a task that, while not always easy, can add value to your home and provide more enjoyment for your family.

    There isn’t one true definition of modern. However, some interior designers argue that clean lines, sleek surfaces, and neutral colors best express the look. We’ve seen some magnificent modern kitchens that follow this example perfectly and others that stray but still hold fast to modernism while incorporating layered textures, bold hues, and rich wood tones.

    So, what modern means to you may differ entirely from what it screams to your neighbor. But, generally, the look incorporates design elements that emerged in the early 20th century and continue to inspire creativity. Modern style often includes a monochromatic color palette, minimalism, and natural light. It sometimes embraces an open floor plan and the use of metals like chrome and steel.

    While modern design typically refers to a narrow aesthetic born of a specific historical movement, contemporary style, in contrast, refers to anything of the current movement. As you think about what modern design elements you want to bring into your kitchen, consider first the look you want to achieve and then your long-term goals for a perfectly functional space.

    Here are 10 modern kitchen ideas for you to consider for a stylish refresh.

    1. Opt for an All-White Color Scheme

    A modern kitchen with glossy white lacquered cabinetry that blends seamlessly into an all-white backsplash can make a massive impact. If you can leave windows uncovered in an all-white kitchen, do so to make the space appear even brighter as natural light floods in.

    2. Go Dark

    Moody modern kitchens with dark cabinets, countertops, and walls feel dramatic and luxurious. Think black-on-black with pops of steel and wood as accents for added texture, or choose dark green, blue, or other jewel tones mixed with touches of silver or gold.

    3. Choose a Black and White Palette

    Black and white often has a modern feel, but you can pull this look off in an impressive way with two-toned cabinetry, sleek marble countertops and matching backsplashes, painted pendant lights, and matte black metal or shiny black glass appliances.

    4. Mix Wood Tones and Metals

    Multiple wood tones throughout a kitchen, such as shades of beechwood or oak, can give it a modern look. Equally, mixing metals can work to modernize your space if you’re intentional, such as when using black metal throughout with touches of brass, but keep in mind that mixing more than two metals may look mismatched rather than stylish.

     

    5. Introduce a New Style

    Recent events have prohibited many homeowners from completely modernizing their kitchens. Still, even farmhouse chic and cottage-style spaces can get a modern update when a homeowner carefully introduces mid-century modern or industrial elements into the mix. Look to lighting, cabinet and drawer hardware, and barstools for a quick and cheap modern update.

    6. Remove Upper Cabinets

    Skipping upper cabinets gives a kitchen a modern and minimalist look with an open and airy feel. Many homeowners embracing this trend use sleek wooden shelves in place of cabinets to neatly display utilitarian things, such as teak bowls, instead of hiding them.

    7. Plant a Tree

    If you have the space to add a unique architectural element to your kitchen, consider planting a tree in a custom modern planter. A floor-to-ceiling olive tree makes a striking statement in a minimalist kitchen, bringing a touch of nature into a setting that might otherwise appear too clean.

    8. Hang Dramatic Modern Lighting

    Kitchens can receive a modern lift with a dramatic and bold pendant light, perhaps a vintage or period piece. Go glam with gold or keep it cool with chrome, but ensure that your light is one of just a few focal points in the space to avoid creating an antique shop vibe.

    9. Embrace Simplicity

    A crisp modern kitchen finds appeal in the simplicity of its cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and appliances. In a simple or minimalist modern kitchen, focus on the utilitarian aspect of the space and treat it as a blank canvas for creating culinary works of art.

    10. An All-Wood Makeover

    Modern doesn’t have to be all about metals. An entirely wood kitchen, from flooring and wall paneling to cabinetry and countertops, can be stunning if well thought out. This design move, while risky, can prove timeless and memorable for homeowners who do their due diligence researching various kinds of wood and complementary finishes.

    Ready to buy a new home and design a modern kitchen? Or update your current space and then sell? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate can help you through the process.

  • Home Trends: What’s In and What’s Out in 2024

    A new year is ushering in a fresh collection of home trends with fun and funky styles we’ve seen before sitting alongside modern design ideas revamped for 2024.

    Retro-inspired curvy furniture, mixed metals, and mass-market design collars will make their way into homes across the United States in a big way.

    What are homeowners forgetting about for the new year? All-white interiors, extreme minimalism, and farmhouse style are now deemed too ordinary to trend, among other design ideas.

    Here’s what’s in and out among home trends for 2024.

    What’s In

    Curvy Furniture

    Curvy furniture will make a statement again next year in sofas, coffee tables, and dining tables. The flowy and organic look of these sculptural furnishings promotes a feeling of calm while exhibiting high style, an aesthetic many homeowners are on board with. There are countless ways to complete a room’s look focusing on curvilinear furniture, such as pairing a round sofa with a morphing or teardrop-shaped coffee table.

    Art Gallery-Style Spaces

    Ultra-modern interior design setups like those in art museums will have their moment in 2024. Think clean lines, bold colors, and eye-catching patterns for lighting, textiles, and furniture, all coming together in a perfectly arranged visual statement that demands attention.

    Mixed Metals

    Mixed metals will be a hit with tons of opportunities to embrace brass, bronze, nickel, and chrome simultaneously. While mixing metals in bathrooms and kitchens can produce a harmonious look, and living rooms and dining rooms may receive an impressive update through the use of various metals, experts still say to stick to two metal tops in any design scheme.

    Mass-Market Design

    Because 2023 was a massive year for interior design collaborations between mass-market retailers and big-name designers, we expect this trend to amplify in 2024. Only, expect a number of these style-driven partnerships to reveal themselves through more approachable and affordable brands.

    Bold Colors

    Bold and vibrant purples like deep magenta and playful plum will take the spotlight in interior design in the coming year, as will other hues that promote a sense of happiness and whimsey. Uplifting teal and royal emerald will also trend as homeowners strive to create celebratory and joyful spaces.

    Low-Impact Decor

    Reducing waste has long been on trend as a general way of living, and now there’s a huge push for the low-impact movement to make its way into interior design. There’ll be a momentous turn toward zero-impact furnishings and decor that reduces a homeowner’s carbon footprint. Brands that create furniture from sustainable or recycled materials will likely see more business, and designers will probably focus on locally sourced and thrifted pieces.

    Spa-Like Bathrooms

    Creating a blissful space to escape and rejuvenate is trending among homeowners. Bathrooms, in particular, in 2024 will likely get makeovers that accentuate luxe living. This means that spa bathrooms will trend with amenities like backlit mirrors, spa lighting, steam showers, and even cold plunges.

    What’s Out

    All-White Interiors

    Many homeowners love the look of an all-white space with white walls, flooring, cabinets, and countertops. While this aesthetic can give a home a clean and airy feel, plenty of designers say the trend for 2024 will be to integrate more color into pristine spaces. Bold paint and tile, for example, can add interest to an otherwise bland room. Even kitchen backsplashes can get new life with warmer and more inviting tones.

    Extreme Minimalism

    Extreme minimalism in furniture and finishes will take a backseat next year to more functional and thoughtful design. Doors without handles or knobs, and bare walls lacking texture, may appear sleek but can tend to come off as uninviting and sterile.

    Farmhouse Style

    In the last decade, you’d be hard-pressed to find a mainstream design magazine or mass-market decor store that didn’t embrace the farmhouse style in some fashion. According to the experts, thought, this look that incorporates design elements like wide plank flooring, reclaimed wood art pieces, and rustic finishes is on its way out.

    Recessed Lighting

    Say goodbye to predictable recessed lighting and embrace statement light fixtures and hidden lighting instead. Recessed lights can take away from a room’s charm and reduce its overall aesthetic to function instead of flair. To stay on trend, opt for unique and creative fixtures that blend in with your design or become a focal point of it rather than detract from it.

    Faux Limewash Walls

    Design trends for 2024 will focus on authenticity in expression and implementation. While walls painted to resemble a rustic texture surely don’t scream ‘genuine,’ you can get this look stylishly by affixing natural stone in a modern way with interior stacked stone veneer wall panels.

    Are you looking to buy and makeover a home in 2024 or renovate yours and sell it? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • What Is Slow Decorating? The Sustainable Home Trend with Timeless Style

    It’s hard to resist finishing everything (and fast) when decorating, particularly when repurposing a room, embarking on a design refresh or moving into a bigger place. And it can be especially challenging for someone starting with a lot of blank walls or empty floor space. It might seem easy to outfit your place with cheaper (and often poorer-quality) items to have a finished home fast, but there are many reasons to take your time instead. Slow decorating is a home design trend built on mindfully choosing items to bring into your home and counteracting the push for a quick finish in favor of pieces you’ll be able to live with forever.

    What is slow decorating?

    “Slow decorating is the process of taking your time to curate the perfect space for yourself,” says New York-based interior designer Amy Baratta. Slow decorating is not about completing your home right away but allowing time to get to know the spaces you live in and determine your own style. While “slow” can easily refer to the speed of decorating, it also alludes to the greater intention and purpose behind acquiring pieces for your home. According to Baratta, slow decorating recognizes that style and spaces evolve over time, so it encourages homeowners to invest in pieces they’ll want to keep and continue to use.

    Slow decorating is similar to the slow fashion movement: it’s about quality over quantity, focused on purchasing better-quality products instead of mass-produced materials that are easily damaged, worn down and generally thought of as disposable.

    It’s also an eco-conscious endeavor. Buying high-quality products results in less being thrown out or replaced. Slow decorating encourages finding antiques, buying used but quality items and updating older pieces for continued use. It involves purchasing products that are not only made of sustainable materials but also come from environmentally friendly processes and eco-conscious businesses.

    Benefits of slow decorating

    “When you purchase with intention, you have a stronger connection to the items in your home,” says Baratta. There’s an authenticity to slow decorating that can’t be rivaled, but that’s just one of the many benefits of slow decorating.

    Less pressure

    Slow decorating eliminates the pressure to get things completed quickly, while also removing the push to determine a single decorating style. Allowing time to develop and understand your personal style will help you feel more confident decorating your home, even if it’s not your strong suit. By taking time to decorate, “you can alleviate any self-imposed pressure of trying to perfect a room overnight,” says designer Jewel Marlowe of Jeweled Interiors.

    Time for budgeting

    “Slow decorating allows you to build up cash flow between purchases, so you can invest in quality pieces rather than trying to stretch your budget to purchase everything at once,” says Lindsey Putzier, owner and principal designer at Lindsey’s Eclectic Interiors. Although your purchases might be more expensive, the tradeoff is that you can budget for them. Plus, you might end up spending less buying pieces that will last rather than replacing easily outdated or damaged items.

    Trend-proof style

    Maybe the biggest perk of slow decorating is that it’s an effortless way to trend-proof your home. “Thoughtfully collecting items results in a more timeless aesthetic,” says Putzier. When your style isn’t tailored to one trend, it’s easier to swap out items later.

    Another benefit is that a mix of vintage pieces, textures and splurge items elevates the affordable, mass-market items in your home. “It is the eclectic nature and execution that deliver a high-end, more timeless look,” says Marlowe.

    Top 10 tips for slow decorating

    The phrase “patience is a virtue” applies to slow decorating. It might be hard to look at bare floors, use an old buffet that doesn’t fit your new home or avoid eye-catching deals from online retailers, but these tips will help you feel confident committing to more sustainable, quality purchases.

    1. Start with the big pieces.

    “If you are looking for new pieces for your living room, start with big items like the sofa and rug to anchor the room,” says Baratta. She says to look for something well-made with a timeless shape and style so that it can easily evolve with you. “After you have the anchor

    pieces, take your time layering in smaller items, like cabinets, occasional tables and decorative lighting.”

    2. Look for assembled furniture.

    A good baseline for identifying quality furniture is that it comes assembled, which is less common in many big-box stores and online retailers. “Quality furniture comes already fully built,” says Putzier. “If you must build it yourself, it’s likely not going to hold up to everyday use. High-quality items cost more but they last for generations.”

    3. Save and splurge.

    While slow decorating encourages waiting to buy something until it’s the right fit, it’s difficult to go without hardworking pieces like a dining table, sofa or dresser. But you likely can’t fork over a lot of money on multiple pieces all at once, either. “Splurge on something epic—maybe your sofa, table or bed—and shop smart on the rest,” says Marlowe. “Then, as you find treasures along the way, you can upgrade.” Marlowe recommends asking yourself if the item you want to purchase is a “forever buy” or a “huge improvement for now” to help determine how to spend money.

    Marlowe also suggests considering life stages when deciding which big purchases to make. Have children and want to avoid sticky fingers or capless markers marring a prized piece? Spend the money on items that are out of reach, like artwork or lighting. “Save the custom sofa for when kids are older,” says Marlowe. Another option is to choose used pieces over fast furniture to shop more sustainably during those in-between years.

    4. Embrace mixing styles.

    Your space shouldn’t reflect a catalog page from your favorite store; the look might become dated, and it’s harder to add in other elements down the road. To withstand trends and time, embrace different design styles. Baratta, for instance, paired a mid-century modern sofa with a wooden cobbler’s table in her living room. “It looks great together, and the antique table has an interesting story behind it,” says Baratta.

    5. Investigate materials.

    Slow decorating gives you the opportunity to really consider the materials that make up the furniture and decor in your home. In her book, Wellness by Design, wellness design consultant Jamie Gold emphasizes the importance of material choices. Does the rug in a well-used room have chemical stain protection that includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? Does that wood cabinet have toxic finishes that are bad for your home’s air quality or the environment?

    Investigate materials before you make a purchase, or look for solutions that you know to be higher quality. Wool, for instance, is naturally hypoallergenic and can withstand wear and dirt, making it a great option for floors, upholstery and even bedding. “Wool’s biggest negative is cost,” says Gold. “But if you’re buying, decorating, building or remodeling for long-term use, it will likely pay for itself with its longevity.”

    6. Really know your space.

    Although good advice for anyone, it’s an especially good reminder for slow decorating: Take time to live in your space. Knowing how you want to use it—and what pieces you want to fill

    it with—will slow down the drive to decorate right away. It will also help you determine what will be a good fit. “It’s easy to fall in love with a unique piece, but it must fit in your space for it to become a treasured item,” says Putzier.

    7. Buy local and handmade.

    “For accessories, such as vases, plates or cups, seek out local artisans that are creating handcrafted, small-batch items instead of buying from the larger stores,” suggests Baratta. “Look for shops that carry one-of-a-kind, unique pieces made by a local craftsperson. If you don’t have something like that close to you, most artists sell their goods online.”

    Similarly, Putzier recommends buying art, vases, rugs and other decorative pieces from places you visit. “These pieces bring back cherished memories,” says Putzier. Unique creations might cost more, but you can feel good knowing who your money supports.

    8. Shop with sustainability in mind.

    Do some research before buying. “Look for companies that describe their construction process and have a sustainability program,” says Baratta. “If they do, it should be easy to locate on their website.” In addition to eco-friendly brands, Baratta suggests looking for those with a demonstrated fair-trade policy, which supports the fair pay and treatment of creators around the world.

    9. Consider care and maintenance.

    You’re a lot more likely to replace something that is a pain to maintain or doesn’t work the way you wanted it to. One of the objectives of slow decorating is to not have to make replacements. “When you look at stylish updates for your home, look with an eye toward practicality and purpose,” says Gold. “Will this choice make your life easier or harder? What will be involved in keeping it in good condition?” Gold says the key is being honest with yourself. You might love the look of that glass coffee table, but will you want to wipe away fingerprints regularly? Even if it’s a quality piece, it might not be right for your lifestyle.

    10. Know that it’s about balance.

    Not everything has to be expensive or meet these design tips. The goal of slow decorating is a livable space that fits your lifestyle and avoids treating furniture and decor like disposable items. It’s OK to incorporate some budget pieces from fast-market retailers; sometimes it’s just easier and fits your style. The key is to care for those items, as well as higher-quality pieces, so you can continue to use them for a long time.

    © Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

  • Designing a Multipurpose Room

    Over the last several years, homeowners and renters have increasingly reimagined their underused spaces, creating multipurpose rooms to meet the influx of new activities and work-from-home challenges. While this initial shift was born out of necessity, the idea of creating multifunctional flex spaces has only grown in popularity as people seek homes that more effectively suit their daily lives. If you want to better utilize your home, read on for our tips for creating the ideal multipurpose room.

    Transform an Underused Closet

    Depending on its size, an underused closet is brimming with possibilities as a part of a new multipurpose room. For example, a spacious closet in your bedroom or guest room could easily be transformed into a work-from-home office and an extra storage area for supplies. If the closet is shallow but long, consider dividing the space with a closed system for storage on one side and your workspace on the other. For this type of workspace, Melissa Warner Rothblum of Massucco Warner suggests to Martha Stewart Living that people add a small desk, a comfortable work chair, and additional lighting (if necessary). Rothblum also recommends integrating “’a few wall-mounted shelves for extra storage, or hang artwork to personalize the space.’”

    Is there an extra closet near your entertaining space? Consider removing the doors so that it is open to your room and create a customized bar. Marcus Mohon tells Martha Stewart Living that this can be done simply by “removing the shelves and adding a chest, cabinet, or bar cart to store your bottles and barware.” Bring in some mood lighting in the form of a pendant light, and you are ready to host your next dinner party or cocktail soiree.

    If you want your bedroom to remain an oasis but need a quiet meditation space that helps you focus, look to that empty closet (or side of the closet). “As long as your closet has a door and provides enough room to sit, Lauren Wills of Wills Design Associates says it can be converted into a mini meditation room,” in an interview with Martha Stewart Living. Redesigning the closet (or dividing a larger one) is easier than you might imagine. Wills explains the details of an ongoing project: “‘We’re removing the lower shelves and the hanging bars to make room for a small lounge chair and having a mural painted on the wall to liven things up.’” Before you know it, your bedroom will be a multipurpose retreat.

    Carve Out Multifunctional Kitchen Stations

    Has your kitchen become the center of activity in your home? With some quick rearranging and the right piece of multifunctional furniture, you can create a station in the corner of your kitchen that can easily change as your needs do. My Domaine adores the idea of adding a mini desk/kitchen counter, like one from Arbor & Co., to make a corner of a home’s kitchen or dining area into the perfect multipurpose station. Position the mini desk/counter in the corner, preferably under a window, and add a stool that can be hidden away when not used. With this simple addition, the Magazine raves, “the desk where you take Zoom calls in the morning can evolve into the countertop where you roll out the dough in the afternoon into the table where you work on a jigsaw puzzle in the evenings.”

    Design a Multipurpose Guest Room and Workout Area

    Do you have a sleeping loft or guest bedroom that rarely hosts visitors? It may be time to invest in a Murphy bed. Long the darling of small apartments, Murphy beds are making a comeback as people are converting underused sleeping spaces into much-loved multipurpose rooms. One of My Domaine’s favorite redesigns comes from Marie Flanigan Interiors who explained to the Magazine that they installed a Murphy bed into an upstairs sleeping loft “so the bed can be tucked away, opening up floor space for a workout area.”

    It’s also a terrific idea for studios where you need to create a living, dining, and sleeping space in minimal square footage. Simply put up the bed during the day and wheel over storage footstools and a fold-down table when it is time to entertain.

    Make Your Dining Room Do Double Duty

    Formal dining rooms took on new life during the pandemic, and they will likely stay the spot of more than just family dinners. While they worked well initially, you may be tired of moving paperwork and computers whenever you want to use the space for dining. If you can spend the time and money, wall-to-wall cabinetry might be the answer. Custom cabinets can house a hidden workspace with a fold-down desk or a crafts studio with a retractable worktable and plenty of shelves for supply bins. Games and puzzles also can be stored here. And if dinner parties are in your future, save one of the cabinets for specialty serving platters, dinnerware, and table linens you don’t use daily.

    If you don’t have the time or space to install wall-to-wall cabinets, consider bringing in a convertible armoire that opens to reveal a workspace with charging stations, lighting, and storage for your essential files. When the day is over, close the doors and move your chair out of the way, and the dining room can be restored for a relaxing family dinner with minimal hassle.

    Create a Hidden Laundry Room

    Are you hoping to invest in a new laundry set up in your home? If your bathroom has a spacious closet or an underused vanity area, it might be time to convert it into a multipurpose bathroom/laundry room. As you already have water running into the bathroom, this room and the kitchen are often the most accessible places to add stackable (or even side-by-side) washers and dryers. If your bathroom is large enough to accommodate the units, designers at Southern Living love the idea of installing double-louvered doors to effectively create a separate room for the appliances when they are not in use. They also advise that “keeping the bathroom and laundry spaces the same color creates cohesiveness and allows them to function as one room.”

    Transform a Large Laundry Area

    If your home is blessed with a larger laundry area than you need, this may become the perfect multipurpose room. Southern Living recommends assessing the site to determine if shelving, cabinetry, or an island or table can be added to the laundry room. One of their favorite laundry redesigns created a “well-organized multipurpose laundry room [that] designates separate areas for gift wrapping, odds and ends storage, and laundry.” Once the cubby storage was put in place, the homeowners chose “canvas cubes all in the same shade of blue [to] keep the room looking spick-and-span.” And if you do ensconce a table or island in your new laundry room, you’ll quickly find that it’s ideal not just for gift wrapping but for family craft projects, studying or working-from-home, and as a home improvement task station, when not in use for folding laundry.

    Invest in Multifunctional or Convertible Furniture

    In addition to Murphy beds, a range of furniture can make any multipurpose room more functional. Folding tables, like the Driness Drop Leaf Console to Dining Table, act beautifully as slim console tables for daily use. Plus, they can be opened and expanded to transition your living room into a dining room that seats six comfortably in seconds.

    Sleeper sofas are a quick way to transform a living room or family room into a guest bedroom. But have you seen sleeper ottomans? These wonders are ottomans with storage by day and, after a simple pull, convert to single beds by night. They are a dream invention for studios or small apartments that thrive on the creation of efficient multipurpose rooms.

    Do you love the idea of the cabinet or closet workspace but don’t have the square footage for a full-scale conversion? My Domaine is a fan of turning a part of a space into a multipurpose work/live room by opting “for a convertible piece of furniture like the Fold Down Desk sold in Staples stores.” When you can’t commit a space to a desk and cabinet system, this convertible option works wonders. The Magazine raves: “With storage space for notebooks, pens, and desk accessories, you don’t have to rummage for your supplies at 9 am to then have to break it all down and store it at 5 pm. The front is an erasable white board so you can brainstorm Monday-Friday and then update it to match your décor for when you need that space for entertaining or living your life!”

  • How to Declutter and Organize a Home Office

    Are you struggling to declutter and organize a home office? Over the last few years, many people had to pivot to work-from-home situations quickly. While the temporary setups worked wonders at first, you might find that you need more permanent solutions to keep your space free of clutter. And even if you have had a home office for years, you might be looking for affordable solutions for arranging your room to make it more inspiring and increase your productivity. Below, we reveal some of our favorite tips for how to organize a home office and create a space that you love.

    Tame Paper Clutter

    Before starting to organize a home office, you need to tackle the clutter. Seeing piles of paper and supplies crowding a workspace rarely sparks creativity. Not only is it pushing you to confine your activities to a smaller work area, but it’s also likely increasing your stress levels before you even begin your work for the day. Simply host Brandi Milloy tells readers at Real Simple that paperwork should be sorted into three distinct piles: “file, shred, do.” Material that needs to be kept should be filed. Anything you don’t need should be sent to the trash bin or shredded if it includes sensitive information. The last “do” pile represents your physical inbox. If you can handle whatever is in the pile right away, go ahead and do that and move on. If this paper represents a longer-term task, set it aside in an inbox to be tackled as soon as possible. The sooner you deal with these piles that are weighing down your office, the lighter you will feel.

    Take Inventory

    Now that the paper has been dealt with, you should have a better view of what your workspace currently holds. Whether you have a separate room or a dedicated area in your kitchen or living room, assess what items take up space. If toys, clothes, or gadgets have migrated onto or around your desk, put them back where they belong. When you organize a home office, you want that valuable real estate to be as free of extras as possible.

    Arrange Your Desk

    Now that your desk has been cleared of extraneous papers, supplies, and unwanted extras, you can focus on arranging it for maximum productivity and comfort. If your goal is to organize a home office for optimal feng shui, expert Ashley Cantley tells Real Simple that “the desk should face where you can see who is coming and going from the room.” Once your desk is optimally placed, you’ll want to keep it streamlined. If you have a steady flow of “to-do” paperwork, keep a physical inbox on your desk so that this paperwork is corralled and not misplaced. If your desk has a top drawer, this is a terrific spot to store daily-use items, like a wireless keyboard, notepads, pens, headphones, etc. Be sure you have a task light or adjustable floor lamp, and only keep supplies you are using for your given project by your side. Also, keep binders and file folders in a file cabinet or on a shelf rather than on your desk to eliminate crowding when you work.

    Organize a Home Office Command Center

    Do you have a group of key peripherals and supplies? Experts at The Spruce recommend creating a command center where items like your printer, files, cork board, shipping materials, and necessary supplies are located. The Magazine suggests that “the benefit of clustering essential items into a centralized area of your space means you have immediate access to critical paperwork and supplies, preventing them from being misplaced and cluttering other areas of your office.” A small table, rolling cart with locking wheels, or even a repurposed bookcase can be quickly turned into a dedicated space that will remarkably improve your home office’s flow and keep your area organized.

    Include File Cabinets

    Even if most of your files are kept in the cloud, you will likely still have paperwork you must keep. From project binders to tax returns, you want essential papers to have a secure home when you organize your office. If you have a lot of physical documents, Real Simple recommends choosing a three-drawer file cabinet that blends in with your overall design aesthetic.

    The editors at The Spruce agree that having enough storage is the key to an organized home office. The Magazine applauds the idea of installing a wall of low cabinets if you have the budget and square footage to make it work. You can have bespoke cabinets built, but that may take more time and money than you want to spend. The Magazine suggests that as you arrange your new office, you should “consider stock kitchen cabinets from a home improvement store that can do the same job hiding office supplies and files.” Once the low row of cabinets are in place, “top cabinets with a length of countertop for extra workspace.”

    Want a storage option that is filled with character as well as your paperwork? My Domaine recommends using vintage filing cabinets, which can be found at consignment shops, through restoration experts, and even at flea markets. Among their favorites are “early 20th-century solid oak cabinets with metal plates” and “a 1940s industrial-era file cabinet (like one by Steel Furniture Mfg. Co.) with brass hardware.”

    Consider Decorative Bins

    If you have watched any episode of Get Organized with The Home Edit, you know that decorative bins can be used to organize your entire home, from your pantry to your shoe closet. It’s no surprise then that decorative containers and attractive boxes with lids and labels are also being used to house the artifacts of projects in home offices. My Domaine is a fan of using multiple small organizers for supplies; “That way everything can have its own space, and you’ll always be able to find a pen without scrambling.”

    Employ Shelving

    If you don’t want a filing cabinet but need more storage than bins allow, My Domaine suggests hanging shelving instead. The Magazine reveals: “Whether you fill an entire wall with open shelving or simply employ one or two to hold your things, shelves can provide an easy place to store documents and display a few cherished items.” Even repurposing a bookcase can be “ideal for an office since it has open shelves to contain everything from paper trays to books, to stylish accents.” Just be sure to edit the shelving periodically to avoid overstuffing.

    Does your home office also need to serve as a showroom? For those who need to display items, The Spruce remarks that a cubby system using decorative storage baskets might be the best solution for your needs. The Magazine explains: “The beauty of a cubby system is that it’s naturally neat, symmetrical, and perfectly proportioned to give the appearance of organization.”

    Hide the Cords

    If you have a spider web of cords spun through your home office, reaching a sense of calm in your new space will be difficult. Cord clips can hide desk cords by allowing you to run them down the legs of your desk. If your desk isn’t close to an electrical outlet, Simply host Brandi Milloy advises in Real Simple that people should “invest in a decent-size surge protector that has USB ports and plenty of outlets for all your devices,” which is then stored “in a cable organizer box” behind a desk. Milloy suggests that if you are concerned that the new setup might cause a tripping hazard, buy a cord cover that blends into your office décor. However, she cautions against “[hiding] your cords under a rug, as it’s a fire hazard.”

    DIY a Cork Wall 

    If you want the ability to plot a project’s schedule or stages using visual cues, or you want to be able to see appointments or project details at a glance, creating a cork wall may be the perfect organizational tool for you. My Domaine reveals: “You can buy a roll of cork and DIY a whole wall, or you can get one sheet of cork and temporarily secure it” to display “your calendars, schedules, to-do lists, reminders, and quotes to keep you going.”

    Surround Yourself with Inspiration

    The last thing you want when you organize a home office is to create a bland cubicle. If you have put up your cork board or wall, pin to it any inspiring clippings or aspirational images you have been saving. The Spruce advises that by using the vertical space you have created, “you’ll give them a place to live instead of left in a forgotten pile of papers.”

    Inspiring artwork is also key to improving your new home office’s feng shui. Expert Ashley Cantley remarks to Real Simple that on your journey toward a more inspiring workspace, you should “‘place images of people you admire and aspire to be like and use positive mantras painted or hanging on the wall.’”

    Add Green Details

    Don’t forget the green details. Incorporating thriving plants into your office will not only inspire you, but they may have a calming impact as you seek to create in the room. Cantley advises Real Simple that “any plant that has a rounded leaf,” “a succulent garden potted in a wood trough,” or “flowering plants (purple and red)” are good feng shui choices and make for beautiful accents for your newly organized home office.

  • Choosing Green Furniture for Your Home

    Eco-friendly interior design choices, like selecting green furniture for the home, are increasingly popular. Buyers are choosing décor made from sustainable materials, vintage furnishings, or pieces utilizing environmentally friendly production methods. In fact, simply choosing a piece that is made locally or transported using high-efficiency practices can reduce the carbon footprint associated with that purchase. If you are interested in making more earth-friendly decorating choices, read on as we review some of the easiest and most affordable ways to find green furniture that you will love.

    Check for the Seal

    When buying new green furniture, check if the piece you are considering has a Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) seal. Member manufacturers pledge to take significant steps to reduce and minimize their carbon footprint. Cradle to Cradle certification is another excellent tool for determining if a particular piece of furniture was made sustainably. The Spruce explains: “The certification covers factors such as eco-friendly materials, renewable energy use, water use, and impact on people and communities.” The certification applies to items made anywhere in the world and can be found on products from furniture to eco-friendly window treatments and flooring.

    Select Vintage or Secondhand Items

    Martha Stewart Living is a big fan of buying “kinder” furniture when designing more eco-friendly rooms. Thrifting for secondhand finds, restoring family heirloom pieces, and shopping for vintage treasures are easy ways to add green furniture to your home. From Chesterfield sofas to Knoll tables, you’ll love incorporating storied pieces that will instantly give your space a bespoke feeling while supporting your eco-friendly design goals. Plus, a unique secondhand find is an instant conversation starter when entertaining.

    Interior designer Rebecca Hay agrees that for anyone searching for a green way forward, vintage or secondhand furniture has numerous benefits beyond having little to zero carbon footprint. Hay relates to My Domaine: “‘Older craftsman furniture has been made to last, and has a longer lifespan over new big-box store furniture that is sometimes not well-built, causing you to shop again and throw away yet another piece of furniture into a landfill, and the imperfections in the furniture add to its character and can tell an old story in a new space.’”

    Choose Furniture Made from Renewable Resources

    Green furniture is crafted from materials that are recycled, repurposed, or exhibit other eco-friendly qualities, including being made from renewable resources. The Spruce notes that “bamboo grows quickly and easily, so it’s a good choice for a renewable resource.” Furniture made from wicker and rattan are also appealing options, according to the Magazine, for anyone looking “for ways to reduce the use of plastics and manmade materials in the home.”

    When choosing wood furniture, the experts tell The Spruce that shoppers should focus on “solid wood like walnut, teak, oak, or maple.” As opposed to particleboard or MDF, solid wood furniture will last longer and does not rely on chemical adhesives to stay together.

    Also, look for natural fibers on upholstered furniture. Jute is a durable, natural fiber often seen wrapping headboards and bed frames in rustic-chic bedrooms. Designer Niche Interiors explains to The Spruce that they are committed to sustainable design and focus on building “custom upholstered pieces made from natural latex foam wrapped in organic wool.” Furniture upholstered in linen can showcase a fabric that is biodegradable, versatile, and stylish. Organic linens in natural tones do not go through the bleaching processes common to pure white versions of the material and avoid the use of harmful dyes.

    Support Sustainable Manufacturing

    If possible, before purchasing new furniture, investigate a company’s manufacturing practices. Do they support fair trade policies? Do they work to mitigate potential harm to the community or the environment where the piece is produced? Looking for a sustainable certification may help answer these questions, but not always.

    You’ll also want to focus on purchasing furniture that uses nontoxic stains, paint, or sealants; otherwise, you risk off-gassing as the new furnishings can release some unhealthy fumes into the air. As Niche Interiors tells The Spruce, they like “to avoid mass produced furniture upholstered with petroleum-based flame retardants,” opting instead for working with local artisans for handcrafted furniture that employ safe, organic elements.

    Buy Locally

    One way to ensure that your furniture is greener is to thrift from nearby sellers or buy from area craftspeople who build furniture using locally sourced renewable materials. Of course, that isn’t always an option. If you are hoping to acquire a new item that needs to be shipped, check how the company transports its goods to your area. Review their website to see if the company makes efforts to reduce packaging or strives for other efficiencies.

    Rent the Trends

    Generally speaking, designers will caution against decorating with the trends in mind. As the experts at My Domaine suggest, “focus on what you love—not what everyone else loves.” Following this mantra will help your space stand the test of time and reduce the waste that often comes with trying to keep up with the latest styles. However, if a trend has captured your imagination, there is a more sustainable way to test it in your home. Kimberly White, Head of Home Quality Standards & Design at Vacasa, tells The Spruce: “Renting furniture items is another trend that is in line with sustainable practices yet still allows consumers to enjoy the latest looks.”

  • New Traditional Style

    The New Traditional home trend is making its way into our homes and our hearts. Max Wilker, Style Director at Dotdash Meredith, discusses how the look is all about utilizing what was once old and reimagining it with a fresh new finish or bold print fabric. Traditional styling offers chic layering of classic furniture with contemporary accessories. Wilker states, “It’s about freely mixing decades of furnishings with colors, silhouettes, and proportions all working together for a cohesive look.” Discover how to transform your home below.

    How to achieve the New Traditional style:

    • Find velvet chairs – preferably in a deep, rich tone to anchor the room
    • Create a traditional fireplace
    • Look for pieces with embroidered details
    • Try floral wallpapers
    • Design with gold and brass lighting and accessories
    • Use a mix of wood stains
    • Find a vintage brass mirror
    • Incorporate a traditional wingback chair
    • Use furniture with simple lines and minimal ornamentation
    • Colors to use include deep rich tones of green, blue, purple, and burgundy balances with softer and more neutral hues

     

  • Mid-Century Modern – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled have returned. 

    From the past to the present:  

    The midcentury modern movement originated during the middle of the 20th century and was the organic result of modernism. People wanted to embrace a more organic way of living which is why the style is rooted in functionality and simplicity with a lot of clean lines. After World War II, cities expanded, and the demand for modern furnishings for the newly built homes emerged. Technological advancements also resulted in the production of new materials, which led to the creation and exploration of unique shapes and various textures. 

    What makes up Mid-Century Modern design? 

    Mid-century modern is all about functional wooden pieces, clean lines, and curved designs. The look is simple, with a focus on comfort. It’s no surprise the aesthetic design remains timeless and is back in style. Mid-century modern homes usually have a sleek feel and mix natural and artificial materials. There’s also a continuity between the indoors and outdoors, which is why plants play a key role in the decor. This can also be seen in the color palette, which mostly consists of natural hues and colors rooted in nature. Pops of color are also added, especially bright yellows and beautiful teals. 

    How to achieve the Mid-Century Modern look: 

    • Embrace a natural color palette with a few pops of bright colors throughout.  
    • Consider olive green, pale pinks and other muted tones, orange, bright yellow, and a variety of teals and aquamarine colors. 
    • Build a space around a few statement pieces. 
    • Bring in potted plants. 
    • Focus on function. 
    • Incorporate wood furniture made of teak or oak. 
    • Include organic and curved shapes.  
    • Add brass details around your home. 
    • Hang big and bold artwork, especially with large graphic shapes.  
    • Favor statement lighting. Add hanging lights or pendant lighting that look like artwork.  
    • Embrace open spaces and aim for flow.  
    • Ditch the clutter and say goodbye to an abundance of knickknacks.