‘I’m never going to be the person who tells you there’s such a thing as too much brown, but there is definitely such a thing as the wrong brown,’ Salem-based interior designer Molly Kidd tells Homes & Gardens. Her custom window treatment collection for Everhem, for all its floaty embroidery and fanciful tassels, is grounded in earthy chocolate brown. From furniture to sneakers, it's a shade we’ve seen seemingly everywhere in the past year – except, strangely, for window treatments.

But why? Perhaps a little too imposing? Molly says it comes down to the fabric. ‘On a window, it’s all about the material and what’s around it. I love our chocolate linen because of how the specific weave lets the light move through it – it feels earthy and almost sun-faded rather than heavy.' The rich, 'Le Café' shade joins two more lightweight linens in Au Lait, a warm, milky ivory, and Classique, a classic stripe, alongside two sheers: embroidered lace Fleur and Voile Blanche.

‘I also like giving a darker curtain a little breathing room: warm plaster walls, lighter upholstery, something with age and patina. Brown is basically a neutral in my book. Treat it like one, and it becomes surprisingly easy to live with.’

And, be it chocolate or otherwise, a great curtain, especially one that hangs solo, hinges on the drape. Musing the layered, theatrical windows Molly observed during her travels to France and Italy, soft valances are another standout of the lacy, piped-to-perfection collection.

‘Think wardrobe, not matching set,’ Molly continues. Café curtains offer privacy without blocking the outside’s natural beauty in kitchens and bathrooms; Roman shades gather neatly at the bottom, lending bedrooms an enveloping softness without feeling too formal. Each can exist, or even be double-dressed, alongside the collection’s full-length drapery. ‘If I’m layering, I want the pieces to do different jobs – a sheer for softness and filtered light, then a linen with more weight and structure. The trick is making sure they aren’t competing for attention.’

For Molly, that means separating church and state: chocolate gets its window, ivory gets another. The nuance comes from the fabrics themselves, which might not surprise fans of her earthy minimalist DNA.

‘I usually keep the palette tonal and let the contrast come from texture, transparency, and weight. It’s the same reason a linen shirt under a great jacket works: similar language, completely different jobs. And I always go higher and wider when the architecture allows. Give all that fabric somewhere to breathe.’

Maybe chocolate brown curtains aren't actually the winter coat we think they are. In a light-filtering weave, with thoughtful layers and a generous drape, even the most bundling, satiating shade carries a certain levity. Ahead, a few ways to indulge in chocolate this fall, plus the supporting pieces for an airy, earthy window wardrobe of your own.

Chocolate isn’t the only curtain trend we’re craving for 2026. From generous folds to barely-there details, see how else designers are dressing their windows this year.

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When I was a child, going to my grandmother’s house around Christmastime felt like taking a trip to the North Pole. She was a holiday decorator to her core, so every single inch of her home was filled with some sort of Christmas decor – from the lit reindeer on the front porch to the holiday-scented candles in her bathroom.

My favorite feature, however, was always the Christmas village she had on display in her cozy living room. Lined up on the console table behind her couch, this village had everything – a schoolhouse, a bakery, a florist; the list goes on and on. Six-year-old me spent hours gazing at it, imagining that little people lived there, and they too were preparing for Christmas Day.

Ever since, I have wanted to recreate my grandmother's Christmas village – and this year I am making a start. ALDI has just released the sweetest, nostalgic, classically holiday-inspired Hotel Village House.

Everything about its design reminds me of the houses my grandmother had in her collection – from its snowy roof to its white-tipped trees and even the charming bows adorning its facade. Plus, it lights up from the inside – mimicking the warm and inviting holiday scene I remember so fondly from childhood.

It's decorations like this that make the holiday season feel so magical – helping you rediscover the childlike wonder you had as a kid. I can already picture this little hotel in my living room – sitting on my Christmas mantel, radiating nostalgic charm and glowing with warm, ambient light.

If you're just starting your Christmas village collection like me, consider this the perfect first piece. Its classic Christmas color scheme allows it to stand on its own or in a small holiday vignette.

However, if you're looking to grow your village collection, this ceramic hotel is the perfect next purchase. After all, where will all the imaginary vacationers stay while they're visiting your Christmas village? You just need a hotel.

Aside from this charming ceramic hotel, ALDI's Christmas collection has more whimsical buildings. All for just $12.99, these ceramic buildings can help you expand your Christmas village into an entire holiday empire – right in your own home.

Shop More Ceramic Christmas Buildings From ALDI

Shop Nostalgic Christmas Decor

Along with the bakery, the school, and the bookstore, ALDI's Hotel Village House is an inherently nostalgic piece of holiday decor. If you prefer to decorate your home for Christmas in a way that makes you feel like a kid again, shop three more nostalgic holiday finds below.

Aldi's Hotel Village House is a reminder that Christmas decorating doesn't need to be trend-driven or overcomplicated. Sometimes, the best holiday features are the ones that are nothing more than nostalgic – making you experience the childlike joy of the Christmas season once again. Aldi's Gingerbread Christmas Decorations have the same effect, so after completing your Christmas village, consider making another one out of gingerbread-inspired ceramic, too.

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The elegance of Christmas decor in a single color cannot be overstated. This monochromatic technique is perfect for defining the character of your home and creating a single brand for your holiday scheme. It's also incredibly versatile.

While we tend to think of single-color schemes as relatively pared-back, Cardi B's Christmas tree design shows otherwise. The rapper's entryway is alive with white holiday decor. From sparkly white garlands on the railing, to a tree, to faux polar bears drenched in tinsel and icecicle ornaments (like these pretty glass baubles from Amazon), a single color creates a huge impact.

It's evidence that all-white Christmas decor doesn't have to be boring.

Furthermore, Cardi's choice to decorate boldly with one color demonstrates her commitment to one of 2026's biggest holiday decor trends: personality. Rather than blindly following trends, homeowners are decorating for the holidays with their hearts.

'The most remembered Christmas Trees are typically not the most extravagant or elaborately decorated but rather those that symbolize the people gathering together beneath its branches,' says Swati Goorha, Founder and Principal Designer of Swati Goorha Designs.

She continues: 'This year, I believe Christmas Trees will be even more personalized and expressively decorated with more thoughtful layers. I believe there will be less adherence to a single perfect, coordinated decorating approach and instead an increase in layering nostalgia items (ornaments), incorporating beautiful textiles and adding unique, meaningful items that make it exclusively "their" tree.'

Recreate Cardi's Look at Home

From faux polar bears to simple white glass ornaments, these are Homes & Gardens top picks for emulating Cardi B's look this Christmas.

Committing over the top to one theme is an excellent way to make your Christmas decor feel created by a designer. Sara Mingus, Interior Designer at Shades of Design advises: 'Clients are asking how to make their decorating look professional rather than DIY. My answer for this is: more is more! You want your trees, mantles and other decorated spaces to be "dripping" with ornaments and Christmas cheer. In hospitality everything is lit. So add the lighting wherever possible!'

For a more subtle take on Cardi's look, you can integrate splashes of white without committing to drenching the room. Wendi Gee principal designer at Wendi Gee Interiors in Austin, TX recommends, 'Sparse flocked trees. Not the heavily coated white look. More like snow actually landed on it, with green still visible underneath. Clients love it because it feels real rather than manufactured.'

If you were looking for a sign to decorate for the holidays using just one color, let this be it.

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The year has flown by, and with November just a week away, I am already thinking about my Christmas hosting. The first task on my list? Planning the menu and how I am going to cook it.

Nothing motivates me to cook more than beautiful cookware. If something looks stunning on my stove, the hours spent laboring over slow cooks or complicated bakes are instantly more gratifying, not to mention that they are perfect for showing off to guests.

That's why I am so enamored with this year's Christmas collection from Le Creuset. The non-toxic cookware is crafted in rich, jewel tones that are straight out of a holiday fairy tale, with luscious burgundy and sumptuous blues made for expensive-looking festive tablescaping.

The cast iron cookware is decorated with elaborate tree-shaped embossing on each lid and is finished with a wonderfully seasonal star-shaped knob, which is also available separately should you wish to add a festive touch to your existing Le Creuset pieces. On the mini Noel cocottes, the star is even dipped in real gold, for an utterly luxurious finish.

The gold finishes don't stop there, either. The Holly Collection Cocottes and London Mugs are finished with gold leaf, for adding a sparkling shine to your holiday dinner and coffee tables.

There truly is something for every style and budget, perfect for practical Christmas Kitchen countertop decor or as a gift for the special home chef in your life.

Shop The Le Creuset Holiday Collection 2026

Not quite ready for Christmas yet? Don't worry. The Le Creuset Pumpkin Harvest Collection is still available to shop ahead of Thanksgiving.

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IKEA’s STRÅLA light shades sell out every year. At around $8 apiece, these oversized, paper stars have developed a cult following since their ’90s debut, thanks to their clean Scandi lines and hang-anywhere versatility. Pair one with a cord set, and it’s a pendant; add a lamp base, and it’s a table lamp. Change your mind next Christmas? Switch them around. Nearly three decades later, the 2026 collection has landed, and the annual scramble is on.

While the iconic star-within-a-star silhouette remains, this year’s drop introduces more intricate, origami-style folds, giving the familiar paper shades a little more surface area for whimsy. The snowflake-inspired Paper Petal Star carries all the delicate beauty of a winter wonderland storybook, while its counterparts arrive in punchier greens and reds, borrowing from IKEA’s ‘Happy Carnival’ mood for 2026. ‘I wanted to evoke laughter and make Christmas decor more relaxed. The shapes are geometric and simple yet playful, with eye-popping colors. I hope they will add joy and a stress-free perspective on Christmas,’ says IKEA designer Marta Krupińska.

For all the unexpectedly punchy colors, new star- and leaf-shaped lighting chains, and even a surprisingly surreal matchstick-shaped floor lamp, one thing hasn’t changed in decades of STRÅLA lighting: the sheer number of places you can put it. Homes & Gardens' Head of Interiors, Hebe Hatton, considers the paper stars a holiday tradition.

‘I have had my first IKEA Stråla light for almost a decade. It sat in the window of my first apartment, adding holiday cheer to my tiny space that didn’t have much room for festive flourishes. I loved that it worked as both an indoor light I could enjoy from the couch and an outdoor Christmas decoration that glowed for the neighbors to see, too.’

She’s been adding to her collection with successive October drops ever since. Not because the old ones wither away (quite the opposite), but because each new riff on the famous style adds something special to her holiday scheme.

‘I have since added to the collection,’ Hebe continues. ‘When I moved house and had more windows, one went up in each. One year, I hung them above my dining table; another year, one adorned the mirror above my fireplace. Each year, they come out of the attic looking the same as when they went away because they fold down so neatly. So, despite being made of paper, they last so well.’

With some of Hebe's oldest still in circulation, the STRÅLA sell-outs have nothing to do with needing a replacement and – like buying an ornament-of-the-year or a novelty stoneware mug – everything to do with becoming an annual ritual. Ahead, the best of IKEA’s STRÅLA collection for 2026, from lacy paper shades to elaborate new lighting chains. Whether you’re securing your first or finding an excuse for your fifth, the time to shop is now.

Our STRÅLA Favorites to Shop Now

Indoor or outdoor? White or colored? Incandescent or LED? Before you string another strand, our guide to choosing the perfect Christmas lights has you covered.

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For Courteney Cox, the look of the table is just as important as the mood of the dinner party. In a recent Instagram interview for Homecourt, she explained where aesthetics and comfort come together for her.

'I want everything to look perfect and everybody to feel comfortable,' says Courteney on her approach to hosting. 'I think people being comfortable is probably the most important. I wouldn't be comfortable unless it looked all put together.'

Her take is a reminder that tabletop design is more than just design; it's a way of welcoming guests into your home.

So, what does a perfect table look like to Courteney? She explains: 'My version of perfect is something that looks like it took no effort. [I] make sure that everyone has enough to eat, enough to drink; it’s calm and relaxed.'

To create this calm sense, she leans heavily on organic materials like wood, rattan, and stone. 'I just keep going back to nature,' says Courteney. She jokes: 'Listen, I'm not somebody who wants to sleep in the woods. I'm not even a nature person, but I love the look of it. So things that feel organic is what makes something feel right to me.'

Shop H&G's Seasonal Hosting Edit

This holiday season, we're leaning into Courteney's advice and decorating with a mix of natural materials and seasonal accents. These are our editors' picks for a laid-back yet elevated look.

There's only one thing Courteney doesn't like about hosting: seating. We definitely get where she's coming from. She explains: 'I dont ever want to tell anybody that they have to sit next to somebody. I can't stand that. I don't want to be in charge of it. Sit where you want. I don't want to have to think about it.'

Everyone has a different approach to hosting, but if the look and vibe is right for your guests, you can't go wrong.

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The Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award is entering its thirties, and while styles and trends have changed (although arguably more 1990s trends have made a comeback this year than new ones have emerged), the award has remained a celebration of interior designers and interior design from across the globe.

This year marks the 30th anniversary, with Ben Pentreath named as the new winner. The awards also coincide with the release of Volume 30 of the annual Interior Design Review, which showcases 100 designers from around the world. Dubbed the ‘Bible of Interior Design’, it goes beyond simply highlighting amazing talent; it has become a reflection of design that extends beyond aesthetics to explore political and historical movements and changes. It’s a beautiful book to add to the coffee table, but also an invaluable resource that offers more than just pretty pictures.

‘When we launched the award in 1996, the idea was simple – find the very best interior designers, wherever they happen to be working, and give them a proper stage,' explains Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. 'Our first winner was Kelly Hoppen, and that spirit of discovery has stayed with us ever since. It feels rather fitting that in our 30th year the award comes home to Britain, with Ben Pentreath.'

'The Review has grown up alongside the award. This year’s edition runs to over 500 pages and more than 1,200 photographs, and if you line up all thirty volumes on a shelf, you get a pretty good picture of how the way we live has changed – what we’ve fallen in and out of love with, and who’s been leading the way. It’s a working tool for designers as much as it’s a book to get happily lost in.'

'As for the 100, we’ve never been interested in simply rounding up the usual names. We now have designers from more than 30 countries in the awards’ community, and every year we put emerging talent right alongside people at the very top of their game. Some of the newer names produce the most exciting work in the book.'

Homes & Gardens caught up with four of the 100 designers featured in this year’s review, not only to gain insight into their personal styles and journeys, but also to get a sense of where design is heading. Jo Bee, Kara Childress, Gregory Mellor and Kavita Singh may have very different styles and backstories, and work in different parts of the world, but our conversations touched on some very similar topics.

We have all seen a huge shift away from fleeting trends, fast interiors and cookie-cutter spaces that might look pleasing but lack depth. All the designers agreed that interiors designed for life are where ‘trends’ are heading – homes that reflect the people who live in them, rather than following trends that won’t last until the end of the year.

AI was also a topic of interest, even excitement, with conversations exploring how it can help designers work with clients in ways that haven’t previously been possible. Evolving technology is something everyone approaches with a degree of caution, but its potential benefits lie in how it can broaden the possibilities for both designers and clients.

'I’m a big fan of Jo Bee. She marshals colour and pattern with real courage, and nobody else does it quite the way she does,' says Martin. 'Gregory Mellor follows a long line of wonderful South African designers. You can feel his connection to the African countryside in everything he does, and it’s what gives his pared-back luxury its character.'

'With Kara Childress, it’s all about texture – walls, ceilings, floors and doors, before you’ve even got to the furniture. She captures that quintessentially American balance of relaxed comfort and carefully organised elegance. And Kavita Singh is at the forefront of a generation of Indian designers drawing on the traditions and heritage of their culture to create a distinctively Indian vernacular.’

1. Jo Bee

Jo Bee's interiors are a master class in colour. And not the safe, muted colours we've all been getting braver with recently. Many of her palettes include bright pinks, vivid apple greens, and the brightest cobalt blues. And yet, despite her projects being full of joy and whimsy, they are always refined – the dramatic rainbow shades are sophisticated and surprisingly liveable.

'Growing up in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, within a family utterly captivated by art and property, design was in my blood,' Jo tells Homes & Gardens. 'My formal journey began at the London College of Fashion, immersing myself in the capital's vibrant creative scene, followed by Newcastle, where I studied Interior Architecture. In between, I lived in Milan and travelled the world, collecting inspiration and cramming my backpack with every unique and inspiring textile I could find along the way.'

'After several years of gaining invaluable experience within the interiors industry, and with the encouragement of my husband, I established Design by Jo Bee, my studio in Yorkshire. I successfully navigate the wonderful and chaotic balance of motherhood, with three children and our fourth and final little one on the way, alongside running the studio. Having won several industry awards over the last few years, I feel incredibly energised about the future. The next chapter for the studio will be focused on pushing my creative boundaries and further bringing my design and business dreams to life.'

'Now, I would define my aesthetic as joyful, eclectic, thoughtfully layered, and rich with colour. The evolution of personal style is a fascinating thing to me. Early in my career, my work was naturally guided by the briefs of my clients. Today, however, clients come to Design by Jo Bee precisely for our established, signature look. It has transformed the design process into an incredibly rewarding partnership – a shared, joyful exploration of space, colour and style.'

'What is most thrilling is the newfound bravery we are seeing from clients. People are shedding the fear of colour and are increasingly eager to make bold, expressive choices in both residential and commercial spaces. It is an incredibly liberating time to be a designer, and I am forever grateful to my clients for putting their trust in me.'

'I am thrilled to see homes looking increasingly lived-in and collected, rather than the sterile, perfectly staged interiors we have seen for so many years. Layered and character-rich interiors that tell a truly unique story of their inhabitants are so much more interesting to me, and it is wonderful to see this coming through more and more. I think this is certainly one of the biggest trends I am interested in.'

'I always hope for more pattern, more texture, more bravery, and more perfectly imperfect homes. I hope people fight back against simply following a trend because it exists and stay true to who they are, creating a slower, more collected home. I think it's easy to feel a little lost in the world these days, with social media making it seem so vastly overwhelming at times. Having a collected home feels personal and truly British.'

2. Kara Childress

Sophistication and livability come together in the projects of US-based designer Kara Childress. Her spaces are utterly classic, leaning toward the traditional, but transitional would be a better way to describe them. It's hard to pinpoint an exact style or era; rather, the spaces have a timelessness to them, subtly blending many different aesthetics to create homes that are truly unique. But her projects are never overly precious. She often works with families who want rooms they can actually use and that feel inviting, rather than overly curated.

'I founded my firm in 1985, and for many years I was a one-woman show,' Kara explains. 'As the business grew, I was invited into projects earlier, during the architectural and building stages, and that opened an entirely new dimension of the work for me. Today we are a team of six, and I still delight in the smallest details. They have always been my bread and butter, particularly when they allow us to create something that feels uniquely tailored to a family.'

'It is one of the greatest honors when a client asks us to return for another home. Over time, you come to know a family so well, and it is such a joy to watch their lives unfold in an entirely new setting. Our work now takes us across the country, from mountain retreats to oceanfront homes and ranches, often with several generations in mind. Looking ahead, I am heartened to see more people placing value on comfort and longevity. I have always wanted our homes to be striking, but just as importantly, I want them to be lived in and well-loved.'

'My approach always begins with the setting and the people who will call a home their own. That said, there are certain elements I find myself returning to again and again: classic silhouettes, time-worn materials, and pieces that only grow more handsome with age. I adore decorating with antiques, and I love the soul that reclaimed wood and stone bring to a room.'

'Earlier in my career, my style leaned a bit more formal and traditional. Raising four children, with puppies underfoot and now grandchildren, certainly taught me a few things about what a home needs to stand up to! I still appreciate a refined room, but I believe it should be one that everyone feels welcome to enjoy.'

'The homes closest to my heart are the ones a family hopes to pass down through generations. I love imagining the children and grandchildren who will grow up within those walls, gathering for holidays and summers and every ordinary day in between. Helping to create a place that will hold those memories is a true privilege, and there is no greater reward than seeing a family cherish a home in that way.'

'Right now, something that's genuinely exciting me is AI. I am still discovering all that it can do, but I can already see how helpful it might be in allowing a homeowner to envision a space more clearly before it comes to life. I don’t believe it will ever replace the relationships or the craftsmanship at the heart of designing a home, but I am curious to see how it can support the work we do every day.'

'I am also delighted to see more attention being paid to the bones of a house. It is one of the reasons I so enjoy being involved during the architectural phase, because the architecture and interiors should feel as though they have always belonged together. Reclaimed stone and timber play a wonderful role in that conversation. These materials will be part of a home for generations, so they deserve just as much care as anything else we bring into the rooms.'

'While I have never been one to chase trends, I am really enjoying the return of color. I have always loved neutrals and those wonderful muddy, earthy shades, so for me, color often arrives through a time-softened antique textile or a piece of furniture. You don’t have to change everything to give a space a little more character.'

'I am also seeing clients make room for the pastimes they love most, whether that is a standing mahjong game or perfecting their golf swing. Those projects are such fun because I get to learn something new, too! I always want to understand how a family will use a room so we can tailor it beautifully to them. One principle I always come back to is ensuring a home feels right for its surroundings. Whatever comes next in design, I hope we continue to honor every home’s sense of place.'

3. Gregory Mellor

South Africa-based designer Gregory Mellor has been appreciating good design since childhood and started his own firm more than 15 years ago. His style, although he is quick to point out that his aesthetic is fluid and dependent on the home and the client, has a clear thread of effortlessly laid-back luxury. His spaces are intricately layered and filled with texture. The colors are rich and the silhouettes intriguing, with antique pieces mixing with contemporary designs to create rooms that feel authentic and elegant.

'My interest in interiors goes back as long as I can remember,' says Gregory. 'At the time, it wasn't considered entirely normal for a young boy to sit on the floor poring over his grandmother's old decor magazines, or discussing the merits of curtain pelmets and wallpaper borders with his mother.'

'I initially studied architecture, which seemed a more respectable pursuit, but my real interest was always in interiors. As soon as I discovered that one could actually study interior design, I changed course. I went on to work with Thomas Hamel in Sydney, Australia, which I consider to have been the ultimate design education. It was there that my eye was refined and my design and decorative vocabulary expanded enormously.'

'I established my own practice in 2010, which has grown gradually over the years. In 2022, the brilliant Marc du Toit joined me as business partner. We remain a relatively small team, but a very happy and focused one, and we'd like to keep it that way.'

'As a studio, we've always tried to avoid developing an obvious signature style. I'd much rather our work be recognised for its sensitivity to place, architecture and the people who inhabit the spaces, than for a particular aesthetic that we impose on every project. Of course, there are inevitably certain hallmarks in the way we approach proportion, architectural detailing, furniture arrangements and the layering of decorative elements.'

'Personally, I've always been drawn to interiors that feel collected rather than decorated, with a sense of history, warmth and individuality. I think my approach has become more instinctive and perhaps less self-conscious over the years. I'm increasingly comfortable with things that don't necessarily match, or that might seem slightly unexpected together. Often it's those combinations that give a room its character.'

'The extraordinary access we now have to suppliers, auction houses, antique dealers and craftspeople around the world is really exciting. It's opened up so many possibilities for creating interiors that feel genuinely layered, individual, and collected over time, rather than sourced from a handful of familiar places. I'm also very excited by the tools that AI is beginning to offer us, particularly in communicating design ideas to clients. Being able to explore and illustrate different possibilities relatively quickly is enormously helpful. It doesn't replace the creative process, but it can make that process more fluid and collaborative.'

'We do try to avoid following trends as much as possible. Our work is largely instinctive, and we prefer to let the architecture, location and setting inform the design rather than looking to whatever happens to be fashionable at the time. That said, I think the growing appreciation for interiors that feel layered and individual will continue. There's an increasing interest in antiques, objects with a history, textiles, pattern and colour, and in mixing things from different periods and cultures.'

'Perhaps it's a reaction to the rather anonymous, homogeneous and overly curated interiors we've seen so much of in recent years. I hope there's a continued move towards rooms that feel more personal, less perfect and ultimately more interesting.'

4. Kavita Singh

Mumbai-based designer Kavita Singh has been in the industry for over 30 years, developing a truly unique style that's a feast for the eyes. Filled with color, texture, and beautiful prints and fabrics, her spaces bring together Indian design with influences from across the globe, creating interiors that are quietly and elegantly eclectic.

'I would describe my style as elegant, timeless, and Classique – defined by a strong sense of aesthetics, an eye for detail, and individuality,' explains Kavita. 'As a self-taught interior designer, my work is deeply influenced by my personal style. Over the years, exposure to different cultures through my travels, reading, and keen observation has allowed my style to evolve. This practice has enabled me to experiment with trends while embracing a more refined and glamorous aesthetic that resonates with current global trends and markets.'

'My favourite project will always be my own home. It is the most personal expression of who I am, reflecting my personality, thought process, and aesthetic sensibilities. Every corner has a story to tell, from the objects I have collected over the years to the art, textures, and details that hold a special meaning for me. Unlike any other project, my home gives me the freedom to experiment, follow my instincts, and bring together things I truly love. For me, it is not just a space I have designed, but the ultimate reflection of my journey, my memories, and my evolving design philosophy.'

'What's exciting me most in the design world right now is moving away from spaces that feel overly designed. I’m drawn to interiors that have a sense of history, personality, and a story of their own, where contemporary pieces can sit comfortably alongside antiques, art, and objects.'

'I’m also very moved by the renewed appreciation for craftsmanship: beautiful stone, aged wood, handwoven textiles, metalwork, and things made by hand rather than mass-produced. Urban homes are developing a growing appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, textiles, and decorative pillars. At the same time, new technology and AI are opening doors to innovation in interior styling. Ultimately, I love interiors that feel collected over time – intimate, slightly unexpected, and very much reflective of the person who lives there.'

'I see old styles coming back, but not literally. We’re not going to recreate a room from the 1940s or the 1970s. Instead, we’ll take elements from those periods and mix them with contemporary pieces. Antiques, dark woods, old mirrors, traditional craftsmanship, and beautiful, slightly imperfect objects will find their way back into very modern homes.'

'I think the real trend for the coming year is personality over perfection. New opportunities are opening up for young designers, thanks to AI and the instant availability of global market research data. Amid all this, I still feel people will value things that are handmade, individual, and carry a sense of history.'

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'By embracing minimalism, your Christmas tree becomes more than a holiday tradition, it becomes an extension of your home’s style and a celebration of intentional living,' New York-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein tells Homes & Gardens. However, as these simple designs become more popular, how do you decorate a tree that still exudes the joy and festivity of the holiday season?

Patrick Dempsey's Christmas tree offers a blueprint. His design is monochromatic, featuring only white lights and silver ornaments (this pearl-studded set from Saks is our top pick for recreating the look with some personality!). It is topped with a silver star, and the shadows of its branches create dramatic shadows across the limewashed walls. Despite the tree's minimalist bent, the look is incredibly eye-catching.

Each ornament tells the story of how to make minimalist Christmas decor look interesting.

This year, as traditional kitsch decor gains traction, Patrick's tree serves as a reminder that keeping it simple can be far more impactful than a more maximalist approach.

Josh Branigan, Interiors Expert at home furniture retailer bedkingdom, states: 'Christmas decorating should be fun, but it's easy to get carried away. Most homes don't look tacky because of a single decoration; it's usually down to having too much of everything at once. A few considered choices, a clear colour palette and a bit of breathing space can make your festive styling look far more polished without losing any of the Christmas magic.'

Recreate Patrick's Look at Home

An elegant Christmas tree and silver ornaments come together beautifully in any home. Here are our editors' picks for recreating Patrick's look.

'One of the most common Christmas tree decorating mistakes is combining every color of bauble, ribbon and garland you own,' advises Josh. 'Red, gold, silver, pink and multicolored pieces all competing in one room can quickly look chaotic, and the same goes for themes. A minimalist tree beside a glitzy Hollywood mantelpiece and a candy cane window display leaves a room without any sense of direction.'

If you are opting to recreate Patrick Dempsey's look, pulling it off comes down to consistency. Josh recommends: 'Choose one theme and two or three colours, then stick to them throughout. It's also worth taking your cue from the furniture already in the room. A deep green or rust velvet sofa, for example, pairs beautifully with gold and natural tones, so your decorations feel like part of the room rather than an afterthought.'

When keeping your decor simple, the shape and size of your Christmas tree becomes even more important. Nina Lichtenstein of Nina's Home Design advises: 'A minimalist tree decor scheme allows the tree itself to shine. The clean lines of sparse branches, the rich green tones, and the subtle texture of needles become the focal point, creating a sense of organic elegance. Whether it’s a stately spruce or a delicate fir, keeping decor simple lets the tree take center stage, emphasizing its unique shape and character.'

Furthermore, a monochrome design like Patrick Dempsey's is a clever choice because it allows you to discount passing Christmas trends. Nina states: 'Minimalist Christmas trees exude a timeless quality that transcends fleeting trends. Neutral color palettes, understated decor, and clean lines ensure that your tree will look chic this year and for years to come. This versatility allows you to adapt your tree to your evolving style without completely overhauling your holiday decor.'

Minimalism doesn't have to be boring. With beautiful, elevated ornaments and attention to detail, a monochromatic Christmas tree can be the chicest and most festive option.

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My Monstera deliciosa is my largest and most unruly houseplant. I've currently got moss poles keeping it upright, which works well but isn't the most attractive look. Instead of taking in the iconic fenestrated leaves of my monstera, it feels as though my eye is always drawn to the brown poles first.

That's why I was excited to spot my latest find for monstera care: these Amazon monstera stem supports. It's a metal decorative disk that sits above the base of the plant and holds the stems together, giving these large plants the support they need for healthy growth. It's much more subtle than a moss pole and its gold finish feels elevated, so it doesn't stand out as an eyesore.

Not to mention, it's really great value for money – you get six supports for $9.99. Those who have already bought it say, 'it’s sturdy, easy to use, and gives my monstera the support it needs. It blends in nicely with the plant and looks very neat.' Here's why it's going straight in my houseplant care kit.

Why Monsteras Need Support

If you haven't trained an overgrown monstera, you might want to think about picking up a plant support – whether it's the Amazon monstera stem supports or a moss pole (like this from Walmart).

In their natural rainforest environment, monstera's use their aerial roots to climb trees. In the home, without anything to climb, their long top-heavy stems can flop. It can risk stems snapping.

Likewise, flopping stems will not get as much light as those being supported. In turn, this can cause a lack of monstera fenestrations (the iconic slits in its foliage), weaken your plant, and generally create an untidy shape as your monstera will sprawl outwards rather than grow upwards.

But, some plant supports can be quite unsightly – that's where the attractive Amazon monstera stem supports come in.

Why Shoppers Love It

Shoppers are pleased with the Amazon monstera stem supports, describing in the reviews that they're sturdy, work well, and promote healthier monstera growth.

'I was surprised at how well these worked for holding up my monstera plants. Easy to uses and strong enough to hold up heavy leaves,' one five-star reviewer says.

'Great for training the plant in the direction I need it to grow,' another shopper shares.

'They're sturdy and easy to use,' another reviewer adds.

The support simply slots onto your monstera, with different hooks holding stems up. It's easy to put in place and you can use multiple supports if you have a particularly large monstera that needs holding up in multiple places.

As one reviewer describes, the support 'blends in nicely with the plant and looks very neat.' There's no doubt it's a much more attractive alternative to the standard moss pole or plastic plant support.

The best part is, there are other styles available, like these green monstera stem supports on Amazon which would be even more unnoticeable against the green foliage.

It's hard to find a downside to these supports, especially considering they are incredibly inexpensive. Perhaps the only thing to note is they can't necessarily be used for every type of indoor plant. Yet, they are specifically designed for monsteras and work well for this.

If you have other climbing plants that need some extra support, try a houseplant trellis. This houseplant trellis from Amazon simply inserts into plant pots.

What to Shop

Not training your monstera is just one reason why your monstera may be drooping. It may also be due to overwatering, pest damage, and a lack of light. To help avoid this, check underneath leaves regularly for pests, monitor moisture levels with this Walmart soil moisture meter, and relocate your monstera closer to a bright window in fall and winter.

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Game rooms are one of the most fun and interesting spaces to decorate in a home. The purpose of play allows these spaces to be extra whimsical, but there also needs to be some balance with the seriousness of the rest of the home.

In their California mansion, 'The Tropics,' Justin and Hailey Bieber struck this perfect equilibrium. Shared by Justin on Instagram, the couple's game room features Martinique banana leaf wallpaper (like this peel-and-stick variety from Wayfair), a neon sign in blue, and lots of light Scandinavian wood. Recessed lighting and an art deco bar help to match the elevated feel of their larger property.

It's a masterclass in how to combine glamour with laid-back California style for a fun spin on both looks.

Furthermore, entertaining spaces like Justin and Hailey's will only grow more popular this year. Josh Branigan, a Furniture and Home Interiors Expert at furniture retailer bedkingdom states: 'With more of us looking for ways to spend less time on our phones, 2027 will be the year of "analogue" spaces designed for reading, board games and conversation. It doesn't have to be a whole room. A comfortable armchair, a footstool and a well-stocked bookcase can turn a quiet corner into a place to properly unwind.'

Recreate Justin and Hailey's Look at Home

These are our editors' picks for a game room that feels as elegant yet inviting as Justin and Hailey's.

For anyone hoping to bring Justin and Hailey's look to life, art deco elements, like their bar, are the key to elevating the more casual parts of the room. Luckily, this look is growing more popular than ever.

Michael Jackson, Head of Design at bespoke lighting company, Northern Lights states: 'Over the last few years, minimalism gave us the restraint and calm we needed, particularly during a period marked by uncertainty and global instability. Our interiors became sanctuaries – quiet, pared-back and intentionally unobtrusive. But, as confidence returns, so does the desire for spaces that feel optimistic, expressive and bold. There’s now a clear appetite for interiors with a heightened presence – and Neodeco answers that mood shift. This trend was never about nostalgia, but more about refinement and drama.'

He adds: 'We’ve seen a 15% increase in Neo Deco lighting briefs from interior designers towards the end of 2025, and this is forecast to grow further in 2026, cementing its shift from emerging aesthetic to defining direction.'

To bring the look in your home, it's important to focus on drama and visual impact. Michael advises: 'Materials previously used as accents are becoming architectural statements in their own right, and symmetry and repetition are re-emerging in a more disciplined, modern way. Red marble bathrooms and antique bar carts highlight a return to theatricality, and leather banquettes and metallic finishes add tactility and depth to spaces.'

The best homes are not just one thing; they combine multiple styles. When these looks are married perfectly, they create a unique portrait of the people who live in the home.

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Quiet luxury became one of the defining interior design trends of 2023, championing understated elegance, quality craftsmanship, and a less-is-more approach to decorating. Three years on, its influence remains as strong as ever – particularly at Christmas, when traditional Christmas decorations and nostalgic color schemes continue to offer a welcome alternative to more fleeting festive trends.

Unlike styles that rely on statement pieces or conspicuous displays, quiet luxury Christmas decor prioritizes quality over quantity. Think subtle color palettes, beautiful materials, and carefully chosen details that create a home that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Its enduring appeal lies in its emphasis on creating an atmosphere that feels timeless, rather than chasing the latest trends. I’ll certainly be embracing the ‘old money’ aesthetic this Christmas, and the Etoile Tree Topper from McGee & Co. is set to be the star of my tree.

'The aesthetic hones in on making every moment and every corner of your home matter and incorporating quality, well-crafted pieces that stand the test of time,' says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's Design and Trend Expert.

It is a philosophy that also taps into our ongoing affection for nostalgia-inspired interiors, where vintage finds, treasured heirlooms, and familiar seasonal colors bring a sense of history and personality to a space.

Kendall Jenner's Christmas living room, designed by Waldo Fernandez, is a beautiful example. Her Christmas tree, seen in 2024, embraces a traditional red-and-green palette that feels festive without being overly elaborate. Rather than chasing novelty, the look celebrates the enduring appeal of classic decorations and a sophisticated scheme that feels just as relevant today as it did two years ago.

Although the images date back to 2024, we expect this timeless aesthetic to remain an appealing source of inspiration for Jenner's Christmas tree decorating this year. With quiet luxury still influencing interiors in 2026, the emphasis on traditional colors, thoughtful details, and understated elegance feels particularly current – proof that the best decorating ideas don't always need to be reinvented.

There is a reason decorating with red and decorating with green remains a holiday favorite. Both colors have strong associations with the natural world: green evokes evergreen foliage, while red recalls berries and festive ribbons. Together, they create a combination that feels instantly familiar and wonderfully timeless, working just as beautifully in contemporary homes as in more traditional spaces.

To recreate a similar look this Christmas, especially if you're buying a new Christmas tree, start with a few considered accents rather than overhauling your entire scheme. These Burgundy Velvet Bows from Amazon offer a simple way to introduce a classic festive touch to a tree, wreath, or garland without overwhelming the rest of your decorations.

'There’s a quiet charm to timeless Christmas decor ideas that feels both familiar and deeply comforting,' adds Lucy Uren, Creative Director and Founder of British furniture and home store Rowen & Wren. 'A layered, lived-in look where heirlooms, vintage details, and childhood color schemes bring a timeless soulfulness to the home come Christmas.'

Ultimately, this is why quiet luxury has proved more enduring than many predicted when it first captured the design world's attention in 2023. Its principles have always been rooted in timelessness rather than novelty. As we approach Christmas 2026, Jenner's 2024 tree is a reminder that familiar colors, meaningful decorations, and thoughtful styling can feel every bit as sophisticated as the newest trends – and often last far longer.

Shop the Traditional Christmas Edit

We’re not supposed to eat or drink on the couch, but life is so much sweeter when we do it anyway. And with hosting season approaching, it’s not difficult to picture Auntie Deb spilling a freshly poured glass of Cabernet on your sofa. Perhaps it’s time to invest in furniture that can handle a little splish-splash.

The lesson: Don’t get mad at Deborah for being messy. Get IKEA’s new LINDÅKRA sleeper sofa, which not only features an easy-care cover (food and drink casualties can be wiped away with a cloth), but also conceals storage beneath both its playfully shaped pouffe and seat. If she’s staying over, you can entertain in the living room without her personal belongings sprawled across it, then convert that very same sofa into a sleeper sofa come nighttime.

Unlike the ordeal of wrestling with a pull-out sofa (probably up there as a top-three hosting woe in its own right), the transformation is actually very effortless. Keep the pouffe connected to the seat, remove the back cushions, and there’s your bed. It’s especially smart for anyone hosting without a guest room, even if that stand-in space is a small living room itself. And when the LINDÅKRA isn't helping you host, the compact, gray-green design is genuinely chic enough to spend the rest of its life as an ordinary couch.

Just as easy to imagine as Auntie Deb's inevitable red wine spill is how useful that hidden storage will be after the holidays. Spare throw pillows, blankets, and whatever else you’d rather not see until next season can disappear beneath the seat. And when the occasion calls for more furniture, rather than less clutter, the pouffe detaches entirely, becoming an extra seat or makeshift coffee table as needed. One less piece of furniture to find room for.

Essentially, the LINDÅKRA is insurance against any potential family tiffs this season, and every Full House moment after. Nowhere to sit? There’s another seat. Run out of surfaces? You have a coffee table. Too many jackets for the closet? Under the sofa they go. Nowhere for Auntie Deb to sleep? It’s a bed, too.

Now, if only it could pick everyone up from the airport…

More IKEA Sleeper Sofas

IKEA’s sleeper sofas are a rather slept-on corner of the brand’s sprawling living room furniture empire, but there are a few gems worth waking up for.

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There is a perception that ultra-chic, stylized Christmas displays can only exist in large houses. Homes & Gardens disputes this. Small apartments and tiny corners can be home to beautiful displays, given decor is properly sized for the location.

Take, for instance, the way Martha Stewart transformed an unexpected corner on her Bedford, New York farm. Rather than filling the space with a large Christmas tree, Martha opted for the daintier look of three small flocked trees (like this tiny evergreen from Williams Sonoma). She filled the trio with a collection of metallic silver and green ornaments.

Martha's design is a masterclass in decorating for Christmas in a way that saves space and doesn't intrude on her her other decor. It complements it.

As homeowners live in increasingly tight quarters, these space-saving Christmas ideas are gaining traction. Julia Bilotta, Creative Stylist at Sofologystates: 'Maximising the space you have is important all year round, yet many interior choices can unintentionally reduce how practical a room really is. It’s easy to fill spaces with lamps, chairs and decorative pieces that look great but ultimately limit how much room there is.'

Small Christmas decor, like Martha's miniature trees, are the key. Julia states: 'This challenge becomes even more noticeable during the Christmas period. Many people want to create a cosy, festive atmosphere, but large decorations, in particular Christmas trees, can very easily overwhelm a space and make it feel cramped.'

Recreate Martha's Look at Home

Martha Stewart's tabletop Christmas tree look is easy to recreate with a few tiny trees and eye-catching ornaments. These pieces are our top picks.

Furthermore, the possibilities allowed by Martha's bijou display is emerging as a key Christmas trend for this year.

David Sumner, holiday decorating expert at Christmas Tree World explains: 'Every home is used to having one Christmas tree. Then someone put a mini tree in the kitchen, another in the hallway, and suddenly, there was no going back. One of the biggest Christmas 2026 trends is spreading festive cheer throughout the house rather than concentrating everything in the living room. A pencil tree by the front door, a pop-up Christmas tree in the guest room, a mini 3ft tree in the kitchen, or a half Christmas tree in a hallway corner can instantly make a home feel more magical.'

So, what's the best way to tap into Martha Stewart's look? Like all the best decor schemes, it starts with careful planning and practical considerations. Julia advises: 'To make the most of your space this Christmas, start by deciding what you value most about each of your rooms and ensure you aren’t sacrificing valuable space to make your home feel festive; for example, by blocking an entrance way to your living room.'

Next, opt for decor that fits into the size of your existing space and furniture. As Martha demonstrates, tiny trees are perfect for a corner. 'Always opt for decorations and a tree that suits the scale of your room,' Julia recommends. 'If you have a relatively small living room, you can still make an impact with a slim, compact tree. Consider swapping out existing ornaments for festive alternatives rather than adding more, so you can create a seasonal look without overcrowding your space.'

Holiday decor is about celebrating the season in the way that works best for your home and your family, which often means a smaller display. However, little doesn't have to mean less festive.

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Halloween is right around the corner and many of us are putting the final touches on our porches. If it feels like something is still missing, you might just need to add some light. Solar lights bring displays to life after dark and their warm glow can add magic to your spooky season decor.

In fact, my latest solar outdoor lighting find is perfect for illuminating not only your Halloween display but also your Christmas porch later on: these Amazon swaying starburst solar light. I love how they're designed to gently sway in the breeze, elevating seasonal displays with enchanting movement.

The starburst design has a whimsical, yet sophisticated feel, ideal for an outdoor Halloween display without being overly decorative. The best part is you can currently get two lights for $9.95. I'm reassured about their quality by the reviews, where shoppers say they 'stay lit all night long,' so it really is a bargain worth snatching up.

Why Shoppers Love It

With 4.1 stars, the Amazon swaying starburst solar lights are loved by those who have already bought them.

'[I] have these in my backyard around plantings. [I] can see them sparkling from my kitchen window. Left out over the winter (New England) and [they] still work fine,' one five-star reviewer writes.

'These worked great on the flowerbeds on the side that didn’t have any lighting,' another adds.

'The lights are much brighter than I expected. An excellent addition to your backyard,' someone else shares.

With 10-12 hours of light at a time, they bring magic to displays all night long. You can choose between steady and flashing to create a bespoke display, with the gentle sway in the breeze bringing some natural movement.

'You can fix them into any shape you want as they are on wires,' another reviewer adds.

The prongs can be molded to create your desired shape, though one reviewer notes, 'to have them look like the picture (starburst) it is necessary to gently separate and spread each individual light on a thin wire,' which can be a bit tricky.

It's hard to find a downside to these stylish solar outdoor lights, especially considering how affordable they are. On the current deal they're less than $10, but even at the full price of $11.99 they're inexpensive when compared to similar lights on the market (like these $25 firework solar lights from Walmart).

For the beauty and drama they bring to porch displays, plus their reliability and durability, these solar lights seem more than worth it to me.

How I'd Style It

There are lots of ways to style the Amazon swaying starburst solar lights, with the stake making it easy to insert the lights into soil.

I would use them to illuminate my fall flowers for pots in the evening, creating a warm welcome to my home even after the sun sets. They would look especially effective with terracotta planters, which won't compete for attention (this large terracotta pot from Wayfair is a good size for layered Halloween porch planting).

By purchasing multiple of these solar lights, you can also use them to line your garden path.

As we move into Christmas, I would then flank my front door with these lights to complement existing Christmas light ideas.

What to Shop

There are lots of fall container recipes you can still create over the next few weeks. We even asked garden designers for their favorite way to style fall porches and they shared some beautiful ways to elevate your display for the season.

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As trends change and times evolve, one pattern will never go out of style: stripes. From striped bedding to striped wallpaper to striped accent chairs, the print is especially effective, where it adds personality but not busyness.

Archival photos of George Clooney's bedroom in 1989 prove just how effective stripes can be. The bed in his Los Angeles apartment is made up with thinly striped gray and white sheets topped by a blue and white striped duvet (similar to the Blake White and Ocean Bedding at Fig Linens and Home). His mix of complementary colors and the combination of horizontal and vertical stripes feels elevated, even in his sparsely furnished pre-fame home.

It's evidence that no matter your budget or bedroom style, striped bedding will make it look more elegant.

'Stripes are the ultimate anti-trend pattern,' explains Carlin Van Noppen, interior designer and founder of Fig Linens and Home. 'No matter the year, clients are extremely interested in bringing this pattern into their bedroom because it is subtle but adds a touch of character. Blue and white stripes, as seen in this bedroom, are especially effective because of their airy coastal feel. They are utterly timeless.'

Shop The Striped Bedding Edit

Striped bedding is endlessly versatile. These are our favorite pieces for an ultra-soft touch and a stylish look.

So, how do you style stripes to make them look like George Clooney's bed idea? Carlin advises: 'My favorite stripe trick is to combine a thicker pattern with a thinner one. I also like the look of a horizontal stripe with a vertical stripe. It's all about contrast that helps bring this pattern to life.'

As Carlin's ideas indicate, decorating with stripes works best in a layered bedroom. Now is the best time to tap into this rich cocooning feel. You can go subtle like George Clooney, or opt for a more richly textured striped bedroom.

Helen Ashmore, Senior Design Director at Laura Ashley advises: 'Winter is the perfect time to make the bedroom feel like a true sanctuary, and it doesn’t have to mean completely rethinking the space. Often, the smaller changes have the greatest impact - refreshing the bedding, introducing a favorite throw or adding a few cushions can instantly change the mood of a room. I love the idea of making the bedroom feel a little more considered for the colder months, creating somewhere that feels warm, comfy and welcoming at the end of the day.'

'It’s also a chance to embrace the slower pace of the season and make the most of those simple pleasures, whether that’s getting into a beautifully made bed, curling up with a book or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home,' she continues. 'Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that encourages you to slow down, switch off and really enjoy that wonderful feeling of hunkering down for winter.'

Stripes are a timeless addition to any bedroom, that look fabulous no matter the year. Whatever your taste, they are worth considering.

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This year, Christmas decor will be balanced, bold, and eye-catching. Gone are the minimalist trees of the early 2020s, and we're shying away from the over-the-top '80s-style kitsch that ruled last year. One of the best ways to strike this equilibrium is with bold decor in a simple color palette.

Nicole Kidman's ultra-chic red and white Christmas tree is the perfect blueprint. By using ornaments, garlands, and ribbons all in shades of red and white, she created a tree that feels both elevated and festive. Candy cane ornaments (like these fun chunky ones from Target) bring in a touch of whimsy.

Her christmas decor presents an easy formula for decorating with red and white this year, using a mix of stylish ribbons and striped ornaments, toeing the line between playful and stylish.

Furthermore, Nicole's idea aligns with the key Christmas trends for this holiday season, where red and white feature prominently. Burgundy and cherry shades have been huge this year, which is extending to Christmas decor.

David Sumner, design expert at Christmas Tree World explains: 'This year, Christmas is taking style notes from one of the biggest color trends on social media. Cherry cola shades have been everywhere throughout 2026, from fashion and beauty to home interiors, and now they're making their way onto Christmas trees. The trend involves rich cherry reds, deep burgundies, chocolate browns, and metallic gold accents.'

Recreate Nicole's Christmas Look

To bring Nicole's unexpectedly pared-back Christmas color scheme to life, you will need striped ornaments, white lights, and red ribbon. These are our editors' top picks.

To replicate Nicole's look, balance garlands and ornaments to create a rich, textural feel. David advises: 'Pair glossy red baubles with velvet ribbon and string lights for a look that's cosy, elegant, and effortlessly on trend.'

The Christmas tree ribbons we see on Nicole's evergreen will be exceptionally important for decorating this year. 'Oversized bow details, with luxurious ribbon add-ons, will become something more than a mere finishing touch,' advises New Jersey-based designer Swati Goorha.

She states: 'We will see oversized bows, flowing velvety ribbons and beautiful fabric ties, as statement decor elements for our Christmas trees. I especially like this method of decorating a tree, due to the fact that the ribbons provide a sense of softness and motion; therefore, a well-designed tree does not need an abundance of ornaments.'

Luckily, this sculptural look from Nicole Kidman's tree is easy to recreate. Swati tells Homes & Gardens: 'My suggestion is use some type of textured ribbon (velvet, satin) that will complement your current tree decoration colors. Do not wrap the ribbon too tightly around the tree's branches. Let it flow down through the tree branches.'

Nicole Kidman's Christmas tree is a masterclass in striking balance with your holiday decor, and choosing a look that's between bold and subtle. With her guidance, perfecting your look is easier than ever.

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One of the most tiring fall garden jobs is having to constantly clear leaves and repeatedly bend your back while doing so. That's why I'm upgrading my standard leaf rake this year for something much more convenient: a leak grabber rake.

It's one of the best leaf-clearing tools as it saves having to bend down and clears large areas of the garden quickly. This Amazon leaf grabber rake is the perfect example. It has long handles that open to scoop up leaves. The claw itself is larger in size so you can clear any garden space in just a few scoops.

For me, the fact it makes fall garden maintenance a lot less strenuous makes it an obvious upgrade to invest in – it could save me hours each week over the next couple of months.

What Shoppers Say

The Amazon leaf grabber rake has 4.2 stars from reviewers who say it's saved them a lot of time and difficulty in clearing up fallen leaves.

'This rake is so practical and useful,' says one five-star reviewer. 'I just put a 33-39 gallon leaf bag in a garbage can and use this rake to fill the bag without having to bend at all. It is such a simple tool with such extraordinary benefits. This rake picks up a lot of debris at a time,' they continue.

'I was skeptical at first, but this item is so helpful. Lightweight, very easy to use and picks up a very good amount of debris. I trimmed my bushes and it picked it up nicely,' another shopper describes.

The secure claw of the grabber rake makes it ideal for tackling multiple items on the fall gardening checklist. It's also only 3.3lbs in weight, making it easy to manoeuvre and use, especially alongside the ergonomic handle design.

The one thing to be wary of, it seems, is the assembly of the Amazon leaf grabber rake.

'Easy to assemble but the screw that holds the handles always needs tightening as it comes loose with usage,' one reviewer writes.

Nevertheless, shoppers note this is something that can be resolved with a locknut (which you can pick up on Amazon).

While a bit more expensive than a standard leaf rake at $39.99, there's no doubt the fact the Amazon leaf grabber rake acts as a scoop makes it an upgrade. Even if you use a cheaper hand leaf scoop (like these $10.69 ones from Walmart) you still need to bend your back to pick up the leaves – with the long handles on the Amazon leaf grabber rake, you don't have to.

Pair it with a garden waste bag (like this collapsible garden bag from Amazon) and you can gather leaves with ease through fall to make leaf mulch.

What to Shop

While it is important to clear leaves where they're causing a hazard in the yard, take care not to over-tidy your yard in fall. Removing all fallen leaves and plant debris can remove vital shelter for garden wildlife over winter.

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What's better than one crystal chandelier? Three crystal chandeliers. Lining three light fixtures down a table balances a room and creates drama, as demonstrated by Kris Jenner's novel take on a traditional dining room.

The dining room lighting idea in the socialite's Hidden Hills home was designed by Jeff Andrews in 2015 as a playful celebration of chandeliers Kris had collected over the years. Rather than creating a single focal point, the technique pulls the eye along the table, while the difference in antique chandelier design creates a subtly satisfying asymmetry. The rest of the room is grounded by textured chocolate brown decor (these stylish upholstered chairs from Wayfair are great for recreating the look).

As homeowners look to new methods to make luxury homes feel warm and inviting for 2027, we predict that Kris's rule of three approach to lighting will continue to grow in popularity.

First, let's explore what makes Kris's lighting idea look so striking. Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Founder and Principal Designer of Studio J & Co explains: 'The human eye naturally registers odd-numbered groupings as balanced without feeling overly rigid or symmetrical.'

This technique works especially well across a dining area. 'In a dining room, repeating three identical chandeliers creates rhythm and visually anchors a long table,' continues Jennifer. 'Lighting in threes draws the line of sight across the entire length of the room, making the space feel expansive while providing an even, ambient glow across the entire table... eliminating harsh shadows at either end.'

Recreate Kris's Look at Home

Chocolate brown furnishings and crystal chandeliers bring Kris's traditionally decorated dining room to life. These are our editors picks for replicating her style.

Luckily, Kris's rule of threes lighting techique is relatively simple to recreate. The first step is to make sure you scale the lights proportionally.

Jennifer advises: 'If you are hanging three fixtures instead of one central chandelier, scale down the diameter of each individual piece so they don't visually crowd each other. The total width of all three lights combined should equal about two-thirds the width of your dining table.'

Next, it's essential that you master the spacing between fixtures. 'Space the fixtures equally—typically 24 to 30 inches apart from center to center—and ensure the bottom of each chandelier sits 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop for proper clearance,' recommends Jennifer.

On a more practical note, it's essential that you wire the three chandeliers to a single dimmer for a cohesive feel. Jennifer states: 'Always wire all three fixtures to a single dimmer switch. Being able to adjust the light intensity across the entire trio simultaneously is what creates that warm, hospitable dining ambiance.'

A set of three lights instantly makes a dining room look interesting and eye-catching. If it's good enough for Kris Jenner, it's good enough for us.

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Good lighting can transform a room, bringing warmth, depth, and atmosphere that furniture and decor alone can’t quite achieve. I love how a thoughtfully placed lamp can make an ordinary corner feel special, whether it’s casting a soft glow across a bedside table or adding warmth to a living room after dark. Cordless designs make it even easier to introduce these little moments of light wherever your home needs them, without worrying about outlets or visible cables.

I’m a big fan of portable lighting myself, and I have the Spa-Like Shower Lamp from Amazon and the Addison Ross Bobbin from Anthropologie in my own home. I love how small, movable lighting ideas can transform a space without complicated installation, making it easy to experiment with ambient lighting wherever you need it.

Now, ALDI is making it easier to embrace the trend. Its Casalux Touch Battery Table Lamp costs just $9.99 and comes in gold and silver, with a sleek metallic finish that doubles as a decorative accent. It arrives online on Wednesday, October 21, as part of the retailer’s rotating ALDI Finds range. The Casalux Table Lamp is an affordable way to bring a little extra atmosphere to any room.

The Easiest Way to Add Ambient Lighting to Any Room

Portable lamps are having a design moment, evolving from a practical solution into a stylish way to bring flexibility and atmosphere to our homes. From sculptural silhouettes to rechargeable designs, they make lighting an integral part of a room’s decor.

Cordless, moveable lamps make layered lighting effortless. A soft glow on a console or bookshelf adds depth, while a lamp beside an armchair creates an inviting reading nook. Without cords or fixed positions to consider, you can experiment with placement until the lighting feels just right.

The Casalux lamp would work beautifully on a bedside table, thanks to its touch-operated design, or styled on a living room side table alongside books and ceramics. It could also bring warmth to a dark hallway, home office, or dining table, without any additional wiring.

The Cordless Design Makes Them So Easy to Style

Beyond its cordless design, the Casalux lamp has an understated metallic finish to suit a range of interiors. Gold brings warmth to natural wood, earthy tones, and neutral schemes, while silver feels fresh and contemporary alongside glass, cool neutrals, and chrome accents.

A small lamp can be an easy way to elevate an overlooked surface. An entryway console styled with a lamp, a vase, and a few considered accessories feels instantly more inviting. The same approach works on a bedroom dresser or bookshelf, where a soft pool of light can make everyday objects feel more special.

For renters, or anyone keen to avoid electrical work, cordless lighting is a practical choice. There’s no need for extra outlets or trailing cables, and the lamp can move around as your furniture and styling evolve. Its touch-activated design adds convenience, too. Just note that it’s battery-powered rather than rechargeable, so check the packaging for battery requirements before buying.

At just $9.99, ALDI’s Casalux Touch Battery Table Lamp is an affordable way to experiment with layered lighting and bring warmth to your home.

Shop Cordless Lamps

If you love the flexibility of cordless lighting as much as I do, I’ve also curated some of my favorite cordless lamps to help you find the perfect design for every corner of your home.

For Radhi Devlukia, 'wellness' is more than a checklist of daily rituals. In the kitchen, it is a physical reaction that begins the moment you look at your surfaces. While conventional design advice often calls for minimalist countertops, the author takes a different approach.

'It sounds a bit counterintuitive, but keeping beautiful produce out on the kitchen countertops,' she explains, is one of the easiest ways to bring warmth into the room.

Rather than hiding fresh food in her pantries, she designates specific display spots, from a low fruit bowl to sweet potatoes on open shelves. Beyond adding natural color, having seasonal ingredients in clear view serves as a grounding reminder of the current time of year.

'There's something really beautiful and calming about being able to see what you're going to cook and have it out there as a reminder. It adds so much color to your kitchen,' she says.

'It also reminds you what season it is, and I think that really helps you connect with nature, which I feel is a huge part of feeling calm in the kitchen.'

The same rule applies to favorite ceramics. 'I think so much of calm and peace starts from your eyes,' she says. 'Our nervous system really changes as soon as you see something that feels pleasant to your eyes.'

Leaving items out, however, does not mean letting clutter take over. Radhi keeps surface chaos in check with a strict three-appliance limit.

'I really disliked the feeling of having to go to a cupboard and trying to find the equipment that I'm looking for,' she says.

To solve this, she created a dedicated zone with power outlets for three core tools, including her blender and toaster. The third spot rotates with the seasons; a soup maker takes priority in the colder months, then heads into storage over summer.

By confining appliances to one dedicated corner, the rest of the kitchen remains open and clear.

Scent plays an equally practical role in setting the tone. Radhi places essential oil diffusers throughout the house, reserving specific scents for specific tasks. She says that peppermint belongs in her home office for focus, while the kitchen usually smells like citrus, sage, and lavender.

'I feel like having opposing scents can end up confusing you in the kitchen,' she notes. Sticking to clean, food-friendly aromas acts as an instant signal to the body that it is time to slow down, cook, and reset.

The same focus on grounding routines extends to daily technology. For Radhi, stepping away to grab a glass of water is often the only pause in a busy schedule, turning essential hydration into an opportunity for calm.

It's the thinking behind her work with KitchenAid and the MindFULLness Fridge. Designed to simplify routine kitchen tasks, the appliance features smart auto-fill that uses sensing technology to deliver a hands-free (and splash-free) pour into almost any container, without spills.

For Radhi, who admits she often leaves taps running until cups overflow, the automation takes away a small irritation while encouraging a brief mental pause. Instead of rushing, lighting and chimes guide a slower breathing rhythm.

'Why not give yourself an opportunity and rewire your nervous system for like 30 seconds while you're doing it?' she says. 'It's another place where you can find a moment of calm in your day.'

Homeowners can bring that same setup into their own spaces through the MindFULLness Fridge sweepstakes, which runs from October 19 to November 15. Entrants can win a MindFULLness Fridge and some of the coolest drinkware on the market.

Behind the kitchen cabinet doors, Radhi relies on clear organization to keep daily movement frictionless. She labels everything, keeping three dedicated drawers filled with glass spice jars and grouping ingredients into clear zones for beans, lentils, and flours.

Items used every morning, like mugs and plates, live on open shelving within arm's reach. Pieces used only occasionally stay on high upper shelves. Knowing exactly where every pot sits prevents the frustration of jammed drawers and searching through deep cupboards.

For those who want to change the feel of their kitchen without taking on major structural work, she points to one straightforward update: A tin of paint.

'Having a fresh set of paint on your walls can make such a difference,' she says. 'Whether it's adding in a color or a wallpaper, I think it can change the whole space so easily, and not necessarily that expensive either.'

By treating the kitchen not as a utilitarian workspace, but as an intentional sanctuary for the senses, even the busiest room in the house can become the one that grounds you most. Take it from Radhi, who has already made this mindset a part of her everyday.

Shop the Kitchen Wellness Edit

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The holidays are about time spent with family, traditions, and joy – and Christmas tree decor should reflect that. Though perfectly coordinated, minimalist trees have gained popularity in recent years, many kitsch enthusiasts are quietly rebelling. Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan have joined their ranks.

An Instagram post from Tracy showcases the Christmas tree in the couple's Manhattan apartment, alive with lights and personal ornaments. Rather than being carefully curated, Michael and Tracy's ornaments look collected over time. It features glass-blown animal figurines (like this fox glass ornament from Anthropologie), homemade felt pieces, and pretty fabric people. The kitschy and nostalgic look is full of personality and warmth.

As we enter the holiday decorating season, Michael and Tracy's Christmas decor stands as the antithesis to overly curated minimalist schemes. It's a reminder that sometimes the least planned option is the most stylish.

Furthermore, this characterful approach to Christmas decor is emerging as a major decorating trend for this year. David Sumner, Design Expert at Christmas Tree World explains: 'For years, Christmas decorating was all about perfectly coordinated color schemes. But this year, decorators are embracing trees with a little more history. The heirloom tree celebrates family traditions, handmade ornaments, travel souvenirs, childhood decorations, and those slightly random baubles that come out of storage every December. Every decoration tells a story, and every branch holds a memory.'

Recreate Michael and Tracy's Look at Home

The best nostalgic Christmas trees are collected over years, with a few new ornaments added to the tree each season. If you're searching for the latest piece to add warmth to your design, these are our editors' top picks.

So, what's the best way to get Michael and Tracy's look? First, look into what you already have rather than buying something new.

'This year’s trees will feel curated rather than coordinated,' says Josh Branigan, a Furniture and Home Interiors Expert at home furniture retailer bedkingdom. 'Instead of buying a full set of matching baubles, people are building up decorations they’ll treasure year after year, mixing family heirlooms, vintage finds and handmade pieces with a few new additions.'

Kitsch and color is a huge part of what makes Michael and Tracy's Christmas tree feel magical. Bringing in this brightness and whimsy is the best way to replicate this effect.

'On the tree, layer novelty shapes, glitter and clashing patterns so there’s something to spot on every branch. Then carry the look through the rest of your home with colourful lights, bright throws and cushions, and a few playful decorations on shelves and mantelpieces. If you’d prefer a calmer scheme, go all out in one room and keep the rest simple.'

In 2026, chic Christmas decor isn't about reinventing the wheel. It's about playing on the things we already love that make the season special.

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Nothing beats driving home with a discerningly chosen fir fresh from the lot. Less joyful are the shower of pine needles, constant watering, strapping it to your car, and figuring out how to dispose of the thing come January. If you'd rather save energy for the actual festivities, an amazing artificial Christmas tree might be your answer.

They tend to pay for themselves. A quality style can last a decade or longer with proper storage, with far more creative license depending on the sort of holidayscape you’re after. That quirky Charlie Brown Christmas tree of your dreams? A rail-thin, sparsely needled number? A miniature potted fir for the entryway? The buzziest Christmas trends of 2026, alongside the timeless, Ralph Lauren-level classics, can all be delivered right to your doorstep.

Ahead, the five best places to buy artificial Christmas trees in 2026, from convincing copies of the real thing to elegant, editorial options that make the season a little more your own.

Where to Buy Christmas Trees

Give yourself one less thing to worry about. For the Christmas traditionalist, the more experimentally inclined, and everyone in between, these five retailers have something special at every price point to deck the halls for years to come.

1. Balsam Hill

Balsam Hill is pretty much the gold standard of faux Christmas trees. Its iconic True Needle® technology, molded from real evergreen branches, mimics all the asymmetry and charming little irregularities of the real thing, giving its trees that coveted Hallmark movie-caliber look. Entertain all season, and no one will be the wiser.

The brand doesn’t really do trends, because Mother Nature doesn’t either. Still, innovation remains at the fore. Balsam Hill's Flip Tree® design takes much of the wrestling out of setup, while the Easy Plug® system spares you the annual confrontation with tangled wires. A three-year warranty offers some peace of mind (a rarity for pre-lit trees), though with proper storage in the included bag, these quality styles can last a decade or longer.

Full-size trees start around $500, with smaller, less splurgy options for tabletops and tight quarters. At the other extreme, an 11-foot Baby Redwood will set you back $11,499. Which begs the question: is everyone this committed to Christmas? Perhaps not. But if you want the most convincing evergreen in the room, plan to keep it for the foreseeable future, and would rather never visit a tree lot again, Balsam Hill might be the smartest seasonal investment you'll ever make.

Best for: Impossibly lifelike Christmas trees with Hallmark movie-level good looks

Lead time: 2–10 business days, with expedited 2-day and 1-day shipping available

Price: $$$

2. Anthropologie

For a more conceptual, editorial Christmas that still feels plenty cozy, make a beeline for Anthropologie. Its surprisingly robust collection of miniature and full-size trees would look right at home in the living room of a seasoned fashion editor, or simply the coolest person you know.

There’s room to have some fun with shape here. The 7-foot Nostalgic Pine has a delightfully unruly, bulbous silhouette, with plenty of space to hang your more eccentric ornaments. Or there’s a scrawny 4-foot potted pine, straight out of your Charlie Brown Christmas dreams. Even the 5-foot Flocked Pre-Lit Alpine Fir, slender enough to slip into a tight corner, has an enviably unusual charm.

Down to the littlest $34 miniature fir, Anthropologie's faux trees still look believably botanical, just a degree or two removed from the usual Christmas decor sameness. Each is distinctive enough to catch the eye without making the whole room about the tree.

Best for: Chicly imperfect Charlie Brown trees, sculptural little pines, and other offbeat evergreens

Lead time: 4–8 business days for most styles; larger trees may take 1–3 weeks

Price: $$–$$$

3. Wayfair

For sheer optionality, Wayfair is hard to beat, especially if you have a highly specific Christmas fantasy in mind. Pre-lit, slim, flocked, realistic, classic, and just about every variation in between, the selection runs from tiny tabletop firs to towering nine-foot-plus giants. Whatever's on your Christmas wishlist, someone has probably made a tree for it.

The real joy on Wayfair, though, might be the reviews. Many come with customer photos and refreshingly candid accounts of everything from assembly to how a tree holds up after several Christmases. Do your homework, and you can find an exceptionally convincing evergreen for well under $500, with some rave-reviewed options going for as little as $200.

A pair of pre-potted trees in antique-style planters to flank your front door? Check. A rail-thin pencil pine to try the barely-there look for 2026? Why not. A full, traditional evergreen with flocking and enough lights to spare you any further styling? This sort of all-in-one holiday ease is a Wayfair specialty. Deals abound, provided you’re willing to do a little digging.

Best for: An unmatched variety of styles, affordable prices that seem too good to be true, and candid customer reviews to confirm otherwise

Lead time: Typically 1–7 business days after leaving the warehouse, with one- and two-day shipping upgrades available on select styles

Price: $–$$$

4. West Elm

Not everyone needs holiday glitz and glam turned up to 12 to feel festive. For minimalists and decorators who dare to do things a little differently, West Elm strikes a lovely balance between classic Christmas and the newer, more edited, slightly sparse look that’s having a moment.

You can certainly find a handsome 6.5-foot Faux Monaco Pine to make a splash in a larger space. But the miniature trees are the real sleeper hits. Think pre-lit, potted and flocked Manchester Spruces; uniquely unruly Snow-Dusted Mixed Pines; and Champagne Tinsel Christmas Trees for those who like their minimalism with a side of sheen.

West Elm's lineup is merry, it’s minimal, and occasionally, it’s blush pink. Head here for a welcome shake-up to the usual holiday stuffiness, whether your home is all clean lines and contemporary furniture or a hundred years old and full of antiques.

Best for: Minimalists with Christmas spirit to spare, and a chic assortment of little trees for little spaces

Lead time: 4–7 business days for standard-sized trees; oversized styles and special collaborations may take 1–4 weeks

Price: $$

5. National Tree Company

That lush, lifelike evergreen you picture when you close your eyes and think Christmas? National Tree Company probably makes it, in just about every shape, size, and degree of realism one could want. And despite the rather impressive selection, prices are surprisingly reasonable, with full, pre-lit 7.5-foot trees going for under $500.

The assortment is dizzying, but surprisingly easy to navigate. Each listing spells out the particulars, from dual-color or multicolor lights to unlit options, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Full and fluffy? Pencil-thin? Specifically proportioned for the entryway? There’s a category for that. You can even choose between the brand’s pricier Feel Real® technology, designed to mimic natural evergreen branches, and more affordable PVC tips that still scratch that fresh-from-the-lot itch.

If you want the look of an investment-worthy evergreen without necessarily spending four figures, this family-owned company, with over 60 years in the Christmas business, knows its way around a fir.

Best for: Classic, hyperrealistic evergreens for spaces big and small, under $500, $300, even $100

Lead time: Available through retailers like Wayfair, though direct orders typically arrive within 2–6 business days

Price: $–$$

Our Favorite Christmas Trees to Shop Now

FAQs

What Is the Current Christmas Tree Trend?

For Christmas 2026, the more imperfect, the more lifelike, the better. There’s something endearingly honest about a crooked little 4-foot Charlie Brown fir. Anyone can have a hyper-perfectly full fir. But a slightly asymmetrical one, with charming gaps and a branch or two doing its own thing? Far more convincing, and right in step with the organic, less choreographed look taking over interiors at large.

What Is the Best Way to Store Christmas Trees?

Christmas tree storage specifications vary by brand, but generally, a cool, dry spot is best. Think a garage, attic, shed, or, for the apartment-dwelling holiday enthusiast, even under the bed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for positioning, and use a dedicated storage bag to keep dust and discoloration at bay without crushing those carefully arranged branches. Smaller tabletop trees can retire to plastic bins on high closet shelves until their next annual appearance.

When Is the Best Time to Order a Christmas Tree?

As with bedding, clothing, and the like, the best time to buy a faux Christmas tree is right after you actually need one. In this case, January and February, when post-holiday sales bring the steepest discounts. Occasionally, you’ll find pre-season deals in July and August, too. Otherwise, October is the sweet spot to get ahead of backorders on popular styles and have your tree safely in hand for its December 1 debut.

Your tree is only the beginning. In other seasonal news, Serena & Lily, Lulu and Georgia, Anthropologie, and even Aldi have plenty of festive fodder for decking the rest of the halls.

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This year, we're dreaming of a natural materials Christmas. A Christmas where every item comes from the earth (or looks like it could have), and materials are full of texture and life.

For inspiration, we're turning the clocks back to 2004, when Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne pioneered the look. The couple's Buckinghamshire Christmas decor included a stunning garland made of pine, fruit, and pinecones (Like these natural pieces from Amazon). Draped over their fireplace, the natural materials introduced organic color and complemented their existing decor.

For the 2026 holidays, we're looking back fondly at their look for inspiration. As the popularity of natural materials resurges, the couple's English design is the perfect place to start.

The shift towards natural materials is aligned with the larger Christmas trend of pared-back minimalism. Wendi Gee principal designer based in Austin, TX explains that this year she's seeing a lot of 'edited, nature-led ornaments.' To replicate the look, she suggests decorators invest in 'dried botanicals, wooden beads, hand-blown glass in rust and warm cream.' She says it's ideal to decorate with 'one or two beautiful things rather than everything on the tree at once.'

Recreate Sharon and Ozzy's Look at Home

To replicate the look of Sharon and Ozzy's Christmas garland idea, we recommend starting with piney bows and decorative natural accents. Here are our picks, from the more realistic to the most fun.

For a slightly different take on the Osbourne's look, you could decorate with natural colors rather than materials. These can then be accented with more playful elements.

Samantha Pratt, principal designer of Samantha Ashley Designs advises: 'I anticipate earthy natural tones and elements this year. Think pine cones, dried fruit, branches and botanical stems. Colors of oatmeal, olive, and warm gold tones. With additional velvet or raw silk ribbons with rapping and decorating and only warm white lighting. A classic twist on a mountain lodge Christmas!'

As retro natural materials return, we are revisiting our favorite Christmas decor of the past 20 years for ideas.

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If you're short on space, don't be put off growing your own veg. There are plenty of ways to grow crops on a patio, balcony, and even indoors – and I may have just found the best solution to make this all the easier.

If you're looking for ways to grow vegetables indoors, turn your attention to the Costco self-watering rolling garden bed. It's a compact raised garden bed that allows you to move your crops around as needed thanks to its wheels. In summer, have it on your balcony or patio; in fall, you can move it indoors with ease. But the best part is the fact that it's self-watering, with a reservoir that makes it low-maintenance to keep your plants hydrated.

I also love its minimalist design, slotting into a range of interiors effortlessly. As the reviewers put it, 'it's aesthetically and functionally pleasing'. So, if you're hoping to bring your garden indoors this fall and want to dabble in growing herbs, veg, and even ornamentals inside, this might just be exactly what you need.

Perfect for Any Space

The thing that appeals to me most about the Costco self-watering rolling garden bed is the fact that it has swivel wheels that make moving it around nearly effortless.

This versatility means you can make the most of growing outdoors in spring and summer before moving your garden indoors for fall and winter. It makes it ideal for tender perennials that need overwintering indoors.

The fact that it's self-watering is also a bonus. It makes moisture management a lot easier, as the plant roots can take up water as needed, preventing watering mistakes like letting your plants sit in soggy soil.

This is especially true because the water level indicator offers a visual cue as to when to top up the reservoir. Though it is still worth using a soil moisture meter (like this one from Amazon) to keep track of your plants' hydration needs, especially in fall and winter when soil dries out a lot more slowly.

It's the perfect size for growing herbs, crops like tomatoes and peppers, and even perennials. You could even use it to create an abundant houseplant planter, mixing multiple plants together to maximize foliage interest in your home.

The fact that it has a beautiful steel finish also makes it easy to transition from the yard to the home. Styled with some terracotta planters on either side, the ivory color would make this garden bed a timeless addition to any container display.

What Shoppers Say

The Costco self-watering rolling garden bed has 4.4 stars, with reviewers sharing how pleased they are with this purchase.

'It's nice quality [...] two of the wheels have locking mechanisms, the handles are strong and sturdy, and don't slam down when I let go of them,' one five-star reviewer shares.

'Once assembled, the planter is very sturdy and the wheels/brakes work very well. It's a good-looking planter. Handles are a great help while manoeuvring,' another shopper writes.

As for growing crops, shoppers have had lots of success with this garden bed.

'I was gifted the shorter ones and they’re [great] for my taller plants, tomatoes and blackberries,' one person writes.

The planter holds 2 cu. ft. of soil, so it offers lots of room for the easiest vegetables to grow.

'I’ve got herbs and a few strawberries in it and everything is thriving,' another person says.

The self-watering feature has also been working well. 'The self-watering system will be great when I go away on vacations this summer,' one person writes.

And it seems to be built of high quality. 'This a well made, sturdy product. Rolls beautifully. Perfect for a herb garden,' one shopper summarizes.

The one downside to note is that assembly isn't the most straightforward.

'Took hours to assemble by myself. Had to use my own tools to complete as the ones included were difficult to use. Instructions were lacking,' one reviewer shares.

Reading the reviews, this seems to be a common experience, with a lot of shoppers saying you need two people to put it together.

Nevertheless, once constructed, shoppers are satisfied and say, 'the quality is excellent and the value is unbeatable.'

For $129.99, this Costco self-watering rolling garden bed is a bit of an investment, though more affordable compared to similar products on the market (like this $269.95 rolling raised garden bed on Amazon).

The fact that it can be used both outdoors and indoors and has built-in water management makes it a great find for anyone who wants to grow a few vegetables but doesn't have a sweeping yard to work with.

What to Shop

However you decide to use your garden bed, there are plenty of raised bed gardening mistakes to avoid. Likewise, there are a few ways to make your raised bed soil last, so you don't have to keep purchasing more soil.

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The best Christmas trees are those that reflect their owners – something Jon Bon Jovi has embraced in his holiday decorating since 2022. 'I made it onto the tree this year,' the singer shared alongside a photo of a carved, wooden 'Jon' ornament and a matching 'Jesse' design for his son, Jesse Bongiovi.

Bon Jovi's Christmas tree offers a masterclass in holiday traditionalism, combining a red, white, and gold palette with ornaments featuring his family's names. While classic color schemes always create a festive winter atmosphere, personal details give a tree genuine character.

They turn standard Christmas decor ideas into something distinct, making them a standout feature when visiting friends and family during the festive period.

For those looking to adopt this style for Christmas 2026, these personalized wooden ornaments (from Amazon) are the perfect starting point. They closely mirror the design on Bon Jovi's tree and serve as thoughtful, custom gifts for the holiday season.

Shop the Bon Jovi-Inspired Edit

Alongside customizable pieces, vintage styling is also returning to living rooms for winter 2026. Claudia Kampmann, the Europe Brand Manager at Ruggable, notes a growing interest in nostalgic, handmade ornaments that prioritize personal stories over rigid, uniform perfection:

'Old-school, traditional Christmas decorations were the embodiment of festive cheer. Think less chic and more sentimental and nostalgic. Over the past decade or so, many people have been making their Christmas trees more uniform, leaning more into decorations that match their decor, which can feel predictable,' Claudia says.

'This year, people are looking back to their childhoods for decoration inspiration, and I expect we’re going to see a resurgence of clashing primary colors, including gold, reds and greens, alongside flashing lights, handmade decorations and nutcrackers.'

Whether opting for bespoke wooden keepsakes like Bon Jovi's or leaning into a retro mix of bright colors and family heirlooms, the movement for Christmas 2026 favors character over rigid coordination. The most memorable trees this winter will not be the most polished showroom displays, but the ones that showcase a home's individual story.

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When it comes to Thanksgiving decorating, Martha Stewart has a way of making even the most familiar traditions feel fresh.

Rather unexpectedly, she’s making a case for leaving the conventional Thanksgiving decor ideas (think pumpkins, dried wheat, and orange tones) behind in favor of something a little more elegant. On her dining table, Martha pairs potted plants with a mahogany surface, ornate gold dinnerware, and black glass turkeys (there has to be one motif, after all).

It’s a departure from the harvest-style Thanksgiving table decor ideas we see every November, and a reminder that Thanksgiving decorating doesn’t have to follow the same formula year after year.

To get her look, start with a gold plate, just like this one from Wayfair. Then, invest in gorgeous gold glassware. This wine glass from Anthropologie is at the very top of my wishlist.

Shop the Edit

According to Greg Dallaire, a real estate consultant at Dallaire Realty, changing the color palette can make a noticeable difference to the mood of a Thanksgiving gathering.

‘Gold pulls Thanksgiving away from the farmhouse look most of us grew up with,’ Greg says.

‘The traditional table leans on burnt orange, rust and brown, with pumpkins, wheat and plaid runners doing most of the work. Build the palette around gold instead and the mood changes from harvest supper to an evening dinner party. It reads more like a holiday celebration than a tribute to the fall season.’

Similarly, Martah's table isn't overly decorated. She leaves much of the surface bare, letting the gold plates and black turkeys take center stage. As Greg emphasizes, a few well-chosen pieces can do more than a collection of seasonal decorations.

‘The reason a gold-led table works is restraint everywhere else,’ he says. ‘When gold carries the look through chargers, flatware or candlesticks, the rest tends to stay quiet, usually white or ivory linens and simple glassware. That contrast lets the metal catch candlelight, which matters because Thanksgiving dinner often runs well past sunset. Orange and brown absorb light. Gold bounces it around the room.’

He continues: ‘One confident color story feels more intentional than a dozen seasonal motifs competing for attention, and it photographs far better too. A table doesn’t have to look like a pumpkin patch to feel warm, because gold gives you that warmth through light instead of color.’

There’s also a practical reason to take inspiration from Martha's approach. Gold candlesticks, flatware and serving pieces can come out again for Christmas decor or New Year’s Eve dinner, whereas decorations bought specifically for Thanksgiving may spend most of the year hidden away.

‘Gold flatware or candle holders move straight from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, while the ceramic turkeys and gourds go back into storage for eleven months,’ Greg says. ‘Hosts like getting more use out of what they buy.’

Take it from Martha to prove we don’t need pumpkins and leaves to make Thanksgiving feel special. Her combination of gold dinnerware and indoor plants gives the setting a more formal feel, with pieces that can easily earn their place at the table throughout the rest of the holiday season.

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As we settle into the colder months, you may be thinking about bringing your outdoor furniture inside. Not so fast! With the right colors and design, your patio can be the perfect outdoor refuge until late November.

Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber provided the perfect blueprint with their gorgeous gray and white outdoor living room.

The covered patio is full of warmth, from the velvet armchairs to the textured sofa (similar to this cozy style from Wayfair). A concrete coffee table helps to ground the space in the neutral way it blends into the ground stones. A fireplace and TV turn the space into a cozy yet elegant escape.

The couple's patio furniture demonstrates that it's possible to design an outdoor space for all seasons (especially if you live somewhere warm), so that the look never feels too summery.

So, what makes Justin and Hailey's outdoor space work so well? A huge part of the seasonless beauty of their patio is their outdoor furniture color. The natural shade is the ideal combination of with the greenery outside.

Mike Durbridge, CEO of Andrew Martin explains: 'Gray outdoor furniture with a minimalistic design offers a sleek, modern look that’s visually calming and stylish. In outdoor spaces, its understated tones blend effortlessly with the natural surroundings, allowing the beauty of the landscape to take centre stage.'

Shop The Gray Outdoor Edit

Here are our editors' picks of the best timeless gray furnishings to bring warmth to your outdoor patio all season long, even as it gets colder.

Justin and Hailey Bieber's use of texture is another element that makes their outdoor design transition effortlessly into the fall.

Bo Hellberg, the CMO of Grythyttan Stålmöblerexplains: 'In 2027, creating spaces that feel safe, calm and nurturing will remain key. This trend speaks to a slower, more grounded way of being, especially as the days get shorter.'

Luckily, their technique is easy to recreate. He advises: 'Creating cozy corners is about adding softness and invitation without fuss. Layer soft wool throws and weather-resistant cushions on classic steel-framed chairs or benches to bring warmth and comfort. Thoughtful furniture arrangements encourage lingering conversations and moments of calm, transforming outdoor spaces into intimate retreats.'

With the right design, outdoor spaces last for every season. By following in Justin and Hailey's footsteps, you can create the most beautiful patio possible.

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With October in full swing and autumn prompting early thoughts of holiday planning, festive decorating is already shifting directly into the kitchen. Styling this space – the functional heart of the home – has emerged as a key 2026 trend, moving Christmas decor ideas beyond dining room tablescapes into everyday prep areas.

Eva Mendes showcased this approach by styling her kitchen island (in her home with Ryan Gosling) with mini Christmas trees and seasonal foliage alongside permanent fixtures like a brass faucet and woven light shades.

Adding subtle touches to functional areas brings festive warmth without cluttering daily work surfaces. To get the look, these miniature Christmas trees from Amazon are an almost perfect match.

Before introducing holiday greenery or tabletop pieces, clearing clutter is the necessary first step. Jennifer, the Editor of Homes & Gardens, advises: 'Before diving into the excitement of decorating, take the time to clear away any clutter. A clear and tidy space will leave you with a calm, relaxing, and welcoming environment that’s perfect for unwinding during the busy holiday season.'

Shop the Eva-Inspired Edit

Clearing kitchen countertops ensures surfaces can hold festive accents without feeling overcrowded. Once the kitchen is organized, establish a cohesive color palette.

Jennifer recommends: 'Begin by deciding on what color scheme reflects your style – reds, greens, golds, and whites are perfect for incorporating Christmas-themed colors. Next, use a festive tablecloth or runner as the base for your display. For an elegant touch, think velvet or linen. You may want to choose the same color runner and napkins to create a harmonious feel to your table.'

For the centerpiece, build texture with seasonal botanicals and foliage. Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, suggests: 'For the Christmas centerpiece, use seasonal flowers such as white lilies, red roses, or amaryllis and arrange these in a vase. Incorporate evergreen branches for added texture. Traditional potted Christmas plants such as poinsettia, Cyclamen, and mini pine trees can also be used to create a focal point. Use Christmas napkins, name settings, ribbons, and crackers for an added decorative touch.'

Scent provides the final seasonal layer – whether from candles, simmering spices, or fresh pine cuttings. Rachel suggests: 'Experiment with different scents such as cinnamon and apple to get your home smelling like Christmas.'

Combining clear, organized countertops with simple greenery and seasonal fragrance turns the kitchen into a practical, welcoming space ready for entertaining as the holiday season approaches.

We all remember the cottagecore era. Light, rustic woods, white and cream palettes, and a dusting of florals to add a bit of pattern. It was very much of its time in 2020, when we were all making sourdough and looking for ways to live more wholesomely. And while it's a design style that's making a comeback in kitchens, it looks quite different from past trends.

This decorating style has had an upgrade. Darker wood tones that feel more natural, richer colors that take a kitchen to new levels, and an emphasis on collected and antique pieces that create that cozy, lived-in look. In 2027, cottagecore kitchens are far chicer – less farmhouse movie set, a pastiche, more naturally evolved.

Designers say this more sophisticated take on the kitchen trend is the answer to a characterful scheme. Here's how to get the look right, and the pieces that make it happen.

Despite its name, cottagecore isn't just for cottage kitchens – especially with the new and updated take. It's less about the washed-out finishes of past trends and more focused on texture, architectural features, and a layered approach to kitchen decor. It should feel sophisticated, rather than kitsch or themed.

'Cottagecore has an inherently cozy, homey appeal, making it a natural fit for the kitchen, often considered the heart of the home. Its emphasis on natural materials, tactile details, and a connection to the outdoors creates a space that feels welcoming and relaxed, rather than purely functional. The result is a kitchen with a sense of warmth and lived-in charm,' explains Gemma Tucker, Creative Director at Balance Interior Design.

'I think it's the warmth and character they bring,' interior designer Sophie Garland agrees. 'A cottage kitchen should feel welcoming and lived-in, with a sense of history rather than feeling as though everything has been installed at once. I love mixing old and new to create a space that feels personal and full of character.'

The updated take on cottagecore requires a real mix of features, from thoughtful color schemes to blended furniture styles and a balance of old and new. It should feel collected over time and deeply personal – it shouldn't look as though you are trying to force an aesthetic.

'The key is to focus on the more timeless elements of cottagecore, from natural materials and warm, earthy color palettes to vintage finds and thoughtfully crafted objects,' Gemma explains. 'Keeping the look understated, rather than leaning too heavily into whimsical details, helps capture the essence of slow living without the space feeling overly themed or contrived.'

For Sophie Garland, decorating with antiques is key to the look. 'Mix antique furniture with modern practical elements, and use color and pattern thoughtfully,' she advises. 'The aim is to create a kitchen that feels as though it has evolved over time, rather than following a particular trend.'

Instead of focusing on just the decorative pieces you bring into your space, consider how the principles of cottagecore style can be introduced to the bones of your kitchen. For Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk, that means 'anything that gives your kitchen a sense of history and personality: aged brass hardware, vintage dressers, and plate walls. I love incorporating lamps onto kitchen countertops or a perfectly placed wall light for nighttime low-level lighting.'

'I love freestanding antique furniture, open shelving and patterned curtains,' adds Sophie Garland. 'They add warmth and individuality, making the kitchen feel more like a living space than a fitted kitchen. Good lighting and natural materials also help create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.'

Fabric and texture come into their own with this trend, but focus on comfort and heritage prints that feel timeless – think less ditsy florals and more narrow stripes, gingham, and even classic plaids. They feel sophisticated with an air of playfulness.

'Gingham and striped fabrics are a lovely way to introduce pattern while keeping the overall look timeless. They bring softness and a sense of familiarity to a kitchen, whether used for window treatments, seat cushions or table linens,' Gemma adds. 'Tongue-and-groove paneling is another detail I love, particularly as a backsplash. It introduces texture and character, while offering an opportunity to bring in a subtle wash of color without overwhelming a smaller space.'

There are so many ways to imbue cottagecore style into your kitchen depending on your space, the architecture you are working with, and the decorative pieces you've collected over the years. But despite the flexibility of the style, there are a few elements that were typical of outdated approaches and feel outdated and contrived today.

'Avoid being too literal with the cottagecore look or making everything feel deliberately rustic. You don't need every traditional feature to create character. I think the best kitchens balance old and new, retaining the charm of the building while still feeling practical and comfortable for modern family life,' says Sophie Garland.

And it turns out, being too literal is perhaps the biggest mistake you can make in a cottagecore kitchen in 2027. 'Think about the feeling it creates over recreating something you’ve seen in a magazine or on social media,' adds Sophie Rowell. 'Choosing pieces you genuinely love will always feel authentic and timeless.'

10 Cottagecore Kitchen Buys To Make Your Space More Cozy

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For Los Angeles-based development firm House of Rolison, every home begins with a story.

Founded by partners Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn, the firm makes it their mission to transform forgotten homes into real living spaces. By combining architecture, interiors, and development into a single practice that honors history while updating the space.

At a glance, it's easy to understand why their approach has attracted some of the biggest names in pop music, with Lisa of Blackpink among their illustrious clients. Their interiors feel cocooning and alive, with photos that you want to reach out and touch.

Going beyond California casual style, House of Rolison's interiors have a richness that you almost have to see to believe.

Homes & Gardens' News Editor, Sophie Edwards, interviewed the House of Rolison principals, Amanda and Taylor, in an exclusive Q&A, to get to the bottom of how they make spaces that sing.

In Conversation With The House of Rolison

Many of your projects center on honoring a home’s “soul” through respecting its history while updating it for modern living. How do you achieve this balance?

People often ask us how we know what to keep and what to change. The truth is, we don’t walk into a house asking, “What can we tear out?” We ask, “Why did someone fall in love with this home in the first place?”

Maybe it’s an arched doorway, incredible natural light, or the way the house sits on the property. Those are usually the things worth protecting.

From there, we think about how people actually live today. We want kitchens where everyone naturally gathers, primary suites that feel like a retreat, and technology that’s there when you need it but disappears when you don’t.

If someone walks through one of our homes and says, “This just feels right,” that’s our favorite compliment. We never want people thinking about the design. We want them thinking about how the home made them feel.

What is your opinion on interior design trends? Are there any trends you incorporate into your spaces or any you avoid?

We’ve learned that trends move much faster than houses do.

A home can take years to design and build. By the time it’s finished, the trend everyone was talking about has usually changed.

We think people sometimes get so caught up in making a statement that they forget they’re designing a home. Suddenly there’s an uncomfortable sculptural chair no one wants to sit in, a room full of objects competing for attention, or a space that photographs beautifully but doesn’t actually invite you to stay.

The same goes for the way homes are often styled. Sometimes you walk into a beautifully photographed house and immediately wonder, “Where would I actually sit with my morning coffee?” or “How would I have friends over here?” It feels more like a showroom than a home.

We don’t design or style for the photograph. We design for the person who’s going to wake up there every day.

Of course we want our homes to photograph beautifully, and we love pushing people to see new possibilities. Maybe the furniture layout isn’t what they’d naturally choose, or the material palette is more unexpected than what they’re used to. But at the end of the day, someone should be able to walk in, understand how to live there, and feel completely at ease.

To us, that’s what luxury really is. It’s creating a home that feels elevated without ever feeling intimidating.

That usually leads us back to the same things. Natural materials. Timeless proportions. Thoughtful craftsmanship. Spaces that feel calm instead of crowded.

That doesn’t mean we ignore innovation. We love products and technology that genuinely improve the way people live. We just don’t believe every trend deserves a permanent place in a home.

Your projects are guided by the principle that “the best spaces don’t shout, they unfold.” Can you speak more to this, and how you bring this philosophy to life?

We’ve all walked into homes where everything is trying to impress you the moment you open the front door. They’re beautiful, but sometimes they tell you everything in the first thirty seconds.

We think the most memorable homes do the opposite. They reveal themselves over time. You notice something different every time you’re there. Maybe it’s the way the afternoon light changes a room, a texture you hadn’t appreciated before, or the way one space naturally leads to the next.

We think the coolest thing someone can say about a home is, “I don’t know why, but it just feels good.”

To us, that usually means they aren’t fixated on one countertop, one light fixture, or one dramatic moment. It means every decision is working together so seamlessly that no single element is asking for attention.

Like a great piece of music, you don’t walk away thinking about one instrument. You remember how it made you feel.

That’s the biggest compliment we can receive. If someone leaves one of our homes remembering the feeling instead of just one feature, we’ve done our job.

Collaboration is one of your central values, embodied by the fact that Amanda and Taylor are partners in both business and life. How does your relationship and your distinct tastes play out in your projects?

Our partnership works because we’re incredibly different.

Amanda comes from a construction background, so her brain naturally lives in process. She thrives in chaos, loves solving problems in real time, and if it were up to her, we’d make a decision and be breaking ground five minutes later.

Taylor’s background is rooted in art, architecture, software, and programming. She naturally sees the bigger picture. She likes to think through every scenario, understand how every decision connects to the next, and make sure we’re building something that will still feel right years from now.

We joke that Amanda is always saying, “Come on, let’s just do it,” while Taylor is saying, “Let’s think about this one more time.”

That push and pull is where the magic happens.

Left to ourselves, our homes would probably look and feel very different. Together, they become something neither of us would have created alone.

Being married adds another layer. We know each other well enough to challenge an idea without challenging each other. There’s a level of trust that lets us be completely honest because we both know we’re working toward the same goal. The best ideas usually aren’t Amanda’s or Taylor’s. They’re the ones we arrive at together.

We genuinely believe that’s our superpower. Every decision is filtered through two completely different ways of thinking, and somewhere in the middle is where House of Rolison comes to life.

Natural materials and soothing colors are part of your signature style. How do you recommend readers style these in their own homes to achieve a layered, characterful look?

The biggest piece of advice we give people is to think about the home as a whole instead of shopping for individual pieces. The most beautiful homes feel cohesive because every decision is supporting the next.

We have a few rules we come back to over and over again.

Every room needs something that grounds it. It could be a dark chair, a bronze light fixture, a stained wood table, or even a piece of art. Without a little visual weight, a room can start to feel like it’s floating.

We’re also careful with rugs. A rug shouldn’t be the loudest thing in the room. It should support the furniture, not compete with it.

When it comes to color, we usually choose a direction and stay consistent. If we’re building a warm palette, we stay warm. If we’re building a cooler palette, we stay cool.

People often think layering means adding more colors. We actually think it’s the opposite. We’d almost always choose five different hues of one color over five different colors. Five shades of green. Five shades of cream. Different tones, different textures, different materials. That’s what creates depth without creating visual noise.

One of our favorite ways to create character is by mixing old and new. An antique cabinet beneath contemporary art or a vintage stool in a modern bathroom instantly makes a home feel like it has a story.

And then there’s our favorite rule to break. Don’t be afraid to do something unexpected.

Some of our favorite spaces pair materials people wouldn’t normally think to put together. We’ll mix different stones with contrasting tiles or combine textures that, on paper, shouldn’t work. Those moments of tension often become the most interesting parts of a home.

The key is that it still has to feel intentional. A little surprise gives a home personality, but it should never feel like it’s trying too hard.

At the end of the day, character isn’t created by buying more things. It’s created by making thoughtful decisions and creating a home where every piece feels like it belongs.

Emulate The House of Rolison Look

House of Rolison's interiors are all about inviting warmth and subtle texture. Here are our editors' picks for bringing that cozy, cocooning energy into your own home.

A storytelling approach brings House of Rolison's interiors to life, honoring the history while creating something new. Their spaces are a timeless testament to the power of decorating with your heart and soul.

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Dakota Johnson’s kitchen needs little introduction. Six years after it first made headlines, it still offers a convincing case for a kitchen that favors character over modern minimalism. When handleless cabinets and stark white worktops dominated kitchen design, Dakota’s space took a different approach.

Acclaimed designers Piece & Ward combined painted cabinetry, natural wood, and vintage finds to create one of the most celebrated celebrity kitchens of a generation.

The balance of color, texture, and vintage pieces is what gives the green kitchen its appeal. The painted cabinetry brings color to the kitchen, balanced by warm timber, Persian rugs, and shelves of ceramics. The mix feels personal, with the wood keeping the deeper shade from overwhelming the room.

To follow her example, I'd, surprisingly, not start with green. Instead, I'd choose a similar rug, like this one from Cozey, then add green accessories, like the ones I've curated below.

Shop the Edit

Designers also continue to recommend it for kitchen ideas that need to stand the test of time.

‘It’s no secret green kitchens have become a timeless classic. The versatile color works magic as either an earthy, neutral backdrop or a bold statement piece in your scheme,’ explains designer Rebecca Hughes of Rebecca Hughes Interiors.

‘Whisper-soft sage green makes for a beautiful, neutral backdrop, creating spaces that are simultaneously relaxed and sophisticated,’ Rebecca adds. ‘The hue also serves as a connecting element from interior to exterior, making it the perfect choice for an inviting family kitchen or boot room.’

That connection to the outdoors is part of what makes green room ideas feel so considered. It pairs naturally with timber and stone, while softer shades can add color to a kitchen without overwhelming it. Paired with brass fittings and materials that develop character with age, it creates a scheme that doesn't rely on the latest finishes to feel current.

As mentioned, you can bring a similar feel into your own kitchen through the accessories. Decorating with antiques, ceramic bowls, wooden chopping boards and brass fittings all add character without requiring a full redesign. Mixing older pieces with things you already own is an easy way to make the room feel more personal, rather than as though everything has been bought at once.

Six years on, Dakota's kitchen makes a strong case for choosing materials and colors you want to live alongside for the long run. Naturally, design trends will always evolve, but a kitchen with such individuality has a much longer shelf life.

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Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward spent nearly five decades in a converted 18th-century mill in Westport, Connecticut, making a home that reflected them in every nook and corner. In an era when Hollywood often relied on acclaimed decorators to design their estates, the couple found perfection in imperfection. They assembled their living room over the years, with little concern for convention.

By 2004, as seen below, nothing quite matched. From the framed motorsport photographs documenting Paul’s racing career to the handmade needlepoint cushions on cream slipcovered sofas.

In their traditonal living room, a hearth held brass candlesticks, small framed artworks, and terracotta accessories, while the couple used soft textures (like this ottoman from Cozey) to give their room its character. Like all the greatest living rooms I come across in this job, it had a story.

22 years later, this arrangement feels even more relevant. Paul and Joanne’s home makes a case for taking your time, collecting things you love, and letting a room come together on its own terms.

Shop the Paul and Joanne-Inspired Edit

‘The interior of your home is the exterior of you,’ says Sherry Schmidt, president and lead designer at Form and Function Interior Design. ‘I have always told my clients this, and I love this quote because it allows them permission to have a little fun and be quirky with their space.’

In a move that would surely make Paul and Joanna proud, Sherry encourages her clients to resist the urge to finish decorating as soon as they move in. ‘I encourage them to live in their home for a while before selecting artwork and some accessories, so while they are out shopping at an antique store or on vacation they can find something that moves them and will be loved for years to come,’ she explains.

Her own home reflects that same approach. ‘My personal home has a collection of artwork and antiques, and I love telling guests the story of where items have been collected and curated from. It has become an extension of who my family is and shows in the different collected layers throughout.’

Whether you're decorating with antiques or something you found on vacation, it's important to leave room for the unexpected. These are the details that make a home personal, and they are difficult to replicate by buying everything at once.

‘Not everything has to match anymore,’ Sherry adds. ‘We no longer walk into a furniture store and buy a whole living room with all matching tables and lamps and an ill-fitting rug that is too small. A well-curated home should be a space with character, a living home that welcomes your guests and family for entertainment.’

Finding the right pieces can take time, and Sherry says she has even had clients get in touch while traveling to ask whether a piece of artwork would work in their home. Color and scale are important considerations, she explains, particularly when investing in something special.

Paul and Joanne’s living room almost feels as though it will never really be finished, and that's its finest quality. Often, the best decorating decision is simply to wait until you find something you love.

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