‘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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Peace lilies are loved for their glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms, but as fall arrives, you'll need to adjust their care routine.

October is an important month for peace lily care, particularly in the US, where cooler temperatures and shorter days can affect how well your plant grows. If yours has spent the summer outdoors, now is the time to bring it inside before chilly nights set in.

I have the Peace Lily Plant from Trees.com in my own home, and a few simple changes to watering, light, and positioning can make all the difference as the seasons change.

With a little extra attention now, you can help your peace lily stay healthy and keep its beautiful foliage looking its best throughout winter.

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine

One of the most important parts of peace lily care in October is adjusting your watering routine. As daylight hours decrease and growth slows, your plant will need less water than it did during summer.

Knowing when to water a peace lily is key. Check the top inch of potting mix with your finger and water when it feels dry, keeping the soil lightly moist without leaving the roots sitting in water. A watering can with a narrow spout, such as the Fiskars 40oz Indoor Watering Can, available on Amazon, makes it easier to direct water into the soil rather than onto the foliage.

Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain away, emptying the saucer afterward to help prevent root rot. If you notice brown leaf tips, your tap water could be a factor, as peace lilies can be sensitive to fluoride. Try filtered water or collected rainwater instead, and consider an XLUX Soil Moisture Meter from Amazon if you're unsure when your plant needs a drink.

The key is to check the soil rather than stick to a rigid watering schedule, as your peace lily's needs will change as the weather cools.

2. Move It to a Brighter Spot Before the Days Get Shorter

Peace lilies can tolerate lower light levels, making them a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. However, as fall brings shorter days, they may need a brighter spot to keep their foliage healthy and encourage flowering.

Knowing where to place a peace lily can make all the difference. An east-facing window is often ideal, offering gentle morning sunlight, while a bright spot near a north-facing window can also work. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and keep your plant away from cold window glass as temperatures drop.

If your peace lily is tucked into a dim corner, consider raising it on this decorative Wood Plant Stand Side Table from the Magnolia collection at Target to bring it closer to a window and make it a feature in your space. If natural light is limited, a full-spectrum LED grow light from Amazon can provide extra support through the darker months.

3. Bring Outdoor Peace Lilies Inside Before Temperatures Drop Too Far

If your peace lily has spent the summer on a shaded patio or porch, October is the time to check the forecast and plan to bring it indoors. These tropical plants prefer warm conditions and can suffer when temperatures fall below 60°F, so it's best to move yours inside before chilly nights arrive rather than waiting for the first frost.

Knowing the places to never grow a peace lily is just as important as finding the right spot. Avoid positioning yours beside drafty exterior doors, cold windows, fireplaces, or heating vents, where sudden temperature changes and dry air can stress the plant.

Before bringing it indoors, check the leaves and stems for pests, inspect the potting mix, and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Once inside, choose a warm spot with bright, indirect light and keep the plant away from cold drafts.

If you need to move your peace lily away from a chilly windowsill, a rolling plant caddy from Home Depot makes it easier to reposition a heavier pot as the seasons change. You could also use an indoor plant stand from Lowe's to elevate it in a warmer part of the room, away from direct heat.

4. Keep It Away From Heating Vents and Cold Drafts

As temperatures drop in fall, turning on the heat can make your home more comfortable, but the warm, dry air isn't always ideal for tropical houseplants. Peace lilies prefer consistent warmth, so keep yours away from heating vents, fireplaces, drafty windows, and exterior doors. Sudden temperature changes can stress the plant, leading to wilting, yellow leaves, or brown tips.

Aim to keep your peace lily in a comfortably warm room, ideally around 65–80°F, and avoid spots where temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. Indoor heating can also lower humidity, which peace lilies appreciate, so consider using a Canopy humidifier from Amazon to add moisture to the air, particularly if your home feels dry.

You can also group your peace lily with other houseplants to help create a more humid microclimate. A bathroom can be another good option, provided it gets enough indirect natural light. For more inspiration, we've rounded up the best bathroom plants that thrive in these naturally humid conditions.

5. Clean the Leaves and Ease Back on Fertilizer

October is a good time to give your peace lily a little TLC before winter. Gently wipe its broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, check for pests, and trim away any dead or damaged foliage with clean scissors.

It's also time to ease back on feeding as growth slows. If you're wondering how to fertilize a peace lily, use a gentle feed, such as TPS Plant Foods Peace Lily Fertilizer, following the label instructions. You can also find Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food at Walmart. Avoid overfeeding, and pause fertilizing over winter if growth slows.

Finally, hold off on repotting until spring unless there's a problem with the roots or drainage. A little maintenance now will help your peace lily stay healthy until the growing season returns.

Peace lilies don't need much fuss to get through fall and winter. A few simple adjustments to watering, light, and positioning in October can help keep their foliage healthy as temperatures drop and daylight fades. Give your plant the right conditions now, and it will be well placed to thrive until brighter days return in spring.

For more than 30 years, the owners of this property in Riverwoods, Illinois, tended the land they lived on. As they began embracing a new stage of life, these avid gardeners envisioned a home and landscape enveloped in greenery, where every window frames a view.

That dream took root when the couple purchased the neighboring property and folded it into the existing landscape. The expanded site, now 24,000 sq ft, became the foundation for a private outdoor sanctuary; a garden idea that feels both cultivated and wild.

It was designed in collaboration between Chicago-based landscape architect The Outside Design Studio and interior architect En Masse Architecture & Design. Their plan layers the homeowners’ romantic vision of the rustic Italian countryside with a generous vegetable garden and a design-forward, working greenhouse.

To unify the two parcels of land, The Outside Design Studio extended the driveway into a looping path that moves gracefully through the new grounds, in deference to the surrounding terrain.

The team drew inspiration from existing boulders and bluestone thresholds, continuing the use of bluestone throughout the property. They carried design cues from the main house into the detailing of the garden beds, fences, gates and pergola.

Planting was conceived as a study in structural harmony, a deliberate composition linking the existing gardens with newly designed spaces. Seasonal plantings bring pops of color throughout the year, and it looks particularly beautiful in fall.

Hydrangea macrophylla provides sculptural mass, while Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ punctuates the borders with vertical rhythm.

Black-eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’, extends the composition into late summer, its golden forms reinforcing the layered structure. Each plant was selected for form, texture and seasonal progression.

The pergola is built from the same cedar used at the home’s entry. It frames a striking Italian terracotta planter, which serves as the garden’s axial focal point.

A generous vegetable, fruit and raised bed kitchen garden appears naturally on the other side of the pergola, beautifully zoned using neutral gravel and subtle fencing.

Designed by En Masse as both a horticultural workspace and an extension of the home’s living spaces, the modern greenhouse blurs the line between utility and leisure.

On any given day, it might serve as the homeowner’s workshop and seed-propagation haven, its custom metalwork complementing a stone sink and cast-concrete potting benches.

Or it might transform into a candlelit dining space, flowing naturally from the kitchen for intimate dinners surrounded by greenery.

At the garden’s edge sits the pavilion. Mirroring the architecture of the main house, it brings visual weight to the landscape, while also providing a practical space to house tools.

Inside, the space becomes a post-gardening escape for pause and reflection, complete with French bistro tables, wrought-iron chairs and a rustic chandelier.

This is a garden designed to support everyday living just as much as it invites moments of pause.

Designers: The Outside Design Studio and En Masse Architecture & Design

Landscape construction: Pappas Company

Photography: Scott Shigley and John Boehm

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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Fragrant evergreens bring two valuable qualities to the garden: year-round greenery and beautiful scent. From perfumed flowers to aromatic foliage, these versatile shrubs add sensory interest to garden borders, hedges and containers, keeping outdoor spaces engaging even through the colder, darker months.

Fall is an excellent time to plant many hardy evergreen shrubs, giving their roots time to establish while the soil is still warm and seasonal rainfall helps keep the ground moist. While yew, camellias and arborvitae are popular choices for evergreen structure, there are also varieties that offer the added pleasure of fragrance – making them as beautiful to smell as they are to look at.

When thinking about how to plan a fragrant garden, these five scented evergreens are well worth considering for a backyard that delights the senses in every season. (And if you're heading out to plant this weekend, I highly recommend this Berry & Bird spade, available from Amazon.)

1. Daphne

Landscaping with evergreens can help to soften boundaries, guarantee privacy and also provide habitat for local wildlife.

Daphnes are prized for their intensely fragrant flowers, making them a beautiful addition to an evergreen border.

Native to parts of Asia, Europe and North Africa, the genus includes more than 50 species, with many evergreen varieties producing clusters of four-petalled blooms. Alongside their heady scent, these shrubs bring structure and year-round greenery to garden borders.

'Daphne is one of the best fragrant evergreens, helping to create a colorful but calm space wherever they are planted,' says Mike Murphy, garden expert and owner of You Had Me At Gardening.

'While it will vary on the exact variety, most can be grown from USDA hardiness zone 4 and up, although in cooler zones, you might experience some leaf drop depending on the winter weather.'

For the best results, choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil, as daphnes can be particular about their growing conditions. 'Daphnes do best in a sheltered, sunny spot in the garden border,' Mike adds. 'Be warned that these shrubs are slow growing, though, often only producing a few inches of growth per season to eventually reach their mature size, usually around 3 or 4 feet tall. For this reason, it is best to purchase as large a plant as you can afford.'

For a compact evergreen with variegated foliage and wonderfully perfumed pink flowers, consider Daphne 'Perfume Princess', from Trees.com.

2. Osmanthus

Osmanthus shrubs, also known as tea olive, are prized for their wonderfully fragrant flowers, glossy evergreen foliage and ability to bring year-round structure to garden borders.

Native to Asia, these versatile shrubs range from compact hedging plants to substantial evergreen specimens, with some varieties producing a powerful, sweet fragrance that can perfume the garden from late summer into fall.

As a former professional gardener, I have grown both Osmanthus fragrans and Osmanthus × burkwoodii, and can highly recommend them for adding scent and structure to an outdoor space. O. fragrans is particularly renowned for its intensely fragrant flowers, while O. × burkwoodii offers small, glossy leaves and clusters of sweetly scented white blooms in spring.

You can find Osmanthus starter plants available at Walmart.

Depending on the species, osmanthus can be grown across USDA hardiness zones 5–10, although O. fragrans generally prefers warmer conditions, typically zones 8–11. Many varieties have attractive, holly-like leaves with toothed edges, and some can eventually reach 10–20 feet tall. Growth is generally slow to moderate, making these shrubs relatively easy to manage with occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size.

For a more formal look, Osmanthus can also be trained into a small multi-stem tree or clipped into an elegant topiary form in a suitable container. This makes it a lovely choice for a modern cottage garden, where sculptural evergreen foliage, delicate flowers and beautiful fragrance can work together to create a space that feels both polished and natural.

What to Shop

3. Portuguese Laurel

Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a handsome evergreen shrub that combines glossy foliage with clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring and summer. Often grown as a privacy hedge, it offers more than year-round screening: plant it near a pathway, patio or entrance and its delicate blooms can add a welcome touch of fragrance as you pass.

Native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of southwestern Europe, Portuguese laurel is valued for its rich green leaves, reddish stems and ability to form a dense, attractive screen.

It generally grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6–9, depending on local conditions, and adapts to a range of well-drained soils. Once established, it can tolerate some shade and periods of dry weather, making it a useful option for garden areas where other shrubs may struggle making it a low-maintenance hedge plant.

As a former professional gardener, I particularly like Portuguese laurel for its foliage, which I find more refined than that of the commonly grown cherry laurel. It is also relatively easy to maintain: an annual trim after flowering can help keep a hedge neat, although more frequent pruning may be needed if you want a particularly formal shape.

If you're looking to add evergreen structure and seasonal fragrance to your garden, Portuguese laurel is well worth considering. Just be sure to check the plant's identity when buying online.

4. Myrtle

Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is one of the prettiest evergreen trees that brings year-round foliage and a wonderfully aromatic quality to the garden. Native to the Mediterranean, it is particularly admired for its sweetly scented summer flowers, each with a striking cluster of long, curling stamens that give the blooms a delicate, almost fluffy appearance. The glossy leaves are fragrant, too, releasing their fresh scent when brushed or crushed.

Accustomed to the warm, sunny conditions of its native range, common myrtle grows best in a sheltered position with plenty of sunlight and moist but well-drained soil. It is generally suited to USDA hardiness zones 8–10, although protection from cold winds and hard freezes can help it thrive at the cooler end of its range. In colder regions, growing myrtle in a container allows you to move it to a protected spot during winter.

Common myrtle can be kept as a compact, shapely shrub with occasional pruning, making it a lovely choice for a sunny patio, courtyard or container display. A good starter option is this compact myrtle tree, available from Amazon.

5. Artemisia

For an evergreen shrub with a difference, some shrubby artemisias offer aromatic foliage in beautiful shades of silver and gray-green. Their finely textured leaves bring contrast to garden borders, pairing particularly well with ornamental grasses and flowering perennials.

While many artemisia species lose their foliage or die back in winter, certain shrubby varieties can retain much of their silvery growth in milder climates, especially when planted in a sunny, sheltered position. It's one of my favorite plants with silver foliage.

Growing conditions and mature size vary by species, but some shrubby artemisias can reach around four to five feet tall. Most appreciate plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, and their drought tolerance makes them useful in gardens that experience hot, dry summers. In colder regions, foliage may die back during winter, so check the hardiness of your chosen variety before planting.

It's important to choose artemisia carefully, as not every species is suitable for every garden. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), for example, can spread aggressively and is considered invasive plants in parts of the US.

For a more ornamental option, consider southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), a fragrant, finely textured shrub with soft gray-green foliage. Alternatively, Artemisia 'Powis Castle' is valued for its feathery silver foliage and rounded habit, although its winter performance depends on local conditions.

This 'silver lining' variety from Plant Addicts is a hybrid between two North American species Artemisia stelleriana and Artemisia ludoviciana, and it is also deer resistant.

If you are looking for native plants that are fragrant evergreens, juniper is an interesting option. With scented needles, juniper can add an aromatic touch to your borders, and is beautiful in holiday wreaths.

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Bathrooms are often overlooked, but the design and decor go far beyond function. They should feel warm, layered, and like a room you actually want to spend time in – and 2027's most coveted bathroom trends will help you meet every one of those criteria.

This year's trending features aren't about completely reconfiguring your bathroom ideas, but adding personality and a more lived-in feel. The biggest takeaway? Treating them more like rooms than functional zones. From furniture and decor to the designs that make these rooms sing, designers say these are the bathroom trends you need to know for 2027, and how they can make a difference in your own space.

1. Bathrooms That Feel Like Actual Rooms

A bathroom might be a functional room, but according to this year's trends, it shouldn't feel like one. We spend a lot of time in these spaces, so creating a design that feels warm, inviting, and more in line with the cozier rooms of the home is key. And it's an approach designers say we should all be taking into 2027.

'Bathrooms are going to continue feeling less like purely functional spaces and more like extensions of the home. We love bringing in elements you wouldn't traditionally expect to see in a bathroom, whether that's an antique stool, a beautiful piece of art, decorative lighting, or even a vintage rug,' says Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co.

This ethos is emerging in kitchen trends, too, as a way to transform functional rooms into cozier, more lived-in spaces, so it's no surprise it's continuing into bathroom designs. 'There's something so special about a bathroom that feels collected and lived-in rather than overly sterile. We want these spaces to have just as much personality as a living room or bedroom, while still functioning beautifully.'

2. More Adventurous Material Combinations

Minimalist bathrooms are out in 2027. There's less desire for sleek, plain schemes – homeowners want something fun and interesting, and as decorating confidence grows, expect to see more playful tile designs and material combinations that bring unrivaled personality to these rooms.

'We would love to see people become a little less concerned with everything matching perfectly. Some of our favorite bathrooms combine multiple tile shapes, scales, textures, and finishes, and that's often what makes them interesting. We love pairing something small and glossy with a large, dramatic slab of stone, or introducing a darker, unexpected material into an otherwise light space,' says Kailee.

'In our La Costa bathroom, we paired espresso-colored pill tiles with natural stone, and that contrast brought so much depth to the room. We think we'll continue seeing more intricate tilework, interesting layouts, and combinations that feel a little less predictable. The trick is making sure there's still a common thread connecting everything.'

3. Design-Forward Plumbing and Decorative Hardware

It's time to stop overlooking your plumbing and hardware. Seemingly small, practical details are often treated as box-ticking exercises, but 2027 trends will place greater emphasis on incorporating these elements into the overall design. Think of it as making the functional details part of the decor.

'We think people are going to start paying much more attention to the smaller details, especially plumbing fixtures and hardware. We're personally drawn to pieces that feel a little more traditional or unusual, whether that's a beautiful cross-handle faucet, an ornate wall-mounted fixture, decorative backplates, or hardware with an antique influence,' Kailee explains.

'We also love mixing metals when it's done intentionally. Polished nickel alongside aged brass, for example, can feel so much more collected than having every single finish match. These details are almost like jewelry for a bathroom, and we think they deserve just as much consideration as the tile or stone. It's those little choices that can really set a space apart.'

4. A More Personalized Take on Tile Installations

It's not just bathroom tile designs that are getting more adventurous, but the way they are installed, too. Even the simplest tiles can become a unique focal point when interesting patterns and layouts are chosen – and it's a look you'll be seeing much more of in 2027, from traditional European patterns to gingham tile layouts.

'I’m seeing a shift toward more thoughtful, intricate tile patterns created using classic, timeless materials. Rather than relying on ready-made designs, we’re seeing traditional tiles used in varying sizes, colors, and configurations to create something truly unique and personal. There’s a growing appreciation for the artistry and intention behind these one-of-a-kind details, rather than something purchased off the shelf,' says Alexandra Azat of Plaster & Patina.

And she's not the only one noticing a shift in tile designs. 'Our clients are continuing to add texture and drama to their bathrooms through beautiful tile installations,' adds interior designer Stephanie Kraus. 'We’re treating shower walls and floors as a canvas. Long, slender tile, a chair rail, and framed panels that mimic millwork – the effect is so elegant.'

5. Clear Shower Screens Replaced By Elevated Curtains

A glass enclosure around a walk-in shower still feels incredibly chic, but when it comes to showers over baths, the clear screens are starting to feel a little bit clinical. Glass, porcelain, and tile with no reprieve lean slightly sterile. Instead, designers are gravitating back towards shower curtains, specifically designs made from linen and cotton for a high-quality finish.

'The typical clear glass shower door is feeling pretty stale these days, even with the long-overdue advent of designer handles. Instead, I've been foregoing doors altogether (I promise, you won't be cold!) or adding naturally anti-microbial 100% linen curtains to my showers,' says interior designer Bethany Adams, emphasizing the warmth they bring. 'If you're building a new, open shower, do yourself a favor and run your heated floors right into it. Not only will it add to the coziness, but your tile will dry in an instant, meaning no mold or mildew.'

6. Warmer, Moodier Bathroom Colors

Let's talk about bathroom colors. White has long been the favored color, creating a clean, open feel, but it can also feel very cold and uninviting – the opposite atmosphere we should be giving these spaces. In 2027, designers are shifting to warmer, moodier schemes that create a bathroom filled with warmth and character.

'The days of the completely white, spa-inspired bathroom being the default are behind us. We're loving deeper, earthier colors like tobacco brown, oxblood, olive, terracotta, and really beautiful warm neutrals. There's something incredibly luxurious about a bathroom that feels a little moody and enveloping,' Kailee explains.

There's a misconception that moody or rich equals dark. But even small infusions of these more evolved palettes will instantly transform a bathroom. 'That doesn't necessarily mean painting every surface a dark color, either,' she adds. 'Sometimes it's as simple as incorporating a rich chocolate tile, a beautifully colored stone, or an unexpected sink.'

7. The Reimagined Spa Bathroom

Spa bathrooms are always on trend, but the way they are being designed is very different for 2027. The color and material palette is less restrained – the whites and light woods of past trends are being replaced by earthier designs. It's more about natural references than a specific aesthetic.

'If I could sum it up in almost one word, I would say the 2027 bathroom trend is spa-inspired organic. We will see a departure from traditional white tile and open, minimalist spaces, adapting toward a more earth-tone color palette with noble, terrestrial materials like wood, marble, and even natural fiber wall coverings. The idea is to create sensory wellness with tactile surfaces, visual interest, and layered lighting,' explains Ania Agárdy of Luxury Living.

'You will see large slabs with lots of veining acting as accent walls or in areas like wet rooms where you have both the tub and the shower in the same space. You will notice more use of integrated sinks in the slab, creating a seamless look and feel. Sconces have always been my go-to for creating direct lighting, but you will see them used more as statement pieces for visual impact.'

8. Furniture-Style Vanities

A bathroom vanity offers a unique opportunity to bring an unexpected feature to your space, whether it's a new material, intricate details, or a unique silhouette. And as we head into a new year, all the trends are pointing towards furniture-inspired designs.

'Furniture-style vanities bring a more individual, less utilitarian feel to bathrooms. Whether traditional furniture or contemporary, painted timber cabinetry, these pieces add texture and a sense of permanence. There’s a growing appetite for interiors that feel collected and personal, rather than overly uniform,' explains John Law, Creative Director of Interiors at Woodhouse & Law.

'We're really excited to see bathroom vanities become more decorative and less like standard cabinetry,' Kailee agrees. 'We love incorporating antique-inspired silhouettes, beautiful wood grains, decorative feet, intricate millwork, and unexpected hardware. A vanity takes up so much visual space in a bathroom, so why not make it something really special? We want vanities to feel like pieces of furniture that were thoughtfully selected for the space, not just cabinets that happen to hold a sink.'

9. Sinks as Sculptural Focal Points

Staying with the vanity area, this next trend focuses on bathroom sinks. Instead of standard porcelain designs and basins hidden away, the new focus is on statement sinks, whether it's a colorful design or an unexpected material.

'We think sinks are going to become much more of a design moment. There are so many incredible options beyond the traditional white undermount sink, and we're excited to see people embrace them. Carved marble basins, terracotta sinks, unusual shapes, and more sculptural forms can completely transform a bathroom,' Kailee notes.

'We incorporated terracotta sinks into our La Costa project, and we love the handcrafted quality they bring to the space. A sink is something you interact with every single day, so we think it's worth making it beautiful. Sometimes one really special fixture can do more for a room than adding a dozen decorative details.'

10. A Focus On Traditional Details

A lot of the more modern styles lack that lived-in appeal that makes bathrooms feel like rooms you want to spend time in, rather than a functional space. It's why the biggest shift in this year's trends is toward more traditional features, whether it's cabinet styles or custom details.

'I’m seeing a return to classic Shaker-style cabinetry, but with more unexpected, nuanced color choices,' says Alexandra. 'It’s really about taking familiar, enduring design elements and reinterpreting them in ways that feel fresh, individual, and full of character.'

For Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer of Hommeboys, 2027 bathroom trends are pointing back to traditional design, like 'unique, custom tile work with hand-painted or printed detailing, using natural materials in innovative ways, and embracing patina and wear.'

'There's a deepening of the return to more traditional details and enduring, layered design,' they continue. 'Custom pieces that have a handmade quality feel more authentic and intimate and are lovely to live with. Natural materials that patina beautifully over time provide a value that lasts and is less wasteful.'

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Some homes take years to acquire a sense of history. This one was designed with it from the start. Built on land that has been in the owners' family for more than 40 years – and where the couple once got married – this Kansas City home had some rather meaningful foundations to build on. The brief was to create a forever home that felt as though it had grown here naturally, gathering stories along the way. 'Our goal was to customize as much as possible while still making the house feel familiar and nostalgic,' says Tara Davis of architectural and interiors studio Cicada Co. And that is exactly how it feels.

Taking cues from traditional Southern architecture, the 2,500-square-foot home has the welcoming front porch, classic shutters, and time-worn aesthetic of a house with a few generations behind it. But look inside, and the details start to tell a much more personal story. There's a kitchen mural inspired by a painting from the owners' grandparents' home, a garden room that keeps the family's green fingers rooted in daily life, and even a pink toilet that proves a classic home needn't take itself too seriously. The result is a new-build with an old soul – and a personality all its own.

The setting may be urban, but the ambition was decidedly old-fashioned. In Westside, just west of downtown Kansas City, narrow lots often lend themselves to new builds that make the most of every available inch. 'Our clients wanted the opposite: something southern and traditional, with shutters and a real front porch, that felt like it had always been there,' Tara explains. The solution was to work with the site's limitations rather than fight them, widening the front facade as far as possible, working with a linear floor plan, and keeping the rooflines simple. 'We imagined it as an old farmhouse that had been added onto over time,' she adds.

With the land having been in the family for more than four decades, Tara and her team were thinking about how the property would work not just today, but years down the line. A land study helped them plan for a future garage off the alley, with the garden room positioned to connect to it when the time comes.

Just as importantly, the design had to preserve one of the site's loveliest assets: the sunset. 'We made one rule early: nothing could block the western sunset,' Tara says. That simple rule shaped 'more of the house than almost anything else' – including the positioning of the primary bedroom, where the bed aligns with the windows and the evening light. Inspired by the way historic homes let light in, they kept the foundation traditional but 'stayed open to eclectic moments that bring out their personality,' she continues.

The traditional architecture provides charming bones, but the interiors are where this home really lets its personality show. 'Southern traditional with clean lines. Classic with a punch' is how Tara describes the aesthetic – a balance of natural materials, unfussy finishes, and more unexpected flourishes. The larger rooms are kept light and relatively neutral, with natural wood, simple cabinetry and enduring finishes providing a backdrop for the family's evolving tastes. 'Their taste can shift over time through furniture, textiles, and accessories,' Tara explains. 'We saved the color for the smaller, divided spaces, where it’s easier to change down the road.'

That restraint makes the moments of color and pattern all the more delightful. In the smaller, more private spaces, Cicada Co. turned up the personality with colored trim, wallpaper, and playful plumbing fixtures – from a cobalt blue sink in the bar nook to the pink toilet in the powder room. 'Keeping everything else quiet is what lets those rooms stand out,' she adds. These aren't details chosen to impress a future buyer; they're there because they mean something to the people who live here. The clients, Tara says, 'were never worried about resale. They wanted the house to be theirs,' which gave the studio freedom to make more personalized choices. In fact, she sees bespoke design as the very foundation of the project: 'It wasn’t a feature of this project. It was the only way to do it.'

If there's one place where that all comes together, it's the kitchen. The clients asked for a simple white scheme, but Tara felt it needed something more memorable than cabinetry and countertops alone – 'we knew it needed one moment that would give it a story,' she explains. Her solution was to commission a hand-painted tile mural from KV Tile, inspired by a painting that had hung in the owners' grandparents' house.

The original winter landscape was reimagined as a summer scene, with flowers and foliage bringing it to life – and the family's children and pets making cameo appearances, too. 'It became an art installation built into the house,' she says. The mural was designed piece by piece, with careful consideration given to the color of the tile and the way the tones would contrast. It's a wonderfully nostalgic touch, and one that makes the room feel as though it could belong to this family alone.

That instinct to design around real life, rather than an idealized version of it, runs through the rest of the house, too. The garden room is part potting station, part mudroom and part homework headquarters, complete with a generous sink and a window that opens onto the deck, so the children can play outside while someone keeps an eye on everything from within. In the primary suite, a clever half wall allows the closet and bathroom to disappear behind the bed, keeping the focus on the light and those western views.

Mudroom, utility space, potting station, homework hub – this hardworking room has rather a lot on its to-do list. Situated just past the wraparound banquette in the kitchen, a spot designed to seat the entire family for Sunday dinners, this room provides storage for shoes, coats, gardening tools, potted plants, and craft paraphernalia. Separated from the kitchen by a half wall that lets in the light and painted in a soft, dusty blue, with a deep farmhouse sink, warm timber counters, and plenty of woven baskets, it feels lifted straight out of an English cottage. The family has tended a garden on this land for years, so giving that tradition space indoors was important. 'From there you step out into a big, fully fenced backyard, enclosed on three sides by the original limestone walls,' Tara explains.

The powder room is proof that a little space can have a big personality. Striped wallpaper sets a playful tone, while a gathered floral sink skirt, antique wooden mirrors, and warm brass fittings lend the room a soft feel. The celebrated pink toilet is the real star of the show. 'The whole room is full of pattern play and fun,' says Tara, who sees the rosy fixture as 'a little feminine touch in a house full of boys.' It's a lovely expression of the homeowners' personality – and, frankly, if you're going to have fun with your interiors, the powder room seems as good a place as any to go for it.

The primary bedroom is a lesson in making clever planning feel entirely effortless. A tall, blue-striped upholstered headboard brings a tailored feel to the room, set against botanical wallpaper panels that introduce color and pattern without overwhelming the space. There's a lovely collected quality to the mix, too: crisp white bedding, floral cushions and an antique bedside cabinet that looks as though it has a story of its own.

But the smartest detail is tucked just out of sight. 'We anchored the bed on a half wall, with the closet and bath hidden behind it,' Tara explains. 'The wall becomes the focal point, and the bed lines up with the windows and the sunset.' It's a neat solution to the home's narrow, linear footprint. 'The house sits on a hill with clear western views, so we gave them a place to enjoy that.'

The primary bathroom continues the home's old-fashioned theme, although there's nothing dated about the result. A rich, furniture-style wood vanity, marble counters, and brass fixtures bring a touch of quiet luxury, while glossy forest-green tiles give the walk-in shower a moodier edge. Delicate glass tulip sconces and an elegant mirror add a little softness, but it's the commissioned stained-glass window, crafted by local artisans, that really captures the spirit of the project. It's exactly the sort of detail you might expect to find in a much-loved period home, rather than one built from scratch. As Tara explains, the aim was to incorporate 'details you'd find in a house that's been around a while', giving the new-build a sense of history without sacrificing modern comforts.

What makes this home so special is that it never feels as though it was designed to look old – it is designed to be lived in, loved, and added to over time. From the family story woven into the kitchen to the practicality of the mud-meets-garden room, each detail has a purpose beyond simply looking lovely. For Cicada Co., that was always the point: not to recreate the past, but to give this family a home that feels as though it has a history – and a lot of life still ahead of it.

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Japanese maples (acer) are some of the most beautiful trees for fall, with their fiery colors becoming more vibrant as the weather cools. But, in the midst of enjoying their seasonal display, don't forget to give them some essential care.

While Japanese maple care is fairly low maintenance once the trees are established, fall calls for a few tasks to be ticked off. You should focus on pruning damaged branches and protecting Japanese maples in winter by putting down some mulch and installing a tree guard (like this from Amazon) now.

To make sure your acers are ready for the coldest season ahead, I asked an arborist what to do with Japanese maples in October. Here's what they said to prioritize before the end of the month.

1. Remove Damaged Branches

While the best time to prune Japanese maples is often considered between late fall and mid-winter, you can give them a tidy up in October.

'Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches so problems are less likely to spread into healthy parts of the tree,' says Fred Breglia, certified arborist.

'Japanese maples can release sap from fresh cuts when pruned at the wrong time. That's why you should avoid major pruning during extreme summer heat or in late summer and early fall, because it may encourage tender new growth that is vulnerable to winter injury,' says Fred.

Use sharp pruning tools to make essential cuts only. 'I recommend sharp bypass pruners (like these Fiskars ones from Amazon) or loppers for small and medium-size branches. Choose a pruning saw (like this from Lowe's) for larger limbs,' Fred suggests.

2. Mulch Your Japanese Maple

Mulching in summer can help regulate soil temperature and keep roots hydrated, while mulching in fall is used to insulate roots and protect plants from frost. For younger acers in particular, this can help keep them safe through winter.

'Add organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, or replenish the existing layer around your Japanese maples. A 2-4-inch layer helps protect shallow roots from early freezes,' Fred says. 'Take care to keep mulch away from the trunk, however. This could risk decay and pest problems,' he adds.

This will also keep Japanese maples hydrated through cold, dry winter weather.

For potted Japanese maples, it's a good idea to also wrap the container for extra insulation as roots are more exposed. You can use burlap (like this from Amazon) or even move your Japanese maple to a sheltered position.

3. Protect from Winter Sunscald

Sunscald is another thing to protect trees from in winter. It's caused by the warm winter sun waking up dormant cells in tree trunks which are then damaged by freezing temperatures. Now is a good time to put precautions in place to protect your acers from this.

'Winter sunscald can split bark, particularly on young trees with smooth, thin bark. Damage often appears on the southwest side as sunken, dry, cracked, or dead tissue,' Fred describes.

'You can reduce sunscald risk with a ventilated tree wrap (like this from Walmart) or breathable protective material in fall. It should fit the trunk while allowing airflow and avoiding trapped moisture,' Fred advises.

You can also use a tree guard to protect your acer from animal damage in winter, particularly deer, rabbits, and rodents which browse woody plants when other food sources are scarce.

Mesh tree guards (like this from Amazon) are a good choice, creating a breathable barrier to stop winter wildlife getting to the bark.

What to Shop

Don't forget to also approach watering trees in fall and winter correctly. In particular, you should take care to avoid waterlogging your Japanese maple's soil and reduce watering as its leaves fall. A soil moisture meter (like this from Amazon) can help you monitor this.

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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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Although red and green will always be the most iconic Christmas colors, a refreshing new hue has found its way into this year’s holiday palette – the soft, soothing, and seasonally-inspired shade of baby blue.

Like an icy complement to the usual holiday shades, baby blue adds a fresh layer of visual interest to traditional Christmas decor ideas. This color trend is a natural fit for coastal-inspired Christmas displays, which is why there’s no shortage of it in Serena and Lily’s holiday collection. But removed from the coastal context, these powdery blues feel like a new classic for Christmas that can reimagine even the most traditional holiday schemes with cool, understated elegance.

This season, many of our favorite brands featured sweet shades of pale blues in their holiday collections, and McGee & Co.’s range was one of the first to catch our attention. Designer Shea McGee incorporated the color in the form of flowing bows, ribbons, and even painted ornaments – each acting as a tasteful accent to her heritage-inspired holiday range. Baby blue has also been spotted in Crate & Barrel's holiday collection in the form of a whimsical Bell Garland, Frontgate has added this pale hue among the red and greens with its Chalet Stocking and for Lulu and Georgia's new collection, pale blue comes in the form of a luxurious smoky-toned velvet tree skirt.

Though much cooler than the holiday shades we’re used to, this color doesn’t feel out of place. Instead, it provides the perfect contrast – a light and airy alternative to soften the heaviness that can sometimes overwhelm holiday displays. It doesn’t need to be the main color of your Christmas arrangement either; just add a few pops of it here and there and watch as it gives the scene an entirely new feeling.

This soft and charming shade is proof that having a blue Christmas isn’t necessarily a sad thing (we're looking at you, Elvis). Shop our assortment of stylish baby blue Christmas decor below.

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You aren’t always blessed with a lot of notice to be able to prepare a garden for severe weather. Thankfully, many important tasks can be done quickly to secure a garden before a storm.

The best way to prepare your yard for a storm is securing anything loose that can blow around, keeping buildings safe, and protecting any vulnerable plants. Taking a few simple steps can ensure a garden remains safe when strong winds and heavy rain are due.

Here are some quick, simple ways to secure a garden before a storm. A few precautions before extreme weather can reduce the risk of damage, and it starts with looking around the garden and assessing where the potential dangers lie. A large outdoor storage box like one on Amazon can secure small, loose items from around the garden and keep them from being blown around.

1. Move Pots

Containers can easily be knocked over and damaged when a storm hits. This is especially the case for lightweight plastic containers, which get blown around, and taller planters that are at high risk of toppling in strong winds.

Smaller pots should be moved indoors, into a greenhouse, garage, shed, or porch, for protection. Larger pots can be grouped together against a wall to shelter them from strong winds and reduce the risk of them tipping. Hanging baskets should be taken down and put on the ground to prevent them becoming a flying hazard.

A plant caddy with wheels, like this one on Amazon, can be a sound investment to help you move larger pots around the garden.

2. Secure Loose Items

A key part of securing a garden before a storm is putting away any loose items that cannot be fixed down and risk flying around the yard. Scour the garden to spot anything that could become a hazard during a storm and store it away somewhere safe.

This includes ornaments, garden rugs, cushions, garden tools, parasols, children’s toys, and lightweight garden furniture. Storing these away stops them from being blown around during a storm and posing a danger to people or buildings.

These items can be stored in a shed, garage, inside the home, or in a garden storage box (like this deck box on Wayfair).

Where possible, also put heavier garden furniture away or firmly attach it to a secure point with strong ropes. Outdoor lighting should also be taken down to prevent it from becoming airborne in strong winds and potentially shattering against walls, fences, or the ground.

3. Shut Greenhouses and Sheds

Ahead of an incoming storm, check your greenhouse to make sure that all doors and windows are secured ahead of high winds. Any open doors or latches allow the gales into the greenhouse and put extra pressure on the structural frame.

It is also worth checking if any panes are loose and securing them with replacement clips or heavy-duty tape to stop them lifting during the storm. Any loose panes could be lifted by the winds and become a major hazard.

Also, lock any garden shed doors to stop them swinging open during storms. If your shed door doesn’t have a lock, instead prop it shut with bricks or timber. Any windows also need to be shut and any loose roofing felt secured back down to prevent it from being ripped off by winds.

4. Stake Tall Plants

There are different ways to protect plants from a storm, depending on where they are growing.

While you can easily move container plants, there are going to be taller plants around the garden that you cannot quickly shift to a new home before a storm hits. When it comes to tall plants in flower beds, focus on staking them to prevent them from snapping in strong winds.

Plants that need staking can be supported with basic bamboo canes (you can get a pack of five-foot bamboo stakes at The Home Depot), wooden stakes, or metal poles. Either individual stems can be attached, or you can wrap multiple stems with string or hessian for multi-stemmed perennials.

Use soft, flexible plant ties so they allow some movement and place ties every 8-12 inches up the stem for total support. Such as these VELCRO plant ties at Walmart.

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It always pays to be proactive when protecting your property. This includes inspecting trees before winter to identify any broken branches or other issues that could cause limbs to drop during storms. Identifying and dealing with any potential hazards is vital for trees hanging over homes, gardens, driveways, and pedestrian walkways.

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With the start of November now just over a week away, I'm beginning to feel ready to transition my home from Halloween to the holidays. Christmas in my home begins on November 1st and, while the tree won't be up until December, my home scenting transitions overnight.

I've tried a wealth of seasonal candles, with notes of spiced orange, fir, and gingerbread, but something that I feel truly captures the holiday spirit is the fresh, peppermint scent of candy canes. This is the inspiration behind IKEA's new VINTERFINT Candle − and it costs just $4.99.

The affordable price, sweet seasonal scent, and nostalgic, playful design make it one of the very best candles to wrap as a stocking stuffer or light in the run-up to the big day.

There are several Christmas candles I return to each November − Diptyque's Sapin, NEOM's Christmas Wish, and Skandinavisk's Fjord, available at Amazon, to name a few. But while a real treat, my yearly rotation is certainly not affordable. Fortunately, IKEA's VINTERFINT Candle is.

With the iconic scent of a sweet and minty scent of candy cane, it's undoubtedly an essential to make your home smell like Christmas. The 20-hour burn time means it will last through plenty of festive days and evenings spent on the couch or hosting friends and family, and for just $4.99, I'd suggest buying a few to place in each room to make your entire home smell nice.

The playful design will look at home among any Christmas mantel decor ideas or maximalist Christmas table decor, particularly if you prefer the classic colors of traditional Christmas decor, with a modernized twist.

I'd pair mine with a similar reed diffuser, like this Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon, to boost the scent throw. Alternatively, use peppermint oil, available at Walmart, in one of the best essential oil diffusers to fill your home with fragrance, without the worry of flames. My favorite is the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe, but if you're on a budget, the InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, has the same look for less.

In any case, I'm ordering a handful of IKEA's VINTERFINT Candles for myself, and an additional few for gifting to friends and family this Christmas − they make the perfect stocking stuffers. And once the candle is used up, you can reuse the candle jar (after getting the wax out) for seasons to come.

More to Shop

For home shipping, your IKEA basket must be over $35. I've rounded up some more festive favorites to add in, along with alternative recommendations for burning and gifting this season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Get organized ahead of time with our new year home fragrance edit.

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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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For years, when people asked me to describe my design style, I would say 'warm modern.' It was accurate, but eventually I realized it wasn't really saying enough. It told you what my rooms looked like. It didn't tell you how I wanted you to feel when you walked into one.

And feeling is a very big part of how I design. I love minimalism.

I love clean lines, breathing room, thoughtful proportions, and the confidence of not putting something on a wall simply because there is a wall. But I don't want to live in a home where you're afraid to put down your coffee cup. And I certainly don't want my clients to. Somewhere between those two ideas, 'Soulful Minimalism' was born.

The 'minimalism' is really about intention. I want everything in a room to have a reason for being there. Furniture should be properly scaled so the room can breathe. Art should have enough space around it to be appreciated. Materials, lighting, furniture, and accessories should complement one another rather than all shouting, 'Look at me!' at the same time. My rooms are layered, but they're edited. There are places for your eye to stop and places for it to rest.

Then comes the 'soulful' part – and that's the person who lives there. A beautifully designed home should tell me something about you. I want to know what you collect, where you've traveled, how you entertain, what you do on Sunday mornings, and where your children actually drop their backpacks. And if you have a dog, let's be realistic: the dog is probably going to have some opinions about the furniture too.

I've always believed a home should look thoughtfully designed, not like someone simply went shopping. That distinction is important. You can fill a room with expensive things and still have it feel completely impersonal. Soul doesn't come with a price tag. It comes from making choices that reflect the people living there.

Over time, I realized this was the common thread running through all of my work. The homes themselves can look quite different because the people living in them are different. But they're all comfortable, warm, layered, intentional, and meant to be lived in. I think we need that feeling from our homes more than ever. Life outside is busy and noisy enough. Home should be the place where you can exhale.

So Soulful Minimalism was never about having less for the sake of having less. It's about removing what doesn't matter so there's more room for what does. Preferably with somewhere very comfortable to sit.

Interior designer Tina Ramchandani is one of Homes & Gardens' Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on design.

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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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Minimalist Christmas decor sounds chic until December 25 rolls around and you’re left with a threadbare beige throw and a few ornaments fashioned from wooden sticks. Where's the warmth? If any brand understands that minimalism, at its best, is more nuanced (and considerably cozier), it’s Scandi staple H&M Home.

Evoking the exhale of arriving at a mountain cabin with family and friends, its Holiday 2026 collection looks both backward and forward: back to the familiarity of tried-and-true rituals, with the occasional space-age chrome candelabra making room for new ones. ‘Modern holiday traditions are all about creating moments that feel personal and meaningful. For this season, we wanted to capture the emotion of a winter escape. The warmth after coming in from the cold, the glow of candlelight, the comfort of soft textiles and the joy of gathering with the people you love,’ says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, Head of Design & Creative at H&M Home.

Faux fur, mini-check patterns, quilted fabrics, and no shortage of snowy, ski-slope motifs lend the ornaments, cushion covers, and bedding an air of après ease. Neutrals obviously dominate, though the iconic holiday reds and greens add the quintessential fa-la-la expressions throughout.

The ritual of a slow Christmas morning gets an extra special moment, with elegant breakfast trays for freshly baked bread and designated cup-and-saucer sets for cappuccinos. Dressing the evening feast that follows, delicate, crawling-vine-embroidered table linens underpin sage stoneware plates, while dancing glints from golden star-shaped candles challenge you not to turn on the big light again until 2027. Since it's no season to be stuffy, a sense of holiday humor, from smartly-dressed dachshund bathmats to surreal holiday treats, set the scene.

Everyone wants a minimalist Christmas, but no one wants a cold one. H&M Home’s mountain escape might have just cracked the ultimate oxymoron.

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Most people will dethatch their lawn once a year. Removing thatch undoubtedly keeps a lawn healthy, but investing in an electric dethatcher may seem outlandish for such an infrequent job. So many opt for a spring-tine rake, but these are not always tough enough. There is an alternative that doesn’t break the bank: a lawn dethatching rake.

Such a tool has curved steel tines that slice through the thatch layer and bring it up from the lawn's surface. It offers an affordable way to dethatch a lawn efficiently. Using a manual tool rather than a powered one does require effort, but using the right tool ensures you do a proper job and remove as much thatch as possible as you go.

I found this Walensee lawn dethatching rake on Amazon that is adjustable and features a versatile two-sided head. One side removes thatch deeply, and the other can be used for various jobs, such as loosening soil, removing grass or leaves, or levelling a lawn. It costs less than $30 and can become an essential gardening tool for many seasonal lawn care tasks.

A Strong, Affordable, Versatile Lawn Care Tool

The best time to dethatch a lawn is in spring, but it can also be done in the fall. However, most people will focus on doing it once a year, as part of their spring lawn care. It can be hard work, but it is worth doing, ideally in both spring and the fall. An excessive build-up of thatch – made up of dead grass, roots, and other debris – in the lawn prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil. It also increases a lawn’s susceptibility to disease.

An electric dethatcher is always a big investment – such as this electric dethatcher and scarifier with collection bag at The Home Depot for around $160. If you only have a small lawn, it is a big outlay, especially when you consider how often you should dethatch a lawn. A spring tine rake (like this fiberglass metal tine rake at Walmart) can do a decent job, but I have found that the thin metal tines can bend and contort as you go. You ideally want something a bit more robust.

That is where the Walensee lawn dethatching rake offers a potential solution. At the time of writing, it costs $29.99, making it an affordable alternative to an expensive electric piece of kit. And it means you don’t risk damaging a lawn rake you may also rely on for getting rid of leaves, preparing seedbeds, or spreading topsoil.

A key feature of the Walensee lawn dethatching rake is the dual-sided 15-inch head. It contains 19 strong, curved steel tines to bite into the thatch and remove it as the rake is pulled through the lawn. The strong steel head will not bend or deform as you use it.

The angle of the head can be adjusted with a wing nut that you can loosen or tighten by hand without tools to find the perfect angle for removing the most thatch. It may take a bit of trial and error to get that angle spot-on, but once you find it, you’ll be efficiently removing large amounts of thatch so your lawn can breathe and rehydrate properly. As well as removing thatch, it also aerates the lawn as it slices through the soil’s surface.

The primary use for the tool is dethatching, but by flipping the head, you can use the curved ends of the steel tines to loosen soil in beds or level the lawn for either planting grass seed or laying turf.

Another versatile feature of the Walensee lawn dethatching rake is the adjustable handle. The length can be adjusted from 40 to 70 inches in 15-inch increments (40, 55, or 70 inches) by adding or removing sections.

You can find a comfortable length and avoid bending or reaching while dethatching. The sections thread together, and you can disassemble the tool so it doesn’t take up so much shed storage space. The handle also has a non-slip soft rubber grip that makes it pleasant to use.

What Shoppers Say

At the time of writing, the Walensee lawn dethatching rake has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 1,000 global ratings on Amazon.

The reviews praise the rake for pulling out thatch efficiently, but do admit it requires some degree of physical effort and takes a bit of tinkering to get it working to its full potential.

‘If you don’t have a huge yard, this de-thatcher gets the job done well; just remember it’s still gonna make you break a sweat,’ says one shopper. Another says: ‘This tool is perfect for maintaining your yard space. Gear up for a core, arms, and shoulders workout.’

‘This rake absolutely does the job. And at the same time gives you a workout,’ notes another customer. ‘You’ll need to practice with the angles and stroke; once you do – blastoff.’

A recurring theme along the reviews is the opinion that the Walensee lawn dethatching rake is best for people with smaller lawns.

‘The Walensee rake is a good buy for small yards,’ says one such review. ‘For larger yards, unless you're 20-something, it will be a workout. It's great when you develop a rhythm and adjust it properly’

Reviewers use phrases like ‘a solid tool’, ‘very sturdy’, ‘pretty durable’ and ‘of great quality’. However, some customers say the adjustable handle loosens during use, and you need to keep stopping to retighten it.

You can do it in spring and fall, but when is it too late to dethatch a lawn? In the fall, when you can dethatch cool-season grasses but not warm-season ones, you shouldn’t do the task when there is less than a month until the first frost and the grass is going dormant. If the grass has stopped growing due to low temperatures, it is too late to dethatch.

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Move over, rustic farmhouse. Set across 14 acres in New York’s Hudson Valley, this country retreat by Louise Copeland of L.B. Copeland Interior Design makes a rather convincing case for a more refined take on rural living. Timber-clad rooms, rich tones and charming fabrics bring plenty of character, but there’s nothing overly formal about the 3,700-square-foot home. In fact, Louise’s aim was quite the opposite: 'We wanted it to feel relaxed and comfortable rather than precious, almost like a boutique hotel.'

Having already designed the couple’s West Village apartment, Louise knew this second project called for a different pace. Their Manhattan home had a more city sensibility; while here, the surrounding landscape, the changing seasons and the clients’ shared love of color helped set the direction. 'I’d describe the overall style and aesthetic as a refined, eclectic way of living in the country,' she says. Think deep greens, earthy rusts, and wood-grains alongside contemporary finds and patterned fabrics. The result is a country house with all the warmth you’d hope for, but none of those overly rustic clichés.

The couple’s differing tastes were part of the brief for Louise. Having already designed their West Village apartment, she knew that one client had grown up surrounded by antiques, while the other, an artist, gravitated towards simplicity. Rather than choosing sides, she found a happy middle ground, mixing time-worn finds and collected artwork with confident color. 'We brought in antiques and art for her, mixed in newer pieces for him, and added plenty of color, which they both love,' she explains. It’s a mix that gives the home its welcoming feel – there’s history and personality, but plenty of freshness, too.

The landscape helped determine much of the mood. Sitting between the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains, the house is used most in summer and fall, so Louise wanted the interiors to feel 'easy and relaxed with a small mountain twist' – without veering into permanent winter mode.

'The idea was to create a summery retreat that could still feel cozy when there was a fire going and blankets on the sofas,' she adds. Rust, earthy neutrals and deep greens echo the woodland setting, while flashes of teal lift the palette and stop all that richness from feeling too heavy. Tactile fabrics and layered finishes bring depth, but the overall effect blends the intimacy of a mountain cabin – only with a little more polish. 'The house has beautiful antiques, lighting, and custom upholstery, but we wanted it to feel relaxed and comfortable,' she says.

Rather than starting with a strict color scheme for the home, Louise let a few special pieces set the tone. The dining room rug came first, alongside two fabrics by Muriel Brandolini: a finely detailed block print for the backs of the dining chairs and another for the primary bedroom drapery. Both are simple cottons, but their intricate patterns bring just enough detail to make them feel special. As Louise explains, her vision was to find 'natural materials with refinement and detail, without becoming fussy'. From there, she built up the layers, choosing woven wool, paper-weave and printed grasscloth wallpapers for each space. 'We wanted the wallpapers to add texture and feeling to each room, not just an aesthetic pattern,’ she explains.

Louise was equally deliberate about when and where to turn up the color. The living and dining rooms stay relatively muted, allowing the architecture and surrounding views to take center stage, while the guest bedrooms, TV room and snug take a more playful approach. 'We pushed the palette further, with bolder, more saturated colors, since those rooms are more stand-alone spaces,' she says. Even so, there's a thread connecting the rooms: the kitchen's blue-gray reappears in the living room's welting and artwork, while the dining room's muddy sage green tones show up in pillows throughout. 'I think the house has a lovely balance: it feels open, but the rooms remain distinct,' Louise explains. 'No one vast area takes over the narrative, but you can still see from one room to the next.'

Of course, creating a home that feels easy and effortless takes a lot of work behind the scenes. Although the house was in excellent condition when the couple bought it, Louise saw opportunities to make the layout better suit their lives. The primary closet was rather small, for instance, while the adjoining guest bedroom had space to spare. By borrowing around 70 square feet from the guest room, she created a walk-in closet with closed hanging storage and plenty of built-in drawers for the primary. A more unexpected rethink happened in the snug, where a pair of little-used French doors were turned into windows, freeing up a wall for a generous sectional. 'We also closed the opening between the snug and office to make room for a TV,' Louise explains. The change gave the office more privacy, so they turned it into a small bedroom for visiting guests.

The arrival into the home also had a facelift. A new portico, Dutch door, sidelights and transom give the entrance a more welcoming feel, while outside, landscape architects Wagner Hodgson reworked the grounds to include gardens, a pool and a secluded, wood-clad sauna tucked into the forest. The idea was to connect the property to its setting without sacrificing the comforts that make it a pleasure to spend time in. For Louise, the living room captures that perfectly. 'The timber beams and planking on the ceiling, along with the large plaster fireplace, sit beautifully against the refined sheer drapery,' she says. 'That pairing of rustic with refined really sums up the feeling of the house.'

The kitchen takes a slightly more atmospheric approach to traditional country-house style, with dusty yet warm blue cabinetry, curved detailing, and veined marble countertops that bring plenty of personality to the scheme. Tall windows wrap the space, drawing the surrounding greenery into the room, while glazed cabinets keep everyday pieces on display without making the space feel busy.

'The kitchen has beautiful Calacatta Turquoise countertops, two sinks, and windows looking toward a large weeping willow and pond,' Louise explains. That connection to the outdoors was important, but so was making the kitchen work hard for everyday life. The palette feels relaxed yet elegant, with the stone doing much of the talking and the pendants sweetly framed by each window.

If there’s one room that proves 'rustic meets refined' style needn’t be all pale neutrals and reclaimed wood, it’s the snug. Louise went for a rich, enveloping purple here, layering texture with burgundy-toned built-ins, open library shelving and a generous sectional piled with patterned pillows.

'There’s color throughout the house, but we kept the palette from feeling overpowering or jarring,' says Louise. The mix of plaid, geometrics and floral fabrics gives the room vibrancy, while collected ceramics, books and artwork make the space feel lived-in. 'When you come in [to the home], a narrow hallway to the left leads to the powder room and then to what we call the “snug room”,' she says. 'We painted it deep purple, added a new built-in twin bed and a vintage desk, so it can also serve as an office,' she adds of the multi-functional space.

The primary bedroom really leans into the cabin-like side of the scheme, with wood-grain wallpaper wrapping the walls and sloping ceiling in a warm, honeyed finish. Against all that natural texture, Louise kept the bedding and rug relatively understated, letting the timber take the lead. A plaid upholstered bed and floral drapery bring just enough pattern to stop the room feeling too rustic, while antique furniture and layered lighting lend it a romantic feel. 'We wanted the wood grain to be the main attraction,' Louise explains, noting that the bedroom was deliberately designed to feel quite different from the couple’s Manhattan bedroom, where the walls are covered in velvet. 'The palette is largely rusts, neutrals, and deep greens to bring the outdoors in, with accents of teal in the textiles and lamps,' she adds.

In the tucked-away guest bedroom nook, deep mauve paneling clads the cozy sleepover spot, giving the compact space a sense of cocooning, while a patterned Roman blind, layered cushions and a vintage chair keep it feeling collected rather than overly rustic. The new closet in the primary takes a tailored approach, with deep rust-toned cabinetry, woven floral door panels and built-in drawers that make the most of the reworked layout. As Louise explains, the original closet was too small, so she borrowed square footage from the guest bedroom to create a walk-in space. It's a practical change, certainly, but one that adds plenty of character.

This guest bedroom proves Louise’s knack for making traditional spaces feel fresh. Olive-green trim frames the warm neutral walls, windows, and sloped ceiling, giving the room a playful architectural moment, while a floral upholstered headboard and patterned Roman blind bring in a dose of English country charm. 'The roofline creates some unusual angles, so we decided to work with them and celebrate their quirkiness with bold color,' she explains. It’s a little bolder than the primary bedroom, but still has that easy quality that runs through the house thanks to the layering of the sage-green armchair, blue-green linens, and dusky rose bed skirt.

Even the bathrooms offer their own distinct personalities. The powder room takes the moodier approach, with block print wallpaper, olive wainscoting and a marble-topped vanity that brings delight to the compact space. In the primary bathroom, the mood is quieter and more traditional, with classic white tiles, dark grout and warm taupe trim framing a freestanding bathtub beneath a cafe curtain-dressed window. There’s a lovely contrast between the two: one embraces pattern and color, while the other lets its materials and considered details do the talking.

Shop the Look

In this country home, there’s certainly no farmhouse overload. Instead, Louise Copeland has paired the character of a traditional country house with the polish of thoughtful, layered interiors, where antiques mingle with contemporary pieces and earthy colors meet elegant fabrics. The result is a home that embraces its rural setting without resorting to the usual cliches – and proves that escaping the city doesn't mean leaving sophistication behind.

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Cabinets are a foundation of your kitchen. They might be a functional aspect of a design, but they are also an incredibly visual one, so choosing a design that showcases your style and personality is the difference between an okay kitchen and a beautiful one.

And as with all kitchen trends, 2027 is promising some truly elevated ways to make your kitchen cabinets work harder. From the decorative details that add a refined elegance to the styles and materials designers are excited to see more of, this year's kitchen cabinet trends are worth paying attention to.

So, whether you're planning a new kitchen, a few subtle updates, or simply want to be in the know, these are the kitchen cabinet trends designers say will be most coveted in 2027, and how you can get the look. They might just be the most personalized yet.

1. Furniture-Style Cabinetry

The pull toward less uniform, more furniture-style cabinetry continues into 2027, but it goes beyond just a simple freestanding unit, incorporating the island, seating, and day-to-day kitchen storage. 'I think we’ll see less of the traditional wall of cabinetry approach and more kitchens incorporating pieces that look and feel like furniture. Think a freestanding hutch, an island designed to resemble an antique worktable, cabinets with feet or furniture-style bases, inset details, and contrasting wood pieces. Even when everything is custom built-in, we’re designing it to feel as though it was collected over time,' explains interior designer Jennifer Davis.

'More than anything, I think the perfectly coordinated kitchen is becoming less interesting,' Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co, agrees. 'I'm drawn to kitchens where every cabinet doesn't necessarily have to match, an antique table can sit beside new cabinetry, or a vintage piece can be incorporated simply because the homeowner loves it. The best kitchens don't always look like they were installed all at once. They feel like they've been added to, lived in, and collected over time.'

2. Ventilation Holes as a Kitchen Cabinet Detail

For small but effective ways to elevate your kitchen cabinets, ventilation holes are the answer. We've seen the cabinet cutout trend emerging recently, but in 2027, expect it to reach new heights, becoming more statement-making and decorative.

'Ventilation holes continue to be a major request in our cabinetry designs. We’re using them on pantry doors, appliance cabinets, and other areas that need airflow, but they’ve become as much about details as function. I love that something so practical can add pattern and a slightly old-world quality to otherwise simple cabinetry,' says Maggie Vollrath of Provision Studios.

If cutouts alone don't feel striking enough, decorative vents in aged brass or brushed nickel take the trend to the next level. Consider The Brass Ventilation Grill by deVOL for a more elevated design.

3. Colorful and Contrasting Cabinet Borders

The days of choosing between colorful or neutral cabinetry are over – contrasting borders are about to be one of the biggest kitchen cabinet trends of 2027, and for good reason. With a band or border around the edge of the cabinet doors in a contrasting hue, it's a more exciting way to bring contrast and unique style to your design.

'It gives the cabinetry definition in a different way, adding detail through colour rather than a traditional shaker frame,' says Adam Peck, Partner at 202 design. 'It also lets us use two tones across the room without the scheme feeling heavy. We refer to it as painted banding: a simple detail that frames each panel and picks out the shape of the joinery.'

This kitchen cabinet trend is incredibly versatile. You can play with two neutral tones for something more pared-back, or take inspiration from 202 design by pairing a white base with a more vibrant border. It's a look that nods to classic shaker doors, but with a more playful twist.

4. A Focus on Decorative Details and Statement Hardware

There's a growing emphasis on details, especially around kitchen cabinets. Instead of minimal designs, elegant profiles, mixed materials, and statement hardware designs are at the forefront of trends. It's not about being showy, but about creating a more personalized scheme.

'We've had years of very streamlined cabinetry and simple hardware, and I think we're ready for more detail again. Interesting door profiles, furniture-inspired cabinetry, glass or mesh fronts, and more decorative millwork can give a kitchen so much character,' explains Kailee, noting the appeal of mixing in new materials that help to break up the cabinets.

'I also think hardware will become a much bigger part of the design,' she continues. 'Rather than defaulting to a simple knob or pull, we'll see more unique details like strap hinges, cremone bolts, latches, decorative backplates, and hardware that feels antique or handmade. Those smaller details can completely change the personality of cabinetry and make a kitchen feel much more collected and custom.'

5. Two-Tone Cabinets Return – But It's More About Finish Than Color

We're used to two-tone kitchens featuring contrasting colors, often one shade on the uppers and another on the lowers. But the look is getting an update in 2027, with a greater focus on wood tones than vibrant hues. Consider pairings such as white oak cabinets and a rich walnut island, lighter wood for the uppers and darker for the lowers, or even mixing painted and stained wood cabinets for a more layered look.

'I definitely think we’ll continue to see more mixing of finishes within the same kitchen,' Maggie says. 'We love pairing a painted perimeter with a stained wood island, or using a different finish on a piece that’s meant to feel more like furniture. It gives the room another layer and keeps the cabinetry from feeling like one matching set.'

It's a kitchen cabinet trend that taps into the more lived-in style that people are gravitating towards in these rooms. It feels more collected and personal, rather than a space filled with built-ins and single tones.

6. An Emphasis On Concealed Function

When we think of kitchen cabinet trends, the exteriors usually come to mind. But the inside of your cabinets is just as important, and in 2027, concealed function is at the top of most designers' lists. Cabinetry is being designed to store specific items, whether it's small appliances, custom dividers, or even dedicated stations.

'I think we'll continue getting better at hiding some of the things that make a kitchen function,' Kailee adds. 'Appliance garages, integrated refrigeration, paneled appliances, concealed storage, hidden coffee stations, and cabinetry designed around the homeowner's specific routines are all becoming more sophisticated. The goal isn't to hide that it's a kitchen; it's to make those functional necessities feel intentional within the overall design rather than allowing appliances to dictate the room.'

It gets even more specific, with inserts and drawer dividers being carefully planned for ultimate function. 'Behind the cabinet doors, everything has its place,' says interior designer Stephanie Kraus. 'Custom inserts for knives, spices, paper towels, and utensils are now part of the plan from the start, and the inside of the cabinet is finished in a beautiful wood material, like oak or mahogany.'

7. Richer, Darker Wood Cabinets in a Variety of Species

The penchant for moody colors is translating into wooden kitchens, with darker wood tones becoming more desirable. It's not replacing white oak entirely, but it's an alternative for homeowners who want something tonally richer. And the variety is greater than you might think.

'White oak isn't going anywhere, but I think we're going to see a continued move toward richer wood tones, walnut, mahogany, dark-stained oak, burl woods, and finishes with more depth,' says Kailee. Each offers a different tone and style – walnut feels incredibly classic, while burl wood feels bold and statement-making.

'We've spent a long time trying to make kitchens feel as light and bright as possible, and I think people are becoming much more comfortable embracing moodier materials. A kitchen doesn't have to be white or pale to feel timeless.'

Shop Kitchen Cabinet Trends

2027's biggest kitchen cabinet trends are focusing on personalized designs with decorative flair, but there's also a focus on refined function, too. For more inspiration, discover the biggest kitchen color trends of 2027, guaranteed to bring endless style and charm to your design.

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It might feel a little early to be thinking about Christmas decor storage – after all, we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet. However, planning your storage solutions ahead of time can save you both money and stress once the festive season is over.

Certified Professional Organizer Jenny Dietsch of Getting It Done Organizing strongly supports this approach, urging, 'Buy your bins before the holidays, before stores run out of the good ones. The success of next year’s setup starts now. When you store décor thoughtfully, you’ll be able to decorate with intention next year instead of just reacting as you pull things out of boxes. Knowing what you have and where it is gives you complete control (and makes the process so much more enjoyable!).'

Shopping early means you can take advantage of peak sales periods to find great prices while getting everything in place before the post-Christmas clear-up begins. Rather than waiting for deliveries during the busiest time of year for mail, you’ll have everything you need to refresh your home storage and pack away the festive clutter as soon as the celebrations are over.

I’ve hunted high and low for the prettiest and most practical storage essentials to help keep Christmas clutter under control, whether you have a spacious attic to fill or need stylish, visible storage that works in a smaller home.

Christmas Decor Storage Tricks

When storing Christmas decorations, there are a few quick tricks and tips that can simplify the process and, more importantly, make decorating easier next year. I spoke to professional decorators and home organizers to learn their three most important tips for reclaiming your home after the holidays and making post-Christmas cleaning less overwhelming:

• Declutter as you go: According to Danica Carson, Professional Organizer and Co-Founder of The Uncluttered Life, 'Decluttering decor when storing things for the season is crucial. It’s also easy and accomplishes two things at once, so I highly encourage it. The end of the season is the perfect time to assess your decor before it’s out of sight and out of mind until next year. Realistically, you aren’t going to be getting out that seasonal decor to sift through it and declutter during the rest of the year, so it’s kind of a now-or-never situation when it comes to decor decluttering.'
• Beware of delicate decorations: When the post-Christmas blues hits, it is easy to fall into the trap of simply tossing items into a bin and calling it a day. For delicate pieces, however, Patricia Derpinski of Hudon Holiday Decor stresses how important dedicated storage is to preventing damage. Rushing the process can feel like a time-saver; however, pressure from stacking can cause cracks while exposing them to dust and moisture. Instead, she shares, 'I recommend using ornament storage boxes like the Sterilite or IRIS boxes [both from Amazon] for safe, organized storage.'
• Take your time: Barbara Brock, Professional Home Organizer, concludes, 'Resetting your home after Christmas takes time. This is the biggest advice I can give − allow enough time to undo the Christmas tree, store it away or discard, preserve strings of light, store ornaments and other things. Get out all the storage boxes, as storing your ornaments in dedicated boxes or in tissue helps preserve them for next year.'

If you want to save money and cut down on waste at home this season, there are plenty of household items you can use to store fragile decor.

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With the autumnal colors signalling fall’s arrival, the first frosts of winter are on the horizon. This means that, depending on your location, it is nearly time to bring less-hardy specimens undercover to protect them from plummeting temperatures.

Some tender plants, like tuberous begonias and evergreen agapanthus, need lifting and storing before the temperatures fall, but cannas and dahlias should wait until after the first frost. Having grown countless tender plants in the gardens I have managed over my horticultural career, including dahlias commercially, I explain why they should be lifted after the first freeze and tips on doing so.

With winter around the corner, now’s also the time to start thinking about your winter gardening checklist and insulate any outside faucets and clay pots against freezing temperatures. Suitable for protecting outside spigots and water barrel taps, you can purchase outdoor faucet covers from Amazon.

Why Lift Cannas and Dahlias in Winter

With cannas and dahlias originating from the American tropics and Mexico and Central America, respectively, it should come as no surprise that they prefer warmer climates and struggle in the cold.

Cannas and dahlias are tender perennials and will not survive if their rhizomes and tubers freeze, which damages their cell structure. This generally means that in USDA hardiness zones 7 or 8 and above, they can be mulched and left in the ground to flower the following year, just as long as the soil is not overly wet.

But in colder areas, you will need to dig them up and overwinter them somewhere cool, dark and frost-free.

When to Lift Cannas and Dahlias

Unlike salvias, pelargoniums, and citrus plants that need to be overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse before temperatures drop, canna and dahlia plants should stay outside until the first light frost has passed. This is because cold temperatures signal the end of the growing season and that the plant should enter dormancy.

However, it is important to wait until your canna or dahlia foliage has changed color or died back, as this indicates that the last of the plant’s energy has been transferred to the rhizome or tuber, ready for next year.

That being said, you will want to keep an eye on the forecast, as you will need to dig up your cannas and dahlias before any hard frosts or when the ground freezes, as this will most likely damage the rhizomes or tubers and cause them to decay in storage.

How to Lift and Prepare Cannas for Storage

Once the foliage has changed color and died back, you can cut back the stem to around 6 inches above soil level, using a clean and sharp pair of secateurs, like these Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners, available from Amazon. However, for thicker stems that are too big for cutting back with hand pruners, you may want to choose a pair of loppers.

The rhizomes and tubers of more established plants can spread surprisingly far, so start by digging around the plant, using a sharp spade, 12-16 inches away from the stems to avoid damaging the tubers. You can then lever the plant up and carefully lift it onto a tarpaulin or wheelbarrow.

Once lifted, you can brush away any soil clinging to the rhizomes or tubers, which will help prevent rot and make visual inspections later in the winter easier. Healthy rhizomes and tubers should feel firm to the touch. If you spot any soft or squishy areas, this generally indicates rot and these parts should be cut away using a sharp and sanitized knife, like this Linsen pruning knife, available from Amazon, before storing.

You will want to ensure that the skins are dry before storing your cannas and dahlias, as this will also help prevent them from decaying. You can do this by laying them out somewhere warm on a sheet of newspaper or a potting bench (available from Lowe's), out of direct sunlight for about a week.

However, if you grow dahlias and cannas in pots, you do not necessarily have to dig them up. Instead, you can cut them back after the foliage dies back and move the pots to cool, but frost-free position, like an unheated greenhouse or garage.

If the temperature in your storage area looks like it will fall below freezing, you can protect your pots with bubble wrap or blankets to help insulate them.

Storing Cannas and Dahlias

To ensure viability, you will want to store your cannas and dahlias somewhere cool, dry, and dark. A temperature around 45°F to 55°F will keep the plants dormant, but avoid spots where temperatures may drop toward freezing, as this can damage them.

You can store your cannas and dahlias in boxes filled with a medium such as dry soil, sawdust, or vermiculite, or wrap them individually in newspaper or hessian sack. Wooden boxes, such as pine crates available from Lowe’s, or milk crates from The Home Depot, make great options because they encourage airflow. However, to prevent the tubers from sweating and decaying, avoid airtight containers and sealed plastic bags.

If storing in a box, start by adding a layer of sawdust or vermiculite, available from Amazon, to the bottom and place the rhizomes on top with space between them so that they do not touch. Once that layer is compete, you can continue adding layers until the box is full.

Unfortunately, mold can spread rapidly, especially when tubers are in close proximity, so it is advisable to check any stored cannas and dahlias every few weeks whilst they are in storage. If you spot any white or grey mold, you can clean them with a vinegar solution, but any soft tubers should be discarded.

Labelling Stored Rhizomes and Tubers

One key lesson I have learned over the years is to think ahead about how you will label your stored plants, as there is little way to tell their variety or color when you come to plant them next year.

If you are storing large numbers of the same cultivar, you can label boxes and crates with stickers and waterproof markers, but for individual specimens I recommend wrap-around plant labels, available from Amazon, that you can tie to each plant’s rhizome or tuber.

What to Shop

If you've stored your cherished dahlias or cannas away until next year, you might be wondering how to add a bit of color to your patio or porch and brighten it up over the coming winter.

From winter pansies and violas to cyclamen and hellebores, with the right planning, you can have a selection of winter container flowers that will provide a succession of interest through the colder months.

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When it comes to creating a layered, storied feel, antique furniture excels. However, as much as we rely on these time-worn pieces to elevate our schemes, they can sometimes feel out of place in more modern settings, especially when it comes to that dark brown wooden furniture that's seeing a resurgence right now.

So, how can we make brown furniture look fresher and far from fussy? From mahogany dressers to oak armoires, the secret to styling antique wooden furniture lies in the colors we use to bring these pieces to life.

While clever styling can make brown furniture look more modern, paint ideas are what change the feel of these styles. So, if you're decorating with antiques and want to create more alignment within your scheme, pay attention to these four paint colors that can make even the grandest styles feel fresh and balanced.

1. Pale Blue

One of the best ways to modernize antique furniture is to use a pale, whisper-soft paint color that will balance its heaviness. Pale blue paints contrast with dark mahogany and oak without feeling harsh, creating a brighter, fresher feel.

'In this room, we wanted the bedroom to feel very serene so opted for Farrow & Ball's Borrowed Light on the walls and kept the ceiling and trim a crisp white with Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White,' explains Michelle Sabin of Sabin Viehland. 'A room with such a light palette can feel too airy sometimes, so adding a piece of antique furniture with beautiful graining and a rich color is very grounding for the space. It keeps the room from feeling too one-note and adds a ton of character and a little gravitas to the room. With a lot of the elements in this room being newly painted and renovated, the antique character and natural wood texture of this piece brings the feeling of the room “down to earth” so it’s not all so sparkling new.'

'It’s all about the juxtaposition,' Michelle continues. 'Pairing dark brown pieces with light wall and floor colors, or putting them in bright newly renovated rooms, or even just mixing them with more modern furniture and lighting can make them feel fresh again, and lend them an air of sophistication because they are the oldest thing in the room. Sometimes if the whole room is all of the same period (new or old), it begins to feel like a museum, which is to say it feels a little too formal, stiff, showroom-y, or plastic.'

2. Deep Burgundy

While pale blues contrast with dark wood tones, burgundy paints and brown furniture share similar undertones, creating a rich, seamless feel.

When pairing any color with wood, designer Joana Maia notes you should always pay attention to undertones. 'I think it really depends on the type of timber and its natural undertones,' explains the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Attica Studios. 'Mahogany, for example, often has beautiful reddish tones, sometimes leaning towards burgundy or oxblood, whereas darker oak tends to have a more earthy, neutral brown.'

'With mahogany, I love embracing that warmth through rich, autumnal colors such as deep burgundy, amber and forest green. These shades complement the natural richness of the timber and create a beautifully layered, cohesive palette.'

'I always find myself drawn towards colors that exist in nature,' Joana adds. 'When you're working with solid timber, particularly darker woods where the grain is so visible, there's already a wonderful sense of organic texture and depth. I think choosing colors that feel equally natural creates a much more harmonious and timeless interior.'

3. Warm White

Off-whites are a great way to brighten brown furniture while still keeping things warm and inviting. Paired with dark wood pieces like mahogany, walnut, or teak, white keeps things balanced and timeless.

'With darker oak, I tend to take a slightly different approach,' Joana says. 'I particularly love pairing it with warm off-whites, dusty blues or soft, muted pinks. There's something very fresh about introducing these lighter, softer colors alongside a darker piece of furniture. The contrast allows the natural character of the timber to stand out, making it feel like a deliberate statement within the room.'

'I generally tend to avoid overly bright or synthetic colors,' she adds, 'particularly neon shades and very strong yellows. Brown furniture already brings so much natural warmth and character to a space, and I find that these colors can sometimes compete with it rather than complement it.'

4. Fresh Green

Classic, often quite visually heavy British antiques like Regency hall chairs or Georgian dressers look beautiful paired with vibrant, fresh greens. Organic and grounding, dark green or pale greens entirely reinvent these grander furniture styles, bridging the gap between old and new. Not to mention, they give an interior a soothing, revitalized feel, too.

'I love to pair dark brown antique furniture with lighter tones of blues and greens,' interior designer Shani Core says. 'When using dark brown antique furniture, I like to upholster in a fresh, modern fabric and pair with other upholstered items that are more modern. A dark solid in black would not provide contrast on a piece of brown furniture. I prefer either a pattern or a solid in a lighter color palette.'

While these paints can make heavy, dark brown furniture feel fresher, they don't take away from its character and story. It's all about striking a balance between old and new, and keeping things sympathetic.

'My biggest piece of advice would be to give darker furniture room to breathe,' Joana advises. 'These pieces often have such beautiful proportions, grain and character that they deserve to be appreciated without too much surrounding them. Ultimately, I think the key to making darker furniture feel contemporary is allowing it to be the focal point, while keeping everything around it considered and understated.'

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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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Now the temperature has dropped, it's not just us retreating indoors – pests are also making their way into our homes and taking over our houseplants. One of the biggest culprits in fall is spider mites.

Indoor heating, plants being moved indoors, and improper plant care are all reasons why these indoor plant pests thrive in October. Luckily, it is possible to deter and get rid of spider mites this season, it just requires a thorough approach.

By dipping into your houseplant care kit to use a plant mister (like this from Amazon) to boost humidity, as well as cleaning houseplant leaves, you can save your houseplants from severe pest damage. Here's what you need to know.

Spider Mites in October

Spider mites are often a problem in fall due to optimal conditions for them to thrive.

These pests hate humidity and enjoy warmth, so indoor heating in fall and winter makes your home inhabitable to them. This is especially a problem if you don't adjust your fall houseplant care to boost humidity levels and adjust watering to keep plants hydrated and not dried out.

Not only this but watering mistakes causing weakened houseplants can also appeal to spider mites. Not taking care to avoid common houseplant mistakes can therefore put your plants in a vulnerable position to their damage.

That's why it's important to use a soil moisture meter (like this on Amazon) to monitor your plant's soil moisture to avoid both over and underwatering.

Likewise, you can increase humidity for indoor plants to make them unhabitable to spider mites. You can relocate plants to a bathroom or use a portable humidifier (like this from Walmart) to do this.

But, if you do find spider mites on your houseplants this October, don't fret. You can get rid of spider mites by following just a few steps.

How to Get Rid of Them

To tackle spider mites in fall, there are a few things you can do.

Firstly, isolate the affected houseplants to stop the spread. Spider mites can multiply fast, so as soon as you spot their fine webbing you should move your plant away from others.

Using sharp pruning tools (like these Fiskars micro-tip pruning snips from Amazon) remove any heavily infested stems and foliage. Make sure to clean your pruning tools afterwards to stop the risk of spreading.

Then, clean your houseplant leaves. Gently wiping them with a damp microfiber cloth can remove the spider mites. Alternatively, wipe the leaves with neem oil (like this from Walmart). This is an organic pest control solution that deters and kills spider mites by suffocating them.

You can also shower down your houseplant to remove the majority of the pests.

Repeat this a few times every few days for 3-4 weeks to ensure all of the spider mites are gone.

Make sure to also boost humidity for your houseplants to deter spider mites going forward. Regularly spraying your houseplant with a plant mister (like this from Walmart) can help.

What to Shop

As well as safeguarding your houseplants against pest damage, there are indoor plant jobs many gardeners forget to do in fall. This includes moving houseplants away from heat sources and washing windows to allow more light in.

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