“People Are Tired of Playing It Safe”—Designers Predict 2024’s Top Home Trends

Beige and clean white kitchens had a good run, but it’s thrilling to witness a move toward bolder hues and unique touches as we head into the New Year. To get a temperature check on what’s to come, we tapped talented designers to share their 2024 design trend predictions.

Warm hues and maximalism are in, as are bathrooms (or wet rooms) that feel more like spas. There’s a focus on mixed metals, sculptural wood, and sustainability done well. A crisp, clean white will always be in, but as Chicago-based designer Devon Wegman says, “People are tired of playing it safe—at least we are—and sticking with neutrals everywhere. Today, we’re incorporating more and more graphic stone, provocative artwork, and statement chandeliers. People no longer want their home to look just like their neighbors, and in order to do that, it’s critical to take risks.”

These are the experts’ best bets for the top design trends of 2024.

Featured image from our interview with Amanda Gunawan.

Image by Nathan Schroder

No More Gray Haze

“Any remnants of the gray trend for paint and flooring stains will officially say goodbye in 2024—finally!” says Eddie Maestri, principal architect and founder of Maestri Studio in Dallas, Texas.

Peak Peterson, interior design principal at Hoedemaker Pfeiffer in Seattle seconds that sentiment. “Cool gray rooms are on the way out, as a preference for warmth and dimensionality is becoming more popular,” she adds.

Modern bathroom.
Image by Dustin Halleck

The Rise of the Wet Room

“Something I hope more people will lean into is the concept of a wet room,” shares Devon Wegman (she/her), Founder and Design Director of Devon Grace Interiors. Incorporating a bathtub right into your shower space (and not the tub-showers you had growing up) allows you to soak while capturing the steam and heat in the space, making the tub experience even more luxurious.”

White bathroom.
Image by Lance Gerber

Spa-Like Amenities At Home

And speaking of wet rooms, several designers are predicting more luxurious bathrooms all around.

“With the push to work from home and exercise at home we’ll see more spa time at home,” shares Brad Ramsey of Nashville-based Brad Ramsey Interiors. “Steam showers, infrared saunas, and cold plunges are being incorporated more and more into our designs as they get more affordable and accessible.”

Designer Peak Petersen also envisions elevated bathroom lighting in 2024. “A step past a simple sconce pair flanking the mirror, 2024 will explore the options of backlit mirrors and wall washing with integrated ceiling lighting which adds a minimalist edge to the bathroom,” shares the interior design principal of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Purple powder room.
Photo by Read McKendree

The Power of Purple

“We saw this emerge slowly, but a new color family has now taken the town by storm: purple–but not the purple that pops to mind!” shares Joshua Smith, principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc. “Think deeper shades like plum and amethyst, even deep magenta. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, from a psychological perspective, purple promotes harmony of the mind and the emotions.”

Demaudecia Taylor, a color consultant for Farrow & Ball, notes that this 2000s trend resurgence comes with a modern twist. “Instead of using these colors solely for small powder rooms, people are now using rich shades like Preference Red No. 297 and Brinjal No. 222 to create intimate and cozy spaces in large areas such as bedrooms and formal dining rooms,” Taylor notes.

Modern dining room.
Image by Jenifer McNeil Baker

Sleek Sustainability

Smith expects an even greater push toward green living this year, with better education for clients and transparency for vendors. And when it comes to recycled materials, architect principal Tori Masterson of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer anticipates a more polished look.

“Rustic reclaimed materials are on their way out, to be replaced by reclaimed materials that have been refurbished and revived for their next life,” Masterson notes.

White kitchen with large windows.
Image by Laurie Black

Beyond Bringing the Outdoors In

“Nature will be embraced in design in 2024, but it’s not just about bringing the outdoors in—it’s making a part of the design,” shares Katie Browning and Heather Lucas of Lucas Browning Designs. “We will be incorporating large windows framing picturesque views, skylights that invite starry nights, and mirrors strategically positioned to multiply the goodness.”

White modern bathroom.
Image by Zeke Ruelas

“We’re seeing a lot of clients request extra long sinks these days—anywhere from four to six feet long,” shares Wegman. “With that, we’re able to fit two main faucets, filtered water dispensers, disposal switches, and soap pumps (one for hand soap, one for dish) with plenty of room to spare.”

Curved living room furniture - 2024 design trends predictions
Image by Jenifer McNeil Baker

Curved Love

Designers agree: curves are here to stay. “Whether they are on a furniture silhouette or in the actual architecture, they are back in a big way and softening our living experiences,” Ramsey says.

White kitchen.
Image by Jenifer McNeil Baker

Less Open Kitchens

“Open kitchens are on their way out as people crave segmented spaces after the adjustment to work from home,” shares Maestri. “In terms of what’s in for kitchens, clients are opting for built-ins to look like furniture instead of traditional cabinetry, and there’s a pull toward retro details such as the use of tiles on countertops and tables.”

Printed wallpaper in bathroom.
Image by Haris Kenjar

Several designers are predicting more powder-coated pipes and less expected metals, like pewter, rose gold, and polished copper. It all essentially confirms one of Pinterest’s 2024 Home Decor Trend Forecast predictions—”Hot Metals: Melty metallics will make their way into the mainstream in 2024 as people trade in their trusty neutrals for something a bit more hardcore.”

Twin beds in bedroom.
Image by Read McKendree

Warm Layers

“This year, the color palette is all about warm neutrals, and we are even seeing a resurgence of pastels—a dash of pastel pink for a sweet touch, moody blue for a mysterious allure, light blue like a clear sky, and soft yellow or bold ochre to add a sunny pop,” Katie Lucas and Heather Browning of Lucas Browning Designs. “Together, these shades create a room that’s not just stylish but also oozing with comfort and charm.”

Interior designer Brad Ramsey calls it “tailored eclectic.” “That term usually elicits images of cluttered rooms with no true design direction,” he notes. “But no more, it’s time to layer it up the right way.”

2024 design trends predictions
Image by Matti Gresham

Organic Shapes, Textures, and Colors

“I think designers and consumers will draw inspiration from nature and incorporate more organic shapes, textures, and colors using materials like raffia, bone, and papier-mâché,” says Jamie Young, founder of Jamie Young Co. “I’m expecting to see a shift in decor trends, emphasizing individual expression with handmade, artisanal décor opposed to the reserved and minimalist style choices that have been prevalent in the past few years.”

My 2023 Holiday Decor—Exactly How I Turned Our Home Into a Cozy Winter Haven

My goal for this holiday season? To fully soak it up, finding those little ways to mark the moments so it doesn’t fly by in a blur. For many of us, December is an incredibly busy month, and making those core holiday memories requires an intentional approach. And one of my favorite traditions to kick off the entire season is decorating the house for the holidays.

So, today we are decking out our home for Christmas—it’s always been one of my favorite days of the entire year, and as an adult, I love getting to share this experience with our kids and make it really special. Below, I’m spilling all the simple details that transform our entire house into a cozy, Christmas-y haven. I’m keeping it simple by focusing on just a few elements that will make an impact and add wow factor: candles and twinkling lights, evergreen branches, and layers of texture. And you also cannot overstate the power of Christmas music—just turning on some tunes changes the whole vibe of a space.

First, watch the video below where I deck out our house from top to bottom… then scroll on for details and links to everything I used.

Our Christmas Tree

I get questions about our tree every year—it’s really large (12 feet!) to account for our high ceilings in the living room, and though it’s faux, it does look super realistic. Before getting this tree, I was a diehard “real tree person,” but thanks to Adam’s allergies and our crazy high ceilings, we switched to faux about 10 years ago and have never looked back.

Fake Christmas trees can be really expensive, so it pays to price shop a bit here. Ours came from Frontgate, and it’s the Noble Fir Slim Profile Tree in the 12-foot size.

The Fireplace Mantel—and Our Casa Zuma Wreath

The mantel is the centerpiece of our living room, so I like to use this area as a way to play with decor and give our holiday decor a different vibe every year. My friend Elle has made our mantel garland and wreath the past several years. She owns a company called Gracious Garlands that makes beautiful live evergreen decor. This year, we’re teaming up with them to make our Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath made of fraser fir, cedar and seeded eucalyptus. We wanted to do something natural and California-inspired, and I’m so excited for you guys to be able to experience it in your own homes this year. It’s on sale now.

For this year’s mantel, I’m going with an earthy, natural aesthetic with lots of evergreen. The focal point is this gorgeous evergreen garland that Elle created using different types of greens which give it so much texture and warmth. I love using asymmetry here—it makes it feel a little more artistic and looks visually pleasing when you hang the stockings.

We secured the garland to the mantle by sticking a few command hooks onto the mantle itself and then fastened it to the mantel at several points to support the garland’s weight. Then I wove some fairy lights and around the front branches to add sparkle.

The Cozy Details

I use our open shelving next to the fireplace as a continually rotating space to display my favorite things. During the holidays, I start by removing a few items to open up the space, then I add just a few holiday touches to make the shelves feel festive. I try to keep it in a neutral color palette that feels aligned with the room during the rest of the year, because I always want this space to feel calm and grounding.

The Front Porch

If you know me then you know I love creating a festive front door that welcomes guests into the coziness of the season right when they pull in the driveway. Last year’s Christmas front door decor was decked out with red berries, and the year before was inspired by a woodland fantasy.

Our front door opening is quite large, and it takes a lot to make an impact. I’ve found that streamlining to just a few elements but going BIG with them is the key; it’s really all about scale. So here, Elle used evergreen garlands and tucked pinecones into them using some floral wire—and she used lots of it. Then she (and her awesome husband Regan) used floral wire to attach the garland at each point where we wanted it to drape using command hooks that we stuck to my house.

To attach the Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath to the front door, we used a couple large suction cups, wove in a few wired pinecones and added a big velvet bow at the bottom for the finishing touch.

And THAT is how we transform our house for the holidays. The goal? To turn it into a cozy haven where we just want to stay in and drink hot chocolate by the fire all season long. Decorating the tree, reading the Polar Express with my kids, curling up in front of the Christmas tree lights to drink my coffee in the morning—those are things that awaken the spirit in me and add up to an unforgettable holiday.

I hope that you guys are having a beautiful start to the season! Savor it, enjoy those simple moments with the people you love, and have a very happy holiday.

We’re Calling It: These Are the Best Online Home Decor Brands Around

Have you ever felt a creeping agitation brought on by the burning desire to redecorate your space? Once I get bitten by the interior design bug, there’s simply no turning back. I spend every waking moment fantasizing about finding the perfect piece of furniture or decorative touch that I’m convinced will simply transform my home—and with it, my entire life. While you’ll be shocked to find that my life remains relatively unchanged, at least my thorough internet sleuthing has led me to some of the very best home decor brands around.

Featured image from our interview with Brian and Jessie De Lowe.

The Best Home Decor Brands

You’re probably familiar with some of the bigger brands and retailers available. But part of the thrill of decorating is finding unique brands that can capture your attention with an unexpected piece. Curating an aesthetic requires a fair amount of dedication. But trust me: it’s worth the effort. We spend so much time at home that it feels like an extension of our own identities.

When it comes to finding the best home decor brands, it’s important to look for shops with a strong vision and style. You want to fill your home with pieces that are on-trend but also timeless and classic. Now that you have all your design inspo mood boards ready to go, it’s time to do some shopping. 

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Casa Zuma

It would be impossible to kick off a roundup of the best home decor brands without a shameless self-plug. Because with Camille at the helm of all of Casa Zuma’s design choices and curation, you have to trust it’s going to be good. And good—drool-worthy—the selection is. The vibe is earthy and organic, with ceramics, serving dishes, and now furniture from some of the world’s top artisans who are true masters of their craft. I now have collected every single Casa Zuma mug available, and I have my eye on the dinnerware sets…

Fourth St. Home

Take your pick from this gorgeously curated selection of home accessories and antique pieces. The brand focuses on different materials and textures, giving its mix of objects an incredibly sophisticated look.

Saffron + Poe

This lovely California brand’s commitment to uplifting maker communities around the world results in beautiful, sustainable, and ethically handcrafted homewares like furniture, rugs, and textiles.

The Citizenry

Whether you need new bedding, rugs, pillows, or elegant decorative touches, The Citizenry has what you’re looking for. They partner with master artisans, blending modern style with their time-tested techniques.

Food52

What started as a kitchen and food site quickly expanded into a full-on home retailer. It’s become one of the best online home décor brands by creating products that are as functional as they are beautiful. Plus, they can stand the test of time.

Beam Brooklyn

I can’t say enough good things about Beam’s eclectic and creative furniture, lighting, art, and home goods. Their style is a unique mash-up of mid-century, rock-and-roll, Cali-Brooklyn, vintage, and modern—and it just works!

Hay Design

What makes this Danish brand special is that it takes a classic Scandanavian style and infuses it with a unique, fashionable aesthetic.

Slowdown Studio

You’d think the Aussie designer who founded Slowdown Studio in 2015 knew we were all about to be spending a lot of quiet time inside our homes when he established this modern lifestyle brand. Celebrating individuality and creativity, this collection is as functional as it is beautiful. It’s practically inviting you to embrace life’s slower moments.

Jungalow

Jungalow’s bright, bold, and beautiful style draws me in every time, but it’s the brand’s commitment to sustainability that keeps me coming back. They’ve partnered with Trees for the Future, an organization that plants Forest Gardens. They provide families with sustainable food sources, livestock, feed, products to sell, fuelwood, and a 400% increase to their annual income in four years.

Areaware

Looking to add a quirky touch that isn’t too kitschy? Areaware has you covered. They work with independent designers to bring their ideas to life. Areaware sells one-of-a-kind, exclusive pieces, so you can be sure you’ll have a truly unique, artful home décor piece.

Coming Soon NY

There’s a reason this design shop has a cult following. The founders used their backgrounds in fine art and high-end design to create a cool and authentic urban style.

Article

Article is committed to making stylish, affordable, and high-quality products. They work directly with manufacturers to produce unique and durable pieces. This direct relationship allows the brand to make modern furniture and décor at a relatively low price point.

Anthropologie Home

Anthropologie’s home section is full of highly covetable, beautiful home décor. Their furniture and décor pieces are practical and modern but have a vintage flair. You can’t go wrong!

CB2

Crate & Barrel’s more accessible counterpart never disappoints. It has a gorgeous selection of modern furniture, home accessories, bedding, artwork, and more. Best of all, they’ve taken the 15% pledge to ensure that 15% of products and collaborations are represented by Black businesses, artists, and designers by 2024.

Target

We know better than to sleep on Target’s home décor selections. Collaborations with designers like Hilton Carter and Studio McGee mean that you’re getting high-quality, stylish items at an accessible price point.

Urban Outfitters

Once considered a one-stop shop for college students, Urban Outfitters’ home collection is now a design force. They use good materials with visually interesting shapes, colors, and designs. If you haven’t visited their site in a while, check it out. You might be surprised!

World Market

With a focus on value and affordability, World Market is a staple for those craving original and handmade items from around the world.

Part design brand, part lifestyle collection, Hawkins New York makes homewares that are thoughtful and unexpected. The brand partners with producers, manufacturers, and collectives worldwide for their own line and to curate a smart, chic selection of work made by others.

H&M’s home collection is not only affordable but surprisingly elegant. Take a peek at their selection—you might be surprised to see how much you like.

Block Shop

Two LA-based sisters teamed up to found Block Shop—a textile, art, and design studio. They, along with artists and craftspeople, are devoted to celebrating the rich history, process, and materials of handmade textile production. They’ve collaborated with some of our faves like Rachel Comey, Ace Hotels, and Sonos. And best of all, Block Shop invests 5% of its profits in our biannual Community Health Camps in Jaipur, where they started the company in 2013.

Zara Home

Just like its fashionable sister, Zara Home is a one-stop shop for affordable, chic, and ultra-stylish homewares and furniture. Their collections feature primitive-style vessels and vases, jute rugs, and earthy nature-inspired décor. We’re obsessed.

This post was originally published on May 7, 2021, and has since been updated.

Drench Your Home in These Warm, Designer-Approved Shades to Lean Into Cozy Season

When the temperatures turn crisp, we love to get comfy with a luxe throw or cloud-like sweater. And since home is where we create our fall cocoon, it’s lovely to wrap our walls up in something cozy as well. Whether you’re rethinking a room or refreshing some cabinets, we tapped a group of designers for their expert insights into the top fall 2023 paint color trends.

Our design-minded guiding lights this fall include Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made; Kristin Marino of KozyKasa; Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors; and Demaudecia Taylor, color consultant at Farrow & Ball.

Image by Kate Zimmerman Turpin

The following shades a trends may vary, but a sense of warmth connects them all.

#1. Creamy White > Crisp White

As we bid the sterile white wall trend a long overdue adieu, we’re welcoming in a new kind of neutral. “Going for a creamier, warmer white instead of the crisp, bright white we’ve been seeing in recent years is a great way to warm up your space while still keeping a neutral palette,” shares Kristin Marino of KozyKasa.

A few of Marino’s favorite warm whites…

Farrow & Ball’s Demaudecia Taylor seconds the trend with her own pick, Au Lait No. CB9, which will pair beautifully with all the fall colors in this story.

#2. Earthy Greens

“My favorite color for autumn 2023 would have to be Sage,” shares Mustard Made founder Becca Stern, who drenched her sons’ room in the calming, earthy shade of green—a perfect match with the Australian brand’s Sage-hued line.

“It pairs beautifully with deeper, traditional autumnal colors, like rust and olive,” Stern adds. “It’s also really versatile and can be used in just about any room, from a kid’s bedroom to a kitchen or workspace. If you want to go all-in sage is a great option for color drenching your space. Or, for a more subtle approach, it can be used as a highlight to a room, through painted trim or a statement furniture piece.”

Image by Suruchi Avasthi

#3. Jewel Tones

“Rich hues and jewel-toned colors are perfect for welcoming autumn,” shares Taylor, a color consultant for Farrow & Ball. “Here are a couple of colors that are quickly rising in popularity.”

#4. Warm and Timeless

Though we love the idea of eternally tweaking and redecorating, painting is still a pricey—and usually inconvenient—commitment. You can paint with confidence thanks to Demaudecia Taylor’s and Sarah Tract’s picks, which are as timeless as they are warm.

#5. Dusty Hues and Browns

Dusty lilacs and plums are a gorgeous part of 2023’s purple paint resurgence. A few of Marino’s favorites include…

“Just like in fashion, brown hues are also trending in interiors,” Marino adds. “Be careful with this one so you don’t date your space. Rather [than beiges], opt for rich brown tones to give a desert feel.”

A few of my favorites include:

9 Things a Professional Organizer Does for a Peaceful, Stress-Free Home

At the start of the spring cleaning season, most of us leap at the chance to clear out our closets, donate unused items, and scrub down those overlooked areas of our homes. But for me, nothing inspires a refresh quite like the coziness of fall. With the chillier temps, we retreat to the warmth of the indoors and curate a touch of hygge at every turn. During these months, we spend more time than ever inside. So why not make it a relaxing and inspiring space to be? Thankfully, Shira Gill has endless tips when it comes to designing an organized home and life.

So many tips, in fact, that she centered her latest book, Organized Living, on this very topic. It’s a personal and intimate deep dive into the world of professional organizers. (One that we have many assumptions about, but know little of.) The interviews, organizing secrets, and 250 pages of visual inspiration are compiled to help you organize a home that supports the rhythms and rituals of your life best. It’s clear that following the success of her debut book, Minimalista, Shira Gill is back—with more inspiration than ever to share.

Shira Gill’s Top Organizing Tips

If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed at the thought of organizing, you’re not alone. It’s a truth that Shira knows well—and a narrative she’s trying to change. Rather than leaving the feelings of satisfaction and calm until the final result is reached, she believes that every part of the process can be an opportunity for self-care.

Getting organized, as we’ve learned from the expert in the past, requires a shift in mindset and an overhaul of our habits. Creating the organized home of your dreams isn’t solely about the stuff. Instead, it asks us to approach our spaces with purpose—asking how our homes can be not simply an extension of our lives, but a center point upon which we build our days with intention.

We sat down with Shira to learn more about her latest book and the routines she prioritizes to design an organized home. Be sure to read until the end, where Shira shares an exclusive excerpt detailing the nine habits every professional organizer prioritizes.

What does an organized home feel and look like for you?

My method of home organizing is about setting up a home that supports your goals and values and cutting the clutter, excess, and distraction that stand in the way. 

I believe an organized home is less about achieving a prescribed aesthetic (you do you!), and more about creating more spaciousness, ease, and joy in your life. It’s about owning only things you love, use, and value, and having a designated place for each thing. You’ll know you’ve nailed it when you can find what you need in an instant and spend more time pursuing the things you love and enjoy, and less time sorting through the piles.

I wrote Organized Living to promote my belief that organizing can (and should) look different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all way of organizing or being organized, and I knew it would be illuminating to go behind the scenes and showcase the actual homes of my colleagues from around the world – ranging from minimalists to maximalists, zero-wasters, nomads, and everything in between. By featuring 25 organizers, sharing their home tours, and highlighting their tips, tools, and ideas, my intention is both to inspire people to make positive changes in their homes and lives, and to show that not only are there many different paths to get there, but many different versions of what there looks like.

What routines do you maintain throughout the week to stay tidy and organized?

The number one thing I do to maintain a streamlined and organized home is to stop clutter at the front door. This means being as intentional as possible about the things I purchase and reminding myself that anything I buy will be my responsibility to care for, clean, maintain, organize, and eventually dispose of. I always ask myself “is it worth it?” before pulling the trigger on buying a new item for my home, life, or wardrobe.

In addition to managing volume, I integrate simple practices into my day to ensure things stay tidy with minimal effort:

  • Put things away right away when I get home. (Bag on hook, shoes in shoe bin, mail in basket.)
  • Commit to a five-minute tidy before bed to reset the space. This means wiping down counters and tabletops and relocating any household items that have lost their way. 
  • Getting shop returns, donations, and borrowed items out the door ASAP! 
  • Recycling junk mail and cardboard boxes from packages immediately.
  • My teens are tasked with washing and putting away dishes right after dinner so we wake up to a clean kitchen. 
  • Laundry every Sunday. (Everyone folds and puts away their own load.)

What’s the hardest area of your home to keep organized—and how do you do it?

I share a 100-year-old bungalow with my family of four, and we share one tiny bathroom with minimal storage (who’s jealous!). Since storage is at a premium, we reserve the two small bathroom drawers for daily-use items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wash, and floss and share a single bodywash, shampoo, and conditioner.

I’ve set up drawer organizers to create clear boundaries within each drawer, so each family member has a (tiny) clearly designated zone for their personal care items. Since we have almost zero storage in our shared bathroom, my teenage girls and I store our makeup, toiletries, and products that don’t fit into the bathroom in our bedrooms. It’s a real challenge, but we’re making it work! 

If someone wants an organized home but is feeling overwhelmed, where should they start?

Great news: there is no need to take off weeks of work or halt your life to organize your home and life. I created a tool for my clients who feel overwhelmed called the 15-minute win. Just pick any bite-sized project, set a timer for 15 minutes, roll up your sleeves, and go! It’s best to start with something small like decluttering your junk drawer, clearing off a countertop, or just getting all the trash and receipts out of your daily handbag.

Tiny, incremental changes help create momentum and the confidence to keep plugging away. Little by little adds up to a lot, and the key is just to get started.

We have to imagine you’re not only organized in your home but in your everyday life. What tools or strategies do you use to keep it all running smoothly?

Yes! I apply the same toolkit I use for home organizing to keep my life and career running smoothly. My overall philosophy is anchored in minimalism. Clarify what’s most important and cut the clutter and distraction that stands in the way. In my life, this translates into focusing on one big goal at a time and paring way back on other plans and activities. 

I typically have a singular goal for the year (i.e., write a book) and I also like to have smaller goals for each season, both personal and professional. To keep it all in order, I make sure my goals are specific and measurable. Then, I work backwards from the result I want to plan and schedule each necessary step to get there. I schedule research time, phone calls, and focused work time. Everything goes in my Google calendar—social plans, workouts, even things like “buy milk” or “drop of donations.”

My biggest life hack is spending five minutes before bed mapping out the day ahead. I like to jot down all meetings, plans, and to-dos on an index card which I can pop in my bag and use as a “cheat sheet” for my day so nothing gets lost in the shuffle! 

Things Organizers Do

Excerpted from Organized Living, by Shira Gill.

Across the board, there were many overlaps in the habits, practices, and philosophies of the professional organizers I interviewed for this book. Read on for a roundup of easy, actionable tips you can employ to organize your home like a pro.

Own Fewer Linens

One of the things that shocked me the most was how minimal most organizers are when it comes to the quantity of linens they own. We’re talking one to two sets per bed max. Owning less means less to launder, fold, and store. If you’re short on storage space, this is a major victory. Ditto for the towels. Toss ’em. And by “toss,” I mean keep your favorites and donate the rest to your local animal shelter or textile recycling center.

Ditch the Packaging

Fast track to making your home look like it was touched by a professional organizer? Ditch the packaging! Get that toilet paper out of its plastic wrap. Remove printer ink from its cardboard packaging. Shop the bulk bins, and pour pantry staples into airtight glass jars. Less is always more when it comes to plastic and cardboard packaging.

Make It a Station

If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to make an organizer giddy, it’s centralizing frequently used items into a dedicated zone or “station.” Think breakfast station, smoothie station, pet station, homework station, work-from-home station—the possibilities are endless

Move It, Shake It

Organizers love to get creative when it comes to redesigning spaces: moving furniture around; repurposing bookshelves, dressers, or credenzas; adding, subtracting, or adjusting shelves; installing wall-mounted or over-the-door solutions. Customize your space to fit your needs.

The Display and Conceal Rule

Organizers love to display items that are lovely to look at, like vases, ceramics, framed photos, plants, and art, on open shelves. We love to conceal utilitarian items, like charging cords, tools, house paint, vitamins, and first-aid supplies, in bins, drawers, or deep storage.

Stylish Storage

Whether repurposing or sourcing new products, the pros like to be highly intentional when it comes to storage vessels. Choose bins, baskets, boxes, and organizers that create a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home and reflect your personal taste and style preferences.

Shop Your Home First

Most pros like to “shop” their client’s homes before hitting the stores. Most people have an assortment of bins, baskets, boxes, pouches, and other vessels that can be repurposed for all sorts of organizing and storage needs. If you do need to fill in some gaps, make sure to shop with a specific list and a plan (note quantities and measurements) before you hit the shops.

Elevate the Most Neglected Spaces

It’s easy to overlook styling in the tucked away areas of your home, like your linen closet or laundry room, but pro organizers take great pride in sprucing up the hidden spaces behind closed doors. Elevate your own utilitarian spaces by adding plants, art, textiles, stick-on patterned wallpaper, or even just a coat of fresh paint. Organizers also love styling closets with design books, candles, and pretty objects found elsewhere in the home. Get creative and give the spaces behind closed doors a little love.

Put Things Away, Right Away

If there’s one habit all organizers can agree on, it’s simply to make it a routine to put things back after use to prevent a massive pileup (and headache) later. A five-minute tidy before bed is another common practice of the pros.

Respect the Physical Boundaries of Your Space

As Ryan from Home + Sort says, “Don’t shop for a mansion if you live in a cottage.” Organizers like to embrace and celebrate the space they have.

“Reprinted with permission from Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home by Shira Gill, copyright © 2023. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.”

This Is One of the Most Impactful Decisions We’ve Made In Designing Our Malibu Beach Home

Nothing influences the feel of a home quite like the materials from which it’s made. So, when it came time for our family to refine the exterior of our Malibu home, we looked to the natural beauty and durability of California redwood, sourced from Humboldt Sawmill, for our coastal property, Sunset’s 2023 Idea House.

Featured inspiration image of Ashley Merrill’s Malibu beach house by Teal Thomsen.

Image by Kristen Kilpatrick

Natural Vibes

There are certain materials I’ve always been drawn to, and they usually come from the earth—stone, wood, linen, and clay. Since wood illuminates the natural raw beauty of coastal California, it was the perfect fit for the home’s exterior. The soul of the house is surf shack vibes, and we knew that a wood-clad exterior would capture the timeless, beachy essence we were after.

The Right Wood

While researching domestic wood species, I was intrigued by the natural beauty and durability of California redwood. We decided it was the right fit after talking to the team at Humboldt Sawmill. They shared details about redwood’s strength and natural resistance to termites and decay, which is a consideration for coastal living. Even more, the purity of the material was compelling. The team at Humboldt Sawmill says that all the redwood and Douglas fir the company offers are completely natural wood products. They’re not derived from plastics or petroleum-based sources, which makes them an ideal fit for the organic environment that Malibu embodies.

When installed, the beauty of the wood is evident, but over time, it will patina to a driftwood gray tone fitting with the aesthetic we’re hoping to obtain. I absolutely love the warm tones of redwood, even more with age. We’re working with our builders to treat the wood so that it develops that beautiful grayed-out color even faster.

Image by Teal Thomsen

Sustainability at Its Core

Choosing materials and methods that best honor the earth has been paramount for our family during the renovation. Given that Humboldt Sawmill is dedicated to such makes the company and its redwood and Douglas fir even more compelling. The timberlands, manufacturing, and distribution operations of
Humboldt Sawmill are certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133).
Harvest rates for Humboldt Sawmill redwood and Douglas fir are only about 1 percent of the total inventory of trees the company owns, meaning that the company grows significantly more trees than it harvests annually.

Architects, consumers, contractors, and developers can be assured that Humboldt Sawmill redwood and Douglas fir lumber and timbers are produced to the highest possible environmental standards. And because all Humboldt Sawmill redwood and Douglas fir products are manufactured in California, their overall carbon footprint of transporting the wood to our Malibu home location is relatively low compared with materials from farther away.

The most impactful design decisions are usually the ones you agonize over since the final verdict can
completely change a home’s appearance. But the energy spent over choosing Humboldt Sawmill redwood will prove worthwhile for decades and beyond.

The Fall Home Trends Designers Say Will Be Huge

With the cooling, chilly temps of the fall come our natural desire to slow down and savor the coziness of the season. We swap out our smoothies for soups, swimsuits for sweaters, and soak up the simple joy of staying in. Now’s the time for us to tackle our reading lists alongside setting our autumnal intentions. While there are festivals to visit and outdoor adventures to embark on, this fall, I’m happy to spend the majority of my days being happy at home. And designers’ fall 2023 home decor trends predictions align perfectly with that shift inwards. Warm tones, natural textures, and fabrics that invite you into their comfy cocoon. Prepare to embrace a little timeless, organic luxury this season.

Featured image of Claire Zinnecker’s home by Michelle Nash.

We chatted with The Citizenry team to get the scoop on the fall 2023 home decor trends that will populate our homes. From our conversation, it’s evident that a consistent tone of optimism will inspire the fabrics, furniture, and accent pieces displayed in every room. But more than that, there’s a certain sentimentality woven throughout it all. “We expect this to translate into muted, warm colors that evoke feelings of romance and beauty while also leaning into the stories behind the products and brands that they support,” notes the team.

Intimacy, warmth, and artistry all sit at the core of this prediction. Ahead, the experts explain how this shakes out in the fall 2023 home decor trends you can expect to see through the end of the year. And with the timelessness on display—beyond.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Image courtesy of The Citizenry

Warm, Earthy Tones

Sun-baked pinks and tans layer onto warm ivory and pumice tones to bring comfort to interiors this fall. We expect ivory to become the go-to shade of white, from wall colors, to bedding, to upholstered furniture. This creamy tone adds instant warmth while maintaining a neutral foundation to build a home around. We also expect warm undertones to dominate a cooler palette with sages, warm olives, and muted blues. 

Image by Michelle Nash

Natural Materials

Expect an increased appetite for organic, natural textures—especially natural wood and bold, high contrast stones. The closer to their raw state, the better! These components connect our interior spaces to the natural world outside and bring the joy and serenity of the outdoors in, a sentiment consumers are leaning toward.

Image of Sarah Solis’ Los Angeles home

Luxe Textiles and Upholstery

Textured, luxurious finishes and surfaces bring warmth and interest to spaces. The cozy feel of these pieces are perfect as the days get cooler. This fall, velvet will take center stage as the biggest trend in upholstery, creating an irresistibly warm and cozy space. Plush, wool rugs will continue to trend, especially in warm neutral tones, as well as these same finishes on larger pieces such as seating.

This season, we are introducing our first custom upholstered seating collection featuring a range of performance fabrics including velvets with the goal of bringing durability to everyday elegance.

Image by Michelle Nash

Vintage Vibes

Consumers are increasing investments in high-quality materials made to last a lifetime —prioritizing a “fewer, better” mentality and leaning into sustainability more than ever. They are looking to invest in soulful, modern heirlooms prioritizing value and longevity in the products they buy. 

This fall, contemporary takes on silhouettes inspired by the past will dominate furniture collections. We expect to see old-world charm reemerge with pieces reminiscent of traditional styles infused with refined European lines and modernized silhouettes. These vintage signatures will be high-quality, showcasing artisanal handiwork, and luxe fabrics in current colors will bring these pieces to life. 

Image by Suruchi Avasthi

Subtle Curves

There’s a continued demand for pieces with subtle, softened shapes in furniture and decor. We find ourselves drawn to designs with a fluid elegance and unexpected forms as these silhouettes add a sense of serenity and calm and create inviting spaces.

Image by Michelle Nash

Grids

Contrary, yet complementary, to the trend of subtle curves, simple gridded patterns have increased in popularity recently. These understated lines, created with texture in addition to color, add a minimal architectural element to any room and anchor the eye in an otherwise undulating environment.

Image by Michelle Nash

Global Patterns

Looking forward, we predict a movement toward a more collected home. Inspired by travels across continents, collections showcasing global patterns offer a more intimate relationship with the outside world. This season we have a spotlight on Turkish kilim pillows in a range of muted tones, a step toward preserving the unique craft of Kilim weaving.

What I Eat in a Day—Healthy, Easy Meals at Home (Video!)

Food is a major part of my life. Not only does recipe development, food styling, and writing about food make up a large percentage of my job (though granted, one that doesn’t feel like work)—making, learning about, and eating delicious food is one of my greatest passions in life. So, it’s probably no surprise that I love watching other people’s What I Eat In A Day episodes on social media. Especially when they’re created by other women who lead very full lives while still prioritizing healthful, bursting-with-flavor meals. I want all the details on how they do it.

A Note on ‘What I Eat in a Day’ Videos

On the flip side, most of us can relate to the tendency to compare our own eating habits to those of others, and one thing I’ve learned for sure through my years of research on diet and nutrition? There’s no one-size-fits-all “perfect diet” for anyone. The idea of bio-individuality is that each person has unique health needs and that our bodies react differently to various foods—which means that we can’t assume that just because one way of eating makes one person feel their best, it’s the best for us, too. Each of us has to discover our optimal diet by listening to our bodies, observing how we feel when we eat certain foods, and getting in tune with our own hunger and fullness signals.

With that as our foundation, we can approach What I Eat In a Day videos with a sense of curiosity and fun, as a source of inspiration for how we can fill our lives with a little more ease and deliciousness. I hope that my WIEIAD below sparks creative ideas in the kitchen, provides you with a few new recipes to try, and inspires you to keep it easy when life gets busy.

Watch the video, then scroll on for the sources and links that I mentioned. And if you have any questions, be sure to drop a comment on the Youtube episode. (And subscribe to our channel if you’re enjoying it!)

Wake-Up Call

First thing: I make a pot of coffee. I prep it the night before so that all I have to do is hit the “power” button for it to start brewing. Lately, I’ve been adding some steamed pistachio milk which adds a little sweetness without any actual sugar.

I drink my coffee during my journaling/morning routine time, then mix up my daily dose of AG1 to sip on while I help the kids get ready for school. I love that AG1 gives me a potent burst of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics first thing and lays the foundation for good eating choices ahead.

Breakfast

I’m learning a lot lately about the importance of getting sufficient protein in the morning, so I’ve been focusing a lot more on including high-protein food with my breakfast. Today it’s Greek yogurt—I like plain, full-fat varieties from Fage, Chobani, or Siggis. Then I add berries, banana, a drizzle of manuka honey, and a handful of my grain-free coconut granola that I meal prep every Sunday for the week ahead.

All-Day Water

Every morning, I fill up my big water bottle with filtered water, then I add a packet of Sunfiber (a prebiotic/probiotic blend that nourishes good gut bacteria—it’s invisible and completely tasteless) and a packet of LMNT electrolytes which helps me stay high energy and makes my water taste really good which keeps me sipping all day. I’m a fan of all the flavors, but watermelon is probably my top choice.

Lunch

When it comes to work-from-home lunch, I’m a creature of habit. Some days I’ll eat leftovers from last night’s dinner, or I’ll throw together a salad with whatever veggies and proteins I have in the fridge. More often than not, I’ll make an open-faced sandwich/toast situation with an egg, avocado, and some fresh veggies. It’s a combination I never get tired of, and I always feel good at lunch when I consume a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Dinner

We try to eat dinner as a family several nights a week, which anyone with kids old enough to have after-school sports and activities knows: it can be a challenge. I get a lot of questions about how to feed different members of the family when you’ve got picky eaters (YEP), and often my approach focuses on making components of dinner that can be eaten in different ways or disassembled to suit different tastes.

Case-in-point: this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is one of my favorite weeknight meals for its ease and off-the-charts deliciousness. It’s easy for Henry to eat the salmon on its own with a side of rice and some cut-up cucumber spears. If someone in the family doesn’t like heat, just leave the glaze off one of the salmon fillets and season it simply with salt and pepper. Make it low-carb by swapping the rice for cauliflower rice. Let people add their own coconut crunch at the end to suit their liking. This one is infinitely customizable and also feels like a really nourishing end to the day that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Bedtime Snack

I try to avoid mindless snacking at bedtime, but I also cannot stand to go to bed hungry, so I just try to listen to my body and eat something if I feel like I need it. I always have a cup of tea (decaf chai or bedtime tea) with a little steamed pistachio milk or whole milk, which usually does the trick. If I need something more, I might have a handful of my coconut granola—or a scoop of ice cream, which is my absolute favorite thing in the world.

Goodnight!

How We’re Transforming A 1950s Malibu Bungalow into an Energy-Efficient Home of the Future

Small changes, repeated over time, can make a big impact—and nowhere is this more true than in our homes. With our Malibu home, I’m turning to Schneider Electric to create a space that’s both energy-smart and environmentally sound. 

For the renovation of our 1950s Malibu bungalow, we saw an opportunity: to create the most energy-efficient space possible. Since we’re re-imagining this house almost from the ground up, I wanted to start right. Together with architect Douglas Burdge, and our team of builders, we’re incorporating Schneider Electric’s advanced smart energy infrastructure to create sustainable, reliable energy in the home. It’s a critical step that I think of as the most responsible way forward. Homes today are more than where we sleep, work, relax, work out, and entertain. It’s important that we have energy solutions to manage our energy smarter, all while making life easier.

Efficient Energy: Where It Begins 

I’ll admit—I’ve always wanted to be more energy-efficient but lacked the knowledge to make it happen. With Schneider Electric, I see our new energy system as both an education and an opportunity. 

It starts with the source: Schneider Electric is implementing its state-of-the-art energy system products, including the Wiser Energy monitor and the X Series connected devices. This will give us an efficient means of energy and ways to monitor our electricity use in real time. We’ll have the ability to see how much energy day-to-day things, such as using the dishwasher and leaving on the bathroom lights, actually take.

“Understanding where and when your home uses electricity is the first step to making smart decisions on how to reduce it,” says Schneider Electric’s senior marketing manager April Lisonbee, who is often surprised by the electricity consumed by “always-on” things in our homes, like a plugged-in printer. 

A Clear View—From Anywhere in the World

With our new Schneider Electric products, we’ll have all the home’s energy info at our fingertips. A remote monitoring and control system accessed via an app will allow us to see and monitor the energy being used in our beach home—no matter if I’m in Malibu, Austin, or another country.

If a light turns on unexpectedly, I’ll receive an alert so I can turn it off remotely. The same goes if someone leaves on the stove. And when a coastal California storm happens, I can easily access the SE Energy Center smart panel to kick in the backup solar battery to keep essential devices powered on. These features add up to smarter habits. Automation is way more than convenience—it enables you to make more environmentally conscious decisions because the technology does the heavy lifting.

Smarter Usage = Greater Benefits 

These days, implementing efficient electricity is not only smart, but it’s also requisite. Our homes account for 34 percent of all carbon emissions because of infrastructure and energy sources, points out Lisonbee. Traditionally, electricity comes from the utility and power grid, which is produced by burning fossil fuels. “If we can reduce electricity usage by being smarter and more efficient, we can reduce a lot of carbon emissions,” says Lisonbee, who has seen customers reduce their energy use by up to 40 percent with Schneider Electric’s Wiser Energy power monitor. 

This not only excites our family, but also puts my mind at ease. Practically, this will reduce our electricity usage and save money, but it will also play a role in our part to help lessen the impacts of climate change. Having this awareness will allow us to make decisions aligned with our values. 

Summer 2023’s Biggest Home Décor Trends Include Coastal Grandma and Fluted Everything

The word “trend” can have a bad connotation. Particularly in world of home design, where an aesthetic decision is something you (quite literally) have to live with. But when you’re able to work a trend into your own carefully-crafted personal style, you can keep a space feeling fresh without bending to the will of Big Pinterest. That’s why we turn to the experts for their takes on trends and how to incorporate them in an elevated way. Currently on the docket: the biggest summer decor trends of 2023.

For expert guidance on the current trends to take note of, we tapped Nancy Evars, Angela Hamwey, Erin Hiemstra, Kristin Marino, Tess Twiehaus, Katie Winnington, and Daniella Villamil for their honest insight into the looks they’ve been spotting all season.

Featured image of Brian and Jessie De Lowe’s home by Michelle Nash.

Image by Julie Pointer Adams

The Coastal Grandma Aesthetic

Building on the viral Coastal Grandma fashion trend, the cozy, eclectic look has extended to the design world.

“Taking a cue from a more traditional British décor, the hallmarks of granny design are things like lots of chintz prints, pattern on pattern, oversized florals, painted wood, and wallpaper everywhere,” shares designer Erin Hiemstra of Apartment 34. “Many designers, like Heidi Caillier, Rita Konig (of Domino fame), and Studio Ashby from the UK execute this look extremely well.”

Bring the Outdoors (Fabric) In

Designer Nancy Evars of Evars Collective has noticed more and more clients requesting fabrics traditionally used for outdoor furniture for indoor purposes.

“We’re seeing more indoor sofas, chairs, banquettes, and ottomans being upholstered in these durable textiles, as they hold up to kids, pets, and spills,” Evars notes. “ I also think it helps summer last a little longer by bringing that summer feel inside.”

But as Evars notes, these aren’t the stiff, rough textiles of the past. “Softer yarns and more vibrant colors make these translate so easily to both outdoor and indoor spaces,” she says. “CW Stockwell has new outdoor fabrics that have become the most requested textiles at Evars Collective showroom since launching in May.”

Image by Michelle Nash

Scallops and Squiggles

“You can literally apply these quirky patterns anywhere,” says Tess Twiehaus of Tess Interiors. “This summer, I’m seeing them everywhere. Fireplaces, cabinetry, furniture… if you can dream it, you can add a funky little wave to it.”

Curves Everywhere

It’s not just scallops and squiggles. “We’re seeing curves, arches, and cylindrical details on anything from furniture, accents to millwork,” shares designer Katie Winnington of C&E Furniture. “I love the way it can soften a space and the movement it brings to a room.”

Butler’s Pantries Are Back

“I’m loving the rise in butler’s pantries and/or a separate ‘prep’ kitchen,” says Kristin Marino of KozyKasa. “These areas work great for storing your larger and less-used kitchen appliances and also allow the space for a separate fridge for bulk items. I often see a second dishwasher as well.”

Image courtesy of Tess Interiors

Plaster and Faux Finishes

“Plaster and faux finishes are having a serious moment,” shares Winnington. “As someone who loves texture, this is one of my favorite trends.”

But there’s nothing homogeneous about the plaster of today, according to Twiehaus. “It’s one of those finishes that brings depth and texture without causing much of a distraction. I feel like we’re going to be seeing a lot more of it this summer, but not in your typical shades of ivory and greige,” the designer notes. “I think people are going to lean into the season as they’re designing and pull inspiration from their surroundings. We’ll be seeing lots of sunset hues and shades of blues.”

More Color

And speaking of greige, almost every designer we spoke to touched on how the current look is moving away from muted beiges and whites.

“Many clients are deterred from the light and bright interiors that once dominated the interior design world and are instead looking to add color and pattern to their homes,” explains Angela Hamwey of Mackenzie & Co. “While there’s not one specific color or pattern that we find clients are drawn to, we’re seeing them want to add contrast and interest through textiles or accessories, sometimes in an unusual or unexpected way. Colorful wooden beds or dining chairs seem to be making a comeback. In addition, we have been designing colored and patterned chair cushions for both dining chairs and accent chairs. We find this to be a fun way to add a bit of personality to the space without going overboard.”

Fluted Everything

“This new trend is everywhere, from walls to tile and furniture,” says Daniella Villamil of Daniella Villamil Interiors. “It’s a beautiful way of playing with organic shapes and textures and we welcome it!”

Image by Nikole Ramsay

Pink Cabinets (Or Any Color but White)

Villamil has also noticed a particular color taking over for bright white kitchen cabinets: pink.

But if any form of pink is a bit too Barbiecore for you, it seems that any color in the kitchen is currently on trend.

“We’re happy to see the all-white and grey kitchens make their way out,” adds Hamwey. “With more people in favor of color, stark white is rapidly declining in popularity in order to create visual interest in the home. In general, we’re hoping to see grey replaced with warm neutral colors that create more of an inviting atmosphere. Grey and white tend to feel sterile, especially if they’re overused.”

Image by Zachary Gray

One-of-a-Kind Design

Nostalgic design is having its moment. “We are finding that more often than not, our clients prefer [vintage accents] that can’t be found anywhere else,” explains Hamwey. “This includes everything from furnishings to art and accessories, but it also involves being re-inspired by past design trends and incorporating them in new fresh, sophisticated ways.”