From the shiny silvery furniture of the 1930s to a mainstay of midcentury modern style and a touchstone of the Y2K era, chrome is one of those enduring finishes that everyone can relate to in some way. Deeply embedded in the history of American furnishings, the love for chrome finishes has ebbed and flowed...
Nowadays, a lot of the decorating rules we grew up with have been tossed aside in favor of design freedom and the feeling that anything goes. When it comes to hanging lighting fixtures, however, some recommendations shouldn’t be ignored. Most homes built 30 or more years ago, especially in older cities and neighborhoods, have...
In this fast-paced time, when people are feeling more stressed and anxious than ever, it’s easy to see why a recent Design Trend research report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) found that homeowners want to transform their baths into an oasis-like retreat for both body and mind. Good bath lighting is...
If you’re thinking of expanding your kitchen, you’re not alone. According to the 2023 Design Trend research report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), many homeowners will expand their kitchen’s square footage this year, often by breaking through walls and taking over adjoining rooms. There is also a need for increased kitchen...
For centuries, sparkling crystal chandeliers have adorned the residences of the aristocracy and royalty. In that regard, not much has changed over hundreds of years, because crystal is still seen as a sign of opulence and wealth. What’s changed is the affordability and availability of more modern styles. While the classic look of ornate...
Unlike the larger and more open areas of the home, bathrooms are private and self-contained. For that reason, you have a lot of design latitude when it comes to renovating or redecorating the bath since it is not usually in view of the rest of the home. That means you can create an entirely...
Decorative details elevate an intricate design by adding a little extra zhuzh that nudges it into the luxury category. When added to a price-friendly style, decorative detailing makes it more visually interesting and serves as a differentiator from other basic looks in that budget band. What exactly are “details?” It’s the unexpected touches that...
There are several reasons why alabaster has become a popular trend in home décor: the organic nature of the stone, the uniqueness of each pattern, and the translucent quality that allows light to shine through. While not as expensive as marble, alabaster is a medium-hard natural material (calcite) that is durable, but “softer” and...
Allergies aside, who doesn’t experience a lift in their mood when they see flowers? Floral patterns have been popular since the 18th century, but they came to the forefront as a motif in home design during the Victorian era. Since then, they’ve evolved with the times, from dainty blooms on popular chintz patterns to...
Leather is a unique material from a fashion perspective because it has a certain versatility. It can have a rustic appearance and functionality, like in saddles, boots, and reins for cowboys, ranch hands, and equestrians. But, it can also have a beautiful and luxurious look in handbags, footwear, apparel, furniture and lighting! Leather becomes...