As someone who can turn choosing a single paint shade into an exceedingly long and needlessly obsessive ordeal, I'm continually impressed at how confidently interior designers execute color schemes. Given my tendency to overthink interior choices, I've largely stuck to a neutral backdrop at home; however, I often find myself drawn to richer and more cocooning bedroom color trends.

"Bedrooms are almost always intended to be restful spaces, but I think there has been a shift in what that means," Leo Wood of London-based Kinder Design tells me. "A pale wall used to be shorthand for calm, but I think more people are comfortable with the idea that deep, saturated, enveloping bedroom colors can be just as restorative, sometimes more so."

The team at interior studio Duet say bedrooms are always the spaces they design with the client's personality and brief at the forefront of their minds, and experimenting with color trends plays a huge part. "It is such a huge honor to be entrusted with creating a space that becomes someone's safest place to be, so we make comfort, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging our highest priorities," explains co-founder Shannon Shlom.

To this end, I went on the hunt to find the biggest and best bedroom color trends, and here are five that have seriously tempted me.

1. Pale Blue

Livingetc has already reported that mineral blue is the new neutral color trend replacing beige and gray walls, and the same can be said for bedrooms. A beautifully executed example of a cool-blue backdrop, this airy space pictured above is the work of Yond Interiors. The studio offset the icy undertones of this pale and soothing paint color with a palette of warm shades, namely mustard, iron red, and powdery pink.

"This is a guest room, so our main objective was to make it feel just as considered as the other areas of the home," explains Yond's Julia Miller, who advocates washing a room in one color for a more cocooning experience.

"We needed this space, which was part of a redesign of a Federalist home in Colorado, to be a little brighter, and so used the pale-blue wall color to liven up the room," she adds. This feels like an easy entry point.

2. Aubergine

A natural progression from the dark neutrals and earth tones that have been dominating interior palettes, aubergine is everywhere at the moment. If you're understandably reluctant to commit to painting your wall in this potentially polarizing shade, take a small-dose approach à la studio Duet.

Founders Shannon Shlom and Dominique Brammah paired a curvaceous deep-purple headboard with bed linen in brown and khaki to bring "depth, individuality and a sense of quiet confidence" to the space.

"The layering of color and texture creates warmth and visual interest, preventing the room from feeling flat, while still maintaining a peaceful, restorative atmosphere," says Shannon.

"We wanted the room to reflect both the softness and strength of our client's personality, with the richness and saturation of the colors preventing the scheme from feeling delicate or overly sweet," she adds. "All the tones are harmonious and warm, giving the space an inherent glow and adding personality and visual interest without overwhelming the senses."

3. Sienna and Burnt Ocher

Undeniably uplifting, ocher is a timeless choice for spaces of all eras and styles. When interior designer Andie Hamm was enlisted to reinvigorate the Brooklyn townhouse pictured above, she used the bold shade to accentuate the existing arched alcove. "Rather than downplay it, I leaned in and used the architecture as an opportunity to create a cozy, color-drenched sleeping nook," she explains.

She chose a deep, saturated ochre color, which was applied from floor to ceiling. "From there, the palette built out beautifully with a chocolate-brown mohair bedframe, vintage wooden pieces, linen and velvet textiles, and minimal but unique light fixtures. Each of these pieces contributes to a room that feels intentional, warm, and elevated," Andie adds.

Whether you call the color trend Tobacco, Sienna, or Ocher, it's hard to miss the character this rich hue brings to a bedroom. For the second space pictured above, Cetti Wearmouth of Tiano Studio chose the color for the bed linen and bedhead, letting them find their place without competing for attention. "The Sienna bedcover by Cultiver matches the room's presence, saturated in color and sitting in harmony with the space as a whole," she explains. "The result is a bedroom that feels both enveloping and alive."

4. Silvery Blues

Alongside a resurgence in cool-toned metals, we're seeing silvery blue shades creeping into bedroom color trends. This restful hue is a perfect match for this space, as proved by Kinder Design's compact Bankside apartment.

"This tiny apartment is located in the futuristic, Norman Foster-designed Neo Bankside building, so I took my lead from this context," says studio founder Leo Wood. "There's quite a lot of red and blue in the apartment, and I felt that this particular shade of blue would create a calm counterpoint."

Leo decided on Bauwerk's Forget Me Not limewash paint for the walls. "This adds an essential textural layer to soften the space," she explains. "We wanted to reduce the drama in the room, so we designed a custom velvet headboard that matched the walls, and dressed the bed in simple linen bedding with a custom cushion."

5. Muted Mushroom

There are few bedroom color trends more grounding than soft browns and earthy pinks, which can be used together to create an impactful palette that doesn't overwhelm.

Another guest bedroom by Yond Interiors, this layered space is a continuation of a cozy and textural scheme designed for a ski home in Sun Valley. The interior features wood-paneled walls that are complemented by an array of rich yet muted shades that artfully avoid feeling heavy.

"The spare room in our Sun Valley project needed to relate to the rest of the home, so a more muted palette with earth tones, botanical prints, and texture felt at home here," says Julia Miller.

When it comes to bedroom color trends, Leo says her clients are now more open to using deep colors, favoring immersive, color-drenched spaces. "I am absolutely convinced of the amazing power that color can have on how we feel in a space," she adds.

For more inspiring interior palette ideas, tour this 120-year-old Berlin villa, which is a masterclass in confident color application, and subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter to have inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

There is a reason why purple is having a moment, and it's one to consider when looking for color inspiration to reimagine your outdoor space. The huge range of shades on offer makes purple such a key component of the color palette that it begs to be included in any outdoor color-drenching design.

Purple adds a tantalising element to gardens, with its rich, dark, and dramatic notes. Ranging from pale lavender to darkest plum, purple feels effortlessly luxurious. Darker shades create an elegant atmosphere ideal for relaxing in the garden, while softer shades have a soothing feel that calms the mind. So it's not hard to see why it's become one of this year's biggest garden color trends.

"For color drenching outdoors, purple is a particularly effective choice because it brings a sense of richness and character while still feeling connected to nature," says Danielle Le Vaillant of Cox & Cox. "Planting can introduce the color throughout the garden; then, for a cohesive look, it can be carried across seating, accessories, and styling details to make the space feel intentionally designed."

Find out why some of our favorite landscape designers love purple so much and how they use it in the spaces they design — so that you can, too.

1. Try the Purple Color-Layering Technique for a 'Designed' Look

Purple planting has moved well beyond traditional lavender borders for a modern new take on the color. "Today's schemes are less about color alone and more about creating depth, mood, and movement," says garden designer Karen McClure. "The best-performing plants contribute more than just color."

In Karen's designs, purple favorites earn their place. Nepeta offers months of flowers and soft, aromatic foliage, while Allium 'Lavender Bubbles' (available from YouGarden on Amazon in a pack of three — we love its intense purple flowers) delivers midsummer impact, and Verbena bonariensis adds height and transparency, weaving effortlessly through neighboring plants. Ornamental grasses are equally important, introducing texture and movement amongst the purple planting, while also helping to soften planting combinations and connect different layers within a border.

"The key is to avoid single-register planting, one color, one texture, or one fleeting moment of interest," says Karen. "Instead, layer purple flowers with contrasting foliage, from the silver-gray leaves of Stachys byzantina to the acid-lime tones of Alchemilla mollis. Choose bronze fennel to add further texture and movement, extending the season and enriching the overall composition."

It's this thoughtful layering of color, form, and texture that elevates a naturalistic planting scheme from a simple color exercise to a planting design with lasting interest.

2. Use Texture and Tone for a Very Modern Take on Purple

“If there is one color poised to become the favorite in the garden equivalent of interior design's color drenching trend, then purple feels like the natural frontrunner," says Nick Woodhouse, creative director at Woodhouse & Law. "Rather than relying on a single shade, purple in the garden has the ability to immerse the eye in a spectrum of violet tones, from the soft haze of lavender and lilac to the richer blue-purple of irises and deeper plum accents. Using these garden color ideas creates an effect that is both calming and distinctly contemporary."

The key to making a purple scheme feel sophisticated rather than one-note is to layer texture and tone. "In many of our projects, airy purple lavender contrasts with the sculptural form of dark purple irises, while lush green foliage provides a vital balance that prevents the palette from becoming overwhelming."

Repeating the color beyond the planting, through cushions, throws, and decorative details, strengthens the immersive effect, much as an interior designer would carry a paint color across walls, woodwork, and furnishings. The result is not a garden filled with purple flowers, but a garden defined by a purple mood.

3. Mix Light and Dark Tones of Purple to Add Depth

"Calming purple has long been used as part of traditional English garden borders, but they are also well-suited to Mediterranean planting schemes, a style that is becoming increasingly popular as we experience hotter, drier summers," says landscape designer Rosie Wilkins.

There are a huge number of purple-flowering plants available that tap into current garden trends, with an option to suit almost every outdoor space from full sun to shade. Rosie explains why purple is so popular and how to include it in your planting scheme. "Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is probably one of the most well-used purple flowers, but other readily available options include iris, geranium, and verbena. Many of these plants, including lavender, have a timeless appeal that transcends other more fleeting trends that come and go."

Salvia Caradonna is available on Amazon and will bloom through till autumn.

Purple is also one of the most versatile garden color ideas that can be used alone or to complement and contrast with other shades. "For a calm but uplifting scheme, I like to pair deep purples with fresh whites and greens," says Rosie. "For more striking displays, try combining a range of light and dark purple tones with accents of red and peachy pinks. It doesn't have to be just about the flowers either, as incorporating plants with purple-bronze foliage can also add interest and depth to a scheme."

4. Celebrate the Unique Qualities of Purple

"In our view, there are lots of reasons to choose purple," says landscape designer Penelope Walker. "The darker tone is quite a unique one in the garden. The purple-maroon tones sit so well with softer dusky pinks and lavenders. The interest in these cool yet slightly feminine colors has been firm for a while, so it was probably a natural evolution that we’d progress into deeper variants. Plus, deep purple goes with so much."

The last decade or so has seen a strong focus on monochrome planting, with white gardens in particular being a feature, but the trend towards incorporating color specifically is definitely now in full swing, according to Penelope. "Introducing depth into a color scheme is a long-term staple choice."

She recommends some of her other favorite plants with an emphasis on the purple foliage these varieties offer. "For structure, try Pittosporum ’Tom Thumb’, which is a great alternative to box. Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ is good for a wetter spot in dappled shade. For height, try Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ and Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’, with its delicate heart-shaped leaves, is one of the best trees for small gardens."

Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ is available from Crocus and has dark red-purple oval leaves that turn scarlet in autumn.

5. Lean Into a Harmonious, Complementary Palette That Enhances the Purple

"In contemporary gardens, purple is the color that consistently does the heaviest lifting in my opinion," says landscape designer Mia Witham. "It's incredibly versatile depending on how you direct it. On the one hand, you can lean into a harmonious, complementary palette by pairing purples with silver, gray and soft pastels. On the other hand, you can look to the opposite side of the color wheel and strike a vivid contrast with hot reds, oranges, and yellows."

When you introduce those hotter colors, purple serves a brilliant purpose. It lends an immediate sophistication to the palette, acting as a visual ‘pause’ between the intense, vibrant plant masses.

"To avoid a garden feeling flat or one-tone, the secret is managing these transitions," says Mia. "Some of the top-performing purple plants that are widely available are Salvia nemorosa (like ‘Caradonna’), Nepeta, and classic lavender. By anchoring them with the frothy, lime green foliage of Alchemilla mollis, you create a dynamic, layered space that feels both energetic and grounded."

"An outdoor space can, of course, never be completely color drenched as the sky and surrounding landscape will always provide contrast," says Danielle Le Vaillant of Cox & Cox. "The key is to embrace purple as the dominant thread running through the design, while balancing it with natural materials such as wood, rattan, and stone. This combination adds warmth and texture, ensuring the overall effect feels immersive and sophisticated."

For more ideas for your outdoor space, our edit of the best color schemes for small outdoor spaces delves deeper into the hues designers use when decorating space-restricted outdoor areas.

And for more garden and home inspiration, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

From moody, deep tones to bright pops of color, there's plenty of room for experimentation when it comes to your kitchen tiling.

When so much of your kitchen design revolves around practicality and durability, your tiles feel like the one place you can really bring some personality into your space, not just through color, but through the texture and materiality, too. Even in the most simple, neutral kitchens, a colorful tile can provide all the depth and complexity your space needs, breathing life, movement, and visual intrigue. And as kitchen trends evolve, so too do the tile colors designers are choosing.

This year, the experts are favoring warm, gentle neutrals, with a heavy reliance on the colors you'd find out in nature. Gone are the days of a flat white finish or a cool gray subway tile; nowadays, we're seeking out texture and movement in tiles, with colors to match. These are the kitchen tile colors to keep an eye on.

1. Warm Browns

In a stark contrast to the bright white kitchens of the 2010s, over the past few years people have increasingly turned towards moodier, darker kitchen tile colors, and it's easy to see why. There's a quiet confidence in a dark kitchen; an understated elegance that feels cozy and inviting, especially when you opt for a deep, red-toned brown.

For many, burgundy has become the tile color of choice. "There is a richness to this deep, wine-toned hue that feels grown-up and warm without tipping into anything heavy or dated," notes Simon Mayhew, founder and interior designer at TXTURED. It signals a desire for more depth and character in our homes, says Simon, who adds, "After years of cool grays and safe off-whites, clients are craving rooms with real personality, and a saturated berry shade delivers that instantly."

Similarly, Grazzie Wilson, from Ca'Pietra, notes, "Brown is having a very good time in kitchens, and quite right too. After years of playing it safe with pale, polite tiles, people are remembering that caramel, coffee, and cocoa shades can do something rather clever: they make a kitchen feel instantly warmer, more lived-in, and far less showroom-like."

Though you could opt for a color-drenched effect, Simon prefers letting the tiles do the talking, keeping the rest of the room neutral. "The trick is teaming it with a warm neutral rather than letting it work alone," he says. "Pairing wine with a chalky shade like canvas, ideally in a chequerboard, gives the eye somewhere to rest and lets light bounce around the space, so the color reads as inviting rather than enclosing."

My favorite approach is to build a color story around the tiles, pairing them with other warm, textural finishes and materials, for a richer, more all-encompassing look. This can work particularly well in dark, wooden kitchens, where the two materials complement one another, enhancing the beauty of both.

2. Earthy Neutrals

If there's one kitchen tile color palette that has ruled them all for the past few years, it's an earthy color scheme. "One of the most popular tile colors at the moment is soft, tonal natural neutrals that add texture and depth to a kitchen, without overwhelming it," agrees Alex Main, director at Main.

Stone, clay, mushroom, and greige all offer a subtle warmth that feels more interesting than a flat white finish, while maintaining that light neutrality.

They're also super easy to design around, Simon adds. "Thanks to their versatility, this soft color palette creates a neutral backdrop, allowing other elements of the kitchen to take center stage," he shares. If you're planning a statement color for your kitchen cabinetry, this could make for a brilliant tile option.

3. Sky Blue

As much as I love a warm, earthy color palette, there's something about a fresh, sky blue shade that I also can't get enough of. Though you may assume it will be overly cool and uninviting, in reality it has the opposite effect, providing a refreshing, calming atmosphere, which is especially welcome in the kitchen.

It's a kitchen tile color trend Damla Turgut, founder and creative director of Otto Tiles & Design, has also noticed lately. "In the US in particular, everyone is loving light blue zellige right now," she shares. "It feels just so fresh and uplifting, but it’s not too vibrant."

When done well, a blue kitchen can feel like a complete breath of fresh air, invigorating yet comforting and far more intriguing than a classic white finish. And in a zellige finish in particular, this kitchen tile color trend can benefit from the way the uneven, glossy tiles catch the light, bringing even more life and movement to the shade.

4. Deep Greens

"One color we're seeing increasingly used in kitchens is deep green," notes Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House. In line with our desire for colors that refer back to nature, a deep, forest green feels more grown-up than the uber-popular sage green kitchen of the past, while still offering that pleasant, calming effect.

"It brings depth and character without feeling overly bold and works particularly well alongside natural materials," says Sophie. It's a surprisingly versatile shade, too, working well across various design styles and color palettes.

There's also a longevity to this color that makes it a particularly appealing choice for homeowners. "Green has a timeless quality that allows it to feel both contemporary and established, which is perhaps why it continues to resonate with homeowners looking for longevity rather than short-lived trends," Sophie adds.

5. Terracotta

Not a new kitchen tile color trend by any means, terracotta is a classic in Mediterranean design, but according to experts, the way we use this material is changing. "Terracotta is one of those tiles people think they already know. It has spent years being cast as the lovely rustic floor tile, usually somewhere warm, with a jug of olive oil nearby. But the really exciting thing now is seeing it climb the walls," explains Sophie.

Moving beyond its typical use, terracotta wall tiles are becoming a growing trend in warm, rustic kitchens, where the color provides a lovely base for the rest of the design to bounce off.

Despite the material's prominence in more traditional settings, when used as a wall tile, it can feel surprisingly fresh and modern. "You still get all the warmth, but because it is on the wall, it becomes part of the kitchen’s everyday backdrop rather than just something underfoot," adds Lesley Taylor, founder of Baked Tiles. "The color is a big part of that, of course; those baked clay tones sit somewhere between apricot, rust and paprika, which makes them brilliant at warming up timber, stone and metal finishes."

There's a natural effortlessness to a terracotta finish, full of imperfections and tonal differences; it signals a more laid-back, relaxed design approach and can help balance harsher, cooler finishes in your kitchen.

While keeping up with the latest kitchen tile color trends is helpful, ultimately, it's best to choose something you will still be happy with in several years to come; with that in mind, these are the three kitchen tile colors to avoid if you want your space to be timeless and stylish, according to experts.

And for more design ideas and advice, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

When your living room blueprint is limited, nothing should go to waste, including that often-overlooked gap behind the sofa. But transforming this awkward, hard-to-reach space into something practical and stylish isn't always straightforward. So, where should you begin?

The first thing to consider is whether your sofa is pushed right up against the wall. Of course, there's nothing inherently wrong with this placement, but most interior designers suggest pulling your furniture away from the wall by at least a few inches (yes, even in small living rooms where it seems counterintuitive). This simple shift can create the illusion of a bigger room while also unlocking valuable space for storage, display, or a clever design feature.

Of course, that isn't to say the spot behind your sofa is an easy one to work with. Finding a solution that's practical, accessible, and equally stylish is quite the challenge, but designers have a few tricks up their sleeves. Whether you have just a few inches of space behind your sofa or a fully exposed sofa back in an open concept room, here are six ideas that will make your small living room layout work extra hard.

1. A Narrow Console Table

Perhaps the most intuitive piece of furniture for positioning behind a living room sofa is a console table. Designed with the ideal height and proportions to complement the back of a sofa, it slots neatly behind a typical two-seater.

Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein says a console table is one of the most versatile solutions for the space behind a sofa. "It provides a convenient surface for lamps, books, decorative objects, or drinks while helping the furniture arrangement feel intentional," she says. "Choose a narrow profile or consider a custom-designed table that maximizes functionality while fitting the dimensions of the room perfectly."

Elana Mendelson, founder of Elana Designs, agrees, recommending a narrow option, specifically. "They're great for everyday drop-zone items without taking up much visual space," she says. Think everyday living room essentials like magazines, books, or the TV remote.

2. A Floor Lamp

Every living room needs a floor lamp and, besides being one of the best things to fill an awkward corner, the space behind your sofa often presents the perfect opportunity for a light source. Even if you only have a few inches, you can choose an option with a small base, but a large, curving arm that extends over your sofa.

Alternatively, the awkward nook behind a curved, asymmetrical sofa (like the one pictured above) is the ideal spot for a tall, straight design. "A tall floor lamp behind the sofa adds height, warmth, and layered lighting," notes Elana. "It's a great choice when there is no room for end tables or table lamps."

Nina adds that a well-placed floor lamp behind the sofa "adds both function and ambiance". "It provides task lighting for reading while helping create layers of light that make a small living room feel larger and more inviting," she says.

3. A Plant or Indoor Tree

If you don't have any greenery in your small living room yet, but you do have an awkward gap behind your sofa, it's more than likely you have space to squeeze in a plant pot or two (or three... or four...) If you have a curved or asymmetrical sofa, an indoor tree could even be your best bet, since it will help add balance to the room.

This might not be the most practical use of the space, but Nina says it's certainly an aesthetic one. "Introducing greenery behind the sofa softens furniture arrangements and adds life to the room," she explains. "A grouping of plants at varying heights can add natural beauty without taking up significant floor space."

4. Storage

The area behind your sofa presents a great storage idea for small living rooms. If your couch backs onto a wall, then a built-in unit is the best choice. If your seating floats in the middle of an open plan space, there's likely room for a cabinet or storage bench.

You don't need to overthink this piece of furniture too much, but you will need it to be accessible. A cabinet won't work if your sofa is against the wall, for example, but if the back of your sofa is exposed then choose a sleek storage solution. "A shallow cabinet or credenza can provide concealed storage for games, blankets, electronics, or everyday clutter," suggests Nina.

In a small living room, she recommends incorporating hidden storage wherever possible. "This helps maintain a clean and organized appearance," she says. "A storage bench also offers dual functionality, providing additional seating when needed while concealing blankets, pillows, or other household items. It is a practical solution for maximizing every square foot."

5. Ottomans, Footstools, or Pouffes

A footstool is always a good addition to a living room, but when your blueprint is small, they can be cumbersome if left in the middle of the floor. The next best-case scenario? Store them behind your sofa. "Tucking compact ottomans or poufs behind the sofa creates flexible seating that can be pulled into the conversation area when guests arrive," Nina says.

Elana suggests combining them with a console, so that your footstools fit neatly under a surface. This creates a layered, considered setup that makes use of every inch without making the room feel cluttered. And of course, the best footstools come with hidden storage for the blankets, throws, and pillows, while patterned ottomans add extra style to the space.

6. Mirrors

Every room deserves a mirror, but they're especially helpful at making a small room look bigger, and the space behind a sofa is often the perfect spot.

"A mirror behind the sofa can reflect light and visually expand the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious," says Nina. "This is especially effective in small living rooms that lack abundant natural light."

Whether you choose a freestanding option that extends from the floor to the ceiling, or you hang a pair on the wall above your couch, mirrors make your space feel more expansive while also making the most of every inch available.

When it comes to small living rooms, the space behind your sofa is more valuable than it first appears. Whether you use it for smart storage, a stylish display, extra seating, or a combination of all three, this often-forgotten spot can help your layout work harder without compromising on style.

The key? To choose solutions that suit your space, keeping things practical, easy to access, and visually balanced. And of course, you'll need to choose one of the best sofa ideas for small living rooms. With the right approach, even the smallest gap behind your sofa can become a functional feature.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Ornamental potted citrus trees bring an elegant touch to your outdoor space, with their glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant white blossom, and vibrant sun-warmed fruit. The combination of their slender branching habit and leafy canopy adds a shapely accent too. So it's no surprise designers are saying they're the ultimate status symbol if you're looking for ideas to enhance your garden.

There is something magical about growing your own lemons or oranges, especially if you're a small-space urban gardener, as they don't take up much room. Ideal for pots and planters, citrus trees thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot and do well in large planters on a small patio, terrace or balcony. They can easily be moved indoors during colder months, too. Compact and easy to care for, give them the right conditions, and they will thrive for years, taking center stage in any Mediterranean garden ideas you may have in mind.

Large terracotta planters and stone urns are the obvious choice to show off shapely citrus trees while continuing the Mediterranean theme, especially if placed by a trickling water feature to create a living centerpiece. Versatile citrus plants fit seamlessly into most modern garden themes, so we dug a little deeper into why designers are tipping them to be the next big thing.

Why Designers Choose Potted Citrus to Introduce a Mediterranean Aesthetic

For an instant design hit, try planting a citrus tree in a container, then stand back to admire how quickly it transforms the place.

"Introducing a member of the citrus family to the garden is a perfect way of bringing an instant Mediterranean feel to a space," says garden designer Nick Woodhouse. "The evergreen foliage, highly scented white blooms, and bright fruit bring back memories of family holidays in sunny places. The plants are, of course, more suited to the warmer temperatures of those very shores, so will need to be moved indoors over the winter months, perhaps into a glasshouse or conservatory."

Planting citrus fruit trees in containers not only adds height and interest to a space but also gives it some much-needed mobility and flexibility over the seasons. "Restricting their roots within a planter also prevents the plants from putting on excessive branch growth, putting their energy instead into the production of the prized fruit itself," says Nick.

Adding potted citrus introduces a sculptural element to your garden design too. "As a container gardener, there are few things I adore more than citrus trees placed by a pool or on a patio," says Juliet Howe, founder of Twigs Design. "The clean, modern shape and large, shiny leaves add an opulent, sculptural moment. A worthy addition in and of itself, but this is not the true reason for my passion, though. It’s the intoxicating scent that the citrus blossoms so generously share that has won my heart."

You might also be interested in finding out how to grow indoor fruit trees.

The Potted Citrus Tree Varieties the Experts Love

The most common potted citrus varieties found in garden centers are lemons, and they are also the ones most closely associated with the Mediterranean. Within the lemon family, there is a clear favorite, which makes your job of choosing much easier.

"Lemon trees are perhaps the more reliable and productive of the citrus in the UK, given our climate," says Nick. "Citrus x limon 'Meyer' is one of the more hardy hybrids on the market, with sweet, juicy fruits and a compact, shrubby habit that makes it perfect for growing in a pot."

'Meyer' is popular in the US too. "The 'Meyer' lemon is a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin orange," says Juliet. "It's a wonderful choice for growing citrus in a pot and one of the best for beginners. It flowers in spring, then multiple times in summer, so you can continue to enjoy the scent. The fruit is plentiful and delicious too."

A compact variety like 'Meyer', which makes it onto our own list of easy fruit trees to grow, will always have an advantage when it comes to thriving in a pot, as it tolerates the root restriction well.

Other Potted Citrus Varieties to Consider

"Bearss lime produces wonderful blossom and fruits reliably, while 'Key Lime' has a heavenly scent and blooms all summer," says Juliet, when asked to recommend other potted citrus ideas. "Kumquats stay small, have pretty flowers and small orange fruit that decorate the tree all summer."

Try calamondin with its glossy rich green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers. These mini oranges are hybrids between mandarins and kumquats. Alternatively mandarin trees are another great choice, as they are low-maintenance. A perfect dwarf variety of mandarin for a container is the Owari satsuma mandarin. The fruit is sweet, seedless, and easy-to-peel, and the tree reaches eight feet maximum.

For a more unusual choice look out for bergamot plants (Citrus x bergamia), grown principally for their perfume.

Choose patio citrus tree varieties if space is limited. These are compact, dwarf varieties specifically bred or grafted to thrive in containers on patios, balconies, or small terraces, and they're so small you can move them around easily.

How to Grow Citrus Fruit Trees in Pots Successfully

When growing potted citrus first choose the right spot for your fruit tree. Juliet's advice? "Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine! Citrus will thrive with eight hours or more of sun. It will live with six hours or more. My pro tip is placing the citrus tree on a wheeled plant caddy that will allow you to move it from one side of the patio to the other. This can be the difference between eight hours of sun or four hours."

Next, choose your pot. "Your citrus container must be large enough, ideally a few inches wider than the root ball of your plant," says Juliet. "Choose a pot that is breathable, such as terracotta, and has holes for drainage. A light-colored container is better as it will reflect light, keeping the root system cooler."

Aim for a well-drained, balanced soil mix: Two parts high-quality potting mix, one part pine bark fines, and one part perlite. Amend this with a slow-release citrus fertilizer and compost.

"Citrus thrives with a constant wet-dry cycle rather than a constantly moist one. This means watering your plant until the water reaches the bottom of the pot and you see it draining out. If the top inch of the container is dry, this means it's time to water."

To overwinter your citrus plant, find a sunny spot like a greenhouse or a wall of south-facing windows. A bright, enclosed, but unheated porch can also work well. The plants' need for water will slow down, but their need for light will not.

Planters to Match the Mediterranean Modern Aesthetic

Now find more inspiration with the best trees to grow in containers, as well as the best shrubs for containers, to bring your pot display up to speed.

And for more design ideas for your garden and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Brown has undoubtedly been one of the most loved colors to decorate with of late, and for good reason. The soft yet strong earthy tones of brown add depth and warmth to a space that shades on the cooler end of the spectrum simply can't replicate, and in a time where we are prioritizing calming, cocooning spaces that embrace us, it's hard to think of a better tone to use.

So when it comes to your living room sofa ideas, a brown couch is a great way to incorporate the hue as a focal point without committing to changing your whole wall color or flooring. The best sofas do a lot of the heavy lifting in a space, but it helps to know how to style them to reach their full potential.

The best way to do that? Call on the experts, of course. So, I pored through the glorious Livingetc archives to find the best interior designer-styled living rooms with brown sofas to inspire your space.

1. Embrace an Earthy Color Palette

In this London penthouse designed by award-winning Irish interior designer Róisín Lafferty, the modern living rooms leave a lasting impression. While instantly drawn to the sofa in this space, it doesn't dominate and works in perfect harmony with the earthy color palette, inspired by the city's ever-changing light. Róisín wanted the home to feel "inviting, rather than austere", and used "natural, tactile materials to introduce warmth and authenticity," she explains.

2. Contrast With Playful Patterns

Annie Downing, founder and principal designer of Annie Downing Interiors, designed this Houston home for an old friend, creating spaces that are both sophisticated and playful, as this inviting living room is. "I always think a space should have some whimsy — something that keeps it from taking itself too seriously," Annie explains. Playful patterns combine with modern silhouettes for a cohesive space that oozes personality.

3. Pair With Rich Wood

The brown leather B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini is a statement piece in this living room for sure, but it feels perfectly at home in this space — the rich wood of walnut and American oak that envelops the space ties in the brown tones of the sofa for a room that feels rich with depth and character. Designed for a client by interior designer and Flack Studio founder David Flack, this room is a masterclass in building a dynamic space that allows each piece to sing.

4. Forge a Link Through Art

This Barbican apartment, designed by Olga Alexeeva, creative director of interior design studio Black & Milk, taps into the distinctly Brutalist style with added warmth and personality. "The earthy, tonal color scheme creates a warm, soothing atmosphere," says Olga. And the custom-made bronze artwork creates a tonal link to the ever-so-subtly striped sofa, further defined by the wood wall paneling behind it.

5. Lean Into Curves

"The Togo sofa has even been repurposed as a changing table for the younger child," says designer Filippo Calvagno, owner of Studio Calvagno, who designed this space for a family with two young children. The living room and adjoining snug can work as one open area when hosting a larger gathering, with an effortless flow between the zones, and the curves of the sofa and coffee table add softness to the angles of the room for a calming, contemporary space that prioritizes comfort.

6. Layer in a 70s Color Palette

This cocooning apartment in Kazakhstan has a "bold, colorful interior full of character," says designer Diana Mussakulova, who designed the space together with Elina Mussakulov, the founders of sdelaemremont. "These bold colors also perfectly align with our clients' personalities." The custom-made retro brown sectional sofa is the centerpiece of the space, and the 70s color palette brings it all together, layered with the rug, cushions, art, and cabinetry that add texture, too.

7. Pair With Vintage Pieces

Designed by Corinne Mathern of Corinne Mathern Interiors, this home comprises 90 percent vintage and custom pieces. "The original owners had embedded vintage European architectural elements into the property when it was first built," says Corinne. "Our clients wanted us to expand on that by selecting vintage furniture with a story and to create custom pieces that could speak to the solidity of the property and its history." It adds depth and storied charm to the space that uses an off-white paint across the walls as a base.

8. Build It In

A built-in sofa takes rooms to the next level, adding a sculptural quality that is specifically designed around the architecture of the space, and this living space, designed by the acclaimed interior design and architecture studio YSG, is no exception. "Anchoring the sunken lounge, we coated our spacious molded L-shaped lounge with a pale sandstone-shaded micro-cement render that flows down to cover the room’s floor," explains Yasmine Ghoneim, director of YSG Studio. "Unifying the home, this gently glistening render features on the kitchen walls and ceiling, in the primary suite (via the bedhead), plus the guest bathroom."

9. Add Unexpected Cushions

"Part of the client's brief to us was she wanted to incorporate furniture with organic shapes in an unexpected layout," says Whitney Romanoff, principal designer at Meet West Studio of this space in the Arkansas home she designed for her clients. "We wanted this space to have a boutique hotel lobby vibe that would draw people in — a spot that could be comfortable for both cozy lounging near the fire and a post-dinner drink with a good record on." And the chocolate velvet Kagan-style sofa is the perfect piece. The cushions are an unexpected addition, and they work so well.

10. Make It the Centerpiece

If you're looking for a powerful leather sofa living room idea, this is it. "As we were designing the house we tried to blur the lines between the traditional and the modern interior design, mixing new and vintage, playing with texture and finishes that feel appropriate and connected to Montauk," explains designer Robert McKinley, of Studio Robert McKinley of this space and the bungalow in general. "It is always important to make sure we are inspired by the colors, materials, and vibe of the place and its spirit." The brown sofa, while bold, perfectly blends into its surroundings and forms a relationship with the waves outside.

Whether you choose to blend or contrast your brown sofa into your living room, there are so many ways to make this functional piece a real design moment — it comes down to what you like and what works best for your space. If you're intentional with layering in interior design, with color, texture, and materials, the space will truly sing.

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If there's one material that has prevailed in the world of luxury kitchen design, it's marble. Perennially stylish, this natural stone has a timeless charm that will never fall out of fashion and is as beautiful and lusted-after today as it was back in Ancient Greece.

But while the material itself is immune to the ever-changing trend cycle, the ways in which we use it in our homes are less persistent. When you hear 'marble kitchen', it's easy to simplify it to a slab countertop and maybe a matching backsplash, but this is just the beginning; designers are constantly finding new ways to use the ancient material in their designs. Plus, with such a vast array of different varieties becoming increasingly accessible, you can find finishes far beyond the classic white slabs you know so well.

Whether you want a full marble-drenched look or to use it as a subtle accent, marble will never fail to take your kitchen to the next level, elevating your design to more luxurious heights. And according to design experts, these are the biggest marble trends defining luxury kitchens this year.

1. Richly Veined Slabs

By far the most frequently mentioned kitchen trend amongst designers, 2026 will be the year of bold, dramatic marble finishes. We're leaving subtlety behind and instead opting for statement-making slabs — think rich veining and bold, contrasting colors.

"We’re seeing a growing appreciation for marbles that feel a little less expected," says April Graves, from Aria Stone Gallery. "Rather than looking for perfection or uniformity, designers are embracing stones with movement, depth, and a stronger sense of identity."

Having supplied the marble for several luxurious kitchen projects, April has plenty of authority to report on the defining marble trends of the moment, and according to her, "Dynamic white marbles with colorful veining have been getting a lot of attention lately over more traditional white selections such as Calacatta or Calacatta Borghini."

Why? "Materials like Calacatta Rosato and Calacatta Monet Vintage offer layered, colorful veining and subtle shifts in tone that bring warmth, depth, and character to a space while still feeling timeless," she says.

Greg Walton, co-founder and director of Studio McW, agrees. "We're seeing an increase in the use of bold marbles with dramatic, colourful veining, rich purples, deep greens, burgundy tones, paired with natural solid and veneer timbers," he says. "Homeowners are increasingly drawn to characterful varieties like Violetta, or Calacatta Viola, which reads as expressive and individual, challenging the safer, muted white and grey tonal options."

These vibrant stones bring color, life, and movement, providing far more personality and excitement than any subdued, neutral stone ever could. Plus, because they make such an impact, the rest of the design can take a bit of a backseat.

As Lewis Buckley, designer at Harvey Jones, explains, "The beauty of statement marble lies in allowing the material to become a focal point. We recommend pairing heavily veined marble with beautifully crafted cabinetry in muted, timeless shades rather than competing with bold colors or excessive detailing."

2. Marble-Drenching

First came color-drenching, shortly followed by tile-drenching, then wood-drenching, and now, the natural next step, and by far the most luxurious: it's time to embrace marble-drenching.

Typically reserved solely for a single feature, such as a kitchen worktop, design experts expect to see a more liberal use of the material in this year's kitchen, for a bolder, statement-making effect.

"I think we'll see en masse marble, where it's the encompassing material of the space, and not just the benchtop," predicts interior designer Shona McElroy, of Smac Studio.

A symptom of a growing appetite for experimentation, this look pushes the boundaries of what we expect kitchens to look like. Explaining this shift, Shona says, "I think with more and more images coming at us on a daily basis, clients are more open to new and exciting things they haven't seen before."

3. Tones of Purple

While designers note that colorful veining will be particularly popular this year, more specifically, they're expecting a rise in purple-toned marbles in modern kitchen design.

Decorating with purple in deeper, darker hues has become much more popular, and in its natural form, it can bring a dramatic sense of depth and warmth to a kitchen. Thankfully, several types of marble offer this effect.

"Calacatta Viola is becoming increasingly popular in designs, with a nice variation being Calacatta Viola Monet for a softer look," says Isabella Pacelli from Roundhouse. "A great way of styling this stone is with rich dark colored cabinetry and dark timbers — especially walnut. It feels very luxurious and also quite timeless."

4. Stacked Edges

When it comes to kitchen finishing touches, it is often the tiniest details that can make the biggest difference, and no trend is more testament to that than uniquely decorative countertop edges.

While there are several finishes to choose from, Annie Burrows from Blakes London says a stacked edge will be the standout choice this year. "Stacked marble worktops are an increasingly popular marble design detail," she argues. A lot of that has to do with the specific requirements needed to bring it to life. "Only possible with natural stones, this subtle detail adds layers and dimensions to a design as well as a subtle nod to the sophistication of the materials used," she explains.

"Squared-off stacked edges are best with subtle offsets to veining," she adds. "This highlights the layering of the marble, creating a bold, sculptural detail that highlights the beauty of the stone itself."

5. Pairing Marble With Timber Joinery

Interior design trends today are all about playing on the warmth and movement of the natural world, and nothing delivers that more than marble and wood side-by-side.

Both already rich in natural movement and texture, when combined, the surfaces help balance one another out. Studio McW's Greg Walton explains that, "The timber acts as an emollient, softening what might otherwise feel ostentatious and brings an honest, tactile quality that grounds the composition."

The cold, hard nature of marble can oftentimes impact the overall feeling of your kitchen, making it less inviting. But when paired with a warm, textured wooden finish, this coldness is counteracted, leaving you with a more welcoming look.

6. Warm-Toned Stones

"The marble trend I think we will see coming through most strongly in kitchens this year is a move towards warmer, more expressive stones," shares Grazzie Wilson from Ca' Pietra.

As we move away from the cool grays that once dominated our kitchens, designers are noticing an increased interest in stones with warmer hues, with Grazzie highlighting the popularity of "marbles with creamy bases, honeyed undertones," specifically.

It's a marble trend Smac Studio's Shona McElroy has noticed too; "I'm also seeing a lot of bolder yellows and golds coming through as well in stones," she adds.

These golden tones bring an instant warmth to your kitchen that can be hard to get with other marble varieties and look even more beautiful when paired with other warm finishes like brass hardware and antiqued metallics.

Shop Marble Kitchen Trends for 2026

Can't quite justify a statement marble trend in your kitchen for whatever reason? Don't stress — there are alternatives to marble that let you flex the same design muscle. "We're seeing the rise of translucent quartzites and onyxes," says designer Shona McElroy, of the natural stones that offer enchanting translucence that feels lighter and softer than a classic marble.

Plus, unlike marble, quartzites are known for their durability, making them a better choice for low-maintenance kitchen worktops, too.

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The sun gently warming your skin, salty waves kissing the shore, and an icy cold Aperol spritz in hand — it's these blissful scenes from the Italian coastline that keep us dreaming of the Mediterranean long after the holiday is over. But even more memorable are the colors synonymous with these scenes. Orange rays across sun-bleached pink buildings, bright blue water, and the fizzling red of a spritz on yellow-striped beach towels. It's an array of colors that instantly boost serotonin, so why not bring these Italian color palettes into our homes?

Whether or not you've recently booked a flight to Sicily, Amalfi, or Cinque Terre, you can probably imagine life bursting with those zesty, familiarly faded colors; the pale oranges and bright blues that feel comforting and nostalgic as well as invigorating. "The northern Italian region of Liguria, between France and Tuscany, is particularly famous for clusters of trompe l'œil buildings that create a colorful amphitheatre across the coastline," explains interior color expert Fiona de Lys.

"Here, towns come alive with pigmented facades that sing all year round in varying hues of pinks, oranges, yellows, and blues," she adds. These color trends feel timeless yet perfect for the summer season. It's not every day you can book a holiday to Italy, but styling your home in an Italian color palette means, in a way, you can enjoy the feeling all day, every day. To do it, below are three Italian color palettes to bring into your home.

1. Soft Peachy Orange With Warm Yellow

The most obvious displays of color along the Italian coast come from the architecture nestled in the green hills and dry vegetation. Those peachy-orange and soft yellow faded buildings that make you want to snap a million photographs.

"The historical use of color for the rendering of architecture dates back as early as the 16th century, when fisherman lime-washed their houses to help identify their homes from the sea to navigate back," explains Fiona de Lys.

Originally, this could only be achieved by using slaked lime, with pigments from an earth-clay available in the local geology. And for much of the Italian coastline, "the buildings would have been soft pastels and beiges of varying warmth depending on the amount of mineral used from pigments such as Ochres, Siennas and Umbers," she adds. Today, getting the same Italian color palette is a little easier.

Hence, the most identifiable Italian color palette would be a peachy orange and sunshine yellow mix. "I absolutely love this concept of using color for identity," says Fiona. And this is an easy concept to translate to our homes.

You can try these shades together for a colorful, but natural exterior paint color combination, brightening your outdoor space while keeping it as serene as your favorite seaside village. Or Fiona notes that this palette is particularly welcome in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

A peachy terracotta fabric or wall color would bring delicious depth to a space, while butter yellows and soft ochres make a surprisingly elevated pop of joy.

2. Dusty Pink and Soft Red-Brown

"Around the 18th century, the introduction of red and green pigments from further inland brought new and bolder colors for buildings," says Fiona. And so, while soft pastels might be the most popular Italian color palette, there is plenty of room to lean into deeper, moodier shades, too — so long as they embrace that natural aesthetic.

Decorating with pink is making a fashionable return this year. From dusty, pale pinks to peachy corals, pink provides that balance of sweetness and light against a darker room and keeps things slightly playful. A pale pink and red-brown palette mimics that contrast of sun-drenched facades and rocky coastlines across Italy.

"It is perhaps the way these pigments naturally age in the sunlight that allows so many colors to work beautifully together, and tells a story of a sun-kissed passage of time," adds Fiona.

To elevate this palette even more, try incorporating a few elegant Italian design trends. Sculptural art, intricate crown molding, modernist furniture next to antique pieces — these design choices will elevate your Italian color palette even further.

3. Yellow and White With a Pop

Perhaps the most outwardly 'on-the-nose' Italian color palette is one that Fiona describes as a yellow-and-white striped moment, and bonus points for adding a pop of blue or red.

"Nestled within the bays are private beaches that parade parasols during the summer months; the most popular being large stripes," says Fiona. She explains that the most common pairings you will typically see along the Italian coast are the 'Parma' yellow and white — the distinctive yellow seen on the branding of Aqua di Parma. Or white and 'Azure' blue — meaning 'color of a cloudless sky. Lick's Blue 19 paint is a fabulous choice to capture that blue pop.

And it may seem slightly kitschy to bring this combination into your space, but when done well, decorating with yellow and white can be a very stylish and elevated color palette.

For instance, you don't have to slap yellow and white stripes around your house for it to evoke the essence of your favorite holiday (although a nice pattern sprinkling technique could make this work really well). Instead, try layering white and yellow in a way that subtly hints at the personality of those iconic striped parasols.

A dramatic drapery curtain trend in a soft or sunshine yellow against an off-white room would have a similar effect. Or perhaps even painting your trim or kitchen cabinetry yellow could provide that sense of color blocking that brings this palette to life. There are lots of ways to creatively elevate the look of summertime stripes in a space.

The joy of bringing Italian color palettes into your home comes from celebrating the identity, personality, and history of a region while also curating a space that feels as lively and playful as it does timeless.

You want to capture the relaxed aesthetic of Mediterranean-style interior design in a way that still feels your own. Mindfully using color makes an interior that much more fun to live in!

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Once treated as a purely functional feature, the kitchen island has evolved into one of the most expressive elements in the room.

As we've seen in the latest kitchen island design trends, increasingly, designers are treating islands less like an extension of the cabinetry and more like a freestanding piece of furniture; a focal point that can introduce kitchen color trends, character, and a sense of individuality into a scheme.

Whether it's a rich teal, an earthy brown, or a sophisticated burgundy, the right shade can help anchor a kitchen while reflecting the mood you want to create. These are the kitchen island color trends designers are embracing right now — hues that feel fresh and current, but with the timeless appeal needed for a space you'll love for years to come.

1. Take it up a Notch with Teal

If navy has long been the safe choice for adding color to a kitchen, teal feels like its more expressive successor.

Sitting somewhere between blue and green, it brings depth and richness while feeling softer and more organic than traditional navy.

On a kitchen island, teal creates a striking focal point that still behaves almost like a neutral, pairing effortlessly with everything from warm oak and walnut to brass, marble, and natural stone.

It also taps into the growing appetite for nature-inspired shades, offering a fresh, contemporary alternative to darker blues without sacrificing their timeless appeal.

In spaces flooded with natural light, teal can feel vibrant and uplifting, while in moodier schemes it takes on a sophisticated, jewel-like quality that instantly elevates the room.

Try leaning into peacock or petrol-toned teals that feel moodier yet warming, as seen in the beautiful kitchen by Prospect Refuge Studio above.

2. Bet on Burgundy for a Rich, Warm Focal Point

There's been a wider move towards richer reds, wine tones and aubergines in interior design — and the kitchen island is definitely a great place to add the hue.

The shade feels directional yet inviting, and looks especially good paired with brushed steel, chrome, or dramatic marble.

Burgundy introduces warmth but can also create a luxurious “cocktail bar” mood and works surprisingly well as an island because the central placement stops it from feeling too oppressive.

"The kitchen island is the ideal opportunity to get creative with color," comments Al Bruce of Olive & Barr. "Consider contrasting colors. Why not opt for an island in a bold, nature-inspired shade and choose softer tones for the rest of your kitchen cabinets?

"Deep reds such as wine and oxblood are making a bold return, especially on statement islands."

They look great paired with butter yellows, as seen above, or dusky pink. Play with texture too, by adding wooden shelving in dark oak or walnut and a contrasting work surface.

3. Bring a Joyful Feel With Creamy Butter Yellow

"The island is the heart of the kitchen, and using a soft, buttery yellow turns it into a welcoming focal point," says Aga Węgrzyn of FRØPT.

"It adds character and a "pop" of personality without overwhelming the entire room, making it the perfect piece to experiment with color."

Butter yellow has quietly become a go-to hue for many designers, thanks to its subtly optimistic ambiance. It's also surprisingly timeless when muted and earthy, ideal for making an island feel like a true centerpiece.

Aga adds: "It pairs beautifully with natural oak or walnut wood tones, which ground the lightness of the color with warmth. If you prefer a cooler look, white or cream marble countertops (with subtle gray or gold veining) provide an elegant, high-end finish."

4. Try a Shot of Espresso Brown

Brown is definitely having a resurgence, but the key to nailing it this time around is richness and warmth rather than flat chocolate tones.

A deep, charcoal brown adds drama more softly than black and feels enveloping and architectural at the same time.

It works beautifully with brushed nickel, aged brass, walnut tones, and travertine, and gives large islands more presence and weight.

"Dark browns and butter yellow make for a very traditional look or pair with a soft pale blush for a very feminine and gentle look," says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL.

5. Choose Chalky Powder Blue for a Bright, Light Vibe

A softer, slightly nostalgic counterpoint to all the earthy tones currently favored, a chalky powder blue brings lightness without defaulting to white.

It works particularly well in kitchens with natural oak, European-inspired kitchens, or spaces with lots of natural light.

"We used a cheery blue on the kitchen and kitchen island in this London project," says Beth Dadswell, of Imperfect Interiors. "The house was gloomy when the owners bought it, and it already had the dark gray floor tiles.

"As we weren’t replacing the kitchen, we had to find a color that would work with the existing materials and blue range cooker, and Farrow & Ball Selvedge gave it the feeling of being on holiday."

When it came to the hardware and other materials? "We added brass handles, a warm white worktop and a Moroccan Zellige tiled splashback to add some contrast and texture to the dark floor and the floaty sheer curtains, which also added to the bright and breezy feeling of summer."

While kitchen trends may come and go, the most successful island colors strike a balance between personality and longevity.

Whether you're drawn to earthy greens, rich teals, or warm, grounding neutrals, choosing a contrasting shade for your island is a simple way to add character without committing to an entire room of color.

As the heart of the kitchen continues to evolve into a space for gathering, entertaining, and everyday living, a thoughtfully chosen island hue can help ensure it feels every bit as beautiful as it is functional.

And for more design ideas for your kitchen and beyond, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Bedroom curtain trends have traditionally satisfied two main requirements: block light and provide privacy. But beyond those chief concerns, interior designers have lately asked more of them — the most exciting bedroom curtain trends, in fact, have little to do with windows at all.

“I think we're increasingly treating drapery as soft architecture rather than simply window dressings,” agrees interior designer Alyssa Owens. “It can disguise awkward conditions, create focal points, introduce color and texture, and transform a room — in a bedroom, where atmosphere is everything, that influence is hard to overstate.”

Increasingly, curtain trends are migrating from windows and stretching across entire walls or surrounding beds; they are acting as decorative devices that frame artwork or even replace wallpaper. Function hasn’t been abandoned (blackout curtains are still essential in an era of ‘sleep-maxxing’), but designers are expanding the category entirely, turning the usually straightforward curtain into a standout design moment.

"As bedrooms have become more of a retreat from increasingly busy lives, every layer matters," says interior designer David Ries. "Curtains can be both practical and deeply expressive, so I think people are paying much closer attention to them than they did even a decade ago." Below, designers highlight the bedroom curtain trends they’re most excited about this year.

1. Wall-to-Wall Pleats

We tend to think of curtains for windows. But you might consider them for your walls instead: designers increasingly bypass the panes entirely for wall-to-wall drapes that bring a ‘cocooning effect’ to the bedroom.

For Jessica Davis, principal and creative director of Nest Studio, this approach creates a seamless visual effect. “They soften a space and add a uniformity that traditional drapes don't have,” she says. “If you have a bunch of windows and each one has a separate treatment, it can look choppy and busy.”

In a recent project, Jessica leaned into the sumptuous effect with a gauzy curtain fabric that’s atmospheric, running the drape behind the headboard, enveloping the bedroom. By installing the track as close to the bedroom ceiling as possible, it becomes less decorative and more architectural. “You want the track to be unobtrusive and blend with the wall or ceiling color versus standing out, which is often the case with traditional window treatments,” she explains.

The pleat itself matters, too. “You should also use a ripple-fold type of pleat instead of a traditional pinch pleat — it looks much cleaner and works better with this type of application,” Jessica adds.

2. Artistic Backdrops

You can think of drapery as a way to block light, but designers are using curtains more like a backdrop, too. Branching off the trend for wall-to-wall curtains, some are now suspending framed artworks against drapery to create a striking and ‘floating’ focal point above the bed.

“Using drapery as a backdrop creates opportunities for art where there might otherwise be none,” says Alyssa Owens, who recently hung a Mary Ball painting against sheer chiffon curtains. “In this project, it helped us solve several problems at once: disguising asymmetrical windows, creating a focal point above the bed, and making the room feel more atmospheric and restful without any permanent alterations.”

Achieving the seamless look requires some technical prowess. In Alyssa’s case, her team mounted a timber block to the wall just behind the drapery so the artwork would hang flush with the fabric. “Curtain fullness, track location, artwork size, and projection all need to be considered together,” she says. “I've also seen beautiful examples using wires or ceiling-mounted systems.”

The choice of fabric is equally important. Structured drapery with generous folds, she says, can lend a more formal, gallery-like quality, while lighter textiles do the opposite. “The goal was softness and immersion, so we intentionally selected a lightweight chiffon sheer,” she says. “The sheer curtains diffuse light, soften the edges of the room, and allow the artwork to sit within a cloud of color.”

The result can transform not only the room, but the artwork itself. “When an artwork sits among folds of fabric rather than against a hard surface, the whole arrangement is softer and more enveloping,” she adds.

3. Cocooning Canopies

Who says bedroom curtains are just for windows? Reimagining a centuries-old decorating device, designers are once again embracing curtains around canopy beds, often coordinating them with window treatments to create a fabric-drenched effect.

For interior designer Christopher Alexander, the appeal is about more than aesthetics. “Bed hangings are an effective way to temper the scale of a room,” he says. “As bedrooms have grown increasingly large, they can often feel expansive and impersonal.”

In a recent project, Christopher chose a sheer Zak + Fox fabric for both the bed hangings and window treatments within an oversized primary suite. “The addition of bed hangings helps visually reduce that volume, creating a greater sense of intimacy and comfort,” he explains. “Beyond their decorative appeal, fabric introduces softness, texture, and a subtle architectural division within the space, making the room feel more layered and inviting.”

To give the scheme a contemporary edge, Christopher opted for a double-sided treatment with a jolt of color: he paired the neutral sheer with an eye-catching magenta Donghia fabric on the interior-facing panels. “The central color block on the interior panels draws you in and provides a point of interest, yet it never disrupts the serenity of the space,” he says. “Instead, it adds depth, focus, and a subtle layer of visual engagement.”

4. Retro Shorties

We’ve seen plenty of interiors with drapes that reach all the way to the floor — and even drapes that puddle dramatically — but interior designer Heather Peterson is making the case for hiking up the hem, particularly in more relaxed bedrooms.

“In casual settings, we're digging the return of shorty curtains,” she says. “After years of debate over hems pooling or just ‘kissing’ the floor, there's something refreshingly retro about a short hem.”

In this lakehouse bedroom, Heather paired rough-sawn board-and-batten walls with curtains in Amy Karyn’s vintage-inspired ‘Camille’ fabric, cut to land just below the window trim. “The odd length keeps the curtains from getting too sweet,” she explains. “The trick is to use a crisp construction to make sure retro does not tip into just plain old.”

The margins are rather fine, which means getting the proportions right is essential. “I would think about the space between the bottom of the window and the floor in thirds, and keep the hem in the top third,” she says. “In this bedroom, we have nearly equal spacing above and below the window, which also feels practiced and intentional.” As a rule of thumb, she approaches short curtains much as she would a Roman shade, allowing them to just cover the bottom of the trim.

As for fabrics, Heather recommends sticking to natural and easy textiles like cotton, linen, and chintz, provided they have enough body to their shape. “Something too soft or sheer is going to feel saggy, and suddenly the treatment is like something out of a dated motel,” she warns.

5. Maximal Meets Minimal

Clients aren't always brave when it comes to their bedroom design. Many seek out calming, neutral bedroom schemes even if the rest of the house has a bit more energy. But New York’s Ries Hayes studio thinks there's another way to find balance: maximalist curtains.

“Statement curtains allow you to introduce visual interest at the perimeter of the room while keeping the primary experience — your bed, bedding, lighting, and circulation — serene and uncluttered,” says the studio's co-founder, David Ries. He put this into action with black-and-ivory botanical drapery in an otherwise disciplined bedroom scheme, offering lively contrast with clean-lined furnishings and a restrained palette of warm walnut tones.

“The drapes frame the expansive view while adding movement and a sense of personality, but the neutral palette keeps the look sophisticated,” he adds.

To keep patterned curtains from feeling too dominant, David recommends restraint and proportion. “Often that means limiting the palette, even if the pattern itself is bold,” he says. “In bedrooms especially, I gravitate toward motifs inspired by nature — botanicals, abstract organic forms, or geometric patterns with some softness to them.”

And even busy patterns can be quelled with the right fabric choice. “Linen blends, cottons, and textured weaves diffuse light beautifully and introduce softness, whereas overly shiny fabrics can sometimes feel too formal or energetic for a space meant for rest,” he adds.

The good news is that drapes don't have to be expensive to look expensive; it's about knowing where to shop for curtains with a designer look and how to hang them in the most interesting ways — and now you do.

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Timeless kitchen colors are the ones that manage to feel both of-the-moment yet are immune to fleeting trends — hues that bring character, warmth, and sophistication today, while still feeling relevant years down the line.

Kitchen color trends come and go, but unlike a scatter cushion or a coat of paint in a guest bedroom, kitchen cabinetry is a far bigger commitment.

That's why the most enduring schemes tend to sit at the sweet spot between what's current and what's classic — shades that feel fresh enough to satisfy today's design sensibilities, yet grounded enough to look just as good a decade from now.

From nature-inspired greens to nuanced neutrals and richly pigmented darks, these are the kitchen colors designers return to time and again, proving that timeless doesn't always have to mean playing it safe.

1. Soft Putty Beige

Beige kitchens are undoubtedly back, but not the yellow-toned beige of the 1990s. Today's putty shades have grey, clay, and stone influences that feel sophisticated and architectural.

These colors work beautifully in kitchens because they provide warmth while allowing materials like timber, marble, and metal finishes to take center stage. They align with the growing desire for calm, understated spaces and create a backdrop that won't compete with changing décor.

Putty tones age well as they're rooted in natural materials and architectural finishes rather than fashion-led color movements.

"Soft, gentle beiges and creams pair with old wood and concrete for a future-proof, organic vibe that's easy to live in," says Helen Parker, Creative Director, deVOL. "Natural decorations such as dried foliage, raffia and vintage cane furniture create a look that is simple and uncluttered."

She adds: "Think light stone flooring or brick floors, handmade rugs, a color palette that sticks to natural tones, open shelves and beautifully crafted pottery and linens - a calming space that feels like a forever summer holiday."

Valspar's Warm Putty is the ideal hue to get the look.

2. Earthy Olive Green

Olive sits perfectly at the intersection of trend and longevity. Today's kitchens are moving away from cool greys and embracing nature-inspired palettes, and olive green kitchen cabinets deliver warmth without being overpowering.

Yet it also has remarkable staying power because it functions almost like a neutral - pairing effortlessly with wood, marble, brass, blackened steel, and even bolder accent colors. Unlike brighter greens that can feel tied to a particular era, olive has a grounded, heritage quality that feels as appropriate in a country kitchen as it does in a contemporary urban space.

"Green has become a bit of a modern kitchen classic, but the version that tends to last is the one with some softness to it," says Charlotte Butler, Kitchen Design Manager at BK Eleven.

"I would steer clients away from anything too bright or too jewel-like if they want a kitchen that still feels relevant in 10 years, and look instead at olive, sage-olive or a greyed green with an earthy undertone. Those shades have a natural relationship with the materials we often use in kitchens, from timber and stone to aged brass, so they do not feel like a decorative color choice that has been applied at the end.

“What makes soft olive so useful is that it can change character depending on what you put around it," explains Charlotte.

"With oak, limestone and handmade tiles it can feel relaxed and almost country house, while with a darker worktop and antique brass it becomes much sharper and more tailored. It is also a very forgiving color in UK light, because it brings warmth and depth without closing the room in. The more muted the green, the easier it is to live with, and that is usually where its longevity comes from."

The above kitchen by Imperfect Interiors is the perfect example, and is painted in Little Greene Olive Colour.

"Green is always a great color for a kitchen," says Beth Dadswell, Founder, Imperfect Interiors. "Choose an earthy deep olive green for the cabinets, antique brass handles and dramatic marble worktops if you want to add some subtle glamour that won't date."

3. Muted Terracotta

It might be the boldest hue on the list, but muted terracotta and earthy oxide reds have true staying power — and have existed in interiors for centuries.

Terracotta kitchens are currently enjoying renewed popularity thanks to Mediterranean influences and a broader move towards warmer palettes, and, when used in a sophisticated, dusty form rather than a bright orange-red, these shades feel rich, inviting, and surprisingly enduring.

It's a color deeply connected to natural pigments, clay, and historic architecture, giving it a permanence other trend-led colors may lack.

Pair it with natural wood and materials like wicker, rattan, and Zellige tiles for an organic-luxe kitchen retreat.

4. Deep Inky Blue

Navy blue kitchens have been a staple for years, but today's more sophisticated version leans towards inky, almost-black blues.

These rich shades provide drama without the commitment of pure black cabinetry and have a timeless, tailored quality that recalls classic joinery and painted furniture.

The color feels particularly relevant right now as we seek cocooning, moodier interiors, yet it has already proven its longevity over decades.

One way to keep it looking fresh? Switch out and update your hardware and finishes over time.

"Opting to paint your kitchen cabinetry a deep blue is a traditional design choice," says Fred Horlock, Design Director at Neptune. "To maintain an updated feel in your kitchen, consider a bolder hardware choice like bronze or aged brass, or matt black bronze cabinet hardware."

5. Warm Mushroom Taupe

The rise of "new neutrals" has put mushroom, taupe, and greige firmly back on designers' mood boards.

These neutral kitchen colors offer more character than cream but feel softer and more welcoming than traditional gray. Their appeal lies in their subtle complexity - shifting throughout the day as light changes. They create a quiet luxury effect we're all seeking, but because they're fundamentally neutral, they're unlikely to look dated a decade from now.

"Earthy pastels create a welcoming feel, so expect hints of mushroom and soft pink on surrounding cabinetry, rather than greys and cool whites," says Al Bruce, Founder, Olive & Barr. "This trend is one that has durability as it bridges traditional and contemporary design, making it adaptable as trends evolve."

While trends will inevitably continue to shift, the kitchen colors with true staying power tend to share one thing in common: they feel rooted rather than reactive.

Inspired by nature, traditional craftsmanship, and timeless materials, these shades offer the perfect balance of personality and longevity. The result is a kitchen that feels current without chasing fashion — and one you'll still be happy to walk into long after the next wave of color trends has come and gone.

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While I consider myself a bit of a homebody, I am blessed to say I have done a fair amount of travelling in my 30-something years of life. From Balinese villas with private pools and historic Brooklyn brownstones to Parisian hideaways on cobblestone streets (my luggage survived, in case you were wondering), I'm lucky to have laid my head in some pretty incredible places.

Mattresses layered with cloud-like toppers, warm lighting dimmed to perfection, chic-as-anything furniture and just a little je ne sais quoi — no matter where in the world you are, the best hotel rooms are the ones that you look forward to retiring to after a day of exploring. However, while the inevitable truth of a holiday is that it must come to an end, the good news is this: you don’t have to leave it all behind. With the right blend of modern bedroom ideas and design tricks, you can recreate the specialness of a hotel room in your own bedroom at home.

The truth is, despite their different styles and miles-apart locations, the hotel rooms you leave wanting to rebook all follow a similar formula. I spoke to four interior designers, each responsible for some of the most incredible hotels around the world, for their insider tips. Here's what they said.

1. Create a Cocooning Feeling

I don’t know if it’s the block-out curtains or the excellent acoustics, but some of the most luxurious hotels I have stayed in have made me feel warm, cozy, and cocooned. Turns out — that’s by design.

“This sensation is always what I try to achieve when designing a hotel bedroom,” says Charlotte Wilson, Senior Associate at SJB. “I often talk about the importance of ‘The Snug’ room in any large house to provide the cave experience we all crave. It’s no different in the hotel room.”

To achieve it, Charlotte recommends considering scale and pulling the outside in. “I find earthy warm terracotta hues the best for this," she says. "Pairing deep warm tones with small doses of contrasting cool tones works wonders for balance, but getting the ratio right is important.”

For smaller bedrooms, Samuel Wright, founder of Maison 191, recommends replacing traditional bedside tables with a simple, fixed floating shelf. “It only needs to accommodate the essentials," he says. "A morning cup of tea, a favorite book, and perhaps a small decorative object.”

Although it may seem counterintuitive, Jay Grierson of Martin Hulbert Design says that opening the space can also create comfort. If you’re blessed with an ensuite — pay attention.

“One thing that we love doing is making the bathroom actually feel very much part of the bedroom," Jay explains. "What we tend to do, if we can, is create large openings into the bathroom. You might do that by using a set of double doors instead of a generic single, or even line up a view of the bath or vanity. It's a really luxurious thing, to be able to kind of flow through one room into the other.”

Breathe, a Melbourne-based architecture firm, did a similar thing in their project, Paramount House Hotel. "We pulled the basin out of the bathroom and into the bedroom zone, creating something closer to a dressing room than an ensuite."

If you have the space, Jay also recommends centering your bed in the room.

2. Make the Lighting Moody

I don’t think I have ever flicked on a cool-toned downlight, kicked back, and thought to myself: ‘Isn’t this relaxing?’ If you tend to agree, there’s a reason — the experts say lighting should be warm, moody, and layered to invite the feeling of lived-in luxury often found in hotel rooms.

No matter your current lighting plan, Charlotte Wilson of SJB recommends checking the color temperature. “I love an evening walk, and I often imagine the changes I could make if I knocked on some doors of the dwellings with bright white lighting and simply gave them a warm light bulb,” she says. “Keep all lighting on the warm side of the colour spectrum — think of the colors of dawn and dusk — which sits anywhere between 2000 to 2500 kelvins on the light chart.”

Once you’ve hit the right color, it’s about layers and keeping things low-level. Steer clear of spotlights (even if they are dimmable) or a single ceiling fixture, says Samuel Wright. “A carefully layered lighting scheme allows your bedroom to adapt effortlessly to different moods and moments throughout the day.

Consider pendant lights suspended above bedside tables to create a softer, more atmospheric glow. If rewiring isn't practical, there are many elegant plug-in wall lights that offer both flexibility and convenience."

The Breathe architecture team say it's as simple as removing a ceiling light from the equation, where possible. Xavier Donnelly of Ash Hotels agrees, and recommends using floor lamps, table lamps, and even picture lights to highlight specific areas — “like the bedside, over a reading chair, and to illuminate art in the room.”

3. Layer Window Treatments

In both a practical and aesthetic sense, layering window treatments is another relatively easy way to make your bedroom feel like it belongs in a five-star hotel.

Bringing softness, warmth, and sophistication, Xavier Donnelly recommends pairing a neutral-toned sheer with a heavier curtain. “The sheer provides the right amount of privacy during the day without blocking any light,” he says.

“Where possible, install two ceiling-mounted curtain tracks to create a luxurious, hotel-inspired finish," adds Samuel Wright. "This approach also provides an opportunity to introduce color, texture, or pattern as a design feature.”

And if you’re looking to eliminate even the peekaboo rays of light that escape around a curtain’s edge, Charlotte Wilson says the best approach is to recess your curtains. “To provide the full blackout — the blinds need to be recessed into a track within the window or wall and either surface-mounted, but preferably recessed for a sleek, minimal detail,” she says.

4. Add Softeness on Every Surface

An obvious inclusion, but it bears repeating. Hotel rooms are all about comfort, comfort, and more comfort — and the same principles can easily be applied in your bedroom. While an excellent mattress topper (like this one from DUSK) is an easy upgrade, creating warmth and ease can be done in less obvious ways.

“A detail I’ve always loved at hotels is the 'step-off mat,' which is essentially a low-pile bath mat placed at the bedside,” says Xavier Donnelly. “If you have hardwood floors in your bedroom, it's nice to have something soft underfoot to step onto when you get out of bed in the morning.”

If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel room where you could switch out the light from under the covers, you’ll know that comfort can also be found in clever and thoughtful design. “There are simple low-cost ways to have your lighting controlled by your phone these days — although I suggest moving away from screen technology in the bedroom and wiring the lighting to a tactile control by the bed. Even better, install a small warm adjustable reading light beside your bed to enable downtime with your favorite book,” adds Charlotte Wilson.

And, like the aforementioned mattress topper, although it can be tempting to take comfort in a literal sense, Jay Grierson warns that going too far can actually cancel out luxury — and practicality. “We tend to avoid putting cushions on beds," he says. "It’s the first thing I take off when I go into a hotel room. It just ends up on the floor, doesn't it?”

5. Customize Your Storage

Have you ever noticed that a hotel room is just impeccably…neat? Of course, it’s partly because it doesn’t have your spilling-over sock drawer ruining its visual appeal, but applying the way we inhabit a hotel room to our own bedrooms can help to create a feeling of retreat.

“We use our bedrooms daily and they become the cornerstone of our daily rituals — so it needs to feel serene,” explains Charlotte Wilson.

“One of the best ways to ensure the bedroom stays that way is investing in good storage. Storage is key, but furthermore — storage with purpose. Robe systems that have integrated lighting, various compartments for organised nick knacks (belts, hats) can ensure everything has its place and your worthy objects are truly celebrated. When it becomes a daily pleasure to open the robe, you know you have elevated your space.”

6. Create Little Moments

And finally, the je ne sais quoi of it all.

My favorite hotel rooms are the ones that create little moments — whether it’s a signature scent, a fluffy robe, or a beautiful artwork. It’s the things that make you stop and go, “I would never think to have that at home” — but why shouldn’t you?

Samuel Wright says having a dedicated seating nook can transform a bedroom into a true sanctuary. “A quiet place to read, reflect, enjoy the view, or simply watch the world go by," he says. "If you're fortunate enough to have a deep window, consider creating a built-in seat. As with any well-designed space, consider how it will be used and incorporate thoughtful details accordingly — a discreet reading light, integrated shelving, or a curated place for books and magazines.” (Livingetc, of course.)

Elevation can also come from the smaller details — placemats on the bedside tables, beautiful coasters, a nice carafe set, slippers, trays, or a sculptural bedside lamp. “All of these items do the heavy lifting when it comes to making your room feel more luxurious and hospitable," explains Xavier Donnelly.

Another genius idea comes from the Breathe Architecture team, who recommend creating a threshold moment upon entering the room. "Domestic interiors rarely manage this well, yet even a partial screening transforms a bedroom with a sense of privacy and protection," they say.

And finally, the hero of the space: your bed. While Charlotte Wilson says a generously proportioned, upholstered bedhead can provide a soft luxury, Jay Grierson says going the extra mile by selecting a four-poster canopy bed can really take things to the next level.

Ready to recreate and redecorate? Hotel-worthy wraparound headboards and lounging chairs are only some of the biggest bedroom trends this year...

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What do you get when you bring together an iconic pillar of British luxury and an avant-garde Italian design house? The summer terrace of dreams — that's what you get. It's London's slice of La Dolce Vita, right in the heart of Mayfair, and I'm already plotting how to bring the beauty to my own backyard.

A luxury-lovers' collaboration of dreams, London landmark hotel, The Dorchester, has teamed up with Milanese fashion house, La Double J, to bring life to their Summer Garden. Open until September, this modern garden terrace invites you to leave the rush of the city behind and indulge in the exuberant charm of Italy's southern coast. Floral motifs and eye-catching patterns collide in this luxurious dreamscape, where lush greenery brushes up against the glorious sculptures by American sculptor Lyman Whitaker — a cacophony of the real and surreal; there is a truly magical quality to this joyful terrace.

Inspired by La Double J's design philosophy to 'Raise Your Vibrations', this garden is abuzz with the joyfulness of creative exploration. Combining the spirit of Italian maximalism that is so central to the La Double J brand with the quintessential British refinement you expect from one of London's most notorious hotels, this terrace ushers in a new age of luxury, one that is full of character, color, and celebration.

Explore the Dorchester's Summer Terrace, by La Double J

Although both are undeniable giants in the world of luxury design, La Double J and The Dorchester are not an immediately obvious pairing. One is a luxury landmark of Central London, one of the city's best hotels, rooted in tradition, dating back to the 1930s, and the other is a young, playful brand, combining Italian artistry with a feel-good design style. But, fresh off a four-year renovation process, The Dorchester is shaking things up, embracing a new, inspired take on what modern luxury can look like.

It was this renovation that laid the foundation for this collaboration. As Luca Virgilio, The Dorchester's general manager, explains, "The La Double J summer garden reflects the same attention to detail and craftsmanship seen throughout the wider renovation, the most significant restoration in the hotel’s history. Every element has been thoughtfully considered to integrate seamlessly with the hotel’s renewed identity, shaped by a clear vision for this new chapter."

In the general renovation, the design is intentionally timeless, crafted to see the hotel into a new era, while respecting its past. In this installation, however, there was more room to explore something more playful, due to the gardens' inherently ephemeral nature. "While the renovation is rooted in timeless design, this installation introduces a more seasonal and expressive layer. Created as a summer experience, it brings a sense of playfulness through bold prints, layered textures and sculptural elements, creating a lighter, more dynamic contrast to the hotel’s more structured and enduring spaces," says Luca.

Throughout its history, The Dorchester has remained a favorite of the city's elite, hosting royals and Hollywood stars alike. Similarly, since its formation in 2015, La Double J has gained a loyal following among the luxury-lovers in the know. Together, the two are ushering in a new age of luxury hospitality, celebrating a maximalist, more-is-more attitude that acts as a relief from years of pared-back minimalist design.

The garden is a harmonious combination of the two brands — embodying both La Double J's vision of Italian glamour and The Dorchester's quintessentially British sensibilities. "The La Double J summer garden brings a distinctly Italian sense of warmth, color and expressive design, while still feeling very much at home in Mayfair and in keeping with the spirit of a British summer garden party," explains Luca. "There’s a clear dialogue between the two, from the bold prints and vibrant palette to the relaxed, sociable atmosphere — creating something that feels both lively and elegant, and very natural to the setting."

From the floors to the cushions to the place settings, every element of this infectiously joyful garden is bursting with color and life. Immediately setting the tone for the garden and providing a fantastical foundation to build upon, the patio flooring is decorated in La Double J's signature Napoli Rosa print, a burst of warmth and beauty spreading out beneath your feet. Scalloped-shape tiles in orange, pink, and brown bring the warmth of a golden sunset across the garden floor, reflecting a fearless use of color that continues throughout the design.

No inch has gone unconsidered. Decorated porcelain plates lie across the tables, accompanied by striking vases and colorful glassware. On the seats, the cushions are emblazoned with floral patterns, and the edges are trimmed with orange, fuzzy piping. "The intention was to create a garden that feels vibrant and immersive, while still maintaining the level of detail expected at The Dorchester," says Luca. "Through layered textiles and expressive table settings, the space balances color and movement with a sense of cohesion and that typical Dorchester refinement."

It's not just the table settings that create this immersive experience, though. The entire courtyard garden has been transformed into a summertime storybook, bursting with color and life. Playing a key role in this transformation are Lyman Whitaker's signature floral statues. Also used at La Double J's head offices, for this terrace, the flowers were customized to replicate the colors of Icelandic poppies: "The result is a fantastic creatures garden where the sculptures dance as flowers in movement with the intensity of wind," explains Luca.

"Adding magic to the space and capturing the attention of those who pass or drive by thanks to their height. The other two flowers framing the entrance are large-scale sculptures of Icelandic poppies, specifically made for the project, all made by hand and painted by Viareggio-based artist Luca Bertozzi, known for his works at Carnevale di Viareggio in Italy.”

A careful balance of Italian maximalism and British refinement, it's a space that feels inviting, warm, and never overwhelming.

Get the Look

If you want to dive even deeper into the beautiful design culture of Italian tradition, why not treat yourself to a little getaway? Our roundup of the best hotels in Italy will have you covered — but don't blame us if you want to visit them all.

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Nothing pulls a room together quite like a rug. It's the little touch of softness that every space needs — something to add a bit of color, texture, and pattern, injecting a sense of life into what could otherwise be a flat, hard space. And now, with this trend, we've found a way to bring this personality into one of the rooms that needs it most - your kitchen.

A functionality-first space, it's easy for kitchens to quickly become dominated by cooler, harder materials, making the need for color and softness all the more important. However, with all the water, oil, and other spillages that your kitchen flooring withstands, a beautiful kitchen rug may not be the best option. Which is exactly why these 'tile rugs' provide such a genius solution. With all the color, personality, and intrigue of a traditional rug, but with far more durability and permanence, this is the perfect way to inject some more life into your kitchen design. Whether you opt for a small patch or a larger design, these tiled features offer a way to bring some definition to your floor plan, especially useful in open-plan spaces.

It's a kitchen tile trend that's beginning to gain some traction, gradually popping up in more and more design projects, and we expect that it won't be long before it really takes over. So, this is what the experts think about this unique flooring style, so you can get ahead of the curve.

What Are 'Tile Rugs'?

As the name suggests, tile rugs refer to a specific style of floor tiling, in which a small patch of floor is laid with tiles, often of a patterned variety, while the rest of the surrounding floor is finished in an alternate material, creating the effect of a tiled rug lying across your flooring. And while this kitchen flooring trend may feel distinctly new, like many interior design trends, it draws on the styles of centuries past.

This is, in many ways, particularly unsurprising for a trend that revolves around the use of tiles within the home. The use of decorative tiles dates back as far as the third millennium, and the material was frequently used to embellish tombs and pyramids in ancient Egypt. These previous uses lay the groundwork for the current 'tile rug' trend we're seeing today.

As Otto Tiles founder, Damla Turgut explains, "Tile rugs draw on a long tradition of decorative flooring, from mosaic courtyards to hand-laid cement tile schemes, where a change in pattern or color was used to define a particular area within a larger room."

Over the years, we've seen these historical tile styles taking on new forms, reinterpreted with new, modern approaches, taking on a whole new life, like the unswept floor trend, and now the same is happening again with these tile rugs.

"The inspiration came from wanting to modernize a very classic design concept," notes Jamie Chappell, VP at Fireclay Tile. "While we love traditional tile rugs, you don’t often see them utilized in a modern way, but they can be incredibly cool and relevant."

In the past, tile rugs would often be used in bathrooms or for patio flooring, offering a way to bring more decorative flair to these spaces. However, these were typically done in a relatively traditional style, in contrast to the striking finishes we're seeing today.

When Should You Use This Design Feature?

The reason this flooring trend is so effective is that it's not just decorative; it's functional, too.

If there's one thing that has defined how we design our homes over the past few decades, it's the rise in open-plan living. Above all else, people value a sense of openness and flow in their homes, choosing a free-flowing floor plan over a clearly defined layout. And though this style certainly has its merits, it is not without its downfalls. Chief among these problems is the lack of distinction in open-plan living. Without structural separation, it's easy for all your rooms to blend into one another, which is exactly why tile rugs are so perfect.

"A tile rug can subtly delineate and zone different functions within a space, whether that's anchoring a dining area, framing a kitchen island, or creating a sense of arrival in a hallway," explains Damla. It offers a way to zone the space, while also adding design appeal. "It's a practical design tool, but it also creates moments of decoration and surprise within a scheme and also allows you to introduce a layer of detail and craftsmanship that might otherwise be lost within a larger expanse of flooring."

This is particularly useful around rooms that play a more functional role, like the kitchen. "A tile rug naturally delineates the kitchen workspace, making it feel like its own distinct room," explains Jamie. "This is especially helpful in open floor plans or smaller footprints like an apartment."

Much like with a traditional rug, this tiling style is a great way to bring color and texture into your design without it feeling overwhelming. "A tile rug allows you to create visual impact without committing to a fully patterned or colorful floor," says Damla.

It means you can stick with the neutral kitchen colors you love, while also introducing some intrigue and character to your space.

How to Get the Look

Which leads us on to the fun part... how to recreate the look at home.

Arguably, the most important step, the tiles you choose will be the key to success with this design. The color, tile shape, and pattern you select will all form the overall feeling of your kitchen, and, unfortunately, not all tiles are created equal.

For the best results, Damla says, "Tiles with strong color, pattern, or geometric detail tend to work the best here, as the design relies on creating a clear visual distinction from the surrounding floor."

In terms of materials, you'll want to find a durable finish with a strong slip resistance, too. For a design like this, Damla says, "Cement tiles are a natural choice because they offer rich saturated color and intricate pattern possibilities, while mosaics can be used to create more bespoke borders and layouts. The most successful designs tend to have a clear frame or border, which helps reinforce the effect of a traditional rug."

For a more detailed finish, Jamie agrees, "Smaller tile formats really make this look pop. Going with mosaic flooring tiles allows you to pack a lot of graphic punch into a defined footprint, and patterns like a tight checkerboard or daisy hexagons give you enough repeating pieces to establish a clear design without running out of room." And she also adds, "A slip-resistant matte finish is also important to keep it safe underfoot."

In terms of positioning, the best advice is to treat it as you would a normal rug. Find a way to anchor the 'rug' in your space, connecting it to heavier design elements, like your island.

As Damla suggests, "Position furniture so it relates to the tiled area rather than floating independently within the room. In kitchens, a tile rug can work beautifully beneath an island, while in dining spaces, it can help center a table and chairs. The surrounding finishes should complement rather than compete with the feature area, allowing the tile rug to become the focal point."

The beauty of this design is that it will become a natural statement feature, allowing the rest of your kitchen to remain relatively simple, while still making an impact. "It’s all about balance," says Jamie. "Because a tile rug introduces a lot of pattern and personality underfoot, I recommend keeping the rest of your finishes fairly minimalist."

For even more intriguing tile designs, this year's latest kitchen tile trends will give you all the inspiration you need.

And for more design ideas for your kitchen and beyond, why not subscribe to our newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Windows are one of the most important elements in a room, but they’re also one of the trickiest to get right. A one-size-fits-all approach to framing your view rarely works: blinds need to be custom-made, curtains have to be hemmed and hung ‘just so’, and the accompanying hardware often has to be individually tweaked. Get your windows wrong, and the whole space ends up looking awkward or slightly bare, or, at the other end of the spectrum, too fussy and a little overdone.

For modern window treatments, take your inspiration from countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. “Scandinavians are, quite simply, light-worshippers,” says Kai Price, co-founder of Att Pynta. “Their interiors are designed to maximize and celebrate natural light, rather than obstruct it.” Scandinavian design is so often celebrated for its pared-back aesthetic, with the calm mood directly influenced by the region’s light and landscape.

So, what are the Scandi-inspired window treatments that interior designers are loving now — and how should you make them work in your own space?

1. Linen Drapes

Sometimes, the simplest window treatments are the best way to go. “The Scandi distinction between beautiful and basic is key, though,” says Theresa Obermoser, founder of TO Design Studio.

“Basic is a neutral curtain because you didn’t think about it, whereas beautiful is a neutral curtain chosen exactly because you’ve considered every alternative and instead allowed your drapes to disappear into the wall,” she explains. “Don’t let your curtains punctuate the room as a separate object, allow them to read as a continuation of the surface.”

Neutral colors work beautifully for simple curtains, but don’t instinctively opt for a generic shade of white, beige, or gray. “Find a linen curtain that matches the paint shade on the surrounding walls,” Theresa instructs. “The result will be quieter, softer, and far more grown-up.”

To make linen drapes work most successfully, fix your curtain track as high as the window frames allow. “This is the single move that will make your room feel taller and more considered, especially in a period building where the ceiling height is already a gift,” says Theresa.

2. Venetian Blinds

In Scandi schemes, light is king. Forget their place name — Venetian blinds are an effective way to dress windows, as they can be pulled up to reveal an expanse of glazing, closed to block out light, and adjusted using their cords to provide a combination of settings as brightness shifts throughout the day.

“Away from corporate headquarters, Venetian blinds are excellent at filtering light and offering privacy in a controlled yet relaxed and informal way,” explains interior designer Olivia Bossy. “When chosen in the right color, they become almost part of the architecture, creating a simple, reassuring rhythm.”

To make them look like a considered design choice rather than an anonymous option, choose a set with wider slats. These feel more ‘architectural’ than ‘office’, creating an ordered look that ticks the Scandi boxes of understatement and simplicity.

3. Forgo Window Treatments

If you’re lucky enough to have amazing windows, why bother covering them up in the first place? “One of the principles we admire most in Scandinavian interiors is their confidence in making architecture and the views the most important thing,” explains interior designer Sophie Pringle, who chose to leave these windows totally clear of coverings.

“When you have an incredible panorama, adding heavy window treatments just distracts from what is effectively a living artwork,” she says. “Leaving your windows uncovered allows natural light to flood a room and strengthens the connection between the interior and the landscape beyond.”

This is an excellent option if you live on a rural property or somewhere with particularly wonderful views, but works just as beautifully whenever you’re not overlooked by neighbors. Even if the vista beyond is simple greenery, giving your windows some room to breathe will fill your space with light.

4. Roman Blinds

“The lesson to take from Scandinavian interiors is to keep window treatments simple, natural, and tactile,” explains Kai Price, co-founder of Scandi design destination Att Pynta. “Roman blinds work particularly well as they provide softness and texture without visually overwhelming a window.”

For a relaxed effect, use a lightweight fabric in a neutral shade. Slubby, almost rustic linen will diffuse light gently and create a calming look — the material gets a thumbs up in our pick of the best curtain fabrics according to designers, too.

“Roman blinds are not about making your window a decorative statement,” says Kai. “In Scandi-inspired spaces, the focus should always remain on framing the light and the view beyond.”

5. Window Film

When it comes to window treatments, bathrooms can be one of the more head-scratching spaces in a home. Full-length drapes aren’t practical, but roller blinds can seem too simplistic. Window film (like this reeded style from Dunelm) is an unsung hero in these spaces, and many Scandi homeowners love this adhesive solution.

“Window film preserves privacy while still letting soft natural light into a room,” says Aleksandra Cannock, founder of TAK Architecture and Design Studio. “It keeps the glazing calm and elegant, resulting in spaces that feel bright and quietly refined.”

“The solution also supports the broader Scandinavian qualities of light, restraint, and practicality all working together without any visual clutter,” the London-based designer explains. “It’s integrated and considered.”

6. Wave-Fold Curtains

Scandi design is all about calm, but curtains can often feel like a very decorative choice. Rather than focusing on patterned fabric or drapes in a bright color, it’s best to consider more structural elements to deliver visual interest.

“Curtains with a wave heading can soften the appearance of large areas of glazing while finishing and dressing your space beautifully,” explains Kashi Shikunova, founder of the Scandi-inspired YAM Studios. “They have a soft, clean, and elegant drape that complements a space without overwhelming it.”

“This is particularly important as expanses of glass can sometimes feel cold or stark, especially in the evening,” says Kashi. “Not only do wave-fold curtains add texture to an interior, they can help insulate it, soften the light, and improve acoustics.”

7. Cafe Curtains

“Light is precious in Nordic homes,” says Dorothea Gunftoft, award-winning writer, curator, and author of New Nordic Design. “Cafe curtains work beautifully in Scandinavian homes as they offer privacy without sacrificing any of the brightness.”

This style of window treatment, therefore, is most effective in rooms where this really matters. Street-facing kitchens and bathrooms are ideal candidates for cafe curtains, as these practical spots benefit from brightness without exposure to passersby.

“They soften a room without the heaviness of full drapery, too, creating a slightly nostalgic look,” explains Dorothea. “Overall, cafe curtains are practical, romantic, and unfussy, which is a very Scandinavian combination.”

8. Roller Blinds

“The beauty of Scandinavian window treatments lies in their simplicity,” explains Nanna Liv, creative director of interior design studio House 44. “Roller blinds frame windows rather than dominate them.”

This style of window treatment is also one of the most flexible, working just as effectively on large windows as miniature ones. This makes rollers a wise choice in rooms with multiple sources of light.

“Keeping everything tonal and understated creates a calm, elevated look,” says Nanna, who opted for a simple white sheer textile for the roller blinds in the London project above. “This allows light, architecture, and materiality to take center stage.”

From maximizing light to balancing privacy with practicality, the Scandinavians offer much inspiration for well-designed windows. The region’s unique relationship with daylight (and darkness) makes it well worth paying attention to Scandi-inspired window treatments.

Intrigued by how the Scandis really live? Consider adopting these Scandinavian lifestyle principles to create a space that feels as good as it looks, and subscribe to our newsletter for even more design inspiration.

Styling a bed is something of an art form. Achieving the kind of bed that rivals a luxury hotel — complete with crisp sheets, perfectly arranged pillows, and a backdrop that feels effortlessly cohesive — requires intention. Every detail matters, right down to the minutiae of your wall color and the thread count of your sheets. If only there were a foolproof formula for getting it right...

Well, what if we told you there is? While there's no right and wrong way to style the perfect bed, interior designers have long relied on a set of principles that elevate a sleep space from basic to beautifully considered. It might seem excessive, but given that the bed is the focal point of all modern bedroom ideas, it's a detail worth getting right.

Stuck for inspiration? Look no further. In search of the ultimate bed formula, I asked designers to share their tried-and-tested recipes for a perfectly styled bed. Think of them as the infallible elements that promise to transform your sleep space from humdrum to high-end.

1. Statement Headboard + Wooden Nightstand + Soft White Linen

Some of us are so puritan when it comes to styling a bed that we only ever choose white bed linen. If your sheets are plain, let your headboard be the main event.

Perhaps it's a bespoke upholstered option or an exaggerated form that draws the eye, or you could choose a wooden headboard framed with distinctive marquetry, as pictured here in Casa Cedo, a boutique hotel in Porto designed by Daniela Franceschini, founder of Quiet Studios.

To ensure visual interest while keeping the surrounding space soothing, Daniela opted for wooden tones on a backdrop of delicate blue. Sandwiched between white sheets and colorful walls, the headboard offers a beautiful vignette that does all the talking.

"The headboard has a pattern made with wood marquetry, and the bedside tables are art deco-inspired," she explains. "The lamps were produced in ceramic inspired by botanical moldings as an architectural detail romanticized." The result? A perfectly soothing bed where the walls, wood tones, and white sheets offer distinctive layering.

2. Warm Beiges + Layered Textures + Rich Wood

Neutrals are a go-to choice for a bedroom, but if you want to avoid a space that feels two-dimensional, you need to layer up on textural details. There's no doubt that a monochromatic color scheme like the one shown above makes a bedroom visually quiet and calming, but it's the textural accents that give it richness and depth.

The bold, large-scale patterned wallpaper was central to this room's design. "To let it take center stage, we kept the additional elements to a minimum," explains interior designer Rebecca Hughes. "Rich side tables from Scanditure add warmth without competing for attention, while the bedside table lamp from Heathfield (with a Pooky lampshade) adds a beautiful minimalist accent." The only pop of color comes from the deep red cushions.

If you're likewise committed to neutral bedroom ideas, make them warm and ensure there's still variety in the mix. Rebecca used a fabric headboard, a rich ochre throw, and a burlwood nightstand to create a tonal scheme that doesn't feel flat. "The result is a scheme that feels calm, cohesive, and effortlessly comfortable," says Rebecca.

3. Color Drench + Fabric Headboard + Patterns

If you lean more maximalist, take inspiration from this bedroom from Burbeck Studio. The key ingredients here are cocooning color and clashing patterns, culminating in a bedscape brimming with personality.

Start with your bedroom color as the foundation (here, a soft sage called Sobek by Paint & Paper Library). Drench the whole room for an enveloping effect, using complementary tones in the bedspread.

Creative director Jack Willcocks chose to introduce a deliberate tension of patterns that, on paper, shouldn't work together. The headboard is upholstered in a dense geometric weave, set against a sharply contrasting pillow in a tailored windowpane check, its navy grid punctuated with tiny red accents. Rather than competing, they create a layered, curated feel.

"This bedroom was designed to feel immersive, atmospheric, and quietly luxurious through the use of saturated color, layered textures, and bespoke detailing," Jack explains. "The bespoke headboard was upholstered in Zinc Textile’s Jenga Colibri fabric from the Juego collection, a richly textured fabric with an organic, almost artisanal character that complemented the earthy tonal palette of the room beautifully."

Whether you choose to pair a ditsy floral quilt with a bold-striped wallpaper or a chevron with a paisley, this is a great formula to replicate in your own bedroom. The many different elements of a bed — throws, cushions, undersheets — also make it easy to introduce patterns and switch them up as you desire.

4. Earthy Tones + Patterned Quilt + Whimsy

While this is a child's bedroom, the bed recipe isn't any less effective for anyone wanting to add whimsy to their styling. Start with a patterned quilt like the one seen above. From there, build an earthy scheme around the colors in the throw, then add a touch more whimsy through the surrounding decor. In this case, that comes in the form of a wavy headboard (try this one from Next), a fine-line print, and a tiger throw pillow.

"The approach for this space was to introduce a sense of youthfulness and warmth against the home’s refined original details," explains Daniella Gohari, design director at Electric Bowery. "Softness, color, and pattern were layered through the bedding, pillows, and quilt, creating a room that feels both inviting and cozy."

Personal touches were especially important to the design, complementing the bedscape itself to give the space a collected, lived-in quality. "A playful tiger-shaped rug and coordinating pillow, for example, add a final note of whimsy, bringing additional color, charm, and personality to the space," says Daniella.

5. Rattan + Jute + Linen bedding

Scandinavian bedrooms are instantly calming, but if you want the perfect balance of effortless simplicity and visual depth, it can be tricky to get the formula right.

Luckily, interior designer Pernille Lind has a reliable bed recipe up her sleeve. Start with a rattan headboard or bedframe, ground it with a jute rug, and then add perfectly crumpled linen bedding. You can mix the colors and materials in between, but a combination of these three elements will guarantee a serene sleep space.

When keeping a palette neutral (common in the Scandi style), Pernille says the secret to making it feel inviting rather than flat is layering distinct textures. "This room balances the relaxed with the strict, but all within a very carefully selected tonal palette, in all natural colors, where nothing stands out too much as a feature," she explains.

The aim was to create a calm, sanctuary-like bedroom by focusing on rich, natural textures rather than bold color. "The room is anchored by the Walford Hyem bed in natural oak and rattan," Pernille says. "To keep the mood soft and balanced, everything else was curated around this mix of wood and natural fibers."

Surrounding components consist of a bespoke jute rug by Tim Page, an upholstered bench and pendant light, both from Pinch, and oak bedside tables from HOWE London. "The entire scheme is pulled together against walls painted in Farrow & Ball's 'Slipper Satin', a warm off-white that acts as a soft backdrop, allowing the natural wood tones to stand out without too much of a contrast," adds Pernille.

6. Linen Bedding + Bold Color + Brass Lighting

Craving a fun and vibrant bed style that still retains a high-end feel? Choose linen sheets in contrasting tones, then add some warm brass sconces to your wall or headboard. In the space above by YSG Studio, a chocolate-y undersheet complements a smoky blue shade, colors picked from the handwoven African bedspread that lies on top.

The studio's director, Yasmine Ghoniem, says textiles were vital in bringing this "laid-back utopia" to life. "This room feels soft and voluptuous thanks to the super tactile bedding, plus wardrobe fronts that we covered with textured silk," she says. "There’s a bit of Tiki magic in this space. It gives off a tropical resort-like feel thanks to our mix of vintage and new finds, plus more precious items like the slimline brass bedside wall lights."

The structural sconces (see a similar style at Pooky), while discreet, add warmth and elegance to the otherwise playful scheme. With their structural brass arms, they complement the softness of the linen beautifully.

7. Satin Bedding + Fabric Headboard + Sculptural Sconces

Who said pared-back, minimalist bedrooms were boring? This bedroom (also from YSG Studio) is a no-frills recipe, yet it's far from bland. Instead, the richness emerges through texture — from the lustrous satin bedding to the softly fringed upholstered headboard.

A palette of gentle wheat and sage tones reinforces the room's calming atmosphere. "The clients wanted a bedroom that possessed a lavish yet tranquil feeling, with elements that were rich in substance rather than excess trimmings," says Yasmine. To achieve this, tactility became a guiding principle in the selection of materials and finishes. “Embossed vinyl and raffia-weave wallpaper clad the wardrobes,” she explains, introducing subtle depth and texture throughout the space.

Comfort was equally central to the design. Cream bed linen (try Bed Threads) was chosen in place of crisp white, lending a softer, warmer feel. “It conveys more warmth than customary white, and the loose bed throw adds a relaxed statement, complementing the padded bedhead’s linen upholstery and gently frayed seams,” says Yasmine.

The room's sense of effortless elegance is completed by floating bespoke stone bedside consoles and delicate brass wall lights, which appear to hover against the walls. Together, they create an airy, weightless quality that enhances the bedroom's serene, minimalist mood.

There's no singular formula for a successfully styled bed, but there are a few key ingredients that contribute to the overall look and feel (whatever it is you want to achieve). Swapping out a few throw pillows for a patterned bolster or switching to silky satin sheets instead of crisp white percale can make all the difference to your bedroom's vibe, turning your space from bland and basic to elegant and elevated.

Whether you're looking for inspiration for fresh summer bed styling ideas or you want to make long-term investments that transform your sleep sanctuary altogether, these designer-approved bed "recipes" provide all the inspiration you need.

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While the idea of a lovely green lawn is enticing, the reality is that they never quite live up to expectations. There's a small window in May where they look lush and healthy, but by June they're usually already past their best. It's no surprise the shaggy lawn trend is gaining momentum, as dry brown grass is never a good look. This new take on lawns champions a relaxed, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly approach.

It's hard to keep conventional lawns looking good due to a combination of factors, but especially wear and tear, weed invasion, and the brown patches caused by hot, dry weather. Keeping a traditional turf lawn in shape is a costly and time-consuming business, which invariably includes lots of mowing and maintenance using chemicals and tons of water.

It's no surprise then that lawns have dipped in popularity lately and no longer seem a good fit with modern garden ideas. If you're looking for alternatives that offer a more relaxed approach, consider options like clover, chamomile, and creeping thyme, all of which are gaining momentum as they help to create that much-desired natural 'living rug' effect. Here are five of the best alternative lawn ideas to get you started.

1. Wildflowers

Thanks to a growing understanding of environmental sustainability and biodiversity, we are becoming more open to the option of moving away from the manicured monoculture of a traditional lawn towards more relaxed planting such as the wildflower trend. In fact, meadowscaping and other natural lawn ideas are leading the way.

"Most lawn mixes tend to have no more than a small handful of different grass varieties within them, offering very little variety to sustain wildlife, pollinators or soil-enriching organisms," says garden designer Nick Woodhouse. "They also tend to rely on high levels of water to stay green, supported by chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedkillers. And that’s just the start of a demanding annual maintenance schedule – one which requires regular mowing, edging, scarifying, aerating, and reseeding to stay healthy."

Instead, Nick suggests looking for lawn alternatives that not only let nature take the lead, but also offer more visually — texture, movement, color, and height variation. "Wildflower turf is one such alternative, providing an instant, low-maintenance option that establishes far quicker and easier than wildflower seed mixes, while also suppressing weeds, transforming any-sized garden space into a vibrant, eco-friendly habitat for wildlife such as bees and butterflies."

You can find wildflower seed mat carpet from Amazon.

2. Clover

"The traditional lawn is being replaced by more dynamic, resilient ground cover plants," says landscape architect Kevin Lenhart. "Clover blends, native grasses, and groundcovers are taking their place, each bringing texture, permeability, and regional character without the water and pesticide load." According to Yardzen's 2026 trend report, traditional lawn square footage has dropped 25% year over year in favour of more flexible, layered systems.

A clover lawn is a great alternative to traditional turf. These quick-growing plants stay green in dry weather due to their deep root system and form a lush cover. They don't need watering, fertilizing or mowing. Another plus is that the pretty white flowers attract bees, making it a good choice if you're looking for wildlife gardening ideas. If you want to go for a taller variety, red clover is a pretty choice too. Clover can also tolerate moderate foot traffic, and it's super-soft to walk on. You can find clover seed on Amazon.

3. Creeping thyme

Beautiful, low-maintenance and eco-friendly creeping thyme was a big trend at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, spilling out of containers and filling borders everywhere. But this mat-forming herb also makes an enticing fragrant lawn alternative you can walk on, and when you do, the aroma is released to fill the air.

One of the best low-growing evergreen perennials, creeping thyme looks good all year round, and never needs mowing or watering once settled in to its new space. The flowers come in shades of white, pink, mauve, and red, and attract plenty of pollinators in summer. Creeping red thyme lawns in particular are trending right now, and you can find these seeds on Amazon.

Thyme can be used on its own or mixed with other low-growing ground cover plants to create a mosaic or striped effect.

4. Chamomile

Perhaps the best known of all the grass alternatives, chamomile is beautifully fragrant and springy when you walk on it. In fact, walking barefoot on a chamomile lawn is up there as one of the most tactile experiences to enjoy.

A loose and relaxed chamomile lawn is a welcome counterpoint to a flat turf lawn and is much less needy. It will remain green, even in dry weather, and won't need watering. Chamomile lawns attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, too, so they are a good choice for biodiversity.

For best results, use low-growing varieties of chamomile that form a dense mat. Plant a non-flowering dwarf cultivar in late spring, and you won’t ever need to mow it. An occasional tidy up is all that's needed. This lawn seed from Sow Seeds is a good choice.

5. Mind-your-own-business

The mind-your-own-business plant forms dense mats despite its tiny leaves, and it's another variety you can walk on to add a sensory experience to the mix. This plant can be used to create a lush carpet that will look great as an alternative to grass lawns, and it quickly fills gaps in paving to blur any hard edges.

This is another candidate that gets on with creating a carpet-like effect with minimal input from you. Also known as Soleirolia soleirolii and sometimes called baby’s tears, it will tolerate shade and damp soil, but can become invasive left to its own devices so be sure to keep an eye on it to stop it creeping beyond the area you have in mind for it.

That's our round-up of the best five no-effort plants that create a 'living rug' for a modern garden.

One final tip: Irish moss is also trending. This attractive alternative to traditional turf grass has a mass of small star-shaped white flowers. These eventually turn into seed pods that look like pearls, and because of this, Irish moss is also known as Pearlwort. It's not actually a type of moss but a low-growing evergreen perennial ground cover plant that can be used as an alternative to grass for lawns.

Nothing says summer quite like a spot of al fresco dining. As soon as the sun emerges from retirement, I'm straight out to my garden. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner — you can find me dining outdoors, trying to make the most of every last drop of sunshine. And I can't think of anywhere I'd rather tuck into a meal than in this Californian fairy-tale, bistro-inspired garden kitchen, set against the backdrop of Mount Tamalpais.

Now, as much as I've been loving the growing trend of outdoor kitchens, I think it's fair to say that the majority of them follow the same guidelines. Typically, these spaces are designed to be as sleek and modern as possible, with sharp lines and cool, hard materials. This isn't to say they don't look great, because they do, but that isn't everyone's style. I'd been waiting ever so patiently to see some shifts in the way we design outdoor kitchens, and finally, at long last, the time has come.

This delightful, paved courtyard garden is home to the most charming, elegant outdoor kitchen I've laid my eyes on. Designed by Imparfait Design Studio's Rebekah Zaveloff, this setup is a far cry from the slick industrial kitchens you've seen before. It's quaint, cozy, and inviting — like a Parisian bistro kitchen in your backyard — and she's explained exactly how she got the look.

The Vision

In this Victorian-era home, set against the backdrop of Mount Tamalpais, old-school charm and family-forward functionality went hand in hand. Rebekah's clients, a family of six, wanted to find a way to honor the home's history while ensuring it met the needs of their growing family. Inside this period property, the space is filled with beautiful crown molding, arched doorways, and a light, breezy color scheme — and it was important that the same design approach was continued in the backyard.

The family wanted "to make it feel like a seamless extension of the interior — a continuous indoor-outdoor space," explains Rebekah. A request many of us are familiar with, considering the ever-increasing rise in indoor-outdoor living.

Beyond this, much of the brief came from a practical standpoint. "They knew they wanted a small kitchen and grill area, a fireplace, a pergola, and a fountain to drown out road noise," says Rebekah.

With these features in mind, the foundation for the design was laid; what came next was bringing these individual puzzle pieces together and creating a unified whole.

Although much of the home's design draws inspiration from the more traditional, British Victorian style, in the garden, Rebekah opted for something slightly more romantic, looking across other visual cultures for her inspiration. Ultimately, she says, "I fell in love with the idea of making it feel like a courtyard you might find in Moroccan architecture." Known for their unique, striking architecture, earthy color palettes, and inclusion of water features, the Moroccan inspiration provided a natural starting point.

The architecture and positioning of the space had an equally significant impact on the final design, though. With the dramatic peaks of Mount Tamalpais right in their backyard, it only made sense to incorporate the structure into the design. "Since it was an L-shaped addition, we used Mt. Tam as one "wall" and the neighbor's fence as another," explains Rebekah.

The Process

But while the mountain setting eventually became a core facet of the design, when the family first moved into the home, there wasn't quite so clear a harmony. In fact, before the renovation, Rebekah claims, "It wasn't really a garden — more of a hillside. The transformation was significant." Some heavy structural changes were made to turn it from an offshoot of the mountain into the modern garden it is today.

And although the final design looks so natural in its layout, it was not always meant to be this way. "The architect had done some early schematic plans with the pergola on the opposite side of the patio. We flipped that first, then started working through furniture plans," she explains.

The pergola structure in itself did not find its final form in the early stages, either, as Rebekah describes spending weeks searching for the perfect finish: "I looked at dozens of images trying to get it to have just the right amount of charm without tipping into something too precious or over-styled." Eventually, landing on a simple slatted, white structure, it provides just the right amount of cover and privacy, without ever blocking the light or boxing in the courtyard.

The overhead structure introduces some coziness to the design, something Rebekah picked up from the Moroccan courtyards she drew inspiration from. "The Moroccan courtyard garden idea was the throughline — that sense of enclosure, warmth, and layered detail without being precious about it," she says. It was important that the space didn't appear overly stylized or unnatural.

The Design

The garden, in many ways, is a design of two halves. On one side, the kitchen, where a grill and prep area lead onto a large, bistro-style table with Parisian woven chairs and a charming pendant lantern hanging overhead. To the right of this outdoor dining setup is an equally stylish outdoor living room. With a large, brick fireplace at the back, and an understated water feature to the side, this seating area makes for the perfect post-dinner spot.

The pergola ends as the outdoor seating area begins, creating a natural distinction between the two spaces. To further this delineation, Rebekah used the sofa as a partition wall, despite it going against her ingrained design rules. As she explains, "It's actually considered a design no-no to look at the back of a sofa — so I worked with that instinct to naturally define the two zones."

Although there is a clear zoning of the space, there are also plenty of consistencies running across the zones, keeping it harmonious. Chief among them are the beautiful, black and white outdoor tiles, covering the courtyard floor. The subtle, patterned tiles bring a greater sense of artistry and embellishment to the space and help to exaggerate this indoor-outdoor design style.

These tiles, and the color palette more widely, aren't just consistent across the outside area but throughout the entire home. "Most of the interior is white; the exterior is cream and white — a black and white palette never goes out of style," notes Rebekah..

Get The Look

If you love the romantic, Parisian feel of this garden, then you'll love these London bistro interiors that make rooms feel more intimate.

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Few eras have managed to maintain their stylistic appeal quite as much as the mid-century. Some 70 years on, the core principles of mid-century modern style have remained thoroughly in vogue. It's a style I can't imagine ever growing bored of, and nowhere does it work better than in the kitchen.

Emerging in the post-war era and lasting until the 70s, this style was influenced by the visual culture of the Bauhaus movement and Scandinavian minimalism. The look was sleek and simple, with clean lines and solid colors. Homes were characterized by the simplicity of the architecture, with a focus on natural light and a move towards open-plan living. Today, so many of the trends we see echo this era of design, borrowing and repurposing various elements to create something that feels wholly new, while still referring back to the past.

"A mid-century modern kitchen is defined by clarity of design," comments Joelle Kutner, co-founder of Ome Dezin. "The layouts are efficient and highly functional, with an emphasis on clean lines, integrated storage, and a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and living spaces." When designing a mid-century modern kitchen, you'll need to be careful not to lean too much on the source material — you want your home to feel subtly retro, not like a time machine. It's all about finding ways to adapt these past trends into something that feels current — and the experts know exactly how to get it right. These are the mid-century kitchen trends that look so right for homes in 2026.

1. Warm, Wooden Finishes

If there's one thing that feels most quintessentially mid-century, yet also super applicable to today, it's the use of rich, warm wood — and lots of it. Well before the term 'wood-drenched kitchen' was even coined, mid-century homes had been sporting the trend.

In years since, though, there was a shift away from this warm, wood-heavy styling, but now it seems to be back, and hopefully for good. For Joelle and Jesse from Ome Dezin, this is the standout trend of the moment, saying, "For us, it’s the continued return to richly toned wood cabinetry paired with thoughtfully restrained materials."

This specific tone of warmth, often found in Mid-century modern home designs, is what makes these spaces feel so inviting, creating an atmosphere of laid-back comfort while still appearing thoroughly stylish.

Describing the standout features of mid-century kitchens, Regan Baker, from Regan Baker Designs, says, "For me, it always starts with wood, walnut especially." This type of wood is known for its strength, durability, and elegance, with Regan noting, "There's a warmth and richness to it that just feels right for the style."

2. All About Earth Tones

We may think of earthy color palettes as being distinctly of this moment, but as with many trends, this style is actually deeply rooted in the mid-century modern look. During this era, it was common to see colors ranging from mustard to ocher, with a focus on what could be found in nature.

For a few years, these colors fell out of favor, with people opting for brighter, neutral shades instead. But now, the pendulum is swinging back the other way, and designers are again embracing the earthy colors of mid-century design — even the controversial avocado bathroom has had its second coming now.

But, when it comes to the kitchen, a warmer, earthy palette is one of the best ways to bring mid-century style into the modern day. "One of the most exciting mid-century-inspired trends we're seeing for 2026 is the continued use of natural materials paired with warm, earthy color palettes," comments Jonna Karlsson of Nordiska Kök. It's all about creating spaces that feel "inviting, tactile, and authentic rather than overly polished," she says, in a way that only these earthy colors can truly achieve.

3. Combining Natural Materials

At the core of this era in design is a commitment to natural materials. As present in the iconic furniture designs of the era as it was in the interiors, leather, wood, and stone reigned supreme, and, luckily for us, they've not lost their appeal yet.

"The combination of wood, stone, and subtle colors creates a timeless aesthetic that brings both character and warmth to the kitchen," says Jonna.

When you're working with high-quality, natural materials, you don't have to worry about your kitchen looking outdated in a few years' time. "It's a trend that prioritizes quality materials and thoughtful design over short-lived statements, which is why we believe it will remain relevant for many years to come," Jonna agrees. It also takes the pressure off the styling and finishing touches; these materials speak for themself and don't require much additional embellishment to look complete.

4. Intriguing Tile Designs

It's easy to boil mid-century kitchens down to all wood and stone, but you'd be overlooking one of the most striking materials you can use: tiles.

The right kitchen tiles can bring texture, life, and personality to your space, and there are plenty of designs that feel perfect for an MCM inspired room.

"There are more tile choices than ever now, and I love choosing a tile with personality that matches the home and owner's style," comments Peter Atkins, from PKA Architecture.

Your tile choice can add to your existing design or supply some contrast to it, for added depth. "Tiles can be colorful, fun, and geometric or earthy and warm, and can either complement or contrast the cabinetry," says Peter, as this year's kitchen tile trends go to prove.

5. Prioritizing Natural Light

Much of the architecture of the mid-century period was inspired by the unique beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes, with a focus on compression and release, as well as a respect for the ultimate power of natural light.

With so many dark wood kitchens dominating the designs, it's crucial to have something to lift the space and keep it from feeling too heavy or imposing, and nothing achieves this quite like a beautiful stream of sunlight.

Including a skylight or large glass doors brings so much energy and warmth into your home and can be the thing that takes your mid-century kitchen to the next level.

If you love the sleek simplicity of mid-century modern design, why stop at the kitchen? We've got plenty of ideas to bring this iconic design style across your entire home, from mid-century living room ideas to mid-century modern bedroom ideas.

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Let's be honest, there's never been anything particularly chic about adjustable shelving. Convenient? Sure. But stylish? Not so much. So, when I saw this intriguing and intentional take on the handy design feature, my attention was piqued.

Eagle-eyed readers may already be familiar with it, as this clever trick has been appearing in designers' work more and more, but if you aren't yet clued up, picture your average kitchen storage with adjustable shelves — I bet there are visible pin supports or those little holes drilled all the way up the side (which instantly makes it look off-the-shelf and cheaper). Well, instead of those cluttering eyesores, these cabinet 'steps' make the adjustable mechanism part of the design an intentional decision that adds texture and movement to your storage.

It can come in various forms, like little 'teeth' protruding out, or a zig-zag pattern that runs across. The stepped levels offer flexibility and a level of customization to your kitchen, allowing you to switch up your shelving to suit your needs while looking stylish, too.

So, What Are Shelving 'Steps'?

While it might not seem common, detailed joinery like this has actually been around for longer than you might expect. Furniture brand Neptune incorporates a similar zig-zag adjustable shelving design into its storage furniture, and creative director Fred Horlock explains that he was inspired while thrifting.

"We originally came across the idea for our zigzag shelving whilst visiting an antiques market in Eastern Europe," he shares. Before the Industrial Revolution introduced the ability to mass-produce furniture, 'sawtooth' shelving was a common design feature, which saw individual grooves hand-carved into the wood, creating various 'steps' for a shelf to sit on.

For interior designer Jourdan Fairchild, the inspiration for the living room shelving pictured above was far more sentimental. "We were drawing a direct reference to the merlons — those distinctive tooth-like shapes along the top of a castle — depicted on a Spanish carved wood chest that had belonged to the client's grandmother," she explains. "That piece carried so much personal history, and the notches became a way to weave that story into the architecture of the room in a subtle, meaningful way."

Whether square in shape or more zig-zagged, the essence of this design feature remains the same: it makes your storage look more expensive, elevating what could otherwise have been a distraction into a feature. "The idea is simple: easily adjustable shelving that feels part of the product, not an afterthought," says Fred.

Why Are Cabinet 'Steps' Trending Right Now?

When it comes to home storage, the best ideas are those that combine functionality and style in equal measure. The true crème de la crème, however, comes from ideas that not only offer higher design value but also improve upon the functionality, and this shelving feature does exactly that.

In traditional adjustable shelving, pin supports are used as a purely functional solution; however, as Fred notes, "We find the holes loosen over time, and the visual of multiple holes across the kitchen cabinet interior is unsightly and lacks refinement."

In contrast, this stepped system improves both the usability and visual appearance of your shelving. It's more durable and has a sense of permanence that's often lacking from the structural pin approach. Plus, it still maintains the convenience of classic adjustable cabinets. "The zigzag design allows our shelf supports to be moved to any level and changed around as many times as you need," says Fred.

Unlike with fixed kitchen shelves, this style brings a degree of customization into your kitchen or living room, allowing your home to grow and adjust as you do.

"Because the notches are structural and visible, they give you a tremendous amount of flexibility — you can adjust the shelves to accommodate whatever you're displaying, and evolve that over time as a collection grows or changes," says Jourdan.

And while this has been offered by other adjustable shelving styles previously, "The key distinction here is that it's done in a sophisticated way," says Jourdan. "We're not talking about those utilitarian metal bracket systems from the 80s. The notches are the design. They're intentional and refined, so the functionality never compromises the aesthetic."

Shop the Look

Kitchen storage trends for 2026 prove that a kitchen can only ever be as beautiful as its storage, and with this stylish shelving design under your belt, you're practically guaranteed a beautiful space.

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Choosing a set of colors to live with on a day-to-day, look-at-all-of-the-time level is a tricky thing to do. It's the reason color systems appeared, to make it all a bit less imposing, and so we can easily work out what goes beautifully with what.

The color wheel in interior design is the most prevalent of the color organizing models, famously splitting hues into warm and cool tones and helping us to see how colors complement each other — and since it’s been around for hundreds of years (thanks, Sir Isaac Newton) it can sometimes be hard to think of reds, yellows, purples, and greens in any other way than a divided-up rainbow disc.

But there are a few modern alternatives, one of which is specialist color consultant Fiona de Lys’s eponymous Delysian Colour System, which considers color in a holistic and nuanced way, taking into account our histories with it, as well as how it shifts under natural light.

So, What Is the Delysian Colour System?

"The Delysian Colour System is a method of working with color at the intersection of physics, psychology, art, and narrative," explains Fiona. The methodology centers around the principles of how color moves with light and shadow across a three-dimensional object and of storytelling.

“It enables people to find their voice in the language of color, and to use it for expression and as a framework for making complex design decisions across surface, material, and architecture," she adds. "It’s both a tool and a philosophy, practical, individual, and completely adaptable."

The system is made up of two parts — a personal aesthetic narrative which creates a visual color map, and a color perspectives assessment. Fiona teaches it through workshops (the UK’s first immersive color and training experience with real-life examples), as well as talks, one-to-one or group sessions, retreats, and consultancy.

How Is It Different to the Color Wheel?

The approach develops a personalized way of working with color combinations, building signature styles and palettes imbued with narrative. "The Delysian Colour System differs from existing theories in interior design as it steps away from categorizing color in a purely two-dimensional and linear way (such as by lightness or saturation)," explains Fiona. "It instead encourages thinking about the movement of color in dimensional hues as well as density and how it relates to light, form, and shadow — in much the same way as an artist works."

Unlike the usual color sorting-out methods, one of the Delysian Colour System’s most one-of-a-kind qualities is that it’s grounded in subjective and dynamic preferences. Mood or persona drives the initial color choice, which the system shifts to transition through the home with cognitive ease or unexpected (coherent) contrast. As Fiona says, "A home becomes a unique autobiography, each room a chapter with its own tone, temperature, and truth."

Why Do We Need a New Color System?

"I developed the Delysian Colour System because there was a lot of uncertainty around the combination of colors — which were often restricted to either whites or shades, or color pops that rely on matching with surrounding hues," says Fiona, who felt palettes had become predictable and repetitive.

She turned instead to exploring the way artists paint to express their style, and how to translate multiple layers of information — from taste to the impact of changing light — into a color strategy.

"The traditional ways of working with color feel flat and predictable," Fiona says. "Before the Delysian Colour System, there was a lack of information available on creating personally meaningful schemes — they tended to reference things such as the historic use of color or have a lifestyle or environment-based viewpoint, which don’t support a more subjective perspective or individual narrative."

How Can the Delysian Colour System Be Used in the Home?

A step-by-step solution for complex color decisions, the Delysian Colour System helps us to be more efficient and clearer when creating tailored decorative directions. "It creates a color map to work from and navigates a scheme by reducing the problem of option-overwhelm, helping designers and homeowners think about the bigger picture around narrative and style," explains Fiona. "It’s especially useful for understanding the relationship we have with a space, particularly during or after chapters of change, and can also make you more confident articulating reasoning around color use."

When putting it to use in choosing a paint color for a room, it’s clear that the system’s multi-faceted structure takes a lot more into account than we’re used to. "There’s consideration for the temperature of the light, aspect, the outside view, the eye-line to different rooms or colors, the intended use of the space, and more," says Fiona. "The Delysian Colour System addresses these factors with a logical framework to map color markers into a scheme to build upon."

The approach also identifies color as a secondary component to emotion and purpose, emphasizing meaning and reason over pigment. "For example, my spare room is earthy red, inspired by the idea of drama, theatre, mystery, and tradition, but I used cool shadowy tones on the woodwork due to its north aspect," shares Fiona. "I use architectural features to bend colors around corners, to shift into different but compatible hues or segue across a color chart for aspect and value."

We’re becoming increasingly aware of how interior design and the senses interact — look no further than the rise of neuroaesthetics in interior design — but to systematically put color alongside mood, memory, and feeling into a practical model represents a significant evolution in the decorating conversation.

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The realities of modern life seem to present chaos every day, making the need for a calming home more essential than ever. When you cross the door into your home, your space should instantly quiet the mind and soften the pace of the day. But without thoughtful interior design, the opposite can happen.

If clutter and visual noise dominate your home, it's likely having an effect on your mood (whether you realize it or not). "Visual stimulants in the home can be just as detrimental to relaxation and well-being as ingested stimulants such as caffeine," explains interiors stylist and author Joanna Thornhill. "Both can contribute to an anxious, racing mind and an inability to switch off. Yet while we are generally conscious of our caffeine consumption, we can inadvertently binge on the brain-unsettling visual stuff."

If your space lacks the serene quality that you desire, a few thoughtful design choices could completely shift the mood. From calming paint colors and soothing sinuous shapes, to cozy seating nooks and stylish storage solutions, these are the designer-approved ways to create a home that feels calmer, quieter, and infinitely more restorative.

1. Choose a Serene Color Palette

Color holds so much power inside our homes, and neutral color schemes are one of the best ways to make any space feel more calming. Earthy, natural tones are always more gentle and unobtrusive, helping to create an environment that feels quieter, calmer, and more restorative.

They're not the only tones that create a more calming home, however. If you're fond of brighter colors, consider other nature-inspired hues like blue or green. "I always view blue as a calming and serene color that is perfect for winding down at the end of the day," explains interior designer Rebecca Hughes. "It’s so calm and serene with a beautifully timeless and classical feel."

She says the same goes for muted greens. "Whisper-soft sage, for example, makes for a beautiful backdrop, creating spaces that are simultaneously relaxed and sophisticated," Rebecca notes. "The hue also serves as a connecting element from interior to exterior, making it the perfect choice to create an inviting home."

2. Opt for Curves and Soft Shapes

It might sound far-fetched, but furnishings or decor with sharp, angular edges can create a harsh and unwelcoming atmosphere in the home. If you really want to dial up the sense of calm, opt for curved, sinuous lines instead.

"Many homeowners prefer rounded shapes over more rigid forms because they feel more relaxing," explains interior designer Yvonne Harty of Harty Interiors. "I love using curved accent chairs, arched mirrors, or round tables to make a space feel inviting."

We're not simply talking about curved sofas, either (although they do remain a failsafe option). Instead, think about your wider furniture, or even the architecture of your room. Take the space above, for example. Dome lampshades, curved chair backs, and a wavy side table make for softer silhouettes that contribute to a more calming, convivial living space.

3. Use Soothing Scents Throughout Your Space

Scent has so much power over our mood, so don't overlook a relaxing home fragrance if you want your home to feel as calming as possible. "There's nothing like an inviting, delicious scent as soon as you walk into your home to make all the stressors of the day fall away," says Andrea Thompson, founder of Drea Design Services.

Place a diffuser in your entryway so that your favorite aroma greets you as soon as you walk through the door, and don't forget to layer in natural fragrance, either. Fresh flowers are a great way to make your home smell good, but you could also use essential oils, simmer pots, or fragrant herbs to scent your space. The fragrances you choose should be unique to your tastes, but jasmine, lavender, and sandalwood are widely considered the most calming.

4. Make it Personal

In order to make your home feel soothing, it has to feel like your own. An anonymous, cookie-cutter interior devoid of personality just won't have the same calming effect.

"A lot of people confuse calm with minimal, but that's not always the case," explains interior designer Jaimee Rose. "Some of the most restful spaces are where we find ourselves able to escape." Instead of stripping down your design in pursuit of a calming interior, she urges us to focus on curating spaces that feel charming, characterful, and invite us to linger.

Rebecca also emphasizes that the most relaxing spaces are ones that are personal to us, so a "calming" interior will look different to everyone. "Designing a home isn’t just about aesthetics," she says, "it’s about capturing the essence of the people who live there and creating a space that feels both beautiful and deeply personal".

5. Layer Texture Liberally

Textural design isn't just about adding variety and interest to a space; it can also help create a more calming atmosphere. Soft, comforting textiles are particularly effective (think shag rugs, velvet cushions, and chenille upholstery), but don't stop there.

Limewashed brick, woven seagrass rugs, and lacquered wood can all help create an interior that's more conducive to calm. "I often mix a variety of periods, materials, textures, and patterns to create a layered look, making a space feel like it has organically evolved over time," Rebecca explains.

Designers all agree that the key to a more calming space is combining plenty of different textures together. "I love mixing textures such as linen, natural wood, plaster finishes, wool rugs, woven wood blinds, rattan, or textured decor elements to create interest in a more subtle way," says Yvonne. "It's also a great way to add warmth when the overall color palette is neutral."

6. Lower Your Lighting

As Andrea notes, bright, high-lumen lighting is the antithesis of a calm, relaxed interior. "For those spaces where you spend the most amount of time, softer yellow or amber bulbs are best," she says. "They immediately put you in a more tranquil mood, which is a great transition between the bright daytime associated with work and the darkness of sleep."

Interior designer Erin Greene is also a big supporter of warm lighting to make a space feel calmer. "If you don’t have natural light in your space, your second-best option is to find nice mood lights," she says. To make a lighting scheme feel cozy, pepper plenty of table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights throughout your space, and avoid the dreaded "big light" as much as possible.

Creating a calmer home isn’t about stripping a space of personality or adhering to a minimalist aesthetic — it’s about being intentional with what you surround yourself with.

Thoughtful colors, softer silhouettes, tactile textures, and clever storage are just a few of the things people with calming living rooms always have. Apply them to the rest of your home, and you'll turn it into somewhere that feels restorative rather than overstimulating. Or perhaps, for a specific aesthetic, consider 'weightless' furniture, one of the things Scandinavian homes have that makes them feel calmer.

I’ve always got a stash of paint sample pots to hand — you’d be amazed at how often they come in handy for small but impactful DIY projects. Because, actually, you don’t need to totally repaint a room to give it something of a makeover; there are some clever ways to decorate that use small quantities of paint.

To prove my point, I’ve found four cool, modern paint ideas that all use smaller pots, whether it’s a liter or a tester, to do something that completely changes the feel of the room. From painted borders to using color in a way that shifts the design dynamic, here’s how you can make a little go a long way.

1. Add Two Color Details

The striped painted ceiling of the lounge at members' club Crafted at Powdermills was designed to create a “rhythm that responded to the proportions of the Georgian room,” explains Andreas Christodoulou, founder and creative director of House of Dre.

“The idea was to create a calming frequency overhead, something you might not consciously register but that gently settles the space.”

2. Create an Anchoring Accent

An unexpected contrast can be the most impactful use of paint, like the anchoring fireplace in this London home. “The brown is grounding and enveloping,” says Jessica Gibbons, the designer and director of Field Day Studio, “and hopefully it creates a backdrop that feels steady and enduring.”

The bright green accent brings life and energy. “It has an immediacy that contrasted beautifully with the richness of the brown.”

3. Create a Color Block

Color blocking can help change the perspective of a room, especially one with challenging proportions such as this one.

“The living room is relatively narrow yet very tall, so we wanted to counterbalance that strong verticality,” says interior designers Julie Nebout and Giuseppe Punzo of design studio Fotosintensi. “It works almost like a suspended plane — a kind of floating canopy that wraps the room rather than allowing it to endlessly stretch upward.”

4. Create Tailored Stripes

There’s something almost sartorial about the painted black line dividing the painted ceiling from the walls in the Rotterdam living room of interior designer and vintage furniture dealer Kesslee Kasius of Studio 2XK. It’s a design element that extends through the apartment, including in the kitchen and bedroom.

Of course, these are the only ways a little can go a long way. Why not consider how you could also use wallpaper remnants to decorate in an impactful way.

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As summer slowly but steadily creeps towards us, we're all beginning to spend a little bit more time thinking about our outdoor areas and how to get them in the best shape possible for the summer months. And, in 2026, there's no outdoor space quite as desirable as an outdoor kitchen — so long as you know how to design it right, and that all starts with finding the best outdoor kitchen color.

You may think picking a paint color for your outdoor kitchen would be no different from what you'd choose inside your home, but you'd be wrong. You see, your outdoor kitchen doesn't exist in a vacuum; it is inextricably linked to your garden as a whole, and the color you choose will have a significant effect on the overall look of your outdoor space. You need to think about how the kitchen color will respond to its surroundings, how it will look against the background of nature, and not just how it will look on your cabinet doors.

I don't say this to incite fear; I say it to save you from disaster. To help you out, I asked the experts what they think the best outdoor kitchen colors are, and with their tips in mind, your garden is sure to be the hotspot of the summer.

1. Muted Greens

Sage green kitchen lovers, I have some good news for you. As it turns out, this super-popular kitchen color choice works just as well in the great outdoors as it does within your home, if not even better.

The best colors for outdoor kitchens are those that complement the nature surrounding them, and no color fulfils this role quite like green. It's the same reason you'll find so many green tones in the most popular outdoor furniture trends of the moment — it makes for a natural addition to your outdoor space, subtly blending in with the surroundings.

And it's not just sage that looks good. As Maria Ramirez, founder of BB Interiors, says, "Rich olive greens such as Farrow & Ball's Bancha or Edward Bulmer's Light Olive Green bring depth and character without overwhelming the space, while softer sage-inspired shades like Fenwick & Tillbrook's Moss or Little Greene's Sage Green create a gentler, more relaxed feel."

The subtle, muted quality of these shades stops your outdoor kitchen from feeling too stark a contrast to the natural outdoor world; it softens the design, making it appear less jarring and more fluid with its surroundings.

Just take the latest outdoor kitchen launch from Neptune as an example, with its lovely muted sage color, this kitchen would work beautifully in any garden.

2. Deep Charcoal Shades

When it comes to interiors, dramatic, dark shades often fall under the category of colors to never paint a kitchen, with designers warning of their ability to make spaces feel smaller and less inviting. However, when it comes to outdoor kitchens, the same rules do not apply. In fact, many designers cite charcoal as one of their favorite shades to see used in these spaces.

Inside your home, especially in small kitchens, darker colors can feel suffocating, making your space seem even smaller than it is. However, in your garden, where you are freed from the confines of a permanent structure, these issues become irrelevant. Instead, these dark colors bring an air of contemporary modernity to your garden.

We don't just mean a flat, black paint, though. Nowadays, there's so much variation within this color family, and even the slightest shift in undertone can completely transform the feel of your design. "Dark hues for kitchen cabinets are making the transition from 'all-black' to rich shades such as charcoal, graphite, and espresso," explains Alan Solis from Solis Painting. These rich, complex shades bring depth to your outdoor kitchen design, with a sophistication and elegance that feels appropriate for modern gardens.

Plus, from a practical perspective, these shades are ideal for withstanding constant outdoor exposure. Unlike a bright, white paint, a darker shade can help hide any dirt or staining and will be less sensitive to the wear and tear that comes with outdoor use.

3. Warm Neutrals

The most significant difference between choosing an interior kitchen color and one for your outdoor kitchen is the fact that your outdoor kitchen will be fully exposed to natural light. Unlike your artificial kitchen lighting, the natural light your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to is constantly changing, shifting throughout the day and, with that, changing the look of your kitchen, too.

This is something Xhensila Lala, from William Morris Wallpaper Co, is acutely aware of. As she explains, "At William Morris Wallpaper Co., we work with historical pigment-based patterns that were originally designed before artificial lighting existed. Morris rejected synthetic dyes entirely and built his entire color system around natural light performance, and that education has changed how I read outdoor color entirely."

While people generally accept that the paint finishes we use outside have to differ from what is used inside your home, the understanding of how the colors themself should differ is significantly less established.

"Outdoor kitchens typically get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, which can affect how colors look over time," says Xhensila. This direct exposure to sunlight can completely transform the appearance of your paint, and you may find that a color you absolutely adore in your living room looks completely different in your garden.

Intentionally selecting colors that respond well to this direct sunlight can help mitigate this. For example, Xhensila says, "Warm neutrals like terracotta and sandy beige work well because sunlight enhances their yellow and red undertones instead of fading them. We see the same effect in our botanical prints, where ocher and clay tones stay vibrant and consistent across seasons longer than cooler colors."

If you're on the hunt for some more ideas for how to decorate your outdoor cooking area, look no further; our roundup of all the best outdoor kitchen trends has got you covered. And for the rest of your design inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter.

WOW!house is one of the Livingetc team's favorite events of the year. If you're unfamiliar, it sees a show home erected in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, where some of the very best British designers, alongside designers from across the globe work, hand in hand with prestige interior brands to create carte blanche rooms, setting the tone for true creativity in design.

These rooms often prove an outlet for interior designers' most interesting, out-there, experimental ideas, and are filled with small, impactful details that you can get up close and experience during a walkthrough at the Design Centre.

With designers including Studio Enass, Róisín Lafferty, Russell Sage, and more taking on rooms at this year's WOW!house, here are some of the biggest takeaways from team Livingetc from the showcase.

1. Silky Textures

One of the spaces from this year's WOW!house that instantly stands out for its glamor is the Lalique Bar, designed by Elicyon. Named 'Box of Delights', it's a small but richly decorated home bar that impresses with its materiality, but especially the use of silk textures. "The use of bamboo silk throughout the room really stood out," says Designlab by Livingetc stylist Miaad Latoof, who recently visited WOW!house, "from the ceiling to the chandeliers and wall insets."

"Elicyon specifically chose bamboo silk because the softness and natural imperfection made the space feel more tactile," she adds. "It also created this beautiful sense of repetition, letting your eye move gently throughout the room."

Aside from this wallpaper trend, interesting textures abound throughout the WOW!house rooms, and contrasts in materials, between the matte and the polished, the textured and the smooth, were an important recurring theme.

2. Soft Green Palettes

A lot of the spaces in WOW!house lean into the dark, dramatic nature of the space, however, if there's one unexpected color trend emerging from this year's rooms, it's a soft tonal green palette. Take, for example, Samantha Bartlett's kitchen in collaboration with Martin Moore, with its Porta Romana chandelier, and soft green range cooker.

Elsewhere, in Sara Cosgrove's Morning Room for Phillip Jeffries, pale green, blue, and silvery gray make for a palette that feels peaceful, but with depth. "The first thing I noticed was how calming the room felt without relying on obvious minimalism," says Designlab by Livingetc stylist Iokasti Sotirakopoulou. "The palette was soft, but the lacquered finishes stopped it from feeling flat."

3. Tassels on Tassels

WOW!house designs often lend themselves to layered textiles as a way to showcase the rich variety of trimming and fabric brands at Chelsea Harbour. However, the intriguing use of tassels, in particular, was a design moment that caught our eyes this year, especially in the garden room by interior designer Studio Enass.

"And not just on furniture, but across wall trims, tables, curtains, and different design styles," Miaad says. "They added movement and a sense of craft. I loved seeing tassels used in a way that didn’t feel obvious. They added movement and became part of the layering rather than just a finishing touch."

4. Unexpected Contrasts

"Rich color palettes dominated the rooms," says Iokasti. "Deep browns, oxblood, olive greens, rust, plum, butter yellow, and lacquered neutrals appeared repeatedly." However, the standout idea isn't just that these colors were used, but that they were layered in interesting contrasts that challenge traditional color schemes.

In Studio Duggan's room for Black Edition by Romo, a mustard yellow curved cocktail sofa sits on a rich, cherry red zellige tile, while in the main part of the salon, a combination of green and purple brings some excitement to the space. "I particularly loved the contrast between the deep rust curtains and the green carpet with the lilac trim," Iokasti adds.

5. The Beauty of Burl Wood

The presence of burl wood could be felt throughout WOW!house this year, bringing a rich, dark feel to schemes, including Róisín Lafferty's Shepel' Library. "Used throughout the space, it created this moody and rich, emotional atmosphere that felt ever so glamorous and fully immersive," says Miaad. "It's proof that one material can completely define a room."

WOW!house is an event open to the public between June 2nd to July 2nd, and why not combine your trip with our exclusive talk at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, Nature-Led Design: How To Create Spaces that Nurture The Soul, with Livingetc editor Pip Rich?

Darker, richer, more heritage-inspired colors are becoming increasingly popular in interiors, and we've seen bolder greens replacing softer shades of sage and olive. You could say the return of decorating with Hunter Green has been subtly foreshadowed for a while now, but Lick's recent collaboration with Hunter just solidified that the millennial-coded color is having its renaissance.

In truth, Hunter Green has always been timeless; it's just how and where we use it that needs to adapt with the times. In 2026, decorating with green needs to be bold — a moody drench, a striking stone, or even a playful, glossy finish — and here, Hunter Green comes alive.

There is a comfort in returning to a familiar favorite, and, as the new limited-edition (and very, very cool) Lick x Hunter collaboration proves, there are ways to honor green color trends while still feeling distinctly modern. Layered with rich blue and black undertones, Lick's new Green 170 feels both grounding and elegant; here's how we'd use it in your home.

How to Use Hunter Green in 2026

"I think the key to decorating with this color in a way that feels fresh and contemporary is to really lean into it," says Tash Bradley, founder and director of interior design at Lick. Hunter Green is such a beautiful part of a modern heritage color palette, but rather than just using it as a small accent, "go all out and fully color-drench a space in it," she adds. And that mentality of jumping headfirst into decorating with color is exactly what makes this shade feel freshest.

Think utility rooms, boot rooms, and downstairs bathrooms — those smaller spaces where you can create real impact. But beyond application, the paint finish you choose is really important with a color like this. "Going for an eggshell finish instantly makes it feel more modern because it reflects more light around the room and gives the color this richness and depth," says Tash.

Hunter Green also works particularly beautifully as a paint color in dark rooms because "instead of fighting the lack of light, it embraces it and creates something really cocooning and atmospheric," explains Tash. So, basically, if you're going to try a shade like Lick x Hunter Green 170, it pays to really go for it.

The best color combinations with a color like Lick x Hunter Green 170 offer balance and contrast. So, while there are a lot of colors that go with green, with Hunter Green specifically, you have to think about the shade's specific undertones.

For instance, Hunter Green has a deep blue base, so pairing other blues will draw out that undertone and have a stunning effect. But it's a fine line. "Hunter Green is already such a rich, grounding color, and when you layer another deep, saturated tone like purple alongside it, the room can start to feel visually heavy and a little flat, especially in UK homes where natural light can already be limited," warns Tash.

Need a simpler place to start? Tash says to look to nature as your biggest source of inspiration. "The color combination I really want people to start using more is Hunter Green and blue together, almost looking at blue as the new neutral," she adds. And it makes perfect sense. Think of blue skies against rich green landscapes — those colors naturally sit so beautifully together.

Tash particularly recommends pairing Lick x Hunter Green 170 with softer, fresher blues like Blue 01, Blue 02, or Blue 18. "Hunter Green is a mid-to-dark tone, so balancing it with a lighter blue helps soften the weight of it and creates this really calming, nature-inspired palette," she says.

If you want to lean more neutral, Tash recommends sticking to complementary undertones. Green works beautifully with neutrals that have a subtle red or pink undertone, like beige, tan, and white (she specifically recommends Beige 10 or White 06). They soften the richness of the green without making it feel stark or cold.

"For me, Hunter Green looks its best when paired with colors that soften and balance it — blues, burgundies, earthy reds, and dusty pinks," says Tash. These tones allow the richness to shine while still feeling timeless and contemporary.

With deep greens, there is room to get creative with styling, especially when bringing that modern edge to the color. "I'm really leaning into warmer, more natural wood tones at the moment," says Tash. Rich walnut, aged oak, and darker-stained woods all work beautifully because they add warmth and depth while still feeling timeless.

"I think overly pale or very cool-toned woods can sometimes make Hunter Green feel slightly disconnected, whereas these warmer woods make it feel much more grounded and layered," she adds.

For metals, antique brass and muted metals with Hunter Green enhance that richness and heritage feel while still feeling soft and elegant. "Bronze also looks incredible if you want something slightly moodier and more contemporary," says Tash. However, she says to "avoid anything too polished or overly chrome because Hunter Green has such depth to it that it works best with finishes that feel a little more lived-in and tactile."

Even adding Hunter Green accents, beyond just paint, can help round out the scheme. If you are going for a larger renovation, a dark green stone backsplash or countertop really makes a statement, or you can experiment with Hunter Green by adding a lamp or throw in the shade.

Hunter Green may have been overlooked in recent years, but something tells me the Lick x Hunter collaboration is about to change that. In the right context (read: not an accent wall), Hunter Green could actually be the best green paint color for an elevated take on heritage color schemes.

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With summer upon us, it's high time to shift your attention to elevating your outdoor space, and rest assured, you certainly don't need an expansive space to soak up the sun — smaller outdoor spaces are endlessly charming; they just need a thoughtful approach when decorating them.

If your own small outdoor space, whether that's a narrow garden or patio, is in need of a refresh, the latest exterior paint trends are here to help. This year, it's less about anything too saturated or statement-making, and more about quietly confident hues that complement natural surroundings.

So, how does that actually translate into your space? Read on to discover the exact color schemes designers turn to to elevate small outdoor spaces, proving that the most stylish trends aren't just for large homes.

1. Warm Brown, Cornflower Blue, and Creamy Whites

Extending the way you decorate with color inside to the outdoors is a great way to create a sense of cohesiveness, especially in small spaces. That was the approach of the modern outdoor living room pictured above, where the wood stain on the fences creates a timeless backdrop for the cornflower blue, rust tones, and creamy whites.

"This garden was designed to be an extension of the house interiors, so we thought of extending the color scheme, too," explains Alicia Meireles, creative director at OWN LONDON. "What we like about it is the fact that these are not the traditional outdoor kind of colors: cyan blue, lime green, bright yellow."

"There’s something rather warm and inviting to this that invites relaxation and outdoor living," she adds.

2. Sage Green, Dark Teal, and Wood Tones

Green is nature's color, which makes it one of the most effortless colors to add to an outdoor space. In small outdoor spaces, sage green paints feel soft and balanced, while adding a bit more interest than neutrals.

"Our eccentric client wanted his home to reflect his personality — playful and creative," explains Los Angeles designer Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA. "With his property resting atop the tree line, his ask was that the colors complemented the surrounding nature, so as not to distract from it. We landed on a sage exterior color with cool blue accents in the outdoor furniture to complement."

"The sage tone works especially well in small outdoor spaces because its soft, muted tone creates an airy feel while supporting surrounding greenery, helping the space feel larger and more connected to nature," she adds.

According to Kristina, there's a clear winner between olive and sage green in outdoor spaces. "The selected sage undertone felt fresh amongst the deeper greens in the foliage, and was why we selected that color rather than an olive tone."

3. Crisp White, Dark Accents, and Lush Greenery

Sometimes classic white paint makes the best choice for small outdoor spaces, helping to reflect the natural light and offering a clean, modern look for decor to be layered upon.

"Using white paint outdoors is an excellent way to maximize light reflection within a small outdoor space, bouncing sunlight in the warmer summer months and brightening the exterior in more overcast weather," explains Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish.

"In smaller spaces, white will create the illusion of more space, making outdoor areas appear more expansive and less enclosed," she adds. "Painting outdoor walls and architectural features in white will also provide a clean, structured aesthetic that can be accessorized with colorful furnishings such as outdoor cushions and a bold rug to anchor the space."

To add depth and contrast, go for darker accents for your outdoor furniture color, and make sure to add warmth with plenty of plants and greenery.

4. Blue-Green With Earthy Taupe

More colorful schemes can work just as well in small outdoor spaces. Here, a blue-green paint adds a slightly playful look and gives the outdoor space its own personality, while the taupe exterior adds balance.

"The soft earthy taupe on the exterior keeps it grounded within the landscape, whilst the blue-green timber doors and windows add a freshness and gentle sense of contrast that immediately draws the eye," explains interior designer Laura Stephens.

"The blue-green tone works beautifully because it has enough pigment to create definition and character, but still feels soft, relaxed, and timeless rather than overly bold," she adds.

When choosing colors for small outdoor spaces, it's important to consider how they complement the existing materials, so they don't feel jarring. "I always think about how they will sit against natural textures like brick, timber, greenery, and planting," says Laura. "The most successful schemes tend to complement nature rather than compete with it."

5. Charcoal Gray With Natural Greenery

Dark color schemes work well to create a moody, modern exterior, and in smaller outdoor spaces, they add contrast to place focus on the greenery of plants. Charcoal gray paints are a bit softer than black, and going for one with warm undertones will feel more welcoming than anything too cool-toned.

"I find working with a smoky charcoal color scheme works really well in a smaller environment," says London-based interior designer Jenny Luck. "It complements the outdoor colors beautifully and creates a tasteful backdrop to pots and planters scattered around a terrace or courtyard setting."

In addition to a dark gray paint for the exterior, focusing on adding warmth through decor can help bring the scheme together. "I love layering garden mirrors and all sorts of objects on this relaxed and pared-back scheme," says Jenny.

Ranging from neutrals to quietly colorful, these color schemes for small outdoor spaces add personality while keeping things balanced alongside natural surroundings. If you're looking for more ideas, these are the best Farrow & Ball paint colors for outdoors for a summer-ready refresh.

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Minimalism has its place and time, but currently, interiors are taking on a more characterful persona. Everything from paint color to how you dress your windows can benefit from a little decorative curation. So, as we look for clever ways to block the summer light, don't get stuck on purely functional blinds; once deemed 'fussy', the subtle flair of curtain valances is back, baby.

Sure, frilly curtain valances may bring to mind stuffy rooms in the 1980s, but as with all curtain trends, it's possible to make it work in contemporary interiors. Sure, a full box-style valance probably still doesn't scream 2026, but a little extra, ruffled fabric across the top of your modern window treatment? Now that we can get on board with.

That's right — a ruffle-top curtain isn't the fussy faux pas that'll date your space; it's the finishing touch that adds much-needed whimsy back into your room. Here's how designers are styling them in 2026.

The main reason we're seeing this ruffle-top curtain style come back is that people are looking for window treatments that feel softer and more decorative again, rather than purely functional.

It's like decorating with sheer curtains, lace detailing, or gothic romance-inspired draping aesthetic — ruffle-top curtains show that you've thought about all the details to give your space a design-forward edge.

"There's something slightly nostalgic and romantic about them, but they can still feel really fresh when styled in the right way," adds Design Lab by Livingetc stylist Iokasti Sotirakopoulou. It doesn't have to be a weighty ruffle or heavy fabric; a simple layer or natural material makes this curtain feel more contemporary.

"I'd keep the rest of the space quite relaxed and pared back, with softer neutral tones, textured materials, and more contemporary, organic forms to stop the curtains from feeling too traditional," Iokasti adds.

Perhaps a patterned curtain to lean into the playfulness or a raw linen that feels more aligned with modern coastal design. The goal is to let the ruffle-top curtain do the talking without competing with the rest of the scheme.

For instance, a color-drenched space would provide a tonal backdrop for curtain valances to stand out, or add curved shapes and modern lighting trends alongside your ruffle valances to bring the room back to 2026.

"I also think hanging them slightly higher and letting the fabric fall more naturally makes the whole look feel much more effortless and current," Iokasti says. Hanging curtains this way makes it more about the draping effect, whereas a ruffle-top, valance style on a cafe curtain may read more cottage-core.

"Personally, I love using curtains like this in bedrooms or quieter spaces where you want the room to feel softer, warmer, and more layered," says Iokasti. Need a few ideas to get started? Below are nine ways to shop this curtain while keeping that stylish, contemporary touch.

Whether you are seasonally switching your curtains or just looking for ways to give your windows a little more character, the resurgence of the ruffle-top curtain is certainly a step towards a charming, more storied interior.

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Livingetc's monthly 'Color Crush' always gives me something inspiring to look forward to. A fresh hit of color to reignite creativity as the new season blows in. And as May blooms into June, we're swapping last month's bold red for a soft, joyful blue-green we're calling Sea Green Chiffon. It's similar to a minty green, but with a little more life, and it'll awaken and refresh your home just in time for summer.

What exactly is Sea Green Chiffon? "Sea Green Chiffon has a subtle simmering fizz about it, summoning images of foamy, gurgling waves and shining sea glass treasures," explains Livingetc's color expert, Amy Moorea Wong. "It's radiant and playful, but with a cool, collected depth running beneath the surface." I'm going to just say it: it's a much-needed evolution of sage, "a calm, soft green for those of us done with herbs and ready to move on to (slightly) brighter, more characterful things," adds Amy.

While pastels and bold, bright colors can be outwardly intimidating, a softer hue like Sea Green chiffon is a fabulous way into decorating with color. Here's everything you need to know about this month's color crush.

What Is Sea Green Chiffon?

Sea Green Chiffon is — as you may expect — part of the green color family and sits on the cool side of the color wheel. In its makeup, you'll find blue, gray, a touch of yellow, and a smidge of white. These nuances are what make Sea Green chiffon stand out against other green color trends.

"It hints at eau de nil but is a little greener, with more freshness and luminosity to it; it winks at good old sage green but has considerably less gray and a lot more spark and vibrancy, and it floats around celadon but is less saturated, and more pushed back," explains Amy Moorea Wong.

Basically, it's a familiar color, but with enough pizazz in its undertones to make it slightly more interesting than a pale pastel.

I know what you're thinking: Is Sea Green Chiffon not just decorating with mint green? Well, it is, and it isn't. As Amy explains, "Compared to the classic minty green, it has less white and a dash of yellow, making it earthier and warmer."

The touch of gray brings that elegant, grown-up edge. Plus, it has slightly less blue than similar colors, making it warmer and more welcoming. Sea Green Chiffon is a joyful color, but it's one that you can easily live with and incorporate into larger schemes.

How to Use Sea Green Chiffon

These sorts of bright, pastel-adjacent greens get a bad reputation for being hard to use, but that's the magic of Sea Green Chiffon. "Sea Green Chiffon adds vitality but in a way that's honest, organic, and understated," says Amy. "It brings nature into the home in a way that casts the mind to early morning walks on the sea front, bringing in the feel of cool, salty spray in your face while maintaining meditatively tranquil."

The touches of yellow awaken the senses, while the cool blue base keeps a refreshing contrast. That said, Sea Green Chiffon is actually a color that can be used almost anywhere (like with most earthy color palettes), and in many different forms.

And if color trends have taught us anything, it's that going big will always lead to a more design-forward finished look. Especially with a shade as lively as Sea Green Chiffon.

"It works well in big, bold patches — walls, surfaces, rugs, large pieces of furniture — evoking a sense of openness and sprawling, serene seascapes," says Amy. And as a paint color in south-facing rooms, or rooms with lots of sunlight, it will provide even more unexpected warmth.

Want to drench color drench with Sea Green Chiffon? "It's restrained, gray-tinted liveliness will immerse without overwhelming, energizing at a livable level," says Amy. Or consider just an accent. "Look forward to moments of tempered invigoration that lift the space, punctuating the room like gentle surprises," Amy adds.

I can see this shade making a fabulous paint color for trim or dotted through the room in lampshades, side tables, or even as small decor moments. There are plenty of easy ways to incorporate Sea Green Chiffon, and when it comes to pairing it with other hues, just look to the colors that go with green.

Sea Green Chiffon is that little something calming to add to your interior that will still brighten your space and make it ready for warmer days. I can even see Sea Green Chiffon paired next to a splash of Pomegranate Pop...

And if you're not keen to paint your walls, why not shop our collection of Sea Green Shiffon decor instead?

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There's been a shift lately. Rather than aiming for picture-perfect, we're collectively seeking interior schemes that feel more relaxed, layered, even a little bit messy. And it makes perfect sense. In a world where AI is seeking to simplify and formulate, we're suddenly feeling drawn to complexity. 'Rules' are being broken, colors energetically clashed, and patterns made to feel randomized, artful, and, importantly, crafted by hand. Perhaps without even realizing it, we're starting to make our homes feel more human.

Marbleized prints do all of this, so it's no surprise it's a pattern trend right now. Made by floating paints in liquid and laying paper over to 'catch' the pattern, it's something I remember doing in school as a young child, but the technique can be traced back to the 10th century in Japan and is also known as Suminagashi or 'ink floating'. Each resulting pattern is mesmerizing, alchemical, and utterly inimitable.

"Marbleized patterns go back even further than the Renaissance and have an eternal quality to them that eschews any trends," interior designer Lucy Harris, founder of Lucy Harris Studio, tells me. "They reference nature and have an imperfect beauty to them that can finish a space."

Why Are Marbleized Patterns Trending Again?

Characterful, storied, nostalgic, crafted, personal — this is how people want their homes to feel right now, and marbleized patterns carry it all. They're colorful and striking, sure, but there is something so soothing and calming about the swirls; the pattern doesn't feel forced, but natural and fluid.

"I definitely think it's tied to celebrating the art that comes straight from nature," says interior designer Whitney Romanoff of Meet West Studio, who notes similar patterns are appearing in kitchen stone trends, too. "There's a move towards marbles and quartzites with wild and colorful veining, not the quiet Carrara that has become safe and expected," she says.

And when you really think about it, the fluidity of marbleized patterns is not far off the graphic grain of Ettore Sottsass's decorative wood veneers for ALPI, which have also re-emerged lately, or the 400-year-old moire fabric technique that's trending again in 2026. These patterns channel those created by nature, but at the same time, don't feel like they're trying too hard to emulate nature. It's the perfect mix.

How to Style Marbled Patterns in your Interior

So, how do you style a marbleized pattern? The impact in an interior is immediate. Its swirls feel dramatic, add depth, and an important sense of movement within a space. But, as such a striking design, it's important how you layer your scheme.

"I suggest letting the pattern be front and center," says designer Lucy Harris, who recommends layering either textural fabrics or patterns of a very different scale. Whitney agrees. "You can still pair it with other items of interest, but those should be quieter," she explains. "Items with interesting textures, shapes, or simple stripes or block-print patterns would work."

In the bedroom pictured at the top of this article, Whitney chose Beata Heuman's Marbleized Velvet fabric because she knew it would 'pop' against the color-drenched wall. To balance it, "We added a warm, textural light fixture, graphical art, and a pop of blue as accents," she adds.

In the bedroom pictured just above, Louise McGarry, creative director of Studio Braw, specified the same fabric. "The wood-clad walls and grasscloth ceiling already add so much depth and texture, so we wanted the fabric to become the real statement and focal point of the room," she says. "Its fluid, almost painterly quality adds softness and contrast, while tying the whole scheme together in a bold but balanced way."

Shop Marbleized Decor

Already got plenty of patterns in your home? Discover how designers intentionally pattern clash, for interiors that feel layered, intentional, and, most importantly, balanced.

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I've been exploring how color can impact your outdoor spaces a lot lately, but to do any of that, you first need to pick a paint color. Known for their earthier pigment, Farrow & Ball's paints work wonderfully outdoors. But which is best, and how should you choose?

There's a lot to think about when choosing paint colors for outdoor spaces, but the best place to start is by "taking clues from your planting and geographical location," suggests color expert and Farrow & Ball brand ambassador Patrick O'Donnell. Of course, it's worth keeping exterior paint trends in mind, too, but as a surface you don't want to revisit too often, timelessness is ideal, and the best results will always come from being led by your natural surroundings.

So, whether you are planning to paint your home, your trim, or your garden furniture, below, Patrick shares the best Farrow & Ball paint colors for outdoors, no matter your setting, scheme, or style.

The Best Farrow & Ball Paint Colors for Outdoors

There are so many colors to choose from; I mean, Farrow & Ball's green paint range alone has 57 shades to choose from. Sometimes choice can be overwhelming, but the the best Farrow & Ball paint colors for outdoors will blend with your home's natural surroundings and other elements of your scheme, like garden furniture colors.

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This year, we're making the most of a (hopefully) warm summer by hosting all of our soirées al fresco. Before the invites get sent out, though, there's the small task of bringing the garden up to scratch — and that's where these hard landscaping trends can help.

Most of us dream of an outdoor space that lets guests mingle freely, but it's not always so easy to achieve. If you're taking on a garden renovation this year, don't be completely distracted by the flowers and furniture; thinking through your hardscaping materials as carefully as you would the fittings and finishes inside your home will have a greater impact on your outdoor area than you might realize.

So, take your cues from these modern garden ideas, which showcase some of the biggest hard-landscaping trends we've spotted coming into this season.

1. Curved Stone Seating

"In such a compact garden, outdoor seating was essential to the social life of the space, but it needed to feel placed as part of the landscape rather than instead of it," says Tamsin Hanke, founding director of THISS Studio, of this outdoor plot.

"The limestone was chosen for its tactility, so the seating reads more like ground than structure," she adds. "By sweeping the bench in a curved form, we were able to integrate generous planting behind it."

2. Indoor-Outdoor Material Palettes

Architect Neil Dusheiko worked with landscape designer Sheila Jack to craft a house and garden that speak to each other.

"From the outset, the architecture and landscape were conceived as a single, continuous experience," Neil explains. "The palette of materials — brick, timber, concrete, gravel and planting — was carefully calibrated so that the garden feels like an extension of the house and the house feels anchored in the garden."

3. Areas for Reflection

A 1960s modernist house with two doors opening onto the garden called for a patio area that invites a moment of pause before moving into its wilder features.

"The key to this courtyard house is the relationship between the living spaces and the garden," says Ben Ridley, founder of Architecture for London. A stone bench, surrounded by low-level planting, offers space for reflection.

4. Landscaping Close to Home

This project by architect Oliver Leech provides a solution for both compact gardens and homes that feel too separated from the outdoors.

"The planters sit right against the windows to bring the garden closer to the kitchen," explains Oliver. "In the summer, the doors can be opened up, and the dining area is transformed from a cozy nook to a part of the landscape."

5. Zoning Areas

Long gardens can be tricky to work with, but in this project — a collaboration between architecture practice Proctor & Shaw and Sara Jane Rothwell of the London Garden Designer — zoning was the answer.

"A sequence of open spaces separated via planted thresholds disguises the generous length," explains architect John Proctor.

6. Terrace Gardens

A collaboration between architecture and interior design studio De Rosee Sa and garden designer Ula Maria, this project uses a terrace garden idea to connect house and landscape, addressing the change in level between the two.

"The upper terrace acts as a natural extension of the interior," explains Ula. "Below this, a second terrace offers a generous seating area, slightly elevated above the planting. The lowest terrace is dedicated to outdoor dining, nestled within the garden, creating an intimate space for outdoor meals."

7. Stepped Landscape Planters

A project with lower-ground-floor space left architecture studio Cousins & Cousins and landscape designer Climb Ldn with a quandary: how to connect it with the garden?

"Forming a stepped landscape planter opens up the view and removes the sense of enclosure, connecting the different levels and creating a lovely space to socialize and enjoy alfresco dining," says Jelena Cousins, co-founder and creative director of Cousins & Cousins.

Not planning a renovation any time soon? Take a look at how the latest garden furniture trends can completely change how you use your outdoor area.

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There’s a reason the most beautiful kitchens tend to feel so calm - the best designs hide the hardest-working storage in places you barely notice.

Increasingly, designers are moving beyond traditional cabinetry for their kitchen storage ideas and instead making use of underutilized architectural pockets, from recessed wall cavities to concealed island compartments and hidden pantry door racks.

"This is exactly where bespoke kitchens are headed," says Stuart Pumpelly, of Four Brothers Design + Build. "Storage that disappears into the architecture rather than getting stuck on top of it."

The result is a kitchen that feels streamlined and visually lighter, while still delivering the practical storage every busy home needs. Here, designers share the overlooked hidden storage spots they say we should all be taking advantage of.

1. A Pocket Door Appliance Micro-Zone

Instead of one large pantry, designers hiding coffee stations, breakfast bars, smoothie prep areas, utility storage, even mini home offices behind retractable pocket doors is one of 2026's biggest kitchen trends.

This works to tap into visual calm, “quiet kitchens”, and appliance minimization, helping to create a space that's really usable but relaxing.

"I believe that integrating appliances behind panels that match your cabinetry is an excellent design choice," says Elizabeth Reich of Crosby Jenkins, who designed the space above. "This approach creates a seamless look and is especially effective in smaller kitchens to prevent a choppy appearance. It allows for an uninterrupted flow of color, which can have a unified effect."

2. Appliance Walls for Bigger Electrical Items

You can actually take the pocket door idea one step further and create a full "appliance wall" to make the most of unused wall space.

Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors chose this option for one of her projects (above). "Incorporating appliance garages is a great way to hide small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, toasters, and air fryers," she says. "But you can also create an 'appliance wall' with tons of hidden storage by utilizing panel-ready appliances.

"In our Brooklyn Heights kitchen, a refrigerator, washer dryer, and electrical panel are all hidden in our appliance wall, seen to the right," she explains.

3. Recessed Shelving in Stud Walls

Stud walls are one of the kitchen’s most overlooked opportunities for hidden storage because the cavity itself can often be utilized without increasing the room’s footprint.

Designers are increasingly recessing shelving directly into non-load-bearing partition walls to create elegant niches for oils, spices, glassware, cookbooks, or ceramics, allowing storage to feel integrated rather than added on.

Because the shelves sit flush within the wall line, they maintain a calmer visual flow than protruding cabinetry, while also making use of what would otherwise be completely dead space.

In smaller kitchens, especially, recessed shelving, like the set seen above in the space by Studio Milne, can offer valuable extra storage without compromising circulation or making the room feel crowded. If you want the storage to be 'hidden', you can use a push-touch door to conceal the shelves.

4. Elevated Banquette Seating Storage

The hardworking dining nook is quietly becoming one of the kitchen’s biggest hidden storage assets, thanks to clever banquette seating ideas.

"Not just 'lift-up bench seats', banquette storage is getting more elevated," says Jeanne Hayes, founder of Camden Grace Interiors. "Designers now use deep drawers under banquettes, hidden appliance garages, seasonal servingware storage, and even breakfast station concealment."

This is great for multifunctional kitchens, small kitchens, and open-plan homes. Stuart Pumpelly, of Four Brothers Design + Build, agrees, adding: "We design banquettes as built-in millwork, not furniture, which lets us push the storage further.

"Deep drawers from the front are vastly more usable than lift-up seats - clients actually open drawers; they rarely lift a cushioned bench. Our favorite use is barware and seasonal serving pieces in the drawers, with a discreet appliance garage at one end of the banquette wall."

5. Toe-kick Drawers and False-Front Sink Drawers

Designers are treating every horizontal line in a kitchen as a storage idea, and the recessed plinth beneath cabinetry can become surprisingly very useful as a storage spot for baking trays, pet bowl drawers, table linen storage, and children’s snack drawers.

"We often include toe-kick drawers in our custom projects," says Stuart Pumpelly. "Best uses in our work are sheet pans, low-profile platters, and pet bowls."

Running along the same idea, the false panel beneath a sink is often wasted, but bespoke kitchens are increasingly converting it into sponge/cloth drawers, slim cleaning supply storage, compost caddy concealment, or dishwasher tablet storage.

"A small win, but a meaningful one," agrees Stuart. "We convert the false panel into a tip-out for sponges and brushes; bulkier cleaning supplies really want to live in the adjacent base cabinet on a pull-out, not jammed behind the sink basin."

6. A Hidden Behind-Door Rack

The backs of pantry and cupboard doors are often completely overlooked, yet they can provide surprisingly functional hidden storage without taking up any additional room.

Designers frequently incorporate slim internal racks or shallow shelving into door interiors to hold spices, oils, cleaning products, linens, or everyday pantry essentials, helping to free up valuable shelf space elsewhere.

Because the storage is concealed when the door is closed, it allows kitchens to maintain a clean, streamlined appearance while quietly maximizing every inch of usable space — something particularly valuable in compact kitchens or hardworking family homes.

7. Cupboards or Shelving in Your Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands aren't just for prep — they're increasingly being designed as concealed storage hubs too, with designers making use of every surface and internal cavity.

Push-touch cabinetry allows cupboards to disappear seamlessly into the island’s joinery, creating hidden storage for everything from small appliances to serving ware without interrupting the clean lines of the kitchen.

At the same time, recessed open shelving built into the ends or seating side of an island can provide subtle space for cookbooks, ceramics, or baskets, adding both practicality and visual softness. The result is storage that feels integrated into the architecture of the kitchen rather than visibly added onto it.

The most effective kitchen storage is often the kind you barely notice at all. By making use of overlooked dead space and integrating storage more thoughtfully into the architecture of a kitchen, designers are proving that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.

Whether it’s a recessed niche, a concealed island cupboard, or hidden shelving tucked behind a door, these subtle additions can help a kitchen feel calmer, more streamlined, and far more functional from day to day.

And if you want more inspiration for your kitchen, why not sign up to the Livingetc newsletter?

While everyone snaps away on their phones and shares images online, there’s been a quiet resurgence of the printed photograph. Whether that’s down to screen fatigue (understandable) or something far deeper, people are once again appreciating the family photo as a physical object rather than a fleeting image on their camera rolls.

Speaking from experience, there’s a big difference between knowing how to hang art and displaying family photos in a way that looks good. Paintings and art prints often arrive framed, which removes at least some of the guesswork, but they can vary widely in shape and size. Photographs, on the other hand, tend to be more uniform, again opening up a whole variety of options — should you group them? Hang them one-by-one? Create a gallery wall?

So, what are non-tacky ways designers like to display family photos, and how can you capture these ideas in your own home? Let's find out.

1. Highlight a Moment

Some photos deserve pride of place. “Displaying one photograph individually allows it to take on greater significance in your space,” says Sophie Pringle, founder of Pringle & Pringle. “A single family photo can make a beautiful statement.”

For maximum impact, display that single image in a prominent position. “You want it to be somewhere that feels personal to you and that you’ll enjoy every day,” suggests Sophie. A bedside table, desk, or console is likely to make the most sense depending on the context of your chosen image.

When you’re only displaying one family photo, the frame becomes more important than it otherwise might. “The frame has the power to turn your family photo into a decorative object in its own right,” the interior designer explains. “It should fit within your space’s wider design story, so look at your existing palette and the materials you’ve used."

She suggests timber, brass, or tortoiseshell frames for warmth and character, "while contemporary spaces are suited to metallic or cleaner-lined designs," she adds.

2. Curate a Black-and-White Gallery Wall

Gallery walls have long been a go-to for displaying family photos, but interior designers are now steering clear of eclectic, mixed-and-matched arrangements. Instead, more streamlined displays are bringing a simpler, elevated look to family home projects.

“A gallery wall can turn a collection of memories into something much more, but they work far better when they feel intentional, not accidental,” agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of K’Arte Design. Map out your arrangement on the floor, but try a few different compositions before settling on your final decision.

“The best always have a unifying thread that makes them curated rather than chaotic,” adds Katerina. “That could be a consistent frame finish, a shared mount color, or simply a considered starting point that everything else builds around.”

Consider opting for black-and-white printing, too, which can bring a uniform look to images shot at different times and across a variety of places.

3. Lean In

If you like displaying photographs in proper frames, but enjoy rotating their arrangement, a floating shelf beautifully balances practicality with flexibility. "Leaning frames, rather than wall mounting them, allow pieces to rotate over time without damaging paint or wallpaper," explains Maggie Mardre from Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors.

For a design-led approach, opt for a subtle ledge (like this one from John Lewis) rather than a deep shelf — this keeps the focus firmly on the family photos, rather than allowing the surface to become cluttered with other objects or decorative accessories.

“In this project, wrapping the steel ledge around the room also creates a linear visual element, adding structure to the display of layered frames,” says Maggie. “When mixing different sizes, always create a balanced composition rather than a chaotic one.”

4. Go Beyond the Basic

From Polaroid exposures to vintage prints, memories aren’t always captured in 4x6. Whether you’re arranging a cluster on a mantel or hanging just one on a wall, family photos beyond the typical dimensions can be trickier to display stylishly.

“People are now using photo booths to capture milestones like holidays, engagements, and new babies,” says Shauna Moran, founder of MORA Interiors. “The less traditional the piece you’re framing, the more elevated the frame needs to be to give it weight. I’d also suggest that the smaller the photo is, the bigger the mount should be.”

If you’re framing a quirky format, don’t feel like you have to play it too safe. “Have fun with the framing,” instructs Shauna. “Go for something unexpected with mount colors, placement of the photo, or aperture shape. You’ll be giving your special memory the attention-to-detail it deserves.”

5. Pin Up

You may prefer to rotate family photographs regularly, in which case frames might be a hindrance rather than a key design tool. “A fabric pinboard is a personal and relaxed way to display family photographs, exactly because it allows your space to evolve naturally over time,” believes Rebecca Hughes.

Of course, not all pinboards are created equally. “For this space, we selected a fabric with a subtle geometric pattern, giving the board visual presence without overwhelming,” the interior designer explains. “As the motif has movement and texture, it disguises pin marks beautifully and prevents the board from feeling too utilitarian.”

If you’re considering a similar approach, why not layer in other elements rather than just family photos? Using a pinboard [like this one from Pottery Barn] as a visual scrapbook can add a further layer of interest, turning the display into something truly interactive — postcards, invitations, and even children’s artwork all make worthy additions to the mix.

Whether you’re showing off a single meaningful image or building a display with lots of different family photos, the key is to do it with something of a curator’s eye. Interior designers know that the best ways to display family photos involve thoughtful compositions and careful hanging.

Looking for more inspiration? Discover how cool people frame their pictures, and subscribe to our newsletter for even more design ideas and decorating advice.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, an outdoor kitchen meant little more than a barbecue. Maybe a small prep table too, if you were lucky. How times have changed. Nowadays, we're seeing outdoor setups as complex and elevated as what you'd expect to find inside a chef's home.

Over the past few years, outdoor kitchens have had a major glow-up, and it seems that the improvements just keep coming. These modern outdoor kitchens are integrating trends and technology at the same rate as we see inside the home, creating spaces that will have you rejecting your OG kitchen entirely.

But the trends we're noticing popping up in the kitchens of our outdoor spaces have got a fair few noticeable differences from what's popular in regular kitchen designs. These trends are tweaked and adjusted to reflect their surroundings, with designs that refer back to the nature they sit within, and smart additions perfect for dining al fresco. So, get the summer started on the right note and take a look at these outdoor kitchen trends for 2026 to make the most of your garden in style.

1. Function-First Designs

"The biggest outdoor kitchen trend for 2026 is the shift from aesthetics-first to function-first," argues James King, VP of Design at RTA Outdoor Living.

Much like with your regular kitchen trends, there is a constant battle between form and function, and it can be trickier than you'd expect to find a way to marry the two. However, this year, James says that functionality is coming out on top.

This is a contrast to the direction that garden trends had been heading, as James explains, "For years, homeowners built outdoor spaces that looked great for the few hours they hosted guests. But now this is changing; I’m experiencing a clear move towards design that prioritizes how people actually live in their outdoor space every single day."

In a practical sense, this looks like a focus on how we actually cook, with an emphasis placed on workflow, incorporating popular ideas like the kitchen triangle. As well as this, James also notes a heightened interest in "surfaces that hold up to daily use without constant maintenance, and material choices that prioritize durability and safety over just visual appeal."

2. Year-Round Usability

Of course, when we talk about outdoor kitchens, the conversation is so often focused on summertime hosting. But, for the people investing significant amounts of money in these designs, finding ways to make them work well beyond the summer months is a top priority.

Co-founder of Suns Lifestyle, Reilly Gray, notes, "The biggest trend we're seeing for outdoor kitchens this year is the shift towards designs that are modular, fully integrated, and intended for year-round use."

Unlike your typical barbecue setup, these outdoor kitchens are increasingly relying on some type of structural coverage, as well as higher-quality, weather-resistant materials.

One popular technique for this is combining your outdoor kitchen with a pergola. As Reilly explains, "Positioning kitchens under pergolas also helps to create a true destination in the garden, defining the space for cooking, dining, and entertaining while providing valuable shelter from the elements, allowing the kitchen to be enjoyed comfortably throughout the year."

Many popular designs integrate adjustable forms of coverage, so you can choose whether you want full protection or allow a little bit of sunshine in while you cook.

3. Bringing in a Bar

While many homeowners are finding ways to make their outdoor kitchen work on an everyday, casual basis, there are still a fair few of us who are keen to make our outdoor kitchen a hub for garden parties and summertime hosting, too. And, for the ultimate outdoor hosting setup, a bar is practically an essential. They can work with any style, too, from modern designs to romantic, bistro-style outdoor kitchens.

But this feature won't go into retirement by the time September rolls around. In fact, if anything, adding a bar will make your outdoor kitchen better suited to year-round use. As Kris Manalo, design lead at Atkin and Thyme, explains, "Outdoor bars tend to see continued use even as the weather cools, as preparing drinks is often quicker and less labor-intensive than cooking. A combined kitchen and bar set-up, therefore, gives the space greater purpose and helps extend the outdoor entertaining season."

Combine it with some cool, layered outdoor lighting and plenty of comfortable bar seating, and you've got yourself the ultimate outdoor hangout setup — just don't be surprised if your guests overstay their welcome.

4. Durable Material Choices

When it comes to outdoor kitchen trends, it's really all about the materials. Of course, there are colors and kitchen appliance trends that come and go, but the materials are what really define the look and are especially important for outdoor kitchens.

According to Paul Dore, from County Stone Ltd, it's all about large-format tiles in porcelain or ceramic. As he explains, "This is more than opting for a durable worktop; it's about using material in a way that's intentional."

This year, people are stepping beyond the purely functional and are finding visually intriguing ways to elevate the look of their outdoor kitchens, while still maintaining maximum durability and functionality. For example, Paul says, "The technique that's really gaining momentum is using thinner-format porcelain slabs to clad island sides and build up edge profiles to appear 80 to 100mm thick. The result is that luxurious, solid look you'd associate with a high-end interior kitchen — but without the structural weight that causes headaches in outdoor builds."

These smart solutions show a greater desire to get the absolute most out of these outdoor spaces. "They're no longer seasonal additions or afterthoughts — they're year-round spaces that need to perform in a British climate and stand up to the same scrutiny as any interior room. That shift in expectation is pushing materials and detailing to a new level," says Paul.

5. Blending With Nature

With so much focus placed on creating continuity between your interiors and outside spaces, you can actually end up with a garden that feels incongruous to its surroundings. No matter what, nature should be at the core of your garden design. But when we use so many cold, hardscaping materials, they can begin to overpower the surroundings, making nature feel like it's on the back foot with your outdoor kitchen design.

As Sophie Bertrand, head of design at Rosebank Landscaping, says, "Outdoor kitchens can risk overpowering a space if they are not balanced with the surrounding landscape." So, to help mitigate this, she recommends spending some time building up a layered, gentle planting scheme to counteract the hardness of these materials.

"A considered planting scheme using softer evergreens and foliage can soften harsh lines while helping the kitchen feel integrated into the wider outdoor living environment," she explains. By including leafy foliage, you help root your outdoor kitchen into its surroundings, making it feel distinctly different from an interior kitchen. Choosing the right outdoor kitchen color can also help with this.

Another nice way to do this is by planting an edible herb garden near your outdoor kitchen. Not only will this help to bring more color and softness to the design, but you'll get plenty of use from it, too.

Now you know all the trends to include, it's time to get acquainted with all the outdoor kitchen mistakes you should be avoiding, just in case.

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Kitchen islands used to impress us simply by existing. Big rectangle? Great. Row of stools? Lovely. Waterfall edge? Ooh, fancy. Now, the island has become the kitchen’s social hub, sculpture, dining table, prep station, and personality piece all rolled into one. It is where everyone gathers, wine gets poured, guests pretend to help, and designers are suddenly taking their biggest risks.

Part of that shift comes down to the wider move in luxury homes toward softer, more expressive kitchens. The latest kitchen trends are less obsessed with sterile perfection and more interested in atmosphere, tactility, and custom detailing that feels collected rather than showroom-obvious. Islands are getting curvier, chunkier, more furniture-like, and frankly, a little theatrical, but in a nice way. Nobody wants a kitchen that looks like a spaceship anymore. They want one that feels layered, tailored, and expensive without showing off about it (well, perhaps a little).

And because islands now sit squarely in open plan layouts, they are being asked to do more than ever before. The newest designs are responding with clever seating plans, architectural detailing, and layouts that blur the line between kitchen and dining room entirely. These are the latest kitchen island trends defining luxury kitchens right now.

1. Showboating Edges

Standard square-edge countertops are suddenly feeling a little flat as luxury islands embrace dramatically profiled stonework worthy of Milan Design Week. Stepped edges, chunky built-up miters, deep bevels, ogee detailing, fluting, riven finishes, basically, if the island countertop can perform a little architectural theater, designers are into it.

Partly, this comes from the wider move toward kitchens feeling more decorative and less purely functional. We chose a double ogee edge profile for the island and intentionally didn't match it to the surrounding countertops — and that deliberate mismatch is the whole point. When everything matches perfectly, a room can feel flat. That one element that feels slightly off, the "perfect imperfection," is what gives a space personality and soul,” adds Courtnay Tartt Elias, founder of Creative Tonic Design.

“I also find that a different edge profile or material on the island helps it read less like standard cabinetry and more like a dining table or piece of furniture that happens to live in your kitchen. The sculptural profile gives the stone real presence — and gives the island a little edge, no pun intended.”

In short, the island countertop decorative edge trend helps anchor it as a centerpiece rather than just a giant prep block plopped in the middle of the room.

What is interesting is how varied the look has become. Some designers are going ultra-classical with ornate profiles borrowed from traditional furniture and antique marble fireplaces. Others are leaning into crisp layered edges that almost resemble stacked stone trays. Even heavily veined marble somehow manages to feel more dramatic when treated to such substantial detailing, which is why designers are paying closer attention to both kitchen countertop ideas and emerging countertop trends.

The practical upsides are cause for celebration, too. Built-up edges create the illusion of thicker stone without needing a full ultra-heavy slab throughout, while textured or riven finishes disguise chips and dinks surprisingly well in busy kitchens. Mostly, though, this trend is about emotion. Kitchen islands are becoming less clinical and more glamorous, and there’s no shame in that.

2. Face-to-Face Seating

The classic row of barstools lined along one side of an island is beginning to feel a little anti-social. Great for staring at your socials, less great for actual conversation. Instead, designers are shifting toward parallel seating layouts that make kitchen islands function more like proper dining tables, just a tad taller.

“Positioning barstools opposite each other can completely shift the atmosphere of a kitchen island. Instead of everyone facing the same direction, the layout encourages proper conversation and makes the space feel far more sociable,” says Brad Ramsey, founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. “It works especially well on longer islands — typically 9 feet or more — where there is enough room for prep and seating to comfortably coexist. The result feels less like a standard breakfast bar and more like a relaxed gathering table, which suits busy family kitchens and entertaining spaces beautifully.”

This trend works particularly well in open concept floorplans where formal dining rooms are disappearing or being used about twice a year. For anyone researching kitchen island ideas with seating, this more conversational direction is quickly overtaking the old breakfast-bar format, and we’re excited for it.

3. Creative Legwork

Kitchen islands are growing legs, literally. After years of chunky monolithic blocks hugging the floor, designers are introducing furniture-style supports that make islands feel lighter, more tailored, and considerably more custom — the fancier the better. Sometimes it is a pair of oversized legs flanking the seating area. Sometimes every corner gets its own sculptural support, and the entire island starts reading more like a grand refectory table than built-in cabinetry. Either way, the effect is transformative because it visually breaks up what can otherwise become a massive, uninterrupted box in the middle of the room.

“Adding legs breaks up the visual bulk and introduces a more tailored, collected feeling that modular islands sometimes lack. It also makes seating more comfortable because people can actually tuck themselves in properly rather than kicking cabinetry panels all evening,” says Phil Norman, design director and founder of Norman Design Group.

What makes this kitchen island trend particularly exciting is the creative opportunity. Designers are using turned wood legs, tapered forms, cabriole silhouettes, fluted columns, metal supports, and deeply architectural shapes to introduce personality without overwhelming the room. In more traditional kitchens, the island can almost resemble a freestanding antique worktable. In contemporary spaces, slim bronze or stained oak legs create a sharper contrast against stone volumes.

4. Twice as Nice

Double kitchen islands have gone from outrageous mansion flex to surprisingly practical luxury layout. As open-concept kitchens continue expanding and entertaining becomes increasingly informal, homeowners are realizing that one large kitchen island often ends up trying to do too many jobs badly. Two islands solve that problem elegantly.

It also solves one of the biggest frustrations in modern kitchens: nobody really wants guests crowding around the sink full of dirty prep bowls while dinner is being made. A second island naturally creates distance between working and social zones without needing walls.

“Success comes down to clearly defining what each island is meant to do. Ideally, one island functions as part of the larger workspace, with a sink, dishwasher, cooktop, hood, and a prep zone, or a combination of one or more of those elements. While the other serves as a social island for seating, dining, a bar, or light prep,” says Meg Rodgers, president and creative director of Marguerite Rodgers. “Separating these functions keeps the entertaining side cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable for guests, while still allowing both islands to be conveniently connected to the kitchen’s work zones.”

If you are currently planning a modern kitchen redesign, the rise of dual-island layouts says a lot about how homes are prioritizing flexibility and entertaining flow over rigid “work triangle” thinking. And sure, there is undeniably a bit of luxury signaling involved. The double island trend really drills home that you’re swimming in space, but it also improves how that space functions day-to-day instead of merely looking impressive on Instagram.

5. The Half Waterfall

While full-on floor-scraping waterfall edge treatments are still very much in play, the newest spin on this high-impact trend is the 'half waterfall'. As the name suggests, this iteration sees the countertop stop halfway down the island side. It is a small shift that completely changes the mood.

“A full waterfall can read very monolithic, whereas a partial drop introduces contrast and lets cabinetry play more of a starring role. You still get that beautiful slab moment, but the kitchen feels warmer and more layered overall,” says Kelly Hohla, founder of Kelly Hohla Interiors.

Designers like Kelly are using this detail brilliantly to mix materials in more interesting ways. In this scheme, the leathered Oceanic quartzite from Da Vinci Marble drops partially downward before meeting softly grained white oak cabinetry beneath, creating a layered contrast between texture, tone, and finish. This look aligns perfectly with the broader shift away from ultra-streamlined minimalist kitchens toward spaces with more warmth and nuance. It still feels luxurious and contemporary, just slightly less uptight.

6. Quiet Flex Details

Luxury kitchen islands are becoming less about one massive statement and more about tiny, deeply considered details that subtly stack together. Think specialist stone edges, elaborate feet, crisp shadow gaps, hand-patinated metal trims, and toe-kicks in unexpected finishes. The sort of things guests cannot always immediately identify but somehow register as expensive. This trend is stealth wealth in a nutshell.

“Kitchen islands are a wonderful place to introduce decorative details that might feel too bespoke or intricate across an entire kitchen. Because they read more like furniture than cabinetry, they bring warmth and personality into what can otherwise be a very utilitarian space,” says Zoë Feldman, founder of Zoë Feldman Design. “In this Virginia kitchen, we added aged brass ball feet beneath the walnut legs and introduced a reeded stone edge detail to the island. Those elements give the room a subtle sense of craftsmanship and character that feels incredibly considered.”

Partly, this direction reflects the wider design mood right now. Overt flashiness feels slightly out of step with the political/economic moment. People still want beautiful homes, obviously, but the emphasis has shifted toward craftsmanship, tactility, and subtle detailing rather than giant performative luxury gestures. This is exactly why searches around expensive-looking island details have exploded — the luxury now lives in the subtlety, not just square footage.

These details also reward closer interaction, which matters because islands are such tactile spaces. Your hand brushes the edge constantly. Your foot catches the brass detailing beneath. You notice the texture while sitting with coffee in the morning. Designers are focusing heavily on these sensory moments now rather than only prioritizing the room’s long-distance visual impact.

7. Soft Geometry

Sharp-cornered rectangular islands are starting to look a little… meh. Designers are increasingly embracing curved, oval, racetrack, and fully circular islands that soften the flow of open-plan kitchens and make spaces feel more relaxed socially.

Yes, curves may cost more to manufacture, but curved kitchen island ideas make total sense, especially if you’re a toddler on a skateboard! “Rounded islands naturally improve circulation because people flow around them more comfortably, particularly in busy family kitchens,” agrees Ginger Curtis, founder of Urbanology. “They also soften the atmosphere psychologically — curved forms feel more relaxed and sociable than sharp corners and rigid geometry.” No painful hip clipping, no small child launching forehead-first into quartz.

But the appeal goes beyond practicality. Curved forms instantly soften kitchens visually, especially in homes filled with hard architectural lines, oversized glazing, and angular cabinetry. A rounded island introduces shape and movement that makes the entire room feel more inviting. Designers are also leaning into the social psychology of curved layouts. Circular seating arrangements naturally feel more communal because there is no obvious “head” of the table. Conversation flows more easily, and guests feel included rather than lined up like they’re interviewing for a job.

Materially, curves create opportunities for beautiful detailing too. Veined stone suddenly feels fluid rather than rigid, while reeded and fluted kitchen islands wrap particularly elegantly around rounded forms. “In this project, that idea is elevated through the materiality and craftsmanship of the island itself,” adds Ginger. “The stone and wood detailing were treated less like a standard, expected kitchen island and more like a sculptural furniture piece. It carries an artisanal quality and a gallery-like presence, designed for the family to naturally gather around.”

There is something slightly retro-futuristic about the whole thing, a little 1970s Italian design energy sneaking back into luxury kitchens. Which, frankly, is never a bad thing.

FAQs

Which kitchen island trends are expected to have the most staying power?

The kitchen island trends proving most resilient are the ones rooted in comfort, flexibility, and craftsmanship rather than novelty. Designers are moving away from ultra-severe minimalism and toward islands that feel more furniture-like, with softer shapes, layered materials, decorative edge profiles, and integrated seating layouts designed for real social interaction. These details tend to age more gracefully because they add warmth and personality without feeling gimmicky.

There is also a growing focus on islands that visually connect with the rest of the living space rather than reading as one giant block of cabinetry. Features like tailored legs, rounded corners, textured stone finishes, and mixed-material combinations all help kitchens feel more like relaxed living rooms because they reference classic furniture and architectural detailing rather than pure cooking necessities.

How can I do a luxury kitchen island for less?

Luxury kitchen islands are increasingly defined by thoughtful detailing rather than sheer size or expensive materials alone. Small upgrades, like a sculptural countertop edge, fluted paneling, aged brass accents, integrated lighting, or contrasting cabinetry finishes, can completely change how bespoke an island feels without requiring a full custom build.

Proportion also plays a huge role. A well-designed island with generous overhangs, comfortable seating spacing, and carefully considered materials will always feel more premium than something oversized but poorly detailed. Designers are also prioritizing tactile finishes such as honed stone, ribbed wood, and unlacquered metals, which create a more layered, collected atmosphere that feels subtly luxurious rather than in-your-face showy.

The modern kitchen island is no longer just somewhere to perch with coffee while doom scrolling. Get the details right and it becomes the social and visual center of the entire home — although, as ever, avoiding a few classic kitchen island mistakes will make all the difference between effortlessly stylish and massively annoying obstacle.

There is a general tendency to opt for garden furniture in crisp whites, neutral grays, and earthy shades of green — something that goes with everything and won't take away from the natural surroundings. And while these are all fine choices, the biggest garden furniture color trends this season are a little more punchy.

Whether it's a pop of yellow, pink, or blue, garden furniture trends are embracing way more color in 2026. Just because it's an outdoor space doesn't mean you have to approach styling any differently from how you would indoors. An unexpected shade on your outdoor side table or bistro set leaves a lasting impact, elevating outdoor moments, garden parties, and relaxing afternoons alike.

So, what color garden furniture should you choose? I asked experts from some of the top garden furniture brands for the colors we're seeing most this season, and below were the biggest standouts.

1. Dopamine Colors

Okay, 2026 is the year we're having more fun with design. From sprinkling dopamine decor around your home to full-on silly-maxxing, embracing playfulness and color is the ultimate way to make your space feel more lived-in and personal. And yes, this extends the outdoor living room.

Donna Taylor, color design manager at Johnstone's Paint, says, “The dopamine decorating is continuing to gain momentum, and when it comes to garden furniture color trends, we're seeing brighter tones being introduced in small bursts to make gardens pop."

From sunny yellows to rich reds, these bolder shades complement the natural, earthy tones found in garden spaces, while adding personality and vibrancy, especially during the sunnier summer months.

The joyful colors you choose work even better when they correspond to the environment around you. Bolder pops against coastal blues, or as Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, suggests, "Faded yellow, pink, and muted blue work especially well in sun-drenched gardens."

2. Pastel Pinks and Dusty Roses

Being a natural color that goes with green, it's not surprising that pink garden furniture is having its moment in the spotlight this season.

"Softer pastel shades, like dusty pinks, are becoming increasingly popular, particularly when balanced with natural materials and greenery," says Cathryn. And though pink may seem like a bolder addition, these softer variations "can feel surprisingly timeless when used thoughtfully," adds Cathryn.

Plus, with a chic pink bistro set or garden table and chairs at your garden party, you can easily tie in summer-inspired pink tableware for a cohesive scheme.

3. Earth Tones

Lastly, earthy color palettes will always be a fabulous color choice for garden furniture. So if you want to upgrade your garden furniture color but remain neutral, consider a nature-inspired shade. "Earthy greens and terracotta tones continue to be popular for exterior color trends because they sit naturally within any garden and age beautifully over time," says Cathryn.

While playfulness is becoming increasingly popular, so is styling your garden to feel more like a true outdoor living space. Building a tonal scheme from the shades around your garden can lead to a very curated outdoor look.

"Earthy neutrals, chalky greens, and terracotta-inspired shades creating inviting, layered, and relaxed spaces," says Anna Hill, brand director and color consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook. And you can always experiment with acid greens for a contemporary scheme — these reimagined classics are among the biggest green color trends this year.

Never be afraid to add a little saturation to your outdoor space. Though these are three of this year's current garden furniture color trends, the selection is actually quite timeless, making decorating with color more accessible.

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Bathroom storage has evolved far beyond bulky mirrored cabinets and wicker baskets tucked under the sink,

In the most thoughtfully designed spaces, bathroom storage ideas are now being woven almost invisibly into the architecture itself, concealed behind wall paneling, hidden within bath surrounds, or seamlessly integrated into built-in seating.

The result is a bathroom that feels calmer, more luxurious, and blissfully free of visual clutter. These designer-approved ideas show that the smartest storage solutions are often the ones you barely notice at all, or are ones that double up as chic design features. Because nobody ever complained about having too much storage...

1. Recessed Cupboards Hidden Behind the Vanity Mirror

A recessed storage cupboard sitting stealthily in a stud wall behind the bathroom mirror creates functionality without the bulk.

"In this bathroom, the arched mirror above the sink is actually a mirrored cabinet, boxed out so the storage sits neatly within the wall rather than projecting into the room," explains Ruth Milne, of Studio Milne.

"From the outside, all you really notice is the soft curve of the mirror, which keeps the space feeling calm and visually uncluttered," the designer says. "I often approach bathroom storage this way, designing it so it feels quietly integrated as part of the overall design. I tend to layer different types of storage depending on the space, such as recessed cabinets, tiled niches, vanities with internal dividers, ledges and shelving, alongside bespoke joinery where possible."

"In small bathrooms especially, integrated storage can make a huge difference, as it allows you to keep everyday items close to hand without introducing bulky cabinetry or visual noise," she adds. "Thoughtful storage is so important in bathrooms because when everything has a place and clutter is tucked away, the room naturally feels more serene and restful. A relaxing escape at the end of a long day."

2. Hollow Architectural Features That Double as Storage

Utilize all the space in your bathroom and make pretty architectural features work as functional areas, too. 'Hollow' spaces in your room's architecture can be transformed into shelving that can display objects, while hiding more practical items like towel storage.

"Creating stylish but liveable spaces is important in our design work, and this bathroom storage reflects that ethos," says Kate Cooper, of Kate Cooper Interiors, who designed the space above.

"The open shelving allows you to display beautiful objects, towels or easy-to-reach items mixed with closed storage to hide away the practical things needed in a bathroom."

The space in the renovation came from an adjacent bedroom that didn't need a full wall of robe storage, so it was utilized in the main bathroom. "It also eliminates the need for the traditional hallway linen closet, as you can store additional towels inside the bathroom," Kate adds.

3. Clever Flush Above-Loo Cabinets

If you get clever with your bathroom layout ideas, you can create opportunities to add integrated or hidden storage in places you wouldn't necessarily expect.

Victoria Kember, of KERV Interiors, utilized space from the adjoining bedroom to the bathroom above to create a cabinet that sits flush against the wall.

She explains, "By reconfiguring the layout and using space from the bedroom behind, we were able to create a large walk-in shower that brings a sense of luxury. The newly formed wall also allowed for discreet hidden storage, complete with a shaver socket to keep toothbrushes neatly tucked away as well as ample storage for lotions and potions."

"The touch-to-close cabinetry creates a seamless aesthetic, while the timber front ties in the vanity unit perfectly," Victoria adds.

4. Under-Vanity Toe-Kick Drawers

The dead space beneath floating or built-in vanity units is often wasted, but slimline toe-kick drawers can be integrated into the plinth for discreet storage of flat items like spare toiletries, hair tools, or cleaning cloths.

Because the drawers are almost invisible from standing height, they maintain that streamlined luxury look while quietly adding extra functionality.

Looking for other sneaky spots to hide storage? Your bath surround is a great place to add storage cabinets, too.

5. Seamless Wall Storage Hidden by Color Drenching

Want your extra storage to be completely hidden for a totally seamless, airy finish? Use paint and color drenching to hide a recessed wall cupboard.

In this inviting small bathroom above by Studio Milne, Farrow & Ball's Ball Green paint was used to create a restful space with smart storage ideas.

"If you want a calm bathroom, start with the storage," says Ruth Milne. "In this Leyton project, a bespoke concealed cupboard was built by the contractors with handleless push-to-open doors, allowing everyday essentials to be tucked neatly out of sight and reducing visual clutter."

"Painted in Ball Green by Farrow & Ball, like the rest of the space, the soft, earthy tone adds warmth and depth while helping the room feel restful and cohesive."

6. Wall Paneling Makes the Perfect Hidden Storage Space

Whether it's wood cladding or wall paneling, these textured finishes are the ideal spot to hide recessed cupboards that seamlessly integrate into the design.

“Storage is always one of the biggest challenges in a bathroom, but the best solutions are often the ones you barely notice," says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs. "Paneling behind a bath, as seen in the bathroom above, is a really smart place to hide storage because it uses space that might otherwise just be decorative, while keeping the area around the bath calm and uncluttered."

It works particularly well for the things you want close by, but don't necessarily want on show, such as spare toiletries, candles, bath oils, or folded towels.

"Rather than having bottles lined up around the edge of the bath, you can build slim cupboards or recessed shelving into the panelling, with push-touch doors so everything sits flush and feels part of the room," continues Keeley. “The important thing is to make sure it is genuinely useful. It needs to be easy to open, at a comfortable height, and designed with the bathroom environment in mind, so moisture-resistant materials, good ventilation, and a suitable finish are all key."

Done well, it gives you that lovely sense of order without making the room feel over-designed or packed with cabinetry.

Ultimately, the most successful small bathroom storage ideas are the ones that support the space without visually dominating it.

By integrating storage into architectural details - whether through recessed shelving, concealed cabinetry, or multifunctional built-ins - it’s possible to create a bathroom that feels both highly practical and effortlessly serene.

In a room designed for slowing down and switching off, keeping clutter cleverly out of sight can make all the difference.

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There has been chatter in the world of interiors lately about making our homes more fun. Stylish, always, but with the perfect pinch of silliness that makes a space feel characterful and unique. Have you recently seen a hairy chair or a fish-shaped centerpiece you suddenly can't live without? Dubbed 'silly-maxxing,' this up-and-coming design approach quenches the collective thirst for a more whimsical space.

"Interiors have gotten so polished that sometimes they forget to be interesting," says interior designer and founder of House of Honey, Tamara Honey. Playfulness creates excitement and emotional connection. So, what started as incorporating an unexpected material or pop of color has now blossomed into a nuanced interior design trend that proves a truly stylish space isn't afraid to get a little weird. "We want interiors that feel considered, of course, but also a little self-aware... Rooms that don't take themselves too seriously," Tamara adds.

In terms of design, 'silly-maxxing' is less about adding loads of outlandish decor, and more about learning to experiment with scale, color, and contrast — the unexpected moment, the slightly off-beat object, or the bold decision that makes a space memorable. As we know, all the best things are a little silly, strange, and eccentric.

What Is 'Sillly-Maxxing' in Interior Design?

After a long period of minimalism and 'quiet luxury' guiding aesthetics, the past couple of years have swung in favor of adventurous color trends and character-rich details. In our perfectly planned, high-strung world, letting loose and creating an exciting space in our interiors has become the antidote.

"Moments of playfulness or experimentation create spaces that people genuinely connect with and remember," says interior designer Sophie van Winden, co-founder of London-based studio Owl. An unexpected color combination, an exaggerated shape, or a playful detail can bring warmth and humanity to a home, making it feel lived-in rather than overly curated.

Like many design styles, silly-maxxing is a combination of a few different styles. It borrows from the joyful, child-like ethos of neotenic design; it has an elevated edge similar to the contemporary space oddity style; and sometimes you'll find more obvious maximalist moments.

Designers like Charlotte Colbert have experimented with this refined, yet surrealist style for a while, and now we are seeing silly-maxxing bleed into contemporary homeware releases, including sardine decor drops and, most recently, Emma Chamberlain's West Elm collection, with its enlarged buttons and pigeon-shaped vases.

The playfulness behind silly-maxxing often comes from pushing one element slightly further than expected. "Maybe it's scale, maybe it's color used with a little less caution, or sculptural furniture that feels almost exaggerated," says Tamara Honey. There are ample ways to achieve this aesthetic, and techniques that will feel right no matter your home's scheme.

How to 'Silly-Maxx' Your Home

Typically, the biggest question with these kinds of trends is how they translate to the everyday home. How do you silly-maxx your space without it becoming distracting or gimmicky? Well, it centers on the concept of surprise.

"Scale, color, and form are the main tools that create unexpected moments and personality within a space," explains Sophie. Respectively, this can look like a tiny mirror hung off-center over the fireplace, a color-drenched butter yellow kitchen with something shocking (like a teal sink skirt), or a sculptural accent chair (that may not actually be very comfortable to sit in).

Scale

"Scale in design is everything, and thinking about it should be the very first principle when silly-maxxing your home," says interior designer Kristina Busko. Play with proportions that defy the norms for a more interesting space.

This doesn't mean buying a coffee table or sofa that doesn't fit in the room; it's more subtle than that. A tiny artwork or mirror on the wall, a coffee table with oversized ball feet, or a vase with a giant handle. These small moments then become completely captivating.

Color

Though decorating with color has definitely become more mainstream, people are often still afraid of fully committing to color, and "that's when they head in the wrong direction," says Kristina.

For example, painting just one wall reads as dated rather than stylishly silly. In the end, "people are usually disappointed with the effect of an accent wall, because to truly achieve joyful, stylish color schemes, you need to fully embrace the color and paint all the walls with it," adds Kristina.

Of course, you can also find ways to add a colorful accent that blends more harmoniously than an accent wall. "Playfulness doesn't necessarily have to mean loud; sometimes it's about subtle tension or contrast that keeps a space feeling dynamic and expressive," says Kristina. High contrast rooms work really well when a bold pillow, lamp, or rug does the heavy lifting.

Form

When the goal is to add more personality to a space, "start with a calm, cohesive base and then introduce moments of contrast through sculptural forms or bespoke details," says Sophie. "Oversized joinery, curved forms, or playful detailing can completely shift the mood of a room."

Learning how to thrift one-of-a-kind treasures is a fabulous way to blend ornate pieces with more contemporary curves and shapes. A statement mirror over a vintage console or sleek chrome decor paired with cottage-inspired cabbageware on the table.

Good amounts of tension can really help make the silly feel more livable. "Think refined materials paired with unusual forms, or classic architecture interrupted by something irreverent," says Tamara.

That balance in design is what keeps a space from feeling actually childish. "The goal is never novelty for novelty's sake; it's creating rooms that feel emotionally engaging and visually alive," adds Tamara.

"The homes people respond to most aren't necessarily the 'perfect' ones; they're the ones with personality," notes Tamara. A little humor, tension, or eccentricity gives a room life. To get you started, our Design Lab by Livingetc stylist has curated an edit of whimsical decor to shop. Or, perhaps this has inspired you to reclaim your taste from AI-saturated feeds.

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The mid-century design era is iconic for many reasons, but especially its color palettes. A celebration of rich earth tones — peachy pinks, mossy greens, and mustard yellows, to name a few — the defining colors of this era feel as stylish now as they did in the last century, adding warmth and a playful feel to rooms.

But knowing how to pull off a mid-century-inspired color palette without overdoing it is key, as taking it too literally can make a room look instantly dated. "Mid-century color palettes can quickly tip into pastiche if you lean on every signature color at once," explains designer Rachel Robinson. "We prefer to pick one strong color, give it real presence in the room, and then surround it with quieter, warmer tones that let the architecture and furniture breathe."

Whether you're drawn to the bold colors that energize mid-century modern homes or prefer the grounding neutrals from this era, below, designers share their tried and tested mid-century color palette formulas to help you.

1. Sand Tones, Peachy Pink, and a Pop of Blue

This modern kitchen is a celebration of warm colors, each of which reflects a playful mid-century-inspired look. Peachy pink kitchen cabinets inject a sense of fun, while the sand and biscuit tones bring the scheme back down to earth, making for the perfect mid-century kitchen trend.

"What I love about mid-century palettes is their warmth — they’re grounded in earthy tones, but always have a sense of playfulness," shares London-based designer Laura Stephens.

Alongside the warm tones, contrast is added through decor, most notably in pops of cool blue. "That balance is key to the mid-century look: you want enough depth to anchor the room, but also moments of contrast that keep it feeling fresh and dynamic," Laura explains. "It’s a palette that works particularly well in kitchens because it feels both inviting and lived-in, while still having a clear design identity."

2. Olive Green, Wood Tones, and Coral Pink

Wood comes up a lot in mid-century schemes, reflecting the importance of natural materials to this design style. Here, it complements the rich, olive green walls which create a moody, cocooning atmosphere — perfect for rooms used most in the evening.

"The color, Benjamin Moore's Trailing Vines 1505, works so well because it pulls in the green from outside with a hint of yellow that grounds the space and makes it feel really cozy," explains designer Kristen Pena of San Francisco-based Kristen Pena Interiors.

To complete this palette, a coral pink artwork has been hung on the wall; a complementary color to green that always works well.

3. Rich Wood Tones With Yellow and Green Accents

This kitchen color palette feels inherently mid-century, thanks largely to the rich, warm wood of the cabinets. The pops of color, however, are kept as just accents, which allows the space to feel more timeless, while the white walls add freshness.

"To offset the earthy tones, we introduced a bold citron accent on the shelving, which adds an unexpected punch of brightness and keeps the space from feeling too safe or predictable," explain designers Chelsey Cox and Rachel Rector of Florida-based Chinotto House.

"One of our favorite approaches to mid-century-inspired palettes is balancing grounded, natural materials like the wood cabinetry with one sharper or more saturated accent color," the design duo adds. "It keeps the interiors feeling fresh and current while still honoring the era’s playful use of color."

4. Crisp Blues, Walnut, and Black

Crisp blue paints work brilliantly in mid-century color palettes, but are often best used alongside neutrals to keep the scheme feeling modern and considered. "We like a punchy, bright blue that doesn't lean toward teal, something that nods to the era without feeling referential," explains designer Rachel Robinson of NYC Dunham Robinson.

"Paired with warmer materials like walnut, black granite, or brushed metals, and kept within a restrained palette, it feels fresh and composed," she adds. "Familiar, but not nostalgic."

Alongside the statement blue kitchen cabinets here, the neutrals throughout the room bring balance. "Walnut and black granite bring weight and seriousness, brushed metals add a soft sheen rather than a polished glare, and a creamy off-white on the walls keeps everything from feeling too studied," Rachel says.

5. Muddy Green and Earthy Neutrals

Mid-century color schemes don't have to be bright and bold: earthy color palettes feel just as reminiscent of this era. "Muted, earthy tones create a sense of calm and serenity, balancing timeless character with everyday functionality," explains designer Holly Vaughan of Vaughan Design & Development.

The scheme in the kitchen pictured above combines Travertine, Travertine Light, and Light Bronze Green from Little Greene, "paired with Sadhika from Atelier Ellis as a subtle yet uplifting accent on the island cabinetry," she explains.

When opting for a more restrained palette like this, texture is key to preventing it from looking flat. "An accent of deep brown zelliges for the splashback tiles grounds the palette, adding richness, texture, and depth," says Holly.

"These woody browns, sludgy mustard tones, and khaki-olive greens nod to the natural materials and understated elegance of mid-century design, where clean lines, thoughtful functionality, and an effortless connection to nature were central to the aesthetic," she adds.

6. Turquoise, Dusky Pink, and Black and White

Decorating with turquoise is fun and unexpected, but to bring this nostalgic hue to a modern home, it's important to consider your whole scheme. Warm accents like pink will add warmth and balance, while black and white bring structure and a modern twist.

"Warm pink sheer curtains were layered over the original yellow brickwork, allowing the architecture to remain visible while introducing a more theatrical, immersive quality to the space," explains Sophie van Winden of Owl Design. "The dusky pink softens the solidity of the brick and adds a warm contrast to the cooler tones of the carpet and joinery, while the translucent fabric adds depth and texture."

"A useful approach when decorating with mid-century-inspired colors is to combine earthy materials such as timber or brick with muted pastels or smoky tones, creating a balance that feels both playful and refined," she adds.

Once you'd mastered your mid-century color palette, choosing the right furniture and decor to continue the look is key. And for that, our Design Lab by Livingetc stylist has sourced the coolest mid-century modern living room furniture to shop.

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In my recent scrolls through social media, I've noticed one particular design detail that keeps unexpectedly appearing above cookers, leaning against upper cabinets, adorning banquettes, and even hanging from kitchen islands: art.

And I'm not the only one. "The kitchen has become one of the most emotionally important rooms in the house," interior designer Venetia Rudebeck tells me. "It’s no longer just somewhere to cook, but where people gather, work, and host. In many homes, it’s effectively replaced the formal living room, so it makes sense that people want it to feel layered, expressive, and personal."

When it comes to styling art in the kitchen, though, it's not always as straightforward as your living room wall. It's a space that serves a highly functional purpose, so there are practical considerations you need to consider. To get to the bottom of how to make sure your kitchen artwork is serving nothing but good looks, I asked interior designers how to hang art in the kitchen, and here's what they had to say.

"For years, art in kitchens was often treated as secondary — small or decorative prints rather than meaningful pieces," interior designer Venetia Rudebeck, co-founder of London-based Studio Vero, tells me. "Kitchens were seen as practical spaces that needed to be hardwearing above all else. But there’s something incredibly compelling about placing serious art in a room filled with life and movement."

So, how should we be styling art in the kitchen instead?

How to Style Art in the Kitchen

When it comes to styling art in the kitchen, placement is crucial — not just aesthetically, but for practicality, too. "Avoid hanging valuable pieces directly above heat or steam, for example, but don’t be too cautious," advises Venetia. "Lean artworks on shelves, place pieces above doorways, layer smaller paintings against splashbacks, or even prop something unexpected at the end of an island," she adds.

She also says it pays to be "less rigid" about what actually qualifies as art. "A ceramic plate, textile, or vintage object can have the same presence as a painting when displayed thoughtfully," she shares. And it's true — there are so many things you can hang on your wall instead of art that can achieve the same goal of adding instant character and personality.

For interior designer Christian Bense, styling art in the kitchen is a natural response to recent kitchen trends. "As built-in cabinetry gives way to open shelving, banquettes, and freestanding islands, walls and surfaces emerge that invite the same decorative treatment as a living or dining room," he explains.

As for how he'd do it: "Layering art alongside collected objects gives kitchens a more evolving quality — one that feels assembled over time rather than installed all at once," he shares. "Artwork fills visual gaps left by reduced cabinetry, certainly, but also helps transform kitchens into spaces that feel warmer, more expressive, and connected to everyday life."

Artwork mounted on your kitchen island, the back of a banquette, or on a shelf in your glass-fronted cabinets? Why not.

That said, it's always wise to frame artwork in the kitchen, ideally behind glass, and positioning it somewhere away from cooking equipment like the hob and oven, advises Hannah Thistlethwaite, a senior buyer at Heal's.

She also recommends lighting your art with sconces; "Wall lights offer a perfect opportunity to frame a piece of kitchen art, and if supported by shelving, create a real focal point," she adds.

The Best Style of Art for the Kitchen

But it's not just where you're styling artwork in your kitchen that matters, but what artwork you're styling. Nicky Mudie, founder and director of London-based interior design firm Violet & George, says the best art for a kitchen is the least matchy. "I love pieces that bring humor, color, or a bit of surprise into the room, whether that’s a large contemporary painting, vintage food artwork, photography, or even children’s drawings framed properly," she says, "It helps stop kitchens feeling too showroom-like."

Hannah Thistlethwaite, a senior buyer at Heal's, helps people choose art for their kitchens regularly and says it's about balancing the room's utilitarian needs with your own personal aesthetic.

"Kitchens are often the heart of the home and run on energy and life, so don't be afraid to use bold color or interesting subject matters, as these add character and warmth to what can be quite functional spaces," she says. But, as a starting point, food-related or botanical prints are always a safe bet as they suit the environment, she adds.

Shop Art for Your Kitchen

The way you decorate your kitchen isn't confined to your walls (or what's on the shelves or side of your island); here are the kitchen material trends that feel the most design-forward right now when it comes to your countertops and cabinetry.

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Designing an ensuite bathroom up until now might well have felt a little functional. Squeeze in the basics, basin, shower, a WC, then tile the walls, and you’re done.

That’s all about to change, say the experts as ensuite ideas are getting a massive style upgrade, with spa-inspired spaces ticking every box.

"Ensuites are no longer being treated as purely functional wash spaces," says Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors. "Clients increasingly want them to feel like boutique spa suites that extend the language of the bedroom. That means softer lighting, tactile materials, layered textures, and a much stronger emotional focus on calm and escapism."

The key in 2026, say the experts, is to visually connect your ensuite design to your bedroom so the entire space feels and functions like one uninterrupted aesthetic.

"Rather than feeling like a separate functional room, ensuites are being designed almost as an extension of the wider interior scheme, with warmer colors, softer textures, and more decorative materials replacing the colder, clinical feel they traditionally had," adds Damla Turgut, founder and creative director at Otto Tiles & Design.

And don’t forget, these small spaces are one of the best places to pack in the personality, as they only really have to work for the people using that bedroom, not the entire household.

So how do you transform your ensuite into your very own private wellness retreat, especially when space is tight?

Discover seven bathroom trends that make sense for ensuites in 2026 and why you should be doing the same. Get ready for the ultimate place to relax and recharge.

1. Richer Neutrals

The cold, ultra-clinical bathroom aesthetic is fading, say the experts. And instead of bright, white walls and basic white bathroom tiles, ensuites are embracing a warm minimalism and a relaxed, lived-in mood. Think muted greens, soft browns, and terracotta tones for a calm and atmospheric luxury.

"We’re seeing warmer palettes take over, with rich stones, brushed bronze, smoked oak, textured plaster finishes, and softer architectural lines," says Kunal at Touched Interiors. "Minimalism still matters, but now it feels more inviting and liveable rather than severe."

This bathroom color trend leans into earthy, textured neutrals, and clay hues, but also a moody palette of oxblood, olive, cocoa, charcoal, and deep plum for something a little more dramatic.

"People still want bathrooms to feel timeless, but they also want personality and warmth," agrees Damla of Otto Tiles & Design. "Cooler grays and stark monochrome bathrooms are starting to feel less relevant as interiors generally move towards warmer, more expressive palettes."

2. Unexpected Texture

Texture is a key trend for 2026 as ensuite bathrooms evolve into full-blown sensory spaces — a far cry from a functional add-on to your bedroom.

"Fluted vanity fronts, ribbed glass shower screens, reeded stone details, and softly textured wall finishes all add depth without overwhelming the scheme," says Kunal at Touched Interiors.

The experts are replacing colder, high gloss and full marble bathroom schemes with a palette of tactile surfaces and tiles that celebrate variation and imperfection.

"It’s all part of a move away from stark minimalism in favour of interiors that feel comforting, cocooning and emotionally warm," explains interior designer Rebecca Hughes.

Seek out handmade ceramics, zellige tiles, textured cements, and patinated brassware finishes for softness and depth.

"And pair with natural materials like timber, travertine, and brushed metals," adds Damla at Otto Tiles & Design.

3. Continuing the Design Story

It's no longer good enough to simply pick a plain ensuite scheme and expect it to have the wow factor. Because ensuites are now personal spaces that should transition seamlessly from bedroom to bathroom. So, your bathroom décor should echo bedroom colors, prints, and materials for the ultimate comfort and restoration zone.

"One of the biggest trends we are seeing is a move towards ensuites that feel much more connected to the bedroom, rather than sitting beside it as a purely practical bathroom," says Adam Woollerton, bathroom design manager at BK11. "Clients are choosing warmer finishes, timber vanities, brushed brassware, textured tiles, fluted glass, and softer warm colors so the room feels like part of the suite as a whole. The connection is especially important when the ensuite is visible from the bed, as the first view into the room needs to feel inviting."

That’s why it’s crucial to think about sightlines and what you see from the bedroom, as the first glimpse sets the tone for the space.

"A beautiful vanity or a statement basin can all work really well as the first thing you see, whereas the toilet or everyday storage is usually better placed more discreetly," adds Adam.

To enhance the seamless design, choose console basins and washstands that look more like pieces of furniture than functional sanitaryware.

"These work particularly well in ensuites because they help blur the line between bathroom and bedroom aesthetics," adds Paul Dwyer, managing director at Thomas Crapper & Co.

4. Walk-in Designs

Bath tubs are great for a relaxing plunge, but with ensuites generally on the small side, walk-in showers are the answer.

"Clients increasingly prefer seamless, wet room inspired layouts with frameless glazing, flush floor transitions, and generous walk-in showers," says Kunal at Touched Interiors. "They feel cleaner visually and create a much more architectural aesthetic."

It’s a design shift that Jo Sagster senior designer at Ripples London is witnessing too: "Baths are now being removed in favor of spacious walk-in showers in the vast majority of projects. Clients are prioritising practicality and everyday luxury, with tiled shower benches becoming one of the most requested features thanks to their sleek appearance and spa-like feel."

In smaller ensuites, another tip is to position the shower by the window to help maximise natural light and create a more generous walk-in zone.

But if you do have space for a shower and bath, it’s crucial to think carefully where the bath sits.

"Placing it so it’s the first thing you see when the door is open, or where it can be glimpsed from the bedroom, helps the whole suite feel connected and gives the bath a presence," adds Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.

5. Tile Drenching

Ensuites are the perfect place to get playful with bathroom tiles say the experts because they’re not rooms the whole house is using all day, every day. They are often smaller than the main bathroom too, so you may not need huge quantities if you've got your eye on something pricey.

"The nicest ensuites tend to have one tile moment that makes you smile, rather than lots of competing ideas," says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. "That might be a checkerboard floor, a tiled shower that feels almost jewel-like or a wall tile with a little wobble and glaze variation."

Tile drenching is one of the best ways to create something extra special in an ensuite, the experts agree.

"It’s where the same tile, or closely related tones and textures, are used across floors, walls and sometimes even into the shower areas to create a much more immersive feel," explains Damla at Otto Tiles & Design. "It makes an ensuite feel considered and architectural, but also visually calmer because the eye isn’t constantly interrupted by lots of contrasting finishes."

6. Decorative Lighting

Bold, sculptural bathroom lighting is taking over the ensuite transforming this once functional spot into a luxe and glamorous space.

"Whether oversized pendants, elegant wall sconces, or decorative ceiling fixtures, statement lighting becomes a design feature in its own right while enhancing ambience and highlighting key areas," says Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish.

The designers urge us to use statement lights as part of a layered lighting scheme to elevate the everyday routine into a more indulgent experience.

"Thoughtful lighting makes a real difference and relying on one source isn’t enough," says Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of K’Arte Design. "I’d always recommend layering it, with wall lights at face level near the vanity alongside dimmable ceiling lighting. It allows you to switch between a bright, functional space and a more atmospheric, restful one."

"Homeowners are moving away from harsh illuminated features and instead focusing on softer, layered lighting schemes," adds Jo at Ripples. "Under-vanity lighting, concealed wall washers, decorative wall lights and pendants are all being used to create a warmer and more atmospheric feel, while sensor lighting is becoming increasingly popular for nighttime."

7. Oversized Mirrors

Oversized bathroom mirrors are a growing trend for ensuites, helping to amplify light and space

"Acting almost like an additional window, they visually expand the room and enhance the sense of openness, especially in more compact ensuites," says Caroline at Zulufish.

A good idea is to hang mirrors in front of windows to enhance natural light and brighten the face when getting ready.

"This clever placement amplifies daylight while maintaining privacy, giving the effect of an extra window and a lighter, more open feel in the ensuite," adds Caroline.

Ensuite bathrooms in 2026 are embracing a more luxurious, spa-inspired aesthetic that fits in with the overall design mood of your bedroom. But great design is also about how a space functions - and this is such a crucial element in these compact spaces. Get in touch with your bathroom expert or interior designer who can help you make the most out of your square footage and create the ensuite of your dreams. "Overall, the trend is toward creating ensuites that feel both highly functional and deeply relaxing, blending wellness with modern design," says Jackie Armour of JMA Interior Design.

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If you haven't already, it's time to start seriously thinking about your garden. One relatively easy way to transform your outside space into an atmospheric, impactful oasis is through lighting. And for that, there is a trending style we're seeing everywhere right now: tall, spiky 'Bullrush' garden lighting.

It's official: Clunky plastic garden lanterns are out, and instead, the most stylish gardens are embracing slim stake-style lights that resemble wispy, elegant Bullrush plants, emulating the natural world. Your garden lighting shouldn’t just illuminate the space, but also become part of the design, enhancing the overall look and feel.

As a garden lighting trend, Bullrush lights work so well because — as is key to a successful contemporary lighting scheme — they achieve the right balance between functionality, atmosphere, and minimizing light pollution, West London-based garden designer Agata Henderson tells me.

"Poorly designed, overly bright schemes can easily disturb neighbors and negatively impact local wildlife," she explains. "This is why I often recommend Bullrush-style lights within planting schemes. They create atmosphere and subtle visual interest, while blending discreetly into the surrounding landscape, offering mood and texture, rather than purely functional illumination."

These lights can work in outdoor spaces of all different shapes and sizes. In small, urban gardens, Agata Henderson recommends placing them along the back wall, against a backdrop of foliage and ideally surrounded by grasses tall enough to wisp around the lights to make them a “beautiful focal point”.

In larger gardens, they'd look stunning placed along a path, surrounded by “lush, wispy planting” like taller grasses, verbena bonariensis, and tall alliums, she adds.

It's worth noting, however, that Pooky's Bullrush Stake Lights do require hard-wiring. If that's not possible for you, or you're looking for an easier alternative, there are more affordable options, as well as solar-powered lighting available, too, including the ones below.

Another way to create organic, atmospheric lighting in your garden is by embracing the firefly lighting trend, which you can easily accomplish with the help of IKEA’s SOLVINDEN ground sticks. Try placing the lights in foliage or behind planters to create depth, and it will appear as though your garden is gently glowing.

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Temperatures are set to hit 30 degrees in London this weekend, and if that isn't the sign you need to know that winter is officially over, I don't know what is. It's time to get outside, and therefore, it's also time to get our gardens in tip-top shape. You may have already sorted the furniture, but without a decent exterior paint job, your outdoor space will never look its best.

It's not every day (or even every year) that your home's exterior needs a paint refresh, but whether it's adding a colorful trim or completely repainting the walls, a freshen up has a big impact on your home's curb appeal. I asked paint-industry experts what color trends are materializing for exteriors this year, and while it's not quite as drastic as indoors, it seems heritage colors with experimental pops are having a moment.

Exterior paint trends tend to be subtler, focused on accents and small elevations. For instance, nature-inspired hues will always be a classic exterior wall color, but maybe you can try a bolder color on your garden fence, trim, or door. Ready to pick up a paintbrush? Below is what's trending in the world of exterior paint.

1. Nature-Inspired Palettes

Neutrals, whites, and tans remain classic choices in exterior paint trends. How often you repaint your exterior depends on how long-lasting the color you choose is, and when you pull inspiration from your home's surrounding, you can't go wrong.

Anna Hill, brand director and color consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, says, "Over the past year, we've seen a significant move towards softer, nature-inspired exterior palettes that feel more timeless." For walls and trim, warm whites, muted taupes, olive-toned neutrals, and earthy stones are proving especially popular because they are versatile enough to work with a variety of brickwork and architectural styles.

Earthy color palettes are dependable and create a refined aesthetic that you can style with more experimental decor. For instance, "Deep greens, blues, and rich clay-inspired tones are also coming to the forefront, especially on front doors and architectural detailing to introduce personality and depth," Anna adds.

2. Gentle Heritage Colors

Similarly, modern heritage color palettes and shades that reflect a home's character are an increasingly popular exterior paint trend this season. Granted, these are quite timeless tones; however, it highlights a shift away from stark or bold exterior colors.

As Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, explains, "For exterior walls, warmer neutrals and soft mineral tones are always popular." Shades like stone, warm white, and soft sage work beautifully because they bring character while still feeling classic. "We also see a lot of interest in true heritage-inspired colors that reflect the age and setting of a property, such as gentle pinks (like pink ground from Farrow & Ball), earthy yellows (like sandstone from Earthborn), and wheat-inspired tones."

The idea is that you can keep to a more classic, timeless exterior paint palette, while still giving your home a little more personality and playfulness.

3. Tonal Trims

For exterior trim colors and window frames, "homeowners are leaning toward more tonal schemes, using sages, muted grays, and warm putty shades to create a more harmonious look," says Anna. And though it's been around a while, she adds that color drenching is also increasingly being used on exterior elements — beyond just the house itself.

"From pergola trends and fencing to planters and exterior walls, painting everything in coordinating tones creates a much more considered, immersive look," she explains.

This exterior paint trend stems from our desire to connect our homes to a greater outdoor living room scheme. "Where outdoor features were once painted separately, homeowners are now using color to visually connect the home and garden as one, truly bringing indoor-outdoor living that flows seamlessly," says Anna.

So, while a pop of color can be really stylish when done well, a tonal color scheme will result in a more harmonious, visually serene space. And for a more unexpected take, darker and moodier shades, such as deep olives, can be used on masonry and garden structures to make greenery feel more vibrant.

4. Playful Shades on Outdoor Furniture

And lastly, don't forget your outdoor furniture color when trying a fresh exterior paint trend this season. Painted tables and chairs are the hottest way to add a pop (and not to mention, can be more easily changed and repainted through the years).

"Garden furniture is becoming more playful," Cathryn shares. "Soft pastel shades such as faded yellow, dusty pink, and muted blue feel fresh outdoors, especially in sunlight and surrounded by plants." Furniture is where you can have a little more fun and be experimental.

At the same time, earthy greens and terracotta tones continue to be popular "because they sit naturally within the garden and age beautifully over time," says Cathryn. It all depends on your exterior's design scheme. And of course, there is plenty of colorful garden furniture to shop for if you don't want to commit to painting your decor.

When it comes to exterior paint trends, timelessness tends to be the best approach — and, of course, avoiding any costly exterior paint mistakes.

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I always go to Chelsea Flower Show looking for newness, inspiration, and fresh perspectives on how we see and experience nature, and the 2026 show did not disappoint. While the beauty of classic flowers and traditional planting remained central throughout, what I particularly loved this year was the growing influence of design within floristry itself, and with this, the use of color.

Across the show, floral displays became increasingly sculptural, immersive, and installation-led. Flowers, plants, and natural materials were arranged with far more architectural thinking, creating environments rather than simply decorative displays. Alongside fresh blooms, some of the most striking spaces incorporated dried flowers, dead plant matter, seed heads, charred wood, volcanic rock, and burnt natural surfaces, introducing a rawness and material contrast that felt highly contemporary.

Garden color trends also played a far more immersive role throughout the show. Rather than appearing as isolated floral highlights, palettes were built tonally and atmospherically, with entire spaces immersed in singular color stories or highly saturated harmonies. From mineral peaches and volcanic blacks to hyper-real pinks and sun-heated oranges, color was used to shape depth, contrast, and spatial experience in a much more design-led way.

These juxtapositions etween life and decay, softness and structure, brightness and darkness created some of the show’s most memorable moments, setting the garden trends for this year, while still remaining deeply connected to the natural world.

The result was a Chelsea Flower Show that felt not only botanical, but increasingly design-driven, sensory, and visually immersive.

1. Sunset Glow

This color trend focused on rich harmonies rather than a single dominant shade, blending burnished orange, saffron yellow, kumquat, marigold, solar lime, coral, and softened flame tones into layered floral compositions. Across tropical planting, suspended floral installations, and sculptural arrangements, color was used in a highly saturated and immersive way.

What felt especially new was the intensity and complexity of the layering. Rather than soft summer florals, arrangements combined exotic tropical flowers, architectural stems, unusual seed heads, and brightly colored botanical forms to create compositions that felt explosive and constantly moving.

The palette often referenced heat, sunlight, spice, and tropical landscapes, while unusual flowers such as pitcher plants, gloriosa lilies, heliconias, and allium forms introduced sculptural silhouettes and exaggerated shape.

The overall atmosphere felt energetic, radiant, and highly visual, with color appearing almost illuminated through dense layering, suspended movement, and dramatic floral scale.

2. Plant Noir

Black emerged as one of the season’s most directional and unexpected floral directions, moving beyond accent usage to become a complete atmospheric statement. Charred wood, volcanic rock, burnt plantings, blackened tree forms, and deep, shadowed foliage created environments inspired by lava fields, scorched landscapes, and raw, elemental terrain.

What felt especially new was the embrace of destruction, decay, and darkened natural surfaces as part of the aesthetic. Burnt palms, carbon-like textures, dried seed heads, and black sculptural planting were presented with architectural precision rather than hidden away.

Color within the story became highly controlled. Deep espresso, charcoal, ash, obsidian, tobacco brown, and volcanic black sat beside small injections of acid orange, mineral yellow, and muted botanical color, allowing brighter planting to appear intensified against the darkness.

Unusual black plant species also reinforced the direction, particularly striped orchids and exotic tropical flowers whose graphic markings introduced contrast and a slightly surreal quality. Combined with volcanic forms, burnt textures, and sculptural silhouettes, Plant Noir became one of the season’s most visually immersive and dramatic landscape directions.

3. Contemporary Peach

This emerged as a singular floral color statement, where peach, coral, apricot, and softened blush tones appeared confidently on their own rather than blending into larger multi-colored arrangements.

What felt especially new was the shift away from decorative sweetness toward something more sculptural and atmospheric. Peach tones moved through rippled mushroom textures, clustered petals, and carefully pruned flowering forms, creating surfaces that felt organically constructed rather than traditionally floral.

The palette moved between glowing coral, shell pink, soft salmon, faded nectarine, and mineral peach, often carrying an earthy undertone referencing clay, sandstone, weathered minerals, and sun-faded pigments.

Tonal layering was key to the atmosphere, particularly in the colors that were paired with peach. Soft peach florals sat against moss, bark, dark evergreen foliage, and neutral mineral surroundings, allowing the color to glow with greater depth and clarity. Across bonsai environments in particular, peach introduced softness into highly controlled sculptural planting, positioning coral and peach as one of the season’s most refined floral color stories.

4. Faded Botanical

Vintage-inspired florals emerged with a softened, timeworn quality that balanced dried flowers, seed heads, faded foliage, and fresh botanical elements within heavily layered arrangements. Tea rose pinks, parchment creams, dusty peach, muted olive, tobacco brown, faded orange, and softly aged greens created palettes that felt weathered and naturally sun-faded.

What felt especially new was the way decay and preservation became part of the visual language. Dried grasses, suspended botanical installations, straw textures, bleached foliage, and faded floral heads were used alongside fresh flowers and orchids, creating contrast between fragility and growth.

The garden color trend itself appeared dusted down and mineralized rather than bright or decorative. Banksias, dried seed pods, hanging foliage, faded orchids, and naturally ageing plant materials introduced texture, irregularity, and tonal softness throughout the displays.

5. Pink Paradise

Hyper-saturated pinks appeared across displays in vivid waves of magenta, electric fuchsia, paradise pink, orchid tones, and candy-like floral color. Dense tropical planting, exaggerated blooms, layered orchids, and color-drenched floral arrangements created highly immersive environments filled with visual intensity.

What felt especially new was the scale and saturation of the color application. Rather than pink appearing as an accent, entire spaces were flooded with tonal variations ranging from acid pink and digital magenta through to softer lilac-pinks and glossy tropical coral tones.

The palette also carried a strong tension between natural and artificial appearance. Although entirely botanical, the colors resembled neon pigments, synthetic surfaces, glowing screens, and hyperreal digital imagery. Glossy petals, lacquered foliage, and highly polished floral surfaces further amplified this effect.

Rather than soft femininity, pink became bold, immersive, and visually dominant, transforming tropical planting into one of the season’s most amplified and high-impact floral directions.

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Lighting is not just functional; it is arguably one of the most expressive elements in the home. In fact, many of the biggest ideas shaping interiors right now focus on lighting — how it builds atmosphere and artistry just as much as illumination. But there is one style that's becoming particularly hard to ignore: 'pretty' glass lighting.

This lighting trend includes softly tinted pendants, rippled glass textures, and delicate, floral-inspired silhouettes. They catch light in delicate ways, adding movement, color, and a sense of lightness to a space.

It’s a natural evolution of the wider move toward more characterful interiors. Where lighting was once minimal and anonymous, today, it’s becoming more decorative and layered. And glass, with its ability to refract, soften, and glow, is the prettiest way to do it.

Why is 'Pretty' Glass Lighting Trending Right Now?

In current interior design trends, there’s a growing desire for materials that feel light but still add impact. Glass achieves this balance effortlessly as it introduces visual interest without heaviness.

As Lee Lovett, co-founder and creative director of Soho Lighting Company, explains, “Glass lighting has a unique ability to soften a contemporary interior because it introduces texture, movement, and an atmospheric quality of light."

We're also seeing a move toward organic, imperfect forms. Exacting symmetry is out, and more fluid silhouettes are in; mouth-blown, sculptural glass pieces are beautiful but often irregular. But, as Lee explains, "Scalloped edges, floral-inspired silhouettes, fluted glass or softly curved forms, can create spaces that feel warmer, more layered and emotionally engaging."

There’s also the influence of color and joyful design. After years of neutral palettes, homeowners are embracing subtle injections of color, which can be subtly achieved through tinted glass in greens, ambers, and smoky pinks. "Colored or tinted finishes such as soft green glass add depth and character without overpowering a scheme," adds Lee.

Finally, lighting itself is being treated more like art than something purely functional. Sculptural glass pendants and lamps act as beautiful focal points, becoming a functional piece of art. It's also been seen in the return of Murano glass lighting in recent years, too.

How to Make 'Pretty' Glass Lighting Feel Modern

The key to making this trend work is having balance in your interior design. While these pieces are decorative, they feel most elevated when paired with cleaner materials. Lee stresses the need to balance shape, finish, and opacity.

"Fluted and textured glass naturally soften light and add visual interest, while scalloped detailing and organic forms bring a sculptural quality that feels elegant rather than overly decorative," she explains. "Importantly, these pieces work best when paired with cleaner contemporary elements, such as natural stone, lime-washed walls, brushed brass, dark wood, or matte finishes — which helps prevent the overall look from becoming too ornate or traditional."

Start by thinking of glass lighting as one layer within a wider, layered lighting scheme rather than the sole focal point. A sculptural pendant above a dining table works beautifully when combined with softer secondary lighting, such as wall sconces or table lamps, to create warmth and depth throughout the space.

Placement is also really important. 'Pretty' glass lighting works best above dining tables, where changing natural light can catch the glass throughout the day; in bedrooms, to create a softer atmosphere; and in hallways or entrance spaces to add a sculptural feature.

"There can sometimes be a perception that softer lighting styles lean too feminine, but we see the appeal as much broader than that," Lee shares. "It’s really about balance and materiality. Pairing decorative glass with architectural shapes, aged metals, or more grounded natural textures keeps the look contemporary and timeless rather than overly romantic."

The 'pretty' lighting trend is as much about the way the pendants catch the light as how they shine it. "They also work beautifully reflecting natural light during the daytime, too, creating ambience day or night," adds Lee.

Shop 'Pretty' Glass Lighting

If you’re looking for a way to update your space without a full redesign, lighting is one of the easiest places to start, and for that, 'pretty' glass pendants are one of the most impactful material choices you can make. Just wait until you see the work of Murano glass chandelier makers, too.

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When it comes to getting your garden summer-ready, there's one crucial aspect we may all have been neglecting. Too busy obsessing over the newest outdoor furniture styles, or hunting for the latest lighting — have we been overlooking our outdoor flooring?

It may not have the same design appeal as those instant-gratification purchases, but your patio flooring is what will set the tone for your entire outdoor space. It's the foundation of the design, and without a strong, stylish foundation, even the coolest furniture and decor pieces will end up looking rather lackluster. Plus, this design choice goes far beyond aesthetics and latest garden trends — your outdoor flooring is, first and foremost, about practicality, and the wrong material can completely throw off the functionality of your space. On top of this, it will also affect the environmental impact of your outdoor space, adding yet another layer of significance to your decision.

Sound intimidating? I thought so too, which is exactly why I turned to the experts for some guidance. With their help, I've narrowed the field down to the five top outdoor flooring trends for gardens this year — the rest is up to you.

1. Textured Finishes

Across interior design trends this year, there's been an overwhelming shift towards more textured, tactile finishes. We're moving away from the highly polished perfection we once valued, and are instead actively seeking out materials rich in character, flaws and all.

At Mandarin Stone, the team has noticed an increased interest in textured, natural stone pavers and materials "with softer aged finishes that bring warmth, character, and a sense of timelessness outdoors."

Natural stone has long been a popular choice for patios, thanks to its durability and luxurious finish. Still, it's far from the only option for this warmer, textured look.

"Clay pavers are another outdoor flooring style I expect to see increasingly used in 2026," argues Nick Woodhouse, from Woodhouse and Law. This lovely, tactile material brings a warmth and softness to your modern garden design that can be difficult to find in other paving styles. "They bring warmth, texture, and character to a garden, while also feeling timeless and durable," says Nick.

As these materials are naturally more textured than the smooth pavers of the past, they'll also age more naturally, removing the need for extensive upkeep.

2. Pervious Paving

As we become increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of our outdoor spaces, the trends we favor reflect this. This can be seen in the rise of 'messy gardening' and the emphasis placed on prioritizing local plants and wildflowers. And, as of this year, it can also be seen in the outdoor materials we use.

For example, Liz Pulver from Liz Pulver Design says, "I would expect there to be more and more outdoor paving/flooring that is 'pervious', with wider joints between pavers that allow water to pass through more easily, which is better for the environment."

By increasing the space between pavers, you create a more permeable foundation for your garden, helping to support your local ecosystem and preventing the risk of flooding.

This can be achieved in a number of ways — for example, "There are pre-fabricated pavers that have spacers/nodules on their sides to keep adjacent pavers a certain distance away, allowing for wider joints," explains Liz. This additional space can also be used to introduce more greenery and wildflowers into your garden, adding to that lovely, fairytale garden effect.

3. Glorious Gravel

Another sustainable-led design trend, Nick says, "I think self-binding gravel will continue to grow in popularity in 2026, particularly within contemporary and naturalistic garden designs."

Comprised of a blend of crushed stone, sand, and dust particles, unlike traditional gravel, this material forms a more solid surface, while still maintaining that loose, soft look. As Nick explains, "We’ve used it in our own garden through AllGreen, and it offers the soft, organic appearance of traditional gravel while creating a much firmer and more practical surface. It’s comfortable to walk on, works well with outdoor furniture, and keeps a tidier finish than loose gravel."

Plus, much like wider-set paving, this material offers brilliant permeability, making your garden far more sustainable. As Nick explains, "When properly installed, it allows water to drain through the surface, helping to reduce puddling and runoff, while also being more cost-effective than paving in both material and installation terms."

The material also feels particularly well-suited to more naturalistic garden designs, another trend that's been increasing in popularity as of late.

4. Decorative Layouts

Outdoor flooring trends aren't just about materials, either — the way you display and format your paving can have just as much of an impact on your overall design, and this year, we're getting a little more playful with our paving.

As the team at Mandarin Stone explains, "There’s growing interest in more decorative layouts. Cobbled details, tumbled edges, and crazy paving all add a relaxed European feel that feels both classic and current."

When so much of outdoor design can feel quite serious, led more by practicality than aesthetics, switching up your layout can be an easy way to introduce more life and joy into it, without sacrificing the functionality of your hardscaping materials.

5. Stone-Look Porcelain

While natural stone has long been heralded as the most luxurious, elegant option for outdoor flooring, it comes at a cost — and a hefty one at that. However, thanks to the advancements in porcelain print technology, it's becoming increasingly easy to achieve a near-identical look for just a fraction of the cost.

"Every year, the print technology continues to improve; it is now so good that it can be hard to tell apart a good quality stone effect porcelain from a natural stone," says Isabel Fernandez, director of Quorn Stone.

There's no shortage of options with this material, with countless colors, finishes, and shapes of tiles available, so you'll be sure to find something for modern gardens and traditional spaces alike. And, aesthetics aside, "You get all the benefits a porcelain paver offers, including an anti-slip finish, a non-porous surface, and UV stable to ensure the color of the paver remains the same for years to come."

Now that you've got your flooring sorted, all that's left is making sure you're up to speed on all the latest outdoor furniture trends, too — and for that, we've got you covered.

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'Lived-in' design has been on the lips of interiors enthusiasts everywhere, and Nth Degree has translated this style to al fresco spaces in a way that feels natural and quietly luxurious. Think barely flowing water features, intentional spatial balance, sensory planting, and furniture that feels rooted in soothing outdoor design.

After seeing the vision come to life at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, I sat down with Kawauchi Rowe, the design duo behind the garden display, to talk inspiration and how to bring the look home.

And they've let us in on the secrets to lending your garden all the traits of a five-star display two years in a row. So, here's where to begin.

In Conversation with Kawauchi Rowe

Charlotte Rowe, founder of Kawauchi Rowe, tells me the brief for this year's Nth Degree space was built on the ambiance of a Mediterranean garden. "But rather than take the obvious route, we asked ourselves what the Mediterranean actually feels like?" she says.

"Not the postcard version, but the lived-in one. We imagined the space as a fragment of a villa, timeless and well-loved — interspersed with Nth Degree’s contemporary style. The atmosphere is warm, earthy, and rooted in low living."

However, Charlotte tells me that there's a fusion of elements at play here. And the other half of al fresco influence is rooted in Japanese garden design. "The Japanese concept of 'Ma' is one of the key principles woven into the space, where flow, space, and silence are key. What is left out is as important as what is left in," she notes.

"Since gardens and terraces have to be adaptable and able to thrive in periods of heavy wet weather and equally long and tricky dry and hot periods, we chose versatile Mediterranean plants for lushness year-round."

Another aspect of Nth Degree's slice of the Chelsea Flower Show that represents a desire in most mod urban gardens is blurring the boundaries. "Japanese homes are usually designed around the anchor point in the form of a garden," says Tomoko.

"And this has now reached the global landscape of design, where gardens are decorated to feel like an extension and not a separate entity of the home. We wanted to make guests wonder where the garden begins and where it ends."

According to Tomoko, it's not just indoor-outdoor furniture that sets this standard. She explains that the plants you choose can also lend the space a starkly different mood. "Textural plants that lie low are a pretty way to support this aesthetic, she says. "We have used Stipa Tenuissima for the way it moves in the wind, catches the light, and softens the boundary."

This Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' from Sarah Raven is perfect if you want to replicate the feathery feel at home. Tomoko also tells me that the paving you choose can greatly impact the livability of your garden.

"We chose flat rocks and gravel that stimulate your soles. Since most people wish for tactile gardens you can roam barefoot in, this finish allows you to feel grounded in your outdoor space."

These are the garden trends you won't regret bringing into your backyard for al fresco zones that genuinely soothe your senses. And to complete the look, here are some of the exact decorative items I spotted at the stand.

My favorite trend spotted at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and beyond the grounds into many contemporary homes? Wellness gardens that are designed to unwind.

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The kitchen is often labelled as the heart of the home. And, if that's the case, then the materials you use in that room are at the core of your home's design — so you'd better make sure you pick them right.

Of course, when you're designing your kitchen, you'll want to choose materials that will last a lifetime, but there's no denying that our kitchen materials are just as vulnerable to the ever-changing trend cycle as any other design choice we make. Just cast your mind back to the 2010s when granite counters ruled supreme, or a few years prior, in the early 2000s, during the height of the high-gloss cabinet look. Nowadays, these super-sleek, industrial finishes couldn't look much more dated, a stark contrast to the trends we've seen rising in popularity over recent months.

You see, our attitudes towards kitchen design have gone through a major transformation. Shifting farther and farther from the slick modernism of the beginning of the 21st century, we're now seeking out materials that feel distinctly human in their finish. A natural pushback to the inescapable rise in AI, the latest kitchen trends are all about finding ways to embrace the unique beauty of the natural world. Imperfections are a cause for celebration, as are inconsistencies and textural details. These kitchen material trends are anything but artificial.

1. Structured Ceramic

Once upon a time, kitchen tile trends followed the sentiment of the more seamless, the better. Large-format, sleek stones and marble-look tiles were the most popular style, and the slightest hint of a grout line was enough to cause cries of terror.

This year, Otto Tiles founder, Damla Turgut, said, "What will define kitchen materials in 2026 is a move towards more architectural surface treatments, particularly through the use of linear and small-format tiles such as Kit Kat styles."

In many kitchens, these tiles are being used alongside other materials for a modern appearance. This is a departure from the richly layered designs of recent years. Instead, it's more about "the juxtaposition of old and new, polished and imperfect, soft and sharp. We’re seeing designers use these slim linear tiles across much larger expanses, not just splashbacks but full walls, islands, and architectural details, creating a much more immersive and structured look."

Although Damla notes that Zellige tiles remain one of the most popular types of tiles, this material trend is "ultimately more about the format and application than the material itself." The thinner tiles offer a more detailed, complex look, especially when contrasted with other sharper, more modern materials. "The overall effect feels super contemporary and more architectural, whilst still retaining warmth and texture," says Damla.

2. Textured Steel

"For me, stainless steel is the material having its true design moment in 2026, and I think it's going to surprise a lot of people," shares Sally O'Connor from Hesellic Design.

Although not a new material by any means, for many years, stainless steel kitchens were most typically reserved for commercial, highly-industrial designs. But, Sally argues, "What we're seeing now is something completely different. Stainless steel has been reimagined as a genuinely luxurious residential material, and once you see it done well, you can't unsee it."

In part, this comes from a greater desire for more hard-wearing, durable materials in our homes. "Clients are moving away from the idea that luxury means precious and fragile. They want surfaces that are honest, hardworking, and built to last — and stainless steel delivers all of that while looking utterly sophisticated. It's also one of the most sustainable choices you can make; it's fully recyclable, incredibly durable, and will never need replacing if it's well-made," says Sally.

And, crucially, our understanding of what a stainless steel kitchen means has been completely transformed. No longer are we limited to one, super-sleek, reflective finish — instead, designers are exploring a whole array of different finishes with this material: "The textures available now — from satin and micro-brushed to patinated and burnished — give it a warmth and depth that genuinely competes with stone and timber," explains Sally.

To keep it from looking clinical, pair it with softer, warmer materials to offset its natural coolness. For example, Sally says, "I love using it for the island worktop and splashback while keeping the perimeter in a warmer material — a thick honed marble or a tactile limewashed plaster — so there's a real dialogue between the two."

3. Natural Materials

The overarching interior design trend this year has been the move away from hyper-perfect, pristine finishes with a natural sense of character. We want our interiors to look lived-in and inviting, and the materials we use can help in achieving this.

"We’re seeing a continued move towards natural, tactile materials that feel warm and lived-in, rather than overly perfect or flat," agrees Louise McGarry, creative director of Studio Braw.

In practical terms, this looks like an increased interest in materials from natural sources, with Louise listing "Timber, marble and stone combinations" as popular options. She also adds that these materials are now less likely to be used in isolation, noting an "emphasis on contrast and balance rather than a single dominant finish."

This shift is carried through in every element of our kitchen design. For cabinets, natural wood is a popular choice, and countertops and kitchen islands are likely to be finished in a natural stone, as reflected in this year's kitchen marble trends. "We’re also using more limestone and softer natural stones, particularly for kitchen flooring, as they help to anchor the kitchen and bring a sense of ease to the space," adds Louise.

These materials all bring their own unique textural identity to the space, helping build up a more complex, layered design.

4. Dark Timber

While, of course, wood is a timeless choice for kitchen designs, this year, we're noticing an emerging desire for deeper, dark wood kitchens.

As Charlotte Butler, kitchen design manager at BK Eleven, observes, "Dark timber is set to become one of the most desirable kitchen materials this year, particularly in oak, walnut and smoked wood finishes."

This material trend marks a departure from the light, Scandi kitchens of years prior, where pale, even white-washed woods were celebrated for their soft, airy effect. Now, Charlotte says, "There is a real appetite for spaces that feel warmer, more characterful and less showroom-perfect, and darker timber answers that beautifully."

Less intimidating than a dark, black kitchen, this design trend allows you to build intensity and depth without experimenting with strong colors. "It works across both classic and contemporary cabinetry," explains Charlotte, "and it has a permanence that feels especially appealing in a room where people want longevity rather than a look that dates quickly."

A favorite among designers, Holte's Fiona Ginnett also mentions this as a standout kitchen material trend for 2026. "We're seeing a real shift towards deeper stains and warmer tones, with cherry, walnut, and red-based timbers becoming increasingly popular. They add depth and character, and feel grounded in a way that suits open-plan living. It's part of a wider move away from chasing trends towards materials that feel authentic and will stand the test of time."

5. Aged Metals

Your kitchen materials don't begin and end with your counters and cabinets. Often underestimated, your kitchen hardware can play a significant role in the overall design of your space.

As Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel, points out, "Hardware is becoming one of the most interesting material choices in kitchen design, because it has the power to shift the whole feeling of the room without overwhelming it."

Frequently described as the jewelry of the room, this is an opportunity to explore different metallic finish trends and bring a new level of consideration to your design.

Nowadays, Gareth says, "We are seeing a move away from very polished, high-shine finishes towards materials with more softness and age to them, such as antique brass, bronze, pewter, and brushed nickel. These finishes bring warmth, tactility, and a sense of permanence, particularly when paired with richer timber, natural stone, or painted cabinetry in deeper, earthier shades."

Much like the other kitchen trends show, 2026 is all about texture, character, and warmth, and nothing provides that quite like an antiqued metal detail.

"The beauty of hardware is that it allows you to introduce contrast in a very refined way," says Gareth. It's a subtle change that can make a surprisingly striking difference: "When it is done well, hardware becomes the detail that makes the kitchen feel truly finished."

6. Handcrafted Tiles

Kitchen tiles have long been a popular choice, not just for their ability to bring texture and color to a space, but for their practical benefits, too. And while there are countless different types of tiles out there, this year, handcrafted finishes are coming out on top.

Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, says, "We are seeing a real appetite for tiles that feel a little more storied, whether that is through a beautifully uneven surface, a softly shifting glaze, or a pattern that brings the eye somewhere unexpected. There is something very appealing about a kitchen that does not feel too perfect, and tiles are brilliant at bringing that sense of life."

Pristine, highly manufactured finishes are being set aside in favor of tiles with a little more texture and variation. "Zellige-style finishes, gloss glazes, warm neutrals, soft greens, and rich earthy tones all work beautifully because they catch the light in a way that feels warm and lived-in, rather than flat or overly polished," notes Grazzie.

The way we're using these tiles is changing, too; not solely reserved for kitchen backsplashes, designers are getting more creative with their tile applications, continuing them up the wall or even along the counter for a striking tiled kitchen island look.

7. Wood, Wood, and More Wood

Kitchen material trends aren't just about the material itself, but also how you use them, and this trend is all about a more-is-more approach.

"Wood is having a major moment as a statement material in the kitchen, much in the same way stone has been in recent years. People often think of stone as the natural focal point, whether it’s a dramatic island, a full-height backsplash, or a range wall, but wood can anchor a room with just as much impact. It brings warmth, texture, and a sense of craft that feels especially right in older homes," explains Barry Bordelon, co-founder of the Brownstone Boys.

Wood-drenching kitchens are one of the most effective ways to build depth and warmth in your space, and can work with so many different styles. In mid-century modern kitchens, a full wooden run is a natural design move, but it can look just as good in a modern, contemporary design, too.

At the heart of this kitchen material trend is an appreciation for its natural beauty. "What we love is using wood as a true design element, not just a supporting finish. It can define an island, frame a window, wrap a range hood, or create a visually interesting wall of cabinetry," says Barry.

Across all these materials, there's a clear, consistent desire for more texture and tactility within our kitchens, and one trend that captures this more than any other is the rising interest in traditional kitchen features.

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Growing up in South Carolina, I've been surrounded by coastal interiors my entire life. Seashell motifs lined every surface, jute rugs were always underfoot, and white and light blue were classic color choices. And while I hold no contempt for this style (it can absolutely look timeless when done well), more often than not, in 2026, a coastal aesthetic reads as expected, stagnant, and a little bit dated.

Again, the problem with coastal interior design is not the elements themselves, but rather the rinse-and-repeat application. "It's been a 'copy-paste' look for roughly 15 years," agrees South Carolina-based interior designer, Alexandra Clark, who specializes in coastal homes. "You see the same color palette, the same rugs, and the same wall treatments," she adds. Rather than reminding you of nostalgic summer holidays, it starts to feel inauthentic.

Blend this desire for nuance with today's interior design trends, however, and coastal-style interiors can feel incredibly fresh again. Rich pops of color, natural lived-in materials, and layering different textures and patterns can (and should) all exist within the seaside aesthetic. Below, designers share how to make this classic design style feel much more modern.

Where Coastal Interiors Have Previously Gone Wrong

"Coastal design definitely gets a reputation for feeling dated or overly theme-driven because people often associate it with the same expected elements, like the coastal blues, rope details, shells, wicker, anchors, and overly literal nautical references," explains interior designer Blair Moore of Moore House Design.

Indeed, when every element in a space leans on the same visual language, it can start to feel more like a formula or duplication than a lived-in home. To curate a successful coastal interior in 2026, it's necessary to move beyond simply relying on those clichés and focus instead on atmosphere, texture, and materiality. What feels right for your specific space? Layered design will be your guiding light in this process.

"Layering natural materials like aged woods, linen, plaster, stone, leather, antique metals, and patinated vintage pieces creates depth and tension within a space," adds Blair. You're still pulling elements that connect a home to its surrounding environment, just without feeling overly decorative or themed.

Living by the sea is a beautiful thing, so lean into the atmosphere associated with coastal living. "There is an inherent invitation to a slower pace to life, more openness, and natural light," describes Australian-based designer Chloe Tozer. Let these characteristics influence your design.

"There is an opportunity to experiment with scale through oversized furniture, larger artworks, and sculptural pieces, allowing interiors to feel more curated and expressive," she adds. Coastal living room decor, for example, doesn't have to feel cliché.

How to Make Coastal Design Feel Modern

So, what does modern coastal design look like in practice? Obviously, texture and natural materials are key players, but there is room to get creative with accent colors and decor. "Think outside the box with coastal color palettes, and look at what nature surrounds the project and pull those colors into the home," says interior designer Alexandra Clark.

Rather than defaulting to decorating with light blue, "a deep green or a pluff mud brown feels exciting in contrast," she adds. Even an unexpected pop of red (or another bold color) can work well, so long as it fits within your scheme. Alexandra even suggests opting for colorful wood stain cabinetry in a kitchen or bathroom for a relaxed, coastal-inspired effect.

White might be the go-to in coastal interiors, but your space will come alive with a little contrast. "I would say that moody, dark colors are somewhat our identifier, and we hope this sticks around for a while," adds Alexandra.

Chloe Tozer says coastal interiors should feel sun-aged, collected, and colorful. "The beauty comes from patina, natural materials, faded linens, tumbled stone that feels nice underfoot, timber that has softened over time, handmade ceramics, and a relaxed elegance that doesn’t try too hard," she adds. There is a plethora of ways to capture that easy-going, seaside aesthetic.

That said, don't shy away from the classics. Rattan and bamboo decor are the cornerstones of coastal design, but they will feel more contemporary when used sparingly or in interesting iterations. "Case pieces, lighting, and accent furniture (bonus points for vintage!) are the perfect coastal touch of bamboo and rattan without being kitschy," says Alexandra.

And if you want something a little more creative, she adds that "Terrazzo is a favorite element to use in modern coastal design!" The speckled finish reads like seashells lining the shore, and is a durable choice if your home is actually by the sea.

As for decor, look for pieces that feel unique and lived-in. The hand-drawn decor trend fits perfectly in modern coastal design, as well as details such as embroidered tablecloths, skirted furniture, and playful sardine decor motifs. Opt for soft and nostalgic, but refined.

However, one classic coastal material is really leading the 2026 comeback. "Rope has always been tied to coastal interiors, but I think the way it's being used now feels much more refined and architectural rather than overly nautical," says Blair Moore. It's now more of an 'ah-ha' moment than a true nod to a ship at sea — a tasteful wink.

Chloe explains, "Modernist designers such as Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet, along with Charlotte Perriand, experimented with rope throughout the 1950s and mid-century modern design, embracing it as a sculptural material that could be woven, moulded and softened by hand." Which is where today's designs find their influence.

Rope as a material introduces texture and a relaxed, tactile quality that feels nostalgic yet contemporary — "reminiscent of vintage craft, summer holidays, dancing sunlight and breezy interiors," says Chloe. Through lighting, furniture, or sculptural detail, it adds a playfulness to spaces that feels less formal. "The key is balancing those elements with cleaner lines, richer materials, and a more restrained palette so the home still feels elevated and timeless," adds Blair.

Modern coastal design is all about balancing traditional materials and motifs with a more contemporary style. There are ways to make more on-the-nose looks feel elevated (like with the seashell decor trend), but tried-and-true details like rope in unique iterations are still the perfect way in. And with summer coming, new-in homewares are full of modern coastal decor inspiration.

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