Dear Anka,

Inspired by your brief, I’ve carefully selected a range of plant stands and planters that work across your living room and bedroom, with your Wabi-Sabi, contemporary and Scandinavian style in mind. I’ve included a mix of floor-standing and wall-mounted options, from simple and understated pieces to more sculptural designs, all within your budget.

If you'd like a little more support pulling everything together, take a look at Style, our room design service at Design Lab By Livingetc. We'd have a 45-minute one-to-one call to discuss your space, and afterwards I'd put together a full moodboard for your space, along with tailored product recommendations and a clear design direction.

I hope you find the selection useful and, most importantly, that you discover a sofa that feels like the right fit for your home. I’d love to know which ones stand out to you.

Best wishes,

Iokasti

More Scandi/Wabi Sabi Finds

Buying a sofa from an online-only retailer certainly has its upsides (convenience and cost, for starters), but also its downsides (you can't 'try before you buy'). Photos can show you the silhouette and pattern, but it's hard to get an honest feel for the fabric or even the color, as well as how supportive the back feels or whether the seat actually suits the way you sit.

That's why, when it comes to buying a sofa, the team of writers and editors here at Livingetc has made it our mission to personally sit on as many sofas from as many brands as possible to bring you a real, honest, first-person take on what it feels like. I was recently invited to a press preview for DUSK's upcoming collection, and as an online-only retailer, I knew it was a rare chance to test out some of its sofas. Yes, there were only a few available to try, but it gave me a feel for the overall quality you can expect from the brand.

I tested the Brooklyn, Chicago, and Hampshire sofas. Each has a distinct look and feel, and all three made a positive impression. I've shared my honest thoughts below, as well as shared some honourable mentions of other designs from DUSK's 400-strong sofa range that I wish I could have tried. The good news is that there are plenty of reviews online to go off, too.

Brooklyn Sofa

The Brooklyn collection was the one I found easiest to settle into. Its seat felt soft, with a more yielding feel than the other two sofas I tried. Its seat felt high and roomy, while the broad arms add to its generous, contemporary look. There’s plenty of space to sit back, and the deep seat makes it a good choice if you like to tuck your feet up or properly sink into a sofa.

DUSK lists the three-seater’s seat depth as 73cm, compared with 56cm for the Chicago — a difference you can feel when you try them side by side.

The back cushions give it a softer, more relaxed feel than a tightly upholstered sofa, while the overall shape still looks neat and modern. I’d choose it for a living room where comfort matters as much as having a sofa with a strong, simple silhouette.

It's also worth noting that it's available in a range of different configurations and in a few different colors: ivory, ink, muted moss, capuccino, chenille oatmeal, chenille olive, chenille mushroom, to name a few. The three-seater style is rated 4.92/5-stars after almost 900 reviews, too.

Chicago Sofa

The Chicago collection feels sleeker and more contained than the Brooklyn. Its arms are slimmer, and the seat feels tighter, so you sit more upright rather than sprawling out. The shorter seat depth — 56cm on the three-seater — helps explain that more supported feel. In terms of firmness, I’d place it at mid: supportive without feeling firm.

The back is the detail that gives it character — rounded, separate cushions soften the low, clean-lined frame. It looks polished without feeling too formal, and its proportions make it a good option if you want a contemporary sofa that doesn’t dominate the room. It’s comfortable, but you won’t sink into it in the same way as the Brooklyn.

It's also available in a range of configurations (including a pouffe) and in colors including beige, mushroom, rich green, 'gold haze', and dark rust. The two-seater style has a rating of 4.87/5 after 120 reviews.

Hampshire Sofa

Of the three, the Hampshire collection has the most traditional feel. Its softly shaped arms sit lower, and the seat and back felt more familiar and standard to me than the deeper, more lounging-focused Brooklyn. In terms of firmness, I’d describe it as mid-to-firm, with a more supportive sit than the other two. The back cushions create a classic sofa outline, while the legs and upholstery give the design a warmer, more timeless look.

It’s the one I’d look at if I wanted a sofa that would sit comfortably in a more traditional scheme, or add a softer note to a modern room. DUSK offers the Hampshire in a broad mix of colors and fabrics, including stripes and brighter shades, so the classic shape can be styled in a more playful way, too.

Honorable Mentions

I haven’t tried these styles in person, but they caught my eye for their different shapes, fabrics, and color options. Some of the same tones and upholstery looks appear across DUSK’s ranges, making it easier to compare a particular color or fabric across more than one silhouette.

Of the three, the Brooklyn sofa was my favorite. Its generous seat and broad arms made it the most comfortable to settle into, while its clean-lined shape still felt contemporary. But if you're looking for something more multifunctional, Livingetc's design writer Olivia Wolfe has done her research on the best DUSK sofa beds.

If you’re choosing pieces for your own home, explore our design services at Design Lab by Livingetc⁠ for help finding the right fit for your space. And for more interiors inspiration, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter⁠.

Inspired by your brief, I’ve focused on speakers that actually deserve to be seen. With a home that leans 70s and retro, I wouldn’t try to hide the tech away, I’d treat it like another design object in the room.

The three options here all do that in different ways. One feels almost jewel-like, one has a cleaner mid-century feel through oak and brass tones, and one leans more tactile and sculptural. They all sit comfortably within a maximalist or design-led space, but still feel refined enough to live with long term.

I’d also lean into the idea of making the speaker a focal point instead of pushing it into a corner. Livingetc has written about how the best rooms often have one unexpected element that interrupts the usual rhythm and starts a conversation, and I think a beautifully designed speaker can absolutely do that.

Inspired by your brief, I’ve focused on runners that feel considered first, practical second because I completely get what you mean about some washable rugs looking a little too functional.

For a kitchen, I’d usually steer towards hard-wearing natural fibres or indoor/outdoor rugs instead of automatically choosing something marketed as washable. Materials like jute and cotton bring texture and warmth, cope well with high-traffic kitchen spaces and tend to make a space feel more elevated. The trade-off is that they’re usually better for spot cleaning than throwing straight into the washing machine.

If full washability is the priority, the Weaver Green Nomad Xanthos is the strongest fit here. It’s made from recycled PET, designed for indoor or outdoor use, water and mould resistant, and machine washable, so you get the practicality without losing that more eclectic, kilim-style look.

I have never been a gamer, beyond my childhood Nintendo Wii. And today, I am grateful for that: most gaming furniture is ergonomic, yes, but not exactly visually attractive — best reserved for a hidden-away gaming room in my eyes. So when I saw that IKEA has launched a nine-piece collection in collaboration with XBOX, truthfully, I figured it would be something for... other people to enjoy. That was until I actually looked at it.

It was the collection's rolling TV stand that changed my mind. Rather than solving the problem you might expect from gaming furniture, it tackles an altogether different one: our tendency to let the TV dictate the entire living room. In fact, that was the starting point for the YXSTABY TV Stand, IKEA's in-house designer Lukas Bazle tells me. "Everything gets arranged around it and facing the TV. I think making it movable is the biggest evolution in home furnishing since the TV arrived in our living rooms in the sixties and seventies,” he adds.

A big claim, perhaps, but with conversation rooms making a comeback and analog living having its moment, I’m inclined to agree. At the heart of YXSTABY is a recognition that gaming furniture should no longer be confined to teen bedrooms or so-called 'man caves'. As gaming becomes a more commonplace part of everyday home life, the furniture that comes with it is increasingly finding its way into our living rooms, whether by choice or simply because there isn’t another room to spare. That means it needs to coexist with everything else a living room accommodates: conversation, reading, entertaining, lounging, and, yes, gaming. "A living room does more jobs than almost any other room; it has been important for us that the TV stand should work with all kinds of different setups," Lukas says. "It's about adapting to people's needs and behaviour, not dictating them."

So, is the YXSTABY TV Stand about to transform our living rooms? "I don't think it changes how people want to use their room; it gives them the freedom to finally do it without much effort," Lukas says. "The room stops having a fixed front, which I think is the real shift. In general, we see people wanting to furnish for social spaces, arranging a room around being together rather than around the screen."

There are plenty of other boxes ticked by putting a TV on wheels, too. The idea actually came to Lukas while gaming, when he realized his screen was too far away to make out the details. "For gaming, the TV needs to come closer," he explains — and a rolling TV stand makes that not just possible but a two-second job.

But the real appeal is arguably what happens when you’re not gaming (or watching TV at all). For small-space dwellers without a spare room to retreat to for a digital detox, a movable TV means the living room no longer has to be permanently arranged around a screen. "A couple sharing a limited space where they have different interests and hobbies would need different setups," Lukas agrees. "One of them rolls the TV out in front of the sofa to game, and then the other pushes it back against the wall to have room for yoga. There are a lot of everyday situations like that. And you can finally buy the sofa you actually like, because you can put it in whatever corner of the room you want. Before, the sofa usually had to go on the wall opposite wherever the TV fitted, which was most often the wall without a window."

As Lukas suggests, it’s time to say sayonara to the age-old TV wall — and the shift towards more flexible, social living rooms is already showing up elsewhere in furniture design, too. Here are six more stylish rolling TV stands to shop.

Despite being designed with gamers in mind, IKEA’s XBOX TV stand would be surprisingly at home in an analog living room, where the TV isn’t the permanent center of attention. Tuck it into a corner most of the time, then wheel it out for movie night, a gaming session, or whenever you actually fancy watching something. The rest of the room gets to be a living room again.

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There is something intrinsic to autumn that calls for a mindset reset. It might be the experience of watching trees shed their leaves, the start of a new school and work year, or the days getting darker as we brace for the coldest months, but it is in moments like this one that the home and, particularly, our bedroom, become even more meaningful, prompting up to readapt to the changes around us. While the outside world gets more and more hostile, the domestic sphere transforms into the ultimate cocoon to pamper us amidst all the gloominess, starting with the objects, textiles, fragrance, and garments that populate the area around our bed.

While I was never the person to redecorate a room, let alone a full interior, to match the mood of the season by sticking to seasonal styling ideas and tips, I have always found the thought of preparing for the darkest weeks in the year through ad hoc fashion, design, and scent measures deeply comforting, as if curating the atmosphere of the space I would use to recharge at the end of the day could help me ease the toll those have on me — a serial meteopath — over the weeks.

I did it back then, first as a high school student and as a university fresher, as I do it today, as a young professional and lifestyle editor. What I look for in my autumn-proof upgrades is always the same: uplifting designs imbued with the joy, warmth, and softness needed to keep me going. And that's exactly what this edit of sleep finds, bringing together some of our favorite lifestyle brands across bedding, loungewear, and home fragrance, does best: giving you a reason to put your style and wellbeing before anything else. Scroll to discover how we like to get into bed.

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There's no better cure for the end-of-summer blues than throwing yourself headfirst into the excitement of the festive season. And what better way to get the ball rolling than a stunning new collection of Holiday-inspired homewares?

Launching today, the new collaboration between West Elm and Drew Scott (or Lone Fox, as he's known) is an elevated take on holiday decor. It swaps tinsel and glitter for a cozy, understated seasonal celebration. Staying true to his vintage-inspired style, Drew shares how he found inspiration in nostalgic holiday traditions and vintage entertaining trends, resulting in designs that feel like they could easily have been part of the family forever. You can expect to find plenty of warm, cozy tones, vintage-inspired prints, and delicate, embroidered finishes.

And while Drew is now a well-known source of design inspiration, sharing his DIYs and renovation journey with millions of followers on social media, his career actually started at West Elm. "When I graduated, I got a part-time job at West Elm as a sales associate on the floor," he shares, making this collection a true full-circle moment. "West Elm played such an important role in shaping my love of interiors and home styling, so creating this collection feels incredibly personal and special."

In fact, if it weren't for this experience, Drew may never have looked towards interiors at all. "I can safely say that working as a sales associate at West Elm is the reason I design interiors today," he tells me. "I went to school for fashion and always planned to work in that industry, but at the end of college, I got a part-time job at West Elm for extra money, and through this job, I fell in love with interiors. Using my employee discount, I transformed my own apartment and knew this was something I could do for the rest of my life."

It's no secret that people have been yearning for simpler times; just look at the nostalgic decorating trends flooding our social feeds of late. And what better time to reminisce than during the holidays? "Everyone wants a piece of the magic they felt while growing up," agrees Drew, and recreating that feeling was a big part of the inspiration behind this collection.

Amping up that nostalgia factor, Drew looked to seasonal favorites like Gilmore Girls and The Holiday for his design inspiration, and it makes sense; the first thing I thought when looking at this line was that it looks like it has been plucked straight from an early-2000s holiday rom-com.

And in Drew's opinion, this will be a trend we'll be seeing a lot more of. "Last year’s trend was 'Ralph Lauren Christmas,' but I have a strong suspicion that this year is going to be a 'Nancy Meyers Christmas'," he says. "With the collection, I chased this same sense of nostalgia. I wanted the pieces to feel familiar. I wanted customers to see past, present, and future holiday memories in each piece."

But trend can be a tricky word; in fact, this collection was intentionally designed to move beyond the fast-paced trend cycles of today. Having started the design process so far in advance, avoiding trends felt like the only way to ensure its lasting power. Instead, Drew opted for an intentionally nostalgic, historic design aesthetic.

One of my favorite things about this collection is how Drew has managed to capture that holiday feeling, without it feeling overtly 'Christmassy'. Instead of the classic green-and-red palette, he opted for an earthy color scheme with plenty of warm neutral shades. "I wanted this collection to live beyond the two-month holiday season, so we aimed to have plenty of pieces that were more evergreen," he explains.

With a little something for everyone, this collection was designed to become future heirlooms for families to cherish and share, beginning new Christmas traditions with these designs at the center.

Ready to brainstorm how you'll make this year's Christmas decor the most chic yet? Take a look at how these interior designers decorate for Christmas; there are plenty of beautiful and unexpected ideas to explore.

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Maybe I say this every month, but this time I mean it: September feels like it went by in the blink of an eye. One day, we're grieving the end of summer, and the next, we are celebrating the first day of fall and starting that yearly Gilmore Girls rewatch. And in this back-to-school sort of month, the design world has a lot of similar energy happening — brands are gearing up for the holidays, and we are seeing collections that capture the vibe of the new season and the upcoming year.

The people are excited, and with so much newness, it can be hard to keep track of everything. But hello, that's what I'm here for! I wouldn't say there is a specific central aesthetic to this list (like September's new-in homewares list had), but there is definitely a mindset shift. As the weather cools, we are moving indoors, and so now is the time to perfect your lighting schemes, find your perfect rug, and build the cozy space you need this autumn/winter season. This list has inspiration for all of that in abundance.

But enough from me; you can scroll through yourself and catch up on all the best launches, releases, and collections from September. It's a very beautiful farewell, as this month has given us so many exciting design gifts.

1. ABASK Launches Its First Artisanal Lighting Category

ABASK has certainly been busy. In June, the brand welcomed its newest makers, and now, ABASK is announcing the launch of its first-ever lighting category. And if you know anything about the brand, then you know this will be a fabulous, artisanal collection.

Working in close collaboration with over 20 makers across the UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Austria, and India, the collection brings together over 200 designs that celebrate exceptional craftsmanship and unique, characterful design. Think ceramic bases, butterfly-shaped glass, and avant-garde structural pieces. Available exclusively at ABASK.com, it's a fun one, even just to scroll through.

2. Nordic Knots' New Dancing Flower and Matches Collection

No matter what Nordic Knots cooks up, it's always something very fashionable. This month, Nordic Knots has released its Dancing Flower and Matches Collection — inspired by Swedish Grace, the iconic design movement of the early 20th century.

Presented at Stockholm’s legendary Bio Skandia, the collection revisits this heritage through two distinct designs: Dancing Flower, floral and richly textured, and Matches, more graphic and geometric. It is full of the subtle textures, prints, and grounding colorways that are popping up across all the latest rug trends.

3. Fold by Georg Jensen

We can always do with new vases around the house, no? Well, if you are on the hunt for a stylish upgrade to store your autumn floral arrangements, then Georg Jensen's new Fold design is possibly the perfect piece.

The Fold collection is actually comprised of both vases and candle holders, with designs inspired by the free-flowing forms of folded paper. Then crafted in the brand's signature mirror-polished stainless steel, the chrome decor is such an elevated way to show off your stems.

And the good news? The Fold vases and candle holders are part of the first release, though the collection will build over time. So watch this space!

4. Yinka Ilori x Brabantia Collection

With Yinka Ilori's dopamine design tendencies and Brabantia's beloved functionality, this collaboration was bound to bring a bit of joy to the daily monotony of household chores.

"Since Yinka's kitchen has long played host to its classic bin, it felt fated when he joined forces with the brand. Seeing the collection in person, the bin is a far cry from boring millennial gray trash cans," says Livingetc's wellness writer, Amiya Baratan.

"But if you ask me, the star of the show has to be the drying rack. All the colorfully inked rungs make it so you won't (absolutely) hate having your laundry drying in the middle of your space," she adds. Plus, it even looks pretty good folded away and hung up in a laundry room. Between this and Yinka's collaboration with Dunelm, it's clear that a little dose of color can go a surprisingly long way.

5. Feldspar Extends into Lighting

Feldspar is one of my favorite places to find delicate and beautiful ceramic homewares, and now the brand is expanding into lighting, all handcrafted from the brand's signature fine bone china.

Spanning sculptural table lamps, textured ceiling and wall fixtures, and elongated pendants, each piece is made by hand at Feldspar's Devon workshop and finished with a hand-painted banding — each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Feldspar's Fine Bone China is cast finely to create a piece that is bright white and opaque by day and glowing at night. This is just the kind of piece that blends perfectly into a layered lighting scheme. Hey, it's time to perfect that fashionable, ambient scheme before darker days set in.

6. Ca' Pietra x Sanderson Tile Collection

Working on some bigger DIYs as autumn begins? Are you in search of some seriously stylish tiles to add to a kitchen or bathroom? You're in luck because the Ca'Pietra x Sanderson collection is full of beautiful options.

For this release, Ca'Pietra has reimagined a selection of celebrated Sanderson designs. From iconic florals and illustrative botanicals to decorative patterns rich in character and charm, the collection honors modern heritage aesthetics while embracing contemporary style.

Choosing between the two distinct collections depends on where you plan to use your tiles this season. The Classic Collection is a versatile range of porcelain tiles suitable for both walls and floors, and the Studio Collection is a series of decorative wall tiles crafted on a ceramic base and intended exclusively for walls. You've got options and a range of bathroom and kitchen tile trends to choose from with this launch.

7. Big Green Egg Launches a New Color

Cooking on the Big Green Egg was possibly the first serious way to grill that I remember. My dad, being an avid griller, was beyond excited to get his hands on one of these smokers. And for the first time in the brand's 50-year history, Big Green Egg has launched a new colorway, The Onyx. Big news for those who like to grill well into the colder months.

Inspired by the gemstone, The Onyx features a deep, ultra-dark glaze with the faintest touch of Big Green Egg’s signature green beneath the surface, giving the iconic piece a sleek, contemporary new look designed for modern outdoor spaces.

8. Little Greene's New Color Palette for 2027

As the end of the year rolls around, there are inevitably a lot of color-of-the-year predictions that roll out — every paint brand has been gathering its research to try to frame the year of decorating ahead. And though a single color of the year is fun, Little Greene has been a little more helpful, introducing a new palette of colors designed to go together, as well as expanding some of its heritage ranges.

And there are some fabulous shades to look out for. Hillside, a bold olive green, is one of my favorites, followed by Ashes of Marigold, a warm and comforting orange.

Many of the shades are indicators of what themes and aesthetics we can look forward to in 2027, but Little Greene's new range of colors is also serving up ample color combination inspiration. Basically, it's worth browsing if you have a refresh planned.

9. Westwing's Designer Advent Calendar

Since Westwing UK launched earlier this year, it's easily become one of my favorite places to shop for homeware. Everything is a blend of sleek Scandinavian style and fashionable, contemporary design. So, if you have any design lovers in your life, the brand's holiday advent calendar might just be the perfect gift. As Livingetc's wellness writer, Amiya Baratan, notes, Westwing's advent calendar is one of (if not the only) true interior design advent calendars.

Though most of what's inside is a surprise, you can expect gifts from Westwing Collection, Aesop, Bloomingville, Audo Copenhagen, Ferm Living, DBKD, Philippi, Vinga, Vondels, WMF, Archivist, and Broste. The only problem is that you might have a hard time waiting until the holidays to see what's inside.

Well, you are all caught up on everything the design world was up to in September. But if you still have a few items to cross off your autumn refresh list, perhaps The Fifty, our interiors editor's extensive shopping list, can help!

I'll see you all back here next month, but for more inspiration while you wait, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

I'm not always in the mood to break the bank over home fragrance. Especially when I'm looking for a minimalist perfuming moment that can quietly refresh the air around me. In this case, M&S will always be my first and final stop.

And truthfully, it never lets me down. So, this week, I ventured into my local M&S and sniffed my way through its fragrance aisle. I came across some old reliables and some impressive new home fragrances with awe-inspiring price tags attached.

So, here's a collection of the best scented candles, diffusers, and room sprays M&S has to offer at the moment. You'll find two standouts among the crowd of best-sellers, including the reformulated Apothecary collection and my favorite fragrance collaboration of the year in M&S x Kelly Hoppen's signature scents.

You won't find over-the-top fragrance blends or maximalist facades here. But what you can expect is elegant designs, simple but perfectly balanced notes, and more than a bang for your buck.

M&S home fragrance is perfect for year-round use, but if you're looking for something more seasonal, Anthropologie's autumn-scented candles are perfect for crisp, warm notes.

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Mid-century lighting has a way of feeling both practical and sculptural. Emerging in the middle of the 20th century, it favored clean lines, materials, and forms that felt lighter and less formal. The best designs still have that balance — a lamp can do its job beautifully, then hold its own as an object in the room.

That softer, more expressive side feels especially current. Lighting trends for 2027 show curved, continuous forms are coming to the fore, and mid-century design has long made room for just that kind of gentle movement. Think globe shades, arched arms, and rounded silhouettes that bring a little rhythm to a scheme.

For a more lived-in take on the look, Zoe Willis’s London project is well worth a look. Its mid-century references feel personal rather than prescribed, with expressive color, vintage finds, and sculptural lighting lending the rooms their own character. And if you’re looking for the best places to shop for lighting with mid-century appeal, I've done all the hard work for you.

If you’d like help finding the right finishing touch for your own space, explore our design services at Design Lab by Livingetc. And for more ideas and inspiration delivered to your inbox, sign up to the Livingetc newsletter.

As soon as there's a chill in the air, I start spending more time focusing on how my home feels. One of the first spaces under examination is my bedroom, starting with the easiest spruce-up — my bedscape. So, when I heard news of Rise & Fall's Soft & Smooth Cotton Sateen Duvet Set, I had to see if it was as good as their warm-weather bedding.

And let me start by saying it's such a sumptuous way to dress your bed for fall. The buttery-soft cotton sateen is dipped in a beautifully deep brown, complete with refined Oxford piping.

So, here's why I'm recommending the set to anyone buying bedding right now, and I've also included some more cotton sateen bedding alternatives in case it flies off the shelves before you can grab yourself a set.

You can never have too much toon bedding! And H&M's muslin bedding was the latest to cross our tables for a review. Spoiler alert — it's dreamily cozy!

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I'm sick of having to hide my technology. It seems that the plight for a sleek, stylish home is in direct conflict with the desire for modern tech, with every new gadget acting as an additional eyesore for me to carefully obscure from sight, and I, for one, have had enough.

In fact, it's the reason why I have been putting off buying myself a new speaker for my home. I've already had to hide away my TV, and I wasn't ready for the challenge of finding a new trick for keeping my music system out of sight. Of course, many of the best Bluetooth speakers look good these days, and there's always the option for a super discreet, in-built home sound system, but both of these options can quickly creep up in terms of costs, and I've been on the hunt for a speaker that looks good without breaking the bank for months now, to no avail. So, when I found out IKEA was launching a new speaker, my hopes were exceedingly high.

And you'll be glad to know I wasn't disappointed. The BADRUKA Bluetooth Speaker immediately ticked all my boxes. It's petite, perfectly proportioned for popping on the end of your living room shelf, and pretty enough for me to happily have it out on full display. But, best of all, it's only £45. If I were you, I'd add this one to your cart now, because I can't imagine it staying in stock for long.

Other Design-Forward Speakers to Shop

While the best designer tech collaborations have created tech products you won't mind having on display, there are also just as many clever ways to hide tech, especially in heritage properties, and we asked Charlie McCourt, the co-founder and director of Equippd, for some of his smartest.

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Your sheepskin chair could be the most laid-back feature in the room, but you can almost bank on it being the most sought-after seat every single time. The idea of it pulls you in, even if it's just to graze your hand over. It might be one of the most practical ways to introduce texture, too.

It's no wonder these fuzzy accent chairs masquerade as a designer's trick up the sleeve for a last-minute dose of character. It's one of those things you'll spot in cozy living rooms that aren't afraid to have a little fun.

So, I found 12 stylish sheepskin chairs, including a couple of realistic faux options for vegan homes, that look so good you'll want to instantly curl into them.

These chairs are also the perfect way to microdose the hairy furniture trend we're seeing so much of right now. And to stay ahead of the curve, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

Choosing a rug is hard work. For one, rugs typically come with a high price tag, so you want to choose wisely and choose well. And on top of that, how do you decide between a bold color and something more muted? A fine print or a larger pattern? Well, gather round, all of my fellow indecisive design-lovers: I spotted a new reversible rug on West Elm, and it feels like the answer to all our rug woes.

West Elm rugs typically veer toward a more traditional style, but with a contemporary twist. Or, as I like to call it: fashionable heritage. The brand's (admittedly limited; there are only three as of right now) reversible range follows the same style, but is perfectly in line with current rug trends. Think dark cocoa browns and muddy olive greens, faded, lived-in prints, and fringe around the edges. But that little adjective — 'reversible' — is what truly sets this rug apart. It gives you two prints to choose from, in the same cohesive, grounding color scheme, so you know they'll both work with your space. It's two rugs for the price of one.

As mentioned, the colorways and patterns are harmonious, of course, but they feel different enough that flipping them around would provide a satisfying refresh. I thought the world of reversible rugs was limited to boring, outdoor-only designs, but this new piece from West Elm immediately jumped to the top of my wish list. Here's everything you need to know.

As mentioned, reversible rugs of the past are typically reserved for outdoor rug styles — something flat-woven, durable, and with virtually no pattern change (often it's just the same colors in reverse). It's not the worst option, but West Elm's reversible styles prove that you can have something more design-forward.

What struck me most about the brand's new Odessa rug is just how different the patterns on either side are. One side is a small print that almost reads as a solid color, and the other side is a contemporary floral print with a much larger pattern. Again, it's still cohesive, but it feels like a nice, noticeable change.

My initial amazement and nerdy excitement after finding this reversible rug on West Elm made me curious about what else was out there in the way of reversible rugs. So, I've got good and bad news: there aren't as many stylish reversible rug options as I was hoping (West Elm is leading the way here), but I did do the hard work for you. Below are six other reversible rugs that combine style, function, and a medley of prints and colors.

As we near the end of September, it's more important than ever to make sure you have all of your textiles and upholstery in place. If not a reversible rug, perhaps a wool rug for something cozy underfoot this season?

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When absorbing all the beautiful lighting trends for 2027, I kept coming back to one type of light. Natural materials, softened curves, exaggerated scale and a more human approach to illumination are all shaping what comes next — and somehow, paper lamps manage to do all of those things at once. There is something particularly flattering about light once it has passed through paper — instead of seeing the bulb as the source, the entire shade appears to glow. And considering just how much lighting can affect our mood, that softer, more diffused quality feels increasingly important.

Of course, none of this is particularly new — which is perhaps why iconic lamps never really disappear. In 1951, Isamu Noguchi visited Gifu in Japan, a town known for its traditional chochin lanterns, and began developing what became his Akari Light Sculptures, using washi made from mulberry bark over bamboo ribbing. Even the name. More than 70 years later, that combination of something physically delicate but visually substantial still feels remarkably modern. The good news is that the look exists at almost every price point, from an original Akari by Vitra to wonderfully simple high-street versions — IKEA included, whose clever lighting is one of the reasons it continues to appear in our edit of products that can elevate a living room.

As a Design Lab by Livingetc stylist, I wouldn't automatically send a paper lamp into a quiet, all-neutral 'Japandi' scheme. I actually think they become more interesting through contrast. Hang an oversized paper pendant above a lacquered dining table, place one beside chrome or polished steel, or use a sculptural floor version against dark timber and heavily veined stone. Paper gives harder, shinier materials a softness they often need — equally, its visual lightness means you can go much bigger in scale without the fixture feeling oppressive. That's when these lights start looking less like simple lanterns and more like sculpture.

And if you know the kind of light your room needs but haven't found the one, that's exactly what our FIND service at Design Lab by Livingetc is for. Tell us what you're looking for, your style and your budget, and we will put together a curated edit of options for you — completely free.

And for more of the pieces, ideas and emerging trends we're bookmarking before everyone else, sign up to the Livingetc newsletter for our latest design inspiration and shopping edits delivered straight to your inbox.

It's the turn of a new season, and the time for gifting is fast approaching; there are plenty of reasons to put your latest payday to good use, picking up a pretty piece or two for your home. And if you're in the market, I've got a few stylish suggestions for you in this latest Payday Edit.

There are joyful resin spoons, a colorful ceramic candlestick, and a fluffy floral jacquard cushion cover. There are lamps that'll set the mood, plates that'll prompt conversation, and even, dare I say it, a chic basketball hoop, because... why not? Stainless steel is still seriously cool (and in this edit, comes in the form of squiggly salad servers and ice cream coupes), and I've unearthed the dreamiest advent calendar for the design-inclined (too soon? Never too soon).

If you're itching for festive season decorating, there are subtle ways you can get started already — a wreath is always the first piece that goes up in my home; depending on the foliage you choose, it can feel perfectly autumnal instead of outright Christmas. But enough from me, here's what to add to your cart.

If you're looking for more autumnal-aligned homewares, the latest instalment of The Fifty includes plenty of ideas. And for more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

I tend to dip in and out of minimalism. But when I am in the thick of it, I go all out. From my bedscape to de-labelled diffusers, muted cushions, and minimalist candles. If you can't help but love the peaceful ambiance that comes with this design style, then you know how every little detail counts.

So, I've rounded up the best candles that look pared back and evoke a calm atmosphere. Imagine gentle notes of lavender, amber, sage, and jasmine wafting from modest vessels that weave into your home's design story.

If you're shopping for a minimalist with no idea of what to get them or you're indulging in a little retail therapy of your own, these candles won't let you down.

If you love a reserved scent, the new Reena Simon x Beauty Pie candles should be on your radar. And while you're here, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter for more design news.

Dare we even mention the upcoming shopping season that’s already on our doorstep? Let’s hold off a bit longer. Gift wrap may be creeping onto our shelves, but the stretch ahead is still firmly in “I’m shopping for me, myself, and I” territory. One thing's for certain: everywhere I look, we’re still holding onto warm vibes as long as we can (even the weather reports say so). I’m not denying that fall is here, but at this very moment, those spiced lattes are still mostly iced.

You can see it in the latest releases, which are still so full of color and verve. Autumn’s usual dark greens and deep browns have been lifted into ripe avocado and bright ochre. The proliferation of beautiful portable lamps makes me think we’re all still out on the patio, hosting friends for cocktails — and the options for tableware are still leaning into fun, especially glassware and containers that range from stackable to spotted and speckled.

Meanwhile, the collaboration economy is going strong. West Elm is still riding high on its Emma Chamberlain collection, Castlery found a delightful partner in Tan France, and Venus Williams brought chic and sporty references to her new lines for Crate & Barrel and Crate & Barrel Kids (she was in good company, as Nordic Knots also got in on the action with a bold court-inspired rug).

So whether you’re in the mood for a stylish treat (just for you) or getting a head start on what’s to come (good for you), here are some items, big and small, to keep you in high spirits.

They say inspiration can come from anywhere. But did I expect to find my Christmas color palette on IKEA's 'new-in' product page? Absolutely not — yet I did. While scrolling through the new collection of paper stars, candle holders, and kitschy-cool ornaments, I suddenly stopped on this set of six glass baubles: navy, peach, yellow, burgundy, red, and a light, bright blue.

"Though slightly unconventional, this color palette works really well for the holiday season as it mimics the colors that we see out our windows and in our home during the winter season," Livingetc's design writer (and expert in color) Olivia Wolfe tells me. "The deep and icy blues are reminiscent of colder, darker skies, while the red and yellow tones provide that much-needed warmth. Plus, blue and orange are complementary colors on the color wheel, so the tones contrast beautifully with one another."

Whether it's for your tree or to be used as a Christmas table color palette, there is something familiarly retro about this combination, yet it also feels particularly now (perhaps that's the light blue and burgundy, or pop of vivid red). Plus, the glossy glass finish feels reminiscent of the high-gloss and lacquered surfaces that are dominating interior design trends right now.

IKEA itself is referring to the palette as 'Happy Carnival', and describes how it offers a playful alternative to a more traditional, or pared-back Scandinavian color palettes, combining 'unexpected forms and light, bright color palettes'. It's designed by Alexander Pott who was responsible for the iconic floor lamp from IKEA's PS collection, so you know it's cool.

But of course, there's the rest of the tree (or table) to decorate, too. So here's what I'd use to complement this Christmas color palette.

I know Christmas is still a few months away, but now is the best time to get started on your Christmas decor ideas, and deciding a fresh color palette is the perfect place to start.

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As a trained ex-barista and now Livingetc's coffee expert, I'm well aware of just how many different ways there are to prepare a coffee. There are semi-automatic machines for those who like their espresso with a little luxurious flair and manual makers for the purist. And then, there are the coffee drippers for those who like the simplicity of drip coffee, but with a more analog feel. I've recently become a big fan of coffee drippers.

Why? Well, because coffee drippers are easy to use and can be a very aesthetically pleasing addition to your morning routine. Don't know what they are? A coffee dripper is a far cry from the best espresso makers with all of their bells and whistles — rather, it's a part of the pour-over coffee community. In fact, a coffee dripper is essentially just the cone that sits on top of a mug or vessel, while a pour-over system refers to the entire setup. Plus, you can get really fancy pour-over machines, like the xBloom pour-over coffee maker.

But the simplicity of a coffee dripper is what makes it such an easy coffee accessory to add to your caffeine station. They are typically very affordable, and many come as custom ceramic pieces that will look fabulous sitting on your shelf when not in use. Plus, it's a handy device to have on hand when you don't want the strong buzz of any espresso, but are still craving a tasty cup. Keep in mind that you will usually need a few things to use it, including a water kettle, a coffee grinder, and filters.

Does this sound like it could be the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life? Do you kind of want a coffee dripper for yourself? Well, below are 12 of the most stylish ones currently available.

The further down the coffee hole you fall, the more clever and exciting discoveries there are to make. That list of things your coffee nook needs to have is seemingly ever-growing — but isn't that the fun part?

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During London Design Festival, I visited Kartell’s showroom as part of my tour of the Brompton Design District. After exploring the new collection, I couldn’t resist asking whether I could see a Componibili in one of its metallic finishes.

The gold version was brought out and, although I recognized its cylindrical silhouette immediately, the finish changed its character completely. It felt less like practical storage and more like a piece of jewelry for the room.

However, it also does something to its footprint. Already a compact, storage-packed piece of design, the curved shape makes it a great choice for a small room. Yet, in metallic gold, it both almost disappears into the room while still making a statement. A clever piece of design.

A design that can play almost any role

Designed by Kartell co-founder Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Componibili was introduced in 1967 and made using lightweight, injection-molded ABS. Its story is now preserved at the Kartell Design Museum, but its enduring appeal comes from belonging in real homes rather than on a museum pedestal.

When I asked Lorenza Luti about the most unexpected place she had seen a Componibili, her answer was, essentially, anywhere. It can move effortlessly from a kitchen to a bathroom, she explained, but its reach extends well beyond the home. She often spots its familiar silhouette on television shows and in fashion campaigns, which reveals just how deeply the piece has entered our visual culture.

To me, that says something important about its status. Like the best design classics, it is recognizable even when sitting quietly in the background. Its cylindrical body, curved sliding doors and circular finger holes can suggest Italian modernism, 1960s futurism or playful Pop color in a single glance.

The same silhouette, with different personalities

The original glossy ABS editions still have the strongest Pop-era character, but Kartell has expanded the family through new colors, surfaces, scales and material technologies.

Componibili Bio has a soft matte finish and is made from a bio-based polymer using renewable raw materials derived from agricultural waste. The Recycled edition uses thermoplastic material sourced from industrial scrap, while the gold, copper and chrome versions are ABS with a metallic finish rather than solid metal. These variations don’t make the original feel dated. Instead, they demonstrate how a strong design can evolve without losing its identity.

How I would style a Componibili

I wouldn’t begin by asking which room it is for, but what the space is missing. Its cylindrical shape can soften a room dominated by straight-edged furniture, especially when positioned slightly away from the wall so its curves remain visible. With a glossy red, orange or blue version, I would echo the color once elsewhere in a deeper or more muted tone — perhaps within an artwork or textile — rather than matching it precisely.

The metallic finishes work best when their shine is contrasted with dark timber, chalky walls, bouclé or natural stone. I would also resist surrounding one exclusively with other mid-century pieces, an antique chair or handmade ceramic will make the setting feel more personal and less themed. Keep the top simple, too — one lamp or sculptural object, with enough empty space for it to feel collected rather than cluttered.

If you would like help choosing and styling pieces that feel right for your home, discover Design Lab by Livingetc. For more design ideas and our latest shopping edits, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Despite looking at beautiful furniture and decor pieces, as well as gorgeously designed homes, as part of my job all day, every day, there aren't many occasions when I am stopped completely dead in my tracks to double-take at something — which is exactly what happened when I first laid eyes on the just-released-this-week Soho Home Huxford Bar Cabinet.

With its rounded profile of refined olive ash burl, honed Dark Emperador marble top, and pedestal base, combined with sculptural aluminium handles, every element of its design exudes luxury and elegance. As burl wood furniture and decor continues to dominate as a major trend this year, along with rounded forms and sculptural materiality, this piece combines all these elements to perfection, while maintaining a timeless appeal.

And it's not just wonderful to look at — this home bar idea is as practical as it is stylish, with ample storage, including dedicated wine bottle storage, glass storage, and even shelves in its doors. And my favorite detail? The shelves aren't just complemented by a mirrored back — they're also illuminated with LED lights. Cocktail night has never looked so glamorous.