Doors will soon be open to the 49th edition of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York, where the work of 24 top designers and architects is on marvelous display tomorrow through May 28. This year, the show house inhabits a 12,000-square-foot, 1904 neo-Georgian town house located at 125 East 65th Street. The particularly lovelyand unusually widebuilding was designed by architect Charles A. Platt, whose clients included Astors and Roosevelts.

The ticketed event is among the premier design events of the year and a fundraiser for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, whose mission is to provide educational and developmental programs to more than 10,000 children. The show houses have raised over $30 million to date, and its made possible thanks to a number of generous sponsorsnamely, for 2024, Artistic Tile, Benjamin Moore, Bokara, Christopher William, Cosentino, Dedar Milano, E. Braun & Co, Franois & Co., JennAir, I&G Construction Group, Kohler, Kravet Inc, Made Goods, Marc Phillips, New York Design Center, Phillip Jeffries, Pooky Lighting, Rug & Kilim Showroom, Sanderson, Silver Lining, Susans Jewelry, the Shade Store, and Vaughan.

For participating designers of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York, the carte blanche assignment is a chance to express their current musings. Show house interiors are meant to be liveable and a reflection of your work, but theyre also meant to have a bit of fantasy, says Karen Williams of St. Charles New York, who designed the homes copper-infused kitchen.

Don't miss the AD PRO-exclusive workshopPhoto Finish: How to Showcase Your Project

In classic show house fashion, that sense of whimsy and fantasy comes to major fruition in the homes jewel-box-size spacesstairwells, hallways, and other pass-throughs go all-out in star treatment. Coming through the front door of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York, guests are greeted by Bennett Leifer Interiors Reframed Foyer, a completely carpeted space, in collaboration with Edward Fields Carpet Makers. Not only are the walls, floors, and ceiling carpetedso are a niche and door casings. Swati Goorha Designs wraps the homes main stairwell in a galactic world that transitions from dark to light as guests work their way upstairs, and on the top floor is a moody, water-inspired hallway by Huma Sulaiman called Dream Machine. A custom Phillip Jeffries wall covering reminiscent of the midnight sky and clouds wraps the room, giving just enough shimmer to reflect the spaces star players: two sculptural pendant lights by Jeremy Anderson.

The dark and dreamy spaces make way to light, bright, breathable takes throughout the home. Upon reaching the second-floor landing, guests are greeted by two stunning artworks by Raphaela Vogel, a set of ethereal resin urn shapes cast from architectural details on a building in Berlin. The works are part of Lucinda Loya Interiors Enchanted Roots foyer, which is covered in a neutral wallpaper drafted from 80 images of 18th-century etchings that were combined to form the scenic view of upstate New York. The design is a collaboration with Flavor Paperand it took over six weeks of digital work to achieve. Elsewhere, the Le Fumoir Fminin lounge by show house first-timer Workshop/APD evokes a sense of calm, courtesy of plaster-coated waved foam panels, and Jeremiah Brent Design offers a quiet moment for work and respite in his study, an ode to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of beauty.

But this year, it was the show houses bedrooms that stole our hearts. In Patrick Meles On a Clear Day bedroom, crisp white architectural surrounds developed with Bories & Shearron draw attention to the wall-to-wall floral carpet by Mele for Aronsons (now available to shop) and the canopy bed fabricated in a corresponding floral print by Schumacher. My hope is for the room to feel strong, glamorous, fresh, clear, and vibrant: timeless, yet of this time, says Mele, who dedicated the incredibly chic space to the inspiring women in his life. The femme influences continue in Shawn Hendersons Steel Sanctuary, designed with Yves Saint Laurent muse Betty Catroux in mind. Sculptural steel furnishingsstatement case goods by Paul Evans and the Campana Brothers among themare seductively sophisticated against the soft pink walls and upholstered ceiling, trimmed with a fringe crown detailing. And nearby, in the Cotswolds Retreat by Mikel Welch Designs, limewash-inspired walls crafted with Benjamin Moores Rainy Afternoon and Intrigue (and a TikTok tutorial) grounds the cozy retreat complete with unicorn tapestry and a vintage hand-carved Wretling sofa by Lawton Mull.

Elsewhere, color and pattern pack a punch. In A Dining Room of Ones Own by Kit Kemp Design Studio, walls are covered by an ornate tapestry, designed by Kemp for G P & J Baker. Something pulls you in at every turn, including hand-embroidered flower faces on the back of wing chairs, a childrens clock by Maarten Baas, and a series of contemporary pieces sourced from Maison Gerard. In the Wine Lounge + Garden Level Corridor by Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, a textural wall covering from Kravet serves as a buzzy backdrop to a series of bright, contemporary artworks and wine bottles. A knockout area rug by Stark Carpet and fixtures by Vaughan Lighting also punctuate the space.

And, finally, theres nothing like a bathroom in full glam mode. Kohlers new Heritage Green plumbing fixtures make a statement in bathrooms throughout the home. The centerpiece of Vanessa Deleons Smoke & Mirrors setting is a clawfoot Kohler bathtub in a decadent green, further enhanced with Artistic Tile mosaic flooring in a geometric pattern that summons the spirit of Art Deco. And in Benjamin Vandivers bathroom, the minty Aspen Green fixtures fit right in with the interiors collected aesthetic, dotted with artworks, pottery, and antique pieces from Vandivers personal collection.

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See Every Room Inside the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York 2024 - Architectural Digest

ONE sought-after interior decorator shared her top tricks for designing a space on a budget without sacrificing style.

Her techniques can help transform your home into ultra luxe for less - much less.

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Sarah Swatez, founder of Sarah Elizabeth Design, bills herself as being a "top New Jersey interior designer."

She explained in a blog post that she wants to help people get "real clear" on where they should spend and where they should save when designing their homes.

"Over the course of a decade plus designing homes in New Jersey and beyond, weve developed methods in the way we choose furniture and decor for homes and want to share the reasons why, and how, you can implement the same methods," she wrote.

For young professionals - or anyone else - who "craves an elevated design," she knows just how to mix luxury items with "budget-appropriate" furniture.

One of her biggest tips for sticking to a budget is saving on rugs in high-traffic areas such as the living room and mudroom.

"We like Revival and Ruggable for higher-end looking and seriously washable rugs, with some great patterns," she said.

Swatez added that you don't have to break the bank when picking out accent furniture.

"Accent furniture is by no means an afterthought, yet we have found many great looking metal side tables and drink stands, and even marble coffee tables, at West Elm and CB2," she said.

For example, West Elm sells a 44-inch Santa Rosa Rectangle coffee table for $349.

Available in a driftwood finish, the table boasts a "unique" cross base to complement the streamlined top.

It is also described as giving a "high-end design at a great price."

The furniture features a natural wood grain and is extra durable.

Swatez also shared ways to save money on decorative items.

"There are such great ceramic and glass vases, candles, and candle holders, and objects out there to style your entry console, coffee table, or kids' rooms," she said.

"For kids' rooms, there seem to be endless fun and even handmade wall art and decor out there from Crate and Kids and even Etsy," she continued.

"This can also include cotton or linen throw blankets for the arm of your sofas during the warmer months."

Bed frames and headboards can also be budget-friendly buys if you know where to look.

She recommended shopping at mid-priced furniture retailers like Lulu and Georgia, Crate and Barrel, and One Kings Lane for upholstered beds.

Interior designer JudyHoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.

Swatez noted that she considers her clients' lifestyles when making design choices, saying many of them are "busy professionals."

For homes with children and/or pets, she likes to incorporate "durable fabrics" and "floor coverings" into the overall look.

She explained that "this can mean investing in custom items like a sofa with a washable velvet" or a "washable pattern rug."

The expert also recommended purchasing pieces with patterns that can "hide stains."

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Im a top New Jersey interior designer items you shouldnt spend too much on & my go-to spots to shop on... - The Sun

You must love color to enter this giveaway.

In September, Skittles announced its "littlest" innovation with Skittles Littles, a teeny, tiny version of its candy that it promises is more "poppable" than before.

"Expanding our portfolio with Skittles Littles allows us to create even more pleasantly perplexing experiences and inspire moments of everyday happiness for fans," Ro Cheng, the marketing director at Mars, shared at the time. "We can't wait for our fans to experience this tiny treat and Taste the Rainbow in a whole new way." Now, not only can fans eat the teensy candies, they can live in an equally adorable micro-apartment inspired by Skittles Littles. For free. For an entire year.

To honor this new candy addition, Skittles partnered with interior decorator Dani Klari, known for her love of maximalist design, to transform a micro-apartment in New York City into a "rainbow-filled masterpiece." And rather than just keep it all for themselves, Skittles is giving the apartment to one very lucky fan to live in rent-free for an entire year.

Related: Green Skittles Are Getting a New (Old) Flavor

The Skittles Littles Living apartment feels like a small escape from reality with the rainbow colors and maximalist decor, Klari shared. Living in a small space doesnt mean you have to think small when it comes to style. I had so much fun transforming the Skittles Littles Living apartment with bold colors and funky furniture.

According to Skittles, the apartment is 353 square feet and is located in Manhattans first micro-unit building, Carmel Place. While its square footage may not be huge, its style is.

In the bathroom, the new tenant will find polka-dotted floors mixed with delightful cloud wallpaper and a trippy shower curtain for added color. The fun flows into the kitchen, made up of rainbow-hued cabinets paired with some surprisingly subdued granite countertops. This opens up into the living room, where a bright green entertainment center faces a deep purple sofa, surrounded by plenty of Skittles-inspired art.

Related: Swedish Candy Could Be the Key to Happiness

"Micro in size but maximized in aesthetic and functionality, the apartment makes the most out of every nook and cranny," Skittles added about the home.

Ready to trade in your expensive, and undoubtedly less colorful, home for this one? Fans can enter for a chance to win the apartment for a year now through Tuesday, May 21, at SKITTLES.com/LittlesLiving. Just make sure to have your candy jars stocked for any and all surprise visitors.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine.

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Skittles Is Giving Fans the Chance to Live in This Colorful Micro-Apartment Rent-Free for a Year - Yahoo Lifestyle Australia

LED light strips give Bilal the ick because they tend to look cheap, when that is not the desired effect. They do not look expensive, they dont look high-end, they dont feel like elevated decor, he says. They literally just feel like you ordered an LED strip off Amazon and stuck it to your wall. And thats exactly what it is.

Vivien of Posh Pennies is particularly averse to battery-operated sconces, detesting the fact that they require remotes and batteries, and that they eventually stop getting used because they require recharging. If youre serious about where you want your light, then get it wired, pop in a smart bulb, put it on a schedule, and call it a day! So worth it, the interior design blogger and YouTuber explains. Bilal agrees that smart light bulbs are a much better alternative, especially if youre looking for the ability to easily change the mood of a room with lighting.

As sharing interior design on social media gains more and more traction, and we become accustomed to seeing beautiful rooms on the reg, it can be tempting to focus only on what looks good onscreen. Imani Keal, a design blogger who specializes in renter-friendly decor and DIY, often wonders whats going on beyond the frame of a quirky DIY space she sees on TikTok. They sometimes dont show the project in the context of the rest of the room or apartment, and its often because that project only looks good from one angle or as a vignette, she explains.

Its important to make sure a fun project actually works with the rest of your living space, rather than just conforming to the latest trend. The purpose of creating a beautiful space is so that it looks and feels warm and welcoming in real life and on the internet, not just in five-second clips, she adds. Garrett Le Chic fully agrees. As an interior designer, hes all about making updates to your home that are consistent with its architecture.

Renovating to change the style of your house in the long term doesnt always make the most sense because it just requires a lot more effort, a lot more money, a lot more work than is really necessary, he says. When, if you took the core elements, the backbone of what the architectural style of your house is, and you apply that, it works better in the long term.

Theres nothing like a good knickknack or piece of art to really liven up a room. With so many affordable online and brick-and-mortar home-goods stores, its easier than ever to find what you need to add in a space. This is both a blessing as a curse, as it means that now more than ever, theres a plethora of mass-produced items with no personality taking up space and collecting dust over time.

On the subject of word art, Phoenix has one question: Who is buying this? He continues, I know the Live, Love, Laugh signs of the early 2000s have faded out, but now its like very weird quotes on boards that people are spending between 10 and 20 dollars on. The amount of staged homes that Ive seen from real estate agents that have those too.

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The 12 Cringiest Home Decor Trends, According to YouTubers and TikTokers - Architectural Digest

As someone who spends plenty of time indulging in HGTV and working on my illustrious and successful career as a dream home decorator...in The Sims, I feel rightfully qualified to share all of the home design, home architecture, home-anything trends that I desperately need to see erase the dreary and oftentimes sterile trends we see today. So let's dive into some home trends I deeply wish would make a strong comeback: 1. Conversation Pits and Sunken Living Rooms 4. Wallpaper and Accent Walls Sorry to interrupt. We want you to know about this hand-picked deal from our Shopping Team before it ends: 8. Vintage and Repurposed Furniture At the end of the day, all of this stuff is subjective, and no one can decide what you can and cannot love or put in your home except you. So do whatever you want to ensure that your home is truly your temple. Have any home design trends you wish would make a comeback? Let me know in the comments!

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Home Design Trends That Need To Make A Comeback - BuzzFeed

Erica Volkmer, principal and founder of Evensen Design, celebrates the personalities of her clients in her luxe yet whimsical interiors. Sophisticated wall coverings, sculptural lighting, bespoke furnishings, and plenty of unexpected details are hallmarks of the firms sought-after, one-of-a-kind spaces.

An antique rug forms a handsome bed backdrop in this sleeping chamber dreamed up by Evensen Design.

Evensen Design provides a full-service experience for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, including renovations, new builds, and vacation homes. Volkmer and her team bring in a diverse mix of influences and carefully curate each joyful, eclectic space with an eye toward sustainability and historic preservation.

Brooklinteriors designed this elegant and approachable kitchen with timeless materials and exciting accents, as seen in the bold Kelly Wearstler pendants, deep blue island cabinetry, and brass hardware by Rejuvenation.

Alicia Hassen founded her firm Brooklinteriors in 2019 with the goal of connecting clients and artisans to create comfortable homes with heart. Hassen and her team work on a variety of projects, from renewing historic homes to designing lively and livable spaces for young families to consulting on new construction.

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23 Best Austin Interior Designers on the AD PRO Directory - Architectural Digest

Leaving London and upping sticks for Jersey wasnt something that interior designer Bryony Richardson and her husband Laurence had planned, but they sought a more rural life after having their first baby. Jersey is a bit like living in an Enid Blyton novel, says Bryony. Its a really magical place to bring up children.

After months of house hunting, they came across an unusual property: a granite 1840s townhouse replete with its original mottled glass windows, surrounded by cedar trees and coastal views. As we headed down the sweeping hill, we got more and more excited, Bryony recalls. Although impressive, the house Le Rocher suffered from neglect after being rented out for nearly 40 years, and it had been on the market for a while.

No one wanted it, Bryony adds. But as soon as they walked in, she was captivated by the Georgian proportions and potential of the house design, so she decided to take on the mammoth task of rekindling it into a rich and cocooning home.

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

Following an initial period of sinking funds into essential structural and electrical work, the entrance porch a decaying plastic lean-to was one of the first things Bryony focused on, replacing it with an elegant black metal frame. Its a fairly decadent use of the space, because theres just a seat with baskets underneath for shoes. But visually it really sets the tone for the interior and creates an instant atmosphere upon stepping inside.

Its perhaps not surprising to learn that Bryony grew up in an artistic household. My mum was an interior decorator and my dad was a keen antiques collector, so our home was filled with extraordinary and wonderful objects, she says. As a designer, she always aims to create spaces that inspire and delight.

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

However, its the use of grounding color, inspired by the surrounding nature, that really sets her home apart. Sobek, an earthy green by Paint & Paper Library, is Bryonys go-to shade. Its got this ethereal quality, she explains. This whole house, with its huge windows pulling in so much natural light, really wanted color. In the living room, I was trying to capture the color of lichen, reminiscent of walks along Jerseys coast.

While there were few original features remaining, the beautiful concave plaster coving presented a natural opportunity to continue the color up the wall and onto the ceiling. Bryony has contrasted the lichen tone with soft shearling wool cushions in an autumnal bracken hue.

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

She also set about increasing the usable space in the kitchen. The rental kitchen layout was nonsensical. Closing up a secondary doorway and recessing a range cooker into the chimney breast unlocked the rooms potential, she says. Bryony also enlisted the talents of local friend and cabinetmaker Christian Delafield to create bespoke kitchen cabinetry that honors the propertys wonky bones.

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

The kitchen island is reclaimed, painted in an earthy shade, and Bryony turned the original cupboard shelves into deep drawers. The walls are a plaster pink with a brown base that stops it from feeling too sweet, especially when clashing against the green on the cabinetry, mirroring the rooms focal point painting of a ruby chard.

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

Upstairs, Bryony used a deep glossy green in the boys bathroom, a pale neutral and earthy red in the main bedroom, and a warm brown hue in the en suite. Using natural colors boosts the feeling of wellness within a space. My mood improves when using tones inspired by nature, she says. Its amazing how bold you can go, and how much colour a house can take, as long as there are natural elements to ground it all.

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

Bryony has managed to reinvigorate the property and fulfill its potential with a varied palette of rich colors, bringing warmth and visual stimulation to this joyful family home.

Bryony Richardson shares her style inspiration

SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT Panelling. Introducing wall texture immediately creates atmosphere and interest and can be achieved easily with a variety of styles evoking different feels.

GO-TO COLOR Paint & Paper Librarys Sobek an ethereal color that flits between blue and silvery green depending on the light.

FAVORITE DESIGN DETAIL Bronze curtain rails I love their slender elegance.

DESIGN HERO Piero Portaluppi the renowned interwar Italian architect who designed Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan.

YOUR STYLE IN THREE WORDS Atmospheric, authentic, expressive.

I KNOW IM A CREATIVE BECAUSE When it comes to films and TV programs, I could be accused of taking more interest in the backdrop than in the plight of the characters.

HOME MAKES ME FEEL In my element.

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This neglected 1840s townhouse had been a run-down rental for over 40 years | - Homes & Gardens

There are some homes that you see that you instantly feel aren't going to be "life-proof". They're filled with finishes that probably need constant cleaning, for example, or fabrics that aren't going to hold up to the rigours of everyday life, especially if you have children or pets.

At a first glance, interior designer Nicholas Kaiko's own apartment feels like this kind of space. Though it might be a colorful space with a great sense of fun about it, it also feels undeniably grown-up, with soft and sumptuous textures. However, Nicholas' experience and expertise in design extends not only to making a space look good, but making it function practically, too. ' I have deep appreciation for textiles, and I understand the importance of choosing fabrics that not only look good but also practical and durable,' the designer tells us.

The designer's modern home is a masterclass in how to strike the balance between good looks and practicality these are the lessons to take away.

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

When it comes to an interior designer's own home, you'll often find it's a personal design manifesto, and when it came to decorating the apartment, this space was no exception. 'The design brief for my own home is a true reflection of my design ethos - a strong emphasis on color and texture,' Nicholas tells us. 'My personal aesthetic leans towards a mix of contemporary and vintage elements, underlined by a keen understanding and appreciation of textile construction. This approach was crucial in transforming my home into a space that resonates with my style and professional philosophy.'

The home itself served Nicholas well an award-winning collaboration from BKH & SJB, which provided both inspiration and framework for his design. 'With its well-considered layout, the apartment's existing plan perfectly catered to our lifestyle needs, separating private spaces to the East and communal areas like the kitchen, living, and dining to the West,' he says. 'This spatial arrangement allowed for a seamless integration of the indoor spaces with the large outdoor terrace, fostering an environment ideal for both living and entertaining.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

The home was the perfect canvas for the interior designer to put his stamp on, without requiring major renovations. 'Retaining most of the hard finishes, which have stood the test of time both in quality and aesthetics, I focused on enhancing these spaces through the application of color and material mix,' Nicholas says. 'The quality finishes are a testament to the value of getting it right from the start, and my design layer sought to complement these elements.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

Nicholas' approach to color feels clean, modern and still surprisingly minimalist, in spite of the bolder palettes that make up the rooms. 'I have a fascination with color, so a key theme in both my home and professional portfolio is color blocking,' Nicholas says. 'My home is a curation of objects and elements amassed over time and from travels, alongside new pieces chosen specifically for this space.'

For a starting point for the open plan living room and kitchen, he looked to an artwork that now hangs on the walls it's one of the defining design "moments" of the space. 'The color palette was inspired by an oversized artwork by Andy Harwood, one of my favourite Australian contemporary artists,' Nicholas tells us.

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

'His work, rich in cobalt and magenta, set the tone for the room. These colors are echoed throughout the space, notably in the saturated burgundy chenille fabric of the sofa and the burgundy hues in the Calacatta Viola marble of the coffee table. I am obsessed with cobalt and I think using it, sparingly, is incredibly luxurious.'

'The artwork anchors the space, providing a backdrop that enhances the deep tones of the furniture and accessories,' Nicholas adds. 'With its fluid transition of color, adds depth and dimension to the room, contributing to the overall sense of luxury and design coherence.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

His home is full of spaces that have that sense of luxuriousness to them that don't often go hand in hand with hardiness and practicality, but with one of the residents of his apartment also a miniature schnauzer called Harvey, this was a key consideration of the design.

'The luxuriousness of the apartment living room is a result of careful selection and blending of materials, colors, and design elements,' Nicholas says. 'Central to this luxurious feel is the deliberate mixing of textiles - velvet, chenille, silk-like fabrics, and felt.'

'In adapting our home to be more functional for our lifestyle, which includes living with our mini schnauzer Harvey, a key focus was on selecting the right textiles.'

(Image credit: Kaiko Design)

One of Harvey's favorite pastimes is digging, so it meant choosing upholstery fabrics that were robust. 'I chose materials with a high polyester content and low viscose, coupled with high rub counts,' the designer says. 'These fabrics are resilient enough to withstand Harvey's activities without sacrificing style or comfort. It was essential for me to create a home where we didn't have to be overly cautious about the furniture, ensuring that Harvey is as much a part of our family space as anyone else.'

The large comfortable living room sofa was a must, given Nicholas' penchant for entertaining. He opted for a custom version of the Miles sofa from the Australian manufacturer Arthur G. 'Given the challenges of apartment living, especially in terms of access, the sofa was designed in two pieces to facilitate easy transportation via the elevator,' he explains.

The apartment kitchen, while retaining its original layout, needed a little refresh. 'The key change was the shift to black, accompanied by the removal of handles, which has given the kitchen a sleeker, more contemporary look,' Nicholas says. 'This modest update highlights the excellence of the original architectural design. Good planning stands the test of time.'

(Image credit: Fiona Susanto. Design: Kaiko Design)

His bathroom is also a good example of how he embraced the existing space. 'I kept the original tiles because they were still in great shape and had a lot of character,' Nicholas says. 'The update was more about bringing in new fixtures, lighting, and accessories to freshen things up. The green and brown color scheme is something you might not expect for a bathroom, and that's exactly why I love it. These colors make the space feel warm and earthy. Its a little oasis.'

Apple Marble and Crystal Bonbonniere

Price: $590 Brand: Reflections Copenhagen

Stone Street Coffee Table

Price: $995 Brand: Cobble Hill

Link:
This Interior Designer's Own Apartment is Elegant and Luxurious Yet Surprisingly "Life-Proof" Too - LivingEtc

New year, new you, so they say. Well, I say that the current you is great, so dont buy it. Kitchens, on the other hand, may benefit from an update. So whats on the horizon for kitchen design trends, and whats getting left behind in the new year? To find out which kitchen trends we can safely part ways with(and get a peek at whats coming next year), we checked in with some top interior designers and kitchen experts. Heres what they spilled.

Are you tired of trying to make your kitchen look like the seen-one-seen-them-all, picture-perfect kitchens online? You dont have to! Instead of feeling like we need the same perfect showcase kitchen we see on Instagram or a home renovation TV show, the zeitgeist is moving into an era of personal, idiosyncratic design, says Eva Jorgensen, an artist, designer, author, and travel expert. When we create a kitchen that fits our own authentic needs, tastes, backgrounds, budgets, etc., the result ends up being so much more interesting and original.

Eva bucked then-current trends a few years ago when it was time to replace some damaged butcher block counters. She opted for stainless steel on a hunch because the price was right and I had a feeling it could turn out looking great. And it did! The stainless steel gives a bit of a mid-century and industrial vibe, which creates a nice tension with the more country-feeling blue and white tiles and wooden open shelves.

The moral of the story: If you choose something because you love it and it works for you, even if it comes in and out of style over the years, youll keep loving it because its so true to you.

Rotem Eylor, CEO of Republic Floor, seconded this idea of you being you in your kitchen. The desire for kitchens with more personality will lead to more maximalist designs, he says. So kitchen layouts will start to lean away from simple looks and more towards looks with personalized expressions.

Remember when everybody painted their upper and lower cabinets different colors? Well, its time to forget it. Grab a brush, because a trend that is definitely on the way out is high-contrast kitchens, says designer Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors. I expect this trend to evolve in 2024 to kitchens having a more cohesive color palette. Even if the kitchen is all one color, it should be continuous with the stone and hardware to create a monotone look.

Ashley Stark, co-founder of Ashley Stark Home and creative director of STARK, agreed. Colorful kitchens had a moment in 2023, but I love a neutral kitchen space with subtle variations of creams and grays. Benjamin Moores Decorators White is one of my favorite hues for kitchens. It adds both brightness and calm to a space, allowing for other fixtures, appliances, and dcor to make a statement.

Not everyone believes white is a timeless selection for kitchens. White kitchens are losing their popularity in households, Rotem says. Homeowners are now seeking livelier color palettes to show more personality within living spaces.

The biggest trend leaving is the all-encompassing white kitchen, McGarity says. Color is coming back in a strong way. Clients are either choosing cabinets that are a rich dark wood tone again (think: walnut or mahogany, but not cherry wood tones of the 90s and early 2000s), or theyre painting walls a saturated color to contrast with lighter cabinetry. A lot of wood cabinets have been painted over in the last few years so homeowners will be finding ways to reinvent this look again by painting the walls.

Is it even a kitchen without a honking big island light or other massive fixture? Maybe not for long! Over the last year, we found that many designers and homeowners with low kitchen ceilings have opted for either sprawling, multi-arm semi-flush mounts to provide the ambiance of a chandelier or petite, decorative spotlights for more task-oriented lighting, says Sarah Speck, director of product strategy for Hudson Valley Lighting Group.

Looking ahead, she says, designers will find new and exciting ways to use mini flush mounts in kitchens. Gone are the days of trying to make your ugly recessed lighting recede into the background. Today, people are celebrating their petite ceiling and wall-mounted lighting by sourcing those with simple yet attractive designs in beautiful finishes and placing them in artful, yet practical, arrangements.

Honestly, choosing fixtures is so overwhelming I just skipped out entirely on cabinet hardware in my new kitchen. Luckily, McGarity provides some guidance.

Hardware is also pivoting, she says. Over the last few decades weve seen brass become dated and stainless or chrome surge. And now brass is on-trend again. Other finishes such as champagne gold will fall out of favor in 2024. There is a lot more freedom to mix metals. Its very common to see multiple metal finishes in a kitchen now. This will continue.

Pantries are essential in a kitchen, no? Well, maybe actually just no. In 2024, I anticipate people moving away from a large kitchen pantry, says interior designer Hilary Matt of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. In its place? She says people are opting for a secondary back kitchen, built-out butlers pantry, or wet bar.

While a simple kitchen pantry was once a popular trend, people are looking to create larger spaces that better serve their lifestyle needs, Matt says. These back rooms will be fully functional with everything from additional refrigeration and warming drawers to built-in coffee systems, wine storage, and dishwashers. Not only do these spaces add greater convenience when it comes to storage and preparation, but they also provide a great opportunity to have a bit more fun when it comes to design decisions.

File this one under TBD, as not everyone is convinced. In luxury homes there is a big movement to have one kitchen for show and an additional kitchen for prep and making messes, says Laura B. McGarity, certified interior designer and design manager at ID&A. This leads to a very spread-out work area. The same can be said for a pantry that is large enough to park a car. While seemingly desirable, this wreaks havoc on efficiency if you actually cook in your kitchen. I predict this trend will fade away after clients experience how the space functions.

Farmhouse kitchens are now basic, says Rotem. Again, homeowners are starting to incorporate personality within kitchens.

With the improvements to induction cooktops, I think the focal point of kitchen hoods will become less dominant in kitchen design, says McGarity. Induction is here to stay and as clients move away from gas, this will influence the dominant feature in kitchen design.

Darker tones will fade, says Rotem. Modern kitchens with matte finishes and sleek looks are not as desired as they once were; instead splashes of color are being brought back.

Read more here:
9 Kitchen Design Trends to Leave Behind in 2023, According to Interior Designers - Yahoo Life

A smart Nigerian lady has taken social media by storm with a viral video flaunting her acquired skills.

In the awe-inspiring video, the lady identified as @queenzita52 showcased her incredible range of talents, revealing herself to be a true jack of all trades.

From intricate hair braiding to stunning decorations, mouthwatering catering, delectable baking, and impeccable sewing, she has mastered an impressive array of skills that have captivated the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide.

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Behind the scenes, the young lady is a force to be reckoned with. Her busy schedule is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft.

She wrote;

The impact of the woman's TikTok video has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Netizens from all walks of life have been left in awe of her incredible talent and versatility.

The comments section overflowed with words of admiration and appreciation as viewers expressed their amazement at her ability to excel in such a wide range of skills.

@OBethy said:

@Zita Zimchikachim said:

@Amore_empire said:

@SIR PEA said;

@BEX_KANE reacted:

@Ikechukwu reacted:

@Sweet Pearl W reacted:

@Feelingstella reacted:

@Amgbala Anche said:

@EMMANUEL SMILES said:

Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a little girl has grabbed the attention of TikTok users with her outstanding ability to catwalk like a model. The performance of the girl who was dressed in a knee-length gown was captured in a video posted by Iyabongwa. The short clip lasted just 40 seconds, but it was enough for the girl to sweep the audience off their feet.

Her star performance saw the crowd shouting and clapping for her while many more removed their phones to video her. She walked confidently into the arena, making her girlish moves like a professional supermodel.

She walked to each table and greeted those seated with so much air of confidence, showing that she was prepared for the show. Many people who have come across the video have expressed deep admiration for the girl. She has been called a future supermodel by fans she won after the video was posted on Christmas day, 2022. Over 467k people have seen the clip.

Source: Legit.ng

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