At the risk of sounding cliché, the holidays really are about who you spend them with. We love to get into the festive spirit with sparkly decor, seasonal recipes, and holiday tunes, but the most important thing is celebrating with the people you love. As Apartment Therapy’s Executive Lifestyle Director, Charli is a nonstop source of creativity, from home decor and hosting tips to gift ideas. That’s the spirit behind Charli Penn’s “holiday wishes” party.

No but really, why are robots round?

A great entryway is like a warm welcome: Whether you’re opening the door to old friends or new guests, it’s your first chance to make them feel at home in your space. It shows off a bit of your personality, hints at your style, and creates a place for guests to shed their coats and get comfortable. And even if you don’t think you have the space for this kind of functional entryway, we’re here to tell you that you do.

Behind every stylish home is at least one great storage solution. Whatever your aesthetic, it’s only improved by pieces that keep clutter contained so your space can shine. And this time of year, we seem to need a little bit more storage for just about everything. Holiday decorations, tableware for entertaining, extra bedding for overnight guests: It all adds up to a busier home, in more ways than one.

This time of year, there’s nothing more magical than a snowy scene of holiday lights twinkling in the night sky or glowing in the window. Contrary to what Clark Griswold would have you believe, turning your home’s facade into a full-on light show doesn’t have to be an extreme sport. It’s a lot easier now! And way more fun.

Buying a couch is a big investment: Not only do big-ticket items tend to come with big-ticket prices, but you also want to make sure you’re buying something that’s going to stand the test of time. That goes for quality, of course, but also aesthetics: Will that shape or upholstery still feel stylish five years from now? And — perhaps most importantly — will I love lounging on it as much as I love looking at it?

At this point, you’ve probably carved out the space to comfortably work from home. Maybe it’s a corner of the couch, a seat at the kitchen table, or a dedicated office (with a door and everything!). But if the spot where you send emails and join meetings doesn’t jibe with the way you work, then your WFH setup can only work so well.

Good design makes our lives better in so many ways. Wherever we are, myriad design choices are shaping our experiences in ways we might not be aware of — but you can be sure the designer thought of everything.If you’ve been considering a career in design that makes a difference, the New York School of Interior Design can help you unlock this beautiful world of possibilities.

When Leslie moved cross-country from LA to Chicago, she found a dreamy city apartment with floor-to-ceiling views, hardwood floors, and modern conveniences. She was having trouble deciding on an aesthetic for her new-build bedroom — one of those all too familiar spaces that at first presents as an exciting blank canvas, but quickly reveals itself as a tricky style challenge. But the Brownstone Boys stepped in with a groovy idea: a subtle ode to ’70s style.

When Leslie relocated from Los Angeles to Chicago, she found a gorgeous new apartment with gleaming hardwood floors, tall windows, and Windy City views. She wanted to add personality to her new-build bedroom but was having trouble settling on a style. So we brought in reinforcements: the Brownstone Boys.Jordan and Barry specialize in restoring their namesake architectural style, and they love helping folks solve design riddles in their own homes.

This season, we’re setting our clocks way back: to the 1970s. Our favorite design trend of the fall is inspired by that dreamy decade’s desert hues, earthy materials, and sun-baked vibes. It takes that nostalgic charm and gives it a modern twist, for a fresh and timeless style that can work in just about every room — which is exactly what we did.

It’s not hyperbole to say we love pretty much everything that both Katie Zamprioli and the Brownstone Boys design. In New York, the Brownstone Boys (aka Jordan and Barry) restore the city’s iconic architectural style and add vintage-inspired touches for modern living. In Los Angeles, Katie uses her richly layered aesthetic to create delightfully maximalist spaces full of wit and charm.

Jordan and Barry, aka The Brownstone Boys, are living the dream. First, this DIY- and design-savvy duo turned their passion for Brooklyn brownstones into a gorgeous home for themselves. Then they started a renovation business to help other lovers of this classic architectural style restore their spaces to full glory. While the Brownstone Boys have already done enough DIYs and projects for their home to be completely stunning, they’re always down for new ideas.

We have a pretty big design crush on designer Katie Zamprioli. She’s never met a candy-colored hue she can’t style, and her maximalist mixture of vintage finds and quirky accents is expert-level. (Not many homes can pull off a fried egg dining table.) So when Katie wanted to refresh her entryway, we couldn’t wait to see what she chose. “I wanted furniture and decor that better complemented the wallpaper,” she says.

Some home innovations are so game-changing that, once you have them, it’s hard to imagine life without them. Smart products definitely fall into that category. Whether you’re setting the thermostat remotely or asking Alexa to reorder toilet paper, it’s amazing to consider all the ways that technology has made our lives at home easier — and safer.

The phrase “open concept” calls to mind breezy rooms, natural light, and fluid movement from one space to the next. And after nine months of construction dust in their L.A. home, that’s exactly what Kirsten and her husband had: Their newly completed kitchen and dining room renovation created a bright, airy footprint for entertaining family and friends. But it was also, for a moment, a big empty space.

When was the last time you stayed home and played? If your answer was “middle school,” then hear us out: Canceling your plans in favor of some low-key indoor activities is kind of the greatest and you should try it immediately. It’s just one of the ways that we at Apartment Therapy are honoring National Lazy Day: August 10 on the calendar; every day in our hearts. A lazy day is a moment to appreciate all the reasons that staying in is way more fun than going out.

Sometimes, self-care can sound a little too much like work. (If you’ve ever struggled to get the perfect coat of polish using your non-dominant hand, then you know what we mean.) On those days, self-care is about doing less of everything. And here at Apartment Therapy, we’re honoring National Lazy Day (officially recognized on August 10 but celebrated whenever we feel like it) by embracing the idea of doing less and resting more.La-Z-Boy® knows all about that.

Sometimes the plans you’re most excited about aren’t really plans at all: They’re the low-key, low-effort activities that happen when you don’t feel like making a big fuss. That’s why we’re honoring National Lazy Day (August 10 — but every day, honestly) with a celebration of all the ways that staying in can feel way more fun than going out. Spoiler alert: There are a lot of ’em.

Going out is fun, but staying in is divine. No reservations? Wonderful. Soft pants? Yes, please. We at Apartment Therapy think that doing nothing is underrated, which is why we’re celebrating our right to relax in honor of National Lazy Day. (It’s officially August 10, but really, it’s as often as you want it to be.) And here’s a secret: relaxed, restorative nights in can feel just as special as nights out.That’s a vibe that La-Z-Boy® understands.

“Forever homes” tend to get all the attention, but sometimes home is temporary. From sojourns in new cities to landing pads before a bigger move, there are all kinds of reasons why we might not want to spend forever-home energy (and dollars!) in our current living space. But whether you’re between more permanent solutions or just haven’t figured out what decor you want to invest in, you can still make your space your own.

For University of Miami architecture and interior design student Benedetto Rebecca, a beautiful home isn’t just a perk — it’s his major. When he lived in a dorm, he made the cinder-block space feel serene with textured curtains and warm neutral bedding. Now he shares a stylish off-campus house with friends, and he wanted to start the new school year by giving his bathroom a grown-up refresh on a student budget. “It felt a little too cold,” Benny says.

As a floral designer, Rachel Clark tended to keep her space neutral so that her designs could shine. But when her white walls started to feel boring, she wanted a refresh that added color but stayed subtle enough to let her decor — from floral arrangements to vintage furnishings — have center stage. The result was part art gallery, part secret garden, and all Rachel. But it didn’t happen by accident: A lot of choices go into one pretty “after”!

Admit it: You’ve got that house. The one where guests always gush over your great taste and even better ideas, from furniture and gallery walls to paint colors and pattern-mixing. Maybe you’re even taking on projects for family and friends, selling your furniture flips, or sharing DIYs on social media. If you’re dreaming of taking your design skills to the next level, there’s a free and easy way to start.

For artist and musician Raquel Lily, their home is an extension of their creative life. Raquel loves bold colors and big design statements, but they weren’t sure what hue to choose for their living room. As the first place visitors see, and the location of band rehearsals and other work projects, the room needed a shot of fresh energy.

When engineer-turned-comedian Ayanna wanted to add some color to her white-box Brooklyn studio apartment, we jumped at the chance to play with paint. Ayanna wanted to let her “controlled maximalist” style shine without taking over the 487-square-foot space,  plus she needed a photogenic backdrop for recording videos and auditions. The result was dramatic, cozy, and as full of personality as the performer herself.

Every room starts with a vision. It gets filled in as you go — this lighting, that sofa — until your idea is so real you can almost see it. Or, until you can actually see it. That’s the idea behind Overstock’s new Design Boards: They organize all of your ideas and help you bring spaces to life.

Every aspect of Raquel Lily‘s life bursts with creativity, from their blossoming music career and cheerful fashion to their eclectic Atlanta home. But while this artist is never afraid to go bold, they weren’t sure which paint color would best bring their living room walls to life.“Being a total fan of statement colors, it was hard for me to commit to a shade,” they say.

There was already a lot to love about Dian and Tim’s primary bedroom. It got great natural light and, like the rest of their Chicago condo, had a lovely mix of architectural charm and modern updates. (Built in the 1880s, the condo building was rehabbed in the early 2000s.) But when it came to giving the white walls a coat of personality, Dian was so overwhelmed by the color choices that she didn’t know where to begin.

As a floral designer with her own business creating gorgeous arrangements and installations, Rachel Clark loves to let her decor speak for itself. She’s tended to keep the walls of her New York apartment neutral so that her flowers and knick-knacks can shine. But lately, those white walls were feeling a bit boring.“I love cool, neutral tones with fun accents, organized clutter, and a mix of vintage and modern pieces,” Rachel says.

There was nothing wrong with the guest bathroom in Dian and Tim’s cute Chicago condo, per se. But with white walls, a gray floor, and no windows, it just felt blah and dark — even with the couple’s contemporary, mid-century touches. And it certainly didn’t have the modern, airy charm of the rest of their home.Dian knew she wanted to use color to inject some energy into the bathroom, but with so many possibilities, she wasn’t sure what direction to go in.

Dian and Tim’s Chicago condo is the definition of “good bones”: Their 1880s building was rehabbed in the early 2000s, so it has that dreamy combo of architectural character and modern updates. In such a fresh space, the design possibilities are endless — so much so that Dian felt overwhelmed by all the options.This was especially true when it came to painting.

No matter how much you love design, sometimes your space is decidedly “in-between.” It’s just life! Maybe you’re saving up for your dream home, and your couch is on its last legs (literally). Or you’re relocating to a new city, but your first stop is temporary while you find the right spot. Or perhaps you know you want to change up your space’s aesthetic, but you’re still finding the style you want.

Fans of Ayanna Dookie‘s comedy might recognize her home workspace: The engineer-turned-performer often films clips in this corner of her Brooklyn studio apartment, using her stunning cheetah print wallpaper as a backdrop. Ayanna wanted the rest of her space to match that wall’s vibrancy and style and her “controlled maximalist” approach to design — while also feeling like a personal sanctuary post-divorce.

When Samantha and her family moved into their Los Angeles apartment, it was a big space upgrade — especially the 200-square-foot living room big enough for chill family hangs, parties with friends, and playtime for the kids. But moving into a larger place meant that their furniture and artwork weren’t quite to scale with the room, leaving it feeling a little disorganized and haphazard.

If you have little ones in your house, you know that — while they’re adorable — they’re not always the neatest. Between crayon marks on walls and toys all over the carpet, it’s tough to hit the right balance between wanting your kids to have fun and wanting your house to look its best. But it’s possible!Creating a dedicated play area in your living room can be a great way to corral the fun without compromising your design style.

Working from home, working out from home, hosting friends, hanging as a family: We ask a lot of our houses. Sometimes, we have to get creative to make everything happen in the same place while keeping our style intact.For professional photographer Samantha and her husband, the challenge was making their eclectic and artsy Los Angeles living room more efficient and multifunctional for the whole family.

In the days before a big trip, our to-do lists just seem to get longer: Pack an extra phone charger! Pick up that prescription refill! Don’t forget to check in for your flight! There’s so much to remember when preparing yourself for travel that it can be easy to forget to prepare your house, too.Making sure your home is safe and sound while you’re gone is a crucial part of travel prep — but luckily, it’s not complicated.

Our dogs are family — and like family, we want to take the best care of them that we possibly can. That includes some obvious preparations to keep them safe and healthy every day: a sturdy harness and leash for walks, puzzle toys to keep their minds stimulated, and nutritious treats for when they’re the goodest boys and girls. (So, always.)There are also additional precautions you might not think of at first that can pay off big in peace of mind.

What’s our favorite way to get excited about summer? Updating our space! There’s something about these brighter days that helps us see our home in a whole new way. Maybe you want to take advantage of your living room’s natural light, turn your patio into a sun-drenched oasis, or get your dining room ready for summertime gatherings. We say ride that warm-weather energy and give your living, dining, or outdoor area a fresh new look.

It’s almost summer, also known as spend-every-possible-second-outside season. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space at home, don’t just drag your beach chairs out of the basement and call it a day. Terraces, patios, backyards — they all become additional rooms when the weather is right. And just like inside, a thoughtfully designed space that matches your style will reward you every time you fire up the grill, sit outside to read, or nap in the shade.

There are times in life when “home” is decidedly in flux. Maybe you’re moving, living the digital nomad life, or trying different styles before committing to your forever design. Whatever the reason, buying furniture — and then lugging it around from home to home — might not be high on your to-do list. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for low-quality items or miss out on your favorite trends.

When we finally start to get a peek of spring, the itch to refresh our space soon follows. The new season’s fresh scents and happy hues inspire us to zhuzh things up a bit: a bright throw pillow here, a fresh floral print there. It’s fun to infuse our homes with subtle updates that make us smile and celebrate warmer, sunnier days.We asked interior stylist Tanika Rottura how she’d welcome the seasonal shift into her space.

There’s no better feeling than the first spring day when it’s finally warm enough to open the windows. It makes us want to capture that fresh-air feeling in our decor, too. But you don’t have to go all out: Small tweaks like peppier colors, brighter lighting, and warm-weather scents are all you need to transform your space’s mood for the season ahead.We asked Monica Chavez, who’s known for her clever DIYs, how she’d welcome the seasonal shift into her space.

The transition from winter to spring is a joyful one: After months of gray and cold, the days get longer, the birds start singing, and the air fills with the sweet scent of new growth. And we get eager to bring this invigorating energy home. With a few small tweaks and touches, our spaces can take on all the color and dynamism of the season, giving us the feeling of a fresh start every day.We asked DIY maven Ursula Carmona how she’d welcome the seasonal shift into her space.

Picture it: It’s early spring, and the season’s first flowers are blooming. The air is warm but still a little crisp, with a tranquil, fragrant breeze. We’d love to hang out in this idyllic scene all day long, but since that’s not exactly practical, we’re settling for the next best thing: bringing this serene, sweet-smelling seasonal vibe into our decor.

While spring slowly reveals itself bud by bud and bloom by bloom, there’s always that one moment in the season where it just “clicks.” It’s that feeling that makes you want to leap into a brighter, breezier style moment as soon as possible. Which doesn’t have to be a major change!