Design

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While some decorating rules of thumb are definitely worth paying attention to, others are made to be broken.

The New Year is here and it’s bringing a whole slew of cool new home ddcor trends with it. According to our friends at Etsy, overly lavish decor is on its way out and more earth-inspired styles, particularly Southwestern motifs like colorful woven textiles and desert-style art, will be taking over our homes instead. So to jumpstart your design endeavors for the New Year, here are eight stylish Southwestern-inspired home decor goods you can order right now on Amazon.

We’re looking to these rooms for major inspo as we make our own spaces a bit more winter friendly.

Whether with color, pattern, shape, or something else, dare to try something new and bold with decor in 2019.

Step aside, straight lines; in 2019, and it’s all about embracing your curves. Over the past few months, we’ve seen design blogs, stylish furniture designers, and cool spaces like the Wing ditch the boxy furniture for hip pieces with rounded edges—and we are so here for it. Don’t get us wrong: We love furniture and accessories of all shapes. However, curvy pieces energize a room in a way their square counterparts can’t.

As we move into 2019, let the stars be your decorating guide.

A room-by-room guide to making the most of your space.

There is nothing quite as luxurious as a stylish bathroom, but sometimes it’s hard to design the small space in a way that makes your eyes pop while simultaneously leaving a lasting impression. There are an infinite number of light fixtures and shower curtains you can choose from, but one way to take your bathroom up a design level is to match your wall tiles to your floor tiles. Does it sound intense? Sure, but have faith and hear me out.

Because anything that makes finding a rug easier is greatly appreciated.

If you compulsively follow #TinyHouse and #TinyLiving on social media or consider yourself a full-fledged follower of the Tiny House Movement, it can be easy to forget that tiny houses aren’t just a social media phenomenon. It can be hard to remember that people actually live in these teeny, tiny spaces. Truth is, it can be a wonderful way to have the house of your dreams—without spending a fortune. Of course, tiny houses aren’t all Instagram likes and easy, breezy living.

It’s time to ditch this classic living room item.

This is how we "play" American Girl Dolls as adults.

Let’s face it: Finding the room to fit all your stuff in a tiny apartment is tough. Fortunately, one of our favorite online retailers, Amazon, offers an impressive assortment of wall-mounted furnishings that are both space-savvy and super functional. To prove our point, we searched Amazon high and low and rounded up seven wall-mounted storage solutions to help you make the most of your small bedroom.

These are the bedroom trends that are seriously past their prime.

Many homeowners know the experience of moving into an outdated space and planning some much-needed renovations. For the 102 women elected to Congress during the 2018 midterm elections (a record, by the way), they may not be able to gut the place but they could influence some major building changes. Now that nearly one in five legislators on Capitol Hill will be a woman, the building needs to prepare for these leaders and their teams.

Because looks are just part of the equation. You gotta be able to drink from it, too.

In case you’re not familiar with the premise of Dollar Tree, here it is: Everything they sell is $1. Wander through the store, and you’ll find everything from dinnerware and kids’ gear to cleaning supplies and home improvement tools—all for a dollar (sometimes you can even get multiples for a buck!). Yes, while some stores with “dollar” in the name have strayed away from selling everything for $1, Dollar Tree has managed to stick with it.

It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year. You know, when the color experts at Pantone will be announcing the 2019 Color of the Year, which will likely happen any day now. We’re on the edge of our ultra-violet seats waiting to see what hue it could be. To help ease and abate our anticipation, we called on some of our favorite interior designer friends to find out what shade they could see Pantone choosing as the Color of the Year.

Every once in a while I come across an organizer that seriously makes my heart skip a beat. It’s rare, so when it happens I have to take a minute to tell you guys about it. Earlier this year, I waxed poetic about this $10 flatware organizer for narrow drawers, which I’ll still talk about to anyone who will listen. And just a few weeks ago I came across this wire under-shelf basket … in copper! Yes, I’ve seen under-shelf baskets before.

When you’re curled up inside on a gross, snowy day, the last thing you want to see more of is gray. Escape into a wonderful world of color — without leaving your couch. These bold, beautiful Instagram feeds showcase ultra-radiant homes stuffed full of funky, colorful accessories. Neon accent walls? Hot pink furniture? These designers and home lovers do it right. Liven up your life by following these 11 striking feeds.

New year, new you. Once January 1 rolls around, we all make these grand resolutions to make ourselves healthier, more positive, more productive, and all-around better people. We buy a fancy gym membership. We forgo our favorite takeout spot in favor of a healthy, home-cooked meal. We even promise ourselves to not hit the snooze button more than once (okay, twice). We commit to bettering ourselves—and rightfully so—but what about our homes?

Thanks to scores of innovative, forward-thinking designers, the process of building a home continues to evolve into one that prioritizes convenience, cost and the well-being of our ecosystem. Yves Béhar is one of the latest contributors to the accessory dwelling unit market with a line of prefab homes.

Are you kind of over mid-century modern design? Do you roll your eyes whenever you spot a knock-off Eames dining chair or faux Saarinen tulip table? Do you look at your MCM couch with a tinge of disdain, wishing you could redesign your space? It’s okay, you’re not alone. If I’m being totally honest, I too am tired of the MCM madness. Don’t get me wrong, I love the aesthetic; however, the style is becoming too ubiquitous that it no longer feels special.

Don’t get mad, but we’re kind of over millennial pink. Make no mistake, we were all about the hue when it first burst onto the design scene a few years ago. Part bubblegum pink, part salmon, it was once the coolest way to embrace your feminine side. But now? It feels, well, overplayed. While there are still some ways to make millennial pink look and feel cool again (hint: try pairing it with red!), we’re itching for a new “it” color.

Snap out of it!

If you thought those cheap plastic dinosaur toys from your youth would only come in handy when you babysit, it’s time to think again. Turns out those colorful cuties can be repurposed into some surprisingly snazzy home decor items—it just takes a little imagination. Read ahead for a few fun ways to upcycle those old plastic dinosaurs you and your cousins used to play with. The only thing better than a charming succulent planter is one that you made on your own.

The old adage is to take off at least one accessory before leaving the house, but that doesn’t ring true when it comes to house decor. When it comes to art in your home, sometime more is really more. Floor-to-ceiling gallery walls not only bring a touch of color and busy-ness into a room, but it also lets you flex your creative muscles, allows you to bring character into the space, and lets you show your personality through the paintings and prints you choose. So why not layer up on it?

With the cold weather comes the opportunity to snuggle up to the fireplace, cuddle under a fleece blanket, and cradle a hot cup of tea for the entire day (or entire season, whatever your availability allows.) And what better place to do that than in the comfort of a snug tiny cabin? In short, these micro wooden wonders that we speak of are tiny houses with a rustic twist. Think log cabin, but shrunken down a size (or two).

When taking on a home improvement project as major, time-consuming, and expensive (!!!) as designing a new kitchen, the last thing that you want to do is make a few choices now that you end up regretting later—especially if that ends up meaning you wasted money. To help identify the biggest money-wasting no-nos to avoid, we consulted a few kitchen design experts. Having been around plenty of renovations, they had some good live-and-learn lessons and what-not-to-dos to share.

You don’t need to be an interiors expert to be familiar with mid-century modern design. Even if you can’t spot its signature clean lines and minimal details from a mile away, most stores have products that are blatantly labeled “mid-century inspired.” The mid-century modern movement first broke onto the design scene over 50 years ago and is showing no signs of slowing down.

You don’t need a huge house in order to have fun with bohemian themes. The style looks just as beatnik and free spirited in a studio apartment or small outdoor porch as it does in a sprawling home. One could even make the case that those bohemian accents help a small space feel even more cozy, what with boho’s reliance on layered rugs, fur throws, and intricately woven wall tapestries.

Living in a small space sometimes isn’t as fun as all those Instagrammable tiny houses make it look. With square footage at a premium, smaller apartments and houses come with their unique hurdles that make it challenging to decorate your space. Where are you supposed to put all your clothes? How do you fit an entire dining room into an area that’s as big as most people’s closets?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Amazon has a bunch of home decor pieces that look expensive, but are ridiculously affordable. It’s not that surprising, right? After all, you can buy just about everything (and we mean everything) at the mega-retailer—and usually for a low, fair price. Of course, we’re not the only ones who think Amazon is a decorating enthusiast’s paradise.

Need more proof that wallpaper just might be the perfect decor accessory for your home? These 31 rooms are bursting with vivacious, energetic wallpaper designs that will inspire. Some homes features every wall covered in pattern, while others just have a small accent—but all the rooms prove that graphic, bold wallpaper is your design best friend.

Unless you just moved into your home—and purchased brand-new pieces to fill it with—you’ve probably had your furniture for a long, looong time. Your rug dates back to your college days, your mattress has lasted longer than most of your relationships, and you don’t even want to think about how many hours you’ve spent binge-watching TV on your couch. Once you’ve found a piece that fits with your space, aesthetic, and budget, you never want to let it go.

When you think of monograms, do the frilly handkerchiefs from your grandmother’s handbag pop into your mind? Sure, monogramming has been around forever, but we’re loving all of the fresh, modern takes on the age-old classic that we’ve been coming across. Check out our favorite inspiration images and shopping picks below; we guarantee you’ll have a hard time settling on just one!

When you picture your dream house, chances are it features a big, beautiful closet. You know, kind of like Mariah Carey’s wardrobe in her iconic episode of MTV’s “Cribs.” Or maybe like Cher Horowitz’s, complete with a computer that puts together great outfits for you. Or maybe it has a rotating shoe cupboard like Goldie Hawn’s closet did in “Overboard.” You get the picture, right?

Granny-chic decor is having a moment. You know, the heavy floral prints, patterned wallpapers, retro furnishings, and other kitschy decor items you used to see around your grandma’s place. Recently, these kinds of nostalgic interiors are popping up all over the ‘gram, and we’re here for it. Don’t believe us? Read ahead for seven Instagram accounts you must follow if you’re a fan of all things kitsch and granny-chic. 1.

Americans spent the last three or four decades tearing out pretty-in-pastel bathroom tiles. Pale pinks and greens surrounded every toilet, every shower, every sink. After spending decades finding the same shades everywhere, it’s no wonder we grew tired of the trend. But it’s time to break out your mortar and grout: Colorful bathroom tiles are coming back.

The possibilities are endless, but if you're stumped on how to style your floating shelves, these inspirational shelfies are sure to point you in the right direction.

Did you know the mirror, as we know it today, was invented fewer than 200 years ago? According to LiveScience, in 1835 German chemist Justus von Liebig coated a pane of glass with a thin layer of metallic silver and successfully coaxed out mankind’s inner Narcissus for decades to come. Since then, mirrors have come to be a solid fixture in interior design and, more recently, round mirrors seem to be challenging the rectangular norm (and for good reason).

With a new year comes the opportunity for a new start, including a fresh coat of paint for your living spaces. But with so many color swatches to choose from, HGTV HOME By Sherwin-Williams just made your life a lot easier with their 2019 Color of the Year unveil. The winner is Reflecting Pool (SW6486), a hue of “many personalities” that communicates “a life of balance with a little bit of flair” with its versatility and adaptive skills.

Is it just us, or are pops of color officially played out? Make no mistake, we love a good use of color as much as the next design lover. But when every single room has a pop of color, the styling tactic feels, well, dull. If you’re looking for an alternative, you may want to consider tone-on-tone decorating. Turns out, using one color throughout your space is unexpected, impactful, and totally Instagrammable.

Bohemian looks have always been trendy, but not many people go full-blown flower-child in their homes. If you’re a true maximalist at heart and love going full steam with a trend, then you will love the maximalist bohemian aesthetic. Utilizing bold, look-at-me wallpaper prints, a dizzying array of clashing patterns, saturated colors, and layered textures, just about every detail in the space competes for your attention.

Gallery walls fill a void in our heart we didn’t know we had: the need to show off all of our artwork, all of the time. But after a decade exploding with galleries, it’s time for something a little more streamlined. Enter the gallery grid, where themed artwork is hung in a grid—think of it as a gallery wall, sans clutter. The result adds a pleasing sense of order to your living spaces.

Chunky sweaters, warm apple cider, and crisp, colorful leaves—what’s not to love about fall? Well, the decorations for starters. Don’t get us wrong: We love autumn as much as the next person, but the season is often associated with really, really cheesy decor. We’re talking about inflated ghosts and goblins in the front yard, garland covered in fake leaves, and mugs, throw pillows, and coasters declaring one’s love for pumpkin spice lattes.

Ah, home sweet home. Well, for now, that is. Whether you recently graduated from college, are moving in with your partner, or are renewing your lease, there’s a good chance you’re living in a rental apartment. Studies show more people are renting than at any point in the past 50 years. We’ll let that sink in. Sure, there are a lot of perks to living in a rental.

The result is a beautiful space that's stylish, not saccharine.

There is undeniable mixed feelings about Starbucks opening its first store in Italy, where cafes serve their espresso much differently than the American coffee company. But it is obvious that the new Roastery in Milan—which opened last week—is different from its sibling stores in the U.S. All you have to do is look at the design.

Plus, smart tips for making the most of these often sterile spaces.

If dogs could talk, they might surprise us with their home improvement requests, like a space that reduces their carbon footprint and ultimately helps save the planet. Or…they might ask for more treats or a comfier bed. (That probably sounds more realistic, yes?) Either way, pet owners can now make a positive environmental impact while also making their dog comfortable and happy.

Sneaky homeowners used to fill bowls with fake apples, grapes, and bananas—but don't you dare take a bite.

It’s been a few years since washi tape first came on the scene as a non-permanent medium for decorating all sorts of things. Since then, washi tape DIYs have saturated the internet like the most bedazzled page in your Aunt Linda’s scrapbook. We’ve waded through the rhinestones and glitter to find 10 chic examples of washi tape in the home that will put your craft store sale bin raids with Aunt Linda to good use.

With the cold weather season fast approaching, it’s time to finally address an age-old debate in the decor world: Are there really any differences between flannel and plaid? The answer, simply, is yes. So to further breakdown the distinction, we called upon textile aficionado Annie Selke, CEO and President of The Annie Selke Companies, for help. We asked her what really made plaid and flannel all that different and she spelled it out for us.

There was a time when matching bedroom sets were de rigueur. If your bed frame, dresser, and nightstand didn’t match perfectly well, did you even have a bedroom? Alas, those years are far behind us, and now, full-on bedroom sets just feel too matchy-matchy. You’re much more likely to find bedrooms decorated with items that complement each other, but aren’t the exact same style, which gives you the chance to add your own personal style to the mix.

Face it, millennial pink isn’t going out of style anytime soon. We loved the shade as much as the next person when it first came onto the scene in 2016. But two years later? It often feels stale and played out. If you want to freshen up the celebrated color, try pairing it with red. Let’s get one thing straight: This color combination is a far cry from what you see on cheesy Valentine’s Day decorations.

We forecast—and set—decor trends all the time here at Apartment Therapy. But what does a “trend” even mean and where do they come from in the first place? “Trends are heavily influenced by pop culture, fashion, food, music, the streets, and sometimes what is going on in the world politically,” Lori Weitzner, author of Ode to Color, previously told the site. Sometimes when you hear about one it can start to feel like it’s popping up all over the place.

Most of us can’t afford to outfit our homes with pricey, one-of-a-kind pieces. Yes, we’d love a gallery wall filled only with high-quality canvas originals, or a collection of fancy, passed-down decorative teacups. But if we waited around until we had an entire apartment’s worth of high-end decor, we’d stare at bare walls for decades. There’s no shame in loving what you’ve got and going to stores like HomeGoods or IKEA for the rest.

Tiny house enthusiasts should be more than willing to take a gander at Tiny Heirloom’s latest compact custom home. The stylish dwelling known as the Goose is the latest in the brand’s non-custom Signature Series. Constructed on a gooseneck trailer, the Goose comes equipped with off-the-grid technology and is available in three different versions that range from 31 feet to 37 feet long and measure 8 feet wide and 13.6 feet in height.

Letting kids help design their own sleeping space is a solid parenting strategy. Their decor decisions can be dicey—how many fairy lights does one room need, honestly?—but good things happen, too. Your kid’s room may open your eyes to the glories of maximalism, or teach you that over-the-top bold colors actually work with your home’s architecture.

You don’t have to be a design aficionado to know clean, sleek furniture and design are all the rage these days. But discerning whether a piece is minimalist, modern, or contemporary? Now, that’s another story. Chances are you’ve been using minimalist, modern, and contemporary interchangeably for years, without thinking twice about whether or not they’re the same. It’s okay, you’re not alone.

You’re probably aware that bar carts are the de rigueur piece of furniture right now, but if you’ve been wondering how to actually style them, we’ve got your answers right here. Styles can range from minimalist to overly bedecked with all manner of fanciful liqueurs and glassware, so let our guide below show you the plentiful options available. Take a page from Sabrina Tan of Gypsy Tan and outfit your bar cart with decidedly unexpected pieces.

Once an alternative living solution, tiny homes are now firmly in the mainstream. Their minimalist and functional designs have become inspiration for apartment dwellers and owners of larger homes alike. You know the look—bright white walls, creative storage solutions, multipurpose furniture, and as much natural light as possible. It’s an undeniably effective way to style a small space, but it’s starting to feel a little bit cookie cutter.

It’s been a big month for IKEA. First, the beloved Swedish furniture company debuted their 2019 catalog in stores on August 1, and now, they’ve released a slew of new products (some of which make an appearance in said catalog) that look surprisingly high-end. Of course, IKEA’s always been on top of the trends, but for a budget retailer some of these products really took me by surprise with their luxe touches and expensive appearance.

At Apartment Therapy, we believe that your home is your sanctuary—and you should treat it as such. After all, where else can you retreat to after a long day at work, bad date, or busy vacation and just relax? But before you KonMari your space or invest in some soft, dreamy sheets for your bedroom, you should decide on your home’s color scheme.