If you want to know the best designer hack right now, read today’s post. This new product has become something I absolutely depend on (and collect), and I haven’t painted a room in the last 3 years without buying a few. Samplize is a company that sells large sticker paint samples that are made with real paint from almost every paint brand (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, etc), and they arrive the next day. It’s almost too easy (and at $7 a pop, it’s affordable enough to ensure you are making the right decision – and don’t be afraid to keep them for next time, like me). It’s a total game-changer versus fan decks or paint pots. So today we used Samplize to order 12 of our favorite whites or neutral paint colors and show you how they look in two rooms – one with a ton of natural light and another with way less.

Whites or light neutrals are harder for me (and anyone, really) because it’s SO hard to see the undertones on a small paint sample. Additionally, the wrong white in a low-light room can look so sad and dead, while the right one can bring warmth and dimension. All the samples we tried actually look so light and white once the whole room is painted, but as you can see above, some are so much darker!

These Samplize stickers are big enough to really see the color, are repositionable so that you can try them on different walls or different rooms, and you can keep them up for a few days to really look at the room at different times. My two biggest rules for choosing whites are this:

1. Don’t paint a dark room white. White can look really flat and dead without natural light bouncing off of it. But in a room with a ton of natural light, you have a lot more options (it’s easier to not go wrong). I get it, you are scared of a really dark room – just do a more medium tone that has a lot of undertones then.
2. Stay away from overly blue or overly yellow undertones. Most of our favorites are so nuanced – they have so many undertones that work well together. Gray and beige both have tones that can be so pretty, but if they are too simple/basic, they look cold or dated.

Bright Natural Light Versus Low, Natural Light

Sherwin-Williams – Extra White

Sample: Sherwin-Williams – Extra White

This white is best for really bright natural light and definitely has the coolest undertone, but I wanted to show you what a cooler white would do to a room (and mixing it with wood is a great idea). But this white doesn’t look as good in our living room, which has a lot of indirect but not direct light.

Farrow & Ball – Strong White

photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: our modern english country kitchen reveal

photo by ryan liebe for ehd | from: my living room design, updated

Sample: Farrow & Ball – Strong White

This is a gorgeous taupe-y gray-white that I painted my cabinets (the perimeter, not the green island, obviously). I loved it so much that I went ahead and painted our living room the same color – I miss that living room! The swatch online reads very beige, but it’s a lovely creamy grayish tone that can still read white enough in a large setting.

Benjamin Moore – White Dove

photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: silver lake hill’s living room reveal

Sample: Benjamin Moore – White Dove

Arlyn painted her living room this same white, and she said this: “It’s a creamy and warm white in the way that vanilla soft serve looks creamy without being beige-y. It’s the type of color you strangely just want to look at, except it’s white, so you feel weird being kind of obsessed with it. Evidently, it was Benjamin Moore’s “Color of the Year” a few years back, if that says anything to you. But yeah, it works well for homes with more character (i.e., nothing super modern), and is warm without being the least bit yellow.”

Benjamin Moore – Soft Chamois

Sample: Benjamin Moore – Soft Chamois

We recently shot our furniture line at Catherine Sheppard‘s house for Room Service (her house is absolutely gorgeous). She painted her walls BM Soft Chamois, and trim is BM Simply White. It was so pretty and yes, light and airy, but still warm.

Farrow & Ball – Pointing

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: jess’ small space living room reveal

Sample: Farrow & Ball – Pointing

Arlyn wrote this, which I think is totally accurate and well put: The swatch online of Pointing looks SO warm and beige-y, but in person, it’s such a lovely warm yet neutral white. Jess used this in her living room and kitchen and was very happy with it. It’s warm enough that crisp white curtains pop against it, but looks very “white” against most other colors. Farrow & Ball paints tend to be more expensive than traditional hardware store brands, but the paint is VERY thick and super high quality with a wide range of finishes.”

Benjamin Moore – Edgecomb Gray

Sample: Benjamin Moore – Edgecomb Gray

We had our retreat out at The Carly in Oregon wine country (it’s incredible) and couldn’t believe that the warm neutral on the walls, which felt white to all of us, is in fact this dark!!

This is such a great example of how you need to rethink whites to include medium-toned neutrals that you think are going to be really dark, because in a larger space with a lot of soft indirect light, it will read lighter. We loved this light neutral so much in person.

Sherwin-Williams – Alabaster

Sample: Sherwin-Williams – Alabaster

We shot the “low natural light” portion of this in my brother’s upstairs hallway. It actually gets great natural light, but we closed the shades so they just let some light in to give you an idea of what these would look like without beautiful light bouncing all around.

I absolutely love how Alabaster looks in every room of their house – in fact, I’d go as far as to say that if anybody asked me on the street what a no-fail good white is, without seeing their house, I’d tell them Alabaster. We looked at it with the wood flooring and moved the Samplize sticker around in many rooms in their house, but it worked in every single one of them. It’s so solid and pretty, with a slightly creamy taupe undertone that makes a room feel really balanced and inviting.

Benjamin Moore – Simply White

Sample: Benjamin Moore – Simply White

Kaitlin painted her entire house Simply White, which is pretty dang similar to Alabaster, if not a tiny more saturated. Creamy undertones that still read as very white, yet with warmth.

Farrow & Ball – Ammonite

photo by tessa neustadt | from: my master bedroom reveal

Sample: Farrow & Ball – Ammonite

I loved this color in our old primary bedroom in LA. If you are looking for the softest, lightest gray that is so warm but not taupe, then this is for you. I love how subtle the color is, all while bringing some different hues into the home besides white. This color felt really clean, even though it has a lot of nuance.

As you can see, the #9 swatch looks, even a bit muddy, but with the amount of natural light the bedroom got, it felt bright and happy, but definitely a tone.

Benjamin Moore – Super White

photo by tessa neustadt | from: how we styled the living room to sell

Sample: Benjamin Moore – Super White

This was our go-to white for a while (I used it in our old Glendale house, and Brady used it in his kitchen). We still love it, FYI, but have since turned to Pure White by Sherwin-Williams for recent projects. This color is great if you are looking for a modern, clean color. It reflects light in such a pretty way and doesn’t have any cool tones that would make it go blue or warm tones that would make it yellow. It’s just really white.

Again, my advice is that a clean, bright white like this is best for rooms going for that extremely airy vibe, which requires a lot of natural daylight. So don’t put this in your dark bedroom – it will just look cold.

Sherwin-Williams – Oyster White

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the portland project family room reveal

Sample: Sherwin-Williams – Oyster White

For many of the public living areas of the Portland Project, we used Oyster White from Sherwin-Williams. It’s almost a touch taupe-y gray in comparison to the crisp white of the molding (Pure White from Sherwin-Williams), so it works really well in that sense. During the big open house event, the most asked question about anything in the house was “What is this paint color?” It’s cozy and comforting but still white enough not to run too deep into gray territory.

Benjamin Moore – Decorator’s White

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: michael’s vintage-filled living room reveal

Sample: Benjamin Moore – Decorator’s White

This is called “Decorator’s White” for a reason. A ton of decorators and designers use it (honestly). Michael picked it for his current home because it mixes really well with other neutrals but also pops of color. It’s calm yet bright and an “elevated” sophisticated white. Not too clinical, just a great backdrop for lots of styles.

If you are about to paint a room, I can’t express how important it is to order these samples from Samplize, that is, unless you walk around with some magically inherited paint color confidence. Sometimes I’ll just order the final two, just to make sure (ordering a ton can add up, I know). I’m seriously so grateful that this product was invented and that it comes so dang fast (faster than going to the paint store to take home those tiny chips). It’s been an absolute game-changer. And for your convenience, here are all of my white and neutral paint color samples to choose from in one easy place! Let us know what paint color roundup you’d love next

*Unless Otherwise Noted, Photos by Kaitlin Green

Happy Sunday, everyone. We’re writing this before Friday, so in case there is big news that isn’t discussed, that’s why. We hope that everyone used their voice in any way they could and stayed safe. Also, don’t stop! We love our diverse community here, and want everyone to feel good and seen. Ok, let’s get into these links.

This week’s house tour is not your average home! It’s more of a gallery or museum. You just have to see it.

From Emily: I am SO excited to recommend this thriller to you. The writer, Marisa Kashino, is a reader and design lover. And now her debut novel is KILLING IT (already a best seller and getting a series made on Hulu). Best Offer Wins is entertaining from page one (a couple dealing with 18 months of bidding wars) and then gets gripping really fast. The voice and tone are so easy to read, you don’t want to put it down, and the writer, Marisa Kashino, is clearly into design so there are a lot of references that I think you guys will love (I think she was a design and real estate editor before so her inside knowledge of that industry is clearly paying off here). I also just love a career risk and pivot like she’s taken – its totally inspiring. If you want a very entertaining, fast read full of juicy design bits mixed in, check out Best Offer Wins.

Also From Emily: Brian’s second post on our personal newsletter is how he made the decision to be the lead parent (yes, stay-at-home dad, but we are all done with that term for either gender). Now I know the story, I lived it, and while there are points in the process that we both want to forget, I knew how it all went down. And yet I was totally riveted, and I teared up 3 times (I’m very close to it, obviously). I’m just so proud of him for being so open and owning it (and not to mention being such an exceptional lead parent). I know that not everyone’s experience with men is as positive as mine, but man, this generation of men in our lives are such good, heavily involved dads. We have more lead parent dads in our lives than I would have predicted, and it’s pretty remarkable. Anyway, just wanted to flag it if you missed it yesterday or if this was the post you were waiting to read. It’s so vulnerable and still entertaining.

From Caitlin: This is not my normal recommendation – I am not a haute couture gal – but HOLY CRAP, these gowns from Georges Hobeika’s Spring 2026 collection are DIVINE. (Sending you to that website only because I can’t find coverage in any design publications!) The colors. The pleating. The draping. SO, SO, SO BEAUTIFUL. I’m drooling over dress #4 in image 2, dress #2 in image 3, and like…all of them in image 4. Just a little eye candy for you!

From Mallory: You might’ve seen my parents’ living room makeover earlier this week – it was SO fun to pull together, and we all had a blast doing it. I wanted to highlight a product from that shoot that I was super impressed with for the price – these crazy affordable curtains! High-quality custom curtains are a “nice to have”, but curtains can also look really lux without breaking the bank (just make sure they’re pinch pleat and you’re usually good!). I bought these for my parents last year and installed them as a surprise when they went away one weekend, and they turned out so cute. I was looking for a cream sheer curtain that was over 100 inches long and found these for $25 (for a pack of 2). I could not be more impressed with them, you guys. They made SUCH a big difference in warming up their space. I was looking to cover 3 windows, so I needed a few panels and an extra-long curtain rod, and didn’t want to break the bank because curtain panels, rods, and rings can seriously add up. So when I found this adjustable, affordable black rod, I immediately snagged it along with these curtain rings. I’m very impressed with the quality and how they’ve held up! Check out the post to see them in action if you missed it! ** A quick note from Emily – we are hoping to buy as little as possible from Amazon this month as part of the February Freeze. Many pieces for our makeovers were purchased weeks or months ago and can land here.

From Gretchen: I took a little weekend trip with my bestie to the mountain recently, and we had so much fun catching up over yummy homemade dinners and too many mimosas. We made our 2026 bingo cards (a fun way to reimagine and track your resolutions/goals for the year) and explored all the stunning nature right in our Airbnb’s backyard…but we also managed to clock some SOLID TV time. Sometimes the weekend just calls for it! I don’t even want to tell you how many shows and movies we were able to squeeze in over just a few days, but I will tell you that the movie Roofman is a MUST-WATCH. Based on a true story about an escaped, weirdly polite convict, played by Channing Tatum, the guy evades capture for SIX WHOLE MONTHS by hiding/living inside of a Toys R Us (RIP). The storyline was so bizarre (and closely follows the real deal), but the acting and storytelling were just too good. Also, if this is a news story that doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll have just as much fun deep diving the original news articles after watching, I promise. Funny, sweet, strange, and a little bit nostalgic. An easy weekend watch if you’re looking for one!

From Marlee: This weekend I was checking out a secondhand athletic store in Portland (Revive on SE Hawthorne, check it out – great assortment and prices) and found a pair of these Vuori leggings – it was super serendipitous because I already have a pair of these and they’re my FAVORITE – I was literally on their website earlier that week debating if I should buy another pair. I’m not the biggest fan of wearing leggings, but these are comfier than any other pair I’ve tried. I find that the waistband feels slightly looser than any other leggings I have, and you’re able to tighten them with the drawstring (which is a cute feature) rather than them cutting into your stomach. I also feel like these are more mid-rise than most other leggings I have – they hit right below my belly button rather than all the way to my ribcage, which I find more flattering. I’m 5’8” and wear a size small. I highly recommend these the next time you’re looking for a pair of leggings, especially if you’re sensitive to the waistband and like to avoid super high-rise leggings – and bonus points if you can find them used. They had multiple pairs at this store, and I also stopped by Crossroads, and they had so much great used athletic wear. Like, 40 pairs of Lululemon leggings for under $30 – if you have a Crossroads or Buffalo Exchange near you, check them out for athletic-wear!

From Jess: I finally reordered Fresh Peaches! What is Fresh Peaches, you say? It’s a gel that easily and effectively makes toilet paper a flushable wet wipe. I love this product so much, and it doesn’t add more waste. 10/10

From Arlyn: I have a new design crush: Mandy Cheng. I found the designer through a recent Arch Digest house tour, and my goodness, the details throughout are so interesting (just wait until you see the stained glass “transom” on the stair bannister upstairs). Some of the images of her home were immediately bookmarked into my folders for safe inspiration keeping, but then I found this 15-minute YouTube video with an in-depth tour. Seeing what the house looked like before—and an old craftsman in complete and utter disrepair—and hearing that she and her husband did a lot of the work themselves due to budget constraints is just utterly amazing to me. Like, seriously, wow. Take a break from doom scrolling tonight, and instead, watch this home tour. It’s worth it!

Thanks for spending time with us today, and see y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Mallory Wackerman | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: How Mallory Warmed Up A Living Room With Gray Vinyl Flooring

*Hopefully you were able to participate in the General Strike yesterday (and thanks for the comments). Now onto a post we shot a few weeks ago for those who are interested. We appreciate you being here.

Under “Things I never thought I’d be so enthusiastic about when I was 22,” I’d say that “meal prep” is near the top. And yet, I legit enjoy it. Not because I love to cook, I’m still not very good. But because I love a project that keeps me home on a Sunday afternoon, so I can listen to my gripping podcasts and audiobooks, have some me time, and enter the week armed with a few good meals and non-ultra-processed snacks my kids will actually eat. I’m sure there is some sort of neuroscience around the dopamine released when you feel like you have your shit together. Like how buying new workout clothes makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself. Now, I vascillate on what I meal prep (on a perfect Sunday I might roast a chicken for dinner and leftovers, then make broth from the bones, make a big soup for Brian and I, cut up veggies for salads and make homemade salad dressings) but today I’m showing you the three VERY easy healthy snacks we make for the kids (and us) that they actually love.

Here we go – they are all EXTREMELY easy, only require one bowl each, and have hidden healthy stuff. We are talking chocolate veggie muffins, no-bake energy bites, and turkey and veggie meatballs (gluten-free). I didn’t develop the recipes, so I’m going to link to the food creators who did to make sure they get the love. But I did tweak them

Chocolate Veggie Muffins

I’m not a baker AT ALL – too scientific, too specific, too easy to mess up. But these muffins only require you to dump all of the ingredients into your blender, blend, and then bake in muffin tins. We’ve made these probably 10 times now, and I modify the veggies (you can sub spinach for kale or add protein powder easily). At times they’ve looked more green (which my kids, of course, have an adverse reaction to), and at times I’ve put more cocoa powder to ensure they are sweeter.

You can easily substitute maple syrup for honey or almond butter for peanut butter. I’m sure most of you are more intuitive bakers than I am, so you probably knew that. But I am a firm recipe follower, so subbing things out feels like a real life-threatening risk to me.

As far as the dry pantry stuff goes, if you buy enough at first, it can last you through multiple batches. I found the recipe here (and I’ve tried doubling the recipe, but they don’t get eaten fast enough). Oh, and you have to refrigerate them, or they’ll mold (mine did last time).

Kaitlin is always ordering me to do a slight smile so I don’t look angry in the shots, but I know that I don’t typically look so pleasant while meal prepping by myself.

You can also add nuts during or after with the chocolate chips Again, original recipe here.

I didn’t shoot the other two snacks (I had made them the night before), but here you go:

Turkey Veggie Meatballs!

I JUST started making these, and my goodness, they are the best protein snack hack for the whole family. I’ll pop no less than like 8 in my mouth a day, working from home. We have a lot of growing 12-year-old boys who come over, and they devour these guys. And they have no gluten, dairy, or sugar. Just turkey, zucchini, and herbs/spices. We doubled the recipe one week (made 96 of them, which was aggressive), and I found that adding way more seasoning than the recipe calls for helps a lot. I used my Trader Joe’s ranch flavoring (probably 2 tablespoons), and it added so much more flavor (and made it taste a little Mediterranean). Big fan. Original recipe HERE (just add more salt and seasoning if you aren’t adding to another recipe, imho).

No-Bake Energy Bites

These are the snacks that my kids ask for the most out of all of them, likely because they are dessert adjacent and pretty sweet and chocolatey. But honestly, anything is better than them grabbing for a bag of ultra-processed stuff, because at least I know what is in this. It’s pretty basic, recipe linked HERE, but you can add hemp seeds, protein powder, nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, etc. You’ll need to throw on a tray in your freezer for at least an hour to let them harden, and we leave ours in there until gone instead of transferring to the fridge (the kids just like them more that way). Just don’t make them so big, or they remain super hard when frozen. (Brian made them the other day as big as golf balls, and they were like jaw breakers from the freezer). Again, can substitute honey for maple syrup and different butters for peanut butter. I can’t imagine these are low in calories, but that’s not the point here – I just want whole foods that they’ll actually enjoy eating.

If anyone has go-to healthy snack recipes, please let them know in the comments! I recently made these other muffins for our kids, and they were excellent. But I don’t want my kids to burn out on them, so always looking for new options. And y’all, even though my kids are 10 and 12, they still don’t LOVE veggies, so any stacked with greens, please share. xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

Today, we are shut down, the office is closed and EHD has elected to participate in the national shutdown. Since I’m in charge, it was an easy decision for me, but we totally know it’s not everyone’s privilege to be able to participate. Most kids are going to school and in Portland a lot of small businesses are open which I think is good to support them. I think one of the strongest things you can do is not buy anything today from large companies which are the ones that carry government sway. Its all over my feed, but the national news didn’t really pick it up and the vote got delayed which is good! But listen, we figured its always good to buy local and small and take the time to call or write senators, make signs for protests (many happening tomorrow) and for me plan some. In a perfect world, the corporations would feel a hit and send their folks running to DC to demand change. We love our immigrant friends and families. Most of us understand or are amenable to the importance of border security, and we recognize the need for some deportations. But not like how ICE has been doing it with poor training, no due process for the immigrants and no accountability.

I really appreciate all views and the conversation on Monday was healthy for the most part (I didn’t finish reading the comments so hopefully it held strong). If you are conservative and republican (like many of my family members), I really appreciate you saying you don’t support how and what is happening right now. What you say could be a real domino effect with your own friends and relatives who might be secretly thinking the same thing. Saying “this is not ok” or “not like this” doesn’t make you a leftist, just means you have eyes and ethics. I believe that people can show up in their own ways, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Changing your mind and admitting it shows a lot of bravery and courage.

On Influencers “Speaking Out”

I’m grateful to be able to do this today and to have a platform that people read, and I don’t take that lightly. When it comes to “speaking out”, I’m a big fan of “there is no wrong way to do it, just do it” in the ways you can. If we learned anything from 2020 (good god, I hope we learned A LOT), it’s that policing each other on how or what people say only makes things worse and is actually a huge part of the problem. The left really excels at this type of cannibalism. People need to feel empowered to talk, not be full of fear that they aren’t doing it the right way. And some influencers or celebrities might stay silent and that’s their business. Maybe they have family that work for ICE or in the government or military. You can unfollow or like them less, but you don’t know what you don’t know. Do I think some people are tone deaf? Yep. But Let them.

On Monday when I wrote the post, it honestly didn’t feel like I was making a ‘statement’ or even ‘taking a stance’. I slacked my team the night before and said ‘guys, we can’t. I wrote something else’ and they all immediately agreed and jumped in to spell/grammar check. I was just really sad, upset and figured you were too. I didn’t think it was particularly controversial since we all saw the video of Alex being killed from different angles, and then heard the government lie about it ( …at first, glad there is an “investigation” now). It felt like a turning point after months of confrontations.

As you can tell, what I like to do is create some common ground through conversation, not through alienation. I understand that some of you want me to do it differently to be angry, combative and tell people they are wrong – I really do get that. As Scott Galloway says, there is a difference between being right and being effective.

And not all influencers should act like (or be) social justice warriors for every cause. In fact, I don’t think people should come to design influencers to mirror their own feelings or expect them to do it exactly how they want them to, when they want them to, and certainly not for every cause. Honestly, most of us aren’t equipped with researched knowledge, we aren’t educated in all the things. We should never pretend to be news sources. We’ve seen what happens when people believe the wrong people on social media. It’s very dangerous. And I’ve been wrong before, letting my emotions and the wave of ‘I’ve got to say something now!’ influence my public reaction. I’v been wrong and I’ve learned so many lessons.

We have to use our specific strengths to help, and know what will resonate with our audiences to inspire change should we feel strongly about it. We need all people on all levels and in all ways, in all fields, to make more universal change, and I’m really proud of my team for always showing up in a way that brings people into a conversation (it’s always scary, TBH). We have things we won’t tolerate, as well as our own boundaries and limits. We hope you respect that. It’s a fine line to balance, and ultimately, I’m very aware that losing our audience and business actually helps no one.

Creating more division in our audience is a lose/lose on every single front. We are real human beings, running a business that we love, with jobs that we are so grateful for, and readers we so appreciate. We are doing our best at all times, with more conversations behind the scenes than you could possibly imagine. We are really, really proud to have a platform that feels like a healthy break from the news cycle. And through creating common ground and conversation, we hope to inspire small shifts that can turn into larger waves. But I might do it in quieter ways, here, than people might want. And that’s ok.

Ultimately, we love how home design content can connect us all, and as the leader of this company, I won’t let us do anything that creates more division. It’s why we never even write about “trends that are so last year” or “what not to dos”. We don’t like or snark about home reveals or product lines that missed the mark, even though I know that would be good traffic. We don’t allow comment battles even though thats good for time on site. That will never be my MO.

My main driver here (and in my life/home/family) is to create a place where people come to feel good, or even just a tiny bit better. To have some fun, to feel connected to others who are into design, to learn or feel inspired, to be entertained, and to enjoy a part of their day. We don’t take that for granted. We love being here, too.

It doesn’t mean I don’t get angry, frustrated, or cry in the shower out of fear or sadness when I think about what some families are going through here and around the world. It doesn’t mean that I don’t want things to change, or to “go my way”. My head is very much out of the sand, and yet I’m grateful to have a platform that can support the unifying message when it is very clear to me, like it is right now. I’m not telling anyone how to vote or what party they should align with (because that won’t work). My hope is that at the bare minimum, we can all agree that there needs to be more accountability, due process and training (and empathy). Seems pretty reasonable, right?

It’s not a political stance, it’s an ethical, moral and legal one.

Thanks for being here. Today and always. xx Emily (now go get out there!!)

Opening art by artist Scarlet Soleil

I make no reservations about expressing my love of the vintage armoire. You can read about it here and here. And today, it’s getting the Secondhand Scores treatment. I’ll walk you through all the things I think you should consider before buying one, some search terms to use in your search, what you can expect to pay for one, what specific styles to look for, and then we end with where in your home you can use one effectively (and beautifully).

This large, versatile storage piece is such a powerful visual statement when used in a tightly designed room, all while hiding a multitude of random things you don’t want to have to see every day. It’s a decorating heavy hitter, and you can find them for as low as $100!

What To Think About Before Buying:

Like with anything secondhand—a.k.a. non-returnable—you have to think about a few things on the front end before purchasing so you don’t end up having regrets. Some of the below bullet points are based on personal experience, and some are from anecdotal research I found.

• Structural integrity: Is it stable? Is it warped in any spot? Does it wobble? A piece this large can be a downright danger if it doesn’t pass these simple safety checks. And look, I’ve bought plenty of furnishings like this sight-unseen, but if you can see it in person and kick the tires, so to speak, that’s always best.
• Dimensions and access: Again, these things can be sizeable, so check then double-check the height, width, and depth before committing to it. Will it fit through your front door? Will it fit through your hallway? Will it fit in the room itself? As some of you may know, I had a depressing armoire fiasco when I moved into our new place a few years back. The wardrobe I so lovingly and excitedly acquired for my previous room couldn’t clear the ceiling right above my staircase, and it’s been living in the garage ever since. TBH, I think my movers were tired after a very long day and didn’t want to get creative, but better that than them thinking they could have gotten it up and scratched the whole front side, for instance.
• Condition and quality: This one relates to the price and what you expect out of it. The older the piece, the more likely it being solid wood, but that’s no guarantee. Ask questions, look at joints if you can, and figure out what you’re buying. If it’s a super low-cost piece, like say, under $200, it’s worth just buying it if you like it, but if construction material is important to you, be sure to ask and maybe look at it yourself. A quick anecdote: I bought a dresser for my daughter from Facebook Marketplace last year. I asked whether it was veneer or solid wood, and the seller told me it was solid wood. Technically, he wasn’t wrong as the construction of the body of the dresser, as well as the drawers, were wood and not particle board. But it did have a veneer on the drawer fronts and sides. It didn’t end up bothering me, as it was all in great shape, and the wood pattern it had that I fell in love with is commonly achieved using wood veneer.
• Signs of age vs. a reproduction: In a similar vein, and especially if you’re buying an expensive item or a heritage piece, you should look for signs that something is what it says it is versus a good reproduction. Old, hand-made furniture typically has dovetail joints (with an armoire may or may not have), and as these were chiseled by hand traditionally, they will be slightly imperfect. If something is so precise it looks like only a machine could have made it, then a machine probably made it. Which look, that doesn’t automatically make something garbage, but it’s important to get what you’re paying for. Do some deep research on the specific item they’re claiming to be selling you, if it has a maker name attached to it or even a year/decade, and see what was common for that brand or time era.
• Odors: This one can only be sussed out in person. Wood is a natural material, so it does absorb odors. If you’re storing clothes and other soft goods in your soon-to-be armoire, make sure it’s not a stinky situation in there.
• Does it function? Well, well, well, if it isn’t another personal anecdote of mine. So that beloved armoire of mine that I bought sight unseen had an issue that was disclosed to me. One of the doors didn’t latch properly, and I thought, “Eh, whatever, I’ll just get it fixed.” It’s been nearly four years, and it’s still not fixed, FYI. All that to say, be honest with yourself about whether there are needed repairs, and whether you’re actually going to be proactive enough to get them taken care of.
• Can you transport it? Do you need to hire a delivery service? Does it fit in your car or truck? A normal quandary with any marketplace furniture purchases, but still worth considering. Also, did you know that some vintage and antique armoires actually were meant to break down into pieces for easy transport? The top comes off some of them, and the walls come apart. It’s not the case for all, but some, yes, so see if that’s also an option.

Some Armoire Designs We’d Sign Off On

There’s a lot of ugly out there. There’s also a lot of “wait, is this ugly or is this actually nice in the right room/design?” as well. Even I go through that, trust me. But I’ve studied rooms with antique armoires in them for years, so I have a pretty good sense of what’s going to be a gorgeous statement piece, and what’s just going to look like a giant beast eating a room. Here are some I found locally to me, with their price points. In my region, the price runs the gamut, from $150 for a no-name vintage piece with some wear, all the way into the thousands from names like Lane or Martinsville. This may be different where you live, but I doubt it’s too far off.

As for search terms, try using:

• armoire
• wardrobe
• clothes cabinet
• armoire wardrobe
• tall cabinet
• storage cabinet
• closet (or closet cabinet)

My goodness! If I didn’t already have my armoire, I’d consider this one. I love the floral details so much. I’m not sure it actually has handles (just handle plates), but if I were to ever handle (ha) that, this would be wonderful in a romantic bedroom with rich colored or wallpapered walls.

I saw so many of these Art Deco, hugely wide pieces when I was on my hunt, but they didn’t fit both the scale and size of my room. The carvings on this one and the fun little feat are so interesting. I’m not sure how this opens up, though, assuming each side and then the center mirror as well has storage behind it. $500 is a steal for something of this size.

Anyone who knows me knows I love a burlwood armoire. It acts as a neutral pattern, and when used in a room that treats it like a star, it will end up being a piece everyone will ask you about. This one is $200, and the description mentions it “needs work,” but that’s the kind of thing you dig in and ask about before buying!

Another Art Deco armoire, which I’m partial to. Mine has a similar shape and also has a hanging rack and a mirror inside. My ultimate goal was to retrofit mine with some more storage compartments, which I never got around to. But if you only need to hang dresses or coats (or even store tall cleaning supplies such as your vacuum and broom), you won’t need much more than this.

A different style here, a bit more mission, but still interesting with subtle detail banding in the woodwork. I mean, $250?!? If it’s in good condition, this is a steal.

It had me at “tassel,” honestly. Bonus points for mentioning that it has a “large drawer area” inside, so super versatile for use as a linen closet or in a bedroom.

You’ll find a mix of pieces sold by dealers and pieces sold by people; this one appears to me to be from a dealer/reseller. It looks like the wood was stripped at some point, and glass doors were replaced with chicken wire (a cute look for a dining room, breakfast nook, or bathroom).

Here’s where we get into something a bit pricier. You can tell by the sheen of the wood grain that this is a rare wood type, and being an antique (as they are claiming from the early 1800s), that makes the price make sense. Note that some armoires have full-length doors with interior storage, and some are more like this with a chest of drawers and a hutch-like storage piece above.

Lane pieces from the mid-century are incredibly popular, so supply and demand come into play here on pricing. You definitely want to go see something of this price in person if you can, both to check the condition of the piece but also to make sure the scale feels right. This one is likely not overly large, at about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide.

Another beast, with a price tag to match. I love the mid-century design on this one, the warmth of the wood, and it appears to have a ton of specialized storage inside.

Okay, But Where Do I Use One?

The bedroom is the most straightforward answer for where to use an armoire or wardrobe, considering they were originally designed as freestanding furnishings that held clothing before built-in closets were a thing. But it doesn’t have to stop there. Anywhere you need a large storage piece—whether for function or form—an armoire can work. Keep scrolling for some recent inspiration shots I dug up.

Vintage Armoire In A Bedroom

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lonika Chande (@lonikachande)

Interior designer Lonika Chande shared this shot of a guest room in her mom’s house. It feels eclectic yet minimal, and that’s the power of one large statement piece in a statement color, like that pinky-red armoire.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jamb London (@jamb_london)

Add “castellated” armoire to my new list of dream items. If you have a large bedroom space with a lot of empty walls, an armoire is a fast fix to fill the voids, but also be incredibly functional.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tarn_London (@tarn_london)

Even compact spaces with low or sloped ceilings can accommodate an armoire. In fact, I find they work well in a room where you want to limit visual clutter because they have solid doors that hide mess. Whereas an open bookcase or shelves, while beautiful, can feel overbearing, full of books and decor items.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

In a bedroom that is set up like a salon suite, an armoire tucked into a corner can feel really anchoring. This one is a French antique from Chairish, acquired by designer Hendricks Churchill.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors)

For anyone who doesn’t love the antique brown wood look, yes, you can always paint an armoire. This satin black one in a bedroom by Amber Interiors is stately but doesn’t steal the show of the room’s ceilings or the view out the doors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by D Ô E N (@shopdoen)

On the flip side of the previous bedroom is this old-world cottage bedroom posted by Shop Doen, though originally from Cabana Magazine.

Vintage Armoire In A Living Room

Now, another area of the home I love to see an armoire is in a living space, either a den, a living room, or a sitting room. They can be amazing for stashing away board games, seasonal items, sound equipment (an uncle of mine used to have this unbelievable Oriental armoire in his Manhattan apartment, and we’d just sit in the living room listening to his CDs he had inside with the stereo, and chit-chatting without a TV or phone in sight), even a small TV.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tiffany Leigh Design (@tiffanyleighdesign)

Just typing “and even a small TV” gives me inexpensive hotel vibes, but as long as the item is made of a natural wood material in a neutral tone, it’ll look great, not 1990s.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JORDAN // House_Collected (@house_collected)

For added height, you can always store a collection of something atop an armoire; here, House Collected showcases a bunch of varied baskets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors)

Another one from Amber Interiors. I love the juxtaposition of the age-worn armoire flanked by the ultra-modern sconces.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tiffany Skilling Interiors (@tiffanyskillinginteriors)

This one is giving me pier mirror vibes, don’t you think?? It’s huge in comparison to the lower furniture, but it brings the eye up to what is clearly a very tall ceiling.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nate Berkus Associates (@nateberkusassociates)

Obviously, this one isn’t vintage, but I like the placement of it in that shallow nook you often find next to a fireplace wall. I’ve seen a lot of people do a console of chest with art above, or add in shelves, but I love the addition of the armoire instead.

Vintage Armoire In Misc. Spaces

In this final category, I lumped together a few rooms since there weren’t enough of each for its own stand-alone bucket, but there are some great concepts here that may resonate with some of you!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Courtney Allison (@frenchcountrycottage)

An armoire in a bathroom is such a romantic move. I had a small storage cabinet (not aesthetically similar to this one, but it served the same purpose for me) in a previous bathroom when I lived in Florida. It was so convenient to have something like this, considering my under-sink storage was lacking. Mine held my toiletries, extra towels, some pretty apothecary-type bottles, extra toilet paper, and the like.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nate Berkus Associates (@nateberkusassociates)

If you have an amazing woodworker or handyperson, remember that you can take the inside of an armoire and turn it into WHATEVER YOU WANT! Just take a gander at this amazing hidden bar (complete with a sink and faucet) by Nate Berkus’s design firm.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melissa Sanabria | Sanabria & Co. (@sanabriaandco)

A petite armoire in a vestibule, wide hallway, or similar space is so unexpected, which I automatically love.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lark Interiors (@lark.interiors)

What an amazingly elevated way to add storage to a playroom (just be sure to anchor this thing to the wall, of course). This may be a kids’ room—by Lark Interiors—as it’s hard to tell without more context, but I still attest that an armoire in a playroom is a good concept.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ELLE Decor (@elledecor)

And finally, put that armoire to WORK in a dining space, whether a breakfast nook or formal dining room. In this case, you’d have to have better interior storage than just a hanging bar, certainly, but if you could figure that out, it would be a great addition, especially if your kitchen cabinets were lacking.

—

And thus concludes another Secondhard Scores, with one of my favorite, most versatile of furnishings. Look around your house, and I bet you’d find a spot where an armoire could make a world of difference both for your storage needs as well as to aesthetically anchor a room.

What else do you want to see here? What other pieces do you see all the time on marketplaces that you’d love me to dive deeper on? Let me know, and I’d be happy to be of service.

Until next time, friends…

Opening Image Credits: Design by Arlyn Hernandez | Styling by Emily Edith Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: 3 Years In The Making Then An Unexpected Move: Arlyn’s Bedroom Reveal Is A Lesson In The Beauty Of “Unfinished” Design

From Emily: We know that the news cycle is very much all-consuming right now. We hope this makeover post of Mal’s parents’ living room can be a break if you need one. It’s wild times, it’s important to stay informed, and we are glad to still be here.

My parents have hated their living room since they moved into their empty-nester house 9 years ago. They live in a builder-grade townhome that’s in an amazing location – it’s close to the beach, 5 minutes away from my amazing grandma (who’s 94!), and it’s crazy convenient to everything and anything you’d need. If you read my recent bathroom makeover post, then you heard about how many times we’ve moved as a family throughout the years (spoiler: it’s A LOT). My mom and dad have always been super adaptable, and honestly, I think they really enjoy moving around to shake things up. So they definitely didn’t think they would be in this house for as long as they have been, and they’re not moving anytime soon (especially because I’m going to be moving in really close to them…like REALLY close…my boyfriend, Austin, who I’m moving in with, owns the house 9 doors down). So luckily in the 9 years that they’ve hated their living room, I’ve become an interior decorator and content creator, which calls for…A ROOM MAKEOVER!

Let me brag about my parents for a sec so you can get a sense of who they are and how I’m going to tailor this room to feel like them. First off, my parents are the most incredible people ever. My mom, Melissa, is smart, fun, and beautiful (which is pretty unfair to have all 3). She used to be Snow White and Mary Poppins at Disneyland before becoming the ambassador of Disneyland during their 30th anniversary. Which basically entailed traveling around the world with Mickey Mouse (literally…there are photos of her and Mickey on the Great Wall of China). Then she worked for corporate Disney in special events…BUT WAIT, she’s also an incredibly talented pianist, so she now teaches music and vocals to children at Disneyland and at my high school, Orange County School of the Arts.

My dad, Bob, is (you guessed it) equally as awesome. He comes from an insanely musical family (all of his brothers are professional drummers), and he is the most incredible bass player ever (nope, I’m not even biased). He’s also a music producer and owns his own company called Audio by the Bay. They produce music for shows and parades at theme parks like Universal Studios and Disney all over the world (he also just produced the music for Paramount’s Christmas tree lighting, and it was epic). He loves cars, boats, jet skis, etc. (my parents have a house by Lake Mead because they both love to waterski, and we grew up wakeboarding). So when we were doing a shoot-up at Em’s Mountain House, Emily told us we could take their boat out, but we needed a driver (so we could celebrate after a long week responsibly, haha). I called up my parents, and they generously boated us around to the nearest country bar where we all danced our hearts out and had such a blast.

So I got none of my parents’ musical genes (but boy did they try when I was growing up with the piano, voice, and bass lessons), but there’s one thing I can do: design a bangin’ room and fast. So when AllModern reached out toward the end of December for us to do a quick January living room makeover, I knew just the space that needed some love. Ladies and gents, let me present to you the “50 Shades of Gray Living Room” (literally)…

WELCOME TO THE 50 SHADES OF GRAY LIVING ROOM

So here’s the situation. 9 years ago, when they moved in, gray was IN. So everything in here was gray. The hard finishes in the house are all gray – gray vinyl flooring, gray cabinetry, gray tile – literally everything. So to “match the house,” my parents added in even more gray – gray accent walls, a gray couch, and a gray chair (which is a super common mistake). Hence why we all called it the “50 Shades of Gray Living Room”. Oh, and there also used to be a gray rug in there at one point, but our family dogs (Coco and Murphy) kinda trashed it. So in these photos, you’re seeing the first time they brought in some color to the space, only to realize the rug was way too dark and showed SO much dog hair.

The thing is, my parents always say “they suck at design” (their words, not mine), but really, they just do what a lot of people do: they never create an overall design plan for the space and instead they would just buy and replace one item at a time with no style, color palette, or goal in mind. So, for example, if their rug was starting to look dirty and old from the dogs, they would just go out shopping and would pick up the first thing that was fine, fast, and affordable, and replace it (that’s how they ended up with this rug they ended up hating). Then for some larger purchases they would get design paralysis and would just live with what was already there because they didn’t know what would look better (see the coffee table that used to have storage under it but the dogs ate the fabric so they just tossed the storage pieces and said “it looks fine enough and we don’t know what to get instead”). Well, that’s how they ended up hating their living room – every piece was just fine to them. They had no real attachment to anything in there. None of the furniture in the room made their hearts sing, and the gray color palette quickly became cold and depressing.

So here’s where I stepped in. I perused the AllModern website looking for timeless, high-quality pieces that would warm up the space and that would last a long, long time (even with two pups). I also wanted to bring in more storage because their house really doesn’t have a ton. AND BOY DID I FIND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!

THE DESIGN PLAN

Desk | Desk Chair | Accent Chair | Drink Table | Floor Lamp | Grid Rug | Sofa | White and Brown Pillow | Light Brown Rug | Coffee Table | Credenzas | Round Pillow | Black and White Pillow | Charcoal Pillow | Cream Pillow | Side Table | Red Lamp

So here’s what I pulled together for the design plan. Last year, my parents had purchased a new sofa, and I installed some simple, cream pinch pleat curtains as a surprise gift for them when they were out of town one weekend. Those two elements really helped the space, but it still didn’t feel cohesive or warm. So I wanted to bring in lots of rich, warm wood tones, both in walnut and oak, to bring out some of the brown hues that are within the gray vinyl flooring. I mixed in some gray-toned elements like the desk chair (that’s actually a dining chair on casters, which glides SO perfectly, and is so comfy), the sofa, and a few of the pillows to make the space feel cohesive with the rest of the house.

I placed this order right before we closed our office for our 2-week holiday break, and then it was (literally) Christmas morning with furniture arriving left and right. My parents were SO STOKED.

When we were back in the office in January, I started to really pull everything together, and I did a few fun DIYs to really make the space feel custom and personal for my parents. Then the week after that, it was finished, and we shot the room!! It was hands-down my fastest makeover to date, but it’s easily one of my favorites now. Here’s how it turned out!

THE REVEAL

Accent Chair | Drink Table | Floor Lamp | Grid Rug | Sofa | Coffee Table | Credenzas | Charcoal Pillow | Red Lamp | Bowl | White and Brown Pillow | White Throw Pillow | Red Lamp

HERE IT IS! I’m smiling so big just looking at this photo again. First – let’s chat about the incredible credenzas (yes, plural!!) I put two of these incredible walnut sideboards next to each other, and they did SO much to elevate the space. First off, the quality is actually unreal (it’s solid wood and those babies are THIIICK). We were so grateful they came with white-glove delivery because they’re heavy and substantial. A tip if you’re putting two credenzas side-by-side: go with something without legs because it will make them fit together more seamlessly – the design of this credenza is perfect for this because you can hardly tell where one starts and the other stops, so it really looks custom! My parents were also blown away by how much storage they gained by spanning the cabinetry wall-to-wall.

I found the big art piece on the right from a vintage boating supply store (so random) for $100, and the couple in it looks identical to my Grandma and Grandpa on my mom’s side. My grandpa wore a captain’s hat everywhere he went and made everyone call him “Captain Vern” (even though he would get seasick and would rarely go on boats). So this piece is super special. We painted the random gray accent wall (that used to be to the right of the chair) and just made the whole room the same white paint color, but then once we got everything in, I knew we needed to add more visual interest and height to the room. All of the furniture is on the lower side (and most of it doesn’t have legs because our sweet pup Murphy is blind and deaf, and he just bumps around and gets trapped under furniture). So we kept everything low to the ground and as little of a Murph-trap as possible. He’s gonna make his blog debut below, don’t worry. So all this is to say, there just wasn’t enough drawing your eye upward. So, literally the weekend before we shot this space, I decided we absolutely needed to try out a DIY shelf idea that randomly popped into my head. I absolutely love Austin and my parents because they were immediately down to head to not 1, but 2 different Home Depots to collect the supplies and help install these shelves 3 days before the shoot.

So this is what it looked like before the shelving…

PROGRESS

Needs some more pizzazz, am I right?? I found the perfect-sized floating shelves (we couldn’t order online because they wouldn’t arrive in time), so they were (of course) gray…which was the exact color we were trying to minimize, haha. So we decided to paint them the same white as the wall (which honestly ended up looking much better than if we had just bought sterile, white shelves online…this looked much more custom). Make sure that if you’re painting laminate to use a shellac primer before! It makes a huge difference in durability.

My dad and I installed the shelves as evenly as we could without a laser level (we immediately bought a laser level after this, though, because it would’ve been helpful). And then I bought4 basic, unfinished wood closet rods (that had free delivery, which was awesome) that my mom stained with natural oak stain. Then Austin cut each piece to size with his jigsaw, and we really had an assembly line going…it was crazy. Because many hands make light work (as Em says), we were able to get this done in 2 days (and it only took that long because we had to let the paint dry…it probably was a total of 6 hours of work between two days).

Accent Chair | Drink Table | Floor Lamp | Grid Rug | Sofa | Coffee Table | Credenzas | Black Footed Bowl | Black Vase | Fluted Bowl | Floor Lamp | Charcoal Pillow | Large White Bowl | Large White Vase | Large Black Vase | Ribbon Candelabra | Leather Catchall | Red Lamp

Then came the fun part – styling!! I think my parents were pretty surprised by how long it takes to style a space and how much you end up just moving things around over and over again. They said, “It’s so crazy because as musicians we have auditory patience and can listen to a song or practice an instrument over and over again until it’s right, but we have no visual patience.” That made me laugh because that’s exactly the skill you need to style – visual patience!!

Large Cream Bowl | Black Vase | Fluted Bowl | Terracotta Vase | Floor Lamp | Charcoal Pillow | White and Brown Striped Pillow | White Throw Pillow | Large White Vase | Large Black Vase | Red Lamp

I incorporated as many of my parents’ objects as I could – the trumpet was originally my Grandpa’s (he was a band director for 60 years!), and then my dad played this same trumpet in high school. The image above the trumpet was a gift from a famous photographer who shot Woodstock – my mom helped him sell his house (oh yeah, she’s also a real estate agent…this woman does it all). On the left is the vintage metronome my sister and I used when we practiced piano as kids, and the photo under that is my mom’s certificate from the Great Wall of China. The giant bowl on the bottom right is one of my favorite AllModern finds, and I juxtaposed it with tiny vintage composer busts that I found at the Sherman Oaks Antique Mall.

There are the pups! Murphy (our blind and deaf rescue) is on the left, and Coco (our boujee King Charles Cavalier) is on the right. These dogs crack me up because they’re very different vibes, but they love each other so much. I love this photo – we’re just missing my amazing older sister, Madi (who works at the Disney Studios in Burbank and understandably couldn’t drive an hour on a random Thursday morning to hop in one photo…but she is here in spirit!) She’s the best person ever, and in case you couldn’t tell, I just love my fam so much.

Storage Coffee Table | Rug | Sofa | Floor Lamp

Remember how we wanted to add more storage?? Well, this incredible coffee table has a GIANT DRAWER!! Perfect for storing bulky, fuzzy blankets. Plus, the quality of this table is really off the charts; it’s just so well made.

Chrome Bowl | Hi-Fi Book | AD Book | Storage Coffee Table | Rug

Crazy – you would never know that that’s a drawer!! It’s so seamless. Also, you might’ve noticed in the moodboard earlier that I had planned to layer this awesome light brown rug on top of this grid-patterned rug. That was because I initially thought it would be too much “grid” with this notched coffee table sitting on this rug. But when we laid it down, I actually thought it looked amazing, and it was visually more dynamic, so we just kept the bottom rug! Both rugs are super well priced for the quality and size – I could not recommend them enough.

Floor Lamp | Rug

This grid rug is also super forgiving with the dogs, and my parents are very impressed with how it’s holding up. Also, how cute is this floor lamp?

Desk | Desk Chair | Grid Rug | Sofa | Coffee Table | Round Pillow | Black and White Pillow | Charcoal Pillow | Side Table | Metal Dome Lamp 

OKAY, onto this really fun family photo DIY I created! You may relate to this – my parents have books on books and boxes on boxes of old family photos that just sit in the credenza and never see the light of day. Well, I wanted to bring some of those old photos out and create a large piece of wall art for them. I had seen this photobooth art by Amanda Jane Jones that’s all over Pinterest (it’s so chic and genius) and knew I wanted to create something similar. So I went into the physical photo archive, took pictures of the pictures on my iPhone, and then uploaded them to Photoshop and started arranging them into a loose grid.

This is where the “grid” theme really started popping off, but I’m pretty into it, honestly. (Also side note: check out that blanket that I found at a vintage store in Arizona for $34!! The loose grid motif is everywhere, and I love it.)

 Metal Dome Lamp 

The key is to vary the color in the photos – if they’re all black and white or all sepia, it starts to lose visual interest. So I colorized the photos in photoshop so some were brown, some were black and white (you could also do this to each photo individually on your iPhone; it was just faster in Photoshop). There are over 250 photos in here, so it took me about 2-3 hours to arrange them and get the colors how I wanted them to look. Then I sent it to the framing store and had them print and frame it HUGE. It’s 48×48, which is awesome. It’s full of baby photos of my sister and me, pictures of my parents when they were first dating, photos of all my grandparents from years ago, etc. We’re all very obsessed with it, and it really made the room feel personal.

Desk | Desk Chair

My parents both do a lot of work from home, so desks are valuable in this house. I love that this one has a drawer (for more storage!) and the leg joinery detail is so pretty. It also came in 2 days, which was pretty amazing. I mentioned it before, but this dining chair on casters is actually the greatest desk chair hack. It’s so comfortable, and it glides around SO easily. I highly recommend this chair – it comes in a ton of colors too Also side note – that plant was a Christmas gift from my sister and me when my parents moved in…we truly can’t believe my mom has kept it alive all these years!

This might be one of my longest posts ever, so if you made it this far, THANK YOU!! We had the best time doing this “50 Shades of Gray” living room makeover, and I’m just so happy that my parents finally have a living room they truly love and one that will last a long, long time. HUGE thank you to AllModern for sponsoring this makeover – we couldn’t have found a better partner for this project! I’ll chat with you all in the comments – hope you love it as much as we do!

*Design by Mallory Wackerman
**Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

This is the last installment of our official 2026 trend posts. We’ve covered kitchens, bathrooms, colors, and now…decor. I know this “business as usual” content can feel like whiplash to what is going on in the real world. But if you are in need of something light, just for a moment, I have been pouring over the design side of the internet to find the most fun and best decor trends for 2026. Now, this doesn’t mean what was “on trend” last year or years before is out, but instead, additional fun things to consider and be on the lookout for. Let’s get to it!

Thick (& Sometimes Matted) Frames

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pierce & Ward (@pierceandward)

For a minute, the design world has heavily favored thin, delicate frames. Lots of float mounting in there, too! And if I’m honest, a thin frame is still my personal preference in my home. BUT, given that the elevated English cottage style is still going very strong, it only makes sense that a thicker, vintage frames are coming back in a big way.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jessica Helgerson (@jhinteriordesign)

I do also think that with wallpaper that’s busier and more colorful, a thick frame helps a piece of art to stand out and not get lost in the overall pattern.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rayman Boozer (@raymanboozer)

They are very good at adding instant vintage charm and soul to a room. Had all the frames in this wonderful space been newer and thinner, it still would have been a lovely design, but the feel wouldn’t have had that same visual depth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by estliving.com (@est_living)

Surprise, surprise, this example is one of my favorites and shows that this trend isn’t just for one style. No wallpaper. No floral patterns. Just clean, modern, simple lines, and soft tones. Plus, that beautiful frame configuration…I couldn’t love it more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heidi Caillier Design (@heidicaillierdesign)

This room by Heidi is definitely what I mean by “elevated English cottage style,” and she is one of the best at it. This style may not always be “the #1 trend,” but it will never be “out”. Now, we are also here to talk thick frames, so take a peek at the two stacked above the bed. The gilded gold warms up the room, adds soul, and the dark paintings really ground the space.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Behun (@kellybehunstudio)

These frames aren’t quite as thick as most of the others, but they aren’t thin either, and show how they work with yet another, far more modern style.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by omerozturkinteriors (@omerozturkinteriors)

I believe this is a styled product shot from the design firm Omerozturk Interiors, but look how beautiful the contrast of the modern furniture and color palette is with the thick vintage frame on the wall. They work perfectly together, creating just enough tension. 10/10.

Tin

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Geremia Design (@geremia_design)

When I brought up to the team that I thought tin was going to be big this year, I was waiting for them to tilt their heads and raise one or both eyebrows. But before any of that could happen, Caitlin shrieked an overwhelming “YES!” I just don’t think you can put a price on that kind of design validation:) Apparently, Caitlin had been pinning all kinds of tin decor, so we just might be onto something…

However, I don’t think all of these examples are 100% tin and may lean more towards tarnished silver (?), so we can think of it more as a “tin aesthetic” too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sight Unseen (@_sightunseen_)

This bathroom and custom metal shower screen stopped me in my tracks the moment I first laid my eyes on it. The whole space is filled with incredibly intentional and beautiful design choices, but the metal (tin-like) screen is one for the books.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sight Unseen (@_sightunseen_)

While different in that it’s the whole back wall, this tin/silver wall paneling is quite the showstopper, too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by alana burns (@_alanaburns)

Ah, my FAVORITE category…lighting. This incredibly cool lamp is a collaboration between Katharina Marie Herold and Alana Burns. It has that thin, wonderful metal work with such a beautiful patina. Would I be a happier person if I owned one of these beauties? I mean, probably:)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Magazine ANTIQUES (@antiquesmag)

This one is an American antique tin chandelier from the late 18th to early 19th century. What a piece! I bet we’ll be seeing more of these types of pieces on our feeds. The thing I love so much about tin or thin metals in general is how delicate and malleable they are. I love the little shapes, how charming the indented patterns are, and when they are curled like in the circle art piece below…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hollie Bowden (@holliebowden)

It feels dark, delicate, unique, has movement, and grounds the space without taking it over.

Chik Bamboo Blinds

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

Originally from Northern India, this style of woven, patterned blinds is anything but new. However, I feel like I’ve been seeing this lighter-toned version more than ever. The light-colored bamboo and white fabric trim add a textured softness to a room. I mean, that’s exactly what they did in this wonderful space. Had they chosen a dark fabric shade, the room would still be lovely, but far more moody and rich. Both options are great, but evoke very different energies.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by domino (@dominomag)

This one has a gilas pattern, adding another layer of visual texture. It’s playful but leans traditional in a really lovely way.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

There are other trim and pattern colorways too, if white and tan isn’t what you’re looking for. It’s a small switch that makes a massive difference in impact.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Farrow & Ball (@farrowandball)

These sweet blinds don’t just belong in colorful, pattern-filled homes. I really love that pop of pattern rolled up in the window. It’s quiet, but you feel it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jake Arnold (@jakearnold)

And finally, if THE Jake Arnold is putting them in his projects, you know it’s a great choice.

Drapes + Relaxed Roman Shade Combo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Gage Interiors (@michellegageinteriors)

Staying in the window treatment world. I’ve been noticing more of the drapes + relaxed roman shade combo in the same (or very similar) fabric. When done right, it’s sooooo romantic, no?? This first example is from a trip to Paris that designer Michelle Gage took, and those window treatments have likely been there for many years, but they are such a beautiful example. And is a reminder that this is, of course, not new;)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AUGUSTA HOFFMAN (@augusta.hoffman)

If you scroll to the second photo, you’ll get a better view of that breathtaking window treatment combo. I can only assume that being in this room feels like sleeping in a cloud.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Farrow & Ball (@farrowandball)

You don’t need to have a valance, but it’s a fun addition if you love the look of it. And because each piece is the same color, it doesn’t look too busy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Studio Dorion (@studiodorion)

The Roman shades in this example are the least “relaxed” but still very romantic and so beautiful. The butter yellow of the window treatments and the walls simply feels like a hug for your eyes.

Wall Plates

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scott Maddux (@scottmadduxstudio)

This was definietly of trend of 2025, but it seems to be growing and with full force. Almost every room on my feed has wall plates. Kitchens (of course), dining rooms (duh), but also living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. This decor trend completely transcends almost every style. It’s a fairly easy way to make a room feel uniquely decorated because no two plated walls are the same. This one above kept strictly to the space’s color palette, but went slightly more traditional than the overall style of the room. They are also placed very uniformly, which is a great option or…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by domino (@dominomag)

…just choose a few you love that are different styles and sizes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marta (@marta.losangeles)

There are about 10 insanely cool things about this dining room (the stump CABINET being one of them), but this collection of plates makes me so happy. They are playful, whimsical, but deeply chic. I also love that they extended the display to the window wall as well, instead of just using the one main wall. It’s just a little unexpected in the best way.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

Oh, looking for adorable food-themed plates to hang on your wall? Well, they may all be in this lovely room! The amount makes such a statment but it’s also deeply fun. Decor can and should be at least a little eccentric.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Studio Day (@studio_day_design)

But maybe you want plates that are a little quieter in color and pattern. Enter these beautiful metal plates over this fireplace. These plates are still fun, add a 3-dimensional element, but let’s the other colorful art be the main color attraction.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

This home is the alpine retreat of the late Rosita Missoni and is said to be filled with wonderful found treasures. I think that’s why I love wall plates so much in general. They can be easily collected over time and tell stories from your life. Of course, by the looks of it, these beautiful plates are a set, so likely not individually collected, but wow, are they vibrant and so fun!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by House of Hackney (@houseofhackney)

See! Bedrooms too. This is such a sweet collection, and I love that while they are all blue and white/cream, the shapes and sizes are different. How great is the shell one!? If I ever design and photograph my kitchen, you can be sure I’ve already started my plate collection:)

Western/Cowboy Themed Art

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chairish (@chairishco)

I’ve been seeing a lot of this style of art for sale on my feeds. I even considered this piece for my living room last year. I love the tones and the vintage but fresh feel they tend to give. The western “aesthetic” is huge in fashion too (I’ve been wearing boots and my mom’s old black leather and turquoise stone belt all over the place, who am I!?). So it’s no real surprise to me that it would also be very popular in home decor, too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by domino (@dominomag)

The styles of art vary, but overall, it’s a really versatile look. I love this little cowboy in Sophie Rowell’s cottage bedroom.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lucy McCall (@lucymccallstudio)

You can even combine this and the last plate trend in one:) It’s a perfect wall plate.

Square Knobs

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FENIX ORIGINALS (@fenixoriginals)

This one was a last minute additon that I noticed as I was finalizing the list… square wooden knobs. Now, I did say in the kitchen trends post that wood on wood knobs to cabinet fronts was on trend. But this is about the shape of knobs on furniture. This is a vintage piece (WOW), but we all know that new trends pull heavily from vintage. It’s the ultimate source of inspiration.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Y S G (@ysg.studio)

If anyone is ahead of what is cool (because they say so), it’s YSG Studio. This is a sneak peek of a piece that will be in a project reveal this year. The knobs are technically little rectangles that, when everything is closed, make a square. Like all of their projects, I can’t wait to see this one.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hollie Bowden (@holliebowden)

This is a gorgeous new piece with incredibly cool square knobs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Frédéric Pellenq (@fredericpellenq)

And these knobs are a bit of a departure from a simple square, but it still feels in the same world to me. I love all of these so much.

Laqured Pieces

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Finch Interior Design (@finch_interior_design)

Laquared furniture and laquared walls are coming for us this year in a big way. The whole team feels it. Choosing a shiny lacquered piece (especially a deeply colored one like this burgundy coffee table above) will instantly make your space feel fresh and alive. A heavy sheen will do that. It feels like a modern throwback to a vintage mod style.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Remodelista (@remodelista)

Here’s another great coffee table example. This deep, shiny green is totally unexpected but makes this room feel even cooler than it already is. Plus, any spills are an easy cleanup

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by STYLIST MYRICA BERGQVIST (@myricastylist)

It’s not all about coffee tables. Dining chairs, lamps, trays, and side tables. The options are nearly endless.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dezeen (@dezeen)

But a larger statement piece, like this desk, is so fun. But notice the pendant too. Both pieces are in the red color family but different tones, so it’s not too matchy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Studio Valerie Name (@studiovaleriename)

I had to include these lacquered burgundy cabinets. WOW. An incredible design statement. The floating shelves are also in that same shiny lacquer paint.

Large Scale Photographs

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by House & Garden Magazine (@houseandgardenuk)

They are back and bigger! Large-scale photos are simply just so cool and chic to me. What is also kinda great is that if you take an awesome photo yourself, get it printed and framed for likely much less than if you were to buy new. But also, if you have the budget, buy from artists!

I adore this example above because the style of the piece contrasts with the aesthetic of the room, but the wallpaper and the photo speak to each other because they both represent nature in different styles.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emma Ainscough (@emma__ainscough)

This large photo is the perfect way to set the mood for this dining. A little meta, if you will. The photo of people joyfully sharing a meal together is what I would assume the owners of this home want to create every time they host. It adds a lot of life to the space, especially when it’s not being used.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heidi Caillier Design (@heidicaillierdesign)

First off, notice the lacquered ceilings??? Ok, but back to that beautiful could photo. It again contrasts the space in the perfect amount. The colors are in line with the space, but the contemporary style doesn’t, and it creates that perfect amount of, say it with me, tension.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by domino (@dominomag)

This is Aly’s (of Aly and AJ) eclectic, warm home. It’s filled with so many fun and wonderful pieces, and one of those is that great photo over the fireplace. The colors perfectly match the room’s palette, raising your eye up, making the room feel taller, and the crispness of the photo adds a distinct, fresh feeling.

Heirloom Textiles

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ELLE Decor (@elledecor)

This one has been brewing, and we think this year, heirloom textiles will be even more popular than last. Vintage-inspired blankets with beautiful geometric, plaid-like patterns. This blue one is a favorite.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

You can spot the pink one on Kendall Jenner’s bed in her newly revealed mountain home. Heidi Caillier knows trends, but never do you feel that you aren’t looking at something that will stand the test of time. And by the descriptor of “heirloom,” that’s exactly what these textiles are meant to do.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cuff Studio (@cuff_studio)

They don’t just have to live on a bed! They are so pretty that you might as well hang them on your walls too:)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jessica Davis (@atelier_davis)

Or use them as headboard fabric.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Studio Ashby (@studioashby)

This one is a little more modern, but so fun and still feels vintage.

Swans

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nine Orchard (@nineorchard)

Lastly, this is an odd one because I don’t have any environmental shots, but if you’ve looked in almost any design shop, decor section at a big box store, etc, you are seeing swans. I’ve seen them all over Anthro, but also a sweet little independent shop in Brooklyn. Even in fashion. They are coming to a home near you. Be ready. Swans are to 2026 as owls were to 2010.

Ok, that was A LOT of beauty to comsune so I hope it filled you up in a great way. Thank you for being here, thank you for reading, and if you have any thoughts on these decor trends, you know I want to hear ’em.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: I’ve Been Secretly Decorating My Best Friends House – Living Room Reveal Today!

We had a sponsored design post today – scheduled for a few weeks. I just couldn’t put it up. I had “emotional life whiplash” this weekend – where you have to live your life with kids while also trying to stay present to the tragedies that are unfolding in real time. We went to Bend because the kids had two extra days off school and skied (or, in my case, “tried”). Every few hours I would pick up my phone and be reminded of the very clear, horrifying actions of our government on its own people. The back-and-forth was stark and unsettling. Maybe you can relate.

I have one of those personalities where I try to see most sides of most situations. I know that there is always context, nuance, and perspective that should be considered. I lean left, but I also understand that my bubble isn’t always right and that different communities, states, and groups of people have their own set of experiences that form their beliefs (and listening to others has helped shape and reshape mine). I know I don’t know everything and its impossible to understand all points of views. But this weekend hit harder than usual. Living in Portland, I knew the false narratives around immigrants here and the unnecessary “crackdown” by the government. We’ve never once felt any “negative effects” of having immigrants in our lives; in fact, our personal experience is the 100% opposite (which I recognize might not be everyone’s experience, but its ours). Everyone here together, sharing lives and cultures, is what makes living in the US so beautiful. But I’ve tried to understand that in many border states, government officials or the media portray a different experience. I also do believe that every news source is biased (because they are edited by humans… for now), so trying to feel confident about what you are reading is an absolute chore (I read a lot of news sources for this reason). But as ICE has escalated in Minnesota, it all became clearer than ever. The actual video evidence of Alex Pretti is inarguable. Watching the video over and over from different angles was horrifying and surreal. And our President’s and his government’s reaction was somehow worse.

So this is to my conservative readers. I genuinely want to understand if you think what is happening and how its happening is ok. I understand there will at times be casualties and accidents that are out of our control, but the volume of masked men, with barely any training, following brown people around town with guns, with zero accountability for their actions, surely can’t be what you wanted. I understand all the arguments about border control, I do. And I understand that Biden and Obama both deported a lot of people – millions more than Trump in his last term. It’s not about deportation as an idea; it’s how they are doing it. With such violence, cruelty, and a desire to almost torment and terrorize. Families being ripped apart who were in the midst of the immigration process. Children as bait. Moms and nurses killed due to untrained panic or maybe something more sinister. Most of the conservatives that I respect are being silent right now (*as of Sunday evening), likely scrambling to frame it in a way that is possibly aligned with their morals and political careers.

I know that America wanted change when they voted for Trump, and I accepted that desire as a criticism and referendum for how things were. It wasn’t the change that I wanted, but America spoke, and I really did try to listen. But this last year has been so damaging to democracy. In the big M macro way. I’m a huge history lover (it was my major in college), and America is a tiny blip in our world history, and it’s increasingly not looking good. There is no guarantee that we will be around in 200 years. America has only been this “experiment” for 250 years, but so many of our founding values have been challenged in this last year, and I really think that if we don’t get this guy out of power soon, we are in HUGE trouble. He’s playing by no rules, disregarding international protocol, let alone his own government’s laws on every front, with zero accountability because he has taken over every branch of government that could hold him accountable. While he’s not the only one to blame, I certainly think he’s the driving force… and I don’t think that most people would have voted for this version of him.

I guess the point of writing this is to hear from readers outside of my bubble. My hope is to hear from conservatives and republicans. I totally understand that there are things you hoped he would change and improve when he got back in office, but I genuinely want to know if you think that this is too far? The tariffs were/are troubling for our small business economy. The “being bought off by the tech billionaires in exchange for no regulation” is extremely problematic for our kids and economic futures. The cancellation of all the international aid felt cruel. I could go on… But seeing a city protest in a peaceful way, with people allowed to videotape and whistle at barely-trained masked men grabbing brown people off the streets, seeing a nurse trying to help a woman stand up and then being killed…it’s too much, too violent, too deadly.

It’s un-American. We are flawed with bureaucracy, run by people who are so imperfect and have a lot to learn. But our founders built our country to make us feel safe and free.

And right now, almost none of us do.

We first want to say how unbelievably proud and grateful we are to the people of Minnesota. What is happening in their communities, and many others across this country we love, is devastating, terrifying, and un-American. Just like these brave Minnesotans, we have to stay loud, we HAVE to call our representatives (202-224-3121) and demand this to stop. We are unstoppable when we work together.

From Emily: Charlie is what we call “our cozy king” in the house (I’m the cozy queen) and we both lay in our “cozy nest” (two accidentally too big dog pillows turned into floor pillows on the ground in front of the fireplace) to watch whatever we are binging as a family at night (still barreling through 18 years of Survivor, LOL). Let’s just say snuggling and being warm is one of our shared interests (and he’s a 12-year-old boy, so I’ll take ANY way to connect in a special way). Anyway, Elliot, knowing this interest in all things cozy, got him this heated blanket for Christmas, and we’ve been snuggled underneath it every night. It’s a whole ritual where he “readies the nest,” and then we put one of our Anthro faux fur blankets over top of it to seal in the heat. The blanket has four different heat settings and shuts off automatically. It’s VERY dreamy and soft.

Also From Emily: Thanks so much to all of you who subscribed to Brian and my personal Substack. If you missed it, check out his first post here (first two weeks are free), and yesterday I published a post called “My Daughter Wants to Be a YouTuber. Here’s What We Told Her”. It’s more complicated than you think….

Here’s this week’s Instagram highlights:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Henderson (@em_henderson)

Did anyone else indulge in the “We heard 2026 is the new 2016” trend? Well, we did, and man, do we miss it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Henderson (@em_henderson)

Emily had the honor of being chosen as one of Country Living’s Country Design 100!!

From Arlyn: I’m back this week with some more got-this-for-Christmas recommendations. If you’re looking for modern jewelry that doesn’t have you choosing between groceries and accessorizing (obviously, please pick food over necklaces), I’m here to give a shout-out to Gorjana. I have a handful of pieces from the brand, and even after years of wear, they are still pristine. Mind you, they are not solid gold but perform like they are as long as you take care of them…and even sometimes when you don’t (just avoid any alcohol-based sanitizers, etc.). While they do have fine jewelry, my picks are their fashion pieces that are mostly all under $100—I got this bracelet and this necklace recently, and they look like a million bucks.

From Jess: I know that most of us are likely pretty over talking about protein intake, but in case you aren’t, this is the protein shake that my and Arlyn’s dietitian recommended to me. It’s 30g per can and only 1g of sugar. I found that some of the powders make me a little nauseous, but not this one. I actually get the strawberry flavor (very unlike me), but it’s great, especially over ice. It’s been a huge help (that’s so easy) to reach my daily goals.

From Marlee: This just leveled up my sleep game, and I can’t shut up about it. I’m really bad about consistently taking supplements – I’m subconsciously a very “out of sight out of mind” person, so if I don’t feel immediate results from something, I don’t prioritize it (something I’m working on this year!). But I have been consistently taking the CALM Magnesium powder every night for the past 6 weeks, and I’m kicking myself for not trying this sooner. I struggle on and off with sleep, and for the majority of my adult life, I’ve taken melatonin every night (and if not, special gummies), but I’ve opted out of those things since I started on the CALM and have been sleeping so much better. I wake up feeling rested and not drowsy, and I feel like I’m KNOCKED out and not tossing and turning the way I usually do. Every night, I knock back a glass of magnesium powder and sip on a cup of the Trader Joe’s sleepy time tea about 90 minutes before bed, and together they’re working really well. It’s $20 for the container, which seems like it will last me for months, if not, a year+, but I’ve seen sample-size packs at Whole Foods and other stores if you want to give it a sample. I personally recommend it, but I do feel like I had to take it consistently for it to help, and I know it can cause stomach problems for some folks (not me), so start with a small dose and work your way up. It’s definitely not a miracle drug by any means, but even the act of drinking it as my nightly ritual helps me wind down a ton.

From Gretchen: In keeping with my yoga theme from last week…I decided to treat myself to a couple of pieces from Lululemon. Even when I’m feeling in a spendy sort of mood, I still can’t justify their pricing. Instead, my favorite section to hit up on their site is the “We Made Too Much” tab, where they discount tons of overstock products. Now, as long as you have a physical Lululemon store in your town AND a simple online account with them (free, as far as I know), do not be discouraged by the “final sale” marker. I recently bought a pair of WMTM leggings that I thought would be perfect for hot yoga, but when they arrived, I felt like I’d been punk’d. They were made out of a compression material so robust it would’ve cut me in half the second I went into downward dog. BUT I was able to exchange them in store for a pair I did love, no problem. My order wasn’t all unlucky. Thankfully, I scored a new favorite item from the sale section – this super cute patterned onesie. This one is actually perfect for the hot room. It’s soooo buttery soft, hugs in all the right places, and lets most of my body breathe. So if you’re in the market for some new workout clothes, definitely check out this section before paying full price!

From Mallory: I’ve been seeing all the girlies at my gym wearing cool silver asics and I’ve been influenced!! I tried on these and immediately fell in love. Super comfy, goes with everything, and they make me feel like a 90s mom living her best life in the greatest way.

From Caitlin: Mark your calendars: I will be GLUED to my sofa next Sunday for Netflix’s new series, Glitter & Gold, which follows the world’s 3 premier ice dancing teams on their journey to the Olympics. I don’t talk about it much here, but I was a competitive figure skater for over 20 years – so believe me when I tell you that this will be JUICY (like, we’re talking more drama than Real Housewives – the 3 teams they follow are truly lightning rods in the sport). Everyone is GORGEOUS (I performed in a Stars on Ice show with the American team about 10 years ago, and they physically took my breath away – you have never seen a more beautiful married couple!), the athleticism is astounding, and the competition is so, so, so unbelievably close. The Olympics will be an absolute NAIL-BITER (I’m rooting for Canada, but I have my money on France to win). Binge with me next week so you, too, can fully enjoy the competition with all the context! 

Thank you for spending some time with us, call your reps, and see y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Caitlin Higgins | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Reveal We’ve All Been Waiting For! Caitlin’s Mostly Thrifted, Postmodern Regency Deco Living Room

I’m a few weeks into my winter hibernation and have finally recovered from the holidays. My social battery is back to a normal level (shh, I’m still hibernating). This January, I had nothing to do at night but listen to audiobooks while I organized every. single. drawer, made soup after soup, eat healthy, walk/yoga, read juicy novels (or books on how to talk to our spiritual guides or be a better leader), and put on soooo many face, hair, and even feet masks. And you bet the sauna blanket and red light therapies were at the ready for TV binging. Today I’ll dive into the dumb but SO WORTHWHILE beauty stuff that makes me feel great (yes, even the cheap stuff). I run dry, especially after the cortisol highs and over-indulgence of the holidays. But you see, I have a philosophy that most masks, like most forms of exercise, are worth doing, and are even GREAT. Of course, some are “better” than others, have better ingredients, are more effective, blah blah, but honestly, they almost all improve your skin and make you feel better. The cheap ones still give that glow and, more importantly, give you that sense that you took care of yourself. I would even theorize that the act of simply setting aside the time away from others and rubbing it on your skin, face, and hair sends a happy signal to your brain – Hey brain, I care about this body.

It all starts with the bath…

I have bought so many fancy bath oils over the years (my favorite is still this Jo Malone, but it’s too expensive for day-to-day use), but since I bathe so much in the winter, I really only use Dr. Teals foaming bath in lavender ($11 for two bottles). It smells good, foams up so easily, and lasts for 20 baths (the whole month). I do NOT like any jars of garbage that leave weird flakes or residue in my bath that I then have to clean, and this one doesn’t (a side of “chores” with your relaxing??? No thank you.) Oh, and I do NOT like a rock in my bath, waiting for them to dissolve to “work”. I’ve got feelings.

I recently bought a huge jar of magnesium flakes (I bought it locally, but found it $9 less on dumb Amazon – GD you Amazon!!). It’s unscented, so you can combine the flakes with the bubble bath. There are soooooooo many oils, salts, and rubs out there. My suggestion is to stick to one scent you love because it tells your brain that it’s time to relax when you smell it (that Jo Malone scent will always remind me of lockdown, as I used it almost nightly then, so it has an odd nostalgia for me now). I don’t have a scrub that I can recommend, but in my experience, they all make your skin so soft, and the fancier ones are slightly better but go so fast.

After bath, I’ve been dry brushing and my goodness I LOVE it (I just learned how to do it properly). Now I dry brush right before bed, too (it’s so exhilarating). I already had the HigherDOSE drybrush, but was given it again by a friend who is super into this stuff because it’s her favorite as well (I’m sure a more affordable one like this would also work well). P.S. I don’t believe dry brushing like a normal person actually gets rid of cellulite (hello, marketing), but it’s a huge mood boost and stimulates your largest organ in such a fun way (I don’t doubt that it does good things for your lymphatic system, but just get annoyed with slogans like that). And then I’ve been putting on this body butter that was gifted to me from Kai, and I feel like quite the woman sliding into bed – I smell soooooo good.

medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum | ExfoliKate Intensive Treatment | Clay Face Mask | HigherDOSE Dry Brush | Pure Radiance Foot Mask | Depology Serum-Infused Microdart Patches | Snail Mucin Sheet Mask | Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath | PRDN Collagen Jelly Cream

Face Masks

I’m not the lady with 1/2 used face mask jars – I LOVE a mask. Gel, Clay, sheet masks – $2 or $200. I will put it on my face. I still love the Exfolikate “Hollywood’s 2 minute facial” (I’ll notice a distinct glow for 3 days) and recently have become a FULL CONVERT of all things Medicube or any Korean beauty products with good old-fashioned Salmon Sperm. I LOVE these PDRN masks (4 for $20, so more for special occasions), but for an everyday mask, this one is awesome and under a dollar a piece (also Korean PDRN). PDRN is basically salmon sperm DNA (I’m confused TBH) that helps you rejuvenate skin cells and promotes collagen reproduction. It’s both topical and internal. It’s no joke, and it’s absolutely noticeable. When I was first recommended it (like 8 months ago), I stockpiled it because I was so nervous that it was going to sell out (it’s oddly affordable). So now I have all of these and just smother the hell out of them on my face:

Allover Gel for Collage and Skin Barrier Hydration and PDRN Peptides for All Over Evenness (and Moisture and Plumpness, etc) – These were my gateway into it; I just couldn’t believe what a difference it made instantly in plumpness and firmness.
PDNR Jelly – I think it’s more expensive because it has more salmon sperm in it…(LOL). I got Jess and her friend in love with this one, too.

I don’t have any great nightly moisturizer right now, thus the amount of masks (I need recs for Korean PDNR moisturizer, not just jelly), but I’m trying Charlotte Tilbury’s “Magic Cream” because I had a sample pot and it feels really good. I also got a few solid recs from Natasha Glasgow, a clean beauty expert whom I follow and trust a lot because she doesn’t get paid by brands – FOLLOW HER. She told me about INNBEAUTY PROJECT Extreme Eye Cream, and I’ve been using it for 2 weeks and really love it (it’s so soft and creamy). Kaitlin also loves it:)

Hair Masks

For hair masks, I’ll try anything and do. I have famously dry, fine, curly, and porous hair (and I highlight it) – the real trifecta of “bad,” so I should be masking weekly. Here’s what I’ve been using in January:

Briogeo – I think the whole “Don’t Despair, Repair” slogan got me. Love it.
Kerastase – This is the one every hairstylist I’ve had recommends or sells at their salon. I use it and like it, but can’t tell a difference between the two masks, but trust them.

I just ordered this one because the reviews of it are so good. Listen, one time on a two-week shoot, my hairstylist ordered me to put normal conditioner on my hair, wrap it in Saran Wrap, and sleep on it. The next day it was the softest and silkiest it hasever been. So, again, I think if you have real damage, do some research to address your needs, but also, anything is better than nothing, and sometimes the cheap stuff really works in a pinch

I feel like I could keep going… But I’d really love to take a break and force you to witness my first nude photo shoot of 2026. I was so sick of shooting myself in front of my vanity putting on a cream, so we did this instead, and equal parts hilarity and regret. OK, other important things:

1. Get yourself a waterproof Kindle – I read self-improvement books as hard/softback so I can highlight and come back to them, but all my fiction is on Kindle. Then read my recs for romance novels and turn up that hand nozzle!
2. Light a candle – Duh. Again, most candles are created fairly equal to me. I love the viral Heirloom Tomato from Flamingo Estate and also any $8 fancy wannabe from Target (I stay away from anything too fruity).

Before we had a nice tub, I would put a stool next to our smaller tub and put an iPad on it, throw on Veronica Mars (back on Netflix!!), and sit in the tub for an hour. I’ve also been red-lighting it all over the place. The hat (for follicle regrowth), the face mask, and the blanket (yes, I’ve had partnerships in the past and am so grateful to use them). I’ve now gotten into the habit of daily use (4-5 times a week), which all the research says simply works. Red light stimulates collagen naturally and does a billion other good things.

I won’t bother to get into my supplement routine (I had to buy an XL weekly pill organizer). I’m tackling that heart inflammation in 2026, 13 huge pills at a time. I’m excited to get my second round of Function Health lab testing to see if any of it has actually worked…

Anyway, that turned into quite the rant. I stand by my thesis – Just like working out, any time you take for self-care is a net positive, a big “value add,” they say in business. If you have some solid recs, leave them in the comments. I love to try new things and am your #1 sucker for enthusiastic recommendations:)

*Photos by Kailtin Green