domino

The Classic Bathroom Finish on Shea McGee’s Radar for 2026

December 20, 2025

Matte black and brass finishes have been gracing the surfaces of bathrooms for years—and they definitely have staying power. But we recently caught wind of what designer Shea McGee has her eye set on for 2026, and we’re excited to bring another vibe into the room. In a conversation with Margaret Mazz, the studio manager at Kohler, the designer mentioned that polished nickel has been inching its way into homes. “We’re already seeing so many silver accents in decor—lots silver picture frames [and] decorative objects,” McGee said. “I think people are going to start warming up to the idea of those classic nickel tones in the bathroom.” She even went so far as to declare: “Polished nickel is going to be the trend of the year, for the bathroom and beyond.“

It feels like a classic, and definitely impactful, element. We’re immediately reminded of Baina co-founder Bailey Meredith’s Sydney home, which could be considered a masterclass in dropping nickel and silver tones throughout multiple spaces (take special note of the dining table and bathroom hardware). If you’re looking to work some nickel into your own bathroom, we’ve got some ideas for you.

A Streamlined Faucet

Kohler

Castia by Studio McGee Single-Handle Bathroom Sink Faucet

$598

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If you’re working with a small sink, a single-neck design with a rotational temperature handle can save some real estate.

A Scalloped Towel Bar

Roan Iris

Yellowbell Hooks & Bars – Polished Nickel

$18

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Made by artisans in India, this whimsical bar is almost too pretty to cover up with towels. At the very least, you’ll want to neatly fold them so you can admire the scalloped ends.

A Set of Sleek Shelf Brackets

Corston

Kilburn Shelf Bracket Medium

$66

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This sturdy bracket will transform any humdrum shelf into a “moment.” Plus, it works hard: It can hold up to 85 pounds (that’s a lot skincare).

An Edgy Toilet Paper Holder

CB2

Nicolo Knurled Polished Nickel Wall-Mounted Toilet Paper Holder

$55

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The texture on this toilet paper holder reminds us of a weightlifting bar, which is ironic given there’s a little platform to balance your phone on.

A Simple Towel Hook

Matt Alford Studio

The Chelsea Hook

$69

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You can never have enough bathroom hooks, and this one is small enough to hang just about anywhere you have the urge to toss a robe.

A Minimalist Vanity Mirror

McGee & Co.

Julie Mirror

$699 $489

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McGee has staked her claim on polished nickel with her Kohler collection, but her design shop also carries this sleek mirror that’s currently on sale.

Before & After: A Clever Nightstand Hack Gave This Guest Bath a Glow Up

December 20, 2025

Bathroom Renovation, Bathrooms, Before & After, Design by Room, Renovation,

Creative director Brady Tolbert has a lot of ideas, but perhaps more importantly, he has plenty of patience. Ever since he and his partner Jason bought a light-filled midcentury property in the Los Angeles hills a couple of years ago, they’ve been slowly fixing it up one room at a time. Eventually, it became the guest bathroom’s turn.

It was clear someone had renovated the space recently, but the finishes seemed as though they were picked off a checklist, not a vision board. “They used builder-grade materials: oversized tile, a glass vessel sink, and sliding glass shower doors,” Tolbert says. “It lacked any real personality, and the layout wasn’t functioning as well as it could have been.” Because this space also acts as a powder room, all their visitors end up seeing it. Tolbert wanted the sight to be memorable.

gray tiled shower — The bathroom, before.

“This was the smallest, and honestly, the least exciting room in the house,” he says. “But now, it’s one of my favorites.” Here’s how he created a plan that ensured his patience would pay off.

Simplify the Layout

Despite its cramped footprint, the original bathroom had a lot going on. There was a shower-tub spanning one wall with a toilet defining another, plus a frosted window that was awkwardly off-center. Not to mention the teeny vanity felt like it was crammed in the corner. And because of the visual competition between the black-and-white checkered floor and the glossy gray backsplash, even the style felt disjointed. Tolbert aimed to simplify it all.

“It felt like the right space to take a few risks while still keeping the functionality really tight,” he says. The goal: make it feel like a boutique hotel bathroom meets a warm, modern mid-century bungalow.

First, they removed the existing shower-tub, toilet, and vanity. Next, they completely covered up one of the doors that led to the entryway, and converted the other into a pocket door to save space. Then, he replaced the window.

Tolbert didn’t think the project would take longer than two weeks, but the old home had other plans. “We ran into a few unexpected issues rerouting plumbing, moving electrical, and oh yeah, discovering a beehive behind a wall that was oozing honey,” he says. Once that was finally cleaned up, he was left with a new layout where a walk-in shower, vanity, and toilet all stemmed from the same wall.

Take the Tiles to the Top

amber shower tile — Shower Faucet and Hardware, Grohe; Stone Table, Lulu and Georgia.

Because the guest bathroom reno had fallen down on Tolbert’s to-do list, it benefitted from the creativity that often comes with time. One of those brilliant ideas that came to him during the waiting period was the mosaic zellige tile (it reminded him of colors he’d seen in Porto, Portugal). For an elevated touch, Tolbert decided to wrap the walls beyond the shower in the shiny amber squares, too, saving a geometric pattern for the floor. “It made the room feel taller and more dramatic without needing to add visual clutter with decor,” he says. His last bit of advice for this type of install? “Make sure the grout color supports the tile rather than competes with it,” he adds.

amber tiled bathroom — Table and Vase, Lulu and Georgia.

To complement the all-over tiles, the creative ordered a floor-to-ceiling shower glass divider and an extra-tall mirror that reflect the glossy amber palette and makes the postcard-size space feel a bit more grand.

Create Your Own Vanity

Tolbert didn’t want a standard vanity for this bathroom (most off-the-shelf ones would have taken up precious space) but he also didn’t have the budget to build something fully custom. “I began searching for nightstands instead,” he says. “I found out that proportionally, they’re the perfect size for a single vanity and a lot more affordable to purchase than a custom wood vanity in the same size.”

The winner came in the form of a solid oak Lulu and Georgia piece. Step one of the transformation was retrofitting its two drawers for plumbing and electrical (psst: there are outlets inside, perfect for plugging in a hair dryer). Tolbert then drew up plans for a bespoke sink, picked out a heavily veined slab of Calacatta Viola, and had a local fabricator cut it to his specifications. “I chose this particular nightstand because the height allowed for a 12-inch apron front on the sink, which really shows off the marble and makes it feel custom,” Tolbert adds.

The wall-mounted faucet gives the stone its due. As a finishing touch, Tolbert installed dimmers for the sconces above to fill the room with a soft, enveloping glow. This guest bath finally got its spotlight.

Before & After: In This 1700s Bathroom, Sealed Wallpaper Stands In for Tile

December 19, 2025

Bathroom Renovation, Before & After, Renovation,

With a cast-iron clawfoot tub, antique wainscoting, and original wide-plank pine floors, the bathroom certainly had its merits. But that’s where they stopped. Tucked inside a 1700s house, the room had been painted a drab gray-green and left largely unadorned. “It felt outdated—and not in a charming way. It felt a little dingy,” explains interior designer Hillary Cohen of HCO interiors, who was tasked with updating the space. “We leaned into the charm, but we certainly didn’t want to erase its history.”

Keeping the tub, wall paneling, and floors intact, Cohen came up with a plan to give the bathroom a major stylistic upgrade with only the tiniest renovation interventions. This would not be a gut job. Read on to see how Cohen transformed this space with her decorator’s eye, and borrow some ideas for your own low-reno upgrade.

grey bathroom with clawfoot tub — Before: The clawfoot tub felt stuck in a dark corner.

bathroom with wallpaper and tall curtain — After: Wallpaper, covered in a clear water-resistant coat, stands in for standard tile and enlivens the space. Wallpaper, Kravet. Shower curtain fabric, Thibaut. Photography by Rebecca McAlpin.

Make Your Wallpaper Water-Resistant

“When I saw the wallpaper, I was done. I had the whole room in my head,” Cohen recalls. Her installer suggested sealing the wallpaper near the tub with a clear coat of Polyvine Decorators Varnish—it wouldn’t make the wallpaper waterproof, but it would offer some protection against errant drops. “It has a slight sheen to it, but it’s very subtle,” Cohen says. The only issue? An uneven ceiling line due to the 1700s construction of the house, which meant there was no clean 90º corner in which to start the wallpaper. Cohen fixed this by adding a flat molding to the ceiling, instead of the usual crown molding that lies flat against the wall. This crisp edge created a place for the wallpaper to begin, and clearly delineated the papered from unpapered areas.

Install a Floor-to-Ceiling Shower Curtain

Instead of opting for the usual clawfoot tub shower curtain enclosure, which can look messy even on a good day, Cohen got creative: She mounted a curtain rod along the wall where the tub sits, positioning it at ceiling height (8 feet high) instead of the standard 75”, and had a seamstress make a custom curtain using a Thibaut fabric and a mildew-proof liner to fit the space.

The result is more of a partition than a typical shower curtain—not only does it elevate the look of the tub niche, but it also gives the person showering a little more elbow room (the bather just needs to angle the showerhead down to minimize splashing).

grey bathroom with pedestal sink — Before: The sink, mirror, and sconces felt stuck in the past.

bathroom sink with blue patterned wallpaper — After: Updated fixtures vastly improve the utility and style of the room. Vanity, DXV. Mirror, TOV. Sconces, Visual Comfort. Shade fabric, Thibaut. Photography by Rebecca McAlpin.

Have a Plumber Swap Out the Sink

Trading the pedestal sink for a vanity required the help of a plumber, but it was worth it to get the much-needed storage into this space. “If you don’t have to move the plumbing, it’s super easy to switch out the sink,” Cohen explains. They did have to remove some of the baseboard molding and beadboard to get the vanity to sit flush against the wall, however. New sconces from Visual Comfort and an elongated mirror better suit the new proportions of the new (much wider) sink.

Pick Playful Accessories

Cohen selected this oval mirror from TOV because she liked the unusual “bubbles” design, which also felt apt for the room with a clawfoot tub. The white finish fits right in with all the porcelain in the room. The new scones are topped with shades made from the same Thibaut fabric that was used for the curtains.

angled wall beside a large window — Before: The window niche had zero personality.

Designer Hillary Cohen’s room designed for the Mansions in May Showhouse in Chester, NJ. Design by HCO Interior Design. For use by HCO nterior Design Hillary Cohen only. Photos by: Rebecca McAlpin — After: Cohen used a bright paint to draw in sunshine. Curtain fabric, Thibaut. Trim paint, Benjamin Moore. Photography by Rebecca McAlpin.

Go For It With Color and Pattern

In order to make the bold wallpaper feel right in the room, Cohen had the wainscoting and trim painted a lively pale blue, Benjamin Moore Polar Sky. Even the window mullions got doused in the color. “Bathrooms are a great place to kind of be a little bit braver with color,” says Cohen. “I think we’ve gotten so monotone in a lot of designs.” She used a semigloss paint around the window well to reflect more light into the room.

The same strategy was applied to the wallpaper, which continues onto the angled part of the wall. “I think when you stop it at that low corner, I think it really shortens the room,” she explains. “My installer was nervous about it, but it makes a huge impact when you’re in the space.”

Add Privacy Using Café Curtains

The bathroom needed a bit of privacy, but Cohen loved the old window opposite the tub—and the view. “We thought a cafe curtain treatment was the perfect way to give privacy, but also allow the maximum light into this older home,” says Cohen, who had them made to match the shower curtain. The pinch pleat construction of the curtains adds extra charm.

I Found a $70 IKEA Bedspread That Looks Like All My Favorite $600 Ones

December 19, 2025

Bedrooms, Design by Room, Style & Shopping,

I’ve seen a lot of dreamy bedrooms lately, including a groovy space in Laurel Canyon and a London-inspired oasis in Arkansas, and all my favorites have one thing in common: patterned bedcovers. I’m not talking kitschy florals or trendy checkerboards. Designers are reaching for handwoven, artisanal, rustic-modern textiles; thin coverlets and spreads that feature staggered stripes and folky weaves. I was obsessing over a Los Feliz bedroom designed by Katie Salove (pictured below) that stars a handwoven, $1,500 bedcover from Pat McGann when I remembered something very important: IKEA recently launched a geometric quilt… for less than $100.

The Inspiration

brown bed quilt — Photography by Sam Frost; Styling by Lisa Rowe; Interior Design by Katie Salove

blue striped bedding — Photography by Rett Peek; Design by Meet West Studio

The Skogskovall bedspread shares a lot of similarities with the much pricier bedspreads I’ve been eyeing. While it isn’t made by hand, it is jacquard-woven, meaning the weave creates the repeating, grid-like pattern—not a printer. It’s also 100% cotton, so it’s bound to be comfier than a polyester blend. Unlike, say, Morrow’s $295 Yara bedcover or Studio Ford’s $660 Gunta Quilt, this IKEA blanket starts at $70 for a full/queen size and $90 for a king.

The IKEA Skogskovall Bedspread

IKEA

Skogskovall Bedspread

$70

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The two things customers want more of? Sizes (twin would be nice!) and colors (right now, it only comes in dark blue). Overall, the quality of the textile is a hit with shoppers, so while it might not have the same look and feel as something crafted by an artisan, it is soft to the touch. Then there’s always the perk of being able to toss it in your washing machine.

Complete the Look

Some other details I’m seeing in elevated bedrooms? Modern lighting, chunky wool rugs, simple nightstands, and abstract art create a peaceful scene.

Etsy

Modern Gold Wall Sconce Light

$168

Shop Now

Loloi

Lennox Wool Area Rug (7×9)

$2,359

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Artfully Walls

Good Feeling and Immense Peace by Georgiana Paraschiv

$43

Shop Now

West Elm

Solstice Nightstand

$499

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The Best Things We Bought This Year

December 18, 2025

News & Trends, Style & Shopping,

The amount of home products we see in a calendar year as Domino editors is dizzying. Sometimes, it feels like it numbers in the hundreds in just a week: furniture, kitchen gear, soft goods, lighting… basically, any category related to how we live. But that doesn’t meant we don’t have favorites, things we were so fond of that we had to have them for ourselves. Ahead, see the 13 products we couldn’t live without in 2025.

Swissmar Stelvio Raclette Party Grill

Amazon

Swissmar Stelvio Raclette Party Grill

$180

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I was introduced to this nifty appliance nearly a decade ago, when a French friend invited my husband and I over for a raclette party. What’s not to love about pouring bubbling alpine cheese over boiled potatoes, roasted onions, and cornichons? I was enamored, but never got around to acquiring one for myself—until last month. A thick slice of cheese gets nestled into each of the eight trays, placed under a flame, and then scraped onto your meat or vegetable of choice. The granite top is a warm perch for serving dishes and looks a little more elevated than its cast iron competitors. —Samantha Weiss-Hills, managing editor

Hook & Loom Cotton Flatweave Rug

Hook & Loom

Cotton Flatweave Rug

$32+

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Every rug I tried in our second bedroom looked so awkward and for the longest time I couldn’t figure out why. Then, while chatting with designer Lia McNairy, one part of the duo behind the firm LALA Reimagined, I learned it’s because I should really be using a square rug in the 10-foot-by-10-foot space. Custom square rugs are notoriously expensive (yes, even the ones from big-box retailers), but McNairy introduced me to Hook & Loom. While not fully customizable, its cotton flatweave rugs are more affordable and come in a ton of sizes, including square dimensions. Mine shipped in a week, looks great, and is soft underfoot. —Lydia Geisel, home editor

Tala Muse Portable Lamp

Rejuvenation

Tala Muse Portable Lamp

$325

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A recent assignment involved me testing a dozen portable lights and I loved this one by Tala so much that I bought it! A contemporary take on a traditional lantern, it’s good-looking, high quality, and dims from a cool task light to a soft, ambient glow. Also, every part, including the concealed battery pack, can be replaced. It’s one of those forever buys. —Olivia Lidbury, contributing writer

Zima Dental Pod

Amazon

Zima Dental Pod

$100

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This is probably the least sexy product I’ve ever recommended, but I refuse to be embarrassed because everyone deserves to know about it. If you, like me, are required to wear a mouthguard at night so you don’t slowly grind your teeth into dust, you are well aware of how annoying one is to clean. After years of hacking it with a toothbrush, Instagram kindly served me an ad for this inconspicuous little pod. Rather than soap or toothpaste, the award-winning device uses ultrasonic waves to remove bacteria, plaque, and debris. Fill the Dental Pod up with water, drop your mouthguard inside, and turn it on. Five minutes later—I usually do my skincare routine—and your device is clean as can be. —Lindsey Mather, editor in chief

Fable Wine Glasses

Fable

Wine Glasses, Set of 4

$118

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The everyday wine glass is a niche category in the tableware world. It’s a difficult piece to get right—in an ideal scenario, it needs to be affordable, have a thin rim, and be versatile enough for different varieties. The reality is that they often end up being clunky and unpleasant to drink from. In an effort to streamline our collection but not break the bank, I decided to try a new set from Fable, which promised an extremely thin rim and elegant stem, plus durability. I have found all three to be true. —Samantha Weiss-Hills, managing editor

Canopy’s Baby Bath Tub Filter

Canopy

Baby Bath Tub Filter

$80

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This was the year I leveled up our household’s toddler products, from Pom’s chic babyproofing essentials to this tub filter. Since moving from New York to a lakeside bungalow in the Hudson Valley, I’ve been tackling our well water issues slowly but surely. We clocked a noticeable difference from the very first use of this filter: a cleaner scent, softer water, and even sudsier bubbles. My daughter has been asking to take more baths, which we are happy to indulge now that our water is no longer so tough on her eczema-prone skin. —Andie Diemer, photography director

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Summer Fridays

Jet Lag Mask and Moisturizer

$49

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Summer Fridays’s Jet Lag Mask has a cult following (Jessica Alba among them), but it was a free sample I got at Sephora earlier this year that converted me into a full-size buyer. Ten minutes after application, my skin feels happily hydrated and is visibly glowier. On mornings when I’m at my most zombie-like, I’ll use it as an eye cream to look more awake. —Lindsey DeSimone, senior marketing manager

Framebridge Madrid Frame

Framebridge

Madrid Frame

$70+

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This was the year I became fully obsessed with framing things. Family photos now hang in a clustered hallway gallery; a photo of mine—printed larger than anything I’ve ever attempted—finally took its rightful place in my bedroom; a Laguna~B poster from Salone del Mobile is up; and a grouping of food drawings in every medium sits perfectly in my kitchen. After months of painter’s taping and rearranging, I realized the secret was Framebridge’s tight, thoughtful frame curation. You never hit that too-much-choice fatigue, and checking out is blissfully painless. As a confirmed color-drencher, I love their bold, saturated options and monochromatic mats. —Meghan McNeer, contributing editor

Coop Adjustment Comforter

Coop Sleep Goods

Adjustable Comforter, Full/Queen

$299

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More than 15 years after meeting my husband, we found the key to a perfect sleeping arrangement (he’s always running hot and I’m the opposite): Coop’s comforter. Rather than us each sleeping with our own blanket, this one’s warmth can be adjusted on either side using the two extra panels and a simple button system. Baffle-box construction, a hypoallergenic down alternative filling, and eco-friendly cotton all but guarantee a balance of coziness (perfect for me) and breathability (excellent for him). I highly recommend pairing it with The Citizenry’s new sateen sheets for a superb snooze. —Diemer

Be Just 100% Beeswax Taper Candles

Be Just

100% Beeswax Taper Candles

$19+

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These taper candles come in an array of rich colors and funky shapes, which made choosing which ones to take home a near-impossible decision. No two, even in the same hue and style, are identical since they’re hand-poured, but all have a patina that lends a sense of warmth and timelessness. I have the column style in burnt amber out on my living room mantel right now, and I just love looking at them. —DeSimone

Hand-Painted Bowl by Pomelo Casa

Pomelo Casa

Hand-Painted Serving Bowl

$215

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This bowl is what I’ve started calling my “pre-heirloom.” It’s a serving bowl, but the kind you pull out constantly, not just for company. It’s the perfect size for a giant salad, a mountain of pasta, or whatever I’m hauling to the table when entertaining. The weight is incredible: substantial without being cumbersome. And despite the pattern, it somehow plays well with all my other tabletop items. I can already picture this bowl decades from now, still anchoring every dinner party, still perfect, because some things are just meant to last forever. —McNeer

Gotopceed Rechargeable Motion Sensor Ceiling Light

Amazon

Gotopceed Rechargeable Motion Sensor Ceiling Light With Remote

$23

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I used to rifle through our home’s four dark closets blindly, but these little lights changed everything. When I open a door, the motion-activated light turns on automatically, then shuts off when you move along. It affixes to a wall or shelf using magnets, and only has to be charged once every few months via USB because the light is on so infrequently. I’m generally against portable lamps because they’re a constant fuss, never charged when you need them. But these lights actually make sense. There are multiple settings: brightness, coolness of the light, and a timer. (I like mine at full brightness, so you can actually find a shirt, and the warmest setting, so the light is cozy and soft.) It felt like we gained storage space when we started using them. —Amanda Sims Clifford, contributing editor

CICIL Curvy Runner

CICIL

Curvy Runner

$549

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I’d been searching for the perfect runner for our kitchen, a high traffic area that’s prone to occasional food spills. I ultimately chose the Curvy Runner from CICIL in Moss and I couldn’t be happier with it. The brand makes 100-percent natural, biodegradable rugs that you can customize, and this durable one has been incredibly easy to spot clean. Plus, the unique curves and rich color add such a fun touch of personality to our space. —Merisa Libbey, contributing stylist

The Decorating Trends Designers Are Leaving Behind in 2026

December 17, 2025

Design Inspiration,

blue tub — Photography by Aimée Mazzenga; Design by Lauren Stern

The end of the year is a natural time to reflect… and for us, that means taking stock of the best and worst trends. We saw fashion influence interiors more than ever, with a refocus on “quiet luxury” and loud, preppy patterns and colors, meaning people were either declaring allegiance to minimalism or maximalism. We all color-drenched rooms with abandon and if Japandi wasn’t on your radar before, it probably is now. But how do interior designers feel about it all? They have thoughts, that’s for sure. We tapped a mix of emerging and veteran designers for a quick pulse check. Keep reading for their fresh thoughts on what they’re ready to see retired in 2025 and what the new year ahead will bring.

Out: Unexpected Red Theory

In: Unexpected… Hot Pink Theory

pink table cloth — Photography by Amanda Archibald; Styling and Design by Surrounded By Color

A pop of hot pink can go a long way in decorating, we love this color as it is somehow softer than red while still giving your space the same unexpected pop. Hot pink can instantly make any space fun, bright, and cheery, without leaning too feminine, à la Casa Barragan. The color can easily be brought into almost any maximalist or minimalist space through a table cloth, painted wall, piece of furniture, or even a floral. —Robin Heller, cofounder of Surrounded by Color

Out: Generic, big-box-store art

In: Works that are personal

green lower kitchen. cabinets — Photography by Aaron Bengochea; Styling by Randi Brookman Harris

Investing in art is essential to sustaining creativity, history, and culture. There are artists and meaningful works available at many price points like vintage and original prints and if you can’t buy it, make it. Buy what you love, art should feel personal and intentional. —Delia Kenza, founder of Delia Kenza Interiors

Out: Low-profile beds

In: Beds that bring the drama

The pendulum has been swinging a bit more traditional and maximal, and I love a statement four poster bed, with or without a canopy. They can add height, create a sense of a room-within-a-room, and envelop you to give a real sense of escape. And though it is a classic idea, don’t rule it out if your taste leans modern; these days there are options to suit any style. —Heather Peterson, founder of Heather Peterson Design

Out: Impersonal decor

In: Collected treasures

living room gallery wall — Photography by Judith Kostroski; Styling by Carrie Valentine; Design by Oho Interiors

Embrace the personal! Displaying things like collections or family heirlooms make a house feel like a home. We especially love showcasing things like homeowners’ travel souvenirs. —Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors

Out: Chasing a finished product

In: Embracing the process

coffee table — Photography by David Mitchell; Design by Methods of Assembly

People are craving patience, slowness, and a renewed engagement with the design process as a reward in itself. I think the shift is allowing a space to unfold with intention, rather than trying to replicate a fully realized look overnight. Spend time wandering through art fairs and vintage markets; connect with curators and artists who speak to you. Allow your home to evolve through these small, instinctive encounters. —Omar Aqeel, founder of Methods of Assembly Studio

Out: Squishy sectionals

In: Tailored sofas and daybeds

Photography by Austin Leis; Design by Emily Thurman

Not every living room needs to be read as a laid-back lounge. The all-sectional era has tipped too far into casual territory. Designers are craving the return of the sitting room—a space anchored by more formal silhouettes, intentional pairings, and actual conversation zones. A refined—and sorely missed—alternative to the ubiquitous sectional [is the daybed]. Paired with a sofa, a daybed introduces instant elegance and creates more dynamic seating arrangements. —Emily Thurman, founder of Emily Thurman Interior Design

Out: Boring en-suites

In: Primary bathrooms with pizzazz

wallpapered bathroom — Photography by Emma Lewis

Even in homes where color and pattern are experimented with, we usually find that primary bathrooms are kept neutral. I don’t know if it’s because “permanent” fixtures like vanities, tiles, walls and flooring have largely been thought of as things that should remain neutral and therefore “safe”, but we’re ready to be inspired by bold, unique, one-of-a-kind bathrooms that reflect the personality and likings of the homeowners. So bring on the wallpaper, the painted ceilings, the creative vanities, and vivid rugs… it’s time! —Isabel Ladd, founder of Isabel Ladd Interiors

Out: Perfectly matched wood finishes

In: Layered and collected natural tones

neutral living room — Photography by Sean Litchfield; Design by Vivian Shao Chen

One of my most commonly asked questions is, ‘Will that wood finish look ok with that wood finish?’ My response is always to look for a natural palette that incorporates many different wood finishes so that they can all blend together. I find that when everything matches perfectly, it feels forced and unnatural. In this room, we mixed an antique tansu chest, a new custom white oak coffee table, and a reclaimed pine sofa console. The various frames on the gallery wall are yet another layer that add so much warmth to the room. —Vivian Shao Chen, founder of Vivian Shao Chen Interiors

Out: Unlacquered brass

In: Tarnished silver

kitchen with terracotta tile — Photography by Kirsten Francis; Design by Jesse Parris-Lamb

We’ve all seen unlacquered brass, but tarnished silver is fresh, and so sharp when paired with deep chocolate brown. Also in: mixing materials. I prefer that every finish in a kitchen doesn’t match. Let a stainless steel refrigerator sit beside a vintage brass sconce. This makes a space feel collected, real and soulful. —Lauren Stern, founder of Lauren Stern Design

Out: Just cooking in your kitchen

In: Making it a space to spend time in

green and yellow kitchen — Photography by Olenka Kotyk

People want to lounge more in their kitchens—and not just on a classic banquette or in a nook, but on extra-deep seating like a pair of lounge chairs in front of a fireplace. Lean in and make it liveable and cozy. —Anne McDonald, founder of Anne McDonald Design

Out: Accent walls

In: Color-drenching everything

red laundry room — Photography by Ethan Herrington

I am hoping 2026 is the year we kindly retire the accent wall. Instead, I’m leaning into color drenching. Painting everything—the walls, ceiling, doors and moldings all the same color. It makes a room instantly feel warm and playful without trying too hard. —Merissa Haas, founder of Studio M.Haas

Out: Mass-produced acrylic

In: Surfaces with an artist’s touch

green bedroom — Photography by Tim Lenz, Styling by Mariana Marcki-Matos

While there’s a time and a place for Kartell and that type of design, we’re in a moment where an artist’s touch really helps warm up a room. Think bubble glass, art glass, seeded and ribbed glass furniture. We’re pulling lots of furniture and lighting that feel more special and less one-note. There’s perfection in imperfection. —Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director at Mazzarini & Co.

Out: Matching hardware

In: Knobs and pulls that suit that cabinet

yellow kitchen — Photography by Daniel Peter

In a recent kitchen project, we used different hardware on the island from the perimeter and more knobs than pulls. We are looking for more ornate hardware that feels like an antique replica, with living finishes like bronze and unlacquered brass. —Claire Staszak, owner and principal designer of Centered by Design

Out: Perfection

In: Ignoring your Instagram feed

open kitchen and dining room — Photography by Alicia Waite

I hope we’re moving away from the obsession with “perfect” spaces; homes that feel overly staged, overly coordinated, and so polished that there’s no real life or soul in them. What I’d rather see in 2026 are interiors that actually have a story. Pieces with personality, rooms that feel collected rather than curated, and materials that show their age and texture. —Windsor Dalton, founder of Windsor Dalton Designs

What Your Dream House Looked Like in 2025

December 16, 2025

Design Inspiration, News & Trends, Style & Shopping,

wood and concrete exterior — Photography by Kate Berry

One of our favorite end-of-year traditions is looking back at all the rooms you loved most on Instagram because we like to think it paints a picture of what you want out of your dream home. Usually, your favorite ideas are a little all over the place, but this time we noticed you gravitated toward two very particular things: mid-century modern architecture and red and blue interiors. Here’s a closer look at our most-liked spaces from 2025.

The Exterior

The way the stone, cacti, and trees play off the rich wood exterior of this mid-century gem in Topanga Canyon stole some hearts.

The Kitchen

red and blue kitchen — Photography by Erin Kelly

You really loved the pops of color and clever nooks in this groovy Pennsylvania kitchen. A big round of applause for Myers Custom Woodworks, the company that color-matched the new cabinet drawers to the original ones in the home.

The Living Room

mid century modern livign room — Photography by Jenna Peffley; Styling by Merisa Libbey

Reason number one not to shop directly from a catalog: Aly Michalka’s Santa Barbara living room. The space is full of little treasures collected over time, like a vintage coffee table clad in flower tilework and Eny Lee Parker’s sculptural Oo Lamp.

The Dining Room

floral dining room wallpaper — Photography by Michael P. H. Clifford

A couple based in D.C. wanted to create a home with cool hotel vibes, and the dining room was the real stunner. Wrapped in wallpaper from Zak + Fox and anchored with a table from Sun at Six, the space feels like a hug drenched in lots of natural light.

The Bedroom

pink bedroom curtains — Photography by Kathleen Fitzgerald / Two Studios

Survivor contestant Stephanie Berger worked with designer Alyssa Owens on many elements of her New York City apartment, but lining the windowed wall behind the bed with pink sheer curtains was an absolute power move.

The Bathroom

green checkered bathroom — Photography by David Tsay

Designer Raili Clasen treats her Newport Beach house as a sort of experimental space—take the guest bathroom, where she decided to combine two different tile patterns and in the same seaweed green hue.

The Entryway

blue entryway — Photography by Kate S. Jordan; Styling by Kate Berry

Cookbook author Dan Pelosi’s Hudson Valley home is a burst of joy from the first step in the front door. The entryway blends a bold blue paint job (radiator included) with wallpaper from Voutsa.

The Pantry

red pantry — Photography by Kate S. Jordan; Styling by Kate Berry

Pelosi’s pantry also made its way into your saved folders, thanks to a ceiling wallpapered in a floral print from Svenskt Tenn and Farrow & Ball’s Rectory Red paint.

The Backyard

elevated pool — Photography by Jessica Alexander; Styling by Merisa Libbey

Actress Stephanie Beatriz turned her pool into a star by putting it on a literal pedestal. The raised swimming zone may be the focal point, but the checkerboard tiles and smart use of coping deserve their own applause.

21 Designers Predict 2026’s Hottest Kitchen Countertop Material

December 15, 2025

Design by Room, Kitchens,

maroon/brown kitchen cabinets — Photography by Diana Paulson of Linea; Design by KLH Custom Homes

What does 2026 have in store? In Design Psychic, our community of editors, experts, and tastemakers predicts the trends coming soon to a house near you.

There should be a decision tree to help homeowners decide what countertops to choose for their kitchens. To start, how much are you willing to spend? Your answer could either send you down the path of natural stone or manmade surfaces. Are you OK with visible etches and stains? Congratulations, marble could be your perfect match—now all you have to do is pick from the hundreds of shades out there. This design rabbit hole goes deep, which is why we prefer to go straight to the pros and ask them for their recommendations. As we head into 2026, here are the countertop materials interior designers plan to reach for.

The Winner: Quartzite

gray kitchen — Photography by Marc Mauldin; Design by Gabriela Eisenhart

Quartzite, quartzite, quartzite! Clients want materials that age gracefully without the worry of high maintenance and quartzite delivers both the look of luxury and the ease of everyday life. —Kimberly Oxford, founder of Kimberly Oxford Interiors

We love quartzite for the mix of movement, durability, and both light and dark offerings. Avocatus is one of our all-time favorites—we love that it’s not for everyone, and will be incorporating it into a color-dipped pantry this coming year. —Liz Hoekzema, cofounder of KLH Custom Homes

I’ve been using a ton of quartzite lately. It gives you the elegance of marble with far more durability. —Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and creative director of Silo Studio Design

cream kitchen with big window — Photography by Michael P.H. Clifford; Design by Shane & Pierce

Durability is always a factor so we see a lot more use of quartzites and Dolomites. The styles need to be sifted through, and many offer the same depth and richness of marble, but can stand up better to etching and staining. –Evan Krenzien, cofounder of Shane & Pierce

waterfall kitchen island — Photography by Reid Rolls; Design by Sarah Tract

I believe Taj Mahal quartzite remains the standout choice. It delivers the beauty of marble with far more durability, making it ideal for real-life kitchens. —Sarah Tract, founder and principal designer of Sarah Tract Interiors

Warm-toned quartz and quartzite with honed or matte finishes will define 2026. They are beautiful, durable, and quietly luxurious, embodying a kind of luxury that is tactile, timeless, and designed to be felt as much as seen. —Claire O’Connor, cofounder of O’Connor Estates

The Runners-Up

Natural Stones with Strong Veining

dark wood kitchen cabinets — Photography by Gavin Cater; Design by House of Rolison

We’re loving those deeper tonal stones, especially a black with the slightest hint of green that shows up in certain light. It creates grounding moments without feeling heavy. —Amanda Leigh, cofounder of House of Rolison

black kitchen — Photography by Arris Photography; Design by Forge & Bow

Less quartz and more natural stone. People are craving the unique veining and natural variation you only get from real stone. —Annie Obermann, co-Founder and principal designer, Forge & Bow

I am loving bold stones with a lot of movement and impact, especially marbles or natural stone with inherent texture, bold color, and dramatic veining. —Karin Bohn, founder and creative director of House of Bohn

Honed Stone

arched kitchen oven — Photography by Kerry Kirk; Design by Marian Louise Design

Honed finishes are definitely winning. I’m especially loving honed Calacatta marble or quartzite. The matte finish softens a space and feels less formal than high-gloss, which fits the overall shift toward comfort and natural materials. —Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Marian Louise Design

Honed stone is the surface to watch. It’s soft, matte, and elegant—beautifully understated and durable enough for everyday life. —Barrett Cooke, cofounder and principal designer of Arterberry Cooke

I always prefer natural materials, whether Vermont soapstone or any variety of beautiful honed marbles, nature’s bounty is always beautiful. —Ariel Okin, founder of Ariel Okin Interiors

Green and Pink Marble

green kitchen counters — Photography by Scott Norsworthy; Design by House of Bohn

We are definitely seeing colorful stones enter the picture for a lot of projects now. Soft greens and pale blush seem to be an acceptable option, whereas a few years ago, it took a lot of negotiating to get clients to be open to anything other than Carrara and Calacatta. —Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster and Patina

I just renovated my 1929 kitchen that had all its original colorful Art Deco tile. The countertops were yellow tile, which was a huge design challenge, so I considered ripping them out and replacing them with marble. I absolutely fell in love with Breccia Rose marble. It is one of the most stunning stones I have ever seen. At first you think it is just tan, but once you look closer, there are actually a lot of greens and pinks that bring it to life. I ended up being a responsible old house owner and left the original tile countertops, but you will be seeing Breccia Rose in one of my future projects very soon. —Drew Michael Scott, founder of Lone Fox

Calacatta Viola Marble

I know Taj Mahal quartzite has been all the rage in 2025, and while I am still loving it for 2026, I’m also a huge fan of Calacatta Viola marble. There’s something so bold and timeless about it that stops my heart in its design tracks every time I use it. —Galey Alix, founder of Galey Alix Design

Porcelain

sage green cabinets — Photography by Lauren Miller; Design by Stay Here and Twenty-Two Twelve

Porcelain is really making a name for itself. It has come so far and can be a much more cost-effective way to achieve a seamless look between the backsplash and countertops. —Sarah Randolph, principal designer of Randolph Interior Design

Stainless Steel

steel kitchen island — Photography by Tessa Neustadt; Design by Ome Dezin and Marco Zamora

I hope we see more stainless steel. It’s just the perfect material in a busy kitchen. It’s hard-wearing yet soft, while being super hygienic. I truly think mixed metals are only just starting to creep into the mainstream, so I see so many excellent opportunities to mix stainless with brass, nickel, chrome, and bronze. —Leanne Kilroy, creator of Good Bones

Brown-Tinged Marble

cream kitchen — Photography by Brad Knipstein; Design by Atelier Oleana

I’m endlessly inspired by dramatic stones with movement. Bronze-veined marbles, richly figured travertines, and unexpected tonalities like rosso or sage-washed limestone. There’s a shift toward materials that feel ancient and storied. –Anu Jain, founder of Atelier Oleana

Concrete

I love when a countertop shows its life: the etching, the scratches, the memories. We’re finally moving past the fear of ruining things—actually living with our kitchens again. People are waking up to the fact that all those “landlord special” surfaces feel lifeless. –Leanne Ford, founder of Leanne Ford Interiors

Granite

We are turning to granite believe it or not! We love the soft veining of Virginia Mist, which looks similar to soapstone without the price tag or maintenance. For those who want a natural stone, but are wary of marble, this is an excellent option. —Chloe Legras, creator of Boxwood Avenue

Black and White

Stone is still a favorite of mine, even for someone drawn to black and white countertops. Panda stone has become a more recent go-to as it creates a bold, graphic pattern that still feels grounded. As a natural material, stone feels alive and in a way, it’s the beauty of nature right on your countertop. —Ghislaine Viñas, founder of Ghislaine Viñas

Rose, Bubblegum, Fuschia: The Holiday Hue of 2025 Is Pink

December 14, 2025

Design Inspiration, Entertaining, Holiday Decor, Lifestyle, Pink, Rooms by Color,

Non-traditional decorations are kind of our thing. When it comes to the holidays, we don’t stick steadfastly to red and green or blue and white. Some years, the holidays take on navy and gold; others, tones of crimson and cream. This year, though, everything’s coming up pink.

“I think holiday decor can be whatever brings you joy,” says designer Mary Kathryn Wells, who embraced the color in her own Nashville home this season. “Pink looks so nice with the greens of trees and wreaths. I particularly love to use it as an accent color.”

Whether in the form of taffeta bows, clusters of taper candles, or cascading ribbons, the fun-loving hue is popping up on trees, tables, entryways, and everywhere in between—and there’s serious inspiration to be had. Below, our favorite ways creatives are putting on rose-colored glasses this December.

Let It Be Your Dinner Backdrop

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This alpine-inspired gingham tablecloth from Marla Primrose looks so festive with a harlequin Christmas cracker, greenery, and scalloped white dishware.

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If you prefer stripes over checks, how about this look? Stylist Sara Austin topped her table with an extra tall, ribbon-adorned candelabra, pops of burgundy and orange, and abundant heather. Here, the pink feels like a neutral.

Dial Up the Heat Outdoors

jordan ferney front door — Courtesy of Jordan Ferney

Creative whiz Jordan Ferney chose hot pink marigolds for her West Village stoop this year, mixing them with fuschia ribbon and evergreen branches. The choice is a fresh take on classic garland.

Wrap Up Presents

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We trust fashion label Bernadette Antwerp to get blush right—their floral patterns always put the color to good use. In this parade of holiday party outfits, we clocked presents enrobed in one of their signature motifs. Ladies, please sell this wrapping paper next year!

Mix It With Yellow, Blue, and Orange

Pink-Holiday-Color-Trend-domino-1 — Photography by Mary Craven

Sometimes, all it takes is a detail or two to make a spread read holiday. Here, Wells mixes pink tapers and napkins with seasonally-appropriate mandarins on top of an unconventional blue-and-orange Lisa Corti tablecloth.

Hang Up a Flowing Curtain for Photos

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Houses and Parties is our go-to source for party ideas and supplies—the founder Rebecca Gardner even came out with a book earlier this year letting us in on her entertaining prowess. She adds pink into the mix quite often, here with a sweet ribbon curtain that can make for photo backdrops, bar reveals, or just room dividers.

Go With Gingham Garland and a Bundle of Bows

Photography by Nicki Sebastian for Heather Taylor Home Photography by Nicki Sebastia

candles — Photography by Nicki Sebastian for Heather Taylor Home Photography by Nicki Sebastian

Heather Taylor’s dining linens are a staple in our households, so much so that we’ve designed collections with her. She mixed pink and red over her mantle with her fabric garland and hearts, and paired gauzy ribbon-tied candles and a green striped tablecloth.

Make It the Star of the Party

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LoveShackFancy layered pink with no abandon for its holiday party this year, showering trees, tables, and every square foot with the hue. Sometimes, more is more, especially during the holidays.

The Host Gifts Martha Stewart Actually Wants to Receive

December 14, 2025

Celebrity, Entertaining, Holiday Decor, Lifestyle, News & Trends, Style & Shopping,

If only Martha Stewart had a hostess hotline. Sure, she’s been sharing her wisdom on how to impress guests during the party season for decades, but getting her tips on the fly might serve someone who isn’t quite as adept at the job. Say, a renter who is throwing a get-together in a tiny, dining room-less apartment or a newlywed couple who volunteered to host family for the holidays for the first time. She’d probably welcome the challenge. And that’s why when we got the chance to ask her our most pressing entertaining questions, we made the most of the opportunity.

Stewart is currently Chief Gardening Officer at Miracle-Gro, and in that position, she’s instructing budding and experienced green thumbs on gardening for holiday magic and beyond. Of course, she keeps it aspirational, but you have to start somewhere. “I planted 609 different kinds of evergreens around 16 years ago and now they’re almost too big to be Christmas trees,” she says. “And so I give Christmas trees to friends.” If you’re new to the hosting game or you want to be a stellar guest, read on for her top lessons below.

Do: Politely Encourage Guests to Remove Their Shoes

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You’ll have enough details to worry about as a host, and vacuuming up after friends shouldn’t be one of them. So follow Stewart’s lead and ask your guests to take off their shoes at the door—without much hassle. “I have signs, so I don’t have to say a thing,” she says.

Don’t: Rely Solely on Faux Greenery

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Stewart only uses faux greenery during the holidays if it’s made of tinsel, but “doesn’t make a habit” of leaning on fake over fresh. She waits to cut down real evergreens to ensure they’ll stay verdant through the season, and supplies them with a steady stream of water to keep them going. Also, always check their pots, and if you have a humidifier, she suggests powering it on in the winter.

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Home Depot

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Stewart says a bottle of wine for the host is always appreciated, but if you want to be a friend who gives a memorable gift, follow her budget-friendly advice: “I like getting a favorite book, and I like to get people playlists,” she says. “If they have Spotify, you can share it there.” Other ideas? Stewart also likes receiving plants and antiques, so you can’t go wrong with either.

Don’t: Let Friends Sit Right Next to Each Other

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There’s an art to a solid seating chart, and Martha has this suggestion for ensuring that everyone walks away from a dinner party feeling like they had a new experience. “I like to put people who don’t know each other next to each other,” she admits. “Putting close friends next to each other is kind of futile. They see each other all the time. Try to mix it up.” At least they’ll be glad to have plenty to discuss after your gathering is a surefire hit.

Do: Dress Up Your Wreaths

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While a simple green wreath is always a welcome sight for guests at your doorstep, go one step further by giving it a Martha-approved treatment. Kevin Sharkey, the executive director of design at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, hosted an office party recently and he covered one in icicle ornaments for added dimension. “It was so beautiful,” says Stewart. A little effort goes a long way.