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In our just-dropped Renovation issue, you’ll discover plenty of hardworking ideas for your next home improvement project, from colorful marble to test out in the kitchen to flexible workspace solutions. But sprinkled among those sawdust-filled daydreams are little nuggets of decorating inspiration. As we looked back through the complete issue, we noticed that three decor trends kept popping up. Hint: One of them is a retro-cool pattern, another is a clever styling hack, and the last is a major space saver. As you flip through the pages, play a little game of I Spy and count up all the times you see these moments.

Checkerboard

We spotted this graphic 12 times in many different forms. Oh Happy Day founder Jordan Ferney’s home features a few riffs on check: Her kitchen floor is the classic black and white design, while the entryway gives off fun-house vibes (the squares are peel-and-stick wallpaper). In her cozy kitchen, British housewares designer Matilda Goad put two inexpensive tiles (one white, one red) together around her cooktop, resulting in an expensive-looking space.

Built-In Seating

Six integrated seating options of all shapes and sizes popped up in the issue. James and Hara Perkins’s ’70s architectural treasure on Fire Island features a groovy sunken living room setup with white cushions and beige carpeting. For your kitchen, get inspired by Heather Taylor’s cozy gingham-clad banquette and Liza Reyes’s desk (a convenient spot to leaf through recipes). 

Pitchers as Vases

When you want your home to smell like fresh blooms but don’t want it to look like you’re trying too hard, ditch the vase for a large pitcher. (This was clearly the styling trick of the issue: We saw 10 vessels that could pull double duty.) The casual-cool hack is also budget friendly—you can just shop your own kitchen. 

Our Winter Renovation issue is here! Subscribe now to step inside Leanne Ford’s latest project—her own historic Pennsylvania home. Plus discover our new rules of reno.