Painting a room’s walls is the easiest DIY makeover under the sun—but want to try something a bit bolder and fun? Consider colorblocking instead.
“Colorblocking is about creatively pairing two or more shades—or blocks of color—to make a unique statement on a wall, ceiling, door, or other home surface, and it’s a trend that can be accomplished by DIYers and pros alike,” says Dee Schlotter, a PPG senior color marketing manager.
“These geometric fields of color, which are usually separated by neutral zones, can serve to punctuate or establish a color plan for your space, sort of like accent walls taken to an extreme,” adds Debra Kling of the eponymous color consulting firm.
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And if you see hints of modern art or connections to the fashion world in colorblocking, you’re on the right track. Kling considers Mondrian to be the master of this technique, and colorblocked frocks were debuted by Yves St. Laurent in the 1940s and have been trending ever since.
Here’s more about colorblocking, including how-to’s, shade pairings, and where to try this technique in your home.
Gather the gear
Photo by Studio Razavi
Painter’s tape is critical for this task as you’ll need to section off the various colors you want to use and create clean lines, says Schlotter.
“Using a high-quality roller and a smaller paint brush to ‘cut in’ to the smaller details or corners of the colorblocked design will also help ensure a polished look,” she adds.
Relearn the color wheel
Photo by mcleanquinlan
If using a color wheel is making your head spin, get some help from the pros.
“PPG has virtual color consultations to help you choose paint for colorblocking and other home projects,” notes Schlotter.
Once you’ve shared photos of your space and color preferences, experts can text, email, or FaceTime their recommendations and assist with ordering swatches or buying paint.
Match shades with moods
Photo by Inspired Interiors
Bright shades behind a den’s bookcases are energetic, while softer tones create a sense of calm.
“If you want to instill restfulness in your bedroom, consider a halfway-up-the-wall technique by painting the upper portion in a warm hue and the bottom in a darker, moodier version,” says Schlotter.
You can also create a headboard in a bedroom with colorblocking or make an impact by defining shapes behind bedside tables or dressers.
Let loose in kids rooms
Photo by colorTHEORY Boston
“Colorblocking works very well in a child’s room because it adds personality and more visual interest beyond using just a single color,” says Schlotter.
Blocked primary colors on walls are typical in kids rooms, but other combos can also playfully decorate the ceiling, bookcases, and floors.
“For a playroom, consider painting a geometric shape like a diagonal across an entire wall with a bright color on one half and a neutral on the other,” Schlotter adds.
Save paler shades for higher up on the walls, and use darker ones, like navy, lower to the ground as they’ll serve to hide dirt and scuffs that’ll no doubt appear here.
Highlight unusual features
Soft pink follows this doorway’s curvy line.
Alexandra Ribar
Colorblocking can also create a focal point by showcasing molding or other architectural detail.
“Leanne Ford recently put this technique into play on an arched doorway project using a sandy pink hue to create a playful stripe and her go-to Delicate White (PPG 1001-1) to brighten the walls behind it,” says Schlotter.
Create a room with blocked color
Photo by Achille à Paris
Colorblocking with bold paint can create rooms where none existed before by marking off spaces for different tasks. Pull up a desk and chair to a bold purple shape and a home office is born—or do the same near your kitchen for a breakfast nook or in a hallway to make a cozy reading corner.
Your house should make you feel welcomed as soon as you step through the door, but this feeling isn’t something that always happens on its own. Once the movers have left, and the chaos of moving has calmed down, it’s time to start focusing on putting down roots in your new space to help make your new house a home.
There are many ways to invoke the cozy, warm feeling that makes a house a home without a complete remodel or shopping spree. So, whether you just moved into your new home in Boston, MA, or need to personalize your studio in Albany, NY, here are 15 simple ideas you can use so your house can start feeling like a proper home.
1) Create an inviting entryway
The front door and entryway can set the mood of your entire home. After all, it’s the first thing you see when you and your guests first step into your space. Make your front entrance more inviting by keeping it clear of leaves and debris and accessorize with a welcome mat and a few potted plants. Adding a bench or a clothes rack will also help keep your entryway neat and tidy, plus it makes a great first impression. Equally, painting the front door can give your house a fresh, new look in one afternoon. Feel free to choose a fun, contrasting color that aligns with your style.
2) Make your home more zen
Turning your house into a home starts with ensuring that you feel instantly at peace when you enter a room. But if you’re having difficulty feeling relaxed, there may be particular reasons why. If the sight of a messy, disorganized room is causing you stress, you might want to start decluttering and letting go of items that don’t bring you joy. Choosing random decor items to fill up empty spaces in your home can make a space feel cramped, and can add too many contrasts between your wall colors or furnishings. When choosing decor, artwork, or pictures, be sure to pick items that have special meaning to you. By identifying the areas in your home causing you stress, you can begin making your home a more zen space.
3) Improve your living space with home upgrades
Upgrading spaces in your home can go a long way in making you feel more settled. Bathrooms and kitchens are high-traffic areas in a home, so prioritizing home upgrades in these areas can ensure that you’re tackling the places that make the biggest impact. Installing new appliances can give your kitchen a facelift, but if you’re working with a smaller budget, select the most outdated or worn-looking one and replace it. Likewise, swapping out an old showerhead with one that has better water pressure can instantly elevate space and improve the quality of life in your home.
4) Use cozy area rugs to help make a house feel like home
An area rug can instantly warm up a space and make it more inviting. Area rugs can help ground furniture, and an artistically designed rug can also add more interest to a space. When selecting a rug, take the room’s size and arrangement into account. Ensure all of your furniture is on the area rug or at least touching a portion of the rug to give the space a cohesive look.
5) Dressing up empty walls with artwork
Blank walls can add an unfinished element to your house, preventing your house from feeling truly lived in. Displaying your favorite pieces of art can act as the finishing element to pull a space together and make a house a home. And the best part is that it’s a budget-friendly way to complete a room. When selecting your artwork, keep the room’s function, size, and decor style in mind. After that, you have the freedom to choose artwork that you love and will be happily displayed in your home.
For living rooms and areas where guests spend the most time, choose a large-scale piece as a focal point or incorporate multiple art pieces into a gallery wall. Pieces with soothing, cool-toned colors and abstract prints are great additions for areas for relaxation like a den or bedroom.
6) Bring nature inside with indoor plants
Indoor plants don’t just add a pop of greenery to a space, they can also breathe life into a dull room. Houseplants help us feel more relaxed and can even improve our home’s indoor air quality. They come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, so if you live in a shady studio in Portland, OR with only a few windows, or a home with lots of natural light in Seattle, Washington, you can still find ways to incorporate plants into your decor.
For home offices or areas with low light in your home, stick to low-maintenance plants like lucky bamboo or succulents. These plants are compact enough to keep on a desk or side table and thrive in shaded areas. To add drama to larger rooms, such as living or dining rooms, money trees or fiddle leaf figs are great statement plant options. Plus, the right planter can add another design element to your home.
7) Keep the clutter to a minimum
Identifying the key areas in your space that you’ll keep tidy will make life in your home more pleasant. It’s easy to believe in the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality when decluttering, but actively keeping your living area clean will allow you to fully relax in your space without being constantly stressed by the sight of messy areas. Instead of stowing items that are no longer used in designated “junk drawers,” take the time to go through and pick out items that no longer have sentimental value, use, or have similar functions to items you already have. And if the thought of decluttering your home is too daunting, consider hiring a professional organizing service to help you get your space in order.
8) Add scented candles or diffusers
A house filled with inviting smells can instantly make a house feel like home. With various candles, diffusers, and scent plug-ins available on the market, there’s no shortage of ways to make your home smell good. Choose your favorite and fill your home with the aroma of sweet vanilla, sharp citrus, or fresh linens in minutes. For more natural smelling scents, you can opt for essential oils, such as lavender or jasmine, which comes with the benefits of being natural stress relievers.
9) Make a house a home by layering the lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in affecting a room’s mood and is an essential design element when making a house feel like a home. If your house feels dark and cramped, you can switch up your lighting by adding and layering light sources to make it feel more warm and welcoming. While brighter lights are needed to illuminate kitchens and workspaces, using fluorescent overhead lighting in living rooms or dens can make the space appear harsh. Instead, opt for ambient light sources that use mellower, warmer lighting. Wall sconces, table, or floor lamps are excellent ambient lighting sources that can cast a warm, cozy glow on any room.
10) Frame your windows with curtains
Window curtains are great accent pieces in a room. Replacing them is an easy way to switch up the room’s look and add a lived-in look to any space in one easy step. Personalize your windows by adding new window dressings to instantly warm up your home and showcase your style. Not only does adding beautiful curtains or shades improve your home’s appearance, they can also decorate blank walls, separate a room into sections, or even create fun little reading nooks in children’s bedrooms.
11) Showcase family mementos or antiques
Make your house feel like home by incorporating sentimental pieces in your decor, such as family mementos or antiques, to personalize your space. As you plan the display locations for your keepsakes, group related items together to help create a cohesive look in your home design. Items such as wedding photos, important documents, or certificates can be grouped in a gallery wall, while trophies or souvenirs can be displayed on a shelf together.
When displaying sentimental photos, pick frames that can protect the paper from damage or fading from ultraviolet (UV) rays over time. If you’re planning on including antiques or other precious items as decor, consider purchasing shadow boxes or display cases for them. Cases will protect the objects from harm and prevent dust or grime from settling on the fragile objects.
12) Freshen up your home with a coat of paint
Painting your walls can give your space an instant facelift and can go a long way in refreshing a home. Plus, it’s a great way to customize your home and make it your own. If you’re not ready to undertake an entire painting project, you can pick smaller areas in your home, like a bedroom or powder room. You can even opt to paint a few accent walls throughout your home to warm up the space and give it pops of color.
13) Personalize your shelves with books
A stack of well-loved paperbacks or a decorative coffee table book is a great way to bring personal touches into your home. Books are an easy and budget-friendly way to embellish your decor and can be used as statement accessories to pull a space together. And, the sight of a filled bookshelf can instantly give a room a homey feel. If you have an extensive book collection, use a blank wall in your home to create a book wall by displaying them in a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. You can also choose books with decorative covers or colorful spines to brighten up your decor.
14) Add warmth with comfy bedding
The right bedding can instantly make your room look decorated and homey if you can’t decorate the whole room right away. If your room has a bold paint color, using neutral-colored bedding can add texture while also creating depth and interest to your space. Alternatively, if your room has a neutral color palette, you can play around with different colors or patterns in your bedding.
When creating the ultimate comfy bedroom, one can’t forget the textiles to transform a bare bedroom. Adorning your bedroom with soft throws- chenille or faux fur are great options – and fluffy pillows can instantly add a cozy touch to any space, making your bedroom feel more welcoming.
15) Finally, make a house a home by setting up a hobby area
Whether your hobby is painting, reading, or even solving puzzles, make room for it. Dedicating a space in your home, like a nook or bonus room, for your hobbies will not only make it easier to do what you love, but it allows your personality and interests to shine throughout your home. Not to mention, having an area to yourself can allow you to concentrate on doing what you love all while making your house feel more like a home.
Your house should make you feel welcomed as soon as you step through the door, but this feeling isn’t something that always happens on its own. Once the movers have left, and the chaos of moving has calmed down, it’s time to start focusing on putting down roots in your new space to help make your new house a home.
There are many ways to invoke the cozy, warm feeling that makes a house a home without a complete remodel or shopping spree. So, whether you just moved into your new home in Boston, MA, or need to personalize your studio in Albany, NY, here are 15 simple ideas you can use so your house can start feeling like a proper home.
1) Create an inviting entryway
The front door and entryway can set the mood of your entire home. After all, it’s the first thing you see when you and your guests first step into your space. Make your front entrance more inviting by keeping it clear of leaves and debris and accessorize with a welcome mat and a few potted plants. Adding a bench or a clothes rack will also help keep your entryway neat and tidy, plus it makes a great first impression. Equally, painting the front door can give your house a fresh, new look in one afternoon. Feel free to choose a fun, contrasting color that aligns with your style.
2) Make your home more zen
Turning your house into a home starts with ensuring that you feel instantly at peace when you enter a room. But if you’re having difficulty feeling relaxed, there may be particular reasons why. If the sight of a messy, disorganized room is causing you stress, you might want to start decluttering and letting go of items that don’t bring you joy. Choosing random decor items to fill up empty spaces in your home can make a space feel cramped, and can add too many contrasts between your wall colors or furnishings. When choosing decor, artwork, or pictures, be sure to pick items that have special meaning to you. By identifying the areas in your home causing you stress, you can begin making your home a more zen space.
3) Improve your living space with home upgrades
Upgrading spaces in your home can go a long way in making you feel more settled. Bathrooms and kitchens are high-traffic areas in a home, so prioritizing home upgrades in these areas can ensure that you’re tackling the places that make the biggest impact. Installing new appliances can give your kitchen a facelift, but if you’re working with a smaller budget, select the most outdated or worn-looking one and replace it. Likewise, swapping out an old showerhead with one that has better water pressure can instantly elevate space and improve the quality of life in your home.
4) Use cozy area rugs to help make a house feel like home
An area rug can instantly warm up a space and make it more inviting. Area rugs can help ground furniture, and an artistically designed rug can also add more interest to a space. When selecting a rug, take the room’s size and arrangement into account. Ensure all of your furniture is on the area rug or at least touching a portion of the rug to give the space a cohesive look.
5) Dressing up empty walls with artwork
Blank walls can add an unfinished element to your house, preventing your house from feeling truly lived in. Displaying your favorite pieces of art can act as the finishing element to pull a space together and make a house a home. And the best part is that it’s a budget-friendly way to complete a room. When selecting your artwork, keep the room’s function, size, and decor style in mind. After that, you have the freedom to choose artwork that you love and will be happily displayed in your home.
For living rooms and areas where guests spend the most time, choose a large-scale piece as a focal point or incorporate multiple art pieces into a gallery wall. Pieces with soothing, cool-toned colors and abstract prints are great additions for areas for relaxation like a den or bedroom.
6) Bring nature inside with indoor plants
Indoor plants don’t just add a pop of greenery to a space, they can also breathe life into a dull room. Houseplants help us feel more relaxed and can even improve our home’s indoor air quality. They come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, so if you live in a shady studio in Portland, OR with only a few windows, or a home with lots of natural light in Seattle, Washington, you can still find ways to incorporate plants into your decor.
For home offices or areas with low light in your home, stick to low-maintenance plants like lucky bamboo or succulents. These plants are compact enough to keep on a desk or side table and thrive in shaded areas. To add drama to larger rooms, such as living or dining rooms, money trees or fiddle leaf figs are great statement plant options. Plus, the right planter can add another design element to your home.
7) Keep the clutter to a minimum
Identifying the key areas in your space that you’ll keep tidy will make life in your home more pleasant. It’s easy to believe in the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality when decluttering, but actively keeping your living area clean will allow you to fully relax in your space without being constantly stressed by the sight of messy areas. Instead of stowing items that are no longer used in designated “junk drawers,” take the time to go through and pick out items that no longer have sentimental value, use, or have similar functions to items you already have. And if the thought of decluttering your home is too daunting, consider hiring a professional organizing service to help you get your space in order.
8) Add scented candles or diffusers
A house filled with inviting smells can instantly make a house feel like home. With various candles, diffusers, and scent plug-ins available on the market, there’s no shortage of ways to make your home smell good. Choose your favorite and fill your home with the aroma of sweet vanilla, sharp citrus, or fresh linens in minutes. For more natural smelling scents, you can opt for essential oils, such as lavender or jasmine, which comes with the benefits of being natural stress relievers.
9) Make a house a home by layering the lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in affecting a room’s mood and is an essential design element when making a house feel like a home. If your house feels dark and cramped, you can switch up your lighting by adding and layering light sources to make it feel more warm and welcoming. While brighter lights are needed to illuminate kitchens and workspaces, using fluorescent overhead lighting in living rooms or dens can make the space appear harsh. Instead, opt for ambient light sources that use mellower, warmer lighting. Wall sconces, table, or floor lamps are excellent ambient lighting sources that can cast a warm, cozy glow on any room.
10) Frame your windows with curtains
Window curtains are great accent pieces in a room. Replacing them is an easy way to switch up the room’s look and add a lived-in look to any space in one easy step. Personalize your windows by adding new window dressings to instantly warm up your home and showcase your style. Not only does adding beautiful curtains or shades improve your home’s appearance, they can also decorate blank walls, separate a room into sections, or even create fun little reading nooks in children’s bedrooms.
11) Showcase family mementos or antiques
Make your house feel like home by incorporating sentimental pieces in your decor, such as family mementos or antiques, to personalize your space. As you plan the display locations for your keepsakes, group related items together to help create a cohesive look in your home design. Items such as wedding photos, important documents, or certificates can be grouped in a gallery wall, while trophies or souvenirs can be displayed on a shelf together.
When displaying sentimental photos, pick frames that can protect the paper from damage or fading from ultraviolet (UV) rays over time. If you’re planning on including antiques or other precious items as decor, consider purchasing shadow boxes or display cases for them. Cases will protect the objects from harm and prevent dust or grime from settling on the fragile objects.
12) Freshen up your home with a coat of paint
Painting your walls can give your space an instant facelift and can go a long way in refreshing a home. Plus, it’s a great way to customize your home and make it your own. If you’re not ready to undertake an entire painting project, you can pick smaller areas in your home, like a bedroom or powder room. You can even opt to paint a few accent walls throughout your home to warm up the space and give it pops of color.
13) Personalize your shelves with books
A stack of well-loved paperbacks or a decorative coffee table book is a great way to bring personal touches into your home. Books are an easy and budget-friendly way to embellish your decor and can be used as statement accessories to pull a space together. And, the sight of a filled bookshelf can instantly give a room a homey feel. If you have an extensive book collection, use a blank wall in your home to create a book wall by displaying them in a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. You can also choose books with decorative covers or colorful spines to brighten up your decor.
14) Add warmth with comfy bedding
The right bedding can instantly make your room look decorated and homey if you can’t decorate the whole room right away. If your room has a bold paint color, using neutral-colored bedding can add texture while also creating depth and interest to your space. Alternatively, if your room has a neutral color palette, you can play around with different colors or patterns in your bedding.
When creating the ultimate comfy bedroom, one can’t forget the textiles to transform a bare bedroom. Adorning your bedroom with soft throws- chenille or faux fur are great options – and fluffy pillows can instantly add a cozy touch to any space, making your bedroom feel more welcoming.
15) Finally, make a house a home by setting up a hobby area
Whether your hobby is painting, reading, or even solving puzzles, make room for it. Dedicating a space in your home, like a nook or bonus room, for your hobbies will not only make it easier to do what you love, but it allows your personality and interests to shine throughout your home. Not to mention, having an area to yourself can allow you to concentrate on doing what you love all while making your house feel more like a home.
Fresh off his travels from the Netflix show “Down to Earth,” Zac Efron is taking care of some business back in L.A. The actor just listed his scenic perch in the hills of Los Feliz for $5.9 million.
A sale would cap a seven-year stay for Efron, who paid $4 million for the property in 2013. He made some changes during his time there, updating the swimming pool and spa with a waterfall to take advantage of the scenic setting with views from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean.
The contemporary compound sits at the end of a gated driveway in the Oaks, a coveted neighborhood sidled up against the Hollywood Hills that’s home to celebrities and architectural landmarks such as Lloyd Wright’s iconic Mayan Revival-style masterpiece known as the Samuel-Novarro House.
Efron’s place spans 5,644 square feet with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a handful of Zen-inspired living spaces, each with sweeping views of the city below. A long, covered entry approaches the home, and inside, wood floors, accent walls and custom fireplaces give the common spaces character.
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The hillside home. (Jeff Elson)
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The entry. (Jeff Elson)
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The foyer. (Jeff Elson)
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The staircase. (Jeff Elson)
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The living room. (Jeff Elson)
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The dining area. (Jeff Elson)
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The office. (Jeff Elson)
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The kitchen. (Jeff Elson)
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The family room. (Jeff Elson)
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The game room. (Jeff Elson)
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The bedroom. (Jeff Elson)
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The bathroom. (Jeff Elson)
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The gym. (Jeff Elson)
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The deck. (Jeff Elson)
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The spa. (Jeff Elson)
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The view from the spa. (Jeff Elson)
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The pool. (Jeff Elson)
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The outdoor lounge. (Jeff Elson)
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The view. (Jeff Elson)
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The two-story home. (Jeff Elson)
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The hillside home at night. (Jeff Elson)
A brick wall stretches behind a gold fountain in the sky-lit foyer, and the adjacent kitchen adds clerestories and oversize windows. Floating stairs descend to an indoor-outdoor game room on the lower level.
Three stories of decks and balconies hang off the back of the home, which stretches laterally across its hillside lot. The spa is tucked into the dining patio, and its runoff water cascades down to the swimming pool a story below. The property covers just under an acre.
Kathrin Nicholson of the Agency holds the listing.
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A native of San Luis Obispo, Efron rose to fame through the “High School Musical” trilogy from 2006-2008. In the years since, the 33-year-old has starred in “17 Again,” “Neighbors,” “Dirty Grandpa,” “Baywatch” and the 2019 film “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.”
From NYC to PDX — these renters made the move and even found room for a pup!
When former New Yorkers Erica Warren and Cici Harrison drove across the country and settled in the Pacific Northwest, they had a list of criteria for their new rental.
They’d need a parking space, a home office so Erica could work remotely and, of course, a yard so they could adopt a dog. And this rental couldn’t be too splashy, because a cross-country move is expensive enough.
All of this complicated their search in Portland’s tough rental market. Luckily the couple were able to stay locally with friends until they found the right rental. And their new home ticks all the boxes — while requiring some minor compromises to make it all work.
We chatted with Warren to hear how she and her wife navigated a cross-country move, including finding a home in a new city and making their new rental feel like home.
Where is your home, and how long have you lived there? We’re in the Southeast, specifically the Richmond neighborhood. We moved there in March of 2017, and we’ve been there a year and a half.
How did you find your rental? When we got here, we were staying with Marty and Tera, our friends who live here locally. The day after we arrived, there was the biggest snowstorm Portland had ever had in 30 years. That put a damper on our apartment searching, because we couldn’t drive our car or get anywhere. This place was actually the first one we saw, because it was in walking distance from Marty and Tera’s house.
We heard about it because Tera had sent an email around at her job asking if anyone had a lead on a rental. Someone else who worked with her had recently purchased a duplex and was looking for renters for the other side.
We walked over and saw it, and it was a very nice place. But it was the first place we looked at. We had no context for if it was a good deal or not. Of course, it seemed like a good deal to us, coming from New York. I was like, “It has a washer and dryer, it has a yard — I’ll pay any amount of money for that!”
So we didn’t say yes right away, and then we probably spent the next two or three weeks looking at places. We looked at about a dozen places all over the city. We saw all the different variations.
At some point we were almost ready to sign a lease on a 1 bedroom in a new apartment complex. It was, on paper, everything we were looking for. And Cici, out of nowhere, goes, “Why didn’t we want that first place that we looked at?” The one we were going to sign a lease for was 1 bedroom, and this was 2 bedrooms, and it was bigger, and the monthly rent was less. And we were like, “Oh, that was a much better place!” So we emailed the landlords to see if it was still available, and it was.
What price range were you looking for, and what did you end up paying? We were looking in the $1,500-$1,700 per month range. This place ended up being right in the middle. It was $1,600 when we started the first year we were here, and it’s now $1,685. It seems like a pretty reasonable price for the neighborhood we’re in, because the rental market in Portland seems to be growing so fast.
What was the application and approval process like? It was really straightforward. Our landlords live on the other side of the duplex, and they’re really nice people. I think they were looking for good neighbors as much as they were looking for good tenants. So I think that also helped with the relationship.
Were there any surprise fees? We paid first month’s rent and a security deposit. The only extra fee when we moved in — we had just adopted Billie, and they had a $25 monthly dog rent. Which they told us about beforehand, because we were very particular about wanting a building that would allow us to adopt a dog. We got her a month after we moved in.
What was your cost of moving across the country? We paid about $5,000 total for a full-service moving company, which is a lot of money. It was our biggest moving expense, but all we had to do was box up our things. They sent a whole team of people, packed our stuff into a storage cube, stored the cube for us, and then when we found a place, shipped it across the country. We didn’t have to do any of the logistics, and we didn’t have to do any of the carrying of things — we just had to pack a few boxes and unpack the boxes when we got here.
New York is notorious for small apartments. Is your Portland space bigger or smaller? It’s slightly bigger, and I feel like it’s most noticeable in the kitchen. The kitchen that we have here is two or three times bigger than what we had in New York. I didn’t know how much I wanted a really nice kitchen, but now that I have one, I’m like yes, this is exactly where we needed the extra space!
We also have outdoor space, which makes a huge difference. It’s not huge — it’s more like a patio than a yard. We have a little grill, and we can sit out there on a nice day. Plus, it’s got a fence, so we can let our dog out.
Did you have any challenges making the place functional? Nothing major. It was built in the ’60s or ’70s, but the landlords had renovated our unit before we moved in, so the kitchen, bathroom and flooring were all brand new — you know, everything works and is nicely designed, so that helped.
I did a little bit of work in the yard, just because it was a little muddy, and it’s Portland, so it’s wet in the winter, and Billie likes to dig. I got some pebble stones to fill in some of the muddy areas. We got into some light container gardening, because we never had outdoor space in Brooklyn. So we have a little blueberry bush, some star jasmine and some other little things I’m trying not to kill.
What else have you done to make your rental feel like home? We painted a couple accent walls, which our landlords were totally fine with. We have this wide picture window in the living room that faces the road, but because of that you can see right into our house. So we got a custom shade that you can pull up from the bottom or pull down from the top, just so that we can have privacy but also sunlight if we want.
How long do you think you’ll stay? I don’t know specifically. When we moved in, we talked about how we’d love to stay here until we’re in a position to buy a house. One day I’d like to own a house — a dining room would be nice at some point in my life. But where we’re at right now, this is the right amount of space, and it’s a really great neighborhood.
What do you want from your next place, other than a dining room? A big fenced-in yard for Billie! Cici’s mom sent us an article about how the thing that’s finally getting millennials to buy houses is their dogs.
I’d also like a little bit more guest space so we could have people visit more frequently, because all of our family is on the East Coast.
And this is 100 percent because Cici has already claimed it — whatever house we buy has to have a basement so that she can play drums there. Number one is a yard for Billie, and number two is a basement for a drum kit and band practice.
Erica’s tips for finding a rental in a new city
1. Look around to get a sense of the market
Look at as many places as possible. Because even if you don’t want that unit, it gives you a sense of the market. So when you do find a good deal, you know that you have a good deal.
2. Know where you’re willing to compromise
If you have enough money that you don’t have to make sacrifices in renting, you probably don’t need to be renting. So everything’s a trade-off. There’s not a perfect rental out there. So it’s like, “This place has 2 bedrooms, but it’s more expensive, or this place has a bigger yard, but it’s farther out.”
3. Get a little help from your friends
We were so lucky to stay with Marty and Tera in their guest room until we found our own place. And Tera emailed co-workers to see if they knew of any rentals, which is how we ended up finding this place.
4. Conserve your energy and hire a full-service moving and storage company (if you can)
There’s enough stress in moving at all, amplified by moving cross-country. We probably could have gotten a U-Haul, packed it up, driven it cross-country and put our stuff into a storage unit here. But the logistics, let alone the physical labor, were not extra pieces of stress we needed. And even though it was really expensive, it was worth every penny.
Fresh off his travels from the Netflix show “Down to Earth,” Zac Efron is taking care of some business back in L.A. The actor recently listed his perch in the hills of Los Feliz for $5.9 million.
A sale would cap a seven-year stay for Efron, who paid $4 million for the property in 2013. He made some changes during his time there, updating the swimming pool and spa with a waterfall to take advantage of the scenic setting, with views from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean.
The contemporary compound sits at the end of a gated driveway in the Oaks, a coveted neighborhood up against the Hollywood Hills that’s home to celebrities and architectural landmarks such as Lloyd Wright’s Mayan Revival-style masterpiece the Samuel-Novarro House.
Efron’s place spans 5,644 square feet, with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a handful of Zen-inspired living spaces, each with sweeping views of the city below. A long, covered entry approaches the home. Inside, wood floors, accent walls and custom fireplaces give the common spaces character. A brick wall stretches behind a gold fountain in the sky-lit foyer, and the adjacent kitchen adds clerestories and oversize windows. Floating stairs descend to an indoor-outdoor game room.
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The home, with three stories of decks and balconies, stretches laterally across its hillside lot. The spa is tucked into the dining patio, and its runoff water cascades to the swimming pool a story below. The property covers just under an acre.
Kathrin Nicholson of the Agency holds the listing.
A native of San Luis Obispo, Efron rose to fame through the “High School Musical” trilogy from 2006 to 2008. In the years since, the 33-year-old has starred in “17 Again,” “Neighbors,” “Dirty Grandpa,” “Baywatch” and the 2019 film “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.”
A smooth handoff among celebrities
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In the middle of football season, Houston Texans receiver Randall Cobb managed to make a pass in Tarzana, quietly selling his traditional-style home in an off-market deal for $5.05 million.
Records reveal that the buyers were 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey and his wife, model-actress Vanessa Lachey, who picked up the property through the same trust they used to buy an Encino home in 2016.
It was a short stay for Cobb; he paid $4.76 million for the 7,000-square-foot home two years ago, The Times previously reported.
The amenity-loaded home includes a movie theater, wine cellar, gym, billiards room, swimming pool and basketball court.
(NearMap)
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Gated walls and hedges surround the house, which was built in 2014 and boasts Cape Cod style across two stories. Blue shutters adorn the white exterior. Inside, living spaces feature hardwood floors, coffered ceilings, paneled walls and pocketing doors.
Upstairs, the loft and primary suite — one of five bedrooms — extend to private terraces with views of the city. Other amenities include a billiards room, movie theater, gym and wine cellar.
There’s plenty of space out back as well, as covered patios adjoin a grassy lawn, outdoor kitchen, swimming pool and spa. At the edge of the property, steps descend to a full-size basketball court.
After a standout college career at Kentucky, Cobb was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. The 30-year-old made the Pro Bowl in 2014, and this April he signed a three-year deal with the Texans worth $27 million.
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Nick and Vanessa Lachey married in 2011. The couple co-hosted Netflix’s “Love Is Blind.”
Former Clipper keeps buying L.A. homes
With all the Los Angeles real estate moves Blake Griffin is making, you’d think he was still a Clipper. The Detroit Pistons star bought his second Brentwood home this year right before the start of the NBA season, shelling out $5.87 million for a 1930s traditional.
If he wants to visit his other Brentwood home, all he’ll have to do is hop the fence out back. His new spot sits directly behind his other one, a modern farmhouse that he bought in the spring for $19.1 million. If he combines the two lots, the compound will exceed an acre.
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His new place is the smaller of the two, covering about 5,900 square feet, with five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. A stone pathway winds through the frontyard, approaching a tan exterior marked by sets of shutters.
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The billiards room. (Noel Kleinman)
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The living room. (Noel Kleinman)
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The dining room. (Noel Kleinman)
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The kitchen. (Noel Kleinman)
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The primary bedroom. (Noel Kleinman)
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The spa tub. (Noel Kleinman)
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The covered lounge. (Noel Kleinman)
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The dining terrace. (Noel Kleinman)
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The backyard. (Noel Kleinman)
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The pool. (Noel Kleinman)
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The lawn. (Noel Kleinman)
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The landscaping. (Noel Kleinman)
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The 1930s home. (Noel Kleinman)
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The entry. (Noel Kleinman)
The living spaces could use an update, but highlights include a gym, wine cellar, kitchen with Brazilian granite and a billiards room with a massive stained-glass window. Upstairs, the primary suite features three closets.
Outside, the house wraps around a spacious stone terrace with an outdoor dining area and covered lounge with a fireplace. Down below, a backyard with tropical landscaping includes a swimming pool and spa.
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A native of Oklahoma, Griffin became the national college player of the year with the Sooners before being drafted first overall by the Clippers in 2009. He rose to stardom soon after, winning NBA rookie of the year in 2011 and becoming a six-time all-star.
Jordana Leigh of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills held the listing. F. Ron Smith and David Berg of the Smith & Berg Partners team at Compass represented Griffin.
Publishing royalty lands on the beach
It’s no Hearst Castle, but Anne Hearst’s new place is still pretty nice. The granddaughter of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, along with her husband, novelist Jay McInerney, paid $10.72 million for a Malibu beach house, The Times has confirmed.
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The oceanfront home hit the market over the summer for $11.95 million — the first time it was offered in more than 40 years. The purchase comes about a year after the publishing heiress’ home in the Hamptons was reportedly destroyed in a fire.
Built in 1930, the two-story home sits on one of Southern California’s most exclusive stretches of sand, Malibu Colony Beach, at one point the priciest neighborhood in all of Los Angeles County.
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The oceanfront home. (Hilton & Hyland)
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The bedroom. (Hilton & Hyland)
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The tile terrace. (Hilton & Hyland)
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The wood deck. (Hilton & Hyland)
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The dining area. (Hilton & Hyland)
The listing identifies the house as a California bungalow. It takes full advantage of the coastal setting with a patio for entertaining that ascends to a raised wood deck overlooking the coastline. Inside, four bedrooms and four bathrooms are spread across 2,520 square feet.
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Beamed ceilings top parquet floors in the common spaces. The living room boasts a brick fireplace. Other highlights include an open-concept dining area and galley-style kitchen lined with yellow tile.
Hearst is the daughter of former Hearst Chairman Randolph Apperson Hearst and the sister of Patty Hearst, who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army in the 1970s.
McInerney has been writing novels since the ’80s, including “Story of My Life,” “Brightness Falls” and “Bright Lights, Big City,” which was adapted into a movie starring Michael J. Fox. The pair married in 2006.
Hilton & Hyland’s Chad Rogers held the listing. Rick Hilton, Barron N. Hilton and Chad Rogers, all with Hilton & Hyland, represented Hearst and McInerney.
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Baseball vet swings for the fences
Major League Baseball veteran Asdrúbal Cabrera is hoping for a home run this offseason. After building a 9,300-square-foot mansion in Southwest Ranches, Fla., the slugger listed it for sale at $8.9 million.
The two-time all-star, who won a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019, said in a statement he was selling the home to focus on a more equestrian lifestyle.
The brand-new home was designed by Miami-based architecture firm Choeff Levy Fischman, which has built modern showplaces for New York Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez and Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard.
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The fire pit. (Alexia Fodore)
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The backyard. (Alexia Fodore)
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The living room. (Alexia Fodore)
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The dining room. (Alexia Fodore)
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The exterior. (Alexia Fodore)
Cabrera’s place covers two acres in the gated community of Landmark Ranch Estates. An 11-foot wooden door sets a dramatic tone. Inside, seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms are spread across two stories.
The sleek living spaces are marked by modern finishes, high-end appliances and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. There’s an Italian-inspired kitchen, a bonus room with a wet bar and a living room with a multilevel LED chandelier.
The second-story owner’s suite, accessible by elevator or a floating wood staircase, opens to one of two decks that line the back of the home. Other amenities include a gym, wine cellar and movie theater.
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Outside, a marble deck wraps around a swimming pool and spa. A sunken fire pit, basketball court and outdoor kitchen complete the property.
A native of Venezuela, Cabrera reached the big leagues in 2007. The 35-year-old switch-hitting slugger has played for the Cleveland Indians, Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers, cranking out 199 home runs and 827 RBIs. He is currently a free agent.
Giselle Bonetti of Coldwell Banker Realty holds the listing.
And since you spend around 90% of your time indoors, you might as well enjoy your home a bit more while growing its value.
10 Impactful Ways to Raise Your Home’s Value
The opportunities for upgrading your home are endless. But if you’re aiming to boost your home’s value, some upgrades are better than others. You’ll also need to consider whether you feel comfortable with certain DIY projects, or if you prefer to hire a professional.
You could rig-up a picket fence made of the leg lamps from A Christmas Story if you really wanted to, after all, but chances are it’d decrease your property value (if it didn’t burn down your house in the process, that is).
Instead, try one of these investment-friendly upgrades, according to the 2020 Cost vs. Value Report from RemodelingMagazine:
Stone Veneer
Garage Door Replacement
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Replace Siding
Replace Windows
Deck Addition
Replace Entry Door
Replace Roof
Remodel Bathroom
Major Kitchen Remodel
If you’re aiming to boost your home’s value, some upgrades are better than others.
1. Stone Veneer
Estimated cost: $9,357
It’s no secret that finding ways to add curb appeal is one of the quickest remodeling wins to increase your home’s value. Right now, one of the hottest trends is adding manufactured stone veneers to the exterior of your home, generally around the base or as accent walls.
You can DIY this, but it might be better to hire a professional because the materials are expensive. Plus, if you do it wrong, you could waste a lot of money and end up with a wonky result.
2. Garage Door Replacement
Estimated cost: $3,695
If you’re not keen on spending tens of thousands of dollars, a relatively quick win you can go for is simply replacing your garage door with a better model that includes a lifetime warranty. Again, this is one that’s better left to the pros because it’s an especially dangerous job for newbie DIYers. Besides, installing it yourself is likely to void the warranty anyway.
3. Minor Kitchen Remodel
Estimated cost: $23,452
If you don’t mind sitting around in some construction dust for a little while, doing your own minor kitchen remodel is definitely within the scope of DIYers. It’s also a common home remodel on HGTV and other media.
To reach the value-add touted by the survey, you’ll need to replace your oven or cooktop, refrigerator, cabinet doors, countertops, drawer fronts, flooring, and add new paint and trim. It requires a lot of changes, but if you have time to watch a few YouTube tutorials, you can do it yourself fairly easily.
4. Replace Siding
Estimated cost: $14,359 to $17,008
Another big curb-appeal booster is simply replacing your home’s siding. But not all siding is created equal. Fiber-cement siding costs slightly more and recoups slightly more of the cost. The difference, however, isn’t huge and might vary for your individual case.
Vinyl siding is easier to maintain and install, but isn’t as fire-resistant as fiber-cement — an increasingly important consideration if you live in the arid West. No matter which type you choose, you might need to rent specialized equipment, like scaffolding, unless you’re an NBA athlete working on a single-story house.
5. Replace Windows
Estimated cost: $17,641 to $21,495
Old, leaky, rackety windows aren’t great for curb appeal or energy-efficiency. That’s why replacing them can also be a good idea. If you’re nervous about smashing them (and we wouldn’t blame you), you can hire a professional. Otherwise, it’s a job that’s possible for most DIYers.
If you have standard-sized windows, you can get ready-made windows from a home supply store. But you’ll likely need to custom-order them to fit your own home.
6. Deck Addition
Estimated cost: $14,360 to $19,856
Decks are one of the easiest home additions to DIY, as long as you have basic carpentry and tool safety skills. You can take your time with decks since they’re outside of your home and not directly in your everyday living space. Composite decks are slightly more expensive than wooden decks but have the advantage of longevity and less maintenance necessary over the years.
7. Replace Entry Door
Estimated cost: $1,881
Another easy and low-cost project, replacing the front door gives you an instant boost to your curb appeal. Just about anyone can do it with the help of YouTube video tutorials and a good, strong arm.
8. Replace Roof
Estimated cost: $24,700 to $40,318
Your roof is literally the cap to your home. Replacing the roof is a big job, and although hammering in shingles seems easy (and it is), it’s generally best left to the professionals. A professionally-installed roof comes with a warranty, and takes a day or two to complete.
If you DIY this home improvement project, you’ll lose the warranty, and it could take you longer to complete the job. And the longer your roofing project lingers, the longer your home is vulnerable to damage.
Another point to remember — metal roofs are far more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs, but they also tend to last longer and require less maintenance.
9. Remodel Bathroom
Estimated cost: $21,377 to $34,643
As long as you’re not making major changes to the plumbing and electrical systems underlying the fixtures, a bathroom remodel is possible on your own. This is an especially common remodel for many DIYers, because along with the kitchen and the bedroom, it’s a daily-use room.
10. Major Kitchen Remodel
Estimated cost: $68,490 to $135,547
If you’re looking to bring a 1950s-style kitchen into the 21st century, it’ll take a bit more than some extra spit and glue. You’ll need to make big changes, like adding in a vented range hood for those blackened-fish tacos, new recessed and under-cabinet lighting, new cabinets, and even adding in an island for better cooking options. For that reason, it’s usually better to hire a professional team who can make sure everything’s wired up right.
Your Mileage May Vary
Here’s something to consider: on average, you’ll only recoup a portion of your cost if you complete the upgrade and then sell your home in the same year. That might seem a bit disappointing — shouldn’t you be able to recoup all of the cost, and then some?
Remember, your specific case might be very different depending on a lot of factors, like what area of your home could use work. For example, if your exterior looks tired and the siding is falling off, upgrading that rather than adding a new deck might give you a better payoff.
Another factor affecting your return on investment is how long you let your home’s value appreciate, before selling it. Adding a stone veneer can help you recoup 96% of your cost in the first year. However, in the second year, consider whether you can boost the value of your home by more than you paid for the upgrade.
If you plan on selling your home in the future, asking a local realtor or real estate investor which upgrades are best for your particular home can be worthwhile. After all, market conditions vary dramatically cross the country and no two homes are exactly the same.
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There are lots of reasons we’re looking to slam the door shut on 2020. But how about leaving your old house behind and toasting new beginnings in the new year?
We’ve found 11 great homes on the market right now that are brand-new—all ready for you to move in and make a fresh start.
The dwellings we’ve found might provide positive vibes as you embark on your 2021 journey. Besides their desirable locations, many offer such new-home perks as energy efficiency and smart home features.
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And when a home has just been built, you’ll spend less time phoning the plumber or tackling a DIY project. That leaves you ample time to curl up with a book, whip up a feast with all those new appliances, or simply sip a drink on your new back porch.
We’re happy to raise a glass and toast to a new year, and to cheer on these 11 new homes. Pour yourself some bubbly, and let’s take a tour of some of these fresh builds.
Price: $879,000 Spiffy specs: This new, energy-efficient construction in the Piety Corner District was meticulously designed by a premier builder.
Features include soffit ceilings, crown moldings, nickel-gap accent walls, stained hardwood floors, built-ins, and a gas fireplace.
The layout features a chef’s kitchen with new appliances, a mudroom, and a master suite with a walk-in closet and en suite bath. The basement has a finished bonus room. A backyard offers a paver terrace and professional landscaping.
Waltham, MA
realtor.com
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Price: $589,900 Spiffy specs: This custom-built home has hardwood floors, three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,650 square feet of living space. Highlights include a kitchen with quartz counters, upgraded appliances, and dark wood cabinetry.
The open living area comes with a fireplace, and the windowed dining area features a modern chandelier. The outdoor space includes a covered rear deck and a lot of almost 1 acre.
Raleigh, NC
realtor.com
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Price: $457,881 Spiffy specs: You can’t get newer than this. This residence is scheduled to be completed in January. Located close to the Braves’ stadium and the Silver Comet Trail, the home abuts a green space.
Inside, the three-bedroom home includes hardwood stairs, a bedroom or home office with full bathroom on the first floor, and a kitchen with upgraded quartz counters, a large island, pendant lights, and microwave drawer.
A family room has a beautiful beamed ceiling, with plenty of windows. The owner’s suite includes two closets, as well as a bathroom with a double vanity and a walk-in shower. Outside, the back deck is perfect for grilling and relaxing outside with friends and family.
Atlanta, GA
realtor.com
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Price: $1,695,000 Spiffy specs:This modern home offers four bedrooms in a spacious, 4,350-square-foot interior. Luxe details include designer finishes, wood floors, and soaring ceilings.
The open-concept living area features a custom gas fireplace and views of the outdoors. The owner’s suite has a private entry to the backyard, and there are two more en suite guest bedrooms. A game room accesses the pool.
The large lot includes a private pool and spa, as well as over 1,000 square feet of covered outdoor space. Located in the gated community of Reunion Reserve, the tranquil Hill Country setting features green space and proximity to downtown Austin.
Austin, TX
realtor.com
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Price: $598,000 Spiffy specs:Get all the benefits of suburbia without leaving the city. This four-bedroom home comes with a luxurious master suite, walk-in tiled shower, upper-level laundry, and hardwood floors.
The living and dining area on the main floor features an open kitchen with island seating. You can also host visitors or an au pair in a guest suite in the fully finished basement.
Minneapolis, MN
realtor.com
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Price: $299,900 Spiffy specs: This home has not yet been built, but the idea is tempting. You can customize it to your exact tastes, adding square footage or a finished basement. The contemporary, designer home will include large windows, 10-foot ceilings, and abundant light.
Outside, the exterior design will feature a front porch and a two-car garage. Other perks include an Energy Star rating that qualifies for the city’s 15-year tax abatement.
In addition, the locale is close to Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Cleveland, OH
realtor.com
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Price: $639,500 Spiffy specs: Fall for this three-bedroom charmer in the heart of the Irish Channel neighborhood. Just completed, the interior features an open first-floor layout with exposed beam ceiling, antique pine wood flooring, cove crown molding, and a kitchen with quartz counters.
The adjacent family room looks out on the backyard. Details include deep covered porches, a security system, LED recessed lighting, and tall ceilings.
New Orleans, LA
realtor.com
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Price: $629,500 Spiffy specs:This custom-designed home with a tile roof fits right into its natural surroundings. The four-bedroom space features a fireplace, tall ceilings with wood beams, and plank wood-tile flooring.
Outside the living room, there’s a covered patio with fireplace. A glorious open kitchen features a granite island and bar seating.
An owner’s suite has a luxurious bathroom with a walk-in shower, tub, and walk-in closet. The study, complete with a fireplace, could be converted into another bedroom.
Santa Fe, NM
realtor.com
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Price: $520,000 Spiffy specs: This super-modern abode offers contemporary design packed into a two-bedroom floor plan. An open layout includes an airy living, dining, and kitchen space.
Other details include luxury vinyl plank floors, stainless appliances, and quartz counters. It’s also a green build, complete with parking wired for an electric vehicle.
Seattle, WA
realtor.com
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Price: $1,299,000 Spiffy specs: With 360-degree bay views from the private rooftop deck—and just a two-minute walk to the water—this sparkling three-bedroom home is a beach lover’s paradise. The modern, open-concept layout features a combined kitchen and living area, and a two-car garage with an electric car port.
San Diego, CA
realtor.com
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Price: $525,000 Spiffy specs: Live the dream in the wine country. This Northern California three-bedroom includes a spacious master suite.
The modern floor plan features a kitchen, breakfast bar, living room, and garage with interior access to the main floor. The 1,027-square-foot abode is close to shopping, dining, and transportation, and, of course, wineries.
A new year is the perfect time for new beginnings, especially when it comes to your home decor. And what better space to refresh than the room where you start each new day?
To provide you with inspiration for your decor endeavors, we turned to Instagram (as we do every week) and we scrolled through hundreds of bedroom posts, seeking out the cutting-edge looks that racked up the most likes. And, as always, we’ve got the details on how to steal the look.
So whether you’re looking to bring a bold new look into your bedroom this year, or just to make a few meaningful additions, we’ve got you covered. Here are five first-look bedroom trends of 2021.
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1. Sage-green bedding
Quite possibly the easiest way to remake your bedroom this year is by updating the main focal point (aka your bed) in a trending color, like this sage-green linen featured by @homewithkelsey.
“Sage green has been a trending color in home decor for years now, so it’s no surprise it’s made its way from kitchen cabinets and wall paint to bed linens,” says designer Andra DelMonico of Next Luxury.
“The color is soft and sophisticated, giving your space an elegant, relaxing feel. Try pairing your sage bedding with wood grains and other soft colors, like pale yellow, cream, or even pastel pink,” she says.
Get the look: Add some sophisticated sage-green vibes to your bedroom with this Palmer linen blend duvet cover.
2. Midnight accent wall
Looking to make an even bigger change to your bedroom in the new year? Look no further than this midnight accent wall featured by @mikaswohnsinn.
“Black is bold, sophisticated, and a bit masculine,” says DelMonico. “Painting an accent wall black can give your home a sleek and modern feel, and it can also bring depth and coziness to a space by reducing the amount of harsh, bright white. Pair your black wall with lighter or bright furniture pieces and accents to keep the room feeling welcoming.”
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Watch: Step by Step: How to Clean a Mattress
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Get the look: Bring some midnight magic into your space with this Pitch Black paint by Farrow & Ball, or get even bolder with this Crocodile black wallpaper from Graham & Brown.
3. Black and white tribal rug
Speaking of bold, we can’t get enough of these trending black and white tribal rugs—like this one from @arrowsandbow.
“Tribal rugs are popular due to their geometric patterns and plush textures,” says Kobi Karp of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design.
“The black and white style is admired for the minimalistic and monochromatic elements, while this tribal look is part of the boho style, one of the most popular and rising trends in fashion and interior design,” says Karp. “A tribal rug like this one also has an artisan feel to it, which gives it a unique human and cultural aesthetic that people really seek out.”
Get the look: Upgrade your bedroom with a unique cultural aesthetic, including this nuLOOM Savannah Moroccan fringe rug.
4. Iron canopy bed frame
This trending iron canopy frame from @greywillowdesign is sure to give your space that one-of-a-kind vibe in the new year.
“The canopy bed has made a comeback, especially during the unprecedented times of 2020,” says Karp. “People tend to want to be in spaces that bring a sense of comfort and safety, one of the main features this bed frame provides. The iron material brings a modern twist to a classic structure as well as a luxurious appeal to the bedroom, and a bit of rustic charm.”
Get the look: Bring a bit more charm and comfort into your bedroom with this Bhupender canopy bed.
5. Vintage screen
We might have saved the best for last with this gorgeous vintage screen featured by @chairishbydesign.
“With vintage design styles making a comeback, this is the perfect way to add both an old and new design feature in your space,” says Karp. “A vintage screen like this one adds a reflective and eye-catching aesthetic. This trend works because it adds style, beauty, and versatility—as it can mimic a headboard or be used as a room divider.”
Get the look: Bring some of that romantic je ne sais quoi into your bedroom this season with one of these Claribel room dividers.
