Located on The Drive, Island City Traders is Wilton Manors’ largest retailer and a mainstay of the city, opening up almost 20 years ago.
“We opened our doors during a time when Wilton Manors growth was in its infancy, and turned what used to be a hardware store into a furniture showroom,” said general manager Aaron Rochester. “We are so grateful to be recognized by our community. It feels absolutely wonderful to hear that we have the support and confidence of the people we serve.”
In the mood for a house or apartment makeover? This is the place to go. They carry a wonderful selection of contemporary and mid-century designer furniture peppered with unique home decor items from around the globe. There is a collection of furniture, rugs, accessories and original lighting fixtures.
“While our style has evolved and changed over the years, we remain focused on being an industry leader in style and trends,” he said. “We pride ourselves in our ability to find our clients unique and quality pieces that reflect their personal style.”
Make sure you stop in before year’s end to take advantage of their deep discounts.
It’s Not Enough to Love Disney. They Want to Live Disney.
For some, a dream is a wish your heart makes at home.
Kelsey Hermanson in a “The Little Mermaid”-themed bathroom at her Seattle-area home. Each room in her 3,300-square-foot house has its own Disney-inspired theme. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary on Monday.Credit…Meron Tekie Menghistab for The New York Times
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Oct. 13, 2023
The Mickey Mouse-shaped topiaries in front of Kelsey Hermanson’s house are the first hint at what visitors will find inside.
“You know how when you’re walking through a Disney park, and you have the option to go to Tomorrowland or to Fantasyland, and you have these different worlds that you get to sort of walk through and be in?” said Ms. Hermanson, 37. “That’s kind of how our house is.”
That is to say, each room in Ms. Hermanson’s 3,300-square-foot Seattle home has its own Disney-inspired theme.
The stairwell, for instance, pays tribute to “Peter Pan” with star-shaped pendant lighting fixtures, vintage décor on the windowsill that recalls Captain Hook’s galleon and wall decals of Wendy, her siblings and Peter scaling the wall.
warm hospitality — and so on and so forth. “Our house is not subtle by any stretch of the word,” said Ms. Hermanson, a stay-at-home mom and content creator, of the home she shares with her husband, Eric, and two children. “But I think the styling is a little bit more elegant.” That is to say, the Disney characters aren’t always so obvious in her rooms and she doesn’t plaster her home in merchandise.
The desire to take home a piece of the Walt Disney Company, which marks its 100th anniversary on Oct. 16, goes back to the company’s earliest days. Walt Disney himself began selling Disney merchandise in the late 1920s and Disney memorabilia, like an original Space Mountain vehicle which sold at auction for $40,000, can garner high bids.
partnerships with Ruggable and the wallpaper manufacturer Sanderson. For some grown-up Disney evangelists (also known as “Disney adults”), it’s not enough to pepper in a few Donald and Mickey tchotchkes — they want the whole house swathed in Disney décor.
Part of Disney décor’s prevalence is its success on social media. On TikTok, for example, the hashtag “Disney home décor” has more than 42 million views and “Disney home” has over 275 million. Ms. Hermanson grew her Instagram following of more than 150,000 by sharing photos and videos of her rooms and her D.I.Y. projects.
Though Ms. Hermanson does earn some income from occasionalsponsored posts (not for Disney) and affiliate links, she maintains that her designs are for her enjoyment first. “If social media went away tomorrow, I’d still be happy and be like, ‘Well, I’m so glad I was able to bring my little idea to so many people,’” Ms. Hermanson said. “I’ll probably be 80 years old and still decorating.”
Ginny Phillips, a blogger in Nashville, takes cues from Disney’s parks with a dopamine décor twist. “It’s just that super happy, bright, rainbow explosion,” said Ms. Phillips, 39. “I really think that it does boost my mood.” She shares her house with her husband and three children (all of whom, she said, are happily onboard with the Disney-inspired décor).
step-by-step tutorial, and people are still, almost four years later, recreating that,” she said. A gallery wall of Disney artwork sits opposite the hallway.
In her office, Ms. Phillips painted a rainbow version of the Spaceship Earth design, and incorporated retro accents like a burnt orange sofa set against a backdrop of rainbow-hued wooden planks and a monorail print. “The parks are just so, so important to me, and there’s so much nostalgia there because I visited as a kid,” Ms. Phillips said. “But then also my kids have grown up there.”
Adriane Brown, an associate professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. The “Disney renaissance” refers to the decade between 1989 to 1999 in which Disney’s animated films took on more Broadway-like qualities and sharper animation, with films like “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Tarzan.” Notably, the era produced “Beauty and the Beast” which, in 1991, became the first animated film to receive a Best Picture nomination by the Academy Awards.
experienced growth beyond the films: The brand expanded into the cruise industry, purchased Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, and saw the Disney Channel become a central part of youth culture.
“I think the nostalgia millennials in particular have for Disney comes from growing up in a Disney-saturated media culture,” Professor Brown said. The television element was particularly instrumental in introducing children at home to Disney characters. “After Disney bought ABC in 1995, characters on ABC sitcoms — particularly the TGIF comedy block, which was popular with families — started visiting Disneyland and Disney World,” she said. “For many ’90s kids, this was their first real look inside the parks.”
Golden Oak, a development in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., home prices start in the low millions (a 6,756-square-foot house currently on the market in the community is available for just shy of $12,000,000) and that’s not counting the décor.
Toni Sims, an interior designer in Orlando, worked on the Magic Kingdom’s design team before opening Toni Sims Design Studio and now has clients all over the country. For her clients in Golden Oak, she designs immersive Disney-themed rooms. “It’s like this challenge of, how can we give park-level-quality experience for our clients in their homes,” she said.
How Do the Pros Create Holiday Magic? (Yes, You Can Try This at Home.)
Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist or agnostic about holiday decorating, these designers have some suggestions for you.
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Dec. 1, 2023
It’s that time of year again. The Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, and the December holidays beckon.
Yes, it’s time to decorate.
Whether that means running wild with ribbon and lights, breaking out the family heirlooms or bringing in greenery and flowering bulbs, there are few firm dos and don’ts. But the goal is always the same: creating a festive environment that makes you happy, whichever holidays traditions you observe.
To see how the professionals do it, we followed a few — Jung Lee, an event designer; Elizabeth Roberts, an architect; and Peter Pennoyer, an architect, and his wife, Katie Ridder, an interior designer — as they prepared for a month of celebration.
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When Jung Lee, the founder of the event-design firm Fête and the Manhattan home and gift shop Jung Lee New York, decorates her TriBeCa apartment for the holidays, she lets herself get a little carried away.
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Elizabeth Roberts enjoys decorating for the holidays, but you won’t find much in the way of traditional Christmas decorations at this architect’s brownstone in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
“I don’t typically go all out,” said Ms. Roberts, 54, who shares the home with her husband, Michael McKnight, 55, their son, Dean, 14, and a rescue dog, Ace. “We typically don’t have a tree here. Or, if we’re hosting Christmas, we’ll often get a tree just the day before, and it comes down right after that.”
germination plate, a small ceramic disc with a hole in the center that can be placed above a glass vase, tumbler or jar to hold a bulb. (Spoiler alert: If you think you’re on Ms. Roberts’s holiday gift list this year, keep an eye on your mailbox.) “You start it at the beginning of December,” she said, “and by the end of December, it’s usually blooming.”
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For years, Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder used the holidays as an opportunity to travel with their children, Jane, now 30, Tony, 28, and Gigi, 23.
That meant “we often wouldn’t have as beautiful a Christmas tree,” Mr. Pennoyer, 66, said. “I remember one year in Hawaii when we ended up with something from Home Depot that was pink and about 19 inches tall.”
Mantua will host the first Christmas home decorating contest in its history this month.
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Deck the House winners will be selected by judges during the week of Monday, Dec. 18.
“Bob (Mayor Robert Zimmerman) had the idea after getting some inspiration from other townships,” said Joshua Cummings, a member of the township’s digital media team. “He thought it would be a good idea to do something to get the community together, something to celebrate the holidays, something fun, something new.
“I think the big thing with the challenge as a whole and the idea with it was to just get the community involved and engaged,” said Ben James, another team member. “I think it’s going to something nice to bring everyone together and have some holiday fun and everything like that.”
Registration for the contest began last month and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Mantua website. The contest is a collaboration between Zimmerman, the digital media team and the township recreation committee.
Houses will be judged on categories that include overall creativity, theme, lights and special effects. Decorations must be done by participants or those close to them, not professional decorators. Judges have yet to be determined, according to Zimmerman, but will likely be township officials.
“I had an idea, but I can’t put things into place and bring it to fruition,” Zimmerman noted. “I brought it to this (digital media) team a couple weeks ago and the rec committee. They have brought this to life, so without their efforts, there’s no way we would have been physically able this year to put it together on such short notice.”
According to Cummings, about 16 homes are registered for the contest as of Nov. 29, more than expected. Winners will be notified by email and receive a township proclamation, along with a small prize.
“It’s not like a competition where people are gonna get at each other,” James explained. “It’s just going to be very lighthearted … and bring people together. It’s not meant to be cut-throat.”
“This year is the first year, so we’re really kind of in the infancy stages of putting this together …” said the mayor. “We’re just gonna have an overall competition and winners.”
Deck the House could become an annual event in Mantua, according to Zimmerman.
“A lot will be dependent on how successful this is and how many people participate,” he noted. “We’re probably at a good number now; we certainly encourage people to register, but we want to make sure we can handle the judging and do everything the first year.
“If everything is successful, we’ll build off of it and promote it more for the future.”
In the realm of interior design, luxury is not defined by exorbitant expenses. Affordable luxury is a cornerstone that reshapes homes with elegance and practicality – transcending into an opportunity to amp up spaces.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Saniya Kantawala, Principal Designer and Founder of Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD), suggested, “Paying close attention to intricate elements such as hardware, trims, and finishes significantly impacts a space’s overall aesthetics. Consider upgrading standard doorknobs to ornate alternatives or replacing plain light fixtures with visually captivating options; these simple changes can transform a room’s design.”
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She highlighted, “Strategic accessorising is pivotal in achieving a sophisticated ambience within your home. Rather than overcrowding with numerous accessories, opt for high-quality pieces that command attention. A bold lighting fixture or sizable artwork can infuse an air of luxury into your space without overwhelming it. Think of a wicker headboard in the bedroom or a wallpaper or mural in the living area. This discerning approach to accessorising ensures an elegant, upscale look while maintaining balance and visual appeal.”
Given that luxury is something that is always desired when it comes to decorating one’s house yet the very thought of luxury evokes expensive interiors, Devika Khosla, Creative Director at The Works Interiors, shared, “One need not spend too much money to attain a luxurious look. With a few steps, it is easy to make a home feel luxurious without burning a hole in your pockets. Furniture is one of the main features of any space, and arranging it mindfully can be cost-efficient. Putting statement pieces can imbue a sense of opulence in any interior space by using affordable accent furniture pieces like a lounge chair, credenza, end table or side table.”
She added, “Vastness is another aspect associated with luxury, for which mirrors can be used in hallways or entrance foyers to create an illusion of space enlargement. Textiles can also be used in one’s favour when going for a luxurious touch. They can add layers to any space by using cushions and throws in various sizes and textures. Curtains can be placed to hang from the ceiling to give a loftier impression of the space. Alternatively, Sheer curtains soften the natural light and fill the space with a cosy yet luxurious warmth. Remember not to forget the rugs when going for a pocket-friendly makeover. When used in the living room, bedroom, and lounge area, they add warmth and luxury.”
Bringing her expertise to the same, Shubhra Dahiya, Partner at team3, said, “Transforming your home into a haven of affordable luxury is an artful journey achievable within budget constraints. I firmly believe that regardless of financial constraints, a home can exude elegance and character through thoughtful design choices. The first step on this path involves accessorising. Big cushions, vibrant throws or simply replacing pillow covers to complement the colour theme of your room can add a touch of panache. Maintaining a colour theme by using an element of the chosen colour in each room will give the house a common language and character. Large paintings, art pieces on an accent wall, or a combination of smaller pieces are a great opportunity to let the room be a reflection of one’s personality.”
She recommended, “Another avenue toward achieving opulent interiors without straining the budget lies in the art of repurposing. Refurbishing old tables, sofas, cupboards or chairs is a cost-efficient and innovative method for a chic interior. This blend of vintage and modern themes can be achieved by using colourful cotton fabrics, paints or heritage-tile inlays to make interesting conversation-starter pieces in your house. Embracing biophilia by adorning indoor and outdoor spaces with a variety of plants can enrich interiors and also foster a tranquil ambiance. Having potted and hanging plants in the verandah, courtyards or indoors lend a sense of calm. Plants of various sizes and textures can be chosen to match the aesthetic of your house and colour to create a reassuring atmosphere.”
In essence, it’s the subtle and cost-effective gestures that breathe life into a house, transforming it into an abode of comfort that reflects one’s personality. Through strategic accessorising, innovative repurposing and embracing biophilic design, a home can radiate luxury and refinement without burdening the budget—a testament to the art of creating affordable yet sumptuous living spaces.
Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines; she covers all things home and lifestyle across brands such as Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan, Delish, and Esquire. Before joining Hearst, she highlighted small business owners, creatives, and the best shoppable content.
Brooklinen’s Cyber Monday deals are already pretty great at 25 percent off by using the code CYBERMONDAY. This luxe down comforter is currently on sale, giving that “fresh hotel bed” comfort for less. Plus, you can customize heaviness with options like “lightweight,” “all-season,” and “ultra-warm,” so no matter how hot you run or cozy you want to be, you have options.
A motorized version of a Murphy bed makes raising and lowering the piece of furniture much easier thanks to a push button that puts the bed silently in place, as well as hides it again, in under 15 seconds.
Created by Odin Visser for Moooi, the contemporary, versatile suspension light is playful yet elegant, simple in functionality but visually intriguing.
The clock’s gently curved aluminum design, paired with its minimalist clock face typography, results in an iconic timepiece. It’s now available in four new colorways.
This series includes representations of some of the architect’s original masterpieces in the form of lighting, honing in on Wright’s refined style that highlights the relationships between natural and manmade elements.
The Toneoptic rpm isn’t your ordinary vinyl storage solution – it cleverly marries design and functionality to elevate your music listening experience.
Celebrating their 80th anniversary, the brand released a selection of home goods and furnishings from their archives with a colorful, contemporary refresh.
Melt gets you organized with four products that are 3D printed using bio-based filaments made from recycled food packaging waste with other compostable or renewable materials.
The IKEA research and design lab created Couch in an Envelope as a way to challenge traditional design and make it more sustainable, adaptable, and easy to transport.
Designer Sabine Marcelis’ 20-piece VARMBLIXT collection is a collaboration with IKEA that includes sculptural lighting objects, serveware, rugs, and more.
And the most popular Home Furnishings post of 2023 is…
IKEA had an amazing year of design and collaborations, with four posts included here acting as proof. This limited-edition series of 26 products, brings together Nordic design and self-care rituals. From furniture to glassware to textiles, vibrant patterns reflect nature back at you.
Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.
At Home CEO Lee Bird will retire effective Dec. 31, the company said Wednesday.
Bird, 58, has been at the company for 11 years and transformed it from a tired Houston-based brand called Garden Ridge into a fast-growing home superstore concept. He moved the headquarters to Plano and rebranded it At Home. A year ago the company moved into a new headquarters in Dallas.
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The departure is a surprise and most expected Bird to at some point lead the company out of private equity ownership with an initial public offering. At Home was taken private after a proxy challenge in July 2021 by Hellman & Friedman in a deal valued at $2.8 billion.
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At the time, Bird had said he believed At Home could more than double its store count to more than 600 locations and that it could do so faster as a private company.
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A CEO search is on, the company said in a statement.
In the meantime, an office of the CEO has been formed to run the business with Jeff Evans, president and chief merchandising officer; Jerry Murray, chief financial officer; and Ashley Sheetz, chief operating officer.
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Erik Ragatz, At Home’s lead director, will be the executive chairman. Ragatz was formerly a partner at Hellman & Friedman where he worked for more than 20 years and is listed as a senior adviser on H&F’s website.
“On behalf of the company, I want to thank Lee for his tremendous leadership of At Home over the last decade,” Ragatz said. “Lee helped build At Home into one of the great retailers across industries. As a leader and mentor, Lee has had a profound impact on At Home’s thousands of employees and will remain an important member of the At Home family for years to come.”
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Bird joined the company as CEO in December 2012 after executive positions at Gap, Old Navy and Nike. He led At Home from a chain of 58 stores and $364 million in revenue to 268 stores with almost $2 billion in annual sales. It went private after a successful period during the pandemic when Americans were sprucing up their homes. Sales increased 27.4% in 2020 to $1.74 billion.
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Bird wasn’t available for an interview.
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“Helping At Home become one of the nation’s top home decor retailers is one of the great honors of my career,” Bird said in a press release. He thanked staff who contributed to the company’s achievements.
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“Together, we have created a valuable, differentiated business with even more room for growth, and I’m confident in this team’s ability to continue to build on At Home’s track record of success,” Bird said.
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The 10-year-old is showing an enthusiasm for the holiday season that matches her famous family’s own
North West is truly feeling the Christmas spirit.
In a series of TikToks shared by the 10-year-old’s joint account with mom Kim Kardashian, North wore a “Sia-inspired” set of pigtails made of ribbons clipped to her hair. She doubled down on the festive outfit with a Christmas sweater of a Santa flexing his muscles that said, “Welcome to the North Swole.”
The pre-teen wore feather-hemmed plaid pants and Christmas socks to complete the look, which she wore as she danced around her beautifully decorated home to TikTok remixes of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Ariana Grande’s rendition of “Last Christmas,” and several of Sia’s holiday hits.
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Related: Kim Kardashian Takes Daughters North, 10, and Chicago, 5, to ‘Legendary’ Mariah Carey’s Christmas Show
Last week, North shared a closer look at some of the family home’s decor, set to a sped-up version of Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me.”
The pan of the room showed numerous Christmas trees — one in all pink adorned with handbags, a few silver ones and a few in a darker gray. There were holiday treats all around the room, and a sign over the bed that read “North Pole.”
“Holiday decor- one of the kids rooms!🎄,” the caption read.
Last month, Kardashian brought North and Chicago, 5½, to see Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas One And All! show at the Hollywood Bowl. The three were joined by Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, True, 5½, and Dream, 7.
Not only did they get to enjoy the show together, but they also got to meet the Queen of Christmas and her daughter, 12-year-old Monroe, and pose for some photos afterward.
“The Queen of Christmas!!!! For the little girls very FIRST concert ever, we went to see the Queen herself, @mariahcarey !! We all had the best time, creating the most magical memories!! Thank you mommy for taking all of us! 🩵,” Khloé captioned photos from the night.
During last year’s lavish annual family Christmas Eve party, North joined the Australian singer to perform her wintry track “Snowman” as the pair stood inside a life-sized gift box.
The proud mom of four shared videos on her Instagram Story of daughter North enjoying her time in the spotlight, singing next to Sia with a microphone in hand. While Sia dressed elegantly in a long, white tulle gown with a matching headpiece, North looked chic in a shimmering black ensemble.
“@Siamusic and North performing Snowman,” Kim captioned the video, while Khloé shared similar footage, writing, “We love you @siamusic.”
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