A view of Bunny Williams’ garden and house in Connecticut.
Bunny Williams believes she was born to design. The celebrated decorator, author and furnishings designer said she thinks some enter the world with an innate ability to distinguish what looks good and what does not. But she warned that it takes more than having an eye to be successful in design.
“I do think we are born with an eye. All of us in this field, we see, we take in things, but it’s how we train that eye that I think is important,” she told an audience of fellow designers at the recent High Point Market in North Carolina. “When I was writing this book, I was looking back and thinking of how I got started and how important education is, and you educate yourself over and over again.”
That book is “Life in the Garden,” a new coffee table tome filled with photos of the lush gardens surrounding Williams’ Connecticut home. She purchased the house and grounds — which were fairly rundown and overgrown — more than 40 years ago. In the years since, she and her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, have brought the home and garden back to flourishing life.
A view of Bunny Williams’ garden and house in Connecticut.
“I think one of the reasons I wanted to buy a house is I wanted a garden,” Williams said. “I was living in an apartment in New York, but I’d grown up in the country, and I wanted to get back to the country.”
Williams was raised on a farm in Charlottesville, Va., where she rode horses and developed an appreciation not only for the land, but also stately Southern homes.
“We lived in the country, but my mother and father both loved houses and loved gardens, and they took me constantly on tours,” she said.
Perhaps most memorable of those tours was a trip to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia when Williams was a teen. As she wandered the newly opened hotel, the decor and furnishings unlocked an unexpected passion for design.
“The famous American decorator Dorothy Draper had decorated the hotel, and I went into this amazing place with these bright colors,” she said. “My family was fairly conservative, so frankly, I’d never seen anything like this in my life. And I loved every inch of it.”
The bold use of color and variety that epitomizes Draper’s Greenbrier design scheme reoccurs in the gardens in Williams’ book. Set against the verdant greens of all manner of grasses, stately boxwoods, delicate ferns and curling ivy, the deep crimson of poppies, bubblegum pink snapdragons, golden sunflowers and purple orchids create a tapestry of color that changes with the season.
Just as with her interiors projects and furnishings collections, Williams drew inspiration from her travels to help shape her gardens.
Bunny Williams believes the best gardens have a variety of heights, seen here in her garden.
“John and I would go to France [and] to Italy, and we would not only go shopping, but we’d go look at gardens,” she said. “I went to gardens in Normandy. Obviously you go to Sissinghurst, the most extraordinary garden, I think, in the world. And you realize that these gardens had a plan. They were beautifully laid out. All I was interested in were the plants, but I realized that my garden needed structure.”
Williams outlines the structure of her gardens in the book, from the primly laid out parterre garden to the wild, unfettered growth of native plants in the woodland one. And she explains that just as in an interior room, a garden needs differentiation in height and spacing.
“And in a garden, just like in your house, you’ve got to go from one room to another. You have hallways, you have doors, there’s a flow.”
Williams collects gardening accoutrements, storing and displaying them in outbuildings such as her greenhouse and potting shed.
Bunny Williams collects garden accoutrements, such as old watering cans, seen here.
“I love old watering cans,” she said. “I’m always buying baskets, rakes, tools. I just think they look so beautiful. When I see wonderful terracotta pots, mossy terracotta pots, I can’t resist them. But we do use them.”
Williams brings elements of the outdoors inside as well. Tablescapes get a lively boost from centerpieces crafted with colorful vegetables from the garden. Single sunflowers in a bud vase add interest to the mantle, and during the holidays, Williams drapes her interiors in evergreens grown specifically for decorative use.
“Whether it’s coleus in urns or morning glories growing in a terracotta pot, all these things add so much to a garden and a property and a house,” she said.
Along with her book, Williams introduced new designs from her Bunny Williams Home collection with Wesley Hall at High Point Market. The line includes an assortment of seating and dining options, as well as beds and accent tables, which Williams said inspired the launch of the partnership with Wesley Hall.
“I couldn’t find enough drink tables,” she says. “I can’t stand sitting in a chair and not having a place to put my water or my bourbon or whatever. And so every time there’s a chair, I want a little table next to it. And I couldn’t find enough. So I started designing them.”
Source: wwd.com
As the latest season of the hit reality competition series “The Circle” hit our screens, we couldn’t help but notice that something looks a little bit different.
And no, we’re not talking about the new AI bot that has entered the chat (sorry, Max).
The reality show has a brand new building, a whole new series of colorful apartments, and a fresh filming location set on American soil — stepping away from the UK filming location where all international versions of the dating series have been filmed up until now.
Season 6 sees contenders take residence in a Midtown Atlanta apartment building, with each of their units meticulously designed by art director Karen Weber, a reality series vet who also worked on America’s Next Top Model.
And she took extra care in designing each apartment, as well as the communal spaces the contestants get to enjoy while filming the Netflix production.
So let’s take a closer look at the Atlanta building that now houses the popular series, the colorful The Circle apartments and the design principles that brought them to life, and how you too can book a stay here — though your apartment might look a tad different than those the contestants live in.
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Unlike previous seasons and all other international versions of the series — which all filmed in Northern England, at the 206-unit Adelphi Wharf building in Salford, UK, right outside of Manchester — Season 6 takes place stateside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Offering a fresh setting for the drama to unfold, the Sonder Midtown South apartment building at 126 Renaissance Pkwy NE in Midtown Atlanta serves as the main filming location for the hit Netflix series.
Art director Karen Weber led the charge in designing the vibrant new apartments, housed in the Sonder Midtown South building.
With communal spaces like a retro launderette and a rooftop courtyard, Weber aimed to create distinct yet cohesive living environments for the players, each measuring approximately 1,200 square feet.
And this was no easy feat, especially while trying to emulate the bold, colorful aesthetics the series is already known for.
From bold color palettes to whimsical themes inspired by Barbie and Wes Anderson, the transformed spaces offer a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic that’s sure to catch the eye of viewers.
The apartments, given names like Glamour Room and Artist Loft, were curated with furniture and decor sourced from vintage shops and salvage yards around Atlanta, lending them a bespoke feel.
For some spaces, art director Karen Weber aimed to create “really bright high energy,” while other rooms were meant to feel “more adult, laid-back, and [a] little more restful,” she shared on Netflix’s blog. After all, the players actually had to live in the spaces throughout filming, so comfort is key.
And while the budget was the same for each apartment in the new The Circle building, creating a variety of spaces and aesthetics is paramount to the show’s success.
“Giving producers that kind of a range [of types of spaces] lets them figure out who fits where,” Weber added.
But in Weber’s eyes, the apartments aren’t just for the players who inhabit them.
She also wanted viewers watching along to imagine themselves in the living spaces and perhaps inspire them to transform their own — either by stenciling something on a wall or spray-painting fish scales on a bathroom cabinet.
“I try to do a couple of DIY projects in each space that could be done by someone at home,” she says.
As if Weber didn’t have her work cut out for her, as soon as she was done setting up the apartments for Season 6, she had to do it all again in preparation for the already-announced Season 7. For the upcoming season, another 10 new apartments had to be designed from the ground up.
“It’s the sandcastle theory, because you build this beautiful thing and then you let it all just get washed away and it’s done,” she says. “The rooms have their moment and then you have to move on.”
While fans won’t be able to book a stay in the exact apartments seen on-screen, they too can book a stay in the building featured on the show whenever visiting Atlanta.
The Sonder Midtown South offers sleek and modern accommodations with amenities like a fitness center, outdoor grill, and in-unit laundry. And its colorful, imaginative makeover for The Circle only adds to the building’s appeal.
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Source: fancypantshomes.com
In a world where adulthood often signals the end of playful whimsy, Home Studyo challenges the status quo with its debut collection, Blow Up. Founded by Mathieu Van Damme of Case Studyo and Esther Noben of Toykyo, this Belgium-based design brand aims to inject a sense of childhood fun into home decor.
Blow Up isn’t just a collection of ordinary household items; it’s a celebration of imagination and creativity. From vases and carafes to planters and mirrors, each piece in this collection is meticulously crafted from clay in Portugal, defying expectations with its resemblance to inflatable objects.
What sets Blow Up apart is its vibrant color palette, boasting hues like Bone, Indigo, Lila, Moss, Coral, Yolk, and Sky. But it’s not just about color; the intricate detailing of faux plastic seams adds an element of surprise, challenging users to reconsider the texture and weight of each item.
Unlike mass-produced home decor, Home Studyo offers handcrafted designs at an affordable price point, bridging the gap between accessibility and exclusivity. Whether you’re arranging tulips in a purple vase or admiring your reflection in a round mirror, every piece invites you to embrace the joy of playfulness.
Looking ahead, Home Studyo plans to collaborate with artists, promising limited edition pieces that seamlessly blend with their in-house designs. So why settle for mundane decor when you can infuse your space with the whimsy of Blow Up? Explore Home Studyo’s collection and transform your home into a sanctuary of creativity and joy.
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Source: stupiddope.com
The third and newest ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet is Resilient Lady, which was christened in 2023 and adds yet another bright red vessel to the high seas.
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line known for quirky modern design, entertainment that pushes the limits and exceptional, all-included specialty dining.
The Resilient Lady’s home port is in Athens, and the ship sails itineraries in the Mediterranean for part of the year. Then, to reposition itself, the ship makes a transcontinental voyage that visits Dubai, India and Southeast Asia, before cruising on to Australia and New Zealand.
The ship also spends time in Europe, making stops in the U.K., the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, among others.
Don’t expect to find a lot of differences between the Resilient Lady and its two siblings, the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady — all three ships are nearly identical.
On the Resilient Lady, the nearly 2,800 passengers stay in just over 1,400 cabins across seven levels, ranging from solo rooms to large, impressive suites. Passengers also have access to amenities, restaurants and entertainment across another six decks, with a jogging track and yoga deck topping things off.
Expect to come aboard and find minimalist design, trendy music, lighting that changes throughout the day and a staff that sees entertaining as their raison d’etre.
The staterooms on the Resilient Lady are unique from the get-go. Instead of a traditional room key, cabins are unlocked using a bracelet made from plastic recovered from the ocean. Nearly all of the cabins come with balconies and many have a signature red hammock, allowing guests to lounge al fresco in privacy.
There are a handful of interior cabins without an ocean view. Social Insider cabins have bunk beds and are great for groups up to four, while Solo Insider cabins are smaller and perfect for the single traveler who doesn’t need a lot of space.
Both balcony and interior rooms typically have standard — and quite small — bathrooms with good lighting and wall-mounted Red Flower toiletries in the shower.
For a real treat, reserve one of the RockStar Quarters or the Mega RockStar Quarters. Some of these suites feature terrace whirlpools, living rooms and seaview showers.
Those lodged in RockStar Quarters and other suites are treated to a private area on one of the top decks known as Richard’s Rooftop. Here, the outdoor lounge serves complimentary drinks throughout the day, with live music at certain hours and whirlpools reserved for just these guests.
Other benefits of these cabins can include access to the spa’s thermal area, free laundry, comped minibars, and priority boarding. Roundtrip airport transfers are also available for these guests, and the largest suites have real guitars and amps for ensuite, self-made entertainment.
Rock Star Coordinators, otherwise known as cabin attendants, patrol the hallways of the most premium cabins to provide assistance in the room — making the bed, cleaning, helping with the ensuite record player or delivering room service.
In all staterooms, there’s an electronic tablet that controls the lights, temperature, shades, music and television. To provide extra space in some cabins, the beds can convert to a sofa during the day and revert back to a bed by night.
There’s no shortage of things to do while sailing on the Resilient Lady. You can shop in the onboard boutiques, sunbathe by the pool, play basketball, enjoy arcade games, drink at the bars, test your boxing skills or relax at the spa.
The thermal spa area has steam rooms, saunas, a salt room, plunge pools, a beauty salon and spa treatment areas. Topless sunbathing is also an option on one of the upper decks.
There’s also an outdoor jogging track and free fitness classes on a fixed schedule. For a permanent reminder of your trip, visit the onboard tattoo parlor.
With more than 20 dining options on the ship, you can eat somewhere different daily and enjoy a variety of global cuisines.
The restaurants on the Resilient Lady are identical to those on Virgin Voyages’ other ships, and dining at all of them is included in the cruise fare. Unlike other cruise lines, you won’t pay extra to dine at specialty restaurants aboard Virgin Voyages, though some premium menu items may cost extra.
Instead of one main dining room or buffet, there’s a food hall — akin to what you might find in a high-end shopping mall — called The Galley, serving all kinds of prepared-to-order dishes. You’ll find sushi, ramen bowls, fresh salads, burgers, all-day breakfast choices, tacos, and even bento boxes with to-go goodies to take to the cabin.
Specialty restaurants include Pink Agave, a Mexican outlet with flaming skillets for fajitas and authentic fare from around the country; The Wake, featuring steak and seafood; and The Test Kitchen, serving up molecular fusion cuisine offerings. There’s also Italian cuisine, veggie-forward spots and more.
Other favorites include an ice cream bar, a carnival-inspired, 24-hour diner with popcorn and booze-infused milkshakes, and a Korean restaurant that has guests cooking barbecue and playing drinking games during dinner.
You can also pay for a dinner theater show — which includes a multi-course meal accompanied by acrobatic entertainment — or an afternoon tea paired with Champagne.
One thing not included in the cost of sailing on the Resilient Lady is alcohol. There aren’t any drink packages like you’ll find on many other cruises. Instead, you can choose to pay in advance in the form of a bar tab, or as you go. If you choose to pre-pay your bar tab, you’ll get a bonus based on how much you spend.
There are numerous bars on the ship, from the rooftop pool bar to the ship’s own tap room, where you can order a beer growler to take elsewhere on the ship. And with the cruise line’s app, you can order a glass of Champagne to be delivered to you anywhere on board with just a quick shake of your phone.
For a pick-me-up, you can find all kinds of caffeinated brews at Grounds Club, and free Intelligentsia coffee is served in different venues on the ship. Travelers can also pay extra for cold-pressed juices and barista-made coffee drinks.
The ship’s main hub for evening nightlife is called The Manor. Drinks flow constantly, and nightly acts include live music, comedy and even an adult-themed comedy show with audience participation. You won’t find Broadway-style musicals aboard, but there is a Greek history-inspired song and dance show.
There’s never a shortage of entertainment and talented staff perform all over the ship in bars and lounge areas, so don’t be alarmed if someone dressed as a passenger begins performing for you.
Known as “happenings” or “pop-up moments,” these impromptu improv acts add a bit of intrigue to the cruising experience.
For those who want to belt out some tunes, there’s a karaoke room. Also on the program are a casino, drag shows, fashion shows, bar crawls and even scavenger hunts.
You’ll find arcade games, themed parties (like the Scarlet Night evening) and a full roster of staff-led activities, from dance parties to pool parties.
You can keep an eye on everything by downloading the cruise line’s app or asking reception for a printed schedule. It’s easy to get around the ship since maps are posted everywhere, and the three sets of elevators are color-coded to help you know where you are (purple is at the front, blue is at the aft).
When sailing aboard Resilient Lady, you won’t pay extra for gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants or onboard activities. However, you will have to pay extra for alcohol, destination excursions and upgraded Wi-Fi for streaming.
The cruise allows passengers to carry on board two bottles of wine per cabin at embarkation, but no liquor. This can help cut down on the cost of beverages during the sailing. Keep in mind that the drinking age changes based on where the ship is located — in the U.S. it’s 21, while in Europe and international waters the age is 18.
Virgin Voyages has managed to transform the traditional cruise experience into something both upscale, but playful enough, to appeal to all ages.
Rarely feeling crowded, the ship is hardly as large as some of the biggest in the world, and what you’ll find on this Richard Branson-born gem is exactly what you would expect from the daring British entrepreneur. Just be sure to pack an appetite, your dancing shoes and a Titanic-sized sense of humor.
(Top photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Source: nerdwallet.com
There’s a new interior design trend circulating on TikTok, and you probably didn’t see it coming. Enter: the “unexpected red” theory.
Introduced by creator Taylor Simon (@intayriors) in a viral TikTok video, the unexpected-red theory is the idea of “adding anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t match at all, and it automatically looks better.” Whether it’s vibrant red pedestal sinks in a moody blue-green bathroom or a red suede headboard against a purple accent wall, Simon suggests that the color is a foolproof addition to any palette. She even makes the case for red as a neutral.
At first, that concept might seem surprising. Red doesn’t seem like the best color to refresh your bedroom with, and typically, neutrals skew more muted and subtle — light shades of white, cream, and gray, or dark variations of black, brown, and charcoal. In other words, they’re universal colors that pair with anything. But with that logic, the unexpected-red theory might be onto something. If red really looks good in every room, in any scenario, why shouldn’t we call it a neutral, too?
We asked a pro to weigh in. Ahead, New York City-based interior designer Emma Beryl helps break down the unexpected-red theory and shares additional decorating tips on how to incorporate red at home.
The unexpected-red theory is the idea that an added pop of red — in a piece of furniture, like a sofa, or a smaller accent, like a table lamp — will make any space look better. But where these red accents really shine? In areas where they supposedly don’t belong or shouldn’t look good based on the color of the room or the items they’re near.
Beryl doesn’t necessarily think this makes red a neutral color, like the theory also nods to. Instead, she believes that the color is simply vibrant enough to stand out and capture your attention, no matter the context. “[Red] goes well with almost everything, but don’t be fooled,” she tells POPSUGAR. “It goes well, but it is striking and usually the star of the show when added as a surprise element like the unexpected-red theory suggests.”
If you’re still stumped on how or why the unexpected-red theory works, it’s important to consider tones and the color wheel. “I feel like there is no other color like red on the color wheel, so adding it to any space really draws your attention to that object,” Beryl says. “It is both warm and cool at the same time. It goes well with cooler colors like blues and greens, as well as warmer colors like oranges and yellows.” Although red may never officially be called a neutral, it has similar qualities that make it both versatile and unique.
There are no hard and fast rules for decorating your own space, but if you’d like some tips for trying the unexpected-red theory at home, Beryl has a few suggestions.
Start small. “Incorporating any color you aren’t 100 percent sure about is easiest done through decor since it is smaller. Adding a pop of red through a vase or a lamp shade can be an eye-catching moment,” she says. And if you want to go bigger? Try a larger piece of furniture, like a lounge chair or daybed. “The unexpected-red theory is pointing toward one item being red in the space, so choose something in your comfort zone.”
Consider your color palette. Although red can pair with anything, Beryl is especially fond of using it with all neutrals: “Red becomes the focal point and excites the eye even more,” she says. She also likes using it in streamlined color palettes. “I like seeing [red] in a room that is very tailored with a strong color palette of two or three colors, like a room with blue and green and patterns, or yellow and orange, so the pop of red really stands out.”
Try something other than red. Not into red? The theory can work similarly with other colors, like pink and green. “Pink being close to red makes sense since it pulls similar emotions, but green reminds people of nature, so adding a pop of green can calm the mind,” Beryl says.
If you find yourself falling in love with the little pop of red in your space, don’t be afraid to add the unexpected-red theory to other facets of your life too. For example, you can pair a neutral outfit with a pop of red lipstick or red heels with an otherwise all-black ‘fit. Chances are, you’ll quickly realize why red just may be the most superior color of them all.
Carrie Carrollo is a POPSUGAR contributor and was formerly the brand’s associate branded content beauty editor.
Source: popsugar.com
Minneapolis is a city that effortlessly combines the warmth of Midwestern hospitality with an impressive selection of landmarks, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences. It’s a place where artsy types, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike can find their niche, making it a stellar home for a wide range of people.
From its iconic flour mills to the serene beauty of its many lakes and parks, renting an apartment in Minneapolis offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience.
Join us as we explore ten of the city’s most sought after sights and experiences, showcasing why Minneapolis remains one of the top spots in the Midwest, nay the country, to call home.
Minneapolis is home to the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States. This colossal mall is not just a shopper’s paradise; it’s a destination in its own right. With over 500 stores, a theme park, an aquarium, and a mini-golf course, among other attractions, it draws visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion trends, seeking thrilling amusement rides, or just looking for a unique way to spend the day, the Mall of America has something for everyone.
One of the city’s most beloved natural attractions is the Chain of Lakes. Comprising five major lakes connected by picturesque trails, it’s a hub for outdoor activities year-round. In the summer, locals and visitors alike flock to the lakes for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and biking along the scenic paths. When winter arrives, the lakes transform into frozen playgrounds for ice skating and hockey. The Chain of Lakes exemplifies Minneapolis’s commitment to maintaining green spaces and providing recreational opportunities for its residents.
Art enthusiasts will find a haven in the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA). With a collection spanning 5,000 years of world history, MIA boasts an impressive amount of original artworks, from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. Admission is free, making it accessible to all who wish to visit. The museum’s many exhibits and special events, including artist talks and family days, make it a cornerstone of life in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is also renowned for Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum, and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The garden is famous for the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture, a symbol of the city’s artistic flair. Together, they form a premier destination for contemporary art lovers, featuring cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. The Sculpture Garden, with its blend of art and nature, offers a serene retreat in the heart of the city.
Minneapolis holds a special place in the music world, thanks to its association with Prince and the Minneapolis Sound. This unique blend of funk, rock, pop, and new wave, pioneered by Prince in the late 1970s and early 1980s, put Minneapolis on the musical map. Fans can explore Prince’s legacy at city landmarks, including the famous First Avenue nightclub, which featured in his film “Purple Rain,” and Paisley Park, his recording studio and residence now open to the public as a museum.
For theater enthusiasts, the Guthrie Theater is a must-visit. Known for its avant-garde productions of both classic and contemporary plays, the Guthrie is a pillar of Minneapolis’s arts scene. The theater’s striking modern building, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, features a cantilevered bridge with stunning views of the Mississippi River.
Minneapolis’s nickname, “Mill City,” harks back to its roots as the flour milling capital of the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Mill City Museum, built within the ruins of the old Washburn A Mill, tells the story of how Minneapolis rose to industrial prominence. Visitors can learn about the city’s history through interactive exhibits and enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls, which powered the mills.
Reflecting the city’s Scandinavian heritage, the American Swedish Institute is a must-visit. Housed in the historic Turnblad Mansion, the institute offers a glimpse into Swedish culture, art, and history through its museum, exhibits, and events. The beautifully preserved mansion and its modern addition also serve as a center for cultural exchange, celebrating the contributions of Swedish and other Nordic cultures to Minneapolis.
The Mississippi Riverfront in Minneapolis is a testament to the city’s ongoing relationship with its most significant natural resource. The area has been revitalized into a lively district with parks, walking and biking trails, and historic sites. The Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge turned pedestrian walkway, offers breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline. This blend of natural beauty and urban development epitomizes the Minneapolis lifestyle.
U.S. Bank Stadium stands as a modern architectural marvel and the home of the Minnesota Vikings. Its striking design, featuring a transparent roof and large pivoting doors, ensures it’s a landmark not just for sports fans but also for those interested in contemporary architecture. The stadium also serves as a versatile venue for concerts, conventions, and other major events, embodying the city’s love for sports and its capacity for big entertainment.
AN interior designer has found budget-friendly home decor that looks just like items she’s spotted at World Market.
She picked out several home accents at Dollar Tree that looked far more expensive than what they cost.
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Interior design enthusiast Ruqiya (@studioriuhome) knows a thing or two about how to make your home look chic without spending a ton of money.
She offers decorating and DIY tips and thrifting advice online for those on a budget.
She brought viewers to her local Dollar Tree in a TikTok video as she scanned the aisles and picked out several products that would work well in any home.
“What I would buy as a designer from Dollar Tree,” the subtitle read.
First up were Iridescent Glass Candleholders, which were great for holding makeup, cotton balls, or cotton swabs.
Next, she held up an incense holder with a wood design that she loved the “simplicity” of.
She then moved on to the huge display of two-pack pink and purple candles at the discount store, which she called a “perfect pop of color” for Valentine’s Day.
They had great decor up for the holiday, so Ruqiya showed off a few items that stuck out to her.
She thought a two-piece set of red “twisty candles” was a “must” because they usually sell for about $40 at Anthropology and more than $10 anywhere else.
There were also pink Luminessence Taper Candles that she thought were “so pretty.”
The decor expert loved the design on small pink candle holders and thought a mini off-white rainbow-shaped sculpture was “perfect for a girl’s room or nursery.”
Even though she thrifted a ton of her glass candleholders, she admitted she had no idea that Dollar Tree sold them.
At the time she recorded the video, she said her favorite piece was a “beautiful” Burnt Amber candle, which is set to be “all the rage in 2024.”
Afterward, Ruqiya wrote in the caption that her “favorite has to be the twisted candles and burnt amber candle holders.”
She added that the iridescent candle holders were “adorable” and “look identical to the collection at World Market,” which retail for almost $10.
She also pointed out a Bubble Square Scented Pillar Candle that was so popular that there was only one available at her store.
Lastly, she capitalized on the many baskets available at the store in different shades and sizes.
She picked a pink one up for a baby shower gift basket she was making.
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Many viewers were excited about the haul items and couldn’t wait to get their hands on them.
“I love going through Dollar Tree stores! Exploring is fun,” one commented.
“I love Dollar Tree holiday decor! I need to get some Valentine’s Day stuff!” another added.
“I literally have Q-tips and cotton balls in the iridescent glass!” a woman wrote.
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Source: thesun.co.uk
The 1980s, as a decade, were all about excess. Puffy shoulder pads, heavy makeup, and big hair dominated the fashion and beauty world, and bold colors, prints, and textures took over the home décor space. Possibly the most popular color during this era, however, was mauve, a distinctive dusty, pale pink purple that washed over everything from bedding to carpets. This color gave rooms a distinctly feminine flair and was often paired with other colors in the same muted pastel family, like pale blue, mint green, and light yellow.
Source: housedigest.com
When it comes to home design, we’ve all decorated with a trend or two that we wish we could forget (anyone remember pistachio-colored kitchens?). But we’ve also discovered trends that have turned into classic finishes that are here to stay. (Looking at you, marble!) With that said, while trends come and go, it’s always fun to forecast what’s going to be hot in the new year. And as with the “never dress in a trend from head-to-toe” fashion rule, the same applies to home decor. It’s never wise to outfit an entire house in them, but sprinkle in a trend here and there for an updated look. From embracing bold hues to incorporating textured wallpapers, 2024 looks to be a colorful year. Four designers weigh in on what you’re sure to see inside beautiful homes around Dallas this year.
More and more, new home builds and renovations are including a spot for a working pantry, which is a larger walk-in version with storage and prep space. “Adding countertops, outlets and space to prep in pantries bring an added layer of function to the home and can help achieve a mess-free kitchen space while entertaining,” says Hayden Dendy, designer for BRNS Design, a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm.
Designer Kara Adam, owner of Kara Adam Interiors, is also urging her clients to consider adding a working pantry to their floor plans. Not only is it practical, but it’s another opportunity to have fun with design. “Pantries are no longer a closet with white shelves,” she says. “They are gorgeous and they’re functional. Design them with pretty countertops, tile and wallpaper, or paint them a fun color. They are truly treated as a room now, not just a closet. This will be budgeted into more and more of my clients’ projects.” She suggests storing appliances that take up space in the kitchen such as coffee makers, blenders and toasters. “They can also be plumbed with a sink or ice machine. Basically all of the things that are noisy or unattractive, so that your kitchen remains a pretty space,” she says.
“This year we are going to see homeowners being more adventurous with color,” says Danielle Frazier, co-owner and principal designer of interior design studio Twilly & Fig. “When you saw the trends go towards gray and neutrals and cooler tones, people lost that richness and connection to color. They are starting to feel that void and want to be more playful with color.” Within that, Frazier notes that spaces will continue to see monochromatic use of color, particularly with moody hues. She says she’s seeing an increase in purple spaces, as well. “We just did a living room in a grayish plum that is really rich. It’s a color you don’t hear a lot about now, but you’ll start to see it more,” she says. She suggests trying Benjamin Moore’s “Hazy Lilac” as a way to introduce the trending palette. Aside from the walls, Frazier also notes that homeowners are starting to ask for colorful pieces like rugs, sofas and wallpaper as well. “I think people are willing to take a risk with color on more investment pieces than they have in the past,” she says.
Adam agrees that the neutral all-white look is starting to fade. “In 2024, few people are going to ask for that,” she says. “People want a cozier environment rich in color. Even formal spaces are looking less formal because of the rich color. It draws you in and makes a space scream ‘come hang out in here,’” she says.
As the neutral palette starts to fade, so does the matchy-matchy interior that looks more like a catalogue than a personalized lived-in space. “Our clients are craving an element in their design and in their homes that have a soulfulness to them,” Frazier says. “For instance, we’ve been designing a kitchen with custom handmade tiles on the backsplash. We’re finding that people are wanting to add depth, character and personality through handmade pieces and antiques.” She suggests shopping estate sales and local antique stores for hidden gems or planning a road trip to one of Round Top’s antique show weeks for one-of-a-kind finds.
“We always encourage and push clients to embrace the unexpected,” adds Adam. “Mixing a contemporary piece with an antique will make an environment that is pleasing to the eye.”She also urges clients to purchase art, which personalizes a home even more. She suggest that her clients buy works that speaks to them, rather than what “matches” their interiors. “Your home is an expression of you,” she says. “Art is very subjective. And, it’s not just decoration anymore. It’s a statement.”
“Bars are huge right now,” says Adam. “We have some homes with multiple bars. And much like how powder baths are the jewel box of the home, that’s how bars are going to be too. They will be extremely layered, rich in colors and accessories, and usually have unique countertops.” And thanks to the playful powder bath aesthetic that has been trending for some time, homeowners are craving more of that layered look throughout the home, which is where a bold bar comes in. “It used to be that we’d go into these beautiful, airy light homes and they’ve had this wild powder bath, but now you’re seeing that personality throughout the home,” she says.
Cheers to the new home bar: How to create a modern, multifunctional space
And on that note, Frazier is seeing an increase in beverage centers, which encompasses every drink throughout the day, from breakfast to cocktail hour. “In the past a beverage center was maybe just a coffee bar or a cocktail bar, but now people want them to be multipurposeful, a place where they can make their morning coffee or tea, make a smoothie bowl after a workout or pour a beverage after work.” Most of these areas include a beverage fridge or fridge drawers, a built-in pullout trash can, a wine fridge, a sink, and cabinets for blenders, coffee pots or tea kettles. “It depends on the person, of course, but they are designed for how they want it to function,” she says.
Homes built in the last decade mostly feature open-concept floor plans, which usually include an open family room, kitchen and breakfast nook. But Adam is hoping to design cozier spaces in the next year. “No one wants to relax in their family room when they are sitting on the sofa and behind them is the kitchen,” she says. Dirty dishes, a pot of soup on the stove or clutter on the countertops does not create for a relaxing space. “Creating separation is good for your mental health,” she says. “You can step away from it and go back and clean it up later.” Plus, when a space is large and open, there is no breaking point for a designer to do something playful and fun on the walls or molding. “When it’s one huge space, it’s a lot harder to upholster or lacquer a wall,” she explains.
Her clients are also asking for game rooms. “We can’t do enough of them,” she says. “We are redoing spaces so that people can have a mahjong room. In our home we have a table built for mahjong, but when it’s not set up for that, we always have a puzzle out, too. Work on a puzzle for 20 minutes and it’s good for your brain and it slows things down. Then you can go back to running around or going to carpool,” she says.
Wallpaper has been trending for some years now, and it’s still holding strong in 2024, especially selections that boast texture, bold patterns and fabric. “In 2023, we launched our first wallpaper collection with Ever Atelier, Ever X Yates, and it led us to experiment with wall coverings in new ways. For example, new construction ceilings are typically much taller nowadays, and implementing wallpaper can help weigh it down and feel more proportional,” says Bryan Yates, principal designer of Yates Desygn. “In addition, we are currently framing three panels of a de Gournay print to work as a 9-foot-by-9-foot piece of art and create a more significant moment in a client’s dining space rather than using traditional panels as a series.”
Adam notes that adding the right wallpaper to a space helps to evoke a mood, too. “People are wanting texture as opposed to a super flat, quiet space. For instance, when you’re having a dinner party in a dining room covered in cool silk wallpaper, it makes people want to stay. We want our clients to have dinner parties that go on all night,” she says.
Source: dallasnews.com
Pennymac proudly supports our nation’s heroes by offering Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans. We service over 445,000 VA loans on behalf of service members, veterans and their families – over 43,000 of which originated in the first 9 months of 2023.*
If you’re connected with the United States military, you may be eligible for VA loans, such as no down payment purchase loans and low-interest refinance loans. In this guide, we’ll look at what a VA loan is, the qualification criteria, the benefits and how to find the one that could be right for you.
*As of 9/30/2023
A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s available to eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses and offers numerous benefits, including:
VA loans are specifically designed to meet the needs of veterans and their families, opening up increased opportunities for homeownership and building equity.
VA loans are government-backed loans that offer veterans and service members more flexible borrower criteria than conventional loans. The VA guarantees the loans, reducing the risk for lenders and enabling lower credit scores and down payment requirements.
While you can use a VA loan for your first home, you can take advantage of the VA loan benefit again if you sell or refinance.
VA loans and the process to obtain them are similar to other types of Pennymac mortgage loans, with some key differences. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in applying for and securing a VA home purchase loan.
1. Start your application online or talk to a Pennymac Loan Expert. One of the unique aspects of a VA loan is that we’ll use your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm that you meet the basic VA loan requirements, but you don’t need it to begin your application.
You can visit the eBenefits section of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website to request your COE online or obtain VA Form 26-1880 to make your request through the mail. If you prefer, your Loan Expert will be happy to guide you through the steps involved to verify your eligibility and obtain your COE.
2. Receive a Pennymac BuyerReady Certification. The BuyerReady Certification is Pennymac’s unique loan certification process that confirms how much of a mortgage you will likely qualify for based on submitted financial documents. While it doesn’t guarantee a loan, BuyerReady Certification can help you house-shop with confidence so you’ll know which homes will fit your budget.
BuyerReady Certified homebuyers also qualify for Pennymac’s Lock & Shop program,* which allows you to lock in a rate before locating a property. Protect yourself from future rate increases and potentially save thousands of dollars in the lifetime cost of your mortgage.
3. Look for homes. Meet with a real estate agent and begin looking for homes. Once you’ve found a home you’d like to purchase, you can continue with the VA loan process. Pennymac Home Connect can assist in finding a reputable real estate agent in your area.
4. Complete underwriting and loan process. Since you’ve already submitted most of the documentation and information you’ll need for the mortgage through the BuyerReady Certification process, loan processing is typically smoother and faster.
5. Close and get the keys! Once your loan is approved, you’ll have your closing, where all necessary paperwork will be signed.
At this time, you’ll get the final details of your loan terms and required closing costs, which are the extra fees buyers and sellers pay to close on a real estate transaction beyond the home’s purchase price. One of the fees unique to the VA loan is the funding fee, which can be paid in full at closing or rolled into the total loan amount.
The funding fee is a one-time charge, typically between 1.25% and 3.3% of the loan amount. The fee goes to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support the VA loan guaranty program, which helps keep VA mortgages low-cost and available for future veterans to achieve homeownership.
The following individuals are exempt from paying the VA funding fee:
If the borrower’s exemption status is unclear, the VA will make the final decision on funding fee exceptions.
VA loans are available to active-duty service members, veterans and their surviving spouses. If you meet one or more of the following criteria, you may be eligible for a VA home loan:
VA home loans are valuable financing solutions to help qualified service members and veterans achieve their homeownership aspirations. The primary benefits of VA home loans include:
Veterans and service members have access to several types of VA loans, whether you’re buying a home or refinancing.
Buy a home with zero down payment and a competitive interest rate.
Who is it for? Qualified first-time or repeat homebuyers who are purchasing a primary residence.
Benefits:
*As long as the sales price does not exceed the appraised home value.
An IRRRL, also known as a Streamline Refinance Loan, allows you to refinance your existing VA loan to a lower interest rate, which may potentially lower your monthly payments. You may also be able to refinance an ARM into a fixed-rate mortgage.
Who is it for? Individuals who already have a VA loan.
Benefits:
Your rate and monthly payment after refinancing must be lower than your current payment, except when refinancing an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage.
VA cash-out refinance loans allow you to refinance your existing loan — which doesn’t have to be a VA loan — for a higher balance and receive the difference as cash. Use the funds for any purpose, such as paying off debt, funding education or making home improvements.
Who is it for? Qualified veteran homeowners who want to use their equity in their homes.
Benefits:
*Loan limits are established by the VA and can vary by county.
By refinancing your existing loan, your total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.
A VA loan is a versatile, flexible financing option designed to empower veterans, service members and their families.
VA purchase loans can be used to finance a primary residence, including:
VA IRRRL loans are used to replace an existing VA loan at a lower interest rate. This can potentially reduce your monthly payments, freeing up money you can use for other expenses, such as home renovations, college tuition or credit card debt. You can refinance:
The home must be your primary residence, and you must already have a VA loan. You can also refinance an ARM into a fixed-rate mortgage.
With a VA cash-out refinance, you may be able to obtain funds for:
You can also use a VA cash-out refinance to replace a non-VA loan with a VA loan. The home you are refinancing must be your primary residence.
As part of our nation’s military, you’ve dedicated your life to serving our country. Pennymac is proud to serve you. We provide VA purchase loans and refinancing options that can make homeownership more attainable and affordable for America’s heroes. Contact a Pennymac Loan Expert today to learn more.
*Lock & Shop Program allows consumers who have a Pennymac BuyerReady Certification for a purchase loan with Pennymac to lock a rate prior to locating a property. The program requires a non-refundable fee of $595 due at the time of the rate lock. Consumers with a Pennymac BuyerReady Certification for a purchase loan with Pennymac must meet appropriate underwriting conditions to obtain a mortgage loan. Consumers may choose between a 60-day, 75-day or 90-day lock period. Consumers must initiate a mortgage loan application for a specific property and be under purchase contract for the property at least 30 days prior to lock expiration in order to extend the locked rate. All rate lock extensions are subject to Pennymac’s standard rate lock extension fees. After the rate lock and subject to favorable market conditions, consumers may be eligible for a one-time reduction in rate once the loan application for a specific property has been initiated (0.50 % maximum reduction in interest rate allowed). Eligible loan products are Conventional Fixed, Conventional ARM, FHA Fixed and VA Fixed. Program excludes Jumbo, refinance, third-party and in-process loans. Program subject to termination in Pennymac’s sole discretion and without notice.
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Source: pennymac.com