Design November 24, 2025

Behr 2026 Color of the Year: How to Style Your Home with Behr’s Hidden Gem

Color has a way of reshaping the way a home feels, and for 2026, Behr has introduced a shade that truly sets the tone. Hidden Gem N430-6A, a smoky jade with an air of quiet confidence, is rich, refined, and just mysterious enough to keep your rooms interesting long after the paint dries.

As homes continue shifting toward more personal, expressive spaces, this jewel-toned green blue arrives right on cue. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a top-to-bottom refresh, here’s how to embrace Behr’s Hidden Gem and blend it seamlessly into 2026’s biggest interior design trends.

Behr Color of the Year: Hidden Gem

Each year, Behr’s color experts look to lifestyle trends, design movements, and cultural moods to select a single shade that reflects how people want to live. For 2026, the demand is clear: homeowners are craving comfort, character, and a stronger connection to the natural world. Hidden Gem brings all three into perfect balance, offering a sophisticated, versatile tone that feels intentional without overpowering a space.

With its deep teal base and soft smoky undertones, it offers a calm, eye-catching depth that shifts effortlessly with the light, perfect for layering with the color and design trends shaping homes in 2026.

Source: Behr 2026 Color of the Year – Hidden Gem

Balancing Hidden Gem with 2026 Color Trends

Color forecasters agree that 2026 will be defined by rich, soothing, nature-inspired hues that help homes feel more grounded and expressive. Hidden Gem fits neatly into this movement, especially as tranquil teals rise in popularity.

This year’s trend reports also point to the growing appeal of warm blacks and mellow reds. These deeper tones bring drama and intimacy into a space, particularly in small rooms or architectural moments. Hidden Gem pairs beautifully with warm blacks like Behr’s Cracked Pepper and earthy reds such as Terra Cotta Urn, creating a thoughtful contrast that feels modern and moody.

Uplifting yellows and soft neutrals will also remain strong throughout 2026. Subtle creams and warm whites help brighten teal-based palettes, while tones like Wheat Bread provide a soft foundation that allows Hidden Gem’s depth to shine. Pairing it with sunny tones like Beehive or 2025’s butter-yellow trend adds a fresh lift, keeping the look balanced and inviting.

Just like Pantone’s color stories, Behr’s 2026 palette is designed to influence cohesive, livable color combinations around its Color of the Year. And the good news? Hidden Gem is unusually flexible. If you are looking for more combinations, explore Behr’s full list of 2026 color trends for additional inspiration.

Source: Behr 2026 Color Trends

How to Align Hidden Gem with Other 2026 Home Trends

Beyond color, the home trends emerging in 2026 offer even more ways to weave Hidden Gem into a refreshed modern space.

Color Drenching and Moody Palettes

One of the biggest design shifts heading into 2026 is the rise of color drenching, where a single shade covers the walls, trim, ceiling, and sometimes even furniture in a room. The look creates a fully immersive, moody atmosphere that feels polished and cohesive. Hidden Gem is especially well-suited for this approach because of its depth and richness.

Alongside this trend, deeper, moodier palettes are also becoming more popular. Saturated hues like greens, ochres, burgundies, and tobacco-inspired tones are appearing more often in homes, reflecting a growing desire for warm color and expressive style.

Personalized Spaces and Self-Care at Home

Design is becoming more personal, and many homeowners are carving out spaces meant for calm, comfort, and everyday wellness. Cozy reading nooks, spa-inspired bathrooms, and small restorative spaces continue to rise in popularity, offering a way to slow down within the home.

Hidden Gem’s serene, smoky character makes it an ideal backdrop for these spaces. It brings a quiet sense of balance to reading nooks when paired with warm wood or soft, textured fabrics. In bathrooms, it complements natural materials and warm metals, creating the same soothing quality you’d expect from a spa.

Sustainability Remains a Priority

Sustainability continues to influence how people design and renovate their homes. From natural materials to energy-efficient upgrades and EV-friendly features, homeowners are seeking ways to make their spaces both stylish and environmentally conscious.

Hidden Gem’s nature-inspired tone fits comfortably within these choices. It pairs effortlessly with organic textures like stone, linen, clay, and reclaimed wood, creating a look that feels grounded and connected to the environment.

With Hidden Gem leading the way, 2026 offers endless opportunities to create a home that feels expressive, grounded, and beautifully your own.

More August 25, 2025

How to Bring Coastal Charm into Your Home No Matter Where You Are

Coastal interior design captures the calm elegance of life by the water. It’s bright, breezy, and effortlessly connected to nature, drawing inspiration from the textures and warmth of the shore, the shifting blues of the sea, and the weathered charm of driftwood and dune grass. This style invites the outdoors in, creating spaces that feel open, welcoming, and dreamy, no matter how far you are from the coastline.

Defining Features of Coastal Interior Design

Natural Materials

Coastal design embraces organic textures that feel relaxed and lasting, mirroring the landscape along the shoreline. Wicker and rattan furniture bring a light, casual elegance, while woven jute or sisal rugs add earthy texture underfoot. Weathered or reclaimed wood, whether used in furniture, ceiling beams, or accent walls, offers a sun-worn character that feels authentic to seaside living. Glass elements, including vases, oversized mirrors, and light fixtures, reflect light and mimic the clarity of water, while stone or pebble accents can subtly reference the beach and coastline. Even fabrics play a role, typically with cotton, linen, and other breathable, natural fibers, keeping the look feeling fluid and inviting.

A Coastal Color Palette

The colors of the coast bring this style to life. Crisp whites and soft creams create a fresh, open backdrop, while sandy beiges and sun-bleached wood tones add warmth and a lived-in ease. Layered into this foundation are sea-inspired blues in every shade, from the pale, airy blue of a summer sky to the rich, grounding depth of navy. Small pops of teal, aqua, seafoam green, and even coral can bring a burst of energy, infusing the space with the vibrant, refreshing spirit of life by the water.

Light, Airy Spaces

Abundant natural light is central to coastal interiors. Large windows, double-glass French doors, and open layouts blur the lines between inside and out. Sheer linen drapes catch the breeze, while white or pale walls reflect light to make rooms feel even more expansive. One of the advantages of using natural materials in coastal design is that they age gracefully, gaining character over time while preserving the fresh, airy feel that helps define this style.

Subtle Nautical Touches

Coastal design often incorporates gentle, well-chosen nods to the sea. Rope accents woven into mirrors or light fixtures, bowls of collected shells, or artwork featuring surfboards, sailboats, and marine life can all bring a hint of nautical charm. Avoid an overly beachy look by balancing nautical accents with clean lines and neutral tones. These elements should evoke the feeling of the coast rather than recreate it literally, keeping the space elegant, storied, and timeless.

Built-In Charm

Architectural details like white-washed built-in shelving, wood-clad ceilings, or wall paneling give coastal homes a sense of craftsmanship and permanence. These features provide the perfect stage for displaying curated coastal finds like sea glass, ceramics, or woven baskets.

Bringing the Look into Your Home

You don’t need an ocean view to enjoy the beauty of coastal design. Start with a light, neutral foundation and layer in soft blues, sandy tones, and natural textures. Choose furniture that feels comfortable and unfussy, and incorporate elements that remind you of the shore, whether that’s a woven jute rug in the bedroom, a driftwood coffee table, or a few well-placed nautical pieces.

Candles or diffusers with fresh, sea-inspired scents can enhance the atmosphere, creating the sensory experience of a salty ocean breeze. And if you’re looking for real-life inspiration, a visit to Seabrook, WA, can spark ideas with its homes and community spaces being a masterclass in blending classic coastal styles with modern living.

For more design inspiration, tips, and trends, visit the design section of our blog.

These Seabrook listings showcase how coastal style blends comfort, light, and seaside charm.

ArchitectureDesign June 16, 2025

Pueblo Revival Architecture and Its Timeless Southwestern Charm

Pueblo Revival architecture is one of the most distinctive and enduring styles in the American Southwest. With its warm stucco walls, rounded edges, and earthy materials, it’s a look that’s both culturally significant and inviting. Rooted in Indigenous and Spanish colonial traditions, this style has evolved over time while remaining closely tied to the landscape and climate it was originally built for. Today, Pueblo Revival homes continue to charm homeowners with a timeless design and unmistakable Southwestern character.

Origins and Historical Significance

Pueblo Revival architecture has roots that run deep, drawing inspiration from the Indigenous Puebloan communities and early Spanish settlers of the Southwest. This blend of cultures creates structures that reflect a centuries-old tradition of building in harmony with the environment. Built to thrive in arid climates, these homes feature thick walls made from adobe or stucco, which helps keep interiors cool during the day and warm at night.

It’s a design ideally suited for the desert, where water isn’t abundant, and staying comfortable means working with, not against, the elements. Spanish influences brought the use of wood, while the earthy colors mirror the atmosphere. Today, you’ll find Pueblo Revival homes across Arizona, New Mexico, California, and beyond, each one a testament to Southwestern living.

Key Features and Design Elements

Pueblo Revival design, also known as Santa Fe and Southwestern, is easy to spot and even easier to love. Here are some hallmark elements:

  • Walls are typically built with adobe, stucco, or sun-dried mud.
  • Flat or low-pitched roofs with parapets.
  • Rounded corners and soft edges create a gentle, organic feel.
  • Neutral and earthy color palettes inspired by the desert landscape.
  • Large Spanish-inspired wooden doors, exposed beams, and vigas add warmth and texture.
  • Small, deep-set windows.
  • Porch posts and covered patios provide shade from the desert sun.

Modern Interpretations and Living Spaces

Today, Pueblo Revival homes continue to evolve, embracing modern conveniences while staying true to their roots. Many still feature signature elements like exposed wood beams, earth-toned exteriors, and textured finishes. Thoughtful landscaping and eco-friendly materials continue to help these homes blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert environment.

Inside, you’ll often find interiors that echo the home’s Southwestern heritage in subtle and loud ways. Handcrafted pottery, cactus plants, woven textiles, and other nods to regional artistry bring warmth and character to the space. Rich desert-inspired hues like terracotta, sunset red, adobe orange, and golden yellow are often paired with earthy neutrals to create depth. Vibrant accent colors like turquoise or deep blue add a touch of contrast, reflecting the natural beauty of the landscape. The result is a space that feels grounded, soulful, and full of life.

Explore our guide to Southwestern interior design for more inspiration.

Pueblo revival homes are a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Whether you’re captivated by their timeless charm or drawn to their modern interpretations, these homes offer a well-balanced, organic lifestyle that’s always in style.

Design June 2, 2025

5 Defining Elements of Moroccan Interior Design

For centuries, Morocco has captivated people from around the world with its rich tapestry of culture, art, and unmatched design. From the lively souks of Marrakech to the serene riads of Fes, Moroccan interiors tell a story of intricate craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and a blend of tradition and global influence.

In this post, we’ll look at the influences behind Moroccan design and explore how you can bring its distinct style into your home.

Influences of Moroccan Design

Moroccan interior design is rooted in ancient tradition and draws from various cultural influences, including Berber, Arab, Mediterranean, and Moorish. This fusion creates a warm, layered aesthetic that pairs detailed patterns with earthy textures and natural materials. You’ll often find colorful tilework, bold textiles, and handmade pieces that reflect centuries of artistry and heritage. And though this style is steeped in history, it remains timeless, seamlessly blending into modern homes while adding warmth, character, and a global touch to any space.

Key Elements of Moroccan Interior Design

Vibrant Colors

Moroccan design is synonymous with a vibrant and expressive color palette. Think of the dazzling blues of Chefchaouen, the rich reds and oranges of Marrakech, or the natural greens found in traditional gardens. Don’t be afraid to experiment with jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, which you can balance with more neutral tones like terracotta, cream, and black to create a harmonious blend that pops. Even the most muted Moroccan room will feature a splash of something bold, whether in the tiles, lanterns, or layers of fabric.

Layered Textures

From olefine and wool rugs to carved wooden furniture and hand-woven baskets, texture is everywhere in Moroccan interiors. Plush, overstuffed cushions and floor pillows bring comfort to seating areas, while airy curtains soften windows and doorways. The thoughtful use of natural materials like clay, metal, leather, and stone gives each space a grounded, organic feel. This layered approach, combined with the intricate patterns and ornate detailing, provides a richness and depth that defines Moroccan design.

Mosaic Tilework

One of the most recognizable elements of Moroccan design is its stunning mosaic tilework, known as zellige. These hand-cut, geometric tiles are meticulously arranged to form intricate patterns that adorn walls, floors, and fountains. Each zellige piece is a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, bringing a unique sense of artistry and a cool, refreshing feel to any space. Tiled floors are frequently layered with Persian or Berber rugs. At the same time, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes, and bathroom walls may feature elaborate tilework that feels artistic and architectural. Incorporating zellige in your home, whether as a subtle accent or a vibrant statement, can instantly infuse an authentic touch of Moroccan design.

Riads and Courtyards

The word “riad” means “garden” in Arabic. In Moroccan architecture, a riad refers to a traditional home built around a peaceful interior courtyard. These courtyards are often the heart of the home, featuring tiled fountains, lush greenery, and shaded sitting areas. To replicate this feeling, consider making a designated “courtyard” area in your home by incorporating a small water feature, a collection of plants, and comfortable seating that fosters a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors.

Artisan Accessories

No Moroccan interior is complete without a variety of handcrafted accessories. From ornate brass lanterns and pierced-metal sconces to hand-thrown pottery and embroidered pillows, each piece tells a story that celebrates Morocco’s deep tradition of craftsmanship, giving your space a layered, lived-in feel that reflects both style and soul.

By bringing these 5 key elements into your home, you can create a space that feels soulful, timeless, and uniquely yours. For more design inspiration, tips, and trends, visit the design section of our blog.

ArchitectureDesign October 28, 2024

What is Loft Architecture?

Known for mixing spacious interiors, high ceilings, and often an industrial aesthetic, loft architecture has become synonymous with urban living. Whether you want to move into your own loft or seek design inspiration, loft architecture offers spaces that foster creativity and versatility. Let’s explore the history, significance, and defining features of loft architecture that fuel its popularity in cities around the world today.

History of Loft Architecture

Over the years, lofts have evolved from repurposed industrial spaces for budget-conscious artists into sought-after symbols of high-end urban living. Lofts, originating from abandoned warehouses and factories in big cities like New York and Boston, were first utilized by artists and innovators who turned these spacious industrial layouts into workshops and living quarters for next to nothing in price. With their utilitarian aesthetic, ample square footage, and sizeable windows that let in plenty of natural light, they were ideal spaces for the dual purpose of living and working. However, in recent years, loft architecture has shifted from utilitarian to more modern, luxury design.

Features of Loft Architecture

Loft architecture is all about maximizing space and embracing industrial features left behind by the buildings’ previous lives. So, along with tall ceilings, open floor plans, and large walls of exposed brick, lofts often also feature plenty of other industrial architectural and design elements. Elements like floor-to-ceiling windows, concrete and hardwood floors, exposed structural beams and duct or pipework, and large doors all contribute to the charm and functionality of loft architecture.

How to Maximize Loft Space

There are endless ways to design the inside of a loft apartment. But to truly make the most of your space, the key is to celebrate the unique features that define it as a loft while keeping both functionality and aesthetics in mind.

Here are a few tips to maximize your loft space:

Utilize vertical space, define areas, and invest in multifunctional furniture! By using the abundance of vertical space and installing bookshelves or cabinets, and by investing in multifunctional furniture like foldable dining tables or beds with built-in storage, you can maximize every square foot in your loft space. It also helps to organize your furniture and place area rugs in ways that define the different spaces within your loft and create a sense of separation.

Lean into the industrial aesthetic of loft living by incorporating industrial-inspired furniture such as metal stools or reclaimed wood tables. Many loft dwellers also enjoy showcasing the features that make lofts unique, like tall ceilings, concrete or hardwood floors, and exposed brick. Balance this out by complimenting your space with modern or minimalist decor pieces.

Personalization is the final touch to truly making any space feel like home. Try bringing your personality and creativity into your loft with artwork and decor that reflect your interests. Also, choose color schemes and lighting that create a positive, inspiring mood. These personal touches add character to your loft and help create a space that will bring joy every time you walk through the front door.

Design July 10, 2023

5 Features of Mediterranean Interior Design

There’s so much beauty in the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, it’s no wonder the design style derived from this area of the world has the same effect on a home’s interior. Mediterranean interior design, part of the larger coastal design family, creates interiors that harmonize with the outdoors. Here are a few of its most common features.

5 Features of Mediterranean Interior Design

1. Mediterranean Materials

This style borrows primarily from the longstanding traditions found in Greece, Spain, and Italy, with additional influence from Mediterranean countries like Morocco and France. People have lived in this area of the world for thousands of years, each civilization attaining high levels of achievement in art and culture. Accordingly, the common materials that make up this interior design style show a timeless appeal. Dark wood, marble, or terra cotta tile are popular flooring choices, while the walls are typically made of stucco or plaster.

 

A Mediterranean interior design style bathroom with typical coastal design elements like marble tile, minimal accessories, and natural décor.

Mediterranean interior design bathroom | Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: FollowTheFlow

 

2. Mediterranean Color Palette

Prepare to be inspired. The colors found in a typical Mediterranean palette are tailor-made to make your interior come to life. Each hue is a rich variation of the colors we’re most familiar with in interior design. Golden yellows, olive greens, rich reds, and cobalt blues form the basis of the Mediterranean style. These colors all pop against a white stucco backdrop and evoke liveliness while being grounded in natural and organic elements like the sun, trees, and water.

 

A Mediterranean interior design style bedroom with typical coastal design elements like stucco and natural décor.

Mediterranean interior design bedroom | Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: amriphoto

 

3. Harmony with Nature

The ultimate Mediterranean interior is at one with nature; it’s somewhere you can walk around barefooted while a gentle breeze blows through the room. From its exposed wood beams to natural stone walls, everything about Mediterranean interior design embraces the outdoors and the elements derived from it. Open-air patios are often the central entertaining space, putting an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

 

A Mediterranean interior design style living with typical coastal design elements like exposed beams, a connection to the outdoors, and natural décor.

Mediterranean interior design living room | Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Julieanne Birch

 

4. Mediterranean Decorative Elements

Overall, Mediterranean design takes a less-is-more approach to home décor. Relying on the natural beauty of its elements, its philosophies on design have more in common with mid-century modern interior design than, say, eclectic style. Common decorative items include textured walls, tapestries, mosaic inlays, and Italian-style pottery and art. The countries that form the inspiration for Mediterranean style all have their unique take on sculpture art, commonly found in historical buildings and traditional architecture. Accordingly, sculpted detailing is a fitting décor feature in this style.

5. Bringing People Together

At the end of the day, people are an important part of Mediterranean interior design. Family spaces are a priority, as are communal seating arrangements in areas like the living room, dining room, and outdoor patio. Once you design your home this way, you can’t help but invite family and friends over to celebrate together. The open spaces and natural elements create a welcoming environment that is meant to be shared. Happy hosting!

For more information on home décor, read our blog post on contemporary interior design and how it differs from the modern style:

Contemporary Interior Design

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: xavierarnau

Design May 31, 2023

What is Victorian Architecture?

Like its namesake Queen Victoria, Victorian architecture is home design royalty. With its uniquely detailed decorations, it helped to define the style of homes in its era. These special homes still exist in large numbers today around the world, perhaps none more famous than San Francisco’s “Painted Ladies” near Alamo Square pictured above. Let’s dive into the history of Victorian architecture and some of its defining features.

What is Victorian Architecture?

Bursting onto the scene in the mid-1800s, Victorian architecture spawned several styles, creating multiple branches of the Victorian home design tree. Borrowing elements of other architectural styles of that era such as Gothic, Greek Revival, and Italianate, the highly ornate style reflected the expensive taste among the British people of the time, who were experiencing increased wealth due to the industrial Revolution. Much of the work required for building Victorian homes could be done by machine, and due to the industrial innovations of the time, the parts could be easily shipped across the country by train. Pretty soon, Victorian homes were popping up everywhere.

 

A street-level view of a pink Victorian architecture home with rounded windows, decorative trim, and ornate crown molding.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: LordRunar

 

Features of Victorian Architecture

  • Two to three stories
  • Steep, pitched roofs
  • High ceilings
  • Wood construction with detailed woodwork
  • Decorative trim and crown molding
  • Towers and turrets
  • Spacious porches
  • Recessed balconies
  • Iron railings
  • Bay windows
  • Stained glass

 

The interior of a Victorian architecture home with brown and tan antique furniture and accessories, traditional furnishings, and stained-glass windows.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: YinYang

 

Styles of Victorian Homes

Though there are several styles of Victorian homes, they are all multiple-story structures with steeply pitched roofs. Part dollhouse, part palace, their vintage character remains popular today. The Stick Victorian style resembles a gingerbread house with its decorative cladding and trim. The Queen Anne style is known for its asymmetry and cross-gable rooflines, while the Folk style is more symmetrical, cutting down on excessive ornamentation. As if the architecture itself wasn’t loud and eclectic enough, many Victorian homes were painted in bright colors to further differentiate their style from other homes—especially Queen Anne Victorian homes.

 

The Carson Mansion, a large Victorian house of American Queen Anne style Victorian architecture in Eureka, California.

The Carson Mansion in California, a classic example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: LordRunar

 

To learn more about the various styles of home design, visit our Architectural Styles page:

Windermere – Architectural Styles

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Mlenny

Design April 3, 2023

Eclectic Interior Design

When decorating your home, it can be hard to decide on just one aesthetic. Maybe you’re a fan of mid-century modern interior design but its minimalistic approach leaves you wanting more. Maybe you love the clean look of a farmhouse style interior but wish it had some of that classic Art Deco flair. Fortunately, there’s an approach you can take where you don’t have to limit yourself to the principles of just one line of design thinking. Eclectic interior design is a smorgasbord of home décor styles that allows your imagination to run wild.

What is eclectic interior design?

Eclectic interior design is a blend of different styles, patterns, eras, and all things home décor. By pulling from seemingly contrasting sources of inspiration, it allows homeowners to create an interior that’s uniquely personalized and lively. Eclectic interiors are inherently busy, so it’s important to focus on leveling the dynamic energy among the pieces and artworks you select to create balance, scale, and proportion.

 

A kitchen and hallway decorated with eclectic interior design. There is a patterned rug hanging on the wall, a small gallery in the kitchen, colorful patterned pillows on a bench in the hallway, and modern industrial lights hanging above a breakfast bar in the kitchen.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: xavierarnau

 

Decorating with Eclectic Interior Design

With so many shapes and colors at play, creating harmony is vital. Choose a color palette for your home and select pieces that reinforce that section of the color wheel. That way, when you decorate with accent pieces throughout your home, you’ll have a solid base to work from. This will also help you select which neutral colors will best help to balance out your interior spaces. For example, if you’ve settled on blues and browns as your foundational colors, beiges and creams will act as complimentary neutrals while creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

When it comes to textures and patterns, you’ve got far more leeway with eclectic interior design than many other styles. Have you been waiting to extract your patterned vintage furniture from your storage space? Still waiting to find a home for that ornate gold-framed mirror? Eclectic design may be just what the doctor ordered. With this style, vintage design can pair with modern furnishings and vice versa. Textures help to create contrast throughout your spaces, but even with eclectic design, repeating a texture in a few spots helps to create cohesion. Similarly, make sure your textural pieces fit somewhere within your color palette to create consistency throughout your home.

Create a Gallery Wall

 

A living room decorated with eclectic interior design. It has a gallery wall above the couch with a variety of framed photography and hand drawings. The living room carpet is made up of dozens of pastel cubes, there are colorful pillows and houseplants throughout, and the furniture is minimalist.

Image Source: Shutterstock – Image Credit: Ground Picture

 

A gallery wall is naturally eclectic, making it a perfect way to use up empty wall space while reinforcing this unique home décor style. Create a gallery wall at home by selecting the wall space you’d like to use and mapping out your desired gallery pattern. Once you’ve sketched out your plan, pay a visit to your local framing or hardware store so your artwork can hang professionally and evenly. Assemble your tools, hang your pieces, and admire how a gallery wall can really snap a room together visually. Experiment with different frame colors, designs, and textures that reinforce the rest of your interior. Here’s more on how to curate artwork in your home.

For more info on the various interior design styles, home décor tips and more, visit the Design page of our blog:

Windermere Blog – Design

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: IPGGutenbergUKLtd

Design January 18, 2023

What is a Rambler House? 5 Features of Ranch-Style Architecture

The distinct rambler architectural style is known by several names: rambler, ranch house, California ranch, and more. Whatever you call it, it has played an important role in the evolution of the American home. From its spacious interior to its welcoming layout, these homes are tailor-made for a comfortable home life.

History of the Rambler House

It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the rambler became a staple of domestic American life as the suburban boom reached new heights. The intention behind the architecture was simple: design the perfect post-war American home. The term “rambler” was a reference to the way the single-story design sprawled—or rambled—across the landscape. This home design mirrored the landscape of the American West and allowed for expansive views of surrounding land on a level plain.

Over time, the rambler style began to take on elements of modern design and eventually evolved into split-level homes, creating variants such as “raised ranch style,” “suburban ranch style,” and “storybook rambler.” To this day, these homes are found in great numbers across the country.

 

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: pbk-pg

 

5 Features of Ranch-Style Rambler Homes

1. Low-Pitched Roof and Eaves

Similar to the Craftsman style home, it’s common for ranch-style homes to have low-pitched roofs and overhanging eaves. These architectural features help to give ranch-style homes their distinct sprawling look.

2. Open Floorplan

Ramblers are known for their open interiors that allow for easy movement throughout the home’s horizontal spaces. The spacious layout is often anchored by a central area which creates a feeling a continuity between rooms, a concept that was influenced by modern architecture.

3. One-Story Buildings

Though their wide layouts make for large footprints, the majority of rambler homes are one-story structures. The terms “rambler” and “ranch house” are used interchangeably. However, raised ranch houses and split-level ranch houses will often have a basement, whereas the classic rambler home is a one-story building with a ground-level entry.

4. Attached Garage

This was one of the first architectural styles to incorporate an attached garage into the home design. This evolution in home design perfectly suited the needs of the modern American family in the 1950s and 1960s.

5. Connection to the Outdoors

In another nod to modernist homes, ramblers often prioritized outdoor spaces for entertaining and gathering. This connection to the outdoors is reinforced by large windows and easy access to back patios to create a connection between nature and the home itself.

 

For more information on different home designs, check out our Architectural Styles page.

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: JohnnyGreig

Design December 12, 2022

5 Interior Design Trends for 2023

The interior design trends of 2022 included a renaissance of colorful decorating, a preference for sustainable materials, and incorporating nature throughout the home. They reflected the continued evolution of our lifestyles in recent years and showed an overall desire for our homes to be somewhere we can relax, decompress, and focus on our wellbeing.

With 2023 just around the corner, expect to see the latest design trends continue that trajectory of creating a home that’s vibrant yet soothing.

5 Interior Design Trends for 2023

1. Butler’s Pantries

There’s something endlessly fascinating about features throughout a home that tie spaces together and create harmony. A butler’s pantry is the perfect resource for homeowners who feel their kitchens are always running at capacity. Typically located adjacent to the kitchen or dining room, modern butler’s pantries are often concealed behind cabinets or pocket doors. An economical solution for food and kitchen item storage, they allow you to prep meals outside the kitchen, gather silverware, and prepare to set the table. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and this space has taken on even more significance in recent years. It’s no wonder these special home features are on the rise.

 

A look through a modern kitchen to a butler’s pantry with a separate entrance. The shelves are stocked with silverware and china.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: PC Photography

 

2. Colorful Kitchens

Color in the kitchen is back in style! The neutral-toned backdrop of farmhouse-style interiors that leapt to the forefront of home design in recent years is still popular, but homeowners can expect to see more bold colors in 2023. The kitchen island, cabinets, and backsplash are three target areas for adding color to your kitchen. These large surface areas are tailor-made for color splashes to lead the eye throughout the room. Experiment with complimentary tile designs, two-toned cabinets, and dark-stained wood to create a kitchen atmosphere that feels anything but bland.

 

A modern kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and matching navy-blue cabinets and drawers with gold handles. The island has a matching navy base and warm butcher-block like wood top. Against bright white walls and with metallic accents, the space is both colorful and warm.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: JohnnyGreig

 

3. Organic Materials and Décor

In some ways, the design trends that defined 2022 will continue into next year. One such trend that will ring true in 2023 is a desire to fill the home with organic materials. Indoor plants will continue to be a popular decorative item throughout the home, both for their health benefits and their ability to mix and match with any décor style. In the living room, natural materials like stone, wood, and organic fabrics will help tie a home’s organic aesthetic together. And in the kitchen, stone and marble countertops add an earthy touch.

 

A young woman works from home on her laptop surrounded by house plants. The walls are off white, and with white plaster planters and natural wood accents, the green color of the plants pops against the clean backdrop.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Tatiana Buzmakova

 

4. Earth Tones

While bold colors are making their return to the kitchen, earth tones will help to balance out homeowners’ interior design palettes next year. Many design leaders’ color of the year selections for 2023 are in, all showcasing unconventional takes on earthy colors. Whether it’s beige, magenta, cream, or forest green, you can use these shades throughout your home to create balance and ground your bolder color choices elsewhere. Looking to swap out your grey couch? Have you always wanted to paint your gallery wall something other than off-white? Now is the time!

 

A living room designed with earth tones. The rattan chair and side tables are a wood-toned brown, the walls are painted with a warm latte color, the pillows and couch range from off-white to clay, and the hardwood floor is a light-stained wood. Black accents round out the room which has a calm and cozy ambience.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: FollowTheFlow

 

5. Intentional Spaces

Homeowners have made significant adjustments to their lifestyles in recent years. For many, that’s meant spending time on their hobbies, exercising, and working on passion projects at home, whereas previously they may have gone elsewhere. After a couple years of making do with whatever space was available, moving forward, we’ll see a more intentional approach to creating space at home for those activities. Whether it’s building out a home gym, setting up your home office, craft room, art studio, yoga sanctuary, etc., having a dedicated area allows for privacy and focus while doing the things you love.

 

A woman cuts shapes out of construction paper in her craft room.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Petar Chernaev

 

Interior design trends continue to evolve with our lifestyles and needs as homeowners. For more information on interior design, architecture, remodeling tips, and more, head to the Design page on our blog:

Windermere Blog – Design

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: hikesterson