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8. Moody Glam Vibes
Designers: Jeanie Engelbach and Ryan Romanowski of apartmentjeanie
Location: New York City
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “When the homeowners purchased this apartment, it was a complete white box, devoid of color, warmth and vibrancy,” says designer Jeanie Engelbach. “The dining area, and the rest of the open floor plan, did not accurately reflect our clients’ edgy, energetic and gothic yet glam aesthetic. As self-identified homebodies who love to entertain, they wanted a space that felt like them and was inviting to their guests. Having worked with them previously, we knew they trusted our instincts and ability to integrate their style and passions into the overall design concept and weren’t at all shocked when we suggested we use our client’s bright magenta-colored hair and black wardrobe as the inspiration.”
Special features. “To bring this vision to life, we fully committed to color drenching the entire open-floor living and dining room in a rich aubergine — Benjamin Moore Plum Royale — that transformed the space from generic white box to something far more regal and cinematic,” Engelbach says. “We carried the graphic metallic Art Deco-inspired wallpaper from the living room as a frieze to add contrast and structure, while the warm walnut custom-built bar and matching record stand introduces depth and acts as visual divider from living to dining area.
“The bar’s mirrored backsplash reflects light and creates an illusion of multiple windows. We inherited the polished live-edge dining table with lucite base from the apartment’s previous owner, then softened the room with curved velvet chairs that play off the plum tones. The chairs’ matte black steel tube frame anchors the hand-knotted wool rug in black with streaks of white . The dramatic Italian cascading crystal beaded chandelier brings movement and glamour.”
Designer tip. “When working with an open-floor-plan living space, it’s important to delineate designated areas within the larger floor plan,” Engelbach says. “However, implementing one consistent decorative element throughout — in this case, the paint and wallpaper — creates a sense of cohesion and continuity.”
Wallpaper: Art Deco Glamour, Spoonflower; chairs: Inesse in Iced Blue velvet, CB2
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Along the front walk, the flowers’ color palette ranges from sunny yellows to deep purples. “I also took seasonal blooms into account,” Nardelli says. “The colors and textures are always changing from early spring until winter.”
The flowering perennials include ‘Moonshine’ yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’, zones 3 to 9), ‘Caradonna’ sage (Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’, zones 4 to 9), ‘Big Blue’ sea holly (Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’, zones 5 to 9), ‘Whirling Butterflies’ gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’, zones 5 to 9), ‘Amistad’ sage (Salvia ‘Amistad’, zones 8 to 11), ‘Blue Boa’ giant hyssop (Agastache ‘Blue Boa’, zones 5 to 9), ‘Blackbird’ beard tongue (Penstemon ‘Blackbird’, zones 7 to 10) and ‘Magnus’ purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’, zones 3 to 8). The plantings also include various ferns, shrubs and hellebores.
Ornamental grasses are another important part of the planting design. ‘Goldtau’ tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’, zones 4 to 9) grows in clumps of dark green blades. Its cloud-like blooms in gold, silver, purple and green mature into a yellowish tan in the fall and provide interest through the winter. Another star player in the grass palette is ‘Greenlee’ moor grass (Sesleria ‘Greenlee Hybrid’, zones 5 to 9), which has linear blue-green blades and pale purple flower spikes that bloom in late spring through early summer before transforming into purplish-brown seed heads in the fall.
Get Year-Round Good Looks With Matrix Planting in Your Garden
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This once-unfinished street-level basement in a 1932 brick Tudor in Kitsap County, Washington, is now a bright, 800-square-foot accessory dwelling unit built for aging in place. The empty-nest homeowners envisioned a cheerful, wheelchair-accessible home they could live in during construction of a new primary suite, and later offer as a comfortable residence for a family member with impaired vision.
To bring that goal to life, they hired designer Molly Erin McCabe, whose work centers on accessibility, sustainability and long-term livability. Structural upgrades, a streamlined layout and lively furnishings transformed the former basement into a fully functional home with a kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom and bathroom, and a flex space that serves as an office and a dressing room. Aging-in-place features are integrated throughout, including a zero-threshold entry, wide doorways, a curbless shower, abundant layered lighting and durable, easy-care finishes.
Before Photo
“After” photos by Emily Barrows Photography
ADU at a Glance
Who lives here: An empty-nest couple
Location: Kipsap County, Washington
Size: 800 square feet (74 square meters)
Designer: Molly Erin McCabe of McCabe by Design
Builder: Bryce Whisnant of Fine Line Carpentry
Before: Here’s a look at the southeast corner of the basement, where the kitchen was always planned to be, McCabe says. “The kitchen for the main house is located right above it, so the plumbing and utilities could be shared and make the build-out more economical,” she says.
The renovation began with grinding and sealing the original concrete floor to level it as much as possible, maximizing the ceiling height to meet the 7-foot-minimum code requirement. Some of the floor was jackhammered to reroute the original waste drain, creating connections for the new shower and other plumbing. McCabe also added an interior perimeter framing wall with insulation, boosting the space’s energy efficiency.
After: McCabe and the homeowners chose durable, low-maintenance materials. The bright kitchen features ample terrazzo-look quartz counters, maple base cabinetry and paint-grade upper cabinets with soft-close doors and drawers. “The maple’s going to be more durable if hit with a walker or wheelchair, but we felt it would be too dark if done throughout,” she says.
A glazed sky-blue ceramic tile backsplash, accented with a multicolored design above the induction cooktop, adds a cheerful touch. A strip of thin orange accent tiles runs throughout the kitchen, to help a family member with impaired vision navigate the space in the future. “The [homeowners] felt the orange accent tiles are a good wayfinding indicator.”
The three-burner induction cooktop is paired with a slim-profile stainless pullout exhaust hood with LED lights, while a speed oven sits to the lower left. “They wanted this kitchen to be highly functional,” McCabe says.
Cabinets: Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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A 30-inch undermount, 16-gauge stainless workstation sink accommodates large pots and pans, and comes with handy accessories like a basket strainer and an integrated cutting board for easy prep and cleanup. Its motion-activated pull-down faucet makes using it effortless for older people, and the rich oil-rubbed bronze finish adds warmth. A code-compliant egress window above the sink brings in natural light and fresh air from the dug-out window well. A stainless dishwasher sits to the lower right.
Sink: Ruvati; faucet: Arbor in oil-rubbed bronze, Moen
10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By
Wide pathways extend through and off the living area, supporting easy movement throughout the ADU. “The bathroom has a 36-inch-wide entry door that provides full access for users of mobility devices such as a wheelchair,” McCabe says. Bright white walls and ceilings (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) enhance visibility and create a flexible backdrop for colorful furnishings and art. “The bright colors also help you travel through the space, especially for those who are visually impaired,” McCabe says.
A dining area lies just behind the sofa, with a coat closet tucked behind the door between the dining area and the kitchen (see the “After” floor plan below). A ductless mini-split unit glimpsed on the wall above the dining table heats and cools the room. An open linen closet stands to the left of the bathroom, and the staircase leads to the home’s main level. “A locking door can be installed at the ADU end of the staircase if desired,” McCabe says.
4 ADUs Just Right for Multigenerational Living
From the kitchen, this view looks toward the front entry behind the sofa. The glass door and sidelight include built-in blinds for privacy. “This basement has a zero-threshold entry, and you enter right off the street,” McCabe says. “There are no stairs to enter the structure, so anyone using a wheelchair or walker can go in and out easily.”
A corner pocket door opens to a storage closet, and wood-look linoleum flooring runs throughout. “It’s highly durable and low-maintenance, so it stands up to a wheelchair,” McCabe says. “We also live in a damp climate, so it’s a good choice for that too.”
Flooring: Marmoleum Linear Striato in Desert Sand, Forbo
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The bathroom includes an open, curbless shower outfitted with multiple grab bars, a fold-down bench and a handheld sprayer. Mosaic porcelain tile flooring is wet-rated for slip resistance. “The grout provides additional traction,” McCabe says. The floors are also heated. “Heated floors dry faster, reducing slip hazards while preventing mold and mildew, which means less cleaning and better indoor air quality,” McCabe says.
Nearby, a combination washer-dryer fits neatly into a niche under the staircase, a cost-effective location made possible by its proximity to the bathroom’s plumbing and drain lines.
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The bathroom’s wall-hung lavatory sink provides clear space below for a wheelchair or walker. “The wide ledges on either side of the sink are convenient for keeping grooming products and appliances close at hand,” McCabe says.
An LED-lit mirror above the sink offers task-ready illumination. “There are multiple lighting options that provide the right light level for every task,” McCabe says. Wall-hung storage cabinets flank the sink, with easy-to-spot high-contrast pulls and positioning that ensures equal access for users of all abilities.
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The bathroom also features a two-piece comfort-height elongated toilet with a contemporary skirted trapway. Grab bars mounted on two sides provide added safety and support for someone transferring from a wheelchair, standing or reaching into nearby cabinetry. “The grab bar [on the right] was intended to be used for the toilet as well as to transfer to the shower seat,” McCabe says.
An open cabinet door above one of the grab bars reveals access to the linen closet previously shown in the living room. “There’s LED strip lighting going vertically on each side when you open the cabinet,” McCabe says. “You don’t have to manually operate the light.”
Toilet: Betello, Kohler
The cozy bedroom is filled with natural light from an enlarged window overlooking a window well. A former fireplace area that couldn’t be relocated prevented the addition of a traditional closet, but the bedroom opens to an adjacent office and dressing room that includes closet storage (shown below). A white oak handrail, partially visible here on the right, wraps around the corner into the bedroom. “It’s an elegant wayfinding guide,” McCabe says.
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The bedroom opens to this private office and dressing room designed for flexibility and everyday function. A desk built from the same cabinetry used in the kitchen combines open and closed storage, while built-in shelves to the left provide additional easy-access storage. The closet includes hanging rods at two heights, along with integrated shoe and clothing shelves. Heating and cooling are provided by the wall-mounted ductless mini-split. “[The room is] also illuminated with an overhead light for enhanced visibility,” McCabe says.
Before: This floor plan shows the original unfinished basement layout, with the street-level entrance at the bottom right and the staircase centered within the space.
After: Aside from extending the new front door by about 1 foot, McCabe designed the fully accessible ADU within the basement’s original footprint. The kitchen sits in the upper right, with the bathroom along the top, the bedroom in the upper left, the office and dressing room in the lower right and the living area at the center. “Accessible dwelling units are being embraced in communities across the country,” McCabe says. “It’s a growing option for affordable housing and an alternative to assisted care.”
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These Washington state homeowners — a couple with a baby and a toddler — hired architect Heidi Helgeson to create a family home closely connected to its wooded setting. Built into a hillside and surrounded by mature trees, the custom transitional house is designed to capture light and views at every turn. That approach shines in this open, welcoming kitchen, where soft neutral tones and natural light create an easygoing feel. A statement island with a continuous polished quartz top delivers ample prep space, seating, storage and a handy landing zone for groceries. Custom white oak Shaker-style cabinetry and European oak flooring create a warm foundation. Matte white appliances, a modern farmhouse sink and layered mixed-metal accents add polish without fuss.
Photos by Anastasiya Andreychuk of Anastasiya Homes
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with a baby and a toddler
Location: Bellevue, Washington
Size: 205 square feet (19 square meters)
Designer: Heidi Helgeson of H2D Architecture + Design
Nature and warm wood tones take center stage in the open kitchen. A generously sized island with seating and storage anchors the layout and keeps traffic flowing smoothly. “They were planning on doing quite a bit of entertaining and wanted a nice, big island,” Helgeson says.
Custom Shaker-style white oak cabinetry wraps the perimeter and the base of the island, finished in a natural stain and paired with knobs and pulls in a warm champagne tone. “We like to use white oak in homes because it’s a clean look and has a warm feeling without looking too orange,” Helgeson says. “It’s also a light wood with a rich grain to it. This area has lots of trees, and we wanted to try and do light and airy finishes in the space because of the shade from the trees.”
Polished quartz with a soft pearl undertone, hints of warm sand and an ivory marble pattern tops the island and perimeter counters. An engineered European oak floor in a light, wire-brushed finish adds another calming neutral. “We wanted to use actual wood for the floors,” Helgeson says. “But engineered wood gives them a sturdier finish because they have a dog. The light color was also a factor. The floor is a medium shade lighter than the cabinetry.”
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A matte white double oven range with an induction cooktop and brushed bronze handles adds style while giving the family a flexible cooking appliance. “That was one of the last selections they made,” Helgeson says. “They fell in love with this one. It’s a wider cooking space and that drew them to this unit. They enjoy cooking and wanted to be able to make lots of things at the same time.”
A large custom cabinetry hood houses a 40-inch liner with LED lighting and a powerful blower to keep smoke and odors in check. “We just wanted the hood to tie seamlessly into the cabinetry,” Helgeson says.
On an adjoining wall, a 33-inch white fireclay farmhouse sink offers a spacious single bowl for large pots, pans and dishes. Its single-handle pull-down faucet in champagne bronze features a magnetic docking system. “They wanted the island to be a big work surface, so the location of the sink was situated so they can look out the window and keep an eye on the kids outside,” Helgeson says. A 24-inch matte white dishwasher with brushed bronze hardware coordinates with the range. A paneled pullout trash and recycling center sits to its left.
Faucet: Trinsic in Champagne Bronze, Delta
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A backsplash of 2½-by-8-inch cream-colored artisan ceramic tiles extends to the ceiling and features subtle variations in tone and coordinating cream grout. “We were trying to keep things simple,” Helgeson says. “Bringing it up to the ceiling didn’t add much cost. I also think it gives it a richer look. We didn’t want a strong pattern there, but it has some texture to it. It creates a very toned-down pattern while still keeping it light and simple.”
Durable fiberglass casement windows let in fresh air and frame close-up views of the surrounding nature. “The property is quite large and fully wooded on a hill,” Helgeson says. “There’s also a wetland, a stream and steep slope on the property.” LED ceiling lights on dimmers provide general illumination while undercabinet LEDs brighten task areas.
Backsplash: Cloe, Bedrosians Tile and Stone
10 Kitchen Projects That Deliver Big Results
Four black spindle bar stools at the island blend classic style with comfort with their curved backs and integrated footrests. Three vintage-inspired brass pendant lights in a black finish illuminate the space. “We just wanted to get good task lighting there,” Helgeson says. “We wanted something that would cover the whole surface. The size and shape of these spread the light across the island. They have a transitional look with a bit of a rustic feel to them. Some of the items they selected leaned toward farmhouse style since their home is in the woods.”
Pendant lights: Agnes, Schoolhouse
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Built-in open shelves next to a paneled French door refrigerator hold the couple’s extensive cookbook collection. “They definitely wanted storage in the kitchen for cookbooks,” Helgeson says. “At one point, we thought about putting them at the end of the island but ultimately decided to put them there by the refrigerator.”
A built-in microwave that matches the dishwasher and range sits in the island, alongside numerous drawers for easy access to kitchen essentials. A pocket door at the back left opens to a butler’s pantry with extra workspace and storage. “It’s almost like a hidden pantry because it’s tucked there behind the door,” Helgeson says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Painted French doors just off the kitchen bring in natural light and expand views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the room’s comfortable, airy feel. An easy connection to the living room adds to the kitchen’s versatility and reinforces its role as a social hub. “This kitchen is the central gathering area when they’re entertaining,” Helgeson says. “It’s open to the living room. Having the open flow for people in that whole space is what we wanted.”
Wall paint: Pearly White, Sherwin-Williams
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These Washington state homeowners — a couple with a baby and a toddler — hired architect Heidi Helgeson to create a family home closely connected to its wooded setting. Built into a hillside and surrounded by mature trees, the custom transitional house is designed to capture light and views at every turn. That approach shines in this open, welcoming kitchen, where soft neutral tones and natural light create an easygoing feel. A statement island with a continuous polished quartz top delivers ample prep space, seating, storage and a handy landing zone for groceries. Custom white oak Shaker-style cabinetry and European oak flooring create a warm foundation. Matte white appliances, a modern farmhouse sink and layered mixed-metal accents add polish without fuss.
Photos by Anastasiya Andreychuk of Anastasiya Homes
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with a baby and a toddler
Location: Bellevue, Washington
Size: 205 square feet (19 square meters)
Designer: Heidi Helgeson of H2D Architecture + Design
Nature and warm wood tones take center stage in the open kitchen. A generously sized island with seating and storage anchors the layout and keeps traffic flowing smoothly. “They were planning on doing quite a bit of entertaining and wanted a nice, big island,” Helgeson says.
Custom Shaker-style white oak cabinetry wraps the perimeter and the base of the island, finished in a natural stain and paired with knobs and pulls in a warm champagne tone. “We like to use white oak in homes because it’s a clean look and has a warm feeling without looking too orange,” Helgeson says. “It’s also a light wood with a rich grain to it. This area has lots of trees, and we wanted to try and do light and airy finishes in the space because of the shade from the trees.”
Polished quartz with a soft pearl undertone, hints of warm sand and an ivory marble pattern tops the island and perimeter counters. An engineered European oak floor in a light, wire-brushed finish adds another calming neutral. “We wanted to use actual wood for the floors,” Helgeson says. “But engineered wood gives them a sturdier finish because they have a dog. The light color was also a factor. The floor is a medium shade lighter than the cabinetry.”
Find a kitchen designer on Houzz
A matte white double oven range with an induction cooktop and brushed bronze handles adds style while giving the family a flexible cooking appliance. “That was one of the last selections they made,” Helgeson says. “They fell in love with this one. It’s a wider cooking space and that drew them to this unit. They enjoy cooking and wanted to be able to make lots of things at the same time.”
A large custom cabinetry hood houses a 40-inch liner with LED lighting and a powerful blower to keep smoke and odors in check. “We just wanted the hood to tie seamlessly into the cabinetry,” Helgeson says.
On an adjoining wall, a 33-inch white fireclay farmhouse sink offers a spacious single bowl for large pots, pans and dishes. Its single-handle pull-down faucet in champagne bronze features a magnetic docking system. “They wanted the island to be a big work surface, so the location of the sink was situated so they can look out the window and keep an eye on the kids outside,” Helgeson says. A 24-inch matte white dishwasher with brushed bronze hardware coordinates with the range. A paneled pullout trash and recycling center sits to its left.
Faucet: Trinsic in Champagne Bronze, Delta
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
A backsplash of 2½-by-8-inch cream-colored artisan ceramic tiles extends to the ceiling and features subtle variations in tone and coordinating cream grout. “We were trying to keep things simple,” Helgeson says. “Bringing it up to the ceiling didn’t add much cost. I also think it gives it a richer look. We didn’t want a strong pattern there, but it has some texture to it. It creates a very toned-down pattern while still keeping it light and simple.”
Durable fiberglass casement windows let in fresh air and frame close-up views of the surrounding nature. “The property is quite large and fully wooded on a hill,” Helgeson says. “There’s also a wetland, a stream and steep slope on the property.” LED ceiling lights on dimmers provide general illumination while undercabinet LEDs brighten task areas.
Backsplash: Cloe, Bedrosians Tile and Stone
10 Kitchen Projects That Deliver Big Results
Four black spindle bar stools at the island blend classic style with comfort with their curved backs and integrated footrests. Three vintage-inspired brass pendant lights in a black finish illuminate the space. “We just wanted to get good task lighting there,” Helgeson says. “We wanted something that would cover the whole surface. The size and shape of these spread the light across the island. They have a transitional look with a bit of a rustic feel to them. Some of the items they selected leaned toward farmhouse style since their home is in the woods.”
Pendant lights: Agnes, Schoolhouse
25 Kitchen Storage Features Pros Swear By
Built-in open shelves next to a paneled French door refrigerator hold the couple’s extensive cookbook collection. “They definitely wanted storage in the kitchen for cookbooks,” Helgeson says. “At one point, we thought about putting them at the end of the island but ultimately decided to put them there by the refrigerator.”
A built-in microwave that matches the dishwasher and range sits in the island, alongside numerous drawers for easy access to kitchen essentials. A pocket door at the back left opens to a butler’s pantry with extra workspace and storage. “It’s almost like a hidden pantry because it’s tucked there behind the door,” Helgeson says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Painted French doors just off the kitchen bring in natural light and expand views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the room’s comfortable, airy feel. An easy connection to the living room adds to the kitchen’s versatility and reinforces its role as a social hub. “This kitchen is the central gathering area when they’re entertaining,” Helgeson says. “It’s open to the living room. Having the open flow for people in that whole space is what we wanted.”
Wall paint: Pearly White, Sherwin-Williams
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2. Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
With its sophisticated and soothing blend of organic shapes, textures and materials, this neutral-toned living room embodies the earth element as well as the practical, grounded and patient astrological signs under its influence.
Steady Taurus treasures comfort, so you might find them spread out on the chaise in front of a roaring fire. The room’s efficient layout and floor-to-ceiling windows reinforce the order and clarity that Virgo craves. For Capricorn, who loves quiet luxury, the room boasts elegant furnishings, more of which you’ll see when clicking around the plan’s Dollhouse and Walkthrough views.
“We wanted to design a space that reflects the dependability and warmth of earth signs,” Foster Hurd says. “It’s a room where you can unwind, recharge and find comfort in timeless, natural materials.”
Foster Hurd created these and the other astrology-inspired spaces from scratch. But if you’re renovating an existing space, your designer or contractor can use the Houzz Pro app on their phone or tablet to scan the room (or rooms) and create a virtual model as a starting point for the new design. Pros then can adjust floor plans, create variations, share ideas and select products within the software. The latest AI-powered updates even allow pros to turn product photos into 3D models and use them in 3D floor plans.
Tour the floor plan
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Other special features. “To preserve views of the lake from the game table, we incorporated a raised platform with a built-in banquette, ensuring an uninterrupted sightline even during other activities like pool or movie nights,” Jensen says. “For the room’s ambiance, we leaned into a moody, swanky vibe. Dark paint covers the walls, ceiling and trim (Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams), complemented by reclaimed wood and accents of hot-rolled steel, achieving a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.” A wet bar, not shown, features a sink, dishwasher, beverage fridge, wine cooler, wine dispenser, coffee maker and microwave.
Designer tip. “Coating the walls, ceiling, and trim in a single paint color creates a cohesive, moody atmosphere while allowing key elements and finishes to take center stage,” Jensen says. “This unified approach adds depth and prevents the space from feeling overly busy or disjointed, with accent finishes providing just the right amount of contrast.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
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Imagine a clutter-free space dedicated to luxuriously restful slumber — a room where everything from the scent in the air to the sheets is carefully chosen to enhance feelings of relaxation, peace and (yawn …) sleep. You’ve got the blackout shades, now here are 10 little things, from bedtime rituals to smart storage solutions, to help turn your bedroom into the ultimate sleep cave.
1. Choose a Nightstand With Closed Storage
Drawers or a small cabinet below your nightstand can help keep visual clutter to a minimum.
Use the storage inside to tuck away books, your journal and pen, lip balm, reading glasses and other essentials.
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2. What to Keep on Your Nightstand
Keep the top of your nightstand simple and clutter-free, with just a few of these bedtime items:
Bud vase of fresh flowersCurrent bookCandle (unlit) with a relaxing scent (try lavender)Cup of herbal tea or carafe of water
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3. Make Comfort Your Priority
Too many fussy details like beading and sequins, or stiff and scratchy bedding materials, make for a less than restful night’s sleep. When choosing bedding, make sure whatever you choose is delightfully touchable — think crisp cotton sheets and a cozy cashmere throw.
4. Choose the Right Sheets
Always choose breathable natural fibers, not synthetics, which don’t allow your skin to breathe. Higher thread count doesn’t always mean higher quality, so trust your fingers to determine the feel of the sheets, and read reviews from those who have been living with the sheets for a while to get an idea of how well they hold up.
Linen is cool in summer and can last forever if well cared for. It can feel nubby (even a bit rough) or smooth and quite soft, so try to feel your sheets in person before you buy.Cotton percale is what you want if you love the feel of “crisp” sheets. This classic fabric is smooth but firm and performs well in warm weather.Cotton sateen is very soft and smooth, almost silky in feel. It may not be the best choice in hot weather.Shop for cotton sheets
5. Try One of These Soothing Bedtime Rituals
Brew a cup of herbal tea (try chamomile with honey).Read something soothing or uplifting, like a few beautiful poems or an inspirational book.Gradually lower the lights over the last hour before bedtime.Take a bath with relaxing lavender or rose oil.Spritz lavender-scented linen spray on your sheets and pillow.Listen to the same relaxing playlist each night before drifting off.
Brew a cup of herbal tea (try chamomile with honey).Read something soothing or uplifting, like a few beautiful poems or an inspirational book.Gradually lower the lights over the last hour before bedtime.Take a bath with relaxing lavender or rose oil.Spritz lavender-scented linen spray on your sheets and pillow.Listen to the same relaxing playlist each night before drifting off.
6. To Carpet or Not to Carpet
Carpeting feels plush underfoot, making it especially appealing to step out on first thing in the morning, and it can help muffle sounds for a more restful mood. However, if you have a dust allergy, carpeting is notoriously difficult to keep dust-free, so it’s best to skip it. If you love the feel of carpet but need to be able to thoroughly clean the floors often, compromise with a washable area rug atop hard flooring.
11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
7. Rethink the TV
Screens emit a blue light than can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Keep the TV (and other devices) out of the bedroom, and commit to reading a real book (on actual paper, not an e-reader!) before bed.
8. Clean the Air
Allergies or no allergies, we can all benefit from sleeping in a cleaner, healthier bedroom. Here are a few ways to keep the air in your bedroom fresh and pure all year long.
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove dust, pollen and air pollutants.Keep a houseplant or two in the bedroom (rubber plants are especially good at cleaning the air).Make the bedroom a no-shoes zone.Vacuum and dust weekly (including under the bed), more often if you have allergies.Open the windows to air out the space for at least 30 minutes each morning.Choose natural fibers and materials that don’t contain harmful VOCs.
9. Make Use of Baskets, Bins and Wall Hooks
Keep laundry, accessories and spare linens neat and tidy by stashing them in easy-to-use baskets and bins.
Hooks on the wall behind a door can keep favorite jewelry in order, while small French market baskets make a chic stash spot for random small items.
10. Give Once-Worn Clothes a Home
Rather than piling your lightly worn clothing on the chair in the corner (or worse, the floor), give it a dedicated home in a basket or bin.
Make a habit of refolding clothes you plan on wearing again before laundering, and place these items in the basket each night.
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2. Kids Corner
The “before” photo of this Seattle under-deck area shows how it was a hodgepodge of clutter. The homeowners wanted to create plenty of room where their young children could play, as well as space for dining and lounging.
Landscape designer Rebekah Rongo of SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture answered the call, and a sheltered area that wraps around a corner is part of the result. It’s designed for the kids, with a picnic table on one side, two bright red chairs on the other and a wraparound concrete step connecting the two. Tight-knot western red cedar walls warm up the space, create continuity in the yard’s design and conceal an easy-to-access storage area.
Note the light-colored under-decking too, to ensure that the spaces below stay dry on Seattle’s frequent drizzly days. Any water can drain through the permeable patio paver joints. After this photo was taken, the homeowners added a projection screen under the deck for movie nights.
Read more about this project
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2. Aging Gracefully
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two young boys
Location: Los Altos, California
Architect: Kendra Rosenberg of KNR Design Studio
Contractor: Changras & Frey Construction
One of the homeowners grew up in this Northern California ranch house, and now she and her husband live here with their two young sons. To make it their own, they brought on designer Kendra Rosenberg for a down-to-the-studs whole-home and yard renovation — one that would support indoor-outdoor living and allow them to age in place comfortably after their boys have grown.
Seen here is the new front porch, designed for rocking away the afternoons. Cedar shingles for the siding and walnut slab for the front door bring rich natural beauty to the backdrop, set off by fresh white trim and porch posts. The patio surface is Connecticut bluestone, offering cool contrast. And just inside the two new windows is a bench that the homeowners’ two dogs can perch on to keep a lookout.
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