3 Flooring Trends Designers Expect to See This Year

Before anyone notices your coffee table or comments on your throw pillows, they register your color story. The palette you choose does more than set the mood — it quietly governs every design decision that follows. It influences the furniture you’re drawn to, the materials you tolerate, the amount of visual stimulation you can comfortably live with and even how large or intimate your space feels. If you strip your interior design down to its foundation, color temperature is often where the divide begins. On one side, you’ll find frosty minimalism. On the other, toasty maximalism. And while most homes fall somewhere between the two, your palette choice usually reveals which direction you instinctively lean. Frosty Minimalism vs. Toasty Maximalism Frosty minimalism tends to favor cooler tones, such as crisp whites, muted blues, soft charcoals, pale sage and occasionally icy blush or lavender. These colors create clarity and visual calmness , enhancing focus. They reflect light, enhance architectural lines and minimize distraction. The effect is controlled, restrained and intentional. In contrast, toasty maximalism leans into warmth. Think terracotta, ochre, rust, deep emerald, burgundy, caramel, chocolate brown and layered jewel tones. These hues absorb light rather than bounce it back. They create intimacy and make a room feel collected, layered and emotionally expressive. The difference is atmospheric. Cooler palettes expand space and quiet it. Warmer palettes condense space and energize it. And once you commit to one temperature direction, your decor naturally follows. How Palette Choice Shapes Your Entire Interior Color isn’t just a finishing touch. It’s a framework, and once it’s established, it influences nearly every element in your home. Furniture Selection A cool, frosty palette pairs naturally with streamlined silhouettes. You’ll likely gravitate toward furniture with clean lines, minimal ornamentations and neutral upholstery. Light oak, ash, blackened steel, matte finishes and glass all harmonize with cooler schemes. Ornate carving or heavily textured fabrics can feel visually loud against a restrained palette. In a toasty minimalist space, furniture becomes more sculptural and expressive. Rounded shades, velvet upholstery, carved wood, vintage prices and statement chairs feel at home. Walnut, brass, antique gold and richly stained woods complement warm palettes. In this setting, contrast is welcomed rather than avoided. Texture and Material Choices Cool-toned minimalism often embraces materials that reinforce simplicity , like linen, cotton, plaster and light woods. Surfaces tend to feel matte or softly reflective rather than glossy. Texture is subtle, not dominant. Warmer maximalist interiors rely heavily on texture for depth. Think velvet drapery, patterned rugs, embroidered cushions, aged leather, dark woods and mixed metals. Layering is intentional and visible. The room is meant to feel tactile and dimensional. Lighting Decisions Lighting behaves differently depending on color temperature. In minimalism, natural light is often prioritized. Sheer window treatments, reflective surfaces, and strategically placed mirrors enhance brightness. Artificial lighting tends to be soft white or cool-neutral to maintain the clean aesthetic. Maximalism thrives under warm, golden lighting. Table lamps, sconces and layered ambient lighting create pools of glow that deepen the richness of warm hues. In these interiors, lighting is less about maximizing brightness and more about creating atmosphere.  Art and Decorative Objects In cooler minimalist spaces, art is often oversized and restrained. A single large abstract piece, black-and-white photography or minimal line drawings reinforce simplicity. Decorative objects are curated and sparse. Negative space is intentional. In maximalist interiors, walls can become storytelling canvases. Gallery walls, mixed frames, layered textiles, bold prints and collected objects all coexist. Warm palettes provide cohesion even when patterns and eras vary. Perception of Space Cool colors visually recede, making rooms feel larger and more open. This is one reason frosty minimalism often appeals to apartment dwellers or those seeking a sense of spaciousness. Warm colors advance, making rooms feel closer and more intimate. In larger homes or high-ceilinged spaces, toasty maximalism can make rooms feel grounded and inviting. Design Ideas Across the Spectrum If you lean toward frosty minimalism, anchor your space in layered whites, cool grays and soft charcoal, then introduce quiet contrast through matte black fixtures or pale woods like ash and white oak. Incorporate sculptural lighting, simple ceramics and one oversized piece of art rather than multiple smaller accents. Keep surfaces intentional and uncluttered. For those who appreciate warmth but don’t want to commit fully to saturated maximalism, taupe white is an exceptional choice. It’s a warm, welcoming hue that combines soft beige and gray undertones. It carries an earthy calmness that softens a space without overwhelming it. If you’re drawn to toasty maximalism, begin with a warm base such as terracotta, ochre, caramel or deep olive. Layer upholstered seating in jewel tones, incorporate walnut or richly stained woods, and introduce brass or antique gold accents for depth. The Palette Is the Blueprint Ultimately, your color palette is the quiet authority behind every design choice you make, shaping how your home looks and how it feels to live in. Whether you gravitate toward cool, frosty tones that create clarity and openness or warm, toasty hues that build intimacy and depth, that temperature decision becomes the foundation of your home decor.

Every year, the interior design world pauses to see what direction color trends might take next. When Pantone announced its 2026 Color of the Year as Cloud Dancer, the reaction was immediate and divided. Some designers welcomed the calm, airy tone. Others saw it as a step backwards after years of richer, more expressive palettes.  For homeowners planning a renovation or refresh, the bigger question is practical rather than theoretical/ Does this muted, off-white tone mean minimalist interiors are about to dominate again? If so, do you have to follow? What Is "Cloud Dancer?" Cloud Dancer — or PANTONE 11-4201 — sits firmly in the soft neutral family. Pantone describes it as gentle, atmospheric and restorative. It’s a shade meant to suggest pause and comfort rather than drama. Visually, it reads as a diaphanous white with gray undertones, closer to mist than to bright gallery white. The intent is clear. After years of visual noise and saturation trends, the color signals restraint. The message, however, has not landed well with everyone. Industry commentaries include polite skepticism and outright disappointment, and many designers view the selection as underwhelming. Homeowners value color-forward interiors and are not keen on any return to blank-feeling spaces. Recall 2025 and the Reign of Warmth and Personality The frustration around Cloud Dancer makes more sense when you look at recent interior design history. Over the past few years, interiors have moved decisively away from cool grays and stark whites. Homeowners embraced warmer, moodier palettes that felt personal and lived-in. Recently, fall pigment trends pointed to deep, comforting hues like terracotta and brick red that signaled familiarity and warmth to match Mocha Moose — the 2025 Color of the Year. Compared with those saturated, expressive tones, Cloud Dancer feels almost withdrawn. The contrast is sharp enough that you may see it as an invitation to rewind the clock to minimalism. Why You Don't Have to Follow the Leader Pantone's Color of the Year is often treated like a rulebook, but it isn't one. It's a signal, not a directive. Cloud Dancer may reflect a collective craving for calm, yet that doesn't mean your home has to drift toward sparse rooms and barely-there palettes. One reason neutral trends gain so much power is because of long-standing myths about color that scare homeowners into “neutral” territory. Perhaps you still believe lighter shades are the only way to make a space feel open, or that bold tones will automatically overwhelm a room. That thinking lingers even though it no longer reflects how designers and painters actually work. Challenging views on core interior color rules point out that dark shades, layered palettes and non-white ceilings can all work beautifully when balanced with light, texture and flow. The goal is to create a space that feels intentional and personal. Cloud Dancer does not override that, and you shouldn't read it as permission to erase color, contrast or warmth from your home. Instead, Pantone's Color of the Year 2026 can become the canvas upon which you create a lighter and more energized style. 5 Ways to Use Cloud Dancer Without Being Boring If Cloud Dancer pleases you, but you want to avoid a bland result, treat it as a supporting player. Pantone's own palette guidance leaves plenty of room for expression: Place it quietly with bolder choices: Cloud Dancer works best when it steps back. Use it on walls to give visual breathing room to statement furniture, oversized art or dramatic lighting. Pair it with muted color: Avoid minimalist-white interiors by pairing them with powdered pastels, dusty blues or softened greens for dimension and a relaxed mood. These chromatically diverse combinations speak of thoughtful selection that eliminates sterile spaces. Warm it with organic materials: Immediately shift the tone from sterile to lived-in with natural wood, woven textures, stone and plants. A pale backdrop soon becomes inviting. Introduce contrast through depth: Deep accent colors, aged metals or rich fabrics prevent Cloud Dancer from dominating the room. Contrast adds weight without tipping into visual chaos. Use it selectively: A single room or surface can benefit from a lighter neutral. That doesn't require your entire home to follow suit. Each of these approaches keeps your palette open and expressive, even when the base stays calm. The Verdict: Is Minimalism Making a Comeback? It's easy to read Pantone’s 2026 pick as a swing back toward minimalist interiors — especially after years of warmer, more personality-driven spaces — but trends rarely move in straight lines. Instead, they overlap, react and adapt. Just recently, designers were celebrating deeper, comforting hues that leaned into familiarity and warmth. That shift simply made room for another option. Cloud Dancer sits alongside those colors, not in opposition to them. Introducing the airy, atmospheric tone may bring some relief to overly saturated visual scapes. The almost-white hue may read as fresh and clean when paired with supporting pastels or rich metallic tones. A Bigger Takeaway Cloud Dancer may reflect a cultural moment that values pause and ease, but it doesn't demand a return to pale, stripped-back interiors. Minimalism is a choice, not your default setting. Neutral colors only become boring when they're treated as the whole story instead of the background. Your home still gets to feel warm, layered and unmistakably yours. Trends can inform your decisions, but they shouldn't limit them.

You see a stunning, all-white living room on Instagram, but the thought of having your dog, your kids or even a cup of coffee near it causes instant anxiety. Designing your home shouldn’t be about creating a flawless showroom. It’s about crafting a place that serves as a functional and loving backdrop for your real life. Make choices that support your routines, reduce stress and bring you joy. Here’s how to bridge the gap between aesthetics and reality when designing your home.  Define Your Unique Lifestyle Understanding your unique lifestyle helps answer the “why” behind every design decision. Without this clarity, you’re just decorating instead of designing. Follow these steps to understand your “why”: Visualize your day: Determine where the chaos erupts to identify your “friction points.” Is it the morning scramble to get to the door or the after-school homework explosion on the kitchen table? Consider your hobbies and passions: A painter needs a dedicated corner with good lighting, while a baker needs accessible counter space. A family of movie lovers needs a comfy sofa and good blackout curtains. Think about what you love to do and what that requires. Factor in your social life: Assess how your home needs to function for guests. You might need flexible seating if you often host big, casual get-togethers or a large functional dining area if formal dinner parties are more your style. Keep a home journal for a week. Take note of where you instinctively drop your keys, where clutter often accumulates and what parts of your home make you feel happy and at ease. Map the Flow of Your Home “Traffic flow” represents the typical pathway people walk through a room or from one room to another. Good home design keeps these paths clear. Think of your rooms not as single spaces but as collections of functional zones. For example, every home needs a spot by the main entrance to handle the transition from outside to inside and vice versa. This zone typically includes a place for keys, mail, shoes and coats to prevent them from migrating further into the house. Make your spaces work harder, especially if you don’t have the luxury of single-use rooms. A dining table can be a homework hub with a small cabinet with school supplies nearby and dimmable overhead lighting that works for both work and meal times. Choose Finishes and Furniture That Fit Your Lifestyle Making smart furnishing investments pays off in lower stress and maintenance. Here are the main factors to consider. Prioritizing Durable Materials Your lifestyle should dictate your material choices. If you have pets, choosing the right surfaces for flooring, paint and fabrics is key to maintaining a clean and stylish home. Durable, easy-to-clean and scratch-resistant surfaces are best for pet owners and can make life easier. Semi-gloss or satin paint finishes are also perfect for parents and pet owners, as they’re hard to damage and can be wiped clean. Similarly, furniture with performance fabrics can resist stains, moisture and fading. Balancing Form and Function Consider modular sofas and shelving units. You can reconfigure these pieces as your life changes. For example, you can divide a large, modular sectional into two smaller sofas if you move or want sitting areas in two different rooms. Choose multi-functional pieces, like coffee tables with drawers, lift-tops for hidden storage and entryway benches that double as shoe cubbies. Ensure your furniture choices leave clearance to avoid a cramped or cluttered feeling. Master Organization for a Calmer Home Organization creates visual calm and saves time when you’re looking for a particular item. Follow the “a place for everything, and everything in its place” mentality. Items that you use daily should be in the easiest-to-reach cabinets, while seasonal or rarely used things can go in less accessible storage. Extend your organization throughout your home. Vertical storage takes advantage of your walls, keeps your floors free and makes it easier to grab your frequently used items. You can also take advantage of another underused space by installing a countertop over front-loading washers or dryers to create a surface for managing laundry. Infuse Your Personality into the Design Make your space a true reflection of who you are. Choose colors that influence your mood and energy. For example, green fosters a deeper connection to nature , making it ideal for rooms where you want to relax, like bedrooms and living rooms. Meaningful items add more “you” and help make your house a home, so display things that hold personal meaning. It can be anything from a gallery wall of candid family photos to a collection of rocks from favorite hikes or a display of cookbooks from a beloved grandparent. Also, incorporate personal touches to engage your senses. Place a signature-scented candle on your coffee table, drape a soft throw blanket on the sofa or set up smart speakers with a calming playlist ready. Create a Haven That’s Uniquely Yours Reflecting your lifestyle in your home is an act of self-care, so move from a house that you simply live in to a home that lives for you. Understand your story and daily flow and tame clutter in every space. Surround yourself with colors and objects you love. Remember that the goal is to create an evolving space that grows with you.

You can make your outdoor spaces lively and inviting all winter long. With a few simple touches, patios, gardens and poolside areas can shine with color, warmth and personality, staying cozy and enjoyable in cooler months. Vibrant textiles, thoughtful lighting and eye-catching design elements instantly brighten the space. Practical additions, such as heaters or protective covers, help you enjoy your outdoor areas comfortably throughout the season. 1. Layer With Textiles for Visual and Physical Warmth Even in chilly weather, textiles can make your outdoor seating areas feel welcoming. Brightly patterned cushions, throws and outdoor rugs can draw the eye and add a sense of personality and charm. Mixing textures and colors can also help define seating areas and make them feel more like an extension of your indoor living space. Color can play a powerful role in this process. Research shows that cool tones like blue and green tend to lift moods and create a calming effect. Warm colors, such as red and yellow, increase energy. By thoughtfully combining patterns, textures and color palettes, you can make your outdoor space both visually engaging and emotionally inviting all winter long. 2. Prepare Seasonal Features Thoughtfully If your outdoor space includes a pool, winterizing it helps preserve its functionality and appearance. It also improves safety by reducing the risk of accidental falls — protecting family members and pets from potential hazards during the colder months. Draining or covering fountains, ponds and pools also protects them from freeze damage. Cleaning and covering fire pits or outdoor kitchens keeps them ready and safe for use when warmer weather arrives. 3. Introduce Eye-Catching Design Elements Adding visual interest through tiles, stepping stones or outdoor art can help a winter landscape feel deliberate and thoughtfully designed. A striking tile pattern, a bold mosaic wall or a sculptural piece can create clear focal points in an outdoor space. These elements help draw the eye and keep the area visually engaging, even when plants are dormant or touched by frost. Well-placed design elements can also improve how you use the space. Stepping stones can subtly guide movement through a garden, while decorative tiles or wall art can define different zones within a patio or courtyard. 4. Brighten the Space with Colorful Lighting Lighting can transform an outdoor area from dull to dazzling. Consider installing string lights, lanterns or LED fixtures in bold colors to make your patio or garden pop. Warm-toned lights can create a cozy atmosphere, while colored bulbs may add playful accents that catch the eye from inside your home. Using lighting to highlight pathways, planters or architectural features can make your outdoor space feel intentional and inviting, even on the grayest winter days. Consider ENERGY STAR-certified LED lights, as these use roughly 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. These qualities also make LEDs a strong choice for environmentally conscious home design. 5. Keep Spaces Functional With Practical Additions Spending time in nature improves cognitive function , stimulates brain activity, lowers blood pressure and enhances overall well-being. Consider using heating sources, such as a fire pit, patio heaters or heated seating, to help extend the space's use during colder months. Even portable heaters can make a chilly evening more comfortable, allowing you to host gatherings or enjoy quiet moments outdoors. To further enhance comfort, windbreaks, outdoor curtains or partial enclosures can help reduce exposure to cold air. Weather-resistant furniture and storage solutions can also keep the space organized and easy to maintain throughout the season. Extend the Life of Your Outdoor Space Making your outdoor space winter-ready is about balance and combining aesthetic touches with functional elements. Colorful lighting, layered textiles, bold design features and practical heating solutions can bring your space to life and keep it functional year-round. Carefully chosen winter plants can make your patio, deck or garden feel alive and inviting all season long. With these intentional updates, your outdoor areas can remain a source of joy and relaxation, offering views and experiences that brighten even the coldest days.

People could feel the vibe and soul of your home before they even step inside the front door. Think about it — the curb and the house’s facade are the first things that greet you when you visit another person’s house. Elevate your curb appeal to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests by diving into these crucial elements. 1. Unify Style and Tech with an Integrated Garage Door System The best way to increase the curb appeal of your home with a garage door is by treating it as a main design feature and not just something functional. After all, garage doors are one of the largest elements you can see on a home’s facade. How can you increase the curb appeal of your home with a garage door? Incorporate designs that complement your home's aesthetic and architecture. For example, choose sleek black ones for minimalist contemporary houses or X-brace ones for homes with rustic farmhouse vibes. You can also customize your own based on materials such as wood, steel, composite or other options. Choose among a diverse collection of high-end and high-tech garage door designs from LiftMaster with Clopay , which brings technology and curb appeal together. Make sure you use them to the fullest by installing wall-mount openers that free up ceiling space and give your home a modern look. Additionally, you can control these garage doors with an app, making going out and coming back home so much easier. 2. Add Drama and Safety with Architectural Lighting Lighting can make or break your home's curb appeal — think of it as jewelry for your facade. It bridges your home's interior to its exterior and brings the place to life, especially at night. Wall lights brighten up homes at night and ensure security. On the other hand, accent wall lighting creates a distinct, comforting mood and step accents help people see where they’re going without harsh overhead light. Known for its quality and wide range of outdoor lighting, Kichler has plenty of options depending on your home’s needs. You can choose lighting based on aesthetic, functionality, safety or security. 3. Create Living Architecture with Curated Landscaping One of the best ways to show your home’s overall style is to devote energy to your landscaping, creating blossoming gardens or maintaining a unified front yard image. Curated landscaping is about caring for your greenery and using it as key architectural points. You can create structure and texture as well as use color to complement your home’s design. Besides aesthetics, landscaping helps maintain your privacy, guide guests toward the front door and soften facade elements. Make sure you find a partner who understands how to correctly set up and layer these elements. With a hundred years of experience, Monrovia is the perfect partner for developing your outdoor space. You can choose among shrubs, perennials, grasses or a mix of these three to decorate your home. Your Home's Style Story Starts at the Curb Investing in your home’s facade and outdoor space brings a strong ROI. Start by boosting your home's curb appeal with garage doors. Invest in high-quality doors with a matching design. Adding outdoor ambient lighting and curating front gardens and yards are other ways to improve curb appeal. Make sure you view homes’ exteriors not just as an addition but as an essential part of your home. Try one of these methods and see how much change it can bring.

The white chocolate minimalism trend has taken over the interior design world by storm in recent years. This aesthetic has graced celebrity home tours and countless Pinterest inspiration boards. Before you redesign your home, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore what white chocolate minimalism offers and whether its reign has passed. What Is White Chocolate Minimalism? The white chocolate minimalism trend coincided with the COVID pandemic, when everyone was simplifying their lives and choosing things that matter most. Since then, the trend has remained strong, adorning many homes and designs worldwide. Think of cream sofas, beige wallpapers, frost-white countertops and ivory decor. Besides shades of white, the design trend also features clean lines and layers, as well as an emphasis on light and space.

Keeping your home organized shouldn’t feel challenging. January is the perfect time to revamp your interior decorating. You could have storage systems ready to go for the rest of the year after one or two quick projects. Consider some practical, stylish solutions to find new ideas that work in any living space. 1. Matching Painted Cabinets Your kitchen and bathroom cabinets likely already hold plenty of belongings, but do they complement the paint color around them? Covering your cabinets in the same shade as the surrounding walls will elevate your interior decorating. If you add storage hooks on the inside of each door or underneath the cabinets, you’ll add more places to keep things. Even if your cabinets become cluttered over time, the extra paint color could keep your stress low. Shades of blue and green reduce a person’s anxiety , so you may not feel as tense around household messes with more of those colors in your life. 2. Hanging Baskets Some homes have tricky empty spaces like alcoves. If you want to maximize your organization options, hang baskets around your house. They come in all sizes, so they’ll fit in those tougher spots where furniture and picture frames can’t. You’ll also layer your home’s design with a new texture if you don’t currently use baskets for storage. 3. Setback Shelves Fill empty wall space without making your house feel smaller by building setback shelves. The shelving units are better for small items because they use only the space behind your drywall. They also make use of vertical space, which is often underutilized , and make rooms feel bigger, adding a fresh style while creating additional shelving. Meet with a contractor to map any existing electrical cords and studs if you want to install built-in shelves in a specific room. 4. Magnetic Fridge Shelves If you want a quick organization solution on a budget, look into shelves that attach to the outside of your fridge. The strong magnets can hold things like spice containers, large utensils and other things you’d otherwise keep on your countertops. Magnetic shelves come in a variety of styles so you can match them to your existing interior design. Your kitchen will become a more organized place without breaking the bank. 5. Chalk Pen Labels Labels are essential in any organized living space. You could use them to label food storage containers in your pantry instead of branded packaging. The average American buys groceries once a week , but you may not need to update your labels often if you purchase the same food regularly. Labels may also be helpful inside cabinets or on bins in your closet. Turn them into more stylish spaces by using chalk pens on the labels. You can get creative with colors and make your labels look like a professional artist stopped by to upgrade your home’s aesthetic.  6. Wicker Storage Containers Many homeowners keep things under their beds when they can’t find any other room for large belongings. If you’re tired of seeing fabric bags or plastic bins beneath your bedframe, swap them with wicker storage containers. The natural texture gives any room a professionally designed feel. You may not mind seeing the bins peek out from your bed, transforming a current storage headache into an enjoyable part of your house. Organize Your Home With Ease You don’t need a big budget to organize your belongings more stylishly. Think about which solutions would look best in your house while meeting your storage needs. Whether you install setback shelving or paint your cabinets, your home will start 2026 with a refreshed vibe.

Imagine curling up with a book and a hot chocolate while a winter storm rages just beyond your window. If you’re lucky enough to have an all-weather porch with full walls and a roof, you can easily turn it into a cozy haven for relaxation throughout the coldest months. Start With a Cohesive Color Scheme Colors can influence mood and energy levels. In a color and emotional association survey, most participants associated red or pink with love , about half linked yellow to joy, and almost a third connected blue to relief. When decorating your all-season porch, consider colors that remind you of wintertime and evoke positive feelings. Through careful color choices, you can bring the outdoors inside, minus the rain, snow and freezing temperatures. A monochromatic palette that complements your home’s exterior is an excellent way to make your porch feel like a bridge between indoors and outdoors. Monochromatic schemes are shades of the same color , such as sky blue and navy, burgundy and pink, or lavender and plum. So, if your home’s exterior features sage green, you could choose forest green as a monochromatic complement for your porch. Layer in Comfort With Rich Textures and Textiles Having chosen a color scheme, you can maximize it through your selection of furnishings and accessories. Incorporate Plush Rugs and Curtains A soft, thick area rug can cover the cold floor, instantly adding depth and coziness. Thermal curtains offer a soft appearance and provide additional insulation against the cold. Add an Abundance of Pillows and Blankets Using a variety of textiles such as chunky knits, faux fur, fleece and wool adds visual interest and tactile comfort to your snug. You can mix and match different textures and patterns within your color scheme to create a deep sense of warmth. Create a Warm Glow With Ambient Lighting Harsh overhead lighting works against the cozy feel you are trying to achieve. Layering different light sources is a better option and can create an inviting ambience. Use Dimmable Lamps and String Lights Try placing floor or table lamps with warm-toned bulbs and dimmers. Look for the Kelvin rating — this measures how the light looks, not its power. Bulbs of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin are usually termed “soft white,” which is ideal. Warm white, between 2,000 and 2,500 Kelvin, works too, but soft white generally gives a more relaxing glow. String lights are not just for the holiday season. Adding some to your all-weather porch is a good idea for year-round ambience, and it can seem especially magical during long, dark winter nights. Introduce Candles for Scent and Flicker What says coziness more than a flickering flame? Flameless LED candles are a worry-free alternative to naked flames that create the same inviting feel. You’re probably familiar with using festive scents like cinnamon or cranberry. Once the festivities have passed, you can use other wintry fragrances that evoke the outdoors with a hint of warmth. Think pine, wood smoke, fir, cedarwood or amber. Select the Right Furnishings for Lounging Your all-weather porch is meant to be a haven, so choose furniture that allows you to truly relax. Opt for Deep, Comfortable Seating Upholstered items will feel warmer and more inviting than those made of wood or metal. Consider a small loveseat, a comfortable armchair and ottoman, or even a daybed if space allows. Research shows that time spent in nature reduces stress and lowers blood pressure , but it’s easy to miss out on the benefits of being outdoors during the winter months. Your all-weather porch gets you as close to nature as possible, so choose furniture that you will want to spend time with. Bring in Natural Elements Adding hardy potted plants, such as ferns or snake plants, will further bring life to your space and connect you to the outdoors. Winter-blooming flowers need plenty of light , so place them near windows. For pops of color, it’s hard to beat African violets, Cattleya orchids or primrose. The holiday favorite, amaryllis, is low-maintenance and can be planted to bloom long after the festivities are over. Ensure Consistent Warmth for All-Day Comfort No matter how beautiful your space, you won’t want to use it if it’s cold. Even insulated all-weather porches can get chilly. An electric fireplace brings heat and ambience, but for a more flexible option, a properly-sized space heater is a great choice. Check windows and doors for drafts. If necessary, add simple fixes, such as door snakes, to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Weatherstripping, if required, is a simple DIY job, but ensure you do it before temperatures drop below 20o Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it may not adhere correctly. Your Winter Retreat Awaits Transforming your porch into a winter snug is easier than you think. By layering cozy textures, adding warm, ambient lighting and choosing a cohesive color palette, you can create an inviting space that connects you to the outdoors all season long.

Countertops are taking center stage in 2026 with bold designs and practical innovations. Homeowners can mix timeless natural stones with modern engineered surfaces. Trends focus on texture, seamless designs and colors that complement any style. Quartzite, quartz and porcelain offer durability without sacrificing elegance. Choosing the right finish and layout can instantly elevate the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom. Countertop Trends Defining 2026 From bold natural patterns to tactile textures, countertops will become a focal point of kitchen and bathroom design in the new year. 1. Quartzite — The Natural Stone Star The popularity of quartzite is growing, with homeowners seeking natural elegance and lasting durability. Its strength and beauty make it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and even feature walls. This natural stone is available in a variety of colors and patterns, offering you creative freedom to match any style. Low-maintenance and heat-resistant, quartzite combines luxury with practicality for every home. Since 1989, Modul Marble has been a top supplier of quartzite slabs in LA. It sources high-quality quartzite slabs from around the world, ensuring each piece is one-of-a-kind and of exceptional quality. Its experts help homeowners pick the best stone for their project. Its quartzite slabs are carefully selected from quarries worldwide, ensuring each piece is unique and full of character. The team guides homeowners in choosing the perfect quartzite slab for their style and needs, offering many options to buy quartzite slabs in LA. 2. Warm and Earthy Tones Warm neutrals — such as sandy beiges, creams, taupes, and rich browns — are replacing sterile whites and cool grays. These shades can create inviting, sophisticated and timeless kitchens. Typically, manufactured surfaces now replicate natural stone patterns beautifully, featuring bold veining and earthy hues. Countertops seem to have become a striking focal point, defining the space. Exclusive Stone, Inc. has served the Chicago area, specializing in quartz, granite and marble countertops. Options include warm and earthy tones such as fair crema marfil and giallo crystal. The team provides expert guidance on material selection, custom designs and fast installations. 3. Honed and Textured Finishes Honed and textured countertops are gaining popularity for their soft look and everyday practicality. Finishes like honed and leathered can reduce glare and conceal smudges, scratches and fingerprints more effectively than polished surfaces. Textured finishes may also add depth and character, turning countertops into subtle design features. Its advantages can include the tactile feel and forgiving nature of these materials, especially in busy kitchens and bathrooms. Pinnacle Stone Restoration provides polished, honed, textured, cleaned and sealed countertops. It caters to both residential and commercial properties in the Chicago region. Its services include countertop refinishing and repair, featuring leathered, antiqued or textured finishes for a distinctive, upscale look on marble, quartzite and granite. 4. Seamless Slabs and Full-Slab Backsplashes Seamless slabs and full-slab backsplashes can create a clean, uninterrupted look in modern kitchens. Extending the same material upward adds visual impact while making spaces feel larger and more refined. This design can also reduce grout lines, making cleaning and long-term maintenance more straightforward. Moderno Porcelain Works offers large-format porcelain slabs ideal for seamless countertops and backsplashes. Its ultra-compact slabs allow expansive designs with minimal seams and precise detailing. With expert fabrication and proprietary installation methods, Moderno delivers flawless results from planning to installation. 5. Farewell to the Waterfall Edge In 2026, many designers are moving away from waterfall edges in favor of softer, more residential-friendly designs. The dramatic look now feels overly modern and less practical for everyday living. Skipping the waterfall edge can also reduce material costs without sacrificing style. Homeowners may gain flexibility while focusing on function, warmth and timeless appeal. LA Custom Granite Quartz Marble Countertops designs integrated drainboards, waterfall edges, mitered aprons and various custom features, improving the functionality and aesthetics of countertops. The team collaborates with clients to develop unique layouts, which may include integrated sinks, backsplashes and waterfall edges. It accommodates unconventional shapes and thickness requirements to suit specialized areas. The team's expertise guarantees that every edge detail appears intentional and refined. Elevate Your Surfaces in 2026 Countertops in 2026 blend beauty, durability and innovation like never before. From the natural elegance of quartzite to the sleek practicality of engineered quartz, each material offers unique ways to enhance your kitchen or bathroom. Thoughtful choices in texture, finish and layout let you create spaces that are both functional and visually stunning. Whatever your style, these trends provide endless inspiration to transform your home with surfaces that last and impress.