Mediterranean Design Is Perfect for Summer: 5 Ways to Transform Your Home

Biophilic design brings nature into your home in a natural, calming and effortless way. You can consider this approach to renovate or refresh your space. More and more homeowners lean into natural, sustainable design choices to make their homes feel more balanced, eco-friendly and connected to the outdoors. Why Biophilic Design Is on the Rise You’re not alone if you’ve been craving a calm, wellness-focused space, especially after spending more time indoors over the past few years. That’s precisely why biophilic design is becoming more popular. It helps you feel more grounded and emotionally balanced while boosting your productivity and thermal comfort using natural airflow and light. Plus, it’s a smart move for the planet. Bringing in more plants, using sustainable materials and making the most of natural light creates a beautiful space. Passive housing design also lowers your home’s carbon footprint , making it healthier to live in every day. 1) Living Walls and Vertical Gardens Living walls or vertical gardens are a striking way to bring nature indoors by covering a wall with lush, thriving plants. Instead of occupying floor space, these green displays climb up your walls, turning any blank surface into a living, breathing piece of art. They look amazing and work hard behind the scenes to clean your air. Indoor plants can reduce airborne microbes by 50% , which makes your home healthier and fresher. You can create a living wall using wall-mounted planters or modular green wall kits. These are perfect for kitchens, living rooms or anywhere else you want to make a statement. 2) Natural Light Maximization Natural light is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring biophilic design into your home. It instantly makes any space feel brighter and more open. Letting daylight in saves on electricity, helps regulate your sleep and lifts your mood. To get more sunlight into your home, swap out heavy drapes for sheer curtains and add mirrors to reflect light into darker areas. Whether renovating or refreshing a room, sunlight goes a long way toward creating a healthier space. 3) Home Gardening and Edible Plants Whether you have a sunny kitchen window filled with potted herbs or use a converted attic corner, home gardening adds life and purpose to your space. A garden in your indoor spaces can extend your growing space and let you enjoy fresh produce year-round — just add some grow lights and you’re good to go. Beyond the obvious bonus of having fresh ingredients at your fingertips, gardening is a natural stress reliever that helps you feel more connected to the Earth. Try setting up window boxes, dedicating a bright corner for veggies or experimenting with indoor grow kits to get started. 4) Organic Materials and Textures Bringing in organic materials like wood, stone, bamboo, rattan and clay is a simple way to give your home that grounded, earthy feel biophilic design is all about. These materials add natural texture and warmth you can’t get with synthetic finishes. Examples include wood furniture with rich grain, rattan chairs that feel airy and light, or a stone countertop that makes a bold statement. Small touches like a clay vase or a natural fiber rug can make a space feel more relaxed and lived-in. Bamboo is a fast-growing , sustainable option that can elevate your design. Mixing these materials into your space helps create a calm, inviting environment that feels stylish and close to nature. Just ensure it’s properly treated to prevent rot or insect issues.  5) Indoor Water Features Water elements are one of the most soothing additions you can bring into your home. They instantly create a sense of calm and sensory richness that helps you unwind. The gentle sound of flowing water has a natural, meditative effect that can turn any room into a peaceful retreat. Even short contact with nature — including water features — can reduce anger , fear and stress while boosting positive feelings. If you want to create a spa-like atmosphere, try adding a tabletop fountain to your desk, a wall-mounted waterfall in your hallway or a small indoor pond if you have the space. These features invite you to slow down and enjoy a little peace in your day. Simple Steps for Starting Your Green Oasis Add a few plants, swap in natural textures or let in more sunlight, and build from there as your space comes alive. With every step, you create a calming, green oasis that supports your well-being and melds nature with your home.

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Designing a home gym is all about flexibility. You want to create a space that’s functional and allows you to pursue that active lifestyle long overdue on your to-do list. You don’t have to settle for a dull, uninspiring setup. Whether you go full-blown with a home gym or just have a piece of trusty equipment and weights in the corner, you’ll still want to match it with your home’s aesthetics. Here are ways to achieve just that. Why Style Your Home Gym? You might think it’s over the top to decorate your exercise area, but it actually matters more than you think. When you intentionally design a space with your needs in mind, you’re more likely to want to be in it and may feel more motivated to work out. 1. Choose the Right Location To create the best spot for your setup, designate an area or room that’s solely for active workouts. Prioritize spaces that have room for one or two machines and space for aerobics to get the most out of your home gym. If you have limited space, consider a multifunctional area, like a nook in your family room. If your equipment is right across from the television, you can make your workout more enjoyable by watching your favorite show. 2. Incorporate Stylish Flooring While rubber mats work best for a home gym , they often feel boring and too rubbery for your home’s aesthetic. Instead, go for something stylish yet practical. Engineered wood, interlocking foam tiles, or even sleek vinyl planks can provide durability while enhancing the gym’s overall look. 3. Use a Bold Color Palette Color can influence your mood and energy levels , which can be extremely helpful when you don’t feel like working out. Orange might get you going when you need a little energy boost. Green and blue can be ideal if you prioritize relaxing yoga sessions. If you want a modern interior, monochromatic tones can help you achieve that—just add a pop of color through accessories. How fun would it be to work with a bright pink or neon green dumbbell? 4. Hang Large Mirrors Mirrors make a small space feel larger, but they are also a safety measure. Your reflection lets you self-spot and adjust your position and posture to eliminate unnecessary strain, especially when lifting weights. Instead of opting for standard gym mirrors, consider framed mirrors or floor-to-ceiling mirror panels for a more intentional look. 5. Maximize Natural Light You’re going to sweat and stretch, so you might as well make your home gym feel light and airy. Open your windows to let in natural brightness instead of relying on stark-white overhead lighting. Natural light has a positive effect on mental health , which is an added bonus. It’s even better if your windows overlook some greenery, allowing you to maintain a relaxed mind even when your body is working hard. 6. Add Personalized Wall Art Turn empty wall space into an inspiring backdrop, a humorous gallery wall, or even a dedicated area for before-and-after photos from your fitness journey. A gallery wall featuring a mix of fitness-related prints and motivational quotes can make your gym feel more curated. 7. Integrate Hidden Storage A stylish gym should also be clutter-free. You don’t want to stumble over unused equipment lying around. Use woven baskets, sleek storage cabinets, or floating shelves to keep weights, yoga mats, and accessories organized. A stylish wooden bench with hidden compartments can double as seating and storage for when you take a break. Sweat in Style in Your Home Gym Your active space should be a place that you enjoy being in, motivating you to work out. There’s always a benefit to making exercise more fun—your mind and body will thank you for it.

The art of transforming a home is rather intricate, as it weaves so many elements throughout the property. Color and texture are two significant aspects homeowners can change to breathe life into their homes and personalize the space, both inside and out. 1. Place Flowers on the Porch Make the entrance to your home as welcoming as possible by adding your favorite blossoms. If you’re setting up hanging baskets, flowers like begonias and geraniums work well in containers and have a vibrant hue to them. If you have the space, sunflowers, marigolds and morning glories also add beautiful, attention-grabbing bursts of color. 2. Put Down a Welcome Rug Greet your guests with a welcome rug. There are textured door mats that make your home look stylish from the get-go. Those with durable bristles are especially helpful at trapping dirt and mud to keep the interior clean. You can even match the color to your front door for some cohesiveness. 3. Add Color to the Exterior Make your place more lively by painting your roof, siding, shutters, or even your front door a beautiful hue. Lighter colors like creams and pastels can establish plenty of curb appeal. They can also reflect outside heat to keep the indoor temperature more comfortable, which is simply a win-win. Choose a color that coordinates with the rest of your home’s exterior. 4. Use Carpeting and Area Rugs The inside of your home can benefit from color and texture as well. Take a look at the flooring all around your home. Contrast the flatter and more solid surfaces like hardwood or marble by adding some carpeting. Area rugs are great for establishing different zones within your space, too. You can also use runners in the entryways and hallways to manage foot traffic. 5. Play Around With Lighting Lighting is a subtle way to breathe life into your home and alter the colors within. Bright white bulbs can offer so much brightness and visibility to the space, which can also highlight its features, from decor to furniture and flooring. However, adding other warmer and diffused options can give your interior design a more ambient atmosphere. Give yourself the option to switch things up. 6. Use Textured Furniture The beauty of furniture shopping is you can see all kinds of designs and textures. From leather couches and sleek metal tables to wood-grain cabinets, the possibilities are endless. Try to choose furniture that speaks to you and spread it out within your home — that way, it doesn’t crowd the space. 7. Incorporate Gold Accents Elevating your home with gold accents can add sophistication and whimsy. Think gold handles and intricate accents on natural mahogany. The hue is also complementary to beige , blue and many other colors. Additionally, you can pair it with other gold-toned decorative pieces within the space. 8. Hang Textured Art Use both color and texture by adding three-dimensional artwork to your space. It can tie the whole theme of a room together and create so much visual interest. Keep in mind that light and heat can cause cracking and discoloration , so you may want to use a protective display case. Try to keep the artwork away from windows as well. Let Your Home Come Alive There’s plenty of room to play around with the house’s color and texture when you take a closer look. Whether it’s with the exterior or interior, bring your ideal look and design. You can also blend aesthetics with functionality to make sure your efforts stand the test of time.

For years, the hygge lifestyle trend has influenced interior design beyond Denmark's borders. The style takes a page from the hygge manifesto, emphasizing tranquility and harmony in a comfortable atmosphere. It doesn't take much to bring the hygge aesthetic into your home, and it's a design choice you can enjoy year-round. What Is Hygge Style, and Why Does Everyone Love It? Hygge is a Danish concept embodying comfort, warmth and simplicity. When it comes to embracing hygge at home, you want to ensure your space feels inviting and nurturing with a focus on relaxation and well-being. Essentially, it should provide a retreat from everyday chaos — somewhere that fosters gratitude, deep connection with others and delight from simple pleasures. Hygge’s popularity has spread, especially with people eager to release stress and take greater consideration for what’s important. They’ve chosen to let go of material items and concentrate on people, things, and experiences that induce joy, communion and ease. Embracing Danish Coziness at Home: 7 Tips You deserve to have a cozy and peaceful environment in which to relax. Embracing hygge can help you achieve this. Here are seven design tips for bringing the hygge aesthetic into your home. 1) Opt for Warm Lighting Bright, blaring light bulbs are far from relaxing. Instead, opt for warm lighting in your hygge home. According to the author of The Little Book of Hygge Meik Wiking, the best light temperature is 1,800 Kelvin for a hygge home — the same as a sunset or flames in a wood fireplace. Add dimmers for greater control over each room’s brightness, purchase table lamps and hang string lights — a great way to make your covered patio or lanai cozier. Decorating with twinkle lights in clear vases, table centerpieces or bedroom canopies is another idea for softness. 2) Keep it Neutral When embracing hygge, you want the atmosphere to remain calm and balanced. A neutral color palette with earthy accents will foster serenity throughout your home. Neutrals are also timeless, allowing you to swap out your decor easily. For a seamless indoor-outdoor aesthetic, maintain a neutral look on your home’s exterior, from the siding to your front door and shutters. Just be sure whatever tone you choose matches all elements of your home’s exterior. According to one study, 87% of real estate experts and 91% of consumers say coordinating roof and exterior colors increases your home value. 3) Integrate Natural Elements Natural elements are popular in Scandinavian decor and add depth to a hygge aesthetic. Consider incorporating wood, natural fibers and stone for a slight rustic vibe. A stone-facade fireplace will ground your living room, while wool or jute will deliver much-needed texture. Filling your home with greenery is also a good idea. Fortunately, there are several low-light, low-maintenance indoor plants to choose from. For instance, pothos can survive up to 11 years with indirect sunlight and watering once weekly. The Chinese money plant is also easy to care for and thrives in low-light conditions. 4) Layer Soft Textiles Whether cocooning yourself in a fuzzy quilt during winter or throwing a thin blanket over your lap in the early spring, soft textiles are essential to a hygge interior. Layering blankets, rugs, and cushions creates a restorative sanctuary and promotes tranquility. Stack rugs with different textures and piles, or drape a throw blanket over the edge of your bed to add texture and warmth. 5) Invest in Plush Seating Investing in comfortable seating is crucial to hygge design. Imagine sinking into a cozy sofa with plush cushioning at the end of a long day. Oversized couches and armchairs deliver the perfect space to unwind with a hot beverage and your favorite book. You might also consider unique seating options like bean bag chairs for a more casual lounging experience. 6) Display Meaningful Items Although you don’t want to overwhelm your home, personal touches with happy memories attached to them can instill a sense of joy. Select things that tell a story about your life and the people you care about, like family heirlooms, photographs and handmade items. These belongings should help ground you while enhancing your home’s visual appeal. Living room built-ins or open wood shelves are excellent places to showcase your beloved treasures tastefully.  7) Light Scented Candles Candles are important to Nordic lifestyles, with over 60% of Danes burning candles more than twice a week during the winter. Illuminate your hygge home with some for a soothing ambience. Scented candles in particular can stimulate your senses to evoke peace and well-being. For example, warmer scents like vanilla and cinnamon might remind you of your childhood, holidays, or other happy moments. Enjoy a Simple Life With Hygge Design Throw your worries away by learning to relax in a hygge home. Of course, a comforting interior design is only the beginning of how this Danish concept can transform your life for the better. Make hygge a daily practice as much as it is your environment.

As the chilly winter months begin to thaw and nature comes back to life, it's only natural to want to bring spring into your home design. After all, the season's sense of renewal can be as uplifting for your space as much as it is for your soul. Here are six ways to embrace spring's arrival at home. 1) Pastel Tones A pastel color palette is the perfect way to welcome spring. After a long winter, brightening up each room will invigorate you anyway. Interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn suggests using several pastel hues you can leave up year-round. For instance, a combination of sage, pistachio and mint green creates a layered, monochromatic look — the perfect tones for a living room or bedroom. Other suggestions include mint and ballet pink, pear and neutral tones, soft or lemon yellow and mint, and violet and Robin's egg blue. 2) Greenery Spring symbolizes a fresh start and the first breath of new life. Therefore, it makes sense to incorporate living plants into your home's interiors and exteriors. Bring low-maintenance potted plants indoors while sprucing up the outside garden beds and window boxes. Colorful flowers will also create stunning visual appeal, whether hanging them from your front porch, planting them along your walkway or putting them in a vase on the kitchen table. Remember to lay fresh mulch in the beds to prevent weeds from sprouting and regulate the soil temperature. Mulch will also ensure your plants remain hydrated and healthy in the upcoming warm months. 3) Floral Motifs and Patterns Does anything say springtime more than floral motifs? Find floral-printed decorative pillows, tablecloths and rugs to infuse your home with nature and create a cheery environment. Vibrant hot pinks, yellows and lavender hues will stand out against a solid couch. Considering people spend about 6.8 hours daily in the primary bedroom, it's a good place to include flower designs. For instance, you can replace your winter bedding with a lightweight floral-patterned quilt. Flower-printed sheers are another way to frame your window and receive sunnier days. 4) Front Door Wreaths The front door is easy to miss but is the perfect spot for a spring-themed wreath. You can hang a simple wreath with spring flowers or themed decor for Easter. As a bonus, paint your front door something more radiant and fresh before you hang your wreath. Turning to one of your palette's pastel hues is a great way to tie the indoors to your home's exteriors. 5) Citrus Accents Lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit are perfect for decorative bowls. Their energetic colors add much-needed zest and freshness to your space and may even be used as centerpieces on your counter or kitchen table. Citrus can create the ultimate sensory experience. For example, you may smell their aroma when you walk by or taste their sourness just by looking at them. Indeed, these fruits will create a livelier atmosphere in your home that enhances a sense of rejuvenation. 6) Outdoor Seating Outdoor living has become increasingly vital to homeowners, with many prioritizing these spaces for entertaining, dining and relaxing. As such, seating should be at the top of your spring design checklist. According to the Fixr Outdoor Living Trends 2024 survey, 35% of experts said low-maintenance furniture with long-lasting quality was the most popular trend. This suggests that people want their spaces to be as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. Depending on how you intend to use your outdoor living area this spring, you might consider different seating arrangements. For instance, an outdoor sofa with accent chairs is ideal for reading a good book or spending time with friends outside. Meanwhile, you can purchase a small dining room or high-top table to eat al fresco. Hammocks and Adirondack chairs are other options.  Create a Beautiful Springtime Atmosphere at Home Bringing spring into your house creates harmony with where and how you live and the outdoors. By embracing lighter colors, fresher scents, and softer textures, you can produce a breathable, uplifting environment to celebrate the season's changing.

If you plan to refresh your space this year, you're in for a treat. 2025 brings a delightful palette of colors that blend comfort, nostalgia and a touch of playfulness. Explore hues that are making waves in interior design. Butter Yellow KitchenAid has named butter its 2025 Color of the Year — a soft, energizing yellow with a creamy satin finish. This shade evokes warmth and nostalgia , reminiscent of vintage kitchens. It’s versatile, complementing natural wood, light blue, and sage green accents and even pairing well with red. Mocha Mousse Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year is mocha mousse, a rich, chocolatey brown that embodies thoughtful indulgence and a harmonious connection with daily pleasures and nature. This sophisticated yet unpretentious shade is grounding and comforting , making it a popular choice for interior design and fashion. It pairs well with colors like powder blue, turquoise or pink. Soft Greens Gentle shades of green, reminiscent of nature, are becoming increasingly common. Think of muted moss and sage green tones that evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony. Use these colors in living spaces to create a serene and comforting environment. Deep Reds Rich and warm shades of terracotta, ochre and clay pink are gaining popularity in interiors. These colors pair beautifully with natural materials such as timber or marble flooring, adding depth and warmth to spaces. Blues and Greens as Neutrals Blues and greens are emerging as the new neutral colors for home décor in 2025, replacing traditional shades like browns , grays, tans and creams. These nature-inspired colors are versatile and create a calming, familiar environment. They can be used to highlight architectural details, create impact by covering entire rooms, or play with contrast and texture. Playful Primary Colors Home decor is emphasizing playful primary colors, transforming spaces with hand-painted murals, colorful trims and vibrant furniture to create lively, childlike havens. Balancing bold colors with sophisticated neutrals and choosing materials and finishes that maintain a refined aesthetic can invigorate spaces with energy while maintaining a grown-up look. Earthy Browns Warm neutrals like taupe and beige are making a strong comeback. These hues provide a comforting and inviting atmosphere, perfect for any living space. Incorporating these colors through natural elements like curved cabinetry and stones like marble or granite can enhance the earthy aesthetic. Bringing These Colors Into Your Home Updating your space with 2025’s trending colors doesn’t mean a full makeover — small, thoughtful changes can make a big impact. Accent walls: Choose a bold shade like deep red or mocha mousse for an accent wall to create a focal point. Front doors: Your front door sets the tone for your home’s exterior. A trendy color like blue creates a sophisticated, welcoming entrance, while butter yellow adds a cheerful, inviting touch. Since your entry door can influence curb appeal and even resale value, choosing a bold yet timeless shade is a wise investment. Accessories: Incorporate soft greens or yellows through cushions, throws or artwork for a subtle touch. Furniture: Opt for statement pieces in playful primary colors to add energy to your space. Natural elements: Use earthy browns in wooden furniture or decor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A Colorful Year Ahead Whether you're drawn to warm neutrals, bold primaries or nature-inspired hues, 2025’s color trends offer something for everyone. The key is to choose shades that resonate with your style and make your home feel like you. Happy decorating!

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