Since we’re right here on the close to finish of 2025 (and with it being the vacation season), we thought yet one more submit serving to a number of of our beloved readers and followers (you all:)) together with your actual life design issues was the least we might do. We actually recognize you all greater than we might ever say, and in the event you might assist every one among you, we might! Sadly, we don’t have the bandwidth for that, so hopefully these 4 examples will encourage you and provide the vitality you’ve been searching for to get that undertaking you’ve been pushing aside lastly finished. I believe we’d all like to start out 2026 in a greater place if we will, proper? So let’s simply get proper to it, we could?
Wallpaper Combo Drama
Right here’s what our first reader/follower is asking for assist with:
“I wish to do a enjoyable however timeless wallpaper in my lounge (and small entryway) that “go” collectively, however there are 1 million choices, and I can’t determine. I’ve about 60 samples rn. I even have principally seemed for peel-and-stick choices that I can do myself, and likewise as a result of I like to alter issues up. Anyway- listed below are a number of pics…and I clearly didn’t clear up earlier than I took them. Oh- and my type/aesthetic is a blended bag. Fashionable/ just a little conventional/ cottage? Idk .”
First off, we will all agree that this can be a lovely residence! However we now have wallpaper combos to recommend. So there are some things that struck me proper off the bat.
- This residence has a really clear impartial colour palette, in order that’s what I’m going to lean into.
- Because it’s so impartial, going pretty daring color-wise will probably really feel manner too visually overwhelming.
Subsequent, listed below are the principles I used to be utilizing/she will be able to use if what I put collectively doesn’t converse to her:
- Combine completely different sample scales – massive with medium, massive with small, medium with small (that manner they don’t visually compete).
- Go bolder both with colour or sample within the entry because it’s a small and extra contained area (plus it’s enjoyable as the primary impression while you stroll in!)
- Not a rule, however I like to combine an natural sample with a extra geometric sample (as you’ll clearly see lol). It makes the 2 areas really feel dynamic and completely different (but in addition two natural patterns or two geometric ones may also be superior. All of it simply depends upon the precise designs).
Verte in Mink | Charles Avenue Stripe
I took a threat and went with this superb mink-colored floral wallpaper for the entry. It’s wealthy however not a lot that I believe you’d get sick of it quick. I additionally love the hits of blue and amber in it! Additionally, it’s a Kelly Ventura design (which we used one among her papers in Kaitlin’s bed room), so we will attest to the standard. The striped paper is by Jeremiah Brent (whose style is unmatched). It was additionally a Domino Good Design Award winner this 12 months! We love a impartial stripe, however this one is just a little deeper in tone (which holds as much as the entry wallpaper) and is textured, which provides a lot heat.
Lush Grove in Mild Blue | Cream Stripes
One other threat, haha! As you might be all probably very conscious, blue is a impartial to us, and the variations of blue tones in this paper are so gentle however lush (therefore the title). One other bolder possibility for the entry, which I then paired with a a lot softer, creamy stripe for the lounge. Emily used a gentle stripe for her stairs on the farmhouse, and it’s the right quantity of curiosity with out taking up.
Pimpernel in Classic White | French Stripes in Vintage White
Now, for the precise neutrals, since that’s what it seems like she’s going for, given the samples in her entry. The primary two examples additionally had blended scale patterns, however this one may be very clear. I once more just like the “bolder sample” for the entry. This floral is so elegant and kooky. Then, for a really small-scale stripe (sorry, I do know they every have stripes), I really like this one. If any of you might be apprehensive that stripes may be quite a bit, keep in mind that massive (particularly large-scale) is vital so as to add to any wallpapered wall to interrupt up the sample visually. I do assume that these might simply be swapped by way of location, too!
Cream Stripes | Wilhelm in Grey
Lastly, I actually love this creamy stripe, so I used it yet one more time as a result of it seemed so good with this beautiful mural. Talking of Jeremiah (and husband Nate Berkus), a lot of their initiatives and private houses have murals like this…however hand-painted. That’s one thing to aspire to, however for now, this peel-and-stick mural is so so lovely, and I believe it will look AMAZING on this follower’s dwelling/eating room.
Hope this was useful! Onto the subsequent…
Classic Kitchen Refresh
It’s a difficult place to be in while you wish to make a room, like a kitchen, higher, but in addition have plans to renovate sooner reasonably than later. That’s the dilemma right here. Let’s see what they’re searching for assist with…
“We’ve got a small 50s kitchen that I believe was final renovated within the 70s. We purchased the home 7 years in the past and have simply by no means recognized what to do with the kitchen. We are actually at a spot the place there’s a good likelihood we’re going to add on to the home and in that case we might add on a brand new, bigger kitchen. Due to this, we now have determined we simply need one thing momentary that can maintain us over till we do a giant addition or renovation.
Connected are some pictures of my area. We simply put in some peel-and-stick flooring tiles, so I’ve hooked up pictures from earlier than the peel-and-stick and after as nicely. My type is form of all over. I like mid-century but in addition Scandinavian and mainly every part in between. I believe two prime examples of my type are the River Home that Emily designed, in addition to Kaitlin’s lounge. These areas are fairly spot on with the type I gravitate in the direction of and much like what the remainder of my home seems like.
So far as funds, as a result of this can be a momentary repair, we try to maintain it REALLY low. We’re open to doing peel-and-stick tiles and stuff simply to maintain it low. We actually wish to maintain it below $1500 for every part. We already spent just a little below $200 on the peel-and-stick flooring.”
Okay, these inspo undertaking references are so useful! Let’s get to work! I actually love these new flooring tiles, in order that’s an awesome first step. The principle offender, and what’s going to make the largest distinction, is portray the cupboard and altering the {hardware}. However let’s leap proper into my first temper board so you possibly can comply with my thought course of extra simply.
Ceiling Fan | Flushmount | Rug | Wall Shelf | Pegboard | Mild Oak Handles and Knobs
Listed below are my preliminary ideas. I believe that they need to paint that entire cupboard wall and the cupboards a deep inexperienced (extremely suggest utilizing Samplize to see what inexperienced seems greatest within the room earlier than shopping for any paint). It’s going to make that wall look actually cohesive, purposeful, and the black hinges can even not be so contrasting. Then updating the {hardware} will immediately make the room really feel extra elevated and designed (plus with mild oak handles, very a lot give MCM/Scandi and echo the 2 initiatives of ours she talked about:)) Updating the flushmount and ceiling fan can even actually dial within the design, and I really like including in just a little brass to brighten issues up, too. As for the 2 “shelf” choices that might go above the range, I really like the sunshine oak and brass one as a result of it ties in each the {hardware} and the flushmount, however relying on funds, that black pegboard is massive, $30, and nice for hanging pots, pans, and many others. That rug additionally feels in the River Home/Kaitlin’s Dwelling Room world, goes, with the cupboards, properly contrasts the tiles in type and sample scale, and it’s solely $119 for a 4×6. So many wins! Every thing right here ought to add as much as below $900 (so long as they don’t have to rent out for labor), that means they’ve a number of hundred extra {dollars} for equipment:)
Right here’s a component AI, half Photoshop mockup to indicate the impression of constructing these few updates! Not too unhealthy, proper?! Really, actually fairly:) When it comes to the opposite partitions’ colours, I believe they need to both go all white or all the nice and cozy tan they used. Simplifying will actually assist with total cohesion. However what’s a kitchen with out nice equipment??
ART: (Beginning High Left Clockwise) Summary Objects Print | La Poire – Wisterias Print | Sylvia Takken – In Bloom 2.0 Print | Shatha Al Dafai – Delicate Bloom 10 Print | Within the Market Print
ACCESSORIES: (Beginning High Left Clockwise) Moon Face Vine Dinner Plate | Hand-Blown Wine Goblet (Set of two) | Stainless Metal Salt and Pepper Shakers | Giant Picket Serving Board | Hale Tea Towel | Striped Footed Bowl | Marble Utensil Holder
I went for principally actually inexpensive choices, but when they obtained all of this stuff (plus frames for the artwork), they might probably go over funds. So these may also be extra inspo/a long-term plan for when they’re procuring and even thrifting! Let’s begin with the artwork. This colour palette is wealthy and heat, and ties in the entire colours they might have of their kitchen. I based mostly the type totally on Kaitlin’s artwork in her lounge, and all of it’s from Desenio as a result of their artwork is basically fairly and so inexpensive. I might fluctuate the sizing and go massive! Giant artwork seems actually intentional and superior. When it comes to equipment, I saved issues in the identical colour palette, made their there was a superb combine of various supplies and funky shapes.
The one different addition/swap I would make if the funds and measurements allowed can be so as to add one thing like this 5-tier shelving unit rather than the yellow bar cart. There’s nothing mistaken with the cart, however the top and scale may look extra intentional and likewise add extra space for styling and cupboard space, particularly with cute baskets. Simply an concept:)
A Half-Designed Eating Room
Oh man, can I relate to a half-designed area and the stress that may deliver. I’m right here and completely happy to assist!
“Principally, my eating room is half-designed, however seeking to spherical out the remaining. I’ve been searching for a sideboard to enrich our IKEA Morbylanga eating desk and fill out this left empty wall. Trying to up the design ante a bit (i.e., I don’t need MORE IKEA stuff). The room faces east with a implausible hillside view however has weak overhead lighting, so envisioning a sideboard/lamp state of affairs (?) and guessing we want a rug to anchor the area. Particularly since there’s a whole lot of wooden occurring. We host 20ish folks for dinner right here recurrently (we simply add extra tables to the tip lengthwise), so a sideboard area to place down drinks, and many others, can be good, but in addition don’t need it to get too tight—so versatile and not-bulky is good.
Design type/aesthetic: Welcoming and alluring, fashionable/MCM, clear, recent, comfy (adjoining lounge photograph hooked up for reference)
Finances: Not enormous! Would like to maintain every part below $1500 if doable. We even have children and host children, so nothing too valuable. Not searching for heirlooms :).”
Okay, now that we all know the wants, listed below are my ideas!
First off, I’m curious what the area would appear like with the opposite two partitions painted the blue colour. Doing which may make it really feel extra like its personal distinctive room? I’d love to listen to your ideas within the feedback:) Second, I’d recommend having the curtains hemmed in order that they “kiss” the ground as an alternative of puddling. That look can completely work, however I really feel with a extra fashionable design, that tailor-made hem makes a bit extra sense. There’s all the time the choice to make use of hemming tape if she doesn’t wish to pay to get them hemmed. My final suggestion earlier than I get into the merchandise I selected is to solely use one of many flooring lamps as an alternative of two. Symmetry is, in fact, nice, however I believe sticking with the one within the nook by the artwork goes to really feel higher as soon as a sideboard and equipment are on the opposite wall.
Strong Wooden Tray | Sideboard (Set of two) | Ancien Cream Vase | Rug | Kelly Wearstler: Synchronicity Ebook | Design of the twentieth Century Ebook | Darkish Blue Taper Candles | Mild Blue Taper Candles | Weylyn Candelabra | Black Ceramic Pedestal Bowl
Right here’s what I got here up with. First off, I selected a actually inexpensive rug (from our outdated line) in order that with all the youngsters and firm over, the host wouldn’t be too freaked out by any messes. It’s additionally obtained an awesome stripe sample which properly contrasts with the extra natural sample on the curtains. Then I do know a sideboard was the primary request, so I discovered this sideboard set for below $600 that’s over 90″ lengthy! It was vital to me to have a stable base (aka no legs) for the reason that desk and chairs have so many. Visible stability:) I additionally selected black wooden to enrich the chairs, however distinction the wooden colour and fluted detailing to work with the rug’s stripes. If it’s not clear, it was a really intentional alternative:) To brighten the highest of the sideboard, I selected that massive wooden tray (once more, for wooden distinction) and that fashionable white vase with some delicate detailing. I additionally actually needed a cool candelabra, which is probably going probably the most “valuable” merchandise, however with some museum putty, I’m positive it will be protected. To then make certain all of it wasn’t too colorless, I added these mild and darkish blue taper candles. It’s a simple and inexpensive manner so as to add colour and playfulness! Naturally, I needed to embody some fashionable design books of various sizes to stack, after which lastly a easy however lovely black footed bowl for the desk. Nothing too loopy, however will make an superior distinction, and I imagine I’m below funds:)
Dwelling Ending Touches
This one was fairly enjoyable to play with, however let me let the reader clarify first:
“Our type is a combination, I suppose. I really like natural, colour, outdated, and new blended collectively. I do have a 10-year-old woman who likes to flip throughout the home, and an 8-year-old son who performs with Legos quite a bit and builds issues. So gentle, comfy, and simple to wash, a should.
The sofa is new from the Arhaus outlet. It’s the Amira couch, colour cinnamon cloth, velvet, and is 90”. The chairs are from my grandmother and are presently as you see in silk washable cloth. Keen to modify out. The principle partitions are all Swiss Espresso by Benjamin Moore at 25% lighter. FYI, we will probably be portray kitchen cabinets, simply haven’t confirmed but. However leaning in the direction of a blue colour (much like the blue within the peacock within the wallpaper) to go together with the wallpaper. We love colour. Within the eating room, we now have the Emerald peacock Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper, and the trim is Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams. I might like to deliver eating room colours into the lounge in some way. Perhaps have a lightweight, rug, curtains entry desk for extra storage for youths’ gloves. Idk. No matter you assume. And no, we haven’t gotten a desk for the eating room but. Ready for Arhaus Perry to come back to the outlet retailer in brown. But when I discover one thing else, I might buy. The funds for every room can be not more than $5k for every.”
See? Thrilling! Listed below are my preliminary ideas. I agree that extra of the eating room colours want to come back into the dwelling space for stability. I’m additionally professional pulling the blue from the wallpaper and portray the built-in in that. That may look so nice. Then, full transparency, I’m just a little over funds (extra so with the lounge, however there are methods to get nearer to her objective!) Let’s begin with the dwelling area.
Blue Pillow | Holly Cushion Cowl | Wool Two-Tone Throw | Couch | Flooring Lamp | Storage Ottoman | Rug | Curtains | Accent Chair | Stump Facet Desk | Burgundy Pillow | Woven Baskets (Set of 4) | Entryway Console Bar | Crimson Desk Lamp
I put in the couch to essentially get a full image within the temper board. Let’s discuss rug first. I really like inexperienced and the way a lot richness (however not an excessive amount of) it provides. It’s washable and from an organization that each me and my cousin with a canine and a child swear by. I’m additionally pondering these traces might act as race tracks for little vehicles?? The ottoman has storage, the highest can flip to be cushioned or flat for enjoying, and is made in a efficiency cloth. Plus, I really like how the lighter sand coloured cloth breaks up the colour of the couch and the rug and enhances the lighter stripes in the accent chairs. Now, I actually just like the accent chairs she has, however the white cloth is just a little stark in comparison with all of these heat and wealthy colours. Plus, I really like the concept of a sample! Nonetheless, these aren’t low-cost, they usually aren’t efficiency. It was my one “type over operate” determination, however perhaps they might be completely okay!? They’re simply sooooo good. The stump facet desk was so as to add to what she already has within the room. Earlier than we transfer to textiles, I’m simply so in love with that flooring lamp. It’s a Paul McCobb, and since she stated she additionally likes outdated issues, this kinda falls in that class. And with so many curves, it’s good to have a very angular piece within the room.
Textiles? I like the concept of getting a pillow the same colour to what the built-in goes to be to tie it in. However she additionally talked about they love colour and that checkered lumbar is an Emily/EHD favourite and actually speaks to the entire colour palette. I then didn’t wish to get too colour loopy, so I selected a quieter, however nonetheless wealthy, throw blanket. For the chairs, I don’t assume she might go mistaken with these spherical burgundy pillows. The curtains, I believe, should be darkish for visible stability, and for the reason that velvet is on the opposite facet of the room, why no more? These navy velvet ones are so excellent. In a dream world, she would purchase 4 (two on both sides) in order that they really feel full and perhaps even customized, however in addition they aren’t low-cost.
Her final request was an entry desk, however I’m undecided I obtained measurements for that, so I took a guess and actually liked this desk. It’s easy with elegant particulars, with a drawer and area beneath for the mandatory storage baskets. And why not end it off with a enjoyable, fashionable pink lamp!? Let me present you the eating room, and then you definitely may give me your entire ideas:)
Eating Chairs | Eating Desk | Rug | Curtains | Sideboard | Desk Lamp
TADA! One other lovely washable rug that my cousin owns and makes use of below her eating desk, so I really feel much more assured recommending it. Then, to maintain the colour as a precedence, I selected these velvet inexperienced eating chairs. Perhaps controversial, however velvet isn’t too unhealthy to wash, and they’re beautiful. I couldn’t appear to seek out the Arhaus eating desk she was speaking about, so I selected but one other Pierce & Ward piece from their West Elm collab. Undecided if this desk will probably be their style, however I like it (clearly, ha). It simply seems so fascinating and particular. Then, since that nook is pretty darkish with the wallpaper, I like the concept of doing a tan curtain in a linen to offset the velvet, too. These are the identical curtains Caitlin utilized in her lounge, and he or she nonetheless raves in regards to the high quality and insanely inexpensive worth. Lastly, I felt like a sideboard was a good suggestion, and this one is ideal. The undertones of the wooden doorways to the eating desk appear to be the identical, and I really like the black exterior and the way it enhances the wallpaper. The ultimate piece is that marble lamp, as a result of why not?! It’s cool, just a little sudden, and practical. I actually like these two room concepts quite a bit and hope the reader does too!!
So now let’s hear your ideas! Any emotions? Strategies? Let’s chat! And thanks to everybody who submitted, and hopefully to these of you who have been chosen, I actually hope this was useful<3
Love you, imply it.
Opening Picture Credit: Design by Emily Henderson and Sarah Weldon | Styled by Emily Henderson and Emily Bowser | Photograph by Steven Mcdonald | From: The Prettiest Inexperienced And Pink Kitchen Rework That We Accomplished In 7 WEEKS
