Kitchen companies really do love assuming everybody arrived fully trained in cabinet terminology. You walk into a showroom wanting cupboards that look nice, and suddenly somebody is asking whether you prefer skinny shaker, slab front, veneered oak, in-frame or lacquered matte lacquer with integrated rails. Meanwhile, you are still mentally recovering from the fact that one drawer somehow costs the same as a small holiday. Kitchens have developed their own language entirely, and half the confusion comes from the fact that some terms describe style, some describe construction, some describe finish, and others are basically marketing with very good lighting. This is also by no means an exhaustive kitchen dictionary because kitchen terminology spirals quickly once you get into materials, finishes, construction methods and hardware systems. Some names describe the shape of the cabinet door, others the way the kitchen is built, and others are just trend terms that suddenly appear everywhere for five years straight. This is simply a breakdown of the terms that seem to come up most often once you start looking at kitchens online and realise everybody is casually discussing cabinetry like they apprenticed in a workshop in northern Italy. Shaker Kitchens Shaker kitchens have somehow become the default answer to almost every renovation now. Safe but not boring. Traditional but still workable in newer homes. The confusing part is that “shaker” no longer means one very specific thing because there are now about seventeen versions of it floating around online. Traditional shaker has a wider-framed border around the cabinet door, while newer versions have become slimmer and more minimal. Some still feel classic, while others are edging dangerously close to looking like outlined rectangles for the sake of it. The reason shaker works so well is because it has enough detail to stop a kitchen from feeling flat without becoming overly decorative. It bridges traditional and contemporary interiors quite nicely, which is why so many people land there eventually, even after initially insisting they wanted something ultra-modern. Colour changes the whole feel too. A dark shaker kitchen with stone worktops can feel tailored and dramatic, while the exact same cabinetry in pale beige or muted blue suddenly feels soft and country-adjacent. The style itself is not really the issue. It is usually the execution around it that changes everything. Skinny Shaker Kitchens Skinny shaker arrived when regular shaker apparently decided it needed a cooler younger sibling. The border around the cabinet door becomes much thinner, which gives the kitchen a cleaner and more contemporary look overall. They photograph beautifully because they still have texture and shadow lines but without the chunkier feel of more traditional shaker kitchens. Every second showroom currently seems to contain one in warm oak, mushroom or olive green. They do work well in more modern homes because they soften contemporary kitchens slightly without tipping fully into classic territory. The only thing that remains to be seen is how timeless they actually are long-term, because trends have a habit of disguising themselves as “modern classics” while everybody collectively loses perspective for a few years. That said, a well-balanced skinny-shaker kitchen still feels considerably warmer than a lot of ultra-flat minimalist kitchens that can end up looking slightly like stylish office storage. Slab Front Kitchens Slab-front kitchens are the flat-front kitchens with no framing or detailing on the cabinet doors. Just clean uninterrupted surfaces. They tend to feel more modern immediately and work especially well in smaller spaces because visually there is less going on. Everything feels calmer and more streamlined, particularly when combined with integrated appliances and minimal handles. The thing with slab kitchens is that the finish suddenly matters a lot more because there is nowhere to hide. Texture, colour and material become the focus instead of detailing. Matte black slab fronts can look incredible until somebody with moisturiser on their hands touches them once and suddenly the entire kitchen becomes a fingerprint crime scene. Wood veneer slab kitchens tend to age better visually because the grain adds some softness and movement. Otherwise, ultra-flat kitchens can occasionally veer slightly into luxury hotel kitchenette territory if every surface is too sleek at once. Inframe Kitchens In-frame kitchens are usually introduced in showrooms with a slightly reverent tone because they are considered more premium. Structurally, the cabinet doors sit within a visible frame rather than attaching over the cabinet carcass itself. It is a more traditional construction method and generally involves more craftsmanship and detail, which is part of why the price climbs so enthusiastically. They do have a beautiful tailored look when done properly. Everything feels weightier and more furniture-like rather than purely functional. In older homes especially, in-frame kitchens often sit more naturally within the architecture because they feel connected to traditional joinery. The downside is that this is usually the stage of kitchen shopping where people start blinking rapidly at quotes while pretending not to calculate how many more years they may need to keep their current car. Handleless Kitchens Handleless kitchens always sound incredibly sleek in theory. Clean lines. Seamless surfaces. Nothing interrupting the cabinetry. And visually, they absolutely can look stunning, especially in contemporary spaces where simplicity is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. They also make smaller kitchens feel less visually cluttered because there are fewer elements breaking up the cabinetry. Living with them is where opinions become stronger. Push-to-open systems sound clever until somebody repeatedly presses the wrong cupboard while trying to unload groceries one-handed. Rail systems are generally easier, but even then some people quickly realise they actually enjoy the practicality and visual rhythm that handles bring to a kitchen. There is also something slightly ironic about spending a fortune creating a seamless minimalist kitchen only to end up with visible fingerprints everywhere because nobody can open anything without touching the doors constantly. Wood Veneer Kitchens Wood veneer gets misunderstood constantly because people hear “veneer” and assume fake wood immediately. Proper wood veneer is actually a thin layer of real wood applied over a stable core material, which allows kitchens to have the warmth and texture of timber without some of the movement and instability that fully solid wood can bring. Good veneer kitchens can look incredibly beautiful and often feel much richer than heavily processed faux wood finishes. The quality variation is massive though. Some veneers have gorgeous grain patterns and depth while others look oddly repetitive and flat. Warm wood kitchens are very much back again now, although thankfully in a softer way than the aggressively orange oak kitchens many people are still emotionally recovering from. Walnut, smoked oak and lighter textured woods feel much more relaxed and architectural now. The heavy glossy cherry timber era can stay firmly where it belongs. Laminate Kitchens Laminate kitchens have had a slightly unfair reputation problem for years because people still associate them with cheap, shiny finishes from decades ago. Newer laminates are far better than many people realise. Some mimic wood, stone and textured finishes surprisingly convincingly, and they are often far more forgiving in busy family kitchens than delicate painted cabinetry. They are practical, durable and generally less stressful to live with. Which honestly matters. Not everybody wants to panic every time somebody leans a bicycle helmet against a cabinet door. High-end kitchens often dominate social media, but there is something refreshing about materials that simply survive normal life well. The gap between “luxury look” and “practical reality” can become surprisingly wide in kitchens very quickly. Painted Kitchens Painted kitchens sound straightforward until you realise different companies mean completely different things by it. Some are genuinely spray-painted timber doors while others are vinyl-wrapped or foil-coated finishes designed to imitate painted cabinetry. Visually, they can look similar initially, but durability and repairability can differ quite dramatically over time. Painted timber kitchens do usually have a depth and softness to the colour that feels more natural, especially in daylight. They also tend to age more gracefully because minor wear can add character rather than immediately looking damaged. On the other hand, they generally require a bit more care and inevitably cost more. Kitchen finishes are very much one of those situations where budget, practicality and aesthetics start wrestling each other behind the scenes. Fluted And Ribbed Cabinetry Fluted and ribbed cabinetry is everywhere at the moment. Islands wrapped in vertical slats. Ribbed oak panels. Reeding details on everything that remains still long enough. Used carefully, it adds texture and warmth beautifully because kitchens can otherwise become very flat visually with all the hard surfaces going on. The risk is usually overcommitting. A small amount of ribbed detailing can elevate a kitchen nicely, while an entire room covered in vertical slats starts feeling slightly like a very expensive sauna reception area. Texture works best when there is balance around it. Otherwise, trends can age remarkably fast once every showroom, café and boutique hotel starts repeating the exact same detailing simultaneously. Matte, Satin And Gloss Finishes Kitchen finishes change the entire personality of cabinetry more than people expect. Matte kitchens tend to feel softer and more contemporary while gloss reflects more light and creates a sharper, cleaner look overall. Satin usually lands somewhere comfortably in the middle and is often easier to live with day-to-day because it hides fingerprints and marks slightly better. Gloss kitchens had such a strong era for a while that people now sometimes dismiss them entirely, but they still make sense in certain spaces, especially smaller, darker kitchens that benefit from extra reflection. Matte finishes may be more current, but some are surprisingly high-maintenance despite looking beautifully understated in photos. Kitchens have a habit of becoming much less glamorous once cooking, children, coffee splashes and general life begin happening inside them daily. Why Kitchen Showrooms Suddenly Start Making More Sense At some point during a renovation, kitchens stop being “white or wood?” and suddenly become conversations about rail systems, framed cabinetry, sprayed finishes and whether something is technically veneer or laminate. The terminology starts sounding far more complicated than it needs to be, especially because different kitchen companies often use different names for versions of essentially the same thing. Add showroom lighting and a marble island the size of a small apartment into the mix and it becomes very easy to lose perspective entirely. Understanding the language behind kitchens does help though, mainly because you start noticing the difference between style, construction and finish instead of lumping everything together as just “nice kitchens.” It also becomes easier to spot which details genuinely matter to you and which ones are mostly there to sound impressive during sales conversations. Some people genuinely want handcrafted in-frame cabinetry that will outlive them all. Others simply want cupboard doors that survive daily life without inducing stress every time somebody touches them with tomato sauce on their hands. Both are fair goals, honestly.

If you are planning a renovation this year, you may notice some once-popular flooring styles are beginning to fade. Here are four flooring trends losing ground this year and what is replacing them. 1. Cool Gray Floors Are Losing Appeal, and Warm Tones Are Taking Over For years, cool gray wood and gray-toned luxury vinyl flooring dominated design magazines and home renovation shows. They worked well in minimalist interiors, but many homes now feel dated or overly cold because of them. Instead, tones with warmth and depth are becoming the new standard. Gray tones are out. Think honey oak finishes, soft walnut shades and medium wood tones that bring warmth into a room without feeling overly rustic. These work especially well if you want your home to feel welcoming and timeless. One company embracing this shift is Shaw Floors, which has expanded its collections to feature warmer hardwood-inspired finishes and neutral earth tones for a soft visual backdrop. 2. Wall-to-Wall Plush Carpet Is Losing Ground, and Textured Low-Pile Carpet Is Replacing It Heavy plush carpeting throughout an entire house is no longer as popular as it once was. While comfort still matters, homeowners increasingly want flooring that feels easier to clean and more modern. Instead of plain carpet, textured options are gaining popularity, especially in bedrooms and upstairs areas. These carpets provide softness underfoot while being easier to maintain and less likely to show wear patterns. Mohawk Flooring showcases this trend through carpet collections focused on texture and durability. Many homeowners are also mixing flooring types, using carpet only where warmth and softness matter most, while choosing hard surfaces elsewhere. Bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms often benefit from softer flooring. Kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms generally perform better with more moisture-resistant materials. During colder weather or in cooler climates, carpet tends to retain warmth more effectively than many hard flooring surfaces, helping rooms feel more comfortable and supporting energy efficiency. It also creates a softer, more comfortable surface for sitting, playing or working while giving a space a warmer overall feel. 3. Glossy Hardwood Is Falling Out of Favor, but Matte and Low-Sheen Finishes Are Taking Over Hardwood is popular for its timeless appeal and natural beauty. However, highly polished finishes are losing their charm. They once represented luxury, but many homeowners are now moving away from the glossy appearance. Glossy is out. While they can look beautiful in staged spaces, polished finishes tend to show scratches, dust and footprints more easily, which makes everyday upkeep feel more noticeable. Also, they can be slippery, which is dangerous for families with children. Matte and low-sheen finishes are becoming the preferred option. These floors create a softer, more natural look that feels less formal and works well with today’s warmer interiors. They also pair more easily with mixed materials like stone, linen and textured fabrics. One company leaning into this trend is Mannington Floors, which offers hardwood collections with lower-sheen finishes that feel more relaxed and lived-in without sacrificing durability. 4. Purpose-Driven Flooring Is Replacing Uniform Flooring Throughout the House For a while, many homeowners sought a seamless look by using a single flooring type throughout the house. While consistency can still work, more people are realizing that different rooms have different needs. Purpose-driven flooring is becoming more popular, which means choosing materials based on how a room functions rather than forcing a single style everywhere. Durable tile or waterproof luxury vinyl works well in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, while softer flooring can make bedrooms feel warmer and more comfortable. Hardwood and engineered wood remain popular in living spaces where appearance matters just as much as durability. Daltile reflects this room-by-room mindset, offering tile collections designed for moisture-prone spaces while still coordinating visually with wood-inspired flooring in other parts of the home. What to Know Before Installing New Flooring Before new flooring goes in, preparation matters just as much as the material itself. Older flooring may need careful removal if water damage or uneven subfloors are involved. Prying up glue or old tiles may reveal uneven surfaces that need leveling before installation begins. In some older homes, professional inspections may also be recommended before making any changes. Moisture control is another important part of floor preparation. Air movement accounts for more than 98% of water vapor movement in building cavities, meaning uncontrolled moisture can travel quickly through gaps and affect flooring materials over time. Insulation helps reduce heat transfer, which can moderate temperature differences and reduce the likelihood of condensation. It also supports energy efficiency, which is becoming a core expectation in real estate trends. Underlayment is another useful tool to control moisture. Discovering the types of flooring that require underlayment or whether flooring needs underlayment is key to your renovation. In many cases, floating laminate, engineered hardwood and some luxury vinyl plank systems use underlayment depending on manufacturer requirements and subfloor conditions. Underlayment can serve different purposes depending on the product selected and the installation environment. One example is floorMuffler®, which provides acoustic performance and moisture protection for supported flooring systems. They will work with the different types of flooring that require underlayment to allow homeowners to design the home of their dreams with the added protection. Its compression characteristics are designed to support flooring systems and help minimize damage to them. Installation needs vary, so it is always worth checking the manufacturer's instructions to confirm which flooring types require underlayment for your specific project. FAQ Discover more about the types of flooring that require underlayment and flooring trends. Can you install new flooring over old flooring? Sometimes, yes. Certain flooring products can be installed over existing surfaces if the subfloor is level, stable and free from moisture issues. However, damaged tile, uneven surfaces or worn carpet often need to be removed first. What flooring works best for homes with pets? Scratch-resistant luxury vinyl plank, textured laminate and tile are often popular options for pet owners because they tend to handle wear and cleanup more easily than softer materials. Does every floor need the same preparation before installation? No. Different materials have different installation requirements. Some floors may require leveling, moisture testing or underlayment, while others can be installed more directly over an existing prepared surface. What types of flooring require underlayment? Most types of flooring require underlayment because it acts as a buffer between the floor covering and subfloor. This helps create a smooth, even surface for the covering. The only time an underlayment is advised against is when a floor covering comes with one already attached or if the floor will be directly attached to the subfloor. Flooring Trends Come and Go, but Practical Choices Last Flooring trends will always evolve, but the best updates balance style with practicality. The goal is to create spaces that feel comfortable, functional and easy to live in. As you plan your next renovation, consider where each flooring material works best, whether flooring that needs underlayment applies to your project and what preparation work may be required before installation begins. When style and function work together, your flooring is much more likely to feel current for years to come.

Buying something new always feels like the logical next step when a room isn’t quite working. You start noticing what’s missing or what could be better, and it’s very easy to assume the answer sits somewhere in a different piece. A better chair, a larger rug, something with more presence. What actually happens in most design projects looks a lot less exciting from the outside, because the first step is almost always a proper look at what’s already there. Not in a critical way, but in a practical one. What is this space doing right now, and where does it feel slightly off? Most rooms are not completely wrong. They’re just not fully resolved yet. The Layout Is Reworked Until It Feels Natural Furniture has a habit of staying where it first landed. It gets delivered, placed in a logical position, and then everything else adjusts around it. Designers don’t treat it as fixed. Things get moved, and often more than once. A sofa comes forward so it actually connects to the rest of the seating rather than sitting back by default, chairs are turned so they face into the space instead of hovering on the edges, and rugs are pulled in so they properly anchor the area instead of sitting just outside of it. These are small shifts, but they change how the room works. The space starts to feel more considered and more comfortable to be in without anything new being added. Scale Is Corrected Rather Than Tolerated A room can look perfectly fine and still feel slightly unsettled, and scale is often the reason. This is not always obvious until you start looking for it. A rug that’s too small will quietly break a seating area, artwork that doesn’t hold the wall will never quite feel right no matter how good it is, and a coffee table that doesn’t relate to the seating around it will always feel slightly out of place. Designers don’t try to work around that. They correct it. Once proportions are right, the room settles in a way that is easy to feel but hard to point out. Lighting Is Treated As Part Of The Room, Not An Afterthought One ceiling light will do the job functionally, but it rarely does anything for how a space feels. Designers add light where it is actually needed, near seating, in corners that feel flat, and at a lower level so everything isn’t coming from above. The goal is not more light, but better-placed light. The result is a room that feels warmer and more layered, especially in the evening when overhead lighting tends to fall short. Materials Get Connected If a material shows up once and nowhere else, it tends to feel slightly random, even if you can’t immediately explain why. Designers start linking those things together. A timber tone appears again in a different way, a metal finish is repeated somewhere else, and a texture comes back in a smaller detail. Nothing is matched too closely, but nothing feels like a one-off decision either. That’s what creates a sense of cohesion without making the room feel overdone. Colour Is Spread, Not Concentrated Colour often ends up sitting in one place. A strong piece in one area, everything else much quieter, and the room feels slightly unbalanced. Designers spread colour across the space in a subtle way. A tone from a larger piece might reappear in something smaller, just enough to carry it through the room. It doesn’t read as coordinated, but it allows your eye to move naturally instead of stopping in one spot. Editing Comes Before Adding Rooms collect things over time. Pieces that once worked, items that filled a gap, objects that are nice but don’t quite belong anymore. Designers will take things out and look at the room again. Removing something often makes the space feel clearer straight away. The pieces that remain have more presence simply because they’re not competing as much. It’s not about stripping a room back; it’s about letting it breathe. Missing Elements Get Noticed Sometimes the issue is not that there’s too much, but that something important is missing. A seating area without a proper rug can feel ungrounded, a wall without a focal point can feel unresolved, and a corner without a purpose can interrupt the flow of the space. Designers look for those gaps early, because filling the right one tends to shift the whole room. It All Happens Before Anything New Comes In None of these steps involve buying something new, which is exactly why they are easy to skip. They don’t feel like visible progress in the way a purchase does, but they are the reason a room starts to feel right. Once the layout makes sense, the proportions are balanced, the lighting is layered, and the materials and colours relate to each other, the space already works on a different level. At that point, anything new you do bring in has somewhere to land, rather than competing with everything else.

Most people don’t deliberately split their house and garden into two completely different worlds; it just happens over time. Inside gets all the attention, you tweak things, move things around, layer it properly, and then outside ends up being whatever fits. A table goes down, a couple of chairs, maybe some paving, and it’s technically “done”. It looks fine. It just doesn’t feel like it belongs to the same home. The gardens that feel genuinely good to be in have a different quality. They feel connected. Not styled to death, not overly coordinated, just… consistent in a way you can’t quite put your finger on at first. Start With What You Already Have Before you start thinking about layouts or furniture, look inside your home properly. Not in a “what style is this” way, but in a very practical sense. What materials are actually there? What tones do you see all the time? Is it warm wood, softer neutrals, darker accents, brushed metals, or a mix of old and new? Those choices don’t suddenly stop at your back door. If anything, they become more noticeable outside, because there’s less around them to soften the contrast. When the garden goes in a completely different direction, it immediately breaks that flow. When it follows on, even loosely, everything starts to feel more settled. Let Materials Reappear This is one of those things that sounds almost too simple, but it makes a huge difference. When a material or finish shows up more than once, it stops feeling random. A timber tone that comes back in outdoor furniture, a metal finish that isn’t a one-off, a colour that quietly links inside and outside. It doesn’t need to be a perfect match, and in most cases, it shouldn’t be. Slight variation actually looks better. The point is that nothing feels isolated. Once you start noticing this in other homes, you can’t unsee it. Slight variation actually looks better. Think In Zones, Not In One Flat Space A lot of gardens end up as one big open area with everything pushed against the edges. It’s practical, but it doesn’t do much for how the space feels. Even a small garden becomes more interesting when there’s a bit of variation in how it’s used. That might be as simple as a chair slightly tucked away from the main seating area, a small spot that’s just for plants, or a corner that catches the evening light. You’re not designing a park, you’re just giving the space a bit of rhythm so it doesn’t feel like everything is happening in one place. Bring Some Softness Outside Inside, you naturally build layers without thinking about it. Textiles, cushions, different textures, things that soften the harder elements. Outside, that often disappears and everything becomes stone, wood and metal. Adding softness back in changes the feel straight away. Cushions that are actually comfortable, fabrics that move a little in the breeze, maybe even an outdoor rug to ground a seating area. It stops feeling like a setup and starts feeling like somewhere you’d stay for a while without thinking about it. Don’t Fill Every Corner Once you start improving a space, there’s a temptation to keep going: another plant, another chair, something on every surface. Everything looks good individually, so more must be better. In reality, a bit of restraint makes everything else work harder. Leaving certain areas simpler gives your eye a break and makes the stronger elements stand out in a way that feels balanced rather than busy. It’s a small shift, but it changes how finished the space feels. A bit of restraint makes everything else work harder. Let It Feel Like One Story The goal isn’t to make your garden look like your living room, and it’s definitely not about copying everything exactly. It’s about making sure nothing feels out of place. When materials relate, when the layout has a bit of thought behind it, and when there’s a balance between detail and space, the whole thing starts to make sense. At that point, you stop thinking of it as “inside” and “outside”. It just feels like your home, with the doors open.

There’s always that moment when you buy something for your home and you just know this is the one. This is what’s going to fix the room. The velvet chair will add depth, the lamp will make it feel warmer, the vintage rug will finally give it some character. You’ve already styled it in your head before it even arrives. It just makes sense. And then you put it in place, take a step back… and nothing really changes. It looks nice, sure. But the room feels exactly the same. Not worse, not better. Just… another nice thing in the space. Most people then think they picked the wrong item. So they try again. Something else. Maybe bigger, maybe bolder. Because clearly the room just needs more. It usually doesn’t. Beautiful pieces, boring room. The Problem Is Not Taste Most homes are not filled with ugly things. They are filled with individually beautiful ones. The issue is rarely poor taste. It is disconnection. We are very good at buying objects in isolation. Showrooms are designed to make each item shine independently. Social media presents furniture and lighting as sculptural statements against perfectly neutral backdrops. Everything looks convincing when it stands alone. What you rarely see is what happens when all those pieces have to live together in one room. A space isn’t a collection of standout moments. It’s how everything relates to everything else. If you’ve got a statement light, a bold rug, a standout chair and oversized artwork all trying to have their moment at the same time, it doesn’t feel exciting. It just feels a bit all over the place. Or oddly flat. Your eye doesn’t know where to land because everything is asking for attention at once. But going the other way doesn’t fix it either. You pick calm, neutral pieces that all look “right” on their own. Nothing clashes, nothing feels risky, but the room still doesn’t come together. It ends up feeling a bit empty or unfinished because the materials don’t quite connect, the undertones are slightly off, and the proportions don’t fully work. In both cases, the issue isn’t that the pieces aren’t nice. It’s that they’re not working together. Design Is About Relationships, Not Objects A good interior comes down to how things relate to each other. If you’ve got a warm timber floor that isn’t picked up anywhere else, it can feel a bit random. Same with a metal finish that shows up once and then disappears. Or a big sofa that visually dominates everything around it. You might not immediately know what’s off, but you can feel it. These aren’t big, obvious mistakes. They’re small disconnects. But your eye picks up on them straight away. Rooms that feel right tend to repeat themselves in a subtle way. A colour shows up again somewhere else. A material is echoed. The scale of pieces makes sense together. Nothing feels like it’s been dropped in as an afterthought. That’s really the difference. Not budget, just intention. When Everything Is Special There’s another trap people fall into. When everything in a room is “special”, nothing actually stands out. If every piece is trying to be a moment, the whole idea of a statement just disappears. Your eye keeps jumping from one thing to the next and never really settles. It becomes tiring to look at, and oddly enough, less interesting. And sometimes that’s why a room feels off. Not because it needs more, but because it needs less. Without a few quieter elements, the stronger pieces don’t get a chance to breathe. Living room lacking restraint. Editing, although far less glamorous than shopping, is often the turning point. Removing competing element can be more powerful than adding a new one. Repeating an existing finish can be more effective than introducing something different “for variety.” This is the quiet discipline behind cohesive interiors. Before You Buy One More Thing When a room feels underwhelming, it is tempting to assume it needs more. In reality, it often needs clarity. Instead of asking what you can add, it can be more revealing to ask: Does this piece relate to what is already here? Is there repetition of colour or material in the room? Is one element visually dominating without support? Would removing something strengthen the overall composition? These questions aren’t there to limit you. They just help you see things more clearly. A collection of beautiful pieces doesn’t automatically make a beautiful room. It’s when everything starts to relate to each other, in material, scale and feeling, that a space really works. Once you start looking at a room like that, as something where everything has to connect, your choices naturally become a bit more considered. Less impulse, more intention. And maybe most importantly, you’ll pause before buying something. Not because it isn’t nice, but because you’re asking a better question: does it actually belong?

Renovating an older home is usually full of pleasant surprises. Beautiful timber floors hidden under carpet. Original mouldings waiting to be restored. Maybe even a fireplace that someone once thought was a good idea to tile over in the eighties. Then there are the other surprises. Asbestos is one of those things that exists in the background of many homes. Most of the time, you never notice it. It becomes relevant the moment renovation plans begin, and suddenly, walls are being opened, ceilings removed, and floors lifted. The short version is this: asbestos was once used everywhere because it worked brilliantly. The long version is that those same properties are exactly why it needs to be handled carefully during renovations today. If you are renovating an older home built before the late eighties, there is a chance that some building materials may contain asbestos. It was widely used in insulation boards, floor tiles, roofing sheets, and pipe insulation. Renovation work can disturb these materials, which is why testing and professional removal are often recommended before major work begins. Understanding where asbestos might be hiding and why it matters can save you a lot of trouble once the dust quite literally starts flying. A Renovation Surprise In My Own Home When we renovated our own home, built in 1889, I honestly did not expect asbestos to appear on the bingo card. The house predates the asbestos era by quite some margin, so it was not something I had particularly on my radar at the start of the renovation. But renovations have a habit of revealing the layers that accumulated long after the house itself was built. During the work, we discovered a layer of old vinyl flooring in the attic that turned out to contain asbestos. It was hidden underneath the existing floor layers, which had clearly been added much later, so there was absolutely no reason to suspect it until the renovation started and those layers were lifted. My 'surprise' asbestos find. The removal process was not exactly quick or casual either. Even though it was “only” the attic floor, the entire space had to be sealed off with plastic containment and access corridors so the specialists could remove the material safely. What looked like a fairly straightforward part of the renovation suddenly turned into a three-week delay and a bill well north of €10,000. Not quite the renovation surprise you hope for. It was a good reminder that asbestos is often not part of the original house itself, but part of later renovations or upgrades that were done decades ago. Why Asbestos Was Used In So Many Homes For decades, asbestos was considered something of a miracle material in construction. It was strong, resistant to heat and fire, and excellent at insulation. It also blended easily into cement, adhesives, and building boards. From a construction perspective, it solved a lot of problems. As a result, it appeared in a wide range of building materials used throughout the twentieth century, particularly between the nineteen forties and the nineteen eighties. Builders used it in roofing sheets, insulation boards, floor tiles, adhesives, pipe insulation, ceiling panels, and sometimes even textured coatings on walls. At the time, none of this seemed unusual. It was simply another building material doing its job. The issue only became clear later when research confirmed that inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems. Why Asbestos Matters During Renovations In many homes, asbestos materials can remain intact for decades without causing problems. The risk appears when those materials are damaged, drilled, cut, or broken. Renovation projects do exactly that. Removing old tiles, sanding flooring adhesives, demolishing walls, replacing pipe insulation, or pulling down ceilings can release tiny asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres are extremely small and can remain airborne for long periods. Because they cannot be seen or smelled, people often do not realise they have been exposed. That is why renovation work in older homes requires a little extra caution. Before you start pulling things apart, it is worth asking whether any of the materials in the house might contain asbestos. How Old Does A House Need To Be To Have Asbestos? One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether their house is old enough to contain asbestos. As a general rule, homes built before the late nineteen eighties may contain asbestos materials. In many countries, the material was gradually phased out during the nineteen eighties and banned completely in the following decades. That does not mean every older house contains asbestos, but the probability increases the further back you go. Homes built before the nineteen-eighties are the most likely candidates. If you are renovating a house from the fifties, sixties, or seventies, it is sensible to assume asbestos could be present somewhere in the building materials. Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found In Older Homes One of the tricky things about asbestos is that it does not look particularly distinctive. It often appears in completely ordinary building products. Some of the most common locations include: Old vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath them Cement roofing sheets and wall cladding Pipe insulation and boiler insulation Ceiling panels or boards Textured wall or ceiling coatings Cement boards used in walls, soffits, or exterior panels None of these automatically mean asbestos is present, but they are common enough to be worth checking before renovation work begins. When You Should Suspect Asbestos During A Renovation There are a few situations where it is wise to pause before continuing a renovation project. If you uncover materials that look like older cement boards, brittle insulation, or unusual backing layers under flooring, it is worth investigating further. The same applies if you discover old pipe insulation or crumbly insulation boards inside walls. A simple rule many renovators follow is this: if the house is older and the material is unfamiliar, treat it with caution until you know what it is. Professional asbestos testing is usually straightforward and far safer than guessing. Why Professional Asbestos Removal Matters Once asbestos-containing materials are identified, the next question is whether they should be removed. In many cases, the safest option is professional removal. Licensed specialists have the equipment and procedures needed to remove the material safely without releasing fibres into the surrounding space. This usually involves sealing off the work area, using protective equipment, and disposing of the material according to strict regulations. Attempting to remove asbestos without the right precautions can spread fibres through the house rather than eliminating the risk. Why Renovations Often Reveal Asbestos In Older Homes Older homes have layers. Behind every wall, floor, or ceiling there is often a small history of previous renovations and materials from different decades. Most of the time, these discoveries are charming. You lift a carpet and find beautiful, original floorboards. You remove a panel and discover a forgotten fireplace. Occasionally, the discovery is slightly less charming and involves a phone call to a specialist. Asbestos belongs firmly in that second category. The good news is that once it has been properly identified and removed, renovation work can continue safely. After that, you can return to the more enjoyable parts of the process. Planning layouts, choosing finishes, and deciding which original details are worth restoring. Because uncovering a piece of history is much more fun when it turns out to be vintage tiles rather than insulation from 1964. Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos In Homes How do I know if my house has asbestos? The only reliable way to confirm the presence of asbestos is through professional testing of building materials. If your home was built before the late nineteen eighties and you are planning renovations, it is sensible to assume asbestos could be present until proven otherwise. Is asbestos dangerous if it is left alone? Asbestos materials that remain intact and undisturbed usually pose little risk. Problems occur when the materials are damaged, drilled, or broken during renovation work, which can release fibres into the air. Should asbestos always be removed during renovations? If renovation work will disturb materials that contain asbestos, professional removal is usually recommended. Licensed specialists can remove the material safely and dispose of it according to building regulations.

You’ve updated the sofa. The walls are painted. You’ve added cushions, maybe a rug, a few accessories here and there. On paper, everything should work. And yet the space still feels… a bit dated. This is usually the point where people assume they need to replace something big. New furniture, a different colour scheme, maybe even a renovation. But more often than not, that’s not where the problem sits. It’s in the styling. It’s in the styling. The small, well-intentioned additions that were once everywhere, that made a space feel finished at the time, but now subtly date it. Not because they are terrible choices, but because they’ve been repeated so often that they no longer feel personal or current. If your home feels like it hasn’t quite moved on, chances are one or two of these habits are doing more than you think. The Decorative Chain There was a time when this felt like a clever, design-led detail. Minimal, slightly sculptural, easy to drop into any space that needed “something”. The problem is that it rarely adds anything beyond that. It doesn’t reflect the home, the person, or even the room it sits in. It’s there because empty surfaces started to feel unfinished, and this became the go-to solution. After seeing it repeated enough times, it now reads as filler rather than intention. Spaces feel more current when objects have a reason to be there. That can be texture, irregularity, age, or simply meaning. Anything that feels chosen rather than placed. Word Art And Wall Sayings “Live, laugh, love” (or whatever) had a long run for a reason. It added warmth and personality quickly, especially in otherwise neutral spaces. But it also did all the work. When a wall literally tells you how to feel, there’s very little left for the room itself to create. It becomes quite one-dimensional, especially compared to interiors where atmosphere comes from materials, contrast, and light. This is why many homes with word art feel dated, even if everything else has been updated. The message stays stuck in a very specific moment in time. The Overstyled Tray A tray with candles, beads, and a small stack of books used to signal that a space was finished. Styled. Thought through. Now it often signals the opposite. It looks like a formula has been applied rather than a space being lived in. Everything grouped, everything balanced, nothing moved. It creates a slightly staged feeling, as if the room is set up for a photo rather than everyday use. Removing part of it tends to have more impact than adding to it. When fewer items are competing for attention, each piece has more presence, and the space feels more relaxed as a result. Books Turned Backwards This trend came from a desire to simplify. Less visual noise, more calm, a softer palette. In practice, it removes one of the easiest ways to add personality to a room. Books tell stories before you even open them. Turning them around strips that away completely. What’s left is a very neutral, slightly anonymous look that doesn’t offer much in return. It is also hugely impractical when you're trying to find the book you actually want to read. It’s a good example of where aesthetic control has gone a step too far, and the space loses character because of it. Decorative Ladders That Don’t Function A ladder with neatly draped blankets looks inviting in a photo. In real life, it often ends up being either unused or constantly adjusted to maintain the look. That disconnect is what dates it. When styling leans too heavily into appearance without supporting how a space is actually used, it starts to feel artificial. And that’s something interiors have moved away from. Functional storage, or simply letting textiles exist more casually, tends to feel far more natural. Perfect Symmetry Everywhere Symmetry creates order, which is why it became so popular. Matching lamps, identical bedside tables, evenly spaced accessories. The issue is when it becomes the only approach. Rooms that rely too heavily on symmetry can feel predictable and slightly flat. There’s no tension, no variation, nothing to draw the eye. It starts to resemble a showroom rather than a home. Introducing small differences, in height, shape, or material, breaks that uniformity and adds a layer of interest that feels more current. Overly Coordinated Accessories Everything matching used to be the goal. Same tones, same finishes, same level of polish. Now it tends to have the opposite effect. When everything looks like it came from the same place at the same time, the room loses depth. It can feel a bit one-note, even if each individual piece is perfectly fine. Spaces feel more layered when there is a mix. Different materials, slightly varied tones, a combination of old and new. That contrast is what keeps a room from feeling stuck. Signs Your Home Looks Dated (Even If You Can’t See It) If you’re not sure whether this applies, there are a few subtle indicators: Surfaces that feel “filled” rather than considered Accessories that don’t have a clear purpose or story Styling that looks identical to what you’ve seen elsewhere A space that feels finished, but not particularly personal These are usually the things people sense before they can articulate what’s wrong. How To Make Your Home Look More Current Without Replacing Everything This is the part most people get wrong. They assume the fix is buying something new. In reality, it’s often about removing. Take a critical look at what’s purely there to complete a look. The filler pieces. The formula-driven combinations. Start there. Then focus on what actually adds something. Texture, contrast, age, or meaning. Pieces that feel like they belong specifically in your home, not just in any home. A space starts to feel current again when it stops trying to follow a styling rule and instead reflects how it’s actually lived in. The Takeaway Homes don’t usually feel dated because nothing’s been updated. They feel dated because they’re still styled in a way that once worked, but doesn’t anymore. And that shift isn’t really about trends. It’s more about letting go of those predictable formulas and moving towards spaces that feel more relaxed, more personal, and a lot less staged. That’s where a home stops trying to impress and starts feeling like somewhere you actually want to be.

Your garden is a special place on your property. It’s where you put your creative energy and tend to your favorite plants, but it might need a makeover after surviving the winter. These easy garden upgrades will inspire you to transform it over the coming weeks into a beautiful and colorful retreat. You’ll enjoy a vibrant summer without ever leaving your backyard. 1. Extend Your Existing Garden Bed Many people improve their gardens by making them bigger. It’s the perfect solution if you want to care for more plants and make your yard extra colorful. Start by outlining the future shape of your extended garden in property markers, a hose or bright string. Use a lawn edger to cut through the grass in that exact shape. You should be able to lift the newly formed sod pieces away with a flat shovel when you finish. You’ll have exposed dirt ready for new plants after removing the grass. Line your garden with the same materials lining your current plants, such as bricks or plastic edging. Given how the gardening market reached $18.5 billion in 2022, you’ll find supplies at most home improvement stores or local gardening centers. If you enjoy this project, you can use the same process to extend other parts of your landscaping. Create a wider space for the plants lining your driveway or front porch with these steps. You’ll gain additional room for flowers or bushes in places you couldn’t have put them before. 2. Plant New Flowers Adding new flowers to your garden is one of the easiest garden upgrades. First, consider what you already grow on your property. Do all of your existing plants share similar colors? Is there a flower aesthetic you’d like to explore? Some floral species have leafier petals, more vibrant colors and vine-like growing methods. Choosing one that doesn’t resemble anything you have at home will make your garden visually pop this year. You should also think of your preferred landscaping aesthetic. Someone who prefers drought-tolerant plants due to the hardscaping around their yard might create odd-looking landscaping by planting roses between cacti. Consider which plants and aesthetics match what you love most about your yard to find the best new flowers for your garden. 3. Install a Small Pond Water features add depth and texture to any yard. Consider upgrading your garden this summer by installing a small pond on your property. Choose a place where you’ll enjoy looking at it year-round, like just beyond your back porch or in the middle of your flowering bushes. There’s no need to give up on your dreams of creating a pond if your yard isn’t entirely flat. Dig into the higher part of your future pond to make a flatter surface and check it with a level. Once you’ve dug far enough on the higher side, you’ll create a flat area to dig your pond basin. Ensure the area surrounding your pond has at least 3% of a slope so there’s proper water drainage away from your home. A clinometer will reveal the slope between any two points. Install a preformed, plastic pond liner in your hole and fill gaps around it with the soil you dug to create its basin. Cover the area with whatever hardscaping materials match your property’s aesthetic, like stones, bricks or mulch. Fill it with water from your garden hose, and you’ll have a small pond ready for future additions, such as a waterfall or fish. 4. Build a Birdhouse Birdhouses are always great additions to summer gardens. They attract birds that fill your property with nature’s music and double as a showcase of your design talents. Find a wooden design you love and print the templates for each side. You should have enough to outline four sides, the bottom and two pieces for the roof. There are a few ways to make your birdhouse project. Use a saw to cut the pieces at home from wooden boards matching the width required by your design’s instructions. You can also purchase a wooden board at a home improvement store and ask them to cut it according to your template outlines on the spot. Attach the pieces according to your instructions, which often just require wood glue. After the glue dries, you can nail it to a tree or hang it on a post. Before installing your birdhouse on a permanent fixture, remember to have fun decorating it. Weather-resistant paint or glued accents like beads will make your birdhouse the most gorgeous home for birds on your street. Pull color inspiration from nearby plants, your home’s exterior design or your garden’s hardscaping to make it match its surroundings. 5. Seed Your Yard There’s nothing quite like the beauty of a lush yard full of vibrant green grass. Your lawn may have brown spots or dirt patches after a rough winter, so consider seeding it this summer. It’s a relatively quick project that gives any property a landscaping makeover. Buy a bag of grass seed that matches your existing type. If you’re unsure what your grass is or want to replace it, find a variety that will thrive in your geographic area. Options like zoysia and bahia thrive in dry, hot weather because they’re more drought-tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass. However, Bermuda grass seed is more widely available if you want something more economical. For an even lower-maintenance alternative, you might want to explore a variety of synthetic turf options that stay green year-round without the need for seeding or watering. Use a tiller to punch holes in your soil and help your existing grass breathe. Sprinkle your new seed over the freshly made holes and water them according to your package’s instructions. In no time, tiny green blades will make your lawn thick and healthy. 6. Create Wooden Seating Backyards turn into gorgeous getaways when there’s space to relax in your garden. Consider building simple wooden chairs out of 2x4 wooden boards if you have enough room for seating. There are numerous tutorials free to anyone curious about honing their woodworking skills with a saw, an electric drill, and 2-inch screws or wood glue. Basic guides will walk you through the process of cutting your two-by-fours to the correct lengths for the chair’s legs and supporting structure. Fill in the seat and back with more two-by-fours to complete your wooden chairs. You can make them match your backyard’s aesthetic with stains or paint made to withstand weather conditions. Add cushions whenever you want to relax and you’ll get to enjoy the summer sunshine anytime you go outside. Removable cushions also make cleaning much easier. When pollen, bugs or loose leaves cover your chairs, spray them clean with your garden hose. The sealant or paint covering the wood will protect it from potential water damage. 7. Add Backyard Lighting Lights are an excellent way to improve any space’s design. There are numerous ways to soften your backyard with mood lighting. Transform your garden into a getaway under the stars with outdoor options that go beyond traditional floodlights. Hang Edison bulbs or other string lights around your garden by installing posts in your backyard. You could dig 2 feet into the soil, place your posts in the holes and fill them with quick-dry concrete or do the same process with large planter pots instead. When the concrete dries, you can hang string lights, lanterns or any other mood lighting from the posts. Add color with weather-proof stains or paint. Every time you recline under the soft glow of your outdoor lighting, you’ll feel welcomed and safe on your property. Research shows that adding lights at night reduces crime rates, so you’ll protect your property and give it a makeover with this easy garden upgrade. 8. Design Garden Plant Labels Most gardeners have experienced the frustration of forgetting which plant is which. Knowing each species informs how and when you water and care for them. You also won’t have to guess when their potential harvest season will arrive. Plant labels are an excellent garden upgrade because they double as outdoor decor. Consider your garden’s existing aesthetic. Do you want your labels to match how it looks or give it a new vibe? You could paint wooden boards with each plant’s name in a swirling font or paint large rocks to turn them into mini signs. Cut each plant’s species from craft paper in various prints and glue each letter to your pots. 📷 Sophia Victoria Joy This is a great activity for kids. They can easily participate in your label creation process with their own paintbrushes or craft supplies. Ask how they’d like to decorate your garden if they help tend to your plants. You’ll create a new memory together and give them a sense of ownership over the garden they helped bring to life. Start Easy Garden Upgrades This Summer Your garden is a form of personal creative expression. It should match the outdoor aesthetic you enjoy and make your backyard a beautiful place to relax with your loved ones. Use these easy upgrades to make it feel brand new this summer. No matter which project you start, you’ll elevate your yard’s design in a way that lasts for many years to come.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what “transitional style” actually means, you’re not alone. The name can feel ambiguous, and I’ll admit, even as a designer, it took some exploration to articulate exactly what it entails. Is it a transition between old and new? A style in flux? A sly marketing ploy to sell more furniture? The answer, as it turns out, is all of the above - and also none of the above. Let me walk you through this stylish enigma of a design trend. The Art of Blending Old and New Transitional style is often described as a happy marriage between traditional and contemporary design. It’s like the interior design equivalent of fusion cuisine - except instead of sushi tacos, you’re combining classic wingback chairs with sleek, modern coffee tables. Imagine a space where clean lines meet soft curves, neutral tones are punctuated with subtle accents, and timeless elegance coexists with the fresh energy of modern aesthetics. It’s not fussy or over-the-top but also not so minimalist that you feel like you’re in a futuristic art gallery. It’s like the Goldilocks of interior design - just right. But let’s not get too carried away with metaphors. The essence of transitional style lies in balance: creating a space that feels warm and inviting while maintaining a polished and sophisticated look. Why the Name Feels Confusing Now, about that name. “Transitional” doesn’t exactly scream design masterpiece, does it? When I first heard it, I half-expected it to refer to furniture you’d only use in temporary housing. But the name actually reflects the style’s ability to transition between traditional and modern elements seamlessly. I’ll admit, it’s not the most glamorous label. It’s similar to a plain book with an unassuming cover - the true value lies within its pages. Once you embrace the concept, you’ll realise transitional design is anything but boring. The Key Ingredients of Transitional Style 1. Neutral Colour Palette Transitional spaces thrive on neutrals - think whites, greys, taupes, and beiges. These shades create a serene backdrop that allows you to mix and match different styles without clashing. You can always add a pop of colour, but keep it subtle - a muted navy cushion or a sage green vase can do wonders. 2. Timeless Furniture Furniture in transitional design is all about blending traditional silhouettes with contemporary finishes. Picture a classic Chesterfield sofa reimagined in a soft, streamlined fabric or a modern dining table paired with tufted chairs. It’s a little bit grandma, a little bit cosmopolitan. 3. Minimal Ornamentation While traditional design can lean toward ornate details, transitional style pares things back. Think less “intricately carved scrollwork” and more “simple, clean trims.” Accessories are carefully curated to avoid clutter while still adding personality. 4. Natural Materials To keep things grounded, transitional design often incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and leather. A reclaimed wood coffee table can look stunning alongside sleek metallic lighting fixtures, creating that perfect balance of old meets new. 5. Layered Textures Since transitional style thrives on simplicity, texture is your secret weapon for adding depth and interest. Layer a chunky knit throw over a linen armchair or pair a plush area rug with smooth hardwood floors. It’s all about making the space feel as good as it looks. Why Transitional Style Is Perfect for Indecisive Decorators If you’ve ever walked into a furniture store and fallen in love with a sleek glass desk only to be drawn to an antique armoire two minutes later, transitional style is for you. It lets you have your cake and eat it too - no need to commit fully to one era or aesthetic. Transitional design makes it easy to mix vintage pieces with modern styles, creating a space that feels cohesive and personal. How to Avoid Common Mistakes While transitional style offers plenty of freedom, it’s easy to veer off course. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Don’t Overdo It: Too much mixing can make your space feel chaotic rather than cohesive. Stick to a neutral base and layer in contrasting elements sparingly. Stay Consistent: While you can blend styles, make sure your pieces share a common thread, whether it’s colour, texture, or material. Edit Ruthlessly: Transitional design thrives on simplicity, so resist the urge to overcrowd your space with too many accessories. Why Transitional Style Is Here to Stay Unlike some design trends that feel dated almost as soon as they peak (looking at you, shiplap walls), transitional style has staying power. Its focus on timeless elegance and versatility means it can evolve with your tastes. Swap out a few accessories, and you can easily refresh your space without overhauling the entire design. My Final Thoughts on Transitional Style While the name might not win any awards for creativity, transitional style more than makes up for it with its effortless charm and adaptability. It’s a style that says, “I have great taste, but I don’t need to show off.” It’s refined without being fussy, modern without being cold, and timeless without being boring. It’s a style that says, “I have great taste, but I don’t need to show off.” So, if you’re feeling stuck between your love for classic elegance and contemporary chic, why not give transitional design a try? And if the name still irks you, just think of it as the ultimate style chameleon. What do you think about transitional style? Love it, loathe it, or still a bit confused? Sign up for my newsletter to stay inspired by interior design insights, or check out The Interior Design Institute's course to start your own journey as a designer.

When you go back to those children’s books and movies with illustrations of the cozy home, have you ever wished that you could live in there? Burrowcore melds together the nostalgia and fondness of those interiors with real-life intent and design. What Is Burrowcore? Burrowcore is a new interior design trend that centers around creating intimacy and a deep sense of home. Unlike some core trends that start with fashion on social media and eventually morph into cosmetic and furnishing trends, burrowcore had a relatively organic walk into the spotlight as a stand-alone design scheme. The root word burrow refers to a little hole in the ground that rabbits create for shelter. As an aesthetic trend, it references those homey spaces the Winnie the Pooh or Brambley Hedge characters would reside in. But beyond that, to burrow as a verb simply means to reposition yourself in a space that you feel safe and warm in. The ideal living space should be able to provide that complete solace. Why Burrowcore Is a Trending Interior Style Burrowcore evokes such a sense of hominess that makes it feel attractive to any interior design enthusiast. However, if you want an exact reason why it’s trending, here are a couple of reasons. It’s Fresh Yet Familiar All At Once Burrowcore feels like the older sister to cottagecore, sharing the same ideals of being whisked away to a more whimsical environment. But where cottagecore feels more idealistic, burrowcore feels a little more settled and authentic. Some may also feel like it’s related to bohemian interior design, which emphasizes ornamentation and soul in its execution. However, burrowcore focuses on a quieter, homey version of that comfort. It Takes Cozy Living to the Next Level Cozy living has been well-loved in the interior design space, with so many people having their own spin on it. Burrowcore embraces this concept and incorporates softer textures, natural light and comforting elements to create restorative environments. Staying in these everyday settings can lower your stress levels and enhance your well-being in the long run. It also maintains that sense of calm without the high level of upkeep that other interior design schemes may require. It Provides Escapism from a Conflict-Driven World The living space can often be treated as an escape from the world. Think about how cottagecore posts increased by 153% right around the time the COVID-19 pandemic began, reflecting how much people wanted to romanticize their indoor spaces. Burrowcore shares the same sentiment of providing a safe space where you can just forget about the problems and conflicts around you for a little while. All you need to do is breathe and remember that you have your own beloved space to rest and recharge. The Main Elements of the Burrowcore Burrowcore is still an evolving design trend, and the exact elements you incorporate depend on your tastes. Here’s the blueprint to this design trend, though. Down-to-Earth Aesthetics Most interior design trends like cottagecore require rigid, highly stylized aesthetics. Burrowcore aims to strip that and focuses on creating a more authentic space. Rather than sticking within specific confines, break through and picture a space that makes you feel warm inside. Picture and incorporate rustic reading nooks and intimate conversation spaces. Natural Lighting and Textures Burrowcore borrows the basics of classic interior designs and embraces natural lighting and textures. They align with the goal of providing a calming space. Natural light has restorative and relaxing effects as it is, while softer textures simply feel soothing to the touch. The more windows and pillows you can include in your interior design, the better. Whimsy in Everyday Life Burrowcore inspires people to unlock their own whimsy and wonder. To bring that into your home, don’t be afraid to opt for the more delightfully designed items rather than their more simplistic counterparts. It doesn’t have to be too loud or complex—just ask yourself if it would spark joy and include it in your little burrow if it does. Lived-In Interiors Some people think a lived-in space is bad, but it actually means whoever resides in it has enjoyed every corner of their home. With burrowcore, try to look for high-quality furniture and decor that will wear well and stand the test of time. 4 Fantastic Ways to Implement Burrowcore Into the Home Now that you know what goes into curating a burrowcore-style home, it's easier to execute this vision in your space. That said, here are a couple of tips to get you started. 1. Implement Cozy Colors Color can be one of the most impactful ways to transform your home. And with burrowcore, the main color palette should be warm and earthy. Think rich browns, warm terracotta, deep greens and other muted neutrals. You can go out of the box and choose another nature-adjacent color. For example, blue is a fantastic choice because it evokes the sky and the sea. It’s also regarded as one of the most soothing colors that’s connected with creativity and spirituality. 2. Focus on Your Personal Feel-Good Style In interior design, there’s a more straightforward blueprint to follow. Even cottagecore requires you to dive into this idealized version of country living. However, with burrowcore, it’s all about self-reflection and tapping into your own personal preferences. Make a list of things that you are drawn to. Whether it’s old-school patterns, art prints, books and more, write it all out and see what works for your space right now. Even if it’s as out of the box as orange floral wallpaper and high shelves, go for it. It only needs to make sense for you. 3. Bring out Soft and Rounded Furniture Get the pillows, throw blankets and more out with some soft bean bags and a curved sofa. Experts believe that curved furniture shifts how people experience space and naturally puts them at ease in the long run, which is all that you truly want from a home. You can also apply those rounded elements to other furniture pieces. A circular coffee table in the living room and a half-moon bed frame in the bedroom can look much more charming while staying functional. 4. Use Charming Decor that Tells a Story Head into the thrift store and breathe life into old decorative pieces that tell a story. You’d be surprised to find what little antiquities could mean when you flip them over for inscriptions. You could also pause to guess what they meant to a previous owner. You could also display old belongings with sentimental value. An old mirror that you used to bring to every apartment or that lamp that your siblings all chipped in to buy can be a lovely addition and make your space homey. Bring the Burrowcore Fantasy to Life Burrowcore is a heartwarming design trend that underscores the importance of turning your house into a home. Think about what your ideal space looks like and bring it to life through a little stylizing and decor. That way, you have an extra skip in your step whenever you’re coming back to your humble abode.

Interior design didn’t suddenly get harder because people lost their taste. It got harder because we’re now expected to decide everything, all the time, with endless options and no real finish line. At some point, choice stopped being helpful and started getting in the way. When Too Much Choice Turns Into Noise Scroll for five minutes and you will see five hundred kitchens. All slightly different. All claiming to be timeless, modern, warm, characterful or design-led. The issue is not a lack of inspiration. It is a lack of filtering. When everything is presented as an option, nothing feels decisive. Choice becomes noise, and design turns into a constant comparison exercise. Designing By Fear Of Missing Out A lot of design decisions these days feel less like choices and more like panic responses to FOMO. People keep everything open just in case, worried they’ll pick the wrong thing or spot something better online a week later. The result is a home full of “that’ll do for now.” Not terrible choices, just non-committal ones. Sofas that are fine, tiles that are safe, layouts that look like something you’ve seen before. It all works, but nothing really lands. Because nothing was actually chosen with conviction. Why More Options Often Lead To Safer Homes When people are overwhelmed, they rarely take risks. They retreat to what feels acceptable. That is why too much choice often results in the same neutral palettes, familiar layouts and widely approved finishes. Not because they are the best solution, but because they feel defensible. Design becomes something to justify rather than enjoy. Design becomes something to justify rather than enjoy. Decision Fatigue Lives In The Details Decision fatigue does not show up dramatically. It shows up in small, everyday moments. Lighting plans get simplified because choosing fittings feels like too much. Storage is chosen for convenience rather than fit. Materials are selected because they are familiar, not because they support how the space is actually used. Even colour decisions are postponed, softened or neutralised. The home functions, but it never quite settles. There is always the sense that something still needs to be decided. Why Designers Limit Choice On Purpose Good designers do not offer endless options. They narrow them. Editing is not about control, it is about responsibility. By removing what does not belong, the remaining choices gain weight and meaning. Clients are not forced to defend every decision, because the framework has already been set. Editing is not about control, it is about responsibility. This is why professionally designed homes often feel calmer and more confident. Someone has already decided what not to consider, which allows the final choices to actually land. How To Work With Less Choice And Better Results Designing well in a world of endless options means being deliberate about limitation. A few practical ways to do that: Decide what matters before you start looking Limit inspiration sources instead of collecting endlessly Choose one strong direction and commit to it Stop searching once a decision has been made Accept that a home does not need to express every idea you like Choice Should Support Design, Not Replace It Choice is great, until it starts running the show. It’s only helpful when it supports a clear direction. Without that, it quickly turns into noise. A good interior doesn’t come from seeing everything or keeping every option open. It comes from making a decision and actually sticking with it. When choice works for you, design feels easy and even fun. When it takes over, suddenly picking a cushion feels like a life decision. And that’s usually the point where people stop enjoying their own home.

At some point in almost every home, the same conclusion is reached, usually while standing in the hallway with a bag slipping off one shoulder, a coat already halfway to the floor, and at least one shoe nowhere near where it was meant to end up. The conclusion is simple and reassuring: we just need more storage. It sounds logical, even sensible, as though the right cupboard in exactly the right place will finally bring order to everything. And sometimes that is true. But far more often, storage becomes a convenient explanation rather than the actual issue. I have walked into countless homes where storage was not lacking in the slightest. There were cupboards, drawers, shelves and well thought through solutions everywhere, yet the same familiar scenes kept repeating themselves. Bags lived on chairs, shoes gathered near the door, and paperwork quietly took over the dining table. Not because people did not care, but because the house was subtly asking them to behave in ways that did not quite match real life. When Storage Exists But Is Ignored What usually happens in these homes is not a shortage of space, but a quiet mismatch between storage and behaviour. Things are stored where they fit on paper, not where they naturally belong during the day. The hallway cupboard looks perfect in theory, but no one actually opens it when they come home. The kitchen drawers are beautifully organised, yet the items used every morning still end up on the counter because that is simply faster. Over time, the house teaches its occupants which rules are optional, and storage slowly becomes something that exists rather than something that works. The Myth Of The Perfectly Clear Surface There is a persistent belief that calm homes are defined by empty surfaces, by counters and sideboards that remain permanently clear and untouched. In reality, most homes need a few honest landing zones where everyday items can pause without immediately being labelled as clutter. Keys, post, phones, a half-read magazine, all need somewhere acceptable to land. When every surface is expected to stay pristine, mess does not disappear; it just relocates, usually to places that are far more annoying and far less intentional. Why Built-In Storage Often Falls Short Built-in storage is often presented as the ultimate solution, promising clean lines, hidden clutter and a sense of control. The appeal is obvious, but the problem is that life rarely stays aligned with a floor plan. Habits change, families grow, routines shift. Storage that worked perfectly at one stage can quietly become awkward and overfilled at another. Built-ins designed without flexibility tend to fail slowly, not dramatically, until the home starts to feel harder to live in rather than easier. I have seen beautifully designed built-ins that were technically flawless and practically frustrating, simply because they were designed for how someone thought they should live, not how they actually do. Storage Should Follow Life, Not Correct It Good storage rarely starts with furniture. It starts with paying attention. Where do shoes really come off? Where does the bag land when someone walks in? Where does the post end up before it is dealt with? These are not bad habits in need of fixing; they are information about how the home is being used. When storage supports these patterns, clutter reduces almost automatically. When storage works against them, no amount of cupboards will ever feel like enough. A Home Is Not A Filing System Some mess is not a design failure; it is simply evidence of life happening. The calmest homes are not the ones with the most storage, but the ones that tolerate everyday use without constant correction. They allow things to be visible, to move, to exist between moments of tidying. The goal of storage is not perfection, but ease. A home should work with you rather than require daily negotiation to remain presentable. Sometimes the most effective design decision is not adding more storage at all, but designing less against reality.