Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/92128/the-ultimate-diy-hacks

Make DIY disasters a thing of the past

Fit For The Job / Amazon

Perfect your home improvement skills with our round-up of the best top tips and crafty shortcuts you’ll wish you’d known sooner. From simple paint tricks for touch-up jobs to industry secrets from the professionals, check out these genius DIY hacks that will change your decorating life forever. You can thank us later!

Paint decking with a broom

@dad.dancer / TikTok

Painting the decking is a weekend DIY job that can make a big difference to your garden terrace but it can be back-breaking work. Social Media user @dad.dancer took to TikTok to prove how he got the job done in record time with a broom which resulted in minimal bending. 

Protect door knobs with Vaseline

AppleDK / Shutterstock

Painting doors with intricate features can be tricky as without a flat surface masking tape can fail to fully protect areas. Here’s where petroleum jelly can be a saving grace. Before painting use a cotton bud to cover any metal fixtures such as handles, plates, keyholes and lock mechanisms with plenty of Vaseline. Try not to paint over the metal areas but should a mistake be made simply wipe off the jelly with a cloth and the paint will come with it. 

Use ring pulls to hang art

UpcycledStuff / YouTube

Before you throw your fizzy drinks can away pull off the ring pull first as it has many uses. One, in particular, is to use it as a handy ready-made hook to hang art and crafts on walls with. Centre the tab on the back of the frame or artwork, then drill a screw into the smallest hole of the tab to secure it onto the frame. Finally, slightly lift and bend the tab outwards so it’s easier to hang onto the wall. UpcycledStuff shows how it’s done here.

Heavy items need wall anchors

ANDY RELY / Shutterstock

Need to hang a heavy mirror or piece of art on a plaster wall? Don’t attempt it without first adding wall anchors or you could end up with a few large holes or worse still a serious accident. Matt Michaels a spokesperson from Lowe’s Home Improvement explains why. ‘Because drywall is too weak to hang things from, a drywall anchor is necessary. The anchor essentially allows you to insert screws into the wall without causing the soft drywall to crumble around it’. 

Wrap rollers in clingfilm

Karl Solano / UnSplash

Need to keep your roller moist overnight? Painting and Decorating experts at Toolstation.co.uk explain what to do. ‘If you’re finishing for the day and don’t fancy washing your rollers, simply load them up with paint and then roll them up in plastic clingfilm works a treat. Leave them somewhere shady and they won’t dry out overnight.’

Fill holes in walls with brick dust

The DIY Guy / YouTube

Here’s a great tip from The DIY Guy to cover up old holes in brick walls. First, make the hole slightly bigger using a drill but be sure to save the red brick dust. Then, fill the hole with motor repair cement. Whilst still tacky dab the red dust over the grey residue. Hey presto—a perfectly camouflaged and filled hole. 

Make lines crisp and perfect

Yuriy Golub / Shutterstock

A two-toned wall looks super stylish right now. But the wall paint technique has to have a clean line for a professional finish. Here’s the hack: paint over the edge of the tape with the colour already on the wall to ‘seal’ the tape. Once that coat dries, apply your new colour on top. The results will be much crisper!

Tape a disposable cover to the floor

Superstar / Shutterstock

Save time and protect floors fully by covering floors with an inexpensive plastic drop cloth. Make sure it’s paint protected tight by taping the edges to skirting boards. When you are done simply grab all four corners to pick up the splashed cover in one go and it throw away. 

Paint banisters with a sock

Furniture And Choice

Here’s a genius time saving-trick to transform your hallway. It’s super handy for fiddly hard-to-reach areas such as staircases. First, put on a plastic glove. Then slip an old but clean sock over the top. To paint the method then requires dipping your sock-covered hand into the paint and simply ‘hand’ painting by using the glove as a brush. Wrap your whole hand around the spindle to get full coverage. 

Always map out a gallery wall layout

Desenio

Create a gallery wall of your dreams with perfect frame placement. First experiment by placing the prints on the floor. Then, take the sheets of paper that came out of new frames and use them as the template for planning your layout. Arrange them on your wall using washi tape.

Make your own chalk paint

The Carpenter’s Daughter

When it comes to upcycling old furniture, our go-to has to be chalk paint. There’s no need to prime or sand, meaning you can get straight down to the creative stuff! But, while chalk paint can create stunning results, it can be expensive. DIY blogger The Carpenter’s Daughter has an effective formula for making your own at a fraction of the price of well-known brands. Vikkie Lee mixes regular emulsion paint, calcium carbonate and water to make homemade chalk paint, and promises the quality will be just as good as your favourites. Why not give it a try?

Roll wallpaper outside in

View Along The Way

Invested in some fancy new wallpaper to add a little wow-factor to your decor? Make the job easier by taking the wallpaper out of its roll a few days before installation and re-roll it the opposite way. The paper will then lie flat as you work. Top tip: before you begin, make sure all the rolls have the same batch number printed on the label, as colours can vary. This floral wallpaper used by View Along The Way is pretty and pre-pasted, making hanging even easier! 

Apply wallpaper paste with a roller

Maydos

When applying adhesive to your wallpaper use a paint roller instead of a sponge or brush. The paste will spread more evenly and consistently. Some papers now require you to paste the wall before hanging, which means the paper weighs less and doesn’t get soggy, so there’s less chance of tearing. If this is the case for your product, use the roller, only this time on the wall!

Place a rubber band over your paint can

Dulux

Fed up with messy paint tins and paint dripping on the floor? A simple rubber band stretched across the middle of the paint can will allow you to wipe excess paint off the brush, allowing it to fall back into the container, rather than dripping down the sides. This DIY decorating hack is super simple yet so effective! 

Line a paint tray with a plastic bag

Photographee.eu / Shutterstock

Question: how do you paint a room while keeping your paint tray like new? Answer: simply cover the tray with a plastic bag before you pour in the paint. When you are finished just remove the bag and throw it away. You can also use heavy-duty cling film or foil. Your paint tray will remain as clean as a whistle underneath and you won’t need to wash out any more paint trays!

Use a sticky note as a dust collector

Acme Tools

The next time you need to drill holes in any wall or surface stick a folded sticky note underneath. The fold will catch the dust before it falls onto the floor. For bigger jobs, tape a cut cardboard cereal box to the wall or ask someone to hold a dustpan underneath as you drill. Simple!

Make wood filler with sawdust

Instructables / Handy_Bear

Remember that sawdust you saved on the sticky note? Use it to make your own wood filler to smooth out any annoying gaps. All you’ll need is some wood or craft glue to work as a binder. If the sawdust comes from the same workpiece, the colour with be similar to the original surface. Take a look at the Instructables tutorial by Handy_Bear for a full guide.

Fix sticky drawers with wax

The Real Milk Paint Co

Solid wood furniture is so appealing but over time, warping and wear and tear can take its toll and make drawers hard to open. There is, however, an easy solution to get them running smoothly again. Pull out the drawer and using a clean cloth apply a thin layer of wax to the glide tracks. You can buy specially formulated furniture wax or for a quick-fix, candle wax will do. For a more in-depth how-to check out The Real Milk Paint Co’s blog.

Hammer nails with a clothes peg

NZ Ecochick

Tackling a weekend DIY job? If you’re not a pro, using your hand to steady nails can lead to hammer injuries. Keep your fingers safe by holding the nail in place with a wooden peg. That way your fingers can remain well clear and the nail stays in place, as NZ Ecochick demonstrates here. This trick also works with a comb in place of a peg.

Fill a bucket with a pool noodle

Instructables

DIY jobs often need water but how do you fit a large bucket into a small sink? Those clever DIYers at Instructables have a smart idea involving a swimming aid! Avoid having to lift a heavy water-filled bucket by using a pool noodle as a hose. Slide one end over the tap and point the other end into the bucket and turn the tap on – it’s that simple!

Make a magnetic wrist band

My Altered State

Using your mouth to keep nails and screws within reach is unhygienic and a tad dangerous! Why not hot-glue a magnet to your drill handle and stick your nails on there? Or, better still make a magnetic wrist band like this grey design by My Altered State that fits perfectly.

Clip a pencil onto a tape measure

Tool Craze

DIY projects can often feel like you need two pairs of hands to get the job done. So, when working alone, hacks to help you multi-task are the key to success. Look out for a tape measure that has a pencil holder attached so you can measure and mark with ease. Or, clamp a small pencil or piece of chalk into the belt clip.

Use a rubber band for broken screws

RTA Cabinet Store

We’ve all come across a dreaded stripped screw (where a screw head is damaged so much that it is impossible to remove with a screwdriver). A simple way to remove one is to use a rubber band. Lay the band over the screw and insert the screwdriver on top. The rubber acts as a grip and fills the damaged void. RTA Cabinet Store goes into more detail on their blog.

Hang frames with toothpaste

Loving Here

Take the headache out of hanging a picture frame by using everyday toothpaste. To find the perfect spot to drill in the wall, dab a blob of toothpaste on the frame where the nail needs to go, and then hold it up to touch the wall. Toothpaste will transfer onto the wall exactly where you need it. Then just wipe off the toothpaste when the nail is in place. Melissa from Loving Here has used this DIY hack for creating many gorgeous gallery walls in her home. 

Use masking tape for caulking

How To Nest for Less

Decorators’ caulk makes grouted bathroom or kitchen wall tiles fully water-resistant around the edges. Keep the caulk line perfectly straight and clean by marking out a straight margin with your trusty painter’s tape. Squeeze the caulk along the centre of the tracks and smooth it out with your finger. Allow to dry for 10 minutes and peel off the tape for a smooth crisp waterproof sealant. Check out this method from start to finish with How To Nest For Less.

Add sealant with a filled bath

BC Profiles

Sealant is vital when installing a bath to keep the area watertight. However, DIYers can often make a big mistake when caulking the bath edge. Luckily Jon Cooper, owner of BC Profiles, has given us this tip for new and replacement sealant jobs: “When the old sealant has been removed, fill the bath with water (before laying the new). This added weight will ensure that the sealant won’t crack when the bath is used later.’ Great advice!

Use matchsticks as tile spacers

Mamas Mercantile

Tile spacers are little plastic crosses, wedges or sticks that are inserted between tiles (when being laid) to keep them an equal distance apart. Once removed they leave behind a narrow trough in which to apply grout. If you don’t have any to hand, matchsticks work too and are an effective tool for small tile jobs like this splashback by Mamas Mercantile.

Always remember your paint colours

LiveLoveDIY

Planning your next paint decorating project? Remember the names of paint colours for each room in your home by making a handy keyring of colours. Cut out small squares of sample chips or cards and glue them onto key tags, then write the paint name and room on the back. Keep them together on a keyring for easy access. This idea comes from LiveLoveDIY—Virginia takes her keyring with her when she goes shopping for matching fabrics, furniture and decorative accents too.

Protect skirting boards with a paint edger

Fit For The Job / Amazon

If you are repainting existing walls or skirting boards that butt up against carpets and walls be sure to invest in a paint edger. The inexpensive handy piece of plastic or steel will protect as you go. Choose one with various curves and angles to suit all project shapes. 

Use duct tape to strengthen sandpaper

Duck Brand

Make sandpaper work twice as hard by backing it up with duct tape. Whether you are sanding freehand or using a sanding block, reinforcing the back stops the paper from tearing and helps it last longer. Add the tape to the back in strips to make sure the sandpaper is still flexible. 

Lift wooden floorboards with apple cider vinegar

Pavilion Broadway

Restore tired period features like natural floorboards with an eco-friendly apple cider vinegar solution. Lead interior designer David Ewart from Pavilion Broadway explains: “It offers an all-natural cleaner that will also protect the finish or varnish on your flooring”. Sweep or vacuum your floor, then mix one full cup of apple cider vinegar for every five litres of warm water in a bucket. Mop or clean the floor by hand with a cloth, and make sure not to leave any excess dampness on the floorboards by gently wiping it down after.

Store excess paint in mason jars

Reece with a C / Shutterstock

Changes of temperature can spoil leftover paint, so if you have any surplus after your latest project, pop it in a mason jar, rather than in the garden shed. Let’s face it, paint cans take up a lot of space in the home, so this nifty storage hack is the ideal way to keep paints handy for touch-ups without cluttering up your home.

Erase wood scratches with walnuts

wikiHow

Have you got a few light scratches on wooden furniture? Take the natural approach and erase them with walnuts. wikiHow advises DIYers to rub the raw nut over the affected area and let the nut oil absorb into the wood. Buff with a soft clean cloth and the scratches will be sealed and gone! 

Remove watermarks with toothpaste

Charles + Hudson

No matter how many times you put out coasters, there’s always someone who accidentally leaves a glass directly on a wood surface, right? Stay calm as you can eliminate those water rings with toothpaste. Using white paste (not gel), dab a small blob on the area and rub gently with a cloth. Charles + Hudson have a detailed tutorial for this hack on their website, where they try out other unusual household stain removers such as mayonnaise and baking soda too!

Unstick adhesive with a hairdryer

Salvaged Inspirations

Need to peel off that pricing label without leaving a sticky residue? Use the hot air from a hairdryer to melt and lift the glue. Salvaged Inspirations removed packing tape with this method when upcycling a dresser. This DIY hack also works wonders on children’s stickers that may have been ‘creatively’ added to bedroom doors or furniture without parental permission. 

Remove paint with coconut oil

Mom 4 Real

Clean up after DIY jobs by making a natural cleaning solution that is kind to your skin. Mom 4 Real uses coconut oil, baking soda and lemon essential oil to clean spray paint off hands in a jiffy. Take a look at her blog for the full recipe and method. 

Use tape to keep a drill steady

Tim Carter / Ask The Builder

Drilling onto slippery ceramic tiles can be tricky. If it goes wrong the tiles will crack and replacing one tile in a pattern is not a fun task. Ask The Builder recommends using a brand-new carbide-tipped masonry drill bit, at low speed and with light pressure. But first, mark the area you want to drill by placing duct tape over the tile as the matt surface will help control the wandering drill bit and stop it from sliding.

Turn your phone into a spirit level

APK Pure

There’s no need for that large, chunky spirit level. Did you know an iPhone can act as a substitute level? If you have an updated IOS, go to the apps section and look for the measure app. Click on the level tab and hey presto—when the phone is level on a surface the screen turns green! If you don’t have an iPhone there are many spirit level and measuring apps such as Precise Level that can be downloaded onto other smartphones too. 

Remove carpet dents with ice cubes

Sasima / Shutterstock

Moved furniture around during a revamp? If you’ve been left with unsightly dents in your carpet, try this hack. Lay ice cubes on the dents overnight and leave them to melt. In the morning blot any excess, and if there are any remaining dents, fluff up your carpet with a fork. Trust us, it will look as good as new!

Always use painter’s tape

Make it Yours / Rust-Oleum

Masking tape is a decorator’s toolbox essential. However, a poor-quality tape can let paint seep through leaving jagged edges. Ensure a professional finish every time by using a quality painter’s tape such as Frog Tape or Ambro Professional. They are so much more effective at reducing paint bleed and will not mark the surface when you remove it to reveal that oh-so-satisfying clean finish. For freshly painted furniture or walls, opt for a tape designed for delicate surfaces.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/70704/fabulous-front-door-ideas

Upgrade your kerb appeal with a front door glow up

Ursula Page / Shutterstock

First impressions count and your front door is the key to adding that all-important kerb appeal to your home. From welcoming guests to conveying your own personal style, a few careful touches can make all the difference. Whether you’re repainting an existing door, freshening up with a new doormat or giving your porch a complete overhaul, these front door ideas will give you an entrance to be proud of.

Marry up porch frames

Annie Sloan

Enhance a bright front door colour choice further by continuing it onto door frames and porch timber. This glorious yellow named Tilton is part of the Annie Sloan and Charleston Farmhouse collaboration. This striking front door channels artistic flair when teamed with decorative stained glass door panels. 

Install a box light

Davey Lighting

Modern box lights work fantastically well outside contemporary homes and but they also look smart on older period properties. Clean-lined and weather-proof, they can be installed with a motion sensor to turn on automatically when you come home.

Paint PVC

Rust-Oleum

Give a dingy and drab uPVC front door a bright makeover. The project is so easy to achieve and the results look brand new. Ensure your door is free from dust and cleaned thoroughly, then allow to dry. Cover and seal the door fixtures with masking tape and apply one to two coats of all-surface paint.

Run with a theme

The Painted Hive

This modern monochrome entrance has been lifted with a refreshing lick of duck egg blue paint across the front door and accessorised with an on-trend display of beautiful wall baskets. The look is tied together with a matching geo-style doormat and a lush faux fiddle-leaf fig plant that definitely won’t wither!

Add impact with green

Farrow and Ball

A classic racing green front door jumps out against a whitewashed porch and looks ultra-confident. The smart Victorian monochrome tiles make a traditional addition that’s charming and well-suited to the period property.

Choose a neutral palette

Farrow & Ball

Famous for their refined and stylish colour charts, Farrow & Ball is our firm favourite when it comes to rejuvenating a front door. This subtle palette, painted in F&B’s Stony Ground shade, blends in beautifully with its sandstone background to create a calming and elegant first impression.

Match the garage

Everest

Give your home coordinated kerb appeal by painting the front door and garage the same colour. This soft mint green looks refreshing and clean set against a white exterior. Silver chrome door furniture and porch lighting add a smart finish to the entrance. 

Go for statement glazing

Everest

For an entrance hallway that’s starved of natural light, it makes sense to opt for a glazed or partially glazed front door. If you’re concerned about privacy, you don’t have to use clear glass –  you could go for patterned, frosted, coloured or tinted designs to blur the view in. To ensure that the door remains secure, it’s advisable to install toughened glass.

Add a welcome sign

Amazon

Cheer up a plain black door with a cheery welcome sign. The rustic addition adds a  shot of homespun charm with farmhouse friendly looks. 

Blend into the background

Pulfrost

Front door ideas don’t have to be bright and beaming. If you’d prefer a more discreet entrance choose a neutral colour that blends into its back-drop. This urban grey door looks sophisticated and the simple spelt-out number ‘NINE’ above the door is just enough detail to wonder what design-conscious decor might lay beyond. 

Embrace cabincore

Lights4fun

If you are lucky enough to own a cabin or a rustic country home, make a play on the woodland charm with idyllic door decorations. Think vintage festoon lights, lavender wreaths and illuminated potted trees. Complete the warm welcome with lanterns and candles placed on simple wooden stools. 

Go Dutch

Everest

A stable-style front door, or Dutch door as it is sometimes known, is especially useful for homes that have few windows and require extra ventilation. Split horizontally, the top half of the door can be opened independently of the bottom half to allow airflow. The design lends itself best to rural homes but can also be very effective in quirky industrial-style properties.

Add an eye-catching door knocker

Dunelm

Motif door knockers are proving popular – and we can understand why. Endearing brass characters such as bumblebees, dragonflies and even hedgehogs make an instant impact, or take inspiration from the French and opt for a hand for something more quirky.

Hang a pretty wreath

Dulux

If you want to make a strong statement, turn the colour wheel up a notch. This teal front door looks bold and beautiful against the white surround and classic brickwork. Not just for the festive season, you can go for arrangements with fresh green foliage and sunny yellow blooms to adorn the door all year round.

Lay a smart path

Walls and Floors

Make the walk up to your newly painted front door a modern masterpiece. These dark grey, sage green and ivory flat brick tiles create a striking herringbone pattern with tones that pick out the teal-coloured door.

Plant exotic trees

Urban Front

Give your front door a tropical makeover by framing the entrance with striking ferns, palm trees and striking sculptural plants. Don’t be afraid to go for verdant colour on the front door – just stick to a vibrant shade rather than a dark forest green to make it pop. 

Cheat glazed numbers

Pulfrost

Glazed numbers look refined on traditional front doors but can be expensive to buy and install. Instead, fake the real thing with specialised peel and stick window film. 

Calm with lavender

Dulux

Paint colour experts Dulux state that restful shades such as lavender will set a calm tone at the entrance to your property. Enhance the romantic scene by planting climbers such as Wisteria or Honeysuckle to tap into wistful country style.

Wow with a floral arch

Dobbies

Floral arches are a striking social media trend and a huge step up from the humble door wreath. They are made by layering up a metal frame and chicken wire with flowers and foliage. If it looks too complicated commission a florist to create a seasonal sensation to blow guests away with floral colour and aroma when visiting. 

Echo design elements

Davey Lighting

Look for lighting similar in style to an elegant glazed door to highlight the intricate design. The matching black framework looks effortlessly chic set against white exterior cladding. 

Channel coastal vibes

@vine.and.willow / Instagram

Whitewashed cladding and a pale sand-coloured door will create a calming entrance that conjures up seaside vistas. Here, a blue porch rug, storm lanterns and a wooden swing chair create a stylish yet relaxed beach house vibe that wouldn’t look amiss on the Californian shorelines. Plenty of leafy foliage in galvanised pots finishes the coastal style.

Makeover with moody cladding

Garden Trading

Cabin-style wood cladding looks stylish and contemporary when painted in tonal shades of slate grey. Lift the look with symmetrical wall lighting, a touch of topiary and a simple iron heart wreath to evoke modern-country cool.

Hang pretty baskets

Dobbies

Nothing beats hanging pretty baskets for an injection of colour, especially when matched with a petal pink door. This romantic cottage entrance is picture-perfect – the charming bumblebee door knocker adds a whimsical finish to this idyllic country home.

Create curve appeal

Dobbies

Front doors don’t have to be all right angles. To soften your home’s exterior consider going for an arched porch and a circular-paned front door. This rounded shape works with both double and single doors and adds a touch of elegant post-war nostalgia. 

Choose vintage details

Melody Maison

Attention to detail will make your front door stand out from all the others in the street. With an embossed dove design, this vintage cast iron mailbox looks endearing and will make the perfect companion piece to a classic or country-style door. 

Supersize your door number

Lisa Sarah Designs

Be a postman or delivery driver’s best friend with a front door number you can’t miss. This sleek monochrome porch looks smart and tidy, with large graphic numbering adding a bold stylistic feature. Follow suit with a well-kept lawn that’s landscaped with a modern and minimalist planting scheme.

Update the doormat

House of Bath

A doormat will keep your hallway clear of muddy footprints and add some personality to the entrance. A durable and hardwearing material such as metal or rubber works better for exterior steps and this attractive scrollwork design will offer a warm welcome. It even has a secret compartment for hiding keys!

Screen it off

Lisa Sarah Designs

Modern front doors can be just as attractive as period doors, especially when they’re integrated into the architectural design. Set behind a contemporary privacy fence and porchway, this black door is sleek and discreet. To tie the whole building together, colour-match the window frames and garage door in the same hue. 

Add some sunshine

@blondegirlfrnd / Instagram

Hardwearing door paints are now available in every colour of the rainbow so you can experiment with an understated neutral, a soft pastel or a daring, bold hue. Here, a bright yellow shade contrasts beautifully with the dark blue front of this home. When you feel the need for a change, you can simply paint it in another shade and it’ll refresh the whole facade of your home!

Call on the classics

Jeld Wen

How you dress your front door has a major impact on the final look. Symmetrical fixtures such as the porch lighting and lavender pots here will create an ordered and elegant look. For a timeless finish, you can’t go wrong with a wood stain, while a stained glass panel will draw in light and add architectural interest.

Go with the grain

Urban Front

A solid oak door makes a beautiful addition to a home entrance, especially when it’s in keeping with the rest of the house. Barn conversions and country properties, in particular, are the perfect choice for this type of door. Make sure it withstands wear and tear by regularly treating the wood to protect it from the elements.

Let it glow

Lights4fun

Pretty porch lights needn’t be displayed just at Christmas time. Outdoor lanterns will add a welcoming glow to your front door as the night draws in. Opt for outdoor versions that are designed to withstand the weather, while a solar-powered model means no messing about with unsightly wires or batteries. 

Ring the changes

TakaTomode

A doorbell is a necessity but that doesn’t mean it has to be mundane. Think outside the box for a fun twist on tradition – you could opt for a sleek and contemporary video doorbell for extra security, a brass push button for a classic look or even a wall-mounted bell in turquoise that’s sure to make visitors smile.

Light it up

Evalution

Porch lights serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose. Movement-activated models can help you navigate the way when returning home after nightfall, as well as deterring would-be intruders. With an array of designs available, they can also create ambiance and help frame your entrance way – we love this stylish orb-style fitting.

Experiment with unique lighting

DelightFULL

Create a playful first impression with a colourful front door and bespoke statement lighting. This fun porch is a perfectly balanced scheme, pairing lemon curd yellow with a dazzling one-metre-high neon letter in royal blue.

Style it sympathetically

Jozef Sowa / Shutterstock

The first thing to consider when choosing a front door is what kind of style will be in keeping with the rest of the house. Try to choose a sympathetic design that looks like it belongs there. If in doubt, do a little research into the history of your house to find out what would have been there originally.

Pick a pivoting door

Urban Front

Most front doors are hung on a door frame with traditional hinges, but pivoting doors are on the up in modern homes. Fixed with pivots at the top and bottom, they are particularly suited to very heavy doors, distributing the weight more evenly and making opening and closing a doddle. 

Keep it classic

David Papazian / Shutterstock

Make a regal entrance with a classic Colonial-style front door. Formal in design and pleasingly symmetrical, they’re a treasured choice for their refined aesthetic. Here, high windows in the door and side panelling allow light to flood into the entrance hallway whilst maintaining privacy.

Go for Georgian

@madamecherry / Instagram

Known for strong craftsmanship and attention to detail, a Georgian front door traditionally features panelling and a glazed grid window pane. Generally painted, this style of front door is well suited to country homes and cottages. Here, this blue-grey design is beautifully offset with an arch of foliage and ornate cornicing. 

Glaze in swathes

BondRocketImages / Shutterstock

If you have an inner porch door or live in a gated property, a fully-glazed front door is a great option that’ll give instant wow-factor to your home’s facade and draw in plenty of natural light. Toughened glass and the latest locking systems will ensure it’s super-secure.

Call on composite

Anglian Home Improvements

Designed to look and feel exactly like wood, composite doors usually contain an outer skin made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or UPVC to prevent them warping, expanding or shrinking like timber. Lighter in weight, they also tend to be cheaper than wood models and come in a variety of colours.

Settle on steel

Samson Doors / Hormann

Popular in America, steel doors are great thermal insulators and one of the hardest materials to break into. Steel doors now come in a variety of colours across both traditional and contemporary designs, and are available from a range of retailers.

Evoke Edwardian elegance

700billionreasons.com

Heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, Edwardian-style front doors tend to be elegant and refined. Sometimes set within a wider intricately glazed frame, these entrances often feature simple panelling, organic shapes and stained glass. If your home has history, why not show it off?

Style-up both sides

Farrow & Ball

A well-designed front door will look good from the inside of your home as well as the outside. Don’t feel constrained by the external colour – you could opt for a completely different shade for the interior to match your entrance hallway’s aesthetic.

Makeover with metal

Urban Front

Our interiors are awash with metal finishes at the moment, so why not take the industrial trend outside to your entrance way? This boxed metal porch is cleverly engraved with the house number for a stylish finish. A glass roof and sides offer a dramatic modern finish and illuminate the hallway.

Embrace engineering

Benchmarx

Cheaper than solid hardwood doors, engineered wood doors are made from layers of wood pressed and glued together with a hardwood veneer skin applied on top. An engineered door is less likely to warp or move than a solid wooden door, whilst offering all the traditional charm of the real thing.

Keep it country

mubus 7 / Shutterstock

Traditional chocolate-box cottage doors tend to be simple in construction with minimal detailing. Here, the letterbox is inserted vertically to reflect the lines of the planks in this traditional design. Painted a chalky sky blue and accessorised with a rustic wheat wreath, we think it looks picture-postcard pretty!

Dare to go double

David Papazian / Shutterstock

A double front door will give your home’s entrance a regal feel. For ease of opening, one door tends to stay bolted shut, while the other is used day-to-day. This wide design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing – being able to open both doors means you can transport bulky items such as beds and sofas with ease.

Create contrast

Benjamin Moore

For a refreshing entrance, paint your front door and porch a contrasting mix of white and green. Pick out the door, shutters and bannister with the botanical hue and accessorise with plenty of potted plants. Balance with bright white walls and a dark wood floor to warm up the space. Seashells decorate the steps and add a whimsical touch.

Pair dark wood with black and white

Ursula Page / Shutterstock

Joanna Gaines knows a thing or two about design, and her go-to palette of white, black and wood is the backbone of her signature Magnolia style. A pair of traditional wall lights marry up with the black painted shutters and two impressive ornamental ferns create symmetry that’s incredibly pleasing to the eye.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/89109/retro-kitchens-of-yesteryear-that-will-make-you-nostalgic

Ultimate kitchen throwbacks

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

From the slick curves and bold hues of the 1940s to the innovative flat-pack cabinetry of the 2000s, the humble kitchen has undergone an evolution like no other. Step back in time as we explore some of the most iconic and nostalgic retro kitchen designs from every decade. Click or scroll on and let’s take a trip down memory lane…

1940s: Red, white and blue kitchen

@isabella.honeybee / Instagram

Here’s proof that we’ve gotten ever so safe in our decorating choices. While this denim-blue beauty might not be to everyone’s taste, you can’t help but marvel at the scalloped trim with red edging, curved larder shelving and matching sheer curtains. Published in Ideas for Every Room by Armstrong Cork Company, this statement flooring is certainly the star of the show.

1940s: Sleek kitchen

retrorenovation.com

Despite the prevalence of steel cabinets in the 1940s, wood was still a popular and reliable choice. With its slab-front units, curved breakfast bar and bent metal counter seats, this kitchen shows the origins of many of today’s trends. We can breathe a sigh of relief that the brown-and-yellow colour scheme was abandoned at the turn of the decade though…

1940s: Kitsch polka dot kitchen

retrorenovation.com

Designed by influential interior stylist Hazel Dell Brown in 1941, this pale pink and blue kitchen is polka dot perfection. From the glass-block wall with its artfully mounted flowerpots to the skirted chair and counter stool covers, the space bears witness to Brown’s eye for detail. We particularly love the integrated desk with its handy compartments.

1940s: Yellow kitchen with a daybed

retrorenovation.com

Another gem from 1940s designer Hazel Dell Brown, this pale yellow kitchen is chock-full of quirky features. From the glass divider printed with an elegant floral design to the daybed in the corner, this vibrant room has everything you’d ever need in one space. 

1950s: Mint green kitchen

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

This 1950s magazine illustration features a mint green oven that matches the slanted rafters, a polished brass pendant light and elegant wood cabinetry. Note the white brick wall—a predecessor to the metro tile—and the trendy chrome- and gold-coloured hardware, which can be seen in many modern homes today.

1950s: American kitchen

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

Sporting a gleaming stainless steel oven and matching hob, this would have been a cutting-edge kitchen back in its day. The pale yellow units are offset by an orange wall which has been decorated with an eclectic collection of metal trivets, rolling pins and ladles. 

1950s: Turquoise kitchen with gingham curtains

@lucafrankde / Instagram

We’re firmly in the 1950s with this striking cream-and-red kitchen. A nod to the American diner, whose popularity surged during this decade, it features polished steel chairs with cushioned seats, gingham curtains and chequered lino. We love the little gallery wall and red-handled saucepans hanging over the cooker!

1950s: Mid-century wooden kitchen

CIRCA

With its two-tone lino floor, moulded bucket chairs and lace-edged pelmet, this kitchen is a perfect 1950s time warp. Although commemorative plates and braided garlic strings are yet to make a comeback, the sputnik chandelier wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary home.

1950s: Vintage blue and yellow kitchen

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

A picture of domestic bliss, this magazine illustration features powder-blue units and contrasting copper-coloured appliances. Note the archetypal sunburst clock, the under-cabinet dining nook and of course the beaming housewife. An early ancestor of the industrial trend, the image reveals the roots of the exposed brick wall.

1950s: Salmon pink kitchen

@timecapsule_homes / Instagram

The 1950s saw pastel shades aplenty in kitchens, including salmon pink, as we can see in this kitchen, which looks as though it’s straight out of a time capsule. Complemented by white wood panelling, floral curtains and geometric linoleum, this compact cooking space is brimming with vintage appeal. 

1950s: Vintage GE steel kitchen

retrorenovation.com

When General Electric first launched its ‘Wonder Kitchen’ in 1955, it was an immediate hit. Featuring a slew of the company’s appliances and their famous glass-fronted ‘cabinettes’, this cream-coloured steel kitchen was the model of practicality and ingenuity for its time.

1950s: Bold kitchen

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

Bold, sunny hues dominated the 1950s, symbolising a more optimistic outlook following the Second World War. With its canary yellow units, coral-coloured kettle and vibrant spice tins, this bright kitchen was an early example of the colour-blocking trend. Best of all is the bright red coffee pot—a perfect piece of retro homeware. 

1950s: Pink and green kitchen

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

Mint green may not be in fashion now, but pastel-coloured cabinets were all the rage back in the 50s. Combined with candy pink walls and accessorised with a trendy sunburst clock and matching copper kettle, this colourful kitchen was bang on trend 60 years ago.

1960s: Charming country kitchen

Steven Coling / Shutterstock

With its eclectic display of patterned crockery and powder blue chequerboard sink skirt, this charming kitchen offers a glimpse into an old-fashioned country home. Cheerful sunflowers, stripes and bright blue cabinets make this a sunny space to cook and eat. We love the record player—perfect for kitchen parties!

1960s: Retro kitchen with a hatch

Ethan / Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

The handy hatch—an intrinsic feature to many a retro kitchen—takes centre stage in this vintage magazine illustration. With its loud geometric ceiling and pops of red and turquoise, this vibrant image will bring back memories of Friday family suppers and Sunday roasts.

1960s: Mid-century galley kitchen

CIRCA

This trendy galley kitchen boasts many features that would not look out of place in a contemporary home. From the Moroccan-style tiles to the frosted glass pendant lights, the space is a source of inspiration for homeowners embracing the mid-century modern trend.

1960s: Julia Child’s kitchen

National Museum of American History

Now on display in the National Museum of American History, the kitchen of celebrated chef Julia Child epitomises the sleek designs favoured by homeowners in the 1960s. Complete with butcher-block counters and a stainless steel range, this was every home cook’s dream kitchen and Julia designed it with her husband Paul, including the ingenious pegboards for hanging her gleaming copper pans. 

1960s: Utilitarian white kitchen

@timecapsule_homes / Instagram

Sleek and utilitarian, this all-white kitchen is offset by brown-tiled floors and bright green leather seat cushions. Complete with patterned wallpaper, lemon yellow curtains and strip lighting, the space is a perfectly preserved 1960s relic.

1960s: Industrial-style kitchen

CIRCA

With its curved counter, stainless steel splashback and cluster of pendant lights, this kitchen shows off a number of 21st-century kitchen trends. The wood-panelled walls and ceiling fan were typical of the 1960s, as was the open-plan layout. With dinner parties becoming increasingly popular, kitchens were built to facilitate entertaining.

1960s: Cream kitchen with a retro booth

@timecapsule_homes / Instagram

What better way to bring a pop of colour to a boring beige kitchen than to add bursts of vibrant lime green? With its diner-style booth, curved counter and lemon-print curtains, this retro kitchen would have been the epitome of cool back in the day.

1960s: London kitchen

George Rex / Flickr [CC BY-SA 2.0]

With its neon yellow sink panels, bright orange cookware and jazzy curtains, this cheerful kitchen symbolises the liberal mindset of the swinging ’60s. The quirky mix of pastel and fluorescent hues has sadly not stood the test of time, but there’s no reason why it can’t make a comeback. 

1960s: Bright kitchen with patterned tiles

@timecapsule_homes / Instagram

The designer of this kitchen certainly had no qualms about mixing and matching. With its bright wooden cabinets, trompe l’oeil tiles, faux marble counters and floral pelmet, this room is nothing if not original. The pièce de résistance is the turquoise shagpile—one trend that has not dated well!

1960s: Wooden kitchen with a multi-tier island

@timecapsule_homes / Instagram

Bright yellow counters, green chairs, a red rug and blue crown moulding—it sounds like a garish nightmare, but weirdly, it works. Throw in faux wood units, lace curtains and some utilitarian-looking appliances and you’ve got yourself the perfect 1960s kitchen.

1970s: Wooden kitchen with a bar

@timecapsule_homes / Instagram

Wood was king in the 70s as designers moved towards natural hues and organic materials. With its wooden beams and rich, grained cabinets, this time-capsule kitchen is a prime example of late 20th-century design. Warm and homely, this space would have been perfect for entertaining.

1970s: Sunny yellow kitchen

denvilles_duo / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

The 1970s were all about the hippie movement and this sunny yellow kitchen pays homage to the decade of flower power. The mismatched hanging mugs match the tea towel and chopping board, while the colourful Kellogg’s Corn Flakes box adds the perfect finishing touch to this retro throwback.

1970s: Electric blue kitchen with a statement ceiling

@vintage__interiors / Instagram

Now here’s a kitchen fit for the boldest of decorators. Rows of handleless electric blue units have been carefully designed to fit this quirky curved space, offset by unusual black-and-white wallpaper across the walls and even the ceiling. A brass fisherman-style pendant light illuminates the dining area—a feature that’s since come back into vogue with the resurgence of industrial design.

1970s: Avocado kitchen

@andthentheotherone / Instagram

This bold kitchen encapsulates everything we love to hate (or actually, just love) about the late 1960s and early ’70s design trends. From the avocado-green units featuring contrasting white panelling to the busy floral tiles, it’s a vintage lover’s dream scheme.

1970s: Monochrome streamlined kitchen

@vintage__interiors / Instagram

Sleek and streamlined, this gorgeous monochrome kitchen is evocative of the emerging taste for minimalism in the 70s. Of course, black kitchens are also a huge trend now, but it’s the block metallic handles and horizontal wooden cladding that’s really got us. Unexpected bursts of yellow across the crockery and wall add a playful twist to this sleek space.

1970s: Pastel pink kitchen

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

We’re back to pastels with this eye-catching green-and-pink kitchen. Complete with matching plaid wallpaper and multi-stripe blinds, this image highlights the mid-century penchant for matching powder-hued fittings and appliances. Even the milk jug matches!

1980s: Brown tiled kitchen

National Museum of Australia

A slightly more austere style, this 1980s Australian kitchen champions the new taste for minimalism. A hangover from the 70s where earth tones were on-trend, it features mottled brown tiles with matching accent shelving and cabinet trims. The suspended oven is a great space-saving feature and child-friendly to boot.

1980s: Rattan kitchen

@the_80s_interior / Instagram

Proof—if any were needed—that design is cyclical, this rattan kitchen has bounced right back into fashion in the 2020s. The gorgeous honey-hued wooden cupboards have a central panel made from wicker, which adds texture and depth to the overall look. Even the dishwasher has been given the same treatment!

1980s: Red and white kitchen

@the_80s_interior / Instagram

Now this is what a kitchen looked like in the 1980s! The red and white colour scheme was a hot favourite of the decade. Evocative of the era, white units, built-in appliances and graph tiles contrast with the vibrant cabinet trim and scarlet accents across the crockery and drinks’ trolley. 

1980s: Tiny white kitchenette

@vintage__interiors / Instagram

Small kitchens are nothing new, as this tiny vintage set-up proves. Simple yet striking in design, the snug scheme features nostalgic hallmarks of 1980s design, including minimalist white cabinetry and matchstick tiling across the walls and floor. We’re impressed that such a compact space can accommodate dual stainless steel sinks!

1980s: Wooden kitchen with a built-in TV

@vintage__interiors / Instagram

Clad floor to ceiling in honey-hued wood, this kitchen of yesteryear is the epitome of its era, with its lozenge-shaped breakfast bar and rattan-and-chrome bar stools. In the UK and the US, the 1980s saw the introduction of more TV channels, so it’s no surprise that the television is positioned pride of place in a specially designed built-in unit. 

1980s: Coral wallpapered kitchen

@vintage__interiors / Instagram

This 80s kitchen certainly has the wow-factor thanks to this incredible arched glass roof which lets the light flood in. A mishmash of traditional design elements, from the lanterns and swagged blinds to the punchy coral wallpaper, this kitchen manages to pull them all off with style. We particularly love the oversized ferns perched on top of the cupboards. 

1980s: Euro-style kitchen with handleless cabinets

simon evans / Alamy Stock Photo

Another popular kitchen design to emerge from the 80s was the concept of kitchen cabinets without handles. The Euro-style kitchen was a trend of yesteryear that featured pale laminate-fronted units, finished with streamlined wood trims and seamless indented handles. 

1980s: U-shaped kitchen with high-tech appliances

ClassicStock / Alamy Stock Photo

In the 1980s, popular open-plan layouts made way for U-shaped kitchens with continuous worktops. This extended counter space offered more room to accommodate the latest shiny kitchen appliances of the day. As microwave ovens became more affordable and high-speed cooking ever more desirable, that familiar ping was soon ringing out across 80s households. 

1980s: White kitchen with recessed handles

Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo

Minimalist white kitchens with contrasting red trims, splashbacks and accessories were a fixture in trendy 1980s homes. White laminate cabinets and matching worktops were neutral and easy to keep clean, while vibrant accents added a point of difference. Streamlined cabinet handles were rising in popularity at this time too, so these recessed openings would’ve been all the rage. 

1980s: Kitchen with a breakfast bar

Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo

During the 80s, living on the go was the fashion. Consequently, almost every kitchen needed a breakfast bar where you could grab a quick bite to eat. Cool kids of the ‘yuppie’ era may remember coming down to breakfast and helping themselves to a bowl at the cereal station.

1980s: Honey-hued wood kitchen

Your Move

During the 1980s, honey-hued cabinets lightened up the look of the heavy, dark wood kitchens of the previous decade. Combined with laminate worktops and a high-rise breakfast bar, the look was affordable and relaxed. Note that vivid red hue, a favourite of the era, creeping in across the splashback and accessories.

1980s: Country-style kitchen

Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo

Homely farmhouse-style kitchens were a desirable look in the 80s. Martha Stewart modelled the large kitchen of her Turkey Hill farmstead in Connecticut in homage to this popular trend. The design typically featured wooden cupboards framing a large dining table, accessorised with homely fixtures such as floral curtains, copper pots and decorative wall plates. 

1990s: Kitchen with black granite countertops

Elizabeth Whiting & Associates / Alamy Stock Photo

Granite was heralded as something of a cutting-edge material for kitchen worktops during the 90s, due to its distinctive grain and durable nature. Black was probably the most iconic hue of the decade, contrasting dramatically with the era’s popular cherry wood cabinetry. Affordable alternatives such as Corian, which was a solid-surface countertop that mimicked the look of stone without the cost, also rose to prominence.

1990s: Kitchen with stainless steel appliances

Arcaid Images / Alamy Stock Photo

With a growing emphasis on sleek, streamlined design, stainless steel kitchen appliances began to gain traction in the 1990s. Double-door refrigerators, ovens and microwaves went from black, white or beige to sophisticated steel. Fit for even the best chefs, this key material shift added a professional feel to our cooking spaces.

1990s: Grey kitchen with slab high-gloss units

Andreas von Einsiedel / Alamy Stock Photo

With shiny stainless steel appliances came a new-found love of high-gloss handleless kitchens and cabinets. Fuss-free slab units led to experimentation with a whole range of colours, from bright white to rich burgundy and charcoal grey. The streamlined finish worked well with integrated appliances and modern steel sinks and faucets. 

1990s: Cherry wood Shaker-style kitchen

ML Harrisl / Alamy Stock Photo

In contrast to the contemporary high-gloss looks that remained popular well into the new century, classic kitchens took on a smart Shaker-style aesthetic in rich tones such as cherry wood. Colour and pattern were introduced through mosaic splashbacks—the smaller the tile and more intricate the pattern the better. 

1990s: Kitchen with a multifunctional island

Perry Mastrovitol / Alamy Stock Photo

By the 1990s, breakfast bars had made way for grand kitchen islands. During this time, the kitchen took on a dual role as the main living hub of the home—as well as cooking, it was used for family time, entertaining and studying. Kitchen islands had to be large and multifunctional to accommodate this shift in usage. As well as hosting a sink and preparation space, this granite island has plenty of space for casual dining, homework and socialising. 

1990s: Tuscan-style kitchen

Wirestock, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

At one point in the 90s, Tuscan-style kitchens were everywhere. An iteration of the rustic design vernacular that originated in the Med, Travertine floor tiles, granite worktops, glazed cabinets and terracotta accessories were staples of this faux-Tuscan trend. 

2000s: Flat-pack kitchen with modular units

IKEA

Carpenter and construction engineer Mikael Warnhammar developed and launched IKEA’s first modular kitchen in 1999. By the millennium, the freestanding units were embraced by millions. Mix-and-match, flat-pack VÄRDE IKEA kitchen units teamed with industrial-style extras could be installed in our homes at a fraction of the price of fitted kitchens. 

2000s: All-white kitchen with metro tiles

Andreas von Einsiedel / Alamy Stock Photo

Heading into the 21st century, we saw kitchen trends move away from warm-toned wood in favour of white decorating schemes. Runs of white cabinetry were topped with pale marble worktops, while the world went crazy for metro-tiled splashbacks. Glass cabinets balanced the bright white-on-white schemes and word art began to adorn our walls. 

Original Article – https://westchestermagazine.com/food/restaurants-food/dressed-pretzel-co-larchmont/

Led by a Harrison resident, The Dressed Pretzel & Co. crafts gourmet, chocolate-dipped pretzels in a wide array of flavors.

Standing behind the counter of The Dressed Pretzel & Co., Larchmont’s latest culinary innovation, Harrison resident Sophia O’Connell describes how she worked — for the better part of two years — with a master chocolatier in advance of opening the shop. “I always wanted a food endeavor. Food connects people,” she says. “And, who can say ‘no’ to chocolate?”

Twenty or so varieties of gourmet, chocolate-dipped pretzels are on offer any given day, and everything is made inhouse. Best sellers include an outside-the-box lemon meringue pretzel with house-made marshmallow, white chocolate, and lemon drizzle, and don’t miss O’Connell’s favorite: chocolate caramel, which involves milk chocolate and a sprinkling of toffee bits. There are plenty of dark chocolate options (a flavor profile that surprised the milk chocolate-loving O’Connell), and a crunchy iteration with house-made hazelnut spread (à la Nutella) is coming soon.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cju2kmxOa7w/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwestchestermagazine.com&rp=%2Ffood%2Frestaurants-food%2Fdressed-pretzel-co-larchmont%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A4152.30000000447%2C%22ls%22%3A3508.8000000044703%2C%22le%22%3A3661.3000000044703%7D

“Chocolate-covered pretzels are everywhere and people really like them. I offer a great combination of flavors that you can’t necessarily find at the local supermarket,” O’Connell says. Plus, she’s sourcing better ingredients. In fact, the same house-made chocolate she douses the pretzels in is also used to make the store’s signature hot chocolate (topped with whipped cream, of course), which also comes in peppermint and Mexican hot chocolate varieties.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj-npE5u1tF/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwestchestermagazine.com&rp=%2Ffood%2Frestaurants-food%2Fdressed-pretzel-co-larchmont%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A4171.70000000298%2C%22ls%22%3A3508.8000000044703%2C%22le%22%3A3661.3000000044703%7D

In addition to pleasing palates and appeasing chocoholics, The Dressed Pretzel endeavors to make a social impact. A portion of the sales from the protein-packed “Tell It to My Heart” pretzel (dark chocolate dressed with flax, chia, sesame, and sunflower seeds) is donated to the American Heart Association. And the “Ruby Booby,” made with ruby chocolate, benefits breast cancer research.https://www.instagram.com/p/CkVJdAYOcCd/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwestchestermagazine.com&rp=%2Ffood%2Frestaurants-food%2Fdressed-pretzel-co-larchmont%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A4184.39999999851%2C%22ls%22%3A3508.8000000044703%2C%22le%22%3A3661.3000000044703%7D

O’Connell says she chose Larchmont for the great community feel, the high foot traffic, and, specifically, the location’s proximity to the local elementary schools (hello, parents looking for an after-school activity!).

With two small tables towards the front of the store, guests can “dine” in or take their confections to go. Large gift boxes accommodate a dozen pretzels, with smaller boxes making perfect hostess and teacher gifts. Nationwide shipping is in the works.

The Dressed Pretzel Box. Photo by Jessica Rosen Klein.

The Dressed Pretzels Gifts. Photo by Jessica Rosen Klein.

The Dressed Pretzel
141 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont; 914.630.1116

(Original Article – https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/g41966899/white-christmas-decor-ideas/)

TANJA IVANOVAGETTY IMAGES

Christmas often centers on a red and green color combination, but white is equally adored when the holiday rolls around (if you weren’t singing “White Christmas” in your head already, you probably are now). Wintery white decor can be incorporated into a classic theme or appear in unexpected Christmas color pairings. So if you’re looking to bring more white decor into your home this winter, look no further. We’ve laid out white Christmas decorating tips that will ensure your interiors magically transform into a winter wonderland this season—no matter if you live in an area that typically sees a white Christmas or reside in a warmer climate.

1

Add Texture

JANIS NICOLAY

Texture can instantly elevate any white decor setup, preventing it from falling flat. Here, Gillian Segal Design covered a white marble mantel with an arrangement of white and gray leafy stems with pops of greenery and indigo feathers. The concept can easily be translated to a table centerpiece or Christmas tree.

2

Use Versatile Accents

ERIC PIASECKI

Cozy white faux fur throw blankets and pillows can be used year-round and are very on-theme when it comes to white holiday decor. Invest in pieces you can continually make use of—from a white dinnerware set and linens to a cloud-like comforter and sheer drapery. In a Montana cabin, designer Kylee Shintaffer draped a simple sheepskin over a desk chair for a cozy winter wonderland aesthetic.

ROBERT PETERSON / RUSTIC WHITE INTERIORS

Don’t limit your Christmas lighting to white string lights on your tree. Incorporate white taper candles throughout your home. Include classic-size ones as part of a tablescape and light them to set the mood. Or recreate this fireplace in designer Alison Victoria’s Atlanta loft. She filled it with thick faux candles that turn on (and even flicker!) with the press of a remote.

4

Bring in White Flowers

NGOC MINH NGO

White flowers can easily amplify your Christmas spirit. Display a large white floral arrangement on your dining table or include a few clear vases of varying heights with a couple of blooms in each of them.

5

Try Touches of Greenery

COURTESY OF EYE FOR PRETTY

Make your snowglobe-like interiors feel a bit more festive with touches of greenery. Here, designer Nicole Salceda of Eye for Pretty added bursts of greenery to the tablescape and on the light fixture above it. White dining chairs, dinnerware, and a tablecloth solidify the dreamy setup.

STELLA YANG PHOTOGRAPHY

Not all white Christmas-themed interiors have to truly be all white. Incorporate other colors, like warm neutrals, to enhance your home’s inviting atmosphere. In this living room that doubles as a dining area, Salceda pulled off the look and incorporated plenty of cozy accents.

8

Focus on the Tree

THE TOMKAT STUDIO

If you have a green tree, completely dress it in white ornaments, ribbon, lights, beads, and garland. Here, Tomkat Studio also added a pair of mini white faux trees near the bottom of a big one. Take it even further with a white tree skirt and presents in white wrapping paper or boxes. If you forgo a green tree in favor of a white faux one this season, consider mixing in metallic accents to make the decor stand out.

SARA LIGORRIA TRAMP

With black accents, your white Christmas decor is sure to stand out. On a faux white tree, consider using a black-and-white striped ribbon for depth. Checkered patterns and small objects, like a white vase with thin black stripes, add the perfect amount of contrast to this living room by designer Emily Henderson.

10

Sprinkle Faux Snow

ADAMAPPLELTD/ETSY

Original Article – https://www.larchmontbuzz.com/featured-stories-larchmont-village/hidden-jeans-opens-on-larchmont-blvd/

Hidden Jeans, a locally owned clothing company, has opened its first retail shop at 130 N. Larchmont Blvd

“We are most well known for our knitwear and jeans,” explained Tiffany Kim, Creative Director for Hidden. “We have lots of different styles, skinny jeans, stretchy jeans, cargo jeans, stiff jeans, dad jeans, flares…basically, we’ve got something for everyone.”

The small store is packed with clothing and fun accessories. In addition to jeans and sweaters, it also has jewelry, fancy and frivolous, in a range of prices, as well as tops, knit skirts and leggings. There are house slippers and denim bags, cards, candles and other gift items for a friend or for yourself.  They even have flowers that the owner, who lives in the neighborhood, brings in weekly, along with a small selection of succulent arrangements.

The store is designed to be warm and welcoming for a wide range of ages and price points, explained Kim, as she gave us tour around the store.

While we there, we ran into Georgianna Gingold, who came in to pick up two knit skirts for her upcoming trip to visit family in Northern California. “I love the skirt, it’s very flattering,” she told us. She’d bought one the other day and came back to get two more in different colors.

Hidden has been open just two weeks but Kim said she already feels very welcome.

“Everyone has been so nice and welcoming, we are very happy to have our first retail location be here on Larchmont,” said Kim.

So be sure to stop in and say hello. Hidden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Our hot tips for next year’s biggest interiors trends

(Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/galleries/155149/2023-interior-trends-mushrooms-wallpaper-borders-and-vegan-leather?page=1)

Lust Home

Maximalist design, lozenge-shaped furniture and, erm, guacamole green, are some of the legacies left by 2022. But what does 2023 hold in store for interiors? Some of next year’s trends are an evolution of existing styles—increasingly inventive multi-functional spaces and Art Deco-inspired motifs to name a couple. Others—wallpaper borders and lampshades made from mushrooms—may be less expected. As for colours, we’re looking at tones that take their cue from nature and promote wellbeing. Let’s take a sneak preview of what lies ahead…

Trend: Lavender

Annie Sloan

Lavender is no longer confined to the dustier corners of your granny’s wardrobe. It’s been creeping onto the catwalk for a year or so and, as ever, where fashion leads, interiors soon follow. Vibrant purples, such as Pantone’s 2022 colour of the year Very Peri, will soften into more classic, soothing shades in interior design schemes that promote calm and wellness—another growing trend right now. 

Lavender: Make it modern

Drummonds

The key to mastering modern lavender is to incorporate elements of contemporary design throughout your scheme. If you’ve plumped for lavender walls, going too trad with your furniture and accessories could easily lead you into ‘twee’ territory, so throw in some unexpected avant-garde forms or an unexpected dash of a contrasting colour to bring the look up to date. 

Trend: Modern stained glass

Glas Italia

Stained glass isn’t just for Victorian fanlights and churches. Artists are sharing their exciting new takes on coloured glass and shaking up this traditional craft by ditching fussy picture panels in favour of stripped-back, geometric designs. Look out for them in room dividers, shower screens, and lighting, as well as in windows and doors. 

Modern stained glass: Sculptures and artwork

multipleshapes / Etsy

If a large stained glass installation is too big a statement or expense, you can still nod to the trend with smaller, decorative stained glass pieces. Mobiles and dreamcatchers are an obvious match for stained glass, as you can hang them in a spot where they will catch the light and cast a rainbow of abstract shapes around the room.

Trend: Statement stone

West One Bathrooms

Natural stone doesn’t have to be plain and neutral. Designers are turning to the rich colours and striking patterns of raw minerals for inspiration, whether it be on walls, floors, ornaments, worktops, or even sanitary ware. It’s an opulent look that often comes with a price tag to match, but you can get the same effect for less with stone substitutes. The sink shown here, for example, may look as though it’s been hewn from agate but is actually made of porcelain. 

Statement stone: Lava stone

Made a Mano

Some designers are giving nature a helping hand, transforming stone products with brilliant hues. Danish company Made a Mano are taking advantage of lava stone’s ability to be glazed and fired to create hard-working, aesthetically appealing worktops in more or less any colour you can imagine, such as this eye-popping green countertop. If a lava stone worktop is a bit much for your taste or budget, you can incorporate a little bit of the look using tiles instead. 

Trend: Irregular rugs

Sonya Winner

Rug designers are thinking outside the box with avant-garde creations that play with the actual form of the rug itself, rather than just the patterns depicted on it. These are essentially works of art that you can walk on and they’re appearing in all sorts of irregular shapes, often with a curvaceous, organic feel. Much like a piece of artwork, they can make a great basis for a colour scheme, so if you’re planning a complete room refresh, start with the perfect rug and build your scheme around it. 

Irregular rugs: Pared-back colourways

Baxter

An irregular-shaped rug is also a smart choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add edge to an existing scheme. The very fact of its unusual shape makes it a talking point, but it doesn’t necessarily need to pull focus from the rest of the room. It can be unconventional without being ostentatious, which makes it the perfect choice if you want to up your interior design credentials without resorting to loud style statements or making changes to your space that are difficult to undo.

Trend: Modern Egyptian

Soane Britain

Egyptomania shows no signs of slowing down. This opulent, maximalist style is a sub-trend of the Art Deco revival and was originally inspired by archaeologist Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. The bright young things of the Roaring Twenties went gaga for its lavish looks following the austerity of the First World War, and perhaps today’s designers and consumers are drawn to it for similar reasons.

Modern Egyptian: Hieroglyph patterns

Soane Britain

Going all-out Egyptian may not be for everyone, but you can embrace elements of the trend by incorporating stylised patterns inspired by hieroglyphs into your soft furnishings or combining ochre, gold, turquoise, and clay tones—all colours raided right out of a pharaoh’s tomb. Furniture designers are doing their bit for the movement with contemporary takes on Ancient Egyptian silhouettes.

Trend: Curves

Graham & Green

Interior design has become conspicuously more curvaceous over the past couple of years. Perhaps the comfort of soft, undulating lines holds extra appeal during times of uncertainty. Or perhaps a pent-up longing for glamour and excitement has us clamouring for the streamlined shapes of Art Deco—a huge recent style revival. Either way, it’s clear that curves are here to stay but this year we’ll move into unexpected places such as round cut-outs in side tables and tubular forms.

Curves: Alcove arches

LocusPrintDecor / Etsy

Arches, in particular, are springing up all over the place. The arch is a timeless shape that can also look surprisingly modern depending on how you treat it—fill an arched alcove with bold paint or wallpaper and you’ll give a classic scheme instant contemporary flair. Architects are building arches into their designs in the form of doorways, windows, and niches, but if remodelling isn’t on your agenda, you can create a similar effect using paint or arch-shaped wall stickers, as shown here.

Trend: Wallpaper borders

Hygge & West

Not the chintzy floral bands that were last seen in the 1980s, thank goodness, but a new wave of playful, bold designs that add edge to your walls in more ways than one. Whereas in the past borders were generally used to cover the transition between two-tone walls at dado rail height, today they are also being used to highlight architectural details, such as door frames and windows. 

Borders: Mix and match patterns

Susie Atkinson

There’s no need to stick to just one wallpaper border, either. Mixing and matching different border patterns gives this look a modern remix and is a great way to add character to plain painted walls. A border can create a unique design that’s both easier on the eye—and your budget—than an all-over statement wallpaper. If you want to push the boundaries even further, clash your border design with other patterns in the room for an ultra-eclectic look.

Trend: Wild Wonder

Dulux

The natural world has had a huge influence on interior design lately. A combination of being stuck indoors for multiple lockdowns and increasing awareness of the need to protect our planet has sparked an appreciation of nature that designers are reflecting in organic forms and leafy hues. Ever the trendsetters, Dulux’s colour of the year for 2023 is a ‘glowing and uplifting’ shade combining gold and green that goes by the name of Wild Wonder. 

Wild Wonder: Colour clash

Dulux

Depending on the light and how you use it, this shade can look more yellow, beige or olive and is a soft neutral perfect for pairing with pops of vibrant contrasting colour such as electric blue or coral. With Wild Wonder, the Dulux colour experts aimed to offer a ‘connection with nature that brings a sense of natural magic into our homes.’ It’s an understatedly clever colour that somehow manages to be both earthy and zesty at the same time and sits equally comfortably amid a muted palette, as in the previous picture, or in contrast to bold flashes of colour, as shown here.

Trend: New sustainable materials

Sebastian Cox

A growing focus on sustainability has seen designers and scientists working together to come up with planet-friendly interiors products. Many of them have looked to the natural world for ideas and the result is a thrilling surge of unexpected and inspired homeware. Two leading materials are mycelium lampshades and furniture, which is grown in moulds from the ‘roots’ of fungi, and Solidwool – a composite material a bit like fibreglass but made with the wool of Herdwick sheep.

New sustainable materials: Fruit leather

Starck

The leather industry is one of the most environmentally damaging on the planet so it’s perhaps unsurprising that eco-conscious designers have focused their attention on sustainable, vegan alternatives. Pineapple leather—or Piñatex—was first embraced by fashion and is now finding its way into home accessories and furniture. French designer Philippe Starck, meanwhile, has created a furniture collection upholstered in Apple Ten Lork, a vegan leather made from apple cores and skins.

Trend: Paprika

Paint & Paper Library

At the opposite end of the spectrum from laid-back lavender is another of next year’s hotly-tipped hues—paprika. More vibrant than terracotta but less in-your-face than orange, paprika is an energising shade that is surprisingly easy to work with. If you team it with more muted tones in the same colour family it takes on a reassuring, earthy persona. 

Paprika: 70s colour combos

Annie Sloan

Paprika and lavender—a dream team or an assault on the eye? It’s certainly not a look for the faint-hearted, but it does tap into the kaleidoscopic colour combinations of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which have enjoyed a resurgence in bolder homes. The key to pulling off this look is to use the colours in equal measure. If one colour is relegated to a mere accent, it will stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Trend: Multi-functional spaces

Duravit

Whether out of necessity or a desire to deliver more flexible ways of living, homes have to work harder today than ever before. Home offices have been squeezing into unexpected nooks since the pandemic, and home improvers are getting increasingly creative in their approach to multi-functional spaces. This could be using portable furniture on wheels that will work as a desk, a kitchen island or a dining table, or bathrooms that double as libraries.

Multifunctional spaces: Sleeping nooks

Dwell

If you’re short of a spare room but have an awkward alcove that you’ve always wondered what to do with, a sleeping nook could solve two problems in one. We expect to see these sneaking into the savviest design schemes in 2023. When you don’t have guests staying, cover it with an attractive throw and some scatter cushions so it can double up as a day bed or reading corner.

Trend: Oversize lighting

MarrakecharTreasures / Etsy

Supersize lighting looks set to take over our ceilings. And we’re not just talking chandeliers. Think classic pendant designs blown up on an extreme scale in spaces that you might not expect, such as above a kitchen island. This look may not be for the more traditionally inclined, but it’s certainly a way to create a talking point with your design scheme.

Oversize lighting: Small spaces

KES Lighting

If an enormous pendant feels a bit overwhelming but you’d still like to give oversized lighting a try, go for an airier design that leaves open space between the solid elements but still takes up maximum space. That way you can make a bold statement without blocking sight lines or natural light—especially important if you’re working with a smaller room.

Trend: Patterned stainless steel

Stala

Not long ago stainless steel was only to be found in professional kitchens or the homes of the most committed industrial minimalists. Its cold, blank surfaces are too sterile for most people to live with on a daily basis. That could be about to change thanks to a handful of forward-thinking kitchen companies who have begun embellishing their stainless steel units and worktops with patterns, from zigzags and stripes to wood effects and polka dots.

Patterned stainless steel: Laser etching

Stala

A variety of techniques are being used to create these steel effects, from classic circle brushing to the more futuristic laser etching used by Swedish brand, Stala. While the patterns add character and even playfulness to the metal, an all-over steel kitchen may still be a little too clinical for most. Throw some natural wood and organic curves into the scheme to soften steel’s hard lines and you’ll have a cutting-edge kitchen that’s both inventive and inviting.

Trend: Mushroom motifs

Lust Home

While scientists are busy growing fungi furniture, mushroom motifs have started popping up throughout the rest of the interior design world. Wallpaper designers in particular seem to be using mushrooms as muses and you’ll find them in all shapes, sizes, and colours, from earthy woodland tones to bold, psychedelic hues.

Mushroom motifs: Shapely stools

Nordic Nest

Mushroom lamps have been with us since the Atomic Age and have boomed once more amid the mid-century modern craze of the past decade. But keen trend spotters may have clocked fungi-like features starting to appear in other homeware recently, from ornaments and dinnerware to tables and stools. And of course, mushroom lamps aren’t going anywhere, though they may get a modern colour makeover with contemporary hues like plaster pink and navy blue taking over from atomic orange.

Trend: Luxe laundry rooms

COD Kitchen Appliances

Laundry rooms used to be a place to shove all the ugly appliances and odd socks that would otherwise be cluttering up your kitchen. Then lockdown left a lot of people stuck at home wandering around the same few rooms day after day. Some of them stumbled upon their utility room and realised the design potential of this once-overlooked space. Since then, luxe materials such as marble and brass have been adding a touch of much-wanted glamour to doing the washing and ironing.

Luxe laundry rooms: Bespoke boot rooms

Edward Bulmer

At the top end of the scale are ultra-bespoke utility spaces in which everything has its right place. Handmade cupboards hide away washing machines, cleaning products and any other unsightly reminders of daily chores. Footwear is stacked neatly on bespoke shoe racks. Any practical products on display have been carefully chosen to fit the premium aesthetic—think a vintage-style feather duster in a country scheme or a streamlined iron tastefully mounted on the wall in a modern laundry room.

Loved this? Check out more interior design ideas for your home