The first thing Olga Naiman did when she moved into her Brooklyn condo was to cover the bare, bland walls of the narrow entry with a floor-to-ceiling Fornasetti wallpaper and bright pink curtains to match. “I wanted each room to have a distinct color imprint, a different feeling,” notes Naiman. The interior designer and prop stylist, who is the mastermind behind spaces featured everywhere from Anthropologie to Vogue, has a background in theatrical set design and channels her work as a major source of inspiration in her own home. “On a set, you turn a corner and you’re suddenly in a different place,” she explains.

It’s a practice Naiman readily puts into play in her apartment, which she shares with her partner, Michael Smith, and 3-year-old twins, Laszlo and Lucia. Color is woven throughout, with hits of pattern cleverly layered in. A hue that stands in as a secondary shade in one room takes decorative charge in the next, and graphic prints add texture and depth. “I would never call myself a traditional designer,” says Naiman. “I love bold decor that comes with moments of magic—everything in my home has symbolism or meaning.”

Place Your Bed as the Center of Attention 

Offset a small bedroom with a low-platform bed—the inverse takes up vital real estate spatially and visually—and use nightstands and table lamps as interesting accessories. The cobalt headboard, which Naiman crafted herself after falling short on finding the perfect one, creates a bold stroke of color. Layering in soft textures, like a leopard-print pillow, is another inexpensive way to incorporate pattern into the space. The final touch? “A throw always breaks up the monotony of a bedspread,” says Naiman.

Transform Boring Kitchen Cabinets

Since an entire kitchen renovation was both impractical and unaffordable, Naiman opted to focus on one standout moment: the cabinetry. Inspired by a wallpaper she saw in an Art Deco exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, Naiman refurbished the existing oak veneer kitchen cabinets with a graphic color-block boasting a silver leaf detail. The smaller surface means you can splurge on a design that might be too pricey elsewhere.

Shift Focus From the Walls

Naiman approaches her bookshelves as stackable still lifes (and a way to keep items out of reach of her little ones), using each square of the shelving system as a frame. The shelves earmarked to hold decorative accessories are lined with a graphic wallpaper, while the shelves reserved for books are left blank to avoid an overly crowded feel. The loose checkerboard effect allows the eye to move freely from one composition to the next. “It’s an easy way for renters to add depth to a wall,” she points out.

Let Textiles Do Double Duty

White walls are a rarity in Naiman’s home. Instead you’ll find panels of vibrant fabrics draped around the space (more often than not concealing an unsightly surface), which she attributes to her roots: “I’m Russian, and Russians love rich textures—especially silk—and fabric on the walls.” In the bedroom, a series of curtains disguise 19 feet of closet doors and a wall-mounted television. “Rather than painting the walls, tack up some beautiful fabric,” Naiman suggests. “When you move, take it with you, and you’ll have curtains for your next place.”

Use Color to Succeed Pattern

Primary hues set the tone for Laszlo and Lucia’s room (a nook Naiman carved out from the originally one-bedroom apartment). The walls decked out in chalkboard paint act as a grounding neutral—as well as a creative outlet for the twins. “I told them they could draw on any wall that is black,” says Naiman. She skipped big patterns in favor of displaying the children’s art, which, unsurprisingly, is full of color.

Embrace the Rule of Three

Drawing from elements of photography, the rule of three—or what Naiman refers to as triangulation—follows the idea that the dominant color of a chosen palette should appear within three points of a room: high, low, and eye level. In her living room, Naiman highlights the turquoise, pink, and blue from a painting, emulating the hues by way of the counter stools, lounge chair, and sofa, respectively.

The post To Avoid a Kitchen Reno, This Designer Cleverly Covered Up Her Boring Cabinets appeared first on domino.

Whether you’re living in a small space by choice or not, cramped habitats usually come with a very specific set of problems. Not only does the area have to serve multiple functions (hello, dining table–slash–work desk), but tiny apartments can often be awkwardly shaped. A tight space paired with an equally tight budget means that you might not be able to live out your dream home aspirations just yet, but don’t let a lack of square footage prevent you from trying. Form and function are not mutually exclusive in small spaces, and we’ve got the products to prove it. 

Between solutions for shared bathrooms and fixes for an overflowing kitchen pantry problem, these pieces will help you make the most of any space. Even if you’re not living in a truly tiny home, we’re sure you’ll find something to make your life a little easier. 

A Rolling Cart

Tower Slim Rolling Bathroom Cabinet, Yamazaki ($145)

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Yamazaki’s ultra-slim rolling cart is our go-to for awkward bathroom and kitchen corners because it’s not even 6 inches wide—it can absolutely squeeze next to your toilet and hold spare rolls and cleaning supplies. 

A Wall-Mounted Nightstand

Sidekick Shelf, Blu Dot ($125)

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When you have little walking clearance around your bed, it’s best to skip a traditional nightstand and screw a chic shelf near your pillow. The smaller the surface, the fewer water glasses will accumulate there, making you an automatically tidier person. 

A Ceiling Pot Rack

Chrome Ceiling Pot and Pan Rack, Etsy ($216)

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It’s hard to justify dedicating multiple cabinets or drawers to pots and pans when you have very few to spare in the first place, which is what makes this restaurant-worthy solution so genius. 

A Mirror That’s Also a Shelf and a Coatrack

Quinn All-In-One Entryway Wall Storage, West Elm ($179)

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This entryway piece is a key drop, coat hook, mail catchall, and mirror all in, meaning you don’t have to awkwardly scoot around bulky furniture as you’re trying to make it out the front door. 

An Island on Wheels

Förhöja Kitchen Cart, IKEA ($150)

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Park this birch-wood trolley against an empty wall in your kitchen or in the center of the room as if it were an island. You can also use it as a bar cart (each shelf can hold nine wine bottles). 

A Chic Love Seat

Spruce Street Love Seat, Serena & Lily ($3,698)

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For a sofa under 60 inches wide, look no further than this slipcovered style that’s available in a range of patterns and materials, from 100 percent linen to stain-resistant performance fabric. It also touts a sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame and soy-based foam cushions.

A Lift-Up Storage Bed

Malm Storage Bed, IKEA ($520)

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By upgrading her classic IKEA Malm bed to this storage model, our style editor, Julia Stevens, gave her towels, bedding, books, winter coats, and totes a proper home in her teeny studio. 

A Desk With Shelving

Pier Office by Hay, DWR ($645)

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For everyone still working full-time from their living room, peep this modular storage system that stars a desktop at the base. 

An Ottoman With a Lid

Skirted Storage Ottoman, The Inside ($399)

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This midsize ottoman can function as a footrest, extra seating, or a coffee table, all while holding spare blankets or board games inside its core.

A Wall Bed–Slash–Sofa

Tango Sofa, Resource Furniture (price upon request)

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We’ve seen Resource Furniture’s wall beds (this one hides a queen-size mattress!) work wonders in multi-use spaces, like a San Francisco basement that can go from kids’ hangout to guest bedroom in a matter of seconds.

A Ceiling Drying Rack

Hanging Drying Rack, George and Willy ($360)

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Want a minimalist laundry room? Air-dry clothes up near the ceiling with George and Willy’s beloved hanging rack, which operates on a pulley system. Because warm air rises, this arrangement actually helps speed up the process.  

An Expandable Dining Table

Linwood Expandable Dining Table (40″–90″), West Elm ($1,499)

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Domino’s chief creative officer, Kate Berry, recently made over her mother’s assisted-living studio, sourcing this streamlined oak table that comes with two leaves that can expand it on special occasions.  

An Entry Bench for Tucking Away Shoes

Metal and Wood Bench, Zara Home ($289)

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For many small-space dwellers, shoes come off and go on only by the front door. This industrial find is 14 inches deep, which makes it handy for stashing boots, but what we love most about it is that it isn’t just a pure rack. The wood bench top and mesh siding help disguise things a bit more than your typical shoe rack. 

A Basket You Can Hang Up

Jonote Wall Storage Basket, Minna Goods ($175)

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This delicate basket might not be able to support the weight of, say, a toolbox, but it sure is great for miscellaneous scarves, mail, notebooks, and dish towels. 

A Flip-Down Dining Table

Wally Table, Resource Furniture (price upon request)

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Resource might be known for its wall beds, but the company also carries a number of other clever items, like this dining table that releases from its upright position with a light touch and reveals integrated storage and internal USB ports and outlets. 

A Secret Vanity Within a Nightstand

Knepp Vanity, Wayfair ($1,780)

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Still sharing a bathroom with roommates? This two-in-one piece lets you comfortably do your makeup next to your bed: A mirror pops up, a bench slides out, and there’s still a large bottom drawer for nighttime reads. 

A Coffee Table With Camouflaged Cabinets

Fortra Coffee Table, Article ($799)

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Most storage coffee tables make you take everything off the top in order to access what’s inside, but not this Article gem. You can get what you need by flicking open the fluted doors on both ends without disturbing your precious arrangement of trays and taper candles.

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Home Front is a twice-weekly deep dive into the rising—and returning—trends, decor, and teeniest of design details fresh on our radar. Last week, Lindsey, Domino’s digital director, got ready to cut the (lamp) cord.

Subscribe now to get the next Home Front newsletter, and read the full edition here.

In May, we put out a Home Front poll asking what you wanted us to cover next. Not to brag, but my personal contribution to the list—mini portable lamps—eked out the win with 28 percent of the vote. Which means this newsletter is dedicated to all the cordless cuties I’ve encountered since the style popped up on my radar back in 2019-ish. Let’s do this.

I say 2019 because that’s when Hay came out with its iconic bell-shaped PC lamp, one of the first portables I remember taking note of. That same year, &Tradition’s now-ubiquitous Setago light hit virtual shelves. Fast-forward to 2024, and little rechargeable lamps are only getting more distinctive. We’ve already been graced with a fluorescent orange take, a playful painted steel creation, and a mini mountainous delight made of mycelium. A take-anywhere light source feels particularly useful for my new it’s-almost-summer ritual with my husband: sunset dinners on the patio after we put the baby to bed.

On Board

It’s impossible to pick a favorite, so here are nine more I’m eyeing:

1. Middle-of-the-night baby wake-ups have got nothing on this washi paper lantern, which has a handle for easy toting from rocking chair to changing table.
2. I love how Schoolhouse put just as much attention into the design of the bulb as the rest of this space age–y light. (Psst: There’s a round option if the diamond isn’t for you.)
3. Forgoing a cord typically means missing out on dimmability, a nonnegotiable for good vibes. Luckily, Lulu and Georgia is two steps ahead and smartly incorporated a brass knob.
4. Our Friday night pizza tradition would be positively elegant in the company of this slender table topper—the opaque shade directs light downward for a restaurant feel at home.
5. Honestly, the shape of this creamy matte one is so striking, it looks just as good off—let it be sculpture. But if you do turn it on, the charge should last 12 hours. 
6. Rather than mar the plywood-clad ceilings in her living room with hardwired lighting, creative director Bethany Brill relies on the soft glow of a coffee-table lamp.
7. The finial on this shiny, candylike light is for more than just looks—it’s how you turn it on and off or adjust the brightness, all with a tap or press of a finger.
8. Okay, this U.K.-made lamp is totally out of budget, but I’m a sucker for the traditional bone china shade paired with playful powder-coated metal.
9. For whatever reason, most cordless lamps look nothing like their wired counterparts. Audo’s rechargeable version of its standard Torso style, however, is a third the size but has the same linen shade and ceramic base.

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The post You Voted, I Got to Researching: This Mini Lighting Trend Has Big Potential appeared first on domino.

We’re told over and over again that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but how are those of us with small spaces supposed to interpret this maxim? Where are we meant to throw our get-togethers over cheese platters when countertop space is nonexistent? We’ll admit it’s not always easy to see the plus side of living in a tiny house or apartment (if for no other reason than the lack of storage), but the 10 cozy kitchens ahead reveal more than one silver lining. Between their mood-boosting bright colors and smart organizational solutions, these spaces defy their size.

The One That Squeezes in a Banquette

Rather than go the typical bistro table route, Jess Bunge, the editorial director at Emily Henderson, built a space-savvy banquette out of red oak stair treads, DIY velvet cushions, and a brass rod secured with a french cleat. (Psst: The benches are freestanding, aka landlord approved.) The wall-mounted backrest leaves just enough clearance to slide into the nook. 

The One With Good Appliance-to-Cabinet Ratio

Homeowners Megan Ananian and Andrew Ginn came to an important realization during their Park Slope, Brooklyn, renovation: They didn’t actually need a standard 24-inch-wide dishwasher. “I have always had an 18-inch dishwasher in all my apartments in the city and I think it’s totally fine,” says Ginn. So in getting rid of their too-big appliance, they freed up more space for drawers, including a narrow one to the left of the oven for a pullout spice rack. 

The One With Smart Flatware Storage

Over their sink, jewelry designer Sarah Burns and photographer Adam Caillier built a separate, deeper shelf for cutlery that they call their “flatware trough.” Not only does the addition free up precious drawer space in their railroad-style apartment, it allows Adam to show off his collection of prized silverware. Other clever ideas in this kitchen? They crafted two freestanding cabinets to house dry good and pots, swagged light fixtures to bring warmth to whatever countertop they’re working at, opted for two chairs and a stool combo in the dining area, and mounted knives and spatulas with a combination of magnetic strips and nails. 

The One With Faux Marble Counters

Instead of tearing out the ugly countertops in her 400-something-square-foot NYC apartment, Madelynn Furlong resurfaced them using a $200 paint kit she scored on Amazon that’s supposed to look similar to black stone. “It’s pretty convincing,” she says, noting that it sort of looks like an ’80s resin marble. To get the look of veining, she applied the Funfetti-like white paint that comes in the kit by holding the spray bottle at a 45-degree angle. 

The Leanne Ford–Designed One

The kitchen in Leanne Ford’s guesthouse is unsurprisingly full of scrappy ideas. The oven is wrapped in a terracotta-colored custom vinyl, the wood used for the open shelving is from the ceiling rafters she removed upstairs, and she hid the fridge behind old confessional doors she found at one of her favorite thrifting spots.

The One With a Modern Dining Setup

What Erin Starkweather’s L.A. kitchen lacks in storage it makes up for in pedigree. The apartment was designed by famed mid-century architect Craig Ellwood, and so there was no way she was touching the cabinets. Instead she admits it “forces me to not hold onto things that I don’t like or need.” Underneath the two bonus upper cabinets that hang from the ceiling, Starkweather leaned into the mod vibes with a set of bent birch plywood chairs, originally designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1935, and his Table 81b design.

The One With Zero Empty Corners

When you see a smaller space, your immediate instinct might be to keep it as bare as possible—but there are other ways. Layering in potted plants and bowls brimming with fruit adds character (and will inspire you to get your five-a-day in), made possible by the homeowner incorporating storage elsewhere. A paper towel holder spans the window, and knives hang on a metal wall strip. 

The One That’s Neutral But Not Boring

With butcher block counters and a retro stove, this all-white kitchen is anything but one-dimensional. We love that the homeowner made use of the dead space above the cupboards, housing storage baskets for some extra function. 

The One That Doubles Up on Open Shelving

You might think floating shelves equal more dust, and to that we say you’re right. But when they look this good, they’re worth it. Keep bulky utilitarian cooking equipment tucked away behind closed doors, and use the open space to display your favorite tools (and that artisanal pepper grinder you got for Christmas). 

The One With Multipurpose Everything

See that little table? The sides fold out for dinner and up to become an extra meal-prep space. Plus it looks like it was sourced from a vintage shop, so it was likely an inexpensive addition. Similarly, a cutting board on top of the stove turns the surface into the perfect area for chopping veggies. 

The post Sprawling Kitchens Are Overrated, and These 10 Tiny Spaces Prove It appeared first on domino.

International Klein Blue, the ultramarine hue favored by mid-century artist Yves Klein, begins as a notoriously fickle pigment that’s hard to work with. Without getting too into the nitty-gritty, it needs a binder to become paint, and with the wrong kind, it dulls—and quickly. But if you get it just right, it’s the kind of color that is naturally enveloping, striking, and grounding all at once. 

Its development was happening around the same time that I.M. Pei and Associates’ Society Hill Towers were being built in the Philadelphia neighborhood of the same name. The concrete trio, constructed in the early 1960s, was a central figure in the urban renewal taking place in Washington Square East at the time. But while the towers often get all the attention, even today, it’s the 37 brick-clad townhomes that anchor the buildings to the rest of the historic area. Each unit rises three stories with a centrally located staircase and is punctuated by arched doorways and clerestory windows, plus a private courtyard and small steel balconies. 

When an empty-nest couple approached Brooklyn-based design firm TBo about helping them renovate one, principals Bretaigne Walliser and Thom Dalmas jumped at the chance.

The owners, who were relocating from nearby Wilmington, Delaware, wanted a home that would feel bright and welcoming and intimate enough for when it was just the two of them, but could flex to accommodate their grown children and grandchildren. Structurally, the townhouse was sound, but the internal systems needed updating and the finishes and layout required a complete overhaul. Original Formica, small ceramic tile, and vinyl were everywhere, deteriorating and worse for wear. The kitchen was narrow, and the bathrooms smaller than what’s preferable these days. One choice Pei made that Walliser wanted to retain, though, was increased privacy as you head upstairs. “The primary idea that he had was that there was social space below on the first two floors, and then it would be increasingly more intimate on the upper floor,” she explains.

Working together with local Hivemind Construction, TBo recast the space in 2023 in a way that honored Pei’s initial vision while adding contemporary, earthy touches that drew on the homeowners’ time living in northern Europe and interest in art. 

First, they removed walls to create easier circulation around the staircase and integrated cabinets with flush doors, which the owners use for pantry goods, cookbooks, wineglasses, and more. After refinishing the original oak flooring (it was, says Walliser, “a crazy orange”), the team took cues from Pei’s choice of material to inform the custom white oak millwork by Loubier Design. Given the smaller scale of mid-century dwellings, this allowed the designer to maximize storage that kept things tidy and navigable, but not too hidden, in the galley kitchen. 

Across the way, Walliser reveals that they tried and tried to cast the concrete countertops and sink in that elusive Yves Klein Blue. “It can’t withstand any heat,” she says, acknowledging its limited alkali resistance. “So when you’re casting concrete, there’s a lot of heat generated from the chemical reaction. If it kills that blue, the pigment just dies and turns gray.” After giving it a few shots, they ended up with cobalt blue, a much stronger and more stable pigment. Then they proceeded to paint the curved base in Benjamin Moore’s Watertown to create one cohesive wow-factor piece. (Bonus: The end caps are cabinets that actually open.) The couple passes a good portion of their time seated nearby, where there are views of their garden through the patio doors.

“One of the challenges we faced was what to do with the stair railing,” the homeowner says. “We had to replace the railing to code, and [had] tried any number of designs when Thom came up with this beautiful, simple metal railing that fits perfectly.” It’s a subtle statement, employing metal and geometry like Pei did, that doesn’t abandon functionality—it’s easy for them to grab as they descend the stairs.

Up those stairs, the primary bedroom is complemented by custom oak wardrobes and vintage light fixtures, like a Murano pendant lamp and Swedish table lamps. The space merges with a small library, where an oak dk3 Royal System hangs opposite an original brick fireplace. Dutch maps, art books, and other vintage ephemera mingle with a Flos kelvin lamp and Mies van der Rohe MR rattan side chair. They are both connected to a primary bath, which is in the darker core of the home. 

Pei’s use of transom-style windows inspired Walliser to employ the technique to bring more light in. “That was a way of borrowing from his language that he had established in the houses and sort of manifesting it in a new way for the owners,” she says. For the bathroom floors, the designers took a page from Bauhaus artist Anni Albers; the cement tile placement is inspired by her work. “We studied her sketches and weavings, along with traditional and modern quilting, and created a series of ‘woven’ tile schemes,” Walliser explains. The idea is mirrored in the other two bathrooms, with patchwork tile in combinations of pink and green and variations on blue. 

From the Scandinavian furnishings and oak wood to Albers textiles, TBo’s thoughtful renovation kept true to the building’s modernist roots without staying stuck in the past. “It’s just very airy; the scale is wonderful,” Walliser says of the new interiors. And that stunning blue makes the homeowners happy every time they see it.

The post A Striking Jolt of Color in the Kitchen Brought This Historic Philadelphia Home Into 2024 appeared first on domino.

Home Front is a weekly deep dive into the rising—and returning—trends, decor, and teeniest of design details fresh on our radar. Last week, Julie, Domino’s deputy editor, got in bed—and stayed there.

Subscribe now to get the next Home Front newsletter, and read the full edition here.

Not to be a total downer, but lately I’ve been sick. As in, curled up in bed with tissues and a thermometer sick. And though I’m finally starting to feel better, this time of rest has taught me that not leaving your mattress for extended periods of time can be healing for your body—and your mind. The practice is so legit that it even has a not-so-sexy name: bed-rotting.

On Board

Bed-rotting. Hurkle-durkle. Plain old laziness. Whatever you call it, staying in bed well after your alarm has gone off is a certified trend. This is one I can get behind: There’s nothing I love more than waking up, grabbing a book, and lounging with my duvet until I really have to get up. In fact, TikTokers (beacons of truth and science as they may be) even call it self-care. According to a New York Times article, actual sleep experts agree, saying it can be harmless in moderation. And I, very much not a sleep expert, say that if you’re going to be spending extra time in bed—sick or otherwise—why not make it the most stylish and comfortable experience possible?

Here are the things I spend my waking hours thinking about:

1. While I was sick, I devoured this novel about a woman who plans a solo cross-country road trip but never makes it farther than just outside her town. There’s even a redecorating moment! That’s all I’ll say.
2. It’s linen-sheets-only in my household until October, and these don’t stretch out as much as the other ones I’ve tried.
3. Trust me: Terrycloth is too heavy for all-day lounging. This cotton and linen robe breathes, plus it’s cute enough to wear while answering the door for delivery ramen.
4. This durable mug prevents spills and keeps bevvies hot for hours, which is important if you don’t plan on getting up for a while.
5. Ellen Van Dusen makes the best dopamine-inducing bedding on the planet. Her new Mist duvet set, complete with tissues and snacks, perfects my spend-the-day-in-bed aesthetic.
6. Sleep tracker, temperature taker, and jewelry. If you’re gonna rot in bed all day, you might as well track your “progress”—and look good doing it. I never sleep without mine.
7. I’ve had these pillows for years, and they still fluff up beautifully while adding just-right support for a stomach sleeper like me.
8. Until tissue companies finally come out with a stylish cardboard box, I’ll be covering mine up with this bright merino wool and felt version.
9. Without space for a proper nightstand and as a firm believer that lap trays are too precarious, I rely on this bucket stool, which I can easily move from room to room—that is, if I move at all.
10. I can’t tell you how many pots of tea I (er, my husband) brewed in this while I was bedridden. And because our kettle holds 34 ounces, I never had to go to the kitchen for a refill.
11. On a recent trip to Stockholm, I got fitted—yes, you read that right—for a Hästens bed, and it turns out I’m a 2000T girl. It’s made by hand with horsehair and costs about as much as a down payment, but after sleeping on it for a few days, I’d say homeownership is overrated.

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In a world where interior trends change quicker than the weather in Iceland, some styles inevitably rise to the top of the pile each season. Speaking of, Houzz just released its Summer Trends report, which shines some light on one particular vibe people are feeling right now: moody living rooms. According to the data, searches for “moody living room” have more than doubled compared to 2023. And The New York Times agrees—the publication recently spoke to decorators about how deep and moody hues can often achieve a calming effect in a living space. 

So how do you nail a perfectly chic moody living room without veering too far into doom and gloom? We’ve pulled together four examples of spaces that get the balance right to get your brain grooving.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Monochrome

Here’s an idea: If you look around and only see white walls, consider splashing them with a rich color. Use this London home as a guide—the inky blue game room is a very direct contrast to the light and bright rooms throughout the rest of the house. Couches in the same color family push the moodiness even further, and a set of rail shelves allows the homeowners to tell a story through art and tchotchkes. 

Play Around With Plaster

Sometimes one (big) decision will fill your moody quota. The warm texture of the plaster walls in this L.A. home brings an innate intimacy to the space, while the furniture and decor lean on the darker side of earthy. Together there’s a perfect balance of lived-in and meditative—did you see that tree nestled into the end of the long, raw-edge bench? On that note, the seating’s wavy finish balances the angles of the rest of the room.

Channel the Charm of an Italian Summer

Sometimes daydreams can manifest themselves at home. Take couple Caitlin Cavagnolo and Tyler Randall’s Jersey City apartment as inspiration—the entire living room revolves around a single (massive) tapestry. To keep the drama high, all the powder blue doors have a little trompe l’oeil magic trick going on: A darker hue lines the interior of the molding to make them seem deeper than they really are. The space is small, and the hard work of layering texture and pattern pays off in moodiness.

Pair Limewash With an Unexpected Pop of Color

Artists Cristina Martinez and Al-baseer Holly went all in on dusty pink for their Seattle home’s living room walls. The combination of limewash texture and unexpected hues (dusty eggplant and deep sage green) achieve a dramatic effect only intensified by the art collection on the walls. The color palette pops in other places around the home (like the split-color staircase), showing how you can carry calm and moody vibes from room to room.

The post Moody Living Rooms Are Trending—Here’s How to Keep Yours From Going Gloomy appeared first on domino.

Whether you’re a studio dweller or have an open-floor plan that’s suddenly feeling a little too open, carving out more privacy in your home doesn’t always have to mean building a wall. Sometimes it’s as easy as getting creative with the next best thing—a room divider.

Some solutions, like folding screens, barely take any effort to set up, while others, such as built-in bookcases and nonstructural walls, require a little more planning. All that to say, breaking up your space can be as involved as you want it to be. Try any of these shape-shifting hacks and you’ll be living large no matter what your layout looks like.

The Headboard-Slash-Closet Room Divider

Leanne Kilroy designed her London bedroom to have circular circulation. In other words, she can walk all the way around her freestanding wardrobe that doubles as a headboard. Not only does Kilroy find that dead ends often lead to gloomy corners, but the openness makes her life as a mom of three easier. “I’m always lugging around armfuls of things that need tidying or cleaning, and I’m constantly forgetting things here and there. Having shortcuts is a small but constant joy,” she says.

Pax Wardrobe Frame, IKEA ($170)

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The Multi-Room Dividers

Grace Lee-Lim did the seemingly impossible in this L.A. living room: She turned it into three distinct spaces without actually putting up any drywall. To start, she carved out a formal seating arrangement, complete with swivel chairs, to take in the outdoor view. She sectioned this area off from the fireplace lounge with a cane screen. Then she squeezed in an office that feels totally private thanks to two object-filled shelving units. 

4 Panels Room Dividers, Amazon ($170)

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Stetson Wide Bookcase, AllModern ($1,160)

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The Bedroom Curtain Divider 

Set on a curved track that’s hidden within the ceiling, the sheer linen curtains in this space, designed by Megan Grehl, can be drawn so they completely hide the sleeping area. File this moment under easy ways to turn a studio into an airy one-bedroom.

Textured Luxe Linen Curtain, West Elm ($149)

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The Tented Room Divider

To make this English treehouse even more whimsical, Sophie Rowell of interior design practice Côte de Folk came up with the idea to enter the primary bedroom through colorful patchwork drapes. Rowell says the tentlike shape required a little math and a patient seamstress, but the drama leading up to the room is totally worth it. 

Chloe Patchwork Gauze Curtain Panel, Urban Outfitters ($49)

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The Glass Room Divider

In what looks like an artist’s loft, lawyer Jessica Wright’s Parisian-inspired space is separated by a 14-foot wall of glass and steel. The see-through partition splits the living and sleeping areas but still keeps everything feeling airy, while semisheer curtains offer just enough privacy when needed. 

4 Panels Shaker Bypass Sliding Closet Door, Houzz ($2,230)

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The Built-in-Bed Room Divider

Deciding where to put a bed in a small studio is always tricky, but like most New Yorkers, Brett James found a way to make the most of his 442-square-foot space. A built-in headboard helped carve out the perfect hiding place for his bed, but a stand-alone option could also work for those who don’t play well with power tools. 

Mid-Century Headboard Storage Platform Bed, West Elm ($1,599 was $1,699)

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The Fringe Curtain Room Divider

In this Kansas City, Missouri, rental, designer Spencer Sight picked a ceiling-mounted bamboo hanging that looks like a more elevated version of the early-2000s beaded variety we all had in our bedrooms. It divvies up the dining area and kitchen without compromising the openness of the floor plan—truly the best of both worlds. 

Big Dot Bamboo Beaded Curtain, Urban Outfitters ($69)

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The Lengthy Sofa Room Divider

When your bedroom is also your living room, you have to use furniture to your advantage. That’s what Jen Levy did in her sunny 600-square-foot studio: A large cream-colored couch draws a clear line between the two. 

Arya Modular Sofa with Open End, Rove Concepts ($2,865)

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The “Frigloo” Room Divider

Photographer Thayer Gowdy knew she wanted her refrigerator to have prime real estate in her open-concept Ojai, California, home. At the same time, she realized it wasn’t ideal to force guests to stare at the appliance’s back every time they lounged on the sofa. Her solution? An arched structure (dubbed the “frigloo”) that not only houses electrical and plumbing but offers a place for her extensive record collection to shine on the other side, expertly breaking up the space. If you’re not up to the DIY task, consider placing an arched cabinet on the other side of your large appliances to ensure all eyesores are properly hidden.

Darcie Wide Cabinet, McGee & Co. ($3,500)

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The Perforated Screen Room Divider

When it comes to small spaces, natural light is key. That’s why Sara and Adam Gilmer wanted to protect the stream of sunlight emanating from their stairwell’s window while still sectioning off the neighboring breakfast nook for cozy family meals. They turned to a perforated metal screen that not only filters the rays but separates stair traffic from dinnertime.

Stagger Stainless Perforated Sheet, Online Metals

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The Breeze Blocks Room Divider

In an effort to differentiate her living room from her kitchen, Mariah Burton used an abundance of breeze blocks, a see-through type of cinder block made popular in the ’50s and ’60s. She simply stacked them on top of one another, added a coat of sealant, and—voilà!—a room divider that casts gorgeous geometric shadows on the floors and walls when the light hits just right.

Vista Breezeblock, Concrete Collaborative

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The Step Bookcase Room Divider

Graphic designer Timothy Goodman’s bookshelf checks off two boxes at once: It disguises part of the bed and offers a ton of storage. High-to-low pieces like this are key because they maintain an open and airy feel.

Cube Organizer Shelf, Target ($45)

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The TV Stand Room Divider

Because there was only one wall available for artwork in this 600-square-foot apartment, designer Charlotte Sylvain of Studio Fauve came up with an ingenious invention: a banquette–meets–media console with a remote-controlled lift that conceals (or reveals!) a flat-screen at the touch of a button. When left up, the TV separates the living and dining areas.

Rosanna Ceravolo Media Console, West Elm ($1,279 was $1,599)

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The Large Leafy Plants Room Divider

Designer Jess Blumberg delineates her sleeping space with decor, specifically a butterfly chair and a grouping of tall greenery, including a snake plant and palm tree. There’s always room for a mini jungle no matter how tight your quarters.

Large Majesty Palm, The Sill ($228)

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The Built-In Shelves Room Divider

DIY blogger Kirsten Diane didn’t craft this room divider for a studio apartment, but that doesn’t mean her minimalist bookshelf idea can’t be applied to one. If you see yourself in your place for a long while, consider investing in a more permanent partition that stretches from floor to ceiling.

Index Bookcase, Burrow ($679 was $799)

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The Café Curtains Room Divider

While we appreciate that pass-throughs encourage connection when we’re cooking for friends, we don’t always want the lingering smells following us. An immediate fix: Hang some curtains cut to size (ombré optional). See you on the flip side.

Twill Striped Cafe Curtains, Target ($23)

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Ask Domino

What are Domino editors’ favorite room dividers?

“I’m all about using a bookshelf as a room divider,” says Domino’s style editor, Julia Stevens. “If you fill it up partially, you are still able to see the rest of the space and don’t run the risk of breaking your room up entirely as you might with a folding screen or wall. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with a lengthy sofa. Want to add more height to your division? Place a slim console against the backside of the couch and style it with plants, books, and a cordless lamp.”

Can you DIY a room divider?

Whether you’re separating the living and sleeping spaces in a studio apartment or merely adding more privacy to an open-concept living-slash-dining room, you can make your own partition in a pinch. Laurence Leenaert, the artist and founder behind Moroccan brand LRNCE, mounted her handcrafted textiles to the ceiling with metal hooks, which, in the right space, would make for the perfect hanging room divider. But if you’re looking for something a bit sturdier, why not dream big and create a movable wall, like Anthony D’Argenzio did in his This Old Hudson rental residence. All you need is a ceiling track, iron hangers, vintage doors, and a bit of patience.

The post 16 Room Divider Ideas, Because We All Need Our Personal Space appeared first on domino.

When my husband and I moved into our first house last year, I imagined sitcomlike weekends spent painting the rooms together, complete with boom box and cute overalls. Then I got pregnant unexpectedly. All bets were off. I could barely stand to eat a meal let alone hard labor (because if you’ve ever painted something, you know it’s work). I just wanted the task checked off so I could go back to bed-rotting in peace. In an act of desperation, I used Thumbtack to hire a crew of local painters and got in touch with cult-favorite Backdrop to figure out colors. (Full transparency: Backdrop gifted me some, but I also bought $500 worth on my own and would do it again.) The plan was to get the whole house done in one go and I’d never have to think about it again. Of course, things never go entirely as planned—see: surprise pregnancy. Here are four things I didn’t consider that you probably should, plus one decision I’m still benefiting from today.

You’ll Go Overboard on Samples No Matter What

You’d probably expect more from a design editor; however, I went into this without a clear direction. I wanted to browse a bunch of paint shades, see what called to me, then build a complementary palette from my favorites. One appeal of Backdrop is its curated 82 hues, which you can filter by color and sort light to dark on its site; I figured I’d be able to narrow down my choices pretty easily. Well, reader, I ended up ordering 20 swatches. But imagine if I was faced with the thousands of shades available at the hardware store! Luckily, Backdrop does stickers. Rather than a heavy box of sample pots, I received a slim envelope, plus there were no drips or brush cleaning to worry about. 

One Swatch Is Never Enough

My ultimate cast of colors: a taupe-y neutral in the living room and hallways, a soft blue in the dining room, vibrant green in the sunroom, and Backdrop’s purest white on the majority of the molding and ceilings. (Not shown in this story but equally lovely: moody teal in the powder room, a soothing sage green in our bedroom, a more saturated version on the wainscoting in our single full bath, and a cool gray in the guest room.)

After a full day of checking in at various times to see how the sample stickers looked in different light, I had a couple top contenders for each space. The hard part was choosing a winner from there—I craved the ability to see how the colors would look on every wall at once, or against the white trim and in the center of a windowless stretch. Turns out, all that was required was a pair of scissors. I simply cut each swatch into quarters and scattered them around the room. Highly recommend!

Check in With Your Painters

After I walked the painters through how I wanted each color applied—green everywhere (even the ceiling!) in the sunroom, turquoise on just the trim in the dining room, etc.—I was so confident that I left the house only to return when they were finished the following day (pregnancy and paint fumes aren’t a good mix). I texted back and forth with the painters a few times from my parents’ place, but I honestly never thought to ask for progress pics. If I had, I would’ve caught simple misunderstandings over things like matching the dining room door to the now-blue molding. They were easy fixes, but noticing those issues so late required the painters to come back a third day for a few hours.

There’s a Right and a Wrong Paint Finish for Bathrooms

Although a bathroom is indeed an interior space, standard interior paint isn’t going to cut it. I learned this the hard way, when the ceiling above our shower started peeling a few months in. Backdrop rightly recommends its semigloss finish for bathrooms, which better stands up to constant moisture and humidity…I just didn’t read the fine print. Blame it on pregnancy brain.

What I Got Right: Saving Leftover Paint

I followed the sage advice to keep any extra paint in case we needed to make touch-ups down the road. But I’ve found the leftovers more helpful for on-a-whim DIY projects, from zhuzhing up a thrift store picture frame to updating a Facebook Marketplace desk (just make sure you use a water-based sealer on top). I’m saving the couple bucks I’d have to spend on a sample pot, plus I only need to venture down to the basement versus driving to the hardware store. A full year after our big paint project, the same Backdrop colors are still in rotation. I just shake the cans to remix and they’re good as new. 

Drive-Thru Safari Paint, Backdrop (starting from $49)

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Morning Ritual Paint, Backdrop (starting from $49)

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Supermoon Paint, Backdrop (starting from $49)

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Novelty Wave Paint, Backdrop (starting from $49)

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The post I Had Every Room of My House Painted in Two Days—Here’s What I’d Do Differently Next Time appeared first on domino.