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ROOM IDEAS

Eclectic Elegance: Stylish Ideas for Your Kitchen Design

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Eclectic design defies a straightforward definition, but it’s unmistakable when you encounter it. In a kitchen with an eclectic style, you might encounter a vibrant mix of elements: patterned backsplashes, abundant greenery, unique light fixtures, cultural influences from around the world, and perhaps a dash of bold wallpaper. Open shelves might proudly display vintage trinkets and personalized items, while a variety of natural materials like wood and tile contribute to the eclectic aesthetic. Ultimately, an eclectic-style kitchen is a canvas for showcasing personality, incorporating diverse elements, and embracing the freedom to decorate with abandon. Explore the following 13 eclectic kitchens for inspiration, whether it’s the retro allure of a stove, captivating patterned tiles, or the spirited and unrestrained approach to decor.

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Incorporate Elements from Different Time

To achieve an eclectic-style kitchen, Lindsey Jamison, partner and lead designer at Rumor Designs in Colorado, embraced a mix of design elements spanning various eras. Her kitchen features a blend of styles, including a bold red refrigerator reminiscent of the 1950s, wallpaper with ’80s graphics, a mid-century modern island with tapered legs, and a vintage traditional rug. The key to success, according to Jamison, is seamlessly integrating these diverse elements, using bold colors, and incorporating graphic patterns.

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Emphasize Natural Materials

Leanne Ford, a renowned interior designer, crafted a dreamy kitchen with a versatile appeal. The design centers around the Native Trails’ Farmhouse 3018 sink, creating an eclectic atmosphere when combined with wooden elements. This choice not only enhances the visual aesthetic but also adds a touch of nature to the space, making even dishwashing a pleasant experience.

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Make a Statement with a Bold Backsplash

Unique Kitchens and Bath created a captivating space by extending a patterned tile backsplash from the countertop to the ceiling. This bold choice adds a playful and visually striking element to the kitchen without overwhelming the overall design. The juxtaposition of the patterned backsplash with natural features like wooden beams and luxurious materials like marble countertops achieves a perfect balance between farmhouse, contemporary, and eclectic styles.

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Infuse Retro Vibes with Appliances

For those seeking an eclectic kitchen, incorporating retro-inspired appliances can be a game-changer. Choosing colorful appliances from Big Chill brings a vintage flair to the space while maintaining modern functionality. These eye-catching retro elements contribute to the overall eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of the kitchen.

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Showcase Your Eclectic Collection

In this kitchen by Sarah Fischer of Sarah & Sons Interiors, vintage treasures take center stage. The 1950s wood tool bench repurposed as an island and ruffled milk glass pendants create a captivating contrast with the sleek black-painted counter stools and a steel and glass shelving unit.

Fischer emphasizes the eclectic charm by curating a collection of items that appear to have been gathered over time and repurposed. This approach adds a sense of history and individuality to the kitchen, making it a true reflection of eclectic style.

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Experiment with Vibrant Colors

For a kitchen that exudes eclectic charm, Danielle Nagel of Dazey Den embraced bold and vibrant colors. The peachy-pink tone of the tile seamlessly extends to the walls and barstools, creating a harmonious tone-on-tone effect. This kitchen demonstrates that eclectic style is anything but dull and can be defined by a fearless use of color.

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Embrace Modest Materials

Designer Peter Spalding achieved an eclectic-style kitchen with a focus on humble materials during the renovation of this late colonial revival house in Portland. Featuring a metal pegboard, stainless appliances, and basket weave barstools, the kitchen maintains a contemporary feel with nods to the past. The juxtaposition of punchy colors against a warm white backdrop adds instant visual appeal without compromising functionality.

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Display Colorful Glassware Collections

Stephanie Watkins of Casa Watkins Living maximized the charm of open shelves by showcasing her colorful glassware collection. Arranged by color, the glassware, ceramics, and trinkets inject a playful and eclectic spirit into the kitchen. Open shelving becomes a canvas for personal style, contributing to the vibrant and personalized atmosphere of the space.

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Incorporate a Touch of Glamour

For her eclectic kitchen, Rachel Ambrose, founder of Home Remedies, drew inspiration from her parents’ 1962 wedding china, infusing the space with a vibrant color palette and texture. The design features touches of glamour, such as the I Dream of Jeannie-like gold pendants, adding a touch of luxury to the eclectic mix.

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Optimize Storage Creatively

Smart storage solutions are essential in any kitchen, and Karen Emile of Milk and Honey Life got creative with an efficient and stylish approach. Using a rod and S-hook system, she ensures easy access to frequently used utensils like measuring cups, a whisk, and a potholder. This functional and visually appealing storage solution adds a unique element to the eclectic kitchen.

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Ditch Traditional Backsplashes

Breaking away from conventional tiled backsplashes, Mani of Afro Bohemian Living opted for a unique approach. A clean wooden backsplash paired with an earthy tapestry creates a distinctive and eclectic aesthetic. This unconventional choice adds a touch of rustic charm and showcases the flexibility of eclectic style.

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Embrace Maximalism

With eclectic style, there are no limits to mixing and matching patterns and textiles, making maximalism a perfect fit. K Shan Design demonstrated this approach in an energetic kitchen by combining palm wallpaper, graphic tiled flooring, offbeat artwork, and a vintage rug. The result is a vibrant and visually dynamic space.

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Introduce Textured Light Fixtures

To add an eclectic touch to a sleek white kitchen, consider textured light fixtures like the woven shades from Globe Electric. These pendants not only bring character to the space but also soften the light, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With a budget-friendly price of $60 each, they offer a winning combination of style and affordability.

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FITNESS

How To Build Muscle Fast: 9 Science-Backed Ways

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If you’re aiming to build muscle quickly but have a hectic schedule, it’s essential to adopt science-backed methods that maximize efficiency. Building muscle requires a well-structured workout plan and a strategic approach to nutrition. Incorporating strength training into your routine is crucial, not only for muscle development but also for burning excess fat that might obscure your lean gains.

Scientific research, as revealed in a meta-analysis, highlights the effectiveness of resistance training in not only promoting muscle growth but also in reducing body fat percentage, body fat mass, and visceral fat in healthy adults.[1] In this article, each recommendation is grounded in peer-reviewed research to provide you with reliable guidance amid the sometimes-confusing landscape of fitness advice.

  1. Engage in Compound Lifts Incorporating compound lifts into your workout routine can significantly accelerate muscle-building efforts. Compound lifts involve movements that engage multiple joints and work various muscle groups simultaneously. Examples include the bench press, squat, deadlift, overhead press, and pull-up.

Research suggests that the efficiency of compound lifts stems from their ability to target multiple muscles concurrently, allowing for quicker muscle development with less time spent in the gym.

  1. Prioritize Injury Prevention Sustaining an injury can derail your muscle-building progress for an extended period. Emphasizing proper form and strength development in key compound lifts contributes to strengthening your core, a crucial aspect of injury prevention.

Learning the correct form for these compound exercises not only safeguards you in the gym but also in everyday activities. For instance, mastering the deadlift can reduce the risk of injuries when lifting heavy objects like furniture, while proficiency in the bench press can aid in tasks such as pushing a stuck car in the snow.

To acquire proper form, consider working with a personal trainer, physiotherapist, or utilizing online tutorials with a workout partner. Rushing into heavy lifting without mastering form can lead to muscle imbalances and injuries, highlighting the importance of Gray Cook’s advice: “First move well, then move often.”

  1. Establish a Solid Foundation Building a strong foundation is crucial, especially for beginners or those returning to exercise after a hiatus. Commencing with lower weights and higher reps in key lifts lays the groundwork for core strength, muscular endurance, and stability.

This foundational phase, which focuses on mastering fundamental movements, is a prerequisite before progressing to heavier weights. It ensures joint support and proper posture throughout your muscle-building journey.

Developing muscular endurance through lighter weights and higher reps is exemplified by athletes like Hershel Walker, who achieved impressive muscle development through bodyweight exercises with super high repetitions, such as bench pressing 375lbs without traditional weights.

For individuals returning to the gym after an absence, a sample workout routine for the initial two to six weeks might involve performing the following three times a week:

Following the National Academy of Sports Medicine guidelines, aim for one to three sets of the above exercises with 12 to 20 reps and little or no weight, starting with a weight that allows for easy completion of 12 reps.

  1. Embrace Progressive Overload for Strength Gains Accelerating muscle growth relies on the principle of progressive overload, a concept supported by research.[10] Progressive overload entails consistently challenging your muscles by increasing the weight, the number of reps, frequency, and/or sets in your workouts.

Setting a goal to lift approximately 10% more weight or perform one or two additional reps during each workout can contribute to continuous muscle development.

  1. Efficient Muscle Building Without Excessive Gym Sessions Scientific evidence suggests that building lean muscle mass rapidly can be achieved with just two to three workouts per week. A study even found that training once a week was nearly as effective as working out three times a week for building muscle.

Another study emphasizes that the key factor in expedited muscle growth is the total number of sets performed per muscle group each week. A meta-analysis revealed that exceeding 6-10 sets per muscle, per week produced greater increases in muscle mass compared to lower volumes.

A sample workout plan might involve lifting weights three times a week, with each session comprising five sets of four exercises.

Sample Workout Plan Monday: Incline bench press, elevated push-ups, chest flies, flat bench press, chin-ups Wednesday: Squats, deadlift, dumbbell lunges, glute bridge, leg press Friday: Lateral raises, overhead press, pull-ups, face pulls, dumbbell rows Optimal muscle-building literature suggests performing three to six sets of six to 12 reps for each exercise. Once you can complete 12 reps, increase the weight by 10% and aim for at least six reps. Keep each workout under an hour by minimizing rest intervals, as research indicates that shorter 60-second breaks are optimal for fast muscle-building.

  1. Cultivate Patience for Lasting Results A common mistake in the quest to build muscle rapidly is overconsumption of calories, leading to muscle being concealed by fat. An illustrative example is Mark Wahlberg’s experience during the filming of “Father Stu,” where he gained 30 lbs of fat in six weeks while lifting heavy weights and maintaining a mostly healthy diet.

While the desire for quick results is understandable, building lean muscle mass is a gradual process. Research suggests that it may take around six weeks of consistent training to observe noticeable increases in muscle mass, and even then, these changes can be subtle.

Patience is crucial in the journey of building muscle consistently, emphasizing that slow and steady progress is more sustainable.

  1. Four Tools for Monitoring Progress When aiming to build muscle quickly, it’s essential to ensure that the gained weight is primarily muscle, resulting in a lean and muscular appearance rather than excess fat. Consuming excess calories, lifting weights, and assuming the weight gain is muscle can lead to unwanted fat accumulation. Research indicates that building muscle while losing fat, known as body composition improvement, is possible.

To gauge the effectiveness of your muscle-building efforts, utilize the following tools for progress tracking:

  • Workout Journal: Record your reps, sets, rest periods, and weights lifted.
  • Measure Your Belly: Take measurements around the naval, preferably in the morning.
  • Check Your Weight: Weigh yourself in the morning for consistent measurements.
  • Take Photos: Capture flexed and unflexed body images to visually assess progress.

By consistently tracking these metrics, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your muscle-building results and stay motivated throughout your journey.

  1. Prioritize Protein Intake To build muscle without accumulating excess fat, adequate protein intake is crucial. One study reported that about “70% of subjects improved their overall body composition” when implementing high-protein diets.

How much protein is sufficient?

For individuals engaged in regular workouts, aiming for a protein intake between 0.7 and 0.8 grams per pound of body weight is recommended.. Additional research suggests that consuming even more protein may yield improvements in body composition.

For example, a study found that individuals consuming 1.5g of protein per pound of body weight while strength training were more likely to lose fat while building muscle.

Beyond muscle-building benefits, a higher protein intake can aid in weight management, as the body expends four to ten times more calories breaking down proteins compared to carbs or fats. Moreover, protein tends to induce a greater feeling of satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

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TRAVEL

10 best holiday destinations in April

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April is an ideal month for travel, especially for enthusiasts of lush gardens and vibrant floral displays. Around the world, many gardens come alive with an abundance of flowers, creating a picturesque and colorful landscape. The pleasant temperatures during April make it a perfect time for travel, allowing you to enjoy plenty of sunshine even on short-haul breaks. Additionally, traveling in April often means avoiding the summertime crowds, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for holidaymakers.

1/9 Rome Average April temperature: 17°C

April in Rome provides an ideal climate for sightseeing, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities without the intensity of the summer sun. Rome-based artist and designer Ignasi Monreal recommends exploring off-the-beaten-track sights like the Centrale Montemartini and the Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum. The last week of April brings a special touch to the Spanish Steps as they are adorned with pink and white Azaleas, creating a unique view of this historic landmark.

Where to stay: The elegant 16th-century Villa Medici, decorated with original Renaissance frescoes, offers a calm retreat next to the Spanish Steps. For a luxurious experience in ancient Rome, consider the newly opened Six Senses, the brand’s first Italian hotel.


2/9 Canary Islands Average April temperature: 20°C

The Canary Islands, often overlooked for their reputation as a fly-and-flop destination, shine in April. With a pleasant temperature and without the summertime crowds, Tenerife boasts volcanic landscapes in Timanfaya National Park, Gran Canaria features impressive Maspalomas dunes, and Lanzarote is home to the La Geria wine region.

Where to stay: Explore gorgeous boutique accommodations like Hotel San Roque in Tenerife and Bed & Chic in Gran Canaria.


3/9 Amsterdam Average April temperature: 12°C

April transforms Amsterdam into a weekend-break paradise. King’s Day celebrations on the 27th turn the city orange, with parties on cobbled streets and floating canal boats. The world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, just outside the city, showcase seven million tulips in bold rainbow-colored stripes.

Where to stay: Experience chic accommodations like the Hoxton Lloyd Amsterdam or the grand De L’Europe.


4/9 Cuba Average April temperature: 25°C

For guaranteed sunshine and a Caribbean vibe, head to Cuba in April, the last month of the dry season. Enjoy warm days on Varadero’s white beaches and explore historic Havana with its lively streets, Cadillac-lined roads, and vibrant patio-side palador restaurants.

Where to stay: Immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of Havana at Malecón 663.

5/9 New Orleans, Louisiana Average April temperature: 24°C

April offers a sensational atmosphere in New Orleans without the Mardi Gras madness. Enjoy sun-drenched skies and explore the Garden District’s leafy streets, charming architecture in the French Quarter, and the French Quarter festival with Louisiana’s soulful musical highlights.

Where to stay: Experience the charm of the Lower Garden District at Hotel Saint Vincent or stay in The Eliza Jane, a former 19th-century warehouse with unique historical significance.

Jordan
Average April temperature: 20°C

April offers an excellent time to explore Jordan’s rugged landscapes without the intense summer heat. With a dry and mild climate, temperatures in the low twenties make it perfect for wandering through the archaeological wonder of Petra. The Jordan Valley comes to life with wildflowers, creating a carpet of delicate pastel-colored blooms.

Where to stay: In Amman, consider the newly-opened Ritz Carlton for a luxurious experience. Alternatively, the Fairmont is a lovely option. In Petra, the Mövenpick, located at the entrance of the rose-red rock-hewn city, offers a convenient stay.


Tokyo
Average April temperature: 15°C

Tokyo comes alive in April during the sakura season when cherry blossoms create a riot of powder-pink petals. Avenues are transformed into a dreamy scene, making it one of the world’s most celebrated floral displays. Highlights include Asukayama Park and Inokashira Park, where you can enjoy blossom parties and rent a rowboat to admire the rosy scene.

Where to stay: The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, offers a luxurious stay, with some rooms featuring sakura patterns.

Belize
Average April temperature: 25°C

Belize, with its mix of Mayan ruins, tropical rainforests, and white beaches, is a perfect destination in April. Outside peak season, the warm temperatures and minimal rainy days make it an ideal time to explore. Witness the incredible gathering of whale sharks at Gladden Split and spot manatees at Swallow Caye Marine Reserve.

Where to stay: Consider staying at Turtle Island Inn, envisioned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, or find seclusion at Itz’ana.


Zimbabwe
Average April temperature: 24°C

April showcases the mighty Victoria Falls at its most powerful, earning its nickname as the ‘smoke that thunders.’ The Zambezi River swells after summer rains, creating a spectacular display. Combine this with a safari trip, as prices are often lower compared to June.

Where to stay: Experience exclusivity at Nyamatusi Camp in Zimbabwe’s remote Mana Pools.

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ROOM IDEAS

16 Storage Shed Organization Ideas We Can’t Wait to Try

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Decluttering a storage shed may seem like a formidable task, but with a well-structured organization plan, you can transform chaos into order. To embark on this journey, start by devising a comprehensive plan tailored to your storage needs. Focus on the items that will find a home in your shed, prioritize frequently used items, and ensure a system that is both accessible and maintainable.

1. Versatile Hanging with Adjustable Clips:

For sheds with vinyl or metal siding, opt for adjustable U-shaped hooks to hang tools like shovels and rakes. The flexibility of these clips allows for easy repositioning without the need for permanent installation, making it ideal for those who frequently acquire new tools.

2. Integrate a Practical Workbench:

Transform your shed into a functional workspace by incorporating a workbench. Utilize unused wall space or a corner to install a floating table along with storage cabinets. This dedicated work area ensures a tidy and organized space for DIY projects.

3. Opt for an Expandable Wall Organizer:

Manage brooms and garden tools efficiently by installing an expandable wall organizer. This adjustable system provides easy access, allowing you to insert and remove tools effortlessly. Simplify your shed storage to discourage items from being haphazardly thrown into corners.

4. Maximize Wall Space Usage:

When space is limited, make the most of every inch of wall space. Plan your storage system carefully, ensuring efficient use of vertical space up to the ceiling. Prioritize easy accessibility for frequently used items while maintaining a systematic organization.

5. Utilize Wire Shelving Units:

Consider wire shelving units as an alternative to built-in shelves. These units can be conveniently placed to provide additional storage. Opt for moisture-resistant bins to protect items from mold and mildew, and keep belongings elevated to prevent damage from ground-level moisture.

6. Craft a DIY Wooden Rack:

For those with woodworking skills, consider building a wooden rack close to the ground, perfect for organizing garden tools. This ground-level rack provides easy access without the need to reach high, offering separate hooks for orderly storage.

7. Prioritize Labeling:

When maximizing a small storage space, vertical stacking is efficient, but labeling is crucial for easy retrieval. Opt for clear storage bins to enhance visibility and ensure that each item is properly labeled. This practice prevents the need to pull out every box when searching for specific items.

8. Explore Floating Shelves:

Floating shelves are an excellent addition to shed organization, providing elevated storage and keeping items off the ground. Easily DIYable, these shelves can be arranged using a track system, allowing flexibility to adapt to changing storage needs.

9. Embrace the Versatility of Pegboards:

Hanging a pegboard offers convenient access to a variety of tools. Its simplicity and versatility make it easy to rearrange and accommodate new items. Pegboards are especially effective for organizing smaller garden tools and equipment.

10. Extend Pegboard Use to Larger Items:

While pegboards are commonly associated with smaller tools, they can also effectively organize larger items. A wall-sized pegboard, as seen here, provides a practical solution for storing bulky items such as rakes and shovels.

11. Maximize Storage in Tiny Spaces:

Even in a compact storage shed, strategic use of corners and sides can maximize storage capacity. Prioritize efficient use of available space while ensuring there is ample room for maneuvering around stored items.

12. Utilize Vertical Space with a Second Level:

If you have the opportunity to build a new storage shed, consider adding a second level for additional storage. This is particularly beneficial for storing seasonal items that are rarely accessed. Keep a step stool or ladder nearby for easy access to the upper level.

13. Optimize Bike Storage:

Instead of haphazardly tossing bikes into the shed, install racks that allow you to neatly hang them on the wall. This organized approach not only saves space but also makes it easier to navigate around the shed.

14. Tame Unruly Cords:

Identify and address sources of mess in your shed, such as unruly cords and hoses. Take a few extra minutes to neatly wrap up cords and install moveable hooks to hold them in place when not in use.

15. Customize Storage Solutions:

Before purchasing racks and shelves, carefully measure your shed space and choose items that fit perfectly. Avoid bulky shelves that only occupy a fraction of the floor space, as they may disrupt your organization system. Consider professional assistance for a customized storage solution.

16. Transform the Shed into an Office: For a unique approach, rethink the use of your storage shed by transforming it into an organized office space. This unconventional idea not only provides a “work from home” solution but also frees up space in your home, especially if square footage is limited.

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HOLIDAYS

A Designer’s Guide to Subtle and Timeless Seasonal Decor

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How about this refined and nuanced approach to holiday decor? For those aiming to evoke a sense of seasonal spirit without overwhelming their space, strategic choices are key. Kelsey Haywood, the designer behind haywoodmade, shares her professional tips for achieving a subtle and sophisticated holiday look that seamlessly integrates with your aesthetic. Instead of loud and overt holiday statements, Haywood emphasizes the importance of selecting and displaying items that convey a festive ambiance without dominating the overall decor.

Commit to a Color:

Embrace a deliberate color scheme to convey holiday vibes subtly. Rather than opting for multi-colored and overtly festive items, choose a specific color that complements your existing decor. Haywood suggests red, especially ruby reds or wine colors, for a festive touch. Alternatively, whites or golds can create an elegant, wintery atmosphere. Patterns, like checks and stripes in white, red, and black, can add sophistication without overwhelming the space.

Go All Natural:

Incorporate natural materials and real greenery for a timeless and uncluttered holiday look. Fresh flowers or greenery, such as a live garland, offer a high-impact yet effortless option. Haywood recommends using local floral shops and choosing options like eucalyptus, boxwood, or long-needled pines. Not only do they add a festive touch, but they also provide a pleasant pine scent.

Don’t Add—Swap What’s Existing:

Avoid clutter by opting for swaps instead of additions. Change out existing items such as pillow covers, throws, doormats, and tea towels with holiday-themed alternatives. By integrating holiday decor into your existing items, like Ursula Carmona’s candle display swap, you can maintain a cohesive look without overwhelming the space.

Decorate in Neutrals:

Avoid overwhelming colors like reds and greens by opting for a neutral holiday decor scheme. Consider using brown kraft paper snowflakes, which, despite evoking winter vibes, act as sculptural wall decor. Utilize textures such as heavy knits, fuzzy weaves, and faux fur to create a cozy and festive ambiance without overtly signaling any specific holiday.

Display the Bold Items Together:

Reserve a specific area, like the Christmas tree, to showcase bold and sentimental holiday items. Embrace the tradition of collecting ornaments with sentimental value. By concentrating bold decorations in one designated space, such as the tree, you can maintain a cohesive and intentional look while honoring holiday traditions.

Blend in Small Changes:

Ensure your holiday decor seamlessly integrates with your existing color scheme and cherished year-round display pieces. Introduce subtle changes that harmonize with your decor, such as tucking Santa-themed items among vintage plates or adding cream-colored bottlebrush trees to arrangements of beige sculptural pieces.

Have a ‘Shelfie Moment’:

Designate specific shelves or a small corner of a room as a dedicated space for kitschy holiday items. By confining bold holiday displays to selected areas, like the powder room, bar cart, or kitchen window sill, you can infuse festive elements without overwhelming the entire home. Kelsey Haywood refers to this approach as a “shelfie moment,” ensuring that holiday decor doesn’t dominate the overall aesthetic of your home.

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DESIGN & DÉCOR

Step Inside This Moody Old World Apartment in Louisville

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Located in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, this unique rental property and boutique, known as Paire Hospitality, transports visitors into a moody Old World apartment reminiscent of Italy. Designed by Jaclyn Journey and Amanda Jacobs, the space aims to embody the concept of “philoxenia,” a Greek term that encompasses the idea of hospitality and kindness toward strangers or travelers. The design reflects the duo’s diverse cultural backgrounds, with roots in Greece, Russia, Lebanon, and Syria.

The rental, situated above the Journey + Jacobs design studio, features curated vintage elements and personal touches, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm invitation into the designers’ homes. Despite its vintage charm, the space is thoughtfully designed to provide guests with a comfortable and well-curated experience during their stay in Louisville. The adjoining boutique showcases a selection of the designers’ favorite products, offering visitors a unique shopping experience alongside the charming rental accommodations.

Dating back to the 1800s, the historic charm of the home provides a rich backdrop for the designers to infuse the space with history and vintage details. The interior reflects a desire to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, allowing guests to experience a homey extension during their stay. Vintage elements and carefully chosen furnishings contribute to the lived-in and well-traveled ambiance, fostering a sense of warmth and beauty in every corner of the space. Luxury robes hanging in the corner add a touch of indulgence, enhancing the overall experience for visitors at Paire Hospitality in downtown Louisville.

The vintage charm of the rental is accentuated by meticulous details, with lime wash paint emerging as a standout design element. Applied to the walls and ceilings throughout the space, the velvety texture and aged appearance of the Old World plaster create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bedroom, in particular, showcases a stunning lavender tone that enhances the overall aesthetic.

Additionally, the bedroom features carefully curated vintage pieces, sourced from antique malls, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. Each item, including the gallery wall and light fixtures, contributes to the intentional and collected feel of the space. The gallery wall, crafted piece by piece through vintage flea market finds, reflects the designers’ commitment to a unique and personalized aesthetic, showcasing a blend of their favorite prints in vintage frames for a distinctive and cost-effective touch.

The kitchen seamlessly blends Scandinavian modernity with vintage elements, featuring narrow wood paneling and a retro fridge. The space is adorned with thoughtful details, including a European-inspired painting and vintage pottery, creating a charming and cohesive aesthetic.

Adjacent to the kitchen, a delightful breakfast nook provides a cozy spot to enjoy morning coffee and pastries. The eclectic style of Journey and Jacobs is evident in the mix of a bistro table and traditional chairs, showcasing their unique design sensibility. A standout piece in the kitchen, according to Jacobs, is the iron cafe table, with its vibrant blue hue and classic Parisian design, serving as the perfect centerpiece for the surrounding chairs.

The bathroom boasts a charming blend of vintage elements, featuring an old-school vanity and classic blue and white toile wallpaper. The nostalgic ambiance is further enhanced by the penny tile on the floor, evoking a sense of getting ready in 20th-century Paris.

Maintaining the authenticity of the building’s age was a key consideration for Journey and Jacobs, who aimed to embrace its historical charm rather than modernize it. They adhered to a guiding principle: “Would an elegant grandmother from Europe have it in her home?” If the answer was yes, the item was deemed fitting for the space.

In a city with numerous Airbnb options, Journey emphasizes that their space stands out due to the intentional way they invite people into their lives through thoughtful design curation.

Paire Hospitality is more than just accommodation; it’s a genuine escape designed for peace and relaxation. Guests are encouraged to appreciate the unique beauty of the town without feeling like tourists. The space, curated with care and thoughtfulness, aims to provide an authentic and immersive experience for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

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