On the surface, this term (coined by House Beautiful) may seem like an oxymoron — the “jumbo shrimp” of the design world, if you will. But get ready to see it everywhere for the foreseeable future. But what exactly is it?

Think Grandma chic; nostalgic, traditional trends like chintz; and bold Victorian patterns and furniture that are cozily eclectic and fabulously floral — a revolt against the dull minimalism that’s dominated the interiors space in the last few years.

With grandmillennial decor, vintage pieces are so much more than furniture — they’re storytellers. Much like Gen X-ers finding their nostalgia in the midcentury modern design of their forebears, here, millennials are finding inspiration in more Victorian, neoclassical styles that are evergreen and easily attainable.

Want to try out the trend for yourself? Here are some must-have pieces that would make any granny proud:

Gotta Have that Chintz

Chintz is definitely the it-pattern when it comes to grandmillennial style, and the more the better. Think cozily contrasting patterns and colors that highlight that granny chic vibe.

Schumacher Betty Chintz Pillow Cover From Etsy — $30.00

Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Floral Lamp Shade — $128.00

Need that Needlepoint

Do your grandma proud with some vintage needlepoint vibes that are crafty and oh-so chic — a stylish staple for any aspiring grandmillennial.

Vintage Framed Needlepoint Wall Hanging from Etsy — $40.00

Wayfair Needlepoint Wall Hanging — $103.99

Beginner Embroidery Kits (Set of 3) from Amazon — $15.99

Floral Faves

You’ve got the chintz nailed. Now mix and match with some floral patterns for some truly cozy feels.

Tafton Floral Club Accent Chair From Target — $290.54

Frida Floral Navy Rug From Ruggable — $89.99

This stuff is just the beginning when it comes to grandmillennialism. So be sure to scour those flea markets and secondhand stores, trawl sites like Etsy, and find the best looks for transforming your space into one that nana would be proud of — doilies definitely required.

The post Get Your Granny On with the Grandmillennial Decor Trend first appeared on Dornob.

“Through the years, I have found so much great vintage fabric that is too heavy for clothing, so I decided to dress furniture in it,” Hay said in an interview with Vogue. “Decorating my home feels like decorating my body, just more permanent. It’s like wearing a dress and never taking it off and just hanging out in your living room in it for years.”

The Batsheva Home Collection evolved out of the artist’s journey over the past four years to design furniture for her own home, which now sports pieces like a bright orange couch lined with a floral back cushion and leopard print throw pillows.

From those personal furniture experiments came two different chairs in six pattern choices, a bench, and a floor rug for commercial sale.

“The fabrics I used for these furniture pieces are all vintage upholstery that I have collected for years. Some are from the 1920s and the most recent ones are from the 1980s. I liked mashing up asynchronous fabrics — a bright watercolor floral from the 1980s with a 1970s acid green faux patchwork piece, or a 1920s floral print with an 80s velvet zebra,” Hay explains.

The Nautilus chair features an asymmetrical seat back in classic Art Deco style. Buyers can choose from her three surprising upholstery combinations or the more sober chintz pattern. It sells for $2,150 on the Batsheva website.

Appearing to be traditional Louis XV chairs at first glance, the fashionista’s upholstered Lounge Chair frame is carved to look like rough hewn wood: knobs, birds’ eyes, and all. And instead of following a predictable course, the fabric piping around the seat zigzags and weaves in an organic path. Fans can purchase the chair in either vintage plum floral or chintz for $1,250.

Covered in a cheerful vintage faux patchwork fabric, Hay designed a comfy bench with rolled arms and curved wooden legs, available for $1,700. Her multipurpose mat is a 3’ x 2’ hand-tufted rug with a soft wool pile, selling for $150.

Batsheva Hay took an unconventional road to becoming a fashion and furniture designer. After graduating from Stanford University and Georgetown Law School, she spent a decade as a lawyer in New York City, hating every minute of it.

After meeting future husband Alexei Hay, a photographer who had recently converted to Orthodox Judaism, Batsheva (who grew up in a secular Jewish family) converted as well, adopting the strict dress standards of the faith. That includes covering up to the elbows and knees and above the collarbone. Having always loved vintage patterns, she started creating her own modest but edgy dresses in washable floral prints.

Her bold pattern choices coupled with old-school femininity eventually scored her a partnership with company Laura Ashley, resulting in a line of dresses, aprons, and oven mitts in her signature style. Her work is now sold by major retailers like Nordstrom and Shopbop, having also gotten a social media boost when Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, wore a Batsheva dress to the 2020 presidential inauguration.

The post Batsheva Releases Funky Vintage Furniture Collection first appeared on Dornob.

Situated in the backyard of the couple’s LA home, this wee work of art may not be the pair’s primary residence, but through its doors one can find all the amenities of home, tucked away in a cute corner that’s brimming with personality both inside and out.

The tiny home itself has an interesting past that gave the LA couple the inspiration for the project. Dating back to the 1800s, it’s believed to have had its own starring role in the bright lights of Hollywood as a prop in many TV shows and movies, including The Wizard of Oz. Traditionally known as a “vardo,” (a word deriving from the Romani word “vurdon,” meaning cart), wagons like these were used as mobile homes by the Roma people while traveling. These wagons were historically full of colorful and ornate details, much like the current iteration in the Thorsons’ backyard.

While the history and Hollywood glamor surrounding this tiny home are definitely big parts of its appeal, it was Rachel’s devotion to capturing its whimsical side that really inspired her to revamp the wagon and preserve it as an “important piece of history” that could be shared with others. The tiny home is currently listed on Airbnb for those who want to experience the magic for themselves.

Though the wagon itself is only 84 square feet, it’s still packed with modern conveniences like a full-size bed and mini-fridge —though guests do have to access what Rachel dubs the “water closet” through a connecting building that’s attached to the wagon via an outer stone pathway. Still, this does little to diminish the effect, as the atmosphere outside the wagon is just as colorful and delightful as its eclectic interiors, complete with verdant greenery, comfy hammocks, and even a hot tub.

With retro touches like hand-curated mosaic tiles reclaimed from a local tile manufacturer, a riot of patterns, colors, and textures throughout, and boho beauty galore, the Thorsons have created a real wonderland in their own corner of La La Land. Playfully dubbed “Vardolandia” by the creative couple, this wagon certainly has its place in Hollywood history and will continue to delight those lucky enough to snag a stay in its curated confines. As Rachel says, it’s a place “to remember what [it] feels like to let your imagination run free” – a bit of Oz tucked away in modern-day Los Angeles.

The post This Vintage Wagon-Turned-Tiny Home Brings the Magic of Oz to LA first appeared on Dornob.

So what would happen if some of the most iconic rooms from Studio Ghibli films were reimagined as actual, real-life living spaces?

HouseholdQuotes recently took interior design imaginings to the next level with their renderings of popular Studio Ghibli settings: the perfect inspo for anyone looking to reimagine their living space with an eye for the dreamy and distinctive aesthetic Miyazaki is known for.

Arrietty’s Bedroom (The Secret World of Arrietty)

This eclectic mix of vintage furniture and lush plant life makes for the perfect recreation of Arrietty’s bedroom. Magical, homey, and oh so comfy, this room would be an ideal haven for anyone looking to redesign a cozy space like a bedroom or study.

Get inspired: This colorful vintage quilt from Etsy would be the perfect centerpiece for your Arrietty-inspired room.

Zeniba’s Kitchen (Spirited Away)

A Miyazaki classic, Spirited Away is a fantastical tale of a young girl who enters the world of kami (Shinto Japanese spirits). Zeniba is a central character in the film. Represented as a sweet little granny, her kitchen is the perfect representation of a warm, inviting, and eclectic cookspace. HouseholdQuotes depicts this room perfectly by focusing on its charming mix of rustic touches and warm intimacy.

Get inspired: This hanging mini pendant light from Home Depot adds character to any kitchen, and its colors perfectly echo the unique character of Zeniba’s kitchen.

Howl’s Bathroom (Howl’s Moving Castle)

Howl’s Moving Castle is a wonderland of surreal architecture and distinctively imaginative design inspiration. In the film, Howl’s bathroom is a vision of vintage fixtures and explosive color, and the design by HouseholdQuotes echoes that steampunk-like aesthetic perfectly.

Get inspired: This antique copper faucet would add a hint of Howl’s steampunk-y look to any bathroom.

Anna’s Bedroom (When Marnie Was There)

Anna visits the home of her relatives but finds more than she bargained for when she meets a mysterious neighbor. The light, breezy guest room where she stays is accented with vibrant hues of green and is evocative of the iconic lo-fi study girl. By combining an open canopy bed with warm wood and tones of muted green, this HouseHoldQuotes interpretation captures the dreamy nostalgia of Miyazaki’s vision perfectly.

Get inspired: This cilantro-colored throw pillow from Crate & Barrel adds a forest-y pop of color to any room in the house.

The Cat Bureau (The Cat Returns)

When Haru faces the prospect of an arranged marriage with a cat she, must visit The Cat Bureau for help. The furniture in this scene is cat-sized and cozy, with a lovely bureau and symmetrical design that creates an office that’s both ordered and inviting.

Get inspired: This Victorian bookcase is the perfect example of classic architecture that’s elevated through little details like claw feet. Made of mahogany, this wooden shelf would look perfectly at home in any sitting room.

Get inspired with these Studio Ghibli-influenced rooms that perfectly reflect the fantastical and imaginative world of Hayao Miyazaki. From distinctive details to surreal touches, all five designs will make you want to add a bit of magic to your everyday surroundings.

The post Get Inspired With These Studio Ghibli-Influenced Room Designs first appeared on Dornob.

There’s a lot to love about quintessential “French Girl” style. As demonstrated by stylish models and influencers like Jeanne Damas (pictured here in her kitchen), Louise Follain, Eleonore Toulin, and Aude-Julie, this laid-back approach to fashion, beauty, and interior design is confidently casual, perfectly imperfect, and effortlessly chic. It’s all about embracing the small joys of everyday life without trying too hard. It’s also clearly distinguished from the kind of traditional mass market “French Country” decor style that’s popular with many Americans, which can oftentimes come off as just a little too fussy.

Freshness First

Extending the French Girl philosophy into the kitchen means being smart with storage in a small space and centering absolutely everything upon fresh-from-the-market food and drinks. If you live like a fashionable Parisian, you’re walking to the boulangerie every day for bread and keeping plenty of fresh produce, cheese, and wine on hand for last-minute entertaining.

That means you’re going to want some bowls and baskets for your fruit, vegetables, and baguettes to place on your kitchen table, counters, shelves, or even hang from the walls, as seen here in an image by Heather Bullard. An iconic woven straw market tote like Milk Street’s Casablanca does triple duty as storage, grocery transport, and even an everyday handbag (á la the original Birkin bag).

Fresh flowers, herbs, and plants are just as important as edibles. Toss together a carefree bouquet with a little bit of lavender and wild greenery and stick it in a vase, changing it out every few days. Let your plants grow long and trailing, tucking the vines around your eclectic wall decor. And speaking of walls, you’ll want to take advantage of your wall and ceiling space as much as possible with pot racks, hanging baskets, peg boards, and open shelving.

Vintage Finds

Who needs matching sets of dishes, kitchen towels, or anything at all, really? It’s way more fun to purchase unique objects as you find them, whether handmade by artisans at local craft stalls or at the thrift store. Mix-and-match style captures that French Girl sense of rock and roll recklessness, like serving your crudités on fine china and flea market saucers at the same time.

When shopping for just the right objects to incorporate into your decor, look for items that stand the test of time. Quality is definitely more important than quantity, and you want objects that are just as functional as they are stylish. Some things to look out for include linens in crisp white or fun prints, handmade ceramics, candlesticks, rustic wood with lots of character, copper pots and pans, and whatever else will look good on all that open shelving. Check out Lou Doillon’s kitchen in this image, captured by Garance Doré, for inspiration.

Classic French Favorites

Just like the Breton striped shirt and beret, some French items might seem stereotypical, but they’re iconic for a reason. That includes Le Creuset cookware, which will last at least a lifetime and is made to be seen, as well as the classic bistro chair and tulip table, which are perfect for slotting into tight spaces. Rejuvenation’s Grove Marble table is a great example, but you can find these all over the place at lower prices, too.

The post 3 Ways to Extend Effortlessly Chic French Girl Style into Your Kitchen first appeared on Dornob.

Slow furniture is different. It’s the kind of solid furniture your mom or grandma had, that dining room table you ate dinner on, that sofa that felt like a hug and is still there for your kids, and that bedroom set handed down through generations of your family.

There’s no argument that slow furniture typically costs more, but it’s an investment that will last a lifetime, and something that will reflect the whole of your values. Consider these benefits before organizing your Allen wrenches and ordering furniture in a flat box.

Take Your Time

You don’t really need a home full of new furniture tomorrow, do you? Gather a few hand-me-downs from family and friends while you shop for something with character that will probably last longer than you do. It’s like building a wardrobe or stocking a pantry: one item at a time. And be picky! Look at all the styles that have come and gone over the past few decades and find a few that tickle your fancy. Remember that mixing and matching styles from different eras is chic.

Consider the Value

A $60 coffee table designed and mass-produced in Sweden will lose at least half its value in six months or less, which is about the same amount of time it’ll take you to get sick of its angles and boring color. On the other hand, if you buy a vintage table made from real wood for $120, it will only ever increase in value as long as you take care of it. Better yet, you won’t see the same table in all your friends’ homes.

It’s Not Used, It’s Vintage

Just like pictures, every piece of pre-owned furniture tells a story. If the previous owner of your slow furniture piece doesn’t have one, make one up based on its condition, dents and nicks, label, and where it came from (i.e., an estate sale, a second-hand store, your uncle, etc). Nothing beats furniture with character.

Choose Multi-Use Pieces

A chest of drawers can be used in any room, not just a bedroom. It can be added cabinet space in a kitchen, a storage unit with a top shelf to display pictures and knickknacks in the living room, or a place to stow fresh linens and personal grooming products in the bathroom. Best of all, it can fulfill all those needs at different points in your life.

Shop Local, Artisan, and Fair Trade

If you choose to buy a new piece of slow furniture, you should at least make sure you’re supporting your local woodworkers and boosting your neighborhood economy. Be sure to check the sustainability of the wood, too, so you’re not accidentally devastating a forest somewhere on the other side of the globe.

Finally, Be Careful

While wood furniture is usually a safe bet, beware of upholstered furniture that may be infested with bedbugs or other pests. Even if you plan to reupholster it, you still need to know what’s lurking under the stuffing or padding.

The post Slow Furniture: 6 Reasons It’s Better For You And Your Future first appeared on Dornob.

Modern design increasingly combines a variety of elements traditionally associated with different eras. The hugely popular shabby chic, also known as French Country decor, is no exception. While you may recognize some elements offered by popular TV shows and Pinterest, shabby chic effectively captures and combines tidbits from hundreds of years of design.

Features

Identifying shabby chic means looking for a range of characteristics. Above all else, it’s an interior design style that leans into vintage furniture and furnishings. Antique lighting, rustic accents, and distressed finishes all apply here. In a bit of contrast, ornate carvings in the Baroque style also find their way into the mix. Even reflective metallic pieces have their place.

Shabby chic also includes feminine touches like lace, historically associated with Victorian or country design. The color palette is soft, feminine, and neutral. Natural fibers and even live plants also soften the edges of other statement pieces.

Given the vast array of features this style marries together, it’s no wonder shabby chic is hard to define in a few words. For that reason alone, you’ll find it best to focus on carefully-selected mismatched items that represent different eras.

History

Of course, individual elements of French country have come and gone, each passing through as a popular trend before being combined and defined as “shabby chic” by London-born stylist Rachel Ashwell. It’s been a few decades since she first fell into the style – mostly a result of getting couch covers to help deal with the realities of life with young children. From there, she drew the attention of friends with her seemingly eclectic choices, and realized there was a widespread interest in both antiques and newer furniture weathered to look old. Soon after that, she launched a flagship store stocked with flea market finds, and she’s since expanded into several stores across the United States under her brand, Shabby Chic Couture.

Wide Appeal

Shabby chic is an interior design style that appeals to the masses for a variety of reasons. Not only does it invite the opportunity to mix and match family heirlooms with quilts, a stainless steel tea set, and ornate mirrors, but it’s also a way of expressing a love of nature. In fact, French Country speaks to love of all kinds. It’s even become a popular wedding theme in recnet years, as evidenced by the increased use of mason jar lighting, chalkboard art, and distressed picture frames.

It’s also an evolving style that allows for easy updates. Unlike a full-scale transition from distinctly-defined industrial to cottagecore or rustic to midcentury modern, making changes within the shabby chic realm allows you to just swap out an item or two for a fresh look, no major overhaul required.

Another standout characteristic of French country is the fact that it’s easy on the wallet. Many interior design enthusiasts rely on a combination of their own DIY skills and budget-friendly thrift shops to make their shabby chic dreams come true.

Overall, the appeal of shabby chic is that it has something for everyone. Starting with a neutral base, it layers in the texture of heavy wood, eye-catching curved designs, engraved leaves and other tidbits of nature, and even a touch of floral from the boho realm for endless aesthetic possibilities ranging from Farmhouse to aristocratic. From whimsical furniture and fabric combinations to elements that send you back to the warmth of your great grandmother’s home, French Country signifies everything that marries touch of glamour with good old-fashioned rustic appeal.

The post French Country: the Not-So-Shabby Decor Style You Might Be Looking For first appeared on Dornob.

It wasn’t so long ago that our photo albums and scrapbooks held design inspo in the form of ripped newspaper clippings and magazine articles. Then of course came the black hole known as Pinterest, where virtually every type of interior design is pinned, shared, and talked about several times over in a matter of seconds.

More recently, Budget Direct Home Insurance was curious about the connection between the famed social media platform and its association with popular interior design influencers around the globe. Naturally, they put their best data scientists to the task of finding out who were the most pinned designers and design styles.

The technique used in gathering this information was quite hands-on. The team first scoured major design sites like Housebeautiful.com, Elledecor.com, and Indesignlive.com. They also reviewed regional design sites in order to generate a well-rounded list of talked-about and referred-to interior design professionals. With those names in hand, they then went about combing through millions of pins until they identified the top 10 designers with the most pins on boards created by fans.

Following that task, the team did the same thing to pinpoint the top DIY decor trends right now. Budget Direct Home Insurance’s goal here was to discover who and what are inspiring homeowners during this period of increased home renovation. Now, the results are finally in:

The most-pinned interior designer in the world is Joanna Gaines (USA), with 238,163 pins. The entire world. Of course, it’s not too surprising if you’ve ever flipped between TV channels or perused a magazine cover at the grocery store. Joanna is everywhere, and her style is definitely inviting.

Thomas O’Brien came in second in the U.S. with nearly 169,000 pins. Nate Berkus was right behind with 163,086, and Michael Taylor garnered another 151,132. Tony Duquette (100,563), Kelly Wearstler (90,472), Billy Baldwin (84,945), Dorothy Draper (72,991), Alex Vervoodrt (69,416), and Jonathan Adler (60,118) were next in the United States line-up.

Outside the USA, the most-pinned interior designer is Axel Vervoordt (Belgium), with 69,416 pins. In the UK, Zaha Hadid is popular with 57,168 pins, and Australia’s most-pinned designer is Greg Natale (11,985 pins).

Moving to the most popular interior trends according to Pinterest users, it appears that what is old is new again, with vintage amassing a whopping 2,665,779 pins. Representing global interests, Indian style claimed 2,138,964 pins. Arts & Crafts style is always popular and rests in the third place spot with 2,034,783, followed by modern style with 1,761,556 pins (a narrow lead over English style’s 1,760,669).

The next most-pinned interior design styles include country, cottage, French, farmhouse, and shabby chic, in that order.

While interior design is primarily a matter of personal preference, there’s no denying the influence of strong visual cues. With sites like Pinterest driving the opportunity for quick decor ideas unlike ever before, it’s easy to see how any trend could quickly spread regionally and internationally these days. And let’s be honest: it’s much easier to find and pin ideas than it ever was to maintain that scrapbook.

The post The World’s Top Interior Design Trends and Stylists, According to Pinterest first appeared on Dornob.

If you love all things vintage, chances are high you’ve dreamed of restoring the old appliances you’ve spotted at yard sales and antique stores before. But if you aren’t particularly handy, getting (and keeping) these items in working condition might seem beyond your skillset. The good news is that the older an appliance is, the easier it probably is to repair. On top of that, many of them might already be ready to plug in and use, even if you do need to give them a good cleaning first.

Without further ado, here are some tips for buying, repairing, and maintaining vintage kitchen items and appliances.

Shopping for Vintage Items

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On the r/BuyItForLife subReddit, users post examples of durable, quality products that are made to last, including a whole lot of kitchen appliances. Browse the many threads posted by the subReddit’s 822,000 members, and you’ll find great recommendations for specific products and brands that are still going strong after 30, 50, 70, or even 100 years. This is a great starting point for shopping, whether you’re going for an antique farmhouse vibe or splashy “atomic” midcentury style.

With some patience and determination, you can probably find great vintage and antique kitchen items at thrift stores, flea markets, vintage malls, and online on sites like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. If you can’t find a brand name but like the look of a find, look at the details to make sure it’s an original rather than a knock-off. Things like real wood, dovetail joints, and obvious patina let you know it’s probably true vintage, and you should probably pass on anything that looks shoddy or feels cheap in your hands.

Here are some of Buy it for Life’s top recommendations:

MagicChef Stove

You can still find these classic 50 to 100-year-old stoves all over the United States. Some are gas powered, while others are wood-burning. Other recommended brands include Garland, Hot Point, and Gaffers & Sattler. Best of all, models made in the 1970s or earlier are likely to have simple replaceable or repairable components.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Still considered a necessity for any wedding registry all these years later, the classic KitchenAid stand mixer is a workhorse built tough enough to withstand daily use for decades on end. If you want, you can follow u/will3675’s lead and give yours an update with some fresh grease and a new coat of paint.

Pyrex Percolator Coffee Makers

Stovetop percolators like this stunning 1960s David Douglas model will never let you down. In fact, true vintage Pyrex of any sort, including dishes, are virtually indestructible and still widely available secondhand. If you prefer something a little more contemporary, Bunn plug-in drip coffee machines from the 70s and 80s get good marks, too.

Sunbeam Toaster

These old Sunbeam toasters are cute, easy to find, and extremely reliable. They lower your bread slices automatically after you drop them in and still offer a dial to fine-tune your preferred level of toasting.

Refrigerators

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One thing you might want to avoid buying vintage is your refrigerator. Not only are older models inefficient, but their door latches are also generally considered unsafe due to the risk of kids trapping themselves inside. If you really want a vintage-style fridge, there are lots of new models available in cute era-appropriate colors, including the Chambers Fun Fridge at Lowe’s, the Classic Retro 22” Energy Star Refrigerator at Wayfair, and virtually anything made by Smeg.

Repairing and Maintaining Vintage Appliances

When you can, ask the shop to plug in the item in question to see if it works. If it doesn’t, inspect it for obvious problems like signs of electrical meltdowns and excessive rust (in which case you should always pass). Electrical cords and heating elements, however, can often be replaced easily as a DIY project.

Many items have been sitting in storage for years and will need to be deep-cleaned and/or degreased. If the prospect of disassembling an item like an old stove is beyond what you’re willing to do yourself, see if an appliance repair shop near you has experience with vintage and antique items. With gas appliances, it’s also essential to have them tested for safety before installation. And when it comes to anything you’ll be eating or drinking out of, make sure to do your research before use. Some older items like teapots can contain hazardous substances, including heavy metals that can leach into your food and make you sick.

Top image via Elle Decor

The post How to Find, Repair, and Maintain Vintage Kitchen Items and Appliances first appeared on Dornob.

Hot tip: if trick or treating the usual way doesn’t feel quite right this year, consider putting a bell in your yard and shooting pre-bagged candy out to tiny goblins, ghouls, and witches through a painted PVC pipe or slide of some sort. You’ll still get the pleasure of seeing all the costumes while remaining 12 or more feet away.

Vintage Metal Luminaries at Oriental Trading

Love the look of luminaries but afraid of truly terrifying fire hazards? Oriental Trading has a set of three flameless metal luminaries with cut-outs that read “ENTER IF YOU DARE” when placed side-by-side. Just add your own battery-powered flameless candles for a safe but spooky flickering effect that’s perfect for the yard.

AtmosFX Ghostly Apparitions Digital Decor

Connect this AtmosFX “Ghostly Apparitions” DVD to your projector and aim it at your front windows to create a ghostly display of awesomely realistic-looking specters. If you’re a fan of Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” ride, this will give you a similar effect, albeit a bit scarier. If you don’t feel like spending money on the DVD, there are also some free loop-able options on YouTube.

Witchy Decor at World Market

Going for a witchy effect? This affordable trio from World Market would look great on a black lace-covered table on your porch. The items include a set of two “Mystic Halloween Hands,” an iridescent light-up LED crystal ball, and a black and natural spider web coir doormat.

Vintage Paper Decor by Beistle

If vintage-style Halloween is more your speed, check out the Beistle Vintage Halloween store on Amazon, which is stocked with adorable classic designs of black cats, witches, moons, jack o’lanterns, and more. Everything is highly affordable, ranging from $6 to $18, and since they’re all flat-packed paper, they’re super easy to store. Best of all, since a lot of them have Amazon’s Prime shipping, even procrastinators can get them in time for the holiday.

Dragon-Themed Yard Displays from Grandin Road

If you’re a Halloween overachiever looking for some dramatic outdoor decorations and still aren’t over Game of Thrones, Grandin Road has some pretty cool yard displays. The six-foot-tall “Animated Dark Night Dragon” turns its head, flaps its wings, and roars when motion-activated, while its eyes glow a steady yellow. The dragon tail, which comes in three pieces, will achieve an especially cool effect in a shallow pool of water or on fluffy cloud-like snow.

Spine-Tingling Styrofoam Tombstones at Spirit Halloween

Head to your nearest hair-raising abandoned big-box store (aka Spirit Halloween) for all the last-minute decorations you can handle, including loads of lightweight styrofoam tombstones perfect for digging your own personal front yard cemetery. These ones include the grave of Michael Myers, a light-up ghost, a classic R.I.P. cross, and a 3.5-foot-tall gargoyle.

Cool Creepy Lighting from Amazon

No Halloween decor is complete without some spooky atmospheric lighting. Try a shimmering “water wave” style light projector on the red or green setting for an animated effect, or replace some of your indoor and outdoor light bulbs with candle-like LED flame bulbs.

The post Make Halloween 2020 Splendidly Scary With These Decor Ideas first appeared on Dornob.

So What the Heck is Cottagecore, Exactly?

In a March feature in The New York Times, 18-year-old enthusiast Emily Kellum called cottagecore “like Animal Crossing, but in real life.” Think Taylor Swift, verdant meadows, baskets full of foraged mushrooms and flowers, cozy sweaters, well-worn books, the smell of homemade apple pie baking in the oven… basically, everything you’d find in or near an idyllic cottage inhabited by wholesome TikTok-loving youth.

In large part, the cottagecore trend is a backlash against the chaos and complications of modern life, tinged with nostalgia for an idealized past that never really existed. Many of the teens and early-twenty-somethings who love cottagecore grew up with the internet and smartphones as a fact of life. Their #cottagecore posts on social media yearn for a time before these distractions while simultaneously making ample use of them. Cottagecore isn’t necessarily advocating for a Luddite mentality, but rather finding small, comfortable ways to escape all the hubbub.

Crucially, it’s also imagining this idealized way of life as all-inclusive, rejecting the traditional gender roles, homophobia, transphobia, and racism that ran rampant during actual historic times of so-called “simple living.” All this is to say it’s more than just an aesthetic; it’s a mentality. Cottagecore is usually associated with fashion, but extends to home decor, too, embracing faded floral prints, gingham patterns, natural materials, dainty vintage items like doilies and teacups, thrifted finds, botanical motifs, and found objects.

How to Pull Off Cottagecore Decor in Your Home

With cottagecore as your goal, everything you place in your home should add to the sense that you’re an elf living in a small enchanted house at the edge of the woods. Put some dried flowers in an empty olive oil tin. Mix and match your patterns with wild abandon. Plant some herbs in old broken teapots. Embrace the cutesy 1970s plates you found at Goodwill. Let the white paint peel off your furniture. You don’t need much of a budget to achieve the look and ambiance, just some creativity and a good eye.

Cottagecore definitely isn’t minimalist. You want your home to feel comfortable, cozy, lived-in, and well loved, not brand new or like a spread you’d find in a catalog. Layer things that bring you comfort and that you actually use. If you’re not sure where to start, there’s lots of great stuff tagged “cottagecore” on Etsy, including mystery gift boxes of natural curiosities, art prints, vintage dishes, upcycled teapot wind chimes, tiny terrariums, and just about anything with a mushroom on it.

If you have an elderly relative with trunks of old linens and other treasures they’d allow you to raid, even better. A lot of people tend to keep their frilly tablecloths, dainty floral dishes, and elaborate place settings closed up in a cupboard for months (if not years) on end, saving them for a “special occasion.” But they’re perfect for this aesthetic, and will add a sense of personal history to the little cottagecore scenes you create.

The post Unpacking the “Cottagecore” Home Decor Trend first appeared on Dornob.

Fictional Map Wall Art

Green-screen Zoom backdrops are so passé, so why not add a personalized touch to your meetings with a poster or map from your favorite movie or book in the background? Many come in various pre-cut sizes, are available custom-cut, and include materials and tools for easy framing.

Logitech C270 Webcam

For the most professional presentations anywhere, you’ll find that this reasonably-priced webcam from Logitech is ideal. The high-definition 30-fps camera self-adjusts to lighting conditions and boasts a noise-reducing mic that cuts out background sounds.

Logitech H390 USB Computer Headset

This comfortable headset not only enhances sound and speaking quality, but it also lets you easily mute the mic or adjust the volume with a handy in-line audio control button. No outside noises are audible with this bad boy on, even if you’re munching on snacks during your meeting.

Logitech C920 Pro HD Webcam

Avid Zoomers love this webcam model, which includes a 78-degree field of view and a 1080p HD picture, so your images are always crisp and clear. Combine that with mics on either side and a frame rate of 60fps, and you’ve practically got yourself a professional camera.

Memory-Foam Lumbar Support Pillow

Sitting for hours at a time can have devastating effects on your body. Zoom in comfort by lining your work chair with a memory-foam lumbar support pillow. Ergonomically constructed, it improves your posture and decreases pressure on your tailbone. For extra comfort, add an extra seat cushion to your chair, too.

Saicoo LED Lamp

If want to look your best for your Zoom meetings every time, it’s important to understand that lighting is everything. This LED lamp makes you look great in a flash: simply adjust its touch-receptive panel to control brightness and color temperature. No need to worry about a low laptop battery, either, since this lamp features a built-in charging port.

Shure MVS Digital Condenser Mic

This digital condenser microphone guarantees flawless sound, and its versatile USB and iOS connectivity let you link it to all kinds of electronic devices. Best of all, an accompanying app makes sharing, recording, and editing a total breeze.

TIJN Blue Light Glasses

Hours of Zooming will inevitably take its toll on your eyes before long. These blue light glasses keep them looking fresh and reduce stress, redness, and irritation by blocking 100 percent of harmful UV rays. Plus, the lightweight frames ensure hours of comfort.

UBeesize Phone Tripod

Nothing works better to keep your Zoom presentation focused like a sturdy tripod with rubber-coated bendable legs and non-stick feet. Even better, this stand comes with a handy remote control for your phone that works as far away as 30 feet.

UBeesize Ring Light With Tripod Stand

If you really feel like optimizing your images, consider splurging on the UBeesize combination ring light and tripod. It includes warm light, daylight, and cool light rings, each of which includes a whopping 11 levels of brightness. An added perk is a remote control that lets you turn on your camera from a distance with your smartphone.

Classic Travel Posters

Add a touch of esteem and cultural savvy to your Zoom profile with vintage travel posters. Choose a favorite vacation spot, a great shot of your hometown, or a dream destination from your bucket list. Keep people wondering by changing them every few months.

The post 11 Items Sure to Make Your Zoom Meetings Better first appeared on Dornob.

Envisioned by designer Marie-Lise Féry and brought to life by Venini, “Balloon” blends a little bit of decadent French cabaret style with the timeless look of mouth-blown glass. Each pendant lamp is fitted with an energy-efficient LED bulb and features a fluted shape, with either a brass or nickel base in polished or brushed finish. The two designs include the swirling “Canne” and the flower-bud-like “Spirale.”

“Tasty, playful, and wonderful, the new Balloon collection by Magic Circus Éditions defies gravity with haute-couture, weightless designs,” states a press release on the collection. “Are they giant beehives or helium-filled balloons from our childhood memories? This is the elegant fantasy world suggested by these mouth-blown creations featuring colorful and warped motifs crafted with exquisite fineness.”

“The fourth collection by Magic Circus Éditions was made possible by the brand’s alliance with Venini glassworks. Widely recognized as one of the greatest representatives of Murano glass artistry since it was founded in 1921, the company has lent the talents of its glassworkers to some of the most prominent names in art and design, from Ettore Sottsass to Tadao Ando.”

Coming in various shades of vivid red, cobalt blue, sunny yellow, and a range of pastels, the swirling stripes of the lamps really do evoke a vintage circus aesthetic and cute little wrapped candies all at once. Best of all, they’re sculptural and undeniably fun — a characteristic the modern design world could certainly use a bit more of. They don’t come cheap, though. you can find them for upwards of €5,000 each at fine lighting retailers like Eames.

Magic Circus Éditions founder Féry approached the project with a sense of humor, aiming to bring a little bit of fantasy into the world of high-end lighting. The designer’s approach to her work is to “use light to tell stories,” offering a new take to shift perspectives of what lighting can look like and achieve. Calling herself “a free-spirited antiquarian,” Féry is known for blending modern and retro elements for pieces that feel fresh and unique.

Venini was founded in 1921 by Milanese lawyer Paolo Venini, Venetian antiquarian Giacamo Cappellin, and Venetian artist Vittorio Zecchin, establishing a stylistic identity that embraces the avant-garde while mastering glassmaking techniques with the help of Venice’s most talented artisans. The brand shot to fame with its iconic “Veronese” vase, which remains its best-known work to to this day, and has been elevating the profile of Venetian glass around the world for nearly a century since.

The brand’s website explains that “countless artists have collaborated with VENINI, past and present. They’ve come from all over the planet to meet the mysterious charm of the fornace (kiln). Each encounter gives life to a cross-contamination between artisanship, Murano’s glassmaking heritage, avant-garde design, and the purest form of creativity. An endless adventure that embodies the identity of VENINI.”

The post Magic Circus Éditions Launches Sculptural “Balloon” Lighting Pendants first appeared on Dornob.

But not all fiery red sports cars are the same. Back in 1967, Toyota was best known for affordable, low-brow cars for levelheaded drivers on a budget. The big boys on the block were Corvette, Jaguar, and Corvette, and it was unthinkable that a brand like Toyota would even consider competing. But legendary designer Raymond Loewy had different ideas.

The Toyota Surprise

In 1967, ten years before anyone had heard of a Toyota Supra, Toyota quietly created the 2000GT. It was the company’s first-ever attempt at building a high-performance vehicle. Loewy originally approached Nissan with his idea for a hot ground-hugging model, but when they turned him down, he immediately pitched the concept to Toyota, who welcomed the opportunity with no reservations.

Along with Yamaha, Toyota built 351 units. The Solar Red sports car, an unheralded classic, was sold worldwide, with only 62 ending up in the US.

Elegance Epitomized

The 2000GT — this particular one with chassis number MF10-10100 and body number 1090 — exemplifies what a sports car must be. Loewy kept the exterior simple yet elegant and timeless in a legendary, unforgettable hue.

The style and grace extend to the car’s interior, too. A dazzling rosewood dash and wood rim steering wheel perfectly complement the lush black leather seats, dashboard, and console. Under the hood, an inline-six partners with a five-speed manual transmission to deliver 150-horsepower capability. Compared with today’s power options, it pales, but it still has enough juice for an exhilarating ride.

A Brief History

According to renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s, this esteemed 2000GT was owned for more than 30 years by famed American racecar driver Otto Linton. Since the decision to sell it was made, it’s been scrupulously restored by distinguished specialists Maine Line Exotics, who took exceptional measures to ensure its striking Solar Red paint job looked every bit as faultless as it did in the 60s.

On the Block

Although this red gem only has a $7,000 price tag, it’s likely to bring a much, much higher price at auction. In fact, many automotive authorities believe the 2000GT is quite possibly the most noteworthy Japanese automobile ever created. It’s scheduled to go on the block, without reserve, on May 1st and 2nd in Elkhart, Indiana as part of RM Sotheby’s two-day Elkhart Collection event. Keep in mind that most 2000GTs sold in recent years have fetched more than $500,000 each, including a yellow one in 2013 that brought in a winning bid of $1.15 million.

In addition to the Solar Red 2000GT, other noteworthy cars for sale at the same auction include a 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Cabriolet, 2006 Ford GT Heritage, and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

The post Iconic 1967 2000GT May Sell for More Than Any Toyota in History first appeared on Dornob.

Your dining room isn’t just a space for eating. It’s where you come together with family and friends, sharing meals and conversation. Here are some dining room design tips that will help you make your space feel cozy, welcoming, and reflective of who you are.

Consider What You’ll Use It for Most

That sounds obvious — dining, of course. But how many people will you need to seat on a daily basis? Do you intend to have dinner parties? Does it need to be kid-friendly? These considerations will influence the size and shape of your dining table, the number of chairs, the materials you choose, and whether you’ll need to leave room for a table-expanding leaf or two. But even if the space will be full of food-slinging children 90 percent of the time, you don’t have to be resigned to utilitarianism. There are plenty of stylish objects and surfaces that can easily be wiped with a sponge as needed.

Find Your Style

Image courtesy of Design Milk

Browse design magazines or Pinterest for dining rooms you love, and identify any common features they might share. Perhaps there’s a lot of wood, bright white gallery-like walls, natural materials, eye-catching rugs, or plentiful plants in all of them. This will help you get a sense of what to look for when you shop, and what looks good together. And don’t forget to select a few interesting patterns or textures to help anchor the design, like some bold marble, artsy wallpaper, or velvety upholstery.

Design to the Scale of the Room

Image courtesy of Elle Decor

Grand, overly ornate and oversized objects just look weird in a small room, and vice versa. You’ll want to consider factors like the size, shape, ceiling height, existing materials, and amount of natural lighting in your dining room and find tables, chairs, hutches, rugs, and other elements that will have a substantial presence without crowding it.

Set the Mood

Image courtesy of StudioIlse

A dining room can be dark and dramatic, bright and cheerful, romantic and elegant, or casual and rustic, along with any number of other descriptors. The key is to create a natural transition between this area and the rest of your living space, especially if it’s all within one big room. Carry in some of the same colors, textures, and materials while adding elements that define it as its own space, like a slightly different (but complementary) color scheme. A slightly different mood from your living room is what will really give your dining area its own magnetic pull.

Buy Your Furniture First

Image courtesy of Corcoran

It’s much easier to find the perfect paint colors to complement that perfect vintage dining set you snagged than it is to find furniture that matches your paint. Get your dream furniture into the room first and test samples of paint on the wall before you commit to see which ones work best.

Add Some Creative Lighting

Image courtesy of home-designing

Low-hanging lamps are ideal for most dining spaces because they provide enough light to see your food while creating an intimate atmosphere, but don’t discount the possibility of a good swing-arm lamp, table lamps on a nearby sideboard, or a floor lamp tucked into a corner. Lighting is an opportunity to add a bit of sculptural flair and create a focal point, after all, so consider looking for interesting shapes, slightly oversized proportions, metallic surfaces, or bright pops of color.

Personalize It

Image courtesy of AprillAprill

Interior design is always more fun and impressive when it feels like it has your own personal stamp on it. Don’t be afraid to hang art you love, install a shelf for some of your most-loved souvenirs, or introduce other elements that feel distinctly you. It’s easy to get hung up on ideas of what a designer space looks like and lean too far in the generic, forgettable direction.

Main image courtesy of Boho Beach Bungalow

The post How to Design a Dining Room That’s Uniquely You first appeared on Dornob.

New York City-based architecture and design firm Stonehill Taylor aims to bring that feeling back at the TWA Hotel. The only in-airport hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the TWA makes use of the head house of the TWA Flight Center airline terminal, designed in 1962 by renowned architect Eero Saarinen. The terminal was preciously declared a city landmark in 1994, which protected it from demolition even as other parts of the airport were knocked down and renovated around it.

The building itself already had the iconic look of air travel from yesteryear. Stonehill Taylor was brought in to infuse the guest rooms, Sunken Lounge, Connie cocktail lounge, and other public spaces with that same flair, simultaneously updating them for modern sensibilities. The design team took inspiration from the year 1962, the first time an American was able to circle the Earth and a time when aviation was “the promise of the future” signifying the beginning of a new era.

Outfitted in period-appropriate furnishings, the guest rooms enjoy views of the tarmac. There’s definitely something Mad Men about them, but you’re not entering a time warp. The vintage details that accent each space feel tasteful rather than forced, and the inclusion of TWA-branded toiletries in the bathrooms is fun.

But the standout is definitely the cocktail lounge set in the vintage Lockheed Constellation “Connie” L-1649A Starliner, which features refurbished vintage airplane seats in cherry red, banquette seating, and what the architects describe as a “reveal moment,” when guests can see the plane’s original interior frame encased in glass. The cockpit is also visible, restored with authentic controls and switches.

The firm explains that “by offering a modern refuge with a thoughtful, strong sense of design and space, the rooms are meant to make guests feel the same appreciation and excitement for aviation that travelers once felt during the rise of the industry.”

“Set back on either side of Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center, two newly built wings designed by architects Beyer Blinder Belle and Lubrano Ciavarra house the 512 guest rooms. Sixties-inspired elements include select Saarinen-designed Knoll furnishings, a martini bar, a vintage rotary phone, and gleaming terrazzo tiles in the bathroom with Hollywood-style vanities. The rooms have a crisp white palette accented with warm walnut elements and brushed brass.”

They add that “custom furnishings and lighting, like the wood trim, which follows along the ceiling edge and softly illuminates the room, [reference] midcentury design. In many of the rooms, beds are positioned to let guests enjoy the exciting rhythm of the runway or the glory of Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center.”

The TWA Hotel officially opened in May 2019, and rates are quite reasonable, currently running between $160 and $200 per night.

The post Stonehill Taylor Designs Retro Air Travel-Inspired Interiors for the TWA Hotel first appeared on Dornob.