Decatur, GA March 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TREE SERVICE.

Tree Care Tips

• Check for Hazardous Trees: Winter storms can bring down weak trees or limbs. Inspect for dead branches, leaning trunks, or decay. Call an arborist if unsure.

• Prune for Safety & Health: Late winter pruning strengthens trees and prevents disease. Remove weak or overgrown branches to promote healthy spring growth.

• Mulch & Protect Roots: Add mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion.

• Plan for Spring Planting: Now is the time to choose native trees and schedule early spring planting for the best start.

• Watch for Pests & Disease: Even in winter, pests and fungal infections can threaten trees. Look for holes, sap oozing, or discolored leaves. Early action can save a tree!

Welcome to the Home Issue

March is our Home issue, though not in the way you might expect.

When we talk about home, we are not just talking about houses, gardens, or front doors. Home is the word we come back to when we are trying to describe how a place makes us feel. This issue invites us to widen that meaning.

For many of us in Decatur, home is not simply the place we unlock at night. It is the familiar drive past downtown. The route we walk without thinking. The sound of music floating through warm evenings. It is knowing where to sit, who you might run into, and that you belong before you even realize.

Read on page 30 about the colors, fabrics and textures that can bring your home to life in interesting ways to create boldness.

We feature stunning designs from Warner McConaughey of HammerSmith Inc. in our The Jewel Box of the Home where these concepts play on the imagination on every way.

Restoration in the home, backyard paradises, kitchen centerpiece tables and our very own furniture crawl are just a few of the stories we have crafted for you this month from around our town.

At the end of the day, home is family, community, and connection. As we look toward 2026, we would love to hear from you about the businesses and best-inclass services that make life here better. These are the stories we want to tell. They are, in every way, the stories of home.

From our home to yours,

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Lan Pham | lan.pham@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Albright Photography julie.albright@albrightphotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caroline Ficken, Kim Costa

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Foxtail Coffee is welcomed to Decatur with their celebratory ribbon-cutting. 2: DHS Culinary Arts earns ACF and GaDOE certification—congrats Chefs Fowler and Blair! 3: The City of Decatur launches its podcast, Decatur Minute Live. 4: Fork & Vine Social is officially open on College Ave! 5: The City of Decatur is proud to host international consulates at The Marlay ahead of Decatur WatchFest26. 6: DHS Swim dominates counties and dives into State next! 7: Cheers to Kimball House cocktail recipe developer, Miles Macquarrie, on his James Beard nomination.

Sati Yoga & Wellness is Atlanta’s home for non-heated mindful movement. Located in the heart of Kirkwood, our mission is to provide deep, trauma-informed practices aimed to restore and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. With inclusive staff and a wide variety of rest and meditation practices, we are home for people that are interested in turning inward.

www.satiyogawellness.com V @satiyogaatl | (404) 907-4279 1996 Hosea L Williams Dr, NE 30317

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Rolling Reading Room

Want to take your event to the next level? The Reading Room has you covered. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or backyard soiree, we'll bring all your favorite Reading Room drinks straight to you. Our experienced bartenders and baristas serve up everything from signature cocktails and wine to specialty coffee and pastries—all crafted to match your occasion. Visit thereadingroomatl.com/mobile-bar to learn more!

Garden Club of America honors Atlanta's Mary Pat Matheson with National Award

The Garden Club of America has awarded its prestigious Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal to Mary Pat Matheson, Atlanta Botanical Garden's President & CEO. The medal recognizes outstanding civic achievement and visionary leadership in public garden management. Under Matheson's nearly 24-year tenure, the Garden has doubled in size, raised over $100 million, and elevated its profile as a center for scientific research and community outreach. The award will be presented in April at the GCA's 113th annual meeting in New York.

The Ramspeck Launches Weekend Brunch Service

The Ramspeck is now serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef Chris and his team are debuting a beautiful Sideboard Brunch alongside made-to-order chef specials, plus festive brunch cocktails from the Ramspeck Bar. It’s the perfect new weekend tradition for Decatur diners.

State of the City Address

City Manager Andrea Arnold welcomes attendees to the 2026 State of the City Address.  Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Fronk reflected on progress in housing affordability, equity, sustainability, and key infrastructure projects, framing the year ahead with optimism and collaboration. City Schools celebrated top academic rankings, while the Decatur Youth Council shared community initiatives. The city also honored standout employees and announced upcoming events, construction milestones, and a community survey to guide future decisions.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

CAROLINE FICKEN

Your Guide to Design Treasure Hunting

A Vintage Furniture Crawl

Through Decatur

It’s no secret that Decatur is a destination for design. From mid-century modern aficionados to lovers of Victorian elegance, our community has cultivated an impressive collection of vintage and consignment furniture stores that deserve far more than a quick browse. Why settle for one shop when you can make a full Saturday adventure out of it? We’ve mapped out the perfect east-to-west crawl through five of Decatur’s finest vintage destinations, each offering its own distinct personality and treasures. Grab your measuring tape, charge your phone for reference photos, and prepare for a day of discovery.

STOP 1 AND 2: A DOUBLE DOSE OF ECLECTIC ESCAPISM

Decatur Estate Vintage Market

Start your journey at the Decatur Estate Vintage Market in Avondale Estates, where over 20,000 square feet of vintage wonderland awaits. With more than 70 independent dealers operating under one roof, the sheer variety here is staggering. Each booth presents its own carefully curated universe of finds, meaning you’ll encounter dramatically different aesthetics as you wander the long hallways.

The furniture selection spans centuries and styles. Victorian pieces with ornate carved details sit near sleek mid-century modern credenzas. Beyond furniture, the market excels in finishing touches that transform shelves, walls, and coffee tables: rare books, vintage glassware, vintage artwork, and ceramic pieces. The dealers here clearly understand that great design lies in the layering of eras and styles.

Mother Lode Antiques

Just nextdoor, Mother Lode Antiques proves there’s always more to discover. This indoor market brings together over 30 vendors and makers who represent some of Atlanta’s finest purveyors of character-filled goods. The

mid-century modern furniture selection curated by Good Bones Vintage is particularly noteworthy. If you’re hunting for an iconic Eames lounger or a teak credenza that’ll anchor your living room or an authentic 1950’s television set, this is where serious collectors come to search.

Curiosity seekers will appreciate the eclectic mix of antiques and oddities, while those with personal style get to explore racks of vintage clothing that offer far more character than anything you’d find at a conventional retailer. Local artisans contribute handmade jewelry and home decor items, creating a marketplace that celebrates both historical treasures and contemporary craft.

STOP 3: FINDERS KEEPERS CONSIGNMENT FURNISHINGS

As you continue your westward journey, Finders Keepers Consignment Furnishings offers a refreshingly practical approach to vintage shopping. This isn’t the place for obscure antiques; it’s where real people find real furniture for real homes. The beauty of consignment lies in its constant rotation of high-quality inventory.

CONTINUED >

The hidden gems here often lurk in unexpected places. A contemporary sofa in excellent condition might be tucked beside a farmhouse dining table, and a designer lamp appears at a fraction of its retail price. What truly sets Finders Keepers apart is their dual mission of sustainability and convenience. By providing a marketplace for furniture recycling (and clothing at their sister location), they’ve created an ecosystem where your old pieces can fund your new finds. When you consign furniture or clothing, the credit applies at both locations, effectively giving you twice the shopping power! Their online shopping option means you can continue the hunt from your couch. Return visitors know the secret: timing is everything, and that perfect piece you need might arrive any day.

STOP 4: KUDZU ANTIQUES + MODERN

I’m sure many of us have said, “Let me quickly pop by Kudzu,” and then lost track of time in the 26,000-square-foot vintage bliss. This sprawling space has earned its reputation as the go-to destination for both serious collectors and casual browsers. The sheer scale of Kudzu means you can visit repeatedly and still discover corners you’ve somehow missed on your most recent twelve visits…

What makes Kudzu particularly invaluable is its ability to delight out-of-town guests. When friends or family visit and want to experience authentic Atlanta shopping, this is where locals bring them. The inventory balances investment-worthy antiques with accessible vintage finds, ensuring that whether your budget is generous or modest, you’ll find pieces worth considering. Whether you came for a one-ofa-kind upholstered ottoman or just to browse, something always calls out to be taken home.

STOP 5: T.E. WILCOX HOME

End your crawl with a champagne toast at T.E. Wilcox Home, where the vintage furniture experience gets a generous pour of personality and sass. From the moment you’re greeted with a glass of bubbly, you know you’ve found an unforgettable local treasure. The aesthetic here leans colorful and retro, with pristine mid-century statement pieces.

This is where you come when you want furniture with a story and attitude to match: bold geometric patterns, unexpected color combinations, and silhouettes that make for the best conversation starters. Beyond furniture, T.E. Wilcox excels at stocking those cheeky, smart-a** knick-knacks that add levity to home decor. Whether it’s a vintage glassware set that screams “cocktail hour,” a sunburst mirror that demands attention, or statement ceramic pieces that serve pure joy, everything here seems intentionally chosen to spark delight. The vibe is distinctly groovy and good.

Fuel Stop: Coffee & Croissants: Start your morning (or take a mid-crawl break) at Galette in Avondale Estates, where buttery pastries and excellent coffee provide the perfect fuel for a day of treasure hunting.

Post-purchase palomas, anyone? After your final stop at T.E. Wilcox, hop across N. McDonough to La Chiquada for Happy Hour, including curated snacks, discounted margaritas, beer, and wine. Happy Hour is served on the patio and at the bar from 4–6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

MAKE YOUR SHOPPING DAY COUNT

Remember to bring:

• A measuring tape (the difference between “it might fit” and “it definitely fits” is everything)Your phone stocked with photos of your space, existing furniture, and paint colors for reference

• Comfortable shoes, because you’ll be covering serious groundWater and snacks to keep energy levels upVehicle dimensions or access to a truck (many shops offer delivery, but know your options)

• An open mind — sometimes the best finds are the ones you didn’t know you were looking for

Happy hunting, and may your weekend be filled with unexpected treasures.

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FICKEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHS

AROUND THE TABLE

CRAFTING HEIRLOOM PIECES FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

Every home has a center of gravity. More often than not, it’s the dining table that pulls people together and slows people down. For John Wachs, the craftsman behind Wachs Woodcraft, building that centerpiece starts with a deceptively simple philosophy: the materials you build with matter.

It’s a value passed down from his family: understand materials from the ground up to make things that last. That mindset shapes everything Wachs creates, from signature walnut dining tables to custom ash banquettes built for cozy gatherings. His style leans modern cottage — clean lines, solid joinery, and the warmth of premium Appalachian hardwoods sourced from Atlanta lumberyards.

Dining tables are deeply personal, so Wachs isn’t just building furniture. He’s crafting the places where life unfolds — sprawled homework, second helpings, the best kind of lingering conversations long after plates are cleaned, holiday gatherings, and the occasional candlelit dinner (or game night) during a Decatur power outage. The dining table, Wachs believes, is the most important piece of furniture you bring into your home because of what it holds.

“A quality table anchors everything in the home,” Wachs says. It’s the difference between simply eating and savoring the slower moments. In an era of meals on couches and family members scattered to separate screens, a substantial, beautiful table makes a tangible argument for coming together. Its quiet presence reminds you that ritual matters.

That’s why material selection comes first. White oak and walnut aren’t just beautiful; they’re durable enough to withstand decades of daily use, aging gracefully and gathering character with every congregation. “A 100-year-old oak table still has value,” he says. “It’s still solid. There has been little degradation. Better materials stand the test of time.”

In a world of flat-pack furniture, particle board, and fast design, choosing a local craftsperson means investing in more than a table. It means choosing sustainability over disposability, craftsmanship over convenience, and community over anonymity.

“You’re going to use your dining table every day,” he says. “So it should be beautiful and built to last for generations. Solid wood, honest material sourcing. Something you’ll still love years from now.” The place where your people gather should be built to last.

WHY Some BACKYARDS Get Used, AND Others DON’T

Three priorities that make outdoor spaces actually livable, according to a Decatur landscape designer

ARTICLE BY SCOTT REINBLATT OF BIG BLUE SKY LANDSCAPING

The difference usually isn't budget or square footage. It's comfort: shade when it's hot, lighting when it's dark, and a layout that fits real life.

In Decatur, we see it all the time. A beautiful patio that turns into a griddle by mid-afternoon. A yard that looks great in daylight but disappears at night. A "feature" that photographs well but doesn't make it easier to relax, host friends, or let the kids play.

The outdoor spaces that get used feel like a natural extension of the home. They're designed around how people actually live, not just what's trending. If you're planning a spring project, these three priorities are the difference between an outdoor room you admire and one you actually enjoy.

1) SHADE IS THE FOUNDATION OF COMFORT

Georgia spring is forgiving. Summer is not.

When shade is treated as an afterthought, outdoor spaces become seasonal. They get used in March and April, then slowly abandoned once the sun and heat settle in. The fix is rarely "buy a better umbrella." It's designing for shade from the start. Begin by paying attention to the sun in your specific yard:

• Where is the strongest afternoon exposure?

• Do you want morning sun for coffee or evening shade for dinner?

• Which parts of the yard are already cooler, and why?

Then choose the right shade strategy—usually a blend of three: Tree canopy (existing or planned): Mature trees create the most natural, comfortable shade, and they make a space feel established. In older neighborhoods, preserving canopy often

means building thoughtfully around root zones and grading rather than forcing a design that compromises the trees that make the property special.

Structures: Pergolas, pavilions, or roof extensions create predictable shade exactly where you need it, especially over dining and seating areas. They also help define the "room," which is what makes an outdoor space feel intentional.

Layered planting: Hedges, small trees, and vertical planting can cool the space, add privacy, and soften the heat that radiates off hardscape.

When shade is planned well, everything else improves. People linger longer. Plants perform better. Materials last longer. And the space becomes usable for more months of the year.

2) IF YOU CAN'T USE IT AT NIGHT, YOU'RE LEAVING HALF THE VALUE ON THE TABLE

Some of the best outdoor moments happen after dark: dinners with friends, kids catching fireflies, a quiet minute outside before bed.

But many landscapes are lit as an afterthought, usually with a single bright fixture on the back of the house. That tends to keep people inside because harsh light doesn't feel welcoming, and dark yards don't feel inviting.

Good outdoor lighting works like indoor lighting. It's layered, warm, and purposeful. You're designing for three outcomes:

Safety: Steps, path edges, and transitions should be clearly visible without glare.

Warmth: The goal is a soft glow that makes the yard feel cozy, not overlit. In most cases, low-level and indirect lighting wins.

Focus: Highlight what matters—a beautiful tree, a stone wall, a textured planting bed, a water element—rather than trying to light everything evenly.

When lighting is integrated into the design, the yard becomes a place you naturally step into, not a space you forget once the sun goes down.

3) "REAL LIFE" DESIGN BEATS "PINTEREST" DESIGN EVERY TIME

Outdoor rooms fail for practical reasons more often than aesthetic ones. The patio looks great, but the grill is awkwardly placed. There's nowhere to set a drink. The dining area is too far

from the kitchen. Guests bunch up because circulation is tight. Kids and pets have no place to land. Storage is missing.

A few real-life questions can clarify the best layout fast:

• How do you actually entertain—sit-down dinners, casual hangouts, or both?

• Where do people naturally gather, and where do you want them to gather?

• What are the routes you take every day (to the grill, to the trash bins, to the side gate)?

• Where does "stuff" live (cushions, tools, toys, pool supplies, bikes)?

The most-used outdoor rooms are designed to remove friction. They make the easy choice the obvious choice. And they reflect the homeowner's life, not someone else's.

A note on craftsmanship: what's underneath matters most

Outdoor living spaces take a beating: heat, heavy rains, roots, settling soil, and frequent use. That's why long-term comfort depends on the things you don't immediately see—base preparation, compaction, grading, and especially drainage planning.

Two patios can look similar on day one and feel totally different two years later. The difference is usually not the paver color. It's the build.

The smartest way to start: plan the "room," then build in phases if needed

Many homeowners assume they have to renovate the entire yard at once. You don't.

A practical approach is to create a cohesive plan for the full outdoor room (shade, layout, lighting, grading), then build in phases. This keeps decisions aligned, avoids expensive rework, and lets you prioritize the fundamentals first.

Final thought

A great backyard isn't defined by how many features it has. It's defined by how often you use it.

If you want an outdoor room that truly earns its place in your daily life, start with comfort: shade when it's hot, lighting when it's dark, and a layout that fits real life. Get those right, and the beauty tends to take care of itself.

SCOTT REINBLATT OF BIG BLUE SKY LANDSCAPING

Big Blue Sky Landscaping is a boutique landscape design/build firm serving the Decatur area. We help homeowners create outdoor spaces that feel natural, work beautifully, and hold up over time—with careful planning, craftsmanship, and a focus on peace of mind.

To start the conversation, visit bigblueskylandscaping.com and click Book-A-Call.

BIG PERSONALITY IN THE SMALLEST ROOM

In

THE JEWEL BOX OF THE HOME

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FICKEN

“THE POWDER ROOM ANSWERS ONLY TO THE IMAGINATION. IT’S THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO BE PLAYFUL, COLORFUL, AND DARING.”

There’s something special about a powder room. Perhaps it’s because it’s tucked quietly off a hallway, or maybe because it belongs to your guests as much as it belongs to you. Or it could be that this tiny footprint offers something the rest of the house rarely does: complete creative freedom.

Warner McConaughey often calls the powder room “t he jewel box of the home.” Like a jewelry box that holds your most precious pieces, a powder room holds extraordinary design potential. Small in size but mighty in personality, it’s a concentrated dose of your style — intimate, memorable, and surprisingly liberating.

McConaughey is the founder and CEO of Decatur-based residential design and renovation firm HammerSmith, Inc. Serving Decatur, Druid Hills, and the Atlanta metro area since 1991, he has seen his share of powder rooms. “While most kitchen and bathroom renovations are grounded in the bones of the house, the powder room answers only to the imagination. It’s the perfect opportunity to be playful, colorful, and daring,” he says.

Without the commitment of an entire kitchen or living room, this space becomes the perfect canvas for bold ideas. Think dramatic wallpaper, rich wainscoting, a marble-topped console with gleaming brass fixtures, an arched mirror, and a sculptural pendant that casts a warm glow overhead. Or maybe something more playful — whimsical patterns, unexpected tile, a vintage find that might not work in other parts of the house but works perfectly here.

In the powder room, risks feel intentional. Saturated colors feel sophisticated. Statement materials feel regal rather than overwhelming. Because when the space is small, the impact feels big. It’s less about square footage and more about experience.

But small doesn’t mean simple. In fact, compact spaces can be some of the most complex to design. Every inch matters. Scale, proportion, lighting, materials, and functionality all have to work harder. Tile lines must align perfectly. Storage has to be clever! Fixtures like the faucets, towel rings, and hardware double as jewelry for the room.

Done well, a powder room becomes a moment of its own — a surprise guests remember long after they’ve left your home, so there’s no room for shortcuts. That’s where a thoughtful design + build partner makes all the difference.

At HammerSmith, Inc., powder rooms are treated with the same care and craftsmanship as full-scale renovations. Their team understands that these smaller spaces often carry the biggest personality and the greatest opportunity to tell a story.

Rather than treating the room as an afterthought, they begin with a feeling. Cozy and moody? Light, airy? Classic with a twist? From there, every decision — layout, finishes, lighting, materials — is intentionally layered to support that vision.

Because HammerSmith oversees both design and construction, the process stays streamlined and cohesive — with the flexibility to occasionally collaborate with a trusted interior designer when a project calls for a specialized vision. The result: fewer handoffs, clear communication, and one experienced, Decatur-based team guiding the project from first sketch to final install. The result is a space that feels cohesive, custom, and deeply personal.

While statement powder rooms offer the perfect playground for creativity, they’re only one part of what HammerSmith does

beautifully. The team brings that same design expertise and meticulous craftsmanship to the practical, everyday spaces that anchor your home. Think kitchens built for gathering, bathrooms designed for luxury and ease, and renovations that improve the way your home functions as much as how it looks.

From subtle, timeless updates to full-scale remodels, HammerSmith executes each project with care and precision, proving that great design doesn’t have to shout to make an impact. Whether you’re dreaming up something bold or simply craving a space that works better for daily life, their team brings the vision to life with skill and intention.

A powder room is often the perfect place to try something you’ve always loved but never quite dared to use elsewhere. So while it may be the smallest room in the house, it just might be the one with the most soul. With the right vision and the right build partner, your powder room becomes more than functional. It becomes a tiny space that leaves a lasting impression.

When done right, it’s the room everyone remembers.

Restoring More Than Homes

DIFFERENT KIND OF RESTORATION COMPANY

ARTICLE

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE FICKEN

Ben Morris understands that property damage comes with a second set of problems most people can’t prepare for: the panic, the disruption, the questions nobody can answer, and the gnawing worry about mold, health risks, or insurance denials. As the founder of Rescue Restoration, Ben has built a company that restores homes and peace of mind through education, advocacy, and transparency.

Before launching Rescue Restoration in 2023, he spent years working as a contractor on large-scale renovation projects for property management companies and hedge funds. It was there he saw the consequences of rushed or incomplete restoration work, especially for tenants and homeowners without the resources or knowledge to push back.

“Everyone deserves a clean, safe home to sleep in,” Ben says. “Whether you own your home or rent it, your health and safety should never be optional.”

Homeowners facing damage are often in the dark. "Most homeowners don't know what they don't know," says Ben. That's precisely why Rescue Restoration takes a different approach. While the company handles fire, water, and mold restoration, Ben also prioritizes education. “Our job is to slow things down, explain what’s happening, and help people make informed decisions; not pressure them into quick fixes.”

One of the most common and dangerous misconceptions Ben encounters is that water damage will simply dry out on its own. “Most leaks don’t dry out,” he says. “They sit

behind walls, under floors, in crawl spaces, and that moisture is exactly what leads to mold.” Mold, he emphasizes, is often misunderstood or dismissed. It seriously impacts indoor air quality and long-term health, and oftentimes, once mold develops, insurance claims are frequently denied because the issue wasn’t addressed early. Rescue Restoration also helps homeowners navigate the often confusing insurance process, regularly advocating for clients when claims are delayed or denied, and ensuring proper documentation and fair assessments. “Insurance is supposed to be a safety net,” he says. “We help make sure it actually works that way.”

BEN’S QUICK TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS:

• Act fast in the first 24 hours. Water damage escalates quickly; early intervention saves money and prevents mold.

• Schedule preventative inspections.  Especially in older Atlanta homes, routine plumbing and moisture checks can prevent major damage.

• Pay attention to problem areas. Bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces, and anywhere plumbing exists deserve extra vigilance.

• Flushable wipes aren’t flushable. “They’re one of the biggest causes of sewer backups we see every day,” Ben says. Ask Ben about the most meaningful part of his job, and he'll tell you about the elderly homeowner whose denied insurance claim he helped overturn, or the client whose health significantly improved after he dealt with the hidden mold problem. 'When someone tells you they're sleeping better or breathing easier,' he says, 'that's everything.'"

Based in East Atlanta, Ben credits the city’s tight-knit, creative community for shaping his business values. “Atlanta is a place where relationships matter,” he says. “If you lead with honesty and care, people notice.” For Ben Morris, restoration isn’t just about fixing damage. It's about giving people back what disaster took away: safety, dignity, and the feeling that someone's actually on their side.

“When someone tells you they’re sleeping better or breathing easier, that’s everything.”

BE BOLD

ARTICLE BY KIM COSTA

Move over minimalism, whites and grays, and cool monochromatic tones, and make way for cozier, warm, earthier color schemes, more daring pops of color, statements of individuality through design, and dare I say… the boldness of authenticity expressed in our homes. Like a colorful, statement piece of artwork on a neutral wall color, we can feel free to be vibrantly authentic from the foundation of our home environments.

How do we start adding some spice to our living environments?

1. Move away from pale grays and stark whites by incorporating an allover off-white paint color - Pantone 2026 winner Cloud Dancer, with a strong touch of your favorite undertone, such as apricot, green, or blue.

2. Place more colorful artwork, throw pillows, and accent pieces on your existing white and gray rooms for a less permanent and possibly more cost-effective change.

3. Afraid to go too bold too fast? Use a mid-toned hue paint color on a larger area, like your kitchen cabinets or a wall color in one room.

4. Want to dip your toe into the bold waters? Choose a vibrant wallpaper for a bathroom, bedroom, or dining room. Pick a paper that expresses the motif of a favorite destination, a splash of your favorite colors, or reminds you of an activity you enjoy most. Express your life desires in the wallpaper.

5. Go all in on one room and make it your “trendy room.”  For example, your primary or guest bathroom could be a retreat filled with your favorite warm colors in the tile, wood, and textiles. I bet when you entertain, everyone will want to visit your bathroom!

6. For all-over inspiration, pick a multi-colored rug or piece of artwork with your favorite colors and coordinate the wall color, fabrics, and accessories to carry the theme of that piece throughout that room or even your whole house.

Leah Alexander of Beauty Is Abundant, an Atlanta-based design firm, says, “I see the appeal of gray and white kitchens and endless beige bouclé tapering off in favor of vibrance, saturation, and increasingly edgy color combinations.” Seeing people's lifestyles and homes come alive with personality, individuality, and authenticity is exciting.

“I see the appeal of gray and white kitchens and endless beige bouclé tapering off in favor of vibrance, saturation, and increasingly edgy color combinations.”

Bookcase Styling your

Tips for an Organized and Aesthetic Display

ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

A bookcase is often more than just a storage unit for books; it’s a focal point of a room that can enhance the overall decor and reflect personal style. Styling a bookcase can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to showcase your literary collection and curate a space that feels inviting and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled bookcase.

Styling a bookcase is a creative process that combines practicality with aesthetics. By using these tips, you can transform an ordinary bookshelf into a stylish, engaging focal point that complements your home’s decor while showcasing your personality and interests.

Step 1

Strategically Place Books on the Bookcase While Incorporating Decorative Elements.

When placing books back on the shelves, think about the arrangement, vertical stacks are more traditional, horizontal stacks more modern, or both for more visual interest. Adding decorative elements such as picture frames, vases, or sculptural objects to break the monotony. Incorporating items with varying heights can create a dynamic arrangement. Use larger items like art pieces or baskets on lower shelves and smaller decorative objects higher up. Aim for a balanced look while avoiding perfect symmetry. This creates an organic flow, drawing the eye naturally across the shelf. Incorporate asymmetrical groupings for added interest, mixing textures, colors, and shapes.

Step 2

Use Color Wisely and Add Natural Elements.

Color plays a role in styling a bookcase. You can opt for a monochromatic palette for a sophisticated look or introduce pops of color for a more energetic vibe. If your books are of various colors, pick a few colorful decorative pieces that complement or contrast them effectively. Integrating plants or natural elements can breathe life into your bookcase. Small potted plants can add color and texture.

Step 3

Create Zones and Add Personal Touches.

If your bookcase has multiple shelves, consider creating zones or themes for different sections. Infuse your personality into the bookcase through memorabilia, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork. These pieces add a storytelling dimension and make the space uniquely yours.