15 Tub Styles I’m Choosing Instead of Built-In Bathtubs This Year

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

15 Tub Styles I’m Choosing Instead of Built-In Bathtubs This Year

Built-in bathtubs have been the default in most bathrooms for years. They’re practical, easy to plan around, and familiar. But lately, they’ve started to feel more like fixtures than features. What’s standing out now are tubs that sit independently and influence the room around them. Rather than disappearing into tiled surrounds, these tubs define space,...

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The Toilet Wouldn’t Flush Until I Fixed This One Thing Inside the Tank

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

The Toilet Wouldn’t Flush Until I Fixed This One Thing Inside the Tank

I kept thinking the problem was in the bowl. The toilet wasn’t clogged, but the flush felt weak and inconsistent. Sometimes it cleared, sometimes it didn’t, and sometimes it barely moved the water at all. The handle worked, the chain was attached, and nothing looked broken, so I assumed it was one of those things...

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10 Dark Kitchen Directions I’m Choosing Instead of All-White Interiors This Year

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

10 Dark Kitchen Directions I’m Choosing Instead of All-White Interiors This Year

For years, the kitchen was expected to be bright and white to feel open. I designed within that assumption for a long time. But heading into 2026, I’m deliberately moving in the opposite direction. Dark kitchens are no longer about drama or contrast alone. They are about weight, structure, and a sense of permanence that...

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I Kept Cleaning My Shower Curtain Until I Ended Up Doing This Instead

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

I Kept Cleaning My Shower Curtain Until I Ended Up Doing This Instead

For years, I treated my shower curtain like a cleaning problem. When the bottom edge started to look dirty, I washed it. When it smelled damp, I washed it again. I used hot water, bleach, vinegar, and towels in the wash. I hung it back up carefully and let it dry. It always looked better...

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10 Architectural Kitchen Details I’m Obsessing Over Instead of Standard Cabinetry This Year

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

10 Architectural Kitchen Details I’m Obsessing Over Instead of Standard Cabinetry This Year

For years, the “standard” kitchen followed a very predictable formula: a row of lower cabinets, a tiled backsplash, and a line of uppers. I’ve designed it, lived in it, and seen it everywhere. But entering 2026, I’m intentionally seeking out designs that feel less like a collection of boxes and more like a cohesive architectural...

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Instead of Buying a Magazine Holder, I Made One From Two Wood Planks

Posted in DIY Projects | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

Instead of Buying a Magazine Holder, I Made One From Two Wood Planks

Magazines tend to spread before you notice it. One ends up on the table, another near the sofa, a few more stacked on the floor. Even when shelves are available, magazines often sit flat or lean against furniture, which bends the spine and keeps them in the way. A magazine holder solves this problem by...

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The Master Bedroom Detail I Keep Noticing in Homes That Feel Truly Finished

Posted in Bedroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 23, 2026

The Master Bedroom Detail I Keep Noticing in Homes That Feel Truly Finished

I keep seeing the same detail in well-designed master bedrooms, whether they’re modern farmhouses, historic apartments, or quiet retreats in the hills. There’s almost always a place to sit that isn’t the bed. A bench at the foot, a pair of chairs by the window, a small lounge setup near a fireplace. Once you start...

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I Left Vinegar in My Toilet Bowl Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 22, 2026

I Left Vinegar in My Toilet Bowl Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Leaving vinegar in the toilet bowl overnight started as a small test. The bowl already looked clean. It was scrubbed regularly, flushed often, and never showed obvious stains for long. Still, a faint smell kept returning, and a thin ring at the waterline always reappeared within days. Not dramatic enough to demand attention, but persistent...

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12 Structural Bedroom Shifts I’m Embracing Instead of Basic Bed Frames This Year

Posted in Bedroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 22, 2026

12 Structural Bedroom Shifts I’m Embracing Instead of Basic Bed Frames This Year

For too long, we’ve treated the bedroom like an afterthought—a place where a standard bed frame and a pair of matching nightstands were enough. I’ve designed plenty of those rooms, but heading into 2026, I’m intentionally shifting my focus. The bedroom is no longer just a sleeping quarters; it’s an architectural sanctuary that requires depth,...

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Beyond the Slab: 10 Kitchen Surface Trends Replacing the Standard Countertop in 2026

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 22, 2026

Beyond the Slab: 10 Kitchen Surface Trends Replacing the Standard Countertop in 2026

For a long time, the kitchen design formula was simple: pick a cabinet, pick a countertop, and then find a tile that matches. But as we move further into the year, I’m seeing that formula break down. The most exciting kitchens right now aren’t built on “matching”—they are built on materiality. Instead of treating the...

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25 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas for 2026 No One Shows Yet, But They’re Already Redefining “Modern Grit”

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 22, 2026

25 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas for 2026 No One Shows Yet, But They’re Already Redefining “Modern Grit”

Farmhouse retreat design in 2026 focuses on balance between raw texture and modern precision. These bathroom ideas remain space-smart, soulful, and blended to perfection—carving out productive sanctuary zones that stay true to your personal retreat. Farmhouse style in 2026 moves past old “shabby chic” tropes toward intentional grit and warm minimalism. Heritage materials like exposed...

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Instead of Recycling Glass Bottles, I Turn Them Into Colorful Flower Vases

Posted in DIY Projects | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 22, 2026

Instead of Recycling Glass Bottles, I Turn Them Into Colorful Flower Vases

I always end up with glass bottles that feel too nice to throw away. Wine bottles, sparkling water bottles, even simple juice bottles all have good proportions, solid weight, and interesting color. So instead of dropping them straight into the recycling bin, I turn them into flower vases that actually earn a spot on my...

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I Tried Cleaning Glass Bottles With Baking Soda and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 22, 2026

I Tried Cleaning Glass Bottles With Baking Soda and Didn’t Expect This

I was not planning a full DIY project when I started saving glass bottles. I just wanted them clean enough to reuse without fighting paper labels and sticky residue every time. Anyone who has tried knows the pattern: the label peels, the glue stays, and what should take minutes turns into scraping, rubbing, and giving...

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These Coffee Tables Look Effortless Because the Styling Was Planned First

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

These Coffee Tables Look Effortless Because the Styling Was Planned First

Most coffee tables are styled last. That is why they often feel crowded, random, or unfinished. The rooms that look calm and pulled together usually start at the center, with a clear plan for how the coffee table will function before a single object is placed on it. The spaces in this collection show what...

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I Put My Oven Racks in the Bathtub and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

I Put My Oven Racks in the Bathtub and Didn’t Expect This

Oven racks are the part of oven cleaning I always postponed. The oven itself could be wiped, treated, even ignored for a while. The racks were different. They were bulky, greasy, and never fit anywhere they were supposed to be cleaned. The sink was too small. Trash bags felt awkward and unreliable. Scrubbing them on...

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5 Things Any Interior Designer Should Have on Their Desk

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

5 Things Any Interior Designer Should Have on Their Desk

Interior designers rely on a small set of tools they reach for every single day. Not the ones stored on shelves or packed into sample closets, but the items that live on the desk and shape how ideas move from rough sketches to real decisions. For beginners, these desk essentials matter more than having a...

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I Used Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean My Oven and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

I Used Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean My Oven and Didn’t Expect This

Cleaning the oven usually means harsh spray, fumes, and a locked door for hours. I was not trying to make it shine. I wanted to see if baked-on grease could be removed without chemicals and without heat. What surprised me was not how clean it looked at the end. It was how little effort the...

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Before and After: I Didn’t Expect This Galley Kitchen to Change the Space This Much

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

Before and After: I Didn’t Expect This Galley Kitchen to Change the Space This Much

Before the renovation, I treated the galley layout as the limiting factor. In a small footprint, parallel cabinet runs and full-height storage reduced visual depth. Dark wood finishes, flat cabinet fronts, and low-contrast hardware further compressed the space without adding functional value. What I did not expect was that the layout was not the problem....

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This Former Sydney Church Was Turned Into a Contemporary Family Home Without Losing Its Soul

Posted in Architecture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

This Former Sydney Church Was Turned Into a Contemporary Family Home Without Losing Its Soul

The Church, Woolwich is a careful study in restraint rather than reinvention. Once a community church and later a theatre, the heritage-listed structure has been adapted into a three-level contemporary home without disturbing its public presence. The original brick and sandstone façade remains intact, allowing the building to continue its relationship with the street while...

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Instead of Throwing Away Wine Corks, I Used Them as Magnetic Mini Planters

Posted in DIY Projects | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

Instead of Throwing Away Wine Corks, I Used Them as Magnetic Mini Planters

Wine corks usually end up in drawers, jars, or the trash. They are small, light, and treated as leftovers rather than materials. Most reuse ideas stop at crafts or decor accents. But a cork already has properties that suit plant use: it resists moisture, holds shape, and is easy to drill without splitting. Once you...

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I Cleaned Stainless Steel With Paper Towels and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 21, 2026

I Cleaned Stainless Steel With Paper Towels and Didn’t Expect This

I used paper towels on stainless steel for years without thinking about it. They were close by, disposable, and good enough for quick wipe-downs. Grease came off. Fingerprints faded. The surface looked clean. What I did not expect was how much damage that habit was creating without being obvious. The steel did not fail at...

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Instead of Throwing Away a Wood Cable Spool, I Turned It Into a Bookshelf

Posted in DIY Projects | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

Instead of Throwing Away a Wood Cable Spool, I Turned It Into a Bookshelf

Instead of cutting the spool apart, I kept it intact. The surface was cleaned to remove dust, paint marks, and residue from outdoor storage. Rough edges were sanded to prevent splinters. The entire piece was painted to reduce contrast between the boards and create a single surface. No new elements were added. The vertical boards...

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I Left Tile Spacers In Place Longer Than Usual and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

I Left Tile Spacers In Place Longer Than Usual and Didn’t Expect This

Tile spacers feel temporary. Once the tile sits flat and looks aligned, the instinct is to pull them out and move on. I did that for years without issue, or so I thought. Then I left them in place longer than usual on one wall, not on purpose, but because the thinset needed more time....

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If Your Bathroom Floor Is Freezing, This Is the Upgrade That Matters

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

If Your Bathroom Floor Is Freezing, This Is the Upgrade That Matters

If you’ve ever stepped onto freezing bathroom tiles first thing in the morning, you know how miserable it is. That shock of cold can ruin your whole morning. The problem is especially common in older homes where bathroom floors weren’t designed with comfort in mind. Here’s what actually works to fix the problem. Install Bathroom...

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I Started Tiling From the Corner Instead of the Center and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

I Started Tiling From the Corner Instead of the Center and Didn’t Expect This

Tiling advice often starts with one rule: find the center of the wall and work outward. It sounds correct, balanced, and safe. I followed it for years without questioning it. Then I tried starting from the corner instead, not to break a rule, but to deal with a wall that refused to behave like a...

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12 Under-Stair Storage Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Wasted Space

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

12 Under-Stair Storage Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Wasted Space

Most staircases leave behind an awkward shape that rarely gets planned with care. It turns into a blank wall, a dumping spot, or space that gets filled after everything else is decided. But once you start looking closely, a clear pattern appears. In many recent renovations, the space under the stairs is no longer treated...

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Before and After: I Didn’t Expect a 1970s House to Feel This Open

Posted in Architecture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

Before and After: I Didn’t Expect a 1970s House to Feel This Open

At first, this Yountville house looked like many others from the 1970s. Ivy covered the beige brick exterior, the roofline sat low, and the interiors felt turned inward. Inside, flat ceilings and small openings limited light and made the rooms feel compressed, even though the site itself was generous. The house wasn’t damaged or neglected,...

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I Tried Vinegar on My Shower Head Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

I Tried Vinegar on My Shower Head Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Leaving vinegar on a shower head overnight sounded like a shortcut. I was not trying to improve water pressure or make the bathroom smell clean. I wanted to see whether mineral buildup was affecting how the shower behaved in ways I had stopped noticing. The change was not instant in the way people expect. It...

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5 Things I Do to Keep Garbage Disposal Odor From Coming Back

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 20, 2026

5 Things I Do to Keep Garbage Disposal Odor From Coming Back

I used to notice sink smells only after the kitchen was already clean. The counters were wiped, the trash was out, and something still felt off. The problem was never the room. It was the disposal. Once I stopped masking it and started treating it like part of the cleaning routine, the smell disappeared and...

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I Left Baking Soda on Tile Grout Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 19, 2026

I Left Baking Soda on Tile Grout Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Grout gets dirty even when the tile looks clean. It darkens first around showers, sinks, and kitchen floors, then starts holding odor and moisture. I had cleaned it many times before, but the stains returned and the grout never looked settled. I did not try baking soda to scrub harder. I left it on the...

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8 Things I Do to Keep My Kitchen Trash Can From Smelling

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 19, 2026

8 Things I Do to Keep My Kitchen Trash Can From Smelling

I stopped relying on scented bags and sprays once I realized they never fixed the source. The smell was coming from moisture, residue, and food left too long in the bin. When those are handled first, the trash can stays neutral without added scent. This is the order I follow. Take Food Waste Out First...

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I Left Vinegar in My Shower Drain Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 19, 2026

I Left Vinegar in My Shower Drain Overnight and Didn’t Expect This

Leaving vinegar in a shower drain overnight sounds like a small experiment. I did not expect it to change how the drain behaved. I was not trying to fix a clog or cover a smell. I wanted to see if the drain itself was creating problems that surface cleaning never touched. What changed was not...

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I Tried Adding Baking Soda to My Toilet Tank and Didn’t Expect This

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 19, 2026

I Tried Adding Baking Soda to My Toilet Tank and Didn’t Expect This

Baking soda in the toilet tank sounds insignificant, but it changes how the toilet behaves over time. Instead of acting as a surface-level cleaner, it affects the water sitting in the tank, where odors form, minerals collect, and internal parts slowly wear down. I didn’t use it to fix a visible problem. I used it...

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20 The Valentine Decor I Keep Seeing in Homes That Feel Lived-In

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 19, 2026

20 The Valentine Decor I Keep Seeing in Homes That Feel Lived-In

For years, Valentine’s Day decor meant quick swaps and obvious symbols. Bright reds, oversized hearts, pieces that came out for two weeks and disappeared just as fast. But looking through real homes, a different pattern keeps showing up. Instead of decorating for the holiday, people are softening familiar spaces. A fireplace gets warmer after dark....

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10 Home Office Ideas Designers Do Not Publish but Clients Always Ask For

Posted in Office Design Ideas | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 19, 2026

10 Home Office Ideas Designers Do Not Publish but Clients Always Ask For

There is something reassuring about a home office that feels part of the house rather than set apart from it. These spaces are shaped by light, proportion, and everyday use, not by trends or rigid rules. When designed with care, a workspace can support focus while still feeling calm and personal. These 10 home office...

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This Small Kitchen Add-On Ends the Dirty-Hands Trash Problem

Posted in Home Gadgets | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 18, 2026

This Small Kitchen Add-On Ends the Dirty-Hands Trash Problem

I cook a lot, and that means my hands are rarely clean when I need the trash. Every time, I did the same thing. Pause. Touch the cabinet anyway. Promise myself I’d wipe it later. It’s a small moment, but it repeats so often that it started to feel like a design flaw, not a...

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15 Kitchenette Layouts I Keep Seeing in Small Homes That Actually Work

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 18, 2026

15 Kitchenette Layouts I Keep Seeing in Small Homes That Actually Work

Kitchenettes used to stay out of focus. They filled a need but rarely shaped the room. Lately, I keep seeing small kitchens that feel right for how people live. They fit their space instead of pushing against it. What stands out is what gets left out. These kitchenettes stick to one wall, one corner, or...

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20 Closet Organization Ideas Designers Use in 2026 but Rarely Show Online

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 18, 2026

20 Closet Organization Ideas Designers Use in 2026 but Rarely Show Online

Closet organization in 2026 is less about adding more pieces and more about making better decisions upfront. The most functional closets are designed around how clothing is used, not how much can fit inside. This collection focuses on layouts that stay clear over time. You will see storage built around visibility, spacing, and simple systems...

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A Farmhouse Form That Frames the Landscape Instead of Competing With It

Posted in Architecture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 18, 2026

A Farmhouse Form That Frames the Landscape Instead of Competing With It

Hillend Station House sits within a working farm near Wanaka, designed to frame the surrounding alpine landscape rather than compete with it. The home takes cues from traditional farm buildings, breaking the program into a series of connected gabled volumes that follow the land. This approach keeps the scale grounded while opening the main living...

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6 Plumbing Pipe Types That Matter More Than the Fixture

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 18, 2026

6 Plumbing Pipe Types That Matter More Than the Fixture

Plumbing pipes are invisible until something goes wrong. A slow leak, low pressure, discolored water, or a renovation that opens the walls is usually when the question comes up: what kind of pipe is actually in here, and should it stay? Over time, I stopped thinking of plumbing pipes as interchangeable. Each one behaves differently,...

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How I Choose the Right Dryer Vent Hose

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 18, 2026

How I Choose the Right Dryer Vent Hose

Dryer vents are one of those home details I ignored for years. The dryer worked, clothes dried, and the hose behind it stayed out of sight. That changed the first time I pulled the dryer forward and saw how much lint had collected inside a cheap vent hose. Since then, I treat the dryer vent...

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5 Things I Use to Make My Home Smell Fresh Instead of Air Fresheners

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 17, 2026

5 Things I Use to Make My Home Smell Fresh Instead of Air Fresheners

I stopped relying on sprays and plug-ins once I realized how fast natural methods change the feel of a space. These work immediately, layer well together, and make the house smell clean rather than scented. I always start with heat and air, then move to surfaces. Stovetop Potpourri This is always my first step. A...

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A Modern Barndominium Where Barn Details Do the Heavy Lifting

Posted in Architecture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 17, 2026

A Modern Barndominium Where Barn Details Do the Heavy Lifting

This Montana barndominium shows how barn decor works best when structure leads the design. The exterior keeps a classic barn silhouette, but the scale, materials, and proportions shift it into modern mountain territory. Whitewashed siding, a metal roof, and exposed framing give the house a clean presence while still feeling grounded in farm architecture. Payne...

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Are Coffee Table Books Actually Good Decor, or Just a Trend?

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 17, 2026

Are Coffee Table Books Actually Good Decor, or Just a Trend?

I’ve been seeing coffee table books everywhere lately. TikTok clips, Pinterest saves, real homes, styled shoots. They’re stacked, topped, framed with trays, candles, and flowers, and presented as the fastest way to make a living room feel finished. But once the trend noise fades, the real question is simple: do coffee table books actually work...

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This Material Is No Longer a Seasonal Accent — Here’s What Designers Use Now

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 17, 2026

This Material Is No Longer a Seasonal Accent — Here’s What Designers Use Now

This material used to appear only as a cold-weather detail, added in small doses and removed when the season changed. In these interiors, it takes on a permanent role. Designers are using it in full furniture forms, letting texture carry visual weight alongside metal, wood, and acrylic. The result feels deliberate and balanced, not decorative,...

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I Went All-In on Smart Home Tech and Here’s What I’d Do Differently as a Homeowner

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 17, 2026

I Went All-In on Smart Home Tech and Here’s What I’d Do Differently as a Homeowner

When we moved into our first house, I did what a lot of homeowners do. I tried to make it “smart” all at once. Lights, locks, sensors, cameras, routines, voice control. On paper, it sounded efficient. In real life, some of it quietly improved how the house worked and some of it became constant background...

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Styling Marble Coffee Tables That Anchor the Room Without Overdecorating

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 17, 2026

Styling Marble Coffee Tables That Anchor the Room Without Overdecorating

Marble coffee table styling has shifted away from decoration and toward structure. In these rooms, the table does not act as a surface to fill, but as an element that defines layout, weight, and balance. The impact comes from form and placement, not from layers of objects. Across these interiors, styling marble coffee tables comes...

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Most People Focus on Cabinets. This Kitchen Detail Does the Real Work

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 16, 2026

Most People Focus on Cabinets. This Kitchen Detail Does the Real Work

After nearly two decades of working with kitchens, I’ve learned that the spaces people complain about most are rarely the ones that look bad. They’re usually the ones that don’t work. The cabinets are chosen carefully. The island looks right in photos. The finishes are solid. And yet, the kitchen becomes frustrating almost immediately. In...

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15 Home Bar Design Ideas 2026 Worth Stealing Before Your Next Remodel

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 16, 2026

15 Home Bar Design Ideas 2026 Worth Stealing Before Your Next Remodel

Home bars in 2026 are no longer about display. They are built into cabinetry, framed by architecture, and designed to work as part of the room rather than a feature added later. The strongest examples rely on proportion, material consistency, and lighting instead of decoration. These home bar design ideas focus on layouts designers actually...

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The Bathroom Detail I’m Choosing Instead of Chrome Fixtures This Year

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 16, 2026

The Bathroom Detail I’m Choosing Instead of Chrome Fixtures This Year

Chrome used to be the easy choice in bathroom design. It worked with everything, felt safe, and rarely drew attention to itself. This year, I stopped defaulting to it. After working on several bathroom projects, I realized chrome often fades into the background, especially next to stone, tile, and layered finishes. I started choosing one...

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Why Vinegar Works in a Dishwasher, and Why the Jar Matters

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 16, 2026

Why Vinegar Works in a Dishwasher, and Why the Jar Matters

It’s one of those cleaning tips that shows up everywhere once you start looking. Vinegar in a jar. Upright. Top rack. Empty cycle. I’d seen it recommended on blogs, in comment sections, and all over Reddit. I tried it without thinking much about the mechanics, assuming it worked the way most “natural cleaning hacks” are...

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Luxury Bedrooms Look Different When You Focus on Materials Instead of Styling

Posted in Bedroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 15, 2026

Luxury Bedrooms Look Different When You Focus on Materials Instead of Styling

True luxury in a bedroom isn’t found in grand scales or excessive ornamentation, but in the subtle ways a space responds to the human senses. It is a shift in perspective from merely observing a room to truly experiencing it—noticing how specific materials absorb sound, how heavy textiles soften the glare of the sun, and...

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This Highland Park Home Shows How Eclectic Design Actually Works

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 15, 2026

This Highland Park Home Shows How Eclectic Design Actually Works

In Highland Park, this home was redesigned by Ashby Collective as an exercise in eclectic interior design built through contrast and proportion. The project began with a white, undecorated interior that allowed form, color, and material to define the space. Rather than applying a single style, the design combines contemporary structure with vintage references, using...

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10 Fireplace Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Traditional Mantels This Year

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 15, 2026

10 Fireplace Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Traditional Mantels This Year

For years, the classic mantel fireplace has been the default focal point in living rooms. I’ve designed around it, restored it, and framed entire layouts to accommodate it. But going into this year, I’m stepping away from it. Not because it’s outdated, but because it often dictates the room instead of responding to it. What...

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Are Dining Room Benches Still a Smart Choice for Family Homes?

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 15, 2026

Are Dining Room Benches Still a Smart Choice for Family Homes?

Dining room benches keep showing up in family homes as a deliberate part of the layout, not as an afterthought. In these interiors, the bench works alongside the table, lighting, and surrounding furniture to shape how the dining area feels and functions. I’m seeing benches used to soften heavier tables, simplify seating on one side,...

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11 Bathroom Sink Designs to Consider Instead of a Traditional Pedestal Sink

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 15, 2026

11 Bathroom Sink Designs to Consider Instead of a Traditional Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks have long been treated as the safe, familiar choice for bathrooms. But what designers showed at Salone del Mobile makes it clear that clean, minimal bathrooms no longer need to rely on them. The designs below rethink how a sink meets the floor, the wall, and the room itself. Instead of hiding plumbing...

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I Thought Vinegar Was Safe for My Home Until I Ruined These 10 Surfaces

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 14, 2026

I Thought Vinegar Was Safe for My Home Until I Ruined These 10 Surfaces

I kept a gallon of white vinegar under my sink for years. It felt smart. Cheap. Natural. Every cleaning guide framed it as the answer to almost every mess. What changed was damage. Not right away. Not dramatic. Just surfaces that lost their finish, tools that aged too fast, and one or two mistakes that...

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10 Things at the Front of a House That Shape a First Impression Quietly

Posted in Outdoor | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 14, 2026

10 Things at the Front of a House That Shape a First Impression Quietly

I’ve learned that the front of a house doesn’t need to be impressive to make an impression. It just needs to be honest. People stand there longer than you think. Waiting for the door to open. Letting their eyes wander. Not judging consciously, but still forming opinions. That’s why small exterior mistakes feel louder than...

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21 Cottage Dining Room Layout Ideas No One Really Posts About

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 14, 2026

21 Cottage Dining Room Layout Ideas No One Really Posts About

I keep saving cottage interiors like these without planning to. At first, it feels like I’m drawn to the furniture or the styling, but after looking closer, it’s something else that keeps repeating. The rooms aren’t trying to impress. They’re arranged around comfort, use, and small moments that happen every day. What stands out is...

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Most Copper Pipe Soldering Problems Start Before the Torch Is Lit

Posted in DIY Projects | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 14, 2026

Most Copper Pipe Soldering Problems Start Before the Torch Is Lit

I used to think soldering copper pipe was mostly about heat. Get the flame right, feed in the solder, and the joint would seal. What I learned is that the outcome is decided much earlier, before the torch ever comes out. Every clean joint I’ve made came down to preparation: how the pipe was cut,...

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The Living Room Trends Designers Are Actually Using in 2026

Posted in Living Room | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 14, 2026

The Living Room Trends Designers Are Actually Using in 2026

Living rooms in 2026 are moving away from safe, interchangeable setups and toward spaces that feel composed, tactile, and clearly intentional. Instead of chasing bold statements, the focus is on how pieces relate to each other—through texture, proportion, and material choices that hold up over time. Designers and brands are refining the living room by...

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10 Entryway Seating Layouts I Prefer Over a Traditional Console

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 14, 2026

10 Entryway Seating Layouts I Prefer Over a Traditional Console

For a long time, the console table was treated as a default entryway element. I used it too, mostly because that’s what entryways were expected to have. But in practice, it rarely earns its footprint. It collects objects, blocks circulation, and doesn’t support how the space is actually used. Lately, I’ve been asking for entryway...

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What I Was Missing When I Cleaned My Fridge

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 13, 2026

What I Was Missing When I Cleaned My Fridge

When I clean my fridge, I used to focus only on what I could see. Shelves, drawers, maybe a quick wipe of the back wall. Once everything looked decent, I assumed the job was done. It took a closer look to realize that some of the dirtiest parts of the fridge aren’t obvious at all....

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10 Stair Railing Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Traditional Balusters This Year

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 13, 2026

10 Stair Railing Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Traditional Balusters This Year

For a long time, stair railings followed a predictable formula. Vertical balusters, decorative spindles, or heavy handrails designed more to fill space than define it. I’ve specified those solutions plenty of times, but lately, they feel disconnected from how interiors are being designed today. Staircases are no longer secondary elements. They sit in open plans,...

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10 Coffee Station Ideas That Keep Showing Up in 2026 Kitchens

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 13, 2026

10 Coffee Station Ideas That Keep Showing Up in 2026 Kitchens

When I look at kitchens being designed now, coffee stations are integrated with intent. I see recessed niches, cabinet-built setups, and appliance walls that give coffee its own place without interrupting the main workflow. The focus is not on display, but on keeping the kitchen calm and usable. The ideas below reflect coffee stations I’m...

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Are Live Edge Wood Furniture Pieces Still in Trend This Year?

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 13, 2026

Are Live Edge Wood Furniture Pieces Still in Trend This Year?

Live edge furniture continues to hold its place because it solves a modern design tension: homes are getting cleaner, more minimal, and more architectural, but people still want warmth, imperfection, and something that feels grounded. Live edge pieces do that without feeling rustic or dated — especially when paired with contemporary forms, metal bases, or...

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Why Starting Subway Tile From the Counter Isn’t Always the Best Choice

Posted in DIY Projects | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 13, 2026

Why Starting Subway Tile From the Counter Isn’t Always the Best Choice

Starting subway tile from the countertop is one of the most common backsplash rules you’ll hear. It sounds logical. The counter is level, visible, and feels like the natural place to begin. In many kitchens, this approach works just fine. But it’s not always the best choice. In some layouts, starting from the counter can...

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The Storage Material That’s Quietly Replacing Upper Cabinets

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 13, 2026

The Storage Material That’s Quietly Replacing Upper Cabinets

For a long time, adding storage meant adding weight. More cabinetry, deeper shelves, thicker visual lines. But lately, I’ve been noticing kitchens and living spaces going in a different direction. Instead of filling walls, designers are thinning them out. What’s replacing the solid mass of upper cabinets isn’t a new layout or a bold feature....

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Most People Don’t Realize Kitchen Islands and Bars Aren’t the Same Height

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 12, 2026

Most People Don’t Realize Kitchen Islands and Bars Aren’t the Same Height

This kitchen mistake is easy to miss, but it affects comfort right away. Islands and bars aren’t the same height, and using the wrong stools makes that difference obvious fast. I see this happen when seating is chosen last, as if any stool will work anywhere. Once you start matching stool height to surface height...

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This Is the Warm White Paint Designers Keep Choosing in 2026

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 12, 2026

This Is the Warm White Paint Designers Keep Choosing in 2026

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee has quietly become one of the most relied-on warm whites in interiors, especially as designers move away from crisp, high-contrast whites. Known for its creamy softness and subtle warmth, this shade creates spaces that feel inviting without looking yellow or dated. Across kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms, Swiss Coffee shows...

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5 Cleaning Myths I Believed for Years Before Learning What Actually Works

Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 12, 2026

5 Cleaning Myths I Believed for Years Before Learning What Actually Works

I’ve tried most of the popular cleaning hacks at least once. Vinegar everywhere, baking soda on everything, lemon juice for “natural shine,” borax when things got serious. Some of it works. A lot of it doesn’t. Over time, I realized many of the cleaning habits people swear by are based on half-truths that sound logical...

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13 Attic Bedrooms That Turn Awkward Rooflines Into the Strongest Design Feature

Posted in Bedroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 12, 2026

13 Attic Bedrooms That Turn Awkward Rooflines Into the Strongest Design Feature

Attic bedrooms don’t follow the rules of standard layouts, and that’s exactly what makes them interesting. Sloped ceilings, exposed beams, and tucked-away corners shape the way these rooms are furnished, styled, and experienced. The spaces featured here show how designers work with those conditions rather than against them, using pattern, color, built-ins, and carefully placed...

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What Are the Biggest Interior Design Mistakes People Regret the Most?

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 12, 2026

What Are the Biggest Interior Design Mistakes People Regret the Most?

When I looked through hundreds of real responses about interior design mistakes, one thing became clear very quickly: most regrets don’t come from bad taste. They come from rushing decisions, ignoring scale, or trusting trends more than the space itself. These are the mistakes people mention over and over again, often years after living with...

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The Kitchen Storage Detail That’s Quietly Replacing Open Counters

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 12, 2026

The Kitchen Storage Detail That’s Quietly Replacing Open Counters

Kitchen design is shifting in a quiet but noticeable way. Instead of adding more shelves or leaving appliances on display, designers are rethinking where everyday tools actually belong. The result is a storage detail that keeps counters clear without pushing daily routines out of reach. Where appliances are going now Appliance garages are no longer...

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10 Bookshelf Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Traditional Wall-to-Wall Storage

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 11, 2026

10 Bookshelf Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Traditional Wall-to-Wall Storage

I’ve started looking at bookshelves less as fixed furniture and more as design systems that can replace the usual wall-to-wall solution. The interiors below show how shelving can work vertically, float in space, divide rooms, or even become seating. Some lean sculptural, others reinterpret classic layouts, but all of them use books in a way...

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10 Kids’ Room Ideas You Don’t See in Most Interior Design Features

Posted in Bedroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 11, 2026

10 Kids’ Room Ideas You Don’t See in Most Interior Design Features

Kids’ rooms are often treated as temporary spaces, designed around themes that age out quickly. Lately, I’ve been seeing a different approach. These rooms are planned with the same care as the rest of the house, using built-in furniture, confident pattern, and layouts that actually respond to how kids live day to day. 10 Kids’...

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8 Traditional Kitchen Features Making a Quiet Comeback in 2026

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 11, 2026

8 Traditional Kitchen Features Making a Quiet Comeback in 2026

For a long time, kitchens were designed to erase their own history. Flat fronts, hidden appliances, and finishes chosen to stay neutral and untouched. But lately, I’ve noticed a clear shift. The kitchens that feel most compelling now are the ones bringing back features that were never meant to disappear in the first place. What’s...

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Is Green Replacing Gray as the Sofa Color of Choice This Year?

Posted in Living Room | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 11, 2026

Is Green Replacing Gray as the Sofa Color of Choice This Year?

For a long time, gray sofas were the standard choice because they felt neutral and safe. But this year, that safety is exactly what’s pushing them out. Gray often flattens a room, especially when paired with light walls, open layouts, and layered decor. It blends in without contributing anything structural to the space. Sage green,...

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10 Interior Arches I’m Choosing Instead of Square Door Openings This Year

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 11, 2026

10 Interior Arches I’m Choosing Instead of Square Door Openings This Year

For years, square door openings have been the default in interior spaces. They’re practical, easy to frame, and rarely questioned. But going into this year, I’m intentionally looking past them. Not because they don’t work, but because they’ve become the expected solution. What’s standing out now are openings that feel more considered and architectural. Arches...

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15 Bathroom Vanity Ideas I’m Choosing Instead of Floating Cabinets This Year

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 10, 2026

15 Bathroom Vanity Ideas I’m Choosing Instead of Floating Cabinets This Year

For years, floating bathroom vanities have been the default choice. I’ve specified them, installed them, and recommended them countless times. They promised lightness, modernity, and visual space. But going into this year, I’m moving away from them. Not because they’re wrong, but because they’ve become predictable and often disconnected from how bathrooms are used. What...

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Do Baking Soda and Vinegar Actually Clean Grout, or Is Borax Better?

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 10, 2026

Do Baking Soda and Vinegar Actually Clean Grout, or Is Borax Better?

Dirty grout can make an otherwise clean bathroom or kitchen look neglected. When grout lines darken or stain, the usual advice is to reach for baking soda, vinegar, or borax. They’re cheap, natural, and always described as “effective.” I’ve used all of them. But after seeing very different results depending on the mess, I wanted...

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40 Dining Table and Chair Ideas No One Shares Because They Feel Collected, Not Purchased

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 10, 2026

40 Dining Table and Chair Ideas No One Shares Because They Feel Collected, Not Purchased

Dining spaces don’t need perfectly matched sets to feel finished. In fact, some of the most interesting dining rooms today are built around contrast—different chair styles, mixed materials, unexpected textures, and tables that anchor the space without dominating it. 40 Thoughtful design ideas that prioritize balance, texture, and everyday comfort These dining table and chair...

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Kitchens That Break the Rules of Flat Surfaces, Single Heights, and One-Material Islands in 2026

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 10, 2026

Kitchens That Break the Rules of Flat Surfaces, Single Heights, and One-Material Islands in 2026

The kitchens gaining attention for 2026 are not defined by color or finishes alone. They are shaped by how surfaces move, change height, shift depth, and combine materials with purpose. I’m seeing more designers abandon rigid rectangles in favor of curved extensions, split-height islands, variable-depth countertops, and integrated technology that disappears when not in use....

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I Tried Lemon Juice on My Stove Grates to See If It Actually Cuts Through Grease

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 9, 2026

I Tried Lemon Juice on My Stove Grates to See If It Actually Cuts Through Grease

Stove grates are one of those things I tend to clean last. I’d scrub them quickly, rinse them off, and put them back, knowing they weren’t really clean. Grease stayed in the joints, food clung to the ridges, and dish soap only went so far. Using lemon juice changed how that buildup responded before I...

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8 Kitchen Cabinet Details I’m Choosing Instead of Shaker Doors

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 9, 2026

8 Kitchen Cabinet Details I’m Choosing Instead of Shaker Doors

For a long time, Shaker cabinet doors were the safe choice. I’ve used them, specified them, and understood why they became the default. They’re familiar, versatile, and easy to justify in almost any kitchen. But over time, they’ve started to feel less like a design decision and more like an automatic setting. Kitchens today are...

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15 Terrazzo Ideas Homeowners Turn to After Trendy Finishes Let Them Down

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 9, 2026

15 Terrazzo Ideas Homeowners Turn to After Trendy Finishes Let Them Down

Terrazzo is almost never the first material I hear clients ask for. It usually comes up later, after scratched floors, stained countertops, or surfaces that looked great for a year and then started to feel tired. That’s the point where terrazzo stops sounding unusual and starts sounding practical. The designs in this collection show how...

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Does Bleach Actually Clean Bathtubs, or Can It Cause Damage Over Time?

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 9, 2026

Does Bleach Actually Clean Bathtubs, or Can It Cause Damage Over Time?

A dirty bathtub has a way of making you feel unclean no matter how much soap you use. When soap scum builds up, stains appear, and the surface starts looking dull, bleach often feels like the obvious solution. It’s strong, it smells “clean,” and it promises quick results. I’ve used it plenty of times. But...

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The Kitchen Updates I’m Finally Prioritizing This Year

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 9, 2026

The Kitchen Updates I’m Finally Prioritizing This Year

At the beginning of the year, I always find myself reassessing the spaces we use the most, and the kitchen sits right at the top of that list. Ours has served us well for years, but living with it day in and day out has made certain compromises impossible to ignore. What once felt like...

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The Microwave Cleaning Step I Skipped for Years Instead of Scrubbing at All

Posted in How To Clean | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 8, 2026

The Microwave Cleaning Step I Skipped for Years Instead of Scrubbing at All

I used to clean my microwave the same way most people do: open the door, grab a sponge, and start scrubbing dried splatters like they owed me money. It always felt harder than it should, and no matter how much effort I put in, the inside never really looked clean. What I didn’t realize is...

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Why I Keep Using Black-and-White Wall Art to Anchor Modern Interiors

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 8, 2026

Why I Keep Using Black-and-White Wall Art to Anchor Modern Interiors

Black-and-white wall art keeps showing up in well-designed living rooms, even as color trends shift and palettes change. I don’t see it used as a statement or a throwback. I see it used as a stabilizing element. When furniture, lighting, and materials already carry visual weight, monochrome art creates order without adding noise. What’s interesting...

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Most People Don’t Realize Toilets Come in Two Heights

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 8, 2026

Most People Don’t Realize Toilets Come in Two Heights

It took me years to fully register this, and I’m not exaggerating. I had been designing and using bathrooms long before it clicked that toilets don’t all sit at the same height. Some always felt easier to use. Others felt oddly low or slightly uncomfortable. The difference wasn’t the brand or the shape. It was...

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19 Beadboard Interior Ideas That Change the Structure of a Room

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 8, 2026

19 Beadboard Interior Ideas That Change the Structure of a Room

I use beadboard when a space needs structure without visual weight. Its vertical lines do something very specific: they organize the room, correct proportions, and create a clear architectural base without competing with furniture or finishes. When it’s done right, beadboard almost disappears, yet the room feels more resolved because of it. Across bathrooms, bedrooms,...

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10 Range Hood Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Stainless Steel This Year

Posted in Kitchen | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 7, 2026

10 Range Hood Designs I’m Choosing Instead of Stainless Steel This Year

For years, stainless steel range hoods have been the default solution in modern kitchens. I’ve specified them, lived with them, and recommended them because they were neutral, practical, and easy to justify. But over time, they’ve started to feel less like a design choice and more like a placeholder. Kitchens today are doing more than...

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10 Interior Design Trends Designers Are Choosing While Everyone Else Looks Elsewhere

Posted in Interiors | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 7, 2026

10 Interior Design Trends Designers Are Choosing While Everyone Else Looks Elsewhere

Interior design is no longer driven by adding more elements to a room. Instead, it is being shaped by fewer decisions that carry more responsibility. Furniture defines the space, materials are allowed to speak for themselves, and decorative objects are expected to function visually, not just fill gaps. The interior design trends in this article...

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Most People Miss This Shower Detail, But It’s One of the Smartest Choices Here

Posted in Bathroom | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 7, 2026

Most People Miss This Shower Detail, But It’s One of the Smartest Choices Here

I kept seeing this detail pop up in bathroom photos on Instagram and TikTok. At first glance, it looks like a second, oddly placed shower niche. Too low for shampoo. Too deliberate to be a mistake. Once you know what it’s for, you start noticing it everywhere. That lower niche is a shower shaving niche....

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The Kitchen Island and Wall Bed That Quietly Define This Brazilian Apartment

Posted in Apartments | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 7, 2026

The Kitchen Island and Wall Bed That Quietly Define This Brazilian Apartment

Designed by Kuster Brizola Arquitetos, this 150 m² apartment in Curitiba uses color and material as structural elements, not decoration. The layout is direct and efficient, with each space defined by clear choices rather than neutral backdrops. Wood, paint, and tile are used deliberately to give the apartment a strong identity tied to Brazilian modernist...

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Modern Homes Are Softening Their Lines, and Arches Are Leading the Shift

Posted in Furniture | by Stefan Gheorghe, on January 7, 2026

Modern Homes Are Softening Their Lines, and Arches Are Leading the Shift

I’ve been watching arches return not as decoration, but as structure. They soften transitions, slow movement through a space, and break the dominance of rigid layouts that defined modern interiors for years. Once an arch is introduced, straight lines stop feeling like the default. 21 Arched Interior Ideas Changing How Modern Homes Are Designed What...

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