Decoist

6 Items You Should Never Keep In Your Entryway

07:37

Your entryway is the first impression of your home, so it should always feel like a welcoming space. This can be tricky to maintain when we’re so used to just tossing things aside as soon as we step indoors. So, in order to keep that warm and comfortable air in our homes’ entrance, what should we avoid keeping in plain view? Here are a few of those items.

Too Many Coats and Jackets

While it’s definitely practical to leave your coats and jackets in the entryway, an overstuffed coat rack creates a chaotic energy right inside your door, turning what should be simple storage into something far too cluttered. Instead, consider storing jackets inside a closet, cabinet, or even in a dedicated entryway hutch if you have the space for it. If you must hang something freely in the entryway, choose just one or two go-to pieces. Keeping things minimal helps avoid the overwhelm of a space that’s supposed to feel refreshing and inviting.

An entryway with a full coat rack and shoe rack next to it.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Piles of Mail

Mail often ends up being left in the entryway as we need to put it down when we come in, but these piles of papers, many of which are destined for the recycling bin anyway, just creates a messy look. A stack of unopened envelopes doesn’t exactly scream “welcome home.” Instead of letting mail sit around, have a dedicated tray, drawer, or bowl that stores it all and helps keep it localized, thus easy to find or sort through. It’s best if this tray is further into the home so you don’t just set it and forget it as soon as you walk in.

Scattered mail on a table.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Shoes You Don’t Wear Often

Many people keep every pair of shoes they own in the entryway, but not all footwear needs to be right by the door all the time. Shoes you don’t wear regularly just take up space and make for more of a mess. Consider rotating shoes based on seasonality or current style, storing others in a closet in the meantime. A shoe bench, rack, or other organizer can help if you want to keep them all close by, but be sure to only keep the pairs you wear often near the door.

A crowded, full shoe rack.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Expired or Unused Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies should be accessible, yes, but keeping them in full view in your entryway generally isn’t the best. The entryway is a public-facing space, and having things like half-empty bottles of cleaner laying around feels disorganized. If you prefer have cleaning supplies near the door for quick access, try a more discreet storage container that blends in and doesn’t feel jarring in the space, preferably somewhere low like under a console table so it’s generally out of sight.

Cleaning supplies in dedicated baskets on the floor.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Sports Equipment or Toys

While the entryway might feel like an easy place to drop off sports equipment or other outdoor toys, these items can make the space feel chaotic very quickly. Items like soccer balls, bikes, or hockey sticks can create a disorganized look when they’re all dropped right inside the door. Instead, allocate a designated storage area for these items, whether it’s a closet, garage, or a side room. This way, your entryway can stays neat while the equipment and toys easily remain accessible.

Soccer equipment stacked in the grass.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Excessive Decor or Personal Items

Seeing as it’s the first impression your home makes, it’s tempting to decorate the entryway with family photos, souvenirs, and knick-knacks. However, too many personal items can make the space feel cluttered Excessive decor can overwhelm your senses as soon as you walk through the door, which defeats the purpose of a welcoming space. Choose one or two pieces that reflect your personality but don’t command the space. There will be plenty of room for decorating elsewhere, keep your entrance simple.

Entrance table covered in decor.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Think of your entryway as the first impression your guests will have of your home. You wouldn’t want them to walk into a cluttered, disorganized mess, right? Not only that, but keeping these things out of your entryway will help you feel more organized, too. A few mindful changes in what you keep there is all you need to transform this small area into one that’s both stylish and functional.

You're reading 6 Items You Should Never Keep In Your Entryway, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.



Posted By : Daniel Mitchell

Home Design Ideas

Color, Tradition & Innovation: A Unique Take on Eastern Interior Design

06:30

Who says tradition and modernity can’t coexist? This stunning interior design project, by Elemental Design, challenges the norm.We see rich, Eastern influences along with multi-functional furniture—all while embracing bold color. In this home, every detail tells a story. There are soft curves and intricate textures. And the vibrant colors aren’t just accents. They’re an integral part of the decor. Let’s walk through this space to look into it.

curved sofa with warm terracotta accent
muted terracotta shelving
kitchen countertop with integrated table
curved walls
vintage wooden cabinetry
muted terracotta wall accent
artwork on stand
traditional black dining table
warm terracotta foyer

The living area blends softness, warmth, and bold accents—and perfectly captures Eastern-inspired design. Curved architecture (seen through the walls) takes center stage. This creates an organic flow in the space. Simultaneously, warm beige tones set a tranquil atmosphere.

A sculptural cream sofa with fluid lines anchors the space. The soft curvature of the seating arrangement complements the architecture of the room (and reinforces a cohesive aesthetic). We can see pops of muted terracotta bringing the space to life.

Strategic zoning defines the open-plan layout, with a round area rug subtly demarcating the lounge from the dining and kitchen spaces.

In the kitchen, the curved countertops are integrated with a round dining table. The wooden cabinetry has a vintage vibe, again another element of Eastern design. Nearby, we see a recessed area with muted terracotta tones, providing room for residents to practice their passions. This same tone of muted terracotta also dominates the foyer.

plush upholstered headboard
light and airy beige bedroom
traditional modern bedroom
sleek terracotta vanity and mirror with curves
plush bed with artwork
mustard stool with desk
sleek beige cabinetry
curved beige cabinetry
curved wall mounted desk

The bedroom in this home is light and airy. It is dominated by beige tones. A plush upholstered bed is topped with interesting artwork, while the sleek beige cabinetry offers functionality. There’s also a compact section in the cabinetry to hold a decor piece. 

We especially love the compact vanity. This features hues of terracotta as well as a mirror with curves and globe lights. A curved, wall-mounted desk provides room to work, while the wall-mounted cabinetry above saves space and provides room to store books. Finally, the large window allows natural light to illuminate the space.



Posted By Anzah

Decoist

5 Beautiful Ways To Store Your Loose Towels

07:37

Despite, or perhaps because of, their necessity in the home, towels can easily clutter up a space if not stored properly. However, there is a balance to be found between convenience, accessibility, and aesthetics for storing your towels. You want a storage solution that keeps your towels organized, dry, and easy to grab, without overwhelming your space. Here are six simple yet functional ideas for storing your towels that focus on making your space feel both tidy and functional.

1. Unique Wall-Mounted Towel Bars or Hooks

Using a wall-mounted bar is perhaps the most common way to store towels, but there are ways to elevate even this simple bathroom feature. By choosing a bar that deliberately matches the other hardware in your bathroom, be it your shower head, sink faucet, or cabinet handles, that on its own will immediately make the space look more elevated. You can also go for a similar but different feel by using wall hooks instead of a bar, still letting the towels hang to dry but offering a different shape.

Colorful towels hanging on hook against white wall
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Wavebreakmedia

2. Open Shelving with Dividers

Open shelves are a simple, effective way to store towels in a way that keeps them organized and accessible. To prevent towels from piling up on those shelves and looking messy, consider using dividers to create individual spaces for each type of towel. For example, you can designate one section for bath towels, another for hand towels, and a smaller section for washcloths. This helps to keep things organized while still allowing easy access whenever you need it. Choose open shelving that complements the style of your bathroom, like floating wood shelves or sleek metal racks.

Neatly organized bathroom closet with floating wood shelves
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / krisprahl

3. Towel Roll Storage in a Basket

A practical yet stylish way to store towels is by rolling them and arranging them in a basket. Instead of stacking towels, rolling them helps keep them compact and creates a neat, organized look. This storage solution works especially well for hand towels or washcloths. The basket can be placed on a bathroom countertop or tucked away in a corner, offering both storage and decor in one. You can mix and match different textures of baskets for a bit of personality while still keeping towels easy to grab.

A wicker basket full of rolled up grey towels sitting on the floor.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Pasanheco

4. Over-the-Door Towel Rack

Maximizing unused space can be a game-changer in smaller bathrooms. An over-the-door towel rack is a simple solution to store towels without using up any additional floor or wall space. This setup lets you to hang towels on the back of your bathroom or closet door, keeping them neatly arranged and out of sight but easy to access when needed. Some models come with multiple hooks or even shelves, providing extra storage for smaller towels or other bathroom essentials.

An over-door towel hook in the shape of a stick figure.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / bilyanas1

5. Use a Bathroom Ladder with Bins

A bathroom ladder is a versatile and space-efficient storage option for towels, similar to a blanket ladder often seen in living rooms. The ladder leans against a wall and you hang bath towels over the rungs. To keep things practical, add a few small bins or baskets on the bottom rungs to store hand towels or washcloths. This setup offers both visibility and accessibility while keeping towels dry and organized. The ladder can also add a touch of rustic charm to your bathroom, making stylish as well as functional.

A bamboo towel ladder against a bathroom wall, holding towels.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Sonyachny

Storing loose towels is a small, but necessary detail we all need to consider in our homes. Whether you prefer rolling towels in a basket, hanging them on a hook, or stacking them in a linen cabinet, there’s a solution that will work for any space. With these simple ideas, your towels will always be easy to grab and won’t create unnecessary clutter, all while adding a bit of style to your bathroom.

You're reading 5 Beautiful Ways To Store Your Loose Towels, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.



Posted By : Daniel Mitchell

Home Design Ideas

The Anti-Decor Movement: Designing Spaces That Are Barely Styled

05:29

In a world where Instagram-worthy interiors and Pinterest-perfect homes dominate our feeds, a quiet rebellion is taking shape. It’s a movement that challenges the notion that every corner of our living spaces must be meticulously curated, styled, and accessorized.. Welcome to the Anti-Decor Movement—a design philosophy that embraces simplicity, imperfection, and the beauty of the unadorned. It’s about creating spaces that are barely styled, yet deeply personal and profoundly calming.

What Is the Anti-Decor Movement?

The anti-decor movement is a response to the overly stylized, often unattainable interiors seen in mainstream design media. At its core, the Anti-Decor Movement is a reaction to the overwhelming pressure to keep up with ever-changing design trends. It’s a pushback against the idea that our homes need to look like they belong in a magazine or a staged real estate listing. Instead, it celebrates the raw, the unfinished, and the authentic. It’s the art of not trying too hard, yet still creating a space that feels deeply personal and inviting.

The Origins of the Anti-Decor Movement

anti minimalistic
Image source: Real estate

To understand the Anti-Decor Movement, we need to look at the broader cultural shifts that have shaped our relationship with design. Over the past decade, we’ve seen the rise of minimalism, Scandinavian design, and the Marie Kondo-inspired decluttering craze. These movements emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the idea of living with less. But as these trends became mainstream, they also became commodified. Suddenly, minimalism wasn’t just a lifestyle—it was a brand. And with that came the pressure to achieve a certain aesthetic, often at the expense of individuality and comfort.

The Anti-Decor Movement takes minimalism a step further. It’s not just about reducing clutter or sticking to a neutral color palette. It’s about rejecting the idea that our spaces need to be “designed” at all. It’s about embracing the natural state of a room—its bare walls, its unfinished floors, its unadorned surfaces. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane and the overlooked.

This movement is also a response to the fast-paced, consumer-driven culture we live in. We’re constantly bombarded with ads for the latest home decor trends, from statement lighting to artisanal ceramics. The message is clear: if you want your home to be stylish, you need to keep buying, updating, and refreshing. But the Anti-Decor Movement asks: What if we just stopped? What if we let our homes be what they are, without feeling the need to constantly tweak and improve them?

The Principles of Anti-Decor

So, what does it mean to embrace the Anti-Decor Movement? It’s not about living in an empty, sterile space. It’s about creating a home that feels authentic, comfortable, and lived-in. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:

  • Less is More, But Not in a Prescriptive Way: The Anti-Decor Movement isn’t about adhering to strict rules or guidelines. It’s about letting go of the need to fill every inch of your space with stuff. It’s about choosing a few meaningful pieces—a comfortable sofa, a well-loved bookshelf, a piece of art that speaks to you—and letting them shine. The rest is just noise.
  • Embrace Imperfection: In a world obsessed with perfection, the Anti-Decor Movement celebrates the beauty of flaws. A crack in the wall, a scratch on the floor, a piece of furniture that’s seen better days—these aren’t things to be fixed or hidden. They’re part of the story of your home. They add character and depth.
  • Let Function Dictate Form: Instead of starting with a vision of how you want your space to look, start with how you want it to function. What do you need from your living room? A cozy spot to read? A place to gather with friends? A workspace that inspires creativity? Let those needs guide your choices, rather than trying to fit your life into a pre-designed aesthetic.
  • Celebrate the Unfinished: The Anti-Decor Movement is all about embracing the unfinished, the in-progress, the incomplete. Maybe you don’t have the perfect rug yet, or your walls are still bare. That’s okay. A home doesn’t have to be “done” to be beautiful. In fact, there’s something deeply comforting about a space that feels like it’s still evolving.
  • Focus on Experience, Not Appearance: At its heart, the Anti-Decor Movement is about creating spaces that feel good to be in, rather than spaces that look good in photos. It’s about prioritizing comfort, ease, and joy over aesthetics. It’s about designing for yourself, not for the approval of others.

How to Create an Anti-Decor Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Designing an Anti-Decor home is about embracing simplicity, authenticity, and functionality. It’s a deliberate move away from over-styled, trend-driven interiors and toward spaces that feel calm, lived-in, and deeply personal. If you’re ready to create an Anti-Decor home, this step-by-step guide will help you get started. Whether you’re redesigning your entire house or just one room, these principles will help you achieve a space that’s barely styled yet full of character.

1. Declutter and Simplify

declutter living room
Visualizer: Nazerke Aitkeshova

The first step in designing an Anti-Decor home is to declutter. This isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about letting go of the excess and keeping only what truly matters. Start with one room and work your way through the house. Ask yourself: Do I love this? Do I use this? Does this add value to my life? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.

 Be honest with yourself about what you need and what you don’t. Keep only the essentials and items that hold personal meaning. The goal is to create a sense of openness and calm. Clear surfaces, empty corners, and bare walls are key to the Anti-Decor aesthetic.

2. Choose a Neutral Foundation

neutral based living room
Visualizer: Veronika Buzko

An Anti-Decor home relies on a neutral color palette to create a calm and cohesive backdrop. Paint your walls in soft, neutral tones like white, beige, gray, or warm earthy hues. These colors create a sense of serenity and allow other elements in the room to stand out. 

Opt for natural materials like wood, stone, or concrete for your floors. If you have carpet, choose a neutral shade that complements the walls. Stick to neutral colors for larger furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and dining tables. This creates a harmonious base that you can build upon.

3. Focus on Functionality

Funtional living room
Visualizer: Arthome Garden

In an Anti-Decor home, every piece of furniture and decor should serve a purpose. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose, like a storage ottoman, a sofa bed, or a dining table that doubles as a workspace.

 Comfort is key in an Anti-Decor home. Choose furniture that’s practical and inviting, like a plush sofa, a cozy armchair, or a sturdy dining table. Think about how you use the space and arrange furniture accordingly. For example, place a reading chair near a window or position your sofa to encourage conversation.

4. Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural living room
Visualizer: City Home

Natural materials are a hallmark of the Anti-Decor aesthetic. They add warmth, texture, and a sense of authenticity to your home. Incorporate wood through furniture, flooring, or decor. A wooden dining table, a reclaimed wood shelf, or a set of wooden chairs can add warmth and character. Use stone for countertops, fireplace surrounds, or decorative accents. 

A stone coffee table or a marble vase can add a touch of elegance. Choose soft, natural fabrics for upholstery, bedding, and curtains. Linen sofas, cotton throws, and wool rugs add texture and comfort. Bring in greenery to add life and freshness to your space. A potted plant, a vase of fresh flowers, or a small herb garden can make a big difference.

5. Embrace Imperfection

electic living room
Visualizer: Decorilla

The Anti-Decor movement celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Don’t try to hide scratches, dents, or wear and tear. These imperfections tell the story of your home and add character. 

Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly. A mix of styles, textures, and finishes can create a more interesting and personal space. Incorporate handmade or DIY items, like a hand-knitted blanket, a piece of pottery, or a painting you created. These items add a personal touch and celebrate the beauty of imperfection.

6. Use Lighting Thoughtfully

lightining in living room
Visualizer: Architecture Digest

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere in an Anti-Decor home. Let in as much natural light as possible by keeping window treatments minimal. Use sheer curtains or leave windows bare to create a bright, airy feel. Opt for understated lighting fixtures that blend into the background.

 Think pendant lights with clean lines, minimalist floor lamps, or recessed lighting. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For example, pair a floor lamp with a table lamp and add a few candles for soft, diffused light.

7. Add Personal Touches

personalized living room
Image Source: H2hOrganizing

While an Anti-Decor home is minimal, it shouldn’t feel sterile or impersonal. Choose a few items that hold personal significance, like a family photo, a piece of art, or a souvenir from a trip. Display them thoughtfully, but sparingly. Books are a great way to add personality to a space. Stack them on a shelf, use them as a riser for a lamp, or display them on a coffee table. Add warmth and texture with textiles like throw blankets, cushions, and rugs.

8. Embrace Negative Space

emrace negative spaces
Image Source: Motherhood Unstressed

Negative space—the empty areas in a room—is a key element of Anti-Decor design. Resist the urge to fill every surface with decor. Leave countertops, shelves, and tables mostly bare to create a sense of openness. Avoid overcrowding walls with art or photos. Choose one or two meaningful pieces and give them plenty of space to shine. Arrange furniture to allow for easy movement and flow. Avoid blocking pathways or cramming too much into one area.

9. Keep It Evolving

modern living room
Visualizer: Hana ebrahim

An Anti-Decor home is never truly “finished.” It’s a space that evolves over time as your needs and tastes change. Don’t feel the need to fill your home all at once. Add pieces gradually, as you find items that truly resonate with you. 

Periodically reassess your space and remove anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings you joy. The most important thing is to create a home that feels authentic to you. Don’t worry about trends or what others are doing—focus on what makes you happy.

Wrap Up

At its core, the Anti-Decor Movement reminds us that our homes don’t need to be styled to perfection to be beautiful. Sometimes, the most meaningful spaces are the ones that are barely styled—where every item has a purpose, every corner tells a story, and every room feels like a sanctuary.

For more inspiration and practical tips on creating barely styled spaces, visit Home Designing. Whether you’re starting fresh or reimagining your current home, Home Designing is your ultimate resource for innovative ideas and timeless design. Let your home be a sanctuary, not a showroom. Start your journey today at Home Designing.



Posted By Tahira

Decoist

Neutral Paint Colors Help Sell Your Home, Here’s Why

07:37

Selling a home is all about making a strong first impression. Buyers need to see themselves living in the space, and one of the easiest ways to help them do that is by choosing neutral paint colors for your walls. While bold colors might reflect personal taste, they can also be distracting, overwhelming, or off-putting for those looking to buy a home. Neutral tones create a clean, fresh look that appeals to far more people. Here’s why neutral paint colors work so well for homes on the market.

A Blank Slate for Buyers

When buyers walk into a home, they want to picture themselves living there, and loud or unusual colors can make that harder. A bright red dining room or a deep purple bedroom might match someone’s taste, but definitely not everyone’s, and it immediately feels like more of a hassle to paint over. Neutral tones like soft whites, warm grays, and light beiges help create a blank slate. They don’t force a particular style or mood, giving buyers the freedom to imagine their own furniture, decor, and personal style in the space. This makes it easier for them to connect with the home emotionally, increasing the chances of a sale.

Empty attic room with beige walls, white trim and doors, carpeted floor, and a white ceiling.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Mint_Images

Maximizes Natural Light

Light plays a huge role in how a home feels. Dark or overly saturated colors can absorb light and make rooms feel darker. Neutral shades, on the other hand, are often lighter and thus reflect natural light better, making spaces feel more open and inviting. A well-lit room appears cleaner, fresher, and more welcoming, qualities that buyers actively seek. Lighter neutrals can also make ceilings seem higher and rooms feel airier, creating an overall sense of spaciousness. When a home looks bright and open, buyers are more likely to feel comfortable and excited about it.

Table with wine and snacks located near chairs in cozy elegant dining room at home
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Demkat

Makes Small Spaces Feel Bigger

Square footage matters, but the way that square footage is presented is just as important. Dark or vibrant walls can close in a space if the tone isn’t right, making it feel small or overwhelming. Neutral colors create an illusion of more space by keeping walls from feeling like barriers. Off-whites and other lighter neutrals help rooms feel larger because they reflect more light and don’t create any visual clutter. Even in small bedrooms, hallways, or bathrooms, a neutral color palette can make the home feel more expansive, which is a big selling point for potential buyers.

Highlights Architectural Features

Homes with interesting details like crown molding, fireplaces, built-ins, or wainscoting can benefit from neutral walls. Bold colors can sometimes overshadow these features or even clash with them, but a well-chosen neutral tone allows architectural details to stand out, drawing attention to the craftsmanship and design of the home. White or beige walls with contrasting trim can create a subtle but high-end look that makes the home feel more refined. When buyers notice these details, they associate the home with quality and care, which can then increase its perceived value.

Detail of corner ceiling with intricate crown molding on column with spot light
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / hiv360

It’s Move-In-Ready

Most buyers don’t want to deal with repainting as soon as they move in. A home with neutral walls feels more move-in-ready, saving buyers tons of time and effort. If a house is painted in strong, personalized colors, buyers may see it as extra work they have to do before settling in which can make them hesitate, even if they love the home otherwise. When a house looks fresh, modern, and ready to live in, buyers feel more confident making an offer.

Pairs Well with Any Style

 Trendy or bold colors can go out of style quickly, making a home quickly feel dated. Neutrals, however, are timeless. They work well with any design preference, from modern minimalism to classic farmhouse style. Buyers with different tastes can easily see how their own furniture and decor would fit. Instead of worrying about whether a certain color will match their style, they can focus on filling the home whatever way they envision, making neutral walls a safer, more appealing choice for a wide range of buyers.

White bedroom interior with natural wooden accents and king size bed, copy space on empty wall
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / bialasiewicz

Increases Perceived Value

A home that looks fresh and modern feels more valuable. Neutral colors give the impression that a home has been well-maintained and updated. Buyers associate clean, neutral walls with a higher-end property, even if no major renovations have been done. When a home feels polished and put together, buyers are often willing to pay more. A simple coat of neutral paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make a home look more expensive, which can lead to a higher selling price.

Luxury interior design of a modern house
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / pro_creator

Choosing the right paint color might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference when selling your home. Neutral tones create a welcoming space that feels brighter, bigger, and more modern. They help buyers see the home’s potential, make listing photos more appealing, and even boost the home’s perceived value. If you’re thinking about selling, a fresh coat of neutral paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your home stand out and sell faster.

You're reading Neutral Paint Colors Help Sell Your Home, Here’s Why, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.



Posted By : Daniel Mitchell

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