Decorizer

Walk into a home influenced by the “Soft Minimalism” movement currently trending across Europe, and there is an immediate, palpable sense of calm. The room breathes. By contrast, many contemporary North American interiors—especially those designed in the maximalist post-2020 era—can feel visually “loud,” even when filled with high-end pieces.

The difference isn’t a matter of budget or square footage; it’s a philosophical shift in how we define comfort. In 2026, the global design community is looking toward European-style restraint to solve the problem of visual burnout.

Here is how to apply those principles to your own space—without a full renovation.

1. Edit the “Visual Noise” (The Rule of Thirds)

A hallmark of contemporary European interiors—particularly those in the Scandinavian and Belgian traditions—is the use of negative space. Walls aren’t always expected to carry art, and shelves aren’t packed edge-to-edge.

• The Philosophy: Objects are given “air” so the eye has a place to rest.
• The 2026 Fix: Audit your surfaces. Remove roughly one-third of the decor from your shelves or consoles. Re-center the remaining items and embrace the “empty” space as a design element itself.

2. Shift to Warm Neutrals

While many American “Modern” homes have long favored stark, brilliant whites for a sense of cleanliness, European palettes lean toward “Muted Earthiness.” These are tones that absorb light rather than bouncing it aggressively.

• The Palette: Think soft bone, muted clay, and “greige.” These hues feel quieter and more grounded, especially during the low light of winter months.
• The 2026 Fix: You don’t need to repaint immediately. Introduce these tones through “low-commitment” textiles—linen curtains, wool throws, or even parchment lampshades.

3. Layered Lighting vs. The “Big Light”

In many American households, a single, bright overhead fixture is often the primary light source. In contrast, European lighting design focuses on “Atmospheric Layering.”

• The Approach: Use three to four smaller light sources per room. This allows you to create a soft, adaptable glow that mimics the natural movement of the sun.
• The 2026 Fix: Add a warm-toned table lamp to a corner that currently feels harsh. Opt for bulbs in the 2700K range—this “warm white” is the secret to making a room feel intimate rather than institutional.

4. Texture Over Statement

Where some design styles rely on a bold “statement piece” to grab attention, the European mindset prioritizes Tactile Depth. It’s about how a material feels under your hand, not just how it looks on social media.

• The Materials: Unfinished wood grain, tumbled stone, heavy linen, and matte ceramics. These add complexity without demanding a visual “shout.”
• The 2026 Fix: Swap one high-gloss or high-contrast item for something organic—like a rough-hewn wooden tray or a hand-poured ceramic bowl.

5. Embrace the “Lived-In” Aesthetic

Perhaps the most significant nuance is the move away from the “Permanently Photo-Ready” home. Influential European designers often allow rooms to feel human, evolving, and slightly imperfect.

• The Philosophy: A room is a living entity, not a museum. A stack of real books or a chair that has been pulled out for conversation adds a layer of soul that perfection lacks.
• The 2026 Fix: Resist the urge to “over-style.” Let one area of your home stay authentically imperfect. Calm comes from the comfort of a space that actually serves your life.

The Takeaway for 2026

This move toward a calmer interior isn’t a rejection of style; it’s a rejection of overload. Whether you live in a New York loft or a London flat, the 2026 mandate is simple: Edit more, soften the light, and let the room breathe.

You're reading How to Make Your Home Feel Calmer: 5 Lessons from European Design, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Chris A.

For years, social media has shaped how homes are styled. Perfectly folded throws, spotless kitchens, color-coded bookshelves, and rooms that look more like sets than places where real life happens. But a quieter, more honest design movement is taking hold. The Ungram House is not about rejecting beauty. It’s about rejecting pressure.

It celebrates spaces that are flexible, forgiving, slightly imperfect, and genuinely comfortable. Homes designed for people who cook, rest, work, argue, host friends, raise kids, and spill coffee on the sofa. This is a design approach that values function, emotional comfort, and adaptability over visual performance. Below are 17 anti-aesthetic design choices that help create homes you actually enjoy living in, long after the photos would have been taken.

1. Visible Storage Instead of Hidden Perfection

The Ungram house doesn’t try to hide daily life. Open shelves, baskets, wall hooks and open cubbies allow everyday objects to stay accessible instead of being constantly tucked away for appearances. Visible storage acknowledges how people move through a space. Bags, books, headphones, and shoes can live where they are actually used. When storage is practical rather than concealed, tidying becomes faster and less stressful. It also removes the pressure to constantly curate what’s on display. A lived-in shelf can feel warmer and more honest than a perfectly styled cabinet.

2. Layered Lighting Instead of One Statement Fixture

One dramatic ceiling light might photograph well, but it rarely supports how people use a room. The Ungram house relies on layered lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, wall lights and soft ambient sources. Multiple light levels allow rooms to shift throughout the day. Reading, hosting, working and resting all require different light moods. This approach makes spaces feel calmer, more flexible and more emotionally supportive, especially in the evening.

3. Sofas Chosen for Comfort, Not Shape

In an Ungram house, the sofa is chosen for how it supports your body, not how slim it looks in a photo. Deep seats, generous cushions and supportive backs matter more than sharp silhouettes. A comfortable sofa encourages people to stay longer, gather naturally and actually relax. Performance fabrics, washable covers and forgiving textures allow real use without anxiety. The living room becomes a place to land, not a place to maintain. Comfort stops being a compromise and becomes the core design choice.

4. Open Kitchens Designed for Collaboration

In the Ungram house, kitchens are not staged backdrops. They are working spaces designed for more than one person at a time. Clear walkways, shared prep zones, accessible storage, and informal seating allow family members and guests to participate instead of hovering on the edge. Rather than centering the layout around a single “show” island or a perfectly styled splash back, the focus is on how people move, cook, and gather together in real life. Wide circulation paths make it easy for multiple people to work without bumping into each other. Drawers and open shelves are placed where they are actually needed, so anyone can help set the table, prepare ingredients, or clean up without asking where things are stored.

5. Multipurpose Rooms That Don’t Pretend

Multipurpose rooms are one of the clearest expressions of the Ungram house because they openly reflect how life actually unfolds at home. Guest rooms become offices. Playrooms become lounges. Spare rooms become shared studios. Instead of hiding these overlapping functions behind styled décor or folding everything away for appearances, ungram design allows each role to exist honestly in the same space. A desk can sit beside a daybed. Craft storage can live next to a wardrobe. Shelving can hold both work files and children’s games. Furniture is chosen to move easily and serve more than one purpose, while storage supports shifting activities throughout the day.

6. Sliding Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors fit the Ungram house when they are chosen for how they solve everyday problems rather than how they photograph. They are especially useful in homes where space is tight or layouts are flexible, because they don’t need clearance like traditional swing doors. This makes movement easier for families, pets, and shared spaces that change throughout the day. In real homes, sliding doors work well for separating work corners, guest rooms, laundry spaces, or play areas without permanently closing off the room. 

7. Mixed Chairs Instead of Matching Sets

Perfectly matched dining sets look orderly,but they don’t always reflect real life. Mixing chairs allows flexibility, personal taste and comfort differences to coexist at one table. Some people prefer armrests. Some need higher backs. Some chairs might be inherited or found later. An Ungram dining space accepts variation. The result often feels warmer and more layered, with subtle personality replacing showroom symmetry.

8. Wall Finishes That Age Gracefully

Instead of ultra-smooth, perfect paint finishes, Ungram homes choose wall surfaces that can accept marks, movement, and wear. Limewash, clay plaster, and soft textured coatings hide small scuffs and fingerprints while gaining character over time. These finishes don’t demand constant repainting and don’t visually punish everyday life. This anti-aesthetic choice accepts that walls are touched, leaned on, and lived with , and that beauty can come from gentle aging rather than permanent perfection.

9. Boxy Furnishings

Boxy furnishings may not look soft or sculptural in photos, but they often work better in real homes. Straight-lined sofas, square armchairs, and modular seating pieces usually offer deeper seats, better support, and easier layout planning. In an Ungram home, furniture needs to hold up to daily use, changing family needs, and casual living. Boxy forms are easier to push together, pull apart, and rearrange when hosting guests, creating play space, or working from home. They prioritise function and comfort over visual drama, which aligns perfectly with homes designed for real routines.

10. Drop Zones Instead of Styled Entryways

A real home needs somewhere to catch daily chaos. Ungram entry spaces focus on drop zones rather than decorative consoles and curated décor. A simple bench, wall hooks, baskets, and a small shelf allow bags, shoes, jackets, and keys to land naturally when people walk in. This design supports real behaviour instead of forcing constant organisation. When storage is placed exactly where habits happen, clutter doesn’t spread through the rest of the house. Drop zones may not look glamorous, but they quietly keep the entire home functioning better.

11. Oversized Coffee Tables for Real Use

In many styled interiors, coffee tables exist mainly for décor. In an Ungram house, an oversized coffee table becomes a genuine working surface. It holds board games, homework, snacks, laptops, art supplies, and everyday clutter without feeling constantly overloaded. Larger surfaces allow multiple activities to happen at the same time, especially important in shared family spaces. This design choice supports how living rooms actually function today, where relaxing, working, and playing often overlap. It prioritizes usefulness over proportions made purely for visual balance.

12. Lived-In Wood Floors That Age Gracefully

Wood floors are one of the most practical and emotionally grounding choices in an Ungram house. They age naturally, develop character over time, and are far more forgiving than delicate finishes. Scratches and marks become part of the story of the home rather than something to constantly fix or hide. Wood flooring also supports everyday living better than high-gloss or highly patterned surfaces, making cleaning easier and rooms feel warmer and more comfortable underfoot. 

13. Open Bathroom Storage That Accepts Real Life

In an Ungram home, the bathroom is designed to work first, not impress. Open shelving beside the sink or shower allows towels, skincare, and daily products to stay visible and easy to reach. Instead of hiding everything behind perfect cabinetry, open storage reflects how people actually use bathrooms,especially in shared family homes where speed and access matter. This design removes the pressure to constantly clear countertops and restyle shelves. A bathroom that allows visible routines feels more relaxed, easier to maintain, and far more honest than one designed purely for visual symmetry.

14. Overfilled, Lived-In Bookshelves

Perfectly styled bookshelves rarely belong to real readers. Ungram homes embrace shelves that are full, uneven, and slightly chaotic, stacked books, mixed formats, personal collections, and objects gathered over time. This type of bookshelf is functional first. It allows people to reach for books quickly, add new ones easily, and display what actually matters to them. The visual irregularity becomes part of the home’s personality. Instead of editing shelves for appearance, Ungram design lets collections grow naturally, turning storage into an authentic reflection of daily life.

15. Seating Chosen for Different Bodies

Ungram homes accept that one chair cannot suit everyone. Instead of uniform seating, spaces include different seat heights, depths, and support levels. Some seats are softer, some firmer, some easier to get out of. This supports children, older adults, and people with different physical needs. It’s an anti-aesthetic decision because visual consistency is sacrificed in favour of physical comfort and inclusion , which ultimately makes the home genuinely more liveable.

16. Kid and Hobby Corners in Shared Rooms

Instead of hiding hobbies and children’s activities behind closed doors, Ungram homes allow permanent creative corners inside shared spaces. A small art desk in the living room, a piano tucked into a corner, or a sewing table beside a window makes daily creativity visible and accessible. These corners aren’t styled to disappear , they exist because people actually use them every day. This choice removes the pressure to reset rooms after every activity and allows creativity to live naturally inside family life.

17. Window Ledges Used as Everyday Surfaces

Window ledges are often styled with a single plant and left untouched. In an Ungram house, they become working surfaces, used for books, small lamps, plants, chargers, or a morning coffee. When window sills are wide enough, they naturally turn into casual shelves or mini desks. This use of overlooked architectural features adds practical surface space without adding furniture. It supports slow, everyday moments and makes better use of what the home already offers—rather than buying new décor to fill visual gaps.

Wrap-Up

The Ungram House is a reminder that good design doesn’t exist to impress, it exists to support everyday life. From flexible layouts and honest materials to spaces that welcome mess, movement, and change, these anti-aesthetic choices celebrate how homes are actually used. For readers of Home Designing, this approach shows how thoughtful design can create calmer, more forgiving interiors that feel human rather than staged. When comfort, routine, and emotional ease come first, a home becomes more than beautiful, it becomes genuinely livable.

Posted By Tahira

Valentine’s Week is everywhere right now—flowers, prix-fixe menus, heart-shaped everything. But quietly, another trend has been gradually gaining momentum across America, too. Think of it more as anti-pressure than anti-love. Welcome to the rise of the Anti-Valentine home: spaces designed for comfort, boundaries, and self-connection first.

This shift isn’t asking anyone to reject romance, but rather to redefine it. In 2026, many people are choosing homes that support who they are, not who social media or Hallmark says they should be.

Why Valentine Week Is Fueling a Design Rebellion

Think of chocolates, roses, cards, and gifts. Valentine Week has always carried the unspoken message that romance must be performative. But after years of burnout, screen fatigue, and constant comparison, many Americans are consciously opting out of the spectacle and turning inward.

Designing for yourself has become an act of self-respect. A calm home. A private ritual. A space that doesn’t need to impress anyone else. Perhaps more are gravitating toward this idea because it feels timely, honest, and refreshing.

The Anti-Valentine Home Is a Sanctuary, Not a Stage

Unlike traditional “romantic decor,” Anti-Valentine spaces need not be styled for photos. They’re built for real life.

Think fewer statement pieces, more emotional comfort:

• Softer lighting instead of dramatic overheads
• Quiet corners instead of open-plan everything
• Furniture chosen for how it feels, not how it trends

In short, you get to create a home that helps you exhale the moment you step inside.

The Return of the Reading Corner

One of the clearest signs of this movement? The comeback of the reading corner.

A single armchair. A warm lamp. A throw blanket you actually use. No matching set required. There are no rules for these spaces, except that they are personal by design—built for slowing down rather than scrolling.

For singles, it could be an evening ritual. For couples, it might be a reminder that intimacy also means giving each other space.

Solo Dining Is the New Self-Care Ritual

Anti-Valentine homes are also changing how people eat at home. Solo dining—once treated as a sad compromise—is being reframed as intentional and grounding.

A small table by a window. Real plates. A candle, even on a Tuesday. Stop framing this as loneliness. This is you being present for yourself. And during Valentine Week, it’s a quiet rejection of the idea that meals only matter when shared.

Bedrooms as Reset Zones, Not Instagram Sets

Perhaps the biggest shift is happening in the bedroom.

Instead of overly styled spaces meant to photograph well, Anti-Valentine bedrooms focus on sleep, recovery, and emotional reset.

Choose cooler colors, minimal clutter, and fewer devices. Restoration and rejuvenation over romance. And ironically, that makes these spaces feel more intimate than ever.

Designing for Yourself Is the Most Modern Love Story

The Anti-Valentine homes don’t cancel romance. They strengthen it. When your space supports your boundaries, routines, and comfort, everything else becomes lighter—dating included.

This Valentine’s Week, designing for yourself is foundational rather than selfish. And in a world that’s always asking for more, a home that asks for nothing might be the most loving thing you can build.

You're reading The Rise of ‘Anti-Valentine’ Homes: Designing for Yourself First, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

Softness leads the design in the Modern Marble Apartment, a design by Magdalena Radałowicz.

Marble is the starting point, but it’s not the whole story. Soft neutrals take over, warming the stone and giving the space room to breathe. Classic details anchor the home, while modern forms keep it feeling current. 

An interior that proves timeless materials don’t need drama to stand out.

Living + Dining Space

The living and dining area unfolds as one continuous, light-filled room, where softness is expressed through form as much as material. Low, plush seating creates a grounded lounge zone, anchored by a sculptural round wood coffee table. The furniture sits comfortably within the architecture, never competing with the ornate ceiling details or the elegant wall paneling.

Arched windows draw daylight deep into the space, filtering it through sheer drapery, and the recessed shelving offers a moment of drama for decorative objects and books without overwhelming the restrained aesthetic.

The dining area continues the same quiet dialogue. A solid, modern dining table with gently rounded edges echoes the curves found throughout the apartment. Overhead, a sculptural light fixture hovers like functional art, bridging classic with contemporary.

Kitchen

The kitchen balances statement marble with warm restraint. Bold veining runs across the backsplash and countertop, giving the space its character. Then, there’s warm wood cabinetry that keeps the area inviting.

Despite its sculptural presence, the kitchen never feels formal. Open surfaces are left largely uncluttered, allowing each material to speak for itself. Even the appliances are carefully integrated, maintaining the clean rhythm of the cabinetry.

A small breakfast nook sits nearby, tucked close to the window where natural light spills in. The round table and upholstered chairs create an intimate spot for morning coffee or casual meals, reinforcing the kitchen’s role as both a functional workspace and a lived-in gathering point.

Bedroom + Bathroom #01

The bedroom of the Modern Marble Apartment feels like a true sanctuary, where neutral colors and integrated storage create a calming, uncluttered feel, complemented by soft bedside lighting and a low-profile bed that maintains the serene atmosphere.

Walking into the bathroom, we see the same quiet mood displayed through a refined mix of materials. A floating wood vanity is topped with richly veined marble and paired with a three-panel vanity mirror that introduces rhythm. Finally, there’s the freestanding tub that anchors the room, positioned to catch natural light and enhance the spa-like atmosphere.

Bathroom #02

The second bathroom feels just as calm. A freestanding tub becomes the focal point, set against expressive marble, a key design element of the Modern Marble Apartment.

Warm wood returns in the floating vanity, and a sculptural mirror brings a subtle sense of movement. The floating toilet and pared-back fittings maintain a light, open feel.

It’s a bathroom designed for quiet moments, where thoughtful materials and restrained design come together effortlessly.

Posted By Anzah

In the world of high-end interior design, fabric is only half the story. As seen in the recent tour of Jennifer Aniston’s Bel Air sanctuary, the real secret to a room that feels “expensive” lies in the drapes. While most homeowners obsess over color swatches, A-list designers are looking at the heading style—the technical way a curtain meets the rod.

As we lean into the Soft Minimalism trend of 2026, two styles are battling for the top spot: the structured Eyelet and the understated Back Loop. Here is how to choose the one that will actually elevate your home’s aesthetic to celebrity-level sophistication.

Eyelet Curtains: The Minimalist’s Power Move

Also known as grommet curtains, eyelets feature metal rings punched directly into the header. This isn’t just a hanging method; it’s a geometric statement favored by architects for its precision.

The Aesthetic: Structured & Modern

Eyelets create deep, uniform S-folds that stay consistent from the rod to the floor. If your home leans toward Industrial, Modern, or High-Tech, this is your go-to. It mimics the clean lines found in high-end boutique hotels.

The Pro Glide

Because metal slides on metal, these are the most functional choice for patio doors or windows you open and close daily.

The Hardware Factor

The grommet becomes part of your color palette. Matching your eyelets to your lamp bases or door hardware creates a “curated” look that screams intentional design.

Design Tip: Eyelet folds take up more depth than other styles. Pre-drill your bracket holes at least 4 inches away from the wall to allow the fabric to “breathe” and prevent the rings from scratching your paint.

Back Loop Curtains: The “Quiet Luxury” Champion

Back loop (or back tab) curtains are the darling of the Modern Farmhouse and Coastal Grandmother movements. By hiding fabric loops on the reverse side, the rod is tucked away, letting the textile take center stage.

The Aesthetic: Soft, Fluid, & Hidden

From the front, the rod is nearly invisible, creating a “floating” effect that looks custom-tailored. This is the exact style used in “Quiet Luxury” interiors to hide the mechanical elements of a room.

The Seamless Look

Without visible rings, the visual “noise” of the room is reduced. This is essential for achieving a Zen or Biophilic design. By removing the cold metal element of the grommet, the room immediately feels warmer and more organic.

The Drape

The folds are softer and less “machine-made” than eyelets, adding a layer of tactile warmth to bedrooms and nurseries where tranquility is the priority.

Head-to-Head: Which Style Works for Your Routine?

Feature	Eyelet (Grommet)	Back Loop (Back Tab)
Best For	High-traffic areas (Living rooms)	Low-traffic, cozy areas (Bedrooms)
Visual Vibe	Architectural & Sharp	Romantic & Seamless
Movement	Ultra-smooth gliding	Slightly “grippy” on the rod
Maintenance	Folds stay perfect automatically	Requires occasional “dressing”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many homeowners choose the right style but fail the execution. To avoid a “cheap” look:

1. Don’t Skimp on Width: Your curtains should be 2x to 2.5x the width of the window. Anything less looks like a “shower curtain” rather than custom drapery.
2. The High-Water Fail: Ensure curtains touch the floor or “puddle” slightly. Curtains that end 2 inches above the floor break the vertical line of the room, making ceilings look lower.

The Verdict: How to Choose

Choosing between these two comes down to the “Mood” of your architecture.

• Choose Eyelet if… You want your windows to feel like a structural element. It’s the choice for the homeowner who values precision and utility.
• Choose Back Loop if… You want your home to feel like a sanctuary. It’s the choice for the homeowner who values texture and a “hidden” hardware aesthetic.

You're reading The Quiet Luxury Secret in Jennifer Aniston’s Living Room: Eyelet vs. Back Loop Curtains, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Chris A.