Decorizer

If your kitchen smells slightly burnt every time you preheat the oven, you’re not imagining it.

Old spills, grease splatter, and baked-on crumbs don’t just look bad, they trap odors. And when the oven heats up, those smells come right back into the room.

The good news? You don’t need heavy-duty chemicals or expensive products to fix it. A simple, low-cost method can clean your oven and freshen your kitchen faster than you think.

Why Ovens Start to Smell

Even small drips from cheese, sauces, or oils can harden over time. When reheated, they release lingering burnt smells.

Grease also absorbs food odors. That’s why last month’s pizza night can somehow make today’s cookies smell “off.”

The key isn’t masking the smell — it’s removing what’s causing it.

The Easy Oven Cleaning Method That Works

This method uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.

Step 1: Remove the Racks

Take out the oven racks and set them aside. You can soak them in warm, soapy water in the sink or bathtub.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste.

Step 3: Coat the Interior

Spread the paste over the interior surfaces of the oven (avoid heating elements). Focus on greasy spots and visible buildup.

Step 4: Let It Sit Overnight

This is important. Let the paste sit for at least 8 hours. It slowly loosens hardened residue without harsh fumes.

Step 5: Spray With Vinegar

Lightly spray white vinegar over the dried baking soda. It will fizz slightly — that reaction helps loosen debris further.

Step 6: Wipe Clean

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe everything down. Most grime should come off without heavy scrubbing.

If needed, use a plastic scraper for stubborn areas. Avoid metal tools that can scratch the surface.

How This Helps Remove Odors

Baking soda is known for its odor-absorbing properties. When left on greasy surfaces, it helps neutralize smells instead of just covering them up.

Once the buildup is removed, there’s nothing left to re-burn — which means no more mystery smells when you turn on the oven.

Quick Trick to Freshen Things Up Fast

If your oven smells but isn’t heavily dirty, try this:

Place a small oven-safe dish filled with water and lemon slices inside. Heat the oven at a low temperature for 15–20 minutes. The steam helps loosen light residue and leaves a fresher scent behind.

This isn’t a deep clean — but it’s a quick refresh.

How to Keep Your Oven Smelling Better

Cleaning becomes much easier when you stop letting spills sit for months.

Try this:

• Wipe small spills once the oven cools
• Place a baking sheet under dishes likely to bubble over
• Do a light clean every few months

Routine maintenance prevents odor buildup and saves you from major scrubbing sessions later.

The Bottom Line

If your kitchen smells “off” every time you cook, your oven is likely the culprit.

A simple baking soda clean can remove grime, reduce odors, and make your kitchen feel fresher — without harsh fumes or specialty products.

Sometimes the fastest fix isn’t buying something new. It’s cleaning what you already have.

You're reading How to Clean Your Oven and Make Your Kitchen Smell Better Fast, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Chris A.

February is National Library Lover’s Month, which means it’s basically the perfect excuse to make your space feel a little calmer, warmer, and more bookish—without installing built-ins, ordering custom ladders, or turning your living room into a movie set.

The librarycore vibe doesn’t have to involve expensive renovations. It’s preserving that “I could happily read here for hours” feeling: softer lighting, a little texture, shelves that look intentional, and books that actually get picked up. Here’s how to get the look with practical, low-effort tweaks you can complete over a weekend.

Start With the Librarycore Rule: Warm Light Always Wins

Overhead lighting can make even the nicest room feel like a waiting area. Librarycore wants pools of warm light—the kind that says “stay awhile.”

• Move a floor lamp closer to your chair (yes, even if it looks “too close”—that’s the point).
• Use a clip-on reading light on a shelf edge.
• Aim light at the spines, not at your face. Softer, cozier, instantly more “home library.”

Make One Shelf Look Curated (Then Stop)

Trying to “do” every shelf is how you end up rage-cleaning at 11 p.m. Pick one shelf at eye level and style it like a tiny display.

• Stack a few books horizontally.
• Add one everyday object: a small bowl, framed photo, candle, or mug you actually like.
• Leave a little negative space. Librarycore is cozy, not chaotic.

If you only do one shelf, you’ll still get the effect—because the eye believes the rest is just as good.

Use Book Covers Like Art (No Frames Required)

You don’t need gallery walls. You need good covers.

• Face out 2–3 books on a shelf (bonus points for bold typography).
• Lean one larger book against the wall on a console or sideboard.
• Rotate seasonally—your “art” can change whenever your mood does.

Build a Reading Nook With What You Already Own

A reading nook doesn’t require a perfect chair from a design showroom. It requires comfort + reach + light.

• Add a pillow and a throw you already have (texture matters more than matching).
• Put a small surface nearby (stool, crate, side table) for water, tea, or snacks.
• Add a “currently reading” stack so the nook looks lived-in, not staged.

Fake the Built-In Look With Symmetry

No drills. No contractors. Just the oldest styling trick in the book (pun absolutely intended): pairing.

• Put two identical-ish stacks or baskets on the bottom shelf.
• Group books by height on one side, then repeat on the other side.
• Keep the middle a little looser—symmetry gives structure, looseness keeps it human.

Add Quiet Texture: The Librarycore Shortcut

If a room feels “flat,” it won’t read as cozy—even with books. Texture is the cheat code.

• A folded blanket on the arm of a chair
• A small rug you already own moved under the nook
• A woven basket for extra paperbacks

Instant softness, zero installation.

Create a “Borrowed Book” Ritual for February

Library Lovers Month is also a great reason to actually use your local library—then bring that vibe home. (Library Lovers’ Day is commonly marked on February 14, too.)

Try this: check out a few books you want to read, not ones you think you “should” read. Stack them where you’ll see them. The best librarycore homes look like reading happens there—because it does.

The 10-Minute Librarycore Reset

When your shelves start looking messy again (they will), do this:

• Put 10 books back where they belong.
• Face out 1 cover you love.
• Remove 1 random object that doesn’t fit the vibe.
• Turn on 1 warm lamp

That’s it. Cozy, collected, and completely doable—no fancy purchases required.

 

You're reading Library Lovers Month: Is Your Home Missing the “Librarycore” Vibe? Here’s How to Fix It., originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

Finnish kitchens have long mastered space-saving efficiency with the astiankuivauskaappi—a brilliant in-cabinet dish drying rack so effective that even lifestyle icon Martha Stewart has praised its genius. This 1940s essential, found in nearly every Nordic home, eliminates countertop clutter by hiding wet dishes behind cabinet doors. For modern design enthusiasts looking to reclaim their counter “real estate,” this simple Finnish hack is the ultimate upgrade for a practical, minimalist kitchen.

A Timeless Design Born from Efficiency

Invented by Maiju Gebhard, head of the household department at the Finnish Work Efficiency Institute, the Finnish dish drying cabinet debuted between 1944–1945. Gebhard’s goal was to eliminate the tedious, time-consuming task of hand-drying dishes.

Inspired by a Swedish countertop rack, Gebhard realized that the primary “bottleneck” in kitchen productivity wasn’t the washing, but the drying and putting away. Her solution was an open-bottom cabinet with wire shelves positioned directly above the sink. This allows gravity to pull water back into the drain while natural air circulation dries the dishes in place.

What started as wooden prototypes evolved into industrial production by Enso-Gutzeit in 1948. By 1954, the design was perfected with standardized plastic-coated steel racks. Today, it is recognized by the Finnish Invention Foundation as one of the 20th century’s most impactful innovations.

Why Every Modern Kitchen Needs an In-Cabinet Rack

While standard American or British kitchens rely on bulky countertop racks that consume valuable “real estate,” the Finnish method hides the mess behind closed (or semi-open) doors.

• Maximizes Counter Space: Ideal for urban apartments and tiny homes where prep space is at a premium.
• Superior Hygiene: Unlike plastic trays that collect stagnant water and slime, the open-bottom design ensures moisture never pools, reducing mold and bacterial growth.
• Streamlined Workflow: You move dishes once—from the sink to the rack—where they stay until they are used again.

Expert Tip: To maintain the sleek look of a minimalist kitchen, ensure the cabinet doors have a slight gap or breathable mesh insert to maximize airflow without leaving your dishes exposed.

How to Install a Finnish Dish Drying Cabinet

You don’t need a full Nordic renovation to adopt this system. Here is how to integrate the astiankuivauskaappi into your home:

1. The Open-Bottom Conversion

The most authentic method involves removing the bottom panel of an existing wall cabinet located directly over your sink. You then install stainless steel wire inserts. Brands like Stala offer the gold standard in Finnish hardware, while IKEA’s KUNGSFORS or HULTARP series provide affordable wall-mounted alternatives.

2. The Window Workaround

Many homes have a window directly above the sink, making a cabinet impossible. In this case, designers recommend mounting the rack to the side of the sink or using a “drain-tray” model inside a standard cabinet.

• Why? Using a tray model inside a sealed cabinet requires frequent emptying to prevent moisture from warping the wood.

3. DIY Custom Inserts

For a high-end look, use stainless steel rods or custom-fitted metal inserts. Opt for high-quality steel over plastic-coated wire; while more expensive, it offers better long-term durability and prevents the “peeling” often seen in cheaper racks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Ventilation: If you close the cabinet doors while dishes are soaking wet, moisture can become trapped. Ensure your cabinet has an open bottom or vented doors.
• Poor Material Choice: Cheap chrome-plated racks will eventually rust. Always prioritize 304-grade stainless steel for wet environments.
• Wrong Height Placement: Ensure the lowest rack is high enough to allow for faucet clearance but low enough for the shortest member of the household to reach safely.

 

You're reading The Finnish Dish Drying Cabinet: Why Martha Stewart Calls This 1940s Invention a Space-Saving Genius, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Chris A.

Black History Month often brings stories of culture, activism, and education into focus, but one aspect still flies under the radar: design. Across the United States, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) quietly hold some of the most thoughtful campus planning and architectural storytelling in American history. Long before campus design became a buzzword, these institutions were shaping spaces built for resilience, community, and dignity.

Today, as conversations around inclusive design and human-centered spaces grow louder, HBCU campuses feel unexpectedly modern.

How Segregation Shaped Intentional Campus Design

HBCUs were largely founded during the 19th and early 20th centuries, at a time when segregation restricted access to public infrastructure and funding. That limitation, however, led to something remarkable: self-contained campus ecosystems.

Instead of sprawling layouts meant to impress, many HBCUs were designed to function like small towns—housing, classrooms, chapels, green spaces, and social hubs all within walking distance. Far from accidental, compact layouts encouraged safety, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging.

At institutions like Howard University, urban constraints inspired vertically layered academic buildings and tight courtyards that maximized space while fostering daily interaction—an approach now echoed in modern urban campuses.

Signature Styles You’ll Only Find on HBCU Campuses

Architecturally, HBCUs are anything but uniform. Many campuses blend the traditional Classical Revival, Colonial, and early Modernist styles—often adapted with local materials and climate in mind.

 

Spelman College is known for its elegant brick buildings, symmetrical walkways, and landscaped quads that balance formality with warmth. Meanwhile, Tuskegee University stands out for its emphasis on craftsmanship. Students there famously helped construct campus buildings themselves, learning architecture, masonry, and engineering along the way.

This hands-on approach created structures that were not only functional but deeply personal—buildings designed by the very communities that used them.

Landscapes Designed for Gathering, Not Just Beauty

Another overlooked strength of HBCU campuses lies in their landscape design. Open lawns, shaded paths, and central gathering spaces weren’t decorative extras—they were social anchors.

These outdoor areas supported assemblies, performances, informal teaching, and everyday connection. In many ways, HBCU campuses anticipated today’s push for “third spaces” long before the term existed.

The result is campuses that feel alive, walkable, and emotionally grounded—qualities many newer institutions now work hard to recreate.

Why HBCU Campus Design Still Influences Architecture Today

The design principles born on HBCU campuses—density with intention, community-first planning, and adaptable architecture—have quietly shaped public housing, civic buildings, and modern educational spaces.

As universities rethink accessibility, sustainability, and student well-being, they’re rediscovering ideas HBCUs mastered decades ago. These campuses weren’t designed for spectacle. They were designed for people.

This Black History Month, looking at HBCUs through a design lens reveals something powerful: some of America’s smartest campus ideas were born from constraint—and built to last.

If you love campuses and would like to check out news from some other international campuses:

• Leaf Lamp Trees at University of Copenhagen Are As Good As Real Ones
• Colours encouraging communication: Bangkok University Creative Center (Video)
• 9 School Buildings That Will Have Students Skipping Back to Class

You're reading Black History Month Reveals the Hidden Design Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Campuses, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

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.