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The kitchen has quietly become the loudest room in the modern home. Open shelving, stone countertops, metal appliances, and wide-open layouts look sleek—but together they amplify every sound. Clattering dishes, humming machines, footsteps, conversations. Even a beautiful kitchen can feel restless.

That growing awareness hit home for many viewers of The Bear (2022–), a show praised for its realism but also widely described as intense and exhausting. Its nonstop kitchen noise didn’t just reflect restaurant life—it can make people acutely aware of how overwhelming kitchens can be. And that realization is now shaping design choices at home.

Welcome to the quiet home trend, where the focus isn’t on adding more, but on softening what already exists—starting with the kitchen.

Why Kitchens Became So Noisy in the First Place

Over the past decade, kitchens evolved from closed-off workspaces into open, multifunctional hubs. They’re now where people cook, work, talk, entertain, and unwind. At the same time, design trends favored hard, reflective surfaces that bounce sound around the room.

The result? Kitchens that are visually minimal but acoustically harsh. As people spend more time at home, especially in the evenings, that constant background noise becomes harder to ignore.

Softening Sound Without Renovating

Creating a quieter kitchen doesn’t require new cabinets or major upgrades. It starts with absorbing sound, not eliminating it.

Simple changes make a noticeable difference:

• Add a runner rug to soften footsteps and dropped utensils
• Use fabric seat cushions or upholstered bar stools
• Hang curtains or Roman shades instead of bare blinds

These elements break up hard surfaces and immediately reduce echo and clatter.

Rethink the Kitchen Layout You Already Have

Noise isn’t just about materials—it’s about flow. Large islands, straight lines, and tightly packed seating can cause sound to ricochet.

Small adjustments help:

• Pull stools slightly away from the island.
• Avoid lining everything up against the walls.
• Use a bench, plant, or cart to interrupt long sightlines.

These subtle shifts calm both movement and sound, making the kitchen feel less hectic.

The Lighting Reset That Changes Everything

Many kitchens rely on bright overhead lighting, which keeps the space alert long after dinner is done. But kitchens are often the last active room at night—lighting matters more than we think.

To quiet the atmosphere:

• Use under-cabinet or counter-level lights in the evening
• Switch to warmer bulbs after sunset
• Turn off overhead lights once cooking is done

The kitchen instantly feels softer, calmer, and more welcoming.

Visual Quiet Matters Too

Open shelving may look great online, but in daily life it creates visual—and audible—noise. Every item feels on display, and every movement feels amplified.

The quiet kitchen trend favors selective openness:

• Store everyday items behind closed doors.
• Group the remaining objects instead of spreading them out.
• Use baskets or boxes to hide clutter without losing warmth.

Less visual pressure often leads to a calmer experience overall.

Why the Quiet Kitchen Is Here to Stay

This shift is more about comfort than aesthetics. As kitchens continue to anchor daily life, people want them to feel supportive, not stimulating. When the kitchen quiets down, the rest of the home often follows.
In a world full of noise, the most modern upgrade may simply be letting your kitchen lower its voice.

You're reading After The Bear, The Quiet Home Trend Is Rising—And It Starts in Your Kitchen, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

When we think of Olympic villages, we usually picture “pop-up” housing—functional, fast, and ultimately forgotten. However, the Milano Olympic Village, a cornerstone of the Milano Cortina 2026 games, is staging a design revolution. With a staggering $140 million investment, Milan is pivoting away from short-term spectacle toward a concept designers are calling “Sustainable Chic.”

This isn’t just a dormitory for athletes; it is a masterclass in urban renewal that answers the burning question: How do we build for the future without sacrificing the soul of a city?

The “Sustainable Chic” Aesthetic: Redefining Urban Luxury

The aesthetic of the village is a departure from the flashy, high-tech façades of the past. Instead, it embraces a restrained, sophisticated minimalism that feels more like a boutique hotel than an athletic complex.

• Natural Materials: The use of wood accents and recycled concrete provides a tactile, “warm” minimalism.
• Light as a Resource: Floor-to-ceiling high-performance glass isn’t just for the views; it’s a strategic move to maximize daylight harvesting.
• Muted Palettes: By using timeless, earthy tones, the architecture avoids looking “dated” the moment the closing ceremony ends.

Why Designers Are Paying Attention: This project shifts the focus from “iconic silhouettes” to human-centered design. It’s about creating spaces people actually want to inhabit, not just photograph.

From Athlete Housing to Student Living: The Ultimate Pivot

Unlike the “White Elephants” of previous Games (think Rio or Athens), Milan’s village was conceived as a permanent neighborhood first and a village second.

A Blueprint for Urban Renewal

Once the 2026 Games conclude, the site will undergo a seamless transition into:

1. Affordable Housing: Tackling the urban housing crisis.
2. Student Residences: Providing high-quality living for Milan’s vibrant academic community.
3. Public Green Spaces: Functioning as “urban lungs” to combat heat islands.

By designing the interiors with flexible layouts from day one, the developers are avoiding the massive carbon footprint usually associated with post-Olympic renovations.

Technical Innovation: High-Performance, Low-Impact

Behind the “chic” exterior lies a rigorous technical core designed to meet stringent climate goals.

Feature	Impact on Urban Living
Smart Climate Control	Reduces energy waste by adapting to real-time occupancy.
Functional Green Buffers	Woven courtyards that naturally cool the buildings.
Low-Emission Concrete	Significantly lowers the embodied carbon of the $140M build.

 

Why the Milano Olympic Village is a Global Model

As cities worldwide grapple with housing shortages and the climate crisis, Milan’s “Build Once, Use Forever” philosophy is the new gold standard. It proves that sustainable design doesn’t have to look industrial or “crunchy”—it can be refined, elegant, and deeply aspirational.

Milan is showing the world that the most sustainable building is the one that never needs to be torn down.

You're reading Inside the $140M Milano Winter Olympic Village: Is This the End of “Disposable” Architecture?, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Chris A.

The Housemaid has quickly become one of 2025’s most talked-about films—and not just because of its slow-burn tension or the performances by Sidney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Audiences are fixated on the setting: the imposing Winchester house, whose quiet luxury and unsettling restraint play as much of a role in the story as the characters themselves.

The film’s success lies in contrast. Nothing about the house screams horror. Instead, it whispers it. Muted colors, traditional architecture, controlled symmetry, and an almost oppressive sense of order make the home feel elegant—but emotionally cold. That tension between beauty and discomfort is what makes the Winchester house so memorable, and why its aesthetic is now trending far beyond the screen.

The good news? You don’t need a mansion—or a massive budget—to bring this look home.

Why the Winchester House Feels So Unsettling—and So Stylish

The decor in The Housemaid leans heavily into controlled elegance. Think classic silhouettes, restrained color palettes, minimal ornamentation, and rooms that feel curated rather than cozy. Furniture is substantial but not flashy. Walls are soft, neutral, and slightly desaturated. Lighting is deliberate and rarely bright.

This design works because it removes visual noise. The absence of clutter and color creates emotional distance—perfect for a psychological thriller, and surprisingly compelling for modern interiors craving calm with an edge.

Use a Muted Color Palette (And Stick to It)

The fastest way to echo the The Housemaid look is by editing your color scheme. Replace bright whites and bold accents with warm grays, soft taupes, stone beiges, and dusty greige tones.
You don’t need to repaint an entire home. Focus on:

• One accent wall in a muted neutral
• Swapping colorful cushions for tone-on-tone alternatives
• Using throws and curtains in the same color family

Consistency matters more than cost here.

Swap “Cozy” for Structured Textures

Plush, casual textures are largely absent in the Winchester house. Instead, you’ll see linen, wool blends, matte wood, brushed metal, and ceramic finishes.

Easy upgrades:

• Replace shiny decor with matte or stone-like pieces
• Choose linen-look pillow covers over velvet or faux fur
• Use wooden trays or bowls to anchor surfaces

The goal is restraint rather than softness.

Embrace Fewer, Heavier Furniture Pieces

Rather than lots of small items, The Housemaid interiors rely on visual weight. A single solid coffee table. One substantial armchair. A large mirror instead of multiple frames.

Try this:

• Remove one unnecessary side table or shelf
• Center the room around one “anchor” piece
• Keep surfaces intentionally sparse

Empty space is part of the design.

Let Lighting Set the Mood

Overhead lighting is rarely harsh in the film. Rooms glow instead of shine. You can recreate this by:

• Switching to warm bulbs (2700K or lower)
• Using table lamps instead of ceiling lights at night
• Positioning lamps low to create shadows

This instantly adds depth and drama—no rewiring required.

Curate, Don’t Decorate

What truly defines the Winchester house is intentional restraint. Every object feels chosen, not collected. Before buying anything new, remove one thing that doesn’t fit the mood.

If it doesn’t feel calm, controlled, and slightly distant—it doesn’t belong.

And that quiet tension? That’s The Housemaid effect.

You're reading How to Recreate the Winchester House Interiors from Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid (2025), originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

That lush, leafy plant by the window looks innocent—comforting, even. But during the winter months, some of the most popular “cozy” houseplants can quietly do the opposite of what you want. Instead of fresh air, they may be contributing to stale air, lingering moisture, and mold spores that have nowhere to escape once the windows stay shut.

The culprit isn’t always the species of the plant; it’s the way winter changes our indoor ecosystems.

Why Winter Turns Healthy Plants Into Air Quality Risks

In colder months, indoor plants enter a semi-dormant state. Growth slows down, light levels drop, and evaporation cycles stall. This means soil stays wet far longer than it does in July.

When watering habits don’t adjust for the season, excess moisture builds up around the roots. This creates a perfect storm for:

• Root Rot: Decaying organic matter that releases odors.
• Mold and Mildew: Fungal spores that thrive in damp potting mix and drift into your living space.
• Fungus Gnats: Pests that flourish in persistently wet topsoil.

In tightly sealed, energy-efficient winter homes, these airborne irritants circulate repeatedly, directly impacting your respiratory health.

The ‘Cozy’ Plant Most Likely to Cause Issues: The Peace Lily

Ironically, some of the most beloved houseplants are the easiest to overwater. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) often tops this list.

While marketed as an “air-purifying” powerhouse, Peace Lilies are famous for “fainting” when thirsty. This trains owners to water them frequently. In winter, this instinct backfires. Constantly damp soil around a Peace Lily can lead to hidden mold growth, even if the plant looks vibrant above the surface.

Other moisture-loving plants that can trigger winter air issues include:

• Boston Ferns
• Majesty Palms
• English Ivy (if misted too heavily in stagnant air)

The Best Plants for Better Indoor Air Quality in Winter

If your goal is to scrub the air while windows stay closed, plant choice—and resilience—matters. The following plants tolerate dry soil and low light, significantly reducing the risk of mold:

1. Snake Plants (Sansevieria)

Snake plants thrive on neglect. They require minimal watering and are one of the few plants that convert CO2 into oxygen at night, making them ideal for winter bedrooms.

2. ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant stores water in thick succulent rhizomes under the soil. Because they need so little water, the soil stays dry and inhospitable to mold spores.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is the ultimate “beginner” plant. It is highly expressive; it will tell you when it needs water, making it much harder to accidentally overwater during the dark months.

4 Rules to Protect Your Air Quality This Winter

You don’t need to evict your greenery. You just need to adjust your “plant parent” strategy for the season:

1. The “Half-Water” Rule: Most plants need roughly half the water in winter as they do in summer.
2. The Finger Test: Don’t water on a schedule. Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it’s damp, walk away.
3. Breathable Containers: Switch moisture-sensitive plants to terracotta pots. The porous clay allows the soil to “breathe” and dry out faster.
4. Clear the Saucers: Never let a plant sit in a drainage saucer full of water. This is a primary source of musty odors.

Pro Tip: If you notice a white, fuzzy film on your soil, scrape it off immediately and sprinkle a little cinnamon (a natural antifungal) on the surface.

A Cozier Home Starts With Drier Soil

Winter comfort is about more than just candles and blankets; it’s about clean, breathable air. By swapping moisture-hungry varieties for winter-resilient ones and easing up on the watering can, you can ensure your “urban jungle” stays a healthy sanctuary all season long.

You're reading Is Your Winter Houseplant Secretly Ruining Your Indoor Air Quality?, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Chris A.

The Regency era was a brief but dazzling period in early 19th-century Britain, defined by refined social rituals, soft elegance, and a love of beauty that favored charm over excess. With season 4 of Bridgerton now streaming on Netflix, the pastel palettes, florals, and soft-glam interiors of Regency-era London are back in full force.

And, the good news? You don’t need a palace, a trust fund, or a DIY degree to bring that elegant Bridgerton vibe into your own home. A few thoughtful swaps can do the trick, without drills, renovations, or drama!

Here’s how to channel Regency romance the easy, affordable way.

Think Soft, Not Stuffy: Update Your Color Palette

The Bridgerton look is all about gentle color—powder blues, sage greens, blush pinks, buttery yellows. You don’t need to repaint your walls. Start small: swap throw pillows, table runners, or even bed linens in pastel shades. Linen and cotton textures instantly soften a space and feel light, airy, and romantic without trying too hard.

A single pastel accent can change the entire mood of a room—especially when paired with neutral walls.

Use Fresh Florals for a Casual Regency Touch

Regency interiors loved florals, but that doesn’t mean heavy wallpaper or ornate arrangements. Think fresh or faux flowers in simple vases, scattered naturally around your home. Daisies, roses, peonies, or even grocery-store tulips work beautifully.

For an extra Bridgerton touch, place small arrangements in unexpected spots—on a bedside table, bathroom counter, or kitchen shelf. It feels intentional, but not pretentious.

Add a Touch of Gold (Just a Touch)

Gold accents are everywhere in Bridgerton, but restraint is key. Skip large statement pieces and opt for subtle metallic details:

• A gold-framed mirror
• Brass candlesticks
• Picture frames with a warm finish

These small touches reflect light and add that old-world elegance—without tipping into over-the-top territory.

Choose Lightweight Curtains for a Soft, Romantic Look

You don’t need velvet drapes or custom hardware. Lightweight, sheer curtains instantly give a Regency-inspired softness, especially when they let natural light through. White, cream, or pale pastel sheers are perfect.
If you already have curtains, layering a sheer panel underneath is an easy upgrade that feels luxurious but stays practical.

Books as Decor (Yes, Really)

One of the most underrated Bridgerton details? Books. Stacked novels, poetry collections, or even thrifted hardcovers add instant character. Stack a few on a coffee table or shelf and top them with a small candle or floral accent.
Bonus points if the covers look a little vintage—but don’t stress about it. It’s the feel that counts.

Candlelight = Instant Regency Mood

Candles are the fastest way to recreate that soft, glowing Bridgerton atmosphere. Choose unscented or lightly floral candles in glass or brass holders. Group them in threes on a tray or mantel for a simple but elegant look.
Battery-operated candles work just as well if you want the glow without the worry.

Final Thought: Romance, But Livable

The magic of Bridgerton interiors isn’t about perfection—it’s about warmth, softness, and a hint of indulgence. You can bring Regency charm into your home in a way that still feels modern, cozy, and completely livable by focusing on color, light, texture, and small details.
No ball gowns required—just a little imagination and a love for beautiful spaces.

 

You're reading Netflix’s Bridgerton is Back—Easy Regency-Inspired Home Decor Ideas, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria