Decorizer

The Soft Heritage Home, a design by Ans. Render, is all about classic details given a contemporary twist. Paneled walls, warm wood, and stone surfaces set the foundation, but the space still feels calm and lived-in, like a home that’s been layered slowly + intentionally. Traditional at heart, but softened with modern restraint. 

Let’s take a closer look inside

Entryway

The entryway sets the tone the moment you arrive- calm & confident.

Travertine-clad walls exude an architectural vibe, and slim wall sconces have been used to soften the stone surface. That deep maroon floating console anchors the space. It’s storage, yes, but it reads like a sculptural element. The rich finish brings contrast against the pale walls, with clean-lined drawers keeping clutter out of sight.

Living Room

Both the living spaces unfold as one calm, continuous experience.

The main lounge feels grounded. Soft seating sits low, framed by paneled walls and filtered daylight, while texture adds all the interest… plush upholstery, warm wood, and subtle stone accents.

Just beyond, the secondary living area feels lighter and more social. It connects seamlessly to the dining zone, keeping sightlines open and movement easy. The mood stays consistent, but the energy shifts slightly: more conversational, without losing that soft heritage calm.

Dining Room

The dining room is designed to feel quietly ceremonial.

The oval wood table is the centerpiece, softened by sculptural chairs that invite long, comfortable meals. Overhead, the linear pendant adds just enough drama, while the textured drapery filters light into a calm, even glow. Then, the branch-filled ceramic vases bring an organic pause to the setting.

Behind it all, the wall becomes part of the composition (think soft panel detailing, subtle moldings, and clean ceiling lines). Best of all, the sculptural wall lights read almost like art; glowing forms that shift the mood as evening sets in.

Kitchen

In the heart of the home, flat-front cabinetry runs wall-to-wall, allowing the otherwise utilitarian space feel architectural. The soft, tonal palette does the heavy lifting, while under-cabinet lighting adds a warm glow.

The stone island serves as the visual anchor, introducing texture but maintaining the minimalist rhythm. Paired with simple wooden stools, it turns into a casual gathering spot that still feels refined. Look closer, and the details start to speak. Crisp ceiling lines, subtle crown molding, and seamless built-ins tie the kitchen back to the home’s heritage roots.

Bedroom

The bedroom stays calm by design. Soft textures, like the upholstered headboard and fabric wall panels, do most of the work. Wall-mounted reading lights keep the surfaces clear and the mood intimate. A slim bedside unit anchors the space, practical but quiet. Along one side, the deep maroon built-in storage introduces contrast to prevent things from getting too boring.

Study Room

A quiet retreat within the Soft Heritage Home.

Wrapped in warm oak paneling, the built-in desk keeps the footprint slim. Everything sits tailored, ensuring nothing breaks the calm rhythm.

Glass-front cabinetry lines one side, turning storage into a visual element rather than something to hide. Books, objects, and soft reflections add a lovely decorative layer. The glass-paneled door filters light from outside, so the room stays connected yet preserves a sense of privacy.

Posted By Anzah

Pantone’s 2026 pick is a soft, airy off-white—here’s how to bring it into your home with small, affordable swaps that still look designer.

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 “Cloud Dancer,” is a “lofty” white meant to feel calming rather than stark. That’s exactly why it’s perfect for right now: it plays well with what people actually want at home in 2026—cleaner visuals, quieter rooms, and pieces that feel fresh without feeling brand-new.

The trick is simple: don’t treat Cloud Dancer like “just white paint.” Treat it like a light-reflecting layer you can add in small doses.

1) Do a “Cloud Dancer” pillow swap (the fastest win)

Pick two pillow covers in slightly different off-whites (one smooth, one textured). That subtle contrast reads intentional, not bland. If your sofa is dark, this instantly brightens the whole room.

Style tip: Add one small accent pillow in warm tan, cocoa, or muted clay to keep it from feeling sterile.

2) Add a throw blanket that’s more texture than color

A chunky knit, waffle weave, or brushed cotton throw in an off-white “Cloud Dancer” tone gives you that cozy, editorial look—without any installation. Drape it casually over one arm of the sofa or the foot of the bed.

Quick rule: If it’s off-white, make it tactile.

3) Swap one lampshade (not the lamp)

Instead of buying a new lamp, replace the shade with a warm off-white one. Suddenly, your lighting feels softer and more expensive—especially at night.

Bulb hack: Use warm bulbs (think cozy, not blue-white). The “Cloud Dancer” shade will glow instead of glare.

4) Create a two-minute “tone-on-tone” shelf moment

“Tone-on-tone” is where Cloud Dancer shines: group 3–5 objects that live in the same pale family—a ceramic vase, a matte candle, a small bowl, and a book with a light cover.

Make it pop: Add one piece in chrome or brushed metal for a clean highlight (a small tray or candle snuffer works).

5) Hang one oversized print with lots of negative space

A large print or poster with airy space (photography, abstract line art, minimal landscape) brings the Cloud Dancer vibe without repainting walls.

Budget move: Use a simple frame, and choose art that’s 70% light/neutral so the room reads brighter from across the space.

6) Use “Cloud Dancer” in ceramics (the sneaky designer trick)

Ceramics are the easiest way to add that soft off-white: mugs, a fruit bowl, a vase, a catchall tray by the door. It’s functional décor—and it photographs beautifully.

Best pairings for Cloud Dancer

Pantone describes Cloud Dancer as versatile—think of it as a foundation color you can build on. For a modern US-home look:

• Warm wood (oak, walnut) = cozy and current
• Chrome or stainless = crisp, modern contrast
• Stone tones (sand, putty, light gray) = calm, layered neutrals

Cloud Dancer works because it doesn’t compete—it makes everything around it look cleaner, brighter, and more intentional. It doesn’t demand attention—it upgrades the room quietly, one easy swap at a time.

You're reading Pantone Color of the Year 2026: 6 Easy Ways to Use Color “Cloud Dancer” Without Repainting, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

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.