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Lifestyle + travel journalist. Nat Geo author. Blogger. 2026 CMB Armenia wine judge. Upper Manhattanite. Capturing photos along the way.
Articles by Tracy Kaler
Amethyst, Sapphire and Ruby: Jumping on the Jewel-Tones Interior Design Trend
Dramatic shades like garnet, sapphire, turquoise and amethyst are trending this fall. These jewel tones and their luscious, vibrant hues are ideal for the season because they create sophisticated spaces that also invite people inside. “Jewel tones are a less-expected way to introduce color to a room because they’re bolder and more saturated than other color choices,” said Katie Bromley, founder and principal designer of Spaces by Katie in Bethesda, Maryland.
Create Your Own Personal Hideaway With Bookcase Doors That Lead to a Secret Space
Designer tips for building a clandestine room By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Sept. 16, 2026 Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Secret passageways, halls and chambers date back thousands of years. Perhaps it’s the novelty or the sense of security that an unexpected space can provide. Some hidden spaces are frequently used, such as home libraries. Others, like safe rooms, are designed for emergencies.
It’s Time to Paint and Wallpaper Your Cabinet
These custom pieces of furniture are an easy and low-commitment fix for a ho-hum room By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Sept. 2, 2026 Designer Meta Coleman painted a pattern on this cabinet to complement the room’s color scheme. Credit: The House That Lars Built Designer Meta Coleman painted a pattern on this cabinet to complement the room’s color scheme.
It’s Time to Paint and Wallpaper Your Cabinet
These custom pieces of furniture are an easy and low-commitment fix for a ho-hum room By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Sept. 2, 2026 Designer Meta Coleman painted a pattern on this cabinet to complement the room’s color scheme. Credit: The House That Lars Built Designer Meta Coleman painted a pattern on this cabinet to complement the room’s color scheme.
The Design Hack When Your Home Feels Too Formal, Cold or Flat
Introduce warmth, texture and character when you use rattan, seagrass and other natural fibers By Tracy Kaler Originally Published August 19, 2026 Adelyn Charles incorporated eco-friendly materials in this living room. Credit: Venjhamin Reyes Adelyn Charles incorporated eco-friendly materials in this living room.
Get Weird: How to Disrupt the Expected by Adding Surrealism to Your Decor
Many of us likely recognize Surrealism in art, such as works by Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Max Ernst. While we can appreciate these masters’ thought-provoking pieces, we can also spot Surrealism everywhere in daily life: in the critically acclaimed 2024 film “The Substance,” in the spring collection showcased on a runway, and in daring, innovative interiors.
‘Wine Is Part of Everyday Life’ in La Rioja, Spain
Besides its famed vineyards, the serene region is also drawing buyers with its gastronomy, culture and community By Tracy Kaler Originally Published July 30, 2026 La Rioja offers a serene, otherworldly landscape. Credit: Bodegas Lanzaga La Rioja offers a serene, otherworldly landscape. Credit: Bodegas Lanzaga Time seems to stand still in La Rioja, a globally recognized winemaking province in north-central Spain.
Crest of the Blue Ridge: An Up-and-Coming Wine Region in One of the South’s Most Desirable Pockets
This area of Western North Carolina produces world-class wines, boasts large luxury homes with mountain views and is a quick ride to major cities By Tracy Kaler Originally Published July 29, 2026 Views of Stone Ashe Vineyard and Winery and Crest of the Blue Ridge. Credit Carter Tippins Views of Stone Ashe Vineyard and Winery and Crest of the Blue Ridge.
Forget Oak and Pine—Make a Design Statement With These Lesser-Used Woods
Oak, walnut and pine are beautiful, practical woods but they are also ubiquitous. Lesser-used species like rosewood and mahogany shouldn’t be discounted when selecting materials for new construction, renovation and even small projects like a built-in cabinet. “Choosing a lesser-known species starts conversations,” said Romanos Brihi, co-founder of Studio Vero in London.
Forget Oak and Pine—Make a Design Statement With These Lesser-Used Woods
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Living Large With Oversize Furniture
Perhaps designers are flashing back to the 1990s when plush, voluptuous seating was on trend, because oversize furniture appears to be cropping up more frequently in homes. During that decade, deep sectionals, overstuffed sofas, and chairs cozy enough for an afternoon nap dominated rooms. Since history regularly repeats itself, we shouldn’t be surprised to see sizable furnishings on the rise again 30 years later.
What Are Brise Soleils? How to Add This ‘Architectural Lace’—and Some Shade—to Your Home.
Brise soleils––or “sun blockers” in French––prove that design can be functional and attractive simultaneously. These architectural elements attach to a home’s exterior to provide shade and filter sunlight, and naturally, reduce heat gain. However, brise soleils also add a visual detail that can enhance a home from the inside and the outside.
Tips for Designing a Living Room That Keeps the Conversation Flowing
Creating a living room that dazzles design-wise while also offering the necessary elements to entertain requires a functional, flexible layout, eye-catching accouterments and layered lighting to enhance the mood. If entertaining is your primary objective, plan to balance your guests’ needs with the design aesthetic you’re trying to accomplish.
Here’s a Wild Idea: Use Animal Print Like a Neutral in Your Home Design
In case you haven’t heard or noticed, animal prints are trending in home decor. Ranging from leopard to tiger to zebra, these statement textiles have become classic but they also introduce a fresh point of view. “To me, animal prints are like neutrals,” said Georgia designer Maggie Griffin.
For a Maximalist Interior, All Decor Options Are on the Table
Mingle patterns, colors and textiles along with lighting, accessories and thoughtfully selected vintage items and you’ll likely find yourself in a maximalist room. This more-is-more style with a no-holds-barred approach is all about personal expression versus the typical rules of design. Do you envision a space of all stripes, or one with a bold, primary palette? Or perhaps you imagine an English country cottage aesthetic defined by florals and chintz but with modern art on the walls?
Why Your Home Needs a Little ‘Ugly Beauty’
Ask Benjamin Johnston to describe his style and he’d likely say, “classic, curated and cool.” Principles like balance and proportion could be his starting point, but the Houston, Texas-based designer is drawn to craftsmanship, particularly pieces that age well. Likewise, he believes all rooms can benefit from a good edit. “Every element should earn its place,” he says.
Cocoon Sofas and Swivel Lounge Chairs: Formal Is out and the Livable Living Room Is In
Whether a curved couch or a multipurpose table, functional, comfortable furnishings are trending this year By Tracy Kaler Originally Published May 27, 2026 Sculptural furniture makes a statement in this living room by Danielle Flax Interiors. Credit: Frazier Springfield Sculptural furniture makes a statement in this living room by Danielle Flax Interiors.
Why Your Kitchen Needs Both Recessed Lights and Sconces
Lighting a kitchen properly requires expertise in mingling sources and fixture styles so that the heart of the home can be functional, attractive and atmospheric. Whether general, ambient, task or accent, lighting should be layered and evenly distributed for maximum efficiency and effect.
Milk Glass, Bunk Rooms and Cedar: A Hot Interior Design Trend Draws on Childhood Nostalgia
“Summer camp classic” is a decor style that’s grabbing attention these days, and it’s no surprise since relaxed, comfortable interiors are everywhere. Clinging to nostalgia is soothing, so living spaces exuding a campy vibe, whether a country house or a city apartment, offer a peaceful and welcoming place to call home.
Making the Most of Every Nook and Cranny
Creativity and vision can take undervalued square footage from useless to functional, and even elevate a space to fabulous. Be it an empty spot beneath a set of stairs, a dead-end hallway, or an awkward alcove—these oft-overlooked areas can have purpose and be alluring. “Sometimes thinking outside the box can lead to a pretty little jewel-box space or just a moment of pause,” says Maplewood, New Jersey designer Sarah Storms.
5 unique Southeastern museums to scratch your culture itch
The South boasts dozens of major museums where visitors can view works by some of the greatest artists in the world, past and present. But it’s also home to smaller niche museums devoted to a singular interest, be it pop culture, music, an artist, street art or a three-time heavyweight champion. The South boasts dozens of major museums where visitors can view works by some of the greatest artists in the world, past and present.
This Trending Color Can Replace a Neutral or a Make a Statement
2 hours ago Dan Cox (@thehitchcockhouse), winner of Best Garden Makeover in House Beautiful's Real Style Awards 2026, has transformed a compact outdoor space into a jaw-droppingly glamorous retreat inspired by a Moroccan rooftop bar. We featured Dan's garden in House Beautiful last year, and since then, we’ve …
This Trending Color Can Replace a Neutral or a Make a Statement
Mauve: Is it a dusty neutral, beige-like tone or more of a deep soft pink? Like most colors, mauve provides a wide range. It can be rich to create a moody room or modest to complement a cheerful space. Wherever mauve falls on the spectrum, this soothing color is currently in style and popping up everywhere. “Mauve has a nuanced, in-between quality—it is gentle without feeling saccharine, and warm without becoming heavy,” said designer Jess Nahon of Sugarhouse in New York.
Interiors Get Frilly: Dressing Up a Space With Passementerie
In interior decoration, the devil is in the details, and passementerie––or decorative trim––is the embellishment that proves this statement rings true. Dating to Medieval Europe, passementerie can introduce color, texture and panache to spaces both subtly and extravagantly, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
Raw Results: How to Style Unframed Art According to Design Pros
When most of us imagine art, we likely think of pieces that are mounted, matted and framed with glass for a formal presentation. But in more casual rooms, unframed art is a clean, no-fuss option where the subject matter, medium and space itself can truly shine. “Unframed art is rising in popularity because homeowners want spaces to feel more relaxed and architectural,” said Lauren Lerner, founder and principal designer of Living with Lolo in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Feeling Anxious? These Design Choices Can Make It Worse.
Leave the tension behind and create a calmer, more relaxed environment By Tracy Kaler Originally Published March 18, 2026 Instead of harsh overhead lighting, Ghislaine Vinas layered sculpture pendants and recessed lighting in this beach house for a comfortable feel. Credit: Garrett Rowland Instead of harsh overhead lighting, Ghislaine Vinas layered sculpture pendants and recessed lighting in this beach house for a comfortable feel.
Move Over Carrara Marble: These Four Slab Stones Play Up Drama
Stone comes in countless iterations, whether it’s tough-as-nails granite or delicate, light-penetrating onyx. While Absolute Black and Carrara remain ever-classic, there’s a stockpile of elegant, luxurious and lesser-known stones on the market that are eye-catching. You just have to be educated and know where to find these beautiful, distinctive materials. We asked six interior designers to weigh in on a handful of dramatic stone slabs, some with heavy veining and others with vibrant patterns.
In Madrid, Recoletos Is the Neighborhood With That ‘Old Money Feel’
If there’s one neighborhood in Madrid that rises above the rest, it’s Recoletos. This posh district perched along Barrio de Salamanca’s western edge sits beside El Retiro Park and steps from Puerta de Alcalá, the 18th-century neoclassical triumphal arch that was the main entrance to Madrid’s walled city. Featuring grand historic architecture, leafy boulevards, a medley of restaurants and the city’s “Golden Mile” shopping district, Recoletos promises allure, amenities and location.
Glow Up Your All-White Kitchen-No Renovations Required
Cosmetic tweaks like a backsplash and accessories can breathe new life into a neutral-toned space with ease By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Feb. 19, 2026 Gruver Cooley Interiors glowed up an all-white kitchen with accessories. Credit: Frazier Springfield Photography Gruver Cooley Interiors glowed up an all-white kitchen with accessories. Credit: Frazier Springfield Photography Peruse shelter magazines and you’ll likely notice fewer all-white kitchens than you used to.
Capturing Gilded Age Opulence at Home, but With an Updated Spin
Interior designers share how to channel this graceful period in your home’s decor By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Feb. 4, 2026 Kara Childress pictures formality and elegance when she imagines a Gilded Age room. Credit: Julie Soefer Kara Childress pictures formality and elegance when she imagines a Gilded Age room.
Cozy Up an Industrial-Style Living Space Like a Pro
Industrial-style rooms don’t need to be stark, cold and uninviting. Warm materials, carefully curated colors and a thoughtful lighting scheme can cozy up a space that has features like concrete floors, warehouse-height ceilings and oversized windows. These architectural elements are often coveted and should be celebrated. So aim to enhance, rather than remove or cover.
The New Urbanism of Norton Commons, Louisville’s Pedestrian-Friendly Suburb
Showcasing a stockpile of historic houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Louisville, Kentucky, has a rich design legacy. That architectural heritage was an inspiration for one of the region’s most livable suburbs, known as Norton Commons, situated 30 minutes from the city’s downtown.
How to Create Comfort in Winter’s Dark Months, According to Kendall Wilkinson
According to Kendall Wilkinson, an alluring room should be a comfortable room. The San Francisco-based interior designer believes that one’s home isn’t about perfection or any impressive collection. Rather, a house should reflect the people who live there. “Comfort, for me, is the highest form of luxury,” Kendall told Mansion Global Boutique.
Holiday Party Tips From Entertaining Expert Joanna Buchanan
British-American accessory and home décor designer Joanna Buchanan credits her mother’s penchant for get-togethers as sparking her career in entertaining. “From her, I learned to love hosting,” Joanna tells Mansion Global Boutique. She was inspired not only by her mother’s flair for creating memorable experiences, but also by the pageantry that accompanies festive occasions. “I remember seeing the ‘grown-ups’ come in and being in awe of how glamorous they looked,” she tells Mansion Global Boutique.
Christmas Ornaments for an Elegant Tree
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Christmas Ornaments for an Elegant Tree
Newsletter Sign-up Best of the Mansion Global Boutique Check out our favorite high-end items for the luxury home, handpicked by our Boutique shopping staff. (Note: The newsroom is not involved in this newsletter.) Michael Aram's Ornament Collection ($60-$90) has everything from snowmen to pomegranates to all sorts of snow globes.
Let It Glow: How to Place and Choose Sconces for Any Room
Let It Glow: How to Place and Choose Sconces for Any Room Whether they’re illuminating a gallery or a dressing up a bedside, wall lights can be both practical and decorative By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Oct. 1, 2025 Sconces appear to be popping up more these days: from uplights to downlights to swing-arms, and topped with silk shades or frosted glass globes. Wall-mounted lights of all shapes and sizes are illuminating spaces, from living and dining rooms to bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.
5 unique Southeastern museums to scratch your culture itch
Matlock Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? Warning: Matlock season 1 spoilers ahead! Matlock is back on the case. The CBS legal drama — an adaptation of Andy Griffith's hit '80s series of the same name — was renewed for a second season in October 2024. Season 1 premiered weeks earlier and followed widowed former attorney Madeline "Matty" …
5 unique Southeastern museums to scratch your culture itch
Travel Dedicated to a singular subject offers deep dives on an artist, a sports figure, a pop culture icon and more. The Muhammad Ali Center, in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, features permanent exhibits dedicated to the boxer and activist's life, as well as a variety of events and special programs. (Courtesy of Louisville Tourism) By Tracy Kaler Sept 30, 2025 The South boasts dozens of major museums where visitors can view works by some of the greatest artists in the world, past and present.
Sarah Vanrenen Inspires Us to Create a Comfortable, Lived-In Home
South Africa-born interior designer Sarah Vanrenen learned the art of “lived-in layering” early on. Her penchant for the collected look coalesced with comfort was formed during her upbringing in the U.K. and enhanced when she studied fine art and art history in Florence, Italy.
The Latest Kitchen Trend Upends the Spotless, Showroom Aesthetic
The Latest Kitchen Trend Upends the Spotless, Showroom Aesthetic Design experts offer ideas on how to create a characterful heart of the home with a so-called “unkitchen” By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Sept. 17, 2025 The unfitted kitchen has been gaining popularity as more homeowners gravitate toward layered, eclectic design. These “unkitchens,” as they’re sometimes called, combine built-in cabinetry with freestanding furniture and embrace a personalized aesthetic.
A Modern Mediterranean Living Room Is All in the Textures
A Modern Mediterranean Living Room Is All in the Textures Designers offer tips on the streamlined iteration of this historic coastal style By Tracy Kaler Originally Published Sept. 3, 2025 When one imagines the Mediterranean, they may picture Santorini’s white facades crowned with cobalt blue domes or Sardinia’s lapping turquoise waters and granite cliffs.
Curating Decor in a Brutalist Living Room
If you’ve seen an unpolished, minimalist home marked by bold forms and raw materials, you’ve likely witnessed Brutalism. This unapologetic architectural style emerged after World War II, with prominent designers such as Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer and Louis Kahn pioneering the movement. Recently, there’s been a renewed interest in Brutalism.
Making the Most of a Small Outdoor Balcony
Making the Most of a Small Outdoor Balcony Extend your living space, but be practical and add personal touches By Tracy Kaler Originally Published August 13, 2025 Even the tiniest Juliette balcony can create the illusion of a larger room while providing a mini-escape from inside. “It brings in natural light, promotes airflow and provides a daily connection to the outdoors, something especially valuable in urban or vertical living,” said San Francisco designer Heather Hilliard.
From Transitional to Modern to Farmhouse, a Selection of Dining Chairs We Love
Selecting a proper dining chair takes time, patience, and sometimes trial and error. Whether you need chairs for casual, everyday meals or fancy celebratory soirees, style, scale, and finish all come into play. While furniture’s practicality and comfort may matter most, a gorgeous chair can elevate a dining room to showpiece status. If you’re on the hunt for new dining room chairs, we’ve rounded up several to choose from.
A Circa-1899 Harlem Mansion, on the Same Block Where ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Was Filmed, Is for Sale
Location: Manhattan, New York A 25-foot-wide, landmarked mansion in Manhattan’s Hamilton Heights neighborhood is on the market. The circa-1899 townhouse has been updated for modern living, while keeping much of its original late 19th-century detail intact. Listing agent Ben Jacobs, of Douglas Elliman in New York, said that the stately rooms and wide, skylit staircase are some of the mansion’s most impressive features.
A Booming Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains Holds Onto Its Charm
A scenic backdrop and a thriving main street are the draws in Blue Ridge, a small town that’s big on art and culture. The region’s gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains—the southernmost belt of the Appalachians—Blue Ridge sits about 90 miles north of downtown Atlanta, on the border of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Corey Damen Jenkins Shares How to Create a Classic, Yet Inviting Room
Corey Damen Jenkins has long had an affinity for design. The Detroit native began sketching three-dimensional rooms at the age of 7 or 8, and his interest only expanded over the years, leading him to launch his interior design career in 1996. These days, he’s principal and CEO of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, the lauded New York interior design and architecture firm that he established in 2008. Damen Jenkins is respected for seamlessly layering colors, textures and patterns.
Decorating With Yellow: One of Home Décor’s Hottest Colours in 2025
Whether it’s a soft butter or a rich shade of mustard, the sunny shade is showing its versatility in interior design. Art enthusiasts may wax poetic about yellow, one of the oldest hues in the history of art. The colour can be seen in some of the world’s most ancient works from Egypt and Rome, and pieces by Gauguin and Van Gogh reveal that these iconic painters were wild about yellow. Although it may be the lightest hue on the basic colour wheel, yellow’s not the most timid.
Decorating With Yellow––One of Home Décor’s Hottest Colors in 2025
Art enthusiasts may wax poetic about yellow, one of the oldest hues in the history of art. The color can be seen in some of the world’s most ancient works from Egypt and Rome, and pieces by Gauguin and Van Gogh reveal that these iconic painters were wild about yellow. Although it may be the lightest hue on the basic color wheel, yellow’s not the most timid. Sure, yellow can be soft and sweet, but it can also pack a punch.
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