Medgina Saint-Elien

Wabi sabi is a lifestyle approach and philosophy with origins in Japan, roughly defined as embracing the beauty in imperfections and the transience of life. Kintsugi art, the Japanese practice of repairing cracked or broken pottery with gold, is one expression of wabi sabi that illustrates its reverence for flaws. You can apply wabi sabi concepts daily to internal discoveries, things you observe in nature, and arts and design. It’s not a trend or design style; it’s a way of thinking that’s deepl…

You have to see them to believe them.

If you’re looking to downsize or add value to your home, stop what you’re doing and take a good, hard look at the tiny houses on Wayfair. Why this specific retailer, you might be wondering? Allow us to explain. Unlike some other online outposts that sell an array of home-centric wares, Wayfair carries hundreds of brands that vary in price, ease of assembly, and style, but the one thing they have in common is free shipping, a benefit of which any loyal Wayfair fan is aware. Free shipping may not…

If you’re worried about the impact your purchases have on the environment, then this year take a new approach to gift-giving. Sustainable gifts are no longer just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle that many of us are following. After all, there’s only one Earth and we want to do our best to keep it pristine for future generations. To make things easier, at House Beautiful we rounded up 35 of the best eco-friendly finds for everyone on your list. It can be hard to decipher what’s actually good for the…

As avid shoppers, we believe supporting Black-owned businesses is a powerful way to be an ally and support a community that faces systemic racism. From restaurants to beauty products and fashion to home goods, there are countless Black-owned businesses that allow you to buy the best of the best. Being mindful of where you spend money can change lives, especially in marginalized communities. At House Beautiful, we have a love and appreciation of all things interior and design, so we rounded up se…

There’s no better way to shorten your time in the kitchen than with smart kitchen appliances. With every invention, it feels like we get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Jetson! As a result, even the most basic things we use on a day-to-day basis have become pretty advanced and a quick Prime shipment away. It was just a few years ago that voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant weren’t common things to have in your home, and now apps and voice assistants can control everything…

This year, the movable feast that is Easter Sunday falls on the last day of March, and we think the festivities should be extra fun. That’s right; we are talking about Easter games that the whole family—from the newborns to the grandparents—can enjoy. So, if you want to take to the lawn after the delectable brunch, we’ve got plenty of options to consider. In fact, you can even make some of the activities yourself. Rest assured, nothing is overly complicated to put together. If, on the other hand…

Your dining table centerpiece is far from an afterthought. It’s the main focus for every special occasion (including the cleanup session after dinner’s over). Even when your dining table isn’t in use, it speaks volumes about your personal style and design sensibility. A centerpiece enhances your tablescape and makes a statement. While it’s easy to clear the table and wait for another special occasion, your dining room table is more than a location for eating a formal meal. If you’re low on dinin…

As the year quickly draws to a close, we’ve narrowed in on the bedroom design trends of 2024. This just might be the wakeup call your personal sanctuary has been waiting for! You don’t have to bide your time until the new year to start prioritizing the peace your sleeping area deserves. If you’ve tried everything from moving your bed per Feng Shui principles or drafting a sleep divorce to escape your partner’s snoring, we’ve got fresh ideas for you. We reached out to interior designers and exper…

As the heart of your home, your living room is made to welcome all life has to offer in style. To help you take on this neverending quest for coziness and relaxation, we asked designers for the top living room trends of 2024. Trend cycles are always on the move, from overall interior design to color, but one truth remains: Your living room should be a place of comfort. We believe living rooms will take a deep dive into darker shades (plum, mauve, wine, and dark brown), and we’re excited to shar…

And just like that, 2023 is coming to a close! Of course, we wouldn’t end the year without sharing the top interior design trends of 2024. In 2023, we’ve seen trends like quiet luxury and cottagecore come and stay, and we’ve welcomed back historical designs and principles like Japandi and feng shui. But now it’s time to look ahead, and we couldn’t predict the best interior design trends without reaching out to experts, Next Wave Designers, the New York City Design Center, and more for styles th…

Part of the magic of the holidays is that some of the most beautiful places in the world become even more lovely, all decked out for the season. So if you’re searching for fun travel plans to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends (or plan for next year!), look no further! Feast your eyes on the best Christmas decorations at hotels around the world that are worth traveling to see IRL. These trend-setting trees rival your favorite Hallmark movie scenes and give you back the childlike exc…

Wondering how to style a bookcase? Start by telling a story! A bookcase is a double-duty treasure that can tell guests everything they need to know about you and your home when styled properly. Bookshelf decorating ideas inspire you to reflect on the memories that matter most. Make room in your precious reading nook for a photo of your children, and let the cherished antique passed down from your grandmother take center stage—the best bookcase is curated with character. To stimulate your eyes an…

A beautiful stair railing can take your home to new heights, literally and figuratively. The railing not only keeps you safe in all your comings and goings but also establishes the character of your space. It makes a big visual impact whether it’s in your entryway or deep within the heart of your home. Choosing the proper design isn’t a decision to rush. Instead, we encourage you to tread lightly and consider these stunning stair railing ideas. We’ve found designer examples that are perfect for…

If you picture something drab when you think of a brown color palette, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Brown isn’t boring. It’s a silent but hardworking character, a versatile and elevated color that can be sultry and moody or cozy and relaxing depending on the way you apply it and the colors you pair with it. It can warm up a room, tame a bright hue, and liven up a space that lacks drama. What would the quiet luxury trend be without it? There are so many of beautiful colors that go with bro…

Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between a duvet and a comforter. If you thought the terms were interchangeable, don’t worry—this a judgment-free zone. Either may feel heavenly the moment your body hits the pillow-soft covers, but when you need to buy bedding that appeals to your sleep style, it’s time to pull your head out of the clouds. The two have more differences than meet the eye. Before you shop for these bedroom essentials, consider which one’s benefits work for your lif…

Pink princess philodendron (philodendron erubescens) is a tropical plant with heart-shaped leaves that deserves all the fanfare and applause. An covetable gem to plant parents who love a pop of color in their plantscape, the leaves with their deep emerald green and ballet slipper pink variegation are a treasure in the vast sea of philodendron plant types. Also known as PPP to plant collectors, the pink princess is a sight to behold. It’s a low-maintenance houseplant, but you do need to stick to…

Christmas decor is the guaranteed way to bring your home to life for the holidays and wrap up the year in style. We tapped interior designers to predict the Christmas trends in 2023 you’ll see everywhere to give you a head start on decking the halls. Of course, the classic red and green aesthetic will always warm our hearts, but as design lovers we’re excited to see how the new Christmas decorating ideas for 2023 push the envelope. From unexpected color schemes to surprising materials and finish…

Warm up chilly fall evenings with a Costco hot tub! No, you didn’t misread that—if you’ve always wanted the luxury of blowing off steam in your own home spa, our favorite wholesaler has various inflatable and plug-and-play hot tubs ready to install in your home. Costco goes above and beyond to ensure you’re set for every season and occasion, whether it’s an oversize lawn chair or an impressive LEGO assortment. To prove that you can do even more than you thought with your Costco membership, we lo…

Not-so-fun design confession: My sofa doesn’t have any throw pillows. As someone who loves color, I understand that this is a design travesty. Throw pillows add fun and zest to your space but with the thousands of options out there, it can be time-consuming. Each time my sister and I sat down to think of a color scheme, we came up with another decorating idea to try out in the living room, and pillows weren’t a priority.Thankfully, I had the opportunity to test out FLOOF. FLOOF offers a curated…