Drew and I talked about how, after years of minimal, neutral interiors, the return of this glamorous and statement-making design trend feels fresh, exciting, and just the right amount of dramatic. We spoke about how Art Deco allows you to add some color and personality into your home through pillows, lighting, and furniture. I transformed an entryway from a bland, neutral space into a wow moment. I couldn’t agree more with Drew when she talked about walking into your hard earned space, your home, you want this pop and wow moment; you want your home to hug you right back. Art Deco can give you that wow moment when entering your home, for sure! So let’s jump in, here is a quick refresher on the main parts of Art Deco, then I share my top budget finds, and you can see my mood board for the show.

What Is Art Deco?

Art Deco is all about luxury, boldness, and craftsmanship. Originating in the 1920s and ’30s, this design style is known for:

• Geometric Patterns & Symmetry – Think scalloped shapes, fan motifs, and structured lines.
  Rich Materials – Velvet, brass, marble, and glass create a sophisticated look.
•  Jewel Tones & Metallic Accents – Deep emerald, sapphire blue, and gold bring warmth and opulence.
•  Statement Lighting & Accessories – Sculptural lamps, mirrored furniture, and dramatic wall art define the look.

Affordable Art Deco Finds You’ll Love

The best part? You don’t need a Great Gatsby-sized budget to get the Art Deco look. I’m sharing the finds from the show that bring all the glam without the hefty price tag:

Furniture & Statement Pieces

• Modern Scallop-Shaped Wall Mirror – The perfect Art Deco-inspired statement for your walls.
• Elegant Waffle-Shape Sofa – A stunning blend of vintage and modern comfort.
• Fluted Bar Cabinet – A chic, streamlined way to store your drinks in style.

 Decor & Accessories

• Geometric Embroidered Pillow – A small but impactful way to bring in classic Deco patterns.
• Pink Honeycomb Trellis Rug – Adds warmth and a vintage touch to any room.
• Black Acrylic Tray – Ideal for styling your coffee table with Art Deco glam.

Lighting & Wall Accents

• Glass Petal Shade Table Lamp – A soft, romantic glow with a Deco-inspired shape.
• Art Deco Wallpaper Panel – Perfect for creating an accent wall without the commitment of paint.
• Gold & Black Wall Sconces – The easiest way to add instant glamour.

Tabletop & Entertaining

• Art Deco Glassware Set – Elegant, vintage-inspired cocktail glasses for your next soirée.
• Deco-Inspired Marble Tray – A must-have for serving drinks in style.
• Tubular Tall Glass Vase – A sleek and sculptural centerpiece.

Which Art Deco piece is your favorite?  Watch the final reveal of the segment here: YouTube Link  and you catch the full episode on Paramount +. 

The post My Drew Barrymore Segment: Art Deco Design Is Trending Again first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

For the Person Who Always Turns on the Big Light: Nelson Table Lamp

Tired of your friend or family member flooding the room with harsh overhead lights? The Nelson Table Lamp is a sleek and stylish solution that encourages softer, more ambient lighting. It’s the perfect way to gently suggest that perhaps not every light needs to be an overhead light.

For the Person Who Buys a Lot of Books but Doesn’t Necessarily Read Them: Story Bookcase

We all know that one person who loves to buy books, but they never seem to make it past the first chapter. The Story Bookcase is a tasteful way to give them a beautiful place to display their literary collection—even if it’s more for show than for reading!

For the Person Who Is Always Texting “I’ll Be There in Five” :Nelson Ball Clock

Punctuality isn’t everyone’s strong suit, and for those who are perpetually late, the Nelson Ball Clock is a stylish reminder to keep an eye on the time. Hopefully, this chic accessory will inspire them to be a little more timely. Let’s get real, they are never going to change but it’s a beautiful piece.

For the Person Who Says They’re Cold Even When It’s 70°F Out: Takt Baby Alpaca Throw

Know someone who’s always cold, no matter the temperature? Maybe you fight over the thermostat constantly? If so, the Takt Baby Alpaca Throw is the perfect gift to keep them cozy. This luxurious throw will ensure they’re warm and snug.

For the Person Who Hogs the Bathroom Every Morning : Colour Frame Mirror

Bathroom hoggers, beware! The Colour Frame Mirror is a beautiful addition to any vanity, but it also serves as a gentle nudge to be more mindful of others. It’s a lovely gift that says, “I appreciate your morning routine, but let’s share the space.”

Check out the full DWR gift guide here.

The post Stylish Gifts with a Playful Hint first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

When it comes to picking pillows, be sure to mix and match prints, textures, and sizes for a collection that feels cohesive yet effortless. I started my design with blue—we all know I love blue—and I already had an outdoor rug in that color. I was drawn to the beautiful Embrace Indigo fabric by Sunbrella. Sunbrella is known for its durable and weather-resistant fabrics, so I knew they would last outdoors. The fabric has a subtle detail that adds depth and interest. Once I had these, I knew I needed neutrals, but I wanted to keep things interesting, so I went with patterns and chose Sunbrella Dune I and Tranquil in Camel.

Lastly, I finished it off with a small rectangular pillow for a different shape. Because it’s smaller, I wanted to go with a more eye-catching pattern. This small pillow really captures your eye as you look at the sofa and adds a special touch. I chose the Hache fabric in Nautical and added custom welt to make the pillow feel even more unique

Get outside and start enjoying fall! There’s no humidity, and you can have a fire pit roaring. Plus, if you head to Calico now, you can enjoy the pillows right away and get a head start for next year.

The post Outdoor Sofa Refresh for Fall  first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

1. Prop Art When styling open shelves people often overlook propping small pieces of art. For instance, consider placing this guest check art that has a modern, handwritten note on top. It’s fun, eye-catching, and adds color without being garish; an easy way to instantly elevate the look of your shelves. Propping art also adds visual interest and can break up other items like vases or books. Plus, it’s easy to switch the art up as your tastes or the seasons change. The Today is a Good Day print is here.
2. Add Color Through Books Books serve a dual purpose—they’re useful and can also be decorative items. Take the book “Salad Freak,” for example. Not only does it provide spring salad inspiration with great recipes, but storing it on your shelves also adds visual interest thanks to its pretty pink cover.
3. Everyday Objects as Decor When it comes to choosing items to display, try thinking outside the box. For example, why not turn to the kitchen to see if you can find aesthetic looking items to display? These pink and white marbled effect serving bowls are perfect for open shelving. They’re practical for hosting (you can even throw snacks in them when guests pop around), but they also double as decor pieces. Consider displaying other items like an interesting set of mugs or colorful glassware.
4. Try a Tray If you’re renting an apartment and can’t paint the walls, grab a stylish ombre tray and prop it up on a shelf. It instantly adds color and interest. Whether you need a tray for serving drinks or just eating dinner, this bright and vibrant option works well for spring and summer.
5. Something Sculptural Open shelving always benefits from sculptural elements. This vase from Amazon, priced at less than $15, is perfect for holding a single stem. It comes in various colors, so whether you want an orange, yellow, or pink accent, it’s the ideal sculptural piece for your open shelves. I love the ombre effect and it’s great for proudly showing off that one flower you managed to grow!

Let me know what you plan to add to your shelves this spring! And if you need more inspiration, feel free to check out my livestream for the complete list.

The post Five Affordable Ways to Add a Pop of Color to Open Shelves first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

I really leaned into the English cottage charm when I was designing this guest bedroom. I think English cottage style suits a small room well. It can be tempting in small spaces to make things simple and clean with the thinking it will make the space feel bigger. However, I think the opposite is true. By using pattern and texture it focuses the eye on the pattern and the wow factor and so you don’t think about the small space. The other technique I used here was wallpapering on the walls and ceiling. This works so well when you have an attic style slanting ceiling because you aren’t visually dividing the space up into small chunks. Wallpapering the ceilings, especially low ceilings like this, will make them feel less oppressive.

The wonderful wallpaper I used was sadly discontinued right after I installed it but there’s plenty of similar ones online. I found a vintage racetrack marble topped dresser on Facebook Marketplace which fits perfectly in the dormer window. I love how a piece of vintage furniture like this instantly adds character and warmth to a room. On the night stands I added these cute scalloped brown lamps from Serena and Lilly. These paired with these Pottery Barn sconces which I got custom shades for. Next, I chose this lovely navy velvet bed, which brings a sense of indulgence and luxury. A new bed for the guest bedroom meant it was also  time to get a new mattress. I went with the Aireloom Pegasus from Raymour and Flangian. True story: when it came and I tried it out I ended up liking it so much I moved it to our bedroom! It’s honestly the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on. Seriously, I’ve tried so many different mattresses from sprung to foam and there is nothing that even comes close to the Airloom Pegasus. You can tell it’s handmade and you really feel the quality when you lie on it. I am a very fussy sleeper and there is nothing better than this! If you are looking for a new mattress, then I think there is nothing better than going to try them in person. That’s what’s great about Raymour and Flanigan as they have experts to help you in store. This is what I did: I went to my local Raymour and Flanigan store and tried 10 mattresses before deciding on the Aireloom Pegasus, and I’m so glad I did! On the floor I added a vintage rug, you can get similar ones like this one. Lastly for the shades I found vintage fabric and had someone make them locally which ended up saving a lot of money, but I did see this option online which is really affordable and has a similar look.

The post Ideas for Decorating A Small Bedroom in the Eaves first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

1. Table Lamp 

A table lamp (1) is a fantastic addition to any kitchen surface. First and foremost, it adds warmth and texture. Kitchens often feature hard, shiny surfaces, so a lamp with a soft shade is the perfect way to introduce coziness. Additionally, a table lamp provides excellent task lighting. Personally, I prefer using a low-wattage bulb, such as a night light bulb, to keep a gentle glow when I’m not actively cooking. Not only does this save energy compared to overhead lights, but it also contributes to the inviting ambiance of the kitchen.

2. Jug / Vase

 Having a jug or vase on the kitchen surface is essential for me. Whether you use it for flowers or as a water pitcher, it’s a practical and decorative item. No more searching for a vase when you need one—having it readily available simplifies life. Opt for a jug (5) or vase with character; clear or glass vases can sometimes look messy or sad when empty. Consider something like this charming vase with a sweet rabbit motif (3).

3. Marble Tray / Catch-All 

Kitchens often become dumping grounds for keys, coins, and receipts. To combat this clutter, I highly recommend a marble tray or catch-all on the side. It provides a designated spot for all these miscellaneous items. You can even use it as a base for candles or other decorative pieces. The presence of a marble tray instantly elevates the organization and aesthetics of your kitchen. While I appreciate both the tray (6) and the dish (4), my personal favorite is the scalloped one.

A kitchen with some small and relatively cheap decor pieces can really make it feel warm and inviting. Plus all these make amazing gifts whether for mothers day, or a house warming present.

I did a livestream about Kitchen decor, you can find all my favourite finds here. Finally, you need these glass storage jars (2) they are perfect for making your open shelving look great but are also practical.

The post Three Decor Items Every Kitchen Needs first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

Later in the post I’ll share my go-to color combination for home exteriors but first I’m going to dive into three nuggets of advice to help you discover your own exterior paint color palette.

1. Take a lot of photos of homes you like in your neighborhood or anywhere you go

Don’t overthink it: if you see a house that you like, take a snap and add it to a folder on your phone, or do the same on social media; save the photo on Instagram or pin the photo on Pinterest. Do this for a few weeks and then see what themes appear as you scroll through your saves. Consider what makes you stop the scroll and then delete anything that you don’t like or you pass over quickly. Then, with the shortlist of inspo saves you know you still like, take some time to look at them and consider:

1. How many different colors are used?
2. What are the types of colors used (contrasting, tonal, bold)?
3. What texture does the house have (brick, cedar shingles, wood); does yours have the same?
4. What landscaping and planting surround the house?

This should help you narrow down your favorite colors and contrasting colors.

2. Try multiple samples of real paint 

Narrow down your color choices to two or three favorites and get a piece of board to paint samples on. Then, place the board around your home exterior on different days and times of days to see how it looks. I have so often done this and found a color that I thought was, say, blue, was actually more purple in another light. Once I fell in love with a neutral off-white but when I painted it, due to the reflection of other materials and the light I had, it came across as more of a pink. Painting a whole house is a big decision so spending a little bit of money on some samples and taking the time to see how they look in different lights and environments does pay off in the long run. DURA has a bunch of sample options, including peel and stick, chips, and even sample pots with integrated brushes.

3. Don’t forgot about landscaping and plants

Finally, don’t forget about other materials around your house. Hardscaping and landscaping are so important to round out an exterior color palette; they complete the whole curb appeal package. I think getting samples of your exterior materials, such as clippings of plants and other hardscaping like tiles, is really useful for seeing how your color palette will work alongside the rest of the exterior environment. Below is the moodboard I made using samples of the materials I pulled together for the Living by Design showhouse exterior and yard that I designed. This really helps give you a feeling for how the colors, textures, patterns, and materials all fit together.

My go to serene and classic combination:

If you are looking for something calming and classic then here are my go-tos:

Main color: Whisper. This is a soft neutral that adds warmth and depth, rather than being cold and harsh. It works especially well with darker neutrals so I would pair it with the Shaggy Barked Dec 771 for accent pieces such as the shutters and doors.

Visualization by YouSee Studio

The post How to choose exterior paint colors first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

Back to the layout of a bathroom: it’s really important not to rush this stage. I know sometimes you can’t afford to move something or it’s not physically possible. However, when those things are an option it’s vital to make sure you are optimizing the bathroom space in the best way possible. I have and also seen so many people just accept the first layout they see. Instead of doing this be sure to really take time to sit with the bathroom design and see if there are other layouts that could work better.  Here are my top things to consider when you are thinking about a bathroom layout:

Daylight

The first thing I do is think about windows and light. Look at where the light comes in; I like to take a picture in the morning, midday, and late afternoon. Then, with the pictures, I can keep referring to the light position and show it to people I’m working with whether that be a contractor or architect.

With light, try to ensure the sink is facing or to the side of the window, this will make getting ready and seeing things much easier. Don’t put the sink in the darkest corner! I see this in so many bathrooms. I know, yes, you can have artificial light, but it just isn’t the same as natural light.

Now, also think what your line of sight will be as you walk into the room. First impressions count, not just with people, but with rooms, too. If you walk into a space and see outside, the space feels bigger and more open. That’s true even if it’s a small bathroom. Sometimes during a renovation you can change the window so take advantage of that.  If you can’t change the window then take notice of how the light comes into the room at different times of day, and try to position the sink in the best place.

 Design that saves space

There are so many ways you can save space with fixtures that don’t compromise on style. If anything they help with making the space look better. Here are my three favorites:

1. Wall Mounted FaucetsThe space for our guest bathroom was narrow, so I wanted to be really mindful of anything that would take up space both physically but also in the eye. I chose these Delta Faucet wall-mounted faucets and they worked out perfectly. With the simple matte black finish of the Delta Faucets and clean lines of the concrete sink it makes them perfect for space saving. Ferguson’s product experts are there to help and chat with you, either instore or online, such as all the specs you may need of your desired faucets when having a custom sink like this made.

2. Compact toilets

Don’t just accept the standard toilet size as there are so many options and sizes. Shopping at Ferguson Showrooms is great as they have such a large variety, which saves you so much time from having to go to different vendors. If you have a narrow space to work with. there are plenty of options for you. 

3. Be creative with the sink

In our guest bathroom you can see we had a custom concrete sink fabricated for the space. This was a purposeful decision in order to create a dramatic design statement: I love how the  clean lines draw the eye down and help elongate the space. Custom fabrication can become expensive but don’t worry there are more affordable options. Consider using under mounted sinks such as these and then just use a slab, stone, or stone alternatives. The wall mounted faucets can be found here.

To have a bathtub or not

This must be one of the most common questions: do I need a bathtub in the bathroom or not? Should you do the bath and shower combination or just have a shower? I get it, it’s a personal and tough reno question, so here are my rules to help you figure out what to do! First, if you have more than one bathroom, then at least one of them should have a bathtub, in my opinion. If you don’t, it could make your house harder to sell. That said, taking a bath is becoming less popular but bathtubs are useful and not having one might make it harder in future to sell your home, especially if potential buyers have kids or pets. Second, if you have a bathtub in another bathroom, then I would generally advise just to have a nice well-proportioned shower in other bathrooms, unless you can fit both separately. 

Having a well-proportioned shower is so much better than either squeezing in a small shower or a shower over a bathtub. This is because everyday showering in a large shower will make you feel good and it just looks so much chicer. Here are the shower items , rainhead, arm, wall shower.

Cleverly Hiding the toilet

Lastly, I’m a big fan of hiding the toilet when you can. Mostly commonly this is done by putting it in a separate space. However, let’s get real, we often don’t have space or money for that. So my favorite solution is using the shower to hide the toilet, like I did in our guest bathroom. I think this is a great solution as it naturally hides the toilet out of sight as you come into the bathroom but without having to add additional walls. 

That’s it, here are all my tips for the layout success. I hope they help you as you think about your bathroom renovation. 

The post Bathroom Layout Recommendations first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

Here are some three tips to help get your home ready for the New Year:

1. Florals for January

The holiday decorations have come down, you’ve cleaned up all the tree needles, and even put away the last few holiday items which you forgot were up. Your home feels so much bigger and clearer now, right, but maybe a little bare? I always take this time of year to swap out or buy a new vase and fill it with flowers, either faux or real. All designers and stylists know to place florals in a space before a photo shoot, it instantly makes any space look more inviting. I think it’s also a great thing to do after the holiday decorations come down as it stops a room from feeling cold and bare. It’s cold and dark outside so adding some florals is the perfect way to cheer a space up.

2. Change up how you lay a throw

So often throws are just tossed on a chair or in a basket so now is the perfect time to switch that up. Think of your sofa like a bed: it needs to be made every day. This will not only make your sofa look great it also extends the life of your sofa as plumping the seat cushions helps them keep their shape better for years to come. Once you have plumped your cushions now turn your attention to the throw. A great way to make a statement of your throw and give your sofa an instant new look, is to lay it flat down the center of the sofa and tuck it in at the top and bottom. Check out the photo below of my sofa and you can see how it makes a visual statement by drawing the eye to the couch making the room feel fresher.

3. Lighting Check

Lighting is one of the most important elements in a room and now the holiday lights are down and the days are short, it’s the perfect time to check your lighting. My rule of thumb is to make sure you always have at least three sources of light:

1. A main pendant or overhead light
2. Eye level lighting, such as wall sconces or floor lamps
3. Accent lighting, such as candles, table lamps or reading lights

If you don’t have all three in a room then you can fix it by bringing in a table or floor lamp. This time of year is perfect to grab a bargain or to go thrift shopping as so many people clear out for spring cleaning.

I hope these tips help your space feel cozy and refreshed for the New Year. Now the hard work is done, kick back, relax, and play Design Home.

The post 3 easy and affordable ways to freshen your home first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

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1.Match the wall color to the technology. 

This Google Nest Learning Thermostat (it’s currently  20% off at Lowe’s) is matched to the wall color so that it blends seamlessly with the room. When you look at the wall there isn’t a jarring eyesore, which would ruin the flow of the space. This is especially important for feature wall like this one; I love how chic the black thermostat looks against the jet black wall. 

2. Style it up

The great thing about smart home tech from brands like Google and Ring are that they look good to begin with. This makes hiding them in plain sight really simple. One of the best ways is to style vases and objects around them. This approach helps them look like a piece of your decor, rather than distracting the eye. Here, I styled a vase around the Echo Pop smart speaker, which is currently 55% off at Lowe’s at only $17.99. By avoiding placing smart speakers on their own, and instead grouping them with other decor items makes them look like a considered part of the room rather than an afterthought.

3. Turn it into decor 

The Google Nest Home Hub is perfect for the kitchen; I use it everyday to set timers for my cooking or to follow recipes on the screen. If your smart tech has a screen like this then consider using the screen to become part of the decor. With my Home Hub it’s as easy as saying “Hey Google, play a fireplace video” and just like that a warm, cracking fireplace is shown on screen —perfect for the Holidays! It makes a great gift for the cook in your life, a busy parent, or perhaps yourself with all the holiday cooking coming up! Lowe’s have it on offer at the moment for 20% off, too.

By following these tips, you can easily integrate smart home tech into your décor and hide it without sacrificing your style. This post is in partnership with Lowe’s but all views are my own.

The post How Designers Hide Smart Home Tech  first appeared on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.