#ikea-hemnes

#ikea-hemnes

"As a perfectionist... I think there's something that I have to practice a lot, which is standing proud next to things that are imperfect, and loving them anyway."

Ferm Living's Bridge system is one part coat rack, one part display piece for your most-worn pieces. Built for versatility, the slim oak beams provide two tiers of storage space, whether you need room for hangers or just a place to hang your hat at the end of the day. It's nearly five feet high, meaning none of your beloved coats will sweep the floor. Its vertical branches would also make sense as a place to display fabrics or hang towels to dry.

When designing a neutral space, you might initially assume you're working with a limited color palette. And while using a select group of more subdued hues might be the key to achieving that calming effect, it doesn't mean the room has to be boring or one-dimensional. That's where texture (think: the "70-20-10" rule) comes into play. Texture was a major part of Chloe Livington's design plan when mapping out her organic-modern Jersey City studio apartment.

Wood: Arguably the most common material for a coffee table, whether packed with storage or not, solid wood can be a durable and style-agnostic choice. A deeper hue, like a mahogany or cherry, can lean mid-century, while a natural oak or teak feels distinctly Scandinavian. Opt for a material that's white washed or stained for a farmhouse look. Metal: Aluminum and stainless steel are common choices for the modernist or more minimal design aesthete.

My spouse and I have lived in our house for five years, and in that time, we've basically played Jenga in nearly every room. It's almost like a design challenge to see how many spaces can serve dual functions: Can we make this room into a gym? What about a gym/office? What about a guest room/office? Right now, we are transforming our office/gym into an office/guest room (the Peloton now lives in the makeshift sunroom downstairs).

Furniture is now understood as a core architectural component rather than a purely functional addition to a space. In 2026, instead of sharp, rigid forms, current design directions favor softer, organic silhouettes that promote comfort and visual calm. These shapes help create interiors that feel more balanced and human-centred, supporting everyday use while enhancing the emotional quality of the environment.

Living in a pre-war apartment comes with equal amounts of charm and challenges. Original moldings; thick, sound-proof walls; and hardwood floors? Charming! Outdated plumbing, a minuscule kitchen, and an even smaller bathroom? Pretty challenging, let me tell you. Although I'm reluctant to do major changes to the bathroom so I can preserve the original tile, I'm anxious to ditch the pedestal sink because of its extreme lack of storage.

My laundry setup is light-years better in my current apartment than in my previous one - at least in my eyes. In my last place, the stacked washer and dryer sat right next to the fridge, leaving barely any room to store detergent, let alone a dirty hamper. While I still have a stacked washer-dryer setup now, it lives inside a closet, which drastically reduces visual clutter and keeps all my laundry essentials in one easy-to-access place.