Category: Uncategorized
Breaking the Spell: How to Get Out of the “Buy New” Mindset
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We’re taught from the jump that if something’s not working—an outfit, a room, a relationship—the solution is to replace it. Fast. The idea that “new equals better” is stitched into the seams of modern life, reinforced by ads, algorithms, and influencers who promise transformation with the click of a button. But here’s the thing: most…
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In the world of disposable convenience, few objects illustrate our shifting values like the humble IKEA couch. Affordable, stylish, and accessible, it’s a staple of first apartments, student lounges, and starter homes. But what happens before and after it enters your living room? This is the story of its lifecycle—from origin to afterlife. 1. Birth:…
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What if you treated your home less like a product and more like a living thing? We’ve been trained to think of design as an event. A reveal. A before-and-after. Something you knock out in a weekend with a credit card and a shopping list. But real homes—the ones that feel soulful, layered, and alive—don’t…
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Let’s talk about bouclé. You’ve seen it everywhere—on TikTok, in every influencer’s home, wrapped around curved sofas that all look like oversized marshmallows. It’s the texture of the moment. The shorthand for “elevated.” The darling of design trends that prioritize the look of luxury over the longevity of anything. But behind the nubby, cozy facade,…
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You’ve seen the videos. A glossy hand opens a box with a flourish. There’s soft music, fast edits, maybe a pinky ring tapping against plastic wrap. The caption reads:“OBSESSED. Run, don’t walk.” What’s in the box? A new set of “aesthetic” laundry bins. A plastic spice rack with matching labels. Another acrylic drawer system promising…
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This year, I swore I was going to make myself a comfortable outdoor space where I could enjoy the Summer with my dog. Problem was, due to unexpected events, I wasn’t exactly swimming in cash. So, it was time to get creative. I knew I wanted a slat wall, a ton of plants, a comfortable…
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What’s In Your Laundry Detergent (And What to Use Instead) Let’s talk about something most people use every single week — but rarely think twice about: laundry detergent. Those bottles lined up at the store promising “Mountain Spring” or “Fresh Breeze”? They’re full of synthetic chemicals, many of which aren’t just bad for your skin…
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Let’s get one thing straight: most design shows are fantasy. Not the good kind — not imaginative, experimental, inspiring fantasy. No, they’re more like the Disneyland of interiors: scripted, sanitized, and surgically airbrushed to make the mess of real life disappear. What they offer isn’t design. It’s theater. You’ve seen the formula: A chipper host…
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Most of us don’t think twice about grabbing a new desk online or upgrading a sofa when the style feels stale. But behind every shiny new furniture purchase is a web of environmental damage that’s easy to ignore—and costly to the planet. Here are five reasons to rethink the cycle of buying new: 1. It’s…
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Color isn’t just a visual experience — it’s a psychological one. It shapes how we feel in a space before we ever have a chance to think about it. A room’s color can soothe or energize, focus or distract, uplift or overwhelm. That’s why choosing the right hue for the right room is one of…
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Welcome to the first installment of my new series: the East Bay Plant Crawl. I’ll be making my way through local nurseries, garden shops, and hidden green gems across the Bay Area, searching for the best plants, the best prices, and the most inspiring spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual houseplant lover,…
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Hiring an interior designer can feel like a luxury. But in reality, it’s a smart move—especially if you’re trying to avoid expensive mistakes, make the most of what you already have, or create a space that reflects who you are (and not just the latest trends on HGTV). That said, not every designer is right…