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Built into the definition of trendy—“fashionable and up to date”—seems to be the idea that trends are fleeting. While that may be true in fashion, I think it’s less so in design, where memorable trends can have quite a shelf life. This year’s design trends focus on being inspired by travel and nature as well as uniqueness. While I’m looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings, I love these 2023 trends and feel they will continue into the new year.

Halloween might be right around the corner but there’s no reason to fear making some small updates to your home that can make a surprising, welcome difference. No tricks here, just a few subtle (non-caloric) treats in the form of design ideas to contemplate.

There is so much to love about travel—including seeing amazing sights and taking a break from real life to recharge. But you may be overlooking another benefit of enjoying time away from home: getting inspired by the designs you see in hotel rooms. Applying the creative design tips noted below can help you feel like you’re staying at a luxury hotel in your own home.

Whether your pantry is on the small side, gigantic or somewhere in between, you know how important it is to organize it so you can make the most of the space and easily find whatever you might be looking for. Pantry space may be some of the most valuable real estate in your home but if it’s chaotic it may cause you more frustration than bliss.

What’s your favorite season? Some people love the crisp fall days, a wintry wonderland or the rebirth that occurs in spring but number one on my list is summer—so I’m thrilled it’s here. I will say that since moving to Arizona, we enjoy summer differently than we used to in San Diego.

The heat is on! While Southern California and Arizona are sunny year-round, during the summer the combination of sun and high temperatures usually finds folks seeking to cool off indoors. Air conditioning certainly helps—and is a must-have in the desert—but keeping the sun’s rays out of your home is also a good strategy.

Toward the end of every year, “experts” like to predict trends for the year to come. It’s pretty rare to take a look back and see if those prognostications came to pass but since we’re almost halfway through 2023 (already!), I thought it would be interesting to see how on the nose some design trend predictions have been.

The season of rebirth—spring—is an excellent time to think about the first impression visitors get when arriving at your home. Curb appeal includes a number of elements but one of the most important, and often overlooked, is your front door.

The first point of entry into your home is also your first opportunity to make a statement about your design aesthetic and what lies inside. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a memorable initial impression.

The words home renovation terrify most homeowners since it can be daunting to tackle even a modest project. What’s the secret to success? Follow the simple yet valuable tips noted below, from Real Simple, to ensure a smooth and seamless project.

Your closet may be one of the most important spaces in your home since it’s where you “put yourself together” every day. But are you giving it the attention it needs? Closets are often taken for granted and not regarded as a priority—but making sure yours is well organized is rewarding and perhaps even timesaving. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to get your closet in order.

Welcome to 2023! If one of your goals to start the new year is “finishing” your home design but you feel overwhelmed when thinking about it, here’s some good news: there are plenty of small touches that will make a real difference. Here are some ideas from Real Simple magazine:

Year-end is a good time to donate unused items and establish a routine for daily, monthly, yearly and seasonal decluttering. It’s well documented that when you choose to declutter—and have less stuff—you can reap the rewards of a simpler life.