Design & Décor 3/13/24 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

An entirely new way to see this legendary period.

The multidisciplinary exhibition brings the era to life through works by John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, Mary Cassatt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Alfred Stieglitz, among others, plus fashion, sculpture, photographs, furnishings, memorabilia and decorative objects.

The Museum mansion, itself, provides the authentic backdrop as it was both the opulent home of the wealthy Bryce and Frick families - and the livelihood for the work force needed to sustain it. The Mansion

See It Now

Purchase exhibition tickets at the museum or online NassauMuseum.org/exhibitions

Experience

More as a Museum Member

at the museum or online NassauMuseum.org/membership

Crafting Literary Havens

Unveiling the art and trends of designing a home library sanctuary

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Designing a home library is a dream for many book lovers, o ering a personal sanctuary that houses their favorite reads and provides a comfortable space for hours of uninterrupted reading. However, creating the perfect home library involves more than just assembling bookshelves and stacking books. It requires thoughtful consideration of design elements, functionality, and current trends to ensure the space is both beautiful and practical. Here are key factors and trending ideas to consider when designing your home library.

Space and Location

The first consideration is the allocation of space within your home. A home library doesn’t necessarily require a large, separate room; it can be integrated into smaller spaces or dual-purpose rooms, such as a home office or a reading nook in your living room or bedroom. The location should ideally be quiet, well-lit, and somewhat secluded to provide a peaceful retreat for readers.

Shelving and Storage

Bookshelves are the heart of any library, and there’s a wide range of options to choose from. Floor-to-ceiling shelves make a dramatic statement and maximize storage space, while built-in shelves can offer a seamless look that integrates well with the room’s architecture. Modular shelving systems provide flexibility, allowing you to rearrange or expand your collection over time. Consider incorporating shelves of

different heights to accommodate books of various sizes, as well as cabinets or drawers for storing rare or valuable items that need protection from dust.

Seating

Comfortable seating is crucial in a home library, as it invites you to linger and lose yourself in a book. A plush armchair or a sofa with soft, deep cushions is ideal. For a more dynamic setup, include a variety of seating options, such as a reading nook with a window seat, a cozy loveseat, or even a chaise lounge. Position seating to take advantage of natural light during the day, complemented by warm, artificial lighting for evening reading sessions.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential in a home library to prevent eye strain and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Aim for a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Floor

lamps and table lamps provide focused light for reading, while track lighting or picture lights can highlight artwork or specific sections of your book collection. Trending now are smart lighting systems that allow you to adjust the brightness and color temperature to match the time of day or your mood.

Decor and Personal Touches

A home library is a reflection of your personality and interests, so incorporate elements that make the space uniquely yours. Artwork, photographs, and memorabilia can add character and warmth to the room. Trending in home library design is the inclusion of bold, statement pieces such as a striking piece of art or a unique piece of furniture that adds a pop of color or texture to the room.

Versatile Design

With the rise of digital media, today’s home libraries often serve multiple purposes. Many are designed to accommodate not just books but also media equipment, offering a place to enjoy films, music, and digital reading. Including a small desk or a comfortable chair with a swivel table can also transform part of your library into a workspace or a study area, making it a versatile addition to your home.

Trending Themes

In terms of design themes, there’s a move towards creating spaces that feel personal and collected over time. This includes mixing vintage or antique furniture with modern pieces, displaying collections of objects alongside books, and incorporating plants or natural elements for a touch of greenery. Themed libraries, such as those dedicated to a particular genre of literature or period of history, are also gaining popularity, offering a tailored escape into the worlds contained within your books.

Sustainability is another key trend, with a focus on using eco-friendly materials and lighting, as well as sourcing furniture and decor from ethical and sustainable sources. This reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also kind to the planet.

Designing a home library is a deeply personal project that combines aesthetics, functionality, and a love of books. By considering space, storage, seating, lighting, and personal touches, you can create a haven that not only houses your book collection but also reflects your personality and reading habits. With the current trends towards versatility, sustainability, and personalized design, there’s never been a better time to create a home library that you’ll cherish for years to come.

(Getty Images)

Designing Your Home Entertainment Room

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Designing a home entertainment room has evolved from the traditional setup of a television and a couch to a multifaceted space that caters to a wide array of digital entertainment needs. As technology advances and consumer preferences shift, the trends in designing these spaces have become more sophisticated, focusing on immersive experiences, multifunctionality, and personalization. Here are some of the key trends shaping the design of home entertainment rooms today.

Immersive Technology Integration

One of the most significant trends is the integration of immersive technologies to enhance the viewing and gaming experience. This includes the adoption of large, ultra-high-definition TVs and projectors that offer 4K and 8K resolutions, providing crystal-clear images that bring movies and games to life. Surround sound systems and advanced audio setups, such as Dolby Atmos, create a 3D sound environment, enveloping the room in high-quality audio that matches the visual fidelity. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) setups are also becoming more common, offering a completely immersive experience that transforms the way we interact with digital content.

Smart Home Connectivity

The modern home entertainment room is increasingly connected to the broader smart home ecosystem. Voice-controlled assistants and IoT (Internet of Things) devices allow users to control lighting, sound, and visual components with simple voice commands or through a centralized app. This connectivity enhances the ease of use and allows for the creation of preset entertainment modes, adjusting the environment to the perfect settings for movies, gaming, or listening to music with a single command.

Aesthetic Integration

The design of home entertainment rooms is also seeing a trend towards aesthetic integration within the overall home decor. Gone are the days when these rooms were

relegated to basements or spare rooms with little thought to design. Today, homeowners are incorporating their entertainment spaces into their living areas, with a focus on sleek, minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Hidden storage solutions, in-wall speakers, and concealed wiring help maintain a clean and uncluttered look, while customizable LED lighting adds a touch of sophistication and ambiance.

Personalized Themes and Luxury Comforts

Personalization is key in the design of home entertainment spaces, with individuals seeking to reflect their personalities and preferences in the decor. This can include

themed rooms based on favorite movies, sports teams, or video games, offering a unique and engaging environment that enhances the entertainment experience. Additionally, luxury comforts such as high-end recliners, adjustable lighting, and temperature control, along with snack and beverage stations, ensure that these rooms offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

The trends in designing home entertainment rooms reflect a broader shift towards more immersive, flexible, and personalized living spaces. With a focus on quality, connectivity, and personal expression, the home entertainment room of the future promises to be a central hub of digital leisure and enjoyment.

Popular DIY Trends

Home DIY decorating trends have taken a vibrant turn, reflecting a mix of comfort, sustainability, and personal expression. The rise of social media platforms and the desire for customized living spaces have fueled these trends, making home decor more accessible and imaginative. Here are 10 popular DIY decorating trends that have captured the imagination of homeowners worldwide:

Upcycling Furniture: T his sustainable trend involves repurposing old furniture into something new and exciting, adding a unique touch to any room without breaking the bank.

Statement Walls: Whether it’s through bold paint colors, wallpaper, or intricate murals, statement walls serve as focal points, injecting personality into spaces.

Indoor Plants: Bringing the outdoors in, a variety of indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home but also improve air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment.

Floating Shelves: They offer a minimalist and practical solution for displaying decor, books, and plants, maximizing space in smaller rooms.

Vintage Accents: The charm of vintage decor lies in its ability to add character and timelessness to modern interiors, making thrifted items highly sought after.

Handmade Pottery: Items like vases, pots, and decorative pieces, crafted by hand, introduce a layer of artisanal beauty and authenticity.

Textured Fabrics: Incorporating textured fabrics through throw pillows, curtains, and rugs adds depth and warmth, inviting a cozy atmosphere.

Smart Lighting: Adjustable and smart lighting systems allow homeowners to customize ambiance settings for different times of the day or specific activities, enhancing both functionality and mood.

Eco-friendly Materials: The shift towards sustainability has made eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, and recycled goods popular choices for both construction and decoration, reflecting a growing consciousness about environmental impact.

DIY Home Office Spaces: With remote work becoming more prevalent, creating a personalized and efficient home office space has become a priority for many.

These trends highlight a collective move towards more personalized, sustainable, and functional living spaces, allowing individuals to express their styles while being mindful of the environment.

—Anton Media Staff

Maximizing Comfort And Style

Take a look at some of the most purchased home décor items this year

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

e landscape of home décor continually evolves, re ecting broader trends in design, technology, and societal values. is year, certain items have surged in popularity, driven by a blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and the ongoing in uence of global events on our living spaces. From creating cozy, multipurpose areas to integrating nature within our walls, here’s a look at the most purchased home décor items this year and the trends they represent.

With many people continuing to work from home, there’s been an uptick in the demand for multifunctional furniture. Pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as sofa beds, extendable tables, and desks with built-in storage, are particularly popular.

with modern décor, offering sleek designs that complement rather than detract from the aesthetic of a room.

metals are not only trendy but also align with the values of eco-conscious consumers. This shift towards sustainability reflects a broader desire to reduce one’s carbon footprint and support ethical manufacturing practices.

The integration of technology into our living spaces continues to be a major trend, with smart home devices becoming a staple in home décor shopping lists. Smart lighting systems, voice-activated assistants, and innovative climate control devices offer both convenience and energy efficiency. These gadgets are designed to blend seamlessly

Bringing the outdoors in has been a persistent theme this year, with a significant rise in the purchase of indoor plants and stylish planters. Greenery has become a must-have in home décor. This trend is not only about aesthetics; it’s also tied to well-being, as plants are known to boost mood, improve air quality, and connect us to nature. As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for sustainable home décor. Items made from recycled, upcycled, or sustainably sourced materials have become highly sought after. Bamboo furniture, jute rugs, and décor items featuring recycled glass and

Embracing Imperfection

The charm of used and mismatched china sets captivates home decor enthusiasts

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

In recent years, a fascinating trend has emerged in the world of home décor and dining aesthetics: the embrace of used and mismatched china sets. is movement, steeped in nostalgia and a desire for sustainability, re ects a broader cultural shift away from the pristine and uniform towards a more eclectic and personalized approach to table setting. e trend not only champions the unique beauty found in imperfection but also embodies a conscious e ort to reduce waste and promote recycling. Here’s a deeper look into the charm and rise of used and mismatched china sets.

The allure of mismatched china lies in its inherent uniqueness and the stories each piece can tell. Unlike uniform sets that offer a seamless aesthetic, mismatched collections bring together a tapestry of designs, eras, and histories, creating a table setting that’s rich in character and warmth. This imperfection is celebrated, as it reflects real life’s diversity and complexity, making dining experiences more personal and engaging.

A significant driver behind the popularity of used and mismatched china is

the growing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability. By choosing used items, consumers actively reduce the demand for new products and the resources required to produce them, decreasing their environmental footprint. This trend aligns with the broader movement towards thrift shopping and the circular economy, where the focus is on reusing and repurposing rather than discarding and buying new.

Opting for used and mismatched china also offers economic benefits.

There’s been a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and uniqueness in home décor, with consumers gravitating towards artisanal and handmade items. These purchases often support small businesses and craftspeople, adding a story and a touch of authenticity to the home. Handwoven textiles, handmade pottery, and unique art pieces allow homeowners to personalize their spaces in a way that mass-produced items cannot. To add personality and warmth to interiors, shoppers are turning to soft furnishings featuring bold patterns, vibrant colors, and rich textures. Throw pillows, area rugs, and blankets in eye-catching designs can

High-quality, new china sets can be prohibitively expensive, but by collecting individual pieces over time, consumers can curate their unique sets at a fraction of the cost. Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces have become treasure troves for those looking to expand their collections without breaking the bank, making beautiful tableware accessible to a wider audience.

Each mismatched set tells a story, reflecting the personal taste and creativity of its collector. People take pride in hunting for pieces that catch their eye, whether it’s a floral-patterned plate from the 1950s or a fine bone china teacup adorned with intricate artwork. This process of selection allows individuals to express themselves through their table settings, turning every meal into an opportunity for storytelling and aesthetic exploration.

transform a room, making it feel cozy and inviting. This trend also allows for easy and affordable seasonal updates to a home’s décor without committing to major changes.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space, and this year, minimalist lighting fixtures have been in high demand. Sleek, simple designs that focus on functionality and clean lines fit well with the modern, clutter-free aesthetic that many consumers are striving for. LED lights with adjustable brightness and color temperatures allow for customization of ambiance, enhancing the overall feel of a home.

The trend also taps into a broader desire for connection and authenticity in a digitized world. In an age where social interactions are often mediated by screens, a thoughtfully set table with mismatched china serves as a reminder of the value of personal touch and the beauty of shared experiences. It encourages conversations about the origins of each piece, the memories they evoke, and the personal significance they hold, enriching the communal dining experience.

While the trend of used and mismatched china sets is largely positive, it does come with its challenges. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of used items, particularly with older pieces that may contain lead or other harmful substances, is crucial. While the eclectic look is part of the charm, creating a cohesive yet diverse collection requires a discerning eye and a bit of patience.

The trend of used and mismatched china sets is more than a passing fad; it’s a reflection of changing attitudes towards consumption, sustainability, and beauty. It champions the idea that perfection is overrated and that there’s value and joy to be found in the eclectic and the environmentally conscious. As this trend continues to grow, it encourages us to rethink not only our aesthetic choices but also our impact on the planet, one beautifully mismatched plate at a time.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

(Photo by Cathy Bongiorno)

(Photo by Cathy Bongiorno)