Chinese Interior Design
A Long Tradition of Formal Elegance What westerners tend to think of as traditional Chinese interior design has primarily been the style of Chinese aristocrats and successful merchants. It emphasizes wealth and status, and tends toward formality. Symbolism is deeply embedded in many elements of Chinese culture, and this is true of not only the […]
Is Your Home’s Air Dangerous?
When we discuss indoor air quality, we usually mean annoyances like pollen, dust, and household chemicals that can irritate our throats or cause runny or stuffy noses. For millions of people with asthma or other respiratory diseases, even minor irritants can lead to significant discomfort or even distress. Pollutants can make breathing more difficult, so […]
Modern Farmhouse Interior Design
Contemporary, rustic, yet bright and clean—modern farmhouse style is one of today’s most popular decorating options. It combines reclaimed woods, neutral colors, natural materials, and rich textures to create open, homey, serene spaces. While it has some similarities to country, cottage, or earlier versions of farmhouse style, it largely replaces color and pattern with texture […]
French Country Interior Design
French country has long been a popular interpretation of French interior design style. Though related to the English cottage and American farmhouse styles, its exteriors may be more rustic. However, its interiors are often more sophisticated and spare than those in English-speaking countries. French country interior design is less casual and soft-edged than the related […]
Let’s Talk About Taste and Style
In the worlds of fashion and interior design, a few individuals wield great power. We look to them to find out what’s considered correct, attractive, and stylish. These tastemakers are lauded for their supposed innate understanding of what is good, what works, what matters aesthetically. Followers look to them for ideas or approval regarding taste […]
Universal Design
Making life more equitable and safe for people with disabilities is an essential goal of any ethical culture. Most of us believe improving accessibility benefits society as a whole. Naturally, we want all people to feel safe and comfortable navigating their surroundings. What we may not realize is that nearly all of us experience disability […]
Laura Grey, Editor and Publisher
Welcome! It’s great to have you here. I look forward to sharing insights, discoveries, and tips about the world of interior design, decor, and home and garden maintenance with you. I will do all I can to make At Home with Style your go-to spot for design and decor inspiration, tips, history, and sourcing. I’ll […]
Barn Doors—Yes or No?
Q: I like rustic design elements like basketry and wrought iron, neutral pottery, and raw wood. I don’t want a lot of small stuff filling up my house, though. My place is a friendly house in the country. It should look put together over time, with things made and collected by hand. I don’t want […]
Local Online Auctions: A Bargain Wonderland
Q: I keep hearing that auctions can be a great source of bargain furniture and collectibles. The thing is, I don’t like the idea of going to an auction house and bidding against a bunch of other people in person. I’ve tried eBay for collectible items, but so many people around the country see those […]
Great Alternatives to Boxwood in Your Garden
Q: I like the look of boxwood hedges, but mine have gotten pretty ratty. What’s worse, they have a powerful cat-pee like odor during the summer months. It’s gross, and it keeps me from wanting to have friends over in my back yard. I’m thinking of trying some other trimmable shrubs. Can you point me […]