The best design advice we got in 2024
Plus a few of your favorite things.
2025 really feels like the year to embrace all the design possibilities. We’ve already heard from more than one pro that less precious, more lived-in interiors are having a moment. But there are also quite a few 2024 discoveries we won't be moving on from anytime soon. With that, we bring you Home Front’s best of the year: A collection of the coolest products, smartest advice, and most inspiring things we shared, heard, and saw. Let’s get into it.
Spilling Over
Every Sunday, we heard from a fresh guest editor about what was exciting them in the design space right that minute. Nate Berkus revealed a penchant for natural wood Swedish furniture—and how it goes with everything. Justina Blakeney hopped on the surrealism train before anyone else. Lacy Phillips convinced us guest tents trump guest rooms. Paid subscribers will know, some pretty epic decorating tips came up, too. These are just a few that we’re taking with us in the New Year.
When working with wood… “Don’t be afraid to combine different stains to find that perfect tone. Just make sure you write your formula down in case you need more.” —Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, cofounders of The Brownstone Boys
When bringing in color… “My general rule is when you want a pop, you should balance it with a neutral.” —Clare Vivier, founder of Clare V.
When navigating trends… “Only get things you like and they will look good together. Don’t try to match, it’s boring.” —Gustaf Westman, product designer
When blending old and new… “Every space needs some element of vintage to pair with all the contemporary pieces, and the worn element is key to that lived-in feeling. Go to a local vintage store or search on marketplaces like Etsy, Chairish, and eBay.” —Tiffany Thompson, founder of Duett Interiors
When painting walls… “I am staunchly anti-painter’s tape! Paint can still sneak underneath and give you weird lines. Freehand is the best way to get a smooth edge.” —Delaney Lundquist, content creator
When mastering the material mix… “With any material, always make sure you are balancing it with items of contrasting finish and patina. Since lacquer is slick and shiny, pair it with a wood grain or a vintage ceramic.” —Athena Calderone, founder of Eyeswoon
Greatest Hits
Supersize platters, holey decor, animal-shaped spigots (yes, really)—we truly covered the gamut in Home Front last year. But would you expect anything less? Of the hundreds of goodies that graced this newsletter, these were your favorites of the bunch.
Save on this mid-century–esque metal pendant lamp so you can splurge on an electrician.
This set of bath and hand towels is groovy enough to pep up even the most builder-grade bathroom.
This silicon broom’s sleek silhouette is a bonus to its impressive clean-up capabilities; it works on hard surfaces, carpets, and furniture.
Affordable rugs that don’t sacrifice style are hard to find…unless you know where to look. This one is 100-percent wool, handmade, and designed by Home Front guest editor Arvin Olano.
Come spring, this powder-coated iron patio chair will be your favorite seat.
If your New Year’s resolution is better time management, it’s not too late to scoop up home editor Lydia Geisel’s favorite calendar (hers hangs just outside the kitchen).
Fun drinkware, like this curvaceous set, is one of those things you can never have enough of.
A plant, a portable lamp, a person—what couldn’t you put atop this minimal wood stool?
That ever-growing book collection would look right at home on this cool girl–approved shelf.
Actually-chic sleeper sofas do exist, as digital director Lindsey Mather proved with this luxe-looking gem after spotting it in a double-duty living room.
There were plenty of DIYs to try, design ideas to steal, and spaces to save, too. It’s plain to see why these had your full attention.
Samantha Weiss-Hills wasn’t alone in crushing on this Zoe Feldman–designed kitchen (above). Peep the soothing color palette and textural touches.
Jordan Ferney is a regular source of inspiration for us, but her Soho loft's museum-like shelving was particularly swoon-worthy.
The powder room in this Reath Design project inspired Lindsey to take on her own mini tile backsplash DIY and piqued your interest as well.
Last Looks
We can’t squeeze 365 days of highlights into Home Front, but there’s room for a few more. Take a look at our editors’ favorite unseen moments straight from their camera rolls.
“We celebrated our tile collection with Concrete Collaborative in style at the brand's NYC outpost with caviar, cake, a Domino-inspired tequila cocktail, and adorable monogrammed tote bags with red trim.” —Lydia Geisel, home editor
“Wrapping the last shot from our 2024 Good Design Awards shoot in September! We were capturing The Best New Home Collaboration winner Ruggable x Goop with staff photographer Belle Morizio and stylist Julia Stevens. We got the shot!” —Andie Diemer, photo director
“I went to Oaxaca, Mexico, in February to visit several artisans working in clay and see their practice up close. Macrina is a red clay master, and we watched, mesmerized, as she created this vase in what felt like 15 minutes. It's a trip I won't soon forget.” —Samantha Weiss-Hills, managing editor
“Our final home tour shoot of last year took us to Minna founder Sara Berks’s 1810 farmhouse in the Hudson Valley. Bear, her cat, gave us a hand, err, paw with the props.” —Brit Ashcraft, design director