Home Decorating Decorating Tips and Techniques The 2020 Real Simple Home Is Here—and It's Full of Organizing and Design Ideas You'll Want to Steal After spending so much time sheltering in place this year, many of us discovered just how important our spaces can be. For our third annual Real Simple Home, we partnered with a roster of talented designers and organizers to share ideas for making every area inviting, calming, and ultra-functional. Step inside, and make yourself comfortable! By Stephanie Sisco Stephanie Sisco Stephanie researches and reports on solutions for cleaning, organizing, and decorating challenges. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on September 18, 2020 Register here for our LIVE virtual event on October 1! Entryway Shop the room This area sets the tone for your entire home, so you want it to feel welcoming. But it also needs to be outfitted with everything you might need as you head out the door. Big Idea Christopher Testani Transform the dead space under the stairs into a semi-custom "book nook." Entryway designer Katie Holdefehr topped two inexpensive TV consoles with a made-to-order cushion, and she added cane fronts to store off-season accessories out of sight. Stick-on panels imitate shiplap on the back wall. Meet the Designers We're Partnering With for the 2020 Real Simple Home High Style Christopher Testani Lean art on the shelf above your hooks. To keep the arrangement in place despite frequent jostling, use adhesive strips to secure frames to the wall and each other. Made You Look Christopher Testani The small space at the top of the stairs has a wet bar. Little doses of wallpaper make it feel special. Try a peel-off option, or cut foam core to fit inside the shelves and cover. Katie Holdefehr, RealSimple.com senior editor and entryway designer "The entry way is one of most hardworking spots in your home these days, so it's important to start with a smart setup. Designating a place for everything—shoes, keys, masks, sanitizer—will eliminate friction in your day." —Katie Holdefehr, RealSimple.com senior editor and entryway designer Living Room Shop the room Create vignettes throughout an open-concept space to define zones. Warm woods and shades of blue connect each zone without being too matchy-matchy. Shop a curated selection of looks from the 2020 Real Simple Home Big Idea Christopher Testani Think beyond the traditional gallery wall and consider framing textiles, like bandanas or cherished vintage wardrobe pieces. Play within a particular palette, and tack up the contenders before committing to framing and hanging. Wall Treatment Get the sophisticated look of wainscoting with budget-friendly paint. The two-tone treatment draws the eye upward and makes the room feel larger. Rather than styling one side of a space to be the mirror image of the other, add variety with a different accent color or unexpected twist, as designer Max Humphrey did above with the throw pillows. Max Humphrey, living room, kitchen, and dining area designer "I like when symmetry doesn't look intentional—it feels looser and more organic." —Max Humphrey, living room, kitchen, and dining area designer Floral & Fragrant Christopher Testani Graphic botanical prints look modern—and play off the long-lasting and redolent arrangement of thistle and eucalyptus. Kitchen & Dining Area Shop the room Hits of indigo and plaid give these key spaces a laid-back vibe. Big Idea Christopher Testani Thanksgiving is exactly one meal a year, so don't design your dining room around it. Instead, go with a setup that works 24/7—as a breakfast nook, homework spot, or (in a pinch) home office. Use a settee for the comfiest seating and a round table that's easy to scoot behind. Light Touches A multipurpose space should have several light sources, ideally with dimmers on all. If someone is working at the table, the pendant fixture provides focused light—without creating a glare for anyone watching TV on the sofa. Frame That Fashion When they're too beloved (and fragile) to wear anymore, turn archival wardrobe pieces into art by placing them in shadow boxes. Add Warmth Christopher Testani Gray cabinets and marble tile are on trend, but they can make a kitchen feel sterile. Warm it up with wood accents and a few colorful anchor pieces—like your go-to pot that lives on the stove (finally, permission to not put everything away!). Read all our content about this year's Real Simple Home Home Office Shop the room If you have space to spare (whether it's a whole room or just a comfy corner), make it your sanctuary—an area where you can reflect and relax...and work, if you must. Big Idea Christopher Testani There's a reason spas use shades of blue and green—these soothing colors can calm the mind, whereas intense hues, like reds and oranges, are more stimulating. The teal sofa adds vibrancy and character without overwhelming the space. Read the Room Place plants, candles, and prints among your books for a meaningful and layered display. Sort spines by shade to enhance the tranquil vibes. Power Down Christopher Testani Designate a spot, like this fold-up secretary desk, to stow your laptop on weekends or hide office clutter. Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert and home office designer "I always try to incorporate meaningful items that tell a story, whether it's a custom portrait of a pet or a framed family photo. Working with Etsy makers opens the door to create something truly one-of-a-kind." —Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert and home office designer Tween's Room Shop the room As kids go from toy kitchens to texting, their space should adapt to new stages. Yellow is youthful, and gold hues will keep the room from feeling "ugh, so babyish, Mom" two years (or minutes) from now. Big Idea Christopher Testani A graphic, easy-to-apply mural packs a colorful punch— without the need for paintbrushes and drop cloths. Limiting it to just one wall prevents it from overwhelming the space. New School Setup Christopher Testani Your kid can ace at-home learning, thanks to a station with space for supplies, note taking, virtual classroom sessions—and good old natural sunlight. Joy Cho, founder of Oh Joy! and tween's room designer "When using a bold color, keep the remaining pieces neutral. Here, we went with white, light wood, and brass accents, which don't compete with the strong shade." —Joy Cho, founder of Oh Joy! and tween's room designer Owner's Suite Shop the room The combination of natural elements, textures, and patterns in a muted palette creates an oasis for sleep. Big Idea Christopher Testani The safest way to mix patterns is to unify them thematically (these are all small, repeating designs) and tonally (all neutrals here). Trick of the Eye Use the same wallpaper in a darker shade behind the bed and frame it with black molding to form the illusion of a giant headboard. Rebecca Atwood, founder of Rebecca Atwood Designs and owner's suite co-designer "Color helps tell the story of your space. For this room, we opted for shades rooted in nature: Green is restorative, while taupe and other neutrals are restful. The black accents give the soft palette a little edge." —Rebecca Atwood, founder of Rebecca Atwood Designs and owner's suite co-designer Leave-'Em-Be Leaves Christopher Testani A bedroom should be a serene retreat, requiring few to no chores beyond making the bed. Artificial plants infuse calm without any upkeep. Kate Hamilton Gray, founder of Hamilton Gray Studio and owner's suite co-designer "Touches of customization make the space feel unique and tailored to your style. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, just something extra to add charm—like the black molding we used here." —Kate Hamilton Gray, founder of Hamilton Gray Studio and owner's suite co-designer Terrace Shop the room Deep, cushioned furniture and weatherproof floor lamps bring elements of interior decor outside, giving the deck cozy vibes all day long—and after dark. Big Idea Christopher Testani To give the terrace a thriving-greenhouse look—while providing privacy—designer Roxy Te covered a fence with faux boxwood "wallpaper." That's just one example of the no-maintenance fake plants she mixed in with the real deal to achieve an always-lush environment. Inside Out A pergola creates the sense of a room outdoors—particularly when enveloped in curtains that block the sun on hot days and provide privacy when you want it. Tie It Together Strive for a recurring element among the items in a space. Above, woven wicker chairs mimic the trellis pattern on the planters, which echoes the crisscross pergola roof. Divide and Conquer Christopher Testani The key to making a large outdoor space functional is to separate it into sections, and anchor each with a pretty outdoor rug. If you have a lawn instead of a patio, use stepping stones to outline zones. Roxy Te, founder of Society Social and terrace designer "The goal here was to bring the feel of a French garden to a Manhattan rooftop. Raised planters offer a smart solution for city living, or any small outdoor space. They're mobile and compact—perfect for infusing the area with flowers, herbs, or other greenery." —Roxy Te, founder of Society Social and terrace designer Storage & Organization The setup inside closets and drawers has as much impact on the overall experience of a home as the decor. Big Idea Christopher Testani Give your closet an instant face-lift by sorting clothes by type, sleeve length, and color—and using the same type of hanger. You'll maximize space and immediately be able to identify what you're looking for. Big Idea PHOTO: Christopher Testani PHOTO: Courtesy of Alex Frank Corral smaller items into groups and store them in labeled containers for a no-fail system. These bins keep deep shelves neat and tidy, especially in a pantry or utility closet. In the fridge, labeled shelves make unloading groceries a breeze. On the Rise Christopher Testani A shelf just a few inches off the floor keeps you honest—so you stay mindful of what fits and don't end up just tossing stuff on the floor. Jamie & Fillip Hord, founders of Horderly "Consider who is reaching for what when planning the organization of any space. Keep snacks on a low pantry shelf, for example, if you want kids to be able to grab what they need for themselves." —Jamie & Fillip Hord, founders of Horderly Developer Courtesy of the Marbury The Marbury, developed by Greystone Development The Marbury is a historically landmarked redevelopment conveniently situated on tree-lined West 74th Street between Amsterdam Avenue & Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The 14 residences at the Marbury were designed with contemporary layouts but also respect the wonderful old-world architecture elements of the building, including high ceilings and beautiful large windows. Charity Partner Courtesy of Win WIN is the largest provider of shelter and permanent supportive housing for NYC's homeless families, to raise awareness of the organization and its mission to break the cycle of homelessness. Sponsors Logos courtesy of sponsors Arm & Hammer™ AbsorbX™ Clumping Litter The Glad Products Company Kerrygold The Home Depot Key Contributors Annie Selke Anthropologie Apple Armadillo & Co AVO Backdrop Bed Bath & Beyond BenchMade Modern Bloomist Bona Brother Calyer Ceramics Casabella Cascade Iron Co CASTLE CB2 CF Gardens Chairloom Chronicle Books The Citizenry The Container Store Crate & Barrel Dyson Endless Summer Etsy Fellow Force Transfer Frontgate Goodee Grateful Home The Green Vase Hay Henryelle Home By BE Hôtel Magique Howard's Reupholstery & Window Treatments, Inc. 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