Flipping Burgers This Summer? They Won't Be Cheap.
Record prices for beef may sound counterintuitive when vegetarianism seems to be on the rise. Skipping meat, and particularly beef, even if only for a few days a month is a popular trend among climate-conscious social media influencers. But the issue behind sky-high prices isn't consumption; if anything, demand is lackluster.
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CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
26 The Home Depot furniture and decor picks that look expensive
The Home Depot furniture quick picks An easy-to-style sofa under $500: StyleWell Goodwin Mid-Century Sofa For a mid-century-inspired workspace: Signature Design by Ashley Lyncott Wood Desk So your streaming station stays organized: Walker Edison Furniture Company Reeded Wood TV Stand For a little bit of hidden storage: Home Decorators Collection Calluna Lift-Top Coffee Table Furniture is expensive, but luckily, there are plenty of home retailers where you can find budget-friendly pieces that also look great. The Home Depot is one of those retailers, with countless furniture and decor options for every room of the home. But with so much furniture to sort through, it can be hard to tell which pieces are actually deserving of a spot in your living room or on your patio. To help determine what's really worth your money, I spoke to three interior designers and the division merchandise manager of The Home Depot's home department. On this list, you'll find the experts' top furniture picks, which take both style and budget into account. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a comfy new mid-century sofa or a bed frame that'll usher a zen vibe into your bedroom — the items on this list will help your space look professionally curated without making you drop thousands. And, they'll fit in with a variety of interior decor styles! Keep reading to discover expert-approved furniture from The Home Depot. StyleWell Doherty Faux Leather Sofa A real leather sofa can cost you an arm and a leg. The good news is, there are faux leather options out there that achieve the same look for a fraction of the price. Andy Labanauskas, the division merchandise manager of The Home Depot's home department, likes this one. '[The] rich faux leather upholstery offers the look of genuine leather, creating a timeless centerpiece that adds warmth and organic charm to any space,' he said. Spruce & Spring Calliope Modern Accent Chair Any thoughtfully designed living space needs at least one good accent chair. Chad Esslinger, owner and principal designer of Esslinger Design Company, said this one 'features tons of style and lots of comfort.' He describes his aesthetic as simple but elegant, and the plush gray cushions and corded detailing on this pick exude both of those qualities. Halmuz 7-Piece Wicker Outdoor Sectional Set Of course, you can't forget about outdoor seating. Esslinger chose this under-$600, seven-piece sectional set for its wicker frame and durable all-weather upholstery. Not only are there four cushion colors to choose from, but the seats' configuration is also adjustable, which will come in handy for summer entertaining. StyleWell Goodwin Mid-Century Sofa For a fabric-upholstered sofa, Labanauskas suggested this mid-century option by StyleWell. He likes that it comes in four different fabric colors. The square arms add a modern touch, while the button-tufted bench seat keeps the overall design homey. You really can't ask for more from such a budget-friendly sofa. StyleWell Goodwin Faux Leather Armchair StyleWell also makes this chic faux leather armchair, which Alicia Hassen Roche, the founder and principal designer of Brooklinteriors, recommends for a living room or office. 'The wide seat makes it especially comfortable, and the clean, versatile design works well with both neutral tones or bolder palettes, depending on how you like to layer in rugs, throws and pillows,' she said. Lue Bona Winston Windsor Dining Chairs, Set of 4 Dining chairs are a great excuse to get creative with funky designs and switch up the vibe of your entire dining room. But if you're after something that'll never go out of style, give this set a try. 'You can't go wrong with a classic black spindle chair,' Lesley Myrick, the CEO and principal designer of Lesley Myrick Interior Design, said. 'I love pairing these black chairs with a wood dining table and a bold chandelier. The timeless shape grounds a room while still feeling light and airy, and the price point is fantastic for a set of four chairs.' StyleWell Natural Wood Finish Rectangular Dining Table Labanauskas' dining table rec just so happens to pair perfectly with the spindle dining chairs, though that's mainly because it would look good paired with just about anything. The Home Depot merchant likes this table's natural wood finish, as well as the fact that it can seat up to six people. This makes it a great pick for families and people who like to entertain. Home Decorators Collection Hamlin Bar Stools, Set of 2 Even if you don't have a dedicated dining room, the right set of stools will turn your bar into a good spot for eating and working. Labanauskas said this wooden set 'offers a budget-friendly way to add texture and warmth.' Each stool has a handwoven banana-fiber seat, which adds a subtle boho vibe. Noble House Hermosa 5-Piece Patio Dining Set There's nothing I dislike about this outdoor dining set. It comes with a square wooden table and four chairs that'll fit on patios both large and small, and the seats all have comfy cushions with removable covers. The legs have a sculptural swooping design, too, further setting each piece apart from your standard outdoor dining table or chair. StyleWell Dorley Farmhouse Bed It goes without saying that your bed frame is the most important piece of furniture in your bedroom, so choosing the right one is imperative. If you want something that's not flashy but still gives period film or even cottagecore vibes, consider this farmhouse-style frame, which Labanauskas recommends. '[It's] clean and minimal and easy to elevate with cozy or expressive bedding,' he said. Homepop Sherpa Storage Bench 'I always include a bench at the foot of the bed when space allows,' Myrick said. 'It's super functional and instantly makes a bedroom feel finished.' She likes this one for its soft upholstery and subtle mid-century lines, and she gives it bonus points for the hidden storage. Walker Edison Furniture Company Modern Farmhouse Spindle Nightstands, Set of 2 I love that these nightstands are mostly made of solid wood, as well as the fact that they look antique. The hand-turned spindle detailing reminds me of furniture from Serena & Lily, which is known for its expensive spindle pieces. You can score a set of two of these nightstands for under $500, which is a great deal for how well they're made. Vecelo Upholstered Storage Bed The faux leather headboard and rivet detailing on this storage bed make it look so much pricier than it is. The frame offers four roomy side drawers for PJs, linens, out-of-season clothes and other items that don't fit in your closet. Even better still, it comes in five upholstery colors. Camaflexi Carmel 6-Drawer Dresser Again, any time you can find solid wood furniture at a decent price that fits your aesthetic, it's worth snagging. This spacious dresser is made entirely of solid wood, so the fact that it's under $1,000 is pretty awesome. At 51 inches wide, it's not too big for a small bedroom. Plus, the distressed finish gives this storage must-have plenty of charm. StyleWell Banwick Platform Bed For a spa-like ambiance, you can opt for a pared-back bed frame, like this wooden platform bed. 'Versatile and sturdy, the StyleWell Banwick bed supports your mattress with a solid wood frame and works with or without a box spring, delivering reliable durability and classic style,' Labanauskas said. Reviewers note that it's fairly easy to assemble too. Jayden Creation Roderick Rattan Storage Cabinet The cool thing about getting a cabinet like this one is you can put it pretty much anywhere, whether you need a dining room buffet or extra closet storage in your bedroom. Hassen Roche said the rattan accents work for both minimalist and eclectic rooms. 'I especially love the woven cane panels and tapered legs, which add a unique touch and make it a great value for an elevated take on Scandinavian-inspired storage,' she added. Signature Design by Ashley Lyncott Wood Desk Furniture retailers like West Elm and Crate & Barrel sell gorgeous mid-century office furniture, but be prepared to spend upwards of a thousand. To achieve the same look for less, Esslinger recommends this three-drawer desk. Its deep brown finish will help anchor your at-home workspace. The interior designer also likes that it doesn't require a lot of assembly. Home Decorators Collection Calluna Lift-Top Coffee Table A lift-top coffee table is a great idea if you have a tiny living room or you'd just generally like extra storage space for throw blankets and books. Myrick loves the look of this one. 'Give me a hammered metal drum table all day long!' she said. 'This one brings in texture, shine and a little global flair… It's sculptural and functional, which is the design sweet spot.' Walker Edison Furniture Company Reeded Wood TV Stand Reeded detailing has been a big trend these past few years. You can get in on it without spending a fortune when you buy this TV stand. 'This is a great transitional piece with Scandinavian and mid-century influences,' Hassen Roche said. 'It's a highly rated console at a great price point… and a smart option for family spaces with no sharp corners.' She added that she likes the stand's mocha finish because it's reminiscent of walnut, an often expensive material. Linon Home Decor Tinker Drink Table Maybe your living area is pretty much furnished, but it's missing a couple of finishing touches. This is a fun opportunity to tuck a side table into an unused corner. 'This one is especially cool with its unexpected rich green marble top and gold base,' Myrick said. 'It's a small accent piece that makes a big impact, adding a hit of luxury without overwhelming the room (or the budget).' StyleWell Bromley L-Shaped Desk For a desk with even more storage, have a look at this L-shaped number. It has a spacious cabinet and an expansive work surface, not to mention a small top drawer for personal items and important documents. It's all one finish, too, which makes it look refined and expensive. 'This desk keeps you organized while eliminating the need for extra storage furniture,' Labanauskas said. Home Decorators Collection Cupertine Accent Table Like Myrick, Hassen Roche also likes an eye-catching accent table, and this one stuns with its metallic base and marble surface. 'The gold finish has a warm brass tone, and the marble top adds a refined touch that makes it easy to mix materials and elevate your space,' she said. The designer also noted that the table is a perfect spot for setting down your laptop, book or beverage. C Cattleya 1-Light Tiered Jute Rope Chandelier 'The nature-inspired trend is very big right now, and this light fixture features beautiful natural materials with a beautiful price,' Esslinger said. Depending on how you style the rest of the room, the tiered chandelier can lean coastal, rustic or boho, and the jute shade helps prevent harsh light. Home Decorators Collection Merwry Integrated LED Ceiling Fan If you happen to need a ceiling fan, Myrick has just the pick. 'This is my go-to ceiling fan, for my own home and for clients,' she said. 'The matte white finish blends beautifully into white ceilings, and the integrated light keeps things streamlined.' Overall, the fan functions exactly as you'd hope without detracting from the rest of your home decor. Masonite Lincoln Park Interior Sliding Barn Door Esslinger said he was waiting for a barn-style door from a different retailer to come back in stock for a project when he stumbled upon this alternative from The Home Depot. 'The size and style were perfect,' he said. If you're after a rustic home aesthetic, you're bound to like this sliding door way more than your current one. Litton Lane Beaded Wall Mirror Not only can a mirror open up your space and make it look bigger, but one with a unique frame like this can also double as wall art. 'This statement piece blends decorative charm with everyday function,' Labanauskas said. The carved beaded detailing is relatively unique while still blending in nicely with the rest of the frame. The following FAQs have been answered by interior designers Chad Esslinger, Alicia Hassen Roche and Lesley Myrick. Will The Home Depot assemble furniture? Will The Home Depot assemble furniture? Yes, you can enlist the help of a furniture assembly service. The Home Depot screens and contracts independent assembly professionals to put your items together for you. After entering your zip code, you'll be presented with a list of local pros from which you can compare quotes and choose. How can you save money on furniture while still prioritizing aesthetics? How can you save money on furniture while still prioritizing aesthetics? When it comes to saving money, our interior design experts suggest investing in furniture that you plan on owning for a long time and then saving on accessories like accent pillows, rugs and tabletop decor. 'Something else I encourage is to mix in cherished heirlooms and keepsakes when decorating,' Esslinger said. 'A space shouldn't be filled with only brand-new, custom things; blend in things like old books, family photos and sculptures your kids made you in elementary art class.' After she's chosen the durable foundational pieces for a client project, Hassen Roche said she likes to 'layer in character through more unique, budget-friendly finds from a mix of sources,' like Etsy and local stores. Myrick prefers to spend less money on accent pieces like side tables and lighting, which she mixes in with big-ticket items, like a well-made sofa. 'Mixing price points makes a space feel curated, not cookie-cutter,' she said. 'And don't sleep on unexpected retailers — The Home Depot has some hidden gems that have surprised me and my clients.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Chad Esslinger, owner and principal designer of Esslinger Design Company Alicia Hassen Roche, founder and principal designer of Brooklinteriors Andy Labanauskas, division merchandise manager of The Home Depot's home department Lesley Myrick, CEO and principal designer of Lesley Myrick Interior Design CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska consulted three interior designers and a merchant from The Home Depot to get their affordable furniture recommendations from The Home Depot.
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Need a room refresh? Try one of these dynamic trim colors.
If the walls of a room are an outfit, think of the trim (also known as woodwork, window casings and the like) as a statement accessory. With that in mind, many designers are turning to rich tones that imbue a room with charm. 'I love choosing trims that are timeless colors that last generations,' says Elizabeth Cross-Beard, of Palm Henri in Baltimore, who often favors a high-gloss finish.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
A designer dressed Chappell Roan with seaweed. But don't expect to find the approach in stores — yet
NEW YORK (AP) — At her kitchen stove, fashion designer Caroline Zimbalist looks like an alchemist at work as she stirs a pot full of corn starch and a thickener made from seaweed. The peppermint-scented mixture glitters as she carefully pours it into silicone molds of hearts and leaves. When the material hardens, Zimbalist will stitch it into unique, made-to-order dresses that she sells on her website. She hopes her designs, which have been worn by celebrities including Chappell Roan, will put a spotlight on materials that aren't sourced from planet-polluting fossil fuels, such as oil. 'It's almost like a vessel to show the world,' she said. Other small-scale designers are testing out tapioca, gelatin and other kitchen-shelf ingredients. Meanwhile, big names such as Adidas and Hermes have experimented with mushroom leather, while the Lycra brand is incorporating a new largely corn-based material into stretch fabric. Some experts are skeptical that these textiles — commonly referred to as biomaterials — will go mainstream, but designers such as Zimbalist hope their experiments will set an example for larger brands to follow. Over 60% of clothing comes from petroleum-based synthetics like polyester, according to Textile Exchange, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable fashion. Manufacturing those materials creates emissions. Synthetic garments can also shed microplastics during washing. And as fast-fashion brands pump out new clothes for customers who expect new designs every few weeks, many garments end up in landfills. Zimbalist's designs gained attention in 2024 when Roan wore one on 'The Tonight Show.' The dress was decorated with a seaweed derivative called carrageenan. The New York-based designer has since dressed stars such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Anna Lore and Reneé Rapp. She takes commissions for custom clothing pieces, which cost between $150 and $1,200, via her website, which notes her 'unique recipe of biodegradable and natural materials.' As to whether her approach could be reproduced at a larger scale, Zimbalist says her materials could most practically be used to replace plastic hardware such as buttons and zippers. She acknowledges they can be sticky if not dried correctly, stinky if not treated and melty if exposed to extreme heat. 'Even incorporating it in small ways to start would be really strong,' she said. Why biomaterials are hard to find Fossil-fuel derived fabrics are ubiquitous because they're cheap and made from plentiful raw materials, said Dale Rogers, an Arizona State University professor who studies supply chains. Many clothes are also made of materials that come from plants or animals such as cotton, silk, wool and cashmere. But some have environmental impacts. Cotton uses a lot of water. Sheep and goats burp out methane. Some biomaterials have gotten closer to widespread use. Mycelium leather, made from mushrooms, has been used to create luxury shoes, accessories and handbags by brands such as Stella McCartney, Lululemon, Adidas and Hermes. Still, Rogers said he's not convinced there's enough demand for alternative materials to overcome companies' aversion to the higher costs of producing them at a large scale. 'Honestly, in the end, cost drives almost all decisions,' he said. Wrinkles in aiming for sustainability Getting larger companies to use alternative materials depends on whether they will pay more for a fabric that matches their values, said Jon Veldhouse, the CEO of Qore LLC. His company makes a product called Qira that replaces about 70% of the fossil-derived components of elastic synthetic fabrics with a corn-based material. The Lycra Company, which sells its stretchy material to major brands, initially expects to incorporate Qira in around 25 percent of its Spandex business, said Lycra chief brand and innovation officer Steve Stewart. But that option will be more expensive, and they haven't yet announced any takers. It can also be hard to measure the sustainability of farming practices that go into producing raw materials for new fabrics. Cargill is Qore's partner and corn supplier, and it gets its grain from farmers in the vicinity of their processing plant. Veldhouse said many already plant cover crops or reduce tilling to lower environmental impact, but he couldn't provide data on how many use those approaches. Sarah Needham, a senior director at Textile Exchange, said it's great to see a large organization such as Lycra making its production systems more sustainable. But she also stressed the industry needs to reduce its overreliance on virgin materials, perhaps considering agricultural waste as a source of fabric. The role of experimental designers Needham said experimental designers are often the ones coming up with those alternatives to virgin materials and building appetite for new approaches. But small designers might not have the resources to test the biodegradability of their materials, which often do involve processing, even if it's by hand, said Ramani Narayan, an engineering professor at Michigan State University. 'If I take something — like seaweed or whatever it is — and I apply a process to it, then I can no longer call it natural,' he said. Zimbalist, the New York designer, acknowledges that her materials aren't ready to replace conventional fabrics and that her work is more of 'a piece that leads to larger conversations.' Rogers, of Arizona State, thinks the fashion industry is a long way from meaningful change, but that 'it's incredibly valuable' for artists and specialty manufacturers to try new materials. 'What they're doing is likely to have long-term benefit, maybe even after their lifetimes,' he added. ___ Follow Melina Walling on X @MelinaWalling and Bluesky @ Follow Kiki Sideris on X @KikiSideris. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
