Last year’s 6th annual Real Simple Home soared to new heights with an impeccably decorated penthouse apartment in Brooklyn. Kim and Scott Vargo reimagined dining rooms with a banquette-inspired velvet sofa, David Quarles IV created the pinnacle of accent walls with a ’70s-style biophilic bedroom wallpaper, and Megan Hopp taught us how to fuse red and blue (sans the patriotic vibe).
So we couldn’t wait to see what Real Simple, our sister brand, had in store this year. Let’s just say, prepare to be amazed. The 1890s renovated brownstone featured in the 2024 Real Simple Home boasts wonders in every corner, and we’re spotlighting a few favorite trends to try.
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
In the kitchen, not one but two types of boldly-veined marble take center stage. The Brownstone Boys (Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum) and AlexAllen Studio founder Alexandra Burr brought the rich history of the space to life (and updated areas that needed some TLC). The team used one type of marble as a backsplash and another for the countertops, contrasting tones while uniting aesthetics.
“It was our priority to celebrate the historic charm of this Crown Heights Brooklyn home while also infusing it with unexpected colors and textures, but the kitchen marble is probably the best example of that,” says Bordelon and Slocum. “We chose this bold-veined marble because it felt characteristic to the house, but the richness of the colors pops against the neutrals in the kitchen and made it visually more interesting without distracting from the original floors, woodwork, and fireplace.”
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
This brownstone features a den on the top floor for the ultimate relaxation spot. Whether burrowing away with a good read or gathering for a movie night, dens have the functionality to be located anywhere.
“I love the idea of this being a restful room where the family sits down to read bedtime stories before the kids go down or where they all gather to play a board game,” says Atelier Davis founder and Nest Studio creative director Jessica Davis. “Or where the parents listen to records on the weekend. It’s meant to be super loungey, cozy, and relaxing but still playful.”
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
Look down and you might miss the wonders above you—specifically wallpapered ceilings. We adore this modern take on wallpaper by Blessed Little Bungalow founder Amber Guyton, where the focal point is not the four walls around you but the ceiling above. While the application might take a bit more time, the effort is worth it. Add contrast to your bedroom (or laundry room) using a complementary-colored wallpaper or opt for a monochromatic look with a ceiling that matches the rest of the space.
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
Straight-lined furniture is out and curved furniture is in, according to the Brownstone Boys. Curved furniture switches up the traditional shapes in a living room and adds fluidity while moving throughout a home.
“Designing the living and dining space was an exciting challenge,” says Bordelon and Slocum. We knew we wanted to convert the room between the kitchen and living spaces on the parlor floor into a lounge, so we had to relocate the dining space to the front of the home. To do this without closing the room off or making it feel cluttered, we centered the living room furniture on the stunning original built-in patinated mirror, using the round furniture to avoid any harsh lines or cut-offs that would disrupt the open flow concept.”
To get this look, incorporate a curved upholstered bed frame or design your living room around a round coffee table.
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
Jasmine Roth brought to light (pun intended) a unique way to illuminate a room. Hanging over a bedside table, the room’s light fixture is easily accessible from the bed and casts a moody feel. While table lamps add function, a suspended light offers more room for decorating your nightstand or dresser.
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
“The marshmallow silhouette on this piece is just so fun,” says Kate Pearce Vintage founder Kate Pearce. “I did a similar channeled piece in a speakeasy in my home about four years ago, and it feels as current today as it did then. The best part about this sofa is that it is very comfortable, with great back support and a perfect depth.”
Pearce prioritizes comfort with a touch of luxury for seating areas. She notes that bouclé has been a popular fabric to pair with marshmallow furniture, ensuring relaxation.
“Bouclé has been very ‘in’ for so many years now, but it’s such a classic material I don’t see going out of style anytime soon,” says Pearce. “It adds some interesting texture to what would otherwise be a very boring white sofa.”
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
What used to be found in subway stations or retail stores now look at home hanging on a wall inside your home. Mikel Welch Design founder Mikel Welch creatively decorated the wall above the primary bedroom’s fireplace using a convex mirror. Adding to the curved decor trend, the circular mirror balances out the sharp edges of the fireplace and offers a full perspective of the bedroom.
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
Scalloped borders bring a whimsy, playful feel to any room, making them perfect for a children’s room, like this one decorated by Jessica Davis. The kid’s room reads like a storybook, with scalloped borders to replicate sleeping on a cloud and bold blue walls reminiscent of the sky. A kid’s room isn’t the only area that can benefit from a scalloped border, though. Add the bouncy outline to the interiors of a bathroom or a hallway.
Kelly Marshall, courtesy of Real Simple
Sagrada Studio CEO and principal designer Hema Persad used shades of brown to deck out the secondary bedroom while still emphasizing unity. Touches of color and pattern can be found throughout the room, but the brown hues take center stage. Try matching a duvet to the wall colors and sprinkle in other hues of your favorite color using decorative pieces.
Leave a comment