What is it about Scandinavian design that's so timeless? The modern and cozy contrast that Nordic influence offers has consistently been appealing. tHere no doubt that we have an undying attraction to the combination of function and fashion, and what better place to apply this principal than in the kitchen? Below are a few pointers on how to ele-gantly incorporate design techniques from the masters of minimalism, and make your kitchen the most inviting room in the house.

1. Open It Up

Become a minimalist. Clear out your space and flood it with natural light. Ambient light never fails to keep the environment peaceful and positive, even when its overcast. This industrial chic kitchen perfectly demonstrates how to keep it clean and practical without sacrificing comfort. Notice how the furnishings are non-intrusive and nothing is over the top or distracting. Shelving is most often done in an open style and cabinets are likely to be smooth surfaced without hardware or knobs. it's all about expanding the space!

2. Cool, Muted Tones

Neutral tones are soothing to the senses. They aid in making the room appear larger while also reflecting sun light. This tactic leaves no room for gloomy days. Let the base of the room be neutral, but don't be afraid to strategically add lively accents and pops of electric color.

3. Elements of Nature

Freezing temps force Scandinavians indoors many months out of the year. The solution? Capture as much of the outdoors as possible and bring it inside. One of the most favora-ble materials used for flooring is wood. Wood is a natural, living and breathing source that keeps the environment cozy and insulated. Another important element is greenery. Plants literally improve your health. No matter how big or small, they keep your home fresh by absorbing carbon monoxide and purifying the air.

4. Quality Items

Keep kitchen accessories to a minimum, and make the items you do own count. The idea is to let less be more. don't let knick-knacks accumulate over time. Hold off on that discount set of dishes and spend a little more on the sturdy, well made brand that will offer longevity. Instead of buying endless bargain pots and pans, save for that cast iron skillet that will last you a lifetime. Spend a little more up front to ultimately spend far less over time. Skip the synthetics and get in the habit of purchasing authentic items made from true materials. Peruse farmers markets and local vendors to find hand made, one of a kind items for your kitchen.

5. Add Textures

Since furniture should be minimal and sleek, bump up the level of comfort by adding area rugs, pillows, throws, or even a plush sheepskin like the one pictured in this charming dining room above. Fill the room with things that make your kitchen the perfect place to unwind and spend time with loved ones.

How have you created a mix of function and fashion in your kitchen?

We all love the time of year when the leaves start changing, the air becomes crisp, and the apples are ripe for the picking. it'seems as though everyone patiently awaits those autumn flavors all year round. We've selected some fun and easy treats for kids, as well as tempting Hor d?oeuvres and drinks for adults.

Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
• red and yellow food coloring combined
• 5 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Mini tootsie rolls
• Brown and green decorating gel

In a saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Add vanilla and marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Add food coloring until you?ve reached desired shade of orange. Add cereal and stir until combined. Turn off heat and let rest until mixture is cool enough to handle.
When mixture is cooled, grease your hands and mold mixture into circles. Press a tootsie roll on top for the stem, and decorate with gel to your liking!

Graveyard Cake

Ingredients:

• Boxed chocolate cake mix
• Chocolate frosting
• Chocolate cookies (Oreos work fine if you'remove the filling)
• Milano cookies
• Halloween peeps
• Any other spooky candy for topping such as gummy worms, candy corn, etc.

Make the cake (or cupcakes if you want to let the kids decorate their own) prior to party. Once cake has cooled, cover with a layer of chocolate frosting. Crumble cookies over top to mimic dirt. Use left over decoration gel from the pumpkin Rice Krispies to transform Milano cookies into headstones. Continue decorating to your desire.

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Roasted red peppers give this fifties favorite some seasonal flair. Click here for a link to get the perfect hardboiled egg every time.

Ingredients:

• 8 large hardboiled eggs
• 1/4 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 Tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Chives for pumpkin stems

Cut the hardboiled eggs in half. Scoop yolks into food processor along with peppers, mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika. Cover and refrigerate egg whit's. Ease yolk mixture into pastry bag and decoratively transfer back into whit's. Sprinkle with paprika and use a toothpick to draw stripes. Add chive for pumpkin stem.

Devils on Horseback

Devils on horseback are a traditional English treat combining sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. What more could you ask for? There are many different ways to make them, so feel free to improvise!

Ingredients:

• 20 pitted prunes
• 2 Anjou pears skinned, cut into half inch pieces
• 1 package apple wood smoked bacon, each strip cut in half
• 5 black tea bags
• Maple syrup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chili flake for garnish
• 2 cups white wine
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 cubes ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean
• 3 star anise
• 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns

For The Prunes:
Add 1 1/2 cups water and black tea bags to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and add prunes. Let steep for about 20 minutes.

For The Pears:

Add 2 cups water, white wine, and sugar to a saucepan. Keep on low heat until sugar is dissolved. Add in all poaching spices. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes. Strain and pick out pears. DO NOT DISCARD LIQUID.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. When the prunes and pears are cool enough to handle, stuff one piece of pear inside each prune. Wrap each one horizontally with bacon. Place on foil lined baking tray. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with poaching liquid. Place back in oven and broil for another 5-10 minutes. Repeat this process, if desired. Garnish with red chili flake and serve.

Vixen Punch

This vodka punch from Imbibe magazine is a perfect holiday crowd pleaser. And what's more Halloween appropriate than a bright red bowl of liquid?

Ingredients:

• 3 cups vodka
• 12 oz. cranberry juice
• 8 oz. Aperol
• 4 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups soda water

Combine first 5 ingredients and refrigerate until chilled. Pour into punch bowl. Add ice and soda. Garnish with lemon wheels and whole cranberries.

What are some of your favorite Halloween treats?

Nothing quite compares to the relaxation that comes from soaking in a tub after a day out in the cold, or even a cool bath after a hot, muggy day. A bath filled with lavender and other scents can make you sleep like a baby. A soak in Epsom salts pulls toxins from your body and gives you the softest skin imaginable. There are so many useful benefits to gain from soaking. that's why it's important to love your bathtub.

When we think of freestanding bathtubs, chances are we picture a white, claw-foot tub, possibly atop a retro black and white tiled floor. tHere nothing wrong with the classics, but there are so many different options to choose from! Below are some of our favorite shapes.

Small Sitting Tub

This soft pink soaking tub is a wonderful solution to a bathroom that's tight on space. This shape may not give you to ability stretch out completely, but still comfortably recline while you soak. it's small and simple, yet adds a charming touch to the room.

Round Bowl

This contemporary tub provides enough room to move around comfortably and freely. Its shape is cool and sleek, but also makes a bold statement at the same time. The pure white of the tub couples perfectly with cool shades of teal to create a soothing environment. This tub is ideal when space is not an issue, especially if you'll need room enough for two.

Trough Tub

what's more rustic than a tub crafted from an old trough? Climb into a warm bath filled with essential oils and drift away to a balmy country evening where tHere not a worry in the world.

Classic Claw-foot

tHere nothing quite as elegant as a classic claw-foot bathtub. Stick to the original if you want to give your bathroom a stylish, vintage ambience.

Squared Edges

Squared off edges give this bathtub a sharp, clean look. If your taste is more on the modern side, give this shape a try.

Double Slipper

Do you like to watch movies, read, or listen to tunes while you soak? If you're the type that takes relaxation very seriously, then this shape is for you. The elongated sides of a slipper style tub allow you to comfortably recline with your neck and back supported.

Which shape is your favorite?

When I remodeled my condo, I was set on all white kitchen cabinets and a crisp, bright effect. My kitchen had no windows so I was determined to keep things as light and airy as possible. But, my new Brooklyn rental has rich, espresso-colored cabinets. Even though this kitchen doesn't have windows either, the overall effect is chic, modern, and luxe. Part of great design is taking bold risks; here are 13 principles to keep in mind to make the leap easier.

1. Outline black cabinets with white

These glossy cabinets are the height of sophistication with white detailing rimming the inner edge of the woodwork. You can actually DIY this look ? all you need is a thin paintbrush, white paint, and a steady hand! Choose cabinet knobs that are just as delicate.

2. Keep appliances + cabinets monochromatic

Chrome appliances are usually de rigeur, but if you're doing a complete kitchen overhaul, consider choosing appliances that blend into your cabinetry color family. Visually, this kitchen has no breaks, just glossy black cabinets and shiny black appliances that all seamlessly blend in together. The result is a unified, cohesive look that is deliberate and striking.

3. Slay with black in small, windowless spaces

You don't have to wait until you acquire a colossal country estate to experiment with this bold style. This narrow galley kitchen is outfitted in midnight black cabinets that create an ultra dramatic effect. The brass drawer pulls and marble countertops provide rich contrast and contribute to the glamorous vibe. The white mosaic tile floor adds a pearlescent glow to the space.

4. Use it in your beach house

it's typical to find light hued kitchens in beach homes. Totally makes sense with all the sand, sea, and whatnot. But black isn't always so serious. In this Venice Beach pad, black cabinets anchor the room while the open shelving and light marble backsplash and counter add levity. Achieve a chic boho vibe with natural wood materials, plenty of greenery, and a colorful vintage rug.

5. Make a statement with your island

Limit black cabinetry to your kitchen island to create a stunning focal viewpoint. In this Melbourne home, the owners opted to highlight the expansive island with lacquered black cabinets in the same style as the white ones they face. To keep everything cohesive, be sure to keep the drawer pulls the same regardless of cabinet color.

6. Accentuate with brass

While these cabinets are a deep pantry blue, adding brass accents to dark colored cabinets make them pop. We love that the cabinet knobs and handles match with the faucet and light fixtures as well. Incorporating brass throughout your kitchen provides a rich contrast and luxe effect. The finishing touch is the Belgian blue limestone countertop which blends in seamlessly with the cabinets.

7. Get friendly with marble

In this Salt Lake City home, white Carrara marble countertops look stunning against the black lower cabinets. Again, this space features brass accents which complement the classic style.

8. Remember: black, white, wood, green

Repeat after me: blackwhitewoodgreen. Without fail, this color combination will always win. Black and white are the dominant hues in this space, with wooden furniture accents and pops of greenery. For cabinets, any kind would look great; here, the woodwork is kept super minimalist.

9. Play with color-blocking and two-toning

Installing different colored upper and lower cabinets is a beautiful way to update a kitchen. The obvious choice is black and white cabinets, but this turquoise and dark wood-stain combination is jaw dropping. Note that the color blocking is only effective when the upper cabinet color matches the backsplash, and the bottom cabinet color blends in with the floor.

10. Keep it classic

In this charming kitchen, the white cabinets on top blend in with the traditional subway tile, making the room feel airy and open. Meanwhile, black bottom cabinets anchor the space and give a grounded effect. Consider adding open shelving in between cabinets for a more modern spin.

11. don't forget matte black

This is one of my favorite looks. Usually black is done in gloss or high lacquer, but this matte finish is understated and on trend. The wall, appliances, and counter are all the same, serving as a backdrop for beautiful wooden furniture and elements.

12. Mix metals in

This D.C. home boasts gleaming black cabinets and shining chrome appliances. The idea of having a stainless steel table in lieu of an island is brilliant and wonderful for cooks who need plenty of counter space. Tip: get the best price on top of the line appliances by asking for floor samples sold at a fraction of the original cost.

Thinking about black cabinets for your kitchen remodel? Check out our black Thompson Midnight and Gramercy Midnight styles for more inspiration.

Shaker cabinets offer a simple and traditional design. Versatility is a large part of what makes them so timeless. Ultimately, you achieve the vibe you're going for through the finishing touches, one of those being the hardware you choose. We've selected some of the top hardware styles for shaker cabinets, and what looks they will bring to your kitchen.

Classic ? Ceramic Knobs

Ceramic knobs bring such charm to your kitchen. They?re reminiscent of a sweet country cottage, or an old world farm house. it's not hard to imagine the scent of a freshly baked pie or loaf of bread cooling in the window. Ceramic knobs pair quite nicely with natural wood finishes and glass hutch cabinets. Wether you choose plain white or a funky pattern, ceramic knobs give your kitchen a homey flair.

Elegant ? Glass Knobs

Add elements of grace and style with glass or crystal knobs. Mimicking a french perfume bottle or an old fashioned whiskey decanter, glass knobs bring a delicate sophistication to your cabinets.

SIMPLE- brass/nickel knobs

tHere nothing wrong with keeping it conventional. Brass and nickel knobs are one of the most popular choices when it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware. Complement stainless steel appliances and industrial style lighting with this uncomplicated choice of hardware.

MODERN ? tubular bar pulls

If you're looking for a more contemporary approach, tubular bars seem to be a favorite of the future. The current design couples beautifully with darker finishes and larger tiles. Tubular bars can also be used horizontally or vertically, and can be as long or short as you like. Go with a shorter bar for a more modest appeal, or make a statement with longer ones.

Sleek ? Flat Bar Pulls

Flat bar pulls are a trendy addition to your shaker cabinets. They?re both smooth and sharp, pairing nicely with other square edges amongst your kitchen. Choose flat bar pulls to enhance light or dark cabinets, marble counter tops, and intricate tile.

VINTAGE- bin pulls

Something you might find in the offices of the mad men era, bin pulls are a fashionable hardware choice for your kitchen cabinets. Old fashioned yet modern, tHere an appeal we can?t deny. Bin pulls are also perfect for blending different hardware styles together, so don't be afraid to mix and match!

RETRO ? latches

Pulling design from old pharmacies and soda fountains, latch hardware is that without a doubt a nostalgic throwback. Maybe not the most functional if you're in a hurry, but handy if you're looking for a little extra security from pets or children. Latches are another hardware type that can easily be mixed and matched, so maybe just keep them to the lesser used cabinets.

INDUSTRIAL ? pulls with exposed screws

Pulls with exposed screws are functional and stylish, for the hipster in you. Combine this hardware with other raw features such as exposed brick and stainless steel appliances for an industrial chic edge.

Which hardware would you pair with your shaker cabinets?