On her first trip to shop the French fleas this summer, Lily Barfield came prepared—she rented a shipping container to haul her goods back to the U.S. As the founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds, which started as an Instagram account for family and friends until it went viral, she’s made finding the best antiques her job—and there’s no place better than France for vintage. So when it came time for her to plan her first trip, she did a ton of research—including studying up on the language via notecards on the plane. Here, she shares her absolute best tips for shopping a French flea market like a pro.

Skip Paris

We know, it sounds wild, but hear her out: “I’ve been to the Paris flea markets a couple of times, and you’re going to find the most incredible things there,” she says. “But you’re just going to find better pricing in towns like Lyon and Avignon.” Her faves? Les Puces du Canal in Lyon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon flea market.

Don’t Sleep In

Most markets open early—about 8 a.m.—and close around lunchtime. “Getting there when they open is key to making sure that you’re getting the pieces that you want and you’re not missing out on the best deals,” says Barfield. Worried about finding caffeine preshopping? Don’t. Thankfully most markets have coffee stands. 

Consider Your Wardrobe

This is not the time to don a gauzy white dress, oversize tote, and flip-flops. “My top tip is to wear a cross-body-like fanny pack so you can be hands-free,” Barfield says. “Especially whenever you’re going through some of these smaller booths, you won’t worry about your purse toppling something over.” (Another hot tip: Bring cash.) She also likes a puffer jacket and tennis shoes—mornings can be chilly, and you’ll be walking a lot. 

Learn a Few French Phrases

You don’t have to be fluent, but Barfield says it’s important to study up on a few key words. “Always greet the vendors with a smile and bonjour,” she suggests. “They appreciate you making an effort.” Other than that, she highly recommends learning a few basic numbers, such as 5, 10, 20, and so on: “We found vendors to be more willing to negotiate pricing when we were able to use French numbers.”

Bring Wipes or Paper Towels

“Some things are more shined up and some things are truly diamond-in-the-rough pieces,” Barfield says. So she suggests packing wipes or paper towels so you can clean off a silver tray and determine if it’s just dusty or actually imperfect. “It’s such a simple thing that has saved me a lot of time and headaches,” she adds.

Navigate Wisely

There isn’t a clear organized layout to French fleas—for example, you won’t find all the linens in one corner, so Barfield has a plan for getting the lay of the land. “If you have your heart set on something in particular, like a copper teakettle or great French landscape painting, make one quick lap through the market with your eyes peeled specifically for those pieces,” she says. Checking off your high-priority items first means you can devote your second lap to surprises. 

Make a Plan for Getting Things Home

Barfield was shopping for resale, so she booked a shipping container, but for more casual shoppers, she suggests picking up an inexpensive suitcase there and using the linens you buy—she says there’s tons of monogrammed napkins and tablecloths at the markets—to wrap up fragile items. For bigger things like furniture, you can hire an international shipping company.

Finally—Don’t Stress

“If you show up early and bring cash, it’s almost impossible not to have a good time and find some amazing pieces,” she says. “The best part of taking these pieces home with you is the fact that every time you use them, you can think back to that day you spent wandering through the French markets searching for treasures—so make the memory a good one and just enjoy the thrill of the hunt.” 

The post I Spent 17 Days Navigating French Flea Markets—Here’s Everything I Learned appeared first on domino.

As the director of brand at Tenmile Distillery, Eliza Dyson knows how to throw a bash. At the company’s lush property in Wassaic, New York, she recently invited her nearest and dearest to an outdoor dinner party with big salads, grilled meats (courtesy of chef Eliza Glaister and Westerly Canteen), and, of course, lots of whiskey. Here are her secrets for making any party a success. 

My go-to welcome cocktail: If we are at home, we set up a little bar with a few options: dry white wine, nice California Pinot, Listening Rock Gin with Boylan’s tonic, some flavors of LaCroix, and something else fun and fizzy that is nonalcoholic.

If we are at the distillery, we always compile a list of cocktails for that night: some seasonal, some greatest hits, some requested by the guests. There are a few drinks everyone orders if they see them—that includes our blended Greyhound, or the Tenmile, which is a take on a spritz we had on vacation. It’s gin, passion fruit, and sparkling wine served in a wineglass.

How I decide who’s coming: It’s always a mix of interesting people. Many know one another, but it’s always fun when there are a few folks who are new. 

I always ask people to bring: I don’t think people should bring gifts, as it is meant to be a treat for them. No cooking or cleaning, just eating and enjoying themselves!

Assigned seating, yea or nay: Yea! There’s less confusion and it makes people relax sooner. When they wonder where to sit, it can be awkward. 

Table linens I can’t entertain without: I like Ark Elements’s patterned tablecloths, and its solid napkins come in great colors with lots of different hem choices. The fringed ones are very special. I also love Gone Rural’s looped sisal placemats. 

My absolute favorite plates and flatware: I could go on and on about the subject! I love plates and flatware so much. Some of my favorites are Cabana Magazine, the Ark Elements, Laboratorio Paravincini, William Wayne, Moda Domus, Tory Burch, Get the Gusto, La Toile a Loup, Crate & Barrel, and Carolina Irving & Daughters—even Zara.

The serving platter I rely on: White ceramic Crate & Barrel anything! Nothing too big or heavy or hotel silver.

Candles that set the chicest glow: Houses & Parties has some great candle lamps it makes with custom shades, and Greentree Home has the best colors.  

Flowers I grab the day of: Anything in season! I like small arrangements of just a few stems in a glass—something like anemones or daffodils—something from the garden. I also like topiaries. 

Best conversation starter: We inadvertently started a game at a friend’s birthday when we made custom place cards with a choice of two things. Then we made the guests go around the table and guess which the birthday boy would pick. For example: Clouseau or Columbo? Jefferson or Jesterton? Elmer or Bugs? Jeeves or Wooster? It was an idea stolen from Houses & Parties (Rebecca Gardner is a genius) that we adapted a bit.

Dessert theory: big batch or individual? Depends on the group. I like to bring a dessert to the table, cut it, and serve to guests.

The sign of a successful party: People don’t want to leave, and you had a good time, too. Early preparation is key, and I’m very organized. And then it doesn’t really matter what happens—people are usually just glad to be spending time with each other!

Eliza’s Party Essentials

Listening Rock Gin, Tenmile Distillery ($37)

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Ginori Floral Charger, Cabana ($210)

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Table Love Folklore Embroidered Napkins, Set of 2, Cabana ($150)

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Marin White Large Oval Serving Platter, Crate and Barrel ($40)

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The post I’m Known for My Backyard Dinner Parties—Here’s the One Thing I Never Do appeared first on domino.

From dreamy decor to top-notch amenities, this is your first-class ticket to the most design-driven getaways around the world. Whether you’re looking to steal away for a few days or just steal a few ideas for back home (we encourage both, for the record), check out where we’re checking in. Today: the Hamptons.

It’s no big deal if you don’t own a home in the Hamptons—some of the area’s most stylish stays are even better (plus room service!). From the perfect seaside perch to the one that feels like a gloriously long spa day, each of these Long Island hotels is not just a chic place to lay your head—they all provide interior inspiration for days. Here are our eight picks for the best hotels in the Hamptons. 

The Maidstone, East Hampton

What we love: Two words—Hästens beds. 

One thing’s for sure, we will travel for a mattress, but even if you only come for comfort, you’ll stay here for the gilded mirrors, canvas canopies, and Art Deco wallpaper. If that sounds like a bizarre combination, that’s because no two rooms are the same, and following a recent reno, each of the 19 options is modeled after a different Scandinavian designer. Along with luxury linens and Jonathan Baker aromatherapy, expect to be immersed in the futuristic world of Verner Panton—or stay in a suite that could be mistaken for architect Arne Jacobsen’s bedroom. 

Daunt’s Albatross, Montauk

What we love: New and nostalgic meet in the middle.

If you were staying at Daunt’s, you’d be on the beach in the time it takes to read this paragraph. With 24 rooms only 100 feet from the ocean, this family-owned ’70s-era motel layers past and present in a way that feels as cozy as your childhood home but cooler. Thanks to a refresh via Home Studios, vintage textiles play well with Parachute linens, while knotty wood furniture and tile in every shade of the sea spark a desire to connect with nature nearby. But it’s totally cool to curl up in front of the fireplace for a while, too. 

Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill

What we love: The feel of a never-ending spa day.

Inspired by the principles of wabi-sabi—a Japanese philosophy that embraces imperfection—this retreat is, ironically, pretty near perfect. All of the guest rooms feature clean-lined design, organic mattresses, custom-built furniture by All Things Dirt, and traditional ofuro tubs for nightly soaks. Speaking of water, the element plays an integral part in the atmosphere—and not only because of its proximity to the sea. You can take a dip in the saltwater pool, do rounds in the hydrotherapy circuits, and experience a full-sensory shower with LED chromotherapy. 

Solé East Resort, Montauk 

What we love: The pool you’ll want to lounge at all day.

Glossy white wood floors, surf photography, nubby jute rugs, and paper lanterns make Solé East Resort feel like a luxurious beach shack. When you’re not spending time in the light-filled guest rooms, the inviting pool area and sprawling grassy lawns are all you need to get into full-on vacation mode. If you’re hungry, just hit up the on-site eatery, Backyard Restaurant. While you may not feel the need to ever leave, the property is just a five-minute walk from the beach and Montauk’s village. 

Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton

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What we love: Full-service luxury…and a Jean-Georges restaurant. 

This stately 19th-century mansion might look traditional, but 22 glorious suites put the modern in modern farmhouse. The historic charm of the pristinely landscaped grounds gives way to sleek rooms anchored by Madeline Weinrib’s striped rugs and finished with crisp Frette linens. And after a feast from local fisheries and farms in Jean-Georges’s polished dining room, you can head back to your room, wrap yourself up in a Sferra robe, and call it a night.

The Reform Club, Amagansett

What we love: Modern cottagecore digs with outdoor living nooks.

Dark hardwood floors, white wainscoted walls, and cathedral ceilings set the stage, but sitting in your own private patio (seven of the 10 accommodations have them) will make you wonder why you aren’t actually Nancy Meyers herself. Double doors open up to reveal manicured gardens and bluestone patios that beg you to linger longer over your morning coffee. Those who prefer the indoors can snag a front-row seat in front of a wood-burning fireplace or call first dibs on the plush Duxiana bed dressed with Matouk linens. You might even find yourself hanging out in the marble bathroom for a while thanks to the spa-style steam rooms. 

Marram, Montauk

What we love: Screen-free suites.

None of the rooms here have TVs, and we’re betting you won’t even notice. When you’re not strolling over the sand dunes to reach the beach, you’ll have plenty to see in Marram’s thoughtfully designed accommodations. A pared-down palette lets you take in the details: smooth concrete floors padded with Tuareg mats, custom white oak furniture, and blackened steel standing closets that turn your outfit of the day into part of the ambience. After sunset, airy Noguchi light sculptures show you the way to a cushy Tuft & Needle Mint mattress (one of our faves for stomach sleepers) when you’re ready to catch some z’s. 

The Shoals, North Fork

What we love: It’s not really the Hamptons.

This North Fork escape is decidedly more chill and less crowded than its southern counterparts. It was designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen, the mind behind some of Manhattan’s most impressive residences, and the hybrid “boatel” is the first of its kind in the area. Whether you arrive by land or sea, you’ll be greeted by a cedar-shingled exterior that houses 20 suites (and boat slips) overlooking the Peconic Bay. Inside, jute rugs and soothing blue hues cover the apartment-style dwellings, some of which even feature kitchenettes with cute corner banquettes. And if we weren’t so tempted to set sail for a day trip to Shelter Island, we would never leave the private balconies that overlook it.  

Crow’s Nest Inn, Montauk

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What we love: Laid-back, living-like-a-local atmosphere. 

Tucked away from other end-of-the-world haunts, the once defunct motel now houses 14 revamped rooms at the easternmost tip of the island. Hotelier Sean MacPherson once described his Ditch Plains home as something akin to Robinson Crusoe luxe, and that aesthetic has seemingly seeped into the Crow’s Nest, too. A mashup of worldly textiles, from Kuba cloth to Moroccan pillow covers, color each room, while carved wood furnishings add texture to boho-surf spaces. Outside the rooms, you might catch a celeb at the restaurant where Athena Calderone has a standing reservation while you nosh on the Mediterranean-meets-Montauk fare. 

Where to Shop in the Hamptons

• Wyeth. While out of her budget, our style editor, Julia Stevens, says this is her “favorite store in the world” because it’s full of museum-worthy mid-century pieces worth shipping home. 
• Hidden Gem. Owned by two sisters, you’ll find colorful hand-knotted wool and woven baskets among the goodies at this Caribbean-inspired homewares shop.
• Katie Leede & Co. Shop. Consider this a modern-day trading post for buying and selling vintage pieces curated by interior designer Leede. 

Where to Eat in the Hamptons

• Mavericks. Vanessa Price and chef Jeremy Blutstein opened the modern steakhouse in May, and the locally sourced seafood and produce is even better than its jaw-dropping view of Fort Pond.
• The Bird. The team at Daunt’s Albatross worked with Home Studios again to open a new restaurant just across the street from the hotel, serving up soft scrambles and espresso martinis with a side of beachy charm.
• Duryea’s. A dockside destination reminiscent of Greece, where you can fill up on the freshest seafood while you watch the sun go down. And yes, the Lobster Cobb is worth it.
• Carissa’s Bakery. This James Beard Award–winning bakery is worth a daily visit for the pickle bread alone. 
• Loaves & Fishes Foodstore. Stock up on deli-style sundries and gourmet takeout for a day at the beach or a night indoors.  

The post Our Favorite Views From the Best Hotels in the Hamptons Are Actually Inside appeared first on domino.

People always tell Los Angeles–based real-estate agent Jenna Cooper that they can clock her properties solely from the photos. It’s not just the way they’re decorated (although Cooper does specialize in special houses—think: ones designed by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent and Tiffany Howell of Night Palm). “I think it’s my vernacular for telling that story,” explains Cooper. “It’s the way I line up the shots and edit them down. I might have 20 amazingly beautiful pictures, but I don’t need to show them all.” Cooper, who worked in the movie business before launching her real-estate firm and home accessories shop +COOP, starts every potential sale by coming up with a marketing angle. “With movies, a studio executive would hear a pitch from the writer and say, ‘What’s the one sheet? How are we getting people to the theater?’ I think about houses in the same way,” she says. 

While the common advice for staging a house and getting it listing-ready is to depersonalize it, Cooper’s approach is quite the opposite. “I’m selling the life that is lived within those four walls, which might include how the people before did it,” she shares. Yes, some family photos can stay on the walls. No, you don’t have to stick a batch of cookies in the oven before a showing to ensure a welcoming scent. Ahead, the real-estate pro shares her top tips for staging, styling, and photographing an eye-catching listing. 

The Best Story to Tell Might Be Your Own

Because Cooper’s job is to get 20 potential buyers to fall in love with a place (not just one), she starts by imagining who that audience is. Are they a young family? Is it a couple who loves to entertain? Are they artists? Often, the answer stems from how the house is already being used. “Maybe the sellers are writers with an amazing book collection and it’s a cluttered mess, but it’s a beautiful mess. That’s my way in,” shares Cooper.

Declutter While Giving Small Treasures Room to Shine

A resin salad bowl or leather woven vase alone won’t sell a home, but it’s items like these that help complete a necessary layer of lived-in-ness. “I’m always looking for unique pieces to complement a storied home and objects with meaning,” notes Cooper. It’s why she ultimately launched +COOP, a place for her to share the chic finds she uses to style the listings she represents. In cases where she needs to source larger pieces of furniture, Cooper will peruse the aisles of CB2 and Lulu and Georgia (specifically recent collaborations from the brands) and fill in the gaps with vintage items. 

You Can Leave Some Pics Out

Before you box up your framed family photos because someone told you it makes it easier for buyers to picture themselves in your home with you out of the picture, think again. While personal framed photos on counters are a definite no for Cooper, ones that are displayed in a gallery wall format can stay. The only other major personal belongings that she prefers to hide are plastic kids’ toys. “Consider putting them in big neutral baskets for storage, or just pack them up and get them out of the house,” she says. 

Don’t Try to Capture Everything in a Room at Once

The secret to attractive listing photos: “Good lighting. Period,” attests Cooper. If the sun isn’t shining, she’ll often reschedule the shoot for a different day. She also relies on interior and architectural photographers as opposed to traditional real-estate photographers, because they steer clear of wide angle shots that distort the actual space. 

As for showing off curb appeal, when capturing a home’s exterior, Cooper always has a leaf blower and broom on hand to make sure dried-up leaves and disheveled mulch beds don’t ruin the shot. 

Set the Mood Without Candles

On showing days, Cooper keeps the story going by making the house feel like whoever lives there (even if they aren’t actually living there) has recently left to do something fabulous—but not before they have just cut fresh flowers from the garden. “Judging from the kitchen countertops, one could assume that they will cook an amazing meal when they come home, as evidenced by bowls of fresh produce and citrus,” she says. 

If there are built-in speakers, Cooper and her team will put on a mellow playlist. Lighting a million candles isn’t necessary, she points out: It can make things feel overly planned or like you might even be trying to cover something up. “The vibe should be on point but not overly contrived,” she says.

The post Family Photos Can Stay—And Other Styling Secrets From a Top Real-Estate Agent appeared first on domino.

On its exterior, the recently opened Hotel San Fernando in Mexico City’s colorful La Condesa neighborhood boasts a cool mint green—but inside it’s the half-pink walls that lure visitors to book one of the 19 guest rooms in the former apartment building.

Keeping original details from the 1947 structure—stained-glass windows, curved breeze-blocks, an exterior shade—was important to Paige Henney, director of design at Bunkhouse Hotels, who worked with local architects and contractors to transform the space’s style, which she calls “a Mexico City version of Art Deco,” into a workable hotel.  But those pink walls? All new.

“The rooms were solid white when we came in,” Henney says. “But we did notice, in the previous renovation, that there was a wall transition at about wainscoting height—there was a drywall finish below and a stuccolike finish above.” The team loved the texture but felt like it wasn’t being shown off in the best possible way. Plus, they were hoping to use La Condesa’s famous pink somewhere in the project.

So they went to Comex, a Mexican paint company, and stocked up on the vibrant coral shade Emilia, then applied it halfway up, right to where the wall changes textures. Henney was lucky to have a natural line to follow, but she says if you are trying the look in your own home, painter’s tape and a level would give you a similar payoff. (“Just be extra-careful when you’re pulling back the tape so you don’t take the color with you,” she adds.)

The result added warmth and coziness to the rooms, and in some cases tricks the eye into thinking there’s furniture where there isn’t. For example, above a bed, the paint acts as a headboard. The trick to a no-fail illusion, Henney says, is avoiding the line intersecting outlets or poles, which can be hard to match up perfectly.

Once the walls were done, she added contrasting furniture to make it all pop, a proud homage to the authentic, not to mention vibrant, charm of the neighborhood. 

Pick Your Paint Color

Coral Reef Paint, Benjamin Moore

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Pop Paint, Clare ($70)

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36 Hours in Marrakesh Paint, Backdrop ($75)

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Ravishing Coral Paint, Sherwin-Williams

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The post This Paint Technique Is Way Cheaper Than Buying an Actual Headboard appeared first on domino.

For all the wonderful things that summer brings—post-8 p.m. sunsets, abundant farmers’ markets, trips to the beach—it’s also a time when staying cool can be a challenge. This week, more than ever: According to The New York Times, “79 major cities are forecast, as of Tuesday, to have dangerous levels of heat on one or more days.” Add no air-conditioning to the mix and getting through 100-plus-degree days seems nearly impossible. But there are a few ways to lower the temperature in your space or at least help it feel cooler than it actually is—check out these five methods. Most important, if you suspect you’re suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke, contact your health provider or call 911.

Embrace Low Light

More daylight hours is a thrill—until you realize all that extra light can make your house even hotter. Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., recommends keeping your shades down to block out excess sun and sticking with LED lightbulbs kept relatively dim to reduce the heat they give off. Psst: Invest in blackout curtains for ultimate light blockage.

Terracotta Buffalo Check Blackout Curtain Panel, Crate & Kids (starting from $69)

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European Linen Blackout Curtain, Quince (starting from $150)

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Change Your Sheets

A stuffy room can make it hard to fall asleep, even if you’ve never struggled with insomnia. Airy sheets are your best friend here, and cotton percale ones are more breathable than both cotton sateen sheets and ones made with synthetic materials like polyester. Linen sheets are another great option for regulating your body temperature. Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza, brand editor at House Method, also recommends skipping the top sheet and swapping your duvet for a lightweight cotton quilt instead.

Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton or linen pajamas is the other part of the equation. Or if you’re comfortable snoozing in the buff, there’s no cooler option than that.

Washed Linen Core Sheet Set in Turquoise Gingham, Brooklinen (starting from $279)

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Percale Sheet Set in Haze, Parachute (starting from $129)

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Circulate the Air

Fans don’t actually reduce the temperature of the air, Bhuyan explains, but they do circulate it—making it feel colder. She recommends the old-school trick of positioning a fan in front of a bowl of ice for extra heat relief. Place a tower fan directly in front of your bed, or create a cross-breeze by putting the fan across from an open window. “This will help push warmer air out,” she says. (However, if temps are extremely hot during the day, it’s best to keep the window closed.) Ceiling fans are also helpful—just make sure they spin counterclockwise and turn them on the highest setting. 

Urban Cool Tower Fan by Rowenta, Crate & Barrel ($180)

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Dublin LED Ceiling Fan by Hunter Fans, Lumens ($300)

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Chill Out in the Shower

Brace yourself: Bhuyan notes that a moderately cold shower can be especially helpful in fighting overheating (and you’ll get used to the water temperature after those first few seconds pass). Since summer heat increases the skin’s oil production, celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau suggests switching out oil-based products for water-based ones that still do a good job of keeping your skin hydrated. For a cooling treat, keep some products (like alcohol-free toner or a water-based gel mask) in the fridge between uses. “And, of course, drinking plenty of water is essential,” she adds. 

Use Appliances Strategically

The oven is the obvious enemy when temperatures are soaring, but any large appliance in your home—your washer and dryer, for instance—can make your space feel warmer. Your best bet, says Bhuyan, is to turn them on at night when the air is ever-so-slightly cooler. 

The post 5 Ways to Cool Down When You Don’t Have Air-Conditioning appeared first on domino.

When interior designers in Southern California want to sell their own homes, they call Jenna Cooper. The L.A.-based real-estate agent and owner of the shop +COOP specializes in super-special properties, not necessarily super-expensive ones. She has even been known to turn down big listings because they aren’t quite the right fit. “It all comes from a design-centric place, because that affects how people feel,” shares Cooper.

Not only has she represented properties designed by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, Tiffany Howell, Claire Thomas, and Ruthie Sommers, but she often plays a role giving spaces serious TLC when they need it, whether that’s swathing a living room in limewash or streamlining the plants in a front yard. “Does the house need love? Does it need a different point of view that hasn’t already been presented? If the answer is yes, and it’s something I can influence, I’m happy to do the job,” she says.

Most of the time, in her first few meetings with new clients, their instincts are to offer up a blank canvas to prospective buyers. Cooper notes that isn’t always the answer. “I don’t want them to take everything out,” she says. Ahead, she shares with us the updates that are actually worth tackling before you list (and the one that isn’t). 

Do: Embrace the Green Cabinet Movement

“I can never get enough of a green cabinet,” admits Cooper. Card Room Green and Studio Green by Farrow & Ball have proved her top picks for kitchens, although she recently redid a client’s bedroom in Green Smoke. “And if you have the budget, nobody will be mad at a limewash from Portola,” she adds.

Don’t: Shove Everything in the Closet

Because Cooper sees each house as its own individual story, she doesn’t have a set list of rules when it comes to changes that’ll automatically attract buyers. But she is always sure to play up the innate feeling of a home and its surroundings, which often calls for decluttering. “The insides of closets need to have enough room to breathe. And I like bookshelves to look clean and orderly with some negative space.” 

Do: Customize Your White Paint

Much like interior designers, Cooper has a handy list of white paints to use when a home’s walls need a refresh. She likes Droplets by Dunn-Edwards, but “sometimes I mix it with Swiss Coffee if we need the room to read a bit warmer,” she says.

Don’t: Replace Appliances in an Already Dated Kitchen

Think you need to trade in your fridge for a newer model before you put your home on the market? Cooper says it’s an expense you probably won’t recoup. As long as your kitchen’s appliances are consistent with the rest of the space, she suggests leaving them as is. “If the kitchen is from the 1970s, a brand-new refrigerator isn’t going to make that much of a difference and it could actually work against you,” she says. Hey, you never know—leaning into your space’s current vibe could attract people who appreciate a little nostalgia.

Embarking on a big kitchen remodel with future resale value on your mind? Consider warm wood butcher block counters over colder-feeling stones, open shelving (Cooper says it’s a crowd-pleaser), and double islands with separate sinks. 

Do: Fill the Front Yard With Fruit

Cooper has been known to completely re-landscape projects, because it’s true, curb appeal is everything. “Nobody focuses on landscaping, but they should. It communicates care and attention from a seller, and allows buyers to imagine using the outdoor space for many different purposes,” she says. 

When she has to act fast to get an outdoor space in good shape, Cooper pulls from her giant collection of potted lemon, kumquat, and orange trees to punctuate the front entrance. A nicely clipped boxwood ball can help streamline a facade, while olives and feather grasses provide a dash of whimsy. “If I could spend my whole day doing this part of the job,” she says, “I’d probably be the happiest.”

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From dreamy decor to top-notch amenities, Domino’s Wish You Were Here series is your first-class ticket to the most design-driven getaways around the world. Whether you’re looking to steal away for a few days or just steal a few ideas for back home (we encourage both, for the record), check out where we’re checking in.

Long before pandemic-fueled escapes to the countryside or the area’s resurgence of wanderlust induced by seasons of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the Catskills region of upstate New York has been a centuries-old getaway for fresh-air-seeking city dwellers. And for good reason: Charming hamlets and valley vistas are a welcome respite from the concrete jungle. And then there’s the views of nature, the cast-iron bathtubs, and the thought that, maybe, one day, you could live there for real. Until then, the best hotels in the Catskills will only solidify that idea. 

Piaule, Catskill

What we love: A fourth wall made for leaf peeping. 

Every moment at this getaway was crafted to showcase one of the most universally renowned designers: nature. “Booking a room” here is a loose translation for checking into a sleek prefab wood cabin with a floor-to-ceiling view into the forest. (The spa, which is only open to guests, boasts a massive hot tub that also looks into the trees.) Even the man-made elements inside take their cues from what’s outside. In the bathrooms, blue tile nods to the hotel’s location on a bluestone quarry. The surrounding oak trees inspired the wood paneling. And the lobby’s terracotta Gianfranco Frattini sofas resemble autumn leaves.

The Boarding House at Seminary Hill, Callicoon

What we love: A new take on Shaker (and all-you-can-drink cider).

Local design firm Homestedt (a husband-and-wife team of former Brooklynites who made the Catskills their full-time home, nudge, nudge) meticulously restored this 1930s hospital with a focus on natural materials and the luxury that comes from well-made things. From beechwood utensils and enamel serveware to pots and induction stovetops, everything you need to make simple home-cooked meals is right there in your country-style kitchen. In the bedrooms, kilim rugs lead the way to luxury Wright mattresses dressed with crisp linen sheets. Dotted throughout, details like fauna-inspired canvas art and ostrich-feather dusters hung on peg rails add the right amount of lived-in warmth to the otherwise minimalist environment. And just down the road, you can visit the property’s family-owned cidery, where more than 60 varieties of apples and pears contribute to a seemingly endless supply of sparkling liquid gold. 

Callicoon Hills, Callicoon Center

What we love: Summer-camp utopia all year long. 

This century-old resort blends modern design and nostalgia in a way that embraces everything you’d want in a grown-up sleepaway experience: top-notch amenities, playful decor, and nothing but good vibes. Thanks to the Brooklyn-based creatives from Post Company (the firm that also worked with Scribner’s and Inness, below), the 65 guest rooms are filled with a variety of custom furniture (such as wavy settees and wood light fixtures), along with thrifted finds like cushy bench seating that might seduce you to stay inside. But a charming coffee shop, scattered firepits, and communal picnic tables make it too easy to find new friends. 

Camptown, Leeds

What we love: Country-cool cabins plus a standout restaurant. 

Camptown, a revamped motor lodge and property dotted with clusters of cabins, is true to its name: full-on adult-camp vibes. Gravel pathways snake around the site, illuminated at night with twinkling string lights, and pass by an ultra-inviting firepit that’s always roaring right at dusk (making it a central gathering spot). Reimagined by the folks who own Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, rooms are outfitted with heated bathroom floors, Frette linens, and Marshall Bluetooth speakers; it’s country cool with pops of cottagecore. If your cabin comes with a kitchenette, you’ll have a darling Masataka kettle to use with very good Tandem instant coffee, but there’s a 24-hour accessible pantry if you need more provisions. The on-site restaurant, Casa Susanna, makes Camptown the whole package—chef Efrén Hernández’s Mexican cuisine is worth a visit alone. Things will be even more exciting once the swim club, sauna, and pool bar are in full swing.

Little Cat Lodge, Hillsdale

What we love: It’s like the love child of a Berkshires cabin and a European chalet. 

From the depths of the minds behind Love Is Enough (also responsible for the visual delights at Brooklyn’s Le Crocodile and Rule of Thirds), this recently revamped 14-room escape was expertly designed to feel like it has always looked this way. The inspiration was taken from afternoon naps, forest paths, and the crackling silence of winter, and materialized with gingham bedspreads, vintage card tables, knotty exposed beams, and secret writing nooks lined in mushroom wood.

The Maker, Hudson

What we love: Every room has a story to tell. 

Spread across three historic buildings, each of the Maker’s guest room categories is distinctly influenced by, well, makers. (Even though it’s not technically part of the Catskills, the property lends itself to a bit of creative freedom.) The Architect suites strike a balance between light, space, and texture with a mix of clean lines and moody colors. In the Gardener spaces, wrought-iron furniture is softened by flora-inspired art and motifs. In the Artist sanctuaries, you’ll find bohemian hideaways anchored by eclectic gallery walls and a mashup of patterns. And the Writer studios stoke the curious mind with a collection of global trinkets and, naturally, an impressive library. In the lobby, another kind of library lures guests with an exclusive stash of dozens of perfumes, collected during the travels of the hotel’s founder, Lev Glazman.

Inness, Accord

What we love: An all-inclusive compound that oozes luxury.

It makes sense that this place would be named after a 19th-century landscape artist from the Hudson River School—it looks just like a scene from a George Inness painting. Set on top of a misty rolling hillside in the middle of 220 pastoral acres, this retreat and members’ club, founded by Freemans Sporting Club owner Taavo Somer, redefines modern farmhouse through a marriage of Scandi-chic and rustic Americana. Clean lines complemented by antique seating, hand-thrown ceramics, and customized lighting from Roll & Hill feel indulgently cozy, while crowd favorites like Frette robes and Aesop amenities keep it modern. In 2024, a spa and fitness center will debut: In addition to five private treatment rooms, expect hot and cold plunges, a sauna deck featuring radiant heat stone floors and cedar walls, and various movement classes.

Scribner’s, Hunter

What we love: Clean, contemporary design that’s slightly offbeat. 

Each of the 38 stark-white guest rooms is grounded by dark maple floors, vintage rugs, and custom-built furniture, but the one to snag is the Scribner’s Suite. If you’re not enamored by the sunken living room with a central fireplace, you’ll be taken with the lofted sleeping spaces, terracotta bathroom tile, and walk-in rain shower sporting Waterworks fixtures. 

Hutton Brickyards, Kingston

What we love: Private patios made for conversation and cocktails. 

A stately hall, a historic cottage, and a handful of cabins make up the inventory of this industrial-chic hotel, which is set on a former brick-making factory’s grounds. From the inside of the pine interior, no two views are the same, and every room is a whole vibe with a mood-setting record player and an expansive private deck for coffee at sunrise or sundowners at dusk. 

Hotel Lilien, Tannersville

What we love: A lounge you’ll never want to leave. 

This storied estate–turned–boutique hotel, dreamed up by Field Theory, is filled with a quirky mix of handpicked treasures and classic Victorian antiques. Once the 1890s residence was restored, the 18 rooms were transformed into airy yet earthy hideouts with rattan headboards against soft white walls, but the heart of the hotel is really in the lobby’s library and cocktail bar. In the “neighborhood’s living room,” guests can thumb through tomes while surrounded by original shiplap paneling, stained-glass windows, and seating that begs you to sink in and warm up by the wood-burning stove.

Where to Shop 

• Newt Boutique. Quaint, colorful, and just a few months old, the newest addition to Kingston’s shopping scene is filled with everything from artsy office supplies and quirky stationery to striped ceramics and printed pillow covers. You won’t leave empty-handed. 
• Homestedt. From the designers of Seminary Hill, Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club, and more, this tiny shop on Pearl Street will fuel your off-the-grid fantasies with a carefully curated selection of rustic homewares and actually chic outdoor gear, all tried and tested across Homestedt properties.

Where to Eat

• Catskill Provisions. Founded in 2010 from a passion for beekeeping, this woman-owned gastro-distillery offers craft cocktails, elevated bar bites (don’t skip the beer-battered cauliflower “wings”), local gifts, and, of course, bottles of bee-friendly booze to go.
• Millstream Tavern. This seasonally driven Woodstock gem recently reopened with executive chef Dan Silverman (an alum of Starr Restaurants) at the helm. In the colder months, duck inside to enjoy elevated comfort dishes like butternut squash risotto, but in warmer seasons, grab a seat on the riverside wood patios that were made for brunching. 

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Come this fall, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the founders of The Home Edit, won’t just be colleagues. They’ll also be next-door neighbors. “Our houses will be 600 steps away from each other,” says Teplin, who is a month out from moving into her new house. Shearer, on the other hand, is still in the construction phase. This will be her fifth home in Nashville in the last eight years. “I’m obsessed with moving,” Shearer says. “It’s an opportunity to set yourself up for success.”

The professional organizers and new hosts of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition recently teamed up with national home builder Taylor Morrison to launch a video series centered around organizing a fresh space. Given we’re already in the midst of peak moving season (June, July, and August are considered the busiest months), we sat down with Teplin and Shearer to get their top tips for a stress-free and superbly tidy transition, including the one area of the kitchen to not fret over. 

In the Weeks Leading Up to the Move

While Teplin argues unpacking is more fun than boxing up everything in your old space, she notes it is an opportunity for editing. The most common items they see their clients purge? “Fondue pots…or basically any wedding gifts,” Shearer attests. “I always tell people, ’Don’t put it on your registry. We’re just going to have to take care of it.’” True to The Home Edit’s extra-thorough ethos, the pros suggest going through everything you own and making an active decision about whether you want to toss, donate, or keep it. “You save yourself time if you do it on the front end,” adds Teplin. 

In the Heat of Boxing

Color-coded sticky notes and descriptive labels are no-brainers for Shearer and Teplin, but one thing you’ll never find in their mix is a box with “miscellaneous” written on it. “Those are the ones that end up in the attic and never get opened,” says Teplin. Rather than throw some articles of clothing in with coffee-table books because you’re in a rush, keep your containers hyper-focused on categories and rooms so you know exactly where they’ll go in your new place. 

In the First Few Hours of Unpacking

If you’re considering storing all your boxes in one room to keep your space clutter-free as you slowly work your way through things, think again. “I don’t like that method,” says Shearer. “It’s giving yourself a pass to not unpack them.” Instead the duo prefer carrying the boxes into the rooms where they need to be unpacked. “I like to be out of my boxes in 36 hours,” she points out. “I put myself on a pretty strict clock.”  

In the Kitchen

The first room they set up is always the kitchen—the hardest-working space. In their first video tutorial with Morrison, the organizers lay out their top tips: Store pots and pans near the range; create zones in the fridge with clear containers for dairy, beverages, eggs, produce, etc.; and use risers to take advantage of vertical space within cabinets.

A handy strategy for setting up the pantry? Don’t get overly specific with your categories. Instead of labeling bins for “granola bars” or “cereals,” keep them broad—“breakfast” and “snacks” will suffice. You’ll feel instantly at ease once your cooking zone is set up. “Putting books on a shelf is one of my favorite activities, but it’s not going to make or break the space,” Shearer says.

The post The One Thing Pro Organizers Don’t Obsess Over When Moving Into a New Kitchen appeared first on domino.

New Yorkers have long been keen on a weekend jaunt, whether it’s to the Hamptons out east or the Catskills and Hudson up north—but this summer, we’re calling it: It’s all about Delaware. Namely because of the Quoin, a new hotel and restaurant in Wilmington that’s two hours by car and even less by train from the Big Apple, but obviously, anyone from anywhere can make a visit to the 1885 Victorian-Romanesque brownstone.

Designed by two Philadelphia-based firms—Method Co. and Stokes Architecture + Design—the Quoin (the name is an old French architectural term for “corner” or “angle”) features a cozy lobby, the city’s first rooftop bar, an underground cocktail lounge, and 24 guest rooms. No two stays are the same, a unique challenge befitting a historic property, and Method Co. creative director Daniel Olsovsky explains that they intentionally kept the interiors simple and straightforward to convey a sense of authenticity.  

Mixing styles to counterbalance the Victorian architecture was no small feat, but Olsovsky and the team make it look seamless with a blend of Shaker-influenced furniture, traditional floral-print wallpapers from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, and modern pieces from Gubi and Lawson-Fenning. Method Co.’s cofounder and CEO, Randall Cook, also sought out local craftspeople to fill the space with work that resonates with the destination. Joseph and Benjamin Johnson of Workerman Studios, a Philadelphia-based father-and-son team, created several of the property’s focal points, including the haberdashery-inspired cabinet in the lobby.

Throughout the common spaces, details help set the mood. Richard Stokes, founder and senior principal of Stokes Architecture + Design, says deciding on the proper lighting was essential to draw people into the environment. “It needs to be warm,” he says (2,400k, to be exact). “And not just to light the space, but the tables and the faces of guests when seated.” 

One of the property’s best-kept secrets is Simmer Down, a cocktail lounge tucked away behind what appears to be a utility door. The low barrel-vaulted ceiling adds to the moody ambience, while a whimsical mural by local artist and illustrator Michael Alan tells the story of Wilmington’s history from wall to wall as you sip on a gin-heavy Vesper. No matter how far you travel to get there, you’ll feel light-years from home. 

Where to Eat

De Co: Inside the Art Deco DuPont Building, this contemporary food hall serves the downtown lunch crowd. With eight restaurants and a soaring atrium bar, there’s a little something for everyone, including a regular schedule of events and pop-up artisan markets. 

Le Cavalier: Occupying the ground floor of the nearby Hotel DuPont in an ornate triple-height Renaissance Revival space, Le Cav (as the locals call it) embraces the flavors of North Africa and Provence with dishes like eggplant tajine and branzino rouille. 

Wilma’s: New to Market Street, Wilma’s specializes in decadent, Southern-inspired dishes that taste like lazy days in New Orleans. Not hungry? It also offers duckpin bowling to help you work up an appetite. 

Bardea: This innovative, James Beard–nominated restaurant offers tongue-in-cheek twists on familiar Italian dishes (burrata pop-tart, anyone?) with ingredients all sourced from organic farms and purveyors nearby. For alfresco dining, be sure to also stop by its newest concept, Bardea Steak, next door. 

Where to Shop

Trolley Square Market: Almost hidden on the second floor of an unassuming strip mall, this homewares shop is stocked with everything from beautifully packaged candles and potted plants to works by local artists.

Girard Craft and Cork: The friendly staff at this specialty wine shop will help guide you through its assortment of the highest-quality bottles (including some local faves), whether you’re looking for a gift or for yourself. 

Delaware Estate Sale Warehouse: A short drive from downtown, this warehouse is chock-full of estate finds, vintage decor, and antique furniture. The inventory can be hit or miss, and sifting through the products is not for the faint of heart. But for those who love the hunt, this is the place for you.

Get the Look

Ringwold Wallpaper, Farrow & Ball

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Tung Side Table by &Tradition, Finnish Design Shop ($790)

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Miller Table Lamp, Stone and Sawyer

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Moreno Sofa, Lawson Fenning ($4,200)

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