Everyday Style
Designer Challenge
Get the Look
Size Guide
How to Layer
Everyday Living
Sustainable Swaps
Everyday Delicious
4 Chefs
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We dared our design team to reimagine important spaces in our homes and unlock the potential hidden inside.
Discover the must-have furniture and accessories that will help you master the warm and welcoming style of our Adams model home at Empire Royals Oaks Landing.
The kitchen is a lesson in mixing old and new, featuring traditional cabinets paired with crisp lines, patterns and finishes. Pair hexagonal tiles with white walls, dark wood cabinets, black wrought-iron inspired hardware and light fixtures to punctuate the space and give it a modern edge.
To impart a Spanish feel in the family room, a mix of traditional and contemporary furniture was used. “Light, neutral backgrounds with subtle uses of colour are contrasted against wood tones and texture, adding character and warmth to the space,” says De Freitas. Tone-on-tone accents and clean seating lines help to modernize the space.
Tips and tools to size furniture and space plan in any room.
Wondering how you can take a room from utilitarian to unique? Designer Andrew Pike shares his insights for mastering a well-layered space.
Q&A
FIRST THING’S FIRST. WHAT ARE THE LAYERS THAT MAKE UP A ROOM, AND HOW DO YOU CATEGORIZE THEM?
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FOR ELEVATING A SPACE?
IS THERE A CERTAIN ORDER YOU FOLLOW WHEN LAYERING ACCENTS?
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GO-TO ACCENTS TO ENHANCE A SPACE?
WHAT OTHER ELEMENTS CAN YOU USE TO MAKE A SPACE FEEL MORE LUXURIOUS?
ANY OTHER TIPS?
Making better choices with what we buy and consume isn't just good for the planet, it’s good for your overall health and well-being too. Incorporate these items in your daily routine that are as stylish as they are sustainable.
Ten and Co.
This decorative sponge cloth replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towel, reducing plastic consumption and overall waste. It’s 100% biodegradable and safe on granite, stainless steel, laminate and glass.
BuyCrate & Barrel
Harvested from the agave and yucca plants of Mexico, tampico bristles join a hand-sanded bamboo wood handle to give this common kitchen tool an eco-friendly edge.
BuyDr. Bronner’s
Versatile, effectiveand biodegradable, castile soap is a multi-use product safe for your face, body, hair, food, dishes, laundry and floors.
BuyNature Bee
Eliminate your use of plastic wrap or bags with an organic food wrap substitute made of 100% beeswax, jojoba oil, pine resin and cotton that can be reused for up to a year.
BuyIkea
By making the switch to glass, you can keep containers at high or cool temperatures without worrying about chemicals leaching into your food.
BuyHoney Candles
Avoid paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances with these 100% pure beeswax candles that are perfect for any celebration. Best of all, they won’t drip.
BuyBuck Naked Soap Company
These soaps are made of the highest quality all-natural and vegan ingredients, leaving your skin hydrated and clean.
BuyWell Kept
Made of solid brass, this sustainable and plastic-free shaving alternative has recyclable blades that you can replace, making it more cost-effective than traditional razors in the long run.
BuyDew South
Over a billion plastic toothbrushes end up in our landfills each year. Luckily, bamboo toothbrushes are a simple solution with 100% biodegradable handles and packaging made from paper –no tape or glue is used.
BuyUnwrapped Life
These plant-based bars combine the essential ingredients to cleanse and condition your hair —just package-free. You’ll soon forget about ever using traditional plastic bottles in your washing routine.
BuySaje
A fantastic alternative to dryer sheets laden with synthetic materials and fragrances, these dryer balls are made of 100% ethically-sourced, cruelty-free wool and last up to two years.
BuyLife Unpacked
Natural dental floss leaves your teeth clean and chemical-free, plus it keeps our planet protected from plastic and petroleum.
BuyChefs across Houston, Atlanta, Toronto and Charlotte showcase their city’s distinct regional fare through four delicious recipes prepared with love in our Empire kitchens. Give them a try in your home.
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