We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When scrolling through real estate listings, traditional, builder-grade homes are a dime a dozen. White walls, cream wall-to-wall carpet, zero trim, mini-blinds — you know the look, and you probably scroll right past it. So when Robert Lueke listed this Bellevue, Washington home, he brought in Modernous, a staging firm with a mid-century twist, to give the home a unique, vibrant upgrade that would stand out on the market — and they had to do it using only furniture.
“This house was a large, traditional tract home,” explains Sally Julien, principal at Modernous. The client wanted the staging to give it a modern look that would differentiate it from the other, similar houses in the neighborhood that were also for sale and vying for buyer attention. The house itself needed cosmetic updating that the seller did not want to tackle before listing, so Julien’s goal was to create a design that would showcase the blank slate of the house while inspiring a young, cool family up for the challenge of updates. “We wanted them to walk in and be able to imagine what it could be,” says Julien.
They layered a rug over the carpet.
Starting at the literal bottom, Julien made the bold choice to layer a rugover the plush wall-to-wall carpet — a decision she acknowledges isn’t always straightforward. “We like to layer rugs in certain rooms to add texture and pattern. The key is to get the right texture so the two rugs aren’t similar,” says Julien.
In this room, the rug not only distracts from the standard carpet, it adds print and interest too. “You can see a flat-weave rug on top of the pile carpet. This ensures that they aren’t competing and allows us to add an element of texture to these key spaces.” Julien also explains that the size of the rug is important, especially when layering over a wall-to-wall carpet. It’s tempting to go too small, but for the layering to work, the top rugs need to be generously sized. “If the rug is too small and you see a lot of carpet around it, it will look ‘off’ and unbalanced,” notes Julien.
They rearranged the layout.
Rather than having the sofa face the fireplace, Julien arranged the sofa and two welcoming, large scale accent chairs perpendicular to the hearth. This living room layout creates a more approachable conversation space that encourages buyers to walk into the living room and linger. “If the sofa was facing the fireplace, you would have been looking at the back of the sofa as you walked in. It feels inviting,” says Julien. This is key when appealing to buyers, but it also makes sense for homeowners. “This arrangement allows people to sit facing each other while enjoying the fire. You want to walk in and sit down!”
They brought in warm colors.
A glass and metal coffee table fits the scale of the furniture and allows the rug to have its moment. Throughout the space, Julien brought in colors that flowed with the rest of the house. While this room is white, there are red walls visible from the room, and Julien echoed that hue by bringing warm tones into this living room. “We decided to bring in other warm, tonally similar colors to speak to those dark red walls, without making red the main color. We went with pepper-y orange, red, and complementary colors like green to keep everything feeling fresh and authentic.”
The art continued the color palette, and the pieces are sourced by Modernous, not acquired through a mass market store. “We source all of our art piece-by-piece. The extra large piece behind the sofa came from the estate of the artist, Inez Starr. Her paintings are huge, bold, and colorful,” says Julien. The vibrant abstracts bring the mid-century-inspired space alive, giving it a feeling of warmth and energy that you won’t find in most tract house Zillow listings — and it sold over asking price in just a week. Closing was exactly one month after the mid-century makeover went in.
The kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. It has to cope with early mornings, rushed midweek meals, slow weekends, and everything in between. When it’s designed well, it supports the way you live without you having to think about it. Designing your dream kitchen isn’t about perfection or picture-perfect finishes – it’s about making thoughtful choices that balance layout, storage, and style, so your kitchen works beautifully for you now and in the years to come.
The Evolution of Kitchen Design
Credit: Shutterstock
Kitchen design has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Gone are the days when kitchens were hidden away, separated from the main living areas. Today’s kitchens embrace open concepts, integrate smart technology, and prioritize both beauty and efficiency. This shift reflects our changing relationship with food preparation and entertaining – cooking has become a social activity, and the kitchen has become a space for connection.
The modern kitchen balances several competing demands: it must be practical enough for daily meal preparation, stylish enough to impress guests, and flexible enough to adapt to changing needs. Whether you’re contemplating a complete kitchen renovation or simply refreshing your current space, understanding contemporary design principles can help you create a kitchen that truly works for your lifestyle.
Key Elements of Contemporary Kitchen Design
Colour Palettes and Materials
Today’s most successful kitchen designs embrace a thoughtful mix of textures and finishes. While all-white kitchens dominated for years, we’re now seeing a movement toward warmer, more nuanced colour schemes. Think soft grays, warm woods, sage greens, and deep navy blues that add depth without overwhelming the space. Two-tone cabinetry perhaps darker lowers with lighter uppers creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive feel.
Natural materials are making a strong comeback. Wood elements, whether in cabinetry, open shelving, or ceiling beams, bring warmth and organic beauty. Stone countertops in marble, quartzite, or granite offer both durability and timeless elegance. The key is selecting materials that not only look beautiful but can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Smart Storage Solutions
A beautiful kitchen loses its appeal quickly if it lacks adequate storage. Contemporary design emphasizes clever organization systems that maximize every inch of available space. Pull-out pantries, deep drawer systems for pots and pans, corner cabinet solutions, and vertical dividers for baking sheets all contribute to a more functional workspace.
Open shelving has gained popularity as both a design element and a practical storage solution. When thoughtfully styled with everyday dishes, glassware, and decorative objects, open shelves add personality while keeping frequently used items within easy reach. However, balance is essential, too much open storage can create visual clutter and require constant maintenance.
Lighting Layers
Proper lighting can make or break a kitchen design. The most successful spaces incorporate multiple layers of light: ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for work surfaces, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or display areas. Pendant lights over an island have become a signature design element, offering both function and style. Under-cabinet lighting eliminates shadows on countertops while creating a warm glow in the evening.
The Kitchen Transformation Journey
Undertaking a kitchen transformation requires careful planning and vision. It’s not simply about selecting attractive finishes; it’s about understanding how the space will be used and ensuring that every design decision supports those functions. Consider your cooking habits, entertaining style, and storage needs. Do you bake frequently and need ample counter space? Do you host large gatherings that require generous seating areas? Are you passionate about wine and want integrated storage solutions?
Professional guidance can be invaluable during this process. Experienced designers understand spatial relationships, workflow efficiency, and how to maximize both form and function. They can help you navigate the countless decisions involved, from cabinet configurations to appliance selections, while keeping your project on track and within budget.
Sustainable and Timeless Choices
As we become more environmentally conscious, sustainable kitchen design has moved to the forefront. Energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, sustainable materials, and water-saving fixtures allow homeowners to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on style or performance. Choosing quality materials and classic design elements over trendy options also contributes to sustainability by creating spaces that won’t feel dated in a few years.
Timeless design doesn’t mean boring or predictable. It means selecting a foundation of classic elements – quality cabinetry, durable countertops, proper layout and then personalizing with accessories, hardware, and decorative touches that can evolve with your tastes.
Creating Your Ideal Space
The most successful kitchen designs reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the people who use them daily. Whether you’re drawn to sleek minimalism, cozy farmhouse charm, industrial edge, or something entirely unique, your kitchen should feel authentically yours. Start by gathering inspiration from design blogs, magazines, and real-world spaces you admire. Identify common threads – colors, materials, styles – that resonate with you.
Remember that a beautiful kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that enhances your daily life, brings people together, and stands the test of time. With thoughtful planning, quality materials, and a clear vision, you can design a kitchen that’s both stunningly beautiful and wonderfully functional – a true heart of your home.
For more than 10 years, I’ve led Apartment Therapy’s real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
Most homeowners don’t think about their HVAC filters until the dust starts settling on the furniture or allergies flare up. However, upgrading to the right air filter is one of the most impactful ways to dramatically improve your home’s indoor air quality. Standard hardware store filters often leave gaps or restrict airflow; finding a solution that balances filtration efficiency with system health is key.
Enter Filter King, a service that takes the hassle out of home maintenance with high-quality, made-in-the-USA filters delivered right to your door. Designed to provide a precise fit, these upgrades promise to capture contaminants ranging from dust mites to microscopic viruses without straining your furnace.
In this review, we analyze how Filter King stands out in a crowded market. With a value proposition built on superior MERV filtration options and custom sizing, they aim to be the last filter supplier you’ll ever need. Backed by long-term customer loyalty and verified reviews, we dive deep into whether these filters truly live up to the hype.
Filter King is a US-based manufacturer and retailer specializing in premium AC and furnace replacement filters. Unlike big-box retailers that stock only standard sizes, Filter King focuses on providing exact-match specifications for any HVAC setup. They offer a range of protection levels, including MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13.
This product is ideal for homeowners, property managers, and HVAC professionals who are tired of ill-fitting filters that allow unfiltered air to bypass the system. It is particularly beneficial for those with allergies, pets, or older homes with custom-sized intakes. The core promise is simple: better airflow, cleaner air, and the convenience of automatic delivery.
Key Insight: Filtration efficiency means nothing without a perfect fit. Custom-sized filters eliminate “air bypass,” ensuring 100% of your home’s air actually passes through the cleaning media rather than leaking around the edges.
5 Technical Specs for HVAC
The technical specifications are the essential metrics that ensure your home’s air “diet” is healthy and clean. Understanding these values helps you choose the right upgrade for your needs.
Lifespan: Up to 90 days is the recommended change frequency.
Origin: 100% Made in the USA manufacturing.
Dimensions: Fully customizable to 1/8th of an inch precision.
Airflow Resistance: Low-pressure drop design maintains system efficiency.
Pro Tip: Higher MERV ratings catch smaller particles, but they also restrict airflow more. Ensure your HVAC system is compatible with MERV 13 filters to avoid straining the blower motor or reducing efficiency.
Pros and Cons of Filters
No product is perfect, but Filter King offers a compelling package for homeowners. Below is a breakdown of where these filters excel and where there might be room for improvement based on verified user experiences. This balanced view helps you make an informed decision.
Feature
Benefit/Drawback
Details
Custom Sizes
Benefit
Specialize in made-to-order filters, ensuring a perfect seal for any system.
Subscription Model
Benefit
“Cancel Whenever” policy ensures you never forget to change a filter.
Made in USA
Benefit
Manufactured domestically, ensuring higher quality control and faster shipping.
Shipping Threshold
Drawback
Free shipping is only available on orders over $50.
How Do We Rate This Product?
To provide a clear overview of Filter King’s performance, we have broken down our rating into key categories essential for HVAC health and user satisfaction. The table below summarizes our findings.
Category
Rating
Build Quality
9/10
Specifications
8/10
Materials
9/10
Value For Money
9/10
Purity
8/10
Build Quality
Filter King filters feature a sturdy frame construction that doesn’t buckle under high airflow pressure. The pleated material is evenly spaced, providing a “smooth” experience for your HVAC system.
Users consistently report that their indoor air feels crisper and free of stale odors. The structural integrity ensures that air passes through the media rather than around it.
Sturdy frame construction prevents collapsing.
Evenly spaced pleats maximize surface area.
Specifications
The availability of MERV 8, 11, and 13 means the product covers the entire spectrum of residential needs. From basic dust protection to hospital-grade viral filtration, there is an option for every home.
The ability to customize dimensions acts like a “custom diet” for your furnace. This ensures zero bypass, which is a critical metric for maintaining system efficiency and hygiene.
Wide range of MERV ratings for different needs.
Precise dimensional customization.
“I accidentally ordered the wrong size. They gave me a full refund and shipped out custom filters that fit perfectly. The custom should have cost more, but they didn’t even charge me the difference. Great customer service…” – Douglas E.
Materials
The materials of a Filter King filter are simple but effective: heavy-duty beverage board frames and industrial-grade filter media. Being made in the USA is a crucial ingredient here, as it assures the user that no cheap, toxic glues were used. The transparency of their manufacturing process adds to the trust rating.
Heavy-duty beverage board frame.
Industrial-grade, US-made filter media.
Value For Money
When comparing the price per unit against the longevity and build quality, Filter King offers exceptional value. Custom sizes often command a premium in the market, yet Filter King provides these at competitive rates. The added savings from the subscription model further enhance the value proposition.
No premium charge for custom sizes.
Free shipping adds to overall savings.
“I have been buying my filters from Filter King for over 10 years and never been disappointed. If I didn’t save 8-10 dollars over L and H D, I would be buying them there.” – Gary C.
Purity
A low-quality filter lets dust coat your lungs and your AC coils. Filter King’s MERV 13 options are the ultimate solution for this.
These filters block microscopic viruses, smoke, and bacteria. This ensures your air supply is as clean and pure as possible without the “crash” of a clogged system. It delivers on its promise of cleaner indoor air. Filter King’s MERV 13 air filters for premium protection stand out as a top contender in the residential HVAC market.
Blocks microscopic particles and smoke.
Clean air delivery without system strain.
Quote: “Filter was exactly as ordered, a perfect fit for my old system that isn’t a standard size. This is where I will be getting filters from now on, definitely.”- Nels, Verified Buyer
Filter King vs Big Box Stores?
When comparing Filter King to major home improvement retailers, the differences become clear in customization and service. While big-box stores offer convenience for standard sizes, they often lack the specialized sizes older homes require. They also typically charge more for premium MERV ratings.
The table below highlights the cost and feature differences between Filter King and standard retailers:
Feature
Filter King
L and H D (Competitors)
Size Availability
Unlimited (Custom)
Standard sizes only
Customer Service
Text-based, 30-min resolution
Standard retail returns
Origin
Made in USA
Varies / Imported
Filter King clearly wins on value and customization. For homeowners with standard units who need a filter immediately, L and H D are sufficient. However, for those seeking long-term savings or specific sizes, Filter King provides a superior service model.
Important: Don’t force a standard “big-box” filter into a non-standard intake. Even a quarter-inch gap allows dust to coat your HVAC coils, significantly reducing efficiency and potentially shortening your system’s lifespan.
Why Choose Filter King Upgrades?
Filter King has established itself as a top-tier provider for HVAC filter upgrades. By combining American manufacturing quality with a customer-centric service model, they solve the biggest headaches homeowners face. Forgetting to buy filters and finding the right size becomes a thing of the past.
The ability to filter out microscopic viruses with their MERV 13 options makes this an easy recommendation. You get superior protection while still saving money compared to big-box stores. It is a smart investment in upgrading your home’s health.
Perfect for non-standard HVAC systems.
High-quality materials ensure system protection.
Customer service is responsive and generous.
Key Insight: An air filter upgrade is the cheapest insurance policy for your HVAC system. A modest subscription cost now can prevent thousands of dollars in premature motor failure or compressor repairs later.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which filter size to order?
Filter King provides an easy-to-use sizing tool on their website. You can also measure your existing filter or the intake vent. If you are unsure, their customer service is highly responsive and can guide you to the exact dimensions needed.
What should I do if my filter arrives damaged?
As noted in verified reviews, shipping damage can occasionally happen. However, customers report that simply texting customer service results in an immediate response. Replacement filters are often shipped out within 30 minutes of the complaint, free of charge.
Are these filters compatible with non-standard HVAC systems?
Yes, this is Filter King’s specialty. They manufacture filters to 1/8th inch precision. This means they can accommodate almost any residential or light commercial system, regardless of how obscure the dimensions are.
What If I Installed Backwards?
Installing the filter backward restricts airflow because the dense mesh side is designed to catch particles while the porous side allows air entry. Reversing it strains your HVAC system, potentially leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency.
What is the typical lifespan of a Filter King filter?
The standard lifespan for these filters is 90 days. However, for homes with pets, smokers, or high allergy concerns, it is recommended to replace them sooner. Changing filters every 30 to 60 days helps maintain optimal airflow and air quality.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
My home tends to accumulate a lot of clutter. I can contain bigger items on shelves, but the smaller stuff can become a bit of a puzzle. I’m the type of person who needs to see my possessions on a regular basis or I may very well forget they exist. So, you can understand why I’m not a huge fan of jewelry boxes. I have a rotating rack for my earrings and a stand for my necklaces, but sometimes I wish I could store all my types of accessories in a way that lets me see them all at once. Turns out, all I need to make that happen is a spoon rack.
Why You Should Put a Spoon Rack on Your Wall
First of all, you may be wondering what a spoon rack even is. At first, I thought it might be more like a utensil rest, but when I watched an Instagram Reel by thrifting pro Amy of @yours.truly_home, I learned it’s more like a wooden spice rack (but instead of shelves, there are rows of notches in the wood). You’re meant to slide a spoon in each notch, which gives your silverware a dedicated storage space and creates an eye-catching wall display. Well, instead of spoons, Amy decided to fill the whole rack with many, many pieces of jewelry.
In addition to being visually nice to look at, the spoon rack storage system really can contain a lot. Amy adds all sorts of brooches, earrings, pins, necklaces, and even combs to hers — and because you’re not storing spoons, you can use the whole rack instead of just the dedicated spoon notches. Not a big jewelry person? Try filling the spoon rack’s slots with fresh, dried, or faux flowers. Amy does this in her video, too, and it looks like a great way to add some unique elegance to your wall.
Where to Find a Spoon Rack for Your Wall
Part of the whimsy of Amy’s video is that she finds her spoon rack at a thrift store, which gives it a special, one-of-a-kind vibe. Hunting for hidden gems at a secondhand shop can be a delightful experience, but I understand not everyone has the patience for it. However, Wayfair does sell a mountable wooden spoon rack that looks a lot like the vintage one in the video.
It has a slightly different shape and lacks the floral patterns engraved into the thrifted version, but the wooden rack has an old-fashioned charm that makes it look like it could be vintage. It’s $64.99 and measures 18 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep. It’s designed to hold 24 spoons, but as you see in the video it’ll likely hold a lot more jewelry than that.
