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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.
Ever since I moved out of state, I’ve made a habit of sending my mom flowers on Valentine’s Day. Say what you want about Valentine’s Day flowers being passé, but there’s something undeniably special about finding a beautiful bouquet on your doorstep. The thorn of it all is that the vases they come in aren’t always the cutest, and, even worse, the flowers wilt after only a couple of days. Sure, it’s the thought that counts, but flower deliveries aren’t cheap — and frankly, my mom deserves better. That’s why I’m trying something new this year and gifting her this preserved bouquet from Lasting Brilliance.
Not only is the arrangement gorgeous, but the brand also claims it’ll last up to three years without any maintenance. Needless to say, my interest was piqued, so I received a bouquet for myself to investigate further. Read on for my thoughts!
While Lasting Brilliance is known for its famous Forever Roses, the Opal Signature Bouquet needs to be on your radar. It includes a stunning mix of preserved hydrangeas, pink roses, and plumosus fern, along with dried flowers and grasses — all in cream and blush tones. Like the Forever Roses, the Opal Bouquet can last up to three years, with no water or sunlight required. In fact, the brand recommends keeping them away from the sun, as prolonged exposure may fade the color over time.
Another thing that makes the Opal bouquet special is the elegant vase. Your giftee won’t be tempted to re-home the flowers upon receipt, because the opulent fluted vase has a gilded finish that practically makes it a piece of decor.
As someone who has gifted and received flower deliveries over the years, I was impressed by how well the Lasting Brilliance bouquet was packaged. You obviously don’t have to worry about any water spillage in a preserved arrangement like this, which is a huge pro. The vase was also securely packaged between styrofoam blocks to keep it from tumbling around. There were a few fallen petals, which is par for the course with any mail-order bouquet, but there were far less than others I’ve ordered. And because the flowers are so carefully preserved, they weren’t already half-dead upon receipt — which I can’t say about other services I’ve tried.
The Opal bouquet’s gold-finished vase is a stylish upgrade from the overly commercial, bare-bones vases I’m used to seeing. Its metallic finish and fluted shape bring a bit of vintage glamour and elegance to my tabletop. The vase complements the arrangement’s soft blush and cream tones just perfectly, without calling too much attention, which is perfect if you’re giving the bouquet to someone as a gift (as I plan to do).
I obviously can’t speak to the brand’s three-year lifespan promise, but what I can tell you is that the flowers look as beautiful now as they did the day I got them. Plus, the bouquet’s light color palette makes me feel even better about having them in my home and giving them as a gift — because I won’t have to worry about the color fading with time! The arrangement looks soft and sophisticated, and is the perfect way to make someone feel special this Valentine’s Day while also bringing a touch of vintage charm to their decor.
Designers think that the motivation behind this shift is strongly tied to the emotional and nostalgic connotations of vintage style. “There is a yearning for things that have emotion behind them and a story behind them, and sort of that little bit of whimsy and discovery that you find with vintage pieces,” says designer Stacy Garcia, CEO & Chief Inspiration Officer at Stacy Garcia Design Studio in New York.
But beyond just the feeling of nostalgia, what makes a vintage piece truly stylish today? If it was solely about nostalgia, wouldn’t we all be installing plush green carpet and linoleum floors again, too? So I spoke with some interior designers to find out which vintage pieces specifically are poised for a style renaissance in 2026. Read on for your de facto designer-curated thrift store shopping list!
Many of us seem to be leaning into cozy “grandma hobbies” today — like knitting, needlepoint, and sewing — so it makes sense that quilts would make a comeback, too. “The bold geometry of patchwork quilts feels modern again. Especially if you pair them with other solid bright colors and let them really be the star of the show,” says Jessica Ahnert Davis, owner and creative director of Atelier Davis.
In a world of fast furniture and disposable decor, these pieces feel even more meaningful and comforting, Garcia adds. “There’s a renewed appreciation for quilts and handmade textiles because they bring warmth, texture, and a human touch into the home,” she says. A quintessential grandma creation, quilts are finally having their moment and being recognized for the craftsmanship that makes them truly special.
And while we’re returning to an appreciation for craftsmanship, traditional furniture details are seeing a resurgence, too. Things like tufted cushions, fringe trim, and skirted sofas or chairs are suddenly everywhere again. “These elements feel nostalgic yet fresh when mixed with modern pieces, creating spaces that feel curated rather than overly styled,” Garcia explains.
The Apartment Therapy 2026 State of Home Design report found that vintage textiles will be one of the most sought-after items in secondhand shops this year, so it makes sense that you’re seeing embroidery everywhere right now. Whether displayed as art or used as upholstery, embroidered pieces are on everyone’s list right now. Ksenya Malina of New York interior design studio Time & Place Interiors agrees, saying she’s seeing a rise in embroidered towels and linens as well.
In the same vein, Malina also predicts we’ll see a resurgence of upholstered or embroidered footstools and ottomans, as decorators strive to inject functional antique accents into modern homes. Not only are ottomans a great spot to rest your feet at the end of a long day, she says, but they’re also useful to hold a tray of drinks or appetizers when you entertain.
People are finding so many ways to repurpose vintage candy dishes and cookie tins — from jewelry holders, to knickknack bowls, to ornate centerpieces. “When displayed together as a collection, candy dishes can look so fun and sculptural,” Davis says. “Especially with light streaming in from a window behind.” Or, try clustering a few old-school cookie tins together to hide coffee-table clutter.
China cabinets are yet another example of an attempt to add personality, history, and a sense of storytelling back into our spaces, according to Garcia. “China cabinets are coming back because people want to actually see and enjoy the things they’ve collected over time, rather than hide them away,” Garcia says.
Displaying collections like that, whether china or something else, can also be a gateway to connect with your history and loved ones. Glass hutches increase visibility and encourage use of items that might otherwise be hidden away in a drawer. “Putting a tea set out and actually sitting and using it … making yourself a glass of tea and having a friend over — there’s something so nice about that,” Garcia says.
We might not be laying out a formal dinner table each night anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) pull a few great pieces of silverware out from grandma’s set every now and then, Malina says. “A couple of beautiful vintage serving spoons elevates even a casual table setting (takeout included). And mix-and-match silverware pieces give an eclectic, French look to your meal,” she explains. This is an easy way to add some whimsy and old-world glam to the everyday.
We’re definitely seeing a shift toward warmer ambient lighting in homes right now, and candles are a huge part of that. Vintage candlesticks can seriously elevate the look.
Malina suggests adding an antique candlestick or two to your favorite shelf. If you’re feeling really funky, you can even create a grouping of mismatched candleholders of differing heights on your sideboard for a pretty vignette. “To give it an authentic look, light the candle briefly and then blow it out, so that the wick turns black,” Malina says.
Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via…read more
I’ve been on both sides of the ironing vs. steaming debate, and I believe that both methods have their flaws. In my experience, irons give clothes a crisp finish in less time, but the tangle-prone cables make them more of a pain to use. Steamers are gentler on delicate fabrics, but take more time to smooth out wrinkles. I actually gave up on both for a while because I was convinced neither one was a fit for my routine. That is, until I tried the Panasonic Cordless Lightweight Steam/Dry Iron.
The Steam/Dry Iron turned out to be the all-in-one solution I’d been missing — and it’s surprisingly well-suited to small-space living. And after using it for the past month and change, I can confidently say it’s made me a regular ironer/steamer again. Here’s why.
Weighing only 26.5 ounces, it’s the lightest steam iron Panasonic has ever made. It’s also cordless, comes with a handy carrying case, and heats up in 50 seconds on the accompanying power base (that plugs into a standard electrical outlet). The power base features a built-in cord compartment to make setup and storage easy. So already it solves some of my biggest gripes with traditional irons. It offers smooth, 360-degree movement without tethering you to a restrictive cord, and the iron’s portability also makes it uniquely suited to use beyond the house. Take it with you to quilting and craft classes, check it in your luggage while traveling — it goes where most irons and steamers can’t.
In terms of ironing and steaming ability, the Panasonic Steam/Dry Iron gives you the best of both. Its nonstick, U-shaped soleplate gives you the smooth glide of an iron, complete with a precision tip to tackle corners, collars, and seams, while its vertical steam and powershot functions offer the wrinkle-releasing powers of a steamer — all without staining or damaging fabrics.
As someone who owns a traditional corded iron and a steamer, I can honestly say that Panasonic’s steam iron replaces both. For starters, it’s way easier to use: I plug in the power base, choose my heat setting, and the iron is ready to go in seconds. I use it on one of these tabletop ironing boards (small apartment problems), and because the iron itself isn’t restricted by a cord, I can glide it freely up and down pieces of clothing without fussing. One thing I noticed, though, is that the iron has a slightly rounded bottom that keeps it from standing upright on its own, so I need to set it on its power base between pieces. It took some getting used to, but it’s worth doing for the iron’s long-lasting heat.
Most important, though, is how effectively the Panasonic steam iron smooths out creases and wrinkles — even on my mostly air-dried clothing. Its U-shaped plate lives up to its nonstick claims, gliding over fabrics without snagging or leaving scuffs or water stains. And while I’m admittedly not as careful as I should be with my clothes, the iron’s three heat settings make it hard to mess up. The iron’s power shot function is a huge help for stubborn creases on more rigid fabrics, and when it comes to pieces too delicate to press, the iron’s vertical steam bursts do the trick.
While my old iron and steamer used to sit in a tangled heap on my closet shelf, the steam iron’s compact carrying case tucks away neatly for a clean, clutter-free look. I don’t have to worry about any residual water spilling out either, because the iron sits securely on its base. So if you’re looking for a wrinkle-smoothing solution that’s effective and space-efficient, I’d say the Panasonic Cordless Lightweight Steam/Dry Iron is worth looking into!
I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to perfect my work-from-home setup. I’ve tweaked the height of my chair and desk, and even tried several different laptop stands that promised everything and delivered little more than vibes. What I didn’t expect was that the thing that would finally bring me comfort and help with my back pain would be a $25 ergonomic footrest — an object I had previously filed under “unnecessary office accessories.” And yet, here I am.
Before the footrest, my posture situation was bleak. I’d start the day sitting like a functional adult, only to slowly devolve into a forward-slouching, feet-tucked-under-legs pretzel. By mid-afternoon, my lower back had that dull, nagging ache that made it hard to focus. I thought that was just the price of sitting at a desk. Turns out, my feet were the problem. But without even trying, I had found a solution.
The BlissTrends Foot Rest has become my favorite desk upgrade. It’s small, affordable, and doesn’t require rearranging your space or buying a whole new chair. This height-adjustable foam footrest takes up basically no visual space, works barefoot or with shoes, and slides under your desk when you’re done. Plus, it comes with a cover that can be easily removed and thrown into the washing machine. It’s the definition of low commitment, high reward.
“Most desk posture issues start with where your feet are,” says Dr. Mikel Daniels, a Baltimore-based podiatrist and founder of WeTreatFeet Podiatry. When your feet hang, don’t quite reach the floor, or you’re constantly pulling them back under your chair, the rest of your body has to make up for it. That compensation travels upward fast with “malposition of the pelvis, lumbar spine, and even your neck.” Your pelvis tucks under, your back loses its natural curve, and suddenly sitting feels way harder than it should. It can lead to “rounded shoulders, tight hip flexors, aching low backs, and swollen feet by 4 p.m.”
An ergonomic footrest helps eliminate “desk posture” by doing something extremely basic but surprisingly effective: It brings the floor up to you. This “lets you set your chair at the right height for your desk and screen while still giving your feet a solid, supportive base,” Daniels explains. “It’s a simple way to hit that ‘neutral alignment’ sweet spot without needing a custom chair and desk setup.” Translation: Your body can finally stop improvising.
The first day I used the footrest, I noticed I wasn’t thinking about my posture at all. My feet felt grounded. My hips stayed put. I wasn’t inching forward in my chair or curling myself into a question mark. This is because, according to Dr. Devin Trachman, the clinic director at Physical Therapy Central, “A footrest gives the body a stable base to allow the pelvis and spine to be more neutral and supported.” From her physical therapy standpoint, “this stability is foundational for reducing unnecessary stress and strain during times of prolonged sitting.”
That neutral alignment was the missing piece for me. With my feet supported, I actually used the back of my chair. My back wasn’t working overtime just to keep me upright. And by the end of the workday? No familiar ache. No stretching on the floor like I’d just finished a marathon.
There are circulation benefits, too. Supporting your feet reduces pressure on the backs of your thighs, which can improve blood flow and reduce swelling in the lower legs and feet — something many people who sit all day experience without realizing it. Trachman adds, “Clinically, I often see improvements in low back pain, hip tightness, and even neck tension when mechanics of sitting are corrected from the ground up.” This explains why, since incorporating a footrest into my workspace, I’ve noticed less stiffness by the end of the day.
The good news is that good posture doesn’t mean sitting perfectly upright all day. Some key cues that Trachman likes giving her patients are as follows:
Daniels likes to remind his patients of the following message: “Perfect posture does not exist. However, sustainable posture does.” His baseline advice is keeping a footrest height so your knees are at about a 90- to 100-degree angle, letting your feet feel “heavy but relaxed” on the surface, and sitting all the way back in your chair to support your lumbar spine.
Even then, movement matters. Trachman recommends changing positions or standing every 30 to 60 minutes. A footrest isn’t meant to lock you into place — it just makes good posture the path of least resistance.
Is a footrest exciting? Not even a little bit. Did it make my workday noticeably more comfortable? Completely. Although it doesn’t feel dramatic, the payoff is. My desk setup finally feels like a true ergonomic workspace, my workdays end without that familiar back ache, and I didn’t have to replace a single piece of furniture or buy any fancy gadgets.
It’s not a magic solution. But for under $30, it’s one of those simple but effective upgrades that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner — especially if you work from home, live in a small space, or sit more than you probably should. Trust me — your back will thank you.
Buy: BlissTrends Foot Rest, $24.99