June 2025 Home Design Archive: Your Quick Guide to the Month's Best Tips

June was a busy month at Home Stories. We covered everything from the latest living‑room look to the nitty‑gritty of nightstand height. Below is a fast‑forward of the most useful articles, so you can grab the ideas you need without scrolling through each post.

Living Spaces That Feel Modern Yet Timeless

We kicked off the month with a deep dive into the modern living room style that’s dominating 2025. Think low‑profile sofas, neutral color schemes punctuated with bold accent walls, and multi‑functional furniture that hides storage. If you wonder which color palettes work best, we suggested muted greens paired with warm wood tones – a combo that feels fresh without shouting.

Not all homes start from scratch, so we also shared how to give a traditional house a modern makeover. Simple swaps like updating lighting fixtures, adding sleek hardware, and swapping out heavy drapes for lighter window treatments can instantly shift the vibe. The goal is to keep the house’s character while letting contemporary pieces breathe.

Room‑by‑Room Fixes & Fixtures

Bedroom basics got a spotlight when we asked, "Should your nightstand be higher or lower than the bed?" The answer? Align the top of the nightstand with the mattress surface for easy reach, but stay flexible based on personal comfort. A quick tip: measure your mattress height and pick a nightstand that’s within 2‑3 inches for the best ergonomics.

In the kitchen, we broke down layout fundamentals. The classic work triangle still rules, but we added a modern twist: position the fridge at a slight angle to improve sightlines and free up countertop space. For small kitchens, a galley layout with an island that doubles as a prep station can make cooking feel less cramped.

Flooring debates are always hot. Our LVP vs. laminate showdown laid out the pros and cons: LVP scores higher on water resistance and realistic wood look, while laminate wins on price and ease of installation. If you have pets or kids, LVP’s durability usually pays off in the long run.

Window treatments sparked curiosity, too. We explained why many American homes skip curtains – privacy concerns, minimalist aesthetics, and the rise of sleek blinds. If you love natural light but need privacy, consider layered shades: a sheer panel for daylight plus a blackout blind for evenings.

For those who love theater vibes, we revealed which stage curtain sits closest to the audience – the front curtain, also called the proscenium curtain. Knowing the names helps when you shop for dramatic home drapes that mimic the grand feel of a stage.

Art on walls doesn’t have to be expensive. Our filler‑art guide showed how to choose affordable prints that complement statement pieces. The key is to keep the filler art simple, use consistent frames, and arrange them in a balanced gallery layout.

Dining rooms got a makeover too. We clarified the proper term for the main piece – the dining table – and offered tricks to make the space feel larger: use a rectangular table with slim legs, add a reflective wall mirror, and stick to light‑colored chairs.

Lastly, we tackled practical cleaning with a guide on washing couch cushions without removable covers. A gentle steam cleaner, light vacuuming, and spot‑treating stains with a mild detergent keep sofas looking fresh without a full re‑upholster.

All these posts share one thing: they’re built for real‑life homes, not just showrooms. Bookmark the articles that hit your current projects, experiment with the tips, and let your space tell its own story.