Issue #018

Happy Saturday, and welcome to issue #17 of the Inside Look.

Today, we’re looking ahead to summer by reviewing Villa’s outdoor sofa and sharing a summer bedding sale from Schoolhouse.

We also showcase a stunning coastal kitchen with eye-catching teal units and share expert advice on creating your ideal home office.

Let's dive in.

— Ash, Editor of the Inside Look.

The Roundup: Latest reads and product launches

Villa Parker Aluminum Sectional Sofa Review

We put Villa's ultra-modular outdoor lounge seating group to the test for a summer party.

Read here.

Parachute’s goal is to better the lives of its customers… And to help the planet along the way

The team at Parachute believes that when we take good care of our home, it takes care of us.

Read here.

What colors go with brown furniture? The expert guide

Expert tips for considering your color palette.

Read here.

Schoolhouse’s summer bedding essentials

All the essentials you need to create a cool and calm summer retreat.

Shop here.

CB2’s Summer Forever sale

Up to 40% off outdoor items.

Shop here.

Insider Insight: Creating your dream home office

Put your comfort first

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for any piece of furniture is comfort. Office furniture is no different. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that prioritize comfort and ergometry.

“Office furniture has evolved to accommodate our bodies and patterns of work that were unthinkable 10 years ago,” says interior designer Jarret Yoshida. “Stand up desks, treadmills, monitor height adjustments are all available now.”

However, before you buy, Yoshida suggests assessing your body and what has caused comfort or discomfort in the past. “Then, and only then, consider your budget and aesthetics… remember that this is not the time to skimp. Spending a few hundred more on something you will use for nearly forty hours a week is an investment in your health.”

Consider how you’ll use the office

Additionally, consider how you’ll use your home office. Do you take a lot of video calls? Will you be working from another location part time? All of these factors contribute to what you’ll need to effectively design your office.

“The first piece of information I need from a client is understanding how the office will be used,” says April Gandy, principal designer of Alluring Designs Chicago. “Knowing how the space will be used helps me determine what we need in the space. Ultimately, I can choose appropriately sized furniture once I know everything I need to fit in the space.”

Renee Thompson, owner and decorator of Studio Rose, agrees, adding that considering whether “it will be a shared space with others in your home, or for other purposes” is key to making the space function properly.

Check out expert tips for choosing home office furniture here.

Home Spotlight: This builder standard kitchen was transformed into a coastal delight

This kitchen is a true coastal masterpiece, featuring a gorgeous light teal color that stands out from the off. Carefully sourced marble and wood add a classic and coastal feeling, while the vaulted ceiling with trim detailing adds a designer touch.

Take a tour of this living space here.

That's all for this week. Enjoy your weekend and please let us know what you think to today’s email — we’d love your thoughts, so we can make each issue great.

You can also fill out our reader survey here. We’d love your thoughts.