A historic Connecticut home originally built in the 1830s along the Silvermine River, The Basket House was once a working basketmaker’s workshop. Moore House Design reimagined the residence for Brunch with Babs, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern livability across a comprehensive renovation and restoration.The project scope included a full kitchen and pantry redesign, new dining and living spaces, custom tilework, and handcrafted finishes throughout. Signature details — including woven latticework, hand-painted tiles, and bespoke plaster treatments — celebrate the home’s artisanal roots while creating a warm, inviting foundation for everyday life.
The decor here leans much more traditional than we’re used to seeing from MHD, and I am really loving how they leaned into it with lots of sage green and elements of nature. It includes the prettiest and most funtional European style kitchen, a moody great room, a former greenhouse turned dining room, lattice embellished breakfast nook… Photos: Jared Kuzia; Styling: Jennlilly Mckeon.

If you’ve ever looked at your kitchen and thought, “It’s fine… but it could be so much prettier,” welcome — you’re in the right place. Your kitchen isn’t just a place to store milk — it’s the stage where style meets daily life. And in that stage, your refrigerator deserves to be a star. Not just a box — a focal point.
And since Black Friday is officially upon us (meaning everyone is suddenly interested in “home upgrades” again), I pulled together the best-designed, best-reviewed, truly special refrigerators that are basically functional sculptures.

This isn’t a “go buy this now” list — it’s more of a “here are the fridges that sparked joy, architectural envy, and maybe a tiny identity crisis” list.
Think of it as kitchen-design inspiration… with door handles.

Image: Arceri Interiors

Let’s dive in.

1. Big Chill Classic Fridge

Approx. $6,395 — Industrial Chic Meets Retro Glam

Image: @joineryanddesignco 

This is the kind of fridge that looks like it has stories. The Big Chill blends 1950s curves with a modern, industrial twist, and reviewers consistently mention how “solid,” “substantial,” and “shockingly charming” it is in person.

Image:  @aliciasavinbydesign

It also comes in a rainbow of colors — and if that still isn’t enough, you can order any custom shade for an extra fee. It’s basically the fridge equivalent of commissioning art.

2. ZLINE Autograph Edition

Approx. $3,779.99 — Modern Luxury With Serious Presence

Designers love this ZLINE Black Stainless Steel Refrigeratore for the counter-depth silhouette that allows the fridge to integrate beautifully without being a built-in. The bronze handles are handsome, in a “your hardware matters more than you think” type of way.
Reviews highlight the “surprising durability,” the strong interior layout, and the overall designer vibe — without the custom-built price tag.

3. Café French Door

Approx. $4,099.00 — The Stylish Smart Fridge People Love

This Cafe Refrigator with with Water and Ice Dispenser is what happens when design and technology finally agree to get along. The matte white and brushed bronze detailing makes it instantly warmer and softer than classic stainless steel.
Users rave about the convertible drawer (snacks… wine… produce… your choice of mood) and the LED light wall. Bonus: reviewers frequently mention how “designer” it looks in person.

Is Café Appliances worth it?

If you’re on the fence about whether Café Appliances is really worth the premium, here’s a clear-eyed review.
Café (under the umbrella of GE Appliances) has made a name for itself by merging high-end design with practical features. Reviewers consistently praise the aesthetic — matte finishes instead of shiny stainless, customizable handles, and colors that let the fridge feel like part of the décor rather than just a big metal box. On the performance side, models like the Café French-door have been tested and found to deliver solid storage capacity, adjustable shelving, and consistent temperatures.
However, it’s not perfect. Some users point out that you’re paying for design as much as functionality — which means the price is higher than more basic fridges, and if you’re after ultra-premium built-in seamless panel look, you might still prefer the truly custom lines.
In short: if you value design, finishes, smart features and want your refrigerator to feel like part of a cohesive kitchen aesthetic, Café is absolutely worth considering. If your priority is maximum storage for the lowest cost per cubic foot, or you don’t care much about the design layer, you might find similar performance elsewhere at a lower price.

Café vs ZLINE Refrigerator Review

When comparing Café vs ZLINE refrigerators, you’re looking at two brands with different emphases — both with upside, both with trade-offs.

Performance & features:
ZLINE fridges have been praised for strong functional performance at a more accessible price point. For example, models like the ZLINE RFM-W-36 offer features like independent triple cooling, adjustable shelving, humidity-controlled crispers, and a counter-depth build that blends into cabinetry. But that doesn’t mean flawless: some user reviews highlight problems with ice makers, customer service responsiveness, and durability in specific cases. The Café on the other hand emphasizes premium finishes, design customization (handles, style options), and smart features like convertible drawers or WiFi connectivity (depending on model).

Reviews say the aesthetics are among the best in the category. On the performance front, Café holds up well — reviewers note it “lives up” to expectations in terms of storage, design, and daily use.

Design & aesthetics:
Here’s where the distinction really becomes clear. If your kitchen is design-forward and you want the fridge to look like it belongs in a magazine spread, Café pulls ahead for many reviewers. ZLINE offers strong design for the price, but in many comparisons it’s the “design-aware budget luxury” rather than top-tier boutique aesthetic.

Value & cost trade-offs:
ZLINE tends to have a value advantage — you get impressive features for less money, making it a strong candidate if budget is a factor. But the trade-off may be slightly less premium finishing, fewer style-options, or more variability in reliability/customer service experience. Café is more expensive, and you’re partly paying for design, finishing, brand prestige and customization.

Which to choose?

• If your priority is design-forward kitchen, custom finishes, and you’re willing to pay extra for those aesthetic touches: choose Café.
• If you value strong functionality + good design for the price, and you are okay with somewhat fewer style-bells or ultra-high-end finishes: ZLINE is a smart pick.

In essence: Café = “design + premium finish + brand style”; ZLINE = “great value + solid function + respectable design”. Choosing between them comes down to where your priorities lie (style vs cost) and how much you care about the fridge as a design element.

4. Classic Retro by Unique Appliances

Approx. $2,999.00 — Playful Retro Energy in Ocean Mist Turquoise

If joy were a refrigerator, this would be it. Retro lines, 1950s charm, and colors that feel like a vacation. The Ocean Mist Turquoise is the crowd favorite and makes the whole kitchen feel like a mood.
Reviewers love that it brings personality without sacrificing interior space — a surprisingly practical “statement fridge.”

5. Officine Gullo Custom Refrigeration

Price Varies — Couture-Level Kitchen Design

Imagine if a luxury handbag and a professional appliance had a baby. That’s Officine Gullo. These refrigerators are handcrafted in Italy and fully customizable — from finishes to proportions to hardware.
Designers choose them when the kitchen is meant to feel architectural, not just functional.

6. Small SMEG x Dolce & Gabbana FAB28 (50’s Style Aesthetic)

$6,000.95 — A Refrigerator That’s Basically Art

There are refrigerators…
And then there are refrigerators hand-painted in Sicilian artwork by artisans.

The SMEG x Dolce & Gabbana collaboration has been featured in galleries, exhibitions, and design shows worldwide. Reviewers call it “a centerpiece,” “a conversation starter,” and “the most joyful thing in my kitchen.”

It’s not subtle — but that’s the magic.

How to Choose the Right Design-Forward Fridge for Your Kitchen

Image: Arceri Interiors

A few design considerations your readers will appreciate:

1. Match the vibe of your space

Retro? Modern? Artistic? Minimalist?
Each category has a totally different feel — think of the fridge as part of the cabinetry story.

2. Consider color as a design layer

Even one bold appliance can shift the entire aesthetic of a kitchen.

3. Check size, delivery, and clearance

Especially for counter-depth or oversized models. Gorgeous doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit.

4. Think about maintenance & longevity

Some designer fridges (especially artistic or matte finishes) require a gentler cleaning routine.

5. Let the fridge be the star

Pair it with subtle cabinetry, softer lighting, and minimal clutter so it becomes a “moment.”

Because Your Kitchen Deserves a Little Magic

Kitchens are deeply personal spaces — they hold our routines, our chaos, our coffee moments, our midnight snacking, and the stories of everyday life. So choosing a refrigerator isn’t just a functional decision. It’s a design choice. A mood. A little declaration of who you are at home.

Whether you’re drawn to the joyful retro curves, the quiet modern luxury pieces, or the full-blown Italian art installations, there’s something magical about finding the fridge that just feels right for your space.

Even if you’re not upgrading right now, exploring these beautifully designed models can help you imagine what’s possible. And honestly? Sometimes that’s the most inspiring part.

The post The 6 Most Beautiful Refrigerators I Can’t Stop Thinking About (And Why They Might Change Your Kitchen Forever) appeared first on Decoholic.

My holiday gift guide 2025 is here! Shop personalized gifts, gifts under $50, gifts for the home, and gifts for guys, kids, girlfriends, and parents/in-laws.

The post Holiday Gift Guide 2025: 89 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List appeared first on Wit & Delight | Designing a Life Well-Lived.

The Geometry Apartment, a project by Dmitrii Koloskov and Daria Koloskova, is where calm comes from clean lines and soft light. This 60 sq m home shows how simple geometry and a neutral palette can completely transform a space. Light moves gently across the surfaces, built-ins blend quietly into the architecture, and every detail feels intentional. The result is a modern interior that’s clear and soothing.

The living area sets a calm and grounded mood. A low, modular grey sofa shapes the room with soft geometry, while the black nesting tables add structure. Light filters through the blinds, highlighting the curved rug and floating TV console. Everything feels simple, balanced, and refined.

The kitchen and dining area carry the apartment’s calm geometry into a brighter, more open zone. The built-in kitchen is almost invisible: flush cabinets, a clean countertop, and soft matte surfaces that let the architecture stay in focus. Everything feels streamlined..

The dining table sits just a step away, surrounded by sculptural chairs in a powdery tone. It’s a simple setup, but the proportions make it elegant: a long, quiet table, balanced by a low sideboard and a single branch arrangement that adds warmth.

The bedroom feels like the quietest moment in the Geometry Apartment. Soft tones, clean lines, and a single band of warm texture create a space that’s soothing without trying too hard. The built-in wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinets adds a sense of order, almost disappearing into the architecture. A hidden door leads directly to the bathroom.

The bed itself is minimal and grounded: floating slightly off the wall, paired with slim, wall-mounted nightstands that keep the room feeling open. Muted bedding and a knitted throw add just enough softness to balance the structured layout.

The bathroom takes the apartment’s calm geometry in a richer direction. Deep brown wall panels warm the space instantly. The forms stay simple with smooth surfaces. A crisp white basin and integrated storage add just the right amount of contrast.

Our clients purchased a beautiful family home on a dream lot in High Park and came to us to furnish it from top to bottom and renovate key areas. The completed space is a true celebration of furniture and decor as functional art and represents collaborations with artists around the world. The artist’s hand is seen in the subtle imperfections – from the rough edges of the powder room stained glass mirror, to the uneven surface of the ceramic shades on the entry sconces, to the bunching of fabric on each roll of the chaise lounge. These imperfections bring life to the pieces and are what makes the space feel so storied – because there are genuine stories. The result feels timeless, yet fresh. Highly curated, yet effortless.
Art this really is. Those rust coloured velvet sofas are giving me heart palpitations (I’m currently on the hunt for a new sofa…on that note if anyone local wants to buy my Freeform sofa hit me up!). Designed by Clare Forndran and Danielle De Francesco of Forward Interiors. Photos: Lauren Miller.

The place is run by Martin and Andrew, who discovered the quarry by accident on a summer road trip and instantly fell in love. They eventually transformed the old manager’s house and the surrounding buildings into a peaceful little escape tucked into the Skåne countryside. Now they live in the main house and rent out the guest spaces — and it looks like the perfect spot to disappear for a few days, breathe, and soak up some nature.

If you’re craving a quiet escape with a bit of character (and a lot of charm), this quarry retreat might just be the weekend break you didn’t know you needed. Ready to take a look?

Very industrial and different! And such a fun place to escape to! 

There are quite a lot of unique touches in this home – I love how different it is. 

Could you imagine heading off here for the weekend? 

In case you’re visiting this neck of the woods sometime soon, you might also like to dream about these stays: 

A Swedish lakeside cabin retreat
A charming holiday home in Österlen

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Quarry Compound, with thanks.

If you’ve been secretly (or not-so-secretly) waiting for permission to start humming Christmas music in October, consider this your sign. H&M Home just dropped their Christmas Collection 2025, and let me tell you—it’s like they peered straight into our collective holiday fantasies and said, “Yes… more texture, more warmth, more Scandinavian-meets-storybook magic.”

This year’s collection is basically a masterclass in how to make your home feel like the coziest cabin in the Alps without having to chop firewood or commit to red-and-green everything. Yes, we love a traditional holiday palette, but H&M Home said: “What if Christmas, but make it elevated?” and I am here for it.

A Palette That Whispers, Not Shouts

Instead of the loud, tinsel-covered chaos we all grew up with (nostalgic but… intense), the 2025 line leans into warm neutrals, soft golds, mossy greens, and winter whites.
Think:

• Linen stockings in creamy hues
• Brass candleholders that feel heirloom-y (but won’t require an actual inheritance)
• Plush throws in caramel and forest shades

It’s giving “classic holiday” but with a minimalist, earthy, whisper-soft sophistication.

Texture, Texture, Texture

This is where H&M Home shines. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a simple room feel expensive, the answer is always: texture. This collection delivers with:

• Bouclé cushions that practically beg you to curl up with hot cocoa
• Ribbed glass ornaments that catch twinkle lights in the dreamiest way
• Knitted table runners that feel handmade—even if you definitely didn’t hand-make them

Layering textures is the cheat code to holiday coziness, and H&M Home clearly got the memo.

Rustic Meets Scandinavian (aka the combo we all wanted)

One of my favorite moments in the collection? The mix of rustic woods with sleek Nordic silhouettes. Picture:
A chunky wooden tray topped with elegant matte-gold candleholders, plus a bowl of walnuts you put out for “aesthetic purposes” because no one actually cracks walnuts anymore.

This style pairing is timeless, unfussy, and feels like you’re hosting a chic winter gathering—even if it’s just you, your dog, and a plate of ginger cookies.

Holiday Decor That Doubles as Gifts

Let’s be honest: sometimes we buy gifts with the secret fantasy of receiving them ourselves. No judgment.
H&M Home’s 2025 lineup nails the gift-worthy category with:

• Gift-boxed 2-pack Espresso Cups
• Sculptural candle sets
• Neutral ceramic vases (add a sprig of eucalyptus and suddenly you’re a florist)
• Cuddly sherpa blankets

These pieces feel elevated but remain budget-friendly, which means you can give your best friend one and keep one for yourself. Balance.

More from H&M Home through the years:

• The Best 2023 New H&M Home Products to Elevate Your Living Space
• H&M Home Christmas Decorations for 2020
• H&M Home Fall 2020 Collection
• New H&M Home Fall Winter 2016-2017 Collection
• H&M HOME 2021 Is About The Importance Of Feeling Good At Home

Final Thoughts: Christmas, But Make It Chic

The H&M Home Christmas Collection 2025 is all about warmth, texture, and stress-free style. It’s perfect for anyone who wants their holiday decor to say:
“I tried… but like, effortlessly.”

Whether you’re decorating a tiny apartment, a full suburban home, or just a corner you pretend is your reading nook, these pieces will make your space feel festive, modern, and soothingly cozy.

The post H&M Home Christmas 2025: Cozy, Chic, and Completely Gift-Worthy appeared first on Decoholic.