Hey, Harper! What's Going ON?

Something remarkable is happening in our homes and kitchens, and I like it! After years of chasing minimalist perfection and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, we're finally embracing something more honest: Authentic living that nourishes both our bodies and souls. This started for me with a reduction in my workload, a chance to slow down even more than moving to a rural island did.

Gone are the days when "international cuisine" meant choosing between Italian or Chinese takeout.

However, what's truly exciting is that the shift toward plant-based living has matured. Instead of trying to replicate meat, innovative chefs are celebrating vegetables for what they are. Food bloggers like Minimalist Baker and Rainbow Plant Life are leading this movement, showing us that nutrient-dense foods can take center stage without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Photo: Rainbow Plant Life

Meanwhile, our living spaces are undergoing a revolution. The stark white walls and cold minimalism that dominated the past decade are giving way to something warmer, something that invites you to stay.

Rich colors are making a comeback in a big way. Deep navy blues, warm olive greens, and sophisticated burgundy tones are replacing the endless sea of beige and gray. These aren't just color choices – they're creating environments that support our mental health and well-being. (Though I still love my cozy dark grey walls...)

The return of darker woods like walnut signals something deeper than just aesthetic preference. Home design influencers like Studio McGee and Amber Lewis are championing these materials because they bring stories into our homes. They age gracefully, develop character, and remind us that beauty doesn't always mean brand new.

Photo: Studio McGee

Perhaps most importantly, both food and home trends are finding that sustainability sweet spot we've been searching for. This isn't about deprivation or sacrifice anymore. It's about making choices that feel good in every sense of the word, just like slowing down in recent years has been an awakening for many.

In our kitchens, this means embracing whole foods, supporting local producers, and reducing waste without compromising on flavor or enjoyment. Food sustainability advocates like Zero Waste Chef and Jess Damuck are showing us practical ways to make this work in real life. In our homes, designers like Emily Henderson are promoting materials that last, furniture that adapts to our changing needs, and design elements that won't feel dated in five years.

Modular furniture is leading this charge. Pieces that can be reconfigured, repurposed, or passed down aren't just environmentally smart – they're practically brilliant for our increasingly flexible lifestyles. Remember Mrs. Pezzi and her ways of buying the best she could afford and taking care of what you chose to keep for a lifetime?

Photo: Jess Damuck

What ties all these trends together is a focus on genuine well-being. We're not just decorating spaces or preparing meals – we're creating environments that support our physical and mental health. I spent too many years worrying about the perceived "perfection" of a Martha Stewart home and table. Now I thrill at serving the easiest of dinners: An icy martini, a great steak and baked potato and a pint of ice cream. Basta. The rise of at-home spa concepts, (LOVE my Goodland hot tub!) in interior design isn't about luxury for luxury's sake. Interior design bloggers like Erin Gates and Young House Love are showing us that it's about recognizing our homes should be sanctuaries. Similarly, wellness-focused food creators like Glow Pops emphasize that nutrient-dense, globally-inspired foods aren't just about following trends – they're about feeding ourselves in ways that nourish.

Photo: Goodland

The beauty of these trends is their accessibility. You don't need a complete home renovation or a complete dietary overhaul to participate. Start with one accent wall in a rich, warm color. Try cooking with one new spice blend each month. Choose furniture pieces that can grow with your life.

The key is authenticity over perfection. Your home should reflect who you are, not what you think it should look like. Your meals should bring you joy, not stress about following the latest fad. Relax, Summer is coming, and a swim and the joy of connecting is so joyous when we are all out and about together. - H