New Year, New Walls: Why 2026 is the Year to Ditch Big Box Art There’s a specific kind of hollow feeling that comes from decorating with mass-market art. It fills the space, sure, but it doesn't tell a story. When you pick up a pre-framed canvas at a big-box store, you’re settling for a placeholder. It's a copy of a copy designed to be inoffensive rather than inspiring. But here is the problem. As we enter a new year, it's time to admit that when you buy mass-produced art from a big-box store, you aren't just buying art. You are buying a piece that is more than likely hanging in ten other units in your apartment building. If you want your home to feel unique and truly yours in 2026, it’s time to stop settling for mass-market aisle art. If you are looking to level up your interior design without emptying your wallet, make this the year you stop browsing the aisles and start exploring the Public Domain. Here is why making the switch is the best design resolution you’ll make this year. 1.Escape the Aisle of Sameness While big-box retailers tend to cycle through the same few overplayed classics, the public domain is overflowing with work that actually feels sophisticated. Instead of a generic print, imagine hanging: Félix Vallotton: His woodcuts are moody, bold, and surprisingly graphic. They have this sharp, modern look that makes you forget they were created over a century ago. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: Everyone knows the name, but his actual Post-Impressionist prints bring a gritty, vintage Parisian energy into a room that a "live-laugh-love" sign never could. Théo van Rysselberghe: If you want color, his landscapes are the way to go. He used these tiny, vibrant dots of paint that make the whole scene feel like it’s glowing. These works have a soul and a story. It's the kind of character that a factory-printed illustration of a dog in a suit simply cannot compete with. 2. Art Tailored to Your Space Big-box art is a what you see is what you get situation. You get one size and one frame, so you either take it or leave it. But when you use the public domain, you are basically the creative director. You get to make the art fit your space instead of trying to force your room to work around a store bought frame. You aren’t stuck with "standard" sizes. If you have a massive, awkward wall that needs a 24x36 statement piece, you can just scale a Vallotton woodcut to fit perfectly without it looking like a blurry mess. You get to choose the texture. Instead of that weirdly shiny faux-canvas, you can print on a heavy, matte cardstock for a gallery look, or even try metal if you want something that feels more industrial and sharp. The colors are actually adjustable. This is the real game-changer. Since you own the digital file, you can tweak the contrast or saturation yourself. You can actually make the print play nice with your furniture and your rug instead of just hoping for the best. 3. High - End Aesthetic on a DIY budget You do not need a designer’s budget to get a designer’s results. The industry secret to a curated home is sourcing archival files from the public domain, and pairing them with the character of a thrifted frame. The magic happens when you hunt for the perfect vintage wood frame at an estate sale or a local thrift shop. Unlike the hollow, plastic-wrapped frames at the store, an older solid wood frame has a weight and a patina that cannot be faked. By skipping the retail markup, you can spend that $50 on a high-quality archival pigment print and a real wood frame that will actually last another 50 years. This approach ensures that your art looks like a curated heirloom rather than a last-minute purchase. Where to Find Your 2026 Inspiration If you want to spend an afternoon getting lost in some beautiful art, these are the best places to start. They are totally free to use and offer the highest quality downloads available: The Art Institute of Chicago - Great collections of Toulouse-Lautrec and French Impressionists. National Gallery of Art - High-resolution downloads of European masterpieces. The Met Museum - Classic oil paintings, woodcuts, and historical artifacts. Rijksmuseum - Incredible Dutch masters and high-detail graphic art. WikiArt - A massive, searchable encyclopedia of almost every artist imaginable. Some of my favorite pieces: The Bath, Summer Evening - Felix Vallotton At the Music Hall Loie Fuller - Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Port Entrance at Volendam - Theo van Rysselberghe

Studio Dillard est. 2025 Newest Post Sustainable · Stylish · Personal About Studio Dillard is a design and interior studio based in Portland, Maine. Drawing on a love for vintage finds and modern aesthetics, the studio blends mid-century modern restraint with layered, maximalist character. The goal is to create intentional, character-rich spaces that feel lived-in, timeless, and uniquely personal. Projects Living Room Bedroom Office

Studio Dillard Let's Talk Lighting Light fixtures are one of my favorite ways to change up a space. They not only set the mood but also highlight architectural details like textures, ceilings, and alcoves, bringing out the character of a room. With the right sconce, lamp or chandelier, you can completely transform how a space feels, making it warmer, brighter, more refined, or more dramatic. The fixture itself becomes a design statement, while also shaping the way you experience the room. I don't really follow any "rules" per se when picking out a light fixture, but I do keep the following in mind when shopping 1. Matching the Mood & Style - This one is pretty self explanatory, When you're choosing a fixture, you're really deciding how you want the space to feel. The design, finish and even the way to light is cast all play into the mood of the room. For example, if you’re going for a Scandinavian aesthetic, anything too harsh in color or overly ornate will feel out of place; instead, soft neutrals, clean lines, and natural textures will complement the look. On the other hand, if your style leans more industrial or eclectic, bold metals, exposed bulbs, or sculptural pieces can bring the personality you’re after. The key is making sure your lighting not only functions well but also reinforces the overall vibe you want the space to reflect. 2. Shape & Proportion - The shape of the fixture and how it’s placed can trick the eye into seeing a space as taller, wider, cozier, or more open. In regards to Ceiling Height, Tall floor lamps, torchieres, and upward-facing sconces direct light vertically, pulling the eye upward and making ceilings feel loftier than they are. This is especially effective in hallways or narrower rooms, where vertical emphasis creates a sense of openness. Vertical or elongated sconces visually stretch the wall, reinforcing height even when unlit. In contrast, wide chandeliers, drum pendants, or downward-facing sconces push light lower, which can make the ceiling feel closer and the room more intimate. Elevate Your Space with the Perfect Fixture Mid-Century Modern Mid-century modern is one of the most recognizable design movements, and its key designs stand out for their timeless blend of function, simplicity, and style. High End - Hour Rho Wall Light by Snelling Studio PH 5 Pendant by Louis Poulsen Sculpted Trident Floor Lamp by Modeline Medium End - Altona Bare-Bulb Double Sconce Nelson Saucer Bubble Pendant Caldas Floor Lamp Low End - Jonika Armed Sconce Kipp Glass Pendant Lamp Salcido Electroplated Traditional Solid Wood Contemporary Contemporary design is ever-evolving, defined by what feels current and fresh. It favors open spaces, neutral tones, and sleek materials, creating beauty through balance and simplicity. High End - Lacuna sconce by hennepinmade Fazekas Pendant Maluku Floor Lamp Medium End - Huron Wall Sconce by Velor Bruna Walnut Wood Pendant Crescini Pleated Floor Lamp Low End - PopLight Sconce Sculptural Globe Pendant Arc Offset Floor Lamp

Finding Your Home’s Style Over the years, I’ve moved more times than I can count, from a charming Victorian home in Massachusetts to a mid-century apartment in Virginia, and everything in between. Each place had its own unique architectural personality, and I’ve learned that embracing that character is the key to creating a home that feels authentic and comfortable. When I lived in the Victorian house, my light academia aesthetic fit perfectly. The warm tones, vintage accents, and timeless charm perfectly complemented the home’s ornate details. But when I moved into my sleek, mid-century apartment in Virginia, that same aesthetic suddenly felt out of place. The clean lines, natural wood, and abundance of light called for a completely different approach The Best Advice: Live in the Space First If you’ve just moved and feel uncertain about your design direction, don’t rush into decorating. Take time to actually live in the space. Observe how the light changes throughout the day, where you naturally spend the most amount of time, and what storage or functionality quirks emerge. Maybe your living room fills with beautiful morning light that’s too good to waste on a TV setup, or perhaps your dining nook doubles better as an office. These discoveries will help you create a space that feels intentional, functional, and uniquely yours.
 As you settle in, ask yourself questions like: Which areas feel the most inviting, & why? Are there corners that never get used & could they be repurposed? How do you actually move through the space day to day Let Style Evolve Naturally Once you understand the rhythm of your home, your style will start to reveal itself. You might discover that your new space calls for something minimalist and modern, or maybe you’ll blend old and new elements to create something entirely your own. 

Your home should reflect not just your taste, but the story of the space itself. Start Planning with a Moodboard Once you’ve spent some time getting to know your space, the next step is to start planning. Whether you’re working with furniture and decor you already own or starting completely fresh, creating a moodboard (or design board) is one of the best ways to bring your ideas together. A moodboard helps you visualize how your pieces, colors, textures, and styles will work together before you start rearranging or buying anything. Think of it as a visual guide that helps your design stay cohesive and purposeful. You may find that certain pieces clash, while others, like a specific sconce, can bring unexpected harmony to the room. You can keep it simple with a digital collage on Canva, or even use a physical board with fabric swatches, paint samples, and printed photos. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s clarity. When you can visualize how everything works as a whole, your space will start to feel more curated and uniquely yours. Moodboards Mid-Century Modern CottageCore

Living & Decorating With A Cat The day my roommate and I spent hours color-matching a hideous brown & grey couch in our furnished college apartment to cover my cat’s scratch marks, knowing we’d owe a small fortune if we failed, I made myself a promise: never again. I decided that from then on, I’d choose furniture that could survive life with a cat. What I didn’t realize at the time was how tricky that would be! Especially when most cat furniture back then didn’t fit the cozy, calm aesthetic I wanted for my home. Since then, I’ve spent years searching for beautiful, functional pieces that both I and my cat could love. Adding more scratchers definitely helped, but it wasn’t the whole solution. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about creating a home that feels inviting, stylish, and still totally cat-friendly. So whether you’re welcoming your first kitten or already living with a seasoned biscuit-maker, here are my top five tips for decorating a space you and your furry roommate can enjoy together. Meet Furlough - The CEO and inspiration behind this post! Tip One - Bypass The Fabrics Cats Love To Destroy Cats love to knead, stretch, and occasionally “test” the durability of your decor. Loose-knit fabrics snag easily, which means bouclé, chenille, and linen weaves are beautiful but not the best choice for a home with a biscuit-loving cat. These textures catch claws instantly and can look worn after just a few good stretches. Instead, opt for tightly woven materials, durable upholstery, or performance fabrics that resist pulls. Think canvas, microfiber, or any tightly woven textile. Not only will your furniture last longer, but it will also be easier to clean and maintain which is always a bonus in a cat-friendly home! Tip Two - Get Plenty of Cat Scratchers One of the easiest ways to protect your furniture is to provide several appealing scratchers throughout your home. Cats need to scratch. Not only does it helps them stretch, mark territory, but it keeps their claws healthy. Place scratchers near the items you want to protect, like the couch arms or your favorite chair. When the scratcher is the most convenient and satisfying option, your cat will naturally gravitate toward it instead of your furniture. And remember, not all scratchers are ugly! There are plenty of stylish options out there. Here are some of my favorites that blend seamlessly with my furniture. The Ultimate SiSal Art Scratcher Cat-e-Corner Canvas by Mau A-Frame Covered Cat Bed, Mahogany SODA 3in1 Cat Scratching Tip Three - Go Vertical If you’re a plant lover, you don’t have to give up your greenery just because you live with a curious cat. Start by choosing pet-safe plants. Options like spider plants, Boston ferns, calatheas, and parlor palms add gorgeous texture without posing a risk if your cat sneaks a nibble. For plants that aren’t cat-safe (or ones your cat simply can’t resist knocking over), going vertical is your best strategy. Hanging planters, wall-mounted brackets, and high shelves keep your plants safely out of your cat’s pathways while still letting you enjoy that lush, leafy aesthetic. Tip Four - Anchor Everything Cats are natural climbers and curious explorers, which means shelves, art pieces, and decorative objects become tempting targets. Anything that can wobble, tip, or fall is fair game in your cat’s eyes, especially if it makes an exciting noise on the way down. Secure bookshelves to the wall, use museum gel or adhesive putty for breakables, and choose heavier decor that can withstand a curious paw. Don’t forget to stabilize smaller items like picture frames, vases, and tabletop sculptures, too. Even cable organizers and lamp cords deserve attention, since dangling wires invite swatting, chewing, and the occasional dramatic zoomie collision. Anchoring your decor gives you peace of mind and helps keep your cat safe from falling objects, so your home stays stylish without turning into a feline obstacle course. Tip Five - Use Aluminum Foil As A Training Tool If your cat is a countertop explorer, aluminum foil can be a surprisingly effective deterrent. Most cats dislike the crinkly sound, the shiny surface, and the unpredictable texture, so covering the area temporarily teaches them that the space isn’t worth investigating. After a short period, once your cat understands the boundaries, you can remove the foil entirely. It’s a gentle, non-harmful way to reinforce household rules without stress for you or your pet. You can also use this trick on chairs, sofa corners, or any spot your cat loves to claw. If you have a piece of furniture that’s become a frequent target, especially items upholstered in fabrics cats can easily sink their claws into, wrap the vulnerable areas with foil when you’re not using them. The moment your cat touches it, the texture is enough to discourage further attempts. Pair this with placing a scratcher nearby, and you’ll gently guide your cat toward better choices without resorting to harsh methods. Aluminum foil may not be the most aesthetic tool, but it’s temporary, effective, and incredibly helpful during the training phase.

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