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3 Fresh Ways to Rethink Outdoor Entertaining (Menus Included)

30 June 2025 at 20:59

You’ve seen the red-and-white checkered tablecloth before, but now’d your chance to do something different. This summer, swap the standard cookout vibes for something more curated. With styled-to-a-T tabletops and menus that take their cue from around the world, these combinations prove that outdoor entertaining can be both easygoing and elevated.

Scandinavian Simplicity

Lean into easy elegance with a clean, minimalist setup. Think white linens, unfussy wildflowers, and natural wood accents that feel both grounded and elevated. Pair the look with equally refreshing dishes, like lemon-dill gravlax and a Scandinavian summer strawberry tart, that channel the cool, unfussy spirit of a Nordic summer.

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Cabinet Hardware 101: How to Pick the Perfect Knobs and Pulls

20 June 2025 at 14:00

Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, where our team answers your most pressing design questions—one topic at a time. This week, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about cabinet hardware.


When it comes to everyday design choices, cabinet hardware doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But here’s the thing: you interact with it every single day—opening drawers, closing doors, maybe even admiring that little gleam of brass while you wait for your coffee to brew.

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How to Hang Art & Mirrors (Without Wrecking Your Walls)

19 June 2025 at 23:08

Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, where our team answers your most pressing design questions—one topic at a time. This week, we’re breaking down how to hang art and mirrors like a pro.


Hanging a heavy mirror or piece of art can feel like one of those deceptively simple tasks—until you’re standing there with a drill in one hand and a level in the other, trying to make sure everything lines up just right. It’s one of the most common questions we get at the Switchboard: What’s the safest, most reliable way to hang something heavy on the wall?

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How to Make the Coziest Bed (No Matter How You Sleep)

5 June 2025 at 22:57

Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, where our team answers your most pressing design questions—one topic at a time. Whether you’re styling your space from scratch or simply refreshing a corner, we’re here to help. This week, it’s all about bedding. From breathable sheets to layering tips, here’s everything you need to know to build your dreamiest bed yet.


Let’s face it: your bed isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s where you decompress, daydream, and, most importantly, recharge. At Schoolhouse, we get a lot of questions about making the perfect bed—how to layer it, how to style it, and how to choose the right bedding depending on how you sleep.

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Interior Designers Swear by This Small-Space Lighting Trick

2 June 2025 at 23:12

Maximalism isn’t about more clutter—it’s about more character. And in a small space, the best place to start? Right on the wall.

Wall sconces are the secret weapon designers reach for again and again: they save space, layer in light, and (in some cases) double as sculptural art. In the cozy corners and clever placements ahead, we’re taking cues from some of our favorite designer spaces to show how a well-placed sconce can turn even the tiniest nook into a major design moment. Ready to see why they’re a small-space essential? Below, you’ll find out how to use them just like the pros.

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Small Entryway, Big Style: 5 Ways to Make Yours Work Smarter

23 April 2025 at 22:31

Your entryway is the first impression your home makes—so why not make it a good one? Whether you have a narrow hallway, a tiny mudroom, or just a sliver of wall by the front door, your entry deserves just as much love as the rest of your space. After all, it’s where keys are tossed, shoes are kicked off, and first hellos are exchanged.

The good news? You don’t need a lot of square footage to make a big impact. From smart storage solutions to statement-making lighting, we’re sharing our favorite ways to turn even the tiniest entryway into a functional, stylish moment.

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