KÜHL analyzed five data points across U.S. national parks—stargazing event frequency, light pollution levels, Dark-Sky Park certification, maximum elevation, and campground availability—and revealed that these are the best spots to partake in astrotourism:

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Great Basin National Park 

According to their data, Great Basin National Park ranks as the best national park for stargazing. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Nevada, it offers one of the darkest skies in the country—earning a pristine Bortle 1 rating and a IDA Dark-Sky Park certification. (The Bortle scale is a way to measure the quality of the night sky in a location using nine different levels of light pollution.) With dozens of stargazing events a year and high-elevation views from Wheeler Peak, it’s a rare place where the night sky still feels ancient—and where you might just feel like you’ve left Earth behind.

Thomas J. Story

Death Valley National Park

We were lucky enough to do some dark sky photography out in Death Valley National Park earlier this year, and can confirm the stargazing is next level. The park comes in second according to the study, with Bortle 1 skies and a Certified Dark-Sky Park status. The great thing about the park is that there’s everything from luxe hotels to campsites to base your stay, making it easy to find solitude no matte rif you’re in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or Badwater Basin, the latter of which is the lowest point of elevation in the United States.

Colton Stiffler/Getty Images

Zion National Park

Zion National Park ranked third overall, but where it really shines is their night sky programming, hosting 59 stargazing events between July and December, making it a leader in the social aspect. Though its skies are Bortle 2—not the darkest—they’re still impressively clear. With a Dark-Sky Park certification, three campgrounds, and peaks reaching 8,726 feet, Zion offers easy access to stellar views just beyond the canyon walls.

NPS/Jennette Jurado

Big Bend and Capitol Reef

Big Bend in Texas and Capitol Reef National Park in Utah are both certified Dark-Sky Parks and rank fourth and fifth respectively. Each provides remote, undeveloped terrain and Bortle 1 skies ideal for self-guided night sky exploration. And Capitol Reef is certainly less touristed than other National Parks in Utah like Zion and Bryce, making for an even more magical experience.

Photographed by Clinton Hart Merriam, a founder of the National Geographic Society

These layoffs combined with a $900 million budget reduction proposed for 2026, the largest in the parks’ history, threaten not only the park units but the vital ecological programs and scientific research that take place within their bounds. This comes at a time when attendance has never been higher. In 2024 alone, 331.9 million visitors came for recreation. Now, fewer hands are managing more people, and that comes with critical consequences, exacerbating an already fragile ecosystem.

So what can we do? First: go. But do so mindfully. Support parks through your fees, buy from local businesses, and practice the principles of “Leave No Trace.” Then, consider giving to organizations and nonprofits working to fill the gaps, advocating for funding, maintaining trails, and educating visitors. Even small donations can help preserve these wild places for generations to come. According to Emily Douce, the deputy vice president for government affairs at the National Parks Conservation Association, “The most essential way to support a good park experience, now and into the future, is to use your voice. We need our elected officials and decision-makers to hear how important our national parks and the people who care for them are to our country. Speak up and engage your community. Let’s be loud, clear, and constant in our love for parks and rangers.”

Troy Harrison/Getty Images

Sierra Club 

One of the oldest grassroots environmental groups fighting to preserve public lands and ensure equitable access to nature.

National Parks Conservation Association 

This century-old watchdog group is advocating for strong park protections and federal funding.

Western National Parks Association 

This organization provides education, funding, and interpretive support to more than 70 parks across the Western U.S.

The Nature Conservancy 

This global conservation organization is working to protect critical landscapes and biodiversity—including many areas adjacent to National Parks.

Now dog-first airlines like Bark Air, RetrievAir, K9 Jets are ushering in a new era of pet travel. And others like JSX are making four-legged friends a priority for their service, too. So on a recent trip from Oakland to Carlsbad on JSX, I decided it was time to have Bento join me for his first flight.

Thomas J. Story

On JSX’s public air charters, non-Service Animals over 30 pounds are required to purchase a seat, but other than that, they are cleared to fly regardless of their service animal status. Bento is an Emotional Support Animal, he is not a Service Animal, which requires special training and certifications. ESAs are often treated as pets and are subject to fees, and some airlines do not allow them at all. For the JSX flight, I was required to fill out paperwork at the time of booking including the contact info for our vet, and to bring a printout to the terminal. But that was the only complicated part of the process. (Who has printers anymore, am I right?)

I admittedly was more nervous than Bento seemed to be. I bought him a special little fuzzy blanket to lay on during the flight, and my veterinarian suggested carrying a prescription of very low-dose Gabapentin just in case things got uncomfortable for him. But the moment we arrived at the JSX terminal, things were a breeze. 

Firstly, JSX offers valet service, making the unloading of luggage and pets a breeze. There was a doggie bowl full of water positioned at the entrance of the private terminal—which is located outside of the main airport—and the concierge even offered to take a photo of Bento and I waltzing into the terminal once I explained it was his first flight. As we waited in the quiet, sleek terminal, I noticed that JSX had a jar of Milkbones on the counter near the complimentary plane snacks and coffee. Bento, normally a very picky little Shiba, happily chowed down on his freebies. (So did his mother. How could I pass up a free fig bar?) 

Thomas J. Story

When it was time to board, I was reminded of why I would happily fork over the extra cash to fly with JSX, even if I didn’t have a pet. Their private terminal’s TSA security screening is far more humane than flying commercial, passing through a metal detector and having luggage politely looked at by their staff. 

Boarding the plane was my favorite part of the journey. Seeing Bento’s signature Shiba trot make everyone on the plane smile was worth it alone. The energy of the aircraft immediately shifted in the most positive way. Now I can see why some airports like SFO have the “Wag Brigade”; the calming nature of dogs in the stressful environment of flying is a true welcome one. The flight attendant even announced over the intercom that it was Bento’s first flight at 15, and which garnered some applause.

Thomas J. Story

Although Bento was not allowed to sit in an actual seat on the plane per the airline’s rules, he really did enjoy his little fuzzy blanket. He did get antsy and try to get up and wander around the cabin a few times, but other than that it was smooth sailing on our entire trip from Oakland to Carlsbad.

Needless to say his mother was quite pleased with the trip as well. The flight time was just over an hour (that drive would have taken us quite literally all day), giving us time to take a stroll down Oceanside Pier and enjoy a dinner together at the Mission Pacific Hotel—all before sunset. It’s a service I’ll definitely be tapping into again in the future.

Courtesy of Clementine

“I went down a rabbit hole of vintage Mediterranean everything—old photographs, vintage wine and food labels, and menu designs from past decades are a favorite of mine,” says King, who drew inspiration from the restaurant’s citrusy name for the color palette of oranges and leafy greens, with nods to ever-popular patio pounder, Aperol spritzes.

Courtesy of Clementine

The restaurant features hand-painted lampshades, quirky artwork, and unexpected details throughout. Custom details include hand-illustrated menus, embroidered napkins, and cheeky touches that reflect the restaurant’s playful personality. There isn’t a dull place in the room, and it’s a true feast for the senses when paired with Executive Chef Rebecca Weitzman’s farm-to-table menu that presents Northern California’s seasonal ingredients with unfussy elegance. Weitzman has a flare for this sort of earthy, unfussy cooking; she earned a Michelin Green Star at Flora Farms, and there couldn’t be a better place to bring it than California’s wine country.

Courtesy of Clementine

Making good use of the Mediterranean weather of the region, an outdoor wood-fired grill will be used for dishes like a half-chicken from Mary’s Chickens in Petaluma served with a pine nut romesco or a slow-cooked, wood-grilled octopus paired with artichokes served three ways. Clementine also has a stone deck oven for seasonally-driven flatbreads, plus a menu full of fresh seafood and seasonally driven produce and salads.

Courtesy of Clementine

It can all be enjoyed on the classic indoor-outdoor space shaded by olive and citrus trees. Located at Estate Yountville in the heart of wine country. Nestled on 22 acres, the luxury resort features 191 rooms across two hotels, Vintage House and Hotel Villagio, as well as The Villa, a private five-bedroom retreat with a private pool and full kitchen. Guests can enjoy three restaurants, a bar, a world-class spa, a fitness center, wedding and meeting venues, and stunning vineyard views. 

“Anytime there’s a life transition—the death of a spouse, a divorce, or kids fleeing the nest, young families reducing to one salary, or people who simply want less financial stress—these are all experiences where people downsize,” says Lindsey Harn, a residential real estate agent and owner of Lindsey Harn group in San Luis Obispo, California. “Downsizing could allow you to travel more, send your kids to private school, or whatever is important to you at this phase in your life.”

Below, Harn shares the questions you have to ask yourself (or a trusted pro) before you sell your home or buy a new one.

Feverpitched/Getty Images

1. Can I buy first and then sell, or do I need to sell first and then buy?

In a perfect world, Harn says it’s best to buy your new home before selling your old one. This isn’t financially possible for a lot of people, but there are benefits to operating on this timeline. 

“Selling your house and not knowing the specific house that you’re going to be moving into can create a lot of stress and anxiety, and knowing exactly what the new house is going to cost and where you’ll live gives more peace of mind,” she says. “And when you’re downsizing, you often have to purge and get rid of a lifetime of stuff, which can be difficult when you don’t know what you’ll need in their new house.” 

Harn says that you shouldn’t expect to own both homes for long—in most cases, she says properties should sell within 60 days. 

2. How soon are you ready to downsize?

It’s never too early to reach out to a real estate professional about your intentions to downsize. Harn often works with seniors who plan to downsize in the next year or two, which gives them plenty of time to take care of any repairs or aesthetic changes that could help them sell their home. 

3. Is this a financial or lifestyle downsize, or both?

“Sometimes a physical downsize is not always a financial downsize,” Harn says. For instance, an increased demand for one-story homes among seniors selling multi-story homes could make the values more neutral. If you’re hoping to spend less money to pay off debt or pocket some extra cash, make that goal clear with your agent. 

Or perhaps you want to make moves for a “downsized” lifestyle. Purchasing a smaller home could get you closer to grandkids, the beach, or a hospital—or it could limit or eliminate your need to do yardwork. Once the priorities are outlined, Harn says she takes clients out to see what these buyers can get in their desired price range.

Luza Studios/Getty Images

4. Are you planning or going to try to transfer your property tax base?

Harn suggests reaching out to your real estate agent or local assessor’s office to explore the potential cost of property taxes. In California, you may be eligible to transfer your original tax base. 

“If you pay $900,000 for a new home, your taxes are now going to be $9,100 per year, which could more than double your yearly property tax,” she says. “For someone who’s in retirement or nearing retirement, it can be a big deal.”

5. Are you going to have a tax implication with capital gains? 

Harn also advises checking in with your CPA or tax preparer about tax implications with capital gains. California’s capital gains tax matches the federal rule: If you are a single person and gain less than $250,000 from the sale of your home and have owned and occupied it for at least two years, you do not have to report the sale. The same rules apply to married couples, but with a $500,000 cap. Any gains over $250,000 or $500,000, respectively, are taxable.

“If this is their retirement and they’re counting on taking all of those funds to the new house, I want to make sure there’s no surprises,” she says. “If they’re subject to any capital gains, it could eat into the profit of the sale.”

6. How much will the insurance be on a new house?

“If someone’s been in their home for a long time, the insurance can be reasonable,” Harn says. “Are they going to be subject to significant increases in their yearly homeowners insurance cost?” To learn more, you can request a quote from your current insurance provider or one who covers the area where you’re hoping to purchase a new home.

Looking for more downsizing advice? Check out a professional organizer’s tips to downsizing here.

Take a look at the August lineup below—and don’t be too sad about summer ending, just think about all the fall TJ’s products we have to look forward to!

1 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Tropical Dragon Fruit Drink Concentrate, $4

Much like a coffee shop cooler, this drink concentrate contains dragonfruit purée, passion fruit juice, lemon juice concentrate, cane sugar, stevia leaf extract, and coffee fruit extract for an energy boost. You can enjoy it poured over ice, or as a cocktail mixer.

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Carnival Fun Cake Fries, $5

If you can’t make it to the fair for a funnel cake, these will do the trick. Trader Joe’s took classic funnel cake batter and cooked it in a fry shape. Heat the fries up in an oven or air fryer and top them with powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, sliced strawberries, and/or whipped cream.

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Deli Sandwich Style Potato Chips, $3

There’s nothing better than a sandwich and potato chips, and Trader Joe’s made the genius move to combine the two. The Deli Sandwich Style Potato Chips are flavored with seasonings that give notes of smoky ham, dill pickle, sharp cheese, and zesty mustard. Make it meta but enjoying a sammy with these chips!

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Italian Aperitivo Medley Snack Mix, $2

Perfect for happy hours and cocktail parties, this crunchy snack mix includes rosemary Focacce, traditional Taralli, and black olive Trecce. Put these out with a glass of wine, beer, or a spritz and pretend you’re in Italy.

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3 Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Pasta, $4

Finally TJ’s did it: They turned their uber-popular Spinach & Artichoke Dip into a meal. The dip is mixed with orecchiette pasta for a hearty and super savory dish.

6 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Strawberry Ice Cream, $4

Strawberry ice cream may be a classic, but it’s not basic. TJ’s version is creamy and fruit-forward. It also gets its pink color from fruits and vegetable juices, not artificial ingredients.

7 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Baladi Egyptian Sourdough Pocket Bread, $2

The frozen flatbread is vegan and has a tasty hint of sourdough. Keep it in your freezer for dips, gyros, and other sandwiches.

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Black Sesame Mochi, $5

Trader Joe’s is adding a new mochi flavor to its already flavor-packed lineup: black sesame. Ice cream made with milk, cream, and cane sugar is infused with a black sesame seed paste and then is covered in a rice-dog wrapper.

9 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Tropical Smoothie Blend, $4

This might be the easiest way to make your morning smoothie: Just measure out a cup of the smoothie blend, add a half cup of water or milk, and blend away. It’s a mix of frozen mango, pineapple, and banana, plus frozen coconut cream, agave syrup and mango and passionfruit purées.

10 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, $6

It’s time to welcome another pizza to the frozen aisle. The pizza is topped with tomato sauce, a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and uncured pepperoni slices. It’s then cooked in a wood burning oven.

11 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Korean Japchae Fried Rice, $4

The frozen japchae fried rice is made with a base of white rice and glass noodles and mixed with shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, peppers, onions, and carrots. Add a fried egg when you serve it!

12 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Watermelon Freeze Dried Candies, $4

These fun puffs of candy get their pastel coloring from natural ingredients like spirulina, paprika, vegetable juice, turmeric, and fruit juice.

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Mini Pretzel Twists, $2

These mini pretzel twists are made with wheat flour, malted barley flour, oil, yeast, and salt. TJ’s recommends serving them with their Unexpected Cheddar Spread.

14 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Crunchy Sesame Sunflower Seeds Pepitas Salsa Macha, $4

Put this versatile condiment on your shopping list. Trader Joe’s suggests using it as a dip for bread and tortilla chips; a drizzle over tacos, roasted veggies, and pizza; an ingredient in salad dressings and soups; a marinade for poultry or beef; a cooking oil; and a topping over vanilla ice cream.

15 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Sparkling Orange Flavored Espresso Tonic, $4

Only available during the summer, this tonic combines espresso and citrus-y tonic water. TJ’s recommends serving it with a lemon slice, orange twist, or fresh sprig of rosemary or mint.

16 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Fried Shallots, $2

What can’t you top with these shallots? They work well on a salad, soup, baked potato, a casserole, leftover pizza, burgers, sandwiches, dips, and so much more.

17 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Fruit Jellies Candy, $2

These jellies are made by a U.K. confectioner and come in four flavors: juicy peach, ripe pear, tart cherry, and tropical mango.

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Comfort Food Bag, $1

Here’s another fun bag to add to your collection. This one features classic comfort food combos like mac and cheese and peanut butter and jelly.

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Mini Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, $1

Get a taste of fall with this mini, crispy cinnamon sugar cookies.

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Crunchy Milk Chocolate & Sea Salt Thins, $3

Individually wrapped, these chocolates are the perfect sweet treat pick-me-up. They’re also lightly salted so you get a salty and sweet bite.

21 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Organic Black Pepper Barilotti Pasta, $3

This limited-edition pasta is made with organic black pepper, organic durum wheat semolina, and water. The black pepper gives it a citrusy, spicy hint of flavor.

22 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Cinnamon Buns, $6

Make your mornings way better with these decadent cinnamon buns topped with cream cheese frosting. Warm them up a bit before serving.

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A Gaggle of Gummy Candy, $4

When TJ’s means a gaggle, they really mean a gaggle. The bag of candy includes a variety of shapes and flavors: cherries, octopi, fried eggs, and cola bottles.

24 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews, $5

Trader Joe’s makes good chocolate-covered anything. These cashews are no exception—they’re roasted, covered in a thin caramel-y coating, and drenched in dark chocolate.

25 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

All the Things Cookies, $4

These cookies are packed with flavor. Picture this: a butter cookie with corn flakes, pretzels, marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips, and crispy rice mixed in.

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Sparkling Tangerine Vanilla Water, $3

It’s like a creamsicle, but make it water. This sparkling water is unsweetened, but it has a nice flavor for sipping and hydrating.

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All Butter Apricot Shortbread Cookies, $3

These are similar to TJ’s All Butter Apple Shortbread Cookies. The cookies include freeze-dried apricots, apricot juice concentrate, and lots of butter.

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Chocolate Vanilla Creme Joe-Joe’s, $1

While these Joe-Joe’s aren’t new, the compact packaging is! Each package is filled with four cookies and perfectly sized for a lunch box.

29 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Chicken Broth Concentrate, $4

Each box contains 12 shelf-stable packets of chicken broth concentrate—it’s great to keep on hand for a variety of dishes.

30 of 30Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Corn & Wheat Tortillas, $2

Serve up tacos, fajitas, and more with these soft and sturdy tortillas.

Here’s how to reset your herb garden for fall—whether you’ve got a full raised bed, a kitchen window ledge, or just a pot or two hanging on through the heat.

Thomas J. Story

1. Prune Back (But Don’t Pull Yet)

When herbs bolt (a.k.a. go to flower), it’s their way of saying: “I’m done now.” But before you rip them out, try giving them a good haircut. Herbs like basil, mint, oregano, and thyme can bounce back with a fresh flush of foliage if you trim just above a healthy leaf node. The goal is to redirect their energy back into leaf production—not seed making.

Even if the flavor starts to mellow, you’ll get a few more usable harvests. For basil, be especially bold. Don’t be afraid to take it down by half—you’re not hurting it; you’re helping it regroup.

Tip: Make your pruning work double-time by throwing the cuttings into a quick herb salt, infused vinegar, or pesto you freeze in an ice cube tray for later.

2. Save Those Seeds

If your cilantro, dill, or fennel has already bolted, congratulations—you’re halfway to harvesting your own seed stock. Let a few plants ride out their life cycle and form seed heads. Once they dry and brown, snip them into a paper bag and let them finish curing indoors. Shake and store for your next planting round—or your spice rack.

You’re not just gardening here—you’re future-proofing.

Tip: Not all herbs make great seed savers, but cilantro (hello, coriander), dill, and fennel are especially rewarding. Bonus: The dried umbels also look great in a fall bouquet.

3. Swap out and Replant for Fall

Heat-loving herbs like basil and Thai basil start to lose steam by early fall. Time to make room for cool-season heroes like parsley, cilantro, chervil, and dill. These thrive as the days get shorter and cooler, and they’re much slower to bolt this time of year.

Think of it like changing your pantry for fall recipes—your garden deserves the same seasonal refresh.

Tip: In Zones 7–10, cilantro does especially well when you succession plant every 2 to 3 weeks. Let one batch go while another takes over—it’s like tag-teaming your taco nights.

Thomas J. Story

4. Boost Beds with Compost and Mulch

Before you tuck new herbs into the soil, take a moment to revive your planting beds. Add a layer of compost to replenish nutrients and top with a light mulch to retain moisture and regulate temps. Summer sun can leach soil of its life force—think of compost as your garden’s electrolytes.

For containers, scrape off any dry crust and gently mix compost into the top layer before planting again.

Tip: Mulch isn’t just for looks. Use straw, shredded bark, or even pine needles to keep moisture in and weeds out while your fall herbs settle in.

5. Try Container Gardening for a Quick Win

Containers are the perfect reset button. You can control soil quality, move them with the sun, and shelter them if temps drop. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute kitchen garden setup?

Start fresh with herbs that fit your cooking style: sage and rosemary for roasts, parsley and chives for garnish, cilantro for fall soups and tacos. Place them where you’ll actually use them—close to the kitchen or grill.

Tip: No room? No problem. One deep window box can fit parsley, thyme, and chervil—enough to keep your fall meals dressed and seasoned.

Thomas J. Story

6. Let Herbs Flower for Pollinators

Even if bolted herbs are past their prime on your plate, they’re absolute gold for pollinators. Bees love blooming basil, mint, oregano, and chives. If you can spare a few, let them flower—it’s a beautiful way to support wildlife while your garden transitions.

Tip: You can still tidy things up—cut back just before seeds drop to avoid herb babies popping up in unexpected places.

7. Start an Indoor Herb Kit

Try your hand at propagation! Snip healthy cuttings from basil, oregano, mint, or thyme and place them in a glass of water on a sunny sill. In a week or two, you’ll see roots forming—nature’s magic show. Once established, pot them up and keep your indoor herb game strong through winter.

Tip: This is also a great way to preserve special varieties (like lemon basil or pineapple sage) before cold snaps wipe them out.

Thomas J. Story

8. Plan Ahead with Perennial Herbs

Fall is an ideal time to plant or divide perennial herbs like rosemary, sage, lavender, and thyme—especially in Mediterranean climates. These herbs like to settle in while soil is still warm but air temps are cooler, giving them a head start for spring.

Tip: Tuck these into well-draining spots and hold off on fertilizer. Let them focus on roots now, and you’ll have a lush, fragrant border come March.

9. Try a Second Round of Basil

If you’re in Zones 9–11, go ahead and sneak in one more planting of basil. With a little love and regular harvesting, you’ll get another solid month (or more) of harvests. The trick? Plant somewhere warm and sunny, and protect from early cold snaps with a row cover or by bringing containers in at night.

Tip: Smaller-leafed varieties like spicy globe basil tend to be more heat-tolerant and compact—great for patio pots.

10. Give Yourself Grace

If your herb bed looks like it just survived a dust storm—or your thyme’s turned into a brittle tumbleweed—you’re not alone. Herbs are forgiving, and gardening is an ongoing experiment. Every bolted stem is a chance to learn something new (and compost something old).

Keep going. Fall is a fresh start. And your herb garden still has plenty to give.

Courtesy of Fjord

Though sauna culture and various modalities of heat therapy have been a form of healing for many global cultures for centuries, the trend has recently seen a resurgence within the wellness community. Mobile saunas, cold plunge clubs, and membership-based companies like IcePass have capitalized on the zeitgeist to great success. And while blow-up ice baths and oversize troughs certainly cater to convenience, they miss one of the key elements of the tradition—bathing in nature.

Courtesy of Fjord

Fjord’s design achieves that in its own way, seamlessly weaving itself into the docks of Sausalito. Crafted from repurposed shipping containers and resting on a salvaged breakwater barge, Fjord is more than a stylish spot to sweat it out—it’s a beautifully designed, sustainability-minded reimagining of what waterfront recreation can look like. Architect Nick Polansky, whose work has previously explored the reuse of marine industrial structures in the Bay, infused the space with both rugged charm and refined elegance.

Courtesy of Fjord

“Fjord is a love letter to the Bay and its possibilities,” says Polansky. “We wanted every detail to honor the environment and inspire new ways of connecting with the water.”

Every angle and material choice was designed to reconnect people to the water in a way that feels both immersive and intentional. Guests can arrive by car, bike, ferry, or even kayak. And instead of cooling off after a sauna session by doing cryotherapy, guests can simply jump off the deck into the Bay, whose water temperatures rarely climb above 55 degrees.

Courtesy of Fjord

And the concept has been received with open arms; Fjord is currently booked up through September. You can make your future bookings here.

“So many millennials doubling up is likely primarily due to affordability challenges since these families are often on the lower end of the income distribution,” says Orphe Divounguy, Zillow’s senior economist who led this research. “Younger generations are more likely to still live with parents, while older generations are more likely to live in their own unit. These older generations were more likely to have bought their own unit when it was still more affordable to do so.”

Divounguy couldn’t speak to the relationship between these cohabitants (friends, random roommates, etc.), adding that they only received basic demographic characteristics such as age. 

In the same report, Zillow included that the country’s housing deficit jumped to a staggering, record-high 4.7 million in 2023—and the company is advocating for laws that make housing more affordable. For instance, California’s Assembly Bill 1033 went into effect in January 2024 and lets homeowners split up their property and sell ADUs like condos. 

“The unfortunate fact is that we still don’t have enough housing in this country for people who need it. Construction has helped prevent the housing deficit from ballooning, but it hasn’t yet begun to close the gap,” Divounguy said in Zillow’s statement. “We know what works: lower building restraints to allow for more density and less expensive housing. More of these measures at the local level can help get more homes built and begin to ease this outsize financial burden for millions of Americans.” 

Margaret Austin

“Since the home is situated on a corner, they wanted to take advantage of their double front yards with their edible garden, but they also wanted privacy from the two streets, which prompted us to turn the home inward toward a new central courtyard—a place where the kids could play safely and be visible from all three sides of the interior of the home,” explains architect Meghan Dorrian of YAC, who worked with interior designer Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors on the project. “Additionally, since this was technically a remodel, they didn’t want their house to stand out from the character and scale of the existing neighborhood but still wanted it to feel like a contemporary home. Most of our clients would go up, but these clients were committed to maintaining a single-story home for age-in place reasons, and that helps maintain the original scale of the neighborhood.”

Margaret Austin

Meghan and team changed up the floor plan completely, turning the kitchen toward the new courtyard. The additional space was allocated as a “wing” of four bedrooms, with a large pocket door that closes off the area.

Margaret Austin

Margaret Austin

“Almost all the rooms receive amazing natural light which is a testament to the courtyard floor plan,” says Clara. “The kitchen was placed in the literal center of the home which was ideal conceptually.”

Meghan and Clara’s clients were also committed to constructing a home with the environment in mind. Some of the eco-friendly features include an HRV air system and heat pump that was added to improve air quality in the event of future wildfires; ZIP paneling to exceed the thermal ratings required; sound proofing features; and high-quality windows and finishes. Additionally, a trellis was installed on the south facade to provide shade, allowing for more passive cooling.

Margaret Austin

Margaret Austin

As for the home’s aesthetic, the owners favored clean lines and minimalism, but nothing too sterile. “With essentially nothing being salvaged from the prior home, we had a blank canvas for this home,” Clara says. “In some ways that’s a treat and in other ways, a bit daunting. However, it helped that the clients had a strong voice in the vibe they wanted to achieve in the home.”

Margaret Austin

Margaret Austin

Clara brought in warmth, color, and depth through details like colorful tile, eye-catching wallpaper, unique light fixtures, and the interesting furniture. She also ensured the family home was functional, integrating closed storage into the space.

Margaret Austin

Indoor-outdoor living also played a big role in the home’s overall design, which you can see through the new courtyard, light-filled rooms, and respect for its natural surroundings.

Margaret Austin

“The clients have one of the most beautiful oak trees I have ever seen on their property,” explains Meghan. “Every time I came to site, I visited that oak. We pushed the rear of the home out as far as we could without disturbing the oak. I really like how the siding that was selected, with small inflections of silver in it, speaks to the silver bark of that oak.”

Margaret Austin

Margaret Austin

Clara says the owners wanted noteworthy moments in the house, but to prioritize functionality and longevity. The finished design ticks off all those asks. The formerly blank-slate space perfectly balances clean lines and minimalism with subtle, yet impactful, color and pattern.

Builder/Contractor: William Lisac of Lisac of Lisac Construction
Structural: Larry Wong
Landscape: Machtinger Landscaping and Garden Route
Custom Millwork: LoNardos

Before August 3 the fire was 26% contained, however the blaze doubled in size overnight. The fire has now surpassed the 100,000 acre mark, giving it its megafire demarkation from the Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Currently, the main areas of concern are along the fire’s northern edge and a portion in the southwest, where it is still spreading.

Getty Images

This particular fire is difficult for teams to fight because the Grand Canyon itself is funneling already strong winds, creates even stronger gusts and pushing them into a localized area. It’s incredibly rugged country to traverse, let alone battle a fire in mid-summer. In fact, the fire is now creating its own weather patterns, creating what are known as pyrocumulous clouds.

“These clouds can be incredibly powerful. In some cases, they’re known to generate storms, producing lightning, or even tornadoes,” the team said in the video it shared on the Bravo Dragon Fire Facebook page dedicated to updates.

“It will be another challenging day for firefighters,” said Section Chief Craig Daugherty, who is doing daily updates on the permitters and containment on the aforementioned Facebook page.

Live updates and maps can be viewed here and on the Watch Duty app, which was instrumental in alerting citizens in the Palisades and Eaton Fires, as well as the wildfires in Sonoma.

The North Rim will remain closed to tourists through the end of the month. Trail closures of North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail , Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens are also still in effect. For regular updates, check in with the National Park Service website.

Los Angeles is home to some of the greatest architecture marvels, from mid-century icons to Craftsman bungalows, Beaux-Arts business buildings, Googie diners and car washes, and Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival mansions and apartments. And that’s just to name a few styles. Architecture greats including Charles and Ray Eames, Greene & Greene, John Lautner, Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, Paul R. Williams, Frank Lloyd Wright, and so many more have had a hand in shaping this city through their designs.

Thankfully, many iconic homes and buildings have been spared from the wildfires, but sadly, others have been lost. The loss of these structures represents a significant cultural and historical blow to the Los Angeles community. Efforts to rebuild and preserve the city’s architectural heritage will be crucial in the aftermath of these devastating fires. We pay tribute to some of these notable buildings below.

The Andrew McNally House

The Queen Anne-style mansion in Altadena was built in 1887 by architect Frederick L. Roehrig for Andrew McNally, the cofounder and president of map company Rand McNally. It featured a stunning three-story rotunda and was featured in TV shows and movies.

Benedict and Nancy Freedman House by Richard Neutra

Designed in 1949 by Richard Neutra for two screenwriters, the mid-century modern house was destroyed by the Palisades Fire. Dezeen writes that the original structure was built primarily with wood and had “a single low volume with massive glass windows and clerestories.” Over the years, it was remodeled and expanded as a two-story home.

Bridges House

Those driving on Sunset Boulevard could see the noteworthy Bridges house with its timber siding and concrete stilts—now it is lost to the Palisades Fire. The home was built by architect Robert Bridges, professor emeritus at USC Marshall School of Business. 

Deborah Vance’s L.A. Mansion in Hacks

A 1915 Spanish Colonial Revival mansion in Altadena, known for its pink exterior and featured in the TV series Hacks, was severely damaged by the Eaton Fire. Even though character Deborah Vance’s home base is Las Vegas, the L.A. mansion has been featured a couple of times throughout the series as her second home.

Keeler House

Completed by architect Ray Kappe in 1991, the striking Keeler house was destroyed by the Palisades fire. The New York Times offers this description of the home, “Cantilevered atop a steep hillside site and peering over the ocean, the residence typified Kappe’s bravery and intuitive craft. It unfolded down its site via a central stair lit by a long gabled skylight, connected to the scene below with outsize windows. Flanked by floating, staggered floors and oversize balconies, the ethereal property remained grounded through the heft of exposed redwood and smooth, thick concrete.”

Adam Mustafa/Getty Images

Pacific Palisades Business Block Building

Designated a Historic-Cultural Monument, the Pacific Palisades Business Block Building was destroyed by the Palisades fire. Designed by architect Clifton Nourse and dedicated in 1924, the Spanish Colonial Revival building was a landmark in the community. 

Park Planned Homes

Completed in 1948 by architect Gregory Ain, the Park Planned Homes comprised a tract of 28 houses in Altadena. These residences were celebrated for their modular design, utilizing 12′ x 16′ units that allowed for common finishes, hardware, and equipment. This approach not only streamlined construction but also promoted affordability, aligning with Ain’s commitment to providing modern, cost-effective housing solutions. The collaboration with landscape designer Garrett Eckbo ensured that each home was harmoniously integrated into the landscape, featuring private patios and thoughtful site planning that offered privacy and a connection to the natural surroundings.

Topanga Ranch Motel

The historic Topanga Ranch Motel, built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst and located across from Topanga Beach, was destroyed by the Palisades Fire. The retro motel once housed PCH construction workers and was a popular filming location. Plans had been in the works to restore 20 of its cabins for public rental.

Will Rogers State Historic Park Structures

The Palisades Fire destroyed historic homes and buildings at Will Rogers State Historic Park. Will Rogers’ house and the stables were among the structures lost. Park staff had safely evacuated the horses and removed some of the exhibited memorabilia before the destruction. 

Zane Grey Estate

Designed by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey in 1907, the Mediterranean Revival style house was once celebrated as the first fireproof home in Altadena, thanks to the fact that it was built of reinforced concrete. It was originally built for Chicago inventor and businessman Arthur Woodward, who then sold it to bestselling novelist Zane Grey in 1920. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

The fires were first started by lightning on July 4 and spread rapidly due to dry, windy conditions blowing the blaze through conifer, aspen, and ponderosa pine forests. The fires are still very much active, and are incredibly difficult for firefighters to contain due to sky-high temperatures in the region reaching up to 115 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued an “extreme heat warning” for the area. At this time, the North Rim of the national park is closed.

Thomas J. Story

The Grand Canyon Lodge first opened in 1937 and was the only hotel within the park’s North Rim boundaries. It was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, an American architect best known for his work on national park lodges of the American West, including the preliminary designs for the breathtaking Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon.

Made of limestone and timber, the Grand Canyon Lodge was known for its sweeping views of the canyon from its dining area. It’s comprised of 23 deluxe cabins, and 91 standard cabins, some of which were moved to the north rim campground in 1940.

Thomas J. Story

This is not the first time the Grand Canyon property has been befallen by tragedy; the original structure burned down in 1932 due to a kitchen fire, and was subsequently rebuilt in 1937 using much of the original stonework. It was designated a National Historic Landmark.

It’s important to note that the North Rim will continue to be closed during this active wildfire effort. Trail closures of North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail , Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens are also in effect. For regular updates, check in with the National Park Service website.

Know Your Zones

Courtesy of Lesly Hall Photography

When it comes to breaking down the defensible zones within your landscape, FormLA encourages using landscape to provide a final layer of defensive strategy. The most important space is the five-foot area closest to the home. It is even more critical where homes are close to one another. To prepare this area for wildfire, we: 

1. Place only ember-resistant materials (cement pavers, flagstone, gravel, decomposed granite) at ground level. 
2. Keep any well-established and healthy tree canopy from the five feet closest to the roofline and 10 feet from chimneys.
3. Encourage coordination between neighbors to create mutually defensive ember-resistant zones.

Additionally, creating a five-foot, ember-resistant “zone zero” composed of permeable hardscape or concrete provides a walking path that is both attractive and easy to maintain. By using four-inch black steel edging around zone zero, you can create a clean and aesthetically appealing border that can also prevent mulch from spilling into this ember-resistant zone. The combination of organic mulch and native foliage outside of zone zero provides shade, cooling, and hydration, and it inhibits wind-borne embers.

Courtesy of Lesly Hall Photography

Secure Structures

The most easily ignitable, hottest burning, most ember-casting aspects of our properties are manufactured. Our homes themselves are the greatest danger to our neighbors. On petite properties with close neighbors, it is essential to make the structures themselves less receptive to both radiant heat and embers. Do a quick checklist of the following, and consider making replacements and/or updates: 

• Vents: Replace vent mesh with a fire-resistant mesh.
• Windows: Add double- or triple-pane glass, and install reflective film.
• Roof: Have a Class-A roof, and stay on top of maintenance, repair any damage, and consistently remove litter.
• Eaves and Gutters: Replace wood with fire-resistant material, such as Hardie Board. Keep gutters free of litter by covering them with ember-resistant metal mesh.
• Siding: Evaluate siding, and fill any niches or holes where embers could lodge or gain access. Consider more resistant siding materials (e.g. stucco vs. wood), particularly near the foundation.

6 Things to Remove Now

Courtesy of Lesly Hall Photography

Clutter and extra debris are always a hazard, but you might have other items in your landscape that are increasing your risk during a fire incident: 

• Attached Fences and Gates: Once ignited, wood fences and gates build heat great enough to ignite a home. 
• Synthetic Turf: Fake grass is a petroleum product that creates heat islands and will eventually ignite and burn. Once ignited, it releases toxic gases, making a home more difficult to escape and defend.
• “Little Gas Cans” Like Junipers and Cypress: These are often the shrubs planted near homes or as monoculture privacy screens between properties. The oils in these plants ignite easily and burn hot.
• Fire-Bomb Palms: When palms ignite, they explode, casting embers like sparklers. Lit fronds can travel four to five miles to ignite structures far from a firefront.
• Arson Grasses (Mexican Feather, Fountain, and Pampas Grass): These grasses escape our gardens, traveling to wild spaces unsupported by irrigation, where they become easily ignitable fuels for fire, as we saw in the Maui fires.
• Flammable Mulch:
  Mulch is marvelous for so many things. However, most mulches can ignite, and some have substantial flame heights. Within five feet of the home, we replace combustible mulch with non-combustible materials, such as gravel. We use compost-grade mulch elsewhere, and never deploy mulch made of petroleum products (e.g. tire mulch, plastic “fabrics”), even outside high fire severity zones.

Plant Considerations

Courtesy of Lesly Hall Photography

Plant Native Foliage: While there is no fireproof plant, choosing varieties that maintain health and hydration in high, dry heat and whiplash weather has an advantage. The plants native to a given region will have this advantage and are unlikely to add fire danger to surrounding wildlands in the way that non-native grasses have, such as Fountain Grass in Hawaii. In sloped conditions, FormLA also suggests choosing plants with deep roots, as rainfall on burned areas can destabilize soil. For many of its Los Angeles projects, FormLA incorporates slope holders like Dwarf Coyote Brush for full sun and Snowberry for shadier spots. Planting in clustered drifts with space in between each drift can be beautiful and leave space for vertical specimens, like Manzanita or Toyon that break up the clusters.

Place Large Foliage at a Distance: It is fire-defensive to invert the typical landscape. Rather than placing large shrubs near the home and low growers toward the street, place large, ember-catching trees and shrubs at a distance and lower foliage as you near the home. This makes it easier for you to evacuate and provides more defensible space for firefighters to safely defend your home. This strategy also addresses desires for privacy.

Space Plants for Full Size: When planting foliage, check the maximum full size. Give it space to grow to maturity without interference from other plants or structures. This, as well as clustering, will support foliage health and save you countless hours of maintenance time, as well as reducing fire danger. 

Preferred Plant List

Courtesy of Lesly Hall Photography

Trees:

Coast Live Oak: If you have space, there is no better ember blocker than this dense, expansive tree canopy. Even when cured as firewood, oak is notoriously slow to ignite and burn.

Toyon: Better fit for small spaces, Toyon and Catalina Cherry can be limbed up to form small trees.

Shrubs: 

Large: Lemonade Berry, Catalina and Hollyleaf Cherries, California Lilac. All have dense, leathery foliage, great for intercepting embers and providing privacy. Clustered, they can form a lovely, biodiverse, ember-blocking hedge.

Mid-Sized: Coffeeberry, (California Native) Oregon Grape, Manzanita. While they have all the qualities of the larger shrubs, these shrubs will catch embers bouncing or rolling at a lower trajectory.

Accent: Yucca Whipplei. A great fire-resistant, deep-rooting slope retainer. 

Groundcovers: 

Dwarf Coyote Brush (one of the best possible deep-rooting slope retainers), Manzanita (incredibly fire-resistant and resistant branching with hard, dense leaves), Ceanothus, and Oregon Grape. 

Ongoing Maintenance

Steve Prezant/Getty Images

1. Store. Among the most critical suggestions we give clients is to store human-made materials (e.g. umbrellas, cushions, some furnishings, toys, tools, exposed propane or gas tanks, garbage cans, hoses) in enclosed, ember-resistant areas (inside the home, garage, or designated storage—not under decks) when not in active use. 
2. Clean. Winds will drive embers to the same places they drive leaves. It’s wise to establish a habit of regularly clearing debris and litter that collects in the five feet nearest the home.
3. Inspect and Repair. Shingles, seals, vents, gutters, siding, and fencing can all degrade with time and incur damage as they function. Fixing problems as you see them is easier and safer than taking seasonal or once-a-year action.
4. Check Tech: Working irrigation keeps foliage hydrated and healthy, and well-directed, functional landscape lighting can help with evacuation and defense. As you inspect and repair problems on the home, keep these on your list.
5. Pre-Hydrate. When high heat and winds are forecast, fuel the ability of foliage to resist ignition with deep watering in the days before heat arrives.

FormLA’s Team of Experts:

• Cassy Aoyagi, president, FormLA Landscaping: Cassy has spent decades researching and advocating for fire defensive landscaping strategies.
• Patrick Barrett, enhancements manager, maintenance division, FormLA Landscaping: Patrick has worked to prepare tens of L.A. area preparation grant recipients for wildfire. 
• Clark Stevens, architect, executive officer, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM).
• Pauline Allen, community resilience project manager, RCDSMM. 

On our newly revamped storefront, you can get a magazine subscription for yourself or for your loved ones, sign up for our fan-favorite Sunset Box, grab Sunset merch that celebrates the brand’s history, and even shop editor-recommended items for your home, garden, and travels.

Take a look at some of our featured products below, and head to shop.sunset.com to check out our full inventory.

1 of 15Sunset

Sunset Magazine

Inspiring homes, gardens, and design tips, transporting travel stories, and sustainable healthy recipes from the West’s best chefs, delivered straight to your door.

Sunset Magazine, $29.95 for a full year subscription

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2 of 15Sunset

The Sunset Box

A collection of products we love from the West, curated by the editors of Sunset and delivered to your door every three months.

The Sunset Box, starts at $69.99

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Sunset September 1934 Framed Canvas Cover

Our collection of posters featuring vintage Sunset covers will be eye-catching art pieces at home. This one is from our September 1934 issue, which paid tribute to big trees and nature.

Sunset September 1934 Framed Canvas Cover, $80

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4 of 15Sunset

Sunset Japanese Steel Utility Knife

If we needed to take one knife on a camping trip for kitchen duty or to a vacation cabin getaway, this is the one we’d grab. Sitting in the sweet spot right between a chef’s knife and a paring knife, this will become your go-to, do-everything 5.5-inch blade for cutting fruit, mincing delicate herbs, slicing cooked meats, and prepping vegetables. It’s made of durable, corrosion-resistant, and razor-sharp 3-layer Japanese steel. Wash by hand—not in the dishwasher—to preserve its resilience and edge. 

Sunset Japanese Steel Utility Knife, $65

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The Perfect Picnic Blanket

We’ve found the perfect picnic blanket! It sports navy stripes that give cheery nautical vibes, it comes with a belted canvas strap system with a handle so you can tote and store it in style, and, best of all, the bottom is lined with waterproof material so you won’t get your butt wet on damp lawns and wet sand. Bring on the shady parks and breezy beaches and roving alfresco fun!

The Perfect Picnic Blanket, $25

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Wearing the Wind Puzzle

Our popular puzzles showcase beautiful covers from Sunset throughout the years. This 500-piece puzzle features the July 1927 cover, which is an illustration by Edith Rundquist.

Wearing the Wind Puzzle, $23

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Sunset Green Dad Hat

Rep Sunset out in the wild. This comfy hat is perfect for everyday wear.

Sunset Green Dad Hat, $27

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The Coolest Countertop Compost Bin

Hands down the best-looking food-scrap bin on the market. Made of biodegradable bamboo fiber, this handsome container lets you easily collect onion skins, herb stems, kale stalks, coffee grounds, and fruit peels as you cook so you can make rich compost for your garden or easily recycle for municipal mulch. Plus, we love the cleanable odor filter and contrasting bamboo hardware.

Bamboo Fiber Compost Bin, $58

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125 Years of Sunset Puzzle

Look at Sunset’s storied history with our 125 Years of Sunset puzzle, which features covers from 1900s to present day.

125 Years of Sunset Puzzle, $25

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Sunset June 1935 Framed Canvas Cover

“Pacific Coasting” was the theme of the June 1935 issue, and its cover beautifully reflects that.

Sunset June 1935 Framed Canvas Cover, $80

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Canvas Utility Apron

Favored by competition pitmasters, mixologists, and hipster baristas, the canvas apron is a summer staple here at Sunset. Yes, it’s great for grillers, thanks to its thick spark-resistant canvas, but it also has become our favorite shop apron, cooking apron, and gardening apron thanks to its adjustable straps and generous pockets.  

Canvas Utility Apron, $24.99

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Sunset Orange Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Stay hydrated all day with this 32 oz (950 ml) water bottle. It’s ideal for workouts or busy days, with a wide-mouth foldable straw for spill-free sipping and a rotating handle for easy carrying.

Sunset Orange Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $27

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Hori Hori Japanese-Style Gardening Knife

The hori hori knife was invented in Japan, where every homeowner and master gardener uses one on a daily basis. It can exactingly pull weeds from between precious plants, saw branches, trim twine, and shovel dirt with more gusto than a spindly trowel. And the folks at Bare Bones Living have added perhaps the coolest untraditional capability: a bottle opener to crack open a beer or a soda depending on your mood. This is an heirloom garden tool to cherish.

Hori Hori Japanese-Style Gardening Knife, $30

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Sunset Orange Eco Tote Bag

Say goodbye to plastic, and bag your goodies in this organic cotton tote bag. There’s more than enough room for groceries, books, and anything in between.

Sunset Orange Eco Tote Bag, $28

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Special Wildfire Issue Mug

Special Wildfire Issue Mug, $7

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Our special April/May 2025 Wildfire issue was an homage to what the city of Los Angeles lost and a guidebook for reviving what we hold so dear. Proceeds from this mug and our limited line of apparel merch and accessories go to organizations having a meaningful impact on the L.A. fires recovery efforts.

We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.

Scalloped decor has a charming, old-school quality that makes it perfect for English cottages and East Coast homes. However, as traditional interiors are on the rise along the West Coast, so are these curvy touches. For Leah Ring, principal of Los Angeles-based studio Another Human, these scallops represent a more seismic shift in the design scene. 

Kara DeYoung

“I think after years of ‘warm minimalism,’ people are now wanting more layers, color, and decorative details in their spaces,” she explains. “A scallop is a fun detail because it has an old world feel but can also feel very fresh and contemporary.” 

Aymee Kuhlman of Light and Dwell agrees and says the curvatures are not only a “nice counterbalance” to the sleek, midcentury-inspired wares of yesteryear, but they also evoke coziness so many crave. “Scallops and curves are inherently warm and nostalgic,” the Oregon-based designer points out. “They soften hard lines, introduce movement, and add a bit of whimsy without overwhelming the space.”

But while these wiggly can conjure the same comfort of a vintage quilt or dinnerware passed down many generations, there’s a fine line between scallops that are “on-trend” and “overly twee.”

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Denver designer Peggy Haddad says intentionality is key—and encourages scallop students to start with smaller details. “A scalloped tray, a throw pillow, or a lampshade is an easy way to bring in that unexpected detail,” she explains. Scale, Haddad adds, can also have a major impact on the overall vibe. “A tiny scallop on a lamp shade feels sweet and subtle, while a large-scale scallop on a mirror or valance becomes a design statement,” she explains. 

Courtesy of Article

If you’re looking to bring a scalloped touch to a larger piece of furniture—say, a bathroom vanity or set of chairs—it’s important to consider how this curvy detail will jell with the rest of the room. “When incorporating scallops, the surrounding finish and color selections are key to make sure the scallop doesn’t make the space too saccharine sweet,” Ring recommends. For Ring, a certified maximalist, that means ensuring the scalloped detail is just as bold as the rest of the decor. In one of her bathroom projects, Ring offset a red scalloped vanity with “pretty wild” design elements like a clamshell sink and floral wallpaper. “The scallop feels playful, but not at all juvenile,” she explains.

Or, if you fall on a more minimalist end of the design spectrum, Kuhlman likes to take a cue from Mother Nature and incorporate these details in just a few places. “The key was keeping these elements understated and consistent in scale,” she explains. “Whether it’s a scalloped edge on a cabinet or a curved sofa back, those details invite the eye to linger just a moment longer—which, to us, is the hallmark of thoughtful design.”

Kara DeYoung

Scallop details might be having a moment now, but do they have staying power? Like most trends, this one’s popularity will ebb and flow; however, Haddad argues they’re intrinsically baked into the design world. “They’ve been used in architecture and furniture for centuries, so when thoughtfully applied, they feel more timeless than trendy,” she explains. Since these frills look good in virtually every home style—yes, according to Haddad, even modern and coastal interiors—it’s safe to say they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.

George Barberis

“The house is a total oasis. My clients ski in the winter and hang out by the pool in the summer, and there are always people there, including their kids, their grandkids, and friends,” Hawkins says. “The rec barn was meant to have real grown-up ‘summer camp’ vibes with a lot of room to play.”

George Barberis

The couple was introduced to Hawkins through renowned architect Howard Backen of Backen & Backen Architecture. Hawkins led the interior design department at the firm before she branched out to start her own business. After an initial consultation with Backen, the couple decided to work with local architect Rick Wright. But Hawkins stayed on. The main residence on the property is an impressive home in every way, but it’s the barn that adds a playful, inventive spirit to the compound. Removed from the main house on the 140-acre property and surrounded by fields of alfalfa grown for the small herd of alpacas they keep on the grounds, the barn looks linear, clean, and quiet from the exterior. 

“We chose vertical cedar plank siding and a standing-seam metal roof to give it an almost Nordic feeling,” she says.

George Barberis

George Barberis

Simple wood Adirondack chairs by Rejuvenation surround two firepits, and plentiful lounge chairs from RH and Blu Dot line a wood and concrete barrier that shields the pool from the desert wind. Heart Springs Landscape Design incorporated plantings and hardscape to create the feeling of an outdoor living area that didn’t compete or contrast with the natural surroundings. Inside, there’s a game room with tables for pool and poker, hotel bar-like lounge seating, a bathhouse with four showers and a concrete, trough-like sink, and a bunk-style room to sleep eight guests.

George Barberis

George Barberis

“They wanted a lot from this space. There had to be a place to watch the game on TV but also open the doors and see kids playing outside. They also wanted an industrial-feeling kitchen where everything was easy to grab and very accessible,” she says. “They’ll spend an entire day down there and don’t want to have to go back to the main house to feed people.”

George Barberis

George Barberis

So many details in the structure were custom-built, like the metal fireplace and the intricate millwork in the bunk, that Hawkins needed to get creative with the budget for much of the furnishings, sprinkling in Ikea rugs and Crate and Barrel chairs.

George Barberis

“Rugs can be super expensive when you’re trying to fill a large space like this kind of living area. One of my secret money-saving tricks is to stitch two large rugs together,” she says. “And instead of building a custom table for 16, we pushed two large tables from Terra Outdoor together. That way, if they want to seat more people at meals outside, they can also be moved around.”

George Barberis

George Barberis

Though the project was just completed last year, the homeowners have filled the house with guests multiple times and put every square inch to use.

“I loved every part of the process working with these clients. They’re so warm and welcoming. I am still trying to get an invitation for the weekend,” Hawkins jokes. “Everyone needs friends like these.” 

WalletHub is trying to settle the debate once and for all with its 2025 Best States to Live in report, which they recently unveiled. The experts at the personal finance company compared the 50 states based on 51 key indicators of livability, including housing affordability, cost of living, homeownership rate, unemployment rate, income growth, wealth gap, quality of public school system, life expectancy, crime rates, access to public transportation, and number of attractions (restaurants, bars,  movie theaters, museums, and more).

“When deciding on a place to move, you should first consider financial factors like the cost of living, housing prices and job availability,” says Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. “Many states have strong economies, though, so you should also consider a wide variety of other factors, such as how where you live will impact your health and safety, and whether you will have adequate access to activities that you enjoy. If you have children, a robust education system is also key.” 

The state that came out on top was Massachusetts because of its strong health care system, high-quality education, and good health stats (the lowers premature death rate in the country and highest share of residents with health insurance). The state also has the third-lowest property crime rate in the country and third-best access to public transportation.

Anna Gorin/Getty Images

Coming in second was the West’s very own Idaho, which has one of the lowest median real estate tax rates in the country and the seventh-highest homeownership rate. The Gem State has the fourth-lowest tax rate, highest median household income growth, 13th-lowest violent crime rate, and the lowest property crime rate. Residents also benefit from the lowest average commute time in the country, low congestion, and the third-smallest proportion of major roads in poor or mediocre condition.

Idaho wasn’t the only Western state that made the top 10—Utah ranked number 8 on the list. Check out the top 10 below and see the full list at WalletHub.

1. Massachusetts
2. Idaho
3. New Jersey
4. Wisconsin
5. Minnesota
6. Florida
7. New Hampshire
8. Utah
9. New York
10. Pennsylvania

These new accommodations are catering to a continually growing interest in the Yosemite National Park. On average, about 4 million people visit each year—hikers, climbers, campers, bikers, photographers and nature lovers of all kinds—many of whom are drawn by its awe-inspiring beauty and natural splendor. But with the recent cuts to the national parks staffing, it’s more important than ever to be sure to recreate responsibly, leaving no trace and giving back where you can. Here’s a look at what’s new in Yosemite. 

Under Canvas (Coming Soon)

Under Canvas

Under Canvas pitches its luxe safari style tents in prime, nature-adjacent spaces throughout the West, and the latest location is no exception. The idyllic, 80-acre camp is set inside a serene mountainside forest that’s just 10 minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park. Sleep amongst towering California black oak and ponderosa pine while indulging in West Elm furnishings and king-size beds with plush linens. There’s a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) stop directly across the way offering car-free access into the park and there are nearby trailheads and natural swimming holes within close proximity.

Wildhaven

Wildhaven Yosemite

Posted up in the charming gold-rush town of Mariposa, guests can spend a comfortable night outdoors in canvas tents or updated glamping cabins, then wake up to be greeted by views of rolling foothills and snow-capped mountains. There are miles of hiking trails as well as access to nearby lakes for boating, fishing, and swimming. The property also offers yoga classes, live music, and beer tastings for locals.

Outbound (Opens Winter 2025)

Outbound Hotels

This sprawling 17-acre retreat, located minutes from Sierra National Forest and 15 miles from the South Gate of Yosemite National Park, features 104 cabins, a pool, sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge. The property will also feature a casual bar and restaurant and outdoor fire pits for relaxing after a day in the park.

Firefall Ranch

Alpenglo Productions

Just outside Yosemite’s northwest gate in the Gold Rush town of Groveland, the ranch is set on the original 19th-century stagecoach route that led to the park. Despite its historic roots, Firefall Ranch, which is named after the natural phenomena where Horsetail Falls appears to flow with lava in late February, is now decidedly modern. There’s plenty to do in your downtime, from hopping on the complimentary beach cruisers to lounging in the hammocks or challenging your travel buddies to a round of ping-pong in the game room. For a luxe option, book into its three-bedroom homes which come equipped with double-sided indoor-outdoor gas fireplaces, private decks, and heated bathroom floors.

Evergreen Lodge

Alpenglo Productions

Evergreen Lodge introduced 22 new high-end canvas tents at their historic lodge located near the Hetch Hetchy Valley on the western border of Yosemite off Highway 120. Once you’ve gotten your fill of exploring the park, head back to basecamp for lawn games including bocce ball and forest disc golf, then soak your sore self in their saltwater pool and jacuzzi and enjoy a nightcap with their daily offering of fireside s’mores. 

Moterra Campervans

Alexandra Cervantes

Take a test drive of the #vanlife with Moterra Campervans, whose turnkey itineraries and fully built-out vehicles will make your time in the Sierra that much more memorable. Designed by a team of seasoned guides who spent years leading groups through the region, you’ll pull up to groves of giant Sequoias, hidden swimming holes, lesser-known hiking trails, and charming local eateries. Each campervan comes fully equipped with cozy bedding, comprehensive kitchenware, and all of the essential camping gear, and their team handles everything on the ground for your trip including necessary reservations and logistics, allowing you to fully relax and reconnect with nature.