Styled and Savored #021
Your weekly curated guide to great finds that make your home life easier, fuller, richer, and happier.
In this week’s Styled & Savored, we’re looking forward to Autumn and celebrating inspiration for every corner of your life. From timeless design elements that endure for decades to new ways to refresh your fall decor, we’re helping you make your home feel both classic and personal. We’ve also got practical tips for easy bathroom cleaning, clever DIY uses for your smartphone that might make you throw away some of your real-world tools, and budget-friendly accent lighting that add smart solutions to your daily routine, while a charming garden bench shows how resourcefulness creates instant outdoor appeal.
And of course, we’ve got flavor covered as we teach you how to build an Instagram-worthy charcuterie board, roast a vibrant Greek sheet pan chicken, or indulge in a zesty lemon brownie. This week’s lineup is all about making life more beautiful, functional, and delicious – without stress or fuss.
Timeless design elements that have lasting power
Style by Emily Henderson takes us on a beautifully curated tour of 10 design elements that transcend time – pieces and materials that not only look enduring but feel enduring. The core idea? To create spaces that remain beautiful and functional 10, 20, or even 50 years down the line, mix fleeting trends freely – just keep your foundation timeless.
This comes on the heels of a post we shared with you two weeks ago in Styled $ Savored #019, in which Style by Emily Henderson revealed 7 design trends that scream 2025.
The first timeless cornerstone is natural materials – think warm mid-tone woods, grounded soapstone, and understated marbles. These materials age gracefully, resist feeling over-the-top, and pair effortlessly with evolving decor. They’re foundational in rooms that feel both rooted and adaptable.
Closely tied is authentic trimwork and classical architecture – moldings, millwork, wainscoting, spindle staircases, and crown plasterwork. These aren’t just decorative; they bring craftsmanship and soulful detail that won't feel dated.
Windows and doors, especially crafted ones – think arched frames, metal casings, Dutch doors – earn a place on the list for their permanence and character. Whether centuries old or newly sourced, they carry a timeless visual weight.
The article then pivots to grounded, personal aesthetics: eclectic salon-style art walls and bookshelves filled with real volumes. These elements are never “just decor”, they evolve with your life, display authenticity, and feel endlessly approachable.
On the floor and fixtures: marbled checker floors – especially set diagonally – bring stately presence. Solid wood farmhouse tables deliver warmth and resilience. Stately armoires or display cabinets offer both function and heirloom-worthy visual heft. English roll-arm sofas bring comfort and adaptability, while Mid-century modern lighting injects flair and a timeless vibe.
What shines through is that these elements aren’t about adhering to a single “look.” They’re about deploying design that feels honest, crafted, and personal with layers that ensure your home tells a story that lasts. If you build your home’s decor on these foundations, it not only survives trends, it welcomes whatever comes next with timeless grace.
Fresh ways to use your Fall decor
If you’ve ever stared at your fall decor and wondered how to keep it fresh, In My Own Style offers creative answers with everyday elegance. The post is filled with simple tweaks to make your autumnal accents feel new – from a runner of acorn-studded book stacks to the artful layering of bark and chopped firewood to anchor your coffee table vignette.
There’s a strong throughline of natural simplicity: bring in fallen leaves or bark, make them shine in vessels or bowls, or turn plain book stacks into cozy focal points using wood slices topped with candles or mini pumpkins. Rustic materials become rich and textural without needing a Pinterest-worthy overhaul.
What's really inviting is how loftiness is gently softened into accessibility. These aren’t high-budget projects, but thoughtful layering and well-placed accents. The kind of fall mood boost that comes from noticing and styling seasonal offerings from your own yard.
By the end, you're reminded that fall styling isn’t about buying new, it’s about seeing differently, in ways that feel beautiful, intentional, and uniquely yours.
Awesome and easy bathroom cleaning hacks
Let’s admit it: cleaning the bathroom can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to. KBH Writing delivers a brisk, smart guide to maintaining a sparkling space with minimal effort and maximum payoff. It’s all about setting yourself up to keep that shine ongoing, not just sporadic bursts of elbow grease.
© istockphoto.com
The post starts by recommending a compact cleaning caddy under the sink, stocked with microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, glass spray, a gentle scrub brush, and gloves. This one-stop station means when you notice a drip or a water spot, you can handle it quickly with no frantic scavenger hunt. A daily 30-second wipe of the sink and faucet, plus a quick squeegee swipe after every shower, keeps buildup and water spots in check.
When deeper cleaning is needed, go top to bottom: spritz surfaces, let cleaners do the heavy lifting, then wipe and rinse in a downward sweep so dust and drips don’t undo your work. And be sure to run the exhaust fan or open a window since cutting humidity is a stealthy strategy against mildew.
The article lays out a simple rhythm that keeps cleaning manageable: daily touch-ups, a concise 10–15 minute weekly refresh for key areas (toilet, mirrors, floors), and monthly focus sessions for grout lines, fan covers, and shower curtain liners or tracks. Clever preventative tweaks – like sealing grout, switching to a low-residue body wash, keeping trays on counters, and hanging a squeegee – are what keep everything looking polished without marathon scrubbing.
To top it off, the post encourages mixing in a favorite playlist and setting a short timer, turning what could feel like a chore into a quick, rhythmic mini-task. It’s practical, upbeat, and totally useful – this post doesn’t just share hacks, it builds habits you might actually keep.
Can handy cell-phone hardware tools replace the real thing?
Imagine turning your phone into a full-on DIY sidekick. Family Handyman shows you how to do just that with apps that enhance precision and make common home projects simpler. From measuring spaces to calculating angles and even simulating layouts, your smartphone can take some of the guesswork out of hardware work.
© Family Handyman
The article highlights apps for leveling, measuring, and material calculations, emphasizing how they can complement – or sometimes replace – traditional tools. For example, some apps use your phone’s camera to estimate room dimensions, while others help you mark studs or check a surface’s alignment. It’s not about replacing your hammer and drill but making your workflow smarter and faster.
Practical advice is front and center, and you learn how combining digital accuracy with old-school know-how can save time, reduce errors, and even prevent a few trips to the hardware store.
Family Handyman also walks you through safety tips and limitations. Not every app or phone sensor is foolproof, so it’s important to double-check critical measurements and always be aware of your surroundings. The post encourages experimenting with these tools in everyday projects, from hanging pictures to minor remodels.
The takeaway? Smartphones aren’t just for scrolling – they can be genuine partners in your DIY projects, offering clever shortcuts and making home improvement a bit more modern, efficient, and fun.
Illuminate Your Space with Govee Accent Lighting
Thrifty Decor Chick’s latest post offers a practical guide on enhancing your home's ambiance using Govee accent lighting. It emphasizes the versatility and affordability of Govee's LED strip lights, which can be installed in various areas of your home to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The key to effective accent lighting lies in strategic placement. The article suggests installing the lights under cabinets, along baseboards, or behind furniture to highlight architectural features and create depth. By positioning the lights in these areas, you can achieve a soft, ambient glow that adds character to your space without overwhelming it.
For a clean and professional appearance, use adhesive-backed light strips, which can be easily applied to surfaces without the need for drilling or additional hardware. You can conceal any visible cords using cord covers or by running them along the edges of furniture to maintain a tidy and cohesive look.
Beyond aesthetics, LED strips offer functional benefits. The blog post highlights features such as adjustable brightness and color settings, which can be controlled via a smartphone app. This functionality allows you to customize the lighting to suit different moods and activities, enhancing both the form and function of your space.
Create a cost-effective flower garden with a focal point bench
Funky Junk Interiors turns what could have been a simple yard corner into a charming garden focal point, all without breaking the bank. The hero of the project? A free, slightly worn wooden bench rescued from Facebook Marketplace, combined with full-grown blueberry bushes and inexpensive flowering plants. The result: instant structure, color, and a cozy sitting area.
© Funky Junk Interiors
The post goes step by step. First, repairs are made to the bench, replacing a missing leg and armrest, clamping, and reinforcing weak joints. Rough edges are rounded with a jigsaw for visual appeal. Next comes the cleaning: a gentle pressure wash removes decades of dirt, revealing surprisingly good wood ready for display.
Once the bench is secure and clean, plants are added and arranged carefully to create layers of height and texture. Blueberries provide partial shade and structure, while daisies and other flowers soften edges and add seasonal color. The planting is done one at a time, emphasizing patience and planning, with soil enrichment and careful watering to ensure success.
A few extra touches like decorative garden items or a rusty bike repurposed as an accent, round out the space, making it feel curated yet accessible. The article emphasizes that free finds + thoughtful placement + step-by-step planting can make a high-impact design statement without a big budget.
The lesson: transforming an outdoor space doesn’t require new furniture or expensive landscaping. Resourcefulness, creativity, and layering plants can turn an overlooked corner into a welcoming retreat.
How to build a charcuterie board – the definitive guide
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by charcuterie boards, Ask Chef Dennis makes it approachable, fun, and visually stunning. The site has a great article that walks you through assembling a board that balances flavor, texture, and presentation that’s perfect for parties, dinners, or casual entertaining.
© Ask Chef Dennis
The guide starts with cheese selection: an odd number of cheeses (3, 5, or 7) with a mix of soft (Brie, goat cheese), semi-hard (Gouda, Havarti), hard (cheddar, Manchego), and blue (Gorgonzola, Roquefort) options. For meats, the post recommends prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and capicola, along with optional pâté for spreadability. Quantities are practical: roughly 2–3 ounces of cheese and 3–4 ounces of meat per person.
The article also focuses on complementary elements: small bowls of olives, nuts, jams, and honey, plus fresh fruit like grapes, figs, and berries. Crackers, sliced baguette, or crostini provide texture, while chocolate or candied nuts add a touch of indulgence. Everything is placed thoughtfully, with larger items first, meats folded or rolled, and gaps filled for visual balance.
The post even covers timing and serving tips: assemble up to 8 hours ahead and chill, but allow cheeses to reach room temperature before serving. Beverage pairings, including wine, beer, or non-alcoholic options, are suggested to enhance the tasting experience.
By the end, you see that a charcuterie board is part art, part science, and all approachable when broken down. With Ask Chef Dennis’ guidance, anyone can craft a board that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Easy Greek sheet pan chicken
Averie Cooks serves up a Mediterranean escape with minimal cleanup in her Greek Sheet Pan Chicken – a colorful one-pan wonder that combines marinated chicken with summer produce and finishes with olive and feta finesse. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes elevated, yet comes together with ingredients you’d likely already have or can snag easily.
© Averie Cooks
The star of the show is the vibrant Greek marinade—olive oil, fresh lemon juice, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, dried oregano and thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Averie tosses bone-in or boneless chicken thighs in most of the marinade (about two-thirds), saving the rest to coat the vegetables so every bite bursts with tangy, herb-forward flavor. Then a mix of cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion wedges, zucchini rounds, garlic cloves, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta joins the party, all roasted together on one sheet pan.
The cooking process is generous but efficient: marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you like planning ahead), then roast everything until the chicken’s done and the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized – typically about 30 minutes total oven time. Fresh parsley is a bright optional finish, ensuring the plate dazzles with both flavor and color.
What makes this dish shine is how effortlessly it balances ease and elegance. Whether it's a busy weeknight or you're entertaining friends, everything – meat, veggies, sauce, and richness – roasts together in one pan, with minimal dishes to tackle afterward. It’s a Mediterranean breeze in dinner form.
Luscious lemon brownies
I’ve gotten into the habit of providing baked treats for the fine folks who frequent the Homes by AnnDavid world headquarters in the heart of Citrus Springs, Florida.
Every week during our Tuesday construction meeting, I unveil that week’s sweet indulgence, and this week it was a fantastic lemon brownie. I wanted to squeeze out the last bit of summer with this citrusy delicacy, and it did not disappoint.
Best of all, even though it was easy to make, there was a depth to the lemony goodness that made it one of those desserts you couldn’t stop enjoying. They were definitely “moreish” as my mom used to say.
If you want to make them for yourself, the Instagram post where I got the recipe is from Chelsea Lang on her @cookwithchel account. I’ve embedded the post below. Let me know how you like them.
Pumpkin spice brandy cocktail
When the first leaves turn gold, Inspired by Charm pours fall into a glass with the Pumpkin Spice Brandy Cocktail – a cozy drink that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated. Consider it an autumn hug in cocktail form, with real pumpkin syrup and smooth brandy taking center stage.
© Inspired by Charm
First, you make a specially spiced pumpkin syrup: light brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, water, and pumpkin purée simmer together until they meld, then salt and vanilla finish it off. Once cooled, this syrup becomes the sweet autumnal backbone of the drink.
The cocktail itself starts by rimming a coupe glass in a mix of sugar and pumpkin pie spice. In a shaker with ice, combine 1½ oz brandy, ¾ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau), ½ oz fresh lemon juice tossed from a lemon wedge, and 1 oz of that homemade pumpkin syrup. Shake until chilled, strain into the glass, and serve. It’s simple yet deeply seasonal.
The delicious brilliance of this cocktail lies in its warming spice and balance. The citrus cuts through sweet syrup gently, while the brandy and orange liqueur bring unexpected depth. It’s an easy-to-make signature sipper that ushers in sweater weather with every fragrant sip.
Quote of the week: On the approach of Autumn
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Fall gently ushers in a season of warm colors and cozy moments. It’s the perfect time to layer textures, embrace natural tones, and savor the small pleasures that each changing leaf brings. We’re not quite there just yet, but it doesn’t hurt to look forward to it.
“If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection. It's a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone. Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year, and it's time to reflect on what's come before.”
– Mitchell Burgess, American television writer and producer
That’s it for this week. Let us know your thoughts about any or all of the featured posts in this edition of Styled & Savored, and tell us what you’d like to see us cover in future editions as well.
