Merlino & Gonzalez - August 2026

Interior designers and avid readers of Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living are always looking for new, out-of-the-box decorations and ideas to set their homes apart. While we see countless design trends every year, one new fad is really gaining traction. It’s all about utilizing the fifth wall in each of your rooms. The Boldest Design Trend You Haven’t Touched Yet You likely read that last sentence, quickly counted the walls in whatever room you’re currently in, and thought, “This room has four walls, just like every other room in the house. What is the fifth wall?” It’s not a typo, and you’re not going crazy. We’re talking about the wall directly above you, your ceiling! Look Up!

You probably haven’t thought too much about the ceiling in each room unless you recently moved in, repainted, or installed a ceiling fan. However, so much potential resides above your head. It’s all about how you design this often underutilized surface. One option is to add an architectural element to the space. You can add wood planks to give it character, or even install wood beams to change its dimensions. The right option can add depth and functionality, making any room entirely unique.

give it a cool, modern look. Graphic wallpaper can make any room feel bolder. Paint gives you a few more options depending on the look you’re going for. You can turn your ceiling into an accent wall by painting it a color that complements the walls, or you can drench the room in a single color to give it a more sophisticated, elegant look. We often ignore our ceilings unless something is glaringly wrong with them, but recent trends have us reexamining this design choice. Just be sure to think through your ideas before putting them into action. The last thing you want is to add elements you later regret, which can lead to more work down the road.

If you’re not a builder, don’t worry; you can still update your ceiling with paint or wallpaper to

Twilight Treasures at Home A Grandparents’ Guide to Sleepover Smiles

Be adventurous but considerate. Naturally, a visit to your home should be something your grandkid looks forward to. Maybe they’re excited to indulge in desserts and other treats they don’t eat regularly at home, or they can’t wait to see a special movie you’ve picked out to watch with them that may run a bit (or a lot) past their normal bedtime. Of course, any special indulgence you’re planning for the weekend should be okayed by Mom and Dad before your little houseguest arrives. Additionally, be sure to address any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have before serving them a delicacy that could upset their tummies (or worse). Make your grandkid’s getaway glorious. While watching fun movies and eating yummy goodies are always great for creating a fun sleepover, nothing’s stopping you from turning

your home into a special world for your visitor. Do they have a favorite TV show or movie character? You can decorate the living room (or anywhere else your grandchild will be) in that theme and give them a journey away from home they’ll never forget. You can also add themed music (maybe even karaoke!) and games to make it more engaging for them. That way, a trip to their grandparents’ feels more like going to a resort created just for them ! Above all, remember that the most meaningful part of a sleepover has nothing to do with decorations, treats, and games. Life moves quickly, and the quality time you spend with your grandchildren now, whether sharing stories at bedtime or sharing laughs over breakfast, is the real key to creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Being a grandparent can be one of life’s greatest blessings. After all, you get to spend time with a precious little one (or perhaps more), savor their joy and laughter, and spoil them absolutely rotten before sending them home! All joking aside, hosting one or more grandchildren at your home for a sleepover should be a special occasion for you and them. Whether you’re hosting your first sleepover for a grandchild or are a seasoned pro at overnight stays, here are two tips to help ensure a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

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