As winter fades and the landscape begins to reawaken, Pittsburgh’s parks and trails transform into vibrant wonderlands in spring. The season brings a fleeting but beautiful display of wildflowers, budding trees, and fresh greenery. Frankly, it’s one of the best times to explore the region on foot. We’re lucky that in Pittsburgh there are a variety of trails to explore. But, to make your job easier we’re picking out some of our favorites.
Spring Flower Trails for Exploring Colorful Blooms in Pittsburgh
This short (one mile) but beloved trail loop near Fox Chapel is one of the most popular local spots for spotting spring wildflowers. The trail even focuses on maintaining the care of trilliums and Virginia bluebells which their peak n late April to early May depending on the weather.
A little drive away from the center of the city, the Wildflower Reserve Trails at Raccoon Creek State Park lets you explore 4 miles of woodland trials. Choose from trails like the Jennings Trail travels past the historic Hungerford Cabin into a diversity of wildflowers. Or, the Max Henrici Trail where its eastern section fills with wildflowers in the spring.
Pittsburgh’s largest urban park features forest paths where early spring wildflowers emerge as the season warms. While specific blooms vary year to year, April into early May is generally the best time to see trout lilies, violets, and other forest ephemerals before the tree canopy fills the land.
Each year, Pittsburgh offers citizens their chance to see cherry blossom trees without having to travel down to Washington D.C. or over to Japan. The Pittsburgh Sakura Project works to plant and maintain these trees. Even with record snowfall and cold temperatures, they’re still expecting the trees to come into bloom.
The ease of accessibility to Schenley Park and its Eliza Furnace Trail make it a popular spot for gorgeous view. Near Oakland, multiple interconnected paths offer early spring wildflowers like spring beauties and violets along shaded stretches of trail. April through early May is usually the sweet spot for most species here.
We couldn’t go through this article without mentioning the trails at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. With 65 acres of cultivated gardens and woodlands, there’s always something new to see, especially when spring rolls around. The Hillside Pollinator Garden especially provides a sweet haven for bees as year-round blooms provide a flourishing source for nutrition.
Yes, Easter’s on its way. Time to gather your loved ones around a table. Why not kick off your celebration with a seasonal quaff for friends and family? Our stylist and recipe developer, Anna Franklin, pulled these recipes out of her Easter basket just for you.
Peter Cottontail himself would love to see this delicious drink at the end of the Bunny Trail. It’s easy and tasty, and it is just as good without the vodka if you want to let the kids in on the treat!
Quail eggs are all the rage these days. Work them into your bar program with this foamy whiskey sour. (Pro tip: use one regular egg white if your quails aren’t laying right now.)
Shaken, not stirred. Even James Bond would delight in this pink drink because there’s not a hint of sugary sweetness. The pink comes from watermelon radish, which (along with fresh ginger) imparts a sophisticated flavor to this otherwise classic cocktail.
Many of us will catch the NFL Draft from our home screens, which means we can turn this remarkable Pittsburgh occasion into something special for our near and dear. We can also stay 100% devoted to our home teams with a black and gold menu to help you cheer on the Steelers for the best picks. Nourish your loyalties with locavore dishes from Chef Kevin Hermann, whose new restaurant, 408 Heirloom, is incubating on North Side’s East Ohio Street. Plus, we have Burghers brewmaster Neil Glausier on hand to give us the perfect beer pairing for these recipes.
Though incredibly easy to make, this recipe takes a little patience. It cooks low and slow across four hours in a smoker or grill set to medium temperature. The prolonged cook time allows for the tenderizing rendering of fats, and for the simple, forthright flavors of black pepper and coriander seeds to permeate the meat. For the perfect bite, spoon a little Pickled Golden Pepper Salad and some Roasted Corn Hash Relish onto your plate to add their intriguing tang and sweetness. Begin with 100% grassfed beef from Pittsburgher Highland Farm.
A Chicken Tostada is your answer to handheld deliciousness. Blackened Cajun-style chicken, roasted chipotle aioli, and queso fresco are on point with their flavors and textures. This crowd-pleasing dish provides a welcome kick off for any game day or gathering. All the elements can be made beforehand and assembled with the help of game day friends, making it the perfect party dish. We recommend to start with pasture-raised poultry from Footprints Farm.
Gentlemen: Start your smokers! This gorgeous BBQ Pork Sandwich bathes in smoke for eight to ten hours. That gives you plenty of time to accomplish all your other party prep, as well, perhaps, as a pre-get-together nap. Once it’s ready to serve, a slather of homemade Blackstrap Molasses BBQ Sauce makes this an absolutely unforgettable bite. Savor a sandwich all by itself. Then, experiment with some of Chef Kevin’s delectable sides. Golden Beet Relish, Golden Pepper Salad, Roasted Chipotle Aioli, or Roasted Corn Hash from any of the other recipes here will add to the experience. Look to Lawrence County’s Fallen Aspen Farm for pastured pork.
Char Grilled Shrimp Skewers meet their perfect match in Chef Kevin Hermann‘s side dishes. Make the Blue Corn Grits and Golden Beet Relish the day before. Skewer and marinate the shrimp before guests arrive. Put everyone to work warming and grilling and plating. You’ll enjoy the camaraderie as well as the delicious results. The smokiness of the grill adds a dimension to shrimp’s natural sweetness. The beet relish layers notes of honey and vinegar to the affair, akin to what a BBQ sauce would do, but lighter. Charred limes are so simple, but the flavor is gratifyingly complex. While blue corn has deep Lenape roots in Pennsylvania, you’ll have to look out of state for blue corn grits. Stay close to home with golden beets from the 7th generation family operation at Shenot Farms.
A Golden Berry Tart uses one of our favorite under-rated fruits. Sold as “golden berries” in the produce department of many grocers, these pretty little gems are also known as Cape gooseberries or Peruvian groundcherries. Native to Peru, they pack a lot of mango, pineapple, and strawberry flavor into a small package. They’re also a superfood rich with vitamins A, C, and B. Chef Kevin recommends that you make your own flaky pastry dough for this tart, but if you cheat with store-bought, no one will complain. Layering the strong berries with sweet vanilla custard and shavings of dark chocolate will yield a fantastic dessert. The East End Food Co-op is a good local bet for what you need for this recipe.
When is the last time you made a cake from scratch? It’s truly not hard: you just have to move step-by-step through Chef Kevin’s recipe. Perhaps you invite a friend over the day before the party to sip something nice. Four hands will make light work of this totally scrumptious layered dessert. How could chocolate, cherries, and cream be anything but satisfying in this Black Forest Cake? Go online to Penn State’s Berkey Creamery to help your grocery shopping process. They’re a great Pennsylvania source for the cream cheese needed.
There’s a moment on Easter Sunday, often once everyone is sat, when the table finally feels complete. More often than not, it’s the floral centerpiece that gets it there. In Pittsburgh, local florists are reimagining the classic Easter arrangement with a mix of soft spring blooms, unexpected textures, and just enough personality to show off uniqueness. If you’re looking to anchor your table with something fresh then place your order before it’s too late.
Grab an Easter Sunday Centerpiece at These Pittsburgh Florists
Have the perfect vase in desperate need of a fresh bundle of flowers? The stem bar at Gold Dust Floral has your back with cuts from Sol Patch Gardens, Good Dog Farm, Goose Creek Gardens, Tiny Seed, and other growers around the area. Plus, they have plenty of house plants in case you’re looking for something grander.
Blues, purples, yellows, and other pastels stun in Easter centerpieces at the Squirrel Hill Flower Shop. No matter if you’re going with a large bundle of white flowers with color accents, mixes of greenery, or a tall Peace Lily. Or, if you’re not sure what you want, the Deal of the Day option lets you pick the occasion, recipient, and your budget then the shop creates your perfect custom arrangement.
Pickup and delivery are available for The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers Easter specials. During this time of year, they focus on four different options available on April 3 and 4. Choose from their House Bouquet, Petite Centerpiece, Popular Centerpiece, or Long and Low Centerpiece. Each includes pastel blooms and dressed up greenery.
The brightness and joy of Easter unfolds at McCandless Floral. There’s something for every personality like Easter lilies in baskets with butterflies arranged throughout, vases of sunflowers, or even blue pitchers featuring pastel carnations, and eucalyptus. But you can also pick a Designer’s Choice centerpiece or arrangement.
The spring florals section at Beverly’s Flowers has just about every color and arrangement that you could desire. Lovers of pretty pink and white will flourish but so will those who prefer sophisticated white blooms. They even have a selection of Passover arrangements for those who celebrate.
Don’t feel like leaving your busy kitchen full of half-cooked food? No problem, this florist delivers same-day orders to over 40 different zip codes. For Easter, they’re focusing on centerpieces that wow in both tall and short varieties. The Designer’s Selection Easter Centerpiece is another way to go as their specialists create something incredible based on your budget.
At Oliver Flower Shop you can embrace classic designs that echo old memories of your childhood. Think of tall Easter lilies along with vases full of yellow daisies and traditional red roses in bundles of a dozen. They also run a daily deal option where a florist chooses the fresh flowers for either a standard, deluxe, or premium arrangement you can either ship or pick up.
This urban flower farm grows their own blooms and greenery to ensure the best care and quality. You could go with a simplistic mason jar arrangement or take home an entire basket full of stems. Plus, in case you’re still in need of a sweet treat for Easter, they currently have Lemon Tarts, Carrot Cake, and Cinnamon Rolls available from Quinn’s PGH.
Fox and the Fleur’s spring holiday offerings let you choose between a round, long and low, or woven basket centerpiece with all the vibrancy of the season you know and love. They also carry a special Table to Garden arrangement that you can plant into your garden after it’s time starring on the table. Each includes mixes of tulips, hellebores, daffodils and fresh greenery.
As the weather finally turns in Pittsburgh, so does the collective mood: suddenly, everyone is outside, everyone is walking somewhere, and everyone is thinking about ice cream. Fortunately, this is a town that takes frozen desserts seriously. So, in the spirit of extremely unofficial journalism, we set out to visit a handful of local favorites and compare the goods. From classic soft serve to elevated hand-churned scoops, these are a few of the very best in Pittsburgh — and yes, we picked a winner.
Pitting Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream Parlors Against One Another
There’s always something new to try at Leona’s Ice Cream in Garfield — and that’s part of the fun. What began as a beloved cookie-and-ice-cream-sandwich business has grown beautifully into a brick-and-mortar scoop shop where creativity is clearly the point. Alongside staples like Chocolate and Black Sesame, there are more playful, elegant flavors that feel distinctly Leona’s. The Lavender & Honeycomb is a standout; it’s creamy, fragrant and floral (without veering into candle territory). Swirls of honey and crunchy bites of honeycomb give it texture and depth. It feels thoughtful and balanced — and just a little bit luxurious.
I love Dave & Andy’s in Oakland — and I love it even more after my latest visit. Part of the thrill is never knowing exactly what will be in the case at the Oakland shop; with more than 200 flavors in its rotation (including Red Velvet, Creme Brulee, German Chocolate and Fig Newton), Dave & Andy’s has long embraced a more-is-more philosophy. I went for a four-pack sampler, one of the best ordering options in the city, and tried Chocolate, Lavender, Cookies and Cream and Sweet Cream Vanilla (a slightly less-sweet, deeply satisfying take on the classic). I sampled even more flavors beyond that quartet — and every bite delivered.
At Happy Day Dessert Factory on the North Side, ice cream is only part of the story — but it’s a very good part. The menu is sprawling in the best way, with water ices, hand-dipped cones and homemade flavors including Samosas Cookies, Banana Cream Pie and Golden Vanilla. Still, it was the custard that won me over completely. A small, chocolate-and-vanilla twist had that ideal texture you look for in a custard. It was impossibly smooth, almost whipped, with the kind of richness that somehow still feels light. It’s the sort of treat you finish quickly — before you’re struck with regret at not ordering a larger size. Add a freshly baked waffle cone or one of their cookies and you’re set.
At this point, Millie’s is well on its way to becoming a true Pittsburgh institution. With multiple locations and a deeply loyal following, Chad and Lauren Townsend’s scoop shop (which first debuted in 2014) has built a reputation on homemade ice cream that feels both inventive and dependable. Yes, there are beloved flavors — Nutty Pistachio, Black Raspberry Chip and Strawberry Matcha — and they’re worth the hype. But the real surprise is how well Millie’s handles the basics. Chocolate and Chad’s Vanilla (developed, we’re told, after extensive testing) are excellent reminders that classic flavors are only boring when done badly. Here, they’re subtle, pure and exactly what chocolate and vanilla should taste like.
Pittsburgh spring does not truly begin until Page’s opens for the season. Now celebrating its 70th year, the South Side standby remains one of the city’s most beloved warm-weather rituals, and the long lines curling around the block are proof that no one minds the wait. The menu is extensive, with more than two dozen specialty soft-serve flavors (from Birthday Cake and Coffee to Peanut Butter and Toasted Coconut) plus sundaes and all the expected extras. But honestly, Page’s doesn’t need to overcomplicate things. A simple vanilla with sprinkles is enough to remind you why this place has endured. The soft serve is delicious, the vanilla is near-perfect and the atmosphere seals it.
And the Winner Is …
There wasn’t a bad bite in the bunch. Each of these shops offers something worth going out of your way for, whether it’s Page’s nostalgic soft serve, Millie’s polished classics, Leona’s inventive elegance or Happy Day’s dreamy custard. But if we’re crowning just one winner in this very unofficial Ice Cream Wars, it has to be Dave & Andy’s. Even with a change in ownership in recent years, the shop hasn’t lost what made it special in the first place. The flavors are playful, the texture is spot-on and the ice cream still tastes deeply homemade in the best possible way. In a city full of excellent scoops, Dave & Andy’s still comes out on top … at least until the next chapter of Ice Cream Wars.
Story by Emily Catalano Featured Photo From Millie’s Other Photos by Emily Catalano
We’re always looking for new ways to upgrade a martini and when spring rolls around, there’s a plethora of seasonal ingredients to try. For instance, spring brings about one of the two peaks of radish season when these bulbs are the most crisp and mild in flavor. To turn the martini on its head, we’re tapping into the deliciousness of the watermelon radish. The radish makes a cocktail that’s bright, juicy and fresh. It lifts you up while a peppery bite brings you back down to Earth. The botanical gin also lends a hand here: it creates a cocktail that’s truly spring-worthy.
What is a Watermelon Radish?
The watermelon radish variety stands out for its pale green outer skin and vibrant pink interior, which resemble the colors of a watermelon. It has a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to common red radishes, including a gentle peppery bite. The watermelon radish belongs to the same species as the daikon radish with that signature crispness, which is why we use it in salads, pickles, and in garnishes.
The luxury of a whiskey sour is elegant and velvety, so adding in a quail egg to the occasion just feels right. By swapping in a delicate quail egg for the traditional egg white, this cocktail creates a silky, luxurious texture with a frothy finish, while maintaining the perfect balance of whiskey’s warmth, fresh citrus brightness, and subtle sweetness. The result is a drink that feels both familiar and elevated as a way to impress any guests. Maybe you’ll even serve it at Easter or a spring party to set the mood just right.
What Does the Quail Egg Change in a Whiskey Sour?
In a whiskey sour, swapping a standard egg white for a quail egg instead won’t change the flavor much, but it does affect the texture, appearance, and overall experience. Because quail eggs are smaller, you may need to use more than one to achieve what you would with one regular egg. Some people find quail eggs to have a slightly richer, more delicate quality, which can make the cocktail feel more refined.
Abbey Cook, US Trend Editor for forecasting service TrendBible discusses the 2026 Color of the Year choices from six big companies.
Why Does the Color of the Year Matter?
There is always anticipation around what paint companies and trend agencies will dub “the color” for the following year. The decisions should capture the current zeitgeist and overall energy of what’s to come as we step over the line of December 31 in any given year. The choices often hit the nail on the head but occasionally there are others that leave you disappointed.
For a trend forecaster, sometimes they even leave us insulted. I’m talking about the wildly controversial white that is Pantone’s 2026 pick. Cloud Dancer, much like the political polarization gripping our nation, felt uncomfortable. Industry insiders interpreted the third lackluster choice in a row (following 2024’s Peach Fuzz and 2025’s Mocha Mousse) as a sign that Pantone has given up on tapping into the zeitgeist and is focusing instead on AI-researched notions of statistical prominence…which means that the Color of the Year will forever teeter back and forth between variations in the neutral zone. Safe neutrals always win the numbers game, but they do not even make the playoffs when it comes to expressing the spirit of the times or inspiring creatives to tackle the challenges of the day.
White has many facets – serenity, a blank slate to start over, a peaceful dove, but it also symbolizes a weak, “offend no one” neutrality or, worse yet, a sign of surrender. As someone who works in color, I feel now more than ever the need to make our messages heard and to take a stance. Color is more than just applying something to the surface of a product. When times are challenging, color has a critical role that, when used correctly, makes an impact on culture. It’s political, it’s social, it’s emotional: we need to make a scene with it. It needs to help move us forward.
How Trend Forecasting Plays Into Our Lives
In my work as a trend forecaster, I have been vocal about coloring 2026, inside and outside the lines, in a radiant, bright plum. The purple spectrum represents unity, and most importantly, it energizes us to make change. It’s a balanced color as it dances between feisty red and calming but confident blue. More poignantly, it calls for both political parties to come together. This jeweled red violet has been on the fashion runways for a couple years, which is a signal it will make its way into the home. The fashion world has embraced purple broadly in many catwalk presentations for Autumn-Winter 2026-27. Purple is set to become the new statement in everyone’s wardrobe in 2026, and in homes now, as well as heading into 2027.
Purple aside, this year there is a tale of two different color stories in home-oriented design circles. One path offers a constructive helping hand with safe neutrals. Another reaches for nature’s profound sense of knowledge with a bouquet of greens (also a popular pick among many fashion trend forecasters). There is one pink in the mix, a rebel with a cause who is rooted in nostalgia with a side of punk, giving pink one last stand before purple takes over.
Transformative Teal | Photo Courtesy of WGSN
What Color Can Do For Us
Color is everywhere, flooding our social media and digital outlets and yet—especially in the Western culture of recent decades—we shy away from it in our homes and wardrobes. Change can be slow and hard, but bit by bit we (re)learn that color is our friend when used in ways that makes us feel alive. Start small. Indulge in courageous yet contained acts of daring color on a pillow or mug and see how you feel after hanging out with it. Continue to add signs of a colorful life to your personal world. Then be bold with it and step outside: be seen, make noise, and “be the change you want to see,” starting with color.
Color is powerful and creates change, not just in our homes, but all around. It should be noted these colors aren’t randomly plucked from a hat. A great amount of research and thought goes into choosing why companies see these individual colors as important in the year to come. Art, fashion, climate change, politics, restaurants, social media, and just about everything you see and touch, are studied by trend forecasters and color strategists, helping to determine the mindset and culture they expect to see in the coming year.
Analyzing The Color of the Year Choices for 2026 from Six Major Companies
UK-based trend forecasting agency WGSN and their sister company, Coloro, chose a luxe jewel tone called Transformative Teal. They describe this water-inspired shade as a “fluid fusion of dependable blue and aquatic green that reflects the diversity of nature and taps into an Earth- first mindset.” Climate change isn’t going away, so we need to keep advancing ideas around sustainability, which this color encourages. WGSN was not afraid of making a powerful political declaration.
Their data also shows a growing interest in blue/green/teal product searches. It’s a stunning choice for autumn and winter, but if applied as a neutral can work year- round. Painting all four walls of a small room will make a splash, like stepping into the bottom of the ocean. You’ll enjoy the shimmer of its darkened teal glory.
If the intensity overwhelms you, it works as an accent color in the bedroom, the dining room, and in tabletop. In keeping with the sustainability theme, look for products using deadstock fabrics, recycled yarns, or textiles made from discarded food waste.
Continuing with the green theme, Behr chose a sublime “smokey jade with an air of mystery.” This deep midtone can act as a neutral due to its muted top note that makes it a little less jarring as a main wall color. Kitchens are moving away from all white and minimalist styles, making Hidden Gem a sophisticated choice for cabinetry with brass knobs or a textured tile backsplash for a lush streak of green.
Utilizing this in the bathroom will create a peaceful, spa effect that emphasizes the oceanic nature of the color. Look to the outdoors and bring natural color palettes into the living room for soothing energy. This could include juxtapositing cool and warm materials. Think jade pillows or cozy blankets paired with structured leather or wood furniture.
IKEA’s second time doing Color of the Year feels like a renegade choice. However, right now taking delightful risks pays off. Rebel Pink celebrates sweetness, joy, and nostalgia with a single pop of pink. When the world feels too serious and tumultuous, we tend to draw inward. Just as often, though, we look for the exclamation point at the end of a sentence that surprises and excites, which is exactly how we should use this color in the home.
Bring some warmth into the office with a library desk lamp coated in a matte pink to make the room less about work and more about play. That is the key word with this Crayola-like kid color. Experiment! Don’t hold back. In the kitchen, paint a little breakfast nook to create a bubblegum world, or display a set of ceramic mixing bowls for a retro vibe. Of course, this can still be used for anything kid related.
Let’s keep in mind, however, that kids shouldn’t have all the fun. “Think pink!” with pink flowers in pink vases or make a pink edged mirror the focal point for a double take when walking by. Rebel Pink shouts self-expression from the rooftops, as it is meant to “replace white walls with a refreshing energy that feels empowering and modern.” This is the message we need for 2026.
Universal Khaki | Photo Courtesy of Sherwin Williams
Universal Khaki is a well-known neutral with a big footprint in fashion. It pairs beautifully with Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (below). There are no muddy undertones, making it a worn, but clean khaki to work with in foundational or accent applications. Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams united to pull out your tried-and-true khakis from your wardrobe and brush their color onto your walls.
It’s a classic shade that is meant to have a lived-in feel for longevity. It stabilizes a room to make it easy to layer in bold accents for maximal style. It also lends itself toward a natural environment that can be enhanced with calming notes of greens, browns, or autumnal palettes from the outdoors to continue the grounded aesthetic.
The depth of this fashion-forward neutral brings energy to a room without commanding attention, acting more like a sensible friend. Described as “a burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal” it exudes a warm light filtering through the darker flecks, giving it a bit of extra glimmer. This makes for a timelessly chic alternative to an aggressive black. Silhouette is a refined color and works well in large, monochromatic applications.
Painted on a wall or ceiling with wainscoting, beadboard, or crown molding, it will help to highlight those design accents, making a room feel grand. It also looks tailored, much like a beloved structured blazer, and can easily be transitioned into an office setting.
Story by Abbey Cook Featured Photo Courtesy of Behr
Tonester Paints, a sexy new paint company with colors and ideas that emphasize sensuality and contemporary culture, caught our eye online. Founder and CEO Tony Piloseno sat down with TABLE Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker for an interview.
A Q&A with Tonester Paints Founder and CEO Tony Piloseno
Keith Recker, TABLE Magazine: Can you walk me through your creative process for developing a new Tonester Paints color?
Tony Piloseno, Tonester Paints: Being in the retail paint industry since I was 18, I gained technical knowledge and hands-on experience in creating the paint colors people use in their homes. When I launched Tonester in 2022, I developed my own style of formulation, one that reflects the colors I’m naturally drawn to. I’ve always loved deep, moody shades with a lot of dimension and personality.
I only create a new color when I’m genuinely inspired. That inspiration tends to come from unexpected places. Travel, music, art, fashion, or even brands and products that align with my taste values. I usually avoid chasing trends. My belief is that if something is already being widely talked about, we’ve either already made it or it’s too late to make it authentically.
KR: What personal experiences or perceived opportunities in the marketplace led you to start Tonester Paints instead of joining an existing paint brand?
I’ve always considered myself a creative person, especially when it comes to how I like to market products. Working at my local paint stores from ages 18 to 22, I realized how exciting the paint industry really was. We offered products that genuinely transformed people’s spaces and the way they lived. Every type of customer walked through the door. First-time homeowners, seasoned painters, designers, contractors, all coming in with the same goal of making their space feel right. Almost everyone, at some point in their life, ends up shopping for paint.
I chose to start Tonester because no company in the industry was offering anything with real edge, creativity, or personality. There was no bold point of view. Nothing that felt fun, fresh, or culturally relevant. Getting fired for making TikToks to market paint only pushed me further to carve out my own path, to celebrate creativity instead of suppressing it.
KR: Which colors or collections have turned out to be your most popular? Have you had any color surprise you by becoming popular?
TP: The color that has unexpectedly become a staple of the Tonester brand is ♱ (Black-Orange). When I first released it on TikTok and Instagram, I wasn’t sure it would be perceived as tasteful or practical enough to work in most people’s homes.
♱ (Black-Orange) is also the first color on the market to be solely by a symbol rather than a traditional name. I intentionally chose the gothic cross symbol to challenge convention. It has become one of our most distinctive and recognizable colors.
KR: My favorite so far is Black Martini. Any good anecdotes about that one?
TP: Yes! Black Martini’s creation is thanks to a trip to Lake Como last summer. There were more than enough dirty martinis enjoyed with friends and associates during the trip, and when I returned to Florida, that experience translated directly into the creative process. I started with a vibrant olive-yellow base and then introduced black into the formula—something I do with all of our colors. The result was a bold yet tasteful olive tone that makes an almost vintage statement within a space.
KR: How do online trends (like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest) influence consumer taste for color? How do they influence you?
TP: I believe online trends driven by social media platforms have a significant impact on consumer demand. As new creators and designers emerge and showcase their creativity, consumers have become less hesitant to use bold, impactful colors.
I worked at local paint stores during the “Millennial Gray” era, a time when social media had not evolved into what it is today. Designers and creators are now able to demonstrate online how to incorporate more unique and expressive colors into homes in tasteful, approachable ways.
KR: Looking ahead to 2026, what shifts do you expect to see in interior color—are we moving toward bolder statements, softer neutrals, or something completely different?
TP: Looking ahead to 2026, I expect to see a continued shift toward bolder yet warmer colors in interior spaces. We’ve seen a noticeable change in both client and retail demand toward darker, warmer tones such as ♱ (Black-Orange), High at the Gala, and Black Martini. These shades still provide depth and drama, but they also bring a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort to a space. These warmer, statement-driven colors will make a lasting impact on the design world as we move through 2026.
Story and Styling by Keith Recker Featured Photography by Dave Bryce Custom Spoons by Kevin Recker Paint Swatches Courtesy of Tonester Paints
Blending natural textures with shades of white, cream, and soft beige gives rise to an Easter celebration that’s both fresh and all-natural. Because this easy-going, handmade approach embraces imperfections, you’ll enjoy the little bit of stress-free time it will take to make a wreath, paint some eggshells, and create cutout place mats. You’ll really enjoy the reactions of friends and family!
DIY Easter Decor for an Elegant Celebration
Are you dreaming of a gorgeous Easter celebration this year? Treat family and friends to nature-inspired décor designed to lift traditional and modern homes alike. Set off the tablescape with an eye-catching Easter wreath, finished with details inspired by the simple beauty and fertile promise of the humble egg, which has for centuries been a symbol of the new life that accompanies the emergence of spring.
The Egg Comes First
You can find wreath-making tools and accessories at your favorite hobby store or at a florist’s supply store. To create the version shown, we used generous handfuls of dried leafy stems threaded with fine, pale straw. We then suspended handmade egg decorations from the wreath using varied lengths of natural raffia.
We hung the finished “centerpiece” from the ceiling above the table, but you can just as easily make a wreath for wall or door. Pro tip: to protect your hands, wear gardening gloves when working with foliage.
Keep the overall look monochrome, light-filled, and tranquil by avoiding any colorful tableware or leafy greenery. White plates (new or thrifted), chunky glass tumblers, and creamy linen napkins are ideal choices for this natural look.
The Textured Table
To add a beautiful, natural three-dimensionality to the tablescape, combine the twiggy linearity of bird’s nests (found, made, or purchased) and tuck these into vintage creamers, pitchers, and small serving bowls for further textural contrast. Use a variety of egg-shaped decorations ranging in size and coloration from tiny speckled quail’s eggs to the classic buff brown of hen’s eggs.
Create simple napkin holders by threading natural raffia strands with a couple of craft store beads and then looping the strands a few times around each napkin. Avoid making each holder exactly the same – it’s the wabi-sabi charm of the handmade you want to evoke here.
Paper Trail
For an additional – and delightfully eye-catching – element of texture and shape on the table, make your own place mats by cutting sheets of plain white paper into shapes inspired by paper doilies. Remember cutting snowflakes out of paper? The principle is the same.
To make place mats similar to those seen here, cut out circles with a 14 to 16 inch diameter from white craft paper or butcher paper. Fold each circle into quarters, then into eighths, and use sharp scissors to neatly add zigzags and other details to the outside edges. Next, cut a variety of shapes along the folded edges in order to create cutouts along each pie-slice “section” of the circle. Experiment with lots of different shapes. If one or two of the place mats don’t work, you can just try again with a new paper circle. And make each place mat slightly different from the last to continue the generally complementary but mismatched theme of the table.
Alternatively, use ready-made white paper doilies, which can be found at party and craft supply stores either online or locally. Just be sure to choose them in a diameter large enough that they will show, charger-style, around the edges of your selected plates or bowls.
Softly, Softly
Perhaps the most traditional of all Easter decorations is the old-fashioned painted, blown-out eggshell. The example here has been daubed with white poster paint to create a delicate dot design, but all sorts of patterns and marks will work beautifully if you stick to a monochrome palette.
For an excellent tutorial that will show you how to clean out the interiors of eggs, go online: for example, BBC Good Food has a comprehensive guide.
Encasing your decorated eggs within mini “nests” of shredded paper adds even more textural and decorative appeal.
Nesting Instincts
Combining both ultra soft and slightly rougher textures, as well as a variety of natural shades of color, handmade “bird’s nests” are the perfect containers for displaying your decorated Easter eggs.
The easiest possible “nest” can be made by simply shaping raffia and dried leafy stems and twigs into bowls, then topping with a painted hen’s egg or a couple of beautifully patterned, blown-out quail’s eggs.
Delicate Touch
Once the main party’s over, your decorative Easter wreath will look lovely through the spring. Simply remove the decorated suspended eggs. Save them for reuse next year or compost them.
Bunny Love
A delightful group of handmade Easter bunnies – the rabbit or hare is another ancient and instantly recognizable symbol of this special celebration – also makes a playful, welcoming decor element. Making them yourself is another craft project that is super easy to do and has huge appeal for kids.
Source old-school wooden curtain rings, polystyrene balls (in two sizes), tiny white pom- poms, white pipe cleaners, and preserved bunny tail grass (Lagurus ovatus) from your local craft supplier or florist supply store. Paint the balls in gradations of your monochrome color scheme using poster paint, and when dry, stack them in bunny shapes as shown, finishing with pom-pom tails and pipe cleaner or bunny tail grass “ears.”
What a Card
Greeting cards aren’t just for birthdays or Christmas: why not send a handmade celebration of Easter with a side order of good wishes to family and friends by way of the written word this spring?
To make your own cards without starting entirely from scratch, purchase ready made window-cards from your local craft or stationery store, or online. Decorate with pieces of paper doily and add cutout elements in contrasting paper, as well as small round or egg-shaped beads.
Trace and cut out simple bunny shapes from lightweight cardboard, decorate with small white pom- poms or cotton-wool balls for “tails,” then add them to your window cards as decoration – or use as notecards just as they are.
Remember that cards also make for a lovely display in their own right, so use any extras you might have to create your own on a side table or mantelpiece.
Story by Robyn Alexander Styling by Shelley Street Photography by Warren Heath Production by Bureaux
