March 2026 Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment. But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking…  expensive , especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle. That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you'd expect based on what’s changed recently. Buying Is More Affordable Than Renting in Many Areas  In a lot of places today, owning a home actually costs less each month than renting a 3-bedroom home.  and recent   data   from  A TTOM   shows   that’s true in nearly 58% of counties across the U.S.  ( see chart below ). And that's  after  you factor in things like insurance and typical maintenance costs.  In o...

April 2025: Easy Spring Decor Goals: 5 Living Room Refreshes Trending on Instagram




The first day of spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to say goodbye to winter’s cold embrace, ditch the last dregs of your dusty decor (we see you, withered wreath!), and infuse your space with a breath of fresh air.

While it might not be quite warm enough to throw open the literal windows, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring in a bit of spring in other ways.

This week, we scrolled through Instagram‘s latest and greatest living room looks to bring you five fresh ideas for incorporating springtime energy into your space.

1. Mesh lamp

Spring seems like the perfect season for incorporating more organic looks into your space—especially if they’re as delicate as this whisper-thin mesh lamp from @ninivinterior.

“This light pendant makes the room feel airy and gives an organic feel with the exposed frame,” says designer Malak Bellajdel. “The mesh isn’t too overpowering and will also cast a nice shadow on the space.”

Get the look: Give your space an ethereal glow with this wire mesh lamp from Etsy.

2. Minimalist statuettes

We love baby chicks and bunnies as much as the next person, but less is more when it comes to these sometimes overpowering traditional springtime looks. Just take note of this elegant, understated design from @myhom_eismycastle.

“These minimalist statues are perfect if you still want to have seasonal decor that will fit within your aesthetic,” says designer Amanda Foster. “It’s a cool, sleek decor option that won’t stick out like a sore thumb. You can keep these up year-round as they’re neutral enough to blend with regular decor.”

Get the look: Bring in a bit of modern seasonal fun with this Essex bunny statue.

3. Potted mini garden

Are you sick of buying grocery store bouquets that last only a day before drooping?

Skip the botanical drama this spring, and opt instead for your living display of tulips, hyacinths, or daffodils with a pot or two of bulbs, as we see in this look from @husihagen.

“Potted bulbs are the perfect way to bring nature inside,” says Foster. “Not only are they gorgeous and low-maintenance, but the options are endless for the shape, size, and color of the pot you choose. Bringing nature inside is proven to bring a little joy to your space.”

Get the look: Boost your flower power with this spring bulb garden.

4. Tulip-red couch

Vivid hues can enliven any living room after a long gray winter—just take a look at this tulip-red couch from @lebaneseindc.

“This piece is a focal element in the room that works well even as a stand-alone statement,” says Bellajdel. “The color is perfect for the spring season and doesn’t require any accessories. Everything else around it simply fades into the background.”

Get the look: Create a bright, new focal point in your living room with this Bel Air red sofa.

5. Botanical paisley throw pillows

If you’re not quite ready to upgrade your sofa, you can still opt for a bit of springtime feels with these botanical paisley throw pillows from @erin.evolving.

“There are so many ways one can bring botanicals into a space, and textiles are one of my favorites,” says Foster. “You can go bold, but the subtle variety is especially versatile. With a small-scale print in just two colors, the effect is almost neutral. Pair with plaids, stripes, or larger prints until your heart’s content.”

Get the look: Add some botanical goodness to your home by mixing and matching patterns like this Reilley embroidered pillow and this William Morris antique acanthus floral throw pillow.

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