Happy New Year, all! We’re back from a holiday break with a new Sunday Seven. From Michelin-star momentum in the American South, to the rise of “McModern”, and Pantone’s Color of the Year — along with a few more things I’m loving across food, travel, and design.
Travel Editors’ Top Picks for 2025
Travel
Afar’s editors reflect on where they traveled in 2025, sharing the destinations that stood out most. This image from Singapore is truly captivating — and Alaska definitely has my eye, too.
Add to your list →
Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026
Design
Pantone reveals its 2026 Color of the Year, signaling where interiors, fashion, and design are headed next. Some people were underwhelmed by this color (or lack there of), but I’m always a fan of clean, crisp white.
See the color→
A Floating Hotel in Venice
Travel + Design
A new floating hotel concept reimagines staying on the Venetian lagoon. This technically is more like a houseboat than a hotel, only housing six guests, but isn’t it fabulous?!
Step inside →
Michelin Stars in the South
Food & Travel
The American South is (finally) growing into a Michelin darling, with standout restaurants earning stars across cities once overlooked. As a Southerner, I’m here for it.
See the list →
Most Popular Recipes of 2025
Food
From cozy classics to viral hits, these were the recipes readers cooked and loved the most this year. I’m not much of a baker, but this had me craving a tart today!
Get cooking →
The Rise of McModern
Design & Architecture
AD explores how the McMansion is getting a modern makeover with cleaner lines, better materials, and smarter layouts. I’m torn on this — I’ve always loved modern design for its sense of uniqueness, which makes it hard to watch it become so mainstream.
See the evolution →
House Tour: Desert Bloom
Design & Architecture
Speaking of modern design, this Palm Springs desert home transformation balances modern lines with organic materials, proving contemporary design can still feel warm and rooted.
Take the tour →
Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing rest of the weekend — the first of the year!
xx—BB
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