Welcome Mat: Enter your photos for the Homestyle Garden Photo Contest today
It’s time for you to enter your garden photos in Homestyle’s annual contest! Here’s how the contest will work: From May 29 at noon through Aug. 17 at noon, you’ll be able to enter pictures of your garden (shots from this year only, please) and winners will be named every week through Aug. 21. Weekly winners will receive a home or garden book. Those winners will then compete for the grand prize — a $200 VISA gift card — through online voting by Homestyle readers. A winner will be announced Sept. 11. Check Welcome Mat on June 5 for the first weekly winner. For inspiration, check out last year’s grand-prize winner, “Garden with Pond and Waterfall” by Patricia Thorner. For entry instructions and rules, go to https://detroitnews.com/gardenphoto26.
New Design Within Reach opens in Birmingham
It’s opening weekend for the new Design Within Reach (DWR), which officially opened yesterday in Birmingham. The 7,757-square-foot store is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham and occupies part of the historic Wabeek Building, originally designed in 1928 by Albert Kahn, the influential Detroit architect and pioneer of modern industrial architecture. It is the store’s second location in Michigan after the original Grand Rapids store. The store celebrates Michigan’s rich modern design legacy, with a nod to the nearby Cranbrook Academy of Art — one of the most significant institutions in American design history. Cranbrook alumni, including the Saarinens, Ray and Charles Eames, and Florence Knoll, shaped 20th-century art, architecture, and design, and many of their iconic pieces — the Eames Lounge and Ottoman, Saarinen Table and Tulip Chairs, Bertoia Chairs — are available at DWR. The interior is organized as a curated design tour, layering landmark pieces by Cranbrook-connected designers alongside contemporary furnishings for everyday living and also offers complimentary design services. The store is at 214 W. Maple; visit dwr.com.
Houzz Releases Summer Trends Report
Wondering what will be hot for summer, indoors and out? Houzz recently released its 2026 U.S. Houzz Emerging Summer Trends Report, which identifies up-and-coming design trends based on the latest search insights from their community of U.S. home professionals, homeowners, and design enthusiasts. “As summer approaches, homeowners are leaning into tactile, sensory-rich environments that feel personal and purposeful — blending nature-inspired textures, curved forms and warm color palettes with spaces designed for sustainability, wellness, connection and play,” according to the report. Rounded silhouettes, touchable textures (including linen and sea grass wallpaper and Venetian plaster), warm, earthy colors, nostalgic spaces (think Mahjong, board games and books), wellness retreats, eco-friendly options (including solar energy, recycled materials and native landscapes), compact gardens and backyards and lush European-inspired outdoor spaces were all among the most sought-after ideas per their website. To see the full report, visit houzz.com.
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Art Walk at Michigan Design Center June 5
Bare walls getting you down? Looking for new art for your home? Join the Michigan Design Center on June 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a building-wide day of creativity, conversation, and discovery. Art Walk will include professional artists exhibiting throughout MDC showrooms and studios. The day starts with a complimentary handcrafted coffee or tea in the lobby and includes the chance to explore original artwork and participating in live demonstrations and other experiences throughout the showrooms. The event includes a lineup of artists and the chance to meet them and discuss their work as well as an 11 a.m. keynote panel discussion featuring five artists in a variety of mediums. Visit michigandesign.com.
25th Annual Spring VegFest is June 7
VegMichigan, a local nonprofit organization, is hosting its free 25th annual Spring VegFest at historic Eastern Market on June 7. Interest in plant-based living continues to grow and the event offers the chance to explore options and try some of the best food in the area. Discover a variety of specialty items, enjoy eco-friendly shopping, and learn about organizations that are positively contributing to the community at this family-friendly event. Also included are free cooking demonstrations and presentations, plant-based food samples, music, massages from Irene’s Myomassology Institute, a Kid Zone, and an incredible selection of plant-based foods. The event lasts from 10 to 4 p.m. Visit vegmichigan.org.
— Khristi Zimmeth
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Welcome Mat: Homestyle’s Garden Photo Contest is ready for 2026
Reporting by Khristi Zimmeth, Special to The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
