For decades, Martha Stewart has been synonymous with elegant entertaining, sophisticated design, and delicious yet approachable cooking. As a lifestyle icon, she’s inspired millions with her carefully curated homes, signature recipes, and attention to detail, setting a high bar for domestic creativity. Now, with the release of her recent Netflix documentary, Martha, audiences get an even closer look at her journey, offering fresh insights into her unique vision and legacy.
From her classic American aesthetic to her effortless blend of elegance and practicality, there’s something in Martha’s world for everyone to emulate. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her style, this Rent. guide details Martha Stewart-inspired decor ideas to bring a touch of Martha magic to your home whether you’re looking at homes for sale in New York, NY, thinking about renting a home in Seal Harbor, ME, or looking for your first apartment in Westport, CT.
Martha Stewart’s rise to fame
Martha Stewart’s rise to fame began with her keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for homemaking. After working as a model and a Wall Street stockbroker, Martha transitioned into catering, where her attention to detail and knack for presentation quickly set her apart. In 1982, she published her first book, Entertaining, showcasing her unique approach to food and style, which soon caught the public’s attention.
This success led to a series of books, her own magazine (Martha Stewart Living), and eventually, a television show, solidifying her reputation as a lifestyle authority. Her approachable yet refined style, combined with her expertise in everything from cooking to gardening, made her a trusted source of inspiration for millions, helping to shape how people think about home decor, entertaining, and cooking. Through her media empire, Martha has built a legacy that continues to inspire people to make their everyday lives a little more beautiful.
“As a former editor at the Martha Stewart brand, I share a love for timeless décor — vintage-inspired dishware, neutral linens, and soft lighting. I also enjoy adding my own twist, incorporating vibrant colors or modern touches into the signature traditional Martha Stewart aesthetic. Her influence deeply shapes how I approach both cooking and entertaining, blending sophistication with ease and a transitional interior design. Both our brands emphasize that entertaining is an art — from the perfectly balanced menu to thoughtfully chosen centerpieces, tables, chairs, and ambiance — creating gatherings that are as beautiful as they are delicious.”
– Tara Bench with Tara Teaspoon
Bringing Martha’s design style to life
Martha’s blend of elegance and practicality proves that thoughtful touches can elevate any home. From beautiful tables to timeless colors, here are simple ways to bring her iconic style to life in your own space.
1. Incorporate classic neutrals and pastels in your decor
Martha’s design philosophy often embraces a refined color palette that feels fresh yet timeless. From her kitchens to her living rooms, soft whites, grays, and pastels create a serene atmosphere. Introduce these colors with paint, furniture upholstery, or small accent pieces. Neutral tones not only create a calming space but also provide a versatile backdrop for seasonal decor changes — something Martha always champions.
Tips for your home:
- Consider re-painting a room in a soft, neutral color for a fresh, classic look.
- Add pastel-colored throw pillows or blankets to your living room for subtle pops of color.
- Select classic wood or white furniture that brings timeless charm to any space.
2. Perfect the art of table setting
One of Martha’s strengths is her ability to make any meal feel like a special occasion with her beautifully set tables. She emphasizes details like layered linens, elegant dishware, and polished cutlery, adding both beauty and intention to gatherings.
Tips for your home:
- Invest in a versatile set of white or neutral dishes — they’re timeless and can be paired with any seasonal decor.
- Try layering your table with a runner, placemats, and napkins for a more dimensional look.
- Include a floral centerpiece or a few candles for a simple yet elegant touch.
3. Bring the garden indoors with fresh blooms and greenery
Martha’s passion for gardening is evident in her floral arrangements, which often include freshly picked blooms and greenery. Incorporating natural elements into your home instantly adds life and color to any room. Whether it’s a large bouquet or a single stem in a small vase, fresh flowers are a key aspect of Martha’s aesthetic.
Tips for your home:
- Place a small arrangement of seasonal flowers in your entryway to greet guests with warmth.
- Mix fresh flowers with greenery from your backyard or local florist for a more organic look.
- If you lack space for gardening, consider low-maintenance indoor plants that bring similar vibrancy.
4. Curate your collection of timeless recipes
Martha’s influence on cooking is vast, with a repertoire that spans comforting classics to more adventurous dishes. Her approach often highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple techniques that bring out the best in food. Build your own collection of tried-and-true recipes that speak to your personal tastes, just as Martha has done over the years.
Tips for your kitchen:
- Create a recipe binder or digital collection of your favorite dishes and organize them by season or occasion.
- Experiment with seasonal ingredients to keep your menu fresh and varied.
- Embrace Martha’s “from scratch” approach, even if it’s just for one dish in a meal — it’s an easy way to elevate everyday cooking.
“While Martha Stewart wasn’t the first food blogger in the digital sense, she’s known as a visionary in the world of culinary and lifestyle content creation. Before the internet era, she pioneered a style of sharing recipes, entertaining tips, and homemaking advice through cookbooks, television, and her magazine Martha Stewart Living. In doing so, she created a comprehensive brand around food and lifestyle that laid the groundwork for the kind of personal storytelling, visual presentation, and recipe sharing that became standard in food blogging. So while Stewart didn’t start as a food blogger, her work directly inspired the evolution of food media, influencing many who became the first generation of food bloggers.”
– Mike Cleavenger, The Frizzled Leek
5. Pay attention to detail with personalized projects
Personalization is another area where Martha’s impact is profound. From homemade wreaths to customized place cards, she encourages people to make ordinary objects extraordinary through creativity. Personalized touches show thoughtfulness and make your space feel unique.
Tips for your home:
- Try creating homemade decor items like holiday wreaths or hand-painted flowerpots.
- Use fabric, ribbon, or paper to customize items around the house, like lampshades or napkin rings.
- For a quick project, add monograms or small decorations to everyday items like towels or placemats for a custom feel.
“Personalized touches show thoughtfulness and make your space feel unique. Forget traditions and what Pinterest says interior design should look like, and design a space that you actually want to live in. A space that feels like you – reflects how formal or relaxed you are, how bold or traditional. Infuse your favorite things into shelving designs and art. If your space feels like you, then your guests will always remember that perfect feeling. We channel these same sentiments into the wedding designs that we create for our couples – being authentically YOU will always translate as right.”
– Elyse Jennings, Owner of Elyse Jennings Weddings
6. Embrace seasonal and holiday decor
Martha is known for her festive spirit, seamlessly incorporating seasonal themes into her decor. She finds ways to celebrate every season, making her home feel inviting and cozy year-round. You can create a similar atmosphere by switching up small decorative elements.
Tips for your home:
- Display seasonal accents like pinecones in winter or seashells in summer to bring the season indoors.
- Incorporate holiday-themed elements subtly — such as swapping out throw pillows or adding seasonal tableware.
- For a festive atmosphere, decorate with a few handmade items, like a garland or wreath, that reflect your personal style.
Making Martha’s style your own
“Martha’s influence on young up-and-coming women, artists, and designers has been extraordinary. Martha has proven to all of us that you can make money with your creativity and talents your way and you can do it at any age. You can have failures and successes along the way but she has shown us that you must keep reinventing and expressing yourself your way! Take it from me…I made up my job and I get paid to play!”
– Wendy Baner, The Pipe Cleaner Lady
Martha Stewart’s influence lies not just in the beauty of her style but in her encouragement to make every element feel thoughtful and intentional. By adopting even a few of these ideas, you can infuse Martha’s charm into your home, adding touches of sophistication that make everyday moments feel special.
Source: rent.com