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I'd like to dedicate this blog to everyone who has inspired me to pursue my dreams of interior design, and to those who have taught me everything I know. As a mom, interior designer, and DIY-er I am always learning new things. This is where I want to share all my knowledge to hopefully inspire you to create the home you have always dreamt of.
Source: Fancy House Interior Design
Source: Lazy Loft
Cozy Up Your Home: 5 Must-Have Textures for November
Create a Warm and Inviting Space This Fall and Winter
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home to a warm, inviting space. November is the perfect time to transition your home into a cozy retreat, where comfort and style meet. One of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve this is by layering your space with a mix of rich, tactile textures. From wool and velvet to chunky knits and more, adding the right textures can instantly elevate your home and make it feel like a snug haven for the colder months.
In this post, we’ll explore five must-have textures that will not only make your home cozier but also add style and warmth to every room. Let's dive into the world of tactile design and discover how to create a space that feels as good as it looks!
1. Wool: The Ultimate Fall and Winter Comfort
When it comes to cozying up for fall and winter, wool is one of the top textures to consider. This natural fiber is warm, breathable, and incredibly versatile. Whether you choose soft wool throws, pillows, or blankets, wool is perfect for adding that extra layer of warmth to your living room or bedroom.
One of the best ways to incorporate wool into your home is with a large, textured wool throw draped over a sofa or armchair. The tactile, chunky feel of wool can create a visual and physical sense of warmth. You can also opt for wool cushions in deep, autumnal tones like mustard yellow, forest green, or rich burgundy to bring a seasonal touch to your décor.
If you have hardwood floors or cold tiles, consider layering a wool rug beneath your coffee table or bed to not only add warmth but also to create a cozy, soft underfoot feel. Wool rugs are incredibly durable and will last for years, making them a great investment for your home’s comfort.
2. Velvet: Luxurious and Plush
Velvet is another texture that brings an instant sense of luxury and warmth to any space. With its rich, plush surface, velvet instantly transforms a room into a more elegant and inviting space. In the cooler months, velvet is particularly effective at creating a cozy atmosphere while maintaining a sophisticated, timeless appeal.
The beauty of velvet lies in its versatility. You can use it for a wide range of home décor items, from throw pillows and cushions to upholstered furniture and curtains. For an added touch of elegance, velvet cushions in jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and deep plum will create a dramatic yet cozy look on your sofa or bed.
If you’re looking to make a bigger statement, velvet is also perfect for larger pieces of furniture, such as sofas or armchairs. A deep velvet sofa in a muted tone like charcoal grey or navy can serve as a luxurious focal point in a living room while still maintaining an inviting, comfortable vibe.
3. Chunky Knits: Casual Comfort Meets Style
Chunky knit blankets and throws are a must-have texture for November. There’s something so satisfying about the weight and warmth of a chunky knit throw draped over your sofa or bed. Not only do these knitted textures keep you warm and cozy, but they also add an effortlessly stylish touch to your space.
The best thing about chunky knits is their versatility. You can incorporate them into nearly any room in your home, from the living room to the bedroom. A large, knitted blanket in a neutral tone like cream or beige will complement most color schemes, while a bold, colored throw can add an element of interest to a more minimalist space.
Pair a chunky knit throw with wool pillows or velvet cushions for a perfectly layered, cozy look. The varying textures will create visual depth and make your space feel both inviting and stylish.
4. Faux Fur: Soft and Cozy with a Luxe Feel
When the temperatures drop, faux fur is a luxurious way to add warmth and texture to your home. Whether draped over a chair, laid across a bed, or tossed on the couch, faux fur instantly elevates the comfort and style of a room. Plus, it’s a more sustainable option than real fur, making it an ethical choice for your home.
Faux fur throws and cushions are perfect for creating a cozy, wintery atmosphere. Consider adding a faux fur throw to your living room or bedroom to evoke the feeling of curling up by a crackling fire. Pair it with soft wool or velvet elements for an indulgent, layered look.
If you're not ready to commit to full faux fur furniture, you can also opt for smaller accents, such as faux fur-lined cushions or a small throw. These accents will still offer that plush, tactile feeling that’s perfect for the season without overwhelming your space.
5. Leather: Sleek and Warm with Texture
While soft, plush textures are important for creating a cozy home, there’s something about the rich, textured appeal of leather that adds a sense of warmth and sophistication to any space. Leather furniture—whether it’s a classic leather sofa or a sleek leather chair—adds a touch of warmth and refinement that’s perfect for the colder months.
In addition to furniture, leather can also be used in accents like ottomans, side tables, or even leather pillows. The combination of soft, tactile textures like wool, velvet, and chunky knits with the sleek, polished look of leather creates an intriguing contrast in your space, giving your décor both comfort and sophistication.
The rich, earthy tones of leather also pair well with fall color schemes, making it an ideal material to introduce into your home as you transition into the cooler months.
Conclusion: Layering Textures for a Cozy, Stylish Home
As the weather cools, it's the perfect time to refresh your home with textures that provide both warmth and style. Wool, velvet, chunky knits, faux fur, and leather are just a few of the key textures that can help you create a cozy atmosphere in your living room, bedroom, or any space in between. By thoughtfully layering these textures, you can achieve a room that feels both inviting and stylish, offering comfort throughout the colder months.
So, whether you're curling up on the couch with a wool throw, hosting friends with plush velvet cushions, or cozying up in a chunky knit blanket, embracing these textures will help you make your home a warm, welcoming retreat this November. Happy decorating!
11/16/2024
Source: House Beautiful
Source: House Beautiful
Four Foyer Design Ideas
When thinking about how to design your foyer there are two main things to consider. One is what do you need in the space and two is the scale of the pieces you select. Since it is the first impression of your home, and sometimes the main access point of your home, these two things are very important. Some key elements for a foyer could include ample storage for shoes or coats, seating, a mirror, umbrella storage, a hat rack, storage for keys or mail, and a rug. Once you identify which of these things are necessary then you begin to choose items that fit within your space without taking up to much valuable square footage. This is where scale comes into play. There are many space-saving furniture piece options. For example, a console table that has drawers for storing smaller items and that has space underneath for a seating ottoman.
Next comes the fun part of decorating your space to be inviting and reflective of your style. Wall art, a mirror, and a rug are great places to start. Other things to consider are adding statement lighting or a unique furniture console, and fun fabric on a chair, bench, or ottoman. Adding an architectural element like a ceiling detail or wall moldings is another great way to make a large impact without cluttering the space. No matter the size of your foyer, there are many ways to add function and style that leaves a lasting impression on your guests and make you smile every time you walk in the door!
8/15/2024
Source: Analiticaderetail
Source: Interior Design Ideas
Dialogue Between Eras
When it comes to designing a living space, how do you add interest? Of course, you want your living room to be comfortable, cozy, functional, and pretty to look at; but sometimes you also want that "wow factor." There is something about when you have people over and they compliment your home's design, we grin and take pride. The living room is where you can show off a little, and express your personality without sacrificing all the "feels" you want the room to have.
I like to add drama to a space by doing something unexpected. For me personally, I love mixing different design eras. In the picture above, the walls are covered in very ornate wall moldings indicative of the Victorian era; but the furnishings are modern and clean which was first introduced in the 1940s. For some drama could be added with color on an accent wall, or by creating a focal point in the room. Using an unexpected mix of materials or using unique colorful or textured artwork, is another way to add interest to a space. Adding architectural elements, such as archways, beams, ornate ceilings, or fireplaces is a great way to add that something special that makes a room memorable.
The key to mixing design styles is to find a common dialogue between all the elements. So in the above example, the common dialogue between the eras is the color palette. Color is a great way to unify a space when you want to use a more "eclectic" mix of furnishings or want to furnish a home that is opposite style of the original character of the home.
Some combinations of styles are not as dramatic as modern Victorian. An example of this is modern industrial or minimal industrial. These combinations of 1930s industrial and 1990s minimal are more commonly seen and therefore not so unexpected. I would add an oversized ornate or crystal chandelier to give these spaces an unexpected twist. Adding an element of surprise to a space is how you create that memorable moment that inspires conversation. So when you are trying to choose things to fill your space, only choose things you love and tell your story. You can always find ways to unify your selections so that you end up with a cohesive space that is uniquely yours.
8/5/2024
Source: Design KC Magazine
Trend Meets Function
For most of us, the kitchen is the hub of the home. We spend most of our time in the kitchen and most of us entertain guests in our kitchens so of course we
want it to look beautiful. But we must also consider certain elements of kitchen design that are necessary like storage and seamless workflow between main
fixtures. While it's good to know the trends, we want our kitchen design to
function and stand the test of time. Because lets be honest, kitchen renovations are time-consuming and expensive.
Storage will always be needed in the kitchen, but you can get creative with the materials and placement of storage elements. In the Design KC Magazine photo above, the spice storage is hidden behind vertically moving marble slabs on either side of the stove. Great for spices and other smaller items needed in close proximity to the stove. A big trend for 2023 is using your countertop material as your backsplash. So in this case, the storage took on that trend! The idea of having your countertop run up the wall as the backsplash, makes the space appear seamless and spacious since your eye just follows the pattern. The use of a material with veins adds interest without too much distraction, you get a pattern in subtle tones that aren't too distracting. The use of marble and marble-looking materials have stood the test of time and will never go out of style.
This is just one example of how you can be creative and trendy with functional elements in your kitchen but still remain timeless in your design.
7/17/2024
Where to start when designing a room.
Source: Society 19
Source: The Spruce
A common question I get asked as a designer is where do I start when designing a room? Some designers would say with a mood board that has inspirational photos of how you want your room to look. Others would say, build off the focal point of the room like a fireplace or a piece of art. I would say if you are starting with a blank room that already has the floors and wall color complete, start with the rug. But before that I always ask my clients 2 questions; what will the room be used for and how do they want to feel in the space. This helps me decide on the durability, style, and function of the pieces I choose. Three reasons I say to start with the rug is, it is your base that furniture will go on top of and no one wants to move furniture to put a rug down last. Second, it
is much easier to choose colors from a rug than it is to try and match a rug to the pieces in the space. Third, rugs offer an array of styles and colors that allow you to create the exact vibe you are wanting the space to have.
Society 19 chose a dark rug that grounds the space which is filled with many light fabrics and light wall color. The camel color leather chair adds warmth and compliments the dark rug tones and contrasts the cool light tones.
The Spruce chose a very fluffy high-pile rug for this comfortable and casual living room. The walls, sofa, curtains, and rug are all in the same light tone, allowing the rust color ottoman and throw pillow to pop. In this example, the rug blends with the surroundings instead of grounding the room which gives the room a very airy feel.
So you can see how area rugs can really change the entire feel of a room and really guide the rest of the pieces that you choose. Choosing the area rug first can help pick out furniture scale, style, and color. I would recommend shopping locally for an area rug, rather than online. You really should see the color in person, and feel the quality and texture of the rug before lugging it inside. When you order online, it's a bit difficult to roll the rug up and repackage it if you end up not liking it. Hope this helps and feel free to ask questions or comment below! Happy designing!
7/5/2024
Source: Home Bunch
Source: Tucker & Marks
What's Your Style?
Ever feel like "your style" just doesn't fit a proper design style term? You may like modern furniture inside a rustic cabin or crystal chandeliers and the comfort of farmhouse style. Just because your style may not have a proper name, doesn't mean it doesn't exist, or doesn't mean it can't exist! The beauty of interior design is that it is completely subjective and you are in control. Don't get hung up on the terminology of design styles, focus on what you want your room to feel like and how you can translate that into your space.
The next big question is, "but will it look good?" That's where mood boards come in, samples of fabrics or paint colors, and doing some internet research become handy. If you search for the styles you like, you are sure to find images that will help guide you to what exactly you like about the style. I've learned that people call things by the same name but mean very different things. For example "California Coastal" to some may mean light tones with blue accents and traditional furnishings but to others, it's a monochromatic neutral color scheme with woven textures and wood plaster finish.
So no matter what "terms" you use, always be true to how you want the room to feel, and when your space starts coming together, all that matters is that you've accomplished that feeling!
6/12/2024
Source: Kaleidoscope Living
To Paint or Not To Paint
Lately, I've been seeing a trend in painting the door trim and baseboards a darker color than the wall. Almost like an outline effect of the room. I almost immediately think of a black-and-white cartoon strip or older homes that have the original wood-stained door trim and baseboards. It feels as if the room is heavy and weighed down by this outline of dark contrasting colors. Of course, it's all a personal preference. I feel as though the wrong part of the room is being accented or that your eye stops at the crown and baseboard. There are so many other ways to accent a room with paint, for example, painting the door inside the room a contrasting color. This is a better way to highlight a feature like a beautifully paneled door. Also better to have the eye stop at a door than to look down at where the wall meets the floor. I must say I have seen this done and look amazing like the photo I featured from Kaleidoscope Living. The use of black for the crown, door, trim, and baseboards gives this room a sophisticated quality. Notice the lines are mimicked in the mirror frame and floor rug which balance the space, taking away from the eye, stopping at the top or bottom only.
Another great look is to paint everything a bold color; walls, trim, doors, and ceiling. This makes the room appear larger and creates a very sophisticated look depending on the color chosen. I'll expand more on this in a later post. Hope this helps with any trim paint debates you may be having!
6/2/2024
Source: Elle Decor
All Blue Everything
The idea of painting with a dark color is daunting all by itself, let alone deciding to paint every surface in the room that dark color is just scary! We all see the magazine pictures and think "No way is that real life!" But you would be surprised how many designer homes have one room that is painted a dark moody color from top to bottom. Whether it's an office, library or maybe a powder room, using a dark color is risky. But you have to remember it's just paint that can easily be changed. Three things to consider are the amount of light in the room, the sheen of the paint, and the millwork of the room. If your room has a lot of natural light or is a smaller space with layers of lighting like an overhead fixture with wall sconces, then you are safe to paint with whatever dark color you like. The amount of light in the room will help offset that moody feeling when you may not necessarily want it. The sheen of the paint plays a big part in how the light is reflected off the paint color. Like in the inspiration photo above, you will notice a high gloss was chosen to reflect the light beautifully. The number of wall details you have will also affect the color of the room since all the moldings cast shadows and change color depending on where you look. For example in the above photo, you will see inside the bookcase looks almost black in comparison to the cabinet doors below which look very blue.
Painting an entire room a bold color is a risk but in the end, you will end up with a room that appears large and stately, like a warm hug you want to sit in!
5/18/2024
Source: Chrissy Marie Blog
Source: Next Luxury
Source: Good HouseKeeping
So the big question for 2023 kitchen design is... are all-white kitchens still on trend? And the answer is ....nope! Most people love white kitchens because the look is so clean. But can I be honest? My lower white cabinets don't look so "clean" anymore! I promise I wipe them down but they never look as clean and crisp as my white upper cabinets. The all-white lower cabinets are out for me and in with the trend of dark bold earthy colors, such as deep blues, greens, and tans. I like the idea of some color, just not sure if I want all my cabinets the same color. So if you are not absolutely in love with the shade of green or blue you pick, it would be quite costly to change it. You also have to make sure you have enough light in the room to handle a darker shade on every vertical surface. Keep in mind, kitchens don't offer many opportunities to layer fabrics, or other colors and textures. Every surface in a kitchen is a hard surface, so you have to consider the amount of natural light, as well as the floors, countertops, lighting, and accessories. A good rule of thumb when choosing kitchen colors keep the vertical surfaces in the same color family and all the horizontal surfaces in the same color family. For example, if you have light floors, choose a light countertop color. If you choose a light cabinet color, choose a light backsplash color. This allows for the space to have interest without any harsh transitions like a black flat-screen tv in the middle of a white wall, all your eye sees is the tv no matter what else you have in the room.
A great compromise is a two-tone or even three-tone kitchen. You could have a different island color or different lower cabinet color. The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing where to add color to your kitchen. Below are two images of the same three-tone color palette of black, white, and wood. The difference is in the kitchen style, one is very sleek and modern, while the other is very clean and classic. Color is a great way to inject personality into your kitchen no matter what your style.
4/27/2024
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