Even if you possess confidence in your design choices, wouldn't you seek the advice of an expert if given the opportunity? We believe so. Consulting an interior designer, even for those with a keen eye for decoration, adds a layer of assurance. It's that extra support that makes every design enthusiast feel empowered. Whether you're a DIY genius or a beginner, a professional's expertise, honed over years, proves invaluable in navigating aspects like lighting and floor planning.
Unlocking the interior decorating secrets of your favorite designers could alleviate the analysis paralysis you face when choosing a sofa or picking a paint color at The Home Depot. Imagine the reassurance of having an authoritative source to address your pressing questions, such as the trendiness of navy blue kitchen cabinets or the potential regrets of shiplap. We all crave a guide who can distinguish passing trends from timeless ideas making a comeback. This kind of knowledge proves invaluable when making lasting decisions about your home.
Given that not everyone has an interior design expert on speed dial, we've sought insights from 70 of our preferred professionals, sharing decorating secrets typically reserved for their clients. Below, discover clever tips and tricks addressing every pain point in your home, be it a studio apartment or a farmhouse.
🏡 You revel in discovering new design tricks. So do we. Let's exchange the best of them.
1
Lighten Up a Room With Woven Cane
In this sophisticated mudroom crafted by Ashley Montgomery, the caned cabinet fronts serve both practical and aesthetic functions. They not only "allow airflow" to cabinets storing farm clothes, boots, hats, and gloves but also add a decorative element. The natural color of the caning effectively breaks up the green woodwork. Despite the high-traffic nature of such areas, strategic details like caning contribute to a sense of order, alleviating the potential for chaos.
2
Combine Strong Colors and Prints
While the concept might seem to clash, this bedroom designed by Leah Ring of Another Human includes rich colors and prints from patchwork textiles to ceramic items and paint, so it's only fitting that the artwork is multidimensional and unique too. "The bedroom gets great light throughout the day, so we wanted to go for a peachy color on the walls that would give it a nice glow with the sunlight," Ring explains. The bedroom "feels layered in a comfortable way but not too busy—[you] feel very serene when you’re in the room," Ring says.
3
Add Charm With a Cabinet Skirt
Inspired by tile and color, Meta Coleman undertook a kitchen refresh in California. Utilizing space from the living room, she constructed a vibrant walk-in pantry. The pantry boasts ample storage, generous countertop space, and charming cabinet skirts that add a touch of softness to the room.
4
Blue Goes With Every Color
The lesson here is that there are no downsides to practically any shade of blue. Designed by Kingston Lafferty, the artwork above the fireplace sets the tone for the bold color-blocking happening throughout the space, including the light green ceiling, the tonal walls and mantel, the Sputnik light, and the patterned chairs and drapes.
5
Tile Is Timeless
Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design, an enthusiast of classic subway tiles, also embraces the use of mosaics and penny tiles. She expresses, "If I'm aiming for something unique, I opt for a hand-painted or marbled tile from places like Balineum." Here's an extra tip: Customizations are currently a trend in the tile industry, whether it's for your bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom!
6
Cut Tile for a Custom Look
"We usually cut easily accessible materials, available in standard sizes, into smaller versions of those same tiles," explains Jessica Geller of Toledo Geller. This cost-effective approach was employed by the design duo to craft the customized tile design in this bathroom.
7
Update an Appliance With Wallpaper
Have ugly appliances or simply want to change things up? Cover them up with peel-and-stick wallpaper, as designer Janie Molster did to the fridge and freezer in this kitchen.
8
Balance Playful and Sophisticated
You have the freedom to blend colors and patterns that go beyond conventional boundaries while still maintaining a stylish and authentic look. Look no further than designer Anthony Gianacakos, who applied this approach in his personal bedroom. "My expertise lies in combining colors and patterns," he affirms.
9
No Window? Use a Mirror
In a windowless basement room, Camila Pavone from Effortless Style Interiors devised a solution by merging two mirrors to simulate a window. This not only adds brightness to the space but also creates an illusion of increased size.
10
Soften Up Stainless Steel
"We love how this finish surface interacts with light; it is soft, subtle, and welcoming," says Suzanne Stefan of the stainless steel matte finish in her kitchen, which she created using a Scotch-Brite sponge.
Also Read: Architectural Inspiration: 40x60 House Plan Ideas with Open Terrace
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Ans 1. Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They must be able to draw, read, and edit blueprints.
Ans 2. There are seven main principles of interior design: balance, harmony, rhythm, proportion and scale, emphasis, contrast, and details. These concepts can be applied to any room in your home, from the living room to the bathroom.
Ans 3. Whimsy is always welcome.Revitalize what you have.Murals and wall arts can add character.Create a focal point to show off the best stuff.Bring the room to life with lighting.Introduce natural elements.Get creative with switchboards and fixtures.Antiques bring elegance.
Ans 4. Start with the color palette. ...Let there be light. ...Think about the walls. ...Get some home organizers for effective storage. ...Hang lots and lots of reflective surfaces. ...Optimize your window treatments. ...A touch of motifs and themes. ...Greenery revitalizes your soul.
Ans 5. The ideal position for the bed in a small bedroom. ...Say yes to muted wall colours in a small bedroom. ...Try a floor-to-ceiling headboard. ...A twin set of side tables completes the look. ...Loft wardrobe storage for occasionally used items. ...Embrace remote work from your bedroom.