Best interior decor: Best Home Decorating Ideas – 80+ Top Designer Decor Tricks and Tips
Best Home Decorating Ideas – 80+ Top Designer Decor Tricks and Tips
While designing your home is no doubt exciting, the process can also be overwhelming. Trying to achieve the right balance of form and function has its challenges. Regardless of your style, the big picture and the small details are equally important. From choosing the right furniture to finding the perfect color palette, here are 82 designer-approved home decor ideas to inspire you as you create your dream home.
1
Work with Architectural Quirks
Kirk Davis Swinehart
To avoid drawing attention to ceiling beams or other architectural oddities, designer William Cullum and his partner, Jeffery Rhodes, painted the walls, trim, and ceiling the same color blue in the hallway (seen at rear) of their New York City apartment.
2
Be Bold with Color
Stephen Kent Johnson
Literary couple James Fenton and Darryl Pinckney opted for bright, jewel-toned walls in shades of green, blue, yellow—and even purple—throughout their Harlem townhouse.
3
Play Up Your Location
Stephan Julliard
At Jean-Louis Deniot’s family retreat on Île de Ré, France, the designer deployed nautical references to emphasize the seaside setting: Maritime rope frames all of the doorways; the steps are hand-painted with wave scenes; and the bedroom wall mural (seen through the doorway here) resembles a sandstorm.
4
Make Your Mantel a Masterpiece
Alex Lukey
In a Toronto home by Colette van den Thillart, the designer decided to replace the original mantel with a sculptural, eye-catching fireplace surround.
5
Pattern on Pattern on Pattern
Nicole Franzen
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints. Designer Ramsey Lyons combined different patterns in shades of pink for the sofa and chair upholstery, and yet another one for the curtain fabric in the sunroom of her Pittsburgh home.
6
Use Mirrors to Enhance Natural Light
Stephen Kent Johnson
In the dining area of Gabriel Hendifar’s downtown Manhattan apartment, a mirrored wall helps to bounce natural light around the room, brightening it in the process.
7
Go for Broke with Bookshelves
Guido Taroni
In art historian Carolina Vincenti’s apartment in Rome, she painted the bookshelves in the hallway and living area a bright red as an homage to British telephone booths.
8
Mimic Architectural Shapes
Christian Harder
Designer Darren Jett echoed the arches of this Brooklyn apartment’s windows in the rounded custom sofa, cushions, cocktail table, and circular rug. A bonus: The rounded seating area gives the clients ample room for entertaining.
9
Form Follows Function
Stephen Kent Johnson
Designer Ryan Lawson reconstructed what was formerly a dining room and turned it into a study to better suit the client’s needs in this Connecticut home. To make it comfortable and practical, Lawson commissioned bookshelves that match the Shaker style of the house and layered the room with pieces from the homeowner’s travels.
10
To the Window (With No Walls!)
Pernille Loof
Designer Vicente Wolf used furniture—instead of walls or screens—to create separate seating areas throughout his Manhattan loft.
11
Use Your Wall Space
Ricardo Labougle
A suzani hangs high above an Indonesian rattan sofa bed in this Cartagena, Colombia, home. The gorgeous textile adds interest to the white walls and mixes well with other prints.
12
Drape a Bright Rug
Frank Frances
ELLE DECOR A-List designer Sheila Bridges added texture and color to her home in New York’s Hudson Valley with an emerald green sheepskin throw rug.
13
Create a Bold Gallery
Maxime Brouillet
A gallery wall of eye-catching artworks in minimalist frames makes a bright statement in this Montreal home.
14
Deploy Color on the Floor
Emily Gilbert
A bright blue rug brings the color of the ocean inside this glass house in the Hamptons. The otherwise white palette creates a bold contrast.
15
Go Bold in Small Spaces
Paul Costello
Graphic prints can have major impact in a small space such as a powder room. Here, an Ellie Cashman floral wallpaper is the star in a New Orleans manse designed by Sara Ruffin Costello.
16
Experiment with Patterns
Nicole Cohen
Layering patterns in a range of styles and scales is an easy way to add visual interest to a room. Here, former Refinery29 global editor-in-chief Christene Barberich pairs black-and-white pillows with green chevron bedding in her Brooklyn Heights bedroom.
17
Use Color in a Hallway
Simon Upton
If your color choices are usually more reserved, step outside of your comfort zone by choosing a bold hue like purple for a hallway. It is unexpected and can be a chic backdrop for showcasing an art collection, as in this design by David Hicks.
18
Display Collectibles on a Table
James Merrell
Every room can benefit from accessories with a history. Rather than showcasing your collectibles on a shelf, set them out on a table, as seen in this Italian apartment. Just be sure your collection is highly curated to maintain a sense of balance in your display.
19
Group Antiques by Color
Rebecca Robertson
There’s a fine line between kitschy and curated. Rebecca Robertson unifies vintage and new pieces by grouping them by color.
20
Mix Your Time Periods
Trevor Tondro
“You mix things up with old and new,” suggests textiles and interior designer Kathryn M. Ireland, as she did in the living room of her Santa Monica home—a room where the furnishings include 17th-century French chairs, an 18th-century Mexican console, and a cocktail table from her furniture line.
21
Try Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Marie Flanigan Interiors
Floor-to-ceiling shelving never fails to add character to a room. In his Los Angeles home, acclaimed chef Ludovic “Ludo” Lefebvre opted for this shelving style for his collection of more than 1,000 cookbooks.
22
Look at the Bigger Picture
Douglas Friedman
Looking at your home from a holistic perspective—seeing how each room works in balance against the others—can help craft a welcome variety in your spaces, like this emerald-and-charcoal dining room that adds a touch of formality to an otherwise contemporary Los Angeles home.
23
Embrace the Fear of Commitment
Stephen Kent Johnson
To avoid being locked into a single style, lighting designer Lindsey Adelman switches up the fixtures in her Park Slope home on a regular basis. “It’s part of my creative process,” she explains. “I love to see things in context, in real life—to live with them.”
24
Use Your Walls as a Canvas
Simon Upton
Rather than art, a high-impact wallpaper can give a subdued room some wow factor. The 19th-century wallcovering from this luxe Milan apartment was purchased at auction in France and adapted to the room. “We created the missing parts—the plinth and the ceiling frame—to depict an Italian capriccio, a fantastical and bucolic landscape with architectural features,” says Laura Sartori Rimini of Studio Peregalli.
25
Anchor Your Room With a Classic
Richard Powers
“Bringing a touch of the old world into the mix creates a home that will never feel dated,” designer Alex Papachristidis explains of the art-studded Manhattan apartment he designed for a family friend. For example, note the silver leaf–and–rock crystal chandelier from Liz O’Brien that he hung in the otherwise modern dining room.
26
Create Moody Contrast with Color
Stephan Julliard
Instead of meshing a color scheme with a sense of place, designer Irakli Zaria used rich gold and turquoise as an antidote to gloomy London days in this chic pied-à-terre. “In a place where there are such cloudy skies, it makes no sense to have a gray interior,” he says.
27
Add Playfulness with Repurposed Items
William Abramowicz
Art director Vivia Horn’s Zen upstate New York home makes use of an unexpected gift to give her traditional kitchen a dose of fun. This breakfast table is made of a refurbished hibachi, a present from the late wrestler and Benihana restaurateur Rocky Aoki.
28
Use Fabrics Beyond Soft Furnishings
Douglas Friedman
Looking beyond the traditional with wallcoverings can create a truly standout design presence. “I do think I might have scared [architect Ken Linsteadt] a little bit when I announced I was planning to install two levels of green floral fabric on the walls of the grand salon,” says Ken Fulk of his Sonoma Valley lakeside retreat, yet the fabric gives the high walls a richness that wallpaper alone might not have achieved.
29
Balance New and Old
Dominique Vorillon
When renovating a building that already has plenty of character, like this 1920s Spanish Colonial home in Los Angeles, it’s all about striking the balance between what you add and what you leave. “We wanted to make it feel more holistic while still honoring its heritage,” designer Steven Johanknecht says of the decision to keep the original hand-carved ceiling beams and wrought-iron chandeliers while removing mismatched materials from previous renovations.
30
Mix Metals for Added Warmth
Simon Upton
To soften the modern edge of stainless steel, decorator Alisa Bloom put a traditional spin on the kitchen cabinetry of her 1920s Chicago penthouse with brass inlays. With the help of a local hardware maker, she even designed her own hinges and drawer pulls. “I would never go into a store and just buy something,” she says. “It’s all about the process and the hunt.”
31
Don’t Underestimate the Power of High-Low Design
Max Zambelli
Kate Reynolds, co-owner of Studio Four NYC, believes in pairing big-ticket items with budget finds. “I think a room balances out better when you have different levels of price and craftsmanship,” she says. “It helps you notice the statement piece more.”
32
Invite Nature Indoors
Rikki Snyder
The best way to balance out sleek lines and contemporary furniture is by adding a few unique natural elements, from driftwood to greenery. “I don’t like to look around a house and not see touches from the outdoors,” interior designer Tamara Magel says.
33
Layer Decor over the Years
Björn Wallander
“I love to see the layers of time and renovations,” says California-based interior designer Patrick Printy. “To me, it deepens the effect.” Achieving a sense of harmony that feels organic is key.
34
Installing Shiplap? Go Horizontal (Usually)
Getty / TriggerPhoto
If Chip and Joanna Gaines have convinced you that your abode needs shiplap, you’re usually best off installing the boards horizontally rather than vertically. “It can really expand a space, making it feel larger than vertical boards can,” says Jason Arnold. “Horizontal boards also feel more contemporary.” Vertical boards, however, can be ideal for rooms with high ceilings.
35
Don’t Sacrifice Comfort
Getty Images
Sure, your eyes may want the most modern, chic couch in the showroom. But your back may not. “In my experience, it’s really better to test out seating and take the time to look at the dimensions,” says Sharon Blaustein. If you’re tall, for instance, you might want to opt for a depth of between 40 to 42 inches for a sofa (rather than the standard depth of 36 inches).
36
Always Shop for a Rug in Person
Getty / Hoxton / Tom Merton
This is not the time for e-shopping, people. “It’s just so hard to tell on a computer screen what the color really looks like,” Arnold says. “You might think it looks red, but in reality, it’s watermelon pink.” Not to mention the texture of the rug may be totally different than what you were expecting.
37
Let a Locale Inspire Your Space
Jessica Alexander
It’s exactly what Jenny Cipoletti, founder of fashion, beauty, and travel blog Margo & Me, did in her decidedly Parisian office (which is actually in West Hollywood). “Just like when you walk into a café in Paris, and you see all the details and the golds, silvers, and light blush tones, all of these elements in this space really sing to me,” says Cipoletti. This lets you travel to your favorite destination without stepping outside.
38
Never Settle on One Look
HomeGoods/Reid Rolls
Allow your space to continuously change—as your life does. “Remember that your home should always be evolving, just as you are,” says Kelly Framel, creative director, stylist, and founder of online magazine The Glamourai. “I am constantly picking up new treasures on my travels. Your nest should always be a place of comfort and inspiration, and it’s a constant work in progress.”
39
Use Curtains as a Backdrop for Art
HomeGoods/Reid Rolls
Instead of hanging a painting on a bare wall, accent it with a rich velvet curtain background. “Curtains just create a great, calming energy in which you feel very shrouded and comforted, making for a luxurious and restful environment,” says Framel. “And being able to put a really great pop of artwork in front of that textural colored backdrop has a lot of impact.”
40
Upholster Antique Furniture with a Modern Fabric
Genevieve Garruppo
Make what’s old new again by invigorating antique pieces with colorful fabric from the 21st century. Take, for example, the two 18th-century French bergères here, upholstered in a hot pink Maharam fabric. “Maharam is a very modern, contemporary fabric company, with velvets that are really bright in color,” says Bikoff. “That color was such a pop of freshness and youthfulness on these old chairs.”
41
Choose One Piece of Artwork to Anchor the Room
HomeGoods/Matt Harrington
In Josh Groban’s The Great Comet dressing room, interior designer Mike Harrison selected this constellation artwork as a clear focal point for the room. “I loved this piece for its dimensions and colors, but also as a tip of the hat to the comet influences that I know were of importance to Josh,” says Harrison. “I was searching for artwork that would tie together all of Josh’s design sensibilities.”
42
Ship Smarter
Courtesy of Cullman & Kravis
When Lee Cavanaugh and Sarah DePalo of Cullman & Kravis make their yearly trip to the Paris flea market, they send finds home in a group container to keep costs down.
43
Do Your Homework
Getty Images
…Especially before vintage shopping. Emily Eberhart of Viyet recommends researching how similar items of interest are priced or have sold.
44
Invest Where It Matters
Courtesy of Thom Filicia
If you’re on a budget, invest in the pieces that anchor a room. “It wouldn’t be a bedroom without a bed, it wouldn’t be a living room without a sofa, and it wouldn’t be a dining room without a dining table,” Thom Filicia advises.
45
Scale to Your Sofa
Courtesy of Emily Henderson
It’s so simple, you’ll kick yourself for not thinking of Emily Henderson’s rule yourself: A large room should have large furniture, medium rooms should have medium-sized furniture and small rooms (you guessed it) should have more petite furniture. Scale the rest of the furniture to your sofa.
46
Bring Outdoor Fabric In
Kathryn MacDonald
Grant K. Gibson suggests using outdoor fabric for indoor furniture to safeguard against stains and enhance durability, especially if you have kids or pets in the house.
47
Practice Before You Paint
Getty Images
“When initially loading your roller with paint, make sure the roller nap is fully and equally saturated,” says John Hoskins, vice president of Behr. Before you begin painting, test the roller on an extra piece of board to ensure it applies smoothly and evenly.
48
Go Dark in Dim Places
Courtesy of Homepolish
Paint a room that doesn’t get a lot of natural light a saturated color. “Adding some pigment makes the space feel intentionally moody and romantic,” suggests Orlando Soria, West Coast creative director of Homepolish.
49
Let the Light Be Your Guide
Brittany Ambridge
When you’re painting a room, Joa Studholme of Farrow & Ball suggests you consider the direction of sunlight. Use bright colors in north-facing rooms, which tend to be darker, and create a warm glow in a west-facing room with pink or a red-based neutral. In south and east-facing rooms, opt for blue or white.
50
Think Outside the Box
MARILI FORASTIERI
Neal Beckstedt uses unexpected elements—like a fireplace or chaise lounge—to create a warm and inviting bathroom that feels like its own living space.
51
Embrace Custom Furniture
Mikkel Vang
There’s nothing like having a piece of furniture made to suit your aesthetic and room layout, and this master suite’s dressing room, which features a custom desk and screen painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue, is the perfect example. When ordering custom furniture, consider focusing on spaces, like bedrooms and dining rooms, that are used the most often in a home.
52
Use Ladders as Storage
Roger Davies
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your storage space. Joy Moyler likes to use ladders to display towels, as in this bathroom designed by Rebecca Ascher and Joshua Davis.
53
Kick Up Classics
Oriana Koren
Karen Vidal kicks the classic look of a subway-tiled bathroom up a notch by pairing it with a bold patterned-cement-tile floor.
54
Keep Bedroom Fabrics Simple
Alyssa Rosenheck/Designed By Chad James
According to Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, people should be the ones adding the pattern and texture to a bedroom—not the fabrics.
55
Your Chairs Don’t Have to Match
Thomas Kuoh/ Design by Emilie Munroe
Select a large-scale lead chair at your dining table to up the drama. Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe recommends picking a style that’s complementary to the side chairs to really wow guests.
56
Center Your Furniture on a Rug
IKEA
If you’re setting furniture, like a dining table, in the middle of the room, your rug should be big enough so that all furniture fits comfortably on top, according to Janice Simonsen, design spokesperson for IKEA U. S. In large living rooms, however, it’s OK to have just the front legs on the rug.
57
Create an Inviting Entryway with Mirrors
Getty Images
Your front hall is the first thing people see, so Dana Gibson suggests you make it inviting with a mirror and furnishings that foreshadow what’s to come in the rest of the house.
58
Paint Your Closets
LA Closet Design
Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design is one of Hollywood’s favorite closet designers. To make closets she creates even more luxe, she paints the metal trim or ceiling gold.
59
Make a Room Look Bigger with White Furniture
Christopher Sturman
60
Maximize Daylight with Mirrors
Jon Call
To maximize daylight and visually increase square footage, Jon Call of Mr Call Designs relies on large-scale mirrors.
61
Edit, Edit, Edit
Courtesy of J Randall Powers
J. Randall Powers has a motto in his office: “If you look at it and you question it—put it away.”
62
Remember the Rule of Threes
Getty Images
Kazuko Hoshino of Studio William Hefner employs one of writing’s most famous rules in her design: arranging decorative pieces like candles, vases, table plants, or flowers in groups of threes.
63
Change Your Coffee Table Decor Regularly
Getty Images
When it comes to styling a coffee table, try Meredith Baer’s formula: Start with something large in the middle, like a floral arrangement in an interesting pot or a huge bowl filled with a collection. Then build out from that with stacks of art books, candles, sculptures, or pottery.
64
Color-Coordinate
Ron Wendt
When creating a tablescape, Ron Wendt starts by choosing a linen. Then he uses flowers or candles in a deeper or lighter hue to give the table a bold, completed look.
65
Mix and Match China
Mikkel Vang
Instead of buying a formal china set, Alex Papachristidis creates an eclectic look by mixing and matching dishes.
66
Choose Neutral Upholstery
Douglas Friedman/Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
When Lili Hart buys upholstery, she always selects a neutral shade, then uses pillows and throws to add color and pattern to the room. Change them out according to the seasons—just like you would with your clothes.
67
Don’t Forget About the Ceiling
Stephen Busken
For an extra layer of style and unexpected dose of glam, Jeff Andrews suggests adding wallpaper to the ceiling.
68
Don’t Follow Trends
Courtesy of Summer Thornton
“If your neighbors are doing it, you probably shouldn’t,” says designer Summer Thornton. “You can use plenty of traditional pieces as the core, but always intentionally do something that throws it off just a bit!”
69
Layer Up
Courtesy of ELEVATE Design Collective
For a layered look that combines fun and function, Jennifer Wagner Schmidt of JWS Interiors and ELEVATE Design Collective adds a chunky knit throw or a soft Moroccan wedding blanket to a sofa or chair.
70
Dim the Lights
Courtesy of Bunny Williams
One lighting rule Bunny Williams never breaks? Control overhead lights with dimmer switches.
71
Add Greenery
Jana Williams
Bring the outside in. Ashley Redmond of Decorist uses plants to add color, texture, and life to every room.
72
Hang Curtains High
Courtesy of Elaine Griffin
To elongate the visual ceiling height the way stilettos seem to add inches to the legs, Elaine Griffin hangs curtains as close to the ceiling line as she can get them.
73
Keep Curtains Simple
Adam Kuehl/Designed by Paula Wallace
Rather than buying curtains in patterns, designs, or florals—which can date a room very quickly—Randal Weeks of Aidan Gray Home buys two colors and changes them out seasonally.
74
Remember That Newer Isn’t Always Better
Courtesy of Thomas Jayne
Thomas Jayne chooses vintage carpets, which offer more interesting texture and a wider range of nuanced colors than new ones.
75
Expand a Room with Rugs
Interior Marketing Group, Inc./Richard Caplan Photography
“The bigger the area rug, the bigger the room will feel,” says Cheryl Eisen.
76
Start Collecting Now
Paolo Petrignani
If Achille Salvagni has any say, the ideal collection references different eras and styles. “The best interiors are a reflection of where you have come from and a signifier where you want to go,” he says.
77
Spill-Proof Your Space
Courtesy of Jen Going Interiors
To kid-proof kitchens, Jen Going sends upholstery fabrics to be treated with a vinyl-tex finish—it makes them completely wipeable and impervious to anything your kids can spill.
78
Mix Textures
Getty Images
To make metallic pieces shine, Natalie Kraiem mixes metals and mirrors with softer textures, like mohair, velvet, and wool, to up the contrast.
79
Find Balance
Courtesy of Rita Konig
Don’t mistake eclectic style for “anything goes.” Joybird recommends putting a cap on the number of contrasting styles in each room to avoid a cluttered feeling.
80
Opt for Carpet over Wood Floors
Andrew Twort/Designed by Michael Reeves
In a bedroom, opt for wall-to-wall carpeting, which stops foot traffic from becoming a nuisance, Harry Heissmann of Albert Hadley Inc. advises. The only exception? Beach houses, where wood floors are fine.
81
Forget the Formal Grid
Helen Norman
For a looser, salon-style gallery wall that feels collected, designer Lauren Liess recommends starting at the center and moving outward. To keep the display from feeling haphazard, pick an overarching theme or color, like the bedroom gallery wall that Liess created here using pressed botanicals in a palette of black, white, and tan.
82
Bring Lighting Outside
Melanie Acevedo
To create a cozy indoor atmosphere outside, Mary McDonald litters her yard with candles and lanterns. They up the romance factor, too.
65 Best Interior Decorating Secrets
1
Cut Pre-Made Tile for a Custom Look
Stephen Karlisch
“We typically cut readily available materials that are in standard sizes into smaller sizes of those same tiles,” Jessica Geller of Toldeo Geller reveals. The design duo used this budget-friendly method to create the custom tile design in this bathroom.
2
Wallpaper Your Appliances
Bjorn Wallander
Have ugly appliances or simply want to change things up? Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, as designer Janie Molster did to the fridge and freezer in this kitchen.
3
Play With Pattern
Anthony Gianacakos
You can mix colors and patterns that’ll push the envelope but still remain stylish and authentic. Just take it from designer Anthony Gianacakos, who did so in his own bedroom. “My strong suit is color and pattern combination,” he says.
4
Fake a Window Using Mirrors
Allie Provost
In a basement room with no windows, Camila Pavone of Effortless Style Interiors came up with the idea to combine two mirrors to fake a window. It brightens up the space and makes it feel bigger.
5
Give Stainless Steel a Matte Finish
Kevin Scott
“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 Scotch-Brite. Learn more about the process here.
6
Find Space to Use Collected China
Emily Minton Redfield
“I wanted to fashion a space where you could have a friend over for coffee or tea…and actually use your collected china,” says Marie Flanigan of this tea room she designed. It’s proof that any collection can be a jumping-off point for a room.
7
Hide a Radiator With a Cabinet
Leanne Ford Interiors
A radiator can easily throw off your design vision. Make it a part of the room by building a cabinet over it, as Leanne Ford Interiors did here to reclaim the hallway space and turn it into a beautiful little reading nook.
8
Create a Cozy Quiet Room
Kerri McCaffety
9
Use Lacquer-Effect Wallpaper
Werner Straube
“If someone draws on it, it’s a lot easier to repair than real lacquer!” — Corey Damen Jenkins
10
Make Your Own Art
“Purchase a few matted frames, and pop in your own sketches of abstract art. The picture mats will look expensive, and you’ll have your own personal touch on the walls for guests to admire.” — Eneia White
11
Bring Multifunctional Furniture Outdoors
HomeGoods
“Small, outdoor ceramic stools are great pieces of furniture that perform double duty. They can be used as extra seating or when placed close to a chair or sofa, they can serve as an additional surface to place your laptop during work hours or cocktails and small plates of food during an outdoor hangout.” — David Quarles IV
12
Transform Eyesores
CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE
“In this basement remodel, we would’ve had to spend a ton of money rerouting the HCVA air duct. Who wouldn’t go with ballet-slipper pink instead?” — Max Humphrey
13
Paint on Faux Molding
Aldous Bertram
“There was no ceiling molding and no molding around the doors in this apartment, so I added them with paint! —Aldous Bertram
14
Reuse What You Already Own
STEPHEN KARLISCH
“We were able to work in a lot of pieces from their previous home, which made it feel layered. ” — Jean Liu
15
Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Annie Sloan
“Do something groovy on the actual steps! The bolder you go, the bigger the smile when you see them.” — Fawn Galli. Here, a painted runner by Annie Sloan looks just like carpet.
16
Use Murals to Give Life to a Space
Joshua McHugh
“Murals are a way of bringing more people into the house, so even when it’s just the two owners, it never feels lonely.” — Raji Radhakrishnan
17
Mix Old and New Decor
Lark and Linen
“Old and new belong together. A mix of modern pieces and antiques never tires.” — Caleb Anderson
18
Step Up Your Lighting Game With High Tech
RYAN GARVIN & TYLER HOGAN
Improve health and temporarily turn a room a different color with “top-of-the-line smart circadian rhythm lighting. ” — Breegan Jane
19
Liven Up Ordinary Spaces With Wallpaper
Richard Powers
“I love to use wallpaper in mundane spaces. Hallways, pantries, powder rooms—all become moments of joy and funkiness. Areas of transition can be places you enjoy spending time in.” — Fawn Galli
20
Don’t Be Afraid to DIY
Dustin Halleck via Edyta and Co
“If punk rock has taught me anything, it’s to do everything yourself. All of my favorite interior designers were self-taught.”— Max Humphrey
21
Choose the Right Bulbs
Black Lacquer Design
“Choosing the right light bulb is very important. LED bulbs are energy efficient, and they can look great.” — Paloma Contreras
22
Add Some Wicker
Nathan Schroder
“Wicker is an element I love for its texture and versatility. Wicker baskets are so functional for storage, but a wicker animal brings a sense of whimsy.” — Amy Berry
23
Upgrade Your Light Switches
Courtesy of Courtney Hill Interiors
“Update your light switches! Elegant controls add a spectacular element to an older home or character to a new one.” — Courtney Hill
24
Invest in Antiques
Julie Soefer
“Great art and fabulous antiques only get better with age. It’s better to cry once and have a forever piece.” — Chandos Dodson Epley
25
Even Rentals Can Get an Upgrade
Keita Turner
“These doors were uninspiring and ugly,” says designer Keita Turner. See how she hacked a custom upholstery job here.
26
Trust Your Intuition
Old Brand New
“Follow your gut. If you have to talk yourself into liking something, you probably don’t.”— Olivia Erwin
27
Use the Ceiling to Redefine the Room
Maura McEvoy
“Look up! We use ceilings a lot. Through them, we define the lines and beauty of a space.” — Julio Salcedo
28
Add a Bar
Anne Schlechter
“Every house should have a great bar. It is the central point of a party, and if you entertain a lot, it will be celebrated, so put some thought into it.” — Jordana Joseph
29
When in Doubt, Paint It
Annie Schlechter
“Never underestimate the power of paint. You don’t have to break the bank to achieve a new look. A fresh coat in a vibrant color takes an old piece of furniture or empty white room and gives it new life. ” — Chauncey Boothby
30
Draw On the Walls
Courtesy Anthony George
31
Embrace a Classic White Kitchen
Heather Talbert
“Classics never go out of style. I hesitated about doing a white kitchen in my own house, thinking I’d been there, done that. But I’m so glad I did. I will never tire of it.” — Alexandra Kaehler
32
Get the Most Out of Your Space
Lark and Linen
“Actually use your beautiful things! I have a chocolate lab and white furniture in my living room. It took some training, but now he knows the furniture is off limits.” — Lindsey Lane
33
Go Deep
Courtesy of Larette Design
“Don’t be afraid of dark. I used this rich Benjamin Moore Midnight Blue on an accent wall—darker than I’d ever dared. It made the whole space come to life.” — Jean Larette
34
Don’t Be Afraid of Clutter
Victoria Pearson
35
Splurge on a Primary Bath
Katie Hodges Design
“The splurge everyone should make is a fabulous primary bathroom. I used hand-painted porcelain sinks in mine.” — Todd Richesin
36
Don’t Underestimate the Coffee Table
Erin Nail
“In an open seating plan, always use a well-proportioned statement coffee table to ground the arrangement and give it a sense of place.” — Sean Michael
37
Make Ceilings Look Higher With Tall Furniture
Black Lacquer Design
“Use tall pieces in a low-height room. Short furnishings would make the ceiling feel that much lower to the ground.” —Jason Oliver Nixon
38
Think Asymmetrical
Sarah Winchester Studios
“Get creative when thinking about form and function. A client in a traditional Georgian home needed it to work for her modern way of entertaining. We opted for an asymmetrical, organic space that encourages guests to float through the room while engaged in conversation.” — Kate Coughlin
39
Figure Out a Floor Plan
Edyta and Co.
“The most important first step in design is a good floor plan.” — Jessica Helgerson
40
Invest in Upholstery
Heather Hawkins via Studio Ten 25
“My clients ask about the most important pieces to invest in: I believe in upholstery and art! They help anchor a room. ” — Ashley Darryl
41
Have Fun
Studio Ten 25
“Make sure you’re having fun. What’s more fun than making your own home more beautiful?” — Eche Martinez
42
Create Your Own Light
Sargent Architectural Photograph
“When you’re given a dark space that doesn’t have great light, create your own light. In this kitchen, we used Sherwin-Williams’s sunny Energetic Orange, and it turned out just fabulous— so cheerful.” — Matthew Boland
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Know Your Dealbreakers
Rustic White Interiors
“Don’t settle. If you have your heart set on a piece, don’t try to find something similar just to save money. Chances are, you’ll never be completely satisfied with the substitute (or its quality).” — Brian Watford
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Swap Out Big Pieces for More Impact
Old Brand New
“When clients want a quick, impactful update, I recommend the pieces that take up the most surface area, like rugs, paint color, or window treatments. ” — Tina Ramchandani
45
Focus on One Investment a Year
Willie Cole
“Buy one good piece of furniture every year, and in five years, you’ll have five pieces. Everything else may change, but these will remain constant.” — Jeffrey Bilhuber
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Reflect Your Personality in the Bedrooms
Katie Hodges Design
“In the primary suite, decor can deviate from the common areas and really reflect your personality.” — Ali Vanderpool and Ariana Villalta
47
Amp Up Your Ceiling Game
Paul Costello
“Faux paint, lush lacquer, or wallpaper on a ceiling will garner that ‘Wow’ response.” —Leslie May
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Make Sure It All Fits
Old Brand New
“Being able to visualize the scale of a piece is critical. In our office, we say, ‘When in doubt, tape it out!'” — Kylee Shintaffer
49
Mix Your Metals
Black Lacquer Design
“Embrace mixed metals. It can feel like the fixtures are curated and bespoke.” — Shelley Johnstone
50
Collect Unique Pieces
Old Brand New
“The strange bust from the flea market, the weird painting you are drawn to: Buy them all. Curate a space that is truly one of a kind.” — Stephanie Sabbe
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Incorporate Inherited Pieces
Courtesy of Sarah Gilbane Interiors
“Don’t be afraid to use inherited antiques. Add a backdrop with exciting wallpaper: The combination is simply the best.” —Sara Gilbane
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Use Wallpaper to Start a Conversation
Courtesy of Studio Monroe
“It’s a bit of an investment, and you can’t take it with you when you leave, but nothing brings va va voom like vibrant wallpaper in a conversation-topic pattern. ” —Emilie Munroe
53
Don’t Stop Editing
Jennifer Palmer via Old Brand New
“The least expensive action: edit, edit, edit!” — Katie Sutton
54
Establish a Color Scheme
House Beautiful
For a head-to-toe makeover, the first step is creating a palette. “I come up with a basic color scheme for the whole house, and then I take that from room to room,” reveals Gary McBournie, a designer based in Boston. “It plays itself out in different ways in different rooms.”
More: 20+ Fresh New Color Combinations to Try
55
Put Investment Pieces Up Front
Francesco Lagnese
“Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room, like the bathroom. ” — Bunny Williams
56
Play With Textiles
Francesco Lagnese
“Straw, jute, rush—natural materials and neutral tones are always chic. They’re the white T-shirt of interior design.” — Meg Braff
57
Extend Your Backsplash
Joshua McHugh
58
Add Texture
Amy Neunsinger
Neutral decor can be interesting if you include a variety of materials. “I used a range—from fine-gauge and open-weave linen, to raw silk and taffeta, to cotton velvet and distressed velvet,” says California-based designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano. “Not only that, there’s also the contrast of matte sheens that absorb the light, and lustrous sheens that reflect it.”
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Use the 50/150 Rule
Francesco Lagnese
For the perfect color family, mix one batch of paint 50 percent lighter than the base and another 150 percent darker. “That’s a failsafe method for striping a wall. It’s also a very architectural way of using color.” — Mary Douglas Drysdale
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Warm Up a Room With Mirrored Walls
Courtesy of Jan Showers
Mirrored panels like the ones lining this alcove can be elegant — but don’t just slap them up, designer Jan Showers warns. Large sheets of mirrors will look commercial, so try a sectioned pattern in the traditional French style instead.
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Don’t Skimp on the Sofa
Douglas Friedman
“Put your money into a comfortable, well-made sofa that you’ll have forever. You don’t have to deny yourself that expensive designer fabric you love—just put it on something small, like a pillow.” — Krista Ewart
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Try a High-Contrast Palette
Kilz
63
Choose the Right Curtain Length
James Carrière
“For classic side panels, you really have to go all the way to the floor. If you’re looking at ready-made drapes, make sure that they touch the floor, even if you have to buy the next size up and have them hemmed.” — Scot Meacham Wood
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Fake Square Footage
TREVOR TONDRO
Glass shower doors add instant square footage. To complete the illusion, run the floor tiles straight into the stall. “It makes the room feel larger,” says designer Alla Akimova. “If I had changed materials, it would have interrupted the space.”
65
Pile on Pillows
Victoria Pearson
“I don’t do dinky accents…small pillows look like something that came with the furniture.” — John De Bastiani
Caroline Picard
Contributing Writer
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience.
Lauren Smith McDonough
Senior Editor
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst.
Hadley Mendelsohn
Senior Editor
Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful’s senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
The Home Decor Tips Everyone Should Know Before They Turn 30
By Elise Taylor
Photographed by François Halard, Vogue, March 2014.François Halard
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
To live through your early-to-mid-twenties is to live in a state of habitual flux: new apartments! New neighborhoods! New cities! But as that twilight of one formative decade dims and a new, more stable era is on the horizon, you likely want a more settled, stylish environment. Home decor tips might be needed: The hodgepodge of furniture you inherited from an old roommate frankly just doesn’t fit your style. That bed-frame from Craigslist, bought years ago on your just-out-of-college budget, has seen better days. And your artwork? It’s bland, impersonal, and, unfortunately purchased in millennial pink’s heyday. (This writer may or may not be speaking from experience.) “Turning 30 can spark dramatic life changes as we start to turn our dreams into reality, leaving things behind that do not bring us joy and when our true values start to emerge,” interior designer Candace Rimes tells Vogue. “While we certainly shouldn’t feel pressure to have everything figured out, we do start to feel more comfortable with ourselves and begin to invest our time, money and energy more wisely.”
But the question is—how do we translate our newfound sense of self into interior style?
Vogue decided to ask 10 interior designers about the home decor tips you everyone should know before they turn 30. They stretched from the technical—buy a tape measurer, people!—to the philosophical. “Give yourself permission to experiment! Our homes should be reflections of who we are, and we are always evolving, so why shouldn’t our homes?” says Justina Blakeney.
Below, their thoughts—and a general how-to-guide for the home of your more-mature dreams.
On Picking Out Furniture
“Incorporating vintage items you inherited from friends or family or that you discovered at a local flea market is a great way to give your home a timeless look. Trends are great, but vintage is forever.” -Justina Blakeney, Jungalow
“When it comes to mirrors, go big. Unlike artwork which tends to draw you in, a mirror reflects light, enhances and expands space. A mirror on a wall can be as effective as a window. When it comes to mirrors, the bigger the better—as long as it is never wider than what it is hanging over.” -Nick Gagne
“When selecting area rugs remember too big is better than too small. If it is too skimpy it will look out of place. A large rug can spill over into other spaces and still feel appropriate. You can cut down a large rug, but you cannot stretch a small one. When selecting a rug for a seating area always try to have at least the front legs of all pieces sitting on it.” –Joe Berkowitz, JAB Design Group
“Invest in furniture and decor that is made of natural materials. If you are wondering what to splurge on, a dining table made of reclaimed wood, a side table with a marble top, or a rattan shelf are just some examples of pieces that will withstand the test of time and you can use over and over again in different spaces. Natural materials are hearty and can endure a lot of wear and tear so they will serve you well if you take good care of them.” -Justina Blakeney
“Displaying collections can be beautiful but clutter kills a space. Select furniture pieces that offer storage, side tables, armoires or other case pieces, and make the most of available closet space—creating places to put things away is paramount. On bedside tables small, beautiful boxes keeps things tidy. Or investing in a few beautiful baskets to keep things orderly always keeps a space feeling fresh.” –Lyndsay Caleo Karol, The Brooklyn Home Company
On Selecting a Wall Color
“Color changes in a room, depending on the light that fills the room at different times of the day. To help not make the mistake of painting a room in a color that looks good on the chart but bad on the walls, always paint a large piece of paper, 24 x 36 inches, and fix it to one of the walls in the room you wish to paint. Then look at it at different times of the day, the morning, the afternoon and the evening , to make sure it feels good to you at all those times.” –Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design
“When it comes to choosing paint colors or decorating, neutrals and textures will always stand the test of time. Take your time and do your research. Combine those neutrals with dark accents and your space will come alive. I like to incorporate color through artwork and accessories, as color trends change every few years.” -Sara Cukerbaum, SLIC Design
“Don’t paint your ceilings white. I’m big on using a monochromatic palette creating an all-encompassing mood for a room. If you take away the white it removes the stark contrast to the walls and even bold colors are more subtle.” -Nicholas G Potts, Designer and Architect
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“Wallpaper is a great way to get color and pattern in the smallest of spaces. It creates visual impact that isn’t too overbearing because it is in a contained space. There are so many great peel and stick options now that even renters can get in on all that wallpaper goodness! If wallpaper feels like too much of a commitment, you can also try a large piece of art with bold color and pattern.” –Justina Blakeney
On Choosing and Collecting Art
“Commission work from your favorite artists. I think a lot of people are intimidated to commission a piece because they feel that is only for the uber wealthy—but so many emerging artists love the chance to work one on one with a collector to create the perfect work. You will never know if it is in your budget if you don’t reach out.” -Lauren Sands, LES Collection
“The most valuable decorating tip I can offer is to start building an art collection early. No matter where you live, you will always have walls that can serve as a clean canvas to showcase pieces that tell your story. And no, art does not have to be expensive! Gradually invest in pieces and artists from your local community art fairs, ceramic studios and screen printers.” –Candace Rimes, Fogarty Finger
“When hanging a series, always hang the works at eye level and don’t space the works more than a few inches apart.” -Candace Rimes
On Putting It All Together
“Less clutter makes a room feel larger and calmer. When a room is minimal and edited, it gives the room a feeling of lightness and breathability.” -Nick Gagne
“Scale is everything—learning how to balance furniture sizes in a room, from the perfect sofa size to the height of a cabinet or size of a mirror are vital skills. Using paper templates in the space to judge the correct scale, how it balances in the room or on the wall and how much space they take up is a great decorating trick to solve that to the eye without making a mistake of buying something too large or small.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard
“One of the essential aspects of interior design is spatial planning—making sure furniture, rugs, lighting, and accessories are the right scale and provide the proper spacing for you and your guests to move about a room. Anyone can block out their desired pieces using a tape measurer, painter’s tape, and some cardboard if necessary. If you like to collect pieces over time at antique stores or flea markets, it’s great to carry around a pocket tape measurer and booklet with measurements along for the hunt. ” -Keren Richter, White Arrow
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Below, shop some home items inspired by their advice:
50 of the Best Home Decor Stores | Architectural Digest
Beauty might lie in the eye of the beholder, but finding and shopping at the best home decor stores can make putting the finishing touches on a project that much easier. Well-appointed home decor stores don’t come around often, so when you do find one that has a perfect blend of style and industry know-how, it’s important to champion and patronize them often.
With the spirit of supporting small businesses in mind, AD PRO has rounded up the best home decor stores across the United States—as determined by the editors of AD with the help of several trusted designers. Whether you’re bookmarking a few for an upcoming trip or finding some home decor companies in your neck of the woods, prepare to discover something new from the expert shopkeepers who run them.
West Coast
Nickey Kehoe, Los Angeles
Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe are the talented duo behind one of Los Angeles’ most popular resources for decorators. Designer Catherine Kwong notes, “When I shop in L.A., they are always a must-visit as the store is curated from an interior designer’s perspective.” Their newer space features work from Alfred Newall, Howe at 36 Bourne Street, and the Urban Electric Company, in addition to the furniture, home furnishings, and vintage jewelry for which the shop is known. nickeykehoe.com
Nickey Kehoe
Photo: Courtesy of Nickey Kehoe
Lawson-Fenning, Los Angeles
Lawson-Fenning is a Melrose Avenue staple championing aspirational and attainable design rooted in California modernism. L.A.–based designer Kevin Isbell often looks to Lawson-Fenning for interesting finds. “They collaborate with emerging artisans and craftspeople for a distinct perspective that is wholly their own,” Isbell says. “Their selection of pottery is a personal weakness.” lawsonfenning.com
Lawson-Fenning
Photo: Dustin Walker
Garde, Los Angeles
After its Los Angeles flagship expansion, Garde has solidified its presence as an indispensable resource for designers looking to score unique pieces by talented artists. Founders Scotti Sitz and John Davidson present pieces by Apparatus and ceramics by Jojo Corväiá, Herma de Wit, and Heather Roseman, among other treasures. gardeshop.com
Garde
Photo: Sam Frost
Bàn Bạn Studio, Los Angeles
Named after bàn bạn, a Vietnamese term that translates to “friend’s table,” this Los Angeles–based destination offers vintage and contemporary finds like Ligne Roset’s viral Togo couch, Pop Art lighting, and burl-wood tables from the 1970s. And, in true friend fashion, founder Jullie Nguyen often donates a portion of her proceeds to important causes around the world. Check the website before heading over, though—you’ll need an appointment to visit. banbanstudio.com
Pierce & Ward, Los Angeles
After meeting in New York City and spending a stint in Nashville, Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward have set down West Coast roots with their design store in Los Feliz. Since the AD100 firm boasts a roster of celebrity clients like Dakota Johnson, Brie Larson, and Kate Hudson, the move to Tinseltown felt like a natural next step. So, what to expect from the sage green–swathed store? Pierce & Ward is bringing eclectic antiques of all shapes and sizes, mirroring the design duo’s impressive portfolio. pierceandward.com
Pierce & Ward
Photo: Olivia Pierce
Obsolete, Los Angeles
Nestled in Los Angeles’ Culver City neighborhood, Obsolete isn’t “just another home decor store.” In addition to its vast array of antiquities—which range from gothic Italian chandeliers to a spacious dresser that dates back to 1950s Germany—the long-standing institution also houses fine art. That way, you can bring Obsolete’s impeccable curation to every nook and cranny of a client’s (or your own) space. obsoleteinc.com
Obsolete
Photo: Jesse Stone
The Gardener, Berkeley, California
Since opening its doors in 1984, The Gardener has become a Bay Area mainstay with outposts in Berkeley, Healdsburg, and San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building. For owner Alta Tingle—who is a former garden designer and current green thumb—her store is all about sharing her favorite little luxuries. Whether you leave with a piece of one-of-a-kind furniture, or Tingle’s cherished Japanese scissors for cutting flowers, The Gardener makes a case for stopping and smelling the roses. thegardener.com
March, San Francisco
Located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, March has long held the hearts of discerning shoppers interested in sourcing something special. Look out for beautifully hand-painted Brickett Davda platters, Vincent van Duysen ceramic storage jars, and sculptural basketry to layer into a space. marchsf.com
March
Photo: Alanna Hale
Sue Fisher King, San Francisco
Nestled between San Francisco’s Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights neighborhoods, Sue Fisher King is a welcome respite from the city’s tech-focused buzz. With over 40 years of business, the storefront is a highlight reel of the top home decor companies. In fact, the San Francisco staple regularly sells tabletop wares by Astier de Villatte and Richard Ginori, D.Porthault bedding, and accessories courtesy of Kim Seybert. suefisherking.com
Housewright Gallery, Seattle
Cofounders Tim Pfeiffer and Steve Hoedemaker bring their expert interior design and architecture knowledge to a home gallery that showcases the eclectic and sophisticated pieces they source from around the globe. Recent acquisitions include work by lesser-known Northwest painters and teak wood bowls and vases, as well as hand-built ceramic and wood lamps from Stone and Sawyer. Designer Brian Paquette says, “Housewright is everything I want in a home store. There is intense thought and care that goes into this Georgetown shop, and I am happy to have snagged so many amazing finds for my own home as well as for clients.” housewrightgallery.com
Housewright Gallery
Photo: Andrew Giammarco
Watson Kennedy, Seattle
Named after owner Ted Kennedy Watson’s late father, Watson Kennedy is a design haberdashery that feels like a home. (If you keep up with Kennedy Watson’s regular musings on the shop’s blog, a visit to the Pike Place Market location will feel like a homecoming of sorts.) Here, the shelves are stocked with a selection of vintage glassware, cheerful throw pillows and blankets, as well as select works from a rotating list of artists. Or if you’re looking for something extra special, browse the curated care packages, which regularly highlight the shop’s pantry and apothecary offerings. watsonkennedy.com
Northeast
Area, New York City
Nestled in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, Area opened its doors in 2019, showcasing bedding and home furnishings in a landmarked pre-war building. Among the offerings is the Eli collection of linen bedding, a basket-woven line with a soft and antique quality. areahome.com
Area
Photo: Eric Petschek
Society Limonta, New York City
The Italian textile brand known for a refined color palette brings its historic textile knowledge from Costa Masnaga to a flagship in SoHo. The brand has recently launched its spring 2022 collection, which features muted bedding, graphic table linens, and bath towels made with pure materials like linen and cotton. societylimonta.com
Society Limonta
Photo: Max Zambelli
Il Buco Vita, New York City
For a multisensory shopping experience, you can’t go wrong with the Il Buco family empire that features restaurants, shops, and yes, the beloved Il Buco Vita home store. The expanded shop features a diverse selection of artisanal home products with a rustic flair, as well as the brand’s signature tabletop merchandise. Il Buco has also recently opened an outpost in Amagansett, Long Island. ilbuco.com
Il Buco Vita
Photo: Giada Paoloni
KRB NYC, New York City
Founded by Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, KRB NYC is a rare gem in the home retail landscape. As AD noted when the space opened in 2014, “The store mixes antiques of every era—a grouping of 19th-century Japanese lacquer tray tables, an exuberant 18th-century rococo mirror, a neoclassical Italian commode—with contemporary pieces from the Lacquer Company and design-minded cocktail-table books.” krbnyc.com
KRB NYC
Photo: Lesley Unruh
Aero Studios, New York City
Head up to the 15th floor of the storied New York Design Center for a glimpse into the world of AD100 designer Thomas O’Brien, where custom furniture, rugs, and home furnishings are styled into livable vignettes. The back of the shop houses shelves upon shelves of decorative accessories, gifts, and difficult-to-find pieces that would make for the perfect finishing touch on a project. O’Brien’s collection for Century Furniture is sprinkled throughout. aerostudios.com
Aero Studios
Photo: Courtesy of Aero Studios
John Derian Company, New York City
Cult favorite John Derian Company continues to bring in new artisans and designers while maintaining a vast selection of decoupage, home furnishings, and vintage decor. The shop—which spans three storefronts in the East Village, one on Manhattan’s West side, and another location on Cape Cod, Massachusetts—is known as a resource for unique finds including paper flowers by the Green Vase, work from Antoinette Poisson, and Derian’s newest fabric and wallpaper collaboration with Designers Guild. johnderian.com
John Derian Company
Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson
Roman and Williams Guild, New York City
Fans of AD100 design firm Roman and Williams know that their Manhattan boutique is a must-stop. Original furniture designs by principals Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch are a draw, as is the edited selection of works by artisans and makers from around the world—perfect for the final layering of a project. And down the street, don’t miss Guild Gallery—the newest addition to the designers’ storefront lineup. rwguild.com
Roman and Williams Guild
Photo: Adrian Gaut
Colony, New York City
Jean Lin’s design cooperative in Tribeca is well-known among the design cognoscenti for its roster of emerging talents from the New York scene. Lighting, furniture, weavings, artwork, and even rugs and wallpaper can all be found within its walls, with featured makers including textile artist Hiroko Takeda, lighting specialists Allied Maker and Bec Britain, furniture designer Vonnegut/Kraft, and more. goodcolony.com
Colony
Photo: Alan Tansey
Egg Collective, New York
Founded by Stephanie Beamer, Crystal Ellis, and Hillary Petrie in 2011, Egg Collective places a hefty emphasis on enduring style and durable, high-quality materials. The result? A cornucopia of handmade tables, chairs, and storage where form and function can stand the test of time. But there’s more to the Lower Manhattan company than being one of the city’s most covetable home decor stores. The female-led firm regularly hosts exhibitions to highlight the industry’s vast talent. It’s now showing “Gray Area,” which explores the intersection of art and design through pieces by Jaye Kim, Kiva Motnyk, and Rachel Duvall, among others. eggcollective.com
Raini Home, Brooklyn
Think of Kai Avent-deLeon’s storefront as the perfect antidote for fast home decor. If the retailer’s “imaginative minimalist” pieces don’t draw you in—think striped side tables and muted room dividers—its focus on sustainability will. Each piece is hand-made in its nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard factory and shipped in flat packaging for easy and efficient assembly. rainihome.com
Assembly Line, Brooklyn
Conveniently located in Boerum Hill, a must-stop locale for design-loving Brooklynites, Assembly Line opened in January of this year as a one-stop shop for home improvement. But cast aside any visions you may have of musty hardware stores, because Assembly Line—the brainchild of architecture and design studio General Assembly—is expertly appointed with finds from Armadillo, Clé tile, Calico Wallpaper, as well as lighting from Tala and In Common With and furniture from Vonnegut/Kraft. assemblyline.co
Assembly Line
Photo: Sean Davidson
Copper Beech, Bellport, New York
Occupying a former grocery store in downtown Bellport on Long Island, Copper Beech—named for an imposing tree on a nearby property—is a joint venture between AD100 designers Thomas O’Brien and Dan Fink. Both bring their acute, refined, and laid-back taste to a home shop brimming with eccentric accessories. Baskets and kitchen crockery mingle with textiles and cushions, while prepared foods and dry goods offer a nod to the shop’s former life. Architectural details such as Shaker-style peg rails and distinctive millwork complete the assortment. copperbeechbythesea.com
Copper Beech
Photo: Michelle Arcila
Brittany Bromley Interiors at the Jackson House, Bedford, New York
A historic 19th-century building in Bedford is home to interior designer Brittany Bromley’s retail shop. The selection of antique and vintage finds includes upholstered side chairs, trinket boxes, ornate candle holders, and more. All of the pieces has a captivating backstory. bbromleyinteriors.com
Brittany Bromley Interiors
Photo: Shea Kastriner
McGrath II, Greenwich, Connecticut
Suzanne and Lauren McGrath recently opened a shop next to their Greenwich-based studio, proving that the best home decor stores aren’t always in a bustling metropolis. Packed with custom-made furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces, the mother-daughter duo is on a mission to connect and share their style with the local community. The catch? McGrath II is strictly brick-and-mortar, so you’ll need to head to Greenwich to check out their offerings. Don’t worry, the excursion will be well worth the trek. mcgrath3.com
The Flat, East Norwalk, Connecticut
Founder Becky Goss has transformed a large retail space (conveniently located across the street from the Westport train station) into what feels like a well-appointed and stylish friend’s home. Goss enjoys the hunt, which is evident in her mix of midcentury pieces, antiques, carpets, and modern and Old Master paintings. The space is intentionally set up like a home, which gives context to the eclectic pieces she finds. theflatwestport.com
The Flat
Photo: Jane Beiles
Lars Bolander, Westport, Connecticut
The Swedish interior designer and antiques dealer, long celebrated for introducing Gustavian vintage furnishings to a wider audience, has recently launched a shop in Connecticut. Bolander’s deft pairing of 18th- and 19th-century antiques with treasures sourced from his international travels to the South of France and Morocco are front and center among the offerings. larsbolander.com
Lars Bolander
Photo: Nina Choi
100 Main, Falls Village, Connecticut
AD100 Hall of Fame designer Bunny Williams founded 100 Main with the intention of highlighting the region’s wealth of local artistic talent. In a space that functions like a cooperative and is housed in an old grocery store, shoppers can find new gilded works from Carol Leskanic, furniture from York Street Studio, as well as handwoven table linens by Robin Goss, who used to weave for Parish Hadley. 100mainst.com
100 Main
Photo: Anne Day
Plain Goods, New Preston, Connecticut
Plain Goods founders Andrew Fry and Michael DePerno travel extensively to bring simple and elegantly clean-lined pieces back to their shop, which is now housed in New Preston, Connecticut’s historic Pavilion Hall. Look out for fresh-cut flowers from local growers; rare linen, cotton, and chintz fabric by the yard; and the couple’s own private label that includes leather pet accessories, French umbrellas, cozy cashmere, and even pantry provisions. plain-goods.com
Plain Goods
Photo: Courtesy of Plain Goods
Patrick Mele, Greenwich, Connecticut
Opening up a design shop was a natural move for designer Patrick Mele, whose latest London project was featured in AD’s March 2020 issue. Mele is expanding the shop’s breadth and offerings to include his own custom upholstery, a new furniture collection, textile collaborations, artwork from the likes of AK Jansen and Wayne Pate, as well as a tabletop collection with Nicholas Newcomb. patrickmele.com
Patrick Mele
Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Mele
Larger Cross, Oldwick, New Jersey
After participating in pop-ups and markets, founder Alice Minnich opened Larger Cross a couple of years back. The shop features a wonderful mix of country house essentials, including antique English furniture and silver, French willow baskets, and Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, among other stylish finds. The painted faux-paneled green interior was inspired by Nicky Haslam’s Hunting Lodge, originally painted by John Fowler, which was thoughtfully re-created by decorative painter William Totten. largercross.com
Larger Cross
Photo: Courtesy of Larger Cross
Domain, Catonsville, Maryland
Charming and often locally-made home accessories and gifts are the specialty of interior designer Laura Hodges, who runs this storefront in Baltimore County. Moroccan poufs, handmade ceramics, organic throws, and a broad selection of art are what keep shoppers stopping by. domainbylaurahodgesstudio.com
Domain
Photo: Jennifer Hughes
Yowie, Philadelphia
Eclectic design enthusiasts might know Yowie for its sprightly social media presence; however, its brick-and-mortar store in Philadelphia’s Queen Village is well worth the in-person visit. Here, owner Shannon Maldonado packs the storefront with petal-inspired lamps made in collaboration with Gantri, bold towels and linens, as well as innovative provisions. Another thing to love? Maldonado regularly stocks the shop with diverse artisans and vendors, offering yet another thing to smile about. shopyowie.com
Midwest
Lantz Collective, Carmel, Indiana
Father-and-daughter designers Barry and Amanda Lantz combined design practices and created Lantz Collective, a discerning design destination in Carmel City Center. The owners source vintage, antique, and contemporary products from High Point, North Carolina, Atlanta, and Paris. alantzdesign. com
Lantz Collective
Photo: Courtesy of Lantz Collective
Mitchell Black, Chicago
With a by-appointment storefront in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, Mitchell Black is the place to find custom and bespoke wall coverings in any style. You can also specify statement-making wall murals, patterned floor mats, and just about anything else that will add a graphic punch to a project. mitchellblack.com
Mitchell Black
Photo: Courtesy of Mitchell Black
Jayson Home, Chicago
When asked about Jayson Home, designer Andrea Goldman exclaims, “It’s my go-to in Chicago. I can always find a range of last-minute items that make the house feel more like a home—Astier de Villatte and John Derian ceramics, throw blankets, gorgeous coffee-table books, and live plants with unique containers. They have it all.” The retail space occupies 20,000 square feet in a converted warehouse in Lincoln Park. jaysonhome. com
Jayson Home
Photo: Nathan Kirkman
Kneen & Co., Chicago
Perched six floors above Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile, this retail space and showroom is becoming a go-to destination for designers and decorators alike. The brand offers a mix of elevated furniture, tabletop, and bedding, and the intimate showroom setting is a good place for a client meeting. As designer Martin Horner notes: “Kneen & Co. is one of those rare secret-weapon places that is off the beaten path, even if it is right on Michigan Avenue. The proprietor, Mary Jeanne Kneen, has an incredible eye and has curated a stellar collection of luxurious homewares.” kneenandco.com
Kneen & Co.
Photo: Bob Coscarelli Photography
MoModerne, St. Louis
Though the Midwest has no shortage of midcentury home decor stores, few retailers capture the spatial circle of life quite like Anna Weiss. At her St. Louis store MoModerne, Weiss hand-selects midcentury furniture, lighting, and accessories. She also regularly posts new finds online, making it possible to browse at home. If you want a piece with a story, MoModerne has been the leading force in estate sale liquidation for the past 20 years. momodernestl.com
Museo, Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City may not have a reputation for top home decor companies, but Museo’s impressive selection of midcentury furniture and lighting makes this unassuming shop one of the best destinations in the Midwest. Packed with top brands and designers such as Cassina, Tom Dixon, and Ettore Sottsass, Museo is virtually a who’s who of modern design. Not heading to Kansas City anytime soon? You can tour the store’s virtual showroom from the comfort of your own home. museousa.com
South
Sud, New Orleans
Designer Bill Brockschmidt and his husband, architect Richard Dragisic, source many pieces for their Garden District shop from Sicily, Italy, where the couple also resides part-time. Italian antiques and contemporary artisan works intermingle in a storefront along Magazine Street, where the shop occupies the front half of the recently opened studio of Brockschmidt & Coleman. sudneworleans.com
Sud
Photo: Courtesy of Sud
Julie Neill, New Orleans
Interior and product designer Julie Neill’s shop offers a chic assortment of her signature lighting, as well as other unique home furnishings. New plaster works recently joined the offering. “Our handcrafted plaster collection includes chandeliers, lanterns, sconces, and a collection of table lamps,” Neill says. julieneill.com
Julie Neill
Photo: Courtesy of Julie Neill
Eclectic Home, New Orleans
Penny Francis and Casi St. Julian are the mother-daughter duo behind Eclectic Home, an interior design firm with a 7,000-square-foot showroom. The one-stop shop is filled with furniture, lighting, rugs, and accessories representative of the duo’s signature flair. eclectichome.net
Eclectic Home
Photo: Courtesy of Eclectic Home
Ceylon et Cie, Dallas
AD100 designer Michelle Nussbaumer houses a treasure trove of vintage and antique finds from the furthest reaches of the globe in her Dallas design district warehouse and shop. Complementing the exuberant menagerie of pieces is Nussbaumer’s fabric collection with Clarence House, as well as a line of plaster furniture and lighting. ceylonetcie.com
Ceylon et Cie
Photo: Courtesy of Ceylon et Cie
Paloma & Co., Houston
Offering a dose of cofounders Paloma Contreras and Devon Liedtke’s timeless style, the concept space displays work by emerging artists, global finds, and colorful tabletop items and gifts. “We are constantly adding new antique and vintage finds to our mix,” Contreras says. shoppalomaandco.com
Paloma & Co.
Photo: Kerry Kirk
Moxie, Houston
Founded by designer Dennis Brackeen and located in the Upper Kirby shopping district, Moxie is a go-to source for high-end antiques, vintage modern furnishings, lighting, and decorative accessories. In 2019, Moxie expanded into an 8,500-square-foot showroom that became available next door. moxie-interiors. com
Moxie
Photo: Pär Bengtsson
Dressing Room Interiors Studio, Charlotte, North Carolina
For a curated selection of vintage furnishings, locals seek out Ariene Bethea’s shop. Many pieces have been refurbished and updated with new colors and often graphic patterns before being displayed. Global wares and accessories are also scattered throughout, as are original artworks by local creatives. dressingroomsinteriorsstudio.com
Dressing Room Interiors Studio
Photo: Laura Sumrak
Mitchell Hill, Charleston, South Carolina
Designers Michael Mitchell and Tyler Hill opened their own multilevel space in Charleston’s design district, securing its status as a local staple. The duo’s “twisted traditional” style is on display throughout, and designers and consumers alike are encouraged to drop in for inspiration. mitchellhillinc.com
Mitchell Hill
Photo: Kim Graham
Casa Gusto, Palm Beach, Florida
There’s a good reason why AD100 designer Alex Papachristidis declared Casa Gusto “one of the most stylish stores I’ve been to in years” on Instagram. Helmed by Cris Briger and Charles Peed, this Palm Beach destination specializes in 18th- and 19th-century furnishings as well as new additions, such as a series of papier-mâché classical busts and hand-colored prints in custom-painted mats and frames. getthegusto.com
Casa Gusto
Photo: Charles Peed
Nisi B Home, Hollywood, Florida
If you or your clients prefer bold and eclectic design, Nisi B is a must-visit. Glamour-loving owner and curator Nisi Berryman stocks the storefront with eye-catching pieces from artisans around the world. (Our current favorites include textiles from Tess Reburn, Matthew Studios’ glitzy knobs, and pared-back furniture from Altura.) Though Nisi B Home has been a Miami Design District mainstay since its founding in 2004, the home decor store also recently opened a showroom in Hollywood, Florida. nisibhome.com
Wendow Fine Living, Austin
If variety is the spice of life, this Austin-based home decor store is about as spicy as it gets. Here, designer and owner Shannon Dyer Dowell breaks the mold by offering a wide variety of sources—think 18th-century European antiquities sitting right next to contemporary wares. Although Wendow Fine Living’s offerings are all over the design spectrum, Dowell’s penchant for classic lines, quality construction, and a peppering of patina shines through. wendowfineliving.com
Looking for even more of the best home decor stores? Be sure to check out our other coverage:
- 19 of the Best Home Decor Shops and Galleries in New York, According to Top Designers
- The Best Home Decor Shops in New York City
- 20 of the Best Home Decor Shopping Streets in America
- The Best Home Decor Stores in New England
- The Best Home Decor Stores in the Midwest
- 21 of the Best Home Decor Shops in Los Angeles, According to Top Designers
- 14 Must-Visit Los Angeles Design Shops
- The Best Home Decor Stores in San Francisco
- The Best Home Decor Stores in the South
- 15 of the Best Decor Shops in Chicago, According to Designers
- The Best Home Decor Shops in the Northwest
Top 20 Pro Interior Design Tips for 2022
Just a few minutes of browsing living rooms on Pinterest and Instagram will have anyone green with interior envy. Yet, to create such a beautiful space in your own home is easier than you think – especially with one or two tricks of the trade. Today we’re giving you secrets that top interior designers swear by. Discover these 20 interior design tips below and take your home to the next level!
Interior Design Tips on Practicality
Contemporary living room design by Decorilla online interior designer Katerina P.
1) Follow a Color Scheme
First, above all else, is choosing a color scheme for your home. Pick no more than five colors. A balanced interior typically consists of three hues: dominant, secondary, and accent. You can base these on which tones make you feel good, or even those you like to wear. With planning, even pink home decor can be stunning! When you design your room, allot 60 percent to the primary color, 30 percent to the secondary color, and 10 percent to the accent color. But feel free to change this ratio as you see fit. If you’re unsure about where to start, try a well-known scheme like monochromatic, analogous, or complementary.
2) Measure Before Buying
In truth, your interior not only depends on prettiness but also on practicality. So, make sure that whatever you want to buy will physically fit the space you have in mind.
Not sure how to incorporate these top interior design tips into your own personal design? Schedule your Free Online Interior Design Consultation to save time and money today!
Transitional living room design by Decorilla online interior designer, Wanda P.
3) Plan Art Placement
Map out your artwork before you hit a nail into the wall. First, arrange the art pieces on the floor until you find a layout that you’re happy with. Second, create templates for each piece and stick those with masking type to the wall. Now you can mark and install nails and put up your art collection.
4) Hang Art Correctly
Make sure your artwork is at the correct height, especially with solo pieces or a series in a straight line. Ideally, the middle of the main artwork should be eye-level (approximately 57” from the floor). Remember to measure from the artwork’s back fitting cord and not the top of its frame.
Eclectic living room design by Decorilla online interior designer, Sonia C.
5) Perfect Rug Placement
A no-fuss interior design tip to apply in any room, from the bedroom to lounge, is simply putting your rug in the correct position. In a large room, for instance, place the rug underneath the front legs of the sofa. And accompanying furniture should touch or hover on the rug as well. If in doubt, remember that big rugs are always better.
6) Play with Layout
If there is one interior design tip to live by in 2022, it’s that changing your layout can make all the difference. Try a few layouts. Move everything around until you’re satisfied. Attempt even the crazy ones. This will help you to see what could work in your space. But start the furniture shuffle with the biggest pieces, like a sofa, first!
Modern Interior Design Tips on Lighting
7) Layer Light
Light can make your home pop! So, get it right by adding three levels of lighting: tasks, ambient, and accent. This is one of the modern interior design tips perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Not only is layered light functional, but it also adds depth and atmosphere.
8) Think Light Bulb Tone
When it comes to lighting, the final point to consider is a light bulb’s color temperature. You’ll have to choose between soft white, cool white, and daylight. Cooler hues have a higher Kelvin reading and are ideal for offices but can make a reading nook feel stark. On the other hand, warmer lighting has a lower Kelvin reading and can make a room feel cozy. Which works best for you depends on the function of your room.
Mid-century modern kitchen design by Decorilla online interior designer, Scott T.
9) Add a Pendant Light
Making a statement on a budget couldn’t be easier. Updating light fixtures is one of the tried and tested clever interior design tips designers swear by. Often pendants are used as accent lighting and are very impressive. By simply adding a beautiful statement light you boost the visual value of your home tenfold.
10) Use Mirrored Light
Double natural light from a window by placing a large mirror on the opposite wall. You can also maximize artificial light by adding depth with reflective surfaces. A polished metal side table below a table lamp is perfect!
Interior Design Tips on Scale for 2022
Contemporary bedroom interior design by Decorilla interior designer, Rajna S.
11) Upsize Your Curtains
Curtains can make a room feel big and grand. In fact, just by installing your window dressing closer to the ceiling and using a broader curtain rod, the room will feel taller and more luxurious than it is.
12) Try the Magic Throw Pillow Equation
Sometimes it may feel like no matter how you arrange your throw pillows, they just don’t work. But as one of the interior design tips we swear by, the throw pillow equation works every time.
First, place two large (20-inch) pillows in each corner of your sofa. Then add two medium-sized (16-inch) scatters and end with a small lumbar pillow to balance the design. For a harmonious look, choose one bold pattern (large pillows), a solid color (medium pillows), and a subtle coordinating pattern (small pillow).
Eclectic living room design by Decorilla online interior designer, Nicolle E.
13) Mix ‘n Match Scale
Supersizing makes an instant statement. And one that demands attention. Lamps, mirrors, and chandeliers are versatile and won’t take up too much space if you want to play with scale.
14) Fake Height
Use decorating secrets to gain visual height in your home. Vertical lines from tall, slim furniture or wallpaper can make a ceiling look higher than it is. Of course, this is yet another of the interior design tips of 2022 that can make a home feel luxuriously expansive.
Clever Interior Design Tips 2022
Modern bedroom design by Decorilla online interior designer, Vale G.
15) Add Inspirational Pattern
Patterns makes the design world go round! Every season brings new textile designs even prettier than the ones before. These bold, bright motifs can instantly update and uplift a tired interior. Besides, a cute pattern brings lightness into a room.
16) Paint Can Fix (Almost) Anything
You can transform almost anything with a bit of paint. In fact, a new color is one of the core remodeling ideas that can give a home a quick refresh. But ensure that you have the correct paint and hue for the job. Some furniture pieces will need a base coat before you can add the finish you want. And to make sure you have the best color for a wall, test the color you want in three different shades first.
17) Look Up! Ceilings Matter
We often forget that we have another surface, ready for customization – the ceiling! Make a splash with a bold navy blue, or even a large-format paisley pattern. But make sure to balance the room by complementing the daring ceiling design with toned-down pieces on the ground.
Inexpensive Interior Design Tips for the Living Room & Bedroom
18) Mix Up Décor
Before overhauling your entire home, start with a budget-friendly decor update. For instance, update your throw pillows, artwork arrangement, lampshades, and smaller décor pieces. When done right, small changes can make all the difference. Plus, it’s one of the budget-friendly interior design tips!
19) Find the Beauty in Eyesores
Did you know that you could stop the fight with eyesores by celebrating them? Drawing attention to an oddity is also an inexpensive way to create an interesting focal point. Some parts of a home, especially a rental, can’t be changed. But it’s never too late to transform something unsightly into a stunning feature with a decorator trick.
Instead of trying to figure out what to do with unwanted pipes or HCVA air ducts, spruce them up with a splash of paint. The same goes for odd nooks or architectural details. These you can turn into a beautiful space to show off your favorite artwork or trendy wallpaper. Most importantly, work with what you have. Once you follow more clever interior design tips like this, creating a home you truly love will come easily!
20) Just Add Plants
Greenery not only purifies the air, but it also livens up a room. Plus, it’s inexpensive. Which means that you can chop and change your plants to suit the season.
Need help in creating the home of your dreams? Then get in touch. Schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation with the Decorilla team to get started!
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25 Best Interior Design Blogs
It’s safe to say that there isn’t a shortage of interior design inspiration on the internet. But all of that information can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Whether you need some insight on the best wall paint color or an easy DIY project these home design blogs cover all the topics you’ll need to make your house feel like home. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 25 best interior design blogs we love turning to for daily inspiration.
Find Your Favorite Interior Design Blogs
Contemporary open living design by Decorilla interior design blog, designer Amelia R.
No matter what interior design advice you might need, there’s a blog available to provide your answers. Read on to find your favorites:
1. Cassandra LaValle
An overall stunner, Coco Kelley which has recently taken on the name of their founder, Cassandra LaValle in 2007. Apart from the striking photos of interiors, this blog also covers travel, entertaining tips, food, and fashion. Her eye for effortless design keeps us coming back for more.
WHAT WE LOVE: The Cassandra LaValle philosophy: Life is in the details. Style accordingly.
Tip: It’s important to know your style when searching for interior design blogs and collecting inspiration. Taking interior design style quizzes like this one can really help clients and designers pinpoint their aesthetics because personal style is unique.
2. Decorilla Interior Design Blog
Design by Dina H, from Decorilla interior design blog
When it comes to home decorating blogs Decorilla covers everything from seasonal décor to the latest and greatest design trends. You can get inside an interior designer’s head with their designer spotlight posts or find the most affordable interior designer near you.
Contemporary kitchen design from one of the best interior design blogs, Decorilla
The variety of designers under Decorilla’s wing create a diverse interior design loving community. As a result the Decorilla home decorating blog becomes a great source of inspiration for everything home!
WHAT WE LOVE: The before and after interior design transformations shared from Decorilla clients!
Slide the arrow below to see the transformation
(Decorilla before and after slider)
3. Amber Interiors
Amber Interiors is a forced to be reckoned with to say the least. She’s got the eye! Interior design, fashion, home décor, lifestyle. You name it, Amber Lewis rocks it. This southern California designer lives and breathes interior design and is always sharing what trends she’s loving at the moment on her home decor blog. As seasons change, so do trends!
WHAT WE LOVE: Amber is launching a new home design blog soon called “All Sorts Of” and we can’t wait to tune in!
4. Cococozy
Coco of Cococozy is an executive by day and interior design blogger by night. She began her home décor blog in 2008 and covers all things décor related. Her home design blog became so popular she later started her own Cococozy textiles collection featuring beautiful luxury pillows, throws, bedding, drapery, and rugs.
WHAT WE LOVE: Coco was recently named as one of Forbes Magazine’s Inaugural 2017 Top 30 Influencers
5. Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy is here to fill your mind with just about anything you need to know. Whether you’re looking for a quick DIY home décor project or if you’ve always wanted to know the perfect Halloween candy for your zodiac sign, they’ve got the answers. Apartment therapy covers topics like house tours, organizing, real estate, and wellness to name a few!
WHAT WE LOVE: Their amazing eye for great design! We could get lost in the home tour section.
6. Studio McGee
Studio McGee is a full service interior design studio with a distinct eye for bold and beautiful design and decor. Dynamic duo Syd & Shea McGee have formed quite the design empire. Their blog was recently named best interior design blog by Domino. Their design style is quickly becoming recognizable and appeals to people of so many different tastes.
WHAT WE LOVE: Their web series that features all of their newest home designs!
7. Hunted Interior
Kristen Jackson, founder of Hunted Interior started the blog back in 2011. Her goal is to inspire readers to hunt for their own style. She’s got an eye for affordable interior design and she shares all the details with her audience. DIY projects, client projects, and room makeovers are what keeps her followers coming back for more.
WHAT WE LOVE: Her “shop the space” series where she tells us how to get the look!
8. EyeSwoon Home Decor Blog
Athena Calderone, founder of EyeSwoon is a great source to look for general lifestyle advice. Whether you’re looking for home décor styles or the next best thing to make for dinner, EyeSwoon is here to help you get the most out of life.
WHAT WE LOVE: The delicious recipes and striking interiors!
9. Design Milk
Similar to some of the other larger companies on this list, Design Milk is a one stop shop. They will feature the coolest boutique hotel design, then give ideas on easy DIY projects anyone can tackle.
WHAT WE LOVE: Their interview series with various designers!
10. The Inspired Room
Melissa Michaels, creator of The Inspired Room started her decorating blog with one thing in mind. To help you love your home. Reader can follow along with her current 1950s cottage remodel and learn tips and tricks on how to incorporate the looks in your own home.
WHAT WE LOVE: The Inspired Room line of books!
11. Young House Love
The list of best interior design blogs wouldn’t be complete without John and Sherry, the faces behind Young House Love. They’ve fixed up three homes together, published books, and been inspiring the DIY community for years. They are sure to make you smile and had to be included on this list!
WHAT WE LOVE: Their hilariously entertaining podcast!
12. Style by Emily Henderson
Interior designer Emily Henderson wears many hats in her successful empire she’s created. Her home decor blog, Style by Emily Henderson is all about blending styles. From being an author, to a TV host, she’s been a source of inspiration to the design community since she started her interior design blog back in 2010. Ever wonder what goes on in an interior designer’s head? She’s here to tell you.
WHAT WE LOVE: The personal touch she adds to her blog. You feel like her friend!
13. Design Sponge
We could get lost in the Design Sponge feed for hours because of their intriguing content. Whether you’re looking for a DIY project to tackle over the weekend or want to see some amazing before and afters, Design Sponge is for you. They have a great eye for spotting on trend design.
WHAT WE LOVE: Listening to their “Good Company” podcast!
14. Apartment 34
One look at Apartment 34’s home page and you’re immediately drawn in. Apart from interior design blog posts, readers can also find inspiration for food, beauty, travel, and entertaining. They are definitely a source for the latest and greatest design trends.
WHAT WE LOVE: Scrolling through the décor page!
15. Emily Everyday
Emily Blanchard, the beautiful soul behind Emily Everyday is a great source of inspiration for the everyday design lover. She is constantly dishing out styling tips, taking you on her thrift store adventures, and showing her followers how to make the best out of their home. Plus, how can you not love her adorable pup!
WHAT WE LOVE: Watching her Instagram stories. You’ll really get to know her!
16. Savvy Home
Savvy Home is another lifestyle and interior design blog that you definitely don’t want to miss! From their travel tips to their international interior design features, they’ve been keeping us up to date on trends since their start in 2010.
WHAT WE LOVE: Shopping straight from their page!
17. Hygge for Home
Have you ever heard of Hygge? Reena, the voice behind Hygge for Home is here to tell you all about it. This blogger mom has mastered the look of comfortable and cozy interiors. She values having a home that is extremely personal and strives to make it unique and represent her family.
WHAT WE LOVE: How relaxing and inviting her home is!
18. Liz Marie Interior Design Blog
The list of top design blogs wouldn’t be complete without including Liz Marie Blog. Not only does Liz Marie have an incredible eye for design, she is the sweetest human. She has a way of making you feel like you’ve known her for years just by watching her Instagram stories. From DIY project tutorials to all their adorable farm animals, her home decor blog covers so many interesting topics to help improve your home and life.
WHAT WE LOVE: That most of the items in her home are vintage or thrifted!
19. House of Wood
Military wife, Jen Woodhouse is not only a talented singer/songwriter, she’s recently started exploring the outlet of DIY and design. Needless to say it’s certainly within her niche. House of Wood is great place for all DIY lovers to learn all Jen’s great tips!
WHAT WE LOVE: Her free DIY furniture plans!
20. Yellow Brick Home
Husband and wife team Kim and Scott are the duo behind Yellow Brick Home. They reside in Chicago where they’ve DIY’ed their way through their 675 square foot condo. From there they purchased a fixer upper house right down the street and are working their way through the dream of bringing an old house back to life!
WHAT WE LOVE: The Print Shop they launched back in 2013. They definitely have an eye for photography!
21. Coco Lapine Design
Coco Lapine Design is run by Sarah, a Belgian designer currently residing in Munich, Germany. She has a great eye for combining her love of graphic design and interior design to create striking spaces. Her DIY projects are also innovative and affordable!
WHAT WE LOVE: The monochromatic look behind her style!
22. The Bright Bazaar Home Decorating Blog
In contrast from our last pick, The Bright Bazaar is all things color, but in the most tasteful way. Will, the face behind the blog is a published author and has truly mastered the thoughtful use of color. He gives the best tips on how to make sure you’re doing color in the best way for your home.
WHAT WE LOVE: That he calls his blog the “make-you-smile style world”!
23. Lark & Linen
Talented interior designer Jacquelyn Clark, the woman behind Lark & Linen, lives and breathes interior design and she’s here to share her views with her fellow design lovers. From sharing her own projects to filling her readers in on where she gathers her own design inspiration this woman is here to inspire. Lark & Linen is a great place for lifestyle inspiration.
WHAT WE LOVE: Browsing through all her past client projects!
24. A Small Life
If you’re looking to truly make the most out of your home – no matter the size, Melanie, the face behind A Small Life is here to help. Her goal is to help people save money by minimizing stuff to maximize life. After living in an Airstream for four years with her husband it’s a trade she’s mastered.
WHAT WE LOVE: The remodel of she and her husband’s Airstream!
25. Old Brand New
Rounding out our top 25 best interior design blogs list is no other than Old Brand New. Dabito, the founder and creator of the blog is a photographer, décor lover, and an expert at branding. He’s best known for his use of color and eclectic but seamless mix of modern and vintage.
WHAT WE LOVE: His love for international design that he incorporates into all his spaces.
Need more than just inspiration from an interior design blog?
Inspired to start a project of your own? Schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation with one of Decorilla’s top interior designers to get started today!
Written by Decorilla designer, Brittany J.
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Best Decor Ideas You Can Try This Year – Ottoman
We all need inspirational home decor that will make a good first impression on guests. It’s nice to receive praise from friends who appreciate the wonderful interior design of your home. Attention to small design details is the key to creating balanced and beautiful interiors. Most of these tips are so simple that they seem neutral. However, they can significantly affect the appearance of any room.
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Here are a few ways to wow your guests with great interiors that will help you create an amazing interior design experience.
1. Pendant lights
If you want to wow your guests with your amazing home decor, perfect lighting is essential. For modern home decor, pendant lights are the best light source option. Choose a pendant lamp with a unique design that will grab attention and the eye.
2. Wall decor
One huge piece of art can sometimes make the whole design. Choose small framed prints that can be grouped together. To avoid the effect of clutter, place the pictures along both ends of the sofa, not in the middle.
3. Add a touch of nature
Houseplants add depth and character to any space, whether you want to create a dramatic decor or fill an empty corner. Plants can give a really needed tone to certain spaces, as well as add a sense of novelty to a contemporary style ambience. Depending on the look you need to achieve, you can create plants in pots, cups, mason containers or terrariums.
4. Wooden floors
Smooth parquet with unusual wood in your home is a sure way to intrigue your visitors. Even though you will have to contact the professionals to have your wood floor installed, it will certainly pay off. This good parquet flooring is not only satisfying with taste but will also add value to your home.
5. A unique piece of furniture.
Make your interior special by investing in truly unique custom-made furniture. Your guests will definitely notice it if it is the center of attention of your interior. In the living room, you can change the decor by adding an oddly shaped bookcase or a coffee table.
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6. Color Blocking
If you want to make a bold statement, paint your wall with color. Use a bright color on the half or use two neutral tones. Experiment!
7. Decor in groups
As practice shows, small elements located in a cluster seem to be better than one piece of decor. It affects everything from art to pillows and vases to pendant lights. The pieces don’t have to match exactly, but they do need to have a similar aesthetic appearance. For example, you can organize groups of vases of different sizes or two sets of sofas with different patterns.
8. Show off your collection
In case you’ve been collecting something for quite some time and don’t know where to put it, build a coaster in your ideal spot and put your favorite items on display there.
9. Decor in vintage style.
Collectibles, antiques, recycled items and retro find their place in vintage style.
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10. Mix Patterns
Decorating your home doesn’t have to stick to one pattern – you can mix and match multiple prints elegantly. On smaller surfaces, such as pads, or secondary components, such as a story carpet, more modest, busier illustrations work best. Bold and voluminous patterns work well with key elements that have a lot of white in them.
11. Shiny décor items
One of the best decors is to give your home an attractive sheen with crystal accessories, bronze furniture or bronze or stainless steel embellishments. As soon as your friends enter your home, they will be impressed with this stunning interior design.
12. Fill your home with white woodwork
Consider adding gorgeous white woodwork to your interior, regardless of your chosen hue plan. Against the background of beautifully darkened walls and a dark wooden floor, this technique makes a wonderful differentiation. What’s more, it gives your interior a noticeable edge as well as giving it a modern and inviting look.
13. Wallpaper
Decorate your walls with wallpaper in attractive and distinctive patterns, colors and themes to wow your guests. You can choose from basic nature-inspired abstract shapes or other vibrant patterns that will turn your walls into a masterpiece.
14. Mix furniture and decor items
It’s easy to get caught up in interior design rules. Your room can feel drab or stereotypical if you try too hard to stick to a consistent style. Combining furniture styles and home décor is a great way to get creative, and unique environments can be created using unconventional combinations and out-of-the-box concepts.
15. Consider using unusual designs.
Make your interior special by investing in bespoke furniture that is truly unique. Your guests will definitely notice it if it is the center of attention of your interior. In the living room, you can freshen up your interior by adding a bookcase or coffee table in an unusual shape, leaving your guests delighted and pleased with these beautiful pieces.
Interesting interior items: 9the best elements and decor items
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There are a lot of beautiful things for the interior in stores – how not to get confused and choose exactly what you need? We talked about the most relevant decor elements and the rules for their selection.
Pexels
The formation of a common style does not end with the choice of finishes and the purchase of furniture. Decor plays an important role – it is interesting things for the interior and small details that give the apartment and house a special atmosphere. Lost in the assortment of shops? Don’t know how to combine different types of decor with each other? In the article we will talk about what home decorations are in trend, how to choose them correctly and combine them with each other.
How to decorate the interior? Told in the video
All about decor elements
Which decor to choose
— Pictures and posters
— Candles and candlesticks
— Panel
— Cameroon hats
– Textile
— Figurines
— Clock
— Vases
— Plants
Decor selection rules
How to combine accessories with the interior
Let’s move on to the main thing and analyze which decorative elements are especially relevant today.
1. Pictures and posters
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These are the first items that come to mind when it comes to decorating a room. And not just like that: wall decorations quickly transform the space, and combining them with each other is not so difficult.
Various themes are relevant today: geometry, cubism, exaggerated images, color abstractions, rethinking of works by famous artists, lettering. With images of animals, flowers and landscapes, you should be more careful, there is a risk of making the interior tasteless.
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Decoration
Paintings for the interior: tips for choosing and 7 fashion stories (110 photos)
How to arrange posters and pictures on the wall
- One large picture or poster. Something catchy, not in need of support, is suitable for such a role. Perhaps some kind of plot or, conversely, the work of a contemporary artist in the spirit of minimalism. A single frame will fit into almost any style: from relaxed boho to strict classics – it all depends on the pattern itself.
- Hanging two to four posters on one section of the wall. You can add order and arrange them symmetrically using the same frames.
- Wall gallery from different elements. This is a bright and trendy way to decorate the walls. Mix different frames and formats (black, white, smooth, decorated, with and without passe-partout). Eclectic galleries look great in scandi, boho, contemporary, loft and even art deco styles.
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Instagram @leannelimwalkerhome
Instagram @daldals_life
Instagram @greencityhouse
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Living room
Pictures above the sofa: 6 rules and tips for choosing and positioning
2. Candles and candlesticks
Candles – ordinary or in glasses – can be not just a trifle for the mood, but also a full-fledged decorative piece of furniture.
Instagram @mygreyhome
Compositions of large candles of different heights on a wooden or glass tray look especially beautiful. You can put this in the bedroom or living room.
Tall thin candles need candlesticks – by the way, they also perfectly complement the atmosphere and are different. There are analogues of old candelabra, but you can fit them not only in the classical style – eclecticism is in trend. There are concise models for one candle, but it is better to put several of these candlesticks side by side. Current colors: silver, gold, copper, matte white, beige or black.
Pay attention to the large themed candlesticks: imitations of lanterns and houses, they look especially cozy in the autumn-winter period and will suit any style: from country to neoclassical. Candles in glasses do not need to be supplemented, but you should choose not too miniature models with stylish labels.
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photo
Instagram @woottonlife
Instagram @hartjemaassluis
Instagram @homewithjade
Instagram @olga_mylifestyle
Instagram @mygreyhome
Instagram @_an_styles_
Instagram @olga_mylifestyle
Instagram @marie_renov
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Decoration
7 tips for decorative candle lovers (you probably didn’t know)
3.
Panel
Wall panels are a good replacement for posters. They can be made to order: this personalizes the situation.
Instagram @huizedop
Types of panels
- Fabric. Like other textile decorations, fabric panels are in trend now. They come in different types: wicker, knitted, stuffed with a pattern, macrame and others.
- Wooden panels have become popular along with eco-style. Ethnic motifs, geometric patterns, three-dimensional compositions, panels of multi-colored or monochrome slats will perfectly fit into Scandi, eco- and boho apartments.
- Mirrored. Now you can find a lot of really fresh solutions with mirrors. A game with geometric shapes, color and haze of glass, lighting – all this makes mirror panels an effective addition to the interior. They look great in classic, neoclassical and some modern styles. Just mirrors in unusual frames can also play the role of panels.
Instagram @zhenya_zhdanova
You can combine different, but similar shades of hats: for example, olive, beige, gray or pink, blue, white. Decorate the wall above the sofa or bed with such fluffy decor elements – their appearance matches the mood of relaxation.
Instagram @home_is
Instagram @jenia_makarova
Instagram @zhenya_zhdanova
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Accessories
7 beautiful products that will bring spring into the house
5. Textiles
Any textile products can not only add zest to the space, but also tie all the elements of the environment together.
Instagram @myhome_mypower
Textile works in a complex way: curtains, blankets and bedspreads, carpets.
- Curtains. This is the basic textile solution on which the overall impression of the room depends. When choosing fashionable curtains, rely on the style of the room, the prevailing colors, and the missing textures. Do not choose curtains and curtains with intricate designs.
- Plaids and bedspreads. A bedspread on the bed or a blanket casually thrown over the sofa – everything matters. Give preference to quality fabrics, as cheap textiles betray themselves immediately. You should not combine these elements with one-on-one curtains – such techniques are already outdated, regardless of the style of the apartment.
- Decorative pillows. It is easy to show imagination with them, because the main rule is “everything is possible”. Colours, prints, shapes, textures – mix and match different pillowcases and adjust the palette and atmosphere of the room to suit your mood or season.
- Carpets work well to soften and “train” the space. Screaming colors and colorful prints are useless here, give preference to neutral models – you can’t go wrong. If you want more decorativeness, consider ethnic motifs and geometric prints. The latter often appear in scandi and scandi-chic styles – along with monochrome models.
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photo
Instagram @phlippingourhome
Instagram @home_anitaaaa
Instagram @myhome_mypower
Instagram @home.bohostyle
Instagram @lifeatstaustell
Instagram @picsfromcandice
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Decoration
7 mistakes in choosing textiles that will make your interior visually cheaper
6. Figurines
The attitude towards figurines is debatable: someone considers them to be dust collectors, someone cannot imagine home without them. We will say this – figurines can be a great decoration if you choose wisely.
Instagram @conceptbyjeki
Firstly, no cheap materials – plastic figurines immediately catch the eye and spoil the look of the room. Secondly, give up old-fashioned motifs: ballerinas, angels, various female silhouettes. There is nothing wrong with them, but such figurines have already lost their relevance and uniqueness. It is better to choose unusual or deliberately simple forms, ironic plots, adaptations of the works of sculptors.
If you have figurines from previous generations, use them, vintage is in fashion! Another trendy option now is figurines-houses in different execution techniques.
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photo
Instagram @johsefine
Instagram @conceptbyjeki
Instagram @lakrica_home
Instagram @elycora
Instagram @z.end.store
Instagram @z.end.store
7. Clock
An accessory that can easily complement any room, from the hallway to the bedroom.
Instagram @incredible_prodigy
In classic interiors, choose models with a pendulum or antique. A sun clock with a lot of mirror rays will fit perfectly into Art Deco. Scandi, minimalism and a number of other styles will easily fit a simple watch with a plain dial – with numbers or marks.
Instagram @mixamitera
Instagram @masha__mamasha
Instagram @moirukinedlaskuki
Instagram @incredible_prodigy
Instagram @incredible_prodigy
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Accessories
Clock in the interior: what to choose and where to place (60 photos)
8. Vases
If you intend to use the vases for other than their intended purpose, it is more logical to choose models not one by one. Collect sets, but not from the same vases – it looks boring.
Instagram @liza_rabiso
It is better to combine similar colors, but different shapes and textures. If you want colors, on the contrary, let the textures, silhouettes and sizes be similar.
Instagram @alabasterfox
Instagram @romromplant
Instagram @mysecondhandhouse
Instagram @liza_rabizo
Instagram @myhome_mypower
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Accessories
Which vases to choose for your home to match any bouquet: florist
tells
9. Plants
Indoor jungle is a great way to decorate the room and at the same time get closer to nature. Such decor can even improve well-being.
Instagram @surfers.jungalow
If you are afraid of not coping with plants, plant the most unpretentious species: zaimoculcas, ficus, monstera and many others look incredibly stylish and require minimal maintenance. Cacti and succulents are no worse for decorating the interior, keep them in mind. Flowering varieties (orchid, azalea, begonia, pose) can replace a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, but they will have to devote a lot of time.
In addition to the plants themselves, flowerpots also act as decorative elements. There are many unusual models of any size on the shelves of stores, in which even the simplest flowers will decorate your home.
Instagram @caropeony
Instagram @earthlingdeena
Instagram @home_jim_home
Instagram @coffeeinmyjungle
Instagram @surfers.jungalow
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House plants
9 large and showy houseplants that are easy to care for
We have analyzed the main elements of decor in the interior, and now we will consider the general rules for buying home decorations.
- Consider the style of the space. This is the main rule that will help create a balanced design. For a better understanding of whether an item is suitable or not, look at photos of professional interiors (this develops visibility) or create collages with decor against the background of your apartment.
- Do not rush to buy. Even if you are in the final stages of renovation, do not rush to storm home decor stores. Give yourself time to live in a “naked” interior and understand what should be in what places.
- Choose a “decorative minimum”, without which the apartment looks completely empty and in which you are sure. It can include curtains, a few pillows, a couple of posters and a vase. It will be easier to choose embellishments later on because you know what to layer them on.
- Don’t buy too much. The abundance of decorations creates a visual mess, and over time will cause a desire to hide some in boxes. We’ll have to solve the issue of storing all these little things.
- Don’t go after overly popular items from the mass market. It is possible and even necessary to buy home decorations from budget brands, but avoid overly replicated models – the whole instagram is full of them, and your home will not get individuality.
- Build 2-3 small sets of seasonal themed decor. For example, winter-New Year (in white, red, green colors), spring-summer (lighter, lighter, brighter) and autumn (with pleasant textures and deep shades).
Pexels
When it became clear what decor you like, it’s time to think about compatibility. If you matched the style and your purchases in advance, then problems are unlikely to arise.
- Colours. All decor should not be the same color, the main thing is to rely on a palette of finishes and large furniture. Usually two or three shades in decoration are enough, while one or two of them can duplicate the color of furnishings (sofa, wallpaper print, lamp, etc.) – you don’t need to make the entire decor contrast. On the other hand, a room in a neutral palette can be made more inviting by choosing bright decor and playing with unusual colors – this way the colors will appear, but the base will remain calm.
- Dimensions. Relying on this parameter is equally important, since a common mistake is to combine many small details. Even in a small room, this “placer” is lost, but at the same time it creates a feeling of clutter. A combination of things of different sizes looks good. For example, a small figure on a bookshelf, a medium-sized wall clock, a tray with tall candles, and a large floor vase with pampas grass or other dried flowers. Lots of variations.
- Invoices. Within one room, designers recommend using at least 3 textures. This texture will be created not only by decor, but it can also bring the necessary variety. Glossy surfaces, glass inserts, rattan or leather elements, wood, weightless tulle, knitted throws and fluffy pillows – they can enliven the atmosphere, adding texture to it.
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Decorating
8 mistakes in the arrangement of decor in the interior
Prepared by
Tatyana Chemodanova
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Interior design and decor: what designers prefer
Every professional has a favorite design technique that they use in their projects over and over again. Before what the pros cannot resist – we tell.
Publication date:
06/01/2020
Material prepared:
Olga Songe
Design: Marina Poklontseva.
These designers managed to make more than one interior project and choose the best ones from the variety of possible solutions. These design techniques, finishing materials and decor items work in any interior. What are we talking about? We share firsthand information.
1. Marble
“I love and often use quite bright varieties of marble in my projects, either in surface finishing or in making an interior element. Especially valuable for me is the natural origin of the color and pattern of the cut of marble: it is always unique, complex in color content. The color of the slab often includes a thousand shades, and this is subtly felt by the human eye.
Marble finishes fit both classic solutions and fit perfectly into ultra-modern spaces. In my opinion, the competent use of marble in the interior makes the object visually “more expensive”, gives it the value that is in luxury goods.”
2. Color and textiles
“At the beginning of a new project, like an artist, I start to think in terms of color. Working with textiles is one of the first stages for me. For me, living without color is like living without love. A good color scheme of space helps to feel better, to live better.
When I get acquainted with the space of a new object, I always spend several hours in it. I pay attention to how the sun falls, what kind of view opens from the window. The environment always dictates 100% stylistic or color solutions. And if the windows of the room face north, then you can add sun to the room. Ask me how? Hang an unlined accent yellow curtain so that it “works” through the light.”
3. Large-format porcelain stoneware
“Large-format porcelain stoneware is an amazingly beautiful material. Slabs 250×120 in size have a unique pattern, and when two types are combined, a pattern in the form of a butterfly is obtained. The most interesting thing when working with this material begins with the delivery. Large-format porcelain stoneware 250×120 may not enter the freight elevator and pass the flight of stairs. One solution to the problem is to lift the slabs with cables between the railing space.
Installation of the material is very fast – 1-2 days: be sure to contact specialists who have been working with this material for a long time, as it is expensive and a non-professional can easily ruin it. By the way, since the plates are large, there are a minimum of seams: the effect of a single canvas in the room is created.
4. Smart light control in the bedroom
“One of the techniques I use in all my projects is smart light control from the bed. I divide the control zones into male and female and according to the distribution of light scenarios, and thus place sockets and switches above the bedside tables for each individually. My clients choose which light they want to control from the comfort of their bed. Be sure to have not only walk-through switches, but also my favorite “turn off all” button. The presence of such a key by the bed always reduces the risk of worrying about accidentally not turning off the light in some of the rooms.
5. Books in the interior
“No interior is complete without books. Beautiful books on the shelves themselves serve as a decor item, and if the books are in different covers and are very colorful, you can turn them back or wrap them in plain paper.
In compositions on surfaces: coffee tables, shelves, consoles, in combination with the decor, books set the height and different levels, rhythm. You can make a beautiful vignette on the table by choosing books of a suitable theme or design. Similarly, magazines and albums can be used.
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Decor: 14 things that make the interior obsolete
Over the years, I have found “my” definition of unique interiors. Personally, I call uniqueness something that your eye in the interior is still not used to. What do you want to consider, compare, what do you want to feel your involvement in and half a year after the repair is completed.
Fashion items turn into caricatures for the next generations after a couple of seasons. “Time-tested” techniques cause a lingering feeling of “nothing new” (and your efforts, time and money were spent offensively a lot). So stop taking design axioms literally. In this article I will tell you what is wrong with them.
Tatyana Khorosheva, Dmitry Khoroshev
1. Furniture, light – we take different brands
Many already agree with the idea: a sofa and armchairs, a chandelier and wall lamps should not be from the same “headset”. This approach resembles a branch of the showroom – predictable and uninteresting to the point of pain.But few people understand that this rule applies not only to furniture sets from one collection. The same is true for items from the same factory / one era / one country – it’s not so obvious, but, believe me, things have a single cultural code, and over time it will be read and memorized by you.
Tip : Make items from different brands, countries, eras and colors work together.
Vera Savelyeva
2. Chandelier — n e only for light
Stop perceiving (and therefore choosing) the chandelier as the main source of light in the room. It is not the chandelier that is morally obsolete, but this is your attitude towards it.A chandelier is, in a certain sense, an art object that, of course, gives light, but this is secondary. The required level of illumination can be achieved with the help of technical light. Whereas a chandelier is more about “beauty”.
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Let’s select a performer according to your criteriaFLIK – architectural and construction bureau
Tip: do not flood the rooms with bright light, it is enough to highlight the accents – where the light will really be needed, based on your lifestyle, There are floor lamps, sconces, table lamps to help you, various types of lighting.
Olga Vorobieva
3. Wood in the interior is not only oak
The vast majority of wooden and pseudo-wooden surfaces in our country have an oak pattern and texture. And these are not only parquet and massive boards, but also table surfaces, laminate patterns, door veneers. This drawing has impregnated us at the genetic level. So, the result is boredom and predictability: “we have already seen this.”At the same time, almost any manufacturer has textures of other types of wood. Even in chain building stores there are parquets and parquet / engineered boards made of ash, walnut, maple, etc. at a price commensurate with the price of oak. Many door manufacturers have doors in actual ash, walnut, cherry veneers.
Tip: use wood textures that are unreadable and unfamiliar to the eye (and your subconscious), the interior will look “richer” and more thoughtful with proportionate investments
Yuliya Sidorova
4. Objects of art – a broad meaning
One should not think that art is only for connoisseurs or “the rich and famous.” For example, a child’s drawing in a passe-partout and a beautiful (non-plastic) frame will be your personal work of art, and you will love and admire it for years to come.The example in the photo is a drawing of a nine-year-old child, which parents transferred to the living room wall
Jonathan Adler
Tip: Opt for large objects and large designs (for example, paintings with large mats and large frames, or a combined group of uniform objects of the same size). Avoid small dissimilar details (paintings should not be “postage stamp size”).
OWN / Doors / Furniture / Interior
5. Doors – must be high
Preferably 2.30-2.50 cm (even if the ceilings are 2.60). For some reason, it is believed that high doors look advantageous only with high ceilings. This is not true. Low doors refer us to the era when bows were accepted at the entrance to the house; low doors are never installed in expensive interiors.Lavka-Design
Door height is the level of interior design. Better find a cheaper line of doors, but don’t skimp on their height. Entering a door is not the same as entering a cave or closet. For most manufacturers, 230 cm doors are already considered “standard”.
Ekaterina Zaklivenets
Important : increase, expansion and transfer of doorways are related to redevelopment. You must first agree on the transfer and obtain permission.
ABOUT THIS…
Doorways: To move or not to moveYuliya Golavskaya
Important: if redevelopment is not possible, there is always an assistant — a transom (with a mirror or a blind one) above the door. It also raises the level of the door and can be used in cases where it is not technically possible to break through the opening. Transoms are also available from many manufacturers.
6. Fittings – author’s
Few people think about fittings as a separate design entity that needs to be worked out, by default buying it as a set (for example, with a kitchen or cabinets), or in chain hardware stores (for doors).Martin Pierce Hardware
Professional decorators raise the level of interiors by skillfully completing furniture (perhaps not the most expensive) with exquisite handles. Please note: in our country, for the most part, chromium is used. Look for alternatives to it: brass, bronze, nickel. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you also want an interior “not like everyone else”?
M. Barnes & Co
7. Floor – texture and texture
Wood or fake wood are not the only options. I will not encourage you to experiment (for example, make a red floor) – in design, any action should be meaningful. Just take a broader look at the question.Coswick
8. Unusual layout of parquet or plank
Usually, when thinking about an interior in a modern style (forgive me for such a generalization), they usually think of a deck layout by default: if the classic is a “Christmas tree”, French or Hungarian . Everything, on this design delights end. However, there are many more possibilities than is commonly believed.The New & Reclaimed Flooring Company
Yes, the parquet in the photo costs more than the “basic scenario”, but it can be laid, several layout options can be combined: for example, by making a “deck” around the perimeter, and a “Christmas tree” in the center “. Or combine two colors when laying out and / or lay a thin T-shaped (no more than 5 mm) brass profile.
MARION STUDIO
9. Curtains – thick and long
There are two generally accepted options for window decoration: the first, too primitive – tulle and blackout curtains – we usually buy ourselves. The second, too far-fetched – custom-made curtains with pelmets, gangs, a lot of “bells and whistles” – we order in the textile salon. Both are platitudes that are best avoided.In short, without going into details, other details “make a class”. For example, curtains that lie on the floor in folds are very aesthetic (+ 10 cm to the standard length).
Sergey Krasyuk
For thick curtains, it is extremely important to use a lining – then they will no longer look like “rags” on the windows. Finally, if you have beautiful batteries and window sills, then you can replace the long tulle with Roman or French curtains (they should touch the window sill), while leaving thick curtains on the sides. In fact, a long curtain decorates the wall next to the window, and not the window itself.
Rikki Snyder
10. Third order associations
The most striking example of direct associations are children’s, decorated in the style of comics about Spider-Man and the like: wallpaper with Spider-Man, carpet and curtains with Spider-Man, bedspread and bedding also (so unexpectedly!) with a man spider.Probably, this will cause certain doubts and objections, but the imagination of children can invent and finish thinking on its own, and there is no need to “plant” it on a limited visual range.
Now about adults. Marine bedrooms, Venice bridges on the walls, pink living rooms (from the word “rose”). In the latter case, wallpaper with roses makes little sense, Think, fantasize, ask yourself, what do you associate with roses or the sea – do not grab the first same association, go ahead. Perhaps in the photo you will see hyacinths in the spring.
Brad Ford ID
11 Too well-known design objects
How easy it is to hang or put something famous, iconic, proven in the interior. An Artichoke chandelier by Paul Henningsen, a table by Ellen Gray, a lounge chair with an Eames pouffe… Or even save money and buy a replica (the main thing is a recognizable form factor).This will probably offend some, but now this oft-quoted trick has turned into a vulgarity. I do not argue that all of the above are the greatest, most beautiful and most ergonomic objects of all time. But stop exploiting them already – take less familiar and less iconic objects – they also work and are also beautiful and harmonious, but at the same time more difficult to understand, and therefore, you want to “read and delve into” them. And of course, take them in the original version.
Natalie Vershinina
12. Tiles – not battered
Usually, the tile in the bathroom tells about the year in which the renovation was made. Do not argue, just mentally recall the obsolete bathrooms of your friends. Fashion is changing: new patterns and technologies, sizes and combinations are coming. If you are chasing the next fashion trend, the tiles will have to be moved every three years. What to do?- Immediately choose a complex and unbroken shade, non-standard size (unless otherwise intended).
- Decorate the walls differently than in the clinic: there is nothing wrong with white tiles with gray grout, but this is not about uniqueness.
- Think of stone – it is self-sufficient and sometimes sells for the price of fashionable tiles.
Zueva Anna
13. Furniture upholstery is also a “reception”
Upholstered furniture is reupholstered only for hygienic purposes – when the upholstery has served its purpose. In most cases, the upholstery is bought complete with a sofa and is taken for granted, as if there is no alternative to it at all.Still, I recommend treating furniture upholstery as a separate entity that you can and should also work with. In most cases, a new sofa can be ordered in the upholstery and decor you need. When reupholstering the old one, discard the “gray-beige” stereotypes, use saturated colors or active patterns in the fabric, apply piping around the perimeter. Please note that the fabric must have an appropriate abrasion factor.
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An honest review of materials: How to choose upholstery for upholstered furnitureFound Object Interior design Mirrors
14. Add to the interior … yourself
The uniqueness of the interior comes from the uniqueness of its owners. In this case, it ceases to be superficial and artificial. “No” to fridge magnets, “yes” to real collections. Owner’s collections almost always have a certain artistic value, and besides, they sincerely delight you, so why not display these objects in the interior, decorating them in the right way?How to do it:
- Do not clutter up the space, give air to each exhibit.
- Group by volume.
- Rethink the collection – now it’s not a group of individual items, but a new decorative essence of your space. In the example in the photo, a rack with a collection of Scandinavian art glass.
► This is archival material. First published in 2016. Updated in 2021
Interested in interior design?
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Less colors – more pleasant atmosphere
Staying in a living space where the entire color palette is collected causes anxiety and anxiety. Therefore, if you want to create a pleasant and soothing interior, limit the number of colors used in it.
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A lot of trinkets destroy the dignity of the room
A lot of small decorative details make it impossible to focus on the interior or architectural features of the room. But if the goal is to divert attention from old finishes or furniture, then an extensive decor collection can help.
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“Yes” to seasonal parts
Finding someone who has several sets of curtains and bedspreads in stock is an extremely difficult task. Very in vain. After all, such a simple technique as a seasonal change of textiles can radically transform the interior.
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Small photos – on the table or shelves, but not the wall
Many miniature photos or other images adorning the wall are perceived as visual noise. But on the table or shelves they look appropriate. It is advisable to arrange such decor in similar or identical frames.
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Attention to scale
A moment that seems obvious at first glance, but is far from always observed – the proportionality of details to the interior as a whole. So, a huge picture in a small bedroom will look like an alien element, just like a miniature sofa in a spacious living room.
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Decor by elimination – it works
In rooms where decor is redundant, it is worth trying the elimination method – just remove some of the little things. Leave only the most colorful, but at the same time simple things, the presence of which really benefits the interior. Free space looks much cozier than it is filled to overflowing with knick-knacks.
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Carpet on carpet
One large carpet in a room can look a bit old fashioned. But such a non-standard decor method as placing several small rugs on it will enliven the atmosphere. We recommend paying attention to models with a large pattern or embroidery.
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Freedom of the central part of the table
Huge bouquets standing in the central part of the table most often look disharmonious and also make communication between people eating difficult. It is better to replace a massive vase with large flowers with a wicker basket or a decorative pot with several flowering plants. .
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More fantasy when choosing a place for art objects
A painting hanging above a sofa is a standard option for interior decoration with paintings. But in this case, it is behind most of the people in the room. Set aside a place for the painting where it will actually be looked at. For example, in the hallway.
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Harmony of similar colors
The easiest but really effective method to create a harmonious color scheme in a room is to combine similar colors. For example, several shades of green. To prevent the interior from looking monotonous, add some prints to it.
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Learn color matching from great artists
If you’re having trouble picking colors yourself, or using the classic color wheel seems too boring, try using the colors of great artists’ paintings as a reference. Choose the masters that are closer to you – Matisse, Monet, Klimt . .. The list is endless.
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Collector’s order
The best advice for collectors of small items, whether they are cat figurines or unusually shaped stones, is to keep them grouped in one place, and not randomly placed around the room. Chaos of little things can ruin even a very decent interior.
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Time management is also necessary in the creative process
After you have made your choice of finishing materials, immediately proceed to their purchase or order. Refrain from being overly optimistic about delivery times. It is much more reasonable to proceed from the fact that various delays and delays of suppliers are the norm, and not an exception to the rules. This principle will save a lot of time and energy. But do not forget to find a place in advance to store all the ordered materials and things.
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Accurate textile calculations
If high-quality textiles are chosen for interior decoration, then buying with a large margin can be a real test for the wallet. Therefore, it is better to calculate the exact amount of fabric in advance. A solid supply is necessary in cases where textiles with a large pattern are chosen (after all, it will be necessary to combine the details), as well as in the absence of confidence in the professionalism of the tailor. In the calculations, do not forget to include the border and frills, of course, if they are provided.
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Leave room for maneuver
As practice shows, to fully plan the upcoming decor purchases and strictly adhere to this plan is an almost impossible task. Therefore, it is better to leave some free space, which will be occupied by the fruits of impulsive purchases.
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Experiments without fear
It often happens that things in reality do not look like in the picture. But such a discrepancy should not be a reason for grief. On the contrary, take it as a pleasant challenge that encourages improvisation.
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Compliance with the sequence of work
In order to avoid unnecessary problems, think over the sequence of work on decorating and finishing the room in advance and follow it. Otherwise, it may happen that the wall, already covered with wallpaper, will have to be ditched.
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Storage systems: more is better than less
Storage systems are not only wardrobes, chests of drawers and mezzanines. No less important in the interior are boxes, vases and bowls where little things are stored. So the interior will give the impression of orderly and neat.
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Interior and decor – for the inhabitants of the house, not for the decorator
If the home improvement is done by professionals, then it is important that after the completion of the work the owners do not get the feeling that they are in someone else’s home. Therefore, the desires of the owner of the home are a priority, and the task of the decorator is to find an acceptable and aesthetic form for them.
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The balance between breaking and following the rules
To create a room that really stands out in terms of decor, you have to step over a number of rules. But there are also laws that are strictly not recommended to be violated. For example, among them are the rules for mixing prints, non-observance of which will make any interior disharmonious.
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Pieces of furniture: finding something in common in different things
If there is furniture from different sets in the room, it is important that some common features are present in its design. This may be the color of the upholstery, the material or the shape of the legs. Otherwise, the integrity of the interior will be violated.
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The client’s wishes do not interfere, but help
A professional decorator sees working with a difficult client not as bad luck, but as an opportunity to improve his own efficiency. A demanding customer who is difficult to please stimulates the search for non-standard solutions.
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The convenience of furniture is more important than its aesthetics
Furniture that is perfect in terms of design, but uncomfortable – according to a professional, is of poor quality. No matter how beautiful the thing is, but if it does not cope with its function, it is better to refuse it.
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If you want to choose a style for decoration, look at the clothes of the owners of the house
One of the ways that professionals use to choose a style and decorating concept is to look at the everyday clothes of the owners of the house. This will reveal a lot about their personal preferences and help them decorate the space in a way that will appeal to customers.
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The hosts and the decorator are not opponents, but partners
The optimal scheme of interaction with customers, which decorators adhere to, is a productive interaction, which is usually referred to as “we”.
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A beautiful environment can improve life
Surrounded by aesthetic and functional items chosen with soul, the mood will be better than without them. As the proverb says, “houses and walls are warm. ” In a beautiful and cozy house – doubly warm.
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The choice of photos and paintings is the business of the owners, not the decorator
In the choice of paintings and photographs that will become decor for the room, the deep preferences of the owners of the house are fully manifested. Therefore, it is better for the decorator not to interfere in this process, but only to choose the appropriate frames or passe-partout. If the owner of the house does not like photos or paintings, then it is better to leave the wall empty.
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Listen to yourself
Inner flair is the basis for creating a style and decor concept. Therefore, the decorator listens to himself more than looking for rational reasons for his choice.
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Every room is a space for a specific purpose
When decorating, it is important to remember that any room is a shell of space and time, designed to achieve a specific goal. The décor, like the design, has to fit the space – the way people live in it.
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Balance of light and shadow
In many ways, the appearance of a living space is determined by the balance of light and shadow in it. Therefore, correct illumination is very important. For example, for the convenience of staying in residential lighting, a multi-level layout of lighting fixtures is required. Lighting also affects the perception of colors.
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The content of a décor is as important as its shape
In order to choose a décor that will harmoniously fit into the interior, a good decorator must know how and what it is made of. After all, the content is invariably reflected in the form. For example, placing a flower pot made of a material that is not resistant to fading on the window, after a couple of months you can find it has lost its original color.
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Unfairly forgotten ceilings
A non-standard step that can radically transform the space is increased attention to the design of the ceiling. Most often this is forgotten. For example, a black ceiling instead of the usual white will make the room exclusive.
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The luxury of complex textures for furniture upholstery
The usual version of upholstery for furniture is a dense, lint-free fabric. But it is worth abandoning it in favor of fluffy upholstery, and the interior will look new. It is not necessary to decorate all furniture with artificial or natural fur. One or two items in the room will be enough.
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Beige is not as bad as people think
In recent years, in professional circles of decorators and designers, it has been considered that the interior in beige tones is a relic of the past. But such a categorical approach to the choice of colors is not justified. Cream, ivory or cappuccino, ecru, powdery… There are a lot of shades of beige, and by combining them with each other, you can create a truly impressive design.
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More life than decorations
When decorating a room, it is better to remember that the end result to strive for is not a beautiful picture for a magazine, but a space where a high quality of life will be provided.
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Judging the color of the paint after it has been applied to the wall
Having studied the paint in a can, one should not make hasty conclusions about its shade. Apply a little paint to the wall in the room where the surfaces are to be painted, and wait for it to dry. If the color suits, then you can paint the entire surface of the wall.
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Increased attention to the bedroom
It is the bedroom that reflects the personality of the owners of the house to the maximum extent. After all, here they are left alone with themselves or with the closest people. Therefore, increased attention to its decoration is necessary.
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Pretentious canteens – in the past
If there is a separate dining room in the house, then for unknown reasons they try to make it as pompous as possible. Probably, guided by associations with ancient castles, where the whole family dignifiedly ate several times a day. But times have changed, and in a heavy and pretentious atmosphere, a modern person will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to strive to create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the dining room.
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Think about mirrors
A mirror is more than just a reflective surface to help you make sure everything looks right. It is also a decor that has almost magical properties. Mirrors visually enlarge the space, making it lighter, airier and more refined. Decorators never forget this in the course of their work.
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Do not be afraid of mistakes
Not a single outstanding interior was created without bold experiments. It is better to make a mistake and correct it than to miss the opportunity to achieve impressive results in decorating.
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Dark tones are not just for large rooms
A small room dominated by dark tones looks just as good as a light one. On the contrary, saturated colors dominate the boundaries of space, diverting attention from its modest size.
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Ceiling in the color of the walls – maximum comfort
Ceiling and walls of the same color – an excellent technique for decorators, allowing you to visually increase the height of the room. In addition, another positive effect is achieved – the atmosphere in the room becomes as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
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Complete rejection of artificial textiles
Most professional decorators strictly adhere to the principle of complete rejection of artificial textiles in favor of natural. Cotton, wool, silk, linen become the only possible material options. The costs increase, but the result is worth it.
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Style is conditional
It is not our intention to deny the boundaries of existing styles. But in the process of decorating a living space, you should not strictly observe them. Much more important is how the owners of the house feel in it, and not the complete compliance of the design with a certain style.
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An accent wall instead of a complete repaint
If the existing color scheme of the room is boring, then it is not necessary to completely repaint the walls. Try creating an accent wall by painting it in a contrasting shade. It will take a couple of hours, and the effect of the update will be noticeable.
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Find inspiration for decoration
When choosing the direction in which to move, choosing a decor, we recommend that you forget the concept of “style”. A smarter step would be to search for sources of inspiration, images that you would like to see in the interior. Ideas can be gleaned from paintings, films, music. For example, a room decorated in the spirit of the famous film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” will look interesting.
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Choose one of the three principles for arranging furniture
Everyone knows that it is better to refuse to place furniture along the walls. But what are the alternatives? The first option is a symmetrical arrangement, that is, around a certain point in the room (for example, the center of a room or a window). The second is asymmetric, that is, not amenable to logic. The third is a circular arrangement, which differs from the symmetrical one in that the starting point can be an insignificant interior detail. For example, a chandelier or a pattern on a carpet.
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The classic “rule of three”
Items assembled in a composition of three must differ in three ways – shape, color and size. For example, you should not put three identical photos on the mantelpiece. It is preferable to choose a photo, a vase and a book as decor – objects that differ from each other in all of the above signs.
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The ubiquitous golden ratio
Decorating is one of the many areas where the golden ratio principle can and should be applied. What is its essence? Suppose the whole is divided into two unequal parts. The larger part is 0.618 of the whole, and the smaller is 0.382 of the larger. At the same time, the smaller part is related to the larger one as the larger part is to the whole. Such a ratio of sizes is perceived by the human eye as close to ideal.
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Perfect symmetry – not perfect
A completely symmetrical room, equal parts of which look like a mirror image of each other, is perceived as uncomfortable to be in it. Therefore, in such a room there must be at least one asymmetric element. For example, a picture on the wall or a sconce.
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“Correct” curtains – with weights and braid
In order for the curtains to form beautiful folds, braid must be sewn in their upper part, and weights should be located in the lower part. The lining for the curtains will not be superfluous: it provides excellent sound insulation and prevents them from fading in the sun.
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Good taste is conditional
At first glance, the concept of “good taste” is the main one in interior design and decoration. But in reality it is conditional. It is better to focus not on respecting the boundaries of good taste, but on whether a certain decorating solution suits a particular room.
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More contrasts
The abundance of monotonous shapes and colors can spoil almost any interior. Therefore, do not be afraid to use decor that contrasts with the decor and stands out against its background.
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Cheap and expensive go together
Be more daring when pairing items from dramatically different price ranges. From such a mixture, both an expensive thing, which will look even more luxurious in a democratic environment, and a cheap one, acquiring the nobility it lacks, will benefit.
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Individuality of the room – in lighting
Even the most ordinary room can be transformed, becoming unique due to well-chosen lighting. On the contrary, an inappropriate lighting scheme can spoil the exclusivity of the environment.
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The same color of sanitary ware is a must
In pursuit of original solutions, the idea may arise to install sanitary ware in different colors. For example, the sink is white and the bathtub is black. It is better to refuse such a thought at the initial stage, because the result of its implementation will be a disharmonious interior.
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Corridor or hallway as a business card of the house
Corridor, hall or hallway – the space that we see first when entering a dwelling, and also the last when leaving it. Therefore, these rooms, the decoration of which is unfairly forgotten, are the hallmarks of the house. Choose a functional and compact decor, because the hall or corridor most often has a small area.
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Large and small in one room
The rules of scale, according to which the dimensions of objects must correspond to the area of the room, have not been canceled. But in order for the situation to acquire character and expressiveness, it is worth a little deviating from its strict observance. One or two large items in a small room will help to visually increase the space.
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Avoid aggressive shapes and colors
Most professional decorators are of the opinion that the main and necessary characteristics of a living space are comfort and a relaxing atmosphere. It is better to create a corner of calm in the house than to opt for aggressive shapes and colors.
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Yes to simple shelves
Intricately shaped shelves can decorate the interior. But if you put books, figurines and other little things on them, then in general such a composition will look overloaded. Therefore, if you plan to use the shelves for their intended purpose, it is better to focus on concise models. For example, on hanging shelves without a stand.
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Niches – for exclusive items
The presence of niches in a dwelling is often perceived as its disadvantage. This opinion can be justified if you fill a niche with a lot of shelves with different-sized decor. It is recommended to place in a niche a collection of similar things, approximately the same in shape and size, or one or two exclusive items.
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The right decor in the right place
A piece of decor that perfectly matches a certain interior looks different in different places. We recommend that you try several decor placement options before choosing the final one.
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Universal, but so different pillows
Pillows are suitable for decorating any interior, the main thing is to decide on a suitable color and size. But it is equally important to choose a place and a way to place them. Large pillows randomly scattered on the floor will create a bohemian and democratic atmosphere, while square pillows lying in a row on the sofa will create an orderly and tidy atmosphere.
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Textile sets the mood
If the design of the room does not produce the effect expected from the emotional point of view, then change the textiles in it. This is the most affordable way to change the atmosphere of a living space.
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A combination of black and white, which should be treated with caution
White is considered one of the most versatile in the interior color palette. In many ways, this opinion exists due to the wide range of its compatibility with other colors. But professional decorators are wary of black and white color duets. This maximum contrast combination looks too harsh for a living space. The exception is paintings in a black frame on a white wall, which unobtrusively add graphic quality to the interior.
66. Perfectly neutral – taupe
As a color that can become a neutral background for the interior, most often choose between white, gray and beige. Professional decorators recommend paying attention to taupe. This color is harmonious in terms of the simultaneous warmth and coldness of its shade, and also does not bother for a long time.
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Color shades that matter
The generally accepted view is that all colors are divided into two groups – warm and cold. But in reality, every color, even white, can belong to one or the other group. It all depends on its shade. The same white can have a cold bluish tone (for example, like the color of snow) or warm brownish (ivory).
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Texture is inseparable from color
Most design and decor books tend to separate color from texture. So, for the interior, they think over the color scheme, but no one thinks about the texture map. Professional decorators recommend initially considering color and texture in relation to each other. After all, the texture affects the balance of light and shadow, and hence the perception of color.
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The Importance of the Visual Center of a Room
One of the key challenges a professional decorator faces is determining the visual center of a room. This is the point where the eye is first focused. For example, a large mirror, an unusual piece of furniture, a lamp can act as a visual center. A room with a visual center looks more harmonious and orderly than one without it.
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Objects on the wall – a worthy alternative to the usual wall decor
Volumetric objects on the wall, whether it’s a collection of plates brought back from travels, or animal figurines, will be a great alternative to paintings or posters. This decor, decorated in a panel, looks more than original.
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Neutral dark tones – “chameleons”
At first glance, neutral saturated tones, such as dark gray, look boring. But in fact, under different lighting conditions, they change color. So, dark gray in the morning will seem bluish, and at sunset it will have a purple hue.
72. Rough textures – universal comforters
If the room doesn’t seem cozy enough, then it probably lacks decor with a complex rough texture. These can be wicker baskets, a knitted blanket, a fur rug, a lamp with many facets.
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Calm draperies for the bedroom
Decorating the entire living space with multi-layered textile structures is redundant. But in the bedroom, draperies will be appropriate. They not only create a relaxing atmosphere, but also have good noise and light absorbing properties.
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Decor pedestal
In order to enliven a decorative composition, try to lift several items that make it up above others. For example, on a dressing table, some of the bottles can be placed in a tall fruit bowl. Such a simple technique, which is often used by professional decorators, will give the interior depth and volume.
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Hobbies in plain sight
Items that are used in the process of doing your favorite hobby can also become decor. For example, even a canvas by the window, skeins of thread with knitting needles or an unusually shaped sewing machine can decorate the interior.
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The power of lines
Different types of lines can create a certain atmosphere in the interior. Vertical (for example, columns) give the setting majesty and severity; horizontal (lockers, sofas) – calmness and confidence; diagonal (stair railings) – dynamism; curves (a round table or smooth chair arms) – sensuality and softness. In order for the interior to look expressive, it must combine different types of lines.
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The importance of rhythm in interior design
Rhythm is one of the key concepts in interior design and decoration. Rhythm is achieved through the use of elements with a repeating shape, color or texture. The interior, where the rule of rhythm is observed, is perceived as integral and harmonious.
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A tree of different shades in one room is most often an unsuccessful experiment
If there are wood of different colors in the room, for example, dark and light, then the interior will not look like a single whole. Therefore, the experiment with combining wood shades is best left unrealized. After all, the common color unites interior items, for example, furniture that differs in shape, into a harmonious rhythmic composition.
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Convey emotions through color
To create an interior that makes a minor impression, professional decorators choose cold shades, and major – warm. The combination of warm and cold shades in one room conveys a complex and deep emotional range.
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Dark window frames for dramatic contrast
Dark window frames are an interior solution that is perceived as bold and unconventional. Such a simple technique can transform the living space, creating an unobtrusive contrast with the rest of the interior. Pay attention to the frames in purple, dark gray and black.
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Live flowers are always appropriate
Live plants in pots or flower bouquets are a win-win decor option for any room, regardless of its style and purpose. Even a single flower in a tall glass vase will create a pleasant atmosphere.
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Cozy layering
Interiors where everything is hidden in closets look cold and uninhabited. An easy way to give them comfort is to use multi-layered decorative compositions. There are many options: from a stack of bright magazines on a coffee table to a folded blanket with a couple of pillows.
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The 60:30:10 rule for interior colors
The 60:30:10 formula shows the ratio of different colors in a room. So, the main color occupies 60% of the surfaces, the additional – 30%, and the accent – 10%. At the same time, do not forget that the larger the surface area allocated for one color, the less bright it should be. As an additional and primary color, it is better to choose matching shades, and the accent can contrast with them.
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New life for old things
The abundance of old things in the house is a characteristic that speaks about the interior from the negative side. But you don’t have to give them up completely. Connect your imagination, and among the things that seem to have served their purpose for a long time, there is sure to be something interesting. Some can be used in the interior in their original form, while others will have to be painted, upholstered or decorated with decoupage. The main thing is to strive to see the hidden possibilities in old things.
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A successful duo of modernity and vintage
The combination of things with history and recently bought in the store will benefit the interior. But in order for such combinations to look harmonious, choose which items in the room will be more – old or new. Combining them in equal amounts is not the best idea.
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A touch of luxury, always appropriate
Even if the design style is minimalist, there is room for a couple of luxurious details. It is not at all necessary that large objects should act in their role – for example, a sofa or a carpet. To save money, you can order tailoring of high-quality textile covers for pillows or furniture.
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Empty walls are not as bad as they think
It is generally accepted that the walls of a neutral color without any decor are a sign that the interior was decorated independently, without the involvement of specialists. But empty spaces are necessary. Including, and in order to emphasize the expressiveness of the decor, to give a rest to the look. Therefore, if the interior is replete with details, then empty walls can be a suitable solution.
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Odd Number of Ornaments
The rule most professional decorators adhere to is that the number of ornaments in a room should be odd and their pattern should be different. Floral patterns are in harmony with geometric prints, and rich ornaments are best combined with neutral ones.
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Pictures or posters – at eye level
The optimal height for placing pictures or posters is at eye level, that is, approximately 1. 6 m from the floor. If a group of images is placed on the wall, then at eye level it is worth hanging the central element of such a decorative composition.
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Stone, metal and wood as a guarantee of comfort
Natural finishes, such as a stone wall or a wooden beam, can look ridiculous in a small apartment. In order to make your home more comfortable, it is better to use decor made from natural materials. Suitable wooden photo frames, marble busts, metal vases.
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Do-it-yourself art object
If you have an artistic flair, it is quite possible to make an interesting thing on your own that claims to be an object of art. It can be a collage of your own photos, a painting, a poster or a papier-mâché sculpture. Make your artwork the visual center of the room by placing it on a plinth. If the necessary creative skills are not available, then purchase a ready-made art object. True, this pleasure is not cheap. An art object will make the interior unique and free from the need to purchase numerous small decor.
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Decorative plaster – banned
In the pictures in glossy magazines you can see decent interiors where decorative plaster is used as wall decoration. But in practice, there are very few masters who are able to repeat the given effect. The result may be unpredictable or very far from what was expected. Therefore, professional decorators prefer wallpaper or painting instead of decorative plaster.
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The principle of a swing for arranging furniture
High furniture in the interior should be adjacent to lower furniture, so that the eye moves up and down, as if along the trajectory of the swing. By the way, this principle is also relevant for small interior details, for example, decor. If things of the same size are placed side by side, then the interior will seem overloaded in some areas and empty in others.
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An element of surprise to spice things up
So that the interior is not monotonous, it is worth bringing an element of surprise into it. These may be some details that are invisible during a cursory examination of the living space. For example, the back side of the cabinet doors is covered with bright paint while the rest of the visible surface is discreet. The original print, the details of which can only be seen at close range, the upholstery of the sofa with an unusual texture … There can be many options.
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Rule 9 window decor0083
Competent window decor is able to cope not only with aesthetic, but also with practical tasks. So, if you hang a cornice 5-10 cm above the window opening, then visually the height of the window will increase. In a similar way, you can increase the width of the opening. To do this, choose a cornice, the length of which on each side of the window is 10-25 cm longer than necessary. Such techniques will not only enlarge the window, but also visually make the room more spacious and brighter.
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The smart choice of lamp for the kitchen or living room
A kitchen or living room is not only an ordinary part of the living space, but also a place where friendly or family gatherings take place. Therefore, competent lighting is especially important here. Do not hang the lamps too low, otherwise they make a depressing impression. The optimal distance from the chandelier to the countertop is approximately 80-90 cm with a standard ceiling height. It is also better to stop the choice on lamps, the width of which is from a third to half the width of the countertop.
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The right size carpet – what is it?
A carpet that is too small or too large can disrupt the proportions of the interior. Therefore, professional decorators are guided by a number of rules when choosing a carpet. The carpet under the dining table should be wide enough so that the back legs of the chairs that are pulled back are on it. Under the bed, it is necessary to place a rug protruding from under it by 40-60 cm. Otherwise, getting up from the bed, you will have to step on the cold floor with your feet. Another important point: regardless of the size of the room, the carpet should not come close to its walls. If the room is large, then 30-45 cm of the floor remains free from the carpet, a small one – up to 20 cm.
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Laws for the wall decor collection
If the wall is decorated with several photos, plates or posters of large sizes, then between them there should be 8-10 cm of free space. Place small decorations closer to each other. Between the wall decor and large pieces of furniture under it, it is better to leave 15-25 cm of an empty wall.
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The main criterion when choosing a decor is positive emotions
Often the external environment is not the most friendly for a modern person. Therefore, professional decorators for living spaces prefer to use decor that evokes only positive emotions. After all, there is enough negativity outside the home.
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Creativity is more important than principles and rules
Knowing the various rules helps professional decorators navigate the world of design and acquire a base for further development. But only a part of the existing principles and rules is applicable to each specific case. Therefore, the creative component of the decoration process is a priority.
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THAR ART EXPORTS
The IDEA
Think Overseas Inc
Tkano
TOKYO DESIGN
Tom Dixon
Tomas Stern
Top Concept
Toyo Sasaki Glass
TYPHOON
Ugears
UMAGE
Umbra
Unique Furniture
Vacu Vin
VALUE FURNITURE LTD.
Varaschin
Viccarbe
Viejo Valle
0083
Von der Thannen
Vondom
VP
Waechtersbach
WalleysMark
White Label Living
Wilmax
Woodled
XD Design
Zoku
Zuiver
Gamma
Pictures for the Apartment
WOW Furnishing!
Whatnot
Our home is the place where we return after a hard day at work, where we communicate with our family and receive guests. It is important that a magical atmosphere reigns in it, conducive to relaxation and pleasant pastime. Not the last factor in creating such an atmosphere is the stylish interior design.
Furniture is the basis of any interior
The overall visual impression of the room depends on the choice of furniture. It should be combined with the design of walls, window and door openings and at the same time complement them in some way.
Designer furniture will diversify the interior of any room. It will become the highlight of your apartment or house, well complement the original curtains or extravagant wallpapers. Cozy sofas and armchairs in the living room, decorated in an unusual style, will be the key to cheerful gatherings with friends or pleasant evenings spent in the family circle.Mirrors , framed in a kind of frames, can not only visually expand or reduce the room, but also focus on a specific area in the room.
Interesting and unusual kitchen table and chairs matched in the same style will decorate even a small kitchen. They will encourage all family members to have breakfast, lunch and dinner only here.
Decor as a way of self-expression
Decor chosen with love will help to complement the interior, bring a special charm to it and reflect the taste of the owners.
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