Date: January 12, 2023 | Producer: Bailey Dougan & Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
With definitions for need-to-know design terms and expert advice from 15 local professionals, this guide makes creating a home you love as easy as ABC
DESIGNERS ON…
the one piece of advice they tell everyone to follow
“Make rugs and draperies your new best friends! These soft goods can be used in truly every space, and there’s
plenty of easy-clean, kid- and pet-friendly materials available these days.” —Kathryn LeMaster, Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design
“On a very simple level, buy fresh flowers weekly. They are so accessible and add so much warmth to the home. When you can, invest in beautiful art.” —Susan Walsh, Susan Walsh Interiors
“Your bedroom furniture does not have to be a set. Instead of the bed matching the dresser and nightstands, bring in different pieces to give the room character and personality.” —Amy Baker, Amy Baker Designs
“Only buy what you love! Don’t spend money on an object if you don’t love it, especially if it is just to fill the space.” —Eric Doud, Curations Home
“Scale is everything. Bigger pieces of furniture will make smaller rooms seem larger, which is always surprising to my clients.” —Nell Spears, Ab Antiquo
“Declutter. Sometimes it’s not what you bring into a room but what you take out that makes the biggest difference! Step back from your space, take photographs—it’s amazing how much you will see in those images that you never noticed because you are so used to living with it every day.” —Mona Thompson Phelan, Providence Design
“Don’t feel that you have to follow every trend you see on HGTV. Instead, design your space to reflect how you and your family truly live.” —Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up
“Start with taking everything out of the room, and don’t put something back that does not fit the room just because you had it. Always keep things that have special meaning and tell a story about your journey.” —Kimberly Harper, Harper Howey Interiors
DESIGNERS ON…
mastering the art of mixing it up
“When mixing patterns, select a large scale, medium scale, and small scale, then mix in solids. It’s important to have balance in patterns and textures throughout all textiles selected.” —Shayla Copas, Shayla Copas Interiors
“We typically start with clean, simple upholstery and a main layout—after that, anything can work. Those ‘wow’ antique or exotic pieces then have more impact.” —Scott Paterek, Massimo Design
“I love to mix painted
surfaces with stained wood. A warm finish on a kitchen island or an accent cabinet works well with any design style, be it contemporary or traditional.” —Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up
“Blending styles is what creates an interesting room, and this is what makes a curated home so timeless—it’s more than just one style or time period. Layer books, rugs, and artwork to add interest and create a more personal home.” —Eric Doud, Curations Home
DESIGNERS ON…
their go-to paint and colors
“I love Benjamin Moore paints, especially using bright colors in a semi-high gloss finish on powder room vanities, mirrors, and bookcases to create a lacquered look.” —Nana Winters, Nana Winters Interior Design
“My all time favorite is ‘Sea Salt’ by Sherwin-Williams. It projects a natural serenity and adds a spa-like feel to your everyday routine. It’s perfect for a primary bedroom and bath, but also just as stunning in a living room. It is impossible to go wrong with this color.” —Marie Jeffery, Marie Jeffery Design
“‘City Loft’ by Sherwin-Williams has got to be the longest-running winner for me. It’s perfect when you want the look of a warm white without actually using white, but don’t want to lean taupe or gray.” —Kathryn Lemaster, Kathryn J. Lemaster Art & Design
DESIGNERS ON…
budget-friendly kitchen and bath updates
“The biggest bang for your buck to update your kitchen is to paint the existing cabinets, spend a little on a fabulous backsplash, and then splurge on the jewels—the hardware and lighting.” —Kimberly Harper, Harper Howey Interiors
“If the kitchen layout is good and the cabinets are solid, a whole new look is possible with custom door and drawer fronts.” —Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up
“For bathrooms, choose an affordable main tile and add a small accent to get a luxury look without breaking the bank. You can possibly find countertop remnants at granite shops to save as well.” —Amy Baker, Amy Baker Design
DESIGNERS ON…
living your best life outdoors
“Add a firepit or fireplace. People naturally gravitate towards physical warmth, and it makes any size gathering feel welcoming and inviting.” —Corey Powell, Corey Powell Design Company
“Extend the interior style of your home to the outside. Start with spaces close to the house and work your way out from there; the easier the space is to use, the more likely you are to enjoy it on a regular basis.” —Daniel Keeley, DK Design
“Make a plan and budget to maximize your dollars, then work with someone who will collaborate with you and be willing to help achieve your vision within those parameters.” —David Munsey, Better Lawns & Gardens
DESIGNERS ON…
all things wallpaper
“We love grasscloth for a great way to add texture without a lot of pattern. We try to choose one that has a really nubby texture versus flat because it hides the seams better, which is an inherent trait of the material.” —Mona Thompson Phelan, Providence Design
“I love anything by Thibaut and I adore all patterns from their Dynasty collection—so bold and colorful.” —Shayla Copas, Shayla Copas Interiors
“The Forbes & Lomax ‘invisible lightswitch’ is one of my favorite little details! If you are going to use a beautiful wallpaper, take that extra step and change out the light switches for this fabulous find.” —Kimberly Harper, Harper Howey Interiors
“Animal print! There is a reason this pattern has spanned centuries in home décor. Wallpaper has made a comeback and a bold animal print adds instant drama.” —Eric Doud, Curations Home
“‘Botanical Studies’ from De Gournay is crisp, fresh, and so versatile. It works in a powder bath, an entry, a dining room … really any space!” —Susan Walsh, Susan Walsh Interiors
“I have always gravitated toward a classic plaid, especially for a bedroom, office, game room, or second family area. There is something about its timeless pattern that portrays a welcoming aesthetic.” —Corey Powell, Corey Powell Design Company
DESIGNERS ON…
collections, antiques, and favorite finds
“Start small. My first collection was antique snuff bottles. They are highly decorative yet small enough to pack in your suitcase when you travel abroad.” —Nana Winters, Nana Winters Interior Design
“I love the clean, straight lines of the Louis XVI period, and the French Modern design of Maison Bagues has a timeless quality and mixes so well with other styles. I’m also having a love affair with Victorian wicker right now; it’s whimsical and fun and adds personality in just the right location.” —Susan Walsh, Susan Walsh Interiors
“A curated home does not have to be cluttered! Group collections of similar items together; they make a bigger impact as one.” —Eric Doud, Curations Home
“Use an antique from your family even if you have to alter it to make it work in your space. My sister has my grandmother’s dining table and was also using the table from my mother’s house in her breakfast room, so we repurposed my grandmother’s table by cutting the legs down to use it as a coffee table. That way she is able to use both!” —Kimberly Harper, Harper Howey Interiors
“Collect things that you love and might search for while traveling. I’ve collected art for over 35 years, and I can recount where every single piece was purchased; it takes me back to that place and time. My collection is filled with awesome memories. I think that’s what collecting is all about.” —Mona Thompson Phelan, Providence Design
