Date: January 8, 2025 |
Psst—this advice is too good to keep to ourselves! Local professionals share insight on everything from renovation timeframes to ideas for splurging and saving
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SOURCE OR GO-TO SPOT FOR PICKING UP AN ANTIQUE, ORIGINAL PIECE OF ART, OR ONE-OF-A-KIND FIND?
“My go-to place for unique finds is Fabulous Finds in Little Rock; their selection is incredible. Additionally, I enjoy visiting Ron Coleman Mining for crystals to incorporate into my artwork.”
—Tracy Rivers, AF Decorative
“We are forever fans of 410 Vintage Market in Fayetteville for that thing you never knew you needed but have to have, MIXD Gallery for local original art, and Etsy and Chairish for vintage lighting and furniture.”
—Whitney Romanoff, Meet West Studio
“Sweet Home Furnishings on Main Street in Little Rock has some of the most interesting and unique pieces of antiques and art. Their front windows are some of my favorites to peek through! I also love perusing through an antique market in Fort Smith called Treasures at Century Plaza.”
—Kelley Kolettis, Kelley Kolettis Designs
“Shop your own stuff! Sometimes you forget what you or a family member might already own.”
—Natalie Biles, Shine Interior Design Studio
“I love Fabulous Finds in Little Rock. Bear Hill Interiors also always has fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces.”
—Tami Risinger, Tami Risinger Interiors
ARE THERE ANY CURRENT TRENDS THAT YOU THINK HAVE STAYING POWER? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU THINK WON’T LAST LONG?
Design by Stacy Sheid Interiors. Photo by Rett Peek
“Terrazzo is here to stay—but it’s such a classic that with the correct use, it never really left. Browns are making a comeback! We’re seeing a trend toward warm and cozy spaces, which makes me happy.”
—Marianna O’Dea, O’Dea Studios Interior Design
“Gold continues to be a standout choice in design—it’s not just a trend; it’s here to stay. It pairs wonderfully with antiques but also fits seamlessly into modern aesthetics.”
—Tracy Rivers, AF Decorative
“I believe wallpaper is here to stay; there are so many great patterns and textures to choose from. That being said, finding a wallpaper installer is like trying to book Beyoncé to sing at your birthday party!”
—Brad Beach, Bradley Beach Interiors
“Saturated colors are having a moment, which makes for a cozy space, and I’m all for it. It will be interesting to see if the trend for dark paint colors on cabinetry, especially in the kitchen, has staying power.”
—Susan Walsh, Susan Walsh Interiors
“I think wallpaper is here to stay! Nothing else adds as much warmth and interest to a room.”
—Stacy Sheid, Stacy Sheid Interiors
“A trend in drapery that we hope won’t last long is ‘breaking hems,’ a 1-2 inch break in the hem of drapery. It’s pretty, but not practical. It is impossible to keep the drapery clean, pressed, and dressed. ‘Kissing the floor’ is usually best when determining drapery length.”
—Dana Parker-Gilbert, Simply Charming Window Works & Design
“We are still seeing the conversion of less-often used spaces like guest rooms and small offices or flex rooms into full-blown primary closets. The space is typically larger than what is allotted for a closet, so it gives more flexibility in storage options. Garage spaces are also growing, and making that a multiuse area is something we see moving forward.”
—David Fraiser, Closet Factory
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU LIVE IN A HOUSE BEFORE YOU RENOVATE? ARE THERE ANY MARKERS THAT INDICATE IT’S TIME?
“It’s best to live in a house for at least 6-12 months to understand its flow, natural light, and how the space meets your daily needs. Indicators that it’s time to renovate include functionality issues, outdated finishes, or spaces that no longer fit your lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.”
—Jessica Bernard, J. Ruby Interiors
“I think as soon as you are in the home, you can start getting a feel for the layout and working on ideas that suit your needs. Be sure to also consider space for a growing family. Working with a designer can be a lot of help to get you through the process.”
—Tami Risinger, Tami Risinger Interiors
“The best time to renovate is determined by what functional needs are not being met in certain spaces. This is usually after a big transition like moving into a new house that doesn’t have a big enough kitchen or getting the opportunity to turn a playroom into an updated media room when children move out.”
—Kelley Kolettis, Kelley Kolettis Designs
“I would always live in a house for a few months before doing major renovations. It allows you time to get the best feel for the new-to-you home. Most people find that they make better decisions that way.”
—Leslie Tetrev, Kitchen & Bath Ideas
“Usually, a good timeframe would be 6 months to a year before deciding to renovate if you have recently moved into your home. Before moving in, you may want to upgrade lighting and plumbing fixtures or paint and change out door hardware. Those projects have a quicker turnaround time and can be started as soon as you are ready. The more invasive renovation projects take time and careful planning. It’s wise to protect this time to gather ideas and experience the space you have before launching into a larger project.”
—Stacey Breezeel, Shine Interior Design Studio
“I lived in my last home 22 years and renovated three times, so approximately every seven years. For me, it was about updating areas to fit our lifestyle and design tastes that had evolved.”
—Casey Sarkin, Casey Sarkin Interior Design
“While there’s no magic number of how long to live in a house before you renovate, it is good to spend some time there to inform where items go along with your daily rhythms and norms. Any amount of time will give you the ability to reflect on what’s not working or what’s missing and will aid in creating a more comprehensive plan for updates.”
—Kathryn J. LeMaster, Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE IDEAS FOR KITCHENS AND BATHS RIGHT NOW?
Design by Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design. Photo by Rett Peek
“Clients are expanding their in-home self care to include saunas in their primary bathrooms, specifically infrared saunas as well as an adjacent workout space.”
—Susan Walsh, Susan Walsh Interiors
“I love the idea of adding lamps to your kitchen counters that give living room vibes to the space. I also love having a pantry for dishes as well as food; it’s nice to see it all so you will actually use it!”
—Stacy Sheid, Stacy Sheid Interiors
“Your pantry provides valuable storage, but just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it has to look boring. Add architectural interest with an arched opening along with a frosted-glass sliding door, allowing the pantry to remain open to showcase open shelving or be closed when things need to be tidied up.”
—Beth Reed, Interiors by Beth Reed
“While I’ll always appreciate the clean, luxurious feel of a crisp white kitchen or bath, I have been loving bringing color onto kitchen and bath cabinetry for my clients who want more personality in their spaces! Muted gray-greens, warm blues, and aquas—these all create a lot of depth and joy in a space!”
—Kathryn J. LeMaster, Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design
Design by Meet West Studio. Photo by Rett Peek
“I love mixing stained and painted cabinets in the kitchen. I think it makes the space feel warm and well thought-out.”
—Paula Story, Design 1
“We are always pushing more depth of color and living finishes as well as pulling our clients away from thinking these rooms need to be white. Building out back kitchens that serve as pantries and areas to prep food without cluttering the main kitchen is becoming more and more common in our new builds.”
—Erin Lefler and Meghan Teeter, Lefler Teeter Designs
“We recently designed a primary bath with an alcove for small appliances like a coffee maker and minifridge. Who wouldn’t want to be able to have a steaming cup of coffee right out of the shower or pop a bottle of champagne while getting ready for a night out on the town? Plus, the mini fridge can keep beauty products cold, helping them to last a little longer.”
—Betsy Soos, Proximity Interior Design
“Functionality has become increasingly important. We are budgeting more for accessories for aging in place and practical storage. Incorporating drawers and pull-out organizers are a few of the options that help with this in the kitchen. We are also seeing more and more homeowners opt for a full-height quartz, marble, or granite backsplash over tile, which is not only beautiful but also easy to clean.”
—Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SPLURGE AND WHERE DO YOU SUGGEST SAVING IN A KITCHEN RENOVATION?
Design by Kaufman By Design West. Photo by Rett Peek
“Splurge on your appliances and your countertops. They get so much wear and tear that you might as well get bang for your buck. Save on your knobs and pulls—get something you like, but you can always switch those out down the line.”
—Brenna Teston, Kaufman By Design West
“Invest in countertops! Select something that is classic and timeless. We particularly love Cambria quartz. On the flip side, sticking with an existing layout is a great way to save money. A cosmetic upgrade is always going to be less expensive than a full remodel.”
—Beth Reed, Interiors by Beth Reed
“Everyone has one thing that really makes the kitchen theirs. For me, I would splurge on the countertops and backsplash. I don’t recommend going over the top on everything unless the budget allows. Overspending can take the fun out of the finished project.”
—Leslie Tetrev, Kitchen & Bath Ideas
“Splurge on lighting! It makes a huge difference in your space and while you might rearrange the room, you don’t often change out a chandelier.”
—Sandy Sutton, Sandy Sutton Design Center
“I love to splurge on fabulous appliances. They make all the difference in elevating your space. I also love an amazing backsplash!”
—Paula Story, Design 1
“For someone who is an expert in the kitchen, I would recommend investing a bit more in high-quality appliances. If you’re not an avid cook but still want a luxurious kitchen, I suggest focusing on higher-end cabinetry and hardware. Ultimately, the client’s goals will guide where to splurge, but it’s important to prioritize spending in areas that will benefit you most.”
—Miguel Newberg, M.N’Teriors
WHAT COLOR ARE YOU CRAVING MORE OF RIGHT NOW? WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST PAIRING IT WITH?
Design by Casey Sarkin Interior Design. Photo by Rett Peek
“After returning from the furniture market, we simply cannot get off the green train. Green has so many shades that you can mix and change out; we truly believe it is the next blue! Currently, we love pairing a gorgeous green with a leather or burl wood piece.”
— Studio West
“I’m currently drawn to deep jewel tones like sapphire and emerald. These can be beautifully paired with brushed brass hardware or matte black finishes for a luxurious yet modern touch.”
—Jessica Bernard, J. Ruby Interiors
“Deep earth tones are my favorites right now—warm reddish browns, chocolate browns, and rich greens. Sometimes we bring these in with paint and then add another layer with upholstery.”
—Casey Sarkin, Casey Sarkin Interior Design
“I’m really enjoying working with emerald green right now. I just used the color on a silk wallcovering for a dining room.”
—Sandy Sutton, Sandy Sutton Design Center
“Rich burgundies, deep browns, and earthy greens are all colors we crave! They exude such warmth and sophistication, especially when paired with natural wood finishes that highlight the material’s inherent beauty. Imagine deep burgundy walls or accents complemented by wooden elements stained to showcase their organic grain—it’s a match made in design heaven.”
—Alex Evans and Tyna Allensworth, Aesthetic State
EACH JANUARY WE VOW TO STAY BETTER ORGANIZED. WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE ORGANIZATION TIP?
Design by K. Lewis Interior Design. Photo by Rett Peek
“’Don’t put it down— put it away!’ If you don’t know this song, look it up on TikTok or Instagram. You’re welcome.”
—Brenna Teston, Kaufman By Design West
“Create a drop zone wherever you enter your home. Having a designated place to put all your belongings that are either coming in the house or going out helps a ton!”
—Marianna O’Dea, O’Dea Studios Interior Design
“Hire a home organizer. Good ones are well worth the expense, and you’re more likely to keep these areas organized since you’ve paid someone to set it up for you. Be aware that training spouses and children is typically not included!”
—Betsy Soos, Proximity Interior Design
“Go over your head to maximize the available space for less-frequently used items. In a garage, for instance, use the area between the doors and ceiling to store items that can be accessed when the garage is closed. Also, don’t forget the ceiling. Hanging racks from ceiling rafters is a great way to gain usable space, and drop-down options make loading and unloading easier when using ceiling storage.”
—David Fraiser, Closet Factory
“Simply declutter. Most homeowners have more than enough space, they just have too much stuff. Choose what is needed, what you love, and what is sentimental. Find a home for those items and donate everything else.”
—Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up
“An easy, 5-minute tip to keep your home looking fresh and guest-ready is simply fixing pillows and cushions every morning. We all love to sit and get cozy, but during that time our pillows get messed up. A crisp, chopped pillow is the secret to having a clean, organized room!”
—Studio West
WHEN YOU ARE WORKING WITH A LIMITED BUDGET, WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WON’T SACRIFICE?
Design by Shine Interior Design Studio. Photo by Rett Peek
“We always say spend where you sit! Comfort is non-negotiable, no matter the budget. A cheap chair or couch might seem like a win at first, but it’ll never give you that long-lasting coziness you deserve.”
—Alex Evans and Tyna Allensworth, Aesthetic State
“I would always spend money on the entry to your home—like on a solid wood door painted in a high-gloss quality paint and proper lighting. Your entry sets the tone for your entire home.”
—Brad Beach, Bradley Beach Interiors
“Natural stone has our heart. In kitchens, baths, and other spaces where countertops play a role, we always budget for honed marble, soapstone, or quartzite. Nothing beats stone as it comes out of the earth. Turns out, you can find beautiful options that are the same price point or even more cost effective than man-made material. Win-win!”
—Whitney Romanoff, Meet West Studio
“Lighting is an area where we do not sacrifice in regards to quality of finish and style. It can be a room killer, and there are too many opportunities to save in other areas of a space to downgrade the lighting.”
—Erin Lefler and Meghan Teeter, Lefler Teeter Designs
“If your budget is limited, focus on foundational pieces. Think of these as your long-term, significant, and typically more expensive items. Examples include sofas, beds, dining tables, and chairs. It’s important not to compromise on these more substantial pieces of furniture, especially when you know they will last for many years if you invest in good-quality options. The additional pieces can come as your budget allows.”
—Miguel Newberg, M.N’Teriors
“Wait for things you love. Be patient. Don’t settle for something you just like, because we tend to go back to the things we love. I create a roadmap for clients so they can gather the things they love as we find them.”
—Dana Parker-Gilbert, Simply Charming Window Works & Design
