Don’t do matchy matchy design
My #1 piece of advice and something I always follow when I’m designing is to intentionally bring in one thing that feels ‘wonky’ or a clash to the rest of the scheme. It helps to make a space feel collected and not too precious.
Do mix old & new
The key to timeless design is to mix old with new. Explore antique shops in person, research and bookmark pieces from your favorite vendors and artisans on vintage sites, and don’t be afraid to mix different eras and provenances.
Don’t go heavy on overhead lighting
Lighting is so important. Harsh, overhead lighting can really ruin a mood and beyond using strategically placed flush mounts in a kitchen, I tend to avoid it. Stick with a great pendant or chandelier, wall sconces, and lamps to properly light a space, and ensure everything is on a dimmer.
Do get creative with paint
Paint is such a simple way to bring colour and warmth into your home. Lately I’ve been loving using a warm neutral paint or wallpaper on walls, and painting the jambs and mouldings a contrasting, yet complementary colour. It brings about a really nice effect.
Do mix patterns
Mixing patterns creates a wonderful layered look in a home. I like to do something feminine contrasted with a print that’s more masculine - think florals with stripes or classic chintz with a plaid. Depending on the client and the home, you can keep these moments in more complementary colors or be daring and experiment with different tones.
Do treat your rugs as supporting characters
I use them as grounding pieces that complement the various furnishings and textiles I’m designing around. We’re always searching for the perfect neutral-based rugs - depending on the type of room, we typically choose handmade wools, vintage Swedish flat weaves, or textured jutes.
Don’t purchase a too-small rug
If your rug is too small, it can throw off a space and make things feel disproportionate. I suggest always going a bit bigger than you think. Wall-to-wall is also making a comeback.
Do invest in upholstered items, especially those you’re sitting and lounging on often
They are more comfortable and will last a lifetime if you invest in quality materials, and you can always reupholster them as your tastes evolve.
Don’t forget soft accessories
Throw pillows are an easy, great way to inject print and color into your living spaces. On a sofa, depending on size, I typically like an unmatching mix of three to six pillows for ultimate comfort. On a bed, I tend to keep quantity to a minimum, and highlight one beautiful patterned bolster style.
Do 'skirt off' areas to hide storage or anything else you might want to conceal.
I like to use the fabric skirting as a fun design moment vs. just closing the area off with a basic cabinet door. This technique works best in powder rooms, pantries, laundry, and kitchens. You can easily DIY or use a drapery maker to create the skirt.
Do go for drama on your windows
Drapery is a large investment but it helps pull an entire room together for a finished look. You can experiment with different weighted fabrics, textures, colors, and prints to change the mood of a space. Ensure you are measuring correctly. I like to create length so I take most drapery all the way up to the ceiling line or molding and just skimming the floor.
Do make your bed!
In a bedroom, bedding is key to the whole room and should be treated as a standout moment, not an afterthought. I love to use a handmade or vintage tapestry printed quilt, high quality linen sheets, and a beautiful bolster pillow. This is a great place to play with print and texture. I’m especially fond of some matching moments when it comes to bedding - matching pillows or linens with a print found elsewhere in a room like wallpaper or an accent chair. It pulls the whole room together and feels divinely cozy.
Do embrace vintage lighting
There is so much incredible vintage lighting at a variety of price points and often the materials are a higher quality than new fixtures. Vintage lighting is a great way to make a space feel unique and it’s easy to source online these days. A local hardware shop can usually update any wiring if needed. I always treasure my vintage lighting finds.
Do make sure you’re paying attention to proportions
Always make sure you’re noting detailed dimensions and measuring appropriately for your space. It’s rare you’re able to return antiques or custom pieces, so you want to get it right the first time.
Don’t try and get it all done at once
It takes time to collect special pieces for your home so don’t rush the process just to fill it. Learn about how you live in your space and what you like, collect beautiful things from your travels, and continue layering as you go. Rooms are always evolving reflections of our lives and the best spaces are usually ones that have come together over the years.
