The Blog
Looking Ahead: What’s Inspiring Home Design in 2025?
As we approach 2025, there’s much to be excited about in interior design. From celebrating nature to embracing bold statements, this year's trends are all about making your home feel authentic, personal, and a true reflection of you. If you’re thinking about refreshing your space or planning a more significant project, here’s what’s catching our eye for the year ahead.
Cozying Up with Earthy Tones
The days of stark whites and grays give way to the warmth of earthy hues. Think terracotta, muted greens, and warm ochres—colors that feel grounding and serene. They bring a sense of calm and create spaces where you can unwind. Pair these shades with natural materials like wood, stone, or linen to craft a cozy haven that feels connected to the outdoors.
A Dash of Bold Personality
While earthy tones set a calm foundation, 2025 also invites us to add bold colors for contrast and personality. Deep blues, rich purples, and vibrant oranges are making their way into interiors through statement pillows, striking rugs, or a piece of standout art. These accents make spaces feel alive and uniquely yours—it’s all about having fun with color!
Sustainability, One Shade at a Time
Eco-conscious living isn’t just a mindset; it’s influencing the palettes we choose. Soft grays, sandy beiges, and seafoam greens—colors that evoke natural, sustainable materials—are becoming favorites. These tones are timeless and versatile, creating tranquil spaces while reminding us of the importance of protecting our planet.
Bringing Nature Indoors: Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is about more than just plants (though we’re big fans of those, too!). It’s about embracing nature in every way—large windows that flood your home with natural light, materials like raw wood and stone, and textures that echo the outdoors. These elements can transform any room into a calming retreat where you feel more at peace with the world.
Retro Futurism: A Fresh Take on Nostalgia
Here’s a trend that’s all about balancing past and future. Retrofuturism pairs sleek, modern aesthetics with nostalgic mid-century touches. Imagine streamlined furniture, geometric patterns, and playful and polished design elements. It’s a way to honor timeless style while keeping things fresh and forward-thinking.
The New Minimalism: Luxurious and Intentional
Minimalism is evolving into something more refined—minimalist luxury. It’s about clean lines and uncluttered spaces but with an added layer of richness through high-quality materials like marble, brass, or plush textiles. Even just a few carefully chosen, well-crafted pieces can elevate your home into something that feels effortlessly elegant.
Celebrating the Handmade
This year, we’re seeing a growing appreciation for artisanal and handcrafted decor. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind vase, a bespoke piece of furniture, or handwoven textiles, these items add soul and individuality to your space. Supporting artisans also aligns with a growing desire for sustainable, meaningful design.
Furniture that Adapts to Your Life
As homes become more dynamic, so does furniture. Adaptive pieces—like a sofa that doubles as a guest bed or a coffee table that transforms into a dining table—are becoming essentials. They’re practical, stylish, and perfect for anyone embracing a more flexible lifestyle.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for home design. Whether you’re drawn to earthy tones, playful pops of color, or the sleek blend of retro and modern, there’s a trend waiting to inspire you.
Are you thinking about starting your design journey? Let’s chat! I’d love to hear your thoughts on these trends—or even help you bring them to life in your home. I was hoping you could send me a message, and let’s explore the possibilities together.
Unleash Your Unique Design Style: A Guide on How An Interior Designer CAN HELP
Interiors reflect the personalities of the people who live in them. It is their haven and
a sanctuary where they arrange their most precious memories, collections, and their
favorite colors are displayed in the various furnishings.
When I work with my clients I learn about you, my clients; I ask questions to get a sense
of your style, through observing your current furnishings to understand better how to
design a space that says it’s your space with the way the furnishings are arranged,
collections and memorabilia are displayed in a way that you can enjoy viewing them
from various vantage points within your home.
When there is more than one person I am designing for, which is mostly the case, I
layer in the personalities of each through different design elements, mixing different
styles of furnishings to create a unique look that each likes. If they happen to have a
space in the home that will be truly dedicated to one person, then I design it with all of
their favorite features that they would love to see in their special corner that’s only theirs
to enjoy.
Step #1: Find Imagery that Feels Intuitive
If you have furniture that you’re looking to change because it is no longer working for
you for various reasons. I give you an important task for collecting magazine clippings,
use pinterest and save all images of interiors and search by room.that attracts you and
intinctively made you save it. I will then ask you to find a common theme from all of the
images that you have collected or pinned.
Step #2: Determine the Common Denominator
Once you have found a common theme from the images of interiors pinned and
collected, which can be on a general color scheme, furniture styles, art styles and just
an overall look and feel is what I am looking for to get a deeper insight into what you
absolutely love about each of the spaces and any additional adjectives you have
expressed when telling me about a common theme for each of the images you want me
to see. I am watching for your excitement and or a lack of when viewing certain pictures,
which I make mental notes as well written that I will refer to when I am working on the
next step which is to curate a design that is truly a reflection of your personality.
Step #3: Begin a Carefully Curated Concept Board
At this point, I have a clear understanding of what you, my clients have shown me and
described to me all that you would love to see in your home. I begin curating a complete
look with the colors, textures, finishes, and furnishings that are layered with the
personalities of the people living in the space, creating a unique style that is unique
to you because it is personalized. None of the pieces are repeated in any of my future
projects for anyone else. All of the furnishings, colors, and textures, are from sources that
are not available to the general public, which rules out the possibility of anyone copying
the look or getting the same pieces in your home.
I invite you to view my portfolio and read my blog posts to give you more
insight into how I help my clients. I keep my clients posted on all the updates throughout
the design process so you know what to expect. Based on the thorough initial
understanding of your style translate it into a design that reflects not only your
personality through several design elements layered in, and the result is a unique style
that is just true to you that you will enjoy for many years to come. Enjoying each of the
design elements that will always make you smile and will transcend all design trends
because they are based on classic and timeless pieces.
Ready to start planning your one-of-a-kind dream space?
Let’s chat!
Until Next Time
Have A Fabulous Day
The Top 4 Questions We Get Asked with Answers You Don’t Want to Miss
I received the same questions from people about my industry because there is not one
standard process. Every designer builds their business with procedures and policies
that suit their business model. I will put forth the questions I received and will explain in
detail my approach to how I respond to these questions.
FAQ #1: How much do designers charge for their services?
As mentioned above there is no standard process that designers follow, but rather have
their rates based on their experience and expertise level. Some designers charge
hourly, some charge a flat fee, and some do a hybrid between the flat fee and hourly.
My pricing model is the latter when working on full-service design, where I am handling
everything from start to finish. I have service offerings that are strictly flat fee. All of my
services begin with a consultation, which can also be a stand-alone service that you can
choose and will not be obligated to move forward with me.
FAQ #2: Do I need to find my general contractor?
You are free to bring your contractor if you have worked with them previously or are
building and have a builder, I would be happy to work with them. If you do not have a
contractor, I will refer you to the ones I trust and have worked with on previous projects.
You will work directly with the contractor that I have referred to you.
FAQ #3: What does your process look like from start to finish?
As mentioned earlier, we begin with a consultation meeting in which we discuss all of
the details of the project as well as the terms and conditions of the contract so that I can
answer all of your questions, after which you will receive a design fee proposal based
on the scope of the project which you will get to review over three days to read and sign
the contract. Once this stage is complete with all dues paid, we work towards preparing
the presentation, in which we will present the design to you and you will have a chance
to ask for a revision which means you can ask me to change out a piece in each
category. I will revise it and send you the updates, and you have approved the new
revised design, we will move forward on the next with the dues paid, and the project will
then commence. Once all the furnishings have arrived at the receiving company, the
date for installation will be set, and once this phase of the project has been completed,
we will photograph the project, which will then be revealed to you, At this time you will
receive a closing binder with all of the information you need to take care of your pieces.
FAQ #4: How are unexpected setbacks handled?
When we are working with so many elements to make your project as smooth as
possible, know that there will be setbacks that will be out of our control. Most of the time
we can handle the setback and resolve it before it even gets to your home. We will
notify you, and keep you informed regarding your project timeline. We would like you to
know that in a perfect world, everything will work smoothly, but unfortunately, some
things are totally out of our hands, and we request, that you understand this and will go
with the flow.
If you would like to discuss the design of your home, we would love to help! Reach out
and let’s get to know each other.
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Until next time
Have A Fabulous Day
How to Transform Your Girl's Bedroom from Tween to Young Adult Effortlessly
Disclaimer: This blog post may include affiliate links that will earn me a small percentage on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
The age between tween and adulthood is when girls want their rooms to reflect their evolving personalities and styles. The collection below has pink tones mixed in with gray.
A beautiful rug sets the mood and color scheme for the space. The tall channeled upholstered bed gives a luxurious feel. The bed is flanked by a small chest-like nightstand, for smaller belongings and a stylish desk on the other side to give a dedicated space for studying without distractions. A cluster of art can go either above the desk or the nightstand.
There is a chest of drawers with a mirror and lighting to give her an area to grab her essentials and give herself a last look before heading out of her room. If space permits one can add an additional full-size floor mirror. You can shop this collection here.
The drape panels should be hung from the ceiling to enhance the tall ceilings if you have tall ceilings or to create an illusion of tall ceilings if they are not. You can grab yours here. These ones are called Desert Pink textured dupioni silk curtains
Like what you see, but need a more customized look? Great.
All you need to do is to hop on to this link and select the package that meets your needs and we will begin curating your personalized design.
Have A Fabulous Day
Until next time
An Inspiration: Warm and inviting Living room
This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase any items through these links, I am paid a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Creating a warm and inviting living space doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. With a few key elements and a bit of creativity, you can turn any room into a haven for relaxation and entertaining. Whether you're just getting started or looking to spruce up an existing room, I am sharing with you some helpful advice, inspiration, and tips to help you transform any living space into a cozy, inviting oasis of your own. From choosing a color palette to adding cozy textiles and decor, you'll be well on your way to creating an inviting living room where you can relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's design a warm and inviting living room!
Here is an inspiration for a living room that I have created a living room design that is warm and inviting for all those who love neutral living rooms.
When designing any space whether a neutral one or one that has more colors in it. You want to create an interest that looks like it has been collected over time. You also want to use different finishes, as long as they are repeated elsewhere in the space.
In the design above I selected a rug that would ground the space and has an abstract pattern of neutral colors that are repeated in lamps and other accessories. and art. I chose a neutral sofa and two sets of chairs on either side, The end tables beside the sofa are wooden and rectangular. The accent tables are metal and stone, while the coffee table is made of fiber cement, which as you can see has a textural body, which makes things a bit more interesting.
When you’re beginning a design scheme you will need an inspiration piece around which the entire room will be designed. Your inspiration can be a rug, art, upholstery material, or wallpaper. But I have made it easy for you by doing the daunting task of creating a done-for-you design that you can make your own by shopping the entire collection.
I have switched out a couple of pieces in the design. I have switched out the chandelier, coffee table, and replaced the club chairs from the top version, and used all four chairs to be the same. You can buy the switched-out pieces from the collection here.
You can purchase the beautiful lined silk curtains here. You will hang your curtains just below the ceiling; if you have crown molding, you will hang the curtains right below it. Depending upon the ceiling height, say 9 ft ceilings will need 108”.
If you want to get a design that is a bit more customized to you, you can fill out the form on my contact page, and I will be delighted to help you with your project.
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How to Develop a Productive & Creative Workspace for Your Kids
A dedicated space that facilitates productivity, and inspires one to complete the task to
completion. Creating zones is an effective way to create each area. The
homeschool zone can have visual aids for kids to learn effectively.
Step #1: Select the Right Setting
A learning space should stimulate the mind with interesting objects to create curiosity in
the kid’s minds. If there is more than one child who is going to be in the homeschool
zone they should have their own areas where they sit and get their work completed, A
common area for both kids to engage in activities based on their grade level. Their
space should have a window that lets in natural light to keep them alert.
Step #2: Find the Best Flow
Depending on the space, and the number of people who will be using the spaces, for
both homeschooling and workspace. As mentioned above, there will be zones created,
and once those are determined, the appropriate storage can be configured in the most
functional way to accommodate all using the space. Rugs can also be used to define
each of the spaces.
Step #3: Add Ample Storage
Organized space for any purpose facilitates productivity with the right kinds of storage to
accommodate the desired function. If there are more kids using the space, they can
have their own desks with their supplies stored close to their desks so that they have
quick access to them.
Step #4: Determine Daily Systems
Once school time is over the kids can sit at their desks to complete the homework in the
evening without distractions. The visual aids will help them when they are working on
homework.
Step #5: Finish as a Family
All kids learn differently, and when they have visual aids as mentioned above, and make
their space a fun place to be in the furnishings, decor, and storage can be in fun colors
to keep them interesting for them.
Have any questions about designing a helpful, happy workspace? We’ve got you! Leave
us a comment below and we’d love to share our expertise.
Until next time,
Farha
Authentic Design Inspiration from Downton Abbey: My Journey
As a lover of historical drama, I jumped at the chance to watch Downton Abbey as part of a design project for a client. The series was something I had intended to watch but never got around to - until now. Little did I know that immersing myself in the show's captivating interior design would lead to a whole new appreciation of the art of interior design. In this article, I'll share the steps I took to recreate a unique design vision for my client, plus the inspiring ways it has impacted my career.
Their belief in my capabilities propels me to push my boundaries and reach for the top. It is a powerful form of motivation that fuels my drive to deliver nothing but exceptional results. Having their confidence in me is not just an affirmation of my abilities, but it also serves as a reminder of the high expectations set before me. It challenges me to go beyond what is expected, to innovate, to create, and to set new standards. This trust not only spurs me to outperform myself, but it also inspires me to strive for continuous improvement and maintain a level of consistency in my work. It's a driving force that pushes me to outdo my past achievements and deliver my best work yet.
We used unique artwork to decorate the walls and bring in a touch of the clients' native culture. It brought a unique flavor to the atmosphere and a sense of authenticity that fit well with the regal furniture. Even in a period replicated from Downton Abbey, the space remained true to its roots. It created a harmony between the two design worlds, resulting in a timeless and modern feel.
The clients' traditional armchairs fit perfectly with an accent table with a clock dial. The light green upholstery picked up the green from the vibrant green rug. The curved orange sofa picks up the color from the beautiful artwork and the floor-to-ceiling drapes. The neutral-colored sofa with the wood detail with a sleek look, stayed true to the end result we were working to achieve. The finish of the frames for the art is continued in the beautiful wood coffee table with carved details.
The dining room also had the same look and feel as the living room. We decided we'd use different styles of chairs for the host and hostess chairs. We got them custom-made with a performance fabric that will be durable and easy to maintain while giving details, with cording to enhance the overall look and feel. The side chairs are a Queen Anne style. The sideboard/buffet is a contrasting finish to the wood table and chair finish. We added a very classic style mirror with an intricate design in a silver finish which is continued in the frame of the abstract art on the opposite wall. The rug was the inspiration for this room, from which the entire color scheme for the room was created.
Once the project was over, the testimonial I received was special especially, because they trusted my vision for their space and were very happy how it turned out.
We hired Farha Syed Design LLC to help us decorate the entry, foyer, formal living room, formal dining, family, and media rooms of our San Diego home. We realized that having a person we could trust and depend on was key, to overall success.
We gave Farha a vague idea of the colors and style we wanted, and she came back to us with the most beautiful color palettes, a layout that worked even better for us, and beautiful furniture and accessory choices. She easily “got” the look that we were thinking of and brought it to an altogether higher level (think “Downton Abbey” stylistically). Farha has the most exquisite taste, and our home turned out beautifully. We could not have ever imagined it could look the way it does. More than six months later, we are still in awe of the space in which we live.
Farha has excellent taste and resources. She knows where to find the right products and materials. She led us through new and different directions and provided beautiful solutions that exceeded our expectations. Farha is knowledgeable, super professional, passionate, and committed. We could not recommend Farha more.
Are you thinking of a design refresh?
You can book a consultation here. We can create a design that brings your vision to life so you can enjoy it for many years.
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Why Investing In Quality Furniture Will Save You Money Long-Term
Are you ready to upgrade your furniture and create the look and feel you’ve always wanted in your home, but you’re worried about the cost? Investing in quality furniture doesn’t have to break the bank. By investing a bit more upfront in quality furniture, you’ll make a sound investment that will save you money in the long run.
The key pieces you should consider investing in are sofas and chairs. The structure of the frame of the sofas and chairs should be of hardwood and have an eight-way hand-tied spring system to provide even support all over. The foam should also be of premium quality with a density of 26 to provide the most support and lasts a long time.
Let us not forget the dining chairs. They need to provide the proper support for the back, and the legs are at a 90-degree angle. The back of the chair should be designed to support the curve of your back and make your dining experience comfortable and enjoyable.
When you buy furniture from online retailers like Wayfair, you get mass-produced furniture. This means the quality is not high and will break or come damaged. When that happens, companies will ask you to dispose of the product instead of sending it back because they do not want to incur the cost to ship it back to them is too high; and also because there is no system to repair the damages and these products end up in landfills. The EPA estimates that nine million tons of furniture end up in landfills every year. And these pieces are new, as mentioned above. Most of these pieces take a long time to decompose because of the treatments these pieces undergo to be shipped from overseas. Quality control is minimal.
Furniture at your local furniture store may replace it for you or repair it if it is minor damage. But they sell in sets, which is not the ideal situation. The style and selections are limited to what is available in their store or warehouses. They are priced to lure you into buying a whole rooms worth of furniture for a deal that may seem attractive, but it does not provide any creativity.
When you invest in hiring an interior designer, you are investing in your home. Your designer will make their resources available to you as their client and provide a design customized to you as their client to reflect your personality and style. Not only will your home be a reflection of you, but it will also be functional to serve you and your lifestyle. I have another blog, in which I have outlined the benefits of working with an interior designer, that you can read here
Hopefully, you can see a clear choice, if you are considering furnishing your existing home or your new home that you want to make your own and are now convinced after reading this post that you will save time and money in the long run by investing in your home.
You can book your consultation right here.
Until next time
Have A Fabulous Day!
3 Simple Ways To Make The Most Of Your Upcoming Consultation
The consultation meeting is a working session that is confirmed with payment; after we receive your request for our services from our contact page. During our meeting together, we will discuss the specifics through questions of the form you filled out to request our services that will help me understand your goals on how you want your space to serve you, along with determining your style; I share my ideas and show you actual samples so you can visualize how your room and can anticipate beautiful spaces at the end of the project.
Task #1: Save and Share Images that Inspire You
I encourage you to share on a Pinterest board for which you will share the link with me in the client portal and add all details you would like me to know from your end, which will be accessible to me when I am working on your project, as a reference to ensure that I have accomplished all of the goals you had outlined through my questionnaire. If there are elements that may involve taking down walls and things of that nature, I would recommend a couple of contractors, who you can interview and ensure that it can happen before I can promise you something that may not be possible.
Task #2: Discuss and Determine Your Project Goals
I would like to learn how you want your home to serve you and your lifestyle. How you want to feel when you enter your home. If you entertain, how do you want your guests to feel when they enter your home? Also, I encourage you to do a little research on what furnishings and accessories cost and determine an investment level that you will be comfortable with spending. In determining, your investment level, know that the design fee is independent of the investment you would like to make on furnishings. There will be some added costs that account for a certain percentage of your total investment level.
Task #3: Prepare and Plan to Keep Your Mind Open
I would like to ask you to have an open mind and be positive when you’re starting remodeling or redesigning projects. As a designer, my goal is to provide you with the best service and achieve the goals you have for your space(s), and most importantly, I ensure that your experience working with me is a memorable one by exceeding your expectations.
Another tip I would like to share with you is that you have your questions written down ahead of time so that I can answer all of your questions during our meeting together.
Ready to schedule that home consultation if you don’t already have one on the books?
Let’s talk. We can’t wait to meet you!
Until next time,
Have A Fabulous Time
Design Your Home for Wellness: Keys To Achieving Health & Happiness
Wellness is not just limited to one's physical and mental health; the environment we create for ourselves in our home is just as crucial to our well-being. Having sustainable materials and furnishings used in your home that are not only better for your overall health but also are environmentally friendly materials and finishes has an immense impact on your health—working with a designer that is well-versed in designing interiors that is focused on delivering healthy, sustainable interiors, that inspire and motivate homeowners to lead healthy lifestyles.
Tip #1: Your Design Must Function as Great as it Feels
A designer who feels very deeply about providing healthy environments for their clients that facilitate them to lead healthy lifestyles. Though it is personal for people to want to create healthy homes for themselves, enlisting the help of a professional who has the resources that they bring to their clients to help them make their homes with materials and furnishings.
Tip #2: Your Design Must Stimulate Multiple Senses
Incorporation, of materials with different textures, evokes the multi-sensory experience that stimulates both mind and body. Create comfortable spaces that are cozy, and free of devices and encourage conversation, think things through, to encourage reading. This space can be a multi-functional space that has a corner for reading, and playing games as a group and a seating area where conversations take place and happy memories are created.
Tip #3: Your Design Must Give a Nod to Nature
The phrase, bring the outdoors has been used by both homeowners and designers. It simply is to bring nature inside our homes by way of plants, real or faux. Creating a water feature that gives a soothing sense of calmness. Using natural materials for building, and decorating with clay earthenware, and natural textiles, mixing organic patterns to create casual, cozy, and comfortable spaces.
These are just a few of the tips to create healthy spaces that promote physical and mental well-being which in turn creates a space that helps you unwind when you return home from long days of work. It provides a haven for one to take a break from all stimulants and fully relax.
If you would like some support creating your healthiest home, we would love to help. Reach out and let's get to know each other.
Until next time,
Have A Fabulous Day!
Virtual Design: Everything You Need to Know about How It Works
Are you ready to have your dream home design come to life without ever stepping foot in a showroom or having to meet with a designer in person? With the advent of virtual interior design, clients now have the ability to create their ideal home without ever having to leave the comfort of their own home.
By leveraging the latest innovative technology, the interior design process can now be done virtually, from selecting materials and fabrics to developing detailed plans and 3D renderings.
In this article, you'll learn about the benefits of virtual interior design and how to get started. We'll discuss how the process works, the advantages of utilizing virtual services, and the steps required for creating a beautiful space that meets all of your needs. We'll also look at how virtual interior design can save you time, money, and energy. With an understanding of this process, you'll be ready to kick off your interior design project right away and create the perfect home you've always wanted.
How It Works
You as the client would launch the project through my site by clicking on a button that says Launch Now, as you will have a chance to do at the end of this post and through my services page. You will be presented with a page that has two packages that have different deliverables at different price points, which are separate from the investment for furnishings.
You, will then purchase it and be taken on a screen where you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that will tell me what room(s) you are looking to work on, what your style, color preferences, likes, and dislikes are. You can upload your inspirational photos, as well as photos of your space. Both my packages have a 30-minute initial phone call that we will schedule, at a time convenient for both parties.
So, once all the information is completed on your end, I will then review the details you have provided and create a mood board (an example of which you see above) that represents your style. Now based on which package you have selected the number of concept boards is dependent on that selection as is the number of revisions.
Once you have reviewed it and changes have been made that you have approved, we move on to the next phase. which is where I prepare the floor plan(s) depending again on the package selected. I prepare a complete and updated shopping list and complete instructions on how and where to place the pieces, how high to hang art etc. You will get some styling tips to make it look as if a real designer has designed your space and your home will look put together and professionally styled with my design tips and tricks.
Once your design is delivered to you with all of the deliverables listed on your package of choice you will then be ready to implement the design after placing the orders. The furniture pieces as well as the larger pieces, lighting fixtures, etc are all offered to you through our trade vendors, which are unique and are not commonly found anywhere else.
Once you receive all of your pieces, you will then assemble and follow the floor plan and instructions for pulling your room together.
So what are you thinking of? Do you have a project that you have been thinking about but are contemplating the cost of doing a project? This is where my virtual design packages can help you. The cost of the package is all you are responsible to pay in terms of design fees, there are no project management fees.
And the beauty of virtual interior design is you can do it over a period of time and it allows you to take that project and implement it in stages. Get the design first, then implement it when you're ready. Doesn't have to be all at the same time.
If that is something that you would like to do, then why wait to launch your project?
Click on Launch Now and get started.
Have A Fabulous Day!
Improving Mental Health - Unlock the Benefits of a Beautifully Designed Home
People are now interested in designing their homes to be more functional and stylish. This trend began more pronounced as more and more people started working remotely. They realized that their homes were not built to accommodate their lifestyles. They began converting their dining rooms or formal living rooms into their home offices.
When the entire world came to a standstill due to the pandemic, people got a chance to pay more attention to themselves and their mental health.
During this time, they realized that their homes needed to be a place to be a safe haven and a sanctuary for them. We saw a surge in people upgrading their homes or selling and buying new homes. Their main concern was to find a home that served their lifestyles while being functional and stylish.
It just so happened that I was asked to begin the largest project to date during the pandemic. When we discussed the specifics for the finishes, colors, and overall mood for the entire home was to have a soothing and calming effect. The client had specifically asked me to give her a space that has a positive impact on her health. The couple is busy with work, volunteering, and kids’ extracurricular activities so I knew that they would need a home that unwinds them the moment they walk in. It had to be their perfect sanctuary.
So I knew that the color palette had to be nature-inspired, with cool blue-green gray, greiges, and off-white to set the backdrop for all of my art pieces. I also incorporated wallpapers in these colorways. I accented it with gold, pewter, and bronze tones. I used the warmth of the wood floors to ground the spaces and infused colors to breathe life into each of the spaces that flowed into each other. Once this project was over, my client said, “You have done your best work yet and have created my sanctuary.”
Here are a few ways to make your home a source of joy and tranquility. Incorporating the following creates a positive impact on mental health.
Natural Light - The sunlight is essential to well-being. Allow for sunlight to filter through in your home to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Natural light makes every home more inviting and emotes feelings of happiness.
Expand spaciousness - Accentuating highlighting architectural elements that help make the home feel spacious and open.
Plants and flowers - Invest in plants and flowers that brighten the home while improving the mood and circulating positive energy.
Balance of elements - There needs to be a balance in the natural elements: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. These are found in different objects.
Clutter-free spaces - Take away everything you have not used in the last six months. Reevaluate how each room makes you feel. Less is more. Keep things simple and clean. Do not create hindrances to positive energy by keeping things clean under furniture.
Color - Color has a direct impact on your mood and mental health. Colors have the power to stimulate happiness, calmness, anxiety, and or depression.
Art - Beautiful art pieces also is a source of lifting your mood and making you feel happy. These can be a reminder of good times when they bought these pieces.
Is your home giving you a sense of sanctuary?
Do you need help with creating the safe haven that destresses you?
You can always reach out by filling out the form and telling me a little bit about your project, here
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What You Need To Know About Draperies And How To Hang Them
Drapery curtains are an essential element in a space and are an investment besides the furnishings. The draperies need to be customized to enhance the overall design or to enhance the height of the ceilings to make the rooms feel larger.
Once the measurements are taken, the next important decision to be made is whether you are simply framing the windows with stationary panels, allowing for the daylight to pour in or you need them to be drawn across the entire window.
If you are simply framing the windows and softening the space, a single width or width and a half may be sufficient. You will have substantial visual weight with the width and half option which I highly recommend. In case, you want the draperies to be drawn across completely to block light, then the double widths are what you need to keep a balanced visual weight of the fabric.
The ceiling height dictates the length of the draperies to enhance the ceiling height or if it's lower, to give an illusion that the ceilings are higher than they are.
Once the lengths and widths are determined for the curtains the last you need to decide upon is the header of the draperies. These are the different ones that are most common.
If you like the rich-looking drapes in the picture above, you can get them through the link here. These can be customized in widths and lengths with a variety of headers. The ones you see in the picture above and the ones above are backtab headers.
The curtain rods I used in this project are the smaller ones, which are great for framing the windows without having an empty rod running across without any curtains hanging in the middle. If you would like to get the shorter curtain rods, you can get them here.
If you are unsure how to determine whether your windows need a single width, a width and a half, or double widths, you can reach me through this link.
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#Draperies #Singlewidth #doublewidth #Widthandahalf #Customdraperies #Longlengths #Shortcurtainrods #extendedcurtainrods
Make Upholstery Maintenance Easy with These Tips!
Decorating and furnishing your home is an exciting part when looking for the upholstery pieces for your new home or updating your furniture. You need to make sure the structure of your sofa is sturdy and will last you more than just three to five years, which is about the typical life of furniture bought from retail companies.
If you want to invest in your furniture, you may want to look for hardwood species, so your pieces last you for many years to come. They also would need to be kiln-dried to ensure they do not warp or bow.
The cushions are now what you will be dealing with daily, whether seat cushions or loose back cushions. Their care and maintenance are what will ensure the long life of your upholstery furniture. A professional cleaning will protect the upholstery and look in pristine shape.
Vacuuming the cushions with an upholstery attachment will ensure that dust doesn't settle into the fibers of your upholstery. Flip them and switch them around periodically. You will need to flip and rotate them and ensure their filling is even. The back cushion filling is a combination of polyester and down and conforms to the shape of the person sitting. Plumping and fluffing are necessary so they hold their shape. A good pat-down in the middle to make sure it's not balling up. This balling up causes the cushion cover to fall over.
You need to make sure you do not have direct sunlight hitting a section of your upholstery, whether it be fabric or leather. Fabric will, of course, fade faster than leather. Make sure your window blinds are adjusted to make sure the sun’s rays do not hit the upholstery directly. Another way to filter out the UV rays is to apply a film to your windows to minimize fading. When you are not entertaining, you need to make sure your window coverings are drawn or shut to protect the upholstery from being exposed to the sun.
Maintaining your upholstered furniture pieces is similar to keeping your car in pristine working condition with regular maintenance and protecting your investment for years to come.
I hope this post provided you with valuable information that will help you keep your home looking fresh and new. If you would like to receive more content like this, make sure you subscribe to the blog and be the first to receive my latest posts right in your inbox.
I am just an email or a phone call away, be sure to reach out to me here.
Have A Fabulous Day!
#upholstery #fabricupholstery #leatherupholstery #upholsterymaintenance #sunlightprotection #UVrays #windowtreatments
Don't Get Fooled: Online Shopping Doesn't Always Mean You Are Getting A Good Deal
The convenience of buying things online seems a very easy and headache-free option for many people. Let me admit, I would rather go shopping online than roam the malls trying to find things to build my new wardrobe or add to it, or get certain items I know I will find a better deal online than in stores like for example, perfumes, certain branded cosmetics, etc. But I would limit my online shopping till there.
I would not purchase furniture online, especially after I have been educated, from attending industry continuing education talks to the possible health risks, that come packaged with those pieces.
The risks are too grave for me to overlook, and feel a very strong sense of responsibility to educate the general public that finds it convenient to buy furniture online without knowing what types of treatments the pieces have been through, what type of upholstery was used, and how it was treated.
Ever wonder why we hear so many cases of Auto-Immune diseases, allergies on the rise. Or people feeling sick, but can't quite pinpoint what the actual cause is for sickness which lingers. It also hit home, which is why it became more of a reason for me to really dig into this, and study this deeper.
When you order those pieces online are coming mainly from China. Now in order, to ship your item, the piece would be boxed and packaged, confining the fumes of the chemicals from the treatments it has gone through while constructing it; and when you open that package, it gets to off-gas, which simply means the fumes get to air out and mostly inside your home.
These are what can be the cause of many diseases, as mentioned above if undiagnosed and untreated can cause complications. And as a note of advice, please air out your home so that the pieces you have already gotten by shopping online. Their construction is built to fail, for lack of a better word, because they want you back buying from them a few years later. These pieces are not built to last. These are going in landfills and adding to an already huge environmental problem.
Here is a video, that my friend Leslie Carothers, has given me the permission to embed here for you to view, and know what you are missing out on when you just rely on convenience and cheaper products, rather than investing in each piece thoughtfully.
Here, I would also like to make a point about designers, who you avoid hiring due to constraints in your budget, and lose out on the value they bring to you by researching the pieces they specify for you and your family's use and overall well-being.
Furthermore, save you from making costly mistakes, on your limited budget. I have written another post on this which you can read here. We research how each product is made, treated, and delivered to you with the least to non-existent level of chemicals, as best we can.
I hope this post as well as the link to the video I embedded here, were useful for you; you will make an investment in hiring a designer and trusting him/her to help you build a healthy home.
Know that I am always a phone call or an email from you to solve your design challenges.
Have A Fabulous Day!
#Onlineshopping #furniture #offgassing #airquality #diseases #wellbeing #environmentalproblem #healthyhome
The Quickest Way To Perk Up Your Room
There are a few things that I am absolutely opinionated about in design, and this one can bring liveliness to any bedroom or any room for that matter, and it's by adding a beautiful chandelier. If you're not sure, which style of chandelier will suit your room and your aesthetic, then you know who you should be asking for help. Here are some for your inspiration :)
I'm not sure, why people think they have to live with those dingy-looking builder light fixtures, that are not always the best choice for your rooms. And I can give you a million reasons why those don't work, in fact, they really make you not want to go in your rooms more than necessary.
I thought of talking about this topic because on one of the group discussions (Interior Design Magazine) I'm following on LinkedIn, all participants, mainly designers say the same thing as I do; which is that just because you buy beautiful expensive furniture, and accessories, doesn't make the room look beautiful. The most important and the most neglected element - which is Lighting; is completely missed. When you flip through magazines or walk through furniture showrooms, why do you like the setups and the colors on the walls that they use as the backdrop - you got it, it's because of LIGHTS. And not all lights are equal, there are certain types of lights that should be used in different types of settings (I will cover the types of lights as well as the different situations why you will choose one over another, in another post.) I particularly liked a comment made by a designer who gave the analogy of nature, 'this beautiful place we live on would look really dull and depressing if there was no sun. Its light is what gives the shadow, renderings, depth, and highlights - isn't that true.' Without the sun, we won't be able to photograph the beautiful nature that surrounds us. The same is the case, for interiors, without, the proper light sources, you will not have the right mood for the special spaces we live in to be lively and inviting even for us to use them for different tasks and functions.
When I was decorating the room above, I made sure that the lighting in this room was ample to make this room I can be proud of having planned and delivered my best result. Can you tell me why this room looks inviting?
Now that I have enlightened you on the subject of why proper lighting is essential, I now feel that I have done my part in stressing its importance. If you now find yourselves contemplating what I have imparted to you all, you know what you need to do.
Contact me by telling me about your project?
Remember I'm only a phone call or an email away from solving your design dilemmas.
Who To Hire First: An Interior Designer Or The Contractor?
When you’re ready to begin to take on a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, you’re asking for the most reliable contractors to do the job. You do need a contractor to complete the job in a reasonable amount of time at a price that matches your investment level. But if you are unsure how to make all the finishes come together for a beautiful, well-thought-out space.
A response that I get from people looking to plan your remodeling projects; is that you are already spending a lot of money; that is why an interior designer is not an option in their investment. Unfortunately, this is where you are mistaken and have not reached out to a designer to see how they can help you. Designers have the expertise and experience to curate finishes and plan how everything relates to the rest of the house. Here are some blog posts that you can read here, here, and here.
Here are some examples of how an interior designer curates the finishes so that everything coordinates with the color scheme of the rest of the house. You can view my portfolio to see how the kitchen and bathroom finish selections coordinate with the color scheme.
The expertise a contractor offers is how he follows a process in conducting the remodeling projects. The necessary steps in carrying out a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Their experience is in the number of projects they have completed successfully with happy clients.
Their expertise is not in putting together finishes that look beautiful, and relate to the rest of the house. You can see the kitchen and bathroom pictures below. The finishes are not related to the rest of the house.
There is no thought put into creating this kitchen. The cabinets and floor blend in together, and there is no break in the finishes. This kitchen was very dark not only during the day but also at night. It felt very dingy. The pictures above are how I transformed the space to create an open and airy space that inspires one to be creating delicious dishes. The backsplash also doesn’t work well with the countertop.
As you have seen the difference, is that an interior designer can be an asset to help you in making your remodeling investment worth it and have a space that you are pleased with and glad about every time you step in.
Ready to begin your remodeling project? Tell me about your project?
Limited Budget? Interior Designer: A Luxury Or A Need?
There are misconceptions about whether hiring a designer is a luxury or a money-saving need. When people are looking to renovate with a limited budget, the best option to start it is by hiring a designer who can guide you in picking the best materials and or furnishings and make your dollar stretch as far as you can without compromising on quality.
No matter what the scope of your project, you can never go wrong in hiring a designer because they will save you the frustration of putting your limited budget on the wrong materials, and having to spend way above what you had intended on the renovation trying to correct your mistakes.
If you are considering buying a new house with a builder and are upgrading through the builder’s design center, you definitely want to take a designer with whom you have discussed, what you want to see in your new home and shared your vision.
They will be your liaison in making sure that within the choices that are offered at the design center, they can help you select the best options that will achieve the end result that is desired.
Designers are helpful not just in the decorating aspect of your renewing your spaces with unique ideas, but also in making your home a place you can be proud of, for years to come.
The feel you are looking for in your homes without the big price tag can be achieved with the help of a designer in a consultation if you are just trying to get some ideas. If you do hire them though, they will work hard to go beyond your expectations.
There's nothing more rewarding than to see the clients' expressions of joy at seeing their space transformed into something they might have dreamed or hoped to have in their homes.
So, do you think is an interior designer, a luxury, or a need?
If you are wanting to become a client, tell me a bit about your project.
Always remember I'm an email and a phone call away to solve your design dilemmas.
Have A Fabulous Day!
Fall 2020 - One Room Challenge - Final Reveal
The day has finally come, the final reveal of the One Room Challenge; I will be sharing my experience and all that is involved in taking on a bathroom remodel. This project was my very first bathroom remodeling project.
As you know, the One Room Challenge is a creation of, and its owner is Linda Weinstein. The Better Homes and Gardens hosts this blogging event twice a year, once in Spring and the other in Fall. Twenty featured designers are selected and or invited to participate, and guest participants are also approved. They take on a project either in their own homes or for their clients. We have a six-week deadline to complete the project that we have taken on. You can see their progress on their projects here.
Below are the posts that I have documented from the very first week to the fifth week of participating as a guest in the One Room Challenge. You can see what I started with and what I have achieved for my clients.
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
Below is the before picture of the bathroom on the main level, which will also serve as a powder room.
Above is the original concept board that I had presented to the client, but there were some changes because the contractor didn't inform me ahead of time and altered some of the finishes. It was a bit of an upset, but in the end, it worked out and considering it was my first time, I will take this as a learning experience for future remodeling projects. Best of all, my clients were on board with the changes, and the final outcome turned out well. Take a look at the finished bathroom.
They wanted to get things completed so that they could move into their newly remodeled home.
They have bought their forever home and, so they wanted to make some changes to the house so they can enjoy their home for many memorable years to come. I am grateful and feel fortunate that I was the designer of choice of my clients, based on their positive experience of working with me.
I am looking forward to participating as a guest in the One Room Challenge.
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Have a Fabulous Day!
#oneroomchallenge #Fall2020ORC #bhgorc #bathroomremodel
Fall 2020 - One Room Challenge - Week 5
Wow, what an experience this project has been, and, it’s week 5, which means we are close to the finish line, polishing up our projects despite the hiccups we had to face with the availability of our trades to complete the work.
This project being my very first bathroom remodeling project, I learned a great deal and have a clear workflow set for future bathroom remodeling projects. It is a very detail-sensitive undertaking and, one must be prepared to learn along the way.
If you are new to the blog and would like to see where we started, you can click below on the links to read previous posts.
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
As I had mentioned in my previous posts, this six-week blogging event, held twice a year, is hosted by Better Homes & Gardens. Linda Weinstein is the creator and owner of this event, who wanted to create a feeling of community of designers working on their projects that they wanted to get completed. Having a six-week deadline makes it fun to stay motivated and keep progressing forward in the process. There are twenty featured designers as well as guest participants to become a part of this community and share our progress each week through our blogs. You can read theirs here.
Let us get down to the details of what have been the accomplishments this week.
All of the plumbing
Shower doors installed
The light fixtures installed
Towel rod, ring, and, toilet paper hardware install
Walls prepped for hanging the wallpaper;
As I mentioned, this is my very first bathroom remodel and, I was expecting that the contractor would bring it to my attention that the fixture I had chosen for this project required an additional component. I would have brought it if I had known. Well, now I know the hard way and tweaking the finish of the shower finish and even the style of it.
In the end, when one looks at it, it works and, the client is happy with the way the finishes are working with the hardware of the shower doors.
I still made two different metal finishes work together in the same space. It is as intentional as I had wanted it to look. As long as there is a repetition of the finish, you can make it work.
Excited for the final reveal week, I have scheduled the photographer and will be going on a quick shopping trip to style and finish the space.
Do not forget to check back to see the final reveal
You can follow me on Instagram & Facebook
#OneRoomChallenge #BHGORC #Fall2020ORC