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Mixing Vintage and Modern in the Home
Most design enthusiasts will agree that you can never go wrong fusing together vintage and modern pieces in the home. As we begin 2024, it’s normal to want to refresh your space now that the holiday décor is put away, and what better way to do so than by mixing in some secondhand finds? Below, we’re sharing a few tips to keep in mind when combining styles.
Buy at Least One Vintage Piece of Large Furniture
Whether you’re fortunate enough to have inherited some heirloom pieces from relatives or simply enjoy shopping for your own vintage pieces while at antique stores and flea markets, don’t be shy about pairing these items alongside your more contemporary furnishings. For example, consider styling your sectional sofa with a vintage marble coffee table to add a touch of grandeur to the living room. Rather than tucking your barware inside a kitchen cabinet, set up an entertaining ready display by turning a small wooden chest into a bar cart of sorts. Display liquor bottles and decanters on a chic tray, and use the drawers to house table linens, coasters, and other serving essentials. One-of-a-kind pieces will ensure that your home feels unique and true to your personality rather than appearing cookie-cutter.
Don’t Be Threatened By a Bit of Patina
If you come across pieces with patina, don’t fret—a bit of wear is what makes secondhand pieces so special; they truly tell a story. Homes that solely feature brand-new, sleek furnishings can come across as a bit stark so don’t shy away from incorporating some character.
Delicately Pair Old and New Like a Pro
To ensure that your home appears stylish without resembling an antique shop, be intentional in mixing old and new. For example, remove a pair of antique prints from their original frames and take them to Framebridge, where you can select an on-trend frame that is sophisticated, not stuffy. Pair a set of vintage nightstands with a contemporary bed frame so that your sleep space appears well-curated, not dingy.
Style Your Built-ins With Vintage Finds
Do your living room built-ins need a bit of a refresh? Instead of shopping for all brand-new objects to display, go the vintage route for a more curated look. Style favorite novels and coffee table books along with small trinkets that speak to you while you’re out thrifting, exploring antique shops, or traveling. Instead of purchasing bookends or storage boxes from major online retailers, search for one-of-a-kind pieces that serve the same function. Note that you can think outside the box a bit here, too, when determining what to display. For example, that vintage vase you came across last year deserves a place in the spotlight. Remove it from the depths of your dining room hutch and place it on top of a stack of books so that it can shine.
You won’t regret incorporating vintage items into your home. For one, this is an environmentally friendly practice, and second, many will argue that older items were simply made better. That 100-year-old dresser you received from your grandparents may easily have another 100 years (or more!) left in it; the furniture of yesterday was truly built for the long haul. Happy hunting!
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9
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Bright Ideas: How to Bring More Light Into Your Space
As we have recently marked the Winter Solstice, this week we would like to share an article from our partners at The Scout Guide with inspiration to brighten your days.
Adding light to our interiors has been a fixation since we were cave dwellers. Whether you are lacking in windows, have a north/south facing home, an abundant tree canopy, or simply want to maximize the waning light during the winter months, we tapped four Scouted experts for their tips on boosting the illumination in even the darkest corners of your abode. To find a Scouted interior expert in your area, consult The Scout Guide Directory.
Interior design by Lindy Collins Interiors. Photography by Chloe Reed Photography.
Lighten up. Lindy Collins, interior designer at L. Collins Interiors in Tulsa, Oklahoma, suggests leaning toward lighter colors to amplify natural light. “By selecting furnishings and fabrics in light colors, as well as sheer curtains or woven shades, you can achieve a brighter look without having to make any architectural adjustments.” She adds that light-colored flooring, whether wood or tile, can help tremendously, as flooring tends to reflect light throughout a space.
Architectural design by MHK Architecture. Photography by Rebecca Lehde of Inspiro 8 Studios.
Lean into layering. According to Brandy Long, studio director of MHK Architecture in Highlands, North Carolina, adding layers of natural and artificial lighting is imperative to make sure your space has the depth and dimension needed to create the comfortable, beautiful interiors we all desire. She urges clients to consider the room’s unique function, as that can change the approach to lighting. In addition to natural light, including ambient, accent, and task lighting will cover all of your bases.
Architectural design by RS Mannino. Photography by Julie Blackstock Photography.
Focus on finish. When it comes to amplifying natural light there are a few trade secrets that you can utilize. Rosario Mannino, owner and principal architect of RS Mannino Architects + Builders in Rutherford, New Jersey, is especially fond of using high gloss paint and lacquer finishes. He explains that by adding a high gloss paint, especially to ceilings, and a high lacquer finish to millwork, you will not only reflect natural light but also add a special moment, highlighting the architecture of a home.
Interior design by Lindy Collins Interiors. Photography by Chloe Reed Photography.
Surfaces matter. Beyond the walls, it’s also important to consider the other surfaces within your home. Collins urges clients to opt for polished tiles and countertops, as opposed to matte or honed, as these types of surfaces will provide a nice reflection, thereby increasing the amount of light in the space.
Architectural design by Hull Works. Photography by Stephen Karlisch.
More windows. If your budget allows, adding additional windows is your best bet for increasing natural light. Before you embark on this costly endeavor, Brent Hull, owner and founder of Hull Works in Fort Worth, Texas, encourages homeowners to work with an expert to determine what would be appropriate with the architectural style of your home. “I always recommended clients pay attention to window sizes and divided light panes, especially for historical properties. The general rule is small windows in cottages, larger windows in country homes,” he explains. While additional windows are a good idea, their proportion and how they are organized is paramount in creating a design that makes sense.
Architectural design by RS Mannino. Photography by Julie Blackstock Photography.
Consider your doors. If you own an apartment or other domicile that you are unable to alter the exterior façade for historical or zoning purposes, Mannino suggests adding transom windows above your interior doors or enlarging your doorways. “It’s all about natural-balanced light,” he explains. “Adding a transom or extending the opening of your doorway will allow the natural light to flow further into adjacent rooms.”
Architectural design by Hull Works. Photography courtesy of Hull Millwork.
Put an emphasis on mirrors. “Mirrors are such an important tool for increasing natural light,” Collins shares. She advises placing a mirror directly across from a light source, whether it be natural or artificial, in order to increase the amount of reflection. While larger mirrors are obviously preferable, if you are lacking in wall space a small mirror can be just as useful. “I love using a small convex mirror, as an accent piece,” she says. “The convex nature of the mirror is particularly effective at spreading light in a room.”
TSG Tip 465 from Lindy Collins, interior designer at L. Collins Interiors in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Brandy Long, studio director of MHK Architecture in Highlands, North Carolina; Rosario Mannino, owner and principal architect of RS Mannino Architects + Builders in Rutherford, New Jersey; and Brent Hull, owner and founder of Hull Works in Fort Worth, Texas. L. Collins Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Tulsa. MHK Architecture appears in The Scout Guide Asheville + Western North Carolina. RS Mannino Architects + Builders appears in The Scout Guide Bergen County. Hull Works appears in The Scout Guide Fort Worth.
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Protecting Your Furry Soulmates During The Holidays
They are our soulmates in fur pajamas (or feathers, or scales, or…you get the picture!) so make sure they are protected during holiday festivities.
For pet lovers, the holidays aren’t complete without our furry friends joining in our festive fun. While we celebrate, we should ensure the safety of our pets is top of mind because what may seem safe to us might actually be harmful to them. Here are useful tips to follow this season to keep them healthy and happy.
‘Tis the Season for Decoration Drama
You’ve seen the TikTok fails of what happens when Cat Meets Christmas Tree… and it is not pretty. Keep your trees, lights or other large ornamental pieces securely anchored so they don’t tip and fall or break. Not only will this protect your prized ornaments but it will prevent all that weight from falling onto your pet.
Also ensure that water in the reservoir stand is out of reach from curious and thirsty pets, as fertilizer or other additives can cause digestive distress. Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias can also cause gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular problems. Best bet? Stick with artificial plants, and keep tinsel out of the picture as well.
For feathery friends, avoid the urge to cosplay a Partridge in a Pear tree as birds may ingest small ornaments or other bits of harmful greenery. Birds, as well as other animals, are very sensitive to strong fragrances so avoid spraying fragrances or putting scented candles nearby.
Speaking of candles, it’s probably best to keep them out of your holiday décor. Yes, they are beautiful and cast a lovely seasonal glow, but they can be easily knocked over – or light up a tail! – in the midst of holiday excitement. Best to stick with battery candles instead.
Sweets and Treats
These are our beastly besties we’re talking about here and, naturally, they will be getting lots of treats during the holidays. For dogs, stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible. Kongs stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible are always a good way to keep your Very Good Doggie occupied. Watching your kitty play with a bit of ribbon or yarn is super cute, but if swallowed it can lead to expensive surgery to remove from a cat’s intestines. Try a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy, or an interactive toy instead.
Feasts for the Beasts
Libations are a natural part of the season for many but it’s important to keep alcoholic drinks out of reach for pets. If ingested, your pet might get weak, ill, or go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure. Keep human foods away from pets as well, especially chocolate or anything sweetened with xylitol. Also harmful: fatty or spicy food, garlic, onions, and bones are not to be given to animals. Best to keep food and drinks out of reach and secure the lids on garbage and recycling cans, and be sure to discourage guests (especially the kiddos) from feeding pets from holiday plates.
Jingle and Mingle
When hosting holiday parties, be conscious of your pet’s needs and your guests’ needs (especially those who are uncomfortable around animals). For example, make sure your pet has a quiet space to retreat to when they feel shy or overwhelmed. Check on them occasionally and be sure there is plenty of fresh water and a place to snuggle safely until things have quieted down. For a New Year’s party with confetti, fireworks, or noisemakers, keep in mind that strings of thrown décor can get lodged in intestines, while noise from poppers or fireworks can scare pets and/or damage sensitive ears. Adding calming snacks, weighted blankets, or anti-anxiety medication can help for animals that need a little extra care during festivities.
Pawsitively Clean & Hygienic
We love our furry little friends, but sometimes we don’t notice the distinctive smells they create. To a guest’s nose, it won’t take much to alert them that an animal lives there too. Good hygiene habits are perfect for practicing pet safety year-round and keeping your home ready for guests. Be sure to remove pet hair that can trigger allergies, keep cages and litter boxes fresh, and have towels and cleanser handy for any slobbery kisses that get shared.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Remember, as the season moves more into winter, no one wants their pet to furreeze. Not all pets are suited for the winter weather, so check with your vet at what temperature your pet might need a sweater, and remember to take it off inside to avoid overheating. For dogs, especially, take extra good care of their paws; try winter booties, wipe their paws after walks, and try to avoid stepping in salt or ice melt on walks. Be sure to rinse their paws as soon as possible to prevent harmful chemicals from being ingested or absorbed through the skin or paw pads. (FYI – sand is much more animal-friendly than chemical melts!)
Be wary of areas where your pet might be seeking warmth as open heat sources can pose serious burn risks. Most importantly, if you live in an area prone to power outages during storms or freezing temperatures, be sure you keep medications, food, clean water, and toys handy in case you need to evacuate or bunker down.
The holidays are a special time to make memories both for yourself and your beloved pet. Following these simple tips will ensure your animals stay safe into the New Year and beyond!
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Shop Local to Set Your Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re still shopping for finishing touches to bring your tablescape to life, there’s still time to pick up these finds at area shops or have them shipped to your doorstep in just a matter of days. They’re bound to make your setup look extra chic and photo worthy this season.
Grab Pretty Placemats
Georgetown-based retailer Tuckernuck just launched its tabletop offerings, and we’re loving all of the patterned pieces. These placemats are extra fun because they’re reversible. Choose which pattern best suits your Thanksgiving color scheme, then flip them over for your next party to switch things up a bit. They’re also wipeable, making them easy to clean in a snap once the big meal is over.
Bring Your Appetizers to the Next Level with This Cheeseboard
Le Village Marche in Shirlington is another great place to pick up entertaining essentials. If you like to set out a cheeseboard filled with nibbles before the main Thanksgiving meal, this wooden set is perfect for your gathering. The serving tools tuck neatly under the board for storage.
Whip up a New, Delicious Cocktail
This Thanksgiving, we’re all about trying new, festive cocktail recipes. This book, which is also available at Le Village Marche, is chock full of interesting libations that you can easily whip up at home, whether you’re a cocktail-making novice or have lived a past life as a bartender. It’ll look stylish displayed on your bar cart when not in use, too.
Light a Seasonal Candle
While your Thanksgiving cooking is bound to make the main level of your home smell amazing, it never hurts to light a candle in each of the bathrooms in your home when guests come over. We’re all about this Christmas tree-scented candle from Arlington shop The Urban Farmhouse; it’s bound to get anyone into the holiday spirit.
Set Out Holiday-Themed Wine Glasses
These stemless wine glasses are perfect for your Thanksgiving table, and you’ll look forward to setting them out year after yeast. Also from The Urban Farmhouse, they’re available to ship or for in-store pickup.
Opt for Cloth Napkins
Cloth napkins make any tablescape appear more elevated. These green and white beauties, available at Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town, were actually inspired by an English wallpaper pattern, and they truly couldn’t be more sophisticated. When Thanksgiving is over, simply toss them in your washing machine at 85 degrees and they’ll be ready to go for your next event. Not as into green? These red and white napkins are also wonderful for the holiday season and are great for those who prefer a collected, mixed and matched look. You can’t go wrong with either pick!
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9
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How to Create the Ultimate Pet-Friendly and Animal-Friendly Yard
Landscape architects consider all of the ways you plan to use your outdoor spaces, and that includes making them pet-friendly! From dog runs to catios (a patio for cats!), we ensure the spaces are safe and welcoming for all of your critters. If you are looking to make your yard more joyous for your pets, consider the following best practices.
Dogs
- Your dog can’t ruin your grass if there’s no grass to ruin. Using plants or mulch in place of grass is a great way to keep your yard looking great even if the yard is your dog’s bathroom.
- You may not have a pool, but your dog can! Get a small kiddie pool or go all out with a pond. You can go as big (water fountain) or as simple as you want. Another bonus: clean, running water can double as outside drinking water for your dog.
- Don’t forget to add shade to your design! In the hot and humid summer months here in the DMV, your dog will appreciate the shade as much as that pool.
- If you’ve got a high-energy dog, give them room to run! Open spaces and flat ground make great options for free-range play.
Cats
- Create a catio to allow your cat outside without actually letting them out. You can add cat-friendly plants (such as a spider plant or African Violet) for aesthetics, cat bed, scratching post, and some cat toys to make it feel like home!
- Put bird feeders outside the house to give your cat something to look at throughout the day without actually allowing them to chase down the birds.
- Cats dislike certain smells. If you’re worried about neighborhood/outdoor cats using your yard as a litter box, plant things with citrus smells or lavender to deter them. If you’re really having issues with neighborhood cats you could consider motion sensor sprinklers to keep them away.
Birds
- How do you attract birds to entertain the cat? Put out bird food and bird boxes.
- Bird baths also attract birds, and it’s so fun to watch them gather and splash around!
Butterflies and Bees
- Attract beautiful butterflies with native Virginia plants like White Turtlehead and Butterfly Week. Not only will you enjoy seeing them, but this also feeds your local pollinators (which is good for the entire ecosystem!).
- Bees get a bad rep. If you’d like to support them, you can plant bee-utiful plants on your yard’s perimeter, such as Blue Vervain.
Learn more about supporting your local pollinators with your yard in this guide!
Pragya Mishra is the Founder and Principal of Artscapes, LLC, a Northern Virginia-based landscape architecture firm that specializes in designing outdoor transformations that bring you joy. With 22 years of professional experience, she works closely with each client and her network of top-tier contractors to make each project vision a reality. Follow Artscapes on Instagram @artscapes_living and see examples of past projects on her website, www.artscapesliving.com.
Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
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23 Kids’ Rooms That Are Big On Style
This week’s article is from our partners at The Scout Guide, sharing inspiration on how to set magical spaces for the children in your life!
Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, these magical spaces for the younger set prove that elevated interiors are as much for children as they are for grownups. To find an interior designer to help turn your design dreams for your kiddo’s bedroom into a reality, consult The Scout Guide Directory, and read on for the ultimate inspiration.
The perfect mix of patterns
Designed by Tori Rubinson Interiors in Fort Worth, Texas. See the rest of the project here.
Opt for blush tones
Designed by Amanda Lodge Design in Houston, Texas. See the rest of the project here.
Bunks in blue
Designed by Barbara Gisel Design in Haverford, Pennsylvania. See other projects here.
Focus on big, bold florals
Designed by Melissa Rufty Design Studio in New Orleans, Louisiana. See the rest of the project here.
A moment for standout seating
Designed by Caroline Brackett Design in Greenville, South Carolina. See other projects here.
Consider a statement ceiling
Designed by Ana Donohue Interiors in Naples, Florida. See other projects here.
Go coastal with shiplap
Designed by DeCesare Design Group in Phoenix, Arizona. See the rest of the project here.
Oceanside vibes
Designed by Mead Design in Winter Park, Florida. See other projects here.
Get happy with heirlooms
Designed by Cloth & Kind in Ann Arbor, Michigan. See the rest of the project here.
Channel subtle softness
Designed by Story Street Studio in Bozeman, Montana and New York, New York. See other projects here.
Keep it classic
Designed by White Label Interiors in Seattle, Washington. See the rest of the project here.
All about color
Designed by Skout in Newport Beach, California. See the rest of the project here.
Embrace earthy shades
Designed by Slaughter Design Studio in Fredericksburg, Texas. See other projects here.
Make it mod
Designed by Murphy Waldron Interiors in Durham, North Carolina. See other projects here.
Elevate built-in bunks
Designed by Betsey Mosby Interior Design in Jackson, Mississippi. See the rest of the project here.
Walk on the wildside
Designed by Haus of Powell Interior Design in San Antonio, Texas. See other projects here.
Animal print for the win
Designed by Glickman Design Studio in Charlottesville, Virginia. See other projects here.
A sophisticated teen dream
Designed by Barrie Benson in Charlotte, North Carolina. See other projects here.
A pop of sunny yellow
Designed by Lindsey Black Interiors in Memphis, Tennessee. See other projects here.
Beautiful blue hues
Designed by Susan Chancey Interiors in Asheville, North Carolina. See the rest of the project here.
Elect for a pink and purple palette
Designed by Natalie Clayman Interior Design in Knoxville, Tennessee. See the rest of the project here.
Rustic meets modern
Designed by Urbaine Home in Bozeman, Montana. See the rest of the project here.
Add a touch of elegance
Designed by Whitney Schones Design in San Antonio, Texas. See other projects here.
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Introducing Equestrian Style to Your Home for Fall
September is here, and it’s time to begin decorating your home for fall if you haven’t already! Even if you’re not inclined to go all out with pumpkins and ghosts, you can still have fun sprucing up your space for the season by incorporating some warmer tones and quintessential fall patterns, such as checks and stripes, into the mix. And, to take things one step further, why not work some equestrian themed décor into the mix this autumn? Many equestrian themed accents feature deep greens, browns, and reds, making them a perfect choice for this time of year. Below, we’re sharing how you can easily get this look by shopping some of our favorite local retailers.
We love turning to the Opportunity Shop in Georgetown for one of a kind antique pieces to jazz up any corner of the home. How incredible is this chic umbrella stand depicting a classic equestrian scene? It’ll surely brighten up the rainiest of fall days.
Photo courtesy of: Opportunity Shop, DC
If you’re in need of some new artwork for the home, pick up a framed equestrian work like this one. Lean it on the mantel or incorporate it as part of a gallery wall in the living room. Since the piece comes pre-framed, all you’ll have to do is find the perfect spot for it!
Photo courtesy of: Opportunity Shop, DC
If you’re making your way out to Middleburg, don’t miss all that’s in store at Crème de la Crème, an adorable boutique filled with all kinds of goodies for entertaining, decorating, gifting, and beyond. When it comes to our favorite fall finds, we’re eyeing this Hermès-inspired orange tray with an equestrian motif; it’s an excellent pick for the coffee table or dresser top.
Photo courtesy of: Crème de la Crème
Down the street from Crème de la Crème is Federal & Black, which offers a mix of antique and contemporary homewares. We’re especially loving this stylish light fixture, which will dress up any room of the home and pair nicely with equestrian looking pieces, adding an industrial touch to the mix.
Photo courtesy of: Federal & Black
When you’re back in the beltway, drive over to Le Village Marché in Shirlington, where you can stock up on several versatile pieces that will continue to add fall and equestrian flair to your space. A boxwood wreath like this one will shine in your living room until it’s time to switch over to holiday décor. In the dining room, lay down this warm red table runner and matching set of napkins; these pieces will come in handy for all of your fall entertaining needs from now through Thanksgiving.
Wreath | Photo courtesy of: Le Village Marche
Table Runner | Photo courtesy of: Le Village Marche
Napkins | Photo courtesy of: Le Village Marche
Simple upgrades like these will ensure that your space feels more warm and welcoming this season. Because all of these pieces are so classic (unlike those plasticky jack-o’-lanterns!), they’re items that you’ll be able to work into your design scheme year after year.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9
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Layering mixed materials brings interest and emotion to interiors
This week’s article is from our partners at Luxury Portfolio International sharing inspiration on how to layer mixed materials within your home.
Professionally designed spaces have depth and layers to them, each element adding its own touch while perfectly playing off of the others.
One of the tricks for putting together such a complex yet cohesive space is all about the mix of materials.
“Matte and shiny, textured and flat, patterned and plain: These contrasts make a space feel more dynamic,” said Colleen Simonds, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based interior designer.
“You need those elements in order to feel something when you walk into a room,” she said. “This is what makes a room feel alive and evoke emotion.”
Spice of life
Forgetting to consider the range of materials throughout a room can have unintended, but décor-devastating, consequences.
“When you have a space that doesn’t have the mix it can feel one-dimensional, flat and overall uninspired,” Ms. Simonds said. “You just feel bored.”
Using too much of the same good thing can also make a room appear a bit fake, like a carbon copy of page in a one-note design catalog: Think stark industrial, blindingly shiny contemporary, cabin in the woods, midcentury modern overload.
“Mixing things like industrial elements with clean, feminine lines helps a space feel balanced, not themed,” said Sarah Storms, founder of Styled by Storms in New Jersey. “When you mix elements, it makes a space feel considered and curated.”
Texture is key when it comes to adding to the material mix – a wood floor, wool rug, lacquered furniture, gleaming brass light fixture, soft linens and matte wallpaper all bring a different feel to the same space.
Design by Sarah Storms/Styled by Storms. Photo by Raquel Langworthy, courtesy of Styled by Storms
“Every interesting room is going to have some stone, wood, glass, metal, leather and fabric,” said Caroline Kopp, founder and principal of the Connecticut-based Caroline Kopp Interior Design.
“That can apply to pretty much any style or color palette, but this mix of elements is what brings interest to a room,” she said. “The more objects and surfaces in a space, the more you can mix different kinds of stones or metals or textiles.”
Textiles are important in not only adding a wide variety of textures all on their own, but in sewing all of the materials and layers of a room together.
“I love imagining an invisible thread that runs through the space,” Ms. Storms said. “For example, reupholstered antique dining chairs in a contemporary, textured jacquard in a mix of blues is a bit of a juxtaposition to the antique dining set, but it is also the element that makes it work within the space.”
To really kick it up a notch, a few unexpected or uncommon materials will do the trick.
“Unique materials create extra intrigue and individuality in your space,” Ms. Kopp said. “A super-unusual slab of marble on a wall, a glass-mosaic mural installation, a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling – things like this function as art in your space and give it that oomph and sense of daring you are not going to get from run-of-the-mill ‘safety’ materials.”
Stir it up
There are plenty of ways to be safe about mixing a variety of materials in a space, however.
First, think about how all of the interior ingredients interact with each other, and then make sure to add some of each flavor.
“A shiny, hard surface can feel colder versus a cozy surface that will feel warm,” Ms. Kopp said.
“The shiny surfaces will reflect light, as opposed to velvets or other textiles that will absorb it,” she said. “Mixing in the warm and the cold makes for a multi-dimensional feel.”
Design by Caroline Kopp/Caroline Kopp Interior Design. Photo by Rikki Snyder, courtesy of Caroline Kopp Interior Design
Also make sure that each finish, warm or cold, is repeated more than once so that the room feels cohesive rather than a single piece sticking out – Ms. Storms recommends using everything at least three times.
“This can be a mix of one statement piece, such as a hammered-copper sink, that you support with small, even tiny, other elements of copper,” Ms. Storms said. “This makes the mix feel intentional, not accidental.”
Another way to ensure a unified look is to choose items in the same color family for each element.
“This tonal look is found in fashion, yet translates to the home perfectly: Think leathers, specifically luggage-colored or saddle tones, mixed with a metal that has luster to it [such as brass],” Ms. Storms said.
A color can also be used to anchor the whole space, especially when there are a seemingly wild variety of other colors and patterns together.
“Mixing patterns and prints within a single room can provide an incredibly energetic space, but it also needs to be grounded,” Ms. Storms said. “Adding an anchoring color, such as black, in the textiles or metal can ground a space and keep it from [being] overwhelming.”
And never forget the classic wedding adage: “Make sure something is old,” Ms. Simonds said. “Everything cannot be new. If it’s all new, it will feel straight out of a catalog.”
Last, even if a room leans industrial or rustic or vintage, keep it luxurious by remembering to layer in some finer materials such as marble, natural fibers and polished metal.
“A beautiful, supple wool curtain over a concrete wall or a stunning, custom, leather ottoman in front of a steel-faced fireplace – those are successful mixes of rough with elegant that give you that luxe finished product,” Ms. Kopp said.
Mastering the mix, in general, lends a more high-end feel to any space.
“Mixing materials, when done well, brings a more luxe, curated sensibility to the home,” Ms. Storms said.
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Fun Décor and Functional Spaces Make a Luxe, Modern Beach Home
This week’s article is from our partners at Luxury Portfolio.
When it comes to the interiors of an oceanfront getaway, beachy décor can sometimes veer into seashell cliches and casual vibes that read messy.
Designers such as Chad James, principal of the Nashville-based Chad James Group, are creating next-level beach houses that, yes, nod to the nautical, but also up the luxe factor while remaining comfortable and personal family retreats.
“It has always been by goal to provide each project with its own uniqueness that is established by the location and the client’s own personal interests,” Mr. James, who designed the Florida beach house seen here for country music superstar Luke Bryan, said.
Beachy Keen
The starting point for most design is the property’s function, and that certainly differs between main residences and vacation homes.
“When designing multiple homes for our clients, it’s always important to understand the function and purpose of this location,” Mr. James said. “Establishing this allows us to create spaces that exclusively cater to their needs.”
Beach homes are generally meant for relaxation and spending quality time with the family, and the house itself needs to provide the perfect place to do so.
Design by Chad James Group. Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck
“Beach and coastal homes have their own set of rules, many of which are dictated by a sense of casual relaxation and having a place to gather and make lasting memories,” Mr. James said.
“This home was always intended to be a family retreat,” Mr. James said of the Bryan project, adding that his design focused on gathering spaces.
The outdoors are what beachfront living is all about, and the home provides plenty of room to spend time in the sea air.
And, the last thing a family wants to worry about on vacation is taking care of their beach house. Using easily cleaned, non-fussy materials that can withstand salty air, sun and sand allows for those tasks to be thrown out to sea.
“Vacation homes are just that—a place to vacation and cast your stress into the water,” Mr. James said. “We always make sure that fabrics, colors and materials are being used in a way where maintenance is as easy as possible.”
A casual, easy home does not have to give up luxurious surroundings, however.
Design by Chad James Group. Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck
“Just because a home is at the beach doesn’t mean that the luxury element should be forgotten,” Mr. James said. “We establish this through the backdrop of materials we use like marble, tile, special wood finishes and also the furnishings we include.”
On top of that, Mr. James utilizes his clients’ extensive art collections to personalize not just their main homes, but their vacation spaces as well.
Fun, modern beachy touches liven things up too.
In this home, Mr. James added cheeky sculptures, outdoor surfboard showers and vintage ship plaques to a classic blue-and-white color palette and comfy, family-friendly furniture.
The designer’s motto, “If it’s not fun, I’m not doing it,” can be found throughout this Florida beach home, and every Chad James Group project.
“Often those fun moments are more of an inside joke, reference or acknowledgment to something that only our clients will understand,” Mr. James said. “It’s always important to nod our head to the whimsical nature that lives inside of each of us.”
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When Watching HGTV Gives You The Sads
We know scrolling through social media can give users FOMO, but are you also worried about your home measuring up?
They say your home is your castle, but does watching HGTV or Bravo’s real estate reality shows have you worried it will be rated more as a dungeon than a showcase for your taste? Are you afraid of what it says to the world if you desire a serene Coastal Grandma vibe when vivacious Cluttercore is the hot new thing? And why can’t design critics just leave white kitchens and sliding farmhouse doors alone?!
If all this criticism has you worried about putting a foot wrong, you aren’t alone. According to a 2022 study by two researchers who studied a number of homeowners during renovation projects, the fear of not having “the perfect look” is pushing trends that favor a neutral, standardized style so that many homes resemble hotels or staged listings devoid of any personality.
The Washington Post recently dug into the report by Annetta Grant of Bucknell University and Jay M. Handleman of the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, to find out why the way we decorate our homes is getting less personal and more homogenous, and how that’s negatively affecting the enjoyment of owning a place to call your own.
The researchers found that some homeowners are so afraid of making a design “mistake” that will hurt their home’s future resale value that they end up living in a “professionalization” style meant to appeal to a hypothetical “next owner” instead of making choices that would reflect their own taste. Grant calls this the “market-driven gaze” that leads owners to continually critique their home based on popular trends or an ideal of “perfection.”
When their home doesn’t match those expectations it results in unease or “dysplacement,” a sense that their home isn’t really theirs to enjoy but is instead meant to live up to the expectations of the current market or others.
So what’s an owner to do when they are torn between making smart design choices and cultivating their own sense of space? First, remember that lifestyle shows, magazines and social feeds are meant to be aspirational: they are not the only way to live. They are there to sell products, earn clicks, and generate ratings as entertainment, not mandatory templates on what must be done for a property to become a good home.
Second, unless you are in the immediate market to move, live in the home you WANT, not the one you want to SELL.
Realtors can help owners understand myriad attributes that can influence a home’s value that have nothing to do with paint color, lighting choices or window treatments (all of which are relatively easy to change and bring a good ROI). When you’re thinking about selling, an agent can share local comps about which projects are most likely to bring top dollar (additional bathrooms, remodeled kitchen, finished basement) and which are intriguing but not necessarily investment-worthy (dedicated pet baths, oversized closets, butane fireplace inserts, swimming pools).
Bottom line: create a home that you will enjoy living in for the life you lead now. If you’re in the market to sell in the next year or two and expect you’ll have some sprucing up to do, that’s when you can lean into some of the more popular trends that most buyers are expecting in a great listing.
Until then, enjoy your all-white kitchen with the farmhouse sink and open floorplan and don’t give a second thought to what HGTV producers would say if they turned up with cameras.
For more design trends and tips for getting your home show-ready, be sure to subscribe to The McEnearney Blog.
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