One reason why so many designers start with a floor plan is that it provides a framework for the other elements that need to be considered. The most efficient way to design it is to first understand what you need. There are seven principles of design: balance, harmony, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, scale and proportion. Various elements in interior design often work together to impact several principles. And each design decision influences and informs the decisions that come af

This is a question that comes up over and over again and it’s often met with crickets. Why is this question so hard to answer? Because it depends on the scope. And often, there is not enough scope given in the context of the question.  “Hiring an interior designer can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small consultation to tens of thousands for a large-scale project, with average projects costing around $5,000 to $15,000. Fees are typically based on an hourly rat

I recently saw a construction material comparison of homes built before and after WWII that Brent Hull had put together. It got me thinking about the materials we use to create our environments. Developments in industrial manufacturing during WWII led to significant changes in material use and building construction after the war. House paint was no exception either. Natural Minerals in Ground Rocks and Clay The 20th century saw the development of synthetic polymer paints such

A simple frame covered in Thibaut fabric for a custom look. This week I had the pleasure of visiting the 2025 Southern Living Idea House in Charlottesville, VA. Designed by famed interior designer Charlotte Moss, the house is chock full of high design details like custom rugs, drapes and upholstered goods, vintage and antique (like, real antique) pieces and original art. Included with the ticket is a very generous Style Guide which lists every source used in the home from fur

There are many benefits to online shopping, access to anything, anytime, anywhere. Many items that were previously available only to the...

A family member recently asked for my help with a renovation project they’ve undertaken. They’re reconfiguring their first floor to...

Shopping online has become incredibly easy, but what value does a designer provide during the purchasing phase in this one-click world?...

What is a designer's role during construction? Isn't the "design" technically done? And the contractor's job begins? Well, yes and no....

A pretty paint chip does not make a pretty wall color. Want to see this in action? Just ask a child to pick out what color they want to...

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend an event at the Tuckahoe Women's Club in Richmond, Virginia, featuring famed event...

What is it about the French, and the English, and the Italians that make their design aesthetic so appealing? Let's throw in more of...

I'm a self-admitted late adopter, so I'm stepping outside of my comfort zone here in talking about trends, but we all love to try and...

Source image I uploaded to the Remodel AI App. Have you tried the remodel AI app? It's free to download and it will generate a redesigned...

Is hiring an interior designer a luxury service? Yes. Is hiring a house cleaner a luxury service? Yes. So while it's a luxury service,...

A sentimental piece. We purchased this Persian rug from a friend's personal collection. His dad operated a rug business in New York...

I'm not so convinced there is a perfect formula for when to splurge vs. save, except for a couch. My first experience buying a couch on...

I'm sad to report that it is two weeks later and I never received a response back from Ballard's designer. After such promise based on...

Many major retailers now offer complimentary design services for their product lines. I tried services from both Ballard Designs and...

For home decor enthusiasts, books can serve as essential resources filled with inspiration, knowledge, and hands-on advice for creating...