We’ve all been there — scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram and finding yet another dreamy home photo to save for later. Once you’re finally ready to tackle that room makeover or big renovation in your own home, you browse the inspiration images you’ve collected and find yourself overwhelmed. You’re not sure where to start, what style to choose, or how to recreate a picture-perfect design on your own. Here’s the general outline professional design teams in Minnesota find themselves following when working with new clients.
Step 1: Mood Board
First, pull together a vision. Why are you drawn to each inspirational photo? What themes can you see emerging from your Pinterest board? Collect your favorite features and paste them onto one page to see everything side-by-side.
“While selecting different design elements, I like to group them into curated flat lay presentations,” shares Amber Weekley Elioff, a designer with Crystal Kitchen + Bath. This can help you visualize the space coming together.
If you’re struggling to narrow down your mood board, Kari Campbell of Kari Campbell Interiors suggests also uncovering elements you dislike. “One of my favorite questions to ask a client is ‘When it comes to design, what are you allergic to?’” Suddenly, you discover that you don’t want the color orange or a checkerboard pattern included anywhere in your project — and that’s useful information too.
After getting online inspiration, identify your priorities. “There should only be one amazing feature or focus,” shares Maren Coltvet, an interior designer with Cedar Design Build. “Too many extras can feel just that – extra!”
Is your design centered around your dream emerald velvet couch? Looking to highlight the unique light fixture you collected ages ago? Shop for your showstopper first, then expand your focus to sourcing complementary pieces.
“We always like to have one foal point or something unexpected in every space — that’s what makes a home interesting and unique,” says Campbell.
Now it’s time to put your own spin on things. “Your home should feel like your own and tell your story, with new pieces incorporated alongside your furniture and art,” says Coltvet. Highlight your favorite furniture pieces, add new colors or textures to complement, and pull in art or décor to tie together your end vision.
“Our clients may not know about the detailed design theories we learn in school, but it’s the feeling they get when they walk through their new design and the story they see of themselves within the elements,” shares Theresa Lamb, co-founder of Dwell & Gather Interior Design. After all, your home is the space where you’ll spend the most time — so it should be a reflection of you!
Step 4: Bring to Life
For our design pros, a strong design is all about cohesion. Weekly Elliof recommends repeating design elements throughout the space, especially between rooms, to establish an intentional pattern. Continue the same flooring throughout, stick with a color palette, or use similar shape motifs throughout.
Lamb emphasizes that there are real psychological benefits to understanding and utilizing tried and true design elements like shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture. This is why it can be beneficial to work with the professionals — they’ve studied (and mastered) this process of turning dreams into reality and can help you create a space that’s truly a reflection of you.
Spring is the ideal time for a fresh start — especially when it comes to your home. Whether it’s through thoughtful decluttering or permanent design changes, transforming your home can be a powerful step toward creating a streamlined sanctuary that supports your overall health and wellbeing.
“Keeping your home clutter-free and organized creates a peaceful and functional space, reducing stress and making daily tasks easier,” says Kari Campbell, founder and principal designer at Kari Campbell Interiors. “Plus, it saves time when you know exactly where to find what you need. It’s all about creating a space that feels good to live in.”
Here, Twin Cities home professionals offer their tips to transform your space — and your mind.
When it comes to designing a home that fosters health, happiness, and wellbeing, color is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. The colors we choose for our walls influence how we feel, think, and interact in our spaces. By tapping into the principles of color psychology, you can curate a home that nurtures calmness, sparks energy, or inspires joy.
“Choose colors based on the mood you want to evoke,” says Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield’s Design Resource showroom manager. “Calm, neutral tones like soft blues and grays work well in bedrooms, while brighter, more energetic hues can suit kitchens or playrooms.”
