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.
With their steady rise in popularity over the past several years, it’s clear that statement walls are here to stay. After all, they’re perfect for giving a space a facelift without the time, effort, and expense of redoing an entire room, and — with endless possibilities available! — loved for their versatility.
A well-designed home focuseson the details that truly make a difference. Cabinet hardware can pack apowerful punch in your kitchen, bathroom, or closet design. Selecting carefullycurated finishes for your remodel or swapping out old knobs or handles is aquick and cost-effective way to upgrade your space.
So, what’s hot in hardware?Industry experts share the most popular designs with 2024 homeowners.
There are a lot of factors thatgo into the decision to move. Maybe you need an extra bedroom to accommodateyour growing family, or perhaps you want to be closer to work. But above all,the most important consideration when selecting a new home is how it enhancesthe lives of all family members, including your four-legged ones.
From floor plans andmaterials to landscaping and community amenities, here’s how to pick the besthome for your pet — both inside and out.