We Asked 6 Interior Designers for the One Antique They Use in Every Home

This article explores the favorite home items of various interior designers, offering insights into products they would repeatedly purchase and tips on how to incorporate them into personal living spaces. Kimberly Bevan from Bevan Interiors highlights the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade, praising its ambient glow, large-scale buoyancy despite its size, and versatility across modern and traditional settings, all at an accessible price point. She advises light feather dusting for maintenance. Emily Vaughan of Emily Vaughan Interiors recommends the BlueStar Range, a professional-grade appliance acquired during a 1952 home renovation. She values its open burners for even high-temperature cooking, easy-to-clean cast iron cooktop, and capacity for two full-size sheet pans, noting that colorful appliance options could enhance cohesion in a kitchen. Shelagh Conway from Triple Heart Design values the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard as a substantial dresser that provides a grounding element in her large bedroom, adapting to various design changes. She suggests embracing black in bedrooms for a calming effect, often mixing it with other wood tones for textural depth. Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio endorses West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws for their softness, luxury, and durability, making them suitable for both guests and daily use. He looks for comfort, softness, and durability in throws, suggesting a size that covers the body without being overly large. Ariel Richardson, lead designer at ASR Design Studio, praises the Miele Washer and Dryer for its compact, stackable design, efficient cleaning cartridges, and ventless drying technology, which allows for flexible placement. She emphasizes the environmental and clothing benefits of front-load washers. Tamara Honey of House of Honey finds the Disco Ball to be an instant mood transformer, recommending its placement near a window to enhance the magical effect of glimmering lights. Aimee Meisgeier from AM Interior Design favors the Beta Modular Sofa for its deep comfort, modular customization, and corduroy fabric, which is both cozy and practical for pet owners. She advises measuring the space and defining needs before purchasing a modular sofa. Linette Dai of Linette Dai Design cherishes the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass for its chic design and modern aesthetic, using it for both cocktails and sparkling water. She suggests pairing coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in sculptural dishes. She also appreciates the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console for its natural elements, beautiful walnut veneer, marble top, and practical storage. She advocates for minimalist styling of console tops with essential, functional decor. Azali Kassum of Azali Kassum Design collects Victoria Morris's ceramics, specifically the Large Gourd Vase in Ivory, for its unique handmade flair and sculptural elegance. She advises hand-washing ceramics with gentle soap and air-drying in the sun. Gina Gutierrez from Gina Rachelle Design recommends the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame for its classic and timeless appeal, versatility in size and finish, and ability to fill empty spaces. She applies the “rule of three” for styling. Sarah Rinehart Fleischer of SRF Interiors finds joy in Dana Bell's painting, “Dancing on Yellow, 2001,” for its bold colors and perfect fit in an awkward wall space. She suggests keeping room measurements handy for online art purchases. Lorna Gross, CEO of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, finds the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle to be a constant source of calm. She advises keeping candle lids on to prevent dust and burn marks, and lighting kitchen candles after meals. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design highlights the Kartell Pilastro Stool for its unique lines, interesting shape, and multi-functional use as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. She prefers furniture that is both artistic and functional. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw for its softness, luxury, and year-round coziness. She prefers displaying throws on chairs to visually unify a room. Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design trusts the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug for its durability in high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning. She emphasizes regular vacuuming and shaking of wool rugs. Joni Burden of J. Banks Design favors the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair for its timeless elegance, compact size, comfort, and versatility. She appreciates swivel chairs in family rooms for their adaptability. Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors consistently uses Palmer Green Paint by Benjamin Moore, describing it as a deep, rich green with yellow undertones that acts as a neutral in maximalist aesthetics. She recommends using tinted primer and considering the desired ambiance when choosing green paint. Ariel Richardson also champions Ruggable Rugs for their durability, washability, and stain-repelling properties, making them ideal for households with pets and children. She advises washing on a delicate cycle with cold water and low heat drying. Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs chose the Artistic Frame Studio Side Chair for its cane and wood contrast, modern flair, and traditional essence, valuing it for family gatherings. She notes the current trend of cane in unexpected furniture pieces. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors transformed her family room with Phillip Jeffries 9190: Beat Wallpaper, creating a living mural that unifies the space and encourages creative endeavors. She suggests regular dusting and occasional wiping for wallpaper maintenance. Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors appreciates The Rush House Original Rug, a natural fiber seagrass rug, for its warmth, texture, softness, and customizable, replaceable squares. She recommends vacuuming on a lighter setting and blotting stains for natural fiber rugs. Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio values the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine for its combination of functionality and quality, including an integrated burr grinder and steam wand. She suggests creating a dedicated coffee station. Paige Blodgett Scher of Paige Blodgett Interiors painted her entryway with Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball to define and warm the small space, praising its yellow undertones and dramatic effect. She advises choosing darker shades to add depth to small areas. Cynthia Lananh of Cynthia Lananh treasures the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle for its neutral, sophisticated scent and elevated packaging. She suggests pairing candles with design-savvy accessories. Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio considers the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet her most beloved appliance for its instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water delivery in luxurious finishes. She recommends classic chrome or matte black for contemporary kitchens and living brass for traditional ones. Finally, Lina Galvão of Curated Nest loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa for its approachable style, sculptural arms, comfort, and forgiving fabric. She notes that for modern, sculptural sofas, one might forgo pillows to let the shape shine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerPicks #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #ApplianceRecommendations #Textiles #ArtAndAccessories #PaintColors

This article offers guidance on selecting timeless paint colors for living rooms, emphasizing durability and adaptability to evolving styles. It highlights the importance of choosing colors that serve as a refined backdrop, complementing natural and artificial light and various textures, to create an intentional and inviting space. The article suggests that while trends may come and go, the goal for many homeowners is to design a living room with lasting appeal, making the paint color a foundational element in achieving this objective. The selection process for the “right” paint color is acknowledged as subjective, but professional advice is provided to aid in making an informed decision. A key consideration is the amount of natural light a room receives. Designers recommend observing how sunlight affects different paint swatches throughout the day, noting that a darker color might be suitable for a brightly lit room to avoid a washed-out appearance, while a shaded space could benefit from colors that enhance a moody atmosphere. Despite these considerations, the article reassures readers that paint is a low-commitment design choice, and repainting is always an option, encouraging individuals to select colors that resonate with their personal preferences. All three featured designers advocate for neutral tones to achieve a timeless aesthetic. Specifically, they recommend creamy shades of white or very light taupe colors. These neutrals provide a clean canvas that can be enhanced with natural wood elements, earthy stone accents, meaningful art, and layered patterns to add personality and warmth. The designers explain that while white may seem like a simple choice, its appearance can vary significantly depending on the room's lighting conditions. The article highlights Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee (OC-45) as a top recommendation from designers Ali Milch and Sasha Basso. This off-white shade, characterized by its warm undertones, is described as reminiscent of milk in coffee. However, the designers stress the importance of sampling paint colors directly in the living space to assess how they interact with the specific lighting of the room, as colors can appear differently than expected. Additional recommended timeless paint colors include Color Atelier’s Limewash in White Clay or Chèvre, Farrow and Ball’s All White or Pointing, Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White (OC-130), and Farrow and Ball’s Strong White. These suggestions aim to provide a soft, warm, and elegant foundation that can adapt to diverse aesthetic preferences and design elements, ensuring a living room remains stylish and welcoming for years. #LivingRoomDesign #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #TimelessDecor #HomeImprovement #NeutralPalette #DesignTips #HomeDecorating

Homeowners often find themselves regretting certain living room paint colors over time, due to their tendency to appear sterile, overwhelming, or simply out-of-date. Several design experts, including Rona Edelman of Edelman Color & Design, Alice Moszczynski of Planner 5D, and Melissa Roberts of Melissa Roberts Interiors, have identified common culprits. Cool gray is frequently regretted by millennials because it can make a living room feel sterile or gloomy, especially at night, often appearing lifeless compared to its sleek appearance in inspiration images. Instead, warmer neutrals like greige or taupe, with their brown and beige undertones, are suggested to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Bright colors such as red and orange, while initially enticing for their energy, can become overwhelming in a living room. These shades are known to trigger anxiety and restlessness, making them unsuitable for spaces intended for relaxation. For those who desire vibrancy, a pale to medium yellow with a touch of gray can offer a balanced and calm feel, or neutral colors with yellow undertones can provide warmth without being overstimulating, ensuring a cozy and timeless environment. Bright gallery white, though seemingly a safe and common choice, is another frequently regretted color. It can appear harsh and overly reflective, particularly in rooms with limited natural light, and tends to highlight every imperfection on the walls. A softer white with creamy undertones is recommended as an alternative to bring freshness and warmth into the space. Dusty blue, a cooler-toned blue, also makes the list of regrettable colors. Despite blue's versatility, this specific shade can quickly feel dated and one-dimensional, contributing to a cold and sterile ambiance rather than a comforting one. Designers suggest opting for blues or other neutrals that possess warm, red, orange, or yellow undertones to avoid this cool and uninviting effect; navy blue, for instance, while bold, can feel sharp and fresh. Similarly, bold yellow, often chosen to evoke happiness, can become too intense when applied on a large scale, appearing loud and even cartoon-like. It can also unflatteringly reflect on skin tones and furniture, making occupants appear sickly. Softer alternatives such as buttercream, wheat, or muted ochre are recommended to achieve warmth without the overwhelming vibrancy. Cool greige, a once-popular blend of gray and beige, has also fallen out of favor, especially shades with cool undertones, which can make a room feel bland, sterile, and cold. Warmer replacements from brands like Sherwin-Williams, including Vandyke Brown, Smokehouse, Tony Taupe, Taupe Tone, Mushroom, and Universal Khaki, are suggested to create a more inviting and current look. Selecting paint colors with careful consideration of their undertones and overall impact on a room's mood can help homeowners avoid these common regrets. #LivingRoom #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPsychology #DesignTrends #NeutralColors #WarmTones

The article explores various design choices that can unintentionally make a home appear dated, moving beyond the simple aging of furniture or decor. While vintage pieces, such as a mid-century modern lamp, can add character, blindly following trends or using matching furniture sets can inadvertently create an outdated aesthetic. Two interior designers, Megan Paulson of 22 Design House and Jasmine Crockett of JoyMeetsHome, offer insights into these common pitfalls and suggest approaches for creating a more timeless and personalized living space. One significant factor contributing to a dated home is the "trend trap." Designers advise against constantly pursuing ultra-trendy home decor items that quickly become obsolete. Such trends are often short-lived, leading to frequent replacements and unnecessary expenses. Instead, the focus should be on collecting pieces that are genuinely loved and will be cherished over time, thereby fostering a more enduring style. Jasmine Crockett emphasizes the importance of balancing timeless elements with trends that can be easily updated, ensuring that functionality, comfort, and the homeowner's unique personality remain central to the design. Another element that can make a home feel dated is discontinuous decor, characterized by a lack of cohesive design throughout the space, resulting in a mismatched and disjointed appearance. To counter this, establishing a consistent color palette across the entire house is recommended to create a sense of flow and unity. The article also points out specific outdated materials and styles, such as 1980s oak and country pine furnishings. The repetition of these specific wood types or entire sets of matchy-matchy furniture, like dark espresso pieces, immediately signals an older aesthetic. Designers suggest diversifying furniture choices to avoid this uniform, bygone look. The concept of themed bedrooms, particularly those that are overly extravagant or coordinated, is also highlighted as a design choice that ages poorly. Examples include nautical wallpaper or excessive floral patterns. A more contemporary approach involves incorporating subtle, low-commitment elements of a desired theme through accent pieces, rather than overhauling an entire room. This allows for flexibility and easier updates as tastes evolve. Excessive or specific textures can also contribute to a dated feel. Popcorn ceilings, heavily textured walls, dark wood paneling, and tiled countertops are identified as elements that can make a space appear old-fashioned. For a modern aesthetic, the article suggests opting for sleek materials such as marble and concrete, which provide a chic and natural texture without the risk of dating the home. Finally, matching furniture sets, despite their convenience, can create a predictable and outdated look due to their rigid uniformity. To achieve a more current and dynamic interior, mixing different shapes and textures among furniture pieces is advised, preventing excessive similarities and promoting a more curated appearance. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #TimelessDesign #HomeStyling #OutdatedTrends #DesignersAdvice