Amber Lewis’s Biggest Design Pet Peeve Is Easy Enough to Avoid

Interior designer Amber Lewis shares her preferred style for curtain hardware: the curved French return rod. She emphasizes its classic and simple aesthetic, suitable for a variety of spaces. Lewis's go-to brand, Everhem, offers this style in matte black and allows for custom sizing, eliminating the need for telescopic extenders, which contributes to the higher price point starting at $820. Recognizing the demand for hardware on her e-commerce site, Lewis partnered with Everhem founder Haley Weidenbaum to make these specific rods available through Shoppe Amber Interiors in two length ranges: 40-77 inches and 78-150 inches. The article delves into key considerations for selecting and installing curtain rods. Lewis advocates for a thinner rod diameter, specifically 3/4 inch, noting a growing trend among designers for this more subtle look over the standard one-inch diameter. A common mistake observed by Lewis is incorrect curtain length; she stresses that curtains should ideally just graze the floor. Everhem's website also reinforces this recommendation. Regarding installation, the article highlights the "eight-inch rule" for curtain rod placement. This guideline suggests extending the rod eight to ten inches beyond each side of the window frame and mounting it at least eight inches above the window. This technique is designed to create the illusion of a larger window and higher ceilings, preventing the space from feeling minimized. In terms of fabric trends, Everhem's Haley Weidenbaum notes a shift from white drapery, traditionally their bestseller, towards darker hues like Cognac and Umber. She anticipates that this designer preference for color, drama, and pattern will soon be adopted by a broader consumer base. Amber Lewis herself incorporates patterned window treatments, such as floral cafe curtains and plaid drapes, determining their use based on the room's function and how the fabric contributes to the overall design. Ultimately, Lewis advises choosing what brings personal happiness in home decor. The article concludes by reiterating the versatility and aesthetic appeal of the curved French return rod, particularly for achieving desirable curtain length and a polished look. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CurtainRods #WindowTreatments #AmberLewis #Everhem #HomeDecorTrends #DesignTips #HardwareStyle

Interior designer Amber Lewis recently shared her design philosophy and practical tips on the podcast 'Lipstick on the Rim,' cohosted by Molly Sims and Emese Gormley. Lewis emphasized the importance of creating a home environment that evokes positive feelings, advocating for thoughtful purchases over fleeting trends. She advises investing in items that will be cherished for years, often found in vintage markets or through online platforms like 1stDibs. This approach prioritizes unique pieces with history or character, such as aged books or brass sculptures with a unique patina, over mass-produced decor. A significant portion of a decorating budget, according to Lewis, should be allocated to upholstery. She highlights the enduring value of well-constructed upholstered furniture, such as sofas, emphasizing their longevity. Even when the fabric eventually wears out or becomes dated, a quality frame allows for reupholstering rather than complete replacement, promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This strategy ensures that foundational pieces remain relevant and comfortable over time, adapting to changing aesthetic preferences without necessitating entirely new purchases. Lewis also addressed a common design oversight in living rooms: rug placement. She strongly advises ensuring that all four legs of furniture, especially in a living room setting, rest entirely on the rug. According to Lewis, a rug that is too small or improperly positioned, with furniture legs extending beyond its edges, can make a room appear unfinished and create a sense of imbalance. She extends this advice to dining rooms, suggesting that rugs can enhance the formality of the space, but reiterates the importance of correct sizing and placement to anchor the furniture properly. Beyond permanent fixtures, Lewis provided insights into thoughtful gifting and accessorizing. She suggests moving beyond conventional host gifts like candles, instead recommending unique and practical items such as striking salad servers, elegant cloth napkins, or sophisticated water carafes. Lewis particularly champions the water carafe as an 'underrated accessory,' highlighting its ability to elevate a dining experience and serve as a distinctive present that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Finally, Lewis encouraged a departure from sterile, minimalist aesthetics in favor of timeless patterns and textures. She anticipates a shift towards more tactile and visually rich interiors, predicting that the current trend of hard lines and stark finishes is fading. Her advice centers on selecting classic pieces that can be easily refreshed with new accessories like pillows or artwork. This approach promotes a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, allowing for personal expression through varied textures and patterns while maintaining a sense of enduring style rather than chasing transient design fads. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #AmberLewis #DesignTips #Upholstery #RugPlacement #VintageFinds #ThoughtfulGifting #TimelessDesign

Interior designer Emily Henderson, following the launch of her new seating collection on Wayfair, shares her insights into common living room design mistakes and offers practical advice for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Henderson identifies the biggest design error as pushing all furniture against the walls, a common attempt to maximize floor space that often results in an empty, awkward feeling in larger rooms. She emphasizes that sofas, particularly those from her collection designed with low profiles and attractive backs, should be positioned to anchor the center of a room, creating a more intimate and well-defined conversational area. Henderson also highlights a current design trend she appreciates: the integration of old-world tapestry elements. She points to items like throw pillows and furniture from Anthropologie's Hale collection, which feature whimsical, antique-inspired patterns. Her recommendation is to balance these ornate pieces with more modern or post-modern elements to achieve a sophisticated and eclectic look. This approach prevents the space from appearing overly traditional or dated, instead fostering a contemporary blend of styles. To combat decision fatigue in decorating, Henderson suggests starting with a colorful sofa as a focal point. She argues that a vibrant couch, such as those in greens, blues, or pinks, simplifies the design process by establishing a central theme. The rest of the room can then be built around this piece with neutral tones and a single accent color, making the overall scheme cohesive and manageable. Additionally, colorful upholstery is often more practical for households with children and pets, as it tends to conceal wear and tear more effectively than lighter shades. For overlooked spaces like empty corners, Henderson offers an affordable and effective solution: a small pedestal table paired with two chairs. She notes that these simple arrangements can make a room feel cozier and provide an additional functional area without requiring significant investment. She specifically mentions using accessible options from retailers like World Market for stools. In terms of paint colors, Henderson is currently fond of Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster, a white with a subtle taupe undertone. She praises its versatility, noting its ability to complement various wood tones without being too warm or too cool, making it suitable for a range of interior styles. When it comes to sourcing decor, Henderson advocates for incorporating vintage items, particularly for art and lighting. She explains that thrift stores offer affordable alternatives to contemporary art, allowing individuals to introduce unique pieces without a large budget. Similarly, vintage lamps can instantly elevate the style of a room, providing character and functionality that new lamps might lack. This practice promotes sustainability and individuality in design. Finally, Henderson addresses the common dilemma of televisions in living rooms. Contrary to the belief that TVs should be hidden or excluded for aesthetic reasons, she argues that a living room without a television might go unused, defeating its purpose as a communal space. She cites an example where redesigning a living room to include a TV, cleverly disguised within a gallery wall, led to the family using the space more frequently. This pragmatic approach prioritizes the room's functionality and the enjoyment of its occupants over strict adherence to aesthetic ideals, suggesting that incorporating a TV thoughtfully can enhance, rather than detract from, a living room's utility. #LivingRoomDesign #EmilyHenderson #InteriorDesignTips #FurniturePlacement #ColorSelection #VintageDecor #TapestryTrend #HomeDecor #SofaChoice

Interior designer Amber Lewis, known for her 'California cool' aesthetic, has launched a new collaboration with custom window coverings brand Everhem. This partnership introduces a collection of four distinct window fabrics designed to elevate the often-overlooked area of window treatments in home interiors. The collaboration aims to bring Amber Lewis's signature timeless yet elevated style to a broader audience through customizable window solutions. The collection features four light and airy fabrics that embody the elegance of California casual style through both print and texture. A notable design in this collection is 'Paisley,' a linen adaptation of a popular wallpaper style from Amber's home brand, Shoppe. This fabric is praised for its timeless elegance and rustic charm, demonstrating the significant impact window coverings can have on a room's overall design. All fabrics are versatile and suitable for year-round use, with a particular emphasis on their ability to create a cozy fall ambiance, perfect for updating curtain ideas as cooler months approach. The collaboration between Amber Lewis and Everhem's founder, Haley Weidenbaum, is a natural progression of their previous successful projects. Amber Lewis sought a partner capable of producing high-quality, elevated aesthetics with a truly customized experience, and Everhem proved to be the ideal fit. Haley Weidenbaum highlights Amber's clear vision for both the fabrics and the functional design of each product, emphasizing how Amber’s signature touch, such as the overlay on drapery panels and relaxed options for shades, makes these pieces unique and exclusive. Beyond the 'Paisley' print, the collection includes two additional floral fabrics, which are reimagined versions of existing wallpaper prints from Shoppe. The remaining two fabrics are new striped designs, described by Amber Lewis as versatile options that can be incorporated into various spaces to create a warm, lived-in, and elevated atmosphere. These fabrics are fully customizable, allowing them to be fashioned into different types of window coverings, including cafe curtains, box pleat drapes, Roman shades, or pinch pleat drapes. Amber Lewis emphasizes the broad applicability of these treatments, suggesting their use in bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens, given the flexibility in style, lining, and hardware. For those new to custom window treatments, Haley Weidenbaum advises considering the room's function, desired feel, and overall design when selecting options. She stresses that window coverings should not be an afterthought but rather a crucial element that ties the entire room together. Recognizing the influence of window treatments in space design can open up possibilities for custom solutions, including layering multiple window treatments, to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of windows and the broader living environment. #AmberLewis #Everhem #WindowTreatments #InteriorDesign #CaliforniaCoolStyle #CustomCurtains #HomeDecor #FabricCollection #WindowDecor

The author addresses the widespread disdain for overhead lighting among interior designers and the general public, a sentiment popularized by a viral tweet at the beginning of 2023. While acknowledging common complaints such as the creation of harsh shadows, unflattering illumination that highlights wrinkles, excessive brightness, and the tendency for light to be concentrated in one spot rather than diffused, the author respectfully counters these criticisms by advocating for the practical benefits and potential aesthetic contributions of overhead lighting. The discussion begins by recalling an interview with designer Jenna Lyons, who expressed a strong aversion to overhead lighting in her home, citing its unflattering effects, though she admitted to using it in a closet for practicality, only to regret it. This highlights the prevailing negative perception within the design community. The author shares a personal history with overhead lighting, tracing back to childhood experiences in a subterranean children's library, her parents' split-level home with ceiling fan lights, and 90s school environments with fluorescent fixtures. These early positive associations shaped a different perspective. A key argument for overhead lighting's utility is its necessity for proper visibility in various activities, including reading, studying, cooking, and cleaning. The author illustrates this with an anecdote about needing it for puzzle assembly and mentions a set designer friend, typically an overhead-lighting detractor, who concedes its usefulness for finding items. Furthermore, for renters, overhead lighting offers a convenient, space-saving solution, eliminating the need for additional lamps, cords, or outlets, and can be activated with a single switch—an important consideration for accessibility (ADA requirements) in public spaces. To clarify the debate, the author distinguishes between different types of overhead lighting. The primary targets of criticism are identified as recessed lighting, which creates a spotlight effect, and "boob lights," often found in rentals, which lack style and brightness control. The author agrees with the general dislike for unflattering, arctic white fluorescent ceiling lights due to their potential to cause migraines and eye strain. However, the author argues that not all overhead lighting falls into these categories, pointing to chandeliers, pendant lamps, and task lighting as potentially appealing options. The consensus among designers, as revealed in a panel discussion hosted by the author, is that overhead lighting can be acceptable if used with a dimmer. This simple hardware store purchase, costing around $35, allows users to adjust the light intensity for various moods and tasks, from a cozy glow to bright illumination for cleaning. Additional quick fixes to improve the quality of overhead lighting include switching from cool to warm-toned LED bulbs, with Long Island–based designer Danielle Chiprut suggesting 2,700K for soft, flattering light. The author also emphasizes that a significant portion of the population does not inherently dislike overhead lighting. Furniture designer Robby Simon, for instance, believes people simply don't know how to "elevate" it and expresses personal reasons for preferring illuminated ceilings. Simon suggests replacing standard fixtures with statement pieces like fringed lamps or chandeliers, viewing them as opportunities to enhance architectural features or add a decorative element, akin to an "earring for your room." Even renters, the author notes, can often persuade landlords to upgrade unappealing overhead fixtures. The article concludes by listing several appealing overhead lighting options, including specific models from Schoolhouse, Mitzi, and Lulu and Georgia, reinforcing the idea that well-chosen overhead lighting can be both functional and stylish. #OverheadLighting #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LightingDesign #DesignDebate #RentalLiving #Dimmers #DesignerTips

Annie Sloan, a renowned British artist and color expert, shares insights into her personal home, decorating philosophy, and professional journey in an interview as part of the 'My Happy Home' series. Sloan, celebrated for inventing Chalk Paint™ in 1990 and authoring 26 books on paint effects and interior design, recently launched a wall paint line and an online course on filling homes with color through Create Academy. She splits her time between London and Normandy, France, living with her husband, David. Sloan expresses her happiness at home stems from entertaining friends in well-designed spaces, particularly her living room. This Victorian room, which features a bright green 'Schinkel Green' accent wall and 'French Linen' on connecting areas, is filled with art and offers views of both front and back gardens. She emphasizes the importance of personal connection to decor, influenced by her father's love for home decorating. Sloan advocates for homes that reflect personal journeys and memories, finding it perplexing when spaces lack personality or color, referring to stark white and grey interiors as 'bleak chic.' Her best home bargain was an 1803 armoire purchased for 10 euros at a French 'empty your house' sale. Sloan values items with personal significance, highlighting a small painting by Thomas Cooper inherited from her mother as a treasured possession. She advises against prioritizing practicality over beauty when acquiring items, citing a non-functional but beautiful brass clock in her Normandy home as an example. Her ideal evening involves social gatherings or peaceful solitude, reflecting her dynamic life. Sloan's decorating advice emphasizes the need for a captivating focal point in a room to draw the eye, whether it's a vibrant wall, a significant painting, or unique furniture. She finds joy in sourcing unique homewares from flea markets, car boot sales, and online platforms like Instagram, and supports local British designers. When discussing disliked trends, she mentions macrame and excessively large sofas, which she believes can overwhelm a space. She reiterates her strong aversion to all-white or all-grey interiors, recounting a client's realization that such a scheme made her home feel dull. Her dream home would be a blend of a French château and a modern house, characterized by high ceilings, beautiful views, and exquisite craftsmanship. She desires an urban setting, possibly Paris, to avoid feeling isolated. Sloan's living room is her favorite space, adorned with diverse art and artifacts collected globally, with shelves painted in contrasting colors to highlight sculptures from different cultures. She also cherishes her garden room for its view, despite its challenging layout, and describes her simple, yet beloved, garden space with olive trees. Annie Sloan concludes her interview by promoting her online course, 'How To Fill Your Home With Colour,' encouraging others to embrace color in their living spaces. #AnnieSloan #ChalkPaint #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorExpert #DecoratingAdvice #PersonalStyle #HomeInterview #CreateAcademy

Interior designer Amber Lewis has launched her second collection with home furnishings brand Four Hands, offering a range of pieces that blend modern aesthetics with traditional elements. This new collection allows consumers to integrate Lewis's signature style into their own homes, building upon the success of their initial collaboration. The updated line features a more contemporary feel, incorporating soft, curved details with modern lines and rich materials such as walnut. Shoppe Amber Interiors serves as a direct retail channel for these items, making them accessible to both designers and homeowners. Key pieces from the collection highlight Lewis’s design philosophy. The Tova Dining Armchair, a favorite of Lewis’s, combines a woven-paper-cord backrest, an oak frame, and a linen cushion, showcasing a captivating mix of materials that can adapt to various decor styles. For surface styling, the Sumba Pedestal Set offers low display surfaces made from papier-mâché, ideal for showcasing small decorative items like incense, candles, vintage books, or catchalls. This set provides a refined way to elevate and organize tabletop accessories. Another notable item is the Maha Accent Stool, a two-tiered piece crafted from reclaimed wood, offering a fresh interpretation of nesting furniture with an antique-inspired look. It can function as a side table for entertaining or as a platform for creating dramatic mood lighting with candles. The Augusta Coffee Table, described by Four Hands’s vice president of design, Adam Dunn, as an “instant classic,” features contemporary cast-iron legs supporting two tray-style tabletops, providing an expansive surface for styling coffee-table books and other decorative objects. The Leyla Bed is a timeless piece that exemplifies Lewis’s design approach, juxtaposing a black iron frame with a soft, upholstered headboard. This combination creates a beautiful and enduring aesthetic for the bedroom. Additionally, the collection includes the Aurelia dining banquette, another linen-covered staple. The artwork featured in the collection holds personal significance for Lewis, as it includes pieces by her mother, Lori Marie, as well as works by photographer Shade Degges and artist Chelsea Fly, adding an intimate touch to the overall offering. This second collaboration between Amber Lewis and Four Hands expands on their shared vision of providing accessible, stylish, and well-crafted home furnishings. The collection emphasizes versatility and thoughtful design, allowing individuals to create curated and inviting living spaces. The focus on rich materials, contemporary lines, and functional yet elegant forms ensures that the pieces can seamlessly integrate into diverse interior design schemes, from modern to more traditionally inspired settings. #AmberLewis #FourHands #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #FurnitureCollection #DecorInspiration #TabletopStyling #ModernTraditionalDesign

Amber Lewis, a renowned designer, consistently incorporates a specific luxurious detail into her bathroom designs: completely enclosed showers. This design choice, featured prominently in her new book, 'Call It Home,' aims to create a warm, enveloping, and cozy showering experience, contrasting with simpler glass shower doors. Lewis emphasizes that bathrooms should feel like a beautiful and refreshing space, inspiring her approach to each design with brightness and a sense of reset. Lewis offers four key tips for achieving a luxurious shower. The first involves making the shower door a focal point. She prefers working with skilled metal artisans to craft stunning shower doors using rust-resistant materials like solid brass or stainless steel. These materials are then powder-coated, often in colors like gray or black, and a patina is applied, making the process labor-intensive but resulting in a visually impactful element. Her second tip addresses the functionality of steam showers. For completely enclosed showers, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mildew. This is achieved through mechanisms like a transom window that can be opened to vent steam or an actual operable window within the enclosure. This practical consideration ensures the longevity and cleanliness of the luxurious space. The third recommendation focuses on material selection, specifically advocating for the extensive use of marble tile. Lewis suggests using beautiful marble on all surfaces within the shower—walls, floor, and ceiling—to create a super-impactful, refined, and chic aesthetic. This holistic application of marble contributes significantly to the overall luxurious feel of the space. Finally, Lewis advises sticking with classic plumbing fixtures. While some clients request rain showerheads, she personally prefers traditional showerheads, finding them more practical and less overwhelming. She also highlights the utility of a hand shower for specific needs like shaving or not washing hair. For quality and timeless appeal, she typically recommends fixtures from brands like Waterworks or Samuel Heath, suggesting that investing in classic, high-quality plumbing pays off in the long run. These consistent design elements collectively contribute to the distinctive and luxurious character found in Amber Lewis's bathroom projects. #AmberLewis #BathroomDesign #LuxuriousShowers #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MarbleTile #PlumbingFixtures #DesignTips #HomeRenovation

The author explores a design philosophy championed by interior designer Amber Lewis, which posits that every room, regardless of its size or function, benefits from the inclusion of a 'tiny table.' This concept challenges the conventional approach to furniture placement, where specific furniture items are typically considered based on style, functionality, or room dimensions. Amber Lewis advocates for these small tables as essential elements that bring character and charm, solving common spatial dilemmas and enhancing the practicality and aesthetic appeal of a home. The article recounts the author's initial skepticism and subsequent conversion to this idea. Inspired by Lewis's Instagram declaration, the author decided to implement tiny tables in various spaces within their own home. The motivation stemmed from a realization that despite efforts to create an illusion of space in smaller rooms by allowing larger furniture 'breathing room,' there was an underlying lack of functional surfaces. The 'chair + table + lamp hack' was a familiar concept, but the author initially feared it would lead to clutter; however, the emphasis on *tiny* tables proved to be the key differentiator. Upon integrating these diminutive furniture pieces, the author discovered their unexpected impact. In the bathroom, a tiny table transformed into a convenient spot for holding a candle and a glass of wine, elevating the bathing experience. In the bedroom, a small table placed beside a reading chair, adorned with a portable lamp, created an inviting and functional reading nook. These additions not only served practical purposes but also imbued the spaces with a more intentional and curated feel. A particularly insightful application was in the powder room, an area often overlooked for decorative or functional additions due to its confined nature. By introducing a vintage bobbin table, the author managed to elegantly house extra toilet rolls in a shell bowl, making an everyday necessity feel more refined. Similarly, an awkward corner in the kitchen, previously unused, became a purposeful display area for a candle and cookbooks with the addition of a tiny table. In the entryway, a narrow tiny table provided a dedicated spot for keys and sunglasses, streamlining daily routines. The author's experience highlights that these small tables are not just decorative accents but functional solutions that can address practical needs and enhance the overall aesthetic of a living space. They contribute to a sense of completeness and intention in areas that might otherwise feel neglected or underutilized. The article concludes by endorsing Amber Lewis's philosophy, emphasizing that even seemingly insignificant design choices can yield significant improvements in both daily living and home ambiance. The practical benefits, such as having dedicated surfaces for everyday items, are underscored as transformative, leading the author to recommend the approach to readers. The piece also includes a curated selection of tiny tables available for purchase, offering readers tangible examples to implement this design hack. These examples showcase a variety of styles, from antiqued metalwork to marble tops and rattan designs, catering to different aesthetic preferences and demonstrating the versatility of tiny tables in home decor. #InteriorDesign #TinyTables #HomeDecor #AmberLewis #FurnitureTrends #SmallSpaceSolutions #FunctionalDecor #StylingHacks #DesignTips

Interior designer Amber Lewis transformed a bland, all-gray home into a warm and inviting rustic retreat. Known for her modern rustic style, Lewis, founder of Shoppe Amber Interiors and a successful design studio, demonstrated her ability to infuse character and warmth into previously uninspiring spaces. The renovation focused on creating a luxurious yet livable environment, emphasizing natural materials and a subtle, layered color palette. The dining room, initially lacking character, was revitalized with a chic lime wash on the walls and the addition of exposed wooden beams, introducing depth and a rustic feel. Antique-style wood furniture was incorporated to lend a sense of grandeur and tradition. A serene forest landscape wall mural served as a focal point, breaking up the brown tones and connecting the earthy and rustic elements of the room. Accessories like a rustic gold candelabra, a vintage-inspired wall mural, and a burl wood console table were highlighted as key pieces to achieve this aesthetic. The living room underwent a dramatic change, moving from a bland gray space to a spacious and intentional area. Architectural elements such as a stone fireplace, wall paneling, and exposed beams were added. A window seat extended the layout, creating a dedicated zone for relaxation. Despite using a neutral color scheme, the room felt interesting and inviting due to careful layering of creams and browns, combined with organic materials like linen and wood. This approach created a modern organic style that felt effortlessly cool and sophisticated. Key items for the living room included a brown glazed terracotta vase for sophistication, a Salvador end table for rustic charm, and a deep brown velvet throw pillow cover to add warmth and luxury. These elements contributed to the overall cozy and luxurious atmosphere, moving away from the initial stark, all-gray appearance. The bedroom was completely reimagined, with every element elevated to reflect Amber Lewis's signature rustic touch. The existing wood floor was complemented by a plush rug, adding warmth and coziness. A dated velvet bed frame was replaced with a sophisticated upholstered style that harmonized with richer brown tones. The stark black window frames were softened with a limewash finish, blending them seamlessly into the scheme and creating a more cohesive and harmonious look. High-quality organic linen bedding and a stylish Calabria Rustico table lamp were suggested as ways to emulate this rustic bedroom aesthetic. Finally, the home office was transformed with a focus on functionality and elegance. A built-in wood shelving unit provided practical storage while adding natural warmth. This room exuded a luxurious grandeur, enhanced by a bold gold desk placed centrally to contrast with the natural wood and evoke a high-end, mid-century style. The shelves were meticulously styled with vintage books and trinkets, and picture lights were added to create depth and highlight the aged accents against the new wood. Marble candlesticks and a Rome-themed coffee table book were recommended to achieve the sophisticated and elegant office ambiance. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ModernRusticStyle #AmberLewis #HomeTransformation #RusticDecor #NeutralPalette #OrganicMaterials #LuxuryDesign

This article delves into nine common decor choices that interior designers frequently identify as 'pet peeves' or 'mistakes,' offering insights on how to refine one's living space. It emphasizes that while personal taste is paramount, these tips can help individuals who value professional opinions in design. The first mistake highlighted is the use of all-white kitchen cabinets. Designer Anita Yokota argues that while once popular, they can make a space feel sterile and lack visual rhythm. She advocates for layered neutrals, incorporating creamy whites, wood shelving, natural stone with movement, and a mix of matte and reflective finishes to create a warmer, more emotionally safe kitchen environment. The second point addresses an abundance of cheaply made items. Caroline Kopp, founder of Caroline Kopp Interior Design, suggests that too many low-quality pieces can make an entire space appear inexpensive. She advises saving up for well-made, beautiful items, even recommending thrift stores for finding pieces crafted from real materials rather than plastic, cardboard, or Styrofoam. The third common error is incorporating too many trends. Purvi Padia, founder of House of Revelry and Purvi Padia Interiors, cautions against making a home a slave to current fads. She stresses that homes should reflect an individual's personality through a collection of beloved items and a compilation of different styles, ensuring authenticity and timelessness. Buying all furniture from the same store is identified as the fourth mistake. Yokota explains that this can flatten a home's energy and prevent it from evolving organically. She encourages mixing eras, materials, and finishes, pairing heirloom pieces with new ones to create a dynamic and supportive living space that reflects the owner's journey. Wrongly-scaled artwork is the fifth issue. Kopp provides guidelines for hanging art, recommending that pieces be placed at eye level. She also advises against hanging small artwork on large walls, suggesting that smaller pieces should be displayed on appropriately sized walls where they can stand out. The sixth mistake involves overlooking accessories. Padia recommends dedicating at least 10 percent of a design budget to accessories. She warns that even with high-quality furnishings, a lack of thoughtful accessories can make a space feel incomplete or 'flat.' Literal themes are the seventh decor choice designers wish people would avoid. Kopp emphasizes that themes should be sophisticated and nuanced, rather than overt or repetitive with motifs. She suggests using high-quality, antique items to subtly convey a theme, avoiding mass-produced decor. Overhead-only lighting is the eighth mistake, according to Yokota. She explains that it can make a space feel dull and unnatural. Layered lighting, including lamps, sconces, pendants, and candles, is recommended to create gentle shadows, movement, and a more relaxing atmosphere. Finally, the ninth mistake is decorating solely with resale value in mind. Kopp acknowledges the concern for future home value but advises against letting it stifle personal expression. She encourages homeowners to embrace decor that truly resonates with them, asserting that homes should reflect personality rather than being designed out of fear of impacting resale. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #DecorMistakes #KitchenDesign #FurnitureSelection #ArtworkPlacement #HomeAccessories #LightingDesign

The article details the professional organization of interior designer Amber Lewis’s new kitchen pantry by Jen Robin, founder of Life in Jeneral. The goal was to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing pantry that could be easily maintained by the entire family, including Lewis’s 10-year-old child. Robin's approach focused on understanding the family's daily routine and kitchen usage to strategically plan the storage solutions. She utilized budget-friendly products, notably from The Container Store, alongside durable vessels made of glass, acrylic, and wicker. The organization strategy involved three key takeaways. First, modular trays were used to create a hidden yet accessible tea and coffee station within a drawer. Stackable acacia wood containers were chosen to maximize space and keep these morning essentials out of sight. Second, the article highlights the importance of utilizing deep cabinets effectively. Robin implemented a tiered mini shelving system to stack cans and bottles, ensuring visibility and preventing items from going to waste. This method also emphasized categorizing similar items together and taking precise measurements to optimize every inch of cupboard space. Third, organizing items by meal was a crucial element. Robin used a wicker basket for breakfast items, placing it on a bottom shelf for easy access by all family members. This small but effective strategy aims to streamline busy mornings. The clear labeling of containers further reduces confusion about their contents. The project showcases how a thoughtful organizational plan, combined with practical and affordable storage solutions, can transform a pantry into a highly efficient and stylish space that caters to a family's specific needs. #PantryOrganization #KitchenDesign #HomeOrganization #AmberLewis #TheContainerStore #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LifeInJeneral