Everything My Interior Designer Mom Is Buying for Her Home This Spring

Interior designer Devon Liedtke, founder of The DL, shares 11 essential items she always includes in her home, emphasizing a balance of functionality, timelessness, and personal expression. Her approach to home decor focuses on creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical, particularly for a family with children. Liedtke advocates for functional yet aesthetically pleasing tableware, suggesting that mixed and matched pieces in nuanced neutrals can add creativity and originality to a dining experience. She values durable, classic furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and dining tables, which are considered long-term investments rather than temporary trends. This preference for timeless pieces ensures longevity and adaptability to changing styles. Art collection is another crucial element for Liedtke, who enjoys acquiring pieces that resonate with her. She highlights the flexibility of art, noting that simply swapping out pieces can refresh a room's atmosphere. Beyond wall art, she incorporates visual interest through coffee-table books, specifically art books, which she collects from museum gift shops. These books serve as conversation starters and add an intellectual and aesthetic layer to living spaces. Sculptural elements are introduced through large ceramic vessels filled with branches or greenery, offering an organic yet refined touch to any room. Lighting is viewed as an opportunity for making a statement, with unique and stunning lamps contributing to the sculptural quality of a space. Liedtke also prioritizes comfort and an understated look in the bedroom, recommending linen bedding for its dreamy, perfectly imperfect aesthetic. Chic ceramics, varying in shape, texture, color, and size, are collected from diverse sources, including mid-century finds, international markets, and local ceramists. These pieces are strategically placed to create interesting vignettes and add character. For a home with children, creative and effective storage solutions are paramount. Liedtke integrates storage that complements her design aesthetic, such as large baskets for toys that slide into console tables and dedicated drawers for play kitchen utensils, keeping clutter out of sight but accessible. In the kitchen, she insists on functional yet aesthetically pleasing accessories, reflecting her love for cooking and family time. Finally, a mood board is an ongoing source of inspiration, filled with magazine clippings, notes, and memorabilia, helping to continuously evolve her home's design and personal style. These principles underscore a philosophy of intentional design that combines practicality with artistic expression. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DevonLiedtke #HomeEssentials #Furniture #ArtCollection #Ceramics #StorageSolutions #LinenBedding

This article, authored by interior designer Paynter Rhed, outlines seven categories of items she advises against purchasing at HomeGoods, despite her general appreciation for the store. While HomeGoods is acknowledged as a suitable destination for trendy decor and small furnishings, Rhed emphasizes specific areas where alternative shopping is recommended for better quality or value. Candles are one such item. Despite the appealing variety at HomeGoods, Rhed finds the quality inconsistent, with many candles failing to burn well or losing their scent quickly. She suggests investing in higher-quality candles from specialized stores to ensure a more satisfactory experience. Large furniture pieces, such as sofas, are another area of concern. While HomeGoods often features visually appealing larger items, the perceived quality does not meet Rhed's standards for significant investments. Furthermore, since these items are typically floor models, they are subject to wear and tear from numerous customers, leading to doubts about their longevity and condition. Regarding kitchenware, Rhed advises against purchasing pots and pans from HomeGoods. The store's stock of these items can be highly variable in brand and quality, making it difficult to assemble a cohesive, matching set. She recommends investing in complete sets from reputable cookware brands to ensure durability and consistency. Decorative letters and signs with quotes are also on her list of items to avoid. Rhed considers these items to be overused and often untasteful, particularly those that emulate a farmhouse aesthetic. Instead, she suggests opting for elevated art pieces or canvases to enhance a living space. The quality of large mirrors at HomeGoods is another point of caution. In an era where mirror selfies are popular, Rhed notes that many of the store's large mirrors can distort reflections, indicating lower quality. She advises testing mirrors by observing reflections from a distance and recommends investing in higher-quality options for such prominent decorative elements. When it comes to holiday decor, Rhed suggests strategic timing for purchases. While HomeGoods offers a wide array of seasonal items, she has found that waiting until the day after a holiday can result in significant discounts, often up to 50% off. This approach allows for substantial savings, especially for those who plan holiday decorations well in advance. Finally, Rhed avoids buying office supplies at HomeGoods. Although the store may offer attractive individual items for desk organization, it is challenging to find coordinated or matching sets. She prefers to shop elsewhere to ensure that all office supplies complement each other, contributing to a more organized and aesthetically pleasing home office environment. The article highlights that while HomeGoods offers many valuable products, careful consideration of quality, consistency, and long-term investment is crucial for certain item categories. #HomeGoods #InteriorDesign #ShoppingTips #HomeDecor #FurnitureShopping #Kitchenware #HolidayDecor #OfficeSupplies

This article explores the profound influence mothers can have on their children's career paths and personal philosophies, particularly within the field of interior design. The author, Buffy Kline, an experienced interior designer, reflects on how her own mother's approach to home decoration and appreciation for beauty shaped her design philosophy. Her mother consistently reimagined their living space, treating it as a dynamic entity that evolved with life circumstances and economic realities. This involved frequent furniture rearrangements, reupholstering, and various home renovations, demonstrating a fearless attitude toward redesign and a continuous pursuit of cohesive and desirable environments. Kline's mother, described as a curator of beloved objects, surrounded herself with items that brought joy and aesthetic appeal, rather than purely functional pieces. This cultivated an environment where beauty was valued for its inherent ability to evoke happiness. This philosophy, which Kline distills into the mantra "Buy what you love," became a cornerstone of her professional practice. Both her home and her parents' home are filled with a diverse array of items, from folk art to unique glass displays, emphasizing personal connection over strict stylistic adherence. This approach extended to their outdoor spaces, transforming their backyard into an "artful mecca" through thoughtful landscaping and interesting objects, reinforcing a joyful way of living. Beyond her personal experience, the author highlights a shared sentiment within the interior design community by referencing a colleague, Steffany Hollingsworth of Pare. Hollingsworth also attributes her inclination towards interior design to her mother's influence, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for beauty found in gardens, art, interiors, apparel, and nature. This consistent exposure to meaningful historical, natural, and cultural references laid the groundwork for Hollingsworth's professional journey, emphasizing that interior design is fundamentally about discovering and creating beauty. Both designers underscore the anecdotal evidence suggesting a widespread maternal impact on developing an aesthetic sensibility and a career in design. The piece concludes by acknowledging the role of mothers in shaping these aesthetic understandings and professional inclinations. It extends gratitude to the author's mother for introducing her to the world of interior design and thanks Steffany Hollingsworth for sharing her similar experience. The article implicitly suggests that while formal education and professional experiences are crucial, the foundational lessons in appreciating and creating beauty often originate from early childhood environments and the influences of parental figures, particularly mothers, who foster an engaging and aesthetically rich living space. #InteriorDesign #MothersInfluence #DesignPhilosophy #HomeDecor #ArtfulLiving #PersonalStyle #AestheticAppreciation #ParentalImpact #Creativity

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

Susana Cisneros, co-owner of Plume Home Decor, along with her mother Magita, established their business over a decade ago out of a recognized need in the Miami market for a curated home accessories boutique. Their initial motivation stemmed from the challenges they faced in sourcing decorative items like pillows, lamps, wallpaper, and various home accessories for a client project. This experience led them to the idea of creating Plume, aiming to serve as a valuable resource for both interior designers and individual customers seeking inspiration and unique home decor. Plume Home Decor is described as more than just a boutique; it functions as a design studio and a source of inspiration for its clientele. Located in Coral Gables, the store, which opened over seven years ago, is known for its carefully selected merchandise. The owners dedicate significant time to researching and sourcing high-quality fabrics, wallpapers, lighting, and pillows. They keep abreast of current design trends while also distinguishing themselves by offering unique, often one-of-a-kind pieces discovered during their international travels. This approach ensures a sophisticated and detail-oriented product selection that resonates with their customers. Beyond retail, Plume Home Decor extends its services to private clients through interior design consultations. Acknowledging that many clients may only require assistance with specific areas of their homes or need help accessorizing existing spaces, Plume undertakes these smaller-scale projects. Their philosophy emphasizes that beautiful design does not necessarily require a large budget. The business has adapted its merchandise over the years to suit the local market preferences without compromising on quality standards. The business successfully navigated the challenges brought on by the pandemic, including temporary closures and uncertainty. Despite these hurdles, Plume emerged stronger, particularly addressing supply chain disruptions by sourcing products locally. The pandemic also prompted them to realize a long-held dream: launching their own pillow collection. They designed and manufactured two collections and expanded their e-commerce platform, enhancing accessibility for their customers. The consistent focus on product quality and customer service is highlighted as a cornerstone of their success. Susana Cisneros, a Miami native, also offers recommendations for experiencing Miami's culture, cuisine, and natural environment. Her suggested itinerary for a week-long visit includes exploring Coconut Grove with lunch at Bellini, visiting the Barnacle, taking an airboat ride in the Everglades National Park, spending a day at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, enjoying a beach day in Key Biscayne with bike rentals at Bill Baggs and a visit to the lighthouse, and finally, experiencing Little Havana, including a walk on Calle Ocho, a cafecito, and Cuban food at Versailles. Susana dedicates recognition to women entrepreneurs and mother-daughter business owners, emphasizing the pride she takes in working alongside her mother. She also acknowledges the crucial support from their husbands, whom she refers to as their biggest cheerleaders. Plume Home Decor maintains an online presence through its website, www.plumehomedecor.com, and is active on Instagram and Facebook under the handle 'plumehomedecor'. The article concludes by inviting readers to nominate other deserving individuals within the community for recognition. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MiamiLifestyle #MotherDaughterTeam #CuratedProducts