Exclusive: Single moment that saw Block pair change their entire game plan – as the teams unpack their design style

The "rule of threes," a long-standing principle in interior design involving grouping decorative items in sets of three, is being challenged by many professional designers. This traditional method, while easy to implement, is increasingly seen as creating a staged or lifeless environment that lacks personal touch and flexibility. Designers are moving towards more fluid and intuitive approaches to styling spaces. One prominent alternative is the "rule of what feels right," as advocated by interior designer Brad Ramsey. This approach emphasizes balance in shape, height, and texture over strict adherence to numerical groupings. Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors further elaborates on numerical choices, suggesting the use of odd numbers to introduce energy into a room and even numbers for a sense of serenity. For instance, in bedrooms, even-numbered pairings like twin embroidered pillows and matching nightstands can create a grounded and soft aesthetic, allowing layered textures and subtle patterns to breathe. Another emerging trend involves the power of a single, impactful showstopper piece. Designers like Kerith Flynn of Margali & Flynn Designs prioritize objects with significant presence that can stand alone without requiring additional supporting elements. Kristina Lawrence notes that a single, large-scale decorative bowl can make a stronger statement than numerous smaller items arranged to meet a numerical rule. Olma Fuentes of Deni + Dove Interiors echoes this sentiment, recommending a single sculptural vessel or a sweeping curved sofa to anchor a room, rather than a cluster of smaller seating arrangements. The "edit by half" rule, inspired by Coco Chanel's fashion advice, is also gaining traction. Interior designer Lauren Saab suggests that once a surface is styled, half of the items should be removed to create breathing room and allow materials and textures to take center stage. For example, a nightstand might feature just one lamp and one personal item, while a kitchen might display a single large decorative bowl instead of three smaller ones. Christine Jahan offers a practical tip: photograph a styled space in black and white to assess its balance independently of color. Embracing negative space is another key principle. Designers recognize that homes are meant to be lived in, not just admired as showrooms. Leaving empty space accommodates daily life and prevents clutter, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens or beside nightstands. Jan Odesanya illustrates this by suggesting one cutting board, one shallow bowl for everyday items, and then ample empty space, asserting that clear space itself is a design element that performs a function. #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #HomeStyling #DesignTrends #Minimalism #NegativeSpace #HomeDecor #DesignFlexibility

Designers are increasingly moving away from traditional, subdued tiling options, embracing bold colors, unique patterns, and varied textures to create distinctive interior spaces. This shift challenges the conventional use of standard subway tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, encouraging homeowners to infuse their personal style and vibrant hues into their living environments, even on floors. Katie Deedy of Grow House Grow, known for her narrative-inspired wallpapers, has successfully transitioned into designing cement tiles. Her Cuban heritage influenced her desire to create tiles reminiscent of those seen in family photos, but with a contemporary twist. While initially aiming for wallpaper-matching tiles, she adapted her designs to the tile format, exemplified by her cephalopod-inspired Captain Smith tile, which mirrors her best-selling wallpaper. The brand continues to prioritize nature-inspired themes, as seen in their three new tiles and the popular Otomi collection, featuring animal and floral folk art. These tiles are predominantly used on floors but are also gaining traction for backsplashes and walls, creating cohesive, patterned nooks in bathrooms. Artistic Tile, in collaboration with Michael Aram, also presents nature-inspired designs. Their Orchid Dimensional collection, a 2017 Interior Design magazine award winner for Best Wall Covering, combines innovation with natural stone. This collection showcases crystalline white Thassos marble flowers emerging from polished Bianco Carrara marble, offering a sophisticated and seductive aesthetic. Color is a significant trend, with Artistic Tile embracing vibrant palettes and mixed materials in their designs. Rachel Adler, a representative for the brand, highlights their new Fan Club mosaic glass design, which features a captivating blue ombre colorway. This design is suggested for adding a touch of elegance to wet bars or as a striking feature wall. Popham Design’s ceramic tile collection also emphasizes rich colors and playful patterns. Design editors, including Tori Mellott of Traditional Home Magazine, recommend these graphic tiles for entryways, noting their ability to set the mood and convey the homeowner's personality—whether formal, playful, artsy, or busy. Encaustic tiles, in particular, are praised for their individuality in entryways. Elle Decor editor-in-chief Whitney Robinson is particularly fond of India Mahdavi’s pink-driven collection for Bisazza, suggesting it for creating a personalized and cheerful washroom. Robinson argues that while bathrooms are utilitarian, they are also frequently visited spaces that should evoke happiness. Pink tiles, she notes, also have the added benefit of making skin appear radiant. Customization is another growing trend, allowing homeowners to create truly unique tile designs. Sarah Watson, founder of Balineum in England, specializes in small-batch custom orders. Her Hanley collection offers ceramic tiles in a dozen hand-mixed solid-color glazes, and clients can request custom glaze colors to match specific Pantone references, fabrics, or wallpapers. Watson highlights the passion customers have for finding the perfect hue, citing an instance where two brothers requested slightly different shades of blue for their shared bathroom. She suggests arranging custom tiles in graphic patterns like chevron to enhance their uniqueness. For those seeking texture and dimension, Granada Tile’s new Relief collection, launched after extensive development, masterfully combines color with unexpected tactile elements. Melanie Stephens, director of design and marketing, explains that these tiles achieve a tone-on-tone effect by contrasting a highly polished top surface with the matte finish of indented areas. Each pattern is available in four colors from Granada’s 40-color palette, with certain designs, like Tangalle, lending themselves to specific earth and rock tones. Textured tiles are also used to create futuristic and dynamic wall statements. The Tile Shop’s Yara Metal hex ceramic wall tile series, available in metallic black, silver, or white with a 3D geometric pattern, adds a reflective and conversational element. Pittsburgh designer Lauren Levant champions sculptural wavy tiles from Porcelanosa, emphasizing how textured tiles, made from materials like natural stone, porcelain, wood, metal, and glass, can introduce depth and allow light to interact beautifully with the surface. Even the classic subway tile receives a modern update. San Francisco designer Jon de la Cruz, known for the 2017 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, recommends Fireclay Tile’s handmade glazed thin brick. These recycled brick tiles offer texture and rich, saturated colors that suit both traditional and modern aesthetics, making them ideal for kitchen backsplashes and fireplace surrounds, adding a subtle patina while maintaining a clean and fresh look. The abundance of colorful and textural tile options makes decorating exciting, with the primary challenge being deciding where to begin. #TileDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #CementTiles #NatureInspiredDesign #ColorPalette #CustomTiles #TexturedTiles #ModernTiling

Brown paint colors are emerging as a significant trend in home design for 2024, with Pinterest identifying “Mocha Brown” as a top color. These hues introduce an earthy and inviting energy into a space, creating an ideal atmosphere for social gatherings with friends and family. Like popular green shades, brown paint can envelop a room, contributing to a professionally designed aesthetic. The article presents a curated list of 15 favored brown paint colors, ranging from light, airy creams to deep, moody, almost-black tones. For those seeking a cozy dark brown for a living room, a light brown for a bedroom, or anything in between, this selection offers suitable options. One featured shade is Pine Cone Brown by Benjamin Moore, a color inspired by nature that effectively warms a space, as demonstrated in a Virginia cottage surrounded by trees. Mahogany by Farrow & Ball is another rich brown that complements antique furniture and gilded finishes, creating a harmonious environment in rooms filled with such items. Griffin by Sherwin-Williams incorporates a subtle hint of green, adding depth to smaller areas like an attic bedroom. This undertone can be highlighted through coordinating artwork and textiles, such as vintage plaid blankets. Dark Chocolate by Benjamin Moore provides a classic, deep brown, ideal for living rooms where it pairs well with palettes of reds, blacks, and ochres to achieve a cohesive look. For exteriors, Black Bean Soup by Benjamin Moore is a designer-recommended dark, almost-black option suitable for all seasons. When used on porches, a white ceiling helps maintain an open and airy feel. French Press by Benjamin Moore, a dark brown with a touch of black, is suggested for those desiring a moodier ambiance, such as a stairwell border to ground an all-white space. Classic Brown by Behr is a mid-tone brown that bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor aesthetics, complementing natural elements like a stone fireplace in a lakeside living room. Plateau by Behr, a creamy grayish-brown, offers a softer alternative that pairs effectively with dark wood wainscoting and vintage accents in dining areas. Another exterior option, Soot by Benjamin Moore, is a dark shade that verges on black. Otter Brown by Benjamin Moore, with its olive undertones, is noted for its ability to enhance white ceramics in a kitchen. Rustic Taupe by Behr, a warm neutral with more brown than gray, is highlighted as a versatile and easy-to-decorate-with option for living rooms. Cat’s Paw by Farrow & Ball is a light, café au lait brown that works well in bedrooms when combined with cool blue and brown textiles. Cuppa Tea by Valspar is a warm tan brown that imparts a cozy charm. Bucktrout Brown by Benjamin Moore, a dark brown that appears almost black, can add dramatic visual intrigue to entryways, particularly when used on staircases. Lastly, Plymouth Brown by Benjamin Moore offers an artistic approach with warm brown stripes for spaces like playrooms, accented with red and blue. Each paint color is presented with application suggestions and complementary design elements. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #BrownPaint #HomeDecor #DecoratingIdeas #DIYProjects #ColorTrends

This article details the process of two "Next Wave" interior designers, Hilary Matt and Lilse McKenna, as they select materials for two distinct family room projects. The designers virtually shop through the Kravet and Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils showrooms, demonstrating how they choose upholstery fabric, wallpapers, trim, and carpets to create specific aesthetics and functionalities for their clients' homes. Hilary Matt's project focuses on designing a family room for a young family, prioritizing durability and stain resistance. She opts for Kravet's performance chenille for a Jazz Sectional and durable gray woven-backed Bilbao armchairs. The chair legs are chosen in blond wood, offering a customizable element. To unify the space, Matt selects a neutral textured rug. For the walls, she introduces a soothing backdrop with Baturi wallpaper, featuring a slate blue watercolor pattern suitable for various family activities. The Adams Cocktail Table, a custom sculptural piece, provides ample surface area for drinks and enhances the room's aesthetic. Lilse McKenna's project centers on incorporating a treasured family-heirloom red paisley fabric into her living room design. She pairs this existing fabric with a printed Arley cotton-linen textile for a Brunschwig & Fils Jacob sofa, an English roll-arm, tight-back design. This choice emphasizes a European feel with a traditional botanical pattern in complementary blue and gray shades. For the table skirt, McKenna seeks a subtly bold finish and samples various contrasting colors of Brunschwig & Fils bullion fringe. Her selection for the rug is a cream Moroccan-style Tarsus with a graphic mossy green print, chosen for its playful texture that contrasts with the more traditional English and French fabrics. McKenna completes her design with a French-inspired Rayure Fleurette medallion and floral stripe by Brunschwig & Fils for side chairs, further enhancing the pattern-mixing theme around the fireplace. The article provides a glimpse into the designers' thought processes and material selections, allowing readers to understand and potentially replicate the looks in their own homes. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #MaterialSelection #Kravet #LeeJofa #BrunschwigFils #NextWaveDesigners #FamilyRoomDesign

The Block 2021 competition is at its halfway point, with teams focusing on guest bedroom designs and redoing previously judged spaces. This week's tasks included creating well-designed, well-executed rooms, with few building defects reported. Some teams opted for dedicated kids' bedrooms, while others aimed for more flexible design possibilities. A team challenge involved salvaging materials from a boat junkyard to create an item for their rooms. Kirsty and Jesse won this challenge with a rustic stool, earning a $10,000 prize. Controversy arose when teams were allowed to modify their salvaged creations for their bedrooms, leading to disagreements, particularly between Georgia and Tanya. Ronnie and Georgia presented a sophisticated guest bedroom featuring natural light, layered textures, and a subtle pattern mix. Judges praised their striped wallpaper, color palette of soft pink, olive green, and crisp white, and the integrated timber hanging bookshelf. Shaynna awarded them a perfect 10 for the room, noting the improved plastering. For their redo, Ronnie and Georgia enlarged their master walk-in robe by 50%, transforming it into an "amazing room" that would have scored a perfect 30/30 if presented initially. They spent $24,680 and achieved a winning score of 29. Mitch and Mark revamped their guest bedroom, addressing initial feedback of it being bland and claustrophobic. They swapped a queen bed for a double, removed a pendant light to enhance space, and updated the styling with new artwork and striking gold pineapple-based lamps. Shaynna appreciated the "simple and joyful" palette. They also created a gender-neutral jungle-themed kids' bedroom with bunk beds, a play station, and green built-in wardrobe doors. The judges found it "whimsical, playful and fun," though some noted minor issues with finishes. They spent $22,461 and scored 28. Tanya and Vito designed a kids' bedroom with terrazzo wallpaper, oversized bunk beds, a desk, and built-in cabinetry. Their modified challenge piece fit next to the loft bed, receiving judicial approval. However, Shaynna suggested softening the room's sharp edges with a plush chair or rug. After struggling with their mid-century modern style in previous weeks, Shelley Craft took Tanya and Vito to visit Jimmy and Tam's Palm Springs-inspired home from The Block 2020. Inspired by this, Tanya and Vito redid their master ensuite, replacing busy tiling and a vintage light fitting with white tiles and a subtle black wire pendant. Judges were pleased, noting the lighter, more contemporary look. They spent $15,220 and scored 27. Luke and Josh faced challenges, including a crushing defeat and a building code violation for their outdoor bathroom, which required removing external walls. For their guest bedroom, designed for a teenage girl, they installed a bay window with built-in cabinets and an upholstered seat. An asymmetric feature wall of contoured paneling was placed behind the bedhead, and their challenge-made bedside tables were painted black. Shaynna criticized the asymmetric paneling and lack of design ingenuity. The judges also expressed concern about Luke and Josh's budget constraints and styling choices, with Darren suggesting a warmer palette and Neale highlighting their failure to appeal to the target buyer. Their redo of the first bathroom, which was previously deemed "incredibly dated," involved building a timber screen between the vanity and toilet, a change that failed to impress the judges. They spent $17,248 and received a score of 20. Kirsty and Jesse, managing the largest house, presented two bedrooms and worked on their redo room. Their kids' bedroom featured a warm palette with floral wallpaper, dusty pinks, and white linen, complemented by a banquette seat under a plantation-shuttered window and built-in cabinets. Judges praised their lighting choices and Hamptons-style approach, suggesting shelving instead of cupboards. For their redo, Kirsty and Jesse redecorated their week one guest bedroom with a new paint color, updated lamps, and bedside tables. Darren noted the significant improvement, especially with their propeller stool from the challenge. Neale concluded that the room was now "selling the dream." They spent $19,855 and achieved a score of 29.5. The competition progresses to kitchens next week, with some teams adapting to feedback while others maintain their design vision. #TheBlock2021 #GuestBedroom #BedroomDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KidsRoom #BathroomRedo #DesignChallenge

The latest week on 'The Block 2024' saw the competing teams unveil their rumpus and office spaces, alongside finishing their hallways and attending the crucial Domain Buyers Jury night. The Buyers Jury event holds significant weight, often predicting the competition's ultimate winner. This year, underdogs Ricky and Haydn secured the win, earning an additional $50,000. Maddy and Charlotte, despite a challenging 'hell week,' successfully delivered their rumpus room and converted their office into a lounge, aiming for a self-contained guest retreat. The judges, Shaynna, Marty, and Darren, praised their simplified styling, effective lighting plan, and custom finishes. They highlighted the transformation of a window into a door as a 'genius' move, creating a dual-income potential for the property. This strategic change echoed the success of previous winners, Tess and Luke, who also incorporated a guest retreat. Courtney and Grant, despite a hallway win and a bonus point, received negative feedback for their office space. Marty criticized its placement on the mezzanine, calling it a misuse of valuable real estate and linking it to their mezzanine ensuite. Shaynna agreed, noting the low ceiling and poor acoustics made the office feel uncomfortable and poorly suited for a private workspace. The rumpus room, while aesthetically pleasing and 'Instagrammable,' was deemed less functional for a long-term inspection by Marty, who suggested converting it into an additional bedroom suite. Ricky and Haydn, previously struggling, celebrated a turning point with their rumpus and games area. Their decision to create an entertainment-focused 'fun house' resonated with the judges. The room featured a race track print with 'Phillip Island' written on the wall, heavy curtains, and a sofa bed, allowing for conversion into an extra guest bedroom. The mezzanine games room, complete with a pool table, Pac-Man machine, Street Fighter II, and a bar cart, was lauded for its fun factor and strong emotional connection, indicating high rental potential. Kylie and Brad faced significant criticism for their monochromatic office/lounge area. The judges expressed confusion over the space's purpose and layout, with Darren stating they 'dropped the ball' and Shaynna remarking it looked as though the couch was simply 'dropped' into the room. The curved leather couch by the glass balustrade was particularly disliked, described as creating a 'peep show' effect. The adjoining lounge space was also deemed disproportionate and uncomfortable, leading to Marty's final assessment of it being the 'most uncomfortable room' of the season. #TheBlock2024 #RumpusRoomDesign #OfficeSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #RealityTV #HomeDecor #GuestRetreat #EntertainmentRoom

The Blockheads, Ankur and Sharon, faced an immediate challenge on 'The Block' with the House Decider challenge, tasking them to design and present a bedroom. Despite initial confidence, a misinterpretation of advice from Scott Cam during the challenge created complications, intensifying the pressure to complete the room before judging. The final reveal showcased a well-finished room, incorporating a distinctive rustic theme with olive green walls and timber finishes, including prominent ceiling beams and a wooden feature wall behind the bed. The judging panel, comprising Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze, and Darren Palmer, offered a mixed reception to the couple's design. Darren Palmer noted the room's country feel but questioned its geographical origin, suggesting it leaned more French than Australian. He expressed concern that the intensely rustic approach might polarize potential buyers, limiting its market appeal. The design incorporated large timber beams on the roof and the overall aesthetic was described as very rustic. Conversely, Shaynna Blaze praised Ankur and Sharon's dedication and skill, particularly commending the rustic wooden feature wall and the ceiling beams. She acknowledged that the couple successfully achieved their vision of a rustic room, recognizing the significant effort and a keen eye for design. She stated that the execution, despite its rustic intensity, worked well, affirming that they accomplished what they set out to do. Neale Whitaker found the bedroom surprising and "very interesting," remarking on its unexpected nature but conceding its excellent execution. However, he cautioned against extending this specific rustic concept throughout the entire house, implying a need for design diversification in subsequent rooms. The room also featured red and patterned pillowcases, which enhanced the rustic theme, along with minimalist timber furniture, such as a cabinet and a bedroom chair, to maintain a clean aesthetic. The rustic feature wall blended hints of green, brown, and gold in its timber, complemented by a gold side table. While Ankur and Sharon received commendation for their efforts and the distinct character of their bedroom, the judges' feedback indicated a desire for them to broaden their design approach beyond the singular rustic theme. This suggestion highlighted the importance of creating a home with broader appeal to potential buyers, suggesting that while their initial room was well-executed, a more versatile design strategy would be beneficial for future challenges. The episode concluded with a clear message for the team to consider evolving their style to cater to a wider audience. #TheBlock2022 #RoomReveal #BedroomDesign #RusticDecor #HouseDeciderChallenge #AnkurAndSharon #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation

This article details the collaborative effort behind the transformation of a formerly notorious beach lot at 11 E. Asheville Street into a modern coastal haven in Wrightsville Beach. The project was a result of the combined expertise of homebuilder Tanner Konrady of Konrady & Son Construction, Architect Eric Jabaley of Dogwood Architecture, and Lead Designer Brandy Crawford of Bridgett Mazer Interiors, all working closely with homeowners Wanda and Ron Copley. The Copleys initially purchased a property known for its past as a fraternity party house, with the intention of tearing down the existing structure and building a new home. Their decision to work with Tanner Konrady stemmed from his previous work repairing their condo after Hurricane Florence, establishing a foundation of trust. Konrady, a fourth-generation builder with extensive experience in coastal construction, emphasized the importance of durability and low maintenance in beach environments. His approach involved building with consideration for salt air, high humidity, storm exposure, and sun damage, utilizing materials like closed-cell foam insulation, sound-dampening interior walls, hurricane-rated windows, and pre-finished PVC siding and concrete-look panel systems that are designed for longevity and minimal upkeep. Konrady's team also facilitated the installation of expansive sliding doors and oversized windows to maximize ocean views and promote indoor-outdoor living, requiring careful structural planning. The architectural vision, led by Eric Jabaley, focused on creating a modern yet coastal-inspired home that blended with the local aesthetic while capturing ocean views. Jabaley worked to incorporate Wanda Copley's sophisticated vision, which desired a modern design rooted in the Wrightsville Beach vernacular. A key design element is the top-floor main living area, which extends onto a spacious wraparound porch through large sliding doors, effectively creating an additional outdoor room for relaxation and entertaining. This seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces allows residents to fully experience the coastal environment. Brandy Crawford, the lead designer, guided the interior aesthetic toward a "coastal modern" style, incorporating light, clean lines, and a less fussy approach. Wanda Copley's bold sense of style and love for color, particularly pink, were central to the interior design. This is most notably expressed in "The Pink Room," an office that doubles as a guest suite, featuring a hot pink sleeper sofa, ottomans, acrylic chairs, and pink cabinetry. Other design highlights include a powder bath with a floating, backlit vanity, and a wall-mounted resin art installation by Alex Turco in the second-level sitting room, referred to as "living glass." The home also includes an independent downstairs suite for the Copleys' daughter, complete with a kitchenette, en suite, and private porch, designed for independent living. The success of the project is attributed to the strong synergy and communication among the homeowner, builder, architect, and designer. The team's collaborative approach and shared commitment to the client's vision resulted in a custom-crafted home that reflects a unique lifestyle and personality. The project serves as an example of how a unified team can transform a challenging property into a beautiful and functional coastal residence, built to withstand environmental elements while exuding modern elegance. #CoastalRetreat #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #WrightsvilleBeach #Architect #CoastalConstruction #Homebuilder #ModernHome #Innovation

The third episode of HGTV's "Rock the Block" challenged teams of veteran and rookie designers to transform expansive main suites, encompassing the primary bedroom, bath, closet, and balcony. The episode featured four design teams, each approaching the challenge with unique styles and strategies, ultimately judged by Ray and Eilyn Jimenez from "Divided by Design." Alison Victoria and Michel Smith Boyd, known for their refined rustic aesthetic, focused on reconfiguring the layout to expand the closet space. Their design included a freestanding tub and green tile, mirroring elements from their kitchen, and an elevated bed platform with French doors leading to the balcony. While judges praised the overall design, they noted some awkwardness in the layout. Cole and Chelsea DeBoer aimed to build on their previous success with a cowboy contemporary theme. They opted for a less aggressive approach to layout changes, instead incorporating custom details such as arched doorways with tambour paneling. High-end finishes, a sauna, a vanity in the closet, a balcony pergola, and a washer/dryer were also included. The judges particularly favored their bedroom design and the attention given to the balcony. Jonathan and Jordan Knight, seeking to rebound from a previous loss, concentrated their efforts on the bathroom, featuring custom tile work, a copper tub, and a double vanity. They revised the closet layout for increased space and custom details, installed a fireplace, and added glass paneling to the balcony doors. However, a specific design choice—paneling extending from above the bed to the ceiling—was not well-received by the judges, despite their overall modern farmhouse intention. Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama, from "Renovation Aloha," reimagined the layout to maximize views, implementing a moody modern aesthetic. Their suite included a built-in sauna, a double-sided fireplace, and a washer/dryer within the closet. They utilized a custom headboard and made cost-effective decisions like large-scale bathroom tiles. While the judges appreciated the design and flow, they pointed out issues such as exposed LED lighting. Following deliberation, Ray and Eilyn Jimenez declared Jonathan and Jordan Knight as the winners, citing their luxurious bathroom as the deciding factor. This decision, however, sparked considerable debate among HGTV fans on social media. Viewers questioned the criteria, particularly given that other teams had incorporated more functional and value-adding features like saunas and washer/dryers, suggesting that a visually appealing bathroom alone might not constitute the best overall value or design in a competition of this nature. Many expressed confusion, urging the judges' reasoning to be clarified and challenging the objectivity of the outcome, implying that the win might have been influenced by a desire to balance wins among the competing teams. #HGTV #RockTheBlock #HomeDesign #MainSuiteRenovation #InteriorDesign #RealityTV #DesignCompetition #HomeRenovation #HGTVFanReaction

A recent event at Story in Chelsea brought together design enthusiasts and industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of design. The conversation featured Story's founder, Rachel Shechtman, renowned interior decorator and product designer Nate Berkus, and Target's director of home product design, Greg Van Bellinger. Story, known for its dynamic retail concept that refreshes its decor, layout, and product offerings every few months, provided a fitting backdrop for the discussion. This season's theme, "Home for the Holidays," was sponsored by Target and showcased designs from collaborators like Berkus and Toms, all within a rustic-chic aesthetic. The discussion delved into various aspects of design, ranging from personal inspirations to the future of the industry in the digital age. Nate Berkus shared an anecdote about a tortoiseshell, a memento from his mother's vacation, which later inspired a faux version he developed for Target. This highlighted the personal and often unexpected origins of design ideas. The panel also explored the profound impact of digital technology on the design process and consumer engagement. Berkus pointed out that in an era of constant social media sharing, liking, and uploading, designers now have unprecedented visibility into the "full life cycle of a product." This allows them to track a product from its initial design stages through its use by a customer, even if that customer is thousands of miles away and sharing their experience on platforms like Instagram. Conversely, consumers, by following their favorite designers on social media, become more intimately involved with and informed about the design process itself, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. Greg Van Bellinger added that the increasing integration of innovative web and tech design across nearly every industry has elevated the importance of design. He posited that "design is finally getting a seat at the table," indicating a growing recognition of its strategic value and influence. Furthermore, Van Bellinger observed a shift in consumer expectations: people are increasingly interested in the "story behind their products." This includes understanding the inspiration, the techniques employed, the genesis of the product, and its underlying purpose. This demand for transparency and narrative is compelling the industry towards more conscious, purposeful, and globally-minded design practices. The collaborative efforts and perspectives shared by Berkus, Shechtman, and Van Bellinger suggest they are well-aligned with these emerging trends in the design world. #NateBerkus #Target #Story #DesignTalk #HomeDecor #ProductDesign #RetailInnovation #DigitalDesign #HomeForTheHolidays