7 Lessons From a Fashion Designer's Closet Every Girl Can Use

Sheena Murphy, founder of nune studio, offers insights into her approach to interior design, emphasizing that thoughtful design enhances overall wellbeing. Her style is characterized as modern, eclectic, layered, and planet-aware, reflecting her belief in creating comfortable and livable spaces. Murphy has completed projects in both London and the US, currently basing her operations in London while incorporating a distinctive "Stateside cool" into her designs. She identifies her 8th Street Townhouse and Charles Street projects as personal favorites, highlighting the collaborative process involved in their creation, whether with architects or directly with contractors. Murphy primarily uses neutrals, particularly warmer tones, as foundational backdrops, citing Farrow & Ball's Purbeck Stone, Ammonite, Elephant’s Breath, and Jitney, along with Atelier Ellis’s Stony Plaster, as preferred choices. She expresses a particular enjoyment in designing children's rooms, which she finds allow for a more playful and whimsical approach, demanding multi-functionality and adaptability due to children's rapid development. These spaces often push her to experiment with color and pattern more extensively. Her creative process is also significantly influenced by the simplicity and natural beauty of the British countryside, which she finds invigorating. For timeless interiors, she admires Vincent Van Duysen and Axel Vervoodt, while for contemporary and layered designs, she looks to Decus Interiors, Templeton Architecture, and Ashe Leandro. She also keeps an eye on the distinctive work of designers like Brian Paquette, Rose Uniacke, and Disc Interiors, and draws inspiration from Instagram accounts such as Sarah Elliott, Rebecca Wakefield, The Modern House, and Genevieve Lutkin. When initiating a room design, Murphy prioritizes surveying the space and taking detailed measurements of existing architectural elements. For small spaces, she recommends investing in lighting, window treatments, and sofas, noting that curtains or roman shades and sculptural lighting can significantly transform a room. Sofas are considered a crucial investment due to their frequent use. In large open-plan areas, her strategy focuses on creating defined zones through furniture and textiles, emphasizing the importance of space planning, furniture layouts, rugs, lighting, and storage to provide division and definition. Regarding decorating, Murphy's color scheme and mood board development are informed by the property’s external environment, the client’s lifestyle, and the home’s architecture. This comprehensive approach guides the selection of color palettes, forms, and materials, influencing shapes and styles. For a single room, she typically uses one wall color, accentuating architectural details with tonal variations. She appreciates mixing patterns but stresses the importance of scale to allow each pattern to stand out, with the number of patterns varying based on room size and type. For eclectic furniture arrangements, a unifying color palette is essential to prevent a chaotic atmosphere. Murphy advises against chasing trends, advocating for timeless designs and planet-friendly, natural materials that ensure longevity. She encourages purchasing items loved and intended for long-term use, ensuring they serve a purpose and connect with other aesthetic elements. Functionality is paramount in kitchen design. While she favors wood and limestone for flooring, she cautions against wood for messy cooks due to maintenance. Limestone is highlighted as a durable, cost-effective, and easy-to-maintain natural alternative. For worktops, marble is her preferred choice, although she suggests limestone or quartzite as natural alternatives for those hesitant about marble's cost or perceived delicacy. She avoids porcelain or quartz, favoring natural stones, but acknowledges stainless steel for its utilitarian appeal in avid cooks' kitchens. Paint colors are always selected in natural daylight, with attention paid to bulb temperature to avoid distortion. Finally, Murphy advises splurging on lighting and vintage pieces, while saving on occasional items like side tables, secondary chairs, and accessories. For budget-conscious projects, prioritizing paint and lighting is key. She concludes by listing her preferred vendors for various interior design elements, including furniture, fabrics, joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, wallpaper, paint, lighting, flooring, tiles, and kitchen hardware. #InteriorDesign #SheenaMurphy #NuneStudio #HomeDecor #DesignTips #EcoFriendlyDesign #NeutralPalette #SpacePlanning #KitchenDesign

The article details five invaluable decorating tips derived from the Dorothy Draper Design Weekend held at The Greenbrier, a historic resort renowned for its design legacy. This annual event celebrates the maximalist style championed by American design icon Dorothy Draper and her protégé, Carleton Varney. The author, Christiana Roussel, attended the event, which included tours of the resort's upholstery shop, floral arranging classes, lectures, workshops, receptions, and dinners, all led by Dorothy Draper & Company President Sebastian Varney (Carleton Varney's son) and Design Director Rudy Saunders. The experience offered a renewed perspective on incorporating bold patterns and colors into home décor, emphasizing an approach to design that is both playful and personal. The first tip is to avoid taking design too seriously. Dorothy Draper’s famous tagline, “Decorating is fun,” underscores the idea that creating a stylish space should be an enjoyable process, not an overly complicated one. Rudy Saunders encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, suggesting simple changes like adding colorful throw pillows or repainting a room in a bright hue. He also advocates for using beautiful pieces in everyday life, rather than reserving them for special occasions, asserting that a beautiful, lived-in feeling is accessible to everyone. The second tip emphasizes the importance of mixing contrasting patterns fearlessly. The article highlights how Saunders and Interior Design Project Manager Merriweather Franklin demonstrate this through multi-layered inspirational vignettes using swatches and trims. Examples include drapes backed with coordinating fabric reappearing on upholstered chairs, floral wallpaper contrasting with a boldly painted ceiling, and varied patterns in bedroom textiles, such as sweeping valance designs grounded by tighter bedskirt patterns. For residential projects, the article notes that integrating the client’s individual tastes and existing furniture is crucial, adapting the Draper aesthetic to create a personalized space. Thirdly, the article discusses the harmonious interplay of whimsy and symmetry in design. The author observed that despite the resort’s abundance of fun florals and happy plaids, a strong sense of symmetry grounds the spaces. Intentional placement of furniture, doors, and windows balances the playful fabrics and wall coverings, allowing the patterns to thrive within a structured environment. Saunders explains that this seemingly 'over-the-top' style is actually streamlined by order and symmetry, often featuring a single prominent painting instead of a gallery wall. He also notes how Carleton Varney updated Mrs. Draper’s original window treatments at The Greenbrier by using new fabrics in the same classic shapes, adding new elements while maintaining the tailored lines. The fourth tip encourages starting small when incorporating bold design elements. The author, whose personal aesthetic leans more subdued, found herself drawn to a tobacco leaf pattern during a tour of the upholstery shop. She realized that while she might not adopt a floor-to-ceiling floral approach, integrating a few key pieces like linens or accent pillows could channel Dorothy Draper’s infectious embrace of color into her home. For those desiring a full Greenbrier experience, Rudy Saunders and Sebastian Varney offer their services to reimagine entire rooms and homes, bringing the Dorothy Draper “joie de vivre” to clients nationwide. Finally, the article reiterates Dorothy Draper’s truism, “If It Looks Right, It Is Right.” This philosophy advocates for personalizing one’s home with décor, finds, treasures, and colors that bring individual joy. The author shares her own examples of filling her home with items she loves, such as bird’s nests, tortoise shells, pheasant feathers, and the color Hermès orange, prioritizing a sense of place and personal happiness over fleeting trends. This approach suggests that authentic design stems from what feels inherently right to the homeowner. #DorothyDraper #DesignTips #MaximalistStyle #GreenbrierResort #InteriorDesign #PatternMixing #ColorInDecor #HomeDecorating #DesignPhilosophy

Mike Harrison, a New York City designer, has become renowned for transforming the often cramped and uninspiring Broadway dressing rooms into functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Initially, Harrison undertook a single project to design a dressing room for his friend and 'Hamilton' star Leslie Odom Jr. in 2015. This project gained significant attention after being featured in a Playbill article, leading to a surge in demand for his services within the theater community. Within five years, Harrison had designed over 100 dressing rooms for a roster of A-list celebrities, including Cynthia Erivo, Lupita Nyong'o, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Groban, and Amy Schumer. He also manages numerous residential projects in the city and is currently developing a TV series centered on his expertise in small-space makeovers, often executed with limited budgets. Harrison emphasizes that small spaces offer an opportunity for significant impact in a short time, making redecoration less daunting. Harrison's decorating philosophy centers on several key principles. First, he advocates for intentional design that embraces the inherent characteristics of a small space rather than attempting to conceal them. For instance, in Ben Platt’s 'Dear Evan Hansen' dressing room, an exposed overhead pipe was painted fire-engine red, transforming a potential eyesore into an intentional design element. Similarly, an awkward nook in another dressing room was converted into a chic bar alcove, becoming a favorite feature for the client. This approach suggests that instead of hiding flaws, they should be highlighted to appear purposeful. Secondly, Harrison encourages considering alternative uses for furniture. He points out that smaller items, such as end or side tables, can function effectively as coffee tables in compact rooms. Given that actors frequently host guests post-show, he favors dual-purpose, easily movable furniture like stools that can double as accent tables or extra seating. Thirdly, maximizing lighting options is crucial. Harrison aims for his clients to avoid overhead lighting by incorporating a variety of table, floor, and task lamps. This allows for flexible mood control, enabling spaces to shift from bright work zones for makeup and costumes to dimly lit lounges suitable for relaxation or socializing after a performance. Fourth, Harrison strongly advises designing vertically. When Katrina Lenk desired a bar in her dressing room, he overcame space constraints by installing wall-mounted shelves, providing storage for glassware and bottles without occupying precious floor space. Floating shelves and gallery walls are also recommended to draw the eye upward, effectively utilizing a room's height and creating an illusion of greater space. Fifth, Harrison, an accomplished muralist, champions the use of paint to create architectural interest and transform walls in boxy rooms. He uses abstract diagonal lines, geometric shapes, or even bold murals, such as a palm design in his own bathroom, for more adventurous clients. For those with a more conservative taste, an accent wall can achieve a similar effect. In studio apartments, he suggests painting a color block behind a sofa or bed and pairing it with a gallery wall to define distinct living and sleeping areas without requiring artistic skill, using either contrasting or subtly darker tones. Sixth, Harrison utilizes rugs to delineate separate areas and infuse coziness into multi-functional spaces. In studio apartments, individual rugs can anchor a bed, sofa, and dining table, creating visual separation without physical barriers. In even smaller areas, layering rugs adds texture, contrast, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of Moroccan design, encouraging occupants to comfortably sit on the floor. Finally, Harrison emphasizes the importance of eclectic styling. He believes that mixing styles prevents small rooms from appearing monotonous or impersonal, making the space more engaging. This approach also allows for easy integration of new accessories or art pieces as tastes evolve, facilitating frequent updates to the room's aesthetic. #SmallSpaceDecorating #InteriorDesignTips #BroadwayDressingRooms #MikeHarrison #VerticalDesign #MultifunctionalFurniture #CreativeLighting #PaintAsArchitecture #EclecticStyle

This article, written by a Domino editor with eight years of experience, explores eight effective design tricks for enhancing closets. The author, Lydia Geisel, frequently encounters diverse closet designs during home tours and shares insights gained from observing how individuals organize and personalize these spaces. The first trick involves using curtains to conceal closet openings, offering a simple and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional doors. Examples include basic white linen or velvet for a serene look, or whimsical balloon-style draping for a more playful touch. The second tip focuses on elevating standard bifold doors, which are often problematic. The suggestion is to clad them with decorative elements like squiggly molding and chalk paint to add visual interest, making them less obtrusive and more integrated into the room's design. The third trick addresses maximizing hanging space by reconfiguring closet interiors. This is illustrated by a renovation that transformed a single-rod closet into one with multiple rods and floor-to-ceiling shelves within the original footprint, significantly increasing storage capacity, particularly for stacked items. Creating a functional and stylish closet island from kitchen cabinets is the fourth design hack. This technique involves using pre-made cabinet units, often in conjunction with existing furniture like a vintage table, to add drawers for accessories such as jewelry and sunglasses, providing both a surface and organized storage. The fifth trick involves integrating an old armoire into a custom built-in closet system. Instead of discarding an antique piece, the legs are removed, and the armoire is incorporated into a wall, flanked by new cabinets and an open shoe rack, blending old and new elements seamlessly. Making closet doors disappear with wallpaper is the sixth technique, where doors are covered with the same wallpaper as the surrounding walls. This creates a continuous visual flow, effectively camouflaging the closet and preventing it from disrupting the room's aesthetic. The seventh idea offers a multi-functional solution: transforming a walk-in closet into a guest bedroom. This is achieved through the clever use of casters for easy furniture rearrangement and a hidden Murphy bed behind shelves, allowing for adaptable space utilization. The final trick highlights the potential of IKEA's Pax system for creating extensive and customized closet solutions at a fraction of the cost of custom-built alternatives. An example showcases a comprehensive Pax closet renovation featuring ample hanging space, specialized 'denim bars,' T-shirt drawers, and floor-to-ceiling cubbies for various storage needs, demonstrating how a significant closet upgrade can be achieved economically. #ClosetOrganization #HomeDesign #StorageSolutions #DIYHome #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaces #RenovationTips #IKEAHacks

Interior designers possess a unique ability to transform any space, from a neglected room to a blank canvas, into an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment. This article delves into six such 'secrets' that professional designers employ to achieve magazine-worthy results, often overlooked by the general public. These strategies emphasize foundational elements, subtle details, and impactful accents that collectively elevate a home's design. One significant technique involves manipulating architectural elements, specifically by incorporating vaulted ceilings. Designer Suzanne Barrow frequently includes vaulted ceilings in renovations or new builds. These ceilings add considerable architectural character, whether through a subtle pitch, exposed beams, or a full cathedral style. By turning the ceiling into a focal point, this design choice transforms an often-ignored surface into a defining feature that dramatically enhances the overall house design and visual appeal. Another crucial, yet often underestimated, detail is the strategic concealment of outlets. Yvonne Harty, a Sacramento-based interior designer, highlights the transformative power of these minor adjustments. While furniture can effectively hide outlets in living areas, Harty offers specific solutions for kitchens. She recommends concealing outlets under upper cabinets, within drawers, or utilizing flush-mount outlets. This practice maintains clean and visually uninterrupted backsplashes, a priority especially with the rising trend of stone backsplashes over traditional tiles. Furthermore, gaining a fresh perspective on one's living space is essential for identifying and rectifying design flaws. Reanna Channer, founder of Design to Elevate, suggests photographing a room to achieve this objective. She learned early in her career that photography acts as a powerful diagnostic tool, revealing precisely what needs adjustment in a space that feels 'off.' This objective visual assessment can pinpoint issues that are otherwise difficult to perceive with the naked eye. The foundation of a well-designed room, according to Channer, lies in meticulous furniture layout. She advocates for using an area rug as a guiding element for furniture arrangement. An area rug serves as an ultimate tool for defining a space, grounding key furniture pieces, and establishing clear pathways for movement, thereby enhancing both functionality and aesthetic coherence. Lighting, often considered solely for its practical purpose, is another area where designers implement impactful strategies. Relying on a single light source is a common oversight. Instead, designers, such as Barrow, emphasize layering multiple light sources, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. Each type of lighting contributes to creating a specific mood or 'moment' within the home, serving both decorative and functional roles simultaneously. Finally, an accessible yet impactful accessory for instantly elevating a room is the use of a large vase filled with sprawling branches. Channer suggests this as a cost-effective way to introduce significant drama and scale into a space. This accent can draw attention away from undecorated areas and instantly refresh a room's appearance. The principle here is often to 'go bigger,' selecting generously sized branches to maximize visual impact. These six designer secrets, from architectural enhancements to subtle decor choices, underscore the nuanced approach professionals take to create harmonious and visually appealing interiors. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #SpacePlanning #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #FurnitureArrangement #DIYDesign #KitchenDesign

This blog post offers extensive advice from various professionals in the design industry for individuals aspiring to become interior designers. It compiles insights from interior designers, artists, editors, and business owners, covering aspects like inspiration, unique career paths, and valuable career advice. The overarching theme emphasizes passion, continuous learning, and practical experience. Shea McGee, owner of Studio McGee, highlights that her passion for interior design was all-consuming. She advocates for constant evolution, quoting Martha Stewart: "When you're through changing, you're through." Anita Yokota, an interior designer, stylist, and photographer, found inspiration in her architect father and her childhood love for rearranging furniture. Her key advice is to embrace learning curves and appreciate the journey of gaining experience. Joy Cho, founder of Oh Joy!, shares a unique path, starting her design company through freelancing during a career transition. She advises aspiring designers to gain experience through internships, build a portfolio showcasing desired work, and proactively approach companies rather than waiting for job openings. Leanne Ford, designer and host of HGTV's "Restored by The Fords," encourages a "SAY YES!" attitude, urging individuals to take opportunities even if they feel unprepared and to figure things out along the way. She emphasizes kindness and the idea that passion and inherent talent ("IT") are more crucial than formal education in a creative field. Stephanie Watkins, a designer and blogger behind Casa Watkins Living, expresses her lifelong love for creation and using design as an artistic outlet. Her advice is to follow one's passions and take the plunge, asserting that it's never too late to pursue what you love. Sarah Wittenbraker, founder of SARAH WITTENBRAKER INTERIORS, advises starting immediately—asking questions, seeking internships, and building a portfolio. She stresses the importance of understanding the business side of design, including marketing, sales, and bookkeeping, and advocates for running a business with integrity. Tara Oxley, owner of Eugene & Co and Chick’y’s General Store, recounts her candid approach in job interviews and highlights the importance of honesty and resilience. She draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt's quote about the "man in the arena," emphasizing that trying and potentially failing is better than never attempting. Nicole Gibbons, an interior designer and TV personality, advises paying dues, being humble, and learning from mistakes. She emphasizes the value of finding a mentor for guidance and support. Corey Damen Jenkins, a principal interior designer, reflects on his lifelong interest in design from a young age. His valuable career advice is to help clients spend money wisely, rather than just save it, which shifts the designer's approach. Duffy Stone, owner of Studio Duffy, emphasizes gaining diverse experience within the industry and actively creating and showcasing work to demonstrate one's style and capabilities. Rebecca Atwood, a designer, artist, and author, found her calling in creating environments and objects. She advises tailoring portfolios to specific companies, putting in extra effort, and not being discouraged if the first job isn't a dream job, as all experiences offer learning opportunities. Robin Wilson, CEO of Robin Wilson Home, was inspired by her family's rental properties and took an unconventional route, pursuing a Master's in Real Estate Finance. She highlights the business aspect of design, stressing the importance of a good attorney, bookkeeper, and cash flow for long-term success. Eddie Lee, owner of Eddie Lee Inc., realized his passion for design by reflecting on childhood interests. He shares a story of landing his first job through a timely encounter and a challenging on-the-job interview. Elaina Sullivan, style editor at Domino Magazine, was inspired by an interior designer friend and discovered her passion for styling and set-building through an internship at Martha Stewart. She encourages aspiring designers to reach out to admired professionals and never give up. Tiffany Brooks, HGTV Host and interior designer, found her calling during a stressful period when she redecorated a model home, which won an award. She advises pricing services according to their worth to establish professional value. Vanessa Deleon, CEO of Vanessa Deleon Associates, developed her design interest working in her family's furniture store. She emphasizes patience, delayed gratification, and the "triple D" model: Drive, Dedication, and Discipline. Claudia Stephenson, Director of Operations at Cultiver, advises having a clear vision of personal style and being authentic. She also suggests starting at the bottom, working for free for inspiring individuals, and treating everyone with respect. Erika Hollinshead Ward, owner of Erika Ward Interiors LLC, leveraged her business education in accounting before fully committing to interior design. Her advice includes building a board of advisors, connecting with peers, working hard, and maintaining a spiritual practice. #InteriorDesign #CareerAdvice #DesignIndustry #CreativeCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment #DesignInspiration #Entrepreneurship #PortfolioBuilding #Networking

This article offers practical advice on how to maximize closet space, drawing insights from Miki Matsumoto, a Senior Designer with Closets by Design. The first tip emphasizes the importance of decluttering, suggesting that individuals remove unnecessary belongings to free up space. Matsumoto recommends watching "The Konmari Method" on Netflix as a way to learn how to let go of items. The second tip focuses on mastering "the fold," advising that certain clothing items like jeans, sweaters, and T-shirts should be folded rather than hung. Folding jeans helps them maintain shape and allows for stacking on shelves or in drawers. Sweaters, when folded, retain their condition and fit neatly into drawers or shelves. T-shirts also benefit from folding for space efficiency, with rolling being an alternative to avoid wrinkles. The third tip suggests rotating seasonal clothing, encouraging readers to pack away out-of-season items, such as winter sweaters in summer, and store them in alternative locations like attics or garages. This strategy dedicates the main closet space to currently relevant attire. The fourth piece of advice highlights the effective use of containers for small items. Matsumoto recommends using baskets, stackable containers, or drawer dividers to organize accessories like belts and scarves on shelves, preventing clutter. The final tip provides methods for creating the illusion of more space within a closet. Simple aesthetic changes like adding lights, hanging a mirror on a wall, keeping the floor clear, and installing a sliding door can make a closet appear larger. The article concludes by encouraging readers to contact Closets by Design for their closet, storage, and organization needs, offering a free in-home design consultation. #ClosetOrganization #SpaceSaving #HomeDesign #Decluttering #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesignTips #SeasonalClothing #MikiMatsumoto #ClosetsByDesign

Mimi Shin, a UCLA-trained architect and interior designer, brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply influenced by her decade-long career as a fashion editor at prestigious magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Shin’s design philosophy emphasizes a foundational approach to space, prioritizing timeless, handcrafted materials, and graceful proportions, similar to how a fashion editor would focus on the silhouette of an outfit. She integrates carefully curated accessories to elevate the overall design, treating them as analogous to the finishing touches in fashion. This methodology is evident in her personal Venice bungalow remodel, which serves as a prime example of her ability to blend new construction with existing character. Shin's journey into interior design was sparked by a realization that her passion lay in the broader aspects of design rather than solely clothing. After a transformative dream, she pursued architecture at UCLA, attracted by its innovative 3D modeling program. Her architectural education provided her with a comprehensive understanding of construction, zoning laws, building codes, and materials, which she considers crucial for establishing credibility in a male-dominated field. She notes the importance for women in the industry to be highly qualified and knowledgeable, enabling them to confidently engage with other architects. In her professional practice, Shin has cultivated a loyal client base among Los Angeles's creative and executive communities, including Hollywood writers, producers, and Snapchat executives. Her clients value her design expertise and her distinctive fashion background. Her own home, a Spanish colonial beach shack in Venice, showcases her design principles. Facing the need for more space, Shin opted for a thoughtful expansion rather than a complete demolition, adding a second story to the main house and constructing a discrete two-story back house. This expansion respects the original character of the bungalow while addressing modern needs, including additional bathrooms and a media room. The outdoor space of her Venice home further exemplifies her innovative approach, featuring a rectangular pool, an outdoor dining area, and a wooden sauna nestled within an ORCA-designed urban garden. The design cleverly integrates these elements without making the lot feel crowded, maintaining a sense of openness and surprise for visitors. Shin consciously preserved the original footprint and scale of her bungalow, contrasting with the “raze and rebuild” philosophy sometimes taught in architecture school. She implemented design choices such as limewashed plaster walls to create a lived-in, authentic feel, preferring this over the sterile appearance of new drywall. Shin's fashion background is particularly evident in her approach to accessories and finishes. She integrates vintage furniture pieces, like a Charlotte Perriand chaise lounge, which add character and a sense of history, much like a stylist would use a worn item to add authenticity to an outfit. Her bathrooms feature an artful mix of tiles by Nathalie du Pasquier for Mutina, custom stained-glass windows, and fixtures chosen for their aesthetic appeal, often resembling jewelry. She actively seeks wall sconces that evoke earrings, highlighting her continuous thought process regarding lighting as a form of adornment. Her work demonstrates a cohesive integration of fashion-forward detailing with solid architectural principles, resulting in effortlessly beautiful and deeply personalized spaces. #MimiShin #InteriorDesign #FashionEditor #HomeTours #VeniceBungalow #ArchitecturalDesign #Remodeling #DesignPhilosophy #CreativeSpaces

New York interior designer TC Chou, founder of Design Determination, suggests that the foundation of effective home design or redesign often lies in a client's wardrobe. He posits a direct correlation between personal fashion choices and interior design preferences, emphasizing that individual style, expressed through clothing, fabrics, and colors, can be seamlessly translated into living spaces. Chou initiates his design process by examining a client's closet to gain insights into their preferred color palettes, textures, and overall aesthetic. He observes that favorite colors, whether vibrant or neutral, and textural preferences in clothing, such as refined or structured, offer significant clues for interior applications. The concept of "quiet luxury" currently prevalent in fashion, characterized by neutrals, earth tones, and textured fabrics, is noted by Chou as a trend that also influences home interiors. He believes that the personal style clients exhibit when they dress can and should extend to their homes, influencing elements like curtains, tablecloths, and other decorative details. Chou's design philosophy incorporates longevity, aiming for designs that last five to ten years, with a particular focus on accessories. He encourages clients to explore their personal style, as he believes they will ultimately gravitate towards what they genuinely love, making fashion a reliable indicator of their core aesthetic. Chou's approach is deeply personal and inquisitive, involving an understanding of his clients' lifestyles. He sees private residential interior design as an opportunity to intimately understand their preferences, including their favorite colors and fashion sense, which he then translates into their living environments. An example of this is a client who loved jewelry with floral embellishments, inspiring Chou to create a custom chandelier with crystal birds and branches, making it a focal point akin to a piece of jewelry. Similarly, he has crafted unique star-burst chandeliers from antique fixtures, blending historical elements with modern design, drawing inspiration from various sources including iconic architecture. Accessories, such as handbags and jewelry, serve as metaphors for interior accessories like pillows, throws, fixtures, and lighting, guiding design choices. While some elements like curtains might be more easily replaceable, Chou notes that much of his custom work is rooted in a client's fundamental preferences. He describes the process of understanding a client's stylistic heart as akin to "dating," emphasizing the importance of trust built over several meetings to ensure a good match for the project. When designing walk-in closets, Chou focuses on accommodating diverse tastes, from large hats and tote bags to extensive shoe collections, having worked on such projects from New York to Taiwan. His closet designs often incorporate mirrored walls to expand space and include compartmentalized organization units for treasured items. Chou highlights a project in a French-inspired penthouse where fabrics and accessories sourced from a Paris antique market were used to reupholster and refinish the space, creating a high-fashion ambiance. He notes a growing trend towards transforming closets into museum-like experiences, viewing them as sacred spaces for fashion items. Proper lighting in closets is crucial, according to Chou, to ensure that the true colors of outfits are accurately perceived. His extensive portfolio includes projects in prestigious locations such as The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Upper East Side penthouses, Greenwich Village lofts, the Steinway Building, and a pied-à-terre in the Pierre Hotel, often involving intricate details like custom wall coverings and Venetian plaster for clients with specific luxury tastes. #InteriorDesign #FashionInfluence #TCChou #DesignDetermination #PersonalStyle #HomeDecor #ClosetDesign #LuxuryInteriors #CustomDesign

The article details the transformation of fashion, home, and lifestyle blogger Rachel Parcell's walk-in closet, initially driven by her overflowing wardrobe. Faced with a burgeoning collection of clothes and accessories, particularly following the launch of her own clothing line, Parcell decided to edit down her belongings. Her initial strategy involved purging brightly colored items, opting instead for a palette dominated by whites, blacks, and pinks, complemented by new black accents. This process was aimed at making the space feel refreshed without a complete structural overhaul. Parcell achieved a significant update by simply rearranging and color-coordinating her existing accessories and clothing. She utilized her collection of hats, jewelry, and sunglasses as decorative elements, rather than introducing traditional home decor items. This approach turned her closet into a visually appealing display of her fashion treasures. The foundational design of the closet, established three years prior, was a collaborative effort between Parcell and interior designer Jessica Bennett of Alice Lane Home Collection. The design inspiration for the room was deeply personal, stemming from Bennett's request for Parcell to identify her favorite clothing pieces. A light pink polka dot blouse, for instance, inspired the custom roman shades in the closet. The prevalence of leopard print among her favorite items led to the selection of a bold leopard print carpet for the floors, injecting an edgy contrast into the otherwise feminine space. A key focal point of the room's design was a pink fringe chandelier, chosen by Parcell for its trend-aligned aesthetic and personal resonance at the time of design. Additionally, the closet features a cream-colored desk and chair, serving as Parcell's daily workspace for her blog. A light pink ottoman in her shoe closet, initially an extension of the main closet, became a dedicated space for her extensive shoe collection. This adjustment was necessary due to her growing number of shoes and allowed her to preserve sentimental pairs, such as those worn on her first date, wedding, and engagement shoot, while still accommodating new additions. The overall design results in a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing space. #RachelParcell #WalkInCloset #HomeDecor #ClosetDesign #InteriorDesign #FashionBlogger #PinkPeonies #HomeRenovation

This article presents a curated list of 13 gift ideas aimed at enhancing a woman's wardrobe and closet space, transforming it into a 'dream closet.' The focus is on items that blend fashion with home decor and organization, offering practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions for a personalized and functional space. The gift guide acknowledges the increased focus on home environments and provides a range of suggestions, from sensory elements like diffusers to functional furniture and stylish organizational tools. The first recommendation is the pura X Nest Fragrances Smart Home Festive Diffuser Set, which uses a smart plugin diffuser to infuse the space with scents like bamboo and grapefruit, creating a desired ambiance without occupying valuable dresser space. Following this, the Lucky Brand Uni Fit High Rise Skinny Jean is highlighted as a foundational wardrobe piece, celebrated for its 'one-size-fits-many' technology and high-stretch fabric, promising comfort and versatility. To add a touch of glamour, the Vanity Lights Strip Kit is suggested, allowing for easy installation on existing mirrors to provide soft, dimmable lighting, reminiscent of a Hollywood-style setup. Organizational elements are addressed with Monogram Wall Hooks from Anthropologie, offering a chic and personalized solution for hanging robes, purses, and scarves. For seating within the closet, a Velvet Ottoman from West Elm is proposed, a slim yet sturdy option for putting on shoes. Apparel continues with the Lucky Brand Sueded Terry Joggers and the matching Relaxed Terry Crew, promoting comfort and style for everyday wear, emphasizing the soft texture and rosy hue. The guide also suggests a Sheepskin Rug from Wayfair, a small 2' x 3' rug designed to add an instant touch of luxury and comfort underfoot. Further organization comes in the form of Gold Wire Baskets from CB2, presented as an elevated solution for categorizing items like jeans or preventing bags from cluttering. Metallic Hangers are recommended to replace mismatched hangers, providing a uniform and elegant look while also being functional with curved edges and shoulder grooves to protect clothing. For jewelry and accessories, an Urban Outfitters Jewelry Organizer offers a space-saving solution that can be propped on a dresser or hung on a wall. Complementing this, a Sunglasses Hammock from Anthropologie is suggested for protecting and organizing eyewear. Finally, to complete the aesthetic of a dream closet, Statement Wall Art from Minted, such as a minimalist typography print, is proposed as a way to personalize the space with a sentiment that reflects the recipient's personality. #GiftGuide #DreamCloset #HomeDecor #Fashion #HomeOrganization #LuxuryHome #ClosetUpgrade #PersonalizedGifts #StylishLiving

This article explores the transformation of closets, from small reach-in spaces to expansive rooms, into personalized sanctuaries, offering practical advice and design inspiration. Kathleen Jacobson, a custom closet designer and owner of Dallas-based The Couture Closet, emphasizes the importance of a well-designed closet as a space where one begins and ends each day. The article presents seven key tips for creating a dream closet, applicable to various sizes and budgets. For smaller closets, maximizing space is crucial. The article suggests incorporating pull-out cabinets and adding shelves for neatly stacking bulky items, thereby freeing up rod space and dresser drawers. Jacobson recommends keeping the lower rod at its typical height and adding shelves with approximately 3 inches of clearance above it, with additional shelves every 10 inches or so, supported by cleats. She points out that readily available wood shelves can be found at retailers like Lowe's and The Home Depot, and installation help is available from handymen or specialized shops. Once a closet system is in place, dividers, such as acrylic shelf dividers for clothes and handbags, and custom-fitted velvet or leather jewelry trays, are recommended for maintaining organization. The Container Store is cited as a good source for drawer inserts and dividers, while The Jewelry Tray Factory is mentioned for custom-size jewelry trays. For those with larger spaces and budgets, more elaborate designs are possible. Jacobson suggests floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with crown molding, a built-in dresser featuring a marble top, and a cabinet specifically designed to display a handbag collection. She advises using 24-inch-deep wardrobe boxes and, if space permits a 3-foot clearance, adding an island, which can offer valuable drawer storage and a convenient surface for packing. Slanted, adjustable shelves with a toe lip are recommended for showcasing shoes, and pull-out hampers are considered a necessity for functionality. Once the foundational elements are established, the article moves to streamlining and organizing clothes. The use of matching hangers in upscale materials like velvet, acrylic, or wood is advised for a uniform appearance. Organization by category, such as blouses, suits, and dresses, is suggested, with further arrangement from light to dark within each category and from short sleeve to long sleeve. The article also mentions the practice of styling clothes in ROYGBIV order for an attractive presentation. Adding functionality through closet accessories is another key area. The valet rod is highlighted as a favorite accessory, available in stationary, telescoping, and folding varieties, and useful for tasks like packing or preparing outfits. Side-mounted, pull-out tie and belt racks are also recommended for their space-saving and organizational benefits, with Hafele, Richelieu, Rev-A-Shelf, and Hardware Resources listed as suppliers. A simple but impactful change, according to Jacobson, is switching out old chrome rods for brass ones and matching all accessories to create an instant upgrade. Lighting is identified as a significant trend in modern closet design. The article suggests combining LED lights, used vertically or horizontally, with recessed LED ceiling can lights and a chandelier, all within the same color temperature, to create an optimal environment. Flooring options are discussed, noting that while existing home flooring can be extended into the closet, alternative choices like silk or wool carpet can add softness and comfort. For hardwood floors, an area rug can achieve a similar effect. In larger closets, incorporating seating, such as ottomans or a freestanding bench, is recommended for convenience and as an opportunity to introduce personal style through fabric choices. Finally, the article emphasizes the impact of finishing touches on a closet's aesthetic. Wallpaper is presented as a way to add glamour and reflect personal style, suitable for various surfaces within the closet, including the back of shoe storage units, ceilings, and side walls. A beautifully framed mirror or art can further enhance a glamorous closet. For spacious closets, painting the island a different color than the cabinetry or opting for a distinct wood finish, such as rift-cut white oak, can create visual interest and define different zones within the space. #ClosetDesign #HomeOrganization #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #LuxuryClosets #HomeRenovation #SpaceMaximization #FunctionalDesign #PersonalizedSpaces

Laura Kirar, an internationally acclaimed American-born, Mexico-based interior and product designer, shares insights into her unique style, diverse inspirations, and creative process. Her design philosophy emphasizes the combination of raw materials with her deep understanding of art, architecture, fashion, and music. Kirar’s early influences stem from her upbringing in Chicago, where she was exposed to significant art and architectural collections, including works by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Brancusi, Georgia O’Keeffe, René Magritte, and Salvador Dalí. These foundational experiences shaped her perspective, leading her to view furniture as sculptural objects and spaces as canvases for human experience. Kirar's passion for both art and architecture guided her career choice. She describes her approach as abstract, knowing when to adhere to design principles and when to innovate. The ability to create environments where lives unfold is a powerful motivator for her. Her current inspirations include contemporary artists, fashion designers, and musicians such as Peter Zumthor, David Wiseman, Milena Muzquiz, Monica Rezman, and Marcela Diaz. She expresses a particular fondness for coral pink in all its hues, describing it as luminous and soothing, suitable for various applications from walls to textiles. Travel plays a significant role in Kirar's inspiration, leading her to discover unique shops worldwide. In Mexico City, she frequents Trouve for vintage items. New York offers Les Atelier Courbet, The Future Perfect, and Artemest. In London, she highlights The Carpenters Workshop Gallery at Ladbroke Hall, and in Paris, Pierre Frey for textiles, along with various antique and vintage markets like Marche Biron. Mexico itself is a profound source of inspiration, influencing her sense of color, scale, and textures, and fostering her appreciation for traditional crafts found in its mountains, valleys, and cities like Oaxaca and the Yucatan. Kirar is also a passionate collector, believing that artists benefit from surrounding themselves with inspiring objects. Her collections include vintage chairs, ceramics, pottery, art books, hand-woven textiles, vintage cowboy boots, and silver Navajo accessories, all chosen for their stories. She recently acquired her fourth art piece by Cisco Jimenez, suggesting a new collection in the making. Her personal art collection includes a Cindy Sherman photograph, which has inspired the palette for an entire room. Beyond visual arts, Kirar finds inspiration in film, particularly through MUBI, enjoying classic films, film noir, thrillers, and sci-fi. She also has eclectic musical tastes, ranging from The Cure to opera, classical, rock, punk, and jazz, appreciating the intimacy of live performances. Among her extensive product designs, which number over a thousand, she favors the Mar floor lamp and Vargueno chair from her collection with Arteriors. Her Vir Stil and Paletta bath collections for Kallista have been bestsellers for two decades, and her Caviar chandelier for Arteriors has consistently topped its bestseller list since 2010. Kirar also enjoys cooking, drawing on her Italian heritage to create dishes like pici al limone with sautéed radicchio. She also puts a contemporary spin on traditional Mexican chiles rellenos. Her philosophy is that cooking can be spontaneous and creative, often improvising with available ingredients. This reflects her broader approach to design and life – a blend of diverse influences, personal passion, and creative adaptation. #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #LauraKirar #CreativeProcess #ArchitecturalInfluence #ArtInspiration #MexicanCrafts #DesignPhilosophy #GlobalTravel

The world of interior design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging and iconic styles reinterpreted. While trends offer fresh inspiration, understanding timeless interior design styles is key to creating a home that remains relevant and elegant over time. Interior designer Jenni Lauri emphasizes that designers rarely stick to a single style, often blending different looks to create unique and personalized spaces. Iconic interior design styles typically fall into two broad categories: modern and traditional, each encompassing various sub-styles that reflect specific eras and moods. These styles, whether classic or emerging, contribute to the dynamic landscape of home decoration. Traditional and heritage styles, such as Victorian, Georgian, and Colonial, offer a rich history and a testament to enduring design. Victorian design, originating in the UK, is characterized by statement fireplaces, wainscoting, and sash windows, blending old-world charm with modern additions. Georgian interiors lean towards luxury with high ceilings and ornamental details, while Colonial style incorporates richly toned woods, natural textures, and sophisticated tropical elements, reflecting a sense of travel. Decorating with antiques and integrating traditional features like fireplaces or paneling, alongside modern accents, creates a modern heritage aesthetic. Farmhouse, country, and French decor styles, including Cottagecore, continue to be admired for their rustic charm and welcoming feel. Farmhouse decor emphasizes humility and purpose, similar to shaker-style designs, while French country decor charms with its colorful and mismatched elements. Modernism, a favored style among designers, offers adaptability, clean lines, a contemporary aesthetic, neutral palettes, and open spaces, making it a timeless choice. Many modern-day design trends, like 'quiet luxury' and 'Retro Revival,' are reinventions of past modernist principles. Bauhaus, a 19th-century German art school movement, is particularly celebrated for its design ethos that marries fine art, craftsmanship, and functionality, emphasizing that beauty lies in the essence of functionality. Mid-century modern, spanning from 1945 to the 1960s, is recognized for its distinctive craftsmanship, architectural furniture, and warm colors, influenced by figures like Le Corbusier and Richard Neutra. California cool captures a relaxed, West-coast aesthetic with washed-out tones, driftwood, and textured fabrics, contrasting with the bolder East Coast styles. Mediterranean decor, with its colorful patterned tiles, sea and sky colors, and light-washed finishes, offers a vibrant and relaxed ambiance, while Mexican decor draws from various eras to create an influential and unique style. Bohemian design, originating from 19th-century Paris, embraces a free-spirited, eclectic, and romantic vibe with earthy, rich colors and layered textures. Maximalist and eclectic styles celebrate a harmonious burst of energy and delight, exemplified by designers like Kelly Wearstler, who draw inspiration from nature, architecture, and fashion. Minimalism, despite its reputation for being cold, has inspired numerous modern micro-trends and can be interpreted in various ways to suit different styles. Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy emphasizing imperfection, incompleteness, and transience, is gaining prominence in home design. It focuses on creating uplifting and meditative spaces using muted, earthy tones inspired by the natural world. Japandi, a blend of Scandinavian and Japanese interiors, offers a calming, orderly aesthetic that honors craftsmanship and slow living, gaining popularity post-pandemic. Scandinavian design, known for its functionality, light, and beauty, continues to be highly influential, emphasizing warm, functional, and well-lit spaces, particularly in areas with limited daylight. Interior design trends are influenced by societal shifts, world events, and the rise of social media. Fashion, in particular, has played a significant role in shaping how people present their homes. Blending different interior design styles is encouraged, as it creates unique spaces that tell a story, intertwining historical narratives with modern elements. Finding one's personal style involves looking at past trends and drawing inspiration from spaces that resonate, with current times being ideal for bold and personal expressions in home design, moving away from simply following trends. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignStyles #TraditionalDesign #Modernism #MidCenturyModern #WabiSabi #Japandi #ScandinavianDesign #BohemianDecor #Maximalism #Minimalism #CaliforniaCool

Traditional home design, encompassing styles from coastal grandmother to grand millennial, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Unlike modern or contemporary designs, traditional spaces are characterized by a soulful, rich, and warm aesthetic. Crafting such an environment can be more intricate, requiring careful attention to detail and layering. One effective technique to enhance a traditional space is through mixing patterns. Jennifer Beek Hunter, an interior designer, advises focusing on a consistent color palette while varying the scale and proportion of prints. For instance, combining a large floral chintz with a subtle pinstripe can create a fresh yet traditional feel. If pattern mixing proves too challenging, Sarah Solis suggests repeating the same patterns throughout a room or using identical patterns in different colorways to achieve a cohesive look. Comfort is paramount in traditional homes, particularly for seating. Betsy Burnham, principal designer at Burnham Design, emphasizes the importance of plush, deep, and well-tailored sofas and chairs that invite relaxation. She recommends fabrics like washed denim, Belgian linen, and cotton velvet for their appealing texture and durability, though she encourages personal preferences if other materials offer similar comfort. The goal is to create furniture that people genuinely want to spend time in. Layering furniture and decor from various eras is another key aspect of traditional design. Rita Naffas, from Rita Naffas Design, highlights that the best traditional spaces feature classic, timeless pieces that appear to have been accumulated over generations or travels. To maintain interest and relevance, she suggests integrating vintage and modern decor and art. For those without inherited pieces, antique stores and estate sales offer excellent alternatives for acquiring items with a lived-in feel. Adding a stair runner can instantly elevate traditional homes with multiple stories. Kate Marker notes that a striped or playful patterned runner introduces whimsy, while a natural jute runner provides texture and warmth underfoot. Beyond aesthetics, stair runners offer practical benefits by improving safety, especially in households with children or elderly individuals, by reducing the risk of slips and falls. Wallpaper is an essential element for embellishing traditional spaces, offering a richness and depth that paint cannot replicate. Victoria Holly of Victoria Holly Interiors explains that wallpaper, whether featuring a traditional pattern or a grasscloth texture, consistently contributes to a more traditional aesthetic. Sources like Red From Scalamandré provide a diverse range of classic yet bold prints for maximum design impact. Finally, internationally curated details are crucial for making traditional homes truly unique. Sarah Rosenhaus points out that a traditional space is defined by elements such as beautifully wallpapered walls, luxurious drapes with intricate pleats, and well-placed antique pieces. Decorative crown molding, ornate lighting, and richly patterned rugs further contribute to this layered and maximalist approach, where a “more is more” mentality often prevails. By incorporating these elements, homeowners can successfully create a traditional and inviting atmosphere. #TraditionalDesign #InteriorDesignTips #HomeDecoration #PatternMixing #ComfortableSeating #StairRunner #WallpaperTrends #AntiqueDecor #LayeredDesign