If there’s one thing all interior designers have in common it’s that they all get asked questions. Lots and LOTS of questions. Interior design is highly personal, but there are still a few guidelines, tips, and tricks to adhere to if you want to achieve a truly awe-inspiring space. That said, we enlisted the help of our beloved contributors to tackle some common interior design questions that we seem to stumble across almost daily on social media. Whether you’re wondering what size your rug should be, what the best white paint color of all time is, or something else, it’s probably been answered by our contributors below. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Q: What are some key décor elements that will elevate a room?
“This is a question I am often asked if my clients want to stick with what they have regarding furniture and just add a few key items that will brighten and make their home feel more polished and put together. Accessories are key in making a home feel like a home. They tell us a lot about who lives there and that is what makes each home unique. Here are a few budget friendly suggestions to complete your rooms:
“The first thing I suggest is to make room for plants. Plants not only warm up a home, but they can add color pops only mother nature can make. A few plants strategically placed throughout a home will make you feel lighter and your guests more welcome. The power of nature never ceases to amaze.
“If you are a traveler, add curated pieces from your travels that help tell the story of who lives there. For example, an antique lion picked up from a trip to Africa is not only eye catching, it can spark curiosity and conversation just with its presence.
“And last, coffee table books are the perfect décor item to infuse color into your home. It’s amazing how books can enliven a room just with their jackets and bindings. The options are endless: beautiful décor books, books on travel or one on your favorite city are all great choices. Décor books are an essential way to incorporate your personality into your home, but don’t forget to read them as their content can be pretty special also!” – Prudence Bailey, Prudence Home + Design
Photo via Prudence Home + Design
Q: Should I buy the furniture set?
“The answer to this is always, unequivocally, NO. Patio furniture, bedroom furniture, living room furniture, (or ANY kind of furniture gathering for that matter) should always feel thoughtfully curated. If mixing every piece feels completely overwhelming then try to keep it to one pair per room. One pair of lamps, and a pair of nightstands and then go a different direction with the dresser and bed.” – Kate Lester, Kate Lester Interiors
Photo by Lauren Pressey for Kate Lester Interiors
Q: There are so many great wallpapers available, but am I going to get tired of it over time? And it seems like such a big commitment…
“Wall covering definitely adds personality and unless you’re going for a big statement, we suggest using it in a small space (like in a pantry or above a wainscot in a powder room). Make sure to consider the scale of the pattern so it’s appropriate for the size of the room or wall. And definitely avoid wallpaper in high traffic or wet areas to ensure its longevity. Furthermore, for those true commitment-phobes, some companies even make removable wallpaper or easy to install panels!” – Ashley & Andrea, Avenue Interior Design
Q: Can I mix different metal finishes in a room?
“Want to know a secret? Gray Malin actually asked me this exact question the other day and the answer is always YES. However, you have to do it right. If you are unsure, the best way to ease into mixing is to coordinate the lighting and hardware finishes and then do something different for the plumbing. Pairing the finishes for the lighting and hardware helps ground the look, anchoring the mix of metals.” – Kate Lester, Kate Lester Interiors
Photo by Lauren Pressey for Kate Lester Interiors
“When putting a room together, incorporating different metal finishes is a great way to add interest. Mixing metals is just like mixing patterns, when done right, it adds subtle depth and dimension to a room. However, just like mixing pattern, there is a way to mix metals. Pick your dominant metal and then its subordinate. For instance, I love mixing cool silver tones with warm brass tones. I find that the balance of warm vs. cool metals is a really fresh and modern way to add some personality to your space. It’s the little touches that bring a room to life.” – Prudence Bailey, Prudence Home + Design
Photo via Prudence Home + Design
Q: How do I choose the right paint color for my home?
“There is no wrong color to paint your walls, however it’s important to make a plan and decide what the paint is going to do for the room. For instance, when I am designing a room, I determine if paint is going to be a supporting player or the dominant one. As an example, I love blue and white for furnishings as it always feels crisp, clean and relevant. To balance the blue and white, I often paint the walls in Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White as it gives this gorgeous combination a clean backdrop. I want the beautiful blue fabrics we are using to be the star and the white paint color to help it shine. Picking your paint color based on how you want your home to feel and what you want accentuated is always a great first step.” – Prudence Bailey, Prudence Home + Design
Photo via Prudence Home + Design
Q: Is it passé to do a painted accent wall in a room?
“No way! One of our favorite looks right now is the use of two different neutral hues to create subtle color blocking (think warm off-whites or beautiful French grays). The color doesn’t always need to be bold—but if you do want to go bold, make sure it’s not jarring—color should pop, not punch.” – Ashley & Andrea, Avenue Interior Design
Q: What is the best white paint color?
“Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It is literally the most perfect blend of pigment that results in a crisp white hue wherever you paint it. I feel like Benjamin Moore should be sponsoring me at this point because this is like the only white I use, ever.” – Kate Lester, Kate Lester Interiors
“My answer? Benjamin Moore Cloud Nine. It is such a neutral base and doesn't read too pink or too yellow.” – MA Allen, MA Allen Interiors
Photo by Lauren Pressey for Kate Lester Interiors
Q: I can’t decide between design styles… How do I make up my mind? Can I mix and match?
“We definitely suggest you commit!Take some time and really determine if you’re midcentury modern at heart or if your vibe has more of an industrial, organic edge. Be true to yourself and you will end up with a personalized interior that you’ll feel yourself in. But just like we’d never suggest you literally take a page out of a catalog, don’t feel like you have to make every detail adhere to your predetermined style. Make sure it reflects your personality and interests.” – Ashley & Andrea, Avenue Interior Design
Q: How high should I hang my curtains?
“There is nothing worse than a curtain hung too close to the window sill! I like to hang them 1/2 to 2/3 the distance from the sill to the ceiling.”– Dee Murphy, Murphy Deesign
Photo via Murphy Deesign
Q: How large should my rugs be in the living room?
“If it’s possible... I like to fit ALL of my furniture on the area rugs, but if it isn’t possible, at least fit the front legs of your pieces (see above).” – Dee Murphy, Murphy Deesign
Q: I want to create a colorful interior but don’t know how to pick the palette.
“Turn to artwork—especially photography! Take any one of Gray Malin’s pieces for instance. From Snow Polo to Gray Malin at the Parker, each collection has a unique color scheme that you could create the perfect palette from. Select a handful of colors—a few colorful hues and a few neutrals, and then start shopping for pieces that fit the bill!” – Ashley & Andrea, Avenue Interior Design
Did your design questions get answered here? What questions would you like our contributors to answer next?
Make sure to shout out at us @GrayMalin and let us know what topics you’d like us to cover here on the blog…
Xx Team GM
Photos: Lauren Pressey for Kate Lester Interiors, Prudence Home + Design, Murphy Deesign