Whether you are a novice decorator or a seasoned home enthusiast - take a peek into the knowledgeable, creative minds of these design mavens and learn their secrets for turning a space into a masterpiece.
Carta Creatives, Elana Tenenbaum Cline, Founder + Creative Director ,
carta-creatives.com
Dining Room:
Designer Tip: A flat weave rug is great for a dining room to add pattern + softness. I prefer smaller, tighter patterns (versus larger ones), which help add texture to the room. The larger pattern can get lost under a dining room table (and solid colors will show more stains!) Think about color - mid tones and dark are again better for dining rooms in case of spills. Also, remember, pulling chairs in and out is harder to do with a thicker carpet. Always measure and think about how the space is intended to be used. This client hosts large gatherings on holidays and wanted to be able to seat extended family members, so we accommodated for a table with an extension. Bonus tip: Add a different end chair to mix things up. Use heavier larger chairs with arms for the end chairs. From a hierarchical perspective, it balances out the number of middle chairs with two 'bookends.'
Ali Vanderpool, Owner Ali Vanderpool Design, alivanderpooldesign.com
Primary Bedroom:
Choosing the proper lighting in a space can make or break a room, especially a bedroom. If you’re not careful, you can end up with a bedroom that feels more like a doctor’s office. Having the right amount and the right color of light can make all the difference. This primary bedroom was once covered in old, dingy carpet and popcorn ceilings, and the only lights in the space were 80’s style recessed cans. A complete makeover was a must, including adding attractive, ambient lighting. Because of the high ceilings, I needed to think upward, which is how these large, vintage-style brass sconces came into play. They create height next to the bed while adding the perfect amount of reading light at night. To make an impact in the center of the space, I chose this stunning, swirled-glass pendant that casts a beautiful glow around the room. With both lighting sources, this room went from dark and dated to warm and cozy… the perfect place to curl up with a book before bedtime.
Carolyn Kron and Tricia Izzo, Owners and Principal Designers, Shelter Interiors, shelterinteriorsllc.com
Kitchen:
Kitchen cabinets don't have to be white. Darker colors are making a comeback in interiors. Mix painted cabinets with stained wood for a dynamic change. We prefer to stain lower cabinets in heavily used kitchens as it is more durable and family-friendly. Use neutral countertops and backsplash to balance the bold color choice. Paint your crown molding to match the cabinets for a custom look. By putting the paint on the upper cabinets, they get less wear and tear and chip less. Chips can happen on any cabinet, so it’s good to keep a touch-up kit, which the manufacturer usually provides.
We used a neutral quartzite counter, which is very durable, to balance the darker color and tie in the warm wood tones. We also used a material on the valance for the window with a hint of the same blue to coordinate the look.
Donna Benedetto - Principal Designer Donna Benedetto Designs & Gallery Owner, Behind The Hedge donnabenedetto.com behindthehedgect.com\
Home Office:
Despite its potential to add an extra dimension to a room's aesthetics and elevate a room to another level, art is often overlooked as a design element or one of the last things to be chosen to complete a room. When sourcing art for your home, determine the type of artwork and color scheme that appeals to you. Do you prefer a subtle or dramatic effect? Also, select a price point you feel comfortable with. In this home office, a combination of abstract and vintage art complemented the room's palette while creating contrast. They work well with the high gloss lacquered mink brown wall finish, adding an extra sophisticated touch.
