Answers to Your Most Common Decorating Questions
1) What is the biggest design mistake that people make?
Lack of planning! So often people rush into a project without a plan. Buying furniture on a whim and then trying to work it into your space often backfires. Determine your style, set a budget and then create a template to follow. Once you figure out what you really need, then you can go shopping. Keep in mind that a room is designed in layers from the bottom up. Decorating is often a work in progress – not something you finish in one afternoon.
2) When creating a photo gallery wall, how do you choose frames sizes and styles?
It all depends on the aesthetic you are trying to create and the room it will be in. If you are going for a more formal look, symmetry is key. Mixing frame sizes and finishes will give the gallery wall a more informal vibe. Laying out the frames in advance is very important. The only way to achieve this is by cutting out templates of each frame and taping them to the wall with painters tape. This allows you to get everything just right before you break out the hammer and nails.
3) Is there a rule when it comes to mixing different wood tones and painted furniture pieces?
No. You’ll rarely find an ESD designed space that has all the same wood tones. We love to pair painted furniture with wood-toned pieces. Also, if you have a table with a painted base and stained top (or vice versa) the other pieces in the room do not need to coordinate. Mix it up – an eclectic space feels personalized and cozy. Bring in the pieces that you want in the space and don’t overthink it.
Photo courtesy of www.bhg.com
4) Will white kitchens go out of style? Are white cabinets paired with white countertops too trendy?
Yes and no. One of the great things about all-white kitchens is the long-term flexibility. If you need a change after a few years, you can get a whole new look by just updating cabinet hardware, light fixtures and accessories. However, when you are spending the time, money and energy to do a kitchen remodel, you want it to be uniquely your own rather than a replica of every other kitchen. This is why we’re seeing clients move away from white cabinets.
5) What is the best way to style a TV over a fireplace? We are having a hard time mounting to brick, hiding cables, wires, etc.
There is no easy way around this – the wires need to be hidden in the wall. It’s impossible to style a bundle of cables. We’ve had contractors box out the space above the mantle, which provides a solid surface to mount the TV and a place to hide the electrical components. If your contractor can’t do this, find another place for the TV.
6) I love the white paint trend but don’t want my living space to feel cold. What are some warm white paint options that don’t have beige or yellow undertones?
Benjamin Moore has some great whites. One of our current favorites is Silver Satin (shown below).
*Photo courtesy of www.bloglovin.com
7) Where is a good place in the tri-state area to get wallpaper?
ESD loves wallpaper! Laundry and powder rooms are popular spaces to add wallpaper. We source all wallpaper from the Cincinnati Design Center. There isn’t a great place for “non-trade” clientele to look for quality samples of wallpaper. However, ordering online samples is a great option. We recommend www.decoratorsbest. com
8) Does ESD stick to one design aesthetic? What if it doesn’t complement my style?
We do not swim in one lane when we design; we truly enjoy exploring all aesthetics. Sticking with one trend would be boring for us! Design, like fashion, is constantly changing. There are tried and true classics, but most elements – like lighting – change over time. We embrace this change and incorporate multiple styles and design schemes to make a space look collected and fresh.
Our ultimate goal is to help you uncover your unique style. We want the space to reflect you, not us. After listening to you, learning what’s important to your family’s interior life and taking a couple of risks, we’ll leave you with a space that reflects your individual essence. We’re not interested in magazine shoots or accolades. Success to us means that you can’t wait to spend time in your new space.
Happy Design Dreams!
Keri & Amanda
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