Earlier this month on Instagram Stories, I asked you to submit any bedroom questions you have for me. I answered a few questions on Instagram and wanted to share my response with five others in today’s blog.
In today’s post, I’m sharing my answers to your interior design questions, including how to incorporate color in a neutral home, how to keep trend vs. needs, how to make the space comfortable, and more.
I give advice one to one, if you are interested in discussing your own design questions with me. You can find more information and schedule a session by Calendly.
1. I have a small house with white walls and neutral furniture. How do I add color conceptually?
This is when eggs are your best friend. I would first consider looking at bed linen, going down a neutral color house. My favorite option is the Swedish kilim rug. (I share twelve of my favorite places to shop for clothes in a blog post, if you are curious about where to start your search!) I also like to a block-printed quilt or throw and drape it over the back of this. neutral sofa. It creates a beautiful layer.
Also, I would consider bringing color from a light option like a lamp. You can test the waters in a small way by swapping out your existing lamp for a stylish model. If your style is traditional, consider trying a patterned lampshade. If it’s modern, consider a beautiful glass lamp.
Finally, I would recommend bringing a piece of art with a color palette that you love. There are many interesting publications on the site such as Society6which is also an inexpensive way to experiment with bringing beautiful art into your home.
There are many wonderful ways to add color to a neutral space. Try one or two for yourself and have fun in the process!
2. When is it a good idea to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls? We are renovating our small kitchen with light.
There is no right or wrong answer in this situation. It’s more about how you want the space to feel. Do you want it to feel intimate, cozy, and different from the rest of the house, or do you want it to be long and wide? If before, paint the ceiling! If the latter, leave it as it is.
If you want to define a space in a different way from the rest of your home, painting the ceiling can do this. In addition, if the color you use is of a medium hue (instead of a really dark color), it will still look like a bright space, especially if it is filled with natural light.
3. How do you prioritize needs vs. important when spending money at home?
Deciding how to shop at home is up to everyone. It’s about knowing what you like best, understanding the longevity of any given piece of paper or material, and making choices that build your interior style.
If there are a lot of things you want to buy or work to do, it can be difficult to prioritize everything in order. If this is the case, it helps me focus on one thing at a time. Ask yourself, What do I need to update most now? What changes will have the biggest impact on my life at home right now? Let that be the most important thing; when you check that off the list and have a budget for something else, you can decide what’s next.
It’s about knowing what you like best, understanding the longevity of any given piece of paper or material, and making choices that build your interior style.
Once you have decided on your current priorities and are trying to decide how much money you want to spend, I think this is where it is useful to consider longevity. If you’re considering a kitchen renovation and wondering whether to start with a temporary change (for example, painting the cabinets or replacing the hardware), consider the cost and timeline. If the cost of temporary repairs is not too much and it will allow you to save for your kitchen renovation. of course want to do in a few years, it may be worth waiting and making the change for a while first.
When it comes to small purchases like decor, it can also help to have a better understanding of where you want to spend more and where you want to spend less. I like to spend money on things I know I’ll have for a long time, like rugs and art, and small things I might want to replace with time, like lamps and throw pillows.
4. What are your tips for designing a bedroom with a low, angled ceiling?
I like the idea of using the short area in these types of buildings (where you can’t stand) as a space for storage. It can be as detailed as hiring someone to install an appliance or it can be as simple as assembling a box from IKEA. If the room between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling has a corner, use it as an opportunity to display beautiful coffee table books or small items that speak to your personality.
I also like the idea of painting the walls, trim and ceiling the same color in a room like this (or covering the walls and ceiling in the same wallpaper). I think this will make the space feel more relaxed and happy.
5. How do you make spaces with high ceilings look good? I live in a house built in the ’90s with tan walls everywhere.
I will first consider the light in these spaces. If you have hanging light fixtures, I would recommend hanging them at a lower height than you first thought. This will also be a great opportunity to bring a large-scale installation with a light type or light appearance (for example, earth light or light with rattan shade) that softens the light. Don’t forget about lamps and task lights to really pick up the good stuff!
Next, I have to think about the layout. If the footprint of any space is large, consider ways to create small nooks in each room. Dividing the space into several zones is one way to achieve good ventilation. In a family home, for example, there may be an opportunity to create two or three individual spaces. Here are a few options: a sitting area, a reading area with bright chairs and an ottoman, or a nook with a small cafe table and chairs.
Kate is now learning to play the Ukulele, much to the dismay of her husband, children, and dog. Follow him on Instagram at @witanddelight_.