Advice

Commentary From the Design Professionals

Do you ever just look at something in a home and think, ‘I really, really like that,’ but you couldn’t say why?

Do you ever just look at something in a home and think, ‘I really, really like that,’ but you couldn’t say why? And you wouldn’t have thought to use it in that way.

That’s what sets the experts apart. As a fun exercise, we showed a handful of this month’s features an appliance or piece of furniture and asked them to tell us a little bit about how you should and shouldn’t include that piece in your home.

Rebekah Koenig

Enclave

Dining Table from Grain Designs

“This [table] is a trending style because it merges contemporary furniture with a modern aesthetic. It is a great balance of the two styles and allows a solid wood table to feel lighter and less rustic.”

“The dark stain provides a timeless look and provides a great contrast to the lighter flooring. Because it is a dark stain with primarily brown and black undertones, it fits the style and color of almost all palettes.”

Expert Tip
“Use fresh greenery or a floral centerpiece to help make this table pop.”

Avoid
“I would avoid using this table finish with a dark floor or dark wall colors. I think this would mute the prominence of the table in the space.”

Hunter Douglas Roller Shades from Dakota Blinds

“Roller shades are admired for their sleek look and flexibility when it comes to their extensive fabric selection and light filtering options. They are also one of the most practical and affordable window coverings you can buy.”

Think Outside the Box
“Try using roller shades for your garage windows!”

Expert Tip
“I would incorporate these on all windows throughout a home. Depending on the room, I would change the sheerness of the blind. Meaning, I would have blackout shades in a bedroom, but something with a bit more sheerness in my dining/living area. There are also options to go cordless, controlling your shades with a remote.”

Avoid
Try avoiding styles of blinds that obstruct your window view—”Roller shades are a way to add an extra layer of privacy and style to your room, while disappearing in the headrail when fully raised to keep from obstructing your view!”

Kristen Carlson

Studio Rogue

Del Mar 4-Piece Room Group from Slumberland Furniture

Expert Tip
“One simple trick to tie everything together is to play with textures and colors to create a cohesive look. For instance, if you have a cozy patio set with blue and green throw pillows, don’t stop there. Extend the theme of blue and green to your outdoor dining area by incorporating matching colors in your furniture or accessories!”

Avoid
“Avoid overcrowding. This piece will take up quite a bit of space, so that needs to be taken into account when planning its location.”

Think Outside the Box
“Utilize color! This is a very neutral piece just waiting for some added personality. Add throw pillows and/or a blanket, or a brightly colored area rug.”

U37 Urbana Gas Fireplace from Hebron Brick

“The brick background and birch logs in this fireplace can seamlessly complement different textures. It’s like the perfect wingman for any design scheme—whether paired with cozy blankets or sleek metallic accents.”

“The dark stain provides a timeless look and provides a great contrast to the lighter flooring. Because it is a dark stain with primarily brown and black undertones, it fits the style and color of almost all palettes.”

Expert Tip
“Putting a big, beautiful mirror above your fireplace can make your room look way bigger with the illusion of depth. Not only that, but it also helps reflect more light around the space, making it feel brighter and more open.”

Avoid
“Hanging your TV over the fireplace seems like a convenient, space-saving solution. But doing so takes away from the charm and beauty of the fireplace as the centerpiece of the room.”

Lindsey Christie

Lindsey Grace Interiors

Capital Archer Hanging Light from Valley Lights

Expert Tip
“[I love] the natural wood tone and clean lines. Since it’s a warmer tone, I would pair it with cooler tones allowing the piece to really pop. This could be fun in a boy’s bunk room or bedroom!”

Avoid
“I would avoid using this piece as a pair of kitchen pendants, it may feel a bit heavy in the space and depending on the kitchen design, it could feel a bit busy.”

Think Outside the Box
“Try hanging this over a basement game table!”

Mango Wood Window Cabinet from Kirkland’s

Expert Tip
“I love the warmth of the piece—the clear glass gives a great opportunity for a styling moment. When we create a lighter backdrop with the finishes in a space, we love bringing in warmth and texture to make a white space still feel cozy.”

Avoid
“I would be careful not to pair it with too similar of a wood tone. I always suggest mixing the woods rather than trying to match two that aren’t quite the same.”

Think Outside the Box
“Try adding a hanging rod and use it for a guest bedroom armoire

Paige Breidenbach

Mosaic Interior Design

X-Shape Live Edge Table from Everything Amish

Expert Tip
“Since this table is visually smooth with the appearance of a rough live edge, incorporating leathers and knits would help add interest and textural balance.”

Avoid
“I would avoid incorporating any other pieces that have a wood/metal combination.”

Think Outside the Box
“This could be incorporated into a sunroom or a lower-level bar/entertainment space.”

Cabinet from Eco Chic

Expert Tip
“Since this piece is smooth with subtle woodgrain, any and all textures would go great with this piece. The clean lines and versatile style of this piece will ensure it will be in style for a long time. Find ways to make it more of a focal point in your space and not cover it up or shove it in a corner.”

Avoid
“I would make sure not to fill this cabinet with too much decor. How it is styled in the photo is perfect and ensures the pieces inside don’t take away from the overall appearance.”

Think Outside the Box
“If given a large-scale bathroom, this piece would be a fun alternative to a built-in closet. With the glass doors, you could display some beautiful hotel-quality towels, decor, etc. to offer the space more of a luxury resort feeling.

 

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