BY Tracy Nicholson and Trever Hill
PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography
To keep in line with this issue’s project theme, designer Trever Hill went on a DIY design mission. Hill shows our readers how to pull together a room using local stores and a little design savvy know-how.
To showcase the final designs, he staged each room inside the historic Union Storage building in Downtown Fargo and broke down every accent piece to show how to build and create a truly finished look anyone can replicate.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
“I often hear from people they don’t know which stores carry which trends. The trick is, every store has something that can fit into the trend or style of your home,” said Hill. “You can see how I demonstrate this through all of these vignettes. There’s at least one item from each store.”
SHOP AROUND
“I wanted to do these room settings so people could really see how varied the items are that I use for each design,” explained Hill. “They come from all different local stores, but it still looks like a unified design. I personally love finding different pieces at numerous stores. Every store has something unique to offer.”
Hill frequents many smaller boutiques such as O’Day Caché in Downtown Fargo to find globally-inspired items that are brought back from overseas. “Some of the other stores I love, like McNeal & Friends and Eco Chic Boutique, are also smaller boutiques, but they have a keen eye when shopping at market so their stores are filled with unique and exclusive items,” said Hill. “Stores like these generally have a specific look and items that are unique to their store, which is why boutiques are a popular place to search out great statement pieces. People that shop at these boutiques can find items specifically made to achieve the look they have grown to love.”
REDEFINING YOUR SEARCH
If you’re on the search to refresh your style, Hill suggests keeping an open mind and shopping around, even at stores you might not think fit your style or the latest trends. “Many products are interchangeable in a variety of spaces, styles and trends,” said Hill. “For example, some ‘farmhouse’ items can be used in a ‘global’ or ‘neoclassical’ space and still work perfectly.” Hill also recommended mixing in high-end pieces with more affordable pieces to balance your budget. These high-end pieces will help set the tone for the room, and the rest can then be achieved in a more cost efficient fashion.
DIY LIVING ROOM
“This globally-inspired room uses cultural inspiration from all over. The indigenous patterns mixed with pieces found all over the world make this space cozy, relaxing and eclectic,” said Hill.
Wooden horse, HomeGoods, $39.99
Spotlight floor lamp, HOM Furniture, $299
Hayden side table, HOM Furniture, $229
Fiddle Lead Fig tree, Furniture Mart, $429
Antique chest coffee table, O’Day Caché, $480
Sofa, Room & Board, $1,499
Wicker chairs, McNeal & Friends, $374
Ellen Degeneres rug in Global Living Vignette, McNeal & Friends, $925
Grey/Ivory pillow, Eco Chic Boutique, $99
Fringed linen pillow, McNeal & Friends, $45
Glass jug and Myrtle greens, McNeal & Friends, Jug $66, greens $14
Basket and throw, HomeGoods, Both $24.99
Clay smash bank, O’Day Caché, $5
Metal watering jug, O’Day Caché, $129
DIY DINING ROOM
“The twist on a neoclassical dining space is timeless and full of glamour,” said Hill.
“From the Hobnail accents to the mirrored buffet, this space doesn’t fall short of a high-end feel. The place setting is a great example of using cost effective items with high-end pieces. The plates and glassware are from the dollar store, while the beautiful blush vase on top of the plate is imported from Europe.”
Brindleton area rug, HOM Furniture, $479
Round dining table, McNeal & Friends, $1,496
Small mirrored buffet, HomeGoods, $199
Ghost chair, HomeGoods, $69
Hobnail plates and glassware, Dollar Tree, $1
Blush sphere vase and Botanica, McNeal & Friends, V$22, B$3
Pink Floral Centerpiece, HomeGoods, $24.99
Pink Mercury Glass Votives, O’Day Caché, $7-$10
Greenery in vase, HomeGoods, $59.99
Taupe pink lumbar pillows, Eco Chic Boutique, $89
DIY FARMHOUSE SITTING AREA
“Farmhouse is on trend and loved by many for its relaxed and repurposed feel. You can find amazing farmhouse items at nearly any store in town,” said Hill. “Some of the best places to shop are at markets and local boutiques to find that special and unique piece.”
Magnolia Home chairs, Eco Chic Boutique, $495
Waffle weave throw blanket, McNeal & Friends, $90
Floor lamp, HOM Furniture, $169
Farmhouse side table, Eco Chic Boutique, $149
Ladder, Junk Mart, $75
Antique basket, O’Day Caché, $45
Fringed linen pillow, McNeal & Friends, $45
Wild flowers, HomeGoods, $19.99
Candle sticks, Gordmans, $17.99
Chair pillow, HomeGoods, $24.99
Blossom trees, HOM Furniture, $119-$199
Trever Hill Design
701-235-0031
treverhilldesign@gmail.com
treverhilldesign.com