Hiring it Out: Tips For Working With an Interior Designer
The process of hiring an interior designer or decorator can seem a bit mystifying and out of reach for many (What do they actually do? Don’t I need to be rich to hire one? Will they force their style on me?). The reality is that hiring a designer can actually save you money by helping you make smarter design decisions and create a space that is more functional for the people living in it.
How to Choose the Right Paint Finish (aka Sheen Level) for Your Home
After much deliberation you finally get your paint colours chosen. You head to the paint store, excited to finally start your project. You wait your turn at the order counter, confidently name your colours…. then you get asked about the sheen for your paint and your mind goes blank.
In this post I’ll share the ins and out of choosing a paint finish or sheen, so that you can feel confident about your choices before heading to the paint store.
Five Things NOT to do When Picking Paint Colours for Your Home
A big part of my work as a designer is helping people pick paint colours for their homes. And I love talking about colour! But regardless of whether someone is looking for the perfect calm white or a bright and punchy hue, I end up repeating a few pieces of advice every time. Here are five things to remember when picking your next paint colour.
Forget the White Walls: Try These Fresh Neutrals Instead
Pure white walls are still trending in interiors- the look is ethereal, fresh and gives off major Parisian-apartment vibes. But the reality is that for every light-filled white space, there are many many (many!) spaces where white walls look dingy and grey.
The Secret to Mixing Patterns Like a Pro
How to mix patterns is a common question I get asked at design consultations. With the rise of new-traditional and grand-millennial styles (a trend I am absolutely here for, by the way) we’re seeing more maximalist interiors with loads of patterns and textiles that make a space feel cozy and lived in. But I get it- it’s tricky to get that effortless-but-coordinated, but not-too-matchy-look that we see in design magazines.
My Five Favourite White Paint Colours (and How to Pull Them Off)
Ah- the quest for the perfect white. Ushered in with the modern farmhouse trend, the search for the perfect white is not as easy as it seems. One reason whites are so tricky is because of their differing undertones- hold a white paint swatch up to a white piece of paper and you’ll notice some look more blue, green, grey, pink or yellow.