Design Trends of 2022

In 2022, interior design embraces a blend of comfort, creativity, and sustainability. People continue to prioritize spaces that reflect their personal style, offer functionality, and foster well-being. The following are the major design trends shaping interiors this year.

Natural Materials and Biophilic Design

Natural elements are at the forefront of interior design in 2022. Biophilic design, which emphasizes connecting with nature, grows in popularity. Designers are incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and cork into home decor to bring warmth and texture to spaces. Indoor plants, large windows, and natural light are also essential components of this trend, helping to create spaces that feel serene and connected to the outdoors.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainability continues to be a driving force in 2022. People are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and are opting for eco-friendly materials and furniture. Recycled and upcycled materials are being used in furniture and decor, and there’s a greater focus on durability and timelessness over fast, disposable trends. Many people are also choosing energy-efficient appliances and integrating sustainable technologies, such as solar panels, into their homes.

Warm, Earthy Tones

Warm, earthy color palettes dominate in 2022. Shades like terracotta, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and rich browns are used to create cozy, inviting spaces. These warm tones are paired with muted greens and blues to bring balance and tranquility to interiors. Soft neutrals like beige, taupe, and cream continue to be popular choices, providing a versatile base that can be layered with bold accent colors.

Maximalism and Eclectic Interiors

2022 sees a shift from minimalist aesthetics to more maximalist and eclectic designs. People are embracing vibrant patterns, layered textures, and bold color combinations. Mixing various styles, from vintage to modern, and adding personal touches through unique artwork, antique furniture, and hand-crafted accessories, are all central to creating dynamic, personalized spaces. This trend celebrates individuality and creativity, where each room tells a unique story.

Comfort and Wellness-Oriented Spaces

The focus on comfort and well-being continues in 2022. With people spending more time at home, interiors are designed to prioritize relaxation and ease. Soft, plush furniture, such as oversized sofas and comfortable armchairs, creates cozy living areas. Bedrooms are designed as restful retreats, with luxurious bedding and soothing colors. Wellness is integrated into homes with features like home gyms, meditation rooms, and spa-like bathrooms equipped with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs.

Art Deco Revival

Art Deco influences make a strong comeback in 2022. This style is marked by bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials like marble and brass, and rich, vibrant colors. Art Deco’s glamorous and intricate design elements are being used in furniture, lighting, and accessories. The emphasis is on statement pieces that bring a sense of opulence to interiors.

Multifunctional Spaces

As remote work remains common, the demand for multifunctional spaces grows. Homes are designed to accommodate various activities—work, relaxation, exercise, and socializing—without compromising comfort or style. Home offices are integrated seamlessly into living areas, often using furniture that can be hidden away or transformed when not in use. Modular furniture and flexible layouts allow spaces to serve multiple purposes, making them more adaptable to changing needs.

Curved, Soft Edges

In 2022, the trend shifts toward softer, more organic shapes. Furniture pieces, such as sofas, chairs, and tables, feature rounded, curved edges instead of sharp, angular lines. This design choice creates a sense of comfort and flow, promoting a relaxed atmosphere. Curved furniture also adds a touch of elegance and modernity to interiors, making them feel more inviting.

Vintage and Retro Influences

Retro and vintage styles continue to inspire 2022 design. Mid-century modern furniture pieces, such as sleek wooden tables and retro-inspired chairs, are being reintroduced into contemporary settings. Bold patterns from the 70s—like geometric designs and abstract motifs—are reappearing in textiles and wall art. This trend emphasizes nostalgia and individuality, with homeowners incorporating unique, one-of-a-kind vintage finds to add character to their spaces.

Smart Home Integration

Technology remains a prominent feature of modern homes in 2022. Smart home integration continues to rise, with people seeking more efficient and convenient living spaces. Devices like smart thermostats, voice-activated lighting, and home security systems are seamlessly integrated into design. Additionally, home theaters and advanced sound systems are becoming essential for entertainment spaces, enhancing the overall quality of life.

In 2022, interior design is a celebration of individuality, comfort, and sustainability. People embrace warmer tones, biophilic elements, and multifunctional spaces while integrating bold, creative touches into their homes. Whether it's through the revival of vintage styles or the focus on wellness and smart technology, these trends reflect a desire to make homes more functional, personal, and connected to the natural world. As the year progresses, these design directions will continue to evolve, shaping the future of interiors.

The Rise of ADUs: A Solution for Modern Living

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are self-contained living spaces built on the same property as an existing home. Often referred to as granny flats, backyard cottages, or mother-in-law suites, ADUs are gaining popularity as a practical solution to modern housing challenges. They offer increased flexibility, affordability, and sustainable living options, especially in cities with high demand for housing.

Benefits of ADUs

• Addressing Housing Shortages:
  ADUs help ease the housing crisis by creating additional units on existing properties. They increase the housing supply without the need for large-scale construction or urban sprawl.

• Affordability:
  For homeowners, renting out an ADU can generate additional income, helping to offset mortgage or property tax costs. ADUs also offer more affordable rental options in otherwise expensive areas.

• Increased Property Value:
  ADUs can increase a property's value by adding functional space, making it more attractive to future buyers or renters.

• Multigenerational Living:
  ADUs provide separate living quarters for family members, such as aging parents or adult children, offering both privacy and proximity within the same household.

• Sustainability:
  Building ADUs on existing lots utilizes already-developed infrastructure, reducing the need for new construction and minimizing environmental impact. Many ADUs are also built with energy-efficient features.

Challenges of ADUs

• Zoning and Regulations:
  Many cities have restrictive zoning laws that limit the construction of ADUs. Although some places, like California, are easing regulations to encourage ADUs, zoning remains a significant barrier.

• Cost of Construction:
  Building an ADU can be expensive, ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 or more, which can be a financial challenge for some homeowners. However, some local governments offer incentives or grants to reduce costs.

• Neighborhood Impact:
  The addition of ADUs could increase density, traffic, and strain on local infrastructure. To address these concerns, many cities implement guidelines to ensure ADUs blend with neighborhood character.

ADUs are a promising solution to the housing crisis, offering affordable, flexible living spaces that benefit homeowners and renters alike. While challenges like zoning restrictions, cost, and neighborhood concerns exist, ADUs are likely to become a more integral part of urban housing development as cities seek sustainable ways to accommodate growing populations.

Design Trends in 2021

In 2021, interior design continues to evolve, reflecting our changing lifestyles and needs. With many people spending more time at home, design trends focus on comfort, functionality, and personalization. Spaces become multifunctional, relaxing, and visually pleasing, while also enhancing well-being. The following are some of the key design trends that dominate in 2021.

Biophilic Design and Natural Elements

Biophilic design, which emphasizes the connection between people and nature, is a prominent trend in 2021. As the pandemic increases our desire to connect with the outdoors, people incorporate natural elements into their interiors. This trend includes:

• Indoor plants: From large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs to smaller succulents, plants are popular for adding life and color.

• Natural materials: Designers favor materials such as wood, stone, rattan, and clay, creating a tactile connection to nature.

• Large windows and natural light: Maximizing natural light and creating seamless transitions to outdoor spaces become key goals in modern home designs.

Multifunctional Spaces

With remote work becoming the norm for many, spaces need to adapt to multiple functions. Home offices, for example, need to blend seamlessly into living spaces, and furniture has to serve multiple purposes. Key elements of this trend include:

• Home offices: People create dedicated workspaces in living rooms, bedrooms, or even hallways, often using flexible, stylish furniture that can be tucked away when not in use.

• Convertible furniture: Items like fold-out desks, Murphy beds, and modular sofas provide flexibility, allowing spaces to transform based on immediate needs.

• Open-concept layouts: These layouts allow rooms to serve multiple functions, making it easy to switch from work mode to relaxation mode.

Comfort and Coziness

In 2021, comfort becomes a priority in design. People want spaces that offer warmth, relaxation, and a sense of security. As a result, furniture and decor choices emphasize coziness. Popular features include:

• Soft textures: Fabrics like velvet, chenille, and knitted textiles create inviting, tactile experiences.

• Plush furniture: Oversized sofas, armchairs, and soft bedding make spaces feel comfortable and nurturing.

• Candlelight and soft lighting: The use of candles, table lamps, and warm LED lights adds intimacy to living areas, making them feel more relaxed.

Earthy Tones and Warm Neutrals

In 2021, people embrace warm, earthy colors to create cozy and calming environments. Shades of beige, taupe, soft browns, and terracotta dominate color schemes, bringing warmth and comfort. Other popular hues include:

• Muted greens and blues: These colors evoke feelings of serenity and calm, often used in bedrooms or bathrooms for relaxation.

• Rich, earthy accents: Colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and rust add depth and personality without overwhelming a room.

Sustainability and Conscious Design

Sustainability remains a central theme in 2021, with an increased focus on environmentally responsible choices. Homeowners are making conscious decisions about the products and materials they use. This includes:

• Eco-friendly materials: Recycled, upcycled, and sustainably sourced materials like reclaimed wood, organic cotton, and bamboo are gaining popularity.

• Timeless design: People are investing in high-quality, durable furniture that will last, opting for pieces that won’t go out of style or wear out quickly.

• Energy-efficient homes: Homeowners integrate sustainable technologies like solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving appliances to reduce their environmental footprint.

Maximalism and Personalization

2021 marks a return to maximalism, with more people embracing vibrant, eclectic design choices. This trend focuses on mixing patterns, textures, and colors to create highly personalized spaces. Elements of maximalism include:

• Bold patterns and prints: Designers layer different patterns—florals, stripes, and geometrics—to create visually dynamic interiors.

• Vintage and artisanal pieces: Mixing old and new items, such as antique furniture or handmade decor, helps create unique, one-of-a-kind spaces.

• Statement furniture and accessories: Oversized art, bold lighting fixtures, and unique furniture pieces make strong design statements and add character to a home.

Retro Revival

The 1970s and 1980s continue to influence design in 2021, with many people looking back to these eras for inspiration. Retro elements are making a comeback, especially in furniture and color schemes. Key features include:

• Bold, graphic patterns: Geometric shapes, stripes, and other bold motifs are popular in wallpapers, rugs, and fabrics.

• Curved furniture: Sofas, chairs, and tables with soft, rounded edges evoke a sense of comfort and fluidity.

• Vintage-inspired lighting: Retro light fixtures like arc floor lamps and colorful pendant lights add a nostalgic touch to modern homes.

Wellness-Inspired Spaces

As health and wellness continue to be a priority, 2021 sees an increased focus on creating home environments that promote physical and mental well-being. People are designing spaces that support relaxation and self-care, including:

• Spa-like bathrooms: Luxurious bathtubs, rainfall showers, and natural stone finishes turn bathrooms into calming retreats.

• Dedicated wellness spaces: Homeowners are carving out areas for yoga, meditation, or fitness to promote a healthy lifestyle.

• Air purification and plants: Indoor plants like snake plants and peace lilies help purify the air, while air purifiers ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

Tech-Integrated Design

As technology becomes an essential part of everyday life, 2021 sees more homes incorporating smart tech into design. This trend focuses on making spaces more functional and efficient. Key elements include:

• Smart appliances: High-tech appliances like refrigerators with built-in cameras, intelligent thermostats, and automated lighting systems make homes more convenient and eco-friendly.

• Home theaters and sound systems: As people spend more time at home, high-quality entertainment systems become central to living spaces.

• Smart furniture: Furniture pieces that incorporate built-in charging stations, speakers, or lighting are popular for their practicality and sleek design.

Artisanal and Handcrafted Elements

2021 celebrates craftsmanship and individuality. People seek out unique, handmade items to personalize their spaces. This trend includes:

• Handwoven textiles: Throw blankets, rugs, and cushions made by artisans become focal points in many homes.

• Artisanal pottery: Handmade ceramics, from decorative vases to everyday tableware, add warmth and character to interiors.

• Bespoke furniture pieces: Custom-made furniture allows homeowners to incorporate personalized elements into their design, ensuring each space feels unique.

The design trends of 2021 reflect a shift toward creating spaces that are functional, comfortable, and uniquely personal. People continue to seek connections with nature, prioritize wellness, and focus on sustainability in their home designs. At the same time, there is a return to bold colors, eclectic styles, and retro influences, ensuring that interiors remain dynamic and full of personality. As we look ahead, these trends will continue to evolve, responding to our changing lifestyles and the desire to create homes that are both beautiful and supportive of our well-being.

Scale and Size of Furniture in Home Staging

When staging a home for sale, every detail matters in creating an inviting, functional, and visually appealing environment. One of the most critical aspects of home staging is selecting the right scale and size of furniture. The way furniture is chosen and arranged not only influences the overall aesthetic of the space but also impacts how potential buyers perceive the size and functionality of the rooms. In this essay, I will discuss why selecting the appropriate scale and size of furniture is essential for successful home staging, and how it can help create a positive first impression, highlight a property’s strengths, and ultimately lead to a faster, more profitable sale.

Creating a Sense of Space

The most obvious consideration when staging a home is ensuring that the furniture fits the space appropriately. In smaller rooms, oversized furniture can overwhelm the space and make it appear cramped, while undersized furniture may leave the room feeling empty or disconnected. The right scale of furniture helps to maintain the balance of a room, ensuring that it feels both comfortable and proportionate.

For example, in a small living room, using a bulky sofa might make the room feel crowded and cluttered, diminishing its appeal. Instead, opting for a more compact, streamlined sofa allows for more open space, making the room feel larger and more functional. On the other hand, placing too few or too small pieces in a larger room can give the room a cold or unfinished feel. The key is to choose furniture that complements the space, ensuring that each piece works harmoniously within the room’s dimensions.

Highlighting the Functionality of Each Room

Homebuyers often want to visualize how they will use each space, and well-chosen furniture helps to demonstrate the intended function of a room. When selecting furniture for staging, it’s essential to choose pieces that clearly define the purpose of each room and allow buyers to imagine themselves in the space.

In a dining room, for instance, a table and chairs of appropriate size showcase the room's potential as a place for meals and gatherings. However, an oversized dining table can make the room look cramped, while a table that is too small may fail to convey the room's full potential for hosting and entertaining. Similarly, in bedrooms, choosing the right size bed is crucial. A king-sized bed in a small bedroom will make the space feel cramped and unwelcoming, while a queen-sized bed in a larger room can make the space feel airy and spacious.

Properly scaled furniture also helps highlight the flow of the room and demonstrates how different areas can be used together. By keeping the furniture proportional to the space, each area of the room is clearly defined, which allows buyers to easily see the full potential of the home.

Improving Room Proportions

One of the most significant advantages of selecting the right scale and size of furniture is that it can improve the perceived proportions of a room. Homebuyers are not just evaluating the furniture itself—they are assessing how well the room flows, how functional it will be for them, and how spacious it feels.

A room that is furnished with appropriately sized furniture will have a balanced, pleasing appearance. For example, in a room with high ceilings, selecting lower-profile furniture can help create a sense of balance and prevent the space from feeling too "top-heavy." On the other hand, in a room with lower ceilings, using taller, more vertical pieces can help draw the eye upward, making the space feel taller and more expansive.

Using the right scale of furniture also ensures that furniture does not obstruct natural light or disrupt the room’s natural flow. By maintaining open pathways and leaving adequate space between pieces, you can create a sense of flow and openness that will be appealing to potential buyers.

Creating an Inviting Atmosphere

A well-staged home should evoke a sense of comfort and warmth, and the right furniture can play a significant role in achieving this atmosphere. When furniture is appropriately sized for a room, it enhances the space’s livability and comfort. Potential buyers are more likely to feel at ease and imagine themselves living in the home when the furniture is scaled correctly and arranged thoughtfully.

For instance, in a living room, placing a large sectional sofa might make the room feel like a cozy gathering place for family and friends, while a small sofa might make it feel isolated and less inviting. Similarly, in a family room or den, the right-sized chairs or ottomans can enhance the functionality of the space while keeping the room comfortable and well-proportioned.

When buyers walk into a room, they should feel drawn to the space—not distracted by mismatched or oversized furniture. Well-chosen furniture pieces contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that allows buyers to envision the space as their own.

Enhancing the Home's Features

In addition to improving the overall aesthetics of the space, the right size and scale of furniture can help emphasize the architectural features of the home. A room's focal points—such as a fireplace, large windows, or built-in shelves—should be highlighted, not hidden by furniture that is too large or placed incorrectly.

For example, a spacious, light-filled living room may feature large windows with a view of the outdoors. By choosing appropriately sized furniture, you ensure that the view is not blocked, allowing buyers to appreciate the natural light and the outdoor connection. Similarly, if a room has unique architectural details such as crown molding or high ceilings, the right-sized furniture allows these features to stand out rather than being overshadowed by clunky or disproportionate pieces.

Boosting Buyer Appeal Through Neutrality

While furniture size and scale are essential, the style and design of the furniture also play a role in how a buyer perceives a home. It’s important to choose furniture that complements the home’s style but also remains neutral enough to appeal to a wide variety of potential buyers. Neutral tones, simple lines, and classic designs allow buyers to envision their own furniture in the space, creating a sense of flexibility and openness.

In staging, it’s not about over-decorating or showcasing highly personal styles. Instead, it's about selecting furniture that enhances the space while leaving room for buyers to imagine how they would personalize it. The right-sized furniture helps create a neutral backdrop that enhances the home’s features without overwhelming the buyer’s imagination.

The right scale and size of furniture are crucial elements in home staging that can significantly influence the perception and sale of a property. Furniture that is proportionate to the space creates a balanced, inviting atmosphere that highlights a home’s strengths and allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Properly scaled furniture makes rooms feel functional and spacious, and it emphasizes the home’s best features, from natural light to architectural details. In a competitive real estate market, where first impressions are everything, staging a home with the right furniture is an investment that can lead to faster sales, higher offers, and a more successful home-selling experience.

Why Should You Stage?

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter, and the way a property is presented can make a significant difference in how quickly it sells and for what price. One of the most effective ways to ensure that a home stands out in a competitive market is through home staging. Staging a home involves arranging furniture, decor, and other elements to highlight the property’s strengths and create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. In this essay, I will explore why staging homes before selling is a valuable investment that can lead to faster sales, higher offers, and a more positive experience for both sellers and buyers.

Creating a Strong First Impression

In real estate, a first impression can be the difference between a buyer scheduling a second visit or moving on to the next property. Buyers often make up their minds within seconds of entering a home, and their initial reaction is largely shaped by how the property looks. Staging a home ensures that every room is visually appealing and functional, allowing buyers to immediately imagine themselves living there. A well-staged home gives the impression of being move-in ready, which can be a major selling point.

By enhancing the home’s appeal through careful styling, staging helps buyers see the full potential of the property. For instance, a cluttered or poorly arranged room may appear smaller or less functional, while a staged room can look more spacious and livable. This visual transformation can be especially important in a competitive market where buyers are often looking for homes that need little to no work.

Highlighting the Property’s Best Features

Every home has unique features that make it special, but sometimes these features are hidden behind clutter, outdated furniture, or personal decor choices. Staging helps to bring these elements to the forefront. Whether it’s an expansive living room, a beautiful fireplace, or a well-designed kitchen, staging ensures that the property’s best attributes are on display.

For example, a home with a gorgeous view may be overshadowed by heavy drapes, but staging the windows with light, airy curtains or removing obstructions allows buyers to fully appreciate the view. Similarly, a spacious master bedroom can appear smaller if it’s filled with too much furniture, but staging with minimal, well-chosen pieces makes the space feel larger and more inviting.

Appealing to a Broader Audience

Not all buyers have the same tastes, but a well-staged home can appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Professional stagers often use neutral colors, tasteful decor, and contemporary designs that create a universally attractive environment. This makes it easier for buyers to envision the home as their own and less likely to be put off by the current owner’s personal style.

Additionally, staging helps create a sense of warmth and livability that might not come across in photographs or in person without it. The goal is to make the property feel like a place where buyers could easily picture themselves. When a home feels welcoming and well-cared for, it appeals to a larger pool of buyers, which increases the chances of a quicker sale at a higher price.

Staging Can Lead to a Higher Sale Price

Statistics consistently show that staged homes tend to sell for more than homes that are not staged. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes can sell for up to 20% more than similar homes that are not staged. This is particularly true in competitive markets where buyers have numerous options to choose from. When a home is presented in its best light, buyers are often willing to offer more, especially if they believe it requires less work or investment after purchase.

Furthermore, homes that are staged tend to spend less time on the market. Buyers are more likely to make an offer quickly if the property is move-in ready and appeals to their emotional side. A staged home helps evoke a sense of urgency and excitement, prompting buyers to act fast before someone else makes an offer.

Making the Home Stand Out in Online Listings

In today’s digital age, most buyers start their home search online, where photos are the first point of contact. This means that staging a home can significantly impact how a property is perceived in online listings. High-quality photos of a well-staged home will stand out against the competition and attract more buyers to schedule in-person showings.

A home that is photographed with professional staging looks more polished and appealing, which can create more interest and drive higher traffic to the property. Homes that are poorly photographed or not staged may be overlooked, or worse, dismissed entirely based on unfavorable images. Since most buyers won’t see a home in person until after they have already decided it’s worth visiting, staging is a crucial step in ensuring a home catches their attention from the start.

Faster Sale, Less Stress

Finally, staging a home helps facilitate a smoother and faster sale process. Homes that are staged typically spend less time on the market, reducing the amount of time the seller needs to keep the home in show-ready condition. For many sellers, this is a welcome relief. Selling a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process, and the longer a property sits on the market, the more likely it is that buyers will question why it hasn’t sold.

By investing in staging, sellers are more likely to receive offers quickly, avoid price reductions, and ultimately close the sale with less hassle. The result is a less stressful selling experience and the satisfaction of getting the best possible price for the home.

Staging a home before selling is not just an optional step; it is an investment that can lead to a quicker sale, higher sale price, and a more positive experience for both sellers and buyers. From creating a strong first impression to highlighting the property’s best features, staging ensures that a home stands out in a competitive market. It appeals to a broader range of potential buyers, making it easier for them to imagine themselves in the space. In today’s real estate market, where presentation is key, staging is an essential strategy for maximizing a home’s value and ensuring a successful sale.

Difference between Home Staging and Interior Design

I have been asked many times if interior design and home staging are the same thing. They are actually on opposite ends of the design spectrum.

Home staging means to prepare a home for sale while interior design refers to the act of personalizing the design of a space.

Home Staging

Staging is neither decorating nor personalizing. It focuses on bringing out the best in your home and strategically arranging furniture and décor to highlight those features. We also strategically mask less desirable features, if there are any 😊. Our goal is to create a generic look that allows prospective buyers to imagine themselves in your home. We create visual square footage by arranging furniture in a more inviting way and colors to bring brightness. We create a lifestyle that attracts widest possible range of potential buyers.

Interior Design

The feeling of being "at home" comes from an intimate relationship between us and our most personal place. It provides us comfort, pleasure and sanctuary, and uplifts us emotionally, physically and spiritually. Our goal as a designer is to build such a personalized space for each homeowner, by incorporating their personal aesthetics and daily functional needs. It starts off by understanding the kind of style that the homeowner is inclined towards: whether it is Minimalist, Contemporary, Traditional, Transitional, Rustic, French Country, Shabby Chic, Coastal, Hollywood Regency, Scandinavian, Urban Modern, Bohemian, Mid- Century Modern, Industrial, Modern Farmhouse, Eclectic, Modern Country, Art Deco or Asian. We encourage unique patterns, colors, sentimental pieces and family heirlooms.

Next step is to bring along the 7 elements of Interior design of that genre : Space, Texture, Light, Color, Pattern, Line and Form.

The perfect blend of all these elements creates a space that is unique, radiates the home owner’s personality and at the same time is warm and inviting, to truly make it their “Own Home”!

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Textures in interior design

In the words of design, texture is the impact of how objects feel through the sense of touch on the external surface.

Although this term refers to how a particular surface feels, it has a visual element as well — with one quick glance, you can tell how a particular item will feel. Hence, certain items look smooth or cozy. Texture has the power to add warmth, depth and character to your home in a way no other element can. To get a better idea of what texture consists of, imagine yourself walking over a Persian rug or wrapping yourself in an Alpaca throw on a winter night.

The kind of textures we are talking about incorporating are things like wood and textiles — things that have pattern and movement and look like they would be interesting to touch.

It is a designer’s job to put two or more contrasting textures together to add visual weight to the space. This works best when two contrasting textures — rough and smooth — are used in close proximity to each other.

Textures, if implemented incorrectly, will make an otherwise pleasant room feel haphazard. Sometimes, the easiest way to harness the power of texture is to center it around a standout feature, such as an archway or fireplace. Selected textures can play off of the characteristics of the focal point.

The following are top three of the textures that we like to incorporate in our design plan for clients:

Velvet:  The perception of velvet has changed dramatically in recent years. Velvet furnishings has taken on new significance in 2019. A velvet sofa is no longer something to feel embarrassed about, but something to embrace. You can easily add luxury to the living room with a contemporary velvet tufted sofa. The popular colors are greens, blues, rich rusts and terra-cotta shades.

Velvet itself is quite durable, even though its luxurious and high-style look would make you think otherwise.

Marble: One of our favorite accents that seems to be here to stay is the marble trend. After seeing the way marble can completely transform a space, we are beginning to understand what the Romans made all the fuss about. Although it may seem awkward at first glance, marble is excellent material for furniture. It is strong, powerful is timeless. Do not be afraid to invest in a piece of furniture made of marble. The material’s distinct veining adds visual interest to any furniture and décor while maintaining a sleek appearance. Adding marble accessories can rejuvenate any space in your home.

Textured Rugs: Rugs are a perfect way to bring an element of texture into the room. A rug on a tile or wooden floor is both visually and tactilely contrasting. It adds in another layer to a room. A carefully displayed rug will be able to alter how light reflects around the room. Its presence will soften up, smooth or add rustic charm to overall place and add dimensions to a room.

Our favorite is hand woven woolen rugs. Wool is very resilient and its texture allows it to quickly recover from crushing or indenting caused by footsteps. This natural resilience also keeps the rug looking new and fresh for longer periods of time.

This design inspiration, that we are sharing here beautifully incorporates a velvet sofa, with leather accent chairs. We have marble coffee and side tables and also marble lamps. For accessories, we have used green agate, velvet and woolen throw pillow, paired with metallic vases and a handmade woolen rug bring the whole design to completion.

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Symbolism of flowers in Feng Shui

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of space arrangement, that uses universal principles and the laws of nature to determine how to organize your environment for the energy to flow in the right cycle for your overall health, happiness and prosperity.

Flowers are very powerful Feng Shui cure and have been used for centuries to uplift the chi of a home. They are also believed to being in good luck, healing and numerous blessings. Each color of flower has specific meaning in Feng Shui.

For example, red flowers represent passion and emotion; orange, warmth and conversation; yellow, truth and friendship; green, growth and vitality; white, innocence and purity; purple, spirituality and faith; blue, clarity and relaxation.

Listing out a few of my favorite blooms and their symbolism:

Orchids: Orchids signify purity and fertility, and they enhance career success. Put a spray of purple phalaenopsis in your home office, your meditation space or your family room for grace, harmony and progress. In a living room, the orchid bestows family luck and harmony.

Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums represent the sun. They symbolize happiness and joy. The golden yellow color flowers bring into your home the energy similar to the happy, life-giving energy brought by the sun.

Roses: Roses symbolize love and passion. The pink and red color roses have been used for centuries to symbolize love and marriage, a Feng Shui symbol. The peach colored ones represent comfort and stability, while the yellow roses bring hope into your home and nourish the spirit.

Tulips : Tulips symbolize endurance. They are also believed to bring in good luck, especially in one’s career. If you want to use it as a career Feng Shui cure, place them on the north corner of your living room.

Lilies: The lily is  considered to represent acquired wealth. They are also believed to have strong protective and cleansing vibrations.

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Design Trends of 2018

It’s that time of year again! The holidays are behind us and now we are wondering what the new year will bring in terms of new style trends to enjoy. Here are my thoughts on the subject:

Black and white have been trending up since at least 2016. By all appearances, this color combination is still gaining steam, and will remain popular in 2018. Sherwin-Williams' 2018 Color of the Year (Oceanside SW 6496) is an intense shade of blue-green, while Pantone recently announced the rich and regal Ultra Violet will reign supreme in the coming year.

A few years back, mixing metals was a total no-no. But experts now agree that today’s homeowners want more than simple. Copper or Brass fixtures will gain prominence.

In the kitchen, sleek quartz is taking the place of the granite.

Red-toned woods are fading in popularity and trending towards lighter color palettes in domestic American woods such as maple, pine, or hickory

Minimalist, Scandinavian as well as an influence of retro-modern designs, are stylish options for interior design in 2018.

To sum up, Here are a few of the hot home trends for 2018:

• Geometric Patterns

• Farmhouse Style

• Wood & Natural Elements

• Bright & Warm Colors

• Metallic Décor

• Textured Accents

• Concrete Surfaces

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8 things to do before you put your home up for sale.

Are you ready to sell your home?  Are you overwhelmed by trying to figure out what to do?

From cleaning to repainting, here are 8 things we recommend you do before you put your home for sale.

  1. Find a listing agent : We recommend you invest in a professional, who understands the market and sells homes for a living. When interviewing a listing agent, be sure to ask about their experience in your neighborhood, their expertise in buying or selling homes, portfolio of homes they have sold recently, connection to potential buyers and social media expertise.

 2. Curb Appeal: Make sure potential buyers' first impression of your home is a good one. Inspire them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more. Make the front porch welcoming . Invest in a new doormat and take the time to scrub down your front door. Better yet, repaint it and add some new house numbers and a new porch light. Don’t forget your side yard.

 3. Clean, clean, clean: First impressions means a lot. So don’t let foul smells, dirty floors or dusty surfaces make a bad impression on a potential buyer. Before listing your home (and throughout the selling process), give your home a deep clean.

You want your property to look spotless. Deep clean carpets so they look and smell good. If the carpet is stained, consider replacing it. Have your windows professionally washed. Even on gray days, clean windows will let in more light and make your rooms sparkle.

 4. Light Bulbs: When showing your house to potential buyers, all light fixtures and lamps will need to be turned on. For this reason, it’s important that all lights in your home have working light bulbs. Change light bulbs throughout your home to make it brighter. Replace CFL bulbs with warmer incandescent bulbs.

5.   Paint the walls : Now’s the time to re-paint your home. Stick to whites, light grays, light beiges. These shades will make your home appear bigger, brighter and more welcoming. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your home will also help cover the wall’s imperfections and convey a blank slate to potential buyers. Even if you’re not doing a full-on repainting project, pay special attention to scrubbing and then touching up baseboards, walls, and doors to make the house sparkle and look cared-for.

6. Do the repairs : Repairing and updating your home both inside and outside, is a truly easy way to drive up your home value and present a place that someone will want to purchase. Make sure anything and everything that needs to be fixed (locks, hardware, leaky faucets, cracks in the walls, broken appliances, squeaky doors, etc.) has been taken care of before listing a home.

7. Tidy up the garage : Install overhead or wall shelves to store bikes and sporting equipment. Create a workshop area in one corner — show buyers it’s more than just a place to park cars

 8.Staging : Nothing invigorates a house like some new furnishings or perfectly chosen accessories. Home stagers look for the selling features of your home and highlight them. Stagers know the real estate market, and what sells, so it's important to take their advice. Their job is to help drum up interest from potential buyers, which is always good news to the seller.

With a home that is fixed up and move-in ready, you will probably see more interest, and may even see multiple offers. Good Luck!

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