In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our surroundings play a significant role in shaping our moods and emotions. One often underestimated factor that influences our well-being is interior design. The way we arrange and decorate our living spaces can have a profound impact on our mood, affecting everything from relaxation to productivity. In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into the intricate relationship between interior design and emotions.

Colors and Emotions:

Colors are powerful communicators of emotion. Interior designers carefully choose color schemes to evoke specific feelings. For instance, warm tones like reds and yellows can create a sense of warmth and coziness, while cool tones such as blues and greens promote calmness and tranquility. By understanding color psychology, one can strategically use hues to shape the emotional atmosphere of a room.

Lighting for Ambiance:

The type and intensity of lighting in a space can significantly influence mood. Natural light is often associated with positivity and energy. Dimmer, warmer lights can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. On the other hand, bright, cool lights can enhance focus and productivity in workspaces. Balancing lighting to suit different activities throughout the day can contribute to a harmonious living environment.

Furniture Arrangement and Flow:

The layout of furniture in a room affects the flow of energy and can impact our emotions. Cluttered and disorganized spaces can lead to feelings of stress and unease, while well-arranged furniture can create a sense of order and harmony. Thoughtful furniture placement also contributes to the functionality of a space, making it more enjoyable and inviting.

Personalization and Comfort:

Spaces that reflect personal tastes and memories tend to have a positive impact on mood. Surrounding oneself with items that hold sentimental value or bring joy can create a comforting and uplifting environment. Additionally, comfortable furniture and soft textures contribute to physical well-being, enhancing the overall mood of a space.

Nature and Biophilic Design:

Incorporating elements of nature into interior design, known as biophilic design, has gained popularity for its positive impact on well-being. Indoor plants, natural materials, and views of nature can reduce stress, increase productivity, and promote a sense of connection to the environment.

Interior design is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it is a powerful tool that can shape our emotions and enhance our overall well-being. By understanding the interplay of colors, lighting, furniture arrangement, personalization, and biophilic design, individuals can, and designers will create spaces that foster positive moods and emotions. Whether it’s a cozy corner for relaxation or a vibrant workspace for creativity, thoughtful interior design has the potential to transform our living spaces into havens of emotional well-being. So, let’s embrace the art of crafting spaces that not only please the eye but also nourish the soul.

Interior design is a harmonious blend of art and science, working together to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and conducive to well-being. Dive in with us, as we get into how interior design works, exploring the key principles and processes that designers employ to transform environments.

Understanding the Client’s Needs:

The foundation of any successful interior design project lies in a deep understanding of the client’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Designers engage in thorough consultations to grasp the client’s vision, functional requirements, and the atmosphere they wish to create in their space. This initial step sets the stage for a personalized and tailored design approach.

Space Planning and Layout:

Space planning is a crucial aspect of interior design, involving the strategic arrangement of furniture, fixtures, and elements within a given space. Designers carefully consider traffic flow, functionality, and the purpose of each area to optimize the use of space. Effective space planning ensures a seamless and efficient layout that aligns with the client’s objectives.

Color Palette Selection:

Color psychology plays a pivotal role in interior design, influencing emotions and perceptions. Designers choose color palettes that complement the overall theme of the space and evoke the desired mood. Whether it’s creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere with warm tones or promoting focus and tranquility through cooler hues, color selection is a deliberate and thoughtful process.

Materials and Textures:

The choice of materials and textures contributes to the tactile and visual experience of a space. Interior designers consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal when selecting materials for flooring, walls, and furnishings. The interplay of various textures adds depth and visual interest, enhancing the overall design aesthetic.

Lighting Design:

Lighting is a transformative element in interior design, influencing both the ambiance and functionality of a space. Designers strategically plan lighting layouts to ensure adequate illumination for various activities. Natural light is often maximized, and artificial lighting is carefully chosen to create layers, emphasizing focal points and enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Furniture and Furnishings:

The selection of furniture and furnishings is a pivotal aspect of interior design. Designers curate pieces that align with the design concept, provide comfort, and fulfill the functional needs of the space. Attention is given to scale, proportion, and the overall composition to achieve a harmonious and balanced arrangement.

Attention to Detail:

Interior design is all about the details. Designers meticulously attend to small details such as hardware, accessories, and decor elements that add the finishing touches to a space. These details contribute to the overall cohesion and aesthetic integrity of the design.

Evolving Styles and Trends:

Interior design is a dynamic field that evolves with time. Designers stay abreast of current trends, materials, and technologies to bring fresh and innovative ideas to their projects. Balancing timeless elements with contemporary trends ensures that designs remain relevant and enduring.

Interior design is a thoughtful, intricate, and detailed process that doesn’t always necessitate further education but is most often significantly enhanced by it. It’s through this expertise that we, as interior designers, alleviate the pressure that home designing can bring, and maximize spaces and values to elevate our clients’ quality of life.

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, staying atop of the latest trends is a tempting journey. From minimalist aesthetics to bold colors, design styles come and go. So what are the current trends? Take a look as we dive into them below.

Contemporary Elegance:

Contemporary design, with its clean lines and emphasis on functionality, continues to be a prevalent trend. Neutral color palettes, sleek furniture, and open spaces characterize this style. It offers a timeless appeal that effortlessly integrates into various settings.

Biophilic Bliss:

The biophilic design trend, centered around bringing nature indoors, is gaining momentum. Incorporating natural materials, indoor plants, and ample natural light, this style not only looks refreshing but also contributes to a sense of well-being.

Vintage Revival:

Nostalgia takes center stage with the resurgence of vintage and retro elements. Mixing old and new, vintage-inspired furniture, and statement pieces from bygone eras add character and a touch of history to contemporary spaces.

Earthy Tones and Warmth:

Neutral and earthy color palettes continue to dominate interior design. Warm tones like terracotta, olive green, and muted browns create inviting and cozy atmospheres. These colors provide a timeless backdrop for various design elements.

Sustainable Living:

With an increased focus on environmental consciousness, sustainable design is becoming more prevalent. Utilizing eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and repurposed items contribute to a sustainable and stylish home.

While these trends offer inspiration and guidance, it’s essential to remember that your home is a reflection of you. Following trends can be exciting, but it’s not a guide to design your home by. It is more important to embrace your personal preferences and individual style. Your home should tell your story and be a sanctuary that resonates with your individuality. Trends may come and go, but personal style and timeless grace are enduring. So, let your home be a canvas for your personal expression, a place where you find comfort and joy in a design that stands the test of time.

The essence of tranquility resides in the beauty of our surroundings. As devoted interior designers, our team is driven by the profound understanding that a living space should transcend its physical form, evolving into a sanctuary we call home. This sanctuary should resonate with emotions of calm, joy, and solace, allowing us to disconnect from the outer world and bask in the company of our loved ones.

Embrace the Power of Colors

Colors hold the key to unlocking a soothing haven within your home. The hues you choose possess the remarkable ability to shape your mood. For an atmosphere steeped in tranquility, consider the gentle embrace of warm whites, soothing creams, and inviting beiges. A touch of soft blues and greens introduces not only a subtle burst of color but also works wonders in quelling anxiety. Should you seek an elevated yet serene ambiance, the harmonious embrace of natural tones will serve as your guiding palette.

Declutter to Liberate

A cluttered home mirrors a chaotic mind, perpetuating stress and anxiety. Transforming your living space into an organized haven not only appeals to the eyes but also nurtures your mental well-being. Clutter-free zones not only enhance aesthetics but also cultivate a sense of serenity, bolstering your mood, productivity, and overall sense of ease.

Invite Nature In

Infuse your living space with the vibrancy of nature through potted plants and delightful floral arrangements. This touch of life and color breathes new energy into your surroundings. Just as spending time in nature refreshes the mind, surrounding yourself with plants enhances concentration, memory, and productivity. Moreover, these green companions purify the air, ushering in a sense of tranquility that is as palpable as it is revitalizing.

Harness the Power of Scent

Scents hold an unparalleled sway over our emotions. A fragrance can evoke memories and evoke feelings of peace. Research attests that pleasant scents are inextricably linked to relaxation and stress relief. Whether through a cozy candle’s gentle glow or the inviting aura of a diffuser, the right scent can transform your space, embracing you in an embrace of calmness.

Elevate Comfort to a New Realm

From indulgent bedding to plush throw blankets, homes designed for relaxation prioritize comfort. A misconception often prevails that luxury necessitates sacrificing comfort for aesthetics. However, the two are intertwined in an intricate dance. Luxuriously comfortable linens, sumptuous furs, and opulent throws elegantly harmonize beauty and comfort. A haven is not a compromise; it’s where luxury and solace harmonize.

Crafting Your Retreat

Incorporate these simple yet profound steps to curate a living space that transcends its physical form, becoming a haven of serenity. Let colors soothe your senses, decluttering liberate your mind, and nature infuse vitality. Allow scents to nurture relaxation, while luxurious comfort pampers your every sense. With these elements entwined, your home evolves into a cocoon of peace and rejuvenation.

In following these footsteps, may you design a sanctuary that alleviates stress, allowing you to unwind and reclaim your tranquility.

Welcome! Today’s post is all about how to make your home cohesive when you and your spouse have different style preferences. Whether you’re building a new home or putting in the finishing styling touches, it’s hard to navigate how to design your home when you have a spouse with different tastes.

We can design for any cherished and conflicting styles by creating clear and concise Mood Boards for all of our clients. These boards function to both express what your vision is and keep you on a clear path of your style of home. Most people can’t verbally communicate what they’re drawn to or don’t understand what design terms actually mean, which is why this visual representation and Mood Board is so critical. 

If you set out to create your own Mood Board, you can go about it virtually, physically with papers or magazines, or on Pinterest boards. You just need to see and show what you like and don’t like. Go on dates with your spouse and pick out your favorite paint colors, finishes and pieces- it makes for a really fun date night! Don’t assume that your spouse doesn’t care about your preferences. Instead, ask their opinion and try to find common ground.

During the compromising, remember that you should never hate anything in your home! You might not have chosen a specific item, but as long as you can compromise then you’ll have a happy home. Passion is infectious, especially in your spouse so ask them and yourself why they love or hate something in a space so you can understand the why. New styles are often a reaction to a different style and as long as you know the specifics of what inspires you and your spouse, you both can find pieces of certain styles of design to incorporate into your home in order to compromise.

Consider who is using which rooms; if your spouse is going to primarily use the office, let them design the office. If your family loves to cook together, involve your family in the process. Prioritize your spaces- the others might not be the hill for you to die on. Pay attention to the little things- the details might be really important to them and make them feel wildly involved. No couples come to us with the exact same taste so be ready to make some adjustments. Generally speaking, men typically like simple and contemporary designs, women want cozy and lived-in. There’s lots of life experience that comes into play when picking selections and designing your home.

All in all, pay attention to the way you and your spouse react to pieces and visuals when designing your home. That’ll tell you all you need to know.

Welcome! Today’s post is all about how to make your home cohesive when you and your spouse have different style preferences. Whether you’re building a new home or putting in the finishing styling touches, it’s hard to navigate how to design your home when you have a spouse with different tastes.

We can design for any cherished and conflicting styles by creating clear and concise Mood Boards for all of our clients. These boards function to both express what your vision is and keep you on a clear path of your style of home. Most people can’t verbally communicate what they’re drawn to or don’t understand what design terms actually mean, which is why this visual representation and Mood Board is so critical. 

If you set out to create your own Mood Board, you can go about it virtually, physically with papers or magazines, or on Pinterest boards. You just need to see and show what you like and don’t like. Go on dates with your spouse and pick out your favorite paint colors, finishes and pieces- it makes for a really fun date night! Don’t assume that your spouse doesn’t care about your preferences. Instead, ask their opinion and try to find common ground.

During the compromising, remember that you should never hate anything in your home! You might not have chosen a specific item, but as long as you can compromise then you’ll have a happy home. Passion is infectious, especially in your spouse so ask them and yourself why they love or hate something in a space so you can understand the why. New styles are often a reaction to a different style and as long as you know the specifics of what inspires you and your spouse, you both can find pieces of certain styles of design to incorporate into your home in order to compromise.

Consider who is using which rooms; if your spouse is going to primarily use the office, let them design the office. If your family loves to cook together, involve your family in the process. Prioritize your spaces- the others might not be the hill for you to die on. Pay attention to the little things- the details might be really important to them and make them feel wildly involved. No couples come to us with the exact same taste so be ready to make some adjustments. Generally speaking, men typically like simple and contemporary designs, women want cozy and lived-in. There’s lots of life experience that comes into play when picking selections and designing your home.

All in all, pay attention to the way you and your spouse react to pieces and visuals when designing your home. That’ll tell you all you need to know.

How to Curate Artwork for Your Home:

We are so excited for today’s post, talking all about how to select, mix, and display art in your home! Art is an ice breaker and conversation starter. It is a concentration of your design style, telling the story of your home and enhancing a mood better than any other design element. These are just a few reasons why we always advocate for setting aside some money in the budget for artwork.

For a home art collection, our number one piece of advice is to mix and match different mediums (ie: photography, oil painting, abstract piece, etc.)! Without variety, the design can feel flat unfinished, lessening the value and overall intrigue. We recommend a mix of graphic, painting, texture/tactile, sculpture, and photography. The most balanced and intriguing homes are the ones where all mediums live together in the same space.

Art is the most challenging layer of design because most people don’t understand the “art” of art, or even what they like. While they may love an item in their home, they may not be drawn to it as a standalone item, making it difficult to know which items to incorporate and purchase. That being said, it is always best to start by figuring out what YOU like. You can do this by going to museums, galleries, and art shows to determine what moves you. You can also spend time on Pinterest exploring and checking out what other designers/people have used in homes of your style. 

One thing that we have found is that people either love or don’t love figures and animals in their art. We highly recommend being open to it and finding new ways to incorporate these pieces. They can be storytellers in your home! Art with figures can also ease loneliness (extroverts especially love to have company in any form). Figures are very “designer” at the moment, but also throughout time. Even if you don’t like portraiture, find a subject you like so your pieces have a soul.

Just like with rugs, scale is everything with art! Trust us when we say that you’re going to want to go bigger than you think. A piece too small for a wall will feel disproportionate and random. Having something soft on a vertical wall is so interesting and provides a softness similar to drapes, rugs, and blankets. Mixing up pieces with different matting and frames is another way to play with art scale. That being said, the piece’s frames will make or break a piece, so don’t go cheap with your frames. Frames can be a piece of artwork themselves. There’s something special about beautifully crafted works to frame your impactful pieces. Frames are also an opportunity to mix up styles. For example, pairing ornate and tailored frames within a gallery wall or room will incorporate added appeal and intrigue.

Photography is another opportunity to add a vibe to your house. Not only can it add a lifestyle element, but it can also transport a room. 

Art tells your story, so use it to remember a place or moment in time. Look for unique pieces while you’re traveling! Consider buying from a street artist. Not only will that piece of art always take you back to that place, but it could also be a bargain! The right vintage art can also be special and soulful. There’s something to be said for art that has been passed down through the generations. Not all of your pieces need to be original, but the ones that are will likely mean more to you. Just remember, the best way to spruce up and use your vintage piece in the right way is by adding a new and beautiful frame! 

Make your art work in the space.

• You can mix a large matte sculpture on a pedestal, a rug on a wall, and an oil still life and it all pulls together to create intrigue and liveliness.
• Putting graphic art in an otherwise formal room can tone it down (and visa versa). It’s often the contrast and juxtaposition that makes a room feel unique and intentional. 
• Don’t be afraid to emphasize and enjoy the little spaces in your home. Adding art pieces above range in the kitchen or in small powder rooms makes the space feel polished, interesting and beautifully finished.

Expose yourself to all types of art, but remember that the mix is where the magic happens! Photography doesn’t have to go with photography (in fact, it is best paired with pieces that are NOT photography). The same thing can be said about abstracts. The combination is where the style awakens and shines. Curating art is all about selecting with discernment, and ultimately, selecting what you LOVE! 

Pay attention to the art and mediums that pull your attention and then spend time seeking out those pieces in your travels, research, and scrolling.

Welcome back! We are so excited to continue sharing the details behind our Peak Place project. This time we will be diving into the Powder Bathroom, Mud Room, Entryway, and Wet Bar. Last time we spilled the beans on this project being built as a spec home. Today we’ll continue sharing how that impacted our decisions as designers. 

POWDER BATHROOM

Let’s start off with this cute powder bathroom, shall we? It’s no secret that powder bathrooms are often our favorite rooms to design. The reason being that we can exercise our creative juices freely and put unique elements inside of every detail. For this bathroom specifically, we started with the same backsplash tile that was used in the Kitchen, but in a different color. This pulled cohesion into the home without being overly repetitious. From there we added depth and contrast in with the dark cabinet and white countertop. A painted cabinet is most often more cost effective than a wood stained cabinet, so we wanted to be budget friendly while still adding an element of uniqueness with the color. The countertop was a remnant piece that added brightness to the space while again maintaining cohesion and cost effectiveness. Last but not least, the wood flooring was critical to the design in order to maintain the ‘Mountain’ element of the home. 

Design Sources:

• Floors: Anderson Tuftex Noblehall Sobereign 11020
• Paint: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
• Cabinets: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
• Countertops: Della Terra Quartz Biancone
• Backsplash: Daltile Zelliage Lana
• Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Crestview Tab Pull 5″ Polished Chrome
• Vanity Light: Visual Comfort Utopia Double Bath Wall Sconce Aged Iron – 23″
• Faucet: Kohler K-23484-4-BL
• Vanity Mirror: CB2 464218

MUD ROOM

Next up… the mud room! Diving right in, this is a room that needed to serve both function and aesthetic! Starting with a durable, porcelain floor tile that can cover dirt and grime while providing a good, secure grip for safety. With that out of the way though, the cabinetry is the true showstopper in this room! We wanted to create a space that had a sense of moodiness, while staying fresh and welcoming since this is the first entry from the garage. The depth of this walnut wood, paired with the moody feel of the floor tile really drove that feeling home. From there, providing base drawers for shoe storage, side cabinets for coat storage, and upper cabinets for any additional storage, while including the beautiful nook to sit and take shoes off in is what gave us the functionality needed for any buyer and their family. 

Design Sources:

• Floors: Daltile Delegate Dark Grey DL27
• Paint: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
• Cabinets: Stained Walnut
• Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Tango U Pull 1.25″ – Matte Black

ENTRYWAY

Third up in today’s post is the Entryway! These entryway shots showcase the wall that sits opposite of the entryway door, and in turn is the first thing that guests and visitors see when they enter the home. That being said, we knew this needed to be a space that made a statement and intrigued the eye early on. With that, we paired up with the architect and decided that a full stone entrance would be the way to get the job done. This wall extends all the way into the great room and wraps around the wall dying into the wet bar. Stone can often feel harsh and cold, but we chose one that was colorful in nature to avoid this feeling, and create a comfortable, cozy feeling instead. The art piece and rug placed in the vignette played with the stone’s natural color to bring even more life into the space. Last, the pouf, console table, and lamp were brought in as a modern touch that emphasized the ‘mountain’ style throughout the home. 

Design Sources:

• Floors: Anderson Tuftex Noblehall Sobereign 11020
• Paint: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
• Stone: Stone World Oregon Limestone

WET BAR

Last but not least in this tour is the basement wet bar! This bar is located in the lower level of the home, just off of the Recreation Room. First off, you can see that we used the same stone and wood flooring as was used in the upper level in order to make this space stand out as yet another bold, ‘mountain’ style part of the home. The cabinets however, are slightly cooler and moodier than we saw on the main level. We wanted the basement to be not only more comfortable/casual, but also bolder in style for entertainment based living. The glass cabinet doors, black fixtures, and reflective glass pendants also played into this feeling. From there, we used the same quartz countertop for overall cohesion and unity of the home. 

Design Sources:

• Floors: Daltile Delegate Dark Grey DL27
• Paint: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
• Cabinets: Stained Walnut
• Backsplash: Daltile Artizen AT25 Picket
• Countertops: Daltile Della Terra Quartz New Venatino Gray
• Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs – Neo Pull – Flat Black – 6 inch
• Pendants: Lumens District Pendant Plated Smoke- 8″

Thanks for tuning in!

Have more questions about this beautiful project! Feel free to send us an email at goat.interiors@gmail.com and we would be happy to help! 

We have a little secret to tell you.. Did you know that our Peak Place project was actually built as a luxury spec home? That’s right, we worked alongside the architect, contractor, and developer to design and build this beautiful home to go on the market! Designing a spec home is very different than designing a custom home, so today we are going to dive into what that process looked like!

KITCHEN

As always, let’s start with the beautiful Kitchen since it is the nucleus of the home! The main thing to know about this home being designed as a spec home is that it needed to be designed to SELL! What does that mean exactly? Well, that means it needed to be eye-catching, universal, functional, cost effective, and generally pleasing. Since we weren’t designing it for one person’s preference, we had to be sure that it would appeal to the masses, while also being elevated above the standard. 

The developer wanted this home to be family friendly, modern, and organic with a soft style that brought an element of comfort to the home. This was primarily accomplished with the finishes and fixtures used in the home. For the Kitchen specifically, we used a bold, yet comfortable dark stained White Oak cabinet finish paired with a neutrally painted cabinet finish (Sherwin Williams Felted Wool) for a soft, yet statement worthy appeal. For the countertops, we used Della Terra Quartz Biancone. White quartz countertops are extremely popular right now which is why we chose to go that direction. With the island being an abnormally long island, we needed to have a seam down the center of the countertop which is why we chose a product with a more minimalistic feel to hide that seam as well as possible. Our chosen backsplash, Daltile Zelliage Gesso, was used as another minimalistic product that has elegant texture and sheen for a luxurious feel. 

Last but not least, my personal favorite part about this kitchen is the structural details. The boldness of the island’s table extension, the flat panel cabinets, and the bold yet minimalistic range hood were the elements that we personally felt gave it that unique edge that would appeal to the luxury market. 

Design Takeaway: Beautiful design is a balancing act. Balancing how many bold details to add with how many eye-catching finishes and fixtures to use. The key is to figure out what YOU want to be your favorite part of each vignette, and then to design in a way that will pull the eye to that element. 

Design Sources:

• Floors: Anderson Tuftex Noblehall Sobereign 11020
• Paint: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
• Cabinets: Stained Rift Sawn White Oak and Painted Sherwin Williams Felted Wool
• Countertops: Della Terra Quartz Biancone
• Backsplash: Daltile Zelliage Gesso
• Hardware: Top Knobs Channing Pull – Brushed Satin Nickel 6″
• Island Pendants: Capitol Lighting – Kettle Bell Pendant
• Faucet: Kohler Purist Single Handle Kitchen Faucet

GREAT ROOM

As we transitioned into the Great Room details, we wanted to ensure that this room had the same level of intrigue, boldness, and comfort that the Kitchen did. We maintained the modern, clean lines in the fireplace pop out, while adding textural details with the stone and wood wall paneling. This beautiful, colorful stone, Stone World Oregon Limestone, is the key element that we felt brought in that ‘family-friendly element’. The wood paneling was added to give us the ‘mountain element’ that the home’s surroundings needed. 

Design Sources:

• Floors: Anderson Tuftex Noblehall Sobereign 11020
• Paint: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
• Wet Bar Cabinets: Stained Rift Sawn White Oak and Painted Sherwin Williams Felted Wool
• Wet Bar Countertops: Della Terra Quartz Biancone
• Wet Bar Backsplash: Daltile Artizen Picket
• Wet Bar Hardware: Top Knobs Channing Pull – Brushed Satin Nickel 6″
• Chandelier: Arteriors Auburn Chandelier Bronze

Well, that was a lot for today! Join us next time as we dive into the Mud Room, Powder Bathroom, Entryway, and Basement Wet Bar! 

We’ve seen and heard countless misconceptions regarding designers vs. decorators. Many people are under the impression that the two are the same, with no distinction from one to another. Today we want to discuss these common misconceptions to bring some light and understanding to the big differences between the two. 

ARE THEY THE SAME?

As we just mentioned, designers and decorators are definitely not the same! That being said, for a home to be designed to its full and beautiful capacity, both are needed. That’s why hiring designers with both capabilities is highly recommended. But what are the differences between the two? Let’s get into that, shall we?

THE SHORT OF IT

As a general answer, interior designers are the technical home designers with thorough interior design degrees and industry knowledge. They are the ones who design the structural aspect of the home (kitchens, fireplace layouts/designs, wall treatments, etc.), where decorators handle the home’s pre-built canvas. Decorators step in once the home is completed to cosmetically finish off the home with furniture, drapery, artwork, decor, etc. 

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

To be an interior designer, as we mentioned above, they must attend a university to attain an interior design degree. Through that schooling they will gain knowledge of the technical side of design; like how to create and understand reflected ceiling plans, kitchen cabinet and layout designs and detail drawings, construction documents, technical specification sheets, etc. They will also learn required software capabilities in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Photoshop. Interior designers are able to create construction documents that can be handed over to, understood, and built by contractors. The reality of design is that a good designer should be able to put all of the finalized design documentations and specifications into a dropbox or drive folder, share them with a contractor across the country, and have the home built in perfect unison to the plans. 

In short, interior design is the technical end of home design that does require more than just good taste and a keen eye. 

INTERIOR DECORATORS

Interior decorating on the other hand does not require a degree, and is more likely to be performed by a person with good taste and a keen eye. Good decorating will still take thorough time cultivating vendor relations, product sources and trade accounts. They’ll likely still have the ability to space plan and properly lay furniture out, but won’t have gone to school for it to gain the ability of drafting furniture plans and technical documents. Good decorating abilities cannot be taught in school, but is a more intuitive skillset that a person either does or doesn’t have. 

It is commonly misconceived that good designers are also good decorators, and vise versa. However, this is not the case more often than not. Designing and decorating are two very different skillsets, and being strong in one typically means being a little weaker (or incapable) in the other. When looking for the right designer, make sure you take this into consideration to see that they have the capability of finishing your home the right way! A well designed home without the proper decorating can fall flat. On the flip side, it is hard to pick up the slack and properly decorate a home that was designed poorly. 

Regardless of your budget, where to put the money and where to save the money in home design is always the big question! Through our years of experience (especially when designing luxury spec homes), we’ve seen countless times where is worth putting that extra dollar and where isn’t. Any developer’s dream is to save where possible while creating a home that will draw as much intrigue and attention as possible. This knowledge has pushed us to write this blog post so that you so you can dive into your project with financial confidence! 

Splurge: Architectural Details /  Save: Materials 

Our first note is for the overall structure of the home. It pertains to kitchen layouts, fireplace layouts, archways, wall treatments, etc. Putting the money towards a unique fireplace layout with budget friendly materials will go much further than a basic fireplace layout with more costly materials would. Similarly, putting the money towards a uniquely designed kitchen hood with a cost effective backsplash will go further than a standard kitchen hood with a more costly backsplash material. You can reference some of the greatest designers of the century and will notice that they always pulled in unique layouts and architectural details. They may have still used more costly materials, but they also might not have. We don’t know the price that was spent on their materials, but we do know that they put intention into the structural details!

SPLURGE

Now let’s dive into the general splurge vs. save list..

1. Main area light fixtures. We like to call lighting and cabinet hardware the “jewelry” of the home since it can dress up or dress down any space. Pulling in a crystal chandelier will have a different impact as a rustic wood chandelier would. In turn, pulling in a larger, more expensive chandelier will have a different impact as a smaller, less expensive one will in the home’s Great Room. 

2. Cabinetry. This one can easily go both directions, so let’s get into the specifics shall we? The quality of your cabinet box is up to you, but what we recommend doing is splurging on the beautiful finishes and door styles. Cabinetry covers a bulk of the home, so make it beautiful! A stained cabinet will do something special to any room; as will a unique and beautiful cabinet door style! We’re not opposed to a standard shaker door style here and there, but we do highly recommend mixing and matching your cabinet door styles through the house, rather than using the same door style in every room. 

3. Countertops. This recommendation doesn’t necessarily pertain to the guest bathrooms of the home, but is primarily relevant to the main areas (namely the kitchen) of the house. It’s easy to find a beautiful, cost effective quartz countertop for your secondary areas, but choosing a bold, veiny, natural stone countertop for your Kitchen will propel your designs beautifully! If you want a statement worthy kitchen for example, then we highly recommend splurging on a beautiful countertop! 

4. Wall treatments. When we say to splurge on your wall treatments, we are referring to the QUANTITY of wall treatments used in your home design. If you’ve read our blog post, “Client Wishes Looking Back”, then you know our opinion on this. We firmly believe that adding wall treatments through a bulk of the home will elevate it above the “builder grade” homes. These can be done in the form of wallpaper, millwork, venetian plaster, or even accent wall colors. Whatever the method be, we recommend splurging on the quantity of wall treatments used. 

5. Light fixtures. Like with wall treatments above, this is another area where we are referring to the QUANTITY, rather than the quality. Light fixtures, like wall treatments, in the seemingly “unnecessary” areas will elevate the homes designs drastically. Adding the extra picture light, accent wall sconce, reading sconce, or decorative pendant will aesthetically add a lot to the home. They don’t need to be expensive fixtures, but the addition alone will elevate any space. Plus, they can often take the place of an art piece, in turn saving you money in that area. 

6. Upholstered Furniture. This is another item that could be seen as a “no-brainer”, but still needs to be said. Items that are going to receive a lot of wear and tear, like sofas, sectionals, rugs, and chairs should be splurged on unless you want to replace them time and time again. Look for ones that are built to withstand the constant impact!

SAVE

1. Cabinet Hardware. Cabinet hardware is one of the big areas where it is easy to save money. The quantity of knobs and pulls that needs to be purchased is high, especially for the kitchen, so using more budget friendly (while still stylish) pieces will do your pocket book some good! 

2. Secondary decorative lighting (ie: guest bathroom fixtures). We mentioned light fixtures twice in the “Splurge” section of this post, so let us clarify why we have it here also! Light fixtures in areas like guest bathrooms and closets don’t need to be more costly. First, they aren’t seen as frequently as ones in the Great Room and Kitchen are. Second, it is much easier to find cost effective yet stylish options that are convincingly luxurious for these spaces. Splurge in the main areas, but save in the secondary areas! 

3. Door hardware. Door hardware, albeit frequently used and seen through the home, isn’t an item that needs to pull the eye. They are accent pieces that are primarily used for functional use, so saving a buck while keeping them functionally sound is the way to go here! 

4. Tile. This item may be a bit surprising since tile is such a primary factor in home design, but there are some beautiful, cost effective tiles out there that can look just as luxurious in the home as the more expensive ones do. Plus, with the quantity of tile used, saving on product cost can make a big impact on that invoice! Our primary recommendation is that you splurge on the installation pattern while saving on the product (ie: splurge on a basketweave installation pattern with a cost effective product). 

5. Wall treatments. We also listed these above in relation to the QUANTITY of wall treatments. This time we are discussing the product treatments themselves. For items like millwork, it is easy to use a more cost effective treatment in contrast to a more expensive one. For example, using a box treatment that uses little actual wood panels on top of the drywall will be must better for your pocket book than a treatment that fully covers the wall in wood. If the full wall is to be painted either way, then no one will be able to tell that the backing of the treatment is actually the drywall! Another example is wallpaper. Though wallpapers in general are getting more and more expensive, it is still possible to find a beautiful product that is less expensive than others. Do some digging and find the right one that will give you the desired savings! 

6. Case Goods. Products like side tables, coffee tables, book shelves, console tables, etc. will receive much less wear and tear than upholstered items do, and in turn, are a great place to save a dollar! Plus, it is easy to find stylish, yet budget friendly options for these.