To round out a year filled with spilling some of my top tips, tricks and design secrets over on Instagram, I’m excited to share with you today the very best of #AKDDesignTips! From advice on textiles to incorporate for warmth and dimension, to design insights on how to make the most of the space you have, read up on some of my top design advice below and head on over to Instagram for even more. 

Best of AKD Design Tips for Kitchens

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Dark with Cabinetry 

Darker cabinets can really define the space and allow the countertops, hardware, and lighting to be center-stage players.

Add a Work Station to Your Kitchen

With households balancing e-learning and working from home, work stations are in high demand. Get creative with your space and make the most out of your floorplan, adding in desks in non-traditional spaces. Read more on this idea here.

Go Bold and Nontraditional with a Kitchen Hood 

Kitchen hoods should not be restricted to wood or steel. If you are looking for a sleek, modern aesthetic a marble-cladded hood will get you there.

Avoid the Kitchen Elbow Bumping and Add in a Prep Sink 

When you have one too many chefs in the kitchen, it’s time for a prep sink. Marriage advice and design advice all in one. Read even more functional kitchen design tips here.

Keep Your Pup in Mind when Designing Your Custom Kitchen 

Don’t forget about Fido when building out your dream kitchen. A recessed feeding station is the perfect place to keep bowls out of the way, while keeping food and treats in arm’s reach.

Don’t be Afraid to Mix Countertop Materials 

Bringing together various countertop materials in your kitchen can add beautiful dimension and contrast. Never feel the pressure to just choose one. 

Best of AKD Design Tips for Living and Dining Rooms

Add Dimension to Furniture with Contrasting Welt 

Adding a contrast welt on a piece of furniture really highlights the shape of the piece and is just another way to add beautiful detail to your home.

Put Mohair on the Top of Your Fabric List  

Mohair is the perfect fabric that does not crush or wrinkle, is extremely durable and cleanable, and it stands out with its lustrous look. Truly, it’s a no-regrets choice. 

Consider Burl Wood for a Stand-Out Piece

If it’s not already on your radar, burl wood is the perfect material to make a warm, textural impact. The imperfections and mutations that make burl wood a sought-after material add beautiful depth to your design. 

Add Moulding to Your Walls for a Luxe Yet Affordable Impact 

Adding moulding to your walls adds beautiful depth and character to any space, bringing a custom aesthetic, but lo and behold: it’s actually much more affordable than you might think. 

Mix Up Your Dining Seating 

Mixing up your seating style makes your kitchen dining space that much more interesting. For example, in the design above, we brought together a custom banquette, an acrylic side stool, and a custom-made bench with wood and iron — and it all works beautifully. 

Stick with Performance Fabrics

For the main pieces of furniture in high-traffic areas of your home like a living room, use a performance fabric and thank me later. There are so many soft, cozy, comfortable choices available now that don’t feel like a sacrifice, and whether it’s withstanding dirty puppy feet, sticky toddler hands, or a spilled glass of wine, these fabrics give you peace of mind.

Best of AKD Design Tips for Bedrooms and Bathrooms 

Incorporate Herringbone To Make a Room Feel More Spacious 

Herringbone flooring is a beautiful design choice that feels unique and high-end without being trendy. Not only is it timeless, but the pattern will give your floors movement, making a room feel more spacious. I love to use it in bathrooms and mudrooms.

Add a Niche for Practical Storage 

One of the most practical storage solutions you can add to your home is a niche near your shower or your bathtub. When done right, they make excellent focal points, too.

Prioritize Symmetry in the Bedroom for Peace of Mind 

Symmetrical interiors make us feel more restful and at peace, so symmetry is an ideal guideline to drive your bedroom design decisions. While asymmetrical details are striking and beautiful,  symmetrical design allows our brains to work less, which is essential when creating an oasis-like room. 

Add Open Shelving to the Bottom of Your Cabinets 

An open shelf under your bathroom vanity adds functional storage while also adding some beautiful dimension. I love storing bath towels for a spa-like look, but it would also be the perfect spot for woven baskets to hold smaller items. ⁣

Best of AKD Design Tips for Anywhere in the Home

Shop from Local Artists

Having a personal connection to the artist who created your beautiful new piece adds so much meaning to your collection. 

Don’t Forget About the Ceiling 

Trim, paint or wallpaper go a long way in adding an unexpected statement to your space. 

Don’t Forget About the Power of Mirrors 

Mirrors not only can be used as decorative elements, but they also help amplify the light and the depth of the space, making rooms feel brighter and bigger. 

Prioritize Scale for a Balanced Space 

Always remember the importance of scale in your home. The size of each piece of furniture in a room and how it relates to the others is crucial for a well-balanced design. The most important step in the design process is making a strategy for the floor plan. Establish a plan and wrap your head around the scale of the room before making any purchases. 

Go Bold with Trim 

Not all trim in your home needs to be painted white. The wainscoting, baseboards and crown molding also look beautiful when painted a bold black. Fabulous design takes courage — and I know you have it.