The time has come to answer your most-asked interior design questions! Last month, I encouraged those of you who are a part of the AKD Instagram family to submit your top design questions, and today I can’t wait to dive into the details with you all. I had a feeling there’d be some really great questions, and you definitely didn’t disappoint there. There’s a whole lot to unpack here, so let’s get started, shall we?!…

Bringing Our Focus to the Walls

How do you decide on a piece of art?

Let the art speak to you. There are so many beautiful works out there, don’t settle on one that doesn’t move you. I truly believe that when it comes to finding the perfect piece, you will have something inside of you that tells you, “this is the one.” But to help you get to the point, here I’ve jotted down some tips I’ve learned throughout the years of sourcing art myself – and also shared a few of my favorite artists.

What are your favorite paint brands and colors? 

Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball have never let me down. Two of my favorites are Graytint by BM Wimborne White by F&B, but here I’ve created my go-to guide to paint colors, which includes even more of my favorite colors.

If you’re painting walls white, should baseboards, door, window and trim all be the same tone of white?

I love this question! Long answer, short: yes, I would go with the same color white to avoid clashing warm or cool undertones. But to give your walls and trim some character, have some fun creating subtle contrast with the finishes. I love a soft matte finish for the walls – it does a great job hiding knicks or scratches, and a beautiful satin finish on the trim can make a world of difference. The monochromatic look will make your room appear larger, allowing the eye to move around without any stopping points, while the finishes add a soft, yet powerful layer of dimension.

You’re also giving me the chance to ramble about my love for statement ceilings with this question, which in my book, should never be forgotten. Head here to read more about ways to give much-needed attention to the fifth wall.

Can you mix roman shades and drapes, or should window treatments be consistent by room?

Mix away, my friends. Roman shades and drapes used together provides both a luxurious look and a practical lighting solution. But, if you’re looking to have both individually in the same room, be intentional with this design decision to create visual separation. For example, if your living room and dining room are both within the same large area, separate the dining room space using roman shades, and keep drapes on the living room side. This will help train the eye and mind into seeing two spaces in one.

Let’s Talk About Kitchens

How do you accessorize open upper kitchen cabinets?

Styled decor can really tie a space together, so consider open upper cabinets an opportunity to elevate your kitchen. As a rule of thumb, I always say that less is more when it comes to open shelving. Cluttering the shelves can make the cabinets feel smaller and busier, but giving some breathing room to the items on the shelves can make the entire kitchen feel more elevated and clean. Utilize the shelves to showcase your most special glassware, plates, cookbooks, vases, or pieces from your travels. Whether your aesthetic is simple and organic or bright and fun, open shelving is an impactful way to make a statement in your kitchen design.

Can you mix brass or black cabinet hardware in a kitchen with stainless steel appliances?

I love talking about the lesser-known jewelry of the home: hardware. Not only can you mix brass or brushed bronze with stainless steel, but I encourage you to do so! Mixing metals creates a more timeless, layered look.

How do you balance kitchen aesthetic with function?

First and foremost, be strategic with storage. Ensure you have enough cabinetry to tuck away those essential appliances so nothing is cluttering your countertops. Above all else, this will make the biggest difference. 

For more on designing a functional yet elevated kitchen, head here – I’ve got a whole blog post just for you.

Diving into the Living Room

What’s your advice for keeping communal spaces that are often filled with children, dogs, and lots of red wine still design-forward and clean, but attainable?

I always stress the importance of making a living room truly livable; spills happen, things get scratched, pieces get knocked over – such is life! The more you can embrace this, the more you will find peace with your communal spaces. But of course, there are design considerations that can greatly help keep your living spaces clean and orderly, while still beautiful: 

• Invest in performance fabrics on your sofas and statement chairs and it will look like the coffee, wine, baby food, or muddy paws were never there. 

• Be careful with your most cherished items. Yes, your gorgeous heirloom dish might look beautiful on your coffee table, but remember to always prioritize your lifestyle: and if that involves children and animals running around, it’s better not to risk it. Keep that dish in your bedroom or higher up on a bookshelf. Life comes first, design should complement it.

I love to keep baskets throughout the most heavily used living spaces. They are the perfect catch-all that keeps your space orderly and elevated.

My bookshelves need serious help! Where do I begin? 

Book shelves happen to be one of my favorite design elements to bring to life – so much so that I have a whole blog post on designing bookshelves! Head here to read the full piece, but my biggest piece of advice is have it be a reflection of you. Bookshelves should be collected and personalized. No need to run to the store and buy new items; collect them through travels, incorporate heirlooms, showcase a meaningful collection – ground your bookshelf in the items that mean something to you.

On to the Bedroom

Having a hard time choosing the perfect nightstand. Any advice?

Prioritize functionality and you will thank yourself later. There is nothing better than laying your head down after a long day and having no clutter in sight. For me, a nightstand with a drawer is mandatory for tucking away my nightly read and glasses before I doze off.

Also, always consider scale when shopping for nightstands. Disproportionately sized furniture is the very first thing that will strike you, giving you a “something feels off about this room” sense immediately after walking into the space. If you have a king size bed, invest in a wider nightstand that parallels the size. If you’re short on square footage, choose a more substantial design, versus something with slimmer legs to give the visual impact of a larger piece of furniture.

We want our primary bedroom to feel warmer and richer, but are struggling to make it feel cozy while still elevated. Any advice?

Cozy, serene bedrooms are a must in my book. After a long day, we all deserve to walk into our bedrooms and feel a sense of peace.

First things first, ground your room in a serene color palette. Nature-based colors like blues, greens, and tans will give you a sense of tranquility. Next, layer, layer, layer your bedding. Mixing textures and muted tones will give you that sense of richness you are looking for, while also offering you variations of coziness while you rest in bed.

And of course, I can’t pass up an opportunity to talk about lighting. Just like your bedding, it’s all about layers. Give yourself a variety of light sources, from tableside lamps or scones, to dimmable overhead lighting. This will help create a warm, comfortable ambiance that will help you unwind after a long day.

And a Little Bit of Everything Else!

What ways do you like to infuse personality into spaces? 

This is one of my biggest drivers when I design for our AKD clients, because every home should be filled with personality and be a true reflection of those that inhabit the space — quirks and all! 

At the risk of sounding repetitive, I believe it’s essential that your home feels collected. Incorporating pieces from your travels, family heirlooms, meaningful momentos and symbolic objects will add a storied and layered feel, making for an interesting and uniquely personalized design.

Below are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing: 

• Family photos in beautiful frames

• Items from travel like shells or rocks in a statement bowl

• A beautiful heirloom plate propped against the back of a shelf or on a stand

• Collection pieces scattered throughout a bookshelf

• Heirloom vases with a few blooms (especially when you have guests over) 

• Meaningful artwork that speaks to you or captures a memory

When replacing hardwood floors, should each floor level match? 

Having a consistent stain throughout your home can be beautiful, but it doesn’t need to match if you find yourself leaning a different direction. My advice would be to ensure the undertone is the same. Having a warm-toned wood on the first floor and a cool-toned wood on the second floor could create a harsh transition.

Do you have any advice for taking a more sustainable approach to design without sacrificing style and luxury?

We never design with animal-based products like leather or hides at AKD; alternatives are a much more sustainable option and add just as strong of a punch. 

I also love to incorporate vintage pieces into my designs. Not only does it add storied character, but it also expands the life of beautiful pieces that have no business being thrown away. Sometimes, a little TLC can breathe new life into a piece, and it’s better than anything you can buy in a store because of the history it holds in its bones.

What are the rising trends you’re seeing this year?

I have a whole blog post on rising trends for 2021 here – but I’ll give you a hint, 2021 is the year of anti-trends. Now more than ever, people are embracing the collected, contemporary look that mixes traditional and modern pieces to create timeless appeal – and I am here for it!

How do you create a seamless look between exterior spaces and interior spaces? 

Identity a few tones or materials that will work well for both your interior and exteriors spaces and carry them throughout both. For example, if your patio furniture is navy and white, and your patio connects to your living room, carry through the blue palette to your living room. If you have a concrete fire pit outside, consider bringing in concrete elements to your indoor space, such as a vase or end tables to create a seamless look.

What advice do you have for refreshing a space using (mostly) what you already have?

Refreshing your space by swapping out decor items or moving furniture around can be a wonderful way to breathe new energy into your home without committing to larger investments. Below are a few quick tips: 

• Look to other rooms for inspiration! Try swapping out the throw pillows on your sofa for the ones on your bed and see how the different color combinations make you feel. 

• Play around with unexpected pairings. Sometimes, two very different design styles can come together to make the perfect statement. For example, layer a few vintage accessories on top of a modern tray for some juxtaposition.

• Take the dust jackets off of your books and play around with the base colors. Try color blocking your books, or moving them around to different rooms to create some dimension in your stacking of decor. 

• Rearranging art in a home is a great way to transform a space, as well, and can bring about a whole new perspective and mood. Remember that art is anything you have a personal connection to; don’t limit your creativity. Consider sentimental pieces from your kids, beautiful drawings or photography from your travels, or even pieces that have been handed down through the generations, like a cherished scarf that could be framed. 

• Changing the layout and flow of your space by moving furniture around can also give you a new perspective, and perhaps a new focal point in a room. Decide how you want a room to function and do not be locked into the original purpose of a room. Consider what you love to do in your home and make that a priority as you evaluate the purpose of each room.