The Unique Style of South Florida Interior Design: Setting Trends with Nikki Levy Interiors

South Florida is unlike anywhere else in the United States when it comes to interior design. With its vibrant culture, diverse population, and tropical climate, this region has developed a design aesthetic all its own—one that’s both trendsetting and deeply rooted in the local lifestyle. At Nikki Levy Interiors, we embrace this unique style, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but perfectly attuned to the South Florida way of life. From Boca Raton to Miami, each area has its own flavor, but they all share a commitment to creating stunning, functional spaces.

Setting Our Own Design Trends

In South Florida, we’re not just following trends—we’re setting them. At Nikki Levy Interiors, we thrive on the region’s unique blend of influences, from Latin American to Caribbean to European, which has given rise to a design style that’s as eclectic as it is innovative. Our fearless approach to experimenting with new ideas is reflected in the interiors of homes across the region.

Whether it’s the latest in sustainable design, cutting-edge technology, or unexpected color combinations, Nikki Levy Interiors is always ahead of the curve. South Florida’s vibrant art scene and cultural diversity fuel our creativity, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful but also forward-thinking.

A Masterful Use of Color

Color plays a pivotal role in South Florida design, and at Nikki Levy Interiors, we fully embrace the region’s bold, bright hues. Unlike other parts of the country that might lean toward more muted palettes, we incorporate colors that reflect the vibrancy of the landscape and the energy of the people. Think aqua blues that mirror the ocean, sunny yellows, lush greens, and rich corals—colors that bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.

But it’s not just about being bold; it’s also about balance. In the homes we design, these vibrant colors are often paired with crisp whites and cool neutrals, creating spaces that are lively yet serene. This thoughtful use of color ensures that our interiors feel both dynamic and restful—exactly what you need in a tropical climate.

Keeping It Visually Cool

With year-round warmth, South Florida interiors are designed to feel cool and inviting. At Nikki Levy Interiors, we prioritize light, airy fabrics, open floor plans, and plenty of natural light to create spaces that offer a refreshing escape from the heat. Furniture is often chosen for its comfort and breathability, with materials like linen, cotton, and wicker playing a starring role.

Another hallmark of South Florida design is the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows, sliding glass doors, and expansive patios blur the lines between the interior and exterior, making the most of the region’s beautiful weather while keeping the home cool and comfortable.

An Oasis from the Heat

In South Florida, your home is more than just a place to live—it’s an oasis. At Nikki Levy Interiors, we design with this in mind, focusing on creating retreats from the hustle and bustle, where relaxation and comfort are paramount. Whether it’s a tranquil bedroom, a luxurious bathroom, or a serene outdoor space, our designs enhance this sense of tranquility.

Water features, lush greenery, and soothing color palettes are often used to heighten this feeling of relaxation. In a region where the heat can be intense, these elements are essential in creating a home that feels like a personal paradise.

Set Up for Warm Winter Usage

While the rest of the country hunkers down for the winter, South Florida embraces the season with open arms. Homes designed by Nikki Levy Interiors are set up to make the most of the mild winter weather, with outdoor kitchens, covered patios, and cozy fire pits extending the living space outdoors.

Winter in South Florida is a time to enjoy the outdoors, and our designs reflect this. Spaces are created to be flexible and adaptable, easily transitioning from indoor to outdoor living. This year-round usability is one of the key features that set South Florida design apart from other regions.

A Growing Population, A Growing Style

As South Florida’s population continues to grow, so does its influence on the national design scene. At Nikki Levy Interiors, we’re excited to be part of this evolution, as the influx of new residents brings fresh ideas and perspectives, further enriching the region’s already diverse design landscape. This constant growth keeps South Florida design dynamic and ever-changing, making it an exciting place to be for both designers and homeowners.

The Unique Flavors of Boca, Delray, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach

While the overarching style of South Florida is cohesive, each city brings its unique flavor to the mix, and at Nikki Levy Interiors, we tailor our designs to reflect these distinct characteristics:

• Boca Raton: Known for its elegance and sophistication, Boca Raton design is all about luxury and refinement, with a focus on high-end finishes and timeless styles.
• Delray Beach: A bit more laid-back, Delray embraces a coastal chic vibe, with casual, beachy elements and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
• Fort Lauderdale: This city combines nautical influences with urban sophistication, resulting in a design style that’s both sleek and relaxed.
• Miami: Bold, vibrant, and eclectic, Miami design is a reflection of the city’s diverse culture and energetic lifestyle. Expect daring color palettes, modern art, and a mix of textures and materials.
• Palm Beach: Classic and polished, Palm Beach design is rooted in tradition but with a fresh, contemporary twist. Think elegant patterns, crisp whites, and touches of tropical flair.

The Takeaway: South Florida’s Design Distinction

South Florida interior design is truly in a league of its own, and at Nikki Levy Interiors, we’re proud to be part of this vibrant design community. With a unique blend of bold color, cool comfort, and cutting-edge trends, we create spaces that capture the essence of the South Florida lifestyle. Whether you’re in Boca, Delray, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Palm Beach, you’ll find that each area brings its own unique flavor to the South Florida design landscape. And as this region continues to grow and evolve, Nikki Levy Interiors is excited to continue setting trends and creating stunning interiors that reflect the beauty and energy of this incredible place we call home.

Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!

The Funny Side of Design: Unusual Requests, Creative Solutions, and Hilarious Moments

In the world of interior design, we’re no strangers to the unexpected. While our goal is always to create stunning and functional spaces, the journey to get there often comes with its fair share of laughter. From quirky client requests to spontaneous problem-solving, our days are filled with moments that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. Here are some of the funniest stories that have kept us smiling long after the project was completed.

The Urgent Candle Crisis

One morning, bright and early at 8 AM, we received an urgent call from a client who was in quite a tizzy over her custom-designed candles, which were, shall we say, anatomically inspired. These candles were a key part of her design vision, and she needed to know—immediately—if they would ship safely to her new home or if she should bring them on the plane with her.

Trying to maintain our composure, we assured her that with the right packaging, her candles would most likely survive the journey intact. But if she preferred the extra security of hand-carrying them onto the plane, we wouldn’t judge! The thought of her boarding a flight with those candles in tow still brings a smile to our faces. It was one of those moments that perfectly captures the blend of creativity and unpredictability that makes our work so much fun.

The Curious Case of No Curves or Angles

Another unforgettable moment came from a client who confidently announced during our initial consultation, “I hate curves, and I hate angles. I don’t want either in my design.” Cue the mental gymnastics. As designers, we thrive on shapes—they’re the very foundation of our work! But this request had us stumped. How do you create a design without curves or angles? My mind raced through all the possibilities—maybe ovals? Hexagons? Something from another dimension?

After a few moments of confusion (and a few chuckles later), we eventually found a solution that pleased our client, proving once again that in design, there’s always a way—even if it feels like you’re being asked to defy the laws of geometry!

Measuring the Room, the Human Way

And then there was the day we showed up at a client’s house, ready to measure and plan out the space, only to realize we had left every single tape measure back at the studio. Panic? Not for us! We’re nothing if not resourceful (and a bit silly) when the situation calls for it. Without missing a beat, we decided to measure the room using ourselves as human measuring tapes.

There we were, lying on the floor, marking out lengths by counting the number of body lengths. It might not have been the most precise method, but it got the job done and gave everyone—us and the client alike—a good laugh. It’s one of those stories that reminds us that sometimes you have to make do with what you’ve got, even if it means turning yourself into a tape measure for the day.

Design Blooper Reel: Laughing Through the Lessons

These stories are just a few examples of the countless funny, bizarre, and downright unbelievable situations we’ve encountered in our work. Each one, as hilarious as it was, taught us valuable lessons about creativity, adaptability, and the importance of keeping a sense of humor.

The Takeaway: Designing with a Sense of Humor

Interior design is about more than just creating beautiful spaces—it’s also about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the process. Whether it’s navigating a client’s unusual request, improvising on the spot, or simply laughing at the funny side of things, these moments of humor make our work all the more rewarding.

So, the next time you’re faced with a design dilemma or an unexpected situation, remember that a little laughter can go a long way. After all, design is as much about creating happy memories as it is about creating stunning interiors. And if those memories involve custom candles, missing tape measures, or geometry-defying requests, well, that just adds to the fun!

Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!

How to Pick the Perfect Paint: Seeing the True Colors

Choosing the right paint color for your home is more than just selecting a shade you love—it’s about understanding how to see the true color and how it will look in your space. With so many options available, from different brands to finishes, picking the perfect paint can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some expert tips on how to ensure you’re seeing the true color before making your final decision.

1. Sample, Sample, Sample!

• Why It Matters: The paint color you see on a swatch or in the store can look very different on your walls at home. Lighting, room size, and existing décor all affect how a color will appear.
• Tip: Always get sample sizes of your top paint choices and apply them directly to the walls in the room where you’ll be using the paint. Paint a large enough area to get a real sense of the color—ideally at least a 2×2 foot section on each wall.

2. Observe in Different Lighting

• Why It Matters: Natural light changes throughout the day, and artificial lighting can vary from warm to cool tones. This can drastically alter how a paint color looks.
• Tip: Check your paint samples at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, and evening—and under different lighting conditions. You might find that a color looks perfect in daylight but too dark or muted at night.

3. Consider Sheen and Finish

• Why It Matters: The finish of your paint (matte, eggshell, satin, gloss) can impact how the color is perceived and how it interacts with light.
• Tip: Matte finishes tend to absorb light, making colors appear slightly darker and softer, while gloss finishes reflect more light, making colors seem brighter and more vibrant. If possible, get a sample in the same sheen you plan to use, so you can see the true effect.

4. Test Against Existing Elements

• Why It Matters: The color of your walls needs to work harmoniously with your flooring, furniture, and other permanent fixtures in the room.
• Tip: Place your paint samples next to these elements to see how they complement or contrast each other. The true test is how the color interacts with what’s already in your space.

5. Evaluate on a Large Scale

• Why It Matters: Small swatches or paint chips can be misleading, as they don’t give you the full picture of how the color will look in your room.
• Tip: Paint a large poster board or multiple boards and move them around the room. This allows you to see the color in different areas without committing to painting your walls right away.

6. Take Your Time

• Why It Matters: Choosing the right paint color is a big decision, and it’s important not to rush it.
• Tip: Live with your samples for a few days, or even a week, before making a decision. Notice how the color makes you feel over time and if it still resonates with you after you’ve seen it in every possible light and condition.

A Designer’s Tale: Even the Pros Face Paint Challenges

Even as seasoned designers, picking the perfect paint color is no easy task. We’ve had moments where we’ve put up five or six different samples, only to find that none of them were quite right. It’s a challenge that even the most experienced among us face, and yes—we’ve had our share of bloopers!

One personal paint mishap that still makes me cringe involves my own home. When my son was six years old, I made the brave (and somewhat foolish) decision to give him full authority over the color of his bedroom. He chose what can only be described as the most garish shade of green I have ever seen. I’d hate to go into detail about how truly horrid it was because it doesn’t exactly align with the sophistication I strive for—but I’m sure you can imagine!

Despite my initial horror, we lived with that green for a full ten years, much to his delight and my dismay. It was a constant reminder that even the pros aren’t immune to a paint mishap now and then. And if you’re ever in a similar situation, just remember—you’re not alone!

The Takeaway: See the True Color Before You Commit

When it comes to picking paint, seeing the true color is crucial to creating a space that you’ll love. By sampling the paint in your actual space, observing it under different lighting, considering the finish, and testing it against your existing décor, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect color for your home.

Remember, paint is one of the most transformative elements in interior design—it can set the mood, define a space, and reflect your personality. So take your time, test thoroughly, and enjoy the process of finding that perfect shade! And if you ever find yourself staring at a questionable color choice, just know you’re in good company.

Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!

How Colors Transform Your Space: The Power of Sheen, Size, and Mood

Color is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. It has the ability to transform a space, affecting not only its appearance but also the mood, function, and even the perception of size. Whether you’re designing a cozy home in Boca Raton or a vibrant Florida beach house, understanding how colors and finishes impact your space is essential.

1. Sheen Matters: Cleanability and Imperfections

The sheen of your paint—whether it’s matte, eggshell, satin, or gloss—can have a significant impact on both the look and functionality of a room.

• Matte Finishes: Matte or flat paints are great for hiding imperfections, as they don’t reflect much light. However, they’re less cleanable, making them better suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
• Eggshell and Satin: These finishes offer a balance between cleanability and imperfection-masking. They have a slight sheen that reflects a bit of light, making them more durable and easier to wipe down—perfect for living rooms and hallways.
• Gloss and High-Gloss: These finishes are incredibly durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. However, they do highlight imperfections, so they work best on smooth, well-prepared surfaces.

Stay tuned for our next Blog on How to Pick a Paint Color

2. Color and Space: Bigger or Smaller?

Color plays a crucial role in how spacious a room feels. It can make a small room feel more open or a large room feel more intimate.

• Light Colors: Shades like soft whites, light blues, and pale grays can make a room feel larger and more open. These colors reflect light, creating an airy atmosphere—ideal for small spaces or rooms with limited natural light.
• Dark Colors: Deep, rich hues like navy, charcoal, and forest green can make a space feel cozy and intimate. While they can make a room feel smaller, they also add depth and warmth, perfect for creating a snug environment in larger rooms.

3. The Mood Effect: Happiness, Focus, and Play

The colors you choose can greatly influence the mood and function of a space, from boosting happiness to enhancing focus or encouraging playfulness.

• Bright, Cheerful Colors: Yellows, oranges, and pinks are energizing and can uplift the mood, making them ideal for social spaces like kitchens and playrooms.
• Calming Blues and Greens: These colors are known for their soothing effects, promoting relaxation and focus. They work wonderfully in bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms, where tranquility is key.
• Bold Reds and Purples: These hues can stimulate creativity and conversation, making them great for dining rooms or creative spaces. However, they can also be intense, so they’re best used as accents or in moderation.

A Colorful Journey: From Teen to Young Adult

One of the most rewarding aspects of interior design is watching a space grow and evolve with the person living in it. We had the pleasure of working with a young client, a teen who was absolutely in love with black and white. Her room was a chic monochrome masterpiece, perfectly reflecting her bold and edgy personality at the time. The walls were crisp white, with striking black accents that made the space feel both modern and sophisticated—just like her.

As she grew older and her tastes evolved, so did her room. The once stark black and white palette softened to include playful yet sophisticated hues of pinks, teals, purples, and white. These new colors reflected her journey from a bold teen to a more settled young adult, bringing warmth, creativity, and a sense of calm into her space. Her bedroom became a true reflection of who she was becoming—a place where she could relax, dream, and focus on her passions.

This transformation was more than just a change in color; it was a reflection of her growth. The colors we chose together helped shape the mood and functionality of her room, turning it into a sanctuary that supported her through different stages of life.

The Takeaway: Color as a Design Tool

Understanding how color affects a space is essential in creating a home that not only looks beautiful but also functions well for your lifestyle. From the sheen you choose to the colors you select, every detail can make a difference in how you experience your space. Whether you’re looking to create a calm retreat, a vibrant family room, or a focused workspace, let color be your guide in transforming your home into a place that reflects your personality and meets your needs.

So, the next time you’re selecting paint or planning a room, remember—color isn’t just a visual element; it’s a powerful tool that shapes how you live and feel in your space.

Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!

Tips for Blending Contemporary and Classic Design in Your Florida Home

Remember when all you wanted was gray and white? Well, that austere design trend has been kicked to the curb, and we are awash with warmth and layers. Whoop, Whoop, my heart sings! I have always gravitated to a more interesting, multidimensional design that gives you all the feels and doesn’t leave you cold! As a design lover / obsessive / and tracker, I want to make sure everyone knows how to reach their design goals because if you have the right tools, you WILL live in a home you love.

First things First, Embrace a Neutral Palette:

• Why It Works: Neutral tones like whites, beiges, and light wood create a calm backdrop that complements modern and traditional elements.
• Tip: Use this palette to highlight the architectural details and allow your furniture and décor to stand out.

Mix Modern Furniture with Classic Details, like a Great Cocktail:

• Why It Works: Combining sleek furniture with classic elements like moldings or a fireplace creates a timeless look.
• Tip: Balance is key—pair contemporary pieces with traditional accents for a cohesive design.

Incorporate Statement Lighting, Bigger is (Sometimes) Better:

• Why It Works: A modern chandelier can be a striking focal point, adding contemporary flair to a classic space.
• Tip: Choose lighting that’s both functional and artistic to enhance the room’s ambiance.

Use Drapery for Elegance and Sound Proofing:

• Why It Works: Floor-to-ceiling drapery adds a touch of luxury, merging traditional opulence with modern simplicity.
• Tip: Opt for high-quality fabrics that complement both the room’s classic and contemporary elements.

Balance Old and New:

• Why It Works: Blending contemporary and classic design creates a space that feels both current and enduring.
• Tip: Mix modern furniture with traditional details to achieve a sophisticated, timeless look.

Layer Layer Layer:

• Why It Works: Layering textures, fabrics, and patterns adds depth and richness to your design, bridging the gap between contemporary and classic elements.
• Tip: Start with larger, foundational pieces and layer in textiles, accessories, and art to create a well-rounded, inviting space.

Why It Matters:

For homeowners in Boca Raton and throughout Florida, blending contemporary and classic design creates interiors that are both stylish and enduring. This approach ensures your home remains elegant and relevant, capturing the essence of iconic Florida living.

Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!

I’m building a house, when should I hire an interior designer? (And why the answer is from WAY before you think!) 

Yes, yes, we do make things really REALLY PRETTY! But we do much more than create Pretty Spaces!

Our expertise extends beyond mere aesthetics; we are the bridgebuilders between the architect, contractor, and homeowner, ensuring that every aspect of your home seamlessly integrates into a cohesive, and really REALLY PRETTY whole.

“Interior Designers analyze the architectural layout to optimize space and flow, ensuring that furniture arrangements are not just visually pleasing but also practical and ergonomic.” — Nikki

Thoughtful Curation

From selecting materials and finishes to choosing lighting fixtures and decorative elements, every decision is made with precision and purpose. We work tirelessly to curate a palette of textures, colors, and patterns that not only reflect your style but also enhance the overall ambiance of your home. Design in South Florida is all about inside meeting outside seamlessly.

Specialized Focus

We pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom, often considered the heart and soul of any residence. We meticulously plan every detail, creating spaces as functional as beautiful. We work alongside specialists to ensure that all your spaces read as a whole

Seamless Transitions

We collaborate with architects, landscapers, and pool companies to ensure a seamless transition from inside to outside. Considering factors like sightlines, materials, and vegetation, we create a cohesive narrative that extends from the front door to the backyard.

We are the only discipline on your team that has the vision from foundation to furniture. Working tirelessly behind the scenes to transform architectural visions into lived-in realities. Our keen eye for detail, combined with our deep understanding of design principles, ensures that your home looks stunning and feels like a true reflection of you.

Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!

How a creative mind works: My brain deconstructed

Just like music and maths, design is taking the same set of elements and stringing them together in a uniquely exquisite way. 

We use the same elements over and over again…stone, wood, metal, fabrics, wallpaper and combine them to create beautiful rooms every day. It is incredibly fascinating when you deconstruct exactly what it is that we are doing. 

“We are not furniture planners, we are authors of space.” — Nikki

We use fabric and Wallcoverings as our words. Our designs tell a story and what we do is meaningful to us in the same way that all creative people live for fulfilling the vision of their minds eye. 

I want to introduce you to my mind. This is the same mind that can recognize furniture, but not faces. Fabric houses are cataloged in the fabric compartment of my brain, but ask me to remember a name of someone I met 2 days ago, and I assure you I will not remember. My mind is so full of rugs and wallpaper, that it has no room for much else.   My mind is a living cacophony of decor, flying around, waiting to be used. All that has to happen is a little press of the inspiration button and the gates open. 

This is a literal walk-through of my process, so welcome to the inner me… The birth of a cabinet door I do not relish copy and paste. I balk at the idea of rehashing old concepts. So, being the rebel that it is my mind is now starting to whirl to life, fully rejecting every past design.  Its scratching around for something fresh;  I actually and consciously always have the thought “it’s got to be more”. A cabinet can have so many lives, twists and turns, and what can be ordinary becomes sensational. I do not enjoy standard. I want perfection, unique perfection.  

I think “cabinet” and my mind immediately runs to a clear image of a colorless block. It shuffles though a catalog of door fronts. Shaker, molded, flat, traditional, chevron, laser cut…stop. Laser cut.  All of a sudden my brain swings right and I see a pattern. Something a little edgy, perhaps a groove cut out, symmetrically, starting heavily on one door, but as it moves over it becomes more and more fine, until it gently fades away. The wood grain is strong. Espresso oak, with white wash just highlighting the grooves. 

I can see it. I can feel the texture in the tips of my fingers. My skin has a reaction, my hair stands on end.  I can smell it. It now exists in photo clarity in my mind. At this point I see the color, tone, and details.   Can you see it? You probably can’t. It is a major frustration for me that apparently people can’t see into the recesses of my mind. Part of my joy is for my client to share my excitement…there needed to be a fix. 

The Fix

And that is how the Nikki Levy Interiors Render To Reality came about. I want to take our clients on this incredible journey of creative design, and it was not fair for them not to share in the vision.   Our designs are our creation, but they are also our clients aspiration. So, to circumvent the frustration that the mind projector hasn’t been invented, we render the most spectacular renderings, and together with our client, we share in the joy of design. 

I could go on and on about the details that we dream up, and how we are continually falling down the rabbit hole of interior design. Thank goodness you don’t have to go there with us and thank goodness we have the technology to show you our dreams. We want you to love what you live, and our joy in sharing our inspiration with you is exactly why we love what we do. 

Want to Create the Perfect Family Hang-Out at Home? Try these 6 Design Ideas

My three kids, dog, bunny, fish and husband are the best university for family design. Six boys (counting dog, bunny and fish) vs two girls.

Crash course lessons in Family Design 101 have included Middle Son converting our home into an indoor soccer field, while Dog tries to turn it into a restroom (both soon learned neither was an option).

And then there’s Bunny. Who-can-ever-get-mad-at-that-super-soft-and-floppy-eared-bunny Bunny? I did, with him thinking that our base boards are chewing toys. (Did I mention he is free range? Aaaah…Bunny).

So yes, I know what it is to have a family, and how a home is not a museum.

I also completely get it when a client says: “Give me the most inexpensive rug you have, because Ralphie will use it as his personal toilet”. And I too nod in solidarity when a client quakes at the idea of a white sofa.

So you’d think that Family Design 101 would have taught me to design for families. Not so, and so. Here’s the oxymoron.

I continue to be compelled to design beautiful homes, which happen to also be practical. Surely it’s beautiful or practical? Or practically beautiful? Or beautifully practical? Never beautiful and practical.

Well I’m here to tell you it.is.possible. Here’s how.

1. Make the most used rooms the most welcoming

While this seems both simple and obvious, I have had clients who complain that their kids overrun their living room, and steer clear of their family room.

Well, can you name one kid that would rush into a cold sterile environment?  Picture it: no rug, no soft pillows to snuggle up on, and cold hard sofas engineered to survive a jello disaster. If only someone wanted to sit on it. Given the option, kids gravitate towards comfy and cosy.

2. Choose fabrics wisely

We live in a time of great innovation and limitless options.  Faux leather feels so much like soft buttery leather. Teflon-coated fabrics unthreatened by little ketchup hands. Outdoor fabrics that are so fabulous, that they work indoors too – and can even be bleached!

Seriously, there is no excuse not to create a magnificent sofa. We are drowning in options.

3. Pretty works, pretty expensive doesn’t

Give yourself a break. Put furniture into the family room that is good value and quality, but not the most expensive you can find. This room is going to be used, used, and then used again.

My own family room furniture is seven years old. It has lived through a lot. I bought it knowing that it was going to work hard, and knowing that one day I was going to have to either reupholster or get rid of it. It still looks great (good fabric choice), but is getting towards the end of its lifespan. I am okay with that. Not the most expensive piece in my house, but it’s served us well!

4. Deliberately create that family space

Try carve out one space in your home where everyone gravitates towards. In my home, that space is the breakfast-room table. It’s 16 years old, teak-wood, and every lump and bump holds a memory.

I want my kids to sit at the table and color-in and do their projects. I created a space where everything you want to do, from eating to carving an ancient Egyptian plaque, is done.  No one is hiding out in their bedrooms because our home is not a museum

5. Don’t forget about pattern!

Put wallpaper on the walls. Let throw-pillows ooze personality. And choose rugs that have the most incredible designs, are super-soft (your toes will thank you!), but cost next to nothing! Put art on the walls, and be creative with accessories.

Make the most used room in your house a fantastic and welcoming space.

6. Have fun, relax, and enjoy your family

That stain on the rug may always be there, but so will the incredible memories.

Are You Ready to Let Go?

I love my work. In fact, I adore every element of it.

I love my vendors, I love my contractors, I adore my showrooms, and am 100% devoted and committed to my clients. I feel their triumphs and their pain.

Their joy makes me happy and their frustrations make me sad. In fact, I am emotionally connected to my work, and to all the people who make my designs come to life.

Just like every mom is only as happy as her unhappiest kid, so too is every decorator only as happy as her most difficult job. Let me give you an example.

Close your eyes (well, three-quarters shut, because you have to carry on reading), as I paint a picture of what your job means to me.

It’s Saturday evening and I’m out with my husband, enjoying quality time together at a local restaurant, laughing, talking, and having fun.

“Ding”.

It’s a text message. Like Pavlov’s dog, I automatically glance at my phone. Mistake. Big mistake.

It’s a client. In a panic. We placed orders that we literally looked over 100 times, but she feels concerned, worried, scared, and crazed – with PPD (post purchase dementedness).

My husband says “You have that look“, and he knows, our evening is ruined! My problem is two-fold.

1. I want to console my client, tell her, yes, I know you are worried, but we have been over this 1.0.0. times. We saw the fabrics, 3D layouts, and we even snuggled up on a sofa together (one of the perks of working with me, sometimes we get cosy on sofas together to see how comfy they are).
2. I have extreme “decorator’s empathy”. I want to immediately respond and give her my whole night. But, back on Atlantic Avenue, my darling husband is sitting there, for the rare occasion of having a night with just the two of us, and I am pretty sure, somewhere in marriage vows it says “Thou shalt give your spouse a few hours of undivided attention”. So somehow, I have to flick a switch and get back to him.

So, as fun as doing up your home is, and as much as we laugh and talk and chill together, it’s also stressful. It’s outrageous to think it wouldn’t be.

And this ‘stress’ can pop up in many shapes and forms.  Randomly, anticipated, or sometimes crazed-face-jack-in-the-box-kind-of-mad-and-demented-unexpected. But that’s the extreme.

Sometimes the stress is simply that people don’t like change. Sometimes delays are caused by backorders, or it’s the bizarre wait for permits.  Sometimes budget constrains our ‘caviar taste’. Sometime the stress is clients overthinking things, making decisions so complicated that they spin in circles.

But here’s the secret. And you can open your eyes now.

If you let me do my job, and accept that “stress” and “panic” are natural and organic bi-products of “change” – and not always in a negative way, we should do just great.

And it is all of this energy that we harness to create something breath-takingly beautiful, together.

So when we walk into your exquisite home at the end of the job, and all your worries and concerns wash away, I look forward to a different kind of text on a Saturday night.

I smile as I see a picture of you and your friends sitting around your living room, in front of a fireplace, on a 100 degree Florida night!

Call Me Color Crazy!

When you were a little kid, you would come home from school with pictures you drew of your future home.

A rainbow and rows of little flowers, in front of a yellow square house, with an orange triangular roof on top (often with a rectangular chimney – smoke always billowing out). The front door would be red, the blue square windows with the mandatory crosses inside. The tied back drapes inside had intricate purple and orange patterns.

This was the house of your dreams.  Your unrestricted mind embraced color. The more color and detail, the happier you were.

As you got older, your creativity was tamed, your bright future dimmed into neutral hues, sedate and prim. No longer did your home represent the childhood you, but rather, the adult you. Serious, practical and thinking 10 years ahead. And I get it.

I get that spending money on big items can be scary.

Spending $5,000 on a sofa is no joke – so let’s make sure that we love it in 10 years. And drapes. They need to be oh-so neutral. You would hate to be bored with them in a year.

So it is with fear and practicality that you embark on making the most inoffensive home you can. A home that will never offend your senses, a home that will last forever, and a home that is completely VANILLA!

Come on! Let’s now rethink our logic.

You are creating your home. You are creating the only environment in THE WHOLE WORLD (yes, all in caps!) that you control! This house is “you”. It’s the physical representation of how you see yourself, and your life and your family.

And you make it vanilla?

Don’t get me wrong, I love vanilla. If it’s done right, it’s decadent, it’s luxurious (let’s not kid, a single vanilla pod is $5!). And it is a great base. I am thrilled to start with vanilla, throw some frosting on, and then add the sprinkles (rainbow sprinkles, of course).

In design talk, that translates into a neutral base.  Perhaps the sofa is beige, but it’s offset with a hot pink pillow, or rug that is so fantastically fun, that you smile every time you see it. That’s the frosting!

Next the sprinkles, art-away to your hearts content. Find that art piece that no one gets but you and your husband, that piece that is all about you and your life. Your mom may hate it, your best friend might balk, but you and your husband found it on that fantastic vacation.  Every time you see it, it brings warm memories. It’s the Unafraid You.

Wallpaper, accessories, rugs, lighting are no longer sedate and one dimensional. They are fantastical, bold, colorful, and textural. Beads, fabric, metals, glass, mesh, silk, bamboo, lacquered, fabric-wrapped and on and on.

The sky’s the limit!

So please, yes, let’s do the plain Jane items, and then throw out the rule book. Add color, joy and life to your home. Let your soul and your sofa be one.