It’s been awhile since I have posted on here, but I wanted to talk a bit about some of the questions people have been asking me when it comes to design. Let’s call it my take on “Frequently Asked Questions.”
Are accent walls in?
I think the straight up answer for this one is not one you want to hear- yes and no. The monochromatic “Kim Kardashian” home is very chic right now. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add an accent wall. I will say that I think staying in the same color family is important. Of course, this is all subjective. But according to the trends right now, if you want to do an accent wall in a beige room, you should go for a dark brown wall, rather than a red. Make sense? The drama should be more subdued, in my opinion. But I have to say I am loving dark walls lately, especially for a bedroom to create that warm space for rest.
Do all the woods/materials have to match in a room?
Absolutely not. I actually advise trying to mix it up a bit. I just finished a bathroom where we chose black handles on the cabinets, and gold light fixtures, and it made for such a rich, curated look. When it is not so matchy, it gives the sense that there was more thought put into it somehow, even if that sounds contradictory. Mixing various materials is also something I love. In a recent project, we used cement side tables with a gorgeous, sleek wood coffee table, and it contrasted so nicely. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, because it will elevate your design that much more.
What are some nice colors for kitchen cabinets if I want to stay neutral?
My two favorite colors for cabinets right now are “Agreeable Gray” by Sherwin Williams and “Repose Gray” because they look white, but they’re not white. I feel like white cabinets were back for awhile, but there is something about that subtle tone in these colors that bring some pizazz. It’s not just your basic white kitchen; don’t get me wrong— I love a white kitchen— we have a white kitchen. BUT, if you want to stay up with the times, adding a variation of that white we are so used to could be something special.
Blake and I are also dreaming up our future home, even if it is a long way away— still fun to envision it. And I am manifesting black cabinets somewhere. Maybe not the whole kitchen, but I love the look of rich wood with black. It makes for a “traditional meets modern” vibe that I am so drawn to right now.
Is hardwood flooring out?
I have to say, laminate flooring looks just as good as hardwood and it’s much more durable. Loving old homes and restoration, original hardwood floors are my jam— absolutely. But the cost effectiveness and the maintenance of laminate just proves it to be a better choice. Especially when they have made leaps and bounds in terms of style and authenticity, I think laminate is where it’s at!
Last one- let’s keep it shortish and sweet.
What are the best “whites” to paint your home?
Okay- I have three favorites for this question, BUT you have to be mindful of the lighting and accessories in your home. For example, our open-floor plan house is all painted beige, but our kitchen cabinets are stained white. The stained white gives off a gray undertone, so it drives me crazy how much the beige and the stained white clash. A client I just worked with had a grayish beige couch, so she chose a white with a yellow undertone, and she absolutely hated it! That’s why I strongly suggest getting samples and actually painting the wall. Not just paint chips painted on the wall. Grab a sample can of three to four colors and paint them near windows and away from windows— then make the final call. If I had to go with three, I would go with Alabaster White, Dover White, or Pure White (all by Sherwin Williams). Alabaster has more of a creamy tone, Pure White is clean and stark, and Dover again is a nice comforting shade. Snowbound is more gray if you are looking for a fourth choice. So there ya have it— who knew there could be so much contemplation over the color white?!
So there ya have it— some questions cleared up (hopefully) and message me at soulful_ray on Instagram if you ever have any other questions! Love answering them!
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