Just as fashion trends come and go, so do interior design trends. If you’ve remodeled or redesigned a room in your home within the last decade, chances are that styles – and even your own preferences – have since changed. But a few simple updates can make a big impact. We checked in with some of our favorite local design experts to ask, “If you were to pick one design element that can quickly update a home or make a tremendous difference, what would it be?” We also asked them to share their favorite design material: fabric, wallpaper or paint color. Here’s what they had to say:
One design element that can make a tremendous difference is paint! Updating a home’s exterior paint can make a huge impact with curb appeal, and it can create a wonderful statement about what to expect when you enter someone’s home. I love an unexpected color on a front door that is vibrant and cheery! My favorite color that I recommend for a front door is Benjamin Moore Azores AF 495 (a shade of green-cyan). It looks amazing when paired with whites, grays, taupes, and charcoal exterior colors. Leslie Price, Interior Designer, Price Style + Design
The design element that has the ability to make the biggest impact is wallpaper. And I’m not talking about your grandmother’s wallpaper, although that can be okay in the right home. Wallpaper can transform a space and really change the look and feel of a room. We are loving wallpapers without a repeat pattern; those that are more organic and abstract in nature from trade vendors like Porter Teleo and Look. Stefanie Cannizzo, Principal at Emerson Grace Design
Light, light and light! The biggest change you can make to a space is to bring in more light. Open up a window, open a wall, add a skylight in just the right place to catch the light throughout the day. If you can’t make wall, window, or ceiling changes, then you can do so with artificial lighting. There are so many amazing options with LED to create the illusion of natural light. It doesn’t matter how well you decorate; if the room is dark, it is not going to feel updated. (Unless you are going for dark and moody!) My current design obsession is boldly colored textural tiles. There are so many beautiful tiles out there that you can use as a full wall for a pop of color and interest. I feel so fortunate to have so many clients that are open to color and willing to be bold! Wendi Zampino, owner and primary designer, Home Systems
A smashing fireplace makes a huge difference. As for texture – wallpaper is back!! All sorts of amazing textures, colors and designs. Leila Douglah, proprietor, Douglah Designs