Edition 3: Less is More Vs More is More

The age old question - How do I know when enough is enough?! In this edition of The Design Edit, our monthly newsletter, we’re diving into balancing less vs more!

Do you find yourself in a constant battle over adding just one more thing or purging? What if I told you there was room for both?? Shocker, I know!

The key is figuring out what “one more thing” is right for your space. One more beautiful coffee table table (whether it’s on a coffee table or a bookcase), there is always room for. One more vase… maybe not. I have a vase obsession and tend to find that I’ve bought too many. Vases are something you most definitely can overdo when it comes to decor. If you’re looking at your bookcases right now and 80% or more of what you see if vases - guess what?! You’ve overdone it!

Read more about Finding the Balance between Minimalist and Maximalist.

We’ve seen the layered traditional look - mixed patterns, antique pieces, dark wooden tones, florals, pleated draperies with velvet trims. We’ve seen the sleek modern look - grays and whites, concrete, clean lines, square edges, sheer drapery with motorized roller shades. So, what’s next?

Something in between! The furniture that’s hitting the shelves this season (and coming next!) have bold, clean lines, pops of colors, lots of marble and stone finishes, and feels retro.

Take note: Furniture will have a classically inspired design (like traditional midcentury lines or traditional wingback shapes) with a bold modern fabric. You’ll start to see traditional and modern collide with playful touches of layering the two contrasting style to create something fresh that feels comfortable.

Trend Alert: Marble Tables.
Vintage or New… these are a must have for 2024!

Here are the 5 things that will never go out of style:

1. Mixing Old and New. No matter your style or design preference, you’re doing your home a disservice if you don’t have at least one “old” thing in your space! Mixing old things - whether family heirlooms or vintage finds - into your space adds character and is the perfect way to make your space feel like you didn’t buy it off the showroom floor. Trust me!

   • My Designer Tip: Pick up a cool vintage cocktail glass set from an antique shop for your bar cart. Grab a beautiful glass box from your grandma’s collection (or a yard sale) to set on top of of a stack of books. Display that old magazine or book from your favorite thrift bookstore on your shelf. It doesn’t have to be big. These little touches are the things that make your home more interesting.

2. Clean Lines. Everything doesn’t have to be fancy for your to have a cool space. Some staple pieces with simple, clean lines are a necessity in every space! These are the pieces that act as the foundation of your room, and allow the other pieces to make their statement.

   • My Designer Tip: Buy furniture that has clean lines for your key pieces like a sofa or dining table. They will allow you to change your style over time without having to start from scratch. Keep is simple for maximum versatility and know that your accessories will form your space.

3. A Bold Statement. Who cares if it’s practical, if it makes a statement, you need it. These are the pieces that become the best conversation starters at dinner parties. They also add an undeniable uniqueness to your space. Use it to your advantage.

   • My Designer Tip: Go bold with a funky chair. Everyone needs at least one! Don’t be afraid of bold fabric colors or patterns on chairs or accent furniture. These are easy to change as you get tired of them, but man will they make you happy and spark your inner creativity every time you see them.

4. Your Favorite Color. Pick your poison. Colors change as quickly as the weather, but your favorites shouldn’t. After all, they are your favorite for a reason! Find ways to incorporate them in your home, through artwork, accessories, lamps, rugs, pillows, etc. Think of this as self-care. When you see the color, if it makes you happy, then you know that’s a great color for your home.

   • My Designer Tip: When a Client is struggling to choose a color they want in their home, I like to ask “What’s your favorite color to wear?”. Typically our go-to color for outfits is the one that makes us look the best. Don’t you want to look as good at home, as you do in your favorite outfit? Surround yourself with the color that makes you pop, no matter if it’s the color of the year or not!

5. The Unexpected. There is a reason why people get such joy from surprises… it’s unexpected! The same holds true for your design choices in your home. Aim to surprise people with your choices. Let them say “Oh my gosh, I would have never thought of that!”. One time I turned a vintage suitcase into a custom dog bed. It was a conversation starter and my dog loved it!

   • My Designer Tip: Just because books are supposed to go on shelves, doesn’t mean they have to. Create a stack of books on the floor next to an accent chair to fashion a side table out of books, and then throw a table lamp on top! Another crazy idea, create a living room without a TV!