Nov 1, 2023

5 Elements We Include in Every Design

GIVE ME A RULE, AND I'LL FOLLOW IT!

Except when it comes to design. I’m a strong believer in knowing design principles, and then picking and choosing which ones to obey and which ones to discard. In other words, I go with my gut. I’ve noticed, though, that my gut usually includes a handful of elements we incorporate in almost all our designs.

#1 NATURAL WOOD

Mother Nature created it, so we love it. Natural Wood is one of the most durable materials you can use inside your home. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it’s resistant to scratches, dents, and wear and tear. Therefore, it ages well and is relatively low maintenance. Although anything made with natural wood (flooring, cabinetry, furniture) is going to be a bit more expensive than its mass-produced counterparts, the quality and longevity you’ll get from natural wood will be worth the investment in the end.

Project: Scandifornian

Project: Arden Place

Project: Southwood

#1 MIRRORS

They are often seen as functional, especially in a bathroom, but mirrors have the remarkable ability to transform a room, adding depth, light, and visual interest. We like to add mirrors in almost all entryways. They’re also a must in bedrooms and any space where you have a blank wall that could use a focal point. If you’re strategic in where you place them, mirrors can make a room feel more spacious and they can reflect natural light, acting like another window in the room. These days, mirrors come in countless shapes and sizes and if you choose the right one, it can be enjoyed as a piece of art as well.

Projects: Bentgrass Way, Irvine Way, & Summer Oaks

We even like to use mirrors as a backsplash!

Project: Summer Oaks

#3 WALLPAPER

It’s no secret that we love wallpaper. Scroll through our portfolio and you’ll see it in almost every project we design. More than any other wall covering, wallpaper can add character and make a space feel instantly put together. If a room is dull with no interesting architectural features, wallpaper can make it shine. We often use wallpaper in powder bathrooms, entryways, bedrooms, and offices – anywhere you want to add warmth and coziness.

Projects: Arden Place & Summer Oaks

We've also been known to put wallpaper on ceilings!

Project: Scandifornian

#4 TEXTURE

In our opinion, there is nothing that can take a space from blah to beautiful quicker than adding texture. In fact, without texture, a room will likely feel downright flat. In furnishings, think rattan, shag or knotty rugs, and leathers that will wear and patina handsomely over time.

Project: Summer Oaks

Project: Bentgrass Way

Project: Hyland Hills

#5 CAMEL COLOR

The earthy color “camel” is one of our all-time favorites – probably because it is a true neutral. Like all colors, camel has endless shades, ranging from chocolate to light caramel. One characteristic they all have in common, though, is their warmth. We love incorporating this sophisticated color in everything from rich leather to stained wood.