OUR BLOG
Minimalism Myths
I had an interesting conversation with a fellow designer recently who stated "minimalism sucks" then directed me to an article with several myths about minimalism (listed below, but feel free to read the article): https://www.petershallard.com/why-minimalism-is-toxic-for-you-and-your-business/
I was so surprised to read that anyone had this perception of minimalism, and wanted to clear up the myths right away!
Before and After: Ocean Floral Living Room
When this Texan flower (and that is very much what she is!) approached us, she was frustrated with a living space that had been through many iterations with the furnishings she had in her home. Each time, the feeling just was not quite right. Something was missing and she couldn’t put her finger on it.
What Makes a "Designer" Product?
The interior design industry has been changing as products become more and more available to the public, and so has the perception of designer goods.
In the past, a designer was needed to purchase a designer product for the home. Today, manufacturers have cut out the “middleman” or designer and are going directly to the public creating confusion within the design industry and for those working with designers.
Trends that are Here to Stay
Image is Frank Gehry’s residence, not a Waldron Design’s home
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” – Frank Gehry
Staying Sane through a Home Remodel
Let’s face it, construction on and in your home is a major invasion of personal space and privacy. The part that really sucks is that just when you feel like yelling for everyone to go away and be quiet… we realize that not only were they invited in, but they are also being paid to make all that noise!
Greenwashing: Cushions
Did you know that most cushions are filled with petroleum products? That high-end reupholstery job may have just brought harmful toxins into the home. pe
We sleep on foam pillows, curl up and snack on foam upholstery (with plastic fabric covers to prevent stains no less). Add flame-retardant to those cushions, and we have a serious risk of cancer in our most intimate spaces.
How to infuse your travels into your home
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
- Louis Armstrong
We are in the Pacific Northwest, which is why adobe homes with palm trees and terra cotta floors feel entirely out of place. They are. That doesn’t mean that our love of Mexico cannot visit our PNW homes.
I usually recommend keeping regional with the building itself and allowing travel to come through in decor.
An Interior Designer's Mission
Breathe. Breathe in the air. Don’t be afraid to care.
-Pink Floyd.
Today, I had one of these moments as I reviewed the posts in a group that I had been encouraged to join so that I could share my BIG message in a BIG way. Sigh.. an inspirational quote followed by an ad, followed by the groundbreaking discovery that is not so groundbreaking.
I turned on my marketing brain from my schooling and put out a question to the group that went something like this,
“This is big? This is the message? How are you going to change the world with this? What is it that is so beautiful and magnificent that it drives your every being to do what you do?”
Interior Design for Resale
It is not unusual for a homeowner to reach out to a designer when looking to dress their home up for resale purposes. Sometimes, a nicer space is desired, but with a five year or less projection of living in the home. While it seems like a great idea to upgrade a home and increase its value, the truth is staging is a quick fix for the general public where design is a longterm, personalized solution. “Designed to Sell” is a bit of a misnomer because fixes for selling do not require the high-end costs of a degreed professional.
California Proposition 65
California Proposition 65 is also known as the “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986”. This proposition requires businesses to alert consumers of significant exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Y’all… it’s not worth it.
4 Ways to Warm up a Cool Space
Grey is in right now, and I am digging this trend. While grey is known as a cold color, I cannot disagree more. When I see grey, I think of cozy knit blankets, furry kittens (what?), and fuzzy mittens. Of course, if everything in my home was suddenly white or grey with no accents and cool lighting, I'd have to offer my guests a blanket or robe at the door to make them feel at ease! But, there are so many wonderful ways of warming up a grey space.