If you’ve been with us for awhile you may remember a blog post we published back in 2016 titled 7 Unexpected Home Design Ideas. It was a year that included our earliest flips in the city, but mainly it was a year that we spent learning about renovation in our own attic space and our home. Since then, we’ve grown and learned a lot, and we thought that it was time to update the design ideas with our current look and style.
1. ANSWER THE UNSPOKEN QUESTION, “WHERE IS THE BATHROOM?”
Six years ago, we installed a little bathroom sign in our home…and we’ve continued to use that type of sign throughout the years to mark the bathroom door. It’s something simple, but it can really spruce up your bathroom door.
2. WALL HANGINGS WITH CHARACTER
“One of the quickest ways to add creativity and spark to a room is by pulling in brick or wood, but not all of us have the chance to do that in our homes. So in my opinion, the next best option is to throw up some unexpected items on your wall.” – Claudia.
This is definitely an element of design that we have continued to use throughout the years. Of course the style varies from project to project depending on what our clients preferences are. Some of our favorites are the old phones on the wall, the photo collage in the corner and the antique oval embroidered photos.
3. INCORPORATE RAW ELEMENTS
From the very beginning we’ve enjoyed incorporating raw and exposed elements throughout our projects. Sometimes it’s a brick wall, exposed wood beams or the original wallpaper. Whatever it may be, we always try to keep a little of the original character of the home.
4. GO BOLD OR GO HOME
Going bold is really what has helped us find our niche in the creative world. It’s set us apart from many other designers and many of our most iconic designs are recognized for the bold colors that we used. We understand that there’s a time and a place to be neutral – but who can argue with the final results of some of our most colorful projects?
Peep the rainbow stairs.
5. THIS AIN’T NO TYPICAL CEILING
From the very beginning we’ve always loved an exposed ceiling, and we still do. The wood just adds another texture and exposed beams can be a way of drawing the eye upward.
6. TAKE PRIDE IN THE LITTLE THINGS
Whether it’s the house number, colorful dishes, the neon sign, the rug or the lama plant holder – take pride in the little things that make your house unique to you. We’ve never wanted to design cookie-cutter houses that all look the same. Because let’s be real, that’s just boring. But no matter how great our designers are, it’s the unique little things that you bring into the house that will make it your home.
7. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE WHIMSICAL
Six years ago, Claude declared that swings were one of her favorite ways of creating a unique and whimsical look to a room – and it’s continued to be a favorite of hers. But you can also make it whimsical with plants, mirrors, flowers, a unique wallpaper, and a candle.
Three New Bonus Tips:
1. ADD SOME PLANTS
Not only do green-things clean your air and naturally detox your home, they also double as a decoration.
Spot the goggly eyes that added a fun little element to one of our own plants.
2. BOOKS ARE FOR MORE THAN JUST READING
Books are a great accent piece for any space. Not just for a book shelf though. Through the years we’ve stacked books on the floor, on stairs, above fireplaces and in corners.
3. BE CREATIVE
If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that homes are not meant to follow a set of rules. Be creative and allow your own style to reflect in your space. Whether you chose bold colors, earth colors or neutrals – paint your walls the color that you like. You can decorate your space with books, plants, wall hangings, neon signs, retro art – really whatever you like.
That’s what we love about our job. We get to work with a plethora of creative people, helping you see your style come to life in your home. There’s no hard fast rules.
Looking to add some unexpected designs to your own home? Learn how you could work with us here.
