The story below is from our September/October 2019 issue. For the full issue Subscribe today, view our FREE interactive digital edition or download our FREE iOS app!
Local interior designers answer your most pressing questions.
The Designers:
Sean Doherty
Doherty Interior Design
Emily Mangus
Emily Mangus Interiors
Elaine Stephenson
Elaine Stephenson Interiors
If you want the opinion of a seasoned interior designer, that usually involves a home visit and a fee—but we’ve got the next best thing. We put three of Roanoke’s most trusted design voices on the spot to ask them the questions you want to know, like, what’s a fail-safe paint color? And, how do I mix patterns in a room without looking like I selected everything with a blindfold on? Read on for expert advice on how to renovate your kitchen, paint that room or buy that rug with confidence.
Question #1
Good bet for a fail-safe paint color?
SD: BM Decorator’s White
EM: BM Decorator’s White...but always do a sample first. Paint colors look different in different spaces.
ES: BM Manchester Tan or BM Edgecomb Gray
Question #2
What’s your advice for mixing patterns in a space?
SD: Don’t be afraid to commit when mixing pattern and color. You live in the space, and if it looks right to you, it’s right. Don’t sweat it so much!
What’s your advice for mixing patterns in a space?
EM: A good rule is one large pattern, a small geometric and a solid. It’s hard to go wrong with that.
ES: There are wonderful, new, colorful abstract patterns out there that can allow you to launch into different directions in a room. Try out different things, especially with less expensive items like pillows.
Question #3
Chevron—trendy or timeless?
SD: It can be timeless in the right scale, but oversized chevron is trendy.
EM: Chevron is trendy and overused, especially large-scale chevron, but herringbone, which is similar, is a timeless classic.
ES: Chevron is trending out. It will probably come back some day, but it’s on the downswing now.
Question #4
Best kitchen
design tip?
SD: Don’t be wed to the concept of the triangle.
EM: Go neutral in the kitchen. Those cabinets and counters are going to be there for a long time.
ES: Be sure you’ve got the proper workflow, first and foremost. And be sure you’re selected colors you can live with a long, long time because those fixed elements are expensive to change.
Question #5
Go-to backsplash tile—color, shape or pattern?
SD: Stainless steel [sheeting].
EM: A white tile in a herringbone pattern. But no dark grout, I like a lighter grout.
ES: Subway tile in a neutral, a gentle off-white or light gray. I think people can live with it forever. You’ll never tire of it, and you can punch it up with colorful accessories.
Question #6
Mixing cabinet colors in the kitchen— yes or no?
SD: Yes, but if you do it you’re going for contrast, so make a bold statement. Contrast looks deliberate, but there’s nothing worse than a near miss...like you tried to match, but missed. Make it obvious.
EM: Yes! It feels a little bit trendy, but I do like it.
ES: I’m not as much of a fan of mixing top and bottom cabinet colors, but do like changing up the kitchen island. I’m probably not as bold as some [other designers] with cabinet colors, but again, I want something my clients won’t tire of in a few years.
Question #7
What should you do with a rug that’s too small for the space?
SD: Put it outside the seating area. Make it stand alone. Replace it with a larger rug if or when the budget allows. If it’s the wrong size, you might be able to use it elsewhere, but don’t leave it where it doesn’t work.
EM: In a sitting area, at least all front feet of the furniture grouping should be on the rug. Bare floors are better than a too-small rug. Move it to another space.
ES: Do the sisal rug trick, and layer your too-small rug on top of a natural rug. They are far less expensive than a wool rug in a comparable size.
Question #8
What’s a design trend on the way out?
SD: I think a trend on the way out is bleached wood furniture.
EM: The cold, sterile, minimal, neutral look. We’re seeing more infusions of color now. Color enlivens a space.
ES: The neutrals and the grays are taking a backseat. Color is coming back. People are willing to get bold again with some color.
Question #9
Faux plants—yes or no?
SD: Judiciously placed, they’ve come a long way. Just make them good [quality] ones, and mix in real plants in the room.
EM: When you can, go with real. But a faux plant is better than no plant.
ES: I’m really not a big fan, because most of them don’t look real and they tend to collect dust. I love orchids and succulents for low maintenance plants.
Question #10
What’s your best overall design advice?
SD: Choose your counsel wisely and then don’t worry about others’ opinions. Have a small number of people that you consult, and remember you are always the boss. It’s your home!
EM: Buy what you love, and you’ll find a place for it.
ES: Have fun with design. I do like the trend I’m seeing that designers are mixing more unexpected patterns than they used to...so just have fun with it!
... for more from our September/October 2019 issue, Subscribe today, view our FREE interactive digital edition or download our FREE iOS app!