Author: Breegan Jane

The world of interior design is always a topic of discussion, in part because it never stays the same. Design is a lot like fashion on the runways in Milan or Paris. Everyone is always chomping at the bit to see what will be that “hot item” on everyone’s wishlists and, in this case, their homes! What’s en vogue today might be described as “out of style” next season. So when home enthusiasts want to know what to keep their eyes peeled for, they turn to industry insiders for the recommendations. Well, fall is in full swing, and the interior design trends are shifting! I’ll tell you what I’m predicting will be hot for the season in today’s blog.

Embrace Lighter Wood Tones

Furniture isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re looking for what’s current on the market. This fall you’ll want to pay closer attention to the material your furnishings are made of. For a long time clients tended to prefer deeper, richer wood tones. Something about mahogany with its rich red undertones or even a deep teak felt regal and refined. It wasn’t uncommon to see these woods in bed frames, dressers, nightstands or consoles. Perhaps it’s because childrens furniture was often featured in a very light-colored wood in years past. I think when people got older and purchased their own furniture, they went in the complete opposite direction with their choices. So many people are still holding onto pieces made from those darker hardwoods. 

But, I think interior design trends this season will see a departure from those ebony-like tones. I’m already seeing lighter, earthy hues appear in furniture and home decor. If you’re looking for a home refresh, swapping out some of your classic darker wood furnishings for hardwoods like maple or oak might just do the trick! Whether it’s a smaller decorative piece or a major furniture item, don’t be afraid to try lighter, golden tones in your space.

For the Love of Boho (Bohemian)

My interior design trends predictions are among my most frequently asked questions. Rarely do I ever leave out some natural element in my answer. I don’t believe nature will ever not be in style! We crave a oneness with the serenity of nature, so people tend to incorporate things like stone and greenery in their homes to emulate the feeling we get when we’re outside. This year, I think we will see an ode to organic items in products with a unique and updated approach.

Look for natural fibers like bamboo and rattan to take center stage in more modern silhouettes that stay true to their organic roots and feeling. Even plastics are being manufactured to resemble woven and braided materials you would otherwise see in items like baskets. A simpler, more mature Bohemian styling is emerging and on trend to be big this fall!

Beautiful, Bold, Black is Back

If you’ve been on social media even just a moderate amount, you’ll likely agree that it’s been hard to miss all the interior design content! Everything from amazing before-and-after TikToks, to step-by-step up close and personal new builds, and even entire platforms devoted to design are being promoted. Everyone is putting extra effort and energy into their spaces, and it’s been so wonderful to see! I’ve noticed that people are no longer playing it safe and shying away from audacious design choices. The color black is being utilized more and in unsuspecting places!

People used to look at me like I suddenly grew another arm when I suggested painting their walls black. Everyone was afraid black would make their rooms appear smaller or more closed in, so they avoided it like the plague. This fall, expect to see this rich hue all over, especially in places that bring the drama with tons of flair and metallics! I love using black on walls or surfaces where I intend to incorporate my signature golds and brass. It somehow makes the shiny decor seem brighter, and when paired with a stark contrasting shade like white, you get instant glamor. 

These are just a few of the interior design trends we can expect to see this fall. There seems to be a renewed creativity and passion for all things “home” recently, and I’m excited to see where it will guide the industry and industry professionals. The importance of home has resulted in many of us investing more into the functionality and aesthetic of our spaces. In my opinion, that is always a great thing! So, I’m curious. What do YOU think will be trending in fourth quarter 2022? Tell me in the comments!

So you’ve decided to make some changes to your home aesthetic. Congratulations! Making a home renovation plan can be very exciting, especially when you have a vision of what your final presentation will be. I have helped several clients update their spaces, and it’s always a welcome change for their families and lifestyles once everything is complete. There is a catch to home renovation, though: the often challenging process before the final reveal. Many homeowners don’t think about that aspect. Before all the work begins on your home, here are some tips you may want to consider to thrive and survive during your renovation.

Deadline and Dollar Delusions

Stop. Before anyone knocks a hole in anything or starts cutting, stop and think. Did you thoroughly consider how much time your home renovation would take? Have you combed through EVERY financial step of the process? You did? Good. Throw all of that away.

Now, start over, double your deadlines and budget, and make those your reality. It’s the best way to sincerely prepare for everything your reno will entail. Trust me: it’s always better to over-prepare and over-consider with time and money. Why? Simply put, anything can (and usually will) happen during the work—and not in a good way. You may find structural issues. Products get delivered late. Wrong materials get sent. While it is great to assume all will go perfectly, you should prepare for them not to.

This is a consideration I make for my clients, but many designers don’t. It’s always good to expect things to take longer and cost more. If you begin with that in mind, you ultimately prepare yourself mentally and emotionally and avoid unnecessary stress. Even when I double the time it may take for some projects, the work goes beyond those expectations. It’s a part of the process, especially in a post-COVID world.

Dust–Lots of Dust!

Now that your home renovation is underway, let’s talk about dust. There will be LOTS of it! The amount of dust construction and renovations make gets highly underestimated, in my opinion. Prepare for it to be all over—even in places you least expect!

Simply put, dust travels. Neither rooms, walls nor floors can contain it. Know this: the moment you cut into drywall or almost any material for that matter, it will appear and exist everywhere. EVERY. WHERE. For example, let’s say you’re having work done with countertops on the first floor of your home. I promise you will see dust in your third-floor bedroom on the other side of the house. It’s inevitable. Living in your home during a home renovation means you should make arrangements to cover most everything. Even with that, you might be doing a deep-dust clean when it’s all said and done. It’s part of the process, but I can promise that it’s totally worth it in the end.

Water Woes

A helpful tip that may be a little controversial when it comes to your home renovation concerns your bathrooms. I highly recommend NOT taking them all down at the same time. Some might disagree with me about that because it is much more expensive to renovate bathrooms individually. I understand that. But if you’re going to be in the home while work is being done, you WILL need at least one working bathroom! To some, it just makes sense for a contractor to work on all toilets, sinks, and water-related fixtures simultaneously. More work occurring at the same time could potentially accelerate the process. However, lack of access to running water will always be a problem if you’re going to live in the space while the home renovation is going on. If financing separate work on bathrooms is a problem, you may want to highly consider my next home renovation tip!

DON’T Survive Your Home Renovation

Have you considered maybe NOT living through your home renovation? In other words, have you contemplated staying elsewhere while the work in your home is being done? This is not an option many renovation rookies tend to think about, but they should, in my opinion. Renovations entail SO much that makes your home uninhabitable, if only with respect to normal, everyday operations.  If you can afford to stay away while your home is being worked on, I highly recommend doing so. Or, if you have a relative or family friend willing to host you for the duration of the home renovation, it will make life so much easier. The amount of time and energy you will save is priceless. When you have to get up for work every day and your coffee machine is next to your bathroom sink because the kitchen tile is late coming in, or something fun like that, you will thank yourself. Your peace, comfort and sanity deserve to be taken into account. Don’t be afraid to prioritize those things while you give your home a facelift. Simply put, if you can be completely out of the way during your home renovation, do it.

Home renovations are exciting, but they can also be uncomfortable. Use these tips for a less frustrating remodel while your new masterpiece is being created. If you’d like further help with ideas for your home makeover, or specific tips to help during the process, let’s talk! I’d love to help you get more beauty with less stress!

Both new and seasoned homeowners debate whether to hire an interior designer or go the decor/renovation journey alone. As an interior design professional for residential, commercial and my own personal home, I see the value of both options. However, working with a professional designer may provide some little-known perks for your home planning. Here are just a few of those benefits.

Interior Decor Exclusives

One of the great things about my job is getting early access to see up-and-coming items from decor leaders in this industry. While clients eventually get to see available lines of furniture and accessories, they may not have access to some exclusives we designers get. To gain access to them, you may want to hire an interior designer.

Many decor and furniture manufacturers make the decision not to sell directly to consumers (DTC) for several reasons. They might not want to jeopardize relationships they’ve built with distributors, retailers and industry influencers. Doing so could negatively impact the manufacturer’s revenue. There is a rapport that manufacturers build with industry professionals over time. That trust rests in us knowing our clientele and being more secure in purchases than many individual consumers. The good thing is that we can work as liaisons for both the manufacturer and clients! Manufacturers get a more secure transaction, and clients get revered and exclusive decor not available to the public. Everyone wins!

It’s a similar situation with industry Market events. At Market, manufacturers introduce the latest home furnishings styles, trends, and products to industry professionals and influencers. They all converge to make connections, discuss consumer trends, and experience the newest styles and offerings before they’re made public. However, these events are only open to design industry professionals. We get a chance to discover interior items before everybody else. And, as a client of an interior designer, YOU get an edge over other consumers and insight into decor products that haven’t yet hit store showrooms. If having exclusive furniture and decor excites you as a homeowner, you may want to hire an interior designer.

Access to Trusted Relationships

One of the most frustrating experiences one can have when designing a home is hiring a contractor who does shoddy work. Not only can it be frustrating, but it can also be costly and time-consuming. Working with an interior designer may alleviate much of that frustration. We’ve spent years building long-standing relationships with vendors, and we know who will do the best job on your home project.

Interior designers work with contractors from all walks of home design. That includes architects and home builders, painters, electricians and plumbers. We also work with various installation vendors, such as lighting, fabric, carpet, wallpaper, tile, and fixtures, to name just a few. While it would be great to think that all of them are reliable and provide the highest caliber of work, that simply isn’t the case. The great thing about hiring an interior designer is that we’ve already sifted through the good ones and bad ones. And, it is to our benefit as well as yours to get the best vendors for your project. Time is money for us all, and we want to maximize work and efforts for the money spent.

There are alternatives to working with an interior designer, but they’re definitely hit-or-miss options. If you decide to do your home project alone, you’ll always have online reviews and ratings to help guide you. However, you’re at the mercy of ratings given by strangers that may not even be real. If you’re lucky, a family member or friend may have had similar work done that you’re looking to do. They can give suggestions for someone who does decent work. But without any professional accountability, reliability can still be iffy. To get the best overall team of experts, I will always suggest you hire an interior designer.

Enjoyment of a Sustainable Home

I saved for last the most important reason why I think you should think about getting an interior designer. While every designer may not be able to help you in this regard, I’ve made this a priority for all Breegan Jane clients.

As an SFC Ambassador, I want to help homeowners find healthier products and design services, and reduce their environmental footprint. Our natural resources such as wood are not in limitless supply. I want to do my part as a member of the home design industry to preserve these resources for future generations. If homeowners don’t understand the importance of that, I feel it is my job to educate them. We cannot maintain our quality of life or our planet’s ecosystems unless we recognize and reduce the damage we do to the planet each day. If we don’t learn to live sustainably, we will destroy life as we know it, as well as what life could be for those coming after us.

What does that really look like from an interior design perspective? If you consider me when you hire an interior designer, I’ll look to offer decor products that have a low environmental impact. That includes furniture made from sustainable materials such as legally harvested forest products, responsibly produced plantation products, and recycled content. Also, I will guarantee the use of manufacturers that do not use toxic chemicals for treatments, binders and finishes. I can also help you choose furniture pieces that use eco-friendly textiles like organic cotton and vegan leather, as well as naturally sustainable fabrics such as sheep wool, cashmere, down and silk. Of course, you can always research this information on your own. However, I have worked with sustainable products for years, and I can make the process of creating an eco-friendly home much easier.

Will You Hire an Interior Designer?

Anyone can buy furniture and incorporate decor into their home projects. But the professional eye and creative skill of an interior designer can make the effort much more cohesive and fruitful. If you’ve decided you want to work with an interior designer for your next home project, contact me! I’m happy and ready to help bring your interior dreams to fruition.

There are many reasons why I chose interior design as my profession. Perhaps one of the biggest is that I enjoy helping others realize and create their ultimate home realities. I also love showing the many ways to be imaginative with home and interior design. I’m so excited that I recently joined a network of home and design aficionados that helps me do that specifically for the home enthusiast community. The Foiye platform has quickly become a favorite digital home design platform. I just know it will be your favorite, too!

The Before-and-After Social Media Myth

(Trigger warning: mention of body dysmorphia)

Have you ever heard of body dysmorphia? It’s a mental health condition in which a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. People may see themselves as bigger or smaller, or differently shaped than they actually are when viewed through everyone else’s eyes. However, these worrying flaws are often unnoticeable to others outside of that person. I recently had a friend tell me she feels like she has “house dysmorphia.” I pressed her about what she meant by that. She remarked that she had seen so many images of other people’s homes, closets, and living spaces, that all looked impossibly perfect and put together. And, she felt as if her home could never live up to those standards and images.

“House dysmorphia” isn’t a real thing. And, it is in no way the interior design equivalent of body dysmorphia. But I do understand what my friend means. Social media causes so many of us to obsess over before-and-after posts. You know the ones: you get a glimpse of a disheveled space that instantly changes to a perfectly organized area with a finger snap or trendy transition. These clips are always fun to watch. A big part of the fun is that (a) you don’t actually have to participate in the work of it, and (b) it’s an instant transformation. As someone who’s been on television (HGTV, Food Network, Warner Bros. Discovery), I can tell you real life doesn’t happen that way. in order to take a home or space from frumpy to fabulous, it takes entire teams of people working insane hours to make it come together.

The Breegan Jane Difference

While it’s satisfying to see before-and-afters, primarily the after shots, viewers rarely consider that many of those photos are professionally shot. That can play a huge part in the vast visual difference from Step A to Step Z. Doing these home redesigns isn’t as instant or easy as social media makes it look. Yet, they can paint an unreasonable, irrational idea in people’s minds that their home spaces are supposed to look like this. These “instant” makeovers can also give people the idea that their homes fall short and aren’t good enough. The fact is, NO ONE’S home looks like that, not even mine!

That said, one of the things I have always been proud of is being a designer who doesn’t mind showing you everything under the hood of interior design projects. I love giving tips and showing people how things really work, which materials are best to use, and how to save money when it comes to home decor. These are things many other designers want to keep close to the vest. Why? Doing so might prove to be more profitable for them when the average person doesn’t know them.

Whether you’d like my help with your home or feel as if you have the skills to go it alone with a few insightful tidbits, I’m so happy to share those! I use my voice to help people make their spaces beautiful, and to show them how to create interiors that work best for their lifestyles. Living life honestly is a very big part of what I believe to be my modern, approachable aesthetic. I want to help YOU achieve the exact look, functionality, mood and vibe you want in your space. And, I’m so happy I found the perfect place to do just that.

Curious? Read on!

Enter Foiye!

Have you heard about Foiye? If not, you’ll want to get familiar really quickly. It’s the first social entertainment platform COMPLETELY dedicated to home, design and real estate—all under one roof—and it just launched publicly. Foiye is built and updated for and by people who are passionate about all things “home.” You’ll find streaming content, design inspiration, and so much more from design professionals and celebrity creators from around the world. We want nothing more than to create a strong community of people who understand what it means to personalize home and make it an ultimate place of reprieve.

The Foiye platform consists of two primary experiences: the Folio and Stream. Folio pages serve similarly to posts on other social media platforms. They highlight the best images of work from design professionals and real estate experts. Each photo is accompanied by details of the project, allowing viewers to access relevant information about the products highlighted. Stream pages do just that: feature videos of home listings, walk-throughs and design specifics. My Foiye Stream page gives potential clients some great ideas of home and interior design projects I’ve done. It also showcases some of my favorite decor tips I know all home admirers will appreciate. I hope to inspire all participants in the design community to dream beyond what they think is possible.

Why Foiye Is a Favorite

There are so many networks available now that people can use as resources for home design. What makes Foiye different from the rest? Well, it’s a dedicated online gathering place to find all things specifically in the home industry. Oftentimes great home content on major social media platforms gets buried in the latest random trends and viral content. I enjoy that content, too. Sometimes, though, I only want to check out what my peers and potential clients are seeking. Foiye does an amazing job of curating content creators directly working in the home and interior design profession. As a content creator myself, I love the possibilities of one-on-one engagement that abound with Foiye.

I also really like the opportunities I get to be discovered on a networking platform dedicated to my particular field. Being on Foiye means I have a dedicated audience seeking what I have to offer as an interior designer. It’s practically a virtual market I get access to year-round! Increased exposure is never a bad thing for a business or brand, and neither is being able to engage with people who sincerely want to converse and collaborate. Foiye allows me to get all of this and so much more!

If you’re a dedicated home or interior design aficionado, you should give Foiye a try. Be sure to check out my Folio and Stream pages for some great design ideas, and follow other industry influencers at the site. Foiye is just starting, but creators are adding more content daily. I encourage you to check it out and sign up for your free Folio to follow your favorite creators. We’re all here to make you dream bigger when it comes to your home—and then make those dreams a reality!

I’ve designed more homes than I can count in the last ten years. As an interior designer, I’m usually consumed with the needs and desires of my clients. While I don’t mind that one bit, creating a dream home, MY dream home, is different! I can be completely guided by my own preferences, and when the world is your oyster, nothing can take the joy out of design! If you’re ready to create YOUR dream home, I have a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

Expand Your Style Selections

Here’s the first revelation you should have about your dream home, and it should drive every decision you make: this is YOUR home. The ideas about YOUR dream home should come from YOUR DREAMS! What’s more, whatever style you have or had in past homes doesn’t necessarily need to show up in your new space. You really are starting with a blank canvas!

When I started designing my dream beach home, I’m sure I shocked a few people with many of my layout choices throughout the space. My guess is because I made some unique decisions regarding the layout and decor. I love my “modern, approachable luxury” style that includes some signature style elements people recognize by now. However, that doesn’t mean I am bound by those style choices. Just because I love clean, contemporary design doesn’t mean I have to use that in every project. Quite the opposite. For my new dream home, I’m actually incorporating some boho chic elements in the rooftop area. I might even decide to incorporate some influences from my travels to Ibiza in other areas. It will all be cohesive and maintain my modern, approachable luxury aesthetic. Whatever you choose, remember that your dream home should be a chance to express your own personal design style.

Design Norms? No Such Thing!

I’m asked all the time what design trends people should look forward to. I love trends, and I think it’s interesting to consider what’s on the horizon. But when you’re creating your dream home, you don’t have to follow what the experts suggest. It doesn’t have to meet the standards of anyone else. There are no rules that say you’ll be penalized somehow if you don’t.

That being said, throw out all the so-called design norms that many people adhere to. We as a society are quick to conform to certain ideas just because they’ve always been done that way. I chose to break the mold with my new home project. I didn’t buy into the notion that a bedroom has to look a certain way, or that bathrooms have to include certain elements. My kitchen will have two separate sink areas. I also decided to put a washer and dryer in my boys’ bathroom, along with some other eccentric elements. As a matter of fact, I designed my kitchen with no upper cabinets. But here’s the thing: I have very specific reasons for these design decisions, and I’m not concerned about what others think about these choices.

I learned a while ago to think about home design like the latest fashion. What’s on the runways in Milan and Paris sets the stage for what you see in retail stores. But you don’t have to go buy those things if your preferences differ. You have the option to select clothing that makes you feel good in your skin. Our homes are just as much an expression of who we are, what we like visually, and how we want to feel. “Normal” is however you define it, nothing more, nothing less.

Living Life Honestly

My point in suggesting you do exactly what you desire for your dream home is based solely on one thing: living life honestly. Your home should be created with the same intentionality as every other decision you make in life. It should be directed by what is best for your lifestyle and preferences at the core. Why two sinks in my kitchen? Typically the nanny is at one with my kids, and I might need to be at the other at the same time. The washer and dryer in the boys’ bathroom will help them learn to do their own laundry. These are practical for my household, though they may seem outlandish for someone else. And that’s the joy you should get when building YOUR dream home.  You get an opportunity to custom design everything and get every minute detail done to your personal liking!

Ask yourself, “How am I going to actually, honestly live in this space?” Then, design around those answers, even if that means other people won’t get the layout or design decisions. If the layout works for you, that’s what should go. So what if no one gets your purple-colored study? It wouldn’t necessarily be something I wanted in my home. However, if being in your purple study fills you with peace every time you walk into your dream home and spend time there, who’s to say you shouldn’t do it?

A Forever Dream Home

I hope everyone gets an opportunity to create a dream home replete with everything their heart desires. If you haven’t checked out the behind-the-scenes Instagram reels of my new dream beach home, you should. I’m definitely breaking traditional rules of what “home” should be, and I hope you’ll find some ideas to help you do the same for your dream home!

The interior design industry is incredibly multifaceted. The field includes and requires creativity at every level, and I’m always my most authentic self when I can indulge in the artistically stimulating. You likely already know I enjoy clean, modern design. That said, I like to complement sleek, contemporary interior decor with fantastic and elegant visuals. Those usually come in the form of great pieces of artwork. Here are some unique ways you can incorporate art in your home decor!

Art that Inspires

Why have artwork in your home and workspaces, you may wonder? There are so many reasons. For me, seeing art vitalizes and inspires me throughout my day. It makes me smile, causes me to think, and motivates me in my personal development. Can art do all of that? It can, and it does!

When I wake up, the first thing I see is a piece of art that I strategically placed over my bed. The portrait, taken  by Arthur Reese, shows women who I affectionately call “my ladies.” They’re on the beach at a starting line poised to race.  As I open my eyes, I have a beautiful reminder to embrace the day with a running head start and go after my goal with mental fortitude.

I even use wallpaper as artwork in my home. On one wall I have a jaguar, which is one of my favorite animals. While the design works perfectly in the space, I chose that particular wallpaper because I love what the jaguar symbolizes. She’s the queen of the animal kingdom: smart, lethal, and calculating. She hunts day and night; similarly, I try to take advantage of every opportunity to make moves for my family and business. The wallpaper art highlights a piece of me, and I love to think about that as I pass it daily. These are just a few ways visual works of art impact and inspire me.

Custom Art

Using elevated decor makes it easy to create a luxurious aesthetic in your home. In fact, luxury doesn’t have to be expensive at all, especially when it comes to artwork. It can exist in select customized pieces that are specific to your space. It all depends on what you want to achieve. 

I enjoy having one-of-a-kind elements in my home. A simple way to create that with art is by commissioning artists to make personalized pieces for you! I decided to do this because I didn’t want cookie-cutter, mediocre visuals in my home. What do I mean by that? Oftentimes people get so set on bringing in specific colors to match their decor that they settle for art that isn’t necessarily what they really want. It happens all the time! Big-box retailers are full of artwork that may fit particular color combinations but lack style in the actual “art.”

With customized, commissioned work, you get art that not only coordinates with your decor but is impactful, too! I wanted a portrait of my two sons created, so I commissioned a company to design it. I love the final presentation of it! It is a simply gorgeous piece of art, but it is also a great keepsake that will stand the test of time. It captures a moment in my boy’s growth and development. I will always cherish that as a mom.

Art with Heart

Clients who have children frequently ask how I display my kids’ artwork without it clashing with my design and decor. It’s a funny but real question. Let’s be honest, parents: not everything our kids make in school is a Picasso-level or Louvre-worthy masterpiece. And that’s completely fine! We love all of their creative artwork as if they were.

I’ve found a really cool and sophisticated way to display my kids’ art in our home. I have them create art on paper and place them in inexpensive but beautiful frames. Often I’ll have the pieces matted, which adds another layer of uniformity to the presentation. My kids get to be a part of the overall home design, and that means so much to me. As a mom and a creative, I appreciate the empowerment opportunity this creates.

Once everything is framed, I showcase their work throughout my home. That could be in a gallery wall collection, on the counter, or on the credenza. This is my favorite art to display because it has sentimental value. Sure it beautifies the home, but the personal, intrinsic value means so much more.

Using art in your interior decor isn’t difficult, but it should all revolve around your personality and ideals. The sky’s the limit with how you can achieve that, and I’d love to help! Contact me today, and let’s talk about how we can incorporate some fantastic art into your decor!