Author: Breegan Jane

My interior design career has been such a journey. It’s been traditional in some senses, and VERY untraditional in many others. What started out as a teenager designing a retail store and airplane hangar-turned-production office, turned into a successful interior designer and HGTV host. Throughout that journey, I learned there are no quick or easy shortcuts to gaining expertise in this industry. And while I wholeheartedly believe you should hire a professional designer for more extensive home renovations, I have learned some helpful interior design hacks to create small but significant makeovers in your home.

Furniture Arrangement Hacks for Your Home

When people think of interior design, furniture is usually one of the first aspects to come to mind. Perhaps that’s because furniture occupies so much of what we see in our home spaces. For this reason, it is essential to get your furniture arrangement and configuration just right. How do you do that effectively? That’s one of my first interior design hacks.

It’s always helpful to be able to visualize where your furniture will go. It’s okay to verbalize where a couch or ottoman will be positioned, but nothing beats actually being able to SEE what that arrangement looks like. My best friends will tell you I’m known for stopping by for a visit and ending up rearranging furniture to get a different feel or look for the space. When possible, and if you already have furniture, don’t be afraid to actually move things around in different configurations in your space. You’ll be able to really see, not theorize, how things look and determine if it’s to your liking.

Measurements are Major

If you don’t have furniture, measurements are a MUST. Be sure to get specifications (length, width, height) of your pieces, and use colored tape to map them out on the floor where you’re looking to place them. This will allow you to check out how your furniture interacts with natural light at different times in your home. You may find the sun falls directly where you watch TV in the evenings. That glare in your eyes won’t be good!

Speaking of the television, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to arrange furniture around it. Many people make that mistake. Instead, arrange your living space in a way that best facilitates interaction and engagement for the people who will use it. Family time and entertaining conversation will create many more lasting memories than a TV show ever will, and that’s what matters most. Talk about interior design hacks that will NEVER lose impact!

Never Design Without Product Samples

One of the biggest interior design hacks I swear by might also be the one that saves you the most time. It’s simple: get actual samples of what you plan to use in your space. I employ this most when it comes to the metals and finishes I incorporate in my home. I love using brass throughout my home, but it comes in so many different shades and finishes. My surefire way to always get it right is to order samples of the items I’m looking to purchase. I try to stick to the vendors that have great return policies to guarantee the perfect match before committing to the wrong product or extensive installation process.

This suggestion also works well with swatches for rugs and carpets. I always look to get fabric samples to lay out in the space to see how it feels and looks in the area I’m designing. Having several options to see and place gives me more security and peace about the choices I make for coordination. Paint swatches do the same. I always get several colors in the same family to look at. I sometimes get actual paint samples to try to determine which looks best for the overall space and design. Getting product samples before final purchases will help you avoid making costly or time-consuming investments related to your home projects.

Mix High- and Low-end Features

Another one of my quick-and-easy interior design hacks that many people don’t consider is choosing to splurge on some elements of your home design and saving in other areas. I know you may be thinking, “Duh, Breegan.” What I mean is, be intentional with what you spend more money on based on visual impact. For example, the wallpaper you choose will have a huge impact on the aesthetic of your space. I would get high-quality wall coverings that are durable and bold. On the contrary, you can create beautiful artwork that looks professional without spending much at all. How? Go to the library! Select photos and get them printed and framed, and you have great, inexpensive complements to your wall designs.

Such is the same with your dining room tables and chairs. You’ll get a better bang for your buck and overall space design by investing in the more significant piece of furniture—the dining table. Make sure it’s well-built and constructed of quality materials. The right tables can be passed down as heirlooms or resold with retained value. Do NOT, however, spend a great deal of money on your dining room chairs. They’re a more highly-used (and abused) element and, as such, will most likely be replaced sooner and more often. Dining chairs aren’t investments, unlike sturdier tables.

These are just a few interior design hacks I’ve learned throughout the years. They’ve helped me save money and time for myself and my clients. It’s always good to think about small steps that will bring out the best in our home interiors AND keep the best in our wallets. Do you have any hacks or tips that you use for home renovations or refreshes? I’d love to hear them! Let me know in the comments.

January can be a paradoxical month. The new year is in full swing. Ironically, though, as much “newness” as the first month brings, it also creates a time of settlement and silence. After the holidays, things settle down, and we all get back into our grooves, whatever they may be. I personally take this time to focus on self-care, detox and cleanse my inner self of impurities. I also take the time to do a winter “deep clean” to prepare for the coming spring season. It’s a great time to consider refreshing your space, also, and I have just the right tips to do it efficiently and effectively!

Make Room in Your Rooms!

Many people think about buying new things to bring fresh energy to an interior room. I say no to that. One of the most important steps to refreshing your space can be summed up in one word: PURGE! Take “out with the old” literally! That chair collecting dust in the corner that you roll your eyes at? Yes — get rid of it! The knick-knacks on your shelves? Let. Them. Go! If there’s a lot to get rid of, clean one shelf a day. There’s absolutely no time frame for cleaning your house. (But do it sooner rather than later.)

Create an open area in your room, and sit with it for a while. Live in it. See how it feels before you purchase something and fill it with another piece of furniture. Buying doesn’t always fix problems with interior visuals. We all know what too many purchases look like: clutter. That’s the opposite of what we want in the new year. Fix the look of your space by undoing.

Rearrange Your Decor

Before you pull out the plastic to purchase something new, try moving existing things around in your rooms. Get a different perspective of what you have. This is an easy way to begin refreshing your space without spending one dime. You know what they say: sometimes you have to use what you’ve got to get what you want!

My kids have recently been enjoying indoor play, so I brought a table I had outdoors, inside. I’m not sure if it’s going to stay, but I knew I didn’t typically use it outdoors during the winter. On colder nights we enjoy putting puzzles together, so I made it a puzzle nook for our family by the fireplace. Take a look at the things you use inside and outside your home. Repurposing items can bring life to a space and rekindle the use of things like tables and chairs. You’ll be surprised how different something looks if you put it in a different environment.

Bring Purpose and Intention to Your Interior

I preach “functional” design, but I rarely consider that without considering the look that’s presented in a room. You wouldn’t just put paint on a canvas because paint brings color. What you do with the paints has to create something memorable. That’s how I think when designing a room. So when I think about keeping my yoga mats and weights in a common area of my home, I cringe. Breaking my visual aesthetic hurts my heart. But I had to get over it, and it was a great step for me. It can be one for you, too, when refreshing your space.

The reality is, our spaces are intended to meet our needs. There’s really no point in having a beautiful house if it doesn’t work for your lifestyle. I love yoga and working out, so my home should make space for that. It wasn’t easy, but I finally just let go. It’s important to have visually pleasing spaces, but it’s also important to practice what I preach when it comes to the health and good habits I want for my life. Everything won’t be perfect in your space. And that’s okay if being intentional with the space means you set yourself up for things you want to do more often. Renewing your mindset can oftentimes help in refreshing your space. Try it!

Cleaning the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom cleaning can be soooo daunting, especially when you consider tackling the cabinet space under the sinks and typically unseen places. Honestly, nobody wants to deal with that. But that’s precisely why you should. For cabinet cleaning, take it one drawer at a time. Bite the bullet. Put a good playlist on, and just do it. I think it’s a great idea to clean the “junk drawers” around this time of year. It’s called “junk” for a reason, so get rid of what you absent-mindedly put there because that’s where junk goes. (Newsflash: junk actually goes in the trash.)

Do your bathroom and linen closets a favor and toss out ruined or worn linens. You know: the things with the kids’ spaghetti stains on them, the towel that got caught in the dryer and ripped, or the cloths with the infamous bleach spills on them. You don’t use them, so let them go. Or, if you simply have to keep them, cut them up and repurpose them. They can be great rags for washing the car or cleaning carpet spills. But you don’t need 20 of them in your linen closet. Make space for the one you would use for company. That’s all you need for your family and guests.

These are some first steps for refreshing your space and starting your year off spacially lighter. I challenge you to try at least one, and let me know how it goes. I promise you’ll feel better about the new possibilities in your space!

Being a guest judge on the Food Network series Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown has been SO. MUCH. FUN! It’s ironic that I’m a person who doesn’t prefer to be in the kitchen (and wouldn’t have the time if I did). Nevertheless, creatives easily connect with other creatives, and that was my experience with Kardea, Nacho, and all of the amazing bakers and “gingerbreaders.” Regardless of culinary skills, there were so many other ways in which we were all alike. What’s more, there were several great take-aways from this particular episode, the show’s season finale. Here are just a few tokens of wisdom that resonated with me.

In Baking and Business: Just Do It!

One of the things that I appreciate most about this week’s contestants is their courageous spirit! Their backstories were just as interesting as their work in the Food Network kitchen. Maryann, a software developer, simply decided one year to enter a gingerbread competition. While she admitted her first attempt wasn’t that great, she realized she improved with time. 13 years later, she was good enough to be featured on the show! Sireena’s story was very similar. She worked in a hotel that wanted to have a gingerbread house in the entrance of the hotel, and she volunteered to create it! The houses continued to get better and better! 20 years later, Sireena is showcasing her baking skills on national TV. 

I loved hearing these stories from the contestants because it reminds me so much of my industry. I’m asked all the time my best advice for budding and aspiring designers. Without fail, my answer is, “JUST DO IT!” Literally go out and do whatever it is you want to do. Get some training, learn about what it is you want to do, and don’t think about it any more. In many cases I think people talk themselves out of going into interior design because the profession seems daunting. Well, it can be, but you’ll never know if you don’t attempt it. I know I’m a better designer because I chose to do what my heart wanted, and I believe these bakers are, too!

Taking Chances – Try it; you might like it!

Though this week’s Food Network focus was all about the “gnomies,” the baking twist in this episode introduced the spice cardamom into the bakers’ baskets. Cardamom, a relative of ginger and turmeric, was new for many of the contestants this week, but they all decided to give it a go. Natasha created a cardamom gingerbread white chocolate cranberry pudding! Talk about complex flavors! Jennifer’s team used the cardamom with a lemon drizzle over homemade cookies, and they looked (and tasted) amazing. The cookies were used as steps in the overall design, and they looked great. 

When I think about the baking twist this week, I realize how challenging it may have been for some of the contestants. As I look to create innovative spaces for my clients, I often have to do some general convincing with each build. When it comes to colors or patterns, clients tend to want to play it safe and go with what they know. But where’s the fun in that?? You can have fun with color in ways that aren’t permanent. 

That’s not to say you have to opt for hot pink tiles in the bathroom, however! Instead, you can use a bold-patterned rug in your living space that can be removed when you’re no longer in love with it. It’s a small way I work with clients to take risks and enjoy the home renovation process! Who knows what you may come up with? Being willing to take a chance is one of the keys to tapping into one’s greatness. It’s what I saw with these designers and their gingerbread creations. Nothing but amazingness can come from that kind of audacity.

Attitude is Everything

If I know one thing about life, it’s this: Murphy’s Law is ALWAYS in effect. This week’s show was focused on gnomes, but the contestants all shared a focus on making very intricate gingerbread scenes. The challenge is, details require a lot of attention, and that can get lost in the hustle of creating if you’re not careful.

Such was the case with Maryann’s assistant Meg, who accidentally knocked over their very delicate mailbox pole. They didn’t have extra material as backup, so she had to fix it! Instead of getting flustered, she simply told Meg to try to fix it…and kept working. Had she lost her cool, things wouldn’t have gone as well as they ultimately did. Sireena had a similar incident while creating her “Holiday Forest Gnomies” scene. She accidentally broke several leaves made out of fragile isomalt, and there was absolutely no time to start over. Her positive attitude helped her rebound quickly, and she was able to repair the damage and continue creating.

I realized early on as a designer that making plans is a great idea, but I should always prepare to throw those plans in the can. Things go awry often. The question is, how do you deal with unforeseen challenges that come your way? I’ve learned to anticipate them and have Plan B’s for everything. If Plan B happens to fail, I know life isn’t going to end. As cliché as it sounds, your attitude about your endeavor determines your altitude. It’s true in design, and this episode proved it’s also true in gingerbread baking.

Gingerbread Geniuses!

I’m so glad I got a chance to participate in this season of the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown. The contestants were all masters of their crafts, and they helped spark more creativity in me as I continue my journey as an interior designer. Did you have a favorite episode? A favorite gingerbread scene? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!

Food Network is serving up all the feels this week on Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown! One of the best parts of the holidays has to be all the beautiful decorations that can be found all around us this time of year. Many of us have beautiful memories of seeing bright and shiny window displays as we walk or drive around our towns during the holiday season. Well, we challenged three teams of gingerbread enthusiasts to create a window display with an animated element. What happened next? Well you’ll have to keep reading for my take on it!

Baking is a Balancing Act

If you have been watching the Gingerbread Showdown on Food Network, you know that each team’s creation must be at least 24 inches tall at one point. When you’re talking about something as potentially fragile as gingerbread, that’s quite a feat! Each of the contestants found out first-hand that balance can make or break the experience (literally) if it isn’t taken very seriously. 

Matt and Chelle’s “Gazing Through the Window Pond” theme included an RV that Santa used to visit the window pond and gaze down at the earth. Balance quickly became the priority as Matt remarked about each gingerbread piece acting as a support to one another. It was imperative that the royal icing be capable of holding the RV structure together. So you can imagine the shock and awe that accompanied Matt’s discovery that he had been mistakenly using buttercream to secure the gingerbread instead of royal icing! 

We “decked the halls” with Sarah and Alexis with their family living room theme, and weight distribution again played a major role. The back wall of their gingerbread house was shaping up to be the essence of heart and the holidays. It was slated to display picture frames with photos of Sarah’s and Alexis’s family members. Unfortunately, when assembly time arrived, concern grew over worries that the royal icing wouldn’t be strong enough. Sarah and Alexis ultimately decided to nix the wall altogether in favor of a “safer-better-than-sorry” approach.

From Baking to Building, Balance is Best

It won’t shock any of my loyal readers when I mention that I’m not a cook. But, while I lack culinary skills, I do know my way around a kitchen—at least, the design of them. One of things I always consider when I’m designing is weight and scale. The two concepts apply to a plethora of design elements. A well-balanced space is achieved by mixing the right combination of pieces, textures and colors. Tuxedo kitchens are an excellent example of this. I use light colors on the upper surfaces and balance them out with darker hues on the lower ones. The effect is a light and airy space that still feels grounded and significant. 

Weight isn’t only figurative. As an interior designer, I also often deal with the literal weight of a home. It isn’t unusual for a client to inquire about ways to enlarge their rooms by knocking down walls or removing unwanted beams. While I’ve successfully spearheaded construction on several properties, I can tell you that those beams are often there for the support of the house. That means, eliminating them for the sake of the desired aesthetic isn’t always wise. Much like the gingerbread bakers, beginning with the end in mind and mindfulness regarding weight distribution are both essential.

Rain or Shine, the Baking Must Go On!

Food Network shows and contestants are no stranger to challenges. However, I’m not sure if these bakers expected the weather to be an obstacle they would need to overcome! This week as each team worked to construct their window displays, it poured outside. The humidity from the rain impacted the gingerbread and potentially changed the fate of some of the teams’ creations. 

MJ and Beth’s window display was adorable! They decided to go with an antique toy shop theme with a little boy and his dog peeking in through the window with excitement. It was an incredibly elaborate display that relied on isomalt for many of the “glass-like” elements. We all quickly learned isomalt gets less and less transparent as the humidity rises in the space. That’s disastrous since MJ’s theme took the idea of “window” display pretty literally!

I watched as MJ and Beth diligently worked away to complete their edible build. The gingerbread, absorbing more and more of the moisture in the room, began to bend. The items held on with isomalt slid off. Still, the ladies kept a positive attitude. They stated that the isomalt looked like frosted glass, and the gingerbread took on an even more antiqued appearance. It was, as they described it, a “happy accident.” I loved watching the two of them persevere through those difficulties without complaining. They found innovative ways to fix mishaps (hello, blowtorch!), and they achieved an amazing result in the end.

Positivity Under Pressure

I’ve had my fair share of weather-related surprises while working on design projects. These occurrences have impacted everything from delayed deadlines to shipment changes. I don’t think I have to tell you that clients aren’t usually thrilled when that happens. Through it all, I’ve learned to breathe through the rough moments, prepare the client for the probable “what-ifs”, and maintain a positive purview. It might sound cliché, but when your back is up against the wall (or gingerbread, lol), panicking never helps. I appreciated seeing the resilience in these bakers.

Risky Baking Business

The twist this week was right up my alley! The teams had to incorporate champagne, and boy did they! It was a bubbly Food Network time as each of them added the sparkly beverage to their gingerbread designs. While every take on the twist was different, they all shared one thing. The teams were all willing to take a risk to win the $10,000 prize. Matt and Chelle marinated apples in an attempt to sustain more of the champagne flavor in their cheesecake. Sarah and Alexis appeared to go slightly overboard with their champagne addition to ensure we truly tasted it. And MJ and Beth added champagne pearls when they feared the chocolate would steal the show. 

Did their risks pay off? Well, you’d have to ask their opinions. I can tell you that, even in design, I have to be willing to take the less traveled path to get the result I want. I take risks with my design, I go against the grain, and I trust my own instincts, even when they’re less popular. Taking risks isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can be the thing that gets you the win!

I continue to be impressed with how these talented cooks, bakers and builders use their medium to create things of beauty each week on the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown. This episode kept both the judges and contestants on our toes! What about you? What were your favorite moments? Let’s chat in the comments!

I have been thoroughly enjoying my time on the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Edition! Each of the teams continues to shine and showcase the best of their pastry passions week after week. There hasn’t been a week yet that I haven’t walked away astounded! With this week’s “Dreaming of a Bright Christmas” theme, I feel like I literally saw light bulbs going off with these pastry chefs! I may not know my way around the kitchen like they do, but they highlighted so many principles that are staples in my interior design business.

Planning and Baking: Like Hand in Glove

If you have been following the Food Network show each week, you know the teams get the theme before they come to the competition. It’s one of the first things you notice when you watch – they already have gingerbread made and ready. HGTV knew the time constraints participants would have, as it takes a bit of time to make gingerbread. This focus on preparation and planning is so key in starting the competition off right.

Leslie and Randi had a clear vision for their “Artsy Christmas Lodge.” They wanted to incorporate  Christmas colors in their scene, so they opted for traditional red and green. But I love that they used coloring with alcohol! The addition of alcohol allowed the colors to dry more quickly and not ruin the gingerbread. Any stitch in time with these competitions helps tremendously when you only have 10 hours to complete a gingerbread scene! Daniel and Marla were no different in their initial baking plans for the “Christmas Gingerbread Greenhouse.” Daniel knew to focus on the intricate piping work for his gingerbread scene. This would allow him time to build the actual house. He also set to stand all of the bottom panels of his house upright first before working on his second floor. His gingerbread pieces were extremely fragile, so this planning was pivotal to his build success.

I have a mantra that I mentioned in episode one of Food Network Gingerbread Showdown: prior proper planning prevents poor performance. The wisdom of that continued to ring true in this episode. In my business I always ask myself what would happen if something I ordered was damaged on arrival? What would happen if a client didn’t like a chance I took with a design element? Instead of simply hoping for the best, I make sure I have reasonable, achievable plans to answer those questions to prepare for the possibility of failure. All of the contestants did that, and their final presentations were better for it.

There’s No “Can’t” in Culinary!

Have you ever been to a gingerbread contest with master gingerbreaders??? Let me tell you, week after week I never cease to be amazed! The teams dream up ideas and somehow they find ways to construct edible treasures that look like they come straight out of fairytales. Christina and Ana’s “dreaming Alex” slept in a bed tucked in with a cozy blanket. When we went over to take a closer look at their creation, we were all convinced that the blanket was their non-edible component. I mean, did you see it? It looked like fabric! Imagine our surprise when we learned it was in fact edible! Christina and Ana made the blanket out of wafer paper and gelatin. It’s a process that takes hours and hours to complete, but the result is perfection!

Daniel and Marla impressed all the judges with their realistic windows made from gelatin sheets! I couldn’t believe how beautiful they were. They gave the house such a modern look. Daniel wanted the light to shine through, and boy did it ever! I watched idea after idea take shape as the teams assembled their houses. These Food Network challenges reminded me of a parallel concept in interior design.

Desserts and Design: The Common Denominator

I often tell people that being an interior designer is like being an artist, a magician and a therapist all at the same time. I say that because the process of creating a home can require designers to use their creative side to come up with ideas, their emotional intelligence to tap into what the client needs and feels, and a little bit of magic to pull everything together by a deadline, lol. I’m regularly faced with taking a client’s desire that feels impossible and making it come to fruition. I use innovative thinking combined with a healthy dose of perseverance to accomplish these goals.

Say a client has a modest space, but they want it to feel cavernous. This is the time to pull out all my tips and tricks to give a room a spacious feeling. So whether it’s knocking a wall down, choosing a paint color to brighten the space or changing the furniture configuration to give way to a light and airy feeling, I am always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the effect is achieved. Baking and designing both demand limitless imagination and a ton of courage. I see a lot of those qualities each week in these teams. I see that same quality in myself when I’m doing what I love most: designing!

Varying Takes on the Baking Twist

Jesse Palmer has a way of throwing a little surprise in participants’ baking plans each week, and this week it involved creating a dessert with pâte à choux. The natural choice for all the teams was to create snowmen for the dessert! Christina and Ana were the first to get started, though, so the other teams switched gears. As the theme focused on a “bright Christmas,” Leslie and Randi went with creating pâte à choux light bulbs. Daniel and Marla crafted Christmas trees from the pastry dough and used spun sugar to decorate it. Though the texture of the spun sugar didn’t make the tasting experience what we judges wanted, it was a creative take!

So, the twist portion of the program came with its own additional twist! I relate to this in so many ways as a designer. I draw inspiration from  everywhere, so I’m always jotting concepts down to try out as soon as I have the time. Creative people know that what you picture in your head isn’t always how the tangible product emerges when you’re finished with it. That can be both a good and bad thing.

One of my favorite metals to design with is brass. It instantly elevates any space. The challenging part about working with this metal is that it comes in a variety of shades. If I’m designing a bathroom with a golden faucet and handles and I want my light fixtures to match, I often have to go back to the drawing board several times before each component is a perfect match. I’ve learned to order samples to avoid this problem, but it isn’t always a sure thing. Sometimes the idea I started with gets ditched in favor of a newer scheme. While it can be tough to let go of the original plan, flexibility in design has always served me well.

Lessons from the Kitchen

The teams benefitted from their ability to pivot when necessary to create one-of-a-kind gingerbread designs. Mistakes and issues happen, and the best laid plans often don’t work out as planned. But knowing this—and preparing for it—will almost always lead to less stress and inevitable success. That’s a lesson that goes beyond cooking and designing, don’t you think?

Did you watch this week’s episode of Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown? Which was your favorite gingerbread house? Let me know in the comments!

The second episode of the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown was as exciting as the first! Three new teams didn’t fail to impress and excite us judges, and I think even our abominable snowman would agree they took creative baking to new heights. We challenged the teams to create a “Scary Little Christmas,” and they stepped up in amazing ways!

In the Kitchen, Timing is Everything

The old saying is true: timing is everything. It’s particularly important when you’re baking and making gingerbread creations. The more intricate the design, the more precise timing will be necessary. Kate and Megan’s “Mountain House” had its challenges, including working with pieces of the mountain that were broken. Lindsay and Stacey also had issues with their “Christmas Mishap” scene. While spray-painting their creation, Stacey accidentally got black paint spots all over the gingerbread flooring. Yikes! Teena and Cashe had similar challenges with their “Oh No Wrong House” scene. Not only were they several hours behind other teams with their build, but their fireplace fell completely apart with one hour to go! Can you say “stressed”??

Listen, being an interior designer means being no stranger to tight (and even oftentimes impossible) deadlines. I frequently find that with shipping times, vendor mix-ups and construction schedules, my biggest opponent is the clock itself! I’ve learned that finding ways to maximize my time is key. I had to recondition a restaurant bathroom with very little time, and after much deliberation I decided to use a seamless stone technology to transform the entire space without a timely demolition. The room went from nautical-themed to elegant and upscale in no time! The culinary and design worlds absolutely place similar importance on timing, and these teams got a healthy dose of that this episode!

Baking and Quick Improvisation

Have no fear; quick thinking and on-the-feet improvisations saved the day for all of the teams. Most notably, Lindsay spray painted her black-spotted floor and used a gel cover to expedite fixing the problem and moving on with their build. Cashe, frustrated with the damaged fireplace on top of being late, had to take a break and a breather. With a little encouragement from Kardea, she immediately got up, regrouped, and continued helping to make decorations while Teena fixed the fireplace. All teams completed their projects, and that was only possible because of swift thinking and alternate creative ideation. These are key skills that everyone could use in their professions. I know I do.

Case in point: for many homebuyers, skylights may seem outdated and unwanted in a house they’re looking to purchase. When I bought my home, my contractors felt the same way and even encouraged me to get rid of it. I hadn’t planned on putting a skylight anywhere in my home. Nevertheless, I welcomed the unexpected opportunity to keep it and make it something I could enjoy for years to come. I shifted my build plans to coincide with the unforeseen element and created a spa-like bathroom around the skylight. Now, it’s the highlight of the space! Unmatched beauty and innovation can come from thinking and responding quickly. All of the Food Network gingerbread teams—and my bathroom—are a testament to that.

Food Network: The Ultimate in Creativity

If you’re a Food Network fan like I am, you already know some of the most original recipes, dishes and ideas can be discovered there! I’m not a cook, but I still marvel at the way so many gifted individuals use everyday items to create amazing (and edible) works of art. This week’s Gingerbread Showdown twist was a fun one! The teams had to create a dessert version of slime with gooey caramel! On top of that, the caramel had to ooze when we, the judges, tasted it.

Kate and Megan made spice cake and caramel coconut snowballs for Sammy Sootfoot to throw. To quell any concerns of premature oozing, they placed them in the freezer. A bit of caramel and white chocolate ganache, cornflake streusel, and nitrogen later and the process was complete! Lindsay and Stacey’s interior designer monster served gluten-free oozing caramel brownie cheesecake as a party favors for her guests. Teena and Cashe used caramel, roasted hazelnuts and even cayenne pepper to make “naughty coal caramel brownie balls.” Each of the teams had unique approaches to the twist challenge, and the creativity was palpable!

Cooking Up Designs With a Twist

I watched each of the teams face challenge after challenge as they dreamed up how their sweet treat would take form. It reminded me of how I approach interior design. From an early age my mind would allow me to visualize things in ways other people couldn’t. I use that skill when I talk to clients about a space they want refreshed. I look at the “bones” I’m given and I envision what could be, not what is. If you’re able to use your imagination and combine it with strategy and logic, the sky’s the limit. The three teams on Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown proved that everything is better when you allow your artistry to be guided by inspiration.

From leaning trees to scary Sootfoot to Santa-eating monsters, the gingerbreaders rocked these frightening fantasy creations this week! My mind is still blown as I reflect on how they conceived their ideas and turned them into actual artful pieces. As always, each team had trials to face and overcome, and they did. When you have big dreams, strange ideas and out-of-the-box plans, you can almost always expect to encounter a bit of difficulty. If you’re willing to stay the course and be flexible, your perseverance will pay off. I think this week’s winning duo would agree! Did you catch this week’s episode? Tell me your favorite parts in the comments!

If you missed my debut on the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown, you missed a really great episode! This isn’t your everyday, ordinary holiday cooking TV show. These three teams are made of ARTISTS!! They’re simply using food as their canvas. I had a blast watching them all create. Their processes made me think about what I do in my careers as an HGTV personality and interior designer. Here are a few of my takeaways from Episode 1 of this fun Food Network show.

Holiday Cooking with Heart

The teams were tasked with creating snow globe scenes that depicted personal, fond holiday memories. Let me tell you: these bakers did NOT disappoint! Molli’s design focused on her geographical transition from Arizona to New York City. She and Sarah created two gorgeous cityscapes brought together by the cutest family station wagon between them. From string light-decorated cacti to sights of landmark skyscrapers and Rockefeller Center traditions, Molli’s memories were a gingerbread vision. Linda and Cheryl followed suit with their hometown memories gingerbread layout. Rotating sledding and ice-skating activities accented a splendid scene of country homes and decorated trees. The hardwood gingerbread floors? Amazing! Sebastian was not to be outdone, though! He and Kristen designed a colorful Peruvian scene depicting Sebastian’s childhood and heritage. From the two-story house to the stunning tree and star-holding child, Sebastian and Kristen baked with gingerbread and heart—and it definitely showed.

Though all of the scenes were brilliantly designed and executed, what really made them unique was their connection to each baking artist. I could tell they sincerely drew inspiration from a place in their minds that shaped who they are now. I love that, both as a holiday baking show judge and an interior designer. What I do with design aligns with this week’s baking mission. Décor in a home doesn’t mean as much if it doesn’t cater to the client’s life, needs, desires, and internal heartbeat. I focus on customization in practically all my projects because the final presentation absolutely MUST resonate personally with each individual. It makes a difference every time. These bakers tailored their gifts to a personal connection that mattered. That’s needed to win this competition, and it’s needed to win in interior design!

Baking with a Backup Plan

One of the most important things I’ve learned about building anything is to have a solid backup plan. It’s the root of my 6P philosophy: prior proper planning prevents poor performance. In other words, Murphy’s Law is always in effect (even on Food Network!), so you should always consider and account for failures. They will come—trust me. Sebastian and Kristen learned that the hard way in this episode. Because of the time it takes to make, mold and cook gingerbread, the bakers were given the theme early and allowed to make their gingerbread pieces and ship them to set. Unfortunately, not all delivery people care about a “Fragile” sticker. The odds of all gingerbread pieces arriving broken was indeed slim to none. Thank goodness for Kardea’s help tracking down the third box that didn’t show! She was right: faith was the key!

Molli had my heart with her landscape design training and meticulous attention to detail. She proved that, even with the best plans and intentions, something can go wrong. My heart couldn’t take it when I saw the top of her gingerbread skyscraper sliding down the base! I think all of us judges were unsure if it would stay. There was no choice but to do damage control in the moment. Maybe had there been some forethought regarding what to do “in case [X] happens,” the rebound could have been quicker. It happens to us all, but that’s precisely how I know we can all prevent that from happening, both in our lives and our professions.

Baking With an Innovative Touch

One of the best parts of watching these amazing “ginger-breaders” work was realizing how differently we all translate the same concept. This week’s Food Network Holiday Baking Championship twist was to incorporate coconut into the design somehow. Now, that may not sound like the toughest task. But creating these gingerbread masterpieces truly relies on the bakers’ ability to think outside the box and use their skills in unique ways. Each of them definitely delivered on that! Molli and Sarah came up with an unusual (and might I add, delicious) combination and baked a horchata coconut cake. I was wowed by Linda and Sarah’s Coconut Amaretto Cherry Shortbread Tree! Nacho couldn’t have put it better when he described the sweet confection as a “party of flavors.” Unfortunately, the creative little trees fell short on coconut essence. Sebastian and Kristen created the most adorable polar bear coconut cream puffs. They. Were. Delectable!

As I watched each team’s take on the twist, I realized that baking and designing share something really important to each trade: innovation. We have to be able to take something others might see as ordinary and make it incredible. I’ve lost count of how many times someone has asked me why I enjoy designing kitchens. The reason has always felt simple to me. I love taking a space and tailoring it exactly to my client’s needs in ways they never thought possible. Most people picture a kitchen, and they think about the room someone will cook or eat in. When I begin the process of designing a kitchen, I envision the person or family who will spend time there along with how they will best use the space.

Baking Championship and Creativity Galore!

Will a family who juices frequently benefit from a mini beverage fridge to store fresh juices? Does the chef need a range to be a certain number of feet away from other appliances? I consider that a family with multiple school-aged children might appreciate an oversized kitchen island that could multi-purpose as a homework station after school. Everything from configuration to material choice comes into play when I’m creating a space I hope my client will love. Kitchens aren’t just kitchens to me. They are spaces that have the capacity to enhance a person’s life and improve their ability to function. Baking and cooking, especially in the way these teams did on the show, required looking at an element in exceptional ways. Coconut creations can be as varied as snowflakes, and these talented individuals definitely proved that with their sweet formulations.

I loved judging this week’s Food Network Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown! I’m still in shock seeing all the extraordinary ways gingerbread can be used to create amazing designs! I have gained a new appreciation for architecture and sweet treats! What was your favorite part? Were you surprised by the winners? Tune in next week for another dose of holiday cheer and deliciousness!

Breegan Jane is many things. She is a creative designer. She’s also a great TV personality. And, according to her kids, she’s actually a cool mom (ask them!). What Breegan is NOT, and has never proclaimed to be, is a woman with a green thumb. It’s simply not a gift I have. While I do incorporate live greenery in my home, I find myself using faux plants and artificial décor throughout my personal interior design. And you know what? Most friends and family are none the wiser! Here are some ways I embrace fabricated elements in home décor, and I’m so sure they’ll look great in your home, too!

Using Faux Plants Effectively in the Home

I absolutely love having plants inside and outside my home. They bring so much life and visual interest to any space. It’s just an unfortunate reality that they don’t live long in my presence. Nevertheless, I’ve found an easy workaround. Adding faux plants among your real plants is a trick of the eye that will work wonders in any home. No matter what your gardening skills may be, this is a fail-proof insider secret!

I’m a busy mom/designer/TV personality, and I’m always on the go. Travel for me sometimes means leaving one event and flying directly to the next. Being away for days—sometimes weeks—on end is never good for maintaining live foliage. That’s the primary reason I don’t mind using artificial décor, namely faux plants, at home. Even when I do have live plants mixed in with my artificial ones, having the evergreens mixed in softens the visual of any that may be barely hanging on. Don’t let anyone tell you this is “cheating.” If it works for your lifestyle, go for it! At least give it a try!

The Benefits of Synthetic Grass in Home Décor

Along with faux plants, I have been a very vocal advocate for incorporating synthetic grass in home design. I have two motivations for using it around my home: their names are Kensington and Kingsley. Artificial turf is extremely durable (it has to be with my two wiggly bears). This makes it a great grass alternative for kids to play on. Higher-quality turf can be safer because it is softer than natural grass. There are also turf options that are free from dust and metals, which is also a safety plus for my kids. (Plus, there are no mud or grass stains to clean – MOM WIN!)

As someone who is deeply passionate about preserving our planet, I also love that synthetic grass has sustainable properties. There are options to use turf made from recycled materials, and that makes me extremely happy. What’s more, there are no fertilizers or pesticides used for synthetic grass. And, because turf doesn’t require water, there are opportunities to conserve natural resources. Using décor like artificial turf has so many benefits. Why wouldn’t you consider it?

Choosing Manufactured Stone for Interior Design

Though it may not have anything to do with growing something like plants or grass, there are so many benefits to incorporating manufactured stone in home design. Don’t get me wrong: I haven’t found a marble slab yet that I didn’t fall in love with. It’s such a gorgeous natural stone. I’ve even traveled to Italy to pick out marble for some design projects. In my home, however, I prefer something like Caesarstone for my personal interior décor. The look and feel are practically synonymous with natural stone. However, it functions quite differently.

As much as I love marble, it is a softer stone. In layman terms, that simply means it stains and scratches very easily. That isn’t a good thing for a home with active kids. On the other hand, Caesarstone, an engineered, quartz material, is much more durable and stain-resistant. Unlike marble, you won’t have to seal it every year to protect it. You get all of the same visual refinement and none of the headache!

Some people may think using artificial décor like faux plants in your interior design is less elegant than having real elements in your décor. I completely disagree, and these are just a few reasons. There are no hard and fast rules for creating beautiful interior design in your home. Feel free to try some alternatives that fit your lifestyle. I promise the results can be just as stunning!