Author: Breegan Jane

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!

Home. It’s a four-letter word that encompasses so much for so many. Everyone defines it differently. For some, home is, like the old adage says, “where the heart is.” Others believe home is wherever family and friends gather. Still, others identify home as a physical dwelling they return to each day. However you describe it, home is important, and we all hope it will be a place of safety, solace and serenity. These are the things that come to mind when you’re buying your first home. It takes more than hope, though, to find the right property for you and your family. I’m putting my interior designer and real estate developer hats on to help you avoid making a few common mistakes along the way!

Prioritize Preferences, Not Perfection When Buying Your First Home

Taking the step to become a first time homeowner is huge! On my discovery+ show, The House My Wedding Bought, I walked several couples through the process of finding the home of their dreams while planning the wedding of their dreams. Each couple wanted something different in a house, and sometimes it seemed almost impossible. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when YOU are home searching. One of the biggest pieces of advice I give to home buyers is don’t look for perfection. It’s easy to get caught up in the picture you’ve always held in your mind about the home you’d buy one day. Now’s the time to shift the focus onto the aspects of your home that matter most.

Identify your non-negotiables. When you’re buying your first home, you will likely view lots of houses. Most of them will have something that isn’t exactly your style. Maybe the countertops are the wrong material or color. The house might have carpet when you’re a fan of hardwood flooring. But, an outdated backsplash or unattractive cabinet handles aren’t a reason to write off a house that otherwise checks all your boxes.

First Things First

Remember, you can always wait a few years and redesign your kitchen or get those floors you’ve always wanted. What you can’t change is the neighborhood or the layout of the home. Consider the major factors that are often permanent. Is your home in an area with a good school district? Are you in close proximity to the places you frequent? These things are worth a yes or no vote. Don’t discount a house because of features that can be modified. I always tell people that part of the fun is in creating the space you’ll live in together as you grow. Every part of your home doesn’t have to be flawless upon move-in. Select the house with good bones and great potential. You’ll be happier with your purchase in the long term if you do.

Money Talks

Let’s be real. Nobody likes to talk about money. If you’re buying your first home, determining the budget should be one of the first things you do. It will help you remain realistic as you search. Have conversations about what you’re willing to spend on a home, as well as what will be comfortable. Many people plan based on what they believe they can afford on the top line. They assess the down payment and the monthly mortgage, but that’s not all you should be thinking about. Unexpected circumstances happen to the best of us. People lose jobs. Medical emergencies arise. Don’t enter into a bad decision simply because you want “more” in a house. Don’t get in over your head with bills. Set yourself up for success by being pragmatic when it comes to the financial aspect of buying a home. 

Invest In Sync

Buying your first home is something to celebrate. So much about the process can be stressful, do your best not to add to that. My advice is to be truly united in this significant investment. Don’t fixate on who supplies more money or how it all came to be. You’re making this investment together. Whether it’s a small condo or a multi-million dollar house, don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re not just buying a property. You’re creating the life that you will live inside of it. If you begin the home buying journey on the same page, you will be that much closer to achieving the goal at hand. 

Ultimately, when you’re buying your first home, you are making the decision to begin a bright future together. It’s an exciting time, but also a serious one. If you make wise choices and keep the important aspects in perspective and on the horizon, you’ll be successful. Don’t make these mistakes if you don’t have to! Happy house hunting!

So you’ve found the love of your life. Now you’re ready to spend the rest of your days together united in matrimony. The wedding will be one of the most exciting days of your lives! However, between the number of guests, the dress, venue and food, it could also be one of the most expensive. An occasion that should be a source of so much joy shouldn’t be met with dread over exorbitant price tags. With a bit of smart decision making and a lot of wisdom, I’ll show you how to make the most of your wedding budget and still have your dream day!

Timing is Everything

Talk to any number of women and you’re bound to find at least a few who have dreamed about what their wedding would be like since they were little girls. They pictured the dress, the location and sometimes even the mate. What they may not have thought about is the time of day they would be saying their vows. At first thought, that might not seem to matter very much. A closer look will prove otherwise. 

You see, the time you choose to get married often determines the type of food you will serve at the reception. Typically, weddings that occur earlier in the day are accompanied by a lighter, less expensive fare. If you’re looking to stay within a strict wedding budget, consider having your ceremony during a time where you can serve your guests brunch or midday meal options. The food is tasty, and the prices won’t hurt your wallet as much as a formal plated dinner with multiple courses and white glove service.

Uncommon Confections

Wedding receptions usually conjure up images of tall, tiered cakes layered with fondant and immaculate and decorative designs. But, those cakes can really take a toll on a wedding budget! Don’t feel pressured to go the traditional route with your wedding day sweet treats. You can make a splash with unique desserts like cake pops, cupcakes, fondue fountains or donut walls. There are even DIY ideas like ice cream sundae and s’mores stations. These tend to be big hits with wedding goers. These types of desserts are fun and interactive, and you don’t sacrifice any of the decadence! Stay on budget and wow your guests with any of these alternative sweets.

Befitting Blooms

My business as an interior designer is largely based in the aesthetics of a space. I completely understand the importance of the “look” of all things bridal. For many couples, the floral element will play a significant role in attaining the appearance they want on their special day. Flowers are used for bouquets and boutonnieres, table settings, and even for adorning arches, chairs and the reception space. To put it plainly, the flowers are a major player on the wedding day! For this reason, purchasing florals can easily absorb a large portion of your wedding budget. 

One of the best ways to offset the cost of all those flowers is to select ones that are in season at the time of your ceremony. If your heart is set on Lily of the Valley or tulips, you’ll find the best prices and most vibrant hues in the spring. Hydrangeas are recommended anytime from May to July. For a dreamy winter wedding consider Casablanca lilies or poinsettias. Matching your floral choices to the season of your wedding will often result in a greater variety of flowers, more availability, and less of a hit to your pocket. 

Worry Free Wedlock

Wedding preparation can make even the calmest person a bit tense. With the myriad of details to be perfectly solidified before the big day, anything that can be simplified, should! I helped couples on my discovery+ show, The House My Wedding Bought, find wedding venues that made their hearts sing. Some preferred a traditional church setting. Others wanted a big backyard soiree. When you’re choosing the location for your wedding, it’s tough to picture it without thinking about how you’re going to decorate and beautify the space. Let me give you an easy workaround: the beach! 

Keep it simple with your venue and choose one that has natural beauty. Getting married on the beach gives you gorgeous white sand, magnificent blue waves and uplifting sun rays as your backdrop. Even as an interior designer, I have to admit that it just doesn’t get better than that. If you select a scenic venue like a beach or hotel with its own organic allure, you don’t have to break the bank to make the area feel and look magical.

Your wedding day should be joyful and merry. You should be free to focus on the love you share and the happiness that lies before you. Stressing over your wedding budget can quickly strip those good vibes away from the planning of your big day if you’re not careful and calculated. Use these tips to minimize any financial strain related to your wedding, and enjoy the beginning of the best days of your life! Happy marrying!

There are so many reasons why homeowners choose to remodel their homes in some way. Whether it’s a purely aesthetic reason or need-based change, home upgrades are rooted in personal value for the owner. As a homeowner myself, I appreciate changes in my home that improve the appearance; however, I’m equally as interested in modifications that will impact its market value. When it comes to increasing your home value, here are the things you should seriously consider.

Upgrade Your Home Wisely

There are a few basic tenets when it comes to increasing your home value. Here’s the first: upgrade elements in your home that are in high demand in your particular market. That will vary based on where you live and what your bank deems valuable in your home. It also may be contingent on your appraisal. Still, the principle of supply and demand applies with home upgrades, similar to starting a company. What ultimately matters is if you can sell your product, how quickly, and for how much.

Does this mean you need to go buy and spend beyond measure to add elements to your home? Absolutely not. Haphazardly spending money on your house won’t necessarily add value to it. You might think a statue or pool addition to your house may be luxurious, but they could actually deter someone from considering purchasing your home. Are homes with yards in demand? That should clue you in that front or back yards hold value. Landscaping upgrades may work better for increasing your home value. Discover what’s important for your market before you start tearing down or digging up!

Invest in Kitchens & Bathrooms

Here’s the second rule of thumb for home upgrades: if you are going to redo and invest in any part of your home, include the kitchen and/or bathroom. This is an almost foolproof plan for increasing your home value. Why? First, they’re highly utilized spaces in ANY home. Second, the kitchen is the heart of any family home, and family homes are definitely in demand. Third, most buyers don’t want to walk into the purchase having to upgrade these spaces. Durable upgrades in a kitchen make a huge impact and first impression during initial walk-throughs. I’ve tested it. Even if clients think the house is in the perfect neighborhood with the perfect yard, driveway and layout, if the kitchen isn’t move-in ready—it can often make or break a sale. Ready-to-go renovations add instant value to a home. It’s definitely something to think about.

Such is the same with bathrooms. Bathrooms that need to be retiled or resealed around tubs and showers are typically a no-go for home buyers. Worn or dull surfaces are red flags, also. For bathrooms, I say if you can touch it, upgrade it! That includes showerheads, faucets, countertops and fixtures. These will almost always yield a value increase for your home.

Appliances & Flooring

Upgrading appliances with the purpose of adding value to your home can be tricky. People have different wants and needs with respect to the look and functions of their appliances. Generally speaking, though, if your appliances are outdated, by all means replace them. However, NEVER replace outdated appliances with low-budget ones. Always work to purchase better quality appliances than what you had previously. This will always be a subjective upgrade, so spend accordingly.

Flooring is a different story, though. Always redo carpet, if only for the sake of sanitation. By and large, most people highly value hardwood flooring, as many homebuilders are moving away from installing carpet. Even apartments and home rentals with wood floors have significantly higher rental price points. For health and cleaning aesthetics alone, you cannot go wrong when upgrading your home to wood flooring. It’s a great investment and option for increasing your home value.

Whether your home will be yours forever or eventually sold to another owner, increasing your home value should always be something you consider. Consider the market demands and durability of the elements in your home space. Make wise investments in home upgrades, and you will increase your ROI in no time!

You’ve heard it a million times by now. Home has taken on an especially important and novel meaning since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re all significantly more invested in making our houses, apartments, condos or wherever we dwell, feel like home. For many of us, that process has involved a bit of explorative searching, rearranging and even purchasing items and décor we hope will have the power to transform our spaces into the refuge we seek. But simply throwing furniture, photos or paint color around with no real plan can have the opposite effect of what you’re truly after. I talk a lot about my love of neutrals and incorporating a neutral color palette in homes because of all the options they allow with little to no restrictions. I’ll share with you why you should consider using a neutral color palette in your space if you haven’t already!

Options Galore for Neutral Paint Colors

There’s a huge misconception about neutrals, and I’m on a personal mission to debunk all the myths! I think many people believe neutrals are boring and bland. On the contrary, neutrals can be rich and impactful. Creamy whites, soothing grays, earthy taupes, or deep blacks can provide a backdrop for a space that feels warm, cozy, modern or grounding. What’s more, I love a neutral color palette because it will never clash with your appliances, artwork or décor! Neutrals used as a base make it easy to incorporate fun pops of color without the worry of any of the elements not matching. 

You can make a splash with fun, colorful artwork in your living room or add a gorgeous statement couch in a bold hue and maintain a cohesive feeling in the space if you begin with a neutral color palette. You can also upgrade your appliances in unique colors and finishes, and even add touches like a custom range hood that can act as an extra bit of visual interest. To put it simply, a neutral color palette makes the other options in your space endless. It just doesn’t get better than that!

Relax, Relate, Release

When you think of a spa or relaxing resort, what sorts of images come to mind? We could all ramble off any number of things, but one thing they all seem to share is the type of color scheme they choose in everything from advertising to wall color, and even in bed/bath/kitchen linens. You’ll usually see a neutral color palette in places like spas because people find those colors calming to the senses. I’ve always liked using white in spaces that are meant to feel soothing. It helps the mind to settle and unwind from being visually overstimulated all day.

If you want a particular space to feel serene, like a main bathroom, consider using white towels and decanting everyday use products (like shower gels and hand soaps) into uniform glass bottles in earthy hues. I even suggest sticking with materials like tile or stone in more neutral shades like black, white and gray. With all these measures in place, you’ll feel like you had a mini-vacation each time you spend extended time there. 

Calm Colors are Classic

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of a neutral color palette is the longevity it lends to the design of a space. I’m always being asked to give my advice on the current and future trends in design. There is always some new, hot, in-vogue feature to clamor about, and that’s exciting. But, homeowners may not always want to change the look of their spaces with every season’s fad. Neutrals don’t go in and out of style. They have a timeless quality that I love. A tuxedo kitchen featuring darker lower surfaces and lighter uppers, a lush white duvet, or stunning white stone with gray veining each have a classic look that will stand the test of time. That means you can invest more in these elements with the security that they will likely outlast trendier choices.

A neutral color palette doesn’t mean that every item in your space has to be white or black. It means that you begin with a foundation that won’t limit you to a particular collection of colors or styles. A base that doesn’t compete with supporting pieces grants you infinite design opportunities. Adopting a neutral color palette makes the world your oyster. Give it a try in a room of yours today!

Italy. The name alone conjures different images and connections. Some may associate the country with amazing food and delicacies, striking art and romantic scenery. For others, immaculate architecture may come to mind. As someone who has traveled to the county for both personal and professional endeavors, Italy encompasses so many beautiful aspects about modern and contemporary culture. I’ve taken my experiences there and incorporated them into my work, and I think my design projects are so much better for it. When it comes to travel-inspired design, Italy’s culture and visual aesthetic have definitely impacted what I do as an interior designer.

The Italian Look

Integrating visual aspects of Italy is extremely achievable in most spaces. While historical Italian architecture relied on ornate exterior details, much of its present-day design is extremely minimal, both inside and out. I definitely look to incorporate this in my interior projects. I fully believe that less is more, and I achieve that by using fewer elements in a space that are higher in quality. A significant sectional allows me to use one sizeable piece of furniture but keep an open, inviting space. I also look to utilize pieces that serve multifunctional purposes or double as storage. Both of these options allow me to maximize functionality in an interior and keep clutter to a minimum. 

Lighting can help accent the elevated appeal of a clean, minimal space. My visits to Italy allowed me to explore and better define how I incorporate various forms of light in my design.  I noticed many of the hotels and places I visited emphasize natural and soft lighting. Whether by lamps or wall sconces, chandeliers or broad window treatments, light choices play a key role in adding interest and affecting the senses within a space. Being intentional with lighting options is another travel-inspired design tip that I adopted from my Italian counterparts.

With open space and lighting in play, I love that most Italian spaces have a neutral color base. Not only does this accent the fresh, airy appeal of their overall aesthetic, but it also allows designers to use sharp pops of color in home or room décor. Using an ivory or white foundation opens up so many possibilities to infuse the most gorgeous Mediterranean colors. Shades of terracotta orange, yellow, and hues of blue work especially well in this region—and it can do the same in your space!

The Italian Way of Life

When I think about travel-inspired design, I also consider cultural influences beyond interior design aesthetics. Being in Italy taught me more about how to live life, not simply how to make my world look. I think that’s more important than anything I could do with furniture or home accessories. The Italian way of life is unapologetic when it comes to simply existing and enjoying life. I can’t think of anything more important to incorporate into a home space!

Observing daily living in Italy helped me capture the locals’ dedication to balance, both in life and in a home. I love that I spent time with people who worked hard but insisted on enjoying a glass of wine at 3 in the afternoon. It was a complement to the labor and effort exerted. The time consisted of enjoying conversation and camaraderie. And really, what else should life and time at home be? Simple enjoyment is so uncommon in the hustle-and-bustle lives most of us live. It was refreshing the first time I experienced this. Being in Italy helped center much of what I want to do with design. I continue to instill from Italy the idea of understated elegance and lavish relaxation in home design. It’s a part of the spirit and soul of my brand.

Italy is amazing for so many reasons. To me, it epitomizes the best of traditional and contemporary living. It also embodies refined sophistication and easy relaxation. My heart’s work in interior design sits directly in the middle of these, and I have my many visits to this beautiful country to thank for it.