Author: Breegan Jane

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 But, an outdated backsplash or unattractive cabinet handles aren’t a reason to write off a house that otherwise checks all your boxes.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.

Inspiration comes from so many different sources. One of the greatest inspirations for me is where I live. Southern California has such a vibrant, sunny atmosphere that brings out so much in my interior design. Growing up and living near the shores of Hermosa and Venice Beach helped me hone elements of my overall design aesthetic. What’s more, it sparked my affinity for coastal interior design. Here’s what I love about it, and how I blend beach styling with sophistication in my interior work.

The Coastal Vibe

I’ve decided no matter where I live on this planet, it will be near a body of water. To know Breegan is to know I’m a beach girl, born and raised. The ocean will always be a part of my home. For me, safety and comfort lie near the sand and sea. Tranquility is plentiful, and freedom abounds there—along with most of my fondest memories. These are the things that I’m reminded of when I incorporate coastal elements in my work.

Coastal interior design encompasses this kind of emotional appeal of life by the sea. It embodies the peace of watching a sunset on the horizon. The collective visuals reflect a feeling of enjoying lazy breezes on your skin with your toes in the sand on a Sunday morning or afternoon. It also intertwines us with both the protection and vulnerability of the ocean’s vastness, something I feel very connected to as a person and designer. Coastal design uniquely incorporates and interprets all of these experiences.

Coastal Colors

There are a few colors that are integral to coastal interior design styling. The basics include a mesh of the colors you might see in a beach setting. You’ll definitely want to use neutrals such as white or grey in your coastal design palette. These work well to balance any colors you might use throughout your space. Pops of color in the red and yellow families also work well in beach-influenced spaces.

I personally feel, though, that no coastal design is complete without various shades of green or blue. I’m a little biased, as teal is my favorite color. These colors all play into the tones of the ocean’s waters and provide a visually calming and relaxing appeal. When possible, I work to incorporate tinges of gold and silver in my coastal interior design. Hints of these colors epitomize the shimmering of the sun’s rays meeting the ocean, and I adore that visual presentation. It’s why I appreciate a bit of sparkle in all that I do.

Infuse Coastal Comfort

Coastal living is just that: a lifestyle. As such, it’s important to incorporate “livability” into your coastal design. Living in the Venice Beach area, it’s a given that the sand and drippings from the sea will inevitably exist inside the home. After all, flip-flops are the preferred footwear of choice in beach towns. And we’re all generally okay with that! So that the outside elements are not considered “the enemy” (which would defeat the calm, relaxed atmosphere you’re aiming to create), opt for beach-friendly materials like rattan, weathered woods or other natural materials like stone or bamboo. This furniture has a light driftwood finish and is a perfect way to have great-looking, elevated pieces in your beach-inspired abode.

While it’s okay to embellish your coastal interior space with things like mini surfboards, seashells and sand dollars, use them sparingly. Overutilizing them can read as inauthentic and kitschy. Such is the same with trendy coastal prints and patterns. The iconic banana leaf wallpaper may be great for The Beverly Hills Hotel, but it might be a bit much for your coastal home. Mute any prints or wallpapers you may use; less is more when you want the space to present as casual, organic and serene.

Good coastal interior design is stylish and sophisticated. However, it also has to be functional and extremely approachable. As a designer, I work to create coastal design epitomizing elegance with a welcoming, open-door appeal. The coast is where I live and what I love. It is also an extension of who I am. If I infuse coastal design in a space, I leave a bit of my heart in it.

Home interior design can convey so much within the selected materials, colors and various choices. Often, you can tell a lot about a person or family by viewing where they spend the most time, and for many of us, that gathering place is the kitchen. In kitchen design, options are endless, with an infinite amount of statements to make with each. As a designer who appreciates elevated looks in home spaces, the tuxedo kitchen is a must-have. They have such a timeless appeal. And contrary to popular opinion, they are not that hard to achieve!

What is a Tuxedo Kitchen

So what, exactly, is a tuxedo kitchen? Simply put, it’s a dual-tone kitchen space with white cabinetry around the top or higher spaces and dark elements in lower areas. The upper area could be interpreted as the white “shirt,” and the lower area could function as the dark “trousers.” The black-and-white combination, just like the outfit, is a classy design that exudes elegance.

Tuxedo kitchens are always en vogue because of the lasting appeal of two-tone styling in home design. And while there’s no set rule on which elements are dark and which are light, tuxedo kitchens generally follow the “lighter upper, darker lower” template. Aesthetically speaking, using brighter colors and elements above allows additional light reflection in kitchen areas. This will make your kitchen appear more open and spacious. The darker elements in lower areas will help to visually ground the space. Collectively, the combination provides a satisfying balance.

How to Choose Cabinet Colors

So you’ve decided to create a tuxedo kitchen for your home. There are a few things to consider, starting with the colors you choose. Though the style suggests a black-and-white color scheme, I would advise against using true black and white in your tuxedo kitchen design. True black can be visually harsh, and that might impact the overall look you’re aiming for. Instead, consider a dark grey or smoky black with navy undertones. These options are much warmer than true black.

That’s important to know because you want to opt for cooler-toned whites to balance the opposite end of the spectrum of your tuxedo kitchen. All tones of white are not created equal, so be sure to test the shade you want to use. I would advise against going too beige or yellow with your light/white choices. If you’re creating a tuxedo kitchen on a budget, the right paint colors will be the key to the perfect transformation. Choose wisely, and remember if you need help selecting the perfect shade, we can jump on a video call and I will help you.

Apply the Right Accents

Color sets the framework for a tuxedo kitchen, but other accents can help take your space from eye-catching to head-turning! Incorporating mixed metals will bring just the right amount of contrast needed to add interest in the room. Personally (and professionally), I think pops of brushed or polished brass are so elegant in black-and-white kitchens. Touches of metal in the fixtures, faucets or drawer pulls act as flashes of jewelry for your “tuxedo” look. They provide extra opulence in small doses, making your kitchen that much more magnificent.

Finally, don’t forget to think about the right furniture for your kitchen’s new look! Many designers would most likely accent your black and white elements with furniture of either color. I, however, prefer to incorporate natural elements in the furniture for tuxedo kitchens. While splendor is the name of the game for tuxedo visuals, using natural elements helps the overall space feel more approachable. Consider using wood shelving, dining tables or chairs to finish the look of your kitchen. The two design elements complement the kitchen’s formal aesthetic.

Tuxedo kitchens have been on-trend for several years. Done correctly, they can be timeless focal points of the home that rarely need to be updated. The combination presents class and panache in a way that side-steps “period piece” colors used in kitchens. Together, black and white have a universal appeal that caters to any design taste. And, like a tuxedo, it has a distinguished appeal that will elevate any home.

Would you consider a tuxedo kitchen for your home? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!