Bathroom Details That Truly Matter

January 27, 2026 Kylie Truman

When designing a bathroom, it’s important to think about each and every item you’re collecting and how they will piece together in your space.

Shower Wall Tile

This is the largest amount of tile you’ll see in the bathroom, so it really sets the tone for the entire space. It gives you a chance to add some pops of color or something more neutral, depending on what you’d prefer. If you’re worried about cleaning, I’d focus on the grout lines and choose large format tile to eliminate excessive scrubbing!

Tip: There’s endless tile layout options that can completely modernize a space, like a vertical stack, or you can create a more traditional look with a running brick bond layout.

Shower Floor Tile

Since polished tile can be slippery, you’ll want to opt for matte in this area. Smaller format tile works best here because the grout is what gives you that grit.

Tip: When choosing grout color, keep in mind that hard water will heavily impact very light or very dark colors, the safest choice is to look for something in the middle.

Mixed Finishes

Gone are the days of the 90s when everything just HAD to match. My advice is to treat hardware finishes the same way you treat a tone or paint color. In bathrooms, I usually use two different finishes to create a balanced feel.

Tip: Some of my favorite combinations are matte black and brushed gold, or brushed nickel with champagne bronze.

Countertop Selections

Drawers tend to be more efficient than cabinets for storing toiletries, which is something to keep in mind. Soft-close drawers are something many people love, so be sure to consider these when choosing a vanity!

Tip: Try to coordinate the vanity countertop with the shower curb material.

Lighting

I usually use layered lighting, including recessed lights (often over the shower and tub), along with semi-flush fixtures and/or sconces.

Tip: Sconces provide the most flattering light for getting ready and are highly recommended for my girls who like to do their makeup in the bathroom!

Thoughtful bathroom selections truly make all the difference. When each of these details are chosen with intention, the result is a beautiful, functional bathroom.

Solving Space, Style and Storage in One Bathroom Renovation

December 31, 2025 Kylie Truman

Recently, I was tasked with an interesting design project. My clients were looking to rent out their downstairs apartment that had a decent sized bathroom. This meant that they needed a spacious bathroom on the main floor to use comfortably for years to come. I was asked to turn their closet and tiny bathroom into a bath suite and was up for the challenge.

The Vision

I wanted to place the vanity, sink and mirror in the closet and create some storage space. Then, I aimed to expand the shower and move the toilet over since they were losing the sink. They already had plans drawn up, but my clients felt like they’d never agree on colors or tiles - game on!

Seeing their downstairs bath with floral wallpaper and a painted vanity helped me envision a new space that will blend naturally into the rest of the home.

The Render

I created a 3D render, one of my client’s favorite part of the process. I found this beautiful wallpaper I wanted to use from a Georgia-based artist. And my clients mentioned painting the vintage vanity they found yellow - which worked perfectly for a pale butter yellow, white, spring green, and dark blue color palette.

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The Layout

During our sample sessions, we went through their tile options along with my own picks. Clients often fall in love with pieces online but feel differently in person and we saw this come to life as they eliminated some of their own tiles.

We settled on a beautiful glass mosaic for the shower floor, clean white subway tile for the shower walls and an elegant teal-and-white floor tile. Finally, we chose a soft taupe paint color to warm up the bath.

The Results

We chose a gorgeous blue and green, floral-printed, wallpaper that feels both fresh and vintage. It all came together nicely when the vanity was coated in butter yellow. Even though this project was a first for me, it ended up feeling incredibly intentional and charming.

Want to see the products that helped this bathroom come to life? They’re linked below!

Shopping list:

Rich, Dark & Dreamy: My Top Moody Paint Picks

November 17, 2025 Kylie Truman

Picking the perfect paint color is such a huge step in creating a rich, moody vibe within a room. From dark man-caves to relaxing bedrooms that set the tone for a good night’s sleep, I’ve rounded up some paint colors that create cozy, sophisticated spaces.

As seen above, Iron Ore is a steely gray that pairs well with taupes. It looks like a mysterious charcoal that truly shines in modern living rooms or dining rooms where you want depth without going too dark.

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On the ceiling, you’ll find Black Fox! This is a luscious black that leans dark brown, perfect for accent walls. It’s very suitable for spaces where you crave a soft, grounded feel.

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Portsmouth Gray is a dark blue that works as a neutral. It adds a chill calm to your bedroom space, just right for grounded, coastal-inspired rooms.

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Next, is Grays Harbor by Sherwin Williams. As a shapeshifting blue-gray that has rich depths, it can almost pass as navy. This color thrives in natural light, creating a serene backdrop.

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Whithall Brown is a nutty, deep brown that’s truly timeless. By creating a smoky feel, it brings warmth to dens or cozy bedrooms without feeling too heavy.

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Deepest Mauve is such a dreamy hue! As a dark, ruby plum that pairs particularly well with earthy tones, it helps update busy granite. It’s one of my favorites if you’re looking for a moody pop of color, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.

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Here we have Flint, is it blue? Green? Gray? This dark chameleon shade has a lot of depth and changes dramatically depending on your lighting. It’s a stunning choice for kitchens or dining rooms where shifting shadows give it room to play.

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Last but certainly not least, we have Soot. This is an earthy blue-black. It instantly adds elegance to spaces and works beautifully on built-ins for a dramatic look.

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Overall, the right rich shade can truly curate the mood inside a room. Each of these 8 paint colors adds subtle character and always finds its moment in my clients’ beautiful homes.

Designer-Approved Neutrals: My Top 7 Paint Colors That Never Fail

November 6, 2025 Kylie Truman

Choosing the right paint color can be tricky when styling a home and finding the perfect neutral to pair beautifully with bolder tones is key. Whether I’m refreshing a single wall or designing an entire room, my goal is to always find the perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated. In no particular order, here are my top seven neutral paint colors that go with a variety of styles and lighting conditions!

#1. Cake Batter by Benjamin Moore is a soft, buttery off-white that instantly brings warmth into a room. I love using it in living rooms or bedrooms where natural light can bounce around, creating the perfect neutral without being too yellow.

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#2. Above, you’ll find Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore. Think of this as the warm alternative to the overused “millennial gray”. It’s sophisticated but not too dark, creating an inviting space for open-concept homes or transitional spaces.

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#3. Next, is Stone Hearth by Benjamin Moore. This is a soft taupe with a bit of depth when paired with something dramatic, like Wrought Iron. This works beautifully in living rooms or moody offices.

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#4. Here we have Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. This is a top choice because it’s creamy and soft without tipping yellow. This hue is perfect for creating a calm backdrop in bathrooms or serene entryways.

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#5. Baby Fawn, by Benjamin Moore, pairs beautifully with Alabaster. By creating a subtle warmth that isn’t overly peachy. I adore this cozy color!

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#6. If you’re looking for a color that plays well with earthy tones and cooler floors, say hello to Windfresh White by Sherwin Williams. With a small dash of violet, it reads as a soft gray in lower light - perfect for basements or office spaces!

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#7. Let’s not forget about Aesthetic White by Sherwin Williams. It’s a crisp, balanced neutral that isn’t too bright and blinding. It’s my go-to when looking for a color to group with blues and grays.

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As you can see, the right neutral shade can truly transform how a room looks AND feels. The magic is in the undertone, and these colors always find their moment to shine in the design projects I have worked on previously.

A Moody Blue Study Built for Focus and Fun

October 22, 2025 Katie Carpenter

The original study felt like an afterthought, uninspired and unused compared to the rest of my clients’ home. Since they occasionally work from home, a functional office by day and a relaxing lounge by night was much needed. They were looking for the best of both worlds!

Their wishlist included a large desk, stylish file storage, a new light fixture, and a comfortable seating area. Here’s a roundup of the products I envisioned:

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The Vision

First came the floor plan, it was quite tricky due to the overwhelming amount of windows and doors in the room. This creates a huge challenge when placing furniture because you need to be sure there's clearance for the door and space to move around comfortably. We opted for a desk that faced the wall for any conference calls.

The Layout

I presented two floor plan options and this is what they chose, however we ended up keeping the original bathroom door instead of switching to a pocket door.

My clients weren't sure they wanted a full color drench, so we landed on a dusty, blue paint color to create some moody walls. The trim and ceiling gave this a really nice contrast.

I wanted this space to feel modern, yet mature. Although we purchased new furniture, we used a lot of unique vintage pieces as well. Just look at floral decanter and the sepia-colored map, so stunning!

The Results

What a transformation! From the fluted dark walnut sideboard to the tufted velvet chairs, this room is now filled with rich textures and a more functional, elevated aesthetic. The finishing touch? French doors opening right to the dining room.

This study is proof that even the most overlooked room in a home can become one of the most loved. I’ve stopped by multiple times since completing this project, it’s been so rewarding to see these clients actually using their space. It’s truly amazing how a thoughtful renovation can boost functionality and overall enjoyment.

Shopping list:

Want to recreate this moody lounge-meets-study look? Here are the key pieces we used in this project:

From Tuscan to Earthy Modern: Oakhurst Bath Renovation

October 8, 2025 Katie Carpenter

Bathroom renovation from tuscan to earth modern.

When my clients reached out, they were finally ready to say goodbye to their early-2000s Tuscan-style bathroom. This couple was looking for a fun, modern refresh and weren’t afraid of bold choices.

Before pictures of a tuscan-style bathroom. — Before: Dated and dark

As you can see, there are vanities on opposing sides, a poorly lit shower, an inefficient linen closet and tile that has seen better days.

Overall, their biggest concerns were the hard-to-reach shelving, an outdated shower, and the surprising lack of storage in such a generously sized bathroom. I was eager to create a roomy, soothing space for these two.

The Vision

They knew a renovation was long overdue, here’s what was on their wishlist:

Private closet (including a bidet)
Large shower (including dual shower heads)
Room for a soaking tub
Separate vanities
Additional storage

After learning more about their needs, I was able to deliver a customized 3D render to help them visualize the results!

The Layout

The first big move was to make space for the new water closet and oversized shower by relocating the entry door, we opted for a pocket door to keep things more open. The shower stayed in a similar location but pushed further into the back corner to create more depth.

We created more storage by planning for a wall of built-ins. This eliminates the need for cluttered countertops and can be customized to fit exactly the items you have.

The soaking tub was still positioned under the window, but with a gorgeous chandelier above and a fluted wood-look tile surround.

On the far side of the room, we planned for “his and hers vanities”. We all know optimal lighting is key when getting ready. So we added sconces for flattering, yet functional, lighting above each vanity.

To give this bathroom an earthy feel, we wrapped the ceiling in a timeless green wallpaper. As for the floor, I chose a stunning wood-look tile laid in a herringbone format that combines warmth and texture. Once these ideas started flowing, my clients were all in!

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The Details

We got together a few times to find the perfect mix of tile and paint. For the tile, we chose Zellige vertical stacked tile for the walls and a small honed black hexagon for the shower floor.

By going with an emerald green color, it created an earthy but a luxurious, grounded looking shower. We were at a bit of a standstill for part of this project waiting on custom windows.

My clients wanted dual transom windows. This let in natural sunlight, and an additional window to the water closet offers a beautiful architectural detail.

My clients love to travel, so rather than make the water closet feel dark and dreary, we livened it up with Banana Leaf wallpaper from York Wallcoverings.

Interior designer looking for paint colors and wallpaper. — This wallpaper makes you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation!

And because this is such a large bathroom, the homeowners really wanted it to feel warm. We found the perfect paint color in Benjamin Moore’s ‘Cake Batter.’ We also added Tricorn black for the trim and doors to give it that modern feel.

The Results

And just like that, I delivered an earthy, modern space for my clients. I’m a firm believer that your bathroom should feel like a personal sanctuary, thoughtfully designed to set the tone for how you start and end each day. By finding the right balance of functionality and luxury, this was just what my clients were looking for.

Thanks to JBH Renovations for the partnership.

Below, you’ll find a list of links to the products used in this beautiful renovation:

What’s your favorite part?

Showstopping Black Ceiling in this Elevated formal Dining Room

August 20, 2025 Katie Carpenter

From Farmhouse to Refined: A Dining Room Transformation

When my clients purchased their home a few years ago, the builder-grade “modern farmhouse” look didn’t quite match their style. Over time, we’ve been thoughtfully updating each space to feel more elevated, custom, and true to their personality.

This dining room was more of a “loading zone” than a functional gathering spot. While they had a few beautiful pieces, it was missing that It factor. My goal was to create a room that felt sophisticated and stylish but still approachable for their young family.

The Vision

I suggested adding picture frame molding to the walls for architectural interest and painting the ceiling a deep, dramatic color. When I said “dark,” what I really meant was black. At first, they were hesitant… black can feel like a bold leap. But once the vision started coming to life, they trusted the process.

The Details

Lighting: We swapped their farmhouse-style fixture for a modern, sculptural chandelier that instantly elevated the room.
Seating: Luxurious yet practical velvet captain’s chairs and side chairs were brought in. Velvet may feel glamorous, but it’s surprisingly durable—perfect for a family with kids.
Rug: We layered in a Cloudpile rug, which is not only beautiful but also one of the softest textures your feet will ever feel.
Window Treatments: Custom curtain rods have been ordered, and we’ll soon be adding dark velvet curtain panels to complete the look.
Table: We were able to re-use their table. The rustic look paired perfectly with a little more refinement.

The Result

The transformation speaks for itself. What was once an underutilized space is now a stunning dining room that feels polished, welcoming, and unique. The black ceiling adds depth and drama, while the mix of textures—velvet, wood, and soft textiles—creates a layered, inviting atmosphere.

My clients are completely in love with this room now, and more importantly, they use it. It’s become a true reflection of their style and the perfect spot to gather with family and friends.

Wall Paint Color: Balboa Mist
Ceiling Paint Color: Black Fox
Chandelier
Side Chairs
Captain’s Chairs
Rug
Art

A Beautifully Functional Teen + Guest Bath Refresh

July 30, 2025 Katie Carpenter

While we renovated the Primary bathroom in this 1970s home (see Serene, Ocean Inspired Primary Bath here!), we also updated the guest bathroom, a space used by the family’s teenage kids and visiting guests. The goal was to make it feel fresh and functional, while still aligning with the transitional design throughout the rest of the home.

We removed part of the alcove on one side of the bathroom, which allowed us to shift over the tub and reclaim space in the primary bath, all while allowing us to still fit a spacious 6-foot tub in this guest bath.

We also elevated this space by adding a painted beadboard and chair rail to add some segementation.

The shower surround features a gorgeous cream zellige tile—square, handmade, and full of movement. Its subtle sheen catches the light beautifully and adds so much depth and detail to a smaller footprint.

One of the stars of this space is the green reeded vanity—just enough texture and color to feel playful and stylish, without overwhelming the room.

We paired it with a wooden oval mirror, floating wood shelves, and a mix of brass and matte black finishes to keep the space warm, layered, and flexible for years to come.

This bathroom may not be the largest, but every element was thoughtfully chosen to elevate the everyday, whether it's a teenager getting ready for school or guests feeling right at home.

Midnight in Woodstock: A Moody Bedroom Retreat

July 22, 2025 Katie Carpenter

A water leak is the last thing a homeowner wants to deal with. But - it could be a blessing in disguise. My client wanted to update her bedroom, and a plumbing issue is just what she needed to kickstart this project.

Here’s her bedroom before.

Pretty bedframe, but this royal blue feature wall? It just doesn’t work. The fan is dated, windows need trim replaced, and overall, this space doesn’t SAY a lot or feel personal.

The inspiration images my client sent were a little darker, cozier, and dare I say… sultrier?! She wanted some spice in her life, and I wanted to bring it.

My initial mood board suggested a chocolate paint color drench, which she loved! And I recommended a black and gold wallpaper mural on the ceiling. She didn’t hesitate before agreeing.

Here’s the room after it had the first coat of paint. Color drenching may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s something to be said about how it elevates a space.

My friend and expert wallpaper installer, Brooke, started on the ceiling. You can see it already makes a difference. Painting or wallpapering the ceiling places a blanket over a space, enveloping it, which is the perfect quality to have in a space that you want to feel cozy.

As for furnishing, I had just helped this client purchase a new bedroom set the year prior, so we had a lot to work with already! But we needed to update the fan, get a rug, bedding, and dress her windows.

I suggested a brass French Return rod for the windows for a more seamless and striking look, and keeping the drapery on the lighter side so the room didn’t feel too heavy with all of our dark tones and lush fabrics.

The roller shades and drapes are both textured - and very affordable. One of my tips when buying budget-friendly items, especially fabrics, is to look for pieces that have a subtle texture… makes them feel more luxe!

The final look? A romantic Boutique Hotel that she gets to wake up in every morning.

What do you think?!

Bedframe (Dune)
Knit throw
Dresser
Nightstand
Cloud Pile Rug
Wallpaper
Curtain rod (so affordable!)
Curtains
Roller shades (make sure to check your measurements!)
Lamp
(*Some items linked may be affiliate links!)

A Serene, Ocean-Inspired Primary Bath Transformation

July 15, 2025 Katie Carpenter

When I first walked into this 1970’s primary bathroom, it felt dark, dated, and tight… everything my clients were ready to leave behind. With wood upper and lower cabinets, a really low countertop, and a narrow doorway, it was clear this space wasn’t serving them.

These homeowners grew up around water, and from the beginning, they knew they wanted blue tile in the shower. A subtle nod to the ocean and a sense of calm. We wanted to create a bathroom that felt both modern and transitional, with clean lines, timeless textures, and beautiful layered details.

After reviewing design concepts together, we landed on this combination:

A vertically stacked handmade blue subway tile in the shower. Rich in color and texture, like glimmering ocean water
A frameless glass shower door to keep the space feeling open and bright
A sleek tankless toilet and a natural wood vanity with a crisp quartz top
Arched mirrors and warm wall sconces with aged patina and milk glass for just the right mix of softness and structure

They also wished to remove the partial wall and gain more space in their shower by reclaiming space from their other bathroom. (More to come on that project later!)

This was my initial rendering.

During our selections meeting, my clients chose a large-format slate tile for the main floor, a white mosaic for the shower floor (a timeless contrast), and the handmade blue subway tile that became the heart of the space.

(We chose a different tile than the one pictured below)

To create even more depth, we went with mixed metals:

Chrome for the shower fixtures; its shine pairs beautifully with the high-gloss tile
Matte black for the vanity hardware and faucet to create a striking contrast with the light wood tones of the vanity

We chose a lighter grout in the shower to really showcase the tile’s handcrafted detail and vertical orientation.

The lighting plan included lighted shower niches that cast a soft glow, and a trio of sconces that flanked the mirrors.

Near the end of the project, we needed to pivot and swap out two of the sconces for vanity lights instead. Thankfully, I sourced a matching version from the same line, and honestly, the result may be even better than the original plan.

To finish off the space, we installed a soft cream roller shade to filter natural light and add a quiet softness to the room.

This project was completed in collaboration with Rally Built Homes, who did a beautiful job bringing the design to life. I’m so proud of how this bathroom turned out—and even more grateful we were able to give this family a serene, elevated space they’ll enjoy for years to come.

Refined Drama: A Moody Kitchen Makeover in Woodstock, GA

March 27, 2025 Katie Carpenter

From Flooded to Fabulous

When my client reached out about her flooded kitchen, I knew we had a journey ahead. No homeowner wants to navigate insurance claims, endless estimates, or months in an Airbnb—but sometimes, life hands you a renovation opportunity in disguise.

The silver lining? She never loved her kitchen to begin with. It felt dated, dark (but not in the right way), and completely out of sync with her style. So, when I asked her to envision her dream kitchen, she mentioned loving the vibe of a moody cigar lounge. Say no more. My interest was piqued.

Lately, I’ve noticed a shift—many of my clients are moving away from bright, ultra-modern kitchens in favor of spaces that feel cozy, stylized, and undeniably elevated. They want warmth, depth, and timeless appeal. And this project? The perfect canvas.

The Vision: Sultry, Sophisticated, and Oh-So-Stylish

We kicked things off with custom mood boards to refine her aesthetic. My design process is always collaborative—after all, it’s your home, and every detail should feel like you.

At first, she leaned toward a rich maroon, but ultimately, we landed on a deep, smoky green-gray for the cabinetry—Flint. To create a fully immersive, moody-but-make-it-glam effect, we planned to drench the ceiling in the same hue.

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The Challenges: Because No Renovation is Perfect

Like any great design story, we had a few plot twists. The tile we fell in love with turned out to be... let’s just say, temperamental. Our installer let us know it had plenty of imperfections, making it tricky to lay, but he absolutely nailed it.

And while custom cabinetry was tempting, the price tag was not. Instead, we matched a stock cabinet color to Flint—a seamless, budget-friendly alternative that still delivered that luxe, tailored feel.

The Details: Where Form Meets Function

Great design is about balance—beauty meets practicality, drama meets restraint. Here’s how we brought her dream kitchen to life:

✨ Custom-inspired cabinetry rich, grounding, and endlessly elevated.
✨ Brass & milk-glass statement lighting for a warm, glowing ambiance. (Bonus: it’s dimmable)
✨ A glossy bronze backsplash—because kitchens deserve jewelry, too.
✨ Calcutta Sienna Silver Quartz countertops—striking yet timeless.
✨ Thoughtful storage upgrades—pull-out spice racks, a hidden paper towel pull-out, and a lazy Susan (because function is luxury).
✨ Honey Bronze hardware—a little detail that adds just the right amount of polish.
✨ A Delta touch faucet & matching outlet covers—because the magic is in the details.

The Reveal: A Kitchen That Feels Like Her

The end result? A kitchen that is sultry, sophisticated, and completely her. Every selection was intentional, every detail curated to strike that perfect balance of moody and inviting. It’s a space that feels refined yet livable, polished yet warm—exactly the vibe she envisioned.

Scroll through the selections below—what’s your favorite element?

SELECTIONS

Ceiling Paint color/Cabinet match: Flint, by Benjamin Moore

Countertops: Calcutta Sienna Silver Quartz

Backsplash: Villa Artisan Bronze Ceramic Tile

Faucet: Delta Lenta Gold Touch Faucet

Cabinet Pulls: Top Knob Ellis Cabinet Pull

Cabinet Knobs: Top Knob Ellis Mushroom Knob in Honey Bronze

Milk Glass Light: Marra Polished Brass Flush Mount Light

Black Textured Vase: Asher Ceramic Vase

Rust Branch: Faux Siberian Elm Branch

Mid-century Modern Masculine Office Design in Greenville, SC

December 23, 2024 Katie Carpenter

Although this project in Greenville, SC was not geographically close, it was near and dear to my heart. This client, a wealth manager, is the husband of one of my best friends! Even more, my friend was due with her second baby on the tail end of this project, so it was important we were on a tight schedule.

When this client approached me to help him design his office space, I already had a sense of his style. Classic, earthy tones, with an upscale energy. Getting to know my clients is essential: personality plays a huge role in the recommendations I give - as well as logistics, so luckily, I had a head start.

We worked together virtually to help create an office that fit his style, was welcoming to his clients, and fit his budget.

Here’s where this space started.

BEFORE

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A timeline of what we did:

1.) Renovation. This was being handled by my client’s contractor. The demo was taking everything down to the studs. Thankfully, other than a few delays, everything went pretty smooth.

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2.) Floor plan. The floor plan from his contractor had a couple quirks. The waiting room was EXTREMELY small - hardly any room for seating. And they also had a pass-through room (on the way to the conference room) that was a little funky. By the time I came on-board, the walls were already installed, so we had to problem solve with space planning instead.

I provided a few options for the waiting room in regards to seating and making sure his space was still ADA compliant (3ft wide for a wheel chair to safely move through the space). This is the one we landed on at first.

But then we adjusted it to allow for even more seating along the far wall on the right.

We saved space by using rectangular tables in between the chairs to still make the space feel complete. The glass coordinated well with his lighting selections.

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I also suggested switching his hospitality seating area to the other side, leaving room for a clear path to the conference room.

3.) Furnishings and decor. I knew this client wanted a timeless look, and didn’t want the traditional sterile and dated furniture that is used by other wealth management offices. But - we still had a fairly modest budget to work with. In terms of lighting, this client was quoted a high price for a lighting package. I was able to save the client money by sourcing beautiful light fixtures from Shades of Light and Lamps Plus.

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For decor, we ended up with a mix of pieces from Pottery Barn, Article, Home Depot, and Wayfair. These products are linked here.

4.) Finishing touches. I couldn’t stay away and traveled in to help with staging and art placement. We hung pieces about 5 feet off of the ground (see my earlier blog about this!). I also grabbed a mix of decor from places like Home Goods and West Side Market, which is one of my favorite stores to shop for decor. They have tons of different vendors, some who carry vintage items.

There were still a few pieces we didn’t have while staging (pillows, some artwork, etc) but this space has been much improved!

I’ve heard from him that his office is functioning very well and he’s pleased with the space. And the new baby arrived healthy and happy too.

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Elegant Black, Cream, and Tan Dining room

August 14, 2024 Katie Carpenter

We wanted this dining room to be elegant but still warm. A combination of blacks + creams + tans achieved this look!

The table is a large one, coming in at 90 inches. But it seats 8, so perfect for gatherings. Chandeliers are dimmable and an art piece on their own, made of individual wooden rods.

We mixed the chairs - black Crate and Barrel with At Home captain’s chairs.

Couch was found by the homeowner at Rooms to Go and pillows were purchased from Wayfair.

What do you think about this look?! Links below!

Happy shopping!

MedSpa Facelift & Renovation in Richmond, Virginia (Rejuvenation Skin Lab)

July 25, 2024 Katie Carpenter

MedSpas are unique - a cross between a dermatologist’s office and a spa all in one. I learned while researching for my client that even though estheticians focus on esthetics, they don’t always prioritize aesthetics!

Cue my sister, who launched her business over 5 years ago and impressively expanded so her current space no longer served her. She signed a lease on a new office - but imagined something much more elegant and classy, so she reached out to me.

This is the space before we started work.

I always ask to see client’s style preferences ahead of time so I can better understand what they may be drawn to. Here are some of my client’s original inspo images.

Mood Board

I put this together - but these photos came from my client.

FLOOR PLAN

I was so excited to dive into the details of this space. We started with the floor plan, shown below.

Somehow, we wanted to fit:

Nicole’s Office
A waiting room
A check-in/check-out area
A refreshment zone
Shelving with her product line
A television showing client transformations
Three treatment rooms
And a private employee area for breaks/lunch

At over 2,000 square feet, we definitely had some space to work with, but where to put everything?!

Nicole’s Office and the treatment room were a no-brainer, but what about the other spaces?

PROBLEM SOLVING (THE LAYOUT)

There was a space Nicole fondly called ‘the nook,’ that she thought could be where her front office assistant would be stationed, because a desk could fit in the space.

I considered it - but what would that flow be like? Someone comes in, has to go through the entryway, take a left down the hallway, and then to the right to check in. It seemed like a lot to ask from clients. Plus - I thought we could make that nook unique with a wall decal - and it would be the perfect spot to have snacks and drinks for clients because it was out of the way, but also across from the waiting area.

The tricky part would be to fit a piece of furniture in the front entryway, as it’s a narrow space. I suggested a tall but narrow secretary desk. That way, a member of her team could be right in front to greet anyone who entered!

Another tricky ask was the TV. In general, you want pieces on walls to be grounded by furniture below. It would feel a little funky to just have a TV on the wall without anything underneath it. And we had to consider the depth of anything that went there since this would be a passthrough area on the way to Nicole’s office.

My sister loves to host events in the space, and also likes to sit and chat with clients at the end of appointments, so I suggested a high top table and stools as a conversation area. She loved it!

As far as the treatment rooms, we had to figure out how to include everything her tech’s needed to do their job. Which was: a treatment bed, stool, client chair, storage for tools and products, small table, laundry basket, and trashcan, which was a LOT considering these rooms are not that large.

The biggest suggestion I can give before beginning any project is to create a layout. It’s way easier to adjust pieces on a computer than purchased/already built pieces that may be too large or too small.

This is the layout we landed on for the entire office.

Final Layout

A general idea and measurements of where everything should go.

CONSTRUCTION, DEMO, AND INSTALL

Nicole had a guy. His name was Phil and he was a Phil-of-all-trades. He could paint, install lights, flooring, build out walls, etc, all while being fairly affordable.

Nicole asked for suggestions on paint colors. Before I could even address that, I told her we had to talk about these floors.

On our first conversation about her new office, I asked Nicole to describe the space she imagined having - and she used the word ‘upscale.’ This gray carpet was not reading as upscale to me, or probably to her clients. I suggested the flooring would have to be replaced. Obviously, that’s not a small ask and a hit to the budget.

She agreed, and wanted light flooring, and I suggested an LVP at Floor and Decor. I chose the cheapest light option available, and she approved!

Luxury Vinyl Planking

We got this from Floor and Decor.

As for paint, there was a beigey gray on the walls. In all of the inspo photos she sent over, the walls were a version of white.

I used Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee on another project, and thought it would be the perfect creamy addition with its warm undertones. Her painter got discounts through Sherwin Williams, so we used a Swiss Coffee color match - Greek Villa.

Greek Villa by Sherwin Williams

A creamy white, similar to Swiss Coffee.

SHOPPING

Now that the reno was under way, we had to start product sourcing. We started with the custom wallpaper Nicole loved. It was beautiful, but some of the colors didn’t feel quite right. After speaking with the designer, we were able to adjust to colors that fit Rejuvenation’s aesthetic.

We used real pieces we planned to purchase (or Nicole already had) to inspire the color palette.

After completing the wallpaper design, I made up some boards with products I recommended. We had a lot to purchase, so it was important that I found budget-friendly options. We used Wayfair a lot - simply because they have a great filter tool and fast, free shipping.

Another design tip is to check all the measurements to be sure they’ll work in the space! Nicole had a lot of existing built-in shelving for products and we measured those out to see how many linear square feet she’d need in her new office.

Here are some of the product boards I made:

CHANGES

She originally wanted a pendant light fixture where this fan was. Although that would’ve looked stunning, we would’ve needed a huge light. The general rule is to add your length and width of the room and convert it to inches, adding or subtracting about 10% for taste. So we’d need a really large 30+ inch light fixture here, which would’ve added another $1500 to the budget. We elected to let the space speak for itself and depend on the recessed lighting instead.

Originally wallpaper was ordered for three walls. There was an issue with measurements for the last wall - we rush-ordered more wallpaper to fill the space, but then Nicole decided the wallpaper would be a little overwhelming there, so we simply painted it instead.

We also originally planned for a rug near the snack area and one in the hallway, but decided they didn’t seem necessary for those areas.

BUDGET

I originally told her furnishing and decor would probably cost between $10-15k just for the purchases (not any work).

What we did: Demoed the flooring and baseboards, installed LVP, painted the entire 2,000 sq ft office, removed overhead fluorescent lights and installed recessed lighting and a pendant light, built out a custom wall and added a door for the employee area, purchased Ikea base and wall cabinets for each office + the hardware, purchased a wall decal and credenza for snack area, new sofa, several area rugs, four product shelves, had a custom pedestal built, bought a television, high top and stools, had custom wallpaper made for 3 walls (only used 2 of them), got a secretary desk for the front door, new bathroom flooring and a faux vanity, and a waterfall bench + pillows.

What we spent: Final budget was about $35K, including purchases and contractor/design work

FINAL PHOTOS

PRODUCTS USED

Here’s what we used!

Curved Velvet Sofa

So classic and modern. A good value for the price.

Click here

Area Rugs

We used two of these. They look so luxurious but are a great price!

Click here

Custom Wallpaper

We edited the colors to make it fit our space.

Click here

Arched Boucle Stools

Good durability and I love the arch.

Click here

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Click here

Waterfall bench

This bench is so classy and a great value.

Click here

Throw Pillows

We loved this bright and happy green.

Click here

Ladder Shelves with Storage

These are really stunning and look custom since they attach to the wall.

Click here

Teal Arched Wall Decall

It comes in a variety of colors.

Click here

Modern Credenza with Storage

Loved how elegant this looks.

Click here

Gold Curtain Rod

Target is my go-to for affordable curtain rods.

Click here

Linen Curtains

They look way more expensive than they are.

Click here

L- Shaped Secretary Desk

With filing cabinet

Click here

How to build a Gallery Wall - Easy DIY!

June 27, 2024 Katie Carpenter

Gallery walls are an easy way to display a variety of photos or artwork. They can be a cost-effective way to fill a large wall instead of expensive artwork, and lend a cozy feel to a space.

I love gallery walls that are filled with a bit of a theme - whether its the subject of your photos (ie, family photos) or a color palette, I love pieces that look like they ‘live’ next to each other. You can easily incorporate 3D elements too if you’d like!

Here’s an easy guide of how to build a gallery wall.

MATERIALS LIST:

Framed photos/artwork
Ruler
Camera phone
Level
Pencil
Hammer and nails OR picture frame hooks
Optional: painters tape

I committed a cardinal sin and changed some frames after snapping a photo!

First, you want to gather the pieces you’ll be using for your gallery wall. You can use a variety of different size frames. I would suggest at least 4-5, or as many as 12-15 for a larger gallery wall.
The rule of thumb is frames should be 2-4 inches apart. The other (more general) rule of thumb is frames should be mounted at eye level, around 5ft from the ground. With a gallery wall, you can space your frames out about a foot above or below 5ft (unless you’re building a floor to ceiling gallery wall or have a specific piece of furniture below the space).
Put your wall together like puzzle pieces on the ground. I like to take a photo of the potential layout and imagine it on the wall. Once you find your final layout, make sure you snap a photo!!
This could be your final step before mounting - or, you can double check placement by using painter’s tape to tape out your frames. If you’re concerned about getting the height or spacing right, this can be a great way to give you more confidence. Painter’s tape is very affordable and peels right off!
Once you feel good about your layout, you can mount one of two ways. You can either use a hammer and nails, or you can use picture frame hooks. The hooks are very convenient and only leave very small holes, no hammer usually required (unless you find a stud!). But I’ve noticed that they don’t leave the frames perfectly flush against the wall, so that’s something to consider.
Start at the center of your gallery wall and work your way out as you’re mounting. Keep in mind the 2-4 inches rule and use a level to make sure your frames are straight! Reference your photo.

You can use painter’s tape ahead of time to see how the spacing looks on the wall.

Picture frame hooks

These are from Amazon.

Amazon Frame Hooks

Wood Frames

Loved these wooden frames from Amazon.

Amazon Frames

And - if you mess up, don’t panic. You can either - A. most likely disguise the hole with a frame, or B. spackle, sand, and touch-up paint.

Good luck with your wall!!

Floral & Feminine New Build Bathroom

May 29, 2024 Katie Carpenter

My client needed some help picking ‘final touches.’ She’d selected the tile and paint colors, but needed some help creating a cohesive design with decor. I was happy to help!

We first learned that the vanity paint color leaned reallll blue with the white walls. She had slate tile on the floor and a warm beigey-pink shower tile. My client mentioned wallpaper. As you know, I’m a huge fan! After pouring over some options I sourced, she selected this beautiful floral print. I love that it had some warm tones in it to bring the space together.

I’ve also been recommending a lot of arched mirrors recently. They offer a similar amount of space to a traditional rectangle mirror, but the round edges really soften a space.

And we needed a neutral shower curtain. Since the wallpaper was the star, we went with a muted gray with a waffle texture.

It’s a small detail, but I love the shower curtain rings we selected. A little nicer than your basic ring!

The bathroom turned out stunning. What do you think?! Links below!

Links are all HERE!

Girly Bathroom Decor Aesthetic

February 22, 2024 Katie Carpenter

We love a girly bathroom aesthetic. I included all the links to what we used for my client’s bathroom update. Scroll down to the previous blog post for the before photos!

Gold Mirror

flush mount light

Gold faucet

White Shower curtain

shower curtain rod

Bath rugs

vanity knobs

bubble candle

Glamorous and Affordable Full Bath Refresh

February 13, 2024 Katie Carpenter

Who doesn’t want the bathroom of a Hollywood starlet?! But - we know that although diamonds are a girl’s best friend.. they’re not cheap.

My client was quoted $20K for this project by another designer. That’s a lot of money - and frankly, doesn’t fit into most peoples’ budgets. Plus - for a condo like this, you have to consider resale value and putting $20k into a bathroom is not something you’re probably going to get back when selling a property like this.

So - we landed on a budget of $5k for this bathroom, including the design fee, all the purchases, and the contractor’s work. And I’m happy to say that we achieved that!

Take a look at the before.

A little gray, and a LOT uninspired. Everything was builder grade and blah.

We agreed on a design that gave us a nice facelift, but wouldn’t break the bank.

It would incorporate a new vanity top/sink, faucet, mirror, light fixture, towel holders, shower curtain rod, shower curtain, flush mount lighting fixture, new vanity knobs, towels, accent rugs, and paint; including painting the vanity, a feature wall, and brightening up the other walls with a lighter shade.

It was quite a lot to fit in! But to conserve the budget, we decided to keep the existing vanity and flooring. A lot of times, the flooring may not continue under your vanity, island, etc, so if you tear up one piece, you may be swiping your credit card for much more!

Here are the after photos.

A huge transformation! And the flush mount light is so stunning.

What’s your favorite update?!

Links below!

Mirror

Vanity Light

Flush Mount Gold Light

Marble Vanity Countertop

Warm White wall paint

Scalloped Smoked Glass Box

Bubble Candle

Arches Soap Dispenser

Coordinating Gold Lights + Lamps (that don't break the bank!)

February 9, 2024 Katie Carpenter

There’s nothing more frustrating than ordering light fixtures to find out that the metals don’t match. Mixing metals can totally work! But usually only if they’re well-thought out.

I have a client whose guest room I’m re-designing and we were in search of some coordinating gold light fixtures. I was able to source some coordinating pairs of ceiling lights and matching table lamps. Links below!

Which pair is your favorite?!

1.) Cloud Flush Mount Light

2.) Staggered Glass USB Table Lamp

3.) Stefanie Semi-Flush Mount Light

4.) Santina Table Lamp

5.) Aged Brass Impa Ceiling Light

6.) Celeste Table Lamp with Clear Globe

Light and Airy Sunflower Nursery Design

October 5, 2023 Katie Carpenter

For our first child, I may have gone a bit overboard in making sure her nursery was pretty close to perfect. It took me a while to land on a design. I wanted it to be a little feminine, but not too girly. After all, my husband would have to spend time in here as well, and mostly - we just wanted a beautiful, peaceful room.

I hoped to do a wallpaper + wainscoting combination, but looked at about a thousand options before finally being drawn to Serena & Lily’s lovely sunflower pattern. My designer discount came in handy - their wallpaper is very good quality but a little pricey.

I measured all the walls to see how much we needed. We also had to account for how high we wanted the wainscoting to be. Looking at the window frames, which are taller in our 1950’s house, we thought about 40 inches would be great.

When we bought this house, we always intended it to be a nursery one day. It’s right next to our room, and gets the best light in the house. We couldn’t wait to transform it!

This was before. Our back-up guest room, with a bed in the corner.

DESIGN

I worked on the layout and the design of the space, something I do with every project. It’s great to help clarify my vision, colors, as well as placement of items in the room.

You want to have detailed measurements before beginning the design, to make sure the pieces you want actually fit in the space!

One of my favorite parts about the software I use is I can input actual products into the design. It’s great to be able to trade out cribs, chairs, etc to see how different options work. Here’s where I landed.

WALLPAPER

After finishing the design, the first step was wallpaper. We measured carefully (and ordered a bit extra), and my wonderful friend Brooke wallpapered for us while we were out of town. She’s a pro, and it looked great.

I did have a small moment of pregnancy panic, worrying that the pattern was too busy and I’d made a mistake. But - both Brooke and Kevin assured me that once everything was complete, it’d look great.

WAINSCOTING

I love the detail wainscoting adds - it’s such a classic design that never goes out of style. With wainscoting, it’s important to keep the space between the boxes even, not necessarily keeping the boxes even. After all, in a room like ours, every wall was a different length.

We decided on 3 inch spacing - from the top of the wainscoting, bottom of the trim, and corners of the wall - all 3 inches.

From there, it was definitely some math - dividing the length of the wall, minus all the 3in gaps in between, into a fairly equal number to get the width of the boxes.

We marked out the boxes with painter’s tape to be sure we liked the design! And then - my husband and our friend, Matt, went to get supplies.

brad nails
brad nailer
liquid nails
painter’s putty
trim
chair rail moulding
miter saw
painter’s tape
tape measure
level

After taping out each wall (making sure to use a level!), they drew out and measured the pieces they needed - then made a lot of individual 45 degree angled cuts on the saw. Liquid nails was used to stick them on the wall and brad nails were used to secure them. They filled the holes with painter’s putty and sanded them down for painting.

The process took them about a day and a half. But looked so good when they were done! I told them, “the walls don’t look naked anymore!”

PAINTING

I knew I wanted a nice pastel blue - so I ordered a color from Backdrop - and it was way too light. I didn’t want to waste what I had already bought - so I decided to head to Benjamin Moore and find a color to mix it with.

We landed on a medium blue tone with some violet in it.

When mixed, it was such a beautiful periwinkle color - we loved it! And periwinkle was my favorite color from ages 8-13, so it also felt like a throwback.

2nd from left was original Backdrop color - far left was the Benjamin Moore paint we got to mix with it, and the middle color is where we landed!

My friend Brooke once again did the painting, she’s so good! And we decided that the black window frames and black closet doors didn’t quite fit the vision, so we got a white semi-gloss paint for those.

DECORATING

My favorite part. We knew a lot of the products we hoped to use already since I incorporated them into the design. We were very lucky to be gifted a lot of what we needed, since I also added them to our baby registry!

I opted for a less expensive crib - things were adding up and visually, the one we went with looked very similar to the high-priced crib I originally thought we might be able to afford.

We also got a really affordable glider. It glides, reclines, and swivels, and was under $300!

The curtain rods were a bit tricky - I needed the same curtain rod in two different lengths - as we have double windows on one side and a single window on the other side. Eventually - I found a curtain rod at Target that fit the bill.

From Farmhouse to Refined: A Dining Room Transformation

The Vision

The Details

The Result

The Vision: Sultry, Sophisticated, and Oh-So-Stylish

The Challenges: Because No Renovation is Perfect

The Details: Where Form Meets Function

The Reveal: A Kitchen That Feels Like Her

SELECTIONS

BEFORE

FLOOR PLAN

PROBLEM SOLVING (THE LAYOUT)

CONSTRUCTION, DEMO, AND INSTALL

SHOPPING

CHANGES

BUDGET

FINAL PHOTOS

PRODUCTS USED

Here’s an easy guide of how to build a gallery wall.

MATERIALS LIST:

DESIGN

WALLPAPER

WAINSCOTING

PAINTING

DECORATING

LINKS