Color Pairing

One of the questions I receive most often from clients is, “Do these colors work together?“ The answer is both simple and complex. Simple, because almost any colors can work together, IF (the complex part) done correctly.

So how do you put colors together correctly? There are lots and lots of ways, but here are a few of my simple tips:

• Create a neutral backdrop (beiges, ivories, whites, blacks, browns, grays, metals, wood tones) with your main pieces (sofa, rug, chairs, walls), then add one accent color of your choice via accessories (pillows, art, blankets, decor, etc.). Since your backdrop is neutral (i.e. not considered “colors”), any accent color will work great. In the living room moodboard below, the majority of the items are neutral, and I used navy as the pop of color.

Coastal Living Room Moodboard by Black Cat Interiors

In the bedroom moodboard below, I created a neutral backdrop with the main items, and added a pop of sunny yellow.

Transitional Bedroom Moodboard by Black Cat Interiors

• Another fail safe method is to pair analogous colors–that is, colors that are next to each other on the color wheel such as blue and green. Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel will almost always create a harmonious palette.

Coastal Living Room Moodboard by Black Cat Interiors

Back Patio Deck Interior Design 3D Rendering by Black Cat Interiors

• If you’re more bold and want to pair colors that aren’t as commonly found together but aren’t sure how to do it, start with one main item that already has the colors–such as a rug, or wall art–then pull those colors into the space via accessories. In the moodboard below, the art above the bed establishes the seafoam green and orange color palette, then I repeated those colors throughout the space.

Seafoam Green and Orange Bedroom Moodboard by Black Cat Interiors

• Rely on Mother Nature. In the moodboard below, I paired pink with green, a combo we’re used to seeing in nature via flowers, fruit, birds, etc.

Blush and Green Bedroom 3D Rendering by Black Cat Interiors

So, the short answer is, “Yes. The colors do work together.” Or, I should say, they can work together, IF paired correctly. Still not sure? Contact me – I’m happy to help!

Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse living room prepackaged moodboard by Black Cat Interiors

Farmhouse style became extremely popular years ago due to a certain show where the hosts “fixed up” old homes (I won’t name names 😀), and the style still going strong today! If you’re in love with this style like so many others, here are some tips to help achieve the look:

• Use natural wood textures to add warmth and character; the more imperfect and/or reclaimed the wood finish, the more rustic your farmhouse space will be.
• Choose a neutral color palette. Earthy neutrals like browns and ivories work well with wood textures, and while farmhouse designs don’t have to be neutral, they are generally associated with colors and textures that you would find in nature (or on a farm).
• Add greenery such as trees, table top plants, dried leaf arrangements, etc.
• Layer rich and natural materials and textiles such as linen, cotton, or wool.
• Choose art that’s inspired by nature.
• Use traditional patterns such as plaid or grainsack inspired stripes.
• Add a splash of galvanized metal–a material reminiscent of what you would find on a farm.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to the rustic charm of Farmhouse style, creating a look in your home that’s both cozy and stylish.

Designing Basements using Zones

Furnishing basements can understandably be intimidating, as they are often large spaces with no clear purpose, and in some cases, have awkward layouts that make furniture placement difficult.

Empty basement rendering drawn in RoomStyler

When working with clients who are struggling with their basements, I start by having them identify the different ways the basement will be used (i.e. “functions”). For example:

1. Lounge/watch TV
2. Games/crafts
3. Homework
4. Adulting

From there we can create zones that will help identify what furniture is needed, and the best placement for it.

In the project below, the client had a long, relatively narrow space with posts placed awkwardly in the middle that made furniture layout a challenge.

To address function #1, I created a TV lounge zone between the posts with lots of seating options (sectional, chair, barstools behind sectional). To address functions #2 and #3, I included a small table and shelving on the left to create a homework/games/crafting zone. To address function #4 (arguably the most important), I included a wet bar on the right. I also wrapped the posts in wood to make them a feature instead of a hindrance.

Industrial basement online interior design 3D rendering by Black Cat Interiors

The client for the project below identified similar functions:

1. Lounge/watch TV
2. Homework/crafts/games
3. Adulting

Glam basement online interior design 3D rendering by Black Cat Interiors

Similarly, I created a TV lounge zone, added a table and chairs for a homework, crafts and games zone, and created a bar zone in what was previously a small, unused awkward recessed niche.

So if you’re stumped on how to furnish your basement, start with creating zones and work your way out from there. Or, try online interior design 😀.

Transitional basement online interior design 3D rendering by Black Cat Interiors

Farmhouse basement online interior design 3D rendering by Black Cat Interiors

Interior Design for the Holidays

From a design perspective, one of the best parts of the holiday season is getting to do festive designs! While you may not associate online interior design with decorating for the holidays, I’m seeing an uptick in requests from previous years for holiday stylings. They’re so much fun to do, and I love the broad range of styles. Below are a few examples ranging from Modern Organic to Traditional Glam. What’s your interior design style for the holidays?

Modern Organic Holiday Dining Table Styling

Traditional Glam Holiday Dining Table Styling

Fall Harvest Thanksgiving Moodboard

Teal Gold Holiday Christmas Moodboard