online interior design – An Online Interior Design Blog

Bookshelf Stylings

Bookshelf styling can range from modern/minimalist with just one or two items per shelf…

Image source: Allmodern.com, Lacey Narrow Ladder Bookcase

…to traditional or eclectic where the shelves are filled side to side with items:

Image source: Wayfair.com, Atoli Solid Wood Etagere Bookcase

Most of my clients fall somewhere in-between, wanting a look that feels “complete” without feeling too busy or cluttered. When asked about how to accomplish this, I provide the following tips:

Use books and store them both vertically and horizontally; where possible, set smaller items on top of the horizontal books. For a more uniform feel, use books that have the same or similar color covers, or use a mix of books for a more eclectic feel.

Image source: Black Cat Interiors, Prepackaged Coastal Bookshelf Styling

If you don’t have your own books that you can use, thrift stores are a great place for inexpensive books. There are also online vendors such as booksbythefoot.com who sell books by color.

If you do have your own books but they are different colors and you’d prefer a more uniform look, you can always recover them using craft paper or even wrapping paper.

Sprinkle your accent color(s) throughout the shelves using various decorative items (vases, candles, small art pieces, etc).

Group similar items together (i.e. art/picture frames, sculptures, lanterns, etc.).

Overlap some of the items for a layered, designed look.

Add greenery (real or faux).

Using these tips, you’ll be on your way to a bookshelf that looks both stylish and intentional. But if you need more guidance, feel free to reach out – I’m happy to help!

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.

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!

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:

Lounge/watch TV
Games/crafts
Homework
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:

Lounge/watch TV
Homework/crafts/games
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?