White Oak, Patina Metals, and Other Materials Making Waves in Contemporary Design

If you want to make a statement with your living room, you’ll love the moody, masculine trend that is currently shaping interior design. A shift away from bright and airy spaces reflects homeowners turning instead to darker, more dramatic interiors that showcase personality and elegance. Why Are Moody Interiors Trending? The shift toward moody interiors has crept up slowly in the last few years, perhaps inspired by a desire for warmth and comfortable retreats from the digital world. Dark spaces look beautiful and are often glamorous and dramatic, but they also seem to make people think more deeply. The dark academia interior trend achieves this by blending intellectual and aesthetic elements in a moody manner, while Western Gothic does it by mixing deep, sultry tones with country-inspired accents and textures. The classic moody and masculine trend focuses on sophistication, elegance and personality, showcasing a timeless look that resonates through the ages. According to research from Houzz, searches for “moody living room” have more than doubled in the past year, so this trend looks set to be long-lived. How to Style a Classy, Moody, Masculine Living Room Follow these key steps to turn your living room into a sophisticated masculine haven that blends current moody trends with timeless class. 1) Start With a Sophisticated Color Palette Rich, dark colors set a tone of opulence and elegance in a room. Key trends for 2025 suggest that chocolate browns, rich reds and dark greens are the way to go. Burgundy and oxblood are classical and historical, while dark forest green brings an air of mystery and intrigue. Chocolate tones add just the right amount of warmth and natural grounding to your living space while maintaining the moody, masculine feel. Navy blue and charcoal gray are also popular choices for masculine spaces, and don’t be afraid to use black itself. The boldness of these colors gives depth to your room and aligns perfectly with a masculine aesthetic. 2) Layer Textures for Depth and Comfort To keep your masculine vibe classy, use materials like metal, leather, and dark wood to signify strength and stability. A leather sofa is the height of moody masculinity, but you can use metal and wood for shelving or fixtures as well as for furniture. Blend these hard textures with softer accents like woolen throws or velvet cushions to add comfort and coziness. When layering textures, don’t overlook the impact of flooring in adding both visual depth and comfort. Luxury vinyl tile is a practical choice that adds class through its ability to mimic natural materials like hardwood or stone. It showcases masculine strength while exuding the timeless elegance of natural materials. Add a statement rug for even more texture. 3) Invest in Statement Furniture and Art The moody aesthetic is nothing if not personalized. Express who you are through your choice of impactful art or sculptural pieces. To exude class, keep it understated and choose pieces featuring clean, strong lines and bold design elements. Consider an accent wall drawing attention to a dramatic design or a gallery wall to showcase photos and prints without making the room feel cluttered. 4) Master the Art of Lighting Lighting is absolutely key to nailing moody and masculine design. Choose a statement fixture for your main ceiling light, with oversized pendants or exposed bulbs and metallic shades. Layering is important to maintain the moodiness, so you will also want to have some accent lamps to create a warmer tone. Use dimmer switches so you can instantly control the ambience. Your aim is to create a welcoming space for socializing and relaxation, but harsh or overpowering light is not classy. Industrial-style lighting is great for reinforcing the masculine theme, but avoid anything too bright. 5) Add Finishing Touches: Accessories and Greenery The goal is to inject just enough personality to intrigue guests and visitors. Someone stepping into your living room should be able to form an impression about what type of person you are. Choose accessories that showcase your interests and display them boldly. Sport and travel memorabilia are popular accessories for masculine spaces, and a filled bookcase also adds an air of sophistication. Keep frames or display cases in dark tonal colors to match your moody palette, and avoid overdoing it. Less is more in any masculine space, and too much clutter will detract from the classy style you want to achieve. However, do incorporate a few plants or natural elements to make your living room feel alive. Some indoor plants thrive in darker spaces and can look very dramatic against dark and moody tones. Bringing the Moody and Masculine Look Together Styling a moody, masculine living room is about creating a strong space through a sense of drama as well as subtle hints of strength, personality and style. The best masculine living rooms blend timeless elegance with statement pieces, all wrapped up in a moody color palette that intrigues and delights.

If you’re thinking about renovating or redesigning your home, it’s time to consider moving away from crisp whites or neutral beiges. A new shade paints the town luxurious. These grounded, desaturated tones have taken over celebrity homes and professional design circles. They’re warm, welcoming and effortlessly chic. What Are Muddy Colors? Think of muddy colors as the more grounded cousins of brighter hues, with added gray or brown undertones that dull their brightness and make them feel more natural and lived-in. These include: Muted greens like olive, sage and moss Desaturated browns such as cinnamon, caramel and chocolate Dusty pinks, clay reds, mustard yellows Taupes, beiges with depth, warm grays This trend took off as a response to years of bright whites and saturated millennial pinks. Homeowners and designers alike started gravitating toward these softer, more calming tones. Muted and opaque versions now dominate mood boards and influencer decor posts. Why the shift? Designers say people increasingly crave comfort, calm and connection to nature , so they’re mimicking natural hues in their spaces. Earthy brown tones have replaced beige and cream as the new luxurious neutral for 2025. Why Muddy Colors Are So Popular The subtlety of muted hues can bring vivid character to a space. Here’s why designers and homeowners alike love them. Versatile and timeless: Muddy tones don’t scream for attention — they whisper elegance. You can layer or use them as a neutral base for bolder pieces. They mix well with other colors, bringing cohesion to any room. Adds instant warmth: Dakota Johnson’s much-loved midcentury modern abode hailing from the 1940s to the 1960s style era is a Carl Maston classic. Pierce & Ward, the design firm behind Johnson’s Hollywood home, championed “ugly” colors — their term for muddy tones — to dial down the pretty and perfect. The result is a house that feels lived-in, grounded and incredibly stylish. Connects you to nature: Muddy colors echo the natural world. Think forest floors, autumn leaves and worn-in wood. In Taylor Swift’s Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, her home decor leaned into this palette with mustard velvets, rustic wood furniture and muted rugs. It’s cottagecore meets cool girl — and it’s gorgeous.  How to Use Muddy Colors in Your Home If you’re ready to embrace the beauty of muddy hues, here’s how to use them to create a sophisticated and earthy aesthetic. 1. Start With the Walls Your wall color sets the mood. Browns with reddish undertones offer depth without making the room feel dark. You can also use softer options like taupe or caramel to bring subtle warmth. Go deeper if your room has a lot of natural light. For lower-light rooms, choose muted shades with a bit more warmth to keep it cozy, not gloomy. 2. Layer Similar Undertones Designers like Lynn Kloythanomsup advise choosing muddy shades with shared undertones to make decorating effortlessly cohesive. A clay-colored sofa paired with muted pinks, olive greens and cinnamon browns is a designer-approved combo. Take inspiration from Johnson’s living room and layer brown with soft reds and greens for a rich, grounded look. 3. Incorporate Natural Textures Muddy colors work best with natural materials like wood, linen, clay and leather. Swift’s bedroom in Folklore featured a Persian rug, rustic wardrobe and velvet armchair — all in muted, earthy tones that added warmth and texture. 4. Use Muddy Colors as Neutrals Not all neutrals have to be beige or gray. Earthy browns, deep olives and even desaturated mustard can function as sophisticated neutrals. They ground a space while giving it more character than a stark white backdrop ever could. Elle Decor even named brown the newest neutral in town. 5. Incorporate Light and Plants Balancing muddy colors with plenty of natural light and foliage is an excellent way to avoid making your home feel too dim. Olive and moss-green tones paired with leafy plants blur the lines between indoors and out. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider a low-maintenance Chinese money plant that can grow up to 12 inches tall . Muddy Has Never Looked This Good While murky colors aren’t flashy or vibrant, they are sophisticated. When used correctly, these hues bring personality, warmth and a timeless style that feels anything but boring. Whether revamping a room or building your entire palette from scratch, grounded tones offer a stylish, earthy, modern and nostalgic aesthetic.

Unless you’ve been off the internet, you’ve probably noticed the growing trend for all things nostalgic on TikTok and other socials. One such trend is the cool grandma aesthetic, with the emphasis most definitely on the cool. What Is the Cool Grandma Aesthetic? The cool grandma look is a modern, updated, carefully curated style of home decor that captures the nostalgic charm of your grandmother’s house. Think vintage but not old-fashioned and cozy but with an up-to-the-minute twist. Key features of cool grandma interiors include: Eclectic but traditional design choices. Knick-knacks and souvenirs. Mismatching prints and nostalgic colors. Comfortable and cozy fabrics. An authentic vibe with a sense of personal story. Is Cool Grandma the Same as Grandmacore? Good question! Not quite. Grandmacore leans more heavily on nostalgia, whereas cool grandma edits that nostalgia into a very modern trend. The distinction is subtle but important. This is also what sets cool grandma apart from other related trends, such as cottagecore or coastal grandmother. Why Has the Cool Grandma Aesthetic Become So Popular? The overall nostalgia theme in home decor dates back to 2021 , when social media — TikTok in particular — began obsessing over all things nostalgic and vintage. It was perhaps a very human reaction to the pandemic and the troubled times the world had just lived through. In 2022, the coastal grandmother design trend exploded on TikTok, embodying a well-off, beachside living lifestyle that was both relatable and aspirational. Since then, grandma-related trends have become ever more popular, ranging from the grandmacore lifestyle trend to cottagecore, grandmillennial, nostalgicore and other vintage vibes. The cool grandma aesthetic has emerged as a related trend, best suited to people who love the vintage look but also want to incorporate modern decor twists. It seems to be an instinct to romanticize the past, and these nostalgic decor trends — with their comforting visions of times gone by — perfectly satisfy that need. How to Style Your Home the Cool Grandma Way Ready to feel like the fabulous matriarch of your dreams? Here’s how you can incorporate the cool grandma aesthetic into each room. 1. Living Room Make your living room a cozy and comfortable space to embody the cool grandma life. Bring squishy sofas and well-padded armchairs up to date with soft throws using on-trend patterns. Floral wallpaper strikes the right nostalgic feel, while ornate frames on the walls can showcase an eclectic collection of modern photos or art. Remember to leave lots of room for some carefully curated knick-knacks and souvenirs. 2. Kitchen Get the cool grandma look in your kitchen by embracing comfort and charm. Details like lace doilies set the tone. You can display vintage teapots or plates on a traditional wooden dresser — the perfect vintage furniture choice for a kitchen. Hang cookware from open shelves and use fresh flowers to brighten the room. 3. Dining Room The dining room is somewhere you can really go to town with the cool grandma look. Choose a dining table and matching chairs with modern upholstery, and fill a sideboard with mismatched glassware. Add interest to the walls with an eclectic mix of prints, framed posters, or even some cross-stitch or other framed crafts. This is a great room to display a few family heirlooms or antiques and to evoke a sense of warmth, family, and nostalgia. 4. Bedroom In your bedroom, the cool grandma vibe might suggest a very modern bed frame but with traditional, vintage bed linen. The modern twist in your bedroom could also come from sleek bedside lamps or your wall art. However, this is your bedroom, after all, so make sure the room is still a calming haven where you can sleep well. 5. Bathroom Consider using vintage-style faucets or showerheads, or opting for tiles featuring classic patterns. A state-of-the-art shower blended with traditional bath mats, whimsical window treatments, and a wooden cabinet or two is a perfect example of how to blend cozy nostalgia with modern flair. 6. Outdoors While the cool grandma aesthetic is mostly about interior design, if you love this trend, you’ll want to make sure your home looks the part from the outside, too. Consider painting your front door in a vintage color and using cottage-type plants in your driveway, perhaps with solar lights in a traditional lantern style. Don’t forget your garage doors — a very visible part of your home’s curb appeal. Carriage doors are a great fit for the cool grandma vibe, or you could choose a steel-paneled option for the classic look that the cool grandma aesthetic calls for. Tips for Making the Cool Grandma Aesthetic Your Own If you like the vintage look, you are already halfway to a cool grandma aesthetic, but it can be hard to know how to give things a truly modern twist. Remember — this grandma is cutting- edge. Here are some tips for finding the sweet spot between traditional and modern: Prints: Nostalgic prints can look very dated, but not if you go for a super-sized version. Don’t be afraid to be bold! Retro colors: Avocado green, mauve and warm yellow are great , but can look old-fashioned. Keep the vintage colors, but use them in a new way, such as including them in a rug or just on one feature wall per room, accented by splashes of the same color in soft furnishings. Storytelling: A key element of the cool grandma style is the eclectic way it tells your story. Maximize your personal photos and trinkets but bring a modern twist to how you display them, perhaps through sleek modern frames or minimalist shelving. Embracing Your Inner Cool Grandma The key to the cool grandma aesthetic is to let your inner grandma out! Give free rein to your love of nostalgic decor, but blend it with the best of modern design, too. Make it your own and enjoy the vibe you have created.

Baby Brutalist is a newer trend in interior design, and it’s getting people raising their brows in the best way. This style is a form of the classic Brutalist style that became popular in the 1960s and ‘70s. However, it offers a new take on this interior design with a twist. If you’re drawn to interiors that feel sculptural and expressive but still cozy, this style may be what you’re looking for inside your home. What Is Baby Brutalist? Baby Brutalist is a fresh design that mixes Brutalism's raw, minimalist style with playful, intricate elements. It unapologetically takes the cold, harsh style and tones it down by integrating lighter curves, warmer neutrals and quirkiness. Brutalism often features concrete, sharp lines and industrial shapes, while neo-Brutalism is softer and more refined. While you’ll still see architectural lines and bold silhouettes, designers soften them with textures like plaster or handcraft finishes. For example, designers like Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph use bold materials like walnut wood and monolithic travertine islands , then layer in softer textures and sculptural vintage pieces. This interior strategy makes the space feel characteristic but still livable by adding warmth and expression. Key Features of Baby Brutalist Interior Style What makes a space feel Baby Brutalist? This style is all about incorporating the following defining features: ● Raw, textured materials: The style includes unfinished concrete, plaster and stone softened with fabrics to balance it out. Figured wood, like wormy maple — which gets its colorful streaks from beetle activity — is one example. Its one-of-a-kind grain pattern adds character and can make for a beautiful table when paired with a neutral throw rug underneath. ● Sculptural furniture: Chunky, bold shapes feel more like art pieces than everyday furniture, such as curved sofas, round pillows and oversized chairs. ● Warm, neutral colors: You’ll see a lot of whites, beiges and creams, with the occasional muted pink, moss green or dusty blue. ● Minimal but expressive: These spaces feel open and uncluttered, but each piece has a purpose. It’s less about filling a room and more about letting the design speak for itself. ● Layered textures over bold colors: Instead of bright hues, Baby Brutalist interiors play with depth through material. For instance, an interior designer might pair rough stucco walls with buttery-soft upholstery to create textural contrast. Creative Ways to Implement Baby Brutalist If you’re ready to mix the old with the new, here are a few ideas for incorporating it into your home. 1. Start With One Sculptural Statement Piece Dip your toes into the Baby Brutalist look by beginning with a furniture piece with a presence. Consider investing in a curvy sofa, a chunky coffee table or a rounded accent chair. You can find exaggerated-looking used furniture on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. You’ll likely discover pieces that offer a sculptural feel online, even if they're on the smaller side. 2. Mix Raw and Soft Materials Contrast is key in Baby Brutalist design. Try pairing sleek concrete planters with a cozy boucle ottoman or a raw wood dining table with soft linen chairs. The goal is to create visual intrigue by layering hard and smooth so the space feels grounded rather than stark. 3. Choose Furniture With Organic Forms Skip the perfectly straight lines and opt for more irregular shapes. Think wavy mirrors, oval tables, blog-inspired shelving or lamps with rounded bases. These pieces add a playful touch to any space, keeping it from feeling too rigid. 4. Stick to a Muted, Earthy Palette Baby Brutalist interiors often use a soft, neutral color scheme to let texture and form take center stage. Stick with warm whites, beiges and taupes. If you want to add a pop of color, go for a dusty olive green or muted terra cotta. 5. Let Negative Space Work In Your Favor Resist the urge to fill every corner. Baby Brutalist comes alive when you give your space breathing room. If you have a few strong pieces, allow them to stand out by making room. For instance, a curvy chair should sit solo in a reading nook, or the walls should be relatively bare so the architecture speaks for itself. If the furniture is on the larger side, be sure to get its dimensions and measure your living space to see if you’re giving it enough room to stick out. Bring Out the Bolder Side With Baby Brutalist Baby Brutalist is all about making a serious design a little more relaxed by creating a space that feels lived-in. While it still lets raw materials and forms take shape, it tries to balance them out with expressive decorum. The Brutalist style may be “brutally honest” with the property’s architecture, but you can still make it warm and inviting by offering a playfulness for contrast.

Thoughtful lighting is getting a resurgence, thanks to the shower lamp TikTok trend. If you’re interested in using illumination to evoke specific moods or want to learn about the newest lighting design styles this year, you’re in for a treat. What Is the TikTok Shower Lamp? The TikTok shower lamp is precisely what the name suggests — a lamp you use in the shower that became viral on TikTok. The trend began with home and lifestyle content creator McKenna Barry, who posted a TikTok of her setting up a wireless lamp in the bathroom before taking a shower. The video soon blew up, gaining millions of views and mainstream attention. McKenna specifically used the WEILALUX Outdoor Battery-Operated Table Lamp, but many other brands offer similar products at the same price. You want a waterproof, cordless table lamp usually designed for outdoor use. Pick one with an LED bulb to save energy , prevent overheating and enjoy your shower safely. Why Are Unconventional Lighting Options So Popular? Recently, much discourse has been going on around avoiding overhead lighting — or the “big light,” as many social media users would call it. Overhead lights are great from a functional perspective but can be overwhelming when they’re the only option. Some prefer the coziness of soft illumination, especially in deeply personal spaces like the bathroom. Warm, soft light from lamps or candles is a staple in spas and retreats due to its calming quality. According to environmental and design psychologist Sally Augustin, warm light supports relaxation and creativity , making it ideal for winding down in the afternoon or evening. 5 Top Lighting Trends to Explore This Year If you want to illuminate more than just your bathroom, consider these five trends to inform your home lighting design project. Artisanal Fixtures Nothing says “statement” more than a custom fixture. Working with an artisan lets you fine-tune the design to match your ideal aesthetic. Lighting trends are fun, but a unique piece from a local artist gives your home a personal touch you can’t find anywhere else. Colorful Lampshades A colorful or intricate shade can transform any lamp into a statement piece. You can also get multiple shades in different colors and styles to match your decor to the season or mood. Multifunctional Smart Lamps Tech has come a long way — now, light fixtures can be stylish and functional. Many modern lamps have multiple functions, such as wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers and alarm clocks. These pieces are efficient and space-saving, which is perfect for homeowners on the go. Mood Lighting Adaptable mood lighting will continue to take over homes in 2025. More people are embracing options like dimmers and smart lights to shift the ambience to suit any mood or activity. These flexible fixtures allow you to create the perfect atmosphere, whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a comfy night in. Natural Materials Eco-friendliness is gaining traction in multiple industries, including interior design. A 2024 survey revealed that people are willing to spend more on sustainably sourced products. Fixtures made from natural materials like rattan, bamboo, linen, or stone add a rustic, earthy charm to your spaces and pair well with bohemian, coastal and Scandinavian interiors. Give Your Home a Glow-Up The right lighting can transform your space and make the simplest activities feel special. Whether you’re into the simple shower lamp or want a bold living room chandelier, there’s room for experimentation and a trend for every design sensibility.

Art Deco’s geometric nature and luxurious materials have resurged with a modern twist. Today, New Deco blends yesterday’s glamor and opulence in a liveable and comfortable fashion. Think of a jewel-toned, curved sofa with a wallpapered backdrop. Another example is a dining room table with angled legs and plush upholstered chairs. As you consider the fundamental features of the New Deco trend for your home, allow this guide to help you create the ultimate sanctuary. What Is New Deco Interior Design? Art Deco holds different meanings to people. After the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts officially introduced the style in Paris in 1925, it helped define metropolitan areas like New York City, Miami and Chicago. The original design theme incorporated originality and innovation, making it one of history's most important design eras. A blend of geometric patterns and refined cultural charm is the hallmark of Art Deco, with its bold elegance delivering an air of nostalgia and recollections of Jay Gatsby’s lavish gatherings. However, the style is no longer in fashion like before, and New Deco seeks to capture its spirit by borrowing elements and epitomizing the principles. Key features of New Deco include the following: Geometric shapes like zigzags , triangles, trapezoids, sunbursts and chevrons Rich, jewel-toned palettes with metallic accents and contrasting neutral hues Ornate florals, botanical motifs and graphic prints Lavish textiles, such as velvet, satin and silk Wood, glass, crystal and mirrored surfaces Sleek silhouettes and rounded edges Upholstery with tufting and channel stitching Modern or opulent lighting fixtures Mirrored decor and trays Artistic sculptures, bowls and vases Geometric or abstract artwork How to Style Your Home With New Deco If you’re interested in revamping your home decor to something classy with a hint of flash or have always been passionate about old extravagance, New Deco could be the perfect interior design choice without going overboard. Here’s how to style each room with simple elegance. 1) Living Room A living room presents numerous styling opportunities for New Deco. For instance, you might purchase a velvety emerald green or sapphire blue sofa over a geometric-patterned rug with printed decorative pillows. Warm, neutral walls will also help you maintain a tranquil and understated atmosphere that you can easily switch up over time. Hanging statement artwork on the walls, a crystal chandelier and decorations over a mirrored coffee table are other ways to incorporate the style. 2) Kitchen If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Dramatic color palettes often work great in these spaces, such as contrasting dark and light upper and lower cabinets, black-and-white checkerboard or herringbone floor tiles, stainless steel appliances, metallic hardware, and granite countertops. Customizable cabinetry and backsplashes, a floral runner rug and bright green plants are an excellent way to create even more personalization and pops of color within the space. 3) Dining Room A New Deco-style dining room table might have a sleek, modern base with more grand, upholstered chairs for greater comfort. Wallpaper with bold patterns and metallic details, iconic motifs and sumptuous textures is another way to enhance the dining space. Look for peel-and-stick wallpaper formats for easier installation. 4) Bedroom Your bedroom overall should make a grand statement by embracing New Deco. Consider a velvet, tufted headboard with geometric-patterned bedding and throw pillows in various shapes and sizes. Matching nightstands and lamps, large artwork above the bed, floor lamps and wall sconces are additional features you can use to create a symmetrical, streamlined appearance. Curtains with bold colors and unique prints can also tie the look together. 5) Bathroom Whether revamping your ensuite or a small powder room, a New Deco bathroom makeover functions beautifully. Integrate floral wallpaper, chevron-patterned floor and backsplash tiles, polished chrome light fixtures, and a claw-foot tub. A sleek vanity with a quartz countertop also exudes luxury. Quartz is scratch and stain resistant for durability and easy maintenance. Tips for a Modern Take on New Deco The key to embracing any interior design is balance. Although New Deco embraces the luxurious elegance of Art Deco, using too many geometric elements, metallic accents and excessive glamor can leave the space looking gaudy and more like a movie set than a comfortable living area. Likewise, filling every corner with decorative items may eventually feel cluttered and decrease functionality. You might want to start by integrating New Deco with another interior style to create a unique presentation. According to designer Audrey Scheck, the midcentury modern look's organic structures and minor embellishments allow you to seamlessly integrate vintage and contemporary arrangements. Your best chance of achieving the New Deco style is to invest in high-quality furniture, decor and materials and build around those pieces. Personal touches — like photographs and family heirlooms — will further enhance the space’s uniqueness and make it your own. Sophistication and Glamour for Every Home The New Deco interior design is a great way to elevate your style and create a beautiful and comfortable living area. Experimenting with different elements is key to mastering this look and determining what feels best. Take the best parts of vintage glam and modernize them with this refreshed appearance.

Thinking about refreshing your Chicago home, condo, or office but not sure how much it’ll cost to bring in a professional? If the thought of hiring an interior designer makes your head spin with budget worries, you’re not alone. The good news: Understanding interior design fees isn’t as mysterious—or stressful—as you might think. Let’s break down what you should expect, how pricing works, and how to make sure your investment in great design truly pays off. What Does it Really Cost to Hire an Interior Designer in Chicago? Prices for hiring an interior designer in Chicago can vary quite a bit depending on the scale of your project, the designer’s experience, and the type of service you need. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $500 per hour for professional interior design services in the city. For a typical project, total costs often land between $2,000 and $15,000+—but high-end, luxury projects or large-scale renovations can go well beyond that. Let’s look at it another way: designers may also charge a flat fee, which could range from $2,500 to $15,000 or more for a single room or a smaller space. For extensive homes or commercial spaces, pricing will scale up depending on your specific needs and the complexity of the design. Understanding Fee Structures: Hourly, Flat, and Percentage-Based You’ll encounter several fee models when hiring a designer. Knowing the basics empowers you to choose the one that best fits your comfort level and project size. Hourly rates: Perfect for consultations or small projects, where you want to pick a designer’s brain or get advice on finishes and layouts. Expect to pay $75 to $500 per hour, with seasoned designers on the higher end of the spectrum. Flat fees: This model is common for well-defined projects like a living room makeover or an office refresh. You’ll know up front exactly how much you’ll pay. Percentage of project cost: Some designers charge a percentage (usually 10–25%) of the total project budget, including furniture and materials. This ties their compensation directly to your spending, which can incentivize them to stick with your vision and budget. No matter which fee structure you choose, always clarify what’s included. Ask if project management, material selection, and overseeing contractors are part of the fee—or if they’re extra. Why Do Interior Designer Fees Vary So Much? You might notice big swings in pricing between different designers and firms. Here’s why: Experience counts: A highly regarded, award-winning interior designer in Chicago will naturally command higher fees than a newer designer just starting out. Project scope: Designing a cozy condo is very different from revamping a historic Gold Coast brownstone or a downtown office. Service level: If you’re looking for full-service designs where the designer handles everything from floor plans to final art placement, you’ll pay more than for simple design consultations or digital mood boards. Product purchasing: Some designers charge a markup on furnishings and materials they source for you. Others pass along their trade discounts directly. For inspiration or examples, you might start with a quick consult or an “interior design ideas” session—these often cost less than full projects and let you test out the designer's style. Getting the Best Value: What Should You Pay? So, how much should you really spend on your interior designer? It depends on your goals, lifestyle, and the value you place on professional guidance. For most Chicago-area homeowners, investing 7–15% of your total home or room budget on design services is a reasonable benchmark. If the designer’s vision helps you avoid costly mistakes, create spaces tailored to your taste, and actually enjoy the process, many clients say it’s worth every penny. To get the most for your money: Shop around for designers whose portfolios reflect your style. Be upfront about your budget and ask for a detailed proposal. Consider phasing your project if needed—start with essentials, then move on to wish-list items. If you’re looking to hire an interior designer Chicago, many local firms offer complimentary or low-cost discovery calls to discuss your needs and help you get a sense of potential costs without pressure. What Does it Cost to Get Professional Interior Design Ideas? Looking just for fresh inspiration, color palettes, or planning sketches? Many designers offer one-time consultations or design boards, usually ranging from $200 to $800+ depending on the depth of insight you want. This is a smart, low-commitment way to tap into expert creativity and get the ball rolling, especially if you’re not ready to take on a full-scale redesign yet. Final Thoughts: Investing in Design that Feels Like You Hiring an interior designer in Chicago isn’t just about furniture and throw pillows—it’s an investment in your quality of life and how comfortable your space feels every day. Whether you’re seeking a full-scale transformation or a dash of fresh style, understanding the fee options and being transparent about your goals will help you get the best result for your budget. Ready to take the next step? Explore local interior design services Chicago to find a pro whose approach and skills match your vision. With expert guidance and a clear understanding of costs, creating your dream Chicago space has never been easier—or more rewarding.

Commercial interior design plays a crucial role in creating professional spaces that are not just functional but also visually appealing. It encompasses a broad spectrum of design services aimed at enhancing various commercial environments such as offices, retail spaces, and hospitality establishments. This article will explore the nuances of commercial interior design and the benefits it brings to businesses. Understanding Commercial Interior Design Commercial interior design focuses on the planning and design of interior spaces in various commercial settings. Unlike residential design, which caters to personal preferences and comforts of individuals, commercial interior design targets an audience and aims to reflect the brand and values of a company. It involves careful coordination between aesthetics, functionality, safety, and accessibility. Designers in the commercial sector often work on projects that range from office interior design to larger-scale projects like hotel lobbies, retail stores, and restaurants. This scope requires a robust understanding of space management, materials, and regulations to create environments that meet the specific needs of the business while enhancing customer experiences. Importance of Commercial Interior Design The first impression is crucial in any business environment, and commercial interior design plays an essential role in establishing that. Whether it's through the use of colors that reflect your brand or the layout that promotes accessibility and flow, good design can enhance employee productivity and client satisfaction. Here are some key reasons why commercial interior design matters: 1. Enhancing Brand Identity The design of a commercial space is a direct reflection of a company's brand and ethos. Commercial interior design allows businesses to express their identity through correctly curated aesthetics. A coherent design theme can help in solidifying brand recognition among clients and customers. 2. Improving Employee Productivity An intelligently designed office interior can greatly improve employee performance. Space planning and layout can cultivate collaborative environments, while the choice of furniture, colors, and lighting significantly affects worker morale and productivity. Thoughtful use of space helps to reduce distractions and create areas that are conducive to both teamwork and individual tasks. 3. User and Customer Experience The customer experience starts the moment they enter a commercial landscape. Effective commercial interior design enhances user understanding and navigation through the space. It ensures that design elements like seating arrangements in a restaurant or product placements in a retail store facilitate an intuitive experience, leading to higher engagement and sales. Key Elements of Commercial Interior Design To successfully execute commercial interior design, various elements must be considered. Here are some of the critical aspects of interior design services offered in this sector: 1. Space Planning Space planning is arguably one of the most foundational elements of commercial interior design. It involves the strategic distribution of furniture and fixtures to create an efficient flow of movement across the space. This is particularly vital in office interior design where layout can either enhance or hinder productivity. 2. Aesthetic Factors Aesthetics encompasses all visual elements of a design such as color schemes, materials, textures, and finishes. By selecting elements that align with the brand, designers can create impactful environments that resonate emotionally with both employees and customers. 3. Functionality and Efficiency Commercial spaces are all about functionality. Interior design services aim to create environments that meet specific operational needs. This includes ensuring that the space adheres to safety regulations, supports intuitive movement, and accommodates future changes and growth. 4. Lighting Design Lighting is critical in commercial spaces for both ambiance and functionality. It can be used to highlight certain areas, create mood, and enhance productivity. An effective commercial interior design incorporates diverse lighting solutions that meet the needs of the space. Final Thoughts Commercial interior design is an essential aspect of today’s business landscape that goes beyond mere aesthetics. It involves a meticulous balance between creativity, functionality, and practicality to enhance workplace productivity and customer experiences. By leveraging expert interior design services, businesses can ensure that their commercial spaces are not only appealing but also effectively serve their strategic objectives. Whether it’s through thoughtful office interior design or engaging retail environments, the right design can be a significant asset for any brand. Embracing commercial interior design is more than an investment in space; it's an investment in the future success of the business.

There’s nothing better than the sun on your skin, the soothing sounds of ocean waves and the faint smell of citrus. Many people daydream about spending their summer along the Mediterranean coastline, but what if you could capture its beauty at home? Mediterranean design evokes the crisp white houses of Santorini and terracotta pottery from Tuscany. It’s a versatile, timeless style that can be adapted to suit many spaces, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From airy palettes to enhanced outdoor living, you can transform your home into a sun-drenched sanctuary. Why Is Mediterranean Design Ideal for Summer? Mediterranean design is ideal for summer because of the many reflective tones that keep your home feeling cooler. It also encourages more time on your patio or enclosed lanai, where you can dine al fresco or enjoy floral arrangements in your backyard. According to designers Suzie Lucas and Jeff Andrews, the Mediterranean region emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, often creating a breezy interior with natural elements and painted tiles. Unlike other coastal designs, the Mediterranean style is more rustic and colorful, with organic textures and light and airy materials. After a long, gray winter, it’s a home design that will awaken your senses and bring a rush of tranquility. 5 Ways to Incorporate Mediterranean Style Into Your Home Here are five ways to turn your home’s interior and exterior into the perfect Mediterranean seaside haven. 1) Embrace Lighter Colors A lighter color palette of white, cream, taupe, soft grays and saturated yellow is best for Mediterranean design. Light colors on the walls will also keep your house cooler by absorbing less heat than dark tones. Neutral colors make a great backdrop for accent shades like blue, green, rusty orange and small amounts of black. You can easily capture Santorini's whitewashed limestone and bright blue schemes. 2) Opt for Natural Elements Consider laying terracotta or painted tiles on the floor or covering your walls in stucco or plaster. Exposed brick or stonework are also wonderful stylistic choices for a patio. Other ways to include natural materials are rattan furniture or lamp shades, raw wood decor, and wrought iron hardware on kitchen cabinets or dresser drawers. 3) Choose Simple, Comfortable Furniture Comfortable furniture will enhance relaxation in your Mediterranean-style home, and simplicity will make your space even more enjoyable. Don’t worry too much about ultra-modern sofas or luxurious fabrics. The Mediterranean region encourages linen, cotton and natural fibers. Additionally, woven baskets, lanterns, shells, stones, and candles tie the design together. 4) Accessorize With Pottery Pottery is an important part of Mediterranean culture and is typically found throughout the design. You can accessorize with pottery in your home, using empty vases to decorate a corner of the living room or bedroom or planting flowers and greenery in ceramic pots. Clay-colored terracotta pots come in different shapes and sizes. They’re also an excellent choice for enhancing natural decor. Likewise, you could show off your affinity for Greek history with a Grecian bust pot of an ancient goddess , giving your indoor and outdoor spaces vintage appeal. 5) Enhance Outdoor Living Give some attention to your home’s exterior if you want it to exude Mediterranean flair. According to Fixr’s 2024 Outdoor Living Trends survey, 78% of experts agree that seamless indoor-outdoor spaces are a top trend, while 48% say multifunctional areas are also popular. Enhance your patio with places to sit and socialize with friends. A small dining table will allow you to eat outside and enjoy nature's sounds, smells and sights. You can even string lights to create a warm ambience in the evening. Bring the Best of the Mediterranean Home There's so much to love about Mediterranean design. For those who've waited a long time for summer's arrival, incorporating this home aesthetic into your living space will help you get the most out of the season.