Fake-Outs & Fresh Takes: Style Details to Steal from Interior Designers’ Homes

Taryn Williford
Taryn Williford
Taryn is a writer, editor, content strategist, and homebody from Atlanta. I might have helped you declutter your apartment through the magic of a well-paced email newsletter. Or maybe you know me from The Pickle Factory Loft on Instagram.
published Apr 4, 2016
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Home office with lime green walls, pink patterned rug, desk with red lamp, and art on shelves and walls.
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(Image credit: Adrienne Breaux)

There’s a simple treatment for anyone who feels like they’re suffering from a case of “the ruts” in their home: Consult a professional. Interior Designers’ own homes are full of ballsy, cutting edge ideas that you might not see on Pinterest or in magazines. In fact, the prescription for your rut might just be one of these five fresh ideas…

Cut Your Work(space) Short

Do you think “up” is the only way to go in the office? While standing desks have had their moment, I really like the idea of a lounging desk. That’s exactly what Christina made work in her Austin home. How to do it: Dress up a coffee table as a desk with all the trimmings (a task lamp is a must), then layer the floor with pillows and comfortable accents.

SEE MORE → Christina’s Comfortable, Collected Austin Abode

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(Image credit: Marcia Prentice)

The Bookcase Debate is Over

Blood has been shed over whether color-coding books on a bookshelf is the way to go for visual harmony. But I think Lucie has it right: Just a wee little bit of color-matching makes a shelf look cohesive without trying too hard.

SEE MORE → Lucie & Chris’ Spanish Colonial in the Hollywood Hills

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(Image credit: Emily Billings)

Fake a “Real” Fireplace

Installing a gas fireplace insert will get you halfway to the rustic fireplace of your dreams. The rest, as designer Melissa‘s place will show you, is a combo of suggestive trickery: They installed a tile border, added custom fireplace molding and keep a well-styled stack of logs nearby.

SEE MORE → Ulises & Melissa’s Modern Boston Carriage House (& Dreamy Sunroom!)

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(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Wallpaper

The pattern at the back of the bookcase in Lindsey‘s place? A carefully painted stenciling project.

SEE MORE → Lindsey’s Colorful West Hollywood Residence

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(Image credit: mjcohen photography)

More is More When You’re Layering

There’s a lot to be gained by layering rugs that are the same size and shape, like here in Jeni‘s apartment: You get a thick cushion underfoot, a consistent aesthetic footprint and it’s really, really interesting. Not to mention luxurious.

SEE MORE → Jeni’s Mixed & Matched San Francisco Apartment

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