Are you tackling a tricky room layout? Struggling to find the perfect color palette? Wondering how to blend your style with your space? Our in-house interior design expert, Jaclyn Bohn, is here to help!
Through renovating, furnishing, and decorating two of her own houses, Jaclyn has been able to utilize what she’s learned from her experiences to help others not only settle into their homes, but love spending time in them as well.
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Your Design Dilemmas Answered
From tricky layouts to style tips, Jaclyn answers readers’ top design questions to transform their spaces.
How can I create a welcoming entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the home?
I love this question. An entryway to a home is like the first page of a book. It sets the tone for what people can expect throughout the rest of the house. Décor styles aside, there are three things that can really stick the landing for an entryway. They are: a statement light fixture, a well curated rug, and art. Steer clear of family photos in an entryway. Save those for either a living space or a hallway.
What are some creative ways to add lighting to a room for ambiance and practicality?
I love recessed lighting to give a room that full, daytime glow, but in early morning or the evenings, I turn to accent lighting instead to create a calm, intimate feel. Wall sconces are a great way to both incorporate ambient lighting and add interest and texture to a wall. For areas of a room where someone may be working at a desk or cozied up on the couch, I love the use of a small table lamp or an arched floor lamp. In kitchens, try incorporating lighting touch points such as wall sconces, pendant lighting, and cordless table lamps to give a subtle glow to a countertop.
How can I introduce pops of color into a neutral palette without it feeling overwhelming?
To introduce pops of color into a neutral palette, use accent pieces such as throw pillows, vases, candles, art, and colorful books for bookshelf or tabletop décor. These are items that can bring color into a space but be swapped out easily.
What are some simple design updates I can make to refresh a room without a full remodel?
A room can be fully transformed with just a change in paint color, wallpaper, or even something more minimal such as rearranging furniture and swapping in new decorative accents.
How do I incorporate outdoor elements (plants, textures, natural materials) into indoor spaces?
I like to have at least one real plant in every room of my house where the sun hits, and then I’ll fill in additional space that need greenery with smaller faux plants. I like to draping greenery over a mantle or bookshelf or add seasonal faux branches in a vase. To add texture and dimension to your indoor spaces, experiment with your wall decor and furniture. Try natural elements, like limestone wall art and stone coffee or side tables.
How can I design a home office that is both productive and aesthetically pleasing?
I’m in the midst of my own home office design right now, and I can say from first-hand experience it helps to first dial in to what inspires you daily. Having a home office and being motivated to spend your day in it are two very different things. Use that inspiration as the foundation for the décor. Do you love books? Records? Art? Incorporate it all. This is probably the one type of room in a house I would recommend figuring out the decorative accents first and then choosing the furniture and color scheme around it.