Founder of Curated Spaces & Lead Designer at Skyline Build & Design, Citrus Heights, 415-480-4607, skylinebuildinc.com
@thecuratedspaces, @skylinebuilddesign, @skylinebuildanddesign

How would you describe your design style?
I have developed four distinct styles that align with my personal aesthetic and the preferences of the clients I work with: earthy organic, modern traditional, European, and English countryside. Across these four styles, my love for neutral tones provides a versatile backdrop, patterns inject personality and visual interest, and natural materials add warmth, texture, and a connection to nature.

 

What are your top three design tips?
1.    With remodeling or new home construction projects, initiate the design process as early as possible. Completing a well-thought-out design plan ahead of time is preferable (as opposed to rushing and potentially causing delays later). By involving an interior designer at this stage, they can envision and strategize the placement of specific furniture, offer architectural design suggestions, and provide valuable feedback that optimizes both aesthetics and functionality.
2.    Make sure to use a cohesive color palette and design elements. Create mood boards, flat lays, and sample paint colors to truly visualize all the elements you plan to incorporate. Place the mood board and flat lay in the room and live with it for a while.
3.    Forgo the furniture set! As tempting as it is to head to [a big-box store] and order a dining set, stick to selecting individual pieces that complement each other. The result is a thoughtfully curated aesthetic that enables the blending of high-end investments with budget-friendly discoveries, resulting in a well-balanced, inviting design.

 

Biggest mistake people make when decorating?
If your rug isn’t substantial enough for your space, it will appear as if it’s floating in the room; therefore, it’s crucial to find one that’s the right size for your space. Rugs not only ground the furniture but can transform a room and create a point of interest. A golden rule is to make sure the front two legs of the main furniture pieces are on the rug.

Most underrated tip, trick, or detail when decorating a home?
The power of lighting! Proper lighting can transform a room, making it appear larger, cozier, or more inviting. It can highlight architectural features, artwork, and focal points, creating a sense of depth and visual interest.

Founder & Designer at Ultimate Designs, Placerville, 530-903-2229, ultimatedesignkitchens.com
@ultimatedesigns29, @ultimatedesignsjennyl

How would you describe your design style?
Flexible. I can make any style work, as long as it's right for the style of architecture. My goal is to find what my client's style is and then work from there. I like change, so my personal style varies. I think that is why I am a designer, so I can make every project unique and not be pinned to any one particular "style."

 

What are your top three design tips?
1.    Start with your inspiration. It could be a color, a flower, a light fixture, or a rug. I found my latest inspiration in a rosemary bush!
2.    Pull pictures together and put them all in one place like a mood board, then hone it down by eliminating the things that don't work together. If you love something but it doesn't work with everything else, use it in another room or not at all. It's like picking out clothes to wear; there are some things in your closet that you would never wear together, right?
3.    Trust yourself! I think a lot of people have great taste and could do their own designs. Designers just trust that what they’re choosing for you is going to look great. But if you just can't do it, hire a designer!

 

Biggest mistake people make when decorating?
They don’t look at the whole picture and try to incorporate everything they like in one space; then, when it’s done, they wonder why it doesn't flow. Too many colors and too many wow factors in one space can look messy and not thought out.

Most underrated tip, trick, or detail when decorating a home?
Do what you like—not what is trendy. Your friends or your designer aren’t going to live in your home. It’s for you and your family, not anyone else, so you need to love it! 

Founder & Interior Designer at Designs With You in Mind, Granite Bay, 916-532-8878, designswithyouinmind.net
@designswithyouinmind, @designswithyouinmindinteriordesign

How would you describe your design style?
I don't have a specific style, because it's tailored to each individual client rather than reflecting my own preferences. However, when it came to renovating my own home, I leaned toward California casual and incorporated elements of traditional design to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.

 

What are your top three design tips?
1.    Don’t succumb to trends; think about what you like as a person. If you love it today, you'll love it in 20 years.
2.    Don’t choose paint colors first. Instead, put together something you love, such as an area rug or a sofa, and then choose your colors.
3.    In styling your home, less is more. Allow it to feel cozy and comfy as opposed to cluttered. Too much stuff feels crowded. If you bring something in, two things need to go.

 

Biggest mistake people make when decorating?
Over-decorating! Make sure you have a focal point, not focal points, so the eye has time to rest. Be intentional.

Most underrated tip, trick, or detail when decorating a home?
When trying to come up with a color palette, think about what looks beautiful on you, what you wear, and what makes you look and feel vibrant—start there!