The Primary Suite

Last week, we explored the spaces designed to bring people together. This week, we’re slowing things down as we step into the most personal rooms of the home.

Bedrooms should feel like a retreat – quiet, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed to support the daily rhythms of everyday life. The primary suite embodies that feeling. From the bedroom, to the walk-in closet and bathroom, every space works together to create a personal sanctuary designed for rest, renewal, and the simple routines that begin and end each day.

The Primary Bedroom

Designed to feel like an exhale, the primary bedroom is the kind of space where the weight of the day begins to melt away the moment you walk through the door.

Throughout the rest of my home, you’ll find spaces designed for gathering and entertaining. Here, however, the purpose was entirely different. I wanted this room to become a true retreat – a place that felt peaceful, uncluttered and restorative after even the busiest of days.

Rather than filling the room with unnecessary furnishings or bold statements, I leaned into soft textures, layered neutrals and timeless finishes that create a sense of quiet luxury. Every detail was chosen to make this room feel comfortable and collected – a place to begin and end each day with a sense of peace.

From the custom drapery to the layered textures and soft neutral light, every component was thoughtfully selected to create a bedroom that is personal, yet comforting. It’s a space that reminds me each day that that luxury isn’t always found in the grand gestures – sometimes it’s simply found in how a room makes you feel.

One of the most impactful changes to the primary bedroom was replacing the original bay window with French doors that lead directly onto the deck. While bay windows were a popular feature at the time, replacing them allowed the room to feel more open and balanced while creating a stronger connection to the outdoors.

It’s a subtle change, but one that greatly improved both the symmetry of the room and the way it functions every day.

Just beyond the bedroom is the walk-in closet – a space that was originally the home’s second bedroom. As we reimagined the layout, I knew I wanted it to become more than a place to store clothing. Instead, I envisioned it as an extension of the primary suite – a personal refuge where I could start the process of unwinding. To create that feeling, we incorporated a cozy seating area with a massage chair (which my kids are always quick to claim!), a television, and an electric fireplace that adds both warmth and ambiance during the colder months.

Just like the bedroom, this closet was designed to be every bit as functional as it is beautiful. Every detail serves a purpose without sacrificing organization or practicality.

Details like café curtains from Uptown Drapes provide privacy, while softly filtering natural light. Plush carpeting adds to warmth underfoot, and custom storage keeps everyday essentials beautifully organized, Together, these elements create a closet that feels simple to get ready in – like a breath of fresh air.

The Primary Bathroom

Every home deserves a space where you can reset and renew, which is why the primary bathroom became my own private retreat. It’s really where the day begins and ends, so I wanted it to feel effortlessly calming through every moment.

Like several spaces throughout the home, the primary bathroom underwent a thoughtful transformation. The original layout didn’t fully take advantage of the room’s size or natural light, so we reimagined the space to create a retreat that feels brighter, more open, and better suited to our everyday routines. We were able to improve both the flow and functionality, while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere found throughout the rest of the home.

While the overall layout transformed the room, it’s the thoughtful details that truly bring the space to life. Just as we did in the walk-in closet, we wanted to preserve natural light without sacrificing privacy. A pair of custom café curtains from Uptown Drapes softly filters the sunlight while adding warmth, texture, and just the right amount charm.

Just beyond the tub, the walk-in steam shower continues the same sense of simplicity and calm. Clean lines, timeless finishes, and subtle texture allow the materials to speak for themselves, creating a space that feels luxurious without being overly complicated.

Underfoot, we wanted to introduce both comfort and character. Heated floors make chilly mornings feel a little more luxurious, while the patterned marble tile adds subtle movement and visual interest without overwhelming the room. It’s another detail that quietly elevates the everyday experience of the space.

The double vanity quickly became one of the defining features of the room. The warmth of the white oak cabinetry brings softness and texture, while the balanced layout creates a space that feels purposeful, yet beautiful. It’s proof that even the simplest daily routines can feel a little more intentional when they’re surrounded by thoughtful design.

Every finish was selected to complement that feeling. Layered lighting from Capital Lighting (Sutton Sconces) provides both the beautiful ambiance and practical task lighting, while the Kalahari Quartzite countertops introduce natural movement and character. Even the Cumberland pulls from Top Knobs were chosen to quietly enhance the cabinetry without competing with it. Together, each element contributes to a bathroom that feels warm, balanced and enduring.

Just beyond the vanity sits the freestanding tub soaking tub from MIT Baths – one of my personal favorite features of the entire room. Originally, this space was home to a corner tub, continuing the bay window theme found throughout the home’s original design. By reworking the layout, we were able to create a brighter, more open space while incorporating everything we had hoped for.

More than simply selecting a beautiful fixture, I wanted this area to feel like a destination within the home. Positioned beneath softly filtered natural light and surrounded by warm, layered textures, the tub has become the perfect place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy a few quiet moments at the end of the day.

To add subtle and organic texture, we selected Thibaut’s “Normandy” wallpaper, while Sherin-Williams “Egret White” keeps the room feeling bright and soft. One of my favorite finishing touches is the Invari tub filler from Brizo. Its elegant silhouette complements the clean lines of the freestanding tub while adding just the right amount of warmth and sophistication.

No spa-inspired retreat feels complete without a little sparkle. The chandelier suspended above the tub is from Regina Andrew (Glacier) adding a small touch of luxury while beautifully framing the soaking tub below.

Like every room in our home, this bathroom was designed to support the way we live. It’s a place for everyday routines, but also for moments of pause – for slowing down, recharging, and finding a little peace no matter the time of day.

And that is our primary suite!

As we continue through this series, I hope you’ll notice that every design decision, no matter how small, was made with intention. Because beautiful homes aren’t simply defined by one dramatic feature or bold statement. They’re shaped by thoughtful details that work together to create a feeling – the kind of feeling that quietly welcomes you home every single day.

Up next: Designer Insights – What worked, What surprised Us & What We’d Do Again

The post Where We Rest: The Designer’s Home appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

Welcome back! Last week we began our tour in the heart of the home. This week, we’re stepping beyond the kitchen and into the spaces designed for something just as important: gathering.

Whether it’s curling up in the great room, gathering for a movie night or enjoying a little friendly competition outside, each of these spaces was designed to bring people together.

Our first stop is the space that truly anchors daily life in our home: the main great room.

The Main Great Room

Just beyond the kitchen and dining area is our main great room. While cozy and intimate, it was designed to comfortably adapt from everyday moments with just my husband and me to larger gatherings with family and friends. It’s where we spend quiet evenings together just as often as we host the people we love.

During the remodel, we extended the room by six feet – a decision that allowed for a larger fireplace, grander windows, and French doors leading to the deck. The additional space completely transformed the room, making it feel more open and connected while preserving that lived-in warmth that makes us want to relax a little longer.

Every material in this room was chosen to balance that warmth with openness. The wood beams and stone fireplace give the space its sense of permanence, while expansive windows flood it with natural light, keeping the room bright and airy throughout the day. Together those details create a space that feels timeless.

To soften those architectural elements, we finished the room with full-height custom drapery and layered textiles. All together, you get texture and movement – the perfect finishing touch to elevate the space.

Just beyond the main gathering space is what was originally intended to be the formal sitting room. While we didn’t necessarily see a need for something quite so formal, I loved the openness it brought to the great room and wanted to find a way to preserve that feeling.

Instead, it became a cozy extension of the main living area. Layered with rich velvet seating, a curated vintage rug and warm accent lighting, this little corner feels collected, comfortable and intentionally connected to the rest of the home. Best of all, it became the perfect place for my antique piano – giving the room a sense of history and personality.

To me, this little sitting room is proof that the best gathering spaces aren’t always the ones where everyone sits down together. They aren’t always the busiest or the loudest, either. Sometimes they’re simply the spaces that keep you lingering a little longer. More often than not, this is where we find ourselves sharing one last conversation, one more hug and finding every reason to delay our goodbyes for just a few extra minutes before everyone heads home.

The Downstairs Family

This is where we gather through play. What was once an unfinished storage space has become the ultimate family room – a place designed for laughter, move nights, and making memories together.

Every detail was planned with family in mind. From the custom playhouse built for the grandkids, to the generous seating and fully stocked kitchenette – everything you need is right here. Once everyone heads downstairs, there’s really no reason to leave.

Even though this space was designed for fun, I wanted it to feel as intentional as the rest of the home. The kitchenette features two-tone cabinetry, a full-height tile backsplash, warm wood accents and matte black fixtures that give it a polished feel without sacrificing the comfort.

One of my favorite details is the gallery wall, which has extended since this photo was taken. As our family has grown, so has the collection of photos, turning the wall into a living timeline of the memories made here.

While these photos primarily highlight the kitchenette and gathering area, they only tell part of the story. Just beyond the gallery wall is a spacious TV room with plenty of comfortable seating for the whole family. It’s the kind of space where movie or game nights stretch a little longer and no one is in a hurry to leave.

Well…unless you’re one of my grandbabies,

Because if you ask them (or me), the best part of this room isn’t the TV area at all – it’s the custom playhouse. We all know that I love designing spaces for my littles and even though square footage was limited here, I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to create something just for them.

The Backyard

Of course, gathering doesn’t stop at the back door. Some of our favorite memories are made outside, so I wanted the backyard to feel like a natural extension of the home – just as welcoming and intentional as the spaces inside.

Whether we’re making homemade pizzas, playing a competitive game of pickleball (a Campbell family favorite) or ending the evening around the fire, every part of this backyard was designed to bring people together.

Another detail that makes this backyard feel more elevated is the fire and water features in our dining and sitting area

From the outdoor kitchen and dining area, to the fire pit and court, there are plenty of spaces for everyone to spread out, settle in and enjoy being together.

The pickleball court might just be one of the most-used spaces in our backyard. Spend enough time with our family and you’ll probably find yourself with a paddle in hand – whether you planned it or not. Across from the court, you’ll see some seating areas. We have since added a roof off of the second garage to give us some shade, perfect for recharging after a game.

And when the games are over, we usually find ourselves making our way to the fire, at the other end of the yard. It’s the perfect place to slow down, roast marshmallows, share stories and stretch the evening just a little longer.

Looking back at these photos reminds me how much this backyard has already evolved. Over the past year, we’ve added more seating, a playset for the grandkids, and enhanced the pergola over the outdoor kitchen and dining area with misters to make hot summer days a little more enjoyable.

To see the updates we’ve made since moving in, watch below!

The best gathering spaces are never really complete because they’re designed to grow alongside the people who use them. As our family changes, this backyard changes with us – and that’s exactly what I hoped it would do.

It’s still where we gather, and I hope it always will be.

Up Next: Where We Rest – Primary & Secondary Rooms

The post Where We Gather: The Designers Home appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

Hi friends,

We return to a familiar rhythm here on the Allison Campbell Design Blog.

While the year is already flying by, 2026 has been a chapter full of momentum — filled with new projects, growing families and meaningful moments. There is so much to share, and so with that I am pleased to introduce a new editorial series:

The Parade Home Collection

This series is dedicated to thoughtfully revisiting the parade homes I’ve had the privilege of designing over the years — this season’s, last year’s, and all those that came before. Each month, we’ll step inside a different home, moving room by room as I share the intention, details and stories woven throughout its design.

To begin it only felt fitting to start where my heart lies: My own home.

While it was never part of the Parade of Homes, it holds a special significance. I love new construction, but when a remodel comes along, it always pulls at my heartstrings – and that’s exactly what happened with this home.

What stood before us was a red front door, aging brick and a layout that had seen better days. Beyond all that, I could see the endless possibilities and the underlaying potential. 

Rather than starting from scratch, we chose to honor what was already there. We kept the footprint and used it as a roadmap, transforming the home into a space filled with light, warmth and room to make memories.

Let’s step inside! 

The Kitchen

We will start with what many consider to be the “heart of the home”. For me and my family, this could certainly be true. We love our good food and with 4 boys, we needed a lot of it. However, this space not only needed to feed the masses, but also be a place where slow mornings could be spent, holiday meals made and where my family could naturally gather.

As the anchor of the main living space, the kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home. I designed it to balance function and practicality with layered, natural finishes that bring some warmth and character to the space.

More than anything, I wanted the kitchen to feel inviting. As if it was saying “come in and stay awhile”. I was able to achieve just that with some of these important details:

The Pantry

A pantry may be one of the hardest working spaces in a home. While it quietly supports the kitchen behind the scenes, thoughtful organization can make everyday feel effortless. And of course, with kids and grandkids constantly raiding the shelves, we needed plenty of room to keep it fully stocked.

But practical doesn’t have to mean boring. The detailed pantry doors and statement hardware give the entrance a sense of character, elevating what could have easily been an overlooked part of the kitchen.

Inside, statement tile and subtle wallpaper add another layer of pattern and personality – because even the hardest working spaces deserve a little attention.

Just off the kitchen and near our pantry sits one of those spaces that makes everyday life a little easier. This corner naturally became our catch all – a place to set down keys, gather the little things and keep everyday essentials close at hand.

With added storage and open shelving, it serves a practical purpose while still feeling considered and connected to the rest of the kitchen. Because, be honest, every home needs a place for the things that inevitably follow us through the door.

The open shelves are from Iron Abode.

The Dining Area

After the preparation comes the reward: gathering around the table together. Whether we’re enjoying good food, putting a puzzle together or cracking jokes – I wanted our dining area to feel warm, comfortable, and connected to the spaces around it.

The round table naturally invites conversation, while warm wood tones bring softness to the room. Less formal by design, this space still holds that special ability to bring our family together.

Overhead, the sculptural chandelier anchors the dining area, giving the open space a sense of definition. It’s warm finish echoes the natural wood tones of the round table and woven-cane back chairs below. Underfoot, the same Mediterranean Moda flooring used throughout the kitchen, continues into the dining area, creating an effortless sense of flow between the two spaces.

Just beyond the dining table, custom drapery from Uptown Drapes brings a final layer of softness to the space. The fabric frames the natural light and adds subtle movement, balancing the warm wood tones and harder finishes throughout the kitchen and dining area.

When I look at these spaces, I see much more than a kitchen, pantry or dining table. I see everyday moments that have filled them – the meals, the laughter, the messes and the memories.

For me, it is the heart of designing a home. Creating beautiful spaces matters, but creating spaces that invite you to live, gather and stay awhile matters even more.

And this is only the beginning.

Next week, we’ll continue through my home and step into the spaces designed for connection, comfort, and time spent together!

Up Next: Where We Gather

The post Introducing The Parade Home Collection appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

Heated Floors

Tile is cold! And there is nothing worse than having to start your day standing on cold floors or getting out of a relaxing bath or shower to be met with a cold floor. When building a new home or remodeling a primary bathroom you should absolutely consider the benefits of adding heated floors. Not only will this change the overall feeling and warmth of the space but it will also help with resale value of the home.

Separate Tub (If Possible)

It may not always be possible to have a separate tub from your shower depending on the space but if you can, then you should! Tubs are amazing for relaxation and having a separate space where you can decompress after a long day or just because you love it. It is so important to be mindful of your needs. Having a separate tub also changes the entire aesthetic of the space and elevates it immensely. There are a few different options for the type of faucet with the tub; floor mount, deck mount or a wall mount. Not only are separate tubs beautiful in the space but they are also functional, having a tub and a shower allows two people to utilize the space at once.

Steam Shower

Steam showers are absolutely amazing and something that I encourage having in your primary bathroom. These have so many benefits for your well being and overall provide a healthier shower experience. The following things are benefits of having these in your home:

• Great for your skin 
• Great way to relax
• Great for at home aromatherapy 
• Great for when you are sick or when your kids or grandkids are, it helps clear your chest and nasal passages.

But of course this may not be for everyone, my daughters in law don’t enjoy it like I do! 😛

Decorative Fixture Above the Tub

These provide an element of beauty and a focal point in the space. They are great for ambient and mood lighting. 

BUT SHHHH… these do need to be installed after final inspection.

Handheld Shower Head Separate From the Stationary Head

Last but not least you definitely want to have a handheld shower head that is separate from your stationary shower head. There are multiple reasons that these are a necessity and make life easier:

• Easier for anyone who shaves their legs
• Easier for those days when you don’t want to wash your hair 
• Easier for showering small kids or grandkids
• Easier for cleaning the shower

There are so many important parts of a bathroom. These are just some of the things I think are important to consider most!

The post My Top 5s: Must Haves in a Primary Bathroom appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

We named this home the Oh Hey Tuhaye project but as we got into the project it became known as the “Piano Home”. Let’s see if you can tell why from these pictures.

In the picture below you can see from a different angle how both of the above shots come together in this space.

The Design Process

The process begins by meeting with the clients and getting a feel for the home they are wanting. In this meeting we identify the overall aesthetic that is wanted in the home as a whole and in each individual space. 

Then we start by designing several spaces, we do the drawings, pull selections and then meet with the client to present. We take the feedback we receive during this time and massage our designs as needed until everything is in a place that we feel good about moving forward to design the rest of the home. 

The concept drawings that you see here give the clients a feel of what the final design will look like. These drawings get close to the desired product but they are not exact. Depending on how visual the client is we will do more or less drawings depending on what they need. It is so cool to get to see the things that were once on paper come to life in our clients homes.

The Stairs

In this home the Architect designed the stairs and we followed his designs and made adjustments accordingly so it would compliment the rest of the home. Can you start to tell now why it started being referred to as the “Piano Home”?

The Exterior

The long curved lean lines with the wood tones make this home stand out in its surroundings.

The Roof

The way the low pitch hits the soft curves along the outside is remarkably striking.

The post Oh Hey Tuhaye – The “Piano” Home | Warm Contemporary appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

A big thanks to the subcontractors and vendors that work with to bring our designs to life. I know that it isn’t always easy (don’t I know it!)  but I appreciate the work you do to make the process so seamless each and every time. YOU MATTER!

I want to thank the builders that we get to rub shoulders with. I love getting to know and understand the way you work. The knowledge I gain from working with each of you, allows me to implement new learnings into future projects. I truly appreciate your patience as I learn and grow with each project and I am thankful for the beautiful creations that you help bring to life. YOU MATTER!

To my amazing clients. I wouldn’t be here without your belief  in me; for that I am immensely grateful. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work with such amazing clients, everyday, who help my team and I stretch our design muscles and create beautiful spaces. YOU MATTER!

To my team, I am so grateful for the countless hours you tirelessly put in to bring to life these beautiful spaces that we create together. You are each always there to make sure the designs are accurately drawn and that all our ducks are in a row. You keep me in line time and time again. You laugh at my crazy and try not to laugh at my serious. YOU MATTER!

I am grateful to work in an industry where not only do I get to meet new professionals, and build those  business relationships, but I get to make amazing friends. I have had the opportunity to make friends with individuals I have never physically met before through the conversations we are able to have on a myriad of social media platforms. I feel that I have created a home in the industry beyond what I ever could have imagined. YOU ALL MATTER!

Last, but definitely not least, I am grateful to my family. The people that I love the most and are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Thank you for listening, trusting in me and being patient as I get to live my dreams. I couldn’t do what I do without the support I receive from my husband, each of my children and their spouses, and especially the sweetest granddaughter. YOU MATTER!

As you are gathering with your families, friends and loved ones during this holiday season. Please remember that if you are reading this…YOU are my family now too!

Hugs, 

Alli

The post A Season of Gratitude appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

When I begin the designs for a new home, the first step is to come up with a game plan… and at this stage,  it is important to decide what the “theme” of the home will be. A theme doesn’t mean everything in the home will be matchy, matchy or exactly the same, but a theme is there to help bring everything together in a complementary way. I want to achieve a cohesive feel. As I worked on this home I wanted to bring elements into each space that are similar but also, very subtle. With this amazing home, the theme I wanted to create was a French Chateau feel.

Design Elements

The first element that you will see in many different spaces of this home begins in the entryway. Notice the clipped diamond pattern on the floor with the wood and marble. Then the softened and slightly curved diamonds that I incorporated into the walls in the same space. The library doors incorporate a slightly shorter and curved diamond, maintaining the element in the space without duplicating it. This element is found throughout the home.

I brought it into the kitchen as well, on the swinging pantry doors, the cabinet under the sink, and the hutch. In this space though, I straightened the lines and elongated the diamonds. It’s elements like this that really bring that cohesive feel. It doesn’t look like I randomly placed matching diamonds everywhere but subtly they exist in so many different places.

As a reminder, if you want to include elements like this, it’s important that you have skilled craftsmen creating these beautiful pieces. If you want quality work done, it does matter who you bring in. You can learn all about this in our blog post “My Top 5’s When Building A Home”

Paint

The next element I used to bring the cohesive feel was the paint. You may want to keep the same paint color theme throughout the home. Keep it separated by space, and necessity, so it doesn’t overwhelm the eye. In this home,  I utilized the color Silver Mink by Benjamin Moore. This is a beautiful silvery blue color. It lended to both the feminine side of some spaces, as well as the masculine needs of others. You will notice, as I continue to post pictures of this home on my instagram, where this color is incorporated. Here are some areas I want to highlight where this color is used.

This amazing color is used on the hutch in the kitchen. The rest of the cabinets are the color of the walls (Swiss Coffee) but I really wanted this piece to stand out. The color is also in the Butler’s pantry. THROUGHOUT 🙂. The Silver Mink color is also in the library on the cabinetry. Since the mantel was a richer color and the furniture in this area was very neutral, I knew it wouldn’t overpower the space. Lastly, in the lower level family room I brought in the same Silver Mink color in to help ground the space and bring in a moodier feel, it was a great contrast to the used brick. There is so much you can do with color. It’s amazing how you can bring the same color into so many different spaces and have it be so different in each place.

When I design homes like this, it can be easy to start going crazy with decor, furniture and lighting. Of course, I want it to be amazing… BUT, I don’t want all of this to outshine all the other elements of the home.

Lighting

I choose to do more large scale lighting all while keeping it tasteful. This keeps the lighting balanced with the rest of the home.  There was one exception to this in the primary bathroom. I brought in a beautiful Chandelier, I wanted to add this dramatic element above the tub. 

In the Kitchen, I found some beautiful pendants. They continued our diamond theme but in an incredibly similar way to the front entry wall designs. It boasted the same curves and softness…yet they were not in our minds when I designed the entry walls. It’s always amazing when we find things like this during the design process, it cements the fact that this was the right choice for the home.

Furniture & Decor

The furniture in this home is very neutral and soft. To complement this, I brought in pillows to add style and color into the spaces. Be sure to check out the Sewing Nerd for all your pillow needs.

I use this same concept for the draperies. I wanted them to create softness and grandeur in the home,  and accentuate the simpler color palette I used throughout.  It was Important that they didn’t stand out, or blend in so well they disappeared. Uptown Drapes made this a reality for the home, their work never disappoints!

Lastly, back in the Library, since our cabinets were the Silver Mink color, I didn’t necessarily want to draw the eye to one particular thing.  If there are too many colors, or only use neutral decor, you can use decor to offset. In order to combat this in the library, I color blocked the books. The lighter color books were together and the bolder books together. This allowed us to incorporate the colors, but not have them be distracting. 

This home was so fun to design and get to see it brought to life. I spent years working with this homeowner to get to understand their wants and needs for the home. I brought in only the best of the best to ensure that not only would our designs be executed perfectly, but that our clients would FEEL taken care of. This Is the experience I want every client to have with they work with us.

I appreciate you taking the journey into this home with us and I hope you have enjoyed the pictures!

Hugs,

Alli

The post Notre Belle Maison | Traditional Interior Design appeared first on Allison Campbell Design.

Be Smart,  Budget For Your Appliances

Appliances will make or break your kitchen and you DO NOT want to think about these last. They are not the place that you want to have to skimp because your budget runs out at the end. It will be worth your time to do your research, know what appliances you want and how much to set aside in your budget for them! 

Despite what you may believe, you do not need to buy a full appliance package from one brand. They do not all need to be the same, and you will likely save money and get the biggest bang for your buck if you mix and match!! This is definitely something to take into account if you are doing panel ready appliances. Not a single person will know what brand the fridge/freezer are, so do your research and choose the best one that fits your budget, or your heart’s desire!! Also remember your oven likely won’t match regardless because they typically only come in stainless steel or black so don’t get hung up on these little details.

Who Builds Your Cabinets Matters 

If you haven’t yet read, ‘MY TOP 5’S: MY TOP 5’S WHEN BUILDING A HOME’ you should. Price shouldn’t always dictate what you choose to do in your home, you can definitely save on some things, but cabinets should not be one of those things. Educating yourself on your cabinet options is worth every minute of your time.

Styling Your Cabinets

Your cabinets don’t have to be boring, but remember balance is key when adding your personality into a space!

Your lower cabinets and your island are going to see the most wear and tear (especially if you have little ones or pets). That being said, bold colored cabinets are in and we see them A LOT on the lowers, this can bring a lot of color into a space easily. But make that decision knowing that you will have to touch up the paint because the wear will show. Another option if you want something that will withstand life a little better, you can stain your lower cabinets. Then the dings and wear will not be nearly as obvious, plus it is way easier to touch up. Of course you can always do a light or white painted lower cabinet, they will need to be touched up, and will show fingerprints. They won’t show quite like it does with a bolder/darker color. You can also incorporate a unique design on your cabinet doors on your lower cabinets and/or the sides of your island.

Now let’s talk upper cabinets. Just like your lowers, you can always do a fun cabinet door design, and can do white or a lighter color to brighten the space. Adding glass in some of the uppers OR eliminating the cabinet all together in some spots and adding floating shelves for a more visually interesting space. 

Don’t be scared to get creative and remember if you have  been educated about your kitchen, it will help you make the best decisions for you and your home.

One is Better than Two, at Least With Your Sink

This one seems simple, do a large single bowl sink. Let me say that one more time, you should have a large single bowl sink in your kitchen. You may think, well isn’t it harder to do dishes without two bowls The simple answer is NO, it is not harder. I would say this is the number one misconception with sinks. It is just as easy to wash your dishes in a single bowl sink as previously thought double bowl sinks. You do not have to do an apron front sink to get a single bowl; they also come in undermount.

No More Boring Backsplashes

The title pretty much says it all. Your backsplash shouldn’t be boring and you want it to be cohesive with the style you are going for.

Some Styling Tips:

• Simple color, do a fun shaped tile or a fun pattern it will bring some personality into it!
• Bolder color, opt for a simpler tile shape and pattern of how it’s laid. 
• If you want a bold statement but not a bold color, do the backsplash the same as the countertop
• If you have adjacent walls you can tile these as well to draw your eyes up (you can even go up and over a door frame)

Things to Remember:

• Smaller grout lines are better on a backsplash. Your backsplash will get dirty and these will be easier to clean.
• In a main kitchen, the smaller the tile you use the busier it is going to look, so think through what the kitchen needs.

Lighting is More Than Just Functional

Lights are necessary in every space and they absolutely are a functional piece of your home. BUT they should be anything but boring. You will want typical recessed task lighting for functional purposes. I would absolutely consider adding under cabinet lights and even toe kick lighting. It adds additional functional lighting and both will create a really nice ambience in your space. 

Now don’t forget your decorative lighting. These are your pendants and/or sconces. Every kitchen NEEDS to have it. Beauty and function can coexist, you should always have decorative lighting in your kitchen. Consider all the different places you can add it.

If you are building or even remodeling I hope these must haves help you in your project. One thing to note…kitchens, bathrooms, HOMES in general, will speak to you as they come together. They’ll tell you what they need, so use these rules/must haves but as you select the finishes listen to the needs of your home. She’ll tell you what she needs in these areas!

Have fun designing!

XOXO,

Alli

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Learning Sheens and Tones

SHEEN

You may be wondering to yourself, what is a sheen A sheen is the amount of shine in the paint. The amount of shine in your paint can make it easier or harder to clean when it gets dirty. If you have kids or grandbabies, you know that walls get dirty and being able to clean them can be really important! 

Types of sheens include the following (in order from least to most shiny):

• Flat/Low 
• Matte
• Egg Shell 
• Satin 
• Semi-gloss
• High-gloss

I will use Flat/Low or Matte on the ceiling, Eggshell or Satin on walls and for the base and case. I prefer Satin as long as the painter preps well, but Semi-gloss is always a safe option and still looks fabulous!

TONES

If your builder or painter is talking about 1, 2 or 3 tone walls, as long as you know about sheens, you can understand them like a pro! You will also be able to answer their questions with confidence.

• 1 tone means: one color equalling one sheen on the walls, ceiling, and base/case. 
• 2 tone means: one color with two sheens, such as Satin for walls and base/case, and then Flat on the ceiling. 
• 3 tone means: one color and three sheens, Flat on the ceiling, Eggshell on the walls and Semi-gloss on the base and case. 

Note: You could choose 1-3 different colors if you’re doing a 3 tone paint system as you’re already changing the sheen/tones…but we’ll get into this more below…

Now that you understand Sheens and Tones, let’s get to the fun part!

Having Fun with Sheens!

Color on Color

White on white on white or any other color. This means you will have one color on your ceiling, walls and base/case but 3 sheens in the space, creating dimension between each part of the wall.

One Color

What has been most popular the last couple of years is one color, but 3 sheens. We have perfected the art of the soft white palette home using the same color, but flat on the ceiling, eggshell on the walls and satin on the base/case/doors.

Two Color

This was popular for a long time before the one color took over, but is starting to come back around. This is when you will paint your walls and ceilings both the same light color, not white, and your base/case, white. OR you paint the ceiling and base/case one color, with the walls being the other color. The third option we have done is the walls and ceiling in white and the base/case in a truer color. SOOO many options!

Three Color

You can do one color on the ceiling, one color on the walls and then one color on your base/case! Most of the time it would be a waste to do this as you would normally do your white on the ceiling and the same as the white on the base/case. BUT…you could do the 3rd color on your DOORS:) 

Maybe the THREE colors would be fun in a playroom! The ceiling in a bright color, the walls in another fun color and then painting the base/case with yet another fun color!

Patterns

Paint stripes with the same color but different sheens, eggshell and semi-gloss. You can see the stripes because the sheens are different. You can do this with any kind of pattern you want!

Color Block Walls

We have done color block walls before as well. This is where you paint a true color up roughly ⅔’s  of the wall finishing the top ⅓ with the white of your ceiling. This adds a little visual interest with not much added cost!

Millwork

Your millwork walls should be painted in the higher sheen like your base/case. Such as shiplap…this should be painted in the satin/semi gloss finish. BUT, if you are doing an applied pencil mould treatment on the walls, you may want the drywall to be eggshell and the trim itself to be the satin or semi gloss. This will make the millwork stand out so beautifully.

Tips and Tricks

Paint can, and should, be fun…but there are some things you won’t want to forget as you make paint decisions.

• The texture of your drywall WILL affect the way your paint looks! If you have a heavier texture, you will want to opt for a lower sheen. With a smoother texture you can go with a higher sheen.
• Lower sheens will do a better job hiding imperfections than a higher sheen. 
• If you choose to paint an entire room a dark color there is no right or wrong way to do the ceiling, you could do it  light or dark, BUT you will want to use a lower sheen as darker colors will be more reflective in a higher sheen than lighter colors. 
• If you are painting a dark accent wall, make sure to paint the baseboard the same color. You don’t want this to stand out! This is typically only for dark accent walls. 
• If you opt for wallpaper on a wall, you NEED to prime first. This will make it so the wallpaper can be removed in the future without ruining the drywall.

I hope these tips and tricks will help you be informed and allow you to create beautiful spaces in your own home. Don’t forget to have fun and be creative!

Love, 

Alli

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When building a home, you should have a team of professionals that you select to bring the house of your dreams to life. Spending the time necessary to research, will help you create the best team for you and your build!

This team should include an Architect, a Builder, an Interior Designer and a Landscape Architect (Yep! You heard me right! You want the landscape architect involved at the start of the process). 

This team will guide you throughout the process and assist you in making the very important decisions along the way and you avoid the pitfalls that can come.

Number 2 – Location, Location, Location 

You can have a beautiful home in a stinky location or a stinky home in a beautiful location, but why settle on either?. You can have both a beautiful home AND in a beautiful location! There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a location for your new build.

• How big do you want the lot to be?nbsp;
• Where can you get a lot the size you want?
• What can you afford to spend on the lot?nbsp;
• If you have kids, what are the schools in the area like?
• How close or far do you want to be from your family 😂
• How close do you want to be to the things you love to do?

If you plan for this to be your forever home, you won’t want to sacrifice on the location but remember it is ok to be patient if you can’t find the right location instantly. It is ok to hold off on a build because you haven’t found the right place yet.  Or if you find that it is better to buy and remodel, there is a market for that as well (you still need these top 5 things; the project scope may just change a little).

Number 3 – Beauty Within Your Budget

Understand the value of your budget – make sure you understand that the bottom line is not always the best choice. 

Often you can pull back on a design to make sure you aren’t cutting back on quality.  Understand that less (in cost) isn’t always better, doing it for less often means that you are getting less. Ask the questions!! What do you give up when you choose a lesser bid People don’t just do things for less.

Know where you want to splurge ahead of time! 

Decide the areas where you are willing to spend a little more and then the areas where you are willing to back off. You want to make sure you have all your needs met but also satisfy as many of your wants as you can within your budget!

Number 4 – Patience is a Virtue

Be patient with the process and trust your team! You hired the experts to do what they do best, allow them the space and trust them to do what you hired them to do with your input and guidance. 

The only poor question is the one that you don’t ask. Your team doesn’t know what you don’t know unless you tell them that you don’t know. (Did you get that 😂) 

I promise you won’t look dumb when you ask questions about things you don’t understand. Being willing to ask the questions will only benefit you in the building process. 

Then, always remember no build goes perfectly – there will be hiccups along the way that may cause delay…or turn into happy accidents!

Number 5 – Don’t Rush the Process

The building process will more than likely take longer than anticipated, plan on it taking longer from the start. It is important to schedule accordingly and I cannot emphasize enough to not hurry up your final walkthrough. 

You will want all the punch list items to be finished before you move in (see the blue tape on the glass and cabinet.. Not everything was finished on move in). Truthfully, it can be almost impossible to get things finished. Not because your team and contractors don’t want to get it done for you, but because those waiting on their homes to be completed get moved to the top of the list. It is definitely worth waiting until everything is complete to move into your beautiful new home. There will always be a few exceptions to this rule…but I still stand by it as an overall goal.

If you are wanting to build, currently building or plan to build, I truly hope that this will help you in your process of getting the home of your dreams! I’m ALWAYS here to answer any questions you might have, to the best of my ability!

Love,

Alli

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