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WHEN IT COMES to decorating your home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are a million different colors, styles, fixtures, materials, and accessories to choose from, and not everyone starts off with a clear idea of what they want. That’s why we’ve put together a little inspiration for you, covering 26 of our favorite home decor trends and ideas, from arches to zellige tiles!
is for Arches
A rches are a classic for a reason: they soften hard edges, frame and define spaces, and add character to rooms. From stone to wood to metal, in minimalistic or ornate styles, contemporary or antique, framing a mirror or a bookshelf or even a wall-mounted bar, arches are extremely versatile and fun to incorporate.
is for Built-In
T his elegant, cantilevered dining alcove hovers in the surrounding meadow, providing a tranquil window through the grasses to the woods beyond. Its fir wall and ceiling finishes create a warm space for diners to gather around the table for dinner and games. The integral custom fir window bench is expertly scribed into the wall paneling for a seamless fit. Dave Brogan
Product Descriptions:
• Pendant Lights: Gubi 1965 Pendant Lights
• Dining Table: Croft House Maple + Nero Marquina Marble, Poly + Honed Finished
• Dining Chairs: Blu Dot SidebySide Chair, Walnut/Loden Green Velvet
• Built-In Bench Seat: Custom built by BBB, material providing by Smith & Vallee
• Throw Pillows: Schoolhouse Polka Dot Pillow (honey) & Velvet + Wool Circle Pillow (persimmon)
Project: Silver Residence
Architect: Studio Nocturne
Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders
Photographer: Mikel Amias Photography
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M odern glossy cabinets have been all the rage, but wood cabinets are timeless. There are so many different varieties to match everyone’s styles and they can be locally sourced and made which will be a much more sustainable option! Plus, no more pesky finger prints! Nicole Miller and Senna Scott
• Home Builder and Design: TC Legend Homes, Powerhouse Designs
• Product: Wood Cabinets by Silver Beach Joinery
Silver Beach Joinery
Silver Beach Joinery is a local custom cabinet maker who creates impeccable cabinets and has a plethora of knowledge on the different wood types. They are fantastic at working with clients and builders alike to determine the right wood type to enhance your space with any style. Nicole Miller and Senna Scott
• Wood Cabinet Designer: Silver Beach Joinery
• Install and Home Builder: TC Legend Homes
E very fixture and finished surface in this “Arts and Crafts”-inspired bathroom was thoughtfully curated and installed to create an environment of timeless elegance. The tasteful design elements are enhanced by the calming color palette and an abundance of natural light. Jeff Mack
is for Drench is for Elegance
C olor drenching refers to the practice of painting trim, baseboards, doors, and sometimes even the ceiling the same color as the walls. It’s become increasingly popular in 2024 because it makes an immediate impact, decreases color noise, and can create the illusion of a larger space. If it’s a bit much for your living room or kitchen’s decorating scheme, this technique could be the perfect thing to create surprise and intrigue in smaller rooms, like half-baths and mudrooms.
Project: 1920s Arts and Crafts
Cottage—Master Bath
Architect: Greg Robinson Architect
Interior Designer: Angela Prater Design
Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders
Photographer: C9 Photography
Product Descriptions:
• Tub/Faucet: Waterworks Savoy 61” x 30” x 19” Drop in Oval Cast Iron Bathtub without Feet | Waterworks Olympia Exposed Tub Filler with Handshower and Metal Lever Diverter in Nickel.
• Vanity/Countertop: Smith & Vallee Custom Alder Frame Cabinetry
• Tile: Waterworks Cottage Style Tile in Dover White, Glossy Solid.
• Light Fixture: Waterworks Watt Sconce
• Mirror: Waterworks Crystal Metal Oval Wall Mounted Tilting Mirror
• Door Hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware
Moving away from massproduced decor and instead choosing handmade folk art and traditional craft pieces is a great way to showcase your unique aesthetic while also supporting artists and craftspeople directly. Whether you’re into macrame or other fiber arts, sculpture or other visual art, dishware, or textiles, look out for smallbatch creators who use sustainable methods and locally-sourced materials—craft shows are a perfect starting point for finding artists whose work you’d like to begin collecting
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G arages aren’t just for cars—appliance garages are becoming increasingly popular as a way to declutter counters and achieve a more streamlined look in your kitchen.
Like so many great design ideas, this one is extremely adaptable. Some appliance garages are just that: rolldown doors that hide away toaster ovens and electric kettles and stand mixers. Others are essentially large pantries with dedicated outlets and shelves for favorite appliances. If you’re really lucky, you might have space to put in a butler’s pantry like this one, which includes a countertop so that you can actually use the appliances in situ without having to work in a confined space.
is for Garage
A s you probably know, hardware in interior design refers to any type of handle, knob, or installed fixture in the home. Sometimes we dismiss these things as just utilitarian, but the truth is they can make or break the cohesiveness of your design! Hardware can be sculptural, ornate, or industrial; it can be minimal or oversized; and it can add a pop of color or a flare of gleaming metal.
I s there anything more inviting than a home that works around your needs and preferences? Beautiful blinds and lighting
that can be set to a schedule; televisions that display fine art when idling; thermostats and outlets that blend seamlessly
into the landscape of your design and can be controlled from your phone—your home can be as ‘smart’ as you are!
Photo courtesy of Kreider Construction
Color Theory
Color theory refers to the use of the color wheel and a specific set of guidelines and patterns to create color schemes and combinations that evoke certain moods or reactions. For example, the McDonald’s logo was apparently designed using color theory to stimulate appetite (red) and indicate friendliness (yellow).
Tips for using color theory in your decor
Starting with basic color psychology, choose a base color to create the kind of feeling you want your room to evoke.
Working with a color wheel (using a set scheme or combination if you’d like), select two or three other colors that work with your base color.
Make sure to include neutrals in your plan—not only will this keep you from overwhelming your room with too many colors, it’ll also give your colors a mellow background from which to pop.
Try the 60-30-10 rule to help maintain your color balance: 60% of your space will be the dominant wall color, 30% the color of large furnishings and upholstery, and 10% accessories in an accent color.
is for Joyful
W hile some long for a serene, subdued vibe for their interiors, a focus on sparking joy at home has been at the forefront for many designers for the past few years. “Dopamine decor,” also seen in the fashion world as “dopamine dressing,” encourages you to throw off the conventional and cookie-cutter for what makes YOU happy—a jumble of your favorite bright colors, eye-catching patterns and art pieces, funky appliances, and nostalgic or nerdy clutter. This trend is a little different for everybody, so you’ll have to ask yourself what really makes you happy. Common advice includes developing your color palette and sticking to it (working with many colors can be tricky), employing lots of DIY (you always become more attached to stuff you make yourself), and never wasting an opportunity to inject joy in a design (why have a typical square throw pillow when you can have one shaped like your favorite animal?).
Remember that monochrome or color drenching—use of one color, maybe in a few shades—is an option! It’s especially good for small spaces like bathrooms! Fun Fact/Bonus Tip: In paint, white is created with metals, minerals, compounds, and an absence of any other pigment, and black is made from equal parts of primary color pigments. In reality, white and black are the two opposite and absolute ends of the color spectrum, which is created by light. White light contains the entire color spectrum, and black is the absence of all light. These two absolutes are powerful color tools that can easily overwhelm a space.
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Knit
K nitted textures are a wonderful way to make a space inviting and cozy. Here in the PNW, our homes tend to become winter dens, warm sanctuaries from the long-lasting cold weather. Knitwear is soft and retains body heat, making it perfect for throw blankets, pillows, rugs, and even lounging furniture! There are knitted beanbags, upholstered ottomans and stools, and even whole pieces of furniture created from oversized knit. Knit texture isn’t just physical, it visually signals classic comfort, granny chic, and handmade aesthetics. You can find (or make!) knitted lampshades and chandelier light covers, molded appliances like clocks and cookie jars, tapestries, and more.
mean it’s simple. There are many variables to consider, and lighting has a huge effect on a space overall. Here’s a crash course to keep in your back pocket when considering this important design element.
There are three types of lighting: general, accent, and task. General lighting is often overhead and provides the main ambient light for a space. Accent lighting is smaller and highlights a particular aspect of the room (wall art in the study, the sink in the bathroom, and so on). Task lighting is for illuminating your workspaces, like your desk or your stove.
Choose the right temperature, brightness, and energy consumption for your lighting. Those are the three statistics you’ll see when shopping for light sources. LEDs are energy efficient and long lasting, making them the modern choice to beat. Many LEDs can achieve various brightness levels and temperatures, all
in places meant to be cozy and relaxing (like your bedroom), while cooler and brighter lights should be used in places of activity (like the kitchen). Different temperatures and colors of lighting will work better with different colors in your design, so don’t leave this consideration to the last minute!
Lighting fixtures come in many forms. This is the part of lighting that is the most structural, and is usually considered at the same time as choosing materials and furniture. Each room should have two to three lights, and they should vary among overhead, accent, and task, creating a layered lightscape. Overhead lights are integral to a cohesive design—gallery-esque insets, avantgarde pendants, and eye-catching centerpiece chandeliers all say different things. Use a wall sconce or strip light to create interesting vignettes and highlight design elements in your decor.
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Experts advise against being too matchy-matchy with your fixtures. Using the same exact design through all of your lighting could result in your home feeling more like a hotel or office. Mix materials and styles between the different lights in a room while maintaining a common thread (i.e., all clean lines or all circular shapes).
Feng Shui
Feng shui—the words mean wind and water, respectively, in Chinese—is a Taoist practice of arranging the spaces in your home to harness natural energy sources and create a sense of harmony with your environment. The four main principles of feng shui are:
Chi: the life force.
Commanding position: the farthest point in a room from the door without being in a direct line from it.
Bagua: the map of energy referred to in feng shui—in Chinese, bagua means “eight areas.” The eight areas are family, wealth, health, helpful people, children, knowledge, fame, career, and partnerships.
Five elements: earth, metal, wind, water, and fire. All these elements need to be properly balanced to achieve optimal feng shui.
Tips for incorporating feng shui into your decor
• Minimize clutter. Keeping sightlines clear and surfaces tidy is important to enable chi to flow freely.
• Make sure to use all five elements. Incorporate them in the appropriate spaces and balance them equally.
• Place important appliances or pieces of furniture (stove, bed, desk) in the commanding position.
• Bring nature inside with houseplants—in particular, look for plants with soft, round leaves, like a money plant. And make sure to quickly remove any plants that die!
• Repair or remove any broken items, especially mirrors. Broken things interrupt the flow of chi (and just don’t help your home look its best).
is for Modern Organic
I ncorporating nods to nature into your interior design is a wonderful way to make a space alive and relaxed. Modern organic style is an approachable version of biophilic design, which refers to the direct or indirect inclusion of nature in building design, including elements like living walls and landscape paintings. Earthy color palettes, wood and stone details, and woven fibers like jute, cotton, and linen are all easy ways to bring out the connection between humans and the natural world.
is for Negative Space
J ust as important as how you fill your space is what space you leave behind. Negative space refers to all those areas that are intentionally unoccupied in your home, including blank walls, atriums created by high ceilings, and uncluttered ground. It can help your home feel open and spacious thanks to airflow and uninterrupted sightlines. In decor, negative space becomes part of the bones of your design, giving it a native curatorial edge. It can be a conspicuous absence of substance, as in a kitchen island made of arches rather than a solid rectangle, or an ocean of blank space from which form emerges, like a photo wall that’s all empty besides a grouping of photos in the center.
W hile most of the decor ideas we’re covering here are for interior spaces, we’d be remiss if we neglected to remind you that your outdoor spaces are worthy of time and attention too! Make the most of the long summer days with a patio space that’s inviting and beautiful, and extend your outdoor time into the fall and spring (even winter, if you’re brave) with a cozy outdoor fireplace.
Product Descriptions:
• 911 Firehose Flag Art Artist: Firefighter Quang Phan | Stockton, CA
• Fireplace/mantle/stone: 864 TVR Fireplace 31K, Classic Oak Set, Legacy Black/ Custom Mantle by BBB with Hand-Hewn Reclaimed Timber supplied by The Nicho/ United Tile Realstone Systems Shadowstone in Bluestone
• Outdoor Chairs: CB2 Sunset Teak Lounge Chair
• Outdoor Coffee Table: CB2 Element Coffee Table
• Side Table: Sika Design Roger Stool
• Decorative Vases: Uttermost
• Vintage Ice Box: Vintage Gibson Cambria Oak Ice Box
• Timberframe : Custom Douglas Fir Timber Frame by BBB
• Decking: FSC-Certified Garapa Decking
• Fireplace: Fireplace XtraOrdinair
Project: Outdoor Patio
Remodel
Designer: TANNA BY DESIGN
Photography: Nic Aston
The Beach House — Exterior Deck
This outdoor fireplace under the patio roof makes the perfect outdoor spot to gather on a chilly or rainy evening. The fireplace, hand-hewn mantle, and unique firehose flag installation create an eye-catching focal point that draws people to sit down and connect. Dave Brogan
Project: The Beach House
Architect: JWR Design
Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders
Photography: Radley Muller
Photography
is for Outdoors
T his off-white paint color is our standard when we build new homes. It has a warm undertone which makes the home feel more welcoming, while still being bright enough to reflect sunlight across the room creating a well-lit, happy, and functional space. Nicole Miller and Senna Scott
• Home Builder and Design: TC Legend Homes, Powerhouse Designs
• Product: Paint Color – Sherwin Williams Greek Villa SW7551
D espite the way it sounds, quiet luxury isn’t about spending a lot of money (or, at least, it doesn’t have to be). The meaning of quiet luxury is more focused on style rather than fashion, timelessness over trends, and sophistication instead of opulence. It’s about making thoughtful, long-term choices, like choosing one beautiful cashmere throw for your sofa rather than rotating a handful of synthetic blankets, or sticking to a particular color theme for your dishes instead of collecting lots of prettily-clashing plates. When you combine elements of minimalism with a few indulgent touches, you get a space that’s warm, relaxed, and peaceful, while also exuding elegance.
is for Paint is for
Quiet Luxury
Project: 1920s Arts and Crafts
Cottage – Master Bed
Architect: Greg Robinson Architect
Interior Designer: Angela Prater Design
Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders
Photographer: C9 Photography
is for Retreat
T he warm, comforting presence of this hand-crafted bedroom fireplace is complemented by carefully chosen light fixtures and sparse decoration. Whether you’re reading your favorite book or napping on a rainy afternoon, this bedroom is the embodiment of relaxation. Jeff Mack
Product Descriptions:
• Chandelier: Restoration Hardware Foucault's Orb Chandelier 44”
• Fireplace Mantle: Custom designed and built by BBB
• Fireplace Tile: Pratt + Larson Embossed Tile
• Fireplace Hearth: Brazilian Black Slate Stone Slab
• Mirror: Restoration Hardware Metal Floating Round Mirror
Project: Basement Expansion and Renovation
Location: Whidbey Island
Designer: Robin Daly Color & Design
Contractor: Cascade Custom Homes
Photographer: Snowberry Lane
Photography
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W hen I am working on a full decor project, one goal is to merge practicality alongside the "look" of the stylish furniture item when possible. This sofa table does double duty with handy stools that are nestled under the table. The stools are covered with a performance fabric, and the resulting vibe is relaxed and modern.
S olid wood trim of natural woods like hemlock and fir not only bring a warmth and coziness to your space but are also far more sustainable than MDF options. Hemlock and fir can be locally sourced and will stand the test of time without the use of harmful chemicals. Nicole Miller and Senna Scott
• Home Builder and Design: TC Legend Homes, Powerhouse Designs
• Product: Hemlock or Fir Wood Trim
is for Trim
You could say that this sofa table is designed with Game Day in mind— you can spread out your feast for everyone to share, or maybe invite a few extra people over and have a place for them to hang. They'll have a place to perch with a great view of the action. Robin Daly
T he Sherwin-Williams color of the year for 2024 is pale, faded blue, almost like your old favorite pair of light-wash jeans. The gray undertones pull what could otherwise be a bit of a baby blue down to a very grown-up tone, while still retaining the lightening and calming effect of the color.
C ertain types of natural stone are well-known for their veining—most famously marble. It’s been used for art, decor, and building for most of recorded history, a venerated lifespan that’s earned veined stone a reputation for being stately and classical. If you’re interested in utilizing a veined look, don’t feel restricted: it certainly isn’t limited to gray lines in powder white stone. There are hundreds of types of stone to choose from, bearing colors from pale and warm whites to all sorts of browns, greens, reds, blues, grays, and deep blacks. Black marble with white veins is an instant way to turn convention on its head. Slabs can be cut to show
is for Veining is for Wallpaper
the veins as long, lengthwise streaks (vein-cut) or in more swirling, irregular patterns (cross-cut).
Marble, quartzite, and granite are hardwearing stones that are usually seen in kitchens and bathrooms, but veining shouldn’t be relegated to countertops! Consider accenting your space with stone floor and wall tiles, coffee tables, and handcrafted decor. Veining can also be achieved through ceramics, painting, and even DIY appliqués.
Local Business Shoutouts
I started selling wallpaper when I was in high school at my family's paint and decorating stores, so I've seen the transformative power of wallcovering for a very long time. When I was a design student at Western, I even sold wallpaper at Bellingham Sash & Door store on Holly Street (talk about a walk back in time! It's now Builders Alliance on Hannegan Road).
Wallpaper adds depth and texture to a flat surface. It can make a boring room sing, and it can visually make a space feel larger or cozier, depending upon the pattern. Wallpaper is exciting because it's special. We use it judiciously in a home to help build a more nuanced look that flat paint doesn't always achieve. Robin Daly
Project: "Let's Make an Entry" Transformation
Designer: Robin Daly Color & Design
Photographer: Tony Zapien Photography
Product: Phillip Jeffries Wallpaper Mural
We wouldn’t give you all this inspiration and no place to shop! Check out these local businesses where you can make your home design dreams come true.
Furniture & Appliances
• Samuel’s Furniture, Ferndale
• Griffith Furniture, Bellingham
• Modern Classics, Bellingham, Owned and operated by Curt Roth, Modern Classics is beloved by its customers for their service, dedication, and craftsmanship.
They make and distribute Modern Classic style furniture and lighting, inspired by the Bauhaus Modern (1917-1933), L’Espirit Nouveau Modern (1920-1940), Scandinavian Modern (19301970), and Mid Century Modern (1940-1960) eras
• Wilson’s Furniture, Ferndale
• Northwest Fine Furnishings, Mount Vernon
• Hansen’s Furniture Company, Mount Vernon
• Tracy’s Furniture, Anacortes
• DeWaard & Bode, Burlington and Bellingham Decor & Home Goods
• Modern Country Living, Mount Vernon,
Xenomorphic, adjective: In an unusual form; having a strange form.
A s bespoke and unique decor becomes more and more expected, start looking for items with irregular shapes that are designed off the beaten path. To hit this precise vibe, don’t go all the way to something that artistically represents something else. This is the uncanny valley of interior design. We’re talking melted-glass mirrors and oodles of unexpected negative space.
J apanese citrus yuzu has been having a well-deserved moment in cocktails and desserts for a while now, but in recent years it’s begun to appear in decor spaces
is for Xenomorphic is for Zellige Tile is for Yuzu
as well. The bright, warm yellow with an orange undertone pairs wonderfully with mellow reds and oranges to create an overall warmth. Add it in with some
blues to increase contrast and balance the overall temperature of the room (for more color advice, check out Color Theory on p. xx).
Z ellige (zell-idge) tiles originated in Morocco and are made by hand from a special clay blend that, when glazed and fired, results in a varied surface that gives each tile a unique look. Variations in shade, tone, shimmer, and depth from tile to tile lends character and gives a vibrant,
Amongst Mount Vernon’s many furniture stores, don’t forget Modern Country Living, a home decor shop that goes out of its way to provide unique and affordable home and lifestyle goods in an array of styles. They even carry Italian handbags!
• Greenhouse Home + Life, Bellingham
• Ideal, Bellingham
• Current & Furbish, Bellingham
• Dominique’s House, Friday Harbor
• Elisabeth’s Cottage By the Sea & The Shabby French Market, Anacortes
• Atelier, Eastsound
• Funky Fresh Finds, Bellingham
almost alive look to the tiled space. You can get zellige tiles at many large chains like Lowe’s or Home Depot, but why not give your favorite local tile or flooring store (try Flooring Outlet in Burlington or Aqui Esta Tile in Bellingham) a call first to see if they carry them!
Art & Handcrafted Products
• The Wood Merchant, La Conner
• BLD, Bellingham
• Artwood Gallery, Bellingham
• Terra Firma Design, Bellingham
• Tilt Shift Design, Bellingham
• Forest Ceramic Co., Eastsound, This small ceramics business has an unmissable style. Their carved and colorful cups, tumblers, bowls, and vases are showstopping pieces to add to your collection!
• NO Design, Bellingham