Q+A: The Questions Everyone Googles
Another month, another round of quick fire design Q+A. If you have a question, I’d love to answer it! Send it to lou@loumarx.com
Q: What’s the easiest way to make my home feel luxe?
A: Invest in a few high quality pieces that are timeless and will last a lifetime. Natural materials such as linen, wool, leather and natural stone elevate instantly. Update hardware, make sure you frame your windows with beautiful blinds or curtains and use rugs to ground your spaces. At least one or more statement lighting pieces and beautiful art that you love will create a gorgeous and luxurious space. Custom cabinetry and also add an element of luxe.
Q:How do you mix modern and vintage?
A: Decide which style you would like to be the star of the show and which one you would like as the supporting act. Let one dominate and the other accent. For example modern furniture with subtle vintage accessories.
Q: How do I make a small room look bigger?
A: Find smart ways to raise the ceiling height in order to create volume.
Choose low-profile or transparent furniture pieces, and anchor the room with oversized rugs, mirrors, or artwork to unify the space.
Select quality decor that feels refined and high-end - keep collections limited opposed to lots of little pieces.
Embrace a colour in a consistent and cohesive way, and repeat materials to create continuity, while leaving negative space around objects, pathways, and walls so the eye can move freely.
Introduce a few statement pieces and where you can, let as much natural lighting in.
I’ve written about this here - Tiny space, huge style: 9 tricks to make your home twice the size
Q: How do I make a room feel cozy without it feeling cluttered?
A: Texture and layering, not stuff. Let your textiles do the heavy lifting. Think wool throws, soft linens, a single statement rug, leather or velvet upholstery. Layer in cushions and add lush floor to ceiling curtains. Keep surfaces clear and decor to a minimum.
Q: What’s the one trend I should never blindly follow?
A: Color-of-the-year trends. Of course, they can bring really cool inspiration and if you really love the colour - sure, incorporate it but a focus on who you are and what you love and keep coming back to will always win over a colour moment that feels fresh one minute and tired the next.
Q: How do I bring my personality into interiors?
A: Through curated objects, art, and materials that resonate with you. That doesn’t mean filling every surface. I love the idea of collected interiors. A fond piece of furniture that you always gravitate to, trinkets from travels, photos of treasured moments, favourite colours and patterns, your work - poetry, art, cooking, and interests on display, plus all of the things that make you feel comfortable and ‘at home’.