The design team is in full swing at the Southern Living show house and I wanted to get the inside scoop on some of their best ideas,and tricks! Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a designer? Ever wonder what their approach to a project is? As designers we all have different philosophies and opinions on what makes a space unique and special. But put all of us in one house and soon you’ll find  that we all follow very similar ideologies. Thursday I sat down with three of the designers from the Southern Living show house to get some of their best designer secrets and trade tips.

Jerome Farris

from Peddler Interiors is decorating the show house living room.

Jamali Southern Living Showhouse

1) What is the best investment when designing a home? “Original Art is THE investment that makes YOUR space an Original!  Against the calming neutrals of this Showhouse, original works by renowned Artists such as Jamali provide that all-important “wow factor.”  Bold statements in art define the tone of a room and tell the story of who it’s owners are!  Always buy the best art you can afford as these pieces become valuable investments both financially and emotionally to be handed down throughout the years.” ~ Jerome Farris

He doesn’t know it yet, but Jerome and I are going to be best friends. For those of you who read my blog regularly, all I do is rant and rave about the importance of art, and how it transforms a space. Art truly is the best investment you can make in your home!

2) What is Jerome’s philosophy on being an interior designer? “No successful design is achieved without time and careful research.  You must take time to physically discover fabrics, accessories, and furnishings that reflect originality and that will remain unique to your space.  No client wants to invest in decor they may also find at their friends’ homes.” ~ Jerome Farris

3) How did you come up with the design of your space? “While the basic elements of the showhouse living room are each neutral in color, careful attention to diverse material selection is a must. Velvets, linens, metal, glass and wood must all mingle successfully to achieve texture and depth.  The way these selections blend are what makes the design interesting and unique.” ~Jerome Farris

Dana Tucker and Brooks Tucker

from Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes are doing the Southern Living show house’s powder bath floor, the range hood, a ceiling in the girl’s bedroom, a custom concrete overlay patterned finish on the floor of the covered porch and the entrance to the guest retreat. Here she offers up their best tips from a painters perspective:

Bella-Tucker Decorative finishes

1) What are some great tricks with paint when designing a space? “When painting, don’t forget the ceiling. Ceilings are another opportunity to introduce a little drama into a room. If you want the ceiling color to be the same color as the walls, in most cases you will need to cut the color by 1/2 strength since paint tends to look darker on a ceiling.  Choosing a color that is a few shades darker than your wall color can drop the ceiling a little.  Choosing a few shades lighter will elevate a ceiling. Adding pattern and texture to a ceiling will add warmth and depth and complete a custom look.” ~Dana Tucker

2) What are some great tricks to make walls a little more custom? For a completely custom look consider designing your own custom wallpaper. This can be done with a stencil, paints of the same color with varying sheens, metallic paints, and texture mediums. There are lots of great tutorials on the web. Here is a recent one from Rosemary on the TV” ~Dana Tucker

3) Any new products on the market that we must know about? “There is a new paint on the market revolutionizing the furniture painting category. It’s called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It comes in 24 colors and it is perfect for furniture because it does not require a primer and it distresses beautifully. The only thing standing between you and a beautiful swedish, parisian or shabby chic look is a creative eye, a quart of chalk paint, and a lovely piece of furniture.” ~Dana Tucker

Caroline Weigel

from Castle Homes, designing the kitchen for the Southern Living Show case home

Castle Kitchen

1) Why is the kitchen so important to a home? For many families the kitchen is the center or “hub” of family life, serving as a place not only to prepare food and dine, but to read mail, do homework or catch up with friends over a glass of wine. With so much living happening in today’s kitchens, it’s important that the room’s design is both functional and inviting.

2) What are some things to consider when designing a kitchen? If you’re building your dream kitchen or remodeling your current one start with the layout, considering appliance choices and positioning. You want to create a functional work triangle with your range, refrigerator and sink. Also, consider what views you want from your kitchen. When you’re standing at the sink do you want to see the kids playing in the next room or would you like to look out your window.

3) What is one of your best weapons? Never underestimate the importance of good lighting. It can make or break a room. Consider the many different ways you can introduce lighting into your kitchen. Consider task lighting which can mean under-cabinet or pendant lights, ambient lighting which sets the mood of the room and could be a grand chandelier or a funky art piece, and general lighting which typically means recessed or ceiling lights.

I really cannot agree more! I would like to thank the designers for taking the time to chat with me on their best trade secrets!

What are some of your favorite designer tricks?

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The show will be open Oct 22-Nov 6. For more info click here