We’re so excited to introduce our new monthly series on the mgd log where we’ll be answering questions directly from our readers – aka, you! When we asked for your submissions earlier this month, we had so many great questions to choose from. If your question isn’t answered here in our February Instagram Q&A, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter where we’ll be answering more every week!
For this month’s article, we connected with our senior designer to get her professional feedback on your burning interior design questions. We’re covering everything from matching wood flooring to your furniture to whether or not you need to use black in a coastal design palette. Keep reading, and then let us know on Instagram which questions you want included in next month’s Q&A!
At what point in the renovation process is it best to hire a designer?
In short, as soon as you can! If you’re planning a full-scale remodel, we would suggest hiring a designer from the beginning. That way, your designer can walk the space with you and your builder, as well as collaborate during the planning process with the architect. Designers can assist in reviewing plans and suggesting modifications that will help you achieve the overall look you’re going for in your home. They can also advise on things like window and door selections, exterior finishes, tile, flooring, and hardware, so hiring them during the initial planning process can help ensure that your home has a cohesive look from the outside to the interior.
What are your thoughts on using black in coastal design? Is it necessary? How do you keep it light and fresh but still feel grounded?
We typically keep things light and bright in a coastal design with white and natural tones and textures. However, you can still add black through lighting, hardware, and plumbing fixtures. This is a great way to add contrast to a lighter palette without it feeling overwhelming.
How do you decorate a room with wood floors? Should you match your furniture and flooring wood colors?
Your wood flooring sets the tone for the rest of the home. Paint colors, rugs, stain grade accents, etc. are all chosen based on the coloring of the wood flooring! Typically, in a room with wood floors, you’ll have a rug that will ground the space that the furniture sits on. This also creates a barrier between your flooring and the wood finish of your furniture. In that situation, you can get away with doing a similar furniture tone as your floors. If your wood furniture is going to sit directly on the wood floor, we’d recommend picking either a lighter or darker finish to provide a bit of contrast in your space.
What’s your favorite way to style a mantel above a fireplace?
Depending on where the fireplace is located, how we approach styling a mantel differs from room to room. In general, we try to keep it simple. If the fireplace is located in a family room, our clients typically want a TV placed there. In that case, we let the mantel stand on its own. Instead, we’ll flank the fireplace with built-ins or consoles that can have accessories. If the fireplace is in a room without a TV, we love to hang art with sconces above the mantel. Another option is to have leaner art with greenery that sits on the mantel. In a formal living space, the mantel often serves as an art piece in itself! In that case, adding a few additional layers will complete the space.
That’s a wrap on our February Instagram Q&A! We hope these answers were helpful as you embark on your next design project. We’ll start accepting questions for next month’s Q&A on Instagram soon, so make sure you’re following along! In the meantime, check out our design category on the mgd log where we’re always sharing new tips and ideas.