Have you ever wondered: OK, so I’ve narrowed my focus to this one particular element of my room. I am just stuck and need to know which is the right _____________. That’s it. Hmmm, but Maria doesn’t offer an eDesign package for this one detail. Darn… it’s just a teeny-tiny… Continue Reading →
Today I’m sharing some of my design assistant’s best home improvement projects… and saying goodbye. That means we are hiring! Keep reading to find out more. Friday, we received the news that my rock star, design assistant Kelly (below), who you’ve seen mentioned many times on this blog in the… Continue Reading →
Do you ever feel like there’s a rat race to install the next newest trend in kitchen design? Maybe you inherited a kitchen where the former homeowner installed the trendiest finishes from another decade? Well, you are not alone. Here’s my best advice for taking your dated kitchen from yesterday (whenever that… Continue Reading →
I see this mistake a lot in new kitchen designs. The minute your granite countertops are installed, something doesn’t look right but you can’t quite put your finger on it. It’s the most common mistake when choosing granite. Find out what it is and how to avoid making this mistake… Continue Reading →
This reader needs help choosing a sconce light for above the window in a new kitchen. Find out what Maria would do as well as her advice on how to choose the best lights for your kitchen. “I’m writing with the hope you can take one look at this photo… Continue Reading →
While quartz has largely taken over, granite had a very loooong moment. So many of us have inherited granite countertops we would not choose. Today I’m sharing a roundup of my best advice for making your granite countertops look less dated and more classic and timeless. If you’re tackling a kitchen… Continue Reading →
I often get asked how to combine metal finishes in lighting and hardware. The look of matching all your finishes is long gone (even when working with brass). Here are a few guidelines to help you mix metals like a pro. Thank you to the Washington Post for including my… Continue Reading →
Here’s another look at my design assistant’s classic and timeless home renovation. She and her husband took a chance on a dated 70s ranch and completely renovated it, both inside and out, and transformed it into a modern family bungalow. Get all the before and after details in this post!… Continue Reading →
This reader asks how to choose the right hood fan for her kitchen – more specifically, a classic and timeless hood fan that relates to her kitchen design. Which range hoods are trendy and should be avoided? Here’s my advice. Before we get started, I want to let you know… Continue Reading →
It’s really hard to pull off a trendy kitchen design that actually outlasts the trend. Your kitchen cabinets may be good quality and expensive, but that doesn’t equal timeless. Here’s my advice for a reader who wants a fresher kitchen, without a costly major renovation. My dated cherry kitchen cabinets… Continue Reading →
Looking for an alternative backsplash to subway tile? Here are some beautiful kitchen designs with no backsplash. Find out what makes these fresh kitchen designs without a backsplash timeless and classic. I recently received this email from Mary, a lovely member of my blog community, along with her stunning new… Continue Reading →
You can freshen up a Tuscan kitchen without a complete renovation. Here’s a look at my sister’s fresh (but still Tuscan) kitchen makeover. It’s full of pretty blue accents. My sister Elizabeth and her family have lived in their current house for almost 10 years. The first update in the… Continue Reading →
Cherry picking your favorite details from professionally-designed kitchens will not make your kitchen design better and can end up falling flat. Magazine-worthy kitchen designs cannot be easily copied. Let me explain why. House Beautiful | Interior Design by Nina Farmer A beautifully designed kitchen. When I opened up my House… Continue Reading →
Are you tired of looking at dated kitchen finishes you didn’t choose, but not quite ready for a gut renovation? Here are some easy ways to work with what you’ve got and make your dated 90s granite disappear. Since the grey trend has been replaced with black/dark and moody kitchens… Continue Reading →
Wood cabinets are having a moment right now. And they can absolutely be timeless, if you make them look current and fresh. Here are the results of an eDesign rustic kitchen makeover with must-see before and after photos. My eDesign consultations create happy endings. And, I love happy endings… Happy… Continue Reading →
Maria’s White Garden Transformation; Before & After I wrote the first rule of design (according to Maria Killam 🙂 ) in 2013 when I was working on my garden renovation. I have had this rule quoted back to me many times by my readers and by students who attend my… Continue Reading →
