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Born in Kansas, the designer and TV star Joanna Gaines balances her life between being a wife, a mother, and a businesswoman. Gaines is not only a star in the hit television show Fixer Upper but also the co-owner and co-founder of the design and real estate company Magnolia. 

Her interest in design emerged after she graduated from Baylor University with a degree in communications. She worked as an intern in New York and fell in love with the profession. Her expertise and knowledge of design will often give people the impression that she had intensive training in the area, however, when she started flipping houses with her husband she had zero interior design background. 

Magnolia, Gaines’ personal project, was founded in 2003 when she also opened her own shop, Magnolia Market. Gaines and her husband, Chip, put all their love for design into remodeling and flipping homes. She mentions on the company’s website how Magnolia Market’s business idea was born out of a dream that was imagined impossible. She explained how it came to life thanks to her husband’s support and encouragement. After having their two kids, the couple decided to close the Market to focus on family, while also putting all their efforts into Magnolia Homes, where they learned the construction side of the business. After starting with the television show, she made the decision to reopen Magnolia Market, which turned into a great store in downtown Waco and an extensive online store.

The exceptionally successful company landed Gaines in the post of one of the most successful designers and businesswomen in the country. In addition to her own company, the television show Fixer Upper transformed her into a design celebrity. Currently, with over eleven million followers, she is one of the designers with the highest number of followers on Instagram. 

Joanna’s style, inspired by her Texan roots, can be defined as classic, simple, and fresh. She has a great eye for seeing potential in old and antiquated things and turning them into new pieces. A room designed by Gaines will most likely include wooden floors, wooden furniture, a cozy fireplace, and a big plush bed. Interestingly, Gaines revealed that her favorite space to renovate and design in a house is the laundry room, since it is often underestimated, and can serve as a great inspiration and comfort space if designed right. 

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Eco-Style interior design is the perfect alternative for someone who values being in nature and environmentally friendly. Walking barefoot on a wooden floor and breathing plants and flowers on your balcony is the gist behind the eco-style interior design, which has the purpose of building an earthy environment that promotes relaxation and comfort. 

At the same time this style reinforces the use of natural components, it also praises the careful use of energy and resources, such as solar panels and a smart home system, which saves gas, electricity, and water. Eco-style supports minimalism and the idea of using natural materials that can be recycled and reused. 

A way to accomplish an eco-style home is to use lots of plants. If you live in a big country house, then planting a vegetable garden, setting up greenhouses, building a pond, and including plant vases inside your house is a good method. If you live in an apartment, the idea of an eco-home can seem challenging, however, great ways to adhere to the style is to plant a vegetable garden on the windowsill, using pots and the right lighting and temperature, or using decorative touches that match the style, such as a florarium or making a plant frame for a mirror to decorate your walls. You can also arrange a green balcony, by hanging pots of plants over your head, including lots of flowers, and enjoying your weekend morning coffee in the shade of plants at a small wooden table. 

Another important element of the eco-style is a natural color palette. To bring about an atmosphere filled with light and air, it is ideal to paint the walls white or pastel colors. The spaces should have a big amount of natural light, as well as shades of yellow, blue, green, and brown. This style also uses wood for flooring and furniture, stone, cork, terracotta, ceramics, glass, and paper as decoration attributes. 

 For an eco-style design, the environmental impact of a product should be assessed through its entire life cycle, including extraction, production, transportation, and disposal. Materials that renew quickly can be a good option, such as bamboo or cork. The materials should not only be safe for the environment but also for humans. It should have a minimum content of toxic substances and zero toxic emissions of compounds that can harm your health. 

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Redecorating your home can seem like a fun task at first, but people often find themselves lost, without knowing where to start. Decorating a space without a helping hand and some guidance can end up being an exhausting endeavor, leading you to expensive renovations and an unpleasant environment. We listed the top 5 tips from expert celebrity interior designers to guide you when decorating your space. 

1- Less is More

Windsor Smith, who has had celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow as a client, reminds us that “less is more.”  Most people believe that the way to create a stylish and sophisticated interior is to add as many items and details as you can. She recommends letting go of anything that feels excessive, that can be seen as clutter instead of a piece of the design. “Purge your home of anything that feels heavy - even clothing,” she adds. 

2- Nature as an Inspiration

Kari Whitman, the television star who has worked on the homes of Hollywood icons such as Antonio Banderas and Jessica Alba, explains how she incorporates nature in her designs. She mentions how every encounter with nature can serve as inspiration for a design. "The other day I was eating oysters and I found the inner shell beautiful," she said. 

3- Lighting not just from windows

Adam Rolston, of Incorporated Architecture & Design, points out that thinking that the only way to get a bright room is to paint a room white is a very common mistake, and it should be avoided. A better way to accomplish a bright and illuminated room is to keep the overall palette of the room light, as well as using mirrors to reflect natural light into your interiors. 

4- Comfort Comes First 

Brian Paquette, a Seattle-based celebrity designer, recommends putting comfort before aesthetics. When designing your home, there is always going to be that dream dining table or that beautiful couch you can't take your mind off it. However, if it is not functional in relation to your everyday needs, then it is not going to work in your design. He mentions how you should always focus on comfort and usage, like a real dining table you can spread out on and a comfy sofa rather than just a seat.

5- How to make a room seem larger 

Jeff Andrews, who has worked on the homes of Kendall Jenner and Ryan Seacrest, gives a tip on how to make any room seem more spacious. The key is to use statement furniture, in other words, invest in larger pieces, and choose something that you like looking at. He also recommends keeping the color scheme simple and uniform. Varying textures and incorporating small amounts of prints make the space coordinated and larger. 

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Most people know actress Blake Lively for starring in some of the most beloved films and TV shows, such as Gossip Girl and The Age of Adaline. But what most don’t know is that she is an interior design genius and lover. In 2014, the actress launched her own website, Preserve, as a space intended to connect users with artisans, having her first experience with decor. The following year she decided to shut down the website, but her design side hustle stayed with her.  

She enjoys the job so much that she offers to design her friend’s homes at no cost, and this is not just for fun. Lively puts real work and effort into these designs, using fabric swatches, pattern work, and mood boards. 

In an Instagram post, she explained where she gets her inspiration from. She mentioned in the caption that it comes from simple everyday items and encounters, such as her own bathroom loose tile, her daughter’s clothes, and she even thanked her mom “for the sleeping disorder” that results in many productive all-nighters. 

Blake Lively also revealed in an interview that decorating weddings is another dream of hers and that a wedding planner is on the top of her list of ideal jobs, coming right after acting and interior designing. 

Even though she does all this designing for free, it has always been a passion of hers, and she even dreams of starting her own interior decorating firm. 

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When you are planning to decorate your home, there are factors at play that determine how you decorate. These include aesthetic taste, budget, and functionality. Long ago, interior design conventions were introduced and nowadays people have accepted them. However, just like any kind of art and fashion, interior design is always evolving and changing. These are some interior design myths that are outdated and should be deconstructed. 

Small Room, Light Color

Who said that you need to paint a small room a light color? Many people have this idea that in order to trick yourself and your guests that a tiny room in your house is bigger, light color is the solution. This is not true, and actually, the opposite applies. A dark shade of paint may actually add depth to the walls and create the illusion of pushing the wall back, making the room feel larger. 

Must have a theme? 

The idea that every room must have a theme and be designed accordingly is also a design myth. Choosing furniture and decorations that match too much can make your home look monotonous and tedious. The key to success is to take some risks and mix things up, but with balance, of course. Bring in pieces in different styles, colors, and textures. That will certainly make your home more interesting. 

To be trendy, or not to be trendy

Most people think that a decorating plan should include all the latest trends. That is not always true. When decorating your home, you should take time to define your style and preferences. If you love your 30-year-old grandmother’s couch, you should definitely include that in your plan and find a way to make it fit with the rest of the design. 

Who needs an interior designer? 

Another common misconception about interior design comes at the time of deciding if you need to hire an interior designer. Most people think that if you can do it yourself, why should you hire? The reality is that while you may have great ideas and tastes to decorate your home, there are some insights and advice that only a designer can give you. Interior designers help you with planning and anticipate problems that might come along the way, making you spend even less money with problems you might encounter without the expertise of a designer. 

Design doesn't matter

It is also a myth that a properly designed interior is not necessary. The environments we inhabit have a lot of influence in our mood, how we feel, behave, and live. A functionally designed house will ensure that your daily routine operates just like you need it to. The right color palette on your walls can enhance your mood, and even prevent depression and anxiety. Our home is, for most, the place that we spend the most time at, so it is worth investing in a design that will make you feel happy and comfortable. 

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When decorating a space, the task of combining elements in one cohesive space can be intimidating. While there are no set rules for design, there are definitely guidelines that everyone should follow to achieve the desired product. From choosing lighting, furniture, art, objects, and paint colors, there are key considerations you should think about so that your space works as a practical and captivating design project. We listed 5 basic rules of interior design to guide you when remodeling your space. 

1. Volume, Light, and Depth 

When designing a new space, it is essential to focus on volume, light, and depth. While these elements can sound very abstract and difficult to manipulate, they can make a big difference when choosing pieces to design a space. Volume can be played with by choosing oversized windows and doors. Depth can be achieved with the right pieces of furniture, such as a small and low couch to draw attention to a large window. The lighting of a space highly depends on furniture choices as well. Light colors, such as glass, chrome, and marble, can move the light around the room. 

2. Practicality and Flow 

In any room, the space needs to make sense. The furniture needs to work together as a whole, and you need to consider things such as mobility in specific situations, for when you are home alone, with your family, or with guests. If you were having a dinner party, and there were a lot of people inside your kitchen, will your guests be able to easily get to the restroom? If you have children, will you be able to cook while keeping an eye on them? These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself so that you achieve practicality and flow in your space. 

3. Planning is Key

For everything in life, having a well-done plan is the key to success. That is especially true for design. Before starting to purchase furniture, paints, and elements that are going to pull your design together, think about what it is that you want to achieve with your design. What do you want it to reflect? How do you want the space to work? 

4. Include one Statement Piece 

Every room needs a statement piece that will catch the eye of anyone walking by. Having a piece that will surprise and make an impact in your room is key for not only impressing your guests but making you feel good and inspired. A statement piece can be a piece of furniture in a bold color, a remarkable rug, or a work of art. Use your imagination and choose something that you felt a connection to the first moment you saw it. 

5. Add Mirrors 

Mirrors can transform any room from tedious and dull to exciting and interesting. This especially applies to small spaces. Mirrors add light and depth and can make a room look bigger, by expanding the space and reflecting views. Mirrors are practical and decorative at the same time, and a great addition to walls where you are not sure what to put on.

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The design of your home is essential for improving and maintaining your mental health and productivity. 

With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting people all over the world, quarantine and stay at homes orders were a major concern. The feeling of being outdoors with nature, and having human interaction in larger social settings was truly missed. Quarantine made people realize what interior designers have known to be true for a long time: The importance of being inside an environment that makes you feel good. 

We have all experienced heading home from work after a stressful day and finally getting to the comfort of our living room. Encountering a cluttered kitchen, an office full of files and laptops, or decoration that you cannot stand to look at anymore does not contribute to relaxation. 

The pandemic lifestyle required people to rethink the spaces in their homes, when more than ever a functional space to work or study at was necessary. Organization is often looked over when it comes to interior design. The truth is that the organization of your space is just as important as the looks, and they often come hand in hand. An organized space plays a great role in your mood, productivity, and well-being. Designing a space that allows you to functionally maintain the space organized is essential. 

Lighting and colors can also have an impact on your mental health and productivity. 

The right palette choice is individual to every person’s taste. However, it is important to choose colors that resemble peace and calm, and that you will not get tired of it over time. The psychology of colors is very effective and should be followed for optimal relaxation results. If you want to have a space that transmits a sense of peace and simplicity, then a blue and white color palette is your go-to. 

Having the right amount of windows in a room is also a must. It is proven that sunlight can reduce depression and increase productivity levels. More natural light in a room can boost your mood and happiness, while a dark room can trigger sadness and anxiety. 

It is important to think strategically about how space is used every day and how you want the space to feel. If you have kids and pets, it is worth investing in furniture that can handle frequent wear and tear. If you have a big family, having a big couch and seating spaces for every family member can avoid stressful situations. 

After taking care of organization, the next step is to choose objects and pieces for the design that makes you feel good, and that really connects to you every time you look at it. 

When so much in our life is out of control, our home is a place we have total authority over. Our homes should be our sanctuaries and happy places. Investing in a design that makes you feel good is crucial for your well-being. 

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The new celebrity design show will air on amazon based streaming service IMDb TV for free. The 51-year-old Flipping Out Alum and Jeff Lewis Live! Radio show host will executive produce the show, featuring his life as a single father and designer. The design show will showcase his eccentric home design, as well as his celebrity clientele and exclusive design innovations. 

The show will follow Lewis as he administers "high-maintenance celebrities and ambitious home design projects while juggling his staff and personal life, which are all a work in progress," according to the streaming service.

Jeff Lewis is popularly known as the star of his former show Flipping Out, which aired its final episode in November 2018. The show spotlighted his personal drama and the difficulties of owning his interior design firm, Jeff Lewis Design. Flipping Out ended with Lewis getting into a turbulent fight with his friend and coworker Jenni Pulos. 

Running for two seasons, the show Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis was a spin-off of Flipping Out, and premiered on Bravo in 2012. 

Interior Therapy’s series finale came shortly before Lewis had complications with his partner, Gage Edward, which resulted in their separation. Edward is the father of their 4-year-old daughter Monroe Christine and was also his business manager.

Jeff’s return to television is anxiously awaited by his fans, who idolize him for his breathtaking design work and humorous judgment of home renovations. A show premiere date has not yet been announced. 

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Remodeling or building a house or a workspace is not an easy task. Hiring the right people to help you is the key to making your vision become a reality. It is a common misconception to use the terms interior designer and interior decorator interchangeably. There are major differences that make each qualified for specific functions. 

While designers create functional spaces within a building, decorators embellish the space with decorative pieces, such as furniture, rugs, and accessories. 

An Interior decorator garnishes spaces that already exist by helping their clients make decisions about best fitting style, color palettes, furniture, art, and accessories. If your space does not require structural changes such as adding new walls and electrical wiring, then an interior decorator is the best fit for you. They are the correct choice if your space simply needs visual updates. 

Unlike an interior decorator, an interior designer works with creating new interior spaces. A designer creates an appealing space and strategically studies how to create a functional and methodical environment to satisfy their clients’ needs. They use technology to carefully create virtual plans to work hand in hand with construction teams who carry out the design. If you want your space to be a reflection of your personality and style while also functioning in a way that corresponds to your lifestyle, then hiring a designer is the right fit for you. 

When it comes to hiring a designer or a decorator, one of the main concerns is the cost. Contrary to what most think, hiring a designer can help you understand exactly where your money is going, as well as help you work your space with items that best fit your budget. You will indeed have an additional cost of a designer's fee, but you will avoid spending money on a piece of furniture that looked amazing in the store but did not fit your living room, or painting your walls five times because you cannot find the right color palette. A designer or decorator will not only benefit you financially but also save you time by using their experience and expertise to anticipate obstacles that might come up along the way. 

Haute design has a wonderful network of interior designers who can help you make your space perfectly fitted for your lifestyle and your needs. You can find these top designers  at https://dev.hauteresidence.com/designer/

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Meet the new trending style which is taking over our Instagram pages with a flavor of its own. Combining originality and the space millennials felt the safest at is the concept behind the Grandmillenial decor style.

This unexpected style comeback, which was initiated by writer Emma Bazilian in a trend piece, brings homey and nostalgic pieces featuring ruffles, frilly pillows, white and blue china, skirts on furniture, drapery, and a lot of needlepoint.

The combination of furniture created from dark stained wood and abstract art creates a vintage with a modern look. Patterns are foremost when it comes to Grandmillenial decor, highlighting classic prints such as chintz, toile, and plaid.

In a time when being different and original is so valued, Millennials, which range from the mid-20s to late 30s, have favoritism with design trends that are considered by most old and outdated. Grandmillenials are trend-averse, and very attracted to entertaining, a major aspect of the decor style. The popularity of the trend was furthered thanks to shared images on social media displaying fancy dinner parties and exuberant tablescapes.

With the Grandmillenial decor style, there is the risk of making the space too cluttered, excessive, and too granny-like. The purpose of the decor style is to have an antique feel that is layered and classic at the same time. The thoughtful use of colors, patterns, and items is critical. The key to success with Grandmillenial style is to keep the color palette uniform, so the environment feels consistent and cozy instead of tumultuous. This granny-chic style shows off millennials' individuality while bringing them a sense of nostalgia.

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