Hi, I'm Alex, the owner and lead designer at The Home Maker Interior Design, in Gig Harbor, WA. As an interior designer, I get a lot of questions every day—whether it's about design rules, how I work, or just general advice. This month, I’ve had a few questions pop up from both clients and friends that I thought might be helpful for you too! So, I’m sharing my answers in the hopes that they can help you with your design decisions.
1) What size rug does this room need?
This is a question I get all the time, and it’s a good one! The size of a rug depends on the space and the furniture arrangement. Here’s a quick rundown:
Living Room: In a living room, the goal is to have at least the front legs of your furniture on the rug. If you can manage to fit all the legs of your seating group on the rug, even better! For most living rooms, I recommend no smaller than an 8x10 rug, and usually I choose a 10x12 or larger.
Bedroom: For bedrooms, you want the rug to run perpendicular to the bed. The width should be wide enough for you to step out of bed onto it, generally around the width of your bed plus 4 feet (2 feet on either side). You’ll also want to keep it clear of bedside table legs—just place it a few inches in front of them and center the bed on it.
Dining Room: For dining rooms, you’ll want the rug to extend 2-3 feet beyond the edges of the table on all sides. This ensures that when you pull out your chairs, the legs stay on the rug.
This floorplan is from a project that will be completed in early Jan 2025. See how large the rug is compared to the dining room table? 2) How do I mix patterns?
Mixing patterns is a popular design trend right now, but it can be intimidating for people who haven’t done it before. The key is to keep it simple. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Decide what to pattern. Think about which accessories you want to add pattern to—pillows, rugs, curtains, etc. It’s easiest to start with smaller, more easily changeable pieces before diving into larger ones.
Mix different pattern scales. I divide patterns into small, medium and large in my head. Try using one of each in a room to create balance. This helps keep the space visually interesting without overwhelming it.
Stick to a cohesive color palette. Choose 3-4 main colors for your room and make sure each pattern incorporates at least two of these colors. Keeping the colors consistent ties everything together.
Types of patterns to mix. Just like there are different scales of patterns, there are also different types of patterns-florals, geometric, abstract, animal print, stripes, and more. Pick 3 types and mix them together!
Pro Tip: if you're feeling overwhelmed, pick 1 small floral or animal print + 1 medium geometric + 1 large stripe and mix them together. You've got this!
3) How do I create a color palette for my home?
Choosing the right colors can be tricky with so many options out there, but I use a few simple “equations” to create cohesive color palettes.
Monochromatic: This means using different shades of the same color. It’s a great way to create a soothing, layered look. For example, a room full of soft blues, from a deep navy to a pale sky blue.
Analogous: These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. Think blue, green, and teal. Analogous palettes are naturally harmonious and easy to work with.
Complementary: These colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or purple and yellow. This is a more dynamic, high-contrast scheme that works really well for making a statement.
Triadic: This uses three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel—like red, yellow, and blue. It’s a fun and bold way to create a vibrant, energetic palette.
Once you know which type of color scheme you prefer, you can narrow down the base colors and start playing with different shades of each color. For example, if you like complementary color schemes and have a navy-blue sofa, adding burnt orange pillows can create a striking, balanced look.
4) What kind of countertops should I use?
Choosing the right countertop material depends on your lifestyle and budget, but here are a few of my top recommendations based on personal experience:
Granite: It’s a natural stone that’s super durable, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, so you’re sure to find a slab that fits your style. When sealed properly, it’s also stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for kitchens. Plus, it’s a lifetime investment because it’s so durable.
Quartz: Quartz is another fantastic option. It’s a man-made material that’s incredibly durable, non-porous, and doesn’t require resealing like granite. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants low-maintenance countertops. However, it’s not heat-resistant, so be sure to use hot pads when working with hot pots or pans. The upside is that quartz often comes with a warranty, so you get added peace of mind.
Now, here are my two least favorite countertops:
Tile: I used to live with tile countertops, and I have to say, I’m not a fan. Grout lines can get dirty very quickly, and crumbs always seem to get stuck in them. Even though the tile itself can be high-quality (like granite), the grout makes it hard to keep clean.
Marble: I'm aware that this might ruffle some feathers, but this is just based on my experience. Marble is undeniably beautiful, but it’s a very soft stone, which means it stains, chips, and scratches easily. If you’re the type of person who’s okay with a bit of wear and tear, it might work for you. But for a busy family or anyone looking for low-maintenance countertops, I’d recommend something more durable.
3) When I hire The Home Maker, where do we order furnishings from?
Easy! With us! When you hire us, you don’t have to worry about hunting down furnishings yourself. Just like any furniture or home goods store, we have accounts with a wide variety of manufacturers that cover everything from sleek, modern styles to cozy, traditional pieces—and everything in between. Whether you want something ready to ship or prefer a custom-designed piece for your space, we’ve got you covered.
The best part is that you won’t be handed a vague shopping list and left to figure it all out on your own. We are involved every step of the way, from selecting the perfect pieces to coordinating the delivery and installation. You get personalized guidance throughout the entire process—no stress involved!
I hope these answers help clear up some of your questions! If there’s something you’d like me to cover next month, please feel free to reach out. You can email me at contact@thehomemakerinteriors.com or just click the button below. I’d love to hear from you!
– Alex
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