The Holladay Properties’ design team has numerous architectural awards and accreditations as well as individual degrees and certifications that set us apart from average designers. Our architects are licensed in Illinois as well as Indiana, and have RID, AIA®, ASID and LEED® affiliations. In this blog, four of our talented designers share their best interior design tips with you!

1. Interior Design is not just about making a space appealing to the eye. It is more about the function of the space and creating and arranging elements in a space that enhance the function along with the aesthetic appeal.
   

2. Designing a room can be a lot like assembling an outfit.  A few quality basics can go a long way, and become the foundation for completing a unique look.

   Just as you can dress up or down a classic pair of jeans, the same can be done with core pieces of furniture or architectural features.  For example, a neutral-colored sofa with a simplistic shape can be accessorized to achieve a desired function and design.  Pillows, or think jewelry, added to the sofa can take it anywhere from a “casual / often sat-in” look to a more “formal / only used on holidays” appearance.  Larger and bolder-colored pillows are going to look more inviting and comfortable to sit up next to than pillows that have embellishments, such as beading, or tassels.  Similar to a pair of jeans, a piece of furniture can be dressed up or down, depending on its accessories.

   Point being: Just as it is suggested that every women invest in a quality pair of jeans or timeless black dress, I suggest investing in quality focal pieces for a space. They will go a long way, and can easily be reinvented to accommodate a different use or to incorporate ever-changing trends.

   – Lori Kappel, Project Designer (Portage, IN)

3. It’s usually best as a building owner to stick with classic color palettes that will remain timeless, instead of picking trendy colors. They appeal to more people and users. However that doesn’t mean you have to use all neutrals. Muted tones of colors can also be used to add interest in a space. You can also use various materials and textures (wood, metal, fabric, etc.) to add visual interest.

   – Jessica Vargas, Project Architect, AIA, LEED AP (Portage, IN)

4. Typically you want to stick with using odd numbers for installation of wall art or collages.

   Color selection is always a personality choice, but I lean towards suggesting that walls should stay earthy and lighter, while utilizing wall art or other decorative items to achieve pops of color. At the most, use only a single wall for a bolder accent color.

   Furniture selection: If you are a millennial hipster go to the local flea market and look for a bargain buy. Mixing and matching is very “in” right now. If you are not a hipster then I have no advice. Ha ha.

   Lighting: Color Temperature, Color Temperature, Color Temperature. Most bulbs have a 2400K color temp. Although it is a warm inviting light, it also can completely change the color of your walls. I personally like a more blue light, which is a 3500K-5000k color temp, (daylight bulbs are usually a 3500-4000 temp). Gives more of a natural light feel.

   Subcontractors: Ask for references, talk to your neighbors, use who they have used and would give a good reference to. But, at the same time, don’t use your neighbor’s brother-in-law just because; be sure to ask for other references and even go visit a recently completed project with that person to be sure they can meet your quality, time, and pricing expectations.

   – Tyler Kelsey, Project Architect, AIA, NCARB (South Bend, IN)

Do you like our interior design tips? Want to see more? Let us know what advice you’re looking for in the comments section and see your answers in an upcoming blog!

Holladay Properties’ architecture and design component was created to support the multitude of new development projects and tenant improvement projects the company has completed. Recently, Holladay began offering these fee-based services to third-party clientele. Holladay’s architectural department has a growing third-party project portfolio and has enjoyed building new client relationships with corporate and private businesses alike. Contact us today for more information about our Architecture & Design Services.