How Do You Know When You're Ready to Hire an Interior Designer?

When it comes to your upcoming home remodel, are you short on time? Do you feel lost or overwhelmed turning your personal style into a beautifully designed room? It may be time to tap out—and hire an interior designer! Working with an interior designer helps save you time and money, all while removing the stress, and putting the fun back into redecorating and remodeling your home. 

Whether you’re looking to Transform Your Average Kitchen into Luxury with 12 Stunning Remodel Must-Haves or you are ready to incorporate some of the Hottest New Interior Design Trends for Homes in Newport Beach in 2023, an interior designer will simplify the process and provide you with a home that’s both functional and beautiful. But, how do you know that you’re ready to hire an interior designer? [Hint hint: most of our client’s would have benefited from hiring us earlier.] Here are a few sure signs that it is time. 

1. You’re moving into a new home.

Even if you opted for a brand new or recently renovated house, in order to really get your new home “turnkey” ready for you to move in and start living your best life, you are bound to require some different furniture, area rugs, and decor than you had in your old home. Chances are you have increased or decreased square footage, have additional rooms or rooms that take a different shape, are working with a new layout, or may have moved to a different state with a more predominant design style than your old home’s location—all of which require you to determine what furniture should stay, and what new items you will need to purchase. Or perhaps you would like to add a more modern interior design style, smart technology, or organizational upgrades to your home. An interior designer can help you accomplish all of your goals (without the headache). 

On the flipside, maybe you bought a fixer-upper and some major renovations are in order. Choosing an interior designer who has relationships with contractors throughout the area is a must. Whenever you buy a new home, hiring an interior designer to help you assess the situation should be first on your to-do list!

Designed by Genevieve Chambliss while working at Dwellings Design Group

2. You are planning mid-sized to major renovations. 

Interior designers are responsible for coordinating and managing your home renovation projects from start to finish. Therefore, if you are planning mid-sized or major renovations, you should definitely be ready to hire an interior designer. In fact, that should be your first step. When it comes to remodels, many homeowners underestimate the time and energy needed for their project and quickly become overwhelmed when they try to do it on their own. Your general contractor will want plan and elevation drawings, and expect you to have all the details figured out from plumbing fixtures and tile to selecting door knobs and baseboards. Interior designers will tackle everything from conceptual design and space planning to the installation and styling—and all the details in between. 

When it comes to getting started, you’ll need an expert with great spacial skills to rework and re-envision your space to meet your needs and ultimately enhance how you live. Your interior designer will: 

• Define the design direction and palette 

• Improve flow patterns

• Add desired features

• Furniture space plan

• Incorporate existing furniture

During the next phase of your renovation, your interior designer will develop the design by addressing all the little details to create a cohesive look that evokes your personal style.  

• Develop a detailed set of plans and elevations to communicate the design to your contractor and tradesmen

• Select cabinet style, custom inserts and design bespoke millwork details

• Specify flooring finishes, countertops, tile, and paint colors

• Specify the plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, etc.

• Provide 3D renderings to help you envision your future dream home

Your interior designer will also lead you through furniture and accessory selections. They will purchase and procure all your items, communicate with vendors to track and expedite shipments, coordinate deliveries, and then install all furniture and style your home with artwork and home decor for a finished cohesive look. 

If you are in need of major renovations, check out these resources: 

• How the Interior Design Process can Improve Your Property Value

• The Comprehensive Home Remodel Planning Guide: a FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Remodel Your Home like a Pro

3. You feel lost or overwhelmed at the thought of “redecorating.”

One major indicator that you are ready to hire an interior designer is that you are overwhelmed. It is OK to ask for help and to opt out of DIY options when it comes to redecorating your home. Not everyone has a knack for marrying personal style with what’s on trend and what is functional. Quality interior designers have gone to design school, have a natural instinct for attention to detail coupled with an unparalleled technical edge, and have plenty of experience designing luxury spaces that are cohesive, polished, and tailored to each client. There is no need to rely on yourself if you don’t want to!  

Designed by Genevieve Chambliss while working at Dwellings Design Group

4. You have some idea of the design style you like—or don’t like. 

Before you are officially ready to hire an interior designer, it is a good idea to know what items or styles you are drawn to and/or what styles you definitely want to avoid. Try making a list of furniture or art pieces in your home that you can’t part with and/or start a Pinterest board where you can save images of entire rooms, specific design styles, furniture, art, colors, finishes, etc. that you can show your interior designer. 

5. You have a general idea of your timeline and know your budget.

We will get into this in greater detail a few points down, but you might not be ready to hire an interior designer if you have zero sense of what you’d like to accomplish in your home or how much you are willing to spend. These are two questions that you need to ask yourself before you are ready to start your project. You can always meet with an interior designer (or a few) to gain a better understanding of what home renovations cost these days, and a realistic idea of how long remodels take. Once you have some idea of what you want and what you are ready to invest in your home, an interior designer can help you determine if your project and budget are realistic or if you may need to phase it out to accomplish your goals. That way you can plan for the future and determine if you truly are ready to hire an interior designer. 

6. You are open to suggestions. 

Being open to suggestions is a big (and often overlooked) aspect of being ready to hire an interior designer. When you are working with someone to transform your home into your luxury dream home, you will need to be open to new ideas and, unfortunately, sometimes hearing that one of your ideas won’t work or be ideal for your space. If you can be open to feedback and suggestions, a good interior designer will help you find better solutions than you could have dreamed up so that you’re overjoyed with the outcome of your newly designed home. 

Designed by Genevieve Chambliss while working at Dwellings Design Group

7. You have a pretty good understanding of the interior design process. 

It is your interior designer’s job to make sure that you have a solid understanding of the interior design process you are about to embark on, and that all your questions have been answered. We touched on this process a bit when we discussed mid-sized to major home renovations, but for a more comprehensive overview of the interior design process, you can view this page.  

8. You’ve found an interior designer who fits your style, timeline and budget. 

Hopefully by now you have ended your search for the top interior designers from Newport Beach, CA (shameless plug: we made this list) and you have found someone who matches your style, and can work within your timeline and budget. To find someone who matches your style, you can review the interior designer’s portfolio. However, keep in mind that an interior designer’s job is to decipher your personal style and bring it to life. That means you don’t necessarily need to love the same design style or decor, but rather that your interior designer will listen to your ideas, pain points, functional needs, and goals, and has the eye for aesthetics, technical background, and plenty of experience to get the job done correctly.

Regarding timeline and budget? At this point, you should have gained a realistic idea of how long your project will take and how much it will cost. This will depend on the scope of your project. If you’re planning a major renovation, your home remodel could take up to a year! Make sure your interior designer is honest with you—delivery times are still slower and prices are still up. Don’t choose an interior designer who will compromise their integrity to get you to choose them, or someone who will compromise quality. Alternatively, a good interior designer will show you where you can save money and where you should put the majority of your budget to achieve your goals and get the best return on your investment.  

Check out 5 Things to Look for When Hiring an Interior Designer in Orange County for more information. 

9. You and your interior designer have decided what interior design services are best for your needs. 

There are many different ways to work with interior designers based on your specific needs. Here are a few of the ways you can work with us:

1. Full-Service Design: top-to-bottom service for your luxury remodel or new construction. This service includes a full custom design tailored to your style and the way you live. With this done-for-you service we also execute all purchasing and procurement, project management, as well as final styling so your new, beautiful home is turnkey ready for you to kick up your feet, relax, and enjoy.

2. Virtual or Design-Only Services: perfect if you have time to devote to your remodel or furnishing project but lack the expertise. In this case, we will select finishes, fixtures, furniture, and more and provide detailed drawings. Then you take it from there to execute the design. With this service, you are responsible for all purchasing  and procurement as well as project management. This service can be done locally with an initial on-site consultation or virtually with customer-provided dimensions.

3. Designer-On-Call Service: if you're unsure how much or how little help you need, or just have some small design details you'd like help with, then a Designer-on-Call package might be right for you. Get our expert design advice, paint color selection, art selection, or a professional floor plan or elevation drawing for your contractor at our hourly rates.

Designed by Genevieve Chambliss while working at Dwellings Design Group

Ready to schedule your discovery call? Contact us today! 

For more information on hiring the right interior designer for your project, check out these additional resources: 

• When To Hire an Interior Designer: Questions to ask Yourself

• 5 Things to look for when Hiring an Interior Designer in Orange County

How to Decorate Your Orange County Home in Organic Modern Interior Design Style

Kitchen by Vieve Interiors with white walls, clean lines, and natural wood and marble elements

In the tranquil beach-side communities of Orange County, a new design style termed “organic modern interior design style” is filling up the homes of more and more of style-lovers. Perfect for our coastal environment, organic modern interior design this style balances the simplicity of modern design with organic, or “of the earth” elements and a nature-inspired palette to create a warm casual look. In other words, this aesthetic combines natural materials and colors with modern elements for an elegant but comfortable look. If you’re looking to try out the organic modern interior design style, here are our top tips to get you started. 

Start with a Neutral Backdrop

The best way to start any renovation or decorating project is to create a blank canvas. When it comes to organic modern interior design style, it’s important to start with a neutral backdrop. A fresh white or creamy paint color is the perfect foundation for the rest of your organic modern design elements.

The fresh white walls of Lance Le Pere & Michael Kors’ living room sets the stage for layered organic elements that warm the space.

Opt for Clean Lines and Modern Simplicity 

When laying out your space and choosing furniture, stick with clean lines and keep things simple for a sleek, modern vibe. This will give you plenty of room to layer on other elements like texture and color later on.

Modern bathroom with clean lines by Viève Interiors

Use Natural Elements to Soften the Space 

Natural elements are key when incorporating organic modern interior design style into your home. Think wood flooring and furniture, natural stone countertops or tile, jute rugs, seagrass baskets—anything that can give your home an earthy feel while still maintaining its modern edge. Wood furniture pieces will help bring warmth into the space while rattan accessories can add texture without competing with existing accents. 

The live edge wood table brings an earthy element to this stunning dining room by Viève Interiors

Introduce Earthy Colors 

Organic modern interior designs utilize earthy colors like taupes, beiges, grays, whites and warm browns in order to create a calm vibe throughout the room. If you want a little more color, add in subtle ocean blues, bright gold, terracotta or deep forest greens. These should be used sparingly so as not to overpower the subdued, airy and light colour palette—a few pops here and there should do just fine!  

The beautiful copper drapes warm and soften this modern bathroom by Kate Walker Design

Style With Handmade or Vintage Decor

One of the best ways to add personality and charm is by incorporating handmade decor items into your space. The originality and irregularity of something made by the human hand is key to the charm of the organic modern interior design style. Whether it’s a vintage handmade vessel, a macrame wall hanging, or repurposed thrift-store finds, these pieces can add depth and interest for an extra special touch that sets your home apart from all others! 

Shelves styled with handmade bowls and vessels by Athena Calderon

Find beauty in function

A great way to keep your design clutter- free while still incorporating pretty aesthetic accents is to highlight utilitarian items as part of the design. Display cutting boards or a mortar and pestles in your kitchen, or keep a pretty woven basket in your entry to use to gather cut flowers or carry groceries.

Beautifully styled kitchen shelves with cutting boards, pepper grinders, a pitcher and mugs by Studio McGee

Lots of Greenery

Finally, make sure you incorporate lots of greenery into your space! A few potted plants can instantly brighten up any room. Add a ficus to liven up a living room or a ZZ plant to add a sculptural element in an empty corner. Not only does this help bring in some color but also helps keep air quality high which is always important for any home!  And if you don’t have a green thumb, you might look at faux or dried options to achieve the same organic feel. 

The large tree completes this living room with its white walls, warm browns and modern light fixture

If you're looking for an elegant yet comfortable look for your home then organic modern interior design style might just be what you need! By combining natural materials with modern elements such as clean lines and earthy colors, you'll be able to create a unique atmosphere that fits your lifestyle perfectly! 

Need help pulling together the organic modern home of your dreams? We’d love to help. Schedule a complimentary discovery call today!

Save this blog post for later on your Pinterest Home Decor Ideas Board!

Hottest New Interior Design Trends for Homes in Newport Beach in 2023

Designed by Viève Interiors

Time to give your home a new look? Decorating your home has so many amazing benefits including increased property value, energy efficiency, and improved mood. But it often comes with a slew of questions: Where do I start? What is popular now? How do I make sure my home doesn’t feel dated in 5 years?

While design trends aren’t the only thing to consider when updating your home, knowing what is currently trending, or better yet, what trends are up and coming will help your home feel current for years to come. We’re here to help you with the hottest new interior design trends for homes in Newport Beach in 2023! You can also check out last year’s edition: 10 of the Hottest Trends in Interior Design in Orange County in 2022.  

Curves in Interior Design 

The curve trend in interior design came into Vogue several years ago, quickly picked up momentum, and is still going strong. Why? Curves are sexy. Period. Whether bold and abundant, or soft and subtle, curves add a lot of style and flare to the interior of your home. In 2023, you can expect to see a lot of simplified arches in home remodels, curved corners of cabinetry, as well as a plethora of curved-edge details in furniture. Check out Crate and Barrel and CB2—both offer a number of new curved pieces. And, brands like Restoration Hardware started selling bold pieces of curved furniture as well. 

Photo credit: @emilydelbellointeriors

photo credit: @studioblackinteriors

Photo credit: @vanitybydesign_

Ruffles, Pleats and Fringe in Interior Design 

This fun trend of decorating with ruffles, pleats and fringe recently made its public debut in interior design magazines and decor publications, including the cover of the latest Serena and Lily catalog. This nod to traditional design is popping up in increasing numbers on sofas with pleated or fringe detail at the skirt (CB2 even has their modern take on this trend). We’re also seeing a resurgence of ruffled window treatments, pillow shams and bedding; pleated window treatments and upholstery; plus blankets and hand towels with fringed edges. 

photo credit: @shumacher_gulfcoast

Moody Hues in Interior Design 

If done right, adding moody hues into your interior design can make a space look sleek and sophisticated. This design trend has the ability to add drama to any room or can induce a very calming effect. To get this look, incorporate deeper, darker tones like dark green, navy, charcoal, or even black. Or go with more saturated jewel tones like plum or deep teal. Whatever colors you choose, you can incorporate those moody hues through wall paint or wallpaper, tiles, flooring, furniture, decor items, and much more.  

Designed by Viève Interiors

Designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @weethhome

Darker Wood Tones

While light white oak has been an interior design favorite for quite some time now—and still will remain popular—We’re also seeing more medium and dark wood tones being used in designer interiors. And I’m absolutely loving it! These medium and darker wood tones add so much warmth and richness to a home. Don’t you agree? 

Photo credit: blancmarineliving

Photo credit: @blancmarineliving

Photo credit: @kitchenperfectly

Granny Chic Florals in Interior Design 

Granny chic florals are a huge trend in interior design right now that bring a comfortable nostalgia to a space. Shea McGee of McGee & Co. is one of the many designers who popularized the look of delicate floral wallpaper. We are also seeing granny chic floral patterns in furniture, throw pillows, and drapery. 

Photo credit: houseandhomemag

Photo credit: @houzzuk

Photo credit: @beckynielseninteriors

Multipurpose Spaces in Interior Design

The trend of multipurpose or multi-use spaces made our list of 10 of the Hottest Trends in Interior Design in Orange County in 2022, and it has made the list again! Multi-functional spaces are here to stay. In the world of work-from-home, and where personal health and wellness is a top priority, it is so important to make good functional use of the space in your homes. Here are a few ideas of multipurpose spaces: a home office that doubles as a craft room, school/study space tucked in a game room, a reading nook or meditation/yoga space in a bedroom.

Photo credit: deniseglenndesign

Wellness in Interior Design 

We touched on this briefly when talking about multipurpose spaces, but with more awareness around the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, we are seeing more design elements and spaces that aim to improve personal wellness. A personalized gym, indoor spa, sauna, massage table, or meditation room can help facilitate better sleep, reduced stress and overall improved health. While this design consideration is increasing, we don’t consider this a trend so much as an important staple of any home redesign. Nevertheless, it has made our list for 2023.

Photo credit: @davidhicksdesign

Photo credit: @sgsdesigninteriors

Photo credit: @stephanillouz

Photo credit: @puroform

Nature Inspired Interior Design

This trend also made our 2022 list, and we believe it is here to stay. Especially with wellness being top-of-mind, nature in interior design—the use of natural materials and elements to create a space that has a connection to nature—is a prominent practice of interior design today. This type of interior design aims to incorporate natural elements such as plants, timber, stone, and other materials to create a calming and relaxing environment.

Designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: jswenty

Art Deco in Interior Design 

One of the most fun trends for interior design in 2023, is the return of art deco! Art deco is the predominant decorative art style of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colors. We love how this design style can really help to bring out a homeowner’s personality and bold taste in design.

Photo credit: @suzannelovellinc

Statement Stone in Interior Design 

One of the most luxurious trends in interior design in 2023 is statement stone. While marble is classic that will never go out of style, well-known interior designers like Jake Arnold have made the look of a bold marble slab a popular hit, especially with warmer tones than the ever so popular grays. You can use statement stone on your fireplace, the kitchen or bathroom, or on your exterior.

Designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @tumbled_bespokeflooringwalling

Photo credit: @mkcarchitechture

Warm Neutrals in Interior Design

This trend is here to stay. Adding in warm neutrals to your home will help give it a fresh look. It also will make your home feel more cozy, while giving it the illusion of being more spacious. And the best part is that neutral colors will go with any design style. Pro tip: make sure to balance the tones, as well as use a variety of textures, patterns and layers to add depth.

Designed by Viève Interiors

Lavender in Interior Design 

Our last, and certainly not least, predicted trend of 2023 is the use of lavender in your interior. We haven’t seen a ton of this yet, but it's starting to pop up in fashion as well as interior design, so expect this trend to be on the rise in years to come. Lavender is not only calming and feminine, but it's also inviting, approachable, fresh and versatile. You can use it to add a pop of color in any room of the house or make it a more prominent color in a bedroom or living space.

Photo credit: bethhayleydesign

Photo credit: @scottsandersllc

Thinking of decorating or remodeling your home? Grab your step-by-step remodel planning guide, HERE.

5 Home Organization Musts to get your Home Clean and Inviting for Spring

Clutter. That seven-letter word drives me absolutely nuts! How about you? Even though I keep my house as tidy as possible, in the age of Instagram ads and Amazon at our fingertips, it’s easy for me to amass more than I need. With the inevitable buildup of clutter (que my baby, Levi, as he pulls some pans and Tupperware out of the cupboard) when Spring comes around, I’m ready to declutter and get organized! To help you do the same, I’ve put together my best home organization tips for each area of your home. 

Begin by decluttering your home

Before we get into our organizing ideas for Spring, here are a few quick home organization tips to declutter your home. 

1. Create a plan and declutter one room at a time. Sounds obvious, I know. But how many times have you gotten bored or distracted in room #1 and then moved onto room #2 before finishing room #1, only to now have two messy rooms on your hands? We’ve all done it. So create a solid plan for what room you will tackle first, second, and so on. Make sure to also plan the when and how you will declutter. 

2. Sort things into three categories. Use three large size bins labeled, “keep”, “toss”, and “donate” and quickly sort through your things one by one. Pro tip: avoid creating double the work for yourself with a “maybe” pile.. If you’re having trouble deciding whether to keep or donate something, I love Marie Kondo’s method of asking if it brings you joy or not. I also find it helpful to remind myself that something I’ve had tucked away for months might be happily used by someone else everyday. If something still brings you joy and you’re not ready to say goodbye, that's OK—keep it. We have great Spring cleaning ideas for organizing down below!

3. Keep a healthy mindset. Decluttering can be very overwhelming. Make sure to schedule enough time but not too much time that you get burned out. Take breaks, be patient with the process and patient with yourself, and most importantly, reward yourself when it's all over!

Now, it's time to get organized

After you’ve gotten rid of the clutter, it's time to set yourself (and your home) up for success in the future with these Spring cleaning ideas for organizing. 

Entryway

Let’s kick off our organizing ideas for Spring in the entryway. Ideally, the best way to organize your entryway is with a beautiful entry console table coupled with a custom-made coat closet. But, with or without a great coat closet or console table, adding a few hooks in your entryway is an easy way to keep things organized and off the floor. That way you can quickly grab or drop off your coat or back when you’re running in or out of the house. These simple, modern hooks from Bsdonte come in several beautiful finishes like this rich walnut color that we love, as well as a pretty beech, and a classic white.

Laundry Room

Home and Garden said it best, “Organizing a laundry room isn't just about use of space, it's about ensuring efficiency.” That—and because I need a beautiful space to inspire me to do laundry—is why the laundry room is one of my favorite rooms of the house to organize. Check out this Gabrielle Organization System from Pottery Barn. It is a super stylish way to make functional use of your laundry room wall space. Get all 6 laundry attachments (like the rack to hang towels and sweaters, shelving to store frequently used items, and laundry hampers) or pick and choose the pieces you need

Kitchen

The kitchen is arguably the one room in your home where you can’t skip out on a spring cleaning and organization session! One of our favorite organization tools in the kitchen is this SpaceAid Spice Drawer Organizer. This is something we always incorporate in our custom kitchen designs. We love that this set comes with the bottles and labels all ready to go for a clean minimalist look! If you don’t have room in a drawer, this Pull-Out Spice Rack is a great option for an upper cabinet.

Bedroom

One thing that I really dislike is an overstuffed closet. That means that items I’d like to keep, but don’t have use for at the moment, have to make their way under the bed. To keep the items dust-free, I use these Rubbermaid Under the Bed Wheeled Storage Boxes. Note, it’s important to measure the clearance under your bed to make sure these work. If your bed is lower, you could utilize these Underbed Bags instead.

Bathroom

Last, but not least in our organizing ideas for Spring, we recommend these Stackable Clear Plastic Organizer Drawers for your bathroom. I’ve tested them and loved them! They are perfect for organizing cosmetics and beauty supplies, first aid kits, and much more. I actually keep these drawers under my kitchen sink, proving they are great for organizing many different spaces in your home.

Want to save these home organization ideas for later? Be sure to save this to your Pinterest Home Organization board!

For more interior design inspiration and tips to decorate your Orange County home, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. 

How to Decorate Your Orange County Home Using Masculine Interior Design Style

Bedroom designed and styled by Viève Interiors

If you’re anything like me, you’re following a slew of interior designers on social media and blogs who share images of airy designs with soft color pallets. But every now and then, you come across an image that’s strikingly different in the best way. It’s bold, it’s moody, it’s functional, it’s masculine interior design style. 

What is masculine interior design style? It encompasses simple lines, strong materials and comfort. It can even be elegant, industrial, modern, contemporary, or bright. But the best description we have heard of masculine interior design style is this: “a bold, yet functional [design] trend which takes inspiration from the lifestyle of a man”. As with women, no two men are the same, so masculine interior design style is definitely up for interpretation and personalization. But with all design styles, there are some characteristics that can help inspire you to create a space that has a masculine flare. 

Before we get into it, we wanted to point out that using masculine interior design style doesn’t necessarily mean you are decorating a bachelor pad. This dramatic design style is perfect for a game room, a sexy bar, or a cozy guest room. Even if you’re set on a more feminine feel, incorporating elements of masculine design is a good way to balance more feminine curves or floral patterns in your home for a look that feels right for all family and friends.

1. Choose rich, deep and dark room colors.

One of the most prominent aspects of a masculine room is the color scheme. Usually, masculine design style features darker hues of blue and green, plus varying shades of gray and brown, as well as black. The key is rich, deep, dark colors with decorative accents in lighter colors to create contrast. This creates a dramatic vibe. You can easily incorporate these colors using interior paint, decorating home fabrics or small accessories. 

Masculine office space designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @masculine_interiors

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

Photo Credit: @leahkoubainteriors

2. Accent the room with strong materials. 

Another key defining characteristic of masculine design style is to incorporate materials including metal, wood, stone and leather. These materials naturally exude a more masculine energy and also tend to come in more masculine and neutral colors. Focus on key pieces of furniture like a leather chair or sofa, the bed frame, or our personal favorite, an impressive, live-edge dining table. You could also consider adding these elements into other parts of your home like sky beams, light fixtures, and appliances.

Dining room designed by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @jlv_creative

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

3. Design for comfort and functionality. 

Any good interior designer will make sure to balance the aesthetics of a room with functionality. And when it comes to masculine interior design style, it is pretty evident that comfort and functionality are at the forefront. You won’t see a lot of wasted space or nick knacks in this design style—every desk, bookshelf, chair, sofa, bar cart, pool table, or decorative box, etc. has a purpose. 

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

4. Focus on simple and clean lines. 

Effortless simplicity is at the heart of this design trend. And clean, simple lines are the key. Masculine spaces have very clean, tailored lines.  In addition to using more linear and simplified furniture, you can tie a masculine room together with the clean lines of your flooring, drapery, bookcases, wall finishings, backsplashes, the tub or shower, and so much more.    

Photo credit: @masculine_interiors

Photo credit: @jlv_creative

5. Don’t forget the finishing touches. 

Along with tip number three, the finishing touches are really what make a space your own. Don’t forget to hang artwork, prints, mirrors and shelving that speaks to you. Fill in empty spaces with meaningful sculptures or oversized plants. With masculine interior design style, the finishing touches are often inspired by nature, so look for pieces like the matching bird photos we used in this Orange County bedroom! 

Bedroom designed and styled by Viève Interiors

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

For more interior design inspiration and tips to decorate your Orange County home, be sure to sign up for our newsletter, here.

5 Things to look for when Hiring an Interior Designer in Orange County

Ready to make the jump into hiring someone to help you create your dream home in Orange County? Your space is intensely personal, so choosing the right person to work with needs to be equally so! Here are a few tips on how to hire the right interior designer for you!

1. Make Sure Your Orange County Interior Designer Matches Your Style!

Before anything, your interior designer has to be able to have the same vision as you. This doesn’t necessarily mean you two have to have the exact same personal style, but it does mean that your designer needs to: 

• Listen to your ideas, pain points, functional needs, and goals. 

• Add your personality into their design plans.

• Work within your timeline and budget.

• Not only have an eye for aesthetics, but also have a technical background and plenty of experience.

Some designers may specialize in only one “signature look”, but here at Viève Interiors, our portfolio spans a wide range of stylistic and aesthetic approaches! From Transitional to Traditional, and Modern to Minimalist, we have experience designing spaces in many different design styles. 

2. Get References & Credentials Before Selecting an OC Interior Design Company

Put your Orange County interior designer’s experience to the test! Remember, it is OK to ask your interior designer where they studied design, or how they got their technical training. It is also recommended that you look at pedigree, past reviews, and previous projects, as well as speak with some of their previous clients. While pictures give you an idea of the final product, they don’t show your designer executing the interior design process itself. However, previous clients can provide you with insight into what it is like working with a specific designer! At Viève Interiors, clients and contractors love that we make the process of design easy.

3. How Does the Interior Designer Charge for Services?

It’s not just important to discuss how much a designer may charge, but how they charge as well! Some interior design companies may charge an hourly rate, while others charge a flat fee. If you want a high level of involvement every step of the way, then you may want a flat rate for full-service design, while someone who just needs to replace an item or two or even just a few hours of design consulting might do best with an hourly fee. At Viève Interiors, we offer either flat-fee or hourly design services to accommodate your needs no matter how big or small your project may be. 

Payment schedule is also an important thing to consider when looking at your budget. Whether your Orange County designer invoices on a monthly basis, requires an upfront retainer or regular installments, make sure to find what works for you and your plans. 

4. How Long Will Your Interior Design Project Take?

Of course, if you could hire the Mary Poppins of interior design in Orange County, and everything would be new at the snap of a finger, we would hire her too!. Unfortunately, the design process doesn’t work that way. The reality is that full home renovations take many months, even a year or more to complete. And, since the COVID pandemic, we are still seeing major delays in the shipment and delivery of materials and merchandise needed to complete your designs. 

Make sure to be realistic about the timeline of your project and ask your designer how long it might take. Also keep in mind, everything doesn’t have to be done at once. In fact, many homeowners break their project into phases or by room. If your timeline or budget is limited, consider focusing on the key areas of your home first. Whichever way you decide to go—room-by-room or full remodel—choose an interior designer that will be forthcoming about the timeline.

5. Does Your Interior Designer Have Relationships with Contractors in OC?

An interior designer can’t be successful without great, long-term, relationships with local contractors in Orange County. While the interior designer might be steering the ship, contractors are the engine that get the project to where it needs to go.  

A good contractor is worth their weight in gold, and a great interior designer has a solid rolodex of good contractors. After all, what good is the design if it never makes it off paper? 

We hope that you have gained a better understanding of what to look for when hiring an interior designer in Orange County! If you have questions, or would like to book a discovery call, call 949-610-7800 or fill out the contact form and we will reach out to you directly!  

At Viève Interiors, it is our mission to help homeowners love where they live because happy homes are the most beautiful homes!