CARMEN'S DESIGN BLOG

Wallpaper can add charm and personality to your home, but it’s not always a hit with buyers. As a real estate agent and home-staging expert, I’ve seen firsthand how this design feature can be both a selling point and a…

Pinterest’s fall trend report has set the stage for this season’s hottest looks.Now that fashion week wrapped up in Milan in late September, the buzz about what’s trending in design has spilled over into interior spaces. Pinterest recently released its…

This bold pairing is back, with fresh ways to style it for modern interiors.When planning your home’s color palette, decorating with blue and red may not be the first option you consider. Often associated with primary colors and Americana nostalgia,…

Creating a Mediterranean-style patio is easier than you think! With just a few design choices, you can transform your outdoor living area into a sunny escape, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. As we move into fall, now is the ideal…

Interior design from the early 2000s is making a stylish return in 2025. These updated trends bring back nostalgia while offering fresh sophistication for today’s homes. Some of these comeback trends include gallery walls, bold red walls, and statement rugs….

Benjamin Moore has announced Cinnamon Slate as its Color of the Year for 2025. Cinnamon Slate is a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. This inviting hue offers enduring style and modern sensibility, perfect for creating a soothing…

When Dr. Bragg, a local vein specialist, asked me to give his medical office a “face lift”, he had one goal in mind: to make it more comfortable and inviting for both his patients and his staff. Since he’s renting and…

Reintroducing this timeless, elegant stone.Amid an explosion of colorful stones like Rojo Alicante and Empress Green, a new movement is emerging—a return to the classic contrast of black-and-white marble. This striking combination has long been a favorite in architecture and…

Palm Leaf harnesses the retro charm of earthy avocado green tones from a bygone era. Nestled in the middle of a throwback collection of fun colors, this free-spirited shade channels a fresh take on classic ‘70s style. Why I love…

Design trends evolve rapidly, and what was once considered unattractive can suddenly become the height of fashion. The shifts in 2024 interior design trends highlight how old-fashioned ideas are being reimagined to suit contemporary tastes, giving new life to what…

Discover why this versatile hue is taking over neutral palettes.Beige has long been a staple in interior design, celebrated for its neutrality and versatility. However, in recent months, another warm, inviting color has stepped into the spotlight. Brown, especially taupe,…

August’s Modern Brit palette plays host to traditional, British style with a twist. Deep, anchoring earth tones blend with muted, mid-tone neutrals to bring a fun and fresh feel to classic elegance. Our Color of the Month, Smoky Azurite, lifts…

Create Your Perfect Outdoor SpaceNo matter the size of your outdoor space, you can turn it into an inviting area that you’ll enjoy year-round. You’ll find that it doesn’t take much to declutter your patio and maximize your outdoor space.Pick…

Create Joyful Spaces with the Dopamine Decorating StyleMove over, Barbiecore: Dopamine decorating is the latest colorful, playful antidote to boring interiors. This trend is all about brilliantly bold colors and patterns, eclectic prints, inviting textures, and a nostalgia-infused vibe that…

Capture the pure joy of carefree summer days as a child with June’s Summer Camp palette. A bright, effervescent collection where color comes to play, these fun-loving hues spark nostalgic wonder and inspire a unique and playful style. With a…

Is it true? Could granite’s 30-year reign as the preferred countertop be coming to an end? I can’t say for sure. In fact, I think granite remains a solid choice. After all, it’s both durable and attractive — and it’s become…

For quite a while, open-plan concepts have been all the rage, but a certain little feature called “privacy” is making a comeback.I’m going to share with you why closed-concept layouts are gaining popularity in interior design. There are pros and…

Wade into an elegance that ebbs and flows between the laid-back atmosphere of a coastal look and a more elevated yet approachable modern style. With Silver Strand anchoring the collection, May’s Seaside Tranquility palette weaves a harmonious backdrop of refreshing…

Let me share how I transformed some key spaces inside this Lake Mary home, updating for style and functionality.When it comes to rejuvenating a space, every detail counts, especially in a home renovation in Lake Mary.This principle guided my recent…

My Guide to a Perfect Summer Gathering in Your GardenAs an interior designer, I adore the challenge of transforming spaces, not just indoors but outdoors as well. Spring and summer beckon us outdoors, and there’s no better way to enjoy…

Nostalgia meets modern in Sashay Sand’s blushing beige-pink hue. This playful shade brings a lighthearted whimsy to April’s candy-coated color palette that’s made to charm. Why I love it: Sashay Sand is graceful, delicate, and warm.Dial Up the Sweet Life…

Now that the sun is setting later and the ideal weather is settling in, it’s the perfect time for open-air cocktail parties and lazy afternoons. But first, and being spring, you likely need to do a patio makeover to create that…

Find renewal with a rejuvenating dark green. A rich hue like Sherwin-Williams’ Roycroft Bronze Green (SW 2846) evokes the tranquil atmosphere of a deep, shaded forest.Why I Love It: Rustic. Earthy. Muted.Nestle into NatureMarch is that time of year when…

Join me as I share how a small bathroom makeover brought storage and serenity to a cramped space, turning a dream into reality. (130 characters)The Challenge of Confining Spaces  As a designer, I’m always intrigued by the challenge small spaces…

Discover the Top 2024 Interior Design Trends from 1stDibs’ Latest Designer SurveyThe anticipation for 2024 Interior Design Trends has become a much-awaited annual event. Each year, 1stDibs, the leading online marketplace, engages with designers and industry experts to forecast the…

Craft a cozy haven of airy serenity with a soft gray. The humble, calming character of Drift of Mist calls to mind a slower pace and the joy in simplicity. Why I love it: serene, inviting, versatile. Keeping It SimpleSimple meets…

The 2023 holiday season was a good one for Christmas tree decorating this year and quite the whirlwind! I’ve got a handful of photos to share with you of some of the decorating done for some of my holiday decorating…

Since it was first introduced in 2010, the peach emoji has come to symbolize everything from a stone fruit, a particularly taut derriere, and—of course—a booty call. In 2024, however, it will be the color on everyone’s walls, according to…

Cosentino’s first-ever North American trend report forecasts home design trends for the upcoming yearCosentino Group is a Spanish global leader in the production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for the world of architecture and design. They recently released…

Stylish looks to know about in 2024 home design trends, according to Wayfair’s interior design experts. Extravagant EscapeHemingway’s house meets greenhouse Head Into the Wild: Taking thematic decor to the max, our experts see big things for this memorable, transportive trend in residential…

These tips will help you make your kitchen space feel brighter and bigger, with more visual “openness.” The kitchen is usually the most popular gathering spot in a home. Whether it’s a family meal at the table, friends gathered around the…

Florida is known for its sunshine and beautiful tropical flowers that grow in our hot and humid climate. Ask any homeowner in Florida what to plant in their backyard, and they will fire off a list of plants that thrive…

Introducing Upward, a breezy, blissful blue. It’s the color found when we slow down, take a breath, and allow the mind to clear. Think of it as a sunny day shade for spaces brimming with positive energy, creative thinking, and…

Have you been thinking about ways to get the most out of your backyard this fall? You can continue enjoying your outdoor spaces during the cooler months just by considering some of these ideas for your outdoor areas. If you’re not…

With fall pretty much here, I wanted to share some of the top fall home style and decor trends for 2023, along with a few autumn decorating ideas. Whether fall is your thing or you’re lamenting the end of summer, there…

Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded, Cascades’ versatility carries a wide range of design styles. Embrace the serene atmosphere inspired by its soothing shade. Why I love it: Dramatic, Versatile, SereneThe Great Indoors Bring the timeless and simple beauty of the outdoors in…

Who says color should be limited to walls? Elevate your space by selecting just the right hue for your ceiling! Jazzing up your “fifth wall” can add dimension and character to virtually any room.“A painted ceiling is unexpected and automatically…

Why I love Silvermist (SW 7621): Serene. Cool. Relaxed.Just like the surf that inspired it, Silvermist’s cool tone can look both blue and green. You’ll be ready to embrace both as you drift away on the coastal vibes of this…

Make more space in your bedroom or guest room – or any room – with a Murphy bed. Also known as a wall bed, this unique bed frame folds up when not in use, concealing the mattress and presenting a…

Mother-in-law suites are a growing trend in home design. Have you thought about the advantages of adding a mother-in-law suite to your home?What Are Mother-in-Law Suites? The term “mother-in-law suite” (also known as MIL suite, or an in-law suite) is…

Why I love Kale Green (SW 6460): botanical, lush, tropical.Walk on the wild side with a dose of Sherwin-Williams’ tropical treasure, Kale Green.  Kale Green’s lush tone feels like it was picked straight from the tropics and placed into a maximalist oasis…

The answer to this question of whether to remodel or buy a new home depends on several factors, all of which are unique to the person asking. Homeowners have likely heard a wide range of answers from friends, family, and…

In February, my son Jonathan purchased a house built in 1959. You know I’m all about fixing up this one, and the first thing that stood out to Jonathan was the guest bathroom. It’s a narrow 60 sq ft, and…

Transforming Your Backyard into a Beautiful OasisAs the warm rays of the sun beckon, there’s nothing quite as delightful as spending quality time outdoors, especially in the comfort of your own backyard. Outdoor patio spaces have become a cherished extension…

Helping people discover the hidden beauty in their homes is a passion of mine. So when my long-time client, Jennifer Power, decided it was time to remodel the primary living space in her Satellite Beach home into an open-concept design,…

Window treatments elevate your home’s style and improve your privacy and energy efficiency. Here are some ideas for your next decorating project. Window treatments enhance your windows’ beauty and unify the look of your home. Adding new design elements to a…

Take care of your plants, and they will take care of you by absorbing toxins and formaldehyde and generally cleansing the air you breathe. How would you like to breathe easier and cleaner at home or in your office? You can…

Why I love Sherman-Williams’ Wallflower paint color: it’s a lovely retro, joyful, pastel. Embrace your inner flower child with a purple pastel who’s anything but shy. This retro muse can lift the mood with a feel-good energy that finds joy in…

Because a primo backyard improves aesthetics and your home’s value. Nothing ruins a sunny day faster than a backyard that’s too ugly to enjoy. Plus, a gnarly yard dings your home value, making it a double bummer. Here are seven backyard before-and-afters…

New season, new palette. Here are some colorful blooms in spring 2023 paint trends. As we’ve said goodbye to the winter blues, homeowners and decorators are embracing the fresh new looks that spring brings. For some, embracing the seasonal shift is…

Plus, how to decide if you should undertake a renovation or a remodel (or neither). If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s that a dream home wasn’t built (or purchased, or designed) in a day.  As more and more homeowners…

From sustainable furniture materials to Greek gardens, some outdoor living design choices are emerging for this year, although these trends will likely never go out of style.1. Luxurious Outdoor Living Starts with an Indoor-Outdoor Merge A top trend that’s been brewing…

A pergola draws people in with its beauty and shade, creating a central location for friends and family to gather.  Homeowners who have discovered the joys of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often thinking about the next enhancement they…

Here are some idea starters from what’s trending now.Are you looking to spruce up your backyard or outdoor area? Maybe you want to do more entertaining or add a pop of personality to your outdoor spaces. 2023 has arrived with…

An area rug can pull together a room’s design elements, ground the space, and give it a cohesive look. A quality rug can be a big investment, though, so it’s important that you find ones that best suit your style…

Your living room (or any main room) typically isn’t complete without a rug. But with so many options out there, finding the best one can be like trying to solve a puzzle. The right area rug will pull a room together…

It seems that shag is back, and, while we typically associate the deep-pile carpet with the ’60s and ’70s – hello, Carol and Mike Brady’s living room – the origins of the shag rug are in fact more ancient than vintage.  Referred to…

All hail statement stone slabs and perfectly partitioned spice cabinets.The past year has lent itself to bold new design moments that began with happy hues, flirted with Art Deco, grappled with Barbiecore-meets-home-decor, brought back the mythical furry floor fad, and…

Buckle up for a rainbow renaissance.“There isn’t a shade or color I’ve ever seen that I haven’t liked,” Mario Buatta, with characteristic wit, observed. The late great decorator, who passed away in 2018, would be pleased, then, to see the…

Hello, wild wallpaper and spacious showers. And that’s just for starts, in 2023 bathroom trends. While we realize that good design outlasts fads, few among us can resist a good trend prediction. So, I’m here to separate the good from the…

It’s a big day when paint company Pantone announces their Color of the Year. The 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, is a color that is already trending in the fashion and beauty world and now it’s making…

Will 2023 be the year of fluted details or muted tones in living room trends? (spoiler alert: BOTH!) As 2022 winds down, of course, we’re already looking ahead at what’s trending next for the design world. And, as one of the…

Cozy! That’s the word that best defines winter decor. I’ll bet you want your home to be cozy and offer a warm welcome to family and friends, especially at holiday time. You don’t need to do major renovations or spend a…

Who doesn’t love Christmas decorations? If you got a chance to visit the Orlando Museum Council of 101’s recent Festival of Trees, I hope you were as inspired as I was.   Held annually every November, Festival of Trees celebrates the beauty…

Did you know that most potential homebuyers make up their mind about a property within the first five minutes of walking through the door? Staging a home is all about creating an engaging, move-in-ready look that gives a buyer an emotional…

Don’t toss the pumpkins and pine cones once fall is over! You can enjoy your seasonal decor lasting from fall through winter with these simple tips and tricks. Here are some easy ways to transition the look of fall to the cool…

The fiery red-orange will inspire you to break out of your color comfort zone.Over the last several years, muted colors have encouraged serenity in our homes. Last year, it was all about green, fostering a connection with nature. Now, Benjamin…

Would you like to mix furniture and decor design styles in your home but don’t know how? Are you struggling to create a cohesive look with the mix of furniture and accent pieces you’ve accumulated? Mixing takes some practice, but it…

Welcome “cozy season” into your home in a big way with inspiration from these inspiring and comforting color schemes. Fall is definitely here, and there’s no better way to get in the seasonal spirit than with a bit of cozy interior…

Sometimes, we spend so much time focusing on interior design that we forget about the outdoor spaces of our homes. Many people with patios neglect that space, which means they’re missing out on having beautiful outdoor retreats. If your patio…

Sometimes wall art might be a painting, and sometimes it’s something else.There are a handful of “essentials” that make a home or space functional and comfortable. One of these, of course, is a roof over your head. Another obvious one…

When Maggie Sojourner, a local judge, asked me to help with the design aspects of the renovation of her Sears Kit home, I was all in. I had previously done some work for Maggie, so I was familiar with her…

It’s looking like ’70s-style interiors are back, and historically speaking, we’re right on track. After two years of living in a nightmarish reality, it makes sense why we’d adopt a decade where you could flip between The Brady Bunch and…

Break the “wreath mold” this season with creative door decor ideas that are sure to stun. I really do love a gorgeous fall wreath. But sometimes it’s nice to try something new. So this year maybe think about swapping out your…

Both the Glidden and PPG paint brands chose the on-trend teal for their joint 2023 color of the year selection.Vining Ivy is the 2023 color of the yearPPG announced its 2023 Color of the Year, Vining Ivy. Color experts at…

Looking to add a touch of the tropics to your home decor? Island living is something that many of us aspire to. Regardless of where you live, there are many ways in which you can create an inspiring tropical style…

Plants are a given. Adding nature, especially in the form of greenery, into your home interiors is a win-win! It looks beautiful, it adds a pop of natural color, and it helps clean the air. Sure they require a little…

(Hint: Bring the Tropics Home – That’s a Big One) As the air has become hotter and the days longer, I love cooler breezier interiors. Linen sheets, vibrant colors, beachy accessories. Let’s look at some of the top summer decor…

Curves, texture, and other interior trends found their way to the great outdoors in new products at the recent High Point Market trade show. Exciting outdoor furniture trends were definitely on-target as summer heats up Summer’s here, and the hottest…

With the proliferation of Instagrammable mural designs as well as Pinterest-worthy wallpaper, having a unique feature wall integrated into your space is going to be a big part of the interior design trends of 2022 and beyond. Explore the luxurious…

Are you interested in elevating the look of your accent walls? By creating intricate and thoughtful designs out of molding and trim, it’s a simple task to take your accent wall to the next level. Here are nine accent wall…

When homeowners think about elevating their interior designs, crown molding often comes to mind. It’s an ideal highlight feature that can be used in almost any part of the home to add a touch of luxury and stylish appeal. However,…

Looking for ways to add character and interest to your interior? Use trim and molding! Check out the various ways you can add wall trim to amp up your home’s design. The Details Make the Difference Molding and trim can…

Versatile, attractive, and energy-efficient, cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades because the materials used to make them have a unique cell shape) are top of mind with many designers these days. Here, manufacturers are discussing what’s trending with this…

From the International Window Covering Expo held in April 2022 From customized designs and new colors to increased motorization and technology, read what some manufacturers are predicting for the future. Expectations of traditional window treatments have changed due to the…

Jump back to 2019: you were most likely obsessed with all things “modern farmhouse”; it would take just one episode of HGTV’s Fixer Upper to send you pinning open-concept kitchens, shiplap shelves, and luxe gold finishes. But, since March 2020…

With the irresistible call of coziness back in wintertime, it was easy to shift your focus to your interiors at that time of year. But with the arrival of spring, we’re all relishing the outdoors, especially many of us in…

From single, lonely monstera leaves to luxurious compositions of roses and peonies – some are wondering how to decorate their home with flowers in a modern and stylish way? Let’s explore some favorite trends of floral design for 2022-2023. The…

Here are some lovely interior color trends for 2022 – and how to use them in your home. You may have noticed, we’ve been moving towards a mindset of wellbeing lately. From calming neutrals countering the turbulence of the pandemic…

A fire pit is bound to be the centerpiece of many backyard gatherings. When you have outdoor space, chances are you want to make the most of it, and fire pits are one lively way to create a focal point…

My 2 Sponsored Christmas Trees for the Festival of the Trees This is my 8th year designing sponsored trees for the annual Festival of the Trees event put on by the Orlando Museum of Art. I love doing it each…

These days, if you’d rather skip the after party to go home, light a candle and break out the slippers, then this lovely neutral is for you. After years of bright jewel tones and chic neutral hues, Sherwin-Williams has announced Evergreen Fog (SW…

I love fall decorating! But sometimes the transition from summer to fall can seem a bit sudden when it comes to home decor; however, planning a gradual transition is an easy way to make your home style come together. Instead…

Bring a touch of the outdoors inside and add some warmth to your spaces You know the joy that greenery can bring to a home. Decorating with plants and flowers adds a pop of color and a breath of fresh…

Automation Welcomes Us Into the Future! Smart homes are one of many great leaps we’ve made into the future; if you’re not already controlling your appliances, lights, HVAC, and security systems from your phone or tablet, you will be soon…

While my clients love to have their window treatments motorized, going that route is often accompanied by a lot of questions, which is understandable. I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions here, along with helpful answers and guidance….

One thing COVID has done is force most of us to re-focus on our homes and how we spend time in them. And this new focus has led many to consider how to turn their backyard into a staycation paradise….

If you’re looking into a cabana or a pergola for your backyard, you might at this point be wondering, what exactly is the difference?  The biggest difference between the two is the coverage, or, the amount of shade provided.  While…

Find out how this versatile outdoor element can serve as both a design feature and an outdoor problem-solver A landscape screen is more than a practical problem-solver. With the right materials and design, it becomes an eye-catching focal point in…

More and more Homeowners want to seamlessly blend their indoor and outdoor spaces with a beautiful and functional Outdoor Living Area. And whether you are looking to update your patio or you’re ready for a total makeover, here’s a great…

This was an exciting project, designing interiors for the key rooms in Ellen and Herb’s new home purchase. My task was to make it truly their home, merging some of what they had with a lot of new furnishings and…

As both an interior designer and a realtor, I can help sellers maximize the market value for their home and get it sold faster. My staging and design skills are an added bonus and come in handy when helping a…

With all of us having to stay in our homes and turning inward, the past year has created a push towards new interior design trends for 2021. It used to be that our homes were a place for just a…

I thought you’d enjoy seeing some of the things that I love, in my interior design work. Some of these are trending, but they all are classic treatments with staying power. Most of what you see here will just be…

The color red mixes well with almost any color scheme, but how do you decorate with red without going overboard? Here are five quick and easy ways to add red to your home based on the kind of style you’re…

Orange is a contemporary, fun and warm color, but it can be tricky to decorate with. No worries, here are some sweet ideas to inspire you in decorating with orange! With my help, you’ll soon be an expert on how…

Mirrors Reflect Your Image The most common reason to have a mirror is to view your own reflection, of course. But while you most certainly have mirrors in each of your bathrooms, and perhaps your bedroom too—you may not have…

Soho Interior Design offers The Christmas Decorators. Just a reminder to everyone that booking early to have me and my Christmas Decorators team dress up your home or business for the holidays is a great way to avoid last-minute frustration!…

Regardless of the season, every home can benefit from adding a little cozy comfort. Having a home that is inviting — that beckons to visitors and lingers in the minds of guests — makes for both an enjoyable and memorable…

I’ve found some exciting ideas for creating what might be described as a “faux entryway”, especially useful for homes that don’t have a foyer! These DIY small-space solutions will help you hack your way to an entryway (whether you already…

Color management company Pantone Color Institute announced its pick for Color of the Year for 2019. It’s an eye-popping orange-pink hybrid called Living Coral. You may sense and appreciate its boldness and vibrancy, so lets look at some successful uses…

Here are some ways to keep your decor fresh throughout the holiday season with these easy tips and ideas. I’s easy to transition your holiday decor from Thanksgiving to Christmas with a few simple updates if you like, but these…

Well, it was time for another…field trip! The International Window Covering Expo was in Tampa in March, so I decided that, since it was so close to home, I had to make this one, no excuses! So, I drove over there…

Just the name sounds powerful and mysterious, but this color is a strong bluish violet, that the Pantone Color Institute says is ‘inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come. A dramatically provocative and…

If you received my newsletter, you know it’s “Grandbaby time!” Our son Ryan and daughter in law Jenny are expecting their first baby in July! Jenny and I came up with a theme of a perfectly pink-and-gold nursery. A palette…

Floral centerpieces for a good cause and a great group! Colorful Spring flower pom-pom balls… I created the centerpieces for our annual Ladies’ Luncheon as hand-held bouquets wrapped in brown floral paper, that could be purchased for a donation! They…

One of my closest friends asked me to create centerpieces for her daughter-in-law’s baby shower. I was so excited, particularly since I love working with flowers, and know how they can set the tone for an event. I wanted to…

Forget painting a wall, why not use this new product that I found. Artis Wall™ is a new product that uses planks of authentic, reclaimed wood, easy to install, easily removed, and made in the USA! The best thing about…