Residential Design

Get a head start on spring cleaning with these expert tips to refresh your home before the new season.

Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning

Spring is right around the corner, making now the perfect time to start fresh. Getting ahead on spring cleaning means less stress later, and a cleaner, more inviting home. Whether it's tackling overlooked areas like your fireplace and closet or prepping your outdoor space for warmer days, these simple tasks will help you refresh your home and make it shine.

Spring Cleaning Your Closet

When was the last time you deep-cleaned your closet? If it's been a while, it's time to tackle it, says Will Cotter, COO of HappyCleans.

“Deep clean the shelves,” he advises. “Remove the clothing stacks and shoe rows to wipe down each surface, then place everything back in an organized way.”

Using a microfiber cloth and a quality all-purpose cleaner, such as Great Value Bleach-Free Lemon Scented All-Purpose Cleaner, will help keep dust at bay.

While you're at it, sort through your clothes and donate or sell anything you haven’t worn in the past year. “This will make room for new items and help you stay organized,” says Will.

When was the last time you deep-cleaned your closet? If it's been a while, it's time to tackle it.

Refresh Rugs and Carpets with Spring Cleaning

One of the biggest spring cleaning mistakes is neglecting your rugs and carpets. Winter foot traffic drags in dirt, salt, and grime, which can wear down your floors.

Josh Miller, CEO and owner of Clean Carpets, explains, “A thorough clean-up refreshes your interiors and extends the life of your carpets.”

Whether using a carpet cleaner, baking soda, or a professional service, avoiding carpet cleaning mistakes will prevent issues like dampness, mold, and mildew.

One of the biggest carpet and rug cleaning mistakes you can make is neglecting to clean them altogether. Just like everywhere else in your home, they need regular maintenance.

Spring Cleaning Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a fireplace, now is the time to clean up soot and residue left from winter use.

“A clean fireplace and chimney not only improve the look of your space but also help prevent fire hazards,” says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless.

If you're not sure where to start, check out this fireplace cleaning guide for expert advice on cleaning brick, stone, marble, and cast iron fireplaces.

A clean fireplace and chimney not only improve the aesthetic of your living space, but also help to prevent potential fire risks and hazards.

Make Your Glassware Shine for Spring

After a season of entertaining, your glassware may need a refresh.

“Having a nice bottle of wine? Serve it in glasses that are spotless,” says cleaning expert Will Cotter.

To clean wine glasses properly, hand-wash them with a gentle dish soap like Method Dish Soap, rinse thoroughly, and buff dry with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and water spots. If your glasses look cloudy, vinegar can restore their sparkle.

Having a nice bottle of wine? Serve it in glasses that are spotless.

Spring Cleaning for the Dining Area

After months of holiday hosting, your dining space could use some TLC.

Start by cleaning your dining chairs, whether upholstered or wood, then wipe down the table and dust any décor elements. Using a damp duster is an effective way to remove dust, but a microfiber cloth works well, too.

“This will make your space look great and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests,” says Karina.

After months of holiday hosting, your dining space could use some TLC.

A Fresh Start for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms see a lot of traffic in winter, making spring cleaning a great opportunity for a deep clean.

“Take the time to clean shower grout, wipe mirrors, disinfect surfaces, and descale faucets and showerheads,” says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO of Maid Sailors.

For most tasks, an all-purpose cleaner like Lysol Power Foaming Cleaning Spray for Bathrooms works well. You can also use household staples—try cleaning mirrors with shaving foam or removing hard water stains with toothpaste for an easy fix.

Bathrooms see a lot of traffic in winter, making spring cleaning a great opportunity for a deep clean.

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Patio Furniture and Grill

Even if it’s still too cold to spend much time outside, now is the perfect time to clean your patio furniture and grill.

“Wipe down chairs, tables, and cushions to remove winter dust, and clean the grill so it's ready for your first BBQ,” suggests Karina.

These handy guides on how to clean a charcoal grill and how to clean a grill without a brush contain all the information you need to get started – and yes, you can clean a grill with an onion, but when it comes to household methods to clean a grill, Alex David, author of the 'household methods' article and avid tester, says a lemon works much better. Who knew!

Even if it’s still too cold to spend much time outside, now is the perfect time to clean your patio furniture and grill.

What Should Be Cleaned Every Three Months?

Some cleaning tasks don’t need to be done weekly but shouldn’t be ignored for too long. Wood floors, guest rooms, and even dish racks can go on your quarterly cleaning list to keep your home in top shape.

Looking to Refresh Your Home Beyond Cleaning?

If looking at your home through a spring cleaning lens has you thinking about upgrades, I’d love to help. Whether it’s reimagining a space or making design updates, I can meet with you to discuss possibilities and create a plan that brings your vision to life.

You can call me at (407) 743-2399 or email me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com to set up a consultation. You can also reach out through my website’s contact page, and together, we can discuss upgrades to your home that truly make sense for you and your needs.

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Discover the latest interior color schemes getting big attention right now.

Interior Color Schemes Getting Big Attention Right Now

This Just Might Be the Cheat Sheet of Your Dreams

The right interior color schemes can set the tone for your entire home, creating a sense of cohesion while allowing each space to have its own personality. Whether you love bold contrasts or prefer soft, timeless palettes, these trending color combinations are gaining attention for their versatility and style.

Aqua and Pink: A Vibrant Interior Color Scheme

Aqua and pink create a lively, cheerful pairing that evokes beach cabanas, ocean waves, and warm summer days. The versatility of this combination—from deep raspberry and bright turquoise to softer pastels—makes it easy to adapt for different styles, whether in furniture, wall color, or accent decor.

Aqua and pink create a lively, cheerful pairing that evokes beach cabanas, ocean waves, and warm summer days.

Green, Blue, and Pink: A Fresh Take on Classic Interior Color Schemes

Combining soft neutrals with green, blue, and pink creates an elegant, balanced palette. A light backdrop, like crisp white walls, allows bold trim, molding, or millwork in these rich hues to add contrast and personality without overwhelming the space.

Combining soft neutrals with green, blue, and pink creates an elegant, balanced palette.

Purple and Green: A Nature-Inspired Interior Color Scheme

Purple and green work beautifully together because they are often found side by side in nature—think lavender fields, lush vineyards, and wisteria vines. This bold yet inviting color scheme pairs well with metals, wood tones, and layered textiles for a dynamic and sophisticated look.

This bold yet inviting color scheme pairs well with metals, wood tones, and layered textiles for a dynamic and sophisticated look.

Rich Blues and Greens: A Bold and Timeless Combination

When working with saturated colors, rich blues and greens are a go-to choice. These hues pair effortlessly with natural wood and textured fabrics, adding warmth and depth to any space without feeling overwhelming.

Rich blues and greens pair effortlessly with natural wood and textured fabrics, adding warmth and depth to any space without feeling overwhelming.

Shades of Green: A Versatile Interior Color Scheme

Green remains a favorite in interior design because of its adaptability. From soft sage to deep emerald, different shades of green can be layered together or paired with neutrals for a refreshing, grounded aesthetic.

Green remains a favorite in interior design because of its adaptability.

Neutral and Warm Tones: Mid-Brown and Stony Gray

For those who love soft, understated tones, mid-brown and stony gray create a relaxing, neutral palette—perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. Adding layers of texture through textiles, patterns, or natural materials prevents the space from feeling too flat.

For those who love soft, understated tones, mid-brown and stony gray create a relaxing, neutral palette—perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Earth Tones: Terra-cotta, Ochre, and Gold

Warm, earthy hues like terra-cotta, sienna, ochre, and deep gold bring richness and warmth to interiors. These colors create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and can be accented with cooler tones like slate blue or moss green for added contrast.

Warm, earthy hues like terra-cotta, sienna, ochre, and deep gold bring richness and warmth to interiors.

Color-Drenched Interiors: A Bold Take on Interior Color Schemes

Immersing a space in a single color-drenched scheme creates a cocooning effect that feels luxurious and dramatic. Whether it's saturated blues, moody greens, or deep reds, layering similar tones can add depth and create an elegant statement.

Immersing a space in a single color-drenched scheme creates a cocooning effect that feels luxurious and dramatic.

Timeless Earth Tones That Never Go Out of Style

Earth tones have a natural versatility that allows them to work with various aesthetics, from modern to rustic. Colors like clay red, caramel brown, and mossy green add warmth and dimension, making them a popular choice year after year.

Earth tones have a natural versatility that allows them to work with various aesthetics, from modern to rustic.

Jewel Tones: A Luxurious and Elegant Interior Color Scheme

For a regal, sophisticated feel, jewel tones like sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green bring bold contrast and depth to a space. These vibrant hues create a grand, inviting atmosphere, especially when paired with rich textures like velvet or brass accents.

For a regal, sophisticated feel, jewel tones like sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green bring bold contrast and depth to a space.

Let’s Find the Perfect Color Scheme for Your Home

Choosing the right interior color scheme can transform a space and make it truly feel like home. If you’re ready to refresh your interiors but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help! Let’s explore your space together and create a palette that perfectly suits your style.

Feel free to reach out by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. You can also message me directly through my website’s contact page to schedule a consultation and bring your vision to life. Refresh your spaces with some exciting new color schemes!

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Bathroom trends for 2025 focus on creating a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere while incorporating natural materials, soothing colors, and bold design elements.

Bathroom Trends for 2025: Luxe, Natural, and Timeless

Discover the latest ways to transform your bathroom into a serene retreat in 2025.

Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces—they’re becoming serene retreats where you can relax and recharge. The bathroom trends for 2025 focus on creating a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere while incorporating natural materials, soothing colors, and bold design elements. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just looking for fresh ideas, these trends will help you create a bathroom that’s both stylish and calming.

Sensorial Design

Bathrooms in 2025 are all about sensory experiences. Features like textured tiles, natural stone, and wooden accents create a calming, tactile environment. Add elements like adjustable lighting and subtle aromatics to transform your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary.

Bathrooms in 2025 are all about sensory experiences

Reclaimed Wooden Vanities

Reclaimed wood vanities bring warmth and authenticity to bathroom designs. A vintage or antique piece repurposed as a vanity offers character and charm, blending beautifully with polished fixtures for a mix of rustic and modern appeal.

Reclaimed wood vanities bring warmth and authenticity to bathroom designs.

Statement Wallpaper

Bold wallpaper is making a big comeback in bathrooms. Use vibrant patterns or dramatic textures to add depth and personality to smaller spaces, like powder rooms, without overwhelming the room’s design. Pair it with neutral accessories for balance.

To embrace this trend, choose a wallpaper that reflects your personal style while complementing the existing elements of the space.

Black Accents in Bathroom Trends for 2025

Black accents continue to make a statement in 2025 bathrooms. Whether it’s matte black fixtures, dramatic Nero Marquina marble, or bold black-and-white contrasts, these features add a sense of drama and timeless elegance.

Black accents create immediate drama and are extra special when paired with brass.

Spa-Inspired Retreats

Homeowners are seeking spa-like bathrooms where they can truly unwind. Organic materials like natural stone, ambient lighting, and freestanding tubs create luxurious spaces designed for relaxation. Add candles and soft textiles for an even cozier atmosphere.

Organic materials like natural stone, ambient lighting, and freestanding tubs create luxurious spaces designed for relaxation.

Immersive Environments

Powder rooms and guest bathrooms are becoming opportunities for bold, creative design. Think moody color palettes, statement lighting, and dramatic wallpaper to turn these often-overlooked spaces into captivating, immersive retreats.

Powder rooms and guest bathrooms are becoming opportunities for bold, creative design.

Soft Color Palettes

Serene hues like sage green, calming blue, and warm taupe are perfect for crafting a peaceful bathroom atmosphere. These colors pair beautifully with organic textures like wood and stone, offering a soft yet sophisticated look.

Serene hues like sage green, calming blue, and warm taupe are perfect for crafting a peaceful bathroom atmosphere.

Marble Slab Showers in Bathroom Trends for 2025

Marble slab showers are replacing traditional tiled designs for an elegant, seamless look. By eliminating grout lines, these showers are not only easier to maintain but also showcase the beauty of natural stone in its full glory.

Marble slab showers are replacing traditional tiled designs for an elegant, seamless look.

Thinking About Refreshing Your Bathroom for 2025?

If these bathroom trends for 2025 have sparked some inspiration, I’d love to help you design a space that perfectly fits your style and needs. Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like retreat, a bold powder room, or a serene color palette, I can guide you through the options to create a bathroom that feels just right for you.

The bathroom trends for 2025 focus on creating a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere while incorporating natural materials, soothing colors, and bold design elements.
Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like retreat, a bold powder room, or a serene color palette, I can guide you through the options to create a bathroom that feels just right for you.

Let’s talk! Call me at (407) 743-2399 or email me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. You can also message me through my website’s contact page to schedule a consultation. Together, we can make your bathroom the ultimate retreat.

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Are you over-organizing your home?

Home Organization Tips for 2025: Avoid Overdoing It

This New Year, focus on realistic and effective ways to organize your home.

Home organization is often praised for making life easier, but did you know it’s possible to overdo it? The trend of perfectly organized spaces, popularized by social media, can sometimes lead to systems that are hard to maintain and more frustrating than functional. Does the "organization" in these photos make you crazy? You don't have to live up to these photos; put all that behind you. These home organization tips for 2025 will help you find a balance between tidy and practical. Let's make the New Year a time to get real!

1. Decanting Isn’t Always Practical

Decanting food items into matching containers might look great online, but for most families, it’s not a practical system. Instead of spending extra time transferring everything from grocery bags to bins, try using general containers labeled with broad categories like “snacks,” “grains,” or “cereal.” This approach keeps your pantry organized and accessible without creating unnecessary work.

Decanting food items into matching containers might look great online, but for most families, it’s not a practical system.

2. Keep Kids’ Toys Simple

Organizing toys aesthetically is often more about appearances than function. While it’s tempting to color-code or create a specific container for every toy, this can quickly become overwhelming for you and your children. Instead, opt for broad categories like “dolls,” “blocks,” or “dress-up,” with easy-to-read labels. This method makes it easier for kids to clean up while still keeping their rooms tidy.

Organizing toys aesthetically is often more about appearances than function.

3. Don’t Overdo Drawer Systems

Drawers are a great way to store items neatly, but overcomplicating their organization can be counterproductive. Folding every piece of clothing perfectly or filling drawers with too many dividers can become tedious. A simple solution is to pare down belongings so they fit naturally and use adjustable dividers for basic sections. This keeps drawers functional without requiring constant maintenance.

Drawers are a great way to store items neatly, but overcomplicating their organization can be counterproductive.

4. Be Selective with Labels in Home Organization Tips for 2025

Labeling everything may sound like a good idea, but it can become a hassle. Clear containers often allow you to see what’s inside without needing a label. Plus, if your storage needs change, specific labels can limit flexibility. Focus on simplicity—sometimes less really is more when it comes to keeping your home organized.

Labeling everything may sound like a good idea, but it can become a hassle.

Let’s Create Practical Organization Systems for Your Home

If these home organization tips for 2025 have inspired you, I’d love to help you design decluttered, stylish spaces that work for your lifestyle. Whether it’s optimizing your storage or creating systems that are easy to maintain, I can guide you in finding solutions that enhance your home’s flow without overwhelming you.

Call me at (407) 743-2399 or email me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com to set up a consultation. You can also reach out through my website’s contact page, and together, we’ll create an organized home that truly works for you.

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Discover 5 winter-flowering plants for Florida gardens to brighten your yard year-round.

Winter Flowering Plants for Florida Gardens: 5 Stunning Picks

Brighten your yard year-round with these winter-flowering plants that thrive in Florida’s climate.

If you’re lucky enough to garden in Florida, you know there’s no shortage of stunning plants that bloom year-round—even in winter. To help you keep your yard vibrant through the cooler months, I’ve curated this list of winter-flowering plants for Florida gardens. These beauties will add pops of color and charm to your outdoor spaces, and I even included a bonus pick that’s sure to make your garden stand out.

Gerbera Daisy: A Star Among Winter Flowering Plants for Florida Gardens

Bright and bold, gerbera daisies are a must-have among winter flowering plants for Florida gardens. With vibrant colors ranging from sunny yellow to vivid pink and even purple, they bring year-round cheer to any yard. Plant them in fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade to enjoy their big, cheerful blooms all season long. Bonus: They make gorgeous cut flowers for arrangements!

Bright and bold, gerbera daisies are a must-have among winter flowering plants for Florida gardens.

Firespike

Looking for something dramatic? Firespike is an evergreen shrub that thrives in Florida’s climate. Its striking 6-foot branches are topped with foot-long red flowers that attract pollinators and add privacy to your yard. Firespike loves sunlight, tolerates some shade, and is perfect for drought-prone or coastal areas with salt spray.

Looking for something colorful and dramatic? Firespike is an evergreen shrub that thrives in Florida’s climate.
Firespike loves sunlight, tolerates some shade, and is perfect for drought-prone or coastal areas with salt spray.

Viola

Small but mighty, violas are one of the most versatile and colorful winter flowering plants for Florida gardens. Whether planted in containers or clustered together in flower beds for maximum impact, their vivid blooms brighten any yard, even in the cooler months. With every shade of the rainbow to choose from, violas are an easy way to brighten up your outdoor spaces.

violas are one of the most versatile and colorful winter flowering plants for Florida gardens.
With every shade of the rainbow to choose from, violas are an easy way to brighten up your outdoor spaces.

Plumbago: A Blue Beauty for Florida’s Winter Gardens

No list of winter flowering plants for Florida gardens would be complete without plumbago. This striking shrub’s sky-blue blooms add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, and its new varieties in white and cobalt blue provide even more options for your landscape. This shrub thrives in full sunlight, making it ideal for informal hedges or stand-alone accents. Plant it in well-draining acidic soil for stunning results.

Plumbago's striking sky-blue blooms add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, and its new varieties in white and cobalt blue provide even more options for your landscape.
Plumbago thrives in full sunlight, making it ideal for informal hedges or stand-alone accents.

Winter Jasmine: A Cheerful Choice for Winter Flowering Plants

Winter jasmine is a low-maintenance gem that adds a cheerful pop of yellow to your yard during the cooler months. This vining shrub thrives in Florida’s sunny weather and can handle less-than-perfect soil as long as it drains well. While it lacks the signature scent of other jasmine varieties, its hardy blooms will brighten even the gloomiest days.

Winter jasmine is a low-maintenance gem that adds a cheerful pop of yellow to your yard during the cooler months.

Bonus: Ornamental Cabbages

These colorful cabbages aren’t flowers, but they’ll make your winter garden pop! As temperatures drop, their rich purples and reds intensify, adding warmth and depth to your landscape. Plus, they make eye-catching garnishes for your meals—just don’t count on them for dinner; their bitter taste is best left as a visual treat.

These colorful ornamental cabbages aren’t flowers, but they’ll make your winter garden pop!

Want a Vibrant Winter Garden?

If these winter flowering plants for Florida gardens have inspired you, let’s create a stunning landscape tailored to your home! From colorful blooms to design solutions that thrive in Florida’s unique climate, I can help make your outdoor spaces beautiful year-round.

Call me at (407) 743-2399 or email me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. You can also reach me through my website’s contact page to schedule a consultation. Let’s bring your garden to life this winter!

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Top Front Door Color Trends for 2025 to Inspire Your Home

Top Front Door Color Trends for 2025 to Inspire Your Home

Discover how to elevate your curb appeal with the trendiest front door colors for 2025.

Changing your front door color is one of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh look. In 2025, front door color trends are all about bold statements, warm hues, and natural inspiration. Whether you're drawn to sophisticated reds, rich blues, or earthy tones, these colors offer endless ways to enhance your curb appeal and set the tone for your home.

Sophisticated Reds

Rich, bold reds are timeless and welcoming. In 2025, expect shades like deep clay or modern takes on red that balance elegance with energy. These colors radiate warmth and can be paired beautifully with natural materials like brick or stone for a harmonious, organic feel.

Sophisticated reds are taking the stage for a bold and fresh welcome.

Front Door Color Trends Include Natural Earth Tones for 2025

Natural hues are gaining popularity for their ability to blend seamlessly with outdoor surroundings. Mossy greens, muted yellows, and warm browns evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature. These earthy shades are perfect for complementing homes with wood, stone, or other organic elements.

Natural hues are gaining popularity for their ability to blend seamlessly with outdoor surroundings.

Wood Finishes

Instead of paint, traditional stained wood doors are making a comeback. Shades like medium maple or deep espresso add warmth and timeless appeal to your entryway. A well-chosen wood finish pairs beautifully with natural landscapes and architectural styles that emphasize texture and depth.

Instead of paint, traditional stained wood doors are making a comeback.

Rich Blues in Front Door Color Trends for 2025

Deep blues are a favorite for 2025. Navy and other rich blue tones exude sophistication while remaining approachable. These colors shine when accented with metallic details like brass or bronze hardware, creating an elegant yet modern statement.

Deep blues are a favorite for 2025.

Contrasting Hues

Adding contrast with your front door color is a great way to bring personality to your home's exterior. Black remains a versatile and timeless choice for contrast, but brighter pops like terracotta or pastel orange can inject playful energy. Paired with complementary exteriors, these colors make a bold and stylish impact.

Adding contrast with your front door color is a great way to bring personality to your home's exterior.

Thinking of Refreshing Your Front Door?

If the front door color trends for 2025 have inspired you, I’d love to help you choose the perfect shade to transform your home’s curb appeal. From bold reds to timeless blues and warm wood finishes, I can guide you in selecting a color that complements your home’s architecture and personal style.

Feel free to reach out by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. You can also message me directly through my website’s contact page to schedule a consultation and bring your vision to life. Let’s make your front door the perfect first impression!

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7 Big Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2025

7 Big Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2025

A cozy, colorful, and creative year for home design lies ahead.

After a whirlwind 2024, many of us are ready to turn inward and make our homes a true haven. In 2025, home interiors will lean toward comfort, creativity, and connection. Whether you're looking to refresh a single room or reimagine your entire space, these predicted trends offer plenty of inspiration. From soothing sanctuaries to statement-making kitchens, here's a look at interior design trends for 2025 and what’s expected to dominate the design world in the year ahead.

1. Soothing, Spa-Like Spaces

In 2025, the home becomes a sanctuary, offering calm and retreat from the outside world. Think soft whites for walls and furniture, complemented by natural wood finishes in lighter tones like bleached oak. Deep blues are making waves as a more inviting alternative to black, perfect for creating a cozy, cocoon-like ambiance. With an emphasis on clean, uncluttered spaces, this trend invites relaxation without sacrificing style.

Soothing spa-like spaces are a key design trend for 2025.

2. Color Drenching: An Interior Design Trend for 2025

Bold, saturated colors take center stage in the year ahead. Picture a dining room painted from ceiling to baseboards in rich cobalt blue, or a living room adorned in emerald greens. This all-encompassing approach to color creates a cohesive, dramatic effect. Warm hues—like caramel, terracotta, and honey—will also shine, reflecting a collective desire for spaces that feel both personal and nurturing.

Bold, saturated colors take center stage in the year ahead.

3. Textural Touches

Notable interior design trends for 2025 are as much about feel as it is about aesthetics. Expect walls adorned with textured finishes like silk or linen, and furniture wrapped in tactile fabrics like mohair or boucle. These elements add warmth and dimension, making formal spaces feel approachable and inviting.

Notable interior design trends for 2025 are as much about feel as it is about aesthetics.

4. Ceiling Details Are Big in Interior Design Trends for 2025

The “fifth wall” is no longer an afterthought. Ceilings will see a surge in creativity, from soft blush paints to bold wallpaper and even metallic finishes. These unexpected details can transform a room into a true escape, adding depth and drama from above.

Ceilings will see a surge in creativity, from soft blush paints to bold wallpaper and even metallic finishes.

5. Charming Details

Small touches can make a big impact. Skirted sinks in utility areas like laundry rooms or mudrooms bring a softness that balances functional spaces. Meanwhile, intricate patterns and artisanal fabrics continue to highlight the charm of hand-crafted details.

Small touches can make a big impact. Skirted sinks in utility areas like laundry rooms or mudrooms bring a softness that balances functional spaces.

6. Eat-In Kitchens: A Top Trend for 2025

The heart of the home gets even cozier in 2025. Say goodbye to strictly utilitarian islands and hello to welcoming tables and banquettes that invite lingering conversations over breakfast. This mix of practicality and comfort makes the kitchen an even more central gathering spot.

The heart of the home - the kitchen - gets even cozier in 2025.

7. Modern Prairie and Maximalism in 2025 Design Trends

2025 embraces both rustic simplicity and bold maximalism. Natural materials like stone and wood ground interiors in nature, while earthy colors like olive green and terracotta evoke a calm, organic feel. On the flip side, vibrant, eclectic spaces inspired by vintage glamour are making waves. Think intricate patterns, layered textures, and unexpected accents that feel straight out of a storybook.

2025 embraces both rustic simplicity and bold maximalism.

Bring these Interior Design Trends for the New Year to Your Home

This coming year, interior design is all about blending beauty and function with a focus on comfort, warmth and creativity. Whether you're incorporating new color or textures, or perhaps looking at an eat-in kitchen, these 2025 interior design trends offer something for every home.

If you’re looking to refresh your space or stage your home to sell, I’d love to help you make the most of this year’s upcoming trends if you'd like to explore any of these ideas. Reach out to start planning your next design project!

You can choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this contact link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com

And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

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Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Warm, timeless, and versatile—meet the color set to define interiors in 2025.

Pantone has officially revealed its 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. This rich, chocolatey brown is warm, sophisticated, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or revamp your entire home, this shade offers a timeless foundation for creative design. Let’s explore what makes Pantone 2025 Color of the Year such an inspired choice for interiors.

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse, living room setting with mocha mousse sofa and walls.

Mocha Mousse, Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: A Warm and Grounded Hue

This creamy, roasted brown captures a sense of thoughtful indulgence. It’s not just a neutral; it’s a statement. Mocha Mousse brings warmth and depth to walls, furniture, and décor, creating spaces that feel welcoming and grounded. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with both brighter accents and softer neutrals.

Whether you’re envisioning a cozy living room or a serene bedroom, this shade offers the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort.

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse, living room setting.

Why Brown, and Why Now?

The choice of brown reflects a growing desire for comfort and connection in home design. As we navigate a fast-paced world, colors like Mocha Mousse evoke a sense of calm and stability. This shade can make a bold impact as an accent wall or serve as a subtle backdrop to highlight natural textures and materials like wood, leather, and stone.

Brown’s resurgence also signals a shift toward timeless, grounding hues that remind us of our connection to nature.

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. This brown offers calm and stability.

Ways to Incorporate the Pantone 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, Into Your Space

  1. Accent Walls: Use Mocha Mousse to create a bold yet inviting focal point in any room. Pair it with white trim for a crisp contrast or with other earthy tones for a harmonious look.
  2. Textiles and Furniture: From velvet upholstery to leather accents, this color adds a touch of understated luxury.
  3. Accessories: Bring the color into your space with throw pillows, rugs, or even ceramic pieces in this rich tone.

This shade also works beautifully with warm metallics like brass or bronze, adding a layer of subtle elegance.

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse, showing up in textiles and patterns.

Mocha Mousse: A Color of Connection and Comfort

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year isn’t just a trend—it’s a reflection of what we crave in our homes: warmth, comfort, and a timeless appeal. Whether you use it as a foundation or an accent, Mocha Mousse brings a sense of balance and serenity to any space.

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. This brown offers calm sophistication and stability.

Do You Love the Warm Sophistication of Mocha Mousse?

If Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year has sparked your imagination, I’d love to help you bring Mocha Mousse into your home or office. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy accent wall, update furniture upholstery, or experiment with décor, I can guide you in choosing the best ways to incorporate this rich, chocolatey hue into your space.

I’m here to make your design dreams come to life. 

Feel free to reach out by calling me at (407) 743-2399 or emailing me at carmen@sohointeriordesign.com. You can also message me directly through my website's contact page, and we’ll schedule a consultation to explore how Mocha Mousse can transform your space into something extraordinary.

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Does wallpaper affect home sales?

Does Wallpaper Affect Home Sales?

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 potential hurdle. If you’re preparing to sell, you may wonder: does wallpaper affect home sales? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Does wallpaper affect home sales? Nostalgic paper can still be very much on-point.

Does Wallpaper Affect Home Sales Based on Its Design?

Stylish, modern wallpaper can make a space feel fresh and chic, which may appeal to buyers. Vintage designs, like mid-century modern patterns, can even add character. But outdated or overly ornate wallpaper—think heavy florals from the 1980s—can send buyers running. “It’s about taste and trends,” says real estate expert Drew Coleman.

A bolder use of wallpaper that still is contemporary and typically desirable.

How Wallpaper Condition Impacts Home Sales

Wallpaper in poor condition, such as faded prints or peeling seams, can be a red flag for buyers. It suggests neglect and signals potential work for the new owner. To attract more interest, consider removing damaged wallpaper and repainting walls in neutral tones.

Strategic Wallpaper Placement: Does It Affect Home Sales?

Wallpaper works best in small doses. Accent walls, powder rooms, or foyers are great spaces to use wallpaper strategically, creating a wow factor without overwhelming buyers.

Using wallpaper to create an accent wall.

The Role of Professional Installation in Home Sales

Proper installation is key. Poorly applied wallpaper with bubbles or misaligned patterns can distract buyers and decrease the perceived value of your home. If you plan to use wallpaper, enlist a professional to ensure a flawless finish.

Professionally applied wallpaper as an accent in the dining room.

Does Wallpaper Affect Home Sales If You Love It?

Ultimately, your home should reflect your style. If wallpaper makes you happy, use it! Just be mindful of how it might impact your home’s saleability when the time comes.

If you love the wallpaper, go with it! Just remember it might be something to deal with when selling your home.

If you’re wondering whether to remove your wallpaper before selling or how to incorporate it without affecting your home’s value, I can help. As both a real estate agent and home-staging expert, I specialize in evaluating spaces and making updates that appeal to buyers.

And if you love wallpaper, I’ll work with you to choose styles that reflect your personality without diminishing resale potential. Let’s make your home ready for its next chapter—reach out today!

Reaching me is easy. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and you can tell me about your home and wallpaper situation – I can help you with all of that. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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Pinterest's fall interior design trends reveal as life gets busier, interiors are becoming a refuge for peace and relaxation.

Fall Interior Design Trends You’ll See Everywhere

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 fall trend report, revealing the top fall interior design trends shaping homes this season. From timeless favorites like “air purifying plants” to the eye-catching “sage green and blue color palettes,” these searches give us a clear view of where home design is headed.

Among these insights, a few standout fall interior design trends are set to dominate our spaces and social feeds. With this in mind, let's dive into four of the biggest looks and how you can incorporate them into your own home.

Japanese Living Room Ideas

A blend of refinement and relaxation, Japanese-inspired interiors are having a major moment. What we're seeing is that searches for this style are soaring as people embrace low-maintenance, calming aesthetics. To bring this trend home, choose furniture close to the ground, earthy neutral tones, and greenery like bonsai trees or succulents. Add a touch of authenticity with paper lanterns or room dividers to create a serene retreat.

Japandi bedroom.
Japandi decor and furnishings.

Cozy Sunrooms Define Key Fall Interior Design Trends

Sunrooms are making a comeback as multifunctional spaces that let you enjoy natural light year-round. Known for their large windows and inviting furniture, these rooms are perfect for everything from family time to quiet mornings. If you're planning an addition, consider designing a sunroom that evolves with your lifestyle, whether it becomes a reading nook, an art studio, or even a small indoor garden.

Sunrooms are a big Pinterest fall trend.

Green Home Decor

Nature-inspired hues are dominating fall interior design trends, with Pinterest searches for green decor skyrocketing by over 2,000 percent. Whether you add green through subtle accents or go bold with a feature wall, this color is adaptable to any design style. Opt for sage green for a tranquil vibe, hunter green for depth and drama, or lime green accents for a fresh, lively touch.

Green decor is a big Pinterest fall trend.
Sage green kitchen decor is a big Pinterest fall trend.

Zen House

As life gets busier, interiors are becoming a refuge for peace and relaxation. Soft, cozy fabrics like velvet and boucle, paired with calming tones and natural materials, are the cornerstone of this trend. Create your own zen-inspired space with plush textures, neutral color palettes, and minimalist decor that emphasizes simplicity and calm.

Soft, cozy fabrics like velvet and boucle, paired with calming tones and natural materials, are the cornerstone of the Zen trend.
Soft, cozy fabrics paired with calming tones and natural materials, are the cornerstone of the Zen trend.

Bring these Fall Interior Design Trends to Your Home

This fall, interior design is all about blending beauty and function with a focus on comfort and nature-inspired aesthetics. Whether you're incorporating a serene Japanese style, designing a cozy sunroom, or adding pops of green, these fall interior design trends offer something for every home.

If you’re looking to refresh your space or stage your home to sell, I’d love to help you make the most of this season’s trends. Reach out to start planning your next design project!

You can choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com

And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

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