Design Beyond the Trends: Crafting Personalized Spaces That Feel Like Home

When you think of the word “trend,” what comes to mind? Is it the regrettable fashion choices of yesteryear, fleeting musical sensations, or the transient allure of silly social media challenges?  Here at Blissful Interiors, we see home trends come and go more quickly than you can DIY your own bathroom tiles. It’s tempting to succumb to the latest fads endorsed by design magazines and social media influencers, but will you really love that style a year from now? 10 years from now?

Undoubtedly, the Modern Farmhouse style with its rustic accents and open floor plans currently reigns supreme, but does it align with your personality and lifestyle? We absolutely enjoy indulging in HGTV binge sessions for inspiration every now and then, but the Blissful way of doing things is a bit different. Embracing a trend without considering its long-term resonance can lead to regret down the road, so our mission is to curate meaningful spaces with timeless appeal.

What characterizes our client-centered approach? We start with a two-hour in-home consultation, during which we’ll take a deep dive into your vision. We’ll ask questions like:

What functionality do you need from the space?

Who will be using the space? 

What colors do you love? What colors are not your cup of tea?

How do you want to FEEL when you walk into the space?

The consultation is a critical part of our design process, so we urge you to reflect on these questions prior to your visit so we can truly capture the essence of what you would like to achieve through design. 

Once we’ve completed the consultation, we’ll take the reins! Our design philosophy revolves around three core principles:

1. Customization is key

We reject the notion of one-size-fits-all design! Instead, we meticulously curate custom furniture and accessories, incorporating patterns, colors, and textures that are tailored to your lifestyle.

2. Embrace your home’s character

Every home has a unique personality and we want to showcase that—not turn it into a cookie cutter version of the current trends.  For example, a project in Melrose saw us infusing contemporary flare into Tudor-style home while preserving its inherent charm. The client’s wish list included living room seating that placed the focus on the fireplace and piano rather than a TV.

3. Balance Timelessness with Freshness

Unlike fashion, where trends can be easily swapped out each season, quality interior pieces demand a more considered approach. For a timeless design that lasts for years, we strive to incorporate a mix of both contemporary and vintage-inspired pieces. A blend of multiple styles allows your living space to achieve a feel that is curated and authentic.

Blissful Interiors is more than just a name; it’s a promise of tranquility and contentment within your home, your sanctuary, your personal haven. If your space falls short of embodying bliss, we are here to bridge the gap. Reach out to us at carolyn@blissfulinteriordesign.com to get started–let’s make your home your favorite place to be!

Blissful Project Spotlight

Welcome back to The Blissful Life! It's been a while, but the Team Bliss headquarters has been buzzing with activity. If you've been keeping up with us on Instagram, you're already in the loop about our major home renovation, our move to a stunning new office space in Stoneham MA, and the addition of the youngest (and cutest member) of the Blissful Team! Beyond all that, we’ve completed some major projects that we can’t wait to share with you.

After residing in their home for over a decade while raising young children, our clients were ready to focus on interior design. With their kids now in high school, the timing was ideal to introduce high-quality furnishings that would elevate the value of their home. They expressed a desire for a contemporary but still comfortable aesthetic.

We prioritized a color scheme update to breathe new life into the home, infusing the first floor with a timeless blend of blues, grays, and natural tones. To enhance the overall ambiance, we opted for a darker stain on the floors to eliminate any yellowish hues, and the dining room ceiling was treated to a subtle, light gray hue to make it pop.

We relocated the TV from above the fireplace to a discreet cabinet, shifting the room's focal point. In its place, we adorned the space with a stunning piece of art. The talented Tisha Mark, a beloved artist among Team Bliss, was entrusted with creating a painting depicting a cherished location close to the hearts of our clients. To amplify the impact, we revamped the fireplace by adding a new wooden mantle and updating the surrounding tile and woodwork.

The original sectional was swapped out for a diverse array of seating options: a plush sofa, sleek leather chairs, and a comfortable chaise lounge offering a picturesque view of the stunning wooded scenery. To add visual intrigue, we opted for rugs in a neutral color palette with interesting textures.

The breakfast nook had a hightop table in place, so we added a lower table, a cozy rug, and an eye-catching chandelier to define its character and charm.

In the dining room, our goal was to blend an industrial aesthetic with a hint of glamour. We traded the formal hutch for a chic bar cart (providing a delightful opportunity to experiment with new cocktails!), and spruced up the walls with a textured grasscloth vinyl wallpaper.

The exquisite live edge table is meticulously crafted from a hand-picked wood slab, complemented by dining chairs tailored with a carefully chosen fabric.

The client's home initially featured a formal living room, which we reimagined and transformed into a functional study space.

We incorporated a game table, a love seat, and two plush upholstered chairs, complemented by a rich, moody gray paint color to infuse the space with an air of elegance.

Our client adored the chosen bookcase so much that we decided to incorporate three of them along the back wall. This provided ample room to showcase all of the family's most special pieces.

Given the spaciousness of the home's entryway, we opted for larger-scale furnishings and adorned the walls with a creamy white hue to create an airy and open ambiance.

To introduce some visual contrast amidst the abundance of white, we incorporated pieces rich in texture, such as this stunning seagrass and cloth bench.

Even the basement got a remarkable transformation in this redesign, with Buffalo-check carpet tiles beneath the air hockey table providing a grounding element for the room. Additionally, a beverage station was introduced to enhance the space.

Thanks for taking some time to catch up with us! We're thrilled to relaunch the blog and keep you in the loop about all things Blissful. If you're feeling inspired and looking to rejuvenate your own space, don't hesitate to reach out at carolyn@blissfulinteriordesign.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

-Team Bliss

Color story: Not-so-mellow yellow

Now that spring is officially here after the longest winter in recent memory, we are ready to celebrate the sunshine and all things bright and cheerful! In our humble option, there’s no better way to do that than to spotlight the happiest hue on the color spectrum—yellow!

We positively adore yellow in home design: not only does it lift your spirits and brighten any space, it also is the perfect complement to each and every neutral! Gray, navy, beige, white….all get a serious style upgrade when paired with a sunny shade of yellow.

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Team Bliss recently wrapped up a redesign of Aviva Psychology Services’ office in downtown Boston. We wanted to brighten up the space with pops of color and went for a bold statement with this couch in a gorgeous marigold shade.

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You don’t need to commit to major piece of furniture, though, to make an impact! Even small touches—like this yellow planter—are enough to instantly punch up a neutral decor scheme.

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Finding a piece of vibrant art that speaks to you is another excellent way to bring a bit of sunshine into your life!

And of course, the most noncommittal way to add a splash of yellow to your home….flowers!

If you’re sold on yellow’s smile-inducing abilities, read on to check out a few of our favorites to purchase now!

If your design mantra tends to veer into the “go big or go home” territory, we’ve got the perfect chair for you!

Meridian Furniture Jester Velvet Accent Chair, $290 at Houzz

Also not for the faint of heart: a bold printed wallpaper for an accent wall that’s anything but boring.

Folklore Print Wallpaper in Marigold, $175/roll at Hygge & West

These adorable little succulent planters would brighten up any drab work-from-home space!

Set of 2 Sunburst Ceramic Flower Pots, $23 at Etsy

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Splurge on a fancy candle that will never fail to lift your spirits.

Acqua Di Parma Profumi Dell’Orto Candle, $75 at Bloomingdales

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Set the right tone with a cheerful wreath to greet guests at your doorstep.

Faux Magnolia & Lemon Wreath, $199 at Pottery Barn

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Pair the wreath with an inviting doormat for the warmest of welcomes!

Sunflower Welcome Doormat, $35 at Pottery Barn

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The perfect piece of art for brightening dark spaces or dark moods.

Fluid Craspedia Art Print, $38+ at Minted

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Have you ever seen a rug as charming as this one?

Cherry Yellow Rug, $229 at Ruggable

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Cleaning up is so much more fun when you can store your clutter in basket as cute as this one.

Small Yellow Basket with Lid, $50 at Etsy

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If your couch is begging for a fresh look for spring, look no further than these adorable pillow covers.

Set of 2 Yellow Dandelion Print Pillow Covers, $24+ at Etsy

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The perfect accent piece to bring some cheer into your kitchen.

Chantal Yellow Tea Kettle, $50 at Crate & Barrel

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Don’t forget to give your outdoor spaces the sunshine treatment!

Yellow Soleil Outdoor Accent Stool, $70 at World Market

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Here’s an absolutely lovely faux floral option.

Faux Yellow Forsythia Branches Composed Arrangement, $399

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These bee-print sheets would be precious in a child’s bedroom!

Organic Bee’s Knees Full Sheet Set, $99 at Crate & Kids

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A modern vessel in a bold shade is just the thing to give a fresh look to any room in your home.

MoMA Raawii Strom Vase in Freesia Yellow, $68 at West Elm

We hope that now you’re feeling inspired to add a splash of yellow to your own home this spring! Whether you go all out with a piece of furniture or simply test the waters with a floral arrangement or accent piece, we’re sure you’ll agree that yellow’s mood-boosting powers are undeniable. Wishing you all a spring filled with sunshine!

~Team Bliss

Small changes, big impact

So here we are in February and even though winter doesn’t seem to want to loosen its icy grip, Team Bliss is setting its sights on spring! Last month we talked all about home renovations but maybe something major isn’t in the cards for you at the moment. Does that mean you need to spend the foreseeable future staring at the same space day after day? Absolutely not! Restyling some of the surfaces in your home is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to change things up with very little commitment.

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Coffee or entryway tables, mantels, kitchen islands, ottomans…these are all prime spaces on which you can focus your efforts! Because any change you make won’t be permanent, this is most definitely the time to experiment and have fun with trends or colors you’ve been wanting to try.

If you’re styling a larger surface, you’ll need to decide if you prefer a symmetrical appearance or a less structured effect. After putting away her holiday decorations this year, Katie wanted a fresh look for her mantel and we decided to go for an eclectic style tied together with gold accents

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We selected pieces with varying heights to create interest and made sure to incorporate diverse textures. Soft feathered plume reed, a vase with intricate carvings, and a beaded gold frame come together to create a richly layered appearance. If we’ve got you motivated to update some of your own surfaces, read on for our pro tips!

Pro Tip #1: First and foremost, keep in mind that a green is always a good idea! Any space can quickly be upgraded with a splash of green—real OR faux! If you’re not confident in your ability to keep real plants alive (no judgment!), you could invest in a high-quality silk option or keep it budget-friendly with beautiful dried bunches (We love the selection at Afloral!) An important thing to keep in mind when styling surfaces: always measure your space and note the dimensions of anything purchased online! It is easy to overlook but if you aren’t careful you’ll end up with a vessel that hangs over the edge of a mantel or a tray that’s too large for your tiny end table!

Pro Tip #2: Your surfaces are the perfect place to take a chance and let your personality shine! Why not incorporate a favorite accent color that might be a bit much for for, say, a wall color or furniture upholstery? Bring on the bold fuchsias, vibrant yellows, and brilliant blues!

Pro Tip #3: Surfaces are also a wonderful place to incorporate meaningful objects like family heirlooms or pieces collected during travels. Don’t have anything that fits the bill? Go shopping for cute, quirky items that catch your eye. (We simply couldn’t resist the adorable sulky bird that reminds us perhaps a bit too much of our own moody toddlers!) These pieces don’t have to be expensive to make an impact….World Market, Target, and At Home have plenty of fun options!

Pro Tip #4: Don’t forget to add in art that makes you smile! Team Bliss has been enchanted by the adorable miniature oil paintings all over Etsy, and it is there that we stumbled upon a wonderful local artist, Tisha Marks. Katie selected one of Tisha’s pieces for her mantel, and we used another—a seascape of a beach in Cape Cod—for the living area of a client whose family often vacations there. With so many artists and styles to browse, you’re certain to find something that speaks to you.

We hope these tips inspire you to restyle some of your own surfaces and give your home a fresh look for the coming season! Don’t forget that we absolutely love hearing from you and seeing how you use our tips to bring a little bliss into your own homes. Hang in there, everyone—spring is surely on its way!

~Team Bliss

2020 Home Design Trends Wrapped on Redfin's Blog

 
Credit: Redfin

Credit: Redfin

I was delighted to be asked to share my thoughts for a recent piece on Redfin’s blog focusing on design trends in 2020. I chose to focus on a paint color trend I saw popping up last year….charcoal gray!


In 2020, we saw charcoal gray become a popular paint color for home interior use. It’s an unexpected neutral that makes a stronger statement than the usual beiges and whites, and in addition to practicality–it hides stray scuffs and marks!—it serves as an elegant backdrop for gold or brass, pops of color, or lighter neutrals. For the coming year, we foresee globally-inspired decor becoming a major trend. As people get excited to plan travel again after the pandemic, they’ll be similarly moved to decorate their homes in the styles of far-flung locales—and that fresh coat of charcoal gray paint will serve as the perfect backdrop! - Blissful Interiors


Many thanks to Redfin for including Blissful Interiors in this piece alongside design businesses from across the United States! To read the rest of the article and reflect on the trends of 2020, click here.