TWO TRICKS to tie it all together! - The Gunther Project
Do you know whose interior space is the hardest for me to design? My own. As a designer, I’m expected to commit to just one style, one overall aesthetic—just one? That’s tough, because I love it all. (Well, almost all… chenille still hasn’t earned a place in my heart.) So how do I choose a look I truly love—one I won’t regret later—without falling into a full-blown case of design FOMO? If you're stuck in decision overload while planning your dream home, this post is for you.
The two key design strategies I find most helpful when creating personalized interiors—for myself and my clients—are:
Envision a clear design mood and commit fully to it.
Ensure the design is at least 80% practical and functional.
For me, that means:
I need calming, zen-inspired vibes to help me unwind, and
Since I have dogs (black AND white—UGH!) and entertain frequently, I choose easy-to-clean, stain-resistant furnishings.
For you, your two essential tips might be:
I want a bright, cheerful atmosphere, especially in winter, and
I need ergonomic, firm seating because of back issues.
Your design priorities can be anything—what matters is knowing your top two and staying true to them!
In my own home, to achieve that first priority, I created a stress-free, zen-inspired space with a soothing neutral palette applied consistently throughout. I eliminated clutter to maintain calm and continuity. I used Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster on the walls and ceilings, and Dove on the moldings—simple, clean, and cohesive. Creating a neutral space requires discipline and focus, resulting in peaceful and timeless interiors.
For my second priority, the practicality factor, I selected approximately 100 yards of Scalamandre’s Hopsack performance fabric. This off-white, durable fabric stands up to everything from red wine spills to Fred’s drool (true story!). Plus, it’s soft and comfortable—definitely not like sitting on plastic. To add interest, I mixed in some boucle fabric for texture variation. Mixing textures is always a smart design move.
So, how do you develop your ideal design mood while keeping things practical? For your first priority, create a daily mood you want to experience. If you need calm and relaxation, choose soothing neutrals and stay consistent—there are endless neutral shades, so stick to one or two, at most three. If your top priority is to create bright, cheerful vibes, opt for colorful fabrics and hues that uplift your spirit. Start slow, add accents thoughtfully, and remove anything that feels overwhelming.
For your second priority, practicality, consider your lifestyle needs. Do you watch football with snacks and your feet up? A cushy sectional might be essential. Have lots of kids’ toys? Built-in storage is ideal, but if that’s out of budget, a storage ottoman can work wonders—I once designed one with a lift-up top to hold a client’s huge Lego and Tonka collection. If you have dogs who aren’t exactly (“ahem”) well-behaved, I recommend investing in affordable, replaceable area rugs instead of pricey wall-to-wall carpeting.
The key when you’re struggling to make design decisions, as I was, is to remember your top two priorities. Keep your first priority consistent throughout your home to create a smooth, cohesive flow. And always keep your second priority, practicality and functionality, in mind when selecting furniture and decor, so your choices work for you both now and in the future. Use these two simple design tricks, and you’ll be able to pull your entire space together beautifully!
