Solutions: Designers reveal what should be in your home

Since there is so much to consider when creating a space, Homestyle reached out to members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) – Michigan who will be at the ASID booth during the Novi Home Show that runs from Jan. 26-28. When asked what no home should be without in 2018 and why, these were a few of their responses.

Camille Naimy from Decoroom at the Michigan Design Center in Troy says great accessories and art are the jewelry of the home that have special meaning and provide the finishing touch. “They can be anything from vases and pillows to artwork and beyond, including case goods, as in end tables, sofa tables, etc. that reflect the personality of the client,” she says.

In addition, accessories warm a space and make it welcoming in any style, from contemporary and traditional to transitional.

It’s about how the pieces are placed to make the space pop, at the same time, making sure they work with the theme of the room, which is an art, in and of itself, Naimy says.

In 2018, Tracey Garcia, owner of TG Designs in Farmington Hills, says no home should be without proper, adequate lighting that comes from a variety of sources including lamps, overhead lighting and wall lighting.

Accent lighting for cabinets and art can also be a nice addition. “Dimmers are a must, as well; they set the mood and create a cozy ambiance,” says Garcia. “Bonus points if you have some ‘wow’ light fixtures to make a statement.”

For Debra Christy with Wake Up Your Space based in Troy, it’s a fresh coat of paint in at least one room, preferably in a delicious shade of calming lavender or lilac. “Dare yourself to paint even one wall and see how it can open your creativity and senses to breath deeper, feel renewed and shake off last year’s tension,” she says.

“You will be surprised how these colors can feel like a new primary color,” adds Christy who will do a seminar about moving and downsizing as you age in place. “Get out of your gray mood and step into a mix of florals, mixed with modern, transitional and electrifying splashes of cobalt blue.”

Gayle McNally, owner of Gayle McNally Interior Design in Ypsilanti, will also be a presenter at the show, discussing “How to Dress a Naked Window.” She says it’s time to replace those ineffective window treatments and invest in new styles with updated features like motorized shades.

As McNally explains, windows facing each point on the compass — North, East, South and West — offer unique challenges every homeowner knows from experience: faded furniture from direct sunlight, cold rooms from north-facing windows and blazing heat and blinding light at the dinner table from west-facing windows. The latest innovations in window treatments make it easier and more affordable than ever to conquer these challenges, she says.

Whatever you have planned for your interiors this year, there are plenty of ideas to get you started on your home.

For information on the ASID Michigan booth, including seminar topics and times, go to novihomeshow.com.

Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.