Category Archives: Interior Design

Small Black and White Powder Room

The best thing I did was paint my small black and white powder room. I would say the most fun space that you can get away with is your powder room. So why not go bold and paint it black partially and add some bamboo wallpaper?

You can go with a bold color or vibrant printed wallpaper and it does not ever clash with your home aesthetic. I had leftover paint from our bedroom accent wall so I decided to paid three of 4 walls in our powder room black! At first my husband was terrified of my idea.

This is the first phase of our powder room update. The space needed some color since the original brick accent wall just faded out.

Here’s tips on not making the room feel closed in with black color paint:

  1. Paint the walls at least half and half – I decided to paint 3/4 of the wall black and then where the white paneling begins will remain white. It makes the room moody but bright at the same time. 
  2. Accent Wall – I recently updated the wall behind the vanity and mirror to a bamboo wallpaper. It gave the space such dimension and somehow made the space not feel so small.
  3. Choose brighter cabinets and counter tops – We decided to keep the counter tops and bottom cabinets consistent through out the house. It benefited us tremendously in this small black and white powder room to have lighter fixtures.
  4. Have other elements of black to tie it in – some people might disagree but having a black sink and faucet as well as black toilet tissue holder was perfect and it gave a sleek modern look that I was looking for. It brought so much balance to the space.
  5. Greenery & simple decor – I loved that I went with brown floating shelves and green plants. It gave the room enough texture against the black paint.

So go dramatic with your powder rooms and don’t make them predictable! What is the most dramatic thing you have done to your space?

Shop the look from my space below! Also linking paint color, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW6258

XO,

Jessi Morgan

The reality & lessons in a interior design career

I had the opportunity to shadow an actual interior designer for a bit since I am very passionate about this career. For people that think interior designers do nothing but pick out tiles and paint colors are very wrong.

At the office of the interior designer I shadowed. Such a great space that shows off her personality as well as professionalism.

Here are some of the key things I learned while shadowing:

  • You do not need an actual degree or certification in interior design today – Yes I know this is mind blowing but it is true. You could identify yourself as the principal designer or work as a home decorator and still have your hands in the interior part. However, you still need to outsource your work or have a certified interior designer or architect in house to check your work. It is very important to have this so you can work with contractors and have a smooth working environment for yourself and your client.
  • It takes more psychology and relationship skills than design 60% of the time – As I was shadowing, one of the clients were upset with a contractor and Michele, who I was shadowing, had to calm them down and come up with solutions vs dwelling on the negative. It takes people skills when you are working with clients. They are emotionally attached to the project and they should be, so always remember this. Michele really did a great job to steer the conversation into becoming actionable vs a complaining session. It took a lot of patience.
Moodboards are everything in interior design. A great way to create a theme for a room or entire home/space.
  • Flat rates don’t work – meaning having a client pay a flat rate for your services will not benefit you in the end. In order for people to respect your time, charging hourly on extra consultations or time is needed. If not, clients will keep adding things they want to add or change and you will never be able to work on another project. That was extremely enlightening for me.
  • Follow-up is everything – When you do full service interior design you are working with vendors, contractors, clients and much more. This means that the follow-up and communication is key. When you are dealing with construction and contractors at times they are not on top of things (from my own experience with renovation I get it) and you as the interior designer need to follow up at all times. Then the second part is to update your clients at all times, this shows reliability and trust. It goes such a long way.
  • Neutral furniture can go a long way – If you buy pieces for your client that are neutral you can always update your space with a touch of colorful accessories and smaller pieces. I now live by that. Buying the bigger pieces in more subdue color palettes will make your furniture everlasting as you can use them for years to come. This is a great way to get a client to commit to something that is not over the top.
  • Respect the vision & budget – If you have a client with a specific vision do your best to bring it to life through mood boards and mobile design. However, if the partnership is not working do not be offended. Let the client move on. Also, respect the budget and ask what the budget is from the beginning. You do not want any surprises at. all.

I have now just a new found respect for interior designers. It’s not easy and everyone cannot do it. What piece of advice really struck you?

Follow me for more interior and home decor on the Instagram & Pinterest

Love the conference room with the crisp clean feel. Perfect for clients.

xoxo,

Jessi Morgan

Top 10 most outdated Home trends in 2021

As the home trends evolve we have also seen home trends go. Here are some of the most outdated trends right now. Let me know if you agree or no?

10. Glossy wooden floors – To be honest I haven’t seen anyone with those type of floors unless it’s in a mature mature older couple home 😂 so yes that does scream outdated lol. 

9. Heavy Drapes – Now I can completely agree with this one. Heavy dark beaded drapes make the room so dark!! Open up the floor by simple beautiful straight line drapes. Shop some great options. Click HERE

8. Raised bar counter – I honestly hate those too! They look old and just don’t make a lot of sense anymore. The bar counter is super high and you usually can’t touch the group when you sit. Little tough at times especially when you are short. 

7. Popcorn ceilings – I am guilty of this. I’m working to remove that stuff ASAP. It just collects dust and it makes you feel you are in a 1970s/1980s home for sure. 

6. Outdated paint colors in multi rooms – I am not a huge fan of a house having different color rooms unless there is a real hardcore theme or something in the room. But having a room being like green, another being yellow and the other room being pink. That multi room thing is out and so glad it is 😂 

5. Bed in a Bag – I used to love these. But let’s be clear here…I mean the bed in a bag where every thing is the same print: the 4 pillows, bed skirt, comforter etc is ALL printed green and yellow plaid😂 Too much right? Lol. Check out some nice bedding options below:

4. Word Art – I always found these super cute but I’m now not into it as much. Having a broad word just isn’t enough anymore. I feel like the lettering on walls was part of the modern farmhouse concept so it was everywhere. If you have lettering on the wall it has to flow and make sense. And no I’m not talking about framed quotes etc. Check out some of my favorite framed quotes below:

3. Frosted yellow lighting – aka especially the yellow lights or just frosted bulbs all together. I hate them. I can’t see with them. They need to go if you can afford it. My life is better without them. Also yellow lights outside attract many bugs especially termites so I’m not a fan. Yellow lighting reflecting off of dark wooden furniture I just hate 😝 Shop some of my favorite lighting

2. Big Glass Blocks – I just really don’t like this anymore. You know exactly when this was installed in your home if you have one…1970s or 1980s 😂 

  1. Themed Decor – Now if it has memories and emotional attachment you can possibly get a pass. But if your house or a room is themed in fishing and your lamps are all fishing then yeah it might need to be retired lol. Or your kitchen is all cow themed it’s a bit dated. I’m not referring to a nursery. That’s where a themed decor is cool! But if you like birds and everything thing from lamps to couch has bird print…it’s time for a change. 

So do you agree? Share your favorite outdated home trends!

Xoxo,

Jessi Morgan

My best friend’s home

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Girl, military families buy and always move all their appliances where ever they go! When I move I’m taking my fridge, washer & drying machine with me since we purchased them…thank you!

Adrienne
Known this beautiful soul since I was 3 years old; follow her @adri_marie_w

That’s my best friend…lol. I love her. Meet Adrienne my longest friend in my life. We have known each other since we were potty trained, so that should tell you it’s been awhile. This past weekend in August I had the opportunity to visit her and her awesome husband in their new home that they moved into about a year ago. It was a custom build where they were able to pick out every single feature (Oh I wish!).

So this past weekend was my first time seeing it and it did not disappoint! I discovered my best friend has the best taste when it comes to spending. She is a pro at spending high and low.

Here are the best features of their home:

  1. The Kitchen Island – It is massive! You can easily seat 9 people and still have prep space. I absolutely loved it and the chairs she had around them were perfect as well. The granite countertops were the perfect touch with the off-white cabinets.
Check out the chairs and dupes below

2. Exceptional Living Room Furniture – I fell in love with her furniture pieces! They have Lovesac furniture which is the pieces that you can constantly move around, clean by putting the cover in the washing machine and much more. They also have the Lovesac Sac and it is so cozy and comfortable for anyone. My husband and I are considering purchasing one now. Should we?

3. Egg Chair & travel memorabilia – My BFF’s husband is in the military so they travel all the time. And throughout their travels they collect souvenirs and display them in this adorable set up. I love the egg chair and Adrienne decorated it so well.

Shop the look below

4. High arches & ceilings – I love the openness of their home. My husband is 6’8″ and low ceilings are never good. So when we entered their house the exaggerated arches and high ceilings we fell in love with. Somehow it made the space brighter in my opinion.

5. Sweet dining room set – I am not a huge fan of the table with a bench concept but my friend made me rethink it. I love her table and chairs. The table came from Ashley Furniture, the chairs were from Joss & Main and she also picked up additional chairs when she has more people over (those are from Target). Linked everything as well as dupes below:

Shop the dupes below!

So needless to say, you can have a cozy home with quality pieces! Adrienne and I have come a long way and its so rewarding to your bestie doing it big time! Proud of her and this home decor!

Are you proud of your bestie? And why? Comment below!

– Jessi Morgan

My first learnings in Interior Design

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As many of you may or may not know I enrolled in some interior design courses recently. I regret that I did not pursue this when I was in college, I have always been a creative person who visually comprehended things. Finally in my mid-30s I want to learn and apply my learnings in interior design and apply to my own home and help others possibly.

Some of the key things to start off my learnings has really made me think twice of my placement of furniture and items in a room from the start. Here is what I have learned so much:

Function

I have literally looked at every big piece of furniture and lighting in every room of my home now when it comes to function. Function is everything, I now look at the following:

  • Where are the entrances to the room – this helps to understand where to place furniture and much more
  • Where are the outlets and how many are there – this tells me what light fixtures we can have or how many we need.
  • What does the flooring look like – Is it practical basically? Does it work for your lifestyle?
  • What kind of furniture looks good and is functional in the space – if you like to read then you will probably want seating that is comfortable, by a light fixture/outlet and looks good.

Style/Mood

This is the area that people like to spend the most time in! The decorating and the styling part. When it comes to this area this is what I think about or look for:

All the pieces reflect a minimalist feel and a clean look. This is a great example of style/mood
  • What style home do you like?
  • What basic features in a space do you love?
  • What elements of furniture speaks to you?
  • This part will define the type of space you are looking for whether it is a traditional feel, cozy feel, minimal furniture feel, brightness, small furniture etc.

Harmony

I feel like since I have been in school this part has gained a lot of my attention. A good example that I can think of is buying a one of a kind pair of shoes and you have no outfits to go with it. No matter what you put with those shoes there is no harmony in your outfit. Ensure your interiors and space have some kind of harmony (color, style furniture, sameness). Some of the easiest ways to harmonize in interior design is the following:

Love how the pink and black feel just harmonize with this space.
  • Color
  • Texture
  • Shape
  • Form

I am excited to continue my studies and become an effective interior designer. Hope I can continue to share my journey with you all! Anything you want to see more of?

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan

White & nude furniture…Is it worth it?

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White, nude and light furniture? Is it worth it? I always in the past questioned if I should go that route. I grew up in a household where white was the enemy and to never purchase things that are white because every blemish will show.

First, I stayed away from it in furniture and even clothes! I was terrified of white or nude till the trend kicked in about 5 years ago and now it is the trend. White/nude colors in homes really can transform a space in all aspects.

Now, When we went on our beach vacation a couple of weeks ago in Gulf Shores, AL the house we stayed in was decorated with some amazing linen white sofas. They were comfortable and actually easy to maintained. When we re-do our bedroom I am leaning towards some white, nude and linen bedding as well as pieces to really switch up the space.

Here are some benefits of considering white/nude sofas and other furniture pieces in your home:

  1. Can go with any decor style – From modern to traditional to boho style you can always incorporate white in these decor styles.
  2. Can brighten a room and create amazing content – A great example is a couch, one key white sofa can brighten the room and change the entire feel.
  3. White can make a space look bigger – I agree with that very much. It’s because the color white means pure and open so the mind automatically views things as lighter and bigger.
  4. Creates a clean and fresh feel – What I do like about white or nude is it automatically holds me accountable to keep things clean. I hate seeing blemishes and when I see one I react. I have the urge to maintain and keep it looking amazing.

So do you like white/nude? Why or Why not? Share your view in the comments

My Favorite White/Nude Furniture Pieces

Also, shop some of my favorite white/nude sofas and furniture below. Remember to follow me on Liketoknow.it.com

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan

The Oriental Powder Room to the Coastal Kitchen Table… Jessi’s I Love Places

I wanted to share this Jessi’s I Love Places I bit different with this entry! I wanted to share 2 different spaces within one blog post this time from the same place.

Some time ago I shared a home with a stunning living room, and a beautiful entry way with the most unbelievable wallpaper. Remember? If not check out that entry here.

Anyways, I wanted to feature and share tips on this amazing kitchen table space as well as how to set the tone for your powder room. Since moving into our home I have grown fond of a having a nice kitchen table set up. I am still thinking of what I want in my own space, but seeing my friend Lynette’s kitchen table set up below just gives me ton of inspiration.

Check out this space as well as this bold powder room below…

Kitchen Table

What I love most about Lynette’s home is the contrast she has between rooms. If you recall in another blog post from some time ago she has an amazing dining room with a massive glass table that is to die for. Click here. Now onto her kitchen table…the complete opposite!

The family wants a cozy & intimate feel when they sit for a dinner. They were going for a coastal feel at the kitchen table. Their table and chairs came from Serena & Lily. What completes this space is the basket lamp fixture hanging over it (from Urban Loft).

Tips/Lesson learned:

  • Bring the outside inside your home when you can – If you love coastal living bring the feel into your home sometimes from chairs to a dining room set to bright blue/yellow color story. This is a trend that continues to evolve and it gives you that vacation vibe at home. People continue to buy outside furniture for indoor spaces.
  • Matching materials still work – By tying the straw-like feel in this space with the hanging lamp and the chairs, it gave the room cohesiveness that is not overwhelming at all. Monochromatic is still in and is not going anywhere in fashion and in home decor.
  • Rugs complete a room – Especially in a family room or kitchen the rug completes the look at all times. Lynette purchased a simple straw round rug to go with her dining room set.

Shop all the items as well as duplicates on the rug and table on my LiketoKnow.it APP! Click here

The Powder Room

Powder rooms in my opinion define the entire style of the home today. Walking into this stunning powder room of Lynette’s will blow anyone away. The wallpaper is a bright reddish tone with an illustrated tiger and tree printed on it. She was going for an oriental feel and that was accomplished. The simple marble sink with golden handles make the space feel like a jewel box. That was the reference that Lynette felt strongly about when designing this area.

Tips/Lessons learned

  • Wallpaper can set the tone in a Powder Room – If you want an oriental feel to a bohemian style in your powder room you can definitely do that with the right wallpaper. Use wallpaper to match your theme.
  • Neutral fixtures are wallpapers best friend – If you decide to have a bold wallpaper or print ensure your sink, handles, door knobs, soap dish etc are neutral colors to compliment the walls. It will not feel busy even if the space is small in size.

No links available but shop the duplicates in my liketoknow.it page! Click here!

Any home decor goals you have going into 2021? Share below!

Happy New Year!

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan