Best-Kept Interior Design Secrets Straight from the Source

Rip & Tan: What does an interior designer do?

Linnea Schooley: Interior designers do so much more than most people assume. From conceptualizing big-picture design concepts configuring floor plans for the best stylistic and functional flow down to the smallest details, designing and sourcing furniture, lighting, materials, finishes, and project management of vendors and subcontractors, to installation and styling.

A common phrase you’ll hear from designers is “it’s a lot of moving parts” which is truly an understatement. It’s thinking about every detail of your space from an aesthetic, functional, and budgetary standpoint and then making it happen.

Rip & Tan: If someone is trying to find their interior design style, how would you suggest they start? How did you find yours?

Linnea Schooley: Flip through design books and magazines and pay attention to what you’re drawn to. Pinterest and Instagram can be great tools as well, but the algorithm can sometimes limit you to specific styles or to what’s trending.

My design style has changed so much as I’ve learned more and been exposed to more resources, history, and culture. Pay less attention to what’s popular and more attention to what lights you up!

Rip & Tan: What are some of the most common interior design styles you’re seeing in spaces as of late?

Linnea Schooley: I think there’s a real move towards using richer, moodier materials lately, which I’m loving.

Rip & Tan: What do you think makes a design timeless? Is there anything we can do to ensure our homes look and feel timeless rather than trendy?

Linnea Schooley: Understanding the history of design really helps to inform this. There are certain silhouettes and materials that have been around for hundreds of years and have stood the test of time.

I think certain design trends can still be timeless, especially if good quality materials are used that will hold up over time. As long as you’re buying something because you love it and not because you see it all over social media, you won’t regret it.

Rip & Tan: Let’s talk specifics in rooms. What are the key elements of bedroom design?

Linnea Schooley: I like to think of bedrooms as serene respites and keep them as calm and cozy as possible.

Key elements include a well-made bed that will stand the test of time, bedding of your choice (we love linen, but percale is lovely as well if you don’t like wrinkles), wooden bedside tables, a few textured throw pillows, mood lighting, a plush throw blanket for naps, and if you have the space—a chair or chaise to sit and read a book.

Rip & Tan: What are your tricks for styling a bed?

Linnea Schooley: Less is more when it comes to styling your bed. Lately, I’ve been loving one simple long lumbar pillow with drape-y bedding and a throw blanket, which I like to change out depending on the seasons.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite ways to style pillows on a sofa using the Jenni Kayne collection?

Linnea Schooley: I love using two square pillows on either side of the sofa, like our Luna, Linen, or Basketweave pillows, and pairing them with either a lumbar pillow or a smaller square pillow depending on the size of your sofa.

Rip & Tan: What tips do you have for keeping clutter contained while still ensuring a room is usable?

Linnea Schooley: Use open shelving for your pretty, styled pieces and closed storage for everything else. Add some extra storage using baskets for things like blankets, kids’ and dog toys, and so forth. It makes it so easy to quickly tidy your space.