Interiors Expert: Design Tips & Trends For The Year Ahead

Rip & Tan: What are some design elements you’re looking forward to playing with this year? Any lackluster trends you’re happy to do away with?

Leah Cumming: I’m really looking forward to thoughtfully layering rooms. There is a constant conversation in the design world of minimalism versus maximalism. I think people often tend to strongly side one way or another, however, I believe there is a happy medium and a hybrid that we have not really explored yet.

We have had to really adjust the way we live and work over the past two years, and I think we will continue to see more intention brought into our homes with design.

Beyond that, I also think we’re going to see people use more natural materials and surfaces that provide the illusion of bringing the outdoors in.

In terms of trends I’m tired of, I would love to see the overly done midcentury modern trend go away.

Rip & Tan: What are a few easy changes to make that give your home a fresh look and feel? 

Leah Cumming: A fresh coat of paint always helps freshen up a space and makes it feel new again! A few of my favorite shades are Portola Plaster of Paris, Portola Gem, Portola Beachwood, and Portola Stone 2.

Rip & Tan: What’s your approach to editing a space? How do you decide on what stays and what should go?

Leah Cumming: This is one of my favorite questions. I think everything in a space should serve some sort of purpose or function in order to not overcrowd and clutter a room. That being said, I also believe it is equally important to bring things into the home that evoke memory, feeling, or simply bring joy. Whether that’s a beautiful ceramic bowl or an abstract marble sculpture, if you find it to be beautiful, it’s definitely worth keeping and working into your home.

There is a lot of research that directly links how home design has an impact on our mental health. With that in mind, I think it’s important to surround ourselves with things that make us feel in any way, shape, or form. After all, a home is what you make it.



Images: Kate Berry & Angi Welsch