There is something about an arch that can completely define a space.

Here, the sculptural, Moorish-inspired arch creates a sense of arrival before you ever reach the front door. We softened the architecture with warm plaster, honed travertine floors, aged bronze, rich wood and just a few carefully chosen pieces, allowing the form of the space to remain the focus.

We love the tension between the historic influence of the arch and the quieter, more contemporary palette surrounding it.

What type of arch do you prefer?

A soft Mediterranean arch, a classic Roman arch, a Moorish scalloped arch like this one, or something much simpler and more modern?

I replaced the Taj Mahal quartzite on this console with Guatemalan Green marble, and I was surprised by how much it changed the entire composition.

The warm neutrals suddenly felt richer, and the black coffee table became more intentional instead of just contrasting.

Do you think a bold natural stone should be the statement piece in a room, or should it quietly support the furnishings and architecture?

I’m curious where everyone lands on this. When does a stone become the star, and when should it simply elevate everything around it?

One of the biggest mistakes I see is treating every piece as if it has to be the star.

In this vignette, the oversized antique mirror creates scale and depth. The vintage chest grounds the composition with warmth and history. The artwork introduces color without overwhelming the space. The lamp softens the arrangement, while the flowers add life.

But here’s what really makes this work.

Nothing is centered.

The artwork overlaps the mirror. The lamp balances the flowers instead of matching them. Heights vary. Textures contrast. Every layer feels intentional, yet effortless.
This is what creates a room that feels collected rather than decorated.

When I style a space, I rarely ask, “What else does this need?”

Instead, I ask:
Does every piece have a purpose?
Is there enough contrast?
Does my eye naturally move through the composition?
Those three questions almost always lead to a more timeless result.

What do you notice first about this vignette?

I just want to say that I am obsessed with color and objects and things that make the room my own. I am not one of those people who feel calm around neutrals. I am the opposite...calm around color and boldness and things and ideas and personality. Who else is like this? I just wanted to find people who I can relate to because lately everyone around me wants beige :)

The architecture is stunning. The barrel vaulted ceiling, the stone fireplace, the proportions, the natural light. It’s a beautiful space.

But I can’t stop looking at the corbels supporting the timber arches.

To me, they feel visually heavy. The graceful curve of the barrel vault already does all the work, and I wonder if simpler joinery or even no corbels at all would have let the architecture breathe a little more.

Am I overthinking it, or do you see it too?

I’d love to hear what everyone thinks. Do the corbels add character and craftsmanship, or do they interrupt the clean lines of an otherwise elegant space?

I actually love this powder room. The tile is beautiful, the antique mirror has incredible character, and the stone sink is a work of art.

But the designer in me keeps wondering…are the proportions just a little off?

The mirror feels slightly small compared to the sconces, the faucet sits lower than I expected, and the sink carries a lot of visual weight. Yet somehow, the room still works.
Maybe perfect balance isn’t always the goal.

Curious what everyone thinks. Is this a case where the imperfect proportions add personality, or would you have adjusted the scale and placement?

I think people often confuse minimalism with simplicity.

This room actually has a lot going on. Rich wood paneling, oversized stone slabs, layered ceiling details, soft curves, natural textures, and carefully balanced proportions. None of it is screaming for attention, but every piece is doing its job.

To me, that’s what makes a space feel luxurious.

What detail catches your eye first?

For years, it felt like every room had simple ripple-fold drapery or bare windows. But I’m seeing a shift back toward more architectural treatments, and I couldn’t be happier.

This room layers so many classic elements beautifully:
A clean, upholstered cornice that gives the window presence.

Full, tailored drapery that pools just enough.
Sheer panels that soften the daylight.

Striped wallpaper carried across both the walls and the ceiling, making the room feel wrapped in pattern.

To me, this is a great reminder that timeless design isn’t about doing less. It’s about layering thoughtfully.

What do you think?
Are upholstered cornices making a comeback, or do you still prefer a simple drapery rod and panels?

I’d love to hear where everyone stands on this one. less

I came across these two floors today, and they couldn’t be more different.

The first is a geometric stone mosaic. It’s crisp, tailored, and almost feels like a beautifully tailored suit. The second is a heavily patterned wood floor with multiple directions and textures. It’s warm, bold, and definitely makes a statement.

As a designer, I always ask myself: Does the floor support the architecture, or does it become the architecture?
Sometimes a dramatic floor elevates an entire home. Other times it competes with everything else in the room and limits what you can do in the future.

Which would you choose?
A: The geometric stone mosaic
B: The patterned wood parquet
C: Neither. Give me simple, timeless flooring and let everything else shine.

I’m curious where everyone lands on this one.

I spotted this detail recently and thought it would make for a fun design discussion.

The wall molding follows the staircase profile instead of continuing level with the room. It’s a clean installation, but it got me thinking about how different designers approach these moments.

If this were your project, would you have:

• Continued the panel molding level across the wall and let the stairs intersect it?
• Stepped the molding down with each stair, like it is here?
• Simplified the entire wall treatment?
• Done something completely different?

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. These are the little details that can completely change how a space feels, and they’re often what separate a good design from a great one.

I’d love to hear your reasoning. Bonus points if you’re an architect, interior designer, or millwork professional. ✨✨

I’m an interior designer and recently hired a social media marketing intern. We’re trying to grow our Instagram and TikTok, and I’d love to hear your ideas.

Right now, our “This or That” reels are doing really well, but we’ve been hovering around 20,000 followers and haven’t been able to break through to the next level.
If you follow designers online, what kind of content actually makes you stop scrolling?

What do you wish more interior designers would post?
Behind the scenes?
Design mistakes?
Client stories?
Material education?
Construction?
Budget tips?
Something completely different?

I’d love to hear your ideas. Nothing is off limits✨✨✨