Page 119 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2025

areas with patterns and images in strong pure colors can be breathtaking. Avoid washed out, faded looking papers, and make an impact with vivid, luxurious style. If a textured paper, rather than a bold one feels less risky, a grass paper in an eye-catching color can be magnificent and timeless.
Wood paneling done right is back in a big way
as well. Entire walls in raised paneling painted
the same color as the rest of your room is classic.
But it can also be as simple as adding trim pieces
to sections of a wall to simulate paneling or
purchasing prefabricated panels with unique
motifs. If you appreciate the beauty of natural
wood, darker shades are trending but natural wood in any hue is marvelous.
STATEMENT RUGS
Rugs with artistic design, bold colors, or patterns are a powerful way to update a space. A statement rug says “wow” the minute you walk in a room. It does not overshadow your furnishings
and accessories by drawing your eye away from the rest of your design, but it seems to draw everything together being equal
to your other design elements. The perfect rug does not need to be the same color as the rest of your furniture or your walls, consider a striking design in a coordinating color or pattern like the rug pictured we had custom made for a client.
DESIGNATED SPACES
Designing spaces for certain activities is a practical trend that allows decorating for function. Sometimes rooms appear to be “catch alls.” Designated spaces show conscientious intent and appear coordinated. Specific areas for eating in a kitchen, a nook for reading, or an area for exercising each require slightly different design accommodations. For example, the perfect
SASSY BIRD INTERIORS
211 Main St. Bay St. Louis
228.344.3181 www.sassybirdinteriors.com
seating for one activity does not always transfer well to another space.
There is always a need to have areas that can handle multi- tasking such as an office that doubles as a guest room, but it
is more difficult to create a designer look and feel in a room that is supposed to handle anything and everything. While not necessarily a separate room, dining spaces are making their way back into building and remodeling plans. So do not put grandmother’s china in the garage sale yet, you might want to use it after all.
Making design choices can be scary. But do not let apprehension keep you from making beautiful changes to your home. Collect your wish photos, make a budget, and consult with a professional interior designer when in doubt. Make this the year you start making your home decorating dreams come true.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
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