When it comes to designing a home, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. Selecting furniture pieces to maximize the potential of every square foot without overcrowding and creating spaces that are both workable and visually appealing can be tricky. We teamed up with EDH-based interior designer Jen Reagan to share her tips and tricks. With 24 years of experience and a passion for residential projects, she says, “I take my clients’ ideas and come up with a design that is custom to them and their lifestyle—and also is beautiful and functional.”
How do you balance functionality with aesthetics?
It’s one of the most important aspects of my job. An example might be storage that looks beautiful but hides toys, photo albums, memorabilia, or items you don’t want cluttering your home. Or, in the kitchen: panel-front appliances, which gets rid of finger-printed stainless steel and cover it with a cabinet front and beautiful oversized hardware.
Are there quick upgrades or small changes that make a big impact?
The quickest, most impactful upgrade is paint. Changing the interior or exterior color can make a huge difference. Color trends come and go, and sometimes you might be 20 years behind them, so updating your paint is a quick way to make your home look more current.
What specific furniture pieces are worth investing in?
Splurge on key pieces like sofas, armchairs, dressers, dining tables, buffets or sideboards. You want items that will stand the test of time with wear and tear of multiple people using them. If you get cheap pieces, you will most likely be changing them out every few years, which ends up costing more.
Any tips for homeowners who don’t want to spend too much on decorating?
Target, Amazon, Etsy and even Wayfair have lots of inexpensive on-trend accent pieces and furniture you can buy on a tight budget. Easy affordable ways to refresh any space would be painting, adding wallpaper, changing out artwork, accessories, light fixtures, plants and cabinet hardware.
How can homeowners make spaces feel larger?
Decluttering is the main thing. You can also use light paint colors, incorporate mirrors to reflect light, and choose multifunctional furniture like sofa beds or storage ottomans and furniture with legs. Avoid oversized bulky furniture pieces, and hang curtains from the ceiling to draw the eye upward.
Any timeless elements that never go out of style?
Neutral color palettes like warm whites, creams, beiges and grays; natural materials such as wood and natural stone; clean lines; and classic furniture. Also, matte finishes on countertops and flooring.
Can you share some common design mistakes?
Not understanding space and scale—investing in furniture that is too large or too small, or not choosing the right size light fixtures, or buying matching furniture sets or too-small an area rug to save money.
What advice would you give someone who’s creating their dream home?
It’s an emotional investment. Hire the right team to do the job. Interview several different builders and designers, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Talk to their past clients. These relationships are important, and clear communication is required between all involved parties for your project to run smoothly. Have idea boards pulled together to share your vision but be able to pivot if something is out of budget or out of stock.
Any last words of advice?
Surround yourself with items that bring you joy!
JRID—Jen Reagan Interior Design
jenreagan.com