Nicole Salceda's journey into interior design stemmed from her passion for creating polished yet functional spaces that are accessible. This former elementary school teacher pursued her vision to bring those designs to life. What began with a small client base quickly grew into an impressive collection of homes, each showcasing her signature warm minimalist aesthetic.
One of Nicole's favorite projects was transforming her backyard into a space for various activities and entertainment. With a new deck, a large pool and patio, an outdoor fireplace, and a wellness area added, the once underutilized, expansive yard has become an entertainer's paradise.
With over 355,000 followers on her Instagram page @eyeforpretty, Nicole firmly believes that a home is more than just a space; it's a feeling.
"As soon as you enter the door, there are many emotions your space can and should evoke," says Nicole. "For me, it's one of comfort, security, and calmness, especially with our busy lifestyles."
This Danville-based designer firmly believes in protecting sanity and making your home a sanctuary.
However, decorating and designing a space can sometimes be overwhelming. In this issue, Nicole shares some tips to help you start transforming your sanctuary.
Start with a clean slate
Nicole says taking down everything and putting it away lets you see a space with fresh eyes. This will help you determine what you liked or disliked about the old space and give you a new perspective.
Add the big items first
One of the biggest mistakes Nicole often sees in decorating is when people buy lots of little items and wonder why they aren't filling a space or looking right.
"You need a few larger items to ground the space and serve as a focal point," says Nicole. Whether it's an oversized vase or a piece of art, start with the most impactful items.
Layer, layer, layer!
Don't stop once you've added some seasonal or year-round decor! Step back and see what else you can add.
"Now, I am not suggesting you overdo it. In fact, I want you to do the opposite," says Nicole. "Less is more! But I want you to think about what else would make sense to complete the space."
Nicole says adding greenery to vases or a throw blanket on the sofa can help enhance a space. You can also add family photos and personalized items to the vignette.
Bring in some life
A little live greenery goes a long way. This could be branches from your backyard or a small house plant you bought at the nursery.
"I think some faux greenery is ok, but be very careful. Most of it can look fake and cheapen your overall home," says Nicole.
If you go the faux route, look for stems with natural tones that mimic the real thing, such as grays, greens, and creams.
Take your time
Many people buy everything from the same store all at once when they decorate their spaces, but Nicole believes in adding items that reflect their lifestyle and personality. The designer believes things look better when they are "collected and layered."
"If you're going to buy everything from Target, make sure you add personal items from your home," she says. "You don't want it to look like an advertisement. Your home should always be a reflection of you and the people you love who live in it."
Nicole leads a carefully selected team of talented individuals who collaborate to create inspiring spaces. They blend vintage, modern, handmade, and thrifted elements to create simple yet captivating homes. Each thoughtful detail reflects Nicole's unique ability to harmonize a space and showcases her keen eye for design.
"As soon as you enter the door, there are many emotions your space can and should evoke," says Nicole.