We asked two of our favorite Birmingham design pros to give their Top 3 Tips on how to refresh for spring by incorporating elements of their own styles into your home. Read on for advice from Bri Thiede, owner and principal designer of Cozy Haus Designs, and Mary Grace Dickson, president of Mariella Custom Drapery, both in Birmingham.
BRI THIEDE
Owner and principal designer of Cozy Haus Designs in Birmingham.
Born and bred in Nashville, Tenn., Thiede comes by Southern hospitality naturally. The principal designer and founder of Cozy Haus Designs, a full-service design firm in Birmingham, says she strives to create “thoughtful and approachable homes with an emphasis on livable luxury, but rooted in timeless tradition.”
Thiede’s work is full of neutral palettes elevated with layers of texture, pattern, material and elements of contrast. “Elevated and timeless luxury while functional, livable and comfortable — it happens to be what everybody is after right now,” Thiede says. “But this is what we’ve always done. We want clients to be able to fall into their sofa and have all the bells and whistles without having to move all the throw pillows first, or being afraid to touch anything.” Cozyhausdesigns.com.
GET COZY IN 2025
PRO TIP 1: TEXTURE
In a master bedroom (see previous page), an accent wall is covered in a Roman clay texture, anchoring the bed and making room for contrasting tones and materials. “Everything else is lighter, more fresh and airy,” Thiede says. “We love these metal sconces and how they hang over the more neutral bed. The nightstands are completed with books, a valet tray, flowers — it’s got all the feels here. A lot of texture is what makes a space.” The cozy organic-cotton throw has a waffle texture, contrasting with the concentric pattern of the matelasse coverlet.
“You want to alternate using different textures,” Thiede says. “We like to think of it as the ‘seesaw act’ — for example, any time we use metals or dark pieces, we then flip-flop and go more organic with linen and delicate textures. It’s a balance.”
PRO TIP 2: DIMENSION
“We wanted to create a different take on a sunroom,” Thiede says. “A space where you can sit down at the end of the day with a glass of wine, or grab a book and sip a cup of coffee in the morning, and it feels warm and inviting, like you could sit there for hours.” Thiede created her signature cozy look in a client’s morning room by anchoring the room in a deep green paint; the same hue accents the soft jute rug, adding to the feeling of depth. The coffee table has three different heights, and coffee-table books — including one ready to flip through on a stand — are stacked with a decorative marble knot on top. “The books add practicality but are also design elements,” Thiede says. “We then added texture with a throw and pillows in different patterns layered on top of each other. It has depth and interest but is held together by the subtle, neutral palette.”
PRO TIP 3: BE THOUGHTFUL
“Minimalist styling is not realistic,” Thiede says. “In order to create cozy spaces, you really have to style it thoughtfully. You don’t want a bunch of knickknacks that are just for show and not functional. Books, games, candles, vases holding plants or flowers — there are a lot of objects, but they are thoughtfully curated and styled. Even if you walk by and never touch the pieces, they still make the space feel inviting and complete.”
In this TK CONSOLE, a trio of leather ottomans create their own “texture” — not only in fabric, but in numbers and height. “When we style things, we try to find at least three heights to create a peak moment, then fill in the spaces and stagger with smaller, lower items to create balance.”
MARY GRACE DICKSON
President of Mariella’s Custom Drapery in Birmingham.
“Window coverings are the soul of your space — they transform a house into a home,” Mary Grace Dickson says. “Your home is a reflection of you; window coverings add the finishing touch you might not realize you needed.”
Dickson has been the president of Mariella’s Custom Drapery in Birmingham for 10 years, taking the reins from her mom, Mariella Trentacoste, who founded the business in 1982. What began as a simple basement workshop has flourished into a full-service operation, replete with an in-house workroom where all drapes are custom-made. Offering everything textile from window coverings and drapery, bedding and blinds to cornice boards and bench seating, Dickson’s team guides clients throughout the entire process, including an initial consultation, project management and installation.
Dickson learning to sew in the shop as a child, when she would accompany her mother to installations and develop close relationships with the seamstresses. Later, she studied interior design at Wayne State University, which allows her to give more perspective and communicate better with designers.
“My background gives both the residential and commercial an assurance that someone is there,” Dickson says, “who not only knows the products but how to consider the space and its full value.” Mariellascustomdrapery.com.
WINDOW COVERING TIPS FOR 2025
PRO TIP 1: LAYER LIKE A PRO
When working with window coverings, “Combine textures and materials for a polished, dimensional look,” Dickson says. “Think sheer linen panels layered with motorized roller shades for ultimate style and versatility, for example. This trend blends softness with functionality, offering privacy without sacrificing natural light.”
PRO TIP 2: GO BOLD WITH NEUTRALS
“2025 is all about updated neutrals — rich taupes, creamy whites and soft earth tones,” Dickson says. “These hues create a calming backdrop while complementing any decor style. Add a subtle pattern or metallic finish for a contemporary edge that feels timeless.”
PRO TIP 3: PRIORITIZE FUNCTIONALITY AND INNOVATION
“Invest in coverings that work as hard as they look good. Smart, automated shades are a must for modern homes, blending convenience and energy efficiency,” Dickson says. “Always consider the purpose of each room: blackout for bedrooms, light-filtering for living spaces and moisture-resistant for kitchens and baths.”