In addition to being well-known in the blogosphere, Melissa Davis is also the founder of the first online exclusive interior design firm, Your Designer Friend. In short, Melissa is definitely your go-to gal when it comes to décor, renovating and shopping for your home. Read on to find out what expert advice our designer friend had to share.
By Chadi Ghafari
What’s the best-selling product in your collection?
The Delano Chair, from The Gus* Studio at Style Garage. A Canadian-designed piece, it has such strong, versatile style. The clients are an even spilt, from cool office lounges and reception areas to contemporary interiors. It comes in fabric, leather and pony skin, all with a slick stainless steel open arm design.
What was the most creative thing you’ve recently seen that inspired you?
There is an elementary school in Berlin that was designed by architecture students within the Berlin Technical University. The space is just remarkable. It is a complete departure from what we deem to be normal institutional design: Organic shapes, communal areas encouraging interaction, white walls with repeating, monochromatic, large scale photographs of the students spanning more than one hundred linear feet.
What are the most common decor mistakes made by homeowners?
Buying the window display! I so often see clients with the sofa that matches the love seat that matches the chair, and a set of coffee and end tables, all matching. It’s a tell-tale sign that they didn’t have a professional’s help. The key to a great space is the journey that gets you to the end. By selecting varied, but complimentary pieces, the result is an interesting balanced space. It has more character and soul. Avoid buying an entire set.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to decorate a room on a limited budget?
Plan big! Design you dream space, incorporate all of your ideal wants and needs. Be organized with images and inspirations, then approach each decision with that overall plan in mind. It’s remarkable how close you can emulate those glossy designer shots with a small budget. Without that grand wish list and plan, a small budget disappears quickly on impulse purchases that may have the right price tag, but no lasting power.
What is your favourite decor trend of the moment?
I tend to be more contemporary but with a real appreciation for classic design and antiques. Design houses like Moooi and Marcel Wanders have bridged the styles beautifully. I love the trend of old styles [that have been] modernized. A classic ornate table painted gloss black or white. Nice!
What should one never skimp on when decorating a home?
The basics. Spend money on good quality flooring, upgraded fixtures and well-made key furnishings. The details can be simplified and still look fantastic. Skimping on the basics will have you re-buying/replacing them and spending more money in the end.
Best tips for decorating small spaces?
A common mistake in small spaces is to think small. Don’t be afraid to incorporate big moves. A series of small elements will look busy. Instead of a few book shelves, try one entire wall-to-wall bookcase. Wallpaper an entire powder room with a big, bold pattern. High impact singular elements are far more effective than many small scale, or seemingly safe choices.
What is essential in making a space feel warm and inviting?
Lighting is king. A balance of textures and materials in the furnishings is the first step. Filling those bare walls with art or photography is an instant way to add depth and scale. All is for not, without a balance of ambient and task lighting. Install dimmers on every switch! Dropping the light levels creates instant cozy.
How can homeowners score the best deals?
Researching online can offer the fastest cross section of suppliers and prices. Be sure however, to shop at trusted retailers as we can quickly be lured into the virtual experience, without first knowing who we’re buying from.
One must-have item that no home owner should ever go without?
A comfortable well designed sofa. Your TV can sit on the floor, and the pizza box on a milk crate but a well-made sofa is a great start to a room and allows you to begin living in a space while the rest comes together.
