The Design Blog
How to Maximize Your Indoor/Outdoor Living Space
Discover designer tips for maximizing indoor-outdoor living in coastal homes and vacation rentals from North Topsail Beach to Oak Island, focused on durable materials and seamless flow.
Mixing Metals in Interior Design: A Wilmington NC Designer’s Guide to a Luxurious Home
One of the easiest ways to elevate your home design? Mixing metals in interior design. When done thoughtfully, it adds depth, warmth, and that collected-over-time feel every well-designed space needs.
Whether you're renovating a home or updating a room in Wilmington, NC, mastering this technique can instantly make your home feel more custom and elevated.
Coastal Bedroom Save vs Splurge: Designer Look for Less
Create a relaxed coastal bedroom with these designer-inspired splurge vs save finds. From upholstered beds and woven nightstands to layered rugs and coastal lighting, this guide shares elevated, budget-friendly alternatives perfect for homes, vacation properties, and short-term rentals.
Bold Colors to Transform Your Neutral Space
Neutrals have had a strong hold on interiors for years—and for good reason. They’re calming, classic, and easy to live with. But lately, we’re seeing a shift toward richer, bolder colors that bring personality and depth to a space. And honestly? We’re all in. Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite ways to add color without losing that timeless feel.
Avoid These 4 Common Window Treatment Mistakes Designers Always Notice
A designer's intel on how to avoid common mistakes that can throw off your entire room.
Designing with Scale and Proportion: The Key to Truly Balanced Interiors
Creating a harmonious and inviting interior is about more than just picking beautiful furniture and decor. One of the most essential yet often overlooked elements in interior design is scale and proportion. When these two principles are thoughtfully applied, they transform a room from merely functional to truly balanced and comfortable.
How to Mix Outdoor Furniture Materials for a Beautiful Patio
If you’re designing a patio, deck, or backyard lounge area, learning how to mix materials will instantly elevate your outdoor space.
Before choosing furniture, it helps to consider a few important elements that already exist in your outdoor environment.
How to Design With Wallpaper: 3 Interior Designer Tips for a Custom Luxury Look
Wallpaper has made a major comeback in recent years, and it’s one of our favorite ways to infuse character into a space. These 3 tips will help you implement wallpaper like a pro...
Designing Hotel-Inspired Interiors
In this post, we'll share tips to bring that same feeling of relaxation, energy, and bliss into your own home…
Beach House Essentials Every Coastal Short-Term Rental Needs
Discover the best beach house essentials for coastal short-term rentals, including guest-approved beach gear, pool toys, shade systems, beach carts, towels, and vacation-ready extras we personally use and recommend at Mickler & Co. Design Studio for elevated coastal living and beach house stays.
Leather Furniture: Enduring Luxury for Elevated Living
Leather furniture has long been synonymous with sophistication and durability, offering a unique blend of luxury and practicality that few materials can match. For those seeking to elevate their living spaces with pieces that not only look exquisite but also stand the test of time, leather is an unparalleled choice. Yet, the journey to selecting and maintaining leather furniture can feel daunting, especially when faced with the myriad of options and care requirements.
Short-Term Rental Interior Design in Wilmington, NC: High-ROI Strategies to Increase Occupancy
If you own an Airbnb, Vrbo, or vacation rental in Wilmington, NC (or anywhere along coastal North Carolina), the fastest path to better bookings isn’t always a full renovation. Some of the highest returns come from intentional STR interior design, a better guest experience, and listing visuals that stop the scroll.
Modern Rustic Interior Design: Style Guide
Modern Rustic Interior Design blends natural materials, warm textures, and contemporary simplicity to create spaces that feel both inviting and refined. Explore the defining elements of this timeless style and discover whether it's the right fit for your home.
Traditional Interior Design: Style Guide
Discover the timeless elegance of Traditional Interior Design. Learn the defining characteristics, color palettes, furnishings, and classic details that create warm, sophisticated spaces designed to stand the test of time.
Country Cottage Interior Design: Style Guide
Discover how to create a warm and welcoming home with Country Cottage Interior Design. From soft color palettes and vintage furniture to cozy textiles and charming décor, this style guide explores the key elements of cottage interiors, including Coastal Cottage, Shabby Chic, and Farmhouse styles.
Contemporary Interior Design: Style Guide
Contemporary Interior Design combines clean lines, sophisticated materials, and thoughtful simplicity to create spaces that feel polished, intentional, and effortlessly modern. Explore the defining characteristics of this refined design style.
Scandinavian/MCM Interior Design: Style Guide
Scandinavian and Mid-Century Modern Interior Design combine clean lines, natural materials, and functional beauty to create spaces that feel warm, intentional, and timeless. Explore the defining characteristics of these complementary design styles and discover how to bring their effortless simplicity into your home.
Transitional Interior Design: Style Guide
Transitional interior design blends classic sophistication with modern simplicity to create timeless, livable spaces. In this style guide, discover how to mix traditional and contemporary furniture, choose refined finishes, layer textures, and create a polished home that stays stylish for years to come.
Bohemian Interior Design: Style Guide
Bohemian interior design brings warmth, personality, and effortless style into your home through layered textures, natural materials, and collected decor. In this Bohemian interior design style guide, learn how to mix vintage and modern pieces, embrace eclectic decorating, and create a relaxed, curated space that feels inviting-perfect for coastal homes, vacation rentals, or anyone wanting a home with character.

