Wallpaper has made a major comeback in recent years, and it’s one of our favorite ways to infuse character into a space. Homeowners are craving more personality and visual interest than paint alone can offer. Don’t worry, we aren’t talking about the wallpaper you remember from your grandmother’s house.
Pro Tip #1: Choose the Right Room for Wallpaper
Our favorite spaces to incorporate wallpaper are spaces like powder rooms, dining rooms, entryways, and behind built-ins. These areas allow thoughtful patterns to create an immediate visual impact.
Smaller spaces are often the most forgiving, making them ideal for bolder or more colorful designs that might feel overwhelming in a larger room. That said, neutral or subtle textures shine in most spaces when the goal is to add depth without overpowering the overall aesthetic.
Pro Tip #2: Consider Adding Textured Wallpaper
Wallpaper is about so much more than color – it’s an opportunity to introduce rich texture and dimension into a space. Materials like wood, grasscloth, linen, or embossed papers create natural depth, while subtle patterns or a soft shimmer can add visual interest without overwhelming the room. With today’s vast and varied options, homeowners can choose from an endless range of textures, finishes, and styles to achieve the exact look and feel they want.
Pro Tip #3: Select Appropriately-Scaled Wallpaper
Scale plays a major role in how wallpaper transforms a room. Larger patterns tend to feel more dramatic and appear visually closer, while smaller, tighter patterns can create the illusion of a more open or expansive space.
The best scale depends on the room’s size, features, and the mood you want to create. There is no one-size-fits-all rule. While small-scale patterns often work beautifully in compact spaces, bold large-scale designs can be stunning when used intentionally in the right environment.
Elevating Your Space with Wallpaper
As design professionals, our role is to create a balanced and intentional composition that reflects each client’s unique style while enhancing the space. Through our custom interior design service, we approach wallpaper as a form of art – something that elevates, compliments and adds personality to the space without overpowering the overall design.
If wallpaper piques your interest, but you don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place! Contact us today for a stunning home tomorrow.
Seasonal styling keeps a home feeling fresh, relevant, and aligned with the rhythms of everyday life, helping your space reflect the energy and mood of each time of year.
From cozy throws and warm lighting in winter to light linens and fresh greenery in spring, simple swaps can make a big impact without overhauling your entire decor.
Tip #1: Intentional Decor Swaps
Focus on intentional, high-impact changes like swapping out throw pillows and blankets with textures and colors that reflect the season–think cozy knits, faux fur, and rich tones for winter; earthy hues and layered textures for fall; breezy linens and soft neutrals or pastels for spring and summer.
Also, rotate tabletop decor and bring in natural elements like pinecones and branches in winter or fresh greenery in spring. Even swapping out small-scale art to reflect the feel of the time of year can make a difference.
These simple yet deliberate changes keep the home feeling current, comfortable, and connected to the world outside.
Tip #2: Seasonal Porch & Entryway Updates
The porch and entryway set the tone for the entire home, making it essential that they reflect the season with intention and warmth. Seasonal touches like wreaths and layered doormats are go-tos.
Consider adding lanterns or hurricanes filled with small pumpkins or pinecones to create an immediate sense of welcome. A thoughtfully styled entry signals that the rest of the home is just as inviting and in tune with the season.
Tip #3: Scents That Define the Season
Design should engage all the senses, not just the visual. Scent, in particular, plays a powerful role in creating atmosphere and evoking seasonal feelings.
Incorporating candles, essential oils, or diffusers with notes like pine and cinnamon in winter or citrus and fresh herbs in summer adds a subtle but impactful layer to a space. These sensory details help complete the experience of a home, making it feel more immersive, intentional, and alive.
Pro Tip: Simmer pots are a fun, easy, and interactive way to create your own scents to flow with the seasons!
Seasonal styling includes thoughtful decor swaps, sensory elements, and curated touches that reflect the beauty and energy of the season–like layered textures, natural accents, and cozy ambiance for the colder months ahead.
Key Takeaways: Simple Seasonal Home Styling
Refresh Your Space Year-Round: Seasonal home styling keeps your décor feeling current and connected to the changing seasons—without needing a full redesign.
Focus on Intentional Updates: Swap out textiles, décor, and natural accents like pinecones, greenery, or light linens to reflect the mood of each season.
Create a Welcoming Entryway: A styled porch or entryway with wreaths, lanterns, or layered doormats sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Engage the Senses: Incorporate candles, diffusers, or simmer pots with seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon, citrus, or herbs to create a warm, immersive atmosphere.
To get started, reach out to schedule a consultation and bring a fresh, seasonal perspective to your space.
Warmly, Christ
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
What makes a hotel feel luxurious isn’t just the grand entrance, it’s the crisp linens, inviting textures, curated details, and the sense that every element was chosen for comfort and indulgence.
In this post, we’ll share tips to bring that same feeling of relaxation, energy, and bliss into your own home…
Tip #1: Create an Ambient Grand Entrance
To create a grand entrance that instantly wows guests, focus on ambiance through thoughtful layering of design elements: a statement light fixture, a well-styled entry table, artwork to add personality or mirrors to add depth.
Cohesive color palettes and inviting seating with elegant textures nearby create a space that feels both impressive and welcoming.
Tip #2: Create Spaces That Pamper and Soothe
To create a pampering bedroom, we focus on luxurious touches like crisp linens, layered lighting, and a soothing color palette. The palette ties the room together with soft neutrals, calming tones, and subtle contrasts that promote rest and relaxation while still feeling elevated.
In the bathroom, spa-like comfort comes through with elegant finishes and thoughtfully styled accessories, transforming everyday routines into moments of indulgence.
Tip #3: Layer with Textures, Textiles, and Feeling
We layer each high-end space with lush textiles that instantly elevate the experience, think soft velvet throws, rich linen upholstery, and flowy drapes that add depth and comfort.
These elements bring in texture and sophistication while evoking the warmth and care of ultimate hospitality. Color and pattern are used intentionally to influence mood, whether it’s calm and serene or bold and energizing.
We bring the feeling of luxury hospitality into clients’ everyday lives by carefully designing spaces that blend elegance with comfort. Each design begins with understanding how our clients live, relax, and recharge, allowing us to craft personalized retreats that not only look beautiful but function seamlessly.
From a spa-like ensuite to a restful bedroom or welcoming entry, every detail is intentionally selected to create a sense of indulgence in everyday activities.
Key Takeaways for Designing Hotel-Inspired Interiors
A grand entrance with layered lighting, statement décor, and elegant textures sets the tone for a hotel-inspired home.
Crisp linens, soothing color palettes, and thoughtfully styled accessories transform everyday routines into indulgent experiences.
Incorporating velvet throws, linen upholstery, and flowing drapery brings sophistication and warmth, echoing five-star hospitality.
Use color and pattern intentionally to create serene retreats or energizing spaces tailored to your lifestyle.
If you need help adding hotel-level luxury to your home, we would be happy to assist you. Contact us here to set up a discovery call.
Until next time, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
Imagine a cramped kitchen with barely any counter space, cluttered drawers, poor lighting, and appliances awkwardly crammed into tight corners. If cooking feels like a chore and finding utensils is a daily treasure hunt, it’s time to rethink your space.
Keep reading for design tips that will transform the relationship you have with your kitchen…
Feature #1: A Functional Layout
A well-planned kitchen layout creates effortless movement between the 3 key work zones–the sink, fridge, and stove. It’s also important to consider how the kitchen connects to adjacent living or dining areas, allowing for better entertaining and family interaction. Aligning the layout with how you actually use the space day-to-day will make everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
Feature #2: A Hard-Working Kitchen Island
A large kitchen island with built-ins can become the true hub of the home, offering extra prep space, casual seating, and smart storage all in one central spot. Depending on your lifestyle, you can customize the island with deep drawers, open shelving for cookbooks, a prep sink, built-in cooktop, or even a wine fridge for easy entertaining. Prioritize features that support how you cook and gather.
Feature #3: Lighting That Sets the Mood
Layered lighting transforms a kitchen from purely functional to warm and welcoming by combining multiple light sources that serve different purposes. The three layers–ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative)–work best.
Bright, focused task lighting over prep and cooking areas, soft accent lights to highlight architectural features or open shelves, and pendants or a chandelier for general lighting complete the look.
Optimize your kitchen layout by creating smooth flow between the sink, stove, and refrigerator—the three main work zones.
Add a multifunctional kitchen island with built-in storage, seating, or specialty features like a prep sink or wine fridge to maximize both style and efficiency.
Incorporate layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent) to ensure your kitchen is both functional and welcoming, day and night.
Personalize your kitchen remodel to match how you cook, entertain, and live every day.
A thoughtfully designed kitchen reduces stress, boosts efficiency, and becomes the true heart of your home.
With a thoughtfully designed layout, a multifunctional island, and layered lighting, your kitchen transforms into a harmonious space. Cooking flows effortlessly, entertaining feels natural, and every moment is more joyful. The result? Less stress, more efficiency, and a stunning heart of the home that truly reflects your lifestyle and personality.
If you’re ready for an expert to bring function and beauty to your kitchen, we’ve got your back! Contact us and let’s get to know each other.
Until next time, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
Window treatments are often overlooked because, when done well, they blend seamlessly into a home’s design. Yet when they’re not thoughtfully chosen, they stick out like a sore thumb. Keep reading to get a designer’s intel on how to avoid common mistakes that can throw off your entire room.
Mistake #1: Mounting Treatments Too Low or Too Narrow
Mounting window treatments too low or too narrow can make ceilings feel lower, windows look smaller, and the entire room appear cramped. To avoid this, always hang curtains high and wide. Allow 10-12 inches on either side of the window frame. To create the illusion of height and spaciousness, mount the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Curtain Length
Window treatments that are too short can look awkward and unfinished. Overly long ones may bunch messily on the floor, much like a pair of pants that don’t quite fit. Just as you’d tailor clothing for the right look, curtains should be measured precisely. Always measure from the rod to just a few inches above the floor. Don’t forget to consider the ring size!
Mistake #3: Using Too Little Material
Curtains should cover the entire window and then some. If the curtains aren’t wide enough, they will sit flat on the window with no dimension. To ensure treatments drape beautifully both open and closed, aim for 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window.
Pro Tip: Place one curtain ring or grommet on the outside of the bracket to keep it in place.
Mistake #4 Forgetting Functionality
Outside of aesthetics, what is the purpose of the window treatments? Maybe you need blackout lining for privacy purposes, motorized for high ceilings or convenience, light-filtering for sun-facing windows.
Window treatments should enhance the space without drawing attention. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Layer sheers over blackout curtains for alternating uses and a luxurious look. Roller or woven shades add natural texture with functional perks.
“Bringing the outdoors in” with organic materials creates a space perfectly blended with outdoor elements, allowing you to embrace the fresh air and soak up your stunning view whenever you please.
Here are a few tips and tricks to maximize your indoor/outdoor space…
Tip #1: Plan How You’ll Use Your Space
Make sure your furniture layout flows easily with large walkways. Consider how the space will be used–easy pool access, hosting events, family gatherings, or simply relaxing.
Tip #2: Choose Quality Materials
Seek quality materials that will withstand traffic, weather, and moisture. If water will be tracked in from a pool, water tolerant or outdoor rated selections are a necessity to last.
Pro Tip: High-sheen paint like satin or semi-gloss is moisture resistant and easy to clean!
Tip #3: Splurge on Durable Furnishings
Depending on how much exposure there is to the outdoors and weather, you’ll likely need outdoor rated furnishings. Splurge on items that will get the most wear and tear, such as seating, coffee, or game tables. Not all furniture needs to be specifically for outdoor use, as long as they are made of durable materials.
Living in a beach town, homes often have the opportunity for indoor/outdoor mesh spaces with features like large sliding doors, sunrooms and large patios. We’ll help you create a flexible space that flows seamlessly and lets in the fresh, salty air
Ready for an indoor/outdoor space that leaves you speechless (in the best way)? Contact us and we’d be delighted to help!
Say Hello To Mickler & Co. Welcome to the Mickler & Co. Design Studio blog, your go-to source for expert interior design, home staging & rental design tips, the latest trends, and creative inspiration to transform your home into a personalized haven.
Visit us at 2007 Dawson St., Wilmington, NC 28403, or shop our online store for inspiration! https://shop.micklerco.com/
