I've found that a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles usually comes across as cold and sterile instead of luxurious.

Though I think the look works for a walk-in shower or feature wall, decorating all over with tile is an expensive choice that's difficult to update as trends change.

Consider upgrading plastic accessories, such as shower-curtain rings, soap dispensers, and trash cans, to nonplastic options for an elevated design.

Higher-quality metal or ceramic finishes can give your bathroom a luxurious appeal while adding color, texture, and charm to the space. 

Black toilets remind me of the uncomfortable feeling of using portable toilets — in which you really don't want to see the bottom.

A black toilet might seem like a chic, modern choice, but the color can make it harder to clean. Though a white toilet shows dust, watermarks, and smudges, a black one hides all the grime and buildup.

If you want to bring a moody-chic look into the bathroom, do it with black towel rods and fixtures rather than a toilet.

Using towels with the same color throughout the bathroom creates a stagnant design and doesn't bring much fun into the space. Even patterned towel sets typically lack visual variety and color contrast. 

I prefer mixing different towel colors and patterns that work well together and coordinating them with floor mats and shower curtains. The finished look appears more dynamic and personalized.

Wallpaper is an awesome choice for smaller spaces but not all options will work in the bathroom. I prefer to use a peel-and-stick variety as its vinyl material is more water-resistant than the paper-based alternatives.

If you love a traditional wallpaper design, you might get away with using it in a powder room or half-bath, where there isn't a shower. But I still recommend treating the paper with a protective coating to keep it from getting damaged after installation.

Though grid tiles are trending, I don't recommend using them for bathroom vanities or other high-traffic areas because the grout tends to quickly accumulate dirt.

I also find that the hard-to-clean grout will eventually stain from things like colored soap, makeup, and lotion.

If you're determined to incorporate this trend into your bathroom, consider using the tiles as a backsplash or on shower walls where they're less likely to see spills.

Instead of choosing themed artwork you think works in a bathroom or spa, treat your wall decor as you would in any other room.

Pick elevated artwork that inspires you and uses colors from your home decor to make your bathroom an extension of your space's aesthetic.

Just be sure to choose art that can withstand the steam to avoid mildew forming on paper-based products.

Though pedestal sinks are a classic silhouette, they just aren't practical for most homes. The lack of storage and counter space means they're only useful for washing hands.

Unless you have space for additional storage options, I wouldn't even use these sinks in the powder room, as they can't store extra supplies for guests.

Matte paints aren't ideal for bathrooms because they have a tendency to absorb moisture. I recommend a semigloss to high-gloss paint option to better protect the drywall from moisture damage.

If you love the matte look, you can try using limewash paint, instead. It has a similar look, but it's supposed to be naturally mold-resistant and antibacterial.

Though they're a neutral option, I find frameless mirrors, especially those with a beveled edge, look dated.

A framed mirror is an opportunity to add stylistic personality to your space, much like hanging art. I suggest tying your color palette and existing hardware finishes into your mirror to bring the space together.

This story was originally published on September 17, 2023, and most recently updated on January 9, 2025.

My carpenter convinced me to reverse how the door opens from the hallway, moving the hinges from the right side to the left.

It used to swing into the bathroom, and he needed it to swing out so it would not hit the new wall-hung sink directly behind the door.

Unfortunately, this means the toilet is now in full view to anyone in my living room — not exactly classy to see while enjoying a glass of wine or watching a movie. I close the door when leaving the bathroom, but guests often fling it wide.

If I had a do-over, I wouldn't have changed the direction in which the door opens, instead keeping the toilet hidden and putting the sink on the opposite wall.

I love the retro look of tiled bathrooms, especially in gleaming black-and-white designs. My tile floor was beautiful when installed, with bright-white grout and a polished black center in each square.

Within days, though, heavy foot traffic made the floor dingy — and the white still seems to show every speck of dirt.

I'm on my hands and knees weekly, scrubbing the floor.

I chose to add one ceramic insert to the tiled shower and another for the toilet paper roll. Unfortunately, both are too small.

The shower insert holds about one bottle of product. Had I gone with a taller and wider insert, I could fit two larger bottles, shampoo and conditioner.

The toilet-paper insert is also too small for the mega rolls we buy. I need to leave the roll on the floor until enough sheets have been torn off where it will fit into the smaller holder.

There's only one piece of drywall in the bathroom, and everything else is tiled. During installation, the tile was stacked too high up the wall, meaning the drywalled area is closer to the ceiling.

My 90-year-old mother lives with me and, after we hung a mirror on the drywall, we discover she can't see into it. She is 5 feet tall — on her tiptoes, she can see the top of her head. Although we chuckle, this is impractical.

Unfortunately, to fix this, we would need to rip out all the tiles in the wall.

Speaking of my mother — although she's still agile, she is 90 years old.

Although our shower has a grab bar, I wish I'd paid extra to have a built-in bench installed, too. I've since noticed benches in friends' homes, and I imagine my mother will one day need this option.

I can buy a teak bench to place in the shower, but a tiled one would've been a sleeker solution.

Brown is predicted to be huge in 2025 — after all, Pantone's Color of the Year is a rich shade of it, Mocha Mousse.

Carly Filbin, co-owner of and principal designer at Blue Jay Interiors, said the color will have staying power for years, and it'll be especially popular for upholstery in the coming months.

"Everyone is tired of white and ready to introduce more color," she told BI. "I expect this trend will last for several years at least as people appreciate the warm, earthy tones and the cozy feeling brown provides."

The designer also expects to see more color drenching as we head into the new year. This design technique involves painting just about every surface in a space (from the walls and trim to doorframes and accents) in a single shade or similar ones.

"People are becoming more daring with color, especially in contained or smaller spaces," Filbin told BI.

She predicts this trend will stay popular for years to come because it's so versatile — color-drenching can be done with all sorts of styles and shades.

BI has spoken to multiple designers who have said this year is all about people personalizing their homes and adding color and personality to their spaces.

With that in mind, Filbin said, wallcoverings in all styles, textures, and prints will likely make a comeback in 2025.

After all, the right textured wallpaper or fabric "can completely transform the look of a space" and add personality to it.

Philip Thomas Vanderford, founder and lead interior designer at Studio Thomas James, told BI that neutral palettes will evolve beyond traditional whites and beiges this year.

People are moving "away from stark minimalism, instead offering a rich, tactile experience that feels both modern and timeless," he said.

We can expect to see more complex tones, like warm taupe or stony gray, and people mixing and layering different neutral shades. Doing so can add depth to a space and elevate it while keeping it feeling calm.

Outdoor spaces are having a major moment, and Vanderford expects to see homeowners invest in them even more in 2025.

He said many of his clients are prioritizing wellness and entertaining right now — they want to create private escapes they can visit without ever leaving home.

Vanderford told BI that he predicts this shift will "drive demand for innovations in weather-resistant luxury materials and the rise of boutique outdoor furniture brands."

Michelle Shapiro, cofounder and interior designer at Dwellier Design, expects to see a rise in people curating spaces that entertain all five senses.

"Multisensory interior design goes beyond visual appeal with textured surfaces, soundscapes, and signature scents to create a multilayered sensory experience," she told BI.

Shapiro said the "fully immersive nature of these designs" can feel soothing, creating a "spa-like sense of escape" in an increasingly digital world.

"Finishes like plaster, microcement, and limed paint are becoming go-to choices for adding depth and character to homes," Shapiro said.

She added that textured materials provide a "perfectly imperfect, organic feel" that adds warmth to a room.

Dominique Bonet, lead designer at ld&d, predicts more people will focus on natural materials and thoughtful, durable designs that create serene and sophisticated spaces.

She said she's already starting to see natural materials "reimagined" and showcased in new ways in luxury homes.

"Textured stones like marble and granite are no longer confined to just countertops or floors — they're being used as impressive feature walls or architectural details, offering a sense of organic elegance," Bonet told BI.

Sherpa chairs might look inviting, but they're not built for real life.

This fluffy, curled fabric is usually white or cream and seems to attract dirt and stains. Plus, it's difficult to clean sherpa without ruining the fabric.

When looking for a chair or other soft item to add to my home, I'd rather go for a durable performance fabric that's just as cozy but way more practical.

Throw pillows are a simple way to refresh a space, but polyester-filled options tend to lose their shape and look lumpy after a short period of time.

Instead, I'm opting for down-alternative or memory-foam inserts that feel more luxurious and last longer.

Putting a blanket over a sofa might seem like a simple solution to hide wear and tear, but it rarely holds up in the long run.

Blankets slip around and can make the space look unfinished. A better option is to invest in a durable, stain-resistant sofa or slipcover.

Crown molding can look nice in traditional homes, but it often feels unnecessary in modern spaces.

Adding this molding to a room can cost a few hundred or thousand dollars, so I'd rather use that money to make a bigger statement with bold lighting or textured wall treatments.

Dark walls may be trendy, but they can make rooms feel smaller and show every scuff and smudge.

If I want a dramatic look, I'd rather choose bold furniture or accents instead of committing to dark, high-maintenance walls.

Faux plants might seem like an easy way to decorate a space, but they lack the life and texture that real greenery brings.

Instead, I'm sticking to low-maintenance live plants, like snake plants, or dried floral arrangements for a natural touch.

Beige couches have been a design staple for years, but they're more trouble than they're worth.

I find the light color shows stains far too easily and doesn't add enough character to a room. A sofa in a rich tone or textured fabric feels more modern and livable.

I love a good throw pillow, but too many can quickly overwhelm a space.

This year, I'm sticking to accenting couches or beds with just two or three high-quality pillows with varied textures and patterns to create a curated, uncluttered look.

Prepackaged gallery walls might seem like a quick fix, but they often feel too generic.

Instead, I'm encouraging people to build their own collections over time with art that feels personal and unique to their story.

Open shelving might look great in photos, but in real life, it's a nightmare to maintain.

Unless you style everything to perfection and clean constantly, the shelves end up looking cluttered and dusty. Closed cabinetry is a more functional and stylish storage solution for a kitchen.

According to Vanessa Helmick, owner and interior designer at Fiore Home, more people will start replacing gray tones in 2025.

The designer said the color will likely be phased out because it was being used for elements — like flooring — that aren't naturally gray.

Additionally, since marble became trendy in kitchens and bathrooms in recent years, homeowners and builders felt they had to use gray everywhere.

However, these color choices often appear inorganic and cold, so Helmick predicts more people will avoid gray in 2025.

According to Paula Kennedy, a certified architectural color consultant and the CEO of Timeless Kitchen Design LLC, colors with gray in them, like taupe, slate, and cool blues, are fading away as well.

She said the move toward warmer colors is becoming stronger, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather turns gray.

"Right now, there's just an overall theme of warming up," Kennedy told BI.

Shades of green have long been in vogue, but Kennedy predicts sage will fall out of favor as people shift toward richer, deeper hues.

She also believes watery turquoise shades will replace basic blues and greens, as these hues have greater design flexibility and harmonize well with other colors.

Color expert Amy Wax told BI that many people love white for its purity and cleanliness, but the hue can quickly look worn or tired when used on furniture — especially next to other white elements.

"If everything is as stark as the white, it's fine," said Wax. "Otherwise, fabrics become faded-looking."

Stark white can also be too harsh on the eyes, so more people are opting for hues that feel softer.

Though black appears sexy and elegant at first glance, Kennedy believes people will move away from it because it isn't sustainable as a long-term color choice.

She also said combining black and white in a design is becoming passé."Black and white has a clarity," said Kennedy. "It's simple and matter-of-fact, but we're not in that place psychologically anymore."

The designer believes uncertainty in the world is causing more people to opt for cozy home designs — and black and white shades don't fit the bill anymore. 

Nautical blue has long been a staple in Helmick's New England community, but the designer believes the color will start to become less popular in 2025.

According to Helmick, nautical blue-and-white themes can feel limiting, as updating or changing such a distinctive color scheme can be difficult. "People are moving less, the real-estate market isn't moving as fast, and they want to freshen up their homes," she told BI.

She predicts more people will bring in warm tones and pair them with colors that freshen things up and add a sense of coziness.

Though quirky colors like mustard yellow and olive green had a moment, 2025 may be a good time to rid your home of them.

"Mustard gold and olive green were attractive because they were unique," said Wax. "But people want something more easygoing."

She believes 2025 will see more people gravitating toward calmer hues.

Yellow and teal were popular in 2024, but Wax feels their time has passed.

"Intensely playful colors like bright yellows and teals have a harshness that has been overplayed," the expert told BI. "People want easier colors that you can decorate around."

Interior designer Trudi Smith of Trudi Smith Designs sees LED lighting as one of the biggest bathroom trends right now.

She predicts the lights will be especially popular in mirrors, cabinet interiors, and toe-kick lighting (a soft light installed underneath a cabinet or other low-to-the-ground furniture).

Colette Rodon Hornof, designer and founder of Vesta of Hearth and Home, is seeing a trend toward what she calls hyper-organization.

"It's not just about having drawers in your bathroom, but that the drawers are hyper-organized to accommodate whatever you need to store," she said.

This could include drawers with built-in outlets and inserts for essentials like makeup, medicine, towels, or grooming devices.

Similarly, she also expects to see custom-made storage spaces for bathroom appliances.

Cindy Kelly, owner of Cindy Kelly Kitchen Design, is seeing increased interest in mixed metals in the bathroom.

Because metal finishes often require constant cleaning due to fingerprints or water spots, she recommends polished chrome or nickel for the fixtures that get the most use, like showerheads or faucets.

According to Rodon Hornof, 2025 will see more people transforming their bathrooms into calming spaces.

As people gravitate toward general self-care, she sees the bathroom as the ideal space for incorporating features to help reduce stress.

These elements can include decorating with natural materials, like wood or stone, and installing freestanding tubs equipped with aromatherapy, chromotherapy (which uses colors and lights to promote relaxation), and bubble-jet features.

Though the farmhouse style had a good run, Kelly said the harsh black-and-white tiles and flooring that define this look are no longer on trend.

"The black and white isn't personal enough — it feels more like what a builder would put in to sell the house," she said.

Instead, the designer predicts bath spaces that offer warmth and a personalized feel will trend.

According to Smith, all-white bathrooms won't be as popular in 2025, as they can feel a bit cold and sterile. As more people gravitate toward warmer spaces, cool-white shades will likely become a thing of the past.

Though floating vanities, which are mounted on the wall and don't extend to the floor, create a sense of added space, Kelly says they actually take away much-needed storage.

"Once you cut the vanity in half to float it, you lose storage," she said. "So while it's a beautiful look, it's just not practical."

For this reason, she says floating vanities will likely be less popular in the new year.

One of the most interesting trends in bathroom design is how people are becoming less focused on what others think of their decor.

Higher interest rates mean fewer people are moving, and as a result, Smith believes more homeowners are designing their spaces to be lived in, not to impress future buyers.

"People are not designing for their friends. They're not trying to keep up with the Joneses," the designer told BI. Instead, she said people want their bathroom to reflect their personal likes, wants, and needs.

As clean lines and sleek designs trend, clunky medicine cabinets are becoming less popular. However, Rodon Hornof sees this as a missed opportunity.

"People who design their bathrooms without medicine cabinets may regret it, as they're missing out on a great opportunity for storage that can actually be incorporated in a very beautiful and aesthetic way," the designer said.

If the rug in your room is too small, it can seem like all of your furniture is floating around without something to ground each piece. A small rug can also make a room feel cramped since it's essentially at the center of a furniture cluster.

Think of a rug as a place mat rather than a centerpiece for your furniture. Extending beyond the furniture a bit expands the living-room area and makes the room feel more spacious.

As a general rule, choose a rug large enough to measure 6 to 8 inches beyond your sofa on either side and have at least two legs from each furniture item sit comfortably on the rug. 

Due to their functional, lightweight construction, futons are usually smaller, with narrower seats and firmer cushions than regular couches.

Since the living room is one of the most-used spaces in the home, I wouldn't sacrifice comfort or style for the occasional guest. Utilize a futon in the home office or flex space instead.

If you need to double your living room as a guest space, consider buying a more comfortable sleeper sofa that can transform from a couch to a bed instead.

Thin, vertical plastic blinds tend to bend and tear easily, and the strings and locking gears can be frustrating to operate.

Window treatments are crucial for privacy, light, and temperature control, but they can also elevate your interior decor. As an everyday-use item, quality blinds are an investment that can actually add value to your home.

Instead of settling with a plastic vertical version, opt for 2-inch wooden or shutter blinds or light-filtering shades. Adding quality curtains can also help with temperature control and incorporate personality.

If your living room is littered with paperwork and looming to-do lists, it might be hard to get out of the work mindset and into chill mode, especially if they both take place at your coffee table.

As more people work from home, it's important to create a comfortable work environment while maintaining separation between the workspace and living areas. If space is limited, split the room into separate zones for work and living so that when you clock out, you can move away from the workspace.

For example, you can set up a workstation with a dedicated desk that faces away from the wall and an open shelving unit or a set of drawers that divide the room.

Solely relying on overhead light fixtures can make your space feel dark and small. Conversely, if the room only has recessed lighting or white bulbs, it can feel too harsh.

To create a relaxing living room, spread the light around with a variety of fixtures at varying heights, control brightness with dimmer switches, and use light bulbs with a warmer color temperature to create an inviting glow.

Mounting your TV or installing plug-in wall sconces can elevate the living room, but exposed wires create visual clutter and can make a space look unfinished.

If you're unable to run your wires through the wall, installing a cord-concealing track that matches your wall color is a quick and easy option.

But more often than not, I recommend just keeping your electronics off the walls and using the opportunity to invest in a nice TV stand. There are a lot of cable organizer options that are attractive and inexpensive.

A beautiful piece, like a white leather tuxedo couch, can make your living room look like a magazine spread, but it may not invite people to get comfortable in your space. 

When investing in furniture, look at your lifestyle and family. For example, if you want guests to lounge in your living room, avoid couches with high-sided armrests and narrow cushion depth 0r rigid accent chairs with wooden arms and firm seats.  

Gallery walls are a scattering of framed posters, small artworks, and family photos typically placed on those huge walls you're not quite sure what to do with. Though it certainly fills the space, a gallery wall can appear as visual clutter if not mindfully curated.

I always recommend keeping small-scale art on table tops and bookshelves and opting for large-scale pieces for the wall to fill the space and make a bolder design statement.

If you love the gallery look, use the same kind of frame for all your pieces and try to incorporate repeating colors and patterns to create the effect that they're all one body of work.

Loose back cushions aren't attached to the couch and are often made with removable covers. Though they can be a good selling point for some individuals who want to regularly wash their covers, others will find that they create a frustrating maintenance routine.

When purchasing couches with loose back cushions, consider the weight and density of the cushions and what appeals to you visually. Lightweight cushions can be interior-design mistakes, as they will fall down and be easily pushed around the couch. On the other hand, heavy feather cushions will get squished and need regular fluffing.

If you don't want to deal with constant maintenance and fluffing, consider buying a couch with back cushions that are attached to the piece of furniture.

Nothing is more disappointing than cuddling under a fuzzy blanket just to have your toes poke out. Though typical throws are usually about 40 by 60 inches so they won't take up too much space draped over your couch, the size also means you probably won't be able to stretch out underneath.

Instead, find a blanket that's marked as a twin-size or oversized throw blanket. A good throw blanket, especially in a knit fabric, can add a gorgeous cozy texture to your space, fold up tightly, and serve as a versatile piece for you and your overnight guests.

This story was originally published on July 3, 2023, and most recently updated on December 6, 2024.

Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, told BI we'll likely start to see more seamless connections between interior and outdoor spaces.

"This goes beyond just large glass doors as designers are integrating retractable walls, natural ventilation systems, and materials that age beautifully in indoor and outdoor environments," she said.

Moszczynski predicts materials like stone, reclaimed wood, linen, and other natural materials that bring warmth, textural richness, and authenticity to a space will become even more popular in 2025.

As people prioritize having unique, personalized spaces, we'll likely see more consumers rejecting mass-produced finishes, too.

"Expect a resurgence of materials that show imperfections, like handmade tiles and unpolished marble," she told BI.

Lucinda Loya, founder and principal designer at Lucinda Loya Interiors, expects to see a resurgence of the art-deco style next year.

The style, which has roots in Europe and boomed throughout the 1920s and 1930s, is characterized by opulence and modern, geometric patterns.

"The updated trend blends the movement's iconic chevron patterns, zigzags, and sunburst motifs with opulent materials like marble, glass, and polished metal," Loya said.

She predicts we'll see neutrals like black, white, gold, and silver paired with luxe textures like velvet to create "vintage and fresh spaces."

In line with the art-deco revival, Loya told BI, mirrored, reflective surfaces will also make a comeback to give spaces a touch of glamour.

"Mirrored surfaces reflect natural and artificial light, adding depth and brightness, which is especially valuable in smaller or darker spaces," she said.

Loya also said we'll see mirrored accents paired with matte textures to create elegant designs that balance drama and restraint.

"More people are leaning into saturated colors — deep greens, dramatic blues, and spicy oranges and golds," Matthew Coates, owner of Coates Design Architects + Interiors, told BI.

Coates expects to see more rooms telling bold, colorful stories as homeowners search for a refreshing break from all-beige interiors.

He anticipates this trend will stick around for a while as more find comfort in creating spaces that reflect themselves.

In previous years, mixed-metal finishes might have been considered mismatched. Now, Coates said, they're becoming a popular option for a versatile look.

"Mixing metals gives a room personality and dimension, and it feels more collected over time rather than overly coordinated," he said. "It's perfect for people who want their spaces to feel relaxed but still elevated."

Biophilic design, which emphasizes connection with nature, has been a popular trend in recent years, but Moszczynski believes the days of faux plants are behind us.

"The trend of artificial plants and green walls to emulate biophilia is losing appeal as people realize these elements fail to deliver the wellness benefits of genuine nature," she said.

Instead, she said, we'll likely see more living plants throughout interior spaces.

"Gray-dominated palettes have overstayed their welcome and feel cold, monotonous, and impersonal — particularly in high-end spaces," Moszczynski said.

She predicts that earthy tones like terracotta, clay, ochre, and sage will continue to replace "millennial" gray.

The battle between maximalism and minimalism in the home continues, but Moszczynski predicts the pendulum will swing back toward a refined level of minimalism next year.

Maximalism was pretty big throughout 2024, but people may not be looking to buy a ton of items and decor in the year ahead.

"People are craving more visual calm and functional flow in their homes," she told BI. "Excessive decor often means unnecessary consumerism, which conflicts with the growing interest in sustainability."

Over the last few years, open floor plans have become less popular, and Coates predicts we homeowners will usher in a new chapter of balancing openness and privacy in 2025.

After all, closing off part of an open space can be really impactful.

"Adding a half-wall and a vintage room divider changed the whole vibe of a friend's open-concept living room, making it cozier and more intentional," Coates said.

I'm terrible with a tape measure, know nothing about piecing together cabinets into a cohesive and functional layout, and didn't have the time or eye to pick out the perfect tile — so I hired an interior designer.

We worked together to bring my vision to fruition and she to planned all the details of my remodel. I paid $525 for an initial consultation and $5,250 for the design development.

I have no doubt that if I'd tried to do this myself, I would've wasted a ton of time at stores being indecisive and I probably wouldn't have liked the end result.

This project was supposed to take about three weeks, but it actually went on for about three months.

My contractor had forewarned me just how messy and loud the demolition phase would be and that I wouldn't have access to a kitchen the entire time — so I booked three weeks of hotel stays to avoid the chaos.

Although it would've been easier, logistically, to stay in one hotel the entire time, I chased specials and discounted rates at some of the most luxurious resorts in Phoenix (the triple-digit summer heat means massive sales each year).

I work from home, so being able to work in peace at these hotels for a few weeks at the start of the project was priceless. I definitely had a tough time once I went back to living in my house during the rest of the remodel.

I knew I wanted quartz countertops, and my designer helpfully chose some options within my budget. The problem? I hated how cheap and flat they looked.

So, she showed me some upgraded samples — and, of course, I fell in love with how much more depth and richness they had.

I ended up paying about $11,000 for countertops, which was several thousand dollars over budget. I don't regret it because they have the "wow" factor I wanted.

One of my requested design features was a display area for my collection of colorful Le Creuset enameled cast-iron cookware — but each piece is so heavy and large that we weren't sure how to accommodate it.

My designer engaged a local millworker to custom-create three floating white-oak shelves that would enhance the overall design while providing functional storage space.

The project cost over $2,200, but the shelves are the focal point of the room — and I can see their beauty from my living room, too.

At first, I thought I might keep my 19-year-old stove and fridge for another year or two until I saved up for replacements.

However, once you design a kitchen around appliance measurements, it's not as easy to swap them out down the road.

So, I spent over $5,000 on a gorgeous LG stove and LG fridge I'd had my eye on. It was the right call — they look sleeker and more modern and are far superior to my old appliances.

The new fridge is enormous, and my new induction-style stove heats up twice as fast as the old electric one.

I'll admit that a slew of TikTok videos about task and mood lighting convinced me to install trendy under-cabinet lights.

Although I dig the vibe they give off, I just don't use them as often as I expected. One of the reasons is that I didn't spend even more money to have them put on a dimmer switch, so they're just too bright at night.

I could've saved a few thousand dollars if I hadn't bothered with them at all.

I added shower niches for storage and was thrilled with my design choices until I had my first shower and noticed water pooling in both shelves.

After a quick Google search, I realized the tiling at the bottom of a niche should be angled to let the water drain. I hadn't thought of this, and my contractor apparently hadn't either.

The niches aren't angled at all. Worse, they're in a part of the shower that gets especially wet.

They don't always dry between showers so, over time, water could seep through the tile and into the framing behind — which might eventually cause another mold problem.

During the design process, I had to select a grout to accompany my beautiful white-gray Carrara marble tiles.

At the time, I chose a light color thinking it would seamlessly match the tiles — it did. Unfortunately, it's also a dirt magnet in the high-foot-traffic area around the sink.

No amount of scrubbing has helped thus far and comparing it to the pristine tile under the vanity hurts my heart a bit. Next time, I'll go at least two shades darker with floor grout to help mask the unavoidable grime of this busy zone.

It took forever to find the perfect floating vanity with drawers and space for two sinks. At last, I imported a beautiful fluted piece from Italy.

While awaiting its arrival, my contractor roughed in the plumbing based on the standard height for vanities. It turns out my piece was not standard — its cutouts for pipes didn't match up with the now-installed plumbing lines.

Fortunately, we were able to cut out a notch in the back of each of the drawers to accommodate pipes. This was better than buying a new piece, but it added another 400 Canadian dollars to my budget.

Next time, I'd ensure my contractor had all the specs before mounting or installing anything.

Although I'd put a lot of thought into the placement of pot lights in the ceiling, I neglected to do the same with vanity lighting.

Instead of, say, three lights placed at eye level or two over the mirrors, I settled on just one placed between the two mirrors. This was, in part, to save money.

But one light doesn't provide nearly enough illumination when you're using the mirrors. (Just ask my teens!)

I don't really have enough room for three sconces, but I wish I 'd at least placed one above each mirror. I'm now sourcing new (hopefully cheap) sconces, which I'll also have to pay an electrician to install. Ouch.

When I discovered my existing window had to go, I knew I wanted to replace it with an industrial-style one complete with grilles running in a grid on the outside.

I could already picture the adorable piles of snow that would collect in the corners come December. Since I was so certain and so busy I ordered my window over the phone.

When the window arrived, I was shocked to find the grilles were between the sheets of glass. I'd never seen this design before, and it was definitely not my intended vibe.

It was a custom piece, so I couldn't return it. Instead, I focused on the positives: This was much cheaper and way easier to clean than the ones with grilles on the outside.

Since it's a small window, I've gotten used to it and even come to like it. But if ever I'm in a position to add windows to another room in my house, I'll spend more time and money to ensure I order the grilles on the outside.

This might sound odd, but some clients insist on incorporating seemingly random, vintage (and, in my opinion, extremely overpriced) items into their homes.

These pieces have ranged from a salvaged fireplace from a 17th-century home in France to a weathered wooden door from an abandoned Italian villa. But honestly, I'm all for it.

Having something interesting to talk about when people walk in never hurts. Imagine someone complimenting your fireplace and casually replying, "Thanks, I shipped it from France." Talk about a conversation starter.

I recently worked with clients who wanted art pieces that reflected their personalities.

Instead of picking something off the shelf, I made custom art that fit my clients' visions. Many of these pieces, which required large paintings or paper canvases, were very expensive to make.

Still, my clients loved being part of the creative journey, tweaking and perfecting their masterpieces until they felt just right. As a designer, seeing someone light up when they look at a one-of-a-kind piece hanging on their wall is fulfilling. 

Many of my affluent clients search for materials that look stunning and are made with sustainability in mind — think energy-efficient lighting, reclaimed wood, and renewable-energy sources.

For example, I've recently sourced sustainably made mattresses for a bedroom and salvaged boards from a barn for a kitchen backsplash.

I believe the future of interior design, especially in luxury homes, will revolve around sustainability. Over the next few years, I expect more designers to ask questions like, "How can we reuse marble to give it a second life?"

Gone are the days of plain countertops and all-white rooms that lack personality. Many of my high-end clients embrace bold statement stones like onyx and exotic marbles that showcase rich lines in the stone and make a striking impact.

Picture a kitchen with a stunning onyx backsplash or a bathroom countertop that elicits a "wow." Statement stones can elevate an ordinary space into something truly unique.

Custom-made furniture can be a game changer. I love the satisfaction of perfectly sizing a sofa to fit into a tricky corner or coordinating the trim on dining-room chairs with the fabric on a living-room couch.

Though custom pieces aren't essential — many of my favorite couches come from Ikea and other big-box stores — customizing furniture provides a chance to create unique items that reflect personal style and needs.

Clients who choose the custom-furniture route can select their preferred styles, source unique fabrics, and find ideal cushion fillings.

Have you ever walked into a nice restaurant and noticed a cozy vibe from the lighting? Ambient lighting — soft, glowing light that usually serves as a room's primary source of illumination — instantly makes everything feel more inviting.

Lately, my clients with big budgets are asking for custom ambient lighting in every corner of their homes. These fixtures, which range from LED strips tucked away in architectural details to beautifully designed lamps that cast a warm glow, create a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.

Some mattresses contain polyurethane foam, which can emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. Some of these chemicals can be harmful, so lately, I've been furnishing my client's bedrooms with organic mattresses instead.

I recently stumbled upon Avocado Green Mattress, a company specializing in organic mattresses and luxury bedding. So far, I've used the brand's mattresses and furniture in two of my projects, and they've been a hit.

Luxurious linens are popping up everywhere, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited about it.

Linen has proved to be so much more than just a bedding essential. The fabric has an effortlessly luxurious aesthetic, has great breathability, and is versatile enough for furniture, bedding, and window treatments.

Imagine draping your windows with stunning linen curtains that filter light and add a chic touch to your living space. Or how about reupholstering an old chair with some high-quality linen? This fabric can easily give your space a fresh new personality.