Designers Get Decorating Tips From Mom Thanks to Jeremiah Brent”Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from some items through the provided links.”Our mothers are always there for us, teaching us valuable lessons throughout our lives. From our first steps to navigating adulthood, these special women offer unwavering support and wisdom. (After all, mother knows best.) But their guidance extends beyond just life skills like doing taxes, remembering social security numbers, or cooking homemade meals. They also play a significant role in shaping our decorating tastes and techniques.In celebration of Mother’s Day, we reached out to industry experts and emerging designers to learn about the best decorating lessons they’ve inherited from their mothers. Whether it’s embracing your unique style without apology or adding finishing touches like flowers to a room, these insights passed down from Mom continue to influence the work of these design professionals. This goes to show that no matter how old we get, a mother’s impact remains everlasting.More Mother’s Day stories:58 Fun Mother’s Day Activities to Plan for Your Mom33 Mother’s Day Gifts Under $50 She’ll Love and Use Every Day40 Handmade Mother’s Day Card Ideas That Are Easy to MakeAvoid Blindly Following TrendsDon’t feel pressured to follow trends for the sake of it. “Make your space reflect you, not a catalog,” advises designer Joelle Kutner of Ome Dezin. “My mom always combined family heirlooms with new pieces she loved, teaching me that a home should narrate your story, not just mimic trends.” Courtesy of Joelle KutnerBegin FreshDesigner Stephanie Wiott grew up in a home that was both functional and stylish, but most importantly, it was welcoming. “The best lesson from my mom is to start with a clean, bright, and fresh space,” she shares. “It feels inviting and uplifting. My mom had a talent for creating a warm environment, something I aim for in all our designs. Our home was beautiful and the go-to gathering spot.” Courtesy of Stephanie WiottPlan Your Table SettingStrategically plan your table settings like designer Maggie Dillon, who inherited this practice from her mom. “Set it up days ahead and walk by it, making adjustments or enhancements,” suggests the designer based in Raleigh. “Decide which vessels will hold each dish, leave space for fresh flowers on the day, and enjoy mixing linens, silverware, and china.”Serve It With FlowersStephanie Perez learned from her mother that no room is complete without fresh flowers. In her mom’s home, “you’ll always find her beloved orchids—my dad gifts her one for nearly every occasion—alongside small bud vases, citrus plants, and fresh blooms on every table,” reveals the designer from Westchester, New York. This simple yet effective design tip, passed down through generations, is a practical way to infuse everyday elegance. “Growing up in Colombia amidst lush mountains and vibrant countryside homes, my mother’s
Find inspiration beyond just flowers by following the example of Radhika Vydianatha’s mother from Kalaa Chakra Interiors. She adores flowers in vases, a large wooden bowl of fresh fruits on the dining table, a china cabinet filled with beautiful pieces from Kashmir, India, and other cities she visited. The key is to keep things simple, organized, and carefully stylized with layers of color and texture, resulting in a bold and sweet aesthetic that reflects her personality.
Radhika Vydianatha’s Home Is Where the Heart Is
A home is more than just a showcase for trendy furniture—it should be a welcoming and cozy space. Chrissy Jones of Twenty Eighth Design was inspired by her mother’s approach to home decor, which focused on creating an inviting environment with warm colors and personal touches. This philosophy has deeply influenced Chrissy’s work as a designer, aiming to bring a sense of comfort and belonging to her clients’ spaces.
Be receptive to inspiration from all sources, as evidenced by Jeremiah Brent, a designer, author, and member of the Queer Eye cast. His mother instilled in him the appreciation for finding beauty in everyday surroundings, emphasizing the value of a space’s story over its appearance. This perspective has guided Jeremiah in creating meaningful and inspiring designs for his clients.
Embrace artistic tricks and creativity, as demonstrated by Celerie Kemble and her mother Mimi McMakin of Kemble Interiors. They believe that imagination and artistic skills can transform any space, using techniques like trompe-l’oeil to create stunning visual illusions. By working with skilled artisans, they elevate design elements to be both beautiful and functional, solving design challenges in innovative ways.
Learn from the wisdom of Cindy Rinfret, passed down to her daughter Taylor Mattos, who joined Rinfret Ltd., the family’s design firm. The key lesson Taylor learned was to buy what you love, focusing on the emotional connection and subject matter of a piece rather than its brand name or trendiness. This approach ensures that every purchase brings joy and helps curate a collection that reflects your personal style and memories.
Antiques hold a special place in designer David Frazier’s heart, thanks to his mother passing down her passion for them. The memories of sourcing antiques and art with his parents are some of his fondest, shaping his design philosophy to incorporate pieces with historical value.
In the world of design, attention to detail is paramount, as Meg Lonergran learned from her mother, who believed in the significance of small touches, like embroidered hand towels in the bathroom. These details bring a sense of beauty and practicality to the space, echoing the sentiment of a mother’s touch.
For Jerel Lake, art has always been a central element in his life, inherited from his mother who adorned their home with various artworks. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for art, which he now incorporates into his designs to create a sense of warmth and personality in every space.
Ashley Ross, influenced by her mother’s advice, emphasizes the importance of following one’s instincts in design decisions. Growing up in a vibrant and eclectic home, Ross learned to embrace her unique style and preferences, regardless of others’ opinions. This lesson continues to guide her work, encouraging individuality and self-expression in every project.
