Gatekeeping Design Secrets Revealed: Insights from an Interior Designer

As an interior designer, I’ve often encountered clients and DIY enthusiasts who feel overwhelmed by the choices involved in a renovation or redesign. So, let me pull back the curtain and reveal some of the "secrets" that drive successful design projects. These are the questions I always ask when embarking on a new project, and they will help guide you toward a thoughtful, cohesive, and lasting design.

What Inspired Your Desire for Change?

When starting a design remodel, the first question you should always ask yourself is: What has inspired me to make a change? Inspiration is at the heart of any successful design. Was it something you disliked in your current space—perhaps poor functionality or outdated décor? Or was it something you saw elsewhere that sparked your imagination?

Recognizing this spark is key because it helps you define the core problem or opportunity. For example, if you're tired of a space feeling cluttered, your design might focus on creating clean lines, adding storage, and embracing minimalism. If you were inspired by a serene hotel room on vacation, maybe your goal is to evoke a similar feeling of calm luxury.

Is This Element Necessary?

Once you identify what you love or want to change, ask yourself: Does this element need to be brought into my space? Design isn't about cramming every idea or trend into one room. It's about curation—choosing pieces, colors, and layouts that work harmoniously together.

The best designs are personal and intentional. If that mid-century chair or industrial light fixture doesn’t fit with the rest of your home’s aesthetic, it’s okay to admire it from afar and not bring it in. Sometimes, less is more, and restraint can lead to a more balanced design.

Think About the Future

Trends come and go, but good design endures. One of the most important questions I ask myself when adding something new is: What will the future look like, and will this design choice stand the test of time?

This is where embracing design movements like Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Post-Modern and Brutalist comes into play. These movements are grounded in minimalism and clean lines, which give them a versatility and longevity that can work with many different styles over time. These eras have produced iconic pieces that feel as relevant today as they did decades ago because they aren’t driven by flashy trends, but by principles of balance, form, and function.

For instance, mid-century modern pieces are known for their sleek profiles and organic forms, which can easily integrate into traditional or contemporary spaces without feeling out of place. Brutalism, with its raw and textured materials, offers a bold contrast that, when used sparingly, can add depth and a grounded feel to any room.

However, when choosing a specific style for your home—whether it's Mediterranean, Spanish, Traditional, or Transitional—it's important to blend modern elements into that style to ensure longevity. Modern accents, such as clean-lined furniture or sleek light fixtures, help elevate a more dated style and give it an updated, timeless appeal. That said, if you're fully committed to a specific aesthetic, like Mediterranean, those design details are harder to eliminate down the line without completely overhauling your space.

In a Mediterranean home, for example, the traditional arches, wrought iron, and terracotta can be beautiful but may feel stuck in time if not blended with modern elements. As the future trends lean more toward modernism—think disappearing lines, updated lighting (like this project above), and seamless surfaces—choosing not to incorporate modern features could make your home feel dated more quickly. The world is increasingly moving toward minimalistic, clean aesthetics, and design choices that don’t align with this evolution may lose their appeal as time passes. So I encourage you to at least go Mediterranean-Modern, or Traditional-Modern, if you choose to incorporate historical eras within your design.

Feet Tell the Story

You might not think about the feet of your furniture, but I do—*every single time*. The feet on your furniture can reveal a lot about the style and longevity of a piece. In fact, furniture design has been telling stories through its feet for over 2,000 years.

Look at traditional furniture pieces like claw-foot bathtubs, cabriole-legs from the Rococo era, scroll-shaped legs from baroque times, or turned wood legs. There's tapered legs, craftsman legs, shaker legs, etc., all which tell a story in time. These designs have endured for centuries, standing as symbols of elegance and craftsmanship. When choosing furniture, consider how the feet contribute to the overall aesthetic. Will they feel timeless, or will they reveal the age of your piece within a few years?

Even in modern design, the feet can be a subtle yet powerful detail. In mid-century modern furniture, tapered legs often evoke the streamlined elegance of the era, while Brutalist pieces might use solid, grounded bases that speak to strength and permanence. The choice of furniture feet can say a lot about the aesthetic you're trying to convey—whether light and airy, or solid and enduring.

Stay Modest with Your Choices

There’s something powerful about modesty in design. This doesn’t mean plain or boring—it means being deliberate and thoughtful. Some of the most beautiful spaces are those that don’t shout but whisper sophistication.

When I approach a project, I stay mindful of making choices that feel personal, timeless, and aligned with the future vision for the space. Each design decision—whether it’s a new lighting fixture, piece of furniture, or wall color—is weighed with perspective, both in the present and for years to come. Modern, Mid-Century Modern, and Brutalist design movements thrive in this philosophy. Their clean lines, focus on materials, and intentional restraint create environments that feel serene yet visually impactful, without the need for excess.

Embarking on a design remodel can feel overwhelming, but these "gatekeeping secrets" will help ground your process. Start with your inspiration, be selective about what you introduce into your space, and always consider how each decision fits into both the present and the future. Integrating pieces and principles from timeless design movements like Modern, Mid-Century Modern, and Brutalist can help ensure your space remains relevant and beautiful for years to come. And remember, blending modern accents with any style, whether Mediterranean, Traditional, or Transitional, will give your space an updated and enduring look. After all, good design tells a story—a story that should be meaningful, thoughtful, and timeless.