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A design editor is never truly off the clock. Because when we’re not writing about chic sleeper sofas and refacing kitchen cabinets, you can bet we’re talking to our friends about them. We don’t pretend to offer the same level of advice as interior designers, but we are constantly unearthing cool new brands and interviewing industry experts, which at least gives us enough intel to point loved ones in the right direction. Ahead, our editorial staff shares some of the decorating- and renovation-related questions we fielded recently.
The question: What color sofa should I get if I want a beige rug?
My answer: My first piece of advice: Pick whatever style, material, and color you can envision being happy with for the next five to 10 years—a couch is a major investment, after all! If you want something neutral, I recommend a light gray hue, similar to Sixpenny’s Poppy Seed fabric (a medium-weight linen), or a warmer beige, like CB2’s Durant Wheat velvet sofa. They’ll still stand out against a beige rug. —Lydia Geisel, home editor
The question: What white-noise machine should I get to help cover up the regular 7 a.m. vacuum upstairs?
My answer: Some might recommend Apple headphones to really seal you off. But I’d suggest starting with the options marketed to new parents; these brands have the noise-buffering-machine market covered. Try Yogasleep, which touts the ability to soothe babies to sleep, or pick up one of our 2023 Good Design Award winners, the Drift Away white-noise machine from Ergo Pouch. —Samantha Weiss-Hills, managing editor
The question: Does this new runner look too small in my hallway?
My answer: The runner in question looks to be between 2 and 3 feet wide, which is a great fit for a narrow space, but it doesn’t seem long enough. The amount of negative space between the runner and walls doesn’t feel balanced. I tend to have trouble visualizing the real dimensions of rugs, gallery walls, and larger anchor moments, so now I always recommend physically measuring with newspaper, cardboard, or tape before buying—it is less work than returning a big item and starting your search over. —Andie Diemer, photo director
The question: Should I rip out my kitchen island during this reno so the space feels bigger?
My answer: The current island not only provides extra counter seating, but it has a small sink, which is great for meal prep. By eliminating the island, you’re limiting yourself to the L-shaped counter space on the perimeter of your kitchen for all cooking tasks. It just doesn’t seem like enough room to spread out, if you need to. Plus a central island tends to be where everyone gathers at a party. It’s a great spot to set up a food and drinks station for entertaining. If the island is feeling too intrusive, make it a little bit smaller, but don’t get rid of it entirely. You could also try changing up your seating in the meantime. A stool that tucks under the counter completely will open up the space more than you think. You can even find ones that have a low support, like this option from Article. —Kristen Flanagan, contributing editor
The question: What bird-themed wallpaper should we buy for our powder room?
My answer: First, you have to know where to look. Some of my favorite places to shop for wallpaper are Spoonflower, York Wallcoverings, Schumacher, Rejuvenation, Chasing Paper, Lulu and Georgia, Tempaper & Co., Calico, and Anthropologie. I’d start by plugging terms like botanical, chinoiserie, and scenic into your search bar to find classic patterns with birds. Some that catch the eye right away are Spoonflower’s Vintage Magnolia Flowers and Birds and French Country Birds and Roses, as well as York Wallcoverings’s Birds With Blossoms pattern—they would look great paired with traditional wainscoting or beadboard paneling. —Lydia Geisel, home editor