REDEFINE YOUR ROOMS
Interior designers offer advice on how to change the look of your living space
Now is a great time to redefine the look of your living space. To be sure you make the most of your decorating, we reached out to Atlanta’s top interior designers and they responded with some great advice.
The city’s best designers are keeping track of a number of trends for 2023. And while trends shouldn’t be the beginning and end of your own design plans, they can offer a lot of inspiration.
Interior design trends of 2 0 2 3
“Adding color and large patterns are becoming fashionable again,” said Johna R. Jamison, lead designer of Atlanta’s Nandina Home & Design. “I’m ready for vibrancy, especially as the world has opened back up. People are craving more energy in their spaces. Warmer wood tones like walnut and maple are really on trend for floors and cabinetry. They work well with both neutral and colorful palettes, making them a versatile option. Traditional patterns in textiles and wallpaper are making a comeback through modern textures and color palettes. They offer a sense of comfort and nostalgia in fresh, new ways.”
Caryn Grossman, founder of CG Interiors Group, a firm known for its use of bold colors, agreed that color trends are a major change for 2023.
“We’re relishing the fact that color continues to have an energizing impact,” Grossman said. “Whether it is through well-placed, jewel-like pieces within a more neutral backdrop or a room with bold color throughout, we see the use of bright and saturated tones being a big hit in 2023. (The color of the year, after all, is Viva Magenta, influencing everything from fashion to furniture).”
The transformative power of texture
Studio 11 Design founder Kellie Sirna added that the new year is all about texture.
“In terms of what we can expect to see in 2023, this year it’s all about texture,” Sirna said. “Textured surfaces, furnishings and accessories will reign supreme as this element offers an easy way to layer in an additional dynamic to a space. Expect to see edges and crisp corners become softened via arches and curved doorways, further contributing to the curation of cocoon-like interiors. Finally, Japandi and biophilic design aesthetics are absolutely here to stay.”
She cautioned readers to not follow trends too closely.
“Trends can provide a great source of inspiration, particularly for those new to design, though I always caution clients to avoid upending an entire home or aesthetic in favor of the most in vogue color or style,” Sirna said. “Great design requires balance between both trendy and timeless features to ensure consistent relevance.”
Catherine Wilson, of Atlanta’s Catherine Wilson Interiors, said paint and wallpaper will be used in creative ways this year.
“Dramatic paint coupled with wallpaper on the walls, and of course ceilings, makes rooms come to life,” she said. “Depending on the design of the wallpaper you can lean more whimsical, moody, classic or dramatic. There’s nothing like wallpaper to complete a room. If you are not feeling bold then select grass cloths, corks and muted fabric weave to get your wallpaper fix.”
The Almanac
Average temperature: High 79, Low 56
Rainfall: 3.54 inches
Spring arrives: March 20
The moon 1. Moon phases for February
Full moon: March 7
Last quarter: March 14 New moon: March 21 First quarter: March 28
2. Moon sign planting dates
Above ground crops: 1, 2, 6, 7, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30
Below ground crops: 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20
Control weeds: 13, 14, 17, 18, 26, 2
Prune trees & shrubs: 3, 4, 5, 21, 22, 23, 31.
Time to plant
3. Vegetables: Bean, calabaza, cantaloupe, cassava, chayote, corn, cucumbers, dasheen, eggplant, Jerusalem artichoke, jicama, luffa, malanga, New Zealand spinach, okra, pepper, pumpkin, southern peas, squash, tamarillo, tomato, and watermelon.
4. Flowers: African daisy, ageratum, alyssum, bacopa, balsam, begonia, blackeyed Susan, blue daze, bush-daisy, celosia, cleome, coreopsis, cosmos, dahlia, dahlberg daisy, diascia, dusty miller, four o’clock, gaillardia, geranium, goldenrod, impatiens, Joseph’s coat, licorice plant, marigold, melampodium, million bells, moon vine, morning glory, nierembergia, salvia, strawflower, torenia, verbena, vinca and zinnia.
5. Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamon, chervil, chives, coriander, costmary, dill, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, sweet marjoram, Mexican tarragon, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme and watercress.
How to revitalize spaces on a tight budget
Once you’ve got plenty of inspiration, the next challenge is achieving your design goals on a reasonable budget. While they’re used to working with bigger budgets, many of the designers we reached out to said you can still make big changes without breaking the bank.
According to Kristin Kong of K Kong Designs, the key to a good redesign 6. Bulbs: Achimenes, African iris, African-lily, amaryllis, blood lily, bulbine, caladium, canna, crinum, crocosmia, dahlia, daylily, eucharis lily, gingers, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, Louisiana iris, rain lily, tuberose and walking iris.
Lawn care
7. Winter damage has varied; apply a quality lawn fertilizer to renew the green turf.
8. Control weeds; hand pull, use a liquid herbicide or substitute a weed & feed fertilizer.
9. Have problem weeds identified at your local extension office to learn the best controls.
10. Mow lawn at their normal height; cut back overgrown lawns before spring growth.
11. Brown weeds are easy to spot; fill bare or declining spots with sod, plugs or seed.
12. Rake out brown blades or allow the grass to outgrow winter damage.
13. Crabgrass is germinating; use of a preemergence for control may be of little value.
14. It’s seeding time for bahia and centipede lawns.
15. Chinch bugs survived the winter and may get an early start; apply an insecticide as needed.
16. Watering rules change March 12 with the arrival of daylight-saving time in most areas.
17. Help conserve water by reducing turf to only what is needed for family enjoyment.
Water turf separately from trees, shrubs and other plantings
18.
is focus.
“Everyone loves a fresh start in the new year,” she said. “Consider focusing on a high-functioning area of the home, such as the laundry or mud room, and elevate your space to create efficiency and functionality in the new year. Add sophisticated lighting and a favorite art piece to create a room you never want to leave!”
Jamison said a fresh coat of paint can go a long way when it comes to designing a living space.
“Paint is always the most cost-effective way to make
19. Repair and adjust irrigation systems.
20. Consider a substitute ground cover in hard to mow or problem areas where grass won’t grow.
21. Have lawn care equipment serviced; change the oil and air filter of gas powered equipment.
22. Sharpen lawn mower blades.
In the landscape
23. Complete pruning needed to remove winter damage.
24. Be kind to crape myrtles by only removing seed pods and twiggy portions.
25. Remove tree and shrub portions blocking walkways and competing with nearby plantings.
26. Trees may need trimming by a professional; have work performed before hurricane season.
27. Some cold-sensitive plants have declined to the ground but should grow back if given time.
28. Trim declining fronds and old flower stems from palms but leave the green.
29. Winter is not over until mid-month; be ready to protect cold-sensitive plants.
30. Apply a spring feeding to palms, shrubs and perennials.
31. Establish shade and flowering trees normally do not need a special feeding.
32. Insect survived winter weather; check regularly for pests.
33. Make saving water a priority; a majority of landscape plants are drought tolerant.
34. Water only when the a dramatic change,” she said. “Whether it’s repainting the whole room or accenting a small space with color, paint instantly freshens up a space. Displaying personal items in unexpected or more visible ways and complementing them with pillows and other accessories is another great budget-friendly approach to create a new look.”
Grossman doubled down by expressing the power a quality accent wall can have on a space.
“Your home is self-expression at its finest,” plants show signs of wilting or moisture stress
35. Prune spring flowering shrubs when the blossoms fade.
36. Divide and replant perennials.
37. Complete pruning of bush-type roses; prune climbers when the spring blooms fade.
38. Trim poinsettias to within 12- to 18-inches of the ground or containers and begin feedings.
39. Replant container gardens with spring flowers.
40. Add holiday plants to the landscape or foliage plant collection.
41. Remove stalks from amaryllis after the blossoms fade.
42. Trim and divide ornamental grasses before they begin spring growth.
43. Prune young shade trees to a straight trunk that forms a central leader.
44. Add trees, palms, shrubs and vines to the landscape.
45. Check azalea planting sites for the proper acidity and adjust the pH if needed.
46. Divide outdoor orchids and begin regular feedings with liquid or slow release fertilizers.
47. Turn fallen leaves into compost or use as a mulch.
48. Feed container gardens with a liquid fertilizer or use a slow release product as labeled.
49. Give power equipment a spring check up.
50. Clean bird houses, bird baths and fountains.
51. Remove debris from water gardens and repot lilies.
Grossman said. “If there’s a color you love, try painting an accent wall, or better yet, the ceiling. Add accessories in that color, editing out things that no longer fit. Pull out a favorite collection or antique and put it on display. Mix and match. Visit used furniture stores, antique markets, even thrift stores or salvage yards. Don’t be afraid to experiment.”
Sirna added that swapping around furniture costs nothing — yet it has a huge impact on your living space.
“You can freshen up a space by reconfiguring 52. Replenish decomposing mulch layers.
Vegetable and fruit care
53. Early March is tomato, pepper and eggplant planting time; set new plants in the ground.
54. Remove winter vegetables as they decline and plant warm-season crops.
55. Utilize maturing vegetables to keep the crops producing.
56. Herbs flourish during the warmish weather; almost all do well now.
57. Harvest and dry herbs for future use.
58. Prune back cold-damaged tropical fruits into green wood and wait for them to recover.
59. Renew banana & papaya plantings by removing brown leaves and severely damaged trunks.
60. Give citrus trees their first feeding of the new year with a citrus fertilizer.
61. Feed other fruit-bearing trees, shrubs and vines at this time.
62. Add new fruiting trees, shrubs and vines to the landscape.
63. Select warm locations for new tropical fruits.
64. Complete the pruning of grape plantings before they flower.
65. Harvest maturing citrus to prevent pest problems.
66. Add container herb and vegetable gardens to landscapes with limited space.
67. Construct raised beds for easy maintenance.
68. Add a mulch to all but citrus plantings. existing furniture, and adding or subtracting pieces, even pulling from other rooms within your home,” Sirna said. “Incorporating seasonal plants and greenery is another great way to brighten a room and shift its aesthetic without breaking the bank.”
Whatever your intentions for your living space, Wilson said that the most important part of redesigning your space is a plan.
“No matter how much you are going to spend, start with a big-picture plan,” she said. “If you buy piecemeal you will buy and buy
69. Fertilize vegetables lightly every 2 to 3 weeks or use a slow-release fertilizer.
70. Train vining vegetables to a trellis to save space.
71. Sprout sweet potatoes to produce transplants.
72. Pineapple plants often bloom in March and ripen their fruits in August.
73. Install water-conserving sprinklers in fruit and vegetable plantings.
74. Repair benches and coverings.
Foliage & indoor plants chores
75. Look for new plant selections entering the market and add them to the collection.
76. Replace declining plants with low light tolerant varieties.
77. Check plants that have been chilled by the cold and remove affected foliage.
78. Groom indoor plants to remove yellowing leaves and faded blooms.
79. Trim the ends of holiday cactus and begin more frequent waterings and feedings.
80. Wash dust and pests from house plant foliage with a mild soapy solution.
81. Move orchids outdoors or to a bright area and begin normal feedings.
82. Disinfect and wash used containers.
83. Treat forced bulbs as bouquets but keep the pots.
84. Check for mealy bugs, mites and other pests.
85. Trim and move lanky plants into higher light. again. Know what your overall plan is for a room. Then if you are unable to execute the entire plan all at the same time, you can gradually check off one item at a time.
“Ultimately, you will reach your end game of a truly complete and cohesive room,” Wilson added. “After you have your key pieces, buy a wonderful coordinating throw for snuggling under on these cold evenings. Also, a candle to produce calming scents and a bouquet of fresh flowers do wonders to make a room feel more special.”