The Joy of Thrifting, Never Using Paint Swatches, and Where to Look For Inspo

Danielle Newman

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Are there any design rules you follow? Symmetry, balance and visual weight are really, really important to me. I try my best to make sure every space flows well and that the eye doesn’t get “stuck” on any one thing.

Any secrets of capturing great images of our homes? Make the best of your lighting. Try to take as many shots as you can when you notice good light. I also try to make sure I've got a good perspective and that the angles, especially near the edge of the frame, are straight. Take lots of shots at different angles and pick the one that feels most compelling to you. Don’t be afraid to get down on the floor or climb on top of the furniture to get a fresh view!

What is essential to creating a personal sanctuary?

For me, I think it's the freedom to change up a room to suit my current needs and mood. Create a space that makes you feel most like yourself when you're in it. That changes all the time for me, and that’s what I love about it. I don’t think a room is ever finished (much to my husband’s chagrin).

"Create a space that makes you feel most like yourself when you're in it."

Tips for designing a nurturing home/space?

Fill it with whatever makes you feel good, and don't worry about the rules. It doesn't have to be expensive.
Thrifting is a great start--find something you love and build your design around that. Before we even had a house to live in, I found a vintage gold chesterfield sofa for $40. It set the tone for our entire home and I never would have made such a bold choice if I’d bought something new.

Ways to make your space come more alive?

Don't be afraid to go dark! Dark walls make everything else in the room pop. Paint a room black and you'll want to photograph everything in it. If your space is already small and dark, it can be a really great thing to embrace that and make it cozy and inviting. Any design hacks you wanna share?

Never, ever pick a paint color from a swatch only. I always get a tester and paint rather large patches on every wall in the room (poster board just doesn’t work as well for me) to see how light affects the color. I’d say 75% of the time, the color I thought would be perfect actually doesn’t work in every kind of light! Plus, having big patches of paint on the walls gives me motivation to finish the job. ORIGIN Rapid Fire

What designer or site gives you the most inspiration?

The Jungalow, Design Sponge, Abigail Ahern, Erica Reitman, and Shavonda Garder.

What hashtags do you use to find awesome design on Instagram?