Interior designers on decorating advice from their mothers and grandmothers
Knowledgeable and full of wisdom, our mothers and grandmothers know best when it comes to most things. I don’t know about you, but my mom (and her mom) seems to have an answer to pretty much any question, be it a mundane domestic query or advice on a personal dilemma.
Aware of her influence in shaping my knowledge and interests, I assumed interior designers had similar experiences, so I asked some of my favorites what design and decorating advice they inherited from their family.
Decorating with vintage, and with that designing spaces filled with personality and character, is what interiors is all about right now. Minimalism is out and individuality is in. So it makes sense that the long-established decorating ideas passed down through the generations might be just what we all need to create a timeless, unique home.
Each designer came back with plenty of quality advice, and each personal story emphasised the importance of thoughtfulness and originality, proving that authentic design always stands the test of time.
1. Keep things authentic
(Image credit: James Yarosh / Patricia Burke)
When I asked interior designer and gallerist James Yarosh what advice he inherited from his mother, he said he was given a deep appreciation for fine craftsmanship and curation.
He told me, ‘Many of the qualities I’m most proud of come from my mother, Regina Yarosh. She had a natural sophistication, an intuitive sense for design, and she showed me how to turn a house into a home. As a young artist, I learned by watching her.’
James added, ‘Reflecting on all that she instilled in me, I realize she gave me a deep appreciation for quality over quantity, a respect for craftsmanship, and a belief in keeping things authentic. Her guidance informed my approach to creating spaces that are free of pretension.’
Emphasizing the importance of soothing decorating ideas, he says, ‘One of the most powerful things she taught me was how to create a sense of stillness in a space. No matter how full a room became, it always felt peaceful. That calm made space for reflection, rest, and inspiration.’
2. Collect what you love
(Image credit: Tara Shaw)
Proving that collections of antique and vintage treasures will always stand the test of time, one interior designer said that their grandmother taught them to be true to what they love and to honor their tastes as much as possible by collecting meaningful pieces.
Interior designer Tara Shaw said, ‘My grandmother had a PhD in shopping and I was her star pupil. What she taught me was value, classic, timeless elegance, and encouraged me to color outside the lines.’ Much like today’s ever-popular dopamine decor ideas, Tara’s grandmothers encouraged her to decorate with joy and love. This advice was passed down, and collecting pieces that held meaning and sentimentality became an important part of decorating in Tara’s family. You can see this in the space (pictured above). Tara said, ‘My mom started my collecting, such as the prehistoric bones that now grace my library.’
No matter what your obsession is, incorporating your favorite objects and trinkets in your scheme is a way to ensure your space will continue to inspire and uplift you. If you’re new to pre-loved shopping, consider how to start an antiques collection to create your own curated display of pieces.
3. Nothing beats a classic wallpaper
(Image credit: Laura Hull)
While the advice the designers were given from their mothers and grandmothers is varied, it was interesting to see that every tip had elegance and tastefulness at its core. This is no different with designer Betsy Burnham, whose mother taught her that nothing beats a classic wallpaper idea to transform a space and represent your style for years to come.
Besty said, ‘My mother came from a humble background – and also, somehow, had very refined taste. I grew up in a beautiful, traditional house in Connecticut, and I remember a couple of things about it. One was the wallpaper that took you from the entry up the staircase to the second floor. It was a thin, tailored blue stripe on an off-white ground. Subtle, classic, welcoming.’
Betsy continues to use her mother’s decorating ideas in her designs, proving that mothers truly know best. She added, ‘I thought about that paper when we worked on a traditional home in Beverly Hills a couple of years ago, I wanted the same effect with the G P & J Baker wallpaper I sourced for that project.’
Oliver Heather Simple Stripe Wallpaper
Nothing beats a classic blue and white stripe wallpaper. Whether channeling the coastal look or going for a more classic, heritage style, striped walls will stand the test of time.
This muted floral print is oh-so elegant and would bring life to any space, be it an entryway or bedroom. Cover walls in this subtle print or create a sophisticated feature wall, the choice is endless.
Schumacher X Mark D. Sikes Chinoiserie Vine in China Blue Fabric
This French-inspired blue and white floral print is reminiscent of classic toile de Jouy patterns. Guaranteed to uplift and cheer, this sophisticated wallpaper will pair with all kinds of furniture and decor styles.
4. Decorate according to the seasons
(Image credit: Future)
While it’s important to incorporate furniture and decor that will shine no matter the season, it’s also sometimes necessary to tweak your scheme according to the weather. Betsy learned to update the home for spring without buying anything new, inheriting a useful decorating tip from her mother to give any space a refined, updated feel.
A simple way to transition your decor from winter to spring, Betsy’s mother would add light slipcovers to her furniture for a more uplifting, refreshed feel when the weather became warmer.
She told me, ‘The second memory I have is that every spring my mom would put off-white slipcovers with pale blue piping over all of our living room upholstery. During the rest of the year, the living room was done in muted velvets and stripes, but with the warm weather, it became lighter, more casual. What a great idea, and one I have yet to try for one of my clients.’
A simple vase of blooms or a fresh lick of paint on a tired piece of furniture can provide a room with a similar, refreshed feel when it needs some updating.
5. Mix the old and new
(Image credit: Tara Shaw)
Emphasising the importance of authenticity, Tara said she strives to mix old and new pieces, encouraged by her mother’s ability to combine contemporary artwork with classic paintings.
Tara uses this decorating style in her designs today. She says she was largely influenced by her mother’s creativity, encouraging her to decorate with art and mix modern pieces into more traditional settings. She said, ‘Mom was a prolific contemporary painter and mixed contemporary art with classic pieces. The apple did not fall far from the tree.’
It’s not just art that can be mixed, all kinds of decor can be incorporated in our homes, no matter their age. Our homes are highly personal, so featuring a range of decor styles will make it feel individual and unique. This is why the eclectic interiors trend has become so popular; it’s a relatable way of decorating, embracing past and present styles, fusing them together in one bespoke space.
Pink Moment by Lauren Herrera
A contemporary, colorful canvas will bring life to your scheme and can be balanced with antique and vintage decor for an eclectic, curated look.
Sardine Painting Sardine Original Art Impasto Painting Semi Abstract Framed Sardine Artwork by DiyaSanat
Place this charming painting solo in a hallway or in a row with other paintings in a bathroom. It’ll instantly give any room tons of character and personality.
Scenes of Summer Framed Wall Art
This vibrant yet delicate painting is undoubtedly a masterpiece and will make the perfect statement hung above a mantel or above a bed.
Proving that our mothers and grandmothers are indeed all-knowing and full of wisdom, the designers have shared all kinds of timeless advice they’ve inherited over the years. Whether you’re decorating with vintage and creating collections of sentimental objects or nailing the heritage, all-American aesthetic by covering your walls with a classic wallpaper, these tips prove that nothing beats authentic, original, and meaningful design.
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