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January 24, 2025

Maximizing Wall Space with an Interior Designer
Artful Tips for a Cohesive and Stylish Home

Your walls are more than just surfaces—they’re an opportunity to express your style and tell your story. While working with an interior designer ensures flow, harmony, and access to exclusive art pieces, following some key tips can elevate your wall space to professional-level brilliance. Here’s how to combine designer expertise with practical advice for walls that wow.

1. Elevate Art Placement: The 66-Inch Rule

The golden rule for hanging art is to center pieces 66 inches from the floor. This places the center of the artwork at eye level for most people, ensuring it’s easily enjoyed without straining or craning your neck.

Designer Tip: For groupings of smaller pieces, treat the entire grouping as a single unit and center that grouping at 66 inches.

2. Group Art Thoughtfully: Balance Over Bulk

When arranging smaller pieces together, consider the horizontal and vertical lines they create. Stick to groups of two or three, as too many pieces can overwhelm a space and disrupt visual flow.

Why It Works: Smaller groupings allow each piece to shine without creating clutter, keeping the wall design clean and intentional.

Art isn’t limited to paper or canvas- check out the vertical line these colorful plates add to this space.
Think about layering in wall space- here we’ve filled layered 2D and 3D art objects to above this chest.

3. Spotlight Family Photos: Quality Over Quantity

While it’s tempting to display every cherished memory, a single standout family photo can be far more impactful than a hodgepodge of moments.

How to Choose the Perfect Centerpiece Photo:

  • Universal Appeal: Does everyone in the family like the photo?
  • Visual Aesthetics: Is it well-composed, as if taken by a professional? Avoid photos with cluttered backgrounds or strangers.
  • Resolution Matters: Ensure the photo is high enough resolution to scale up for large prints.
  • Wedding and Event Photos: Professional shots from special occasions often tick all these boxes, making them excellent centerpiece options.

Why It Works: A single, large family photo framed beautifully becomes a conversation starter and focal point, elevating the space’s design.

4. Balance Art and Photos: Art as the Heart of a Home

While family photos are meaningful, art can be transformative in capturing a home’s aesthetic and making it feel uniquely yours.

“My parents bought prints from the National Gallery in D.C. for their house before I was born,” explains Sylvia, Rowan Hall’s resident Artist and Color Specialist. “I was mesmerized by some of them when I was a child. I used to lie on my parents’ bed and stare at Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses from all different angles. It made me feel so serene, and I’d see elephants in the clouds. When I was upset, I’d always try to go into my parents’ bedroom to cry if it was empty because that print comforted me in a way I still can’t fully explain or understand.”

Art isn’t just decoration—it’s a source of feeling and connection. Fill your home with pieces that speak to you, and they’ll resonate for years to come.

Tip: Keep an art-to-photo ratio of 70:30 or higher, with art taking precedence. Cherish photos that don’t make it to the wall by storing them in albums, scrapbooks, or curated digital collections.

Wheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent Van Gogh; Image Source: metmuseum.org

5. Best Places for Photo Displays

Certain areas of your home are ideal for displaying family photos without compromising the overall flow.

  • Staircases: Create a gallery wall that tells a story as you ascend or descend.
  • Hallways: Use linear arrangements to showcase a timeline of memories.
  • Offices: Keep a few key photos nearby for personal motivation without overcrowding your workspace.

Designer Tip: Group photos in spaces that naturally encourage close viewing, while leaving central living areas for art that complements the room’s overall aesthetic.

6. Light, Frame, and Balance with Intention

  • Lighting: Install picture lights or use nearby lamps to illuminate wall displays, enhancing their presence.
  • Frames: Choose cohesive frame styles that match the room’s decor for a polished look.
  • Matting: Use mats to add elegance and give each piece its own visual space.

Why It Works: These finishing touches ensure your walls look curated rather than cluttered.

Bulky frames aren’t always the way to go- the minimal black frames pictured here keep the artworks elevated and coordinated without drawing attention away from the pieces.

Partner with an Interior Designer for Perfection

An interior designer adds expertise, access to exclusive art and framing options, and an eye for creating seamless flow. From sourcing custom pieces to crafting layouts that enhance the entire room, a designer’s input ensures your walls make a statement while feeling cohesive with the rest of your home.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we specialize in helping clients maximize their wall space while blending personal touches with refined design. Whether you’re showcasing a stunning family photo or sourcing bespoke artwork, we’ll ensure your walls become a masterpiece of style and meaning.

Ready to transform your walls? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our Knoxville design team bring your walls to life!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

January 17, 2025

This Year, Live Colorfully!
2025 Color Trends According to Sherwin-Williams

The 2025 Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast presents a dynamic and multifaceted color palette organized into four themed capsules—Chrysalis, Paradox, Wellspring, and Kindred. Each capsule is thoughtfully designed to reflect different moods, styles, and stories, making this year’s forecast more expansive and personal than ever. Bringing these palettes to life is Rowan Hall Interiors’ color specialist, Sylvia, whose creative eye and deep understanding of color pairings make the possibilities truly inspiring. In this article, Sylvia not only shares her insights into each capsule but also demonstrates how to integrate them into your home with style. Be sure to check out our Instagram reels, where Sylvia showcases textile samples alongside each capsule, illustrating how these colors interact in various proportions and offering endless possibilities for creating spaces that are both cohesive and uniquely personal.

Wellspring

A nod to classic, heritage-inspired tones, this palette includes rich, sophisticated colors like deep navy blues and golden browns. These hues offer elegance and can be perfect for grounding interiors, particularly in living rooms or formal dining areas. Wadden described Wellspring as “drawing from heritage-inspired tones,” with “timeless elegance and a sense of history” that pairs beautifully with luxurious textiles like velvet, and complements warm, wood-based furniture for a timeless yet modern feel.

Chrysalis

Focused on serene, sanctuary-like spaces, this capsule features muted earth tones, such as warm beiges and calming greys, perfect for minimalist designs. “Chrysalis offers minimalist, raw neutrals perfect for creating serene, uncluttered spaces that evoke a sense of calm and simplicity,” said Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ Director of Color Marketing. These shades are ideal for spaces that need tranquility, such as bedrooms or reading nooks, and can be paired with natural wood furnishings, plush carpets, or neutral textiles for a peaceful vibe.

Kindred

This capsule evokes a sense of community and warmth, with inviting colors like soft whites and playful reds. It lends itself to family-centric spaces such as kitchens or communal living areas. “Kindred embraces warm, community-focused colors that foster connection and create inviting, cozy environments,” Wadden added. These shades can be paired with textured rugs, cozy throws, and rich wood tones to create a welcoming environment.

Paradox

If you’re looking for bold and expressive color, Paradox offers dynamic, high-energy hues like candy-coated pinks and vibrant blues. This palette works well for statement pieces like accent walls, unique furniture, or textiles. “Paradox features bold, dynamic colors designed to make a statement and energize any space with vibrant, eye-catching hues,” according to Wadden. Think modern maximalist spaces with funky patterns and eclectic decor that push the boundaries of traditional design.

*Image Credits: Sherwin Williams 2025 Colormix Forecast Capsules and Sherwin Williams STIR 2025 Colormix Forecast

According to Sylvia, Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 approach is refreshing. “This method of creating different mini collections rather than picking one color for the entire year is very clever. It allows everyone to pick their favorite direction, sort of a choose-your-own adventure for the mood of your specific space and style.” She also appreciates how this year’s forecast offers both versatility and boldness without sacrificing style: “Generally speaking, choosing any big color or color scheme is a balancing act between versatility and visual interest. This year’s Sherwin-Williams Color Forecast basically threw that model of compromises out the window so it could have its cake and eat it too! She who makes the colors makes the rules, I suppose!”

Sylvia approves of the colors selected and recognizes several of them from her recent paint consultations with clients. “Outerspace, French Roast, and Sealskin are all lovely deep, rich colors I’ve picked alongside clients, especially for exteriors. Drift of Mist is one of my go-to off whites and Sea Salt is an all-time favorite as well! I definitely recognize those names and can whole-heartedly endorse them on a large scale. It’s exciting to see them in the forecast, a little like reading a friend’s name in the newspaper. ‘Hey! I know that guy!'” For clients working with Rowan Hall Interiors, these colors offer endless possibilities, both in paint and beyond. Whether it’s custom draperies, textiles, rugs, or furnishings, this forecast provides a roadmap to infuse any space with modern, thoughtful color choices.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re feeling inspired by these 2025 color trends, why not reach out to Rowan Hall Interiors for a personalized color consultation with Sylvia? Our expert team, led by Alfie Rowan, can help you seamlessly integrate these trending palettes into your home, creating a space that reflects both your style and the year’s most exciting colors. Contact us today to get started on your dream project!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

Keep Up your Reading Streak!

Want to learn more about our color consultation process? Check out our this post:

The Art of Color: Why You Need a Paint Color Consultation

Sylvia showcasing her experience as a local muralist

“A paint color consultant brings expertise and experience to the table. They understand the nuances of color theory, lighting, and design principles, allowing them to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your unique preferences and space. Our Color Specialist, Sylvia, studied color and design at MICA, one of the top art schools in the country, and spent a year putting her education into practice as a local muralist. She understands color and painting from a fine arts standpoint, which translates beautifully into creating compositions with color in designed spaces.”

Read More…

January 10, 2025

New Year, New Home
Elevate Your Space in 2025 with Rowan Hall Interiors

Pictured above, a festive AI imagining inspired by photographs of our real work as seen below. We wanted to save on helium.
As we embrace 2025, there’s no better time to upgrade your home and refresh your living space. With Rowan Hall Interiors, your trusted Knoxville interior designer, we make this the year you truly fall in love with where you live. From custom furniture to expertly curated rooms, let us show you how new furnishings and thoughtful design can transform your home.
 

Start with a Critical Eye

Take a walk through your home with fresh eyes. Does your dining room reflect your style and function perfectly for gatherings? Could Grandma’s hutch use an update, or perhaps that aging chandelier deserves a stunning replacement? Investing in timeless pieces not only elevates your space but enhances your daily life.

The living room often holds the most memories, but is your sofa as dreamy as it should be? If it’s seen better days, consider performance fabrics that balance durability and style. These options can stand up to kids, pets, and even wine spills, making them perfect for real living.

And don’t forget the primary bedroom—your retreat deserves to be as serene as a five-star hotel. Think upholstered headboards, luxurious bedding, and smart storage solutions to create a sanctuary where you can recharge.

Why Rowan Hall Interiors is Your Knoxville Resource for Interior Design and Furniture

Shopping for furniture in Knoxville can be overwhelming. While local showrooms have their charm, they often limit you to what’s in stock. At Rowan Hall, we break free from those constraints, offering custom furniture and a curated design process tailored specifically to your needs and style. We specialize in whole-room transformations—not just selling one piece of furniture, but ensuring every detail flows seamlessly.

Our team knows Knoxville inside and out. From Farragut to downtown lofts, we’ve worked in countless homes, bringing them to life with custom drapery, carefully selected rugs, and designer lighting that sets the tone for each space. Whether you’re looking for a Knoxville interior designer or unique Knoxville furniture, we handle everything from design to installation, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free process.

The Perks of Professional Design

When you work with Rowan Hall Interiors, you get more than just beautiful furniture. You gain access to:

  • Custom Solutions: Whether it’s furniture, draperies, or bedding, we create pieces tailored to your home and lifestyle.
  • Expert Guidance: Our Knoxville interior designers use their knowledge to select high-quality furnishings and ensure every piece fits perfectly within your home.
  • Seamless Service: We manage all the details, from selecting fabrics to arranging furniture delivery and installation.

Transform Your Knoxville Home for 2025

Living beautifully is about surrounding yourself with quality, timeless pieces that reflect your style and enhance your life. Whether you’re upgrading your dining room, refreshing your bedroom, or completely redesigning your living space, Rowan Hall Interiors is here to help. If you’re searching for Knoxville furniture that’s as unique as you are or a Knoxville interior designer who can bring your vision to life, look no further.

Let’s make 2025 the year you fall in love with your home. Reach out to Rowan Hall Interiors today for a consultation. Together, we’ll create a space that feels uniquely yours and perfectly curated for the life you want to live.

Contact us to start your transformation today. Your dream home is just a phone call away!

December 27, 2024

New Year’s Bless & Release
How to Embrace Your Home's True Potential

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our spaces and the role they play in our lives. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we know that one of the biggest challenges for homeowners is navigating sentimental items that no longer align with their desired aesthetic. That’s where Alfie’s bless and release method shines—a liberating, creative approach that balances honoring memories with designing a home that feels fresh, cohesive, and uniquely yours.

Letting Go While Preserving the Memory

Sentimental items hold deep emotional value, but they don’t always fit seamlessly into your current style. Alfie’s advice? Honor the memory without holding onto the object itself. For instance, if you’ve inherited your grandmother’s hutch or a dining set that feels out of place, take a photo of the item and frame it alongside a picture of your loved one. This creative solution preserves the emotional connection while freeing your home of items that no longer serve its design.

This thoughtful method allows you to release guilt and create space for pieces that align with your evolving aesthetic, all while keeping cherished memories close.

The “Bless and Release” Mentality

Sentimental items often come from a place of love, but not all of them were built to last or fit into your forever home. Alfie reminds us that it’s okay to acknowledge the purpose these items once served and move forward. The bless and release approach encourages appreciation for these pieces while letting go of the physical objects, creating room for a design that fully reflects your current tastes and lifestyle.

Holding onto items out of obligation can dilute the cohesive style you’re aiming for. Alfie says it best: “Every piece you keep that doesn’t fit the look you want waters down the final design.” A thoughtfully curated space is one that brings joy, not guilt.

Investing in What You Love

As life shifts—especially after children leave the nest—it’s natural to want to invest in a home that truly reflects your style. Yet clinging to outdated or mismatched items can hold you back. Alfie encourages homeowners to be honest with themselves: Are these items elevating your space or hindering its transformation?

Not every sentimental item needs to go; the key is finding ways to integrate meaningful pieces without compromising your design vision. Repurpose or reimagine these treasures in a way that complements your style, ensuring they enhance rather than detract from your home’s overall look.

A Personal Story: The Power of Letting Go

Alfie herself has experienced the emotional weight of sentimental items. After her mother, an avid antique lover, passed away, Alfie faced the challenge of sorting through a home full of meaningful objects. She chose to host an estate sale, allowing others to find joy in these items. This act of letting go gave Alfie the space to create a home that truly reflected her own style while honoring her mother’s love for beautiful things.

Finding Balance with Sentimental Items

Transitioning your space with sentimental items is about striking the right balance. It’s not about erasing the past but thoughtfully blending sentimentality with practicality. Alfie’s approach empowers homeowners to honor their memories while embracing their present, resulting in homes that feel both meaningful and modern.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, our mission is to help you create a space that serves your lifestyle and reflects your personal style. As trusted interior decorators in Knoxville, we’re here to guide you through the emotional and creative journey of redesigning your home.

So, as the new year approaches, consider embracing the bless and release mentality. It’s not just about letting go; it’s about stepping into a new chapter with intention, joy, and a space that feels unmistakably you.

Ready to transform your home? Let’s make 2025 the year your vision becomes a reality. Contact Rowan Hall Interiors today to get started!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

December 19, 2024

Happy Holidays from Rowan Hall Interiors
Season's Greetings from Alfie and the Team

As the holiday season embraces us with its warmth and joy, we at Rowan Hall Interiors find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with creativity, beautiful transformations, and connections that inspire. This time of year is about more than decking the halls (though you know we love a gorgeously styled mantle). It’s about gathering with loved ones, cherishing traditions, and finding peace in the spaces that surround us.

Whether your holiday plans include hosting a grand dinner party or curling up by the fire with a good book, your home should feel like a haven of comfort and cheer. If your space isn’t quite ready to match the magic of the season, don’t worry—Rowan Hall Interiors is here to help. From creating cozy nooks to designing layouts that make entertaining effortless, we bring tailored expertise to every project.

This holiday season, let us take a moment to thank you—our cherished clients and friends. It’s your trust and collaboration that allow us to do what we love: crafting spaces that tell your stories and make every day feel a little more special.

May your home be filled with laughter, love, and a touch of sparkle this season. And as you dream about what 2024 might hold for your home, remember that Rowan Hall Interiors is just a call away to make those visions come true.

Happy Holidays and warm wishes from Alfie and the entire Rowan Hall Interiors team!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.