A Decorating Risk that Paid Off: 13 Stories

As a designer, I live for those moments when I can challenge my clients to step outside the box. Pinterest is fantastic, don't get me wrong--it's full of inspiration and beautiful ideas. But here's the thing: it's not my job to just copy and paste what's trending. My brain works a little differently. I see Pinterest as an idea board, not a blueprint. It's my job to take those ideas and turn them into something unique that fits your home and your style.

One story that really stands out to me was with a client who had a fairly traditional home but was open to trying something different for their kitchen remodel. I suggested a bold move--a black-and-gold color scheme for the cabinetry and hardware. Now, we're talking about a classic, family-style kitchen here, so at first, the idea of going dark with black cabinets and gold accents was a bit of a shock. They weren't sure, and I could see the hesitation.

I took a gamble. I told them, "If you don't love it, I'll change it. But trust me--I can see this in my head, and it's going to be stunning. You hired me for my expertise, and I want you to trust the process." I explained how the dark cabinets would add depth and sophistication, and the gold accents would bring in that luxury vibe without feeling too over-the-top. But the real challenge? They had to trust me to make it work, even though it felt like a risk at the time.

When we unveiled the finished kitchen, it was jaw-dropping. The dark cabinets created a rich contrast with the light countertops, and the gold hardware just popped, giving it that high-end look without being too stuffy. The clients were over the moon--they couldn't believe how much it transformed the space. Not once have I had to go back and change anything. They loved it, and it became the focal point of their home.

The risk was trusting my vision, which, at first, felt completely out of their comfort zone. But what made it worthwhile wasn't just the design itself--it was how it made the clients feel. They realized that sometimes, the most unexpected choices are the ones that really make a space feel personal and one-of-a-kind.

That's the beauty of my job--I'm not just decorating a room. I'm challenging my clients to see beyond what they thought was possible. And, time and time again, they walk away with a design they never even knew they wanted but absolutely love. The key is trusting the process, and that's why I always say, "Let me do my thing, and I promise you'll be glad you did."

A Decorating Risk That Paid Off: Embracing a Bold Color Scheme

One of the biggest decorating risks I ever took was painting my living room in a deep navy blue--a bold departure from the neutral tones I usually stick to. Initially, I worried the dark color might make the space feel small or overwhelming. However, I wanted to create a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, so I decided to go for it.

The Plan

To balance the dark walls, I used crisp white trim for the baseboards and windows, which created a clean contrast. I also layered in multiple light sources, including a statement chandelier and table lamps, to keep the room feeling warm and inviting. Adding natural wood furniture, soft throws, and gold accents gave the space texture and elegance.

The Outcome

The result was stunning! Far from feeling small, the room became a cozy, sophisticated retreat. The navy walls acted as a dramatic backdrop that highlighted the furniture and decor, while layered lighting ensured the space felt bright when needed.

Why It Was Worth It

This experience taught me that bold choices can pay off when balanced with thoughtful details. The navy walls gave the space personality and made it the perfect spot for gatherings or quiet evenings. Sometimes, taking a decorating risk is the key to creating something truly special!

We recently had the opportunity to work with a client on transforming a small, naturally bright room. After discussing their vision, we decided to install floor-to-ceiling drapes in a bold, deep gray color. Most would say, "Stick to light and airy window treatments to make it feel more open and cozy!" However, the rich and moody sheers added a layer of elegance and depth to the small, bright room. They did not make the room feel dark, nor did they look out of place. They filtered the light beautifully, creating a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. In the end, the space looked more inviting and high-end. Sometimes, going against usual design principles and trusting your own tastes can lead to beautiful results.

I've seen many clients make bold decorating choices when staging their homes for sale. However, the one that stands out to me is when a client decided to paint their living room walls black. At first, I was hesitant and even suggested they go with a more neutral color. But my client was determined to create a dramatic and modern space in their home. They had seen other homes with dark walls and loved the way it made the room feel cozy and intimate.

Despite my reservations, we went ahead with painting the walls black. And let me tell you, it completely transformed the space! The furniture and decor suddenly popped against the dark backdrop, giving off an elegant and sophisticated vibe.

This experience taught me not to be afraid of bold color choices in interior design. In fact, using dark colors on walls can create a sense of depth and personality in a room. It's all about finding the right balance and incorporating other elements such as contrasting textures and pops of color to keep the space from feeling too overwhelming.

I once took a decorating risk by painting an entire accent wall in a deep charcoal gray—something I hadn't seen often in smaller rooms. Conventional wisdom says dark colors make spaces feel smaller, but I paired it with crisp white trim, minimal decor, and warm wood tones to balance it out.

The risk paid off big time. Instead of feeling cramped, the room felt bold, cozy, and intentional. It added instant depth and made the lighter elements pop. Guests always comment on how striking and inviting it feels, and it even helped the home stand out when we listed it for sale.

What made it worthwhile was trusting the vision and balancing contrast with simplicity. Sometimes the biggest style wins come from breaking the "rules"—as long as there's a plan behind the bold.

I made a daring decision to paint every surface of a room deep forest green, including walls and ceiling. I felt uncertain because running a plant nursery means most people desire bright and open spaces. The combination of ferns, moss art, and antique wood furniture transformed the space into a moody and lush retreat that gives the experience of entering a forest. The risk? It could have looked like a cave. The room became both warm and calming while leaving an impression on everyone who saw it. The room turned into the house's top conversation piece because visitors requested plant combinations to duplicate it. That made it all worthwhile.

Diving into the world of interior decorating, I once decided to step outside the usual and try something bold in my living room. The main risk was painting one of the walls a striking charcoal black—a stark contrast to the otherwise light palette of the room. This decision came with a bundle of nerves because dark colors can make spaces feel smaller, and there was a real fear it might overwhelm the room instead of complementing it.

However, the gamble paid off better than I hoped. Once the wall was painted, it added not just depth but also an unexpected level of sophistication and modern flair. It became a perfect backdrop for artwork and family photos, which stood out with newfound drama and appeal. This experience taught me the value of boldness in design; sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone can breathe new life into a space, making the risk absolutely worthwhile. Embracing bold choices can often lead to the most rewarding transformations.

A few years ago, a client approached me with a challenge: they wanted a low-maintenance yet visually striking front yard but were hesitant about using native Australian plants. They feared the look would be too wild and unstructured compared to the traditional European-style gardens they admired. With my experience in horticulture and landscape design, I knew that with the right approach, native plants could create a polished yet vibrant look while also being drought-tolerant and eco-friendly. I convinced them to take a risk and embrace a mix of structured native grasses, flowering shrubs, and feature trees like the Kangaroo Paw, Westringia, and a stunning Grass Tree as the focal point. To add depth, I incorporated natural stone pathways and modern corten steel edging, balancing the organic textures with clean, contemporary lines.

The result was breathtaking. The garden not only flourished with minimal maintenance but also attracted native birds and pollinators, bringing a dynamic energy to the space. The structured layering of plants provided year-round color, and the client was amazed at how refined and elegant the native selections looked. My years of experience helped me understand how to blend form and function, ensuring that this garden was both practical and beautiful. The client later told me it was the best decision they ever made for their home, and now they recommend native gardens to everyone they know. Taking the risk to challenge traditional aesthetics paid off, proving that with the right expertise, even the most unexpected design choices can transform a space in ways people never imagined.

My biggest decorating risk was painting my living room ceiling navy blue in my otherwise neutral home. Everyone warned against it - my mother was convinced I'd regret it, and friends said it would make the space feel claustrophobic. I was nervous but committed to creating something unexpected that would draw the eye upward.

The transformation was immediate. Rather than feeling smaller, the room suddenly had depth and dimension. The navy created this incredible cozy feeling at night while somehow making the space feel taller during the day. What surprised me most was how it enhanced everything else - my brass floor lamp popped against it, and even my simple white curtains looked more intentional.

The best part came during a dinner party when a friend who'd initially been skeptical looked up mid-conversation and said, "I get it now." That ceiling became the conversation piece of every gathering.

It taught me that sometimes the elements people warn you against become the very things that make a space memorable. Taking that risk gave my home personality it simply wouldn't have had otherwise.

We convinced a hesitant commercial client to install a dramatic copper roof system instead of traditional asphalt shingles on their visible street-facing office. The initial cost was significantly higher, but we knew the patina would develop beautifully over time and become a landmark. Five years later, the naturally weathered green-blue roof has become their building's signature feature, attracting new business and appreciating in value--unlike conventional roofing that depreciates. The risk paid off as they've received countless compliments, increased property value, and enjoyed maintenance-free protection.

I once took a decorating risk by completely reimagining my living room's color scheme. Instead of sticking with a conventional neutral palette, I decided to paint one accent wall in a bold, deep teal--a color that was a stark departure from my usual style. I worried it might overwhelm the space or clash with the existing furniture, but I embraced the challenge as a chance to infuse energy and personality into the room.

The risk paid off remarkably well. The teal accent wall became a focal point that not only brought a fresh, modern vibe but also highlighted carefully selected decor and art pieces. The unexpected pop of color transformed the space, sparking compliments from friends and enhancing my overall enjoyment of the room. This experience taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to unique, rewarding results in home decorating.

I took a decorating risk when I decided to incorporate bold, vibrant colors into my office at Write Right. Instead of sticking with the usual neutral tones that are commonly used in office spaces, I went for a deep blue accent wall paired with bright accents like mustard yellow chairs and green plants. It was a huge shift from the traditional "safe" office style.

What made it worthwhile was the shift in the energy of the space. The colors created a more dynamic, inspiring environment that helped foster creativity and encouraged collaboration among the team. People felt more energized and motivated, which directly translated into higher productivity and even some fresh, creative ideas we hadn't considered before.

Taking that risk paid off because it wasn't just about making the space visually appealing--it helped boost morale and gave the team a sense of ownership in the environment.

I once took a decorating risk by painting my living room wall a bold dark navy blue. I was nervous at first because dark colors can make a room feel smaller, but I decided to go for it to create a cozy, intimate vibe. To balance the dark wall, I added light-colored furniture and bright accents, like gold and white decor. The risk paid off because the room now feels sophisticated and welcoming, with a lot of character. It was worthwhile because it completely transformed the space and gave it a unique, stylish touch.