Fast Furniture Can't Compete with a Custom Approach in Interior Design

Fast Furniture Shouldn’t Be a Part of Luxury Interior Design

First, there was fast food. Then, there was fast fashion. And, now there's fast furniture.

What do they have in common? They're all inexpensive, easy to find, and have environmental consequences.

Though fast furniture is the newest addition to the group, its environmental impact is substantial.

photo Custom Furniture Lisa Gilmore Design

The Consequences of Convenience

Furniture sales increased dramatically during the pandemic. Sales of desks, chairs, and patio equipment alone increased by more than $4 billion from 2019 to 2021. Many of these pieces, purchased from mass-production companies, aren't made to last.

The EPA says that each year, Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture, an increase of 450 percent since 1960. Often, fast furniture pieces are made from materials that are hard to recycle or repair.

An Interior Design Perspective on Fast Furniture

Fast furniture also makes a less-than-ideal impression when used in a home.

Mass-produced furniture is sub-par from a design perspective – lesser quality and easily replicated, which is why we do not use it at Lisa Gilmore Design.

That's why we source our furnishings in three ways:

• Placing Custom Orders: We collaborate with independent craftsmen and artisans to create unique pieces.

• Custom Upholstery: We order custom upholstery from carefully selected partners, as made-to-order pieces create less waste.

• Restyling Antiques: We revitalize carefully selected antiques and vintage pieces to give them new life.

Lisa Gilmore Design Furniture Selection

When we are shopping or custom-ordering a piece, we ask ourselves these questions:

• Where was this item made?

• What material is this item made of?

• Does this item have a history?

• Is this a piece that will still be relevant in 20 years?

Here are a few examples of our process in action.

Teal Repainted and Reupholstered Dining Chairs

We painted and reupholstered our client’s existing vintage dining chairs to give them a completely new look.

photo Original Look Lisa Gilmore Design

The Finished Look

When we needed additional chairs to fill the space, we looked on Chairish for chairs similar in style. To make the chairs look cohesive and intentional, we painted them the same color and used the same fabric on all of them.

photo Finished Look Lisa Gilmore Design

Custom TV Cabinet in St. Pete

This custom TV cabinet was made by a local carpenter, and all the upholstery featured in this room was made in North Carolina.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

Reupholstered Sofa and Custom-Designed Ottomans

This vintage sofa was reimagined after being reupholstered, and the ottomans were designed by Lisa. Both were created by local partners.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

Vintage Furniture Gets a Fresh Look

This space features antique finds mixed with newer pieces. We chose an antique rug and revitalized vintage furniture with new, custom upholstery fabricated in North Carolina.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

Restyled Dining Room

This dining area features mid-century dining chairs that were restyled and repainted locally for a pop of color. Most of the upholstery in this photo was made to order by a partner in North Carolina and the rug is made of natural textiles.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design 

FAQs: Fast Furniture and Interior Design

1. What is considered fast furniture?

Fast furniture refers to mass-produced, inexpensive pieces you can easily find in big stores. They're quick fixes for your home, but they come with a price.

2. What are the issues with fast furniture?

Well, fast furniture may be cheap, but it's not eco-friendly. It ends up in landfills, and it's not built to last. Plus, it's kinda like having the same outfit as everyone else at the party—no fun!

3. How long does fast furniture last?

Don't count on it for the long haul. Fast furniture tends to wear out quickly. It's like buying a car and expecting it to last forever. It won't.

The Lisa Gilmore Design Difference

The spaces Lisa Gilmore Design creates include locally sourced and custom elements. While some fast furniture pieces are beautiful, they are still cheap reproductions in comparison to the one-of-a-kind pieces we include in our clients' homes.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We create hand-curated, exclusive spaces through the use of artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Hyde Park, South Tampa and worldwide.

Do You Know Your Holiday Decor Style?

A Style Guide for Your Holiday Entertaining

Can you believe the holidays are just a few weeks away?! Our calendars are certainly packed with holiday activities, and we bet yours are too.

In fact, many of you may be hosting holiday parties and events and you want your decor to be on point. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular holiday decorating styles.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design - Whimsical Decor

The 6 Most Popular Holiday Decorating Styles

Though farmhouse, glam, and coastal Christmas themes are also popular, the six most common holiday styles are whimsical, traditional, monochromatic, minimal, rustic, and vintage.

Whimsical Holiday Decor

If you’ve seen our design projects, it will come as no surprise that the Lisa Gilmore Design team prefers colorful holiday decor. 

Whimsical holiday decor embraces your playful side. Think bright colors, bold patterns, and unexpected elements like oversized ornaments. Consider incorporating fun touches like a garland made of colorful pom-poms or festive bottle brush trees. For a playful twist, try incorporating unconventional colors like pink or turquoise and striking prints like stripes or animal prints.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

Traditional Holiday Decor

If the holidays bring to mind Bing Crosby songs and sipping egg nog around the fire, then traditional holiday decor may be the right choice for you.

photo Stock Photography

Traditional holiday decor is all about embracing classic elements like red and green color schemes, plaid patterns, and evergreen boughs. Classic holiday decor includes wreaths made of holly or trees decorated with handmade ornaments. For a cozy touch, consider adding a plaid throw blanket or festive throw pillows to your entertaining space.

photo Stock Photography

Monochromatic Holiday Decor

If you prefer an understated, yet luxurious holiday tone, then monochromatic holiday decor may be perfect for your holiday events.

photo Stock Photography

Choose shades of white or silver for an elegant look, or shades of blue for a cool and calming vibe. Consider using white lights and white ornaments to create an ethereal feel. And for a modern twist on monochromatic decor, add metallic accents like silver candlesticks or gold garlands.

photo Stock Photography 

Minimal Holiday Decor

After minimalism became mainstream in the 2000s, minimal holiday decor also became a popular style. And, we must admit, minimal holiday decor certainly makes setup and storage much simpler.

photo Stock Photography

If you’re a minimalist who wants to keep your holiday environment simple and chic, think neutral colors, clean lines, and natural materials like wood or greenery. Consider using simple white lights instead of multicolored strands to create a serene atmosphere. For a minimalist take on the classic Christmas tree, use a sparse tree with only a few carefully chosen ornaments.

photo Stock Photography

Rustic Holiday Decor

For those who plan on spending the holidays in the mountains, a rustic motif could be the icing on your holiday cake. 

photo Stock Photography

Embrace the great outdoors and create a cozy, cabin feel with lots of texture and warmth. Use 

natural elements like pinecones or birch logs to create a cozy atmosphere. For a rustic Christmas tree, swap traditional garland for burlap ribbon.

photo Stock Photography

Vintage Holiday Decor

If you love antiques and vintage pieces as much as Lisa, then vintage holiday decor may appeal to you.

photo Stock Photography

When shopping, look for antique items that can double as ornaments, select vintage-inspired wrapping paper, and choose old-fashioned string lights rather than modern ones. An antique sled or some vintage-inspired glass ornaments make the perfect addition. 

And for a throwback vibe that will work all winter long, add vintage-inspired throw pillows and blankets to your living spaces.

photo Stock Photography

FAQs

1. How do I choose my Christmas decor style?

An easy way to identify your perfect Christmas decor style is to look at your non-seasonal decor. If your style is eclectic, contemporary, or traditional, then it’s likely that your Christmas decor style will be the same. If you need more help, consider your personal taste, the color scheme of your home, and the size of your space. The answers to these questions will help you identify what kind and how much decor you need.

2. What are the different styles of Christmas decorating?

Christmas decorating styles are as diverse and creative as the people who celebrate them, but the most popular styles are traditional, monochromatic, minimal, whimsical, rustic, and vintage. And don’t forget that you don’t have to follow any one style; you can mix and match different styles and elements to create your own unique look.

3. How can I make my house look more Christmassy?

First, start with the centerpiece of Christmas decor– a Christmas tree. Choose a theme for your tree– whether it’s a decor style like whimsical, traditional, or rustic– or a color scheme like blue, white, and gold. Then comes the fun part– decorating. 

Other festive Christmas decorations include wreaths and garlands, a holiday-themed mantle with stockings, and special table decor.

One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is being able to give our spaces new and exciting looks. We hope these ideas inspire you to get creative with your holiday decorating this year! Most of all, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We create one-of-a-kind spaces using artisan-crafted pieces, antique treasures, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, and worldwide.

Drapes vs Curtains - 4 Reasons You Should Never Skimp on Drapery

Drapes Make a Significant Impact on Every Room

When you are redecorating, renovating, or building a new home, by the time the project nears completion, you may have little energy to think about window treatments.

What a shame!

Letting drapery be an afterthought is a disservice to the space you are creating. Drapery is the perfect finishing touch that takes a room from nice to wow.

Let’s unpackage just a few of the reasons drapery is worth your time and attention. Find out why we might suggest drapes vs curtains.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

1. Drapery adds visual height to any room.

Hanging drapery close to the ceiling makes a room’s walls look taller and the space feel larger.

For example, look at the drapery in this office. Because the drapes are hung above the window, your eyes are drawn up to the ceiling that was created by a multidisciplinary artisan who specializes in mineral plasters and bespoke finishes. 

The drapery that Lisa custom designed and had made locally pops against the dramatic, orange dome chair. And don’t miss the Jonathan Adler “Boss Lady” pillow for a fun twist!

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

2. Drapery visually softens a space.

Drapery is one way to make a space feel less cold and more welcoming. 

Look at how the blush window treatments in this primary bedroom soften the black walls and add a cozy feel to the room. Coziness is especially important in spaces that you want to relax in, such as bedrooms or living rooms.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

3. Draperies help reduce noise.

Have you noticed how sound echoes off the walls in an empty room? Draperies, rugs, throws, and pillows all help dampen noise.

This is important to keep in mind when creating a home office space. Draperies absorb noise so your audio on conference calls sounds clear and crisp.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

4. Draperies are a form of art.

If you are trying to create a space that is eye-catching and colorful, selecting solid white or beige drapery probably isn’t the best choice.

Drapery is an opportunity to inject interest and creativity into a room. The patterns and colors are endless, and the trimming options can take your space to the next level.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

This bright, floral print Scalamandre drapery the Lisa Gilmore Design team chose for this Snell Isle vacation condo was the extra pop of color this guest room needed. It perfectly complemented the royal blue bed from Bernhardt.

There are many other reasons drapery is important for a room, including making a space more energy efficient, creating a better environment for sleep (in bedrooms with blackout drapery), controlling the amount of light in a room, and adding privacy.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design 

FAQs

1. Drapes vs Curtains, what is the difference?

The words curtains and draperies are often used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. Curtains typically come in pairs and are sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, lengths, and types by many retailers. Draperies, on the other hand, are often custom-made and more intricate than curtains. They are also usually floor-length or longer and made of heavier fabric.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

2. What curtains will be trendy in 2024?

In 2024, we predict that detailed valances like the green ones in this photo will be popular. The use of trim seems to be becoming more trendy as well, though we have always been a fan!

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

3. Which type of curtain is best for a bedroom?

For bedrooms, the Lisa Gilmore Design team uses a mixture of blackout privacy shades and layer decorative drapery with a blackout liner. Lisa prefers a lot of volume in bedroom drapery, and it creates an ultra-cozy effect!

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

While ready-made options from retailers are a nice option, if you have the budget for custom drapery, it is definitely worth it. If you are trying to decide between drapes vs curtains, we think drapes are the clear winner— they add warmth and style to any space.

This element of luxury cannot be replicated. Think of it like getting your favorite outfit tailored– afterward, it perfectly fits your body. That’s what custom drapery does for a space– perfect scale, volume, and textile!

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We are a full-service firm, offering our clients a comprehensive design solution including the creative work, the procurement, the execution, and the management of their renovation. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, and worldwide.

Pink Sofa, Green Sofa, Teal Sofa! Colorful Sofas Everywhere!

Alternatives to Boring White Sofas

One design choice that many people are scared of is a colorful sofa. Everyone wants gray, white, or beige because they think it will go with anything and it will stand the test of time. 

Although that's true, we try to teach our clients a new definition of neutral. 

People commonly associate the term “neutral” with certain colors– shades of white, brown, and black. But when it comes to design, we always urge people to decorate with colors that make them happy. 

So if pink is your favorite color, don’t be scared to make a statement with it in your home. Commit and leave people in awe of your bravery!

5 Colorful Sofas That Make Typical Neutrals Pale in Comparison

If you prefer bold colors to neutral tones, there’s no reason to feel forced to choose a neutral sofa. We love eye-catching sofas, and here are a few pieces that we have selected for our client’s homes. 

RASPBERRY PINK SOFA - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Striking Raspberry Pink Sofa

Our client’s condo had modern architecture, but they wanted the interior to have a more traditional undertone with vibrant colors. So, we turned this white, boxlike room into a showstopper with custom millwork and raspberry colors from floor to ceiling. 

The raspberry pink high-gloss paint was the perfect canvas for the raspberry sofa and abstract painting by the client’s father.

And bonus– the sofa’s fabric is a very durable performance fabric to guard against the messiest of spills. It’s also a sleeper sofa for when guests want to stay over! Attractive and versatile for a tight condo space.

This bright space made the perfect den to watch movies and entertain friends. Everyone who enters surely feels like they are being wrapped up in a raspberry hug.

HISTORIC HOME WITH GREEN SOFA - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Lisa’s Historic Home with Green Sofa

This photo gives you a peek into Lisa’s 1920s brick rental home in St. Pete. The open living room and dining room combo was perfect for this green sectional from CR Lane.

A sectional sofa with a high back would have blocked the flow of the room, which is why Lisa chose this sofa with a lower back that offered a sightline. This allowed both the dining and lounging areas to feel connected.

Lisa paired the sofa with grapefruit velvet drapes to create a preppy pink-and-green vibe. It is an ideal combination of color and coziness for Lisa, who entertains frequently. 

GREEN VELVET SOFA - LISA GILMORE DESIGN TAMPA

PINK-ORANGE SOFA - 1920’S BUNGALOW - LISA GILMORE DESIGN TAMPA

1920s Bungalow with Pink-Orange Sofa

The Lisa Gilmore Design team redesigned four spaces in this 1925 home in the Historic Old Northeast district of St. Petersburg, including this living room space.

The homeowner wanted a colorful and happy feminine home to showcase her love of art and antiques. To create that feeling, we selected this Verellen sofa in JAB fabric, which is super special because, while it reads pink, when you are up close it has orange threading in the weave and creates an interesting dimension from different angles of viewing. 

It also adds a pop of whimsy to the room, especially when paired with the area rug from Loom + Co. 

Geometric Black-and-White Sofa in Bold Office

The client for this project was relocating from the Chicago area to a luxury condo in downtown St. Petersburg. 

Our team didn’t even meet the homeowners until the project was complete, and they had relocated to Florida. All of the client interactions occurred virtually, but the client had given us three pieces of art on which to base our design.

This office/guest room was one of the two rooms in which we didn’t use the client’s existing art. While it was intimidating to design without art for direction at first, we found that the blank canvas allowed our team to push the limits. 

This room intentionally throws color in your face.

The black-and-white sofa we chose also boasts performance fabric qualities and is a sleeper sofa. It is the ultimate complement to the violet walls and art by Erin MacIntosh from ARTicles Art Gallery in St. Pete.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

TEAL SOFA VACATION CONDO - LISA GILMORE DESIGN FLORIDA

Teal Sofa in Beach Condo

When we designed this Gulf Coast vacation condo, our goal was to reimagine the typical coastal look with colorful accents and modern touches.

Though the adjacent dining room is high-contrast with orangey-pink drapery and black-and-white patterns, the sofa from CR Lane has a coastal vibe. And, like many of the pieces we selected for this space, the sofa is made of indoor/outdoor fabric to make beachside living a breeze.

FAQs

1. Which sofa color is trending?

Dark blue, mustard yellow, bright green, and bold patterns are popular now and are expected to continue to be in demand in 2024. And deep, jewel-tone greens and bold patterns are at the top of the list of colors we love most!

2. What color sofa is timeless?

Colors like gray, cream, taupe, and some shades of blue are timeless, neutral shades. Many homeowners choose these colors because they match any decor. However, saturated colors can also be timeless and classic, as well as more forgiving of mishaps.

3. What sofa colors make a room look bigger?

Light-colored sofas create a spacious vibe and can make a room feel more open. Choosing a sofa that is the same color as your walls is another way to give the illusion of openness. But the most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a sofa for a space is the size. A sofa that is too large for a room can make the space feel smaller. Scale, size, and profile shape play a big role in determining whether a sofa is the right fit for your space.

Though we love selecting vibrant, bold sofas for the spaces we design, we know that adding so much color can be a big risk for some homeowners. If you aren’t ready to make the commitment, less expensive items like area rugs, drapery, and pillows are also great ways to add color and fun to a room. 

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding pops of color and luxury to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor. Lisa Gilmore Design has also been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.