What is your design style, and how do you incorporate those decorating decisions within your home?

My design style is mainly somewhere between traditional and transitional. I like the depth and layering of traditional elements like Persian rugs, overstuffed sofas, and dark wood tones, with added modern details for a twist.

Where do you find design inspiration?

My most significant and bold design decisions come from my heritage and travels. This includes the intricate designs in the world’s mosques, the handicrafts of my people, and those old-world charms that people are starting to forget. The carvings in wood, the knots in a rug, the pure cotton and silks, and sunset colors over a field of mustard flowers are all so inspirational. I like to design with all of these Eastern elements and incorporate them into a very functional American house.

When starting a design project, how do you organize and plan for it?

When starting a project, I first decide on some elements that are either staying in the room or will most definitely be part of the design. It can be a piece of art, a rug, or even a doorknob. Starting from that point, I create my color palette, figure out the feel of the room (relaxed, formal, moody, etc.), and start incorporating more elements.

How did you choose the hardware featured in this project? What attracted you to Grandeur Hardware?

I wanted quality hardware that would last forever and have a wow factor. Grandeur Hardware checked all those boxes for me. The most challenging part of using Grandeur Hardware was choosing only one design; every doorknob was beautiful, high quality, and oozed style. I went with the Baguette Amber Crystal doorknobs because they gave a classy pop of color and were traditional yet modern and made of solid brass. All these elements fit perfectly into my design plan.

Will you use this hardware again in other projects/areas of your home? If so, why?

Absolutely! They are such a quality product. I felt like I was opening some jewelry when they arrived. They look fantastic and are faring so well in a high traffic area. It’s important to point out how some people may feel they have to use the same doorknobs throughout their house might get scared of the amber doorknobs. I’m afraid I have to disagree! I say mix and match and have fun with it!

Did you learn any tips and tricks about door hardware that you think would be beneficial for others?

Measure, measure, measure! Make sure you buy the right size hardware, not just according to the holes in the door but also proportionate to the door’s height and the room’s size. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment and deviate from the norm; sometimes, the best design happens when we take risks.

A lot of people want to start small home projects. How do you go about choosing where to begin?

Pick a room that seems the most manageable and find where your strengths lie. Start with something small like a closet or half bath. Once you have a successful project under your belt, you gain the confidence to tackle more significant projects. I would also say start with a room where you can take risks and try new things; bedrooms are suitable starting spaces.

What are some recommendations for readers who want to start a project/transform their home?

Do your research and notice what you like for inspiration. Look at architecture, art, nature, your favorite china pattern, fabrics, etc. Also, only get things that truly spark joy; don’t just fill your space for the sake of completing it. Every object should make you happy as you pass by it, making you want to stop and admire it. Most importantly, don’t just follow what is trendy. If you genuinely don’t love it, but everyone is doing it, that’s not a good reason to bring it into your house.

Please give us some more details on your Instagram account. How did you develop it, and what sets it apart from the rest?

What sets my blog apart from others is my mix of eastern and western design elements and incorporating my heritage and culture into my American life. Also, my design focuses on the added aspect of the therapeutic nature of creating beautiful environments. Professionally, I am a full-time therapist. My Instagram blog began as a form of self-care, and I realized how useful it could be for others as well. I am a big advocate of utilizing our time to create and find happiness in things we enjoy, and that is the philosophy behind @blueorchidliving. I also feel that our environments are a big proponent in how our emotions are regulated and how we feel, so helping people create spaces that bring them happiness, peace, and joy became a driving force behind the blog.

Additionally, @blueorchidliving started as a way for my family to see what I was up to with my home as we designed it. Not wanting to flood people with interior design stories on my personal page, @blueorchidliving came into existence. The followers and feedback, and support from the community are what keep it going.

What is next?

We are starting work on our study/office, which will be a very different design from what we have done before. I think it will still follow the east meets west style that we so love.