This week I chatted with Elizabeth Tanny, owner of E Tanny design, where she shared some tips on how to cut through the chaos of the outside world, and bring the calm in through decorating choices. She shares five tips to help bring some serenity into these spaces that we’re spending oh so much time in lately.

PAINT IN SOFT GRAYS AND WARM WHITES. Choose these colors if you’re considering a paint makeover. Choose a trim and ceiling color, and carry them through the main spaces of your home. This helps create a natural flow and sense of unity between the spaces. Now you have the perfect backdrop for all the other elements in your design.

LAYER NATURAL MATERIALS. Reclaimed wood, rattan, shiplap and sisal add interest, warmth and depth to your design. Take a textured material like a grasscloth wallpaper and do a powder room in it. This is a perfect place to have some fun while still relating to your overall design aesthetic.

SELECT WORRY-FREE INDOOR / OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE FABRICS. Elizabeth recommends soft colors, subtle patterns and nubby textures. Not only are they beautiful, but they are worry-free choices for family room furniture, window seats, counter stools and dining chairs.

ADD PLANTS. Plants provide a burst of greenery, soften the room, and provide a connection to the outdoors. A few of her favorites include fiddle leaf fig trees, mossy green ferns, and succulents in beautiful pots (super low-maintenance).

CHOOSE WARM BULBS LIGHT AND FIXTURES OF PROPER SCALE. This helps soften the space. Lighting can really help set the tone in all of your gathering spaces.

You don’t have to sacrifice beautiful design to create family-friendly living spaces.

E Tanny Design, LLC is a Saratoga Springs, NY based interior design firm with projects that stretch from the Lake George region, to the greater Capital District, to New England. More information about the design firm can be found at https://www.etannydesign.com .

BUILDER / ARCHITECT CREDITS:

WITT CONSTRUCTION:

• Front Hallway Image
• Nantucket Playroom
• Rattan Dining Space
• Second Grasscloth Powder Room
• Blue/Tan Striped Rug Family Room
• Horse Picture Room
• Dining Area With Globe Light Fixture

TEAKWOOD BUILDERS

• Bath Overlooking Track

BALZER & TUCK ARCHITECTURE

• Barstool Dining Area
• Bath Overlooking Track