{"id":343543,"date":"2025-12-14T09:14:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T09:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/uncategorized\/top-tips-from-a-pro-designer\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T09:14:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T09:14:27","slug":"top-tips-from-a-pro-designer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/?p=343543","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips From a Pro Designer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3648\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/luxury-bathroom-pro-designer-2025.jpg\" alt=\"luxury bathroom white tile and cabinetry\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/luxury-bathroom-pro-designer-2025.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/luxury-bathroom-pro-designer-2025-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/luxury-bathroom-pro-designer-2025-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/luxury-bathroom-pro-designer-2025-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/luxury-bathroom-pro-designer-2025-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>With rising price tags and a bigger focus on budgeting for larger-scale remodels, renos, and home updates, your decor is one area where you can still have a little fun. It\u2019s something you can easily swap out, or even splurge on, when you\u2019re craving a change.<\/p>\n<p>But here\u2019s the good news: you don\u2019t need to spend a fortune to get that high-end, designer feel. These simple swaps are easy to do today, and trust me, they make a huge difference.<\/p>\n<h2>Curate your dining room with these candle styling tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3650 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dining-room-plates-wall-candles-chandelier.jpg\" alt=\"plates on wall in dining room, 4 lit candles, chandelier\" width=\"1200\" height=\"987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dining-room-plates-wall-candles-chandelier.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dining-room-plates-wall-candles-chandelier-300x247.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dining-room-plates-wall-candles-chandelier-768x632.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/987;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In the dining room, candles are your secret weapon. Faux candles have come such a long way in creating a natural flicker and glow \u2014 they totally mimic the real thing now. Go for large pillar holders in different heights as they instantly add presence.<\/p>\n<p>Love a thin taper candle? Don\u2019t stop at two \u2013 group them in bunches for that rich, layered look. Here\u2019s a quick tip: style them on a mirrored tray as it adds sparkle and makes the whole thing feel way more expensive!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3652\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3652\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3652 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/charlie-mirrored-tray.jpg\" alt=\"Charlize Mirror Tray from Urban Barn\" width=\"1490\" height=\"1060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/charlie-mirrored-tray.jpg 1490w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/charlie-mirrored-tray-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/charlie-mirrored-tray-1200x854.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/charlie-mirrored-tray-768x546.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1490px) 100vw, 1490px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1490px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1490\/1060;\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.urbanbarn.com\/en\/product\/charlize-mirror-trays-charlizemirrortrays.html?srsltid=AfmBOopmX0ZWt03re4I4Wc4liRk9emVA4c-xRykf1TM-5ft3kjig6oTR\">Charlize Mirror Tray<\/a> from Urban Barn<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>For a touch of luxury, consider splurging on a decorative tray \u2013 prices typically range from $50 to $355+ CAD.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to <strong>faux candles<\/strong>, budget-friendly options are available from $25 to $40 CAD for a set of 3 to 6, or $5 to $25 CAD per candle. If you\u2019re looking to elevate your space with higher-end pieces, premium faux candles can range from $50 to $100+ CAD per candle or set.<\/p>\n<p>As featured on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.breakfasttelevision.ca\/videos\/to-save-or-to-splurge-interior-designer-gives-her-expert-opinion\">Breakfast Television<\/a>, the curated candle sets shown below are priced between $74 and $179 CAD.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3653\" style=\"width: 1018px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3653\" class=\"wp-image-3653 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/splurge-save-proudcts.jpg\" alt=\"candles from Pottery Barn and Amazon\" width=\"1008\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/splurge-save-proudcts.jpg 1008w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/splurge-save-proudcts-300x147.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/splurge-save-proudcts-768x376.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1008px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1008\/494;\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3653\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Splurge! $375 (set of 4) at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.potterybarn.ca\/products\/premium-flickering-flameless-wax-candle\/\">Pottery Barn<\/a>. Right: Save. $23\u2013$50 at Amazon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>To save or splurge?<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"advanced_iframe\" name=\"advanced_iframe\" data-src=\"https:\/\/players.brightcove.net\/2226196965001\/U6jSzjmCWc_default\/index.html?videoId=6376655664112\" width=\"100%\" height=\"600\" frameborder=\"0\" border=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" style=\";width:100%;height:600px;\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Go luxe with pillow styling<\/h2>\n<p>Pillows make such a difference. If you\u2019ve got foam-filled ones, ditch them. They flatten and just feel\u2026 meh.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3651 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/livingroom-sofa-3-pictures-2018-front-acrn.jpg\" alt=\"living room sofa with gold pillows 3 photos\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/livingroom-sofa-3-pictures-2018-front-acrn.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/livingroom-sofa-3-pictures-2018-front-acrn-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/livingroom-sofa-3-pictures-2018-front-acrn-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Instead, go for feather inserts. They feel better, fluff better, and just look richer. Check for a hidden zipper \u2014 it\u2019s a tiny detail, but it screams quality.<\/p>\n<p>Can you spot the difference between these two pillows?<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3661\" style=\"width: 1184px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3661\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3661 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pillows-splurge-save.jpg\" alt=\"pillows\" width=\"1174\" height=\"611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pillows-splurge-save.jpg 1174w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pillows-splurge-save-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pillows-splurge-save-768x400.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1174px) 100vw, 1174px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1174px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1174\/611;\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3661\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Splurge! $195 at ELTE. Right: Save. $25 at HomeSense.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Feather-insert pillows typically range from $30\u201340 CAD, and foam-inserts are typically around $10. Make sure to check the label for sustainable practices. Check out this blog post on <a href=\"https:\/\/ariannabelle.com\/blogs\/blog\/pillow-inserts-101?srsltid=AfmBOooCHoTj4VivI4InJCmtI6u6NhzkyD2PxazbF6Q0x--Dm5pTgE9E\">Pillow Inserts 101<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h2>Bathroom accessory upgrades for a boutique style<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3655 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bathroom-accessory-upgrades.jpg\" alt=\"white bathroom countertops flower, hand towels\" width=\"1335\" height=\"926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bathroom-accessory-upgrades.jpg 1335w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bathroom-accessory-upgrades-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bathroom-accessory-upgrades-1200x832.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bathroom-accessory-upgrades-768x533.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1335px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1335\/926;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This is where you can easily create that spa-like, boutique vibe. Swap out plastic soap bottles for glass or metal pumps. It\u2019s such a quick way to elevate your daily routine. Style everything in a small glass or mirrored tray, and add a faux flower. It\u2019s simple but so effective!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3663\" style=\"width: 1090px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3663\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3663 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/soap-dispensers-splurge-save.jpg\" alt=\"soap dispensers\" width=\"1080\" height=\"697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/soap-dispensers-splurge-save.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/soap-dispensers-splurge-save-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/soap-dispensers-splurge-save-768x496.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1080px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1080\/697;\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3663\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Save. $35 at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linenchest.com\/en_ca\/jasper-lotion-dispenser-by-cedar-and-rose?objectID=336768&amp;indexName=lc2en_ca_products\">Linen Chest<\/a>. Right: Splurge! $325 at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elte.com\/products\/bathacc-cracked-glass-colln?_pos=29&amp;_sid=98e2179a7&amp;_ss=r&amp;variant=37049801506984\">ELTE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>On a budget? Stylish soap dispensers start around $14 to $35 CAD. Feeling indulgent? Luxury options can reach $300+ CAD, perfect for adding a high-end touch to your space.<\/p>\n<h2>Add these kitchen accessories for a high-end feel<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3656 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/high-end-kitchen-look.jpg\" alt=\"kitchen with 3 stools two white lights\" width=\"1514\" height=\"1009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/high-end-kitchen-look.jpg 1514w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/high-end-kitchen-look-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/high-end-kitchen-look-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/high-end-kitchen-look-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1514px) 100vw, 1514px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1514px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1514\/1009;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Even the most practical things in your kitchen can be elevated. Consider adding tall, colourful salt and pepper mills to build instant character in the kitchen.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3665\" style=\"width: 1250px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3665\" class=\"wp-image-3665 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pepper-mills-save-splurge.jpg\" alt=\"pepper mills\" width=\"1240\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pepper-mills-save-splurge.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pepper-mills-save-splurge-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pepper-mills-save-splurge-1200x726.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pepper-mills-save-splurge-768x465.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1240px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1240\/750;\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3665\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Investment Piece \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomingville.com\/en\/products\/kitchen\/varekort\/aronas-pepper-mill-black-rubberwood\">Aronas Pepper Mill<\/a> in black. Right: Cost-conscious Alternative \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/DeroTeno-Grinder-Adjustable-Stainless-Included\/dp\/B0C32S999J\/ref=sxbs_pa_sp_search_thematic_btf_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.73dc7689-e201-49c7-b43d-ca5b7c71e5b6:amzn1.sym.73dc7689-e201-49c7-b43d-ca5b7c71e5b6&amp;crid=21LN23RRNT57U&amp;cv_ct_cx=tall+salt+and+pepper+shakers&amp;keywords=tall+salt+and+pepper+shakers&amp;pd_rd_i=B0C32S999J&amp;pd_rd_r=73be41b8-e654-4cbc-aaca-17a7469209de&amp;pd_rd_w=2TIIO&amp;pd_rd_wg=VAhb1&amp;pf_rd_p=73dc7689-e201-49c7-b43d-ca5b7c71e5b6&amp;pf_rd_r=9RM7M0NG8GY782A5CQB2&amp;qid=1753906773&amp;sbo=RZvfv\/\/HxDF+O5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=tall+salt+and+pepper+shakers,aps,105&amp;sr=1-5-6c17bb33-0e09-4857-8f16-b7334865236c-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWNfYnRm&amp;th=1\">DeroTeno Salt and Pepper Grinder Set with Tray<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Investment Piece: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomingville.com\/en\/products\/kitchen\/varekort\/aronas-pepper-mill-black-rubberwood\">Bloomingville Aronas Pepper Mill<\/a>, Black, Cost-conscious Alternative: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/DeroTeno-Grinder-Adjustable-Stainless-Included\/dp\/B0C32S999J\/ref=sxbs_pa_sp_search_thematic_btf_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.73dc7689-e201-49c7-b43d-ca5b7c71e5b6:amzn1.sym.73dc7689-e201-49c7-b43d-ca5b7c71e5b6&amp;crid=21LN23RRNT57U&amp;cv_ct_cx=tall+salt+and+pepper+shakers&amp;keywords=tall+salt+and+pepper+shakers&amp;pd_rd_i=B0C32S999J&amp;pd_rd_r=73be41b8-e654-4cbc-aaca-17a7469209de&amp;pd_rd_w=2TIIO&amp;pd_rd_wg=VAhb1&amp;pf_rd_p=73dc7689-e201-49c7-b43d-ca5b7c71e5b6&amp;pf_rd_r=9RM7M0NG8GY782A5CQB2&amp;qid=1753906773&amp;sbo=RZvfv\/\/HxDF+O5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=tall+salt+and+pepper+shakers,aps,105&amp;sr=1-5-6c17bb33-0e09-4857-8f16-b7334865236c-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWNfYnRm&amp;th=1\">DeroTeno Salt and Pepper Grinder Set with Tray<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A little salt cellar with a spoon? So chic! Cost-conscious and actually super functional. For marble, low cost options can range from $30-55 CAD. Looking to make a statement with this item in your kitchen? You could be looking to pay $55-200+.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3659\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3659\" class=\"wp-image-3659 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Radicaln-Marble-Salt-Cellar-White.jpg\" alt=\"Radicaln Marble Salt Cellar White\" width=\"640\" height=\"456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Radicaln-Marble-Salt-Cellar-White.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Radicaln-Marble-Salt-Cellar-White-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Radicaln-Marble-Salt-Cellar-White-768x547.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/456;\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3659\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">As seen on Breakfast Television: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/Radicaln-Marble-Cellar-White-Handmade\/dp\/B0C2YR2DMX\/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2Q5AVQ29GC103&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O6tbL6QJc_hAwwIAGqwdb4UBh5LmNcC7ksQ7_5xVx5p7lqGiv3MLvIeeuIZYD1ahPptxODyAbyl5u9DkvB9-X1sbCdEQDzg-vZ25Z_3QIHk92z1r4nvsgrt0BeH_Z76w1kyjGcZrvUF2IzBGNDt1s5sv-rXrL0cprgZSn2DlWHtu7b0bXqpyTrUXCCBuYDU3EoqsW3SSMDFu5BU8CZhJW58tdhVtt5iqqQCruaJ1ywlfBD3vC-TdqX5B7du3AnM7VOX12Y5B5AUIoIyJMYuB-KWgu1_XOOCbV6xfCZ1mYRk.NVqGRVVYUj0pcPEYSmtS4YFELfCYeU-_Ze0BOwESAYA&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=marble+salt+cellar+with+spoon&amp;qid=1753907623&amp;sprefix=marble+salt+cellar+with+spoon,aps,86&amp;sr=8-3-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;th=1\">Radicaln Marble Salt Cellar<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Don\u2019t just leave out one cutting board. Layer a few in different sizes and tones to make the counter feel more curated and styled.<\/p>\n<p>All of these are such easy updates, and you don\u2019t need to spend a fortune. It\u2019s about making smart, intentional choices and styling with that designer mindset. Little things go a long way.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3657 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/black-kitchen-2-cutting-boards.jpg\" alt=\"black kitchen and cutting boards\" width=\"958\" height=\"1437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/black-kitchen-2-cutting-boards.jpg 958w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/black-kitchen-2-cutting-boards-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/black-kitchen-2-cutting-boards-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.janelockhart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/black-kitchen-2-cutting-boards-768x1152.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 958px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 958\/1437;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Check out my latest segment on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.breakfasttelevision.ca\/videos\/to-save-or-to-splurge-interior-designer-gives-her-expert-opinion\">Breakfast Television on Luxury Items for Less!<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Related articles:<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With rising price tags and a bigger focus on budgeting for larger-scale remodels, renos, and home updates, your decor is one area where you can still have a little fun. It\u2019s something you can easily swap out, or even splurge on, when you\u2019re craving a change. But here\u2019s the good news: you don\u2019t need to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":343544,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[112375,166775],"tags":[318,1190,3535,213],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-343543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interior-design-tips","category-products-we-like","tag-designer","tag-pro","tag-tips","tag-top"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top Tips From a Pro Designer - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/?p=343543\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top Tips From a Pro Designer - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With rising price tags and a bigger focus on budgeting for larger-scale remodels, renos, and home updates, your decor is one area where you can still have a little fun. 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