From hidden smart tech to eco-friendly updates, interior designer Farah Mehri shares tips for creating safe, stylish, and functional spaces.
How do you approach integrating smart home technology like security systems or lighting solutions without compromising aesthetics?
As homeowners, we spend years designing, furnishing, and styling our homes to reflect what we love. We aim to create an escape we love to spend time in. When so much thought is put into making our house a home, every detail matters. Integrating smart home technology can be a bit tricky since smart home tech is not fully focused on designing their products with aesthetics in mind — yet. The good news is that some are catching on, and we are starting to see the shift.
Tech companies are more focused on providing a solution and simplifying life for homeowners. For example, home security systems still have a long way to go when it comes to their products fitting in seamlessly in homes with homeowners who care about every little detail. However, we can’t downplay the importance of security and feeling safe in your home. Over the years, I have focused on placing security systems in parts of my home that won’t make the security system a visual focal point. I work with the technicians to find spots that will allow the system to do what it’s meant to do, but still tucked away in locations that are not too visible. For example, place your keypad in an area that is not the main living space. Sensors can be placed in corners or on trim, tucked away in corners that are not too visible to you. This allows for peace of mind and safety without your system taking away from all the work you put into your space.
I have noticed some smart home technology companies that are now understanding the importance of aesthetics in their designs. While they still have a ways to go, we are definitely moving in the right direction. As much as we love and focus on design, we can’t overlook the convenience smart home technology provides homeowners. You do not have to skip it, but rather think about ways to integrate these systems in your home to fit in seamlessly, rather than stand out as an eyesore. Whether hidden behind furniture, doors, or home decor, or tucked away in rooms that don’t tend to be the main living space, simply be strategic with where you place them and enjoy the features!
What are some stylish yet budget-friendly ways homeowners can update outdated spaces to feel modern and energy-efficient?
If your space is feeling outdated, there are ways you can update your space on a budget without overwhelming yourself. The most cost-effective update to any room is paint. Choose a paint color you love, from light and bright to warm or moody. Painting your walls and giving your trim a new coat of paint will freshen up your space. You can go as far as painting your doors, too, if it’s needed!
Add window treatment. Hang your rod to the ceiling and order panels that will reach your floor. Window treatment elevates your room, adds warmth and texture, and on really hot days or cold days, can help block the heat or cold from getting into your room.
Change out light fixtures to more modern-looking pieces. Use soft white LED bulbs in your lamps and lighting fixtures to warm up your space, make it feel cozy and inviting while keeping it energy efficient.
If your floors need an update but you’re on a budget, consider luxury vinyl planks for a cost-effective, yet high-end look.
If your room is already furnished but needs an updated look, sometimes simply swapping out your accessories will do the trick while still keeping your main furniture pieces like sofas and dining tables. Change out your pillows for a quick update, and add a throw blanket to cozy up with. Pick a few home decor pieces you love and finish off with a floral arrangement in a vase to brighten up your room. Faux flowers can be cost-effective and allow you to enjoy your florals longer, versus buying fresh flowers that can die out within a few days.
How important is indoor air quality and ventilation in the homes you design?
The importance of air quality and ventilation is something homeowners often overlook, but it’s crucial to keeping your home safe, and it’s important for your health. For example, mold can build up in places you can’t see. Air quality can change without you noticing. Ventilation prevents excess humidity, which can lead to mold and mildew. Poor air quality can cause allergies, among other health problems. Humidifiers work to keep your home from getting too dry, which leads to things like cracked wood and dry skin, while dehumidifiers prevent too much humidity, which can lead to mold and musty smells. These are the things that can affect us, but we can’t visually see them happening in our home. Having the right systems integrated in your home to do the work for you and keep the air you breathe safe is worth considering and investing in. As we say, better safe than sorry.
What advice do you have when it comes to balancing function, safety, and beauty for first-time homeowners?
If you are in the market for a new home or looking to remodel your current home, most of the time, our ultimate goal is to create a place to call our own that reflects our style, what we love, and who we are. That means it needs to be functional to our daily needs and lives, in addition to creating beautiful moments in each room through design choices. Tackle each room with those two important points in mind.
Let’s use the family room as an example. Do you have kids? Pets? How are you going to use that space in your day-to-day life? Do you watch movies in there? Family game nights? Will kids be playing in the space? Do you need added seating to fit everyone in the room? Are you looking for added storage? These are all questions that will help with designing a space that looks beautiful but is functional to your needs.
Functionality does not have to take away from the beauty of a room; they go hand in hand. For example, if you have toys, pet toys, or extra blankets and pillows that need to be in this room, pick out pretty storage ottomans that serve as decor — added seating but also storage. If your family room will be used a lot for relaxation, pick out beautiful sofas with performance fabrics that will help with stain and spill clean up. Go for deep seating and high back for comfort. If you worry about your kids hitting the corners of your coffee table, maybe a round or oval table will do the trick. If you want your room to feel warm and inviting, add floor and table lamps for that extra glow without taking up space.
We have come a long way in the furniture and home decor world, where pieces are being designed for everyday life. That means wanting a functional room also means it can be beautiful and well-designed too; you just have to make a list of what’s important for you. What are the non-negotiable elements to make your search and design process more streamlined? Don’t let that overwhelm you. With so many options out there, it’s just a matter of knowing what you need and want and starting your search. Enjoy the process. Remember, you are designing your home. It’s your blank canvas, and you are the artist.
What are some of your go-to eco-conscious decor or design upgrades that still offer luxury and comfort?
One of the biggest design upgrades that offer luxury and comfort, in my opinion, is wide plank wood floors in white oak. The immediate glow up makes your home feel bigger, brighter, and warmer. It says luxury, but it also makes your home feel welcoming. It works with every style, complements every color palette, is timeless, and will add value to your home.
Additionally, accent walls make a statement and create a focal point in your room. For furniture, choose the right fabrics that convey luxury and add comfort, such as velvet, textured linen, and boucle. Choose materials and finishes that elevate a space visually, making it look luxurious but warm, like brass hardware. One of my favorite smart home upgrades has been adding motorized blinds and shades throughout my home. It helps keep my home cool during hot summer days, adds a touch of luxury in every room, plus offers privacy and convenience.
