Home Interior Design Tips from Tiffany Leigh Design

We were very fortunate to work on an amazing cottage reno project with Tiffany Leigh Design last year so we had to ask: what does this designer think we need to look out for in home interior design trends in the new year?

If you don’t already know Tiffany, allow us to give her a brief introduction. Tiffany Piotrowski is an interior design expert who launched her own design company in 2019. She offers excellent design tips on her Instagram page, as well as her blog page. And she just so happens to be one of the sweetest people we’ve ever met! If you’re looking for some design inspration for a new home or home renovation project, then keep reading to find out what tips Tiffany has in this Q&A.

A: I’m expecting more cozy elements to be making their way into traditionally utilitarian spaces like washrooms and kitchens. I’ve been spotting table lamps on kitchen islands and even bathroom vanities! Cozy touches like textiles, soft accent lighting, and artwork help to make these spaces more approachable, warm, and inviting.

Also in kitchens, we will continue to see fewer upper cabinets. Instead, large pantries will be used for storage and we will see more open wall space (or open shelving) above the cabinets.

A couple of big bathroom trends I’m forecasting: the return of closed in showers (check out my blog where I dive more into detail on this here) and – believe it or not – bidets!

A: Now that people are in their homes more than ever, we see a huge turn away from cool colours like grey, and an embracing of warm tones like mushrooms, creams, putties, and rust. These colours feel like a warm hug – and I think we could all use one of those after 2020, am I right?

A: Now that many people are working from home or home during the day, we anticipate light filtering shades to be much more necessary than before. It’s hard to get work done when you have a strong glare from the sun on your computer screen, but no one wants to work a dark room! Light filtering shades are the answer to this and we expect to see more of this in the New Year.

A: We are huge fans of a combination of linen drapery panels paired with natural weave blinds (like bamboo). It creates a textured, layered, and cozy vibe without feeling too formal.

(Photo: Amabel Beach House renovation project by Tiffany, featuring Select Blinds Canada’s Premium Woven Shades.)

Q: What are your best tips for redecorating on a budget?

A: My best tip: Patience! I’ve decorated all of my past homes on a tight budget, and the key was waiting – either to save up enough money for a splurge item, waiting for a sale to come up, or waiting to find something vintage that worked get listed on Facebook Marketplace!

Q: If you could pick one trend of the year that you think could become a timeless classic, which one would it be?

A: I think fewer upper cabinets in kitchens will be a classic. I feel like people are learning to live with less, and also be more selective of the items coming into their home, asking questions like ‘did this support a local business?’; ‘is this a sustainable product?’; and ‘does this bring me joy’? While storage in the kitchen will always be important, I think being mindful of the amount of ‘stuff’ we have is a new necessary for many, and I also think that the kitchen is the heart of the home and beauty should be considered wherever possible.

Q: How long have you worked in interior design?

A: I’ve been in the industry for over eight years now, and at the beginning of 2021 my own design firm, Tiffany Leigh Design, will be turning two!

Q: What is your favourite part about your job?

My favourite part is handing back clients their homes and knowing that I’ve created a more functional and beautiful backdrop for the pivotal and important moments in their lives. I have the best clients and consider myself so lucky to work with them!

Which of Tiffany’s trend predictions are you most excited for? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.