Rachel Blindauer
Maximizing Small Spaces: Tips for Creating the Illusion of Space

Maximizing Small Spaces: Tips for Creating the Illusion of Space

by | Jan 2, 2025 | Interior Design

Unlock the secrets to making small rooms appear larger through clever design techniques and strategic furniture placement. and maximize small spaces and creating the illusion of a larger, more open area. With clever design techniques and strategic furniture placement, you can transform your compact living spaces into stylish and functional havens. Say goodbye to cluttered rooms and embrace the art of making the most out of limited space to unlock its full potential!

Choose Light Colors

When it comes to maximizing small spaces, color plays a crucial role. Opt for light and neutral colors for your walls, floor, and furniture. Lighter shades reflect natural light, making the room feel more open and airy. Stick to a consistent color palette to create a cohesive and spacious look.

Utilize Mirrors

Mirrors are magical when it comes to creating the illusion of space. Hang a large mirror on a wall opposite a window to reflect natural light and visually expand the room. You can also use mirrored furniture or decorative mirrors to add depth and create a sense of openness.

Embrace Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to maximizing small spaces. Keep your windows uncovered or opt for sheer curtains to allow maximum light to enter the room. Avoid heavy drapes or dark shades that can block natural light and make the space feel cramped.

Strategic Furniture Placement

Carefully consider the size and placement of furniture in small rooms. Opt for multifunctional furniture pieces like a storage ottoman or a sofa with built-in drawers. Choose furniture with exposed legs to create a sense of openness. Avoid blocking pathways and ensure there is ample space for movement.

Clever Storage Solutions

Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. To maintain an organized and spacious look, invest in clever storage solutions. Utilize vertical space with floating shelves or tall bookcases. Opt for furniture with hidden storage compartments. Use decorative baskets or bins to store items and keep surfaces clutter-free.

Utilize Wall Space

When floor space is limited, make the most of your walls. Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to store books, decorative items, or everyday essentials. Hanging plants or artwork can also draw the eye upward and give the illusion of higher ceilings.

Create Visual Interest

Incorporate visual interest and focal points to distract from the small size of the room. Use a statement piece of artwork or a bold rug to draw attention. Incorporate textures and patterns to add depth to the space. By following these tips, you can create the illusion of a larger space and optimize the functionality of your small room.

Remember, maximizing small spaces is all about clever design techniques and strategic furniture placement. With these tips in mind, you can transform your small rooms into stylish and functional spaces that feel larger than they actually are. So go ahead, unlock the secrets to creating the illusion of space and enjoy your newly optimized small spaces!

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something for Everyone

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
Gift Guide: A Gift for Every Occasion

Gift Guide: A Gift for Every Occasion

by | Nov 21, 2024 | Products

Curated home goods from an interior designer’s perspective—timeless, beautiful, and made to be loved for years.

When it comes to gifting, the most memorable presents are the ones that feel personal—pieces chosen with care, that add beauty and purpose to daily life. This is not a mass-market roundup. These are Rachel Blindauer’s own favorite finds: high-end home goods she lives with, gifts she’s given, and pieces she returns to again and again.

Rachel’s philosophy is simple: only own what you love. And because she’s constantly sourcing and shopping from everywhere—showrooms, markets, ateliers, and artisan studios—you can trust these will be keepers.

Low-Toxicity Laundry Powder + Luxury Scented Dryer Sheets

A gift that transforms an everyday ritual into a small luxury. Rachel uses Meliora Laundry Powder in Lavender for its low-toxicity formula (baking soda, vegetable soap, coconut, and lavender oil) on intimate clothing, paired with Laundry Sauce Indonesian Patchouli or Siberian Pine scented dryer sheets for towels and bedding. The combination makes sheets feel indulgent and scent the room with quiet elegance.

Luxurious Throw

A good night’s sleep is essential for everyone, and what better way to enhance the comfort and style of a bedroom than with a luxurious bedding set? Choose a set made from high-quality materials like linen for a soft and breathable feel. Opt for neutral colors and timeless designs to ensure the bedding complements any decor style.

Large Elegant Serving Dishes

Elevate their dining table with a sculptural fruit bowl that doubles as a salad vessel. Versatility matters—opt for ceramic or wood designs with clean lines that work for casual breakfasts or holiday feasts.

Artisanal Candles

Candles are the quickest way to shift the mood of a room. Choose hand-poured, natural wax candles infused with essential oils for a cleaner burn. Rachel seeks out pieces where the vessel itself is as beautiful as the fragrance—so when the wax is gone, the container becomes a permanent part of the home.

Copper Straws

For the wellness enthusiast, a set of copper straws is a perfect gift. These straws work great for smoothies! Copper is an essential mineral for bone strength, heart health, immune health, and much more. As an essential mineral, your body needs it to function properly and stay healthy. However, since the body can’t make its own copper, you must get it through your diet.

Mayan Bee Honey Shampoo

Forget perfume—this scent does the work. This smells amazing. Made with organic Yucatán Mayan bee honey, which I mostly suggest as a body wash due to the scent nourishes with natural vitamins and minerals. A nourishing, hydrating, and rejuvenating shampoo, made with organic Yucatan Mayan bee honey from local farms. Made in Yucatan, Mexico, Organic Mayan bee honey has both emollient and humectant properties, making it a wonderful hair moisturizer. Contains several naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that help keep hair healthy and shiny.

 

For the Ones Who Have Everything

Sometimes, the perfect gift is inspiration itself. Explore Rachel Blindauer’s curated home goods collection—a selection of furniture, decor, and kitchen essentials chosen to blend function with beauty. From 2-Hour Interior Design Consultations to artisanal serving pieces, each item is chosen with the same care Rachel brings to her design projects.

Something for Everyone

Rachel’s curated collection of furniture, decor, and kitchen items accessible through Amazon.

RACHEL BLINDAUER'S AMAZON STOREFRONT
2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
Fast Fashions Effect on Kitchens and Buildings

Fast Fashions Effect on Kitchens and Buildings

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Commercial, Interior Design

The world of interior design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging and old ones fading away. In recent years, the pace of change has accelerated, leaving homeowners and design professionals struggling to keep up. Here we explore the phenomenon of accelerated trend cycles and its impact on the interior design industry, with a specific focus on kitchens and buildings.

The Need for Speed

Traditionally, beautifully finished apartments had a lifespan of around seven to ten years. However, Leonard Steinberg, a Compass broker, has noticed a concerning trend – new buildings are already looking outdated. This can be attributed to several factors, including the typical construction lag of design to built, shortened attention span for specific styles and colors, as well as the accessibility of design inspiration through TV shows and social media, and mass market knock offs. The desire for instant gratification clashes with the time-consuming process of creating enduring spaces.

The Impact on Kitchens

Kitchens have transformed from functional spaces to the centerpieces of modern homes. With the rise of open-concept using the kitchens as a focal point and the importance of social gatherings in the kitchen, new products coming out constantly that replicate marble and mass market companies adapting to trends as fast as possible and democratizing cost, design preferences for kitchens change rapidly. This makes kitchens more prone to becoming outdated quickly, leaving homeowners constantly seeking the next big trend.

Outdated Buildings and Kitchens

Several examples highlight the challenges of keeping up with shifting design preferences. The Jean Nouvel building at 53 West 53rd in NYC, completed in 2019, features beige, boxy accents and floating toilets fell out of style before the building was built according to potential buyers. Similarly, the Central Park Tower, built in 2020, has been criticized for its dark, masculine kitchens and baths. Many say these examples demonstrate how even new buildings can quickly lose their appeal. Yet I would venture to say well thought out design, with high end materials and finishes doesn’t.

The Acceleration of Trend Cycles

The pandemic has further accelerated the already fast-paced trend cycles. As people spent more time at home, their relationship with their living spaces deepened, leading to a heightened focus on every detail. The accessibility of design inspiration through TV shows and social media has created a surge in self-declared design experts. Additionally, the production turnarounds of retailers copying high-end trends have shortened, resembling the fast fashion industry.

The Implications

The rapid evolution of design trends has significant implications for both design enthusiasts and the environment. Homeowners may find themselves going from delight to exhaustion with certain trends in a matter of weeks. The expectation for high design to be fast puts pressure on homeowners and developers to constantly keep up with evolving trends. This constant pursuit of the latest trends contributes to waste as functional kitchens and interiors are discarded and replaced more frequently.
The interior design industry is experiencing an ever-changing landscape, with trends evolving at an unprecedented pace. Kitchens, in particular, are subject to rapid changes in style and trends, making them the most challenging space to keep up-to-date. The accessibility of design inspiration and the desire for instant gratification have propelled the acceleration of trend cycles. As trends continue to evolve, it is crucial for homeowners and design professionals to navigate these shifts and make design choices that stand the test of time. Good, well thought out design, high end materials and finishes are timeless and I would refer you to learn more about elevating your home value with ROI here https://rachelblindauer.com/elevate-your-homes-value/
Take the first step towards creating your dream space. Weather you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.
2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something For Everyone

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
Creating the Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen

Creating the Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Interior Design

By Rachel Blindauer | Updated for 2025

There’s something quietly radical about an outdoor kitchen done right. It’s not just about putting appliances under open skies—it’s about designing for rhythm, connection, and the sensory pleasures of cooking without ceilings.

Whether you’re a seasoned host or a dreamer with a sketchpad, designing your outdoor kitchen and bar area is a chance to soften the boundary between structure and nature. With the right mix of layout planning, material sensibility, and a few meaningful details, your backyard becomes more than functional—it becomes magnetic.

Start With Flow, Not Fixtures

Assessing Space and Location

Before diving into cabinetry and countertops, take time to understand your landscape. Where does the light fall in the evenings? Is there shelter from wind or rain? Designing around your natural environment—not against it—sets the tone for everything to come.

Establish the Outdoor Work Triangle

Just like inside, outdoor kitchens benefit from the “work triangle”: the grill, prep area, and sink should form a smooth, intuitive layout. But here, it’s also about how guests move through the space. Where do they pause? Where do conversations spark?

Zoning: The Secret Ingredient

The most successful outdoor kitchens don’t function like standalone spaces—they flow. Use outdoor rugs, planters, or even varying flooring textures to define zones for cooking, dining, and lounging without closing off the space.

“Think of it not as a kitchen, but as a garden room—one with a soul, not just a sink.”

Functional Beauty: Essentials with Style

The Grill

This is your anchor. Choose a high-quality grill—gas, charcoal, or hybrid—that matches your cooking style. Look for smart add-ons like rotisseries or side burners that allow for full meals without retreating indoors.

The Countertops

Outdoor countertops should be durable, weather-resistant, and effortless to clean. Granite, when done with a honed or leathered finish, offers a beautiful, natural feel—especially when paired with teak, slate, or patinaed metals. Stainless steel remains a timeless option for modernists.

The Sink

A stainless steel or marine-grade sink isn’t just practical—it’s essential. It extends your prep zone, allows for easier cleanup, and subtly elevates the experience of cooking outdoors.

Styling Tips: Where Outdoor Design Finds Its Soul

Accessorize with Intention

The best outdoor accessories work hard and make it look effortless. I recommend:

  • Stone or concrete serving boards that double as sculptural decor

  • Smoky or amber glassware that catches the light beautifully

  • Rattan or teak trays for texture and mobility

  • Hurricane lanterns or pillar candles to create ambiance without overhead fixtures

“Accessories don’t just fill space—they shape the way it feels.”

You’ll find my go-to entertaining pieces at the Shop.

Lighting: Let There Be Layers

A single floodlight won’t do. Blend ambient, task, and decorative lighting: think string lights over dining, a soft sconce by the prep area, and flickering candles on every table. The goal is to invite people to linger.

Greenery & Natural Materials

Mix wood with stone. Let plants climb. Design your outdoor kitchen like a space that’s grown there over time—collected, not staged. Consider herbs in terra cotta, potted citrus, or oversized ferns that blur the edge between kitchen and garden.

Comfort Meets Durability

Invest in weather-resistant seating with upholstered cushions that look as good as they feel. Consider soft layering—pillows, throws, or even a well-placed rug under the table—to bring the warmth of indoors outside.

Safety & Seasonal Care

Fire Safety

Ensure proper ventilation, maintain space around heat sources, and keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.

Maintenance

Outdoor kitchens thrive on rhythm. Wipe down countertops. Clean the grill regularly. Store away accessories during heavy weather. Beauty and longevity go hand in hand.

Final Thought: Design That Breathes

An outdoor kitchen is more than a culinary station—it’s a declaration of how you want to live. Designing for the outdoors means loosening control, allowing materials to weather, and creating spaces where beauty isn’t just seen—it’s felt. And if you need help, I’m here for you.

“Designing outdoors isn’t about replicating the indoors—it’s about loosening the edges and letting your space exhale.”

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something for Everyone

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
Sarasota Interior Designer: My Neighborhood Bird Key

Sarasota Interior Designer: My Neighborhood Bird Key

by | Aug 24, 2024 | Rachel About Town, Travel Guides

Welcome to Bird Key, an island nestled between Downtown Sarasota and St. Armand’s Circle. With its prime location in Sarasota Bay, Bird Key offers residents a stunning waterfront lifestyle and convenience.

Bird Key, is a 250-acre barrier island, boasts lush greenery, tranquil ambiance, and picturesque surroundings. If a movie was made about Bird Key it would be retires flitting back and forth to Lido beach, downtown and to the Bird Key tennis courts along meandering avenues adorned with graceful palms, bougainvillea, and vibrant hibiscus. The gentle sea breeze whispers through the palm fonds at my home there.

History of the Community

Bird Key’s history is deeply rooted in the vision of Thomas Worcester and John Ringling, who recognized the island’s potential in the early 20th century. Originally a haven for birds, they transformed Bird Key into an elegant and prestigious community. Since its establishment in the 1920s, Bird Key has become a symbol of elegance, drawing influential residents and immersing them in a refined and luxurious lifestyle. Through the years, Bird Key has evolved into a vibrant community that cherishes its heritage while embracing modernity.

Statistics

Bird Key is home to approximately 638 residents, with a median age of 64. average individual income of $132,749. This exclusive neighborhood features 510 luxury single-family homes,
Bird Key’s upscale properties and waterfront estates command a premium value, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail found within each residence.

The Community’s Braggable Feature

Bird Key is renowned for its breathtaking waterfront views that stretch across Sarasota Bay and the surrounding natural beauty. Residents enjoy panoramic vistas that create a serene and picturesque atmosphere, allowing them to immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings. However, the crowning glory of Bird Key lies in its private yacht club. With access to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the exclusive Bird Key Yacht Club caters to the desires of avid boaters and water enthusiasts. Its pristine marina, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant social scene exemplify the island’s commitment to luxury living.

Best Spots in the Area

While every corner of Bird Key boasts unparalleled beauty, there are a few spots that truly stand out. Just a stone’s throw away, St. Armand’s Circle entices residents with its renowned shopping and dining destinations. Upscale boutiques and restaurants offer a delightful experience for those seeking a taste of luxury. Additionally, Downtown Sarasota beckons with its vibrant arts and cultural scene, providing residents with endless entertainment options.

If You Know You Know

Bird Key’s transformation from a natural barrier island to a highly sought-after neighborhood is a significant aspect of its history. Over time, this exclusive community attracted affluent individuals, establishing itself as a symbol of luxury living in Sarasota. The evolution of Bird Key highlights its historical significance and the pivotal role it played in shaping the area.

Overall, Bird Key offers its residents an exclusive and luxurious lifestyle in a prime Gulf Coast location. With its rich history, stunning waterfront views, and proximity to vibrant attractions, it is no wonder that Bird Key stands as one of Sarasota’s most prestigious communities.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

New Client Inquiries