Rachel Blindauer
Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid: A Designer’s Guide to a Stress-Free Remodel

Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid: A Designer’s Guide to a Stress-Free Remodel

by | Oct 24, 2025 | Interior Design

There’s something mythic about a well-designed kitchen. It’s not just the heart of the home—it’s where life unfolds: morning rituals, weeknight meals, and late-night confessions. So when it comes time to renovate, the stakes are high. Mistakes here aren’t small. They’re expensive, disruptive, and long-lasting.

I’ve walked hundreds of clients through kitchen remodels, and I can tell you with certainty: a successful renovation is all about thoughtful sequencing, function-forward decisions, and avoiding common pitfalls. Below are the key kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid, plus what to do instead to ensure your kitchen isn’t just beautiful, but brilliantly livable.

Gold Finish Cabinets

Choosing Finishes in the Wrong Order

Start with appliances → then cabinetry → countertops → backsplash → and finally paint. Why? Appliances set the layout and dimensions. Cabinetry is then designed around them. Countertops and backsplash flow from those choices, and paint ties it all together. This order ensures harmony and avoids costly re-dos.

Explore my Ultimate Kitchen Planning Checklist for a printable guide to your renovation sequence.

Ignoring Layered Lighting

Lighting makes or breaks a kitchen’s atmosphere and usability. A layered plan includes:

  • Ambient lighting (overhead or recessed)
  • Task lighting (under-cabinet, pendant lights)
  • Accent lighting (toe-kick lights, uplights)

Proper lighting adds drama, improves function, and prevents fatigue. For a full breakdown, visit my Ultimate Lighting Guide.

Underestimating Storage Needs

Avoid visual clutter and maximize flow by designing with zoned storage: prep, bake, clean, serve, snack. Consider vertical pull-outs, drawer inserts, and cabinet risers.

Pro tip: A dedicated coffee bar or appliance garage adds luxury and eliminates countertop mess.

Overlooking Electrical and Outlets

Kitchens today rely on smart devices, high-powered appliances, and hidden outlets for seamless surfaces. Plan for:

  • In-island outlets
  • Charging drawers
  • Appliance-specific circuits

Fixing this post-renovation is costly and disruptive. Bring in an electrician early.

can you improve the attached change the image into a horizontal photo that is a jpg? Focus should be the cabinet finish only and improve the accessories. Remove red

Forgetting Ventilation

Good design includes what you don’t see. Invest in a quality, ducted range hood. Recirculating fans don’t cut it—they trap odors and grease. Proper ventilation also extends cabinetry life and keeps your space fresher, longer.

Disregarding Workflow

The famed “work triangle” (sink, stove, fridge) still matters. But modern workflow also includes:

  • Garbage location during prep

  • Beverage stations away from the cook zone

  • Dish zone logic (think: dishwasher next to sink and storage)

Read my guide on How to Renovate a Home for Less to maximize layout without overspending.

Making Last-Minute Changes

Design indecision is costly. Swapping tile or moving appliances mid-reno can delay projects and require reordering materials. Design with intention upfront, then trust your plan.

Choosing High-Maintenance Materials

Skip:

  • High-gloss cabinets (show every fingerprint)

  • Real marble countertops (stain and etch easily)

  • Soft woods or unsealed flooring (warp with moisture)

Choose instead:

  • Matte or satin cabinets

  • Durable quartz with marble veining

  • Engineered wood or large-format porcelain tile

Using the Wrong Paint Finishes

Flat paint near sinks or stoves? A recipe for grime. Opt for satin or semi-gloss on walls and trim for wipeable, water-resistant surfaces.

Installing Cabinets Before Floors

Always install floors first. It ensures a seamless visual flow and simplifies future remodels. Cabinet installation on top of flooring also improves structural integrity.

SophisticatedKitchenDetail

Designing for Instagram Instead of Real Life

Trends fade. Your kitchen should serve you for years. Add trend-forward elements (like colorful hardware or statement lighting) in ways that are easy to change later.

Final Tip: Don’t Skip the Planning Phase

Give yourself at least 6 weeks of design and sourcing time before demo day. Use mood boards, tap into design experts, and align with your contractor early.

Want to work with me? Book a 2-hour renovation consultation to get clarity, sources, and next steps before committing to costly mistakes.

A well-designed kitchen isn’t just about beauty. It’s about living well—and smart planning. By avoiding these common kitchen renovation mistakes, you can create a space that enhances daily life and endures with grace.
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Why We Hate Certain Design Styles (and What That Reveals About Us)

Why We Hate Certain Design Styles (and What That Reveals About Us)

by | Oct 18, 2025 | Interior Design

Emotional design triggers by generation—and what each really wants now.

Every generation has its rebellion. And in interior design, that rebellion often looks like an allergic reaction to whatever defined the homes we grew up in.

What Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers Are Rejecting—and Why

Minimal Living Room

Millennials?

Millennials? They’re done with Tuscan kitchens. The heavy cherry cabinets, bronze scrollwork, and granite that looks like marbled rye—once aspirational—now feel like overcooked design. I’ve had clients walk me through their childhood homes and say, “Please don’t give me anything that looks like 2005.” What they want now is light. Soft woods, sculptural lines, natural materials that speak softly. Less theme, more texture. More stillness.

Gen Z Pink Dining Room

Gen Z?

Gen Z is rejecting the minimalist beige-on-beige aesthetic Millennials embraced as an antidote to chaos. In its place, they’re creating a world that feels alive. Irreverent, even. Think checkerboard rugs, mushroom-shaped lamps, curved seating, surrealist mirrors. For them, design is personality, not perfection. But if something feels mass-manufactured or influencer-packaged, they’ll spot it—and skip it.

Sink

Boomers?

They’re looking for quality. No more fast furniture. No more synthetic stand-ins for craftsmanship. They want walnut over veneer. Handwoven over mass-loomed. But they have their own design ghosts to exorcise—popcorn ceilings, avocado kitchens, wall-to-wall carpet in the bathroom. Now, what they want most is elegance that lasts. Not trend-driven. Just timeless.

“People don’t just hate a style—they hate what it reminds them of.”

How Past Experience Shapes Design Taste

I see this all the time with clients, especially couples. A particular color reminds one partner of a hard season in their life. A sofa shape echoes a divorce. A ceiling fan feels like growing up in a house that was always too loud. That history shows up in the smallest of decisions, and if ignored, creates friction that no furniture can fix.

I once worked with a couple who couldn’t agree on a dining room rug. He’d grown up with bold Persian patterns that felt rich and nostalgic. She associated them with a dark, cluttered apartment from her first marriage. They weren’t arguing about color—they were trying not to relive two entirely different pasts.

It’s something I explore deeply in Designing for Couples—a guide for navigating not just aesthetics, but emotional undercurrents in shared spaces.

Even color is never just about color. In The Best Paint Colors for Each Seasonal Type, I break down how light, memory, and psychology intersect to shape what feels “right” to someone—even if they can’t articulate why.

What Today’s Clients Want Instead

So when a client says they “hate” a certain style, I don’t just write it off as taste. I ask what memory it’s tied to. What version of themselves it reminds them of. Because what people reject in design often reveals just as much as what they embrace.

Millennials are investing in sculptural lighting, handmade ceramics, and layered textures that feel lived-in yet refined. Their spaces are curated but deeply personal. Think Belgian linens, plinth tables, and performance fabrics that hold up to real life.

Gen Z is embracing joyful irreverence. They love bold color, playful shapes, and pieces with a story—often mixing high-end heirlooms with quirky thrifted finds. This generation shops with intention and a sense of humor. They want furniture and decor that feels like them, not like a showroom.

Boomers are gravitating toward materials that will age beautifully. They favor investment pieces—solid wood case goods, artisanal lighting, and natural fibers. They’re buying less, but better.

And all of them, in one way or another, are trying to create something that feels like home—not in the sense of perfection, but in the sense of alignment. Something that reflects where they are now—not where they came from.

Rachel’s Rule: The design you hate the most probably belonged to someone you used to be.

The Emotional Intelligence Behind Great Interiors

Curious what style actually suits you now? My 2 Hour Design Consultation can help you decode that—and move beyond what no longer fits.

The most “hated” styles aren’t really about taste. They’re about time. About letting go of the visual language of a past self and making space for something new.

And the styles people love? They’re often what they wish they’d grown up with.

Good design isn’t just about what you love. It’s about understanding what you no longer need to live with—and what you finally deserve to live in.

Explore more on the Rachel About Town Blog:

Designing for Couples
The Best Paint Colors for Each Seasonal Type
Designing the Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen

Ready to design a space that actually feels like you?

Book your 2 Hour Design Consultation—in person or virtual—to get started.

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Candlelight or Constant Diffusion? The Scent of a Well-Styled Home

Candlelight or Constant Diffusion? The Scent of a Well-Styled Home

by | Oct 16, 2025 | Interior Design

Scent is the quietest design decision you’ll ever make—and possibly the most powerful.

Long after a guest forgets the curve of the staircase or the way the linen caught the light, they will remember how the space made them feel. And more often than not, that feeling is scent.

We tend to treat fragrance as an afterthought. A final flourish. But scent is not a finish—it’s a foundation. It’s the atmosphere before the atmosphere, the sensory handshake of a space.
So when clients ask, “Should I use candles or diffusers?”, I usually smile.

That’s like asking whether music or memory matters more. Each tells a different story. The magic is knowing when to use which.

The Ritual of Flame, the Rhythm of Air

Lighting a candle is a ritual. A small act of intention that marks a shift—from the transactional to the personal, from day to evening, from doing to being. It’s not just about scent. It’s about signaling presence.

Candles are punctuation. In dining rooms, living rooms, even entry consoles before a dinner party—they layer fragrance with light, drawing guests inward. The flicker feels alive. There’s ceremony in striking a match.

By contrast, diffusers are the quiet hosts. Steady, consistent, invisible in the best way. They create a signature. In powder rooms, entryways, or bedrooms—places that benefit from a background hum of elegance—a diffuser does what a candle cannot: it stays. Always there, always graceful.

“Use diffusers to set the stage. Use candles to change the mood.”

In my own spaces, I rely on both. A calming hinoki diffuser hums in the background of the primary bedroom, while a soft fig candle brightens the bath ritual. Each has a role. Each has a rhythm.

Longevity, Aesthetics, and Why I Use Both

Diffusers often win on longevity. A high-quality reed or nebulizing diffuser can scent a space for weeks, even months, with little maintenance. They’re the architectural lighting of scent—consistent, ambient, essential.

Candles, however, offer something else entirely: ephemerality. They are fleeting by nature, and therein lies their luxury. The experience is temporary—intentional. A beautiful candle feels like a moment captured.

And aesthetically, it’s a draw. A matte ceramic diffuser feels like sculpture. A glass candle vessel with layered wax can rival any objet d’art on the bookshelf. The right fragrance piece doesn’t just scent a space—it styles it.

“There’s no rule that says you must choose. A diffuser sets the scene; a candle punctuates it.”

This philosophy mirrors how I layer light. Just as no room relies solely on overhead lighting, no room should rely solely on one form of scent. A warm diffuser for daily life. A complex candle to mark an occasion. Perhaps an incense cone just before guests arrive, offering a gentle exhale at the door.

Shop The Look

The Real Art: Scent with Intention

The most compelling interiors aren’t the ones with the most objects—they’re the ones with the most clarity. The same is true for scent.

Before you choose fragrance, choose feeling. Ask what you want your guests to remember. Ask how you want to feel when you walk into your own home at the end of the day.

Let scent follow feeling. Let feeling shape scent.

Because in a well-styled home, even the air is designed.

Rachel Blindauer is an award-winning interior and product designer known for crafting spaces that feel as good as they look. With over 15 years of experience, her work blends architectural rigor with an artist’s eye—balancing beauty and function with effortless precision. A graduate of Kansas State University, Rachel also studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Academy of Art University, and the Architectural Association in London.

She’s designed over 1,000 products for leading brands like Williams-Sonoma, served as AVP at Gabby Home, and led projects nationwide—from Nantucket to Sarasota. Her work has earned national recognition, including nominations for the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and multiple Best of Houzz honors. Today, through her St. Louis-based studio, Rachel brings elevated design and strategic clarity to residences, boutique hospitality, and development projects across the U.S.

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No-Reno, No-Demo Design Hacks That Actually Transform Your Space

No-Reno, No-Demo Design Hacks That Actually Transform Your Space

by | Oct 14, 2025 | Interior Design

Because a better home isn’t always built—it’s reimagined.

There’s a moment in every home when things begin to feel… stale. The layout still works, the finishes aren’t outdated, and yet something about the space no longer reflects who you are or how you live.

You don’t need a sledgehammer. You need a shift in perspective.

As an interior designer working with clients from Sarasota to San Francisco, I’ve seen firsthand how small, strategic moves can recast a space completely. These are the no-reno, no-demo interior design ideas I use in million-dollar homes to create transformation—without construction, only vision.

Start With Flow, Not Furniture

The quickest way to change a room is to rethink how it breathes. Often, the sofa isn’t in the wrong color—it’s in the wrong position. Rearranging major pieces to improve circulation or sightlines is a powerful first move.

In design consultations, I often reorient the anchor piece to face natural light or artwork. Then we layer from there.

“The most affordable design change is not a purchase—it’s a better point of view.”

→ Looking for layout help? Book a 2 Hour Design Consultation to reimagine your space.

Use Oversized Art to Shift Scale

One large-scale art piece does more to elevate a room than ten smaller ones. A singular canvas—abstract, photographic, or textural—can stretch walls visually and raise the ceiling line by tricking the eye upward.

Try placing a large piece above a console or credenza to establish presence. If you don’t have a framed piece yet, even a mounted textile or unframed canvas can create the drama.

Style your vignette below with sculptural trays and vessels for a magazine-worthy finish.

Curate Vignettes

Design doesn’t always require more—it often requires less, better placed. Instead of cluttering surfaces, create one or two “hero” moments in each room.

A sculptural table lamp. A stack of books. A chair with good silhouette. These are your stage pieces. When styled intentionally, they read like a magazine spread—without buying a thing.

“You don’t need new furniture. You need better storytelling in your space.”

→ See how emotional vignettes ground our interiors in the RachelBlindauer.com portfolio.

Spice Station

Swap Out the Overlooked Details

Some of the most powerful upgrades are hidden in plain sight:

  • Brass or ceramic switch plates instead of plastic
  • Hand-forged cabinet hardware instead of standard pulls
  • A woven wastebasket in place of plastic

These aren’t afterthoughts. They’re quiet luxury in action.

→ Shop our collection of textural home details that elevate the everyday.

Multi Family Condo Interior Design

Treat Drapery Like Architecture

Window treatments are not just a finishing touch—they’re a structural one. Floor-to-ceiling panels (even when your windows don’t go that high) pull the room upward.

My go-to: unlined linen in a tonal hue, mounted wide to make windows look larger and allow natural light to pour in from edge to edge.

If you rent or live in a builder-grade home, this one change alone can shift the atmosphere from temporary to tailored.

Design Through Scent

The feel of a home doesn’t start at the threshold—it starts in the air. I advise clients to layer scent the same way we layer light: thoughtfully and intentionally.

Choose a signature fragrance and repeat it across formats—diffuser, candle, linen spray. This creates olfactory continuity and elevates how your space is perceived by guests… and yourself.

→ Explore our candles and home fragrance collection to curate your scent identity.

Before You Renovate, Reimagine

Home isn’t made perfect by tearing things out. It’s made better when we see what’s possible in what’s already there. These no-reno upgrades are how I help clients fall back in love with their space—one layer at a time.

→ Book a design consultation or shop curated home accessories made to transform without renovation.

Book a Design Consultation

More from the RachelBlindauer.com blog:

Rachel Blindauer is an award-winning interior and product designer known for blending architecture and artistry to create spaces that feel timeless, tactile, and quietly bold. From boutique hotels to serene residences, her work turns everyday living into an experience of intention.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

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Multi-Purpose Interiors: Designing spaces with multiple functions to maximize utility and efficiency

Multi-Purpose Interiors: Designing spaces with multiple functions to maximize utility and efficiency

by | Sep 29, 2025 | Interior Design

What are multi-purpose interiors?

Multi-purpose interiors are spaces that serve more than one function, allowing you to make the most out of your living area. By incorporating elements like foldable furniture, sliding doors, and modular designs, these interiors enable you to adapt your space according to different needs throughout the day. Maximizing utility and efficiency, multi-purpose interiors promote flexibility and creativity in how you utilize your home.

Benefits of designing spaces with multiple functions

Designing spaces with multiple functions brings several benefits. Here are some advantages:

  1. Maximizes Space: Utilizing one area for multiple purposes allows you to make the most of the available space, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
  2. Increases Efficiency: Having a space serve multiple functions can make daily tasks more convenient and efficient, as everything is within reach.
  3. Promotes Creativity: Designing multi-functional spaces encourages creative thinking and innovative solutions for utilizing space effectively.
  4. Enhances Flexibility: The ability to transform a space for different uses provides flexibility in adapting to changing needs and activities.
  5. Improves Organization: Designing with multiple functions in mind promotes organization and helps in maintaining a clutter-free environment.

Essential features of multi-purpose interiors

When creating multi-purpose interiors, it’s important to incorporate features that cater to various functions efficiently. Here are essential aspects to consider:

  1. Flexible Furniture: Opt for pieces that can be easily rearranged or converted to serve different purposes.
  2. Storage Solutions: Include clever storage options to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
  3. Dual-Functionality: Choose items that can serve more than one purpose, such as a sofa bed or a dining table that doubles as a workspace.
  4. Minimalist Design: Embrace a minimalist aesthetic to create a clean and uncluttered look, enhancing the versatility of the space.
  5. Smart Technology Integration: Integrate smart home devices to enhance convenience and functionality within the multi-purpose environment.

Maximizing space efficiency

To make the most of your space, consider furniture that serves dual purposes, like a sofa bed or a coffee table with storage space. Opt for versatile pieces that can be used in different ways, such as a foldable dining table or a room divider that also holds books or decorative items. Utilize wall-mounted shelves and hooks to keep items off the floor and create more room. Maximizing space efficiency is all about being creative and strategic in how you arrange and utilize your space to best suit your needs.

Furniture and storage solutions for multi-purpose interiors

When designing a multi-purpose interior, choosing the right furniture and storage solutions is key to optimizing space and functionality. Consider these tips to make the most out of your space:

  • Opt for multi-functional furniture: Pieces that can serve more than one purpose, like a sofa that turns into a bed or a coffee table with hidden storage, are perfect for multi-purpose interiors.
  • Utilize vertical storage: Shelves and wall-mounted cabinets can help maximize storage space without taking up valuable floor space.
  • Think modular: Modular furniture can be rearranged to adapt to different needs, making it ideal for flexible and multi-functional spaces.
  • Incorporate hidden storage: Look for furniture with hidden compartments or storage solutions that can help keep your space organized and clutter-free.
    By choosing the right furniture and storage solutions, you can create a versatile and efficient multi-purpose interior that meets your needs and lifestyle.

Balancing aesthetics and functionality

When designing multi-purpose interiors, it’s essential to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Here are some tips to help you achieve this balance:

  • Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a coffee table with storage.
  • Use versatile pieces that can be easily adapted to different functions.
  • Opt for a cohesive color palette and design style to maintain a visually pleasing look while ensuring practicality.
  • Incorporate smart storage solutions to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
  • Prioritize comfort and usability without compromising on the overall aesthetic appeal.

Design principles for versatile spaces

When designing versatile spaces, consider flexible furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Utilize smart storage solutions to maximize space efficiency. Use neutral colors for a timeless look and add pops of color with accessories for versatility. Incorporate lighting that can be adjusted for different functions. Create zones within the space for specific activities to enhance usability.

Creating flexible living areas

When designing flexible living areas, consider using multifunctional furniture that can serve more than one purpose. This can include items like sofa beds, expandable tables, and storage ottomans. By incorporating these versatile pieces, you can easily transform your living space to accommodate different activities such as hosting guests, working from home, or relaxing. Additionally, utilizing sliding doors, removable partitions, or foldable screens can help create adaptable spaces that can be opened up or closed off as needed. Maximize the utility and efficiency of your home by thinking creatively about how each area can serve multiple functions.

Incorporating technology into multi-functional spaces

Most multi-functional spaces can benefit from incorporating technology to enhance their versatility. Here are some ways to seamlessly integrate technology into your multi-purpose interiors:

  • Smart Lighting: Install smart bulbs or lighting systems that can adjust brightness and color temperature to suit different activities.
  • Smart Home Assistants: Utilize voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control various functions in your space, such as adjusting the temperature, playing music, or setting reminders.
  • Hidden Tech: Conceal technology like TVs, speakers, and charging stations within furniture or walls to maintain a clean and clutter-free aesthetic.
  • Multipurpose Furniture: Invest in furniture with built-in charging ports, adjustable features, or storage compartments to enhance functionality and organization.
  • Automation: Implement automated systems for tasks like controlling window treatments, regulating temperature, or managing security to streamline operations in your multi-functional space.

Tips for optimizing multi-purpose interiors

When designing multi-purpose interiors, consider furniture that serves dual functions, like a sofa bed or a storage ottoman. Opt for versatile pieces to maximize space efficiency. Utilize modular furniture that can be rearranged easily to adapt to different needs. Incorporate smart storage solutions such as built-in cabinets or hidden compartments to keep the space organized. Use foldable or collapsible furniture to create flexibility in the room layout. Choose neutral colors for walls and larger furniture pieces to create a cohesive look and make the space feel larger. Experiment with lighting to create different moods for various functions within the space.

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Best Bedroom Paint Colors for Restorative, Refined Interiors

Best Bedroom Paint Colors for Restorative, Refined Interiors

by | Sep 12, 2025 | Interior Design

Why Bedroom Color Choice Is Everything

The bedroom is where your nervous system goes to exhale. Color should support that. The right paint palette anchors the senses, softens transition, and gently shapes the emotional rhythm of your day.

For my clients, the bedroom isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s where ease begins. That’s why the color on the walls matters.

The Best Neutral Bedroom Paint Colors

These neutrals are refined, not flat. They support both minimalism and romance.

  • Benjamin Moore Classic Gray – Calm, warm greige that shifts beautifully with light.

  • Farrow & Ball School House White – Creamy, timeless, and never too cold.

  • Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist – Barely-there and modern; especially good in bright rooms.

Deep, Saturated Hues for Sophisticated Sleep Spaces

When clients want a bedroom that feels more like a retreat, I lean into saturated, cocooning hues:

  • Farrow & Ball De Nimes – Romantic, moody blue-gray.

  • Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore – Deep and grounding with rich undertones.

  • Benjamin Moore Nightfall – Charcoal with a violet base—sensual and striking.

What to Consider Before Choosing Bedroom Paint

  • Lighting: North-facing = warmer tones. South-facing = cooler hues welcome.

  • Function: Is this just for sleep—or work, too?

  • Tone Matching: Consider how your bedding, floors, and curtains will interact.

  • Emotional Feel: What do you want to feel every time you walk in?

For deeper insight on how color shapes behavior, read:
👉 The Psychology of Color in Interior Design →

Bedroom Paint by Natural Light & Region

Paint behaves differently in Missouri, Massachusetts, and Florida. Here’s how I approach each:

  • Florida (Sarasota) – White walls often skew blue; go for warm taupes and creams.

  • Missouri (St. Louis) – Light fluctuates seasonally. Greiges are your safest bet.

  • Nantucket – Think weathered neutrals and coastal-inspired soft blues.

Multi Family Condo Condominium Complex Model Unit Bedroom Interior Design

Finish Matters: Choosing the Right Sheen

  • Matte – Ideal for walls. Soft and forgiving.

  • Eggshell – Slightly more durable with subtle sheen.

  • Satin/Semi-Gloss – Only for trim or millwork. Never on walls—it flattens the space emotionally.

Paint by Personality: Let Emotion Lead

Choosing the right bedroom paint color isn’t just about trends—it’s about resonance. Here’s a cheat sheet I often use during consultations:

If you want to feel… Try this color
Calm & Minimal Classic Gray or School House White
Grounded & Centered Iron Ore or Drift of Mist
Romantic & Restorative De Nimes or Nightfall
Bright but Soft Drift of Mist or Classic Gray
Wrapped in Quiet Drama Nightfall with satin bronze accents

“Color should feel like a mood you want to live inside.”

Shop the Look: Bedroom Accents That Pair Beautifully

1. Alina Ceramic Table Lamp
Matte ivory glaze, sculptural shape. Creates warmth on both pale and dark walls.
Shop Now →

2. Louisa Washed Linen Throw
Stonewashed texture. A soft counterpoint to moody bedrooms and a cozy layer for light ones.
Shop Now →

Color as a Catalyst for Peace

Paint isn’t just surface—it’s atmosphere. When we choose colors with intention, we give ourselves more than a beautiful room. We give ourselves the kind of space we come home to emotionally.

A well-colored bedroom doesn’t wake you up—it welcomes you in.

Need help refining your palette? Book a 2-Hour Consultation →
Or browse calming textures and accents at shop.rachelblindauer.com →

FAQs About Bedroom Paint Colors

What is the most relaxing bedroom paint color?
Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore and De Nimes by Farrow & Ball are top contenders—one neutral, one moody. Both promote calm without dullness.

Should bedrooms be painted light or dark?
It depends on your emotional goals. Light colors expand and brighten. Darker tones cocoon and soften. Both work—just not in the same room.

What sheen is best for bedroom walls?
Always matte or eggshell. Avoid gloss—it breaks the softness of the space.

Can I use dark paint in a small bedroom?
Yes. In fact, small rooms often benefit from saturated tones. It creates depth and intimacy—especially with strategic lighting.

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