Ask Devon - May Q&A

In case you missed it, Devon has been hosting a weekly Q&A over on our Instagram stories. Tune in every weekend for Devon’s best design advice and decor tips. Today, we’re recapping our top ten Q&A submissions from the month of May. Let’s dive in!

What are the best options for a contemporary range hood?

For contemporary design, your best option is to make the hood disappear. Lately we’ve been wrapping a lot with stone or the cabinetry panels. We’ve also been doing a lot of simple plaster hoods to give a modern aesthetic with some subtle texture.

What elevates a space the most?

High quality materials and attention to details. The simplest, cleanest designs are arguably the hardest to pull off because you have to think through every single detail thoughtfully when there isn’t much to distract from them. For example, outlet placement, seam locations, edge details, cabinetry layouts, I could go on and on. An elevated space and good design often goes unnoticed because you just appreciate everything… a space that is slapped together without proper thought put into it is often what jumps out more.

Take time to think through details, even if they seem minor… it will go a long way and elevate the final design. Also, invest in materials that will stand up over time to protect your investment.

Is chrome/silver hardware a thing of the past?

Not at all! Chrome and Nickel will always be relevant. Black and brass are here to stay too, but there’s a time and place for them. Sometimes a simple, clean chrome or nickel plumbing set is the perfect compliment to a space, it just depends on your design! Plumbing fixture finishes are not a trend, either way. In my opinion, they’re just tools in a huge toolkit to achieve the perfect design.

Tips for decorating in a small living/dining room that flows into the kitchen?

Keep it simple… edit, edit, edit. Choose pieces that feel cohesive with the kitchen so the spaces feel unified. (Same wood tones, metal tones, etc.) Focus on texture and when in doubt, bring in some greenery and call it a day.

Thoughts about porcelain slabs?

We love using porcelain slabs for vertical applications like fireplaces or accent walls because it is more cost effective than a real stone, and lighter because it is 1.2cm instead of 3cm thick, so you can usually install it in one piece and minimize seams. It’s also a great option for countertops if you want a graphic stone look with lots of movement and contrast, but want something more durable than marble! Just keep in mind that because it is so thin, you will need to miter corners to thicken the countertop so fabrication costs go up (though material costs are often lower than quartz or stone, so it evens out).

Best finish to spray kitchen cabinets? Satin, high gloss, etc?

We most often do a 20 sheen for cabinets which is essentially a “satin” finish. You need some sheen to make the paint more durable but don’t want to go too glossy or you’ll notice any imperfections or fingerprints, unless you do a high quality hi-gloss lacquer.

Best way to design outdoor chicago rooftops/patios?

Prioritize pieces that are heavy and substantial so they can’t blow away. On that note, keep cushions to a minimum unless they can tie down or secure to the frame. I also love using woven/stringy pieces so the wind can pass through them easily.

What’s the easiest way to transform a 90’s kitchen?

This blows my mind, but a 90’s kitchen is already 30 years old. If the cabinets are still in good shape, you can get away with painting them and swapping counters, plumbing fixtures, and backsplash. But in my opinion, 30 years means it’s done it’s time and it might be time for a fresh start. The biggest factor is the layout - does it work for you? If so, modify the existing pieces. If you want to rearrange it or open it up more, time to renovate.

What paint finish do you recommend for walls, trim, and ceilings?

For walls, I recommend flat/matte or eggshell. For ceilings, I recommend flat/matte. And for trim, I recommend satin or semi-gloss.

Tough time decorating a wall in my home office, any interesting ideas?

If it’s a wall behind you, create a zoom background with a gallery wall or styled shelving. If it’s on the side or across from you, mirrors create the illusion of a window and make the space feel bigger and lighter.

That completes the roundup of our favorite Q&A submissions this month! Follow along with us on Instagram so you never miss our weekly series.

-dgw