The Design Files Blog
Dining Room Rug Size Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Rug Size for Your Dining Table
Choosing the right rug for your dining room is about more than finding one that fits beneath the table. A properly sized rug should allow chairs to glide comfortably while creating a balanced foundation that anchors the entire room. In our designer-approved Dining Room Rug Size Guide, you'll find recommended rug sizes for 36-inch bistro tables, 60-inch round tables, 40" × 86" rectangular tables, and 50" × 50" square tables, along with expert advice on selecting the best rug materials, understanding proper placement, and knowing when it's perfectly acceptable to break traditional design rules. Whether you're furnishing a cozy breakfast nook or a formal dining room, this guide will help you choose a rug that looks beautiful, functions effortlessly, and stands up to everyday living.
Bedroom Rug Size Guide: What Size Rug Do You Need for a Twin, Queen, or King Bed?
Not sure what size rug goes under a twin, queen, or king bed? Our complete Bedroom Rug Size Guide includes designer-approved layouts, recommended rug sizes, placement tips, and expert advice to help you create a beautifully balanced bedroom. You'll also discover how rug materials can affect comfort, durability, and everyday living, making it easier to choose the perfect rug for your home.
How to Size a Rug: The Ultimate Rug Size Guide for Every Room
Learn how to choose the right rug size for your living room, dining room, bedroom, and more. Our designer-approved rug size guide makes it easy to find the perfect fit for every space.
Warm, Timeless Kitchen Design with Walnut, Marble & Brass Details
A complete kitchen remodel before and after transforming a dated 1987 layout into a warm, modern kitchen remodel with custom cabinetry, a walnut kitchen island, marble backsplash, brass hardware, white oak flooring, and a family-friendly open concept design — timeless, functional, and thoughtfully crafted by an interior designer.
Lessons from a Summer Garden
Alexandra grew up watching her mother bring beautiful bouquets from the garden to the table—simple gestures that always made their home feel special. Her love for gardening began in childhood, tending her grandmother’s garden on the family ranch in Lusk, Wyoming. Years later, while living in Hong Kong, she launched a rooftop garden design business that transformed urban spaces into lush sanctuaries.
Upon returning to the United States, Alexandra was thrilled to once again have soil beneath her feet instead of rooftops. As a kitchen designer, she believes that what is brought into the kitchen is just as meaningful as the design itself. Her kitchen garden concepts invite clients to experience the joy of growing their own herbs and produce—blending beauty, wellness, and sustainability into the heart of the home.
A heartfelt thank-you to VIP Magazine and Chelsea-Catherine Croom for featuring Lexi’s passion for design and gardening.
Why Lighting Might Be the Most Underrated Design Decision in Your Home
Start with the bulbs, choose your ideal color temperature, and layer light sources to bring warmth, comfort, and balance to your home.
Small Space, Big Impact: Designing a 450 Square Foot Hong Kong Apartment
Explore how Hong Kong interior designer Alexandra Powell maximized 450 square feet with custom cabinetry, space-saving solutions, and classic English-inspired design. Featured in Home Journal Hong Kong, this small-space transformation is big on impact.
Small space design
Hong Kong interior designer
Studio apartment layout
Space-saving solutions
Entryway storage
Smart storage design
Custom cabinetry for apartments
One-bedroom apartment ideas
Maximizing 450 square feet
Choosing the Best Outdoor Furniture: A Guide to Durability, Comfort, and Style
Discover the best materials for outdoor furniture to ensure lasting durability and comfort. From weather-resistant teak and cast aluminum to eco-friendly Marine Grade Vinyl and Sunbrella fabrics, find out which materials withstand the elements while maintaining style. Learn how to create a stylish, low-maintenance outdoor space that lasts year-round.
Outdoor Oasis: Furnishing your Pool house for Summer
Our design team transformed this luxury pool house into a stylish retreat with weather-resistant outdoor furniture and smart climate control solutions. Discover how we created a cozy fireside lounge and an elegant dining space for year-round comfort and entertaining.
Big Bathroom Impact, No Remodel Required
Bathroom transformation ideas
Before and after bathroom makeover
Modern bathroom remodel inspiration
Small bathroom renovations
Budget-friendly bathroom makeovers
Luxurious bathroom remodel designs
Spa-inspired bathroom transformations
DIY bathroom renovation ideas
Trending bathroom colors 2024
Vintage bathroom makeover
Styling and Caring for your outdoor space, Featured
Outdoor space styling tips
Outdoor space care
Outdoor design ideas
How to style outdoor spaces
Outdoor space maintenance
Outdoor living space inspiration
Backyard styling tips
Patio care and maintenance
Outdoor furniture arrangement
Decorating your patio
Outdoor lighting ideas
Landscaping tips for outdoor spaces
Stylish outdoor seating areas
Modern outdoor decor trends
Outdoor space organization ideas
Creating a cozy outdoor atmosphere
HOUSE TOUR HALE NAVY, FEATURED ON NEST MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
Kitchen design tips
Kitchen styling ideas
Kitchen trends 2025
How to style your kitchen
Modern kitchen decor
Kitchen organization hacks
Best kitchen layouts
Space-saving ideas for small kitchens
Creating a functional kitchen workspace
Smart storage solutions for kitchens
Designing a family-friendly kitchen
Best tools for an efficient kitchen
Maximizing kitchen storage
Multi-functional kitchen furniture ideas
From Closet to Creative Haven: A Dreamy Home Office Transformation
Today, we’re sharing how we turned a simple closet into a stunning home office space—designed for one very lucky little girl in Jackson, Tennessee! ✨
This cozy nook now serves as a beautiful art desk and book and study retreat, blending function with style. Thoughtful storage, soft lighting, and textured wallpaper make it the perfect spot for creativity to flourish.
Stay tuned for the full transformation details, and let us know—would you convert a closet into a workspace in your home? #ClosetToOffice #HomeDesign #AlexandraLaurenHome
Transformation Tuesday ideas
Before and after makeover
Home transformation before and after
DIY home makeover
Room transformation inspiration
Small space makeover ideas
Stunning home transformations
Interior design before and after
Best home makeovers of the year
BEFORE & AFTER: A FORGOTTEN, UNUSED BASEMENT GETS A SOPHISTICATED SECOND CHANCE
Basement renovation Jackson Tennessee
Best basement finishing companies in Jackson Tennessee
Affordable basement remodeling services in Jackson Tennessee
Custom basement designs in Jackson Tenneessee
How do I make my basement feel bright and open?
What’s the best flooring option for a basement?
Can I add a bedroom or bathroom in my basement?
What ceiling options work best for basements with low height?
How can I maximize storage space in a basement makeover?
Featured in “Home Office Makeover…”
Check out the recent Rent. article we were featured in:
As the new year begins, there’s no better time
to refresh your workspace with a home office
makeover. From decluttering to incorporating
ergonomic furniture, lighting, and personal
touches, the right home office makeover can
transform your workspace into a place where
creativity and productivity thrive. Whether you’re
working from your new home in Arvada, CO,
apartment in Inglewood, CA, or decluttering
your office in your rental house in Roy, UT,
designing an inspiring environment is essential.
Wallpaper Guide: Answering Your Most Asked Questions
What are the different types of wallpaper?
Is wallpaper suitable for bathrooms or kitchens?
How do I calculate how much wallpaper I need?
How long does wallpaper typically last?
Can I use wallpaper on ceilings?
What’s the best way to clean wallpaper?
Best Wallpaper for High Traffic Areas
Kitchen Remodel: Transformation Tuesday
This Transformation Tuesday we are doing a throwback to one of our favorite kitchen transformations. Modern forms, artful lighting, simple and elegant design.
Transformation Tuesday
Home decor transformation
Before and after home makeover
Easy home updates
Budget-friendly transformations
Interior design tips
DIY home projects
Style refresh ideas