Vicky Serany
Southern Studio Interior Design, Apex
919-362-5143
Five words that describe your philosophy of design: Functional. Beautiful. Comfortable. Timeless. Collected.
How I decorate for the holidays in 30 minutes or less: Gather candles and a variety of natural materials, including seasonal flowers and cut greens. Create simple arrangements in varying heights for a quick and sophisticated holiday display.
Next big design trend: Bold color. When incorporating color into a space, remember to place it strategically and sparingly. Another key trend: bold wallcovering. We now have gorgeous wallcoverings that add a variety of texture and pattern.
Most outdated design trend: Cluttered spaces. Remember, less is often more. Also, formal living spaces. Our fast-paced lives should be comfortable.
Every home should have: Personality. A well-designed home should reflect your family. Include colors, art and accessories that provide inspiration and comfort.
My favorite recycling/repurposing project: Searching a clients home for an old treasure with personal meaning and incorporating it into the design. Whether its a family heirloom or travel memory, add something that brings a sense of personal history to the space.
Flat-screen TV in the living room? If its important to your family, the answer is yes. There are many ways to design a room that includes a television without making it the focal point.
Best way to dress a window over a spa tub: Beautiful custom blinds with remote control. Its worth the investment and I need to listen to my own advice.
What most people do wrong when decorating: Ignoring the size and scale of furnishings and accessories. Paying attention to the proportions of individual pieces can immediately change the function and feel of a home.
My best tip for do-it-yourself designers: Do not begin a project until there is a comprehensive plan to complete it. There will be obstacles along the way, so plan, plan and plan some more to avoid unnecessary headaches.

The Hibiscus Hiatus Hypothesis

