Interior Design with LUX decor's Sun Ah Brock

In this article, we will be discussing the latest trends in interior design with Sun Ah Brock, the founder of LUX decor. Sun Ah Brock shares her insights on various design trends, including outdoor living spaces, kitchen colors, and the use of gold in decor. She also provides valuable advice on how to personalize your home and the importance of considering resale value when making design choices.

Creating Unique Spaces Indoors and Outdoors

Sun Ah Brock starts the conversation by highlighting the trend of creating unique spaces both indoors and outdoors. She mentions that people are now utilizing every square inch of their homes, including basements and outdoor areas. For example, in the basement, she suggests adding a beverage counter and a snack bar so that kids don't have to run up and down. Outdoors, she mentions the popularity of integrating outdoor fridges, barbecues, and even full outdoor kitchens with the pool area. This trend is not only common in hot areas like Florida but also in regions with shorter summers like Canada.

When it comes to outdoor spaces, lighting plays a crucial role. Sun Ah emphasizes the importance of good lighting in creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. She suggests using a combination of different lighting options, such as string lights, lanterns, and spotlights, to create a cozy ambiance.

The Rise of Warm Tones in Kitchen Design

Moving on to kitchen trends, Sun Ah addresses the question of whether white kitchens are here to stay or on their way out. While white kitchens have been popular for years, she mentions that there is a shift towards warmer tones in kitchen design. Clients are now more open to exploring options beyond white, such as kitchens with a hint of taupe or other warm colors.

According to Sun Ah, cool colors like gray are becoming less prevalent, and earth tones are taking their place. She advises clients to consider warmer tones for their kitchens, as they create a more inviting and timeless look. However, she also emphasizes the importance of considering resale value and return on investment when making design choices. While there is a current trend towards bold contrasts, such as dark walls and dark kitchen islands, it's essential to consider whether these choices align with personal preferences or are more geared towards resale value.

The Impact of Paint and Wallpaper

Sun Ah highlights the versatility of paint in transforming a space. She encourages clients to be bold and experiment with dark and moody rooms, such as offices, by using dark wall colors, dark curtains, and even painting the molding and ceiling. She mentions that rooms with a strong mood and feeling tend to sell well. However, she cautions against half-hearted attempts at creating a specific look, as it's crucial to fully commit to the design concept to achieve a magazine-worthy result.

When it comes to wallpaper, Sun Ah notes its growing popularity, particularly in powder rooms. She describes powder rooms as the "lobby bathroom" of a home, as they are frequently used by guests. Wallpaper can make a significant impact in these spaces, creating a super impactful and memorable look. Sun Ah mentions that she has never sold as much wallpaper as she is currently, especially for powder rooms. She also acknowledges that wallpaper can be a bit pricier than paint but emphasizes its massive impact on the overall design.

She shares an example of a bathroom she designed several years ago, where she painted the walls black. Despite initial skepticism from the homeowners, they were amazed by the transformation and loved the bold choice. Sun Ah encourages clients to have fun with their powder rooms and other spaces where they can go a little crazier with their design choices. However, she also advises considering the long-term implications of using wallpaper, as it can be challenging to remove if one's taste changes in the future.

The Enduring Appeal of Gold in Design

The conversation then shifts to the use of gold in design and whether it is a trend that is here to stay. Sun Ah explains that gold has always been around, especially in the form of brass or patinated gold. However, she notes a shift towards polished nickel and cooler tones in metal finishes. Mixing and matching metals is also a popular approach, and not everything needs to be gold or silver. Sun Ah believes that a designer's touch lies in creating a cohesive look even when things don't match perfectly.

Design Trends to Bid Farewell

Sun Ah is asked about design trends that she would happily see disappear. She mentions being tired of gray and expresses her dislike for the overuse of geometric patterns in decor, such as geometric tiles and throw pillows. She also mentions the trend of painting walls all white, which she believes works well for newer constructions but may lack personality in other settings. She emphasizes the importance of adding splashes of color and considering window coverings and artwork to complement white walls.

Personalizing Your Home

Sun Ah emphasizes the importance of personalizing one's home and creating a space that brings joy and happiness every day. She believes that a good designer should help bring a client's home to life by asking personal questions and understanding their preferences. Sun Ah encourages clients to search within themselves and determine what they truly want for their space.

She also discusses the challenge of working with clients who have no idea what they want or dislike their current space. In such cases, Sun Ah and her team dig deeper by asking the right questions to uncover the client's preferences and vision. She believes that everyone has an idea of what they want in their mind, and it's essential to explore those thoughts and desires.

The Evolution of LUX Decor

Sun Ah shares exciting developments happening at LUX Decor. The company has recently changed its model to focus more on interior design rather than retail. They are expanding their space this fall and have a design community of over 80 members. Sun Ah is proud of the community they have built, where designers come together to collaborate, share resources, and support each other.

She explains that the community-building aspect was her vision from the beginning. Sun Ah wanted to empower other designers, especially women in business, and create a space where they could connect and lift each other up. The community has been valuable for newer designers who can seek advice, recommendations, and collaborate on projects. Sun Ah is passionate about building this community and believes in the power of collaboration and support in any industry.

To learn more about Sun Ah Brock and LUX Decor, you can visit their website at luxdecor.com. They are active on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sun Ah Brock can be found on LinkedIn under her name, making it easy to connect with her.