Personality is the ingredient that adds life to a space. Professional designers work extensively with clients to help them uncover their personal style and create a home that reflects their unique design sensibility.

As another calendar year turns the page, it’s time to start off on a fresh foot. That includes design, where a streamlined simplicity is the goal, such as this space designed by Laura Zender. Careful editing will reduce clutter, and rearranging items can create an invigorated look.

Ideally, shelves should bring clarity and order to a space. But too often they become a repository for random knick-knacks, clutter, and out-of-scale items. Balancing creativity with practicality, designers know how to maximize shelf space and make it look attractive.

Many homeowners want their rooms to be cozy and comfortable, especially here in Michigan, where summer gives way all too soon to an extended period of shorter days and colder temperatures.

From unpleasant surprises in a newly purchased home to DIY projects gone wrong, we’ve all heard (or experienced) horror stories about design projects gone awry.

Design trends come and go and what seems popular today may be passé tomorrow. Good news! There are many timeless designs with staying power that can keep our homes fresh and current for years to come. Top designers and MDC showroom managers share their favorites.