dawn d totty designs

How to create exceptional lighting in your home (With Interior Designer Dawn D. Totty)

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How to create exceptional lighting in your home (With Interior Designer Dawn D. Totty)

When I think of redesigning my home, I often feel overwhelmed and inadequate.  Fortunately, my friendship with award-winning Interior Designer, Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs has given me an increase of innovation and confidence. Most importantly though, it has made me realize I do not have to be an expert in the world of interior design.  

Dawn’s passion and expertise IS in the design world, so I can simply sit back and listen. As we had our latest conversation, I begged her to allow me to blog about it.  Thankfully, she agreed.  Our conversation was about choosing the proper light fixtures for your home.  

As I write this post, many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before.  Therefore, it is the perfect time to boost the lighting in our homes, or to at least begin a plan.  Just the light fixtures alone can be the difference between a desirable inviting space, and a dark, lonely one. Not only can some new light fixtures add lighting and character to your home, but it can also boost your mood.

Now, let me say ahead of time:  You do not need to head out to a home improvement store to make this transformation happen.  You CAN order a great deal of your supplies online.  

A helpful tip:  Order your supplies directly from Dawn D. Totty’s ideabook on Houzz and receive an instant 5% off discount.   Dawn’s ideabook has some very attractive and modern light fixtures choices.

Most recently, Dawn has been working with Teems Electric (of Ringgold, GA), to achieve some of her most important light fixture goals yet.  Teems specializes in both residential and commercial electrical work.  They are currently graciously volunteering for one of the most near and dear projects Dawn has ever been associated with.  With Teems Electric by her side, Dawn is working to create an uplifting and nurturing environment at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Jasper, TN. 

With that said, in previous posts, you may remember that Dawn has expressed how vital proper lighting is.  When it comes to brightening up your space, she emphasizes that everything from window treatments to paint color matters (Sherwin-Williams is her favorite).  Today though, we are going to focus solely on those light fixtures.  As always, Dawn doesn’t share just what to do……but she also dishes on how to do it.

Dawn’s tips for choosing proper light fixtures:

  •  Ceiling height:  The higher the ceiling, the larger the light fixture should be.  If the ceiling is shorter, its length should not exceed 18 inches.

“For rooms with shorter ceilings, I recommend going with a light fixture that is more horizontal vs. vertical in shape.  It will simply look more showy and add character to your room,” reveals Dawn.   

“ Avoid light fixtures that hang too high or too low.  It should always be approximately 6 foot 7 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the floor. If you have a 28 foot ceiling, you should go the standard 8-10 feet from the floor,” emphasizes Totty.

  •  Triple and quad lighting fixtures vs. one single light fixtures:  Dawn is a big fan of clusters of pendants and chandeliers.  

“You can use 3 full-sized chandeliers on one ceiling if it’s big enough.  I also like to stagger the lights, and prefer odd numbers of lights to even,”suggests Dawn.

“When it comes to contemporary kitchen island lighting, I would suggest a very large 4 ft. LED light.  You can go with a very long horizontal pendant, or you can go with 3 pendants depending on the size of course.  And when it comes to recessed light fixtures?  You can have too many, I promise.  I like pendant lights over a kitchen sink vs. recessed.  With the pendants,  you get nice ambient lighting – yet it’s an opportunity to create a little personality rather than simply have a light disk in the ceiling,”she adds.

  •  Mixing metal finishes:  As Dawn has also emphasized in past posts, your home doesn’t have to be predictable or cookie-cutter.  She enjoys going outside of the box and mixing it up. 

“You can always mix your metal finishes.  A combination of brass and pewter is perfect,”explains Dawn.

  •  Expensive vs. cost-effective:  Dawn is all about salvaging, refinishing and making the most of what you already have whenever possible.  Sometimes, the same can even be true of your current light fixtures.  Not every light absolutely has to be replaced – especially if it’s not in the budget.  

“Avoid fixating on buying that $300 light fixture.  Always buy the shape and size that is suitable for the space, as well as your personal style.  Sometimes all you need to do is buy a $5 can of spray paint (with primer) and refinish,” she reveals.

Though ceiling fans are not among Dawn’s preferred light fixtures, she emphasizes that even those can be improved for a small price.  

“If the ceiling is white, and you know you cannot budget enough to replace the ceiling fan – simply paint the blades the same color as the ceiling.  Remove your blades, take them outside, lay them on a big black garbage bag, and spray them with 2 or 3 coats of spray paint (with primer).  It will make your fan blend in more appropriately with your ceiling, rather than look like a big black spider hanging down,” she shares.

  •  Light bulbs: Most important of all?  If you want adequate lighting, you must choose the right bulbs to make it happen.  

“A lot of people don’t necessarily think light bulbs matter, but they matter tremendously. LED bulbs are always the best option.  There are warm LEDS and then there are cool LEDS, which give off absolutely no heat. In the south, that is always the best option of course,” says Totty.

  •  Exterior lighting:  

Dawn stresses that though interior lighting is crucial, we should also give attention to our exterior – especially if we are looking to sell anytime soon.

“About 85% of potential home buyers will drive by to look at your home at night.  Exterior illumination, porch entry light fixtures and landscaping lighting are all part of the curb appeal and “wow factor.”  Your exterior entrance light should be covered or semi-covered….not a flush mount.  It always adds value to a property to see a pretty light fixture vs. just a glow,” expresses Totty.

Needless to say, lighting can truly be everything.  What are some of your favorite light fixture styles?  Sound off in the comment section below.  

To keep up with Dawn D. Totty and her latest projects, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Dawn D. Totty Designs

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In addition to her aesthetic talents and undeniable creativity, lies the mind of an entrepreneur.  She’s a real estate investor with a highly favorable track record.  She has been known to consistently make sizeable profits off of her investments as she has a trained eye for what potential buyers look for.  From homes, to business environments, Totty’s designs have been positively impacting lives both personally and professionally.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

Is Bedroom Clutter Compromising Your Sleep? (With Interior Designer Dawn D. Totty)

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Is Bedroom Clutter Compromising Your Sleep? (With Interior Designer Dawn D. Totty)

Minimalism is undoubtedly one of the top-trending topics of 2020.  We all know it’s a goal we should be striving for, but how many of us are still struggling with “unwanted clutter,” despite countless purge attempts?  (I will be the first to raise my hand).  Study after study has been researching how clutter can negatively impact the mind.  Well, perhaps it may even be the roadblock preventing some of us from getting a good night’s sleep…..which in turn affects the mind?  Makes perfect sense, right?

When Dawn first proposed the topic of “bedroom clutter” affecting one’s sleep, I felt both excited and convicted at the same time.  My current struggle in our own master bedroom is that it doubles as our nursery.  (Yes, I can see you cringing).  However, with our home setup, it is simply the most ideal situation for us.  We have a fairly large two story home, and our master bedroom (with the awesome closet is located downstairs).  All of the other bedrooms are upstairs, and I simply do not want my baby far away from us at night.  Therefore, I have had to do some serious improvising. While I am somewhat proud of the finished product, it doesn’t mean that I am completely satisfied either. Still, I’ve noticed with every single purge I do, the more peacefully I sleep.  Dawn’s tips also continue to help me create a more soothing sleep space day by day.

The picture below is Dawn’s work (not my bedroom), just so you know…

Let’s just say that this interview with Dawn has inspired me yet again!  So now, without further ado, let’s hear from our favorite design expert (Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs):

“When you follow the clutter trail, it will almost always lead to a lack of storage or not knowing how to organize,” shares Totty.

“Your bedroom is where you begin and end your day, so it is vital that you have a peaceful clutter-free sleeping environment,” she adds.

Now, here are a few pro organizer tips to de-clutter your bedroom according to Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs:

“Designers are all about creating functional zones or areas designed for specific uses – such as the corner of the room reserved for a small desk/office, make up station, as well as dressing and sitting areas, etc.  Compartmentalizing each area of the room will keep the room functional, as well as organized,” reveals Totty.

“Go vertical and as far up to the ceiling as possible, with built in or open concept shelving, to accommodate books, hats, baskets for accessories etc., she continues.”

“The average size of a queen bed is about 6’x5′ in diameter, so take full advantage of all of the space underneath your bed! Plastic bins, baskets and roller drawers are perfect for storing sweaters, boots, coats and hats.

So, where can we turn to get some of Dawn’s recommended items?  In a word:  Houzz.

“This set of 2 under drawer on rollers from Houzz can help utilize the space under your bed, as well as be aesthetically pleasing.  There are 12 different colors to choose from,” suggests Totty.

“Storage benches, chests and upholstered ottomans such as this moroccan gray lift top upholstered storage ottoman makes for easy access to blankets, sweaters and bed linens, as well as additional seating.  It is under $200 and saves space when placed at the foot of your bed,” continues Totty.

Now, let’s talk laundry.  Eek, yes….laundry.

“Laundry can be a major source of clutter.  If you have an accessible laundry bag placed on a hook on the back of a closet door you will eliminate floor clutter.  The Dll Bath Mesh Laundry Bag (Gray) can be purchased on Houzz for just $22.69,” reveals Dawn.

The use of hooks don’t just pertain to laundry, however.

“Hooks placed near doors for easy access for frequently used items such as a handbag, jacket, or keys, will make life easier and more clutter free.  This set of 4 Elios Hooks can be a great asset in minimizing bedroom clutter,” she adds.

Hanging organizers hung on a bedroom closet rod will accommodate belts, ties and scarves and keep them all together in one specific place. Houzz also features a plethora of options for hanging organizers.  The iDesign Scarf Organizer is just one of many.

What about those every day essentials that get all mismatched and disorganized in our dresser drawers?  Well, Dawn has a solution there too.

“Drawer dividers will ensure your socks and under garments will always be organized and neat.  This Traci Bamboo spring loaded adjustable drawer divider comes in a set of 4,” shares Dawn.

Some of our other spatial friends?

“Baskets are the best kept trick for just about everything storage related. They can slide under a bed, or be kept at the bedside for remotes, magazines or an extra blanket,” explains Dawn.

“Also, anytime you can get a nightstand with drawers and shelves, those will be far more functional vs. a small table,” she adds.

The Winsome Wood/Curved End Table/Night stand with one drawer is a simple, yet excellent example of what Dawn is referring to.  You can currently find it on Houzz for just $63.45.

Organizing, maximizing, decluttering and accenting our spaces is not an overnight project.  However, it is one of the most important projects we can partake in.  There is no better time than now to start creating a peaceful slumber space.  (Wishing you all a whole lot of undisturbed and restful sleep.  Stay well, friends)!

To keep up with Dawn D. Totty’s latest projects and design tips, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Dawn D. Totty Designs

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In addition to her aesthetic talents and undeniable creativity, lies the mind of an entrepreneur.  She’s a real estate investor with a highly favorable track record.  She has been known to consistently make sizeable profits off of her investments as she has a trained eye for what potential buyers look for.  From homes, to business environments, Totty’s designs have been positively impacting lives both personally and professionally.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

Using Color in Your Home to Beat “Winter Blah!” (With Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs)

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Using Color in Your Home to Beat “Winter Blah!” (With Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs)

Winter gets a bad wrap sometimes….doesn’t it?  The cold wintery days are often associated with dull, gloomy colors.  Winter also seems to be deemed as the most depressing season for many.  But WHY?

WE get to decide what to make of each and every season, as well as each and every day.  Whether it’s 90 degrees or 9, we can create a space that makes us feel peaceful.  Since I’ve been spending so much time inside with my 6 month old during these cold days, I’ve been extra invested in my home.

And who created the term “spring cleaning,” anyways?  We can purge, declutter and reorganize in the winter too, right?

Overall, I’ve been working hard to create a warm, yet happy space (I only wish it looked something like the above photo).  I have a long way to go, but I’m determined.  Whenever I find myself at a loss of how to achieve my residential goals…..I know Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs is the one to call.

Dawn is in complete agreement that an uplifting space is entirely possible every single season….including winter.

So…where do we start?

“There has been so much research on the study of the psychology of color.  We are told of color’s effect on our mood and even well-being – which supports the tremendous importance of creating a comfortable yet uplifting living and working environment,” shares Totty

“During the winter months, natural sunlight is significantly reduced at times, creating a shadowed effect on our interior spaces. Our home’s interior will speak loudest to us in the winter months when we are more confined to our homes and less likely to spend as much time outdoors. Setting the stage to a fresh and pleasant living environment will make a tremendous positive impact on our state of mind. For example, imagine an all black room from the ceiling to floor.  It may look cool for a day or two, but in time, will have a negative emotional response,” she adds.

As always, Totty is never one to just simply tell us what to do.  She is always glad to tell us how to do it.

 Here are a few of Dawn’s tips to create a warm and pleasant home during the winter months:

  • Lighting is key: Whenever possible use LED bulbs:  they give off the cleanest and brightest light and are very energy efficient and can literally be left on 24/7.  What’s more?  They also cost pennies a day! Introduce a floor lamp or two, or perhaps a table lamp on a side table, or on a kitchen counter.

  • Colorful textiles: Pillows, area rugs and window treatments (just remember to keep them pulled back during the day to allow natural sunlight into the space) are a quick and inexpensive way to make a big update to your décor, without a ton of effort or expense, and can really transform a bedroom or living room.

  • Trending color choices – Home interior Design and Fashion are one in the same:  Whatever is trending in the fashion world = ditto for home décor!

  • Recreate your furniture layout by re-positioning your sofa, chairs, cocktail tables and side tables.
  • Colorful potted plants such as orchids and palms bring color and life to a room when most outside plant life is appearing pretty grim.
  • A Room Diffuser filled with an essential oil of your choice (lavender is one of the most calming) will purify the home during the winter months when the doors and windows are shut.
  • Introduce a large colorful piece of art to compliment your new pillows or bedding!

So there you have it.  When it’s cold outside…..you too, can have the month of May.

Would you like to keep up with Dawn’s design tips and projects?  Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Dawn D. Totty Designs

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In addition to her aesthetic talents and undeniable creativity, lies the mind of an entrepreneur.  She’s a real estate investor with a highly favorable track record.  She has been known to consistently make sizeable profits off of her investments as she has a trained eye for what potential buyers look for.  From homes, to business environments, Totty’s designs have been positively impacting lives both personally and professionally.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

New Year, New Space:  2020 Design Tips & Trends with Dawn D. Totty

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New Year, New Space:  2020 Design Tips & Trends with Dawn D. Totty

As we know, new years’ resolutions seldom last.  It’s in our nature to set goals for the new year, but by and large, so many of them fall by the wayside.

However, this year, let me make a suggestion:  How about updating your space and enjoying it all year long? 

Now, it’s important to note that when I say “new year, new space,” I am not talking about spending a lot of money.  I am referring to simple, yet exciting ways you can improve your residential or commercial space.  Lucky for me, I happen to be friends with a top interior designer.  Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs was named “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2020 “Best of the Best Awards.”  Lucky for all of us, Dawn has graciously agreed to share some of her greatest design secrets with us.

First, let’s talk about the most-defining 2020 design trend: 

Minimal is still in, folks.  There has recently been a wave of purging, downsizing and minimizing going on in America:  Let’s continue to welcome it.  Less really is more.  As we declutter and resist purchasing random knick knacks everywhere we go, we can better showcase the pieces and designs we cherish most.

Without further ado, here are some of Dawn’s ways in which you can spruce up your space in the new year:

#1 Fresh coats of paint:  Paint is one of those small upgrades, which makes a huge difference.  “Paint is a $30 refresher with 2-4 hours of labor,” expresses Totty.

How to implement:  “If you don’t want to commit to painting an entire room, pick a focal wall.  In your living room, it would preferably be the wall where your television sits. Choosing this wall will help camouflage the obvious large black box in the center of the wall.  Paint this wall 3 or 4 shades darker than the other walls in that room,” she reveals.

 

The 2020 paint colors of the year are as follows:  First Light (Benjamin Moore), Sun God (Kelly-Moore), Back to Nature (Behr), Minty Fresh (Dunn-Edwards), Songbird (Pratt & Lambert), Whirlwind (Glidden), Chinese Porcelain (PPG Paints) and Naval (Sherwin-Williams).

#2 Wall coverings:  “To add some character to your space, consider some wallpaper.  Wallpaper looks fabulous in bathrooms, living rooms and on your focal point wall,” shares Totty.

How to implement:  Head to a shop with quality wallpaper.  Dawn who resides in the Chattanooga area, recommends “Associated Fabrics” on Dodds Avenue.  They do have a website and online shop as well.

 

#3 Customizing with accessories:  Accessories are yet another way to make your space uniquely yours.  Your accessories should be a direct reflection of your personal style.  The more customized and uniquely you your accessories are, the more you will feel at home.

How to implement:  The best place to accessorize is in your local small shops.  In the Nashville area, the possibilities are endless.  Some of my Dawn’s personal favorites closer to her home are 1866 Revival in Sewanee, Area 61 (Broad Street – Chattanooga), as well as local art galleries.

“How about creating your own gallery wall?  Perhaps you could do a black and white wall of your own family photos,” she suggests.

#4  Textiles:  Again, textiles are small changes that make a big difference.

How to implement:  Change out bedding, shower curtains and pillows.  Perhaps you could also do some fresh new window treatments.  Yet again, Associated Fabrics is also among her favorite places to shop for textiles.

#5 Furniture:  Swapping out furniture is another way to make your space feel fresh and new.  Like Dawn’s other tips, this doesn’t have to be overly pricey or detailed.

 How to implement:  You have an endless amount of furniture options out there:  From local shops, to antique stores to Facebook Marketplace, you can reasonably achieve both comfort and style in 2020. When it comes to textiles and furniture, bold colors and patterns can really make your environment pop.  Also among some of this year’s biggest sofa trends are the color white, soft corners, curved-backs and round legs.

 

So there you have it.  Design doesn’t have to be overly complicated or time consuming.  Small changes can truly make a big difference.  Happy 2020 and happy designing!

Keep up with Dawn’s lastest designs by following her on Facebook

& Instagram!