In this episode of the Uploft Interior Design Podcast, After 11 incredible years and nearly 600 episodes, I’m sharing a bittersweet announcement about the future of the podcast. While I’m temporarily pausing regular episodes to focus on exciting new projects, daily TikTok and YouTube content, and finishing my memoir, this is certainly not goodbye! In this special episode, I answer listener design questions, including how to transform a small, windowless multifunctional room, choose the perfect hallway runner, plan a timeless kitchen renovation, and incorporate bold colors into your home without overwhelming your space. I also share tips on creating a cohesive color palette and choosing the right inspiration pieces… If you have questions for me, make sure to submit them here.
(0:08) Design inspiration, real life makeovers (0:10) and the latest in pop culture. (0:12) This is the Uploft Interior Design Podcast (0:14) with Betsy Helmuth. (0:16) Hello there. (0:18) It’s been a while. (0:20) Have you missed me? (0:21) I have missed you. (0:23) And you may be thinking, (0:24) Betsy, you have been on the air for, (0:28) well, since 2015, that’s 11 years. (0:32) And you’ve been so consistent once a week, (0:35) sometimes twice a week. (0:36) Where have you been for the last month, month and a half? (0:40) Well, guys, I have been so busy working on some new things (0:46) and I can’t wait to tell you about them. (0:48) I can’t wait to preview some stuff, (0:50) but also I wanna let you know (0:52) that I am temporarily pausing the podcast. (0:58) Right now, I am doing TikToks on the regular, (1:02) once a day, if not twice a day, (1:04) YouTube Shorts on the regular, TikTok Lives. (1:08) There’s so much going on in terms of that content (1:11) and what’s happening over there (1:13) that it gives me very little time to focus on my podcast. (1:17) And all the while, while I’ve been giving so much love (1:20) to the Uploft Interior Design TikTok channel, (1:23) the Uploft Interior Design YouTube channel, (1:26) it’s been hard to work up additional enthusiasm (1:30) for the podcast. (1:33) And the podcast has been yielding less (1:36) in terms of its engagement than it had before(1:39) and less than the TikToks and YouTubes (1:42) are currently generating. (1:44) So that’s why I’ve been giving it more love, right? (1:48) Because the love has been mutual. (1:51) That being said, I adore the podcast. (1:54) I adore talking to you guys for, oh, so many years, (1:57) for almost 600 episodes, if you can even believe it, (2:01) which is why we are not fully closing the podcast, (2:05) just pausing it for now. (2:08) Pausing it while I get excited (2:10) about these other opportunities, (2:13) while I finish my memoir. (2:15) I’m writing the very last chapter right now. (2:18) It has been a three and a half year labor of love (2:23) and we’re in talks to get it published.(2:27) My agent is working hard on a book deal. (2:31) So I’ll be keeping you posted (2:33) and I’ll be back on these airwaves. (2:35) But just for now, we’re sun setting for a little while (2:39) in the expectation, with the expectation, (2:42) that the sun will rise again at a different date. (2:46) That being said, you’re like,(2:48) Betsy, I still am working on design projects. (2:50) I still have questions for you. (2:51) Well, don’t worry, I still have answers. (2:54) Here’s what you’re gonna do. (2:56) Uploft.com slash podcast. (2:58) You fill out that form and I’ll feature your question. (3:02) I’ll feature your space on an upcoming YouTube short. (3:06) TikTok live. (3:07) So you’ll still be getting answers. (3:10) You’ll just be getting them on a different forum. (3:12) You’ll still be checking in with me, (3:14) but now you’ll get fresh content every single day (3:17) instead of once or twice a week. (3:19) I’m so excited for this new energetic shift (3:23) and I hope you are too. (3:24) And I hope you’ll follow me over there. (3:26) But in the meanwhile, (3:28) we do have a couple of questions in the inbox. (3:31) And if more questions come up (3:33) or if there’s ones I haven’t answered, (3:35) again, I will be answering them, don’t you worry, (3:38) on my TikTok lives, on my YouTube shorts. (3:42) All right, guys, let’s get into it. (3:47) I’m opening those emails. (3:50) And the first one comes from Gabby in Palm Beach, Florida. (3:56) She writes, hi Betsy, I love your show. (3:58) It’s packed with so many incredible insights (4:00) that I’ve used in my own practice. (4:02) That being said, I’ve hit a complete wall with my own home. (4:06) I solve client dilemmas all day, (4:08) but the second it’s my own space, (4:10) my objective brain shuts off. (4:12) Do you ever get that designer blindness? (4:15) I’m struggling with a small windowless den (4:17) that acts as a tiny workhorse. (4:20) The space is 10 feet by 11 feet by nine feet high. (4:24) It currently wears three heavy hats,(4:27) a guest room with a sleeper sofa, (4:29) a TV room to help keep the screen out of our living room (4:32) and my home office. (4:34) Lacking natural light, it feels like a cave, (4:36) a problem I probably made worse by painting it a dark color. (4:41) I’ve stared at it for so long (4:42) that I can no longer see the solution. (4:45) My question’s for you. (4:46) Does the room look completely overcrowded (4:48) or am I just asking one small space to do too much? (4:52) How would you approach color and lighting (4:54) in a windowless room? (4:56) It feels so cozy, so that it feels cozy, excuse me, (4:59) rather than claustrophobic. (5:01) And if you were replacing the sleeper sofa and console, (5:04) what scale, layout, or furniture swaps would you prioritize? (5:08) I’d love to get your fresh set of eyes on this. (5:11) Thanks so much for all you do. (5:13) Well, Gabby, thank you for writing in. (5:15) Thank you for being a longtime listener. (5:18) I hope you’ll go back and listen to past episodes. (5:21) I have podcasts that I love (5:24) that have either shut down or sunsetted themselves. (5:28) And I still listen. (5:30) I still listen to their episodes. (5:32) They still publish episodes like the best ofs, right? (5:38) And I still look for them in my feed. (5:40) I still seek them out when I want that comfort show. (5:44) Dear Sugars is my favorite. (5:45) You all know I love The Struggle Boss. (5:47) So these are like a warm blanket (5:50) that I can put on and listen to time and time again(5:52) when I just need that sure thing entertaining podcast. (5:56) And I hope that one of my 590 episodes (6:00) can be that sure thing for you. (6:03) Additionally, I might have some really cool interviews (6:06) coming up here shortly with some celebrity designers (6:09) that I’m sure have inspired you in your own firm, Gabby. (6:12) So keep an eye out. (6:14) Just because I’m sunsetting it (6:15) in terms of regular distribution (6:18) does not mean I won’t be releasing specialty shows. (6:22) So I want you to be sure to stay subscribed, keep following, (6:26) because when I do drop an episode, (6:28) it’s gonna be a big one. (6:30) And I’m in talks to have a guest that I have long admired (6:34) and watched on TV on my show in the coming weeks. (6:37) Okay, back to your question. (6:40) So I definitely have interior design blindness. (6:43) In fact, when I design my own homes, (6:47) I hire the designers who work for me (6:49) to look through my suggestions, (6:51) look through my shopping list, (6:53) see if they can provide ways to elevate or shift the design. (6:58) Because when I get my own space, (6:59) it’s finally my opportunity to use all those different things (7:03) I’ve been sourcing for clients, (7:05) to indulge all my loves of certain colors, (7:09) to incorporate patterns, (7:11) to incorporate things from previous apartments and homes (7:14) that I’ve just been dying to reuse. (7:16) And all of a sudden it becomes like a messy diary (7:22) instead of being a sophisticated, cultivated home. (7:26) So I think you’re also experiencing that, (7:29) at least that’s what I’m hearing. (7:31) And I also hear that having a small space (7:36) that’s this multifunctional can be very challenging. (7:42) Let’s talk about a few things that I’m seeing (7:45) and hopefully that will help you. (7:47) So first of all, for those of you listening (7:49) and not watching on YouTube, (7:52) the walls are like a very kind of soft navy, (7:56) almost a G and teal meets hail navy. (7:59) If you mix the two Benjamin Moore colors together, (8:02) you have really color drenched the space (8:04) in terms of the ceiling being the same dark color, (8:07) the baseboards being the same dark color. (8:10) So I’m really excited that it has a lighter colored floors, (8:14) a light colored rug and a light colored desk and desk chair. (8:19) That’s really helping to make the space (8:22) feel a little bit fresher. (8:24) And even your big orb chandelier is white, which is nice. (8:29) So from these pictures, (8:31) I’m not sensing that the paint color is the issue. (8:38) The first thing that I’d want to think about, (8:41) I’m just looking at the space (8:43) and the different pictures you provided. (8:45) First thing I always think about is layout. (8:48) Are these things in the right spots? (8:53) And it seems like they could be. (8:55) The layout does not seem to be the big issue here, (8:57) especially with all the different functions. (9:01) What I am sensing is that you have a teal color (9:06) TV wall that has a gallery wall of frames around it, (9:10) which is fun and funky and inviting. (9:13) But then on the wall perpendicular to it, (9:15) you have a really big piece of art with an art light. (9:20) These cool images of people swimming in the ocean (9:22) and just their feet are sticking up. (9:24) It’s light and bright. (9:25) And again, offsetting the darkness of this room, (9:28) which I love. (9:29) And then above the sofa, (9:31) you have two differently sized circular mirrors (9:34) that are framed in brass. (9:36) For me, I would be switching the mirror placement (9:39) and the large art placement. (9:41) The large art that’s horizontal (9:44) being directly next to the wall (9:47) that has the large TV that’s horizontal (9:49) and all the other framed artwork (9:52) just feels busy and heavy. (9:55) And I’d rather you distribute that weight (9:56) to the other side of the room. (9:58) And of course we know that we need something large (10:00) above the sofa. (10:01) The length of the sofa dictates the length (10:03) of the piece of art above it. (10:04) It should be 50 to 75% the length of the sofa. (10:08) This piece of artwork will shine over there (10:11) and will certainly achieve that dimension requirement. (10:15) Now I said, I want you to switch the mirrors, (10:18) but I could also be open to eliminating the mirrors. (10:22) However, if you did do what I was thinking (10:24) and switch the mirrors, (10:25) they will capture some of that natural light (10:28) that you’re getting from the hallway when the door is open. (10:31) So I think that could be a really nice touch (10:34) and make the space feel less dark.(10:36) So let’s do it. (10:37) Let’s switch the mirrors. (10:39) I really love the placement of your desk. (10:42) When you walk in the room, (10:44) the desk is immediately to the right, (10:47) which means when I’m seated at the desk, (10:48) I can see people coming and going, (10:50) but as they’re walking by, (10:52) they can’t see the mess on my desk (10:55) in terms of swatches, samples, multiple monitors, et cetera. (10:58) And I really love your pinboard. (11:00) It’s very exciting and dynamic, (11:03) and it would even be beautiful as a guest. (11:07) Do I think the only issue is that artwork placement? (11:11) Hmm, I think that’s a big offender. (11:22) The pillows could be more intentional. (11:25) The pillows could be less washed out. (11:30) It could be nice to have a very specific 60, 30, 10 palette (11:36) here because it sort of feels like this rug (11:40) with its purplish, pinkish lilac cast, (11:43) these pillows that are assortment of colors,(11:47) the wood tone with the magazine rack, (11:49) not exactly jiving with the wood tone of the end table (11:54) that’s more of a walnut, (11:56) whereas the magazine rack is more of a light rattan. (11:59) It sort of feels like this is a catch-all (12:02) for pieces from another time and place (12:05) rather than something that intentionally coordinates. (12:07) But overall, I’m not seeing a huge issue. (12:12) If you are finding that it just feels too dark (12:16) and too uninviting, you may wanna consider repainting (12:23) because I’m not getting that from these pictures, (12:25) but I’m also not working here every day. (12:28) So if it still is feeling so moody (12:34) and so oppressively dark, you may wanna consider that. (12:38) The other thing you may wanna consider, (12:41) whenever a space is really not working (12:42) and it’s multifunctional, sometimes what it is (12:46) is that one of the functions(12:48) or more than one of the functions (12:50) is overburdening the space. (12:52) Is it possible that by having a guest room, (12:55) a TV room, and an office, (12:57) this small space is being asked to do too much (13:02) because it’s just like when you have a partner (13:04) and you overburden them with a to-do list (13:06) that’s just not manageable, (13:07) all of a sudden they’re lethargic, (13:09) they’re not as dynamic, they’re not as sparkly and fun, (13:12) they’re not even necessarily fun to be around (13:14) because they’re so stressed out and bogged down. (13:16) Is that what’s happening with the energy in this room? (13:20) If so, the first thing I might release is the TV (13:27) because you don’t necessarily need it for work, (13:29) it doesn’t seem like, even though I like to work (13:31) with a TV in the background, that’s for sure. (13:35) And it might be providing a lot of energy (13:41) that’s unsettling in this work environment (13:44) and the guests may not even need it. (13:46) Everybody has their iPad, their phone, their laptop. (13:49) That would be the first thing that I would try to have go (13:52) because it’s harder to carve out a guest space (13:54) somewhere else and even if you did carve out a guest space (13:57) somewhere else, I think it’s still really nice (13:59) to have a sofa or additional seating option(14:02) in your workspace because sometimes I like to sit (14:04) at the desk, sometimes I like to sit outside in my backyard (14:07) as you guys are seeing now and sometimes I like to be (14:10) on the couch in my bed, it’s nice to have options. (14:13) All right, Gabby, I hope that helped. (14:15) I hope you’ll keep me posted and next time you write me (14:18) letting me know what happened with this space, (14:21) I will be reflecting on it on TikTok. (14:25) I have another question that has come in (14:28) from a long time listener, actually a series of questions. (14:31) Renee from Atlanta, it is so good to hear from you (14:34) and it’s also very fitting that you would be asking me (14:37) questions on one of my Sunset episodes. (14:41) I’ve missed you Renee, I love hearing from my regulars. (14:46) Renee is writing and she has a few questions for me. (14:51) So the first one is, hi Betsy, I would love a jute runner (14:53) in my hallway, is this a good or bad idea? (14:56) 10 years ago when we moved in, there was an ugly runner (14:58) taped to the floor with several decades of filth underneath. (15:01) We threw it out first thing to see our beautiful wood floors. (15:06) My kids six and nine now make regular family sized amounts (15:09) of dirt, I would love to have anything to help absorb noise. (15:13) It’s possible to hear kitchen conversations (15:15) back in the bedroom. (15:16) Our style is earthy grounded, comfortable, (15:19) mid-century modern, thanks as always. (15:22) Well, thank you Renee for writing in (15:23) and thanks for providing these pictures. (15:26) So when I think about a hallway runner, (15:27) I ask myself, first of all, do I have clearance (15:30) under the doors so that when I open say the closet door, (15:34) I can still open it without it conflicting with a runner (15:37) or bunching up. (15:38) It looks like you do have that clearance(15:40) and a runner has been there before, so that’s exciting. (15:43) The thing about this hallway, (15:46) sorry about the bird noises guys, (15:47) I decided to take my Sunset episode outside (15:50) during actual sunset. (15:51) So if you’re watching on YouTube, you can see that, (15:54) but it’s also one of the last nice days of the year, (15:57) I imagine being October 1st, so I want to embrace that. (16:03) I would see rather than a jute runner(16:07) because jute is gonna tend to shift around, (16:10) it’s got irregular edges, (16:11) this is a very tight, narrow hallway (16:14) that also doesn’t have many opportunities for art or color (16:18) and then your flush mount light fixtures up above (16:21) aren’t really doing anything dynamically. (16:23) I think having a runner that has some kind of pattern (16:27) or color could really jazz up this hallway. (16:33) If you’re really wanting that neutral runner, (16:35) I would consider painting a color below the chair rail (16:38) for this hallway or doing something intentional (16:41) with the artwork that lends itself to a color palette (16:44) or even bringing in a light fixture that has a small drop (16:47) and feels a little bit more dramatic. (16:48) Let me get to your next question, Renee. (16:52) You ask, I’m excited to begin planning for a new kitchen. (16:56) We plan to work with Mid Mod Midwest to get a layout (16:59) and look that updates our mid-century modern home (17:01) in an appropriate way for the architecture. (17:04) I would covet the Betsy perspective (17:05) on this question though. (17:07) What makes a practical kitchen for a family with children? (17:10) Cupboards without handles are a trend (17:12) I’ve been seeing in a modern space, (17:13) but another designer I follow on Instagram (17:15) points out that they get gross with messy fingers. (17:18) I totally agree. (17:20) What else should we keep in mind? (17:22) Well, Renee, I love that you added pictures (17:24) of your kitchen and your little ones. (17:26) They are so cute. (17:28) Let’s get into it. (17:32) So when designing with children, (17:38) okay, I’m gonna be real real. (17:41) I don’t really think about designing a kitchen (17:43) with children. (17:44) Kitchens need to be something (17:46) that you are thinking real long-term about. (17:50) I don’t want you renovating this kitchen (17:51) for another 10 to 20 years. (17:54) So you need to do what’s best (17:56) for the architecture of the home, (17:58) what’s best for your needs, (18:00) and is what’s gonna age in a timeless way. (18:04) I would not think about making it kid-friendly, (18:07) especially with six and nine. (18:09) In 10 years, they’re gonna be headed out of the house. (18:13) What I would be thinking about (18:14) is what’s gonna be best for resale value, (18:17) depending on how long you’re gonna be in the house, (18:19) and what’s gonna show up the house to its best advantage. (18:21) I can see you have wood floors in here. (18:24) I don’t know if you’re gonna continue (18:25) with those wood floors, (18:26) but if you do, I wouldn’t necessarily do wood cabinetry. (18:30) I certainly wouldn’t do wood cabinetry on top and bottom. (18:33) It’s an oppressive amount of that dark tone. (18:36) Additionally, this kitchen is somewhat closed. (18:39) It’s somewhat of a galley kitchen, (18:41) which means that it can be a little dark (18:44) just naturally, just architecturally. (18:47) So lightening and brightening would be nice. (18:50) I would add some visual interest with a backsplash. (18:53) That’s for sure. (18:54) And I would think about lightening the countertops, (18:58) even though I like that your granite has a lot going on, (19:02) a lot of movement so that it camouflages some stains, (19:04) which is, of course, good for kids. (19:07) But renovating a kitchen is filled(19:09) with big, long-lasting decisions (19:11) that you do not wanna make based on children,(19:16) based on anything but resale, architecture, (19:19) and your personal preferences. (19:21) That combines to create a strategic plan (19:26) because this is big money (19:28) and I want you to do the right thing. (19:31) I know that didn’t help a ton, Renee, (19:34) but you’re gonna find me on TikTok (19:35) and you’re gonna ask some more questions. (19:39) Here is another question from Renee. (19:43) Hi, Betsy, my husband just transformed, (19:46) just transformed, oh, excuse me. (19:48) My husband just finished transforming our hall coat closet (19:51) from coat storage to game storage.(19:53) On a whim, he asked if I should paint it a color (19:56) and I said, yes. (19:57) I picked the loudest color (19:59) off the Sherwin-Williams collection and we all love it.(20:02) Soon it will be time to repaint the rest of our house. (20:05) 10 years ago, gray and white were in. (20:08) I was overwhelmed with a new house (20:09) with ugly wallpaper and grime to remove,(20:11) so all our walls are gray and white. (20:14) I’m ready to be more colorful, (20:16) but I don’t want an accident look. (20:18) Where should I start? (20:20) Well, I’m so excited that you’re not afraid to go bold (20:24) and I’m so excited that you love your closet. (20:28) Now, I think part of the reason that you love your closet (20:32) is because it’s in a small space that you can close off. (20:38) It’s hard to do those really large doses of intense color(20:42) in areas where you hang out all the time (20:45) without eventually getting sick of them.(20:47) Does that mean I never do bold color? (20:49) Absolutely not. (20:51) I have a navy TV room. (20:54) I have a deep plum game room. (20:57) But in those main rooms, the family room, the living room, (21:01) I have kept it neutral because I want a space (21:04) that can be open to lots of different emotions and vibes. (21:10) Now, I would consider, (21:12) you’re not gonna love this, Renee, (21:14) you’re not gonna love this, (21:14) doing an all over neutral for the main areas (21:18) because they open up into each other. (21:22) And so what you do in the one area (21:28) is gonna be seen from the other areas(21:30) and I think a neutral will just be a nicer foundation. (21:34) I do think you could go a little more saturated (21:35) than the light gray I see here. (21:37) Now, the one problem with doing a podcast outside (21:39) is when somebody pulls up your driveway, (21:41) you have to go say hi and see what they’re up to. (21:43) Somebody just pulled up. (21:45) They don’t know I’m doing an episode that’s very important. (21:47) I’ll be right back, guys. (21:50) That’s my other child, the house, the handyman showed up(21:53) because we had a pipe burst in my daughter’s bathroom. (21:56) So there we go. (21:57) But back to you, Renee. (21:59) So yes, I know you’re gonna find it surprising (22:02) that I am not wanting you to do a surprising color, (22:06) but I really think for this open space, (22:08) a neutral that’s a little more saturated would be best. (22:12) And then you can make your colorful choices (22:14) with some throw pillows, with some vibrant rugs, (22:18) or in some closets. (22:21) Last question from Renee, I wanna get to them all (22:25) before I move over to our TikTok.(22:27) This, in addition to my last paint colors question, (22:33) this is in addition to my last paint colors question. (22:35) This pillow is my inspiration piece for now. (22:38) Buying a new rug with more colors is also a possibility, (22:41) though I have not done it yet.(22:43) Okay, let’s look and see. (22:46) Okay, so this is a small lumbar pillow (22:50) that incorporates like a beige, a gray, a navy, some orange. (22:56) And the key here is that it’s small, (22:58) so it really can’t serve as an adequate inspiration piece, (23:02) especially because you only have one. (23:03) So it’s not necessarily a prominent element in the space. (23:07) I definitely want you to be selecting (23:09) either a large piece of art or a rug, (23:12) or even drapery that incorporates the colors (23:15) that you hope to use in the space (23:16) that is just a little bit more prominent (23:19) than one small lumbar pillow. (23:21) That will really be more visually appealing (23:27) and make the room’s color palette make more sense. (23:31) Oh my gosh, guys, this is why we don’t record outside. (23:33) This is why people do a sound studio. (23:35) This is why I’ve been locked inside podcast recording (23:38) for what, 11 years? (23:41) And on my sunset episode, (23:43) I decided to do it out in the sunset (23:45) with the noises and the birds and the backing up. (23:49) But guys, it has been such a pleasure (23:51) to talk to you for so many years. (23:54) I hope that you’ll go seek out my daily content on TikTok, (23:58) Uploft Interior Design on Facebook, (24:01) Uploft Interior Design on Instagram, (24:03) Uploft Interior Design on YouTube, (24:05) and of course, Uploft Interior Design on TikTok (24:07) and TikTok Live. (24:08) I will be there every day, (24:10) posting fresh content, new tips, (24:12) answering your design questions, (24:14) and do not press the unsubscribe button. (24:18) And do not unfollow, because as I mentioned, (24:21) I will have episodes every now and again, (24:24) and when they do drop, they will be extra special. (24:27) I can’t wait to meet and interview (24:29) one of my design heroes coming up in some weeks (24:33) before the end of the month, (24:35) and I’ll be sharing it all with you. (24:37) Guys, I’m so grateful for your listenership. (24:41) I’m so grateful for those of you who’ve been with me (24:44) for just a few weeks, for a few months, (24:46) for those of you who continue to be with me, (24:48) and then of course, for those OGs, (24:50) those people who have been with me (24:52) since I lived in Brooklyn in 2015, (24:54) who’ve gone through so many iterations,(24:56) not only of my firm, but also my personal life, (24:59) who’ve sent me questions from their personal lives. (25:02) Wow, it is so meaningful, and this is not goodbye. (25:06) This is just until next time for now. (25:10) Bye. (25:13) A big thanks to our producer, Jeremy Young, (25:15) and to Eitan and the Embassy for our theme music, (25:18) and shout out to our parent company, (25:20) Uploft Interior Design, (25:22) your trusted source for expert interior design. (25:25) Visit uploft.com to explore our services (25:28) and book a consultation with one of our talented designers. (25:31) If you’re enjoying the Uploft Interior Design podcast, (25:34) please support us by sharing the show with friends (25:36) and leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcasts (25:40) or wherever you listen. (25:41) It’s the best way to help new listeners find us. (25:45) Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next week (25:47) with more pro tips and pop culture dish.
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