Interior Design Advice For Your San Carlos Home: An Interview with Local Interior Designer Judi Teran

Interior Design Advice from Judi Teran

This month, San Carlos Life caught up with local interior designer Judi Terun, whose thoughtful, modern style is influencing how San Carlos homeowners create spaces that feel both current and enduring. In our interview, Judi shares her expert advice and trend forecast, set to define 2025. From plaster walls and warm wood accents to matte natural stone and cleverly concealed appliances, she paints a picture of spaces that balance luxury with livability. With a focus on layered textures, built-in functionality, and timeless appeal, Judi’s work reflects a deeper goal: creating homes that feel just as personal as they are beautiful.

Color Drenching

Color drenching, where walls, trim, and ceilings are painted the same color, is quickly gaining popularity. It creates a cozy, curated look that instantly elevates a space. I am seeing more homeowners embrace this approach, especially in offices, powder rooms, and dining spaces where depth and atmosphere can completely transform the feeling of a room. If you are considering color drenching in your home, I guide my clients through choosing the perfect tones to create a bold yet beautifully balanced look.

Kitchen and bathroom trends

Kitchens are being designed with clean lines, warm neutral tones, and materials like soapstone and marble. Open shelving paired with hidden storage makes kitchens feel like a natural extension of the living space. Bathrooms are evolving into personal retreats with plaster walls, oversized showers, organic tiles, and soft layered lighting. Clients want spa-like calm at home with smart storage hidden behind luxurious finishes.

In a recent project, I helped transform a small bathroom into a relaxed, elevated space using handmade tiles and plaster without requiring a full renovation. If you are ready to reimagine your kitchen or bathroom, I offer complete design services to bring thoughtful, functional beauty into your home.

Not Just A Lightbulb

Lighting has become a major design element and is no longer just a finishing touch. Layered lighting plans that include ambient, task, and accent lighting are essential for creating depth and mood. Sculptural fixtures made from hand blown glass, plaster, and aged brass are especially in demand. When I work with clients, I design custom lighting plans that elevate the architecture and atmosphere of every room.

Creating a relaxing home

Simplify wherever possible. Choose a calming, consistent color palette and layer in natural textures like linen, wood, and stone. Prioritize smart storage to keep surfaces clean and clear. Invest in layered lighting to create a sense of warmth and ease.

In my design work, I help clients create homes that feel like a true sanctuary by selecting finishes, furnishings, and layouts that naturally promote a relaxed lifestyle.

Cost-effective design without major renovations

You do not have to start from scratch to dramatically elevate a space. Paint immediately refreshes a room. Updating lighting fixtures can change the entire tone and mood of a home. Swapping out cabinet hardware, faucets, and door handles instantly modernizes key areas. textiles like rugs, drapery, pillows, and bedding breathes new life into interiors without the need for construction.

Even thoughtful furniture rearrangement can transform how a space feels and functions. For one client, updating the front door color, adding strategic landscaping, and installing new house numbers completely refreshed their home’s curb appeal with a modest investment.

Advice for homeowners who want to refresh their interiors

Reimagining your space

A thoughtfully designed home is about more than just aesthetics. It is about creating an environment that supports your lifestyle, enhances your daily experience, and reflects your personal story. Whether you are refreshing one room or redesigning your entire home, working with an experienced designer helps turn ideas into a cohesive, elevated result.

I offer personalized design services for discerning homeowners who value beauty, function, and thoughtful execution. While I do not offer complimentary consultations, investing in an initial design session is the first step toward creating a truly transformative home. If you are ready to bring your highest vision for your home to life, I would be honored to support you.

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