16 Hand Lettering Designers With Skills We Envy

BEFORE: Interior

The design pair notes that the original home was stuck in the past with mismatched flooring, a dysfunctional sense of flow, and an extreme lack of character.

AFTER: Interior

Amanda and Taylor took advantage of the LA views and tons of natural light by opening up the space, and then adding high-end materials and statement lighting to add charm and sophistication.

“The house was extremely dated and choppy up so our goal was to open things up while still having the feel of warmth and cohesion," says Amanda. "We did this through adding natural stone, wood, and warm lighting throughout.”

The result? A design that is elevated, functional, and timeless. "We typically let the bones of the house inspire us and let us guide it into what it wants to be," says Taylor. "This house in particular was different from most of our other projects - much more angular lines and harsh divisions between spaces so we had to find a way to soften things while still not trying to make it something it wasn't."

Bed + Bath Inspiration

Amanda and Taylor have perfected the art of blending modern and traditional elements, creating spaces that feel fresh, cozy, and stylish without being overly trendy. “We added cedar beams on the ceilings in some of the rooms and added lighting and warmer tones to add grounding," says Taylor.

The bathrooms share a cohesive look with the home, from the oak flooring, marble and stone, to nature-inspired materials.

Vistas from the hilltop were important to capture, especially from the stunning master bedroom. "In the primary bedroom, the large glass windows feel like you're part of the landscape, which is important to us," says Amanda.

Furniture and art are intentional in each of the rooms, creating symmetry, function and a warm minimalism vibe. I especially love the way the rooms transition from light to dark as you walk through the home.

The master bathroom is elegant and refined with a mix of marble, wood, and natural tones.

"Paint and furniture are everything!," says Taylor. She suggests picking pieces that are special and not something you can find at any big box store. "Layer layer layer. Layer throws and pillows, textures and paint colors. The more dimension a room has the more intentional it feels. Dont be afraid to add accent pieces for a pop of color and playfulness," she says.

Each bathroom plays into the nature-inspired aesthetic while having distinct features like unique mirrors and vanities.

The kids' room is the mini version of the rest of the home, using oak furnishings and cozy, natural layers with a pop of art.

Organic shapes compliment the overall vibe, giving the home an indoor-outdoor California modern feel.

"It's hard to keep an almost 5,000 sq ft home cozy in every space but it is something we prioritize and excel at while elevating it to meet today's needs," says Amanda.

A moody bathroom adds a bit of drama to the light-filled space.

BEFORE: Exterior

The exterior of the home left a whole lot to be desired.

AFTER: Exterior

The facade transformation is quite literally amazing.

The backyard takes advantage of the surrounding nature and views. Simply stunning!

Dated Lighting

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

Find more home decor inspiration on our Home Decor page and subscribe to our email newsletter for all our home decor tips.

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

This is by far the best drugstore eyeliner out there. Designed with a convenient retractable (no-sharpen!) tip, it's super easy to take on the go for any touch-ups. Plus, the color payoff and wearability of each shade is insanely impressive.

If you're looking for an eyeliner that, no matter the circumstances, does not budge, this $5 is the perfect pick-me-up. You can find it in a handful of different colors to suit your makeup needs.

Promising review: "I can’t believe I’ve been trying to make felt tipped eyeliners work for so long. Usually I put on felt tipped eye liner and it barely shows up, maybe my eye lids are watery or oily. So naturally within a hour or two it doesn’t even look like I’ve put on eye liner. This is not the case with this elf eye cream retractable liner. It actually shows up right away, it also lasts for hours. Even after 8 hours there was still some on my eyes, although I did need to re apply in some spots. It also didn’t smudge. For it to last at all and not smudge is amazing for me."

Nivea Body, Face, & Hand Moisturizing Cream

Though some people may see this $10 tinned cream as truly "old school,"many others still hold it near and dear for its ability to moisturize and heal dry skin in need of nourishment.

The thick, non-greasy formula is chockfull of provitamin B5 that really sinks deep into the skin. The best part is it's really gentle, so you can use it on your face, body, and hands.

Promising review: "Nivea is a great product. My parents always had a tin of it around. I've continued the tradition. It is a wonderful thick cream that moisturizes well. Great value for the price, as a little goes a long way. Softens rough skin."

TONYMOLY Petit Bunny Lip Gloss

This adorable bunny-shaped lip gloss is enriched with vitamin E for soft lips and a pinch of pigment so your pout gets a nice wash of color. It comes in a convenient stick form that's super easy to travel with!

Right now, 6 different shades of this gloss are on sale for $6 (originally $8). Snag one before the sale's over!

Promising review: "I am really happy with this product. The tint is very pretty, and not too pigmented. I am very picky about the texture of my lip glosses and lip balms and this one is lovely."

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, truly cannot get enough of this stuff from Versed. It's a thick, moisturizing face balm that really nails down the 'slugging' skincare trend without totally swamping your skin. It is fairly oily and shiny after one application, so she recommends using it only at night – and you'll wake up with a glowy complexion!

Its $10 (was $18) formula is loaded up with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil that are all dedicated to protecting the skin barrier. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, the product is still wonderfully gentle overall for any skin type.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin and LOVE this as an overnight moisturizer. It's thick but a little goes a long way. The winter where I live is very dry. I use it every night before bed, my skin feels great in the morning! It's neutral smelling but I prefer that."

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This $7 (was $10) shampoo will set all your hair growth goals so right. It's made with rosemary and mint essential oils that help stimulate the scalp for better growth, along with biotin that ensures your locks don't lose moisture during the washing process. Snag the coordinating conditioner to get the full benefits (read an editor's review here)!

Promising review: "This shampoo is my favorite. It has a nice smell and gives my thinning hair a lot of volume and softness. Lathers well. Packaged well, no leaks. Hair loss has slowed down some. I will definitely continue to use."

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

This $6 (yes, $6!) lip stain is unlike most lip stains in the way that it boasts a fun, glossy formula. Where some leave-on lip stains may dry up and make your lips look crusty AF (hate that), this one nourishes your pout, all the while leaving a nice wash of color behind.

This e.l.f. product stole the heart of B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, for its natural look, comfortable wear, and undeniable affordability. Its low price of $6 makes it so easy to try out the lip stain trend without going all-in! There are also so many shades to pick from, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

Promising review: "This was the first time buying any thing that was being called a lip stain. I didn’t want to spend a lot since I wasn’t sure if I would like them or if they worked the way people said they did. This goes on very easy and I have only used it a few times now, but it did last for a number of hours and did not come off when I ate or drink anything. I have thinner lips, but I like at this at least helps them show up more and when I don’t want to wear a lot of color, this is a soft neutral."

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

This $8 body wash smells like heaven, truly. With notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt, it's perfectly feminine and clean and feels like a total treat in the shower or bath. Though fragranced, it's still gentle on the skin and provides a good amount of moisture after each use!

This body wash from Method also boasts a unique biodegradable formula made with plant-based cleansers that contains zero parabens or phthalates to ensure healthy skin 24/7.

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this as I was not sure about how the scent would be. I am pleasantly surprised.
It has a simple rose smell, but it's mild and lacks that perfumey, cloying sort of smell that can happen with floral scents. Very simple, like I'm rubbing roses on myself. Not super strong, it lingers but doesn't feel like it's following you around all day either."

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This $5 mascara definitely doesn't feel like it's $5. It undeniably volumizes and lengthens your lashes in a few simple swipes, all without those pesky clumps you might expect from a more affordable product.

The brush itself features an easy-to-use conic shape that lets you access the entirety of your lashes for a cohesive look, too!

Promising review: "What a little hidden gem this is. I first saw this on a you tube video and decided to try it. The bottle is adorable, but the contents will blow you away. It's probably the best mascara or one of the best that I have ever used. It was very inexpensive so even though the woman on the you tube video was saying how great it was, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but was still curious. I'm really glad I bought it, because it is the best mascara from a company no one probably even knows of because it is not mainstream. Buy it! I think you will love it!!"

Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick

Infused with caffeinated matcha, this one-of-a-kind $9 moisture stick is perfect for combatting everything from dry lips to tried under eyes. Its formula is 100% vegan and super gentle on the skin, so people of any skin type can try it out.

The wide shape of this balm-like moisture stick allows you to cover a good amount of real estate on your face or any dry patches elsewhere. It has a very slight matcha-y scent, too, for all you matcha fiends out there!

Promising review: "I have used these moisturizing sticks since I was pregnant with my son 7 years ago. I used them all over my face in the harsh winter months working at a ski resort and now under my eyes as a sleepy mama to a toddler. Great for preventing windburn and easy for kids to use. I can throw this in my son’s book bag for school when he plays outside in -30 degree weather and don’t have to worry about it getting all over his hands or leaking. No funky ingredients. No synthetic fragrances. We love it."

Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush

The Wet Brush is a team favorite around here. It's gentle, lightweight, and oftentimes comes in the cutest colors and patterns to make our hair care routines more fun.

If you're still using your old, ratty hair brush, the flexible bristles on the Wet Brush will feel like a total treat on your head. They help minimize breakage while still effectively detangling your locks. We're simply obsessed with this $7 rainbow colorway, too!

Promising review: "It glides through my hair effortlessly, detangling without pulling or causing breakage. The bristles are gentle yet effective, making it perfect for both wet and dry hair. Plus, the color is so pretty! If you struggle with knots or just want a great everyday brush, this one is a must-have!"