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slate studios | the guide | blog

A collection of essays exploring design philosophy, process, and the spaces we create.
Explore our curated blogs on design.

slate studios | the guide | blog

A collection of essays exploring design philosophy, process, and the spaces we create.
Explore our curated blogs on design.


Back-to-School Home Organization: Designer Tips for a Smoother School Year
Designer Tips for Home Organization As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, many families begin preparing schedules, shopping for supplies, and coordinating activities. While most back-to-school checklists focus on what happens outside the home, one of the most impactful preparations happens inside it. A thoughtful home reset can help mornings run more smoothly, reduce daily stress, and create spaces that better support work, study, and family life. At Slate St

Katie Walker
Jul 167 min read


7 Things to Know Before Hiring an Interior Designer in Tampa
Interior designers are misunderstood. After nearly twenty years immersed in the world of interior design, I think I've earned the right to say that with confidence. Most people assume interior designers spend their days sifting through paint chips, lamenting over fifty shades of white (which to the untrained eye all look the same). We are thought to peruse stores at our leisure, testing the softness of pillows and ogling over beautiful furniture. We have an incredibly glamoro

Katie Walker
Jun 155 min read


Discover Your Signature Style: The First Step Toward a Home That Feels Like You
Every beautiful home begins with a point of view. Take our Signature Style Quiz to discover the design aesthetic, influences, and details that resonate most with you, and learn how understanding your style can transform the way you approach your home.

Katie Walker
Jun 154 min read


Top 10 New Favorites: Materials, Lighting, and Furnishings We’re Loving Right Now
Design never stands still, and neither do we! At Slate Studios, we’re constantly discovering materials, lighting, and furnishings that inspire us. We take pride in sourcing pieces that are unique, not mass-produced, and can be customized to create the authentic environments Slate Studios is known for. Most importantly, we partner with preferred vendors whose craftsmanship tells a story. We spend time learning how each item is made so we can ensure our clients receive pieces o
Katherine Walker
Jan 305 min read


2026 Color & Design Trends & How to Stay Authentically You
At Slate Studios, we don’t design around trends, we design beyond them. We believe the best rooms have staying power. Our goal is to create timeless spaces that mix styles and evolve gracefully, transcending what’s “in” or “out.” That said, we do pay attention to where the design world is headed and how those ideas can inspire our designs. We love seeing new colors, materials, and finishes emerge, and we’re always exploring how to thoughtfully layer what’s new into a home wit
Katherine Walker
Dec 31, 20255 min read


High vs Low: Transforming the Same Office Space at Two Different Price Points
When embarking on an interior design project, one of the main questions we are asked relates to how much should be budgeted for the furnishings, finishes, and fixtures. There is not a black and white answer to this question as there are many variables to consider such as the size of the space, the elements needed to complete the space, if existing furnishings are to be used, and weather to invest in forever/heirloom quality pieces or go with more budget friendly pieces that m

Katie Walker
Aug 29, 20244 min read


Building Your Dream Team: Who do you need for your project, and why?
Whether you're situated in the vibrant neighborhoods of Ybor City, the picturesque locales of Davis Islands, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, embarking on a renovation or new construction project requires a strategic approach from the very beginning. With combined experience of over 35+ years of hands-on experience in residential and commercial renovations, Slate Studios understands the importance of the professionals you bring on board and why they can be the ultimate game
Katherine Walker
Jul 29, 20245 min read


When to Bring an Interior Designer Onboard: A Guide for Homeowners
Embarking on a home renovation or new construction project is an exciting endeavor, filled with endless possibilities for transforming your space. Amidst the hundreds (or even thousands) of decisions to be made, we often hear this question: when is the right time to hire an interior designer? I’m here to help you understand the importance of early collaboration with an interior designer and provide insights into when to bring them onboard for your project. Early Collaboration

Katie Walker
May 20, 20245 min read


What’s the difference between a General Contractor, an Architect and an Interior Designer?
It may seem like the setup for a humorous anecdote, but the question of whether clients truly need an interior designer is one we encounter frequently. While the interior design, contractor and architect professions often overlap, each brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table. This dilemma highlights a common query faced by clients navigating renovation and new construction projects. In the following discussion, let's delve deeper into the distinct roles and c

Katie Walker
Mar 18, 20246 min read


Australia's Engineered Stone Ban: A Pivotal Moment for the Interior Design Industry?
In a groundbreaking move, Australia has become the first country to announce a comprehensive ban on engineered stone beginning next year, signaling a significant shift in the interior design industry. This decision comes as a response to the rising cases of silicosis, a debilitating lung disease linked to the handling and cutting of engineered stone. This means even quartz, an engineered stone, that is widely used in the U.S. will also be banned. Will the U.S. follow Australi
Katherine Walker
Jan 8, 20243 min read


Crafting Authentic Luxury: How to Curate a Perfectly Luxe Living Room
Luxury is defined as ‘the state of great comfort and extravagant living.’ True luxury is more than just opulence and extravagance; it's about elevating comfort and making the everyday extraordinary. My philosophy of luxury centers around incorporating those small indulgences that add joy to life. From the richness of a cashmere throw to the warmth of a candle's glow, true luxury lies in the details that enhance our space and contribute to overall happiness. Understandi
Katherine Walker
Aug 14, 20233 min read


15 Tips on how to prepare when planning for a major renovation
Although we take pride in handling as many of the little details as we can for our clients, there are some tips and suggestions we have to help our clients prepare for a major renovation. I know this can be stressful so let me help! It is rare that our clients are able to fully vacate the home during the renovation, so we try our best to communicate what to expect ahead of time to allow for a smoother renovation with less stress! Living in your home during a renovation can be
Katherine Walker
May 30, 20234 min read


10 Things you didn't know about Interior Design
I don't know about you, but I love to learn, I love museums, reading, art, psychology, and the history of people, places, and things. I thought it would be fun to share some things about Interior Design you may not know. Katie Walker | Slate Studios Principal Designer & Owner When most people think about interior design, they picture beautiful furniture, paint colors, and perfectly styled rooms. What they don't see is the rich history, technical expertise, psychology, and pla

Katie Walker
May 29, 20235 min read
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