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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.


One Room Challenge | Week 4: Painting Day
Now that the dust has literally settled (and trust me, there was a lot of it from The One Room Challenge: Week 3), it was finally time to move on to a more noticeable phase, painting! Last week was all about the messy prep work of skim coating and sanding the ceiling, but this week felt like a breath of fresh air, watching actual color start to bring this jewel-box powder bath to life. Painting for a Jewel Box Effect This week was all about painting, and while it might sound
Katherine Walker
Oct 22, 20253 min read


One Room Challenge | Week 3: Prep Work & Skim Coating the Ceiling
Week 3 of the One Room Challenge is here! After two weeks of planning, pulling together the vision for this jewel-box powder bath, and sourcing products, it’s finally time to roll up my sleeves and start the real work. On a typical Slate Studios project, this is when the trades come in and things start to get real! I thought to myself, it's a 24-square-foot ceiling, how hard could it be. Well, let me tell you, I quickly learned skim coating a ceiling is not for the faint of h

Katie Walker
Oct 15, 20253 min read


One Room Challenge | Week 2: Design Concept & Planning
Welcome back to your weekly ORC escapades! Week 1 was all about showing the before, Week 2 is where the vision starts to take shape.

Katie Walker
Oct 8, 20254 min read


One Room Challenge | Week 1: The "Before" Powder Bath
It’s time for another round of the One Room Challenge except this time, I’m rolling up my sleeves in a BIG WAY! If you’ve followed along with my past ORC projects (like Fall 2023), you know that normally my role is creative direction, design execution, and coordination with our amazing trade partners. This time, though, I’m taking on my powder bathroom (almost) entirely by myself (cue maniacal laugh.) Why? Because I want to truly show, and feel, the amount of work that goes i
Katherine Walker
Oct 1, 20253 min read


Holiday Décor: Elevate Your Space with Slate Studios
The holidays are the perfect opportunity to reflect your style through festive décor, creating a warm and welcoming environment for family and friends. Whether you're a fan of vintage charm, natural elements, or bold jewel tones, your holiday decorations should harmonize with your existing interior design. At Slate Studios, we believe that thoughtful holiday décor enhances your home's beauty and tells a story. In this post, we’ll explore four unique holiday styles—Vintage, Na
Katherine Walker
Nov 18, 20245 min read


How to Style Your Thanksgiving Table
There’s nothing more timeless and elegant than a well-styled holiday table. This fall, we’re channeling the rich hues of nature to inspire a Thanksgiving tablescape that’s sure to impress. Think warm shades of merlot, amber, and spice, mixed metals like silver and champagne gold, layered textures, and touches of vintage glassware to create the perfect setting for gathering with family and friends. Color Palette Inspiration: Merlot, Amber & Spice When it comes to your Thanksgi
Katherine Walker
Sep 25, 20243 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
Katherine Walker
Aug 29, 20243 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


Kitchen Favs We Are Obsessing Over
As interior design enthusiasts, we believe that the right kitchen tools not only enhance your cooking experience but also add a touch of elegance and personality to your space. Today, we're excited to share some of our favorite kitchen finds that seamlessly blend functionality with style. Whether you love to cook or do it simply because you have to, these bright and cheerful kitchen finds will have you wanting to spend time in the kitchen! KitchenAid Mixer: The Classic Workho
Katherine Walker
Jun 21, 20243 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
Katherine Walker
May 20, 20245 min read
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