14 Interior Design Tips From Grace of Stoffer Home

From warming up an all-white kitchen to choosing the right coffee table, small design decisions can make a big difference.

In an episode of Design Hotline with Grace, Grace of Stoffer Home answers common interior design questions, sharing practical advice on kitchen layouts, materials, furniture, and creating a more inviting home.

1. How to Warm Up an All-White Kitchen

White kitchens aren't necessarily outdated. According to Grace, they often just lack warmth.

Simple updates like antique brass cabinet hardware, a polished nickel faucet, or new light fixtures can instantly make an all-white kitchen feel more inviting without a major renovation.

2. How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

Rather than forcing extra furniture or cabinetry into a small space, Grace recommends working with its dimensions.

In her previous home, the kitchen was only 11 feet wide. Instead of squeezing in an island, she embraced a galley layout.

Tip

Avoid overcrowding and let the space dictate the design.

3. How to Add Character to a New Build

New builds often lack the architectural details that give older homes character.

Grace recommends adding trim and millwork, including taller baseboards, vertical tongue-and-groove paneling, picture-frame molding, or crown molding.

Although these upgrades increase costs, they can make a significant difference.

4. Tile vs. Wood Flooring in a Kitchen

Both materials can work beautifully, depending on the home and homeowner.

Tile is particularly well suited to radiant floor heating, while wood is ideal for homeowners who prefer a less rigid surface underfoot.

Ultimately, Grace believes both are excellent options.

5. Should You Convert a Dining Room Into a Back Kitchen?

Grace encourages homeowners to prioritize functionality over resale value.

If converting a formal dining room into a back kitchen or scullery makes the home more useful, there's a good chance future buyers will appreciate that functionality, too.

6. How to Choose the Right Coffee Table

Grace recommends matching the coffee table's shape to the available space.

Square seating areas work well with round or square tables, while rectangular spaces suit oval or rectangular tables.

Can't find a square table large enough? Place two tables together to create one oversized coffee table.

7. How Much Natural Wood Is Too Much?

There's no strict limit to how much wood belongs in a room. It's largely personal preference.

When mixing different wood finishes, Grace recommends maintaining similar undertones.

Antique furniture, cabinetry, and flooring can feature different woods, provided their undertones don't clash, such as gray paired with strongly pink or orange finishes.

8. How to Mix Fabrics in a Living Room

Grace follows a simple formula for creating a cohesive living room.

She recommends incorporating linen, velvet, and patterned upholstery across different furniture pieces. Leather can also be added for variety.

Combining these materials creates a layered, thoughtfully designed space.

9. What to Do With Awkward Kitchen Corners

Grace's surprising advice? Sometimes, it's better to leave a corner unused.

Although pull-out organizers can make deep corner cabinets accessible, she doesn't believe every inch needs storage.

For above-counter corners, she likes recessed niches or cabinetry extending to the countertop to create an appliance garage.

10. Is Induction Cooking the Future?

Grace appreciates induction cooking for its rapid heating and compatibility with downdraft ventilation.

However, she personally enjoys cooking over an open flame.

She doesn't believe one cooking method will necessarily replace the other. It comes down to personal preference.

11. How to Design a Kitchen Without Windows

A windowless kitchen offers greater layout flexibility because there are fewer openings dictating cabinetry and appliance placement.

Grace recommends lighter-colored cabinetry, layered lighting, and potentially an interior window that allows natural light to pass through from an adjoining room.

12. How Wide Should a Butler's Pantry Be?

Grace suggests two general measurements:

• 6 feet wide: For cabinetry along one wall.
• 8 feet wide: For full-depth cabinetry along both walls.

13. White vs. Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Grace explains that white sinks typically include enameled cast iron and fireclay options.

Enameled cast iron is particularly heavy-duty, while fireclay is also durable but can develop marks.

Stainless steel is robust and offers workstation options with accessories like cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks.

She also encourages considering alternatives like brass and German silver.

14. How to Choose a Kitchen Window

Grace recommends selecting a window style that complements the home's architecture.

Her favorite is a casement window, which opens to let fresh air into the kitchen.

She also prefers divided-light window grids with taller, more vertical proportions.

Final Thoughts

Grace of Stoffer Home emphasizes that thoughtful interior design isn't about following rigid rules or chasing trends.

Whether it's embracing a small kitchen, mixing wood finishes, or prioritizing functionality over resale value, her advice encourages homeowners to make choices that suit their space and everyday needs.

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