Something we talk about often at Domino is how real people (aka us) decorate. Most homes aren’t filled with only impeccable custom furniture, nor are they solely $15 thrift store gems or European flea market finds. An investment piece sits next to a Target purchase and a curbside score—the mix is where the magic happens.

Content creator Aarica Nichole gets it. She DIYs things every once in a while, thrifts a lot, and is also willing to wait months for a Noguchi light to be back in stock. Designing a room is a slow evolution rather than a race to the “after” pic, which leaves room for discoveries like how well a Bed Bath & Beyond dining set can complement a purple Danish sofa. Here, she gives Home Front the scoop on the aesthetic that makes her favorite spaces so captivating.

—Lindsey Mather, digital director

What I’m loving right now: I’ve been very intrigued by homes that at first glance look a bit cluttered and chaotic, but when you break it down, they’re perfectly strategic, detailed, and organized (below left). I think it is a true talent to decorate with a lot of conflicting elements and find the harmony between them to make it all mesh.

Photography by Lauren L Caron; Designed by Studio Laloc

Courtesy of Voutsa

Why I love it: It completely breaks down the traditional barriers and pressure of having a “perfect home.” These spaces have a very lived-in and relatable feel that I think we all collectively admire.

How I’d bring the look home:

Buying pieces from different types of stores—some things new, some vintage items—for a more personalized, curated look.
Mixing patterns (above right)! In a bathroom with a patterned wallpaper, patterned bath mat, and/or towels or maybe even a patterned area rug with a patterned sofa.
Having fun with windows, whether that’s painting the trim or picking a patterned curtain.

A lipstick floor mirror has been on my bucket list for years! The shape is so iconic.
I can never get enough of stripes, and these shams are a great way to add pattern to a bedroom.
My dreams are expensive, but I hope to find one of these USM cabinets for a bargain one day.
Small items need homes, too, so why not make your wall storage interesting.
I have an obsession with collecting food decor items, and this ice cream cone planter fits the bill.
You can never really have enough fun mirrors.

Pro tip: Don’t focus too much on which colors go together. Just buy things you like.

What’s the next…

Paint color you expect to see everywhere: True red walls had a moment in the 2000s, but I think this time around we’re going to see deeper and more elevated shades of red, even one with hints of purple.
Material to get its moment: Stainless steel! And no, not appliances. I’ve been obsessed with stainless steel countertops. I also love when it is incorporated with wood; it’s such a great combo that my eyes cannot get enough of it.
Trend about to take off: I think there’s an outcry to leave or uphold the original state of materials instead of painting over the natural beauty of wood, bricks, rocks, etc.
Trend you hope goes away: Hiding or disguising TVs. It’s okay to have a TV that doesn’t go with your decor style.
Decor item you’re on the hunt for: Danish wood scissor sconces for my bedroom.
Vintage score of your dreams: A lacquered scroll coffee table—I found one at an antiques mall and got a great deal.
Pattern you want to play with: I love stripes, but I think polka dots could be interesting, too.
Project you’re working on: Putting the finishing touches on my guest bathroom before moving onto the bedroom.

Courtesy of Aarica Nichole

What’s the last…

DIY you tackled: I just gave my powder room a makeover. It’s a very small space with no natural lighting, so I played into it with a rich, moody burgundy paint color. I added shiplap to the bottom half of the walls in a contrasting powdery pink shade—it turned out so chic! I normally go for bold primary colors, so this project was a nice switch-up, but it still feels very me.
Thing you splurged on: Definitely my couch (above left). I sit on it every day, so I’m 1,000% getting my money’s worth out of it.
Thing you got for a steal: A Joe Colombo Boby trolley.
Gift you gave: Fresh Sends florals for my old manager, who is moving. 🙁
Post you saved: A mostly thrifted 4-year-old’s bedroom.
Account you started following: The Open Space house tour series on YouTube.
Photo you snapped: A café I went to while in Copenhagen that I think about daily (above right).

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Portrait Courtesy of Aarica Nichole

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