This week we welcome back Baton Rouge-based interior designer Rachel Cannon, who reminds us that our home is our space and we can (and should) design it specifically for our personal needs!

Rachel shares her philosophy on designing for introverts and creating quiet spaces in homes. She discusses the importance of traditional floor plans and the impact of the pandemic on home design, and introduces her new venture, RCL Organizing. Rachel also offers insights on balancing open and closed spaces, designing for individual needs, and the challenges of organizing a home for longevity.

Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma here on the How to Decorate blog.

Hi Alex! It's great to hear you're tackling your den as the first room to finish in your new home - that's such a smart approach. Rachel has some wonderful suggestions to help you create a cozy, personalized retreat for your family. First, regarding the dark red brick fireplace that you feel is an "eyesore" in its current state - Rachel strongly recommends painting it the same soft blue color as your walls and trim. This will help the fireplace blend in seamlessly and eliminate that jarring contrast. It's a simple but impactful change that can really elevate the whole space.

As for your vintage, hand-tied wool rug, Rachel reassures you that it's a beautiful, timeless piece. She advises keeping it as the foundation for the room's color palette, rather than trying to replace it. The pattern and quality are lovely, and they will provide that fresh take on the Southern traditional style you're going for.

When it comes to the coffee table, Rachel thinks an upholstered ottoman could be a great option. The key is to choose one with legs, which will give it a more tailored, contemporary look to balance out the traditional elements in the room. And with a young child, the soft surface can be a practical and comfortable choice for little ones to play on.

Rachel suggests pairing the ottoman with two skirted chairs in a darker blue fabric to tie everything together. She also recommends rearranging the bird artwork - perhaps grouping the two pieces closer together on a smaller wall, and then adding a larger statement piece over the sofa to create more visual balance.

Thanks so much and happy decorating!