As a SoCal-based interior designer, I've seen my fair share of outdoor furniture that's been baked, soaked and salted by the elements! Because our clients are unfamiliar with weatherproofing that is required in harsher climates, they expect to leave their outdoor pieces outside to be enjoyed year-round. This means we need to find materials that are low-maintenance and attractive.

To create an elegant space for our clients, we edit our final designs to their most functional and beautiful components and eliminate all the unnecessary clutter. This helps us achieve an understated elegance that inspires our clients. My single biggest must-have in every home is window treatments. They are pricey, but worth every penny! I like to think of window coverings as the eyebrow equivalent of a face- they're that final touch that you didn't even know you needed, but can't imagine living without!

Size and scale are the most significant factors that differentiate between a professional or amateur space. We like to have all the chairs comfortably sitting on a rug when they are in use, not just when they are pushed in to the table.

As an experienced interior designer, I'm often asked about the elusive quest for the perfect shade of white paint. It's a question that seems simple on the surface but can quickly become a daunting task once you dive into the world of paint swatches and color samples. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are certainly some guidelines and tips that can help you navigate the process with confidence and ease.

Confused about hand-knotted vs. hand-woven rugs? San Diego interior designer Hanin Smith explains the key differences, helping you choose the perfect rug to elevate your home with expert design guidance and timeless style.

This project is very special to us because it was our first new-build from the ground up. We had the opportunity to touched every square inch of the space and furnished the whole house.