As Bobby and our design team start a new project, they are always thinking of ways to elevate and innovate in every room. For us, it’s not just about creating stylish spaces, it’s also about implementing new ideas. Take our Retro Scandinavian project for TriPointe Homes for example. This home is full of clever interior design ideas that you can replicate in your own home – and we’re about to highlight them all.

Photo: Kara Mercer
clever interior design ideas
Create A Fresh Focal Wall
There are plenty of wall paint treatments at your disposal (and we’ve tried most of them). For a new take on a painted focal wall, we went for something triangular in this guest bedroom. By taping out four triangles that meet at their points, and using two tone-on-tone shades of green, we created a subtle feature that still stands out (and is much more compelling than just a basic painted wall).

Photo: Kara Mercer
clever interior design ideas
Banish The Boring Backsplash
Your backsplash is one spot in the kitchen where you can be a bit bold, whether it’s a statement stone, a cool color, or a playful pattern. In this kitchen, we went for the latter, choosing a white and gray checkerboard. Not only does it add a whole lot of fun, but it’s also an easy and affordable option achieved with a standard 4″ x 4″ tile. As Bobby predicted earlier this month, checkerboard is totally on trend too- and is expected to be everywhere in 2025!
clever interior design ideas
Try Adding Stripes To Your Tile
Sometimes, just getting creative with a material application is all you need to make an innovative interior. In the guest bath, 12″ x 24″ tiles were used to create a simple stripe pattern that is graphic, interesting, and easily attainable. Plus, by extending the stripes on the floor and up the walls, we also tricked the eye, making this bathroom appear longer and the ceiling taller.
clever interior design ideas
Open Things Up With A Glass Wall
Normally, we would go with a standard wall in a stairwell (and probably add a gorgeous gallery wall too). In this home, however, we choose a more transparent solution: a glass wall. Since the stairwell wasn’t very bright, a glass wall allowed the window in the home gym to flood the space with light – and make the upstairs feel more open and expansive. It’s also a great solution for breaking up a large loft space without sacrificing natural light!
clever interior design ideas
Bring Color To Your Kitchen Island
In this kitchen, we opted for streamlined and simple oak cabinetry. But for the island, we thought, “Why not go colorful?” Choosing a cool-toned green paint color, the island became a fun focal point that would stand out from the stripped-down cabinets, and compliment the checkerboard backsplash. Plus, the white counter stools pop when placed in front of the darker shade.