You’re Playing It Too Safe With Your Home Decor

Michelle Williams is best known for her work with Destiny’s Child, but music isn’t her only creative pursuit.

“I have always loved home design,” Williams tells Domino. “My mother has such a good eye for interior design. My grandmother also handmade all of the bedding and curtains in her home. I don’t sew, but I wanted to honor her legacy.”

Williams launched her home brand, Believe at Home, in 2016, and she has some strong opinions about home design: “So many times with home decor, we opt for the beige sofa or the brown leather chair, but does that really feel like you? I think we all play it too safe at home, which always struck me as odd: Home is your sanctuary, it’s where you should be able to express yourself freely.”

Williams just recently added a second collection to her brand, and it is very much here to help you have a little more fun. With an on-trend maximalist vibe, the line features pieces like plush upholstered furniture in luxe jewel tone fabrics, a selection of glam dining chairs with interesting silhouettes and gold accents, and solid, sophisticated dining tables.

Here, Williams shares her four tips for having fun with your home design:

1. Find design inspiration in literally everything you do, so your home truly feels like you.

Williams believes that the way people style their homes should be a reflection of themselves, and she wanted to create a line that would help people have fun. “This collection is a little more glamorous,” she says. “I went through a phase where I wanted everything to be traditional and cozy—my taste seemed a little old for my age! The more I traveled, the more my taste started to change and evolve. I pulled inspiration from everything in my life including art pieces, places I’ve traveled to, and even things I’ve worn to events, red carpets, and photoshoots.”

2. Choose a color palette that lets you mix and match.

Expressing yourself doesn’t necessarily mean adding a ton of color to your space: According to Williams, you can play with color in a way that still mixes in more neutral hues—a prime example being her black chairs with bold gold accents.

“We picked a color palette of rich tones, and while it is bold, you can have a lot of fun mixing and matching,” she says. “Our line is about having fun, experimenting with your style, and making bold choices in your home. Start with an accent chair, and let it be the focal point of your living room—who doesn’t love a good statement piece? It’s the best conversation starter.”

3. Start with the bigger picture, then let loose with the details.

Williams understands that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to designing your entire home. “Everyone has a different process, but I’ve learned what works best for me is to start with the architecture of the room or piece you’re designing—it’s the cornerstone of the design,” she says. “Then, colors, fabric, and finishes come in and bring it all to life.” It’s also important to play with textures and fabrics if color isn’t your thing—it’s still a fun way to add contrast without going all out.

4. Don’t be afraid to embrace the trends.

If new releases like Opalhouse by Target and Iris Apfel’s jungle-themed decor line are any indication, colorful is the new Scandi—and Williams agrees. “There are so many fun design trends happening right now that we’re loving,” she says. “I’m seeing a lot of velvet furniture out there which I love, along with moody interior paint, geometric tile, reclaimed wood, and of course, bold pops of color! I think what we’re most excited to see is the push away from monochrome: Even farmhouse is beginning to become a bit more colorful, which I love. A lot has really changed since my last collection!”

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