Interviewing the Experts: Timeless Interior Design Tips & Tricks

Designing a home that feels both stylish and personal can be a challenge. To help, we sat down with interior designer Pandora Chok to explore timeless design principles, practical upgrades, and her expert tips for making your home beautiful and livable.

Q: What’s a timeless design choice that will never go out of style?

Pandora:
Timeless design is one that reflects your personal style—something you truly love and connect with. A space should have personality and uniqueness. It should feel like home, not just a house.

Q: If someone could only update one thing in their home to make the biggest impact, what would it be?

Pandora:
A fresh coat of paint. It instantly changes the tone of the entire interior. If possible, pair it with a larger baseboard—this small detail adds a polished and elevated look.

Q: What’s the best way to make a home look high-end on a budget?

Pandora:
Focus on the details! Upgrade your door knobs, cabinet handles, and light fixtures to stylish and solid options. These small changes go a long way. Also, a large, well-chosen area rug can bring a luxurious, cohesive look to any room.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when decorating their home?

Pandora:
Scale. People often choose furniture that’s too big or too small for the space, artwork that doesn’t suit the wall, or rugs that are incorrectly sized. Getting the scale right is key to a balanced and well-designed space.

Q: If you had to design a home using only three colors, what would they be?

Pandora:

• Natural White – A warm white that creates a clean, timeless backdrop.

• Accent Color – Either bold or muted, depending on the client’s personality.

• Neutral Tone – Something grounding like warm gray, beige, or soft taupe to tie it all together.

Q: What’s a weird but genius interior design hack that most people don’t know about?

Pandora:
Mix different textures! Combine smooth with rough, matte with glossy, and soft with structured elements. This layering adds depth and creates a high-end, designer feel. Also, unexpected colors or shapes—like a bold accent wall or uniquely shaped furniture—can add that wow factor without overwhelming the space.

Q: Any advice for pet owners or parents on keeping a stylish but practical home?

Pandora:

• Choose performance fabrics that are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

• Go for washable rugs—they’re a lifesaver.

• Pick mid-tone furniture colors. They hide stains and pet hair better than either very light or very dark shades.

About the Expert

Pandora Chok
Certified Interior Designer & Remodeling Project Manager
CCIDC #6307
📞 Phone: 408-881-4418
📍 Address: 19925 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 100, Cupertino, CA 95014

Looking for expert guidance on your next home makeover? Pandora Chok combines creativity with practicality to help you transform your space into something uniquely yours.

  Author: Susanna Leung

Susanna Leung’s goal as a real estate professional with Haylen Group is to help her first-time home buying clients find that perfect home where their families can grow, thrive, and live their dreams in the United States. She applies her experience in remodeling, resource networking, negotiations, and advanced marketing to provide her clients with dedicated, full coverage service.