Guest Dude: Pop by Hiral

I love seeing how other dudes and dudettes express their creativity, especially in the home. When I came across Pop by Hiral, I knew I had to get her to share the story behind her writing and uniquely illustrated art and decor. Based in Southern California, Hiral creates introspective prose and illustrations that allow viewers to reflect and rediscover themselves.

Here is her guest blog post, enjoy!

Hi, my name is Hiral. I’m a business owner, writer, artist, and philanthropist. I would say I’m best known for my compassion towards humanity, my ambition to help others heal, and my creative eye for design.

Growing up, I have always been into different forms of expression, from writing to speaking to playing music. But, I love the concept of words most, which is why writing has always been therapeutic for me. Through this I started @popbyhiral – an online destination that cultivates the deep enjoyment of my written words and illustrated drawings which express the different points of perception that POP up in my mind. Knowing I can help heal others and bring unity through the art of my words is the main reason why I continue to write.

I love using different mediums within my work as it’s visually pleasing to the mind for those who see and read it. I enjoy writing poetry, because it helps the reader understand feelings in a deeper perspective. I also write short quotes and encouraging messages to uplift others. I believe every form of writing communicates beauty and evokes emotion. I chose the name ‘POP by Hiral’ based on all the many topics and design ideas that would pop into my mind; be it through the different people that I meet, stories that I hear or read, music I listen to, interviews, podcasts, etc. – I gain inspiration everywhere!

Through developing @popbyhiral, I thought it would be great to introduce products to play as beautiful reminders to help you feel good and to feel more at peace within your soul. I design anything from prints, canvases, home decor, and accessories. I think my work can be best portrayed in a space where one needs most comfort, like anywhere in your home, your bedroom, your office space, etc. You can visit my website at: www.popbyhiral.com for more.

Whether it be my technical side or my creative side, I believe what makes me most successful is authenticity. It’s easy to get lost amidst what you see online or based on the timeline of other people’s success but staying absolutely true to yourself and to your purpose is what will set you up for your own greatness. Every individual’s path and story is different, which makes life interesting. As long as you continue to be authentic, I believe your highest heights can be reached. I’m looking forward to seeing how many lives I can POP up into, as I continue building this creative brand.

Make sure to check out Hiral’s beautiful work on her website. You are sure to find something inspiring!

Want to be featured on the Design Dudes blog or Instagram? Send me a message at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.

What is Mid Century Boho?

So, are you even allowed to combine interior design styles in the first place? I am here to tell you the simple answer, yes! Combining styles is a great way to make your space dynamic, and it serves as the perfect catalyst to compromise for couples and roommates. If you have two styles that you love and just can’t make up your mind like me, then combining them will bring you the best of both worlds. Let’s take a look at the two very different styles I chose to combine in my loft.

Defining Mid Century Style

Mid Century Modern refers to the time period during the middle of the 20th century when products and buildings were designed in line with the Modernist movement. The Mid Century aesthetic is defined by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on the materials used. It often places a high emphasis on function in addition to form, and takes into account lifestyle needs.

Basically, this style has many minimalist features and an overall bright and clean feeling for simple living.

Defining Boho Style

The boho or “bohemian” style embraces the eclectic and unique. Unlike the Mid Century aesthetic, boho embodies a maximalist lifestyle rather than a minimalist look. Boho interiors are curated with collections from travels, vintage finds, and unique pieces. Traditionally the style embraces natural elements as the base, like jute and wicker, and layers in bright jewel tones through the accessories.

Think of boho as an explosion of colors, textures, and special items on full display.

Why Blend Interior Design Styles

So, why blend these two looks? I have two main reasons for blending interior design styles that don’t seem to match at first glance.

1. Blending interior design styles creates contrast and tells a story.

When you walk into a room where everything matches, it can feel a bit boring. This is because none of the pieces are telling different stories. If all our friends had the same beliefs and opinions, we’d have a boring social circle. The same goes for the items in your home. You want items that contrast and form a unique conversation in the room. Pair new and old, metals and woods, bright colors and neutrals, they all have something to add to the mix.

2. Blending interior design styles is practical

Combining styles is practical when multiple people live in the space, or if you have items that don’t match your main style. For example, I love the Mid Century style and used it as the base for my loft. However, my art collection is anything but Mid Century and encompasses a wide array of pieces. That sounds a little boho, right? Adding additional boho elements made the art fit the space and also added a fun contrast to the clean lines.

Finding Your Blend of Decor Styles

Now, it is time to find your blend of decor styles! My suggestion is to find styles that contrast, but that also have some common element. For example both Mid Century and boho looks utilize a lot of bright accent colors like teal and burnt orange. They also both have ties to the 60s and 70s. (Hippies were the original bohemians, right?)

I would also recommend limiting yourself to two styles so that the look is intentional and not like a messy collection of indecisiveness. Some style duos have become so popular that they are a style in their own right. Traditional and contemporary were paired so frequently, that the transitional style was born as the perfect blend.

Of course, always remember that it is your space and your opinion is the most important thing.

Hope you dudes enjoyed!

If you have additional questions on blending styles, email me at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.

Need help pulling together your own blended space? Check out my design services.

What Is Mid Century Modern?

What is the Definition of Mid Century Modern?

Mid Century Modern is often abbreviated as MCM, and no it does not have anything to do with #ManCrushMonday. It refers to the time period during the middle of the 20th century, roughly the 1940s through 1970s, in which products and buildings were designed in line with the Modernist movement of the time. The Mid Century Modern aesthetic is defined by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on the materials used. It often placed a high emphasis on function in addition to form, and it took into account the lifestyle needs of the decades. A Mid Century Modern home may include features like post and beam construction to allow for large walls of glass, open floor plans for informal living, and front facing privacy walls for secluded courtyards.

mid century home — Example of Breeze Blocks

What Are The Key Features Of Mid Century Design?

Mid Century design is iconic, and there are a few architectural elements to know if you are looking to spot this style out in the wild. Get ready to brush up on your Mid Century vocab, because we are going to define some key terms.

1. Butterfly Roof – a roof plane where the high points occur at the outside edges and the low point occurs in the middle, creating a V-shape or butterfly wings.

2. Cantilever – a beam that projects past its supporting wall or column.

3. Clerestory Windows – Windows located at the top of the wall immediately below the roof plane. These would be above the standard sight line and allow for light while maintaining privacy.

4. Folded Plate Roof – A roof plane that creates repetitive angles or ridges, as if it were a series of paper folds.

mid century modern roofline — Example of Long Gable Roof and Clerestory Windows

5. Long Gable Roof – A roof plane where the pitched portion occurs perpendicular to the shortest end of the structure, creating an elongated profile

6. Breeze Block – decorative cast blocks with open spaces to allow light and wind to pass through, used for accents and privacy around patio areas.

7. Swiss Miss – A roof style characterized by a steeply pitched gable that extends to the ground

mid century modern swiss miss roof — Example of Swiss Miss

If you keep an eye out for these features, you will spot Mid Century inspired design in more places than you expected!

Why is Mid Century Modern Still Popular?

Obviously Mid Century Modern was a popular style during the greater part of the mid-20th century, but why are we still seeing it around today? I think there are a few key reasons why we embraced the look again in the early 21st century.

1. Functionality

The Mid Century style places a high emphasis on function, making it an easy choice when you want your space to work for you. In a time of automation, same-day delivery, and instant information, I think it only makes sense that we would embrace a decor style that also works for us, rather than the other way around.

2. Smaller Urban Living

Over the 2000s and 2010s, urban city centers around the United States experienced a resurgence, gentrification, and influx of young professionals repopulating smaller spaces again. Rather than the suburban dream of yard space and 3,000 square feet, people were choosing 700 square feet apartments and balconies. Mid Century furniture is typically low profile, sleek, and has clean lines that don’t look cluttered. This makes it the perfect choice for furnishing smaller spaces.

mad men gif peggy — This is my favorite scene from Mad Men

3. The Popularity of Mad Men

Mad Men ran from 2007 through 2015 and was hailed as one of the most popular shows of the “Golden Age” of television. It is pretty clear to me that the detailed period sets of this drama series had a huge effect on how we decided to furnish our living rooms. Furthermore, this show was embraced by young adults who were starting to furnish their very first apartments. Who better to sell you a style than Don Draper?

4. Range of Accessibility

Mid Century Modern is also one of few style choices that has such a wide range of accessibility and price points. When it comes to original period pieces, you could take some hand-me-downs from your grandparents for free, grab estate sale furniture for a bargain, or pay top dollar for restored and authenticated antiques.

The same goes for reproductions. You could shop basic and affordable items from IKEA, Wayfair, World Market, and even Target. Or, you could splurge on more expensive recreations from West Elm, Design Within Reach, and Article. The number of options gave almost every budget access to the look, which is not always the case when it comes to other styles.

mid century modern furniture — Sofa by West Elm, Pillows by Target

So, there you have it!

Now you know the definition and key features of the Mid Century Modern style and a few of my takes on why it is so popular in our current decade.

Hope you dudes enjoyed!

If you have additional questions on Mid Century style, email me at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.

Need help pulling together your own Mid Century inspired space? Check out my design services.

10 Ways to Bring Summer Into Your Home

Summertime is here again, and we are now looking for ways to bring the summer feeling into the home. I have put together a list of 10 items that will make the inside of your home feel as bright and sunny as a warm summer day.

Bring the Summer Indoors with These 10 Home Accessories

When it comes to summer decor, you need to find a balance. You want your space to feel bright and fresh while avoiding the stereotypical Florida beach house look. Spruce up your space for the season with these fun accessories.

1. Peachy Bath Mat

A little bit fun and a little bit cheeky, this peachy clean bath mat from Urban Outfitters brings a pool house vibe to the everyday bath.

2. Sunny Appetizer Plate

Long summer nights lead to more alfresco dining, more wine & cheese, and more courses to serve. These scalloped appetizer plates from CB2 are reminiscent of the summer sun, without being too on the nose.

3. Tropical Tiki Glasses

Don’t forget the drinks! Summer is perfect for experimenting behind the bar. Create a classic Mai Tai or get a little crazy with a Zombie Punch. Just remember to serve it up in a pineapple glass with a little umbrella from Overstock.

4. Tidal Throw Pillows

These retro surfer babe pillows bring a new meaning to couch surfing. They are subtle enough to bring into your decor, but you’re going to catch a wave of fun. Available at Wayfair.

5. Palm Welcome Mat

Welcome your guests to summer with a tropical first impression. This trendy doormat will start a conversation before they even make it through the threshold! Available at Dormify.

6. Watercolor Dinner Plates

We are all acquainted with the standard watercolor beachscape hanging on the wall of the beach house. These watercolor plates from West Elm bring a fresh perspective to a classic and take it to dinner.

7. Tie-Dye Inspired Pouf

We all tie-dyed some tee shirts at summer camp. Shibori is the refined, indigo centric cousin of the art. This shibori pouf from Pottery Barn adds summer fun and sophistication to any living space – campground or otherwise.

8. Vintage Lemon Wall Hangings

Lemonade stands – the official entrepreneurial venture of summer. Take yourself back to the early days of business, with these refined citrus illustrations from World Market.

9. Perfect Pool Paintings

Bring the pool boy indoors with this vintage-inspired cabana print. Give the feeling of poolside refinement in a past age of glamour and fun. Available at Society6.

10. Birds of a Feather

Get ready for your guests to flock around this fun flamingo chair. It is a bold summer decor addition that is tasteful and trendy enough to serve you throughout the seasons. This beats the plastic lawn flamingo any day. Available at World Market.

Hope you dudes enjoyed!

Sometimes links expire or products sell out. Please let me know if something goes missing, and I can send you a similar product. Email me at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.

Need help pulling together your space? Check out my design services.

How to Find Your Interior Design Style

I have a few easy ways to find your interior design style. It can be intimidating to walk into your empty room with no idea what you want, especially when those white walls are glaring back at you. There are also so many interior design styles to choose from. Are you a mid-century modern man? A glam and regency gal? Do you want something modern and minimalist or do you prefer a cozy and rustic look for your interior?

Don’t worry! This dude has five easy tips for you to find your interior decorating style and make your house a place where you will feel at home.

1. Decide How You Want Your Home to Feel

When it comes to determining your interior design style, you first need to start with how you want your home to feel. Your home will be a reflection of your personality, but it will also be the backdrop of your life. So, you need to make sure that your space makes you feel happy when you’re cooking, entertaining friends, and relaxing.

Want to feel refined, classic, or luxurious? Then you should consider Hollywood regency, traditional, Victorian, Art Deco, or possibly contemporary styles.

Want to feel cozy and relaxed? Check out rustic, shabby chic, coastal, or hygge looks.

Want to feel dynamic and fun? Achieve this feel with eclectic and boho styles.

Want to feel bright and clean? Then you would probably like modern, Scandinavian, mid-century, and minimalist decor.

Once you have decided how you want to feel, then you can move on to step two.

2. Make a Mood Board and Collect Inspiration Images

Now we are on to the research phase. You know the feeling you want, but you don’t quite know how to put that feeling into a design style. You can start by doing internet searches for some of the styles we’ve talked about and compiling the ones you like into folders or Pinterest boards.

Eventually, you will start to see some patterns and commonalities. And hopefully, (if you’ve been paying attention to the image descriptions) you should be able to have a sense of a couple interior design styles that resonate with you.

3. Consult Your Closet

Chances are that you’ve already been curating your overall style for years, and this style lives in your closet. See what types of clothes you have, because these are style items that you naturally gravitate to.

Do you like neutrals or bright colors? Do you like lots of patterns or solids? Do you accessorize everything or just go with a plain tee? (Pro Tip: If you are big into accessories, then you are probably not going to be super into the minimalist look for your home.)

I bet you didn’t know that you were already on your way to being a designer!

4. Take Your Home’s Architecture into Consideration When You Decorate

Some of us live in pretty generic homes that come standard with white walls and limited architectural features. If this is the case for you, then you pretty much have a blank canvas and can go forward with any style and make it feel cohesive.

However, some of us live in Victorian mansions, Spanish villas, industrial lofts, and craftsman bungalows, and these architectural styles should be taken into consideration when decorating your interior. For example, it might look pretty silly to see a mid-century modern sofa in a Victorian parlor or a beachside watercolor painting in an urban loft.

please hate these things.png — This is what NOT to do.

There are always exceptions and opportunities to mix style when designing, but you want to make sure that your furnishings don’t clash and feel disorienting when placed inside your home.

5. Be Yourself!

This one seems easy, but sometimes it is hard to stay true to what you really like when you are bombarded with advertisements, magazines, and TV shows telling you what the latest trends are. At the end of the day, you will be the one coming back home to your space, and it should make you feel happy to be there.

Have a few ideas but need help putting them together? Check out my e-design packages and consult options.

Have a question? Email me at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.