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Faux plants have come a long way. Some of them are so convincing these days that visitors genuinely lean in to check if they are real. But there is one small detail that still tends to give the game away immediately. That tiny plastic pot. Most faux trees arrive in a rather sad little nursery base that is completely out of proportion with the size of the plant itself. If you place that straight into a proper decorative planter, you end up with something that looks a bit like a tree standing in a bucket. The scale is wrong, the plant sits too low, and the whole thing looks slightly awkward. Fortunately, fixing it takes about five minutes. The Problem With Faux Plant Bases Manufacturers keep the base small for shipping and cost reasons. It keeps the plant stable enough for packaging, but visually, it is nowhere near substantial enough for the size of the plant once it is in your home. If you place the plant straight into a large planter, you will notice three things: The plant sinks far too deep into the pot You can see the small plastic base The proportions look completely off This is why faux plants sometimes look fake even when the leaves themselves are very convincing. The trick is simply to fill the pot so the plant sits at the correct height. Step 1: Fill The Base Of The Planter You can use almost anything as filler. It does not need to be pretty because it will be completely hidden once the plant is finished. In my case, I first raised the height by placing an old plant pot upside down inside the large planter and setting the faux plant on top of that. This immediately brought the tree much closer to the correct height without needing to fill the entire pot. After that, I used the cardboard box the plant came in as the remaining filler. I cut the cardboard into pieces and packed it around the base and the upside-down pot until everything sat firmly in place. This way, the plant is stable, sits at the right level, and you have a solid base ready for the decorative layer on top. Other options work just as well: Old cardboard boxes Packing paper Foam blocks Pieces of polystyrene Even upside-down plant pots The goal is simply to create a stable platform so the plant does not disappear into the planter. Step 2: Position The Faux Plant Place the plant inside the pot and check the height before you continue filling. Ideally, the base of the trunk should sit just underneath the rim of the planter. This looks the most natural and avoids that “tree in a hole” look. Once the height feels right, pack a little more filler around the plastic base to stop the plant moving. Step 3: Cover The Top Now you hide the mechanics. First, cut a few neat cardboard semi-circles with a small gap in the middle for the trunk. Slide these around the base of the plant so they create a flat surface across the pot. This gives the filling structure and forms a base for the decorative layer on top. I used decorative gravel to finish the top layer, which immediately makes the planter look intentional and tidy. You could also use: Soil Bark Pebbles Moss This final layer is what visually sells the illusion. The Result Instead of a slightly awkward-looking faux plant sitting in a deep pot, the tree now looks properly planted and balanced. It is one of those tiny styling tricks that makes a surprisingly big difference. The plant feels more substantial, the proportions make sense, and the whole corner suddenly looks much more considered. And in this case, the entire “DIY project” consisted of five minutes, a pair of scissors, and the cardboard box the plant arrived in. Not exactly high effort interior styling!

In interior design, mastering the art of social media is no longer just an option, it's a necessity. As an interior designer, I've seen firsthand how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn can amplify creative work, connect with new clients, and serve as a pivotal tool in marketing for interior designers. A vibrant social media presence adds credibility to our profession and opens doors to opportunities that were once out of reach. Embarking on this journey through the social landscape, I'll share insights on how to craft compelling content, choose the most effective platforms for your style of work, and use digital tools from virtual staging to email campaigns to drive traffic and meaningful engagement. These strategies are essential for lead generation and establishing a stand-out presence in the competitive field of luxury interior design. Thus, let's delve into the ways social media marketing for interior designers can become a game-changer in attracting and captivating an audience that values aesthetic excellence. The Shift Towards Digital In my journey as an interior designer and content creator, embracing digital marketing, social media in particular, has been transformative for growing my business and attracting quality interior design leads and home decor corporate collaborations. You can read more about my story here. Here's how I've integrated digital strategies into my business model: Engaging on Social Media: Social media, Instagram in particular, is my virtual showroom. It's where I post my latest projects, share design tips, and engage in real time with my audience. This builds trust, loyalty, and a sense of community around my brand. Expanding my online social media presence has allowed me to reach a global audience. Optimising My Website: My website acts as the digital face of my brand. It's mobile responsive, user-friendly, and loaded with images of my projects. Regular updates with blog posts keep my content fresh and I continuously work on SEO optimisation to ensure I rank well in search results. Another thing to look at for your interior design advertising is listing your business on Google My Business and other directories to significantly increase visibility. Also, running targeted ad campaigns as part of your interior design marketing strategy and sharing customer testimonials can further enhance your market presence and showcase a unique style and approach. My Digital Marketing Focus To keep my digital marketing efforts efficient and effective, I focus on: Email Marketing: With unique and valuable content, I reach out to my readership, followers, corporate partners and leads (remember to register for my newsletter below). Video Content: High viewership and conversion rates make videos an excellent medium to give potential clients and commercial partners a better understanding of my work. I make short video content focused on visual satisfaction with transitions and before-and-afters. Check out my vlog here. Photo Content: I utilise striking imagery to captivate potential clients and offer them a visual representation of my work. High-quality photos showcase my designs in detail, providing viewers with a clear understanding of my style and capabilities. One can also experiment with tools like invideo  image generator  to create styled visuals, mood boards, and concept images that help present ideas more effectively on social media. Blog Content & Testimonials: I regularly write blogs on trending topics, I educate and inform, and provide my thoughts on interior design and content creation issues. Positive testimonials are prominently featured to build trust and influence decision-making. Instagram Social Media Content: I leverage visually appealing content on Instagram to engage potential clients and commercial partners. This platform offers an ideal space to showcase my creativity and attract attention from a wide audience. Establishing digital partnerships and implementing conversational sales techniques, such as live chats and webinars, can significantly impact lead generation and client engagement. While I don't have the time to add this strategy to my routine due to my commitments to interior design tutoring, I recognise its effectiveness for others in the same field. These approaches not only facilitate the conversion of interior design leads or engage corporate partners but also foster a dynamic and interactive relationship between my brand and potential clients, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of my interior design business. Maximising Social Media: A Key Driver of Interior Design Success in the Digital Age As I dive deeper into the world of digital marketing, I'm always fine-tuning my skills and strategies to boost my online presence. I've realised just how powerful social media can be for showcasing interior design, so I've made it my mission to build a solid presence on platforms like Instagram. By concentrating my efforts mostly on one platform, I've been able to work with its algorithms effectively, making sure my content connects with and reaches the right audience. What's more, my dedication to growing my Instagram following has brought some perks to my interior design business. By staying engaged and consistently creating content, I've earned a reputation as a credible influencer in the industry. This has led to a steady flow of projects coming my way. Taking this proactive stance on social media marketing hasn't just expanded my reach; it has also boosted my brand's visibility and credibility, ultimately propelling growth and success in my ventures. In summary, digital marketing is not just a part of my business strategy; it's the backbone of my brand's growth and engagement in the competitive world of interior design. Are you an interior educator? Then click here to receive free resources on how to utilise Instagram as a public sketchbook. Showcasing Your Work on Social Media In my experience, social media has been a cornerstone of showcasing my interior design work. With a plethora of platforms available, it's crucial to understand where and how to present your projects to captivate the right audience. Identifying the most effective social media platforms for your interior design business hinges on understanding your target audience's traits, such as demographics, location, hobbies, income, and occupation. Different platforms cater to specific audiences, so it's important to consider factors like age, gender, and ethnicity when choosing where to invest your social media efforts. Here's how I've leveraged various platforms to highlight my work: Instagram It's the go-to platform for visual storytelling. Here's how I optimise my presence: Post high-quality images and videos, including before-and-after transformations. Use targeted hashtags to reach niche audiences interested in interior design. Engage with followers through stories and reels, providing a mix of static and dynamic content. Employ geotags to attract local business and use a branded hashtag to build community. Read more about my Instagram experience here. Pinterest & YouTube Both platforms are valuable for different reasons: Pinterest : With 433 million monthly users, it's a visual search engine ideal for driving traffic to my website. I ensure original visual content is pinned directly from my site and engage with the community to grow my followers. YouTube : As the second-largest search platform, it's perfect for establishing expertise through tutorials and project showcases. I produce high-quality videography content that offers a deep insight into my design approach. While I've had to make choices due to time constraints, I've opted not to use YouTube. I started utilising YouTube shorts but quickly ran out of time. However, for others, it can be a valuable platform for sharing their work. TikTok & LinkedIn: These platforms cater to different demographics but are equally important: TikTok : With a rapidly growing user base beyond Gen Z, I focus on creating short, engaging videos. I also repurpose my Instagram Reels to maximise reach, but it is not my priority. LinkedIn : It serves as a professional network where I share insightful blog content, join industry groups, and engage with peers. Regular updates with my professional background and work help in networking and client research. Facebook Lastly, Facebook is a good tool for organic growth and driving website traffic. With its vast user base, I take advantage of: Facebook Business Page : My business page serves as a digital storefront, offering brand visibility and a space for potential clients and corporate partners to browse my posts, interior design blogs and services. Groups & Ads : I participate in Facebook groups to increase visibility. You can also use targeted paid ads to generate leads (but I never do). Keeping an eye on competitors through this platform also informs my marketing strategies. I've found that maintaining consistency in posting and crafting compelling narratives around my projects fosters a sense of community. Building Relationships Through Engagement Building strong relationships through engagement on social media is a vital component in the marketing strategy of any interior designer. By consistently sharing my knowledge and expertise, I've been able to earn the trust of my audience in the interior design community. People can turn to me for reliable advice and guidance on their projects, which has played a significant role in building my reputation and establishing trust within the community. This ongoing interaction not only helps me become more visible but also allows me to form deeper connections with those looking for inspiration and solutions for their design needs. I make it a point to understand my target audience's preferences and pain points. To do this, I actively use social media polls and interactions, which give me direct insights into what my audience is looking for, allowing me to tailor my services and content accordingly, as well as my interior design marketing and advertising strategy. I make it a habit to engage with the community by responding to comments and sharing content that resonates with my followers. This has helped me build a loyal following and conduct market research, especially on platforms like Instagram, where polls can provide quick feedback. For interior designers who are new to social marketing, engaging with influencers can be a strategic approach to gaining exposure and credibility in the field and help them with lead generation for interior design projects. I also dedicate time to crafting informative blogs. These blogs address the most commonly asked questions about interior design that I receive from my students and clients alike. Covering topics ranging from design tips and industry insights to the latest trends, these posts serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their living spaces. Lead Generation and Conversion In the pursuit of turning interested followers into paying clients, I've learned that the key to successful lead generation and conversion lies in a strategic and analytical approach. Here's how I've honed my methods: Social Media Metrics Analysis I regularly check my social media analytics to see which posts my audience engages with most. If a particular style of video or infographic gets more attention, I'll produce more content in that vein. This data-driven strategy ensures I'm always fine-tuning my approach to meet audience preferences. By setting specific goals for my social media strategy and continually adjusting my approach based on performance data, I ensure that every post, every interaction, and every campaign is an opportunity to grow my business and my brand. Content Diversity To keep my audience interested and informed, I create a variety of content. Educational blog posts, engaging videos, informative or funny stories, and great visuals are just some of the tools I use. Each type of content serves a purpose, from showcasing my expertise to entertaining potential clients. SEO Implementation I continuously work on SEO by researching relevant keywords, earning backlinks, and improving my website's speed. Local SEO is a focus point, as it helps me appear in searches specific to my area - a crucial tactic for interior designers who often serve local clientele. I've learned that content marketing isn't just about updating a website. It's about using different types of content across various platforms to reach a wider audience. By implementing these strategies, I've seen that businesses with a quality content marketing strategy can generate a lot more traffic than those without one. Finally, understanding that building a presence takes time and a well-executed strategy is essential for success on social media. Creating versatile content that can be adapted across different social media platforms has been key, as has building a library of before-and-after photos and videos to showcase transformations. Final Thoughts In this article, I've delved into the exciting world of digital marketing for interior design, highlighting how a strong social media presence can not only showcase our creativity but also build meaningful connections with clients and peers. By creating engaging content, mastering different platforms, and telling compelling stories, we can establish our brand in the digital realm, captivating a discerning audience and turning leads into loyal clients. The journey from building a digital portfolio to nurturing client relationships reflects a comprehensive marketing approach – proving the impact of social media in the aesthetics business. Embracing these digital strategies has shown us that successful marketing goes beyond traditional boundaries, allowing us to reach and inspire a global audience. As we continue to refine our approach in the ever-evolving online landscape, your insights and experiences are invaluable.

Choosing the right counter stool height sounds straightforward enough. You measure your island, buy some stools, slide them underneath, and call it a day. In reality, it is one of those deceptively small design decisions that can make a surprising difference to how a kitchen actually works. When the proportions are right, the island becomes the natural gathering point of the house. People sit there with morning coffee, linger with a glass of wine while someone cooks, or turn it into the unofficial homework station of the household. When the stool height is wrong, something feels slightly awkward. People perch for a moment, shuffle around a bit, and eventually give up and stand. I have seen plenty of beautiful kitchens paired with stools that were just slightly off. Nothing dramatically wrong. Just enough to make everyone feel faintly uncomfortable without quite knowing why. Usually, the culprit is confusion between counter stools and bar stools, or simply not checking the seat height properly before ordering online. Once you understand the basic measurements, choosing the right stool height becomes much easier. What Height Stool Do You Need For A Kitchen Island? If you are wondering what height stool works best for a kitchen island, the key measurement is the space between the seat of the stool  and the underside of the counter . Ideally, you want around 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)  of clearance. That gap gives people enough legroom to sit comfortably, shift position slightly, and lean onto the counter without feeling wedged underneath. For most kitchens, the measurements look like this: Kitchen Counter Height: 90–92 cm (35–36 inches) Ideal Counter Stool Seat Height : 65–67 cm (25–26 inches) Bar Counter Height: 100–105 cm (39–41 inches) Ideal Bar Stool Seat Height: 73–77 cm (29–30 inches) These numbers simply follow the 25–30 cm rule between the seat and the underside of the counter. Counter Stool Height vs Bar Stool Height One of the most common mistakes when choosing stools is confusing counter stool height  with bar stool height . A standard kitchen island or kitchen counter  usually sits around 90 to 92 cm (35 to 36 inches)  high. This height pairs with counter stools , which typically have seat heights around 65 to 67 cm (25 to 26 inches) . A bar height counter , which you often see in restaurants or home bars, is taller at around 100 to 105 cm (39 to 41 inches) . These require bar stools , with seat heights around 73 to 77 cm (29 to 30 inches) . The difference might only be a few centimetres, but it changes the entire sitting experience. Sit on bar stools at a kitchen island and you suddenly feel like a child who has been hoisted onto a tall chair at the grown-ups’ table. Sit on counter stools at a bar height counter and you spend the evening hovering awkwardly below the worktop, wondering where your elbows are supposed to go. Always Check Seat Height When Buying Stools Online Another reason stool heights often go wrong is that retailers do not always use the same terminology. One shop might label something a bar stool while another lists the same height as counter seating. For that reason, the safest approach is always to ignore the product label for a moment and check the seat height in the specifications . This is especially important when buying stools online. Photos can be surprisingly deceptive. Two stools can look almost identical in images while their seat heights differ by several centimetres. One arrives and fits neatly under your island. The other arrives and suddenly everyone in your kitchen looks like they are sitting at a sports bar. The seat height measurement is the number that tells the real story. Measure The Underside Of The Counter When determining the right stool height for a kitchen island, people often measure from the floor to the top of the countertop. That is not actually the measurement that matters. Your knees interact with the underside of the counter , not the top. Stone, ceramic, or quartz worktops can easily add 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches)  of thickness. If your island includes drawers, panels, or integrated lighting underneath the counter, those features also reduce the available legroom. The safest way to measure is from the floor to the lowest point under the counter , because that determines how much space your knees will actually have. Counter Overhang And Seating Comfort Even when the stool height is technically correct, seating can still feel uncomfortable if the counter overhang is too small. A comfortable kitchen island usually has an overhang of around 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) . This projection gives people enough room for their knees without pressing into the cabinetry behind the counter. If the overhang is shallow, stools can feel tighter against the cabinets. In those situations, slightly lower stools sometimes improve comfort simply because they create a little more knee clearance. Backless Stools vs Stools With Backs The design of the stool itself can also influence how the height feels. Backless stools tend to slide neatly underneath the counter, which means the seat height becomes the main measurement that matters. Stools with backs behave a little differently. Because the backrest prevents them from tucking fully under the counter, people often sit slightly further away from the island. In many kitchens, that means a stool that is marginally lower feels more comfortable. Footrests Matter More Than You Think When browsing stools, it is easy to focus only on the seat height and overlook the footrest. However, the position of the footrest has a noticeable effect on comfort. If your feet cannot comfortably reach it, you will notice it quickly. Your legs start dangling, pressure builds under your thighs, and suddenly the stool becomes somewhere you perch for three minutes rather than somewhere you happily sit through an entire conversation. A comfortable proportion is usually when the footrest sits around 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches)  below the seat. Adjustable Stools And When They Make Sense Adjustable stools often appear to solve the counter stool versus bar stool question in one go. Because the seat height can be changed, they can work for different counter heights. However, they tend to look more contemporary and are often bulkier than fixed-height stools. They also do not always slide neatly underneath a kitchen island. In many kitchens, fixed-height stools create a calmer and more considered look. Adjustable stools can still be useful if the counter height is unusual or if children regularly use the seating. The Sit Test Even when all the measurements look correct on paper, there is still one final step that matters. Sit. In a showroom, notice how your arms rest on the counter, whether your knees have enough space underneath, and whether your feet comfortably reach the footrest. Those small details reveal very quickly whether the proportions are right. A Small Detail That Changes How Your Kitchen Is Used Kitchen stools are rarely the main design feature in a space. Cabinets, lighting, and materials usually take that role. Yet the height of the stools has a surprisingly large influence on how an island is actually used. When the proportions work, people naturally gather there for coffee, casual meals, and conversations while someone cooks. When the height is slightly off, the island may still look beautiful but it never quite becomes the place people linger. A few centimetres, it turns out, can make the difference between a kitchen island people admire and one people actually use. Frequently Asked Questions About Counter Stool Height What height stool is best for a 90 cm kitchen counter? For a standard kitchen counter around 90 cm (36 inches)  high, stools with a seat height of about 65 to 67 cm (25 to 26 inches)  work best. This leaves roughly 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)  between the seat and the underside of the counter, which provides comfortable legroom. What is the difference between bar stools and counter stools? Counter stools are designed for counters around 90–92 cm (35–36 inches)  high and usually have seat heights around 65–67 cm (25–26 inches) . Bar stools are taller and are designed for bar height counters around 100–105 cm (39–41 inches) , with seat heights around 73–77 cm (29–30 inches) . How much space should there be between a stool and the counter? Ideally, there should be about 25–30 cm (10–12 inches)  between the seat of the stool and the underside of the counter. This gives people enough room to sit comfortably and move their legs without feeling squeezed under the counter.

Whispering Bold is all about lived-in interiors, real home stories, DIY projects and design thinking. Honest, practical inspiration for creating a home with warmth, character and personality — for design lovers, interior design students and anyone curious about how interiors really work. 1/4 Design for living. Because perfect is boring. Your trusted hub for real interiors, creative DIYs and practical insight into interior design — made for design lovers, students and curious minds. Start here REAL DESIGN, UP CLOSE Whispering Bold explores spaces that are lived-in, loved and full of character — from creative DIYs and design insight to practical guides. Real homes tell better stories. READ Inspiration, not showrooms Explore real homes, design insight and stories that inspire thoughtful interiors. Read the articles → 1/2 WATCH Makeovers & behind the scenes Watch real-life makeovers, creative fixes and everything between before and after. Watch makeovers → 1/2 LEARN For the curious & the studious Learn the thinking behind good design — study interior design or explore teaching resources. Study interior design → Teaching resources → 1/2 Hi, I'M MARIEKE I design, write, and share interiors that tell a story — and teach the thinking behind good design. More about me RECENT BLOG POSTS Real interiors, honest design talk and practical insights for the design-obsessed. How To Pot A Faux Plant So It Actually Looks Good The secret to making faux plants look real is hiding the ridiculous little pot they arrive in. DECORATING TIPS 5 minutes ago 3 min read How To Choose The Right Counter Stool Height For A Kitchen Island Counter stool height explained so you never buy the wrong stools again. DECORATING TIPS 2 days ago 6 min read Why You Need To Remove Lead Paint When You’re Renovating A Home Renovating an older home means dealing with lead paint properly. COLOURS & PAINT 2 days ago 3 min read More blogs STUCK ON LAYOUT? Create floor plans that actually fit your home — with my free furniture and space planning template . Free template #WHISPERINGBOLD Find me on Instagram. newsletter sign up

A brief redirect page guiding you to the correct Whispering Bold link. If you are not redirected automatically, follow the link provided to continue. Whoops! Looks like the page you were looking for has been hidden or no longer exists. Search for similar content? RECENT BLOG POSTS Fresh reads for design lovers. How To Pot A Faux Plant So It Actually Looks Good The secret to making faux plants look real is hiding the ridiculous little pot they arrive in. DECORATING TIPS 5 minutes ago 3 min read How To Choose The Right Counter Stool Height For A Kitchen Island Counter stool height explained so you never buy the wrong stools again. DECORATING TIPS 2 days ago 6 min read Why You Need To Remove Lead Paint When You’re Renovating A Home Renovating an older home means dealing with lead paint properly. COLOURS & PAINT 2 days ago 3 min read More inspiration

Submit your blog enquiry to Whispering Bold. I accept selected articles and links related to interior design and home improvement. All placements are curated for quality and relevance, and fees apply. BLOG ENQUIRIES Thank you for your interest in contributing to my blog. I receive many submissions and only select articles and links that truly align with the quality and values of my site. Please note that I only feature content related to interior design and home improvement , and placement is subject to a fee. Check the full guidelines here . If you’d like to be considered, submit the form below with your specific interest, and I’ll be in touch. SUBMIT FORM First name* Last name* Email* Company name* What are you interested in?* Guest Blog Link Placement ABC Link Exchange If you’re interested in a link placement, please specify the article. Provide details of your guest blog or link request (please be specific).* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit WHISPERING BOLD INTERIOR DESIGN Marieke Rijksen Haarlem, The Netherlands KvK-nummer 69461244 BTW-nummer NL001936861B97 Find me here: Whispering Bold Interior Design is a legal trade name of Bold Project Management. Click here for privacy statement.