Ask Devon: May Q&A
We get it… designing or renovating a home comes with a lot of decisions. From lighting and paint finishes to styling your coffee table just right, even the small details can start to feel overwhelming. That’s why we opened up the conversation to answer some of the most common questions we hear from clients and followers.
In this Q&A, we share expert insight on everything from can lighting placement to how we blend original architectural details with modern updates. Whether you're knee-deep in a reno or just daydreaming about your future home, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in!
Q: Do you think LED strip lighting is overdone? Are homes starting to look like night clubs?
A: LED strip lighting is definitely everywhere right now, and when it’s not done thoughtfully, it can feel a little tacky or overdone.
That’s why we’re really intentional with how we specify it. First and foremost, we always use LED strips with tight diodes, that way, it reads as a clean, even line of light instead of little dots. In spaces like kitchens or work zones where function matters, we’ll use standard LED strips to provide solid, task-worthy illumination. But for more decorative areas, like bookshelves or display niches, we switch to a super minimal profile, just a quarter inch thick, with no visible diodes. It creates this gorgeous blade of light that elevates the space without being distracting.
In our Alabaster Aura project, we used hidden LED lighting throughout. By recessing the strips or adding a trim piece in front, you can still get that beautiful glow and layered lighting, but in a more discreet, refined way. It’s all about balancing function and aesthetics so it enhances the design, not overwhelms it. So no, LED lighting isn’t necessarily overdone—it just needs to be done well.
Q: How can DGI’s style integrate with the original elements of a client’s historic home?
A: At DGI, a lot of our work involves renovation and furniture projects, and that often means we’re working with homes that have history: classic architectural details, original character, and unique charm we don’t want to lose. Our approach is about honoring those original elements while introducing a more modern, fresh perspective.
Take our Upward Spiral project as an example. The home had an incredible stone fireplace hearth that we knew we wanted to preserve, it was such a strong architectural feature. But the rest of the design leaned more modern, lighter, and cleaner. So we found balance by toning down other elements like trim and molding.
You don’t always need ornate baseboards, crown molding, or intricate door casings to respect the home’s character. By simplifying some details, you allow the preserved original features to really stand out.
The key is to not throw everything out. Instead, thoughtfully weave the old with the new so the end result feels cohesive, intentional, and true to the spirit of the home.
Q: Go-to tips or rules of thumb for styling a coffee table?
A: I always like to start with a cluster of at least three elements that creates a layered, thoughtful look. Varying the heights is key. Start with something low, like a stack of books, which adds a base and some texture. Then I usually include a bowl, which adds medium height and also serves a functional purpose—great for tossing remotes, coasters, or any small items. Finally, add in a taller piece. That could be a large candle, a pillar, a hurricane, or a vase. And if you’re someone who keeps fresh flowers at home, absolutely go for it! A vase with florals brings life to the table and helps stagger the overall composition so your eye keeps moving, really tying the whole setup together.
Q: What is the best high quality, durable paint?
A: For high-traffic areas, one product we've been specifying a lot lately is Scuff X paint by Benjamin Moore. It's incredibly durable and comes in any color or finish you need, which makes it super versatile. We love using it in spaces like hallways, mudrooms, really anywhere kids are tossing backpacks, kicking off shoes, or generally creating a lot of wear and tear.
Beyond the brand, it’s important to think about paint sheen. The higher the sheen, the more durable the paint tends to be. That’s because higher-sheen paints have more resin, which encapsulates the pigment and gives it more protection. On the flip side, flatter paints have less resin, so the pigment sits closer to the surface. That’s what creates that beautiful matte look, but it also means it’s more prone to damage. If you wipe a wall painted in flat paint, you might notice shiny spots afterward—that’s the pigment breaking down.
So for high-traffic areas, I recommend at least an eggshell finish. I wouldn’t go glossier unless you're making a deliberate design move. But for things like door casings, trim, or areas that get a lot of contact, semi-gloss is a must for durability.
Q: How should I arrange recessed lighting in a room? And should I use dimmers throughout the whole house?
A: If you’re renovating or building, I always recommend incorporating can lighting from the start. These days, LED can lights are the way to go—you don’t have to change the bulbs, which is a huge win. They’re all set to the same color temperature, so you get consistent lighting throughout the space, and they come in super low-profile versions that almost blend seamlessly into the ceiling like a continuation of the drywall.
When laying them out, we typically space them about 4 to 6 feet apart to get even light coverage. And make sure everything is on dimmers. You might have them all on at 100%, but that can feel intense, so being able to dim them down gives you way more control. If you have a smart lighting system, you can even preset them to turn on at 80% or lower, and adjust as needed.
A common misconception is that LED lighting feels cold or sterile, but that all comes down to color temperature. For residential projects, we usually specify LEDs in the 2700K to 3000K range. That gives you the warm, cozy glow of an incandescent bulb, but with the clean, energy-efficient benefits of LED. Plus, again, you’re not constantly swapping bulbs, which is a bonus.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident when making lighting and design decisions for your home. Whether you're renovating, building new, or just looking for a few quick upgrades, thoughtful design choices can make all the difference. If you have more questions or want us to cover something specific, drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! And be sure to follow us on Instagram for more design Q&As, behind-the-scenes insights, and inspiration straight from our latest projects.
