Celebrate History with Valerie Darden

Valerie Darden founded Brexton Cole Interiors, which provides residential and commercial design services nationwide. You can follow Darden and all of her projects on Instagram @brextoncoleinteriors. Darden and her family moved into their current home in spring of 2022 and one of the things that made her fall in love with that home was the butler pantry. It had incredible potential, but it was so plain. “It needed to be spruced up and I knew that beautiful pendants would do the trick. I ended up choosing the Hinkley Palma wide pendants for the space from Ferguson. They ended up being the “earrings” to the room and I could not be more pleased with the outcome!”

Get to Know Valerie Darden

Valerie Darden founded Brexton Cole Interiors is 2014. Raised by a mother who studied in the arts, Darden always had a passion for architecture and interior design. Since founding her company in 2014, her designs have appeared on television, in print, and across the internet, including HGTV, The Pioneer Woman, The Cottage Journal, The Washingtonian, Norther Virginia Magazine, Virginia Style Magazine, One Kings Lane, My Domaine, The Spruce, Ethan Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, The Home Edit, Business of Home, H3R Magazine, Apartment Therapy and The Every Girl.

Her Signature Style

Darden focuses on designing spaces that are truly timeless, mixing traditional elements with modern accents. She makes these modern touches as unexpected as possible.

The Dream Project

Every designer has a dream project in the back of their mind and Darden explains “my favorite type of projects to work on are the stunning older historical homes.” Fortunately, her dream projects are often the projects she gets to work on because there are plenty of historic homes in her home state of Virginia. She loves these homes because “older homes are full of character such as grand entryways, high ceilings, intricate moldings and beautiful windows.”

Behind the Design Process

Every designer has a process they usually stick to from start to finish, although that process can vary from one designer to another. This process can include where they draw initial inspiration, which items they shop for first, and how they plan out the space.

Getting Inspired

Darden explains that inspiration is all around her, especially in Europe. “I have visited Paris, Prague, Edinburgh, Cochem and London. I fell in love with the architecture and timeless style of homes and palaces in Europe. A lot of my inspiration is drawn from there. I think that may be why I love traditional style.” Of course, you don’t need to go to Europe to get inspired. “I also love to browse magazines and of course, Instagram and Pinterest” Darden adds.

Where to Start

While every design project can be different, Darden always starts by meeting with the homeowner(s) to discuss their budget, overall design aesthetic and goals for the space. Once that is done, Darden explains “I usually start by bringing in my contractors, drawing up floor plans, helping the client figure out how to get the best use out of the space, presenting mood boards with wall colors, wallpaper, furniture, appliances and so on.”

When to Break the Rules

Mixing styles in unexpected ways can give a space that “wow” factor. Darden explains, “In older home dining rooms, I love mixing styles such as hanging a traditional oil painting next to a mid-century modern table!” If you have a period home, don’t be afraid to lean into the history of the space while still updating it with current pieces that work within your modern lifestyle.

Thoughts on Trends and Classics

When you look at the spaces she designs, it’s clear to see that Darden pays tribute to history with traditional design elements. Brass finishes and traditional style lines are common in the products she chooses but she also throws in the occasional modern moment. Finding the right balance between these elements is easier when you understand Darden’s thoughts around when to lean into trends and when to keep things classic. 

When to Splurge

Darden has a book called “A Chic Living” that will release next year. Darden explains that “one of the first topics I mention is the importance of investing in a quality sofa.” She goes on to explain that “Higher quality sofas will save you money in the long run because they do not need replaced as often. This is especially true with traditional style sofas, such as the Chesterfield design.”

5 Must-Have Elements of Every Design

When setting out to work on a home design, there are five things Darden considers to be the most important:

1. A tape measure: This little tool is essential to accurately measuring the space itself and absolutely everything you need to buy.
2. Essential computer programs: Darden uses Sketch Up and Photoshop to bring her visions to life for approval by client. She builds her whole mood bard within these programs.
3. A cell phone: Darden relies on photos, a lot of photos, throughout the design process. They help her recall the details in a room.
4. A paint deck: Darden never leaves home without one.
5. Good communication: This isn’t a tactile object, but it’s essential to a successful design. Darden explains, “once I begin a project, it is important for me to have open communication with my clients, so I am able to design a space they love.” 

Favorite Design Elements

Nearly every designer has a favorite design element that becomes a bit of a signature moment in the spaces they create. “Right now, I am loving a beautiful arch!” Explains Darden, who specifically enjoys showcasing arches along with a stunning rug as a first, show-stopping moment in the entryways of a home.

Working with Ferguson

Darden relies on Ferguson products in her own home and in her client projects, as well. “The quality is always great, and the brands are the best.” The service and sales team are part of the reason Darden partners with Ferguson, explaining that “as a designer, a quick response is always appreciated in this fast-paced job!”

“One great advantage is the ability to see the high quality of the products in person versus online. Sometimes, looking online does not do a product justice. It is great to see an item up close and study its details. Ferguson showrooms also offer an all-in-one place to shop for your kitchen, lighting options, bathroom and more.”

Throughout her many years of experience, Valerie Darden has come to understand that every family and every home is different. That’s why, at the end of the day, she suggests “do whatever makes you happy.” If the design she’s created here makes you happy, get the look for yourself by purchasing the exact same elements on her Shop by Look page.