Lily and Bing Celebrates Ten Years of Bold Design Choices

If you’ve been following the interior design world for the past decade, you’ve probably heard of Lily and Bing—the dynamic duo that’s been turning heads with their fearless use of color, texture, and vintage-meets-modern aesthetics. This year marks their 10th anniversary, and honestly? It’s the perfect time to dive into what makes their design philosophy so damn refreshing in a sea of minimalist sameness.

Founded in 2014 by Lily Chen and Marcus Bing, the studio started as a small blog reviewing thrift-store finds and DIY makeovers. Fast forward to today, and they’re behind some of the most Instagrammable (and livable) homes from Brooklyn to Berlin. Their secret sauce? Bold design choices that actually work in real life—not just on Pinterest boards.

Let’s break it down with some hard numbers. According to a 2023 Houzz report, only 12% of homeowners opt for bold paint colors in living spaces. But Lily and Bing? Over 68% of their featured projects include at least one daring hue—think emerald green accent walls or cobalt blue kitchen cabinets. And here’s the kicker: homes styled by their team see an average 18% faster sale time, per real estate data from Redfin.

Why Bold Works (And How They Make It Happen)

Most people fear bold designs because they worry about resale value or clashing styles. But Lily and Bing masterfully balance risk and harmony. They follow a simple rule: one bold element per room, anchored by neutral foundations.

Here’s a snapshot of their most-used design elements across 50+ projects:

As you can see, vintage lighting is their #1 go-to—and clients love it. Why? Because it adds character without overwhelming the space. A $40 brass sconce from a flea market can elevate an entire room more than a $2,000 designer chandelier. That’s not just style—it’s smart design economics.

Another thing they nail? Layering textures. While most designers stick to one or two materials (looking at you, all-white kitchens), Lily and Bing mix wood, stone, metal, and fabric like pros. In fact, 81% of their kitchen designs feature at least three distinct materials—compared to the industry average of 1.6.

The Takeaway: Be Brave, But Be Smart

You don’t need a six-figure budget to make impactful interior statements. Start small: swap out hardware, add a painted ceiling, or hang an oversized vintage mirror. The goal isn’t chaos—it’s curated confidence.

After ten years, Lily and Bing aren’t just surviving—they’re setting trends. And if there’s one lesson we can all take from their journey, it’s this: safe is boring. Your home should tell a story. Make it worth listening to.