Tips From the Experts

Our Work | April 27, 2010



Have you looked at the latest House Beautiful. I got it right before I left for my cruise and it was the perfect companion while I sat on the beach.  This issue gave some great designer advice.  Here are a few of my favorites tips. 



 A bigger bed makes your room look bigger.
 I  love the dresser in this room. 



Leave cabinets open. An open armoire is more interesting than a closed one. Let people into your secret world.
I adore this image.  It helps if you have a fun punch of color on the inside of your armoire.  



Dark walls do the opposite of what you’d expect: They make a small room feel bigger.
I actually really like dark walls. I know they can be really really scary but this is the best way to add drama and depth to your your room. 



The fastest way to make over sliding closet doors is to wallpaper them, like Melissa Warner did to turn a bedroom into her office.
You know I love wallpaper.  I think adding wallpaper to doors is a really unique idea.  



Large collections need order.  
I agree with this advice whole-heartedly.  Not only do large collections need order but so do small collections and BTW isn’t this bed amazing!

Use a rug instead of a bath mat. It was made to withstand a lot more wear than the occasional wet foot.
Oh my goodness. This image is taking my breath away. Perfection. 


White works. You’ll never get tired of a white room
Just like you shouldn’t be scared of dark walls you shouldn’t be scared of white walls either! 
Layer your lighting.  Four lamps are better than two. You need ambient light for mood and direct light for reading.
I am a big believer in layering your lighting.  If I could afford I would have sconces and table lamps all over my home.  Lighting makes such an impact in a room.

Tuck your throws.  Keep throws under control. Fold them lengthwise, then in half, then tuck them into cushions.
I thought this was great advice. I never really know what to do with my throws.  Sometimes I like the thrown on look but this tucked throw looks so nice. 



Kick your traditional coffee table to the curb.  The most versatile coffee table you’ll ever own is an ottoman topped with a tray.
I totally agree with this. An ottoman is my favorite coffee table.



Gold is Gorgeous.  Gold is back in a big way. A few accents will warm up a room, like this classic living room designed by Kirsten Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford.
I love gold! Gold isn’t just for traditional rooms.  You can mix it with modern pieces like that graphic art on the back wall.



Leather Lasts. The most indestructible fabric for dining chairs is leather or vinyl. Especially if you want white.
I love this room.  The leather chairs are so cool with the textured woven backs. 

Switch up your seating.  Mix up the seating at your dining table. You wouldn’t have eight identical chairs in your living area.
I love a bench instead of chairs at a dining table.



Don’t forge the closet! Love your closets. Paint them, paper them, hang pictures in them to inspire you. And definitely light them.
Oh I love the idea of hanging pictures in your closet ecspecially ones that are really personal.  Only you ever see your closet so it gives you a chance to display something really special. 



Refinish Vintage Finds.  Don’t be afraid to paint a vintage piece
Yes,yes, yes.  Paint your old furniture.  It gives it a whole new life. 
To see more tips that I didn’t cover check out this article on House Beautiful.com. 
all images via House Beautiful