1) Create A "Bouquet" Of Colors:
Want to make a variety of bright colors cohesive? Think about how you would arrange a flower bouquet, as Sasha Bikoff did in this SoHo apartment. "The same can apply to a space, but you need to find a connection," she says. "Here, that connection is the fabric on the dining room chairs, which showcases colors also found throughout the room."
1) Create A "Bouquet" Of Colors:
Want to make a variety of bright colors cohesive? Think about how you would arrange a flower bouquet, as Sasha Bikoffdid in this SoHo apartment. "The same can apply to a
2) Installing Shiplap? Go Horizontal (Usually):
If Chip and Joanna Gaines have convinced you that your abode needs shiplap, you're usually best off installing the boards horizontally rather than vertically. "It can really expand a space, making it feel larger than vertical boards can," says Jason Arnold. "Horizontal boards also feel more contemporary." Vertical boards, however, can be ideal for rooms with high ceilings.
2) Installing Shiplap? Go Horizontal (Usually):
If Chip and Joanna Gaines have convinced you that your abode needs shiplap, you're usually best off installing the boards horizontally rather than
3) Don't Sacrifice Comfort:
Sure, your eyes may want the most modern, chic couch in the showroom. But your back may not. "In my experience, it's really better to test out seating and take the time to look at the dimensions," says Sharon Blaustein. If you're tall, for instance, you might want to opt for a depth of between 40 to 42 inches for a sofa (rather than the standard depth of 36 inches).
3) Don't Sacrifice Comfort:
Sure, your eyes may want the most modern, chic couch in the showroom. But your back may not. "In my experience, it's really better to test out seating and take the time to look
4) Always Shop For A Rug In Person:
This is not the time for e-shopping, people. "It's just so hard to tell on a computer screen what the color really looks like," Arnold says. "You might think it looks red, but in reality, it's watermelon pink." Not to mention the texture of the rug may be totally different than what you were expecting.
4) Always Shop For A Rug In Person:
This is not the time for e-shopping, people. "It's just so hard to tell on a computer screen what the color really looks like," Arnold says. "You might think it looks red,
5) Let A Locale Inspire Your Space:
It's exactly what Jenny Cipoletti, founder of founder of fashion, beauty and travel blog Margo & Me, did in her decidedly Parisian office (which is actually in West Hollywood). "Just like when you walk into a cafe in Paris, and you see all the details and the golds, silvers and light blush tones, all of these elements in this space really sing to me," says Cipoletti. This lets you travel to your favorite destination without stepping outside.
5) Let A Locale Inspire Your Space:
... more6) Never Settle On One "Look":
Allow your space to continuously change — as your life does. "Remember that your home should always be evolving, just as you are," says Kelly Framel, creative director, stylist and founder of online magazine The Glamourai. "I am constantly picking up new treasures on my travels. Your nest should always be a place of comfort and inspiration, and it's a constant work in progress."
6) Never Settle On One "Look":
Allow your space to continuously change — as your life does. "Remember that your home should always be evolving, just as you are," says Kelly Framel, creative director,
7) Use Curtains As A Backdrop For Art:
Instead of hanging a painting on a bare wall, accent it with a rich, velvet curtain background. "Curtains just create a great, calming energy in which you feel very shrouded and comforted, making for a luxurious and restful environment," says Framel. "And being able to put a really great pop of artwork in front of that textural colored backdrop has a lot of impact."
7) Use Curtains As A Backdrop For Art:
Instead of hanging a painting on a bare wall, accent it with a rich, velvet curtain background. "Curtains just create a great, calming energy in which you feel very
8) Upholster Antique Furniture With Modern Fabric:
Make what's old new again by invigorating antique pieces with colorful fabric from the 21st century. Take, for example, the two 18th-century French bergère chairs here, upholstered in a hot pink Maharam fabric. "Maharam is a very modern, contemporary fabric company, with velvets that are really bright in color," says Bikoff. "That color was such a pop of freshness and youthfulness on these old chairs."
8) Upholster Antique Furniture With Modern Fabric:
Make what's old new again by invigorating antique pieces with colorful fabric from the 21st century. Take, for example, the two 18th-century French bergère
9) Choose One Piece Of Artwork To Anchor The Room:
In Josh Groban's "The Great Comet" dressing room, interior designer Mike Harrison selected this constellation artwork as a clear focal point for the room. "I loved this piece for its dimensions and colors, but also as a tip of the hat to the 'Comet' influences that I know were of importance to Josh," says Harrison. "I was searching for artwork that would tie together all of Josh's design sensibilities."
9) Choose One Piece Of Artwork To Anchor The Room:
... more10) Need Texture In A Room? Add Faux Fur:
Faux fur has quickly become a luxurious way to add a bit of depth and variety to a space. "When we use faux fur, we're looking for some really luscious texture in the room," says Erin Gates. "If you look at a space and everything is neat, tidy and clean, you want something that's sumptuous and cozy. It'll really elevate the space."
10) Need Texture In A Room? Add Faux Fur:
Faux fur has quickly become a luxurious way to add a bit of depth and variety to a space. "When we use faux fur, we're looking for some really luscious texture in
11) Use Technology To Your Advantage:
Just because your designer of choice lives in another city doesn't mean you can't work together. Services like Homepolish and Decorist, among others, make it easy to find decorators across the country, while Allison Harlow of Curio Design Studio uses Skype to work with clients virtually.
11) Use Technology To Your Advantage:
Just because your designer of choice lives in another city doesn't mean you can't work together. Services like Homepolish and Decorist, among others, make it easy to find
12) Ship Smarter:
When Lee Cavanaugh and Sarah DePalo of Cullman & Kravis make their yearly trip to the Paris flea, they send finds home in a group container to keep costs down.
12) Ship Smarter:
When Lee Cavanaugh and Sarah DePalo of Cullman & Kravis make their yearly trip to the Paris flea, they send finds home in a group container to keep costs down.
13) Buy Two Great Pieces A Year:
Rather than renovating your home all at once, Trip Haenisch recommends you buy two quality pieces you love every year. "Good things hold their value, and in ten years you will have a beautiful collection of twenty things," Haenisch explains.
13) Buy Two Great Pieces A Year:
Rather than renovating your home all at once, Trip Haenisch recommends you buy two quality pieces you love every year. "Good things hold their value, and in ten years you
14) Do Your Homework:
...Especially before vintage shopping. Emily Eberhart of Viyet recommends researching how similar items of interest are priced or have sold.
14) Do Your Homework:
...Especially before vintage shopping. Emily Eberhart of Viyet recommends researching how similar items of interest are priced or have sold.
15) Invest Where It Matters:
If you're on a budget, invest in the pieces that anchor a room. "It wouldn't be a bedroom without a bed, it wouldn't be a living room without a sofa, and it wouldn't be a dining room without a dining table," Thom Filicia advises.
15) Invest Where It Matters:
If you're on a budget, invest in the pieces that anchor a room. "It wouldn't be a bedroom without a bed, it wouldn't be a living room without a sofa, and it wouldn't be a dining
16) Use Furniture to Divide a Space:
Meredith Mahoney, Founder and Design Director of Birch Lane, divides open plan apartments into separate areas by letting the furniture do the work for her. Think: A large, L-shaped sectional, area rugs that define spaces and seating that can move easily from one "zone" to another if company comes over.
less16) Use Furniture to Divide a Space:
Meredith Mahoney, Founder and Design Director of Birch Lane, divides open plan apartments into separate areas by letting the furniture do the work for her. Think: A large,
... more17) Shop Around:
Don't take the easy way out and buy all of your furniture from one store. Roxy Sowlaty suggests you mix it up for a look that's completely your own.
17) Shop Around:
Don't take the easy way out and buy all of your furniture from one store. Roxy Sowlaty suggests you mix it up for a look that's completely your own.
18) Scale To Your Sofa
It's so simple, you'll kick yourself for not thinking of Emily Henderson's rule yourself: A large room should have large furniture, medium rooms should have medium-sized furniture and small rooms (you guessed it) should have more petite furniture. Scale the rest of the furniture to your sofa.
18) Scale To Your Sofa
It's so simple, you'll kick yourself for not thinking of Emily Henderson's rule yourself: A large room should have large furniture, medium rooms should have medium-sized furniture and
19) Bring Outdoor Fabric In
Grant K. Gibson suggests using outdoor fabric for indoor furniture to safeguard against stains and enhance durability, especially if you have kids or pets in the house.
19) Bring Outdoor Fabric In
Grant K. Gibson suggests using outdoor fabric for indoor furniture to safeguard against stains and enhance durability, especially if you have kids or pets in the house.
20) Practice Before You Paint
"When initially loading your roller with paint, make sure the roller nap is fully and equally saturated," says John Hoskins, vice president of BEHR. Before you begin painting, test the roller on an extra piece of board to ensure it applies smoothly and evenly.
20) Practice Before You Paint
"When initially loading your roller with paint, make sure the roller nap is fully and equally saturated," says John Hoskins, vice president of BEHR. Before you begin painting,
21) Go Dark In Dim Places:
Paint a room that doesn't get a lot of natural light a saturated color. "Adding some pigment makes the space feel intentionally moody and romantic," suggests Orlando Soria, west coast creative director of Homepolish.
21) Go Dark In Dim Places:
Paint a room that doesn't get a lot of natural light a saturated color. "Adding some pigment makes the space feel intentionally moody and romantic," suggests Orlando Soria, west
22) Let The Light Be Your Guide:
When you're painting a room, Joa Studholme of Farrow & Ball suggests you consider the direction of sunlight. Use bright colors in north-facing rooms, which tend to be darker, and create a warm glow in a west-facing room with pink or a red-based neutral. In south and east-facing rooms, opt for blue or white.
22) Let The Light Be Your Guide:
When you're painting a room, Joa Studholme of Farrow & Ball suggests you consider the direction of sunlight. Use bright colors in north-facing rooms, which tend to be
23) Add Fruit:
Fresh fruit isn't just a great snack – it adds vibrant color to a room. James Tabb of Laurel & Wolf creates a centerpiece with fresh fruit to bring vibrant color to the kitchen.
23) Add Fruit:
Fresh fruit isn't just a great snack – it adds vibrant color to a room. James Tabb of Laurel & Wolf creates a centerpiece with fresh fruit to bring vibrant color to the kitchen.
24) Think Outside Of The Box:
Neal Beckstedt uses unexpected elements – like a fireplace or chaise lounge – to create a warm and inviting bathroom that feels like its own living space.
24) Think Outside Of The Box:
Neal Beckstedt uses unexpected elements – like a fireplace or chaise lounge – to create a warm and inviting bathroom that feels like its own living space.
25) Use Ladders As Storage:
Don't be afraid to get creative with your storage space. Joy Moyler likes to use ladders to display towel.
25) Use Ladders As Storage:
Don't be afraid to get creative with your storage space. Joy Moyler likes to use ladders to display towel.
26) Kick Up Classics:
Karen Vidal kicks the classic look of a subway tile bathroom up a notch by pairing it with a bold, patterned cement tile floor.
26) Kick Up Classics:
Karen Vidal kicks the classic look of a subway tile bathroom up a notch by pairing it with a bold, patterned cement tile floor.
27) Keep Bedroom Fabrics Simple:
27) Keep Bedroom Fabrics Simple:
28) Pair Wood With White:
Jessie Black's formula for creating an elegant bedroom? Wood, white and natural light. Drenched in sunlight, the warmth and patina of wood juxtaposed with the the fresh crispness of white paint and decor is a show-stopper.
28) Pair Wood With White:
Jessie Black's formula for creating an elegant bedroom? Wood, white and natural light. Drenched in sunlight, the warmth and patina of wood juxtaposed with the the fresh crispness of
29) Your Chairs Don't Have To Match:
Select a large-scale lead chair at your dining table to up the drama. Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe recommends picking a style that's complimentary to the side chairs to really wow guests.
29) Your Chairs Don't Have To Match:
Select a large-scale lead chair at your dining table to up the drama. Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe recommends picking a style that's complimentary to the side chairs to
30) Center Your Furniture On A Rug:
If you're setting furniture – like a dining table – in the middle of the room, your rug should be big enough so that all the furniture, including chairs, fits comfortably on top, according to Janice Simonsen, design spokesperson for IKEA U.S. In large living rooms, however, it's OK to have just the front legs on the rug.
30) Center Your Furniture On A Rug:
If you're setting furniture – like a dining table – in the middle of the room, your rug should be big enough so that all the furniture, including chairs, fits
31) Create An Inviting Entryway With Mirrors:
Your front hall is the first thing people see – so Dana Gibson suggests you make it inviting with a mirror and furnishings that foreshadow what's to come in the rest of the house.
31) Create An Inviting Entryway With Mirrors:
Your front hall is the first thing people see – so Dana Gibson suggests you make it inviting with a mirror and furnishings that foreshadow what's to come in the
32) Bring Lighting Outside:
To create a cozy indoor atmosphere outside, Mary McDonald litters her yard with candles and lanterns. They up the romance factor, too.
32) Bring Lighting Outside:
To create a cozy indoor atmosphere outside, Mary McDonald litters her yard with candles and lanterns. They up the romance factor, too.
33) Paint Your Closets:
Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design is one of Hollywood's favorite closet designers. To make closets she creates even more luxe, she paints the metal trim or ceiling gold.
33) Paint Your Closets:
Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design is one of Hollywood's favorite closet designers. To make closets she creates even more luxe, she paints the metal trim or ceiling gold.
34) Fill Your Fireplace:
To make the most of a non-working fireplace, Sarah Gibson and Jacqueline Brown of Made For Tuesday suggest filling it with lots of pillar candles of varying sizes. For a more stylized look, add candle holders or bases, which add shape and height to the candle landscape.
35) Make A Room Look Bigger With White Furniture:
35) Make A Room Look Bigger With White Furniture:
36) Maximize Daylight With Mirrors:
To maximize daylight – and to visually increase square footage – Jon Call of Mr Call Designs relies on large scale mirrors.
36) Maximize Daylight With Mirrors:
To maximize daylight – and to visually increase square footage – Jon Call of Mr Call Designs relies on large scale mirrors.
37) Edit, Edit, Edit:
J Randall Powers has a motto in his office: "If you look at it and you question it – put it away."
37) Edit, Edit, Edit:
J Randall Powers has a motto in his office: "If you look at it and you question it – put it away."
38) Remember The Rule Of Threes:
Kazuko Hoshino of Studio William Hefner employs one of writing's most famous rules in her design: Arranging decorative pieces like candles, vases, table plants or flowers in groups of threes.
38) Remember The Rule Of Threes:
Kazuko Hoshino of Studio William Hefner employs one of writing's most famous rules in her design: Arranging decorative pieces like candles, vases, table plants or flowers
39) Change Your Coffee Table Decor Regularly:
When it comes to styling coffee tables, try Meredith Baer's formula: Start with something large in the middle, like a floral arrangement in an interesting pot, or a huge bowl filled with a collection. Then, build out from that with stacks of art books, candles, sculptures or pottery.
39) Change Your Coffee Table Decor Regularly:
When it comes to styling coffee tables, try Meredith Baer's formula: Start with something large in the middle, like a floral arrangement in an interesting pot,
40) Color Coordinate:
When creating a tablescape, Ron Wendt starts by choosing a linen. Then, he uses flowers or candles in a deeper or lighter hue to give the table a bold, completed look.
40) Color Coordinate:
When creating a tablescape, Ron Wendt starts by choosing a linen. Then, he uses flowers or candles in a deeper or lighter hue to give the table a bold, completed look.
41) Mix And Match China:
Instead of buying a formal china set, Alex Papachristidis creates an eclectic look by mixing and matching dishes.
41) Mix And Match China:
Instead of buying a formal china set, Alex Papachristidis creates an eclectic look by mixing and matching dishes.
42) Choose Neutral Upholstery:
When Lili Hart buys upholstery, she always selects a neutral shade, then uses pillows and throws to add color and pattern to the room. Change them out according to the seasons – just like you would with your clothes.
42) Choose Neutral Upholstery:
When Lili Hart buys upholstery, she always selects a neutral shade, then uses pillows and throws to add color and pattern to the room. Change them out according to the seasons
43) Don't Forget About The Ceiling
For an extra layer of style and unexpected dose of glam, Jeff Andrews suggests adding wallpaper to the ceiling.
43) Don't Forget About The Ceiling
For an extra layer of style and unexpected dose of glam, Jeff Andrews suggests adding wallpaper to the ceiling.
44) Don't Follow Trends:
"If your neighbors are doing it, you probably shouldn't," says designer Summer Thornton. "You can use plenty of traditional pieces as the core, but always intentionally do something that throws it off just a bit!"
44) Don't Follow Trends:
"If your neighbors are doing it, you probably shouldn't," says designer Summer Thornton. "You can use plenty of traditional pieces as the core, but always intentionally do something
45) Layer Up:
For a layered look that combines fun and function, Jennifer Wagner Schmidt of JWS Interiors and ELEVATE Design Collective adds a chunky knit throw or a soft Moroccan wedding blanket to a sofa or chair.
Photo: Courtesy Of Bunny Williams
47) Add Greenery:
Bring the outside in. Ashley Redmond of Decorist uses plants to add color, texture, and life to every room.
47) Add Greenery:
Bring the outside in. Ashley Redmond of Decorist uses plants to add color, texture, and life to every room.
48) Hang Curtains High:
To elongate visual ceiling height the way stilettos seem to add inches to a leg, Elaine Griffin hangs curtains as close to the ceiling line as she can get them.
48) Hang Curtains High:
To elongate visual ceiling height the way stilettos seem to add inches to a leg, Elaine Griffin hangs curtains as close to the ceiling line as she can get them.
49) Keep Curtains Simple:
Rather than buying draperies in patterns, designs or florals – which date a room very quickly – Randal Weeks of Aidan Gray Home buys two colors and changes them out seasonally.
49) Keep Curtains Simple:
Rather than buying draperies in patterns, designs or florals – which date a room very quickly – Randal Weeks of Aidan Gray Home buys two colors and changes them out seasonally.
50) Remember That Newer Isn't Always Better:
Thomas Jayne chooses old carpets – which offer more interesting texture and a wider range of nuanced colors – over new ones.
50) Remember That Newer Isn't Always Better:
Thomas Jayne chooses old carpets – which offer more interesting texture and a wider range of nuanced colors – over new ones.
51) Expand A Room With Rugs:
51) Expand A Room With Rugs:
52) Start Collecting Now:
If Achille Salvagni has any say, the ideal collection references different eras and styles. "The best interiors are a reflection of where you have come from and a signifier where you want to go," he says.
52) Start Collecting Now:
If Achille Salvagni has any say, the ideal collection references different eras and styles. "The best interiors are a reflection of where you have come from and a signifier where you
53) Master The Art Of The Mix:
53) Master The Art Of The Mix:
54) Spill-Proof Your Space:
To kid-proof kitchens, Jen Going sends upholstery fabrics to be treated with a vinyl-tex finish – it makes them completely wipeable and impervious to anything your kids can spill.
54) Spill-Proof Your Space:
To kid-proof kitchens, Jen Going sends upholstery fabrics to be treated with a vinyl-tex finish – it makes them completely wipeable and impervious to anything your kids can spill.
55) Mix Textures:
To make metallic pieces shine, Natalie Kraiem mixes metals and mirrors with softer textures – like mohair, velvet, and wool – to up the contrast.
55) Mix Textures:
To make metallic pieces shine, Natalie Kraiem mixes metals and mirrors with softer textures – like mohair, velvet, and wool – to up the contrast.
56) Group Antiques By Color
There's a fine line between kitschy and curated. Rebecca Robertson unifies vintage and new pieces by grouping them by color.
56) Group Antiques By Color
There's a fine line between kitschy and curated. Rebecca Robertson unifies vintage and new pieces by grouping them by color.
57) Find Balance:
Don't mistake eclectic style for "anything goes." Joybird recommends putting a cap on the number of contrasting styles in each room to avoid a cluttered feeling.
57) Find Balance:
Don't mistake eclectic style for "anything goes." Joybird recommends putting a cap on the number of contrasting styles in each room to avoid a cluttered feeling.
58) Ward Off Paint Fumes:
"If you hate the odor associated with paint, add a drop or two of vanilla extract to each gallon of paint," Kristen Chuber, marketing manager of Paintzen explains. "This will bring a much more pleasant aroma to the room you're painting."
58) Ward Off Paint Fumes:
"If you hate the odor associated with paint, add a drop or two of vanilla extract to each gallon of paint," Kristen Chuber, marketing manager of Paintzen explains. "This will bring a
59) Opt For Carpet Over Wood:
In a bedroom, opt for wall-to-wall carpet, which stops foot traffic from becoming a nuisance, Harry Heissmann of Albert Hadley Inc. advises. The only exception? Beach houses, where wood floors are fine.
59) Opt For Carpet Over Wood:
In a bedroom, opt for wall-to-wall carpet, which stops foot traffic from becoming a nuisance, Harry Heissmann of Albert Hadley Inc. advises. The only exception? Beach houses,
60) Forget The Formal Grid
For a looser, salon-style gallery wall that feels collected, designer Lauren Liess recommends starting at the center and moving outward. To keep the display from feeling haphazard, pick an overarching theme or color like the bedroom gallery wall Liess created here using pressed botanicals in a palette of black, white, and tan.
60) Forget The Formal Grid
For a looser, salon-style gallery wall that feels collected, designer Lauren Liess recommends starting at the center and moving outward. To keep the display from feeling haphazard,
60 Best home decorating ideas of all time
Decorating or redecorating a home can be a huge feat, especially if you don't know where to start.
Between Pinterest, friends and trips to various home goods stores it's easy to want to use all the ideas under the sun.
DE-CLUTTERING: These are the 50 things you can toss or donate and not miss afterward
However, when it comes to redoing a home the phrase "less is more" comes to mind, but that's not always the case.
Whether you're decorating your first home or your fifth, great design is in the details, and depending on the person and style, "more" isn't always a bad thing.
We've consulted top designers and scoured our archives to find the best ideas for every room in the house.
Take a look through the gallery above to see some of the 60 best decorating tips as told by experts.
Slideshow credit: Devin Alessio and Kelsey Kloss for Elle Decor.
Let's block ads! (Why?)
http://www.chron.com/life/style/home-design/article/Home-decorating-ideas-home-decor-12213031.php
