Top Five Design Tips

Whenever I am asked what my favorite tips for decorating are, I always tell people to consider these ideas when getting started:

1. Develop and discover your personal style by studying magazines, catalogs, shops, restaurants, and hotels for inspiration- first pull all pictures that appeal to you, then really study the pictures to discover the specific elements you are drawn to such as: “dark wood tones”, “white slipcovers”, “stainless steel”.

2. Develop “Three Words” for how you want your home to look and feel, and let those words guide every purchase and design decision, such as: “Coastal, Clean Lines, and Comfortable”.

3. Develop a plan- It is better to totally finish one room or space than to have a whole house half done…start where you spend the most time- your kitchen and family room and bedrooms.

4. Just like your wardrobe, invest in classic, neutral, large items like sofas, chairs, and furniture (you will need to keep these for a long time), then you can easily and inexpensively change your accent colors and accessories for different looks.

5. The easiest way to instantly update your room is simply to remove excess clutter and outdated items, keeping only the items that are beautiful, functional, or useful- then build on the things you love.

Just a few simple ideas for getting started decorating your house!  Good luck,