When you come close to the end of your project, it’s time to incorporate accessories— the personal photos, candles, artifacts, collections, vases, figurines, and various other display items. These are the jewels of your decor and the ultimate in personalizing your space. As with all things in decor, there is an art and a science read more…

Tackling a redecorating project can be overwhelming. Beyond planning budgeting and making high-level decisions, there are a number of decisions related to the details of the room. As these decisions are being made, quality is often an area where people are afraid to make a mistake. There are many different levels of quality for every read more…

Placement of color is as important as selecting the actual colors. I address a number of color placement guidelines in my book, “The Styleprint Design System”. There are many situations in which you will break the rules, but you must first become an expert in using the rules. The following are some general rules to read more…

Over the next two posts, we’ll be exploring the importance of color and some design rules regarding color placement. There are several ways to approach color in decorating. In my book, “The Styleprint Design System,” we decorate first for use or function and then bring in look and feel. You’ll eventually identify your color theme, read more…

In my ultimate design guide, “The Styleprint Design System,” we consider light from four different perspectives: 1. What is the reaction of the people who live in the space? How do they feel about its light? 2. How much natural light is there? Natural daylight makes a big difference. What are the exposure, number, and read more…

Trends in lighting change. When you assess a space to update it, changing the lighting fixtures can have a huge impact but is often overlooked. In today’s kitchens for example, we’ve gotten away from the old fluorescent rectangles and are trending toward pendants that hang down over an island or work area. Under-the-counter lighting is read more…

When planning a room, select the scale of furnishings that will enhance the room. If it’s a smaller room and you want it to look and feel bigger. Do things like: • Go with lighter colors because lighter colors open up space and make walls recede • Look for other ways to add light to read more…

As you prepare to design your room, be sure to note its components and unique features. Review the windows; other architectural features such as built-in cabinetry or moldings; and the material of the walls, floors, and ceiling. You’ll want to evaluate what is working in your space by listing the specifics of different elements throughout read more…

If you’re starting or contemplating a decorating project, you’re bound to run into a few fears and limitations that may cause you to get stuck. Here are four great ways to stay motivated and moving ahead: 1. Enjoy the process of the project. 2. Stick to your plan, and avoid project creep 3. Set a read more…

People’s color preferences have a lot to do with their own personality and lifestyle. People have preferences for color. Some people like blue; others don’t. Rarely will someone not like any of the hues of a particular color. For example, there will be shades or tints of blue that people prefer or dislike.   If read more…