We've compiled some secrets straight from the pros to help you with all your decorating needs.
Don't Be Afraid To DIY
"If punk rock has taught me anything, it's to do everything yourself. All of my favorite interior designers were self-taught."—Max Humphrey
Mix Old And New Decor
"Old and new belong together. A mix of modern pieces and antiques never tires."—Caleb Anderson
Liven Up Ordinary Spaces With Wallpaper
“I love to use wallpaper in mundane spaces. Hallways, pantries, powder rooms—all become moments of joy and funkiness. Areas of transition can be places you enjoy spending time in.”—Fawn Galli
Choose The Right Bulbs
"Choosing the right light bulb is very important. LED bulbs are energy efficient, and they can look great."—Paloma Contreras
Try Out Wicker
“Wicker is an element I love for its texture and versatility. Wicker baskets are so functional for storage, but a wicker animal brings a sense of whimsy.” —Amy Berry
Upgrade Your Light Switches
“Update your light switches! Elegant controls add a spectacular element to an older home or character to a new one.” —Courtney Hill
Invest In Antiques
“Great art and fabulous antiques only get better with age. It’s better to cry once and have a forever piece.”—Chandos Dodson Epley
Trust Your Intuition
"Follow your gut. If you have to talk yourself into liking something, you probably don't."—Olivia Erwin
Use The Ceiling To Redefine The Room
“Look up! We use ceilings a lot. Through them, we define the lines and beauty of a space.”—Julio Salcedo
Add A Bar
"Every house should have a great bar. It is the central point of a party, and if you entertain a lot, it will be celebrated, so put some thought into it."—Jordana Joseph
When In Doubt, Paint It Out
"Never underestimate the power of paint. You don't have to break the bank to achieve a new look. A fresh coat in a vibrant color takes an old piece of furniture or empty white room and gives it new life."—Chauncey Boothby
White Kitchens Are Forever
“Classics never go out of style. I hesitated about doing a white kitchen in my own house, thinking I’d been there, done that. But I’m so glad I did. I will never tire of it.”—Alexandra Kaehler
Live In Your Pretty Spaces
"Actually use your beautiful things! I have a chocolate lab and white furniture in my living room. It took some training, but now he knows the furniture is off limits."—Lindsey Lane
Get Inspired By Ancient Buildings
"Pull floor patterns from ancient buildings. One inspired the checkerboard pattern of the marble floors in my Los Angeles home."—Nate Berkus
Go Dark
“Don’t be afraid of dark. I used this rich Benjamin Moore Midnight Blue on an accent wall—darker than I’d ever dared. It made the whole space come to life.” —Jean Larette
Collect Art From An Early Age
"Art, art, art! Start young and buy the best you can afford. Its ability to transform a room is unlike any other design tool."—Jean Liu
Splurge On A Master Bath
"The splurge everyone should make is a fabulous master bathroom. I used hand-painted porcelain sinks in mine."—Todd Richesin
Don't Underestimate The Coffee Table
“In an open seating plan, always use a well-proportioned statement coffee table to ground the arrangement and give it a sense of place.”—Sean Michael
Be Creative!
“Get creative when thinking about form and function. A client in a traditional Georgian home needed it to work for her modern way of entertaining. We opted for an asymmetrical, organic space that encourages guests to float through the room while engaged in conversation.” —Kate Coughlin
Make Ceilings Look Higher With Tall Furniture
"Use tall pieces in a low-height room. Short furnishings would make the ceiling feel that much lower to the ground." —
