Decorating Secrets only Professionals Know - Series 2

"The most important first step in design is a good floor plan."—Jessica Helgerson

Invest In Upholstery

"My clients ask about the most important pieces to invest in: I believe in upholstery and art! They help anchor a room."—Ashley Darryl

Have Fun

"Make sure you're having fun. What's more fun than making your own home more beautiful."—Eche Martinez

Create Your Own Light

“When you're given a dark space that doesn't have great light, create your own light. In this kitchen, we used Sherwin-​Williams's sunny Ener­getic Orange, and it turned out just fabulous— so cheerful.”—Matthew Boland

Know Your Dealbreakers

“Don't settle. If you have your heart set on a piece, don't try to find something similar just to save money. Chances are, you’ll never be completely satisfied with the substitute (or its quality).”—Brian Watford

Switch Out Pieces That Take Up The Most Surface Area

"When clients want a quick, impactful update, I recommend the pieces that take up the most surface area, like rugs, paint color, or window treatments."—Tina Ramchandani

Focus On One Investment A Year

"Buy one good piece of furniture every year, and in five years, you'll have five pieces. Everything else may change, but these will remain constant."—Jeffrey Bilhuber

Reflect Your Personality In The Bedrooms

"In the master suite, decor can deviate from the common areas and really reflect your personality."—Ali Vanderpool and Ariana Villalta

Amp Up Your Ceiling Game

“Faux paint, lush lacquer, or wallpaper on a ceiling will garner that ‘Wow’ response.” —Leslie May

Try Using Black

"Black works with any style. The misconception is that dark colors make spaces feel smaller; they actually recede."—Carrie Fundings Land

Make Sure It All Fits

''Being able to visualize the scale of a piece is critical. in our office, we say, "When in doubt, tape it out"

Mix Your Metals

"Embrace mixed metals. It can feel like the fixtures are curated and bespoke."—Shelley Johnstone

Indulge a Bit

I indulged in a silk carpet and i realized it is better to live beautifully than to live in fear

Collect Unique Pieces

The strange bust from the flea market, the weird painting you are drawn to. Buy them all, curate a space that is truly one of a kind

Incorporate Inherited pieces

Don't be afraid to use inherited antiques. Add a backdrop with exciting wallpapers. The combination is simply the best.

Make the most of natural light

There's no substitute for natural light. Create opportunities to let the sun shine in- The bigger the windows, the better.

Use Wallpaper to start a conversation

It is a bit of an Investment and you cant take it with you when you leave, but nothing brings va-va-voom in conversation-topic pattern.