Aged reds or yellows make a room warm and cozy.

Use white or beige on all furnishings for a chic scheme.

Choose rich, warm colors to make a dark room lighter.

Paint a ceiling a lighter color than walls to give it height.

Cool colors (soft blues & greens) make rooms seem larger.

Wallpaper books are a great source of color palette ideas.

White painted trim brightens any wall color scheme.

Deep wall colors focus attention on furniture and accessories.

In an open floor plan, choose one color for all walls.

For a more personal touch, paint with colors you love.

 
Back to top

Use small, softly colored patterns in small rooms.

Use small patterns with light backgrounds in small areas.

Use strong, richly colored patterns in large rooms.

Strong colors provide visual balance for large areas.

It's best not to use more than one large pattern in a room.

Combine small patterns with large ones for contrast & interest.

Use solid colored upholstery in rooms filled with collected objects.

Neutral colored fabric is more interesting if it has surface texture.

Prints & checks with common colors create a playful look.

Create wall texture with faux paint & bead board.

Texture on the floors can be created with wood, tile, marble, carpeting and area rugs.

 
Back to top

Decorative doorknobs & pulls add style to a room.

Use candles in various sizes & shapes for ambiance.

Unique light fixtures add personality to a room.

Area rugs provide background color and balance.

Bring the outdoors in with twigs, rocks & fresh veggies.

Use vases, baskets & trays as decorative storage items.

Update old lampshades with flowers, ribbons & buttons.

 
Back to top

Arrange furniture in a comfortable, conversational position.

Use club chairs for reading in your bedroom.

Position furniture so people can easily walk across or through a room.

Combine tall & short pieces to create an inviting space.

Arrange furniture around focal points (fireplace, TV).

Add a tray to an ottoman to create an instant coffee table.

In large spaces, create more than one conversation area.

 
Back to top

Mahogany & silk work well with 18th-century English style.

For English country style, choose chintz & floral fabrics.

For English country style, use many soft, plush pillows.

For English country style, display books & oil paintings.

For American Colonial style, mix plaid and check fabrics.

For American Colonial style, use lots of woven rugs.

For formal French style, use ornate, light wood furniture.

For formal French style, use silk and brocade fabrics.

For French country style, use colorful cotton fabrics.

For French country style, use needlepoint rugs.

For French country style, display groups of artistic plates.

For Southwest style, use neutral or earth-inspired colors.

For Southwest style, use rustic or antique furniture.

For Southwest style, display handcrafted accessories.

For Victorian homes, mix rich color with abundant lace.

For contemporary style, choose minimal accessories.

For contemporary style, use clean, simply lined pieces.

For eclectic style, display a variety of furniture styles.

 
Back to top