5 Decorating Secrets from Top Designers

We’ve gathered up a few of our favorite decorating secrets from a couple designers that know exactly what to do and what not to do! There are basic mistakes that most people make with their home interiors that we’d like to help you avoid, so take a look at our little secrets. Personalize them, and apply them to your home!

Painting

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“When painting your walls, go bolder and stronger than you’re comfortable with. After it’s finished, if it’s too intense, gray the color with its complement (use a color wheel) and wash it on—you get an expensive decorator look in hours, and it’s so easy! Pour the paint in a tray; then, with a wet rag slosh, rub the new color over the old savagely. The color will then be a quieter version of itself, and you should immediately love the effect. This has worked for me 99 times out of 100.”

-Jim Howard

Lighting

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“Mood is everything, and who wants to dine in a bright room? 60 watts for the dining room. I want it bright when reading, so 75 to 100 watts for the living room. It’s nice to have options—if you don’t have dimmers, then have some variety from 40 to 100 watts, so you can change the mood for the occasion. The bathroom needs overhead as wells as side lighting. Keep the overhead to 75 watts, with 60 watts on each side. The best lighting is at eye level, not overhead, which creates shadows. And the best light is diffused light from a white or off-white lampshade.”

-Barbara Berry

Pillows

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“When making custom pillows, use a stuffer/pillow insert that is 2” larger all around, than your finished pillow size. For example, if you want a 22” square pillow, use a 24” square insert. Your pillow will be perfectly plump and never flat!”

-Lindsey Coral Harper

Wallpaper

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“Use wallpaper in unexpected places, on the ceiling in a paneled room, in closets, hallways, and small foyers. A great pattern or texture in small places can be a prodigious twist.”

-Betsy Burnham

Valances

And the last but not least, one of the decorating secrets from Me!

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