1.   Try something new.  Don’t be afraid, be open minded.

2.  Decorating should be fun, having a sense of humor is essential.

3.  Avoid area rugs that are too small.

4.  Fresh flowers are a luxury, but they really bring a room to life.

5.  The masters matter.  Great painters are terrific colorists, so they are a wonderful reference point when you are searching for the optimal palette.

6.  Hardware is like jewelry, don’t skimp on it.

7.  Fads are a waste of time and money.  Seasonal furnishing lasts about as long as the season.

8.  Don’t overlook the ceiling.  The ceiling is a great place to add color, texture, or decorative moldings.  Whatever you put on the ceiling like speakers, smoke detectors and lighting should be organized.  Make low ceilings appear higher by mounting drapery rods closer to the ceiling and using low slung furniture.

9.  Splurge on what you love.

10. Design is about collaboration.  Whether you are working with a designer, architect or contractor it is about exchanging information and listening to to other people’s ideas in their area of expertise.

photo credit – Amanda Elsbree