65 Best Interior Decorating Secrets - Decorating Tips and Tricks from the Pros
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How To Renovate Designer Tips 65 Designers Share the Decorating Secrets Only Professionals Know Until Now65 Designers Share the Decorating Secrets Only Professionals Know Until Now
Get ready to take notes.
By Caroline Picard , Lauren Smith McDonough and Hadley Mendelsohn Nov 3, 2021Some people have a natural eye for design, but if you're more in the camp of those who won't do anything without consulting a Pinterest board (or 10!) before making any major changes , we feel you. Even those of us who live and breathe interior design need some inspiration and guidance. In an ideal world, we'd have an interior designer on speed dial to give advice on everything from deciding where and how to hang new wall art to fashioning a layout for a small space. But if that's not in the budget yet, we'e got the next best thing: The best tips and tricks from some of the most talented designers out there. Ahead, dive into secrets straight from the pros that'll help you with all your decorating needs.
🏡 You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them .
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 1 Cut Pre-Made Tile for a Custom Look Stephen Karlisch“We typically cut readily available materials that are in standard sizes into smaller sizes of those same tiles,” Jessica Geller of Toldeo Geller reveals. The design duo used this budget-friendly method to create the custom tile design in this bathroom .
2 Wallpaper Your Appliances Bjorn WallanderHave ugly appliances or simply want to change things up? Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, as designer Janie Molster did to the fridge and freezer in this kitchen.
3 Play With Pattern Anthony GianacakosYou can mix colors and patterns that'll push the envelope but still remain stylish and authentic. Just take it from designer Anthony Gianacakos , who did so in his own bedroom . "My strong suit is color and pattern combination," he says.
4 Fake a Window Using Mirrors Allie ProvostIn a basement room with no windows, Camila Pavone of Effortless Style Interiors came up with the idea to combine two mirrors to fake a window . It brightens up the space and makes it feel bigger.
5 Give Stainless Steel a Matte Finish Kevin Scott"We love how this finish surface interacts with light; It is soft, subtle, and welcoming," says Suzanne Stefan of the stainless steel matte finish in her kitchen, which she created using Scotch-Brite. Learn more about the process here .
6 Find Space to Use Collected China Emily Minton Redfield“I wanted to fashion a space where you could have a friend over for coffee or tea…and actually use your collected china ," says Marie Flanigan of this tea room she designed. It's proof that any collection can be a jumping-off point for a room.
7 Hide a Radiator With a Cabinet Leanne Ford InteriorsA radiator can easily throw off your design vision. Make it a part of the room by building a cabinet over it, as Leanne Ford Interiors did here to reclaim the hallway space and turn it into a beautiful little reading nook.
8 Create a Cozy Quiet Room Kerri McCaffetyDon't underestimate the importance of a personal sanctuary . "I wanted it to feel like being wrapped in a warm blanket," says Melissa Rufty of this Southern library .
9 Use Lacquer-Effect Wallpaper Werner Straube"If someone draws on it, it’s a lot easier to repair than real lacquer!" Corey Damen Jenkins
10 Make Your Own Art“Purchase a few matted frames, and pop in your own sketches of abstract art . The picture mats will look expensive, and you'll have your own personal touch on the walls for guests to admire.” Eneia White
11 Bring Multifunctional Furniture Outdoors HomeGoods"Small, outdoor ceramic stools are great pieces of furniture that perform double duty. They can be used as extra seating or when placed close to a chair or sofa, they can serve as an additional surface to place your laptop during work hours or cocktails and small plates of food during an outdoor hangout." David Quarles IV
12 Transform Eyesores CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE"In this basement remodel, we would've had to spend a ton of money rerouting the HCVA air duct. Who wouldn't go with ballet-slipper pink instead?" Max Humphrey
13 Paint on Faux Molding Aldous Bertram"There was no ceiling molding and no molding around the doors in this apartment, so I added them with paint! Aldous Bertram
14 Reuse What You Already Own STEPHEN KARLISCH"We were able to work in a lot of pieces from their previous home, which made it feel layered." Jean Liu
15 Fake It 'Til You Make It Annie Sloan"Do something groovy on the actual steps! The bolder you go, the bigger the smile when you see them." Fawn Galli . Here, a painted runner by Annie Sloan looks just like carpet.
16 Use Murals to Give Life to a Space Joshua McHugh"Murals are a way of bringing more people into the house, so even when it’s just the two owners, it never feels lonely." Raji Radhakrishnan
17 Mix Old and New Decor Lark and Linen"Old and new belong together. A mix of modern pieces and antiques never tires." Caleb Anderson
18 Step Up Your Lighting Game With High Tech RYAN GARVIN & TYLER HOGAN Improve health and temporarily turn a room a different color with "top-of-the-line smart circadian rhythm lighting." Breegan Jane
“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
20 Don't Be Afraid to DIY Dustin Halleck via Edyta and Co"If punk rock has taught me anything, it's to do everything yourself. All of my favorite interior designers were self-taught." Max Humphrey
21 Choose the Right Bulbs Black Lacquer Design"Choosing the right light bulb is very important. LED bulbs are energy efficient, and they can look great." Paloma Contreras
22 Add Some Wicker Nathan Schroder“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
23 Upgrade Your Light Switches Courtesy of Courtney Hill Interiors“Update your light switches! Elegant controls add a spectacular element to an older home or character to a new one.” Courtney Hill
24 Invest in Antiques Julie Soefer“Great art and fabulous antiques only get better with age. It’s better to cry once and have a forever piece.” Chandos Dodson Epley
25 Even Rentals Can Get an Upgrade Keita Turner"These doors were uninspiring and ugly," says designer Keita Turner. See how she hacked a custom upholstery job here.
26 Trust Your Intuition Old Brand New"Follow your gut. If you have to talk yourself into liking something, you probably don't." Olivia Erwin
27 Use the Ceiling to Redefine the Room Maura McEvoy“Look up! We use ceilings a lot. Through them, we define the lines and beauty of a space.” Julio Salcedo
28 Add a Bar Anne Schlechter"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
29 When in Doubt, Paint It Annie Schlechter"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
30 Draw On the Walls Courtesy Anthony GeorgeCan you believe this rental kitchen makeover done with just paint and tape? See how designer Anthony Gianacakos did it here.
31 Embrace a Classic White Kitchen Heather Talbert“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
32 Get the Most Out of Your Space Lark and Linen"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
33 Go Deep Courtesy of Larette Design“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
34 Don't Be Afraid of Clutter Victoria PearsonTake Marie Kondo with a grain of salt. "I think it's true what she says, but all this stuff brings me joy. Ever since I was little, I liked to collect things, even unimportant things," says Mary McDonald. Read about why she and other designers think you should embrace stuff.
35 Splurge on a Primary Bath Katie Hodges Design"The splurge everyone should make is a fabulous primary bathroom. I used hand-painted porcelain sinks in mine." Todd Richesin
36 Don't Underestimate the Coffee Table Erin Nail“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
37 Make Ceilings Look Higher With Tall Furniture Black Lacquer Design"Use tall pieces in a low-height room. Short furnishings would make the ceiling feel that much lower to the ground." Jason Oliver Nixon
38 Think Asymmetrical Sarah Winchester Studios“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
39 Figure Out a Floor Plan Edyta and Co."The most important first step in design is a good floor plan." Jessica Helgerson
40 Invest in Upholstery Heather Hawkins via Studio Ten 25"My clients ask about the most important pieces to invest in: I believe in upholstery and art! They help anchor a room." Ashley Darryl
41 Have Fun Studio Ten 25"Make sure you're having fun. What's more fun than making your own home more beautiful?" Eche Martinez
42 Create Your Own Light Sargent Architectural Photograph“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
43 Know Your Dealbreakers Rustic White Interiors“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
44 Swap Out Big Pieces for More Impact Old Brand New"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
45 Focus on One Investment a Year Willie Cole"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
46 Reflect Your Personality in the Bedrooms Katie Hodges Design"In the primary suite, decor can deviate from the common areas and really reflect your personality." Ali Vanderpool and Ariana Villalta
47 Amp Up Your Ceiling Game Paul Costello“Faux paint, lush lacquer, or wallpaper on a ceiling will garner that ‘Wow’ response.” Leslie May
48 Make Sure It All Fits Old Brand New"Being able to visualize the scale of a piece is critical. In our office, we say, 'When in doubt, tape it out!'" Kylee Shintaffer
49 Mix Your Metals Black Lacquer Design"Embrace mixed metals. It can feel like the fixtures are curated and bespoke." Shelley Johnstone
50 Collect Unique Pieces Old Brand New"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." Stephanie Sabbe
51 Incorporate Inherited Pieces Courtesy of Sarah Gilbane Interiors"Don’t be afraid to use inherited antiques. Add a backdrop with exciting wallpaper: The combination is simply the best.” Sara Gilbane
52 Use Wallpaper to Start a Conversation Courtesy of Studio Monroe“It’s a bit of an investment, and you can’t take it with you when you leave, but nothing brings va va voom like vibrant wallpaper in a conversation-topic pattern.” Emilie Munroe
53 Don't Stop Editing Jennifer Palmer via Old Brand New"The least expensive action: edit, edit, edit!" Katie Sutton
54 Establish a Color Scheme House BeautifulFor a head-to-toe makeover, the first step is creating a palette. "I come up with a basic color scheme for the whole house, and then I take that from room to room," reveals Gary McBournie , a designer based in Boston. "It plays itself out in different ways in different rooms."
Mor e: 20+ Fresh New Color Combinations to Try
"Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room, like the bathroom." Bunny Williams
56 Play With Textiles Francesco Lagnese"Straw, jute, rush natural materials and neutral tones are always chic. They're the white T-shirt of interior design." Meg Braff
57 Extend Your Backsplash Joshua McHughEye-catching tile can make a statement in the kitchen as well as in the bathroom. Cover as much of the wall as the budget allows, recommends designer Angie Hranowsky . Matthew Quinn agrees: "It feels more like a French bistro this way," he says of this blue-gray backdrop .
58 Add Texture Amy NeunsingerNeutral decor can be interesting if you include a variety of materials. "I used a range from fine-gauge and open-weave linen, to raw silk and taffeta, to cotton velvet and distressed velvet," says California-based designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano . "Not only that, there's also the contrast of matte sheens that absorb the light, and lustrous sheens that reflect it."
59 Use the 50/150 Rule Francesco LagneseFor the perfect color family, mix one batch of paint 50 percent lighter than the base and another 150 percent darker. "That's a failsafe method for striping a wall. It's also a very architectural way of using color." Mary Douglas Drysdale
60 Warm Up a Room With Mirrored Walls Courtesy of Jan ShowersMirrored panels like the ones lining this alcove can be elegant but don't just slap them up, designer Jan Showers warns . Large sheets of mirrors will look commercial, so try a sectioned pattern in the traditional French style instead.
61 Don't Skimp on the Sofa Douglas Friedman"Put your money into a comfortable, well-made sofa that you'll have forever. You don't have to deny yourself that expensive designer fabric you love just put it on something small, like a pillow." Krista Ewart
62 Try a High-Contrast Palette Kilz"I'm really into saturated color with white to balance it out so it doesn’t feel overwhelming," Joanna Gaines
63 Choose the Right Curtain Length James Carrière"For classic side panels , you really have to go all the way to the floor. If you're looking at ready-made drapes, make sure that they touch the floor, even if you have to buy the next size up and have them hemmed." Scot Meacham Wood
64 Fake Square Footage TREVOR TONDROGlass shower doors add instant square footage. To complete the illusion, run the floor tiles straight into the stall. "It makes the room feel larger," says designer Alla Akimova . "If I had changed materials, it would have interrupted the space."
65 Pile on Pillows Victoria Pearson"I don't do dinky accents small pillows look like something that came with the furniture." John De Bastiani
Caroline Picard Contributing Writer Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. Lauren Smith McDonough Senior Editor Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House . Advertisement - Continue Reading Below More From Designer Tips How to Style Your Coffee Table Are Granite Countertops Outdated? Advertisement - Continue Reading Below What Is a Balustrade on a Staircase? How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets 60 Easy But Transformative Fall Decorating Ideas Why More People Should Use Acacia Wood at Home How to Make Your First Apartment Look Grown Up Presented by eBay Everything You Need to Know About Linoleum Floors 32 Genius Ways to Maximize a Small Space The Coolest Pendant Light Trend We've Seen In 2022 Newsletter Media Kit Press Room About Us Contact Us Community Guidelines Advertise Online Customer Service Subscribe Other Hearst Subscriptions Give a Gift Events & Promotions Giveaways Shop at Dering Hall Find a Designer A Part of Hearst Digital Media House Beautiful participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Notice CA Notice at Collection Your CA Privacy Rights/Shine the Light DAA Industry Opt Out Terms of Use Site Map Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads Cookies Choices