MORE DECO TIPS

* DECORATIVE PAINTING SHOULD COMPLEMENT THE ROOM'S DESIGN, NOT BE THE FOCAL POINT.

* A NEW UPHOLSTERY FABRIC OR FINISH CAN, TOTALLY MAKE OVER A VINTAGE PIECE. LACQUER YIELDS AN UP TO DATE LOOK.

* DON'T PASS UP A GREAT ITEM AT AN AUCTION OR SALE, EVEN IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT AT THE TIME, YOU MAY NEVER SEE A PIECE LIKE IT AGAIN!

* ANCHORING A ROOM WITH PIECES NEUTRAL IN STYLE AND HUE, FREES YOU TO MAKE A MORE INTERESTING CHOICE WITH ARTWORK, WALL COVERINGS AND ACCESSORIES.

* CHANGE TABLETOP DISPLAYS SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR TO REFLECT THE SEASONS WITH FLOWERS AND DECORATIVE OBJECTS.








* IN SUMMER WHEN YOUR FIREPLACE OPENING IS NOT BEING USED, USE AN OLD WINDOW TO COVER UP THE OPENING AND PROP A PAINTING IN FRONT OF THAT OR HINGE TWO SECTIONS OF PICKET FENCE TO COVER THE FRONT AND PLACE A BASKET OF FLOWERS NEXT TO IT.

* CUSTOMIZE A CHANDELIER WITH LAMPSHADES COVERED WITH MATCHING WALLPAPER AND/OR MATERIAL.

* IF YOU HAVE ASSORTED KNOBS USE THEM ON CUPBOARD DOORS OR DRESSER DRAWERS.






* PLATES CAN BE PICKED UP CHEAPLY AT SALES AND HUNG ON THE WALL FOR INSTANT ART.











* REARRANGE FURNITURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUMMER LIGHT AND
BREEZES.








* mixing tall objects with low objects to make the eye wander & take it all in is a great way for proportionate decorating. A tall armoire with low tables or mirrors.





* if you’re lucky enough to have high ceilings, then go all out with a blinged out chandelier or “chandy” or a great ceiling mural or medallion







* pillows and lamps add an inexpensive touch to the decorating of a room & can instantly change everything.
















* the transitional spaces that we just
seem to pass through nonchalantly
without notice, such as the hallway,
mudroom, stair landings. They are a
Wonderful space to inject some vibrant color & objects, artwork etc.










* I reframe clients old photos, small mementos in a shadow box & set it on a table nearby where they can see it often or hang it on the wall.
* if you can, steer clear of having a tv set in the living room, as it will take away from the decorating scheme.


* hallways are also a good place
to do a distinctive or playful stencil.
I once did a venetian wall of trompe l'oeil stone & grapevines.
* in many Italian & French homes usually one entry hallway takes you to another room or the gardens to a wonderful view.
* speaking of every room having a focal point, I always think that a piano is a great “prop” even if you don’t play. I have a piano, I don't play often enough.





* decorate for yourself, not how you think you should; after all, you have to look at it everyday & it’s you that has to dust around it! bring out the playful side of you & it will radiate to those that walk through your door

* large cupboards, suitcases, blanket
chests can hide a multitude of clutter or those extra decorating elements that you
can pull out on a whim.













* you don’t have to put your furniture around the perimeter of the wall. You can pull the sofa away from the wall & put a sofa table behind it with a nice lamp, as long as it doesn’t hamper traffic flow.

* in the bedroom, if your bed is plain, you can pimp it out with pillows &
accessories, but if your bed itself is less
than stellar & you want that “pop” wow
Factor, I can help with that, too:

1. A mantel



2. Picket fence



3. Old door




4. Vintage quilt or coverlet
5. Trellis



6. Long shelf




7. Tin ceiling



8. Mirrors



9. A grouping of old pictures
Im sure I left something out